Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that patients with invasive T3 and T4 non-small lung cancer who received chemotherapy before surgery had a significantly improved survival rate. The study, published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, showed that median survival was greatest for those who rec...
The Aetna Foundation has funded a two-year study at Boston University School of Medicine to examine the root causes of obesity among African-American women. The study aims to identify small changes individuals can make and policy-level changes that can impact weight gain and obesity.
Acute lung injury is a significant healthcare burden with over 75,000 deaths annually. A new study led by Boston Medical Center will compare novel therapy airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) with traditional ARDSNet treatment to improve patient outcomes.
The Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit at Boston University School of Medicine has received $1,886,087 in NIH funding. The grant aims to educate physicians-in-training on substance use screening, assessment, and treatment research, addressing a notable shortage of experts in addiction medicine.
Researchers found that public sector research played a significant role in discovering new drugs and vaccines, particularly those targeting cancer and infectious diseases. Over 30 years, 153 new FDA-approved drugs and vaccines were discovered through research conducted in public sector institutions.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that electronic cigarettes can help smokers quit, with a 31% six-month abstinence rate among respondents who purchased e-cigarettes first. The average abstinence rate for traditional nicotine replacement products was between 12 and 18 percent.
Researchers Pietro Cottone and Michael Silverstein have been awarded the prestigious National Institute of Mental Health Biobehavioral Research Awards for Innovative New Scientists (BRAINS) grant. They will explore mechanisms underlying addictive disorders, stress, and maternal depression using innovative approaches.
This study found that administration of red wine polyphenols protected against ageing-induced endothelial dysfunction in young rats. RWPs also improved physical exercise capacity and normalized oxidative stress in the arterial wall, suggesting a beneficial role in vascular health.
A team led by Caroline Genco is studying the cellular mechanisms responsible for immune system activation and its link to chronic inflammation caused by persistent bacteria. The study focuses on two pathogens, Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Porphyromanas gingivalis, which can lead to atherosclerosis and other systemic diseases.
A letter in Intern Emerg Med sparked a debate among scientists about advising the public on safe drinking levels. While some argue that people can't distinguish between low and high consumption, others contend that moderate drinking may reduce stroke risk. Experts emphasize the need for balanced scientific data and personalized advice.
Patients with quiescent Crohn's disease exhibit a 30% decrease in vitamin D2 absorption capacity compared to healthy individuals. A vitamin D bioavailability test is essential for assessing malabsorption and guiding therapeutic dosing.
A new study published in the journal Addiction found that energy drinks do not offset the sedating effects of alcohol and do not improve sustained attention or reaction times. The study suggests that public education and warning labels should be considered regarding the safety of caffeinated alcoholic beverages.
Researchers found that 5a-reductase inhibitors, used to treat BPH and hair loss, can cause significant adverse effects in some individuals, including loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, and depression. The study suggests that caution should be exercised before prescribing these medications to patients.
A study found that deaths from cirrhosis shifted from higher to lower social classes between the early and late 20th centuries. The authors suggest lifestyle changes, including dietary habits and drinking patterns, may have played a role in this shift.
Researchers found that Porphyromonas gingivalis infection accelerates inflammation and atherosclerosis in the innominate artery of mice, characterized by vessel narrowing and perivascular inflammation. The study provides evidence for a link between periodontal disease and systemic cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers from BUSM have identified a key role for monocytes in maintaining pro-inflammatory T cells, promoting chronic inflammation associated with Type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that restoring balance among immune system cells could be a novel treatment approach.
A new report concludes that electronic cigarettes are much safer than real cigarettes, with carcinogen levels up to 1,000 times lower. The study found e-cigarettes to be comparable in toxicity to conventional nicotine replacement products, offering a potential alternative to tobacco cigarettes.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have received grants to develop novel tests for early detection of lung cancer in high-risk patients. The grants will focus on identifying subtle differences in cells from the nose or mouth that can detect disease.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have identified a mechanism by which specific viruses acting as oncolytic agents can enter and kill cancer cells. By targeting the AKT signaling pathway, VSV is able to switch off a major cell survival signal, leaving cancer cells vulnerable to attack.
A study led by Boston University School of Public Health researcher Yesim Tozan found that giving emergency artesunate suppositories to children with suspected severe malaria before referral improves management and is cost-effective. The intervention could avert 37 child deaths and 967 disability-adjusted life-years over five years.
A recent study found no evidence of increased birth defect risk from proton-pump inhibitors taken during pregnancy, but an epidemiologist believes further studies are needed. The study's limitations highlight the need for more research into specific PPIs and their effects on fetal development.
Scientists found that commensal species like Neisseria lactamica induce lower levels of human airway epithelial cell activation compared to pathogenic species. The study highlights the differential role of a bacterial surface component, PorB, in interacting with host cells and triggering inflammatory responses.
Scientists have discovered 30 new genes that control the age of sexual maturation in women, which also affect body weight regulation and fat metabolism. The study found associations between these genes and early menarche, as well as increased risk of health problems like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
The study identified eight categories of PTSD-related characteristics and factors, including exposure to traumatic stressors and mental health history. The work group's findings aim to improve the integration of knowledge regarding PTSD and TBI, ultimately benefiting trauma survivors.
A study of 68,505 premenopausal US nurses found a positive association between child/teen abuse and higher incidence of uterine fibroids. The researchers discovered that physical and sexual abuse increased the risk of fibroid tumors by 36% among those with severe cumulative abuse in childhood.
A team of researchers has generated 100 new lines of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from individuals with lung diseases, including cystic fibrosis and emphysema. The new stem cell lines could lead to new treatments for these debilitating diseases.
A new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that patient navigation services significantly improved biennial mammography screening rates among inner city women. The study showed a significant increase in adherence rates to 87% in those who received patient navigation, compared to 76% in the non-navigated group.
Despite the PARTNER trial's promising results, surgical aortic valve replacement should remain the standard treatment for aortic stenosis. Transcatheter aortic-valve implantation (TAVI) is only suitable for patients at high risk who have decreased life expectancy and cannot undergo surgery.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine will examine the long-term effects of intrauterine cocaine and substance exposure on young adults' resilience. The study, which monitors participants since birth, aims to identify factors that foster resilience in the face of adversity.
The project will examine the feasibility of extending service-level agreements to cover aspects such as data integrity, information leakage control, and fair market pricing. The team aims to define a viable marketplace for cloud computing resources where users can verify the performance, security and privacy of acquired services.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that using web-based questionnaires can significantly reduce costs compared to traditional paper surveys. The study, which analyzed data from the Black Women's Health Study, showed that the cost of developing and processing a returned web questionnaire was approxima...
African American women with higher vegetable intake have a lower risk of developing estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer. High cruciferous and carrot consumption may play a role in reducing breast cancer risk through their effects on estrogen metabolism and antioxidant properties.
Researchers Paula Gardiner and Robert Saper at Boston Medical Center have been awarded NIH grants to investigate the effectiveness of integrative medicine in treating chronic lower back pain in low-income minorities. Their studies will expand knowledge on the use of herbal supplements and yoga as treatments for this common condition.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center validated the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale, a tool assessing colon cleanliness during colonoscopies. The scale's accuracy and reliability were demonstrated, making it a potential international standardized tool.
A study by Boston University School of Medicine found no significant difference in visual acuity or anatomic outcomes between patients treated with Bevacizumab (Avastin) and Ranibizumab (Lucentis) for age-related macular degeneration. Patients receiving Avastin underwent more frequent injections, but the results showed similar improvem...
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine are investigating how expanded insurance coverage in Massachusetts affects cardiovascular care and outcomes, with a focus on vulnerable populations. The center aims to understand the impact of health reform on access to care and clinical outcomes.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a key protein factor, Ets1, involved in the progression of lung cancer. The study aims to identify new therapeutic targets to block tumor growth and metastasis, offering hope for improved patient outcomes.
Researchers found that individuals who don't speak English at home are less likely to receive colorectal cancer screenings compared to those who do. The study suggests that patient-provider language barriers and unmeasured differences in patient characteristics contribute to disparities in health care access.
Dr. Jerrold J. Ellner leads an international research team to identify biological markers for tuberculosis (TB) and develop novel treatments and vaccines. The five-year grant aims to prevent TB, which kills nearly two million people annually.
African-American women with type-2 diabetes will receive health education through either face-to-face or virtual Second Life methods, with the goal of overcoming barriers to healthier lifestyles. The study aims to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of virtual health education for this population.
Boston University School of Medicine researchers are developing a portable fluorescent lamp to produce vitamin D in patients with fat malabsorption syndromes. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of this device in increasing blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, with initial results expected in the spring of 2011.
Scientists have detected gas escaping from Mercury using NASA satellites designed to view the Sun's atmosphere. The STEREO mission has recorded evidence of a 'tail' of emission surrounding the planet, similar to comet-like features observed on Earth and in images taken by the MESSENGER satellite.
A BU study shows that empowering community health workers with a rapid diagnostic test and antibiotics can significantly increase the proportion of appropriately timed antibiotic treatments for non-severe pneumonia and decrease inappropriate use of anti-malarials. The study found a five-fold increase in timely treatment of pneumonia.
Researchers analyzed 33,900 hospital-based outpatient visits to compare resident and staff physician performance. Resident physicians outperformed staff on four measures, including ACE inhibitor use for congestive heart failure and routine blood pressure screenings.
A new study has found that alcohol consumption after a breast cancer diagnosis may increase the risk of cancer recurrence. The study followed 1,897 women with early-stage breast cancer and found that those who consumed 3 to 4 drinks per week had a higher risk of breast cancer recurrence and death compared to non-drinkers.
The Office of Naval Research has awarded a $7.5M grant to Boston University to develop unmanned aircraft inspired by the flight mechanics of bats, birds, and insects. The project will investigate biological capabilities for agile flight and integrate engineering design with biological studies.
Using an electronic medical record (EMR) tracking system can improve follow-up after an abnormal Pap test, leading to increased diagnostic resolution and faster treatment times. The study found that physicians who used this tracking system had significantly shorter times to diagnosis compared to traditional methods.
A new study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that yoga practice is associated with increased GABA levels and decreased anxiety. The research suggests that yoga may be a potential therapy for certain mental disorders, warranting further study.
A 7-year study found that moderate wine consumption, especially among women, is associated with better performance on cognitive tests. The study suggests that polyphenols and other microelements in wine may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline with ageing.
A new study published in Addiction Research & Theory found that Italian adolescents and young adults allowed alcohol with meals while growing up were less likely to develop harmful drinking patterns. This suggests that introducing moderate amounts of alcohol in a family setting can prevent binge drinking and nurture healthier behaviors.