Researchers propose that amyloid deposits modulate calcific aortic valve disease and accelerate degenerative calcification. The study suggests blocking amyloid formation may be a novel therapeutic target for CAVD and other diseases involving degenerative calcification.
A new study from Boston University finds that increased Black incarceration rates contribute to rising firearm violence in Black communities. The research highlights the impact of mass incarceration on social disorganization and single-parent households, exacerbating violence in already vulnerable populations.
A Boston University study suggests that in-hospital mortality for patients with sepsis may not accurately reflect true short-term mortality rates, potentially harming safety-net hospitals. The researchers found no difference in 30-day mortality between safety-net and non-safety-net hospitals, contrary to previous reports.
Boston University researchers have identified 10 drug compounds that can reduce PrP Sc levels in infected cells and prevent toxicity, five of which are already used in humans. The study has significant public health implications for prion disease treatment, particularly considering the absence of effective treatments.
Researchers found a significant increase in time dedicated to LGBTQI+ health content in medical school, but gaps persist in curriculum and faculty training. The median time dedicated to these topics increased from 6 hours in 2011 to 11 hours in 2022.
Researchers found that undernourished household contacts were three times more likely to progress to TB disease than well-nourished individuals. The study suggests that undernutrition fails to contain the infection when it occurs, leading to increased risk of severe illness and death.
Researchers describe a new technique for minimally invasive removal of benign pancreatic tumors, preserving organ functionality and reducing complications. The retro-laparoscopic approach allows safe and effective tumor removal without removing healthy pancreatic tissue.
Researchers at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine introduce a quality improvement initiative to enhance screening for ADHD in pediatric primary care. The ADHD Detection Quality Improvement (ADQI) program shows improved recognition of positive Attention Subscale scores and follow-up evaluation for ADHD.
Researchers have identified two sex-specific blood biomarkers linked to faster memory decline in middle age, specifically higher HbA1c and plasma insulin levels in women. The findings provide valuable insights into the etiology of dementia and may aid in the development of prevention and treatment strategies.
A new study compares fracture patterns in fatal and survived intimate partner violence cases, finding that fractures were more frequent in the upper face and cranial vault regions. The study also identified that most fractures were comminuted or linear, with a significant variability in skeletal trauma associated with IPV.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine created a new scale for hyperpigmentation, the Post-inflammatory Dyspigmentation Area and Severity Index (PIDASI), which performs well in patients with varying skin tones.
A new study from Boston University found that older men's ability to cope with stressors is crucial for their longevity. The researchers analyzed data from 743 men and discovered that the overall effort put into coping was more important than specific strategies or perceived stress levels. This finding suggests that older adults who st...
Researchers support increased genomic sequencing of dengue for better understanding of genetic diversity, transmission dynamics, and virulence. This could lead to the development of vaccines that don't require pre-screening for serotypes, enabling more efficient vaccination campaigns against this global disease.
Researchers at Boston University have identified a signaling molecule, CKLF, that increases tumor aggression and suppresses anti-tumor immune responses in high-risk neuroblastoma. The study suggests disrupting CKLF represents a promising approach to battle certain tumors.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a gene, DEK, involved in the degeneration of neurons vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease. By manipulating the levels of this gene, they found that it leads to the accumulation of tau and degeneration of these cells.
A new study found that many professional medical societies are taking steps to eliminate the use of harmful race-based algorithms that misuse race as a proxy for biology. This shift aims to address racial health inequities by implementing anti-racist algorithms and reparative approaches.
New research by Boston University School of Medicine found that while few clinicians have adopted the 2020 ACS cervical cancer screening guidelines, most are open to change if supported by scientific evidence and recommended by professional organizations. The study identified logistical issues and concerns about missed detection as bar...
A new study by Boston University researchers found robotic-assisted surgery for gallbladder cancer to be as effective as traditional open and laparoscopic methods, offering added benefits in precision and quicker post-operative recovery. The study's findings suggest robotic surgery may pave the way for wider adoption and improve patien...
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine found that surgery significantly reduces the risk of death and major adverse cardiovascular events in hyperthyroid patients. Compared to medication, surgery resulted in a 47% lower risk of death and a 24% lower risk of major cardiovascular events.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have found that calcium crystal deposits in the knee can contribute to worsening of joint damage. The study, using computerized x-ray imaging, detected a higher amount of deposits than previously found by plain radiographs, and found an increased risk of cartilage damage.
Researchers found one in six individuals with high-stage CTE had low tau pathology in the neocortex, but higher concentrations in the medial temporal lobe and brainstem. This form, called cortical-sparing CTE, may be a distinct subtype with different underlying biology and clinical implications.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine describe a new technological platform that enhances the accuracy and efficiency of drug discovery related to GPCRs. The biosensors can detect the activity of GPCRs in their native cellular context and in real time, allowing for unprecedented fidelity and relative ease.
A new article suggests incorporating open-response questions with partial credit grading into medical school curriculum to improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This approach is inspired by engineering education, which emphasizes repeated exposure to problems with increasingly complex solutions.
Researchers found that attempted suicide risk increases as individuals move up the economic ladder in prosperous neighborhoods, highlighting the need for universal suicide screening and prevention strategies. The study's findings call for more research on risk and protective factors at community and societal levels.
Researchers at the BU CTE Center found a clear dose-response relationship between CTE pathology and cognitive and functional symptoms, including memory and executive function issues. This study provides valuable insights into diagnosing CTE in living patients, potentially leading to new treatments.
In a new study, researchers have identified a specific epigenetic pathway involved in the development of therapy resistance in melanoma. The study found that targeting this pathway with a small molecule inhibitor called corin can successfully resensitize therapy-resistant cancers to targeted therapies.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine found that early whole blood transfusions improve survival in severely bleeding trauma patients. The researchers analyzed 1,394 patients and found that the earlier the patient received whole blood transfusion, the greater the chance of survival.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine found that Black women who reported experiencing racism in employment, housing, and interactions with the police had a significantly higher risk of developing coronary heart disease. The researchers evaluated data from 48,000 individuals enrolled in the Black Women’s Health Study ov...
Researchers developed a disease model using induced pluripotent stem cells from children with ABCA3 mutations, revealing key differences between diseased and healthy cells. The study opens doors for therapeutic discovery and highlights the utility of pluripotent stem cells for disease modeling.
A review paper highlights N-AIDS as a key determinant and comorbidity of TB, emphasizing the need for action on malnutrition to detect, prevent, and eliminate TB. The study found that nutritional interventions can significantly reduce TB incidence among household contacts.
A new article in Radiology discusses AI applications for musculoskeletal radiology, highlighting its potential to improve complex tasks like disease prognostication and prediction of clinical outcomes. However, challenges such as data quality and multi-institutional collaboration need to be overcome for successful implementation.
Researchers found that ChatGPT generated only 32% of acceptable questions with correct answers and explanations. The AI model struggled to provide explanations for incorrect answers, raising concerns about its effectiveness in medical education. Despite limitations, the study suggests that ChatGPT may still be useful for creating pract...
A systematic analysis by researchers at Boston University School of Medicine finds that funding for key TB risk factors, such as undernutrition and alcohol use, is significantly lacking. The study highlights the need for increased NIH funding to address these comorbidities and realize global TB elimination goals.
A new program, Educational Fellows, trains medical students in teaching skills through near-peer interprofessional learning with PA students. The curriculum enhances patient education and communication, leading to improved patient outcomes.
The study reveals that apoE-amyloid interactions depend on the exact amyloid structure, termed polymorph. The researchers used four different structures of Aβ fibrils from brains of patients with Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases to build models of apoE in complexes with different fibrils.
A study from Boston University School of Medicine identifies pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) as a critical player in heavy alcohol consumption. PACAP's action in the brain's bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) region is found to be linked to increased stress responses and excessive drinking behavior.
A new study found that frequency and content of clinician-patient breast density discussions varied by women's race, ethnicity, and literacy levels. Women from different racial and ethnic groups reported varying experiences in discussing their breast density with clinicians.
A new study from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine found that hospital discharge patterns changed after long-term acute care hospital closures, with patients receiving prolonged mechanical ventilation discharged to skilled nursing facilities more often. Overall spending on mechanically ventilated patients decre...
Researchers from Boston University have developed a novel tool called DecontPro to identify and remove unwanted background noise in single-cell sequencing data. This approach enables more accurate analysis of cells and their molecular characteristics, offering new insights into diseases and conditions.
A new study found that Black women who reported experiencing racism in employment, housing, and interactions with police had a 38% increased risk of stroke. Racism may act as a psychosocial stressor, elevating systemic inflammation and impairing endothelial function, contributing to racial disparities in stroke incidence.
Researchers at Boston University developed a new bedside cardiac assessment curriculum to improve patient-centered communication and medical training. The curriculum, called 'Listen Before You Auscultate,' uses an active-learning approach to teach students the skills needed for effective bedside care.
Researchers from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine summarize current evidence on hyperthyroidism management, focusing on Graves' disease and toxic nodular disease. The review highlights the importance of recognizing clinical signs and treating underlying causes to minimize health impacts.
A new study found that public health interventions, including testing, tracing, and quarantine, effectively controlled SARS-CoV-2 transmission within Boston University. The researchers identified only two major outbreaks during the spring 2021 semester, highlighting the effectiveness of systematic intervention strategies in limiting re...
Researchers propose a new approach to testing treatments for osteoarthritis by focusing on individuals who sustain knee trauma, such as ACL tears. This approach identifies a high-risk group of patients with early disease, allowing for targeted treatment and prevention strategies.
A large study of hair relaxer use among Black women found a significant association between frequent or long-term use and an increased risk of uterine cancer. Postmenopausal women who used chemical hair relaxers more than twice a year or for over five years had a greater than 50% increased risk.
A new study by Boston University researchers found that Black women aged 18-65 have a 20% higher risk of suicide compared to white women in the lowest income bracket. The study analyzed data from the National Inpatient Sample database and identified factors associated with self-inflicted injuries among female hospital patients.
Researchers discovered that in obesity, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) does not function normally, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, after bariatric surgery, LDL quality improves and correlates with weight loss, suggesting a lower risk of CVD.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have improved methods for identifying glycopeptides, which are proteins with attached carbohydrates. Conventional mass spectrometry methods are sufficient for peptides with one glycan, but an additional step is necessary for those with two or more glycans.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified abnormal interactions between platelets and immune cells that promote lung fibrosis. Blocking histones using antibodies alleviated the disease, providing novel mechanistic insights into its development.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a novel protective gene, TMIGD1, that may unravel the mechanism of how kidney damage continues to happen once triggered. The study found that when toxins inactivated the TMIGD1 gene, models were more susceptible to kidney injury.