Researchers found that total knee replacement is a cost-effective treatment option for patients with severe knee osteoarthritis and extreme obesity. The procedure leads to substantial increases in quality-adjusted life expectancy for these patients.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 diverts building blocks from glucose production and hyperactivates the 1-carbon pathway to supply carbon groups for viral RNA. Drugs inhibiting folate metabolism, such as methotrexate, show promise in reducing viral replication.
Researchers found that drinking pomegranate juice daily during pregnancy reduced the risk of brain injury in infants with intrauterine growth restriction. The study suggests that polyphenols in pomegranate juice may provide neuroprotection, and further studies are planned to confirm these findings.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a novel urine test to diagnose human kidney transplant rejection. The study, published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, demonstrates that exosomes isolated from urine samples can serve as a viable biomarker for kidney transplant rejection.
Researchers have developed a novel stem-cell-based therapy targeting key targets in solid tumors, successfully prolonging the lifespan of mouse models with brain metastatic breast cancer. The engineered molecule EvDRL was delivered via allogeneic stem cells, which crossed the blood-brain barrier to home in on tumors.
A national survey and cohort study found that patients are accepting and satisfied with robotic system evaluations, with 92.5% reporting satisfaction. Robotic systems are deemed useful for acquiring vital signs, conducting testing, and supporting placement of intravenous catheters.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a complex disease characterized by thickening of the left ventricle. Researchers have identified patient-specific protein networks using RNA-seq and tissue samples from HCM patients. This study offers a path toward individualized medicine for treating HCM.
A study of 791 college students found that those forced to relocate during the pandemic reported elevated COVID-19-related grief, loneliness, and generalized anxiety. The researchers also identified factors such as age, race, and pre-existing mental health diagnoses as predictors of mental health concerns.
Research found that morning exercise was associated with higher risks of developing coronary heart disease in men, while midday exercise had lower cardiorespiratory fitness levels. The study suggests that timing of physical activity may play a role in cardiovascular health outcomes for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
A recent study published in Aging found that very short sleep duration, poor-quality sleep, and snoring were associated with a higher risk of incident dementia. The study also revealed an increased risk of all-cause mortality among participants who reported less than five hours of sleep per night.
A cluster of COVID-19 cases at Brigham and Women's Hospital was analyzed to understand the spread of the virus and identify effective control measures. Researchers found that a patient with pulmonary disease likely infected multiple staff members and patients, highlighting the importance of testing, masking, and eye protection.
A new AI algorithm developed by Brigham and Women's Hospital can automatically measure coronary artery calcium from routine CT scans, predicting cardiovascular events like heart attacks. The system was validated in over 20,000 individuals and highly correlated with manual scores, showing promise for personalized medicine.
A new skin-based vaccine delivery method has shown promising results in preclinical studies, generating potent immune responses and superior lung-specific T cells against respiratory illnesses.
A specific astrocyte sub-population serves a protective, anti-inflammatory function in the brain based on signals regulated by gut bacteria. The discovery guides researchers toward innovative therapies for neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis and brain tumors.
A new biomarker of insulin resistance tied to a 600 percent increase in risk of premature coronary heart disease has been discovered. Women under 55 with type-2 diabetes have a tenfold greater risk of having CHD over the next two decades, according to the study published in JAMA Cardiology.
A new study found that pregnancy rates are higher for fresh embryo transfers compared to frozen embryo transfers in cycles using freshly retrieved donor eggs. The study also showed that live birth rates remained higher for fresh embryos even when compared to frozen embryos known to contain the normal number of chromosomes.
Researchers identified a circular RNA, circ2082, and an RNA-binding protein, RBM3, that form a complex with the enzyme DICER to disrupt microRNAome regulation in glioblastoma cells. This leads to increased survival rates in mice and longer lifespans in human patients with circ2082-dependent signatures.
Increased diagnostic scrutiny is linked to rapid rise in melanoma diagnoses, according to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Melanoma incidence has doubled among adults 65 and older over the past two decades, despite stable mortality rates.
A novel nanoparticle platform facilitates therapeutically effective delivery of encapsulated agents to the brain, opening possibilities for treating neurological disorders. The technology showed three times more accumulation in brain than conventional methods and was therapeutically effective in mouse models.
The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine has demonstrated a 94.1 percent efficacy in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infections and severe illness, according to the results of the ongoing phase 3 clinical trial. The study enrolled over 30,000 participants and found that cases of severe COVID-19 occurred only in those who received the placebo.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers found that combining mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing policies can prevent 87% of infections among students and faculty. Routine testing is also effective in preventing infections but at a higher cost.
Frequent testing can slow transmission at a population level by empowering individuals with their transmission status. Entrance screening upon entry into locations can add another layer of protection and facilitate the economy's reopening.
A recent study found that macrophages play a crucial role in suppressing the effectiveness of PARP inhibitor therapy in breast cancer patients. The researchers identified CSF-1R-positive macrophages as the key suppressive cells, which can be targeted to enhance anti-tumor responses.
Researchers identified MAARS, a lncRNA expressed specifically in macrophages of atherosclerotic plaques, contributing to disease progression. Targeted interruption of MAARS's function reduced atherosclerotic lesion formation by 52%.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a novel zinc-binding prodrug that promotes β-cell proliferation without off-target effects. The Disque Platform, a new screening platform, was used to identify this prodrug, which showed a 2.4-fold increase in β-cell numbers in culture.
A study published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine found that 95.5% of individuals who died with a COVID-19 diagnosis in the Mass General Brigham health system between February and May 2020 did so in the hospital. The majority of these deaths occurred in the intensive care unit.
Researchers found that higher baseline NT1 levels in blood samples predicted the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease dementia. The study used a cohort of cognitively normal older adults and showed that NT1 levels could be measured before enrollment in AD prevention trials.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a bilayered capsule that can deliver bile acids to the colon, reducing cramping and providing constipation relief. The new treatment has shown promise in preclinical studies and is expected to begin clinical trials within 18 months.
A randomized controlled trial found that patients who received genetic test results about statin side effects did not have worse outcomes after one year. The study's results provide reassurance that pharmacogenetic testing can be used to maximize benefits while minimizing harm.
A recent study found that over one-third of pregnant and postpartum women experienced clinically significant levels of depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms. The researchers also discovered that those with pre-existing diagnoses were more likely to experience elevated psychiatric distress.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a small-molecule inhibitor targeting SerpinB9 protein in cancer cells, weakening its defense mechanisms and triggering cell death. The approach shows promise for treating 'cold tumors' that evade immunotherapies.
A study of over 25,000 female health professionals found that a Mediterranean-style diet was associated with a 30% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The diet's impact on insulin resistance, body mass index, and inflammation were key factors in this reduced risk.
Researchers found an overall 17% risk reduction for metastatic or fatal cancer and a 38% reduction among those with normal BMI. The study suggests that vitamin D may reduce the risk of developing advanced cancers, particularly in individuals with normal weight.
A remote disease management program improved clinical outcomes for 3,939 patients with uncontrolled LDL cholesterol and 1,437 patients with high blood pressure. The program achieved significant reductions in LDL cholesterol (42%) and blood pressure levels (14/6mmHg) in participants.
A new toolkit developed by Brigham and Women's Hospital has significantly reduced falls and fall-related injuries among hospitalized patients. The toolkit, which engages patients and families in fall prevention strategies, was associated with a 15% reduction in falls and a 34% reduction in injurious falls.
The SCORED and SOLOIST trials demonstrate the benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease or recent worsening heart failure. These trials show significant reductions in cardiovascular events, including deaths, hospitalizations, and strokes.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that including patient headshots in electronic health records decreases the rate of wrong-patient order entry by 35 percent. This improvement was particularly noticeable in white patients, highlighting implicit bias and treatment inequities.
Brigham researchers present findings on the effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapies in reducing cardiovascular events and deaths in both younger and older patients. Additionally, a study reveals that over 80% of heart failure patients are eligible for recently FDA-approved SGLT2 inhibitor therapy.
A new study found that infant sleep patterns differ by race and socioeconomic status, with Hispanic and Black infants having shorter night sleep durations. The research, published in Sleep, suggests that these disparities begin early in life and may be linked to future health risks.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital found an association between finasteride and suicidality in younger men taking the drug for hair loss. The study suggests that risk of suicidality should be considered when prescribing finasteride to these patients.
The TEAL respirator features sensors to detect proper wear and filter saturation, achieving a 100% success rate for fit testing. It can be sterilized and reused up to 100 cycles without significant loss of elasticity.
A new study analyzing cognitive decline in diverse Latinx populations found that the APOE-ε4 gene variant is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline. Interestingly, a higher proportion of genetic Amerindian ancestry was found to protect against this risk.
Researchers found that rapid changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels during the first 48-to-72 hours of hospitalization were predictive of respiratory deterioration and intubation. Steadier CRP levels were observed in patients whose condition remained stable.
Researchers found a subset of COVID-19 patients who cleared the disease quickly and sustained virus-specific antibody production, indicating a more effective immune response. These 'sustainers' had shorter symptoms and differences in memory T cell populations and B cells.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that combining an online weight loss program with a phone- and email-based population health management program resulted in greater weight loss over 12 months. Participants who received the combined intervention lost an average of 6.9 pounds, while those in the usual care group lost only 2....
A study of over 5,000 couples found that nearly all shared unhealthy habits, such as low-quality diet and inadequate exercise. The vast majority fell into the non-ideal category for cardiovascular health, with most sharing these behaviors. Improving one partner's health may positively impact their loved one.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital identified several biomarkers that can predict the risk of preeclampsia from a blood sample drawn at 12 weeks gestation. The study also found possible subtypes of preeclampsia linked to platelet dysfunction and complement system dysfunction.
Researchers found that tocilizumab, an anti-inflammatory drug, reduced mortality by 30 percent in critically ill COVID-19 patients when administered early in ICU care. The study analyzed data from over 4,000 patients with COVID-19 and found consistent benefits across age, sex, and illness severity.
Researchers found that using the race multiplier correction factor for Black patients with chronic kidney disease can lead to delayed referrals and critical conversations about dialysis. Removing this factor could reclassify up to one-third of Black patients to a more severe stage of CKD.
A study found that over 21% of young adults (18-34) hospitalized with COVID-19 required intensive care, while 10% needed mechanical ventilation and 2.7% died. Young people with cardiovascular risk factors faced higher risks for adverse outcomes.