An artificial intelligence system developed by Brigham and Women's Hospital can differentiate and identify embryos with the highest potential for success better than trained embryologists. The system achieved an accuracy of 90% in choosing high-quality embryos, outperforming experts in this field.
A study by the Brigham Infection Control team analyzed all COVID-19 cases at the hospital during a surge in Massachusetts. The results show that only two patients likely acquired the disease within the hospital, despite strict infection control measures, including universal masking and visitor restrictions.
Researchers found that host skin and intestinal T cells survive conditioning regimens and continue to perform their normal functions. These T cells can become activated by donor white blood cells, leading to graft-versus-host disease.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital have discovered that senolytic drugs can rejuvenate older organs, reducing inflammation and improving survival rates. The study suggests that these drugs could help close the gap between organ demand and supply, benefiting patients on transplant waitlists.
A retrospective analysis found that Black pediatric patients are less likely to receive proton therapy, which may lead to increased side effects and long-term health disparities. The study calls for addressing barriers to access and promoting equitable distribution of this high-cost treatment.
A new study reveals a potential link between brain inflammation and fatigue in multiple sclerosis, using PET imaging to identify specific brain regions correlated with fatigue scores. The findings open new avenues for diagnostic and therapeutic research into the debilitating symptom.
Researchers have developed a synthetic gut lining that can target the small intestine, delivering drugs and influencing nutrient absorption. The system has shown potential in treating lactose intolerance, diabetes, obesity, and tropical diseases like schistosomiasis.
A new kirigami-based shoe sole has been designed to reduce the risks of slips and falls by adjusting as a person steps, increasing friction with pop-up spikes as necessary. The study found that the new grip could achieve a greater friction than standard winter boots by two- to three-fold.
A new study identifies two genes, TMEM106B and RBFOX1, that regulate gene expression in the aging brain and are linked to both Alzheimer's disease and Limbic-predominant Age-related TDP-43 Encephalopathy (LATE). The findings suggest a shared molecular basis for these diseases, which may lead to new treatments and prevention strategies.
A recent study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found no association between the number of in-person health care visits and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among pregnant patients. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,000 women who delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggests that necessary in-person care can be safely performed.
A new study published in Radiology found an alarming rise in intimate partner violence (IPV) during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a significant increase in physical injuries and severe signs of abuse. The study suggests that victims may have delayed seeking care due to fear of COVID-19.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that delaying radiation therapy for men with unfavorable intermediate-risk or high-risk localized prostate cancer, who are receiving radiation and hormone therapy, is unlikely to impact survival. This flexibility in radiation timing could help patients minimize exposure to COVID-19 by s...
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that surgical delays for very early stage breast cancer patients did not impact overall survival. In fact, increased time to surgery was associated with a small increase in pathological upstaging, but no significant difference in survival rates.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified key factors influencing the success of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in treating C. difficile infection. They developed an algorithm to design personalized probiotic cocktails, which contain species effective inhibitors of C. difficile and can be administered to pat...
A new study analyzed national data on women's representation in surgical specialties, finding little progress made in equal representation for women over the last 11 years. The research projects that many specialties will take decades to reach equal female representation if current progress continues.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a new, lower threshold for pulmonary vascular resistance to diagnose patients at risk for death due to PH. The study found that 60% more patients can be diagnosed with PH using this new parameter.
A meta-analysis of over 3,000 specimens found that sputum testing detected the COVID-19 virus at significantly higher rates than other methods. Early testing also increased rates of diagnosis. The study suggests that sputum testing could be a valuable method for diagnosing and monitoring COVID-19 patients.
Researchers have identified key biological insights that may help solve the mystery of what drives PAH and why a new therapy in clinical trials may work. The fusion protein is more effective than vasodilators at treating PAH and preventing blood vessel remodeling, restoring a normal balance between cell proliferation and death.
A nationwide study of over 2,000 adults with COVID-19 found that 35% died within 28 days of ICU admission. Factors independently associated with death included older age, male sex, and hospital bed capacity.
A study published in JAMA found that after universal masking was implemented at Mass General Brigham, the rate of COVID-19 infection among health care workers dropped significantly. The positivity rate decreased linearly from 15% to 11% after the policy was implemented.
A randomized trial of a multifactorial fall injury prevention strategy found an approximately 8-10% reduction in serious fall injuries, lower than expected. The study enrolled 5,451 people aged 70 and older and evaluated the effectiveness of a nurse-delivered intervention.
A study of young adults who experienced a heart attack found that quitting smoking within a year significantly reduces the risk of death from heart disease. Among those who quit, rates of death were more than 70% lower than among persistent smokers.
A team of bioengineers and clinical experts from Brigham and Women's Hospital and MIT have developed a new, sustainable solution for health care workers to provide protection during the pandemic. The iMASC system is made from sterilizable materials and can fit faces of different sizes and shapes.
A retrospective analysis of US veterans aged 75 and older found statin use associated with a 25% lower risk of death from any cause. The study also showed benefits for cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, particularly in black participants.
A new study found COVID-19 has a disproportionate impact on minority and non-English speaking communities, with increased risk of diagnosis and death in rural and urban counties. The study highlights the need for standardized collection of sociodemographic characteristics and targeted interventions to address these disparities.
A survey of US adults in May found widespread support for public health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Almost 80% of respondents supported stay-at-home orders and nonessential business closures, with high levels of adherence to public health recommendations such as using cloth face coverings and maintaining physical distancing.
A case series of five MS patients with favorable outcomes after developing COVID-19 while taking teriflunomide reveals potential benefits of the drug in preventing excessive immune responses. The study suggests that teriflunomide may not need to be discontinued in patients with MS who develop an active COVID-19 infection.
A study found a dramatic surge in hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine prescriptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, with almost half a million excess fills compared to 2019. The surge occurred after March 15 and was likely due to off-label prescribing for COVID-19, raising concerns about safety and efficacy.
A study of over 96,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients found no reduction in death rate among those treated with hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine. Patients on these regimens were more likely to experience severe heart rhythms and higher mortality rates.
A study examining COVID-19 patient lungs found distinctive vascular features, including severe endothelial injury and blood clotting. Researchers also observed a unique pattern of pulmonary vascular disease progression in some cases compared to equally severe influenza infections.
A new study suggests that a comprehensive multi-drug regimen for heart failure could significantly extend patients' lives, with potential benefits of up to six years and eight years free from cardiovascular events. The regimen, which combines newer therapies, may improve life expectancy across all age groups.
A new study found that individuals with irregular sleep patterns experienced a two-fold increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to those with regular sleep patterns. This suggests that healthy sleep isn't just about quantity, but also about variability, and can have an important effect on heart health.
A new study found that widowhood can lead to a sharper cognitive decline in older adults, particularly those with high beta-amyloid levels. This effect was observed even after controlling for other factors such as age, sex, and socioeconomic status.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators found that aggressively lowering blood pressure levels can add six months to three years to a person's lifetime, depending on their age. The analysis used age-based methods to estimate the long-term benefits of intensive blood pressure control.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital finds that over 40% of patients refuse insulin therapy, leading to worse blood sugar control and longer time to lower blood sugar levels. Patients who decline insulin therapy had more severe diabetes complications and higher blood sugar levels.
A team of researchers has identified a long noncoding RNA molecule that may control aging in blood vessel walls. The discovery could lead to new treatments for cardiovascular disease states and may provide insights into why heart disease risk increases with age.
Researchers found elevated risks of skin cancer, gastrointestinal and blood side effects, as well as liver test abnormalities and cirrhosis in participants taking low-dose methotrexate. The study provides a detailed side-effect profile that may inform more informed prescribing practices.
Higher ratios of very-long-chain to long-chain ceramides were associated with reduced dementia and Alzheimer's disease risks, suggesting a potential role for plasma ceramides as biomarkers. Elevated ceramide ratios may also have protective effects against dementia, while altered lipid metabolism is linked to its development.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers found that more than half of existing kidney disease quality metrics are of middle or low quality, which hampers efforts to improve patient care. The team advocates for shifting focus to metrics that matter most to patients and accurately reflect kidney health or disease progression.
Rates of skin cancer were higher among gay and bisexual men compared to heterosexual men. However, bisexual women had a lower rate of skin cancer than heterosexual women. The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing skin cancer risk in sexual minority populations.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital finds that nearly a quarter of antibiotic prescriptions filled by Medicaid recipients were not associated with a clinic visit, raising concerns about the effectiveness of efforts to curb inappropriate prescribing. The study highlights a key area missed by current policies aimed at reducing an...
A new study found that high levels of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) in the blood predict patients at increased risk of acute kidney injury. The protein may be a promising target for future therapies or interventions to prevent or treat AKI.
A review article published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology estimates that 2 million adults with cardiovascular disease in the US have used or currently use marijuana. Observational studies link marijuana use to increased heart risk, including stroke, arrhythmia, and decreased heart muscle function.
Researchers developed a new technique to predict which primary melanoma patients are at risk for cancer recurrence and spread by analyzing T-cell fraction in skin lesions. Patients with lower T-cell fraction (less than 20%) were found to be 2.5 times more likely to have cancer metastasize.
A new study found that firearm injury survivors experience higher rates of chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and poor physical health compared to motor vehicle crash survivors. The study highlights the need for continued care and follow-up services after discharge.
A new analysis of patients on heart pumps found that the newer generation device provides better treatment outcomes regardless of initial therapy goals. The study suggests that categorizing patients into distinct groups may not be necessary, and a single treatment goal of extending survival and improving quality of life could suffice.
A team of researchers has developed a laboratory model for vertebral development, allowing them to study the human segmentation clock and its role in forming the spinal column. The model reveals that the clock controls the periodic activation of molecular signaling pathways, leading to the formation of vertebrae.
A new study found that US patients are less likely to undergo breast conserving therapy compared to European and Asian patients, with a higher rate of mastectomy. The study suggests that insurance coverage and costs may be factors influencing this difference.
Researchers identify CD1a as a key player in triggering T cell responses to allergens in personal care products, shedding light on the 'molecular missing link' behind allergic contact dermatitis. The study highlights the importance of fragrance molecules like farnesol in initiating immune responses.
Restoring p53 using synthetic mRNA nanoparticles delays the growth of lung and liver cancer cells and makes them susceptible to available cancer drugs. The approach may also make tumors more vulnerable to cancer drugs known as mTOR inhibitors.