Patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery experienced significant weight loss, improved glycemic control, and reduced cardiovascular risk compared to those on intensive lifestyle management. After three years, surgical patients saw an average of 55 pounds lost and lower hemoglobin A1c levels.
A new cellular pathway regulates CD4+ T cell response via mast cells, providing an alternative approach for treating autoimmune diseases, infections, and cancer. NAD+ administration was shown to protect against lethal doses of infection in a pre-clinical model.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers identifies a novel biomarker for coronary heart disease in women, oxidized lipids that are not associated with traditional risk factors. Women with the highest levels of this marker are 4 times more likely to develop CHD over several years.
A new study finds that early consultation by a dermatologist can improve health-related outcomes and reduce costs associated with misdiagnosed pseudocellulitis. The researchers estimate that this intervention could prevent up to 256,000 hospitalization days and $210 million in net cost savings annually.
A new study examines the connection between shift work and type 2 diabetes, finding that more frequent night shifts increase the likelihood of the disease. The research also identified a genetic risk score for type 2 diabetes, which showed no interaction with shift work in its effects.
A recent study found that nearly half of all prostate cancer randomized clinical trials use lab results that disproportionately exclude black patients. The study, published in JAMA Oncology, highlights the need for researchers to adjust entry criteria to prevent racial biases.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified unique stroke risk factors in women, including early age of menarche, low levels of dehydroepiandrosterone hormone, and oral estrogen use. The study emphasizes the need for clinicians to consider these factors, particularly in women with a history of pregnancy complications.
A study found that few dermatologists prescribe opioids, but those who do concentrate in Southern states and surgical practices. Higher rates of opioid prescribing were also observed among dermatologists in these areas.
A pilot study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that a home hospital model reduced direct costs up to half compared to traditional hospital care. The model also decreased hospital utilization and improved patient physical activity, with no significant impact on quality or safety.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital examines why some practices have adopted Medicare's annual wellness visit while others have not. Practices that did offer the visits saw increased revenue and stability of patient assignment, but those caring for underserved populations had lower rates of adoption.
A panel of experts has issued new guidelines for molecular diagnostic testing and treatment decisions in lung cancer. The updates reflect recent advancements and decades of work to identify the genetic underpinnings of lung cancer, helping oncologists match patients with effective therapies.
A new study suggests an association between elevated amyloid beta levels and worsening anxiety symptoms in cognitively normal older adults. Higher brain amyloid beta burden is linked to increasing anxiety symptoms over time.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a slow-release pill that can deliver HIV therapeutics once weekly, improving adherence rates and preventing thousands of new infections. The pill uses an ingestible mini pill box to release medication slowly over time, reducing the need for daily doses.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators found that taking topiramate in early pregnancy increases the risk of oral clefts, particularly at high doses. The risk is approximately three times higher for women who took topiramate compared to those who did not take anti-epileptic medications.
A new study published in JAMA Oncology analyzed data from almost 7,000 tests and found that both FDA-approved companion diagnostics and laboratory-developed tests demonstrated excellent performance on proficiency testing, exceeding 97% accuracy combined across three cancer genes. Most laboratories purchasing in vitro diagnostics for FD...
A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry found a small increase in the risk of heart defects after first-trimester exposure to methylphenidate. In contrast, amphetamines were not associated with an increased risk of birth defects or congenital heart defects.
Researchers have developed an AI application that can detect lymph node metastases in breast cancer patients with high accuracy, similar to human pathologists. This breakthrough could improve the efficiency of surgical pathology work and provide better prognostication.
Researchers developed a novel method to infer microbial interactions using steady-state data, avoiding perturbations and potential ethical concerns. The approach allows for accurate network inference without requiring population dynamics modeling, enabling better understanding of microbial ecosystems.
The National Institutes of Health is awarding up to $70 million to launch the Alzheimer's Clinical Trials Consortium, a network of 35 trial sites aiming to find new treatments for Alzheimer's disease. The consortium will improve recruitment strategies and infrastructure to accelerate clinical trials.
A new study found that a shorter course of radiation therapy using higher doses over fewer days may provide a better outcome for men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The study analyzed data from over 5,000 men and showed a significant 13% reduction in the risk of recurrence with hypofractionated radiation therapy (HRT) compared ...
A study of women with rheumatoid arthritis found that weight gain, not loss, was associated with a lower mortality risk. Those who experienced severe unintentional weight loss had the highest risk of death decades later.
Researchers found that leftover cancer cell debris can stimulate tumor growth, but resolvins can block this response. The study suggests a new approach to enhance cancer therapy and prevent recurrence.
Researchers found that weight loss, particularly severe unintentional weight loss, increases the risk of death in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In contrast, healthy weight gain has no effect on mortality risk for these patients.
Research reveals that online products sold as selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) may contain unapproved substances or incorrect amounts. Most products did not match label information, highlighting the need for greater regulatory oversight of these appearance- and performance-enhancing drugs.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital reveals common clinical and radiologic patterns indicative of intimate partner violence (IPV) in radiology images. Radiologists can identify soft tissue injuries, extremity fractures, and facial fractures to spark a conversation with referring physicians about potential IPV.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a novel surgical adhesive inspired by the elastic defensive slime of the Dusky Arion slug. The new sealant mediates strong interfacial contact, conforms to skin and tissue, and closes holes in heart tissue with high effectiveness.
Researchers discovered that women with stronger social networks had better survival rates after a colorectal cancer diagnosis. The study found that patients with more intimate ties, such as family and friends, were associated with lower death rates. Social network strengthening could be a tool for managing colorectal cancer.
A pilot study of 15 individuals using oxycodone digital pills found that patients self-administered opioids for only a brief period and took a fraction of the prescribed dose. The technology may enable physicians to monitor adherence and identify escalating opioid use patterns, potentially reducing the risk of addiction.
A study published in Stem Cell Reports reveals that DNA-encoded factors influence the vulnerability of brain cells to Alzheimer's disease. Brain regions with higher Aβ protein levels are more susceptible to damage, while protected areas have a less toxic response.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a system to temporarily loosen the blood-brain barrier using microbubbles, allowing for real-time monitoring and controlled delivery of drugs to the brain. The approach offers improved safety and efficacy control for human clinical trials underway in Canada.
Evolocumab reduced risk of major cardiovascular events and major adverse limb events among patients with peripheral artery disease. The PCSK9 inhibitor also lowered the number needed to treat to prevent adverse events, making it a promising treatment option for this high-risk population.
Measuring hsCRP levels after canakinumab treatment identifies individuals likely to see greatest improvements from continued therapy. Patients with lower hsCRP levels after a single dose experience significant reductions in cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.
Researchers identified a reversible 'master switch' that regulates developmental genes in fruit flies, providing a conceptually simple explanation for how different cell types are formed. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of cancer mutations and the development of new therapeutic strategies.
A new study found that more physical activity and higher intensities can decrease the risk of death in older women by 60-70%. Brisk walking was associated with a 60-70% lower risk of death, compared to light physical activity.
A new blood test has been developed to detect ovarian cancer with high accuracy, using microRNA profiling to distinguish between cancerous and benign tumors. The test shows promise in accurately predicting ovarian cancer, even when other methods fail.
By analyzing regulatory networks for 38 tissues, researchers found that core components are combined differently with added genetic and environmental information, governing unique tissue functions. This work emphasizes the need to consider tissue context when developing therapies to minimize potential side effects.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Monash University uncover the basis for T cell receptor autoreactivity to self-phospholipids, with implications for psoriasis, contact hypersensitivities, and allergies. The study highlights the physical structures that enable lipid recognition by T cells.
Researchers found that LRRK2 gene mutations cause age-dependent dopaminergic neuron degeneration and impair the autophagy-lysosomal pathway in mice. The study suggests an essential role of LRRK in DA neuron survival and regulation of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway in the aging brain.
A new growth-accommodating implant designed for cardiac repair in children can reduce the number of surgeries needed over time. The implant, developed by researchers at Boston Children's Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, uses a biopolymer core that degrades predictably, allowing it to grow with the child.
A multi-disciplinary team developed flexible sensors that can sense movement and ingestion in the stomach for at least two days. These devices can harvest energy from the gastrointestinal tract movement and potentially power novel ingestible electronic systems.
Researchers have identified several genes associated with congenital heart disease, including FLT4 and GDF1, which may help predict risk for future offspring. The study also found that de novo mutations in certain genes are common among CHD patients, potentially leading to neurodevelopmental issues.
Compounded bioidentical hormone therapies are not FDA-approved, lack quality control, and have the same risks as FDA-approved hormone therapy products. Women often unknowingly choose these over FDA-approved options due to misconceptions about safety and efficacy.
A newly engineered material, MeTro sealant, has been developed to seal lung tissue without sutures, showing complete sealing and evidence of promoting wound healing in laboratory tests. The sealant is derived from human protein and has improved biocompatibility compared to existing synthetic sealants.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers identifies a population of tissue resident memory cells that may be driving recurrence in psoriasis. These cells, which live long-term in the skin, can cause misguided immune responses leading to red, inflamed patches on the skin.
A study published in Nature reveals how the nervous system communicates with the immune system in allergic asthma, identifying NMU signaling as a key amplifier of allergic inflammation. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic insights for preventing or treating allergic asthma.
Researchers analyzed opioid prescription data from the Department of Defense Military Health System Data Repository to identify optimal opioid pain medication prescription length following surgery. The findings suggest that prescription lengths may need to be extended beyond seven days for certain procedures, recognizing that up to 40%...
A new fatigue cost calculator reveals that US employers can lose up to $1.4 million annually due to employee sleep deficiency. The calculator estimates costs for absenteeism, productivity loss, healthcare expenses, accidents, and other occupational costs associated with exhausted employees.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered a rare genetic mutation in the ALK gene that causes peritoneal mesothelioma in young women with no history of asbestos or radiation therapy. Targeted therapy using FDA-approved drugs may be effective in treating these patients.
New research reveals 30% of type 2 diabetic patients don't begin insulin when initially recommended, with a 2-year average delay. This delay leads to worsening disease progression and increased risk factors.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital identified a new genetic cause of erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a photosensitive blood disorder. A dominant mutation in the CLPX gene was found to lead to excess porphyrin production, contributing to EPP.