A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators shows that trained radiologists can identify abnormal mammograms at better than chance levels when shown images for only half a second. The researchers found that finer details of breast tissue texture help radiologists make the correct diagnosis more frequently.
Resolvins and maresins, naturally produced omega-3 fatty acid molecules, regulate subsets of white blood cells that play a central role in inflammation. The findings suggest these molecules may be useful for treating chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Per capita spending on US prescription drugs is the highest in the world, driven by brand-name prices that can rise substantially during competition-free periods. The authors argue for limiting market exclusivity rights and ensuring timely generic drug availability to reduce costs.
Researchers studied a large population-based cohort and found no significant increased risk for congenital malformations or cardiac malformations among women who took antipsychotic medications during the first 90 days of pregnancy. However, risperidone showed a slightly increased risk, highlighting the need for further research.
African American participants in the Jackson Heart Study show lower risks for heart attacks and strokes with more heart-healthy metrics, yet only 17% meet these criteria. The study highlights a persistent inequity in heart health among this group, despite known prevention strategies.
Research found no significant differences in post-operative complications or mortality between African American and white patients treated in a universally insured military health system. In contrast, uninsured or Medicaid-receiving African Americans experienced significantly higher odds of mortality, complications, and readmission aft...
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that African-American men treated with hormone therapy had a 77% higher risk of death compared to non-African American men. The study analyzed over 7,000 patients and found that the increased mortality rate was not due to prostate cancer.
Patients with non-functional adrenal tumors are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a new study reveals. According to the research, even benign tumors that don't secrete hormones can increase the risk of metabolic diseases.
Researchers found that consuming five or more servings of nuts per week lowered biomarkers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein and interleukin 6. Substituting nuts for red meat also reduced inflammatory biomarkers. The study suggests a possible mechanism by which nuts may benefit cardiometabolic health.
A new study of 180 pre-term infants found that those who received predominantly breast milk during their NICU hospitalization had larger deep nuclear gray matter volume and better IQs, academic achievements, memory, and motor function. Breast milk intake correlated with improved cognitive outcomes at age 7.
Researchers developed a hydrogel patch that delivers gene therapy, chemotherapy, and thermal ablation to treat colon cancer. The patch achieves complete tumor remission in non-resected tumors and prevents recurrence when applied after surgery.
A Perspective article highlights the importance of including medication purpose on prescriptions to enhance safety, prescribe appropriately, and improve convenience. By recording indications, clinicians can reduce errors, enable patients to better understand their regimens, and identify therapeutic alternatives.
Researchers have detected high levels of KIM-1, a biomarker for kidney injury, as well as arsenic and chromium in children's urine in a region of Mexico with high incidence of chronic kidney disease. The findings suggest that early exposure to environmental toxins may lead to irreversible harm if not addressed.
Researchers identify LOX gene mutations as cause of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection in family study, providing biological mechanism and possible therapeutic targets. The discovery illuminates the genetic basis of a rare disease and may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment for patients with this condition.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found altered gut microorganisms in patients with multiple sclerosis, including those treated with therapy. These changes correlated with immune system gene activity and breath methane levels. The study supports the connection between gut microbiome and immunological disorders like MS.
The study found that freestanding EDs are concentrated in areas with higher incomes, private insurance rates, and hospital ED presence. This suggests that they may not be expanding access to underserved populations as initially thought.
A new study aims to identify the best method for collecting sexual orientation and gender identity data from patients in emergency departments. The EQUALITY Study found that non-verbal self-reporting is the preferred method among both patient and provider respondents, despite concerns about offending patients.
A new study by bioengineers at Brigham and Women's Hospital demonstrates the effectiveness of combination therapies in eliminating cancer cells. By pairing chemotherapy drug docetaxel with a targeted PI3K inhibitor, researchers achieved greater tumor inhibition and eliminated evidence of resistance.
A new tool called MDSINE predicts the behavior of the human microbiome, which could lead to the development of new treatments for serious diseases. The algorithm is applied to predict the dynamics of C. difficile infections and analyze the effects of probiotic cocktails on bacterial communities.
A study of patients who died at VA hospitals found that family-reported end-of-life care was significantly better for those with cancer or dementia than for those with other serious illnesses. Increasing access to palliative care may improve quality of end-of-life care for patients dying of heart, lung, and kidney diseases.
A new study published in Radiology found that pre-operative supine MRI can provide more detailed and accurate information than prone MRI, helping surgeons detect remnant tumors and ensure clear margins. This could lead to effective tumor removal and reduce the need for re-operations.
A new study found an association between healthy diets and reduced risk of impaired physical function in women as they age. Women who maintained a healthier diet were less likely to develop physical impairments, with higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains associated with reduced rates of physical impairment.
The Aspirin-Guide app calculates cardiovascular disease and bleeding risk scores to help clinicians decide which patients are suitable for low-dose aspirin. It provides personalized decision-making support for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, facilitating informed discussions between healthcare providers and patients.
Researchers developed an innovative nanoplatform to deliver RNAi agents to tumor sites, suppressing growth and reducing metastasis in preclinical models of anaplastic thyroid cancer. The platform, called theranostic, brings therapy and diagnosis together in one functional nanoparticle.
Researchers found that microRNA-181b targets Card10, a protein that helps activate inflammation. In preclinical studies, the delivery of miR-181b reduced blood clot formation and prolonged time to artery blockage by up to 1.6 fold.
Researchers found universal (host-independent) dynamics for healthy individuals' gut and mouth microbiomes. Fecal microbiota transplantation therapy also relied on these shared patterns to treat C. difficile infections.
A study of US men found that mid-life PSA levels can accurately predict future risk of lethal prostate cancer. Screening PSA levels in men at mid-life may help identify those who are at greater risk and should be monitored more closely.
Researchers found that subcutaneous fat has an intrinsic circadian rhythm in insulin sensitivity, peaking at noon and decreasing by midnight. This internal clock may contribute to daily rhythms in glucose tolerance observed in humans.
Researchers found that becoming Medicare-eligible at age 65, compared to 64, was associated with a significant decline in uninsured rates and an increase in rehabilitation access. This suggests that Medicare coverage allows additional patients to receive rehabilitative care.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found a significant association between eating four or more servings of boiled, baked, mashed potatoes or French fries per week and an increased risk of high blood pressure. Replacing potato consumption with non-starchy vegetables was associated with a lower risk of hypertension.
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital suggests that the majority of women with endometriosis do not experience infertility, contradicting previous estimates. The study found a higher risk of subsequent infertility in women under age 35, but only half of cases previously thought to be related to endometriosis.
Two papers address challenges in interpreting clinical genome and exome sequencing results. The CSER Consortium has developed approaches for using sequencing to diagnose rare diseases, cancer, and other conditions. A new set of guidelines may help different labs interpret sequencing results consistently.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found a link between persistent childhood asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in early adulthood. Children with low lung function at a young age were more likely to develop COPD later in life, regardless of treatment or smoking exposure.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that dietary tryptophan can limit brain inflammation in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. In human patients, decreased levels of these molecules were observed, hinting at a possible link between gut flora and neurodegeneration.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital identifies four factors contributing to sex disparities in statin therapy among patients with coronary artery disease. Women were less likely to start or continue statin therapy due to lower cardiologist evaluations and higher rates of adverse reaction reports.
A new analysis suggests invoking a little-known 'patent use' law to permit generic versions of patented drugs for government-sponsored insurance programs. This action could allow more patients to access effective drugs like those for hepatitis C at lower costs.
Researchers found that women who worked rotating night shifts for five or more years had a 15-18% increased risk of developing coronary heart disease. Changing shift schedules may help offset this risk, which is modifiable and important to note.
Researchers discovered a rare example of cooperation between different bacteria species in the human gut. Bacteroides ovatus digests a complex carbohydrate, providing benefits to other species in return.
A new cancer treatment approach uses microparticles and mesenchymal stem cells to deliver chemotherapy directly to tumor cells, reducing systemic toxicity. The method successfully kills tumor cells via a strong bystander effect, offering hope for targeted treatment of prostate cancer and potentially other diseases.
Researchers have developed a highly-sensitive detection method to monitor HDL kinetics, revealing new lipid biology and potential therapeutic targets. The technique allows for the identification of HDL subfractions and their unique proteomes, which may help pharmaceutical companies design more effective drugs.
A new study finds a significant association between androgen deprivation therapy and depression in patients with localized prostate cancer. Patients treated with hormone therapy experienced higher incidences of depression, with risks increasing with treatment duration.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that dysfunctional mitochondria may not be the primary cause of neurological symptoms in patients with mitochondrial diseases. Instead, brain developmental defects during embryonic development may play a role.
Researchers developed a new technique using nanoparticles that deliver therapeutic payloads and glow green when cancer cells begin dying. This allows for early detection of treatment effectiveness, potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a wearable device to monitor and control organs-on-chips, a platform for testing drug compounds. The system uses Google Glass for hands-free control and monitoring, enabling high-accuracy predictions of physiological responses.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital identified five research priorities to address health care disparities in surgical care. The top priorities include leveraging electronic health records, improving patient-provider communication, and evaluating regionalization of care.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that patients with high-risk prostate cancer who received radiation treatment at a facility with higher volumes performed better than those treated at lower-volume facilities. The study analyzed data from 19,565 patients and found improved 7-year overall survival rates.
Researchers have developed Expansion Mini-Microscopy (ExMM), a technique that combines physical expansion with optical magnification to achieve high-resolution images at low costs. This innovation enables the creation of mini-microscopes from webcam and off-the-shelf components, offering a cost-effective solution for imaging biological...
Researchers discovered a microRNA called miR-181b that controls the function of vessels in adipose tissue, improving insulin sensitivity and glucose levels. The study found that reconstituting this microRNA in obese mice reduced inflammation in adipose tissue, suggesting potential new targets for obesity and diabetes treatment.
New research from Brigham and Women's Hospital finds that contralateral prophylactic mastectomy has more than tripled from 2002 to 2012, despite evidence suggesting no survival benefit over breast conservation. The majority of women undergoing CPM are at low risk for developing breast cancer in the unaffected breast.
A multicenter study found that the HOSPITAL score accurately predicted patients at high risk of a 30-day potentially avoidable readmission. Patients identified as high risk were four times more likely to be readmitted within 30 days, and the score showed an excellent ability to identify these patients.