A survey of GI fellows found that gastroenterologists providing inpatient care improve education through enhanced endoscopy teaching and longitudinal feedback. This model is expected to create more robust fellowship programs across the US, combining benefits of both GI Hospitalist and non-GI Hospitalist faculty.
Researchers discovered that virally infected neurons promote TH1 cell development and inhibit TH2 cells through neuropeptide signaling, crucial for controlling viral infections. This finding establishes a novel link between infected tissue and T cell subset differentiation.
The Real-World Evidence Data Enterprise (RWE-DE) combines longitudinal electronic health records with insurance claims data to improve the validity of studies on medical products in clinical practice. This new infrastructure will enable the FDA to conduct studies using granular clinical information to identify medication safety issues.
Researchers tested a model of depression care in Malawi using the country's existing HIV delivery system, involving clinical officers and community personnel. The intervention showed improvements not only in depression but also in other chronic health conditions and household members' wellbeing.
A recent study found that the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) as anti-obesity medications more than doubled from 2022 to 2023, while rates of metabolic bariatric surgery dropped by one quarter. This shift in treatment options has implications for access to comprehensive multidisciplinary care for obesity.
FUSE, a new tool, combines data from numerous experiments to predict the impact of specific genetic changes. This advancement helps doctors identify harmful mutations more effectively, leading to improved patient care and personalized treatments.
Researchers found that co-payment cards can lower out-of-pocket costs for privately insured patients taking brand-name prescription drugs. Additionally, public assistance programs and direct-to-consumer pharmacies can provide affordable alternatives for uninsured individuals and those with Medicare Part D. The study suggests that clini...
A new study found distinct changes in children with severe cases of RSV, including elevated NK cells in the airways and altered immunological function. This research may help identify new targets for future treatments.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that people with wide-ranging long COVID symptoms were twice as likely to have SARS-CoV-2 proteins in their blood compared to those without long COVID symptoms. This persistent infection could explain some of the long COVID sufferers' symptoms, suggesting a potential treatment target.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that older adults who sustained a traumatic injury were more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias if they experienced falls. The study suggests that completing cognitive screenings in older patients after a fall could help detect dementia sooner.
A new nasal spray, PCANS, shows promise in reducing respiratory diseases by capturing and neutralizing airborne pathogens. The study's results demonstrate the spray's effectiveness against various viruses and bacteria, including influenza and COVID-19.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified a specific brain circuit that may protect against post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans with traumatic brain injury. The study suggests using neurostimulation therapies on this circuit could treat PTSD, offering a new potential non-invasive treatment option.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital used advanced machine learning to increase the accuracy of a national cardiovascular risk calculator while preserving its interpretability. The results showed higher accuracy overall in an electronic health records cohort, reclassifying one out of ten patients into a different risk category.
A survey of experts revealed six key challenges to biomarkers of aging in the clinical setting, including standardization and regulatory frameworks. Recommendations have been formulated to address these issues, aiming to advance the use of these tools in optimizing healthy lifespan.
Scientists at Brigham and Women's Hospital have created a strategy to boost mitochondrial activity in T cells, improving their ability to penetrate and kill tumor cells. The new approach helps to overcome a major barrier in immunotherapy by increasing the energy capacity of T cells.
F18-FDG PET-CT scans showed significantly higher levels of radioactively-labeled glucose in kidneys for patients with ICI-AKI compared to those with AKI from non-ICI causes. This suggests a potential non-invasive testing option for differentiating cause of AKI as being ICI-related vs. non-ICI-related.
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial found finerenone improved outcomes in patients with heart failure and mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction. The drug also showed benefits regardless of the ejection fraction and even in patients on other approved therapies.
A blood test that measures three modifiable factors together can better predict cardiovascular risk than any marker used alone. The study found that inflammation is at least as important as cholesterol in predicting cardiovascular events.
A recent study led by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that semaglutide reduced deaths from cardiovascular disease and infections, including COVID-19, in obese and overweight patients. The study involved over 17,000 participants and showed a 19% lower overall death rate compared to placebo.
A new study estimates that 1 in 7 Medicare beneficiaries with elevated body mass index (BMI) may qualify for semaglutide, a popular weight loss medication. The study found that maximum annual costs to Medicare could exceed $10 billion if different definitions of cardiovascular risk are considered.
Researchers have defined a molecular mechanism controlling PD-1 expression in melanoma cells, revealing a critical type I interferon-JAK/STAT signaling circuit. Inhibition of this pathway reduces PD-1 levels on melanoma cells and efficacy of immune checkpoint therapy.
Women undergoing cardiac surgery have a lower risk of developing postoperative atrial fibrillation compared to men, but are more vulnerable to its associated long-term morbidities. A study found that once atrial fibrillation develops, women have a significantly higher risk of mortality than men.
Researchers tested lecanemab, an anti-amyloid drug, on brain tissue samples from individuals with Down syndrome, finding it effectively targeted amyloid plaques but also bound to blood vessels. The study highlights the need for careful consideration of safety and potential hemorrhagic complications in people with Down syndrome.
Brigham researchers created an implantable device that continuously monitors vital signs and delivers naloxone when detecting opioid overdose. The 'iSOS' device has shown effectiveness in preclinical models, offering a potential solution to the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic.
A Brigham study found that shingles increases long-term risk of subjective cognitive decline by 20% in both men and women. Men carrying the APOE4 gene were at higher risk, particularly for cognitive impairment and dementia. The study highlights the importance of shingles vaccination in reducing disease burden.
The researchers argue that accurate assessment of driving skills in older adults is crucial to mitigate harm and improve safety on the road. Comprehensive driving evaluations are estimated to cost $500-$800, a significant expense that may deter those who need it most.
Researchers analyzed data from 63,700 patients in five clinical trials to understand the impact of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) on heart disease. They found that patients with CHIP had a 30% higher risk of initial heart attacks but not recurrent events.
A study found that increased expression of human carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) on immune cells is associated with treatment-resistant melanoma. CEACAM1 is now considered a potential therapeutic target for patients with resistant tumors.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a 'Parkinson's in a dish' model that rapidly converts stem cells to brain cells with protein structures characteristic of the disease. The study enables the study of Parkinson's disease pathology in a petri dish, paving the way for personalized diagnostic and treatment methods.
A study found that irregular sleep durations were associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, even after adjusting for various risk factors. Participants with more inconsistent sleep patterns had a 34% increased risk compared to those with regular sleep patterns.
The team created stable microbial therapeutics using synthetic extremophiles, maintaining potency and function over time despite extreme temperatures and harsh manufacturing processes. These formulations have potential applications in healthcare, agriculture, and space exploration.
A new program at Brigham and Women's Hospital has successfully streamlined hospice transitions for patients nearing the end of life, increasing transitions within 96 hours of ED arrival to 54.1 percent. The program uses AI algorithm, dedicated care management, and emergency department rounds to flag potential candidates and mobilize ho...
A new study reveals that military women and female family members face significantly higher risks of chronic pain, with those serving during periods of heightened combat deployments facing a 53% higher likelihood of developing the condition. The study also found associations between chronic pain, mental health, and socioeconomic status.
A study found that APOE4 impairs communication between immune cells, leading to cognitive decline in female Alzheimer's patients. The researchers identified a new subset of neutrophils interacting with microglia associated with cognitive impairment, which could be targeted for therapeutic intervention.
Researchers developed a new model to assess the risks and benefits of fish consumption during pregnancy. The model considers average mercury content in consumed fish, indicating that low-mercury fish intake is beneficial for neurodevelopment, while high-mercury fish consumption is detrimental.
A study found that a cuffless wrist monitor provides hundreds of readings in days, enabling clinicians to determine cardiovascular risk and improve hypertension care. The device's continuous readings help confirm diagnosis and guide medication titration, potentially revolutionizing hypertension management.
A large-scale study has found a consistent set of microbial species linked to type 2 diabetes across diverse populations. The researchers discovered that certain strains of bacteria have varied functions, including the ability to produce branched-chain amino acids, which may increase T2D risk.
Scientists at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified a metabolic switch in the gut that helps regulate immune tolerance and protect against harmful intestinal inflammation. This discovery could lead to new strategies for promoting remission in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a new nanomedicine therapy that delivers anticancer drugs to lung cancer cells and enhances the immune system's ability to fight cancer. The therapy shows promising results in cancer cells in the lab and in mouse lung tumor models, with potential applications for improving care...
A new microneedle patch has been developed to treat autoimmune disease alopecia areata by delivering immune regulators to affected skin areas, promoting lasting hair regrowth. The approach restores immune balance and resolves T cell attack on hair follicles, offering a potential long-term solution without compromising the immune system.
A meta-analysis of 15 randomized studies found that patients taking GLP-1 medications experienced only mild differences in gastric emptying, delaying solid food by about 36 minutes. The findings suggest it may be safe to continue these medications before surgery without a high risk of aspiration.
Researchers found a significant association between higher Mediterranean diet intake and lower risk of death from cancer and cardiovascular disease. The study's findings suggest that modest changes in established risk factors can yield substantial long-term benefits from following a Mediterranean diet.
A study finds that prostaglandin E2 elicits mast cells to suppress inflammation by creating soluble ST2, blocking proinflammatory cytokine actions. The findings suggest a promise in targeting PGE2 with therapeutics to treat severe asthma.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that patients with dementia who underwent surgery for hip fractures experienced lower odds of death compared to those treated non-surgically. The benefit was seen in patients with head and neck of the femur fractures, but not in other locations.
Researchers from Mass General Brigham found that reports of cognitive decline were associated with the accumulation of tau, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The study used imaging to detect levels of tau and amyloid beta in participants who were cognitively unimpaired but at risk for Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that 6% of patients with heart failure progressed to dialysis within a year, highlighting the need for integrating heart and kidney care. The study emphasizes prioritizing kidney function assessment in all patients with heart failure and promoting systemic changes to manage both conditions simultaneously.
A new study found that using race-neutral equations for lung function test interpretation accurately predicted risk of death and COPD flare-ups, especially for African Americans. The study suggests reclassifications can allow those most in need to gain eligibility for specialized treatments like lung transplant.
A study of 14,399 women found that both step-based and time-based exercise targets were associated with lower risks of early death and cardiovascular disease. The research suggests that individuals should choose a goal aligned with their personal preferences rather than focusing on specific metrics.
Researchers developed a game-changing blood test that can quickly and accurately identify large vessel occlusion strokes, which have the potential to bring life-saving care to patients globally. The test combines biomarkers with a clinical score to detect strokes with 93% specificity and 81% sensitivity.
A genetic variant present in 3-4% of self-identified Black individuals increases the risk for heart failure and death. Carriers of the V142I variant are at significantly increased risk for heart failure beginning in their 60s, with an increased risk for death beginning in their 70s.