A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that low-dose estrogen therapy and low-dose non-hormonal venlafaxine hydrochloride extended release were both effective in reducing hot flashes and night sweats in menopausal women. The treatment options showed similar efficacy, with a slight superiority of estrogen therapy.
A study published in Circulation found that primary care providers who participated in an online game to solve clinical cases about hypertension management improved their patients' blood pressure control. The game reduced the time to reach target blood pressure values by 142 days compared to those whose clinicians read a static posting.
A new study by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that taking calcium supplements did not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in women. The study, published in Osteoporosis International, examined 74,245 women over 24 years and found no association between calcium supplement intake and heart attack or stroke.
Research finds that lowering copayments for cardiovascular medications following a heart attack significantly improves adherence and reduces adverse events among nonwhite patients. Providing full drug coverage increased medication adherence and reduced major vascular events by 35% and healthcare spending by 70%.
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital suggests that extreme sleep durations may affect brain health in later life. Women who slept five or fewer hours or nine or more hours per day had worse memory than those sleeping seven hours a day.
Researchers found that combining EPA with statins reversed endothelial damage more effectively than statins alone. The combination showed a potent interaction in reducing cardiovascular risk.
Researchers discovered genetic variation influencing immune cell function is linked to increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The study found a striking enrichment of functional effects in monocytes for these variants, highlighting the potential role of immune system cells in human disease pathology.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital propose a new Next-Gen Cytogenetic Nomenclature system to standardize chromosomal abnormality descriptions, improving clinical and research reports. The system focuses on nucleotide-level details, reducing errors and saving time in reporting.
The TOPCAT trial found that spironolactone did not reduce the composite time to death or hospitalization in patients with preserved ejection fraction. However, it significantly reduced hospitalizations for heart failure, providing important insights into its potential efficacy.
Researchers analyzed data from a center for professionalism and peer support at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital and found that employees continued to turn to the center for help, citing concerns about physician/scientist behavior. The interventions used were successful in creating substantive changes in behavior.
Research found that public smoking bans led to a 10% decrease in preterm births and hospital admissions for childhood asthma. The study analyzed data from over 2.5 million births and 250,000 asthma-related hospital visits, demonstrating the positive impact of smoke-free legislation on child health.
A new JAMA article suggests creating an unbiased review and certification process for mHealth apps to evaluate their clinical performance and data security. The authors propose multiple organizations that could be created to review and certify apps, similar to the role of Health On the Net Foundation in evaluating online medical content.
Researchers estimate 1 million children develop TB disease each year, while 32,000 suffer from multidrug-resistant TB. The study underscores the need for improved diagnostic methods and global response to TB in children.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified certain proteins in osteoclasts that may help destroy cardiovascular calcification by dissolving mineral deposits. The discovery suggests a potential therapeutic avenue for patients with cardiovascular calcification.
Research reveals that preterm birth increases the risk of asthma and wheezing disorders, with a 70% higher risk among preterm babies compared to full-term infants. Children born before 32 weeks gestation face approximately three times the risk.
A team of researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital has generated stem cells from skin biopsies of living family members with a genetic predisposition to early-onset Alzheimer's. The study found that the APPV7171 mutation alters amyloid-beta protein generation, Tau protein expression, and phosphorylation, providing new insights into ...
A new micro-robotic technique allows for precise construction of individual cell-encapsulating hydrogels, enabling true control over bottom-up tissue engineering. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize 3D printing and tissue engineering, addressing organ shortages and improving disease treatment.
Researchers found significant disparity in US emergency department (ED) adoption of contact precautions policies, with only specific organisms prompting measures, not symptoms. The study highlights the need for EDs to implement standardized policies to protect patients and staff.
Researchers identify androgen and vitamin D receptors as potential targets for breast cancer hormone therapy, offering new treatment options for patients with hormone-dependent breast cancer. The study's findings suggest that triple hormone treatments may be more effective than single hormone treatments.
A study published in Health Affairs found that the FDA's median rulemaking time is 7.3 years, with cost-benefit analysis associated with additional delays. The authors recommend improving efficiency and promoting transparency to reduce regulatory burdens.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that blue light exposure improves alertness and performance during the day and night, reducing fatigue. The study used specialized equipment to compare the effects of blue and green light on 16 participants, showing significant improvements in alertness and reaction times.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience suggests that abnormal gene expression resulting from DNA relaxation can be detected in the brain and blood of Alzheimer's patients. The researchers propose that drugs modifying DNA structure may be beneficial for treating Alzheimer's disease, paving the way for epigenetic-based therapies.
A study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that most cardiac implantable electronic devices were approved as changes to existing PMA-approved models without new clinical data. This raises concerns about patient safety, particularly for devices such as the St. Jude Medical Riata and Medtronic Sprint Fidelis defibrillator leads.
Researchers have found that during active rejection episodes, many to most of the immune cells involved are of donor origin. This discovery provides new insights into the rejection process, suggesting that transplanted faces carry their own army of immune cells that may defend against rejecting recipient cells.
Researchers developed a bio-inspired adhesive that rapidly attaches biodegradable patches in a beating heart, addressing drawbacks of previous systems. The adhesive maintains strong sticking power in the presence of blood and remains attached even at increased heart rates and blood pressure.
Researchers identify underlying chronic medical conditions as a key factor in reducing hospital readmission rates. The study found that patients with comorbidities such as cancer, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease are at higher risk of potentially avoidable readmissions.
The AIDS Clinical Trial Group (ACTG) Network has received a seven-year, $140 million NIH grant to support its ongoing research. The funding will enable the network to conduct clinical trials in resource-limited settings and develop novel therapeutic interventions for HIV-associated inflammation.
A team of researchers will conduct a four-year trial comparing traditional bypass surgery with endovascular treatment for patients with critical limb ischemia. The trial aims to provide guidance on cost-effective ways to treat this devastating disorder, which affects millions of Americans.
Scientists at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a method to grow extensive numbers of intestinal stem cells, which can then be directed to mature into different types of intestinal cells. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of a new gut for patients with gastrointestinal disorders.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have successfully developed nanoparticles that can be absorbed through the digestive tract, enabling targeted and convenient drug delivery. This breakthrough could one day allow patients to take a pill instead of receiving injections for conditions such as cancer and high cholesterol.
Researchers found that higher doses of testosterone improved sexual function, muscle mass, and physical performance in postmenopausal women who had undergone hysterectomy. However, side effects such as unwanted hair growth and acne were rare in the study.
Higher body mass index (BMI) and larger waist circumference are associated with higher risk of hearing loss in women. Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical activity can potentially delay or prevent hearing loss.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found a link between insomnia symptoms and higher mortality risk in men, particularly those with difficulty falling asleep and non-restorative sleep. The study, published online in Circulation, followed over 23,000 men for six years and found modest increases in cardiovascular-related death.
The ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 trial found edoxaban to be at least as effective as warfarin in preventing stroke or systemic embolism, while significantly reducing bleeding and cardiovascular death. High-dose edoxaban showed a 21% reduction in stroke risk and a 20% decrease in major bleeding compared to warfarin.
A late-breaking clinical trial shows spironolactone reduces risk of repeated heart failure hospitalizations, but not overall mortality or cardiac arrest. The study enrolled 3,445 participants and followed them for nearly 3.5 years.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered that the internal body clock contributes to a morning peak in heart attacks and ischemic strokes. The circadian system causes a morning increase in PAI-1 levels, which may help explain adverse cardiovascular events in vulnerable individuals.
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital reveals four novel genetic variants associated with how people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) respond to inhaled bronchodilators. The findings may reveal genetic pathways associated with the pathogenesis of COPD and identify novel treatment methods.
Scientists at Brigham and Women's Hospital uncover a joint effort between the liver and muscle to maintain balanced fat production and burning. A phospholipid molecule acts as a signal molecule controlling this process. The study highlights the importance of coordinated changes in organs like the liver and muscle in metabolic responses.
Research from Brigham and Women's Hospital finds that only 10% of adults with sore throat have strep, yet national antibiotic prescribing rate remains at 60%. The study also shows no change in emergency department visits for sore throat during the same period.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that brachytherapy was associated with better cause-specific survival and overall survival in women with cervical cancer. The treatment's decline in the US may be related to increased adoption of alternative techniques.
A risk score calculation developed by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers can help doctors predict which patients with rhabdomyolysis are at risk for severe kidney failure or death. The model uses routine clinical variables to identify patients who may benefit from different treatment options.
The TRILOGY ACS trial found that patients who had an angiography followed by prasugrel had fewer heart attacks and strokes compared to those who had an angiography followed by clopidogrel. This benefit was not seen in patients who did not have angiography.
Researchers found that BPA exposure can dramatically inhibit egg maturation, leading to decreased maturity, increased degeneration, and spontaneous activation. This study adds to growing evidence about the impact of BPA on human health and may explain why some couples struggle with infertility.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that expert radiologists were vulnerable to inattentional blindness, missing a gorilla in a scan. The researchers used eye-tracking technology to show that the majority of those who missed the gorilla looked directly at it.
Research from Brigham and Women's Hospital finds that the aging US population will lead to longer emergency department visits and more frequent hospitalizations, but not an increase in overall ED visits. The study predicts a 10% increase in time spent by patients in EDs nationwide, highlighting the need for efficient patient flow.
Researchers identified a genetic mutation in the MKRN3 gene that leads to premature puberty. The mutation is inherited from the father and disrupts protein function, triggering early reproductive hormone activation.
The first virtual community to launch thanks to a federal grant at Brigham and Women's Hospital enables healthcare professionals to share innovative ways to deliver evidence-based care to underserved US communities. The program aims to facilitate cross-pollination of ideas and disseminate new knowledge.
Researchers have discovered a common sugar molecule on the cell surface of multiple pathogens, which could be key to developing a broad-spectrum vaccine. The sugar polymer, known as PNAG, is found on the surfaces of bacteria that cause strep throat, pneumonias, malaria, and other deadly infections.
A study found that early removal of adenoids and tonsils can improve behavior, sleep apnea symptoms, and quality of life in children with mild to moderately severe sleep apnea. However, it did not show a significant improvement in attention and executive functioning.
A common genetic variant of the MUC5B gene is linked to an increased risk of interstitial lung disease and symptoms such as shortness of breath and cough. The study suggests that this variant may be a key indicator for predicting individuals at risk for pulmonary fibrosis, potentially paving the way for prevention efforts.