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Brigham and Women's Hospital


Investigators uncover small molecule to engineer intestinal cell types

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered a tissue-modifying molecule that can target intestinal stem cells and signal them to create Paneth cells, a rare but important cell type. This could represent a new therapeutic pathway for diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and graft-versus-host disease.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Metabolomic study links inhaled cortical steroid treatment for asthma to adrenal suppression

A metabolomic study of 14,000 individuals with asthma found that inhaled corticosteroid therapy leads to adrenal suppression, characterized by fatigue, headache, and abdominal pain. The study suggests that monitoring cortisol levels and prescribing the lowest effective dose may help mitigate side effects.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 21, 2022

Researchers find a ‘vicious cycle’ between excessive daytime napping and Alzheimer’s dementia

A new study found that longer, more frequent daytime napping in older adults predicted worse cognitive performance and an increased future risk of Alzheimer's dementia. The researchers discovered a bi-directional link between the two, where excessive daytime napping sped up the increase in daytime napping during aging.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 17, 2022

Trial testing cocoa flavanol supplement shows promise for reducing cardiovascular risk

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial found that a cocoa flavanol supplement reduced cardiovascular death by 27% and total cardiovascular events by 10%. The study also showed no significant effect on cancer risk. Further investigation is warranted to understand the effects of cocoa flavanols on cardiovascular health.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 16, 2022

Adjuvant compared to early salvage therapy post prostatectomy in men with PN1 prostate cancer and decreased risk of mortality

Researchers found that adjuvant radiation therapy compared to early salvage therapy reduced mortality risk in men with pN1 prostate cancer. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, showed a 8% decrease in mortality for each additional positive pelvic lymph node found at surgery.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 15, 2022

Study highlights need for better education, support for patients with preeclampsia

A recent study published in BMJ Open found that many women with preeclampsia lack awareness about symptoms and long-term cardiovascular risks, underscoring the need for improved patient education and support. The research team surveyed over 800 pregnant women, revealing a significant gap in mental health support and preventive measures.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalBMJ Open·TypeSurvey·DateMar 3, 2022

Female primary care physicians face a higher electronic health record workload than male counterparts

A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that female primary care physicians spend 20% more time working in the electronic health record than their male counterparts. The increased workload was attributed to a higher volume of messages received from staff and patients, which may contribute to burnout rates among female PCPs.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2022

Investigation identifies recurring diagnostic pitfalls and points to ways that uncovering pitfalls can help improve medical diagnosis

A study from Brigham and Women's Hospital investigated diagnostic pitfalls in primary care, identifying patterns of errors and creating a taxonomy of generic types. The findings highlight disease-specific and generic cross-cutting pitfalls that clinicians can use to inform educational and quality improvement efforts.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2022

Artificial intelligence may reduce frequency of adverse drug events

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital conducted a scoping review of 78 articles to identify key use cases for AI in preventing or mitigating adverse drug events (ADEs). Genetic information is thought to be critical in improving AI algorithm performance, but systematic evaluations are necessary to generate evidence for this field.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 19, 2022

Telemedicine may increase surgical care for historically underrepresented patient groups

Researchers found that telemedicine usage increased among Black patients and women during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, disparities persisted, with older patients and those with lower education levels less likely to use video consultations. The study highlights the need for improved digital access and resources to bridge the gap.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 14, 2022

RNA sequencing from single blood draw can predict pregnancy health and preeclampsia prediction

Researchers have developed a technique that analyzes cell-free RNA in a mother's blood to predict healthy pregnancy outcomes and detect potential complications like preeclampsia. The approach showed promise in identifying patterns of gene expression associated with a healthy pregnancy and predicting preeclampsia risk with high accuracy.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

‘Cryobioprinting’ serves up towers of frozen cells

Researchers have developed a technique called cryobioprinting that combines bioprinting with cryopreservation to create frozen, complex structures. The technology allows for the fabrication of anisotropic tissues with microscale pores aligned in specific directions, opening up new possibilities for muscular tissue engineering and beyond.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 30, 2021

Newly identified mediator of inflammation resolution stimulates tissue regeneration and controls granuloma formation

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered a new mediator, 4S, 5S-epoxy-resolvin, that resolves acute inflammation and stimulates tissue regeneration. The study found that this mediator also controls granuloma formation in human leukocytes.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2021

Comparison of intimate partner violence injuries among sexes uncovers higher level of severity for male victims

Researchers compared injury patterns among men and women presenting to emergency departments with intimate partner violence (IPV) injuries. The study found that male victims were more likely to have severe injuries, such as lacerations and gunshot wounds. In contrast, female victims were more likely to have facial bruises.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAggressive Behavior·DateDec 16, 2021

Digital pill system tracks HIV prevention pill adherence with 98 percent accuracy

A digital pill system has been found to be a feasible and accurate intervention for tracking HIV prevention pill adherence, with 98% accuracy. The system uses radiofrequency transmitters and wearable reader devices to track pill ingestion, providing a novel solution for individuals with low compliance.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes & Human Retrovirology·DateDec 7, 2021

Returning genomic research findings reveals unrecognized disease risks

A new study published in The American Journal of Human Genetics found that 76.3% of participants who received actionable genomic results were unaware they carried increased risk variants, even though half met clinical criteria for genetic testing. Comprehensive sequencing revealed previously missed variants, emphasizing the need for mo...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe American Journal of Human Genetics·DateNov 8, 2021

Oral pill as safe, efficacious as conventional treatment for anemia in patients with kidney disease

Researchers developed a new compound based on Nobel Prize-winning discoveries that raised hemoglobin levels in patients with kidney disease undergoing dialysis and those not on dialysis. The oral medication was found to be as safe and efficacious as conventional treatment for anemia, offering a transformative approach to patient care.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 5, 2021

Researchers identify core genetic networks driving human embryonic stem cell behavior

A genome-wide screening technique reveals the interrelated activities of genes controlling pluripotency and apoptosis in human embryonic stem cells. The study provides new insights into cancer genetics and a novel approach for regenerative medicine research, enabling the systematic mapping of genetic networks involved in tissue formation.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 28, 2021