Researchers developed a machine learning model to quickly recognize predictive risk factors and their importance for undesirable hospitalization outcomes. The model achieved an accuracy of 95.6% and identified modifiable risk factors that can be mitigated through clinical interventions.
SourceHouston Methodist·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Translational Research & Clinical Interventions·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 29, 2022 Researchers are studying the interaction between obesity and nitric oxide synthase in triple-negative breast cancer, aiming to develop a new treatment strategy. Another team is investigating the role of NHE6 protein in multiple myeloma resistance to daratumumab treatment, with the goal of improving therapy outcomes for patients.
Researchers found a 20% decrease in coronary artery dilation and reduced myocardial flow reserve in patients with prior COVID-19 infection. This may lead to poor prognosis and higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events.
Researchers at Houston Methodist found that injecting morphine into the tibia during knee replacement surgery reduces postoperative pain and the need for pain medication. This method, known as intraosseous infusion, may also facilitate a swifter recovery of the knee joint.
A Houston Methodist study found that a minimally invasive procedure using temperature-controlled radiofrequency intervention is safe and effective in improving symptoms of chronic rhinitis. After 12 months, patients reported a 57.8% improvement in symptoms, with minor side effects observed in a few individuals.
A new study finds that COVID-19 infections may predispose individuals to developing irreversible neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The research also suggests that the virus can cause long-term neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in the elderly and other vulnerable populations.
Researchers discovered a link between traumatic brain injuries and changes in the gut microbiome, suggesting a potential diagnostic tool for concussions. The study found two bacterial species that dropped significantly after concussions, indicating a correlation with traumatic brain injury-linked proteins in the blood.
Glioblastomas, the deadliest brain cancer, have evaded immune cells by promoting immunosuppressive myeloid cells. Researchers identified S100A4 as a key molecule that can selectively target these immune suppressive cells. This discovery paves the way for new therapeutic strategies to restore antitumor action in glioblastoma patients.
Neuroscientists have designed neural organoids with both mature neurons and astrocytic glial cells to study interactions between brain cells. The new technology enables the emulation of brain activity during healthy and disease states, opening doors to rapid drug screening for neurological diseases.
The first US peer-reviewed study on omicron patient outcomes found significant differences in infection behavior. Ominron patients are significantly younger, have increased vaccine breakthrough rates, and are less likely to be hospitalized compared to patients with alpha or delta variants.
Researchers at Houston Methodist have discovered a new combination therapy that regresses tumor growth of triple negative breast cancer and prevents the cancer from spreading. The response rate using this therapy is about 50%, compared to 25-30% with older drugs, offering new hope for patients with hard-to-treat breast cancers.
A Houston Methodist study found that lifting COVID-19 restrictions led to a rapid return of seasonal respiratory viruses, highlighting the effectiveness of masking and distancing measures. The study's findings demonstrate that these precautions can suppress all respiratory viruses, not just COVID-19.
A recent review published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that flu vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in individuals with heart disease. Despite higher mortality rates from influenza, many Americans under 65 with heart disease have low vaccination rates.
A PLoS One study found demographic and clinical markers that increase the risk of severe COVID-19 disease in patients aged 18-29. The study identified Hispanic men as more likely to develop severe disease outcomes, as well as factors such as asthma history, congestive heart failure, and diabetes.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports reveals that over 50 long-term effects of COVID-19 have been identified, ranging from mild to debilitating symptoms. The research team analyzed data from 47,910 patients and found a substantial burden of Long COVID, with neurological symptoms and cardiovascular issues being notable findings.
A recent study published in PLoS One found that young adult patients with COVID-19 are at risk of severe disease and readmission, especially those with comorbidities. The study also identified over 50 lingering symptoms, including fatigue, headache, and loss of smell, which can last weeks to months after initial recovery.
Researchers at Houston Methodist used a helmet generating a noninvasive oscillating magnetic field to treat end-stage recurrent glioblastoma. The treatment resulted in a 31% reduction of the tumor mass, with significant shrinkage appearing to correlate with the treatment dose.
Researchers have found a new treatment with the potential to improve outcomes for patients with hereditary BRCA mutations and high-risk, early-stage breast cancer. The study shows that olaparib, a PARP inhibitor, significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer returning in high-risk patients following standard therapies.
A rare neurological condition called acute transverse myelitis (ATM) has been linked to COVID-19 cases in 43 patients across 21 countries. Symptoms include paralysis and sphincter/bowel dysfunction.
Houston Methodist researchers created a mathematical model to predict how specific cancers will respond to immunotherapy treatments, enhancing chances for successful treatments. The model uses laws of physics and chemistry to describe complex biological systems involved in immunotherapy treatment and the associated immune response.
A combination approach of catheter ablation and ethanol infusion significantly reduced atrial fibrillation recurrence rates, with 49% remaining free from AFib after six months. This finding supports the use of the Vein of Marshall Ethanol for Untreated Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (VENUS) trial's treatment as a first-line therapy.
A newly developed prodrug has been shown to selectively target and destroy glioblastoma cells, improving outcomes when combined with standard therapies. In a mouse model study, the drug extended survival by more than a factor of three and was curative in nature.
A new study by Houston Methodist has developed a uniform, universal COVID-19 antibody test that can quickly and easily screen plasma donors. The test, which uses ELISA assays, was found to have an 80% probability of comparable antibody levels to VN titers at or above FDA-recommended levels for convalescent plasma.
Houston Methodist reports a significant increase in Hispanic COVID-19 patients from 26% to 43%, with a demographic shift toward a younger patient population, according to a peer-reviewed study published in JAMA.
A preliminary analysis of 300+ COVID-19 patients treated with convalescent plasma suggests the treatment is safe and effective. The results show that patients who received plasma early in their illness had a lower mortality rate compared to those who did not.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Pathology found that convalescent plasma therapy is a safe treatment option for patients with severe COVID-19 disease. The therapy showed significant improvement in 76% of patients, with no adverse side effects caused by the plasma transfusion.
Researchers at Houston Methodist developed a clinically-applicable mathematical model to predict patient outcomes in cancer immunotherapy. The model uses CT-scan imaging data to identify patient-specific indicators of therapeutic response, correlating with anti-tumor immune state and tumor kill rates.
Researchers at Houston Methodist have developed a fatty acid-based platform for biological drug delivery, demonstrating high absorption rates in mice models. The study published in Science Advances may pave the way for oral delivery of more biological drugs, including those used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
Researchers at Houston Methodist have developed a new method for classifying pituitary tumors, which could improve diagnosis accuracy and treatment options. The test measures the levels of betahydroxybutyrate (BHB) in blood samples, indicating the presence of certain tumor subtypes.
Scientists identified less susceptible strains of group A streptococcus, which could lead to reduced effectiveness of antibiotics for strep throat and flesh-eating disease. The discovery highlights the urgent need for a vaccine against group A streptococcus.
A Houston Methodist study found that using long-acting local anesthetics and scheduled non-narcotic pain medication reduced opioid prescriptions from 87% to 10% after surgery. The program successfully managed pain after surgery using over-the-counter pain medication, decreasing the chance of patients becoming addicted to narcotics.
A protein associated with ovarian cancer may contribute to the progression of Alzheimer's disease by impairing mitochondria function and causing neuronal damage. Researchers have identified OCIAD1 as a potential therapeutic target for the disease.
A new treatment option for Ewing sarcoma is proposed by combining chemotherapy drug imatinib with diabetes medication metformin, according to Houston Methodist researchers. The combination has shown potential in treating the aggressive tumor in clinical trials.
A new machine learning app developed by Houston Methodist aims to prevent severe fall-related injuries and death in patients. The AI technology uses clinical parameters and demographics to predict risk and triggers tailored interventions.
The 6-month study aboard the ISS will evaluate the ability of Lamborghini's carbon fiber materials to withstand extreme conditions, including temperature fluctuations, radiation exposure, and vacuum. The research aims to develop technologies and devices that could be used on Earth and in space.
Researchers at Houston Methodist and MD Anderson Cancer Center have found a new immunotherapy to treat ovarian and pancreatic cancers by blocking the action of MFAP5 protein. This protein promotes tumor growth and reduces survival rates in patients with these cancers.
Researchers at Houston Methodist developed a remote-controlled nanofluidic device that delivers continuous, predetermined dosages of medications for chronic diseases like arthritis and high blood pressure. The device uses a grape-sized implant with controlled release of drugs without pumps or valves.
Researchers at Houston Methodist have identified a new regulatory mechanism in zebrafish models that leads to high levels of LDL cholesterol, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study suggests targeting this protein using its antagonist could reduce white blood cell counts and bring down the risk of heart disease.
The Fondren Foundation has pledged $15 million to Houston Methodist to support the development of a comprehensive program addressing complex diseases. The new initiative will focus on advancing research and treatment for gastrointestinal disorders, immunological disorders, and food allergies.
A team of scientists at Houston Methodist has identified a previously unknown trigger that turns group A streptococcus infections into flesh-eating diseases. The discovery may lead to the development of a childbed fever vaccine, which is estimated to cause 10% of maternal deaths globally.
Scientists used a genetic tool to identify 72 key genes in group A strep that contribute to necrotizing myositis, a devastating human infection with high mortality rates. The study provides a genetic roadmap for developing new vaccines and treatments.
The website tracks flu cases in Houston's eight-hospital system, offering real-time data on influenza A, B, RSV, and other pathogens. This tool helps physicians make informed decisions by providing timely information, often just hours or days before CDC data becomes available.
A new smartphone app designed for breast cancer survivors has been shown to help patients achieve significant weight loss and improvements in physical activity. The app, created at Houston Methodist, allows users to interact with their healthcare team and receive real-time feedback and guidance from a clinical dietitian.
Houston Methodist researchers have identified a repair defect in nerve cells that sends messages to the brain, potentially leading to a therapy for preventing or slowing down ALS. The team discovered a DNA Ligase-targeted therapy could inhibit oxidative damage repair in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Researchers developed a nanofluidic seed that can deliver sustained-release doses of immunotherapy directly to tumors, reducing the need for multiple IV treatments and eliminating side effects. The device has shown promising results in mice models, with equal effectiveness compared to systemic immunotherapy while minimizing toxicities.
A new minimally-invasive surgical technique has been developed to create dialysis access for patients with severe kidney disease. The WavelinQ endoAVF System allows vascular surgeons to create a connection between an artery and vein using magnets, reducing the risk of complications and surgeries.
Researchers found that infusions of properly functioning Tregs significantly slowed ALS disease progression in patients. The treatment increased Treg levels by 30-40% and showed promise as a potential treatment for the debilitating disease.
The study reveals unexpected molecular behavior in ultra-nanoscale channels, where neutral molecules behave as though carrying a charge. The team developed an algorithm for selecting optimal nanochannel size for each drug, but found that current theories were unable to explain the observed effects.
Houston Methodist researchers developed a lab-on-a-chip technology that models human neural networks to study retinal diseases and potential treatments. The NN-Chip can quickly screen drugs for damaged neuron and retinal connections, offering new hope for treating conditions like macular degeneration.
Houston Methodist is leading an international research effort for spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), a rare inherited neurodegenerative disorder. The $6 million, five-year study aims to bring promising investigational therapies to patients with SCA1 and SCA3.