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Johns Hopkins Medicine


On the way to fighting staph infections with the body's immune system

Researchers have discovered that gamma/delta T cells are the specific cells mediating the mouse's defense against Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers identified V gamma 6/Vdelta 4+ gamma/delta T cells as the key players in this response.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2019

Tip sheet: Studies on opioid-prescribing practices

Researchers found that certain surgeries, such as colorectal and cardiovascular surgeries, increase the likelihood of patients continuing to refill opioid prescriptions. Generalist nurse practitioners and physician assistants may also be overprescribing opioids, suggesting a need for education and better oversight.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe American Journal of Surgery·DateMay 6, 2019

Alcohol relapse rate among liver transplant recipients identical regardless of sobriety period

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that liver transplant recipients with alcoholic hepatitis have a comparable alcohol relapse rate regardless of their sobriety period. The study's outcomes support waiving the six-month sobriety requirement for selected patients, promoting equal access to lifesaving transplants.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Intensive Care Medicine·DateApr 25, 2019

Study suggests overdiagnosis of schizophrenia

A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice found that about half of patients referred to a specialized schizophrenia clinic were misdiagnosed with schizophrenia. Anxiety and hearing voices were common reasons for incorrect diagnoses, highlighting the importance of second opinions from psychiatry specialists.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Practice·DateApr 22, 2019

Omega-3 fatty acids tied to fewer childhood asthma symptoms

A six-month study of children with asthma found that higher omega-3 fatty acid intake was associated with lower odds of daytime asthma symptoms in response to indoor air pollution. Conversely, higher omega-6 intake was linked to more severe asthma and increased inflammation. The study suggests that dietary recommendations can help prot...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 29, 2019

Glowing tumors show scientists where cancer drugs are working

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a new technique using PET scans to track the interaction between cancer drugs and tumor cells, providing valuable insights into how effective treatment is. This breakthrough could streamline cancer therapy by enabling doctors to tailor treatments, determine therapeutic doses, and avo...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 27, 2019

Fast-acting psychedelic associated with improvements in depression/anxiety

A Johns Hopkins study found that 80% of participants experienced improvements in anxiety and depression after using synthetic psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT. The short-acting effects of the substance may make it easier to use as an adjunct therapy, with potential benefits for individuals experiencing clinically significant negative mood.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·DateMar 18, 2019

Blood diseases cured with bone marrow transplant

A new protocol has increased the rate of successful bone marrow transplants from half-matched donors to nearly 100%, offering a higher chance of cure for patients with severe inherited blood disorders. Patients experienced reduced symptoms and no longer required immunosuppressive medications.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Haematology·DateMar 14, 2019

PET scans show biomarkers could spare some breast cancer patients from chemotherapy

A new study using PET scans has identified a biomarker that predicts which women with HER2-positive breast cancer may benefit from standalone HER2-targeted agents without chemotherapy. Researchers found that patients with low sugar levels on PET scans at two weeks after treatment had the potential to be spared chemotherapy, indicating ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 21, 2019