A study led by Johns Hopkins investigators found that long-term couples need not change their sexual practices due to low oral HPV infections among spouses/partners. Persistent oral HPV infections are a risk for developing oropharyngeal cancers, but the study suggests these risks remain low.
Researchers found that standard strategies to prevent venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism are more effective than temporary blood clot filters. Higher doses of blood thinners in obese patients also showed no significant difference in preventing clots, according to the study.
A 10-minute test for frailty can predict increased risk of death and frequent hospitalization among kidney dialysis patients. The test measures physiological reserve and suggests that dialysis patients are undergoing premature aging, leading to higher mortality rates.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that individually harmless genetic variations affecting related biochemical processes may team up to increase the risk of schizophrenia. The study suggests a buildup of mutations in a pathway related to the disease can be the culprit for the mental disorder.
The new guidelines aim to optimize blood use for surgical patients by preparing units only for procedures requiring transfusions. By streamlining the process, hospitals can reduce waste, lower costs, and enhance patient outcomes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a molecular mechanism underlying cocaine addiction and identified a promising new anti-addiction drug. The compound, CGP3466B, blocks cravings for cocaine in addicted mice by preventing GAPDH from entering the nucleus to trigger cell death.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that a subset of antibodies, PAD3/PAD4 cross-reactive autoantibodies, may serve as a diagnostic marker for the most severe form of rheumatoid arthritis. The presence of these antibodies is associated with aggressive inflammation and connective tissue damage.
A new study found that hospitals earn nearly nine times more for treating patients with bloodstream infections than those without. Private insurers pay the most for these infections, suggesting they would benefit financially from reducing infection rates through quality improvement programs.
Hopkins researchers identify two genes, TTC9B and HP1BP3, that can predict postpartum depression with 85 percent certainty in pregnant women. The study's findings could lead to early intervention and treatment options for the condition.
Overweight and obese patients are more likely to repeatedly change primary care doctors, leading to increased emergency room visits. The practice of 'doctor shopping' disrupts continuity of care and can compromise the health of these patients.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that blocking critical bone regulation protein halts OA progression in mice, suggesting a new therapeutic approach to joint replacement surgery. The theory proposes that initial harm to cartilage causes excessive bone growth, leading to disease exacerbation.
Despite new recommendations, women in their 40s continue to get routine breast cancer screenings at the same rate as before, with insurance coverage being a key reason for persistence. The study's findings highlight the ongoing challenges in changing behavior and the influence of societal factors on individual decisions.
Researchers found that the size limit for entry into hollow cilia is much greater than previously thought, allowing most of a cell's proteins to enter. The specific collection of proteins in each cilium is customized based on its needs, determined by whether and how proteins are kept inside once they enter.
Neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins discovered that progenitor cells in the adult brain are highly dynamic, transforming into cells that insulate nerve fibers and help form scars. These cells communicate with each other to maintain a regular distribution throughout the brain and spinal cord.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins scientists reveals an association between elevated cadmium levels and increased risk of liver disease in men. Higher levels of cadmium in urine were found to be nearly 3.5 times more likely to lead to liver-related deaths compared to lower levels.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers has discovered a connection between restless legs syndrome (RLS), insomnia and brain chemistry, suggesting that high levels of glutamate may be the key to understanding the condition. The findings could lead to a new approach in treating RLS and potentially other forms of insomnia.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine report that a once-daily tablet containing Ambrosia artemisiifolia major allergen 1 effectively blocks ragweed allergy symptoms, reducing need for anti-allergy drugs by 27%. The pill is a convenient alternative to weekly or monthly allergy shots.
Hospitals should require mandatory physical examination, drug testing, or both before medical staff appointments. Random alcohol-drug testing programs and policies for routine testing in sentinel events leading to patient death are also recommended.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine review of 34 clinical trials found that oral drops are effective in alleviating symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma in children. The study suggests that oral drops can be a reasonable option for providing relief to millions of children who suffer from these conditions.
A Johns Hopkins study found that suppressing a key gene, HMGA1, in tumor cells reduces their aggression and growth. The researchers hope to develop a new therapy based on this principle to treat tumors resistant to current drugs.
New research from Johns Hopkins finds that high doses of vitamin D supplements do not confer additional benefits on cardiovascular health or longevity in healthy adults. However, elderly individuals, postmenopausal women, and those with kidney disease may still benefit from higher blood levels of the sunshine vitamin.
A recent survey of US obstetrics and gynecology residents found that fewer than one in five receives formal training in menopause medicine. The study suggests that ob/gyn residency programs need to address this training gap, as the number of menopausal women is expected to increase due to an aging population.
A new review of malpractice claims suggests efforts needed to reduce errors leading to claims. The largest payouts were for diagnosis-related events, which showed twice the odds of a catastrophic payout compared to equipment- or product-related errors.
Researchers found that estrogen and interleukin-6 collude to cause immune cell misconduct and fuel autoimmune liver damage. Female mice with intact ovaries developed worse liver damage than those without ovaries, suggesting a key role for estrogen in the condition.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that medical interns spend an average of only 12 percent of their time at the bedside, with nearly as much time spent walking and caring for patients. The researchers argue that this amount of time is insufficient to provide optimal patient care and learning opportunities.
A recent study found that physicians built less emotional rapport with overweight patients than those of normal weight. This can lead to ineffective care and poorer patient outcomes. The researchers emphasized the importance of empathy in building trust and motivating patients to make lifestyle changes.
Diagnostic errors accounted for the largest fraction of malpractice claims and the highest total payments, resulting in severe patient harm and death or disability almost twice as often as other error categories. The majority of diagnostic errors were missed diagnoses, with outpatient care being more common than inpatient care.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that the rat's hippocampus uses remembered spatial information to imagine routes, guiding behavior. This finding has implications for understanding memory and imagination in people with Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline.
New Johns Hopkins research finds no link between patient satisfaction scores and surgical care quality scores, but suggests that a better workplace culture for staff can improve patient satisfaction. The study emphasizes the need for better instruments to capture technical skills and medical judgment in measuring hospital quality.
A study at Johns Hopkins Hospital found that providing physicians with upfront price transparency for laboratory tests resulted in a 9% decrease in test orders and significant cost savings. The practice decreased overall use of tests, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars over six months.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that a previously minor protein called EPAC2 plays a central role in regulating insulin production. The study suggests that targeting EPAC2 with drugs could potentially restore pancreatic cell function and reverse Type 2 diabetes.
The Johns Hopkins researchers developed a Web-based mathematical model to predict which patients would benefit from taking a possibly infected organ. The tool considers factors such as waiting list duration, previous transplants, age, and diabetes status.
A Johns Hopkins study found that official guidelines leave room for interpretation, leading to variable treatment choices and outcomes. Clinicians expressed ambivalence about hospitalizing patients, particularly those with recent abortions or social circumstances making inpatient care challenging.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found how a gout-linked genetic mutation causes disease by breaking a cellular pump that clears uric acid waste. They identified a compound that partially repairs the pump in laboratory tests.
Researchers identified an enzyme called ACOT7 that helps neurons get rid of excess fats that can be toxic. In a study, mice with non-working ACOT7 gene showed signs of neurodegeneration when fasting, highlighting the enzyme's role in protecting against fat toxicity.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that oligodendrocytes play a significant role in the early stage of ALS, with changes occurring long before physical symptoms appear. Suppressing an ALS-causing gene in oligodendrocytes delays disease onset and prolongs survival.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine has identified DNA-damaging toxins in commonly consumed plant-based foods, including liquid smoke flavoring, black and green teas, and coffee. The toxins, pyrogallol and gallic acid, can activate the p53 gene, which is associated with cancer.
A new study found that the standard formula used to calculate LDL cholesterol levels often underestimates accuracy, especially in desirable ranges. Researchers suggest using non-HDL cholesterol as an alternative to assess risk and determine treatment.
New research from Johns Hopkins suggests that limiting medical interns' work hours to 16 hours per shift increased the number of potentially dangerous handoffs of patients. The study found no significant increase in sleep duration, despite reduced training time and perceived lower quality of care.
A new study found that individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression can make substantial lifestyle changes to improve their health and lose weight. The program, which included simple nutrition messages and regular exercise classes, resulted in significant weight loss compared to a control group.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a novel modification of the lamin A protein that disrupts normal patterns of fat distribution in familial partial lipodystrophy (FPLD). The discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying FPLD, a rare disease characterized by abnormal fat accumulation in certain areas...
PhenoDB is a new online database that enables clinicians to document cases of unusual genetic diseases, which can then be analyzed by researchers. The database captures standardized information about a person's phenotype, including symptoms and family history, to help understand the genetic variations involved.
A new Johns Hopkins Children's Center study reveals that peripheral intravenous catheters are nearly four times more likely to cause complications compared to centrally placed PICC lines. Clinicians should carefully weigh the ease of placement against the higher complication risk for non-central vein placement.
Scientists discovered a correlation between adiponectin, a protein hormone from fat tissue, and migraine pain relief. The study found that increased levels of low molecular weight adiponectin were associated with reduced pain severity, while high molecular weight adiponectin was linked to increased pain.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a minimally invasive procedure that uses a stent to alleviate symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri by expanding narrowed veins and relieving fluid pressure. The study shows promising results, with 10 out of 12 patients experiencing complete and lasting recovery.
A Johns Hopkins study suggests that paired kidney exchanges, also known as 'kidney chains,' could increase by an additional 1,099 transplants annually if more hospitals perform these transplants. The growth in the use of these exchanges stalled since 2010 due to financial barriers related to logistics and administrative costs.
Johns Hopkins researchers have discovered that mesenchymal stem cells derived from human adipose tissue can seek out and destroy glioblastoma cancer cells in the brain. This innovative approach may provide a new tool for accessing difficult-to-reach areas of the brain where cancer cells proliferate.
A small study of 20 people with Parkinson's disease found virtual house calls provide clinical benefits comparable to in-person physician office visits, saving patients and caregivers time and travel. The study also found no difference in quality-of-life changes between the two groups.
A new model of cell fusion was created by researchers at Johns Hopkins, revealing two critical components necessary for the process. The discovery may lead to improved treatments for muscular dystrophy, as cell fusion plays a crucial role in muscle regeneration.
A new study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers has developed a simple bedside test that can determine whether severe dizziness is caused by a stroke or something benign. The portable device uses eye movement tests to diagnose strokes with 100% accuracy, promising to prevent misdiagnosis and save lives.