Researchers identified specific genetic mutations that predict tumor aggressiveness and treatment response in patients with neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer. The study's findings could lead to personalized cancer therapy and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center discover that the CFTR protein regulates inflammation and cell death in emphysema, potentially leading to new treatments. Decreases in CFTR expression correspond to increased buildup of ceramide, a trigger of inflammation and cell death.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that children living in areas with fewer pediatricians are more likely to suffer life-threatening appendix ruptures. The study found that the most potent predictor of outcome in children with appendicitis was the number of pediatricians available in an area.
Researchers identified DNA sequence variations associated with abnormal heart rhythms in multiple regions of the human genome. The study found links between these variations and increased risk for sudden cardiac death and heart damage.
A survey of Johns Hopkins faculty found strong support for working with the local community to make research more relevant and improve its quality. Faculty who conducted community-based research were more likely to hire and collaborate with local residents, and involve them in study design and dissemination.
The study found that children with medulloblastoma have fewer genetic alterations than adult counterparts, which may lead to easier therapy development. Genetic changes in pediatric cancers are distinct from adult tumors, and understanding these differences is crucial for improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a potential therapy strategy by restoring lost microRNAs in human pancreatic tumor cells. The study found that these microRNAs put brakes on tumors when the KRAS gene is mutated, a common event in pancreatic cancer.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins and VCU have developed a nanoparticle-based gene 'ignition switch' to detect and treat cancer. The promoter-based system activates specific genes only in cancer cells, showing a 30-fold difference in identification.
Researchers developed a simple fingertip test to evaluate the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome in postmenopausal women taking aromatase inhibitor drugs. The two-point discrimination score worsened significantly among overweight women, indicating a potential way to measure risk for CTS.
Researchers found that overexpression of HOXB7 gene leads to tamoxifen resistance by interacting with estrogen-activated genes and proteins, including HER2. Knocking out HOXB7 gene increased responsiveness to tamoxifen in breast cancer cells.
Researchers have tested a cocktail of three drugs that targets gene regulation and cancer cell growth in triple negative breast cancers. The combination therapy halted tumor growth in laboratory-cultured cells and rejuvenated RARbeta expression in mice engrafted with breast tumor cells.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that hospital shootings are extremely rare, while the rate of assaults on healthcare workers is four times higher than in other industries. The study argues that investing heavily in high-tech security measures may not be effective and instead focuses on preventing everyday assaults.
A new study suggests buprenorphine is a better treatment option than methadone for opioid dependence in pregnant women, resulting in healthier babies. Babies born to mothers taking buprenorphine instead of methadone required less morphine and spent less time in the hospital.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a new regulatory protein, GAKIN, that oversees the activity of CARD11, a key player in immune cell activation. This finding presents opportunities to develop new treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancer by targeting hyperactive immune cells.
The new guidelines aim to standardize diagnosis, treatment, and management of food allergies. They consolidate the latest available data into straightforward and consistent protocols for diagnosis and treatment, which will give physicians a uniform pool of information, ultimately leading to more accurate care for patients.
A study published in Nature Chemical Biology reveals how pancreatic beta cells interpret incoming signals and find that three proteins relay signals similar to an electrical circuit. The discovery may lead to repairing deficient cells in treating diabetes.
Scientists identify the valosin-containing protein (VCP) gene linked to familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurological disease. Further study may lead to novel treatments by transforming the pathological process in ALS patients.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that a set of specific interventions can lead to rapid improvements in hospital safety culture. The program, which includes training for local staff and executive buy-in, resulted in significant increases in positive safety attitudes among hospital workers.
Researchers in Rhode Island, led by Johns Hopkins Medicine, reduced central-line associated bloodstream infections to near zero using the widely-heralded Johns Hopkins checklist and other patient-safety tools. The intervention prevented 42 infections, saved 10 lives, and reduced ICU stays by 608 days.
Researchers discovered a protein called glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) that can predict brain injury and death in children on ECMO. High levels of GFAP were found to be associated with an increased risk of brain bleeding, swelling, stroke, and death.
A Johns Hopkins study found that delayed HIV treatment adds tens of thousands of dollars in care costs and reduces survival rates. Patients who wait too long to receive treatment require more expensive antiretroviral therapy, antibiotics, and hospitalizations.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have identified a glutaminase inhibitor that slows cancer cell growth by blocking the sugar-based building blocks. The compound has shown promise in reducing cancer cell growth by 30% and may be used for many types of primary brain tumors.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins discovered that NG2+ cells undergo dramatic changes in ALS, growing rapidly and forming abnormal oligodendrocytes that quickly die. This overgrowth suggests a new player in the disease's progression.
A Johns Hopkins study of 950 healthy men and women found that nearly 95% of heart attacks, strokes, or heart-related deaths occurred in those with measurable artery-hardening calcium buildup; healthy individuals without calcification had minimal coronary protection. Statin therapy should only be considered for those at greatest risk.
New study shows combo CT scans of heart and arteries are comparable to traditional SPECT nuclear imaging tests in detecting coronary artery disease. The combination CT scans identified 71% of patients with reduced blood flow, while correctly identifying those without slowing down 90% of the time.
A study by Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that surgical items left behind during surgeries on children are rare but expensive mistakes, adding 8 days to hospital stays and $36,000 in extra charges. The risk of such errors varies depending on the type of surgery and patient age.
A new report from Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that low levels of vitamin D increase the risk of stroke in white adults, but not in black adults. Despite higher rates of vitamin D deficiency in African Americans, they have a lower likelihood of severe strokes due to other factors such as hypertension and diabetes.
A study suggests that patients who received therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest took longer to wake up and showed improved brain activity compared to those who did not receive the treatment. The results challenge current guidelines for withdrawing care from comatose patients.
A new study published in Neurology found that middle age women whose cholesterol levels decline are at a 2.5 times greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia than those whose cholesterol stayed the same or increased over time.
Johns Hopkins researchers have identified a protein mechanism that coordinates and regulates the dynamics of shape change necessary for cell division. The discovery has immediate medical implications, as cell division is a major target of anticancer drugs.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a technique to culture normal and cancerous prostate tissue for up to a week, enabling accurate predictions of how living tissues respond to therapy. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of individualized medicines for prostate cancer patients.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a new epitope-mapping laboratory test that can pinpoint the unique binding site for disease-causing pathogens within three weeks. The test uses five essential proteins involved in antigen processing by immune system cells, speeding up the development of cancer vaccines and diagnostic...
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that pancreatic cancers develop and spread much more slowly than previously thought. The research suggests that there is a potentially broad window for diagnosis and prevention of the disease, with an average progression time of 11.7 years.
A study found that nearly one-fifth of caregivers had never heard of MRSA, highlighting the need for healthcare staff to educate parents about drug-resistant infections. The researchers recommend addressing concerns and allaying fears by providing clear information and risk-minimizing instructions tailored to each child's situation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a method for desensitizing the immune system to certain food proteins, potentially alleviating symptoms for millions suffering from severe allergies. The discovery involves targeting a specific receptor on immune cells using sugar-modified protein.
Researchers have discovered that over-activation of the c-Abl protein can shut down parkin's protective function, leading to a build-up of toxic proteins and neuron death. Inhibiting c-Abl with existing drugs like imatinib may provide a new treatment approach for Parkinson's disease.
Children with chronic lung disease of prematurity who attend daycare are nearly four times more likely to experience serious respiratory symptoms than those who do not. Daycare attendance is associated with increased emergency room visits, medication use, and breathing problems in these vulnerable children.
African-American victims of motorcycle crashes are 1.5 times more likely to die from their injuries than similarly injured whites, despite wearing helmets. Injury-prevention programs may not be sufficient to protect all riders equally.
Rapid response teams dispatched to patients' rooms may be a quick fix rather than addressing deeper issues, according to Johns Hopkins patient safety expert Peter Pronovost. Better management of patient flow and staff schedules can help improve care for sickest patients.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have identified 13 genes associated with human body mass index, shedding light on the complex relationship between epigenetics and obesity. The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, used genome-wide profiling to uncover epigenetic fingerprints that correlate with body weight.
A study published in Cell Stem Cell reveals that NURF, an enzyme that regulates DNA packaging, allows specific genes to be turned on and off in stem cells. This dynamic structure enables stem cells to maintain their potency and prevent differentiation into other cell types.
Researchers have identified two genes, ARID1A and PPP2R1A, whose mutations are linked to ovarian clear cell carcinoma, a highly aggressive form of ovarian cancer. The study found that ARID1A mutations were present in over half of the tumors studied, suggesting a significant role in this type of cancer.
The NCAA's new sickle cell screening program for college athletes aims to prevent rare complications, but experts warn of hasty implementation and unaddressed consequences. The program may identify 400-500 new cases annually, affecting nearly 170,000 athletes.
A new study reveals that chronically high insulin levels trigger hormonal changes in the pituitary gland, disrupting ovarian function and impairing fertility. Researchers suggest decreasing the pituitary's sensitivity to insulin as a potential target for treatment.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that uninsured minority pedestrians are at a significantly higher risk of death in car accidents compared to their insured white counterparts. The research also revealed that minority pedestrians are more likely to be struck by cars and experience increased mortality rates even after adjust...
A recent study suggests that aggressively treating hypertension in African Americans with kidney disease can significantly decrease the number of patients who lose kidney function and require dialysis. The study found a 25% reduction in end-stage kidney disease among those with protein in their urine.
A genome-wide association study has revealed a strong link between a gene in the human leukocyte antigen region and Parkinson's disease, implicating the immune system. The study suggests that inflammation is involved in the origin of the disease, not just a symptom.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that mosquitoes and other insects use taste receptors to detect DEET and smell citronellal, leading to aversion responses. The study identified three essential taste receptors for DEET detection and two distinct types of cell surface channels required for avoiding citronellal vapor.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have identified two drugs that can protect nerve cells in mice from the lethal effects of Parkinson's disease by blocking the overactive LRRK2 protein. This finding suggests a promising target for developing treatments against Parkinson's disease.
Researchers mapped epigenetic changes during blood cell differentiation, revealing complex patterns and potential applications for stem cell therapies. The study's findings could guide understanding of diseases like leukemia and lymphoma, paving the way for new treatments.