A Johns Hopkins Medicine study successfully integrated the Affinity/Avidity test with the STARHS protocol to detect new HIV cases. The dual testing method showed a significant reduction in false positive diagnoses, resulting in more accurate monitoring of new infections.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine found a second reservoir of HIV that harbors unique viral variants, suggesting lifelong treatment is necessary to prevent re-emergence. The archival virus has not mutated to become drug-resistant, according to recent findings.
Researchers find that mice with a double dose of IGF2 develop more precursor cells in the colon, doubling cancer risk when combined with a colon-cancer-causing genetic mutation. This epigenetic problem may contribute to colon cancer development.
Researchers analyzed viral RNA from 39 couples in a long-term HIV study to identify variations of the virus that were transmitted during sex. The findings showed distinct patterns in HIV-1 variant diversity for male-to-female versus female-to-male transmission.
Hopkins researchers identify NKCC1 as key player in maintaining high chloride levels in odor-detecting cells. The same transporter facilitates secretion of digestive juices and communication between the nose and brain. This finding sheds light on how our bodies process smells and could lead to new understanding of neurological functions.
A study led by Hopkins researchers found that providing packets of antibiotics or mailing medication directly to partners significantly reduced re-infections with gonorrhea and Chlamydia. The expedited approach resulted in a 68% decrease in re-infections with gonorrhea and an 18% decrease overall, when results for both diseases were co...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that HIV 'blips' in viral load are mathematical artifacts caused by test variations, not signs of drug resistance. The study reassures patients on HAART therapy that their medications haven't failed and provide a better understanding of when to worry about blips.
Researchers discovered that prostaglandin PGD2 has protective effects in the brain, potentially outweighing its negative consequences. The study suggests that targeting this prostaglandin may lead to new therapeutic approaches for conditions involving brain damage, such as stroke and Parkinson's disease.
Researchers discovered high levels of airborne mouse allergen in inner-city homes, increasing the risk of asthma symptoms and attacks in children. To control this allergen, parents can seal cracks and holes, dispose of food remains, and have pest exterminators treat their home.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered 'broken heart' syndrome, a condition where emotional stress triggers severe but reversible heart muscle weakness. The study found that patients experienced rapid improvement in heart function within days and complete recovery within two weeks.
Researchers discovered that failing hearts experience an energy deficit due to a 50% reduction in ATP energy supplied by creatine kinase. This finding suggests new treatments may target the energy supply to improve heart function.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that pilots with a DWI history have a 43% higher crash risk than their counterparts without one. The researchers analyzed over 300,000 pilots and tracked their flying records, concluding that background checks can effectively predict and prevent crashes.
A study of 3,107 older adults found that screening for osteoporosis using a bone density test reduced the incidence of hip fractures by 36% compared to usual medical care. The study provides new evidence for the effectiveness of osteoporosis screening in preventing fractures.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a new syndrome characterized by wide-set eyes, cleft palate, or split uvula, and aggressive swelling of the aorta. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent aortic rupture and save lives, with surgery often successful if performed promptly.
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial showed etanercept was ineffective in preventing disease flares for patients with Wegener's granulomatosis. The study found that most patients experienced disease remissions at a high cost due to treatment-associated adverse effects.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that sildenafil can treat enlarged hearts by blocking the breakdown of cyclic GMP, a key molecule involved in heart stress. The study showed significant improvements in heart function, including increased contractility and cardiac output, even after hypertrophy had developed.
The new guidelines provide a simple approach to treating non-ct-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome, focusing on risk-factor reduction and lifestyle changes. By following the ABCDE approach, patients can receive comprehensive management with safer and more effective treatment options.
Alcohol consumption was a significant risk factor in fatal plane crashes, with 52% occurring at night and 64% in worsening weather. Researchers hope to design programs similar to those combating drunk-driving to lower accident rates.
A large multi-center clinical trial is planned to test the safety and efficacy of antibiotics in treating ALS. Daily injections of ceftriaxone delayed nerve damage and extended survival by 10 days in mice with a Lou Gehrig's disease model.
Researchers found that families with good relationships with their pediatricians received more advice on injury prevention issues, leading to better behavior changes. The study suggests that establishing a trust-based relationship between parents and doctors can lead to improved health outcomes.
A study using a birthing simulator found that turning the baby so its spine faces the mother's belly requires less force and stretching on the baby's nerves than other techniques. This method can help reduce the risk of injury to babies during complicated deliveries.
The study found substantial improvements in exercise groups, including a 16% increase in aerobic fitness and a 17% increase in strength fitness. In contrast, the control group showed less improvement, indicating that exercise is an effective treatment for metabolic syndrome in older adults.
Researchers discovered a jumping gene called Hermes, which creates changes in DNA similar to those created by the process behind antigen recognition. This discovery provides evidence that genetic processes behind antigen diversity may have evolved from the activity of a jumping gene.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that pulsatile lavage equipment was the cause of an Acinetobacter baumannii outbreak, infecting 11 patients. The investigation led to changes in hospital procedures, including wearing masks and gloves during procedures and using private treatment rooms.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a second source of phosphate in cells, inositol pyrophosphate (IP7), which modifies proteins without ATP's help. IP7's role in regulating brain chemicals and protein synthesis suggests new potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found that engineered fruit flies with resistant rhodopsin protein retained vision twice as long as normal flies, but eventually developed blindness due to delayed decay of rhodopsin. The study suggests that degradation of visual proteins contributes to vision loss and may help reduce blindness severity in rare individuals.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a protein called semaphorin 5A that prevents nerve growth after injury. By blocking its interaction with CSPGs, nerves can be freed to continue growing.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that stressed mice develop skin cancer faster than non-stressed mice. Stress-reducing programs like yoga and meditation may help individuals at high risk for skin cancer stay healthy longer.
A study published in JAMA found that MRI can accurately detect breast cancer with a high sensitivity rate of 88.1%, but its effectiveness decreases when ruling out malignancies. The technology is most beneficial for patients with difficult-to-interpret mammograms.
Researchers found that implementing a series of simple interventions, including education and safety checklists, significantly reduced catheter-related infections in an ICU setting. The interventions prevented over 40 infections and saved nearly $2 million in additional healthcare costs.
Recent studies suggest that two chemical signals, Hedgehog and Wnt, play a key role in the development of certain cancers. These signals are also active in normal stem cells that repair damaged tissue, raising the possibility that some cancers may start from these cells with accumulated mutations.
Studies found that sit-down rounds significantly improved patient outcomes, including healthy levels of albumin and hemoglobin, lower hospitalization rates, and reduced mortality. Patients treated at clinics with regular sit-down rounds had better care team communication and were more likely to be white, married, or high school graduates.
A research team at Johns Hopkins Medicine has discovered a new protein pair that stops blood vessels' growth in developing mice, shedding light on tumor development and nerve regeneration. The study, published in Science, reveals a unique mechanism of action for the protein Sema3E, which works differently from other semaphorins.
Scientists have developed a new fluorescent protein probe to study cyclic AMP activity in living cells. The probe allows for real-time monitoring of cyclic AMP's impact on cellular responses, revealing its importance in various biological processes.
Researchers found evidence of ongoing inflammatory process in autistic brains, particularly in regions involving microglia and astroglia. Cytokine and chemokine levels were abnormally elevated, suggesting localized inflammation within the brain.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified Notch2 as a key gene target in childhood brain tumors, medulloblastoma. High levels of the Notch2 gene are associated with poorer outcomes and cancer cell growth promotion.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that high-dose vitamin E supplements may increase the risk of death. The study analyzed data from 19 major clinical trials and found a significant association between high-dose vitamin E use and increased mortality rates.
A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that children who eat concentrated peanut products frequently have a lower chance of having their peanut allergy recur. The researchers recommend that these children maintain tolerance by consuming peanut products at least once a month.
Researchers found that injections of bone marrow stem cells into damaged heart muscle produced nearly full recovery after two months. The study showed no recovery in the control group, with worsened conditions leading to congestive heart failure.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully replicated heart stem cells using a new technique, producing over 100 million cells in four weeks. The resulting cardiospheres contain cells that can regenerate and develop into specialized heart cells.
A new gene therapy technique has successfully treated irregular heart rhythms in pigs, using a 'painting' method to deliver the therapy. The technique, which uses a plastic, gel-like substance to contain the gene therapy, shows promise for treating atrial fibrillation, a common heart condition.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a genetic test that accurately distinguishes between ischemic and nonischemic heart failure. The test uses gene expression profiling to identify 90 genes that differentiate the two forms of the disease, improving accuracy and potentially leading to better treatment outcomes.
Researchers have created a powerful 'toolkit' that enables fast and accurate functional profiling of yeast genes. By combining multiple techniques, the toolkit allows scientists to identify genes whose coupled elimination kills the yeast, providing valuable insights into gene interactions.
A recent study published in JAMA found that only a few US physicians have been elected to Congress since the 1960s. The researchers suggest that training and financial incentives may be contributing factors to this lack of representation. The study highlights the need for medical leadership in shaping healthcare policy.
A new quick test has been developed to detect drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea by identifying genes linked to resistance in urine samples or leftover products from other diagnostic techniques. The test uses probe technology to simplify analysis of samples that cannot be used for culturing organisms.
A clinical trial found that daily and weekend administration of atropine sulfate eye drops have similar improvement in children with amblyopia, a condition affecting 3% of US children. The study suggests weekend drops may relieve parent burden while encouraging treatment compliance.
A study of 2,279 patients found that hand washing was a key factor in preventing MRSA infections. Patients who received antibiotics were more likely to be infected with MRSA due to unclean hands among healthcare workers.
The LigAmp test detects single nucleotide differences in cancer and HIV, improving diagnosis and monitoring. Researchers have identified potential mutations for early cancer detection and drug resistance in HIV patients.
Researchers found that stem cells in mice with Alzheimer's disease were attracted to abnormal protein bundles called amyloid plaques. This could lead to the development of plaque-busting treatments using adult olfactory bulb stem cells.
A study published in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that infections occur around birth are associated with an increased risk of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), a condition causing brain tissue death. PVL is the most common form of brain injury in premature infants, resulting in cerebral palsy.