The newly revised nomograms combine clinical stage, Gleason score, and PSA level information to identify men who can be cured by surgery alone. The use of these nomograms should improve our ability to predict surgical curability and help patients make informed treatment decisions.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine report a test that counts AIDS viruses in blood can identify infected infants and extend their lives by starting treatment early. The test shows within a month after birth whether a baby born to an HIV-positive mother is also infected, allowing for prompt intervention.
Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) found in white-tailed deer and black bears, with 56% of Midwestern patients hospitalized due to severe symptoms. Early detection is crucial for treatment with a special antibiotic, which can cure the infection in 24-48 hours.
A recent study found that African-American men are four times more likely to develop end-stage renal disease than white men, with high blood pressure and lower income contributing to the increased risk. The study analyzed data from over 332,000 men aged 35-57 and found that interventions addressing ethnic disparities in blood pressure ...
A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products can significantly lower blood pressure. Among participants with high-normal or stage 1-mild hypertension, the DASH combination diet reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 3.5 m...
Patients prefer bedside discussions by physicians and medical students over conference room presentations, finding them more comfortable and attended to. More educated patients were more likely to understand their treatment plans and express satisfaction with care.
Maintaining a surgical patient's normal body temperature has been shown to reduce infections, speed healing and shorten hospital stays. Results of a clinical trial suggest a 55% risk reduction in cardiac complications when near-normal body temperatures are maintained.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have modified established drugs to stimulate nerve growth without suppressing the immune system, a critical step toward treating neurodegenerative diseases. The new compounds were able to regenerate lost branches of nerve cells and cause recovery of functions in lab animals.
Researchers found that black children are nearly 2.5 times more likely than white children to receive hemodialysis versus peritoneal dialysis. The disparity was observed across different age groups, with younger black children being most likely to opt for hemodialysis.
A Johns Hopkins study found that in 83 neighborhood stores, 86% of African-American and white teen buyers successfully purchased cigarettes, often with seductive advertisements targeting minors. The researchers suggest strengthening public awareness of tobacco's health hazards to prevent teen smoking.
Researchers found that ketoconazole slowed disease progression by 66% in patients with glomerular disease and 77% in those with diabetic nephropathy. However, the treatment accelerated disease rate in patients with polycystic kidney disease. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a protein called Homer that strengthens the link between drug addiction and long-term memory. The study found that Homer binds to nerve cells' message-receiving structures, potentially leading to new treatments for addiction.
Scientists have identified a key genetic pathway responsible for 90 percent of colon cancers, which could lead to the development of targeted therapies. The mutation of the APC gene disrupts normal cell regulation, causing uncontrolled growth and cancer.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that many patients undergoing gene testing for cancer susceptibility are not adequately informed about the test's benefits and limitations. The survey found that only 19% of patients received genetic counseling prior to testing, and 17% provided written informed consent.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a protein called GRIP that clusters neurotransmitter receptors together on brain cells, enabling faster and stronger communication between nerve cells. This discovery has the potential to play a role in learning and memory.
Cancerous cells produce high amounts of free-radicals that promote uncontrolled cell growth; antioxidants and protein inhibitors can suppress this process, slowing down runaway cell division.
A Johns Hopkins study found that physicians in psychiatry and surgery have a higher risk of divorce, with rates ranging from 51% for psychiatrists to 29% for other specialties. The study suggests that marital counseling during residency training may help strengthen marriages.
Researchers have found that cidofovir, a new antiviral drug, can slow the progression of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, a common cause of vision loss and blindness in AIDS patients. The study showed that both low and high doses of the drug were effective, allowing for less frequent treatment compared to traditional options.
Researchers studied 171 hospital patients with diabetes mellitus and found that sliding scale insulin regimens provided no benefit. Patients on standing regimens fared better than those on sliding scale regimens, which tripled the risk of hyperglycemia when used alone.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers reveals that long-term estrogen replacement therapy can increase blood flow to the heart and cause blood vessels to stay open wider and longer. This leads to a reduced risk of heart attack and improved coronary circulation.
Young physicians who undergo formal training in ultrasound testing on pregnant women perform better than those without such training, according to a Johns Hopkins study. The formal training program includes a checklist of sonographic skills and evaluates residents' progress through practical exams.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found a connection between viral infections and immune system B cells producing immunoglobin E, a protein that causes allergic reactions. The study suggests that vaccinating children against mild childhood viral diseases could reduce the incidence of asthma and allergies.
A water-based pillow significantly improved quality of sleep and modestly reduced morning pain intensity compared to standard and roll pillows. The pillow contained a pouch of water, adjustable for firmness, and supported neck muscles and structures damaged by injury or disease.
A new study suggests that a drug that inhibits nitric oxide production may reduce the risk of brain damage during heart surgery. The study found that dogs treated with the drug showed significantly less apoptotic brain cell damage and decreased nitric oxide in the brain compared to untreated dogs.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that the gene KVLQT-1 is imprinted nearly everywhere in the body, but not typically in heart cells. This selective imprinting may explain why changes to the gene have different effects on heart rhythm and growth disorders.
A new study of 121 children aged 5-14 found that allergy shots had no significant benefits for patients whose asthma symptoms are controlled with medication. However, shots may be useful in certain groups, such as those with irregular medication use or difficulty avoiding allergens.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that alcohol was a factor in at least a third of fatal and non-fatal bicycle accidents. The researchers suggest that cycling safety programs including warnings against intoxication could reduce the estimated 60,000 alcohol-related cycling injuries annually.
The new Moore Options program uses AIDS specialists as primary care providers and coordinators, focusing on complex patient needs. Published studies show improved outcomes and lower costs for patients treated by experienced care providers.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine identify TWIST gene as cause of Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by craniofacial abnormalities and limb defects. The study confirms the role of the TWIST protein in human development and provides insight into the confusion with Crouzon syndrome.
A prospective study found that people who have suffered major depression may have up to a four-fold increased risk for heart attack. Researchers suggest treating the depression might be crucial not only for quality of life but also for heart health, as it was depression itself causing the risk, not medications.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a link between nitric oxide levels and the severity of AIDS dementia. The study found that high levels of nitric oxide synthase in the brains of patients with advanced HIV infection led to brain cell destruction, affecting 20% of those affected.
Researchers found that patients who received chemotherapy and radiation after surgery lived longer than those who did not. Additionally, 7% of patients had inherited mutations in the BRCA2 gene, which is linked to breast and ovarian cancer.
A national survey found that HMOs cover a range of laser technologies from 25% to 90%, with independent practice associations covering more advanced procedures. The study suggests that cost is becoming a factor in HMO decision-making, potentially limiting access to new medical technologies.
A Johns Hopkins study found that parathyroid gland surgery is more successful and less expensive at academic medical centers with specialized facilities and experienced surgeons. The results showed a cure rate of 97% at high-volume centers compared to 80% at lower-volume hospitals.
Researchers have developed a new imaging technique to visualize brain cells releasing serotonin in humans, potentially resolving the safety debate over two popular diet drugs. The method could provide valuable information on the risks of fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine, and its applications extend beyond diet drug studies.
Scientists have narrowed down the list of suspect peanut proteins from 30 to seven, a significant step towards developing effective treatments for peanut allergies. The identification of these specific proteins opens up new avenues for investigation, including gene injection therapy and vaccine development.
Johns Hopkins researchers have identified two genetic mutations that may cause or contribute to nearly half of all non-inherited cases of ALS. The mutations involve a glutamate transporter protein, EAAT2, which normally deactivates and recycles glutamate, leading to increased paralysis and death in two to five years.
A study in rats found that natural estrogen levels provide significant neuroprotection against stroke damage, sparing up to three times more brain tissue than male counterparts. Researchers are now investigating the optimal dose of estrogen for this effect and its potential as a brain-protective therapy.
Researchers created genetically engineered mice with a mutated gene linked to AD, producing 50% more A-beta42 peptide. This discovery may lead to targeted drug treatment for AD by understanding the mechanism of presenilin-1 and APP production.
A diet high in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and other low-fat foods significantly lowers blood pressure, according to a multicenter study. The combination diet reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 5.5 mm Hg and diastolic pressure by an average of 3.0 mm Hg within two weeks.
Researchers found that people with only occasionally elevated blood pressure already had blood vessel abnormalities before the onset of sustained high blood pressure. The study suggests that vascular changes may lead to hypertension, rather than vice versa, in people.
A Johns Hopkins study uses an atomic force microscope to probe living heart cells, revealing that actin plays a crucial role in maintaining cell elasticity. The findings suggest that measuring heart cells' elasticity may improve understanding of healthy and diseased cells, leading to better diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.
Researchers have developed a rapid nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test that can measure heart cell damage from heart attacks in living animals. The new method quickly measures damage to the heart when blood flow stops and restarts, producing sodium 'maps' of the heart.
Researchers successfully used a harmless virus to deliver a normal gene into muscle cells in animals and humans, producing the enzyme for at least three months. This breakthrough could lead to a single treatment for children with Pompe's disease, an inherited fatal heart condition.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that boosting production of the molecule arginine can restore normal blood vessel responses in people with coronary artery disease. By increasing nitric oxide production, researchers were able to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of ischemia and heart attack.
A temporary metal filter successfully caught a life-threatening blood clot in a bedridden patient, preventing catastrophic lung damage. The procedure, performed by Johns Hopkins physicians, marks the first use of the filter in the US and holds potential for thousands of accident victims.
Researchers found a direct link between changes in the brain's receptor sites and cocaine addiction behavior, suggesting that the body's natural opiates play a key role in craving. The study uses PET scans to measure binding to opiate receptors, providing new potential avenues for predicting relapse and treating addiction.
Johns Hopkins has started performing the new Port-Access technique for single-graft coronary artery bypasses and heart valve replacement and repair. The procedure is designed to reduce trauma, complications, and pain, resulting in shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times.
A year-long study found that implantable insulin pumps effectively controlled blood glucose levels, reduced fluctuations in blood glucose, and mild hypoglycemia by 68% compared to daily injections. The pump also eliminated weight gain associated with injections and improved patients' quality of life.
Recent studies from Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified genetic links to Crohn's disease, a condition affecting 400,000 US citizens. The research suggests multiple genes contribute to the disease, with earlier onset in families with a history of the condition.