Researchers at The Miriam Hospital developed an app to reduce sedentary behavior in obese individuals. The app, B-Mobile, uses automated prompts and feedback to encourage short breaks and increase physical activity, resulting in reduced sedentary time and improved health outcomes.
Researchers analyzed 763 South African men who frequent public drinking venues, finding nearly two-thirds with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), associated with increased HIV risk. The study highlights the need for integrated interventions targeting both alcohol and HIV-risk behaviors.
A new study suggests that bipolar children have unique brain activity patterns compared to adults, particularly in emotional face recognition and cognitive tasks. The research provides insight into potential targeted treatments for pediatric bipolar disorder.
Researchers found that adding evidence-based weight loss strategies to a statewide wellness campaign improves weight loss outcomes among participants, with the internet-based approach being the most cost-effective. The study involved 230 participants who received either the standard campaign or one of two evidence-based programs.
Researchers have discovered a protein essential for malaria-causing parasites to escape from red blood cells. Antibodies to this protein trap the parasite inside these cells, preventing its progression and potentially leading to a vaccine. The study found zero cases of severe malaria in children with antibodies to the protein.
A new study from the Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center found that family-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is beneficial to young children between the ages of five and eight with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The treatment was more effective in reducing OCD symptoms and functional impairment compared to a relaxati...
Patients with a documented diagnosis of dementia are nearly 20% more likely to be readmitted within 30 days than those without dementia. This is due to difficulties comprehending discharge instructions and multiple medical conditions.
A new study at Rhode Island Hospital compared data from states with and without medical marijuana laws, finding no significant increase in adolescent marijuana use. The research suggests that state medical marijuana policies do not have a downstream effect on teenage drug use, contrary to concerns from the public.
Researchers at Lifespan have developed a blood test that can predict a person's risk of sudden cardiac death with high accuracy, enabling more targeted and efficient assessment of patients' needs for implantable cardiac defibrillators. The test is expected to refine the need for such devices and reduce overuse of ICDs.
The study found an increase in community-acquired and healthcare-associated infections due to ESBL-producing bacteria, with high levels of resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Many strains of E. coli are also becoming increasingly resistant.
The Miriam Hospital will continue to conduct HIV/AIDS research and provide treatments under the NIH grant, which has supported studies since 2000. The grant renewal allows for further investigation into novel therapeutic interventions and reduced pill burden for treatment-experienced patients.
A recent study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that a text-message program is an effective tool for preventing violence among at-risk teen girls. The program, which was developed with input from the teens themselves, provides personalized and positively worded messages to help them develop coping strategies and prev...
Researchers found that a cancer medication reduces sudden cardiac death risk in mice with abnormal heartbeats and heart failure. This promising treatment option could provide patients and clinicians with a new paradigm for treating life-threatening illness.
Researchers at The Miriam Hospital found that players on the web-based commercial weight loss program DietBet lost an average of 4.9% of their initial body weight over seven months. Social interactions and financial incentives played a significant role in player success.
Patients with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) reported significant improvements in symptoms and disability after receiving cognitive behavioral therapy. The study, published in Behavior Therapy, suggests that CBT is an effective treatment modality for BDD, offering a promising alternative to existing treatments.
Researchers identified components of the C. difficile bacteria that can be used to develop a rapid diagnostic test, potentially leading to more timely initiation of antibiotics and improved outcomes for patients. The study's technology can also help quickly detect and identify hypervirulent strains of the bacterium.
Researchers found that women in violent relationships fear asking their partners to use condoms due to concerns about violent consequences, leading to inconsistent condom use. The study suggests that health providers should address IPV and fear of IPV when providing HIV prevention services.
A nationwide survey of state prison administrators found that Medicaid enrollment increased in preparation for release, improving access to basic health services. Most systems provided assistance with reenrollment, but termination policies were common, making it challenging for prisoners to access care upon release.
A study by Julie Boergers linked later school start times to improved sleep and mood in teens. The research found a significant increase in sleep duration and reduction in daytime sleepiness, depressed mood, and caffeine use after the delay in school start time.
A 10-year observational study of nearly 3,000 participants found that maintaining a 10% weight loss was possible for over 87% of individuals. The researchers identified physical activity, self-weighing, low-fat diets, and avoiding overeating as key predictors of successful weight loss maintenance.
Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital validated the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) as an accurate measure of pain level in non-verbal cardiac surgery patients. The study found that CPOT provides a reliable tool for pain assessment, improving patient outcomes such as reduced ventilator use and better pain management.
Researchers at the Cardiovascular Institute found that unfolded protein response contributes to sudden cardiac death in heart failure. Blocking this response may significantly reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death.
A national study published in NEJM found that comprehensive medical therapy is as effective as renal stenting in preventing clinical events for patients with renal artery stenosis. The study, led by Rhode Island Hospital researchers, involved over 947 participants and followed them for up to seven years.
The Cardiovascular Institute at Rhode Island Hospital will present 22 abstracts on various aspects of cardiovascular research, including arrhythmias, myocardial function, and electro-mechanical cardiac function. Researchers from the institute are among the largest group of scientists presenting their work at the AHA Scientific Sessions.
Researchers at Bradley Hospital found that healthy adolescents with shorter sleep patterns were more prone to acute illnesses, while consistent sleep schedules reduced the risk of illness. The study suggests prioritizing regular sleep can help teenagers stay healthier.
A new study from The Miriam Hospital found a negative association between alcohol consumption and condom use among college women. Women who smoked marijuana with established romantic partners also used condoms less often, highlighting the importance of understanding factors predicting condom use.
A researcher at Miriam Hospital has been awarded a $2.9 million NIH grant to investigate the physiological impact of maternal smoking on fetal development. The study will use ultrasound technology to identify real-time fetal markers of risk among pregnant smokers, with the goal of predicting infant neurobehavioral deficits.
A Rhode Island Hospital study observed staff on 161,526 occasions and found that hand hygiene compliance improved from 60% to 89% between July 2008 and December 2012. The investigators noted increased compliance when healthcare workers were leaving patient rooms or caring for patients during the evening shift.
Researchers at the Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center are developing an interactive web-based computer game for children with food allergies. The game aims to increase knowledge, improve self-efficacy, and reduce risk of serious allergic reactions by teaching children how to avoid trigger foods and manage symptoms.
A study by Rhode Island Hospital researchers found a pathway connecting acid reflux and esophageal cancer, suggesting that blocking this pathway with proton pump inhibitors could prevent esophageal cancer. Patients with persistent acid reflux complicated by Barrett's esophagus may be at higher risk of developing esophageal cancer.
A 40-year longitudinal study found that prenatal exposure to stress hormones and maternal smoking during pregnancy predict nicotine dependence in adult daughters. Mothers who smoked 15 cigarettes a day or more during pregnancy were 52% more likely to have a daughter addicted to nicotine.
A recent Rhode Island Hospital study found that improving law enforcement's role in responding to overdose emergencies could significantly impact the number of overdose deaths. The study revealed that officers are often frustrated by limitations to their medical role and lack clarity on what they can do at the scene.
The Rhode Island Consortium for Autism Research and Treatment (RI-CART) has received a $1.2 million grant to create a confidential registry of individuals diagnosed with autism in the state. The registry aims to improve diagnoses and treatments by connecting families with clinical experts and researchers.
A Miriam Hospital researcher joins an international panel to issue first-of-its-kind recommendations for treating hepatitis C in people who inject drugs. The guidelines present evidence-based strategies for improving assessment and treatment, which could dramatically reduce the burden of liver disease worldwide.
A new study at Rhode Island Hospital found that academic medical centers have higher recall rates for mammography than community radiology centers. The study, led by Dr. Ana Lourenco, found that younger patients and those with previous surgeries or biopsies were more likely to be recalled.
The Rhode Island Consortium for Autism Research and Treatment (RI-CART) brings together researchers, physicians, scientists, service providers, educators, and parents to collaborate on research, education, and advocacy projects. The consortium aims to improve the lives of Rhode Islanders with autism spectrum disorders by promoting coll...
A study by Rhode Island Hospital researchers found that caregivers of people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia can benefit from tailored interventions. The factors contributing to caregiver burden include direct impact on their lives, feelings of guilt, frustration, or embarrassment.
Researchers at RI Hospital found that the absence of Shp-2 enzyme near specialized cartilage cells can lead to multiple benign cartilage tumors in mice. These tumors can become malignant in humans and are a rare condition known as metachondromatosis.
A recent study at Rhode Island Hospital found that acute aortic dissection repair performed in the waning full moon reduces the odds of death, while full moon cycles are associated with shorter length of stay. The study's findings suggest that lunar cycles may play a role in cardiac patient outcomes.
The hospital's aggressive approach helped manage brain swelling, stop seizures, and minimize brain injury in the patient. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that EEE is one of the most severe mosquito-transmitted diseases in the U.S., with a mortality rate of approximately 33%.
Rhode Island Hospital implemented a five-step plan to reduce hospital-associated C. difficile infections, resulting in a 70% decrease and a 64% reduction in associated mortality. The study's success highlights the importance of a collaborative effort between hospital departments to improve patient safety.
A new study found that college hooking up is influenced by pre-college hookups, personality traits, and substance use patterns, particularly marijuana use. The research suggests early hookup experiences may shape future behavior.
Researchers found that telephone-based counseling combined with physician advice increased physical activity among breast cancer survivors by 30 minutes per week. The study also showed significant improvements in patients' motivational readiness and overall well-being.
A pediatric emergency medicine physician at Hasbro Children's Hospital is leading a $3.2 million NIH-funded study to validate a two-question screen for adolescent alcohol abuse. The goal is to determine if the shorter survey can predict risky behaviors as effectively as longer questionnaires.
A new study at Rhode Island Hospital found that many older women are overdiagnosed and overtreated for urinary tract infections (UTIs), highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis. The study suggests that collecting urine by inserting a temporary catheter may reduce false-positive results and unnecessary antibiotic exposure.
A study of college freshmen women found that excessive media use, particularly social networking and texting, was associated with lower GPAs and other negative academic outcomes. However, newspaper reading and listening to music were positively correlated with academic performance.
Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital found that patients co-infected with H1N1 pandemic virus and a second respiratory virus experienced similar outcomes as those with single-virus infections. Despite increased risk of secondary bacterial pneumonia, co-infection was not linked to hospital admission or ICU treatment.
A study by W. Curt LaFrance Jr., M.D., M.P.H. found that TBI significantly increases the odds of major depression, personality impulsivity, and PTSD in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). Patients with PNES and TBI had higher rates of disability, unemployment, and poorer functioning.
A new study found that nearly half of opioid-dependent individuals report concerns with forced methadone withdrawal, discouraging them from seeking treatment after release. Methadone therapy is a proven treatment for opioid dependence and has serious implications for public health and safety.
Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital have discovered a new strategy to effectively treat and prevent osteoarthritis by adding lubricin protein to joint fluid. This breakthrough finding may reduce the risk of or even prevent OA, which affects 27 million adults in the US.