Patients with severe COVID-19 infections who have high levels of the blood clotting protein factor V are at risk for serious injury from blood clots. Critically ill patients with low levels of factor V appear to be at increased risk for death due to a coagulopathy resembling disseminated intravascular coagulation.
A new software program, Down Syndrome Clinic to You (DSC2U), has been shown to be effective in improving adherence to US national Down syndrome guidelines. DSC2U aggregates the clinical experience of specialists and connects patients' families with customized information to augment local care providers.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a method to identify clinical markers that predict patient response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. The approach involves analyzing gene signatures from cancer tumors and correlating them with patient outcomes, revealing distinct patterns between responders and non-responders.
A recent clinical trial has shown that an experimental medication, AMX0035, can slow the progression of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by improving functional outcomes. The study involved 137 participants with ALS and demonstrated a significant slowing of disease progression.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital have successfully treated hepatitis C-infected kidneys in transplant patients using glecaprevir and pibrentasvir. The study shows that early antiviral intervention can cure the virus without serious side effects, paving the way for a significant increase in organ availability.
Researchers develop Dual CAR T cell immunotherapy to target HIV reservoir, showing promise in controlling viral replication and preserving CD4+ T cells. The therapy was effective in slowing HIV replication, killing infected cells, and suppressing the virus with ART.
Researchers found that elite HIV controllers have viral reservoirs located in inactive regions of the genome, known as gene deserts, which are incapable of reactivating. This unique characteristic may hold the key to achieving a functional cure for HIV by targeting active viral reservoirs.
A majority of patients with medullary thyroid cancer treated with selpercatinib lived for more than a year without disease progression. The drug showed high efficacy and good tolerability, with response rates of up to 79% and manageable side effects.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found that inhaled nitric oxide therapy improved cardiopulmonary function and decreased inflammation in six pregnant patients with severe COVID-19. The treatment resulted in rapid resolution of viral infection within 22 days, with no adverse side effects.
A study published in JCI Insight has identified a potential treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with tesamorelin reducing liver fat and fibrosis progression. The drug appears to increase expression of genes associated with burning of fat in the mitochondria, which may prevent fibrosis.
Researchers created a novel bioluminescent system to monitor DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathways, which play a crucial role in multiple conditions including cancer. The BLRR-based system allows for direct tracking of DSB repair pathways in animals and cell lines, providing new insights into cancer treatment resistance.
A comprehensive pediatric study shows children can carry high levels of the virus and spread infection, contradicting previous assumptions. The study's findings have implications for reopening schools and daycare centers, highlighting the need for increased precautions to keep kids, teachers, and staff safe.
Researchers found that COVID-19 patients often lack germinal centers, essential for a durable immune response, due to impaired helper T cell development. This can lead to short-lived immunity and increased risk of re-infection, complicating the development of herd immunity.
The study found that vulnerable populations, including Hispanic patients and those enrolled in Medicaid, were disproportionately affected by COVID-19. The data also showed high rates of disease-related complications and the need for post-discharge care to support patients' physical and emotional needs.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered the role of an enzyme in X chromosome inactivation, which is essential for normal female development and sets the stage for genetic disorders. The study shows that a critical protein helps 'flip the switch' on one X chromosome, allowing the other to be silenced.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital identified social connection and reducing sedentary activities like TV watching as valuable targets for preventing depression. The study found that frequency of confiding in others, visits with family and friends, were strong protective factors against depression risk.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital used single-cell analysis to uncover new details about mitochondrial diseases, including lower levels of disease-causing mutations in certain immune cells. This discovery could lead to improved diagnosis and monitoring of the diseases, as well as potential new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital studied nearly 94,000 people with atopic dermatitis and found no association between topical immunosuppressants and increased skin cancer risk. The study suggests that patients can safely use these medications to treat their condition without an increased risk of skin cancer.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that government-implemented physical distancing measures significantly slowed the spread of COVID-19 in the US. The study analyzed data from the first five months of the epidemic and found that average daily case growth rates declined after implementation, and that the number of cases double...
A recent clinical trial found that aspirin use increased the risk of advanced cancer progression and early death in older adults. Aspirin was associated with a higher risk of metastasized cancer and stage 4 cancer, leading to higher mortality rates among those diagnosed with advanced solid cancers.
A study published in Immunity identified five humoral immune response markers that can correctly classify convalescent COVID-19 patients and those who did not survive the disease. These markers, including IgM and IgA1 responses to S protein and N protein, were able to predict patient outcomes more accurately than demographic factors.
A new study found that HIV screening every three months compared to annually improves clinical outcomes and is cost-effective among high-risk YMSM in the US. The study also suggests that more frequent screening could lead to improved life expectancy and reduced HIV transmission among these men.
A large randomized clinical trial involving over 18,000 participants found no significant benefit from vitamin D supplementation in preventing depression or improving mood. The study's results confirm longstanding questions about the effectiveness of vitamin D in reducing depression risk.
A new study found that frontline healthcare workers, particularly those from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, faced a nearly threefold increased risk of COVID-19 compared to the general community. The study also highlighted the disproportionate impact of inadequate PPE availability on these workers.
The new CGBE1 tool enables efficient induction of C-to-G mutations while minimizing unwanted changes, offering potential for treating disease-associated genetic mutations. Co-authors envision CGBE1 as useful for research applications, enabling introduction of specific C-to-G mutations.
Physicists at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as a potential contrast agent for low-field MRI scanners. The nanoparticles could enable the use of low-cost MRI technology in emergency rooms and doctors' offices for routine screenings, revolutionizing disease diagnosis and screening.
A large study found increased risk of heart disease, chronic liver and kidney disease, and physical function impairment in people with HIV. The study aims to develop effective prevention strategies and guidelines for cardiovascular risk management in this population.
A Massachusetts General Hospital team used functional MRI to assess a severely unresponsive COVID-19 patient, discovering robust brain connectivity despite structural damage. The patient later recovered ability to follow commands and demonstrated improved cognitive function.
Researchers have identified a promising new strategy to target tumors with metabolic weaknesses, particularly in patients with IDH mutant gliomas. Combining chemotherapy and PAR glycohydrolase inhibitors has shown promise in enhancing treatment effectiveness.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found that hospitalized patients with a documented penicillin allergy were twice as likely to be prescribed alternative antibiotics. The study suggests that these substitutions may be unnecessary and could increase the risk of adverse side effects and antibiotic resistance.
A novel, portable device called iCoagLab has been developed to measure blood clotting ability in minutes, reducing time and accuracy of traditional tests. The test was compared to a conventional test on 270 patients and found to be as sensitive at detecting bleeding risk with higher accuracy.
A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital reveals that different forms of phosphorylated tau can explain variable effects in Alzheimer's disease. The research found specific molecular characteristics associated with greater tau spread and worse disease progression.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed an algorithm to track patients' medical records over time in EHRs to predict disease likelihood. The strategy connects information on medications and diagnoses, revealing accurate disease markers that can be interpreted by clinicians.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that a protein called AP-2 beta induces expression of KCTD1, which triggers kidney structure differentiation. The discovery could lead to therapeutic approaches to block reactivation of beta-catenin in the adult kidney to inhibit renal fibrosis.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found that among symptomatic pregnant women, 7.9% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, while asymptomatic women had a 1.5% test positivity rate. The study suggests universal testing can provide insight into community prevalence and inform public health decisions.
Scientists have identified a key mechanism in X chromosome inactivation that may lead to treatments for rare congenital disorders and certain cancers. By understanding how this mechanism works, researchers hope to develop novel medicines for diseases like Rett syndrome.
A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital identifies modifiable and behavioral risk factors that can lead to burnout and suicide among healthcare providers. The research highlights the need for increased screening and treatment to address civil legal issues, mental health concerns, and cultural stigma.
A new analysis predicts a sharp rise in alcohol-related liver disease in the US, with over 1 million deaths projected by 2040. Reducing high-risk drinking rates could prevent 299,000 deaths compared to the status quo scenario.
Researchers found that genetic risk scores can identify at-risk patients who are not presently identified through standard clinical evaluations. The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that individuals with high PRS were more likely to develop coronary artery disease and should be recommended fo...
A global study found that COVID-19 patients who undergo surgery experience substantially worse postoperative outcomes than similar patients without SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mortality rates approach those of the sickest patients admitted to intensive care after contracting the virus in the community.
Researchers found an unexpected connection between electron imbalance in liver cells and many metabolic problems, including cardiovascular disease and fatty liver disease. The study identified a biomarker, alpha-hydroxybutyrate, to test for reductive stress and suggests LbNOX as a potential treatment.
A new study has found that neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels in the blood can distinguish individuals at high risk of Alzheimer's disease at age 22, on average 22 years before their estimated age of cognitive impairment.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found significant racial and ethnic disparities in the use of medications for opioid use disorder during pregnancy. Black and Hispanic women were less likely to receive or consistently use these medications compared to white non-Hispanic women.
A new study reveals that lymph node and distant metastases develop through different evolutionary mechanisms, with lymph nodes being a genetically highly diverse group. This suggests that metastasis formation in locoregional lymph nodes is comparatively easy and can be achieved by many cells, whereas dissemination to and outgrowth in d...
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered a new marker for allergic diseases, sialic acid on IgE antibodies, which may improve diagnoses. The team also found that removing sialic acid from IgE enhances allergic reactions in animal models, paving the way for novel treatment strategies.
A team of researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital has identified key molecular step stones in ALD that may provide targets for drug therapy development. The study found that cGAS and Cx32 are promising potential molecular targets for ALD treatment development.
Virtual rounds and intercom communication systems enable compassionate and reassuring encounters while preserving PPE, reducing exposure time, and delivering exceptional care during mass contagion. The COVID-19 pandemic may transform outdated healthcare delivery methods and reveal new ways to use virtual care to improve patient health.
A study using mouse models of Alzheimer's disease found that high calcium levels in mitochondria are associated with plaque deposition and neuronal death. Researchers propose targeting calcium entry to the mitochondria as a promising new therapeutic approach.
A new COVID Symptom Tracker app has generated over 2.5 million daily reports from individuals in the US and UK, providing insights into COVID-19 hot spots and new symptoms. The app may inform guidelines on self-isolation and hospital capacity planning.
A recent study found that nearly 1% of the population carry genetic variants substantially increasing CVD and cancer risk. However, relying on family history alone may fail to identify high-risk individuals, highlighting the need for broader genetic testing populations.