A Massachusetts General Hospital study found wide variation in the use of intensive care units and general medical units for non-invasive ventilation, with no difference in outcomes detected between patients treated on either unit. The study analyzed data from over 5,000 patients and found that some hospitals delivered most non-invasiv...
Researchers at MGH found that mitochondrial permeability determines the impact of autophagy on lifespan, with low levels required for health benefits. Elevated autophagy can be detrimental due to excessive opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that none of the US commercial laboratories offering noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) fully meet the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics recommendations for genetic disorder detection and reporting. The report highlights inconsistencies and inadequacies in NIPS test res...
A new study suggests that dolutegravir-based treatment could save thousands of lives in South Africa by reducing deaths among women and preventing HIV transmission to children. However, the use of dolutegravir may increase the risk of birth defects.
Researchers found that low-dose radiation increases the uptake of therapeutic nanoparticles by glioblastomas, allowing for targeted siRNA delivery and improved survival in mouse models. The therapy also activates the immune response at the tumor site, decreasing PD-L1 expression and increasing CD8 T cell recruitment.
Researchers found that C. elegans can acquire the molybdenum cofactor (Moco) by consuming E.coli bacteria, a molecule essential to enzyme function. This ability offers potential therapeutic avenues for treating Moco deficiency, a rare human genetic disorder.
A team from Massachusetts General Hospital has developed a new method to encapsulate human stem-cell-derived beta cells, which restored glucose metabolism in diabetic mice and protected the cells from immune system attack. The use of an immune-repellent protein, CXCL12, significantly prolonged the survival and function of the cells.
A clinical trial found that immunotherapy treatment significantly reduced the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in patients with precancerous skin lesions. The study showed a 75% reduction in SCC development on the face and scalp, with only 7% of participants developing SCC compared to 28% in the control group.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital reveals that over a third of individuals in recovery have chronic physical diseases related to previous substance use. The presence of these diseases significantly reduces participants' quality of life and is associated with lower life expectancy.
A study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry found increased connectivity between motor regions and the multimodal integration network in patients with FND. Symptom severity also correlated with increased coupling between the insula and the amygdala, which improved response to treatment.
A study found that parents who use e-cigarettes are more likely to allow vaping in homes and cars than those who smoke traditional cigarettes. However, most parents reported having strict smoke-free policies in their homes, but these policies were not always enforced.
A recent study has identified 76 new gene regions associated with sleep duration, revealing a significant link between genetics and sleep patterns. The findings suggest that many genes important for animal models may also influence human sleep, opening up new avenues for understanding the regulation of sleep.
The study found that activity of the ActRII pathway increases with aging and heart failure, leading to cardiac dysfunction. Inhibiting this pathway can improve cardiac function in animal models of heart failure, suggesting a potential new treatment strategy for the deadly disease.
A meta-analysis of multiple studies identifies hundreds of gene variants contributing to Tourette's syndrome, with more severe symptoms associated with increased risk variants. The study suggests a continuous spectrum of tic disorders and raises the possibility of predicting TS development in children with mild tics.
A research team has assembled a detailed atlas of bone marrow cells from AML patients, revealing six stages of white blood cell development and a role for differentiated tumor cells in suppressing immune responses. The study may lead to personalized therapies targeting specific AML cell types.
A recent study identified 57 gene regions associated with insomnia symptoms and found a causal link between insomnia and coronary artery disease. The research suggests that genetics play a role in insomnia symptoms and could lead to new therapeutic targets for insomnia treatment.
A clinical trial found sacituzumab govitecan produced a significant treatment response in patients with difficult-to-treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer, outperforming standard chemotherapy. The drug showed manageable side effects and improved treatment duration.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found that international medical graduates care for Medicare patients with more complex medical needs than those cared for by domestic graduates. The report's findings have implications for immigration policies and access to primary care for the sickest Americans.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found that hypocretin, a hormone regulating wakefulness, also controls the production of inflammatory white blood cells. This discovery suggests that insufficient sleep increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by disrupting this process.
A study found that individuals in recovery experiencing relapse dreams had more severe substance use histories. The frequency of these dreams decreased over time as the body adapted to abstinence.
Researchers found that elevated levels of IL-33 and Tregs trigger cancer-promoting chronic inflammation, leading to the development of skin and colon cancer. Blocking this axis can prevent cancer development in mice with chronic dermatitis.
A team of researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital has identified brain cells in the dorsolateral septum that regulate fearful behavior in mice. Activation of these cells predicts how an animal will behave when faced with a threatening situation, and targeting them may help treat post-traumatic stress disorder.
A recent increase in vocal-cord cancer diagnoses among young adults, mostly non-smokers, is attributed to human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. HPV-associated strains are found in all tested samples of vocal-cord cancer from patients under 30, greatly resembling recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.
A retrospective review of microsurgery performed on 18 Grammy Award-winning singers reveals effective surgical interventions, including the use of a KTP laser, to improve vocal function. The study also highlights emotional and psychosocial factors considered when treating vocal-cord disease in elite performers.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that individuals with schizophrenia exhibit excessive synaptic pruning, a process normally occurring during adolescence. This abnormality contributes to the development of schizophrenia symptoms.
A study projects a 147% increase in opioid overdose deaths from 2015 to 2025, with illicit opioids causing most deaths. Interventions targeting prescription opioids are expected to have only a minimal impact on reducing overdose deaths.
A Massachusetts General Hospital research team has identified intestinal immune cells that slow down metabolism, increasing fat storage. These cells, which guide immune cells to the gut, also regulate systemic metabolism by reducing a protein called GLP-1.
A study by MGH researchers reveals that brain tumors use existing blood vessels to resist anti-angiogenic drugs, leading to compression and stimulation of angiogenesis. The study suggests targeting vessel co-option before using anti-angiogenic drugs could be an effective strategy for glioblastoma treatment.
Research finds that plerixafor reduces fibrosis and improves response to immunotherapy in mouse models of metastatic breast cancer. Fibrosis blocks effectiveness of immunotherapies, but CXCR4 inhibition enhances immune cell infiltration and decreases formation of spontaneous metastases.
A study found that individuals entering recovery from 2006 to 2015 quit smoking earlier than those who entered recovery between 1986 and 1995, with education and income playing a role in successful quitting. Those who earned $50,000 or more and had a bachelor's degree or higher quit sooner after entering recovery.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that higher levels of physical activity may causally reduce the risk of depression. The study used Mendelian randomization and genetic data to support this claim, revealing no causal relationship between depression and physical activity.
A study found that screening all hospitalized patients with HIV for tuberculosis using urine tests would improve life expectancy by 0.5 to 1.2 years and be cost-effective compared to sputum testing alone. Urine testing, such as LAM and Xpert tests, can detect cases of TB that would have otherwise been missed.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that brief happiness exercises can significantly increase in-the-moment happiness for adults recovering from substance use disorders. The study suggests these exercises may be promising tools for bolstering happiness during treatment and supporting long-term recovery.
The article highlights the need for accurate evaluation of documented penicillin allergies, which can be safely treated in most cases. The JAMA report provides guidance on comprehensive history taking and risk assessment, recommending a simple history to distinguish intolerances from allergies.
Losartan reduces extracellular matrix content and solid stress in ovarian tumors, increasing blood supply and drug delivery. The addition of losartan to chemotherapy agents could improve outcomes for patients with ovarian cancer.
Patients and clinicians perceive virtual video visits as convenient and comparable in quality to traditional office visits, with 79% of patients finding follow-up visits easier. Clinicians agree on the benefits of timely scheduling and efficiency, but note limitations for certain patient groups.
A team of researchers developed the Integrated Intervention for Dual Problems and Early Action (IIDEA) program to provide culturally tailored care for Latino immigrants. The study found that IIDEA reduced mental health symptoms but did not show an effect on alcohol and drug outcomes for participants with mild symptoms.
Researchers found that HIV protein Nef disrupts T cell migration, initially slowing viral spread but later aiding viral survival by evading the immune response. The 'hydrophobic patch' of Nef enhances viral persistence.
A new symptom-assessment questionnaire is being developed to improve understanding and treatment of genitourinary symptoms of menopause. The questionnaire focuses on women's descriptions of how symptoms impact their lives, key to producing a valuable instrument.
A new study found that younger enrollees and those without chronic conditions were more likely to not purchase insurance if there was no penalty. In California, the lack of a penalty led to an estimated 4-7% increase in monthly premium prices.
Research demonstrates how solid stress from brain tumors impacts surrounding tissue, leading to neurological dysfunction and neuronal cell death. Lithium treatment is identified as a promising strategy for preserving function in compressed brain tissue.
A new study from MGHfC and colleagues in the Netherlands investigated the development of functional skills in persons with Down syndrome. The results indicate that most people with Down syndrome can walk, speak clearly, and maintain personal hygiene by certain ages, with some improvements possible into adulthood.
A recent study by Massachusetts General Hospital and the Perelman School of Medicine found that 18% of employed women in healthcare work for low wages, with nearly half earning less than $15/hour. The research suggests that raising the minimum wage to $15/hour could decrease poverty rates among female healthcare workers by up to 50%.
A Massachusetts General Hospital team developed an AI system to diagnose and classify brain hemorrhages using CT scan images. The system can provide the basis for its decisions by highlighting key features of each subtype.
Studies from Massachusetts General Hospital examine the presence of pediatric areas in EDs and use of telemedicine for pediatric emergency care. An intervention increased the appointment of Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinators in Massachusetts EDs, a key step to improve pediatric emergency care.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital reveals that tau protein and amyloid-beta interact to impair brain function. Elevated tau levels were associated with reduced neural activity, regardless of tangle formation.
A study using a PET scan tracer has identified epigenetic differences between the brains of individuals with schizophrenia and those of unaffected participants. Reduced histone deacetylase (HDAC) levels were observed in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is important for executive functions affected by schizophrenia.
A new transgenic mouse model with fluorescent proteins can quickly reflect therapeutic effects in living mice, allowing for rapid identification of promising treatments. The model was used to test a novel antisense oligonucleotide drug that demonstrated therapeutic activity and corrected aberrant RNA splicing.
A study combining three advanced treatments for malignant melanoma shows promising results in animal models, with the triple combination producing near-total eradication of tumors. The use of oncolytic viruses, MEK inhibitors and immune checkpoint blockers enhances therapeutic responses, offering new hope for patients with melanoma.
Researchers found that anti-PD-1 therapy induces CD8+ T cells to produce interferon-gamma, which activates dendritic cells to produce IL-12, a potent activating signal. This interaction improves the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapies and offers potential ways to broaden their application.