A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that parental reports of ADHD symptoms are as accurate as those from teachers. This breakthrough could help design better clinical trials for pediatric ADHD medications. The research supports the use of parental reports in assessing child behavior and response to treatment.
Researchers from MGH and Arcturus found that the HOXB13/IL17BR gene expression ratio predicts tumor recurrence in estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer patients receiving tamoxifen. The higher expression of HOXB13 and lower IL17BR levels indicate increased risk of recurrence.
A new study found that the diabetes drug rosiglitazone improved insulin sensitivity in HIV patients with lipodystrophy by 20%, reversing fat loss and increasing total body fat. However, larger trials are needed to determine safety and optimal therapeutic approaches.
A study found that HIV's gp120 protein can repel immune cells, dubbed fugetaxis, which could lead to a new therapeutic approach to block this activity. This mechanism may also apply to other viruses, such as pox and papilloma viruses.
Researchers at MGH Cancer Center found that specific gene mutations in the EGFR gene predict responsiveness to Iressa, a targeted therapy that causes tumors to shrink significantly. The discovery will help determine which patients benefit from Iressa and potentially lead to new targeted therapies.
A survey of 642 physicians found that DTCA can lead to valuable discussions with patients, but also raises concerns about inappropriate prescriptions and unnecessary treatments. Physicians reported prescribing the advertised drug only 39% of the time, citing effectiveness or cost as reasons for not using it.
A study at Massachusetts General Hospital found that natural testosterone delivery products improved muscle strength and function in HIV-infected women with low testosterone levels. The treatment resulted in significant improvements in muscle mass and overall quality of life.
Researchers discovered a novel screening approach that identified a compound, GS4012, which suppresses a genetic mutation in zebrafish embryos. The compound promotes vascular growth and may have implications for diseases such as heart attack, stroke or injury.
A study confirmed that alcohol intake is associated with an increased risk of gout, with beer and liquor showing a stronger link than moderate wine consumption. The Health Professionals Follow-up Study found that men who consumed more than 50 grams of alcohol daily had a 2.5 times higher risk of developing gout.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that nerve damage in one area can cause a loss of skin nerve endings on the opposite side, suggesting a previously unknown communication between nerve cells. The study used rats and demonstrated precise communication between matching nerves.
Researchers discovered the ING4 gene's significant reduction in glioblastomas, which led to faster growth and complex blood vessel networks. The study found that ING4 suppresses angiogenesis by inhibiting NF-kappa B, offering potential targets for glioma treatment.
Researchers identified specific areas of white matter enlargement linked to myelination delays in autistic and DLD patients. Enlargements were most pronounced in the prefrontal area and the outer layer of white matter was significantly larger than in normal controls.
Increasing SERCA2a expression could correct heart failure without causing arrhythmias, a well-known side effect of current treatments. The study found that rats with overexpressed SERCA2a had lower incidence of arrhythmia and smaller injured area of heart muscle.
Researchers found a high rate of follicle degeneration in mice without a corresponding reduction in healthy follicles, refuting the idea of a fixed egg supply. The study suggests that ovaries retain the ability to produce new oocytes and follicles, potentially leading to new approaches to combating infertility.
A research team at MGH has successfully grown long-lasting blood vessels using a technique that combines endothelial and perivascular cells. The new vessels formed beautiful networks, survived, and functioned like normal vasculature tissue.
A study clarifies the impact of diet on the risk of gout, revealing that meat and seafood consumption significantly increases risk, while dairy products may be protective. The study's findings suggest a potential benefit to reducing red meat consumption and increasing low-fat dairy intake.
A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital found that infliximab can heal and reduce the recurrence of fistulas in Crohn's disease patients. The treatment, which targets tumor necrosis factor, showed significant benefits in closing fistulas and improving quality of life.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found that cancer cells can compress both blood and lymphatic vessels within tumors. This compression limits the delivery of anticancer drugs to tumor cells. New strategies for improving cancer treatment may be developed by normalizing distorted blood supply within tumors.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a strain of mice with the c. elegans gene fat-1, which converts omega-6 acids to omega-3s. The transgenic mice produce high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, opening up possibilities for farm animals that naturally produce omega-3 rich food products.
A study of over 27,000 nurses found that aspirin use was associated with a lower risk of developing adenomas, which can develop into cancer. The findings suggest that higher doses may pose greater risks of side effects such as bleeding.
Researchers found that a combination of ZDV, 3TC, and EFV was the most successful initial treatment regimen, with participants experiencing delayed failure and faster viral load suppression. However, using four drugs in combination did not prove more effective than sequential three-drug regimens, but did delay failure longer.
Researchers have discovered that spleen cells can regenerate insulin-secreting islets in mice with Type 1 diabetes, potentially leading to a cure. The study shows that these cells can grow from both the recipient's own cells and donor cells, opening up new approaches to diabetes treatment.
A recent survey of US academic health centers found that physicians struggle to access specialty care for uninsured patients, with significant problems reported at both public and private hospitals. The study highlights the limitations of the nation's safety net and suggests broadening reimbursement funds as a possible solution.
Studies show that outpatient-visit counseling can be an effective way to help parents quit smoking, with 78% of participants enrolling in nicotine replacement therapy and 42% receiving additional counseling. The interventions were well-received by parents, with 90% finding the program useful and wanting it offered to all smoking parents.
A new study found that treating hematopoietic stem cells with parathyroid hormone increases their numbers and improves bone marrow transplantation outcomes. The research team discovered a cellular-signaling pathway called Notch that is involved in the process, which they believe can be exploited to enhance stem cell populations.
Researchers from MGH and Paradigm Therapeutics have identified the GPR54 gene as a key trigger of the hormonal cascade required for mammalian reproduction. The discovery could lead to new treatments for infertility and abnormal puberty, among other applications.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that blood vessel development is intricately linked with fat tissue formation. This interaction can be controlled to develop new treatments for cancer and obesity, as well as support the growth of new organs.
A recent study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that combining osteoporosis treatments does not produce better results. Injections of PTH, a treatment initially developed through MGH research, increase bone formation and were superior to alendronate alone in improving bone density.
Most college students surveyed favored policies ranging from banning smoking in all dormitories to prohibiting the sale or advertising of tobacco products on campus. Smokers also supported making all college buildings smoke-free and prohibiting tobacco company sponsorship of campus events.
Patients with atrial fibrillation who receive adequate anticoagulation therapy have a reduced risk of stroke severity and complications. INR levels between 2.0-3.0 significantly reduce the risk of stroke, while lower levels increase the likelihood of fatal or debilitating strokes.
A study found that 47% of faculty IRB members who are also researchers served as consultants to industry within three years. This may raise concerns about conflicts of interest and scientific behavior.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that paricalcitol, a newer vitamin D formulation, has a significant impact on improving survival rates among dialysis patients. The study showed a 16% better survival rate for patients taking paricalcitol compared to those taking calcitriol.
Research identifies factors increasing risk of psychosocial problems among disabled children, including learning and communication difficulties, family stress, and mothers' mental health. The study analyzed data from over 3,300 children aged 6-17 with disabilities, finding that 11% experienced psychosocial issues.
Two studies clarify that ADHD and BPD are distinct disorders that can occur in adults, and identify bupropion as a possible treatment for both conditions. The medications used to treat ADHD may exacerbate manic symptoms, but addressing both disorders is crucial for improved functioning and well-being.
Researchers found that inhibited temperaments show a greater brain response to unfamiliar faces, while uninhibited individuals exhibit less. The study's findings support the theory that temperamental differences relate to amygdala function and persist into adulthood.
A new experimental imaging technique has been developed to detect prostate cancer metastases in abdominal lymph nodes. The technique uses advanced high-resolution MR imaging, computerized image analysis, and a novel contrast agent to identify malignant nodes with high accuracy.
A new vaccine has shown promise in inducing an HIV-specific immune response in patients with chronic HIV infection, but further research is needed to evaluate its clinical effect. The vaccine, Remune, was found to increase the production of T helper cells that recognize and attack the virus.
Researchers used second-harmonic generation to image tumors in mice, revealing that collagen levels correlate with tumor permeability. The study suggests that a hormone called relaxin could selectively break down tumor-matrix collagen, improving drug delivery to cancer cells.
A study conducted at Mt. Everest found that acetaminophen was as effective as ibuprofen in treating high-altitude headaches, with both medications providing similar levels of pain relief and reduced nausea. The results suggest that acetaminophen could be a safer alternative for patients suffering from high-altitude headache.
Researchers developed new methods for diagnosing breast cancer based on gene expression signatures, correlating with traditional pathological classifications. The study found that early-stage lesions contain molecular signatures reflecting tumor aggressiveness, potentially changing the course of cancer progression.
The study reveals that the NF2 gene's protein, merlin, organizes cellular structures facilitating cell-to-cell communication and plays a crucial role in tumor development. Loss of merlin function may contribute to cancer progression and metastasis, providing potential therapeutic targets for NF2-associated cancers.
Researchers found A-beta plaques in lenses from Alzheimer's patients, similar to those in brain tissue. The discovery could lead to a non-invasive test for disease diagnosis and tracking.
Researchers found that gene transfer by adenovirus is less efficient in aging rat heart cells, highlighting the need for new treatment strategies. Boosting integrin expression may help overcome this hurdle, enabling low-dose gene therapy to deliver beneficial genes.
A national survey found that 25% of patients with DTCA-prompted discussions received a new diagnosis, including high cholesterol, arthritis, and diabetes. Specialist referrals were made for 33%, and lab tests or lifestyle changes recommended for 45%. Patients reported improvement in symptoms regardless of medication features.
Researchers successfully treated 42 individual kidney tumors using minimally invasive RFA, with all surface tumors completely destroyed. Patients with limited kidney function maintained good kidney function and had no local recurrence of the treated tumor.
Researchers have identified about 400 genes in Caenorhabditis elegans that control fat storage, including many with human counterparts. These genes may hold the key to developing new therapies for obesity and its associated diseases.
A meta-analysis of six studies involving over 1,000 participants with ADHD found that stimulant treatment significantly reduces the risk of subsequent substance abuse. The protective effect was strongest in adolescents and decreased in young adults.
A new study found that parents of children hospitalized with respiratory illness were receptive to a hospital-based smoking cessation program, with 80% completing counseling sessions and 56% using nicotine replacement therapy. After two months, half reported making an attempt to quit and 20% achieved sustained tobacco abstinence.
The new digital tomosynthesis system provides high-resolution cross-section images with reduced structure overlap, making lesions easier to detect. This technology has the potential to revolutionize breast cancer detection and diagnosis, allowing for earlier interventions.
Researchers found that a patient's immune system did generate new responses against the unique parts of the virus B, but these responses were not sufficient to prevent re-infection. The study supports the need for a preventive vaccine that targets multiple HIV strains.