A study of physician practices found that counseling smokers to quit was provided in only 16% of office visits in 1991, decreasing over time. Primary care physicians were more likely to counsel smokers or prescribe nicotine replacement than specialists.
A research team at MGH and Shriners has developed an objective system to estimate the probability of death in burn patients. The system, based on three risk factors, can help physicians, patients, and family members make decisions about care.
Researchers link biblical story of Hannah to first documented case of anorexia nervosa and its associated infertility. The article, published in Fertility and Sterility, suggests that extreme weight loss may have contributed to Hannah's inability to conceive.
Researchers discover new protein AD7c-NTP significantly elevated in brain tissue of people with Alzheimer's disease, even in early stages. The protein's presence suggests a possible role in the disease's progression and potential as a diagnostic tool.
A study at Massachusetts General Hospital found that counseling and phone support after hospital discharge increased nonsmoking rates by 50% compared to usual care. Participants who had not previously tried to quit showed the greatest improvement in long-term success.
A recent MGH study found that only 31% of patients with heart failure were prescribed ACE inhibitors in 1994, despite their proven effectiveness in reducing death and disability. The study suggests a lack of knowledge and unrealistic assessments may contribute to the underprescription of these medications.
Researchers at MGH have discovered a new immune response that may help control HIV levels in the body. In a study of chronically infected individuals and long-term nonprogressors, the team found that those with strong HIV-specific helper T-cell responses had lower viral loads, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
Researchers found that cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) can recognize and target different HIV strains, suggesting a potential universal vaccine. CTLs play a key role in the immune response against HIV, with high levels seen in long-term nonprogressors and individuals who remain uninfected despite multiple exposures.
Scientists have identified a crucial gene that controls metabolism in worms and may be responsible for diabetes. The discovery reveals that humans can live without insulin if they carry an inactive version of this gene, opening up new avenues for treating the disease.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that chemotherapy treatment with doxorubicin causes mouse oocytes to undergo apoptosis, or programmed cell death. The study sheds light on the mechanisms behind female infertility after chemotherapy, potentially leading to new ways of selectively targeting cancer cells.
A new study found that even with enforcement of laws banning tobacco sales to minors, many youths continue to easily purchase tobacco products from merchants. The researchers suggest improving compliance by using more effective inspection methods and stricter penalties.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital identified a new rare form of diabetes, MODY4, associated with the ipf-1 gene. The study found that most family members with diabetes carried a single copy of the mutation, highlighting the critical role of this gene in insulin secretion.
The study uses fMRI to map brain activity in response to cocaine, revealing a broader range of brain structures involved than previously thought. The nucleus accumbens and amygdala play key roles in the reward system, with the former associated with reinforcement and the latter with incentive.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered that inhaled nitric oxide can reduce formation of sickle cells in patients with sickle cell disease, potentially interrupting crises. The treatment approach could lead to long-term, outpatient care for affected individuals.
A MGH-led team has pinpointed the location of the DYT1 gene on chromosome 9, revealing it is responsible for virtually all cases of early-onset dystonia. The discovery may help understand how stress triggers neurological diseases and lead to the development of a blood test to diagnose the disorder.
Researchers at MGH discovered a striking similarity between the worm C. elegans' aging gene daf-2 and the human insulin receptor, implying that insulin-like control of metabolism is ancient. This finding suggests human counterparts of other worm genes may be defective in diabetes.
Researchers at MGH discovered that presenilin genes are involved in programmed cell death, a natural process where unneeded cells commit suicide. Mutations in these genes increase the propensity of nerve cells to undergo apoptosis, a process that can contribute to Alzheimer's disease.
A recent study found that inhibiting the ICE gene, responsible for programmed cell death, slowed ALS-like symptoms in mice. The research suggests that targeting this genetic pathway could lead to a new treatment option for patients with ALS.
Researchers developed a non-invasive method to detect early signs of cancer and heart attacks using optical coherence tomography (OCT). OCT produces a clear picture of tissue without damaging it, allowing visualization of individual cells.
Scientists have identified a new factor regulating lymphatic vessel growth, which may lead to ways of repairing damaged vessels and better understanding of certain types of cancer. The discovery of VEGF-C could also improve healing after lymph node removal in breast cancer surgery or prevent tumors affecting the lymphatic system.
Researchers found that leptin reduces insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells by interacting with receptors and activating ion channels. The study suggests that treatment with leptin or sensitizing drugs may help prevent diabetes in obese individuals with fasting hyper-insulinemia.