A novel approach to treating cardiovascular disease is being explored through recycling pacemakers, with experts finding the process safe and effective. The study aims to reduce the financial burden of pacemakers on impoverished nations, where access to these devices is limited.
New studies by Michigan Medicine's Child Health Evaluation and Research Unit found no increase in the number of nurse practitioners and physician assistants entering pediatric care, despite overall increases. Healthcare systems need to rethink future plans as they transition to caring for an aging population.
Scientists at the University of Michigan have identified four new DNA hotspots that may aid in developing new treatments for psoriasis. The study, published in Nature Genetics, builds on past work by U-M researchers and provides a better understanding of the hereditary factors of the disease.
A peer partnership program improved diabetes patients' conditions by reducing blood sugar levels and increasing insulin therapy rates compared to traditional nurse care management. The study found that peer support activated patients to take a more active role in managing their condition.
A collaborative approach to sharing patient safety data among Michigan hospitals has led to a nearly 10% reduction in surgical complications. The study, which examined general and vascular surgeries between 2005 and 2007, also found improvements in reducing blood infections, septic shock, prolonged ventilator use, and cardiac arrest.
The US Department of Defense has awarded a $1.5 million grant to develop and test nanoemulsion technology against a wide range of wound infections, including drug-resistant forms. The project aims to create a broadly effective treatment that can prevent infection, increase survival and enable rapid healing in wounded military personnel.
Researchers have identified a potential target for diabetes drugs by discovering how certain insulin gene mutations cause proinsulin proteins to misfold in pancreatic beta cells. The study found that misfolding of normal proinsulin proteins occurs when mutant protein is present, leading to insulin deficiency and diabetes.
A study published in Journal of Women's Health reveals a rapid increase in diabetes hospitalizations for young adults, particularly young women, which echoes the dramatic rise in obesity rates across the US. The number of hospitalizations among younger adults more than doubled from 1993 to 2006.
A new study found significant inconsistencies in bloodstream infection surveillance methods across hospitals, making it challenging to compare performance. The variations have implications for pay-for-performance and reimbursement, as well as the accuracy of publicly reported data.
Researchers at U-M are investigating adaptive clinical trials to improve the efficiency of clinical trials. The goal is to accelerate drug and device evaluation, improve safety for patients, and reduce costs. Adaptive clinical trials make adjustments based on accumulated data to identify effective treatments more accurately.
A University of Michigan study found that in-country OB/GYN training programs significantly contributed to doctors' decision to remain in Ghana. The availability and presence of a viable training program played a crucial role, along with social and economic factors, in graduates' choices.
A study published in Preventive Cardiology found that doctors' own health habits influence their confidence in counseling patients on healthy diet and exercise. The survey showed that attending physicians were more likely to counsel patients on these topics than trainees, especially those who exercised regularly.
A University of Michigan-led team identified a gene responsible for a devastating inherited kidney disorder using a new, faster genetic analysis technique. The success offers hope that scientists can speed the search for genes responsible for many rare diseases and test drugs to treat them.
A U-M study reveals that 53.3% of medical students with high depressive symptoms worry revealing their illness will be risky, while 62% believe seeking help means inadequate coping skills. The results highlight a concerning level of intolerance towards depression among medical peers.
Researchers found that chest compressions first approach may be better in cases of long waits for EMS, with higher one-year survival rates and benefits for cardiac arrests with prolonged response times. The study suggests an emphasis should be placed on high-quality chest compressions.
The Southwest Oncology Group has selected five young investigators to attend a three-day workshop in Seattle, where they will receive intensive training on designing and conducting cancer clinical trials. The YITC program provides mentorship and career support to promising researchers.
A study from University of Michigan Medical School found that school children who eat vended snack foods are more likely to develop poor diet quality, being overweight or at risk for diabetes and coronary artery disease. The study recommends restricting unhealthy vended foods and promoting healthful options.
A new study finds that when plastic surgeons are involved in the initial treatment decision-making process, women are more likely to receive breast reconstruction. The study highlights the importance of discussing reconstruction options with a plastic surgeon and emphasizes the need for comprehensive care coordination.
The University of Michigan Health System has received the first 1,250 DNA samples from the National Psoriasis Victor Henschel BioBank, the largest single collection of psoriasis DNA samples. The samples will be used to identify new genes that increase a person's risk factor for developing psoriasis and examine its connection with other...
Researchers at U-M will explore how genetic variations of C. difficile, gut microbiota, and immune response influence the disease. The project aims to develop better prevention measures, treatments, and ways to prevent recurrence.
A team of University of Michigan scientists found that suppressing a newly discovered gene, drr-2, lengthens the lifespan of roundworms. The study suggests that manipulating the drr-2 gene's action could produce similar effects as reducing caloric intake.
A recent study by the University of Michigan Health System found that black patients are prescribed fewer pain medications than whites, while women receive weaker doses. The research highlights racial and gender gaps in pain care and suggests changes are needed to address these disparities starting in primary care.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that the University of Michigan's full disclosure program for medical errors resulted in a significant decrease in new claims, time to resolution, and liability costs. This improvement in transparency and compensation led to reduced malpractice costs and enhanced patient safety.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that reminder systems encouraging prompt removal of urinary catheters reduced CAUTIs by 52%. The researchers suggest that low-cost interventions like nurse-empowered catheter stop orders could be effective in reducing infections. Hospitals can implement these strategies to improve...
A study at University of Michigan and University of Wisconsin-Madison found that 98% of medical students are interested in using technology, including video games and virtual reality, to enhance their education. The survey also showed a significant gender disparity, with male students more likely to play video games.
A University of Michigan study found that brief motivational talks in the emergency room reduced peer violence and alcohol misuse among teens by 34% and 32% respectively. The talks helped adolescents weigh the pros and cons of their choices, using role-play exercises to cope with risky situations.
Researchers found that African women are more likely to develop triple-negative breast cancer, a condition characterized by the absence of estrogen and progesterone receptors. The study suggests that African ancestry may be associated with a higher risk of hereditary predisposition for breast cancer related to BRCA1 gene mutations.
A study by the University of Michigan Health System found that female physicians are more supportive than male physicians when it comes to honoring patient requests for a doctor of the same gender or background. The study also showed that racial and ethnic minorities, particularly Muslim patients, are more likely to have their requests...
A study from Michigan Medicine and Saint Louis University found that 14.7% of people with alcohol-related problems used clergy services, highlighting their role in overall system of care. Factors associated with increased likelihood of using clergy services include being Black, aged 35-54 years, and major depressive disorder.
A recent study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that head and neck cancer patients with poor sleep quality had more symptoms of chronic pain and complaints of dry mouth related to radiation treatments. The researchers suggest that reducing these factors may be warranted to improve sleep hygiene and enha...
U-M researchers identified a DIAPH3 gene mutation that causes over-production of a diaphanous protein, leading to hearing loss. The discovery will aid in developing genetic tests for auditory neuropathy, a rare disorder previously difficult to diagnose.
Researchers found that black patients are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced cancer and receive inadequate treatment. The study attributes these disparities to patient trust issues, lack of access to quality care, and limited resources at hospitals serving primarily black patients.
Researchers found that pyruvate kinase enzyme is reduced in pregnant women, leading to a modified immune response. This discovery may lead to the development of drugs targeting pyruvate kinase activity to treat conditions like pre-eclampsia and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine warn that hospital cutbacks during the current recession may compromise quality and safety. Hospitals are reducing staff, scrapping renovation plans, and cutting back on technology to cope with declining profits and lost health insurance, threatening patient interactions and robust nurse-to-patient ratios.
A recent study by Michigan physicians found that specialized eyeglass lenses containing prisms can alleviate or eliminate post-concussive symptoms in patients with traumatic brain injury. The treatment targets vertical heterophoria, a binocular vision condition causing headaches, dizziness, anxiety, and other symptoms.
Researchers found neural tissue has imbalanced levels of proteins, specifically torsinA and torsinB, which may explain why certain diseases affect specific organs. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of how genetic mutations impact different cell types.
Researchers identified a key receptor in the brain that influences serotonin-related antidepressants, providing a potential new target for treatment. The discovery could lead to more effective and targeted treatments for depression and anxiety with fewer side effects.
A new study found that certain neighborhoods in Fulton County, Ga. have higher incidence of cardiac arrest and lower bystander CPR rates, with the potential to save an additional 15 lives per year. Targeted CPR training could be a key strategy to reverse stagnant survival rates.
Researchers at the University of Michigan's Congenital Heart Center led a groundbreaking trial on shunts used to direct blood flow to the lungs, improving outcomes for kids born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The study found that one type of shunt was more effective over the first year, but its long-term impact is still uncertain.
A new study found that gene fusions are a specific 'bad actor' in prostate cancer and should be targeted by treatments, rather than the androgen receptor. The research suggests that blocking these fusions can prevent normal prostate cell development, allowing cancer to develop.
A new U-M study shows that advanced radiation techniques can treat head and neck cancer effectively while reducing long-term swallowing complications. The study found that up to 88% of patients were cancer-free after three years, with only one patient still requiring a feeding tube.
Severely obese adolescents may benefit from bariatric surgery, but primary care physicians are divided on the issue. Many endorse monitored weight loss programs before surgery, but concerns over long-term effects persist.
A recent study by University of Michigan researchers found that obese children have higher odds of being bullied, regardless of their social skills, academic achievement, or family income. The study suggests that interventions to address bullying in schools are urgently needed.
A study found that sulforaphane from broccoli limits breast cancer stem cells in mice and cell cultures, preventing tumor growth. Researchers believe eliminating these cells is key to controlling cancer, suggesting a potential new treatment approach.
A U-M study reveals that socio-economic factors, particularly race and age, significantly influence the use of alternative therapies like acupuncture and biofeedback in chronic pain patients. As people age, they are more likely to seek alternative therapies to manage chronic pain.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine found that levels of a key type of immune cell can predict which head and neck cancer tumors are most likely to respond to chemotherapy and radiation. The study suggests a way to target treatments to avoid unnecessary side effects, with potential benefits for HPV-negative patients.
Researchers found that combining telephone counseling with a daily written diet plan significantly increased fruit and vegetable intake among participants. The study suggests that personalized support can motivate individuals to make healthier food choices.
A genetic test identifies a specific gene variant that affects how statins control both colorectal cancer and cardiovascular disease risk. The study found that statins have more benefit for reducing both colorectal cancer risk and cholesterol in the gene's long version.
A University of Michigan Health System study found black men with chronic pain experience more severe symptoms, leading to increased disability and depression. The study highlights the need for a culturally appropriate approach to caring for black men with chronic pain.
A study of 740 medical interns found that those with long work hours, medical errors, and a history of major depression were more likely to develop depressive symptoms. The study also identified a genetic variant associated with an increased risk of depression in high-stress situations.