A prospective clinical study found that patients have three times greater chance of positive outcomes when their surgeons follow evidence-based guidelines for lumbar spinal fusion. The results suggest that patients meeting criteria for successful surgery are three times more likely to experience improved quality of life and reduced pain.
A study by Thomas Jefferson University found that 87% of incoming medical students reported imposter syndrome, a mental health challenge linked to depression, anxiety, and self-sabotage. The researchers suggest that supportive feedback, collaborative learning, and individual counseling can help alleviate imposter syndrome.
A study found that individuals with intellectual disabilities are 2.5 times more likely to contract COVID-19, and 5.9 times more likely to die from the infection than the general population.
Scientists at Thomas Jefferson University discovered that CRY-1, a regulator of circadian rhythms, promotes tumor progression by altering DNA repair mechanisms. The study found that CRY-1 is strongly associated with poor outcomes in late-stage prostate cancers.
A clinical trial combining microbubbles with radiation therapy has shown promising results in treating liver cancer. The treatment increased tumor response rates by 93% compared to standard radiation alone, and improved patient outcomes, including longer overall survival and reduced need for retreatments.
A study published in Scientific Reports reveals that mutations in a gene underlying a rare skin disorder can also lead to arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, a serious heart disease. The findings indicate that the genetic underpinnings of skin disorders at birth may help predict future heart problems.
Flies sleep longer and are less responsive to light pulses during vibration, suggesting they accumulate 'sleep credit.' The ability to go to sleep improves with repeated exposure, implying habituation. Vibration-induced sleep serves vital functions and may offer insights into human sleep regulation.
Researchers have developed an immunotherapy approach that specifically impedes the autoimmune response driving MS, while preserving the rest of the immune system. In mouse models, the therapy prevented disease onset and reduced severity after disease onset.
A two-drug combination of dapagliflozin and exenatide continues to effectively control patients' glucose levels without losing efficacy over a two-year period. The study also revealed significant improvements in blood pressure and weight, contributing to overall health.
A new study examined recent data on African American patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer and found that while Black patients are now more likely to receive effective treatments, disparities persist. The use of surgery remained a significant disparity across racial groups, despite increasing utilization over time.
Researchers have characterized a new population of T cells called ThGM cells that produce GM-CSF, contributing to autoimmune response in MS. The study found that ThGM cells induce inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, suggesting their role in autoimmunity.
Researchers developed a non-invasive method to sample cells from wounds using discarded bandages, revealing higher levels of neutrophils in chronic wounds. This technique could help develop targeted therapies to promote healing and predict wound outcomes.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a cancer vaccine that shows promise in treating gastric, pancreatic, esophageal, and colon cancers. The new vaccine, Ad5.F35, is more effective than the original version due to its ability to evade the immune system's natural defenses.
A nationwide analysis of data from over 6,300 pregnant women reveals that those who underwent surgery during pregnancy had better outcomes compared to those whose surgeries were delayed. The study found a significant increase in maternal-fetal complications among women who did not have gallbladder surgery.
Research from the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center found significant decreases nationwide in cancer-related care, including a -56.9% decline in any neoplasm encounters and a 74% drop in new incidence neoplasms. Mammograms declined by 89.2% and colorectal cancer screenings fell by 84.5% during the pandemic.
Researchers found that pairing bariatric surgery with LVAD heart surgery improved the eligibility of previously ineligible patients for heart transplants. After a year, 66% of patients met listing requirements and 33% received transplants.
A new study shows that IUDs significantly reduce menstrual symptoms in adolescents with disabilities, including heavy bleeding and cramping. The research found that 65% of young women reported less bleeding and 95% kept their IUD after one year.
A new study found that Black patients with early-stage esophageal cancer are less likely to receive life-saving surgery, contributing to their higher mortality rates. The study, which analyzed data from over 60,000 patients, suggests that education and targeted interventions are needed to address these disparities.
Key recommendations from the Philadelphia Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference include performing genetic testing for all men with metastatic prostate cancer and those with a family history of hereditary cancers. Recommended genes for testing include BRCA2, BRCA1, and DNA mismatch repair genes. Genetic testing is also recommended to in...
A study published in Neurosurgery found a high incidence of COVID-19 in patients presenting with stroke, including younger individuals without known risk factors. The mortality rate for these patients was significantly higher than typical, with 42.8% dying from their strokes.
A study found that replenishing the SV2 protein can restore synaptic function and prevent cells from dying in a genetic form of ALS. This suggests that SV2 is a promising therapeutic target for slowing disease progression and prolonging muscle strength.
A groundbreaking study published in iScience has created a detailed 3D map of the intracardiac nervous system (ICN), the 'little brain' of the heart. The researchers used novel imaging techniques to reveal previously unknown complexity and diversity of molecular identities among neurons.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University discovered that after eye injury, immune cells travel along ciliary zonules to the lens, surveilling and protecting it from adverse impacts. This finding adds to evidence overturning accepted dogma in the field, suggesting an alternative mechanism for immune cell delivery.
Researchers discover ursolic acid reduces further damage to neurons and helps rebuild protective sheaths in MS, reversing damage. The compound suppresses harmful immune cells while activating precursor cells to produce myelin-sheath-making cells.
A recent study found that older cancer patients taking 15 or more medications prior to chemotherapy treatment had a 114% increase in hospitalization rates. The researchers also identified similar increases in breast and prostate cancer patients, with median medication counts of 6, 10, and 11 therapies respectively.
Research at Thomas Jefferson University shows that nursing students' pre-existing assumptions about poverty are not challenged by existing training, and that service learning may even be detrimental to building empathy. The study suggests that nurses need more education on reflecting on their role in combating societal stigma of poverty.
The use of robots in neuroendovascular procedures could significantly change acute stroke treatment. The advanced technology provides precise control over microcatheters and microwires, reducing radiation exposure for surgeons.
The study found improvements in brain metabolism and self-reported cognitive function improvements in patients with multiple sclerosis. N-acetylcysteine administration increased cerebral glucose metabolism and enabled neurons to recover some of their metabolic function.
Researchers found that both strands of microRNA coordinate to act on the same cancer pathways, driving aggressiveness and growth. MicroRNAs miR-30a and miR-145 were identified as key players in keeping cancers in check, impacting patient survival.
Research found that statins, alone or with metformin, increase survival in men with high-risk prostate cancer. Metformin plus statin was associated with a 36% reduction in risk of death compared to non-users, while statins alone showed a 54% reduction in PCA mortality among patients with high-risk prostate cancer.
A team of Thomas Jefferson University researchers identified a specific region on brain-cell receptors that helps dock proteins at synapses, potentially leading to better treatments for chronic pain and other diseases. The discovery opens the door for developing new medical interventions by targeting this docking site.
A nationwide study found that medical students' empathy levels drop significantly as they transition from preclinical to clinical years of medical school. The study, led by Dr. Mohammadreza Hojat, surveyed over 10,700 students at DO-granting medical schools and compared their results with those of MD-granting medical schools.
Researchers found improved survival times of 13.6 months and 17.8 months for uveal melanoma patients with liver metastasis treated with new therapies, compared to 5.3 months in earlier years. The shift from systemic chemotherapy to targeted liver treatments has led to significant benefits.
Research found that high CO2 levels drive the aggressiveness of pancreatic tumor cells and their resistance to treatment. Increasing CO2 levels in cell cultures also showed increased growth and aggression, while common chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy were less effective against high-CO2-cultured cells.
A new oral pill, elagolix, has been shown to effectively reduce heavy menstrual bleeding in women with uterine fibroids. The study found that 80.4% of women treated with elagolix alone experienced a 50% reduction in bleeding, compared to 9.6% in the placebo group.
Researchers found that PBRM1 acts as a novel reader of the activated p53 pathway, suppressing renal tumor growth. Tumor-derived mutations in PBRM1 can disrupt this interaction, allowing cancer growth to occur.
A study on Instagram users' experiences of miscarriage reveals rich descriptions of medical and physical aspects, as well as emotional spectrum, social aspect, and family identity. The findings inform patient care by highlighting the need for clinicians to address emotional needs and redefine recurrent pregnancy loss.
New research reveals MICU1 protein's role in maintaining muscle size and function, repairing damaged fibers, and regulating calcium balance. Loss of MICU1 disrupts calcium uptake, leading to muscle fatigue, weakness, and atrophy, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for neuromuscular diseases.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University used a new sequencing method to identify a sea of previously invisible RNA molecules that may play a role in aging processes. The study found that these cyclic-phosphate containing RNAs (cP-RNAs) are abundantly expressed throughout the body and change in number as tissues age.
A new clinical trial aims to improve blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes by delivering medically tailored meals and nutrition education via telehealth. Researchers are testing whether this approach can reduce emergency department visits and hospital admissions, and if it is cost-effective.
A recent study found that a standardized medical school exam can bias the entry of diverse and qualified candidates into radiation oncology residency programs. The researchers suggest that using a holistic approach to evaluate applicants could help address these biases, incorporating emotional intelligence and other core competencies.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered two gene variations that may modulate platelet cell behavior and affect the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that these genetic variants could be potential targets for modulating expression of CD36, a key regulator of platelet levels and activation.
New research reveals a strong correlation between opioid use, brain inflammation, and negative emotional states during withdrawal. The study found that inflammation in the gut and central amygdala may contribute to the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Researchers found that abemaciclib, a chemotherapeutic agent effective in breast cancer, has synergy when combined with HuR and YAP1 inhibitors to inhibit cell growth. The study suggests new targets for improving the efficacy of this drug and overcoming drug resistance in pancreatic cancer.
A large population-based study found that novel oral androgen signaling inhibitor therapies increase the risk of death in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. Patients with three or more heart conditions experienced a 50% increase in mortality, while enzalutamide was associated with lower hospitalization rates.
Researchers found that cigarette smoke changes the metabolism of cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, making tumors more efficient as an ecosystem to promote cancer growth. The study also identified a protein on tobacco-exposed fibroblasts that drives these metabolic changes.
A molecule called GM1 ganglioside has been shown to inhibit the toxic effects of alpha-synuclein, a protein that forms clumps in Parkinson's disease. This discovery supports GM1 as a potential treatment for slowing disease progression and improving motor symptoms.
A new study demonstrates that transradial surgery is safe and effective for various neuroendovascular procedures, providing faster recovery times with less procedural risk. Patients prefer this approach due to reduced complications and quicker discharge.
Lung scarring can lead to pulmonary fibrosis and life-threatening complications. Researchers found increased MMP activity in lung tissue affected by Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, suggesting a new link for diagnosis and treatment.
A study led by Dr. Alliric Willis found that over 25% of low-risk thyroid cancer patients receive unnecessary radioactive iodine ablation treatment, carrying potential long-term risks and financial burdens. Younger patients, men, Hispanic, and Asian individuals are more at risk of overtreatment.