A new study found significant differences in how hospitals assess premature newborns' breathing safety in car seats, highlighting the need for clearer guidelines to ensure consistent safety practices. The research recommends improved education for parents and caregivers on proper car seat placement and post-discharge follow-up.
A new study found fentanyl was the most prevalent drug in overdose patients at two Baltimore hospital emergency departments, detected in 73-87% of specimens. The Maryland Emergency Department Drug Surveillance System helped identify this trend, highlighting the need for hospitals to add fentanyl testing to their routine panels.
A combination of MRI and traditional biopsies significantly detects aggressive prostate cancers than standard biopsy alone. This method enables better diagnosis and reduces unnecessary treatment for slow-growing cancers.
A new study found that lung transplant recipients who received an inhaled form of cyclosporine had improved lung function and increased survival rates. The treatment, which involves using liposomal cyclosporine with a nebulizer, showed promise in preventing chronic organ rejection and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome.
Researchers identified a drug combination that significantly extends patient survival in lung transplant recipients, offering a potential solution to the median survival rate of less than six years after transplantation. Sirolimus plus tacrolimus was associated with a better median survival than MMF plus tacrolimus.
A University of Maryland study suggests a novel machine learning model, the Baltimore score (B score), can predict which discharged patients are likely to be readmitted. The B score algorithm was developed using thousands of health data variables and showed higher accuracy than existing readmission risk-assessment tools.
Researchers developed a blood test to track transplanted stem cells' effectiveness by analyzing exosomes, tiny cellular components secreted into the recipient's blood. The test showed promising results in repairing damaged heart muscle cells, paving the way for new treatments for various diseases.
The University of Maryland Medical Center successfully transplanted a kidney into a patient using an unmanned aircraft, demonstrating the potential of UAS for faster and safer organ deliveries. This breakthrough could improve outcomes for patients in need of organ transplants, particularly those in rural or geographically remote areas.
A new report highlights the complexity of detecting and treating patients at hospital emergency departments for severe drug-related events. The study found that most patients tested positive for multiple substances, with some containing as many as six, complicating overdose diagnosis.
A new study has found that a pioneering heart valve repair device is safe and effective, reducing the need for open-heart procedures and resulting in improved quality and frequency of repairs. The Harpoon Mitral Valve Repair System repaired the heart while it continued to beat, with no deaths or major complications.
Researchers found that using medical specialists in intensive care improved patient outcomes, reducing hospital stays by two days and saving over $4 million a year. The collaborative staffing model between cardiologists and intensivists showed promising results, warranting further study.
Researchers used a molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) to provide time for healing or transplant in patients with severe acute liver failure. The study found improved survival rates and recovery of liver function in patients who received MARS therapy.
A new study found that civil unrest after Freddie Gray's death led to a significant spike in maternal depressive symptoms and concerns about daily routines. The research suggests chronic stress may undermine young children's health and well-being, highlighting the need for policies to protect mothers and children from community violence.
Researchers found that Amish women exposed to secondhand smoke had a greater risk for cardiovascular disease, while men exposed to secondhand smoke tended to have a higher body mass index (BMI). The study, conducted in a Pennsylvania Amish community, used a novel method to track exposure and avoided recall bias. Small amounts of second...
The EPR-CAT study seeks to test whether rapid cooling of the body temperature can give surgeons extra time to find and repair injuries, improving patient outcomes. By decreasing oxygen demand, cooling may protect vital organs from permanent damage.
A staggering proportion of children under five may not reach their developmental potential due to poverty and chronic undernutrition. Research highlights the critical role of early childhood development in shaping future health, economic, and social outcomes.
Researchers have developed a new device to repair the mitral heart valve without open-heart surgery. The procedure, which uses an image-guided device to deploy artificial cords, simplifies the process and reduces operating room time, resulting in improved safety and outcomes for patients.
A recent clinical trial found that patients with metabolic syndrome who consumed muffins enriched with safflower oil (PUFA) lost more weight and showed greater health improvements than those consuming muffins made with sunflower oil (MUFA). This is a significant finding, as the study suggests that PUFA may be a better choice for managi...
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that adolescent girls with high saturated-fat diets and low unsaturated-fat intake had higher breast densities, which may increase their risk for breast cancer later in life. The researchers analyzed data from 177 women and observed a significant association betwee...
Researchers found that HDL is not uniformly predictive of cardiovascular risk, with triglycerides and LDL modifying the incidence of CVD in both low- and high-level HDL. High levels of LDL or TG can increase cardiovascular risk by 30-60% compared to isolated low HDL.
A national group of sleep and brain injury specialists recommends specific steps to test and develop sleep-related treatments for improved concussion outcomes. The recommendations include data repositories, serial assessment, research targeting treatments, and increased access to sleep treatment services.
A novel Critical Care Resuscitation Unit at the University of Maryland Medical Center significantly speeds access to specialized care, cutting transfer time in half. The unit has decreased wait times and increased transfers, leading to better patient outcomes.
A study found that earlier intervention leads to better weight recovery in young children with multiple household risk factors, such as poverty and single parenthood. The pioneering use of video recordings helps families establish healthy habits and mealtime routines.
A review of 90 published studies on contact precautions found no high-quality data to support or reject the practice. Local needs and resources, not mandates, are recommended to drive infection prevention practices. Alternative methods, such as horizontal infection control, may be effective in reducing hospital-acquired infections.
Patients with advanced disease experienced significant clinical response after receiving genetically engineered T-cells. The therapy was generally well-tolerated and showed long-term ability to fight tumors.
A new guideline recommends administering an antiepileptic medication immediately after a first seizure to reduce the risk of another seizure within two years. The risk is highest for those with a previous brain injury or significant abnormality on imaging tests.
A study of over 1,000 men found that targeted fusion-guided biopsy is more effective in detecting high-risk prostate cancer than standard biopsy. This method combines MRI and ultrasound images to pinpoint suspicious areas and diagnose cancers with greater accuracy.
The investigational drug patiromer decreased high potassium levels and maintained normal levels in patients with chronic kidney disease. Elevated potassium increases the risk of death in high-risk patients and limits the use of certain drugs used to control hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found improper splinting led to swelling, skin problems, and poor immobilization of fractures. Improper placement occurred in 77% cases, often due to direct bandage on skin.
Researchers at U of MD will implement genomic screening in various healthcare settings to detect monogenic diabetes, tailor treatments, and identify at-risk family members. The goal is to enhance diagnosis and treatment for individuals with genetic forms of diabetes.
A study found a fat-storage gene mutation that interferes with key enzyme in lipid metabolism, increasing diabetes risk. The mutation affects 5.1% of the Old Order Amish study participants, with four individuals having two copies of the mutation.
A new study reveals that US cervical cancer rates are higher than previously believed, particularly among women over 65 and African-American women. The study found an age-standardized rate of 18.6 cases of cervical cancer per 100,000 women, with incidence increasing steadily with age.
A Phase III clinical trial found no significant improvement in overall survival or progression-free survival with bevacizumab treatment for new glioblastoma patients. Researchers also observed increased symptoms and neurocognitive decline among non-progressing patients treated with bevacizumab.
A new partnership between the University of Maryland Medical Center and a rural health education center has shown that empowering underserved communities can lead to increased participation in clinical trials and biospecimen donations. The partnership aims to address racial, income- and geographically-based health disparities by foster...
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that both real and sham acupuncture reduce hot flashes and other symptoms in breast cancer patients taking an aromatase inhibitor. The study suggests that acupuncture may be a reasonable alternative to drug therapy with fewer side effects.
Scientists at the University of Maryland have developed a novel RNA-Seq analysis method that reveals the complex interplay between invading bacterial pathogens and their host mammalian cells. The study found that human immune responses to chlamydial infection contribute to disease, leading to tissue scarring.
Restoring the normal, helpful bacteria of the gut and intestines may treat patients suffering from recurrent C. difficile infections through fecal matter transplantation. The study found that transplanting fecal matter into patients with RCDI restores normal bacterial composition and resolves infection.
African-American patients with chronic kidney disease have a faster decline in kidney function due to genetic variations, particularly the APOL1 gene variant. The study suggests that reducing the effect of this gene could lead to a significant decrease in progressive kidney and end-stage kidney disease in blacks.
A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry reveals that topiramate, an anti-epileptic drug, shows promise in treating cocaine dependence by reducing cravings and improving global functioning. The study enrolled 142 participants and found that topiramate was more efficacious than placebo.
The FDA's current regulatory framework for probiotics may discourage research on new products with therapeutic benefits. To address this, researchers recommend the FDA modify its characterization of probiotics and introduce an 'abbreviated' process for certain types of probiotic products, such as probiotic foods and dietary supplements.
A study of 20 ICUs found that healthcare workers' universal gowning and gloving reduced MRSA acquisition by 40%. Handwashing frequency increased, but no adverse events were reported. The findings suggest that adopting such policies can help decrease healthcare-associated infections.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has renewed a 10-year contract with the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Center for Vaccine Development, providing up to $135 million in annual funding. The center will conduct basic research, clinical studies, and vaccine development to combat existing and emerging i...
Researchers found that reducing radiation dose to stem-cell niches surrounding hippocampus preserves memory without increased risk of relapse. This technique, if validated, will help maintain quality of life for brain cancer patients.
Researchers at the University of Maryland are developing a vaccine to protect adults from the H7N9 influenza virus, which has caused 135 human cases and 44 deaths in China. The study aims to gather critical information on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine and its ability to induce an immune response.
A University of Maryland research team identified a cell signaling pathway that contributes to developmental defects in babies of women with diabetes. The study suggests that reducing ASK1 activity may prevent these defects and proposes the use of a naturally occurring antioxidant, thioredoxin, as a potential therapeutic target.
Researchers are testing a skull-based connector behind the ear for powering heart pumps, aiming to reduce infections at the abdominal site. The study compares two similar devices with internal power cords routed through the neck or behind the ear, seeking better infection prevention and quality of life for patients
Researchers found that marijuana use in adolescence can lead to impaired cognitive abilities and abnormal brain activity, persisting into adulthood. The study suggests a critical period of development during adolescence where marijuana exposure can have lasting effects on brain function and cognition.
The GammaPod uses tens of thousands of beams of radiation to focus on tumors with pinpoint accuracy, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Clinical trials are underway to test the device's effectiveness as an alternative to invasive surgery and traditional radiation therapies.
A systematic analysis of acupuncture and in vitro fertilization (IVF) found that adding acupuncture to IVF treatment increased pregnancy success rates at fertility clinics with lower baseline pregnancy rates. The study, published in Human Reproduction Update, suggests that acupuncture may be beneficial as an add-on procedure for these ...
Researchers found that bacterial DNA is more likely to integrate into the human genome in tumor samples than in normal healthy somatic cells. The study suggests that lateral gene transfer may play a role in cancer and other diseases associated with DNA damage.