The study analyzed patients with prior organ transplants and found that their outcomes after traumatic injury are not worse than those of non-transplanted patients. Transplanted organs were rarely injured in traumatic events, and immunosuppression may have played a role in protecting organs from inflammation.
Research reveals higher diversity in gut microbiota enables more robust immune responses to vaccines. Scientists found that diverse gut bacteria may help humans resist enteric pathogens like Salmonella and Shigella.
The University of Maryland Medical Center is now offering genetic testing to help doctors determine the best medication for each patient, based on their unique genetic makeup. This personalized medicine initiative aims to improve the quality of care provided to cardiac patients.
Scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine discovered a promising new treatment for influenza, Eritoran, which protects mice from death after infection. The findings are crucial in light of the spreading H7N9 flu strain in China, with 17 deaths reported.
The Clinical Research Forum has selected ten projects for its Annual Top 10 Clinical Research Achievement Awards, recognizing groundbreaking work in disease prevention, genetic disorders, and cancer treatment. The winning projects were published in top medical journals and have made significant impacts on human health.
A peptide derived from Pacific cod may prevent cancer cells from attaching to blood vessel walls and boost the immune response. The study suggests this natural protein could be a promising anti-metastatic agent for various cancers.
A new study challenges the long-held explanation that depression is caused by insufficient serotonin levels. Instead, researchers found that abnormal communication between brain cells is the root cause of depression. This discovery opens possibilities for new therapies targeting excitatory connections rather than serotonin.
Researchers found differences in core proteins from a microorganism that lives in a salty lake in Antarctica, enabling it to tolerate high salinity and desiccation. The study reveals potential adaptations for life on Mars, with scientists exploring the use of these protein modifications to engineer novel enzymes and catalysts.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine is launching a study on drug-resistant malaria in Myanmar, using new genetic markers to track the spread of artemisinin-resistant malaria. The researchers aim to develop tests to identify and monitor the disease, which has caused significant treatment failures in Southeast Asia.
A new study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine has identified the orbitofrontal cortex as a critical brain area involved in value-guided behavior, decision-making, and learning. The research suggests that damage to this area can lead to decreased ability to use prior experience to make good decisions.
The UMSOM dean and co-author argue that changes to diagnostic criteria could dramatically increase the number of women identified with gestational diabetes, placing a burden on healthcare systems. They advise caution before revising guidelines due to potential risks and costs.
Researchers found that radiation therapy significantly improved overall and breast cancer-specific survival rates for elderly women with early-stage ER-positive breast cancer. The study analyzed data from over 29,000 women and showed that radiation treatment increased median survival by nearly four years compared to surgery alone.
Old Order Amish children are twice as physically active and three times less likely to be overweight than non-Amish peers. This high level of activity is inversely correlated with their body mass index, suggesting a protective effect against developing Type 2 diabetes.
A recent study found that nearly 4 out of 10 lesbians are not routinely screened for cervical cancer, highlighting the need for effective communication with healthcare providers. The study suggests that open communication between patients and providers can significantly increase screening rates among this population.
Scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine created a stem cell model for Gaucher disease, allowing them to test potential therapies in a dish. The study uses genetically similar stem cells that react to drugs like patient cells, accelerating drug discovery and bringing hope to patients.
A University of Maryland study found that single-port kidney removal through the belly button resulted in higher satisfaction rates among living donors, with fewer limitations after surgery. The new technique also showed slightly less pain and no increased risks or complications compared to traditional multi-port laparoscopic removal.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have found that cardiac stem cells from newborns have a three-fold ability to restore heart function compared to adult-derived cells. This discovery may lead to new treatment options for congenital heart syndrome and improve heart function in children by up to 15 percent.
A recent study published in the University of Maryland Medical Center found that married lung cancer patients have a higher survival rate compared to single patients. The researchers believe that social support from spouses is a key factor contributing to improved survival rates for married lung cancer patients.
University of Maryland researchers have identified 26 species of gut bacteria that appear to be linked to obesity and related metabolic complications, including insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. The study found that these bacteria are present in all individuals, regardless of BMI or metabolic syndrome traits.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have discovered that adult stem cells from bone marrow can transform into cells of other organs, such as the heart, brain, and pancreas. This breakthrough has significant implications for treating diseases like diabetes, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.
A large-scale study of over 45,000 Danish women found a predictive association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and later attempted suicides. The risk was highest for violent attempts, with infected women being one and a half times more likely to attempt suicide.
A study published in PNAS found two distinct strains of Vibrio cholerae bacteria that may have contributed to the 2010 Haitian cholera outbreak. The genomic diversity of Haitian isolates revealed significant complexity and relationship to past epidemics.
A recent study found that vaginal microbes change in some healthy women over short periods, while remaining stable in others. These changes can impact a woman's susceptibility to infections and diseases. Researchers hope this research will lead to personalized medicine for women.
A recent study found that helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) improve trauma patient survival rates compared to ground emergency medical services (GEMS). The analysis of national trauma data showed that 12.6% of HEMS patients died, while 11% of GEMS patients died.
Researchers found that metformin reduces the level of glucose and inhibits fatty acid synthesis in mice, resulting in significantly fewer and smaller liver tumors. The drug has been linked to reduced risk of liver cancer in patients with Type II diabetes and obesity.
A 36-hour operation successfully transplanted both jaws, teeth, and tongue as part of the most extensive full face transplant to date. The procedure was led by Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez and involved a multi-disciplinary team of surgeons and medical staff.
A national clinical trial found that preoperative aromatase inhibitors enabled postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer to have lumpectomy instead of mastectomy. The treatment increased the likelihood of breast-conserving surgery, sparing women's breasts.
A comparative study has found that stenting and surgery for blocked neck arteries are equally effective in preventing repeat blockages. The study showed identical rates of recurring blockage at 5.8% after both procedures, with no significant difference in the risk of stroke.
US study finds that nearly three-quarters of headphone-wearing pedestrian injuries are fatal, mostly among young adult males and under 30 years old. Headphones can mask warning sounds, leading to distraction and sensory deprivation, increasing the risk of accidents.
A University of Maryland study found that restricting blood transfusions after hip surgery did not harm patients and may even be unnecessary for some. The research included over 2,000 patients with anemia after hip fracture and showed no significant difference in recovery rates between those who received moderate transfusions and those...
Researchers are conducting a study to examine the effects of exercise and computerized memory training on executive function in people with Parkinson's disease. The goal is to determine if these interventions can slow or reverse memory changes and improve cognitive function.
Researchers found a previously unknown molecular pathway controlling ion channel number and location on the cell surface, affecting heart rhythm and other muscle activity. This discovery may lead to new treatments for heart arrhythmia and related conditions such as paralysis and kidney disorders.
A study by University of Maryland researchers found that mortgage default is associated with substantially increased risk of depression and food insecurity among older adults. The study also found that lower-income and minority homeowners were at higher risk for mortgage default.
Researchers developed a whole-parasite malaria vaccine that produced strong immune responses in a clinical trial. The vaccine, the first of its kind to earn FDA approval, showed promise in preventing malaria by inducing high levels of protective immunity.
A US patient has received the world's first transplanted lungs treated with an experimental repair process. The treatment, part of a national study, uses STEEN SolutionTM to evaluate suitability of donor lungs for transplantation. If successful, it could increase transplantable lung supply and reduce wait times.
A University of Maryland study found that young women with early-stage breast cancer who undergo lumpectomy and radiation have similar survival rates as those who undergo mastectomy. The analysis of nearly 15,000 patients showed no difference in overall or breast cancer-specific survival between the two groups.
A new study published in Diabetes Care found that mobile health software helped patients with Type 2 diabetes lower their blood sugar levels by an average of 1.9 percent over a year. The software provided real-time feedback, medication regimens and a virtual coach to help patients manage their condition.
A team of researchers led by Dr. David Rasko analyzed the genomic data of the German E. coli outbreak strain, revealing it was a unique combination of enteroaggregative and enterohemorrhagic E. coli subtypes. The analysis provided critical information for treating infected patients and tracing the source of the pathogen.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have found a complex molecular relationship between ERK and CHK2 proteins, which could lead to new treatments for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The study showed that inhibiting both proteins simultaneously killed more cancer cells than treating them separately.
Researchers are testing a new treatment for triple-negative breast cancer using the experimental drug entinostat, which aims to reprogram tumor cells to respond to hormone therapy. The clinical trial is evaluating the effectiveness of combining entinostat with an aromatase inhibitor in postmenopausal patients.
Researchers at the University of Maryland found that low-intensity exercise, such as walking on a treadmill for 50 minutes three times a week, can improve mobility and delay disability in Parkinson's patients. The study also showed benefits from stretching and resistance exercises.
Researchers from the Institute for Genome Sciences used genomics and microbiology to investigate the 2001 anthrax attacks, tracing the spores back to a flask containing Bacillus anthracis. The investigation led to the identification of Bruce Ivins as the perpetrator, marking the first use of microbial forensics in a criminal case.
A University of Maryland School of Medicine study identified two genes associated with binge drinking, GABA receptors and TLR4, which may lead to new therapies for excessive alcohol consumption. The study found that manipulating these receptors caused a reduction in binge drinking behavior.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that people living in coastal communities with and without direct oil exposure showed clinically significant levels of depression and anxiety. Those with income loss due to the spill had higher rates of depression and were less resilient.
A recent study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that African American patients and those with lower socioeconomic status have more advanced Parkinson's disease and greater disability when seeking treatment from specialists. This disparity is associated with earlier loss of independence and greater disease severity.
Increased specialist staffing levels in intensive care units can improve survival rates and enable patients to breathe sooner without assistance. The study found a 19% decrease in mortality and significant reductions in sedative use and ventilator days.
Researchers found a 30-50% difference in glial cells between female and male rats, which affected social behavior. Exposure to cannabis-like compounds normalized the difference in play behavior in female rats.
A new blood test detects low troponin T levels, associated with increased risk of heart failure and cardiovascular death in older adults without symptoms. The study found that elevated troponin levels over time can indicate a higher risk of developing heart disease.
A recent study found that fewer than 30% of eligible young women choose to receive the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. The majority of those who start the vaccination process fail to complete the recommended three doses. African-American women are less likely to complete all three doses compared to white women.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine will establish a research enterprise dedicated to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including celiac disease. The $45 million gift from Ken and Shelia Cafferty will support multidisciplinary research and collaborations with the University of Maryland Institute for Genome Sciences.