A new study by the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that soldiers with sleep apnea are at increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury compared to those without the condition. The study also shows a higher risk of musculoskeletal injuries among service members with sleep apnea.
Researchers found a 76% lower risk of death in advanced pulmonary arterial hypertension patients treated with sotatercept. The therapy significantly reduced hospitalization rates and improved patient outcomes.
A clinical trial found that applying testosterone gel with exercise did not improve physical function in older women recovering from hip fractures. However, the study discovered some positive effects on short-distance mobility, which warrants further investigation. The STEP-HI trial involved 129 women and considered two approaches: tes...
Dr. Tarek Hanna joins UMSOM from Emory University School of Medicine with expertise in emergency and trauma imaging, clinical operations optimization, and faculty development. He will advance clinical excellence and expand radiology services across central Maryland.
Researchers found that current drinkers who consumed 14 or more drinks per week had a 25% higher risk of colorectal cancer compared to those who drank less than one drink per week. The study also presented data on a novel immunotherapy treatment for acute myeloid leukemia, showing greater success and fewer side effects.
A recent study has made a breakthrough in understanding the genetic underpinnings of osteoarthritis by identifying 962 genetic markers associated with the condition. The researchers found 513 new genetic markers that were not previously reported, providing potential new drug targets and opportunities for repurposing existing medications.
Combining AI with traditional mathematical modeling can improve cancer treatment outcomes by providing specificity and accuracy. The researchers emphasize the importance of ethically sharing health data to create reproducible science, protecting patient privacy while promoting scientific integrity.
A 'master regulator' gene, ZNFX1, has been identified that may help guide treatment in patients with therapy-resistant ovarian cancer. The expression of this biomarker correlates with improved survival outcomes.
Research suggests that individual differences in brain chemistry, particularly the balance of dopamine receptors, play a crucial role in determining who benefits from Ritalin. Study participants with higher D1-to-D2 receptor ratios performed better on memory tasks and showed improved cognitive performance when taking Ritalin.
A new study has provided evidence for the safety and effectiveness of a meningococcal pentavalent vaccine in young children beginning at 9 months of age in sub-Saharan Africa. The vaccine protects against five strains of meningitis prevalent in the region, and its use could lead to a significant reduction in meningitis cases and deaths.
Researchers analyzed pre-treatment CT scans of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to identify radiomic biomarkers that can predict the aggressiveness of the disease and its response to treatment. These biomarkers may lead to more targeted therapies and improved survival outcomes for patients.
Dermatology researchers have identified a novel skin disease in a male patient with erythroderma, a rare and severe inflammation that causes widespread redness and scaling. Targeted treatment with biologic inhibitors reversed symptoms, providing a promising diagnostic tool for precision-medicine.
A new $10.8 million multicenter clinical trial will compare hip replacement surgery with simpler internal fixation for minimally displaced femoral neck fractures in patients over 60. The trial aims to improve patient outcomes and inform clinical practice.
Jeremy L. Davis, MD, has been appointed as the new Surgical Oncology Lead for UMGCCC and Chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology in the Department of Surgery at UMSOM. Dr. Davis is a nationally recognized surgical oncologist with expertise in gastric cancer research.
Researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine analyzed the second patient to receive a genetically-modified pig organ, identifying key factors contributing to rejection and highlighting areas for improvement. The study provides valuable insights into how to prevent graft failure in future transplants.
A new study found that exposure to remote wildfire smoke drifting across the US led to a 20% increase in medical visits for heart and lung conditions. Patients who were older, non-smokers, and more socio-economically affluent were at higher risk on poor air quality days.
A previously unknown population of neurons in the hypothalamus has been discovered to regulate food intake and respond to leptin. This discovery could lead to new targets for obesity drugs and potentially reduce hunger.
Michael Greenebaum, a prominent business leader and philanthropist, has been appointed Chair of the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Board of Visitors. He brings a fresh perspective and commitment to continuing the legacy of excellence at UMSOM.
Adolescents who snore frequently exhibit behavior problems like inattention and rule-breaking, but not cognitive decline. The study tracked nearly 12,000 children from age 9-10 to age 15, finding no correlation between snoring and reduced cognitive abilities.
A study found that prenatal exposure to THC increases dopamine release and rewires the fetal brain, leading to a higher risk of opioid addiction later in life. The research suggests that THC exposure during pregnancy may contribute to neurobiological vulnerabilities, making individuals more susceptible to addiction-like behavior.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have created a large genomic database of Latin Americans to tackle health disparities. The Genetics of Latin American Diversity Database (GLADdb) includes genome-wide information from almost 54,000 individuals and allows other scientists to easily add population data to their...
Researchers have identified lower levels of certain amino acids in the blood plasma of patients with unexplainable chronic itch, offering a potential breakthrough in treating this debilitating condition. These findings may pave the way for new targeted therapies.
A study found that living in disadvantaged neighborhoods is associated with higher stress-related gene activity, which could contribute to aggressive prostate cancer in African American men. The research also linked five genes related to inflammation to an increased risk of prostate cancer.
A clinical trial discovered that the drug abrocitinib, approved for eczema treatment, significantly reduced symptoms of patients with severe itching diseases. Abrocitinib improved symptoms in both prurigo nodularis and chronic pruritus of unknown origin by 78% and 54%, respectively.
European clinical trials suggest that dequalinium chloride (DQC) may be a viable and well-tolerated treatment option for bacterial vaginosis, but more robust US studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness. The existing BV treatments in the US have limited success, with high recurrence rates after antibiotic therapy.
Researchers at UMSOM identified a modified sugar molecule that enhances human neural stem cells' proliferation and transition into neurons, improving brain function and reducing anxiety and depression. The study provides a promising proof of concept for regenerative medicine in patients with cardiac-arrest induced brain injuries.
Researchers found that riociguat significantly improved blood pressure and reduced the risk of serious adverse events compared to a placebo treatment. The study showed promising results for this potential new treatment to manage complications from sickle cell disease, paving the way for larger clinical trials.
Researchers have identified new genetic variants linked to susceptibility of cervical cancer-causing virus, raising the risk of getting cervical cancer from high-risk HPV infection. The study found polygenic risk scores to determine likelihood of having prevalent or persistent HPV infections.
Researchers investigated the role of long-lived plasma cells in COVID-19 infection, finding deficient generation of spike-specific antibodies. The study suggests that inadequate long-lived plasma cell production may be responsible for short-lived protective antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2.
Direct-to-consumer microbiome testing services claim to reveal a person's 'healthy' microbiome, but researchers argue that there is no scientifically agreed-upon definition and no clinical proof of effectiveness. The authors call for federal regulation and standards for analytical validity, reporting, and comparative testing.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine has been awarded $3.5 million in federal funding to develop acute radiation syndrome animal models and advance the development of radiologic and nuclear countermeasures.
A large multicenter clinical trial found that an antiseptic containing iodine resulted in about one-quarter fewer post-surgical infections in patients with limb fractures compared to another frequently used skin antiseptic. The study included nearly 8,500 patients across the US and Canada.
A single dose of the typhoid conjugate vaccine provided lasting protection against typhoid fever in over 28,000 healthy children in Malawi. The vaccine efficacy remained strong over four years, with a 78.3% efficacy rate and one case prevented for every 163 children vaccinated.
A new University of Maryland School of Medicine review article published in the New England Journal of Medicine finds nearly 16 million Americans have cannabis use disorder, with young adults disproportionately affected. The review emphasizes the need for doctors to screen and treat patients experiencing symptoms of cannabis use disorder.
Researchers found that cytoglobin, a protein similar to hemoglobin, plays a vital role in the correct left-right pattern of the heart and other asymmetric organs. The study's findings could lead to new therapeutic interventions for rare birth defects affecting cilia function.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine will collect data on trauma patients for 3.5 years to identify lifesaving advancements in medical triage. The goal is to predict the need for interventions in real-time, enabling more effective triage and improved mass casualty response efforts.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine has received a $29 million NIH grant to conduct a multicenter trial testing interventions to improve health outcomes in people who inject opioid drugs and are hospitalized with infectious complications. The study aims to reduce rehospitalizations and lower complications from infections.
A study by UMSOM researchers found that nearly 31% of patients on ventilators in Maryland hospitals harbored Acinetobacter baumannii, while nearly 7% carried Candida auris. The study highlights the need for improved infection control measures to contain the spread of these pathogens, which pose a significant risk to vulnerable patients.
Brain inflammation in early childhood may prevent specific neurons from maturing fully, leading to conditions like autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. Researchers studied post-mortem brain tissue from children with inflammatory conditions or accidents and found that two types of cerebellar neurons were most vulnerable.
Researchers identified a stable NO intermediary called NO-ferroheme, which enables nitric oxide to regulate blood flow and blood pressure. The discovery provides strong evidence for the role of heme in stabilizing NO and offers potential for developing new drugs targeting disease states such as pulmonary hypertension and diabetes.
AI-powered clinical decision support systems can enhance patient care, but doctors lack necessary skills to interpret and act on risk predictions. To address this gap, medical education and training need to incorporate explicit coverage of probabilistic reasoning tailored to CDS algorithms.
Researchers mapped the 3D structure of kappa opioid receptors, discovering how they change shape to bind to opioid drugs. This finding could lead to the development of next-generation pain relievers that target specific opioid receptors and minimize side effects.
Researchers discovered a bacterial protein that contributes to genomic instability and birth defects. The study found that mice exposed to the protein experienced reduced fertility and increased birth defects, shedding light on potential cancer connections.
Researchers analyzed data from the first genetically-modified pig heart transplant into a human patient and found that several overlapping factors contributed to heart failure, including poor pre-transplant health, immunocompromised state, and use of intravenous immunoglobulin. The study provides crucial insight into how these factors ...
Infection control experts found certain quality metrics to be low value and should be retired, according to a new survey. The study highlights the need for adjustments to these metrics to prevent hospitals from gaming the system.
A new study published in JAMA Neurology suggests that multiple sclerosis is more prevalent in Black Americans than once thought, with the disease also affecting Northern regions of the US. The study's findings have significant implications for public policy and resource allocation towards historically under-represented populations.
Researchers developed a new tool to predict heart disease risk in those over 40 based on their total exposure to heart disease risk factors. The study found that black patients have a 46% greater risk of developing heart disease compared to white patients.
A new genetic mutation has been identified as the cause of infantile dilated cardiomyopathy, a common cause of heart failure in children. The mutation disrupts centrosome structure, leading to disorganized muscle cells and poor heart function.
A study by University of Maryland School of Medicine found that AI algorithms used in medical imaging lack demographic data and bias evaluations. This can exacerbate existing health disparities worldwide. Researchers encourage future competitions to prioritize fairness among different groups.
Researchers discovered that female rat brains have a smaller brain region due to immune cells consuming and digesting neurons, affecting behavior. Blocking this process resulted in females preferring their own odor or having no preference.