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University of Minnesota Medical School


Research Brief: Restorative Justice diversion with Minneapolis youth

Researchers found that Minneapolis youth who participated in restorative justice diversion were less likely to experience re-arrest than those processed through the traditional juvenile justice system. The study demonstrates the positive impact of this approach and highlights its potential to reduce racial disparities.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalCrime & Delinquency·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023

Research brief: Verapamil shows beneficial effect on the pancreas in children with newly-diagnosed type 1 diabetes

A University of Minnesota-led study shows that verapamil can increase pancreatic insulin secretion by 30% in children with newly-diagnosed type 1 diabetes. The treatment was well-tolerated and had a favorable safety profile, making it an appealing option for children and adults with the condition.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 24, 2023

Research brief: New “burden-free” study method finds two blood pressure drugs equally effective

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School conducted a large clinical trial comparing two commonly prescribed generic drugs, chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide. The study found that both medications were equally effective in preventing cardiovascular disease and non-cancer death, contradicting current clinical guidel...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 11, 2023

Research brief: Organizing care for diabetes patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers found that high-performing practices used proactive approaches to organize staff and manage patient interactions, leading to comprehensive addressing of patient care needs during in-person visits. The study suggests incorporating proactive patient care processes into primary care delivery to improve diabetes outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateDec 15, 2022

Research Brief: Racial disparities in surgery recommendations for patients with brain tumors

Researchers found that Black patients were more likely to be recommended against surgical removal of their brain tumors, regardless of tumor size or socioeconomic status. The study provides a basis for future research on racial bias in clinical decision-making and its impact on patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 14, 2022

Research brief: Regional disparities in rates of parental incarceration among Minnesota youth

Research reveals significant regional disparities in parental incarceration rates, with children of color and those living in impoverished households more likely to experience it. The study also highlights the need for tailored strategies to address health inequities in remote or under-resourced communities.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2022

Research brief: Association between diabetes medication and less severe cases of COVID-19

A study published in PLOS ONE found that adults with type 2 diabetes taking metformin had a 45% lower risk of needing a breathing machine or dying from COVID-19 compared to those not taking the medication. The research team analyzed data from a large database and suggested metformin may be an effective treatment option for reducing COV...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2022

Research brief: Evaluating use of new AI technology in diagnosing COVID-19

A study by University of Minnesota researchers found that personalized federated learning may offer an opportunity to develop both internal and externally validated algorithms. This technique enables multiple parties to train AI models collaboratively without exchanging or centralizing data sets, protecting sensitive medical informatio...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 17, 2022

Research brief: Two popular diabetes drugs outperformed others in large clinical trial

A large clinical trial found that insulin glargine and liraglutide were superior to other diabetes drugs in controlling blood sugars. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, compared four common medications used to treat type 2 diabetes when added to metformin.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 7, 2022

Research brief: Identifying patients with sarcoidosis at risk for bad cardiac outcomes

Researchers have identified specific magnetic resonance imaging features that indicate cardiac sarcoidosis patients are at higher risk for adverse cardiac outcomes, including ventricular arrhythmias. These findings suggest that patients with certain cardiac MRI features may benefit from implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

Research Brief: Explanations behind possible link between increased risk of most common childhood cancer and people with obesity prior to pregnancy

Researchers investigated the possible connection between maternal obesity and an increased risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children. Changes in fetal epigenetics, insulin-like growth factor profiles, and immune cell populations have been proposed as potential explanations for this association.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalLeukemia Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 28, 2022

Endoscopy COVID-19 testing requirements disproportionately impact medically underserved communities

Medically underserved communities face significant barriers to endoscopy-related COVID-19 testing, potentially worsening health care disparities. Researchers recommend addressing these challenges by mailing test kits or offering rapid testing to mitigate delays in diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalGastroenterology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 22, 2022

Research Brief: Study examines how to improve hospitalized patients' access to antimicrobials

The study found that hospitals vary in their stocking practices and often rely on wholesale distributors or neighboring facilities to acquire non-stocked antimicrobials. Researchers recommend improving information sharing and collaboration among local hospitals to reduce barriers to timely treatment.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of the American Pharmacists Association·TypeSurvey·DateSep 8, 2022

Research Brief: Study examines support programs for pregnant, postpartum people at state prisons

A study from the University of Minnesota Medical School examines support programs for pregnant and postpartum individuals in six US state prisons. The research highlights the importance of collaboration between program facilitators and prison sites in determining program success.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of Criminal Justice·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 29, 2022

COVID OUT clinical trial suggests metformin effective at reducing odds of serious outcomes for COVID-19 patients seeking early treatment

The study found that metformin lowers the odds of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, or death due to COVID-19 by over 40 percent. Metformin also showed a significant reduction in serious outcomes when prescribed early in the onset of symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 18, 2022

Research brief: Studying outcomes of visceral artery pseudoaneurysm in necrotizing pancreatitis

Researchers found that visceral artery pseudoaneurysms in necrotizing pancreatitis are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The study also highlighted the importance of early detection and treatment, as delayed diagnosis can lead to increased complications and mortality.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·TypeObservational study·DateAug 2, 2022

Research Brief: The role of behavioral medicine in addressing climate-change related health inequities

The article highlights six strategies for addressing climate-related health inequities, including adopting standards for sociopolitical constructs and centering marginalized community voices. Researchers emphasize the importance of dismantling structural racism, environmental justice efforts, and effective communication strategies.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalTranslational Behavioral Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 1, 2022

Research Brief: Importance of teaching physician advocacy to medical students

Research found key components of the fellowship program, including flexible curricular structure and long-term health advocacy engagement, are associated with student growth. Community-centered models offer a compelling way to enable physician advocacy to center on community needs and foster innovative system change.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·TypeSurvey·DateJul 28, 2022

Research Brief: Researchers determine that AI-based tools have not yet reached full diagnostic potential in COVID-19

Researchers evaluated the real-time performance of an AI model to detect COVID-19 from chest X-rays and found that it did not outperform radiologist predictions. The study highlights the limitations of AI in diagnostic accuracy, particularly for certain groups such as women and minority populations.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalRadiology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 28, 2022

Research Brief: Study finds fecal microbiota transplantation to be cost effective treatment for any recurrent Clostridiodes Difficile infection

A new study from University of Minnesota Medical School suggests Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is an optimal and cost-effective treatment option for the first recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. The research model indicates it's effective and cost-effective when used in patients after a single episode of recurrent CDI.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJun 2, 2022

Research Brief: Cell-cell signaling of GI bacteria can unlock future infection preventions

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have made a groundbreaking discovery about how GI bacteria communicate with each other during gene transfers. This new understanding may lead to innovative approaches in preventing hospital infections without increasing antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2022

U of M Medical School research highlights the broad range of terms Minnesota youth use to describe their sexual orientation and gender identity

The study found that 43% of transgender and gender diverse students identified as nonbinary, with similar numbers identifying as pansexual (1.7%) as gay or lesbian (1.6%). Many LGBTQ+ youth reported depressive symptoms and experiences of identity-based bullying.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeSurvey·DateMar 21, 2022

U of M researchers finds that losartan is not effective in reducing COVID-19 lung injuries

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that losartan treatment did not reduce lung injury in patients admitted with COVID-19, but may be needed for blood pressure support. Researchers emphasize the need for repurposing inexpensive medications to contain healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 16, 2022