Researchers from UTHealth and Baylor College of Medicine recommend that EHR developers annually assess their products to ensure safety recommendations are met. The authors suggest three strategies to complement the new CMS rules, aiming to distribute responsibility for safety improvements evenly between designers, developers, and users.
A recent study found that fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair significantly reduced mortality rates for patients with complex aortic aneurysms, with a 1% risk of mortality at 30 days compared to 21% in open surgical repair. The procedure also showed better outcomes regarding major adverse events, including spinal cord injury.
Patients treated by mobile stroke units had faster anti-clot medication delivery and less disability at 90 days compared to standard ambulance care, according to a study published in NEJM. The trial, which enrolled over 1,500 patients, showed that MSU-treated patients were more likely to receive tPA and have better mortality rates.
A preclinical trial has found that boosting a naturally occurring protein family may reduce damage from ischemic strokes. The study, published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, discovered that administering supplemental IAIP after an ischemic stroke reduced the size of the damaged area and improved functional recovery.
A new study by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that telemedicine appointments combined with in-person visits significantly reduced the risk of further illness for children with medically complex cases. The study assessed 422 patients and found that those who received both telemedicine and c...
Researchers at UTHealth found that exoskeleton-assisted rehabilitation can be beneficial for stroke survivors, correcting impaired walking patterns and increasing motor coordination. The study used the Ekso 1.1 exoskeleton to guide patients with chronic post-stroke hemiplegia or hemiparesis in a 10-15 session training program over thre...
Research at UTHealth School of Public Health in Houston found that infants born to obese mothers have a heightened risk of developing colorectal cancer later in life. The study also linked timing and magnitude of maternal weight gain during pregnancy, as well as birth weight, to increased risk of the disease.
The study seeks to identify molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with infection in Alzheimer's disease development. Researchers will analyze the role of peripheral and brain infections using transgenic mice, human samples, and novel in vitro techniques.
Researchers at UTHealth are investigating pairing patients with PTSD undergoing treatment for peer support and exposure therapy to improve treatment completion rates. The study aims to reduce the high dropout rate of 25-50% by providing a supportive network for patients to overcome triggers and work towards recovery.
A study published in Nature found that altering eating habits or disrupting the circadian clock can lead to depletion of healthy fat cells, causing defects in fat storage and excess lipid spilling into organs. This disruption may be difficult to reverse, increasing the risk of Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance.
A study published by UTHealth found that as rideshare usage increased, so did a decrease in motor vehicle-related trauma and impaired driving convictions. The age group under 30 showed the most significant reduction in motor vehicle-related traumas.
A new engineered IgM antibody therapy has been found to be significantly more potent than standard IgG antibodies at neutralizing the COVID-19 virus in animal models. The therapy, IGM-6268, demonstrated increased potency against emerging variants of concern and variants of interest.
A new study at UTHealth aims to reduce HIV incidence among trans women by combining HIV prevention services with gender-affirming care. The combination intervention, supported by peer health navigation, has shown promise in improving mental health outcomes and addressing the unique barriers faced by this population.
A team of researchers has developed a machine-learning artificial intelligence tool that can assess strokes at smaller regional facilities. The technology uses CT angiography scans, which are more widely available than advanced imaging used in larger academic centers.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that pregnant women hospitalized with COVID-19 and pneumonia have a lower mortality rate compared to non-pregnant women. The study analyzed medical records from over 1,100 pregnant patients and more than 9,800 non-pregnant women, revealing less than 1% of pregnant patients died...
A study found that human tumor cells in patient-derived xenografts (PDX) are often compromised by mouse viruses, leading to false-positive results for cancer drug efficacy. The researchers analyzed 184 data sets and found that 170 samples showed the presence of mouse viruses.
The project aims to understand the impact of peer recovery coaches on outcomes for individuals in medication-assisted recovery (MAR) housing. It will compare residents with and without peer recovery coaches to those in non-MAR housing, evaluating how culture, services, and camaraderie affect their recovery.
A new study by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that dropping out of high school, having schizophrenia, or a co-occurring personality disorder increases the likelihood of someone becoming a high utilizer. The research used machine learning to analyze deidentified electronic health record dat...
A new study by physician-researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that a modified pain management strategy reduced opioid exposure in trauma patients while maintaining equal levels of pain control. The MAST regimen, a multi-modal analgesic approach using over-the-counter medications, achieved this o...
Researchers are expanding a Phase II clinical trial of vadadustat, an investigational oral drug, to investigate its potential to prevent acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in COVID-19 patients. The trial aims to improve oxygen delivery to tissues and reduce alveolar inflammation.
Researchers at UTHealth have discovered a gene signaling pathway linked to schizophrenia using human-induced pluripotent stem cells. The PI3K/GSK3 pathway was found to be dysregulated in neurons from patients with schizophrenia, with SGK1 inhibitor being associated with the condition.
A Phase II clinical trial is being conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MultiStem cellular therapy for treating injured patients with severe hemorrhage. The study aims to mitigate complications resulting from traumatic injuries, including secondary infections and organ failure conditions.
A unique brain pattern that shifts tryptophan metabolism from serotonin production to neurotoxicity has been identified in individuals with major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. This finding holds promise for developing new diagnostic tests and targeted treatments for these conditions.
Research reveals that telomere shortening, linked to excessive stem cell division, predisposes fat cells to premature senescence and tissue dysfunction. Shorter telomeres in patients with metabolic dysfunction also showed resistance to weight loss treatments.
Researchers at UTHealth analyzed data from over 18,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests to identify disparities in automated external defibrillator use. Hispanic/Latino and black neighborhoods showed significantly lower rates of AED use compared to non-Hispanic/Latino white communities.
A study by UTHealth found that nearly 2,000 US adults experienced a 20% increase in binge drinking during the pandemic. Those with depression and spending more time at home were more likely to exhibit harmful alcohol consumption.
Scientists at UTHealth identified the mid-fusiform cortex as the brain's visual dictionary, which processes information and distinguishes between real and made-up words. The study found that this region acts as a bottleneck to reading speed, with temporary disruption causing dyslexia-like symptoms.
Researchers found that linking outpatient providers to hospitalists improved reduced hospital days, readmissions, and PICU stays. Parents also reported higher satisfaction rates with inpatient care.
The UTHealth Harris County Psychiatric Center created an isolated COVID-19 unit to manage the highly infectious virus in a freestanding psychiatric hospital. The team implemented screening for symptoms, fever, contact, and travel history, and used extreme caution when isolating suspected patients.
Researchers found that nearly 19% of US children and adolescents are obese, with severe obesity rates higher in Hispanic and Black youth. Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective option for treating these patients, but many are not being offered the treatment due to lack of access.
A five-year study aims to explain the microbial, clinical, and antimicrobial resistance factors of three major multidrug-resistant pathogens. The research will utilize state-of-the-art analysis of genomes and microbiome analyses using stool samples and blood samples.
Researchers found that antibiotics were not worse than surgery in terms of overall health status, allowing most people to avoid operations. Patients treated with antibiotics often returned home faster but missed less time from work and school.
A $5 million NIH grant will help identify disease hotspots and testing deserts in vulnerable populations in Texas, aiming to increase COVID-19 testing. Researchers will develop and evaluate intervention strategies to address these disparities, focusing on three racially diverse areas with high infection rates.
Researchers at UTHealth are enrolling patients in a nationwide trial testing laboratory-made antibodies and experimental treatments to prevent severe COVID-19 illness. The Phase II trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments in non-hospitalized adults with mild COVID-19.
A new study by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that police officers are susceptible to adverse events due to multifaceted stressors. The study identified five themes influencing officer perception of call stress levels, including officer characteristics and civilian behavior.
Pregnant obese women are at higher risk of early and late-onset hypertensive disorders, with the risk increasing with higher body mass indexes (BMI). The study found a strong association between maternal obesity and both early- and late-onset hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
A new study published at the 2020 Alzheimer's Association International Conference suggests that receiving at least one flu vaccination can lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease over a lifetime. The research found that people who received a flu vaccine were 17% less likely to get Alzheimer's disease.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that maternal depression during and after pregnancy significantly increases the odds of depression in offspring during adolescence and adulthood. The research, which examined over 15,000 children, shows that perinatal depression can have a lasting negative impact on mental health.
A study published in The Lancet Public Health found that nearly 60% of US parents of unvaccinated adolescents have no intention to initiate the HPV vaccine series. Healthcare providers play a crucial role in addressing parental misconceptions and ensuring series completion.
A yearlong trial enrolls patients with COVID-19 to evaluate ramipril's ability to prevent worsening of the illness. Experts investigate ACE inhibitors' potential to reduce severity by regulating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Researchers identified a critical early step in the visual process, discovering that rods and cones communicate primarily through connexin36 gap junctions. This understanding will aid in developing photoreceptor or retinal implants to restore vision.
A new study has found that children with developmental disabilities have a higher risk of developing asthma. The study, which analyzed data from over 71,000 families, showed that ethnic minority children were particularly at risk of dual diagnoses of asthma and disability.
A recent study found that nearly 73% of patients with obesity experienced increased anxiety, while 84% reported depression. The pandemic disrupted their access to healthy food and exercise opportunities, leading to increased stress eating and decreased physical activity.
Researchers used sub-millimeter brain implants to determine which brain areas are responsible for facial and scene recognition. The study found that the medial parietal cortex plays a crucial role in identifying faces and places, working together with traditional memory regions to facilitate recognition.
A nationwide EHR study found that patients treated with phenylephrine had a lower mortality rate (24.5%) compared to dopamine and norepinephrine, even in patients with acute comorbidities. The study suggests phenylephrine as the optimal treatment for nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Experts at UTHealth report a breakthrough in treating severe COVID-19 cases in children, illustrating that the disease can be successfully managed despite its severity.
A recent review published in JAMA Cardiology reveals that COVID-19 can cause cardiac injury and worsen outcomes for patients with pre-existing heart conditions. The study found a higher risk of cardiovascular complications in patients over 65 with coronary heart disease or hypertension.
Only 19.8% of Americans have rapid access to endovascular thrombectomy for stroke treatment, highlighting a significant unmet need in stroke care. Researchers evaluated two strategies to optimize access and found that the bypassing model could improve access by 16.7%, making it an optimal solution for resource-strapped areas.
Researchers found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had adequate folate levels were less likely to die from cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that maintaining optimal folate levels through diet and supplements could help reduce this risk in these patients.
A study published in JAMA Network Open highlights the strain on Texas emergency departments from uninsured kidney disease patients seeking lifesaving dialysis. The researchers found that over 10,000 uninsured patients incurred $21.8 million in hospital costs for emergency dialysis treatments.