A new study reveals that teenagers who experience traditional dating abuse are at a higher risk of becoming cyberdating abuse victims, and vice versa. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 high school students and found that involvement in one form of abuse increases the likelihood of involvement in the other.
Researchers found that embedded clinical practice guidelines in patient electronic medical records during outpatient visits improved the use of severity measurement tools, referrals to rehabilitation programs, inhaler education, and vaccinations among stable COPD patients. The intervention also led to better quality of care measures.
Researchers at UTMB created a novel, Eilat virus-based diagnostic test that can diagnose chikungunya in under two hours and is more affordable than existing tests. The test uses the structural proteins of the Eilat virus to mimic the chikungunya virus without replicating in humans.
A recent UTMB study found that severely obese pregnant women who maintained or lost weight during pregnancy had lower healthcare costs and healthier infant outcomes. The study compared 82 obese mothers with 85 healthy-weight mothers, finding that infants of obese mothers who lost weight were less likely to experience complications.
Researchers have identified a cellular signal in amniotic fluid that builds up when a pregnant woman is about to go into labor. The study found that telomere fragments in the fluid increase with fetal maturity and can trigger inflammation, signaling fetal readiness for delivery.
A UTMB study found that older diabetic patients receiving primary care from nurse practitioners had lower rates of preventable hospitalization than those with physician care in nonmetropolitan areas. Nurse practitioner care was shown to be comparable to that of physicians in terms of quality and clinical outcomes.
A new population-based study found no association between testosterone therapy and aggressive prostate cancer risk over a five-year period. The study analyzed data from Medicare linked records and included 52,579 men diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2001-2006.
Researchers mapped antigenic differences in dengue virus strains, finding overlap among previously thought distinct groups. The findings suggest a continuum rather than separate groups, making vaccine development harder.
A new surgical training program has been developed using techniques from sports and music to improve surgical performance. The model employs a coaching team with well-rehearsed communication to provide immediate correction when needed.
A study by University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that women discharged from rural hospitals had higher readmission rates than urban hospitals. The researchers attributed this to a lack of family support, disease burden, and limited obstetrician availability in rural areas.
A new peptide drug, TP508, has been shown to significantly increase survival in mice when administered 24 hours after nuclear radiation exposure. The study found that the drug counteracts damage to the gastrointestinal system, delaying mortality and increasing chances of survival.
Researchers have found that the mortality rate for extremely preterm infants has not improved significantly since 2000, despite advancements in medical technology and treatment. Data from over 47,000 records shows a decline in mortality rates from 1990 to 2000, but no significant improvement from 2000 to 2010.
A study published in CHEST found that COPD patients with psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis are more likely to be readmitted early due to complications. These patients had a longer hospital stay and lower outpatient follow-up visits, indicating the need for additional guidance to reduce readmission rates.
A recent US study found that fetal electrocardiogram ST segment analysis does not improve outcomes during labor and delivery or decrease cesarean deliveries compared to conventional fetal heart rate monitoring. The research involved 11,108 randomized patients and found no significant differences in negative outcomes.
Researchers have discovered that white fat can be transformed into a form resembling brown fat, increasing metabolic rate and lowering blood glucose levels. This finding has significant implications for the treatment of complications associated with obesity and sedentary lifestyle.
A study by the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that listening to surgeons' preferred music reduces repair completion time by 7% while maintaining improved wound closure quality. The effect is more pronounced for senior residents, with a 10% reduction in time and an overall improvement in work quality.
Researchers at UTMB discovered a key mechanism behind developing allergic asthma and seasonal nasal allergies after exposure to airborne pollens like ragweed. The study found that neutrophils, white blood cells, attract in response to allergens, trigger inflammation and oxidative stress in the airways.
A large-scale study of over 30,000 men found no link between testosterone therapy and venous thromboembolism. The study suggests that testosterone therapy is not associated with an increased risk of blood clots in veins, which is a common cardiovascular illness.
Asthmatics are particularly sensitive to sulfur dioxide, which can cause airway irritation even at low concentrations. Scientists still don't know why asthmatics lack the ability to produce interleukin-10, a protein that stops inflammatory processes.
A collaborative team from UTMB and NIH develop an inhalable vaccine that protects primates against Ebola. The aerosol delivery method has shown promising results, with a single vaccination providing protection against the severe disease and death caused by lethal Ebola infection.
Researchers discovered that dengue virus adapts by interacting with host RNA and proteins, allowing it to bypass the immune response. This finding explains the 1994 Puerto Rico epidemic and may help predict future outbreaks.
A new study found that calcineurin inhibitor-based medications used by organ transplant recipients significantly lower the prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease compared to national data. The research suggests that this treatment strategy may offer a protective effect against the development and progression of Alzheimer's.
A study published in The Gerontologist found that consuming chamomile tea was associated with a 29% decreased risk of death from all causes among older Mexican-American women, compared to non-users. This effect was not observed in men.
Researchers at UTMB have successfully tested a vaccine for Chagas disease, which can provide long-lasting immunity in animal models. The vaccine was found to significantly reduce parasite levels and prevent chronic symptoms, making it a promising tool for control of this infection.
A UTMB study found that excessive weight gain during pregnancy, lack of exercise, and smoking are strongly associated with an increased risk of childhood obesity. Moderate exercise during pregnancy can lower this risk, even after adjusting for other factors.
A US study found that spirometry was underutilized for asthma diagnosis and management in adults from 2001 to 2011, despite national guidelines recommending its use. The test provides accurate measurements of air volumes and flows, playing a vital role in asthma diagnosis and management.
A new study finds that people with cocaine addiction display altered patterns of brain activity and communication between regions, particularly in the left caudate. This impairment may lead to increased impulsivity and relapse rates, making it a key target for medication development.
A UTMB study shows that augmenting a gas naturally in our bodies, hydrogen sulfide, can reduce the severity of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. The researchers found that providing a drug that triggers a steady release of this gas blocks RSV viral replication and inflammation.
A recent UTMB study found that oxygen therapy is being prescribed more frequently among COPD patients, especially women over 75 with multiple health conditions. The study's results show an increase in oxygen use from 2001 to 2010, likely due to improved survival rates and decreased stigma around the treatment.
Researchers from UTMB and Tekmira Pharmaceuticals have developed a post-exposure treatment effective against a specific strain of Ebola. The treatment uses siRNA to target and neutralize the virus, demonstrating potential benefits beyond improved survival rates.
Researchers at UTMB have developed an Ebola vaccine that is both safe and effective with a single dose, providing protection against the deadly virus. The new vaccine employs a 'Trojan horse' approach, using a weakened form of the virus to trigger an immune response.
The University of Texas Medical Branch has developed an online tool to help bedside nurses rapidly access filtered research evidence, presenting information in concise formats. The Disciplined Clinical Inquiry - Evidence-Based Practice Literacy pathway offers a streamlined education on the EBP skillset using online modules.
Patients with COPD receiving home oxygen face a higher risk of burn injury, with a 10-fold greater mortality rate associated with these injuries. Risk factors include male gender, multiple medical conditions, and low socioeconomic status.
The chikungunya virus is predicted to soon spread to the US, causing a painful and potentially debilitating disease. Researchers are working on understanding how the virus enters the human body and developing vaccines, but progress is hindered by challenges in clinical trials.
A new study from UTMB reveals that a single dose of immunotherapy reverses memory problems in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. The therapy targets toxic tau oligomers, which are also linked to amyloid beta levels.
A new study found that 20% of men with normal testosterone levels received a prescription for testosterone therapy. The study also found that nearly half of new testosterone users did not receive prostate cancer screening during treatment.
A collaborative team identified mechanisms involved in antibody response to the Marburg virus by studying a survivor's blood. The study reveals that the human immune system can effectively fight Marburg virus infections by producing antibodies.
Pregnant women exposed to high levels of flame-retardants are more likely to deliver babies early, with over 15 million preterm births occurring annually worldwide. Researchers analyzed blood samples from pregnant women and found a correlation between flame-retardant chemicals and preterm birth.
Only about half of teenage girls receive the HPV vaccine at the recommended age of 11-12, leaving them unprotected against cervical cancer and genital warts. Researchers found that rates of HPV infection increase significantly among young people between 14-24, emphasizing the importance of early vaccination.
A new study estimates that up to two-thirds of never-smoking teens are exposed to secondhand smoke inside and outside their homes, highlighting the need for smoke-free environments. The study, published in Journal of Adolescent Health, analyzed data from over 350,000 teens across 168 countries.
A study by the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that patients in the highest risk category were less likely to receive gallbladder removal surgery. Despite this, only 22% of those in high-risk group had their gallbladders removed. The researchers used a predictive model to identify low-, moderate-, and high-risk ca...
A new UTMB study found that most patients using epinephrine autoinjectors incorrectly, with only 16% using the device properly. Inhaler users also made significant mistakes, with 63% missing three or more steps. Improving patient training is crucial to maximize medication effectiveness.
A recent UTMB study found that Hispanic women in the US were significantly less likely to survive endometrial uterine cancer compared to non-Hispanic white women. The study analyzed data from 69,764 women diagnosed between 2000 and 2010 and found that minority patients tend to be diagnosed with more aggressive cancer.
A multidisciplinary team from UTMB will lead projects to determine the drug safety and efficacy of an antiretroviral-releasing intravaginal ring. The project aims to develop a device that can deliver multiple-drug combinations of HIV antiretroviral drugs, which is crucial for preventing the spread of sexually transmitted HIV in women.
UTMB professors Scott Weaver and Slobodan Paessler received national awards from the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. They are making significant contributions to understanding and controlling tropical diseases, including Ebola, mosquito-borne illnesses, and influenza.
Researchers found a link between the APOE e4 allele and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as lower HDL cholesterol levels. Higher cholesterol in older adults may be associated with longevity, challenging current cholesterol-lowering medication practices.
Researchers discovered that simvastatin inhibits the growth of uterine fibroid tumors, which are responsible for half of all hysterectomies. The study found that simvastatin impedes cell growth and induces calcium-dependent cell death mechanisms in fibroid tumor cells.
Cancer patients often use dietary supplements without telling their doctors, which can lead to unneeded risks. Researchers emphasize the importance of open communication between patient and doctor to create a personalized treatment plan based on reliable information.
Researchers at UTMB have discovered three small-molecule compounds that activate Bax and induce high levels of cell death in lung cancer cells without harming noncancerous tissues. These findings represent a new class of anticancer drugs with a unique therapeutic target for the treatment of cancers expressing Bax, including lung cancer.
A new study by University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that teenage sexting may precede and predict future sexual activity. The research suggests that sexting is becoming a normal part of adolescent sexual development, rather than strictly linked to at-risk teens.