Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have detected strong white matter signals in the spinal cord that promote nerve regeneration and healing after injury. These signals are comparable to those seen in gray matter, which enables targeted delivery of electromagnetic stimuli or drugs to restore nerve activity.
A large cohort of primarily low-income, Black and white adults found persistently unhealthy sleep to be significantly associated with Type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that maintaining regular sleep schedules over time may reduce the risk of adverse cardiometabolic conditions.
A multidisciplinary team developed GeneMAP to probe gene function in metabolism. They identified SLC25A48 as necessary for mitochondrial choline transport and associated it with eight human diseases.
A genetic variation common in people of African ancestry is associated with an increased risk of diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy. Testing for this variant could help clinicians diagnose and treat diabetes more effectively, reducing disparities in diabetes complications between individuals of European and African ancestries.
The new treatment, nonmyeloablative haploidentical bone marrow transplant (BMT) with thiotepa and posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy), has shown a two-year overall survival of 94.1% in children and adults, with no difference between age groups. The therapy is proving to be well-tolerated and offers an affordable alternative to expen...
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center-led research team discovered a connection between obesity and cancer, revealing that macrophages play an unexpected role in the complicated connection. Obesity increases macrophage frequency in tumors and induces PD-1 expression, which can contribute to both increased cancer risk and enhanced resp...
Vanderbilt University researchers have isolated human monoclonal antibodies against influenza B, which may aid in the prevention and treatment of this virus. The antibodies, particularly FluB-400, can broadly inhibit virus replication and protect against infection when administered intranasally.
A recent study has found a significant link between treatment-resistant depression and body mass index, suggesting new avenues for treatment development. The research identified genes clustered on different chromosomes that correlated with the likelihood of receiving electroconvulsive therapy, an effective treatment for severe depression.
A study published in Nature Genetics has identified genetic variants associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in women of African ancestry. The research found that nearly 8% of women carry all six risk variants, making them 4.2 times more likely to be diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that 1 in 20 emergency department patients experience housing insecurity, presenting with increased risk of chronic disease and injury. Screening for homelessness is crucial to tailor care for this susceptible patient population.
A new tool helps prioritize infants most at risk for severe RSV illness, allowing for targeted preventive medication with long-acting nirsevimab. The tool has good predictive accuracy and internal validation, indicating a potential game-changer in RSV prevention among high-risk infants.
A multicenter study found that dapagliflozin improves diuresis and reduces hospital stays in patients with acute heart failure. The drug was shown to be safe and effective when initiated during early hospitalization, leading to faster discharge times.
A new urine test, MyProstateScore 2.0 (MPS2), measures 18 genes associated with prostate cancer and offers higher diagnostic accuracy than existing tests. The test reduces unnecessary prostate biopsies by up to 51% in men with a history of previous negative biopsy.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital found a link between depression and heart disease through inflammation. The study suggests that medications for both conditions, when used together, may prevent the development of cardiomyopathy by reducing inflammation.
Research published in JAMA Network Open found that individuals with higher genetic risk of obesity need to walk more steps per day than those with lower risk to avoid becoming obese. Participants with a higher polygenic risk score required significantly more physical activity, with some needing up to 11,020 steps per day.
Researchers analyzed Beethoven's DNA to investigate his genetic musical predisposition, finding an unremarkable polygenic score compared to population samples. The study suggests that while DNA contributes to musical skills, environment plays a key role in musical ability and engagement.
A U.S.-Canadian research collaboration identified common blood changes as a risk factor for acute kidney injury (AKI) in over 1 in 5 hospitalized adults. The discovery may lead to new, more effective treatments for AKI and prevent its progression to end-stage renal disease.
A new study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center demonstrates the potential of AI to help target computerized alerts intended for healthcare teams. The approach uses machine learning to analyze user interactions with alerts, predicting when specific alerts will be dismissed by users. The model's suggestions were found to align wit...
A large, diverse genetic study identified novel genetic locations associated with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally. The study implicated vascular and cancer-related genes in POAG risk, with 20% of associated genes related to primary cilia.
A multicenter study found that a small pancreas size predicts a faster progression to stage 3 Type 1 diabetes. The study also suggests that using pancreas volume measurement combined with validated metabolic risk measures can more accurately predict disease development than either method alone.
A 10-year follow-up study of nearly 2,500 U.S. men who received prostate cancer treatment found that adverse effects of treatments on sexual function may be deemphasized in decision making for some men. The study suggests that active surveillance can be a beneficial option for patients with favorable-prognosis prostate cancer.
A multisite clinical trial will evaluate repurposed FDA-approved drugs as treatment options for patients with Rett syndrome, a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder affecting brain development. The study aims to find new therapies to improve the lives of individuals with Rett syndrome, potentially providing multiple treatment options.
A recent study found that liraglutide, a GLP-1R agonist, rapidly improves insulin sensitivity in individuals with obesity and pre-diabetes. Insulin sensitivity is crucial for controlling blood glucose levels, and improved sensitivity reduces the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes or improving its treatment.
The combination of atezolizumab and carboplatin improved overall survival by 3.9 months, and lengthened progression-free survival from 2.2 to 4.1 months. Patients with higher body mass indexes and uncontrolled blood glucose levels showed greater benefits.
A comprehensive study has linked a regulatory gene network and functional defects in insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells to Type 2 diabetes. The research provides a template for identifying additional early disease-driving events for Type 2 diabetes.
A new Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that thiazide diuretics were associated with a 15% lower risk of kidney stones. Higher serum calcium levels also linked to thiazides, supporting the notion that they affect kidney stone risk by modulating calcium excretion.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered iron storage 'spheres' inside C. diff bacteria, which are crucial for infection and offer new targets for antibacterial drugs. The study, published in Nature, also reveals that bacteria may compartmentalize biochemical processes in a way similar to eukaryotic cells.
A new study reports that antiviral medications are largely underused in young children diagnosed with influenza, highlighting opportunities for improvement in prevention and treatment. The study found low rates of antiviral use across all age groups, including a significant disparity in geographic regions.
A study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that reducing sodium intake by just one teaspoon a day can lower systolic blood pressure by about 6 millimeters of mercury. Most people, regardless of whether they are already on blood pressure medications or not, can see a reduction in their blood pressure if they lower the sodiu...
The project aims to develop a maturity model framework to outline essential capabilities for health systems to ensure trustworthy utilization of AI models. The framework will help identify strengths and weaknesses in procuring and deploying AI solutions, ultimately driving transformation of healthcare.
A new AI tool developed at Vanderbilt University Medical Center accurately identified pediatric patients at high risk for blood clots. However, the study found no difference in outcomes between the treatment and control groups, suggesting that clinicians may need to overcome reluctance to accept blood-thinning therapy recommendations.
A phase 3 clinical trial demonstrated tirzepatide's effectiveness in achieving an additional 21.1% weight loss after intensive lifestyle intervention in adults with obesity or overweight comorbidities. Participants who received tirzepatide achieved a total mean weight loss of 26.6%, compared to 3.8% for those on placebo.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that cefepime did not significantly increase the risk of kidney failure compared to piperacillin/tazobactam in critically ill patients. However, cefepime was associated with more neurological dysfunction and shorter survival rates.
African Americans at increased risk of kidney disease due to genetic mutation now have a protective genetic mutation that eliminates the risk. The study found that medicines blocking the hole in kidney cells are likely to be effective treatment options.
A study published in Gastroenterology validated pyrvinium as a potential preventative treatment for stomach cancer. The drug induces cell death in precancerous lesions by targeting specific stem cells through dual MEK/ERK and STAT3 inhibition, suggesting lower adverse effects on tissue regeneration.
Researchers discovered NKG2A receptors as potential targets to overcome immunotherapy resistance in breast cancer, offering a promising approach for treating immunotherapy-resistant triple-negative breast cancer patients.
A phase 2 trial shows garetosmab significantly reduces new bone lesions and soft tissue flare-ups in FOP patients. The treatment also prevents the progression of the disease, giving hope to individuals affected by this rare condition.
Most infants admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for RSV infections were previously healthy and born at term. Preventative interventions targeting all infants can reduce the burden of severe RSV illness. New treatments such as palivizumab and nirsevimab are being considered.
A study found that out-of-pocket costs for medication are a significant barrier to treatment, with those facing the highest daily costs having a higher risk of discontinuing their treatment. Researchers call for buprenorphine to be added to the list of clinically approved preventive services to alleviate the opioid crisis
Researchers found all hallmarks of T cell exhaustion within six to 12 hours of tumor exposure, including dramatic changes in gene expression and chromatin accessibility. The study challenges existing ideas about how T cells become exhausted and has implications for cancer immunotherapies.
Researchers found that immune system T cells become dysfunctional or 'exhausted' within six to 12 hours of encountering a tumor, challenging existing ideas about the process. This discovery has implications for cancer immunotherapies and may lead to new targets for preventing or reversing T cell exhaustion.
A nationwide study found that low-dose atropine eyedrops had no effect on slowing the progression of nearsightedness in children. The study contradicts earlier findings from East Asia and highlights racial differences in treatment response.
Researchers found serious neuropsychiatric side effects occur in both treated and untreated children with flu. The study highlights the importance of understanding these events in young children and those with underlying conditions.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center will compare the effectiveness of ketamine and etomidate in critically ill adults undergoing tracheal intubation. The study aims to determine which medication helps patients survive or prevents symptoms of PTSD.
A new study led by Vanderbilt University Medical Center has shown that a simple direct oral challenge can safely remove penicillin allergy labels from low-risk patients. This method performs as well as traditional skin testing and oral challenges, with no serious adverse events reported.
Fruquintinib has shown statistically significant improvement in overall survival and progression-free survival rates for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The median survival rate was 7.4 months, with a 34% reduction in death compared to the placebo group.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found potential savings of $661.8M (78.8%) if insurers purchased seven generic oncology drugs at MCCPDC prices, with total savings ranging from $228.1M to $2,154.5M.
Researchers discovered that tumor mutation burden is a fundamental predictor of survival, independent of clinical presentation metrics. Survival was better at both low and high extremes of mutation burden, contradicting previous assumptions about the relationship between mutation burden and survivability.
A Vanderbilt study found that enhanced treatment support doubles the odds of quitting among fast nicotine metabolizers. Providing personalized coaching on nicotine replacement therapy reduces the abstinence disparity with slow metabolizers.
A randomized clinical trial found that providing palliative care at the time of cancer surgery did not improve patient outcomes, including quality of life and survival. The study suggests that surgeons should not be reluctant to call for palliative care consultations based on fear of upsetting patients.