Researchers analyzed 20 prospective cohort studies in Asian countries to find that smoking patterns are similar to those in the US, leading to an increased risk of lung cancer mortality and other health problems. The study calls for immediate action to implement comprehensive tobacco control policies in all Asian countries.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center research team successfully developed a protective antibody-based treatment against the Zika virus, completing the challenge in just 12 days. The breakthrough could pave the way for rapid deployment of treatments to prevent outbreaks and pandemics worldwide.
The Department of Defense is providing $7 million to investigate the effectiveness of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) interventions for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers aim to tailor ABA approaches to individual needs and explore lower intensity alternatives.
Researchers found that the medicine DFMO not only blocks cell growth but also directly targets H. pylori to reduce its virulence. This could lead to a new strategy for preventing stomach cancer. The study supports further research into using DFMO to prevent stomach cancer.
Researchers at VUMC and TGen are studying Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a progressive and irreversible lung disease affecting 50,000 Americans annually. The grants will help identify specific gene expression changes driving the disease, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that enlarged perivascular spaces are associated with compromised cognitive skills in older adults. This challenges the long-held belief that these areas are harmless imaging markers.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a gene, HLA-A*32:01, that predisposes patients to vancomycin-associated DRESS. This genetic variant is found in 86% of patients who developed DRESS while taking vancomycin.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that using bag-mask ventilation during tracheal intubation improves outcomes and reduces the rate of severely low oxygen levels in half. The procedure, which involves squeezing air from a bag into the mouth for 60 seconds, is now being routinely used at the hospital.
A recent study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that children with autism spectrum disorder are at a higher risk of being reported to the Child Abuse Hotline. The study revealed that over 17% of children with ASD had been reported for maltreatment, compared to 7.4% of children without ASD.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center used sophisticated gene sequencing and computing techniques to analyze antibody-producing white blood cells. They found a surprisingly high frequency of shared clonotypes, which could aid in developing universal vaccines and treatments.
A study at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that African-American patients with blood type B can receive blood type A2 kidneys with similar outcomes. This new option has improved access to transplants for minority patients, increasing the number of available organs and reducing disparities in wait times.
Research from Vanderbilt University Medical Center found a significant association between long-term unemployment and higher rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome. Rural counties plagued by unemployment had significantly higher rates of babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome compared to urban areas.
A study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that freestanding emergency departments (FSEDs) charge significantly more than urgent care centers, even with lower annual patient volumes. FSEDs experienced a decrease in patient volume between 29.5% and 94.8% after converting from urgent care centers.
A team of researchers has discovered genetic associations with blood pressure that could guide future treatments for patients with hypertension. Over 250 new genetic variants and 400 new genes associated with blood pressure were identified, suggesting existing drugs may be used to lower blood pressure.
Researchers found that older patients with chronic sinusitis have a distinct inflammatory signature characterized by innate immune function and age-dependent cytokine elevations. This may render them less responsive to traditional steroid treatments, which are often ineffective for these patients.
A recent study at Vanderbilt University Medical Center has established a link between normal variations in thyroid function and increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The study found that even within a physiologically acceptable range, genetically determined variation in thyroid function can increase AF risk.
A randomized trial by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers found that magnesium boosts vitamin D status in people with low levels and reduces it in those with high levels. The ideal level of vitamin D is believed to be within the middle range of a U-shape, linked to the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that isolating symptoms to a single brain area resulted in low reproducibility rates, but analyzing symptom-specific circuitry within brain networks led to 100% reproducibility. This new approach aims to shed light on therapy development by identifying common symptom-localization patterns across different diseases.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that high-dose antipsychotic medications increase the risk of unexpected death in children and young adults. The study analyzed data from over 250,000 children and young people aged 5-24, revealing a 3.5-fold increased risk of unexpected death compared to those taking lower doses.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study shows that combining PPIs with oral anticoagulants reduces the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding by 34% among high-risk patients. This protection is most significant for those taking warfarin, with a hospitalization rate reduced from 4% to 2.8% per year.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have isolated a human monoclonal antibody that can neutralize the West Nile virus, potentially preventing viral encephalitis in the US. The study found that a single dose of this antibody completely protected mice from an otherwise lethal West Nile infection.
Cardiovascular complications, including myocarditis and pericarditis, have been identified in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The study also found a link between vasculitis and visual impairment, highlighting the need for clinicians to monitor for these conditions.
Patients hospitalized with cardiovascular disease are more likely to die within a year if they have low health literacy. The study considered social and behavioral factors such as physical activity, medication adherence, and perceived health competence, which were found to be significant predictors of mortality.
Researchers discovered that a drug inhibiting glutamine metabolism improves certain immune cells' function while suppressing others. Inhibiting glutaminase activity protects against inflammation and disease in mouse models of various conditions.
The article highlights the impact of mass shootings on blood donation rates and transfusion needs. A report by Vanderbilt University Medical Center shows that mass shootings can lead to a significant increase in blood component transfusions, with some hospitals requiring up to 2.7 units per admission.
Critically ill patients are not benefiting from antipsychotic medications in treating delirium in ICUs, with no significant difference in duration or outcomes compared to placebo. The MIND USA study screened nearly 21,000 patients and found that these drugs bring risk without benefit.
Reyna Gordon, PhD, has received a $2.3 million NIH Director's New Innovator Award to investigate the relationship between rhythm and speech disorders. Her research aims to identify health phenotypes that share a biological basis with humans' musical rhythm abilities.
Researchers used lesion network mapping to analyze how brain injuries disrupt volition and agency, finding that symptoms localize to interconnected brain networks. The study suggests that targeting these networks through brain stimulation may lead to new approaches for treating disrupted free will in neurological and psychiatric patients.
Fibromyalgia patients who regularly visit their physicians are much less likely to attempt suicide than those who do not. Regular care engagement is key in managing the disorder and reducing risk of suicide. The study suggests connecting patients at-risk with outpatient providers can improve care and reduce suicidal risk.
Researchers found that while severe reactions can occur, the risks are low compared to common cancer treatments. The study identified a peak timing for fatal toxicities within 15-40 days after treatment initiation, depending on the type of immune checkpoint inhibitor.
A new study by Vanderbilt University researchers found that bile acids can reduce cocaine reward and cravings. The findings suggest targeting bile acid signaling in the brain may be a novel way to treat cocaine abuse.
A recent study found that only 8% of disabled or older women who qualified for Medicare received BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing between 2000 and 2014. Women with these mutations are at higher risk for developing second breast cancer and ovarian cancer, making timely testing crucial for informed decision-making.
Research by Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that frequent binge drinkers had higher blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar at a younger age. Young men who binge drink have higher systolic blood pressure, while young women have higher blood sugar levels compared to non-binge drinkers.
Dual-eligible beneficiaries experience high rates of chronic illness and have lower average annual spending growth compared to other Medicare beneficiaries, especially in younger age groups.
A three-year obesity prevention trial found that young children in poor communities made some achievable behavioral changes but still struggled with obesity. The intervention included nutrition and recreation center use, but results diminished over time.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have isolated two potent monoclonal antibodies that efficiently neutralized the Zaire, Sudan, and Bundibugyo ebolaviruses. These antibodies also showed protection against infection in animal models, offering a promising lead for the development of injectable antibody treatments.
A new study by Vanderbilt University found that opioid treatment programs in Appalachian states have limited capacity, with only 50% accepting insurance. Pregnant women are particularly excluded, with shorter wait times only when accepted to treatment programs.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy can slow the progression of tremor in early-stage Parkinson's disease patients. DBS applied in early-stage Parkinson's disease may slow the progression of tremor, a finding that suggests potential for new treatment options.
A recent study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that quitting smoking significantly reduces lung cancer risk, with a 39% drop in just five years. Even 25 years after quitting, former heavy smokers' risk remains threefold higher than non-smokers.
A new Vanderbilt-led study published in Pediatrics found that hospitalizations for suicidal thoughts or attempts among school-age children have increased by over 100% since 2008. The study, which analyzed data from U.S. children's hospitals, also revealed seasonal trends in encounters, with peaks during the fall and spring months.
A new study by Vanderbilt researchers found that infants treated with medication as outpatients had a shorter hospital stay but longer treatment duration compared to inpatients. This highlights the need for a coordinated approach to treatment plans throughout pregnancy and childhood.
A Vanderbilt-led research team discovered genetic variations that increase heart attack risk even when patients are on statin drugs. The study found seven genetic variations associated with increased heart events in patients receiving statins, suggesting new targets for reducing cardiovascular risk.
A study published in Health Affairs found that generic options did not significantly reduce prices for the cancer therapy imatinib (Gleevec) after nearly two years of competition. The price drop was only 10 percent, which is significantly lower than expected estimates of 80 percent.
A study published in Science reveals that some Central American frog species are recovering from a deadly fungal pathogen, with skin secretions showing improved antimicrobial defenses. The research suggests that the pathogen remains lethal, but frogs' natural defenses appear to be more effective than before the epidemic.
Vanderbilt researchers are developing a new surgical planning tool to improve voice outcomes for patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis. By analyzing the aerodynamics of cicada wings, they aim to create customized implants that optimize voice production and breathing.
A new study found a staggering 433% increase in U.S. infants diagnosed with opioid withdrawal symptoms between 2004 and 2014. Medicaid-covered infants showed even more severe symptoms, resulting in $462 million in healthcare costs and approximately $2 billion in excess Medicaid costs over 10 years.
A new method developed by researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center identifies rare genetic diseases in patients with heart failure, stroke, infertility, and kidney failure. The study found that phenotype risk scores can help predict the presence of disease-causing genetic variants.
Researchers created an integrated imaging approach that uses multiple techniques to study Staphylococcus aureus infections. This method revealed new insights into abscesses and the bacteria's response to their environment. The findings have implications for vaccine and therapeutic development, as well as culture-free diagnosis.
Two landmark studies by Vanderbilt researchers show significant improvement in patient outcomes using balanced fluids instead of saline for intravenous therapy, leading to a decline in saline use at the hospital. The studies found a 1 percent lower incidence of serious kidney problems or death in patients receiving balanced fluids, res...
Researchers discovered that individual neurons fight back to maintain signaling between brain regions, slowing disease progression in glaucoma. This finding suggests a potential new therapeutic approach to preserve vision and slow degeneration in age-related neurodegenerative disorders.