Articles tagged with Systems Biology
A framework for improved geriatric patient care is proposed based on lessons learned from managing complex care transitions. The framework emphasizes the importance of looking at community, system and regional factors in care transitions.
Researchers discovered abnormal molecular signaling pathways that promote chronic kidney disease progression, targeting endothelial mitochondrial oxidative stress and glomerular filtration barrier. New therapeutic targets may prevent or reverse disease, providing hope for millions of Americans affected by kidney disease.
A study led by Dr. Sergio A. Lira found that removing gut bacteria reduced polyp formation and inflammation in mice, potentially reducing colorectal cancer risk. The researchers propose a new approach to understanding the interplay between genetic mutations, gut bacteria, and inflammation.
A universal language is proposed to classify organisms by their genome sequence, enhancing the current biological naming system. This new system adds further information to classify organisms and enables rapid identification of new ones.
A randomized controlled trial found that cognitive behavioral therapy plus hypnosis significantly reduced fatigue in breast cancer patients during and after radiotherapy. The treatment group had less fatigue than 79% of control group patients at the end of radiotherapy, with benefits persisting for up to six months.
Researchers at CWRU develop technology to connect patient records, enabling tracking of patterns in patient outcomes and improved transfer decisions. The system integrates data from 42 areas, streamlining the process and allowing for faster analysis.
Loyola researchers have identified a marker to predict necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening condition affecting up to 10% of extremely low birth weight infants. Simple changes to blood transfusion practices and feeding patterns may significantly reduce NEC incidence.
The Center will conduct high-quality research on patient-centered outcomes and comparative-effectiveness research, focusing on underserved populations. It aims to inform decision-making by assessing the benefits and harms of different interventions.
A randomized controlled double-blinded trial involving 213 healthy women showed that the DIVA System provided better systolic blood pressure control and reduced nausea incidence compared to manual vasopressor administration. The system's enhanced speed and accuracy deliver a safer and better birth experience for patients.
Two large-scale exome studies found a significant role for rare genetic mutations in schizophrenia, contrary to previous assumptions of few 'faulty' genes. The studies established the world's largest database on schizophrenia, providing valuable resources for biomedical research.
A new nanotherapy breakthrough designed to deliver statin medication directly to inflamed blood vessels could potentially prevent repeat heart attacks and strokes. The technology targets inflammation in blood vessels, reducing the risk of clots and cardiovascular events.
Researchers at Mount Sinai have identified a promising new molecular mechanism for cocaine addiction, implicating the PARP-1 enzyme and Sidekick-1 gene. Chronic cocaine administration increases levels of PARP-1, leading to epigenetic changes that contribute to long-term addiction.
A nationwide survey of state prison administrators found that Medicaid enrollment increased in preparation for release, improving access to basic health services. Most systems provided assistance with reenrollment, but termination policies were common, making it challenging for prisoners to access care upon release.
Guohua Cao is developing a novel, five-dimensional micro-computer tomography scanner to image atherosclerotic plaques in transgenic mouse models. The system combines three separately developed technologies to provide high spatial and temporal resolution images of small animals.
Researchers have developed a novel DNA-barcoded antibody sensing approach to analyze hundreds of cancer-related protein markers from miniscule patient samples. This technology enables comprehensive analysis of protein expression patterns in single cells, revealing significant differences between tumors and predicting treatment response.
Researchers discovered that mice without the Y6 gene receptor were smaller and had less lean tissue, but grew fatter as they aged on high-fat diets. The study highlights the importance of the Y6 receptor system in regulating energy use at different times of the day.
A new study found that vitamin E delays progression of functional decline by 19% per year, translating into a 6.2-month benefit over placebo. Vitamin E is also easy to purchase and inexpensive, making it a potential treatment strategy for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease.
The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is part of a new NIH Stroke Research Network aiming to expedite stroke clinical trials and build expertise in stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. The school will receive a $1.3 million grant to develop a collaborative research infrastructure.
The new system enables real-time interaction with the patient's body and radiotherapy applicator, allowing for precise radiation of potentially cancerous tissues. This innovation aims to reduce treatment time and minimize healthy tissue damage.
York University researchers successfully sent the world's first text message using a novel molecular communication system based on chemical signals. The system uses vodka to encode and decode messages, promising efficient data transmission in underground tunnels or deep-sea environments.
The grant aims to build a more precise understanding of chronic traumatic encephalopathy and traumatic brain injury in civilians over age 45. Investigators will use extensive resources from an ongoing study of brain aging and conduct analyses of neuropsychology, neuroradiology, neurological, geriatric, and epidemiological aspects.
A new classification system for emergency operations has been implemented in Finland, allowing for fair and efficient management of a large volume of such surgeries. The system has objectively measurable benefits, including decreased nighttime emergency operations without compromising elective surgeries.
The Affordable Care Act authorizes $100 million in annual grants to help defray substantial uncompensated care costs, further the core mission of trauma centers, and provide emergency relief. Trauma systems emphasize coordination among multiple health care professionals and institutions across the continuum of care.
Scientists discovered how mitochondria handle excess calcium, a mechanism that can lead to vascular damage and various diseases. The study sheds light on ways to prevent cell injury by slowing down calcium uptake and protecting mitochondria.
A recent international study found two lower-dose intrauterine contraceptive systems to be highly effective and well-tolerated over a three-year period. The devices were easier to use in women who had not delivered a child or had delivered by cesarean section, making them a suitable alternative for women seeking reduced hormone exposure.
Researchers emphasize measuring orthopaedic care value through patient-reported outcomes and cost analysis, enabling real-time medical decision-making. The study outlines key principles for implementing value-based healthcare in musculoskeletal care.
Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai will investigate a new intravenous medication that blocks IL-22, a protein triggering chronic inflammation and epidermal growth abnormalities in eczema. The study aims to develop safer treatments for patients with moderate to severe AD.
A 3-year study in Colombia found that preschoolers participating in a structured curriculum using Sesame Street's materials improved their knowledge of healthy eating and exercise habits by 15-27%. The percentage of children at a healthy weight increased by 13%. Parents' knowledge and attitudes also showed significant improvements.
A new study published at AHA Scientific Sessions 2013 found that a single dose of stem cell therapy during surgery may improve heart function in LVAD patients. Researchers discovered that 50% of patients who received the treatment could tolerate temporarily turning down their device, compared to 20% of placebo patients.
A single dose of AAV1/SERCA2a gene therapy has long-lasting benefits for advanced heart failure patients, improving heart function status and reducing recurrent cardiovascular events. The study results support the potential use of this gene therapy as a new tool for treating advanced heart failure.
A multicenter clinical trial found similar patient outcomes one year after surgery for both mitral valve repair and replacement. However, mitral valve replacement was shown to be more durable than repair in preventing recurrence of mitral regurgitation.
Researchers found that patients with major HAIs after cardiac surgery were nearly twice as likely to be readmitted and incurred costs averaging $40,000 due to treating HAI infections.
Researchers developed a new system using 180 factors to calculate LDL cholesterol, providing a more accurate assessment for high-risk patients. The Friedewald equation underestimates LDL levels in nearly one out of four samples, leading to potential false reassurance and inadequate treatment.
The Child Health Improvement through Computer Automation (CHICA) system has improved autism screening rates by identifying at-risk children at the 24-month visit. This personalized and automated patient screening process prompts pediatricians to follow up in needed areas, leading to timely diagnosis and treatment.
Arvin Dar, Ph.D., a structural and chemical biologist at Mount Sinai, is awarded $2.5 million to investigate new targets for interrupting the Ras pathway. The goal is to develop new classes of small molecule drugs that impede cancers.
The Department of Defense has awarded Nemours a $3.9 million grant to evaluate how physicians use best practice guidelines and strategies to maintain clinical skills. The study will examine patterns in physicians' types of cases and their variability in practice for certain targeted medical conditions.
A study suggests that reducing inefficiency in primary care practices can yield dramatic gains in physician capacity and reduce burnout. Modest improvements, such as delegating tasks to non-physicians and reengineering workflows, could result in millions of additional patient visits per year.
A proposed funding mechanism coupled with a competitive peer-review process may transform the physician workforce, according to an analysis in Health Affairs. The current system is inflexible, ignoring growing needs for competencies beyond acute patient care.
New research suggests that normal glucose regulation depends on a partnership between the pancreas and brain areas regulating blood sugar levels. The brain-centered system enhances insulin-mediated glucose metabolism while stimulating glucose effectiveness, accounting for nearly half of normal glucose uptake.
Researchers have mapped the structure of complement component C1, a protein responsible for spotting foreign agents and triggering the immune response. The study reveals how the complex is assembled from its constituent proteins, shedding light on the immune system's prevention of disease and potential therapeutic applications.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a computer-controlled system to automate the process of administering anesthesia, promising more precise and efficient control. The system uses brain activity monitoring to adjust drug infusion and maintain a deep state of anesthesia, reducing the need for manual intervention.
A new study conducted by Portuguese urologists found enterocystoplasty to be a safe and effective surgical option for children with developmental abnormalities of the genitourinary system. The procedure showed low rates of severe complications, including successful bladder function improvement in 24 patients.
Mount Sinai researchers uncover the role of TGFβ2 in determining tumor cell behavior, revealing its potential as a biomarker for dormant cancer cells. The study confirms the 'seed and soil' theory of metastasis, suggesting that conditions within each organ influence tumor cell growth.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are developing an early warning system using machine learning algorithms to identify hospitalized patients at risk of deterioration or life-threatening events. The system aims to reduce readmissions and improve patient outcomes by providing real-time alerts to physicians.
A study led by Dr. Pasinetti found that diabetes alters gene expression in the brain, reducing important molecules critical for learning and memory. This epigenetic change increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
A study by researchers from the Mount Sinai Hospital found that nearly 80% of women who contacted a patient assistance program had their needs met, compared to just 35% of those who did not. Most patients utilized programs for information about adjuvant therapies, psychosocial support, and overcoming practical/financial obstacles.
A recent study published in Science shows that the brain's unique glymphatic system, responsible for removing waste, is highly active during sleep. This process clears away toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a vital function of sleep in maintaining brain health.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Michel Cayouette identified a group of proteins crucial for shaping the cellular organ responsible for detecting sounds in the inner ear. These proteins play a key role in creating the V-shaped brush on sensory cells, which is critical for sound detection and orientation.
Researchers at the University of Toronto discovered that a dysfunctional relationship between the noradrenaline and hypocretin systems is responsible for cataplexy in narcolepsy. By activating noradrenaline receptors, they reduced cataplexy incidence by 90% and found that restoring noradrenaline levels prevented paralysis during episodes.
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine has received a five-year, $1 million NIH grant to develop the Cleveland Stroke Clinical Trials Regional Coordinating Center. The project aims to improve prevention and treatment of strokes and rehabilitation for stroke patients through collaboration among five Cleveland institutions.
A team of researchers at Mount Sinai used systems biology and big data analysis to find that combining diabetes drug rosiglitazone with exanatide reduced heart attacks. The approach identifies potential safer combinations, sparking interest in repurposing FDA-approved drugs.
A University of Michigan Health System study found that high-skilled surgeons had significantly fewer post-surgery complications and shorter operations. The study used video ratings data of 20 bariatric surgeons' operating skills to predict patient outcomes, with low skill surgeons experiencing higher complication rates.
A RAND Corporation study finds that physician job satisfaction is driven by quality patient care, with electronic health records being a significant source of stress. Physicians report frustration with systems that hinder face-to-face interactions and accuracy of medical records.
The MGPO Quality Incentive Program, funded by redirected physician earnings, offers modest financial incentives for achieving quality improvement targets. The program achieved consistent use of electronic medical records and improved communication with patients.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have created a biological imaging system that can track blood flow in the lab and clinic using a webcam and laser pointer. The new system is significantly cheaper than existing equipment and has potential applications for imaging changes in tissues, including those outside the lab.
A new study uses a computer-based decision support system to deliver personalized evidence-based recommendations for pediatricians, increasing the likelihood of accurate ADHD diagnoses. The system, CHICA, also prompts physicians to screen for anxiety and depression.
A multidisciplinary team at UT Arlington is developing a smart rehabilitation system that can adapt and personalize therapy programs based on a patient's needs. The iRehab system uses multisensory data to produce the best possible rehabilitation program guidelines for patients, improving treatment effectiveness.
Researchers at Harvard University developed a programmable DNA glue that directs tiny gel bricks to self-assemble into complex structures. The method could help solve tissue engineering challenges by creating injectable components that self-assemble into biocompatible scaffolds.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals that only 245 robotic surgery complications were reported to the FDA out of 1 million procedures since 2000. The researchers found that many incidents went unreported, and a standardized reporting system is needed to improve safety.
A pilot study by UC Davis researchers found that glucose monitoring systems with an autocorrect feature can produce more accurate blood glucose measurements, improving insulin dosing and glucose control for burn patients. This technology can help reduce mortality and morbidity in these patients.