Articles tagged with Medical Facilities
A study found that patients who checked procedure prices were more likely to choose lower-priced facilities, especially for imaging services and sleep studies. Searching for price information was also associated with lower adjusted total spending for these procedures.
A Texas A&M professor developed a new approach to analyzing impediments to leisure activities, identifying key factors such as fear of crime, poor health, and lack of social ease. The paper aimed to resolve measurement issues and advance understanding of leisure services.
An educational and outreach program increased rates of referral for kidney transplant evaluation, especially among African American patients. The program reduced racial disparities in referral, with a significant increase in African Americans referred for transplant from 10% to 16%.
The NIH has expanded its Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program to California, partnering with eight regional medical centers. The program aims to engage one million or more US participants in a longitudinal research effort to improve disease prevention and treatment based on individual differences.
A common nerve protein, neuropeptide Y (NPY), is elevated in the blood of patients with aggressive neuroblastoma, associated with poor survival rates and disease relapse. NPY's release from tumors into the bloodstream may also serve as a marker for metastatic disease.
Researchers discovered a protein, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), breaks DNA in brain cells during stroke, leading to cell death. The study identified three possible ways to manipulate MIF to protect brain tissue, potentially benefiting conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
The UT Southwestern Medical Center has transferred nearly 175,000 induced germline mouse mutations to the NIH-supported Mutant Mouse Resource and Research Centers, significantly increasing their availability for researchers worldwide. These mutations are critical for supporting genetic research in all mammals, including humans.
Columbia researchers have identified 41 key genes that may contribute to gum disease, offering a promising approach to developing individualized treatments. The study's findings could lead to new compounds that target specific genetic pathways involved in the disease process.
A study published in JCI Insight found that age-related reductions of microRNA-155 may underlie age-associated hypertension. Mice lacking mineralocorticoid receptors in smooth muscle cells were protected from developing high blood pressure as they aged, and restoration of miR-155 improved blood pressure parameters.
A study from UTMB found that patients with strong social support spend less time in an inpatient rehabilitation facility. The researchers analyzed data from 119,439 Medicare beneficiaries and discovered a positive correlation between social support and reduced length of stay.
Researchers capture images of smallest human protein, STRA6, responsible for transporting vitamin A into cells. The study reveals unusual features and potential protection mechanism against excessive vitamin A.
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that the Zika virus disrupts the proliferation of radial glial progenitors (RGPs), a type of stem cell essential for brain development. In genetic cases of microcephaly, NDE1 mutations cause RGP cells to fail to divide, resulting in severe brain developmental delays.
Researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids reduced brain damage in mice with hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. The study suggests that injecting DHA after a stroke-like event can protect brain mitochondria against free radical damage.
The study found that implementing a telephone postoperative clinic reduced in-person clinic visits by 44% while maintaining satisfactory patient outcomes. The clinic also increased access to care for patients with long travel distances, improving their overall experience.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that thymectomy significantly improves disease status measures, reduces need for corticosteroids, and decreases hospitalization needs in MG patients without a chest tumor. This confirms the early use of thymectomy as an effective treatment option for MG.
Researchers successfully combined a heart monitoring device with an existing CEW to detect and store cardiac rhythms, producing both incapacitating charges and interpretable EKG signals. The modified prototype demonstrates the potential for safety measures like cardiac biomonitoring to be incorporated into law enforcement devices.
Older adults in assisted-living facilities face limits to their sexual freedom due to inadequate policies and an environment of surveillance. The study found that staff and administrators often prioritize residents' health and safety over autonomy, leading to restrictions on intimate behavior.
The Ebola epidemic led to a significant decline in child and maternal health in Liberia, with a 30% reduction in facility-based deliveries. The study found that fear of Ebola transmission in healthcare facilities was the primary factor contributing to this decline.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that resveratrol reduces neuronal inflammation and slows cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients. The study shows that resveratrol activates proteins to decrease matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels, maintaining the blood-brain barrier.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found a biological explanation for wheat sensitivity, which is not related to celiac disease. People with non-celiac gluten or wheat sensitivity have a weakened intestinal barrier that leads to a body-wide inflammatory immune response.
A recent study published in the journal Obesity found that severely obese women's brain activity differs from lean counterparts when it comes to responding to food cues. Despite reporting fullness, their brains continued to react similarly to hungry states, with sustained activation in reward centers.
Columbia University Irving Medical Center will play a key role in the launch of the Data and Research Support Center for the NIH's Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program. The center will standardize and organize large datasets to help researchers identify individual factors contributing to health and illness.
Researchers found that improving health facility efficiency in Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia could increase ART visits by 33% in Kenya and Zambia, and 62% in Uganda. This could support facilities seeing almost 460,000 new ART patients across the three countries.
A new study found that an intranasal flu vaccine led to the production of T cells in the lungs that provided long-term protection against multiple flu strains, including those not present in the vaccine. This could provide universal protection against emerging viral strains.
A toxic Alzheimer's protein can spread through the brain via the extracellular space, jumping from neuron to neuron. The spread of tau may explain why only one area of the brain is affected in early stages but multiple areas are affected later.
A new Brown University study found that childcare centers in Rhode Island serving low-income children under the federal nutrition subsidy program serve healthier food than those outside the program. The study's lead author suggests that implementing nutritional guidelines and regulations can improve the quality of food served, particul...
The National Institutes of Health is launching a landmark longitudinal research effort, the Precision Medicine Cohort Program, with $55 million in funding. The program aims to engage 1 million or more U.S. participants to improve disease prevention and treatment based on individual differences in lifestyle, environment, and genetics.
The National Institutes of Health has selected Vanderbilt University Medical Center as the Data and Research Support Center for the Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program. The program aims to study genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors affecting the health of a million or more people.
Scientists track brain-cell activity in mice to gain insight into how the brain creates a map to a destination. The study found that two sublayers of cells in the hippocampus process different types of learning, with one layer creating a stable internal map and the other layer updating it during navigation.
A QUT study of over 1000 Australian women found younger and more educated sperm donors are preferred, despite women having more freedom to choose. This suggests that resources and financial stability remain important considerations in reproductive decisions.
A review of nearly 100 fertility awareness apps found that most don't employ evidence-based methodology, and many include disclaimers discouraging use for avoiding pregnancy. Only six apps scored high on accuracy, with those requiring training in FABMs performing better.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center's Institute for Reproductive Health are studying the use of a smartphone app that calculates a woman's chance for pregnancy. The app, Dot, has been shown to be 96-98% effective in women if used correctly and increases accuracy with continued use.
A recent study published in BMJ found that mandatory treatment for substance use disorders is not effective in reducing drug use and may violate human rights. The authors suggest community-based approaches such as methadone and buprenorphine treatment, harm-reduction programs like needle exchanges, and education on overdose medications.
Researchers identified a genetic mutation in the ADRA2A gene that causes atypical lipodystrophy, characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the face and neck, but not in limbs. The mutation reduces adrenaline receptor function, leading to loss of lipid breakdown in adipocytes.
Researchers suggest using MIGA to incentivize development of public health systems and provide coverage for disease outbreaks. The mechanism would encourage beneficiary countries to establish core capacities as set forth by the World Health Organization's International Health Regulations.
Researchers examined documents on direct-to-consumer marketing of hemophilia treatment products, revealing a strategy that begins in childhood and continues into adulthood. The marketing strategies focus on personal relationships and foster brand loyalty, with companies spending millions to target consumers.
Research finds that skilled readers don't need to 'sound out' words they know, with a separate area for visual dictionary-like recognition. A different region processes sounds, explaining why people with dyslexia struggle with reading.
A large-scale observational study found significant variations in treatment pathways for patients with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and depression worldwide. The study analyzed 250 million patient records from four countries and identified unique treatment patterns for each condition.
Dr. Muhammad Asif Qureshi will focus on immunotherapy to slow down or reverse cancers, particularly liver cancer, which is the fifth most common type of cancer in men and ninth in women. The research aims to develop new diagnostics and therapeutics to target the immune system.
A new RAND Corporation study reveals that neighborhood parks in the US are underutilized by adults, seniors, and younger females, with those aged 65+ using walking loops as a primary source of physical activity. The study also highlights a gender gap in park use among children and teens, with females representing only 40% of observed y...
UT Southwestern researchers challenge long-held beliefs on acid reflux damage, finding that inflammatory response and cytokine secretion are the main causes of esophageal damage. The study could lead to novel GERD treatments targeting these proteins.
A study found that physician-surrogate discordance about prognosis occurs in 53% of cases, with misunderstandings and differences in belief being common causes. Clinicians should check in with surrogates before making decisions about patient care.
Research reveals associations between fathers' age, lifestyle, and environmental factors with birth defects, which can affect not only immediate offspring but also future generations. The study finds correlations between paternal age and increased rates of schizophrenia, autism, and birth defects in children.
A Loyola Medicine study found no differences in bacterial infections between knee replacement patients who showered two days after surgery and those who waited 10-14 days. Patients overwhelmingly preferred early showering, with 94% reporting its importance.
A new study found that catheter ablation does not reduce the long-term risk of atrial fibrillation in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Adult patients with the condition continue to have a significant risk of developing atrial fibrillation regardless of age at procedure.
Researchers found a gene, MC1R, that influences how old people look to others. Carrying specific MC1R variants can make individuals appear almost 2 years older for their age, regardless of age, sex, skin color, or sun damage.
Researchers found that mice with autism-like genetic mutations had fewer neurons in the gut, slower gut movement, and poor gut lining. Increasing serotonin activity during development prevented these changes. The study suggests a shared underlying abnormality for some patients with autism and gastrointestinal problems.
A joint project by universities in Mainz and Hohenheim aims to find better-tolerated wheat varieties. The researchers are studying the causes of non-celiac-non-allergy wheat sensitivity (NCWS) and its connection to wheat proteins called alpha-amylase-trypsin inhibitors.
Researchers found that tDCS stimulated an area of the brain associated with creativity, allowing test subjects to form more creative analogical connections and generate more creative associations.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that staff at outpatient care facilities fail to follow hand hygiene recommendations 37% of the time. Medical students assessed infection prevention policies and practices, noting only 63% compliance with recommended hand hygiene practices.
Researchers from the University of Missouri found high levels of endocrine disrupting chemicals in surface water near a hydraulic fracturing wastewater disposal facility in West Virginia. The study's results suggest potential negative health effects on aquatic organisms, other animals, and humans due to increased EDC activity.
A recent study of nearly 3,000 patients found that elevated levels of glycoprotein acetylation (GlycA) offset the benefits of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in preventing heart disease. Inflammation of artery walls is a contributing factor to heart attacks and strokes.
A study from Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute found that low levels of both total vitamin D and bioavailable vitamin D are associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes, including heart attacks. The research evaluated 4,200 participants and discovered that measuring these two components is crucial in predicting major adverse...
A new study found that effectively treating depression can reduce a patient's chance of having a stroke, heart failure, a heart attack, or death. Effective treatment for depression reduces a patient's heart risks to the same level as those who never had short-term depression.
Researchers found a common variant in a non-coding RNA that may contribute to intestinal inflammation in people with celiac disease. The study suggests factors outside of protein-coding genes play a role in the development of celiac disease.
A recent study found that 2.5% of adults experienced marijuana use disorder in the past year, with 6.3% having met the diagnostic criteria at some point in their lives. Only 7% of those with past-year disorder received any treatment.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a new innate immunity pathway that protects mammals from viral oncogenesis, a process causing cancer. The study found that the autophagy-related protein beclin 2 can help break down key oncogenic viral proteins associated with Kaposi's sarcoma.
The Platform for the Accelerated Realization, Analysis, and Discovery of Interface Materials (PARADIM) enables scientists to design and create novel materials with extraordinary properties. These materials will impact various fields including national security, clean energy, and human welfare.
A new study published in Sleep shows that patients with obstructive sleep apnea experience high satisfaction rates with telemedicine-based care. The study found no significant differences between functional outcome changes and objectively measured PAP adherence when using either in-person or telemedicine visits.
Researchers at Columbia University are reengineering and simplifying music to make it more enjoyable for listeners with cochlear implants. By analyzing which parts of music are most important for listener enjoyment, they aim to develop software that can take original pieces and reconfigure them or allow users to engineer their own music.