Articles tagged with Medical Facilities
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.
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.
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 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 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 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...
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 used fluorescent false neurotransmitter 200 to observe synaptic activity in mice, revealing that only a small number of synapses may be active at any given time. This discovery could help understand how brain signals are transmitted and potentially shed light on brain disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
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.
Researchers have identified a way to allow normal frataxin production to resume in individuals with Friedreich's ataxia, a neurological disease for which there is currently no cure. The synthetic DNA or RNA prevents the mutant sequence from bending back and blocking the frataxin gene.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association found that follow-up emails from doctors are crucial to keeping patients informed about their care. Patients who continued receiving reminders tended to access their notes more frequently, leading to better health outcomes.
Researchers found that less than a third of PCORI-funded grants were implemented in primary care settings, contradicting the organization's goal. However, PCORI successfully diversified its funding by awarding 25% of grants to PhD-holding principal investigators.
Demand for VA services is expected to increase until the end of the decade, driven by an aging veteran population and higher reliance on VA health services. The system faces challenges in providing care to veterans outside its facilities, with long waits and limited access to specialty care in rural areas.
A new study in mice shows that repetitive mild concussions can cause mounting damage and brain inflammation, even with extended rest periods. The findings support the importance of adequate rest after a concussion to allow for neural network rebalancing and repair.
A new pilot study suggests that meditation can help US veterans manage chronic pain by reducing pain intensity and interference with daily life. The study used Integrative Restoration Yoga Nidra (iRest) mindfulness meditation, which is already being used at Veterans Health Administration medical centers nationwide.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a new drug, Neoseptin-3, that activates the innate immune system in a novel way. The study found that Neoseptin-3 induces an immune response similar to that caused by LPS, but with a milder effect.
A UT Southwestern study found no conclusive evidence supporting the use of more expensive biologic mesh materials over synthetic mesh in abdominal wall hernia repair. Despite their potential benefits, biologic meshes have not been proven to significantly reduce infections or erosions.
Researchers found Aged Garlic Extract slows total plaque accumulation by 80% and reduces soft plaque in patients with metabolic syndrome. The study reversed deadly plaque buildup in arteries, a potential breakthrough in treating heart disease.
Regular functional exercise improves balance and reduces dependence in people with dementia, a progressive illness leading to gradual reduction in cognitive and physical function. The study found that high-intensity exercise programs can lead to an improved quality of life for individuals suffering from dementia.
A new Tel Aviv University study found that infants born past 42 weeks have twice the risk of contracting infections, experiencing respiratory difficulties, and being admitted to NICUs compared to those born at 39-40 weeks. This is the first time the isolated effect of post-term delivery on neonatal outcomes has been determined.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute reveal the three-dimensional structure of TRPV2 ion channel, shedding light on its role in detecting infection and inflammation. The study's findings pave the way for developing new therapies to treat autoimmune diseases.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a previously unrecognized small protein, DWORF, in human heart cells that plays a key role in heart muscle contraction. The protein stimulates calcium-ion pumps to increase forceful pumping.
Hydrocephalus, a buildup of excess fluid in the brain, can be treated effectively with surgery. Neurosurgeon Vikram Prabhu calls for neurosurgeons to work towards eliminating infant deaths from hydrocephalus by 2030. This goal aims to provide basic surgical care to children with hydrocephalus worldwide.
Researchers discover a new treatment approach to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's. A drug called rolipram boosts the activity of the proteasome, which clears out toxic proteins from the brain.
A small study found that watching horror movies significantly increased blood coagulant factor VIII levels in young and healthy adults, suggesting a physiological response to fear. The researchers argue that this increase is an evolutionary adaptation to prepare the body for blood loss during life-threatening situations.
A Georgetown University Medical Center researcher is leading a multi-institutional effort to investigate the causes of rising drug-resistant malaria parasites. The study aims to understand molecular mechanisms responsible for this increasing resistance and develop new therapies.
Researchers found that PTSD patients exhibit heightened brain activity when viewing non-threatening images similar to their trauma, suggesting a generalized response. The study identifies key brain regions involved in this process, including the fusiform gyrus and locus coeruleus.
Experts discuss real-world use of PrEP (preexposure prophylaxis) for HIV prevention, highlighting a substantial reduction in transmission among patients on a daily combination of tenofovir and emtricitabine. Non-pharmacologic alternatives to reduce risk are also explored.
A new common format, Neurodata Without Borders (NWB): Neurophysiology, enables free and open exchange of complex brain information. The format allows researchers to capture and share data generated by optical and electrical neurophysiology methods.
A study at Georgetown University Medical Center found that HIV+ individuals over 50 years old showed cognitive impairments, even if they scored 'cognitively normal' in standard tests. Brain scans revealed deficits in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex region, a key executive area.
Researchers found a link between vitamin D levels and heart problems, with patients at risk if their level is below 15 nanograms per milliliter. The study evaluated over 230,000 patients and found that those above 15 ng/ml had a 35% increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Researchers aim to create a permanent solution for organ transplantation scarcity using bio-hybrid devices combining silicon filters with living human kidney cells. The device, if successful, could run on the body's normal blood pressure without power source, eliminating organ rejection issues.
Patients prefer receiving test results through password-protected websites or portals, with non-HIV STI and genetic test results being highly preferred. Only half of participants signed up for available patient portals, highlighting a need for improved doctor-patient communication.
A quality improvement program implemented at Maimonides Medical Center reduced indwelling urinary catheter use from 92.3% to 15%, a 77.3% decrease, by implementing an education program, prescribing guidelines, and sonographic bladder scanning. The study aims to reduce catheter-associated infections and improve patient care.
Researchers found significant improvements in staff awareness and patient outcomes after implementing rapid response system training, with a 213% increase in call rates and a 100% reduction in code blue events. The top causes of RRS initiation were tachycardia, hypotension, and staff concern.