Articles tagged with Medical Facilities
A molecular pathway that controls the retention and release of brain stem cells has been identified. The discovery reveals that this pathway is critical for the adhesion of stem cells to their niche and for stem cell maintenance, suggesting a new idea in understanding stem cell regulation.
Research from Duke University Medical Center finds that patients with voice problems experience nearly as many days of short-term disability claim and work productivity losses as those with chronic conditions. The study reveals that up to 40 lost workdays and $3,400 in short-term disability payments occur annually due to dysphonia.
A study of Vietnam-era veterans found that those who experienced more combat-related killing had twice the likelihood of reporting suicidal thoughts. The relationship held even after adjusting for PTSD, depression, and other factors.
Healthcare providers face a moral responsibility to address climate change's devastating effects on human health. They can help by reducing energy usage, caring for climate victims, and advocating for policy changes. This is particularly crucial for vulnerable populations like the poor, elderly, and young.
A new study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions found that middle-of-the-night PCIs do not adversely affect the safety and effectiveness of procedures performed the next day by the same operator. The researchers identified no significant difference in complication rates or outcomes between PCIs performed durin...
A study of nearly 1,000 patients with cardiovascular disease found a direct correlation between lifetime traumatic stress exposure and elevated levels of inflammatory markers. The researchers also discovered that this relationship remained even after adjusting for psychiatric diagnoses, suggesting a long-term negative impact on health.
A study published in Nature Medicine reveals that a mutation in the Bdnf gene can lead to uncontrolled obesity due to the inability of neurons to pass along appetite-suppressing signals. The researchers found that stimulating expression of this gene may offer a novel strategy for treating obesity.
Researchers have developed a personalized immune mouse that can recreate an individual's immune system, allowing for unprecedented analysis of abnormalities contributing to type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases. This model has the potential to develop individualized immunotherapies against cancer and infection.
A University of Alberta study found that individuals who live near areas with more traffic-related incidents are more likely to engage in sufficient levels of physical activity. The research also highlights the importance of increasing awareness about available facilities to encourage physical activity.
Researchers developed a safer and more accurate way to administer warfarin by combining individual genetic data with a mathematical model. This new formula helps physicians determine the safest dose for each patient, potentially eliminating many emergency hospitalizations.
Research funded by the Wellcome Trust found that clean delivery kits significantly reduced neonatal deaths in South Asia, particularly in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. The study revealed a 48% relative reduction in mortality when kit usage was associated with improved hand washing and sterilized blade use.
Three NYU faculty, Robert Froemke, Pierre Germain, and Virgiliu Midrigan, have been awarded Sloan Foundation fellowships to support their groundbreaking research in neuroplasticity, nonlinear dispersive equations, and economics. The two-year $50,000 awards aim to foster the next generation of scientific leaders and advance their work.
A new study by Tufts Medical Center researchers provides insight into factors affecting Medicare decisions on medical technology coverage. The study shows that CMS uses clinical evidence to inform its 'reasonable and necessary' criteria, with alternative therapies influencing coverage decisions.
A new study published in PloS One suggests that abnormal tau protein propagates along linked brain circuits, jumping from neuron to neuron. This finding opens new opportunities for studying Alzheimer's disease and developing therapies to halt its progression.
A study published in the American Journal of Perinatology found that women over 50 who undergo egg donation have similar rates of obstetrical complications as younger recipients. Despite concerns about increased risks, the research suggests thorough medical screening is essential for all pregnant women regardless of age.
Researchers have rewritten the textbook on the location of the brain's speech processing center, discovering it is located in the left temporal lobe and superior temporal gyrus. The new findings suggest that language originated between monkeys and humans closer than previously thought.
A Georgetown University Medical Center professor applauds the decision to temporarily halt research on H5N1, emphasizing the importance of clear explanations and risk minimization. The moratorium will allow institutions to assess dual-use research oversight and ensure public health benefits outweigh potential harm.
Researchers at Boston University identified genetic variants that play a critical role in conferring exceptional longevity. The study found that genes associated with age-related diseases also influence survival beyond 100 years of age.
A study by Brown University researchers found that offering fitness club memberships as a covered benefit attracts healthier patients. This strategy is effective in reducing costs and improving quality for Medicare Advantage plans. The trend of increasing plans offering fitness benefits suggests it may be an attractive business strategy.
A study published in The Lancet shows that a single dose of oral azithromycin is non-inferior to injectable penicillin for treating yaws disease, avoiding equipment and medically trained personnel needs. This finding supports the potential elimination of neglected tropical disease through mass drug administration programs.
Researchers found that bat brains process echolocation and social calls in a lateralized manner, with the right hemisphere handling navigation and the left hemisphere processing communication sounds. This study provides insights into the neural basis of sound processing and may lead to new treatments for human communication disorders.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that acupuncture significantly reduces levels of neuropeptide Y, a protein linked to chronic stress, in rats. The study suggests that acupuncture may offer a proven therapy for stress relief, which is often difficult to treat.
Patients with persistent kidney injuries often remain at increased risk of developing kidney disease in the future. Despite this, most patients do not receive specialized care from a kidney specialist within a year after their injury.
Steve Caplan, a scientist-novelist, presented new data on cellular endocytic trafficking at the American Society for Cell Biology's 51st Annual Meeting. His second novel, 'Welcome Home, Sir,' explores divisions between science and national identity, as well as personal struggles of an Israeli-American researcher in the US.
A new study reveals that more intensive chemotherapy regimens significantly improve event-free survival and reduce mortality in younger patients with aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Younger patients who received dose-intensive chemotherapy had an 81% event-free survival rate, compared to 67% for those on standard treatment.
Two studies presented at the American Society of Nephrology's Annual Kidney Week highlight concerns about dialysis clinic closures and their impact on patients' quality of life. The new initiative hopes to reduce new cases of chronic kidney disease and its progression, complications, disability, death, and economic costs.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that financial reimbursement for cardiac imaging tests increases their use, with doctors ordering tests 50-100% more often when billed for both performing and interpreting the results.
A Mayo Clinic study finds that nine out of ten commercially available thyroid support supplements contain animal-derived hormones, posing a risk to users' health. The supplements can cause significant side effects, including increased heart rate and nervousness, if taken in excess.
Georgetown University Medical Center has been awarded a Center of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation by the FDA, supported by an initial $1 million grant. The center aims to strengthen science and training needed for modernizing drug development and evaluation.
A new standard definition for loss-to-follow-up (LTFU) has been established for HIV antiretroviral therapy patients, using a 180-day clinic visit threshold. This definition was developed based on statistical analysis of data from 111 health facilities across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Rural women are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer due to limited access to healthcare facilities and high costs. To address this issue, researchers recommend improving the accessibility of free breast cancer screening programs in rural areas.
A study of nearly 20,000 patients found that low values in three medical measures - median arterial pressure, median anesthetic concentration, and bispectral index - correlate with increased mortality risk. The triple-low combination was associated with a 2.5-times higher risk of death during the first year after surgery.
The Cedars-Sinai Regenerative Medicine Institute has opened a new facility to produce induced pluripotent stem cells, which can be used to study human diseases and develop new treatments. Cells produced by the core will be critical for innovative research aimed at increasing our understanding of human diseases and genetic disorders.
A large, multi-country study found that a fertility-awareness based method of family planning was effective for years. The Standard Days Method, which identifies a 12-day fertile window, showed high effectiveness rates, with fewer than 5% failure rate over three years.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have discovered that two genes, FUS/TLS and TDP-43, work together to support motor neuron survival in familial ALS. The findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, suggest that therapies targeting these genes may offer new hope for treating familial ALS.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a new approach to treat inflammatory auto-immune disorders like lupus and multiple sclerosis. The anti-inflammatory agents use polymers to neutralize external nucleic acids that trigger an overactive immune response.
Columbia University researchers have successfully converted human skin cells directly into functional forebrain neurons, providing a promising alternative to traditional stem cell therapies. The induced neurons exhibit characteristics similar to those of healthy neurons and can transmit signals, indicating their potential for replaceme...
A six-month study in Kenya found that daily text-message reminders improved correct malaria treatment management by 23.7%, with significant effects on patient adherence to medication. The intervention is cheap and can be scaled up nationally, making it a promising low-cost strategy for improving health worker performance.
Aging causes muscle weakness due to calcium leakage from ryanodine receptor channel complex, leading to reduced muscle function. An experimental drug called S107 stabilizes calstabin1, improving muscle force and exercise capacity in aged mice.
Researchers explore dolphins' remarkable ability to heal from shark bites with minimal pain or infection, proposing that blubber contains antimicrobial compounds. The dolphin's healing process is similar to regeneration, where tissues are knitted together with existing fabric, offering new perspectives for human injury care.
Scientists at Delft University of Technology are developing a new toilet facility that uses microwave technology to transform human waste into electricity. The process involves drying, gasifying, and generating syngas, which is then fed to a fuel cell stack for electricity production.
The Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research at Columbia University Medical Center has received $38.9 million in renewed funding from the National Institutes of Health. The institute, which aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and medical practice, will use the grant to expand its work over the next five y...
According to a recent VHA report, the rate of adverse events and wrong-site surgery has decreased significantly since 2006. The study attributes this decline to improvements in safety measures and team training, resulting in a 14% annual reduction in 'highest harm' adverse events.
A study found that most US patients with celiac disease have insufficient small intestine biopsy samples, affecting diagnosis. The research suggests that taking more than two biopsy samples can increase the correct diagnosis rate sevenfold.
Researchers found that early infection with H. pylori bacteria impairs immune system maturation and triggers the accumulation of regulatory T-cells that suppress asthma. Mice infected at an early age enjoyed effective protection, but lost resistance if antibiotics were used later.
Researchers identified a molecular mechanism behind the ketogenic diet's antiepileptic effects, reducing seizures in mice by lowering Adk protein expression. The findings suggest less-restrictive diets and pharmaceutical approaches could be effective alternatives to conventional treatments.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have defined three distinct processing stages for human speech recognition, mirroring those found in non-human primates. These findings provide insights into the complex workings of the human auditory brain and its role in processing language.
LA BioMed will receive $4.17 million from the NIH grant to fund inpatient clinical research unit at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. The UCLA Clinical and Translational Science Institute aims to accelerate scientific discoveries and clinical breakthroughs for improved health.
A study found that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who visited a VA integrated care clinic were more likely to undergo initial mental health and social work evaluations than those visiting standard clinics. The integrated care model increased the rate of initial mental health evaluations, especially for women veterans, younger veterans, ...
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have developed a potential non-steroidal birth control pill for men that prevents conception with reversible male sterility. The compound, which interferes with retinoic acid receptors, showed no apparent side effects and restored fertility soon after drug administration was terminated.
Researchers discovered Sox6 gene regulator that maintains fast muscle type and inhibits slow muscle development. Adult mice lacking Sox6 in fast muscles showed changes in muscle performance, including slower contraction speed and reduced fatigue.
A study by Dutch researchers has found that a hormone level test can predict when women will reach menopause, enabling them to make informed decisions about family planning and career choices. The test uses Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels to determine an individual's predicted age of menopause.
The One Mind for Research Forum aims to dramatically advance the understanding and treatment of brain disorders, including Parkinson's disease. Researchers will share latest findings on neurodegenerative diseases, and a 10-year research agenda will be endorsed.
A miniature ventilation system with a simple nasal mask can help patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) become more active. Advanced COPD patients improved their distance walked by an average of 38 meters, comparable to full pulmonary rehabilitation programs.
A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society recommends a disease screening program for farm-raised caiman in Argentina's caiman ranches. The researchers found Salmonella bacteria in 77% of samples, posing health risks to humans and wild animal populations.
A new study of U.S. veterans ages 70 and older found that healthy seniors benefit most from current colon cancer screening methods, while less healthy veterans may experience a net burden. The study highlights the need to target screening for those who are likely to benefit and re-evaluate screening for those who are not.
Researchers discovered a novel strain of Staphylococcus aureus, ST398, in an Iowa child care worker who reported no contact with livestock. The finding is an unexpected occurrence in a study examining the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in child day care facilities.
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has received a $500,000 grant from the California Community Foundation to fund primary healthcare and case management services for vulnerable children. The grant will support COACH for Kids and Their Families program, providing no-cost health services to over 10,500 individuals in underserved communities.
A new study finds that breast shields can significantly reduce skin entrance radiation dose to the breast by up to 38% without increasing overall radiation dose. This technique is considered the best method for protecting women from radiation exposure during chest CT examinations.
Researchers have identified a key role for fibulin-5 in preventing pelvic organ prolapse (POP) by facilitating elastic fiber assembly and inhibiting MMP9 activity. This discovery may lead to nonsurgical treatments targeting elastic fiber-degrading proteins.