Articles tagged with Medical Facilities
Researchers have developed a new class of molecular photoswitches that meet key requirements for molecular photocontrol. The switches can be controlled using visible light and have improved properties compared to previous designs.
A new method called cardiac functional MRI eliminates the need for injections or physical stress testing, providing a safer and more detailed way to diagnose heart disease. The technique uses oxygenation-sensitive MRI to measure how well the heart's blood vessels are working to deliver oxygen.
Research suggests that closed ICUs with primary ICU responsibility may lower hospital-acquired infection rates. Central line-associated blood stream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and ventilator-acquired pneumonia were reduced after the transition from open to closed ICU.
Researchers created a Job-Exposure Matrix (JEM) approach to estimate average plutonium exposure levels for early Sellafield workers. This method overcomes missing or deficient data limitations, enabling more accurate epidemiological studies of internal radiation risks.
The article explores quality improvement in cardiovascular imaging, highlighting the importance of consistency in result reporting, patient safety, and efficient care delivery. Successful projects and strategies for teaching QI to medical trainees are also discussed.
Marko, a wireless movement-tracking system, transmits low-power radio-frequency signals to analyze reflections and associate them with specific individuals. The system traces movement patterns to provide insights into behavior and health, offering a new passive way to track functional health profiles of patients at home.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that approximately 5 percent of adults living in households with children use e-cigarettes. This prevalence highlights the need for parental awareness and education to prevent youth exposure to e-cigarette products.
A new report calls for increased research into 'limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy,' or LATE, a degenerative brain disease that affects the elderly and mimics Alzheimer's. Researchers aim to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment through better understanding of the condition.
Patients with advanced HER2-negative breast cancer treated with continuous chemotherapy showed improved survival rates and maintained quality of life compared to intermittent scheduling. The study also found that treatment holidays had a negative impact on physical quality of life scores, with a clinically meaningful decline at 24 months.
Researchers developed a novel bioelectronic treatment that significantly reduces swelling and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients. The non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation treatment inhibits the production of cytokines, proteins that mediate inflammation.
A recent study by Georgetown University Medical Center found that only a quarter of PCORI-funded trials between 2015-2018 examined primary care, while specialty care received the majority funding. The study's authors argue that this is wasteful, as most healthcare is accessed within primary care settings.
A recent study found that nearly 18% of multiple sclerosis patients were misdiagnosed before receiving treatment at two major Los Angeles medical centers. The study revealed that many patients spent an average of four years being treated for MS before receiving a correct diagnosis.
Dr. Samuel Huang receives the Pfizer/ACMG Foundation Clinical Genetics Combined Residency Fellowship Award to enhance his clinical research training and expertise in biochemical genetics and therapeutics. He aims to improve patient care through translational genomics and policy changes.
Researchers have developed a novel brain map that tracks early brain atrophy in people with HIV, revealing a two-stage model of brain damage. The study suggests that the frontal lobe is affected early on, while the caudate/striatum area becomes more damaged as clinical symptoms appear.
A new study shows replacing flame retardant-free foam pit cubes can significantly lower gymnast exposures, with a 5.4-fold decrease observed. The switch also has implications for other recreational facilities with similar equipment.
A study found that men in Cote d'Ivoire are hesitant to seek HIV testing and treatment due to concerns about privacy and stigma. Men reported being deterred by the risk of disclosure, stigmatization, and inadequate healthcare services, despite some positive experiences with providers.
Researchers found that Dot had a typical-use failure rate of 5 percent and a perfect-use failure rate of 1 percent, comparable to other fertility awareness-based methods. The study also found no association between pregnancy and sociodemographic characteristics.
A new study finds that successful CPAP therapy requires personalized patterns of behavior and adaptations to physical, psychological, and cognitive factors. External assistance and advice can improve use, particularly in the home setting.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can convert harmless protein antigens into allergens, sensitizing immune cells to cause allergic airway disease. This effect is mediated by activated airway dendritic cells and may contribute to the development of asthma.
Researchers created a high-resolution map of the brain's immune system, showing that all microglia have the same core signature but adapt differently depending on their function. This discovery is significant for understanding brain diseases like multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's.
For patients with stable ischemic heart disease, aggressive risk factor modification and optimized medical management are crucial. Novel agents like ivabradine improve treatment options for symptom control in patients unresponsive to current treatments.
A new citizen science project, 'Science Scribbler - Virus Project', aims to train AI to identify virus particles by having people of all ages view screens and locate virus particles. This will help automate data segmentation processes, dramatically speeding up scientists' ability to understand research data in days rather than weeks.
The BMJ launches a 'give us a break' campaign calling for adequate rest breaks for doctors, addressing wellbeing and patient safety concerns. Nearly 36,000 junior doctors have reported working hour issues since 2016, highlighting the need for improved breaks.
A new study found that regular aspirin use after delivery erases the increased risk of stroke associated with a history of preeclampsia in women under 60. Women in this age group who took aspirin had the same stroke risk as those without a history of preeclampsia, whereas those who did not take aspirin had a 50% greater risk.
A study by the US Department of Veterans Affairs found that new appointment wait times have decreased at VA medical centers, making it easier for veterans to access healthcare services. The research compared primary care, dermatology, cardiology, and orthopedics appointments in 15 major metropolitan areas.
A new study found that swapping 30 minutes of sitting for any type of physical activity reduces the risk of early death by up to 35%. The researchers also discovered that short bursts of activity and taking regular movement breaks can have a significant health benefit.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that using a toilet stool can help people with constipation, bloating, and incomplete bowel movements. The study showed that 71% of participants experienced faster bowel movements and 90% reported less straining.
A new method for estimating health data accuracy combines HIS data with probability surveys to provide a more accurate assessment of an intervention's coverage. This allows for better planning and management of health systems and policies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Half of ambulances targeted in Syrian conflict sustained serious damage, with 49% severely damaged or withdrawn from service. Cluster bombs and barrel bombs were frequently used by Syrian government and Russian forces.
A new study found that routine Hepatitis C testing in correctional facilities identified nearly 35% more cases than targeted testing, which could lead to the cure of many cases and prevention of liver disease. Researchers recommend implementing routine testing for all incarcerated individuals upon arrival to address the national strate...
A team of neurologists at Georgetown University Medical Center found that inhibiting the USP13 protein eliminates Lewy bodies and stops their buildup in mouse models of Parkinson's disease. The study suggests targeting USP13 as a therapeutic target for treating Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Julie Pfeiffer's groundbreaking research has redefined how we think about life-threatening viral infections, discovering new ways bacteria affect virus infection. Her work shows antibiotics can have antiviral effects, driving research into new treatments for viruses.
Four Jefferson Lab-affiliated scientists have been elected as Fellow of the American Physical Society, a prestigious honor recognizing their significant contributions to nuclear physics. Cynthia Keppel's fellowship honors her broad impact in fundamental nuclear science and applications of nuclear technology.
Researchers have developed a new method to rank hotels more accurately, providing insights on areas that matter most to customers. The study found that facilities and staff are key factors in maximizing revenue for hotels.
A study of over 8,000 older women found that frequent back pain was associated with a 24% increased risk of death. Disability measured after back pain helped explain this association, suggesting that better management of back pain could prevent disability and improve life expectancy.
Research suggests that adolescents with a particular variant of an opioid receptor gene may be more vulnerable to substance abuse due to altered reward processing. The G-allele carriers showed a muted response in the prefrontal cortex, leading to an increased risk for future substance use problems.
Researchers found that neonatal birthweights increase in direct proportion with the number of births in at least 30 percent of cases. Large for gestational age (LGA) weight infants are at risk for complications and recurrence, according to a new study published in Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics.
Researchers are studying how variations in federally qualified health centers impact efficiency and patient health outcomes. They aim to develop models to better understand the strengths and challenges facing Montana's healthcare system, with a focus on pregnancy-related health outcomes and disparities.
Boston Medical Center reduced unnecessary diagnostic testing and increased postoperative order sets after implementing electronic medical record-based interventions. The study demonstrates the impact of deploying multiple interventions simultaneously within the electronic medical record on delivering high-value care.
A first-of-its-kind study found that a fertility app called Dot is as effective as other modern methods for avoiding unplanned pregnancies. The app provided women with information about their fertility status each day of their menstrual cycle, resulting in a typical-use failure rate of 3.5%.
Researchers found large differences in brain regions among individuals with schizophrenia, making it difficult to diagnose based on symptoms. The study highlights the need for individualized treatments and brain 'fingerprints' to improve patient outcomes.
A study analyzing 112 records from 30 physical therapy sites found that exercise content and amount varied widely among total knee replacement patients. Evidence-based PT interventions may be insufficient in clinical practice, leading to reduced post-acute PT services due to new reimbursement models.
A study published in PNAS identifies two distinct brain networks involved in the perception of free will: the anterior cingulate cortex for volition and the precuneus cortex for agency. These findings suggest that damage to these regions can lead to impaired motivation and sensation of ownership over movements.
Researchers deployed machine learning methods to predict facility risk scores and detect potential violations under the Clean Water Act. The approach predicted catching two to seven times as many infractions as current approaches, with limitations including algorithmic bias and strategic behavior by facilities.
Scientists introduce a new model of causality that moves away from a temporally linear relationship between cause and effect. This new approach defines causality independently from time and allows for mutual or two-way causation.
A Special Focus Issue on Integrative Oncology investigates complementary and integrative medicine in multiple age groups, nations, and special populations. Research articles and commentaries discuss the options and effectiveness of nutritional strategies, aromatherapy, massage, and self-care toolkits for cancer patients.
Researchers identify medial prefrontal cortex as key player in perceptual memory, allowing for stable perception of environment despite intermittent blinks. This finding has implications for understanding interaction between perception and memory, and may also shed light on confidence in one's own perception.
Researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center found that electrical brain stimulation can enhance creative thinking. However, the use of these devices in children raises concerns about safety and regulation. The authors suggest educating users and making safer tools available to mitigate risks.
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist will join nationwide clinical trial networks, NeuroNEXT and NIH StrokeNet, to develop new treatments for neurological diseases and improve stroke prevention. The institution aims to enroll patients from historically underserved groups and make meaningful contributions to both networks.
International neurointerventional societies have released new guidelines outlining the criteria for Level 1, 2 and 3 stroke centers. The standards specify requirements for treating a minimum number of stroke patients and performing specific procedures annually.
A study found a significant correlation between Republican gains in counties and increased death rates from alcohol, drugs, and suicide. Life expectancy was also linked to voting patterns, suggesting that health disparities may have influenced the election outcome.
Researchers found that high levels of aldosterone increase insulin resistance and impair insulin secretion, leading to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. African Americans with high aldosterone levels have almost a three-fold increased risk, while Chinese Americans are 10 times more likely to develop diabetes.
Researchers found that only 8% of studies included some primary care patients, and none were conducted solely in primary care settings. Primary care physicians should be represented in advisory boards, considered for study grants, and primary care patients need to be included in trials of drugs used in primary care.
The article highlights the importance of providing care for transgender patients by incorporating patient-centered approaches and creating more inclusive healthcare environments. Key strategies include using preferred names, pronouns, and gender-affirming language, as well as training staff on trans-specific health issues.
Implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs in out-patient dialysis facilities can significantly reduce infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms, infection-related deaths, and costs. The programs promote the appropriate use of antimicrobials, leading to a 4.8% reduction in infections and a 4.6% reduction in death rates.
A recent study found a disturbing increase in violent and unintentional injuries in the US, reversing positive trends from the 1980s and 1990s. The study, published in JAMA Surgery, examined injury data between 2000 and 2016 and found that injury remains a leading cause of death in the nation.
Scientists are testing a NASA-coated material to reduce mercury vapor and other contaminants in the Smithsonian Institution's cultural artifacts and natural-science specimens. The Molecular Adsorber Coating (MAC) is being evaluated for its effectiveness in protecting the over 54-million collection items.
A new study in Academic Emergency Medicine found that emergency department testing for HCV increased monthly screenings by 6,000 percent. The program successfully diagnosed and treated 292 active infections, with 155 cases falling outside the CDC's birth cohort for high-risk individuals.
A study reveals a connection between viruses and inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Phages play an unidentified role in IBD, potentially leading to new treatments by targeting specific bacteria with viruses.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center found that warm handoffs have no association with improved attendance at behavioral health intake appointments. The most significant predictor of attendance was time from referral until appointment, contradicting previous theories on the effectiveness of warm handoffs.