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An atlas of the human heart is drawn using statistics

Researchers created a high-resolution atlas of the human heart using 3D images from 138 people, demonstrating its feasibility for comparing individual cases and differentiating healthy from pathologies. The study provides a statistical description of the heart's shape and variations, offering an advantage over existing cardiac models.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging·DateFeb 26, 2013

Study examines use of a natural language processing tool for electronic health records in assessing colonoscopy quality

A new study demonstrates the potential of natural language processing (NLP) to measure performance on colonoscopy quality measures. The NLP-based computer software application efficiently analyzed a large sample of colonoscopy reports, revealing clear variation in performance even within a highly regarded academic health care system.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJun 21, 2012

Measuring progesterone receptor expression to improve hormone-receptor-positive cancer management

Researchers have found that measuring progesterone receptor expression can improve hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer management. The study identifies a subpopulation of patients with high survival rates when treated with endocrine therapy alone, and could lead to a more personalized medicine approach in breast cancer.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateMay 3, 2012

Range of diagnostic spinal fluid tests needed to differentiate concurrent brain diseases

A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has demonstrated that a range of diagnostic spinal fluid tests are needed to differentiate between brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. The studies found that biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid, including tau and amy...

Researchers gain new insights into how tumor cells are fed

A study published in The American Journal of Pathology reveals a novel mechanism for pillar formation during intussusceptive angiogenesis in tumors. The researchers found that targeting just one type of blood vessel formation may not be sufficient to slow tumor growth, and instead propose a more tailored approach to anti-tumor therapy.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateAug 8, 2011

Neurorobotics reveals brain mechanisms of self-consciousness

A new study uses creative engineering to unravel brain mechanisms associated with self-consciousness, identifying the TPJ as critical for self-location and first-person perspective. The research found that brain damage interfering with multisensory body information may lead to pathological changes in these subjective states.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateApr 27, 2011

Chasing the pot of gold: WSU researchers study gambling subtypes and treatment outcomes

Researchers at Wayne State University identified three potential subtypes of gamblers: emotionally vulnerable, behaviorally conditioned, and antisocial impulsive. However, their study found that subtyping did not predict treatment outcomes, with all groups showing similar recovery patterns despite varying levels of addiction severity.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateMar 15, 2011

ASGE initiative examines real-time endoscopic assessment of the histology of diminutive colorectal polyps

The ASGE has established guidelines for the use of real-time endoscopic assessment in managing diminutive colorectal polyps. The recommendations aim to minimize risk and delay while improving cost effectiveness of colonoscopy. Diminutive polyps are common, but pathological assessment can be costly and delay patient information.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateMar 8, 2011

The great tonsil dilemma

A new University of Michigan study suggests that routine analysis of pediatric tonsillectomy specimens may not be worth the money. The analysis rarely leads to the discovery of hidden disease. Pathologists examine tonsillectomy specimens in two ways, but microscopic examination is nearly three times more expensive than visual inspectio...

Dealt a bad hand: Pathological gamblers are also at risk for mental health disorders

A recent study by University of Montreal researchers found that pathological gamblers are three times more likely to commit suicide than non-gamblers due to co-occurring personality disorders. The study also showed that these individuals rarely seek health professional help, exacerbating their financial and emotional problems.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateNov 23, 2010

U of A researchers can predict heart transplant patient's health earlier

Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a new method to analyze biopsies from heart transplant patients by examining their genes, allowing for early prediction of treatment success. This approach uses software algorithms to reduce data to key numbers necessary for diagnosis and prognosis.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateNov 10, 2010

Pathologists call for new training program to support personalized medicine

Experts in pathology are advocating for a comprehensive training program to integrate genomics and personalized medicine into daily practices. The proposed curriculum would cover laboratory medicine, genetic counseling, and health information technology, enabling pathologists to serve as primary consultants for physicians and patients.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Pathology·DateJun 30, 2010

Multiple patient samples of an analyte improve detection of changes in clinical status

Researchers developed a mathematical methodology to reduce biologic variation in laboratory results, improving the sensitivity of detecting physiologic changes. By using multiple paired sets of patient data, they found a substantial decrease in the difference necessary to achieve a given confidence interval.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalArchives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine·DateJan 6, 2010

Brain imaging study supports the 'cognitive reserve' hypothesis

A brain imaging study found that individuals with higher education levels scored higher on cognitive tests despite having evidence of brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study supports the 'cognitive reserve' hypothesis, which suggests that greater cognitive abilities can delay symptoms of the disease. Education was ...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateNov 10, 2008

Mayo Clinic study tackles labeling errors

A Mayo Clinic study implemented a radio-frequency identification system to track biopsy specimens and automate identification. The initiative resulted in a significant reduction of specimen-labeling errors, from 765 in 2007 to 47 in 2008. The new labeling system improved safety and quality efforts in specimen management.

Blood-clotting protein modified for people with hard-to-treat hemophilia

Researchers have developed a chemically modified protein that neutralizes inhibitor antibodies in people with Hemophilia A, offering a potential new treatment option. The modified protein, called electrophilic FVIII analog (E-FVIII), permanently inactivates these antibodies, paving the way for more effective blood clotting correction.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 19, 2008

Compulsive gamblers always down on their luck

A study published in Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health found that pathological gamblers exhibit cognitive rigidity, which hinders their ability to learn from mistakes. This rigidity affects the prefrontal region of the brain, leading to impulsive behavior and compulsive gambling.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalClinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health·DateMar 26, 2008