Category: Uncategorized

BU Researchers Identify Several New Genetic Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease Unique to Ashkenazi Jews

New study expands knowledge of the genetic architecture, biological pathways leading to AD (Boston)—Alzheimer disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disorder in the world, affects individuals of all races and ethnicities; however, most genetic research for AD has been performed on individuals of European ancestry (EA) with a limited number of large-scale genetic studies in […]

Press Release: New Study Suggests that SARS-CoV-2 Might Induce Lasting Pain in Unique Way

Findings may contribute to the understanding of pathophysiology and help validate novel therapies for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19  (Boston)—COVID-19, the disease resulting from SARS-CoV-2 infection, is associated with highly variable clinical outcomes that range from asymptomatic disease to death. For those with milder infections, COVID-19 can produce respiratory infection symptoms (cough, congestion, fever) […]

Press Release: Researchers Identify the Standard for Gallbladder Cancer Surgery

Findings may have broad implications for how gallbladder cancer is treated and managed around the world. (Boston)—The quality of surgery can drastically influence both short- and long-term postoperative outcomes and is a crucial consideration in studies that assess surgical outcomes. One approach for developing accurate quality measures is benchmarking, a quality-improvement process in which the […]

Press Release: Study Identifies Risk Factors Associated with Negative Outcomes following Lower Extremity Soft-tissue Reconstruction after Trauma

(Boston)—Lower extremities are the most commonly injured body region, occurring in more than 40% of trauma patients in North America. Salvaging limbs with extensive soft tissue damage often requires reconstruction with tissue from one site of the body to another via pedicled (still connected to the blood supply) or free flaps (completely detached from its […]

Press Release: Researchers Identify Possible Risk Factors for Aneurysm Growth in Adults Living with HIV

Largest study to look at the brain vessels of people with HIV over time (Boston)—With advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART), outcomes for adults living with human immunodeficiency virus (ALWH) have largely improved, drastically decreasing the risk of death from opportunistic infections. However, as this population ages, accelerated vascular disease is of growing concern. In addition […]

Press Release: Telephone-Based Health Coaching Did Not Affect Postpartum Weight Gain

Postpartum weight gain, important for long-term health, proves difficult to change (Boston)—Gestational diabetes (GDM) and overweight during pregnancy are associated with increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Although postpartum weight loss can reduce diabetes risk, effective interventions are lacking – especially for Latina populations, who experience higher than average rates of GDM, overweight and chronic […]

Press Release: Women’s Reactions to States’ Breast Density Information Varies by Sociodemographic Characteristics

Women of color and low literacy have significantly greater likelihood of reporting anxiety, confusion, and are less likely to feel informed (Boston)—Breast density information aims to increase awareness of breast density and its risks and inform future breast screening decisions. A new study by researchers from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine among […]

Press Release: BU STUDY: No Significant Differences in Mortality, Adverse Events in Patients Taking Thyroid Medications

Largest study to date comparing mortality of different thyroid treatments among patients suffering with thyroid storm (Boston)—A thyroid storm is characterized by high-circulating thyroid hormones (severe hyperthyroidism) that leads to life-threatening acute end-organ damage, including neurologic dysfunction, cardiogenic shock, hepatic failure, cardiac arrhythmias, and high mortality. Current treatment guidelines recommend using the thyroid drug propylthiouracil […]

Press Release: BU Researchers Solve the Cell Structure Responsible for Traveler’s Diarrhea

Discovery may lead to better therapeutics (Boston)—According to the World Health Organization, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) bacteria cause the largest number of recorded community-acquired cases of childhood diarrhea in the developing world and is the most common culprit in traveler’s diarrhea. While in healthy adults this is merely an unpleasant inconvenience, in infants and young […]