Friday, November 04, 2022
How a SARS-CoV-2 Virus Protein Damages the Heart
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s (UMSOM) Center for Precision Disease Modeling identified how a specific protein in SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, damages heart tissue. They then used a drug to reverse the toxic effects of that protein on the heart.
Wednesday, November 02, 2022
Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. R. Frank Henn Appointed Interim Chair of the Department of Orthopaedics
University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) Dean Mark T. Gladwin, MD, announced today that R. Frank Henn, III, MD, Professor of Orthopaedics, has been appointed to serve as the Interim Chair of UMSOM’s Department of Orthopaedics, effective December 1, 2022.
Tuesday, November 01, 2022
Youngest Girls Who Get Pregnant Have Highest Risk of Poor Outcomes, Study Finds
Pregnant teens in the U.S. have long been known to face increased health risks and pregnancy complications, but a new study for the first time finds that girls ages 13 or younger who get pregnant face even greater risks. These very young girls are significantly more likely to experience preterm birth, cesarean delivery, and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) compared to older pregnant teens. Researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) and the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine led the study, which was published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
Tuesday, November 01, 2022
Three University of Maryland School of Medicine Faculty Members Honored by Baltimore Business Journal
Three University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) physician researchers were recognized when the Baltimore Business Journal announced its Leaders in Health Care and 40 Under 40 Award winners.
Monday, October 31, 2022
NCI Grants Awarded to IHV to Prevent Cancer and Improve Screening in Sub-Saharan Africa
Institute of Human Virology (IHV) researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) have received two five-year awards from the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute (NCI) for a total of $7.5 million. One award aims to reduce the incidence of lung cancer and other cancers associated with using tobacco in Botswana. The other is focusing on improving screening and treatment of anal precancer in Nigeria. Both grants will make use of existing HIV treatment and prevention infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries to reach people living with HIV who are most at risk for these particular types of cancers.
Monday, October 24, 2022
Significant Number of Seniors Rely on Failing Public Transit Systems to Get to Medical Appointments
About one in 10 seniors who live in cities reported that they use public transportation, and 20 percent of older transit users said they relied on trains and buses to get to their doctor appointments. Frailty and living in an area with broken sidewalks were both linked to a lower use of public transit, according to a new study led by University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) researchers.
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
New Clinical Trial Will Test Remote Monitoring to Better Manage Inflammatory Bowel Disease
University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) researchers opened recruitment this month to assess whether a novel remote therapeutic monitoring system can help people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) adhere to their medication regimen, and ultimately improve their symptoms and prevent dangerous flare-ups. The study, called ASSIST, will recruit 123 participants for a randomized controlled trial that will involve IBD patients from the University of Maryland Medical Center and four other IBD centers.
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
University of Maryland SOP, SOM Awarded $1.1 Million Grant to Increase Diversity in Biomedical Workforce
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded a $1.1 million grant to the University of Maryland Schools of Pharmacy (UMSOP) and Medicine (UMSOM) to create a training program to enhance diversity in the biomedical workforce.
Thursday, October 13, 2022
Landmark Clinical Study Finds Aspirin as Effective as Commonly Used Blood Thinner to Prevent Life-Threatening Blood Clots and Death After Fracture Surgery
Patients who have surgery to repair bone fractures typically receive a type of injectable blood thinner, low-molecular-weight heparin, to prevent life-threatening blood clots, but a new clinical trial found that over-the-counter aspirin is just as effective. The findings, presented today at the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) annual meeting in Tampa, FL, could cause surgeons to change their practice and administer aspirin instead to these patients.
Thursday, October 13, 2022
Two Antiseptics Work Equally Well to Prevent Infections After Fracture Surgery
A randomized clinical trial involving more than 1,600 patients with open fractures found that two antiseptic solutions routinely used by surgeons prior to fracture surgery are equally effective for preventing post-surgical infections. Based on the results of this trial, the study leaders from the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) and McMaster University concluded that orthopedic surgeons could select either of the two solutions -- aqueous 10% povidone-iodine or aqueous 4% chlorhexidine gluconate – for infection prevention.