Both Cervical and Systemic Innate Immunity Predictors of HIV Risk Are Associated With HSV-2 Acquisition

3D illustration of herpes simplex virus (HSV) on plain blue background

Building on previous findings, Brigham and Women’s Hospital researchers report that the immunity imbalance predisposing to herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) isn’t limited to the cervix but rather extends to the systemic circulation. HSV-2 may alter both mucosal and peripheral innate immunity to contribute to HIV-1 risk.

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Neurological Soft Signs in Adolescents Linked to Brain Structure Alterations

MRI images of child's brain on the computer monitor with MRI machine blurred in the background

Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital are using neuroimaging to explore the structure–function relationship of neurological soft signs (NSS). They report that NSS in typically developing adolescents are associated with distinct alterations in brain structure that can be objectively quantified using neuroimaging.

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Anxiety Among Perinatal Women During COVID-19 More Likely for Those Without Prior GAD

A pregnant woman in deep thought looking out a window, anxiety during COVID-19 concept

Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital investigated whether pre-existing anxiety exacerbated COVID-19–related health concerns among women who entered perinatal status early in the pandemic. They found the opposite: levels of COVID-19–related worry were greater among women without a pre-existing anxiety diagnosis.

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Second-generation Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication Reduces Symptoms of Atypical GERD

A systematic review and meta-analysis by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital indicates second-generation transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF 2.0) is effective for atypical GERD (laryngopharyngeal reflux) and improves patient-centered outcomes.

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Feasibility Study: Multi-Section Robotic Ureteroscope Outperforms Flexible Scope

Anatomy structure of human kidneys

Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital modified a robotic-assisted cardiac catheter ablation device to treat kidney stones and compared it with a standard flexible ureteroscope. They found the robotic device was more maneuverable and facilitated precision aim at targets in each renal calyx.

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BPH Histopathologic Subtypes Do Not Influence Outcomes of TURP

Illustration showing healthy prostate and benign prostatic hyperplasia

In the first study of its kind, Brigham and Women’s Hospital researchers investigated whether the stromal‐predominant benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) subtype negatively affects outcomes of transurethral resection of the prostate, as reactive stromal myofibroblasts support a progressive inflammatory response.

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New International Classification of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Considers Quality of Life

3D illustration of human larynx and pharynx anatomy, laryngopharyngeal reflux concept

Thomas L. Carroll, MD, director of the Voice Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and colleagues have developed the first classification of laryngopharyngeal reflux severity that stratifies patients based on the impact of their symptoms on quality of life.

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Primary Aldosteronism: A Prevalent, Yet Grossly Underrecognized Cause of Hypertension

Heart monitor measuring vital signs, 154 bpm, hypertension concept

The Brigham’s Anand Vaidya, MD, MMSc, and Jenifer Michelle Brown, MD, have led studies showing that primary aldosteronism (PA) is much more prevalent than assumed—and may be a causative mechanism for 15%–24% of primary hypertension cases. Now, they are expanding PA screening among high-risk patient populations.

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Delay in Salvage Therapy Increases Risk of Death for Some Prostate Cancer Patients

Study led by Anthony Victor D'Amico, MD, PhD, chief of Genitourinary Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center.

A recently approved and widely adopted imaging study that improves detection of prostate cancer recurrence in patients who have undergone radical prostatectomy is having an unintended effect of delaying potentially life-saving salvage treatment with radiation and androgen deprivation therapy, according to a study led by Anthony Victor D’Amico, MD, PhD, chief of Genitourinary Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center.

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