Reporter Feb 5 2021

February 9, 2021

Imaging guidance for nerve repair

A noninvasive, quantitative MRI method could be used after surgical repair of traumatic peripheral nerve injury to help clinicians make decisions about whether additional surgical interventions are needed.

By Leigh MacMillan
HIV cell
February 8, 2021

Key factors in HIV-1 replication

HIV-1, the virus that causes AIDS, exploits inositol phosphates in T cells to aid its own assembly and maturation — suggesting that targeting inositol phosphate binding could inhibit HIV-1 replication.

By Anivarya Kumar
February 5, 2021

Convalescent plasma improved survival in COVID-19 patients with blood cancers

Treatment with convalescent plasma vastly improved the survival rate of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 who also had hematologic malignances that compromise the immune system, according to new data released by the COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium (CCC19).

By Tom Wilemon
February 4, 2021

New clue to postural tachycardia

Insight into the pathophysiology of an enigmatic and debilitating disease suggests new treatment approaches.

By Bill Snyder
Tyler Barrett, MD, MSCI, reviews an imaging scan in the VUAH Emergency Department, where a dedicated process ensures follow-up of suspicious images unrelated to a patient’s injuries. (photo by Susan Urmy)
February 4, 2021

Process ensures follow-up of incidental radiology findings

When people go to an emergency room after being injured, suspicious images may show up on their imaging scans that are unrelated to their injuries but may be indicative of cancer. A team at Vanderbilt University Medical Center recently established a better process for ensuring these patients receive follow-up diagnostic care, an initiative that is already receiving national recognition.

By Tom Wilemon
A new medical device called the Zephyr Valve offers a minimally invasive alternative to lung surgery for emphysema patients.
February 4, 2021

Device offers less invasive option to treat emphysema

Life with emphysema, a lung condition that causes shortness of breath, can be miserable. People with advanced emphysema, a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are so short of breath they may need supplemental oxygen just to walk from room to room. They often have trouble with everyday tasks like bathing or cooking a meal.

By Nancy Humphrey
February 4, 2021

Potential biomarker for IBD severity, cancer risk identified

A selenium transport protein produced in the colon may be a novel biomarker for assessing disease severity and cancer risk in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
By Leigh MacMillan
February 4, 2021

Grand rounds focuses on mental health, wellness

Advanced practice nurses, physician assistants and hospital leaders from around Vanderbilt University Medical Center gathered over Zoom on Jan. 19 for the kickoff of Advanced Practice Grand Rounds, the monthly educational series organized by the Office of Advanced Practice.
By Matt Batcheldor
February 4, 2021

Gene network for leukemia factor

A new method speeds the analysis of factors that control gene expression from days to minutes, allowing researchers to uncover new targets for cancer treatment.
By Leigh MacMillan
February 3, 2021

Transplant patient celebrates milestone 30th anniversary

Pam Everett-Smith celebrated a milestone this past November — 30 years since she received a lung transplant at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She is the longest-surviving single-lung transplant patient known in the United States.
By Matt Batcheldor
February 3, 2021

Children’s Primary Care Lebanon makes debut

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt has opened a new pediatric primary care clinic in Lebanon, Tennessee, across the street from Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital (VWCH).
By Christina Echegaray
February 3, 2021

Webinar set to address growing threat of cyberbullying

The increase in children’s online activity during the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked the decision to host a free webinar on cyberbullying and internet safety on Thursday, Feb. 11, from noon to 1 p.m.
By Jessica Pasley
February 2, 2021

Study finds recommended ICU sedatives equally safe, effective

Sedative medications used in intensive care are associated with increased delirium, which is in turn connected with higher medical costs and greater risk of death and ICU-related dementia.
By Paul Govern
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