A large cohort study found that pregnancy complications such as low birthweight, preterm delivery, and pre-eclampsia are associated with an increased risk of maternal ischaemic heart disease. Women who experienced these complications were more likely to be hospitalized or die from IHD.
Febrile reactions occur in around a third of platelet transfusions. Researchers propose that CD40 ligand release from platelets triggers the production of proinflammatory prostaglandin E2, leading to fever. Keeping CD40 ligand levels low before transfusion might reduce adverse events.
Researchers developed a rapid ELISPOT assay to detect T cells responding to ESAT-6 protein, which is absent in BCG vaccine strains. The new test shows stronger correlation with exposure intensity than existing tuberculin skin test (TST), providing potential for improved tuberculosis control and targeted preventative therapy.