A large nationwide cohort study found that female gender increases the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation aged over 75 years by 20%. The findings suggest that female sex should not be included as an independent risk factor in guidelines or risk stratification schemes.
Harvard scientists developed a method to grow 'cyborg' tissues by embedding nanoscale wires into engineered human tissues. They successfully seeded the networks with cells and encouraged them to grow in 3D cultures, enabling real-time monitoring and control of living systems.
A global study of 154,000 individuals from 17 countries found that healthy foods are consumed more often by the wealthy, while poorer people rely on carbohydrates. The study also revealed lower levels of obligatory physical activity among the poor and higher rates of smoking among richer populations.
A genetic variant associated with a six-fold higher risk of developing certain brain tumors has been identified by researchers at UCSF and Mayo Clinic. The study found that individuals carrying the 'G' version of the variant have slower-growing gliomas, which could lead to better surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment.
A Weizmann Institute study found that people can learn new information while sleeping and retain it unconsciously, modifying their waking behavior. The research used a type of conditioning involving tones and odors presented during sleep, leading to responses similar to those experienced when awake.
A country-wide German registry found that women received a lower percentage of drug eluting stents (DES) compared to men for the same condition. DES are known to decrease repeat target vessel revascularization procedures and provide favorable long-term results, especially in women with smaller epicardial vessels.
A specific genetic variation found in people who carry a 'G' instead of an 'A' at a particular spot in their genetic code is associated with a six-fold higher risk of developing certain types of brain tumors. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to better surveillance and diagnosis.
Researchers developed an agent that blocks cardiolipin oxidation, preventing cell death and preserving function in rats with severe traumatic brain injury. The study suggests a targeted oxidation-blocker may also be beneficial in treating other neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and stroke.
A nationwide Danish cohort study found that obese women are at a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation than healthy weight women. The risk is more pronounced in very obese women, with a hazard ratio of over 3 times the normal risk.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School have discovered a gene that influences survival time in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study found that blocking the activity of EphA4 receptor substantially extends the lifespan of people with the disease. Additionally, a new ALS gene (profilin-1) identified last month works in conjun...
Scientists at the University of Sheffield have developed a groundbreaking nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus that allows for non-invasive analysis of nanostructures. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for nanotechnology applications in solar energy, computing, and medicine.
Researchers found that adding vorapaxar to standard antiplatelet therapy significantly reduces the long-term risk of recurrent cardiovascular events in patients with a prior heart attack. The study, published in the Lancet, showed a 20% reduction in cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke.
A new study found no significant difference between prasugrel and clopidogrel in preventing death, heart attack, or stroke in ACS patients who do not undergo coronary stenting or bypass surgery. However, prasugrel showed a lower risk of recurrent adverse events after 12 months of treatment.
Researchers found that spinal cord stimulation improves left ventricular contractile function in pigs with ischemic heart failure. Continuous spinal cord stimulation was associated with significant reduction of serum norepinephrine and brain natriuretic peptide compared to medical therapy alone.
Increased copeptin levels are associated with increased frequencies of comorbidities, severity of heart failure, and risk of all-cause death. Copeptin measurements link to the strength of cardiac contractility and predict poorer kidney function. The risk of mortality from all causes increases with rising copeptin levels.
The Aldo-DHF study found that spironolactone significantly improved diastolic function and reduced blood pressure in patients with symptomatic diastolic heart failure. However, it did not improve exercise capacity or quality of life. The treatment also induced reverse cardiac remodelling and reduced left ventricular hypertrophy.
Researchers have discovered a potent adjuvant that enhances the immune response to vaccines against HIV, flu, and herpes. The compound, polyethyleneimine (PEI), shows promise in mice, offering improved protection against these difficult-to-tackle diseases.
New devices, such as Solitaire and Trevo, show significant improvements in restoring blood flow and patient outcomes after stroke. These advancements could lead to better treatment options for patients whose traditional drug treatment has failed.
A novel blood test can predict which heart failure patients are at risk of sudden death and may benefit from implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). The test measures changes in the SCN5A gene, which is involved in electrical activity in the heart.
A team of scientists identified a gene that is vital to the transport of vitamin into cells, leading to early diagnosis and potential treatment for a rare genetic disorder. The discovery sheds light on how vitamin B12 functions in the body.
A multi-institutional research team has developed a method for embedding networks of biocompatible nanoscale wires within engineered tissues. This allows direct tissue sensing and potentially stimulation, which could lead to the development of engineered tissues that incorporate capabilities for monitoring and stimulation.
A large meta-analysis found that electrical storms are a strong risk factor for death, with nearly 4 times higher mortality rates compared to those without. Effective treatment involves catheter ablation, which can terminate ES in nearly 83% of cases, preventing relapses.
A global registry study found that women with acute heart failure have similar in-hospital mortality rates as men, but receive fewer treatments. The study revealed differences in clinical presentation, co-morbidities, and treatment patterns between genders.
Research presented at the ESC Congress 2012 found that patients who experience a cardiac arrest during or shortly after exercise are three times more likely to survive than those who experience an exercise-unrelated cardiac arrest. The study also showed that exercise-related cardiac arrests tend to occur in younger, male individuals an...
A team of researchers has developed a nanomechanical device that can weigh individual molecules, enabling biologists to study viruses and probe molecular machinery. The device uses vibrational modes to determine particle mass and position, opening doors for biomedical applications such as disease diagnosis and immune system monitoring.
A study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that passive smoking increases platelet activation and carbon monoxide levels in healthy individuals. The researchers investigated three parameters: mean platelet volume (MPV), carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), and lactate.
A new study found that LCZ696 significantly reduces NT-proBNP levels and left atrium volume in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction. The results suggest potential benefits of LCZ696 in treating this type of heart failure.
The study found that vorapaxar is beneficial for long-term secondary prevention of heart attacks in patients under 75 years old with no history of stroke and a body weight over 60kg. The drug's cardiovascular advantages are likely to outweigh the bleeding risks associated with it.
Researchers have identified molecular compounds that activate a key enzyme, PKM2, which governs how cancer cells use glucose and its metabolites. These compounds delay the formation of tumors in mice by correcting the altered metabolic state of cancer cells, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
A new study confirms ECG as a cost-effective method for detecting cardiac abnormalities in young athletes, preventing fatal events. The program's mean cost per athlete is €115, with most subsequent examinations being low-cost echocardiograms.
A study reveals that repressor proteins like Set2 recruit de-acetylases and chromatin remodelers Isw1 to block histone exchange and prevent erroneous transcription. This mechanism is crucial for maintaining accurate gene expression, which is often disrupted in diseases such as cancer.
A new study suggests that manipulating the microbiome may be a way to regulate weight gain. Researchers found that mice raised in a germ-free environment did not gain extra weight, even on a high-fat diet. The study highlights the importance of gut bacteria and the immune system in digestion and obesity.
A new device that mechanically removes stroke-causing blood clots from the brain has been proven to be highly effective in reopening blocked vessels, with a success rate of 61% compared to 24% for the standard FDA-approved mechanical device. The device also led to better survival rates three months after a stroke.
Researchers Kevin Speer and John Marshall suggest that the majority of ocean heat transport occurs in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica, driven by strong winds. This finding could significantly impact our understanding of global climate processes.
Two multicenter studies show that next-generation clot-removal devices are superior to traditional technology in achieving blood flow restoration and neurological outcomes. The Trevo Retriever outperformed the FDA-approved Merci Retriever, while the Solitaire flow restoration device was more effective than MERCI in removing blood clots.
A new noninvasive diagnostic test using computed tomographic angiography and computational fluid dynamics has demonstrated improved accuracy for detecting ischemia in patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease compared to CT angiography alone. The test, known as FFRCT, showed high sensitivity and negative predictive value...