A comprehensive study of middle-age Americans found that ex-smokers experienced faster progression of atherosclerosis compared to nonsmokers, despite having quit years before. The study suggests that the cumulative effect of smoking on arteries may be irreversible.
Researchers have found a potential link between calcium channel blockers and brain damage, as well as impaired memory. The study analyzed data from the Cardiovascular Health Study and found that participants taking these medications had more evidence of white matter hyperintensity and lower scores on mental tests.
Researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil reduced cholesterol accumulation in the liver and arteries, despite increasing LDL cholesterol and decreasing HDL cholesterol. The findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may exert protection from atherosclerosis through alterations in tissue cholesterol metabolism.
A Wake Forest University study found that poor readers' brains differ physiologically from normal readers, with the thalamus being less active. This could lead to pre-clinical diagnosis and understanding of reading genetics, stages of reading, and potentially therapeutic interventions for dyslexia.
Scientists at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center have found a way to inactivate the CCR5 co-receptor, a doorway for early-stage HIV-1 virus, on the surface of macrophages and lymphocytes. This approach could be used to treat early-stage HIV-infected individuals and potentially prevent infection.
Researchers develop novel approach to block HIV virus from invading white blood cells, potentially treating AIDS patients with genetic modification and reinfusion of immune-boosting lymphocytes. This strategy may provide a new paradigm for HIV treatment, protecting cells from infection rather than inhibiting replication.
A team of researchers from Bowman Gray School of Medicine used sonography to analyze the anatomy of healthy subjects and define normal spinal and paraspinal structures. The study aims to improve the interpretation of sonographic images in patients with back pain.
A new study reveals that transcranial sonography is more sensitive than MRI and CT in detecting residual tumors and predicting patient survival after brain tumor surgery. This non-invasive imaging technique offers advantages, including lower cost, portability, and ease of use, making it a valuable tool for follow-up care.
Research reveals that insulin resistance is a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis in white and Hispanic populations, affecting up to 90% of diabetics and 10-20% of non-diabetics. In contrast, African Americans are not found to have the same association, despite being four times more likely to suffer from strokes.
Researchers found ultrasound can accurately diagnose disc bulges and herniations, as well as detect soft tissue abnormalities. This non-invasive technique may help document clinical problems and reduce healthcare costs compared to MRI.
Researchers found that low-frequency ultrasound enhances the effectiveness of thrombolytic drugs in dissolving blood clots deep within the brain. This combination therapy may reduce the duration and doses of medication needed, minimizing risks of bleeding and other complications associated with stroke treatment.
Researchers monitored 60 migraine patients using transcranial Doppler ultrasound before and after six months of treatment. The study found that two-thirds of patients reported clinical improvement, with changes in blood vessel velocity supporting the findings.
Researchers studied 10 patients with acute bacterial endocarditis and found that 80% continued to have microembolisms up to four weeks after treatment. Microembolisms can induce brain abscesses and lesions leading to stroke, and antibiotics alone may not be sufficient to prevent this risk.
A new ultrasound technique using transcranial Doppler and duplex carotid ultrasound can accurately measure carotid artery blockages, reducing the need for cerebral angiography and associated risks. This method is a safer alternative for assessing blockage before deciding on surgery for stroke prevention.
Researchers use transcranial Doppler ultrasound to monitor brain activity as it happens, detecting increased blood flow during thinking and decreased flow when tasks are resolved. This technology has implications for treating mental illness, stroke recovery, and even lie detection.
Researchers from Germany used a prototype magnetic sensor workstation to reconstruct transcranial ultrasound in 3D, significantly improving the identification of intracranial arteries and accuracy of follow-up measurements. The new technology also enables easier comparison of relationships among brain arteries.
Pediatric heart surgeons are using ultrasound to monitor patients for potential brain damage during and after open-heart surgery. The non-invasive method, Transcranial Doppler, can detect air in the brain circulation when it is ejected from the heart, providing valuable feedback for surgeons.
A new study by German neurologists found that transcranial color-coded duplex sonography (TCDS) is 90% effective in distinguishing between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes under emergency treatment conditions. TCDS can accurately diagnose stroke type in most cases, making it a fast and reliable option for acute stroke treatment.
A new ultrasound contrast agent, Levovist, has been used to treat an ischemic stroke in a German patient. The agent revealed the blocked artery and allowed doctors to dissolve the clot with thrombolytic rTPA, restoring blood flow to the brain within 40 minutes of admission.
Research found that music videos on MTV portrayed tobacco use (25.7%) and alcohol consumption (26.9%) more frequently than other networks, with a significant association between sexuality and alcohol use. The study also highlighted the importance of media in shaping adolescents' attitudes towards smoking and drinking.