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Pathogenic tau and cognitive impairment are precipitated by a high-salt diet

A high-salt diet can cause cognitive impairment by activating a pathway in the brain that leads to tau protein clumping, according to a new study. The researchers found that this effect is not due to a loss in blood flow to the brain, but rather to the accumulation of tau protein aggregates that interfere with brain cell function.

Scientists explore blood flow bump that happens when our neurons are significantly activated

Researchers studying functional hyperemia found that blood flow to brain cells increases when neurons are activated, and this response may be beneficial for the health of neurons. The study aims to clarify the link between neural activity and blood flow changes, which could improve our understanding of brain diseases like Alzheimer's.

Blood flow monitor could save lives

A tiny fibre-optic sensor has the potential to save lives in open heart surgery and during surgery on pre-term babies. The continuous cardiac flow monitoring probe is a safe way to give real-time measurement of blood flow.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Biophotonics·DateJul 8, 2019

Changes in blood flow tell heart cells to regenerate

A study in eLife reveals that altered blood flow after heart injury triggers a signalling cascade that promotes cell growth and heart tissue regeneration in zebrafish. The findings provide insights into signalling pathways important for heart regeneration in mammals, including the potential to repair the human heart.

SourceeLife·DateJun 25, 2019

A new way to predict complications after larynx cancer surgery

A new technique using laser angiography illuminated blood flow during laryngectomy surgery, identifying patients at highest risk of wound healing issues. This approach may enable surgeons to adjust during surgery or recovery to improve outcomes, with potential interventions including wider tissue removal and extended hospital stays.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateMay 31, 2019

New imaging tool for diagnosing heart disease

A new method called cardiac functional MRI eliminates the need for injections or physical stress testing, providing a safer and more detailed way to diagnose heart disease. The technique uses oxygenation-sensitive MRI to measure how well the heart's blood vessels are working to deliver oxygen.

SourceLawson Research Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 30, 2019

Optimizing device implantation in patients with atrial fibrillation and risk of stroke

Researchers developed a web-based platform to optimize left atrial appendage occluder device therapies for patients with atrial fibrillation and stroke risk. The VIDAA platform combines biophysical models, interactive interfaces, and computational simulations to identify optimal device configurations and positioning strategies.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 15, 2019

Blood flow command center discovered in the brain

A team of researchers from Australia, France, New Zealand, and the UK have discovered a group of brain cells that function as a 'master-controller' for the cardiovascular system. These cells, found in the medulla oblongata, coordinate activity across the cardiovascular system, including blood flow to the heart and blood vessels.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateMay 15, 2019

The silence of sickle cell disease

A study led by John Wood, MD, PhD, finds that patients with sickle cell disease experience reduced oxygen delivery to the white matter of the brain, despite normal total oxygen delivery. This disparity leads to debilitating silent strokes with significant effects on executive function.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal of Hematology·DateFeb 6, 2019

Balloon-guided catheters provide better blood flow following stroke interventions

Researchers compared two groups of patients who underwent clot retrieval with either a balloon-guided catheter or a conventional guide catheter. Patients treated with the balloon-guided catheter showed improved restoration of blood flow scores and clinical outcomes, highlighting its potential to enhance stroke patient care.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of NeuroInterventional Surgery·DateFeb 4, 2019

Prosthetic valve mismatches common in transcatheter valve replacement, ups risk of death

A large study found that severe cases of prosthesis-patient mismatch after transcatheter aortic valve replacement increase the risk of death and heart failure readmissions by 19% and 12%, respectively. The study identified predictors of PPM, including smaller valve prostheses, larger body surface areas, and female or younger patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 23, 2018

Rethinking the stroke rule 'time is brain'

Neurologist Camilo R. Gomez argues that the effect of time on ischemic stroke outcomes varies greatly among patients, with collateral circulation playing a critical role in determining treatment efficacy. He proposes a new approach to stroke care, taking into account individual patient variability and blood circulation patterns.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases·DateAug 13, 2018

The freediving champions of the dolphin world

Bottlenose dolphin populations vary in diving ability by almost 1000m due to lung architecture and gas management. The research suggests that deep divers use elevated heart rates during surface intervals and directed blood flow through collapsed lung regions to manage nitrogen levels.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateJul 17, 2018

New study highlights unique state of 'restful alertness' during Transcendental Meditation

A new study using fMRI scans found that Transcendental Meditation practice leads to a unique state of restful alertness, characterized by increased blood flow to frontal areas of the brain and decreased activity in pons and cerebellum. This finding supports the technique's claim to induce a deeply rested yet alert mental state.

SourceMaharishi International University·JournalBrain and Cognition·DateMar 22, 2018

The complex journey of red bloods cells through microvascular networks

A team of researchers used a state-of-the-art simulation code to study the behavior of red blood cells flowing through physiologically realistic microvascular networks. They observed that red blood cells frequently jam for brief periods before proceeding downstream, causing temporary increases in vascular resistance. The findings have ...

3-D simulations reveal synergistic mechanisms of the human heart

A new study introduces a holistic 3D numerical simulation model of the human heart, taking into account the mutual interaction between blood flow and individual components. The model reveals complex effects of heart strings on the mitral valve, shedding light on potential strategies for preventing cardiac problems.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateFeb 28, 2018