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Early blood tests predict death, severe disability for traumatic brain injury

Researchers developed a blood test that predicts poor outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), allowing clinicians to make decisions earlier on possible treatment. The test, which measures protein biomarkers GFAP and UCH-L1, showed high accuracy in predicting death and severe disability six months after injury.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 19, 2022

Scientists create a DNA test that identifies Lyme disease in horses

A Rutgers scientist has developed a highly sensitive DNA test that can detect Lyme disease in horses, a condition that can cause long-term complications. The test, called genomic hybrid capture assay, was tested on a sick horse and successfully identified the pathogen, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2022

Increased heart disease risk from red meat may stem from gut microbe response to digestion

Research suggests that chemicals produced by gut microbes after eating red meat may contribute to cardiovascular disease. The study found a 22% higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease associated with increased red meat consumption, which was partly attributed to elevated levels of TMAO and related metabolites in the blood.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·DateAug 1, 2022

”No pain, no gain” approach improves walking ability with peripheral artery disease

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that walking for exercise at a pace that induces leg pain or discomfort improves walking ability among people with peripheral artery disease. The study involved 264 participants who walked at home at either a comfortable pace or a pace that induced leg symptom...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 27, 2022

A healthy lifestyle can offset a high genetic risk for stroke, according to new research by UTHealth Houston

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people with high genetic risk for stroke can reduce their risk by 30-45% by adopting a healthy cardiovascular lifestyle. The study followed 11,568 adults over 28 years and showed that modifying lifestyle risk factors can offset genetic risk.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 20, 2022

High blood viscosity can predict higher risk of death in hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Hospitalized COVID-19 patients with high blood viscosity have a 60% higher death rate than those with low blood viscosity. The study suggests that checking for blood viscosity early on could help determine the best treatment course and improve outcomes.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 18, 2022

UNC Charlotte-led team invents new anticoagulant platform, offering hope for advances for heart surgery, dialysis, other procedures

A UNC Charlotte-led team has invented a new biomolecular anticoagulant platform that holds promise as a revolutionary advancement over current blood thinners. The technology uses programmable RNA-DNA fibers to prevent blood clotting as needed, then be swiftly eliminated from the body.

Predicting the risk of osteoporotic hip fracture in men using blood markers

Researchers found that CXCL9 levels were higher in pre-fracture blood samples of Chinese men with subsequent hip fractures, improving the prediction of osteoporotic hip fracture risk in men. In contrast, no association was found between CXCL10 and hip fracture risk in either gender.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 12, 2022

Should clinicians reconsider standard therapy for gout?

A recent clinical trial found that low-dose benzbromarone was more effective in reducing blood urate levels in patients with renal urate underexcretion. The study showed that more participants in the benzbromarone group achieved the target blood urate level of < 6 mg/dL compared to those receiving febuxostat.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateJul 7, 2022

Black nursing home residents, those under age 65 more likely to have repeat transfers to hospital, MU study finds

A new study by University of Missouri found that Black nursing home residents and those under 65 are significantly more likely to experience repeat hospital transfers. This phenomenon can be attributed to various factors including 'full-code' status regarding end-of-life care, comorbidities, and inadequate staffing. The study suggests ...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalBMC Health Services Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 1, 2022

How MRI and CT predict flap failure after head and neck reconstructive cancer surgery

Researchers used CT and MRI perfusion techniques to analyze 19 patients with successful free flap reconstruction and five with wound failure. The study found that both methods showed significant differences between the two patient groups. Early postoperative scans could help surgeons intervene earlier, potentially reducing hospital stays.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Neuroradiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 23, 2022

Inhaled toxic particles take direct route from lungs to brain - study

A new study reveals that inhaled fine particles can take a direct route from lungs to brain through blood circulation, potentially contributing to brain disorders. The particles were found to stay longer in the brain than in other organs, raising concerns about the long-term effects of air pollution on cognitive function.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2022

New research to help address blood shortages in Ireland

A study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has identified barriers and motivators to blood donation for people from ethnic minority groups in Ireland. Factors that motivate people from minority ethnic backgrounds to give blood include religious reasons and a desire to help others in their own communities.

SourceRCSI·DateJun 17, 2022

Biomarker in liquid biopsy for lung cancer appears more accurate in predicting immunotherapy response than tumor biopsy

Researchers validated a liquid biopsy test as a better predictor of immunotherapy response in lung cancer patients compared to traditional tumor biopsies. The test measures the PD-L1 biomarker in blood, showing improved accuracy in predicting treatment outcomes and survival.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research·DateJun 2, 2022

Men with prostate cancer have higher risk of serious blood clots

A large-scale study has found that men with prostate cancer have a 50% higher risk of developing serious and potentially fatal blood clots during the five years after their diagnosis. This increased risk is significant because venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of death among people with cancer.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·TypeObservational study·DateMay 23, 2022

Blood adenosine levels as a potential biomarker of white matter disease in a selected population of very low birth weight premature infants

A study found that high blood adenosine levels at 15 days of life correlated with white matter lesions and brain injury in very low birth weight premature infants. Adenosine may play a role in oligodendrocyte maturation and neuronal development, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for complications of prematurity.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Pediatric Reviews·DateMay 13, 2022

Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington faculty member co-authors meta-analysis of data on red meat and diabetes

A meta-analysis published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that diets containing red meat did not impact glycemic and insulinemic risk factors for type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between red meat consumption and the development of type 2 diabetes.

SourceIndiana University School of Public Health·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 11, 2022

Mount Sinai researchers demonstrate higher prevalence of occult hypoxemia during anesthesia in Black and Hispanic patients compared to White patients

Research at Mount Sinai Hospital found a significant difference in the prevalence of occult hypoxemia among Black, Hispanic, and White patients undergoing anesthesia. The study showed that Black and Hispanic patients experienced higher rates of unrecognized low oxygen levels despite normal pulse oximeter values.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAnesthesiology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 2022

High mortality for hospital referred Malawian children with low glucose or blood oxygen levels

A study in rural Malawi found high mortality rates for children admitted to hospital with low blood sugar or oxygen levels. The findings suggest that earlier identification and prompt care-seeking could help reduce the risk of death, emphasizing the need for better clinical management of severely ill children.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateApr 29, 2022

Inflammation markers associated with COVID-19 during pregnancy may signal adverse impacts to long-term infant health

A new study from Boston Medical Center found that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with elevated inflammatory markers in infants, potentially impacting growth and brain development. Researchers emphasize the importance of COVID-19 vaccinations for pregnant women to avoid long-term adverse consequences for their infant.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJournal of Perinatology·DateApr 25, 2022