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Should we screen people for irregular heartbeat?

Screening for irregular heartbeat has been proposed as a potential solution to reduce stroke risk, but experts disagree on its effectiveness. Mark Lown suggests that trained clinicians can accurately identify positive cases, while Patrick Moran raises concerns about the lack of evidence on screening's benefits.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 13, 2019

Kidney transplantation to minority patients with a different blood types is safe

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that minority patients with blood type B can receive kidneys from donors with blood type A2 without compromising their health. The study showed comparable patient and graft survival rates for both groups, but higher costs for type B recipients who receive...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 30, 2019

Childhood lead exposure linked to poor adult mental health

A study of people who grew up in the era of leaded gasoline found that higher blood lead levels at age 11 were associated with signs of mental illness and difficult personality traits by age 38. Participants exposed to higher levels of lead as children were rated as more neurotic, less agreeable, and less conscientious than their peers.

SourceDuke University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJan 23, 2019

Blood test detects Alzheimer's damage before symptoms

A new blood test reliably detects signs of brain damage in people with Alzheimer's disease, even before symptoms of confusion and memory loss arise. The test may also identify neurodegeneration in other brain diseases, injuries, and conditions such as multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 21, 2019

Poor sleep and heart-related death

Research by University of Adelaide scientists has revealed that poor blood oxygenation during sleep is a significant indicator of the chance of heart-related death. Extended episodes of interrupted breathing while asleep also increase the risk.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJan 17, 2019

Coming soon: A blood test for Alzheimer's disease?

Researchers have made significant progress towards developing a blood test for Alzheimer's disease, with sensitive assays able to detect smaller amounts of peptides that form when amyloid breaks down. A reliable blood test could aid in diagnosis and help identify participants for clinical trials, potentially leading to better treatments.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 17, 2019

HRT tablets associated with increased risk of blood clots

A large study published in The BMJ found that HRT tablets are associated with a higher risk of rare but serious blood clots, particularly those containing equine oestrogen. No increased risk was found for skin patches, gels and creams. The study provides important information for women and their doctors to make informed treatment choices.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 9, 2019

Study links nutrients in blood to better brain connectivity, cognition in older adults

A new study found a robust link between higher levels of several nutrient biomarkers in the blood and enhanced performance on specific cognitive tests. The analysis revealed that omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids, lycopene, and vitamins B and D worked synergistically to improve brain health and cognition in older adults.

Marshall University study finds differences in umbilical cord blood metal levels in newborns

A Marshall University study found significant differences in umbilical cord blood metal levels between urban and rural newborns. Copper and molybdenum were higher in urban samples, while no marked differences occurred for other elements. The study suggests a potential link between prenatal exposure to toxins and neonatal outcomes.

New understanding of mysterious 'hereditary swelling'

Researchers at Aarhus University have made a breakthrough in understanding hereditary angioedema by identifying cellular defects leading to the rare disease. The study reveals that genetic mutations cause intracellular retention of C1-inhibitor, resulting in patients producing only 10-20% of normal levels.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 11, 2018

Study links frequent red meat consumption to high levels of chemical associated with heart disease

Researchers found that people who eat a diet rich in red meat have triple the TMAO levels of those who eat a diet rich in either white meat or mostly plant-based proteins. However, discontinuation of red meat eventually lowers these TMAO levels, suggesting a promising new strategy for individualizing diets and preventing heart disease.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateDec 11, 2018

Study examines effects of different opioids on driving performance

A recent study found that opioids like methadone and buprenorphine can impair cognitive tasks and increase sleepiness, with four participants stopping their tests due to drowsiness. The study's results indicate that patients should be informed about the potential driving impairment caused by these medications.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateDec 5, 2018

New blood test detects early stage ovarian cancer

A new blood test has been developed to detect early stage ovarian cancer using a bacterial toxin, with the test detecting significant levels of cancer glycan in over 90% of women with stage 1 ovarian cancer. The test also showed 100% accuracy for later stages of the disease and has potential for simple liquid biopsy monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateNov 19, 2018

Stroke: Preventing the damage by acting on the neuronal environment?

Scientists from CNRS and partners have found a promising strategy for protecting neurons after a stroke, involving the extracellular matrix. The new approach, using an agent mimicking structural components of this matrix, has shown effectiveness in rats and may complement existing clot-elimination techniques.

SourceCNRS·JournalTheranostics·DateNov 15, 2018

ID specialist input improves outcomes for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has released new guidelines for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT), emphasizing the importance of review by an infectious diseases specialist before starting treatment. Regular monitoring and blood tests are also recommended to ensure patient safety.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateNov 13, 2018