Articles tagged with Blood
Researchers have developed a new probe that can detect blood clots in any part of the body using positron emission tomography (PET). The probe, called FBP8, contains copper-64 and has shown promise in detecting blood clots in rats, paving the way for future human trials.
Researchers have identified phytol and coumarin as key compounds responsible for repelling mosquitoes in traditional sweetgrass. The study, presented at the American Chemical Society meeting, demonstrates a scientific basis for the folklore of using sweetgrass to deter biting insects.
A team of international researchers led by Massachusetts General Hospital has identified the DCHS1 gene as the cause of the common form of mitral valve prolapse, a heart valve disorder that affects nearly 2.5 percent of the population. The study reveals that mutations in this gene lead to defects in the formation of the mitral valve.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology has found associations between lower blood manganese levels and higher blood mercury levels with a greater risk of glaucoma diagnosis. The research suggests that trace metals may play a role in the pathogenesis of glaucoma, and future investigations could explore potential neuroprotective effects.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that women who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery had a faster increase in blood alcohol concentration and reported greater feelings of drunkenness. This alteration in alcohol metabolism increases the risk of developing alcohol use disorders, highlighting the need for public awareness.
A new blood test can predict the severity of traumatic brain injuries and identify patients who may benefit from extra therapy. The test measures brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the blood, which can help doctors advise patients on treatment and monitor their recovery.
Replacing time spent sitting with standing can lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, according to a new study. Standing for two hours a day was associated with improved waist circumference and reduced risk of metabolic disorders.
Researchers at the University of Montreal successfully block apoC-III gene expression, demonstrating significant decreases in triglyceride levels. This breakthrough could lead to precise interventions for severe hypertriglyceridemia, reducing cardiovascular risks.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that nearly half of hospital-acquired blood clots were not preventable despite proper use of preventive therapies. The study suggests that measuring prevention efforts, rather than just numbers of clots, is essential to accurately penalize hospitals.
A new study has found that biomarkers, specifically phosphatidylethanol (PEth), are significantly higher in binge drinkers than moderate drinkers. PEth levels were positively correlated with the number of drinks consumed and self-assessment survey scores.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have shown improved outcomes in using stem cell transplantation to treat juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), a rare form of chronic blood cancer. The study found that half of patients can be cured from their disease, and a potential standard conditioning regimen has been identified.
More adults are visiting doctors for anticoagulant treatment due to the popularity of new direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), which have fewer food and drug interactions than warfarin. The study found that DOACs have risen to nearly match the use of warfarin, with 57% of anticoagulant visits related to warfarin use in 2014.
A recent study published in The Journal of Experimental Biology found that boa constrictors rapidly shut down the circulation of their victims. The snakes cut off the blood supply to vital organs, causing cardiac arrest and death within seconds. This discovery sheds new light on the mechanisms of snake constriction.
A 10-point questionnaire, known as the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), is more effective than measuring blood alcohol level in detecting patients with at-risk drinking behaviors. The study found that up to 50% of trauma patients have alcohol in their bloodstream, and brief interventions can lead to a 50% reduction in...
A large-scale study of over 30,000 men found no link between testosterone therapy and venous thromboembolism. The study suggests that testosterone therapy is not associated with an increased risk of blood clots in veins, which is a common cardiovascular illness.
Hereditary angioedema type III is caused by a mutated blood protein factor XII that leads to excessive bradykinin production and vessel leakage. Researchers have identified a natural inhibitor that can block the mutated protein, providing hope for a new treatment.
Researchers found a new treatment approach for blood clots that allows patients to go home the same day, reducing hospital stays and costs. The treatment, rivaroxaban, also reduces recurrent thrombosis and bleeding rates.
A new drug, patiromer, significantly reduced serum potassium levels in patients with diabetic kidney disease and hyperkalemia. The study found that patiromer maintained normal potassium levels over 52 weeks, with minimal discontinuations due to adverse events.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions will examine diver physiology during and after underwater activities. The study aims to develop Navy diving protocols to prolong endurance and make missions safer for divers.
Patients with a first episode of pulmonary embolism who received 6 months of anticoagulant treatment showed reduced risk of additional blood clots and major bleeding when treated for an additional 18 months. However, this benefit was not sustained after discontinuation of therapy.
The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association recommends the use of brain stent retrievers in certain patients undergoing acute ischemic strokes. The devices can restore blood flow and reduce stroke damage when treated promptly, making them a valuable option for carefully selected patients.
The new consensus statement recommends drinking when thirsty to prevent hyponatremia, a potentially fatal condition caused by excessive fluid intake. The strategy aims to limit drinking in excess and develop hyponatremia while providing sufficient fluid to prevent dehydration.
A University of Kentucky researcher is developing an artificial blood technology for mosquitoes, which can help sustain colonies in resource-limited areas and combat diseases like malaria. The approach involves sterilizing mosquitoes using a bacterium and has already shown promising results in controlling Asian tiger mosquito populations.
A new study found that certain pollutants penetrate further into the feto-maternal system, causing harm to fetuses. The research analyzed pollutant levels in cord blood and maternal tissues, revealing heavy metals like mercury and lead easily pass through the placental barrier.
Stem cell transplantation has been shown to accelerate healing in laboratory rats with severe burns. The treatment uses bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which enhanced local blood supply, modulated the immune system, and secreted growth factors with anti-inflammatory properties.
A new study found that use of a ring-reinforced shunt improved surgical outcomes in children born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, reducing the need for repeat surgeries and improving survival rates. The study showed significant progress in a small but noteworthy advance.
Fewer than 1 in 10 eligible patients with low ejection fraction received an ICD within 1 year after a heart attack. ICD implantation was associated with a 36% lower risk of death at two years. Additional research is needed to increase ICD implantation among eligible patients.
A study led by Duke Medicine found that stopping blood thinners before elective surgery has no higher risk of blood clots and less risk of major bleeding compared to traditional 'bridge' therapy.
Atrial fibrillation is a serious medical condition characterized by an irregular heart rate, which can lead to poor blood flow and increase the risk of strokes. The BRIDGE trial, sponsored by the NIH, found that forgoing bridging anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation who need temporary interruption of warfarin for electi...
Scientists have developed nanoswimmers that can navigate body fluids to target specific areas of the body, reducing complications and improving recovery times for cancer patients. The nanoswimmers use magnetic fields to move through blood and are designed to specifically target and destroy cancer cells.
Researchers at Monash University found that extreme endurance events can lead to sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Fitter individuals with a steady training program can adapt and counteract this effect without side effects.
Researchers at Lehigh University present breakthroughs in capturing tumor cells, creating bioengineered enzymes to fight bacterial biofilms, and developing a stable chemical reagent. These innovations have the potential to positively impact industries such as food safety and medical devices.
A recent study found that the new NICE thresholds for diagnosing gestational diabetes in pregnancy are less effective than international criteria, potentially missing thousands of women at high risk. The research suggests that using the WHO guidelines could identify an additional 3,000 to 4,000 women each year in the UK.
A statewide quality improvement program helped reduce serious blood clot complications by more than half in Michigan trauma centers. The program, which provides data-driven feedback and best practices, led to a significant drop in venous thromboembolism events after switching from one anti-clotting agent to another.
A study published in Neurology found that people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia due to Alzheimer's disease have abnormal levels of lysosomal proteins in their blood. These proteins, found in tiny nerve cell-derived blood particles called exosomes, may serve as biomarkers for early treatment and prevention.
Researchers have developed VirScan, a method that can analyze a single drop of blood to identify past and present viral infections. The technology shows promise in uncovering unexpected factors affecting individual patients' health and expanding opportunities for large-scale analysis.
A new study reveals that clinical and genetic factors affecting warfarin dose vary by race, highlighting the need for race-specific dosing equations to improve anticoagulation control. The research team found that gene variants may have different effects on dose across racial groups, particularly among African Americans.
Research at Duke-NUS Medical School reveals lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) are crucial for human brain development and function. Studies show that mutations in the protein Mfsd2a, which transports LPCs, lead to impaired brain growth and function.
Researchers have discovered a novel antibody insecticide that targets the African malaria mosquito, offering an alternative control strategy to halt the spread of the disease. The antibodies work by targeting a key component of the mosquito's nervous system, killing over 90% of infected insects within a day.
A recent study published in Cell Metabolism has raised doubts about the age-reversal properties of GDF-11, a molecule previously linked to anti-aging effects. The research found that GDF-11 actually worsened muscle regeneration in older animals, contradicting previous findings.
Researchers studied 293 patients with brain metastases and blood clots to determine if administering blood-thinning medication was safe. The study found no significant difference in bleeding risk between patients who received a widely used blood thinner and those who did not.
The opah's unique design allows its entire body to maintain an elevated temperature through counter-current heat exchange in its gills. This adaptation enables the fish to swim faster, react more quickly, and see better, making it a high-performance predator in cold waters.
A new study found that a deep-water fish called the opah harnesses heat generated by flapping its pectoral fins to warm its body. This unique adaptation enables the opah to operate in cold and deep water with high-performance capabilities.
Cedars-Sinai gastroenterologist Mark Pimentel has developed two simple blood tests that accurately diagnose irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in millions of people worldwide. The new blood tests identify specific antibodies reacting to toxins from bacteria, such as salmonella, and confirm IBS diagnosis with greater than 90% certainty.
A simple blood test can predict which chronic hepatitis C patients will respond to interferon-based therapy, according to a recent study. The researchers found that levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood predicted treatment response.
Researchers have developed wearable E-skin and paper diagnostic machines that provide real-time health data, empowering patients to take control of their health. The low-cost devices can detect vital signs, track disease progression, and even diagnose infections.
Researchers developed a new method to detect isatin, a potential stress biomarker, in blood samples using enzymatic reaction and phase extraction. Isatin levels are elevated in patients with stress, Parkinson's disease, and pregnancy.
A new mobile phone microscope, called CellScope Loa, uses video and automation to detect and quantify infection by parasitic worms in a drop of blood. The device is as accurate as conventional screening methods and can provide critical information for health providers in the field.
Researchers analyzed metabolites in the blood of children undergoing heart surgery for congenital heart disease and found a link between certain molecules and clinical outcome. The presence of ketone bodies correlated with better outcomes, while other metabolites such as citrate, lactate, and alanine were associated with poorer outcomes.
Researchers have developed a mobile phone microscope that can quickly detect parasitic worm levels in blood, enabling safe resumption of mass drug administration campaigns. The device can identify people with high levels of microfilariae in under two minutes, reducing errors and increasing efficiency.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic analyzed data from over 20,000 patients and found that toxic levels are rare among those taking supplements. High levels above 50 ng/mL were associated with increased risk of kidney stones and other complications in women over age 65.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have found that specific altered function in the left atrium may signal stroke risk in those with a-fib and possibly those without it. The study suggests that certain features of the heart's upper left chamber could be used to tell apart low-risk from high-risk patients.
A new study found that using a simple device for eight hours a night can help people with prediabetes improve their blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of progressing to diabetes. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment was shown to lower glucose metabolism, insulin regulation, stress hormone levels, and blood pressure.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are working on a three-year NIH-funded study to analyze how mechanical forces and cellular growth factors affect human heart valve biology. The goal is to develop more natural and longer-lasting replacement valves.
A new blood test has been developed to predict future breast cancer by analyzing metabolic profiles of over 57,000 people. The test shows a sensitivity of 80% in predicting the likelihood of developing breast cancer within two to five years.
Researchers found that Veterans Health Administration patients managed by pharmacists who educated and monitored them showed improved adherence rates. Pharmacist-led patient management was key to this success, involving regular education and follow-up to ensure medication was taken as prescribed.
A quarter of all atrial fibrillation patients at the lowest risk for stroke receive unnecessary blood thinners from cardiology specialists. Researchers found that males and older patients were more likely to be prescribed oral anticoagulation despite having no risk factors for stroke.
A new study estimates that using a diagnostic test for candidemia can reduce hospital costs by up to $5,858,448 per year. The T2Candida Panel provides species-specific Candida detection and identification directly from whole blood in 3-5 hours.
The TOAST classification system is widely employed in stroke studies worldwide, categorizing ischemic strokes into five broad causes. While useful for real-world research, it has limitations when determining treatment for individual patients.
A University of Oregon economist's study found that reducing punishments for drivers above the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) threshold results in lower recidivism rates. The study showed a 17% reduction in repeat offenses for BAC levels above .08 and an additional 9% reduction for levels above .15.