Articles tagged with Blood
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed an optical blood oxygen sensor attached to an endoscope that can identify pancreatic cancer with a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 86%. The device measures changes in blood flow near the pancreas, which tumors alter to grow. Early detection is crucial as most pancreatic cancers are diagno...
A study by University of Illinois Chicago found that patients with alcohol in their blood had a reduced risk of developing cardiac and renal complications, resulting in lower mortality rates. The protective effect was observed even after the alcohol was metabolized.
A large study finds that high levels of certain air pollutants are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular problems, including irregular heart rhythms and lung blood clots. The research suggests that particulate matter is particularly harmful for elderly people.
A study from Duke University Medical Center found that implantable cardioverter defibrillators improve survival among heart failure patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 30-35%. The device reduces three-year mortality rates by 3.6% in patients without ICDs.
A study found that preventive implantation of ICDs in patients with less severe heart failure (LVEF 30-35%) significantly reduces mortality rates at 3 years compared to those without an ICD. The analysis also showed improved survival in patients with LVEF < 30%.
A standardized prevention program implemented in a hospital department of surgery significantly reduced the rate of deep venous thromboses (DVT) and pulmonary emboli among patients. The program, which scored individual risk factors and provided risk-based prophylaxis, led to an 84% drop in DVT rates and a 55% decrease in pulmonary emboli.
Researchers tracked real-time virus replication and drug clearance in HCV patients, revealing a lag between liver and blood viral decay. The findings suggest the need for tailored therapy to achieve viral eradication and may inform vaccine development.
A new Vanderbilt University study found that women with blood in their urine were less likely to be referred to a urologist for further tests than men with the same issue. The disparity may contribute to delayed diagnoses and worse mortality rates among women with bladder cancer.
Research at Washington University School of Medicine found that vitamin D supplements had a limited benefit for asthma treatment. Patients who achieved sufficient blood levels of vitamin D showed improved asthma control, including reduced treatment failures and asthma attacks.
A new study found that a single episode of binge drinking can cause bacterial leakage from the gut into the bloodstream, leading to increased levels of toxins. This results in an immune response, producing fever, inflammation, and tissue destruction, according to researchers at UMMS.
A new study by Uppsala University reveals that high levels of PCBs in the blood significantly increase the risk of dying among smokers and former smokers. For non-smokers, no elevated risk was found after eight years.
Researchers discovered that elephant seals have high levels of carboxyhemoglobin, similar to those found in heavy human smokers. The team suggests that this may provide protective effects against oxidative damage, potentially benefiting the animals' health. Further study is needed to fully understand the significance of these findings.
A blood test has been developed to predict impending preterm birth, distinguishing between true and false labor in 70% of cases. The new test outperforms existing methods by using a set of nine genes coupled with clinical data, allowing for all women to be screened as part of routine blood work.
A study by Intermountain Medical Center found that AFib patients on blood thinning medications are at higher risk of developing dementia if their doses are not within the optimal recommended range. Patients with dosages outside this range were 4.5 times more likely to develop dementia.
GDF11 protein improves the exercise capability of aging mice by making their brains and skeletal muscles more like those of young health mice. The protein also restores DNA damage associated with aging in muscle stem cells, leading to improved function in unmanipulated muscle.
A study published in ACS' Journal of Proteome Research found that whey protein slows down stomach emptying and lowers fatty acid levels, increasing insulin levels in obese adults. The results suggest that whey protein may be a beneficial addition to diets for those at risk of developing type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports analyzed the DNA recovered from a relic attributed to Louis XVI and found it did not match his expected genetic profile. The analysis revealed a clear French and Italian component, contradicting historical accounts of Louis XVI's physical appearance.
A study published in Cell Transplantation found that injecting autologous peripheral blood stem cells into the brain of stroke patients improved their motor function. The treatment was safe and feasible in patients who suffered a prior stroke, with significant improvements in clinical outcomes measures.
A new prediction tool can help doctors identify patients at highest risk for respiratory failure after surgery, allowing them to take measures to prevent the condition. The tool uses nine predictors to determine a patient's risk level, enabling doctors to assign risk levels and use preventive measures more effectively.
Scientists have developed a device that can process whole blood and isolate genetic material for two potential biomarkers within minutes. This rapid detection method could help determine the course of proper treatment, potentially saving lives.
A study analyzing nearly three decades of data found chromium supplements are ineffective in reducing fasting glucose levels in both diabetic and non-diabetic populations. Despite this, the researchers suggest other dietary supplement ingredients may have positive effects on fasting blood sugar levels.
A study published by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that DNA modifications in the blood of stressed mice correlate with changes in brain tissue, providing a valid comparison between the two. The research linked epigenetic changes to altered gene function, shedding light on the relationship between stress and psychiatric diseases.
Researchers at Lifespan have developed a blood test that can predict a person's risk of sudden cardiac death with high accuracy, enabling more targeted and efficient assessment of patients' needs for implantable cardiac defibrillators. The test is expected to refine the need for such devices and reduce overuse of ICDs.
Research suggests that maintaining healthy blood pressure, sugar levels, and cholesterol as a young adult may help prevent cognitive decline in mid-life. A 25-year study of 3,381 participants found that those with higher risk factors scored lower on cognitive function tests in their 40s and 50s.
A study found lower risks of heart attack, death, and procedures to re-open the artery in patients receiving drug-eluting stents followed by individualized blood-thinning medication. The results challenge existing guidelines for prolonged anti-platelet therapy after stent placement.
A blood test using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T can accurately predict heart attack risk in patients with chest pain, allowing for targeted admissions and reduced hospital costs. The test's negative predictive value was found to be 99.8 percent for heart attack within 30 days.
Physicians report success in weaning patient off bypass with intra-aortic balloon pump due to reversible left ventricle dysfunction and minimal atherosclerosis. The pump can be an option for patients with mild to moderate aortic insufficiency who don't have severe atherosclerosis.
A study found that death certificates often fail to list alcohol as a cause of death in traffic crashes, with injuries being the leading cause of death for Americans younger than 45. Researchers need reliable data to study the effects of policies aimed at reducing alcohol-related deaths.
A new stool-based screening test, Cologuard, detected 92% of colorectal cancer and 42% of advanced pre-cancerous lesions, outperforming a commercial occult blood fecal immunochemical test. The non-invasive test allows patients to collect samples at home, increasing the potential for higher cancer screening rates.
Researchers used an age-adjusted D-dimer threshold to safely exclude pulmonary embolism in elderly patients. This approach significantly reduced false positives, especially in older adults.
Scientists have identified a previously unrecognized gene variation associated with healthier blood lipid levels and reduced risk of heart attacks. The discovery uses a new approach to scan the genome for variations in genes that change protein function.
Researchers at Aarhus University found that patients with blood poisoning are twice as likely to develop a blood clot in the brain or heart. The risk is highest within 30 days of infection, and only 0.2% among the general population.
Researchers found that statins significantly reduced VTE events following total hip and knee replacements, with a 48% lower risk compared to non-statin groups. The study, which included over 400 patients, suggests that statins may have anti-inflammatory effects that contribute to their ability to decrease VTE risk.
DVT can lead to post-thrombotic syndrome, causing chronic leg pain, fatigue, swelling, and skin ulcers; interventional radiologists offer minimally invasive treatments to prevent this complication
A blood test has been developed to accurately screen for infection with the agent responsible for variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The test found 71.4% of patients with vCJD correctly tested positive, making it suitable for screening large populations.
A new therapy has been developed to treat atrial fibrillation by targeting misbehaving nerves that cause the condition. The therapy, which involves adding four or fewer injections of 98% ethanol to radio wave ablation, appears to be more effective than standard surgical therapies.
Researchers found that early but not advanced forms of atherosclerotic plaques in mice regress when 'bad' cholesterol is lowered. The study suggests that preventative cholesterol-lowering treatment could prevent more advanced plaque development and reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack.
A new scientific blood analysis uses biomarkers and NMR spectroscopy to predict short-term mortality in the next five years. The study found that biomarker concentrations are crucial for normal metabolism, regardless of known risk factors.
Researchers have identified four biomarkers in blood samples that can predict mortality from any disease within five years. The study used NMR spectroscopy to analyze over 17,000 healthy individuals and found that these biomarkers were independent of traditional risk factors, indicating a general frailty in the body.
The updated guideline recommends oral anticoagulants for people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation to prevent stroke. The new drugs are at least as effective as established treatment and have a lower risk of bleeding, making them suitable for many previously undertreated patients.
Researchers found an antibody to KIR4.1 protein in the blood of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) years before symptoms appeared, suggesting a potential role in disease development. The study's findings may help detect MS earlier, enabling better treatment and prevention strategies.
A simple blood test can identify 85% of post-surgical heart attacks, which often go undetected due to a lack of symptoms. Heart attacks are the leading cause of death within 30 days of surgery, with 10% mortality rate.
African-Americans are 39 times more likely to die from a stroke after an infection compared to other ethnic groups. Infection promotes blood clot formation and fat buildup in arteries, contributing to higher stroke mortality rates among blacks.
Scientists have successfully engineered dermo-epidermal skin grafts that contain functional blood and lymphatic capillaries, which can rapidly supply tissue fluid and prevent accumulation. This breakthrough could improve wound healing and organ structure of these skin grafts.
Researchers discovered that valproic acid activates AMPK, which reduces fat accumulation in the liver and lowers blood sugar levels in obese mice. Treated mice showed decreased blood sugar levels and a stabilization of weight.
A study involving 186 Type II diabetes patients found that health coaching significantly improved oral health by reducing biological markers for periodontitis by 50% and long-range blood sugar levels. The coaching group also showed increased self-efficacy in handling illness and health issues.
A device called MEDIC combines engineering and biochemistry to monitor specific drug levels in the bloodstream, offering potential for tailored prescriptions. The device uses microfluidic chambers lined with gold electrodes to detect target molecules in real-time.
A study found that higher vitamin D levels are associated with lower risk of new brain lesions, relapses, and faster decline in brain volume. Patients with low vitamin D levels early on may experience long-term increased MS activity and progression.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that the popular blood type diet theory is not valid, as associations between diets and health markers are independent of an individual's blood type. The study suggests that adherence to a sensible vegetarian or low-carbohydrate diet is key to improving health, regardless of blood type.
A new on-field blood test can accurately diagnose sports concussions, distinguishing them from physical exertion. S100B levels rise significantly after a concussion, making it a promising biomarker for head injuries.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are developing imaging technology to improve treatment and survival rates for ischemic heart disease patients. The new technology uses high-speed computer analysis to help doctors determine if stents are restoring circulation as designed, reducing the risk of failure.
A retrospective analysis of inpatients found that hyperhomocysteinemia and abnormal blood lipids exert synergistic effects on the onset of stroke. Patients with elevated homocysteine levels and abnormal blood lipids are predisposed to stroke, highlighting the importance of managing both conditions.
A new study from Uppsala University reveals that one night of sleep deprivation can increase morning blood concentrations of NSE and S-100B in healthy young men. These molecules are typically found in the brain and may indicate a loss of brain tissue. The findings suggest that good sleep is crucial for maintaining brain health.
A daily bout of exercise significantly reduces detrimental health impacts from short-term overeating and inactivity. Exercise prevents unhealthy metabolic changes and disrupted nutritional balance, even when consuming thousands of calories more than burned.
Researchers used high-speed photography to study how ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles dissolve killer blood clots. The team found that the bubbles deform the clots' boundaries before burrowing into them, creating fluid-filled tunnels that break up the clots from the inside out.
Researchers found that diabetes drugs have different effects on the hearts of men and women, with metformin improving heart function in women but worsening it in men. The study suggests that sex differences play a role in how patients respond to treatments.
Research presented at EuroEcho-Imaging 2013 found that HIV patients with a positive blood viral load have a significantly higher incidence of structural heart disease. The study suggests that HIV itself might be an independent causal agent, and having a detectable blood viral load nearly doubles the prevalence of heart disease.
A Swedish study of 1,000 men aged 75 found that low vitamin B12 levels increased the risk of fractures by up to 70% in six years. The researchers used a new method to measure vitamin B12 uptake and found that physical activity and quitting smoking can help prevent fractures.
Researchers discovered HDL acts upon inflammatory processes by activating ATF3, downregulating chronic inflammation in macrophages. This finding suggests a molecular approach for treating inflammation in diseases like diabetes.
Scientists at the University of Eastern Finland have created a new diagnostic tool for migraines, detecting 'hot spots' in pulsatile perfusion and asynchronous facial blood supply. The Blood Pulsation Imaging technique has significant implications for predicting, diagnosing, and monitoring migraine treatment.