Articles tagged with Blood
A new study from Ohio State University found a strong link between latent herpes virus reactivation and heart disease, particularly in patients who have suffered a heart attack. The researchers detected elevated levels of inflammatory proteins and antibodies to the EBV-encoded viral protein dUTPase in these patients.
A multicenter study reveals critically ill children with influenza exhibit lower TNFα production capacity compared to healthy control subjects. This degree of reduction in capacity was highly predictive of death from the illness.
A new study of 73,000 Danes found that 'ugly' cholesterol, a type of remnant-like particle cholesterol, is the direct cause of arteriosclerosis and ischaemic heart disease. High levels of ugly cholesterol triple the risk of heart disease, emphasizing the need for preventive treatment and lifestyle changes.
Two studies found that migraine with aura is a strong contributor to cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke. Women with this condition are more likely to experience blood clot complications, especially those on newer contraceptives.
Serial compression ultrasonography with Doppler imaging is a reliable method for ruling out deep vein thrombosis in pregnant women, detecting 94% of cases. This approach safely allows physicians to withhold anticoagulation therapy, reducing unnecessary risks during pregnancy.
A new study suggests a safer and more informative noninvasive test for detecting chromosomal defects in the fetus, using fetal DNA in the mother's blood. The method offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional invasive procedures, reducing risks of infection and potential harm to the fetus.
Researchers have identified a new approach to treating lymphoma by combining a toll-like receptor agonist with radiation, resulting in durable anti-tumor immune responses. Additionally, scientists have developed model-based decision rules to predict the safety of therapy discontinuation for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.
A specific protein, Protein S, is crucial for maintaining a healthy retina through photoreceptor pruning. This process prevents retinal degeneration and blindness. The study also highlights the protein's role in other systems, such as the immune and reproductive systems, where its activation has been observed.
A study of over 140,000 people has uncovered 18 genetic variants that increase uric acid levels, leading to improved treatment and prevention options for gout. The research also highlights the growing prevalence of gout worldwide, attributed to increasing obesity and aging populations.
Researchers found that six weeks of resistance training significantly improved blood markers of cardiovascular health in young African-American men, but not Caucasian men. This suggests that resistance exercise training is more beneficial in young African-American men.
People with asthma are at a higher risk of developing pulmonary embolism, with severe cases nearly 9 times more common than in the general population. Mild-moderate asthma increases the risk by 3.5 times, highlighting the importance of increased awareness and prevention among doctors
A Stanford study identifies proteins in the blood that can accurately detect lymphedema, offering hope for early diagnosis and treatment. The biomarker panel shows high accuracy in distinguishing patients with lymphedema from healthy individuals.
A Mayo Clinic study found that long working hours in residency can lead to driver distraction, fatigue, and emotional distress. Nearly half of the surveyed residents reported incidents, with 11% being involved in actual traffic accidents.
Berkeley Lab scientists develop a blood test that can detect radiation exposure, measure dose, and separate individuals with inflammation injuries in hours. The test uses biochemical markers from eight DNA-repair genes.
Researchers have created a gel that can be painted onto blood vessel walls to form a protective barrier, potentially preventing rupture and inflammation. The gel's 'sheer strength' could shore up weakened vessel walls and prevent the formation of blood clots.
A study found that antibodies attached to bacteria via their Fc regions in saliva, while in blood they bound primarily via their Fab regions. This difference in orientation was linked to the local antibody concentration, with low levels favoring Fc-mediated binding and high levels favoring Fab-mediated binding.
Researchers found that communications training and a standardized surgical checklist can significantly reduce postoperative complications, including infections and blood clots. The study suggests that these simple cost-effective methods can help teams agree on priorities and ensure accountability, leading to better patient outcomes.
Researchers at OHSU School of Dentistry discovered a direct role of BDNF in regulating blood pressure, which may help prevent or treat high blood pressure. The study found that BDNF levels increase dramatically in nerve cells during hypertension.
A study published in CMAJ found that women with PCOS taking combined oral contraceptives have a 2-fold increased risk of venous thromboembolism compared to matched controls. The risk is similar when expanding the definition of PCOS by including its symptoms and treatment.
Nearly 23% of American women aged 16-49 have high levels of lead, mercury, and PCBs in their blood. Risk factors include age, fish consumption, heavy drinking, and breastfeeding. Women should learn about their risks before becoming pregnant.
Researchers find that leakage of fibrinogen into the central nervous system activates immune cells called microglia, leading to nerve damage. Targeting the interaction between fibrinogen and microglia may be an effective alternative for treating multiple sclerosis.
Researchers discovered that thrombin activity propagates through blood in steady waves, crucial for sealing large wounds but potentially leading to complications. This finding sheds light on the mechanisms behind severe bleeding in hemophilia patients and has implications for other cardiovascular disorders.
A study published in the journal Alcohol found that patients with higher blood alcohol levels were less likely to die from injuries, even among those with severe injuries. The protective effect was observed across various injury types and increased with higher blood alcohol concentrations.
A recent study has shown that bisphenol A (BPA) can disrupt thyroid function in pregnant animals and their offspring. The study used sheep as a relevant model for human pregnancy and analyzed the internal exposures of the fetuses and their mothers to BPA.
Researchers have developed a low-energy defibrillation scheme that significantly reduces the energy needed to re-establish a normal rhythm in the heart's main chambers. This novel electrotherapy could be less painful than existing implantable defibrillators and may even fall beneath the threshold at which patients begin to perceive pain.
A large community-based cohort study found that fasting duration showed little association with lipid subclass levels, including total cholesterol and HDL. The authors conclude that fasting for routine lipid level determinations is largely unnecessary.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that high blood cholesterol is far more prevalent in Denmark and globally than previously recognized. The research found 40,000 Danes with hereditary high blood cholesterol, a significant underdiagnosis and undertreatment of this serious disease.
A new study reveals that resistin, secreted by fat tissue, increases 'bad' cholesterol levels and accelerates artery plaque buildup. The discovery could lead to revolutionary new therapeutic drugs targeting resistin, improving statin effectiveness.
Research suggests that vendettas can be viable over the long term among group members, despite being costly and damaging to stakeholders. The study found that punishment mechanisms can enhance cooperation in public good games within groups.
Patients with chest pain who call an ambulance receive timely treatment, including pre-hospital triage with telemedicine, which improves survival rates. For patients living far from hospitals with balloon treatment facilities, emergency medical personnel must be educated to perform and transmit ECGs to ensure proper referral.
A two-year clinical trial found no survival difference between patients receiving peripheral blood stem cells and bone marrow stem cells from unrelated donors. However, peripheral blood stem cell transplants were associated with a higher incidence of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
A study found that blood hormone levels can predict postmenopausal breast cancer risk for up to 20 years. Women with elevated hormone levels had a higher risk of developing breast cancer, including aggressive forms.
A study led by Kaiser Permanente found that drospirenone-containing birth control pills increase the risk of arterial thrombotic events and venous thromboembolic events. The study suggests that these drugs should be used cautiously for women seeking hormonal contraception, with alternatives available to minimize risks.
A study reveals that kidney failure patients have less of the sugar coating on their blood vessels, leading to high levels of its constituents in the blood. This damage may contribute to their increased risk of heart problems.
A leading bone marrow transplant expert recommends changing current practice to use adult stem cells from bone marrow instead of peripheral blood for unrelated donor transplants. This change can significantly reduce the risk of chronic graft-versus-host disease, a debilitating side effect of transplantation.
The new guidelines suggest using a risk calculator to determine the risk level for general population, and recommend no routine screening with blood tests for adults at low or moderate risk of diabetes. For high-risk adults, screening is recommended every 3-5 years using A1C blood test.
Researchers found that the computerized checklist dramatically reduced venous thromboembolisms, with a nearly 90% drop in deep vein thrombosis rates. The system improved prophylaxis orders among patients without contraindications to low-dose blood thinners.
Scientists at the University of York have discovered a protein called Ciz1 that is present in lung cancers, even in early stages. A simple blood test using this protein could help diagnose lung cancer without invasive procedures.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that a diet rich in tomatoes and lycopene may lower the risk of stroke. The research involved 1,031 Finnish men aged 46-65, who were followed for an average of 12 years, with those having higher levels of lycopene showing a 55% reduced risk of stroke.
A panel of 13 blood proteins has been identified as potential biomarkers for detecting malignant mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer linked to asbestos exposure. The discovery could lead to the development of more accurate and less invasive diagnostic tests, improving patient outcomes.
Researchers are developing a simple blood test to detect early signs of breast cancer, which could improve treatment and detection rates. The study aims to identify DNA markers consistent with cancer in blood samples from women attending breast screening clinics.
The Institute of Medicine's landmark 2011 report deemed most current biomedical research use of chimpanzees as not necessary. PETA is now calling for greater diligence to acknowledge this finding in scientific publications.
Scientists have discovered a way to screen people for Mad Cow disease using a simple blood test, which could help boost critical blood stocks. The breakthrough involves recognizing specific 'signature genes' in the blood stream.
Researchers have identified a new molecular pathway leading to preeclampsia in humans, characterized by elevated blood pressure and protein in the urine. The imbalance of PlGF and sFlt-1 proteins disrupts placental blood supply, affecting the mother and unborn baby.
A recent study funded by the NIH found that tight glycemic control in pediatric cardiac surgery patients did not reduce healthcare-related infections, organ failure, or death. The study's findings diverge from previous studies on adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients who showed benefits from blood sugar control.
A new test can measure an individual's propensity for calcification in their blood, identifying those at increased risk of vascular calcification and potential heart disease. The test may also provide a basis for treatment monitoring in patients who receive calcification inhibitors.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a rapid detection method for blood cyanide, reducing analysis time from up to an hour. This allows emergency responders to administer antidotes promptly and monitor treatment more effectively.
A study of 249 people aged 60-64 found that those with high fasting blood sugar levels within the normal range experienced greater brain shrinkage than those with lower levels. Brain volume loss was particularly pronounced in areas involved in memory and cognitive skills, such as the hippocampus and amygdala.
A recent study suggests that some blood clots identified by sensitive testing methods may not require treatment, potentially reducing risks of bleeding complications. However, developing guidelines to accurately identify patients who can benefit from anticoagulant therapy is crucial.
Galectin-3 protein has been linked to an increased risk of heart failure and death in older adults, according to a new study. The study found that individuals with high levels of galectin-3 were more likely to experience heart failure, highlighting the potential for measuring blood levels as an early warning sign.
A new study found that the endovascular technique for repairing ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms does not conclusively improve survival rates. The study, published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery, compared outcomes between patients who underwent emergency endovascular surgery and those who had open surgery.
New devices, such as Solitaire and Trevo, show significant improvements in restoring blood flow and patient outcomes after stroke. These advancements could lead to better treatment options for patients whose traditional drug treatment has failed.
Two multicenter studies show that next-generation clot-removal devices are superior to traditional technology in achieving blood flow restoration and neurological outcomes. The Trevo Retriever outperformed the FDA-approved Merci Retriever, while the Solitaire flow restoration device was more effective than MERCI in removing blood clots.
Researchers are testing whether lowering inflammation with methotrexate can reduce rates of recurrent heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in high-risk patients. The 7,000-patient trial will follow participants for 3-5 years to determine the treatment's effectiveness.
A clinical trial launched by the NIH aims to determine whether a commonly used anti-inflammatory drug can reduce rates of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular deaths in adults at high risk. The study will enroll 7,000 patients across the US and Canada over two years.
WPI will develop miniaturized wireless sensors to detect early signs of blood loss, and create algorithms to process signals from those sensors to measure seven physiological parameters. The project aims to save the lives of soldiers wounded on the battlefield with wearable sensors and smartphone technologies.
Scientists found a link between high galectin-3 levels and increased risk of cancer and heart disease. A new blood test can predict disease outcomes, while modified citrus pectin may block galectin-3's negative effects.
Researchers found that abnormal proteins and antibodies in blood levels increase according to disease severity. High antibody levels are associated with higher risk of kidney failure and premature death.
A new study found that people with blood types A, B, or AB have a higher risk of coronary heart disease compared to those with blood type O. The study's findings suggest that knowing one's blood type can help physicians better understand who is at risk for developing heart disease.
A study found that triclosan impairs muscle contractions at a cellular level, slowing swimming in fish and reducing muscular strength in mice. The researchers also observed significant reductions in heart function measures and grip strength in mice exposed to the chemical.