Articles tagged with Blood
Two Johns Hopkins researchers argue that many hospital quality measures contain surveillance bias, which can lead to misleading data. They propose standardized methods for surveillance and focus on processes rather than outcomes to get a clearer picture of hospital quality.
A Mayo Clinic research team has demonstrated a promising alternative strategy for treating type 2 diabetes by blocking the breakdown of insulin. In mouse studies, these mice showed increased insulin levels, weight loss, and improved blood sugar control.
A study found that circulating levels of surfactant protein-D were associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease, independent of other risk factors. Blood levels of SP-D increase when the lungs are inflamed, such as in smokers or those with chronic lung conditions like COPD.
A new study published by The Endocrine Society finds that testosterone levels do not decline with age in healthy older men. In fact, serum testosterone levels remained stable across the board, indicating that age is not a contributing factor to declining testosterone levels.
The Endocrine Society released a clinical practice guideline recommending vitamin D screening and dietary intakes for children and adults at risk of deficiency. Key findings include recommended daily intake ranges, from 400 IU/day for infants and 600 IU/day for adults, to prevent vitamin D deficiency.
A University of Missouri study finds that BPA accumulates rapidly in the body when consumed daily, rather than through single exposure. Researchers compared steady dietary BPA exposure to traditional lab methods, revealing a greater increase in active BPA form in mice.
Researchers discovered a compound that prevents further injury to damaged livers, improving clinical outcomes for patients. The study, published in ACS' journal Molecular Pharmaceutics, offers hope for increasing the number of available livers for organ donation.
A study published in JAMA found that sleep loss of just five hours a night can lower testosterone levels by 10% to 15%, similar to aging 10-15 years. This significant decline is linked to reduced sense of well-being, mood, and vigor.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that women's risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can be identified up to seven years before pregnancy based on routine measures of blood sugar and body weight. The study revealed a strong correlation between adverse cardio-metabolic risk factors, including high blood sugar, hypertension, and bein...
Researchers at Washington State University have devised a new way to analyze blood spatters at crime scenes, allowing investigators to determine the exact height of a source. The system uses known equations of projectile motion and data points form a neat line on a graph when plotted correctly.
The Heat Wave system uses heated, humidified air delivered through an oxygen mask to rapidly transfer heat to the blood via convection. Tests show it's more effective than current treatments, decreasing treatment time for hypothermic patients to just four hours.
A study found that thinking about one's own death increases concern for society, motivating people to donate blood. Participants who thought about their mortality were more likely to take a pamphlet, regardless of the article they read, suggesting a personal connection with death can enhance altruistic behavior.
A study published in Radiology found that restrictive gadolinium-based contrast agent guidelines effectively prevented nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) and its severe complications, including joint deformity and immobility. The guidelines require a blood test to estimate kidney function before administering the contrast agent.
Researchers found that clot-busting drugs did not improve survival rates and may even worsen outcomes in patients with stable blood pressure. The study suggests thrombolytic agents should not be recommended for patients with normal blood pressure, highlighting the need for further research.
A study found that reminding hospital staff about the costs of daily blood draws resulted in a significant reduction in routine blood tests ordered. The intervention led to cost savings of $54,967 over an 11-week period.
Researchers found that penguins' muscles have sufficient oxygen to sustain dives for up to 20 minutes, contrary to earlier theories. The team's discovery reveals a surprising efficiency in the birds' underwater metabolism.
A new biomarker for diagnosing prostate cancer has been found to be more reliable than current methods, reducing false positives and unnecessary operations. The study, published in PNAS, uses a unique test that detects elevated levels of prostasomes in blood, which are released by cancer cells into the surrounding tissue.
French researchers have reported the strongest proof yet that circulating tumor cells found in patient blood are linked to poor outcomes. The study suggests using a threshold of 1 CTC for defining high-risk patients, supporting its use in non-metastatic breast cancer patients.
A new malaria detection device has been developed using a standard camera cellphone and red laser pointer to noninvasively obtain finger blood perfusion images. The probe uses optical polarization/speckle principles to detect malaria pigment in blood, maximizing medical safety and patient comfort.
A new blood test has been developed to diagnose Alzheimer's disease at an early stage using biochemical analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) production. The test was able to accurately detect the disease with small samples of blood and differentiate it from other types of dementia.
Research found a significant association between tall stature, obesity, and increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in both men and women. The study analyzed data from over 26,700 adults and found that being tall and obese may increase the risk of blood clots in deep veins by up to 5.28 times for men and 2.77 times for women.
Researchers at Indiana University found significant levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the blood of pet dogs, with average concentrations about five to ten times higher than those found in humans. The study suggests that dogs may serve as 'biosentinels' for monitoring human exposure to flame retardants.
Female mosquitoes produce heat shock proteins to protect themselves from stress caused by hot blood meals, helping them digest the meal and maintain egg production. Tests on other insects also showed a similar response.
Researchers at Brigham Young University and the University of Utah have developed a blood test that can identify high-risk pregnancies for pre-term birth with high accuracy. The test detects three new peptide biomarkers that signal increased risk, allowing for early intervention and potentially prolonging pregnancy by one or two weeks.
A Loyola University Health System study found that binge drinking can change the body's immune system response to orthopaedic injury, complicating trauma care. This means that measuring chemical markers in the blood may be misleading when alcohol is involved.
A study at Henry Ford Hospital found that non-cardiac surgery can be performed safely in patients with a heart device. The study looked at the management of blood-thinning medication and found no complications due to bleeding or device malfunctions.
A recent survey conducted by the American College of Endocrinology found that over half of individuals with type 2 diabetes have experienced low blood sugar, often during daily activities. The study highlights the need for increased education on blood sugar management and symptom recognition to prevent serious consequences.
A new study found that prenatal exposure to air pollutants, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), is linked to attention problems and anxiety/depression in young children. The study monitored 215 children from birth and found that those with high levels of PAH exposure had more symptoms at ages 5 and 7.
A study found that higher levels of the protein clusterin in blood are associated with increased prevalence and severity of Alzheimer's disease. However, clusterin levels do not predict the development of new AD cases or all-cause dementia.
A new study found that implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) can effectively prevent sudden cardiac death in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy. The average survival time for ICD patients was seven years, outpacing the typical lifespan of an ICD battery.
A study from Emory University School of Medicine found that measuring oxidative stress can predict the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. High levels of the amino acid cystine in blood are linked to increased risk, while factors like high blood pressure and obesity also play a role.
Researchers found that a fatty meal from fast food doubles blood sugar levels when paired with caffeinated coffee, leading to increased risk for people at risk for diabetes. The study suggests limiting saturated fat intake and decaf coffee consumption may help improve glucose tolerance.
Researchers at Macquarie University identified two brain areas that work together to control breathing and swallowing in babies, which may be disrupted in SIDS cases. Understanding how these mechanisms fail could lead to new treatments for the condition.
A study published in Environmental Health found that children who eat regular breakfasts have lower blood lead levels than those who skip breakfast. The risk of lead poisoning is higher in boys and younger children.
Research finds micro-RNAs play a role in type 2 diabetes mechanism, blocking insulin's blood-sugar-reducing effect. Obese mice produce excess miRNA-143, which silences genes responsible for insulin activation.
Researchers developed a biological memristor using human blood, exhibiting memory effects when exposed to voltage polarity and magnitude. The breakthrough demonstrates the potential for creating liquid memristors from human tissues, paving the way for future cyborg devices.
A new study found that most US states lack clear policies on storing and using newborn blood samples, often leaving parents in the dark. The researchers emphasize the need for transparent approaches to ensure parents are informed about how their babies' leftover blood might be used.
Researchers have shown that an increase in the amount of donor DNA in recipient's blood is an early detectable sign of organ rejection. This finding may allow doctors to avoid high doses of medication required to combat more advanced cases of rejection.
Patients who have suffered a mini stroke are at twice the risk of heart attack compared to the general population. The study found that the risk of heart attack among TIA patients was about 1 percent per year, double that of people who had never had a TIA.
A University of Melbourne academic warns that lack of specific laws governing Australia's newborn screening program could threaten public trust. The program, which tests baby blood for genetic conditions, raises legal questions about who owns the blood and how it is used.
Researchers found obese teens had higher C-reactive protein levels, insulin resistance, and homocysteine levels, indicating chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Poor dietary quality, low in fresh produce and dairy products, was common among both groups.
A new study found that a more sensitive test for the cardiac biomarker troponin can increase the diagnosis of heart attacks and identify patients at high risk of another heart attack or death. The test was associated with improved clinical management, fewer deaths, and fewer admissions with recurrent MI.
A daily dose of safflower oil improved health measures such as good cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammation in obese postmenopausal women with Type 2 diabetes. The researchers found a significant association between safflower oil supplementation and reduced cardiovascular disease risk.
A new blood test measures destruction of lung air sacs and can detect early emphysema in smokers, potentially preventing disease progression. The test is a low-cost screening tool that could help the 20% of American adults who smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke understand their risk of developing this progressive lung disease.
Researchers at Harvard School of Dental Medicine found that blocking the Klotho protein function in obese mice with high blood sugar levels led to lean mice with reduced blood sugar levels. Additionally, mice without Klotho function gained no body weight after eating a high-fat diet.
A new rapid blood test could lead to early diagnosis and save lives from fungal meningitis, a leading cause of AIDS-related deaths. The test uses a drop of blood or urine sample to identify the presence of cryptococcal antigen.
Researchers link Henry VIII's reproductive issues, including multiple miscarriages, to Kell blood group incompatibility. The study also suggests McLeod syndrome as a possible cause for his dramatic physical transformation and mental instability.
Researchers at University of Alberta have identified over 4,200 blood chemicals that doctors can use to diagnose and treat health problems. The new database provides a comprehensive reference point for monitoring patient health and detecting early signs of medical issues.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that eating pecans increases healthy antioxidant levels in the body, reducing unhealthy cholesterol oxidation by up to 33 percent. The study suggests that pecans' antioxidants may contribute to heart health and disease prevention.
Researchers found that daily intakes of vitamin D in the range of 4000-8000 IU/day are needed to maintain blood levels of vitamin D metabolites and reduce the risk of several diseases by half. The recommended minimum daily intake is only 600 IU/day.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have developed nanoparticles containing nitric oxide that improve survival after life-threatening blood loss in hamsters. The therapy maintains blood circulation and protects vital organs by increasing levels of NO gas, which relaxes blood vessels and regulates blood pressure.
According to a new study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, only one out of 1,900 people met the American Heart Association's definition of ideal cardiovascular health. The study evaluated 1,933 participants and found that less than 10% met five or more criteria for heart-healthy behaviors.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute and University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered protein markers that could predict ectopic pregnancies. A panel of biomarkers, weighing individual proteins' relative importance, may create a more sensitive and reliable test for detecting ectopic pregnancies.
Scientists have discovered biomarkers in the blood of pregnant women that could lead to early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. Almost 70 proteins were found to occur at unusual levels in women with EP, with one protein called Adam12 appearing 20 times lower than in normal pregnancies.
Patients with strokes and spinal cord injuries are prone to life-threatening blood clots. Despite the high risk, many do not receive preventive therapy. Studies show that starting heparin medication within 24-48 hours can be both safe and effective in preventing recurrent VTE.
Scientists developed a new medical imaging agent using firefly luciferase that emits near-infrared light, successfully detecting factor Xa proteins in laboratory experiments. The discovery offers promise for improved monitoring of heparin therapy and treatment of blood clots.
Two new studies provide definitive evidence that administering a naturally-occurring enzyme called oxolacetate can reduce glutamate levels and improve outcomes in stroke patients. High glutamate levels correlate with poor outcomes, while high oxolacetate levels are associated with better recovery.
Researchers conclude that a special restricted diet should be included in the standard care for all children with ADHD. The diet, also known as the restricted elimination diet, was shown to significantly improve ADHD symptoms and oppositional defiant disorder symptoms in children aged 4-8 years.
New nanoparticles designed to target fibrin in blood clots can be seen with a new type of CT scanner, providing early detection and potential treatment options for heart attacks. This technology has the potential to save lives by quickly identifying unstable plaque and guiding targeted treatments.
Potential risks of sex in pregnancy include premature labour, pelvic inflammatory disease, and blood clots, but the evidence is often contradictory and limited. For low-risk women, frequent intercourse may increase the risk of premature labour, while restricted activity is recommended for those at high risk