Research on blood and what it reveals about health. Covers blood biomarkers, occupational exposure, cell-preservation for CAR-T therapy, and blood supply.
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
Researchers have found that rt-PA can help prevent both catheter malfunction and blood stream infections in hemodialysis patients. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed a significant reduction in complications among patients who received rt-PA.
Researchers will compare non-transplant eligible patients with implanted devices to those with current medical therapy, examining potential benefits for patients less advanced than current LVAD recipients.
Researchers are leveraging a 40-year-old blood test procedure to develop new lifesaving medications, utilizing modern lab instruments for greater sensitivity. The approach reduces sample requirements, storage, and shipping costs, potentially saving millions of dollars in drug development.
A new NIH-funded study aims to identify genetic variations that influence the outcome of stem-cell transplants for blood cancers and predict complications. The research, led by Dr. John Hansen, will analyze data from over 5,000 patients treated with allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplants.
Researchers recommend a selective CT scan strategy to diagnose pulmonary embolism, reducing radiation exposure and adverse reactions. The approach involves using compression ultrasound to test for deep vein thrombosis before ordering a CT scan, resulting in cost savings and increased life expectancy for patients.
A double-blind placebo-controlled study found that kudzu extract had little to no effect on participants' behavioral, physical, or cognitive performance. However, treatment with kudzu caused an increase in heart rate, skin temperature, and blood ethanol levels.
Warfarin users are more likely to die from traumatic injuries compared to non-users, especially among younger patients with severe head injuries. The study found a 50% increase in mortality from severe head injuries in patients under 65 on warfarin.
Research at UCLA reveals that coffee's protective effect against type 2 diabetes may be linked to increased SHBG levels. Women who drink four cups of coffee daily are less than half as likely to develop diabetes compared to non-coffee drinkers.
Researchers developed a method to yield more information from archived newborn blood spots, enabling studies on population health patterns and diseases present at birth. The new method detected approximately 9,000 activated genes in adult blood samples from Guthrie cards, tripling the amount found in previous studies.
A new camera technology uses infrared imaging to visualize bloodstains and other substances, overcoming limitations of existing methods. This innovation has the potential to improve crime scene investigations by providing non-destructive analysis.
A new oral anticoagulant agent, Apixaban, has been found to be more effective and easier to use than current medicines in preventing blood clots after hip replacement surgery. The study involved over 5,000 patients and showed Apixaban reduced the risk of blood clots without increasing bleeding side effects.
A portable device provides results in under 30 minutes with a small blood sample, revolutionizing point-of-care diagnostics. The device can detect biomarkers of disease and is expected to reduce healthcare costs.
Cardiologists at UConn Health Center have identified a protein fragment that can predict heart attack, allowing for earlier diagnosis and potentially life-saving treatment. The discovery could also lead to the development of new therapies to block cell death and preserve heart muscle function.
A study found that adopting healthy habits in youth is associated with more favorable cholesterol levels in adulthood. Participants who did not improve their lifestyle factors between youth and adulthood had a higher risk of developing high-risk cholesterol levels.
Researchers found that cystatin C is more accurate than creatinine in predicting serious complications of kidney disease, including death and cardiovascular disease. A new test using cystatin C may be used to confirm or stage chronic kidney disease.
A new blood test has been identified as an effective way to measure individuals at increased risk of developing kidney disease complications. The study found that measuring cystatin C can accurately identify those with impaired kidney function and distinguish them from those with low risk.
A new study published in ACS' Journal of Proteome Research found that people with symptoms of potential celiac disease may not be 'potential' patients at all. The study suggests that these individuals have the same distinctive metabolic fingerprint as those with full-blown disease who benefit from gluten-free diets.
Scientists developed a firefly protein that emits near-infrared light, successfully detecting minute amounts of factor Xa in laboratory experiments. The advance offers promise for improved monitoring of heparin therapy, a treatment for blood clots.
A team of UC Riverside entomologists has identified a microRNA molecule that disrupts the Aedes aegypti mosquito's ability to transmit dengue and yellow fever viruses. The discovery could help control the spread of vector-borne diseases by reducing the mosquito population.
A two-part treatment using injections of a patient's own blood and steroid, combined with dry-needling, has shown significant improvements in functionality and pain reduction for patients with hamstring tendinopathy. The study found that this treatment approach outperformed traditional steroid therapy alone.
Researchers discovered that corn rootworm larvae's nasty blood repels certain predators like ground beetles and ants. However, wolf spiders have a hearty appetite for the insects, making them an important predator in controlling corn rootworm populations.
Researchers at the University of Leicester identified a new way the body controls blood sugar levels after meals, involving the M3-muscarinic receptor protein. The study suggests this mechanism may be disrupted in diabetes, offering potential implications for treatment.
Researchers discovered a protein called glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) that can predict brain injury and death in children on ECMO. High levels of GFAP were found to be associated with an increased risk of brain bleeding, swelling, stroke, and death.
A large study found that high blood levels of alpha-carotene were associated with a lower risk of death from all causes. Higher alpha-carotene concentrations also appeared to be linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
A recent study found that lower-income families enrolled in high-deductible health plans are more likely to delay or forego medical care because of the costs. Despite this, they did not report any difficulties understanding their plans. The study suggests that physicians play a crucial role in helping patients navigate these challenges.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that dual antiplatelet therapy increases the risk of bleeding, particularly nosebleeds or minor hemorrhages. The study compared emergency department visits for hemorrhage-related adverse events among patients taking dual antiplatelet therapy versus those taking warfarin.
Researchers found that the Caprini Risk Assessment Model is effective in predicting which plastic and reconstructive surgery patients will develop blood clots. Patients with a high-risk score are at disproportionately higher risk for developing late clots if not given clot-preventing medications after surgery.
Researchers at NC State University have discovered a cost-effective method to deter deer from damaging Christmas trees. By using inexpensive, inedible food byproducts like dried blood and egg powder, farmers can protect their crops with significant savings.
A study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2010 found that a minimally invasive procedure is a safe alternative to traditional surgery for treating congenital heart defects. The procedure, known as transcatheter closure, was associated with a 62% reduced risk of neurological events.
Researchers found that overexpressing TRIB1 in the liver decreases lipid production, while lack of Trib1 increases it. This suggests TRIB1 regulates lipid metabolism in the liver.
A study of 66 surgeons found that duration of surgery and blood loss are associated with increased stress scores, while night duty is linked to lower stress arousal scores. The authors argue that improving working conditions for surgeons, including reducing night duty, can lead to better patient care and reduced errors.
A new report from Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that low levels of vitamin D increase the risk of stroke in white adults, but not in black adults. Despite higher rates of vitamin D deficiency in African Americans, they have a lower likelihood of severe strokes due to other factors such as hypertension and diabetes.
A study of 7,981 black and white adults found no link between fatal strokes and vitamin D deficiency among blacks. In contrast, whites with deficient vitamin D levels had a doubled risk of dying from a stroke compared to those with higher levels.
A new camera technology uses multimode imaging in thermal infrared to visualize bloodstains and other substances, overcoming limitations of existing luminol tests. The camera can detect even diluted blood and distinguish between various chemicals, making it a potential game-changer for crime scene investigations.
The number of aware COPD cases increased from 65% in 2008 to 69% in 2010, with smokers and nonsmokers showing significant gains. Despite progress, up to 30% of Americans are still unaware of the disease, which claims over 120,000 lives annually.
A study published in Archives of Neurology found that stroke patients who show improvement within one hour of receiving rt-PA are more likely to have a favorable outcome three months later. Researchers followed 120 patients and found that 68.2% had a favorable outcome, compared to 29.6% for those who did not show early improvement.
Researchers found that polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAPs) used in food packaging are breaking down into perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs), including PFOA, and being ingested by people. This study provides valuable evidence to inform policy on the use of PAPs in food contact applications.
A Kaiser Permanente study shows that electronic alerts can significantly reduce unnecessary D-dimer tests for elderly patients, resulting in a 69.7% decrease in orders. The alerts, which explain the test's inaccuracy in older adults, were implemented in eight primary care clinics and maintained throughout the study period.
Researchers at National Jewish Health found that 84-93% of foods avoided due to suspected allergies were restored after oral food challenges. The study highlights the need to balance clinical allergy testing with complete food elimination diets.
Scientists developed a built-in timer to improve the accuracy of paper-based diagnostic tests for diseases. The device uses a dye and wax mixture with a color change signal, achieving 97% accuracy in a glucose test, compared to 90% with a stopwatch.
Researchers at UIC are investigating both acquired and familial causes of heart failure with a focus on identifying markers for diagnosis and targets for cures. The five-year funding supports an ongoing program-project grant led by R. John Solaro, which looks at the underlying maladaptive changes that lead to heart failure.
Using x-ray crystallography, researchers at Saint Louis University have revealed the molecular structure of the zymogen form of thrombin, a precursor to the active enzyme involved in blood clotting. This discovery provides crucial information about the activation mechanism and opens new opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
Researchers have discovered a protein called PIM-1 that can serve as an early warning system for pulmonary hypertension, allowing for earlier diagnosis and potentially more effective treatment. Gene therapy has also been shown to reverse the condition by blocking the inappropriate activation of this protein.
A new study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences found that succimer does not effectively remove mercury from the body. Despite lower blood concentrations after one week, continued therapy over five months showed only a slight slowing of mercury accumulation.
A diet study led by Lund University found that a specific diet high in antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and wholegrain products can improve memory and cognitive function. The diet also significantly reduced blood lipids, blood pressure, and inflammation markers.
A study found that invasive bush honeysuckle substantially increases the risk of human disease by providing a habitat for deer to congregate, allowing ticks to spread diseases. The research suggests that this effect may be seen with other invasive plants as well.
The University of Colorado Cord Blood Bank has received a $6.3 million grant to collect and bank umbilical cord blood from minority groups, increasing genetic diversity and matching rates for minority patients. The bank will support an additional 5,000 cord blood units and expand collections to Arizona.
Researchers found that approximately half of increased umbilical cord IgE levels were due to maternal IgE transfer. This discovery challenges the use of umbilical cord blood for assessing allergy risk in infants.
Researchers will study proteins that trigger cell activity and functions, aiming to understand how they malfunction and cause heart disease. The project, led by UCLA, involves seven institutions worldwide and focuses on mitochondria and proteasomes, which may contribute to heart disease when defective.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine are investigating how expanded insurance coverage in Massachusetts affects cardiovascular care and outcomes, with a focus on vulnerable populations. The center aims to understand the impact of health reform on access to care and clinical outcomes.
Researchers are studying how genetic code affects warfarin breakdown in Yup'ik Eskimos to develop personalized drug prescriptions. The study aims to improve treatment outcomes for Alaska Natives with limited access to healthcare.
Researchers have identified three proteins that rise in the blood during acute rejection, enabling doctors to halt organ rejection before it impairs transplanted hearts and kidneys. The new blood test will let doctors skip directly to drug dosing before a transplant is damaged.
Researchers found that thigh-length stockings can reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in stroke patients, a life-threatening form of blood clot. The study, which included over 3,000 patients from 112 hospitals, highlights the importance of using long stockings to prevent clots.