A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that approximately 1% of patients who underwent total hip replacement surgery still developed deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism within 90 days. The researchers identified several co-morbidity factors that increased a patient's likelihood, including previou...
Researchers identified a defective ABCB4 gene that impairs cholesterol excretion, leading to high levels of bad cholesterol. The study used laboratory opossums and found that the gene plays a role in controlling blood cholesterol levels in response to dietary cholesterol.
African Americans' distrust in hospitals hinders blood donation rates. Researchers found that 1 in 5 individuals lack hospital trust, associated with lower donation rates and less knowledge about the blood supply.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that Mexican-American stroke survivors with a heart rhythm disorder have more than twice the risk for another stroke compared to non-Hispanic whites. Additionally, their recurrent strokes are more likely to be severe, although they do not have a higher risk of death after stroke.
A blood test analyzing individual immune responses to infection shows promise for quickly diagnosing respiratory viral illnesses, including flu. The test boasts over 95% accuracy in pinpointing the cause of disease.
A Loyola University Health System study found that only seven of the 22 patients who experienced pulmonary embolisms showed evidence of leg blood clots. Researchers suggest screening for DVTs in the arms as well as legs before and after surgery to assess risk.
A study found that oxygen therapy provides no additional benefit over regular air in relieving persistent breathlessness in patients with life-limiting illness. The researchers suggest less burdensome strategies should be considered for these patients.
A survey of intensive care units in England, Wales and Northern Ireland found that staff often test incapacitated patients without consent after needlestick injuries. The results highlight the need for further discussion on the legality of such tests, as it could be argued that this is unlawful under UK legislation.
Researchers found that standard dose unfractionated heparin (UFH) added to fondaparinux maintains a low rate of major bleeding and prevents catheter thrombosis. The study suggests that standard dose UFH may be the optimal treatment strategy in PCI patients on fondaparinux.
A study has found that kidneys from cardiac-death donors have equivalent graft survival and function to those from brain-dead donors. This breakthrough increases the potential supply of donor organs, alleviating the shortage on the kidney transplant waiting list in the UK.
A new study explores the impact of alcohol intoxication on reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Researchers found that executive functions don't recover as quickly as subjective feelings of drunkenness, explaining why many individuals feel they can drive after drinking.
Researchers found that nursing facility residents with normal zinc levels were 50% less likely to develop pneumonia compared to those with low zinc concentrations. Those with adequate zinc levels also had shorter durations of pneumonia and lower mortality rates.
A report found that certain vena cava filters, used to prevent blood clots from reaching the lungs, can fracture and cause life-threatening complications. The filters were found to have a high rate of fracture, with some fragments traveling to the heart and causing symptoms such as rapid heartbeat or fluid buildup.
The study analyzed DNA from over 100,000 people worldwide and found 95 genetic variants contributing to high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The findings provide new clues for developing effective medicines to combat heart disease.
A global team of researchers identified 95 genetic loci associated with blood lipid levels, including a non-coding gene variant that contributes to lower 'bad' cholesterol and reduced risk of heart attack. The study provides insights into the biological connections between lipid metabolism and coronary heart disease.
Researchers at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus discover bone marrow progenitor-derived adipocytes, a new type of fat cell that poses health threats. The discovery may help explain the link between obesity and heart disease.
A non-human primate study generated antibodies capable of neutralizing diverse strains of HIV-1. The research found that methods to boost neutralizing antibody abundance in rectal and vaginal tissues are needed to prevent HIV-1 transmission.
A new study found that people whose hearts pump less blood have brains that appear older, with decreased brain volume and atrophy. This association was seen even in those without cardiovascular disease, suggesting a link between cardiac index and brain health.
A significant geographic variation was found in the use of carotid endarterectomy and carotid stenting among Medicare beneficiaries, with different regions having varying rates of each procedure. Men and patients with a prior diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease were more likely to undergo carotid revascularization.
A new study reveals that a combination of common and rare genetic variants contribute to hypertriglyceridemia. Researchers found that patients with high triglycerides had excess rare variants in four genes, adding up to 28% of cases.
A study found that only 51% of HIV-exposed infants in African countries received a minimum dose of nevirapine to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission. The study highlights the need for improved service coverage and counseling services to maximize prevention efforts.
Research supports the importance of choline in fetal development, with studies finding reduced risk of infant heart defects and improved attention function. Higher intakes of choline also lower blood homocysteine concentrations, associated with decreased risk of stroke and cognitive decline.
A multi-institutional study found that extended use of anti-clotting drug enoxaparin significantly reduced the chances of blood clots in bedridden patients, especially those over 75 and female. The treatment also increased bleeding risk slightly.
The Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute has received a $1.66 million grant to develop a measurement system predicting patient vulnerability to sudden cardiac arrest. The study aims to identify patients at high risk of sudden cardiac arrest by analyzing electrocardiogram data.
Researchers at The Chinese University of Hong Kong have identified biomarkers in preterm infants' blood that can detect late-onset septicemia and necrotizing enterocolitis. These findings may help diagnose preterm infants requiring urgent treatment, reducing the risk of life-threatening conditions.
A randomized study found that inhaled insulin plus insulin glargine achieved similar blood sugar control as twice-daily premixed biaspart insulin, with less weight gain and hypoglycemia. The treatment also showed a better safety profile, with fewer cough and lung function issues.
A new study of 1,960 White-Americans and 368 Black-Americans with VTE found that Blacks had a significantly higher proportion with pulmonary embolism and idiopathic PE, as well as a higher incidence of VTE. The study suggests that true causes for these racial differences remain unknown and warrant further investigation.
Researchers analyzed bed bug saliva proteins to understand their role in feeding and potential medical applications. The study found unique enzymes that characterize the saliva profile of Cimex lectularius, a blood-feeding insect with over 250 million-year survival success.
A new study finds women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have higher bisphenol A (BPA) blood levels, associated with increased male hormones and reproductive problems. The study suggests that women with PCOS should limit their exposure to BPA due to its potential adverse effects on hormone balance.
Researchers at Saint Louis University have successfully engineered a new version of the blood-regulator enzyme thrombin with optimized anti-blood clotting properties. This breakthrough opens the door to potential new medications that can treat diseases related to thrombosis without carrying a risk of hemorrhage.
The Lancet Editorial calls on Google and Facebook to promote safe lifestyles and encourage young people to donate blood. Harnessing the internet's power could boost blood supplies by recruiting a new generation of late teens and 20-year-olds.
Researchers found similar leukaemia-free survival rates for unrelated cord blood transplants and matched bone marrow or peripheral blood progenitor cell transplants. UCB transplantation was also linked to lower rates of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease.
Research suggests that abnormalities in blood clot formation contribute to AD pathogenesis. A new therapeutic strategy aims to slow cognitive decline by targeting altered blood clotting caused by amyloid peptide.
A study by Max-Planck-Gesellschaft researchers found that House sparrow males' bill color is correlated with their testosterone levels, while the size of their badge has no such correlation. This suggests that the badge may be an honest signal of a male's quality rather than his dominance status.
A study found that patients with excessive oxygen levels in arterial blood following cardiac arrest have a higher rate of death in the hospital. Hyperoxia was associated with significantly higher in-hospital mortality compared to normoxia.
Three new oral blood-thinning drugs may offer significant advantages over Coumadin, but their lack of clinical experience raises concerns about potential interactions. Many adults take multiple prescription drugs, increasing the risk of adverse interactions.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found that a continuous flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) improves function on the right side of the heart, reducing central venous pressure and pulmonary artery pressures. The study, which monitored 41 patients, also showed significant improvements in measures related to tricuspid regurgitat...
The Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests relaxing the ban on male blood donors who have had sex with men, citing a significant decrease in false negative test results. The proposed change could lead to an expansion of the blood donor pool, resulting in more units of blood available for transfusions.
A large population-based study found a small increase in heart disease risk linked to higher blood sugar levels, but the changes were not substantial. The researchers confirmed their findings in a systematic review of existing literature.
Pioneering AIDS researchers Dr. Mark Wainberg and Dr. Norbert Gilmore argue that the current ban on gay men donating blood is no longer justified. They suggest allowing only those in stable, long-term monogamous relationships to donate, while maintaining the ban on those with multiple partners.
A new blood test can predict whether newborn babies are at high risk of developing allergies as they grow older, thanks to research involving the University of Adelaide.
A large trial found that adding misoprostol to standard uterotonics did not reduce post-partum blood loss, but was associated with increased shivering and body temperature. WHO's withdrawal of support for misoprostol use in low-income settings has been criticized.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered a previously unknown association between type-2 diabetes and high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls and gamma-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E. The novel analytic technique, called environment wide association studies (EWAS), identified these relationships surpassing tho...
A study by UC Davis researchers has identified a blood component, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), as a predictor of coronary artery disease in African-Americans. The finding highlights the role of inflammation in vascular disease among this ethnic group and may lead to more targeted treatment approaches.
Researchers discovered that adding proline and phenylalanine amino acids improves binding rates of synthetic fibrin knobs to holes, leading to a novel peptide mimic with 10-fold higher affinity. The study also identified structural properties contributing to functional knob-hole interactions.
A new study by Stanford researchers highlights the need for standardized criteria in diagnosing food allergies due to differing definitions and inconsistent treatment approaches. This could lead to misdiagnosis and unnecessary anxiety for patients with food intolerance, while also potentially overdiagnosing food allergies.
A pooled analysis of 25 trials found that consuming an average of 67 grams of nuts per day resulted in a 5.1% reduction in total cholesterol, 7.4% decrease in LDL-cholesterol, and 8.3% change in HDL-cholesterol levels.
A joint clinical trial found that administering fibrinogen before heart surgery reduces bleeding risk. The study suggests fibrinogen concentrate could be used as a preventive therapy for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Researchers presented studies on predicting pregnancy-associated breast cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder in breast cancer patients, and novel drug candidates such as flavaglines. The conference also explored the use of circulating tumor cells and gene differences to predict survival outcomes in breast cancer patients.
Genetic research suggests that elevated triglyceride levels are associated with a higher risk of heart disease. A major international consortium led by Dr Nadeem Sarwar and Professor John Danesh found this link in analysis of 350,000 people from 101 studies.
A North Carolina State University researcher found that bacteria from insect bites can be passed to human babies by the mother, causing chronic infections. The study suggests a possible link between maternal infection with bacteria like Bartonella and birth defects.
A national study suggests that the standard heel-stick test is not effective at identifying cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in newborns, with only 17 out of 60 infected children identified. The test's limited value has major public health implications, as congenital CMV infection is a leading cause of hearing loss in children.
Researchers at Children's National Hospital found that carbon monoxide levels increase during routine general anesthesia in young children. To reduce this risk, anesthesiologists recommend using specific absorbents and avoiding low-flow anesthesia to minimize exposure.
Research found that long-term anabolic steroid users had weaker left ventricle function and impaired diastolic function compared to non-steroid users. Eighty-three percent of steroid users had low ejection fraction, linked to increased risk of heart failure and sudden cardiac death.
Researchers found that men with metabolic syndrome had twice as low blood H2S levels as lean men, while those with diabetes had four times lower levels. This reduction in H2S was associated with higher blood pressure, increased insulin resistance and damage to small blood vessels.
A new blood test has reduced the number of biopsies performed on heart transplant patients by 50% in a landmark Stanford study. The test uses genomics technology to identify patients at low risk for rejection, allowing doctors to safely reduce biopsy frequency and improve patient quality of life.
A new study reveals that individual fibrin fibers play a crucial role in equitably distributing strain load and strengthening the entire network. The research found that fibers subjected to significant strain stiffen to resist stretch, thereby reducing strain concentrations.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo found that vitamin D supplements, diet, geographic location, demographic information, and lifestyle cannot accurately predict vitamin D concentrations in blood. This means that relying on proxy measures like food intake or latitude of residence to assess cancer risk is not reliable.
A blood test measuring C-reactive protein (CRP) levels may help assess colon cancer risk, according to a Vanderbilt University Medical Center study. High CRP levels were found to be associated with a 2.5-times greater risk of colon cancer in women.
A study found that the traditional 'heel stick' test is not an effective screening tool for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in newborns. The test, which involves pricking a baby's heel and analyzing dried blood samples, was unable to detect CMV DNA in up to 40% of infected babies.