Research on blood and what it reveals about health. Covers blood biomarkers, occupational exposure, cell-preservation for CAR-T therapy, and blood supply.
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.
A $3.7 million clinical trial will evaluate customized warfarin dosage based on patient genetics to balance blood clotting risks and benefits in orthopedic patients. The study aims to identify the optimal range of blood clotting speed, using genetic formulas to refine warfarin dosing.
A new mobile compression device has been shown to be as effective as medication in preventing blood clots after hip replacement surgery, with greater patient safety. The device reduces the risk of clot formation by maximizing blood flow and is comparable in cost to traditional blood thinners.
Two transplant centers report successful paired donor exchanges for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in ABO-incompatible cases. The program allows for compatible but unrelated donors to donate, enabling recipients to undergo LDLT with high success rates.
The WPI research team aims to develop powerful diagnostic tools that can predict the likelihood of plaque rupture, which is responsible for most heart attacks and strokes. The new NIH award will enable the team to extend their research on arterial plaque development and predict potential rupture.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have identified a set of 17 proteins in the blood that accurately predict alcohol usage 90% of the time. These proteins can distinguish between excessive and responsible drinking levels, offering a potential diagnostic test for alcohol consumption.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh identified three genes that contribute significantly to blood clotting speed in healthy individuals. These findings may help further understanding and treatment of conditions like deep vein thrombosis, heart attacks, and bleeding disorders.
Researchers have identified a key enzyme, myeloperoxidase, as a significant predictor of mortality in Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) patients. High levels of the enzyme increase the risk of death by more than double over a 13-year period.
Scientists found that a protein barrier in mosquito midgut prevents disease-causing agents like the Plasmodium malaria parasite from infecting mosquitoes. Disrupting this barrier could trigger immune defenses to protect insects from infection, potentially informing new strategies for blocking malaria transmission.
A clinical trial conducted by researchers from Karolinska Institutet found that eprotirome, a thyroid-hormone-like substance, effectively reduces blood cholesterol levels in patients who have already received statins. The trial showed significant reductions in harmful blood fats, up to 30% lower than those of patients receiving a placebo.
Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have discovered how the yellow-fever-transmitting Aedes aegypti mosquito detects the specific chemical structure of octenol, a compound emitted by mammals. The study shows that mosquitoes tap into the 'handedness' of molecules to detect this compound.
Researchers at Cornell University have identified a protein involved in mosquito urination, which can help control the spread of diseases like dengue fever. By blocking this protein's function, mosquitoes may be limited in their ability to survive after feeding on blood.
Researchers created a risk assessment method based on race, Medicaid eligibility, and neighborhood characteristics, which identified even more high-risk children than current methods. The new approach could save taxpayers $153,000 by reducing unnecessary lead poisoning tests.
A University of Alberta researcher has identified a way to lower the amount of fat in the blood and improve glucose metabolism. The study found that decreasing the activity of an enzyme called triacylglycerol hydrolase (TGH) can also protect against diabetes and increase physical activity.
A new study by Northwestern University recommends raising pregnancy blood sugar levels to nearly double the risk of complications for mothers and babies. The revised guidelines suggest that a fasting blood sugar level of 92 or higher poses serious risks to both mother and baby.
A study found that 79% of dialysis patients were vitamin D deficient, with black race, female sex, and winter season being strong predictors. Low blood albumin levels may lead to protein loss in the urine, affecting vitamin D transport.
A team at Washington University in St. Louis has identified a link between white-tailed deer populations and emerging tick-borne diseases, including human ehrlichiosis and southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI). The study used a sophisticated DNA assay to track the transmission of pathogens from wildlife to ticks.
Researchers have found a potential way to reduce brain damage caused by strokes using a simple blood-pressure cuff. By applying brief periods of high pressure to the arm, the goal is to prepare the brain for reduced blood flow without lasting damage.
The University of Cincinnati researchers will investigate ways ILD appears in patient groups with autoimmune diseases and develop more efficient diagnosis and treatment methods. The study aims to identify specific biomarkers and medical records characteristics that predict the best treatment outcomes for ILD patients.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a new approach to detect cancer using whole genome sequencing, identifying rearrangements of DNA that can be found in tumor cells. This approach, called Personalized Analysis of Rearranged Ends (PARE), may help clinicians tailor treatments and monitor tumor levels after therapy.
Fatal car crashes among young female drivers in the US have seen a rise in alcohol-related incidents, with rates among young men declining over the study period. Notably, young women's rates were lower but showed less predictable patterns, including an increase in positive blood tests at certain ages and times of the week.
Researchers found that patients with a low ejection fraction in the right ventricle had a significantly increased risk of death. The study suggests that measuring RVEF can help identify high-risk patients and improve treatment outcomes.
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of blood clots, even when not hospitalized. A new study found that IBD sufferers who manage their flare-ups outside the hospital environment are 16 times more likely to develop a blood clot than non-sufferers.
Patients with active inflammatory bowel disease are at a significantly increased risk of developing venous thromboembolism, especially when ambulatory. The study found that non-hospitalized patients with active IBD have a relative risk of 16 times higher than the general population, highlighting the need for prophylaxis strategies.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing a heart assist device called PediaFlow to support infants and small children with congenital or acquired heart disease. The device has already shown promise in preclinical research, pulling oxygenated blood from the left ventricle through its innovative mag-lev technology.
Researchers challenge long-held 3/4-power law of metabolism with new paper, finding support for 2/3 exponent in geometry and network analysis. Empirical evidence from animal studies also aligns with 2/3 exponent, suggesting a potential universal scaling law for metabolism.
A review and meta-analysis of previous studies suggests that withholding anticoagulation therapy after a negative whole-leg compression ultrasound is associated with a low risk of developing a blood clot during the subsequent 3 months. This finding may lead to reconsidering multiple ultrasounds for low-risk patients.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that women with higher blood levels of PBDEs took longer to become pregnant compared to those with lower levels. The study linked each 10-fold increase in PBDE concentration to a 30% decrease in the odds of becoming pregnant.
A breakthrough blood test for diagnosing schizophrenia could become available in 2010, marking a significant shift from traditional brain-based diagnostic methods. The test leverages biomarkers detected in the blood and other bodily fluids to provide a real-time picture of the disease.
A recent study found that HIV patients who switch from lopinavir-ritonavir to raltegravir experience a reduction in blood fat levels, but the rate of viral suppression is lower in the raltegravir group. The results suggest that clinicians need to consider individual patient factors when making treatment decisions.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that cocaine use is a growing public health problem in Europe, with 3.1% of sudden deaths related to the drug. The study revealed that even small amounts of cocaine can be toxic due to individual variations in body mass index, age, and other factors.
A Johns Hopkins Children's Center study found that even small amounts of lead in healthy children's bodies can impair kidney function, with those having higher levels showing decreased kidney filtration rates. The researchers measured kidney function using two tests and found a link between higher lead levels and worse kidney function ...
Researchers identified a biomarker called elafin that can be measured in a blood test to diagnose bone marrow transplant patients' skin rashes and predict GVHD risk. The test enables doctors to adjust therapy based on patient risk levels, potentially reducing side effects.
A study of 1,243 male US veterans with moderate-to-advanced chronic kidney disease found that both high and low blood calcium levels increased the risk of dying prematurely. High calcium levels were linked to a 31% increased risk, while low levels resulted in a 21% higher mortality rate.
Two large trials found misoprostol tablets non-inferior to intravenous oxytocin for controlling postpartum bleeding, with similar efficacy but increased side effects. The findings support the potential role of misoprostol as a first-line treatment alternative in low-resource settings.
A University of Rochester Medical Center study found a link between vitamin D deficiency and increased cardiac deaths among blacks compared to whites. Researchers suggest that boosting vitamin D levels safely through supplements may be an effective way to intervene.
Scientists have discovered a pivotal role for two key proteins in preventing the onset of age-related macular degeneration. The study found that one protein binds to another to reduce damage caused by inflammation, and that genetic variations can make people more vulnerable to eye damage.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center pioneered a technique to replace infected aortic grafts with the body's own veins, proving more durable and less prone to new infection than synthetic or cadaver grafts. The procedure has superior durability and lower long-term amputation rates compared to other operations.
Researchers developed non-invasive technology using nanoparticles that react with glucose molecules in tears, changing color to alert users. The innovation has potential applications beyond biomedical devices, including food packaging and biodegradable materials.
Researchers have identified a protein mechanism that senses bicarbonate fluctuations and adjusts blood pH levels. The breakthrough discovery, led by the University of Alberta team, opens new avenues for regulating blood pH in the human body.
Patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis who underwent intensive medical therapy had reduced rates of cardiovascular events and microemboli in the brain arteries. This approach, including aggressive control of blood pressure and cholesterol levels, resulted in lower risk of stroke, heart attack, and death.
A study using fMRI revealed that adults exposed to lead as children incur permanent brain injury, with distinct areas of the brain affected differently. Lead exposure has been associated with diminished IQ, poor academic performance, and increased risk of criminal behavior.
A study found that patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and no symptoms of heart disease are at high risk for cardiovascular events. Asymptomatic coronary artery disease was detected in 24% of PAD patients through non-invasive imaging, highlighting the need for extensive cardiovascular risk factor management.
A simple blood test can help optimize the timing of breast MRI exams in premenopausal women with irregular cycles, reducing non-diagnostic tests and repeat scans. Researchers found that a blood test to determine serum progesterone concentration can aid in optimal timing.
A new generation of implanted devices has shown astounding improvements in survival, quality of life, reduced complications, and device durability in patients with heart failure. The newer devices have a higher success rate, allowing patients to walk longer distances and improving their overall well-being.
The study found that rosier skin appears healthier due to increased blood flow, while golden or 'yellow-toned' skin may indicate higher antioxidant levels from a healthy diet. This discovery suggests that nutrition plays a crucial role in achieving the most desirable complexion.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that vitamin D deficiency amplifies the negative effects of low estrogen levels on heart health and bones. Men with low vitamin D and estrogen levels were more likely to develop osteopenia and cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers compared two surgical strategies for treating infant heart defects and found that a new shunt procedure improved survival rates at 12 months, but had more complications. However, by two years, the difference in survival rates disappeared, leaving uncertainty about which procedure is safer long-term.
A new study from the University of Minnesota shows that patients with acute leukemia who receive two units of umbilical cord blood have a significantly lower likelihood of leukemia recurrence compared to those receiving one unit. The finding has the potential to change current medical practice and give hope to more leukemia patients.
A recent study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found that catheter-directed therapy is a relatively safe and effective treatment for acute massive pulmonary embolism. The treatment was lifesaving in 86.5% of cases studied and had only a 2.4% chance of major complications.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has published a new cookbook featuring 75 heart-healthy recipes from various cuisines. The recipes are based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and are limited in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
Extended therapy for blood clot prevention yields greater benefits in hip/knee surgery, reducing venous thromboembolism events by three times. High incidence of VTE found in lung transplant recipients, with pulmonary fibrosis as a significant risk factor.
The American Society of Hematology recognizes Stuart H. Orkin, MD, and Arthur W. Nienhuis, MD, for their significant contributions to mentoring in hematology. Drs. Orkin and Nienhuis will receive the Mentor Award for Basic Science and Clinical Investigation, respectively.
Researchers have identified a new molecular pathway and class of molecules that can prevent potassium buildup in the bloodstream, which can cause fatal cardiac arrest. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs to treat hyperkalemia, a condition affecting 8% of hospitalized patients.
A common type of chronic diarrhoea, affecting one in 100 people in the UK, may be caused by a hormone deficiency. The study suggests that bile acid production is linked to decreased levels of Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 (FGF19) in people with the condition.
A Stanford study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found that catheter-directed therapy can save lives in people with massive blood clots in their lungs. The treatment was effective in 86.5% of cases and appeared to be safer than existing treatments.
Researchers discovered that barnacle adhesive polymerization is related to blood clotting, with a trypsin-like serine protease and human factor XIII proteins involved. The team found that the glue's proteins are remarkably similar to those found in human blood clots.
A new study from Canada found that young adults are the most likely to donate blood, but this trend may not be sustainable due to an aging population. The research also highlights positive ties between level of education and ability to speak English with donation likelihood.
A new study from McMaster University found that young adults are more likely to donate blood, but this trend may not sustain due to aging population. The study suggests targeting campaigns to encourage more Canadians to consider blood donation.
A study funded by NIH found that individuals with higher urate levels in their blood and cerebrospinal fluid have a slower rate of disease progression. A clinical trial is underway to examine the safety and benefits of supplemental urate elevation for recently diagnosed patients.