Articles tagged with Blood
A prolonged PR interval on an electrocardiogram may indicate a higher risk of atrial fibrillation and the need for a pacemaker. Studies suggest that middle-aged to older adults with this finding are more likely to experience serious heart rhythm disturbances and premature death.
A new study reports a safe and effective nonsurgical technique for repairing leaking mitral valves, which could significantly reduce risks associated with surgical repair. The Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Annuloplasty (PTMA) system improved mitral regurgitation in patients treated with the reversible implant.
Researchers found the malfunctioning ABCG2 gene can lead to high urate levels, causing inflammation and pain. The gene is responsible for transporting urate out of the kidney and into urine, and its mutation may be linked to 10% of gout cases in Caucasians.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology developed a new method, called MAILD, to quickly and reliably detect metabolites in biological samples. The technique uses classical mass spectrometry and enables the measurement of a large number of metabolites, opening doors for targeted and high-throughput metabolomics.
Researchers found that a novel therapy combining antibiotic-based hemoperfusion with conventional treatment significantly reduced mortality and improved blood circulation and organ function in patients with severe sepsis. The study's results suggest potential benefits for endotoxin-targeted therapy in septic shock.
A new study reveals that trans fats interfere with the regulation of blood flow by hindering key enzymes and reducing prostacyclin production. This can lead to increased inflammation, high LDL cholesterol, and calcified arteries, ultimately contributing to atherosclerosis and heart disease.
A modest reduction in dietary carbohydrates increased feelings of fullness and stabilized blood sugar levels after meals. The study found that even without weight loss, a moderate-carb diet improved ratings of fullness before and after eating.
The NHLBI and UnitedHealth Group collaboration aims to broaden study beyond individual diseases to address chronic diseases as they group. Early results show encouraging progress in developing portable tools and comprehensive guidelines for chronic disease management.
Researchers at Harvard University have uncovered a fundamental feedback mechanism that regulates blood clotting, leading to new insights into bleeding disorders and potential treatments.
Women with heavy menstrual cycles may be at risk for undiagnosed bleeding disorders. The new guidelines emphasize recognizing symptoms beyond just heavy bleeding, such as family history and laboratory tests. Early diagnosis can prevent complications like bleeding to death during menstruation, childbirth, or surgical procedures.
Researchers discovered that the Galapagos giant tortoise and marine iguana are targeted by mosquitoes feeding on reptile blood, raising fears of devastating native wildlife diseases. The mosquito's adaptation to life in Galapagos could enable rapid spread of new diseases due to the islands' lack of immunity.
A randomised controlled trial of 2518 patients found no significant reduction in deep vein thrombosis with compression stockings. In fact, skin complications were more common in those who received the stockings. The study's findings challenge national stroke guidelines and recommend revising treatment protocols.
A Monash-led research team has discovered a new link between disturbed blood flow and blood clotting, which is identified as the precise mechanism by which these changes activate the clotting process. This discovery may explain the lack of effectiveness of commonly used anti-clotting therapies.
Researchers have identified a gene that controls abnormal sugar production in the liver, a major problem for people with diabetes. The study found that ARNT is decreased in both insulin-producing cells and liver cells of people with Type 2 diabetes.
A recent study found that women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy are seven-and-a-half times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes post-birth. This increased risk remains for several years, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and intervention. Early identification and treatment of related factors, such as lip...
Research published in The Lancet found that diabetics who maintain intensive, low blood sugar levels are significantly less likely to suffer heart attacks and coronary heart disease. This is due to a 17% reduction in heart attacks and a 15% reduction in coronary heart disease.
Researchers at MCG report breakthrough in treating acute renal failure by blocking mitochondrial fragmentation caused by vascular obstruction, trauma, chemotherapy, and toxins. This can prevent kidney cells from committing suicide and lead to acute renal failure.
The American College of Medical Genetics emphasizes the value of residual newborn screening dried blood spots in improving child health. The statement supports the storage and use of these spots to enhance newborn screening programs nationwide, while maintaining privacy and confidentiality.
The CARILLON Mitral Contour System safely treats leaky mitral valves even in patients with moderate-to-severe heart failure. After treatment, patients experienced less shortness of breath and reported a better quality of life.
Researchers found a strong association between microalbuminuria and venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Microalbuminuria was associated with a higher risk of VTE, even in the absence of traditional risk factors.
A phase III study found that oral rivaroxaban is more effective than subcutaneous enoxaparin in preventing blood clots (venous thromboembolism/VTE) after knee replacement surgery. The study, published in The Lancet, showed a 31% reduction in relative risk for patients given oral rivaroxaban.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have developed a simple blood test that provides accurate results, helping to ensure patients receive the right treatment. The rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) are being used in low-income countries to improve healthcare outcomes and combat malaria.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that hormone levels in blood do not accurately reflect breast cancer risk. The study suggests that measuring hormones in blood may give a false impression of breast cancer risk and an imprecise picture of how these hormones affect breast cancer development.
Researchers found that phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, commonly used to treat male erectile dysfunction, can also relax female rat internal pudendal arteries and improve blood flow. The study suggests that these drugs may be effective in treating female sexual dysfunction caused by inadequate blood supply.
A Health Department study found that 57% of adult New Yorkers have elevated cotinine levels, indicating recent exposure to toxic secondhand smoke. This highlights the need for households with smokers to set a 'no smoking' policy at home.
A woman developed a large blood clot in her left leg after eating grapefruit for breakfast every morning on an aggressive weight-loss diet. Treatment with clot-busting medication and a stent resolved the issue, but underlying factors included oral contraceptive use and an inherited mutation.
A study of 533 American women found that those with blood lead concentrations above 8μg/dL were three times more likely to die of coronary heart disease. The research adds to the existing evidence on the adverse effects of lead on health, particularly among older cohorts exposed to higher levels of environmental lead.
A study published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine found that myocardial perfusion testing with gated single photon emission computed tomography (gated SPECT) is a more accurate predictor of prognosis in chronic ischemic heart disease. Gated SPECT identified individuals at risk for future cardiac events, enabling early initiation of ...
A blood test can predict the seriousness of a head injury and detect the status of the blood-brain barrier, offering a simpler and faster alternative to CT scans. The test, known as S-100B, has shown accuracy in predicting traumatic abnormalities and could lead to a 30% reduction in unnecessary CT scans.
Researchers design a lock-like molecule that controls blood clotting based on exposure to light. The biological hardware could be used to prevent the formation of tiny blood vessels that feed tumors, and also release drugs only on diseased cells or organs. This technology has potential applications in cancer treatment and drug delivery.
Researchers found that 89% of patients treated with catheter-based therapy (CBT) showed significant improvement in neurologic disability and NIHSS score. CBT may be an effective alternative for ischemic stroke patients ineligible for intravenous thrombolysis, with potential benefits including earlier treatment windows.
A new study found a positive link between high levels of zopiclone in the blood and impaired driving assessments. Researchers also noted that drivers with zolpidem had no such association, suggesting that these substances have varying abuse potentials.
A team of researchers has created a microdevice that uses magnetism to remove pathogens from the bloodstream, showing promise as a potential treatment for sepsis. The device, developed by Chong Wing Yung and Don Ingber, achieved over 80% clearance of fungi in contaminated human blood.
A significant decline in US vitamin D levels has been reported, with serious consequences including increased cancer and heart disease risks. The study suggests that higher doses of vitamin D supplementation may be necessary to address this growing epidemic.
Researchers have identified three genes - VKORC1, CYP2C9, and CYP4F2 - responsible for over 40% of warfarin dose variability. The study provides a comprehensive overview of the genetic landscape influencing dose variability, paving the way for more accurate warfarin dosing and reduced patient risk.
Studies have shown that patients with type II diabetes have lower blood levels of hydrogen sulfide, a compound that helps regulate blood pressure. Lower H2S levels may contribute to microvascular dysfunction and increased risk of vascular complications in these patients.
NRL researchers have developed a forceful new method to detect proteins with unparalleled sensitivity and simplicity. The approach can identify as few as 35 attomolar concentrations in under 10 minutes, making it ideal for medical diagnostics, food testing, and national security.
Researchers will analyze frozen blood samples from over 7,000 FHS participants to identify biomarkers associated with heart disease and metabolic syndrome. The goal is to develop simple blood tests to predict high-risk patients.
A study by researchers at the University of Georgia found a direct relationship between two specific antibodies and the severity of Alzheimer's disease symptoms. The team detected higher levels of these antibodies in patients' blood samples, which could lead to an early diagnosis and potentially improve patient quality of life.
Daily folic acid supplements may increase prostate cancer risk by more than twice that of placebo. Baseline dietary folate intake and plasma levels showed a trend towards reduced risk but did not reach statistical significance. Researchers suggest large epidemiological studies using improved methods to study diet and cancer prevention.
Researchers found that arteriovenous (AV) fistulas are the preferred access method for dialysis treatment at any age, with no significant difference in patency or openness between elderly and younger patients. AV fistulas allow continuous high volumes of blood flow, enabling efficient dialysis treatments.
Researchers developed a blood test to measure progranulin levels, predicting the risk of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in patients. A shortage of progranulin leads to brain cell death, causing FTD, and this test can detect it before symptoms appear.
A recent study found that older adults who consume moderate amounts of alcohol perform worse on cognitive tests than their younger counterparts, despite similar blood alcohol levels. The researchers suggest that this is due to factors other than age-related declines in cognitive skills, such as changes in how alcohol affects individuals.
A new calculation eliminates obstacles in measuring kidney function in children, relying on various blood tests that can be performed in a clinical setting. The study's findings suggest an accurate estimate is crucial to properly treat children with acute and chronic kidney problems.
Research reveals women are 30 percent less likely to experience a stroke within 30 days of a mini-stroke, with significant reductions in cardiac events and mortality rates over the course of one year.
A large-scale study suggests that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of respiratory infections, such as colds and flu. Individuals with chronic respiratory disorders, like asthma and emphysema, are particularly susceptible to these infections.
A recent Michigan State University study found that women are 30 percent less likely to receive a critical clot-busting drug after a stroke. Women also experience longer emergency room delays and poorer quality of care compared to men, despite being more than 60% of all stroke deaths.
A multicenter study led by Johns Hopkins shows that an experimental clot-busting treatment can increase survival rates and improve function in patients with intracranial hemorrhage, a lethal form of stroke. After six months, about 10% had no lingering disability and 40% were independently caring for themselves.
Scientists developed a gene-based strategy for warfarin dosing using data from over 5,000 patients worldwide. The algorithm predicts ideal doses with high accuracy, reducing the need for trial-and-error approaches.
A study confirms that using genetic information can more accurately estimate warfarin doses, reducing the risk of overdose or underdose. The gene-based dosing algorithm was found to be more effective than traditional clinical formulas in identifying patients at high risk of bleeding or clotting.
A new letter in JAMA contests an earlier study's associations between bisphenol A and various health issues, citing statistical limitations. The authors conclude that the findings could be due to chance rather than real health concerns.
Researchers found that unrelated cord blood transplantation from a mismatched donor is effective in treating children with life-threatening diseases. The study showed low incidence of complications and improved access to transplant for patients with ethnic and racial minorities.
Patients with end-stage renal disease who participated in an education program to limit their intake of phosphorus-containing food additives showed a significant decline in serum phosphorus levels. After 3 months, intervention participants had a 0.6-mg/dL larger decline in average phosphorus level compared to control participants.
Scientists at the German Cancer Research Center have discovered that reduced production of LSR in the liver leads to elevated blood fat levels in obese mice. Restoring LSR production with leptin therapy reverses this effect, reducing blood fat levels and promoting fat breakdown.
A novel blood test for hepatitis C virus has been developed by researchers at Bonn University and the Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine. The test is significantly cheaper than existing commercial tests, while maintaining equal sensitivity, and can be used to monitor blood banks in poorer countries.
A new study suggests that green tea components may negate the effects of bortezomib (Velcade) in patients taking this medicine. The EGCG polyphenol in green tea bound to boronic acid-containing compounds like bortezomib cancels out their antitumor effects.
Researchers found that women who experienced complications due to hypertension in their first pregnancies are at a higher risk of hypertension after pregnancy. The study, conducted on over 11 million women, also showed that each subsequent affected pregnancy compounds the risks.
A team of researchers highlights challenges and concerns with unlinked anonymous HIV testing in developing countries. They outline strategies to harmonize high-quality surveillance with international ethical standards, including reviewing justifications, providing confidential voluntary testing, and strengthening local capacity.
University of Florida researchers develop a new approach to lab-on-a-chip technology by harnessing biologically powered molecular forklifts. This innovation allows for the creation of 'smart dust' that can detect biological threats and other contaminants without the need for electricity or rinsing.
A follow-up study found that workers exposed to lead at work showed greater cognitive problems after age 55, even when current blood levels of lead were controlled. The researchers linked cumulative exposure to mild deficits in spatial ability, learning and memory, and overall cognitive score.