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 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.
Higher urate levels in patients with early Parkinson's disease are associated with slower clinical decline. The study found that elevated urate levels in the cerebrospinal fluid were inversely related to disease progression.
The new study aims to identify more accurate HDL biomarkers that can predict cardiovascular disease risk. The research team will examine blood samples from individuals to uncover the key role of 'good cholesterol' (HDL) in preventing heart disease.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center are studying a new catheter-based procedure to treat mitral regurgitation, a serious heart disorder where blood leaks back into the left atrium. The eValve MitraClip device holds the flaps of the valve together, preventing leaking and improving heart function.
A six-year study by surgeons at the University of Maryland Medical Center found that minimally invasive mitral valve repair is safe and effective, with a low risk of complications. The study showed that 99% of repaired valves were working properly and all patients survived with minimal hospital stay.
Research found that premenopausal women with vitamin D deficiency were three times more likely to develop systolic hypertension 15 years later. Vitamin D has a well-established role in bone health, and deficiency may also increase cancer risk and immune function problems.
Wei-Jun Qian, a PNNL analytical chemist, has been awarded $1.5 million to develop more sensitive and reliable biomarker research and clinical diagnostic tools. His goal is to create a single test for 20 diseases using mass spectrometry instruments.
Researchers explore image-guided interventional radiology procedures as a central role in treating DVT. These techniques aim to eliminate blood clots completely, potentially improving patient outcomes and preventing long-term complications. A national clinical trial is underway to confirm the effectiveness of this approach.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that the Bush administration's 'investment frame' strategy increased support for the Iraq War among supporters, but decreased tolerance among opponents. The study used a nationally representative sample to gauge public opinion in September 2006.
Researchers found that bone lead levels were associated with a higher risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that bone lead may be a better biomarker for cumulative exposure to lead, leading to important public health implications.
Scientists have identified a genetic link in reptile hearts that sheds light on the evolution of the four-chambered heart. The study reveals that the transcription factor Tbx5 plays a crucial role in forming the heart, with warm-blooded embryos showing clear restriction to the left side of the ventricle.
Researchers developed a simple biological imaging system to visualize live tumor cells in peripheral blood. The technology reflects the tumor burden, decreasing upon primary tumor removal, holding promise for clinical benefit.
Prolonged surgery can weaken the immune system, leading to a higher likelihood of complications. Limiting surgical time to less than three hours improves patient outcomes. External fixators are often used to stabilize orthopaedic injuries and allow for staggered surgeries over several days.
Researchers are using archived newborn blood spot data in Michigan to investigate the causes of cerebral palsy, a leading disabling motor disorder in children. The two-year study will analyze genetic signatures and potential pathways, including hormonal, inflammatory, and blood-clotting factors.
Two novel biomarkers, sensitive cardiac troponin assays and copeptin, significantly improve early detection of acute myocardial infarction. These markers enable doctors to diagnose AMI in the vast majority of patients presenting with chest pain, reducing complications and costs.
A study found that warfarin may increase the risk of stroke in dialysis patients with abnormal heart rhythms. Patients on dialysis who take warfarin are at a higher risk of stroke, particularly those whose blood is not monitored for warfarin levels after treatment.
A study found that low tacrolimus doses are effective in living donor liver transplant recipients with small-for-size grafts, indicating potential benefits for rational administration of tacrolimus. The research team recommended relatively low tacrolimus doses for patients receiving SFS grafts.
A study found that kudzu root extracts improved lab rats with metabolic syndrome by lowering cholesterol, blood pressure, and insulin levels. Kudzu has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a health food, containing isoflavones with potential health benefits.
The MOSAIC program is a four-year training initiative for graduate students to work with immigrant children learning English as a second language. The program addresses inadequate training of speech-language pathologists to diagnose communication disorders in multilingual children, targeting rural states with high numbers of ESL learners.
A new blood test can detect brain damage in amateur boxers, with nerve cell deterioration shown to persist even after a two-month break from boxing. The study's findings provide further evidence that repeated blows to the head may cause long-term brain damage.
Researchers discovered that oxycholesterol significantly raises blood cholesterol levels and promotes atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. A healthy diet rich in antioxidants can counteract these effects by blocking the oxidation process that forms oxycholesterol.
The study analyzed reports of adverse events following HPV vaccination and found a higher proportion of reports of fainting and blood clots. However, the rates were still consistent with pre-licensing data and background rates of other vaccines.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a protein-based injection that can regrow blood vessels in the human heart, eliminating the risk of cardiac attack and potentially replacing bypass surgeries. The therapy has shown no side effects or inflammation in animal models, paving the way for potential commercial availability.
Research found that higher levels of total blood choline are associated with a reduced risk of neural tube birth defects (NTDs). Choline supplementation during pregnancy may also have additional benefits for memory function, breast cancer prevention, and cardiovascular health.
Researchers have developed a new oral anti-clotting drug called Apixaban that is effective in preventing blood clots and reducing bleeding risk by half. The treatment was tested in a double-blind study of over 3,000 patients and proved to be a major step forward in preventing deadly blood clots after joint replacement surgery.
Researchers developed a tool to simulate blood flow in children's hearts before surgery, allowing surgeons to optimize blood flow and energy efficiency. The tool helped plan the surgery of a four-year-old girl with a single ventricle defect, improving her oxygen levels and reducing complications.
Researchers have identified a genomic 'signature' in circulating blood that reveals exposure to common upper respiratory viruses, such as the cold or flu. This signature reflects subtle but robust changes in genes activated by the body's response to infection, allowing for accurate diagnosis and personalized care.
Researchers found that individual fibers in a fibrin blood clot align with each other when stretched, causing the clot to stretch and decrease in volume. This unusual property is made possible by protein unfolding, which exposes hydrophobic parts of the molecule and expels water.
A study has found that divers who hold their breath for several minutes have elevated levels of the protein S100B, which can signal brain damage. However, these levels are temporary and it remains unclear whether prolonged apnea can cause long-term brain damage.
A study found that testing for blood alcohol levels (BALs) can identify high-risk patients admitted to trauma centers who had denied excessive drinking. Elevated BALs are associated with higher rates of complications and predict the development of delirium treatments.
Research published in Neurology suggests that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatments may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by targeting beta-amyloid plaques. The study analyzed data from over 847,000 patients and found a 42% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's among those who received IVIg.
Concurrent deep vein thrombosis is more likely when superficial vein thrombosis affects the lower leg, according to a study published in Archives of Dermatology. The study found that 24% of patients with superficial vein thrombosis also had deep vein thrombosis.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found people with Parkinson's disease have significantly higher blood levels of a particular pesticide than healthy individuals. The study may provide the basis for a beta-HCH blood test to identify those at risk for developing the disease.
Researchers have found that the circadian clock protein Period 1 regulates expression of the renal epithelial sodium channel in mice, leading to decreased sodium loss in urine. Additionally, a study on gene therapy revealed that TLR9-MyD88 pathway is critical for adaptive immune responses to AAV vectors. Another study on kidney repair ...
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that higher selenium levels can worsen prostate cancer outcomes for men carrying a specific SOD2 gene variant. Men with the highest selenium levels and this variant had a 40% lower risk of aggressive disease, while those with the lowest levels were twice as likely to develop it.
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.
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 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...
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.