Articles tagged with Blood
A large-scale study published in the American Heart Association rapid access journal report found that cigarette smoking is a significant predictor of stroke in Chinese men. Researchers analyzed data from over 170,000 participants and found that smokers were 2-3 times more likely to suffer an ischemic stroke compared to never-smokers.
The NHLBI has published its first US clinical practice guidelines for von Willebrand Disease, a condition that affects 1 in 100 to 1,000 people. The guidelines provide recommendations for screening, diagnosis, and treatment of the three major types of VWD, emphasizing proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.
A new study by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago has identified a crucial enzyme for bacterial growth in blood, offering a potential target for antibiotics. The study found that most E. coli bacteria strains cannot grow in human blood if they lack a specific gene involved in nucleotide biosynthesis.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have isolated biomarkers in the blood that identify mood disorders, providing an objective tool for diagnosing and assessing the severity of illness. The discovery may alter the way bipolar illness is diagnosed and treated, offering a new approach to psychiatric treatment.
A new approach identifies five genes involved in myelination and six genes involved in growth factor signaling as potential biomarkers for high and low mood states. The study suggests that blood biomarkers may offer an informative window into brain functioning and disease state.
A study examining long-term outcomes following blood clots found that patients with pulmonary embolism are at higher risk of experiencing recurrent clotting, major bleeding episodes, or death. The research also highlights the need for better anticoagulation strategies to reduce complications in the community setting.
Scientists at the University of Leicester have developed new Doppler ultrasound techniques to detect emboli, reducing intra-operative and post-operative stroke rates by 96% and 99.3%, respectively. The 30-day death/stroke rate has also fallen from 6% to 2.6%.
A new portable detection system developed by PNNL can accurately detect toxic lead and other heavy metals in blood, urine, and saliva samples. The device is field-deployable, battery-operated, and provides quicker results than current state-of-the-art mass spectrometry systems.
A new study found that vehicle interlocks significantly reduce DWIs among first-time offenders, with a 60% lower risk of repeat offenses. This economic benefit is substantial, saving $3 for every dollar spent on interlocks.
Crocodilians divert blood through a special vessel called the left aorta to bypass their lungs during digestion. This unique system enables them to secrete gastric acid at an unprecedented rate, facilitating digestion and survival. By shunting CO2-rich blood straight to the stomach, crocodilians maintain optimal digestive conditions.
Researchers identify genetic mutations in MTHFR and Factor V as significant contributors to blood clots and tissue injury in the placenta. These mutations may lead to increased risks of preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and preeclampsia.
A collaborative analysis of 18 prospective studies found no link between circulating sex hormones and prostate cancer risk. High levels of male sex hormones were previously thought to be a risk factor, but the results indicate that testosterone and estrogen do not play a significant role in prostate cancer development.
A novel treatment for DVT uses a fiber-binding agent to clear clots rapidly and safely, with 90% of patients experiencing complete resolution of symptoms after six months. The therapy reduces the risk of bleeding and post-thrombotic syndrome, enabling patients to resume normal activity within a week.
Researchers found that carbon nanotubes leave the body primarily through the feces, with some by way of the urine. The study also allays worries that the nanotubes would prove toxic to mice, as none died or showed any anomalies in blood chemistry.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge highlight a strong correlation between persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and insulin resistance, leading to adult-onset diabetes. Research suggests that individuals with high POPs levels in their blood are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, even if they are thin.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have discovered a complex metabolic pathway in mosquito species, which they aim to disrupt with a harmless molecule. This could lead to an insecticide that kills both mosquitoes and their eggs, slowing the spread of diseases like malaria and yellow fever.
A study of 2,471 patients with venous thrombosis found a three-fold greater relative risk associated with minor leg injuries that don't require surgery or extended bed rest. These injuries may increase blood clotting risk due to reduced activity and damage to blood vessel walls.
A year-long clinical trial found that vitamin D2 supplements reduced the risk of falls by 19% among women with low blood vitamin D levels and a history of falling. The therapy was most effective in reducing the risk of single falls during winter and spring, but not multiple falls.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a way to reduce LDL, the so-called 'bad' cholesterol, in the blood by manipulating an enzyme. This finding could lead to new treatments for Type 2 diabetes and heart disease related to obesity.
Researchers developed ceramic hybrid needles using two-photon polymerization, creating microneedles resistant to breakage. The new technology enables efficient drug delivery and minimizes trauma during injections.
A new gene variant has been found to be more common in people with cerebral venous thrombosis than in healthy individuals. The study, published in Neurology, suggests that testing for this gene and using blood thinning medication may help prevent future blood clots.
Researchers found that high blood folate levels can increase homocysteine and methylmalonic acid in individuals with vitamin B12 deficiency, worsening symptoms. This study suggests that excessive folate may compromise the body's ability to use vitamin B12 effectively.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified four blood proteins that can distinguish patients with lung cancer from those without. The blood test, which uses a classification tree to sort out likelihoods, shows promise as a less-invasive follow-up for patients with suspicious lesions.
A new heart test has been developed to detect mild degrees of heart injury, enabling doctors to identify patients most likely to benefit from life-saving treatments. The test, which searches for a specific protein in the blood, could lead to fewer unnecessary hospital admissions and improved diagnosis.
A study by Yale researchers suggests that YKL-40 may play a role in severe asthma, with elevated levels correlating to increased inflammation and lung function. The discovery brings hope for developing a blood test to identify patients with severe asthma, which affects 2.5 million Americans.
A new study found that experienced ultrasound examiners can accurately classify ovarian tumors using pattern recognition, outperforming blood test CA-125 levels. The method could improve diagnosis and treatment for women with ovarian cancer.
A study of 454 patients with chronic-phase CML taking imatinib for over six years found a high estimated six-year survival rate of 76 percent and strong correlation between overall survival rates and cytogenetic response. The incidence of serious side effects was low, with no long-term new toxicities observed.
Research in Zanzibar, Tanzania found a remarkable fall in children dying from malaria, with deaths among the islands' children dropping to a quarter of the previous level. The achievement follows the introduction of improved treatment and the implementation of widespread use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
Researchers found that ABO-incompatible infant heart transplantation is as safe as transplantation with compatible blood group types. The study suggests that this procedure could significantly reduce the number of infants who die while waiting for a donor heart, with mortality rates potentially decreasing by up to 20%.
Researchers found that each year as people age, the time it takes for their heart muscles to squeeze and relax grows longer. The actual amount of blood pumped out by the heart fell by 8 milliliters per year. This decline occurred despite an increase in another standard measure of heart function.
An international panel of researchers developed guidelines to prevent and treat venous thromboembolism, a deadly complication of cancer. The new guidelines recommend the use of anticoagulants in hospitalized cancer patients and suggest treating blood clots for at least six months afterwards.
Researchers from Imperial College London found that people with medium levels of HIV in their blood are the most likely to spread the virus. They can remain asymptomatic for six to eight years before progressing to AIDS, infecting multiple sexual partners during this time.
MIT scientists propose that blood modulates how neurons process information and regulate brain activity. Blood flow affects the activity of nearby neurons, changing how they transmit signals and hence regulating information flow throughout the brain.
A new study found that folic acid supplements can dramatically lower blood arsenic levels in individuals chronically exposed to arsenic-contaminated drinking water. The study, funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, showed a 14% reduction in total blood arsenic levels in Bangladesh.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that folic acid supplements can dramatically lower blood arsenic levels by up to 14 percent. Folate deficiency is common in Bangladesh, where the study was conducted, and supplementation enhanced detoxification of arsenic.
A new technique developed by UC radiologists uses multi-detector computed tomography (CT) scanners to capture images of chest veins. This approach allows for better diagnosis of venous diseases by compensating for the extra time it takes contrast solution to reach the veins.
A new version of the colon cancer screening test effectively detects colorectal cancer and may replace the current unrehydrated guaiac test. The fecal immunochemical test had a sensitivity of 81.8% for detecting colorectal cancers, outperforming the guaiac test's 64.3% sensitivity rate.
A University of California, Irvine study found children with type-1 diabetes exhale higher concentrations of methyl nitrates when hyperglycemic. The researchers developed a breath device that can warn diabetics of high blood sugar levels and the need for insulin.
Scientists have developed a method to detect circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in blood before and after chemotherapy treatment, potentially identifying patients at risk of cancer recurrence. The study found that CTCs persisted in the blood of patients who were more likely to experience recurrence.
Researchers discovered that female Evarcha culicivora spiders prefer larger mates before mating, despite the risk of cannibalism. Once mated, females opt for smaller males, a finding that challenges traditional assumptions about spider mating behaviors.
Researchers have identified a pattern of fetal mRNAs detectable in pregnant women's blood, which could serve as a baseline for diagnosing genetic diseases. This detection method has the potential to replace invasive prenatal procedures, offering a new approach to monitoring fetal health.
Researchers at UT Health Science Center have developed a smart particle insulin release system that detects blood sugar spikes and releases insulin to counteract them. The system, which consists of a blood sugar sensing protein and liposomes loaded with insulin, stabilized blood sugar levels in animal models for up to six hours.
Exposure to particulate matter in mice triggers lung macrophages to produce IL-6, leading to accelerated blood clotting and thrombus formation. Targeting IL-6 may decrease the risk of heart problems caused by air pollution.
Researchers discovered that first-degree relatives of PBC patients have a higher prevalence of anti-mitochondrial antibodies, a biomarker indicative of the disease. This finding enables early screening and assessment of high-risk family members through simple blood tests, potentially leading to better outcomes for PBC patients.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified TORC2 as a crucial biochemical control point linking feeding, insulin, and elevated blood sugar production in the liver. The study found that insulin turns off the CREB/TORC2 switch during feeding, highlighting potential drug targets for type II diabetes treatment.
Researchers developed an improved dosing formula for warfarin that takes into account genetic variations in VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genes. This approach enables faster and more accurate estimation of the optimal warfarin dose, cutting dosage changes and potentially increasing patient safety.
A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine suggests that COX-2 inhibitors like Vioxx trigger life-threatening side effects by stimulating blood clotting. The researchers propose a solution by administering TF-reducing drugs alongside Cox-2 inhibitors to treat people safely
Researchers developed a genetic dosing model to predict optimal warfarin dose for patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. The model combines genotype information with clinical factors to estimate therapeutic dosage.
Researchers at OHSU demonstrate a new technique using contrast-enhanced ultrasound and targeted microbubbles to detect inflammatory processes leading to atherosclerosis. This could enable early detection and prevention of coronary heart disease and stroke, two of the nation's most lethal diseases.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center are developing a computerized workstation called Louise to electronically prepare discharge plans for patients. Preliminary research shows that interventions using this technology can reduce inappropriate readmissions and increase patient satisfaction.
Researchers found that restricting blood flow in the arm before coronary artery bypass graft surgery reduced troponin T levels by 43%. This technique, known as remote ischaemic preconditioning, may help protect the heart from injury during surgery. The study's implications for clinical practice are considered immense.
Researchers found a blood protein, IGFBP-1, linked to obesity and exercise aversion may indicate increased pancreatic cancer risk. The study suggests lifestyle factors modifiable for improved prognosis.
Researchers found that high-dose chemotherapy and blood stem cell transplantation can result in long-term survival for patients with primary systemic light chain (AL) Amyloidosis. The median survival for all 80 patients was 57 months, with 18 still alive 10+ years after treatment.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that chemotherapy with bevacizumab increases the risk of blood clots in arteries, with a higher incidence among patients over 65 years old. The risk of arterial thromboembolic events was significantly higher in patients treated with the combination therapy compared...
A University of Minnesota study found that only 37% of the US population is eligible to donate blood, a significant decrease from the previously estimated 177 million. The conventional method overestimated the national pool by 59%, mainly due to factors like chronic diseases and high-risk behaviors.
A new study reveals that only 37% of the US population is eligible to donate blood, with approximately 60 million fewer individuals being eligible than previously thought. The lower donor pool estimate is based on a more stringent model that excludes high-risk individuals and those with chronic diseases.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that metformin, a widely used diabetes medication, offers distinct advantages over nine other medications in controlling blood sugar levels, weight gain, and bad cholesterol levels. The medication was also found to be less expensive than newer options, with annual treatment costs averaging $100.
A quarter of NYC adult New Yorkers have elevated blood mercury levels, with higher rates among Asian women and those consuming more fish. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as young children, are advised to limit or avoid high-mercury fish to minimize health risks.
A study estimates nearly one-third of hospitalized US patients are vulnerable to VTE, which can lead to dire complications. Researchers stress the need for reinforcing national guidelines and monitoring compliance with hospital protocols for VTE prevention, as well as educating outpatients on preventive measures.
A study of 382 healthy children revealed that over half had low blood levels of vitamin D, with 55% having inadequate levels. Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to bone diseases like rickets and other health issues.