Articles tagged with Blood
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.
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...
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 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.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego discovered that fibrinogen inhibits neural cell growth in spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis. The study found that fibrinogen's binding to beta 3 integrin receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor prevents axonal growth, which is necessary for regeneration.
Research reveals elevated manganese levels in scrapie-infected sheep's blood before clinical symptoms appear, hinting at a new diagnostic approach. Scrapie-resistant sheep also show increased manganese levels when challenged with the disease.
A large-scale study found that high levels of urate in the blood are strongly associated with a reduced risk of Parkinson's disease. Urate, a normal component of blood, may have beneficial effects due to its antioxidant properties.
Researchers found evidence of two separate networks in the brain that control voluntary behavior, such as reading a word or searching for a star. These networks work independently but toward a common purpose, and understanding their dynamics may aid in treating brain injuries.
Patients hospitalized with bacterial pneumonia face a higher risk of new or worsening heart problems, with nearly 20% experiencing a heart attack or major heart condition. The presence of heart disease significantly increased mortality from pneumonia.
In Denmark, non-invasive screening of pregnant women using ultrasound and blood analysis has reduced the number of children born with Down Syndrome by 50%. The new guidelines have also led to a significant decrease in invasive pre-natal diagnostic procedures, from 11% to around 6% of pregnancies.
Research found that aerobic exercise, such as walking or bicycling, significantly improved ejection fraction and reduced heart size in patients with stable heart failure. In contrast, combining aerobic exercise with strength training showed no similar benefits.
A daily dose of pistachios may improve risk factors for heart disease without weight gain, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. The pistachio diet led to statistically significant reductions in certain blood lipids and an increase in HDL-C.
A study found that metabolic syndrome is associated with compromised heart structure and function, including symptomatic heart failure. The association was independent of coronary heart disease risk as predicted by the Framingham risk score for diastolic dysfunction, but not systolic dysfunction.
A newly excavated headless skeleton from Nasca, Peru provides important new data on ancient decapitation practices. The analysis suggests that decapitation was part of powerful rituals aimed at ensuring fertility and the continuation of life and rebirth of the community.
Research suggests that people with high levels of inflammation in their blood are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. The study of over 600 participants found that those with elevated cytokines were nearly twice as likely to develop the disease.
Researchers have found that monoclonal antibodies from avian flu survivors in Vietnam are effective in preventing infection and neutralizing the virus in mice. The treatment could potentially provide a clinical benefit to humans with H5N1 infections, especially if administered early after symptoms onset.
A large-scale study found that coffee consumption is associated with lower uric acid levels, which appears to be due to components other than caffeine. The researchers suggest that decreased insulin levels and improved insulin sensitivity may contribute to the observed effect.
UPMC has started a study using the VentrAssist LVAD, a mechanical blood pump to assist the heart in pumping blood around the body. The study aims to enroll 30 patients for a multi-center feasibility trial to explore its safety and effectiveness as a bridge to transplantation.
A meta-analysis suggests that half of blood-thinning drug-related complications can be prevented through improved anticoagulation control. This study highlights the importance of closely monitoring patients taking these medications to avoid serious side effects.
A 47-year-old man with congestive heart failure underwent the historic surgery at UPMC, where a beating heart supported by the OCS was successfully transplanted. The patient is doing well after discharge on April 30.
Researchers analyzed data on blood donations and recipients in Sweden and Denmark over 34 years, finding no link between cancer risk and blood from precancerous donors. The study provides valuable insights into the safety of blood transfusions and highlights the need for further research on chronic diseases.
A new animal study investigates three methods of treatment for severe internal injuries, with HBOC-201 resuscitation showing improved survival rates. The study's findings suggest targeting a Mean Arterial Pressure of 80 mmHg is more favorable than a target MAP of 100 mmHg.
A new study validates the Pulmonary Embolism Rule-out Criteria, showing that two-thirds of patients with a low probability of pulmonary embolism receive unnecessary tests. The protocol uses clinical criteria to rule out clots in the lung, reducing costs and side effects associated with CT scans.
Researchers found that pistachio amounts of 1.5 ounces reduced LDL cholesterol levels by 11.6% and total cholesterol by 8.4%, while the higher dose showed significant reductions in lipoprotein ratios. Pistachios also increased antioxidants in the blood, which may help reduce inflammation.
Researchers found that succimer chelation therapy improved postural balance by 6 percent and moving tasks by 19 percent in lead-exposed children. The therapy was effective in reducing lead levels in the blood but also showed benefits on neuromotor abilities.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that enoxaparin was 43% more effective at preventing venous thromboembolisms (VTEs) than unfractionated heparin. This result was consistent regardless of the severity of the stroke.
A new study found that rotavirus, a common cause of diarrhea in children, can also be present systemically, with infectious virus detected in the blood of infected children. The presence of virus in the blood is directly related to the presence of antigen but independent of diarrhea.
A systematic review of studies published over four decades confirms that good doctor-patient communication significantly impacts patient outcomes, including resolution of chronic headaches and improved blood pressure readings. The review highlights the importance of clarifying instructions and checking for understanding to ensure effec...
Researchers found that TGF-beta inhibitors can block lung metastases in breast cancer mice treated with radiation or doxorubicin. Monitoring TGF-beta levels could identify at-risk patients for metastatic cancer progression.
A rare case of hepatitis B virus transmission between two patients at a dentist's office has been documented, highlighting the need for meticulous infection control. Universal vaccination against HBV would likely have prevented both cases.
Researchers have discovered that a transcription factor KLF15 controls glucose production in the liver. Mice deficient for KLF15 experience severe hypoglycemia due to an inability to produce glucose through gluconeogenesis, a process dependent on amino acids and enzymes.
A new blood test can rapidly detect levels of radiation exposure, enabling timely treatment for potentially life-saving. The test analyzes thousands of genes to identify distinct genomic signatures reflecting varying radiation doses.
Research on microfluidics widens the possibilities for electronic devices through electrowetting-based liquid-state-field-effect transistors (LiquiFETs). These devices can directly convert charge-related information from liquids into electronic signals, enabling real-time evaluation and adjustment of drug delivery.
A new thrombin-receptor antagonist (TRA) has shown significant reduction in serious cardiovascular events, mainly heart attacks, with no increase in bleeding risks in a high-risk patient population. The study found a 46% lowering in serious cardiovascular events, an early and strong efficacy signal for this novel antiplatelet compound.
Researchers found that lowering blood pressure with valsartan and other approaches improved diastolic function in patients with hypertension. The study, known as VALIDD, showed significant improvements in diastolic dysfunction, regardless of whether RAAS was inhibited or not.
Researchers are conducting a study to analyze saliva and gingival crevicular fluid using proteomics to identify unique proteins in oral fluids. This analysis may lead to the discovery of new ways to diagnose and treat diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, and certain cancers.
Two new interferon-gamma blood test assays detected latent tuberculosis infection in supermarket customers who had been exposed to a contagious employee, but traditional tuberculin skin tests did not. The blood tests showed a better correlation with exposure than TSTs.
Visceral fat cells secrete inflammatory molecules that increase systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. The study found high levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in obese patients, supporting the notion that visceral fat contributes to metabolic problems.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have developed genetic tests that may help identify individuals at risk of substance abuse and behavioral disorders. The study found differences in gene expression between people with a history of smoking and those without, suggesting potential blood tests for identifying risk factors.
A study at Montana State University investigates a chemical that kills lice on cattle, aiming to determine its effectiveness on sheep. The research seeks to address the financial losses caused by African blue lice infestations, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies and reduced wool quality.
Researchers discovered that eating spaghetti with sauce made from orange-colored Tangerine tomatoes increased levels of cis-lycopene, a beneficial compound, in participants' blood. The study found that the body absorbed more cis-lycopene from Tangerine tomatoes than from red tomatoes.
A blood marker, procalcitonin, helps identify patients at increased risk of organ failure and death due to abdominal infections. Procalcitonin levels can predict multi-organ dysfunction syndrome and overall prognosis in patients with secondary peritonitis.
A team of Penn State researchers found that plant-derived omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may have a protective effect on bone health. The study, which included a controlled diet with three diets high in PUFA, showed significant decreases in biomarkers of bone resorption.
Drinking spearmint tea can reduce androgen levels in women with hirsutism. A recent study found that consuming two cups of spearmint tea daily for five days lowered androgen levels in women with mild symptoms.
QUT scientists have developed advanced ceramic membranes for nanofiltration that can remove viruses from water, air, and blood. The technology has the potential to filter out HIV from blood, saving millions of lives.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that women having a planned cesarean section are at a significantly higher risk of severe complications. The rate of severe complications was found to be 27.3 per 1000 deliveries for cesarean sections, compared to 9.0 per 1000 deliveries for vaginal deliveries.
A study found that selenium supplements increased blood selenium levels and suppressed HIV viral load in patients with HIV. The results suggest that selenium may be a safe and inexpensive adjunct therapy to conventional pharmacotherapy.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal has found that high-level endurance athletes with ventricular arrhythmias often have dysfunctional right ventricles. The research suggests that endurance exercise may contribute to changes in the heart that lead to dysfunction and heart rhythm disturbances.
A study has identified rural individuals who frequently visit trauma centers for separate injuries, with substance abuse being the common thread. These recidivists are more likely to be older, white, and female, and have higher rates of positive blood alcohol screening results.