Articles tagged with Blood
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
A blood test for NT-proBNP accurately predicts the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and death in patients with known cardiovascular disease. Higher levels of NT-proBNP are associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular events or death.
A blood test for NT-proBNP could aid in risk stratification of high-risk patients with CHD, helping guide preventive therapies. The study found that higher NT-proBNP levels were associated with increased cardiovascular event rates and mortality.
A study found that brain hemorrhages associated with warfarin increased by over tenfold in people over age 80, while the rate for all other populations quadrupled between 1988 and 1999. The increase was largely due to greater use of the drug, which is prescribed to prevent blood clots.
Patients with low to moderate blood alcohol levels may have a reduced risk of dying after arriving at the hospital with a traumatic brain injury. In contrast, those with high blood alcohol levels are more likely to die in the hospital, highlighting a potential neuroprotective effect of alcohol.
Research reveals that almost 16% of all drivers stopped and tested under suspicion of driving under the influence would test positive for drugs. Drivers who were under the legal limit for alcohol but still tested positive for drugs were more likely to be taking a cocktail of substances.
A Cornell study found that chelation therapy can reduce learning and behavioral problems caused by lead exposure in young rats. However, the treatment also showed lasting adverse effects in rats with no lead exposure, raising concerns about its use in autistic children.
A multicenter study found that measuring fetal oxygen levels does not affect the rate of Caesarean section or the health of newborn babies. Researchers tested whether knowing fetal blood-oxygen levels made a difference in the rate of Caesarean section or condition of the newborn infant.
A study published in Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis reveals Pycnogenol, an antioxidant plant extract from pine tree bark, effectively reduces swelling in patients taking antihypertensive medications by 36%. The treatment also improves blood circulation, avoiding blood pooling and reducing edema.
A large international clinical trial found that stable patients who received late angioplasty after a heart attack did not have better outcomes than those on medical therapy alone. The study suggests that routine late opening of the blocked artery is unnecessary and should be reserved for unstable patients.
University of Utah engineers invented a tiny, inexpensive micropump that can move chemicals, blood or other samples through a card-sized medical laboratory. The pump could aid development of lab-on-a-chip technology, which aims to reduce the price and time for lab tests.
A recent study found that individuals with higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in their blood had a significantly lower risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. DHA is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in fish, which appears to affect dementia risk and proper functioning of the central nervous system.
A study found that heart failure is associated with more common factors than previously believed, including preserved ejection fraction and diastolic dysfunction. Patients with preserved ejection fraction were older and less likely to be smokers, while those with reduced ejection fraction had higher mortality rates.
Mayo Clinic researchers found that difficulties in the heart's ability to fill with blood are a frequent cause of heart failure, and can be just as deadly as deficiencies in pumping. The study suggests that filling problems are often undiagnosed and highlights the importance of testing for abnormalities in the heart's filling phase.
Researchers developed a treatment using mechanical Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) and certain drug therapies to shrink enlarged hearts and enable normal function. The therapy improved quality of life in 88% of patients who received the full combination, with nearly all recovering from heart disease five years later.
Researchers have confirmed that veins stiffen as we age, a change that may contribute to high blood pressure. Regular exercise training may help maintain vein flexibility. The study, led by William Farquhar from the University of Delaware, recruited healthy young and older adults and monitored their blood flow.
A national survey of Canadian surgeons found marked variability in the use of blood thinner ASA in non-cardiac surgery, with many surgeons uncertain about its benefits and risks. The researchers call for a randomized controlled trial to address the issue.
A multifaceted intervention increased adherence to clinical guidelines for preventing deep-vein blood clots among elderly patients. The study found that implementing evidence-based guidelines resulted in a significant decrease in the rate of DVT, with 91% fewer cases before and after guideline implementation.
Researchers discover that iron exposure causes a distinct metallic smell in humans, linked to skin oil and blood decomposition. The key compound responsible for this 'metallic' odor is identified as 1-octen-2-one, produced when oils on skin are oxidized by certain enzymes.
Scientists have developed a technique to predict when and where blood clotting will occur using a simple laboratory model. The model, which uses only three main equations, adequately reproduced many features of blood clotting. Microfluidics technology was crucial in controlling complex reactions at critical times and locations.
Research by S. Kankova and colleagues found that Toxoplasma positive mothers give birth to more boys than negative women, with a probability of up to 72 boys in every 100 children born. The increased survival of male embryos may be attributed to the parasite's modulating effects on the immune system.
A study published in The Lancet found that oral misoprostol significantly reduces maternal hemorrhage and postpartum blood loss in women giving birth in rural, developing communities. This life-saving treatment has the potential to prevent up to half of maternal deaths from pregnancy-related causes.
A study found that misoprostol is an effective way to prevent postpartum hemorrhage in countries with limited hospital services. The drug significantly reduced the risk of acute postpartum hemorrhage and average blood loss, offering a cost-effective solution for resource-poor settings.
Researchers surveyed 212 teenagers from Cincinnati neighborhoods with high lead concentrations and found a significant correlation between elevated childhood blood-lead levels and the risk for multiple, unintentional injuries later in life. The study suggests that early-life exposure to lead can cause lasting health effects impacting f...
The risk of transfusion-transmitted infections has decreased significantly since 1984 due to improved blood-safety measures. However, emerging pathogens such as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and viruses present in high concentrations in blood pose ongoing concerns for patient safety.
Researchers found an association between low blood lead levels and increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease and stroke. Blood lead levels as low as 2 μg/dL were linked to higher risks of death from these causes, affecting all groups studied.
A new diagnostic test for tuberculosis (TB) has been developed using a novel technique called SELDI-ToF, which identifies specific proteins in the blood. The test achieved high accuracy in detecting TB, with up to 78% sensitivity and specificity.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified four mutations in the Desmoglein-2 gene as a significant contributor to arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD), a condition that causes sudden cardiac death in young athletes. The findings should increase the accuracy of tests to identify those at risk for ARVD.
A study led by University of California, Santa Cruz researchers has confirmed that bullet fragments and shotgun pellets are the principal sources of lead poisoning in California condors. The study found that 77% of birds tested had lead levels linked to ammunition, highlighting the need for action to reduce lead exposure.