Articles tagged with Blood
A study in South Africa found that implementing a blood safety program, including education and targeted outreach, significantly reduced the prevalence of HIV-1 in blood donations. The program resulted in a 50% decrease in HIV-1 positivity rates over two years.
A new prediction rule identifies patients with pulmonary embolism who are at low risk of short-term mortality and other adverse medical outcomes, making them eligible for outpatient treatment. The model accurately predicted low-risk patients in two studies, resulting in very low mortality rates within 30 days.
Researchers analyze cost-effectiveness of different screening strategies to prevent cases through contaminated blood products. Screening only during mosquito season is deemed unnecessary in states with low WNV infection rates, while creating a 'supersafe' pool of blood for vulnerable individuals may be an effective solution.
Long-term warfarin therapy increases incidence of osteoporotic fractures by 25% in elderly patients, with men at higher risk. Regular exercise and adequate calcium intake can help maintain bone strength.
The UK Biobank project and the American National Human Genome Research Institute project will gather information to study the interaction between genes and environment over time. The studies aim to identify new treatments for diseases such as cancer and heart disease, but critics raise concerns about privacy and data reliability.
Research found that calorie-restricted individuals had hearts with improved elasticity and function, similar to those of younger people. Their low levels of inflammation may have played a key role in preventing primary aging.
Researchers found that therapies targeting brain insulin receptors can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce insulin dose requirements. Gene therapy interventions also increased the animals' response to insulin therapy about 2-fold.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, administering bone marrow stem cells to patients with acute myocardial infarction resulted in a significant reduction of the infarct size and improved regional left ventricle function. The findings suggest potential benefits for targeted clinical and pre-clinical research.
Researchers propose a simple test that identifies more accurately individuals who might have colorectal cancer when used alongside traditional guaiac tests. This new approach could decrease the number of false positives in screening programs and reduce the need for colonoscopy, potentially leading to improved accuracy and reduced costs.
A review and meta-analysis of 127 trials found ACE inhibitors and ARBs no better than other drugs in preventing diabetic kidney disease. Treatment decisions for hypertension in renal disease should be based on blood-pressure-lowering effect, comparative tolerability, and cost.
The RAPID-CHF trial found that ultrafiltration therapy was safe and effective for patients with acute decompensated heart failure, removing more fluid and improving symptoms compared to standard treatment with intravenous diuretics. A larger trial is underway to compare its effectiveness.
Researchers found that higher levels of inflammatory markers Lp-PLA2 and CRP were associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke. The study included 12,762 middle-aged men and women, and found that individuals with high levels of both markers were at the highest risk.
A study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that men with high blood pressure after undergoing a facelift had a significantly lower incidence of hematoma. To minimize this risk, patients should have their blood pressure controlled before surgery and manage it with their primary care physician.
The new blood safety test is capable of detecting major parasitic diseases, including malaria and fasciola, with instant results. Developed by the Montreal Neurological Institute (NRCP) at McGill University, the test has the potential to save countless lives by reducing the risk of parasite transmission through blood transfusions.
A recent study found that tiny amounts of virus-laden blood leak from placentas to babies during labor, leading to a significant risk of HIV transmission. Researchers suggest that pregnant women start taking anti-retroviral drugs before going into labor as a potential solution.
Researchers found a link between placental microtransfusions and HIV transmission in mothers, particularly during vaginal delivery. The study suggests that better understanding of microtransfusions could lead to more effective treatments for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
An international multi-center study confirmed the usefulness of a blood test in diagnosing and predicting the short-term risk of death in patients with heart failure. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,200 patients, found that the test was strongly predictive of mortality within two months of symptom onset.
A study found that decaffeinated coffee consumption increased levels of fatty acids and Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) in the blood after three months, potentially promoting heart disease risk. In contrast, caffeinated coffee had no significant effects on these markers.
Researchers found that people with nonsystolic heart failure can refill their hearts properly, but struggle with pumping blood during exercise. This challenges conventional wisdom and suggests alternative therapies, such as pacemakers or drugs that enhance blood vessel dilation, may be beneficial for these patients.
A study of high-risk individuals found that condom use was associated with lower rates of herpes simplex virus-2. Pregnant women were four times more likely to experience blood clots than non-pregnant women, with the risk increasing during the postpartum period. Condoms remain a proven method for reducing STD risks in at-risk individuals.
Patients who received left ventricular assistant devices (LVADs) had a significantly longer average survival time of 10.3 months compared to 3.1 months without the device. The study found that 78% of patients died within six months and 90% within a year without LVAD support.
A study by Temple University researchers found that nerve injuries caused by repetitive strain can lead to chronic pain and degenerative problems, with cytokines playing a key role. Cytokines may affect employees' psychosocial responses, leading to 'sick-worker' syndrome, characterized by slacking off work and low-grade depression.
Research reveals that tiny biophysical forces play a critical role in tissue formation, enabling cells to migrate and organize into functional structures. The study used computational models and in vitro experiments to demonstrate the importance of slow biophysical flows in establishing morphogen gradients.
Researchers at Ohio State University isolated three key genes controlling when female mosquitoes switch from feeding on blood to an all-sugar diet. These genes help the mosquitoes survive cold weather and potentially aid in understanding the West Nile Virus transmission.
Researchers have developed a new approach to cardiac resynchronization therapy that uses a minimally invasive method to place pacing leads. The technique, which involves puncturing the heart's pericardium to insert the lead, shows promise in improving treatment outcomes for patients with heart failure.
Scientists have found a biomarker, a protein called NF-H, that signals the presence of disease or injury in the blood and spinal fluid. The discovery could lead to a simple handheld device for diagnosing brain or spinal injuries with just a few drops of blood.
A new study found that Californians exposed to low levels of naturally occurring asbestos are at higher risk for malignant mesothelioma. The research analyzed 2,908 cases over 10 years and found that people living close to asbestos source rocks had a greater chance of developing the disease, despite lower occupational exposure.
A new study found that elevated blood levels of osteopontin are associated with asbestos-induced cancers, particularly pleural mesothelioma. The protein's levels can serve as a potential biomarker for early detection and monitoring of individuals at risk due to asbestos exposure.
Researchers found that vanadium supplementation sped recovery in mice, with 50% faster recovery times in both diabetic and non-diabetic animals. The exact mechanism is unclear but may involve vanadium's metal-related shape or ability to inhibit tyrosine phosphatases.
UT Southwestern researchers found that heart failure patients with impaired skin-blood flow responses are at risk of heat-related complications. The study suggests that these patients should be more aware of the heat and seek shade or air-conditioned environments if feeling overheated.
Research by Ellen Rutten explores how Russia has been portrayed as a young woman of flesh and blood, with a focus on the role of the state and intellectual elite. The study reveals that modern writers have increasingly emphasized the sexual dimension of this metaphor, assigning it to Russian rulers from Lenin to Putin.
A Hopkins study successfully performed 21 out of 22 KPD transplants, showing the technique can offer transplants to many more patients who cannot receive a kidney from a loved one. The results could pave the way for a national matching registry and help hundreds of patients find compatible matches.
Researchers found an inverse relationship between mental tests and adverse effects of lead exposure and high blood pressure on cognitive performance. Lead exposure early in life combined with high blood pressure in working age adults may lead to diminishing cognitive abilities in later life.
Scientists have developed nanowire arrays that can detect multiple cancer markers with near-perfect selectivity. These devices can test a mere pinprick of blood in minutes, providing immediate scans and potentially tracking patients' health as treatment progresses.
Men who consumed more folate in their diets showed significantly less decline in verbal fluency skills over three years. High folate levels also protected against declines in spatial copying abilities, a category of cognitive skills distinct from memory tests.
A new study found that horses with exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) trail the winner by an average of 14 feet after intense exercise. Horses with mild EIPH perform just as well as those without the disorder, but severe cases significantly hinder performance.
A new guideline suggests a blood test can help identify the type of seizure, distinguishing between generalized tonic-clonic seizures and complex partial seizures. The test measures prolactin levels in the blood after a seizure.
Research finds that long residency hours impair medical residents' performance, increasing the risk of accidents and errors. Heavy call rotations show comparable impairment to heavy drinking, highlighting the need for safer work schedules and countermeasures.
Transcatheter occlusion of PFO and left atrial appendage eliminates key sources of cardiac embolism, preventing strokes. Alternative to blood thinning therapy, this procedure is safe and effective in preventing stroke, with a lower recurrence rate compared to standard treatment.
Scientists successfully detected mad cow proteins in the blood of infected hamsters using a novel method called protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA). The breakthrough could lead to a more effective test for detecting prions in cattle and human blood, reducing the risk of transmission through food and organ transplants.
Research suggests that high blood lactate levels can accurately predict a poor outcome in patients with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). The study examined the relationship between serum phosphate and lactate levels in FHF patients, finding that lactate levels were significantly higher in those who died or underwent a transplant.
The discovery of a diuretic hormone in malaria mosquitoes could lead to the development of a pesticide for controlling mosquitoes. The hormone, DH31, causes the mosquito to excrete fluid rich in sodium chloride, potentially leading to its death.
A study found a strong relationship between HCV infection and having an anti-HCV positive family member, with the highest incidence rate in children under 10 living in households with an anti-HCV positive parent. Parenteral exposures increased the risk of HCV, particularly in men married to an HCV positive woman.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that patients with high levels of heparin antibodies during hemodialysis have higher rates of adverse outcomes. The study suggests that detecting these antibodies may help identify patients at risk for complications, leading to potential improvements in treatment.
A new study involving 30,000 people worldwide will investigate travel-related DVT and its prevention. Professor Harry Büller's research has made significant advances in diagnosing and treating blood clots, with 90% of patients now able to be treated outside hospital
Researchers have discovered a promising new treatment option for haemophilia and heart disease by targeting the P-selectin protein. Infusion of P-selectin could provide an affordable and effective means of achieving clotting to stop bleeding incidents in haemophiliacs.
The study found that standardized forms increased optimal treatment rates from 44% to 63% among stroke patients. The improved rates were particularly notable for preventive treatment for blood clots in the leg veins and cholesterol-lowering drugs at discharge.
A randomised trial found that blood stem cell transplant improved disease-free survival in children with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, compared to chemotherapy. The study showed a significant gap between the two strategies as patient risk profiles worsened.
The study found that hemodialysis was more beneficial for patients with cardiovascular disease, while peritoneal dialysis was better suited for healthier patients. The findings suggest that choosing the right dialysis treatment can impact mortality rates.
A study published in the International Journal of Cancer has found three proteins present in the blood of women with breast and ovarian cancer, but not in those without cancer. This breakthrough could lead to a simple blood test for early detection and improved patient outcomes.
A study found that blood pressure control is suboptimal in older women with hypertension, with only 28% of women in this age group achieving controlled blood pressure. The researchers also noted that treatment rates are high, but the use of cost-effective thiazide diuretics is low.
A new study found that high school age children with a healthy weight had favorable lipid profiles, including lower levels of triglycerides and higher ratios of HDL cholesterol. The leanest teens, those with less than 25 percent body fat, had the best lipid/lipoprotein profiles.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that taking ibuprofen before gum surgery can lead to nearly double the amount of blood loss compared to those who don't take the medication. The study suggests patients should avoid NSAIDs before oral surgeries to minimize bleeding risk.
Researchers found that all relatives with aortic valve disease had mutations in the NOTCH1 gene, leading to early developmental defects. The study suggests that targeting these mutations could prevent calcification and slow disease progression, offering potential therapeutic avenues for patients at risk.
A study by Bernhard Nieswandt and colleagues reveals that mice lacking factor XII cleared blocked arteries after injury, unlike humans who develop coronary artery disease with elevated factor XII levels. The findings suggest drugs inhibiting this protein may be useful for treating certain heart diseases without increasing bleeding risk.
A harmonic scalpel with ultrasound technology can reduce blood loss, postoperative facial paralysis, and infection rates in patients requiring salivary gland removal. The study compared conventional surgery to harmonic scalpel parotidectomy for benign or malignant disease.
Researchers found that doxycyclin effectively killed micro-filariae and adult Wuchereria worms, reducing symptoms of elephantiasis. The antibiotic's low side-effect profile and affordability make it a promising treatment option for this disease.
The Burnham Institute has been awarded $13 million by the NIH to develop novel nanotechnology solutions for diagnosing and treating heart disease. The program aims to target vulnerable plaque, which can rupture and cause cardiac issues, with innovative nano-devices and self-assembling polymers.
A new method of controlling blood levels of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) improves the success of liver transplants by reducing variation and toxicity. The four-step process increases CNI levels within target ranges from 50% to 80% in patients.
A study comparing New York and Michigan angioplasty data shows major differences in patient selection. Despite this, the researchers found no difference in overall death risk when adjusting for underlying health conditions.