Research on blood and what it reveals about health. Covers blood biomarkers, occupational exposure, cell-preservation for CAR-T therapy, and blood supply.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed blood-compatible nanoscale materials using heparin composites or coatings. The composite heparin membrane with nanopores can filter blood and maintain its flow, potentially eliminating the need for systemic administration of heparin during kidney dialysis.
Deferasirox proved equally as effective as deferoxamine in reducing iron overload levels in patients with beta-thalassemia. The new drug was well-tolerated, with common side effects including skin rash and gastrointestinal issues.
Researchers found that blood tests T-SPOT.TB and QuantiFERON-TB Gold show good diagnostic agreement with the skin test, but have higher specificity. This suggests they could increase diagnostic sensitivity in testing for latent TB infection. However, results differ between blood tests, especially in immunosuppressed patients and young ...
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that delaying aortic trauma repair can lead to better survival outcomes for patients with certain injuries. Dr. Amy Reed's study analyzed 51 cases and found that 54% of patients who underwent delayed endovascular repair survived, compared to 38% of those who received immediate open repair.
Researchers identified a liver-derived protein complex as the first essential brain signal governing seasonal adaptation in hibernating animals. This discovery may pave the way toward clinical therapies that protect humans from lethal diseases like hypothermia and ischemia.
Researchers measured pain in premature infants through brain scans during routine care procedures, finding evidence of processed pain in the higher levels of the brain. The study highlights the need for effective pain management in preterm babies, who experience repeated painful procedures daily.
A study by Lee S. Berk found that watching a favorite funny movie increases beta-endorphins by 27% and human growth hormone by 87%. This 'anticipatory mirthful laughter experience' has long-lasting effects on stress reduction and immune response.
Researchers analyzed 36 M-rated video games and found nearly all contained violence and blood, with 4,268 human deaths observed. The study highlights the need for parents and physicians to recognize that popular M-rated games contain unlabeled content that may negatively influence children's perceptions and behaviors.
A study found that vitamin C depletion is associated with lower body fat, but not with weight loss in a short-term low-fat diet. Participants who took a vitamin C supplement had increased blood levels of vitamin C and improved ability to oxidize fat.
Researchers have developed a novel technique using standard surgical stents and synthetic endografts to effectively treat patients with severe blunt thoracic aortic trauma, reducing the risk of death from blood loss. The method provides a reliable way for emergency surgeons to repair difficult injuries using readily accessible materials.
The study found that middle-aged donors (40-59 years old) are the largest group, representing 45% of all donors. E-mail reminders and 'Bring a Friend Day' events will be used to engage young donors in the future.
A national pilot study by Medical College of Wisconsin researchers showed that the use of ResQ-Valve with CPR increases short-term survival in patients with cardiac arrest heart rhythm called 'pulseless electrical activity'. The device facilitates venous blood return to the chest, increasing forward blood flow during CPR.
A new study found that genetic variations lowering LDL cholesterol levels can significantly reduce coronary heart disease risk. People with these variations were eight times less likely to develop heart disease than those without them.
The report highlights the reduction in mortality rates following organ transplantation, with primary graft dysfunction being a significant factor affecting long-term survival. Lung transplant patients also experience chronic rejection and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, leading to reduced pulmonary function and quality of life.
Researchers found that people with diabetes from different ethnic groups have varying levels of muscle mass in the left ventricle, a key indicator of heart health. In white, African-American, and Hispanic individuals, increased muscle mass was linked to subclinical atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a new potential biomarker for multiple sclerosis, a protein fragment called 12.5 kDa cystatin found in cerebrospinal fluid, which may help diagnose the disease and monitor treatment efficacy.
A study of 106 healthy volunteers found that lower omega-3 levels were associated with depression symptoms, a negative outlook, and impulsivity. Higher omega-3 levels were linked to increased agreeableness.
A neoprene suit, called NASG, can save lives of women suffering from obstetrical hemorrhaging due to childbirth by reversing shock and decreasing bleeding. The study found a 69% decrease in death and severe illness among patients treated with the NASG.
A portable cocaine sensor has been developed at UC Santa Barbara, enabling rapid detection of illegal substances in bodily fluids. The sensor is based on a generic, inexpensive method that can detect a range of targets, including prescription drugs and bioterrorism agents.
A new study found that eating one grapefruit daily can lower blood lipid levels in patients with hyperlipidemia, reducing the risk of heart disease. Grapefruit's antioxidant action is believed to be beneficial for cardiovascular health.
A study by UCLA researchers found that men with cardiovascular disease may benefit from lower blood sugar levels, but women's risk of death increases with higher glucose levels. The research analyzed data from over 1,200 patients and suggested that there is no 'normal' blood sugar level for men with heart disease.
A study found that only 2% of stroke patients receiving clot-busting treatment arrived within three hours of symptom onset. Factors such as ambulance transport, gender, and time of arrival significantly increased the chances of receiving treatment. Warning signs of stroke include sudden numbness, confusion, and severe headache.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.