Research on blood and what it reveals about health. Covers blood biomarkers, occupational exposure, cell-preservation for CAR-T therapy, and blood supply.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that between 2-6% of recipient mosquitoes acquired the virus in experiments, with a single bite from an infected donor mosquito infecting two out of 87 recipient mosquitoes. This new transmission method could accelerate disease spread by bypassing the need for high viremia levels.
Loyola researchers found higher levels of BNP in patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy than constrictive pericarditis, enabling quicker diagnosis and treatment. This discovery may improve patient outcomes for the millions of Americans affected by congestive heart failure.
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.
Researchers discovered genetic variations in the VKORC1 gene that affect warfarin dosing, allowing for more precise patient treatment. The study, supported by the NIH Pharmacogenetics Research Network, may enable doctors to set ideal doses quickly and precisely.
Research from Mayo Clinic Proceedings reveals that patients traveling long distances prior to surgery are at increased risk of postoperative blood clots, which can be life-threatening. The study also found a threshold for anesthesia duration that increases the risk of blood clots in veins after surgery.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a natural compound, nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), that helps keep airways open and may offer a new approach to treating asthma. Mice with elevated levels of GSNO were less susceptible to asthma, while those deficient in GSNO developed the disease.
The study found that patients with a history of atrial fibrillation and risk factors for stroke should maintain anticoagulation therapy, including warfarin, regardless of sinus rhythm control. The researchers identified seven variables significantly associated with stroke risk, including increasing age and female gender.
The study demonstrates that umbilical cord-blood transplant is a life-saving treatment for newborns with infantile Krabbe's disease. Most infants with the disease die before reaching age 2, but treated newborns showed continual improvement in developmental skills and had age-appropriate mental and language skills.
A new study found that increasing breast cancer screening recall rates can detect more breast cancers earlier, but the benefit levels off. Premenopausal women with elevated hormone levels have an increased risk of breast cancer.
A follow-up study of 474 patients found that men have a higher risk of recurring blood clots than women, and that women who use oral contraceptives are more likely to experience recurrence. The study also suggests that adequate prophylactic anticoagulation is the most important measure to reduce the risk of recurrent events.
Researchers found rifaximin significantly reduces mild diarrhea in travelers, while updated guidelines advise against hormone replacement therapy (HT) for postmenopausal women after hysterectomy. A study also discovered that slightly elevated blood sugar levels do not increase the risk of new heart attacks in women with established cor...
A new study found that women taking tamoxifen for breast cancer are nearly four times more likely to have a Factor V Leiden mutation, which increases the risk of blood clots. The research suggests testing for this mutation could help identify women who may benefit from alternative treatments or anticoagulants.
A recent Michigan Medicine study reveals that only 53.9% of children with elevated blood lead levels in Medicaid received critical subsequent follow-up testing, leaving many vulnerable to lead poisoning. Nearly half of those who did receive testing still had elevated blood lead levels, highlighting missed opportunities for prevention.
A study found that only 53.9% of Medicaid-enrolled children with elevated blood lead levels received follow-up testing within 180 days. Despite this, many children still had elevated blood levels, underscoring the importance of continued screening and prevention efforts.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that blood stream invasion occurs in nearly half of untreated adults with erythema migrans, a tell-tale bull's eye rash. Younger patients and those with prior Lyme disease experience lower rates of invasion.
Researchers found that a fiber supplement significantly decreased LDL and increased HDL cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests an alternative treatment option for those unable or unwilling to take statins.
Researchers found that successful teams in arts and sciences have diverse membership, with old and new members adding creative spark. Unsuccessful teams are isolated, whereas successful teams are interconnected like the Kevin Bacon game.
Researchers discovered highest blood iron levels among Asians and Pacific Islanders, yet lowest prevalence of associated HFE gene mutations. The study recruited over 100,000 participants to better understand hemochromatosis prevalence in diverse ethnic groups.
A massive study of 100,000 individuals found that Caucasians have the highest prevalence of hemochromatosis/iron overload due to a specific gene mutation. In contrast, Asian and Pacific Islanders have high blood iron levels despite lower genetic mutations, suggesting a different underlying cause.
The study identifies the BptA protein as essential for Borrelia burgdorfei's survival in ticks and potentially offers a new target for Lyme disease eradication. Without this protein, bacteria were unable to utilize blood from tick feeding, resulting in a significant decrease in bacterial levels.
A study found that combining carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgeries increases the risk of post-operative stroke by 6.8%, compared to 1.8% in CABG alone. Experts believe further randomized trials are necessary to assess the appropriateness of this combined procedure.
A study of 474 older adults found no association between mercury exposure and adverse neurobehavioral effects. The research suggests that low blood mercury levels may not pose a concern for this vulnerable population, requiring further studies to confirm the findings.
Researchers found that mercury levels were not consistently associated with adverse performance on a broad range of tests, except for improved performance on motor speed and eye-hand coordination tests. The study suggests that the aging population may be more sensitive to toxic chemicals.
Researchers at Monash University have developed a new class of drugs that stop the formation of blood clots without increasing bleeding risk, offering a safer alternative to aspirin. The PI 3-kinase inhibitors may prove vital in treating heart attack and stroke patients, with promising results from animal studies and phase I trials.
A review of treatments for pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in children reveals an acute need for more research into diagnosing the condition. The study found that only four per cent of blood clots in children presented without any risk factors, highlighting the importance of recognizing symptoms.
A new study shows that the GeoForm mitral valve repair ring can reverse damage caused by congestive heart failure and improve symptoms in patients with severe mitral valve regurgitation. The ring has been approved for tightening leaky mitral valves, but also changes the shape of the left ventricle to help it contract better.
A Umeå research team has made a breakthrough in understanding how obesity causes diabetes, fatty liver, and blood-fat disturbances. The study found that mice lacking a specific receptor, GPR40, are protected from these complications when fed a calorie-rich diet.
A new blood test using NT-proBNP assay can accurately diagnose heart failure in emergency patients with shortness of breath. Combining the test results with clinical judgement provides the most accurate diagnosis.
Researchers are investigating early changes in the heart's function that may lead to congestive heart failure. Studying 15-18-year-olds on video games and measuring blood pressure, they hope to identify factors triggering diastolic dysfunction.
A new study suggests that family physicians can effectively use a definitive blood test to screen for actual allergies in patients with hay fever or allergic rhinitis. The test evaluates the reaction of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) to specific allergens, such as pollen from grass and trees.
The Mt. Everest team, comprising anaesthesia and intensive care experts, aims to study human physiology in extreme environments by testing a closed-circuit breathing system and investigating the effects of hypoxia on brain function and genetics. The expedition seeks to understand acclimatization at the very limit.
Researchers found that beta-blockers significantly reduced risk of death for patients with chronic severe mitral regurgitation and normal ejection fraction. The study also showed improved survival in patients with diastolic heart failure, a condition affecting nearly 50% of all CHF patients.
A Mayo Clinic study establishes a threshold for valve repair surgery in patients with severe mitral regurgitation, indicating that those with large regurgitant orifice areas are at high risk of death if treated medically. The study suggests that valve surgery can restore normal life expectancy and reduce mortality by up to five times.
A study published in Annals of Neurology found a strong association between dolichoectasia, a rare blood vessel disorder, and small vessel disease, a significant cause of lacunar or 'mini' strokes. The research may offer new insights into the causes and treatment of this condition.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered 'broken heart' syndrome, a condition where emotional stress triggers severe but reversible heart muscle weakness. The study found that patients experienced rapid improvement in heart function within days and complete recovery within two weeks.
A new stroke-prevention drug, Exanta, has been shown to reduce the risk of major hemorrhage by 26% and is equivalent to warfarin in preventing strokes. However, its high price makes it cost-ineffective for most patients at low risk of bleeding, except those with a high risk of both stroke and bleeding.
The SPORTIF V trial found ximelagatran effective in preventing strokes and systemic embolic events, but with higher mortality rates compared to warfarin. The study results suggest a solid clinical benefit for ximelagatran, but more research is needed to safely bring it to market.
A new study by UCI researchers found that carotid-artery plaques develop depressions called ulcerations that can lead to stroke-causing blood clots. Early detection and treatment of these plaques before ulceration growth may benefit people at risk for stroke.
Researchers found that diabetic patients are more likely to develop bacteremia caused by urinary tract infections, leading to a higher risk of death. The study suggests that diabetics should seek medical care promptly if they experience signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection or bacteremia/sepsis.