Articles tagged with Blood
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
A large study found that early surgery does not reduce deaths and disability in patients with brain hemorrhage. Only patients with small blood clots near the surface of the brain may benefit from surgical intervention.
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.
Researchers found that indirect CT venography increases the detection rate of thromboembolic disease by 20% compared to traditional CTPA. The addition of CTV improves diagnosis for patients with pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis, saving lives.
A new study shows that exercise improves three measures of heart protection in postmenopausal women, including better blood clotting profiles and reduced blood clot activation. Regular physical activity may help prevent the formation of blood clots, leading to a lower risk of heart attacks.
Researchers used Mendelian randomization to investigate the link between homocysteine levels and stroke risk. They found that individuals with a specific genetic variation had higher homocysteine levels and increased stroke risk, suggesting a potential role for folic acid and B vitamins in preventing strokes.
A new study suggests that rotary blood pumps may be effective in children with heart failure, potentially saving thousands of lives by sustaining heart function until recovery or transplantation. Researchers believe the technology has the potential to improve treatment outcomes for pediatric patients.
A new analysis found that heavy alcohol drinking was associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke in men. Moderate drinking of red wine, on the other hand, was linked to a lower risk of stroke compared to other forms of alcohol consumption.
A new study links higher MBL protein levels to reduced risk of heart attack, particularly in individuals with diabetes. The protein's role in clearing oxidized cholesterol from arteries may be a key factor.
Researchers found that a combination of thalidomide and dexamethasone is as effective as standard intravenous chemotherapy in treating newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. A newer analog, CC-5013 (lenalidomide), showed promise with fewer side effects.
A recent study published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that drinking pomelit juice daily can lower LDL blood cholesterol and increase antioxidant activity. Hypercholesterolic patients may benefit from adding fresh Sweetie juice to their diet as a preventative measure against future heart disease.
Adults with diabetes have experienced a 50% reduction in the rate of incident CVD, while those without diabetes saw a 35% reduction. Patients with diabetes have benefited from similar declines as those without, with substantial room for further progress to reduce high CVD event risks.
Researchers found that alcohol impairs brain areas controlling motor functions, leading to increased speeding and crashing. Brain regions involved in decision-making and working memory were not affected until drivers reached a blood alcohol level of 0.08.
Researchers found that ultrasound therapy increased clot clearance by 26% compared to tPA alone, with 70% of patients experiencing complete or partial clearance. The study used a hand-held extracranial ultrasound device to deliver heavy doses of the clot-busting drug tPA directly to blood clots.
Researchers found that statins decrease abnormalities associated with antiphospholipid antibodies, which can cause recurring blood clots. Statins may provide an alternative therapy to warfarin for patients with aPL.
A study published in JAMA found that metabolic syndrome is associated with poor cognitive outcomes in elderly individuals. Participants with the metabolic syndrome and high inflammation showed a significant increase in cognitive impairment and four-year decline in cognitive testing scores compared to those without the metabolic syndrome.
Researchers found that patients' neuromotor functions, including problem-solving and motor skills, significantly declined after cancer treatment but recovered within a year. Factors such as chemotherapy type and immune suppressant use lowered the risk of impaired function.
Loyola is conducting a clinical trial using a blood substitute in trauma patients to increase oxygen delivery and improve survival rates. The study aims to compare the survival rate of patients receiving the blood substitute to those receiving saline solution.
A new clinical trial has found that high skin sterol levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease in patients with coronary artery disease. The study, published by IMI International Medical Innovations, used a prospective registry to examine the relationship between skin sterol and cardiovascular risk factors.
A study by Emory University researchers found that brief reductions in blood oxygen levels during critical brain development can lead to long-lasting deficiencies in dopamine release and hyperactivity in juvenile rats. This discovery may help explain the development of ADHD and provide insights into potential treatments.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have created a novel drug-antidote strategy that provides greater control of drug action. The breakthrough enables the development of matched drug-antidote pairs at the beginning of the drug development process, allowing for more precise treatment.
The Stanford cooling tool uses a local subatmospheric pressure environment to cool the body from the inside out, reducing recovery time after anesthesia. By extending endurance in hot environments, the device has significant implications for athletes, military personnel, and factory workers.
A study finds that 50% of patients with Crohn's disease have viable MAP in their blood, suggesting a systemic infection. The findings raise questions about the role of MAP in IBD and highlight the need for further research to clarify its significance.
A study of healthy individuals aged 60-64 found a significant relationship between high homocysteine levels and changes in deep white matter hyperintensities in the brain, which may be related to mild cognitive impairment. However, HCY levels were not associated with brain atrophy.
The majority of kidney transplant candidates waiting for kidneys have blood type O and are forced to wait even longer for a deceased donor kidney when list-paired exchanges are permitted. Researchers propose limiting these exchanges to pairs with compatible blood types to make them a moral option.
The research project aims to identify tick genes that spread serious illnesses, such as Lyme disease. By analyzing the genome data, scientists hope to develop vaccines to block transmission of microbes that cause tick-borne illnesses.
A new study has found that patients with high levels of circulating tumor cells in their blood have shorter progression-free survival and overall survival rates compared to those with low levels. The presence of these cells can predict prognosis more accurately than other factors, allowing for more tailored treatment decisions.
A nationwide study shows that nucleic acid-amplification testing (NAT) significantly reduces the risk of HIV-1 and HCV infections in blood recipients. NAT detects viral genes earlier than antibody tests, allowing for faster identification and disposal of infected donations.
A new study found that wearing below-the-knee elastic compression stockings every day reduces the incidence of DVT complications from 49% to 26% and severe complications from 12% to 3.5% after a blood clot in two years. The study suggests that stocking therapy should be routine after a deep-vein blood clot.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found high levels of mercury in sport-fish eaters' blood, particularly among Asian-Canadians. The findings emphasize the need for ongoing surveillance and education to minimize health risks from contaminated fish consumption.
The Emory University Health Sciences Center, AABB, and Red Cross will work together to reduce HIV transmission in developing countries by improving blood supply systems, testing for HIV, and creating safe transfusion centers.
A new study suggests that a stroke-prevention strategy for kids pioneered at MCG is working. The program, which involves regular blood transfusions and screening using transcranial Doppler, has led to an 80% decline in strokes among California children with sickle cell disease.
Research found that infants with higher maternal DHA levels at birth showed more mature attentional development and were less distractible during play. This suggests a potential link between DHA supplementation during pregnancy and improved infant cognitive functions.
Researchers found that using growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) therapy can increase normal growth hormone production and regulation in men with HIV lipodystrophy. This approach resulted in improved body composition, reduced fat deposits, and better cardiovascular health outcomes.
Researchers found that daily doses of ginseng significantly reduced the anti-clotting effect of warfarin, a common blood-thinner medication. The study suggests that substances within ginseng may enhance the function of enzymes that break down warfarin.
A study found that American ginseng reduced the anticoagulant effect of warfarin in healthy volunteers. Additionally, researchers observed that only 57% of doctors followed standard hand hygiene practices, with factors such as high workload and risk for cross-transmission affecting compliance.
Researchers have identified a potential biomarker for ovarian cancer using a blood test that accurately predicts the presence of the disease in 93% of cases. The study suggests that lysophospholipids, found in high levels in most ovarian cancer patients, may be used to develop an early detection strategy for this devastating disease.