Articles tagged with Blood
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 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 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 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.
Researchers found that an extract from Opuntia ficus indica (prickly pear fruit) reduced nausea, dry mouth, and loss of appetite in young adult volunteers. The study also showed a moderate reduction in hangover symptom severity, with higher levels of C-reactive protein associated with placebo treatment.
Regular cardiac monitoring and prompt treatment can prevent and reverse severe heart dysfunction in thalassemia major patients. The study found that intensive deferoxamine mesylate treatment significantly improved survival rates among those who complied with therapy.
Researchers genetically modified mice to lack the CT or PEMT pathways, resulting in significant reductions of lipoproteins and homocysteine levels. This suggests pharmacological inhibition of PC manufacture in the liver as a potential approach to lower LDL cholesterol and homocysteine levels.
Researchers found that high levels of lead and cadmium in adults were associated with a 2.8 times greater risk of developing peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Smoking was also found to increase the risk of PAD, possibly due to cadmium's damage to blood vessel linings.
Research found that adults with high blood concentrations of lead or cadmium were almost three times more likely to develop peripheral artery disease, a condition similar to coronary artery disease. The study suggests that low-level exposure to these metals may be problematic in terms of cardiovascular disease risk.
A study of 2,125 adults found that those with the highest blood concentrations of lead or cadmium were almost three times more likely to develop PAD. The highest levels of the two metals were well within what is currently considered safe levels.
Perfusion CT scans can reveal how much blood is present in the brain and how quickly it's moving, helping doctors decide on treatments such as surgery or clotbuster drugs. The technique has shown promise in assessing patients with stroke or carotid artery issues, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
A new study found that D-dimer tests can eliminate the need for CT angiograms of the lungs in 60% of cases, where the result is negative. The test measures the amount of D-dimer in blood, a breakdown product of fibrin, which forms blood clots.
Loyola Medicine is conducting a clinical trial testing a new oxygen-carrying blood substitute for trauma patients. The study aims to compare the survival rate of patients receiving the blood substitute with those receiving saline solution. Community outreach efforts have been made to inform the public about the trial.
New global trials build on earlier phase III studies demonstrating FOSRENOL's efficacy in treating hyperphosphataemia. The new trials aim to confirm safety and efficacy of the phosphate binder, which has shown lower incidence of hypercalcaemia compared to calcium-based binders.
A study reveals that anti-clotting treatment is underused at many hospitals in the US, with significant differences between academic and community hospitals. The American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines program aims to bridge this gap and simplify patient care.
Researchers found a significant association between high blood testosterone levels and an increased risk of prostate cancer in older men. The study, which followed over 3,000 men for 40 years, also showed that the protein sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) was associated with a slightly decreased risk for prostate cancer.
MDCT angiography has been shown to accurately demonstrate filling defects in the superior mesenteric artery and its branches. The study found that MDCT angiography enabled correct diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia in 10 out of 41 patients, providing alternative diagnoses for 19 remaining cases.
A clinical trial of 370 patients found that Pfizer's VFEND was as effective as the two-drug standard of amphotericin B and fluconazole in treating Candidemia. The treatment successfully cleared Candida from the blood, with a response rate of 41% at 12 weeks.
A study found MRI to be highly useful in the evaluation of patients with uterine fibroids. The imaging technique offers advantages over sonography, including a larger field of view and better contrast resolution. MRI can help identify subsets of patients who may not benefit from UAE treatment, allowing for more personalized care.
A study of 160 pregnant women with genetic risk factors for thrombophilia found that enoxaparin significantly reduced pregnancy loss compared to low-dose aspirin. Women taking enoxaparin had a normal live birth rate of 86% and healthy newborns, while those on aspirin suffered more pregnancy losses.
Research found a direct correlation between viral levels in blood and semen, with acutely infected individuals being hyper-infectious before symptoms occur. Transmission rates during heterosexual sex are likely to be much higher than previously thought during this period.
A new bio-bar-code amplification test could provide a comprehensive disease profile from a single drop of blood, making it ideal for resource-poor settings. The test has already shown promise in detecting anthrax and prostate cancer, with the potential to be ready for marketing within one year.
Duke researchers found that slower rewarming reduces brain temperature and hyperthermia risks after coronary artery bypass surgery. This leads to improved cognitive outcomes for patients six weeks post-surgery. A seven-year analysis of 6,334 patients showed significant reductions in hyperthermic episodes.
Research found a 50% increased risk of total stroke and 70% increased risk of ischemic stroke in women with migraine with aura, compared to those without. High cholesterol levels were also associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke.
Researchers found that black women with high blood pressure during pregnancy had the highest homocysteine levels, while white women had lower levels. The study suggests increasing folic acid intake among blacks to mitigate this risk. Homocysteine levels are influenced by diet and genetic factors.
Scientists create microscision technique that uses gas to bombard skin with tiny crystals, creating invisible conduits for drug delivery. The new method is shown to be effective in administering local anaesthesia without causing pain, making it a promising alternative to traditional needles.
Researchers are cloning mosquito genes to understand the hormone-controlled mechanism of diuresis, a fast process by which mosquitoes excrete waste. This study aims to develop new, selective insecticides targeting the hormone receptor, potentially controlling vector-borne diseases like dengue fever.
According to a study, only 15% of stroke patients arrive at the hospital within three hours of symptom onset. This leads to a low rate of IV tPA use, which is critical for dissolving blood clots and restoring blood flow. The researchers found that shortening ED arrival times could significantly increase IV tPA use in the US.
A new study found that taking DHEA, a hormone supplement popular among athletes, does not increase testosterone levels but boosts other harmful hormones associated with prostate growth. Researchers tested 12 healthy men and found increased levels of byproduct hormones that may be bad for the prostate.
In 2003, US blood banks screened nearly 6 million donations for West Nile virus, identifying over 1,000 infected units and removing them from the supply. The screenings reduced the risk of transmission associated with blood transfusions, highlighting the effectiveness of proactive measures in preventing disease spread.
Researchers discovered a link between serum amyloid alpha (SAA) and future cardiovascular events, with increased levels predicting a 3% higher risk of heart attack or stroke over three years. SAA appears to respond specifically to active heart disease, making it a potential more accurate predictor than C-reactive protein.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that patients on peritoneal dialysis rate their care as excellent, citing independence, access to staff, and quality of treatment. In contrast, hemodialysis patients report lower satisfaction rates, with many citing inadequate information and economic factors as barriers.
Researchers found a 21% higher risk of death from stroke among children under 20 in stroke belt states compared to non-stroke belt states. The study highlights the need to consider environmental and cultural factors in understanding childhood stroke.
Researchers developed an algorithm, Q5, using PCA and LDA to differentiate between healthy and diseased blood samples. The algorithm achieved virtually 100% accuracy for ovarian cancer and approximately 95% accuracy for prostate cancer.
Researchers have identified elevated levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1) in pregnant women at risk of developing preeclampsia. This finding suggests that sFlt1 may serve as a biomarker for early detection and potentially inform treatment strategies through the administration of drug therapies that neutralize its effects.
A new corkscrew-shaped retrieval system has been shown to restore blood flow and reverse paralysis in 61 of 114 patients with ischemic strokes. The device, MERCI Retrieval System, was able to dissolve clots and open blood vessels in patients who were not eligible for standard tPA therapy within three hours.
Researchers at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that combining RU 486 with relaxin could hasten labor and promote healthy delivery in rats. The study suggests that this two-drug approach may also shorten painful labor and reduce Caesarean sections in humans.
A study monitored sun exposure, diet and blood levels of vitamin D in 23 teenage girls from ages 10 to 13 years old. The results showed that almost half of the Bangor area girls had insufficient levels of vitamin D in their blood, with 17% having low levels in September.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) have released joint clinical guidelines to manage atrial fibrillation, a common heart condition. The guidelines focus on controlling heart rate and stroke prevention with blood thinners, rather than restoring sinus rhythm.
Research suggests that air travel increases the risk of blood clots, particularly in individuals with genetic predispositions and those taking oral contraceptives. Long-haul flights lasting eight hours or longer may double the risk of isolated calf muscle venous thrombosis.
A new direct thrombin inhibitor, ximelagatran, has shown promising results in preventing recurrent venous thromboembolism in patients with acute deep vein thrombosis. The study found that oral ximelagatran was as effective as enoxaparin/warfarin in preventing this condition, while also reducing major bleeding and mortality rates.
The SPORTIF III study found that oral ximelagatran was at least as effective as warfarin in reducing the frequency of stroke or systemic blood clots, with a lower risk of bleeding. Ximelagatran may offer a safer alternative to warfarin for patients with atrial fibrillation and high stroke risk.
Elderly Americans with heart failure consume significantly more healthcare resources than those without the condition, with average four-year costs of $27,822. Diastolic heart failure is estimated to be more prevalent in the elderly population and may require further study due to limited clinical trials.
A new implantable device called OPTIMIZER II has shown promise in treating heart failure by strengthening the heart's contraction using an electrical signal. The study enrolled 25 patients with moderately severe heart failure and found a statistically significant improvement in ejection fraction and quality of life.
A study of 177 patients found higher blood levels of sitosterol were associated with an increased risk of coronary events. Patients with high LDL cholesterol and elevated sitosterol levels were at nearly double the risk of a major coronary event.
Researchers found that lupus patients' autoantibodies accumulated in the blood in a predictable pattern before diagnosis, slowing down after therapy. The study's findings may help identify and monitor people at risk of developing autoimmune diseases like lupus.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that systolic blood pressure is the strongest indicator of increased mortality risk. Systolic pressure was more closely associated with an increased risk of death compared to diastolic and pulse pressure, especially among older adults.
In a groundbreaking clinical trial, OHSU doctors used the Onyx Liquid Embolic System to repair aneurysms in patients with promising results. The new procedure uses a catheter to inject a liquid that solidifies into a spongy mass, sealing off the defect and preventing future ruptures.
Researchers have developed a new drug, ximelagatran, that is absorbed quickly and has no food or drug interactions, making it easier to manage than warfarin. The study found that the new drug was significantly superior to warfarin in preventing blood clots, with fewer side effects.
The glycemic index (GI) is gaining recognition as a valuable tool for nutrition education and planning. Research suggests that moderating the GI of foods can have important health implications, particularly for active individuals. The use of GI in food selection and menu planning can help provide lasting energy.
A study by Joslin Diabetes Center shows that care ambassadors can significantly improve blood sugar levels and reduce complications in children with type 1 diabetes. The program helps families establish patterns of lifelong diabetes management, leading to fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits.