Research on blood and what it reveals about health. Covers blood biomarkers, occupational exposure, cell-preservation for CAR-T therapy, and blood supply.
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.
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 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.
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.
For the first time, a US patient's entire aortic arch has been successfully repaired using this technique. The procedure minimizes complications and allows patients to recover quickly, with a lower risk of death or complications compared to traditional open surgery.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a new blood test that can detect lung cancer in its earliest stages using MALDI-TOF MS. The test targets serum amyloid A, a protein elevated in lung cancer patients' blood.
Researchers have discovered a direct correlation between Bmp4 activity levels and septum development in congenital heart disease. By manipulating Bmp4 expression, the team recreated the full spectrum of defects seen in AVCD patients, providing a valuable genetic model for future research.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research and National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute have launched three research programs to address heart attack resuscitation, cellular imaging, and thrombotic disorders. The programs aim to improve cardiovascular disease treatment outcomes, particularly in developing countries.
A multicentre hospital-based case-control study found that transdermal estrogen replacement therapy is not associated with an increased risk of venous blood clots in postmenopausal women. In contrast, oral estrogen replacement therapy was linked to a significantly higher risk of developing venous thromboembolism.
A Johns Hopkins study found that home visits from community health workers led to a 4.5 mmHg systolic and 4 mmHg diastolic blood pressure reduction, with the percentage of participants controlling their blood pressure doubling over three years.
A large study of nearly 7,000 American adults found that higher vitamin C levels were associated with a lower prevalence of H. pylori infection. The researchers suggest that adequate vitamin C intake may reduce the risk of peptic ulcers and stomach cancer, although more research is needed to confirm this association.
A study by Frits Rosendaal and colleagues found that haemophilia carriers have a significantly lower risk of ischaemic heart disease, with a 36% decrease in overall mortality. This reduction in blood clotting may offer protection against heart attacks and has implications for future prevention strategies.
A study of 224 patients with end-stage renal disease found that blood tests measuring troponin T and C-reactive protein can detect silent, small heart attacks and coronary artery disease. The results may help doctors gauge the risk of heart disease in dialysis patients without cardiac symptoms.
A bowel cancer screening trial tested faecal occult blood testing in the UK population and found detection rates lower in the West Midlands than Scotland. The study identified the need to target specific groups and recommends a national strategy targeting colorectal cancer, including awareness-raising measures.
Researchers found a clear association between increased DDT concentrations in maternal blood and decreased chance of pregnancy in daughters. The opposite effect of DDE concentrations was unexpected, but may explain the lack of large changes in human reproductive performance after DDT introduction.
Researchers exposed eight healthy participants to hypoxia and normal air conditions to investigate potential link between air travel and venous thrombosis (DVT). The study found no significant changes in clotting activity during hypoxic exposure, but a larger study is required to confirm these findings.
A new biomarker, HE4, has been identified as a potential tool for early detection of ovarian cancer. The molecule is secreted into the blood and its presence can be detected in simple clinical tests.
The US patient underwent the second procedure in the revised Phase I human clinical trials at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. The Arrow LionHeart device has shown promising results in lengthening and improving the lives of patients with end-stage heart failure.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with patent foramen ovale, a common heart condition, are at increased risk of stroke after air travel. Researchers analyzed data from over 155 million passengers and found that six percent of those who developed pulmonary embolism had strokes.
The American Society of Hematology's Journal of Blood is the most cited peer-reviewed publication in the field, featuring latest research on blood disorders. New articles will be made available online about three months ahead of print.
A study found that Pakistani injection drug users are twice as likely to donate blood, putting the general population at risk of spreading blood-borne diseases. The researchers advocate for increased screening and interventions to prevent the spread of infections.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine found a potential new treatment for type-2 diabetes that also reduces the risk of heart disease. The study showed that rosiglitazone, a common diabetes medication, can decrease inflammation and lower cardiovascular risk factors.
Early-onset group B streptococcal (EOGBS) infection affects one in 1000 newborns, but diagnostic tests often yield false-negative results. A new study suggests that active surveillance and alternative diagnostic methods could improve accurate diagnosis and prevention of this potentially deadly disease.
Researchers found a slight benefit of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients with metastatic breast cancer, experiencing delayed tumor progression despite poor prognosis. The study's findings suggest a potential
Duke University researchers found that exercise reduces potentially harmful cholesterol levels in the blood. The extent of this benefit depends on exercise amount and intensity, as well as gender. After a five-year trial, they discovered that high-intensity exercise led to sustained benefits in HDL cholesterol for both men and women.
Researchers found that executive cognitive functioning is more impaired during the descending limb of the blood alcohol concentration curve, when people no longer feel stimulated by alcohol. This effect lasts much longer than previously believed, with significant ramifications for behaviors like driving and aggression.
A new study by Dr. Sandor Joffe found that wireless capsule endoscopy was more effective than a small bowel series in finding the cause of patient symptoms, including vascular malformations and bleeding. However, the procedure has some downsides, including long wear time for data receiver.
A new radiology procedure has been shown to alleviate pain caused by uterine fibroids, with all nine patients experiencing significant symptomatic improvement. The procedure involves blocking blood flow to the affected area using special particles or spheres, resulting in normal menstrual periods and no hormonal changes.
The editorial highlights China's slow information-gathering from rural districts and secretive attitude to national health statistics as major challenges. A concerted effort to compile accurate statistics on HIV/AIDS prevalence could demonstrate China's ability to learn from its mistakes and acknowledge global responsibilities.
A study by Cornell University scientists found that children suffer intellectual impairment at blood-lead concentrations as low as 10 mcg/dl, even below the current CDC acceptable limit of 25 mcg/dl. The amount of impairment was most pronounced at lower levels, with a decline in IQ scores of up to 7 points.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that even low levels of lead exposure can cause intellectual impairment in children. The researchers discovered that most of the damage to intellectual functioning occurs at blood lead concentrations below 10 micrograms per deciliter.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that alcohol increases a person's vulnerability to injury in car crashes, regardless of blood-alcohol level. Drivers and passengers with any amount of alcohol in their system were more than one and a half times as likely to experience serious injuries, which severity was also 30% higher.
Researchers tested a combination of caffeine and ethanol, called caffeinol, in human patients after ischemic stroke. The study found that the combination reduced brain damage by up to 80% in previous animal studies, with human results showing similar protective effects.
A study published in The Lancet found that retrograde catheterization of the aortic valve can lead to clinically silent cerebral embolic lesions, with a substantial risk of structural ischaemic brain damage. Patients undergoing this procedure are at risk of clinical neurological complications, including impaired neurological function.
Researchers discovered that one out of six patients with a history of atrial fibrillation had asymptomatic episodes, highlighting the need for regular blood thinning to prevent stroke. The study suggests doctors should assume the worst when treating patients at risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke.
Women with circulating tumor cells in their blood have a median survival of less than 24 months, compared to over 24 months without them. The presence of cancer cells in the blood predicts prognosis more accurately than other factors, indicating a possible link between blood-circulating tumor cells and aggressive breast cancer.
Researchers found that nearly seven percent of stroke patients with a-fib experienced strokes after discontinuing warfarin for medical procedures. The study highlights the risk of stroke in a-fib patients and suggests a more conservative approach to anti-clotting medication management prior to surgery.
A quadruple test that measures four maternal blood markers is more effective than earlier single marker tests in detecting Down's syndrome pregnancies. The test detected 81% of Down's syndrome cases, while a single marker test detected only 51%.
ApoB is a more robust indicator of cardiac events than cholesterol levels, according to MUHC cardiologists. Measuring apoB can help identify patients at risk of heart attacks even if their cholesterol levels are well-controlled.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that a specific enzyme is associated with high levels of HDL, which may have both positive and negative effects on cardiovascular health. The study suggests that the enzyme's impact on cholesterol transport to the liver could be beneficial or detrimental.
Researchers found that cardiac surgery patients with the factor V Leiden gene variant lost less blood and required fewer transfusions than those without the mutation. The study suggests a new approach to personalized medicine, tailoring therapies based on individual genetic risk factors.
The Prevention of Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism trial found that low-dose warfarin prevents episodes of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism with a significant reduction in risk. The study showed no major bleeding complications, making it an effective and safe treatment option.