Research on blood and what it reveals about health. Covers blood biomarkers, occupational exposure, cell-preservation for CAR-T therapy, and blood supply.
A study published in Archives of Neurology found that Parkinson's patients treated with levodopa have higher levels of homocysteine, a risk factor for heart disease and dementia. The study suggests that monitoring homocysteine levels may be necessary for patients at risk of heart disease.
The behavior of punishing others for their injury is widespread in the animal kingdom, with humans adding a conscious sense of what to achieve through revenge. This leads to complex social rules governing who can be targeted and when, often prioritizing balance over personal relationships.
The new mat mimics natural clotting processes by creating fibers of similar dimensions to those found in the body. It can be used for minor cuts or severe battlefield wounds, promoting clotting and eventual absorption by the body.
A new study suggests that Alzheimer caregivers' chronic stress may trigger excessive blood clotting, increasing the risk of coronary events such as heart attacks. The research found that high levels of stress were associated with higher fibrin D-dimer levels, even within normal ranges.
Researchers found that CRP levels above 3.0mg/L significantly increased the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death from cardiovascular disease in women with metabolic syndrome. Higher CRP levels were also associated with higher cardiovascular risk, even among those with lower CRP levels.
A study found that premature babies with mild to moderate oxygen deprivation during or immediately after birth had significantly lower cognitive and language skills compared to those with no such risk. The researchers suggest that even minor risk of hypoxia may be associated with damage to the brain's periventricular white matter.
Research reveals a strong link between poor amino acid breakdown and increased heart disease risk. Folic acid supplementation shows promise in reducing homocysteine levels and associated cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that recombinant activated factor VIIA significantly reduced blood loss during abdominal prostate removal surgery. Patients given the drug required no blood transfusions, whereas those receiving placebo did.
China's blood banking system is fragmenting due to rural-urban differences and has a scarcity of volunteer donors, leading to paid donations and illegal activities. Improvements are needed to adopt a volunteer-donor-only system, increasing education and training for those involved in blood collection and transfusion.
A study found a strong connection between behavioral undercontrol and the stimulating effects of alcohol, placing individuals at greater risk for developing alcohol problems. Those who experience higher levels of stimulation while drinking tend to have higher levels of drinking behavior.
Researchers found that adult CF patients can achieve educational and work accomplishments despite the progressive nature of the disease. Pulmonary function and exercise capacity testing are limited in predicting their ability to work or attend school.
A study found that statin use doesn't reduce reproductive hormone levels in premenopausal, perimenopausal, or postmenopausal women with coronary risk factors. The results provide reassurance on the safety of statins for women in child-bearing age.
A new study found that moderate beer drinking is associated with lower heart attack risk, as shown by decreased cholesterol levels, increased antioxidants, and reduced fibrinogen levels. The study also discovered structural changes in fibrinogen caused by beer consumption, which may serve as a new diagnostic indicator for heart attack ...
Scientists use lab mice to identify genetic basis of cholesterol absorption, aiming to develop new treatments for heart disease. They pinpoint two chromosome regions as potential sites for genes regulating plant sterol levels, which reflect dietary cholesterol absorption.
A study on atorvastatin found patients experienced quality of life improvements, but primary endpoints were not met. Peripheral arterial disease affects millions worldwide, causing leg pain and reduced blood supply.
Researchers found that patients with diastolic heart failure have severely reduced exercise capacity and quality of life, similar to those with classic congestive heart failure. The study supports the existence of a second type of heart failure, highlighting the need for intensive research and treatment development.
A new blood test has been developed to detect prostate cancer with high accuracy, helping identify men who need a biopsy and those who don't. The test correctly identified 36 of 38 prostate cancer cases, as well as 70 asymptomatic men with benign conditions.
A retrospective analysis of 87 patients with moderate paracetamol poisoning found that acetylcysteine treatment can decrease prothrombin index values significantly. This decrease may be misinterpreted as a sign of liver failure, highlighting the need for cautious management decisions based on measurement of this value.
A University of Pittsburgh study found a marker for blood clots in patients experiencing cardiac arrest outside the hospital. The researchers identified increased clotting in veins, which worsens with longer cardiac arrest duration.
Researchers found that combining calcium scores and CRP levels can gauge the presence, amount, and stability of artery-clogging plaque. Elevated CRP levels were linked to increased risk of coronary events, while combined tests showed a six-fold difference in heart attack risk between high-risk and low-risk individuals.
Research suggests that drinking water can improve a person's ability to stand and reduce the likelihood of fainting, particularly for individuals who donate blood. Healthy participants were tested using tilt-table testing, with results showing an average increase of 40.9 minutes in tolerated standing time when hydrated.
Research explores vision loss and its impact on driving skills, finding correlations between mental tracking ability and driving measures. Glaucoma patients with normal visual acuity but reduced contrast sensitivity may also struggle with driving skills.
Research found that vital exhaustion, a state of excessive fatigue and hopelessness, is associated with higher blood levels of fibrinogen, which can lead to excessive blood clotting. Decreased early morning fibrinolysis was also linked to vital exhaustion, increasing heart attack risk.
The newly revealed hieroglyphs at Dos Pilas shed new light on a critical period of Maya history, revealing a complex web of alliances and conflicts between Tikal and Calakmul. The inscriptions clarify the political and military relationships between these two superpower blocs, which dominated the region in the seventh century.
A study by Texas A&M University found that even small amounts of alcohol can impair driving skills and increase the risk of accidents. Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration as low as .04 (half the legal limit) showed significant impairment in their abilities, highlighting the dangers of drinking and driving.
Researchers developed a computer model of blood flow in the aorta, identifying areas prone to disturbed flows that could lead to atherosclerosis. The model uses CAT scan images and predicts where oscillating flows may cause damage, allowing doctors to assess heart disease risk.
Head lice are becoming increasingly resistant to specialized shampoos, with 50-98% remaining after treatment. Researchers use artificial 'scalp' to study the pests on a genetic and molecular level, seeking alternative treatments.
A new DNA typing method has been developed to help identify human remains that cannot be matched with the current protocol. The technique, called a 'miniplex,' uses a smaller set of reliable DNA markers to study tiny pieces of genetic material and could aid law enforcement in solving cases across the country.
Yellowfin tuna have a carotid rete that acts as a thermal barrier, regulating brain temperature during rapid changes in environmental temperatures. The study found that the heat-exchanger system is effective in minimizing heat loss, but can be adjusted to regulate warmer brain temperatures.
A team of biomedical engineers and pediatric cardiologists are developing new technologies to assist surgeons in surgical planning for Fontan treatment. They aim to improve the efficiency and customization of the procedure, leading to better outcomes for young heart patients.
A study of 321 participants found that higher CRP levels are associated with increased coronary calcium and atherosclerosis, even after adjusting for traditional risk factors. The findings suggest a potential new link between inflammation and heart disease.
A study by Nicki Engeseth found that honey improves antioxidant levels in human blood, suggesting a mild protective effect against heart disease. The research also showed that darker honeys have higher antioxidant levels, which may inhibit the growth of oral pathogenic bacteria.
Researchers found that low potassium intake increases stroke risk, while increasing potassium in the diet may help prevent strokes. Diuretics used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions were also linked to an increased risk of stroke in people with low potassium levels.
Patients with post-stroke dementia are at an increased risk of death within two years, with a relative risk of mortality six-fold compared to those without dementia after stroke. Dementia is also associated with poorer survival rates and reduced treatment adherence due to medication non-compliance.
A study found that consuming soy protein-rich diets can lower total cholesterol and LDL levels, improving cardiovascular health. The effect was seen in both men and women, with no significant difference between high- and low-isoflavone diets.
A recent study by UCSF researchers reveals that lower literacy is associated with worse health outcomes for diabetes patients, even after accounting for other factors. Patients with inadequate health literacy are more likely to experience complications such as diabetic retinopathy and have poorer blood sugar control.
A new blood test for congestive heart failure has shown high accuracy in diagnosing the condition, with nearly 90% of cases correctly identified. The BNP test detects elevated levels of a hormone released by the heart ventricles when pressure rises, and has been proven effective in emergency rooms worldwide.
Researchers have developed a new drug called O-nitrosoethanol (ENO) that appears to improve oxygenation in newborns with persistent pulmonary hypertension, a potentially life-threatening disorder. The study showed improved oxygenation without adverse side effects, offering hope for treating other diseases of improper oxygenation.
Researchers identified a new cholesterol disorder caused by mutations in the CYP7A1 gene, leading to elevated cholesterol levels and increased risk of heart disease. The study found that carriers of the mutation had significantly higher cholesterol levels and were more likely to develop gallstones.
Research found that heavy drinkers exhibit a 'biphasic' response to alcohol, experiencing increased stimulation and euphoria during rising blood alcohol concentrations, but sedation and fatigue during declining levels. In contrast, light drinkers showed only sedation and no positive mood changes.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh's McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine have made significant breakthroughs in regenerative medicine. Filtering antibodies from blood may decrease the risk of organ rejection, with experiments showing a 40-60% reduction when coated with specific antigens. Additionally, injecting drag-re...
Researchers found a link between abnormal retinal blood vessels and cognitive decline, potentially providing an early warning system for dementia. Low vitamin C levels in the blood were also associated with increased stroke risk, particularly among hypertensive men.
A recent NHLBI-sponsored study found that weight concerns and a drive for thinness significantly increased the risk of teenage girls becoming daily smokers. The study also identified other factors such as stress, poor conduct, and family background that contributed to this risk.
A multicenter randomized trial found that chemoembolisation significantly improves survival rates compared to conservative treatment, with 82% and 63% survival probabilities at 1 year and 2 years, respectively.
A new drug, CPHPC, has been developed to remove a blood protein linked to amyloidosis, a disorder that claims 1,000 UK lives annually. The drug blocks SAP proteins from sticking to amyloid fibers, speeding up their removal and offering potential treatment for Alzheimer's and diabetes.
Researchers found that showering increased THM levels in blood by a factor of four, suggesting the compounds are getting into the bloodstream through water use. The study investigated THM concentrations in women's blood before and after showering, revealing correlations with local tap water quality.
The Antiphospholipid Syndrome Collaborative Registry aims to enroll 2,000 patients over five years to better understand the disease, its causes, and treatment options. The registry will facilitate research, diagnosis, and development of diagnostic tests and treatments for antiphospholipid syndrome.
A new study found that young adults do not change their health behaviors when a close family member suffers a heart attack or stroke. Despite this, researchers note that these events can signal increased personal risk for cardiovascular disease.
Research by Dr. Patricia Molina's team found that alcohol intoxication severely impairs the brain's ability to restore normal blood pressure after a small blood loss, leading to delayed recovery and increased risk of infection in trauma patients. This finding has significant implications for treating intoxicated trauma victims.
Researchers found significant loss of sympathetic nerve endings in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), even those without orthostatic hypotension. The study suggests that PD is caused by widespread sympathetic nerve damage, unrelated to treatment with levodopa.
A landmark study suggests that at-home dialysis therapy can be more flexible and manageable than previously thought. The ADEMEX study found that increasing small solute clearances did not impact patient survival rates, and body size, transport status, and other factors had no measurable effect on outcomes.
Researchers found that dark-colored honeys, especially buckwheat, had the highest antioxidant values, which are comparable to those in fruits and vegetables. The study suggests that honey may have the potential to serve as a dietary antioxidant, potentially preventing oxidation in the blood.
Researchers found that women who develop preeclampsia have reduced levels of SHBG protein in their first-trimester blood tests. The association remains even in lean or overweight women, suggesting insulin resistance as a true risk factor.
Researchers have developed new markers capable of detecting minute numbers of cancer cells in blood, using three genes shown to be over-expressed in invasive breast cancer. The markers' sensitivity and specificity are greatly enhanced when used in combination.
Duke University cardiologists report that DX-9065a, an experimental anti-coagulant, has cleared another hurdle in becoming a potential new treatment for patients with coronary artery disease. The agent inhibits Factor Xa, preventing blood clot formation earlier in the coagulation process.
A new blood test, Triage BNP Test, has been shown to accurately diagnose congestive heart failure (CHF) with a high accuracy rate of nearly 90% in a multinational trial. The test detects elevated levels of the hormone B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), which signals a failing heart.
Researchers found that folic acid deficiency led to decreased neurons and increased homocysteine levels, causing DNA damage in the hippocampus. Adequate folate intake helped repair this damage, suggesting a possible cause-effect relationship between folic acid and Alzheimer's disease prevention
A recent NHLBI study found that 90% of middle-aged Americans are at risk of developing high blood pressure, with a significant decrease in the past 25 years due to improved treatment. Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and moderate alcohol consumption can help reduce this risk.
The incidence of second primary colorectal cancer is high despite regular surveillance colonoscopy after treatment of the initial cancer. Many second cancers were diagnosed within one year after a normal colonoscopy, indicating the need for further research to determine the best schedule for surveying the colon.
Regular intense exercise over nine months improved glucose metabolism in overweight individuals, with benefits persisting after cessation. The study found significant reductions in insulin levels and improvements in cardiovascular health.