Articles tagged with Blood
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.
Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition with minimal symptoms, yet it has never received the same attention as heart attack or stroke. The Council for Leadership On Thrombosis Awareness and Management aims to raise awareness and educate the public about DVT risk factors and symptoms.
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.
Arterial blood lactate measurement can rapidly identify patients at risk of dying from paracetamol-induced acute liver failure, potentially improving transplant selection speed and accuracy. A modified criteria incorporating early lactate measurements could further enhance this process.
A study found that African-American women were the least likely to donate blood, with only 41% reporting willingness, while African-American men were the least likely to become organ donors upon death. Religious beliefs played a significant role in organ donation disparities among African-American and white groups.
A team of Danish researchers compared data from the Copenhagen Stroke Study to investigate possible differences in causes of TIAs and strokes. They found that TIA patients were half as likely to have diabetes and claudication, suggesting alternative causes beyond blood clots.
A new study finds that the updated birth control pills pose a significant stroke risk for women. The risk is similar to that of first-generation pills and higher than non-users.
A new computer-based algorithm identifies a distinct proteomic pattern that distinguishes malignant from benign tumours within the ovary with 100% sensitivity and 95% specificity. This technique may help screen for ovarian cancer in high-risk and general populations.
A study of 4535 medical records found that autologous blood donation programs were used in only 18.6% of patients, despite being eligible, and reinfusion of blood was used in just 2.4% of all cases. Experts recommend greater cooperation among anesthetists, surgeons, and transfusionists to improve blood conservation techniques.
A recent study found that individuals with high self-efficacy tend to have better blood sugar control and adherence to their self-care regimens. The researchers' findings suggest that teaching self-care behaviors can have a greater positive impact when combined with interventions aimed at improving self-efficacy.
NavMedWatch enables healthcare professionals to track medical assets, anticipate future needs, and provide alerts for transportation to other facilities. The next version will include a history function to track individual patient care throughout the Naval medical system.
A simple blood test can identify millions of patients with previously undetected diabetes, according to a new study. The test, HgA1c, accurately indicates blood sugar levels over the previous two to three months and detects at least 75 percent of cases of diabetes.
Researchers investigated how nasal volume affects nasal air-conditioning process when subjects lie face-up. The study found that increasing nasal mucosal temperature enhances nose's warming and humidifying abilities, but lying face-up reduces this ability.
A recent study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that boating deaths are more closely tied to alcohol consumption than previously thought. The research, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, analyzed data from over 3,900 boaters and 221 boat-related deaths between 1990 and 1998.
A study by Stanford University urologist James D. Brooks confirms a direct connection between selenium and reduced risk of prostate cancer, particularly among older men with lower blood levels of the essential mineral.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have identified four genes in the Anopheles gambiae mosquito that code for odorant receptors similar to those found in fruit flies. These genes are only expressed in the antennae and maxillary palps, indicating that mosquitoes use a conserved chemosensory system to track human body odor.
A new study found that 41% of physicians would perform at least one action proscribed by the AMA's ethics guidelines, while 25% would perform five or more actions. The study suggests that some physicians are morally confused about their role in capital punishment.
A single dose of enoxaparin sodium has been shown to prevent the development of blood clots in high-risk patients who undergo long-haul flights. Researchers found that only one superficial clot occurred among 82 participants receiving enoxaparin, compared to 3.6% DVT rates in those taking aspirin and 4.8% in those with no treatment. Th...
Researchers found that EECP therapy increases levels of angiogenic factors, promoting the development of collateral vessels and improving blood flow. The study suggests EECP may be an alternative to invasive procedures for treating some Americans with angina.
A new study funded by the NHLBI shows that a type of implantable heart pump can extend and improve the lives of terminally ill patients with end stage heart failure. The HeartMate LVAD was shown to have a 52% one-year survival rate, compared to 25% for those receiving standard medical management.
The study found that 43.4% of elderly heart attack patients are anemic, and those with lower blood counts have higher mortality rates. Blood transfusions significantly reduce mortality risk in these patients, even at higher blood count levels than previously thought.
Researchers successfully used isolated limb perfusion to treat 51 patients, saving 44 limbs and enabling radical resection of residual tumors. Patients maintained over 80% of pre-operative activities post-surgery.
Researchers found Thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) regulates tumor growth by suppressing MMP9 activation, which promotes angiogenesis. The discovery could lead to new treatments targeting malignancies by cutting off the blood supply to tumors.
Researchers found a link between higher levels of antibodies neutralizing toxins and better kidney function in patients after heart surgery. The study suggests potential interventions to protect kidneys from endotoxins released by bacteria during surgery.
Students at IIT's Interprofessional Program developed a blood sniffing e-nose that can identify hundreds of specific scent signatures, potentially cutting testing time down to minutes. The technology uses electronic noses sensitive to microscopic particles, similar to the receptors in the human nose.
A new study calls for UK childhood screening of medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency, a metabolic disorder affecting up to 1 in 9000 people. The condition can be controlled with carbohydrate intake, but severe neurological damage occurs if diagnosed late.
A study found hemochromatosis patients' blood is as safe as other donated blood, potentially alleviating a national blood shortage. The research suggests that patients with the condition can donate without increasing the risk of viral infections.
Researchers propose a novel strategy for anti-angiogenic treatment by normalizing tumor blood vessels, improving drug delivery and reducing side effects. Clinical trials are planned to test the efficacy of this approach.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a crucial protein called PGC-1 that regulates glucose production in the liver. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for diabetes by targeting this protein with future drugs.
A clinical study found that children with severe hemophilia have a high risk of developing deep venous thrombosis linked to long-term catheter implants. Eight out of 15 boys in the study developed blood clots in the veins near their hearts.
Researchers found that new collateral blood flow pathways were created in the brain after a minor stroke. This suggests that the brain can recover some blood flow after a small stroke, potentially reducing damage and improving long-term recovery.
A recent international trial has shown that oxytocin is more effective than misoprostol in reducing maternal blood loss immediately after childbirth. The study found that 4% of women taking misoprostol experienced excessive bleeding compared to 3% on oxytocin.
Researchers have discovered colchicine, a toxic substance, in the blood of human placentas, raising concerns about its potential impact on pregnancy. Expectant mothers should avoid taking Gingko biloba supplements due to the risk of complications.
A study found that pacemakers and ICDs can be infected with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia without obvious signs, highlighting the need for accurate documentation and removal of devices to prevent serious illness and death. The researchers concluded that removing cardiac devices is essential for patients who develop staph infection.
Researchers have developed a polymer that protects insulin until it reaches the small intestine, where it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. This breakthrough offers potential relief for people with diabetes who struggle with painful injections.
Researchers have shed light on the brutal treatment of Maya scribes who supported defeated kings. The scribes' fingers were broken before they were executed, as part of a bizarre practice that muffled their ability to produce powerful texts. This practice highlights the importance of these scribes in Maya society.
A study by Ohio University health psychologists found that first-time blood donors who used an audiovisual program were less likely to experience symptoms of feeling faint. The program, which included 3D visuals and upbeat music, was more effective in distracting blunters from their stressors than monitors who received no distraction.