Research on blood and what it reveals about health. Covers blood biomarkers, occupational exposure, cell-preservation for CAR-T therapy, and blood supply.
Researchers found three distinct shedding patterns in HIV-positive men, related to viral sources and genetic strains. This discovery shifts the focus of AIDS vaccine research from blood-borne viruses to multiple strains in semen.
Researchers found that smokers who engage in physical activity during the day tend to gain more weight after quitting, as their bodies burn fewer calories previously taken up by smoking. This study suggests that increasing physical activity levels may help smokers manage weight gain after cessation.
Researchers aim to develop an exercise regimen that can prevent fainting in healthy individuals. Dr. William H. Cooke's study found that a malfunction in arterial pressure sensors and inadequate neural response to blood volume decreases may cause fainting. The investigation explores the effects of different exercise training programs o...
A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that moderate alcohol consumption can decrease production and circulating levels of fibrinogen by up to 20 percent, thereby decreasing harmful clotting. This reduction may lower the risk of heart attack and coronary artery disease.
Researchers are testing a new treatment for intracerebral hemorrhage with intraventricular extension, a rare form of stroke that affects younger people and African-Americans. The study aims to reduce mortality rates by using small doses of tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), a clot-buster commonly used in heart attacks and many strokes.
A recent University of Maryland Medical Center study found that coenzyme Q10 has no detectable benefit in improving heart function or relieving symptoms for patients with congestive heart failure. The six-month study, involving 46 patients, showed no difference in heart function between those taking CoQ10 and a placebo.
A genetic abnormality in triglyceride regulation has been found to be common among Asian Indians, placing them at increased risk of heart disease. The study, which analyzed DNA from 100 people, suggests that this abnormality prevents blood fats from being broken down effectively.
A study published in Circulation found that a timed-release capsule of basic fibroblast growth factor improved blood supply and heart function in heart bypass patients. The treatment, which promotes angiogenesis, showed no serious adverse effects in a small but promising clinical trial.
A recent study suggests that consuming less trans fat and increasing magnesium, vitamin B6, and B12 intake can help prevent artery calcification. Researchers found that adequate magnesium levels can mitigate the risk of calcified ridges in arteries, which can block blood flow.
A new study by Princeton University researchers shows that switching from leaded to unleaded gasoline can reduce blood lead levels to an average of three micrograms per deciliter, well below the 10 ug/dL threshold considered cause for concern in the US. This reduction is significant, especially in countries still using leaded gasoline.
Heart cells secrete substances to regulate oxygen-rich blood flow, triggering vessel constriction or dilation as needed. Research reveals an optimal oxygen concentration of 6%, with narrow permissible windows above or below this level.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that prolonged mental stress increases the levels of atherogenic lipoproteins and decreases the rate at which fats are cleared from the blood after a meal. This can lead to higher lipid levels and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that patients with high levels of depression and anxiety had poorer results in reducing blood sugar levels, even after practicing relaxation techniques. However, those without these conditions experienced significant improvements in blood sugar control.
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology reveals that low to moderate lead levels during pregnancy can increase the risk of spontaneous abortion. The research, conducted in Mexico City from 1994 to 1996, found that the risk nearly doubles for every five micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood.
Researchers found that a single night of disrupted sleep increases levels of interleukin-6, leading to daytime fatigue and decreased well-being. Healthy young men with normal sleep patterns experienced increased IL-6 secretion during the day after missing a night of sleep.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found no link between mitral valve prolapse and stroke in young people, contradicting earlier studies. The study's authors used advanced imaging techniques to diagnose mitral valve prolapse accurately, revealing the condition occurs in only about 2% of the population.
A newly developed blood test detects 97% of adrenal gland tumors, providing earlier and more accurate diagnoses. The test measures levels of hormones metanephrine and normetanephrine, which are consistently elevated in pheochromocytomas.
Researchers found that folic acid fortification in grains increased plasma folate levels and reduced total homocysteine concentrations. This study provides important information on the impact of consuming specific amounts of folate on blood homocysteine levels, which may have implications for reducing heart disease risk.
Researchers have identified a compound with blood clot-forming abilities without normal clotting proteins, promising reduced bleeding on the battlefield. The Marine Polymer Technologies company found that poly-n-acetyl glucosamine effectively stops severe bleeding even without fibrin or thrombin.
The NHLBI Director notes a decline in hypertension levels from the 1950s to the 1980s, but reports that recent data show a slowdown in blood pressure control rates and a slight increase in stroke rates. The study highlights the need for continued efforts to prevent and treat hypertension.
A new study found that residential dust control measures are not effective in reducing blood lead levels in children. Despite parents' best efforts, lead contamination remains a significant concern, and experts call for stricter housing standards to protect children.
A Chinese condiment extract, Cholestin, has been shown to reduce total blood cholesterol by nearly 26% in elderly patients and 'bad' cholesterol by 32.8%. The supplement contains HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors that inhibit liver-produced cholesterol production.
A recent study found that women who use oral contraceptives and smoke have significantly greater cardiovascular reactivity to stress, as well as increased lipid and fibrinogen levels. This can lead to a higher risk of heart disease.
A new experimental drug derived from snake venom, ANCROD, has shown promising results in reversing the physical and mental effects of stroke. In a 500-person trial, 42% of patients treated with ANCROD within three hours of stroke onset recovered their previous faculties.
A new assay method has been developed to measure chromogranin A in peripheral blood, allowing clinicians to follow the outcome of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors. This method could also serve as a diagnostic marker for other types of neuroendocrine tumor, such as small-cell lung cancer in smokers.
A new study led by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill confirms the safety of digoxin, a commonly prescribed medicine for heart failure. The study found that taking digoxin at low doses and monitoring blood concentrations can significantly reduce toxicity risk.
A recent study found that bartenders' respiratory health and lung function improved significantly after a smoke-free environment was established in California bars. The study, supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, suggests that banning smoking in bars can have a positive impact on the health of bartending staff.
Researchers found that cord blood can restore bone marrow even with partial matches, offering hope to patients who need transplants. Four children received 'haplo-identical' sibling umbilical cord blood transplants and showed promising results.
A CSIRO study found that margarines high in polyunsaturated fats and low in trans fatty acids reduce LDL cholesterol by 11-15%, corresponding to a 20-30% fall in heart disease risk. The study also showed that these margarines can produce a greater fall in blood LDL-cholesterol than other types of margarine.
A study found that a gene called apolipoprotein E (apo)E influences blood cholesterol levels and predicts how much those levels are affected by weight gain, smoking, and other lifestyle factors. People with the apoE-2 variant have a beneficial cholesterol profile, but risk factors like smoking and obesity can negate this benefit.
A new surgical procedure that repairs the mitral valve may help extend and improve lives of people with severe CHF, offering an alternative to heart transplantation. The operation has shown promising results, with one-year survival rates reaching 80% and two-year survival rates at 70%.
The Healthy Heart Handbook for Women provides women with a personal action plan to reduce major risk factors and prevent cardiovascular diseases. Key statistics reveal that many women are at risk due to smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity, highlighting the importance of making lifestyle changes.
DHEA supplements, believed to have anti-aging properties, may stimulate the production of IGF-1, increasing prostate cancer risk. Dr. Goldberg recommends monitoring serum DHEA, PSA, and IGF-1 levels for men taking DHEA supplements.
Expert Bruce P. Lanphear argues that federal standards ignore existing scientific evidence and fail to protect inner-city children from lead poisoning. He proposes a primary prevention approach, focusing on eliminating residential lead hazards before exposure, to mitigate the harmful effects of low-level lead exposure.
In a six-year study, Maine's 0.05% law reduced fatal crashes among DWI drivers with BALs above 0.15% by 35%. The law also decreased fatalities among drivers in the 0.05-0.14% range. Maine was the first state to adopt this limit for prior DWI offenders.
A recent international study found that mothers with high lifetime lead exposure may transfer toxic levels of lead to their breastfed infants. The researchers discovered a strong correlation between the amount of lead in the mothers' milk and the corresponding blood lead levels of the infants.
A new study found that a larger angle between an artery and its branching points increases the susceptibility to plaque buildup, leading to cardiovascular disease. Researchers discovered that fluid mechanics plays a crucial role in vessel wall thickening, particularly at lower shear stress areas.
A 51-year-old man with a rare brain disorder, known as 'sagging brain,' was treated at UCSF after initial diagnoses failed to provide relief. Exhaustive neurological scrutiny led to the discovery of a ruptured cyst causing the condition, which was successfully treated through surgery.
A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine has found that warfarin, a commonly used blood thinner for older women, does not weaken their bones. The study, which tracked over 6,000 post-menopausal women for two years, found no significant difference in bone thinning or fractures between warfarin users and non-users.
A recent study suggests that extreme fatigue may increase the risk of blood clot formation in the heart arteries, which could lead to future heart attacks. This imbalance is thought to be mediated by impaired fibrinolysis, a process that normally removes blood clots.
Research suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy could save millions in treating victims of stroke, epilepsy, and spinal cord injury. The therapy increases blood oxygen levels and may prevent reperfusion injuries by modulating the immune system.
Researchers discovered a possible link between elevated blood homocysteine levels and Alzheimer's disease, with lower folate and vitamin B12 levels also observed. Long-term clinical trials are needed to determine if lowering homocysteine levels can prevent or delay the progression of the disease.
Researchers have found that paraoxonase, an enzyme present in the blood, can prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and reduce atherosclerosis. The discovery opens a possible new route to prevention of heart diseases.
Despite evidence of warfarin's effectiveness, it remains underused to prevent strokes in those with atrial fibrillation. The study found that increased prescriptions from 13% to 40% between 1989 and 1993 did not lead to significant changes in usage from 1993 onwards.
Recent research highlights the strong influence of genes on individual variations in response to diet, influencing predisposition to obesity and atherosclerosis. Genetic analysis may lead to tailored diet plans and drug regimens for heart disease and stroke prevention.
A recent study published in Circulation found that consuming garlic supplements can lower the stiffness of the aorta by up to 15% in healthy individuals. The study suggests that eating garlic may be beneficial for cardiovascular health, particularly as people age.
A new study found that insulin therapy is largely ineffective in achieving tight blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that most patients need more aggressive treatment to reach near-normal blood sugar levels and highlights the need for a revised standard of care.
A study found that physical exertion, even mowing the lawn, can rupture blood clots in vulnerable plaque of sedentary men with coronary heart disease and hypercholesterolemia. This increases the risk of sudden coronary death, especially for those with high total cholesterol levels.
Researchers have discovered that saliva is a reliable source of genetic material for DNA screening, eliminating the need for blood samples and associated risks. This breakthrough could make genetic testing more accessible to populations previously outside the medical mainstream.
Researchers found that low-frequency ultrasound enhances the effectiveness of thrombolytic drugs in dissolving blood clots deep within the brain. This combination therapy may reduce the duration and doses of medication needed, minimizing risks of bleeding and other complications associated with stroke treatment.
A new study reveals striking fluctuations in blood cholesterol levels among children and teenagers, suggesting that normal cutpoints for testing may need to be revised. The study found that boys' body fatness levels decrease as they mature, while girls' body weight increases with minimal changes in body fat percentage.
The program, now in its second year, provides four weeks of intensive speech therapy for adults aged 20-50. Participants learn skills and behaviors to overcome stuttering, such as awareness, acceptance, and preparatory techniques like rehearsal and prevoicing. The goal is to improve communication flow and reduce stuttering interruptions.
A low-fat diet is safe for children aged 4-10 if parents follow the Food Pyramid guidelines and provide counseling or education, reducing the risk of heart disease. The study found that children on modified diets had adequate intakes of all nutrients while lowering their LDL blood levels.
Researchers found that men with high homocysteine levels and Factor V Leiden were three times more likely to develop venous blood clots. A 20-fold increased risk was seen in those with both conditions.
A new laser therapy, transmyocardial revascularization (TMR), has been found to be effective in reducing chest pain in patients with coronary artery disease. The procedure creates new blood-carrying channels in the heart muscle, improving oxygen supply and reducing symptoms.
A new screening test can identify stroke victims in three minutes and facilitate faster treatment with clot-busting drugs. The Los Angeles Paramedic Stroke Screen has been shown to correctly diagnose ischemic strokes in 93% of cases, shortening time to actual treatment by an average of 90 minutes.
A study published in Circulation found that smoking causes the aorta to stiffen, reducing its ability to relax and widen. This can lead to increased pressure on the left ventricle, which pumps blood throughout the body.
A temporary metal filter successfully caught a life-threatening blood clot in a bedridden patient, preventing catastrophic lung damage. The procedure, performed by Johns Hopkins physicians, marks the first use of the filter in the US and holds potential for thousands of accident victims.
The NHLBI is launching a 5-year, $30 million study to investigate the safety and effectiveness of cord blood transplantation as an alternative to bone marrow transplantation for various cancers, blood diseases, and genetic disorders. The study aims to provide answers to scientific and ethical questions surrounding this procedure.
Researchers developed CLOTSIM, a computer model simulating blood clot dissolution, to provide critical information on thrombolytic agents. The program helps predict clinical outcomes and tailor therapies to reduce patient risks.