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Optical aspects of quantitative photoacoustic tomography

The review discusses the optical aspects of QPAT, including mathematical models for light propagation and interaction with biological tissues. The authors outline two approaches to estimating chromophore concentrations from absorbed optical energy density data, highlighting the challenges associated with practical implementation, such ...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJan 11, 2024

Reduced blood lead levels linked to lower blood pressure

Researchers found that small declines in blood lead levels were associated with long-term cardiovascular health improvements, including reductions in systolic blood pressure and markers of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and heart failure. This study suggests that even small decreases in blood lead levels can have meaningful health outcomes.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 11, 2024

A beating biorobotic heart aims to better simulate valves

A biorobotic heart with a silicone robotic pump system can mimic the structure and function of a healthy or diseased heart. The device allows surgeons and researchers to demonstrate various interventions while collecting real-time data, bridging gaps between current simulators and animal studies.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevice·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2024

Classifying the natural history of asymptomatic malaria

A recent study in Uganda found that asymptomatic individuals with low-level malaria infections had highly variable parasite dynamics and species present. Frequent sampling every other day or daily was sufficient to detect a proportion of infections similar to daily testing, but less frequent tests may miss up to one-third of cases.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2024

Artery calcification more common in night owls

A new study from the University of Gothenburg reveals that night owls are more likely to develop artery calcification than early risers. The research, which examined data from over 771 middle-aged participants, suggests that circadian rhythms play a crucial role in cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalSleep Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023

'Exceptional' results in phase III leukaemia trial

A phase III trial has found that personalised treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) can improve survival and remission rates. The trial showed that individualising therapy based on regular blood tests significantly improved progression-free and overall survival in patients with previously untreated CLL.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 10, 2023

Endovascular catheter opens blocked arteries deep within lungs, researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University report

Researchers at Temple University Health System report that the BASHIR Endovascular Catheter reduces blockages in lung arteries and correlates with improved right ventricle function, suggesting better survival outcomes. The catheter also shows significantly lower bleeding rates compared to other devices.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalJACC Advances·DateDec 4, 2023

Prioritizing circulation before the airway in trauma may improve outcomes for patients with massive bleeding

A literature review found that prioritizing circulation before the airway in trauma patients with major blood loss leads to improved outcomes, including lower mortality rates. This approach, known as CAB, has gained acceptance over the ABC model and is now being recommended by the American College of Surgeons.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 28, 2023

Written in blood

Forensic scientists have discovered that the protrusions from bloodstains, known as 'tails', contain valuable information about a blood drop's origin. By analyzing these tails, analysts can reconstruct the impact angle and speed of the drop, helping to determine whether a victim was standing or sitting at the time of injury.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateNov 21, 2023

Ground-breaking discovery could pave the way for new therapies to prevent cardiovascular disease and stroke

Scientists at the University of Leicester have made a groundbreaking discovery about how cholesterol in our diet is absorbed into our cells. The research, published in Science, highlights the role of two proteins called Aster B and Aster C in transporting cholesterol from the intestine to the bloodstream.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

Cut salt, cut blood pressure

A new study from Northwestern University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that reducing sodium intake by just one teaspoon a day can lower systolic blood pressure by about 6 millimeters of mercury, comparable to the effect produced by commonly used first-line medication for high blood pressure. The study involved middle-a...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 11, 2023

Poor night’s sleep can trigger atrial fibrillation the next day

A new study by UC San Francisco found that poor sleep is significantly associated with a 15% greater risk of experiencing atrial fibrillation the next day. The researchers suggest strategies like going to bed at a reasonable time, avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bedtime, and exercising regularly to improve general sleep quality.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJACC Clinical Electrophysiology·DateNov 3, 2023

Human insulin less temperature-sensitive than previously thought

A new Cochrane review has found that human insulin can be stored at room temperature for up to six months without losing potency. This breakthrough research offers hope to millions of people living with diabetes in low- and middle-income countries, particularly those with limited access to refrigeration or healthcare.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 2, 2023

Drawing a tube of blood could assess ALS risk from environmental toxin exposure

Researchers developed an environmental risk score to assess ALS risk and survival using a blood sample, associating several individual pollutants with disease risk. A mixture of pesticides in the blood significantly increased ALS risk, with those in the highest group having twice the risk as those in the lowest.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 30, 2023

Post-COVID condition is not linked to ongoing infection or active brain damage

A recent study by the University of Gothenburg found no correlation between post-COVID condition and ongoing viral infection or active brain damage. The study analyzed 25 participants with confirmed post-COVID condition, six without residual symptoms, and 17 control subjects, revealing undetectable SARS-CoV-2 antigens in all samples.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2023

New technology ‘game changing’ for pregnant women with diabetes

A new study published in the University of East Anglia shows that automated insulin delivery technology can help pregnant women with type 1 diabetes better manage their blood sugars. The technology, known as Hybrid Closed-Loop or Artificial Pancreas, helps to substantially reduce maternal blood sugars throughout pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 24, 2023

Red blood cell transfusion in the ICU

Red blood cell transfusions were common in ICU patients globally, with overlapping reasons for use despite differing clinical contexts. The three most common triggers for transfusion (hypotension, tachycardia, hemodynamic instability) were largely consistent across regions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 12, 2023

Omega watch: Researchers develop new blood test for measuring levels of critical omega-3 fatty acids

A new blood test has been developed to measure the levels of critical omega-3 fatty acids in the bloodstream, providing a convenient way to assess cardiovascular and cognitive health. The Omega-3 Index (O3I) is derived from two key fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which can be obtained only from certain dietary sources.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2023