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Black women of childbearing age more likely to have high blood pressure, raising pregnancy risks

A new study found that Black women of childbearing age are twice as likely to have uncontrolled high blood pressure as their white peers, increasing their risk of heart-related complications during pregnancy. Food insecurity was also a significant issue among Black and Hispanic women, with one in four experiencing food insecurity.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 27, 2023

New study demonstrates inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are safe and effective way to treat venous thromboembolism (VTE)

Researchers found that IVC filters were effective in preventing pulmonary embolisms (PE) in patients with deep vein blood clots, even when used prophylactically. Approximately half of the patients had their filters removed without complication or recurrence of DVT or PE.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 23, 2023

Long COVID symptoms vary among racial and ethnic groups

A new study found that Black and Hispanic patients are more likely to experience persistent symptoms or be diagnosed with a new medical condition after COVID-19. The study analyzed data from over 60,000 patients and found significant racial and ethnic disparities in the frequency and types of post-COVID-19 symptoms.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2023

Bite this! Mosquito feeding chamber uses fake skin, real blood

Rice University researchers have developed an innovative system to study mosquito feeding behavior using fake skin made with a 3D printer, eliminating the need for live volunteers. The system was tested on various mosquito repellents and showed promising results, suggesting it could be scaled up for future studies.

SourceRice University·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Donor hearts can be reprogrammed with medication for longer storage, improved transplant outcomes

A new study found that a medication previously used to treat seizures can reprogram donor hearts to boost the production of beneficial enzymes, increasing storage time and improving post-transplant function. This technology could lead to a paradigm shift in extending heart storage and reducing primary graft dysfunction.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Aston University researchers discover more accurate way of checking blood flow in type 2 diabetes patients

Researchers at Aston University have discovered a new approach to process LDF light signals, allowing for more precise measurement of blood flow in specific areas of the vascular bed. This innovation has shown significant improvement in diagnostic accuracy for detecting microvascular changes in patients with type 2 diabetes and age-spe...

SourceAston University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 8, 2023

Getting under your skin for better health

Biomedical engineers at the University of Cincinnati are investigating the potential of interstitial fluid for early disease diagnosis and long-term health monitoring. The study proposes sampling interstitial fluid just under the skin using tiny microneedles, offering a more accessible and less painful alternative to blood testing.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 20, 2023

Study suggests vitamin D benefits and metabolism may depend on body weight

Researchers analyzed data from the VITAL trial and found that vitamin D supplementation increased biomarkers associated with vitamin D metabolism in people, regardless of their weight. However, these increases were significantly smaller in people with elevated BMIs, suggesting a blunted response to supplementation.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2023

Decoding brain arteriovenous malformations in the Asian population: a Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study

A nationwide registry of AVM patients from 52 hospitals in mainland China investigated the efficacy of different treatments on patient groups. The study found that categorizing treatment strategies based on disease severity is an ideal approach, and a multidisciplinary comprehensive assessment promotes individualized treatment protocols.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2023

New pediatric investigation article reviews the potential of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement for congenital heart disorders

The procedure requires thorough pre-procedural evaluation and assessment of anatomical and hemodynamic data. Long-term results indicate that TPVR can effectively restore RVOT function, while improving survival rates and reducing the need for reintervention across age groups. Vigilant testing is recommended to avoid rare but serious com...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 3, 2023

Oncotarget | Serum microRNAs as new criteria for referral to early palliative care services in treatment-naïve advanced cancer patients

Researchers developed predictive models using serum microRNAs to identify patients at risk of requiring early palliative care. The study used serum samples from 178 patients with various types of cancer and found that miRNA-based models had higher accuracy than clinical models in predicting referral to a palliative care unit.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateDec 29, 2022

Comparing the cost-effectiveness of treatments for blood clots in cancer patients

A new study examines the cost-effectiveness of anticoagulation strategies for blood clots in cancer patients, finding that direct oral anti-coagulant (DOAC) drugs are more effective and cost-effective than low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). DOACs were favored as being more effective and less costly than LMWH in base-case analysis but...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 26, 2022

Hispanic and Latino young males with higher education, greater acculturation are more likely to use e-cigarettes

A Rutgers study found that Hispanic and Latino young men with higher education who were born in the US and speak mostly English at home are more likely to use e-cigarettes. The study analyzed data from 11,275 adult participants and found a high use of e-cigarettes among those under 45 years of age.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Medicine Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2022

Flip-flopping cholesterol in the cell membrane

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a vital role of two proteins, ABCA1 and Aster-A, in maintaining the asymmetric distribution of cholesterol within cells. This process allows for selective control over substances entering and leaving cells.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022

Tracking plasma cell survival

A study by Osaka University tracked the survival of antibody-producing plasma cells, finding that most die shortly after immune response, but a small population can survive for months or years. The researchers identified molecular markers distinguishing these long-lived plasma cells from short-lived ones.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2022

A double bind for cancer

Researchers found that simultaneously targeting two signalling switches can severely inhibit tumour angiogenesis, cancer growth and metastasis in multiple models of cancer. This approach has the potential to restrict a cancer's ability to escape therapy by rapidly destroying the VEGF receptor when both receptors are targeted.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCancer Research Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022

This hormone may be the missing ingredient to heart-healthy cholesterol levels for menopausal women

A new study identifies anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as a key factor in regulating cholesterol levels during the menopause transition. High AMH levels are associated with lower HDL-C, or good cholesterol, which may indicate cardiovascular risk despite its traditionally protective effects.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Clinical Lipidology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2022

Antibodies to common antibiotic possible new risk factor for type 1 diabetes

A study found that antibodies to common antibiotic gentamicin are associated with an increased risk of progression to type 1 diabetes in children already genetically at risk. The researchers also identified an association between the FUT2 gene and the production of these antibodies, which may be compounding risks for type 1 diabetes.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 8, 2022

Trouble sleeping? You could be at risk of type 2 diabetes

A study of over 1000 Australian adults found that people with trouble sleeping were more likely to have indicators of poor cardiometabolic health, including inflammatory markers, cholesterol, and body weight. Prioritizing a good night's sleep is crucial for maintaining good health, according to researcher Dr Lisa Matricciani.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care·TypeObservational study·DateDec 1, 2022