Doctors can now detect mild, traumatic brain injuries easier Nov 17, 2008
Eli Gunnarson of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm says she and colleagues found EPO, a major growth factor of blood cells, reduced swelling of the brain, called brain edema, in animal studies. "Brain edema is a much-feared consequence of brain trauma and stroke," Gunnarson says. (USA Today -- News)
BioLife brings plasma collections back to Sioux City Nov 16, 2008
November 16, 2008 ONLINE EDITION. Entertainment Review : Art of Photography : Business Trends : Eyes of a Reporter. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Predictive Tests And Early Treatment Delay Progression Of Blood Cell Cancer, Researchers Find Nov 16, 2008
" CLL is the most common malignancy of lymphocytes. Annually, in the United States, it is diagnosed in more than 15,000 people and results in almost 5,000 deaths. CLL is a cancer of B-lymphocytes, infection-fighting white blood cells that originate in the bone marrow. The disease progresses as the number of lymphocytes increases in bone marrow and lymph nodes and can cause patients to become ill. The rate of progression varies among patients, according to Dr. Zent. "We know that roughly... (Science Daily)
Breakthrough In Cell-type Analysis Offers New Ways To Study Development And Disease Nov 15, 2008
1, 2006) The discoverers of the unique mouse line that is resistant to cancer have begun to pin down how the process works and found that white blood cells in these mice overwhelm normal defenses of cancer. (Dec. (Science Daily)
'Two-headed' Antibody Poses A Double Threat To Breast Cancer Cells, Say Researchers Nov 15, 2008
19, 2007) Researchers have devised a novel method to expand the number of immune system "natural killer (NK)" cells from blood cells outside the body. They have found that adding such cells to anti-cancer. (Science Daily)
Genetics of aging and cancer resistance Nov 15, 2008
Hematopoiesis (the development of blood cells) entails two main pathways: myelopoiesis (the formation of the red and white myeloid cells) and lymphopoiesis (the formation of B- and T-cells). While myelopoiesis remains constant throughout life, lymphopoiesis declines with age. (EurekAlert!)
Researchers identify toehold for HIV's assault on brain Nov 15, 2008
Immune cells within the brain go into overdrive, churning out substances that attract more immune cells, and white blood cells from the body flood in and join the fray, all clumping together to form destructive entities known as multinucleated giant cells. "Suddenly the brain environment turns from nurturing to toxic, and the brain has to work much harder to send messages. Cells are on overdrive, spending a lot more energy to do the same things they used to do easily," said Gelbard, who is... (EurekAlert!)
AIDS patient is reported cured Nov 14, 2008
With it, the white blood cells produced in the marrow lack the surface receptors that allow HIV to invade the immune system. Even if it is prevented from replicating by drugs, the HIV can lie dormant in lymph and nerve cells for years. (International Herald Tribune)
Bone Marrow Transplant Might Cure HIV? Nov 14, 2008
This procedure puts a patient at high risk of infections, sepsis, and septic shock because they may go for several weeks without an important number of white blood cells. Practically, patients risk death because they have no immune system until the stem cells grow and replace the missing ones. (eFluxMedia)
Aerial pesticide spraying put people at risk Nov 13, 2008
Furthermore, the report says the product sprayed last year on densely populated Central Coast neighborhoods caused white blood cells to multiply at an "abnormally high rate" in the lymph nodes of the test animals. Nonetheless, state Secretary A. G. Kawamura of the California Department of Food and Agriculture continues to say in a press release, "This study was important to reassure Californians that we always have public safety in mind.". (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
PG North: Colin Dunlap's notebook (Today) Nov 13, 2008
The 19-month-old son of Seneca Valley coach Ron Butschle is locked in a battle with Langerhans cell histiocytosis, a rare disease in which too many white blood cells grow in certain tissues and organs. Tiny Nate has been slugging it out against the disease and is showing as much courage as any big, hulking lineman in the Class AAAA Northern Six Conference showed all season. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Heart Valves Fashioned from Stem Cells in Umbilical Cord Blood Nov 13, 2008
"But to build a scaffold that looks like a heart valve then hope and anticipate that the cord blood cells will take that hint and differentiate, I think is very innovative," he added. Still, the research is a long way from clinical practice. (MEDLINEplus)
SU research team makes leukemia breakthrough Nov 13, 2008
Cosgrove and his team found that the mixed lineage leukemia protein, an enzyme in white blood cells, works at a faster than normal pace in leukemia patients as a result of an interaction between MLL and another protein. "It works too fast, and you can't shut it off," Cosgrove said. (Daily Orange, NY)
Daily Rhythms In Blood Vessels May Explain Morning Peak In Heart Attacks Nov 12, 2008
(July 17, 2007) Amid growing indications that the traditional image of red blood cells (RBCs) falls short of reality, chemists are reporting evidence that RBCs are key participants in a communication system among. (Feb. (Science Daily)
An end to malaria? Nov 12, 2008
"This is a vaccine designed to activate the immune system in such a way... that it destroys the parasite very quickly when it is in the blood or the liver, before it reaches the red blood cells," Cohen explained. The phase III trial, the last step before seeking regulatory approval, would allow sales of the vaccine possibly in 2012, if the results are conclusive. (iAfrica.com)
'Assasin cells' to treat HIV Nov 12, 2008
The Guardian reports that assassin cell therapy could be used to treat people with HIV, using specially enhanced white blood cells to target the virus. The technology takes advantage of the ability of certain peoples immune systems to keep up with the mutations of the virus, with researchers enhancing the ability of certain white blood cells, called T-cells, to recognise and attack cells infected with HIV.. (NHS Choices)
The promise and power of RNA Nov 11, 2008
Other studies have found micro-RNAs important for the proper formation and functioning of the heart and blood cells. Scientists are also finding other types of RNA, some of which may work differently from micro-RNA. By now, there are so many types of RNA that one needs a scorecard to keep track. (International Herald Tribune)
Smart DNA: Programming the Molecule of Life for Work and Play Nov 10, 2008
For instance, in diseases such as leukemia, numerous subpopulations of white blood cells in the immune system display characteristic markers on their cell surfaces, depending on the cells lineage and their stage of development. Present-day therapies using antibodies eliminate large numbers of these subpopulations at once, because they target only one of the surface markers. (Scientific American)
Research Sheds Light On Key Trigger Of Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation Nov 10, 2008
It is the first step toward gastrulation, in which an outer layer of cells dimples inward at what will be either the mouth or anus to form the three distinct precursor cell types shared by most animals: the ectoderm, or outer layer, which forms neurons, skin cells and pigment; the endoderm, or inner layer, which forms many of the organs; and mesoderm, or middle layer, which forms muscle and red blood cells. More importantly, Nusse and his colleagues determined that Wnt-responsive cells in the... (Science Daily)
Classification of Anemia Nov 9, 2008
Red Blood Cells Affected by Underproduction, Loss, or Destruction ... Anemia is characterized by a deficiency and/or dysfunction in red blood cells (RBCs), which carry oxygen to all tissues in the body ... Like white blood cells and platelets, RBCs are produced in the bone marrow. (Suite101.com)
Diabetes strikes 1 in 15 Oregonians Nov 9, 2008
The sugar-infused blood can interfere with red blood cells ability to clot. This can lead to infection. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
* Scientist touts potential of umbilical cord stem cells Nov 9, 2008
Stem cells derived from cord blood not only have potential for tissue-engineering for transplants, but also for differentiating human cord blood cells into liver cells, he said. This could be useful to the pharmaceutical industry, he said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Protein-printing Technique Gives Snapshots Of Immune System Defense Nov 9, 2008
For the first time, the method developed by Love and his colleagues lets researchers look at single white blood cells and measure specific characteristics of the antibodies they produce when the body is under attack. The white blood cells called B cells can offer billions of combinations of antibodies that bind to bacteria, viruses or toxins, flagging the invaders for destruction. (Science Daily)
A Doctor, a Mutation and a Potential Cure for AIDS Nov 8, 2008
John Rossi and colleagues actually use HIV itself, genetically engineered to be harmless, to deliver to patients' white blood cells three genes: one that inactivates CCR5 and two others that disable HIV. He has already completed the procedure on four patients and may perform it on another. One big hurdle: doctors can't yet genetically modify all target cells. (Wall Street Journal)
Stem-cell freezer malfunctions at Eastern Health Nov 8, 2008
Eastern Health's acting CEO, Louise Jones, said the authority is in 'very much uncharted territory' in handling the stem-cell issue. The largest health authority in Newfoundland and Labrador released details Thursday afternoon of a "catastrophic" malfunction with a freezer used to store stem cells for 26 patients with cancers of the blood. (CBC.ca)
10 years of stem cells science Nov 8, 2008
In the laboratory, scientists have directed blank-slate stem cells to become blood cells, neurons, and beating heart cells ... Sept. 4, 2001: A team of Wisconsin scientists led by Dan Kaufman announces it has coaxed stem cells to become blood cells. (News-Medical.net)
Scientists Decode Cancer Cell DNA Nov 7, 2008
By comparing DNA from the patient's cancerous blood cells with DNA from her own normal skin, the researchers found changes present in genes of her leukemia, but not in the genes of her skin. "What's new here is that this entire encyclopedia of a cancer cell, which is 400 Encylopedia Britannicas lined up end to end, has actually been read out for the first time for a particular leukemia," Collins said. (CBS News)
Key Gene May Be Crucial To Production Of Thymus And Disease-fighting T-cells Nov 7, 2008
(July 23, 2008) Scientists have identified a protein that stimulates the production of T-cells, the white blood cells involved in the recognition and the elimination of infectious agents. The discovery could help to. (Science Daily)
New Therapeutic Target Identified For Rheumatoid Arthritis Nov 7, 2008
Using this technology with human macrophages, white blood cells that are vital to the development of inflammatory response, they identified a subset of genes that were turned on by the activation of Toll-like receptors and inhibited by interferon gamma. This subset of genes included genes that are involved in the Notch signaling pathway. (Science Daily)
New advancements in the use of adult, embryonic stem cells for tissue regeneration Nov 7, 2008
In the absence of injury, many cell types such as epithelia and blood cells turn over rapidly, while others such as hepatocytes, myofibers, osteocytes, and most neurons, have low turnover rates or do not turn over at all. In organisms that grow throughout life, such as fish, the total number of cells in various tissues increases continuously, indicating that the number of new cells produced is higher than the number of cells lost. (EurekAlert!)
Herpes drug inhibits HIV replication, but with a price Nov 7, 2008
They used a sensitive infection assay of white blood cells and found that acyclovir can directly inhibit HIV replication. The drug specifically targeted RT, the key HIV enzyme that converts the virus' RNA into DNA so it can be replicated. (EurekAlert!)
Genome of cancer patient decoded Nov 6, 2008
AML, a common kind of leukemia in adults, begins inside bone marrow, tissue inside bones that helps form blood cells. Each year in the United States, about 13,000 people are diagnosed with AML -- usually in people age 60 and older -- and it kills about 8,800 people. (MSNBC -- Health)
Woman's cancer genome decoded Nov 6, 2008
Researchers used malignant blood cells from a 50-something woman who died of acute myeloid leukemia, a cancer of blood-forming cells in the bone marrow, according to a paper in today's Nature. Doctors mapped all the genes in her tumor cells, the compared them side by side with the genes in a normal cell from her skin. (USA Today)
Risk Of Sudden Cardiac Death Appears Increased Within 30 Days Of Heart Attack Nov 6, 2008
MPO, or myeloperoxidase,is an enzyme produced by white blood cells. High levels of MPO predict a heart attack, the need for invasive intervention, or. (Science Daily)
B vitamins might not cut cancer risk Nov 5, 2008
For example, folic acid is important in the production of red blood cells and is important for women to prevent certain birth defects. Despite this study's findings, other research suggests that people who eat foods high in folic acid may lower their cancer risk, according to Dr. JoAnn Manson of Brigham and Women's Hospital, who also took part in the study. (Boston Globe)
E coli Profits from Human Diet Nov 5, 2008
The E coli toxin, Subtilase cytotoxin, damages the delicate cells lining the blood vessels, causing clots, damage to red blood cells and kidney failure. Microbiologists Dr Adrienne Paton and Professor James Paton, both from the at Adelaide University, South Australia, were part of an international team which showed that the toxin targets cells with a specific sugar, Neu5Gc, on their surface. (Suite101.com)
Dramatic Fall In Malaria In Gambia Raises Possibility Of Elimination In Parts Of Africa Nov 5, 2008
18, 2006) Scientists at Georgetown University are describing the first use of a new microscope technology to capture images of live malaria parasites inside human red blood cells. They say the advance could be. (Science Daily)
Wide variability in rheumatoid arthritis drug suggests alternative dosing should be considered Nov 5, 2008
A new study examining levels of MTX metabolites in red blood cells was published in the November issue of Arthritis atism (). MTX is normally taken orally and is rapidly taken up into a variety of cells, including red blood cells, where it remains long after being eliminated from blood serum ... Once inside red blood cells, the drug can assume up to five different forms, which are known as MTXGlu1-5 (MTX polyglutamates) These can be measured inside red blood cells and are thought to be... (EurekAlert!)
Chlorella Removes Heavy Metals from... Nov 4, 2008
In combination with this high chlorophyll content, chlorella's high iron content makes it an effective builder of red blood cells in humans. Red blood cell count is a primary indicator for health - providing resistance to infection and good circulation to muscles and brain. (Suite101.com)
Lifestyle Controls Enzyme Regulatin... Nov 4, 2008
The men's telomerase levels were measured, in the blood cells, at the start of the study and again three months later. At that time, the researchers found a 29% increase in telomerase levels, a decrease in "bad" (LDL) cholesterol and decrease in psychological distress, three parameters known as cancer risk factors. (Suite101.com)
Alzheimer's Disease Nov 4, 2008
It converts carbohydrates into energy and develop healthy red blood cells; releases energy and regenerate red blood cells. The B-Complex also supplies and maintains the DNA bank of genetic information for every living cell; maintains normal bone morrow; protects nerve fibers, and controls metabolism. (Suite101.com)
Cancer Fighting Foods Nov 4, 2008
The B vitamins convert carbohydrates into energy, regenerate and develop healthy red blood cells. When cancer genes are lurking around in a body, diet and life style can either turn them off or promote them. (Suite101.com)
Simple Chemical Procedure Augments Therapeutic Potential Of Stem Cells Nov 4, 2008
29, 2008) Researchers in Sweden have established and isolated the tissue-specific stem cell that produces blood cells (blood stem cell) by using genetically modified embryonic stem. (Sep. (Science Daily)
Malaria drug potency is restored Nov 4, 2008
Chloroquine - which is far cheaper than more modern malaria drugs - works by blocking the way the parasite breaks down human haemoglobin contained in red blood cells ... Professor Ron Behrens, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said primaquine was not suitable for all patients, as it could trigger the break down of red blood cells in people with an enzyme deficiency. (Yahoo News -- Malaria)
Mice Frozen 16 Years Ago "Resurrected" by Cloning Nov 4, 2008
For their cloning process, Wakayama and his colleagues drew dead brain and blood cells from the frozen mice ... Most other methods rely on a fusion between a cell from the donor (in this case brain and blood cells from the frozen mice) and the egg cell into which the genetic material is inserted, Wakayama explained. (National Geographic)
Previously unknown immune cell may help those with Crohn's and colitis Nov 4, 2008
The cells are a type of natural killer (NK) cells, which are white blood cells classically known to eliminate tumor cells and cells infected by viruses. Because of their killer tendencies, NK cells are carefully controlled and don't act until they receive the right signal. (EurekAlert!)
Cell Therapeutics Announces Study Data Set Cut-off for Phase III Pivotal Pixantrone (301) Trial Nov 3, 2008
About Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is caused by the abnormal proliferation of white blood cells and normally spreads through the lymphatic system, a system of vessels that drains fluid from the body. NHL can be broadly classified into two main forms -- aggressive NHL, a rapidly spreading acute form of the disease, and indolent NHL, which progresses more slowly. (PR Newswire)
Waiting, hoping for a lifeline Nov 3, 2008
It was initially treated with chemotherapy and when it came back, five years later, with a transplant of her own blood cells ... A. With leukemia, a plastic anemia and some immune deficiency diseases, stem cells in the bone marrow malfunction, producing large numbers of defective or immature blood cells or low blood cell counts. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Systems Biology And Glycomics Applied To Study Of Human Inflammatory Diseases Nov 3, 2008
The binding of white blood cells to blood vessels is a key step in the progression of inflammatory diseases, explained Sriram Neelamegham, Ph ... "Our goal is to find ways to alter carbohydrate structures or glycans on the surfaces of white blood cells," he said ... "This then produces clues on how we might manipulate the adhesivity of white blood cells to the blood vessel wall.". (Science Daily)
Persistent bacterial infection exploits killing machinery of immune cells Nov 3, 2008
Clearing the body of disease-causing bacteria is the job of specialized white blood cells called macrophages. The word "macrophage" means "big eater" in Latin and that is just what these cells are--they gobble up cell debris, infected cells and disease-causing bacteria found in the body. (EurekAlert!)
Waiting over Nov 2, 2008
She has a rare, chronic disorder which means her red blood cells are weak and destroyed more rapidly than normal. Before the trial she needed blood transfusions every three months to keep her alive and suffered from jaundice, blood in the urine, stomach pains, difficulty swallowing and tiredness. (BBC News -- UK)
Infection and Sepsis Nov 2, 2008
This causes small arteries in the vicinity of the infection, a reaction that allows white blood cells to reach the pathogens more quickly. The mediators also induce other effects, such as fever and blood clotting. (Suite101.com)
Helping children cope with grief Nov 2, 2008
He died unexpectedly five months later of acute lymphocytosis of infancy, which involved an over-abundance of white blood cells in his body. The new program will hold meetings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the first Monday of every month beginning Dec. 1. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
'Old Blood' Linked To Infection Nov 2, 2008
Currently, federal regulations allow red blood cells to be stored up to 42 days, after which they must be discarded. Stored red blood cells undergo changes that promote the release of a number of biochemical substances called cytokines, which can depress the recipients immune function and leave them more susceptible to infection, said study author Raquel Nahra, MD, who conducted her research while at Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Those changes start around 14 days of storage and reach... (Science Daily)
Shine a light Nov 1, 2008
Tanguy's 1948 sci-fi landscape "Land of the Sleepers" is still viscerally eerie; it's blushing sky is a tonal match to the swarming red blood cells in Ross Bleckner's unnerving 2000 painting "Large Slide" nearby - biomorphism goes literal. Tanguy's depiction of space coincided with Dali's - their landscapes look as if they go on forever. (Boston Globe)
New Way To Attack Some Forms Of Leukemia Discovered Nov 1, 2008
31, 2008) Each year, some 29,000 adults and 2,000 children are diagnosed with leukemia, a form of cancer that is caused by the abnormal production of white blood cells in the bone marrow ... Led by Michael Cosgrove, assistant professor of biology in SU's College of Arts and Sciences, the team discovered a way to disrupt the protein switch that is a critical component in the process to create white blood cells ... To understand how white blood cells are produced, one must begin by looking at the... (Science Daily)
Cancer Requires Support From Immune System To Develop Nov 1, 2008
"This insight has led to a very promising therapy of a previously untreatable tumor. "This is the first time a mouse model has been used to gain insight into a cancer that could not be derived from patient studies," said Dr. Parada, director of the Kent Waldrep Center for Basic Research on Nerve Growth and Regeneration. The researchers were studying tumors called plexiform neurofibromas, which occur around peripheral nerves. In humans, they occur as part of a genetic disease called... (Science Daily)
Red meat eaters beware! Nov 1, 2008
Paton said in HUS, toxin-induced damage to the delicate cells lining the blood vessels causes clots, damage to red blood cells and kidney failure. Humans usually become infected with the potentially deadly E. coli after eating contaminated food, according to a release of Adelaide University. (Times of India)
Aggressive Phototherapy Can Improve Neurodevelopmental Outcomes In Some Preemies Oct 31, 2008
Neonatal jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and other tissues in a newborn due to high levels of bilirubin, an indication that red blood cells are being broken down too quickly for the liver to process. The condition is caused by the newborn's overall physiologic immaturity, including immaturity of the liver. (Science Daily)
Old blood 'boosts infection risk' Oct 30, 2008
After two weeks in storage, red blood cells start to undergo changes which lead to the release of chemicals called "cytokines". These are known to hinder immune function, and in high levels could possibly make patients more susceptible to infection. (BBC News -- Health)
Vitamin B12 in Vegetarian and Vegan... Oct 30, 2008
Vitamin B12 is essential to making the red blood cells that carry oxygen in the body. It also helps to form some amino acids, which make up body protein and DNA. Vitamin B12 also helps to release energy from foods. (Suite101.com)
Two Students Hospitalized With E. coli Oct 30, 2008
But a small percentage of those infected may develop a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed and kidney failure may occur. Those most at risk for food-borne illnesses include young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Older Blood Boosts Chances of Infection in Transfusion Patients Oct 30, 2008
The new research team noted that the existing threshold was established to deal with the fact that while in storage red blood cells release cytokines, which are known to dampen a transfusion patient's immune system -- rendering the patient more susceptible to infection. Cytokine release tends to begin around two weeks into blood storage, mounting to maximum levels even after the 42-day line in the sand. (MEDLINEplus)
New Test Promises Quicker, More Accurate Evaluation For Cystic Fibrosis Patients Oct 29, 2008
National Jewish researchers thought white blood cells circulating in the blood might be a good source of biomarkers for a more sensitive and accurate test. White blood cells are the predominant cell type at sites of tissue destruction in CF patients lungs. (Science Daily)
Common Heart Drugs May Hamper Blood Thinner Oct 29, 2008
Studying 200 people who were taking Plavix after artery-opening procedures and stent placement, the University of Vienna researchers found a higher level of activity of platelets -- the blood cells that can clump together to form blood clots -- in those also taking calcium channel blockers. "Moreover, intake of calcium channel blockers was associated with adverse clinical outcome," the researchers wrote. (MEDLINEplus)
