Staring down desperation Jul 11, 2010
When MacPherson takes his daughter to Children s Hospital in Boston for diabetes treatments, he donates platelets to get free parking and save $15. He has even participated in four nutritional studies at Tufts University, earning $500 for each. (Boston Globe)
Scientists develop 'fake' genetically-engineered blood... Jul 10, 2010
Other products are made from donations like platelets, plasma & clotting factors. Additionally, the cells will still have other antigens that can stimulate antibodies. (The Drudge Report)
Reprogrammed human blood cells show promise for disease research Jul 2, 2010
Blood is composed of red cells that carry oxygen throughout the body, white cells that are part of the immune system, and platelets that clot the blood after an injury. Because red blood cells and platelets lack nuclei containing DNA, they cannot be converted to iPS cells. (EurekAlert!)
Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Research... Jun 27, 2010
It produces white blood cells to protect against infection, red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body, and platelets to prevent bleeding. Patients given high doses of chemotherapy generally have very few remaining healthy bone marrow stem cells. (Suite101.com)
Overview of ALL- Acute Lymphocytic ... Jun 27, 2010
Prolonged bleeding from minor cuts (low platelets). Shortness of breath during physical activity. (Suite101.com)
Research Sheds Light on Increased Blood Clot Risk Jun 26, 2010
Seven genes seem to have big impact on how platelets clump together, study suggests ... THURSDAY, June 24 (HealthDay News) -- In an effort to uncover why some people's blood platelets clump faster than others, a genetic analysis has turned up a specific grouping of overactive genes that seems to control the process ... On the plus side, platelets are critical for fending off infections and healing wounds. (MEDLINEplus)
Facts About Smoking Cigarette Sta... Jun 25, 2010
Short-term exposure can affect a person s platelets, which increases the risk for blood clots and. The High Cost of Smoking. (Suite101.com)
Drug Mitigates Toxic Effects of Radiation in Mice Jun 25, 2010
The bone marrow produces all the normal blood cells, and therefore a high dose of radiation can lead to low blood counts of red cells, platelets and white blood cells ... PQ protected all the normal cells of blood, including platelets, red cells and white cells ... In particular, PQ protects platelets and red cells, which are largely unmet needs in current clinical oncology. (Science Daily)
Cause of Loxahatchee woman's near-fatal food illness a mystery Jun 24, 2010
"I think I've drained every bag of platelets in Palm Beach County," said Dycus, 38. "This has turned my life upside down.". (The Palm Beach Post)
Penn bioengineers create simulator to test blood platelets in virtual heart attacks Jun 21, 2010
PHILADELPHIA - A team of bioengineers from the University of Pennsylvania Institute for Medicine and Engineering have trained a computer neural network model to accurately predict how blood platelets would respond to complex conditions found during a heart attack or stroke. Using an automated, robotic system, they exposed human blood platelets to hundreds of different combinations of biological stimuli like those experienced during a heart attack ... The team applied the system to predict... (EurekAlert!)
FDA fines Red Cross for sloppy blood screening Jun 20, 2010
Regulators fined 00004000 the group nearly $10 million for mismanagement of blood products including red blood cells, plasma and platelets and over $6 million for faulty manufacturing practices. The violations occurred in fiscal years 2008 and 2009. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR -- Business)
Action of Modern Drug Demonstrates How Two Ancient Human Systems Interact Jun 19, 2010
17, 2009) Scientists have identified a previously unknown contributor to organ failure in patients suffering from sepsis: platelets. The finding is the first time doctors have looked at and linked platelets to. (Science Daily)
FDA OKs new prostate cancer drug Jun 18, 2010
The FDA said Jevtana's side effects including decreased levels of infection-fighting white blood cells and lower white blood cell count, anemia, lower levels of blood platelets, diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, constipation, weakness and kidney failure. Click for related content. (MSNBC -- Health)
Prostate-cancer chemotherapy drug approved Jun 18, 2010
The FDA said Jevtana's side effects include decreased levels of infection-fighting white blood cells and lower white-blood cell count, anemia, lower levels of blood platelets, diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting, constipation, weakness and kidney failure. The ruling on Jevtana came more than three months early; the FDA was scheduled to make a decision on the drug by Sept. 30. (AZCentral -- News)
Bhopal gas victims used as guinea pigs: NGO Jun 17, 2010
The medicines tested included Fonda Parinox (for blood clog removal in the veins), Prasugrel, Clopidogrel (for blood platelets), telavamcin antibiotic (used for anesthesia), mometasm and formoterol (for pulmonary diseases), magnex and tygacil (for gastro-intestinal diseases). The hospital acknowledged that 86 cardiology patients underwent trials for Fonda Perinox, Prasugrel and Clopidogrel. (India Times, India)
Letters to the editor Jun 14, 2010
the noon hour on June 9, 2010 brought a number of men in to give blood, plasma and platelets. The FDA will hold hearings later this week to discuss the possibility of changing the current prohibition on giving blood by men who have had sex with another man. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Glaxo's Revolade for Rare Blood Illness Fails to Win U.K. Agency's Support Jun 10, 2010
While Revolade raises the levels of platelets essential to controlling bleeding, it isnt clear if the drug provides benefits beyond existing treatments, the said. The medicine, also known as eltrombopag, is approved in Europe for patients with , a rare disorder marked by low platelet levels. (Bloomberg -- UK)
Self-Healing Air Mattresses Based on Plant Wound Healing? Jun 10, 2010
(May 22, 2007) Treating skin wounds with a concentrated topical gel of the patient's own blood platelets may result in faster healing, according to new research. Four male and four female volunteers aged 21--58. (Science Daily)
Second-line CML drugs evoke faster, better front-line remissions Jun 6, 2010
Hematologic side effects decreased levels of red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets -- were slightly more common among those on imatinib. Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle spasms and edema were higher on imatinib, but rash, headache, hair loss and itching were higher on nilotinib. (EurekAlert!)
Bristol-Myers Drugs Advance Treatment for Skin, Blood Cancers in Trials Jun 6, 2010
Patients given Sprycel were more likely to have a loss of platelets and fluid build-up in the lungs while patients taking Gleevec were more likely to have fluid retention under the skin. Patients taking Gleevec were also more likely to have nausea, rash and muscle pain. (Bloomberg -- US)
Cerebral Malaria: Scientists Advance Understanding of Deadly Form of Malaria in Children Jun 2, 2010
New research points to platelets -- known for their role in blood clotting -- as playing an important role in the disease, stimulating the immune system and turning on molecules that increase inflammation ... "Our findings increase our knowledge of cerebral malaria and suggest that targeting platelets may prove to be a viable intervention strategy." ... Once infected, red blood cells activate platelets, which secrete a key protein -- platelet factor 4 or PF4/CXCL4. (Science Daily)
Skin Rejuvenating Treatments That U... May 29, 2010
In a therapy known as S3, a patient s blood is drawn and separated into platelets, serum, and hemoglobin ... The Selphyl System, which is FDA-approved and thus available in the U.S., uses the same type of method to separate out platelets and a protein called fibrin from the patient s blood ... However, some researchers are concerned by the practice of injecting platelets, which contain human growth factors. (Suite101.com)
Slow-Release NSAIDs Pose Greater Risk of GI Bleeding, Study Finds May 29, 2010
Study leader Luis A. Garc;a Rodr;guez, M.D. states, "We showed that persistent exposure to the drug is an important independent determinant; in fact, drugs with a long half-life or slow-release formulation were associated overall with a greater risk than NSAIDs with a short half-life. We observed the lowest GI toxicity with coxibs, i.e., celecoxib and rofecoxib, which supports the notion that sparing of COX-1 in the GI tract and possibly in platelets translates clinically to a lower upper GI... (Science Daily)
Anxiety disorders may boost heart attack risk May 29, 2010
Research suggests, for example, that depression boosts the activity of platelets, cells that promote blood clotting. Depression may also have effects on the immune system or the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which help regulate the heart's response to everyday stresses. (MSNBC -- Health)
Are The Rules That Determine Who Can Donate Blood Outdated? May 27, 2010
Weighing the risks and benefits After a pint of blood is collected, it is processed into its transfusible components: plasma, platelets and red blood cells. A dozen tests are then performed to establish the donor's blood type and screen for. (Scientific American)
Better Ways to Inhibit Blood Clots Revealed by New Study May 22, 2010
15, 2009) Polyphosphate from blood platelets plays a key role in inflammation and the formation of blood clots, scientists have shown ... 17, 2009) Researchers have developed synthetic platelets from biodegradable polymers ... In animal models, the synthetics attach to natural platelets and stem bleeding faster than current. (Science Daily)
Scripps research scientists shed light on potential treatment for Gaucher's disease May 10, 2010
Symptoms include bruising easily due to low blood platelets, enlargement of the liver and spleen, and fatigue due to anemia. The disease also causes cells in the bone marrow to become engorged with a fatty storage material, which may lead to bone lesions, weakening the skeleton, sometimes resulting in painful fractures. (EurekAlert!)
SSRIs and Cardiovascular Health: Popular Antidepressants May Have Beneficial Side Effects for Cardiovascular Health May 9, 2010
ScienceDaily (May 8, 2010) A class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may provide a boost to cardiovascular health by affecting the way platelets, small cells in the blood involved in clotting, clump together, say researchers at the Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Ill ... In a study of 50 adults, the researchers found that platelets were slower to clump together, or aggregate, in participants who were taking an SSRI to treat depression ...... (Science Daily)
The Health Benefits of Eating Choco... May 7, 2010
Another way chocolate helps blood to flow more smoothly is by discouraging platelets from sticking to one another. This lessens the chance of blood clots and plaque in the arteries. (Suite101.com)
School rallies to help save sick girl May 5, 2010
Blood tests showed low platelets in Delia s blood ... Delia also receives blood transfusions once or twice a week to replenish her red cells and platelets. (Nogales International, AZ)
MS Study Suggests Key Role of Environmental Factor in the Disease Apr 30, 2010
15, 2009) Polyphosphate from blood platelets plays a key role in inflammation and the formation of blood clots, scientists have shown. The study could lead to new treatments for. (Science Daily)
Antidepressants May Improve Heart Health Apr 28, 2010
MONDAY, April 26 (HealthDay News) -- A widely used type of antidepressant may help protect cardiovascular health by slowing the clumping of blood platelets, thus reducing the risk of hardening of the arteries and blood clots that can cause heart attack and stroke, U.S. researchers say. The new study compared 25 depressed patients taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and 25 healthy people who weren't taking an antidepressant. (MEDLINEplus)
Rare swine-flu shot complications studied Apr 24, 2010
The latest analysis of data has detected what could be a somewhat elevated rate of Guillain-Barre syndrome, which can cause paralysis and death; Bell's palsy, a temporary facial paralysis; and thrombocytopenia, which is a low level of blood platelets, officials reported Friday. The data are being collected through five of the networks the government is using to monitor people who were inoculated against H1N1 flu. (AZCentral -- News)
Smallest, Lightest Telemedicine Microscope Apr 23, 2010
With blood smears, the lensless microscope is capable of accurately identifying cells and particles, including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. The technology has the potential to help monitor diseases like malaria, HIV and tuberculosis in areas where there are great distances between people in need of health care and the facilities capable of providing it, Ozcan said. (Science Daily)
Blood drive Wednesday at FCHC Apr 22, 2010
Platelets last only five days. But even though blood products have a certain shelf-life, the community supply usually doesn't stay on the shelf until the expiration date. (Marlin Democrat, TX)
Paragould Personalities: Jimmy D. McMillon (43) Apr 18, 2010
Chemo can kill rapidly growing bone marrow cells too where infection-fighting white blood cells, oxygen-transporting red blood cells and wound-clotting platelets are manufactured. McMillon said he was given an injection after each chemotherapy treatment to boost his white blood cell count, which left him physically exhausted. (Paragould Daily Press, AR)
Blood spinning promising; studies inconclusive Apr 13, 2010
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy involves taking about an ounce of the patient's blood and spinning it in a centrifuge for about 30 minutes to separate the platelets from the rest of the cells ... The idea behind PRP is that platelets are the body's natural healing tool ... Most people know that platelets are blood clotters - they help you stop bleeding when you've cut yourself. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Temperature-Dependent Drug May Prevent Blood Clots During Therapeutic Hypothermia Apr 13, 2010
The new drug works only at cooler temperatures by inhibiting the activity of platelets, which are cells that bind together to stop bleeding. In mouse and human blood samples, researchers demonstrated that the experimental drug bound to platelets and prevented them from clumping together at cool temperatures (22 ... 15, 2009) Polyphosphate from blood platelets plays a key role in inflammation and the formation of blood clots, scientists have shown. (Science Daily)
Inappropriate Uses of Frozen Plasma, Experts Argue Apr 7, 2010
There has been increased attention given to the clinical use of red blood cells and platelets but not enough has been paid to the use of frozen plasma. "Two recent studies in Canada found that 45% and 48% of audited frozen plasma transfusions represented inappropriate use, according to published guidelines," write Dr. Peter Pinkerton, Department of Clinical Pathology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and coauthor. (Science Daily)
Lottery pays $7.77 million after 7-7-7-7 hits Apr 3, 2010
TODAYAlta Ray, a teacher, school administrator and mother of four who was stricken with leukemia, is alive today because of the people who donated blood platelets used in her treatment. NBCs George Lewis reports. (MSNBC -- International)
She meets 11 blood donors who saved her life Apr 3, 2010
April 2: Alta Ray, a teacher, school administrator and mother of four who was stricken with leukemia, is alive today because of the people who donated blood platelets used in her treatment ... UCLA rounded up not just typical blood donors, but people willing to donate blood platelets, the clotting agent in blood ... One donor even returned for repeated processes when told their platelets were a great match for Ray. (MSNBC -- Health)
Martin looks to return Apr 2, 2010
In the procedure, a tube of a patient's blood is taken and put in a centrifuge and spun, producing concentrated platelets ... The platelets are then injected into the injury site. (ESPN -- Basketball)
Phillies in the Halladay spirit as Mariners make plans minus Lee Apr 1, 2010
The procedure involves taking blood from the patient, spinning it in a centrifuge to isolate platelets which act as healing agents and injecting about a teaspoon into the injured area. After a brief throwing session on flat ground Wednesday, Lee says he felt much better compared with other recent attempts. (USA Today -- Sports)
Bone Marrow Cancer Patients May Benefit From Drug Combo Mar 31, 2010
In people with this cancer (which is similar to leukemia), stem cells fail to mature into healthy red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. This leads to infection, anemia and bleeding complications. (MEDLINEplus)
Mariners shut down Lee for 5 days; DL possible Mar 27, 2010
In the relatively new procedure, a tube of a patient's blood is taken and put in a centrifuge and spun, producing concentrated platelets ... The platelets are then injected into the injury site. (ESPN -- Baseball)
Heroes among us Mar 21, 2010
A droning hum came from the 5-foot-tall machine, outfitted with spinning gears and a maze of tubes, that extracted Phillip Waterman's blood, stored its platelets in a translucent bag and returned the ruby fluid to the 66-year-old's body ... Years ago, his younger brother Gary died of leukemia, a cancer that requires copious amounts of oft-scarce blood products, such as platelets ... Waterman has been donating platelets since 2000, after Gary's death. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Newer Blood Thinner Beats Plavix for Bypass Patients Mar 18, 2010
Both drugs prevent platelets from clumping and forming clots, but Plavix, the more popular drug, has been linked to potentially dangerous side effects in cancer patients. In addition, some people don't metabolize it well, making it less effective. (MEDLINEplus)
Lions Relay The Message Mar 18, 2010
Since Loughran was hospitalized on Christmas Day of 2009, the men's water polo team and many others in the water polo community have taken a large role in giving much needed blood and platelets, while becoming registered to donate bone marrow - all of which are much needed in the fight against APL. In addition, through the efforts of assistant water polo coach , speaker Gina Cousineau was brought to campus to talk about the importance of blood, blood platelet, bone marrow, and organ donations.... (Lmulions.com)
Researchers characterize stem cell function Mar 12, 2010
"These new tests show that these endothelial-like cells can inhibit blood clotting and can prevent platelets from adhering to their surface," says Ameer. "But if you antagonize the cells or stimulate them, they will also respond the same way that an endothelial cell would and will clot blood if needed.". (EurekAlert!)
Fewer platelets could be used for some cancer and bone-marrow transplantation patients Mar 11, 2010
So the question is: 'Can you use fewer platelets to achieve the same effect, thereby helping to alleviate that problem. " said Dr. Aquino, also a bone-marrow transplant physician at Children's Medical Center Dallas. "The basic conclusion of the research was that fewer platelets could be used and that would have a societal benefit because, by using less platelets for oncology patients, more platelets would be available to other people who needed them ... " Platelet blood cells help control... (EurekAlert!)
Benefits of Cod Liver Oil Mar 4, 2010
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, omega-3 fat can prevent blood platelets from clotting and sticking to the walls of arteries. They lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of a heart attack or stroke and even certain cancers. (Suite101.com)
Heart Attacks Under 40 Mar 4, 2010
Andrea had a preexisting condition which makes her body produce excessive platelets, setting the stage for blood clots. However, even with that, she admits, she dismissed her symptoms as morning sickness and never imagined the worst could happen. (W-USA News, DC)
Key Player Found for a Cancer Typical in Down Syndrome Mar 2, 2010
However, for reasons that haven't been clear, 20 to 30 percent of these babies progress to a more serious leukemia known as Down syndrome acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (DS-AMKL), which affects the blood progenitor cells that form red blood cells and platelets ... DS-AMKL is always associated with mutations in the gene GATA1, which helps make and regulate red blood cells and megakaryocytes (the cells that produce platelets). (Science Daily)
New University of Colorado paper shows novel way to study human inflammatory disease Feb 26, 2010
The CU-Boulder research team found that mice infected with salmonella developed fever, enlarged spleens, anemia, reduced numbers of platelets, dangerously high blood levels of an iron-storage protein, and neurological signs. In addition, specialized white blood cells known as hemophagocytic macrophages accumulated in the organs of the body, including bone marrow. (EurekAlert!)
Tests to Measure Safety of Anti-Clotting Drugs of Limited Value Feb 25, 2010
Three of the six tests, which measure the function of platelets, the blood cells that clump together to form clots, did provide some useful information, according to the report in the Feb. 24 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. "However, the predictability of these three tests was only modest," the report added. (MEDLINEplus)
Longtime Casper doc Fritz Cubin dies Feb 23, 2010
Sick for many years with an immune disorder, he also was diagnosed with thrombocytopenia, a condition in which there is a deficient number of circulating blood platelets, the cells that help blood to clot. Staph infection, pneumonia, renal failure, liver failure and bone marrow problems were some of the other ailments he battled. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Spence returns to coaching after battle with leukemia Feb 18, 2010
" Spence's body had begun to grow leukemic cells quickly, crowding out red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. What made the then-35-year-old Spence's case so interesting is that cancer does not run in his family, and his type of leukemia occurs mostly in young children or older adults. "After getting the bad news, the doctor told us that if we would have not come in, Fritz didn't have more than a few weeks to live," Teri said. "It was so surreal hearing it. It was like I wasn't even... (Daily Collegian, PA)
Cell-Off: Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Fall Short of Potential Found in Embryonic Version Feb 12, 2010
He notes his company had planned this year to apply to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to use red blood cells and platelets derived from iPS cells in clinical trials, but "at this point, therapies with these cells are years off.". There were already concerns surrounding the use of iPS cells in therapies because prior studies suggested they were. (Scientific American)
Sweet! Chocolate is good for you Feb 12, 2010
Other recent studies have found that blood platelets in chocolate eaters. Clumping platelets can lead to the formation of blood clots, which in turn can cause a heart attack. (MSNBC -- Health)
My Sister's Keeper - DVD Movie Revi... Feb 11, 2010
Anna has donated her umbilical cord blood, platelets, bone marrow and more, and now Kate needs a kidney and it is expected that Anna will donate it without question. Instead Anna seeks the services of a lawyer with a 91% success rate, and sues her parents for medical emancipation, a decision that could tear the family apart. (Suite101.com)
HIV-positive diagnosis not a death sentence Feb 8, 2010
"The doctor told me that my body was trying to fight the virus and it was destroying my platelets.". His doctor immediately put Mr. Thompson on a three-medication cocktail. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Living with leukemia: What life is like when a mom and son stay in the hospital while dad and brother make do at home Feb 7, 2010
On Jan. 2, tests showed low platelets. On Jan. 4, Christine scheduled the bone marrow test at Children's for Jan. 6. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
'Baby-Saving Heroes' Feb 3, 2010
Mendenhall, whose family has a history of being regular blood donors, donates whole blood every eight weeks and donates platelets once a month ... Platelets are the "sticky portion" of blood that causes clotting, she noted ... It's often used for oncology patients after they receive high doses of chemotherapy because the treatment inhibits their bodies from producing platelets. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Blood Alliance, Navy team up for Haiti Feb 2, 2010
The Jacksonville-based Blood Alliance recently fulfilled a new request to provide with an additional supply of apheresis platelets, which are used to help control bleeding and enhance the clotting process. The Blood Alliance will continue to help aid the hospital s need for blood products. (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
Tune Up Your Health Feb 2, 2010
"That directly activates the endorphins to release nitric oxide. It's a protective chemical, one of the important chemicals produced by the endothelium [the inner lining of the blood vessels]. It's important in biological and physiological functions -- it causes blood vessels to dilate, it reduces inflammation, it prevents platelets from sticking and cholesterol from being taken up into plaque.". But that might be just part of the story, Miller said. (MEDLINEplus)
