Articles tagged with Medical Tests
The HOPE Note Toolkit is being adopted by primary care clinics in the US to improve whole person integrative health visits. The toolkit assesses patients' physical, environmental, lifestyle, social, emotional, mental, and spiritual experiences with healthcare teams.
A meta-analysis of commercially available STI tests found vaginal swabs to be more sensitive than urine specimens in detecting chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas. The study supports the CDC's recommendation for vaginal swab testing as the optimal sample type for women.
Research finds that comprehensive care services delivered by Canadian family physicians have decreased over 20 years, with no difference in decline between early-career and experienced physicians. This suggests that factors other than training or interest are driving the decrease.
Researchers found significant decreases in the levels of KRAS, RHOA, RAC1, and CDC42 after PCAI treatment, implicating their role in cancer progression and metastasis. These findings support the potential of PCAIs as potent agents for developing new anticancer therapeutics.
A large observational study found that most patients do not medically benefit from consultation with a medical specialist before their surgery. The study of 359,618 patients in Ontario suggested that preoperative medical consultations were an independent risk factor for death 30 days after surgery.
A study published in the Journal of Infection found that mNGS was significantly more effective at detecting bloodstream infections than conventional microbiological tests (CMTs), identifying 187 infection cases compared to CMTs' 81. Viral infections were the most common type, with CMV being the leading cause.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that dedicated hyperbaric oxygen therapy is more effective in reducing pain and healing patients with fibromyalgia caused by traumatic brain injury. The treatment resulted in significant improvements in 2 out of 5 patients, including improved pain threshold tests and quality of life indicators.
A survey of over 43,000 patient portal users found that 96% prefer immediate online access to clinical test results. Most respondents reported seeking additional information after reviewing their test results and valued the convenience of receiving results through a patient portal.
The new medicine has shown promising results in a Phase 1 clinical trial, with 70% of patients stable after six weeks and one patient remaining stable for over two years. Developed by NTNU researcher Marit Otterlei, ATX-101 targets cancer cells' stress regulation system, leaving healthy cells unaffected.
Young children with autism spectrum disorder are less likely to undergo vision screening than their peers, despite a high risk of developing serious eye disorders. A recent study found that only 36.5% of children with ASD had completed vision screenings at well visits, compared to 59.5% for children without ASD.
A recent survey found that patients overwhelmingly support receiving test results immediately, even if their provider has not yet reviewed them. Most respondents (90%) preferred receiving results through the patient portal as soon as they were available, and nearly all (96%) indicated a preference for timely release.
Cases of Candida auris, a highly contagious fungal infection, rose drastically between 2019 and 2021, with an increase in echinocandin-resistant cases. The findings emphasize the need for improved detection and infection control practices to prevent the spread of C auris.
A new study published in Journal of Clinical Microbiology shows that using multiple PCR panels can identify more pathogens, notably diarrhea-causing E. coli and enteric viruses, and do so more rapidly than a conventional workup. This results in lower healthcare costs, reduced hospitalizations, and decreased antibiotic use.
A new study highlights the need for testing patients who arrive at hospital intoxicated by drink or drunks to understand how they become intoxicated and reduce feelings of self-blame. The review authors argue that this lack of clarity can exacerbate psychological distress, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and fear.
UVA researchers discovered a metabolic pathway that can modulate COVID-19 inflammation, lung recovery, and host metabolic health. They suggest a potentially viable therapeutic agent that may be combined with existing anti-viral agents to treat severe COVID-19 in patients with underlying metabolic disease.
Researchers at Linköping University found that C-reactive protein has a beneficial function in systemic lupus erythematosus, reducing interferon activity and promoting milder disease. The study's findings suggest new treatment strategies to reduce immune complexes and elevated interferon levels.
Researchers found that clinicians ordered more frequent newborn drug tests for Black newborns after recreational cannabis legalization, highlighting concerns about structural racism and disproportionate testing. The study calls for further exploration of how institutional racism affects healthcare outcomes for Black families.
A West Virginia University study found that patients treated for motor vehicle collision injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic used more drugs, including cannabinoids, opioids, and stimulants. The study suggests public health interventions may be needed to curb this behavior in rural areas.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have developed a blood test for anxiety that can help identify biomarkers associated with the disorder. The test has been validated by three independent cohorts and shows promise in matching patients to effective treatments, such as medications and nutraceuticals.
The HALP score, a novel immune-nutritional marker, has been linked to prognostic ability in different cancer types. It integrates indicators of immune status and nutritional status, showing promise as a cost-effective biomarker.
Researchers explore cellular senescence's complex relationship with growth stimulation and cell cycle arrest, revealing potential anti-aging drug targets. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing new treatments for age-related diseases.
A new review paper from Mayo Clinic outlines how obesity impacts common tests used to diagnose heart disease, such as ECG, CT scan, MRI, and echocardiogram. The study highlights the need for alternative approaches to prevent weight gain in patients with heart disease.
Researchers found that breath analysis may be a valuable tool for COVID-19 diagnosis, but emerging variants pose challenges to overcome. The study's results warrant further evaluation to improve the use of breath analysis in patient care.
A study by University of Essex found that negative emotions such as anxiety and anger can fuel success, but are linked to poor health and lack of strategic thinking. Positive perceptions and feelings of control, on the other hand, lead to enjoyment of learning and desire for success.
A new method developed by Flatiron Institute researchers can diagnose COVID-19 with near-perfect accuracy, even in asymptomatic patients. The technique monitors the body's molecular response to a viral attack and measures mRNA molecules to identify an immune response.
Researchers re-examine molecular characteristics of WNT-subgroup patients to identify optimal treatment strategies for low-risk medulloblastoma. Key findings suggest that therapy-related late toxicity remains a concern, despite comparable survival rates between children and adolescents with this disease subtype.
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends integrating non-invasive biomarkers for patients with ulcerative colitis in remission or with current symptoms. Biomarkers provide accurate insights into disease activity, offering a cheaper and more convenient option for monitoring.
Researchers developed a testing model to understand cognitive challenges of superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD), a rare condition causing sound-induced dizziness and hearing abnormalities. The Mongolian gerbil model shows promise for accelerating recovery with reversible diagnostic findings characteristic of patients with SSCD.
HemaChrome, a digital health startup, has won phase 1 of the National Institutes of Health's RADx Tech for Maternal Health Challenge. The company uses smartphone technology to noninvasively measure blood hemoglobin levels, making them accessible and affordable for nearly everyone.
Researchers developed a quick clinical test predicting which people with neck pain benefit from epidural steroid injections, a common but costly and risky treatment option. The new variation on physical exam identified patients with nonorganic signs who are more likely to respond to the injections, guiding best use of treatment.
A nationwide study found that the CAPTURE screening tool identified roughly half of primary care patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) who could benefit from available treatments. However, the tool also flagged a large group of patients with breathing symptoms and abnormalities that didn't rise to the level of COPD.
A study found that cystatin C-based eGFR was strongly correlated with creatinine-based eGFR and that 27% of patients would be classified as having a more severe chronic kidney stage based on cystatin C test results. The use of cystatin C can lead to changes in CKD staging, which can impact clinical management.
A new study finds that plasma D-dimer levels have comparable diagnostic accuracy to other commonly used tests for identifying periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), and sometimes outperform the standard tests. The test showed higher sensitivity and specificity in detecting PJI, particularly in certain patient subgroups.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have designed a soft and breathable material that can be worn on the skin without causing discomfort. The material, made from liquid-metal elastomer composite, has integrated antibacterial and antiviral properties to prevent the formation of harmful pathogens.
A study by Brown University researchers found that night shift nursing home staff had significantly lower rates of COVID-19 testing and primary vaccination compared to day shift staff. The study highlights the importance of considering work shifts in designing workplace health interventions.
A study published in CANCER found that people's defensive beliefs can prevent them from taking at-home stool tests for colorectal cancer screening. Individuals who reacted defensively were more likely to believe that a healthy lifestyle or regular bowel movements mean they don't need to be screened.
A new diagnostic test can detect people with dormant Plasmodium vivax parasites, which are difficult to treat due to their ability to remain dormant in the liver for years. The test has the potential to improve malaria control programs and accelerate eradication efforts.
Researchers developed an automated autism screening test using EHR data from children under 1, achieving clinically meaningful accuracy by 30 days. The model improved over time, suggesting potential benefits when integrated with caregiver surveys for early autism screening.
A new smartphone application called FAST.AI uses machine learning algorithms to recognize facial asymmetry, arm weakness, and speech changes in people experiencing a stroke. The app's accuracy was validated through a study involving nearly 270 patients with acute stroke, showing promise as a tool for prompt individuals to seek care.
Researchers found that clearance of p16Ink4a-positive cells did not impact β-cell mass, but improved β-cell function and proliferative capacity in a subset of HFD mice. The targeted subpopulation of β-cells is non-proliferative and non-SASP producing.
Researchers successfully treated a young man with recurrent non-gonococcal urethritis caused by Mycoplasma genitalium using chloramphenicol. The patient showed improvement after 14 days of treatment, despite initial failure with first and second-line antibiotics.
Researchers identified 7 key symptoms of long COVID, including heart issues and joint pain, in a study of 52,461 patients. The findings could help healthcare providers diagnose and treat the condition more effectively.
Scientists at MIT have designed a novel nanoparticle platform that can deliver optimal ratios of multiple cancer drugs, leading to enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects. The bottlebrush-shaped particles can be loaded with varying concentrations of drugs, enabling the precise delivery of synergistic combinations.
Researchers developed bioprinted artificial skin that mimics human skin, reducing animal testing in cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. The model achieved similar results as traditionally produced models, passing international validation tests, including barrier function and irritant response assessment.
Researchers developed AI algorithms to predict ICU delirium risk, showing promise in identifying patients at high risk. The models can detect early warning signs and provide continuously updated risk predictions, enabling clinicians to devote more resources to interventions.
Using artificial human skin, researchers have successfully blocked invasive growth in a skin cancer model by targeting the TGF beta pathway. The study aims to develop new skin cancer therapies using existing drugs that can block these signalling pathways.
A Japanese study found that mandatory cognitive screening tests for older drivers led to a significant decrease in motor vehicle collisions. However, the policy also resulted in an increase in road injuries for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly among younger age subgroups.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo developed a portable, flexible copper sensor that can detect heavy metals like lead and cadmium in sweat. The device is made from ordinary materials and is simple to produce, making it accessible for non-specialists and technicians.
Researchers have developed a novel blood-based biomarker, brain-derived tau (BD-tau), that specifically measures non-phosphorylated tau originating from the brain. This breakthrough addresses an unmet need for a blood test that tracks neurodegenerative changes in Alzheimer's disease but not in other dementias.
Researchers identified 92 proteins in the spider's venom, including cysteine-rich peptides with potential therapeutic applications. The toxins were found to be effective in paralyzing crickets and may become active ingredients for pharmaceuticals and biological insecticides.
A new study found that multiple negative faecal immunochemical tests can significantly reduce the risk of advanced neoplasia in a colonoscopy surveillance program. This could lead to longer intervals between screenings for people at above-average risk, reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
Researchers at Imperial College London have designed a low-cost external fixator for broken bones, made from stainless steel and aluminium, which can be manufactured locally. The device has shown similar stiffness to commercial devices in cadaver leg bones and is being tested in Gaza, Sri Lanka, and Ukraine.
A clinical trial found that boiling peanuts for up to 12 hours can desensitize children with peanut allergies. The therapy involved sequential doses of boiled and roasted peanuts, achieving high success rates in participants. While promising, the study's findings require confirmation in larger trials.
Researchers found that impaired olfactory identification and sensitivity functions are associated with frailty, suggesting a potential biomarker for predicting frailty and unhealthy aging. The study's findings suggest screening older adults' ability to smell various scents could be as important as testing hearing and vision.
Researchers have developed an innovative amputated human limb model to evaluate molecularly targeted fluorescent probes for human tissues. The model allows for controlled testing of imaging agents with zero risk to patients, improving the accuracy and safety of surgical procedures.
Researchers developed a blood test using circulating microparticle proteins to predict placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) cases as early as the second trimester. The study found five unique proteins that can distinguish PAS patients from control patients, enabling safe predication before delivery.
Researchers discovered a new CRISPR protein that can degrade single-stranded RNA, DNA, and double-stranded DNA, enabling the development of inexpensive and highly sensitive diagnostic tests for various infectious diseases. The test could combine high sensitivity and accuracy with rapid at-home diagnostic features.
Researchers found that white matter hyperintensities are independently associated with premature brain aging, leading to progressive age-like brain atrophy. The study used machine-learning algorithms to estimate brain age and analyzed the relationship between WMH load and BrainGAP scores.
A randomized trial shows that patients undergoing partial knee arthroplasty (UKA) experience faster functional recovery in walking speed and mobility tests compared to those who had total knee arthroplasty (TKA). UKA also resulted in shorter operative times, reduced blood loss, and improved functional outcomes.
A UMass Amherst study reveals that 61% of wellness visits for reproductive-age women (15-49) were with OB-GYNs, while chronic condition patients also relied heavily on these specialists. Key preventive services like pap tests and pelvic exams were more common in OB-GYN settings, whereas lipid testing was rare.