Articles tagged with Medical Tests
A new technique analyzing urine extracellular vesicles can detect changes in the kidneys earlier than conventional methods and predict renal function decline. This method has the potential to develop new urine tests that can catch the disease earlier, as well as similar tests for other diseases.
A higher urine-to-plasma urea ratio is associated with faster decline in eGFR and development of kidney failure in patients with common forms of CKD. This biomarker may improve risk prediction, particularly in low-cost, easily measurable assays.
Scientists at Ural Federal University have developed a sensor device that determines cholesterol levels without using enzymes. The system uses copper chloride, making the process cheaper, easier, and faster than traditional methods.
A team of experts recommends adopting the Choosing Wisely campaign's principles to optimize administrative management practices, improving workforce satisfaction and retention. By applying these same principles, healthcare professionals can enhance their well-being and improve the value of clinical care.
Researchers at University of Jyväskylä used machine learning to predict ACL injuries in elite athletes but found a low overall accuracy rate. The study analyzed the largest data set ever collected and provided valuable insights into the challenges of predicting injuries in individual athletes.
Researchers developed a fast and cost-effective method to detect amphiphiles, a ubiquitous family of chemical compounds used in disease diagnosis and toxin detection. The new test uses rolling droplets on microstructured surfaces to detect levels of pathogenic endotoxins in water at ultralow concentrations.
Experts found that large differences in finger length between left and right hands are associated with COVID-19 severity. The study may help identify those at greatest risk of hospitalization across age groups.
A specialized triage algorithm, ROCA test, enables earlier stage diagnosis in women deferring preventive surgery, saving NHS costs. The approach results in fewer major surgical interventions and lower risk of wider disease spread.
A new troponin test has been developed to help diagnose heart attacks more accurately. By detecting only large troponin molecules, the test can distinguish between heart attacks and other conditions such as renal insufficiency.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new hearing screening system using low-cost earbuds and smartphones, which performed as well as commercial devices and correctly identified patients with hearing loss. The tool can be used in countries where screening is not accessible due to high device costs.
A new exercise-testing approach detects asymptomatic cardiovascular abnormalities in pediatric cancer survivors, highlighting the need for routine monitoring before symptoms appear. The method assesses exercise data through a combination of peak and submaximal parameters simultaneously.
A recent investigation by The BMJ reveals dozens of UK companies offering private blood tests with misleading claims, contradicting official medical guidance and potentially harming individuals. Experts argue for regulation to protect consumers and prevent unnecessary costs for the NHS.
A novel oxytocin derivative, PAS-CPPs-oxytocin, has been shown to improve cognitive function in mice with Alzheimer's-like symptoms. The derivative is delivered via intranasal administration and shows increased brain penetration compared to traditional intracerebroventricular delivery.
A new study has identified a specialized and distinctive type of microglia with enhanced antioxidant function in the ischemia/reperfusion injured brain, linked to stroke. The presence of Peroxiredoxin-1 protects against acute I/R injury, reducing microglial cell death and inflammatory responses.
The researchers developed a conformable multimodal sensor face mask (cMaSK) with 17 sensors around the edge of the mask that measure capacitance, temperature, humidity, air pressure, and other parameters. The study found that mask fit was significantly worse for women than men due to gender-related differences in face shape and size.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a novel treatment that combines internal radiation and chemotherapy to eliminate tumors in 80% of mice with pancreatic cancer. The approach uses a gel-like depot implanted with radioactive iodine-131, which deposits beta radiation directly into the tumor without affecting surrounding tissue.
A UK trial found that offering up to £400 in shopping vouchers to pregnant women can more than double the proportion who remain smoke-free by late pregnancy. However, most women relapsed after giving birth. The study suggests that financial incentives can be an effective tool to reduce smoking during pregnancy and improve health outcomes.
A new AI app improved the accuracy of COVID-19 lateral flow test results, increasing sensitivity from 92% to 97.6%. The app was tested at UK Health Security Agency assisted test centers and found promising results in reducing false negatives.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that pulse oximetry has a high false negative rate, making it inaccurate for triaging patients with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. The researchers recommend developing alternative methods for rapid screening of carbon monoxide levels in capillaries.
A study published in the Journal of Speech, Language and Hearing Research found that children with dyslexia often perform well on simple phonological tests, but struggle with more complex tasks. The researchers suggest that these more complex tests better predict a child's risk of dyslexia.
A WVU biomedical engineer is working on a rapid diagnostic tool that can detect tick-borne infections such as Lyme disease via a blood sample on a single chip. The tool uses dielectrophoresis and machine-learning to detect diseases within one to two weeks after onset, reducing the risk of hospitalization and chronic conditions.
A new CAPSTONE study aims to identify inflammatory biomarkers associated with positive and poor outcomes in patients after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) strokes. By analyzing patient blood and plasma samples, researchers hope to develop targeted treatments to prevent long-term brain degeneration.
Researchers developed a non-invasive algorithm to identify patients with compensated cirrhosis at highest risk for severe complications. The online calculator uses widely available laboratory parameters and is simple, non-invasive, and cost-effective.
A study of 15 transgender women found they exceeded the cardiopulmonary capacity and muscle strength of their cisgender peers even after years of hormone therapy. However, their performance was lower than that of cisgender men. The findings could inform policy on transgender women's sports participation.
A new automated screening tool can accurately identify patients at high risk of developing progressive scarring of the lungs, a condition called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The tool uses machine-learning algorithms to analyze patient electronic health records and detects IPF risk automatically.
The TTUHSC team will provide no-cost colorectal cancer screening and colonoscopies to underinsured and uninsured people living in South Plains region counties. The FIT-STOP program aims to find signs of early-stage colorectal cancer to prevent treatment needs, leveraging existing relationships with partners.
A new biomaterial has been developed to prevent bleeding complications after vascular surgeries, adhering to both human tissue and grafts, reinforcing suture lines, and withstanding high vascular pressures. The material outperforms existing products in terms of safety and efficacy, paving the way for clinical translation.
Researchers developed an in-home wireless device that monitors a patient's movement and gait speed to track Parkinson's disease progression. The device uses machine-learning algorithms to analyze over 200,000 data points collected from 50 participants, showing that it can effectively track the severity of the disease.
A new guideline published in Clinical & Experimental Allergy aims to improve the testing process for penicillin allergies among patients. The guidelines provide recommendations on patient selection, risk stratification, and drug provocation testing, aiming to reduce errors and ensure accurate diagnosis.
Researchers have developed an injectable shear-thinning hydrogel that exhibits enhanced cohesive strength, resisting fragmentation even under pulsating liquid flows. The gel, similar to toothpaste, retains its structure when force is removed, making it a potential breakthrough in treating critical vascular conditions.
Tel Aviv University researchers discovered that skin cancer cells interact with astrocytes in the brain, promoting metastasis. By inhibiting this interaction using existing treatments, they delayed the spread of melanoma to the brain by 60-80%. This breakthrough has implications for treating advanced-stage melanoma.
A new paper published in Social Science & Medicine proposes that synthetic steroids were administered to female captives in Nazi concentration camps to prevent menstruation and fertility. The study, led by Dr. Peggy J. Kleinplatz, is based on historical evidence and testimony from Holocaust survivors, who reported suspicious food ratio...
Adolescent children from marginalized backgrounds exhibit poorer subjective visual function and worse objective visual acuity testing outcomes. These racial and socioeconomic disparities are concerning indicators of potential long-term vision problems.
A cross-sectional study of over 25,000 adults found that approximately 70% of identified adrenal tumors were nonfunctioning, regardless of participant's age. The prevalence of adrenal tumors increased with age, from 0.2% in young adults to 3.2% in older adults.
A UConn study found that Connecticut's notification system for substance-ex exposed infants has connected over half of identified cases with community supports and services. The system, which uses de-identified data, has shown promise in reducing disparities in testing and reporting, but there is still room for improvement.
A study of 2.4 million Medicare beneficiaries found that those enrolled in Medicare Advantage had lower rates of low-value care, including unnecessary tests and treatments. This study highlights the potential benefits of Medicare Advantage plans in reducing waste in healthcare.
A new study has successfully predicted ovarian cancer in patients with a pelvic mass using a simple blood test. The liquid biopsy technology captures circulating tumor cells, allowing for genetic analysis in just a couple of hours, which can help diagnose the disease earlier.
A new study identified distinct metabolic profiles in women with Idiopathic Intercranial Hypertension (IIH), a condition characterized by raised brain pressure. Weight loss programs showed positive effects on results, suggesting that metabolism plays a role in disease development.
A Cornell-led group of researchers has developed a search method that identifies terms similar to cancer screening tests in colloquial language, expanding conventional data-collection pipelines. The technique was applied to YouTube searches, retrieving relevant videos using words semantically close to the main term.
A majority of early career scientists from underrepresented backgrounds experience psychological distress due to social unrest caused by systemic racism. However, the study found that mentoring relationships have a positive impact on their well-being.
Researchers from UMass Amherst have created a tiny sensor that can simultaneously measure electrical and mechanical cellular responses in cardiac tissue. This breakthrough device has the potential to lead-edge applications in cardiac-disease experiments and improve health monitoring for cardiac disease studies.
Researchers have found that children with autism show significant differences in their pupillary light reflexes, which can be used as a potential screening biomarker. The study demonstrates the parameters of interest that matter for detecting autism and validates earlier findings using monocular technology.
A tiny sensor can detect lithium levels from sweat on a fingertip in 30 seconds, providing a non-invasive alternative to blood tests. The sensor, developed by researchers, has the potential to improve medication adherence and patient care.
Visual acuity testing at home and in a clinical setting have been compared for their accuracy and feasibility. The study found that both methods produced similar results, but the home-based test was faster and more convenient.
Researchers discovered 13 cases of asymptomatic MSM with positive monkeypox virus PCR results in anal samples, raising concerns about the outbreak's transmission dynamics. The findings suggest that vaccination may not be an effective strategy for preventing infection, highlighting the need for expanded public health interventions.
A study of 127,000 patients with positive and negative SARS-CoV-2 tests found elevated health care use six months post-infection. This suggests that healthcare systems should consider long-term strategic planning to address expected increased use.
Researchers at Aston University have developed a new approach to tackle one of the underlying causes of asthma, not just its symptoms. The treatment, which targets the structural changes made by asthmatic airways, shows promising results in mice, reducing symptoms within two weeks and returning airways to near normal.
The research team will analyze the remaining two enzymes necessary for riboflavin production and build a 'riboflavinator' in a test tube. This understanding could lead to improved methods for treating diseases and improving public health.
A new visualization tool combines clinical and home blood pressure readings to aid in blood pressure management. It enhances shared decision-making between doctors and patients by integrating at-home readings with electronic health records.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that an alert about a shortage of blood test tubes led to a significant reduction in unnecessary blood clotting tests. The study suggests that similar interventions could reduce low-value care and promote wise use of medical tests.
A new study has developed cut-off points to measure handgrip strength in the general population, considering gender, body height, and aging. Low handgrip strength is linked to increased mortality risk and may indicate underlying health conditions such as heart and lung problems.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed a rapid organoid screening test that can predict response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer patients. This test may help optimize personalized treatment plans and improve patient outcomes.
A University of Ottawa-led team has developed an AI-based deep learning model to identify cystic hygroma, a rare and life-threatening disorder, from first-trimester ultrasound scans with high sensitivity and specificity. The approach may be applied to other fetal anomalies identified by ultrasonography.
The England Men's Cricket Team has become leaner and fitter over the past seven years, with a significant drop in body fat and substantial improvements in fitness levels. The study found players have 18% less body fat and increased cardiovascular capability.
The study found that patients with severe stress-induced myocardial ischemia are likely to benefit from heart bypass surgery or angioplasty, while those with mild or no ischemia are not. Early revascularization was associated with a more than 30 percent reduction in mortality compared to patients treated with medication.
The American Broncho-Esophagological Association has established new standards for swallowing fluoroscopy, providing a comprehensive guide for clinicians to improve patient care. The guidelines cover areas such as patient selection, fluoroscopic study choice, radiation safety, and training requirements.
Researchers have devised a way to deliver carbon monoxide to the body using stable foams that can be delivered to the digestive tract. The foams reduced inflammation of the colon and helped reverse acute liver failure in mice, offering a potential alternative to immunosuppressive treatments.
Researchers found that factory-calibrated continuous glucose monitors are sufficiently accurate for estimating blood-sugar levels in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis. The devices showed 'clinical reliability', with almost 99% of readings accurate enough to be used without confirmatory fingerstick blood sugar readings.
The MedSENS instrument measures body temperature, heart rate, and oxygen saturation from the ear canal using innovative sensors. It has been tested in harsh environments and proven to be easy to use, with its data transmitted wirelessly to other devices.
Researchers from Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine found a significant rate of new TB infections among Tanzanian adolescents. The study used serial testing and identified transient, persistent, and irregular conversions between positive and negative IGRA test results.