Articles tagged with Medical Tests
A study of over 1,300 patients found that Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion (MACS) is much more prevalent than previously reported, with almost every second patient having MACS. The condition was linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, particularly in older women.
A new study has identified a biomarker for depression and antidepressant response in human platelets. The biomarker can be detected through a blood test and may indicate therapeutic response within one week of treatment.
Researchers have developed a new statistical toolkit using the fragility index to determine if clinical trial results are strong and reliable. The new method has been shown to be more flexible than previous versions, allowing researchers to test assumptions and consider implications of a wider range of outcomes.
A novel quantum-based sensor has been developed to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus with high accuracy and speed. The sensor uses nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond to detect minute perturbations in the presence of viral RNA, enabling fast and reliable detection.
Temperature fluctuations in labs affect over 90% of individual tests and 51 assays, including kidney function and lipid panels. Laboratories can statistically adjust for ambient temperature to reduce weather-related variability.
The coating protects bacteria during the freeze-drying and manufacturing process, allowing them to be used therapeutically. The researchers tested the coating on a strain of E. coli and another species that aids in digestion of plant starches.
A new web-based application can predict which epilepsy patients will not benefit from stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG), a costly and invasive procedure. The '5-SENSE' score reliably identifies patients who will not have a focal seizure onset zone, allowing clinicians to avoid unnecessary procedures.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet and the University of Helsinki reveals how integrating digital tools, classical laboratory tests, and biomolecular measurements can enable individualized disease prevention. The researchers also found significant correlations between health risks and molecular factors associated with overweight, d...
Researchers at HSE University have created a new, standardized test battery to diagnose language disorders in people with brain damage. The test, the first of its kind in Russia, has been validated through large-scale data collection and uses modern neurolinguistic models.
Researchers found that cerebral palsy patients with low muscle mass often have inaccurately calculated kidney function, leading to missed diagnoses of advanced kidney disease. This association increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in this population.
A noninvasive diagnostic method, sonobiopsy, has been developed to detect brain tumors with improved sensitivity. The method uses focused ultrasound to target tumors and injects microbubbles that release biomarkers into the bloodstream.
Researchers will identify and track SARS-CoV-2 variants using genomic sequence analyses. The project aims to understand the emergence and spread of the virus in West Virginia, helping public health officials prepare for future outbreaks.
A team of Lehigh University undergraduates has won the National Institutes of Health's Healthcare Technologies for Low-Resource Settings Prize for developing a diagnostic device to detect sickle cell disease in infants. The $15,000 prize will support further development and testing of the device, which could improve healthcare outcomes...
A new study improves AI diagnoses by penalizing algorithms for false negatives, which can be more urgent than accuracy. Researchers achieved significant improvements in precision and recall for chronic kidney disease and other conditions using cost sensitivity techniques.
A new rapid screening test for glaucoma uses infra-red sensors to monitor eye movement, providing accurate results within seconds. The test could help advance early detection of the disease, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, and make it more accessible for national screening programs.
Researchers found that certain urinary biomarkers, including neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule-1, were associated with increased risk of severe acute kidney injury or death in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. These biomarkers may help identify patients at high risk for adverse kidney outcomes.
New research from the University of Georgia reveals that crisis pregnancy centers offering STI and HIV services are not meeting quality care standards. Many CPCs fail to offer comprehensive testing, treatment, or referrals, despite advertising as medical facilities.
A team of researchers at the University of Warwick has demonstrated a novel glycan-recognition technology for detecting SARS-COV-2 using sugars. The prototype devices showed promise in identifying COVID-19 positive swabs across various viral loads, including variants of concern.
A woman-owned spinout company, Chosen Diagnostics Inc, has received a $2.1M NIH grant to develop and commercialize a noninvasive diagnostic biomarker test for necrotizing enterocolitis. The test, called NECDetect, identifies 93% true positives and 95% true negatives in diagnosing the disease.
A plasma biomarker panel identified a combination of sTNFR1, sTNFR2, cystatin C, and eGFR that discriminated between patients with worsening or low risk of chronic kidney disease after three years. This combination was particularly effective at identifying those with very low risk of subsequent kidney dysfunction.
A new study from the University of Gothenburg introduces an AI-based method to develop faster, cheaper, and more reliable information about cells using microscopy. This approach eliminates the drawbacks of traditional fluorescence microscopy by providing accurate results without damaging cells or inhibiting processes.
Researchers discovered a simple questionnaire and airflow measurement test can identify adults with undiagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in China. The Chinese symptom-based questionnaire combined with microspirometry could provide the most efficient way to identify patients needing treatment for COPD.
A team of researchers has developed a low-cost and low-waste device that uses Tootsie Roll candy as an electrode to monitor ovulation status or kidney health. The sensor works by detecting changes in salt levels in saliva, with preliminary tests showing promising results.
Researchers have developed a potential blood test to diagnose Alzheimer's disease using atomic force microscopy technology. The test analyzes protein fibers made up of beta-amyloid peptides and tau proteins, which accumulate in patients' blood cells, indicating the stage of the disease.
Patients with dementia presenting with shortness of breath were less likely to be tested for pulmonary embolism compared to those without dementia. Clinical signs and risk factors, such as elevated heart rate, were also evaluated differently in patients with dementia.
A new electronic 'nose' has been developed to detect when a lung transplant is beginning to fail, with 86% accuracy. The device uses machine learning algorithms to analyze exhaled breath patterns and identify lung diseases, offering new hope for patients diagnosed with chronic allograft dysfunction.
A study of 1,349 Malawian women aged 16-26 found that nearly 13% reported difficulty conceiving, with 85.5% seeking help. Traditional healers were the most common source of support, used by 44.4% of women.
A new adhesive, inspired by barnacles' sticky substance, can form a tight seal within seconds of application on wet surfaces, including blood-covered tissues. This bio-inspired tissue glue shows promise in rapidly controlling bleeding and may offer a more effective treatment for traumatic injuries.
The Minimally Instrumented SHERLOCK (miSHERLOCK) test uses CRISPR-based technology to detect multiple COVID-19 variants in saliva samples, providing faster and more accurate diagnoses. The low-cost device, costing $6 per assay, can be assembled using a 3D printer and provides results within one hour.
Researchers at UC Berkeley created a rapid COVID-19 diagnostic test utilizing tandem CRISPR nucleases, which accelerates RNA detection and reduces sample handling. This innovation simplifies the assay process, making it faster and more efficient for SARS-CoV-2 virus detection.
A new study by Staffordshire University found that users of the Heart Age Test (HAT) were more likely to make healthy lifestyle changes. The test aims to provide early warning signs of cardiovascular disease, encouraging users to reduce their heart age through diet and exercise.
A new study by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that preoperative urinalysis screening for asymptomatic patients undergoing surgery has little or no benefit. However, the test may lead to unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and exposure to potential harms, including Clostridium difficile infection.
Researchers at University of Colorado Boulder have developed a blood test that can assess the timing of an individual's internal circadian clock, potentially leading to personalized medicine breakthroughs. The study found that analyzing a combination of molecules in a single blood draw can determine the timing of a person's biological ...
The poor are unlikely to obey strict lockdowns due to lack of nutrition, economic opportunities, and infrastructure. African policymakers need to prioritize social and economic measures over stringent lockdowns to slow the spread of COVID-19 and future pandemics.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a new chip-based test that incorporates the placenta into embryotoxicity assessments. The test detects indirect damage to embryos by analyzing stress responses of human placental cells to toxic substances.
Researchers developed a new risk equation using 6 routinely available patient parameters to estimate the risk of CKD patients progressing to ESKD requiring KRT. The 6-variable risk score achieved high predictive performance and good calibration in validation cohorts.
A Rutgers study found Black and Latinx people seek information on COVID-19 safety measures, such as mask-wearing and testing, due to pandemic experiences. However, they are skeptical about vaccines due to concerns over rapid development, side effects, and lack of transparent information.
A new study highlights the need for change in Malta's school curriculum to combat obesity, which affects 40% of primary and secondary school children. Introducing a more physically intense PE program improved BMI and overall health among children.
Researchers have developed an anti-sperm monoclonal antibody that shows potent sperm agglutination and immobilization activity, making it a safe and effective method of birth control. The Human Contraception Antibody (HCA) is being tested in a Phase I Clinical Trial and could address current gaps in the contraception field.
Researchers found diabetics use half as much force to hold objects, unlike those with other neurological diseases. The study developed a new methodology to measure grip force, providing potential for quick and easy diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a wearable sensor that monitors plant stress and disease in a noninvasive way by measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by plants. The system can alert users to specific problems, allowing growers to identify issues quickly and limit the spread of diseases.
The SAEM GRACE team developed recommendations for testing, treatment, hospital admission, and screening tools for recurrent, low-risk chest pain. Guidelines prioritize patient-important outcomes and consideration of patients' values and preferences.
A new risk prediction model may improve the prediction of impending spontaneous preterm birth, reducing unnecessary hospital admissions and treatment costs. The model combines clinical risk factors with vaginal fluid fetal fibronectin concentration analysis, showing promising performance in predicting preterm birth within seven days.
Researchers used digital pens to capture participants' performance during cognitive tests, identifying patterns that correlate with physical function. They found groups of participants who had similar patterns of writing and thinking times, which were linked to poorer physical function or memory/executive function scores.
A new trial will evaluate a blood test for personalized cancer treatment, targeting oesophageal, stomach and bowel cancers. The test detects DNA changes specific to cancer and may offer an earlier indication of treatment effectiveness.
A new experimental model using human stem cells successfully tested the impact of a next-generation anti-inflammatory drug on the brain's blood-brain barrier. The results showed that the breakdown of the barrier is more complex than previously thought and can be prevented with antioxidants.
A new study published in Neurology found that despite lower socioeconomic status, Black people with multiple sclerosis (MS) tend to have more disability than white peers. The study discovered smaller brain lesions and slower cognitive and physical processing speeds among Black participants.
A crossover trial found that exercising with a mask elevated breathing resistance and reduced peak exercise oxygen uptake, but did not compromise overall fitness. The study suggests that wearing masks during exercise may exert physical limitations on capacity, but the clinical relevance of this finding is uncertain.
Researchers have discovered several stool proteins that can detect colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, potentially replacing invasive endoscopy. These novel biomarkers were identified using aptamer-based screening and showed promise in early diagnosis and predicting disease progression.
Researchers have created an ultra-thin, inflatable device that can be used to treat severe forms of pain, covering a large section of the spinal cord with electrical currents. The device could be an effective treatment for leg and back pain, as well as paralysis or Parkinson's disease.
A nationwide study evaluates a targeted intervention aimed at transforming e-cigarettes from a maintenance product to a tool for smoking cessation. The research shows that the intervention produced smoking abstinence rates about 5-10 percentage points higher than those who received no intervention.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that cancer survivors' tongues are significantly less sensitive to bitter, salty, or sweet tastes due to damage caused by radiation therapy. The team discovered that taste dysfunction persists for years after treatment ends, affecting the quality of life for these individuals.
Researchers found racial disparities in SARS-CoV-2 testing and COVID-19 hospitalization rates among children in England. The study suggests that these disparities persist even after adjusting for clinical and sociodemographic factors.
A distinctive inflammatory signature has been found in C90RF72 ALS patients, characterized by an increase in pro-inflammatory molecules in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. This finding informs the development of targeted anti-inflammatory therapies for this subgroup of ALS patients.
A systematic review of 501 chatbot apps found that none performed well on all testing criteria, with linguistic biases and usability challenges. The apps' limited program content made it hard to have extended or varied conversations between users and chatbots.
Researchers at Shinshu University Hospital developed a novel method to detect untreated osteoporosis through a low-cost, physical function test during routine health checks. The test measures two-step distance and body height to identify high risk individuals. Proper treatment can help avoid serious fractures and reduce mobility issues.
Researchers identified disparities in SARS-CoV-2 testing initiation by sociodemographic characteristics, including race and language, within a safety-net health system. Black, Native American, and non-English-speaking patients were more likely to receive testing through emergency departments rather than telehealth visits compared to wh...
New national screening guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend that regular screenings begin at age 45 for Americans without symptoms or high-risk factors. The updated guideline aims to detect colorectal cancer earlier and improve treatment outcomes, particularly among younger adults.
Researchers at UNIGE create 3D spheroidal tumor models incorporating tumor cells and patient-specific immune cells to test treatment efficacy. This innovative approach enables personalized treatment options, potentially reducing reliance on animal experiments.
A new simulation platform, Advanced Modular Manikin (AMM), has been developed to realistically simulate multiple trauma scenarios, providing physiologic responses and feedback. Trauma team members preferred the integrated AMM platform for its realism and feedback, leading to higher team experience ratings.