Articles tagged with Medical Tests
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.
A study by CNIC scientists found that glycosylated hemoglobin can identify individuals with advanced atherosclerotic disease and increased cardiovascular risk. The test can be used to calculate the degree of subclinical atherosclerosis in the general population, enabling personalized treatment plans.
Researchers at Duke University and Stanford University School of Medicine found that long-term wearable device data can quickly indicate illness, dehydration, and abnormalities in a patient's red blood cell count. Machine learning algorithms applied to the data enabled identification of previously unknown relations between smartwatch s...
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh developed a brain-computer interface that uses brain stimulation to evoke tactile sensations, improving control of a robotic arm. The study found that supplementing vision with artificial tactile perception cut the time spent grasping and transferring objects in half.
The GEM ExTra test uses whole exome sequencing and RNA sequencing to detect actionable mutations in patients with advanced solid tumors. It has been validated through clinical utilization and provides clinically actionable information to guide patient management decisions.
Researchers Farrokh Alemi and Amira Roess received funding to evaluate the effectiveness of symptom screening with predictive algorithm combined with at-home testing, finding it more accurate than alone.
Research shows that removing 'race correction' from pulmonary function test results reveals a higher prevalence and severity of lung disease among Black patients. The study found an increase in the percentage of patients with any pulmonary defect from 59.5% to 81.7%, indicating a significant difference.
A simulation study examined the impact of frequent testing and immunity-based staffing on COVID-19 transmission in nursing homes. The results showed that these interventions can significantly reduce the risk of transmission, making them effective strategies for preventing outbreaks.
A portable, rapid testing platform can detect gonorrhea infections and determine antibiotic resistance in under 15 minutes. The platform's speed and low cost could combat the spread of drug-resistant strains and improve timely diagnoses for patients with gonorrhea or other STIs.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that smartphone breath alcohol testing devices have varying levels of accuracy. Some devices failed to detect users over the legal driving limit more than half the time, highlighting concerns about their reliability and potential impact on road safety.
A new Strep A human challenge model has been successfully developed, paving the way to test vaccines against the common deadly bacteria that causes sore throats, scarlet fever and skin sores. The model, which deliberately infected healthy adult volunteers with the bacteria in a controlled environment, was found to be safe and effective.
Researchers discovered a new species of bacteria, Sphingobacterium phlebotomi, in sand fly rearing substrates that attracts pregnant females, offering a potential tool for reducing sand fly populations and preventing diseases like Leishmaniasis. The bacterium's volatile chemicals can be used to create ecologically safe baits or traps.
Individuals from long-lived families demonstrate improved baseline cognitive performance compared to their spouses. The study also found a slower rate of cognitive decline in younger generations within these families, particularly on the symbol coding test.
A new study by the University of California, San Francisco found that US adults with fever are often not tested for coronavirus, contributing to community transmission. The research suggests that increased access and timely testing could reduce the spread of the virus.
Researchers develop a robotic-medical device and procedure to safely induce presence hallucinations in Parkinson's patients, providing a new diagnostic tool for the disease. The study findings suggest that the test may help predict the severity of the disease's progression.
A new algorithm developed by researchers at Columbia University can automatically scan electronic medical records for signs of chronic kidney disease, alerting physicians to patients in the earliest stages. The algorithm performs nearly as well as experienced nephrologists, correctly diagnosing kidney disease in 95% of identified cases.
Researchers found that breastfed children scored higher on neurocognitive tests, with the strongest association seen in those breastfed for more than 12 months. The study, which analyzed over 9,000 participants, suggests that any amount of breastfeeding has a positive cognitive impact.
In a survey of 1,062 adults aged 45-75, most preferred fecal immunochemical tests (FIT/FOBT) or multitarget stool DNA (mt-sDNA) over colonoscopy. The preference for mt-sDNA was higher among younger age groups and non-Hispanic white individuals, while older adults and minority groups preferred colonoscopy.
Researchers used engineering tools to investigate the pelvic floor hypothesis, which states that trade-offs exist between supporting childbirth and protecting organs. A larger pelvic floor would facilitate easier childbirth but risk deforming under weight, causing organs to fall downward.
The University of Queensland's technology uses lasers to track microscale particles with world-record precision, measuring viscosity a thousand times faster than ever before. This breakthrough may lead to a fundamental revision of scientists' understanding of cells, enabling faster and more accurate pharmaceutical testing.
A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers finds that a proposed law to regulate high-risk diagnostic tests could increase US healthcare costs by $565 million to $1.1 billion over a three-year period, depending on stringency of enforcement.
A Dartmouth startup has received funding to create a remote-sensing resistance band exercise system that can monitor patient progress and guide healthcare providers in at-home rehabilitation programs. The device aims to bridge the gap between clinicians and patients, increasing compliance rates and reducing unnecessary interventions.
Researchers have created low-cost, next-generation screening tools for 'lazy eye' in children using computer gaming technology. The devices use webcams or virtual reality headsets to detect visual targets and analyze video streams.
A large-scale evaluation of a federal policy aimed at reducing deaths from sepsis found that it was mostly ineffective in improving patient outcomes. Despite significant investments, the 'all or none' guidelines, known as SEP-1, did not translate to clinically meaningful changes in care delivery or reductions in deaths.
A new guideline from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends routine screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea in people under 30. The infections are treatable with antibiotics but can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, pain, and infertility if left untreated.
Researchers developed a fluorescence-based sensor for continuous cortisol detection, overcoming existing laboratory methods. The new sensor showed low levels of detection and reversible response in vitro, paving the way for an implantable sensor for real-time monitoring.
A small clinical trial found that cloth face coverings reduce exercise performance and increase shortness of breath and claustrophobia at higher intensities. The researchers suggest modifying exercise frequency, intensity, duration, and type to compensate for the discomfort associated with mask-wearing.
Researchers discovered that higher levels of HDL cholesterol with improved anti-inflammatory capacity are associated with lower risk of cardiovascular events. The study suggests that adding this measure to risk scores may improve heart disease prediction and patient protection.
A modeling study estimates COVID-19-related changes in colorectal cancer screenings and associated outcomes. Expanded fecal immunochemical testing may help mitigate these outcomes during the pandemic.
Incorporating HIV screening into COVID-19 testing at an urban emergency department improved patient outcomes, according to a recent study. The study found that this integrated approach led to higher rates of HIV diagnosis and treatment, ultimately reducing the spread of both diseases.
IU School of Medicine researchers have developed a blood test that can distinguish between severe depression and bipolar disorder, as well as predict future episodes. The test uses RNA biomarkers to inform tailored medication choices, offering a promising precision medicine approach to treatment.
A new test has been developed to evaluate expressive language skills in individuals with Down syndrome, offering a more effective approach than current methods. The test was found to be reliable and consistent across different versions, making it suitable for most individuals between the ages of 6 and 23.
Soft microfluidic 'sweat stickers' can easily gather and analyze sweat from infants and children, matching performance with cumbersome devices. The stickers' multilayered design avoids repeated tests and skin indentations, enabling early diagnosis critical for good treatment outcomes.
A novel skin-mounted sticker has been developed to diagnose cystic fibrosis within minutes by changing color in response to chloride levels in sweat. The device is softer and more comfortable than traditional diagnostic tools, allowing for easier collection of sweat samples and faster diagnosis.
A new radon gas measurement system will measure radon continuously in DeKalb County, helping builders plan mitigation efforts ahead of time. The system could be deployed globally to assess risk and determine hazard in underground mining operations.