Articles tagged with Medical Tests
A team of Yale University scientists has developed a new approach to glycosylation that is remarkably simple and works in water at room temperature. This process can be generalized to create large numbers of different compounds, making it easier to find the best biochemical probes and therapeutics.
Researchers found slight improvements in vision after eating dark chocolate, particularly in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. The effects of dark chocolate on vision remain unknown beyond the short-term, and further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
A new study shows a predictive link between VaxArray-measured potency and vaccine-induced immunogenicity in mice. The study found strong correlations between VaxArray assays and serum levels of antibodies targeting influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase.
A new study found that children exposed to general anesthesia during hospital procedures had a 17% increased risk of poor child development and 23-34% increased risks of lower reading and numeracy scores. Researchers recommend early intervention and monitoring for these children.
A portable test has been developed to identify populations at risk of measles and rubella infections in remote areas. The new technology can rapidly test multiple blood samples and is a potentially useful tool for addressing vaccine-preventable diseases in developing countries.
Research suggests that mental fatigue, rather than physical fatigue, has a significant impact on older adults' walking ability. Volunteers performed physically and mentally tiring tasks, with their gait speed and stride length decreasing significantly in those who reported more cognitive fatigue.
A new study by University of Gothenburg researchers identifies a superior blood-based biomarker for assessing subtle brain injury after sports-related concussions. The protein neurofilament light (NfL) levels were found to correlate with the severity of concussion and the duration of post-concussive symptoms.
Researchers tested Dual Path Platform (DPP-POCT) Syphilis Screens tests in rural clinics and a hospital in the Solomon Islands, showing high patient satisfaction and ease of use. The point-of-care test can provide results in under half an hour with no electricity or special equipment needed.
A phase I clinical trial enrolls adults with type 1 or 2 diabetes to test the accuracy of a non-invasive tattoo sensor that measures glucose levels through sweat. The technology has the potential to break down barriers to regular blood glucose monitoring, improving patient management and quality of life.
A simple handgrip strength test is a good indicator of short- and long-term survival in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer patients. Patients with weak handgrips were 1.5 times more likely to die within five years, compared to those with strong handgrips.
A recent study found that coho salmon became ill and nearly died after exposure to polluted stormwater, while chum salmon showed no signs of distress. The researchers are now investigating the physiological differences between the two species to understand why chum salmon are more resistant to toxic runoff.
Researchers propose novel molecular therapy to treat deadly pediatric brain cancer, effective in preclinical tests and humanized mouse models. The compound triggers DNA damage in cancer cells, disrupting telomere function and killing brain cancer stem cells.
Scientists have developed a new method to create more sophisticated brain-like organoid models by transplanting them into rodents, enabling longer survival and increased complexity. This breakthrough could lead to better therapies for neurological disorders, as well as the potential for human cell transplantation in the brain.
Researchers developed nanoparticles that deliver microRNA-29b to lung tumors, potentially improving treatment outcomes. The technology overcomes limitations of traditional delivery methods and demonstrates promising results in mouse models.
A new study found that almost 100 million adults in China suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with men having a higher prevalence than women. The study highlights the need for public health strategies to prevent COPD, including smoking cessation programs and stricter control of ambient air pollution.
Researchers have trained rats to sniff out tuberculosis in children, detecting cases 68% more accurately than traditional smear tests. The new method has the potential to save up to 70% of untreated patients in low-income countries.
Scientists at the University of Bonn and Caesar research institute built a one-wheeled vehicle using DNA rings, achieving a length of 240 nanometers on its test drive. The nanomachine uses chemical energy to rotate and is controlled by an RNA thread that grows as it moves.
Researchers developed a smartphone app to generate an objective score that reflects symptom severity in patients with Parkinson's disease. The app uses machine learning and existing smartphone components to collect data on movement, speech, and daily tasks.
Researchers found higher levels of vitamin D binding protein in children with bipolar disorder compared to those without mood disorders. The study suggests a potential blood test to confirm bipolar diagnosis, which could improve care and reduce the current 10-year average lag time.
A new study found that up to 70% of 18-24-year-olds have never been tested for HIV. Young women and black/Latino individuals were more likely to have been tested than men and whites, respectively. The authors suggest addressing structural racism and behavioral interventions to improve testing rates.
A new point-of-care test measures CXCL13 concentration in cerebrospinal fluid to diagnose neuroborreliosis, allowing for targeted antibiotic treatment and reducing unnecessary treatments. The test provides quick results, reducing the time between diagnosis and treatment initiation.
Researchers have identified a specific sugar found on aggressive breast cancer cells that can be used as a biomarker to detect high-risk patients. This discovery aims to improve screening for early-stage breast cancer patients, reducing unnecessary treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation.
Leprosy patients develop unusual fatty clots that can lead to stroke or heart attack. Researchers identified key factors and molecules involved in clot formation, including soluble tissue factor and von Willebrand factor.
A new measurement chip has been developed to detect Legionella pneumophila, a deadly bacterium that causes pneumonia. The chip uses microarray analysis and can identify the specific subtype of the pathogen present within 34 minutes.
Researchers from the University of Surrey tested 50 drug-free volunteers and 15 drug users, detecting cocaine and heroin residues in 13% and 1% of fingerprints respectively. A 'cut-off' level was established to distinguish between environmental contaminants and genuine drug use, even after washing hands.
A new study suggests that providing free insulin and blood glucose test strips to low- and middle-income families in India significantly improves blood-sugar control. The study also found that patients' knowledge of diabetes improved, especially those with higher education and urban dwellings.
A new test developed by chemists can screen for synthetic opioids and cannabinoids in just under five minutes, helping medical staff identify the cause of an overdose. The device uses a small cartridge to extract and analyze drugs from blood samples, providing a potential solution to the growing crisis of opioid overdoses.
A new University of Michigan study highlights the critical role of social and public health services in helping patients access lifesaving HIV services. Providers who offer behavioral interventions are more likely to link patients to testing and care.
Researchers at FEFU developed a new synthetic derivative of fascaplysin with enhanced antitumor activity, demonstrating 2-3 times higher efficacy against cervical cancer and monocytic leukemia cells. The study also uncovered a novel alkaloid, 6-oxofascaplysin, derived from indigo.
A new male birth control pill called dimethandrolone undecanoate (DMAU) appears to be safe and effective when used daily for a month. The study found that DMAU suppresses levels of testosterone and two hormones required for sperm production, providing consistent contraception.
A study found that adults with a history of cancer treatment exhibit higher levels of fatigue and reduced endurance compared to those without a cancer history. The researchers discovered a significant association between a history of cancer treatment and increased fatigability, particularly in older adults.
A new blood test developed by University of Alberta physician Peter Hwang promises to eliminate the guesswork in diagnosing apparent heart attacks. By analyzing fragmented troponin levels, clinicians can better determine the extent of cardiac damage and make informed decisions about treatment options.
Researchers have developed a method to capture circulating tumor cells, which could provide an additional way to track treatment progress or screen for disease. The technology shows promise in reducing the number of circulating tumor cells during successful radiation therapy, suggesting potential as a predictive biomarker.
New University at Buffalo research found that Hispanic patients prefer to receive care in Spanish, even if they're fluent in English. Language barriers restrict access to testing and diagnosis for many, but tailored outreach strategies can promote HIV testing in Hispanic communities.
Women with high physical fitness at middle age were nearly 90% less likely to develop dementia decades later. The study found that highly fit women developed dementia an average of 11 years later than moderately fit women.
A randomized controlled trial found that mindfulness meditation training reduced the incidence of major depressive disorder by 11% compared to usual care, while also improving depression symptoms. Additionally, comprehensive asthma management tools improved asthma control and reduced hospital visits in primary care practices.
Despite guideline recommendations, most men with PSA testing do not receive shared decision-making, while those without receive limited discussion elements. The study suggests a modest shift towards full shared decision-making, calling for innovative strategies to increase its application.
A new iPad app, mPATH-CRC, was developed to improve colon cancer screening rates. The app simplified the process of ordering a screening test, increasing screenings from 15% to 30% among participants. While the app showed promise, it is not intended to replace doctors' care, but rather to augment it and encourage patient participation.
A new study finds that many men receiving prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing do not have a comprehensive shared decision making process, contrary to current guidelines. The study found that in both 2010 and 2015, fewer than one in five men with recent PSA testing reported full discussion.
Researchers have identified plant-derived volatiles with potent vapour-phase-mediated anti-Candida activity, offering a potential solution to the growing problem of drug resistance. Approximately half of the tested essential oils and their components showed activity against the most drug-resistant type of Candida.
A new study suggests that transcranial direct-current electrical stimulation can significantly improve gait impairment in Parkinson's disease patients by simultaneously targeting both motor and cognitive networks. The treatment shows promising results in reducing freezing of gait and improving executive functions and mobility.
A recent study found that 49% of patients on cholesterol medications did not receive the recommended annual HDL-C test, while 19% received more tests than needed. The study estimates that this leads to a yearly expenditure of A$4.3 million due to overutilisation and A$11.3 million in cost savings from underutilisation.
The Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline examines causes and treatments for hirsutism, a condition where women experience unwanted hair growth. The guideline recommends testing for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other underlying health problems in all women with unwanted dark or coarse hair.
A single PSA test increased detection of low-risk prostate cancer, but made no significant difference in prostate cancer deaths after 10 years. This study suggests that current policy against prostate cancer screening may be justified, as potential benefits are outweighed by harms from overdetection and overtreatment.
Research finds that patients with undiagnosed neurocognitive deficits have poorer short-term outcomes after hip and knee replacements. Neurocognitive impairment was prevalent in older patients and those with depression, leading to increased hospital resources and slower physical therapy progress.
Researchers at Washington University developed a novel, low-cost technique to preserve blood and urine samples without refrigeration. The method uses nanoporous materials to protect protein biomarkers, maintaining 95% purity and enabling efficient transportation and analysis.
A new poll of older Americans reveals that many see a mismatch between what they need and what their doctors prescribe. The study suggests improving communication could reduce unnecessary tests, screenings, medications, and procedures. Healthcare providers may have more leeway to deny services that hold little value for certain patients.
Scientists have developed a new sample storage method that uses tiny metal-organic hybrid structures to encapsulate and protect disease indicators from blood and urine samples. This technique has been shown to retain more than 85% of biomarkers for kidney damage, comparable to refrigeration.
A study published in Neurology suggests that small blood vessel changes in the eyes at age 60 may predict cognitive decline by age 80. The researchers used a retinal camera to take photos of participants' eyes and found that those with moderate to severe retinopathy had bigger drops in memory and thinking test scores over time.
A study of 312 participants who had surgery and 652 participants who did not found that surgery was associated with a decline in immediate memory by one point out of 30 possible test scores. Additionally, reduced working memory decline was linked to longer cumulative operations.
A long-term study published in BJU International found that tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) is a highly effective option for treating urinary incontinence. TVT surgery involves placing a mesh tape under the urethra to prevent accidental urine release, with high cure rates reported at 17 years after surgery.
New diagnostic methods were tested for intestinal schistosomiasis detection in a moderate prevalence area of Brazil. The Helmintex method showed the highest sensitivity, followed by the rapid urine test and Kato-Katz technique.
A new study identifies novel molecular biomarkers of preeclampsia, which may be used to develop an early diagnostic blood test. The findings suggest that small non-coding RNAs in a pregnant woman's blood can predict the risk of developing preeclampsia.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have demonstrated the feasibility of their organ-on-a-chip platform in studying drug transport across the human placental barrier. The study found that the placenta-on-a-chip successfully emulated the protective mechanism against toxic drugs, paving the way for its use as a screening platform.
A new study found that screening all adults for hepatitis C can identify more infected people, increase cure rates, and reduce death rates from HCV-attributable diseases. The expanded testing strategy could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, preventing cirrhosis and other long-term complications.
A new study has found that a short five-minute treadmill test can predict the risk of premature death, similar to the traditional maximal fitness test. This submaximal fitness test requires less time and is more comfortable for patients, making it an attractive option for clinicians.
Researchers found that UK doctors with dyslexia who declare their condition before taking the licensing exam have similar passing rates as those who don't disclose. However, overseas candidates who initially failed the exam were more likely to declare dyslexia afterwards.
A study by North Carolina State University finds that bed bug-infested homes have substantially higher histamine levels than pest-free homes, which can persist for months even after treatment. Histamine is a chemical released as part of an immune response, but in humans it can cause inflammation and allergic reactions.
A study of 807 older individuals found that those with poorer physical function were more likely to fall during hospital stay. Simple physical performance tests may help clinicians prevent in-hospital falls and consequent injuries.
A new device developed by Rutgers University and UCLA can measure the physical strength of individual cells up to 100 times faster than current technology. This allows for easier testing and evaluation of new drugs for diseases associated with abnormal cell strength, including hypertension, asthma, and muscular dystrophy.