Articles tagged with Medical Tests
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.
McMaster University engineers have developed a printed paper-based device that speeds up and improves the accuracy of drug screening. The technology uses a printable hydrogel to filter out inaccurate results, reducing the time and cost associated with drug discovery.
Researchers have developed a fast gluten detector that can detect and quantify different sources of gluten than current tests, providing more accurate results. The new test is faster, taking only 45 minutes, and can sense less than 20 parts per million of gluten, meeting the FDA's limit for 'gluten-free' designation.
The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing article highlights the importance of carefully using language when discussing end-of-life futility with patients and families. Clear communication can alleviate suffering and provide comfort during a challenging time.
A new study suggests that analyzing street drugs can serve as an early warning system for the opioid crisis. The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health has developed a method to quickly analyze stamp bags, which contain mixtures of illicit drugs, to detect fentanyl and other high-lethality substances.
A quality improvement project found that 80% of patients completed advance directives after discussing their wishes with a hospital-based chaplain. Chaplain-facilitated conversations provided patients with peace of mind and reduced family member guilt, as they documented their wishes in a shared document.
Researchers recruited 61 PTLDS patients and 26 healthy controls for a comprehensive clinical and laboratory evaluation. They found significant differences in questionnaire results, with PTLDS patients reporting severe fatigue, pain, cognitive complaints, and sleep difficulties.
The blood test measures a specific peptide to inform scientists of Alzheimer's disease presence with 90% accuracy. It has the potential to accelerate therapeutic strategies development by speeding up patient selection for new drug trials.
A new study published in Neurology found that in-person license renewal laws and vision testing significantly reduce crashes involving drivers with dementia. Hospitalized drivers aged 60-69 were 37% less likely to have dementia in states with in-person renewal laws.
NHS experts recommend ending the mandatory friends and family test, citing its lack of scientific evidence and burden on staff. The test has collected over 30 million pieces of feedback since 2013, but its implementation is complex and costly.
Researchers from LSTM are utilizing the Polio network of labs to study neglected tropical diseases affecting over a billion people. The Ghana GPLN lab successfully tested for helminths in a pilot study, identifying a prevalence of 22%, while also detecting Strongyloides infections with no surveillance system.
A simple test has shown significant improvement in the recognition of possible posterior strokes by medical professionals. The finger-to-nose test, which assesses coordination and balance, doubled recognition rates for this type of stroke.
The Global Polio Laboratory Network has successfully tested for soil transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis in Ghana, identifying a prevalence of 22% for combined helminth infections. The study demonstrates the potential for adapting GPLN labs for monitoring and control of neglected tropical diseases.
A study published in Anesthesiology found that a novel operating room software system improved management of lung ventilation in patients during surgery, but did not affect postoperative outcomes. The system provides a 'live' schematic organ system view and digital alerts to aid physicians in decision-making.
A recent study by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso aims to identify the most accurate stool test for detecting colorectal cancer. The research consortium will compare four different fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) to determine their effectiveness in detecting blood in the stool, a common early sign of cancer.
A Lehigh team, backed by the Canadian government and philanthropic foundations, is developing test strips for women's health issues in rural Africa. The project aims to quickly diagnose urinary tract infections and prevent premature labor, low birth weight, or spontaneous abortion.
Researchers have developed a minimally invasive, cost-effective test to detect pre-cancerous Barrett's esophagus, which can help prevent esophageal adenocarcinoma. The test involves swallowing a pill-sized balloon that swabs the esophagus and is then tested for DNA abnormalities.
Research reveals that evening hours are a high-risk time for overeating, particularly among individuals prone to binge eating. The study found that stress levels spike in the evening, increasing hunger hormone ghrelin and decreasing satiety hormone peptide YY.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a faster method for manufacturing 'heart-on-a-chip', allowing for quicker testing of new drugs on engineered human heart tissue. This new approach aims to reduce cardiac toxicity and improve the predictability of drug effects, paving the way for safer clinical trials.
A BfR study reveals specific research fields in need of new alternative methods, such as investigating and treating human diseases like cancer and hypertension. The EU-wide solution aims to enhance transparency and promote the development of alternative methods for more animal welfare.
Researchers developed an implanted robotic system that applies traction forces to stimulate tissue growth in stunted hollow organs. The device was tested on pigs and showed a 77% increase in esophagus length, promoting cell proliferation without disrupting organ function.
A new review of published studies suggests that levels of distress and neuroticism at cancer diagnosis are useful markers of vulnerability. However, more prospective research is needed to understand the relationship between these variables and identify psychological mechanisms maintaining distress.
A 30-minute sauna bath lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure and increases carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, indicating improved vascular compliance. This study builds on previous findings linking regular sauna bathing to reduced risk of coronary diseases, hypertension, and Alzheimer's disease.
A group of authors from IQWiG has contradicted the American Society of Clinical Oncology's conclusion that MammaPrint can identify patients who do not require chemotherapy. The IQWiG analysis found a statistically significant disadvantage of the test for disease-free survival in certain patient groups.
A study published in Neurology found that eating at least one serving of green, leafy vegetables a day was linked to a slower rate of decline on tests of memory and thinking skills. The difference was equivalent to being 11 years younger in age.
The new guidelines recommend a set of blood tests to diagnose patients with liver disease, including bilirubin, albumin, and liver enzymes. They also provide guidance on how to manage patients with abnormal test results, aiming to reduce unnecessary repeat testing for those unlikely to have significant liver disease.
Scientists have discovered that blueberry vinegar can restore cognitive function in mice with induced amnesia by reducing the breakdown of acetylcholine and boosting brain-derived neurotrophic factor. The treatment improved short-term memory performance in maze tests and avoidance tests.
Researchers at UCSF have developed a test that can predict how patients with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia will respond to treatment, potentially identifying those who are likely to recover spontaneously. The test uses epigenetic annotations of the genome and has been validated in an additional group of patients treated in Germany.
Researchers at Lobachevsky University have found that bee venom inhibits the growth of malignant tumors and can enhance biological activity in the body. The study also suggests that bee products may be used to treat diabetes mellitus by lowering blood sugar levels.
A new study published in JAMA Oncology analyzed data from almost 7,000 tests and found that both FDA-approved companion diagnostics and laboratory-developed tests demonstrated excellent performance on proficiency testing, exceeding 97% accuracy combined across three cancer genes. Most laboratories purchasing in vitro diagnostics for FD...
Researchers at Aalto University developed a new plasmonic biosensor that detects diseased exosomes with high sensitivity using the naked eye. This breakthrough technology enables rapid recognition of inflammatory bowel diseases, cancer, and other conditions, allowing for timely treatment initiation.
A recent study found that digital assistants on smartphones are less effective than laptop-based Google searches in providing quality sexual health advice. The researchers tested Siri and Google Assistant with 50 questions and compared their answers to laptop-based Google searches, finding that Google performed better in most cases.
Nearly 3 in 10 elite footballers at top England clubs have undetected lung and airway issues that could impair performance. Lung health screening programmes are recommended to help identify and treat these problems, improving player well-being and on-field performance.
A simple blood test detecting tumor cells in blood may predict high or low risk of breast cancer relapse. The study found that 5% of cancer-free women had a positive CTC test, associated with a 35% recurrence risk after two years.
Engineers at UC San Diego developed a smartphone case and app that allows patients to record and track their blood glucose readings anywhere. The device, called GlucPhone, uses reusable sensors and wireless transmission for accurate measurements.