Articles tagged with Medical Tests
Researchers developed an objective test to diagnose mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) using the I-Portal goggle, achieving 95% specificity and 89% sensitivity. This technology has the potential to revolutionize concussion diagnosis and treatment in sports, leading to better outcomes for athletes.
A new electrical stimulation therapy helped stroke survivors with hand weakness improve hand dexterity more than an existing technique. The therapy, which allows patients to control the stimulation through a wearable glove, showed greater improvement in hand function for those less than two years post-stroke.
A new analysis by Case Western Reserve University found that testing backlogged sexual assault kits can prevent future sexual assaults and save victims millions of dollars. The study estimates that serial sexual offenders are more common than previously thought, with a 25% recidivism rate among rapists.
Experimental trials reveal that two-thirds of test persons are insensitive to group size when making decisions. This insensitivity can lead to enormous social costs as politicians and medical practitioners make decisions that benefit a few at the expense of large groups.
A simulation study found that patients with untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at a higher risk of being involved in traffic accidents. The study used standard deviation of lane position (SDLP) in a driving simulator to identify potential risk and create a model for use in future cases.
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for latent tuberculosis infection in people at increased risk due to their birthplace or living history. Treatment of LTBI with CDC-recommended regimens provides a moderate health benefit in preventing disease progression.
A new review provides a comprehensive guide for diagnosing and managing food allergies in children and adults. The study highlights the importance of clinical history, diagnostic testing, and supervised oral food challenges to accurately diagnose and treat food allergies.
Researchers have developed an iPad game that can help identify autism in children by tracking their hand movements, providing a potential breakthrough for early diagnosis. The study found that movement patterns are a key differentiator in gameplay data, highlighting the importance of motor skills in autism.
The ANTARCTIC trial found that elderly patients who underwent coronary stenting did not experience improved outcomes with platelet function testing compared to standard, unmonitored approach. Monitoring led to treatment adjustments in nearly half of the patients, yet it didn't improve ischemic or safety outcomes.
New research boosts levels of neuregulin-1 to alleviate hallmark features of Alzheimer's disease in a mouse model, promoting metabolism of brain plaques. The study suggests that neuregulin-1 may improve performance on spatial memory tests and lower cellular markers of disease.
A study found that aquatic treadmill walking improved aerobic capacity and functional recovery in patients recovering from a stroke. The exercise also had psychological benefits due to reduced musculoskeletal impact and freedom from fear of falling.
Researchers developed a multivariate approach to improve cognitive testing for Alzheimer's disease, identifying five distinct patient groups. The model suggests that multivitamins may slow progression only in certain groups, particularly those with mild impairment in recalling.
The DHAKA score is a four-symptom assessment tool that predicts dehydration severity in children under age five with high accuracy. A new study validates the tool's performance in identifying moderate to severe dehydration, outperforming the current standard IMCI guidelines.
Rates of early prostate cancer have continued to drop since the USPSTF recommendation, with localized/regional-stage incidence rates declining by 6-19% from 2011 to 2013. The decrease is attributed to changes in PSA testing rates and potentially unknown risk factors.
The Association for Molecular Pathology has developed a new framework for defining the clinical utility of molecular diagnostics, emphasizing the importance of context in interpreting test results. This approach aims to improve patient care by providing clinically useful and appropriate testing based on realistic evidence levels.
A new medical device that combines laser spectroscopy and precise flow measurement has shown promise in improving care for shock patients. The device, which fits into a standard ventilation tube, allows doctors to monitor oxygen consumption in real-time, potentially leading to more effective treatment.
Researchers discovered a link between slow walking speeds, weak grip strength, and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and stroke in individuals over 65. These simple tests may help identify high-risk patients, providing hope for early detection and prevention.
A new study found that hospitals with high ICU use perform poorly on measures of quality care for patients with heart attacks and congestive heart failure. These hospitals tend to have smaller numbers of heart attack and failure patients, are more likely to be for-profit, and serve low-income ZIP codes.
Researchers from Hiroshima University have developed a small vibrating device that attaches to surgical tools, enhancing surgeons' sensitivity to different shapes and textures. The PZT Actuator boosts the sensation to a noticeable level, allowing doctors to detect tissue texture and identify solid tumors with greater accuracy.
New research suggests that greater fluctuations in 'bad' cholesterol levels may be associated with lower cognitive performance in elderly adults. The study found that participants with the highest LDL cholesterol variability took longer to complete a cognitive test, indicating poorer brain health.
A new study found bariatric surgery significantly improved functional mobility and reduced musculoskeletal pain in adolescents. Positive effects on walking speed, resting heart rate, and post-test heart rates were observed as early as six months after surgery and persisted for two years.
A two-year study found that restricting calories by 25% in healthy non-obese individuals reduced markers of chronic inflammation without negatively affecting immune responses. Chronic inflammation is linked to age-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and dementia.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have partnered with Chemists Without Borders to create a low-cost test kit for measuring arsenic in rice crops. The team hopes the kit will provide consumers with information on exposure and encourage protective measures, such as rinsing or choosing different varieties.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center developed a simple and versatile method using inkjet printing technology to test bacteria for susceptibility to antibiotics. The method has been shown to be accurate and reproducible, significantly decreasing the antimicrobial testing gap.
Researchers identified urolithin A, a molecule that can re-establish the cell's ability to recycle defective mitochondria. Initial results from animal studies showed significant increases in lifespan and endurance. Human clinical trials are underway to test the molecule's effectiveness.
A study of 85 Gulf War veterans identified three types of white blood cells and six proteins in the blood that can help diagnose Gulf War Illness with 90% accuracy. The research found chronic inflammation as a key component of the illness, supporting the hypothesis that it is a well-defined chronic inflammatory disease.
Researchers have found a brief, simple test to effectively screen for cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD), including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD dementia. The King-Devick test can accurately distinguish between cognitively healthy individuals and those with cognitive impairment over 90% of the time.
Researchers have developed paper strips that can detect diseases like cancer and malaria at home using a cost of 50 cents per strip. These tests are accurate even after a month and can be sent via mail, making them ideal for rural communities where access to healthcare is limited.
The College of American Pathologists, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, and Association for Molecular Pathology announced a revised evidence-based guideline for molecular testing in lung cancer patients. The guidelines aim to improve patient selection and targeted therapies.
Researchers found that rats given midazolam, an anti-anxiety medication, were less likely to free trapped companions due to reduced empathy. In contrast, control rats and those treated with a beta-blocker showed no such limitation, suggesting emotional reactions drive helping behavior.
A study involving UT Southwestern researchers found that primary care visits lead to higher rates of colon cancer screening and better follow-up care, even in health systems promoting mail-in stool blood tests. This result underscores the importance of primary care physician visits in a virtual care era.
A new technique called targeted metabolomics predicts the development of type 2 diabetes in women with recent gestational diabetes with 83% accuracy, significantly better than conventional methods.
A study found that most older adults (72%) are up-to-date with screening, but timely follow-up rates vary by age and comorbidity. The research emphasizes the need for personalized risk assessment tools to improve screening completion and follow-up among this vulnerable population.
The updated DIfE German Diabetes Risk Score takes into account familial predisposition and provides personalized recommendations to reduce risk. The test is now available online and on mobile devices, offering a quick and precise assessment of type 2 diabetes risk.
Using drones to deliver vaccines in low- and middle-income countries could improve vaccination rates by up to 96% while producing significant cost savings. The technology has the potential to save $8.93 per dose and annual infrastructure costs of up to $60,000.
A study on mice suggests that endometriosis has a distinct lipid profile that could lead to a less invasive diagnostic test. The researchers found a difference in lipid metabolism between mice with the disorder and control animals.
The EU-funded EXTMOS project develops new organic semiconductor materials and additives for low-cost, flexible, wearable electronic devices. The project aims to accelerate material development through virtual testing and collaboration across multiple disciplines.
Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München are developing new tests to assess risks posed by nanomaterials in the airways, aiming to reduce complex toxicity tests. The project uses modern methods like systems biology and computer modeling to predict nanotoxicity.
A study of elite male cyclists found that chronic sleep restriction decreased energy expenditure during exercise, maximal aerobic power, and time to exhaustion. The results also showed a decrease in submaximal heart rate and peak heart rate, highlighting the impact of sleep loss on athletic performance.
Researchers at Zhejiang University have developed a potential biomarker for bacterial pneumonia using breath analysis. The study found a link between volatile organic compounds in exhaled air and patients diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia.
Babies born at 41 weeks' gestation are more likely to score higher on standardized tests and be classified as gifted, while also facing a slightly higher risk of physical disabilities. This advantage is particularly pronounced in children born to mothers with low education levels.
A six-week online training course called GET.ON has been shown to reduce the risk of developing depression in people at increased risk. The study found that 27% of those who completed the course developed depression, compared to 41% of those who did not receive the training.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a new blood test that detects Mycobacteria in blood with high sensitivity. The test delivers results within 48 hours and has been shown to detect the bacterium M. bovis in cattle diagnosed with bovine tuberculosis (bTB) with high accuracy.
Adults under 40 are not being sufficiently screened for lipid abnormalities while taking antipsychotics, which increases cardiovascular risk. Improved screening of this age group is crucial for early detection and intervention.
A Mayo Clinic study found that endoscopists with knowledge of a positive Cologuard test detected polyps or hemorrhagic lesions 83% of the time, compared to 68% without this information. This increased detection led to more true-positive results and fewer false-negative results.
The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences is conducting a phase 1 clinical trial to test a hookworm vaccine in an endemic area of Brazil. The trial aims to determine the safety and efficacy of combining two existing vaccines, with potential implications for global health.
Researchers found that current screening tools result in a 7% false-negative error rate, misclassifying individuals with mild cognitive impairment as cognitively normal. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, impacting individual health and research studies.
A team of researchers has developed an all-on-chip method for testing neutrophil chemotaxis directly from whole blood using a microfluidic system. The method enables rapid and accurate analysis of neutrophil migration in under 25 minutes, overcoming labor-intensive traditional cell preparation methods.
Researchers review bladder mechanics, focusing on material testing and theoretical modeling to improve understanding and diagnosis of urinary disorders. They highlight the need for more accurate models to simulate bladder behavior and predict outcomes.
Researchers at George Mason University have successfully developed an early-detection urine test for Lyme disease that accurately identifies the bacteria protein, even in patients with active cases. The test has shown promise for diagnosing other diseases, including Ebola, malaria, and tuberculosis.
A Queen's University researcher is conducting a study on high-dose selenium supplementation to reduce complications and improve recovery in cardiac surgery patients. The SUSTAIN study aims to show that a simple, inexpensive substance can affect health outcomes.
A recent study found that 92.2% of physicians believe doctors should control costs, but only 36.9% have a clear understanding of test and procedure costs. Primary care physicians reported greater awareness of the Choosing Wisely campaign, which aims to identify low-value services.
A new study published in Neurobiology of Aging found that shift workers performed worse on a cognitive test compared to non-shift workers. Those who had quit shift work for more than five years showed similar results to non-shift workers.
A study of 701 Canadian adults found that 30% of those diagnosed with asthma did not have current asthma after medication withdrawal. Careful testing revealed no evidence of airflow obstruction or bronchial hyper-reactivity in 37.5% of subjects.
A streamlined TB diagnosis approach using a single sputum sample and rapid results proved feasible in rural Uganda, increasing treatment initiation rates. The method uses fluorescence microscopy for quick analysis and GeneXpert testing for accurate results, with 73% of patients diagnosed correctly.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that slow gait speed before surgery is associated with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity following cardiac surgery. For each 0.1 meter/second decrease in gait speed, there was an 11% relative increase in operative mortality.
The BMJ OnExamination tool helps overseas nurses prepare for the NMC's Test of Competence, a mandatory computer-based test. After passing the test, they can register with the NMC and practice in the UK.
A silicone-based polymer coating has been developed to mimic the mechanical and elastic properties of healthy skin. The material can temporarily tighten skin, reduce water loss from dry skin and provide long-lasting UV protection.
A miniature camera using optical character-recognition technology mounted on eyeglasses significantly improves the ability to read and perform daily living activities. The device, called OrCam, recognizes text, faces, and commercial products, offering a new hope for those with age-related macular degeneration or advanced-stage glaucoma.
Researchers from NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine found that the landmark national study's methodology was flawed, leading to misinterpreted results that questioned the effectiveness of PSA testing. They suggest reconsidering prostate cancer screening guidelines.