Articles tagged with Medical Tests
A systematic review found modafinil enhances cognition in non-sleep-deprived individuals, particularly on complex tasks. The drug improves decision-making, planning, and mood, while having minimal side effects.
A saliva test for stress hormone cortisol may identify healthy older adults at risk of cognitive decline, with higher evening cortisol levels linked to smaller brain volume and poor memory skills. The study suggests a potential link between cortisol's toxic effect on the hippocampus and dementia risk.
IU School of Medicine researchers have developed biomarkers and apps that can predict the risk of suicide in individuals with bipolar disorder and other psychiatric illnesses. The tests, which use RNA biomarkers from blood samples along with questionnaire instruments, were able to predict suicidal ideation with over 90% accuracy.
A new test for liver cancer is being developed based on analyzing the stable isotope compositions of rocks and minerals. The researchers found that patients with HCC have enriched quantities of certain isotopes, such as copper-63 and sulphur-32, in their blood compared to normal controls.
A new test measures changes in calcium isotope ratios to monitor bone diseases like osteoporosis and multiple myeloma. The test, validated on NASA space shuttle astronauts' blood samples, shows promise for near-time monitoring of bone health.
Innovative healthcare approaches test many new ideas quickly and cheaply to promote better patient care. Techniques like 'vapor tests,' 'fake front ends,' and 'fake back ends' are used to validate ideas in real-world contexts, preserving patient safety and improving outcomes.
A new research study found that people often feel embarrassed when buying sensitive healthcare products privately and online, such as home test kits and medications for incontinence and sexual dysfunction. This discovery has important ramifications for retailers who offer online environments for these purchases.
Psychologists at Cardiff University developed a reliable adult self-assessment test to measure repetitive behaviors in autism. Adults with an autism diagnosis consistently scored higher on this measure than those without an autism diagnosis, highlighting its potential as a diagnostic tool.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that people with low scores on a test of executive function may be at higher risk for heart attacks or strokes. The research found that those with lower scores were 85% more likely to experience a heart attack, and had a 51% higher risk of stroke.
A proof-of-concept study at Johns Hopkins Medicine shows that drone transport of blood samples has no effect on common lab tests. The successful transportation of sensitive biological samples via hobby-sized drones holds promise for improving healthcare access in remote areas.
A continuous quality improvement (CQI) approach was introduced to 30 sites across Uganda to improve voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) quality. The initiative led to significant improvements in compliance with national standards, with teams using a 53-indicator quality assessment tool to measure progress.
A study found that older participants were more efficient in their search tasks despite taking longer to complete them, suggesting new ways to support consumers of health information. Younger participants used an analytical approach to find the desired results.
Neurology researchers evaluated evidence-based tests for clinical cognitive assessment, recommending improvements to determine differential diagnoses and guide intervention. The study aims to enhance quality in cognitive assessment by providing insights on selecting tests for the Neurobehavioral Status Exam.
A study of 148 college athletes found that men and women experienced similar cognitive impairments after a concussion, but women reported more symptoms and had poorer cognitive performance. The research suggests that further study is needed to understand the differences in concussion impact between genders.
The Mobile Bridge Version 4.0's viability was tested on a real river, showcasing its practical use with minimal personnel and no foundation work required. The bridge's scissor-like structure allows for efficient expansion and contraction while maintaining strength.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that introducing rapid diagnostic tests in registered drug shops in Uganda reduced overdiagnosis of malaria by 73%, improving the use of valuable malaria drugs. The introduction of these tests improved treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapies, increasing appropriate treatment by 36%.
The MoveSense app uses a smartphone's sensor data to continuously monitor oxygen saturation levels, enabling accurate tracking of cardiopulmonary fitness. The app can predict patient stability and alert doctors to potential health issues, providing a new tool for managing chronic diseases.
A 10-point questionnaire, known as the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), is more effective than measuring blood alcohol level in detecting patients with at-risk drinking behaviors. The study found that up to 50% of trauma patients have alcohol in their bloodstream, and brief interventions can lead to a 50% reduction in...
A recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals, hold implicit biases towards lesbian women and gay men. The study used the Sexuality Implicit Association Test to assess attitudes towards sexual orientation among over 200,000 p...
A study of approximately 500 older adults found that two-thirds who screened positive for cognitive impairment refused diagnostic assessment. Living alone was a significant factor, as well as negative preconceptions about dementia stigma.
Researchers discovered that children with autism spectrum disorder exhibit a unique sniffing pattern when exposed to pleasant or unpleasant odors, allowing for accurate classification with high accuracy. The study suggests that olfactory tests could be used as an early indicator of ASD, potentially leading to more effective intervention.
A new study found that errors on memory and thinking tests may signal Alzheimer's disease up to 13-18 years before the disease can be diagnosed. Those who scored lower overall had an increased risk of developing the disease, with higher scores associated with a lower risk.
A new breath test has shown encouraging results in diagnosing esophageal and gastric cancer by detecting unique chemical compounds in exhaled breath. The test is 90% accurate and can be performed in minutes, compared to hours using traditional methods.
A study found that most edible cannabis products sold in dispensaries carried labels with inaccurate THC levels, posing a risk to patients. The researchers called for better regulation and oversight of marijuana edibles to prevent overdosing and ensure accurate labeling.
The VA/DoD guidelines differ from the ACC/AHA guidelines in several aspects, including treatment targets and risk prediction tests. The guidelines also recommend a shared decision-making approach to determine medication benefits versus harms for each patient.
Scientists at UC Riverside identified a safe and affordable repellent, butyl anthranilate (BA), to protect fruits from the spotted wing Drosophila insect. Lab experiments showed BA effectively warded off the insect from blueberries, reducing fruit damage during ripening.
A nationwide analysis of over 8,000 children conceived through ART found no difference in educational test scores compared to spontaneously conceived children. The study suggests that ART pregnancies, particularly twins, do not have a negative impact on academic performance in adolescence.
Researchers have developed a method to increase nitric oxide production in nasal passages, which is linked to chronic sinusitis. The approach involves boosting NO levels using low-molecular-weight peptides that were created from an already-approved drug compound.
Applicants with disabilities who took MCAT with extra time had no significant difference in medical school admission rates but lower USMLE Step exam pass rates and graduation rates. The redesigned MCAT increases testing time, which may impact predictive scores.
Researchers Nira Pollock and John Branda aim to develop a novel urine test for early Lyme disease using a promising biomarker approach. The $100,000 grant will support their research on detecting Borrelia burgdorferi in urine samples from patients with early Lyme disease.
A new study suggests that having a stroke can reduce brain function by 8 years, affecting memory and thinking speed equally in black and white patients. The research analyzed data from over 4,900 seniors and found that strokes have serious consequences for cognitive health.
The Endocrine Society recommends improving the accuracy of estrogen testing methods for better patient care and research, particularly for hormone-related cancers and chronic conditions. The panel advises standardization of measurements through programs like CDC's.
A study of 1169 Medicare beneficiaries found that those with impaired smell identification were at higher mortality risk. Participants with the worst smelling ability had a 45% mortality rate after 4 years, significantly higher than those with the best scores.
Researchers have developed a method to create custom nanoscale structures that mimic nature's designs using robotic chemical-synthesizing machines. The peptoids, synthetic versions of peptides, show promise as durable antimicrobials that can target bacteria without harming red blood cells.
Researchers analyzed data from almost four million participants across 31 countries, finding that IQ gains were largely driven by improvements in knowledge and reasoning. Despite increases in global IQ, findings suggest that the strength of gains has been decreasing in recent decades.
Radon gas poses a significant health threat in Canada, with an estimated 3000 deaths from lung cancer in 2014. The WHO limit of 100 Bq/m3 is not met in most Canadian homes, and the lack of action to lower guidelines and implement testing and mitigation measures puts Canadians at risk.
Simple measures of kidney function and damage may be better than traditional tests in predicting heart failure, death from heart attack, and stroke. Researchers found that indicators of kidney function and damage outperformed cholesterol levels and systolic blood pressure as risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
A new smartphone-based system called Peek has been shown to be as accurate as traditional charts in testing visual acuity. The app, designed by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, uses a unique piece of hardware and software to test eyesight easily and affordably in community settings.
Researchers found that transcranial direct current stimulation led to improvements in short-term memory and subtle changes in word retrieval in people with schizophrenia. The study suggests that this type of brain stimulation might ease some cognitive difficulties, enabling individuals to lead a more normal life.
Researchers at University of Toronto designed a diagnostic chip to test for antibiotic-resistant bacteria in just one hour. The chip uses electrochemical detection to analyze the effects of antibiotics on bacteria, allowing doctors to quickly prescribe targeted treatments.
Researchers at USC have developed a portable device to measure a tumor's squishiness, which may help personalize cancer care. The device uses fiber optics and can accurately quantify the Young's modulus of various materials without damaging them.
A University of Maryland expert is working on a digital platform called CyberHeart to test and validate implantable medical devices. The project combines patient-specific computational models with advanced mathematical techniques to optimize device settings on a patient-by-patient basis.
The American College of Physicians recommends screening for five common cancers: breast, colorectal, ovarian, prostate, and cervical. High-intensity screening may do more harm than good due to over-diagnosis and overtreatment. ACP advises focusing on tests that improve health and avoid harms.
A new study found that nearly 22% of children with asthma also demonstrate a sensitivity to peanuts, which can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. The study suggests that peanut sensitivity screening may be beneficial for these children, especially when controlling wheezing and coughing is difficult.
Cedars-Sinai gastroenterologist Mark Pimentel has developed two simple blood tests that accurately diagnose irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in millions of people worldwide. The new blood tests identify specific antibodies reacting to toxins from bacteria, such as salmonella, and confirm IBS diagnosis with greater than 90% certainty.
A novel blood test can rapidly predict the severity of radiation injury, enabling timely medical intervention and improving overall survival. The test uses microRNA biomarkers to determine the functional impact of radiation on bone marrow and other organs.
A new model systematically evaluates malaria treatment programs in multiple countries, finding no country shows reductions in malaria treatment associated with testing as hypothesized. Contextual factors such as access to care and stockouts largely explain the variation in program experiences.
Researchers analyzed over 1.3 million patient records to find that mildly abnormal results on kidney function tests are the strongest risk factor for acute kidney injury. Physicians can identify high-risk patients by paying close attention to common blood and urine tests for kidney function, potentially preventing the devastating injury.
Scientists have developed a simple thermometer-like device to detect troponin levels in blood, which can help diagnose heart attacks. The device uses nanoparticles, ink, and a glass vial to measure the protein's concentration, making it accessible for point-of-care use in low-income areas.
A US study found that spirometry was underutilized for asthma diagnosis and management in adults from 2001 to 2011, despite national guidelines recommending its use. The test provides accurate measurements of air volumes and flows, playing a vital role in asthma diagnosis and management.
A new study by the American Academy of Neurology suggests that professionals with jobs requiring strategic thinking, conflict resolution, and managerial tasks may experience better brain protection against memory and thinking decline. Participants with higher levels of these tasks showed slower cognitive decline rates over eight years.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that children with ADHD are significantly more likely to develop an eating disorder akin to binge eating. The research suggests a common biological mechanism linking the two disorders, highlighting the need for developing new treatment strategies.
A new app developed at the University of Washington uses inaudible sound waves to track breathing patterns, capturing sleep apnea events with 98% accuracy. The app has the potential to be a simple and noninvasive way for people to identify and potentially treat sleep apnea.
Researchers at British American Tobacco developed a new smoking-specific survey, TQoLIT, to assess the impact of next-generation tobacco and nicotine products on 'otherwise healthy' smokers. The tool improves upon existing general health questionnaires by reducing ceiling effects and detecting specific smoking-related health changes.
A simple method tests visual acuity at lower light levels, providing reliable and repeatable measurements of twilight vision. The study's findings suggest that the light level itself is the major factor explaining the decrease in visual acuity.
A new study finds that niclosamide, a drug used to treat tapeworms, suppresses the growth of MRSA cultures and preserves the lives of infected nematode worms. Oxyclozanide, another salicylanilide anthelmintic, proves more effective in killing MRSA.
Sunil Sheth, MD, a clinical instructor at UCLA, is receiving $154,000 to develop a lab test that can diagnose stroke from a single drop of blood. The award aims to validate this test in emergency rooms and potentially revolutionize initial stroke evaluation and treatment.
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to develop loss of control eating syndrome (LOC-ES), which can lead to obesity and other health problems. The study found that odds of having LOC-ES were 12 times higher for children with ADHD, suggesting a common biological mechanism linking the two disorders.
Researchers found routine preoperative testing for cataract surgery is still done in 53% of patients, despite being unnecessary. Testing varies widely among ophthalmologists and seems to be driven more by provider behavior than patient characteristics.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new automated treadmill that uses sonar to change speeds automatically, mimicking the experience of running outdoors. The device provides an accurate measure of aerobic capacity and has been shown to improve VO2 max scores by 4-7% compared to standard treadmills.