Articles tagged with Medical Tests
ApoB100 protein structure revealed for the first time, allowing for more precise testing and treatment of high cholesterol and heart disease. The discovery may lead to new drugs targeting LDL particles, reducing side effects of statin drugs.
A large study on preterm birth found that a maternal biomarker test can reduce neonatal morbidities by 20% and NICU admissions by 20%. The test identified high-risk pregnant individuals, who received targeted treatment and showed significant improvements in neonatal outcomes.
A study from the University of Surrey reveals that delays in cancer diagnosis for pregnant women are often due to misattributed symptoms as normal pregnancy changes. Women experiencing more specific symptoms, such as breast lumps, are more likely to receive quicker diagnoses and referrals.
A new trial will test whether taking HMB can improve patients' physical function and quality of life. The BOOST study aims to recruit 124 patients with cirrhosis and measure its effects on liver disease, mental wellbeing, and physical function over 24 weeks.
Researchers tracked cfDNA levels before, during, and after colorectal cancer surgery, revealing significant increases associated with age, comorbidities, and surgical manipulation. The study suggests that cfDNA could serve as a non-invasive biomarker to monitor patient outcomes and evaluate surgical effectiveness.
A new study published in Nature Medicine shows a promising approach to preventing metastases in breast cancer patients. Researchers found that administering digoxin reduced circulating tumour cell clusters by an average of 2.2 cells, significantly decreasing the risk of metastasis.
A new microdosing approach using low doses of buprenorphine has been tested on patients with opioid use disorder, but most found it ineffective. The study, which included 126 participants, showed that only 34% were able to work up to a full dose of buprenorphine.
Researchers developed guidelines to compare lab experiments, molecular simulations, and AI for drug delivery testing. The new framework aims to improve the accuracy of permeability testing and accelerate the development of life-saving drugs.
UVA researchers analyzed 300 blood serum samples from babies who died from SIDS and identified specific biological indicators linked to their deaths. The study found 35 predictors of SIDS, including ornithine and a lipid metabolite critical for brain and lung health.
A study of 242 couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatment found that men experienced higher levels of work-family conflict, while women were more affected by stress. The researchers used online questionnaires to assess the couples' emotional well-being and job performance.
This study investigated the feasibility of electroacupuncture-assisted ribavirin dosing in patients with long COVID, using Voll's electropuncture diagnostics. The results demonstrated that EAV can identify meridians with decreased electrodermal activity at acupuncture points, followed by medicament testing to measure daily doses.
Researchers at Duke University developed an acoustofluidic integrated molecular diagnostics chip, AIMDx, that uses tiny vortexes to detect dangerous viruses. The vortexes trap cells, bacteria, and larger bioparticles, purifying samples for biomedical tests.
A large UK trial found that adding procalcitonin (PCT) to routine care did not reduce IV antibiotic use in hospitalized children. The study, part of the BATCH trial, enrolled nearly 2,000 children and tested PCT's effectiveness in guiding treatment decisions.
Researchers at UVA have developed computer models to target specific bacteria in specific parts of the body, reducing the chance of antibiotic resistance. This approach could lead to more effective treatments and reduce the need for broad-spectrum antibiotics.
The USPSTF concludes that screening for osteoporosis can help prevent fractures in older women. However, the effectiveness of screening for men is unclear due to insufficient evidence.
Preschool wheeze affects 30-40% of children under six, causing significant morbidity and healthcare costs. The UK has the second-highest prevalence in Europe, with inconsistent terminologies used by doctors contributing to diagnostic challenges.
A new position paper from the International Osteoporosis Foundation and International Federation of Clinical Chemistry proposes a unified nomenclature for bone status indices to enhance diagnostic consistency and clarity. The guidelines offer a comprehensive framework to unify terminology and improve comparability across studies.
The BiliSG app uses machine learning to analyze skin color and predict bilirubin levels in newborns, offering a convenient alternative to traditional testing methods. With 100% sensitivity, the app has shown promising results in monitoring neonatal jaundice and reducing the risk of brain damage.
A Mount Sinai-led team has developed an automated machine learning method that analyzes video recordings of clinical sleep tests to detect REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) with nearly 92% accuracy. RBD is a sleep condition that causes abnormal movements during REM sleep and is often an early sign of Parkinson's disease or dementia.
A new study finds that pulse oximeters are infrequently tested for accuracy on diverse skin pigmentation groups, contradicting the FDA's 2013 recommendation. The analysis of FDA clearance documents reveals only a quarter of summaries since 2016 include language suggesting compliance with the guideline.
A groundbreaking UK study found that using procalcitonin (PCT) to guide treatment decisions did not reduce antibiotic duration in hospitalized children. The PCT test was safe but costlier than standard methods, and healthcare teams faced challenges integrating it into their decision-making processes.
The ISS National Lab is soliciting flight concepts for technology advancement using the space-based environment of the International Space Station. The lab aims to develop and test products and processes with potential economic impact through this $650,000 funding opportunity.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh developed a non-invasive nasal swab test that diagnoses specific asthma subtype, or endotype, in children. The test, published in JAMA, shows promise for improving asthma treatment outcomes and paving the way for better treatments for lesser-studied asthma types.
A new study found that emergency department physicians differ in their likelihood of hospitalizing patients, with those who admit more patients being discharged sooner but not less likely to die. The study suggests that differences in physician decision-making drive these variations, rather than patient health.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a skin-like material that can mimic human skin textures and elasticity, simulating conditions for bacterial growth. The Ecoflex-based skin replicas can be used to test wearable sensors and improve catheter designs, potentially reducing the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections.
A study led by Henry J. Pownall and Khurram Nasir found a strong link between the amount of free cholesterol in HDL and its accumulation in macrophages, which can contribute to heart disease. The researchers aim to develop new diagnostics and treatments for managing heart disease using HDL-free cholesterol as a biomarker.
A new set of internationally-agreed recommendations aims to reduce potential bias in medical AI technologies. The STANDING Together initiative recommends improving dataset diversity, inclusivity, and generalisability to ensure safe and effective use of AI for everyone. These guidelines are now available open access.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a world-first system to automatically recommend optimal rehabilitation programs for stroke patients based on their motor paralysis degree. This system uses data from Teijin Pharma Ltd.'s ReoGo-J robot, providing tailored care even for staff without robotic experience.
Scientists at the University of Plymouth are creating a humanised meningioma model to study interactions between immune cells and tumour cells, enabling the development of effective therapies for NF2-related schwannomatosis. The model will be made available worldwide to test new treatments and reduce clinical trial delays.
Researchers from the University of Granada and the Public Health Agency of Canada identified the most important physical fitness tests for children and adolescents, with a degree of scientific agreement exceeding 85%. The top tests include the 20-meter shuttle run test, handgrip strength test, standing long jump test, and body mass index.
A UK study published in Diabetic Medicine found that over half of pregnant women with gestational diabetes were undiagnosed due to slow NHS blood test processing. Faster blood processing identified additional cases, leading to improved health outcomes for mothers and babies.
A new blood test developed by RMIT University researchers could help personalize cancer treatments, making them safer and more effective. The test assesses how well different nanomedicines target cancer cells in the blood of leukemia patients, allowing for more tailored therapies.
A new study finds that a blood test using phosphatidylethanol (PEth) can detect liver disease caused by excessive drinking, offering a more reliable alternative to self-reported measures. The test has shown strong correlation with Fibrosis 4, an indicator of liver risk, and could be included in routine blood tests.
The AstroRad vest employs high-density polymers to shield vital organs from radiation exposure, addressing cancer and radiation sickness risks. The wearable technology has undergone extensive testing through the ISS National Lab, leading to significant enhancements in its design and functionality.
A $1.5 million grant will advance clinical testing of the noninvasive device in human participants with spinal cord injuries who experience AD. The device detects AD using sensors and controllers, measuring heart activity, skin nerve response, galvanic skin response, and skin temperature.
Researchers at MIT have developed a class of biodegradable materials that can replace plastic beads used in some health and beauty products. The particles are shown to be effective in encapsulating essential nutrients such as vitamin A, which could help alleviate nutrient deficiencies in populations worldwide.
Scientists have created a living cell therapy that can navigate to specific organs using a
A new study from Tulane University analyzed 260 honey samples from 48 states for toxic metals, finding regional differences in contamination levels. The highest arsenic and cobalt levels were found in Pacific Northwest and Southeastern honeys, respectively, while lead was detected in Carolinas honeys.
Researchers have created a new technique to rapidly assess paracetamol levels from saliva using Mass Spectrometry technology. The Paper-Arrow Mass Spectrometry (PA-MS) test is non-invasive, fast, and cost-effective, with the potential to improve patient care and outcomes.
A new study suggests that using AI-ECG tools to screen patients for low ejection fraction is cost-effective in the long term, especially in outpatient settings. The study found a cost-effectiveness ratio of $1,651 per quality-adjusted life year, indicating that the program can reduce costs over time.
Researchers identified plasma extracellular vesicle-derived microRNAs as potential biomarkers for AATD liver disease. They found 39 differentially expressed miRNAs, which were validated in an independent cohort for predicting AATD liver disease.
A team of researchers at the University of California San Diego has developed a clinically validated, wearable ultrasound patch for continuous and noninvasive blood pressure monitoring. The device offers precise, real-time readings of blood pressure deep within the body, providing detailed trends in blood pressure fluctuations.
A clinical trial testing muvalaplin, a novel oral medication, safely and effectively lowered high levels of Lp(a), a type of inherited cholesterol. The study found that muvalaplin disrupted the formation of the Lp(a) particle, acting as an effective approach to lowering Lp(a) levels.
Researchers use AI to predict COPD flare-ups based on daily urine tests, potentially allowing for proactive treatment and prevention. The study identifies biomarkers in urine that can forecast a flare-up seven days prior to symptoms.
Ayya Azzahra of CervivAI and Neda Razavi of iSono Health have been named as the two winners of Qatar Foundation's World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) 2024 Innovation Competitions. The awards include cash prizes and mentoring sessions with leading industry experts.
A nasal spray form of bumetanide has been found to reduce tissue swelling in heart failure as effectively as standard oral and intravenous formulations. This new treatment option could provide a valuable tool for treating heart failure, promoting care at home and reducing hospital admissions.
Research highlights edoxaban's effectiveness in reducing stroke and blood clots for patients after bioprosthetic heart valve replacement. Edoxaban was found to be equally or more effective than warfarin, with a predictable pharmacokinetic profile and reduced burden on patients.
A large-scale clinical trial found that intravenous infusion of exenatide during heart surgeries involving bypass did not significantly reduce the risk of death, stroke, or organ failure. The study included approximately 1,400 adults and a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design.
The international SUMMIT trial found tirzepatide lowered the risk of worsening heart failure events and cardiovascular death in obese adults with preserved ejection fraction. Participants experienced improved health status, physical function, and exercise tolerance compared to placebo.
A new study found that standardized autism screening during pediatric well-child visits identifies more children with high autism likelihood at a younger age. The study used the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised, with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F) and compared it to usual care.
Singer Amy Grant's personal testimonial highlights the urgent need for support to save women's lives by funding research into better diagnosing, treating, and preventing cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association aims to address awareness gaps and bridge clinical care gaps in women's heart health.
The new CAMP 2.0 tool provides personalized medicine for managing allergic contact dermatitis by generating safe lists based on individual patch testing results. It offers thousands of product options and interactive tools to help patients find safe products, track their quality of life, and understand their allergens.
A new real-world study found that Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (CGP) leads to better personalized treatment and patient outcomes when done early in a cancer diagnosis. CGP-assessed patients received biomarker-driven targeted therapy or immunotherapy, significantly improving overall survival of 25 months compared to chemotherapy alone.
HemaChrome's machine learning-based technology enables instant and noninvasive measurement of blood hemoglobin levels from digital photos, facilitating point-of-care diagnostic tests. The collaboration with Global Health Labs aims to address anemia diagnosis gaps in low- and middle-income countries.
A new study found that significant year-to-year fluctuations in cholesterol levels without medication changes could indicate an increased risk of developing dementia or cognitive decline. Researchers suggest that reducing cholesterol variability could potentially be a promising therapeutic target for dementia prevention.
A new system combining high-speed video and an AI algorithm can detect high blood pressure and Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes from subtle changes in blood flow, potentially leading to early detection and treatment. The technology is still in its preliminary stages but holds promise for non-invasive monitoring of health at home.
A new two-year grant will support research on the intersection of alcohol use and intimate partner violence among bisexual+ young adults. The study aims to identify factors contributing to alcohol-related partner violence and inform interventions tailored to this vulnerable population.
A longitudinal study found that bacteria associated with inflammation in the gut increases ten months before patients develop clinical rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers are exploring potential treatments at this early stage to prevent disease progression.
A new plastic device has been developed to secure the surgical field during robot-assisted heart surgery, allowing surgeons to operate with greater independence. The device, made from a type of plastic used in medical implants and aerospace industry, expands to a certain size and retains its shape.
Recreational cannabis legalization in California is associated with higher rates of cannabis use during early pregnancy, driven by jurisdictions allowing adult-use retailers. The study found that individuals living in these areas were more likely to use cannabis during early pregnancy.