Articles tagged with Medical Tests
A study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that hamsters exposed to red light had significantly less evidence of depressive-like symptoms compared to those exposed to blue or white light. The researchers believe this may have important implications for humans, particularly those working night shifts.
Researchers found a reliable D-dimer plasma level threshold for detecting venous thromboembolism after craniotomy, indicating high sensitivity and specificity. A postoperative D-dimer threshold of 2 mg/L is proposed, with higher levels associated with pulmonary embolism.
A new non-invasive test may be more effective in promoting colorectal cancer screening among uninsured patients than a traditional colonoscopy. The test, fecal immunochemical test (FIT), was shown to triple participation rates compared to usual care strategies.
A collaborative research project between ASU and Mayo Clinic aims to improve carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis through the use of novel grasp testing methods. The new approach seeks to provide a more precise measure of functional recovery, enabling early detection of non-recovery after surgery.
A noninvasive colorectal screening approach like fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) may be more effective than colonoscopy in prompting participation among underserved populations. Organized mailing campaigns offering two colorectal cancer tests increased screening rates as much as threefold among uninsured patients.
Researchers found that mailed outreach invitations resulted in higher CRC screening rates among underserved patients, with FIT outreach tripling and colonoscopy outreach doubling rates compared to usual care. Screening participation was significantly higher for FIT and colonoscopy outreach than for usual care.
A unique four-point test using clinical variables such as serum albumin levels and white cell count can accurately predict the death risk of patients with C. difficile infections. This method has potential benefits for patients, hospitals, and health services worldwide.
Researchers at SISSA uncover inconsistencies in the dependence of the linguistic system on the motor one, with damage to specific brain regions affecting gesture imitation but not language processing. The study employs voxel-based lesion symptom mapping to establish a link between brain damage and performance decline.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are testing a two-story building made of cold-formed steel to determine its seismic resistance. The tests aim to improve nationwide building codes and make future buildings less expensive to construct.
Researchers at Malmo University found that saliva samples can reveal traces of serious illnesses, such as cancer and diabetes. This breakthrough could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment with a simple saliva test.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that decision aids increased men's knowledge and reduced conflict about PSA screening, but did not impact their decisions. The tools were equally effective in improving knowledge and reducing decisional conflict.
Researchers in Canada found that funding from the pharmaceutical industry significantly decreased EGFR mutation testing after it was discontinued. The Canadian healthcare system lacked resources for implementing a national policy, leading to a substantial drop in test requests.
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings documents 146 contemporary medical practices that have been reversed due to lack of evidence. The study analyzed 10 years of original articles from the New England Journal of Medicine, finding that only a minority tested current medical practices, and 40% found them ineffective.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found higher rates of complications in blood-based resuscitation compared to conventional resuscitation, with no difference in mortality rates. Researchers led by Dr. Sandro Rizoli recommend larger trials to confirm findings and explore alternatives.
Researchers from the University of Alberta have developed a test to detect pathogenic E. coli in meat at food processing facilities, improving safety and reducing costs. The device is easy to use and can provide results in under an hour, making it an exciting application for the food industry.
Researchers found that athletes sleeping less than 7 hours before baseline concussion testing performed worse on cognitive tests and reported more symptoms. Significant differences were seen in Reaction Time, Verbal Memory, and Visual Memory scores.
A study published in The Lancet found that individuals born between 1915 and 1998 showed better cognitive abilities and daily functioning compared to those born between 1905 and 1998. This improvement was seen despite slightly lower educational attainment in the older cohort.
According to scientists, cat feces carry an infectious parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii that has linked to various diseases and even mental health issues. The accumulation of oocysts in soil, grass, and water may be a significant public health problem, prompting calls for better cat population control.
A study found that chemical dispersants used to treat oil spills can reduce the ability of European sea bass to cope with subsequent environmental challenges. The dispersant alone had no effect on fish performance.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Lahore University of Management Sciences are developing affordable test strips to detect pathogenic bacteria in drinking water. The project aims to address water safety concerns in Lahore, where over 60% of water sources are contaminated with disease-causing bacteria.
A new test could use sound waves to diagnose blood-related diseases by analyzing the shape and size of red blood cells. Researchers have developed a method that can identify irregularly shaped red blood cells with high confidence, which is a significant indicator of blood-related diseases.
A new automated diagnostic test can rapidly identify the most common causes of Gram-positive bacterial blood stream infections and detect three antibiotic resistance genes. The test takes about 2 hours to run and provides faster diagnosis, enabling early treatment of patients with sepsis.
A study analyzing 35,191 patients with coronary heart disease found that about one-third of those who achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goals underwent repeat lipid testing. This may result in significant healthcare resource overuse and waste, estimated to cost around $203,990 annually in one VA network.
Research from USC Davis School of Gerontology shows that attributing every forgetful moment to getting older can worsen memory problems. However, framing tests in terms of preventing losses due to forgetting can actually enhance older adults' memory performance.
The study found that the mice had terrible attention spans and struggled with working memory and spatial memory due to the excessive release of acetylcholine. This highlights the importance of ACh in differentiating cues, but also suggests that too much of a good thing can be detrimental
Anand Srinivasan receives fellowship support from the American Heart Association to create a new chip-based platform for testing antibacterial and antifungal treatments for infective endocarditis. The technology can quickly test thousands of microbial biofilm samples, potentially saving lives.
Researchers found that a combination of two proteins, S100B and apoA-1, helps most accurately classify head injuries. This study provides significant evidence for the potential use of blood tests in diagnosing mild traumatic brain injury.
A recent Michigan Medicine study found that most state websites offering health care prices rarely provide information relevant or usable for consumers. The study analyzed 62 public websites and found that most only reported billed charges, not actual patient costs, with limited focus on outpatient services.
Researchers found that trained Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening officers were slower than undergraduate students but more accurate in identifying T-shaped arrangements on computer screens. Consistent search patterns freed up brain processing, improving performance.
Researchers found that two proteins affect responses to wakefulness and sleep deprivation. The study suggests that assessing quality of wakefulness before bedtime could lead to new ways of treating sleep disorders.
A new study presented at The Endocrine Society's Annual Meeting found that excessive salt consumption is associated with a higher risk of nonvertebral fractures in postmenopausal women. Women who consumed the highest amount of sodium had more than four times the risk of fracture, even after adjusting for other factors.
Research reveals that E. coli strains producing Shiga toxin persist longer in lake water than their non-toxin-producing counterparts, posing a health risk to swimmers.
Researchers have found that interferon-beta treatment significantly improves the physical condition of animal models of spinocerebellar ataxia 7, a fatal genetic disorder characterized by coordination problems. The treatment reduces the load of mutant ataxin-7 and leads to increased PML nuclear bodies involved in protein degradation.
Researchers have found that visually impaired individuals and those with uncorrected refractive error are more likely to experience diminished balance when their eyes are closed. The study suggests that vision plays a crucial role in calibrating the vestibular system, which helps maintain physical balance.
Researchers at Duke University Hospital successfully implanted a bioengineered blood vessel into a kidney dialysis patient, marking the first US clinical trial of this technology. The new vein is an off-the-shelf product engineered using human cells and no biological properties that trigger organ rejection.
Research found that people with atrial fibrillation experience lower memory and thinking scores at earlier ages, with faster decline rates compared to those without the condition. Cognitive impairment or dementia risk may be higher for those with atrial fibrillation, particularly after age 75.
A new study by UT Arlington researcher Jacob Resch found that the ImPACT test miscategorized healthy participants as impaired up to 46% of the time, particularly on verbal and visual memory tests. The research emphasizes the need for multiple concussion assessments to ensure accurate diagnoses.
Researchers at Araclon Biotech have developed a blood test to measure beta amyloid peptides, which are associated with Alzheimer's disease. The test shows a high level of association between peptide levels and the disease, suggesting a potential biomarker for early diagnosis.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology create a new type of paper that repels a wide variety of liquids, including water and oil, using the 'lotus effect'. The modified paper could be used as a foundation for inexpensive biomedical diagnostics and provide an improved packaging material that is recyclable and sustainable.
A 10-minute test for frailty can predict increased risk of death and frequent hospitalization among kidney dialysis patients. The test measures physiological reserve and suggests that dialysis patients are undergoing premature aging, leading to higher mortality rates.
Researchers found that using the oral glucose challenge test (OGCT) with a glucose threshold of 7.2 mmol/L had a sensitivity of 99 percent and specificity of 77 percent for diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). GDM screening may also reduce complications such as preeclampsia, shoulder dystocia, and high birth weight.
A new skin test called Skimune has been developed by Newcastle University to predict adverse reactions to new drugs and cosmetics. The test uses real human skin and immune cells to identify potential risks, providing a faster and more accurate alternative to animal testing.
Research confirms memory problems are a real symptom of menopause, exacerbated by hot flashes and negative emotions. Women experiencing more severe symptoms struggled with memory retention.
Researchers have developed a new rapid diagnostic test for worm infections that provides substantial improvement over the current standard. The test is expected to be more sensitive and easier to use than existing methods, and will help guide public health efforts to eliminate lymphatic filariasis. Lymphatic filariasis affects approxim...
A new diagnostic test for lymphatic filariasis is highly sensitive, detecting nearly 26% more infections than the standard test. The new test also has a longer shelf life and is expected to cost less.
A study from the Cleveland Clinic found that obstructive sleep apnea patients with poor functional capacity have a significantly higher mortality risk. The researchers identified several factors, including female gender, smoking history, and abnormal heart rate recovery, as predictors of impaired functional capacity in this population.
A new LAMP test kit can detect even the lowest levels of malaria parasites in under an hour, improving diagnosis for imported UK cases and field use in Uganda. The simple test requires minimal equipment and training, making it accessible to non-specialist health workers.
Researchers surveyed over 800 participants to identify variables that predict high-risk sexual behavior. The cultural factor proved most reliable in predicting high-risk sexual behavior, with gender stereotyping, sexual fantasy, and pornography usage playing significant roles.
Researchers have found evidence of the 'Bd' fungus among African Clawed Frogs in the US, which has led to the decline or extinction of 200 frog species worldwide. The study suggests that these frogs may be responsible for introducing a devastating disease to amphibians in the US.
A new study found that bone mineral density testing is not routine among men receiving androgen deprivation therapy, but those with primary care physicians are more likely to receive the test. This highlights the importance of primary care physicians in bone care for men with prostate cancer.
Researchers developed a test to predict cerebral malaria progression in children with malaria. Testing patients' blood for HRP2 protein levels can identify those likely to develop life-threatening cerebral malaria, allowing for targeted treatment and improved outcomes.
A preclinical study by Scripps Research Institute successfully tested a new vaccine against heroin, which targets the drug and its metabolites, preventing them from reaching the brain. The vaccine effectively blocks relapse in rats with heroin addiction, offering hope for therapy.
A recent study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that children born with mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy performed worse on literacy tests as 9-year-olds. The researchers theorize that iodine deficiency may have a greater impact on auditory pathways and spelling ability.
Academic physicians call for guidelines to reduce cheating among medical students, citing concerns over patient safety and public trust. Historical test questions are used throughout higher education, but reproduce-and-share practices threaten this integrity.
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University found that emotional intelligence (EI) is a strong predictor of clinical performance in dental school. Students with high EI scores achieved better grades and demonstrated stronger communication skills in the clinic.
Diagnostic errors accounted for the largest fraction of malpractice claims and the highest total payments, resulting in severe patient harm and death or disability almost twice as often as other error categories. The majority of diagnostic errors were missed diagnoses, with outpatient care being more common than inpatient care.
A new UCLA study finds a significant correlation between poorer performance on neuropsychological tests and memory complaints in post-treatment, early-stage breast cancer patients. The research suggests that 'chemo brain' may involve neurophysiological changes associated with chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
Dr. Margaret Gourlay's study defined appropriate bone density screening intervals for older women, reducing the need for frequent tests and targeting those at higher risk of osteoporosis. The research has been instrumental in shaping clinical practice guidelines, benefiting human health and welfare.
A new detection test using nanotechnology may make food contamination testing more rapid and accurate, with a sensitivity one hundred times greater than the standard method. The test can detect toxins in as little as one hour, compared to four to six hours for current methods.
A study has found that slower walking speed is associated with increased mortality risk in kidney disease patients. The research suggests that lower extremity physical performance tests may help identify those at higher risk of premature death.