Articles tagged with Medical Tests
A rapid laboratory test for pregnant women to detect Group B strep has been developed and is highly valid, identifying GBS colonization in six and a half hours. This new test could help reduce the overuse of resources and minimize bacterial resistance by targeting patients with threatened preterm labor.
Adults of various ages improved retention of new information by taking tests and receiving feedback compared to restudying, according to a study published in Psychology and Aging. The results suggest that testing can be an effective way to increase learning in adults of all ages.
The Endocrine Society issues a position statement on estradiol measurement, highlighting the need for accurate testing to diagnose conditions like breast cancer, osteoporosis, and infertility. The organization calls for a universally recognized estradiol standard and new methods capable of measuring small concentrations.
Two important studies published in the March issue of AIDS found that current CDC HIV screening guidelines may be too conservative, especially for low-risk groups, and that heavy drinking leads to increased HIV risk for men who have sex with men. The studies suggest that frequent testing and addressing risky behaviors can help prevent ...
A new study published in PLOS ONE finds rapid and point-of-care tests for syphilis are as accurate as conventional laboratory tests, making them a viable solution for resource-limited settings. The findings have major worldwide implications for populations living in rural areas with limited access to healthcare.
A pilot study found six compounds in the breath that increase following stressful mental arithmetic exercises, which may lead to a rapid stress detector. The study's findings are promising but need to be scaled-up with more people and settings before concrete conclusions can be made.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have found a telltale molecular marker for Onchocerciasis in patients' urine, detectable during active infections. The biomarker could form the basis of a non-invasive, portable test with significant advantages over current diagnostic methods.
Researchers at University of Zurich have developed normative data for gross and fine motor exercises in pre-school children. Children typically develop hopping and standing on one leg skills between three to five years old, with most able to perform these tasks by age five.
Researchers at McGill University found that people with schizophrenia exhibit impaired reading fluency due to context-dependent eye movements and processing of words. The study provides new insights into the impact of schizophrenia on cognitive functions and could lead to earlier interventions.
Researchers discovered that Achilles tendons retain high levels of carbon-14 from the Cold War era, indicating limited renewal and a slow healing process. This finding explains why tendon injuries often persist for years, but also opens up opportunities for developing new treatments to provoke dormant cells into repairing the tendon.
Researchers found that the Achilles tendon remains unchanged despite repeated high-impact loading. Human tissue samples from individuals exposed to nuclear bomb tests showed persistent radiocarbon levels decades after the event.
A UT Arlington software engineer has developed a computer testing tool that significantly reduces the time and cost of determining whether a new program works. The Advanced Combinatorial Testing System (ACTS) uses combinatorial testing to test complex systems, such as healthcare information technology.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that women who are more aware of their internal bodily signals, such as their heartbeat, tend to have lower levels of self-objectification. This increased awareness is linked to a reduced tendency to think of one's body as an object, rather than a source of physical competence and health.
A new study found that women who accurately perceive their heartbeats are less likely to view their bodies as objects, reducing the risk of eating disorders and other mental health issues. The study provides valuable insights into the importance of internal body awareness for maintaining positive body image.
A Mayo Clinic-led study has identified two biomarkers, IGFBP-7 and TIMP-2, that can detect acute kidney injury in urine, allowing for early intervention and improved patient outcomes. The study's findings have the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis and management of this deadly condition.
In 2012, the James Webb Space Telescope made significant progress with the delivery of two primary mirrors, the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), and the Fine Guidance Sensor and Near-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph (FGS/NIRISS). The telescope's center section backplane structure was also completed, supporting the mirrors and o...
Researchers developed a small-molecule inhibitor Y16 that blocks a hard-to-target part of a protein complex linked to several types of invasive cancer. The compound, combined with Rhosin/G04, suppresses RhoA cell signaling and downstream molecular events fueling cancer growth in breast cancer cells.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that hospitalists nationwide report daily patient loads frequently exceed safe levels, posing risks to patients' safety and quality of care. The study revealed that one in five physicians feels their workload puts patients at risk for serious complications.
Researchers found that tailored phone interventions and mailings significantly increased colorectal cancer screening rates. Patients who received these interventions were almost three times more likely to undergo screening six months later compared to those with no intervention.
Researchers developed a tool that combines age, gender, and common blood tests to predict mortality among trauma patients. The Intermountain Risk Score identifies high-risk patients with increased likelihood of death within a year.
Researchers at University of Florida have developed a new test method to evaluate anti-hearing-loss drugs in humans, offering hope for protection against irreversible noise-induced hearing damage. The first clinical trials are underway using dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals, aiming to prevent hearing damage in individuals at risk.
Researchers found selective D-dimer testing safe and efficient in reducing diagnostic testing for suspected deep vein thrombosis. A three-pill generic-based regimen for HIV treatment could save up to $1 billion annually while being slightly less effective than the current one-pill regimen. State medical boards generally agree on invest...
A study found that including CTC as a HEDIS-compliant colorectal cancer screening test can increase overall screening rates. The analysis used demographic and healthcare utilization data to demonstrate the potential impact of adding CTC as a qualifying test for HEDIS CRC screening metrics.
The Irene Diamond Fund's gift will support Brown's Program in Public Health in developing and disseminating successful interventions for older adults. The initiative aims to improve quality of life and reduce care costs through collaborations with healthcare providers and community health centers.
A study published in JAMA Network reveals a high clinical treatment failure rate of nearly 7% for patients treated with cefixime for gonorrhea infections in Toronto. The researchers found that strains with reduced susceptibilities to cefixime were associated with higher rates of clinical failures.
A study of 117 women found that cognitive declines during menopause transition are independent processes, not linked to hormone levels or symptoms like sleep disturbance and depression. Memory problems worsen in the first year after final menstrual period, affecting verbal learning, memory, and fine motor skills.
Researchers found that people with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease struggle to process semantic information, leading to broader implications for daily functioning. Semantic processing deficits may be slowed through training, and could contribute to decline in activities of daily living.
Researchers developed a new testing reaction to identify active agents in mixtures of hundreds of substances. They found two compounds, cepafungin I and glidobactin A, which inhibit the proteasome, causing cancer cells to suffocate on their own waste.
A Stanford study identifies proteins in the blood that can accurately detect lymphedema, offering hope for early diagnosis and treatment. The biomarker panel shows high accuracy in distinguishing patients with lymphedema from healthy individuals.
Berkeley Lab scientists develop a blood test that can detect radiation exposure, measure dose, and separate individuals with inflammation injuries in hours. The test uses biochemical markers from eight DNA-repair genes.
Scientists have created effective barriers and gear to shield deployed soldiers from disease-causing insects. Insecticides and pesticide application equipment are being tested and evaluated for long-lasting residual protection against mosquitoes, sand flies, and other arthropods.
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking mind-controlled prosthetic hand that allows users to control it with remarkable accuracy and naturalism. The device has been tested in a clinical trial, achieving a success rate of up to 91.6% and demonstrating clinically significant improvement.
A recent study by McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School found that long-term users of anabolic-androgenic steroids experienced significant impairments in visuospatial memory, with scores declining noticeably with increasing lifetime AAS dose.
A simple screening test of musculo-skeletal fitness has proved remarkably predictive of all-cause mortality in a study of over 2000 middle-aged and older men and women. High scores indicate lower risk of death, with those requiring more hand or knee support showing a 2-fold higher death rate.
A new five-tiered testing system, called the Tiered Protocol for Endocrine Disruption (TiPED), can help manufacturers avoid creating products with harmful endocrine disrupting chemicals. The researchers hope that chemists and companies will incorporate these tests at the early stages of product development to create safer products.
A new study from Michigan State University found that middle school students in better physical shape scored higher on standardized tests and received better grades. The research linked health-related fitness to academic performance, including body fat, muscular strength, flexibility, and endurance.
A recent study found that true aspirin resistance is extremely rare, with no cases identified. However, coated aspirin may lead to a false diagnosis due to delayed absorption and coating effects.
Researchers compared standardized driving tests with natural driving and found that individuals with cognitive impairment had more errors, but also a greater number of severe errors on the standardized test. The study suggests that standardized tests may be more cognitively demanding than natural driving.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool developed a computer-based test to help heavy drinkers reduce their alcohol consumption by practicing restraint in response to images of alcoholic drinks. The study found that participants who learned to exercise self-control subsequently drank less beer than control groups.
A study by Imperial College London and Brunel University researchers found that stroke patients with spatial neglect performed better when offered a financial reward. The findings suggest new behavioral therapies for stroke patients and highlight a brain system that can be targeted by drugs.
Current risk models have modest-to-acceptable discriminatory performance but require better calibration and external validation to inform clinical guidelines. Few studies tested the models in diverse populations, highlighting the need for further research.
A new study aims to determine driving fitness in individuals with multiple sclerosis using a simple and accurate testing protocol. The test, developed by GHSU researcher Dr. Abiodun Akinwuntan, has shown promise in predicting pass or fail outcomes on a road test with 91 percent accuracy.
Researchers found a low risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) following intrauterine device (IUD) insertion. Women who were screened for gonorrhea and chlamydia on the same day as IUD insertion had an equivalent risk of PID to those who were not screened.
Researchers have developed a novel test that measures proteins from nerve damage deposited in blood and spinal fluid to predict the rate of progression in ALS. The test shows promise in identifying patients at most risk for rapid progression, who may be offered new therapies being developed or tested.
Researchers found that e-visit patients were more likely to receive antibiotics and less likely to have relevant testing ordered by their physicians before receiving medication. Despite this, the study suggests that e-visits can improve access to care and convenience for patients without compromising quality.
A new study reveals that even low levels of preformed donor-specific antibodies can nearly double the risk of antibody-mediated rejection and increase kidney failure by 76%. This finding could help clinicians provide better donor-recipient matches and tailor immunosuppressive therapy.
USDA researchers have created toxic sugar-based baits luring mosquito death; five compound classes kill all three mosquito species. Scientists also discovered how repellents work by disrupting chemical attractants in mosquito receptors.
A large community-based cohort study found that fasting duration showed little association with lipid subclass levels, including total cholesterol and HDL. The authors conclude that fasting for routine lipid level determinations is largely unnecessary.
A new $3 million study will investigate biological markers measuring treatment efficacy for Chagas disease. The research seeks to develop a robust test to expand treatment options and accelerate clinical trials for this potentially fatal neglected tropical disease.
A recent study found that individuals with glaucoma are at a higher risk of being involved in accidents due to their limited peripheral vision. The research recommends mandatory visual field testing for drivers to ensure road safety.
A recent study by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) reveals that young blackbirds can become 'drunk' on fermented rowan berries. The birds exhibited symptoms similar to those of human intoxication, including unsteadiness, loss of coordination, and tendency to fall over.
A study by Loyola Medicine found that only 4.8% of web sites describing prostate cancer were written below a high school reading level, highlighting the need for easier-to-read patient education materials.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that older adults are worse at distinguishing between lifted weights than younger counterparts. The researchers assessed the ability of participants in two age groups to estimate weight ratios and found that older adults consistently estimated the ratios as much higher than they actually were.
A study by University of Alberta researchers found that providing educational information to physicians and patients improved osteoporosis treatment rates. The intervention led to a significant increase in follow-up testing and treatment, especially among men who are often overlooked as having the condition.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that provider-initiated HIV testing does not negatively impact clients' consent practices, confidentiality, and referral to care. The research suggests that various modes of access can be scaled up without compromising individuals' rights.
Researchers at Aalto University developed a durable and affordable nanofibrillar cellulose film platform to support medical testing. The new film can be made hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and electrically charged, enabling thousands of different medical tests to be conducted at home or in physicians' receptions.
A WSU researcher found that 10 hours of engaging science instruction improved test scores in fourth-grade students, increasing their average math percentile rank from 53.2 to 63.4 and language arts percentile from 42.8 to 60.3.
Researchers found that high indoor CO2 concentrations can impair people's decision-making performance, particularly in schools and other spaces with high occupant density. The study used a novel test to assess cognitive performance, revealing large reductions in decision-making ability at CO2 levels of 1,000 ppm.
A study by Lisa Kern and her team found that electronic health records (EHRs) are associated with higher quality ambulatory care in primary care physicians. The researchers compared the performance of physicians using either EHRs or paper records, assessing nine specific quality measures for a total of 466 primary care physicians.
A new malaria drug has been developed that is twice as effective as existing treatments and may fight off the disease with a single dose. The new compound, combined with mefloquine, showed promising results in mice, allowing them to live almost twice as long.