Articles tagged with Medical Tests
Tests conducted by NIST found that portable generators retrofitted with off-the-shelf hardware emitted 90% less carbon monoxide than standard generators. The reduced emissions are expected to delay the onset and progression of CO poisoning symptoms, leading to fewer deaths and injuries.
A recent study found that simple educational strategies targeting doctors and patients after a fracture significantly improved osteoporosis testing rates, reducing fractures by two fewer per 1,000 patients. Mail-based notice interventions were effective and cost-efficient, with projected savings of $18,000 for every 1,000 patients.
While computer-based decision support systems can help reduce testing costs by 9%, they are unlikely to overcome the root causes of unnecessary medical testing and cultural issues within the healthcare system.
Patients with untreated sleep apnoea are more likely to fail a driving simulator test and report nodding whilst driving. The study found that 24% of sleep apnoea patients failed the test compared to 12% of controls.
Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have developed a new technique to test drugs on human liver cells, reducing the risk of fatal effects. By growing cells in 3D structures that mimic natural human body conditions, scientists can better predict how substances will behave in humans.
A study found that patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) who have the BRAF V600E genetic mutation are at higher risk of death. However, overall mortality rates for PTC are low, and the association between the mutation and mortality was not independent of tumor characteristics.
A new type of deadly intestinal lymphoma has been identified in Asian patients, with a novel biomarker and diagnostic test developed to accurately diagnose the disease. The study's findings impact the 2008 WHO classification and offer improved treatment strategies.
A study by Southern Methodist University found that fruit flies raised on organic diets performed better on several health tests, including fertility and longevity. The researchers believe the benefits may be dependent on specific foods, which could explain inconsistent results in previous studies.
A six-week study in Germany showed that test products significantly reduced exposure to certain toxicants, including acrolein and tobacco-specific nitrosamines. The results demonstrate the potential of these technologies to lower health risks associated with smoking.
Researchers developed a new device called Human Spinal Cord Modulation System (HSCMS) to deliver therapeutic stimulation in a more targeted way. The device is designed to be in direct contact with the spinal cord, providing improved pain relief for patients with chronic pain.
The Lancet warns of the growing threat of drug-resistant tuberculosis, with more than 30% of newly-diagnosed patients having MDR TB in some parts of eastern Europe and central Asia. To eliminate TB as a public health problem by 2050, incidence needs to fall by 16% per year for 40 years.
A new chemotherapy drug, arsenic trioxide, has been developed to be less toxic to female fertility while being more effective against cancer. The drug is packed into a nanobin, a tiny Trojan horse that delivers the drug directly to tumor cells.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine identified significant problems with laboratory test naming conventions, leading to increased medical costs and delayed diagnosis. Researchers propose using search engine-like technologies to guide clinicians towards the most appropriate tests, improving patient safety and outcomes.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have found that the traditional thresholds for ESR and CRP may need to be refined to improve accuracy in diagnosing periprosthetic joint infections. The study analyzed 1,993 patients and revealed differences in inflammatory marker elevation between knees and hips.
Scripps Research is developing a new diagnostic test for Onchocerciasis, or river blindness, using a biomarker detectable in urine. The test aims to provide accurate and painless diagnosis, guiding treatment decisions and helping global health leaders eradicate the disease.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a new test that measures involuntary changes in heart rate and blood pressure to identify the severity of concussions. The test, known as autonomic reflex testing, shows significant changes in those with concussion, providing a potential tool for diagnosing and monitoring recovery.
EPFL scientists have developed a tiny implant that can analyze proteins and organic acids in the blood, sending results to doctors' computers for more personalized care. The device has demonstrated reliable detection of several substances and has potential applications in chemotherapy and chronic illness monitoring.
The Forsyth Center for Salivary Diagnostics will revolutionize disease testing using saliva-based tests, which contain virtually all medical diagnostic information as blood. The facility aims to develop and commercialize new assays that are less expensive and more convenient.
A new study finds that mindfulness training significantly reduces depression symptoms in adolescents, with a decrease of 12% compared to control group. After six months, the reduction persists, suggesting that mindfulness protects against the later development of depression-like symptoms.
Researchers found a case of rapid hearing loss in a patient with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, highlighting the need for clinicians to consider CJD when diagnosing patients with fast-progressing hearing impairment.
A nationwide Swedish study of over 300,000 young men found that those with low cognitive scores were at a higher risk of sustaining a mild traumatic brain injury. The study also identified other risk factors for mild traumatic brain injuries, including socioeconomic status and physical fitness.
A small study of 20 people with Parkinson's disease found virtual house calls provide clinical benefits comparable to in-person physician office visits, saving patients and caregivers time and travel. The study also found no difference in quality-of-life changes between the two groups.
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.