Articles tagged with Medical Tests
A survey study estimates that 15.6 million US adults consume at least one potentially hepatotoxic botanical product within the past 30 days. Turmeric is the most commonly reported botanical, followed by green tea, ashwagandha, Garcinia cambogia, red yeast rice, and black cohosh products.
Researchers have developed a new therapy called PIPE-307 that targets an elusive receptor on certain cells in the brain, prompting them to mature into myelin-producing oligodendrocytes. This could potentially reverse damage caused by multiple sclerosis, leading to improved movement, balance, and vision.
A new study found that subclinical hypothyroidism diagnosed before 21 weeks of pregnancy is associated with higher rates of overt hypothyroidism or thyroid replacement therapy within 5 years after delivery. Women with high TSH values and elevated TPO antibodies were at increased risk.
A novel AI tool has been shown to accurately estimate gestational age from blind ultrasound sweeps, comparable to expert sonographers. The technology has the potential to democratize prenatal care in resource-limited settings by expanding access to quality diagnostic tools without the need for expensive equipment or specialized training.
A head-to-head comparison of six commercial blood tests found that some are accurate enough to replace spinal taps and brain scans in patients with cognitive impairment. The analysis, led by Suzanne Schindler at Washington University School of Medicine, identified reliable tests for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers propose a noninvasive method to track blood pressure using resonance sonomanometry, stimulating an artery with sound waves and measuring its response. The device showed promising results in initial human trials, with measurements closely matching those from traditional blood pressure cuffs.
Researchers found that when given accurate information about the anti-Mullerian hormone test, women had less interest in taking the test compared to those who viewed misleading online claims. The study highlights the importance of providing evidence-based information to women seeking fertility treatment.
A new video-processing technique developed at the University of Florida uses artificial intelligence to track Parkinson's disease progression in patients, allowing neurologists to better monitor their condition and quality of life. The system analyzes video recordings of patients performing the finger-tapping test, a standard test for ...
A qualitative study found that healthcare professionals disproportionately test Black newborns for prenatal drug exposure, contributing to Child Protective Services reporting and family separation. The study identified three primary themes: levels of racism beyond the hospital structure, inconsistent hospital policies, and healthcare p...
Researchers found a blood test to detect alpha-synuclein protein shows promise for diagnosing Parkinson's disease. The study, published in the Journal of Parkinson's Disease, confirmed that the biomarker is highly sensitive and changes over the course of the disease.
A nested case-control study found that completing fecal immunochemical tests lowers overall death risk from colorectal cancer, particularly in the left colon. The association was observed across racial and ethnic groups, supporting its use in population-based screening strategies.
The study found that exercise increased PEDF levels in skeletal muscles and suppressed senescence markers in the lungs. PEDF also reduced senescence markers in multiple tissues and attenuated decline in respiratory function in pulmonary emphysema mouse model, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for age-related diseases.
Scientists have discovered a new hormone, CCN3, that helps maintain bone density and strength in breastfeeding women. In mice, CCN3 increased bone mass and strength, even when estrogen levels were low. The hormone also accelerated bone healing in fracture models, offering hope for treating osteoporosis and other bone conditions.
Researchers developed an AI model that can estimate lung function from chest radiographs with high accuracy, potentially expanding options for pulmonary function assessment in patients who have difficulty performing spirometry. The study found a remarkably high agreement rate between the AI model's estimates and actual spirometric data.
A recent study published in BMJ Military Health found that female conscripts' iron deficiency more than doubled from 25% to 55% after five months of basic military training. The study also showed a significant decrease in ferritin levels, which can lead to anemia and fatigue.
The NTU team created a compact and flexible light-based sensing device, like a plaster, to provide highly accurate biomarker readings within minutes. The device detects glucose, lactate, and urea levels in sweat with ultra-high sensitivity and dynamic range.
A Swedish researchers have created a questionnaire test that quickly identifies individuals at high risk of heart attack. The test has been shown to be as accurate as blood tests and blood pressure measurements, detecting 65% of those at the highest risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have discovered a new diagnostic method for PSP by analyzing protein biomarkers in spinal fluid, which could lead to earlier diagnosis and targeted therapies. The high-throughput technology allows for the measurement of thousands of proteins in a tiny drop of fluid, providing a promising solution for identifying the condition.
Researchers discovered that young adults with higher levels of inflammation were more likely to experience reduced cognitive function in midlife. Higher inflammation was associated with lower performance on skills testing and differences in executive functioning.
A study by Pusan National University researchers found that repeated item development training enhances faculty members' accuracy in predicting and adjusting item difficulty levels, leading to better educational outcomes. The training improved the quality of MCQ assessments in medical education.
A phase 2 study found fluorine-18 PSMA-1007 PET/computed tomography to be superior to multiparametric MRI for locoregional staging of prostate cancer. The technology supports its use in the preoperative workflow for intermediate-risk and high-risk tumors.
A recent study published in JAMA found that transgender women on hormone therapy have drastically lower PSA levels, which may lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. The researchers analyzed Veterans Health Administration records and recommended caution when interpreting PSA values in transgender women.
A new approach to testing for Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) has been shown to reduce unnecessary testing by 20%. The study, published in the American Journal of Infection Control, introduces a clearly defined, evidence-based test ordering process that targets specific patient groups and reduces inappropriate testing.
Researchers identified a kissing bug in Delaware with the Chagas disease-causing parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Entomologists confirmed the insect's presence and found it was infected with the parasite, which can lead to serious heart problems if left untreated.
The WVU researchers developed a non-invasive, at-home sleep apnea detection device that uses artificial intelligence technology to measure oxygen levels in the blood. Early detection can help prevent worsening of underlying comorbid conditions and reduce healthcare costs, according to Dr. Sunil Sharma.
Researchers found associations between childhood cognition, adolescent crystalized intelligence, and midlife fluid intelligence with DNA methylation age acceleration. A 1-unit increase in adolescent PPVT was associated with a 0.048-year decrease in aging.
Scientists have developed a new method to detect antibiotics in finger sweat, showing high accuracy for tuberculosis treatment monitoring. The technique allows for less invasive testing, making it easier to monitor treatment and preventing drug-resistant TB.
A prospective study found that medication abortion via no-test telehealth and mailing of medications was comparable in effectiveness to in-person care with ultrasonography. The research also revealed low adverse event rates across all groups.
Xiaohu Xia's research focuses on enhancing diagnostic efficacy of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing using specially tailored nickel-platinum nanoparticles. His goal is to improve disease detection accuracy by more than 300 times, enabling early diagnosis of cancers like prostate and colorectal cancer.
Patients with CLL and NHL who received frequent immunoglobulin G tests had fewer infections, required fewer antimicrobial medications, and higher blood levels of IgG. Increased IgG testing is associated with a lower risk of severe infections, suggesting that clear clinician guidance may save lives.
A new, streamlined urine DNA test detects primary bladder cancer more accurately than current methods, potentially reducing the need for invasive cystoscopy. The test shows high sensitivity and specificity, even for detecting high-grade noninvasive papillary carcinoma.
Researchers analyzed three tumor markers for associations with radiographic response and clinical outcomes in NSCLC patients. The study found that CEA, CA-125, and CA-19-9 were associated with progression and radiographic responses in NSCLC.
A recent study has identified three subgroups of gestational diabetes with different treatment needs, enabling personalized therapy and reducing complications for mothers and children. The analysis used cluster methods and machine learning to analyze data from 2682 women with gestational diabetes.
A randomized controlled trial at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that using the SAGE test during routine appointments led to a sixfold increase in early diagnoses. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of this simple, self-administered tool for detecting cognitive impairment.
Researchers developed two clinical ageing clocks, PCAge and LinAge, that use blood tests, a urine test, and a health questionnaire to estimate future mortality risk. These clocks show significant predictive efficacy in characterising individual future ageing trajectories.
Past-year Papanicolaou testing rates dropped in 2022 compared to 2019, highlighting the need to increase access to screenings. Rural-vs-urban differences indicate a focus on rural females requires attention.
Researchers found that mono-canalicular Lacrijet stent insertion is a safe and effective treatment for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children, with success rates unaffected by age or previous failed probing. The study suggests early assessments and stenting as an option for pediatric epiphora management.
Scientists developed an AI-powered system to track tiny devices that monitor markers of disease in the gut. The system includes a wearable coil and ingestible pill with optical gas-sensing membranes, pinpointing device location and measuring gases like ammonia. Future improvements aim to make the device smaller and more power-efficient.
The Association for Molecular Pathology has published guidelines for tumor mutational burden (TMB) testing, aiming to standardize calculation and reporting of TMB as a predictive biomarker for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies. These recommendations emphasize the importance of comprehensive methodological descriptions in publications.
This study found that lowering the fecal immunochemical test positivity threshold can achieve comparable sensitivity and specificity to the multitarget stool RNA test without additional testing. The findings are similar to previous observations with multitarget stool DNA testing, suggesting a potentially simpler screening method.
Researchers at Texas A&M University developed vessel-chip technology to create a platform for preclinical drug discovery, reducing the need for animal testing. The system mimics human circulatory systems using tissue-engineered microfluidic devices.
A study of 370 patients undergoing elective surgery found that those with higher levels of awareness about anesthesia had better understanding of general and local anesthesia. Patients who underwent surgeries related to eyes, nose, and throat scored higher on the knowledge test due to limited sources of information.
Researchers found that bubbling olive products before oil extraction decreases oil quality. The study measured absolute phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and acidity levels in bubbled oil (BO) compared to virgin olive oil (VOO). BO had lower antioxidant properties and higher acidity levels than VOO.
The Royal Statistical Society has published new recommendations to improve the evaluation of diagnostic tests, including guidelines on study design, regulation, and transparency. The report aims to prevent future issues with diagnostic test evaluations, particularly those related to infectious diseases.
A breath-holding test assesses cardiorespiratory health and predicts postoperative pain risk in laparoscopic gynecological surgery. The study analyzed 489 patients and found significant correlation between breath-holding time and pain scores.
A University of Houston researcher has developed a new method to detect cancer using PANORAMA imaging and fluorescent imaging, achieving a 98.7% accuracy rate. The method analyzes the number and cargo of small EVs in patients' blood samples, allowing for early detection and improved treatment efficacy.
Researchers tested seven antibiotics in combination with various natural compounds, finding synergistic effects against multidrug-resistant bacteria. The study suggests combining antibiotics with plant extracts or phytochemicals could be a promising strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance.
The researchers created a chemosensor that detects lactic acid levels in saliva without the need for an electrical power source, opening up possibilities for easy use in remote locations. The sensor uses graphene foam technology to measure changes in quantum capacitance when lactate binds, allowing for lower-cost and more reliable trac...
Public health authorities in nearly all US states and territories have the ability to monitor and test persons exposed to H5N1 virus. Despite this, jurisdictions vary in their preparedness plans, antiviral use recommendations, and potential vaccine deployment among first responders.
A team of scientists at the University of Ottawa has developed a novel peptide-based hydrogel that can be used for on-the-spot repair to damaged organs and tissues. The material shows great potential for closing skin wounds, delivering therapeutics to damaged heart muscle, and reshaping and healing injured corneas.
Researchers studied cardiothoracic surgeons and found that accumulating failures triggers forces both increasing the opportunity to learn and decreasing motivation. This effect is higher for surgeons with lower perceived abilities to learn.
Researchers have developed a prototype 'smart' contact lens that measures eye pressure accurately, regardless of temperature. The dual-circuit design removes temperature-related errors, enabling early detection and monitoring of glaucoma.
A new study suggests that countries should prioritize tuberculosis treatment for exposed individuals with evidence of TB infection, regardless of age—except in high-burden settings, where all exposed individuals should be considered for treatment. Preventive treatment can stop latent TB infections from developing into deadly TB disease.
Researchers at UCSF used an AI model to analyze clinical notes and determine patient urgency, achieving an accuracy rate of 89% and surpassing human physician performance in 88% of cases. The study suggests AI could help alleviate ED overcrowding by providing backup decision-making tools for clinicians.
Researchers found that early neurodevelopmental assessments can predict long-term cerebral palsy outcomes in high-risk infants as young as 3 to 4 months corrected age. However, these tests are limited in identifying cognitive and neurodevelopmental impairments beyond CP diagnosis.
Text messaging and bulk ordering can significantly increase mammogram completion rates for breast cancer screening outreach. The study found that these interventions are effective in improving adherence to recommended screening guidelines.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new device for taking blood samples using the leech principle, reducing invasiveness and increasing reliability. The device is made of silicone and steel microneedles, with plans to create biodegradable versions in the future.
A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that preoperative Botox injections can reliably predict the success of nerve decompression surgery for chronic migraine. Patients who responded positively to Botox injections showed significant improvements in migraine symptoms, with a positive predictive value of nearly 90%.
Scientists at DTU and Lund University have found new enzymes that can remove both the A and B blood antigens and their blocking sugars, enabling the production of universal donor blood. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce logistics and costs associated with storing four different blood types.
Researchers at University of Kansas discover a new compound that inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in cell models by targeting the 'Mac-1' protein. This finding offers hope for developing new treatments and preventing future pandemics.