Articles tagged with Medical Tests
Researchers have discovered new synthetic compounds that inhibit inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), an enzyme involved in brain cell death. These compounds, including a melatonin metabolite, prevent NO-induced brain damage by suppressing iNOS production.
A new study published online by Vision Research documented a 70 percent improvement in eye chart performance in 19-year-old subjects with lazy eye. The training program involved detection of a small "gabor" exercise that generalized to marked improvement in standard vision tests.
A study of 80 medical school applicants found that assessors couldn't accurately predict happiness with a career in medicine from application forms. Higher educational qualifications were associated with perceived happiness, but didn't actually predict it.
Researchers found that patients with severe periodontitis have elevated levels of small-dense LDL in their blood, which increases the risk of heart disease. The study also suggests that platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase may play a role in this increased risk.
A study published in the BMC Neurology Journal found that patients with chronic fatigue syndrome have a set of proteins in their spinal cord fluid not detected in healthy individuals. These proteins could serve as a 'biosignature' for the disease and may help diagnose CFS in the future.
The shift in commonly used PTH assay has led to inconsistent results, potentially causing increased parathyroidectomy rates, unnecessary medication use, and adynamic bone disease among dialysis patients. Researchers have developed a more specific assay for PTH to address these concerns.
A new blood test has been developed to identify individuals at high risk for ischemic stroke in middle-aged adults. The PLAC test measures Lp-PLA2 and CRP levels, finding an 11-fold increased risk of stroke associated with elevated lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and C-Reactive Protein.
Researchers found that watching violent scenes can impair cognitive flexibility, while a beta-blocker medication can promote flexible thinking under stress. The study used propranolol to block the brain's normal response to stress and improve performance on word association tasks.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that hamsters exposed to limited daylight before birth exhibited increased depressive symptoms as adults. The study suggests a link between seasonal light exposure, sex, and depression in hamsters, providing potential insight into human seasonal affective disorder.
Researchers investigate which nanomaterial sizes, shapes, compounds, and coatings harm or kill cells. The aim is to develop non-toxic types using 'green' nanomaterials, addressing growing concerns about nanoparticle health impacts.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine conducted a non-randomized study to assess the impact of CABG surgery on higher-level mental functions. The results showed that on-pump CABG patients had no significant differences in their cognitive abilities compared to other groups.
The study reveals a sharp decline in sperm donor applications, with only 3.63% of applicants accepted as suitable donors. The researchers call for urgent action to attract more volunteers, particularly from older men and minority ethnic groups.
A study found that ADDERALL XR significantly improved driving safety and performance in patients with ADHD, measured by a 2.5-point reduction in their average Driving Safety Score. The medication also showed significant effects on ADHD symptom control, improving attention and reducing lapses in attention.
Researchers at UCLA found that reflecting on personal values can significantly lower cortisol levels after stressful events, providing a potential new method to combat stress. The study involved 80 undergraduates who underwent stressful tasks, with those reflecting on meaningful values showing reduced cortisol responses.
A large series of patients surveyed by Mayo Clinic found that those with chronic cough experience significant social, psychological, and physical sufferings. The top problems reported include interference with lifestyle and leisure, frequent physician visits, and frustration.
A single-visit program for cervical cancer screening improved follow-up rates by 53% compared to traditional care, with high-grade lesions also showing increased adherence. The program reduced overall visit time while maintaining patient acceptability, offering a promising solution for underserved communities.
Researchers have developed a method using cheek cells to detect lung cancer with high sensitivity and specificity. The test uses Automated Quantitative Cytometry (AQC) to analyze buccal cell nuclei and predict the likelihood of cancer presence.
A study found that anxiety, blood pressure readings and responses to a heat test before surgery can predict post-surgical pain severity and medication requirements. The researchers identified six groups of predictive factors accounting for 90% of the total variances in patients' pain levels.
A study of 1,492 men found that annual PSA testing reduced the risk of dying from prostate cancer by 3.6%, while increasing the chances of diagnosis with curable cancers. The test measures levels of prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by the prostate.
A study found that nearly two-thirds of heavy smokers' sperm failed a test measuring fertilizing capacity, with those who smoked more cigarettes per day showing lower fertility rates. The research suggests that heavy smoking overloads the nicotine receptor in human sperm and testes, leading to a decline in fertilizing potential.
Researchers developed a breath test that measures sulfur compounds in exhaled breath to detect bacterial growth in cystic fibrosis patients. The test found significantly higher levels of sulfides in cystic fibrosis patients, suggesting an increased amount of bacterial growth in the lungs.
Prestoraged pooled platelets have been shown to have an equivalent clinical response and quality to platelets pooled at the time of transfusion, increasing platelet availability and reducing hospital costs. The Pall eBDS System has demonstrated high sensitivity in detecting bacteria in pooled platelets.
A survey of pregnant women taking isotretinoin found that many failed to comply with key requirements for preventing birth defects. The study's results highlight the need for improved pregnancy prevention programs to prevent isotretinoin-related birth defects.
Patients who used a computer to learn about a screening test for colon cancer showed equal success and knowledge compared to those educated by a nurse. The study suggests that computer-assisted instruction can help increase screening rates for colon cancer by overcoming patient confusion and physicians' lack of time.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found nerve damage due to high blood sugar levels can begin as early as 20 years into the disease. The study of over 500 patients showed steady worsening of nerve conduction tests even in those with normal values, highlighting the importance of controlling diabetes from onset.
Researchers found that patients with high levels of somatization are more likely to use healthcare services after being evaluated by doctors, suggesting that physicians may be driving the need for excessive tests. The study suggests educating doctors on recognizing somatization and treating it appropriately.
Researchers developed a 20-mile computer-simulated driving course to help stroke patients regain their driving skills. Patients who received simulator training were almost twice as likely to pass an official driving test, and retained the skill level achieved in training.
Researchers have developed more sensitive tests to predict Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline. These implicit-memory tests outperform the commonly used Mini Mental exam, which is mainly sensitive to episodic memory. The new tests are strong predictors of Alzheimer's diagnosis two years early.
Researchers found an inverse relationship between mental tests and adverse effects of lead exposure and high blood pressure on cognitive performance. Lead exposure early in life combined with high blood pressure in working age adults may lead to diminishing cognitive abilities in later life.
Men who consumed more folate in their diets showed significantly less decline in verbal fluency skills over three years. High folate levels also protected against declines in spatial copying abilities, a category of cognitive skills distinct from memory tests.
Researchers have invented a backpack that converts mechanical energy from walking into electricity, generating up to 7.4 Watts of power. The Suspended-load Backpack can power various devices simultaneously, reducing the need for heavy replacement batteries.
Research finds that long residency hours impair medical residents' performance, increasing the risk of accidents and errors. Heavy call rotations show comparable impairment to heavy drinking, highlighting the need for safer work schedules and countermeasures.
A study of 34 young pediatric residents found that working long hours and overnight shifts impairs their attention, judgment, and driving abilities. The researchers compared the effects of heavy work shifts with those of consuming three to four alcoholic drinks, revealing similar impairments in both cases.
A new JAMA study compares sleep deprivation to alcohol ingestion and shows that long work hours impair young doctors' cognitive function. The researchers found that residents who worked extended hours performed similarly to those with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed new tests for detecting Johne's disease in cattle, enabling faster diagnosis and reducing economic losses. The tests can detect the bacteria in fecal matter or milk and are completed in 72 hours or less with high accuracy.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital developed a new screening test, CHr, to detect iron deficiency in infants. The test identified 83% of iron-deficient infants correctly, compared to only 26% with the standard hemoglobin test.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have found that over half of patients with rapidly progressing hearing loss had antibodies against IESCA, a protein in the inner ear. The study suggests a direct test for antibodies could predict which patients will regain hearing with steroid treatment.
A new study found that not enough exercise in women can lead to serious heart problems and death, with those who cannot achieve 85% of their age-predicted fitness level being twice as likely to die. The researchers developed a chart for women to interpret their exercise capacity based on normative values for their age.
Researchers investigated mental health outcomes after stroke and spinal cord injury, exploring the effects of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) and sensory evaluation tools. The study found that patients with depression struggled with low expectations of recovery and finding it difficult to accept losses.
Researchers found that trained nurses and laypersons can accurately screen for vision disorders in preschool children, with some tests performing as well as optometrists. The study's results have significant implications for early detection and treatment of childhood eye disease.
Yun-Hwa Peggy Hsieh's patented immunoassay assays detect BSE and Scrape diseases in animal feeds, improving trade relations with China. Her Reveal Ruminant test kit has been widely adopted globally.
A study of 9,802 NYC residents found that nearly half are not undergoing timely screening for colon cancer, with lower uptake among African-Americans, women, and those with limited access to healthcare. The researchers emphasize the need for targeted interventions to increase screening rates in poor and uninsured communities.
A study suggests that implementing three key reforms could transform the Medicare program, including creating an out-of-pocket maximum, paying physicians to submit electronic medical records, and improving care coordination among physicians. This could lead to better treatment, reduced duplicate tests, and improved patient outcomes.
A recent study found that nearly half of patients admitted for heart-related symptoms do not have acute coronary syndromes. Emergency physicians with a fear of malpractice are more likely to order unnecessary tests and admit low-risk patients, increasing healthcare costs.
A new study reveals that emergency physicians' fear of lawsuits fuels defensive medicine, resulting in unnecessary hospital admissions and increased healthcare costs. The research found that high-fear physicians are more likely to admit low-risk patients and order excessive tests.
A study led by Dr. Michelle Graham highlights the need for higher rates of cardiac catheterization testing in Alberta and Canada. The research shows that many patients with high-risk blockages remain undetected, emphasizing the importance of increasing angiogram prescriptions to save lives.
A study found that third-grade students with TVs in their bedrooms scored lower on math and language arts tests compared to those without. However, children with access to home computers showed improved test scores, suggesting a potential solution for parents seeking to boost their child's academic achievement.
A study of 348 students found that those with a TV in their bedroom scored significantly lower on all tests, while those with home computer access scored higher. The researchers controlled for other factors and observed large differences in predicted test scores.
Research estimates a lifetime cancer risk of 0.14% and 0.022% from virtual colonoscopy, with the colon, stomach, and bladder being at greatest risk. While low radiation risks are promising, practical issues such as bowel preparation and patient compliance remain to be addressed.
Researchers developed a new test for thyroid cancer that can detect recurrence up to three years before symptoms appear. The test measures thyroglobulin levels after injecting patients with Thyrogen, allowing for earlier detection of the disease.
A new report recommends introducing post-surgery overnight recovery units to improve mortality rates and reduce hospital stays. The proposal includes assessing patient fitness at an earlier stage and using exercise and nutritional supplements to prepare patients for surgery.
A new study has developed an oral rinse test that can detect the presence of white blood cells in patients undergoing bone marrow transplants. The test was found to be effective in predicting which patients are at risk of infection during their recovery, with a difference of less than four days being an indicator of susceptibility.
Physicians performing independent medical examinations (IMEs) still owe legal duties to patients, even without traditional relationships. The U.S. health care provider market is a key factor in rising health care costs, with strong market power driving high prices and quantity of medical services.
A study of 59 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation found a strong link between Helicobacter pylori infection and elevated C reactive protein levels, suggesting chronic gastritis may predispose to atrial fibrillation. The researchers also noted that H pylori has properties enabling it to evade the immune system.
A recent study published in Psychological Science found that high-poverty schools often struggle with inadequate educational resources, leading to a significant disadvantage for poor children. In these schools, up to 40% of students fail the writing test and are taught by non-highly qualified personnel.
A study of 36 studies found that minority populations received fewer preventive care measures for diabetes, including flu vaccinations and cholesterol tests. Socioeconomic factors, language differences, and potential bias in healthcare may contribute to these disparities.
A blood-based TB test, QuantiFERON-TB-Gold, has been shown to match the results of the traditional tuberculin skin test among Indian healthcare workers. The study found a high level of agreement between the two tests, with only minor impact from previous TB vaccination.
A new study by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found that animal tests for birth defects are often inaccurate, with potential teratogens causing effects in animals but not humans. In vitro testing, such as embryonic stem cell tests, is considered a more effective alternative.
A small group of stroke patients showed significant improvement in motor function after receiving repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. The treatment, which is non-invasive and painless, promotes increased activity in the damaged hemisphere by reducing motor activity in the unaffected hemisphere.
A new study has identified three nuclear proteins that are unique to the bladders of animals with interstitial cystitis (IC), a chronic pelvic pain disorder. The proteins, transgelin (SM-22), ras suppressor protein (RSU-1) and GAPDH, were found to be down-regulated in IC-model bladders after instillation with hydrochloric acid.