Research on the tests that detect and monitor disease. Covers blood tests, cancer monitoring, emergency diagnostics, and new patent-pending assays.
Research found that injured methamphetamine users stayed in hospitals longer and incurred higher costs, compared to those who tested negative. The study, which analyzed records of 212 patients, showed that positive test results were linked to increased hospital admissions, stays, and charges.
Researchers found that a high-fiber diet from fruits and soy foods reduces the incidence of chronic respiratory symptoms, particularly cough with phlegm production. Additionally, brief exposure to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis can lead to infection, as detected by rapid molecular testing in hospital contacts.
A new study using wavefront diagnostic equipment has shown that different types of cataracts produce identifiable results, allowing for accurate measurement of visual errors and improved treatment. This technology can help reduce the number of patients unable to receive early treatment due to inadequate or outdated testing methods.
A new study found that almost 60% of children with asthma during the pre-pubertal period continue to experience wheezing episodes after the onset of puberty. Obesity at age 11 was also associated with a threefold increased risk for persistence of asthma, according to researchers analyzing data from a longitudinal birth cohort.
Early detection of COPD through a simple spirometry test can slow the loss of lung function, improve symptoms and quality of life, and prevent hospitalizations. Smoking cessation is the only known method to alter the loss of lung function seen in this disease.
Researchers are collecting blood samples from hundreds of women to validate the novel approach. The test has received worldwide attention due to its potential for early detection and high survival rates. If successful, it could save thousands of lives annually.
A study of 5,115 young adults found that those who react to psychological stress with spikes in blood pressure are more likely to develop high blood pressure in their 40s. The research suggests that assessing blood pressure changes in response to stress may be a useful tool for determining future risk.
A study found that states with mandated in-person license renewal laws had a lower death rate among drivers aged 85 and older. In-person renewal allowed for medical evaluations, which may lead to decreased fatality rates among this age group.
Researchers found that older adults who pictured testing their blood sugar were 50% more likely to do so regularly compared to those using other memory techniques. The study's findings suggest that imagination may be a powerful and inexpensive technique for improving medication adherence in older adults.
A Stanford study found that a sting-inhibiting cream reduced swelling and discomfort after exposure to jellyfish tentacles. The cream works by repelling water, disrupting communication systems, and mimicking a substance found in the jellyfish bell.
A randomized trial found that direct mailing of fecal occult blood tests increased colorectal cancer screening rates by 16.9% among those who received kits and 23.2% among those with reminders, compared to 1.5% for the control group.
A new lab-on-a-chip technology can detect milk contamination and identify the botulinum toxin in as little as an hour with test results available in minutes. This innovation could lead to faster treatment for potential botulism toxin exposure, reducing its high specific toxicity as a bioterrorism threat.
The American Academy of Neurology has developed a guideline evaluating the use of transcranial doppler ultrasound (TCD) in patients with known or suspected cerebral vascular disease. TCD provides valuable information in screening children with sickle cell disease for stroke risk and detecting vasospasms after subarachnoid hemorrhage.
A study by RTI International and the Mayo Clinic found that calibration errors in calcium laboratory tests can add up to $89 per patient, affecting approximately 3.55 million patients and increasing healthcare costs.
A randomized double-blind cross-over study involving 22 healthy volunteers found that Malarone(TM) had no significant effect on vigilance, alertness, or quality of sleep. The results support previous studies showing Malarone(TM) has no impact under normal pressure conditions.
Children with iron deficiency in infancy show persistent delays in both motor skills and cognitive abilities, even after treatment. These effects are most pronounced in children from low socioeconomic backgrounds, suggesting that addressing iron deficiency is crucial to mitigating long-term impacts on brain development.
Anemia is associated with increased disability, poorer physical function, and low muscle strength in older adults. Researchers found that participants with anemia reported an average of 1.7 disabilities compared to 1.0 for non-anemic subjects.
John Sherris is recognized for his tireless advocacy and leadership in clinical microbiology, including development of standardized susceptibility testing. He also holds an honorary medical degree from Karolinska Institute and has published a highly regarded textbook on medical microbiology.
A new five-year, $5.6 million NCI grant is supporting a clinical trial to study a blood test for detecting colorectal cancer recurrence based on the protein guanylyl cyclase C (GCC). The trial aims to determine if GCC testing by RT-PCR analysis is more sensitive and specific than current methods in early detection of recurrence.
Researchers found significant improvement in language function and mood in patients with non-severe fluent aphasia treated with fluvoxamine maleate, a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor. The study used a double-blind crossover design and showed no significant improvement with nilvadipine.
A new bio-bar-code amplification test could provide a comprehensive disease profile from a single drop of blood, making it ideal for resource-poor settings. The test has already shown promise in detecting anthrax and prostate cancer, with the potential to be ready for marketing within one year.
A study found that 73% of Canadian doctors can't estimate treatment costs within 25% of actual costs. They tend to underestimate expensive treatments and overestimate cheap ones, which can lead to unnecessary prescribing. The pharmaceutical industry's reluctance to provide cost information further hampers this process.
A randomized, controlled trial among 2163 adult smokers at eight primary care clinics found that clinicians following the AHRQ Guideline offered more assistance to those who wished to quit. This led to improved rates of smoking cessation, with test site patients reporting abstinence from smoking at higher rates than control site patients.
Researchers found that about 20% of un diagnosed participants were at risk for diabetes and 3.4% were diabetic. Shelter residents had lower hemoglobin A1c levels than those screened elsewhere, suggesting better health outcomes.
Researchers found that a widely used reading test, the National Adult Reading Test (NART), can accurately predict an individual's pre-dementia cognitive abilities. The study compared NART scores with IQ scores from childhood and showed no significant difference between demented and non-demented individuals in terms of NART scores.
Researchers discovered structural changes in ovary lining cells and higher levels of Bcl-2 protein in women with ovarian cancer. These findings suggest potential early detection methods for the disease.
A study compared different clinical guidelines for diagnosing and treating sore throats, finding that the selective use of throat cultures can help reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. The researchers also found that children require throat culture confirmation to ensure optimal identification of GAS pharyngitis.
The symposium will focus on challenges in herb research, including the development of a valid test for herbal supplements and discussions on health benefits and quality issues. Experts will share their knowledge on polyphenols, regenerative properties of Chinese herbs, and quality problems with plant products.
A new DNA test using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy has been developed to identify patients with myelodysplasia (MDS) or those at high risk of developing the disease. The test is highly predictive and can distinguish MDS patients from those with non-malignant bone marrow disorders.
New research from NIST confirms that smoke alarms offer enough time to save lives in most cases, even with a three-minute warning. The study found that the placement of smoke alarms and closed bedroom doors can increase survival chances, but also noted the limitations of ionization and photoelectric alarms in detecting false alarms.
Researchers found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can lead to poorer hearing performance in women, especially in noisy environments. The study involved 32 women who had received HRT and compared their hearing with 32 women who had not.
The new robotic procedure uses remote control technology to perform the surgery, reducing recovery time and scarring. Women who have undergone the procedure have shown no signs of recurrence, making it a promising alternative to traditional full surgery.
Researchers found that SAT test scores are highly correlated with IQ scores, suggesting the SAT can be used as a reliable measure of intelligence. This correlation may have implications for understanding intellectual decline due to head injury or diseases like Alzheimer's.
Visuospatial tests were found to be the most reliable predictors of driving skill in individuals with early-Alzheimer's disease. Neuropsychological testing can help identify at-risk drivers and inform clinical decisions about driving restrictions.
A blood test may reveal systemic factors that relate to periodontal disease, especially in men. The study found a significant relationship between CRP and periodontal diseases in women, but not in men. Males were reported to have more serious symptoms of periodontal diseases than females of the same age group.
A new study suggests that using IQ-adjusted norms can help identify high-functioning people at risk of developing pre-clinical Alzheimer's disease. By scoring against an individual's higher ability level, researchers found more accurate predictions than standard norms.
A new two-step process measures cytokine levels and cell membrane protein presence to evaluate material biocompatibility. The NIST-developed method offers a more nuanced understanding of material compatibility, enabling industry and researchers to create more well-matched materials for medical applications.
A study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that oral fluid testing is as accurate as urinalysis in detecting opiate use. However, its effectiveness in detecting benzodiazepine use was significantly lower. The ease of administration makes it a promising alternative for treatment settings.
Esophageal manometry is a diagnostic tool that helps identify esophageal diseases like gastroesophageal reflux disease, heartburn, and swallowing problems. The new guidelines provide a standardized approach to performing the test, improving data sharing and interpretation among physicians.
A small sample of seniors showed significant improvement in decision times, attention focus, and self-reported memories after four weeks of nicotine treatment. The findings suggest that nicotine patches could alleviate 'senior moments' in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
A nationally representative sample of 7,889 men aged 75+ reported undergoing PSA screening tests, with 32.5% of elderly men screened in the past year. This highlights concerns about physicians suggesting unnecessary screenings to patients.
A pilot study reveals that menstrual cycle monitors differ significantly in price and effectiveness, with some systems registering false negatives of up to 73.4%. The symptothermal method, relying on a woman's own observations, proved to be the most effective natural family planning method.
A Duke University Medical Center study found that women undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery exhibit poorer quality-of-life outcomes compared to men. After statistical adjustments for preoperative risk factors, the researchers discovered that women were at a higher risk of mental difficulties and anxiety following the procedure.
A new UCLA test measures HDL cholesterol's ability to reduce inflammation, potentially better predicting heart disease risk. The study found that patients with pro-inflammatory HDL had a higher risk of heart disease despite normal or high cholesterol levels.
A new blood test detects mesothelioma at an early stage, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes. The test uses soluble mesothelin-related proteins (SMR) as a biomarker, which can detect the cancer several years before symptoms appear.
Researchers found that individuals with a family history of alcoholism are more likely to prefer sweet tastes than those without. This preference precedes the development of alcoholism and may serve as a marker for genetic risk. The study suggests that a simple test to assess sweet preference could help identify individuals at risk ear...
A new blood test has been developed to detect mesothelioma, a type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The test, which identifies specific molecular markers in the blood, shows promise for early detection and monitoring, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
Monitoring waistline fat, insulin levels, and lipid particles can detect early signs of heart disease in women. Targeted interventions can be initiated to prevent progression of the disease.
Researchers have created a simpler, cheaper way to make and fit prosthetics by using a gel instead of plaster. The new process has been tested on 10 leg amputees with no differences found in the success of the two types of sockets.
People with mild dementia decline faster than nondemented individuals in driving performance, but also some nondemented participants show decline. Longitudinal driving test every six months can identify those who become unsafe, increasing awareness about driving issues in demented persons and empowering families to intervene.
Researchers identified cardiovascular abnormalities in 39% of participants, highlighting the need for early recognition and treatment. The study suggests that effective treatment can prevent 90% of heart attacks and strokes.
A recent study by the USGS found that 20% of homes in Hillsborough, Rockingham, and Strafford counties have arsenic concentrations above 10 micrograms per liter. In some areas, the incidence is as high as 30%. The study highlights the importance of testing private wells for arsenic to protect public health.
A new study finds that stress-induced salt sensitivity and increased blood pressure load contribute to racial differences in hypertension prevalence. The research suggests that these factors may help explain the higher incidence of hypertension among African-Americans, a long-standing public health concern.
Researchers investigated chronic pain management through surveys, questionnaires, and studies. The results highlighted the importance of pain treatment outcomes, associations with health-risk behaviors, and post-traumatic stress disorder relationships. Additionally, a new exercise program improved arm and hand recovery after stroke.
Researchers found that brown capuchin monkeys refused previously acceptable rewards if they witnessed their partners receiving higher-value rewards for equal or less work. This study provides insight into how humans develop emotional reactions to fairness in economic interactions.
A study by Penn State researchers found that melatonin supplements can hinder nervous system responses that enable the body to compensate for blood pressure drops when standing. This may exacerbate orthostatic intolerance in individuals with cardiovascular challenges, including astronauts who experience it after space travel.
Research identifies critical role of innate immunity in lung transplant rejection, suggesting novel therapies may prevent acute rejection. Preschool children with asthma also exhibit abnormal pulmonary function, while patients with sleep apnea show periods of stable breathing.
The Mayo Clinic team has successfully transplanted kidneys into 29 high-risk patients, achieving an 80% success rate. By filtering out antibodies from the patient's blood, they can create a less hostile environment for the donor kidney to adapt. This approach may change the fate of thousands of patients waiting for a transplant.
Research by Dean Krahn and colleagues found that moderate drinking had no significant effect on cognitive ability in middle-aged adults, contrary to previous studies. The study used an extensive database of over 10,000 participants who completed cognitive tests at different stages of life.
Researchers use CD technology to detect biological interactions by exploiting errors in digital data. They attach molecules to a CD surface, allowing proteins to bind and introduce errors in the reading process.