Articles tagged with Medical Tests
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
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Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A randomized controlled trial found that culturally and linguistically suitable outreach and direct mail interventions increased Pap testing rates among Chinese-American women. The study suggests these interventions can help reduce racial and ethnic health disparities in cervical cancer screening.
A new study suggests that liver transplant matching based on histocompatibility could reduce disease recurrence in patients with hepatitis C and primary biliary cirrhosis. The University of Pittsburgh study analyzed data from over 3,000 liver transplants and found that a match significantly decreases the incidence of acute and chronic ...
A study found that women with a history of heart attack were 2.7 times more likely to have impaired cochlear function than those without, highlighting a potential link between CVD and age-related hearing loss. The research used a new technology to test cochlear function in over 1,600 participants aged 52-97.
Researchers found that high protein diets led to decreased hydration levels and abnormal kidney function tests. The study suggests that athletes and non-athletes alike should increase fluid intake when consuming high protein diets.
A new UCSF study found that older men with higher testosterone levels performed better on tests of cognition, including concentration, memory, and attention. However, the researchers emphasize that the study only examined natural testosterone levels and did not prove the benefits of testosterone supplements for cognitive health.
Two new studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine shed light on diabetes diagnosis and management. A mathematical model predicts type 2 diabetes with high accuracy, while a report card reveals significant gaps in diabetes care. Additionally, experts emphasize the importance of preventive methods to address partner violence.
Researchers developed an ELISA test that accurately identifies patients with sensitized immune systems, increasing the chances of preventing rejection in pediatric heart transplant patients. The test has shown promising results in lung transplant patients as well, suggesting its potential to become a routine clinical care tool.
A study by the University of Minnesota Rasmussen Center found high prevalence of covert and overt cardiovascular disease in healthy individuals. Early screening using non-invasive testing can detect risk contributors, such as family history of heart disease.
Researchers found that when treatment outcomes were impaired quality of life, such as severe functional or cognitive impairment, a significant number of patients (74.4% and 88.8%) lost their willingness to receive treatment. In contrast, the impact on preferences was more nuanced with mortality, where only when the likelihood increased...
A retrospective review of 6 cases involving HIV-positive infants whose mothers did not know their own HIV status revealed incomplete application of guidelines. The authors recommend universal HIV testing and counselling to prevent perinatal transmission, while a commentary discusses 5 critical steps needed for prevention.
A recent report highlights nuclear fallout in the US from Cold War testing, which increases cancer incidence and affects global populations. The editorial also critiques South Africa's delay in providing antiretroviral treatment to pregnant women with HIV.
A new breast cancer vaccine called AutoVac has been developed to stimulate the patient's own immune system and induce specific killer cells and antibodies against HER-2, a protein overexpressed in many tumors. The phase I/II trial is currently underway with 27 patients with advanced breast cancer.
Researchers at Duke University found significant racial disparities in heart disease symptoms and functional status among African-American patients. They reported higher levels of chest pain and poorer quality of life compared to white patients, despite receiving similar procedures.
A new blood test, Triage BNP Test, has been shown to accurately diagnose congestive heart failure (CHF) with a high accuracy rate of nearly 90% in a multinational trial. The test detects elevated levels of the hormone B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), which signals a failing heart.
Two Johns Hopkins studies confirm the value of treadmill exercise tests in diagnosing heart disease before symptoms appear. Women with abnormal or inconclusive test results are up to 2.6 times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease, while men with similar test results are twice as likely to die from heart disease.
A state-of-the-art portable ultrasound system is being tested on two Indian reservations in South Dakota to monitor pregnant women. The system, MUSTPAC-3, requires little training and allows specialists to diagnose patients remotely, potentially reducing infant mortality rates.
A UCSF study found that high cholesterol levels are associated with poorer cognitive performance in elderly women. Using statins to lower cholesterol levels was linked to improved cognitive skills, suggesting a potential benefit for preventing Alzheimer's disease.
A new technique uses cognitive testing to locate vital brain vessels, allowing for safer embolization procedures. In a study of 14 patients, 12 showed no significant neurological damage after targeted vessel treatment, while 2 required alternative approaches.
Researchers investigate whether genetics are the sole cause of high blood pressure in Hispanic populations, finding that environment plays a key role. The study reveals that physical activity and reduced smoking/salt use can help prevent high blood pressure in this demographic.
Children with severe stunted growth at age 2 scored 10 points lower on cognitive tests than their peers, indicating that the detrimental effects of malnutrition linger through childhood. Diarrhea caused by G. lamblia parasite also reduced test scores, highlighting the importance of addressing nutritional needs in young children.
Researchers found that stress increases triglycerides in the bloodstream, which can contribute to heart disease. Triglyceride levels declined more slowly in stressed volunteers compared to those who rested, suggesting a negative impact of stress on fat metabolism.
A study by the University of Rochester Medical Center found that people with Alzheimer's disease struggle to perceive their own motion while driving, leading to increased risk of getting lost. The researchers tested 26 elderly patients with Alzheimer's and found they had difficulty judging their location on the road.
Researchers from the Office of Naval Research have developed a retinal microchip to restore vision in the blind. The chip electronically stimulates healthy retina cells, transmitting signals to the brain to recognize faces and read large text.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that predicting preterm birth remains challenging due to low predictive value of current tests such as ultrasound and fetal fibronectin. The study suggests that prematurity in America is on the rise, with a 23% increase in premature births since the 1980s.
A VA study found that opportunistic screening for diabetes is likely more cost-effective and can be easily integrated into typical office visits. The approach takes advantage of the doctor-patient relationship, promoting better follow-up care for patients at risk of diabetes.
A recent study published in Johns Hopkins Medicine found that women with overactive or underactive thyroid have an increased risk of birth defects in their babies, including cardiac problems and cleft lip or palate. The research suggests routine testing for thyroid disease prior to pregnancy may be warranted.
A study found that employees with elevated or risky levels of alcohol consumption showed an increase in sick days. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) tests were used to identify risk consumers, while the gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) test was used for comparison purposes.
A simple blood test can identify millions of patients with previously undetected diabetes, according to a new study. The test, HgA1c, accurately indicates blood sugar levels over the previous two to three months and detects at least 75 percent of cases of diabetes.
Researchers quantified needle grasp by measuring pullout force, finding that two types of needle rotation had greater effects than no manipulation. These findings suggest a potential role for manual needle manipulation in acupuncture therapy.
A comprehensive survey of brain death diagnosis in adults worldwide reveals significant variations in procedures, including differences in required physicians, observation time, and confirmatory tests. These discrepancies may be due to collective decisions by task forces or cultural attitudes, highlighting the need for standardization.
A recent study revealed that screening high-risk patients for diabetes may not be cost-effective, with a low yield and high cost. Additionally, a quality intervention to improve depression care was ineffective in real-world settings, highlighting the need for system changes to close care gaps.
A study of 73 postmenopausal women found no significant changes in serum estrogen, cortisol, or follicle stimulating hormone levels after consuming soy protein for up to 6 months. Circulating thyroid hormone levels were modestly increased in those taking the highest dose of soy isoflavones.
Fewer than half the physicians surveyed thought early detection would reduce mortality rates. Routine screening was often offered due to perceived standard of care or fear of malpractice lawsuits.
A new study found that eliminating gatekeepers in health maintenance organizations (HMOs) does not necessarily increase costs. In contrast to traditional HMOs, point-of-service plans with open physician panels showed comparable spending on medical care expenditures, including physician services, hospital services, and prescription drugs.
A study published in Neurology found that electrical brain stimulation increased 'on' motor function by 29 percent and improved 'off' motor function by 38 percent in Parkinson's patients. The treatment reduced the severity of fluctuations in motor symptoms, allowing patients to complete tasks faster and improve their overall mobility.
A low-tech handheld refractometer can detect counterfeit malaria drugs and has the potential to be used to test mass batches of drugs imported from overseas. The device is relatively inexpensive and simple to use, making it a viable option for people in developing countries with limited resources.
Acupuncture was found to significantly reduce sympathetic nerve activity in critically ill chronic heart failure patients, but blood pressure and heart rate remained unaffected. Further study is needed to confirm the treatment's effectiveness and potential benefits for patients with severe heart failure.
Researchers found that aspirin does not reduce costs and increase life expectancy for colorectal cancer prevention. Regular screening tests remain highly effective and cost-effective, even for patients taking aspirin for other reasons.
A recent study found that individuals with hookworm infections were half as likely to develop asthma compared to those without the infection. The researchers suggest that hookworms may alter the body's response to allergens, leading to reduced inflammation and increased resistance to asthma.
A study of severely obese children found abnormalities in their arteries, including stiffness and reduced elasticity, linked to heart disease and strokes. The authors warn that childhood obesity is a growing concern, translating to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality if left unchecked.
A recent study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that energy consumption from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats enhances memory performance in healthy elderly individuals. The researchers discovered that fat improved attention while protein enhanced recall over time.
The top countries in academic paper production are US, Italy, UK, Japan, and France. The study analyzed papers published between 1995-1999 and found that North America produced more phase I studies while Europe dominated phase III studies. Italy's performance was attributed to its large number of physicians involved in cancer treatment.
A two-year study found that first-year medical students who received visual training on detailed artworks improved their observational skills by 10 percent. This improvement enabled them to make correct diagnoses without relying on costly blood tests and x-rays.
A recent study found that 10% of pregnancies in healthy women remained undetectable by early pregnancy tests, even when using sensitive methods. The researchers analyzed daily urine specimens to pinpoint the day of implantation, which occurs roughly nine days after fertilization.
Students at IIT's Interprofessional Program developed a blood sniffing e-nose that can identify hundreds of specific scent signatures, potentially cutting testing time down to minutes. The technology uses electronic noses sensitive to microscopic particles, similar to the receptors in the human nose.
Players of the game are more likely to call 911 or see a doctor in case of an actual heart attack. The most interactive version shows the strongest gains, shifting intentions towards quick action and improved understanding of symptoms.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have successfully bred mice with both amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, the key pathologic hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. The double transgenic mouse model provides a more complete representation of human AD and will enable researchers to test therapies aimed at preventing or halting progression.
A recent Canadian Medical Association Journal study found that 88.5% of patients admitted to hospital with congestive heart failure underwent left ventricular testing, but only 23% received target doses of ACE inhibitors as prescribed in clinical trials. This underdosing rate is lower than previously reported rates in Europe and the US.
Researchers have developed a new fertility test kit that measures natural levels of fertility in couples trying to conceive. The kit assesses the concentration of motile sperm in men and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in women, providing an early warning system for potential infertility issues.
A study reveals that nearly half of all emergency department visits involve drinking before arrival, with significant correlations to self-harm, assaults, and hospital admissions. The findings suggest a growing trend among women who drink at lower levels than men, contributing to alarming rates of alcohol-related deaths in Scotland.
Researchers developed a rapid ELISPOT assay to detect T cells responding to ESAT-6 protein, which is absent in BCG vaccine strains. The new test shows stronger correlation with exposure intensity than existing tuberculin skin test (TST), providing potential for improved tuberculosis control and targeted preventative therapy.
Researchers have developed a new test, SUTI, that can accurately diagnose male infertility by detecting high levels of ubiquitin antibodies on the surface of sperm cells. This method could lead to more accurate diagnoses and targeted treatment for couples struggling with infertility.
A new study published in JAMA found that steroid hormone drug fludrocortisone does not alleviate symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), particularly neurally mediated hypotension (NMH). Researchers recommend further testing of other drugs or drug combinations to benefit CFS patients with NMH.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a new pharmaceutical 'smart bomb' that targets cancer cells using an improved prodrug delivery system. The system uses nitroreductase as the activating trigger, guaranteeing a direct hit on cancerous cells and minimizing damage to normal cells.
Current diagnostic criteria for diabetes are based on morning measurements, but patients tested in the afternoon may have higher fasting plasma glucose levels, leading to incorrect diagnoses. The study suggests that applying current criteria to afternoon patients could miss up to half of undiagnosed cases.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that 78% of patients with IBS had excessive bacteria in the small intestine. Treatment with antibiotics reduced symptoms in most patients, suggesting a strong association between SIBO and IBS.
A study by UCLA researchers found that androstenedione supplements can contain a contaminant linked to banned steroid nandrolone. The study tested 37 healthy men, revealing that 20 of their urine samples contained enough 19-norandrosterone to test positive for steroid use.
A new non-invasive skin test can measure cholesterol levels in just three minutes, potentially offering a simple way to assess risk of heart disease. The test found that those with the highest skin cholesterol levels also had the greatest number of diseased arteries.
A study found that lead exposure on the job can cause progressive declines in memory and learning abilities nearly two decades later. The effects of lead were seen even after exposure had stopped, suggesting a progressive impact on the brain.
A new study published in Neurology reveals that multiple sclerosis (MS) patients lose cognitive ability and report increased mental fatigue after repeated testing. Researchers attribute this decline to fluctuations in glucose supply and metabolism, which affect brain performance.