Articles tagged with Medical Tests
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.
A recent study conducted at Indiana University Medical Center found that high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem-cell transplantation can achieve a durable remission in approximately 50% of patients with recurrent testicular cancer. The overall cure rate for these patients is now estimated to be around 85 percent.
A study found that physician encouragement and accurate information about colorectal cancer risks increased women's willingness to undergo screening. Women who were urged by their physicians to be screened had a substantially higher rate of recent screening, with 64% participating in the previous two years.
Researchers at Ohio State University have created a compact disc that can analyze blood samples and store medical information, using tiny reservoirs and channels to mix fluids. The technology enables the CD to measure glucose levels, store data, and even calibrate sensors.
Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a new antibody test to help diagnose autonomic disorders caused by the immune system. The test detects antibodies that bind to an important protein on autonomic nerve cells, helping physicians evaluate patients with autonomic failure.
Research in Occupational and Environmental Medicine shows that prolonged wakefulness impairs reaction times, accuracy, coordination, and attention span, similar to levels of alcohol intoxication. The effects are thought to be cumulative and pose a serious risk to safety, particularly in transportation settings.
Researchers created a triple-threat drug that takes multiple approaches to combat brain cell death associated with stroke. The drug, SUN N8075, blocks calcium and sodium channels and acts as a strong antioxidant, preventing further damage.
The National Inventors Hall of Fame honors seven innovators, including Walt Disney and Steve Wozniak, for their contributions to the personal computer, animation, and medical breakthroughs. The inductees' inventions have improved quality-of-life materials and technologies.
Researchers found that 19 out of 47 people with mild cognitive impairment who had difficulty identifying smells went on to develop Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that the inability to recognize smells, combined with a lack of awareness about impaired olfactory senses, may be used as a predictor of impending Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers warn that children born with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) may be at risk for progressive hearing loss, even if standard auditory testing proves normal in the first weeks of life. Periodic hearing tests every six months until age 3 are recommended to avoid delayed diagnosis and its associated costs.
A University of Michigan study suggests that patients with undiagnosed sleep apnea may not always describe their symptoms as 'sleepy', but rather experience fatigue, tiredness, or lack of energy. Laboratory sleep tests revealed interrupted breathing patterns in 73% of the study's subjects.
Scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center developed a new diagnostic test for lupus using SR proteins as biomarkers. The color-coded test can identify 50-70% of undiagnosed lupus patients, promising to bridge the detection gap.
A new trial will compare the effectiveness of three colon cancer detection methods: air contrast barium enema, traditional colonoscopy, and virtual colonoscopy. The study aims to determine which method is most accurate, tolerable and cost-effective for detecting polyps and lesions in the colon.
Research on a monkey vaccine for anthrax suggests that while vaccinated individuals may survive an attack, they could become severely ill, posing a burden on the military. The US Army Medical Research Institute's 1991 test found that monkeys given the vaccine became sick for up to two weeks after inhaling anthrax spores.
A fatal tropical disease has infected large numbers of foxhounds in the US, causing skin lesions, hair loss, and joint issues. At least 12% of dogs have antibodies suggesting exposure to the parasite, with 2% showing a strong response, prompting public health officials to recommend quarantine or euthanasia.
A study suggests a link between Gulf War veterans' circulation and chronic fatigue, with abnormal blood pressure responses to mental effort tests. Veterans with chronic fatigue showed blunted blood pressure increases during mental tasks, contributing to their exhaustion.
Researchers have discovered chemical cousins of an antimalarial drug that show promise in treating serious antibiotic-resistant infections. The compounds, originally developed to treat malaria and other parasitic infections, have been found to be as active as many currently used drugs against a range of bacteria, including staphylococc...
Researchers at the San Francisco VA Medical Center have developed a more reliable way to measure physical fitness in elderly people. The new method, called OUES, calculates oxygen uptake efficiency slope and can be completed without requiring maximum effort, making it suitable for patients with heart disease or kidney failure.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine implemented an STD study program that set up booths in community gathering places to offer urine screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea. The program identified 24 people with the diseases, most of whom were unaware they were infected, and successfully treated 90% of them.
A University at Buffalo study found that men with testicular cancer are two-thirds less likely to have fathered a live infant and nine times more likely to have been diagnosed as infertile than healthy controls. The research contradicts earlier findings that showed no relationship between fertility and testicular cancer diagnosis.
Two studies found that voluntary counseling and testing significantly reduces unprotected intercourse among HIV individuals and couples, with behavior changes maintained over time. The studies also estimate the intervention's cost-effectiveness, finding it averts infections and saves lives at a lower cost than other HIV interventions.
A recent UT Southwestern Medical Center study found that 20% of women with lower urinary-tract symptoms, including incontinence, had undiagnosed bladder obstructions. The researchers used urodynamics testing to identify the subset of women who would benefit from more specialized treatment.
A new study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers shows a simple breath test can distinguish between patients who metabolize chemotherapy drugs normally and those who require lower doses for safety. The technique, which measures exhaled carbon dioxide, has promising advantages in reducing toxicity in patients.
The journal features novel approaches to analyzing complex peptides, such as pramlintide, and developing injectable implants for sustained drug release. Liposomes are also explored as carriers for antimicrobial peptides like Leucinostatin A.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found evidence of brain-stem damage in Gulf War veterans who experience dizziness, suggesting that the symptoms are caused by chemical and nerve agent exposure. The study also highlights a higher risk of death in motor vehicle accidents among these veterans.
Experts say independent scientific panels can provide valuable insights for judges in complex cases, helping them make fair judgments. A panel of scientists advised a judge on silicone breast implants and found no evidence of a link between the implants and connective tissue diseases.
Researchers at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have demonstrated that computer crash simulation software can successfully predict the likelihood and severity of injuries to children from airbag activation. The study found that airbags pose a significant risk to restrained children, particularly in high-severity crashes.
A simple blood test identified patients who benefited markedly from glycoprotein IIb/IIIa platelet inhibitor drugs, showing a 50% improvement in risk of death and second heart attack. Patients with high troponin T levels were found to be at increased risk and benefit most from these drugs.
A study by Hal Arkes and Neal Dawson found that physicians' hindsight bias can lead to inaccurate diagnoses and biased jury verdicts. Younger, less experienced physicians are more likely to be overconfident, hindering their educational training.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that higher PSA levels are associated with faster prostate growth, allowing doctors to predict and potentially slow growth through treatment. This study provides critical information for planning a treatment, emphasizing the importance of annual PSA tests for men over age 50.
A new medical test using pulse oximetry can accurately diagnose obstructive sleep apnea in children, reducing equipment and staffing costs. The test also enables early treatment for children with breathing obstruction related to tonsils or adenoids, improving respiratory health outcomes.
A recent study by Ohio State University found that premature birth is associated with a higher risk of learning disabilities, with 40-50% of affected children having special educational services. The research also identified behavioral issues in young children born prematurely, with those who struggled during testing being more likely ...
A new Penn study found that over 50% of violently assaulted women were attacked by non-intimates, and most knew or were acquainted with their attackers. The majority of these victims were beaten in public, highlighting the need for crisis interventions within Emergency Departments and long-term community programs.
A new computer program, developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, provides spinal cord injury patients with access to online rehabilitation training and resources. The Rehabilitation Learning Center offers video instruction, lifestyle guidance, and personalized support for patients working from home.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a blood test to detect the spread of colorectal cancer to lymph nodes by identifying the presence of a protein called GCC. This test may help doctors diagnose the disease more accurately and provide better treatment options for patients.
Researchers are testing a new treatment for intracerebral hemorrhage with intraventricular extension, a rare form of stroke that affects younger people and African-Americans. The study aims to reduce mortality rates by using small doses of tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), a clot-buster commonly used in heart attacks and many strokes.
A new University of Michigan study found that nerve tests for carpal tunnel syndrome are not reliable and can produce different results depending on who performs the test. The study suggests using a continuous scale to evaluate test results rather than absolute cutoff points.
Yale researchers have developed an improved ELISA test to detect ehrlichiosis, a newly discovered tick-borne disease. The new test is more reliable and efficient than the old one, allowing for better surveillance of the disease in affected areas.
Researchers developed a new test to identify reading difficulties caused by brain injuries, which passed with high sensitivity compared to existing assessments. The Iowa-Chapman Reading Test can detect even subtle reading problems in patients who have trouble reading despite passing other standard tests.
A new study published in the American Journal of Medicine finds that managed care insurance systems can standardize care, eliminate unnecessary tests, and minimize antibiotic resistance by implementing a single guideline for treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections. The study, which included over 3,800 women, showed that using a...
New research suggests that PSA testing alone cannot fully explain the decline in prostate cancer deaths since the early 1990s. Instead, other factors such as changing treatment patterns and misclassification of cause of death may be contributing to the trend.
A study by the University at Buffalo found that a very-low-fat diet can suppress the immune system of trained runners, making them more susceptible to infections. The researchers discovered that high-fat diets, on the other hand, enhanced certain components of the immune system and reduced inflammation.
Smokers who abstain from cigarettes experience increased cravings but show improved reasoning skills upon resuming smoking. The study found that abstinence impairs certain mental tasks, such as letter search, while leaving others unchanged.
Researchers have developed a new technique to spot contaminated corn by listening for telltale noises made by mouldy kernels when exposed to infrared strobe light. The method uses Fourier Transform Infrared Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (FTIR-PAS) and achieves a 96% accuracy in spotting clean and contaminated corn.
Research suggests that children who grow up in smoking households experience small but lasting negative effects on their health, including higher blood pressure and heart rate. The study found that even though the children were not exposed to tobacco smoke at home, they still had higher baseline rates, putting them at risk for hyperten...
Scientists are developing a new urine test that can detect chemical indicators of cancer. The test looks for derivatives of pteridine compounds, which change levels in the urine of cancer patients. This could lead to earlier diagnosis and monitoring of treatment progress.
Researchers have developed virtual reality technology to evaluate mental health problems, including Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairments. The study found that virtual reality tests showed no significant gender differences in performance.
Researchers at Ohio University develop a new way to measure reading and listening comprehension in brain injury victims by tracking their eye movements. The technique, which shows promise in spotting hidden understanding, is more effective than traditional methods.