Articles tagged with Medical Tests
A new study found that better heart health in middle-aged Black women is linked to reduced cognitive decline and preserved brain function. However, this benefit was not observed among white women. The study suggests that taking care of one's heart may have a positive impact on brain function and overall well-being.
A new case report uses longitudinal multi-omics monitoring to detect a precancerous pancreatic tumor in a patient. The study highlights the potential of blood-based LMOM for early detection and personalized medicine, warranting further translational research.
Researchers developed a new method to accelerate high-resolution ultrasound localization microscopy using deep learning, enabling faster and more accurate imaging of microvascular structures. The technique, called LOCA-ULM, improves spatial resolution and processing speed while maintaining sensitivity for functional imaging.
The innovative Integrated Virtual Care (IVC) program successfully connected residents with family physicians in Renfrew County, addressing the rural shortage of primary care providers. Over 2,800 unique patient appointments were conducted, with 70% done virtually, offering comprehensive team-based primary care.
A new testing protocol combining clinical history with multiple home stool tests could significantly speed up diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by reducing the need for unnecessary colonoscopies. Serial faecal calprotectin tests were found to strongly predict possible IBD, Crohn's Disease, and Ulcerative Colitis.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Amplified Sciences a $275,000 Phase 1 Small Business Innovation Research grant to develop novel ultrasensitive optical reporter platform technology for early detection of pancreatic cancer. The company aims to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes with its multiplexing capabilities.
A study of health care personnel reveals delayed COVID-19 testing was more common among non-Hispanic Black HCP and those with other racial backgrounds compared to non-Hispanic white HCP with graduate degrees. The findings highlight sociodemographic disparities in the response to COVID-19.
Concordia researchers use network analysis to study cognitive decline, identifying key variables that predict subtle changes in brain function. Executive function and processing speed are found to be strongly influential, with age affecting cognition differently for those with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease.
A new lab-on-a-chip system combines optofluidics and nanopores to rapidly test for SARS-CoV-2 and Zika viruses with high accuracy. The tool, developed by UC Santa Cruz researchers, can detect viruses at extremely low concentrations and outperform PCR tests in some cases.
A new study found that access to genomic testing for cancer is limited by factors such as test availability, patient information, and insurance coverage in both Japan and Switzerland. Despite universal insurance coverage, barriers persist due to differences in hospital accessibility, language barriers, and varying levels of reimbursement.
A systematic review of 41 randomized clinical trials suggests that late-stage cancer incidence can be a suitable alternative end point to cancer-specific mortality in some cancer types, but not others. This finding has implications for multicancer screening tests and may change the way these trials are designed.
Researchers found that discontinuing specialist follow-up care for patients with slow-growing CLL had no negative impact on survival, hospital visits or infections. Most patients who ended follow-up developed minor infections treated with antibiotics.
A new study from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine shows that community-based screening and treatment for Helicobacter pylori bacterium infection can identify and eliminate high-risk individuals. The approach aims to prevent gastric cancer in vulnerable populations, including Blacks, Asians, and Latinos.
The study reveals that smartphone-based cognitive assessments can provide reliable and valid results for diagnosing frontotemporal lobar degeneration. These findings suggest a scalable solution for remote evaluations, which may enhance early detection.
Researchers developed an app to detect mild cognitive impairment, a potential indicator of Alzheimer's disease. The study used data from 199 older adults and found that the app detected MCI with high accuracy, comparable to in-clinic assessments.
Researchers suggest a follow-up colonoscopy within defined periods after abnormal stool-based screening test results. The proposed measure aims to address low current performance rates and produce reliable results.
A new study suggests that removing barriers to cervical cancer screening, surveillance, and diagnostic procedures can save lives and reduce disparities. If every eligible person gets the full screening and follow-up tests recommended, up to 23% fewer people would be diagnosed with cervical cancer and 20% fewer would die from it.
A study by Linköping University found that a daily intake of liquorice containing 100mg glycyrrhizic acid raised blood pressure by an average of 3.1mmHg in young healthy people. This effect was seen in all participants, but the most sensitive individuals showed increased fluid volume and heart workload.
A first-of-its-kind study uses gait analysis to detect subtle impairments in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, suggesting curved path walking as a more sensitive detection method. The novel system employs a non-invasive depth camera to record gait and provides detailed information on functional performance.
A study by Amsterdam UMC and University of Cape Town found that Mycobacterium tuberculosis is present in the respiratory aerosol of 90% of suspected TB patients, including those with negative sputum tests. This raises concerns about unknowingly transmitting infection and highlights the complexity of TB transmission.
A study found that up to 87% of childhood cancer survivors are not following recommended screening guidelines, leaving them vulnerable to late effects such as heart disease and certain cancers. The lack of awareness and barriers to adherence may contribute to this low rate, highlighting the need for improved support and education.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new sensor that can detect tiny quantities of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. The device uses lateral flow technology and can measure concentrations as low as 200 parts per trillion, offering a potential solution for consumer testing and industrial applications.
The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson has received a $2.7 million grant from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to test an implantable device that could eliminate the need for glucose testing and insulin injections in people with Type 1 diabetes. The device, developed by Professor Klearchos Papas, uses oxygen-en...
A study of 2,349 participants aged over 60 found that sex influences the association between various factors and age-related hearing loss. Low weight was linked to increased risk in males, while both low weight and obesity were associated with higher risks in females. Smoking was only linked to increased risk in males, while early mens...
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed highly accurate DNA aptamers for detecting cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. The sensors can detect trace amounts of these drugs, even when mixed with other substances, offering a significant improvement over existing tests.
A study published in BMC Geriatrics uses in-vehicle sensors to detect anomalous driving behavior indicative of cognitive impairment in older adults. The system analyzes driving patterns, facial expressions, and eye movement to identify early signs of dementia.
A comprehensive study found pulse oximeters significantly overestimated oxygen saturation readings in individuals with darker skin tones. This could lead to missed treatments and incorrect diagnoses, as devices may not accurately reflect critical oxygen levels.
Rice researchers developed a rapid and accurate point-of-care malaria test that is 12 times faster and easier to use than traditional tests. The device can detect asymptomatic infections and predict disease outcomes, leading to early identification and treatment of severe cases.
Researchers found that synthetic PIC gel can stimulate cell growth and increase collagen production, potentially improving wound healing after pelvic organ prolapse surgery. The study also showed a mild immune response to the gel when tested on laboratory animals.
A study of routine fecal occult blood testing found a significant decrease in colorectal cancer mortality in Sweden. The association between screening and reduced mortality is expected to be higher due to co-existing testing and delayed diagnoses.
A new AI system is being developed to provide real-time feedback and instruction for surgical trainees, addressing the need for constant supervision in laparoscopic surgery. The system uses computer vision model to detect the student's actions and provides immediate assessment and training direction.
Researchers developed a new recombinant flu vaccine called Hexaplex, which provided superior protection against H1N1 and H3N2 viruses in animal models. The vaccine's combination of six proteins from different groups resulted in strong antibody production and T-cell activation, offering broader immunity.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a rapid blood testing method that can detect fentanyl and other opioids in under three minutes, making it twice as quick as traditional approaches. This new technique has the potential to save lives by quickly identifying overdoses.
Researchers developed a portable, droplet-based millifluidic device to monitor patients in the critical first days after surgery. The device measures drainage fluid's alpha-amylase activity in real time, reducing test duration from six hours to two minutes.
A new blood test has been shown to diagnose Alzheimer's disease pathology as accurately as FDA-approved spinal fluid tests, making early diagnosis and treatment accessible to more people. The blood test measures levels of Alzheimer's proteins in the blood, detecting molecular signs of the disease even before symptoms appear.
A new study from Edith Cowan University found that a blood test using joint cumulative high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio can predict type 2 diabetes risk more effectively. Females were most at risk with significant interaction between MHR and CRP observed.
A Tel Aviv University study found that women in this age group experience increased AMH secretion when exposed to UV radiation from the sun. This increase in hormone levels is associated with a positive effect on fertility.
A recent study by Swansea University analyzed the link between digit ratio and oxygen consumption in professional football players. The research found that athletes with longer ring digits relative to their index fingers had more efficient oxygen metabolism, reaching high maximal oxygen consumption during a cardiopulmonary test.
A new hand-held device screens for breast cancer biomarkers from a tiny spit sample, offering quick and efficient results. The portable tool distinguishes between healthy tissue, early cancer, and advanced cancer in a small group of women.
Renowned expert John Galgiani, MD, shares current body of knowledge about endemic fungal diseases, focusing on Valley fever and histoplasmosis. Early diagnosis is crucial to avoid unnecessary treatments and complications.
Researchers developed a test to predict which heart attack patients are likely to experience dysfunction after receiving mechanical pumps. The test measures pulmonary vascular compliance and its adaptability, helping doctors prevent right ventricle failure.
Researchers have developed a new urine-based test for early detection of ovarian cancer using nanopore sensing technology. The method can simultaneously identify multiple peptides, including those derived from LRG-1, and shows promise for improving 5-year survival rates by up to 75%.
A new stool test, multitargetFIT-test (mtFIT), detects cancer precursors more effectively than the current FIT test, predicting a reduction in new cases of colorectal cancer and mortality. The new test yields more true-positive results without an increase in 'false-positive' results.
Researchers at Northwestern University found a significant decrease in screenings for prostate cancer and urinary tract infections after implementing point-of-care alerts. The study showed a 9% reduction in PSA screenings and a 5.5% reduction in urine testing, with minimal changes in overtreatment of blood sugar.
The American Heart Association's PREVENT risk calculator will be evaluated among diverse populations to assess its accuracy and fairness. The research aims to ensure that the tool provides accurate risk predictions for people from various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a simple, noninvasive, rapid screen to detect cancer in dogs using urine analysis. The test is more than 90% accurate and provides a preliminary understanding of whether a dog has cancer markers in minutes.
Researchers have developed an AI-driven test that accurately diagnoses ovarian cancer in women clinically classified as normal, improving detection of early-stage disease. The test uses machine learning and blood metabolite information to assign a probability of disease presence or absence, offering a more clinically informative approach.
A study of 824 N95 masks used by 412 emergency department workers found that trifold N95s had a higher incidence of fit failure compared to dome N95s. The results highlight the importance of selecting appropriate N95 masks for reuse and extended use in pandemic preparedness
A recent study by Spanish and British researchers found that the influence of clinical microbiologists in Spain helped prepare public hospital laboratories for COVID-19 testing. In contrast, the UK's large centralized laboratories built during the pandemic have been dismantled due to high costs and low quality of testing.
A Phase 3 clinical trial found that combining testosterone-blocking drugs prevents cancer spread and extends treatment time in patients with relapsed prostate cancer. The approach is more effective than single-drug treatment in delaying cancer progression.
A new cancer GPS method uses a water-soluble, luminescent europium complex to evaluate the malignancy grade of model glioma tumor cells without causing harm. The method measures changes in the lifetime of the complex's red-light emission, revealing differences in tumor activity and growth processes between different malignancy grades.
A new screening tool helps identify primary care patients with precarious employment, associated with health insurance issues, lower incomes, and greater psychological stress. The tool assesses temporary contracts, job insecurity, and income variability.
A study found rectal examinations offer no advantages over PSA blood tests for detecting prostate cancer. The research analyzed data from 85,738 participants and concluded digital rectal examination alone or with PSA is not more effective than the PSA test.
Researchers are developing new materials to treat spinal injury, repair, and recovery. A team led by Pitt Engineer Amir Alavi is testing the first
Researchers discover antibody-dependent enhancement of toxicity (ADET), a phenomenon where antibodies can amplify venom's potency. The breakthrough contributes to expediting the development of a new generation of antivenom, potentially saving millions from snakebites yearly.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients who underwent a single session of aerobic exercise experienced temporary reductions in blood pressure at rest and under stress. The study, conducted at the University of São Paulo, demonstrates the benefits of moderate-intensity walking for cardiovascular management and blood pressure control.
Diagnostic errors in hospitalized adults who died or were transferred to the intensive care unit were common, with problems in test choice and clinician assessment identified as high-priority areas for improvement. The study analyzed 2,428 patient records at 29 hospitals and found that these errors led to significant patient harm.
A study of nearly 900 patients found that delayed or missed diagnoses contributed to temporary or permanent harm in three-quarters of cases. Improving diagnostic tools and techniques could reduce errors by up to 40%, according to researchers.
Researchers from UC San Francisco have found that Paxlovid treatment does not reduce the risk of developing long COVID. They also discovered a higher proportion of individuals with acute symptoms rebounding after treatment, and those who took Paxlovid were just as likely to develop severe Long COVID symptoms as those who did not.
A study by Mass General Brigham found that daily learning tests can detect Alzheimer's disease-related changes in memory among cognitively normal older adults. The test, called BRANCH, was completed over seven days on a smartphone, revealing diminished learning curves associated with elevated amyloid levels.