Articles tagged with Urine
A new laboratory test called urine neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been found to help predict acute kidney injury (AKI) in intensive care patients. NGAL levels are also higher in patients with HIV-associated nephropathy, a complication of HIV affecting African Americans and black Africans.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have discovered a protein called NGAL that can help diagnose kidney disease caused by HIV. High levels of the protein in urine may indicate the presence of HIV-associated nephropathy, allowing for earlier intervention and potentially preventing kidney failure.
This study investigated microproteinuria as an indicator for CNI-related nephrotoxicity in liver transplant recipients. Microproteinuria, including β2-microglobulin and α1-microglobulin, was found to be a sensitive marker for detecting CNI-related nephrotoxicity, with correlations between urinary levels and renal function reductions.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital developed a protein detectable in urine as a potential biomarker for appendicitis. The leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRG) marker showed near-perfect sensitivity and specificity, and was strongly elevated in diseased appendices.
A new Harvard study found that drinking from polycarbonate bottles increased urinary BPA levels by 69%, suggesting that these containers release the chemical into liquid consumed in sufficient amounts. The study suggests that heating liquids in polycarbonate bottles may further increase BPA leaching.
A team of researchers has identified three genes containing common mutations that are associated with altered kidney disease risk. The UMOD gene produces Tamm-Horsfall protein, which is normally present in healthy individuals' urine, but its relationship to chronic kidney disease risk was not known previously.
Researchers found a strong association between microalbuminuria and venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Microalbuminuria was associated with a higher risk of VTE, even in the absence of traditional risk factors.
A new urine screening test has shown promise in predicting coronary artery disease by identifying specific protein patterns associated with the condition. The test uses proteome analysis to detect collagen fragments found on the surface of atherosclerotic plaques, achieving an accuracy rate of 84%.
Researchers are developing a sensor that analyzes breath or urine samples for volatile markers indicating disease. These markers can be used as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for conditions like breast cancer, lung cancer, diabetes and asthma.
A study found that individuals with high urinary protein levels are at increased risk of developing kidney disease. Screening for albuminuria in the general population or high-risk groups could help prevent kidney function loss and related health issues.
Researchers at Yale University have identified misfolded proteins in the urine of pregnant women as a potential cause of preeclampsia. The discovery, made using proteomics and a novel dye test, offers a new approach to early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
A study found that measuring NGAL in blood and urine can predict which patients with non-advanced chronic kidney disease will progress to a more serious form of the disease. High NGAL levels are associated with worsening kidney function, and both urinary and blood NGAL measurements predicted CKD progression.
A University of Rochester Medical Center study challenges common assumptions about BPA exposure, suggesting that levels can remain high even after fasting for 24 hours. The finding highlights the need for further research into the effects of BPA on adipose tissue hormones and function.
A new study found that increasing potassium intake and reducing sodium consumption can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers analyzed 24-hour urine samples from over 2,900 participants and discovered a strong correlation between the ratio of sodium-to-potassium in urine and cardiovascular disease.
A new urine test can detect polyomavirus nephropathy, affecting up to 9% of kidney transplant recipients, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment. The noninvasive test measures viral aggregates in the urine, offering a faster and more affordable alternative to invasive kidney biopsies.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have discovered a link between cyclophilin A levels and liver damage following a paracetamol overdose. They hope to develop a treatment to block this protein's harmful actions, enabling early identification of high-risk patients.
A Forsyth Institute researcher is working on a new TB diagnostic test that could save up to 625,000 lives annually. The test aims to detect the TB bacterium's molecules in patient urine, providing a non-invasive and quick diagnosis.
A noninvasive test analyzing proteins in urine can identify failing transplanted kidneys, allowing for more accurate monitoring and treatment of transplant patients. The study found that the test correctly identified patients with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy and chronic antibody-mediated rejection.
Increased intestinal macromolecular permeability and urinary nitrite excretion are associated with liver cirrhosis with ascites. The study suggests that these factors may contribute to the development of encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Scientists have identified biomarkers in cattle urine that can indicate the presence and progression of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy disease. This discovery may lead to a urine-based test for detecting BSE in live animals, allowing for alternative surveillance procedures and improving breeding stock health.
A study of 788 US adults found that those with higher arsenic levels in their urine were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. The researchers also discovered that the presence of certain organic arsenic compounds did not increase diabetes risk.
A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology examines the validity of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) testing. The research found that the detection power of the test is poor, with high rates of false negative results. This has significant implications for anti-doping efforts and fair competition.
A new mass spectrometry test can detect naturally occurring steroid levels in athletes more accurately than previous tests. The test is faster to perform and can be run on standard laboratory equipment, making it easier to detect doping violations.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine discovered steroids in female mouse urine activate nerve cells in male mice' noses with unprecedented effectiveness. The compounds, known as glucocorticoids (GCCs), are involved in energy metabolism, stress and immune function.
A new study by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco found that retired firefighters are at a higher risk of developing bladder cancer. The study, which tested 1,286 active and retired San Francisco firefighters, found two cases of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) among the participants.
A new study confirms that black women have less urinary incontinence than white women, but when they do develop it, the condition tends to be more severe. The study also found that black women experience 'urge incontinence' twice as often as white women.
Researchers found that female mice prefer outbred males with diverse major urinary proteins (MUPs) in their urine. This distinction allows females to 'count' the number of protein types, avoiding inbred males with less varied protein profiles.
A simple laboratory test measures a biomarker called NGAL to predict acute kidney injury (AKI) risk up to three days before symptoms appear. The test has been shown to be highly accurate in identifying patients at risk of AKI and may enable timely treatment to prevent or improve outcomes.
Researchers at Purdue University have determined how airborne contaminants are created when chlorine reacts with sweat and urine in indoor swimming pools. By analyzing swimming pool water, they identified the presence of organic volatile disinfection byproducts, which pose health concerns.
Researchers at Yale University have received a $4 million NIH grant to study new biomarkers for detecting acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery. The goal is to develop an earlier and more accurate diagnosis, reducing mortality rates.
A new study has discovered a set of 15 proteins found in urine that can distinguish healthy individuals from those with coronary artery disease. The protein panel accurately identifies CAD 83% of the time, with high sensitivity and low false positives.
Researchers found that dominant males store more urine, urinate more frequently, and have stronger-smelling urine than subordinate males. This study sheds light on the role of urine pheromones in influencing same-sex behavior in Mozambique tilapia.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified four molecules in the urine of mice with lupus nephritis that may serve as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis. These molecules, including VCAM-1 and CXCL16, could help predict kidney disease in patients with lupus.
Researchers at Cornell University have identified a hormone in human urine that can safely reduce sodium levels and treat hypertension. The discovery was made possible by a new technique developed by Frank Schroeder, which allows for the analysis of complex mixtures of small molecules.
A new study reveals that wild house mice rely on specialized protein signals in their urine to recognize and avoid close relatives. The researchers found that these proteins serve as a genetic barcode, allowing animals to identify and reject potential mates based on their unique scent profiles.
Mice rely on a highly specialised set of proteins in their urine to recognise different individuals, suggesting this may also be true for other animals. The team found that female mice distinguish between dominant and weaker males by the freshness of male scent-marks.
A new study reveals that a single gene, OR7D4, plays a crucial role in determining how people perceive the scent of androstenone, a potent ingredient in male body odor. Variants of this gene can make humans perceive androstenone as sweet or unpleasant, with some unable to detect it at all.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that patients with metabolic syndrome have highly acidic urine, which increases the risk of developing uric-acid kidney stones. This association was independent of age and renal function, suggesting a link between metabolic syndrome components and increased acidity in urine.
A study by Danish researchers found that acute sleep deprivation leads to increased urinary output and more salt in urine, particularly in men. The findings also showed a reduced nighttime dip in blood pressure, lower levels of sodium-regulating hormones, and excessive excretion of osmoles.
A study found that children of smokers have significantly higher levels of cotinine, a byproduct of nicotine, with mothers' smoking having the greatest impact. Lower room temperatures and sleeping with parents also increase cotinine levels, highlighting the need for education on preventing passive smoking.
A study found that children with at least one smoker parent have significantly higher cotinine levels in their urine, quadrupling the risk for mothers and doubling it for fathers. Sleeping with parents and lower temperature rooms were also associated with increased cotinine levels.
Researchers found that patients who tackled all three behaviors simultaneously had better success rates in changing their habits compared to those who addressed them separately. The study suggests a simultaneous approach may be superior for long-term multiple behavior change.
The study found that patients with higher nitric oxide levels had better survival rates, more ventilator-free days, and lower rates of organ failure. Lower tidal volume respiration was also associated with increased NO levels and improved outcomes.
A protein called DLGH1 has been found to guide the orientation of smooth muscle cells surrounding the ureter, which pumps urine from the kidney to the bladder. The study suggests that dysfunction of this protein may increase the risk of kidney failure in humans.
Children with treatment-resistant bedwetting have higher levels of sodium and urea in their nighttime urine, suggesting an imbalance of prostaglandin hormone-like substance. Researchers found that these imbalances lead to polyuria and enuresis, shedding light on the physiological mechanisms behind this condition.
The Embrace Journalism Award recognizes accurate and responsible reporting on urinary incontinence. Journalists from around the world were honored for their articles on this debilitating condition, which affects one in every three women at some time in their lives.
Researchers developed a safer method for large-scale malaria screening using PCR tests in urine and saliva, instead of blood. This approach reduces the risk of spreading HIV and other diseases, while maintaining high sensitivity for clinically significant infections.
Up to two-thirds of women experience incontinence, which can interfere with daily activities and lead to physical health problems. Most cases can be diagnosed through office evaluation without further tests or referrals, offering relief to up to 90% of patients.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that long-term use of topiramate can increase the propensity of calcium phosphate kidney stones due to metabolic acidosis and changes in urine pH and citrate levels. The study suggests a need for further research on optimal measures to prevent kidney-stone formation with topiramate use.
A recent study found that South Asian men experience more urinary problems than their white counterparts, including difficulties storing urine and urinating frequently. Despite this, they are less likely to seek medical attention or advice for these symptoms.
A daily glass of orange juice can boost citrate levels in the urine and reduce crystallization of uric acid and calcium oxalate, two common ingredients in kidney stones. In contrast, lemonade did not increase citrate levels, suggesting that its constituents counteract the beneficial effects of high citrate content.
A genetic mutation in a kidney structure has been linked to protein leakage into the urine, leading to kidney failure. Researchers found that the glomerular basement membrane normally retains blood proteins, while another structure plays a role in regulating their concentration.
Separating urine from wastewater can significantly reduce energy consumption, decrease sewer stench, and protect pipes. By purifying 50% of urine, 25% less energy is needed for the entire purification system.
Researchers discovered a single base pair change in the aquaporin-2 protein gene, leading to improper distribution and resulting in up to 30 times more urine being produced. This study provides new insights into congenital progressive hydronephrosis, a condition that can lead to kidney failure and death if left untreated.
Researchers conducted two large studies on children with dental amalgam fillings and found no adverse health effects. Despite initial concerns about mercury poisoning, the studies concluded that children exposed to amalgam had low levels of mercury in their urine and no measurable signs of damage to the brain or kidneys.
Individuals with type 2 diabetes have a heightened risk of developing uric-acid stones, likely due to their highly acidic urine. The study suggests that factors associated with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance account for the increased acidity.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a fast chemical-analysis tool called desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) that can detect cancer, explosives and biomarkers. The technology has numerous promising uses in fields such as airport security, medical diagnostics and disease detection.
A survey of primary care physicians found that only 23% used effective urine sample collection methods, while 40% were unsure about poppy seeds causing positive opioid test results. Misinterpretation of false-positive findings can lead to false accusations and diminished trust among parents, schools, and counselors.
A non-invasive urine test, NMP22, can detect recurrent bladder cancer more effectively than traditional cytology methods. This assay detected 99% of malignancies when combined with cystoscopy, improving patient surveillance and outcomes. Cystoscopy alone identified only 91.3% of cancers.
A new urine test, BladderChek, detected nearly all recurrences of bladder cancers with a higher accuracy rate than conventional tests. The test, used in conjunction with a diagnostic scope, detected 99 percent of recurring bladder cancers.