scholarly journals CRISPR/CAS12A-BASED DIAGNOSTICS FOR COVID-19

Author(s):  
A. Kabylbayeva ◽  
K. Zharylgassynova ◽  
A. Abilova ◽  
M. Amanzholova ◽  
S. Abeldenov

Access to fast and reliable methods for the detection of nucleic acids is critical in many different fields. Early identification of pathogens based on their genetic information associated with various diseases makes early diagnosis and treatment possible. The situation with the COVID-19 pandemic has shown that right now there is an urgent need to find enzymes for new diagnostic methods based on modern fundamental knowledge. Methods that allow covering a wider range of applications will be cheaper and do not require specialized premises, qualified personnel and will be simple to implement. One of these enzymes is the recently discovered endonuclease of the CRISPR/Cas systems - Cas12a. In this review, we provide a description of the Cas12a enzyme and its use in the COVID-19 diagnostics.

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
María Romay-Barja ◽  
Laura Iglesias-Rus ◽  
Teresa Boquete ◽  
Agustín Benito ◽  
Teresa Blasco-Hernández

Abstract Background Chagas disease is endemic in Latin America and, over the last few decades, due to population movements, the disease has spread to other continents. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in terms of improving outcomes for those living with Chagas disease. However, poor knowledge and awareness is one of barriers that affects access to Chagas disease diagnosis and treatment for the population at risk. Information regarding immigrants’ knowledge concerning Chagas disease control and prevention is insufficient in non-endemic countries and, therefore, this study sought to assess Chagas disease knowledge and awareness within the Bolivian community residing in Madrid. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in March–August 2017. A total of 376 Bolivians answered a structured questionnaire. A knowledge index was created based on respondents’ knowledge about transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, and place to seek treatment. Multivariate logistic regressions analyses were performed to assess the factors associated with respondents’ knowledge of Chagas disease. Results A total 159 (42.4%) of Bolivians interviewed about their knowledge of Chagas disease were men and 217 (57.6%) were women. Vinchuca was mentioned as mode of transmission by 71% of the Bolivians surveyed, while only 9% mentioned vertical transmission. Almost half of the Bolivians did not know any symptom of Chagas disease and only 47% knew that a specific blood test is necessary for diagnosis. Most of Bolivians were aware of the severity of Chagas disease, but 45% of Bolivians said that there is no cure for Chagas and 96% did not know any treatment. Based on the index of knowledge generated, only 34% of Bolivians had a good knowledge about Chagas disease transmission, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. According to the multiple logistic regression analysis, knowledge regarding Chagas disease, diagnosis and treatment was significantly higher amongst older Bolivians who had secondary education at least, as well as amongst those who had already been tested for Chagas disease. Conclusions This study found that most of the Bolivian population living in Spain had poor knowledge about Chagas disease transmission, symptoms, diagnostic methods and treatment. A poor understanding of the disease transmission and management is one of the most important barriers when it comes to searching for early diagnosis and appropriate care.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-64
Author(s):  
Dmitry S. Labuzov ◽  
Anna B. Salopenkova ◽  
Yaroslav N. Proshchenko

Summary. The article presents the analysis of different method for diagnosis of epiphyseal osteomyelitis, including radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance tomography, and radioisotope bone scans. We address the advantages, disadvantages, and possibilities of each method from the standpoint of early diagnosis of osteomyelitis in children. Based upon the literature, the most effective and reliable methods for early diagnosis of epiphyseal osteomyelitis in pediatric patients are magnetic resonance and ultrasound. The present diagnostic methods involve no radiation exposure. Using an ultrasonic diagnostic method does not require complete immobility of the patient, can be used from the moment of birth, has widespread availability, and has a relative low cost to allow its use in any medical institution.


2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 662-675 ◽  
Author(s):  
Athanasios Alexiou ◽  
Charalampos Vairaktarakis ◽  
Vasilis Tsiamis ◽  
Ghulam Ashraf

2020 ◽  
Vol 09 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nataly S. Beck ◽  
Melanie L. Lean ◽  
Kate V. Hardy ◽  
Jacob S. Ballon

Background: The typical age of onset for psychotic disorders is concurrent with the typical age of enrollment in higher education. College and graduate students often experience new academic and social demands that may leave them vulnerable to substance use and mental health problems, including the initial onset of a psychotic episode. Objective: To provide a current overview of the guidelines and literature for the diagnosis and treatment of first-onset psychosis with special consideration for the college and graduate student population in the United States. To highlight areas of need and provide recommendations for clinicians who work at educational institutions and their health services, along with general psychiatrists and psychologists who work with post-secondary education populations, to help close the treatment gap. Method: A review of interventions and best practice for the treatment of early psychosis in college students was conducted, informed by the authors’ current experience as clinicians with this population at a United States university. Results: Thorough psychiatric interviews and screening tools can help in the early identification of individuals at clinical high risk for and at first onset of psychosis. Coordinated specialty care services are the gold standard for early psychosis services, including psychotherapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy and individual resiliency training), as well as support for a student to return to school or work. Individuals experiencing a first episode of psychosis in general respond better to lower doses of antipsychotics and may also experience more adverse effects. Conclusion: Return to a high level of functioning is possible in many cases of first onset of psychosis, and early identification and treatment is essential.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1500
Author(s):  
Paulo Matos

In recent decades, many advances in the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer have been witnessed [...]


Author(s):  
Wael Hamza Kamr ◽  
Mohamed Gaber Eissawy ◽  
Amr Saadawy

Abstract Background Early diagnosis of meningitis with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) would be useful for appropriate and effective management, decrease morbidity and mortality, and provide better diagnosis and treatment. The objective of the current study is to compare the accuracy of contrast-enhanced FLAIR (CE-FLAIR) and contrast-enhanced T1WI (CE-T1WI) in the detection of meningeal abnormalities in suspected cases of meningitis. Results Out of 45 patients, 37 patients were confirmed to have meningitis on CSF analysis. Out of the 37 patients, 34 patients were positive on CE-FLAIR sequence and 27 were positive on CE-T1WI. The sensitivity of CE-FLAIR sequence was 91.9% and specificity 100%, while the sensitivity of CE-T1WI sequence was 73% and specificity 100%. Conclusion CE-FLAIR is more sensitive than CE-T1WI in diagnosis of meningitis. It is recommended to be used in any cases with clinically suspected meningitis.


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