scholarly journals Imaging Diagnosis of Right Ventricle Involvement in Chagas Cardiomyopathy

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minna M. D. Romano ◽  
Henrique T. Moreira ◽  
André Schmidt ◽  
Benedito Carlos Maciel ◽  
José Antônio Marin-Neto
Keyword(s):  
Right Ventricle ◽  
Tissue Characterization ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Deformation Analysis ◽  
Geometrical Shape ◽  
Gold Standard Method ◽  
Chagas Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Health And Disease

Right ventricle (RV) is considered a neglected chamber in cardiology and knowledge about its role in cardiac function was mostly focused on ventricular interdependence. However, progress on the understanding of myocardium diseases primarily involving the RV led to a better comprehension of its role in health and disease. In Chagas disease (CD), there is direct evidence from both basic and clinical research of profound structural RV abnormalities. However, clinical detection of these abnormalities is hindered by technical limitations of imaging diagnostic tools. Echocardiography has been a widespread and low-cost option for the study of patients with CD but, when applied to the RV assessment, faces difficulties such as the absence of a geometrical shape to represent this cavity. More recently, the technique has evolved to a focused guided RV imaging and myocardial deformation analysis. Also, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has been introduced as a gold standard method to evaluate RV cavity volumes. CMR advantages include precise quantitative analyses of both LV and RV volumes and its ability to perform myocardium tissue characterization to identify areas of scar and edema. Evolution of these cardiac diagnostic techniques opened a new path to explore the pathophysiology of RV dysfunction in CD.

scholarly journals Further Evidence of Inadequate Quality in Lateral Flow Devices Commercially Offered for the Diagnosis of Rabies

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonia Klein ◽  
Anna Fahrion ◽  
Stefan Finke ◽  
Marina Eyngor ◽  
Shiri Novak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Medical Intervention ◽  
Lateral Flow ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Human Contact ◽  
The One ◽  
Flow Devices

As a neglected zoonotic disease, rabies causes approximately 5.9 × 104 human deaths annually, primarily affecting low- and middle-income countries in Asia and Africa. In those regions, insufficient surveillance is hampering adequate medical intervention and is driving the vicious cycle of neglect. Where resources to provide laboratory disease confirmation are limited, there is a need for user-friendly and low-cost reliable diagnostic tools that do not rely on specialized laboratory facilities. Lateral flow devices (LFD) offer an alternative to conventional diagnostic methods and may strengthen control efforts in low-resource settings. Five different commercially available LFDs were compared in a multi-centered study with respect to their diagnostic sensitivity and their agreement with standard rabies diagnostic techniques. Our evaluation was conducted by several international reference laboratories using a broad panel of samples. The overall sensitivities ranged from 0% up to 62%, depending on the LFD manufacturer, with substantial variation between the different laboratories. Samples with high antigen content and high relative viral load tended to test positive more often in the Anigen/Bionote test, the latter being the one with the best performance. Still, the overall unsatisfactory findings corroborate a previous study and indicate a persistent lack of appropriate test validation and quality control. At present, the tested kits are not suitable for in-field use for rabies diagnosis, especially not for suspect animals where human contact has been identified, as an incorrect negative diagnosis may result in human casualties. This study points out the discrepancy between the enormous need for such a diagnostic tool on the one hand, and on the other hand, a number of already existing tests that are not yet ready for use.

scholarly journals Tick-borne zoonoses and commonly used diagnostic methods in human and veterinary medicine

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Springer ◽  
Antje Glass ◽  
Julia Probst ◽  
Christina Strube
Keyword(s):  
Veterinary Medicine ◽  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
One Health ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Zoonotic Pathogens ◽  
Health Concept ◽  
The One

AbstractAround the world, human health and animal health are closely linked in terms of the One Health concept by ticks acting as vectors for zoonotic pathogens. Animals do not only maintain tick cycles but can either be clinically affected by the same tick-borne pathogens as humans and/or play a role as reservoirs or sentinel pathogen hosts. However, the relevance of different tick-borne diseases (TBDs) may vary in human vs. veterinary medicine, which is consequently reflected by the availability of human vs. veterinary diagnostic tests. Yet, as TBDs gain importance in both fields and rare zoonotic pathogens, such as Babesia spp., are increasingly identified as causes of human disease, a One Health approach regarding development of new diagnostic tools may lead to synergistic benefits. This review gives an overview on zoonotic protozoan, bacterial and viral tick-borne pathogens worldwide, discusses commonly used diagnostic techniques for TBDs, and compares commercial availability of diagnostic tests for humans vs. domestic animals, using Germany as an example, with the aim of highlighting existing gaps and opportunities for collaboration in a One Health framework.

scholarly journals Identification of pathogenic Leptospira species and serovars in New Zealand using metabarcoding

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0257971
Author(s):  
David A. Wilkinson ◽  
Matthew Edwards ◽  
Jackie Benschop ◽  
Shahista Nisa
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Pathogenic Leptospira ◽  
Molecular Barcoding ◽  
Sequencing Platform ◽  
Oxford Nanopore ◽  
Culture Independent ◽  
Variant Identification

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of global importance. The breadth of Leptospira diversity associated with both human and animal disease poses major logistical challenges to the use of classical diagnostic techniques, and increasingly molecular diagnostic tools are used for their detection. In New Zealand, this has resulted in an increase in positive cases reported nationally that have not been attributed to the infecting serovar or genomospecies. In this study, we used data from all pathogenic Leptospira genomes to identify a partial region of the glmU gene as a suitable locus for the discrimination of the infecting species and serovars of New Zealand-endemic Leptospira. This method can be used in culture and culture-independent scenarios making it flexible for diagnostics in humans, animals, and environmental samples. We explored the use of this locus as a molecular barcoding tool via the Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) sequencing platform MinION. Sequences obtained by this method allowed specific identification of Leptospira species in mixed and enriched environmental cultures, however read error inherent in the MinION sequencing system reduced the accuracy of strain/variant identification. Using this approach to characterise Leptospira in enriched environmental cultures, we detected the likely presence of Leptospira genomospecies that have not been reported in New Zealand to date. This included a strain of L. borgpetersenii that has recently been identified in dairy cattle and sequences similar to those of L. mayottensis. L. tipperaryensis, L. dzianensis and L. alstonii.

scholarly journals Design of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Darrieus Type (H- Darrieus Rotor) of 0.20 KW from the Software Topsolid

2020 ◽  
pp. 52-70
Author(s):  
Hagninou E. V. Donnou ◽  
Drissa Boro ◽  
Donald Abode ◽  
Brunel Capo-Chichi ◽  
Aristide B. Akpo
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Permanent Magnets ◽  
Aerodynamic Force ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Coastal Region ◽  
Vertical Axis ◽  
Digital Design ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Geometrical Shape ◽  
Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

The design of a vertical axis wind turbine (Darrieus type) adapted to the site of Cotonou in the coastal region of Benin was investigated. The statistical study of winds based on the Weibull distribution was carried out on hourly wind data measured at 10 m above the ground by the Agency for the Safety of Air Navigation in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA) over the period from January 1981 to December 2014. The geometrical and functional parameters of the wind turbine were determined from different models and aerodynamic approaches. The digital design and assembly of the wind turbine components were carried out using the TOPSOLID software. The designed wind turbine has a power of 200W. It is equipped with a synchronous generator with permanent magnets and has three wooden blades with NACA 0015 profile. The optimal coefficient of lift and drag were estimated respectively at 0.7832 and 0.01578. The blades are characterized by an optimum angle of attack estimated at 6.25° with a maximum fineness of 49.63. Their length is 4 m and the maximum thickness is estimated at 0.03 m with a chord of 0.20 m. The volume and mass are respectively equal to 0.024 m3 and 36 kg. The aerodynamic stall occurs at an attack angle of 14.25°. The aerodynamic force exerted on these blades is estimated to be 240 N. The aerodynamic stresses exerted on the rotor are estimated at 15 864 504 Pa and the solidity at 0.27. The efficiency of the wind turbine is 0.323. From TOPSOLID, the geometrical shape of each component of the wind turbine is represented in three dimensions. The assembly allowed to visualizing the wind turbine after export via its graphical interface. The quantity of annual energy produced by the wind turbine was estimated at 0.85 MWh. This study is the first to be carried out in the study area and could reduce the technological dependence of vertical axis wind turbines and their import for low cost energy production.

scholarly journals Novel Approaches to Diagnose COVID-19

2020 ◽  
pp. 66-71
Author(s):  
Solaf Jawhar Ali
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Public Health Agencies ◽  
Health Agencies ◽  
Acute Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Diagnostic Approaches ◽  
Laboratory Examinations

An widespread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in December 2019 has occurred worldwide.  Public health agencies are in need of developing diagnostic tools which will have a major impact in tracking the virus and suppressing the transmission. Diagnosis of the disease is based on clinical symptoms, epidemiological history and laboratory examinations. Severe acute respiratory diseases with fever and ,cough and dyspnea, are used as the case definition to select people for testing. Different samples taken from the human body such as oropharyngeal (OP) and nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs are used to detect the virus. SARS-CoV-2 can be detected with different methods in the laboratory including real time RT-PCR, chest CT scan and immunoassays. Viral nucleic acid testing has played important role in control COVIDI-19 outbreak.  More recently, a new CRISPR-based DETECTR assay has been developed to detect COVID-19. This test is rapid (~30 min), low-cost, and precise for identification of SARS-CoV-2. In addition, immunoassays and medical imaging can use as supplementary tests, combined with RT-PCR. This review is conducted to summarizes the current information on the present diagnostic approaches for SARS-CoV-2.

scholarly journals Ultrasonographic Diagnosis of Ileal Intussusception in Calf

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Clara Sarzedas Ribeiro ◽  
Rodolfo José Cavalcanti Souto ◽  
Tayrlla Polessa Rodrigues Silva ◽  
José Augusto Bastos Afonso ◽  
Carla Lopes Mendonça ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Obstruction ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Chloride Content ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Adjacent Segment ◽  
Ultrasound Images ◽  
Target Pattern ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Intestinal Obstructions

Background: Intussusception, characterized by invagination of an intestinal segment into the lumen of the adjacent segment, is one of the main causes of intestinal obstruction in cattle, and occurs more frequently in calves. The diagnosis of the disease is based on the history, clinical examination, and complementary exams, which are a challenge in this species, especially in calves, in which transrectal palpation is limited. As it is a non-invasive, effective, and low-cost test, ultrasonography could be an important tool in the diagnosis of intestinal obstructions, in which time is essential for the prognosis. Therefore, the objective was to report a case of intussusception in a calf diagnosed by ultrasound.Case: A 4-month-old calf, weaned at 3 months and raised intensively, was treated at the Clínica de Bovinos de Garanhuns, campus of the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (CBG/UFRPE), with a history of apathy, anorexia, and dyschezia for 3 days. On physical examination, fever, moderate dehydration, tachycardia, tachypnea with polypnea, bilaterally bulging abdomen, sound of fluid on ballottement, ruminal and intestinal hypomotility, and melena were observed. The hematological findings revealed leukocytosis due to neutrophilia (degenerate neutrophils), hypoproteinemia, and hyperfibrinogenemia. The analysis of the ruminal fluid showed compromised microbiota and increased chloride content. The transabdominal ultrasonography demonstrated, in the right ventral region, hypermotile and full small bowel loops and an increase in the volume of the peritoneal fluid. In addition, there was a segment of the small intestine which, in cross-section, showed multiple concentric rings (“onion rings”, “target pattern”, or “bull’s eye”) and adherence to adjacent loops, compatible with intestinal obstruction due to intussusception. Due to the seriousness of the clinical condition and the ultrasound findings, the animal was euthanized and the necropsy revealed focal fibrinous peritonitis and intestinal obstruction due to intussusception in ileum intestinal segments.Discussion: Intussusception has previously been reported in calves, however this is the first report of ultrasound diagnosis of the disease in Brazil. Although the etiology is rarely confirmed, the age group and recent changes in diet (weaning) were predisposing factors. The history, clinical signs, and laboratory tests were similar to those described in cattle with intussusception, however they may be present in other gastrointestinal illnesses. Other authors have also reported that the nonspecificity of the signs and the impossibility of performing transrectal palpation made it difficult to diagnose intestinal obstruction in calves without the use of other diagnostic tools. As it is a non-invasive and accurate technique, ultrasound has been used in ruminants for diagnostic purposes, including intestinal obstructions. In the present case, the main findings are described as the presence of a lesion with the appearance of multiple concentric rings, hypermotile, dilated, and full intestinal loops. The pathological findings were compatible with the ultrasound images and similar to those described by other authors, confirming the diagnosis. The use of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in cattle should be expanded, aiming at the early determination of diagnosis and prognosis, to reduce producer costs and animal discomfort. In cases of intussusception, late diagnosis makes treatment unfeasible.

scholarly journals Application of Volatilome Analysis to the Diagnosis of Mycobacteria Infection in Livestock

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Rodríguez-Hernández ◽  
Vicente Rodríguez-Estévez ◽  
Lourdes Arce ◽  
Jaime Gómez-Laguna
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Targeted Analysis ◽  
Low Sensitivity ◽  
And Control

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are small molecular mass metabolites which compose the volatilome, whose analysis has been widely employed in different areas. This innovative approach has emerged in research as a diagnostic alternative to different diseases in human and veterinary medicine, which still present constraints regarding analytical and diagnostic sensitivity. Such is the case of the infection by mycobacteria responsible for tuberculosis and paratuberculosis in livestock. Although eradication and control programs have been partly managed with success in many countries worldwide, the often low sensitivity of the current diagnostic techniques against Mycobacterium bovis (as well as other mycobacteria from Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex) and Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis together with other hurdles such as low mycobacteria loads in samples, a tedious process of microbiological culture, inhibition by many variables, or intermittent shedding of the mycobacteria highlight the importance of evaluating new techniques that open different options and complement the diagnostic paradigm. In this sense, volatilome analysis stands as a potential option because it fulfills part of the mycobacterial diagnosis requirements. The aim of the present review is to compile the information related to the diagnosis of tuberculosis and paratuberculosis in livestock through the analysis of VOCs by using different biological matrices. The analytical techniques used for the evaluation of VOCs are discussed focusing on the advantages and drawbacks offered compared with the routine diagnostic tools. In addition, the differences described in the literature among in vivo and in vitro assays, natural and experimental infections, and the use of specific VOCs (targeted analysis) and complete VOC pattern (non-targeted analysis) are highlighted. This review emphasizes how this methodology could be useful in the problematic diagnosis of tuberculosis and paratuberculosis in livestock and poses challenges to be addressed in future research.

scholarly journals Point-of-Care Testing-the Key in the Battle against SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

Micromachines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1464
Author(s):  
Florina Silvia Iliescu ◽  
Ana Maria Ionescu ◽  
Larisa Gogianu ◽  
Monica Simion ◽  
Violeta Dediu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Rapid Screening ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Point Of Care Testing ◽  
Qrt Pcr ◽  
User Friendly

The deleterious effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic urged the development of diagnostic tools to manage the spread of disease. Currently, the “gold standard” involves the use of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Even though it is sensitive, specific and applicable for large batches of samples, qRT-PCR is labour-intensive, time-consuming, requires trained personnel and is not available in remote settings. This review summarizes and compares the available strategies for COVID-19: serological testing, Point-of-Care Testing, nanotechnology-based approaches and biosensors. Last but not least, we address the advantages and limitations of these methods as well as perspectives in COVID-19 diagnostics. The effort is constantly focused on understanding the quickly changing landscape of available diagnostic testing of COVID-19 at the clinical levels and introducing reliable and rapid screening point of care testing. The last approach is key to aid the clinical decision-making process for infection control, enhancing an appropriate treatment strategy and prompt isolation of asymptomatic/mild cases. As a viable alternative, Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) is typically low-cost and user-friendly, hence harbouring tremendous potential for rapid COVID-19 diagnosis.

Clinical applications of spectroscopic techniques in conjunction with multivariate analysis in virus diagnosis

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Marfran C. D. Santos ◽  
João V. M. Mariz ◽  
Raissa V. O. Silva ◽  
Camilo L. M. Morais ◽  
Kássio M. G. Lima
Keyword(s):  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Spectroscopic Techniques ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Molecular Fluorescence ◽  
Viral Diagnosis ◽  
Near Future

In view of the global pandemic that started in 2020, caused by COVID-19, the importance of the existence of fast, reliable, cheap diagnostic techniques capable of detecting the virus even in the first days of infection became evident. This review discusses studies involving the use of spectroscopic techniques in the detection of viruses in clinical samples. Techniques based on mid-infrared, near-infrared, Raman, and molecular fluorescence are explained and it was demonstrated how they can be used in conjunction with computational tools of multivariate analysis to build models capable of detecting viruses. Studies that used real clinical samples from 2011 to 2021 were analyzed. The results demonstrate the potential of the techniques in detecting viruses. Spectroscopic techniques, as well as chemometric techniques, were also explained. Viral diagnosis based on spectroscopy has interesting advantages compared to standard techniques such as: fast results, no need for reagents, non-destructiveness for the sample, no need for sample preparation, relatively low cost, among others. Several studies have corroborated the real possibility that, in the near future, we may have spectroscopic tools being successfully applied in viral diagnosis.

Smart Nanodevices for Point-of-Care Applications

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajasekhar Chokkareddy ◽  
Suvardhan Kanchi ◽  
Inamuddin
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Patient Monitoring ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Medical Diagnostics ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Current State ◽  
Rural Patients ◽  
Diagnosis Of Diseases

Background: While significant strides have been made to avoid mortality during the treatment of chronic diseases, it is still one of the biggest health-care challenges that have a profound effect on humanity. The development of specific, sensitive, accurate, quick, low-cost, and easy-to-use diagnostic tools is therefore still in urgent demand. Nanodiagnostics is defined as the application of nanotechnology to medical diagnostics that can offer many unique opportunities for more successful and efficient diagnosis and treatment for infectious diseases. Methods: In this review we provide an overview of infectious disease using nanodiagnostics platforms based on nanoparticles, nanodevices for point-of-care (POC) applications. Results: Current state-of-the-art and most promising nanodiagnostics POC technologies, including miniaturized diagnostic tools, nanorobotics and drug delivery systems have been fully examined for the diagnosis of diseases. It also addresses the drawbacks, problems and potential developments of nanodiagnostics in POC applications for chronic diseases. Conclusions: While progress is gaining momentum in this field and many researchers have dedicated their time in developing new smart nanodevices for POC applications for various chronic diseases, the ultimate aim of achieving longterm, reliable and continuous patient monitoring has not yet been achieved. Moreover, the applicability of the manufactured nanodevices to rural patients for on-site diagnosis, cost, and usability are the crucial aspects that require more research, improvements, and potential testing stations. Therefore, more research is needed to develop the demonstrated smart nanodevices and upgrade their applicability to hospitals away from the laboratories.

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