scholarly journals Diagnosis of Parasitic Infections

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Ricciardi ◽  
Momar Ndao
Keyword(s):  
Mass Screening ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
The Past ◽  
Clinical Laboratories ◽  
Rapid Tests

Methods for the diagnosis of parasitic infections have stagnated in the past three decades. Labor-intensive methods such as microscopy still remain the mainstay of several diagnostic laboratories. There is a need for more rapid tests that do not sacrifice sensitivity and that can be used in both clinical settings as well as in poor resource field settings. The fields of diagnostic medical parasitology, treatment, and vaccines are undergoing dramatic change. In recent years, there has been tremendous effort to focus research on the development of newer diagnostic methods focusing on serological, molecular, and proteomic approaches. This article examines the various diagnostic tools that are being used in clinical laboratories, optimized in reference laboratories, and employed in mass screening programs.

scholarly journals Magnetic Resonance Neurography for Evaluation of Peripheral Nerves

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (01) ◽  
pp. e17-e23
Author(s):  
Vanessa Ku ◽  
Cameron Cox ◽  
Andrew Mikeska ◽  
Brendan MacKay
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Peripheral Nerves ◽  
Normal Activity ◽  
Clinical Applications ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Peripheral Nerve Injuries ◽  
Peripheral Neuropathies ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Neurography ◽  
The Past

AbstractPeripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) continue to present both diagnostic and treatment challenges. While nerve transections are typically a straightforward diagnosis, other types of PNIs, such as chronic or traumatic nerve compression, may be more difficult to evaluate due to their varied presentation and limitations of current diagnostic tools. As a result, diagnosis may be delayed, and these patients may go on to develop progressive symptoms, impeding normal activity. In the past, PNIs were diagnosed by history and clinical examination alone or techniques that raised concerns regarding accuracy, invasiveness, or operator dependency. Magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) has been increasingly utilized in clinical settings due to its ability to visualize complex nerve structures along their entire pathway and distinguish nerves from surrounding vasculature and tissue in a noninvasive manner. In this review, we discuss the clinical applications of MRN in the diagnosis, as well as pre- and postsurgical assessments of patients with peripheral neuropathies.

HPV-associated cervical diseases: screening, methods of examination, principles of treatment

GYNECOLOGY ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 6-8
Author(s):  
Vera N Prilepskaya
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Human Papillomavirus ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Screening Methods ◽  
The Past ◽  
Associated Diseases ◽  
Principles Of Treatment ◽  
Cervical Diseases

This article presents information about modern principles of diagnosis and treatment of HPV-associated diseases. Behind cervical cancer morbidity and mortality rates over the past 10 years increase significantly. Examination and observation of patients with human papillomavirus persistence of highly oncogenic types is important a link in cancer prevention. The article presents diagnostic methods, treatment of cervical diseases, as well as the possibility of pharmacotherapy in HPV-associated diseases.

scholarly journals In silico prediction of HBD gene variants in the Iranian population

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keivan Moradi ◽  
Aboozar Mohammadi ◽  
Mohsen Kazeminia
Keyword(s):  
Persian Gulf ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Iranian Population ◽  
Gene Variants ◽  
In Silico Prediction ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Prediction Tools ◽  
Clinical Laboratories ◽  
The Persian Gulf ◽  
Thalassemia Screening

Abstract Background The quantification of hemoglobin A2 (Hb A2; α2δ2) is used as a valuable test to differentiate α- and ß-thal carriers in clinical laboratories. Therefore, the HBD (δ-globin) gene variants could result in reduced levels of Hb A2 and have implications for thalassemia screening programs. The aim of the present study was to predict the consequences of HBD gene variants identified in the Iranome project. Results The highest number of variants was in the Persian Gulf Islanders. The variants of p.Gln132Glu (HBD: c.394C>G), p.Gly17Arg (HBD: c.49G>C), p.Thr5Ile (HBD: c.14C>T), and p.Ala28Ser (HBD: c.82G>T) presented damage results in three or more prediction tools. In addition, it seems that the p.Gly30= (HBD: c.90C>T) decreases the use of authentic splice and, instead, creates a new donor splice site (DSS) or leads to the use of a cryptic DSS. Conclusions Most of these variants have been associated with a decrease in Hb A2 levels. Due to the high mutational diversity in the HBB gene in the Iranian population and the use of Hb A2 quantification to differentiate α- and ß-thal carriers among Iranian clinical laboratories, some attention should be taken to a possible co-inheritance of HBD gene variants to avoid the misdiagnosis of ß-thal carriers.

The Role of Histones and Heparin in Sepsis: A Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 088506662199232
Author(s):  
Xiaojuan Zhang ◽  
Xin Li
Keyword(s):  
Septic Shock ◽  
Multiple Organ ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
The Past ◽  
Life Saving ◽  
Extracellular Histones ◽  
Sepsis And Septic Shock ◽  
Development And Management ◽  
Made In

Septic shock with multiple organ failure is a devastating situation in clinical settings. Through the past decades, much progress has been made in the management of sepsis and its underlying pathogenesis, but a highly effective therapeutic has not been developed. Recently, macromolecules such as histones have been targeted in the treatment of sepsis. Histones primarily function as chromosomal organizers to pack DNA and regulate its transcription through epigenetic mechanisms. However, a growing body of research has shown that histone family members can also exert cellular toxicity once they relocate from the nucleus into the extracellular space. Heparin, a commonly used anti-coagulant, has been shown to possess life-saving capabilities for septic patients, but the potential interplay between heparin and extracellular histones has not been investigated. In this review, we summarize the pathogenic roles of extracellular histones and the therapeutic roles of heparin in the development and management of sepsis and septic shock.

scholarly journals Morphological Characteristics, Classifications and Difficulties in the Use of Diagnostic Criteria for Serrated Lesions of the Large Intestine

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cesar de Souza Bastos Junior ◽  
Vera Lucia Nunes Pannain ◽  
Adriana Caroli-Bottino
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Criteria ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
World Health ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Serrated Adenoma ◽  
The Past ◽  
The World ◽  
Serrated Lesions ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Introduction Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the most common gastrointestinal neoplasm in the world, accounting for 15% of cancer-related deaths. This condition is related to different molecular pathways, among them the recently described serrated pathway, whose characteristic entities, serrated lesions, have undergone important changes in their names and diagnostic criteria in the past thirty years. The multiplicity of denominations and criteria over the last years may be responsible for the low interobserver concordance (IOC) described in the literature. Objectives The present study aims to describe the evolution in classification of serrated lesions, based on the last three publications of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the reproducibility of these criteria by pathologists, based on the evaluation of the IOC. Methods A search was conducted in the PubMed, ResearchGate and Portal Capes databases, with the following terms: sessile serrated lesion; serrated lesions; serrated adenoma; interobserver concordance; and reproducibility. Articles published since 1990 were researched. Results and Discussion The classification of serrated lesions in the past thirty years showed different denominations and diagnostic criteria. The reproducibility and IOC of these criteria in the literature, based on the kappa coefficient, varied in most studies, from very poor to moderate. Conclusions Interobserver concordance and the reproducibility of microscopic criteria may represent a limitation for the diagnosis and appropriate management of these lesions. It is necessary to investigate diagnostic tools to improve the performance of the pathologist's evaluation, for better concordance, and, consequently, adequate diagnosis and treatment.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Carbapenem Resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii and Other Than A. baumannii Isolates From Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and non-ICUs

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s356-s357
Author(s):  
Tomasz Kasperski ◽  
Biophage Pharma S.A. Kraków ◽  
Agnieszka Chmielarczyk ◽  
Monika Pomorska-Wesolowska ◽  
Dorota Romaniszyn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Inhibitory Concentration ◽  
Carbapenem Resistance ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Gram Negative Bacteria ◽  
Carbapenem Resistant ◽  
Therapeutic Problem ◽  
Hospital Associated Infections ◽  
Very High

Background:Acinetobacter spp are gram-negative bacteria that have emerged as a leading cause of hospital-associated infections, most often in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. This is particularly important in Poland, where the prevalence of A. baumannii in various types of infections, including bloodstream infection (BSI), pneumonia, skin and soft-tissue infection (SSTI), and urinary tract infection (UTI) is higher than in neighboring countries. Recently, other Acinetobacter spp, including A. lwoffii or A. ursingii, have been found to be clinically relevant. In Poland, we have also observed a very rapid increase in antimicrobial resistance, significantly faster for A. baumannii than for other nosocomial pathogens. Methods: A study was conducted in 12 southern Polish hospitals, including 3 ICUs, from January 1 to December 31, 2018. Only adult hospitalized patients were included. Strains were identified using the MALDI-TOF method. Carbapenem resistance was determined using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Results: During the study, 194 strains belonging to the Acinetobacter genus were isolated. A. baumannii was the dominant species, 88.1% (n = 171), and 23 isolates (11.9%) were other Acinetobacter spp: A. ursingii (n = 5), A. lwofii (n = 4), A. haemolyticus (n = 4), A. junii (n = 3), A. radioresistens (n = 2), A. bereziniae (n = 2), and A. johnsonii (n = 2). Moreover, 15 Acinetobacter strains were collected from ICUs. The most Acinetobacter strains were isolated from SSTIs (n = 115) from non-ICU settings. Non–A. baumannii strains were also most frequently isolated from SSTIs; they constituted 11.3% of all Acinetobacter strains from this type of infection (n = 13). The total Acinetobacter prevalence was 2.6%, whereas the prevalence in the ICU setting was 7%. Acinetobacter prevalence in SSTIs was 10.4%. In pneumonia, Acinetobacter prevalence was 18.6% for ICUs (n = 13) and 2.7% for non-ICUs (n = 46). Strains from UTIs were isolated only with the non-ICU setting, and their prevalence was 0.7% (n = 14). More than half of the tested strains (52.1%) were resistant to carbapenems, but all non–A. baumannii strains were susceptible. The highest resistance to carbapenems was among strains from pneumonia cases in ICUs (58.3%) and resistance among all strains isolated from ICU was 50%. However, even higher resistance was noted among SSTI strains from non-ICUs (61.7%). Conclusions: Increasingly, more than A. baumannii, other species among Acinetobacter strains are isolated from patients hospitalized in Polish hospitals. To assess the significance of non–A. baumannii spp in clinical settings, precise species identification is needed. Therefore, the diagnostic methods used must be improved. Carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii infections are the biggest problem in pneumonia patients in ICUs and in SSTI patients in other hospital departments. Carbapenem resistance occurs in a very high percentage of A. baumannii strains; among non–A. baumannii strains it is not yet a therapeutic problem.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

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 Diagnostic tools for neurosyphilis: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustavo Henrique Pereira Boog ◽  
João Vitor Ziroldo Lopes ◽  
João Vitor Mahler ◽  
Marina Solti ◽  
Lucas Tokio Kawahara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Clinical Suspicion ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Test Accuracy ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis ◽  
Evaluation Methodologies ◽  
Fluid Analysis ◽  
Criteria For Diagnosis

Abstract Purpose Increasing incidences of syphilis highlight the preoccupation with the occurrence of neurosyphilis. This study aimed to understand the current diagnostic tools and their performance to detect neurosyphilis, including new technologies and the variety of existing methods. Methods We searched databases to select articles that reported neurosyphilis diagnostic methods and assessed their accuracy, presenting sensitivity and specificity values. Information was synthesized in tables. The risk of bias was examined using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy recommendations. Results Fourteen studies were included. The main finding was a remarkable diversity of tests, which had varied purposes, techniques, and evaluation methodologies. There was no uniform criterion or gold standard to define neurosyphilis. The current basis for its diagnosis is clinical suspicion and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. There are new promising tests such as PCR tests and chemokine measurement assays. Conclusions The diagnosis of neurosyphilis is still a challenge, despite the variety of existing and developing tests. We believe that the multiplicity of reference standards adopted as criteria for diagnosis reveals the imprecision of the current definitions of neurosyphilis. An important next step for the scientific community is to create a universally accepted diagnostic definition for this disease.

scholarly journals Heterogeneity of SARS-CoV-2 virus produced in cell culture revealed by shotgun proteomics and supported by genome sequencing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabrice Gallais ◽  
Olivier Pible ◽  
Jean-Charles Gaillard ◽  
Stéphanie Debroas ◽  
Hélène Batina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Structure ◽  
Cell Culture ◽  
Shotgun Proteomics ◽  
Rapid Analysis ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Tandem Mass ◽  
The Past ◽  
Viral Particles ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
The Subject

AbstractCOVID-19 is the most disturbing pandemic of the past hundred years. Its causative agent, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has been the subject of an unprecedented investigation to characterize its molecular structure and intimate functioning. While markers for its detection have been proposed and several diagnostic methodologies developed, its propensity to evolve and evade diagnostic tools and the immune response is of great concern. The recent spread of new variants with increased infectivity requires even more attention. Here, we document how shotgun proteomics can be useful for rapidly monitoring the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We evaluated the heterogeneity of purified SARS-CoV-2 virus obtained after culturing in the Vero E6 cell line. We found that cell culture induces significant changes that are translated at the protein level, such changes being detectable by tandem mass spectrometry. Production of viral particles requires careful quality control which can be easily performed by shotgun proteomics. Although considered relatively stable so far, the SARS-CoV-2 genome turns out to be prone to frequent variations. Therefore, the sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 variants from patients reporting only the consensus genome after its amplification would deserve more attention and could benefit from more in-depth analysis of low level but crystal-clear signals, as well as complementary and rapid analysis by shotgun proteomics. Graphical abstract

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