A rapid screening model for early predicting novel coronavirus pneumonia in Zhejiang Province of China: A Multicenter Study

Abstract Novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) has been widely spread in China and several other countries. Early finding of this pneumonia from huge numbers of suspects gives clinicians a big challenge. The aim of the study was to develop a rapid screening model for early predicting NCP in a Zhejiang population, as well as its utility in other areas. A total of 880 participants who were initially suspected of NCP from Jan 17 to Feb 19 were included. Potential predictors were selected via stepwise logistic regression analysis. The model was established based on epidemiological features, clinical manifestations, white blood cell count, and pulmonary imaging changes, with the area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of 0.920 (95% confidence interval: 0.902-0.938; AUROC=0.915, and its standard deviation of 0.028, as evaluated in 5-fold cross-validation). At a value of whether the predicted score >4.0, the model could detect NCP with a specificity of 98.3%; at a cut-off value of < -0.5, the model could rule out NCP with a sensitivity of 97.9%. The study demonstrated that the rapid screening model was a helpful and cost-effective tool for early predicting NCP and had great clinical significance given the high activity of NCP.

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A rapid screening model for early predicting novel coronavirus pneumonia in Zhejiang Province of China: a multicenter study

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-83054-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yi-Ning Dai ◽

Wei Zheng ◽

Qing-Qing Wu ◽

Tian-Chen Hui ◽

Nan-Nan Sun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Operating Characteristic ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Rapid Screening ◽

Stepwise Logistic Regression ◽

Stepwise Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Screening Model ◽

Epidemiological Features ◽

Geographical Regions ◽

Novel Coronavirus

AbstractNovel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) has been widely spread in China and several other countries. Early finding of this pneumonia from huge numbers of suspects gives clinicians a big challenge. The aim of the study was to develop a rapid screening model for early predicting NCP in a Zhejiang population, as well as its utility in other areas. A total of 880 participants who were initially suspected of NCP from January 17 to February 19 were included. Potential predictors were selected via stepwise logistic regression analysis. The model was established based on epidemiological features, clinical manifestations, white blood cell count, and pulmonary imaging changes, with the area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of 0.920. At a cut-off value of 1.0, the model could determine NCP with a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 82.3%. We further developed a simplified model by combining the geographical regions and rounding the coefficients, with the AUROC of 0.909, as well as a model without epidemiological factors with the AUROC of 0.859. The study demonstrated that the screening model was a helpful and cost-effective tool for early predicting NCP and had great clinical significance given the high activity of NCP.

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Multicenter analysis and a rapid screening model to predict early novel coronavirus pneumonia using a random forest algorithm

Medicine ◽

10.1097/md.0000000000026279 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 100 (24) ◽

pp. e26279

Author(s):

Suxia Bao ◽

Hong-yi Pan ◽

Wei Zheng ◽

Qing-Qing Wu ◽

Yi-Ning Dai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Random Forest ◽

Rapid Screening ◽

Random Forest Algorithm ◽

Screening Model ◽

Multicenter Analysis ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Early Novel

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Screening Model for Estimating Undiagnosed Diabetes among People with a Family History of Diabetes Mellitus: A KNHANES-Based Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17238903 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (23) ◽

pp. 8903

Author(s):

Kwang Sun Ryu ◽

Ha Ye Jin Kang ◽

Sang Won Lee ◽

Hyun Woo Park ◽

Na Young You ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Family History ◽

National Health ◽

Validation Cohort ◽

Undiagnosed Diabetes ◽

Stepwise Logistic Regression ◽

Stepwise Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Family History Of Diabetes ◽

Screening Model ◽

History Of

A screening model for estimating undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (UDM) is important for early medical care. There is minimal research and a serious lack of screening models for people with a family history of diabetes (FHD), especially one which incorporates gender characteristics. Therefore, the primary objective of our study was to develop a screening model for estimating UDM among people with FHD and enable its validation. We used data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). KNAHNES (2010–2016) was used as a developmental cohort (n = 5939) and was then evaluated in a validation cohort (n = 1047) KNHANES (2017). We developed the screening model for UDM in male (SMM), female (SMF), and male and female combined (SMP) with FHD using backward stepwise logistic regression analysis. The SMM and SMF showed an appropriate performance (area under curve (AUC) = 76.2% and 77.9%) compared with SMP (AUC = 72.9%) in the validation cohort. Consequently, simple screening models were developed and validated, for the estimation of UDM among patients in the FHD group, which is expected to reduce the burden on the national health care system.

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SAT-547 Aldosterone-Potassium Ratio Predicts Primary Aldosteronism Subtype

Journal of the Endocrine Society ◽

10.1210/jendso/bvaa046.574 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Troy Puar ◽

Wann Jia Loh ◽

Dawn Shao Ting Lim ◽

Meifen Zhang ◽

Roger S Foo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Aldosteronism ◽

Prediction Models ◽

Characteristic Curve ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Predictive Ability ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Stepwise Logistic Regression ◽

Stepwise Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Bilateral Disease ◽

Unilateral Disease

Abstract Objective Prediction models have been developed to predict either unilateral or bilateral primary aldosteronism, and these have not been validated externally. We aimed to develop a simplified score to predict both subtypes and validate this externally. Methods Our development cohort was taken from 165 patients who underwent adrenal vein sampling (AVS) in two Asian tertiary centres. Unilateral disease was determined using both AVS and post-operative outcome. Multivariable analysis was used to construct prediction models. We validated our tool in a European cohort of 97 patients enrolled in a clinical trial. Previously published prediction models were also tested in our cohorts. Results Backward stepwise logistic regression analysis yielded a final tool using baseline-aldosterone-to-lowest-potassium ratio (APR, ng/dL/mmol/L), with an area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.70 - 0.89). In the Asian development cohort, probability of bilateral disease was 90.0% (with APR <5) and probability of unilateral disease was 91.4% (with APR >15). Similar results were seen in the European validation cohort. Combining both cohorts, probability of bilateral disease was 76.7% (with APR <5), and probability for unilateral was 91.7% (with APR >15). Other models had similar predictive ability but required more variables, and were less sensitive for identifying bilateral PA. Conclusion The novel aldosterone-potassium ratio (APR) is a convenient score to guide clinicians and patients of various ethnicities on the probability of PA subtype. Using APR to identify patients more likely to benefit from AVS may be a cost-effective strategy to manage this common condition.

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A Chemical Perspective to the Anti-Amyloid Action of Compounds and a Nanoparticle Based Assay for Screening Amyloid Inhibitors

10.26434/chemrxiv.7819661 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nidhi Gour ◽

Bharti Koshti

Keyword(s):

Memory Loss ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Structural Motif ◽

Rapid Screening ◽

Stacking Interactions ◽

Aromatic Rings ◽

Amyloid Fibers ◽

Aromatic Stacking ◽

Cost Effective Technique ◽

The Brain

Aggregation of amyloid beeta 1-42 (Aβ42) peptide causes the formation of clustered deposits knows as amyloid plaques in the brain which leads to neuronal dysfunction and memory loss and associated with many neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Aβ42 has core structural motif with phenylalanine at the 19 and 20 positions. The diphenylalanine (FF) residue plays a crucial role in the formation of amyloid fibers and serves as model peptide for studying Aβ42 aggregation. FF self-assembles to well-ordered tubular morphology via aromatic pi-pi stackings. Our studies, suggest that the aromatic rings present in the anti-amyloidogenic compounds may interact with the pi-pi stacking interactions present in the FF. Even the compounds which do not have aromatic rings, like cyclodextrin and cucurbituril show anti-amyloid property due to the binding of aromatic ring inside the guest cavity. Hence, our studies also suggest that compounds which may have a functional moiety capable of interacting with the aromatic stacking interactions might be tested for their anti-amyloidogenic properties. Further, in this manuscript, we have proposed two novel nanoparticle based assays for the rapid screening of amyloid inhibitors. In the first assay, interaction between biotin-tagged FF peptide and the streptavidin labelled gold nanoparticles (s-AuNPs) were used. In another assay, thiol-Au interactions were used to develop an assay for detection of amyloid inhibitors. It is envisaged that the proposed analytical method will provide a simple, facile and cost effective technique for the screening of amyloid inhibitors and may be of immense practical implications to find the therapeutic remedies for the diseases associated with the protein aggregation.

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The Use of Total Contact Orthoses in Patients with Foot Problems in Foot Clinic, Siriraj Hospital

Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand ◽

10.35755/jmedassocthai.2020.12.11044 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 103 (12) ◽

pp. 1292-1299

Keyword(s):

Odds Ratio ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Stepwise Logistic Regression ◽

Posterior Tibial Tendon ◽

Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction ◽

Stepwise Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Siriraj Hospital ◽

Foot Problems ◽

Foot Clinic

Objective: To study the use rate, outcome, and concomitant factors of the use of the total contact orthoses (TCO) in the Foot Clinic, Siriraj Hospital Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional descriptive study collecting data from patient medical records and questionnaires. Patients who had foot problems without impairment of foot sensation and received the TCO from the Foot Clinic between July 2015 and April 2016 were interviewed before and after using the latest TCO for one month. Results: One hundred seven participants were recruited. Most were female (84.1%) with a median age of 59.3 years. The majority had chronic plantar fasciitis (26.2%), posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) (25.2%), hallux valgus (21.5%), or metatarsalgia (21.5%). The TCO user was defined as a participant who had to use the TCO for more than three days per week and for more or equal to 50% of daily walking and standing duration. The use rate was 67.3%. The TCO provides standing and walking stability (p=0.008). For patients with metatarsalgia, using the TCO could significantly reduce pain (p=0.002). Using univariate analysis, many factors were found to be associated with the use of the TCO including having level of convenience of putting on or taking off shoes with TCO at 9 or more (odds ratio 2.66, 95% CI 1.16 to 6.12), having difficulty to find proper shoes that fit with the TCO (odds ratio 0.36, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.89), receiving more than one pair of TCO (odds ratio 4.09, 95% CI 1.51 to 11.05), and having level of comfort satisfaction during the TCO use at 9 or more (odds ratio 3.61, 95% CI 1.55 to 8.40). The latter two factors were found to be associated with the use of the TCO from stepwise logistic regression analysis (adjusted odds ratio 3.39, 95% CI 1.18 to 9.71 and 3.02, 95% CI 1.07 to 8.47, respectively). Conclusion: The use of the TCO in the Foot Clinic, Siriraj Hospital was 67.3%. Using the TCO could promote walking stability. Factors affecting the use of the TCO included receiving more than the first pair of TCO and having comfort satisfaction level of 9 or more. Keywords: Use, Total contact orthoses, Total contact insole, Foot problems

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Novel Regeneration Approach for Creating Reusable FO-SPR Probes with NTA Surface Chemistry

Nanomaterials ◽

10.3390/nano11010186 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 186

Author(s):

Jia-Huan Qu ◽

Karen Leirs ◽

Remei Escudero ◽

Žiga Strmšek ◽

Roman Jerala ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Surface Chemistry ◽

Fluorescent Protein ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Nitrilotriacetic Acid ◽

Antibody Fragments ◽

Rapid Screening ◽

Red Fluorescent Protein ◽

Effective Manner ◽

Surface Regeneration ◽

Sensitivity Specificity

To date, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors have been exploited in numerous different contexts while continuously pushing boundaries in terms of improved sensitivity, specificity, portability and reusability. The latter has attracted attention as a viable alternative to disposable biosensors, also offering prospects for rapid screening of biomolecules or biomolecular interactions. In this context here, we developed an approach to successfully regenerate a fiber-optic (FO)-SPR surface when utilizing cobalt (II)-nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) surface chemistry. To achieve this, we tested multiple regeneration conditions that can disrupt the NTA chelate on a surface fully saturated with His6-tagged antibody fragments (scFv-33H1F7) over ten regeneration cycles. The best surface regeneration was obtained when combining 100 mM EDTA, 500 mM imidazole and 0.5% SDS at pH 8.0 for 1 min with shaking at 150 rpm followed by washing with 0.5 M NaOH for 3 min. The true versatility of the established approach was proven by regenerating the NTA surface for ten cycles with three other model system bioreceptors, different in their size and structure: His6-tagged SARS-CoV-2 spike fragment (receptor binding domain, RBD), a red fluorescent protein (RFP) and protein origami carrying 4 RFPs (Tet12SN-RRRR). Enabling the removal of His6-tagged bioreceptors from NTA surfaces in a fast and cost-effective manner can have broad applications, spanning from the development of biosensors and various biopharmaceutical analyses to the synthesis of novel biomaterials.

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Advances in Environmental Detection and Clinical Diagnostic Tests for Legionella Species

Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1731863 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Rajeshwari Vittal ◽

Juliet Roshini Mohan Raj ◽

Ballamoole Krishna Kumar ◽

Indrani Karunasagar

Keyword(s):

Developing Countries ◽

Healthcare System ◽

Diagnostic Tests ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Clinical Samples ◽

Detection Techniques ◽

Conventional Culture ◽

Legionella Species ◽

Mild Fever

Abstract Legionella is a fastidious organism that is difficult to culture in the lab but is widely distributed in environmental, domestic, and hospital settings. The clinical manifestations due to Legionella infections range from mild fever to fatal pneumonia and multiorgan pathologies. Legionella outbreaks though prevalent globally are not reported in developing countries due to difficulties in isolating this organism and the lack of simple diagnostic protocols. Here, we review the literature from across countries to present various methods used to detect Legionella from environmental and clinical samples. We compare the sensitivity and the specificity of the conventional culture-based assays with the recent methods and discuss approaches to develop better detection and diagnostic tests. With better cost-effective detection techniques and regular monitoring of the susceptible sites, which may harbor Legionella colonies, most of the Legionella infections can be prevented. As a result, considerable burden, caused by Legionella infections, on the healthcare system, in especially economically weaker countries, can be mitigated.

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Patterns of care in Italian psychiatric services and psychosocial outcome of schizophrenic patients. A three-year prospective study

Psychiatry and Psychobiology ◽

10.1017/s0767399x00004090 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 23-31 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

D. Kemali ◽

M. Maj ◽

B. Carpiniello ◽

R.D. Giurazza ◽

M. Impagnatiello ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychosocial Adjustment ◽

Ad Hoc ◽

Social Withdrawal ◽

Skills Training ◽

Favourable Outcome ◽

Stepwise Logistic Regression ◽

Psychosocial Outcome ◽

Stepwise Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Schizophrenic Patients ◽

The Difference

Summary141 patients with an ICD-9 diagnosis of schizophrenic psychosis were followed up prospectively for 3 years in 7 Italian centres, representative of the different degrees of application of the psychiatric reform law (Law 180) passed in 1978. It was agreed that each centre would treat the patients according to its routine, and that all contacts with the patients and each intervention performed would be carefully recorded in an ad hoc schedule. The baseline evaluation of psychosocial adjustment was performed by the Disability Assessment Schedule (DAS), and this assessment was then repeated every 6 months during the follow-up period. At the end of this period, the rating on the DAS section 5 was taken as a global measure of patients’ psychosocial outcome. On a stepwise logistic regression analysis, 2 variables were found to be significantly predictive of psychosocial outcome, that is the use of social and/or vocational skills training (associated with a favourable outcome) and the number of days/year of full hospitalization (associated with a poor outcome). Trieste and Arezzo were the only centres in which a significant improvement of the score on some DAS subscales (namely, “occupational role, interest” and “social withdrawal”) was detected. In the whole patient sample, the difference between the final and the baseline score on these subscales correlated significantly with the number/year of outpatient contacts and of home visits. These findings confirm the favourable impact of the community-oriented care provided in some Italian centres on the Psychosocial outcome of schizophrenic patients.

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Aptamer-Based Diagnostic Systems for the Rapid Screening of TB at the Point-of-Care

Diagnostics ◽

10.3390/diagnostics11081352 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 1352

Author(s):

Darius Riziki Martin ◽

Nicole Remaliah Sibuyi ◽

Phumuzile Dube ◽

Adewale Oluwaseun Fadaka ◽

Ruben Cloete ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Low Income ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Health Care Systems ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Rapid Screening ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

Sputum Smear ◽

Diagnostic Systems ◽

Molecular Tests ◽

Rapid Tests

The transmission of Tuberculosis (TB) is very rapid and the burden it places on health care systems is felt globally. The effective management and prevention of this disease requires that it is detected early. Current TB diagnostic approaches, such as the culture, sputum smear, skin tuberculin, and molecular tests are time-consuming, and some are unaffordable for low-income countries. Rapid tests for disease biomarker detection are mostly based on immunological assays that use antibodies which are costly to produce, have low sensitivity and stability. Aptamers can replace antibodies in these diagnostic tests for the development of new rapid tests that are more cost effective; more stable at high temperatures and therefore have a better shelf life; do not have batch-to-batch variations, and thus more consistently bind to a specific target with similar or higher specificity and selectivity and are therefore more reliable. Advancements in TB research, in particular the application of proteomics to identify TB specific biomarkers, led to the identification of a number of biomarker proteins, that can be used to develop aptamer-based diagnostic assays able to screen individuals at the point-of-care (POC) more efficiently in resource-limited settings.

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