scholarly journals Blood Aspergillus PCR: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Matthias Egger ◽  
Jeffrey D. Jenks ◽  
Martin Hoenigl ◽  
Juergen Prattes
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Potential Candidate ◽  
Diagnostic Quality ◽  
Invasive Fungal Diseases ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Additional Value

Invasive Aspergillosis (IA) is one of the most common invasive fungal diseases and is accompanied by high morbidity and mortality. In order to maximize patient outcomes and survival, early and rapid diagnosis has been shown to be pivotal. Hence, diagnostic tools aiding and improving the diagnostic process are ambitiously searched for. In this context, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may represent a potential candidate. Its additional value and benefits in diagnosis have been demonstrated and are scientifically established. Nevertheless, standardized and widespread usage is sparse because several factors influence diagnostic quality and need to be considered in order to optimize diagnostic performance and outcome. In the following review, the current role of PCR in the diagnosis of IA is explored, with special focus on the strengths and limitations of PCR in different settings.

scholarly journals Notch Signaling and MicroRNA: The Dynamic Duo Steering Between Neurogenesis and Glioblastomas

2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 33-43
Author(s):  
Zeeshan Javed ◽  
Khushbukhat Khan ◽  
Qamar Raza ◽  
Haleema Sadia ◽  
Faiez Ahmad Shah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Notch Signaling ◽  
Small Molecules ◽  
Neuronal Cell ◽  
Decisive Role ◽  
Eukaryotic Cells ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Development And Differentiation

Notch signaling is an evolutionary conserved pathway that plays a central role in development and differentiation of eukaryotic cells. It has been well documented that Notch signaling is inevitable for neuronal cell growth and homeostasis. It regulates process of differentiation from early embryonic stages to fully developed brain. To achieve this streamlined development of neuronal cells, a number of cellular processes are being orchestrated by the Notch signaling. Abrogated Notch signaling is related to several brain tumors, including glioblastomas. On the other hand, microRNAs are small molecules that play decisive role in mediating and modulating Notch signaling. This review discusses the crucial role of Notch signaling in development of nervous system and how this versatile pathway interplay with microRNAs in glioblastoma. This review sheds light on interplay between abrogated Notch signaling and miRNAs in the regulation of neuronal differentiation with special focus on miRNAs mediated regulation of tumorigenesis in glioblastoma. Furthermore, it discusses different aspects of neurogenesis modulated by the Notch signaling that could be exploited for the identification of new diagnostic tools and therapies for the treatment of glioblastoma.

scholarly journals Chest Imaging in the Diagnosis and Management of Pulmonary Tuberculosis: The Complementary Role of Thoraci Ultrasound

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaetano Rea ◽  
Marco Sperandeo ◽  
Roberta Lieto ◽  
Marialuisa Bocchino ◽  
Carla Maria Irene Quarato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Percutaneous Biopsy ◽  
Anterior Chest Wall ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Chest Imaging ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Diagnosis And Management ◽  
Pleural Plaques

Tuberculosis (TB) is a severe infectious disease that still represents a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. For these reasons, clinicians and radiologists should use all the available diagnostic tools in the assessment of the disease in order to provide precise indications about starting an anti-tubercular treatment and reduce risk of TB transmission and complications especially in developing countries where the disease is still endemic. As TB mycobacteria are mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets, the pulmonary parenchyma is usually the first site of infection. As a result, chest imaging plays a central role in the diagnostic process. Thoracic ultrasound (TUS) is a portable, non-invasive, radiation-free, and cost-contained technology which could be easily available in resource-limited settings. This perspective article focuses on the potential role of TUS in the diagnosis and management of patients with pulmonary TB. Unfortunately, there are still insufficient evidence and too contrasting data to judge TUS as an appropriate diagnostic method for the screening of the disease. Despite this, TUS may have a useful role in identifying pleural and anterior pericardial effusions or in the identification of abscesses of the anterior chest wall and paraspinal collections in low- and middle-income settings. In addition, TUS seems to have a milestone role in guiding minimally invasive interventional procedures, such as placement of chest tubes, drainage of loculated collections, thoracentesis and pericardiocentesis, and percutaneous biopsy of subpleural pulmonary consolidations or pleural plaques.

scholarly journals Praecox-Gefühl in Classical and Modern Researches

Psychiatry ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 58-64
Author(s):  
I. D. Gornushenkov ◽  
I. V. Pluzhnikov
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Interpersonal Communication ◽  
Diagnostic Technique ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Patient Relationship ◽  
Doctor Patient Relationship ◽  
Scientific Publications ◽  
Intersubjective Experience

Background: The introduction of modern classifications of mental disorders has caused a number of significant changes in the diagnostic process. Recently, both domestic and foreign authors began to pay more attention to the analysis of the “weaknesses” of the operational approach in the diagnosis of mental disorders. One of the “lacunae” that arose due to its distribution, which is hardly discussed in modern classifications, is the problems of the role of intersubjective experience in the doctor–patient relationship and the diagnostic process. The diagnostic technique based on the Praecox-Gefühl phenomenon is one of the most striking examples of the utility of such an experience.The aim was to present and discuss modern and classic Praecox-Gefühl studies in the context of analyzing the role of intersubjective experience in psychiatric diagnosis.Material and method: Modern and classic scientific publications were selected by using the keywords “Praecox-Gefühl” or “Praecox-feeling” in the databases of Web of Science, PubMed and in the other sources.Conclusion: the professional use of intersubjective experience arising in a doctor–patient relationship can be one of the diagnostic tools for identifying schizophrenia, including the early stages of the disease. Modern psychological studies indirectly confirm this statement by revealing an impairment of functions that provide interpersonal communication among patients with schizophrenia.

scholarly journals MicroRNA in Human Acute Kidney Injury: A Systematic Review Protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 205435812110099
Author(s):  
Adrianna Douvris ◽  
Dylan Burger ◽  
Rosendo A. Rodriguez ◽  
Edward G. Clark ◽  
Jose Viñas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Acute Kidney Injury ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Statistical Heterogeneity

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of hospitalization with high morbidity and mortality for which no effective treatments exist and for which current diagnostic tools have limitations for earlier identification. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of AKI, and some miRNAs have shown promise as therapeutic tools in animal models of AKI. However, less is known about the role of miRNAs in human AKI. Objective: To evaluate the role of miRNAs in human subjects with AKI. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis Measurements: Quantification of miRNA levels from human blood, urine, or kidney biopsy samples, and measures of renal function as defined in the study protocol. Methods: A comprehensive search strategy for Ovid MEDLINE All, Embase, Web of Science, and CENTRAL will be developed to identify investigational studies that evaluated the relationship between miRNA levels and human AKI. Primary outcomes will include measurements of kidney function and miRNA levels. Study screening, review and data extraction will be performed independently by 2 reviewers. Study quality and certainty of evidence will be assessed with validated tools. A narrative synthesis will be included and the possibility for meta-analysis will be assessed according to characteristics of clinical and statistical heterogeneity between studies. Limitations: These include (1) lack of randomized trials of miRNAs for the prevention or treatment of human AKI, (2) quality of included studies, and (3) sources of clinical and statistical heterogeneity that may affect strength and reproducibility of results. Conclusion: Previous studies of miRNAs in different animal models of AKI have generated strong interest on their use for the prevention and treatment of human AKI. This systematic review will characterize the most promising miRNAs for human research and will identify methodological constraints from miRNA research in human AKI to help inform the design of future studies. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020201253

scholarly journals Enterovesical Fistula: A Serious Complication of Crohn Disease

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atef Mejri ◽  
Badreddine Aloui ◽  
Khaoula Arfaoui
Keyword(s):  
Crohn’S Disease ◽  
Crohn's Disease ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Clinical Aspects ◽  
Ileal Loop ◽  
Enterovesical Fistula ◽  
Computed Tomographic

Due to the anatomical proximity of the last ileal loop and the bladder, Crohn’s disease can affect the urinary tract by the formation of an Enterovesical Fistula (EVF). Although rare, it represents a complication with a potential impact on the patient’s quality of life and it is often difficult to manage. In addition to the Computed Tomographic (CT) findings, several other examinations can contribute to the diagnosis of EVF, which calls for adequate management based on disconnection of the digestive tract from the bladder and maintenance of medical treatment. Despite therapeutic advances in the context of Crohn’s disease, the EVF remains a surgical indication. The present case reported is of a successfully managed EVF which was revealed by fecaluria aiming to emphasise the clinical aspects and various diagnostic tools with a special mention of the key role of medical imaging in the diagnostic process and the surgical management.

scholarly journals Role of Crisper CAS9 Technology in the Diagnosis of Covid19

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 162-167
Author(s):  
Nishtha Chaturvedi ◽  
Chhaya Chaturvedi
Keyword(s):  
Gene Editing ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Diagnostic Technique ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
The World ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Potential Use

Covid 19 is a pandemic disease came in existence in 2019. It is also called as the Human Corona Virus disease which is caused by SARS-CoV-2. Currently more than 215 countries around the world are being reported to be the sufferers of this disease. When this disease came into existence the diagnosis of the disease became a major task for the scientists and doctors across the world. A method known as RT PCR (Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction) was applied during that crucial period to detect this disease. Among other diagnostic tools, CRISPER (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) Cas system is being investigated for rapid and specific diagnosis of COVID-19. CRISPER-Cas technology is a highly flexible RNA guided endonuclease (RGEN) based nucleic acid editing tool that has transformed the field of genomics, gene editing, gene therapy and genome imaging. As compared to RT PCR which gives the result of diagnosis in 4-8 hours, the CRISPER Cas based method diagnose it within an hour. So, this technique came out to be a very appropriate and less time-consuming method for detection of the disease. This article is focuses on explaining the potential use of CRISPER Cas9 based approaches for the development of accurate and rapid diagnostic technique and antiviral therapy for detecting and limiting the spread of COVID-19. As this technique is new and advanced so can also be used for various other future applications too.

Recurrent varicose veins below the knee after varicose vein surgery

Phlebologie ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 36 (03) ◽  
pp. 132-136
Author(s):  
M. W. de Haan ◽  
J. C. J. M. Veraart ◽  
H. A. M. Neumann ◽  
P. A. F. A. van Neer
Keyword(s):  
Varicose Vein ◽  
Varicose Veins ◽  
Varicose Vein Surgery ◽  
Proximal Point ◽  
Perforating Veins ◽  
Recurrent Varicose Veins ◽  
Below The Knee ◽  
Duplex Imaging ◽  
Additional Value

SummaryThe objectives of this observational study were to investigate whether varicography has additional value to CFDI in clarifying the nature and source of recurrent varicose veins below the knee after varicose vein surgery and to investigate the possible role of incompetent perforating veins (IPV) in these recurrent varicose veins. Patients, material, methods: 24 limbs (21 patients) were included. All patients were assessed by a preoperative clinical examination and CFDI (colour flow duplex imaging). Re-evaluation (clinical and CFDI) was done two years after surgery and varicography was performed. Primary endpoint of the study was the varicographic pattern of these visible varicose veins. Secondary endpoint was the connection between these varicose veins and incompetent perforating veins. Results: In 18 limbs (75%) the varicose veins were part of a network, in six limbs (25%) the varicose vein appeared to be a solitary vein. In three limbs (12.5%) an incompetent sapheno-femoral junction was found on CFDI and on varicography in the same patients. In 10 limbs (41%) the varicose veins showed a connection with the persistent below knee GSV on varicography. In nine of these 10 limbs CFDI also showed reflux of this below knee GSV. In four limbs (16%) the varicose veins showed a connection with the small saphenous vein (SSV). In three limbs this reflux was dtected with CFDI after surgery. An IPV was found to be the proximal point of the varicose vein in six limbs (25%) and half of these IPV were detected with CFDI as well. Conclusion: Varicography has less value than CFDI in detecting the source of reflux in patients with recurrent varicose veins after surgery, except in a few cases where IPV are suspected to play a role and CFDI is unable to detect these IPV.

Review of Computed Tomographic Colonography from a Surgeon’s Perspective

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Bellows ◽  
Giuseppe Gagliardi ◽  
Lorenzo Bacigalupo
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Computed Tomographic Colonography ◽  
Clinical Practices ◽  
Optical Colonoscopy ◽  
Computed Tomographic ◽  
Primary Colon Cancer ◽  
Primary Colon ◽  
New Research ◽  
Additional Value

Abstract New research has addressed many of the early concerns of Computed Tomographic colonography (CTC) and these studies are now beginning to shape clinical practices. A review of the literature demonstrates that the sensitivity of CTC in screening for large polyps (≥ 1cm) or cancers in the large intestine is as high as that of conventional optical colonoscopy, however, the sensitivity decreases with the diameter of the polyp. Despite this, CTC is well tolerated, more acceptable to patients than optical colonoscopy and therefore may improve colorectal cancer screening compliance. This review not only describes the diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity of CTC, and the evolving role of CTC as a primary colon cancer screening option, but also the recent studies that have demonstrated the additional value of CTC utilization for practicing clinicians.

FAITH–BASED COMMUNITIES AND POLITICS IN DULLSTROOM-EMNOTWENI: LOCAL STORIES OF IDENTITY

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Landman
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Traditional Role ◽  
Cultural Conflicts ◽  
Local Identities ◽  
Political Interests ◽  
Local Municipality ◽  
The Face

A majority of the black community of Dullstroom-Emnotweni in the Mpumalanga highveld in the east of South Africa trace their descent back to the southern Ndebele of the so-called ‘Mapoch Gronden’, who lost their land in the 1880s to become farm workers on their own land. A hundred years later, in 1980, descendants of the ‘Mapoggers’ settled in the newly built ‘township’ of Dullstroom, called Sakhelwe, finding jobs on the railways or as domestic workers. Oral interviews with the inhabitants of Sakhelwe – a name eventually abandoned in favour of Dullstroom- Emnotweni – testify to histories of transition from landowner to farmworker to unskilled labourer. The stories also highlight cultural conflicts between people of Ndebele, Pedi and Swazi descent and the influence of decades of subordination on local identities. Research projects conducted in this and the wider area of the eMakhazeni Local Municipality reveal the struggle to maintain religious, gender and youth identities in the face of competing political interests. Service delivery, higher education, space for women and the role of faith-based organisations in particular seem to be sites of contestation. Churches and their role in development and transformation, where they compete with political parties and state institutions, are the special focus of this study. They attempt to remain free from party politics, but are nevertheless co-opted into contra-culturing the lack of service delivery, poor standards of higher education and inadequate space for women, which are outside their traditional role of sustaining an oppressed community.

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