scholarly journals Intensive Care Antifungal Stewardship Programme Based on T2Candida PCR and Candida Mannan Antigen: A Prospective Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 1044
Author(s):  
Jannik Helweg-Larsen ◽  
Morten Steensen ◽  
Finn Møller Pedersen ◽  
Pia Bredahl Jensen ◽  
Michael Perch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Diagnostic Performance ◽  
No Reduction ◽  
Antifungal Stewardship ◽  
Neutropenic Sepsis ◽  
Diagnostic Values ◽  
One Year ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
A Prospective Study

Non-culture-based biomarkers may improve diagnosis and antifungal treatment (AFT) of invasive candidiasis (IC). We evaluated an antifungal stewardship programme (AFSP) in a prospective intensive care unit (ICU) study, which included T2Candida and Candida mannan antigen (MAg) screening of patients with sepsis and a high risk of IC. Patients with non-neutropenic sepsis and a high risk of IC from two large tertiary ICUs were prospectively included, during a one-year period. IC was classified as proven, likely, possible or unlikely. The AFSP, diagnostic values of T2Candida and MAg, and the consumption of antifungals were evaluated. An amount of 219 patients with 504 T2Candida/MAg samples were included. IC was classified as proven in 29 (13.2%), likely in 7 (3.2%) and possible in 10 (5.5%) patients. Sensitivity/specificity/PPV/NPV values, comparing proven/likely versus unlikely IC, were 47%/100%/94%/90% for BC alone, 50%/97%/75%/90% for T2Candida alone, and 39%/96%/67%/88% for MAg alone. For the combination of T2Candida/MAg taken ≤3 days after AFT initiation, sensitivity/specificity/PPV/NPV was 70%/90%/63%/93%. T2Candida/MAg contributed to early (<3 days) AFT initiation in 13%, early AFT discontinuation in 25% and abstaining from AFT in 24% of patients. No reduction in overall use of AFT during the study period compared with the previous year was observed. An AFSP based on T2Candida and MAg screening contributed to a reduction of unnecessary treatment, but not overall AFT use. The diagnostic performance of T2Candida was lower than previously reported, but increased if T2Candida was combined with MAg.

scholarly journals Diagnostic performance of neutrophil CD64 index in patients with sepsis in the intensive care unit

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (9) ◽  
pp. 4304-4311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenglong Ye ◽  
Hui Zou ◽  
Shangxiang Liu ◽  
Chengqing Mei ◽  
Xiaoliang Chang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Roc Curve ◽  
Diagnostic Performance ◽  
Coronary Bypass ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Procalcitonin Level ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Neutrophil Cd64 ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Objective This study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of the neutrophil CD64 index in patients with sepsis in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods Patients with sepsis who were treated at the ICU of the authors’ institution from December 2016 to June 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The controls comprised age- and sex-matched patients who underwent coronary bypass and had no evidence of infection. The neutrophil CD64 index, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and procalcitonin level were compared between the two groups. The diagnostic performance of these measures, including the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, was examined. Results In total, 35 patients with sepsis and 27 control patients were included in the data analysis. The sensitivity of the neutrophil CD64 index, CRP level, and procalcitonin level was 83%, 74%, and 77%, respectively. The specificity was 88%, 86%, and 81%, respectively. The area under the ROC curve was 0.923 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.856–0.989], 0.904 (95% CI, 0.832–0.976), and 0.863 (95% CI, 0.776–0.950), respectively. Conclusion The neutrophil CD64 index is a valuable biomarker for diagnosing sepsis in patients in the ICU.

scholarly journals Ultra-magnifying narrow-band imaging for endoscopic diagnosis of gastric intestinal metaplasia: a pilot image analysis study

2021 ◽  
Vol 09 (04) ◽  
pp. E522-E529
Author(s):  
Hiroyoshi Iwagami ◽  
Noriya Uedo ◽  
Hon-Chi Yip ◽  
Satoki Shichijo ◽  
Takashi Kanesaka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Metaplasia ◽  
Cellular Structure ◽  
Narrow Band ◽  
Narrow Band Imaging ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia ◽  
Crypt Epithelium ◽  
Diagnostic Values ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
A Prospective Study

Abstract Background and study aims Narrow-band imaging (NBI) with or without magnification has recently been used for diagnosis of gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM). Endocytoscopy is a newly developed endoscopic technique that enables ultra-high (500 ×) magnification of the digestive tract mucosa. This study aimed to analyze the ultra-magnifying NBI characteristics of GIM. Patients and methods This was a retrospective observational study conducted in a cancer referral center. Patients who underwent ultra-magnifying NBI of the gastric mucosa using endocytoscopy were eligible. A soft black cap was used for non-contact observation. We compared the characteristic findings of GIM by ultra-magnifying NBI of metaplastic and non-metaplastic mucosae. A reference standard for GIM in this study was conventional magnifying NBI findings of GIM. Results We obtained 28 images of metaplastic mucosa and 32 of non-metaplastic mucosa from 38 patients. Ultra-magnifying NBI revealed the cobblestone-like cellular structure in the marginal crypt epithelium of metaplastic and non-metaplastic mucosa. Diagnostic values (sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and kappa value [95 % confidence interval]) for the heterogeneous cellular structure and rough contour of the marginal crypt epithelium were 82 % (68 %–96 %), 94 % (85 %–100 %), 88 % (80 %–96 %), and 0.70, and 86 % (73 %–99 %), 94 % (85 %–100 %), 90 % (82 %–98 %), and 0.71, respectively. Conclusions The characteristic ultrastructural features of GIM were identified by ultra-magnifying NBI, warranting validation of diagnostic value in a prospective study.

scholarly journals Better Prediction of Neuro - Developmental Outcome in Babies Using Combined Vojta’s Neurokinesiological Examination, Amiel Tison Angles and Head Holding Grades

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-22
Author(s):  
Ashish Jain ◽  
H Veerabhadrappa ◽  
SW Shrikant ◽  
Nisha Kumari
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Risk Category ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Maternal Risk ◽  
High Risk Factors ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
One Year ◽  
A Prospective Study

Introduction: With the advances in medical technology, the survival rate has increased amongst the high-risk neonates. Changes occurring in the neuro-motor function during the first year of life are closely related to the maturation of the central nervous system of babies and the presence or absence of injury to brain. These should be detected as early as possible, so that intervention programmes can be started. Methods: A prospective study was done in NICU of a teaching hospital, to find the predictive value of combined assessment by three neuro-developmental examinations Viz. Vojta’s Neurokinesiological examination, Amiel-Tison angles and head holding grades. Total 375 babies with various high risk category were included, out of which only 114 infants completed one-year follow-up. On the first visit a detailed neurological examination was performed using Vojtas Neurokinesological postures, Amiel- Tison angles and head holding grades based on Trivandrum Developmental Screening Chart (TDSC). At one year, the milestones attained were plotted against the BSID percentiles and babies assigned as developmentally delayed, if it was below 97% pass level. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated and propositions evaluated by chi-square test. Results: 23% babies had developmental delay at one year. The important high risk factors were maternal risk factors 39%, HIE with MAS, HIE stage-III, complications during NICU stay. Conclusions: Vojta’s Neurokinesiological examination is an effective screening test that can be applied to all high-risk neonates. The predictive value could be enhanced to 100%, by using other simple tests, like Amiel-Tison Angles and Head holding grades by TDSC.

scholarly journals The Effect of E-cigarette Commercials on Youth Smoking: A Prospective Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 1103-1118 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Russell Pike ◽  
Nasya Tan ◽  
Stephen Miller ◽  
Christopher Cappelli ◽  
Bin Xie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Poisson Regression ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Future Generations ◽  
Alternative High Schools ◽  
High Risk Youth ◽  
One Year ◽  
A Prospective Study ◽  
Advertising Ban

Objectives: In this study, we assessed whether commercials for electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) influence the use of e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and cigars among high-risk youth in southern California. Methods: We recruited students (N = 1060) from 29 alternative high schools into a prospective cohort study. We used multilevel Poisson regression models to examine whether exposure to e-cigarette commercials and perceptions of their appeal predicted increased use of e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and cigars one year later. We also tested the potential moderating effect of gender and ethnicity. Results: Models with and without covariates suggest that exposure to e-cigarette commercials is a statistically significant predictor of increased use of e-cigarettes. When gender was added to the models as a moderator, the relationships between commercial exposure and future use of e-cigarettes and cigars were found to be stronger among females. Unadjusted and adjusted models also indicated that students with favorable perceptions of e-cigarette commercials reported greater use of e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and cigars one year later. Conclusions: E-cigarette commercials may play an important role in persuading high-risk youth to use nicotine and tobacco products. Extending the Broadcast Advertising Ban of 1971 to include a broader range of products may be critical to preventing future generations from becoming addicted to nicotine.

Aortic arch calcification is strongly associated with coronary artery calcification

VASA ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adem Adar ◽  
Hakan Erkan ◽  
Tayyar Gokdeniz ◽  
Aysegul Karadeniz ◽  
Ismail G. Cavusoglu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Aortic Arch ◽  
Chest Radiography ◽  
Coronary Artery Calcification ◽  
Independent Predictor ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Discriminative Performance ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Aortic Arch Calcification

Background: We aimed to investigate the association between aortic arch and coronary artery calcification (CAC). We postulated that low‐ and high‐risk CAC scores could be predicted with the evaluation of standard chest radiography for aortic arch calcification (AAC). Patients and methods: Consecutive patients who were referred for a multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT) examination were enrolled prospectively. All patients were scanned using a commercially available 64‐slice MDCT scanner for the evaluation of CAC score. A four‐point grading scale (0, 1, 2 and 3) was used to evaluate AAC on the standard posterior‐anterior chest radiography images. Results: The study group consisted of 248 patients. Median age of the study group was 52 (IQR: 10) years, and 165 (67 %) were male. AAC grades (r = 0.676, p < 0.0001) and age (r = 0.518, p < 0.0001) were significantly and positively correlated with CAC score. Presence of AAC was independently associated with the presence of CAC (OR: 11.20, 95 % CI 4.25 to 29.52). An AAC grade of ≥ 2 was the strongest independent predictor of a high‐risk CAC score (OR: 27.42, 95 % CI 6.09 to 123.52). Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis yielded a strong predictive ability of AAC grades for a CAC score of ≥ 100 (AUC = 0.892, P < 0.0001), and ≥ 400 (AUC = 0.894, P < 0.0001). Absence of AAC had a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 90 %, 84 % and 89 %, respectively, for a CAC score of < 100. An AAC grade of ≥ 2 predicted a CAC score of ≥400 with a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 68 %, 98 % and 95 %, respectively. Conclusions: AAC is a strong and independent predictor of CAC. The discriminative performance of AAC is high in detecting patients with low‐ and high‐risk CAC scores.

Evaluation of Breast Lumps by Ultrasound and Correlation with Histological Findings

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-12
Author(s):  
Nelema Jahan ◽  
Md. Mamunur Rahman ◽  
Mohammad Shahidul Alam ◽  
Md Saiful Islam
Keyword(s):  
Histopathological Examination ◽  
Breast Diseases ◽  
Histopathological Study ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Breast Lump ◽  
Histopathological Findings ◽  
Malignant Breast ◽  
Breast Lumps ◽  
One Year ◽  
A Prospective Study

Background: A breast lump is the most common symptom associated with both benign and malignant breast diseases. Therefore, a distinction of benign from malignant lump is of importance for proper management. Though a definitive diagnosis is possible with imaging for all the lesions, histopathological study is proven essential for confirming the diagnosis. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of USG and histopathological findings of different breast lump in diagnosis and their comparison. Methods: A prospective study was conducted over a period of one year from January 2017 to December 2017. A total of 116 patients were included in this study. All breast lumps underwent surgery and the ultrasound findings of these lumps were compared with the histopathological findings. Data were collected from these patients by a preformed questionnaire and finally the data were analyzed. Results: Out of 116 patients only 21 cases were reported as malignant in ultrasound report but histopathology revealed 31 malignant patients. On histopathological examination 10 benign cases turned out to be malignant. Conclusion: The present study was undertaken to evaluate in diagnosing breast mass lesions individually by ultrasound and compared with histopathology for definitive management of a patient. Journal of Surgical Sciences (2019) Vol. 23 (1) : 10-12

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