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Diagnostic Techniques (diagnostic + techniques)
Kinds of Diagnostic Techniques Selected AbstractsEpidemiology of Bovine Venereal Campylobacteriosis: Geographic Distribution and Recent Advances in Molecular Diagnostic TechniquesREPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 5 2010GD Mshelia Contents Bovine venereal campylobacteriosis (BVC) is a major cause of economic loss to the cattle industries in different parts of the world. Camplylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv), the main causative agent of BVC, is highly adapted to the genital tract of cattle and is transmitted by carrier bulls. However, infertility and abortions can also be caused by the intestinal pathogens C. fetus subsp. fetus (Cff), and C. jenuni, which are not venereally transmitted. Bovine venereal campylobacteriosis, caused by Cfv associated with lowered fertility, embryo mortality and abortion, repeated returns to service, reduced pregnancy rates and extended calving intervals, has the highest prevalence in developing countries where natural breeding in cattle is widely practised. The epidemiology, pathogenesis and diagnosis of the disease have been the subject of previous reviews. The main focus of this review is to highlight the epidemiology of this disease with particular reference to geographical distribution and recent advances in molecular diagnostic techniques. It is hoped that further research interest of scientists will be stimulated with a view to finding lasting solutions to the reproductive problems associated with the disease for better livestock productivity, particularly in developing endemic countries. [source] Review article: the modern management of hepatic encephalopathyALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 5 2010J. S. BAJAJ Aliment Pharmacol Ther,31, 537,547 Summary Background, Hepatic encephalopathy, both overt and minimal, forms a continuum of cognitive change in cirrhosis. Strategies to diagnose and treat hepatic encephalopathy have evolved considerably. Aim To examine the updated diagnostic and treatment strategies for hepatic encephalopathy. Methods, Techniques for the clinical, psychometric and neurophysiological evaluation of hepatic encephalopathy are reviewed. The methods reviewed include pure clinical scales (West-Haven), psychometric tests (PSE-syndrome test), neurophysiological tests (EEG, Critical flicker frequency, CFF) and computerized tests (Inhibitory control test, ICT). Results, Clinical scales are limited, whereas psychometric tests (specifically PSE-syndrome test), CFF and ICT can be used to diagnose minimal hepatic encephalopathy. However, there is no single test that can capture the entire spectrum of cognitive impairment. Treatment options and goals depend on the acuity of hepatic encephalopathy. In-patient management should concentrate on supportive care, precipitating factor reversal and lactulose and/or rifaximin therapy. Out-patient therapy should aim to prevent recurrences, and both lactulose and rifaximin have evidence to support their use. Conclusions, Diagnostic techniques for hepatic encephalopathy range from simple scales to sophisticated tools. Treatment options depend on the stage of hepatic encephalopathy. The future challenge is to evaluate cognitive function as a continuum with clinically relevant outcomes and to develop well-tolerated and inexpensive treatments for hepatic encephalopathy. [source] 1254: Diagnostic techniques for adnexal tumoursACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010S SEREGARD Purpose To outline clinical features and diagnostic techniques available for ocular adnexal tumours Methods Review of pertinent literature and personal unpublished data. Results Ocular adnexal tumours include a wide range of beningn and malignant neoplasms, some of which may be systemic. A correct pre-operative diagnosis is imperative for appropriate management of these tumours. In most cases a combination of distinct clinical features, pertinent review of the patient's history and the judicial use of salient diagnostic techniques, like exfolitaion cytology and punch biopsies will provide the clinician with an approach to manage these lesions. Conclusion The wide range of ocular adnexal tumours may cause significant clinical confusion. Recognition of distinct clinical features and judicial use of auxiliary diagnostic techniques will in most cases provide the clinician with a correct pre-operative diagnosis. [source] DETECTION OF PERIVASCULAR BLOOD FLOW IN VIVO BY CONTRAST-ENHANCED INTRACORONARY ULTRASONOGRAPHY AND IMAGE ANALYSIS: AN ANIMAL STUDYCLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 12 2007Manolis Vavuranakis SUMMARY 1Acute coronary syndromes are mostly the result of coronary plaque rupture. Diagnostic techniques focusing on the early detection of those plaques that are prone to rupture are still limited. Increased neovascularization in the adventitia and within the atherosclerotic plaque have recently been identified as common features of inflammation and plaque vulnerability. Contrast-enhanced intravascular imaging with microbubbles can be used to trace perfusion. 2In the present study, we examined the perivascular network of the left anterior descending coronary arteries and left circumflex arteries of four domestic, clinically healthy pigs using intracoronary ultrasound after injection of microbubbles with a differential imaging technique (ACESÔ; Computational Biomedicine Laboratory, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA). Our aim was to detect blood flow into the coronary lumen and perivascular flow in contrast-enhanced images. Eleven regions of interest (ROI), including perivascular structures, were compared with regard to their grey scale level before and after the injection of SonoVue® (0.06 mL/kg; Bracco Diagnostics, Princeton, NJ, USA). 3A statistically significant (P = 0.018) enhancement was found in the echogenicity of the total perivascular space (adventitial region and perivascular vessels), as indicated by an increase in grey level intensity from 8.33 ± 0.80 (before) to 10.11 ± 0.88 (after microbubble injection). A significant enhancement of the 11 selected ROI (perivascular structures) was also recorded after the injection of microbubbles (from 7.92 ± 2.14 to 14.03 ± 2.44; P = 0.008). 4We believe that the detection of perivascular structures with contrast-enhanced intracoronary ultrasonography combined with proper image processing may reinforce our future efforts in the detection of vasa vasorum, an active participant in the creation of acute coronary events. [source] A primer of endometrial cytology with histological correlationDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 12 2007John A. Maksem M.D Abstract Cytology is an effective method for assessing benign endometrium and for discovering premalignant and malignant endometrial states. In addition, it is useful for diagnosing non-neoplastic abnormalities of the endometrium. This overview compares endometrial cytology to endometrial histology for a variety of benign, abnormal non-neoplastic, and neoplastic conditions; and, discusses both diagnostic criteria and pitfalls in the assessment of endometrial brushings specimens. It also makes an attempt to estimate levels of confidence in endometrial cytodiagnosis. When endometrial brushing is used in conjunction with other diagnostic techniques such as ultrasonography/sonohysterography or hysteroscopy, cytology becomes a sensitive case finding technique that shows good patient acceptance (because of a significant decrease in procedure-associated pain) and high diagnostic yield. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:817,844. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Mycoplasma pneumoniae -associated myelitis: a comprehensive reviewEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 2 2006S. Tsiodras Myelitis is one of the most severe central nervous system complications seen in association with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections and both acute transverse myelitis (ATM) as well as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) have been observed. We reviewed all available literature on cases of Mycoplasma spp. associated ATM as well as ADEM with dominant spinal cord pathology and classified those cases according to the strength of evidence implicating M. pneumoniae as the cause. A wide range of data on diagnosis, epidemiology, immunopathogenesis, clinical picture, laboratory diagnosis, neuroimaging and treatment for this rare entity is presented. The use of highly sensitive and specific molecular diagnostic techniques may assist in clearly elucidating the role of M. pneumoniae in ATM/ADEM syndromes in the near future. Immunomodulating therapies may have a role in treating such cases. [source] Burkitt lymphoma versus diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a practical approachHEMATOLOGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 4 2009Cristiana Bellan Abstract Burkitt Lymphoma (BL) is listed in the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of lymphoid tumours as an "aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma", characterized by a high degree of proliferation of the malignant cells and deregulation of the c- MYC gene. The main diagnostic challenge in BL is to distinguish it from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). While in children BL and DLBCL types probably do not differ clinically, and the differential diagnosis between BL and DLBCL may theoretically appear clear-cut, in adults daily practice shows the existence of cases that have morphological features, immunophenotypic and cytogenetics intermediate between DLBCL and BL, and cannot be classified with certainty in these categories. Distinguishing between BL and DLBCL is critical, as the two diseases require different management. This review summarizes the current practical approach, including the use of a large panel of antibodies, and cytogenetic and molecular diagnostic techniques, to distinguish between BL, DLBCL and the provisional category of "B-cell lymphoma, unclassificable, with features intermediate between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Burkitt lymphoma", now listed in the updated WHO classification. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Unequivocal morphological diagnosis of fungi in morphologically abnormal nailsHISTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 7 2006A Cabral Aims :,To analyse the prevalence of fungi in abnormal nails by morphological diagnosis. Prevalence studies of onychomycoses in temperate climate zones have yielded widely varying rates, possibly reflecting the confounding effects of referral bias, sampling specificity and intrinsic sensitivity of the diagnostic techniques employed. Methods and results :,The method employed to identify fungi in nails entailed primary fixation using a non-formaldehyde-based coagulative fixative (BoonFix®; Finetec, Japan) and microwave-enhanced processing to histology, followed by staining the paraffin sections with periodic acid,Schiff, using haematoxylin as a routine counterstain. The results of 990 nail samples were tabled for statistical analysis related to gender, patient age and diabetes mellitus status. In four of the 990 (< 1%) analysed cases the diagnosis was found to be equivocal using the method employed. These cases were jointly reviewed for definitive diagnosis. The overall prevalence of invasive hyphal structures was found to be 606/990 (, 61%). The relative risk for fungal infection in morphologically abnormal nails was found to be higher for persons <,20 years old or diabetic patients aged ,,71 years. Conclusions :,The 61% positivity rate for fungi found justifies systematic direct submission of samples from abnormal nails for histological confirmation in order to avoid unwarranted treatment. [source] Diagnosis of pancreatic cancerHPB, Issue 5 2006Fumihiko Miura Abstract The ability to diagnose pancreatic carcinoma has been rapidly improving with the recent advances in diagnostic techniques such as contrast-enhanced Doppler ultrasound (US), helical computed tomography (CT), enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and endoscopic US (EUS). Each technique has advantages and limitations, making the selection of the proper diagnostic technique, in terms of purpose and characteristics, especially important. Abdominal US is the modality often used first to identify a cause of abdominal pain or jaundice, while the accuracy of conventional US for diagnosing pancreatic tumors is only 50,70%. CT is the most widely used imaging examination for the detection and staging of pancreatic carcinoma. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is generally depicted as a hypoattenuating area on contrast-enhanced CT. The reported sensitivity of helical CT in revealing pancreatic carcinoma is high, ranging between 89% and 97%. Multi-detector-row (MD) CT may offer an improvement in the early detection and accurate staging of pancreatic carcinoma. It should be taken into consideration that some pancreatic adenocarcinomas are depicted as isoattenuating and that pancreatitis accompanied by pancreatic adenocarcinoma might occasionally result in the overestimation of staging. T1-weighted spin-echo images with fat suppression and dynamic gradient-echo MR images enhanced with gadolinium have been reported to be superior to helical CT for detecting small lesions. However, chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma are not distinguished on the basis of degree and time of enhancement on dynamic gadolinium-enhanced MRI. EUS is superior to spiral CT and MRI in the detection of small tumors, and can also localize lymph node metastases or vascular tumor infiltration with high sensitivity. EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy is a safe and highly accurate method for tissue diagnosis of patients with suspected pancreatic carcinoma. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) has been suggested as a promising modality for noninvasive differentiation between benign and malignant lesions. Previous studies reported the sensitivity and specificity of FDG-PET for detecting malignant pancreatic tumors as being 71,100% and 64,90%, respectively. FDG-PET does not replace, but is complementary to morphologic imaging, and therefore, in doubtful cases, the method must be combined with other imaging modalities. [source] Mutational spectrum of DMD mutations in dystrophinopathy patients: application of modern diagnostic techniques to a large cohort,HUMAN MUTATION, Issue 12 2009Kevin M. Flanigan Abstract Mutations in the DMD gene, encoding the dystrophin protein, are responsible for the dystrophinopathies Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD), and X-linked Dilated Cardiomyopathy (XLDC). Mutation analysis has traditionally been challenging, due to the large gene size (79 exons over 2.2,Mb of genomic DNA). We report a very large aggregate data set comprised of DMD mutations detected in samples from patients enrolled in the United Dystrophinopathy Project, a multicenter research consortium, and in referral samples submitted for mutation analysis with a diagnosis of dystrophinopathy. We report 1,111 mutations in the DMD gene, including 891 mutations with associated phenotypes. These results encompass 506 point mutations (including 294 nonsense mutations) and significantly expand the number of mutations associated with the dystrophinopathies, highlighting the utility of modern diagnostic techniques. Our data supports the uniform hypermutability of CGA>TGA mutations, establishes the frequency of polymorphic muscle (Dp427m) protein isoforms and reveals unique genomic haplotypes associated with "private" mutations. We note that 60% of these patients would be predicted to benefit from skipping of a single DMD exon using antisense oligonucleotide therapy, and 62% would be predicted to benefit from an inclusive multiexonskipping approach directed toward exons 45 through 55. Hum Mutat 30:1657,1666, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Evaluation of dietary, medical and lifestyle risk factors for incident kidney cancer in postmenopausal womenINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 1 2004Kristin K. Nicodemus Abstract Kidney cancer incidence rates in the United States have been increasing and are not fully accounted for by better diagnostic techniques. Risk factors in women are incompletely described. A total of 34,637 Iowan women initially free of cancer completed a mailed questionnaire in 1986. Kidney cancer incidence was identified over 15 years of follow-up (n = 124) through linkage to a statewide cancer registry. Adjusted for age and other risk factors, kidney cancer was associated positively with maximum adult weight (p for trend = 0.02) and current waist-to-hip ratio (p for trend = 0.002). Compared to nondrinkers, consumers of alcohol of 3.0 or more grams per day had a relative risk (RR) of 0.52 (95% CI = 0.29,0.92). Total vitamin C intake was associated positively with risk of kidney cancer (p for trend = 0.04), whereas total vitamin E intake was associated negatively with risk (p for trend = 0.002). The few women who used copper supplements had a 6.52-fold increase in risk of kidney cancer (95% CI = 1.95,21.8). Compared to never users, women who were former users of estrogen had an increased risk of kidney cancer (RR = 1.62; 95% CI = 1.11,2.36), but current users of estrogen were not at a higher risk. Women who were nulliparous or had more than 2 live births were also at increased risk of kidney cancer compared with women who had 1 or 2 live births. In conclusion, in these postmenopausal women, overweight, particularly central adiposity, was an important risk factor for kidney cancer. Potential risk factors that warrant further exploration were low intake of alcohol and vitamin E, higher intake of vitamin C, nulli- or multiparity and use of copper supplements. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Surgical approach of pulmonary hydatidosis in childhoodINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 2 2005I.C. Kurkcuoglu Summary To review the results of different surgical treatment in hydatid disease of the lung in paediatric patients. A total of 102 children with pulmonary hydatid cysts were treated at the our clinic in the period from 1990 to 2001. There were 59 boys and 43 girls and their age ranged from 4 to 16 years (mean 10.2). Chest radiography, computed tomography and abdominal ultrasonography were the most commonly used diagnostic techniques. The cysts were located in the right lung in 68 patients (66.6%), in the left lung in 30 patients (29.4%), in both lungs in four patients (3.9%). Concomitant liver cyst hydatid was also detected in 12 patients that were located at right lung, and two patients with bilateral lung involvement. All cases were managed surgically. Of 14 cases with concomitant liver and intrathoracic hydatid cysts, right thoracophrenotomy was performed in 12, median sternotomy in one, and phrenotomy in other. Partial cystectomy and capitonnage were the most commonly used surgical methods. Post-operative complication was seen in 10 (9.8%) patients. Infection at the incision site occurred in four patients and air leakage in three. Complications of capitonnage were seen in three patients. One patient (1%) died at fourth post-operative day due to sepsis. Parenchyma protective operations should be performed especially in children living in endemic areas because of the possibility of recurrence of the disease in the future. Single stage operations in suitable cases decrease the cost of treatment and make surgical therapy suitable in both children and young adults, by reducing the hospital in-patient time and morbidity. [source] The development of integrated haematopathology laboratories: a new approach to the diagnosis of leukaemia and lymphomaINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LABORATORY HEMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2003S. J. Richards Summary The diagnosis and monitoring of leukaemia and lymphoma requires the effective integration of a wide range of diagnostic techniques and expertise. The need to develop this type of service that crosses traditional boundaries of laboratory specialities is being recommended in national guidance. The Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service based within the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust was established in 1993 to provide specialist laboratory services for the diagnosis of haematological malignancy for Yorkshire and Humberside in the UK. The department uses a wide range of methodologies including morphology, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and molecular genetics [fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)] in a systematic and co-ordinated way. We describe how the department was established, its current working practices and highlight the advantages of an integrated laboratory for diagnosis of tumours of the haematopoietic system. [source] Simultaneous use of direct and indirect diagnostic techniques in atypical respiratory infections from Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniaeJOURNAL OF CLINICAL LABORATORY ANALYSIS, Issue 4 2009S. Pignanelli Abstract In 2008, 50 samples (BAL), coming from hospital patients, with acute respiratory symptoms have been investigated using two real-time PCR methods: one assay for the single detection of Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA and one commercially available real-time duplex PCR assay for the detection of C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae DNA. Both techniques used here showed compliant results, with 100% concordance for detection of C. pneumoniae and 98% for detection of M. pneumoniae. The positive results obtained agreed with the clinical suspicion of such infections in some cases and with the presence of IgM specific for C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae in all cases of acute infection. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 23:206,209, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Methods of detection of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythensis in periodontal microbiology, with special emphasis on advanced molecular techniques: a reviewJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 12 2004Mariano Sanz Abstract Background: Certain specific bacterial species from the subgingival biofilm have demonstrated aetiological relevance in the initiation and progression of periodontitis. Among all the bacteria studied, three have shown the highest association with destructive periodontal diseases: Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and Tannerella forsythensis (Tf). Therefore, the relevance of having accurate microbiological diagnostic techniques for their identification and quantification is clearly justified. Aim: To evaluate critically all scientific information on the currently available microbial diagnostic techniques aimed for the identification and quantification of Aa, Pg and Tf. Summary: Bacterial culturing has been the reference diagnostic technique for many years and, in fact, most of our current knowledge on periodontal microbiology derives from cultural data. However, the advent of new microbial diagnostics, mostly based on immune and molecular technologies, has not only highlighted some of the shortcomings of cultural techniques but has also allowed their introduction as easy and available adjunct diagnostic tools to be used in clinical research and practice. These technologies, mostly polymerase chain reaction (PCR), represent a field of continuous development; however, we still lack the ideal diagnostic to study the subgingival microflora. Qualitative PCR is still hampered by the limited information provided. Quantitative PCR is still in development; however, the promising early results reported are still hampered by the high cost and the equipment necessary for the processing. Conclusion: Quantitative PCR technology may have a major role in the near future as an adjunctive diagnostic tool in both epidemiological and clinical studies in periodontology. However, culture techniques still hold some inherent capabilities, which makes this diagnostic tool the current reference standard in periodontal microbiology. [source] Post-partum endomyometritis diagnosis and treatment: A reviewJOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 6 2003William J. Ledger Abstract Over the past 80 years, obstetrical treatment strategies devised to control current problems have resulted in the emergence of new types of infection. These, in turn, have caused modifications in diagnostic techniques and treatment specifics. Currently, the two most obvious changes influencing post-partum infection care are shortened post-partum hospital care, and the widespread use of intra-partum antibiotics to prevent early onset Group B streptococcal sepsis in the newborn. In the present review, risk factors for post-partum infection are delineated and strategies for prophylaxis and treatment are given. [source] Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction: A Novel Molecular Diagnostic Tool for Equine Infectious DiseasesJOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2006N. Pusterla The focus of rapid diagnosis of infectious disease of horses in the last decade has shifted from the conventional laboratory techniques of antigen detection, microscopy, and culture to molecular diagnosis of infectious agents. Equine practitioners must be able to interpret the use, limitations, and results of molecular diagnostic techniques, as they are increasingly integrated into routine microbiology laboratory protocols. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the best-known and most successfully implemented diagnostic molecular technology to date. It can detect slow-growing, difficult-to-cultivate, or uncultivatable microorganisms and can be used in situations in which clinical microbiology diagnostic procedures are inadequate, time-consuming, difficult, expensive, or hazardous to laboratory staff. Inherent technical limitations of PCR are present, but they are reduced in laboratories that use standardized protocols, conduct rigid validation protocols, and adhere to appropriate quality-control procedures. Improvements in PCR, especially probe-based real-time PCR, have broadened its diagnostic capabilities in clinical infectious diseases to complement and even surpass traditional methods in some situations. Furthermore, real-time PCR is capable of quantitation, allowing discrimination of clinically relevant infections characterized by pathogen replication and high pathogen loads from chronic latent infections. Automation of all components of PCR is now possible, which will decrease the risk of generating false-positive results due to contamination. The novel real-time PCR strategy and clinical applications in equine infectious diseases will be the subject of this review. [source] Deoxyribonucleic acid-based diagnostic techniques to detect Helicobacter pyloriALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 11 2004A. Ruzsovics Summary Helicobacter pylori is an important cause of many gastrointestinal disorders, ranging from chronic gastritis to gastric lymphoma and adenocarcinoma. The deoxyribonucleic acid-based assays have the potential to be a powerful diagnostic tool given its ability to specifically identify H. pylori deoxyribonucleic acid. Markers used to include general H. pylori structures and pathogenetic factors like ureaseA, cagA, vacA, iceA. Deoxyribonucleic acid or bacterial ribonucleic acid for polymerase chain reaction assays can be collected from gastric biopsy, gastric juice, stool, buccal specimens. Polymerase chain reaction can yield quantitative and genotyping results with sensitivity and specificity that approaches 100%. A clear trend in the direction of the determination of quantitative H. pylori infection by real-time polymerase chain reaction can be observed. Fluorescent in situ hybridization is suggested for routine antibiotic resistance determination. To identify the organism, deoxyribonucleic acid structure and its virulence factors may be feasible by using oligonucleotide microarray specifically recognizing and discriminating bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid and various virulence factors. Deoxyribonucleic acid-based H. pylori diagnosis yields higher sensitivity, however, specificity requires sophisticated labour environment and associated with higher costs. [source] Clinical etiological classification of scoliosis: report of 1289 casesORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY, Issue 1 2009Yong Qiu MD Objective:, With the development of diagnostic techniques and in-depth understanding of lateral curvature of the spine (scoliosis), it is possible to differentiate idiopathic scoliosis from other forms with various known etiologies. The present study was to analyze data collected at the authors' center according to the current etiological spectrum and classification of scoliosis. Methods:, One thousand, two hundred and eighty-nine consecutive patients with different forms of structural scoliosis were reviewed. The average age at first visit was 18 years, ranging from 4 months to 79 years. Corrective surgery was performed on patients aged from 9 to 28 years; their clinical data were retrieved for independent statistical analyses, and further compared with those obtained from the whole group. Results:, The prevalence of non-idiopathic scoliosis was 25.3% in the whole series, but it increased to 34% in the surgical group aged from 9 to 28 years. Thirty-nine percent of patients with congenital scoliosis presented at least one developmental spinal cord malformation. Conclusion:, The current study has shown that the etiological distribution of scoliosis has changed a lot from what was true decades ago. Developmental malformation related to scoliosis is one of the risk factors for neurological complications during corrective surgery, so it is important to make an accurate diagnosis and take appropriate prophylactic measures to avoid relative neurological complications. [source] Detection of resistance to acetolactate synthase inhibitors in weeds with emphasis on DNA-based techniques: a reviewPEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 7 2006Cheryl-Ann L Corbett Abstract Resistance to herbicides inhibiting acetolactate synthase (ALS) has been increasing at a faster rate than in any other herbicide group. The great majority of these cases are due to various single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the ALS gene endowing target site resistance. Many diagnostic techniques have been devised in order to confirm resistance and help producers to adopt the best management strategies. Recent advances in DNA technologies coupled with the knowledge of sequence information have allowed the development of accurate and rapid diagnostic tests. While whole plant-based diagnostic techniques such as seedling bioassays or enzyme-based in vitro bioassays provide accurate results, they tend to be labour- and/or space-intensive and will only respond to the particular herbicides tested, making resolution of cross-resistance patterns more difficult. Successful DNA-based diagnosis of ALS inhibitor resistance has been achieved with three main techniques, (1) restriction fragment length polymorphism, (2) polymerase chain reaction amplification of specific alleles and (3) denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography. All DNA-based techniques are relatively rapid and provide clear identification of the mutations causing resistance. Resistance based on non-target mechanisms is not identified by these DNA-based methods; however, given the prevalence of target site-based ALS inhibitor resistance, this is a minor inconvenience. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Nitrogen balance and ,15N: why you're not what you eat during nutritional stressRAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY, Issue 18 2005Benjamin T. Fuller While past experiments on animals, birds, fish, and insects have shown changes in stable isotope ratios due to nutritional stress, there has been little research on this topic in humans. To address this issue, a small pilot study was conducted. Hair samples from eight pregnant women who experienced nutritional stress associated with the nausea and vomiting of morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum) were measured for carbon (,13C) and nitrogen (,15N) stable isotope ratios. The ,13C results showed no change during morning sickness or pregnancy when compared with pre-pregnancy values. In contrast, the ,15N values generally increased during periods of weight loss and/or restricted weight gain associated with morning sickness. With weight gain and recovery from nutritional stress, the hair ,15N values displayed a decreasing trend over the course of gestation towards birth. This study illustrates how ,15N values are not only affected by diet, but also by the nitrogen balance of an individual. Potential applications of this research include the development of diagnostic techniques for tracking eating disorders, disease states, and nitrogen balance in archaeological, medical, and forensic cases. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Epidemiology of Bovine Venereal Campylobacteriosis: Geographic Distribution and Recent Advances in Molecular Diagnostic TechniquesREPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 5 2010GD Mshelia Contents Bovine venereal campylobacteriosis (BVC) is a major cause of economic loss to the cattle industries in different parts of the world. Camplylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv), the main causative agent of BVC, is highly adapted to the genital tract of cattle and is transmitted by carrier bulls. However, infertility and abortions can also be caused by the intestinal pathogens C. fetus subsp. fetus (Cff), and C. jenuni, which are not venereally transmitted. Bovine venereal campylobacteriosis, caused by Cfv associated with lowered fertility, embryo mortality and abortion, repeated returns to service, reduced pregnancy rates and extended calving intervals, has the highest prevalence in developing countries where natural breeding in cattle is widely practised. The epidemiology, pathogenesis and diagnosis of the disease have been the subject of previous reviews. The main focus of this review is to highlight the epidemiology of this disease with particular reference to geographical distribution and recent advances in molecular diagnostic techniques. It is hoped that further research interest of scientists will be stimulated with a view to finding lasting solutions to the reproductive problems associated with the disease for better livestock productivity, particularly in developing endemic countries. [source] Cervical thymic anomalies,The Texas Children's Hospital experienceTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 10 2009Angela K. Sturm-O'Brien MD Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: To review the presentation and management of cervical thymic cysts and ectopic thymic tissue at Texas Children's Hospital over the last 25 years. Study Design: Case report and case series using retrospective chart review. Methods: A case report is presented of a recently diagnosed thymic cyst highlighting diagnostic, management, and treatment strategies available for optimizing management of patients with significant mediastinal extension. We then present a retrospective review of cervical thymic anomalies at a tertiary academic medical center over a 25-year span (1983,present). Data extracted include patients' characteristics, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, surgical management, and postoperative complications. Results: Fifteen patients were found to have a pathological diagnosis of cervical thymic cyst, and 10 patients had a diagnosis of ectopic thymic tissue in the neck. This is the largest case series of cervical thymic anomalies presented in the literature to date. Patients' characteristics, diagnostic techniques, and treatment strategies are discussed. Conclusions: Cervical thymic anomalies are a rare but necessary part of the differential diagnosis of a cervical mass. Computed tomography scan can both narrow the preoperative differential diagnosis and aid in surgical planning for thymic cyst excision. A full discussion of the embryology, clinical presentation, and management of cervical thymic cysts and a review of the current literature is presented. Laryngoscope, 2009 [source] Conformation and Anatomical Relations of the Liver of Llama (Lama glama)ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 2 2009A. N. C. Castro Summary Morphological studies of the liver of the llama are structural supportive to the clinical practice, surgery and specific diagnostic techniques. The aims of this study were first to determine the location of the organ and the direction of its major axis to project it to the abdominal wall, identifying visible and palpable bony references. Secondly, to characterize and determine anatomical relations of the surfaces, borders and angles of the llama liver, as well as, of its lobulation. Twenty adult llamas of both sexes and two foetuses of 6.5- and 7-month-old were used. Llama liver is a post-diaphragmatic organ located in the cranial abdominal region, in the right hypochondrium, in relationship with the last six ribs. Dorsally, it can exceeds the last (twelfth) rib. Its major axis presents a cranio-ventral bent. Its shape is irregularly triangular. It presents two surfaces (parietal and visceral), three borders (cranial, caudal and ventral) and three angles (dorsal, cranial and caudal). [source] Implementation in Australia of molecular diagnostic techniques for the rapid detection of foot and mouth disease virusAUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 7 2004DB BOYLE Objective To evaluate and implement rapid molecular diagnostic techniques for the detection of foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) suitable for use in Australia. Design Two PCR TaqMan assays targeted to the FMDV internal ribosome entry site or the 3D polymerase coding region for the rapid detection of FMDV were evaluated using non-infectious materials to determine the test most appropriate for implementation as part of Australia's national preparedness for the rapid detection and diagnosis of FMD outbreaks. Results Two published tests (PCR TaqMan assays targeted to the FMDV IRES region or the FMDV 3D polymerase coding region) were evaluated for their ability to detect FMDV genetic material in non-infectious FMDV ELISA antigen stocks held at Australian Animal Health Laboratory. Both tests were able to detect FMDV genetic material from strains O1 Manisa, O-3039, A22, A24, A Malaysia, C, Asia 1 and SAT 1, 2 and 3. With the exception of Asia 1, the TaqMan assay targeted to the FMD 3D polymerase coding region had Ct values equal to or lower than for the TaqMan assay targeted to the IRES region suggesting that this test may provide broader serotype detection and sensitivity. However, the TaqMan assay directed to the FMDV IRES is the only one to date to have undergone substantial evaluation using clinical samples collected during an outbreak. The greatest differences observed were for O-3039, SAT 1, and 3. Conclusion Given the ease of setting up both tests, AAHL currently runs both tests on highly suspect FMD investigations to provide independent confirmation of the absence of FMDV because the tests are focused on two independent regions of the FMDV genome. These tests add substantially to Australia's preparedness for FMD diagnosis complementing the already well-established virus isolation and antigen capture ELISA tests for index case diagnosis of FMD in Australia. [source] International Classification of Childhood Cancer, third edition,,CANCER, Issue 7 2005Eva Steliarova-Foucher Ph.D. Abstract BACKGROUND The third edition of the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O-3), which was published in 2000, introduced major changes in coding and classification of neoplasms, notably for leukemias and lymphomas, which are important groups of cancer types that occur in childhood. This necessitated a third revision of the 1996 International Classification of Childhood Cancer (ICCC-3). METHODS The tumor categories for the ICCC-3 were designed to respect several principles: agreement with current international standards, integration of the entities defined by newly developed diagnostic techniques, continuity with previous childhood classifications, and exhaustiveness. RESULTS The ICCC-3 classifies tumors coded according to the ICD-O-3 into 12 main groups, which are split further into 47 subgroups. These 2 levels of the ICCC-3 allow standardized comparisons of the broad categories of childhood neoplasms in continuity with the previous classifications. The 16 most heterogeneous subgroups are broken down further into 2,11 divisions to allow study of important entities or homogeneous collections of tumors characterized at the cytogenetic or molecular level. Some divisions may be combined across the higher-level categories, such as the B-cell neoplasms within leukemias and lymphomas. CONCLUSIONS The ICCC-3 respects currently existing international standards and was designed for use in international, population-based, epidemiological studies and cancer registries. The use of an international classification system is especially important in the field of pediatric oncology, in which the low frequency of cases requires rigorous procedures to ensure data comparability. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society. [source] 1252: Diagnostic tools for adult intraocular tumoursACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010L ZOGRAFOS Purpose Fundus examination completed with Fundus drawings and panoramic, fundus pictures, standard and panoramic fluorescein angiography, standard and panoramic ICG, 10, 20 and 50 MHz ultrasonography, and OCT are the main diagnostic tools for intraocular tumours in adult's patients. Methods These various diagnostic techniques provide complementary informations contributing to the final diagnosis. A document tumour growth during a periodic observation may be recorded with standard or panoramic fundus pictures. The modifications of the pigmant epithelium as well as an increase permeability of the tumour vessels may be recorded with standard or panoramic fluorescein angiography. Intra-tumoral and Peri-tumoral with hemodynamic modifications may be recorded with standard and panoramic ICG. Results Tumour shape, and tumour height is recorded with standard 10 or 20 MHz ultrasonography. The volume and the shape of anteriorly located intra ocular tumours are recorded with 50 MHz UBM. Conclusion The presence of the retinal detachment in contact with the tumours may be recorded with modern OCT. Additional examinations which can be used in ocular oncology are: Fundus auto- fluorescence, MRI, and computed tomography. An intraocular biopsy can be required in specific cases. [source] 1254: Diagnostic techniques for adnexal tumoursACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010S SEREGARD Purpose To outline clinical features and diagnostic techniques available for ocular adnexal tumours Methods Review of pertinent literature and personal unpublished data. Results Ocular adnexal tumours include a wide range of beningn and malignant neoplasms, some of which may be systemic. A correct pre-operative diagnosis is imperative for appropriate management of these tumours. In most cases a combination of distinct clinical features, pertinent review of the patient's history and the judicial use of salient diagnostic techniques, like exfolitaion cytology and punch biopsies will provide the clinician with an approach to manage these lesions. Conclusion The wide range of ocular adnexal tumours may cause significant clinical confusion. Recognition of distinct clinical features and judicial use of auxiliary diagnostic techniques will in most cases provide the clinician with a correct pre-operative diagnosis. [source] Multiple viral respiratory pathogens in children with bronchiolitisACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 1 2009Hilary E Stempel Abstract Aim: The aim of the study was to describe the frequency of viral pathogens and relative frequency of co-infections in nasal specimens obtained from young children with bronchiolitis receiving care at a children's hospital. Methods: We conducted a study of nasal wash specimens using real-time PCR and fluorescent-antibody assay results from children less than two with an ICD-9-CM code for bronchiolitis. All specimens were collected for clinical care at Children's Hospital in Seattle, WA, USA, during the respiratory season from October 2003 to April 2004. Results: Viruses were detected in 168 (93%) of the 180 children with bronchiolitis. A single virus was identified in 127 (71%) children and multiple viruses in 41 (23%). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was the most common virus detected (77%), followed by adenovirus (15%), human metapneumovirus (11%), coronavirus (8%), parainfluenza (6%) and influenza (1%). Of the 139 samples with RSV detected, 34 (24%) were co-infected with another viral pathogen. Conclusion: Molecular diagnostic techniques identified a high frequency of viruses and viral co-infections among children evaluated for bronchiolitis. Further study of the role of viral pathogens other than RSV and co-infections with RSV in children with bronchiolitis appears warranted. [source] The use of molecular markers of bone turnover in the management of patients with metastatic bone diseaseCLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 6 2008Markus J. Seibel Summary Biochemical markers of bone turnover are widely used in clinical practice. These indices have been shown to be associated with the occurrence, prognosis and therapeutic response of malignant bone lesions. For example, markers of bone resorption are often elevated in patients with established bone metastases and while this may point to a role of these markers in the diagnostic workup of cancer patients, the available evidence does not permit any final conclusions as to the accuracy and validity of the presently used markers in the early diagnosis of bone metastases. Many bone turnover markers appear to respond to antiresorptive and antineoplastic therapies, and recent evidence from prospective trials suggests that the aim of bisphosphonate therapy should be to normalize rates of bone remodelling to optimize therapeutic and prognostic outcomes. However, it remains unknown whether the use of bone markers in the routine clinical setting has any defined beneficial effects on overall outcome in cancer patients. Clearly, bone turnover markers have insufficient diagnostic or prognostic value to be used in isolation; however, the combination of these markers with other diagnostic techniques may improve clinical assessment of patients with bone-seeking cancers. This article reviews the available evidence (as of August 2007) on the clinical use of bone turnover markers in the management of patients with metastatic bone disease. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||