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Faster Diagnosis (faster + diagnosis)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	75%

Selected Abstracts

A prototype biosensor-integrated image-guided surgery system

THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ROBOTICS AND COMPUTER ASSISTED SURGERY, Issue 1 2007
L. A. Reisner
Abstract Background In this study we investigated the integration of a Raman spectroscopy-based biosensor with an image-guided surgery system. Such a system would provide a surgeon with both a diagnosis of the tissue being analysed (e.g. cancer) and localization information displayed within an imaging modality of choice. This type of mutual and registered information could lead to faster diagnoses and enable more accurate tissue resections. Methods A test bed consisting of a portable Raman probe attached to a passively articulated mechanical arm was used to scan and classify objects within a phantom skull. Results The prototype system was successfully able to track the Raman probe, classify objects within the phantom skull, and display the classifications on medical imaging data within a virtual reality environment. Conclusion We discuss the implementation of the integrated system, its accuracy and improvements to the system that will enhance its usefulness and further the field of sensor-based computer-assisted surgery. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Psychogastroenterology: a call for psychological input in Australian gastroenterology clinics

INTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 2 2009
A. Mikocka-Walus
Abstract Gastroenterologists should be able to refer patients directly to psychologists with full Medicare reimbursement. Psychological comorbidities are frequently seen in patients with gastrointestinal conditions. However, time pressure and lack of expertise in non-medical therapies of psychological problems prevent gastroenterologists from initiating psychological treatment although such treatment may improve patients' outcomes and reduce health-care utilization. Psychologists are needed as part of the multidisciplinary team in gastroenterology clinics in Australia to take the leading role in the psychological management of those patients by contributing to screening, faster diagnosis and treatment of depression and anxiety disorders in particular. [source]

Molecular identification and characterization of rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates by line probe assay: an approach for rapid diagnosis of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis

LETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2008
C. Bicmen
Abstract Aim:, Early identification and characterization of rifampicin-resistant (Rr) Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates recovered from the samples of tuberculosis (TB) patients in the Aegean (West Anatolian) Region was intended. Methods and Results:, Sixty isolates [47 (78·3%) multidrug-resistant (MDR)], which were identified as M. tuberculosis complex and phenotypically resistant to rifampicin by both BACTEC mycobacteria growth indicator tube (MGIT) 960 and 460 systems were analysed by a commercial line probe assay (INNO-LiPA Rif TB). The concordance of LiPA with the in vitro susceptibility test was found as 98·3%. Among the isolates, S531L (R5 pattern; 46·7%) and L511P/R, S512T, Q513L/K (,S1 pattern; 11·7%) were the most frequent mutation patterns. As compared with the BACTEC systems and conventional techniques for cultivation, identification and in vitro susceptibility testing, INNO-LiPA Rif TB after cultivation in BACTEC MGIT 960 system provided an average of 20 days early diagnosis of RrM. tuberculosis isolates. Conclusions:, Rapid molecular identification and characterization of RrM. tuberculosis isolates after BACTEC MGIT 960 cultivation would be useful for faster diagnosis, infection control and planning of accurate treatment in MDR-TB patients. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Patients with MDR-TB need a specified treatment and efficient follow-up strategies. Rapid and practical methodologies to diagnose and follow these patients should be applied in routine use. [source]

Atypical varicella zoster infection associated with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

PEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER, Issue 2 2009
Jutte E. van der Werff ten Bosch MD
Abstract Two adolescents, on immunosuppressive therapy for graft-versus-host disease, developed hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) after varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation. In the absence of dermatome restricted characteristic skin lesions, VZV reactivation was not immediately recognized and treatment with acyclovir was delayed. The first patient developed optical neuritis and died 2 months after the VZV episode due to massive intracranial hemorrhage. The second patient presented with severe abdominal pain and pancreatitis, followed by atypical skin eruptions, which prompted a faster diagnosis. Both patients recovered from their HLH, the first patient being successfully treated with immunosuppressive agents and the second with VZV treatment only. These two cases demonstrate the difficulties in recognizing VZV reactivation, and in order to start adequate and timely treatment, the need to consider VZV as a possible cause of HLH in severely immunocompromised patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:226,228. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]