Alternative Method For Diagnosis Research Articles

Changing trends in diagnostics of trypanosomosis in animals

Animal trypanosomosis presents special problems with regard to diagnosis since the clinical signs are not pathognomonic and standard parasitological techniques are not sufficiently sensitive. Formol-gel and mercuric chloride tests using serum of infected animals were adopted as a routine diagnostic tool for trypanosomosis, however, these chemical tests suffer from inherent problem of non specificity. To overcome this problem, alternative methods of diagnosis were developed, which detected antibody responses to antigens of infecting trypanosomes. Indirect immunofluorescent antibody test, enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) and the card agglutination test for trypanosomosis (CATT) were found to be useful tests for the diagnosis of Trypanosoma evansi infections in view of their sensitivity and specificity. However, antibody detection tests failed to distinguish between current and past infections because of persistent antibody titres. Recently, development of assays for the detection of circulating trypanosomal antigens in infected animals has circumvented this problem since antigen-positivity indicates existing infection. Latex agglutination test, being simple to perform, rapid, convenient, cost-effective could be quite suitable for field-level diagnosis and screening of trypanosomosis. Presently molecular diagnostic techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA probes for detection of parasitic DNA have been used more efficiently as these indicate a sure sign of an active infection. These techniques eliminate the possibilities of cross-reaction and offer high specificity and sensitivity for detection of trypanosomosis in animals.

The efficacy of Watch PAT in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome diagnosis.

Polysomnography is currently considered as the gold standard for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). But high expense and the backlog of the sleep centers have resulted in a search for an alternative method of diagnosis. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and reliability of Watch PAT as an alternate option in OSAS diagnosis. The patients have worn a Watch PAT(®) 200 device in the sleep laboratory during a standard polysomnography. The correlation in REM and Non-REM AHI scores, sleep periods and the mean O2 saturation percentage between Watch PAT and PSG sleep studies were assessed. There was a statistically significant very strong correlation between PSG and Watch PAT AHI scores (Spearman's rho = 0.802 p < 0.001). The mean recording time with PSG and Watch PAT was 463.06 ± 37.08 and 469.33 ± 72.81 min, respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.068). However, there was a statistically significant difference between two methods regarding the average sleep time and REM sleep period. No statistically significant difference was revealed in the mean O2 saturation percentage (p < 0.001). Watch PAT is an efficient device and is considered to be an adjunctive diagnostic method for PSG in diagnosis of OSAS.

An improved spectral analysis of the stray flux component for the detection of air-gap irregularities in squirrel cage motors

For machines׳ monitoring purpose, the classical motor current signature analysis has shown its weakness in distinguishing the eccentricity occurrence in presence of others mechanical faults. Although Park׳s vector approach can cover this drawback, the high cost due to the requirement to use three current sensors associated with an advanced processing technique, makes it less desired by industrialists. In this paper, we suggest an alternative diagnosis method based on a suitable processing of the stray flux data. The experimental results have revealed the potential of a simple search coil for the detection and the distinction of the accurate eccentricity nature even in presence of similar mechanical faults.

Role Of Serial C-reactive Protein (Crp) In Relation To Total Leucocyte Count, Platelet Count &amp; Blood Culture For Early Diagnosis Of Neonatal Septicemia In Developing Countries

Neonatal septicemia is a clinical syndrome of systemic illness accompanied by bacteremia occuring in the first 28 days of life. Neonatal septicemia is one of the major causes of neonatal death in developing countries. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent neonatal mortality and morbidity. The present study includes: 1) usefulness of CRP (C-reactive protein), Total Leucocyte Count, Platelet Count and Blood Culture in early diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis, 2) significance of serial CRP in diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. 3) the prognostic value of CRP in neonatal sepsis. This is a prospective study done in neonatal ward, Chittagong Medical College Hospital and carried out from January 2008 to January 2011. Sample size was 300. One hundred fifty neonates with suspected sepsis as cases and 150 healthy babies as control were enrolled in this study. Seventy two percent of cases neonates were preterm and low birth weight. Common risk factors for neonatal septicemia which were identified in this study; preterm (72%), low birth weight (72%), premature rupture membrane (60%), chorioamnionitis (26%) and maternal urinary tract infection (16%). Out of 150 cases of suspected neonatal sepsis total 80.7%% had raised CRP, in initial sample 70.39% were CRP positive and in 2nd sample additional 9.31% case were CRP positive . In control group 91% were CRP negative. CRP was positive in 100% of culture proven sepsis. Sensitivity of CRP was 80.67% and specificity of CRP was 76.44%. Leucocytosis was observed in 7% of cases and leucopenia was found in 11% of cases. In 82 % cases leucocyte count was found normal. In control group, 95% had normal leucocyte count and 5% had leucocytosis but no leucopenia. Sensitivity of leucocyte count was 18% and specificity was 20.68%. Thrombocytopenia was found in 28% of case group. Out of 150 cases only 15.33% yielded growth of organisms in blood culture. Klebsiella was the most common pathogen isolated which was followed by E.coli and Strph. aureus. Sensitivity of blood culture was 15.33% and specificity was 100% Therefore serial CRP can be taken as alternative method for diagnosis of neonatal sepsis specially in developing countries where blood culture is not readily available.&#x0D; JCMCTA 2013 ; 24 (2): 22-25

P1.026 Validity of Urine-Based Diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis

BackgroundCurrent gold standard diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) relies on categorising Gram-stained vaginal smears through Nugent scoring. We have recently described an alternative method of diagnosis, based on visualisation through...

Value of high resolution ultrasonography in assessment of laryngeal lesions

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the value of high resolution ultrasonography (HRUS) in diagnosis of various laryngeal lesions which already diagnosed with rigid endoscopy. Study design: Prospective study with control group. Patients and methods: Sixty-six patients were suffering from throat symptoms and pre-examined by rigid endoscopy under local anesthesia and diagnosed to have a laryngeal lesion and 32 volunteers compose the control group. All 98 persons (patients and control groups) were examined by HRUS. Results: HRUS was helpful in describing various laryngeal lesions, vocal fold polyps (17) 25.7%, glottic cancer (6) 9.1%, epiglottic enlargement (2) 3.1% and one patient had laryngocele (1.5%). HRUS was highly significant in diagnosis of subglottic lesions (10) 15.2%. Also vocal fold mobility can be demonstrated by HRUS. While interarytenoid lesions (17) 25.8% and small laryngeal lesions as vocal fold nodules (13) 19.6% were difficult to be described. Conclusion: Rigid endoscopy in laryngeal examination gives us large, bright image but it is difficult to diagnose patients with a sensitive gag reflex, patients with neck or jaw diseases or stridor and very difficult in infants and children. HRUS is an alternative method in diagnosis of some laryngeal lesions, and it is superior in the diagnosis of small subglottic lesions.

A Simple HPV 18 Detection Method Based on Ultra Specific Primer Immobilized on Glass Slides

This study was carried out to develop a simple and inexpensive method for detection of Human papillomavirus (HPV 18) based on irreversible immobilization of ultra specific primer on silanized glass slides. This method is revealed by Blue Green Loading Dye I (LGC) and compared with conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for endocervical samples. The new method was tested in 40 DNA samples with precancer uterine lesions of women treated in Hospital of Recife PE, Brazil. DNA samples were extracted using Wizard Genomic DNA Purification Kit according to manufacturer's instructions. The samples were tested for HPV 18 by conventional PCR (PCRc) and the products visualized on 1.2% agarose gel, with LGC under UV 260 nm. After that the positive and negative samples to HPV 18 were tested by immobilization method and the results visualized with LGC under UV 260 nm. Both PCRc and immobilization method showed high degree of correlation (95%), whereas comparison between PCRc and immobilization method showed good correlation (100%). PCRc is widely known for detection of HPV because of its high sensitivity and efficiency, but due to high cost it is not yet standardized for use in public health laboratories. In our study, the single-stranded DNA immobilized method on a glass slide was effective in screening for HPV revealed by Blue Green and may be an alternative method for diagnosis of HPV once it offers a fast, and easy handling.

99mtc-Depreotide And 99mtc-EDDA/HYNIC-Tyr3-Octreotide Somatostatin Receptor Scintigraphy in Evaluation of Radiologically Indeterminate Solitary Pulmonary Nodules

The aim of our study was to assess somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) in evaluation of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs). 93 patients with SPNs underwent SRS single photon emission tomography (SPECT) performed with use of one of two somatostatin analogues: 99m Tc-depreotide (49 patients) and 99m Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-Tyr 3 -octreotide (44 patients). 99m Tc-depreotide uptake was true positive (TP) in 37/38 malignant SPNs, and true negative (TN) in 10/11 patients, one false-negative (FN) result and one false-positive (FP) result; the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy was 97%, 91% and 96% respectively. In 99m Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-Tyr 3 -octreotide SRS there were 12 of 20 TP results, 21 of 24 TN results, 8 of 20 were FN and 3 of 24 was FP, resulting in a sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of 60%, 88% and 75% respectively. Conclusions : 99m Tc-depreotide SRS in evaluation of SPNs can be recommended as alternative method of diagnosis, while 99m Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-Tyr 3 -octreotide SRS is less effective.

Evaluation of three alternative methods for diagnosis of equine herpesvirus abortion

use of a labeled probe, to enable detection of amplified products using a LFD. The assay to identify T. equigenitalis successfully amplified a 121bp fragment of the 23S rDNA genes. The assay detected as few as 46 gene copies in 12 minutes. The assay did not cross-hybridise with any of the 38 different bacterial organisms tested. The RPA assay was tested against a panel of 60 clinical equine genital swabs. All of the culture negative DNA extracts were correctly identified. Of the 30 culture positive DNA extracts, 24 were correctly identified. Culture positive, RPA negative DNA extracts had high real-time PCR CT values, indicating low levels of target DNA present. The introduction of a second probe into the assay enabled the simultaneous detection and differentiation of T. equigenitalis and T. asinigenitalis. The T. equigenitalis assaywas successfully adapted to enable detection of amplification products LFDs. We have successfully developed a rapid and sensitive isothermal assay to identify T. equigenitalis. Additionally, the inclusion of a second probe enables the detection of T. asinigenitalis. The amplification products can be detected in real time or via LFD. This test provides a fast (under 15 minutes) and accurate means of identification. The low energy requirements, lack of expensive equipment and LFD readout makes this test a suitable candidate for rapid diagnosis in low technology laboratories or near to the point of sampling.

Value of Ultrasonagraphy in Diagnosis of Laryngeal Lesions

Objective: Evaluate the value of high-resolution ultrasonography (HRUS) in diagnosis of various laryngeal lesions. Method: A prospective study done from March 2010 to July 2011 on 66 patients suffering from voice changes, pre-examined by rigid endoscopy and diagnosed to have a laryngeal lesion, and 32 volunteers composed the control group. All 98 persons (patients and control groups) were examined by HRUS. Results: HRUS was helpful in describing various laryngeal lesions as vocal cord nodules (13) 19.6%, vocal cord polyps (17) 25.7%, epiglottal enlargement (2) 3.03%, and vocal cord mass (6) 9.09%. It was highly significant in diagnosis of early subglottic lesions—(10) 15.2%—that were missed by rigid endoscopy. Also, vocal cords mobility can be demonstrated by HRUS. However, interarytenoid edema (18) 27.3% was difficult to detect. Conclusion: Rigid endoscopy is difficult to diagnose laryngeal lesions in patients with sensitive gag reflex, neck or jaw diseases, and stridor and in infants. HRUS is an alternative method in diagnosis of some laryngeal lesions in these patients, and it is superior in the diagnosis of small subglottic lesions.

Liver biopsy in modern clinical practice: a pediatric point-of-view.

Liver biopsy remains the foundation of evaluation and management of liver disease in children, although the role of the liver biopsy is changing with development of alternative methods of diagnosis and advancement of hepatic imaging techniques. The indications for liver biopsy are evolving as current knowledge of etiologies, noninvasive biomarker alternatives, and treatment options in pediatric liver disease are expanding. The procedure can often be complicated in children by technical difficulties, cost, and smaller specimen size. Communication and partnership of clinicians with pathologists experienced in pediatric liver diseases are essential. DNA sequencing, novel imaging modalities, noninvasive biomarkers of fibrosis and apoptosis, proteomics, and genome-wide association studies offer potential alternative methods for evaluation of liver disease in children. This review presents specific indications, considerations, methods, complications, contraindications, and alternatives for pediatric liver biopsy.

Recomendaciones sobre el diagnóstico de la enfermedad fúngica invasora de la Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (SEIMC). Actualización 2010

These guidelines are an update of recommendations for the diagnosis of invasive fungal infections by the Spanish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (SEIMC) published in 2004 (Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin. 2004, 22:32-9). In this updated version of the guidelines, a comprehensive review of the most recent diagnostic innovations and levels of evidence to recommend those diagnostic procedures are included. We first analyse conventional diagnostic methods, microscopic examination and culture, underlining their limitations which have led to the development of alternative methods, such as fungal antigen and DNA quantification. Those alternative methods of diagnosis are analysed by fungal infection. We also briefly review the methods for molecular identification of fungal species and recommendations for carrying out susceptibility tests for antifungal drugs, including reference procedures, commercial techniques and their indications.

Enzyme-Linked Immunospot Assay Detection of Mumps-Specific Antibody-Secreting B Cells as an Alternative Method of Laboratory Diagnosis

Although high measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination coverage has been successful in dramatically reducing mumps disease in the United States, mumps (re)infections occasionally occur in individuals who have been either previously vaccinated or naturally infected. Standard diagnostics that detect virus or virus-specific antibody are dependable for confirming primary mumps infection in immunologically naïve persons, but these methods perform inconsistently for individuals with prior immune exposure. We hypothesized that detection of activated mumps-specific antibody-secreting B cells (ASCs) by enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay could be used as a more reliable diagnostic. To test this, a time course of virus-specific ASC responses was measured by ELISPOT assay following MMR vaccination of 16 previously vaccinated or naturally exposed adult volunteers. Mumps-specific ASCs were detectable in 68% of these individuals at some point during the first 3 weeks following revaccination. In addition, mumps-specific ASCs were detected in 7/7 previously vaccinated individuals who recently had been infected as part of a confirmed mumps outbreak. These data suggest that ELISPOT detection of mumps-specific ASCs has the potential for use as an alternative method of diagnosis when suspect cases cannot be confirmed by detection of IgM or virus. In addition, it was determined that mumps-specific memory B cells are detected at a much lower frequency than measles- or rubella-specific cells, suggesting that mumps infection may not generate robust B-cell memory.

DETECTION OF Citrus psorosis ophiovirus IN CITRUS CV. NAVEL ORANGE IN EGYPT

Citrus is one of the most important fruit crops worldwide. Most of the citrus cultivars are grown as grafted plants. Virus pathogens transmitted by grafting as well as insect vectors could cause economic problems. Among graft transmissible diseases that have been reported from Egypt as well as in the rest of the Mediterranean countries; citrus psorosis disease that is of the most serious and remain the most spread disease in Egypt (Roistacher, 1991; Sofy, 2008). In infected trees, scaly bark symptoms appears on the trunk, staining of interior wood of branch and gummy as well as shortened leaf internodes and mottling patterns on leaves (Ghazal et al., 2008; El-Dougdoug et al., 2009). Citrus psorosis virus (CPsV), the type species of the genus Ophiovirus (Vaira et al., 2005), is the putative causal agent of psorosis, a major graft-transmissible disease of citrus (Roistacher, 1993). Virus particles are formed by three single-stranded, negative sense RNAs and a coat protein (CP) of 48 kDa (Derrick et al., 1988; Marti´n et al., 2005). RNA1 contains 8184 bp and its complementary strand has two ORFs potentially encoding a 24 kDa protein of unknown function and a 280 kDa protein with motifs characteristic of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRp). RNA2 contains 1644 bp and its complementary strand encodes a 54 kDa protein without similarities to other known proteins and RNA3 contains 1454 bp and its complementary strand encodes the CP (Barthe et al., 1998; Sa´nchez de la Torre et al., 1998 & 2002; Naum-Ongani´a et al., 2003; Marti´n et al., 2005). The sensitive, reliable and rapid identification of plant viruses is essential for effective disease control. For many years, laborious and costly indexing on citrus indicators was the only diagnostic method available (Roistacher, 1993). The first breakthrough in the development of a laboratory diagnostic testing technique came in 1977 with the development of the ELISA (Clark and Adams, 1977). DAS-ELISA (Garcia et al., 1997) and TAS-ELISA (Alioto et al., 1999) are methods developed and applied for psorosis diagnosis in field trees. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed in the early 1990’s and has the ability to selectively amplify a part of the target deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (Garcia et al., 1997; Legarreta et al., 2000; D’Onghia et al., 2001), are now being utilized and several primers have been designed for the CPsV detection by the RT-PCR providing an alternative method for diagnosis (Barthe et al., 1998; Legarreta et al., 2000). This study aimed to detect CPsV in citrus trees cv. Navel orange via biological, serological and molecular methods.

Molecular and alternative methods for diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia with mutated NPM1: flexibility may help

A cute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a molecularly and clinically heterogeneous disease.[1][1] Nucleophosmin ( NPM1 ) gene mutations resulting in cytoplasmic delocalization of nucleophosmin (NPMc+)[2][2] are the most common genetic alteration in AML, being detected in about one-third of cases. Because

Search for Mycobacterium leprae in wild mammals

Leprosy is still a worldwide public health problem. Brazil and India show the highest prevalence rates of the disease. Natural infection of armadillos Dasypus novemcinctus with Mycobacterium leprae has been reported in some regions of the United States. Identification of bacilli is difficult, particularly due to its inability to grow in vitro. The use of molecular tools represents a fast and sensitive alternative method for diagnosis of mycobacteriosis. In the present study, the diagnostic methods used were bacilloscopy, histopathology, microbiology, and PCR using specific primers for M. leprae repetitive sequences. PCR were performed using genomic DNA extracted from 138 samples of liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and skin of 44 D. novemcinctus, Euphractus sexcinctus, Cabassous unicinctus, and C. tatouay armadillos from the Middle Western region of the state of São Paulo and from the experimental station of Embrapa Pantanal, located in Pantanal da Nhecolândia of Mato Grosso do Sul state. Also, the molecular analysis of 19 samples from internal organs of other road killed species of wild animals, such as Nasua nasua (ring-tailed coati), Procyon cancrivoros (hand-skinned), Cerdocyon thous (dog-pity-bush), Cavia aperea (restless cavy), Didelphis albiventris (skunk), Sphigurrus spinosus (hedgehog), and Gallictis vittata (ferret) showed PCR negative data. None of the 157 analyzed samples had shown natural mycobacterial infection. Only the armadillo inoculated with material collected from untreated multibacillary leprosy patient presented PCR positive and its genomic sequencing revealed 100% identity with M. leprae. According to these preliminary studies, based on the used methodology, it is possible to conclude that wild mammals seem not to play an important role in the epidemiology of leprosy in the Middle Western region of the São Paulo state and in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul state.

Search for Mycobacterium leprae in wild mammals

Leprosy is still a worldwide public health problem. Brazil and India show the highest prevalence rates of the disease. Natural infection of armadillos Dasypus novemcinctus with Mycobacterium leprae has been reported in some regions of the United States. Identification of bacilli is difficult, particularly due to its inability to grow in vitro. The use of molecular tools represents a fast and sensitive alternative method for diagnosis of mycobacteriosis. In the present study, the diagnostic methods used were bacilloscopy, histopathology, microbiology, and PCR using specific primers for M. leprae repetitive sequences. PCR were performed using genomic DNA extracted from 138 samples of liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and skin of 44 D. novemcinctus, Euphractus sexcinctus, Cabassous unicinctus, and C. tatouay armadillos from the Middle Western region of the state of São Paulo and from the experimental station of Embrapa Pantanal, located in Pantanal da Nhecolândia of Mato Grosso do Sul state. Also, the molecular analysis of 19 samples from internal organs of other road killed species of wild animals, such as Nasua nasua (ring-tailed coati), Procyon cancrivoros (hand-skinned), Cerdocyon thous (dog-pity-bush), Cavia aperea (restless cavy), Didelphis albiventris (skunk), Sphigurrus spinosus (hedgehog), and Gallictis vittata (ferret) showed PCR negative data. None of the 157 analyzed samples had shown natural mycobacterial infection. Only the armadillo inoculated with material collected from untreated multibacillary leprosy patient presented PCR positive and its genomic sequencing revealed 100% identity with M. leprae. According to these preliminary studies, based on the used methodology, it is possible to conclude that wild mammals seem not to play an important role in the epidemiology of leprosy in the Middle Western region of the São Paulo state and in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul state.

Laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment of nonpalpable testis

Treatment of the cryptorchid testicle is justified due to the increased risk of infertility and malignancy as well as the risk of testicular trauma and psychological stigma on patients and their parents. Approximately 20% of cryptorchid testicles are nonpalpable. In these cases, the videolaparoscopic technique is a useful alternative method for diagnosis and treatment. We present data concerning 90 patients submitted to diagnostic laparoscopy for impalpable testicles. Forty-six patients (51.1%) had intra-abdominal gonads. In 25 testicles of 19 patients, we performed a two stage laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy. The other 27 patients underwent primary laparoscopic orchiopexy, in a total of 29 testicles. We obtained an overall 88% success rate with the 2 stage Fowler-Stephens approach and only 33% rate success using one stage Fowler-Stephens surgery with primary vascular ligature. There was no intraoperative complication in our group of patients. In the laparoscopic procedures, the cosmetic aspect is remarkably more favorable as compared to open surgeries. Hospital stay and convalescence were brief. In pediatric age group, the laparoscopic approach is safe and feasible. Furthermore, the laparoscopic orchiopexy presents excellent results in terms of diagnosis and therapy of the impalpable testis, which is why this technique has been routinely incorporated in our Department.

An Alternative Method for Diagnosis of Allergic Contact Dermatitis

ABSTRACTStandard patch test, used as a supportive method for diagnosis of patients with allergic contact dermatitis, is a reliable and widely-acclaimed test method which enables us to determine contact hypersensitivity. However, this test presents with certain negative aspects such as; requiring patient to carry the test unit on his/her back for 48 hours, limiting of the bodily activities, and high costs. In the present study, iontophoresis test has been tried as an alternative for patch test.Patch test was applied to patients with eczematous lesions presented to dermatological polyclinic and iontophoresis test was applied to 50 patients with positive test results. 50 patients with negative patch test results were included in the study as control group. A galvanic current of500 microamper, was applied for 5 minutes in order to make the allergen agent permeate transdermally.No statistically significant difference has been detected between the results of the two groups. Owing to its properties such as high success rate, practicality, simplicity, and cost-effective process, iontophoresis test was believed to be a suitable modality for allergic contact dermatitis as an alternative diagnostical method.

Is bispectral index monitoring an alternative method for diagnosis of brain death?

EEG and cerebral angiography is usually mandatory beside clinical examination for the diagnosis of brain death. In recent years, for head trauma patients correlation was found between the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and the bispectral index (BIS) that was dependent on the analysis of EEG. We studied whether BIS monitoring is an alternative method or not.