Diagnostic Aspects Research Articles

Current aspects of multimodal ultrasound liver diagnostics using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), fat evaluation, fibrosis assessment, and perfusion analysis - An update.

Current ultrasound multifrequency probes allow both improved detail resolution and depth of penetration when examining the liver. Also, new developments in vascular diagnostics, elastography with fibrosis assessment, evaluation of possible steatosis, and parametric and time intensity curve (TIC) analysis of dynamic microvascularization of the liver with contrast-enhanced ultrasound sonography (CEUS) complement ultrasound-guided diagnostics. State-of-the-art high-resolution technology includes a high frame rate (HiFR) mode for CEUS, fast shear wave measurements with the sound touch quantify (STQ) mode, artifact-free flow detection using HR flow and glazing flow in combination with a special flow-adapted imaging (Ultra Micro Angiography, UMA) and additionally different assessments of possible fatty liver (UltraSound ATtenuation Imaging Technology, USAT). In 50 cases with focal liver lesions, a multimodal liver diagnosis was performed with a still new high-performance ultrasound system as part of the clarification of questions from the university liver consultation and tumor outpatient clinic.

Stratégies thérapeutiques à l’heure de la médecine 6P

Personalized medicine represents a natural evolution in the management of patients and more particularly in patients with food allergies. In its aspect of more personalized care, this evolution has made it possible to define more precisely the exact reactivities to allow a targeted elimination and especially the consumption of tolerated food, this despite serological sensitization. In addition, involving patients and families in the decision process increasingly involves patients and their families in diagnostic and therapeutic management aspects. This results in an improved quality of life. Finally, the predictive aspect of personalized medicine allows a better risk management, an element of great importance in the control of food allergies.

Role of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in Plant Disease Management: A Review

A high throughput technique used to determine a part of the nucleotide sequence of an organism’s genome is called next generation sequencing (NGS). NGS has been Proven revolutionary in genomics. Clinical diagnostics, Plant diseases diagnostic and other aspects of medical are now made possible by sequencing. Techniques of NGS: there are different techniques of NGS which are being used in real life sciences i.e., Illumina sequencing, Pyrosequencing, Roche 454 sequencing and Ion torrent sequencing. All vintage methods like culturing in bacterial, fungal, and viral samples are being suppressed by next generation sequencing. The potential for random metagenomic sequencing of sick samples to find potential pathogens has surfaced with the development of next-generation high-throughput parallel sequencing technology. NGS enables highly efficient, rapid, low-cost DNA or RNA high-throughput sequencing of plant virus and viroids genomes, as well as specific small RNAs generated during infection. Although this technique is not so much familiar in the field of plant diseases. However, its widespread application in agronomic sciences will make it possible to create solutions to future food-related challenges that involve biotic stress.

Glaucoma in infancy and childhood

Glaucoma in infancy and childhood is arare disease. An immediate diagnosis and treatment are absolutely necessary to prevent blindness of affected children. Childhood glaucoma is characterized by aheterogeneous phenotype: besides primary congenital glaucoma, secondary types often exist and the individualized treatment requires an experienced interdisciplinary team. The pathogenesis is not always discernible and genetic alterations sometimes cause the disease. Asurgical procedure is usually necessary to lower the intraocular pressure. Refractive and orthoptic care are equally important to avoid amblyopia. This article gives an overview of childhood glaucoma and outlines the most important diagnostic and therapeutic aspects.

American Foulbrood-Old and Always New Challenge.

American foulbrood (AFB) is exclusively an infectious disease of honey bee larvae (Apis mellifera) and their subspecies that is spread easily and rapidly and is often present in apiaries. Due to the resistance and pathogenicity of the bacterial causative agent of the disease, which has considerable epizootiological and economic significance for beekeeping, AFB was classified as a highly dangerous, infectious animal disease by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). Considering the severity of the infection, a frequent occurrence, rapid and easy spread, epizooty and enzooty are common. We tried to present an overview of the latest information related to AFB through several chapters. In addition to the latest data on the etiology of the causative agent, the most important elements of the clinical signs of the disease are also listed. Along with an overview of classic microbiological and the latest molecular methods of diagnosis, we also discuss AFB treatment from its differential diagnostic aspect. We hope that through demonstrating the mentioned preventive measures and measures of good beekeeping practice, the review will contribute to the preservation of the health of bees and therefore the overall biodiversity of the planet.

Clinical and Genetic Characterization of Cystinosis: Unmet Healthcare Needs in a Cohort Study from a Developing Country

Background Cystinosis is a rare disease caused by CTNS gene defects. The main clinical presentations are nephropathic infantile cystinosis (NIC) and nephropathic juvenile cystinosis (NJC); both develop chronic kidney disease (CKD) and extrarenal complications. Opportune diagnosis and access to therapy are challenging in developing countries. Methods To describe the clinical and genetic profile in all cystinosis patients known to be diagnosed in Chile, we performed a retrospective review of the medical records of those patients diagnosed from 1994 to 2022. Age at diagnosis, glomerular filtration rate, metabolic variables, anthropometric values, access to treatment, outcomes, and genetic results were analyzed. Results Nine patients (8NIC/1NJC) were diagnosed. Patients with NIC had a median age of 16.5 (IQR 13-23) months at diagnosis, and two patients died during follow-up. Most of the patients started cysteamine therapy up to 5 months after diagnosis and reached CKD stages 3-4 within four years. During the follow-up, all but one of the NIC patients showed height for age Z-score values between -1.5 and -4.0. Two patients received kidney transplants, and one of them remains functional after 15 years. The single NJC was a 21-year-old female patient who received irregular cysteamine therapy and rapidly reached CKD stage 5. Genetic testing was positive in 7/7 cases, being del57kb the predominant variant (10/14 alleles). Conclusions Developing countries face many challenges in providing adequate healthcare. Our findings show clinical and diagnostic aspects to the medical and patient community that might contribute to the diagnostic approach and treatment access for cystinosis in Chile. Opportune genetic testing may facilitate early diagnosis that is known to be associated with a better prognosis.

Linear Psoriasis: A Rare and Often Underdiagnosed form of Psoriasis in Children

Blaschko-linear psoriasis (PBL) is a rare form of psoriasis that presents as longitudinal lines on the skin, along Blaschko lines. This form of psoriasis is often observed in children and can be difficult to distinguish from other acquired Blaschko linear dermatoses such as inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus (ILVEN) and lichen striatus. The prevalence of PBL is unknown, but it is generally observed in children and is more common in boys than in girls. The clinical and histological similarity of PBL to ILVEN presents a diagnostic challenge. In this case report, we present the case of a 7-year-old child with PBL and discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of this rare form of psoriasis. We were able to confirm the diagnosis of PBL after treatment with white petroleum jelly and salicylic acid petroleum jelly 5% resulted in a significant improvement of the lesions. Topical treatments, phototherapy, and systemic medications can be used in the case of PBL. It is important to select the most appropriate treatment based on the severity of the lesions, the location, and the patient's tolerance, and to keep in mind that PBL can have long-term effects on the quality of life of patients and their families.

Highlights from the International Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension Congress 2021.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare complication of acute pulmonary embolism. It is caused by persistent obstruction of pulmonary arteries by chronic organised fibrotic clots, despite adequate anticoagulation. The pulmonary hypertension is also caused by concomitant microvasculopathy which may progress without timely treatment. Timely and accurate diagnosis requires the combination of imaging and haemodynamic assessment. Optimal therapy should be individualised to each case and determined by an experienced multidisciplinary CTEPH team with the ability to offer all current treatment modalities. This report summarises current knowledge and presents key messages from the International CTEPH Conference, Bad Nauheim, Germany, 2021. Sessions were dedicated to 1) disease definition; 2) pathophysiology, including the impact of the hypertrophied bronchial circulation, right ventricle (dys)function, genetics and inflammation; 3) diagnosis, early after acute pulmonary embolism, using computed tomography and perfusion techniques, and supporting the selection of appropriate therapies; 4) surgical treatment, pulmonary endarterectomy for proximal and distal disease, and peri-operative management; 5) percutaneous approach or balloon pulmonary angioplasty, techniques and complications; and 6) medical treatment, including anticoagulation and pulmonary hypertension drugs, and in combination with interventional treatments. Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease without pulmonary hypertension is also discussed in terms of its diagnostic and therapeutic aspects.

Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge.

Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is commonly defined as a breast cancer occurring during pregnancy, throughout 1 year postpartum, or during lactation. Despite being a rare circumstance, PABC is one of the most common types of malignancies occurring during pregnancy and lactation, with growing incidence in developed countries, due both to decreasing age at onset of breast cancer and to increasing maternal age. Diagnosis and management of malignancy in the prenatal and postnatal settings are challenging for practitioners, as the structural and functional changes that the breast undergoes may be misleading for both the radiologist and the clinician. Furthermore, safety concerns for the mother and child, as well as psychological aspects in this unique and delicate condition, need to be constantly considered. In this comprehensive review, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of PABC (including surgery, chemotherapy and other systemic treatments, and radiotherapy) are presented and fully discussed, based on medical literature, current international clinical guidelines, and systematic practice.

Effect of Psychological Stress on Microcirculation Oscillations: Diagnostic Aspects.

Effect of Psychological Stress on Microcirculation Oscillations: Diagnostic Aspects.

Epidemiological and Diagnostic Aspects of Cholera Epidemics in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo between January 2011 and June 2022

Epidemiological and Diagnostic Aspects of Cholera Epidemics in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo between January 2011 and June 2022

Changes in the immuno-metabolic status of cows with genital mycoplasmosis on the background of therapy with tulatromycin

Modern technologies of cattle breeding imply the maximum use of the productive potential of animals, the realization of which is hindered by various diseases, one of which is genital mycoplasmosis. According to domestic and foreign scientists, this disease is quite widespread in livestock enterprises. Given that mycoplasmosis is characterized by a long latent period, its diagnosis is associated with a number of difficulties, therefore, a significant role belongs to the diagnostic aspects of immuno-metabolic changes occurring in the body. In addition, it is necessary for the development of rational therapy. We have studied the effect of tulatromycin therapy in patients with genital mycoplasmosis of cows on the content of total protein, absolute and relative content of albumins and globulins, immunoglobulins and their classes in blood serum. For the experiment, 3 groups of animals were formed: the first - cows with mycoplasmosis (without treatment); the second - cows with mycoplasmosis for the treatment of which tulatromycin was used; the third – clinically healthy cows (control). The results of studies have shown that the use of tulatromycin in this disease leads to the recovery of 75% of infected animals. significant redistribution of the content of immunoglobulins in the blood serum of cows. An increase in the content of Ig G by 44% and a decrease in the concentration of Ig M and Ig A by 37% and 31.5%, respectively, were found. However, the indicators characterizing the state of protein metabolism, except for the total protein content, did not undergo significant changes.

A Study of the Adolescents’ Psychological Potential Actualization Model

The socio-psychological situation in Ukraine has undergone significant changes. A global pandemic, harsh quarantine measures, war, insufficient public information, stigmatization of public opinion, high risks to public health – have all created a new psychosocial reality of life for both adults and young people. It is obvious that these problems and their manifestation in totality have affected young people’s life in various aspects. An anonymous voluntary survey of high school teachers conducted in 10 schools in different regions of Ukraine (Prykarpattia, Central and Northern) revealed a decrease in student activity (360 students aged 14-17) by 40% (attendance, willingness to learn and participate in educational activities), significantly reduced success (by 35%) during the distance learning period. The parents’ survey results show that young people’s feelings of fear (89%), anxiety (84%), aggression (58%), and depression (52%) are significant. A study of the structural characteristics’ of the specific manifestations of young people’s psychological potential was conducted between 2016-2020 which involved 2022 participants on a voluntary, anonymous basis. The young people’s psychological potential comprised the following components: motivational, emotional, value, and behavioral. The results showed a 40% decline in indexes on average over 2020-2021. A 4-stage young people’s psychological potential actualization model focusing on diagnostic, psycho-corrective, formative, and recreational-assertive aspects was developed based on the “Children`s Camp Zefir” recreation program and the adolescents’ psychological center “Alternative”. The model, implemented for the second year 2021-2022, currently displays significant results for increasing psychological indicators.

Clinical and diagnostic aspects of mixed cryoglobulinemia in patients with chronic viral hepatitis C

Objective: to study the frequency and clinical manifestations of cryoglobulinemia in a population of patients with chronic hepatitis C at different stages of fibrosis. Materials and methods: The source population is 23492 patients with HCV who are registered at the dispensary according to the Register of the Chelyabinsk region. The studied population was randomly formed - 100 patients with verified HCV. As part of the ongoing single-stage clinical study, standard general clinical and biochemical studies (bilirubin, ALT, AST, GGT), HCV RNA in blood with subsequent genotyping of the virus, qualitative and quantitative analysis for serum cryoglobulins (cryocrite level), instrumental methods of research (ultrasound, transient liver elastometry with determination of the degree of fibrosis on the METAVIR scale) were performed for each patient. Results: Cryoglobulins were found in the blood of 63 patients (63%). At the same time, with stage 4 fibrosis in 14 (22%), with stage 3 in 8 (13%), with stage 2 in 1 (1.5%), with grade 1-17 (27%), with stage 0-23 patients (36.5%). Of the total number of patients, only 22 (35%) had complaints and clinical manifestations of cryoglobulinemia. In the vast majority of cases, hemorrhagic purpura was recorded - 18 (28.5%), volatile arthralgia - 4 (6.5%). Clinical manifestations of mixed cryoglobulinemia were observed in 35% of patients with HCV (hemorrhagic purpura, arthralgia). A reliable correlation was obtained between the level of cryocrit and the female sex with a pair correlation coefficient of 0.237 (p<0.05). Conclusion: The data obtained indicate the need for constant monitoring of the frequency of mixed cryoglobulinemia in patients with HCV, early etiotropic therapy with direct antiviral drugs

Prostatic Abscess about a Case at Sikasso Hospital

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to conduct an analysis of the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of prostate abscess and a review of the literature. Clinical Observation: We report the case of a 24-year-old patient; admitted to our ward for acute detention associated with a febrile state at (38°C). On physical examination, the digital rectal examination could not assess the condition of the prostate due to severe pain and the rest of the examination was unremarkable. We formulated the following diagnostic hypotheses: prostate abscess, prostate cyst, acute prostatitis. Ultrasound allowed the diagnosis of a prostatic intraparenchymal cyst. The CBC reveals hyperleukocytosis and the ECBU came back positive for Escherichia coli. The diagnosis of a prostate abscess was retained after a guided echo puncture. Treatment consisted of transperineal drainage combined with antibiotic therapy suitable for ECB of pus aspirated during ultrasound-guided puncture. The evolution was favourable. Conclusion: Prostatic abscess is a rare pathology. Faced with a prostate collection in a febrile context, a puncture under ultrasound guidance could confirm the diagnosis. His treatment of choice remains endoscopic drainage and adapted antibiotic therapy.

Cytomegalovirus Anterior Uveitis: Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Immunological Mechanisms.

Little is known regarding anterior uveitis (AU), the most common ocular disease associated with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in immunocompetent populations. CMV AU is highly prevalent in Asia, with a higher incidence in men. Clinically, it manifests mainly as anterior chamber inflammation and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Acute CMV AU may resemble Posner-Schlossman syndrome with its recurrent hypertensive iritis, while chronic CMV AU may resemble Fuchs uveitis because of its elevated IOP. Without prompt treatment, it may progress to glaucoma; therefore, early diagnosis is critical to prognosis. Knowledge regarding clinical features and aqueous humor analyses can facilitate accurate diagnoses; so, we compared and summarized these aspects. Early antiviral treatment reduces the risk of a glaucoma surgery requirement, and therapeutic effects vary based on drug delivery. Both oral valganciclovir and topical ganciclovir can produce positive clinical outcomes, and higher concentration and frequency are beneficial in chronic CMV retinitis. An extended antiviral course could prevent relapses, but should be limited to 6 months to prevent drug resistance and side effects. In this review, we have systematically summarized the pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects, and immunological mechanisms of CMV AU with the goal of providing a theoretical foundation for early clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Progress and Challenges of Understanding Cardiorenal Syndrome Type 3.

The pathologies of the kidney and heart have instigated a large number of researchers around the world to try to better understand what the exact connectors responsible for the emergence and establishment of these diseases are. The classification of these pathologies into different types of cardiorenal syndromes (CRSs) over the last 15 years has greatly contributed to understanding pathophysiological and diagnostic aspects, as well as treatment strategies. However, with the advent of new technologies classified as "Omics", a new range of knowledge and new possibilities have opened up in order to effectively understand the intermediaries between the kidney-heart axis. The universe of micro-RNAs (miRNAs), epigenetic factors, and components present in extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been protagonists in studying different types of CRSs. Thus, the new challenge that is imposed is to select and link the large amount of information generated from the use of large-scale analysis techniques. The present review seeks to present some of the future perspectives related to understanding CRSs, with an emphasis on CRS type 3.

Prognostic impact of 18F-FDG PET/CT in pathologic stage II invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast: re-illuminating the value of PET/CT in intermediate-risk breast cancer

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to investigate the impact of 18F-FDG PET/CT on prognosis of stage II invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) of the breast primarily treated with surgery.MethodsThe clinical records of 297 consecutive IDC with preoperative PET/CT and pathologically staged II in surgery from 2013 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), peak standardized uptake value (SUVpeak), tumor-to-liver ratio (TLR), and metabolic tumor volume (MTV) were measured. Association of clinicopathologic factors (age, T stage, N stage, AJCC pathologic stage of IIA or IIB, pathologic prognostic stage, grade, hormonal receptor status, HER2 status, Ki-67, and adjuvant therapy) and PET parameters with DFS was assessed using the Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsThere were 35 recurrences and 10 deaths at a median follow-up of 49 months (range 0.8 ~ 87.3). All PET parameters were significantly associated with DFS in univariate analysis but in multivariate analysis, SUVpeak was the only factor significantly associated with DFS (hazard ratio 2.58, 95% confidence interval 1.29–5.15, P = 0.007). In cohorts with higher values of SUVpeak or TLR, patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy had significantly superior DFS.ConclusionMetabolic parameters derived from preoperative PET/CT was significantly associated with recurrence in stage II IDC primarily treated with surgery. PET/CT can be a powerful prognostic tool in conjunction with novel staging systems and current biomarkers for patients undergoing contemporary therapy. Our results urge to reconsider the currently underestimated value of PET/CT confined to diagnostic aspect and to newly recognize its prognostic impact in these intermediate-risk breast cancer.

Neonatal Seizures: Epidemiological, Diagnostic Aspects and Short-Term Outcome at Issaka Gazoby Maternity Hospital of Niamey, Niger

Neonatal Seizures: Epidemiological, Diagnostic Aspects and Short-Term Outcome at Issaka Gazoby Maternity Hospital of Niamey, Niger

6th Annual Conference of the Neuropathology Society of India (NPSICON) - Meeting Abstracts: February 23-25, 2023.

The 6th Annual conference of the Neuropathology Society of India, (NPSICON 2023) was held in a virtual mode, from 23rd to 25th February 2023, hosted by the Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Christian Medical College Vellore. Dr Geeta Chacko was the organizing Chairperson. The pre-conference workshop was on Fluorescence in situ hybridization with nearly 90 registrants. The workshop was conducted by NIMHANS Bangalore with Dr Shilpa Rao, Dr Vaishali Suri, Dr Vani Santosh and Dr Geeta Chacko as resource persons. There were 253 National registrants and 7 International registrations. The conference had participation from reputed national (34) and international (8) faculty and covered a wide range of topics in both neoplastic and non-neoplastic Neuropathology including sessions on perinatal pathology, epilepsy, neuromuscular pathology and several sessions in Neurooncology. There were five symposiums with several sessions of cases-based discussion. The first Prof Ashru K Banerjee oration was delivered by Dr Kenneth Aldape, from NIH Bethesda on: "Practical Aspects of Methylation-Based Diagnostics in Central Nervous System Tumors". The first Prof SK Shankar oration was delivered by Dr Avindra Nath, NIH Bethesda on "Neuropathology of two pandemics: AIDS and COVID". The Presidential oration was delivered by Dr Chitra Sarkar. The key note speakers included Dr Monika Hofer, Dr David Capper, Dr Takashi Komori and Dr Maysa Husseini. There were 28 papers for oral presentation and 38 posters. A highlight of the conference was a lively Quiz competition, which was held as the penultimate session. Despite being a virtual conference, there was active participation from all the delegates and the conference was very well received.