Diagnostic Devices Research Articles

The Utilization of Brillouin Microscopy in Corneal Diagnostics: A Systematic Review.

Corneal biomechanical data has been used since 2005 to screen for keratoconus and corneal ectasia by corneal specialists. Older technology uses force applanation techniques over a 3 mm area in the central cornea, making it highly dependent on extraneous variables and unable to calculate the elasticity of the tissue. Brillouin microscopy is a newer method that uses a natural shift in the frequency of light as it passes through a material. This frequency shift can be used to estimate the viscoelasticity of the tissue. The advantage of Brillouin microscopy is that it can create a full three-dimensional (3D) map of the entire cornea without direct contact. A literature search was conducted using the databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and Ovid regarding the applications of Brillouin microscopy in corneal diagnostics. A final total of 16 articles was included describing the various ex vivo and in vivo studies conducted using Brillouin microscopy. Applications of this technology spanned from keratoconus diagnosis to post-corneal refractive surgery evaluation. All studies evaluated corneal biomechanics and other corneal properties through the quantification of Brillouin frequency shifts. Many of the studies found that this diagnostic device is capable of detecting subtle changes in corneal thickness and biomechanics in keratoconic corneas at a high level of specificity and sensitivity. However, limitations of Brillouin microscopy may include the duration of time required for use and fluctuations in accuracy depending on the corneal hydration state. Future technology seems to be geared towarda combination of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Brillouin microscopy, using OCT as a three-dimensional pupil-tracking modality. Further research and understanding of the technology involved will lead to better care of patients in the field of ophthalmology.

Comparison of factors associated with the evidence-practice gap as perceived by Japanese and Brazilian dentists

ObjectivesTo identify 1) factors of the evidence-practice gap (EPG) in Japan and Brazil as perceived by dentists and compare these factors between two countries, and 2) mechanisms to close this EPG. MethodsThe study employed a cross-sectional design by administering a web-based questionnaire to 136 Japanese and 110 Brazilian dentists. The survey queried dentists’ reports of which factors possibly cause an EPG, using a newly developed 20-item questionnaire. ResultsAn international comparison of 20 items related to factors of the EPG between Japan and Brazil revealed that "Dentists' own experiences are sometimes given priority over evidence" and "Dentists' own thoughts are sometimes given priority over evidence" were common factors to both countries, with over 80 % agreement. In logistic regression, "Insufficient opportunity to learn about evidence in dental education at universities", "Evidence-based treatments are sometimes not covered by the dental insurance system", and "Insufficient evidence which helps dentists choose an appropriate treatment for a patient after careful consideration of his/her own background" were significantly associated with the EPG in Japan (p < 0.05). In Brazil, "Insufficient case reports in which evidence-based dentistry (EBD) is applied to clinical practice" and "Image-based information and devices used for diagnosis vary depending on individual dentists" were significantly associated with the EPG (p < 0.05). ConclusionsThis study suggests that EPG could be improved in Japan: by promoting EBD education at universities, improving the dental insurance system, and accumulating evidence according to patient background; and in Brazil: by promoting EBD case reports and standardizing diagnostic information and devices. Clinical SignificanceTwo factors of EPG common to Japan and Brazil, namely the prioritization of dentists' own "experiences" and "thoughts" over evidence, are urgent issues for improving EPG. In addition, it will be necessary to address the country-specific factors of EPG that were identified in this study.

Key elements of Korean medicine treatment for idiopathic short-stature: A qualitative SWOT analysis based on Korean medicine doctors' views.

The objective of this study was to explore the key elements of Korean medicine (KM) treatment for idiopathic short stature (ISS) by analyzing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT). This was a qualitative study of interviews with 7 KM doctors who had at least 3 years of experience in KM treatment for ISS. Based on the content, a SWOT and a cross-SWOT analysis were conducted. A SWOT of KM treatment for ISS was derived as follows: Strengths included the additional positive health promotion effects and fewer possibilities of adverse effects. Weaknesses included insufficient long-term evidence on the effect and safety and difficulty in predicting prognosis for ISS treatment in KM. Opportunities included a growing interest in height growth in general and the need for parental involvement in children height growth. Threats included the limited use of diagnostic devices and relatively high medical costs due to non-coverage by national health insurance. This study suggests that the safety and clinical effectiveness evidence of KM treatment for height growth should be guaranteed through well-designed large-scale long-term studies. Various strategies are needed to promote the use of diagnostic and evaluation devices for ISS treatment in KM clinical settings.

Advances in Microflow Cytometry-Based Molecular Detection Methods for Improved Future MDS Cancer Diagnosis.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a rare form of early-stage blood cancer that typically leads to leukemia and other deadly complications. The typical diagnosis for MDS involves a mixture of blood tests, a bone marrow biopsy, and genetic analysis. Flow cytometry has commonly been used to analyze these types of samples, yet there still seems to be room for advancement in several areas, such as the limit of detection, turnaround time, and cost. This paper explores recent advancements in microflow cytometry technology and how it may be used to supplement conventional methods of diagnosing blood cancers, such as MDS and leukemia, through flow cytometry. Microflow cytometry, a more recent adaptation of the well-researched and conventional flow cytometry techniques, integrated with microfluidics, demonstrates significant potential in addressing many of the shortcomings flow cytometry faces when diagnosing a blood-related disease such as MDS. The benefits that this platform brings, such as portability, processing speed, and operating cost, exemplify the importance of exploring microflow cytometry as a point-of-care (POC) diagnostic device for MDS and other forms of blood cancer.

A simple physical model for simulation and design magneto-plethysmograph in application non-invasive hemoglobin measurement

The magneto-plethysmograph method is a combination of magnetic field and sensors used to detect changes in blood flow pulsation. However, to detect the magnetic properties of blood related to hemoglobin concentration, physical modeling and simulation are required. This approach involves designing simulations using magnetic field equations and magnetic susceptibility, where a permanent magnet is placed on the surface of blood vessels, and sensors based on giant magnetoresistance are placed at a distance r. The design originates from a simple approach involving the magnetization and detection of Fe atoms in hemoglobin. Parameters involved include the magnetic susceptibility of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin, with an external magnetic field exceeding 1 Tesla. From the physical modeling and simulation, graphs are obtained depicting the influence of hemoglobin concentration on the number of Fe atoms and its magnetization. This enables the design of non-invasive hemoglobin measurement sensor devices. The uniqueness of this simple physical model and simulation lies in its ability to produce specially designed device models for measuring hemoglobin concentration. This differs from other research focusing on blood flow pulse measurements; the results of this study provide new insights into the benefits of simple physics equations that can be developed for medical diagnostic research and device development.

Revolutionizing infectious disease management in low-resource settings: The impact of rapid diagnostic technologies and portable devices

Revolutionizing infectious disease management in low-resource settings hinges on the integration of rapid diagnostic technologies and portable devices. These innovations offer transformative potential by providing timely, accurate, and cost-effective diagnosis, thereby enhancing patient outcomes and curbing the spread of infectious diseases. Rapid diagnostic technologies, including point-of-care tests and molecular diagnostics, enable swift identification of pathogens, allowing for immediate and appropriate treatment. This is particularly crucial in low-resource settings where laboratory infrastructure is often limited, and delays in diagnosis can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Portable diagnostic devices, such as handheld PCR machines and mobile phone-based diagnostic tools, further extend the reach of healthcare services to remote and underserved areas. These devices are designed to be user-friendly, requiring minimal training for healthcare workers, and can operate in challenging environments without the need for extensive power supplies or refrigeration. The impact of these technologies is profound. By reducing the time to diagnosis, rapid diagnostic tests can decrease the misuse of antibiotics, helping to combat antibiotic resistance—a major global health threat. Additionally, early and accurate diagnosis facilitates better disease surveillance and outbreak management, enabling quicker public health responses. Cost-effective and scalable, these technologies also offer significant economic benefits, reducing the burden on healthcare systems and improving overall health equity. This review underscores the critical role of rapid diagnostic technologies and portable devices in revolutionizing infectious disease management in low-resource settings. Their implementation not only improves individual patient care but also strengthens public health infrastructure, ultimately contributing to global health security and the fight against infectious diseases. Keywords: Infection Disease, Diagnostic Technologies, Management.

Effects of Rehabilitative Exercise and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Muscle Morphology and Dynamic Balance in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability.

Background and Objectives: Muscle atrophy caused by chronic ankle instability (CAI) can incur muscle weakness, altered movement patterns, and increased risk of injury. Previous studies have investigated the effects of rehabilitative exercises and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on characteristics in CAI individuals, but few studies have examined their effects on foot and ankle muscle morphology. This study aimed to determine the effects of rehabilitative exercises and NMES on muscle morphology and dynamic balance in individuals with CAI. Materials and Methods: Participants with CAI (n = 47) were randomly divided into control (CG), rehabilitative exercise (REG), NMES (NG), and rehabilitative exercise and NMES combined (RNG) groups. The six-week intervention program consisting of rehabilitative exercises and NMES was applied to groups excluding CG. Muscle morphology and dynamic balance were evaluated using a portable wireless diagnostic ultrasound device and dynamic balance tests. For statistical analysis, an effect size with 95% confidence interval was calculated to assess mean differences according to intervention. Results: After six weeks, significant increases in morphology and dynamic balance were observed for all muscles except flexor hallucis longus (p > 0.05) in the intervention groups except for CG. However, no significant changes were observed in the CG (p > 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that intervention programs may help prevent muscle atrophy and improve balance in CAI individuals.

Tailoring metal oxide nanozymes for biomedical applications: trends, limitations, and perceptions.

Nanomaterials with enzyme-like properties are known as 'nanozymes'. Nanozymes are preferred over natural enzymes due to their nanoscale characteristics and ease of tailoring of their physicochemical properties such as size, structure, composition, surface chemistry, crystal planes, oxygen vacancy, and surface valence state. Interestingly, nanozymes can be precisely controlled to improve their catalytic ability, stability, and specificity which is unattainable by natural enzymes. Therefore, tailor-made nanozymes are being favored over natural enzymes for a range of potential applications and better prospects. In this context, metal oxide nanoparticles with nanozyme-mimicking characteristics are exclusively being used in biomedical sectors and opening new avenues for future nanomedicine. Realising the importance of this emerging area, here, we discuss the mechanistic actions of metal oxide nanozymes along with their key characteristics which affect their enzymatic actions. Further, in this critical review, the recent progress towards the development of point-of-care (POC) diagnostic devices, cancer therapy, drug delivery, advanced antimicrobials/antibiofilm, dental caries, neurodegenerative diseases, and wound healing potential of metal oxide nanozymes is deliberated. The advantages of employing metal oxide nanozymes, their potential limitations in terms of nanotoxicity, and possible prospects for biomedical applications are also discussed with future recommendations.

STUDY OF THE OPERATION OF SOME MEDICAL DEVICES AND THEIR PHYSICAL APPLICATIONS. A FIELD STUDY ON THE ULTRASOUND DEVICE

One of the most important branches of applied physics is the application of physics in the medical field, especially in the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. It is divided into four main branches: (radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, diagnostic imaging, and radiation protection). The Radiation Therapy Physics Division is often the largest, as physicists provide support services to the Department of Radiation Oncology, ensuring that it accurately reaches a patient in the hospital, such as planning radiation doses and X-rays. Classification and MRI oncology. Diagnostic imaging devices such as Important Humans and their treatment. We will also discuss some other medical devices (the EKG device, the EEG device, and the centrifuge). Physics in medicine is of great importance because it is manifested in employing various physical phenomena and making the most of them with devices that allow us to diagnose and treat many diseases, and we see now with the development of these, The devices have become an important possibility in wave therapy without the need to resort to surgical operations

3D Printed Interdigitated Electrodes for Cardiac Biomarker Detection.

The identification of biomarkers has significant benefits for early disease diagnosis and treatment. Hence, there is an increasing demand for low-cost, disposable point-of-care diagnostic devices for rapid and specific biomarker detection, with good sensitivity and range. Interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) are among the most widely used transducers, especially in chemical and biological sensors, because of their high sensitivity, low cost, and straightforward manufacturing procedure. In this work, a simple 3D printed IDE structure has been developed for cardiac troponin I detection to indicate the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). IDEs have been fabricated using 3D printing technique and the electrically conductive composite polylactic acid (PLA) filament being utilized for the fabrication of electrodes. The demonstrated cardiac troponin I sensor has a calculated quantification limit and detection limit of 0.233 ng ml-1 and 76.97 pg ml-1, respectively which are clinically significant ranges for AMI identification. Electrochemical analytical techniques, such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV), were carried out for the detection of analyte concentration. Furthermore, using this fabrication methodology IDEs can be fabricated for under US$ 0.4 which can be utilized to detect several other biomarkers.

Origami-inspired microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) for microorganism detection

AbstractPathogenic microorganisms impose great risk especially in resource-limited settings due to inaccessibility of diagnostic tools and monitoring devices. This is mainly caused by current methods often being economically demanding and complex in practice; while these methods are sensitive and accurate, they rarely follow Point-of-care (POC) approaches, which is essential for rapid detection and intervention. Incorporating origami into paper-based analytical devices (μPAD) presents an innovative alternative, offering affordability, portability, and ease of disposal. Herein, a colorimetric origami μPAD that is suitable for use in POC applications was developed. The μPAD was fabricated via laser ablation utilizing PVDF and cellulose membranes. In order to develop the biosensor platform, fabrication parameters were optimized and hydrophilicity of PVDF membranes was improved using various solvents. The PVDF membranes were characterized through light microscopy imaging, protein adsorption assay and contact angle measurements. Then, optimization of the assay parameters was carried out in order to improve sensitivity and resolution of the μPAD, utilizing Box-Behnken experimental design. The responses generated by the origami μPAD in form of visible color development were then analyzed using image processing. After optimization is concluded, E. coli detection was carried out as a model system. Resulting calculations showed a limit of detection (LoD) of 2 CFU/mL and a dynamic working range up to 106 CFU/mL for E. coli. Overall, developed origami μPAD promises an economic advantage compared to conventional methods, and provides rapid and sensitive results without the requirement of expertise or complex equipment.

P-340 Reconciling diversity in health and genomic data collection with the regulation of AI in clinical genomics

Abstract Study question How far the existing and emerging EU regulations address concerns about lack of diversity in genomic databases which used to train AI in genomics? Summary answer The main regulations in the European Union provide no clear answers for reconciling the need for more diverse genetic data with regulatory standards. What is known already AI researchers need high quality genomic data that reflect the underlying diversity of human populations to develop and validate safe, effective, and equitable tools for genomic medicine. The problem is that most of the genomic data that are available to develop such tools are of insufficient quality, due to inappropriate use of population descriptors, and over representative of individuals of European ancestry. We used the example of developing algorithms to calculate polygenic risk scores ( PRS) and concerns about their accuracy for various sub-populations to illustrate our discussion. Study design, size, duration We have analysed the relevant EU regulations including, the upcoming AI Act, Medical Devices Regulation ( MDR), In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices ( IVDR) and the GDPR to assess how the concerns related to lack of diversity in genetic/genomic databases have been addressed. Participants/materials, setting, methods NA. Main results and the role of chance The main regulations for clinical AI in the European Union, namely those regulating medical devices, provide no clear answers for reconciling the need for more diverse genetic data with regulatory standards. On the other hand, some of the data protection regulation requirements arising from the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) may further challenge collection of sensitive attributes such as race/ancestry which might be needed for brining diversity to databases. On the other hand, several interesting impending new regulations addressing AI and algorithms such as the EU’s AI Act may help in some ways, but still fail to ultimately grapple with the fundamental obstacles in producing the diverse genomic data needed to achieve regulatory objectives. In particular, the proposed requirements related to data quality and transparency need to be accompanied by further guidance on how to define representativeness and how to address long-term impact on fairness concerns in the context of medical AI, when the developed tools are not of optimal use for populations not descending from European ancestry. Limitations, reasons for caution NA. Wider implications of the findings The legal analysis provided in this paper will provide insights for broader types of AI tools which may be implemented in the context of Assisted Reproductive Technologies and beyond. Trial registration number NA

Portable multi-focal visual evoked potential diagnostics for multiple sclerosis/optic neuritis patients

PurposeMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuro-inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS), where the immune system targets and damages the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers, inhibiting axonal signal transmission. Demyelinating optic neuritis (ON), a common MS symptom, involves optic nerve damage. We’ve developed NeuroVEP, a portable, wireless diagnostic system that delivers visual stimuli through a smartphone in a headset and measures evoked potentials at the visual cortex from the scalp using custom electroencephalography electrodes.MethodsSubject vision is evaluated using a short 2.5-min full-field visual evoked potentials (ffVEP) test, followed by a 12.5-min multifocal VEP (mfVEP) test. The ffVEP evaluates the integrity of the visual pathway by analyzing the P100 component from each eye, while the mfVEP evaluates 36 individual regions of the visual field for abnormalities. Extensive signal processing, feature extraction methods, and machine learning algorithms were explored for analyzing the mfVEPs. Key metrics from patients’ ffVEP results were statistically evaluated against data collected from a group of subjects with normal vision. Custom visual stimuli with simulated defects were used to validate the mfVEP results which yielded 91% accuracy of classification.Results20 subjects, 10 controls and 10 with MS and/or ON were tested with the NeuroVEP device and a standard-of-care (SOC) VEP testing device which delivers only ffVEP stimuli. In 91% of the cases, the ffVEP results agreed between NeuroVEP and SOC device. Where available, the NeuroVEP mfVEP results were in good agreement with Humphrey Automated Perimetry visual field analysis. The lesion locations deduced from the mfVEP data were consistent with Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Optical Coherence Tomography findings.ConclusionThis pilot study indicates that NeuroVEP has the potential to be a reliable, portable, and objective diagnostic device for electrophysiology and visual field analysis for neuro-visual disorders.

An In Vitro Validation of DIAGNOdent Versus Radiography for the Detection of Caries Underneath Different Types of Restorations.

Objective This study aimed to assess the validity of DIAGNOdent as a diagnostic device for the detection of secondary dental caries underneath different types of restorations. Methods A total of 60 extracted human permanent molars were used in this experimental study (30 sound teeth and 30 teeth with proximal caries); 20 teeth (10 sound and 10 carious) were randomly allocated into one of three restorationgroups: composite, amalgam, or resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI). All teeth were examined using both KaVo DIAGNOdent Classic and digital radiographic sensors. Results In the composite-restored teeth, DIAGNOdent showed excellent sensitivity (90%) and specificity (90%). On the other hand, digital radiography had high sensitivity (80%) and poor specificity (20%). In amalgam-restored teeth, DIAGNOdent showed low sensitivity (30%) and excellent specificity (100%), while radiographs showed good sensitivity (70%) and low specificity (30%). In the RMGI-restored teeth, DIAGNOdent had excellent sensitivity (100%) and 70% specificity, while digital radiography had poor sensitivity (30%)and excellent specificity (90%). Conclusions DIAGNOdent showed superior results in detecting secondary caries lesions underneathcomposite and RMGI restorations when compared to digital radiography. On the other hand, radiography emerged as a preferable method for the detection of secondary caries underneathamalgam restorations. Based on our findings, DIAGNOdent can be used in dental clinics for the early diagnosis of hidden secondary caries underneathcomposite and RMGI restorations.

Progress and Outlook on Electrochemical Sensing of Lung Cancer Biomarkers.

Electrochemical biosensors have emerged as powerful tools for the ultrasensitive detection of lung cancer biomarkers like carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and alpha fetoprotein (AFP). This review comprehensively discusses the progress and potential of nanocomposite-based electrochemical biosensors for early lung cancer diagnosis and prognosis. By integrating nanomaterials like graphene, metal nanoparticles, and conducting polymers, these sensors have achieved clinically relevant detection limits in the fg/mL to pg/mL range. We highlight the key role of nanomaterial functionalization in enhancing sensitivity, specificity, and antifouling properties. This review also examines challenges related to reproducibility and clinical translation, emphasizing the need for standardization of fabrication protocols and robust validation studies. With the rapid growth in understanding lung cancer biomarkers and innovations in sensor design, nanocomposite electrochemical biosensors hold immense potential for point-of-care lung cancer screening and personalized therapy guidance. Realizing this goal will require strategic collaboration among material scientists, engineers, and clinicians to address technical and practical hurdles. Overall, this work provides valuable insight for developing next-generation smart diagnostic devices to combat the high mortality of lung cancer.

Cardiothoracic Surgeon to Entrepreneur

The author, a female cardiothoracic surgeon with an MBA, explains that she became a doctor to heal people, and earned an MBA to heal more people. She shares her experience of collaborating with a fellow MBA student to develop a cardiac diagnostic medical device, which uses a proprietary mathematical algorithm to monitor changes in vascular health. The device has been tested on nearly 700 patients and is currently awaiting FDA clearance. The article highlights the benefits of having an MBA in the medical field, including the ability to build and leverage oneself as a brand, and to address problems differently.

The pilot study of the effect of six-week robot-assisted ankle training on mobility and strength of lower extremity and life habits for children with cerebral palsy

BackgroundChildren with cerebral palsy often have weak ankle muscles and reduced ankle dorsiflexion, which leads to activity limitations and eventually affects quality of life. Robotic ankle training was recently developed to facilitates muscle function through a high repetition of exercises. This study investigated the effect of six-week ankle training using the Anklebot device to improve lower limb structural and functional impairments and the resulting impact on quality of life. MethodsFive children with spastic cerebral palsy aged between 4 and 11 years participated in six weeks of bilateral ankle assistive training using the Anklebot device. All lower limb muscle strength was measured with a hand-held dynameter, and range of motion was measured with a goniometer, at four different time points. Muscle architecture was assessed using a portable diagnostic ultrasound device, and quality of life was assessed using the Life Habits for Children scale, at two points in time only. ResultsMuscle strength and range of motion for all lower limb joints demonstrated significant improvement on both sides after training. The ankle muscle architecture showed non-significant improvement, while an overall significant improvement in the total score of the Life Habits for Children scale was detected after training. ConclusionRobot-assisted task-specific ankle training provides promising effects by allowing the required repetition to improve structural and functional muscle and joint impairments, which has a positive influence on the children’s quality of life. However, due to a limited sample size, these results should be considered as preliminary; further study is needed.

Radiation Research Society Journal-based Historical Review of the Use of Biomarkers for Radiation Dose and Injury Assessment: Acute Health Effects Predictions.

A multiple-parameter based approach using radiation-induced clinical signs and symptoms, hematology changes, cytogenetic chromosomal aberrations, and molecular biomarkers changes after radiation exposure is used for biodosimetry-based dose assessment. In the current article, relevant milestones from Radiation Research are documented that forms the basis of the current consensus approach for diagnostics after radiation exposure. For example, in 1962 the use of cytogenetic chromosomal aberration using the lymphocyte metaphase spread dicentric assay for biodosimetry applications was first published in Radiation Research. This assay is now complimented using other cytogenetic chromosomal aberration assays (i.e., chromosomal translocations, cytokinesis-blocked micronuclei, premature chromosome condensation, γ-H2AX foci, etc.). Changes in blood cell counts represent an early-phase biomarker for radiation exposures. Molecular biomarker changes have evolved to include panels of organ-specific plasma proteomic and blood-based gene expression biomarkers for radiation dose assessment. Maturation of these assays are shown by efforts for automated processing and scoring, development of point-of-care diagnostics devices, service laboratories inter-comparison exercises, and applications for dose and injury assessments in radiation accidents. An alternative and complementary approach has been advocated with the focus to de-emphasize "dose" and instead focus on predicting acute or delayed health effects. The same biomarkers used for dose estimation (e.g., lymphocyte counts) can be used to directly predict the later developing severity degree of acute health effects without performing dose estimation as an additional or intermediate step. This review illustrates contributing steps toward these developments published in Radiation Research.

The performance of A rpob gene mutation linked to A resistant to rifampicin mycobacterium tuberculosis isolate from an Indonesian referral hospital

IntroductionIndonesia has the world's second-highest tuberculosis and is one of the 30 countries with an increased MDR/RR TB burden. Even though the number of people with tuberculosis is rising every year, several cases of latent or active tuberculosis remain unreported. Microscopy has its limitations, and factors such as quality sample, quality smear, bacterial load, and experience of reading AFB influence the sensitivity of the test. Utilizing a quick, point-of-care testing system based on molecular techniques can increase the sensitivity of tuberculosis early diagnosis. Cepheid Xpert ®MTB/RIF is Indonesia's most widely utilized molecular technology. It is a nested real-time PCR diagnostic device that is cartridge-based and semiquantitative. In the TB complex of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, it identifies alterations in the RNA polymerase (rpoB) gene beta-subunit that result in rifampicin resistance (RR). By utilizing the Xpert ® MTB/RIF assay at Soetomo General Hospital, one of Indonesia's primary tertiary referral hospitals, the current study seeks to improve our knowledge of the prevalence of rpoB gene mutations in individuals with tuberculosis. MethodsBetween January 2021 and December 2021, Soetomo General Hospital used the Xpert®MTB/RIF system to screen sputum and extrapulmonary specimens from 3584 for tuberculosis. ResultsOf the 665 samples, 18,5% tested positive for M. tuberculosis, with 7.6% (51 out of 665) showing resistance to Rifampicin Rifampicin compounds at codons 529–533 (probe E) of the rpoB gene were detected in 56.8% (29/51) of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) samples. And then Probe D (19.6%). 7.8% for probes A and B, respectively (5.8%). Probe C did not exhibit any mutations. On the other hand, two samples revealed two mutations in probes D and E, while among 13.7% (7/51) of RR TB samples, no mutations in the probe type were observed. ConclusionThe Xpert®MTB/RIF system is a compassionate, fast, accurate, and efficient diagnostic tool for RR-TB, tuberculosis, and the molecular epidemiology of mutations associated with rifampin resistance.

Simple method for detecting tetrahydrocannabinolic acid and tetrahydrocannabinol in cannabis tissues using urine-based drug diagnostic device

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA, or THC in the decarboxylated form), synthesized by cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa L.), is a cannabinoid that can be used as a therapeutic drug but is a dangerous psychoactive compound. Cannabis grown for industrial fiber hemp must contain little THCA to prevent misuse. Many attempts to develop new cultivars with low THCA contents have therefore been made. It is time-consuming and expensive to determine THCA in cannabis plant tissues by high-performance liquid chromatography, so we attempted to develop a simple and quick method for selected cultivars with low THCA contents. The diagnostic device, which is an immunoassay based on the principle of competitive binding of drug metabolites, was initially developed for human drug testing in urine. We aim to determine whether the diagnostic device can be applied to natural cannabinoids from cannabis plant. The devices were not suitable for aqueous extracts with methanol contents >20 %. The test (T) line on each device was less intense for leaf and flower extracts than the negative control (water). The THCA contents of water extracted leaves determined by HPLC and calculated based on the cannabidiolic acid contents were 7.5 and 15 μg mL−1 for SuperwomanS1 and Spectrum303 cultivars, respectively. When THCA and THC standards were loaded onto Abon devices, the T line disappeared at the THCA concentration 20 μg mL−1 and the THC concentration 1 μg mL−1, respectively. Using extracts of 0.2 g fresh leaves, SuperwomanS1 and Spectrum303 will give faint and strong T lines, respectively, indicating that the devices could be used to test cannabis tissue THCA contents against the international regulatory limit (≤ 0.3 % w/w). The results indicated that the THCA contents of cannabis tissues at the flowering stage can readily be estimated using drug diagnostic devices, making it convenient for cannabis growers and breeders to semi-quantify THCA.