Nonspecific Tests Research Articles

Current status of research on the diagnosis and treatment of acute ethylene glycol poisoning

Acute ethylene glycol poisoning often leads to acute kidney injury, and delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to severe multi-organ dysfunction and even death. At present, there is a lack of specific laboratory tests that can be used for rapid clinical diagnosis, and diagnosis and evaluation only rely on medical history, clinical symptoms, and non-specific laboratory test results. Key treatments include alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitors (fomcpizole or ethanol) and hemodialysis, which is not approved in China. A clear understanding of the mechanism of toxicity, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, efficacy and limitations of laboratory tests, and treatment options after ethylene glycol poisoning can help accelerate the early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of patients after ethylene glycol poisoning. This article reviews this article in order to provide a reference for clinicians.

Efficiently Detecting Masking Flaws in Software Implementations

Software implementations of cryptographic algorithms often use masking schemes as a countermeasure against side channel attacks. A number of recent results show clearly the challenge of implementing masking schemes in such a way, that (unforeseen) micro-architectural effects do not cause masking flaws that undermine the intended security goal of an implementation. So far, utilising a higher-order version of the non-specific (fixed-vs-random) input test of the Test Vector Leakage Assessment (TVLA) framework has been the best option to identify such flaws. The drawbacks of this method are both its significant computation cost, as well as its inability to pinpoint which interaction of masking shares leads to the flaw. In this paper we propose a novel version, the fixed-vs-random shares test, to tackle both drawbacks. We explain our method and show its application to three case studies, where each time it outperforms its conventional TVLA counterpart. The drawback of our method is that it requires control over the shares, which, we argue, is practically feasible in the context of in-house evaluation and testing for software implementations.

Machine Learning to Predict Interim Response in Pediatric Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma Using Affordable Blood Tests.

Response assessment of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) with positron emission tomography-computerized tomography (PET-CT) is standard of care in well-resourced settings but unavailable in most African countries. We aimed to investigate correlations between changes in PET-CT findings at interim analysis with changes in blood test results in pediatric patients with cHL in 17 South African centers. Changes in ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), albumin, total white cell count (TWC), absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), and absolute eosinophil count were compared with PET-CT Deauville scores (DS) after two cycles of doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine in 84 pediatric patients with cHL. DS 1-3 denoted rapid early response (RER) while DS 4-5 denoted slow early response (SER). Missing values were imputed using the k-nearest neighbor algorithm. Baseline and follow-up blood test values were combined into a single difference variable. Data were split into training and testing sets for analysis using Python scikit-learn 1.2.2 with logistic regression, random forests, naïve Bayes, and support vector machine classifiers. Random forest analysis achieved the best validated test accuracy of 73% when predicting RER or SER from blood samples. When applied to the full data set, the optimal model had a predictive accuracy of 80% and a receiver operating characteristic AUC of 89%. The most predictive variable was the differences in ALC, contributing 21% to the model. Differences in ferritin, LDH, and TWC contributed 15%-16%. Differences in ESR, hemoglobin, and albumin contributed 11%-12%. Changes in low-cost, widely available blood tests may predict chemosensitivity for pediatric cHL without access to PET-CT, identifying patients who may not require radiotherapy. Changes in these nonspecific blood tests should be assessed in combination with clinical findings and available imaging to avoid undertreatment.

The Effectiveness of Sunscreen Cream with Ethanol Extract of Sungkai Leaves (Peronema canescens Jack)

Sungkai (Peronema canescens Jack) (PCL) contains flavonoid compounds that can absorb UV light therefore having the potential to be developed as a raw material for cosmetics that functions as a sunscreen. The research aims to formulate PCL extract into a sunscreen cream. Sungkai leaves are macerated using 96% ethanol solvent. Specific and non-specific parameter tests were carried out on the extract as well as antioxidant tests using the DPPH method and SPF tests using the Mansur method. The results of this research showed that 96% ethanol extract of PCL had a blackish-green color, pH 5.25; the ethanol and water-soluble essence levels were 6.25% and 5.17%. The water content obtained is 27.4%; drying shrinkage is 0.46%; total ash content is 0.12% and acid insoluble ash content is 0.1%. The antioxidant value obtained was 35.06 ppm. Three cream formulations were prepared (FI of 0.1753%, FII of 0.3506%, and FIII of 0.5259%) and evaluated for organoleptic, homogeneity, cream type, viscosity, pH, particle size, and spreadability tests for one month at 25℃ and 40℃. The organoleptic test results of the cream have a soft texture, with varying colors; light green (FI), green (FII), and dark green (FIII) color. Other evaluation test results show that the cream has a pH of 5.16 - 6.73, a spreadability of 6.47 - 8.07 cm, a viscosity of 15466.67 - 38933.33 cPs, a particle size of 9.88 - 16.17 µm and an SPF of 17.68 (FI), 27.46 (FII), and 33.64 (FIII) with ultra protection on all three. PCL extract after being formulated into creams shows high SPF activity with F3 as the best formula. PCL extract can be formulated into a cream form that meets physical and chemical quality parameters.

Smile stimuli induce better performance in tests performed by children and adolescents practicing jiu-jitsu

Aims: This study compared the performance of children and adolescents practicing jiu-jitsu when stimulated or not stimulated to smile before specific and non-specific physical tests. Methods: 268 children and adolescents (male=168) were measured in 5 tests (30” by 3’ interval) of which 3 were specific (4-Leg Exercise, Gyaku-tsuki test and O-soto-otoshi nage-komi test) and 2 non-specific (Side jumps and Burpees). These tests were carried out under two conditions: a) without prior stimuli; b) after joy stimuli. Results: There was an isolated effect of the pre-test intervention for non-specific tests, with better performance after joy stimuli (Side jumps: 35.8±13.3 vs. 30.1±11.1; Burpees: 16.1±5 .3 vs. 13.8±4.8 repetitions; p≤0.001 for both comparisons). There were also isolated effects of the pre-test intervention for the specific O-soto-otoshi nage-komi test and 4-Leg Exercise, where happiness stimuli resulted in better performance (O-soto-otoshi nage-komi test: 15.2±3.5 vs. 12.5 ± 3.7 repetitions; 4-Leg Exercise: 3.5±1.2 vs. 2.8±1.2 repetitions p≤0.001 for both comparisons). For the Gyaku-tsuki test, there was an interaction effect between intervention and age (p=0.02), where older children performed better. Conclusion: Stimulating emotions of happiness brings better performance in children and adolescents practicing jiu-jitsu regardless of gender and age, except for the Gyaku-tsuki test where older people tend to perform better. Keywords: martial arts, emotion, children, adolescent, performance.

A Validated LC-MS/MS Assay for the Quantification of Cholate Isotopes in Human Serum.

Current methods for evaluating liver health rely on nonspecific blood tests, elastography surrogates for fibrosis, and invasive procedures, none of which directly measure liver function and physiology. Herein we present the analytical validation of a unique, highly sensitive LC-MS/MS assay and dual-sample oral (DuO) cholate challenge test to reliably quantify serial serum concentrations of cholate isotopes administered to patients with liver diseases. The clearance of administered cholate isotopes measured by the assay provides information about liver function and physiology. Analytical method validation of the cholate assay analytes (endogenous unlabeled cholic acid, 24-13C-cholic acid, and 2,2,4,4-D4-cholic acid) in terms of accuracy, precision, analytical sensitivity, analytical specificity, and range of reliable response was completed in human serum samples spiked with quality controls and calibrators in accordance with applicable guidelines. DuO test parameters were validated using samples from 48 subjects representing various liver disease etiologies. Accuracy (mean biases) for all analytes ranged from 0.1% to 3.7%. Using a nested components-of-variance design (20 days, 2 runs per day, 2 replicates per sample), total imprecision for all analytes ranged from 2.3% to 8.4%. Lower and upper limits of quantitation were established and validated at 0.1 to 10.0 µM. Matrix effects and potential interferents did not affect assay performance. DuO test validation met all prespecified acceptance criteria. The method validation studies described herein established the performance characteristics in terms of accuracy, precision, analytical sensitivity, analytical specificity, reportable ranges, and reference intervals of the LC-MS/MS cholate assay and DuO test.

Persistence of Non-Specific Syphilitic Test Titers for 6 Years After the Adequate Treatment

Persistence of Non-Specific Syphilitic Test Titers for 6 Years After the Adequate Treatment

Phage Immunoprecipitation-Sequencing Reveals CDHR5 Autoantibodies in Select Patients With Interstitial Lung Disease.

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders that can develop in patients with connective tissue diseases. Establishing autoimmunity in ILD impacts prognosis and treatment. Patients with ILD are screened for autoimmunity by measuring antinuclear autoantibodies, rheumatoid factors, and other nonspecific tests. However, this approach may miss autoimmunity that manifests as autoantibodies to tissue antigens not previously defined in ILD. We use Phage Immunoprecipitation-Sequencing (PhIP-Seq) to conduct an autoantibody discovery screen of patients with ILD and controls. We screened for novel autoantigen candidates using PhIP-Seq. We next developed a radio-labeled binding assay and validated the leading candidate in 398 patients with ILD recruited from two academic medical centers and 138 blood bank individuals that formed our reference cohort. PhIP-Seq identified 17 novel autoreactive targets, and machine learning classifiers derived from these targets discriminated ILD serum from controls. Among the 17 candidates, we validated CDHR5 and found CDHR5 autoantibodies in patients with rheumatologic disorders and importantly, patients not previously diagnosed with autoimmunity. Using survival and transplant free-survival data available from one of the two centers, patients with CDHR5 autoantibodies showed worse survival compared with other patients with connective tissue disease ILD. We used PhIP-Seq to define a novel CDHR5 autoantibody in a subset of select patients with ILD. Our data complement a recent study showing polymorphisms in the CDHR5-IRF7 gene locus strongly associated with titer of anticentromere antibodies in systemic sclerosis, creating a growing body of evidence suggesting a link between CDHR5 and autoimmunity.

Analysis of Differences in Neonatal Sepsis Caused by Streptococcus Agalactiae and Escherichia Coli.

Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) are the main pathogenic bacteria in neonatal sepsis. Therefore, the clinical characteristics, nonspecific indicators, and drug susceptibilities of these two bacteria were studied. In total, 81 and 80 children with sepsis caused by GBS and E. coli infection, respectively, admitted to the neonatal department of our hospital between May 2012 and July 2023, were selected, and the clinical characteris-tics of the two groups were analyzed. Nonspecific indicators and drug sensitivity test results were analyzed retrospectively. Birth weight, tachypnea, groan, tachycardia or bradycardia, and the incidence of complications, such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, and purulent meningitis, were higher in the GBS group than in the E. coli group. The children were born prematurely, and the mother had a premature rupture of membranes. The incidence of jaundice, abdominal distension, atypical clinical manifestations, and complications of necrotizing enterocolitis was lower than of the E. coli group, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The WBC, NE#, NE#/LY#, hs-CRP, and PCT of the GBS group were higher than those of the E. coli group, whereas the MPV, D-D, and FDP levels were lower than those in the E. coli group. The differences were all statistically significant (p < 0.05). The 81-bead GBS had high resistance rates against tetracycline (95%), erythromycin (48.8%), and clindamycin (40%), and no strains resistant to vancomycin, linezolid, penicillin, or ampicillin appeared, whereas 80 strains of E. coli were more resistant to penicillin and third-generation cephalosporins, with the higher resistance rates to ampicillin (68.30%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (53.6%), and ciprofloxacin (42.90%). Resistance rates to carbapenems and aminoglycosides were extremely low. Both GBS and E. coli neonatal sepsis have specific clinical characteristics, especially in terms of clinical manifestations, complications, non-specific indicators, and drug resistance. Early identification is important for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Pulmonary presentation and coil marcation of dirofilaria lung coin nodes - case report.

Clinicians face significant diagnostic challenges when dealing with nodal lesions of the lung. The majority of lung nodules are benign; however, asignificant number can be cancerous. Dirofilaria infestation should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of nodal lung lesions. Most patients with Dirofilaria infestation are asymptomatic. To determine the etiology of nodal lung infiltrations, procedures like radiological imaging, bronchoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), transthoracic biopsy (TTB), tumor markers, nonspecific serological tests, or surgical removal of the lung coin lesions can be performed. Coil marking of the smaller lung lesions under computed tomography (CT) guidance is ahelpful tool in determining the position and localization of the nodal lung lesions. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) wedge resection is adiagnostic and therapeutic method of choice. No additional treatment of Dirofilaria other than wedge resection of the lung is necessary.

A prospective study on Rickettsia infections in Central India

Rickettsial infections are under-reported in India. The actual disease burden has been underestimated as non-specific serological tests are mostly used to diagnose these infections. The aim of this study was the detection of Rickettsia infections in clinical specimens by Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction.A study was established to analyse blood samples taken from pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO) or undifferentiated fever cases. A total of 69 such patients, were referred/walked-in to our diagnostic centre, Indore, India between October 2021 and May 2023. The blood samples were collected in EDTA lavender (purple) top tube.Of the tested samples, 14 patients (20.3%) were positive for Rickettsia infection.Gender wise distribution revealed higher incidence (57%) of Rickettsial infections in male patients. Children were majorly infected (50% of cases); multiple infection was also noted in them, though severity was not high. Severe clinical manifestation including hospitalization was also noted in some patients. Few reports are available from India on molecular diagnosis of Rickettsia infection. Early-stage molecular diagnosis will help to stave off and prevent serious complications.

Formulation and evaluation of antibacterial activity of hand sanitizers containing red betel (Piper crocatum) and white galangal (Alpinia galanga) extract

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak has changed how people live worldwide, making hand hygiene a must, whether it involves hand sanitizer (HS). The majority of HS are made of alcohol. Several side effects of alcohol are dryness and allergies. Alternative natural ingredients and HS are needed. Red betel (Piper crocatum) and white galangal (Alpinia galanga) are familiar and easy to be found. These two plants have the potential to be the composition of HS because of their compounds, such as antioxidants, antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals. However, there is a need for further research on their formulation and effectiveness in germ-killing.Purpose: To formulate and identify the antibacterial activity of HS containing red betel and white galangal extract.Method: This research was an in vitro laboratory experiment with several steps, including extraction, specific and nonspecific tests, formulation, and antibacterial activity tests.Results: Red betel and white galangal leaves had been extracted at a concentration of 10% and formulated into HS. The HS containing 10% red betel extract produced an inhibition zone of 0 mm against E. coli and 1.05 mm against S. aureus, and the HS containing 10% White galangal extract produced an inhibition zone of 1.47 mm against E. coli and 1.40 mm against S. aureus.Conclusion: The formulation of HS containing 10% of white galangal extract is more effective than the HS containing 10% of Red betel extract.

Gate-Level Side-Channel Leakage Ranking With Architecture Correlation Analysis

While side-channel leakage is traditionally evaluated from a fabricated chip, it is more time-efficient and cost-effective to do so during the design phase of the chip. We present a methodology to rank the gates of a design according to their contribution to the side-channel leakage of the chip. The methodology relies on logic synthesis, logic simulation, gate-level power estimation, and gate leakage assessment to compute a ranking. The ranking metric can be defined as a specific test by correlating gate-level activity with a leakage model, or else as a non-specific test by evaluating gate-level activity in response to distinct test vector groups. Our results show that only a minority of the gates in a design contribute most of the side-channel leakage. We demonstrate this property for several designs, including a hardware AES coprocessor and a cryptographic hardware/software interface in a five-stage pipelined RISC processor.

A Novel Approach for Single-Step Analyte Fractionation of Raw Milk Prior to Antibiotic Residue Trace Analysis as an Alternative to QuEchERS-Based Extraction.

Antibiotic residues in milk are a well-known hazard in the dairy food chain. Detection methods for these residues, such as nonspecific microbiological inhibitor tests or group-specific receptor tests, are relatively inexpensive, easy to use, and widely applied to ensure food safety. In contrast, specific detection by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-although a critical, complimentary method to confirm the results of nonspecific testing-is relatively costly, time-consuming, and laborious. Furthermore, sample processing before LC-MS/MS analysis requires unique preparation procedures for different groups of antibiotic compounds. To simplify and speed up specific antibiotic residue detection, a low-cost, passive, and single-step method to fractionate analytes in raw milk was developed. Untreated raw milk was fractionated into its water and fat/protein phases using a Fractionation of Milk for Trace Analysis of Contaminants and Residues for Antibiotics (FraMiTrACR® AB) fractionation unit. The water fraction was then analyzed by LC-MS/MS. The analyte fractionation method was evaluated against a Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS)-based method for sample preparation. Our method allows qualitative and quantitative detection of substances from the penicillin, cephalosporin, macrolide, lincosamide, sulfonamide, tetracycline, and fluoroquinolone groups of antibiotics. Detection limits are below the legally prescribed maximum residue levels, allowing reliable, specific, and rapid validation of a positive result in nonspecific microbiological inhibitor tests. Analyte fractionation by FraMiTrACR AB is a faster alternative to QuEChERS-based sample preparation for the detection of antibiotic substances in milk. This method describes a low-cost, environmentally friendly, passive, and single-step milk analyte fractionation. As an alternative to QuEChERS-based preparation, this fractionation method simplifies and speeds up the process for specific antibiotic residue detection.

Psoas abscess: an uncommon disorder.

Psoas abscess (PA) is an uncommon disease that has been increasingly reported in the recent years. We reviewed patients with PA and analyzed their clinical characteristics to improve our understanding of this rare disorder. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical presentations, microbiology, and outcomes of patients with PA between 2011 and 2022 at the Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital in China. There were 40 adult patients identified with the discharge diagnosis of PA. The mean age was 60years, and 67.5% of the patients were male. Primary symptoms were typically nonspecific. In all, 20 abscesses were considered secondary, and the most common was infective spondylitis. The most common causative organism for primary PA was Staphylococcus aureus, followed by Escherichia coli, whereas multiple bacterial species were found in secondary abscesses. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 5%. Patients with secondary PA had a longer hospital stay. PA, as a serious infectious condition, usually presents with nonspecific symptoms and laboratory test results, making early diagnosis difficult. These profiles differed from those reported in the present study. The initial clinical status and subsequent imaging studies can lead to favorable outcomes.

Standardisasi dan Pengukuran Kadar Flavonoid Daun Ketepeng Kecil (Senna tora (L.) Roxb.) Menggunakan Metode Spektrofotometri UV-Vis

Sickle senna (Senna tora (L.) Roxb.) is a wild plant that is used by the community as a traditional medicine to treat diarrhea and intestinal worms. In the development of plants as traditional medicines, it is necessary to standardize the quality of plant materials to ensure their quality, stability, and safety. This study aims to determine the standadization of extracts both specifically and non-specifically and to determine the level of falvonoids in the fraction of sickle senna (Senna tora (L.) Roxb.) leaves. This study applies a phytochemical screening test, specific parameter test, non-specific parameter test, and flavonoid levels determination. The result of phytochemical screening shows that the fraction containing flavonoid compounds is 70% ethanol fraction. The results of standardization for specific parameter show the organoleptic ethanol fraction of 70% is in the form of semi-solid/viscous, black color and distinctive smell, with water soluble extract content is 19.08%, and ethanol soluble extract content is 23.35%. the standardization result for non-specific parameter shows that the total ash content is 1.76%, the acid insoluble ash content is 2.890%, drying shrinkage is 4.96%, and water content is 18.80%. meanwhile, metal and microbial contamination show no contamination in the 70% ethanol fraction. The result for the analysis of the flavonoid content of the 70% ethanol fraction. The result for the analysis of the flavonoid content of the 70% ethanol fraction of sickle senna leaves is carried out at a wavelength of 438.36 nm with an absorbance value of 0.0154. The total flavonoid level is calculated by the standard linear equation of quarcetin, which is y=0.0648x + (-0.0232) with a correlation coefficient (r2) = 0,9948 and a total flavonoid content of 4.713%

The Effect of Solvent Concentration Against Specific and Non Specific Parameters of Standardization: Ethanolic Extract of Papaya Seed (Carica papaya Linn.)

Papaya plants (Carica papaya L.) can be used as traditional medicine. The parts of the plant commonly used as medicine are the seeds and leaves. Assurance of the quality of the extract obtained needs to be carried out by testing specific and non-specific parameters. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the percentage of ethanol solvent concentration on specific parameters (organoleptic, phytochemical screening, and total phenolic content) and non-specific parameters (moisture content, ash content, and specific gravity) of papaya seed extract (Carica papaya L.). This type of laboratory experimental qualitative research was done to determine the effect of the percentage of ethanol solvent concentration (70% and 95%) on specific and non-specific parameters. Specific and non-specific parameter testing is based on work procedures listed in the Indonesian Herbal Pharmacopoeia. The results of testing the specific parameters on organoleptics showed no difference in the extract obtained, which was viscous and dark brown in color with a characteristic odor. Based on qualitative phytochemical screening, 70% ethanol extract contains alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. However, the 95% ethanol extract was only positive for alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins. The phenolic content test of 70% ethanol and 95% ethanol extracts was 4.31 ± 0.65 mg GAE/g and 2.69 ± 0.41 mg GAE/g, respectively (Sig 0.022 &lt; 0.05). Extract non-specific parameter test results. The ash content test for 70% and 95% ethanol extracts was 9.5% ± 0.21% w/w and 8.5% ± 0.06% w/w (Sig 0.043 &lt; 0.05). The respective water contents were 8.7 ± 0.11% w/w and 9.7 ± 0.26% w/w (Sig 0.046 &lt; 0.05). The specific gravity of each obtained was 0.88 ± 0.006 % g/ml and 0.75 ± 0.006% g/ml (Sig 0.043 &lt; 0.05). The conclusion of this study is that the concentrations of 70% ethanol and 95% ethanol in papaya seed ethanol extract have an effect on specific parameters, namely the measurement of total phenolic content. While the non-specific parameters affect the water content, total ash content, and specific gravity.

Using Mesoporous Silica-Based Dual Biomimetic Nano-Erythrocytes for an Improved Antitumor Effect.

The nano-delivery system with a dual biomimetic effect can penetrate deeper in tumor microenvironments (TMEs) and release sufficient antitumor drugs, which has attracted much attention. In this study, we synthesized erythrocyte-like mesoporous silica nanoparticles (EMSNs) as the core loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) and coated them with calcium phosphate (CaP) and erythrocyte membrane (EM) to obtain DOX/EsPMs. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fluorescent co-localization and protein bands of SDS-PAGE were used to confirm the complete fabrication of EsPMs. The EsPMs with erythrocyte-like shape exhibited superior penetration ability in in vitro diffusion and tumor-sphere penetration experiments. Intracellular Ca2+ and ROS detection experiments showed that the CaP membranes of EsPMs with pH-sensitivity could provide Ca2+ continuously to induce reactive oxide species' (ROS) generation in the TME. The EM as a perfect "camouflaged clothing" which could confuse macrophagocytes into prolonging blood circulation. Hemolysis and non-specific protein adsorption tests proved the desirable biocompatibility of EsPMs. An in vivo pharmacodynamics evaluation showed that the DOX/EsPMs group had a satisfactory tumor-inhibition effect. These advantages of the nano-erythrocytes suggest that by modifying the existing materials to construct a nano-delivery system, nanoparticles will achieve a biomimetic effect from both their structure and function with a facilitated and sufficient drug release profile, which is of great significance for antitumor therapy.

Machine-Learning-Assisted Procoagulant Extracellular Vesicle Barcode Assay toward High-Performance Evaluation of Thrombosis-Induced Death Risk in Cancer Patients.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the most fatal complication in cancer patients. Unfortunately, the frequent misdiagnosis of VTE owing to the lack of accurate and efficient evaluation approaches may cause belated medical intervention and even sudden death. Herein, we present a rapid, easily operable, highly specific, and highly sensitive procoagulant extracellular vesicle barcode (PEVB) assay composed of TiO2 nanoflower (TiNFs) for visually evaluating VTE risk in cancer patients. TiNFs demonstrate rapid label-free EV capture capability by the synergetic effect of TiO2-phospholipids molecular interactions and topological interactions between TiNFs and EVs. From ordinary plasma samples, the PEVB assay can evaluate potential VTE risk by integrating TiNFs-based EV capture and in situ EV procoagulant ability test with machine-learning-assisted clinical data analysis. We demonstrate the feasibility of this PEVB assay in VTE risk evaluation by screening 167 cancer patients, as well as the high specificity (97.1%) and high sensitivity (96.8%), fully exceeding the nonspecific and posterior traditional VTE test. Together, we proposed a TiNFs platform allowing for highly accurate and timely diagnosis of VTE in cancer patients.

Ultrasound Imaging of the Sciatic Nerve.

The sciatic nerve (SN) is the biggest nerve in the human body and innervates a large skin surface of the lower limb and several muscles of the thigh, leg, and foot. It originates from the ventral rami of spinal nerves L4 through S3 and contains fibers from both the posterior and anterior divisions of the lumbosacral plexus. After leaving the neural foramina, the nerve roots merge with each other forming a single peripheral nerve that travels within the pelvis and thigh. Non-discogenic pathologies of the SN are largely underdiagnosed entities due to nonspecific clinical tests and poorly described imaging findings. Likewise, to the best of our knowledge, a step-by-step ultrasound protocol to assess the SN is lacking in the pertinent literature. In this sense, the aim of the present manuscript is to describe the normal sono-anatomy of the SN from the greater sciatic foramen to the proximal thigh proposing a standardized and simple sonographic protocol. Then, based on the clinical experience of the authors, a few tips and tricks have been reported to avoid misinterpretation of confounding sonographic findings. Last but not least, we report some common pathological conditions encountered in daily practice with the main purpose of making physicians more confident regarding the sonographic "navigation" of a complex anatomical site and optimizing the diagnosis and management of non-discogenic neuropathies of the SN.