Type Of Screening Method Research Articles

Non-invasive prenatal testing for everybody or contingent screening?

To compare the advantages and disadvantages of two main implementation strategies for non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for the detection of trisomies 21, 13 and 18 in public healthcare settings. These concern NIPT as a first-tier screening test for all pregnant women, or NIPT contingent on an increased risk first-trimester combined test (FCT) result. Comparison based on (un)published data and literature. Despite the lower prevalence of trisomies in the low-risk population, data show that the positive predictive value (PPV) and detection-miscarriage ratio of first-tier NIPT are comparable to NIPT used as contingency test. Advantages of NIPT as a first-tier test compared to FCT with contingent NIPT are that there is no time-window for testing, sensitivity is higher, fewer women need follow-up testing (PPV of NIPT is higher than PPV of FCT), less anxiety for pregnant women and partners. When given the choice, pregnant women prefer first-tier NIPT. Although contingency testing still seems to be the cheaper option, the differences in costs are becoming increasingly smaller and might soon disappear. We argue that NIPT should preferably be offered as a first-tier test for the detection of fetal aneuploidies for all pregnant women, provided that women are supported to make informed decisions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Inequalities and risk factors related to non-participation in colorectal cancer screening programmes: a systematic review.

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) screening programmes require high levels of participation in order to reduce mortality. To improve participation rates, it is necessary to identify the health risk factors and social inequalities associated with non-participation.MethodsA systematic review was conducted between June and September of 2019 in six databases: CINHAL, Medline, Scopus, Social Sciences Citation Index, Embase and PsycINFO. Studies assessing the relationship between health risk factors, participation in preventive activities and participation in CRC screening were included. Methodological assessment was carried out according to the Quality Assessment Tools of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.ResultsA total of nine studies that analyze participation in both organized and opportunistic screening programmes using any type of screening method were finally selected. Data were mainly self-reported although in two studies medical records were also studied. We identified several variables: gender, body mass index, consultation with a doctor or a specialist, educational level, employment, health insurance, residence, ethnicity, age, marital status, income, other preventive activities, obesity, physical activity, smoking, family history of CRC and general health status.ConclusionThe scarcity of studies linking risk factors, social inequalities and participation in preventive activities for participation in screening in the same study makes it difficult to reach definitive patterns related to non-participation in CRC screening programmes. Nevertheless, being under 60, obese, smoker and sedentary have shown an association with non-participation as well as not visiting a doctor.

Pattern of Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening Services among Female Sex Workers in Some Selected Brothels in Abuja, Nigeria

Objective:The utilization of cervical cancer screening services remains low among Female Sex Workers (FSWs) in Sub-Saharan Africa, with few or no studies conducted in Nigeria. However, the prevalence of human papillomavirus in this population is reportedly high because of associated risk factors. This study examined the pattern of cervical cancer screening service utilizations among FSWs in the Abuja metropolis.Methods:This descriptive cross-sectional survey used a purposive sampling technique to select 406 respondents via a structured questionnaire including questions regarding whether they had been screened for cervical cancer, the frequency of screening and type of screening method. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 and presented using frequency tables and percentages.Results:The response rate among the participants was 97.6%. The mean age of the FSWs was 32 ± 5.1 years. Regarding the pattern of screening age, the mean age at the first screening was 28 ± 4.3 years. Only 81 (20%) participants had been screened annually, and visual inspection with acetic acid was most frequently used (20.9%). Respondents preferred to undergo screening in their brothels. The awareness of screening services was high (n = 290, 71.4%); however, the utilization of cervical cancer screening services remained low, as 246 (60.6%) FSWs had never been screened. The nonutilization of screening services was related to poor accessibility and a lack of awareness and interest.Conclusions:Although a high level of awareness that would be expected to influence uptake, cervical cancer screening services were rather underutilized by the study respondents. Therefore, a concerted effort is needed to ensure that FSWs understand cervical cancer and its consequences. Hopefully, this effort will improve the uptake.

The Prevalence of Phenylketonuria in Arab Countries, Turkey, and Iran: A Systematic Review.

Background/Objectives This paper seeks to identify the prevalence of Phenylketonuria (PKU) in Arab countries, Turkey, and Iran. The study reviewed the existence of comprehensive national newborn screening programs and reported consanguinity rates. Methods A computer based literature search was conducted using relevant keywords to retrieve studies conducted on PKU. A total of 34 articles were included. Prevalence was categorized based on the type of screening method used for PKU diagnoses. Results The prevalence of classical PKU diagnosed through a comprehensive national newborn screening program ranged from 0.005% to 0.0167%. The highest prevalence was reported in Turkey at 0.0167%, whereas the lowest prevalence was reported in the UAE, 0.005%. Conclusion The findings of this review emphasize the need for the establishment of more efficient reporting systems in these countries that would help measure Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) in order to estimate the overall societal burden of PKU.

Evidence insufficient to confirm the value of population screening for diabetes and hypertension in low- and-middle-income settings.

To assess the evidence from systematic reviews on the effect on morbidity and mortality of blanket screening for hypertension or diabetes mellitus compared with targeted, opportunistic or no screening, we searched for relevant systematic reviews and conducted duplicate study selection, data extraction and quality appraisal. Results were summarised narratively. We included two completed reviews of moderate quality and one ongoing Cochrane review. In one completed review, general health checks had no effect on total morbidity or mortality or on healthcare services compared with no health checks. In the other, intensive hypertension screening methods were ineffective in increasing screening uptake or detecting new cases compared with less intensive methods. Both reviews included studies in high-income settings. There is insufficient evidence from currently available systematic reviews to confirm a beneficial effect of blanket screening for hypertension and/or diabetes compared with other types of screening methods in low- and middle-income settings. Scarce resources are being mobilised to implement mass screening intervention for diabetes and hypertension without adequate evidence of its effects. A systematic review is needed to assess clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and overall impact on the health system of screening strategies, especially in low- and middle-income settings such as exist in South Africa. Robust evaluation of these outcomes would then be necessary to inform secondary prevention strategies.

Screening Methods for Southern Chinch Bug Resistance in St. Augustinegrass

Relying on insecticides for southern chinch bug control raises turfgrass maintenance costs, increases the risk that insects will develop resistance to insecticides, and may damage the environment. Host-plant resistance is a relatively sustainable and environmentally sound option for management of this damaging insect pest.To develop new resistant varieties, plant materials must be screened for new sources of southern chinch bug resistance. Screening methods to measure host plant resistance of St. Augustinegrass to southern chinch bugs have measured nymphal and/or adult survival in so-called no-choice tests in which only the experimental plant materials were provided. There are four types of screening methods described in this 4-page fact sheet was written by Huangjun Lu and Ronald Cherry, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, October 2014. (Photo credit: Long Ma, UF/IFAS Extension)
 ENY-480/IN1050: Screening Methods for Southern Chinch Bug Resistance in St. Augustinegrass (ufl.edu)

Routine screening for cognitive and psychological impairment in HIV-infected patients

Routine screening for cognitive and psychological impairment in HIV-infected patients

Breast Cancer Screening Among Adult Women in China, 2010

IntroductionBreast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer among women in China. However, China does not have a national screening program or national screening guidelines. Little information on participation in breast cancer screening among Chinese women is available.MethodsWe used data from the 2010 China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance System that included 53,513 women aged 18 years or older. Women were asked about breast cancer screening participation (any type of screening method), and we examined screening participation rates. We adjusted estimates and performed multivariable logistic regression to adjust for potential confounders.ResultsOverall, 21.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 19.2%–24.2%) of respondents reported previous breast cancer screening. The participation rates were highest among women aged 30 to 39 years (30.7%; 95% CI, 26.9%–34.4%) and lowest among women 70 years or older (6.3%; 95% CI, 5.1%–7.6%). Compared with women living in the western region, women in the eastern region were 1.5 times more likely to be screened (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2–2.0). Compared with women without insurance, women with urban insurance were more likely to be screened (prevalence ratio = 2.6; 95% CI, 2.3–3.0) and be screened within the last 2 years (OR = 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0–1.7; P = .04).Conclusion Breast cancer screening participation rates among Chinese women were low and varied greatly by age, region, and insurance status. Comprehensive and prioritized strategies are needed to improve breast cancer screening participation among older women, those without medical insurance, and those living in the west.

Back to the Basics: Thyroid Gland Structure, Function and Pathology

1. Janelle M. Chiasera, PhD, MT (ASCP)[⇑][1] 1. University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 1. Address for Correspondence: Janelle M. Chiasera, PhD, MT(ASCP) , Chair and Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1705 University Blvd, SHPB 431, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, 205-975-3111, chiasera{at}uab.edu 1. Explain the HPT feedback system involving the thyroid gland. Include the hormone produced from each gland and the effect of that hormone on the other unit. 2. Describe thyroid hormone synthesis including a description of the 5 steps of hormone production and the rate limiting step to the production of thyroid hormones. 3. Differentiate between hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism including associated laboratory data, signs and symptoms presented, primary cause, and treatment. 4. Explain the importance of neonatal screening and indicate the type of screening method used by the U.S. 5. Explain the difference between overt and subclinical thyroid disorders and euthyroid sick syndrome and explain what the laboratory data would look like in both conditions. The thyroid gland is one of many glands associated with the endocrine system and it is responsible for the production and secretion of the thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck and is bilobular in structure such that it has a butterfly appearance. The thyroid gland is made up of two cell types, follicular and parafollicular cells. The follicular cells are responsible for producing thyroid hormones. The follicular cells enclose a space called the colloid which contains stored thyroglobulin, a glycoprotein that contains the precursors T3 and T4. The parafollicular cells, also known as C-cells, secrete the hormone calcitonin, a hormone responsible for the regulation of calcium.1-3 The thyroid gland, like other glands of the endocrine system, is controlled through a feedback system involving the hypothalamus, the pituitary, and the target gland (the thyroid). The relationship between the hypothalamus, the pituitary and the thyroid gland is referred to as the HPT axis. The hypothalamus is responsible for producing thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), a tripeptide which is secreted into the venous system that drains to the pituitary gland. At the pituitary, TRH binds to receptors in thyrotroph cells causing the production and secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), also known as thyrotropin. Thyroid stimulating hormone binds to TSH receptors in the follicular cells of the thyroid gland causing the production and secretion of thyroid hormones, T3 and T4. As with all endocrine glands, the thyroid gland exhibits both negative and positive… ABBREVIATIONS : AAP - American Academy of Pediatrics; DIT - diiodotryrosine; fT3 - Free T3; fT4 - Free T4; HPT - hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid axis; MIT - monoiodotryrosine; rT3 - reverse T3; ESS - euthyroid sick syndrome; T3 - triiodothyronine; T4 - thyroxine; TBG - thyroxine-binding globulin; TBPA - thyroxine-binding prealbumin; THBR - thyroid hormone binding ratio; TRH - thyrotropin-releasing hormone; TSH - thyroid stimulating hormone; TT3 - total T3; TT4 - total T4 1. Explain the HPT feedback system involving the thyroid gland. Include the hormone produced from each gland and the effect of that hormone on the other unit. 2. Describe thyroid hormone synthesis including a description of the 5 steps of hormone production and the rate limiting step to the production of thyroid hormones. 3. Differentiate between hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism including associated laboratory data, signs and symptoms presented, primary cause, and treatment. 4. Explain the importance of neonatal screening and indicate the type of screening method used by the U.S. 5. Explain the difference between overt and subclinical thyroid disorders and euthyroid sick syndrome and explain what the laboratory data would look like in both conditions. [1]: #corresp-1

Importance of bowel preparation in screening colonoscopy

1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA 2Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S Euclid Ave, Campus Box 8124, St Louis, MO 63110, USA *Author for correspondence: Tel.: +1 314 362 5952; Fax: +1 314 747 1277; jeanwang@wustl.edu Colorectal cancer is the third most com­ mon type of cancer in men worldwide and the second most common in women [101]. In addition, it is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths, making prevention of para­ mount importance. Prior to developing into malignancies, colonic lesions begin as adenomatous polyps, benign growths that can transform into colorectal cancer over a period of several years. It is during these years that screening examinations allow physicians to discover and remove these adenomas before they can become cancers. Various types of screening methods have been utilized, including fecal testing, bar­ ium enema, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy and computed tomography colonography. Of these, colonoscopy has often been her­ alded as one of the best methods of screen­ ing given its ability to remove lesions at the time of detection as well as to see polyps throughout the entire colon [1]. Prior to the procedure, colonoscopy requires the use of a bowel preparation to thoroughly cleanse the colon of stool so that visualization and detection of small polyps is possible during the examina­ tion. Bowel preparation usually involves drinking a large amount of liquid medi­ cation in order to purge bowel contents and cleanse the colonic walls. Patients take this medication the evening before the examination while consuming only a clear liquid diet. Numerous studies have been performed to determine the best form of bowel preparation, but there are a number of other factors, including patient medications and comorbidities, that can affect preparation quality [2,3]. Endoscopists continue to search for the optimal method of preparation, keeping in mind that different patients may require different approaches. In recent years, split­ dose preparations, in which patients take half of their bowel preparation the evening prior to the examination and the other half of the bowel preparation the morning of the procedure, have been shown to be “...colonoscopy has often been heralded as one of the best methods of screening given its ability to remove lesions at the time of detection as well as to see polyps throughout the entire colon.” EDITORIAL

Screening for gestational diabetes in the Anuradhapura district

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common medical complications of pregnancy. GDM is associated with 2-4 times increase in perinatal complications. Asian women are at higher risk of GDM compared to white Caucasians. Only few studies have been done to understand GDM among rural Sri Lankan women. Objectives: To determine if risk assessment for GDM is conducted at the field antenatal booking and to determine the types of screening methods for GDM applied in the Anuradhapura district (AD). Method: Cross sectional retrospective analysis of a hospital based sample of pregnant women attending for their delivery. Study population: Pregnant mothers with period of amenorrhoea (POA) >28 weeks, in the AD. Results: N = 422. Six out of seven risk factors mentioned in the antenatal record (ANR) were well documented, in >90%. Eight risk factors, not mentioned in the ANR were poorly documented ( Conclusion: Screening for GDM in the primary health care of Anuradhapura district is grossly inadequate. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sjdem.v2i1.4324 Sri Lanka Journal of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism 2012; 2 : 11-16

The developing zebrafish (Danio rerio): A vertebrate model for high‐throughput screening of chemical libraries

The zebrafish, Danio rerio, a small, tropical freshwater species native to Pakistan and India, has become a National Institutes of Health-sanctioned model organism and, due to its many advantages as an experimental vertebrate, it has garnered intense interest from the world's scientific community. Some have labeled the zebrafish, the "vertebrate Drosophila," due to its genetic tractability, small size, low cost, and rapid development. The transparency of the embryo, external development, and the many hundreds of mutant and transgenic lines available add to the allure. Now it appears, the zebrafish can be used for high-throughput screening (HTS) of drug libraries in the discovery process of promising new therapeutics. In this review, various types of screening methods are briefly outlined, as are a variety of screens for different disease models, to highlight the range of zebrafish HTS possibilities. High-content screening (HCS) has been available for cell-based screens for some time and, very recently, HCS is being adapted for the zebrafish. This will allow analysis, at high resolution, of drug effects on whole vertebrates; thus, whole body effects as well as those on specific organs and tissues may be determined.

Gestational diabetes mellitus: Get, set, go From diabetes capital of the world to diabetes care capital of the world.

Screening and diagnosis for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) as well as interventions for its management evoke considerable controversy. There are different types of screening methods: universal or risk-based, one step or two step. Different thresholds for diagnosis of GDM have been in vogue. Previous definition and diagnostic criteria had no place for diagnosis of overt diabetes in pregnancy. Following Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes (HAPO) study and International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) recommendations, new screening and diagnostic criteria around the world seem to be gaining consensus. The present recommendation given by IADPSG for screening and diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in pregnancy has two discrete phases. The first is detection of women with overt diabetes not previously diagnosed or treated outside of pregnancy. Universal early testing in populations is recommended at the first prenatal visit. The second phase is a 75-g OGTT at 24–28 week gestation in all women not previously found to have overt diabetes or GDM. ACHOIS and MFMU Network trails have proven benefit in treating hyperglycemias less than what is diagnostic for diabetes. DIPSI has shown the alternative way for resource-challenged communities. Efforts from all stake holders with interest in GDM are required to make the diabetes capital of the world into the diabetes care capital of the world.

Recent Improvements in Forensic Hair Analysis for Illicit Drugs

This review summarizes technical and administrative improvements in forensic hair analysis for methamphetamine (MA) and designer drugs, recently developed by the present authors' team. These improvements include the establishment of three types of screening methods, and a column-switching liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometric (LC-MS) method for determining such drugs and their metabolites to serve as an alternative confirmation technique. The screening methods include ion mobility spectrometry-based, enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT)-based, and immunochromatography-based methods. The column-switching LC-MS method proved to be effective in clearly determining MA and its metabolites, amphetamine and p-hydroxy-MA, which provides indisputable proof of MA intake. Quality assurance measures in forensic hair analysis, such as semiquantitative cross-checkings between the results of different analyses, are also discussed.

Prescreening at-risk elders for entry into a community-based long-term care program.

Despite the expansion of community-based service alternatives, demand for case coordinated community care continues to rise. Many programs, under pressure to target their services to te most disabled, have developed comprehensive entry criteria to determine eligibility. Their criteria generally require an in-person assessment to make the determination, but because of the volume of potential applicants, in-person assessment of each applicant has proven to be impractical. Although most programs have developed some type of screening method and a wide range of approaches are used, little research exists to validate the screening efforts. This study reports on a screening method used in the national channeling demonstration and compares the results of a telephone screen to the results of an in-person assessment.

An Analysis of the Mode of Living and the Condition of Health of Evening School Students.

In this chapter the author made a research on the physical condition of eveningschool students, especially in the light of physiological function.1) In respect to their physical growth, it was found that they are short with an unproportionately long trunk.2) It was found that they have a small vital-capacity of the lung and a weaker eye-sight which is one of the most marked physical signes of evening-school students.3) Results of the examination of their motor fitness show that on all the items taken up for the examination they are, more or less, inferior to day-school students, particularly in equilibrium, endurance, and their circulatory and respiratory performance.4) Blood-examination is very important for evening-school students as one of the effective methods for their health-supervision. It helps to discover students in ill-health which could not be checked either by X-ray examination or physical measurement carried out once a year.5) A type of screening method was adopted for the purpose of mass-examination of the blood.6) The hemoglobin-level of evening-school students is 15.26 g/dl (in boys) and 13.64 g/dl (in girls), showing a lower level than those in day-school students. The change of their hemoglobin-level in the recent five years, is pararell to the change of economic situation of Japan in general, but is should be noted that the hemoglobin-level is found lower than that of gerenal Japanese population.7) The measurement of specific gravity of the whole blood (Gb) is equally important for the health-supervision of evening-school students. In fact, it is re-vealed that 10-30% of the students showed anemic findings.8) Nutrition is also supposed to be one of the most important factors in solving the health problems of evening-school students. Those who have anemic tendency are especially present among the students of the lower-calory group. The average a mount of calory taken by evening-school students found as 2387 Cal/day (in boys) and 1879 Cal/day (in girls).9) As regards the students of the lower-calory group, it was discovered that the amount of wheat, fish, milk, eggs, fat and sugar taken by them is markedly reduced, and that their meal-time is considerably unsettled and irregular. Regarding meal-time of evening school students, it was observed that the neareg to the week end, the later is the suopertime,