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Eye (London, England) Oct 2019
Topics: Cataract Extraction; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Humans; Patient Safety
PubMed: 31289354
DOI: 10.1038/s41433-019-0526-8 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2022Paper-based analytical devices (PADs), including lateral flow assays (LFAs), dipstick assays and microfluidic PADs (μPADs), have a great impact on the healthcare realm... (Review)
Review
Paper-based analytical devices (PADs), including lateral flow assays (LFAs), dipstick assays and microfluidic PADs (μPADs), have a great impact on the healthcare realm and environmental monitoring. This is especially evident in developing countries because PADs-based point-of-care testing (POCT) enables to rapidly determine various (bio)chemical analytes in a miniaturized, cost-effective and user-friendly manner. Low sensitivity and poor specificity are the main bottlenecks associated with PADs, which limit the entry of PADs into the real-life applications. The application of nanomaterials in PADs is showing great improvement in their detection performance in terms of sensitivity, selectivity and accuracy since the nanomaterials have unique physicochemical properties. In this review, the research progress on the nanomaterial-based PADs is summarized by highlighting representative recent publications. We mainly focus on the detection principles, the sensing mechanisms of how they work and applications in disease diagnosis, environmental monitoring and food safety management. In addition, the limitations and challenges associated with the development of nanomaterial-based PADs are discussed, and further directions in this research field are proposed.
Topics: Biological Assay; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Humans; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; Nanostructures; Paper; Point-of-Care Testing
PubMed: 35056823
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27020508 -
PloS One 2022Successful malaria treatment, control and elimination programs require accurate, affordable, and field-deployable diagnostic tests. A number of studies have directly... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Successful malaria treatment, control and elimination programs require accurate, affordable, and field-deployable diagnostic tests. A number of studies have directly compared diagnostic performance between the new ultrasensitive rapid diagnostic test (us-RDT) and conventional rapid diagnostic test (co-RDT) for detecting malaria. Thus, we undertook this review to directly compare pooled diagnostic performance of us-RDT and co-RDT for detection of malaria.
METHODS
PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and ProQuest were searched from their inception until 31 January 2021 accompanied by forward and backward citations tracking. Two authors independently assessed the quality of included studies by RevMan5 software (using the QUADAS-2 checklist). Diagnostic accuracy estimates (sensitivity and specificity and others) were pooled using a random-effect model and 95% confidence interval (CI) in Stata 15 software.
RESULTS
Fifteen studies with a total of 20,236 paired co-RDT and us-RDT tests were included in the meta-analysis. Molecular methods (15 studies) and immunoassay test (one study) were used as standard methods for comparison with co-RDT and us-RDT tests. The pooled sensitivity for co-RDT and us-RDT were 42% (95%CI: 25-62%) and 61% (95%CI: 47-73%), respectively, with specificity of 99% (95%CI: 98-100%) for co-RDT, and 99% (95%CI: 96-99%) for us-RDT. In asymptomatic individuals, the pooled sensitivity and specificity of co-RDT were 27% (95%CI: 8-58%) and 100% (95%CI: 97-100%), respectively, while us-RDT had a sensitivity of 50% (95%CI: 33-68%) and specificity of 98% (95%CI: 94-100%). In low transmission settings, pooled sensitivity for co-RDT was 36% (95%CI: 9 76%) and 62% (95%CI: 44 77%) for us RDT, while in high transmission areas, pooled sensitivity for co RDT and us RDT were 62% (95%CI: 39 80%) and 75% (95%CI: 57-87%), respectively.
CONCLUSION
The us-RDT test showed better performance than co-RDT test, and this characteristic is more evident in asymptomatic individuals and low transmission areas; nonetheless, additional studies integrating a range of climate, geography, and demographics are needed to reliably understand the potential of the us-RDT.
Topics: Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Humans; Malaria; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 35143565
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263770 -
Systematic Reviews Jul 2019Reporting standards in biomedical research have been shown to be suboptimal. The publication of the PRISMA statement has improved the completeness of reporting of...
Steps toward more complete reporting of systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Diagnostic Test Accuracy (PRISMA-DTA).
Reporting standards in biomedical research have been shown to be suboptimal. The publication of the PRISMA statement has improved the completeness of reporting of systematic reviews, but several issues specific to diagnostic test accuracy are not included in the PRISMA statement. Therefore, a diagnostic test accuracy extension of the PRISMA statement, PRISMA-DTA, was created. This commentary addresses completeness of reporting in systematic reviews, the PRISMA-DTA statement, and strategies for optimal uptake of reporting guidelines.
Topics: Biomedical Research; Checklist; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Humans; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Reproducibility of Results; Systematic Reviews as Topic
PubMed: 31296260
DOI: 10.1186/s13643-019-1090-9 -
Journal of Biomedical Science Jan 2020Imaging live cells in a three-dimensional (3D) culture system yields more accurate information and spatial visualization of the interplay of cells and the surrounding... (Review)
Review
Imaging live cells in a three-dimensional (3D) culture system yields more accurate information and spatial visualization of the interplay of cells and the surrounding matrix components compared to using a two-dimensional (2D) cell culture system. However, the thickness of 3D cultures results in a high degree of scattering that makes it difficult for the light to penetrate deeply to allow clear optical imaging. Photoacoustic (PA) imaging is a powerful imaging modality that relies on a PA effect generated when light is absorbed by exogenous contrast agents or endogenous molecules in a medium. It combines a high optical contrast with a high acoustic spatiotemporal resolution, allowing the noninvasive visualization of 3D cellular scaffolds at considerable depths with a high resolution and no image distortion. Moreover, advances in targeted contrast agents have also made PA imaging capable of molecular and cellular characterization for use in preclinical personalized diagnostics or PA imaging-guided therapeutics. Here we review the applications and challenges of PA imaging in a 3D cellular microenvironment. Potential future developments of PA imaging in preclinical applications are also discussed.
Topics: Contrast Media; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Optical Imaging; Photoacoustic Techniques; Tumor Cells, Cultured
PubMed: 31948442
DOI: 10.1186/s12929-019-0594-x -
Respiratory Research Nov 2019Diagnostic delays are common in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). A substantial percentage of patients experience a diagnostic delay in the primary care...
BACKGROUND
Diagnostic delays are common in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). A substantial percentage of patients experience a diagnostic delay in the primary care setting, but the factors underpinning this observation remain unclear. In this multi-center investigation, we assessed ILD reporting on diagnostic test interpretation and its association with subsequent pulmonology referral by a primary care physician (PCP).
METHODS
A retrospective cohort analysis of patients referred to the ILD programs at UC-Davis and University of Chicago by a PCP within each institution was performed. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest and abdomen and pulmonary function test (PFT) were reviewed to identify the date ILD features were first present and determine the time from diagnostic test to pulmonology referral. The association between ILD reporting on diagnostic test interpretation and pulmonology referral was assessed, as was the association between years of diagnostic delay and changes in fibrotic features on longitudinal chest CT.
RESULTS
One hundred and forty-six patients were included in the final analysis. Prior to pulmonology referral, 66% (n = 97) of patients underwent chest CT, 15% (n = 21) underwent PFT and 15% (n = 21) underwent abdominal CT. ILD features were reported on 84, 62 and 33% of chest CT, PFT and abdominal CT interpretations, respectively. ILD reporting was associated with shorter time to pulmonology referral when undergoing chest CT (1.3 vs 15.1 months, respectively; p = 0.02), but not PFT or abdominal CT. ILD reporting was associated with increased likelihood of pulmonology referral within 6 months of diagnostic test when undergoing chest CT (rate ratio 2.17, 95% CI 1.03-4.56; p = 0.04), but not PFT or abdominal CT. Each year of diagnostic delay was associated with a 1.8% increase in percent fibrosis on chest CT. Patients with documented dyspnea had shorter time to chest CT acquisition and pulmonology referral than patients with documented cough and lung crackles.
CONCLUSIONS
Determinants of ILD diagnostic delays in the primary care setting include underreporting of ILD features on diagnostic testing and prolonged time to pulmonology referral even when ILD is reported. Interventions to modulate these factors may reduce ILD diagnostic delays in the primary care setting.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cohort Studies; Delayed Diagnosis; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Female; Humans; Lung Diseases, Interstitial; Male; Middle Aged; Referral and Consultation; Respiratory Function Tests; Retrospective Studies; Time-to-Treatment
PubMed: 31718645
DOI: 10.1186/s12931-019-1228-2 -
The Journal of Applied Laboratory... Sep 2020Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and poses substantial challenges for healthcare systems. With a vastly... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and poses substantial challenges for healthcare systems. With a vastly expanding number of publications on COVID-19, clinicians need evidence synthesis to produce guidance for handling patients with COVID-19. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we examine which routine laboratory tests are associated with severe COVID-19 disease.
CONTENT
PubMed (Medline), Scopus, and Web of Science were searched until March 22, 2020, for studies on COVID-19. Eligible studies were original articles reporting on laboratory tests and outcome of patients with COVID-19. Data were synthesized, and we conducted random-effects meta-analysis, and determined mean difference (MD) and standard mean difference at the biomarker level for disease severity. Risk of bias and applicability concerns were evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2.
SUMMARY
45 studies were included, of which 21 publications were used for the meta-analysis. Studies were heterogeneous but had low risk of bias and applicability concern in terms of patient selection and reference standard. Severe disease was associated with higher white blood cell count (MD, 1.28 ×109/L), neutrophil count (MD, 1.49 ×109/L), C-reactive protein (MD, 49.2 mg/L), lactate dehydrogenase (MD, 196 U/L), D-dimer (standardized MD, 0.58), and aspartate aminotransferase (MD, 8.5 U/L); all p < 0.001. Furthermore, low lymphocyte count (MD -0.32 × 109/L), platelet count (MD -22.4 × 109/L), and hemoglobin (MD, -4.1 g/L); all p < 0.001 were also associated with severe disease. In conclusion, several routine laboratory tests are associated with disease severity in COVID-19.
Topics: Betacoronavirus; COVID-19; COVID-19 Testing; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Coronavirus Infections; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Humans; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Pandemics; Patient Selection; Pneumonia, Viral; Reference Standards; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 32573713
DOI: 10.1093/jalm/jfaa098 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2021Clinical research aiming at objectively identifying and characterizing diseases via clinical observations and biological and radiological findings is a critical initial... (Review)
Review
Clinical research aiming at objectively identifying and characterizing diseases via clinical observations and biological and radiological findings is a critical initial research step when establishing objective diagnostic criteria and treatments. Failure to first define such diagnostic criteria may lead research on pathogenesis and etiology to serious confounding biases and erroneous medical interpretations. This is particularly the case for electrohypersensitivity (EHS) and more particularly for the so-called "provocation tests", which do not investigate the causal origin of EHS but rather the EHS-associated particular environmental intolerance state with hypersensitivity to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMF). However, because those tests depend on multiple EMF-associated physical and biological parameters and have been conducted in patients without having first defined EHS objectively and/or endpoints adequately, they cannot presently be considered to be valid pathogenesis research methodologies. Consequently, the negative results obtained by these tests do not preclude a role of EMF exposure as a symptomatic trigger in EHS patients. Moreover, there is no proof that EHS symptoms or EHS itself are caused by psychosomatic or nocebo effects. This international consensus report pleads for the acknowledgement of EHS as a distinct neuropathological disorder and for its inclusion in the WHO International Classification of Diseases.
Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Consensus; Diagnostic Imaging; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Electromagnetic Fields; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Multiple Chemical Sensitivity; Nervous System Diseases
PubMed: 34298941
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147321 -
Current Opinion in Virology Apr 2020Recently, a lateral flow rapid diagnostic test (RDT) with good accuracy has been described. This test enables measles specific IgM antibody detection in serum, capillary... (Review)
Review
Recently, a lateral flow rapid diagnostic test (RDT) with good accuracy has been described. This test enables measles specific IgM antibody detection in serum, capillary blood and oral fluid. RDTs have the potential to transform measles surveillance by allowing real-time case confirmation outside of central/regional laboratories and by facilitating a timely public health response. Measles virus genes can also be amplified and sequenced consistently from dried IgM-positive RDTs stored outside of cold chain, which will enable more complete virologic surveillance. Critical questions remain regarding operational use of RDTs as part of global measles surveillance. Projects to evaluate RDT use as part of national surveillance programs and to commercialize the RDT are underway.
Topics: Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Epidemiological Monitoring; Global Health; Humans; Measles; Measles virus
PubMed: 32615510
DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2020.05.007 -
Applied and Environmental Microbiology May 2021Assessing "dysbiosis" in intestinal microbial communities is increasingly considered a routine analysis in microbiota studies, and it has added relevant information to... (Review)
Review
Assessing "dysbiosis" in intestinal microbial communities is increasingly considered a routine analysis in microbiota studies, and it has added relevant information to the prediction and characterization of diseases and other adverse conditions. However, dysbiosis is not a well-defined condition. A variety of different dysbiosis indexes have been suggested and applied, but their underlying methodologies, as well as the cohorts and conditions for which they have been developed, differ considerably. To date, no comprehensive overview and comparison of all the different methodologies and applications of such indexes is available. Here, we list all types of dysbiosis indexes identified in the literature, introduce their methodology, group them into categories, and discuss their potential descriptive and clinical applications as well as their limitations. Thus, our focus is not on the implications of dysbiosis for disease but on the methodological approaches available to determine and quantify this condition.
Topics: Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Dysbiosis; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans
PubMed: 33741632
DOI: 10.1128/AEM.00395-21