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Veterinary Research Communications Jul 2024The larvae of Cephalopina titillator cause nasopharyngeal myiasis in camels, which parasitize the living tissues of the nasal and paranasal sinuses, pharynx, and larynx....
The larvae of Cephalopina titillator cause nasopharyngeal myiasis in camels, which parasitize the living tissues of the nasal and paranasal sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. C. titillator infestation adversely affects camel health, meat, and milk production, and can even cause death. In our study, to improve the immunodiagnosis of camel nasal myiasis, a sensitive and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed and evaluated using the Concanavalin-A (Con-A) affinity purification for the C. titillator-N-acetylglucosamine (Ct-GlucNAc) glycoprotein fraction from third larval instars as an antigen for detecting C. titillator antibodies. Crude antigens were prepared from larval instars of C. titillator and evaluated by indirect ELISA. The third C. titillator larval antigen (LCt) had the highest protein content (P < 0.001) and the best diagnostic value; chi-square = 235 (P < 0.001). Four glycoprotein fractions were purified separately from the LCt antigen by Con-A purification and evaluated. The Ct-GlucNAc glycoprotein fraction was the fraction of choice with the highest diagnostic accuracy (P < 0.05). Using Ct-GlucNAc as a coating antigen, indirect ELISA showed a 99.3% sensitivity for positive results in camel myiasis samples and 100% specificity for negative results in healthy camel samples. The diagnostic accuracy was 99.7%, and no cross reactivity was detected for other parasitic diseases. The indirect ELISA results were confirmed by the western immunoblotting which was characterized by comparing sera from naturally infested dromedary camels with C. titillator, sera from healthy camels and sera from camels with other parasitic infections (Echinococcus granulosus, Fasciola gigantica, Hard ticks; Hyalomma dromedarii, Trichostronglid sp., Eimeria spp., and Cryptosporidium sp.). Immunoreactive antigenic bands of 63, 50, 30 and 18 kDa were predominantly detected in sera from camels with nasopharyngeal myiasis and didn't react with healthy and camel's sera from other parasitic infections. However, seven immunoreactive bands appeared at 120, 70, 63, 48, 35, 29, and 19 kDa in the crude LCt antigen. In addition, a positive rate of C. titillator immunodiagnosis was detected by indirect ELISA (48.6%, chi-square = 483, P < 0.001), which was significantly greater than that of postmortem diagnosis (31%). In conclusion, the current study introduces a new diagnostic immunoaffinity glycoprotein fraction of C. titillator 3rd larval instar-based ELISA as a highly accurate, simple and fast method to detect specific antibodies of nasal myiasis in camels.
PubMed: 38958817
DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10441-w -
Veterinary Research Communications Jul 2024Goats are often affected by respiratory diseases and, despite ultrasonography can assess lung consolidations in several species, it is rarely used in these animals. So,...
Goats are often affected by respiratory diseases and, despite ultrasonography can assess lung consolidations in several species, it is rarely used in these animals. So, this study evaluated the effectiveness of on-farm lung ultrasonography in detecting lung consolidations on 27 goats. The goats, scheduled for slaughter, underwent complete clinical examinations and lung ultrasonography. For the latter, both sides of the thorax were divided in four quadrants and examined using convex and linear probes before and after shaving the hair. Each quadrant was classified based on presence/absence of lung consolidation and maximum consolidation's depth (4-point scale: 0 healthy; 1 depth < 1 cm; 2 depth < 3 cm; 3 depth > 3 cm). The lungs were examined at necropsy, 66% of goats exhibited lung consolidations and sensitivity (83%-89%), specificity (100%), and κ coefficient values (0.67-0.72) were high with all techniques. An higher (p ≤ 0.01) percentage of class 1 lesions were found at necropsy compared to all the ultrasonographic techniques. All the ultrasonographic techniques effectively detected lung consolidation deeper than 1 cm. So, ultrasonography seems an effective tool for lung examination in goats with chronic pneumonia. The examination using the linear or the convex probes without shaving the hair could be a promising tool for the on-field diagnosis of pneumonia, although further research on larger sample sizes are necessary to validate these findings.
PubMed: 38958816
DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10458-1 -
EJNMMI Research Jul 2024N-(3-fluoropropyl)-2β-carboxymethoxy-3β-(4-iodophenyl) nortropane (FP-CIT), the representative cocaine derivative used in dopamine transporter imaging, is a promising...
BACKGROUND
N-(3-fluoropropyl)-2β-carboxymethoxy-3β-(4-iodophenyl) nortropane (FP-CIT), the representative cocaine derivative used in dopamine transporter imaging, is a promising biomarker, as it reflects the severity of Parkinson's disease (PD). I- and F-labeled FP-CIT has been used for PD diagnosis. However, preclinical studies evaluating [F]FP-CIT as a potential diagnostic biomarker are scarce. Among translational research advancements from bench to bedside, translating preclinical findings into clinical practice is one-directional. The aim of this study is to employ a circular approach, beginning back from the preclinical stage, progressing to the supplementation of [F]FP-CIT, and subsequently returning to clinical application. We investigated the pharmacokinetic properties of [F]FP-CIT and its efficacy for PD diagnosis using murine models.
RESULTS
Biodistribution, metabolite and excretion analyses were performed in mice and PD models were induced in rats using 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). The targeting efficiency of [F]FP-CIT for the dopamine receptor was assessed through animal PET/CT imaging. Subsequently, correlation analysis was conducted between animal PET/CT imaging results and immunohistochemistry (IHC) targeting tyrosine hydroxylase. Rapid circulation was confirmed after [F]FP-CIT injection. [F]FP-CIT reached the highest uptake of 23.50 ± 12.46%ID/g in the striatum 1 min after injection, and it was rapidly excreted within 60 min. The major metabolic organs of [F]FP-CIT were confirmed to be the intestines, liver, and kidneys. Its uptake in the intestine was approximately 5% ID/g. The uptake in the liver gradually increased, with excretion beginning after reaching a maximum after 60 min. The kidneys exhibited rapid elimination after 10 min. In the excretion study, rapid elimination was verified, with 21.46 ± 9.53% of the compound excreted within a 6 h period. Additionally, the efficacy of [F]FP-CIT PET was demonstrated in the PD model, with a high correlation with IHC for both the absolute value (R = 0.803, p = 0.0017) and the ratio value (R = 0.973, p = 0.0011).
CONCLUSIONS
This study fills the gap regarding insufficient preclinical studies on [F]FP-CIT, including its ADME, metabolites, and efficiency. The pharmacological results, including accurate diagnosis, rapid circulation, and [F]FP-CIT excretion, provide complementary evidence that [F]FP-CIT can be used safely and efficiently to diagnose PD in clinics, although it is already used in clinics.
PubMed: 38958796
DOI: 10.1186/s13550-024-01121-6 -
Neurological Sciences : Official... Jul 2024Endovascular Thrombectomy (EVT) as first-line treatment of patients with large core ischemic infarct is a subject of debate. A systematic literature search was conducted... (Review)
Review
Endovascular Thrombectomy (EVT) as first-line treatment of patients with large core ischemic infarct is a subject of debate. A systematic literature search was conducted in four electronic databases for randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing EVT to best medical treatment (BMT) for large core infarcts (ASPECTS ≤ 5). Relevant studies were added after screening for titles, abstracts, and complete text. Meta-analysis was performed. The continuous outcomes were analyzed using the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% CI, while the binary outcomes were analyzed using the risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). A funnel plot was used to visually evaluate publication bias, and if feasible, Egger's test was used to validate. We included 1918 patients from six RCTs that compared EVT plus BMT and BMT alone in patients with large core infarct due to large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation. There were 946 patients in the EVT group and 972 patients in the BMT group. The one-year outcomes are available for 314 patients in the EVT group and 292 patents in the BMT group from two RCTs. EVT group had statistically significant higher rate of 90-day mRS 0-1 (RR = 3.1, P-value < 0.0001), mRS 0-2 (RR = 2.64, P-value < 0.0001), mRS 0-3 (RR = 1.80, P-value < 0.0001), lower 90-day mean mRS score (SMD = -0.29, P-value < 0.0001), lower 90-day mortality rate (RR = 0.85, P-value = 0.015), and greater early neurological improvement (RR = 2.16, P-value < 0.00001) compared to the BMT group. However, the rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) (RR = 1.76, P-value = 0.01) and any ICH (RR = 2.18, P-value < 0.00001) were higher in EVT group. Our finding showed that EVT plus BMT led to in an absolute improvement of 5%, 12%, and 16% in 90-day mRS 0-1, 0-2, and 0-3, respectively. In addition, patients in EVT plus BMT group had a 3% increased probability of experiencing sICH and were 32% more susceptible to any ICH. Moreover, the one-year mRS 0-2 (RR = 2.16, P-value < 0.00001) and mRS 0-3 (RR = 1.80, P-value < 0.0001) was significantly favor the EVT plus BMT over BMT alone. Although, the one-year mortality rate was not significantly differed between two groups (RR = 0.91, P-value = 0.31). There was no statistically significant difference observed between the EVT plus BMT group and the BMT group concerning new stroke, decompressive craniectomy, and serious adverse events. Combined data from six RCTs shows that EVT plus BMT provides significantly better short- and long-term functional outcomes with minimal increase in symptomatic hemorrhage over BMT in patient with large core infarcts.
PubMed: 38958794
DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07662-x -
Lasers in Medical Science Jul 2024Despite the importance of self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) for management of diabetes mellitus (DM), frequent blood sampling is discouraged by bleeding risk due to... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
PURPOSE
Despite the importance of self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) for management of diabetes mellitus (DM), frequent blood sampling is discouraged by bleeding risk due to dual-antiplatelet agent therapy (DAPT) or thrombocytopenia.
METHODS
We compared the bleeding time (BT) of sampling by using a laser-lancing-device (LMT-1000) and a conventional lancet in patients with DM and thrombocytopenia or patients undergoing DAPT. BT was measured using the Duke method, and pain and satisfaction scores were assessed using numeric rating scale (NRS) and visual analog scale (VAS). The consistency in the values of glucose and glycated-hemoglobin (HbA1c) sampled using the LMT-1000 or lancet were compared.
RESULTS
The BT of sampling with the LMT-1000 was shorter than that with the lancet in patients with thrombocytopenia (60s vs. 85s, P = 0.024). The NRS was lower and the VAS was higher in laser-applied-sampling than lancet-applied sampling in the DAPT-user group (NRS: 1 vs. 2, P = 0.010; VAS: 7 vs. 6, P = 0.003), whereas the group with thrombocytopenia only showed improvement in the VAS score (8 vs. 7, P = 0.049). Glucose and HbA1c sampled by the LMT-1000 and lancet were significantly correlated in both the DAPT-user and the thrombocytopenia groups.
CONCLUSION
The LMT-1000 can promote SMBG by shortening BT in subject with thrombocytopenia and by increasing satisfaction score, as well as by showing reliable glucose and HbA1c value.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Aged; Middle Aged; Lasers; Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring; Blood Glucose; Hemorrhage; Glycated Hemoglobin; Blood Specimen Collection; Diabetes Mellitus; Thrombocytopenia; Capillaries; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
PubMed: 38958779
DOI: 10.1007/s10103-024-04128-6 -
Abdominal Radiology (New York) Jul 2024To assess impact of image quality on prostate cancer extraprostatic extension (EPE) detection on MRI using a deep learning-based AI algorithm.
OBJECTIVE
To assess impact of image quality on prostate cancer extraprostatic extension (EPE) detection on MRI using a deep learning-based AI algorithm.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This retrospective, single institution study included patients who were imaged with mpMRI and subsequently underwent radical prostatectomy from June 2007 to August 2022. One genitourinary radiologist prospectively evaluated each patient using the NCI EPE grading system. Each T2WI was classified as low- or high-quality by a previously developed AI algorithm. Fisher's exact tests were performed to compare EPE detection metrics between low- and high-quality images. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted to assess the predictive value of image quality for pathological EPE.
RESULTS
A total of 773 consecutive patients (median age 61 [IQR 56-67] years) were evaluated. At radical prostatectomy, 23% (180/773) of patients had EPE at pathology, and 41% (131/318) of positive EPE calls on mpMRI were confirmed to have EPE. The AI algorithm classified 36% (280/773) of T2WIs as low-quality and 64% (493/773) as high-quality. For EPE grade ≥ 1, high-quality T2WI significantly improved specificity for EPE detection (72% [95% CI 67-76%] vs. 63% [95% CI 56-69%], P = 0.03), but did not significantly affect sensitivity (72% [95% CI 62-80%] vs. 75% [95% CI 63-85%]), positive predictive value (44% [95% CI 39-49%] vs. 38% [95% CI 32-43%]), or negative predictive value (89% [95% CI 86-92%] vs. 89% [95% CI 85-93%]). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for EPE grades ≥ 2 and ≥ 3 did not show significant differences attributable to imaging quality. For NCI EPE grade 1, high-quality images (OR 3.05, 95% CI 1.54-5.86; P < 0.001) demonstrated a stronger association with pathologic EPE than low-quality images (OR 1.76, 95% CI 0.63-4.24; P = 0.24).
CONCLUSION
Our study successfully employed a deep learning-based AI algorithm to classify image quality of prostate MRI and demonstrated that better quality T2WI was associated with more accurate prediction of EPE at final pathology.
PubMed: 38958754
DOI: 10.1007/s00261-024-04468-5 -
European Radiology Jul 2024To assess radiopalmar ganglion cysts' (RPG) prevalence, morphology, and clinical significance in consecutive patients.
OBJECTIVES
To assess radiopalmar ganglion cysts' (RPG) prevalence, morphology, and clinical significance in consecutive patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this retrospective single-center study, two radiologists assessed the presence of RPG and morphologic features on wrist MRI. Radiopalmar complaints and scapholunate ligament (SLL) tears were evaluated.
RESULTS
A total of 1053 wrists in 909 patients (mean age 43.4 ± 15.5 years, 602 females) were evaluated. All 308 RPG (Group 1; 308 patients, 29.2%) originated from the palmar capsule; 49 were unilocular, 95 oligolocular, and 164 multilocular; 745 wrists had no RPG (Group 2; 601 patients). One hundred and twenty-six RPG showed internal debris. The mean diameter was 8.5 ± 5.6 mm (cranio-caudal) (1.0-32.9 mm), 8.0 ± 4.1 mm (medio-lateral) (1.0-31.9 mm), and 3.7 ± 2.3 mm (dorso-palmar) (0.4-16.0 mm). 168 RPG showed direct contact with the radial vascular bundle, 24 with the flexor carpi radialis tendon, and 123 with the flexor pollicis longus tendon. In Group 1, significantly more patients showed partial (82/308) [group 2: 45/745, p < 0.001] or complete SLL tears (22/308) [group 2: 20/745, p < 0.001]. Of the patients with RPG, 15.3% presented with radiopalmar complaints. Only the dorso-palmar RPG diameter was positively correlated with radiopalmar complaints (for readers 1 and 2: r = 0.66/0.61, p < 0.001, respectively), and the best dorso-palmar diameter cut-off value for the probability of having radiopalmar complaints was defined at 3 mm (area under the curve (AUC) 0.74). Other morphologic features were not eligible to discriminate symptomatic patients (AUC range 0.53-0.61).
CONCLUSION
This study found RPG in 29% of patients, most of them asymptomatic. However, a dorso-palmar cyst diameter > 3 mm may be clinically significant.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT
Radiopalmar ganglion cysts, observed in 29% of wrist MR examinations, are mostly asymptomatic, but those with a larger dorso-palmar diameter may be associated with radiopalmar complaints.
KEY POINTS
Radiopalmar ganglion cysts are found in 29% of patients undergoing wrist MRI. Most patients with evidence of radiopalmar ganglion cysts do not show radiopalmar symptoms (85%). A dorso-palmar cyst diameter > 3 mm may be associated with radiopalmar complaints.
PubMed: 38958696
DOI: 10.1007/s00330-024-10884-4 -
European Journal of Physical and... Jul 2024Upper limb (UL) spastic paresis has been classically evaluated with assessments of passive movements with limited functional validity. The aim of this study was to...
BACKGROUND
Upper limb (UL) spastic paresis has been classically evaluated with assessments of passive movements with limited functional validity. The aim of this study was to assess whether a composite measure of active range of motion (AROM, or X
A ) is valid and reliable in chronic post-stroke spastic paresis.AIM
The primary objective was to investigate the validity and reliability of a composite score, comprising multiple X
A measurements, to assess UL spastic paresis in patients in chronic stages post-stroke. In addition to this, an exploratory analysis was conducted to identify which muscles should be optimally included in this composite score.DESIGN
A psychometric proprieties study.
SETTING
Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Department.
POPULATION
twenty-eight chronic post-stroke participants with spastic paresis.
METHODS
Composite UL X
A measurement in twenty-eight chronic post-stroke participants (age=59±11 years; delay post-stroke=29±37 months) with spastic paresis was repeated twice about 40 days apart in a standardized body position. Concurrent and construct validity was evaluated exploring correlation with the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and grip strength (JAMAR™). Reliability was assessed by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Regarding the exploratory analysis, a linear regression analysis was performed to examine the value of including various muscles.RESULTS
Composite X
A against the resistance of elbow, wrist and finger flexors showed strong correlation with FMA-UE and ARAT (r=0.88; P<0.001 and r=0.82; P<0.001 respectively) and a weak association with grip strength (r=0.43; P=0.03). Test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC=0.92). However, the most effective regression model also included XA against the resistance of shoulder adductors as well as forearm pronator (adjusted R=0.85; AIC=170).CONCLUSIONS
The present study provided satisfactory psychometric data for the upper limb composite active movement (CX
A ), derived from the Five Step Assessment. For overall measurement of UL mobility after stroke, we strongly recommend including shoulder and forearm muscles to the score.CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT
Composite X
A is a valid and reliable measure of upper limb motor function in chronic post-stroke patients and could be used in clinical practice and research.PubMed: 38958692
DOI: 10.23736/S1973-9087.24.08463-6 -
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine... Jul 2024While sedation is routinely used in pediatric PET examinations to preserve diagnostic quality, it may result in side effects and may affect the radiotracer's...
PURPOSE
While sedation is routinely used in pediatric PET examinations to preserve diagnostic quality, it may result in side effects and may affect the radiotracer's biodistribution. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of sedation-free pediatric PET imaging using ultra-fast total-body (TB) PET scanners and deep learning (DL)-based attenuation and scatter correction (ASC).
METHODS
This retrospective study included TB PET (uExplorer) imaging of 35 sedated pediatric patients under four years old to determine the minimum effective scanning time. A DL-based ASC method was applied to enhance PET quantification. Both quantitative and qualitative assessments were conducted to evaluate the image quality of ultra-fast DL-ASC PET. Five non-sedated pediatric patients were subsequently used to validate the proposed approach.
RESULTS
Comparisons between standard 300-second and ultra-fast 15-second imaging, CT-ASC and DL-ASC ultra-fast 15-second images, as well as DL-ASC ultra-fast 15-second images in non-sedated and sedated patients, showed no significant differences in qualitative scoring, lesion detectability, and quantitative Standard Uptake Value (SUV) (P = ns).
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that pediatric PET imaging can be effectively performed without sedation by combining ultra-fast imaging techniques with a DL-based ASC. This advancement in sedation-free ultra-fast PET imaging holds potential for broader clinical adoption.
PubMed: 38958680
DOI: 10.1007/s00259-024-06818-3 -
Journal of Cancer Research and... Jul 2024We found that the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has increased significantly in non-cirrhotic individuals, with HCC being frequently overlooked or...
BACKGROUND
We found that the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has increased significantly in non-cirrhotic individuals, with HCC being frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) is known to have a high diagnostic quality in high-risk HCC patients. Therefore, we aimed to compare the detection accuracy of CEUS LI-RADS for HCC between low- and high-risk individuals, to confirm its value in low-risk patients at increased risk of HCC, but not yet included in the high-risk groups of LI-RADS. In addition, since CEUS LR-4 and LR-M categories contain a relatively high proportion of HCC, and serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the most commonly used biomarker for HCC, and the clinically valid, we attempted to further improve the early diagnostic capability of CEUS LI-RADS for HCC in the low-risk and high-risk patients by combining CEUS LR-4 and LR-M categories with AFP.
METHODS
We defined high-risk groups (HR)-included in the high-risk patients of LI-RADS, low-risk groups (LR)-not included in the high-risk patients of LI-RADS and enrolled 189 HCC patients with LR and HR settings in a retrospective study. All lesions were confirmed histopathologically. The CEUS LI-RADS accuracy for detecting HCC in these two patients was compared. In addition, the diagnostic algorithm in our study was proposed (for CEUS LR-4 and LR-M patients with AFP>20 ng/ml). we analyzed the ability of CEUS LI-RADS as a valid method of establishing the early diagnosis of HCC in LR and HR patients by combining LR-4 and LR-M categories with AFP.
RESULTS
Through comparative analysis, the specificity of the CEUS LR-5 category for HCC in the HR group was 78.4%, whereas in the LR group, it was 94.2%. Meanwhile, the sensitivity (63.2% vs. 63.0%) and positive predictive value (PPV) (75.0% vs. 88.7%) did not differ between the LR and HR groups (P = 0.990, P = 0.299). It is noteworthy that there were the high proportion of HCC in CEUS LR-4 and LR-M categories in our cases and when we combined CEUS LR-4 and LR-M categories with AFP significantly improved the sensitivity by 21.0% (84.2%) in the LR group, and by 16.0% (79.0%) in the HR group, with statistically difference in sensitivity after combination in the HR group (P = 0.014).
CONCLUSIONS
The CEUS LR-5 category has real meaningful utility in the diagnosis of HCC in both LR and HR patients. The early detection power of the CEUS LI-RADS category for HCC patients was further increased when the CEUS LR-4 and LR-M categories were combined with elevated AFP.
PubMed: 38958652
DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_125_24