Research Progress of Noninvasive Diagnostic Methods for Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Distinguishing between nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH) and advanced liver fibrosis is the key for clinical diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD). Liver biopsy, which is widely used for diagnosis of liver diseases at present, has many drawbacks, such as being invasive, expensive and unstable. This article compares and summarizes the commonly used non-invasive diagnostic methods, including their diagnostic parameters, advantages and disadvantages, in order to provide a useful reference for the diagnosis of NASH.

Study of Failure Diagnostic Methods and Intelligent Diagnostic System for Reciprocating Compressors

Three categories of failure diagnostic methods for reciprocating compressors are classified according to the signals adopted by the diagnosis. They are parameter method, vibration method, and oil analysis method. In this paper, the applicable range and operational difficulties of these methods are discussed on the basis of analysis and induction upon normal failure. It is proposed that a compressor's normal failure can be divided into thermodynamical property failure and mechanical function failure. As to the former, the parameter method that takes a cylinder pressure signal as the main diagnostic signal may be applied; and as to the latter, the vibration signal frequency spectrum can be used to diagnose. At the same time, the structure of an intelligent diagnostic system based on neural networks is introduced, and its schematic is given.

Advances in Laboratory Diagnostic Methods for Duck Circovirus Infection

Duck circovirus infection is an immunosuppressive disease that is characterized by growth retardant and odd deaths. Its infection is usually combined with other pathogens, making the clinical diagnosis more difficult. With the rapid development of molecular biological and immunological technologies, the laboratory diagnostic methods for duck circovirus infection also advance greatly. The paper summarizes the research advances in various laboratory detection methods for duck cireovirus infection including PCR, nested PCR, multiple PCR, fluorescence quantitative PCR, LAMP, nucleic acid probe and ELISA, as well as their ad- vantages and shortages, aiming at providing reference for finding novel detection methods and for the diagnosis and comprehensive prevention and control.

Prevalence of Tuberculosis and Evolution in Diagnostic Methods over the Last 10 Years in Burkina Faso

Introduction: Burkina Faso, a West African country, has also seen a resurgence in new cases of tuberculosis. It would be useful to have an overview of how prevalence and diagnostic methods have changed in recent years. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of tuberculosis in Burkina Faso over the past 10 years and to summarize the diagnostic methods used. Material and Methods: A review of studies published between 2014 and 2024 on the prevalence of tuberculosis in Burkina Faso and the diagnostic methods used were carried out using the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis” (PRISMA). Relevant publications were selected from the PubMed/Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases. Results: Most of the studies on the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis in Burkina Faso found in this review were generally hospital-based and included both child and adult populations. Prevalence rates ranged from 15% to 63.36%, with a calculated overall prevalence of 31.58% [(n = 348;95% CI (26.86 - 36.30)] in the studies examined. The majority of authors used microscopy, which is the standard diagnostic method. Molecular techniques such as GeneXpert were associated with microscopy in over 70% of studies, compared with less than 30% for culture. Conclusion: At the end of this study, the number of reported cases fluctuated over the years. In terms of diagnostic methods, in the last 10 years, more specific molecular techniques have been introduced, along with the use of alternative samples to sputum for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Current Status of Objectification of Four Diagnostic Methods on Constitution Recognition of Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine(CM)has thousands of years of experience in prevention of diseases.As for CM,people's constitution is closely related to their health status,thus recognition of CM constitution is the fundamental and core contentof research on constitution types.With development of technologies such as sensors,arificial intelligence and big data,objectification of the four diagnostic methods of CM has gradually matured,bringing changes in the mindset and innovations in technical means for recognition of CM constitution.This paper presents a systematic review of the latest research trends in constitution recognition based on objectification of diagnostic methods in CM.

Comparison of different noninvasive diagnostic methods for biliary atresia: a meta-analysis

Background:This study was undertaken to retrospectively analyze the accuracy of different methods in differentiating biliary atresia from neonatal jaundice.Methods:A search was made in MEDLINE,and the Web of Science for relevant original articles published in English;methodological quality of the included studies was also assessed.Two reviewers extracted data independently.Studies were pooled,summary receiver operating characteristics curve and diagnostic odds ratio(DOR)with corresponding confi dence intervals were calculated.Results:For diagnosis of biliary atresia,ultrasonography(US),hepatic scintigraphy(HBS),and magnetic resonance cholangiography(MRCP)had a pooled sensitivity of 74.9%(range:70.4%-79.1%),93.4%(range:90.3%-95.7%)and 89.7%(range:84.8%-93.4%),a specificity of 93.4%(range:91.4%-95.1%),69.2%(range:65.1%-73.1%)and 64.7%(range:58.0%-71.0%),a positive likelihood ratio of 12.16(range:6.41-23.08),3.01(range:2.15-4.20)and 3.10(range:1.59-6.06),a negative likelihood ratio of 0.23(range:0.13-0.38),0.13(range:0.06-0.25)and 0.16(range:0.06-0.44),DOR of 72.56(range:27.34-192.58),29.88(range:12.82-69.64)and 32.48(range:8.22-128.29),with an area under the curve of 0.96,0.91,and 0.92,and Q value of 0.90,0.85,and 0.85,respectively.Conclusions:US,HBS and MRCP can be very useful for the diagnostic work-up of neonatal cholestasis.To improve the sensitivity and specificity,several additional measures can be used.

Current advances in diagnostic methods of Acanthamoeba keratitis

Objective The objective of this article was to review the current advances in diagnostic methods for Acanthamoeba keratitis （AK）.Data sources Data used in this review were retrieved from PubMed （1970-2013）.The terms ＂Acanthamoeba keratitis＂ and ＂diagnosis＂ were used for the literature search.Study selection Data from published articles regarding AK and diagnosis in clinical trials were identified and reviewed.Results The diagnostic methods for the eight species implicated in AK were reviewed.Among all diagnostic procedures,corneal scraping and smear examination was an essential diagnostic method.Polymerase chain reaction was the most sensitive and accurate detection method.Culturing of Acanthamoeba was a reliable method for final diagnosis of AK.Confocal microscopy to detect Acanthamoeba was also effective,without any invasive procedure,and was helpful in the early diagnosis of AK.Conclusion Clinically,conjunction of various diagnostic methods to diagnose AK was necessary.

Healthcare professionals'knowledge,attitude and practice towards ischemic bowel disease

BACKGROUND Ischemic bowel disease(IBD)is a critical condition caused by reduced blood flow to the intestines,leading to tissue damage and potentially severe complications.Early recognition and timely management are essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing morbidity and mortality associated with IBD.AIM To evaluate the knowledge,attitude and practice(KAP)of healthcare professionals regarding IBD.METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare professionals in China from November 2023 to December 2023 using a self-designed questionnaire.RESULTS A total of 315 valid questionnaires were analyzed,with 215 participants(68.25%)being female.The mean KAP scores were 17.55±5.35(range:0-24),27.65±2.77(range:8-40),and 18.88±4.23(range:6-30),respectively.Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed the following factors to be independently associated with knowledge:Age 26-35 years(β=2.80,95%CI:0.31-5.30,P=0.028),professional title(β=2.66,95%CI:0.91-4.41,P=0.003),position(β=-3.78,95%CI:-5.45 to-2.11,P<0.001),participation in IBD-related training(β=3.45,95%CI:2.39-4.51,P<0.001),and admission of more than five IBD cases in the past month(β=3.25,95%CI:1.58-4.92,P<0.001).Attitude was independently associated with knowledge(β=0.20,95%CI:0.15-0.26,P<0.001)and being a nurse or nursing supervisor(β=-1.30,95%CI:-2.16 to-0.40,P=0.003).Practice was independently associated with knowledge(β=0.20,95%CI:0.10-0.30,P<0.001)and attitude(β=0.24,95%CI:0.06-0.42,P=0.007).Structural equation modeling demonstrated direct effects of knowledge on attitude(β=0.24,P<0.001)and practice(β=0.26,P<0.001),as well as of attitude on practice(β=0.22,P=0.012).CONCLUSION Healthcare professionals demonstrated adequate knowledge but moderate attitude and inactive practice regarding IBD.Addressing the gaps in attitude and practice through targeted training programs and interventions is essential for improving patient care and outcomes.

Development and refinement of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for managing patients with cardiogenic stroke:An arduous journey

Cardioembolic stroke,referred to as cardiogenic stroke,is a clinical syndrome in which emboli from the heart pass through the circulatory system and cause cerebral artery embolism and corresponding brain dysfunction.Compared to other subtypes of ischemic stroke,cardiogenic stroke presents with more etiologies,greater severity,worse prognosis,and a higher recurrence rate.In this minireview,we provide new insights into the etiological classification,diagnostic methods,and interventions of cardiogenic stroke.

Comparisons of Methods for Pregnancy Diagnosis in Female Poodles

In this study, five 2 -4 years old healthy female poodles were selected and mated after spontaneous estrus for pregnancy diagnosis with external observa- tion, human chorionic gonadotropin colloidal gold rapid test strips （human early pregnancy test strips）, ultrasonic diagnosis and blood routine examination. Accord- ing to the results, female dogs showed abdominal circumference increment and mammogenesis from a month post-mating to parturition and lactated before parturi- tion. At 5, 6, 7, 15, 25 and 35 d post-mating, pregnancy diagnosis with human chorionic gonadotropin colloidal gold rapid test strips showed negative results. Hu- man early pregnancy test strips can not be used for pregnancy diagnosis in female dogs. Currently, ultrasonic method is the most accurate method to diagnose preg- nancy in female dogs, and the optimal diagnosis time is the 30th d post-mating. External observation and blood routine examination can be used as auxiliary methods to diagnose pregnancy in female dogs.

An Assessment of Awareness of Specialists in Adequate Diagnostics of Chronic Pancreatitis in Kazakhstan

Our national center of gastroenterology provides highly specialized care, including chronic pancreatitis. Another area of our activities is educational programs, including postgraduate and fellows’ courses. Thereby, we have noted significant gaps in the knowledge of the specialists that involved in the chronic pancreatitis management. The most critical downsides are related to insufficient attention to etiology and risk factors, using outdated classifications, the lack of knowledge in arsenal of diagnostic techniques, polypharmacy or application of low level of evidence treatment methods. Finally, we have made amendments in the National Clinical Protocol in Chronic Pancreatitis [1], updated the State Educational Standard for residents of the gastroenterological profile [2]. The aim of the study was the analysis of the basic knowledge among different specialists in the management of chronic pancreatitis (CP) around the country. This qualitative study consists of two parts, including focus group interviews followed by interviews with the specialists across the country, which was conducted during the period 2015-2018. In this paper, we present results of diagnostic approaches at the different levels of medical care. The general practitioners have noted the absence of modern methods of laboratory and visual diagnostics in their routine practice, therefore explaining the plenty of the complicated forms. Another issue is the low specialist’s adherence to clinical guidelines, poor knowledge of the risk factors and overestimation of the clinical presentation value except malnutrition symptoms. On the other hand, surgeons and other specialists are not ready to implement modern diagnostic tools and methods in their practice. Obviously, in accordance with the results of our study, our educational center should conduct a number of training activities, as well as develop new algorithms for medical care specialists.

Rapid diagnostic method for transplutonium isotope production in high flux reactors

Transplutonium isotopes are scarce and need to be produced by irradiation in high flux reactors.However,their production is inefficient,and optimization studies are necessary.This study analyzes the physical nature of transplutonium isotope produc-tion using ^(252)Cf,^(244)Cm,^(242)Cm,and ^(238)Pu as examples.Traditional methods based on the Monte Carlo burnup calculation have the limitations of many calculations and cannot analyze the individual energy intervals in detail;thus,they cannot sup-port the refined evaluation,screening,and optimization of the irradiation schemes.After understanding the physical nature and simplifying the complexity of the production process,we propose a rapid diagnostic method for evaluating radiation schemes based on the concepts“single energy interval value(SEIV)”and“energy spectrum total value(ESTV)”.The rapid diagnostic method not only avoids tedious burnup calculations,but also provides a direction for optimization.The optimal irradiation schemes for producing ^(252)Cf,^(244)Cm,^(242)Cm,and ^(238)Pu are determined based on a rapid diagnostic method.Optimal irradiation schemes can significantly improve production efficiency.Compared with the initial scheme,the optimal scheme improved the production efficiency of ^(238)Pu by 7.41 times;^(242)Cm,11.98 times;^(244)Cm,65.20 times;and ^(252)Cf,15.08 times.Thus,a refined analysis of transplutonium isotope production is conducted and provides a theoretical basis for improving production efficiency.

A Diagnostic Method for Fog Forecasting Using Numerical Weather Prediction(NWP)Model Outputs

An attempt has been made in the present study to forecast fog with a diagnostic method using the outputs of global NWP model.The diagnostic method is based on the combination of thresholds of meteorological variables involved in fog formation.The thresholds are computed using the observations during fog.These thresholds are applied to the output of a global NWP model for forecasting fog.The occurrence of fog is a common phenomenon during winter season over the northern plains of India.The diagnostic method is used to predict fog occurrences over three stations in north India.The proposed method is able to predict both occurrences and non-occurrences of fog at all the three stations.It is found that 94%of the fog events forecasted by the model using the diagnostic method have been actually observed at the selected stations.The performance of method in predicting fog is found best over Delhi with the highest accuracy(0.61)and probability of detection(0.60).The study signifies that diagnostic approach based on the output of a global model is a useful tool for predicting fog over a single location.

Delayed diagnosis in inflammatory bowel disease:Time to consider solutions

In this editorial,we discuss a recently published manuscript by Blüthner et al in the World Journal of Gastroenterology,with a specific focus on the delayed diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).IBD,which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis,is a chronic intestinal disorder.A time lag may exist between the onset of inflammation and the appearance of signs and symptoms,potentially leading to an incorrect or delayed diagnosis,a situation referred to as the delayed diagnosis of IBD.Early diagnosis is crucial for effective patient treatment and prognosis,yet delayed diagnosis remains common.The reasons for delayed diagnosis of IBD are numerous and not yet fully understood.One key factor is the nonspecific nature of IBD symptoms,which can easily be mistaken for other conditions.Additionally,the lack of specific diagnostic methods for IBD contributes to these delays.Delayed diagnosis of IBD can result in numerous adverse consequences,including increased intestinal damage,fibrosis,a higher risk of colorectal cancer,and a decrease in the quality of life of the patient.Therefore,it is essential to diagnose IBD promptly by raising physician awareness,enhancing patient education,and developing new diagnostic methods.

Pivotal role of exosomes in diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer in a new era of precision medicine

In this editorial we comment on the article published by Ning et al,“Role of exosomes in metastasis and therapeutic resistance in esophageal cancer”.Esophageal cancer(EC)represents a significant global health concern,being the seventh most common and sixth in terms of mortality worldwide.Despite the advances in therapeutic modalities,the management of patients with EC remains challenging,with a 5-year survival rate of only 25%and a limited eligibility for curative surgery due to its late diagnosis.Conventional screening methods are impractical for the early detection of EC,given their either invasive or insensitive nature.The advent of liquid biopsy,with a focus on circulating tumor cells,circulating tumor DNA,and exosomes,heralds a non-invasive avenue for cancer detection.Exosomes,small vesicles involved in intercellular communication,are highlighted as potential biomarkers for EC diagnosis and prognosis.Along with a diverse cargo encompassing various types of RNA,DNA molecules,proteins,and metabolites,exosomes emerge as key players in tumorigenesis,tumor development,and metastasis.Their significance extends to carrying distinctive biomarkers,including microRNAs(miRNAs),long non-coding RNAs,and circular RNAs,underscoring their potential diagnostic and prognostic value.Furthermore,exosomes may be utilized for therapeutic purposes in the context of EC treatment,serving as efficient delivery vehicles for therapeutic agents such as chemotherapeutic medicines and miRNAs.In this editorial we delve into the applications of exosomes for the early detection and treatment of EC,as well as the future perspectives.

Salivary metabolites are promising noninvasive biomarkers of druginduced liver injury

BACKGROUND Drug-induced liver injury(DILI)is one of the most common adverse events of medication use,and its incidence is increasing.However,early detection of DILI is a crucial challenge due to a lack of biomarkers and noninvasive tests.AIM To identify salivary metabolic biomarkers of DILI for the future development of noninvasive diagnostic tools.METHODS Saliva samples from 31 DILI patients and 35 healthy controls(HCs)were subjected to untargeted metabolomics using ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry.Subsequent analyses,including partial least squares-discriminant analysis modeling,t tests and weighted metabolite coexpression network analysis(WMCNA),were conducted to identify key differentially expressed metabolites(DEMs)and metabolite sets.Furthermore we utilized least absolute shrinkage and selection operato and random fores analyses for biomarker prediction.The use of each metabolite and metabolite set to detect DILI was evaluated with area under the receiver operating characteristic curves.RESULTS We found 247 differentially expressed salivary metabolites between the DILI group and the HC group.Using WMCNA,we identified a set of 8 DEMs closely related to liver injury for further prediction testing.Interestingly,the distinct separation of DILI patients and HCs was achieved with five metabolites,namely,12-hydroxydodecanoic acid,3-hydroxydecanoic acid,tetradecanedioic acid,hypoxanthine,and inosine(area under the curve:0.733-1).CONCLUSION Salivary metabolomics revealed previously unreported metabolic alterations and diagnostic biomarkers in the saliva of DILI patients.Our study may provide a potentially feasible and noninvasive diagnostic method for DILI,but further validation is needed.

Peritoneal Tuberculosis in Adults in Brazzaville: Epidemiological, Diagnostic, and Progressive Aspects

Peritoneal tuberculosis is the most common digestive location of tuberculosis. Its diagnosis is often based on a combination of clinical and biological arguments, and confirmed by bacteriology which is rarely available. In Congo there is little published data on this entity. Objectives: To describe the epidemiological, diagnostic, and progression characteristics of peritoneal tuberculosis at the university hospital center in Brazzaville. Patients and Methods: This study is a descriptive and retrospective analysis conducted from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2021, in the Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine department of the CHU of Brazzaville. It included all patients hospitalized during this period with a confirmed diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis, encompassing 54 records that met the inclusion criteria. Results: Out of the study period, 54 records that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The annual incidence of peritoneal tuberculosis was 7.7 patients, with a prevalence of 1.4%, showing a male predominance of 61% and an average age of 39.93 ± 14.62 years. The primary symptoms were abdominal bloating and abdominal pain, present in 100% and 74% of cases, respectively. The clinical presentation was primarily characterized by febrile ascites observed in all patients. HIV co-infection was noted in 29.6% of cases. Anemia was present in 79.6% of patients, and an elevated sedimentation rate was observed in 74% of cases. The tuberculin skin test returned positive in 50% of cases. The ascitic fluid was exudative, rich in proteins and white blood cells (exceeding 1000/mm3, predominantly lymphocytes) in the majority of cases (100%, 83.3%, 83.3%, respectively). The diagnosis was deemed highly probable based on the clinical and paraclinical signs and the favorable response to treatment in 79.6% of cases. There were instances of pleural involvement (33.3%) and lymph node involvement (pulmonary 22.2% and lymph node 16.6%). Treatment outcomes were favorable in 37% of cases, with a mortality rate of 9%. Conclusion: Peritoneal tuberculosis is prevalent in Brazzaville, predominantly affecting young males. The diagnosis relies chiefly on a combination of clinical, paraclinical, and progression indicators.

Clinical Intelligent Diagnosis Path Based on the Chief Complaint

Goals of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)include precision,accuracy,and recognition by clinical practice.Establishment of a diagnosis and treatment system that closely conforms to the principle-method-recipe-medicines system and derivation of an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan should be considerations of TCM.Artificial intelligence research based on computer technology is one of the effective ways to solve this problem.In the research of intelligent diagnosis path,reflecting the characteristics of the overall view and dialectical treatment of TCM such as"Combination of four diagnostic methods""overall examination""combination of disease and syndrome"and"treatment individualized to patient,season and locality"are key for successful research of artificial intelligence in TCM diagnosis or recognition by clinical practice.

DIAGNOSIS AND SURGICAL MANAGEMENT FOR RETROSTERNAL THYROID MASS

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Diagnosis and Prevention of Colibacillosis in Chickens

The characteristics of chicken colibacillosis are introduced from the aspects of pathogen,epidemiology,clinical symptoms and necropsy,and clinical comprehensive diagnosis and laboratory diagnosis methods are given.The disease is distinguished from diseases with similar symptoms such as chicken chlamydia,chicken streptococcus,chicken necrotic enteritis,broiler ascites syndrome and chicken paratyphoid infections.Eventually,the preventive and therapeutic measures against the disease are put forward.