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Cognitive communication disorders (CCDs) are a hallmark of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Difficulties may be relatively subtle, becoming especially evident in complex communication situations which place a higher cognitive demand on the person affected. To date, no standardised, ecologically valid assessment tool for detecting these subtle CCDs exists for German. The Functional Assessment of Verbal Reasoning and Executive Strategies (FAVRES; (MacDonald, 2005)), available in English and Canadian-French, is designed to detect subtle CCDs after acquired brain-injury (ABI) using real-life scenarios. This study aims to translate and adapt the FAVRES into German as well as to gather reference data on the performance of neurologically healthy adults. Furthermore, the study conducts a first evaluation of age- and education-specific performance trends and interrater-reliability. Results are compared with the normative data of the original English version and the French-Canadian translation. In addition, an exploratory multiple case analysis of the feasibility of the FAVRES-DE and its capability to detect subtle CCDs on a sample of four adults with TBI is conducted. The original version of the FAVRES was translated and adapted based on the ITC-Guidelines for Translating and Adapting Tests (2016). The resulting German version, the FAVRES-DE, was completed by 60 neurologically healthy adults (32 women) and four adults with chronic CCD after TBI (≥ 6 months post onset) in a pilot cross-sectional study. The FAVRES-DE was feasible with all participants. Age and education had significant influence on the performance of the neurologically healthy group, whose results were comparable to the original version and to the French-Canadian normative study, but analyses revealed differences in several subscores. Two of the four participants with TBI exhibited a significantly lower performance than the control group. Analyses of interrater-reliability revealed a high level of agreement between three independent raters. The FAVRES-DE seems to be a sensitive measure to identify CCDs after TBI. The challenges of detecting subtle CCDs are exemplified by one of the TBI cases. Further validation and psychometric testing of the FAVRES-DE on a representative dataset is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt, and validate the Persian version of the Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire (NPQ-P). We translated the NPQ to the Persian language based on the recommended guidelines. Measurement properties (internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient), construct validity (compared to DN4 questionnaire), and discriminant ability (Receiver operating curve analysis)) of the NPQ-P were evaluated. A total of 101 patients were enrolled in the study. No modification was needed in the translation and cultural adaptation process. High Cronbach's alpha (0.81) and ICC (0.94) supported good reliability of the NPQ-P. The correlation coefficient between the NPQ-P and DN-4 questionnaires was 0.42, indicated moderate construct validity of the NPQ-P. The NPQ-P demonstrated acceptable discriminant ability (AUC: 0.76 (95% CI: 0.66–0.84)). A total score of −0.3 indicated the highest Youden index with a corresponding sensitivity of 0.84 and specificity of 0.64 for the NPQ-P. The NPQ was successfully translated to the Persian language and indicated acceptable reliability, diagnostic accuracy, and discriminant ability. The NPQ-P can be used in a clinical setting adjunct to physical examinations and electrodiagnostic tests for a quick screening to distinguish between patients with neuropathic and non-neuropathic pain. Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) can be used for a quick screening to discriminate between patients with neuropathic and nociceptive pain. Persian version of the NPQ (NPQ-P) is a reliable and accurate tool with acceptable discriminant ability. The NPQ-P should be used in clinical setting adjunct to physical examinations and electrodiagnostic tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halitosis or oral malodor is one of the most common reasons for the patients' visit to the dental clinic, ranking behind only dental caries and periodontitis. In the present times, where social and professional communications are becoming unavoidable, halitosis has become a concern of growing importance. Oral malodor mostly develops due to the putrefaction of substrates by the indigenous bacterial populations. Although culture-based studies have provided adequate information on halitosis, the high throughput omics technologies have amplified the resolution at which oral microbial community can be examined and has led to the detection of a broader range of taxa associated with intra-oral halitosis (IOH). These microorganisms are regulated by the interactions of their ecological processes. Thus to develop effective treatment strategies, it is important to understand the microbial basis of halitosis. In the current review, we provide an update on IOH in context to the role of the oral microbiome, metabolic pathways involved, and novel diagnostic tools, including breathomics. Understanding oral microbiota associated with halitosis from a broader ecological perspective can provide novel insights into one's oral and systemic health. Such information can pave the way for the emergence of diagnostic tools that can revolutionize the early detection of halitosis and various associated medical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple tests using sniff analysis that have the ability of diagnosing and rapidly distinguishing between infections due to different bacteria are urgently required by medical community worldwide. Professionals interested in this topic wish for these tests to be simultaneously cheap, fast, easily applicable, non-invasive, robust, reliable, and sensitive. Current analytical instrumentation has already the ability for performing real time (minutes or a few dozens of minutes) analysis of volatile bacterial biomarkers (the VOCs emitted by bacteria). Although many articles are available, a review displaying an objective evaluation of the current status in the field is still needed. This review tries to present an overview regarding the bacterial biomarkers released from in vitro cultivation of various bacterial strains and also from different biological matrices investigated, over the last 10 years. We have described results of relevant studies, which used modern analytical techniques to evaluate specific biomarker profiles associated with bacterial infections. Our purpose was to present a comprehensive view of available possibilities for detection of emitted bacterial VOCs from different matrices. We intend that this review to be of general interest for both medical doctors and for all researchers preoccupied with bacterial infectious diseases and their rapid diagnosis using analytical instrumentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is still one of the major global health threats and delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis continues to fuel the global epidemic. The conventional diagnostic approaches have shortcomings that might hinder the process of diagnosis of the disease and ultimately affect the prognosis. Area covered: We emphasize on the process of the synthesis of liposomes, its physicochemical properties affecting the formulation and their utilization in the field of molecular diagnostics for TB. The review also sheds a light on other nanoparticle-based molecular diagnostic approaches for TB. Despite the advent of science, we are yet to have a diagnostic tool that is simple, rapid, sensitive, and specific, and most importantly, one that enables us to demarcate patients with active tuberculosis from those with quiescent lesions, prior vaccination, or other diseases. Expert opinion: The utility of liposomes for diagnostic purposes has been attempted so as to overcome the challenges posed by conventional diagnostic tools for TB. Through this review, we present insights into liposome formulation and selection processes, various studies that report the use of liposome-based diagnostic tools for TB, as well as the limitations associated with the same that can be improvised to make the technology more efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the number of engineering students is increasing, dropout rates remain high. This problem is also present in the Faculty of Engineering Technology (FET) at KU Leuven, Belgium, which resulted in the need for an in-depth analysis of the academic achievement of the bridging students there. This study examines the contribution of a range of predictors, both cognitive and non-cognitive. The examined predictors are: general characteristics, academic background variables and variables tested in a diagnostic test. A multiple linear regression model for the 2015–2016 chohort accounted for an explained variance of 36% of the students' academic achievement. After combining three cohorts, we managed to explain 43% of the variance in students' academic achievement. As expected, the academic background variables are the most important predictors. The diagnostic tests are less predictive but their role is important, since they encourage students to participate in associated interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A number of DNA-based diagnostic tools have been developed for the detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in seafood. However, the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has distinct advantages with regards to its simplicity, speed and the ease of performing without any need for sophisticated equipment. Over the last decade, LAMP has emerged as a potential tool for the detection of V. parahaemolyticus. Area covered: The literature search was restricted to LAMP assay and its variants for the detection of V. parahaemolyticus. The focus in this review is to enlist the various techniques that have been developed using the principle of the LAMP towards improved simplicity, sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Expert commentary: LAMP assay and its variants are significantly faster and require minimum accessories compared to other DNA based molecular techniques such as PCR and their types. Despite the availability of several versions, LAMP-based diagnostics is not the first choice for the detection of V. parahaemolyticus in the seafood sector. Our recommendation would be to explore the possibilities of developing cost-effective LAMP kits and implementing these kits as point-of-care diagnostic tools for rapid and sensitive detection of pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Concerns regarding topical corticosteroid (TCS) use, broadly known as “corticophobia”, are highly prevalent among dermatology patients and often result in non-adherence to TCS. This non-adherence contributes to poor disease control and increased health care costs. However, it is unknown if assessment of these concerns might help to identify patients at risk of TCS-non-adherence. Clinical tools indicating non-adherence could be helpful to improve management of this patient group. Objective: To assess whether the available tools for measuring concerns regarding corticosteroids, the TOPICOP scale and the 0-10 Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), could help to detect non-adherence to TCS. Methods: In 75 patients with concerns regarding TCS use both the TOPICOP scale and VAS were anonymously assessed. A comparison was made between TCS-adherent and non-adherent patients regarding the intensity and characteristics of their concerns. Results: The intensity and quality of the concerns varied broadly among the patients. When using the VAS, a score of ≥5 detected 87% of non-adherent patients. The answers to the TOPICOP scale did not discriminate non-adherent from adherent patients. Conclusion: Using the VAS to assess concerns to use TCS could help identify patients at risk of TCS-non-adherence and facilitate discussion with the patient about potential non-adherence in a more substantiated, non-judgemental way. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The stratification of 0.040–0.050 g of S-trityl-(R)-cysteine ((R)-STC) onto a conventional ODS phase produces a very effective (α andRSup to 5.71 and 12.09, respectively) and stable (more than 30 days of repeated analysis) chiral ligand-exchange chromatography (CLEC) coated chiral stationary phase (C-CSP). With a few specific exceptions, a (R) < (S) enantiomer elution order can be easily predicted. The (R)-STC-based C-CSP can be successfully exploited also at a preparative level for enantioisolations of CNS active amino acids (AAs), with a racemate loadability up to 0.015 g for single injection. The CLEC (R)-STC-based system can be helpful in monitoring the presence of (R)-AAs in edible products and other organic materials, thus contributing to evaluating product quality and diagnosing subclinical pathological states in animals and humans. Very profitably, molecular modeling–based computer-assisted classification analyses can reveal the actual enantioseparation ability of the (R)-STC phase towards a specific compound. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Available tests to diagnose infection in neonates often provide results after 12-24 hours. A bedside test that is reliable will facilitate earlier exclusion or diagnosis of infection. Objective: To validate a bedside C-reactive protein (CRP) test against the currently available laboratory CRP test in neonates with suspected sepsis. Methods: This was a prospective observational study where a bedside CRP was done concurrently with and validated against a laboratory CRP in neonates with suspected sepsis. The sensitivities, specificities and predictive values for the bedside CRP tests were calculated using the laboratory CRPs as the reference test. Results: There were 209 measured CRP-sample pairs. Seventy per cent of these had suspected early-onset neonatal sepsis and 30% had suspected late-onset neonatal sepsis. Twelve per cent had culture-proven sepsis. At the recommended cut-off of 8·0 mg/L for the bedside CRP test, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 84%, 80%, 30% and 97%, respectively. Adjusting the cut-off value from 8·0 to 15·0 mg/L improved the specificity to 88%. The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were not different between early-onset and late-onset sepsis. The receiver operating characteristic curve had an area below the curve of 0·84 for the cut-off at 16·2 mg/L on the beside CRP test. Conclusions: The bedside CRP test may be used as a screening test to aid decisions to either commence or discontinue antibiotics in circumstances where the clinical diagnosis of sepsis is in doubt. By using a cut-off of 16·0 mg/L for the bedside CRP test, the possibility of a false negative result is minimised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is one of the big killers of world population. The majority of cancers are diagnosed at a late stage, making a cure almost impossible. Fluorescence spectroscopy is an emerging diagnostic tool for various medical diseases including premalignant and malignant lesions. Fluorescence spectroscopy is a noninvasive technique and has been applied successfully for the diagnosis of multisystem cancers with high sensitivity and specificity. Fluorescence spectroscopy minimizes the need for repetitive biopsy, which is routine practice for cancer patient follow-up. But there are many aspects of this new diagnostic technique that should be discussed in future research to overcome limitations and challenges faced by this technique for diagnosis of cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adapting through innovation is one way for rural communities to sustain and improve their livelihoods and environments. Since the 1980s research and development organizations have developed participatory approaches to foster rural innovation. This paper develops a model, called the Learning-to-Innovate (LTI) model, of four basic processes linked to decision making and learning which regulate rate and quality of innovation. The processes are: creating awareness of new opportunities; deciding to adopt; adapting and changing practice; and learning and selecting. The model is then used to analyse four participatory approaches and the model is evaluated through the quality of insights generated. It shows that, while outwardly very different, the four approaches are built from combinations of 11 strategies. Most of these strategies are aimed at providing information about new opportunities and deciding whether to adopt, and give less support to the other two processes, thus suggesting one way the four participatory approaches can be strengthened. Beyond analysing participatory approaches, the model could be used as a framework for diagnosing the health of local innovation systems and designing tailor-made approaches to strengthen them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing numbers of educational institutions are adopting an online approach to teaching and learning; however, little regard has been given to the prerequisite personal and technical qualities required for academic achievement and satisfaction within this environment. In recognition of this, researchers have been exploring the design, development and testing of diagnostic tools to assess student readiness for online learning. This study builds on previous work by the authors to further validate their diagnostic tool for assessing Tertiary students' readiness for online learning (TSROL) which has four subscales: 'Technical skills', 'Computer self-efficacy', 'Learner preferences' and 'Attitudes towards computers'. Factor and reliability analyses revealed that Technical skills and Computer self-efficacy possessed good reliability and validity, and 'Attitudes towards computers' fair reliability and validity. However, 'Learner preferences' required revision as it possessed poor reliability and validity. Analysing the demographic data revealed that older students had lower Technical Skills and computer self-efficacy than younger students. The TSROL can be improved by adopting a more multidimensional interpretation of the Learning preferences and Attitudes towards computers subscales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]