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Aim: The aim of our study is to compare the proteinuria levels measured by dipstick in complete urine analysis at admission with the proteinuria levels measured in 24-hour collected urine for patients hospitalized with a presumptive diagnosis of preeclampsia. By doing so, we intend to review the reliability of the widely used dipstick proteinuria in patients with preeclampsia. Material and Methods: Urine specimens were obtained from 70 pregnant women visiting high-risk maternity centers at a third-level healthcare institution. Patients were divided into four groups based on their urine dipstick screening test results: negative, +1, +2, +3, and higher. Proteinuria was considered to be present if the urinary dipstick test showed +1 or higher, while protein levels measured in the 24-hour urine collection were considered to indicate proteinuria if they exceeded 300 mg. The degree of correlation between the urine dipstick test and both 24-hour urine samples and spot urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (Pr/Cr) was compared. Results: The mean age of the 70 preeclampsia patients in the study group was 31.7±6.2, and the mean gestational age was 32.5±4.6. The dipstick test had a sensitivity of 81.4% and a specificity of 85.2%. The dipstick test results were grouped as 0, +1, +2, +3, and higher. Statistically significant differences were detected between the groups in terms of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, the amount of protein in the 24-hour urine, and spot urine Pr/Cr (p=0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). When examining the correlation between the urine dipstick test and both 24-hour urine samples and spot urine Pr/Cr, a moderate correlation was found (r=0.65, p<0.001, r=0.55, p<0.001, respectively). Conclusion: In hypertensive pregnant individuals, urine dipstick tests demonstrated inadequate performance in ruling out preeclampsia. Consequently, according to our investigation, we posit that the dipstick urine test can be employed as a routine and reliable diagnostic tool for preeclampsia due to its rapid results and cost-effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An instrument-free method for detecting the ability of Vibrio cholerae strains to produce toxin has been developed. It is based on dot-ELISA performed on dipstiks. Dipsticks require 100 times less monoclonal antibodies than microplate ELISA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this proof-of-concept study was to investigate whether a commercially available urine dipstick may provide potentially useful information for screening plasma glucose and bilirubin in human plasma samples. Glucose and bilirubin were assayed in 60 anonymized lithium-heparin residual plasma samples using the Roche COBAS 8000 or after pipetting 10 µL of plasma onto the pads of a commercial urine dipstick. Semiquantitative urine test results obtained with the dipstick were directly compared to paired test results obtained with COBAS. Median plasma glucose values between COBAS and dipstick were slightly different (5.8 vs. 5.6 mmol/L; p=0.040), while no significant difference was found in bilirubin values between COBAS and dipstick (11.2 vs. 8.6 μmol/L; p=0.090). The Spearman's correlation between COBAS and dipstick was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.73–0.90; p<0.001) for plasma glucose and 0.78 (95% CI, 0.66–0.87; p<0.001) for plasma bilirubin, respectively. Cumulative agreement between COBAS and dipstick was high for both glucose (88%; kappa statistic statistics, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.58–0.92; p<0.001) and bilirubin (88%; kappa statistics, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.60–0.92; p<0.001). The results of this proof-of-concept study indicate that the commercial urine test strip used in our study provides acceptable performance for screening plasma glucose and bilirubin levels compared with reference laboratory assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study was designed to analyze the efficacy of a urine dipstick to detect urinary tract infection (UTI) in children and to correlate it with the urine culture. Methods: A prospective laboratory descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics at Government General Hospital, Kadapa, from February 2022 to September 2023. Urine samples from 250 children of 2 and 12 years of age with UTI symptoms were analyzed using urine dipstick and other clinical/laboratory variables. Results: The urine culture was positive in 38.4% (n=96) of the children and negative in 61.6% (n=154) of the children using the dipstick. Urinary tract infection was more common among female than male children. It was common in children aged 6 to 10 years, accounting for 41.42%. The most prevalent organism isolated was Escherichia coli (24.8%), followed by Klebsiella (8.8%) and other Gram-negative bacilli (5.6%). Urine microscopy for pus cells revealed that 158 (63.2%) samples had no pus cells, 49 (19.6%) had up to 5 pus cells, 35 (14%) had 5-10 pus cells, and 8 (3.2%) had >10 pus cells. Pyuria was found in 56 of the 96 children in the culture-positive group, leukocyte esterase was positive in 123 cases, leukocyte esterase was negative in 88 cases, and the nitrite test was positive in 9 cases. However, the combined dipstick was positive in 121 (48.4%) of all cases. Among the culture-positive group, the combined dipstick was positive in 39 cases and negative in 3 cases. Among the culture-negative cases, the combined dipstick was positive in 28 cases and negative in 126 cases. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of leucocyte esterase and nitrite were 65%, 80%, 69%, and 78% for diagnosing UTI in our study, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the combined dipstick compared with urine culture were 95.5%, 80%, 74.9%, and 95.9%, respectively. Conclusion: The combined dipstick + nitrite and leukocyte esterase show higher sensitivity and specificity, making it superior to leukocyte esterase or nitrite alone in diagnosing UTI. When compared to the urine culture, the combined dipstick has higher sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. Therefore, the combined dipstick can be used consistently as a quick screening tool for UTIs when culture facilities are not available.

ABSTRACT UTI-lizer is a recent digital format for easy-to-use culture-based detection, preliminary identification, and quantification of bacteria in urine at the point of care (PoC). This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of UTI-lizer tests for detection of bacteriuria caused by five common bacterial species: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabilis, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. We evaluated the accuracy of UTI-lizer tests by comparing test results of UTI-lizer with those of current standard bacterial culture-based diagnostics in clinical microbiology laboratories in a retrospective and a prospective study. Comparator methods were classical bacterial culture in combination with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry mediated bacterial identification. In the retrospective study, we tested 104 urine samples with in-panel microorganisms, plain urethral microbiota, and culture-negative samples. In the prospective study, we used 137 urine samples within 10 hours of their collection at general practitioner clinics. The retrospective study demonstrated 100% sensitivity and specificity in the detection of bacteriuria, and 98.6% sensitivity and 96.8% specificity in identifying primary pathogens with UTI-lizer when compared to clinical standards. S. saprophyticus and E. coli could not be distinguished. The combined nitrite and esterase test predicted the presence of bacteriuria in only 36.5% of cases. The prospective study demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 89.6% specificity in the detection of significant bacteriuria for in-panel microorganisms with a coverage rate of 88.3% (121/137). This study indicates that digital dipsticks are a promising alternative for the detection of the five main pathogens that cause the vast majority of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The results demonstrate that digital dipsticks have the potential to uniquely provide—in primary care or at the point of care—a UTI diagnostic quality on par with that of current gold-standard testing. The ease of testing, rapid test handling time, and time to result as well as simple test equipment make digital dipsticks an attractive solution for decentralized testing for bacteriuria and with that improvement in UTI diagnostics. These results motivate future studies to validate the use of UTI-lizer at the PoC setting. IMPORTANCE In this study, we explore the transformative potential of UTI-lizer, an emerging technology not yet commercially available. Our manuscript shows that UTI-lizer is a promising alternative for detecting the five main pathogens that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). The results also indicate that digital dipsticks have the potential to uniquely provide UTI diagnostic quality on par with that of gold-standard testing, with the added benefits of ease of testing, rapid test handling time, and simple test equipment. This technology can be helpful in quickly ruling out bacterial infections and reducing the unnecessary use of antibiotics, especially in primary care settings or at the point of care. Moreover, the UTI-lizer test can reduce the number of negative urine samples sent to central laboratories, thus easing the burden of UTI diagnostics on the healthcare system. We believe our study, as well as current and upcoming research based on this technology, is highly relevant for clinical microbiologists, microbiology scientists, general practitioners, and urologists.

Objective: This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the relationship between changes in proteinuria and the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in individuals with diabetes or pre-diabetes. Methodology: The prospective study was conducted involving 200 participants in India, with data collection occurring during routine medical examinations from 2020 to 2022. The participants were followed up, and data collection concluded in 2023. Results: Among the participants, those with persistent proteinuria exhibited a significantly higher risk of MI, with a 2.5-fold increased hazard compared to those without proteinuria. Furthermore, a reduction in proteinuria over time was associated with a 21% decrease in MI incidence. This relationship was not observed in individuals without proteinuria, highlighting the importance of persistent proteinuria in influencing MI risk. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the critical role of persistent proteinuria as a predictor of elevated MI risk in individuals with diabetes and pre-diabetes. Monitoring and managing proteinuria could potentially mitigate the risk of future heart attacks in this population. Recommendations: Healthcare professionals should consider routine monitoring of proteinuria levels in outpatient settings for individuals with diabetes and pre-diabetes. Exploring interventions to lower proteinuria levels for heart attack prevention is recommended, including lifestyle modifications, medications, or targeted therapies. Improved comprehension of the mechanisms connecting proteinuria to the risk of MI is essential for the formulation of efficient preventive approaches. This study underscores the significance of early detection and management of proteinuria in diabetic patients and pre-diabetics to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction.

Introduction: Many patients with kidney disease are asymptomatic but may have abnormalities in urine. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of urinary abnormalities (UA) in asymptomatic secondary school children in Calabar, Nigeria and its relationship with age, sex, social class, body mass index and blood pressure. Methodology: It was a descriptive cross sectional study of 407 apparently healthy secondary school children aged 10-18 years recruited by multistage sampling techniques in June-July, 2022. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to obtain their bio-data and clinical history. Subject’s height and weight were measured using a stadiometer and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Blood pressure of each subject was measured using auscultatory method. Early morning urine was obtained from each subject and urinalysis done using dipstickcombi 10. The result of urinalysis was recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 and pvalue ≤ 0.05 was significant. Results: Out of 407 participants, 162 (39.8%) were males and 245 (60.2%) females giving a M:F ratio 1:1.5. The mean age was 13.5 ± 1.9 years. The prevalence of urinary abnormalities was 115 (28.3%) with many having more than one abnormality. Age group 13-15years were more commonly affected. Nitrituria 75(18.4) was the most frequent urinary abnormality followed by proteinuria 38 (9.3%), leucocytes14 (3.4%) andhaematuria 5(1.2%). There was no glucosuria. Nitrituria was statistically significant among females (p=0.040). Blood pressure, overweight and obesity were not statistically significant in relation to urinary abnormalities. Conclusion: The prevalence of urinary abnormalities was high among secondary school children but commoner in females and mainly nitrituria, proteinuria, leucocytes and haematuria. We therefore recommend regular screening for urinary abnormalities among secondary school children in our environment for early detection and prevention of renal diseases

The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors and incidence of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) at the Sahabat Satwa Genteng clinic. A total of 36 samples were evaluated according to research procedures with diagnosis, data collection, urine sampling, dipstick and sediment examination methods, and Chi-square data analysis. The results showed that there was a association between gender, history of castration, and diet on the risk of FLUTD. Meanwhile, there was no association between age and the risk of FLUTD. Clinical signs that often occur in FLUTD disease initiate from stranguria, hematuria, dysuria, periuria, and polykisuria. The results of the dipstick examination founded that 86,1% of cats affected by FLUTD had a normal pH and 13,9% had an alkaline pH. The results of the specific gravity (SG) of cats with FLUTD have values below normal while the protein levels found in all cats suffering from FLUTD have values above normal. Stranguria was found in 69,4% of cats with FLUTD. Leukocytes were also found in all the urine of cats suffering from FLUTD. The most common results of sediment examination were struvite, calcium oxalate, and cystine crystals.

Background: This study was designed to analyze the efficacy of a urine dipstick to detect urinary tract infection (UTI) in children and to correlate it with the urine culture. Methods: A prospective laboratory descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics at Government General Hospital, Kadapa, from February 2022 to September 2023. Urine samples from 250 children of 2 and 12 years of age with UTI symptoms were analyzed using urine dipstick and other clinical/laboratory variables. Results: The urine culture was positive in 38.4% (n=96) of the children and negative in 61.6% (n=154) of the children using the dipstick. Urinary tract infection was more common among female than male children. It was common in children aged 6 to 10 years, accounting for 41.42%. The most prevalent organism isolated was Escherichia coli (24.8%), followed by Klebsiella (8.8%) and other Gram-negative bacilli (5.6%). Urine microscopy for pus cells revealed that 158 (63.2%) samples had no pus cells, 49 (19.6%) had up to 5 pus cells, 35 (14%) had 5-10 pus cells, and 8 (3.2%) had >10 pus cells. Pyuria was found in 56 of the 96 children in the culture-positive group, leukocyte esterase was positive in 123 cases, leukocyte esterase was negative in 88 cases, and the nitrite test was positive in 9 cases. However, the combined dipstick was positive in 121 (48.4%) of all cases. Among the culture-positive group, the combined dipstick was positive in 39 cases and negative in 3 cases. Among the culture-negative cases, the combined dipstick was positive in 28 cases and negative in 126 cases. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of leucocyte esterase and nitrite were 65%, 80%, 69%, and 78% for diagnosing UTI in our study, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the combined dipstick compared with urine culture were 95.5%, 80%, 74.9%, and 95.9%, respectively. Conclusion: The combined dipstick + nitrite and leukocyte esterase show higher sensitivity and specificity, making it superior to leukocyte esterase or nitrite alone in diagnosing UTI. When compared to the urine culture, the combined dipstick has higher sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. Therefore, the combined dipstick can be used consistently as a quick screening tool for UTIs when culture facilities are not available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amantadine is one of the most prescribed antiviral medications. Considering its abuse is life-threatening, monitoring amantadine residues is urgently needed. This study designed a dipstick assay based on lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) platforms with an indicator range of 50–200 ng/mL. The dipstick consists of four coloured test lines that detect the concentration of amantadine semi-quantitatively in the range of 0–200 ng/mL. The amantadine concentration was categorised as 0–50, 50–100, 100–200, or > 200 ng/mL, depending on the response of the test lines. Furthermore, we measured the amantadine residues in commercial meat samples by this LFIA. The results were highly agreeable with those determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The LFIA shows potential for routine monitoring of amantadine in meat products, and the results of this study provide insight into the development of new LFIA devices for use in agricultural industries.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic performances of a smartphone-based colorimetric method (SBCM) for urinalysis with a semi-automated point-of-care (POC) analyser using standardised solutions and cat urine. Methods: Artificial solutions (negative and positive quality controls, and purposely designed artificial urine) and natural urine from 216 cats were used. Two urine reagent strips were simultaneously dipped in each sample. One dipstick was read by the SBCM and the other by the POC analyser at the same time. Results for pH, proteins, bilirubin, 'blood', glucose and ketones were considered. Overall agreement and sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the SBCM were determined based on selected cut-offs. Results: For the artificial solutions, 80 comparisons were obtained for each analyte and each expected concentration. The overall agreement (exactly the same result) between the two methods was 78.4%. SBCM sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 99.0%, 100% and 99.3%, respectively. The correlation between the two methods was almost perfect (Cohen's kappa coefficient = 0.9851). For natural urine samples, the overall agreement (including pH) was 68.6%. Using optimal cut-offs for the SBCM determined from the results of analysis of artificial solutions, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the SBCM were 100%, 76.02% and 80.5%, respectively. In this situation, the correlation between the two methods was moderate (Cohen's kappa coefficient = 0.5401). This was mostly due to a high rate of false-positive results for bilirubin (61.1%). Conclusions and relevance: With proper cut-off use (ie, considering positive or negative results) the SBCM evaluated here has a perfect sensitivity and appropriate diagnostic performances for proteins, 'blood', glucose and ketones. Based on these experimental data, this method appears suitable for dipstick urinalysis but positive results for bilirubin and proteins have to be confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Simple Summary: The purpose of the current study was to compare visual and automated evaluations of dipstick variables in canine urine samples. Urine dipstick chemical reaction is based on the color change of a reagent when a specific substance is detected. The automated analysis of urine dipsticks has improved the accuracy and precision of the results. Urine test strips are commercially available and can be assessed with semi-automated analyzers or by visual assessment. This study aimed to compare the visual and automated evaluations of dipstick variables in canine urine samples. One hundred and nineteen urine samples were evaluated. Automated analysis was performed on a veterinary urine analyzer URIT-50Vet (URIT Medical Electronic) with UC VET13 Plus strips. Multistix 10 SG dipsticks (Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Erlangen, Germany) were used for visual evaluation, along with a refractometer (Clinical Refractometer Atago T2-Ne, Atago Co., Tokyo, Japan) for urine specific gravity measurements. A linear relationship was observed between the pH measurements (p = 0.2) of the two methods; the Passing–Bablok procedure was valid since neither proportional nor systematic significant errors were observed. Comparing the two methods, the correlation for urine specific gravity was poor (p = 0.01, CI 0.667–1.000). Moderate agreement was demonstrated for proteins (κ = 0.431), bilirubin (κ = 0.434) and glucose (κ = 0.450). Agreement was substantial for blood (κ = 0.620) and poor for leukocytes (κ = 0.100). Poor agreement was observed for ketones (κ = −0.006). Apart from the pH analysis, visual and automated dipstick urinalyses should not be used interchangeably. Multiple urine samples obtained from the same dog during the day should be evaluated using the same method to overcome erroneous results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective To evaluate the role of a urine dipstick in the assessment of acute scrotal pain emergency department presentations. Methods A single institution, prospective case series, from February 2020 to February 2021. All patients who received a bedside review by a urology doctor for acute scrotal pain were included. Urine dipstick results were pre‐defined as having had an impact on the emergency clinician's diagnosis if it showed pyuria and/or nitrituria and the final diagnosis was epididymitis‐orchitis or haematuria and the final diagnosis was ureterolithiasis. Results 139 patients presented to the emergency department with a complaint of acute scrotal pain. 85 (61%) were referred for bedside urology review. Median age of 17 years (P25 12 yrs, P75 31 yrs). 2.3% (n = 2) had proven testicular torsion, 28.5% (n = 24) had epididymitis‐orchitis and 8.2% (n = 7) had ureterolithiasis. 68 (80%) of patients received a primary diagnosis of testicular torsion by the emergency department clinician. Following review by a urology unit doctor, 14 proceeded to scrotal exploration for concern of testicular torsion. 7 patients were diagnosed with ureterolithiasis, all of whom had haematuria on their urine dipsticks (100%, 95% CI: 59–100%), 100% of these urine dipsticks were initiated by the urology unit doctor following bedside review. 22 patients were diagnosed with epididymitis‐orchitis. 8 of these had pyuria, nitrituria and/or haematuria on their urine dipstick (36%, 95% CI: 17–59%) and only one urine dipstick was completed prior to referral. 20.6% of patients perceived to have testicular torsion by the emergency department had a positive urine dipstick that aligned with their final alternative diagnosis (95% CI: 12–32%). Conclusion A collection of clinical findings is required to diagnose the aetiology of acute scrotal pain. Information that can be easily, quickly, cheaply, and reliably collected, such as a urine dipstick, can assist in clinical decision making.

Identifying adherence to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) plays a major role in treatment efficacy and safety. The DOAC Dipstick can detect DOACs in urine samples of acutely diseased patients at plasma thresholds of about 30 ng/mL. A prospective observational consecutive cohort study was performed on outpatients taking DOACs. The presence of direct oral factor Xa inhibitors (DXIs) in patient urine samples were independently evaluated by visual interpretation of the DOAC Dipstick pad colors. DOAC plasma con- centration was assessed using STA®-Liquid Anti-Xa and STA®-Liquid Anti-IIa chromogenic substrate assays. Positive DOAC Dipstick results were compared with a threshold plasma of DOAC concentration ≥30 ng/mL. Of 120 patients (age 55.4 + 16.1 years, female n = 63), 77 were on rivaroxaban and 43 on apixaban. Plasma concentrations were 129 ± 118 ng/mL for rivaroxaban, and 163 ± 130 ng/mL for apixaban, DOAC Dipstick test has a sensitivity of 97.2% and a positive predictive value of 89.5% at 30 ng/mL. No differences occurred between DXIs. Specificity and negative predictive value could not be determined due to the low number of true negative values. There were no differences in the interpretation of rivaroxaban and apixaban pad colors between observers (Kappa 1.0). Results show that DOAC Dipstick may be a useful tool for identifying DXIs in urine samples in an outpatient setting at a plasma threshold ≥ 30 ng/mL. Further studies should include patients treated with dabigatran, vitamin K antagonists, or other anticoagulants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amantadine is one of the most prescribed antiviral medications. Considering its abuse is life-threatening, monitoring amantadine residues is urgently needed. This study designed a dipstick assay based on lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) platforms with an indicator range of 50–200 ng/mL. The dipstick consists of four coloured test lines that detect the concentration of amantadine semi-quantitatively in the range of 0–200 ng/mL. The amantadine concentration was categorised as 0–50, 50–100, 100–200, or > 200 ng/mL, depending on the response of the test lines. Furthermore, we measured the amantadine residues in commercial meat samples by this LFIA. The results were highly agreeable with those determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The LFIA shows potential for routine monitoring of amantadine in meat products, and the results of this study provide insight into the development of new LFIA devices for use in agricultural industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Urine dipstick and Heller's reaction are easy first‐line screening tests for the detection of proteinuria; however, the performance of these methods in alkaline ovine urine is largely unknown. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of Heller's reaction alone or in combination with dipstick for the detection of proteinuria in sheep, using the urine protein to creatinine ratio (UP/C) with two cut‐off values as the reference method. Methods: Ninety‐eight urine samples were collected from sheep using the transient apnea method. Heller's reaction, the dipstick method, and the UP/C ratio were used to assess proteinuria. The results were statistically analyzed twice, based on two different UP/C cut‐off values of 0.2 and 0.5. Cohen's kappa value was used to determine the agreement between the UP/C ratios and Heller's reaction, the dipstick method, or the combination of methods. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated. ROC curves were also generated, and the areas under the curve (AUC) were evaluated to determine the optimal threshold for the numerical values of the two methods. Results: Heller's reaction is more specific (96.67% and 96.00% when the cut‐off value is 0.2 and 0.5, respectively) than the dipstick method, while the dipstick method was more sensitive (91.18% and 91.30%, when the cut‐off value was 0.2 and 0.5, respectively) than Heller's reaction for the detection of proteinuria. Both tests were accurate when any grade >0 was considered positive. Conclusions: Proteinuria can almost be excluded in ovine urine samples with negative Heller's reaction and dipstick test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Urine culture is time consuming, which may take days to get the results and impede further timely treatment. Our objective is to evaluate whether the fast urinalysis and bacterial discrimination system called Sysmex UF-5000 may predict urinary tract infections (UTIs) (within minutes) compared with the clinical routine test in suspected UTI patients. In addition, we aimed to explore the accuracy of microbiologic information by UF-5000. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients who were admitted from the emergency department at Queen Mary Hospital (a tertiary hospital in Hong Kong) from June 2019 to February 2020 were enrolled in the present study. The dipstick test, manual microscopic test with culture, and Sysmex UF-5000 test were performed in the urine samples at admission. Results: A total of 383 patients were finally included in the present study. UF-5000 urinalysis (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve, AUC=0.821, confidence interval, 95%CI: 0.767-0.874) outperformed the dipstick test (AUC=0.602, 95%CI: 0.550-0.654, P=1.32×10-10) for predicting UTIs in patients without prior antibiotic treatment. A significant net benefit from UF-5000 was observed compared with the dipstick test (NRI=39.9%, 95%CI: 19.4-60.4, P=1.36 × 10-4). The urine leukocyte tested by UF-5000 had similar performance (AUC) for predicting UTI compared with the manual microscopic test (P=0.27). In patients without a prior use of antibiotics, the concordance rates between UF-5000 and culture for predicting Gram-positive or -negative bacteriuria and a negative culture were 44.7% and 96.2%, respectively. Conclusions: UF-5000 urinalysis had a significantly better predictive value than the dipstick urine test for predicting UTIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phenanthroimidazole-based luminogen, BIB , has been introduced for specific and selective detection of sarin gas surrogate diethylchlorophosphate (DCP) within the stores of various analogous toxic analytes. [Display omitted] • A phenanthroimidazole-based luminogen, BIB , has been introduced to detect sarin gas surrogate diethylchlorophosphate (DCP). • BIB displayed a highly distinct ratiometric fluorescence response. • The fluorogenic response is wholly reversed in the presence of triethylamine. • BIB can selectively detect DCP with a low detection limit to µM range. • BIB has been employed as a portable and displayable photonic sensing tool for on-site detection. The nerve agent's extreme toxicity makes it a prominent target to detect them to save global harmony. In the present contribution, we have introduced a phenanthroimidazole-based luminogen, BIB , for specific and selective detection of sarin gas surrogate diethylchlorophosphate (DCP) within the stores of various analogous toxic analytes. BIB displayed a highly distinct ratiometric fluorescence response toward detecting toxic sarin gas, mimicking DCP among all the other guest analytes showing a fluorogenic color change from blue to bluish-green color fluorescence under the exposure of a 365 nm UV lamp irradiation, which is wholly reversed due to the introduction of triethylamine (TEA). The reversibility is prominent in both the liquid and vapor states of DCP. Our probe BIB can selectively detect DCP with a low detection limit to µM range and superior to many available literatures. BIB 's reversible and ratiometric response for detecting DCP provides a potential application as a portable and displayable photonic sensing tool for on-site detection. The successful demonstrations of BIB for practical application in detecting sarin gas encourage the researcher to explore the probable applications of imidazole-based luminogen as a photonic sensing device for recognizing various target analytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A urine test with a dipstick is an alternative test for rapid leukocyte and bacterial tests to support the diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI). The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the results of the dipstick test (leukocyte esterase, nitrite, and glucosuria) with the incidence of UTI. The research is observational analytic with a cross-sectional design, which was conducted in September-October 2020, at Campus "X". The population is 351 people, with 92 respondents. A urine test was performed with a dipstick and culture. The dipstick test is a screening step, while the culture is used to confirm the microbiological diagnosis of UTI. The results of the study using the dipstick test showed that 17 people (18,48%) were positive for leukocyte esterase, 27 people (29,35%) were positive for nitrite, and 7 people (7,61%) were positive for glucosuria (DM). The results of the urine culture test showed that 20 people (21,74%) had UTI, which consisted of 11 women and 9 men. There is a relationship between leukocyte esterase and nitrite on UTI (p-value 0.00), but there is no relationship between glucosuria and UTI (p-value 0,279). The use of the dipstick test as a screening test for the incidence of UTI has been used, but it is still necessary to continue with a culture test to be able to make a diagnosis of UTI.

Urine test strips are commercially available and can be assessed with semi-automated analyzers or by visual assessment. This study aimed to compare the visual and automated evaluations of dipstick variables in canine urine samples. One hundred and nineteen urine samples were evaluated. Automated analysis was performed on a veterinary urine analyzer URIT-50Vet (URIT Medical Electronic) with UC VET13 Plus strips. Multistix 10 SG dipsticks (Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Erlangen, Germany) were used for visual evaluation, along with a refractometer (Clinical Refractometer Atago T2-Ne, Atago Co., Tokyo, Japan) for urine specific gravity measurements. A linear relationship was observed between the pH measurements (p = 0.2) of the two methods; the Passing–Bablok procedure was valid since neither proportional nor systematic significant errors were observed. Comparing the two methods, the correlation for urine specific gravity was poor (p = 0.01, CI 0.667–1.000). Moderate agreement was demonstrated for proteins (κ = 0.431), bilirubin (κ = 0.434) and glucose (κ = 0.450). Agreement was substantial for blood (κ = 0.620) and poor for leukocytes (κ = 0.100). Poor agreement was observed for ketones (κ = −0.006). Apart from the pH analysis, visual and automated dipstick urinalyses should not be used interchangeably. Multiple urine samples obtained from the same dog during the day should be evaluated using the same method to overcome erroneous results.

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a lipocalin involved in the immune response and is significantly high in the peritoneal dialytic effluent (PDE) of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with inflammation of the peritoneum membrane (peritonitis). The focus of this study was to match two different techniques for peritoneal NGAL evaluation: NGAL point-of-care test-POCT (NGAL Dipstick—NGALds) versus the laboratory-based NGAL assay and with the white cell count in PDE. In this study, we included 30 PD patients: 17 with peritonitis and 13 without. Peritoneal NGAL was tested by a turbidimetric immunoassay and by NGALds. We noticed a good positive linear correlation between the POCT results and the laboratory-based test and between the peritoneal NGALds and white cell count in PDE (both, p < 0.01). NGALds values resulted in being elevated in patients with peritonitis (300 ng/mL, IQR 300–600) in comparison to patients without (100 ng/mL, IQR 50–150) (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the NGALds test was performed in a median time of 20 mins (IQR 18–21) in comparison with the median time of 65 mins (IQR 55–69) necessary for the laboratory-based test (p < 0.01). The results of the NGALds were coherent with the laboratory-based NGAL and with the white cell count in PDE; furthermore, it was a user-friendly method with real-time findings. NGALds could be an extra tool for the diagnosis of peritonitis, helpful at the bedside of the patient, shortening the length of diagnosis, and if the laboratory-based NGAL test is not accessible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Dipstick tests are frequently used as bedside proteinuria tests to evaluate women suspected of preeclampsia and may inform diagnosis in low resource settings lacking laboratory facilities. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to (1) estimate the diagnostic accuracy of urine dipsticks in diagnosing proteinuria, (2) compare performance of different dipstick types and (3) estimate their related costs.Methods: MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched up to August 1, 2020 for primary studies with cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy data on dipstick test(s) compared to a laboratory reference standard (24-hour protein ≥ 300 mg or protein-creatinine ratio ≥ 30 mg/mmol) in pregnant women ≥ 20 weeks of gestation suspected of preeclampsia. Risk of bias and applicability was assessed with QUADAS-2. Data were analysed using a bivariate model with hierarchical addition of covariates for subgroups.Results: Nineteen studies were included. Protein-only dipsticks at 1 + threshold had a pooled sensitivity of 0.68 [95%CI: 0.57-0.77] and specificity of 0.85 [95% CI: 0.73-0.93] (n = 3700 urine samples, 18 studies). Higher specificity was found with automatedly (0.93 [95% CI: 0.82-0.98]) compared to visually (0.81 [95% CI: 0.65-0.91]) read dipsticks, whereas sensitivity was similar and costs were higher. The use of albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) dipsticks was only reported in two studies and did not improve accuracy. Heterogeneity in study design and prevalence of preeclampsia amongst studies complicated interpretation of pooled estimates.Conclusion: Urine dipsticks performed poorly at excluding preeclampsia in hypertensive pregnant women. Further development of accurate and low-cost bedside proteinuria tests is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is predicted to rise over the next few decades. In resource-limited settings access to central laboratory services is limited. Point-of-care (POC) urine dipstick testing offers the potential to detect markers of kidney damage (albuminuria) as well as markers of other disease processes. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the semi-quantitative albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) Sysmex UC-1000 POC urine dipstick system as well as the extent of other abnormal dipstick findings in urine. Methods 700 participants from a rural area in South Africa were screened for albuminuria. A spot urine sample was used to measure POC and central laboratory ACR. We determined the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the POC ACR, and recorded dipstick parameters. Results The prevalence of albuminuria was 11.6% (95%CI; 9.3–14.2). Those with albuminuria had higher mean diastolic (82 vs 79 mmHg, p = 0.019) and systolic (133 vs 128 mmHg, p = 0.002) blood pressures and a higher proportion of diabetes mellitus (17.6 vs 4.9%, p

Abstract Background Proteinuria is an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality in dogs. An association between proteinuria and gallbladder mucocele formation in dogs is unknown. Objective Determine if gallbladder mucocele formation or clinicopathologic comorbidities are associated with proteinuria. Animals Twenty‐five dogs with mucocele formation and 25 breed and age‐matched control dogs from a prior study. Methods Retrospective case control study. Proteinuria defined by calculated urine dipstick protein concentration (mg/mL) to urine specific gravity (USG) ratio. Clinicopathologic findings, postcosyntropin cortisol concentration, thyroid function profile, and illness severity score were recorded. Results Median urine dipstick protein concentration to USG ratio and number of dogs having a ratio ≥1.5 were significantly higher for dogs with mucocele formation compared to control dogs. Proteinuria was not significantly associated with CBC or serum biochemistry profile abnormalities but increased in relation to severity of illness. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Gallbladder mucocele formation is significantly associated with proteinuria in dogs. Diagnosis and treatment of proteinuria in dogs with mucocele formation might minimize long term kidney morbidity in these patients.

The present study aimed to identify the relationship between Cryptosporidium parvum parasite and Helicobacter pylori in patients at Wasit province and its environs. One hundred stool samples were collected (male and female) from suspected diarrheal patients of parasitic and bacterial infection during the period October 2020 to April 2021 who attended to Al-Karamah Teaching Hospital at Wasit province and General Hospital of Martyr Fairuz at Hay district. The investigation of the oocysts of the Cryptosporidium parvum parasite was carried out by staining with Modified Ziehl Neelson method and also detecting of Helicobacter pylori by using dipstick. The results of our study revealed that 55(55%) was positive for C. parvum and 48 (48%) was positive for Helicobacter pylori and the co-infections between the parasite and bacteria reached to 32(32%). The age group(1-20 years) showed the highest11 (11%) prevalence rate while the lowest prevalence was in patient with age group (21-40 years) reached to 6(6%) interplay infections between the parasite and bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was conducted at Wasit province, Iraq during the period from 28 October 2020 to 28 December 2020. The study included one hundred stool samples taken from questionable patients of Entamoeba histolytica and Helicobacter pylori. Samples were collected from patient attended to General Hospital of Martyr Fairuz at Hay district, Saeed Health center and Hospital of Al-Kut. All samples have been checked using direct smear lugol's iodine stain for Entamoeba histolytica and dipstick for Helicobacter pylori. The result showed that 40 samples (40%) out of 100 patients were gave positive by rapid test cassette; females 23 (23%) positive samples and males 17(17%). While 14 samples (14%)out of 100 samples were positive for Entamoeba histolytica. The highest infection in females 8(8%) and the lowest in males 6(6%). The result showed 10 samples (10%) out of 100 patients positive for both E. histolytica and H. pylori. The highest infection was recorded in females 6(6%) and the lowest in males 4(4%). The highest infection of H.pylori in age group (39 and more) years; females recorded 6(6%) and males recorded 6(6%), while the lowest infection in group (>1) years old; females recorded 1(1%) and males recorded 1(1%). The infection rate of Entamoeba histolytica was highest in age group (1-13) years old; females was recorded 1(1%) and males was recorded 4(4%), while the lowest in age group (26-39) years old; females recorded 1(1%) while males without infection. Infection with both E.histolytica and H.pylori was recorded the highest in group (39 and more) years old; females was recorded 3(3%) and males was recorded 2(2%) while the group (>1) years old do not recorded infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) can be challenging as symptoms are nonspecific. The gold standard for the diagnosis of urine culture is not easily available in resource constrained settings. Hence, the need for affordable point of care diagnostic test could be an inexpensive alternative for urine culture or microscopy. The objective of the study was to validate the urine dipstick test to detect UTI in a resource constrained primary care setting. Methods: A diagnostic accuracy study was conducted in a health center in an urban slum by Bangalore Baptist Hospital. We included 136 patients suspected to have UTI. Patients were asked to give urine samples for urine dipstick analysis, urine microscopy, and urine culture and validity of the dipstick was analyzed. Results: A total of 136 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were recruited. Nitrite had higher specificity than leukocyte esterase (95% vs. 73%). Positive predictive value for nitrite and leukocyte was 84% and 51%, respectively. A combination of fever, dysuria along with lower abdominal pain had higher specificity (92%). Most common organism that was isolated was E. coli (56%) followed by S. aureus (13%). E. coli was susceptible to nitrofurontoin. Conclusion: Urine dipstick could be used as a simple diagnostic test in a limited resource setting for a rapid diagnosis and initiation of empirical antibiotic therapy. Urine dipstick for nitrite has a good specificity.

The continued circulation of SARS-CoV-2 virus in different parts of the world opens up the possibility for more virulent variants to evolve even as the coronavirus disease 2019 transitions from pandemic to endemic. Highly transmissible and virulent variants may seed new disruptive epidemic waves that can easily put the healthcare system under tremendous pressure. Despite various nucleic acid-based diagnostic tests that are now commercially available, the wide applications of these tests are largely hampered by specialized equipment requirements that may not be readily available, accessible and affordable in less developed countries or in low resource settings. Hence, the availability of lateral flow immunoassays (LFIs), which can serve as a diagnostic tool by detecting SARS-CoV-2 antigen or as a serological tool by measuring host immune response, is highly appealing. LFI is rapid, low cost, equipment-free, scalable for mass production and ideal for point-of-care settings. In this review, we first summarize the principle and assay format of these LFIs with emphasis on those that were granted emergency use authorization by the US Food and Drug Administration followed by discussion on the specimen type, marker selection and assay performance. We conclude with an overview of challenges and future perspective of LFI applications.

Background: Restricting the performance of microscopic urinalyses only to patients in whom it was specifically requested has been shown to reduce their number in laboratories servicing both inpatients and outpatients. Objective: To determine the effect of such restriction solely in in‐patients in a 400‐bed regional hospital. Methods: In 2017, we discontinued routine ('reflex') microscopic urinalysis for all positive dipstick results, and restricted such testing to in‐patients in whom it was specifically requested by a doctor. We compared the numbers of patients in three internal medicine departments who had a urinalysis over 2‐year periods before and after 2017, and reviewed doctors' complaints. Results: Before 2017, more than 80% of all dipstick tested samples had one or more abnormalities that led to a microscopic examination. Discontinuation of reflex microscopy reduced microscopic urinalysis to less than 10% of all patients with dipsticks on admission. Requests for repeat urinalysis decreased from 4.3% to 2.5% and there were no complaints after the change in policy. Conclusions: Discontinuation of a 'reflex' microscopic urinalysis in patients with abnormal dipstick results did not increase repeat urine testing. Doctors apparently felt that the microscopic urinalysis does not have clinical utility in the vast majority of hospitalized adult patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Albuminuria is an excellent marker for early diagnosis of kidney and cardiovascular disease. Urine dipsticks that are widely used for rapid screening of albumin, lack sensitivity and specificity in lower concentrations (<300 mg/dL) which is clinically very significant for early diagnosis and often provide qualitative or semi-quantitative results. Precise quantification of lower concentrations is based on urinary analyzers that are not portable and cannot be used in point-of-care (PoC) settings. Here, the feasibility of an accessory free analytical device has been demonstrated using a smartphone. Amalgamation of a smartphone with a dipstick enables rapid and inexpensive diagnosis. It estimates not only the standard five concentrations used in dipstick method, but ten different concentrations. This enables accurate detection and quantification of albumin at lower concentration, clinically significant in the early diagnosis of kidney disease. In order to mitigate ambient light conditions and shadow of the smartphone, images of strips were taken in a smartphone camera with “Flash ON” mode. Machine learning algorithms were used to classify ten different albumin concentrations, corresponding to normal, micro albuminuria and macro albuminuria conditions. The study was performed under varying illumination conditions using multiple smartphones. Random Forest algorithm yields an accuracy of 92% in constant illumination and variable smartphone conditions. In variable smartphone and illumination condition, it yields 82% accuracy on the test data. The detection limit of the proposed method is 7.8125 mg / dL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is predicted to rise over the next few decades. In resource-limited settings access to central laboratory services is limited. Point-of-care (POC) urine dipstick testing offers the potential to detect markers of kidney damage (albuminuria) as well as markers of other disease processes. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the semi-quantitative albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) Sysmex UC-1000 POC urine dipstick system as well as the extent of other abnormal dipstick findings in urine.Methods: 700 participants from a rural area in South Africa were screened for albuminuria. A spot urine sample was used to measure POC and central laboratory ACR. We determined the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the POC ACR, and recorded dipstick parameters.Results: The prevalence of albuminuria was 11.6% (95%CI; 9.3-14.2). Those with albuminuria had higher mean diastolic (82 vs 79 mmHg, p = 0.019) and systolic (133 vs 128 mmHg, p = 0.002) blood pressures and a higher proportion of diabetes mellitus (17.6 vs 4.9%, p < 0.001). The sensitivity of the POC ACR system was 0.79, specificity 0.84, positive predictive value 0.39 and negative predictive value 0.97. The sensitivity improved to 0.80, 0.85, 0.85 and 0.89 in those with elevated blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, HIV positive status, and those 65 years and older, respectively. Abnormalities other than albuminuria were detected in 240 (34.3%) of the samples; 88 (12.6%) were positive for haematuria, 113 (16.1%) for leucocytes, 66 (9.4%) for nitrites and 27 (3.9%) for glycosuria.Conclusion: Our study shows that POC ACR has good negative predictive value and could be used to rule out albuminuria when screening for CKD. Additionally, a high proportion of participants had other urine abnormalities detected with dipsticks which may reflect kidney disease or co-morbid untreated genitourinary pathology such as urinary tract infections or endemic schistosomiasis with important implications for CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Proteinuria is an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality in dogs. An association between proteinuria and gallbladder mucocele formation in dogs is unknown. Objective: Determine if gallbladder mucocele formation or clinicopathologic comorbidities are associated with proteinuria. Animals Twenty‐five dogs with mucocele formation and 25 breed and age‐matched control dogs from a prior study. Methods: Retrospective case control study. Proteinuria defined by calculated urine dipstick protein concentration (mg/mL) to urine specific gravity (USG) ratio. Clinicopathologic findings, postcosyntropin cortisol concentration, thyroid function profile, and illness severity score were recorded. Results: Median urine dipstick protein concentration to USG ratio and number of dogs having a ratio ≥1.5 were significantly higher for dogs with mucocele formation compared to control dogs. Proteinuria was not significantly associated with CBC or serum biochemistry profile abnormalities but increased in relation to severity of illness. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Gallbladder mucocele formation is significantly associated with proteinuria in dogs. Diagnosis and treatment of proteinuria in dogs with mucocele formation might minimize long term kidney morbidity in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dipstick-type lateral flow immunosensors are used widely for on-site detection of food allergens. The weakness of the immunosensors of this type, however, is their low sensitivity. Contrary to current methods, that focus on improving detection capability through the introduction of novel labels or multistep protocols, this work exploits macromolecular crowding to modify and regulate the microenvironment of the immunoassay, thus promoting the interactions that are responsible for allergen recognition and signal generation. The effect of 14 macromolecular crowding agents was explored using, as a model, commercially available and widely applied dipstick immunosensors, which are already optimized in terms of reagents and conditions for peanut allergen detection. An about 10-fold improvement in detection capability was achieved by using polyvinylpyrrolidone, Mr 29,000, as a macromolecular crowder without compromising simplicity and practicality. The proposed approach is complementary to other methods of improving the sensitivity by using novel labels. Because biomacromolecular interactions have a fundamental role in all types of biosensors, we foresee that the proposed strategy will also find applications in other biosensors and analytical devices. [Display omitted] • The detection capability of dipstick-type immunosensors for food allergens is enhanced about 10-fold. • The enhancement is achieved by simply adding macromolecular crowders in the running buffer. • Macromolecular crowding modifies the immunoassay microenvironment, thus promoting signal generation. • Among 14 crowding agents studied, polyvinylpyrrolidone, Mr 29,000, gave the greatest improvement in sensitivity. • The improvement in performance was shown on state-of-the-art commercially available dipstick immunosensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a lipocalin involved in the immune response and is significantly high in the peritoneal dialytic effluent (PDE) of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with inflammation of the peritoneum membrane (peritonitis). The focus of this study was to match two different techniques for peritoneal NGAL evaluation: NGAL point-of-care test-POCT (NGAL Dipstick—NGALds) versus the laboratory-based NGAL assay and with the white cell count in PDE. In this study, we included 30 PD patients: 17 with peritonitis and 13 without. Peritoneal NGAL was tested by a turbidimetric immunoassay and by NGALds. We noticed a good positive linear correlation between the POCT results and the laboratory-based test and between the peritoneal NGALds and white cell count in PDE (both, p < 0.01). NGALds values resulted in being elevated in patients with peritonitis (300 ng/mL, IQR 300–600) in comparison to patients without (100 ng/mL, IQR 50–150) (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the NGALds test was performed in a median time of 20 mins (IQR 18–21) in comparison with the median time of 65 mins (IQR 55–69) necessary for the laboratory-based test (p < 0.01). The results of the NGALds were coherent with the laboratory-based NGAL and with the white cell count in PDE; furthermore, it was a user-friendly method with real-time findings. NGALds could be an extra tool for the diagnosis of peritonitis, helpful at the bedside of the patient, shortening the length of diagnosis, and if the laboratory-based NGAL test is not accessible.

Gossypium arboreum (Desi Cotton) holds a special place in cotton industry because of its inherent ability to withstand drought, salinity, and remarkable resistance to sucking pests and cotton leaf curl virus. However, it suffers yield losses due to weeds and bollworm infestation. Genetic modification of G. arboreum variety FBD-1 was attempted in the current study to combat insect and weedicide resistance by incorporating cry1Ac, cry2A and cp4-EPSPS genes under control of 35S promoter in two different cassettes using kanamycin and GUS as markers through Agrobacterium-mediated shoot apex cut method of cotton transformation. The efficiency of transformation was found to be 1.57%. Amplification of 1700 bp for cry1Ac, 167 bp for cry2A and 111 bp for cp4-EPSPS confirmed the presence of transgenes in cotton plants. The maximum mRNA expression of cry1Ac and cp4-EPSPS was observed in transgenic cotton line L3 while minimum in transgenic cotton line L1. The maximum protein concentrations of Cry1Ac, Cry2A and Cp4-EPSPS of 3.534 µg g−1, 2.534 µg g−1 and 3.58 µg-g−1 respectively were observed for transgenic cotton line L3 as compared to control cotton line. On leaf-feed-based insect bioassay, almost 99% mortality was observed for Helicoverpa armigera on the transgenic cotton plant (L3). It completely survived the 1900 ml hectare−1 glyphosate spray assay as compared to non-transgenic cotton plants. The necrotic spots appeared on the third day, leading to the complete death of control plants on the fifth day of assay. The successful multiple gene-stacking in G. arboreum FBD-1 variety could be further used for qualitative improvement of cotton fiber through plant breeding techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of personalized medicine, molecular profiling of patient tumors has become the standard practice, especially for patients with advanced disease. Activating point mutations of the KRAS proto-oncogene are clinically relevant for many types of cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC). While several approaches have been developed for tumor genotyping, liquid biopsy has been gaining much attention in the clinical setting. Analysis of circulating tumor DNA for genetic alterations has been challenging, and many methodologies with both advantages and disadvantages have been developed. We here developed a gold nanoparticle-based rapid strip test that has been applied for the first time for the multiplex detection of KRAS mutations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) of CRC patients. The method involved ctDNA isolation, PCR-amplification of the KRAS gene, multiplex primer extension (PEXT) reaction, and detection with a multiplex strip test. We have optimized the efficiency and specificity of the multiplex strip test in synthetic DNA targets, in colorectal cancer cell lines, in tissue samples, and in blood-derived ctDNA from patients with advanced colorectal cancer. The proposed strip test achieved rapid and easy multiplex detection (normal allele and three major single-point mutations) of the clinically relevant KRAS mutations in ctDNA in blood samples of CRC patients with high specificity and repeatability. This multiplex strip test represents a minimally invasive, rapid, low-cost, and promising diagnostic tool for the detection of clinically relevant mutations in cancer patients.

Importance: In this study, we explore the transformative potential of UTI-lizer, an emerging technology not yet commercially available. Our manuscript shows that UTI-lizer is a promising alternative for detecting the five main pathogens that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). The results also indicate that digital dipsticks have the potential to uniquely provide UTI diagnostic quality on par with that of gold-standard testing, with the added benefits of ease of testing, rapid test handling time, and simple test equipment. This technology can be helpful in quickly ruling out bacterial infections and reducing the unnecessary use of antibiotics, especially in primary care settings or at the point of care. Moreover, the UTI-lizer test can reduce the number of negative urine samples sent to central laboratories, thus easing the burden of UTI diagnostics on the healthcare system. We believe our study, as well as current and upcoming research based on this technology, is highly relevant for clinical microbiologists, microbiology scientists, general practitioners, and urologists., Competing Interests: E.I. and W.v.d.W. are co-founders and shareholders, and A.v.B. is a scientific advisor and shareholder of UTIlizer AB. All other authors declare no conflicts of interest.

This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the urine dipstick (leukocyte esterase and nitrite test) for detection of bacteriuria and pyuria. Of the 1,000 specimens, 296 (29.6%) had positive culture results. The dipstick (either leukocyte esterase or nitrite test) test for detection of bacteriuria had a sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 51%, positive predictive value of 42% and negative predictive value of 89%, and the leukocyte esterase test for the detection of pyuria had a sensitivity of 96%, specificity of 73%, positive predictive value of 75% and negative predictive value of 95%. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of the dipstick test in the pediatric group was the lowest values when compared with the other groups. We conclude that, 1) The dipstick test may be used as a screening test for pyuria 2) This test could not be used as a screening test for urinary tract infection (UTI) 3) In contrast to sex, age affect the results of the urine dipstick test 4) This test has good result in adult particularly old age but, not in children.

Obstetric-related acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with adverse outcomes for mother and fetus, particularly in low-income countries. However, laboratory-independent tools to facilitate diagnosis are lacking. We assessed the diagnostic performance of a salivary urea nitrogen (SUN) dipstick to detect obstetric-related acute kidney disease in Malawi. Methods: Women at high risk for AKI admitted to an obstetric unit in Blantyre, Malawi, were recruited between 21 September and 11 December 2015. Patients underwent serum creatinine (SCr) testing alongside measurement of SUN using a dipstick on admission, and every 48 hours thereafter if evidence of kidney disease was found. Results: A total of 301 patients were included (mean age 25.9 years, 11% HIV positive). Of the patients, 23 (7.6%) had AKI, stage 1 in 47.8%, most commonly due to preeclampsia/eclampsia. Mean presenting SCr values were 108.8 ± 21.8 μmol/l (1.23 ± 0.25 mg/dl), 118 ± 34.45 μmol/l (1.33 ± 0.39 mg/dl), and 136.1 ± 30.4 μmol/l (1.54 ± 0.34 mg/dl) in AKI stages 1 to 3 respectively. SUN > 14 mg/dl had a sensitivity of 12.82% and a specificity of 97.33% to detect acute kidney disease; the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.551. In patients with normal SUN on admission, perinatal mortality was 11.8%, and was 25.0% if SUN was > 14 mg/dl (P = 0.18). Conclusion: The SUN dipstick was specific but insensitive when used to diagnose obstetric-related AKI. Limited biochemical derangement and low salivary urea concentrations due to physiological changes in pregnancy, as opposed to a technical limitation of the dipstick itself, are the likely reason for the lack of sensitivity in this study.