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Purpose: To report a case of seroreversion in a patient with HIV-associated bilateral CMV retinitis and the challenges associated with detection of this phenomenon in late stages of HIV. Method: Retrospective single case report. Results: The clinical picture of the patient on presentation was suggestive of viral retinitis. PCR confirmed a diagnosis of CMV retinitis. Serology for HIV-1 & 2 was negative. A viral load of HIV and CD-4 count confirmed his sero status to be positive for HIV. Improvement in visual acuity and slow resolution of the lesion was noted with both anti-viral for CMV and HIV. A repeat HIV-1 testing was positive with an improvement in CD4 count. Conclusion: In highly suspicious individual, with a negative serology (post screening test) for HIV, the disease status should be confirmed by testing the individual for HIV viral load and CD4 count. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the best ways to impart important skills to trainees is through simulation-based training, which is more reliable than the conventional clinical examination method. It is used in pediatric nursing training to allow nurses to practice and improve their clinical and conversational skills during an actual child encounter. A heel-prick is a complex psychomotor task that requires skill and knowledge from the pediatric nurse performing the procedure while applying for the National Newborn Screening Program. Aim: This study aimed to assess the impact of simulation-based training on pediatric nurses' knowledge and performance regarding the heel-prick technique used during newborn blood screening tests in select hospitals in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Methods: This study utilized an experimental pre-test and post-test design. The G*Power Program® Version 3.1.9.4 was employed to determine the sample size to fulfil the study's objectives. The sample consisted of 50 nurses recruited from the Maternity & Children Hospital Bisha, Al-Namas General Hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Pediatric Assiut University Hospital in Egypt; they were randomly divided into two groups of 25 nurses, intervention and control. The sample size was calculated assuming α level of 0.05, a β level of 0.20, and a desired power of 80%. The study was conducted from June 1st to August 30th, 2023. Two data collection instruments were used: a structured questionnaire and an observational checklist for the heel-prick technique in newborn bloodspot screening sample collection. Before the training intervention, a pre-test assessing knowledge and performance was administered. Intervention and control groups received two hours of instruction every 5 days. The researcher utilized PowerPoint presentations, videos, and interactive learning session intervention to deliver the instructional content to increase nurses' knowledge and also employed mannequins for a newborn blood spot test simulator to train participants on performance. A post-test 1 was administered immediately after the training sessions. Additionally, post-test 2 was conducted 20 days after the study and followed up after 40 days of intervention (post-test 3). Results: The study participants ranged in age from 25 to 30 years, with the majority being female. A statistically significant difference was observed in the knowledge and performance of pediatric nurses following simulation-based training. The majority of nurses demonstrated correct responses after the simulation-based learning intervention. However, the nurses' knowledge varied, as evidenced by the mean scores of their total knowledge regarding the heel-prick for the newborn bloodspot screening test. Immediately after the learning intervention session, the mean scores were 37.86 ± 1.28 and 34.84 ± 1.22 in the experimental and control groups, respectively. At 20 days post-training, the mean scores were 40.16 ± 1.11 and 33.55 ± 1.18 in the experimental and control groups, respectively, with a highly statistically significant difference (P-value = 0.0001). Moreover, at 40 days post-training, the mean scores were 39.54 ± 1.09 and 29.66 ± 1.32 in the experimental and control groups, respectively, and a statistically significant difference was found (P-value = 0.0001). Conversely, the level of nurses' performance before training was below average, with 52% and 56% in the experimental and control groups, respectively. Immediately after the simulation-based learning, the majority of nurses in the experimental group demonstrated a good level of performance in post-test 1, post-test 2, and post-test 3, with a statistically significant difference compared to the nurses in the control group (P-value = 0.001). Conclusion: The use of newborn blood spot test simulators is useful during simulation-based training in raising the overall level of the pediatric nurses' knowledge and performance, especially through 1, 2, & 3 post-training tests. The findings have several practical implications, and one is that pediatric nurses' performance and knowledge concerning newborn blood screening tests should be prioritized to guarantee patient safety and quality of care in pediatric patient scenarios. It is essential for nursing trainers to effectively train pediatric nurses' by using simulators to improve their caring knowledge and performance in educational settings. By improving nurses' knowledge and performance, we can reduce the dangers caused by their training on real neonates; also, it can be an attractive way to train nurses when trained by simulators and ultimately enhance the overall quality of nursing services in the hospital. Clinical trial number: This study was registered by Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: (NCT06685471||https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/) with the clinical Trail registry (12-11-2024). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several decades have passed since the description of the first patient with primary aldosteronism (PA). PA was initially classified in two main forms: aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA). However, the pathogenesis of PA has now been shown to be far more complex. For this reason, the traditional classification needs to be updated. Given the recent advancements in our understanding of PA pathogenesis, we should reevaluate how frequent PA cases are, beginning with the reconstruction of the screening strategy. Recent studies consistently indicated that PA has been identified in 22% of patients with resistant hypertension and 11% even in normotensives. The frequency is influenced by the screening strategy and should be based on understanding the pathogenesis of PA. Progress has been made to promote our understanding of the pathogenesis of PA by the findings of aldosterone driver mutations, which have been found in normotensives and hypertensives. In addition, much clinical evidence has been accumulated to indicate that there is a spectrum in PA pathogenesis. In this review, we will summarize the recent progress in aldosterone measurement methods based on LC-MS/MS and the current screening strategy. Then, we will discuss the progress of our understanding of PA, focusing on aldosterone driver mutations and the natural history of PA. Finally, we will discuss the optimal strategy to improve screening rate and case detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This position statement addresses the critical concerns and recommended practices surrounding the use of panel food testing for diagnosing food allergies. Food allergies are a significant public health concern, and the misdiagnosis of food allergies remains a prevalent concern, made worse by the ongoing use of panel food testing. The practice of screening patients for multiple food allergens, regardless of clinical relevance, is commonly referred to as “panel food testing.” Fundamentally, a panel food test is not simply a single test; a panel food test is a series of several distinct tests for multiple foods, each with its own variable predictive value. These tests have not been adequately validated as screening tests and carry a considerable false positive rate. The resulting false diagnoses lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions, increased healthcare costs, and significant psychosocial distress for patients and their families.

Background Amusia, also known as tone deafness, involves problems with the auditory accuracy of music perception and the recognition of well-known melodies. These deficits are not related to hearing loss, amount of musical training, or overall intelligence. The present study applies a screening tool for the detection of amusia in Greek children and adults. Methods The present detection tool was created via laboratory evaluation and includes seven acoustic tests: “dissonant intervals”, “out of tone”, “contour”, “memory”, “rhythm”, “integration” and “emotion”, based on the pre-existing data on the diagnostic criteria and the features of the disorder. All music stimuli were presented on a piano timbre and constructed in major mode according to Western tonal-harmonic conventions. Before administering the test, the Directorate of Primary Education of Achaia, which belongs to the Ministry of Education of Greece, approved the research for the application of the test to adults and students aged six to twelve. Simultaneously, each parent signed a form for their child’s consent to participate in the listening test. All participants were native Greek speakers, 80 students aged 6 to 12 years and 120 adults, with normal hearing thresholds bilaterally. The recorded stimuli were presented through supra-aural headphones at a comfortable hearing level, and the procedure was based on a laboratory evaluation lasting 15 min. All data were analyzed using SPSS ( https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.25912411). Results According to the findings, only 4% of the participants suffered from amusia and it was found that those who had music education for more than two years performed better in the present test than the others. In conclusion, factors such as sex and age did not affect the occurrence of this musical disorder. Conclusion The present screening assessment tool was intended to detect individuals with amusia. There is a suspicion of the existence of amusia in the population at a rate of 4% as confirmed by other research It is recommended to administer the test to a larger sample to estimate its sensitivity and validity.

ABSTRACT Introduction Methods Results Conclusion The TECHNOSCREEN ADAMTS‐13 assay (ADSC) is a new lateral flow test which is simple and quick to perform, with a high negative predictive value (NPV); it may improve the diagnostic workflow for TTP. LabPlus in Auckland, New Zealand, performs all ADAMTS13 tests in the Auckland and Northland regions. The ADSC was used at LabPlus between 2022 and 2023 as part of a protocol where results of 0 IU/mL and 0.1 IU/mL were confirmed with the TECHNOZYM ADAMTS‐13 Activity chromogenic ELISA assay (ADATS). The aim was to improve cost efficiency by reducing the need for the labour‐intensive ADATS, particularly in low probability requests. This retrospective audit analyses the efficacy and efficiency of the testing protocol.All ADAMTS‐13 tests performed in the year before the ADSC (March 2021–March 2022) and after the ADSC protocol was introduced (March 2022–March 2023) were collected from the LabPlus laboratory information system (LIS), and correlated with clinical information from the electronic health record. Statistical analysis was performed.Ninety‐four test requests were audited. ADSC had an NPV of 100% on diagnostic samples. The protocol increased the median turn‐around time (TAT) by 18 h (p = 0.01). If an ADSC of 0.1 IU/mL was taken as a negative, the median TAT was decreased by 17 h (p = 0.0003) in diagnostic samples from LabPlus adjacent hospitals.ADSC has a high NPV but did not improve TAT when used as part of a testing protocol for our central laboratory receiving samples from a large area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines the impact of passive restraint on fire-induced spalling in concrete, utilizing a concrete mixture to minimize compositional variability. A variety of specimen geometries was prepared, including standard cubes and cylinders for the determination of mechanical properties and slabs of different dimensions for fire spalling tests conducted under controlled conditions. A top-opening Dragon furnace, which applies ISO 834-1 fire curves, was used to evaluate the influence of "cold rim" boundaries, where slab edges were insulated to create thermal restraint. The cold rims were categorized as 0 cm, 10 cm, and 20 cm, with each modification representing a different degree of thermal expansion restraint. Digital image correlation (DIC) was utilized to monitor the strain fields on the unheated slab surfaces. The findings demonstrated that increasing the cold rim width implies a rise in compressive stress and strain in the central zone, thereby precipitating a more pronounced spalling behaviour. The unrestrained slabs (cold rim 0 cm) exhibited minimal spalling, whereas the restrained slabs (cold rim 20 cm) demonstrated significant spalling depths and volumes. The study confirms that thermal dilation restraint intensifies the severity of spalling and provides a quantitative framework that links stress evolution, strain distribution, and spalling depth. The findings emphasize the necessity of managing thermal restraint to properly assess fire-induced concrete spalling in material screening tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This position statement addresses the critical concerns and recommended practices surrounding the use of panel food testing for diagnosing food allergies. Food allergies are a significant public health concern, and the misdiagnosis of food allergies remains a prevalent concern, made worse by the ongoing use of panel food testing. The practice of screening patients for multiple food allergens, regardless of clinical relevance, is commonly referred to as "panel food testing." Fundamentally, a panel food test is not simply a single test; a panel food test is a series of several distinct tests for multiple foods, each with its own variable predictive value. These tests have not been adequately validated as screening tests and carry a considerable false positive rate. The resulting false diagnoses lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions, increased healthcare costs, and significant psychosocial distress for patients and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ALBA screening instrument (ASI) has been demonstrated to be an effective, cheap, and noninvasive clinical instrument to screen for Lewy body dementia (LBD). We aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of ASI (ASI-T) in patients with LBD and to investigate the discriminative power of the test in patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AD), LBD, and cognitively healthy older adults (controls). 172 older adults over 60 years of age (43 with LBD, 41 AD, and 88 controls) were included. The sensitivity and specificity of the instrument were determined. A significant difference was found in ASI-T total score between people with LBD versus the controls (t=-9.259; p < 0.001), and versus patients with AD (t = 3.490; p = 0.001). Internal consistency of the ASI-T was good(Cronbach's alpha = 0.81). The cutoff score of 7 showed sensitivity (86%) and specificity (81%) (AUC= 0.888,CI0.95, p < 0.001) compared to controls. Also, compared to AD, it showed sensitivity (86%) and specificity(70%) (AUC = 0.590,CI.95, p < 0.001). Moreover, ASI-T demonstrated a significant concurrent validity with MMSE (r = −0.62; p < 0.001) and MoCA (r = −0.54; p = 0.003). In factor analysis, the five subscales accounted for 60% of the total variance. Our findings suggested that the ASI-T is a reliable, valid, and effective instrument for screening LBD. With acceptable psychometric properties, it has the power to distinguish patients with LBD from controls or those with AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the diagnostic and therapeutic landscape for patients with connective tissue disease (CTD) and CTD-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (CTD-PAH) in acute-care general hospitals in Japan. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study by analysing the Medical Data Vision (MDV) database from April 2008 to September 2020. CTD patients who prescribed immunosuppressants were included in cohort 1, and CTD-PAH patients extracted from cohort 1 were included in cohort 2. Patient characteristics, diagnostic screening frequencies for PAH, and initial PAH-specific treatment patterns were assessed. Results: Overall, 16,648 patients with CTD and 81 patients with CTD-PAH were included in cohorts 1 and 2, respectively. The frequencies of screening tests for PAH, including brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), and 'diffusing capacity' of the 'lungs for carbon monoxide' (DLCO), among CTD patients were 0.7, 0.3, and 0.1 tests/person-year, respectively. The most common initial PAH-specific treatment therapy was monotherapy (87.7%), followed by dual therapy (7.4%) and triple therapy (2.5%). Conclusion: This is the first study to describe the patient flow from PAH diagnosis to initial PAH-specific treatment for real-world patients who were followed regularly due to CTD in Japanese clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Inferences from most of the studies are limited by the fact that elevated serum Triglycerides were found after the diagnosis of Preeclampsia. Therefore, this study is done to see if there is any significant elevation of Triglycerides prior to the development of Preeclampsia. Aims: To Find out the Significance of the Association of Early Maternal Hypertriglyceridemia in the Development of Preeclampsia. Materials and methods: It is Prospective Observational study in Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology in Pregnant women in the early second trimester between 13 - 20 weeks registered for antenatal checkup. Total 300 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic. 20 patients were lost during the follow up. Demographic data like age, socioeconomic status and obstetric history along with relevant medical history was recorded on predesigned and pretested proforma. A detailed history, general physical examination including BMI, obstetric examination was done. Results: In this study, out of 280 patients, there is significant correlation between TGL levels and Risk of Preeclampsia. The distribution of patients who developed Preeclampsia is more or less the same with screening in early second trimester. The association between TGL levels and Development of Preeclampsia is statistically significant among the Gestational age group 13- 16 weeks (P=0.013) and 17- 20 weeks (P= 0.000059). The association between TGL levels and Development of Preeclampsia is statistically significant among the age group 21- 29 years (P=0.001) and > 30 years (P= 0.01). The association between TGL levels and Development of Preeclampsia is statistically significant among the Primigravida (P=0.000003) and Multigravida (P= 0.036913). There is significant association between the Triglyceride levels and risk of Preeclampsia among the Primigravida and Multigravida but the Incidence of Primigravida (11.2%) having Preeclampsia as compared to Multigravida (5.1%) is more in this particular study. The association between TGL levels and Development of Preeclampsia is statistically significant among the BMI 18.5 – 24.5 (P=0.001655) and >24.5 – 29.5 (P= 0.009368). Conclusion: The present study shows a consistent positive association between elevated maternal Triglycerides and the risk of Preeclampsia. Therefore, the level of maternal Triglycerides can be used as a screening test in the early second trimester to predict development of Preeclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Cognitive and psychiatric symptoms are frequently reported after SARS-CoV-2 infection, but their interplay has been only partially explored. We investigated frequency and severity of psychiatric symptoms in patients with persistent cognitive complaints after COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study. Neurologists assessed 101 patients reporting cognitive symptoms after COVID-19. Patients were invited to fill a screening battery with self-reported psychometric scales (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21, Impact of Event Scale-Revised, Insomnia Severity Index). Patients scoring above validated cut-offs in ≥1 scale were referred to psychiatrists who administered the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.), Hamilton Anxiety (HAM-A), and Hamilton Depression (HAM-D) rating scales and asked to complete the Personality Inventory for DSM-5-Brief Form (PID-5-BF). Results: Out of the 57 referred patients, 38 (64.4%) accepted to undergo the psychiatric examination. Among these, 18 (47.4%) were diagnosed with adjustment disorder (23.7%), anxiety disorder (10.5%), major depressive disorder (7.9%), and post-traumatic stress disorder (2.6%). Pharmacologic treatment before post-COVID condition (present in 12 patients, 31.6%) was associated with a score above cut-off on the HAM-A and HAM-D scales. A longer duration of untreated psychiatric illness after COVID-19 was associated with worse scores on the same scales. Patients with a higher PID-5-BF total score had a higher probability of receiving a psychiatric diagnosis. Conclusion: Almost half of patients with post-COVID-19 conditions reporting cognitive symptoms were found to suffer from a psychiatric condition after psychiatric evaluation. The application of a psychiatric screening in a population suffering from long-term effects of COVID-19 can lead to early diagnosis and timely treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Screening tests for disease have their performance measured through sensitivity and specificity, which inform how well the test can discriminate between those with and without the condition. Typically, high values for sensitivity and specificity are desired. These two measures of performance are unaffected by the outcome prevalence of the disease in the population. Research projects into the health of the American Indian frequently develop Machine learning algorithms as predictors of conditions in this population. In essence, these models serve as in silico screening tests for disease. A screening test’s sensitivity and specificity values, typically determined during the development of the test, inform on the performance at the population level and are not affected by the prevalence of disease. A screening test’s positive predictive value (PPV) is susceptible to the prevalence of the outcome. As the number of artificial intelligence and machine learning models flourish to predict disease outcomes, it is crucial to understand if the PPV values for these in silico methods suffer as traditional screening tests in a low prevalence outcome environment. The Strong Heart Study (SHS) is an epidemiological study of the American Indian and has been utilized in predictive models for health outcomes. We used data from the SHS focusing on the samples taken during Phases V and VI. Logistic Regression, Artificial Neural Network, and Random Forest were utilized as in silico screening tests within the SHS group. Their sensitivity, specificity, and PPV performance were assessed with health outcomes of varying prevalence within the SHS subjects. Although sensitivity and specificity remained high in these in silico screening tests, the PPVs’ values declined as the outcome’s prevalence became rare. Machine learning models used as in silico screening tests are subject to the same drawbacks as traditional screening tests when the outcome to be predicted is of low prevalence.

Several decades have passed since the description of the first patient with primary aldosteronism (PA). PA was initially classified in two main forms: aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA). However, the pathogenesis of PA has now been shown to be far more complex. For this reason, the traditional classification needs to be updated. Given the recent advancements in our understanding of PA pathogenesis, we should reevaluate how frequent PA cases are, beginning with the reconstruction of the screening strategy. Recent studies consistently indicated that PA has been identified in 22% of patients with resistant hypertension and 11% even in normotensives. The frequency is influenced by the screening strategy and should be based on understanding the pathogenesis of PA. Progress has been made to promote our understanding of the pathogenesis of PA by the findings of aldosterone driver mutations, which have been found in normotensives and hypertensives. In addition, much clinical evidence has been accumulated to indicate that there is a spectrum in PA pathogenesis. In this review, we will summarize the recent progress in aldosterone measurement methods based on LC-MS/MS and the current screening strategy. Then, we will discuss the progress of our understanding of PA, focusing on aldosterone driver mutations and the natural history of PA. Finally, we will discuss the optimal strategy to improve screening rate and case detection.

The present study, a prospective observational study was carried out in department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Dr. KNS Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences Gadia, Barabanki .With the aim to study the correlation between midtrimester HbA1c and OGTT for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus .We included 120 patients in the study group in which HbA1c and OGTT was measured between 24 to 28 weeks of gestation. In our study out of 120 patients 22 patients had GDM on the basis of OGTT (WHO 1999). The OGTT fasting values indicate that out of 120 participants, 108 (90%) had fasting glucose levels ≤125 mg/dl, while 12 (10%) had levels ≥126 mg/dl. For the OGTT 2nd-hour values, 98 participants (81.7%) had glucose levels ≤139 mg/dl, whereas 22 participants (18.3%) had levels ≥140 mg/dl. the GDM positive group had a higher proportion of participants with HbA1c values of 6.1 or higher (36.4%) compared to the GDM negative group (0%). The mean HbA1c values were 5.95 for the GDM positive group and 5.32 for the GDM negative group. The HbA1c distribution difference between the two groups was statistically significant [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The measurement of VOCs release in the headspace of a bacterial culture represents a new approach to rapidly assess antimicrobial susceptibility. Herein, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of the VITEK® REVEAL™ system directly from a collection of Gram-negative positive blood cultures. Materials and methods One hundred and twenty-eight positive blood cultures were included in the analysis (Enterobacterales, n  = 95; Pseudomonas aeruginosa , n  = 21; Acinetobacter baumannii complex, n  = 12). Samples were processed using VITEK® REVEAL™ according to the manufacturer's recommendations, and MICs of 22 antimicrobials were compared with those obtained using reference methods. Categorical agreement (CA), essential agreement (EA) and categorical errors were calculated. Results Overall, 2220 strain/antibiotic pair combinations were analysed. Of these, most were classified as resistant by reference antimicrobial susceptibility testing (1091/2220; 48.7%). The overall CA and EA were 97.6% and 97.7%, respectively. CA ranged from 97.5% in Enterobacterales to 97.9% in both P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii complex. The overall number of categorical discrepancies were: 18 very major errors (1.6%), 13 major errors (1.2%) and 22 minor errors (2.4%). EA ranged from 95.2% in P. aeruginosa to 98.1% in Enterobacterales. Screening test for ESBL phenotype was positive, indeterminate and negative in 13.7%, 32.6% and 27.4% of Enterobacterales isolates tested by both VITEK® REVEAL™ and the reference method, showing 100% CA. Conclusions VITEK® REVEAL™ represents a reliable tool to obtain antimicrobial susceptibility results of the main Gram-negative species directly from positive blood cultures with time to results of less than 8 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Early detection of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can prevent destruction and functional disabilities. Dermatologists play an important role in the early diagnosis and treatment of PsA. The aim of the study was to develop a practical questionnaire that does not take long time for early diagnosis of PsA and for not to overlook axial involvement. Material and Methods: This was a prospective study including 200 psoriasis patients. Turkish Psoriatic Arthritis Screening Tool (TUPAST) questions were designed in a simple and plain language that the patients could easily understand. Patients were asked to answer these 6 questions and the well-known questionnaire Toronto Psoriatic Arthritis Screening 2 (ToPAS 2) synchronously. Results: ROC analysis was performed to determine the cut-off value of TUPAST, and the cut-off value was determined as 3. The sensitivity of the cut-off value was calculated as 54.32% and the specificity as 90.68%. The cut-off value obtained for ToPAS 2 was 8 and its sensitivity was 79%, and specificity was 55% in our patient population. There was a significant difference between two tests in terms of time spent for answering questions (TUPAST-0.5 minute, ToPAS 2-3.6 minute) (p<0.05). Conclusion: PsA screening by dermatologist can be the first step in diagnosis of joint involvement in psoriasis. Due to the heavy patient traffic of dermatology outpatient clinics, we need tests that do not take much time. TUPAST is a simple and time saving screening test that takes only 30 seconds to answer and can be used in prediagnosis of PsA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delirium is often the first symptom of incipient acute illness or complications and must therefore be detected promptly. Nevertheless, routine screening for delirium in acute care hospital wards is often inadequate. We recently implemented a simple, user-friendly delirium screening test (RMA) that can be administered during ward rounds and routine nursing care. The test was found to be non-inferior to 4AT in terms of sensitivity and specificity. However, the dominant factors to take into account when assessing the performance of a test added to the routine work of busy acute care hospital wards are ease of administration, real-life amenability and the ability of the staff to adhere to testing requirements. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of daily RMA tests that were not administered as scheduled and the impact of these omissions on the overall real-world performance of RMA. Using point-in-time assessments of 4AT by an external rater, we found that complete RMA was administered in 88.8% of the days. Physicians omitted significantly more tests than nurses, but their results were more specific for delirium. Omissions reduced the sensitivity and specificity of RMA for delirium (compared to 4AT) from 90.7% to 81.7%, and from 99.2% to 87.8%, respectively. Ideally, the number of omitted RMA tests should be minimized. However, if over 85% of the daily quota of complete tests are administered, the sensitivity and specificity of RMA for diagnosing delirium as soon as it appears remain at acceptable levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: Teleneuropsychology refers to the application of neuropsychology using video teleconferencing (VTC) techniques, whose methodology facilitates access to remote populations, a need that has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Numerous investigations have documented the equivalence of different screening assessments (Mini Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment for Neuropsychological Status) when applied via teleneuropsychology. The goal of the present work is to test the equivalence of the Brief Neuropsychological Battery in Spanish (NEUROPSI Breve), a neuropsychological screening instrument standardized for Spanish-speaking population that has reported a high sensitivity (91.6%) for identifying dementia, when applied in the VTC modality. Method: In total, 32 Mexicans between 16 and 70 years were assessed, both in traditional (face-to-face) and VTC format with a 20 min wait between each application. Each participant was randomly assigned into one of four groups that were generated from the established conditions: the first application could be face-to-face or by VTC modality and an adapted or original version of NEUROPSI Breve would be applied; for the second application, the remaining modality and instrument would be used. Statistical analysis was carried out using the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software (v. 25). Results: The Wilcoxon signed-rank test presented statistically significant differences (Z = −2.79, P =.005). However, when applied to each one of the four evaluation groups, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed no statistically significant differences; the same results were found when starting with the original or adapted instrument, and when starting with the face-to-face modality (P <.005). However, differences are shown when starting with the online (VTC) modality (groups B and C) (P =.028). Conclusions: The NEUROPSI Breve is applicable in both modalities, satisfying the needs of the population and the evaluation guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible oils (EdO), such as sunflower, are preferably chosen for frying because they get soaked less and are very light. Nevertheless, there is the possibility that they can be adulterated with thermally deteriorated oil such as the leftover oil after the frying process of meat with breadcrumbs (TDO A) or potatoes (TDO B). It may harm our health and the environment, requiring a fast and reliable screening test for such adulterants. In this study, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy based on the attenuated total reflectance (ATR–FITR) sampling technique was studied to directly determine TDO A or TDO B as adulterants in EdO-TDO binary mixtures. We proposed quantification methods based on the simple linear regression analysis of IR spectral intensity (peak height or peak area) on adulterant concentration 0 ÷ 70% (v/v). The methods proposed proved to be accurate (% recovery in the range of 98.0 ÷ 101.1%), precise (RSD < 2.7%), and technically simple (total analysis time of 5–10 min). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection can increase the risk of peptic ulcers and gastric neoplasms. H. pylori detection in gastric epithelial tissue collected by esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is an invasive, costly, and stands as an invasive and examiner-dependent procedure necessitating suitable sedation. complex execution procedure, reducing access for isolated populations. H. pylori detection by Urea Breath Test (UBT) presents high outlay cost with limited access in low- and middle-income countries. In this context, it is critical to develop novel alternative non-invasive platforms for the portable, fast, accessible through self-collection and reagent-free detection of H. pylori. Here, we used attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) supported by Machine Learning algorithms to identify infrared vibrational modes of H. pylori diluted in human saliva. To perform it, saliva was diluted in 4 different concentrations (108 CFU/mL, 107 CFU/mL, 106 CFU/mL, and 105 CFU/mL) of H. pylori. Then, diluted saliva with or without H. pylori were applied to ATR-FTIR spectroscopy to perform a reagent-free, fast, and sustainable analysis of spectral signatures to identify unique vibrational modes to identify this pathogen. The obtained spectra were applied to Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms to perform the H. pylori detection. The results indicate that the method was highly accurate between 108 - 105 CFU/mL, achieving an accuracy of 89 % for 108 CFU/mL, 93 % for 107 CFU/mL, 94 % for 106 CFU/mL, and 85 % for 105 CFU/mL with SVM algorithm. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the significant potential of a biophotonic platform supported by artificial intelligence for the non-invasive detection of H. pylori in human saliva samples obtained by self-collection, without the use of reagents. The data reveal that this proof-of-concept study has significant potential for the non-invasive detection of H. pylori using a biophotonic platform supported by artificial intelligence without the use of reagents with human saliva samples obtained by self-collection.

ABSTRACT Objective: Learning disability leads to school dropout and low self-esteem in childhood, low socioeconomic status, increased criminality, and incarceration in adulthood. Pediatricians are key professionals who can diagnose and prevent this. The objective of the study was the early detection and reference of children with learning disabilities as identified by their schoolteachers. Methods: The protocol included: specific anamnesis with parents; Snellen test; audiometry and central auditory processing test; referral to speech therapists, ophthalmologists, otorhinolaryngologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and neurologists if necessary; validated screening tests to evaluate literacy and mathematics reasoning skills; and development of a report for parents and teachers on the suspected diagnosis, professional referral, and curricular adjustments. Results: A total of 15 patients were evaluated in 1 year, with a mean age of 10.3 years, median school fourth grade, and mostly males (80%). The time for final report delivery was 6.4 months. Visual impairment was identified in 35.7% and central auditory processing impairment in 100% of patients. For writing and reading skills, seven children had below average and two children had average scores; for mathematics skills, five had below average, one average, and one higher score. Six children were illiterate and were suspected of having autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, intelligence disability, or borderline intelligence coefficient. Conclusions: A specific protocol helped to identify sensory organ impairments and psychological and psychiatric conditions, quantify school hardship, and provide a report with a suspected diagnosis and referral for treatment of learning disabilities. Larger population studies and a control group are necessary to validate this protocol.

IntroductionEarly diagnosis of cancer enhances treatment planning and improves prognosis. Many masses presenting to veterinary clinics are difficult to diagnose without using invasive, time-consuming, and costly tests. Our objective was to perform a preliminary proof-of-concept for the HT Vista device, a novel artificial intelligence-based thermal imaging system, developed and designed to differentiate benign from malignant, cutaneous and subcutaneous masses in dogs.MethodsForty-five dogs with a total of 69 masses were recruited. Each mass was clipped and heated by the HT Vista device. The heat emitted by the mass and its adjacent healthy tissue was automatically recorded using a built-in thermal camera. The thermal data from both areas were subsequently analyzed using an Artificial Intelligence algorithm. Cytology and/or biopsy results were later compared to the results obtained from the HT Vista system and used to train the algorithm. Validation was done using a "Leave One Out" cross-validation to determine the algorithm's performance.ResultsThe accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the system were 90%, 93%, 88%, 83%, and 95%, respectively for all masses.ConclusionWe propose that this novel system, with further development, could be used to provide a decision-support tool enabling clinicians to differentiate between benign lesions and those requiring additional diagnostics. Our study also provides a proof-of-concept for ongoing prospective trials for cancer diagnosis using advanced thermodynamics and machine learning procedures in companion dogs.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of a modified STOP-Bang questionnaire with different body mass index reference as a screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea in Korean population. Methods: The medical records of 1417 participants who underwent overnight Level I polysomnography were retrospectively analyzed. Predictive parameters were calculated for each of the 3 groups classified by obstructive sleep apnea severity with a cut-off value of 3 or 4. Responses to modified and traditional questionnaires were comparatively analyzed by receiver-operator characteristic curves and area under the receiver-operator characteristic curves. Results: The optimal cut-off values of the modified and traditional questionnaires were both 3.5. The area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve of modified STOP-Bang questionnaire for any obstructive sleep apnea group was 0.786 ± 0.018, which was significantly higher than that of the traditional questionnaire. The modified STOP-Bang questionnaire with a cut-off value ≥4 showed significantly higher sensitivity than the traditional one for any obstructive sleep apnea group. The diagnostic accuracy of the modified questionnaire was also significantly higher for the any obstructive sleep apnea group when the cut-off value was 4. Conclusion: The modified STOP-Bang questionnaire, with a cut-off value of 4, can be used as an alternative to the traditional screening tool for the Korean population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Cowden syndrome (CS) is a multisystem disease with an elevated lifetime risk of internal malignancy. We aim to assess the role of PTEN immunostain as a screening test for CS in a variety of common CS-associated neoplasms, with a particular focus on cutaneous tumors. Methods We retrospectively searched for patients meeting criteria for CS and/or demonstrating germline PTEN mutation from 2008 to 2022. We then performed PTEN immunostains on tumors of these patients as well as control cases. Results Our study included 30 patients with CS who had a total of 25 CS-associated malignancies (13 thyroid, 8 breast, and 4 endometrial carcinomas). Specifically, there were 11 patients with biopsy-confirmed CS-associated cutaneous neoplasms, including 1 patient with multiple trichilemmomas and 3 with multiple sclerotic fibromas. In total, 45 CS-associated tumors (6 trichilemmomas, 7 sclerotic fibromas, 5 thyroid carcinomas, 18 adenomatous thyroid nodules, 6 breast carcinomas, and 3 endometrial carcinomas) and 31 non-CS cases (9 trichilemmomas, 5 sclerotic fibromas, 8 adenomatous thyroid nodules, and 3 thyroid, 3 breast, and 3 endometrial carcinomas) were available for PTEN immunohistochemical staining. PTEN expression was lost in 43 (96%) of 45 CS-associated lesions and retained in 30 (97%) of 31 sporadic tumors. The overall sensitivity and specificity of PTEN loss of expression as a screening test for CS were 96% and 97%, respectively. Conclusions PTEN immunohistochemistry on CS-associated tumors, especially trichilemmomas, can serve as a readily accessible and cost-effective screening test for CS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the validation of the Rapid Interactive Screening Test for Autism in Toddlers (RITA-T) in Turkish toddlers between 18 and 36 months of age. Children aged 18–36 months were referred to the department of child psychiatry for concerns of autism spectrum disorder, language disorder, developmental delay, and typically developing children were enrolled. A total of 81 toddlers participating in the study received clinical interviews according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. They received the translated RIT-T from reliably trained and blinded providers. Parents completed the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers form. A cut-off score was calculated based on the sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values of the RITA-T total score that best differentiates autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. For all participants, the RITA-T total score correlated with the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (r = 0.715) and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale total score (r = 0.825). Using a cut-off score of ⩾17, the RITA-T had a sensitivity of.90 and a specificity of.927 for identifying autism spectrum disorder risk. The area under the curve was.977. Our findings demonstrate that the RITA-T is effective in Turkish toddlers for the early identification of autism spectrum disorder, early intervention settings, and allowing access to treatment. It is important to diagnose autism spectrum disorder at an early age and to start an early intervention program without delay. In this study, we aimed to validate the Rapid Interactive Screening Test for Autism in Toddlers (RITA-T) in a group of Turkish children and found that the RITA-T which has been shown to be a valid and reliable screening test for 18- to 36-month-old children in studies conducted in different countries, is also valid in Turkish children. Similar to previous studies, our results showed that the RITA-T has good sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing children with autism spectrum disorder. We think that our study will contribute to the timely initiation of early intervention programs for many children with autism by enabling a valid test to be used in screening programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study retrospectively compared false-positive result frequencies of 3 syphilis serology screening tests and assessed whether false positivity was associated with pregnancy and age. Methods Results for 3 screening tests were retrieved from the laboratory database, including rapid plasma reagin (RPR) assay between October 2016 and September 2019, BioPlex 2200 Syphilis Total immunoassay between May 2020 and January 2022, and Alinity i Syphilis TP assay between February 2022 and April 2023. The false-positive result frequencies were calculated based on testing algorithm criteria. Results False-positive result frequency for BioPlex was 0.61% (90/14,707), significantly higher than 0.29% (50/17,447) for RPR and 0.38% (55/14,631) for Alinity (both P <.01). Patients with false-positive results were significantly older than patients with nonreactive results for RPR (median age: 36 vs 28, P <.001), but not for BioPlex or Alinity. For all 3 tests, the positive predictive values in pregnant women were lower than those in nonpregnant women or men. However, pregnant women did not exhibit a higher false-positive result frequency. Conclusion Although false-positive result frequencies were low overall for all 3 syphilis serology tests, there is a significant difference between different tests. Pregnancy was not associated with more false-positive results for all 3 tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of the present research was to validate the use of the effectiveness of the Batería Neuropsicológica Computarizada de Tamizaje (BNCT) to detect Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compared to a goldstandard neuropsychological assessment. We also compared the diagnostic accuracy of the BNCT with another frequently used screening test: the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Methods: Using a cross-sectional design and an intentional sampling we selected 23 elderly adults who completed a neuropsychological assessment and who were diagnosed as MCI. The average age was 74.7 years, all presented subjective complaints of cognitive impairment not of enough severity as to interfere with their instrumental activities for daily living and fulfilled the diagnostic clinical criteria of MCI according to Petersen (1999). We compared the diagnostic accuracy of the BNCT and the MoCA with the results obtained by the neuropsychological battery. Results: According to the complete neuropsychological evaluation the 23 patients were classified as MCI. In the BNCT 91% of the patients were classified with MCI and showed alterations delay recall (56%), time orientation (48%), sequential drawing (43%), verbal memory (30%) and opposite reactions (26%). MoCA classified as MCI 79% of the patients and negative 21% of the sample. Tasks that predicted MCI were delay recall (81%), drawing of a cube (52%), clock drawing (47%), digit span (38%), subtraction (24%), phonological fluency (19%) and trial making (14%). Patients who were wrongly classified had low educational level (less than 5 years of schooling experience). According to the results of the complete neuropsychological battery, the BNCT provides better classification of subjects with MCI than the MoCA, since it uses norms according to age and education, while the MoCA does not consider these variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Urine is the most used matrix in drug analysis; however, it is susceptible to adulteration or tampering. Urine creatinine is the most important urine integrity parameter used as an indicator of dilution. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of diluted urine samples and the change in positivity after creatinine normalization. Methods: Urine samples screened by the LC-MS/MS method over a 3.5-year period (n=21,927) were included in the study. Positivity rates were evaluated in both total and diluted urine samples. Additionally, the impact of creatinine normalization on samples with substance concentrations above the limit of quantitation (LOQ) and below the cut-off was investigated. Results: A total of 350,832 tests were conducted on 21,927 urine samples, resulting in an overall positivity rate of 21.2% (n=4652). The ratio of diluted urine was 1.6% (n=343), with 61.5% (n=211) testing negative (cut-off), and 15.2% (n=52) testing above LOQ and below cut-off. After creatinine normalization in diluted urines, the sample positivity rate increased from 23.3% (n=80) to 33.8% (n=116) (p<0.001), and the substance positivity rate increased from 2.3% (n=125) to 3.9% (n=212) (p<0.001). Conclusion: Precautions should be taken in reporting diluted urine samples to avoid reporting false negative results. The creatinine normalization approach shows promise in laboratories using quantitative screening methods such as LC-MS/MS for samples with substance concentrations above the LOQ and below the cut-off. However, more clinical and laboratory collaboration is needed for its routine application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, health systems, including federally qualified health centers, experienced disruptions in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. National organizations called for greater use of at-home stool-based testing followed by colonoscopy for those with abnormal test results to limit (in-person) colonoscopy exams to people with acute symptoms or who were high risk. This stool-test-first strategy may also be useful for adults with low-risk adenomas who are due for surveillance colonoscopy. We argue that colonoscopy is overused as a first-line screening method in low- and average-risk adults and as a surveillance tool among adults with small adenomas. Yet, simultaneously, many people do not receive much-needed colonoscopies. Delivering the right screening tests at intervals that reduce the risk of CRC, while minimizing patient inconvenience and procedural risks, can strengthen health-care systems. Risk stratification could improve efficiency of CRC screening, but because models that adequately predict risk are years away from clinical use, we need to optimize use of currently available technology—that is, low-cost fecal testing followed by colonoscopy for those with abnormal test results. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need to adapt to resource constraints around colonoscopies and showed that increased use of stool-based testing was possible. Learning how to adapt to such constraints without sacrificing patients' health, particularly for patients who receive care at federally qualified health centers, should be a priority for CRC prevention research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proactive identification of diseases through screening tests has long been endorsed as a means to preempt symptomatic onset. However, such screening endeavors are fraught with complications, such as diagnostic inaccuracies, procedural risks, and patient unease during examinations. These challenges are amplified when screenings for multiple diseases are administered concurrently. Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM) offers a unique advantage, allowing for the high-throughput quantification of hundreds of analytes with minimal interferences. Our research posits that SRM-based assays, traditionally tailored for single-disease biomarker profiling, can be repurposed for multi-disease screening. This innovative approach has the potential to substantially alleviate time, labor, and cost demands on healthcare systems and patients alike. Nonetheless, there are formidable methodological hurdles to overcome. These include difficulties in detecting low-abundance proteins and the risk of model overfitting due to the multiple functionalities of single proteins across different disease spectrums – issues especially pertinent in blood-based assays where detection sensitivity is constrained. As we move forward, technological strides in sample preparation, online extraction, throughput, and automation are expected to ameliorate these limitations. The maturation of mass spectrometry's integration into clinical laboratories appears imminent, positioning it as an invaluable asset for delivering highly sensitive, reproducible, and precise diagnostic results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulin resistance (IR) is a key risk factor for chronic metabolic diseases, but its laboratory diagnosis is still costly; thus, the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has been proposed as a surrogate method. Our aim was to provide a detailed analysis of cutoffs and test the hypothesis that the TyG index would present reasonable performance parameters for IR screening. This is a cross-sectional study with baseline data from 12,367 eligible participants of both sexes (aged 35–74 years) from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health. TyG correlation and agreement with the Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance were analyzed. Positive and negative predictive values (PV+, PV–) and likelihood ratio (LR+, LR–) were calculated. A moderate positive correlation between TyG and Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance was observed (Pearson r = 0.419). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of TyG for IR diagnosis was 0.742 and the optimal cutoff was 4.665, reaching a kappa agreement value of 0.354. For this cutoff, a PV+ of 59.3% and PV– of 76.0%, as well as an LR+ of 2.07 and LR– of 0.45 were obtained. Alternatively, because high sensitivity is desired for screening tests, selecting a lower cutoff, such as 4.505, increases the PV– to 82.1%, despite decreasing the PV+ to 50.8%. We conclude that TyG has important performance limitations for detecting IR, but that it may still be reasonably useful to help screening for IR in adults because it can be calculated from low-cost routine blood tests. Research on the TyG index's effectiveness in assessing insulin resistance yields varying outcomes. Our extensive study reveals notable limitations in TyG's diagnostic performance, especially in predictive values and likelihood ratios for IR diagnosis. Despite this, TyG remains reasonably useful for IR screening in adults, given its cost-effective calculation from routine blood tests. Combining TyG with other data can enhance insulin resistance screening for clinicians. Abbreviations: AUC, area under the curve; HOMA, Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance; IR, insulin resistance; ROC, receiver operating characteristic; TyG: triglyceride-glucose. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae compromises gonorrhoea treatment and rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) would be valuable. We have developed a rapid and accurate flow cytometry method (FCM) for AST of gonococci. Methods The 2016 WHO gonococcal reference strains, and WHO Q, R and S (n  = 17) were tested against seven clinically relevant antibiotics (ceftriaxone, cefixime, azithromycin, spectinomycin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline and gentamicin). After 4.5 h incubation of inoculated broth, the fluorescent dye Syto™ 9 was added, followed by FCM analysis. After gating, the relative remaining population of gonococci, compared with unexposed growth control samples, was plotted against antimicrobial concentration, followed by non-linear curve regression analysis. Furthermore, the response at one single concentration/tested antibiotic was evaluated with the intention to use as a screening test for detection of resistant gonococci. Results A dose-dependent response was seen in susceptible isolates for all tested antimicrobials. There was a clear separation between susceptible/WT and resistant/non-WT isolates for ceftriaxone, cefixime, spectinomycin, ciprofloxacin and tetracycline. In contrast, for azithromycin, only high-level-resistant isolates were distinguished, while resistant isolates with MICs of 4 mg/L were indistinguishable from WT (MIC ≤ 1 mg/L) isolates. For gentamicin, all tested 17 isolates were WT and FCM analysis resulted in uniform dose–response curves. Using a single antibiotic concentration and a 50% remaining cell population cut-off, the overall sensitivity and specificity for resistance detection were 93% and 99%, respectively. Conclusions By providing results in <5 h for gonococcal isolates, FCM-based AST can become a rapid screening method for antimicrobial resistance or antimicrobial susceptibility in gonococci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deafness is the most common sensory disability: it primarily causes language delay, as well as communication and cognitive disorders. In France, it has been subject to systematic neonatal screening since 2014. Cochlear implants have revolutionized its management by providing access to spoken language for severe to profound hearing impairments - however, the benefits are inversely proportional to the age of implantation. The objective of this article was to demonstrate the difficulty of reconciling the theoretical healthcare journey of a deaf child in a cochlear implant project before the age of 1, which involves numerous consultations, the implementation of hearing aid, and speech therapy rehabilitation, with the actual experiences of families (acceptance of the diagnosis, completion of various assessments, administrative difficulties, etc.). Therefore, it is essential to offer psychological and speech therapy support to the family and assist them in social procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To evaluate the ability of Single Leg Squat (SLS) and Vertical Drop Jump (VDJ) tests to predict lower limb injuries in professional footballers. Methods. In a prospective cohort study SLS and VDJ scores were recorded before the start of the season and the lower limb injuries were recorded as followed up during a 9-month season (2021-2022). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the accuracy of the prognosis of SLS and VDJ tests. Results. During the nine months of follow up, a total of twenty-five lower limb injuries (in twenty-three footballers) were recorded for 121 professional male footballers. The model explained 22% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance in lower limb injury and correctly predicted 85.1% of cases. ROC analysis showed significant accuracy of the VDJ performance score of the footballer (AUC 0.659, 95%CI 3.639-63.434, p = 0.001, OR = 0.204) in discriminating between injured and uninjured players. The optimum cut-off level of the VDJ performance score of the football players was 0.5. Conclusions. VDJ test is a suitable tool for predicting lower limb injuries in professional male footballers, but SLS cannot be used as a reliable screening tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Release of new varieties requires qualitative as well as quantitative characters of the lines. For rice varieties, resistance to brown plant hopper (BPH) (Nilaparvata lugens, Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) is an important character that should be tested. The purpose of this study was to determine the resistance of new rice lines of rice cultivar to BPH. In this study, the tests were carried out on 6 (six) lines of candidate varieties developed by IPB University, namely TCIPB202101, TCIPB202102, TCIPB202103, TCIPB202104, TCIPB202105, and TCIPB202106. Resistance to BPH assays was conducted by screening and population development tests. Inpari 30 and Ciherang varieties were used as controls. The results showed that the TCIPB202106 line is the most resistant to BPH attack, while the TCIPB202103 line is the most susceptible to BPH attack. The average number of nymphs in the TCIPB202106 line was three times lower than those in Inpari 30 and Ciherang. The results of the population growth test were in line with the results of the screening test which indicated that the TCIPB202106 line is classified as moderately resistant to BPH.

Background: Neonate screening is a preventative measure that can contribute to early diagnosis of treatable diseases. Hypothyroidism in neonates is among the common preventable factors leading to intellectual disability. This study aims to describe the prevalence and experience with four-step screening to diagnose congenital hypothyroidism.Methods: The statistical population of this cross-sectional study included 392 preterm neonates (gestational ages less than 36 weeks and 6 days) in 2018-2019 from the health centers covered by Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (Tehran, Iran) who had been referred for screening. Neonates were screened in the first 3-6 days after birth and then on days 14, 42, and 72. In neonates with TSH serum levels of 10 mU/L, TSH-T4 was measured. Next, the physician decided on the medication based on the results.Results: At the primary screening of the neonates average TSH level was 2.08 ± 2.4 mU/L. Thirty-three neonates (8.4%) indicated disrupted screening results. The secondary screening of 388 neonates (98.97%) revealed an average TSH serum level of 1.9 ± 1.96 mU/L, and 19 (5.9%) indicated TSH serum levels higher than 5 (mU/L). The third screening test was performed on 382 (97.44%) of the neonates. The average TSH level was 1.3 ± 2.4 mU/L, 340 (85.96%) indicated normal levels, and 42 (11.47%) had unfavorable results. Finally, the fourth screening test was performed on 373 (95.15%) neonates. The mean TSH level was 2.21 ± 1.9 mU/L, which revealed 24 (6.12%) unfavorable test results. The percentage of hypothyroidism in neonates was 5.6% (23 cases). In this study, the prevalence of hypothyroidism was 4.33% (17 cases) in girls and 1.53% (6 cases) in boys. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed the high incidence rate of congenital hypothyroidism among preterm neonates. Therefore, preventing congenital hypothyroidism misdiagnosis requires a series of screening tests. Also, findings indicated that the results of screening tests for preterm neonates with prolonged GAs and higher birth weights are more accurate and reliable.

The objectives of this research were to study the problems and needs related to screening for kindergarten students at risk from autism and to develop and study the effect of using mobile applications for screening for kindergarten students at risk from autism. The research was divided into three phases. Phase 1, the study of problems and needs related to a screening test for kindergarten students at risk at risk from autism from 50 kindergarten teachers by selecting a purposive sample according to the specified criteria. Phase 2, the mobile application development using the concept of the ADDIE Model; the efficiency was evaluated by 10 specialists by selecting a specific sample group according to the specified criteria, and Phase 3, study the results of using a mobile application by 34 teachers in kindergarten schools by selecting a specific sample group according to the specified criteria. The tools used in this research consisted of, - 1) a structured questionnaire, 2) a developed mobile application, 3) an application performance assessment form, and 4) a satisfaction questionnaire. Data were analyzed for percentage, mean, and standard deviation.The results of the study were as follows. 1) The results of the study of the problems and needs related to screening test for kindergarten students at risk students with autism in general, the schools applied management in caring for children with special needs at a medium level and the schools employed screening kindergarten children at medium risk of autism in all aspects, 2) The results of the development of a mobile application were systematically developed in 5 steps: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation, with input factors that users could fill out for kindergarten screening, process factors that represent system functioning, and outcome factors that show screening and support results. The overall mobile application development results indicated that performance was at the highest level ( = 4.74, S.D. = 0.53) and technical design was at the highest level ( = 4.68, S.D. = 0.51), and 3) The results of using a mobile application for a screening test for kindergarten students at risk students from autism found that kindergarten teachers were satisfied with using the mobile application for screening test for at risk kindergarten students had at the highest level ( = 4.60, S.D. = 0.41)

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the screening performance of COPD-PS questionnaire, COPD-SQ questionnaire, peak expiratory flow (PEF), COPD-PS questionnaire combined with PEF, and COPD-SQ questionnaire combined with PEF for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study. We distributed self-designed surveys and COPD screening scales (COPD-PS questionnaire and COPD-SQ questionnaire) to residents who underwent physical examination in five community health centers in Haicang District, Xiamen City, from February 2023 to May 2023, and measured their lung function and PEF with a portable device. We used logistic regression to obtain the coefficients of COPD-PS questionnaire, COPD-SQ questionnaire, and PEF, and plotted the receiver operating characteristic curves of each tool for diagnosing COPD and moderate-to-severe COPD. We evaluated and compared the optimal cut-off points and scores of sensitivity, specificity, Youden index, and area under the curve (AUC) values, and assessed the screening efficiency of different methods.ResultsOf the 3,537 residents who completed the COPD-SQ questionnaire, COPD-PS questionnaire, and spirometry, 840 were diagnosed with COPD. We obtained the coefficients of COPD-PS questionnaire combined with peak expiratory flow (PEF), and COPD-SQ questionnaire combined with PEF, by logistic regression as −0.479-0.358 × PEF +0.321 × COPD-PS score and − 1.286-0.315 × PEF +0.125 × COPD-SQ score, respectively. The sensitivity of diagnosing COPD by COPD-SQ questionnaire, COPD-PS questionnaire, PEF, COPD-PS questionnaire combined with PEF, and COPD-SQ questionnaire combined with PEF were 0.439, 0.586, 0.519, 0.586, 0.612 respectively, and the specificity were 0.725, 0.621, 0.688, 0.689, 0.663 respectively, with ROC values of 0.606 (95%CI: 0.586–0.626), 0.640 (0.619–0.661), 0.641 (0.619–0.663), 0.678 (0.657–0.699), 0.685 (0.664–0.706) respectively. The sensitivity of diagnosing GOLD II and above by COPD-SQ questionnaire, COPD-PS questionnaire, PEF, COPD-PS questionnaire combined with PEF, and COPD-SQ questionnaire combined with PEF were 0.489, 0.620, 0.665, 0.630, 0.781 respectively, and the specificity were 0.714, 0.603, 0.700, 0.811, 0.629 respectively, with ROC values of 0.631 (95%CI: 0.606–0.655), 0.653 (0.626–0.679), 0.753 (0.730–0.777), 0.784 (0.762–0.806), 0.766 (0.744–0.789) respectively.ConclusionOur study found that the accuracy of COPD screening by COPD-SQ questionnaire and COPD-PS questionnaire can be improved by combining the results of PEF. The screening performance of COPD-SQ questionnaire combined with PEF is relatively better. In future research, further studies are needed to optimize the performance of screening tools and understand whether their use will affect clinical outcomes.

Background: Gesture imitation, a simple tool for assessing visuospatial/visuoconstructive functions, is reportedly useful for screening and diagnosing dementia. However, gesture imitation performance in healthy older adults is largely unknown, as are the factors associated with lower performance. To address these unknowns, we examined the gesture imitation performance of a large number of community‐dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture (southern Japan). Methods: The examiner presented the participants with eight gesture patterns and considered it a success if they could imitate them within 10 s. The success rate of each gesture imitation was calculated for three diagnostic groups: cognitively normal (CN) (n = 1184), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (n = 237), and dementia (n = 47). Next, we reorganised the original gesture imitation battery by combining six selected gestures with the following scoring method: if the participants successfully imitated the gestures, immediately or within 5 s, two points were assigned. If they succeeded within 5–10 s, one point was assigned. The sensitivity and specificity of the battery were investigated to detect the dementia and MCI groups. Factors associated with gesture imitation battery scores were examined. Results: Except one complex gesture, the success rate of imitation in the CN group was high, approximately 90%. The sensitivity and specificity of the gesture imitation battery for discriminating between the dementia and CN groups and between the MCI and CN groups were 70%/88%, and 45%/75%, respectively. Ageing, male sex, and a diagnosis of dementia or MCI were associated with lower scores on the gesture imitation battery. Conclusion: Gesture imitation tasks alone may not be sufficient to detect MCI. However, by combining gestures with set time limits, gesture imitation tasks can be a low‐burden and effective method for detecting dementia, even in community medicine, such as during health check‐ups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]