Search results for "diagnostic tool"
showing 10 items of 46 documents
Molecular diagnostic tools for the detection and characterization of Phoma tracheiphila
2011
In the recent years PCR-based techniques for the identification and detection of Phoma tracheiphila, the causal agent of citrus mal secco disease, have been evaluated aiming to provide tools for biological and epidemiological studies. A wide collection of P. tracheiphila strains was used to evaluate and validate diagnostic protocols and a fAFLP method for fungal characterization. Conventional and real-time PCR protocols were successfully tested for the specific identification of P. tracheiphila and its detection in planta. A further improvement of the real-time PCR protocol and the DNA extraction methods allowed the quantification of the fungus both from naturally infected and artificially …
Proteomics of foodborne trematodes
2011
Abstract Food-borne trematodiases are among the most neglected tropical diseases, not only in terms of research funding, but also in the public media. The Trematoda class contains several species identified as the causal agents of these diseases whose biological cycle, geographical distribution and epidemiology have been well characterised. The diagnosis of these diseases is based on parasitological techniques and only a limited number of drugs are currently available for treatments, most of which are unspecific. Therefore, in-depth studies to identify new and specific targets for both effective diagnosis and treatments are urgently needed. Currently, little molecular information is availab…
Diagnostic tools for female urethral diverticulum: Current perspectives
2019
Although once considered quite a rare condition in the past, female urethral diverticulum (UD) would now appear to have a higher frequency, perhaps due to greater attention from physicians. To date, there is no agreement on which is the best method for diagnosis of female UD. Traditionally, the approach was based on quite invasive techniques, such as voiding cystourethrography, and double-balloon urethrography, with satisfactory results but relevant limitations. More recent high-resolution imaging techniques, such as 2D-3D ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have also been applied in the study of the abnormalities of the female urethra. US had the advantage of the outp…
Geostatistical computing of acoustic maps in the presence of barriers
2009
Acoustic maps are the main diagnostic tools used by authorities for addressing the growing problem of urban acoustic contamination. Geostatistics models phenomena with spatial variation, but restricted to homogeneous prediction regions. The presence of barriers such as buildings introduces discontinuities in prediction areas. In this paper we investigate how to incorporate information of a geographical nature into the process of geostatistical prediction. In addition, we study the use of a Cost-Based distance to quantify the correlation between locations.
Diagnostic Tools for Autism Spectrum Disorders by Gender: Analysis of Current Status and Future Lines
2021
Studies on the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders have shown gender disproportion. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in this investigation area. There are two main research lines; the first is focused mostly on gender-related biological reasons that could account for low ASD prevalence in women (i.e., related to some protective factors related to hormones or the immune system, among others), and the second research line studies possible diagnostic biases. In the present study, a review of the latter line of research is made based on two main objectives: (a) analysis of possible biases in diagnostic tools and (b) other nonbiological ASD prevalence explained by gende…
Bringing a Molecular Plus One : Synergistic Binding Creates Guest-Mediated Three-Component Complexes
2020
C-Ethyl-2-Methylresorcinarene (A), pyridine (B), and a set of ten carboxylic acids (Cn) associate to form A·B·Cn ternary assemblies with 1:1:1 stoichiometry, representing a useful class of ternary systems where the guest mediates complex formation between the host and a third component. Although individually weak in solution, the combined strength of the multiple non-covalent interactions organizes the complexes even in a highly hydrogen-bond competing methanol solution as explored by both experimental and computational methods. The interactions be-tween A·B and Cn are dependent on the pKa values of carboxylic acids. The weak interactions between A and C further reinforce the interactions b…
Standardization of a bioassay for thyrotropin receptor stimulating autoantibodies.
2015
Cell-based bioassays for functional thyroid stimulating autoantibodies (TSAb) are sensitive diagnostic tools. However, there is no bioassay available that is standardized with international reference material. We aimed to promote the standardization of the test results among laboratories that perform TSAb bioassays and calibrate TSAb levels against the second international standard (IS) 08/204 from the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC).Serum TSAb activity was measured with a FDA-cleared bioassay that utilizes CHO cells expressing a chimeric thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) and a c-AMP response-element-dependent luciferase. The IS was applied for calibration. TSAb re…
Folate targeted coated SPIONs as efficient tool for MRI
2017
The development of more sensitive diagnostic tools allowing an early-stage and highly efficient medical imaging of tumors remains a challenge. Magnetic nanoparticles seem to be the contrast agents with the highest potential, if properly constructed. Therefore, in this study, hybrid magnetic nanoarchitectures were developed using a new amphiphilic inulin-based graft copolymer (INU-LAPEG-FA) as coating material for 10-nm spinel iron oxide (magnetite, Fe3O4) superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPION). Folic acid (FA) covalently linked to the coating copolymer in order to be exposed onto the nanoparticle surface was chosen as the targeting agent because folate receptors are upregulated in many can…
Diagnosis and novel clinical treatment strategies for pyoderma gangrenosum
2019
Introduction: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a noninfectious, reactive inflammatory neutrophilic dermatosis that is commonly associated with autoimmune and neoplastic disorders. There are emerging diagnostic tools and treatment options for PG.Area covered: The diagnosis of PG should be seriously considered when managing ulcers to avoid unnecessary medical and surgical complications with prompt and suitable treatment. There are no standardized treatment guidelines for PG, and current therapy largely depends on the severity and progression of the disease. Systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressant therapy, and biologic agents remain mainstay therapies. In this article, we present a literature …
Retained pieces of wood in the retromaxillary space: a case report.
1995
Detection and operative removal of wood as a foreign body in the cranio-maxillary area has received frequent attention in the literature. However, as a rule, most of the cases described are related to the orbit or the orbito-neurocranial space. Almost no literature exists on the detection and treatment of wooden foreign bodies in the retromaxillary space. The authors present an unusual case of long-term retained wood in this area in a child. The case inspires discussion of the general problem of detecting retained retromaxillary wood, even using modern diagnostic tools in this area and the question of the operative therapy, especially the most favourable surgical access.