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We demonstrate, for the first time, the multiplexed determination of microbial species from whole blood using the paper-folding technique of origami to enable the sequential steps of DNA extraction, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and array-based fluorescence detection. A low-cost handheld flashlight reveals the presence of the final DNA amplicon to the naked eye, providing a 'sample-to-answer' diagnosis from a finger-prick volume of human blood, within 45 min, with minimal user intervention. To demonstrate the method, we showed the identification of three species of Plasmodium, analyzing 80 patient samples benchmarked against the gold-standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in an operator-blinded study. We also show that the test retains its diagnostic accuracy when using stored or fixed reference samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The «Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)» were developed in parallel with the Swiss National Dementia Strategy 2014-2019 under the auspices of the Swiss Society for Geriatric Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (SGAP) and mark the beginning of a series of recommendations for geriatric psychiatric disorders. They depict the evidence-based state of knowledge about diagnostics and therapy, based on the clinical experience of the experts, and are designed for interprofessional and interdisciplinary use. The non-pharmacological intervention options and pharmacotherapy are discussed in detail. This paper is the revised version of the 2014 publication and compiles the development in this area for everyday clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until now no mandatory guidelines for the structural planning of the deconstruction of existing concrete structures are introduced by the authorities, which assist the planning engineers in the evaluation of these existing or damage structures. Often complex structural states of deconstructions have to be calculated, which depend on the knowledge of the actual structural condition. Therefore the only source of information is given by the existing documents, which often don't represent the actual state. To reduce the risks and to increase the planning and tender security, diagnostic investigations offer a big potential. Because not all information, as e. g. the knowledge about the possibility of a subsequent anchorage of cut prestressed tendons can be evaluated in advance of a deconstruction, further experimental investigations are necessary. As yet no technical or contractual rules are defined. The paper gives an overview of practical experiences and possible potentials of these experimental investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural condition as challenge for the deconstruction planning Until now no mandatory guidelines for the structural planning of the deconstruction of existing concrete structures are introduced by the authorities, which assist the planning engineers in the evaluation of these existing or damage structures. Often complex structural states of deconstructions have to be calculated, which depend on the knowledge of the actual structural condition. Therefore the only source of information is given by the existing documents, which often don't represent the actual state. To reduce the risks and to increase the planning and tender security, diagnostic investigations offer a big potential. Because not all information, as e. g. the knowledge about the possibility of a subsequent anchorage of cut prestressed tendons can be evaluated in advance of a deconstruction, further experimental investigations are necessary. As yet no technical or contractual rules are defined. The paper gives an overview of practical experiences and possible potentials of these experimental investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For about one third of all primary school children learning difficulties in acquiring reading, writing, or mathematical competencies are part of their everyday school life. If these difficulties persist, they are referred to as learning disabilities, learning disorders, or learning impairments. The conceptual distinction is currently complicated by diverging classification criteria in different classification systems (ICD-10/11, DSM-5 or AWMF guidelines), which leads to inconsistent diagnostic decisions and to divergent educational consequences. Of special importance in this regard is the so-called double discrepancy criterion for the diagnosis of a learning disorder: the performance of a child must be below the level expected according to age or schooling and intelligence. The child's academic performance must therefore be contrary to expectations – it must be delayed in comparison to a) the performance level typical for the class level and b) his or her own general cognitive abilities. The criterion of the discrepancy between school achievement and intelligence has been controversially discussed for a long time and is anchored differently in the classification systems. Its application has far-reaching consequences for both diagnostic and educational practice. Children who display the discrepancy between academic performance and intelligence receive the diagnosis "learning disorder", whereas children who do not reach this discrepancy are diagnosed with a "learning disability". Notably, these two groups experience different learning support both in school and outside of school. The present discussion paper questions the justification of the double discrepancy criterion on the basis of empirical evidence and highlights consequences for both its current implementation and for abandoning it. The conclusion of this discussion argues in favor of rethinking the use of the double discrepancy criterion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common comorbidity in adult patients with substance use disorders (SUDs). The diagnostics and treatment of ADHD with SUD are often a challenge, also with respect to the prescription of stimulants. Recently, a group of international experts developed a consensus paper on the diagnosis and treatment of comorbid ADHD and SUD. In addition, the German S3 guidelines on ADHD have been published, which also give advice on the treatment of ADHD in comorbid SUD. The German S3 guidelines on alcohol-related disorders and methamphetamine-related disorders also address ADHD as a comorbidity. Methods: Summary of consensus and guideline recommendations, supplemented with the most recent literature. Conclusion: In recent years new findings on the comorbidity of ADHD in patients with SUD have emerged. A series of screening and diagnostic instruments have meanwhile been evaluated in this patient group. The consensus paper and various guidelines therefore provide clinicians with specific help in detecting ADHD in patients with SUD and in conducting further diagnostics and treatment of both disorders. For example, the importance of stimulants in the treatment of patients with SUD and ADHD has significantly changed and first studies on psychotherapeutic interventions specific to this comorbidity are now available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a decreasing incidence of tuberculosis (TB) over the last decades in Switzerland, the frequency of newly diagnosed tuberculous spondylitis has remained stable. It occurs most frequently in old, immunocompromised persons and/or persons who have moved to Switzerland from TB endemic areas. It is a chronic manifestation of TB, which is characterized by 'cold abscesses', neurological deficits and kyphotic spinal deformity. Tuberculous spondylitis is often diagnosed with a delay, which can lead to higher morbidity and treatment complexity. Antibiotic therapy is essential in tuberculous spondylitis. Surgical interventions aim to obtain samples, decompress nervous structures, obtain pain control and, if necessary, deformity correction/stabilization. This paper provides an overview of the modern diagnostic and therapeutic management of tuberculous spondylitis in Switzerland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a non-invasive and cost-effective method to monitor spontaneous neuronal activity over time. Pathologies in EEG recordings indicate with high sensitivity but low specificity abnormal functional brain states.The main psychiatric indications for EEG recordings include atypical clinical symptoms of a neuropsychiatric syndrome or atypical reactions to medication as well as a baseline diagnostic before starting treatment with specific drugs or stimulation modalities. In recent research the EEG continues to be a valuable tool not only in diagnostics but also for the prediction of treatment success.The following paper focuses on basic electrophysiological understanding of EEG recordings, the diagnostic value of EEG recordings in different clinical entities, and new research attempts in diagnostic and treatment prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper gives an overview of the most important German-language diagnostic instruments suitable for use in schizophrenia. The procedures are implemented in different phases of the disorder, depending on the nature of questions involved. In addition to clinical interviews for diagnostic classification, self-rating and observer rating scales of psychopathological symptoms are presented. The procedures described take into account psychotic phenomena (e. g., delusions, hallucinations) as well as quality of life, insight, and social consequences of the disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute and chronic infections are a serious complication after implantation of a joint prosthesis and are difficult to diagnose due to the biofilm mode of the microorganism. Microbiological cultures can remain negative, so that additional tests such as a puncture of the synovial fluid with determining the leukocytes, or histopathological examination of the periprosthetic tissue are important. It is recommended to take multiple tissue samples intraoperatively from areas with presumably high bacterial density (interphase membranes or capsule). Newer biomarkers such as alpha-defensin or a multiplex PCR have been developed in recent years, but they are not yet part of the standard diagnostics. The following paper summarizes the strength and limits of the various diagnostic options in suspected PJL [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper summarises the changes of the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, (ICSD-3, published in 2014) in comparison to its predecessor, ICSD-2 (2005). Changes within sleep-related breathing disorders are described in the article by Stuck and Weeß in this issue. Polysomnographic recordings and sleep scoring in the diagnostic process should always use the most recent version of the AASM manual. Insomnias are newly classified as either chronic or short term. Chronic insomnia includes all former insomnia forms with the exception of adjustment insomnia (acute insomnia). The minimal duration is now defined as 3 months. Non-restorative sleep no longer constitutes an insomnia-specific symptom. The term 'hypersomnias of central nervous origin' has been replaced by 'disorders of hypersomnolence'. Hypersomnolence is understood as excessive daytime sleepiness. The new classification of narcolepsy differs between narcolepsy type 1 (with cataplexy or with hypocretin-1 deficiency) and narcolepsy type 2 (without cataplexy). The circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders have barely changed. The group of parasomnias now includes 'sleep-related eating disorders'. The former diagnosis 'sleep drunkenness' in the category confusional arousal was replaced by 'confused awakening'. The criteria for the diagnosis of 'nightmares' have been operationalized for the first time. The diagnosis 'periodic limb movement disorder' should no longer be used when either RLS, narcolepsy, REM sleep behavior disorder or untreated sleep apnea syndrome coexists. Isolated symptoms and normal variants are now directly associated with each diagnostic category. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the international guidelines of COPD (GOLD) and asthma (GINA) diagnosis and treatment of both diseases necessitate spirometry in the private practice as well as in hospital setting. However today, spirometry is not sufficiently used in Switzerland. This paper intends to give an easy overview how spirometry is performed and spirometric values can be interpreted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the international guidelines of COPD (GOLD) and asthma (GINA) diagnosis and treatment of both diseases necessitate spirometry in the private practice as well as in hospital setting. However today, spirometry is not sufficiently used in Switzerland. This paper intends to give an easy overview how spirometry is performed and spirometric values can be interpreted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main task of hospital hygiene is to fight nosocomial infections. The chief causes for these infections are on the one hand the patients' weakened immune response, and on the other hand the occurrence of infectious agents in the hospital and their means of contagion. In central Europe, the incidence of nosocomial infections is ca. 5%-10% of all hospital stays. The consequences are extended hospitalization, increased suffering of the patient, uncontrollable infections, and an enormous financial burden for the healthcare system. In addition, another marked increase in resistance to antibiotics must be reckoned with, which in developed countries has already led to the appearance of multiresistant pathogens with considerable epidemiological consequences. Chronic wounds are an ideal reservoir for the catchment and further spread of problem pathogens. It is only a matter of time before chronic wounds are colonized with pathogenic microorganisms, and are thus not only impaired in their healing process, but also act as a source of contagion for other wounds. In this sense, it is an important matter for hygiene to recognize such microbial "biotopes" early on, prevent the transmission of problem pathogens, and, by healing the wound, to eliminate the source. The purpose of this paper is to present essential aspects of prevention, microbiological diagnostics, and the treatment and prophylactic options for infected chronic wounds, and to analyze the economic impact of chronic wounds on the healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]