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This study aims to discriminate dif ferent types of illicit drugs (MDMA and THC) in blood samples using surface-enhanced Raman spec troscopy (SERS) combined with chemometric techniques includ ing principal components analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). A PLS-DA classification model was built using a training data set con taining Raman spectra from control and experimental groups (drug- detected blood). PLS-DA was per formed for discrimination and clas sification among blood samples. The scores obtained in the PLS-DA model were used to evaluate the performance of the created model. The leave one out cross-validation (LOOCV) method was used for calibration and validation of the PLS-DA model. In the study, it was observed that the SERS method and chemometric techniques to gether could be used in drug anal ysis, even at low concentrations in complex body fluids such as blood. As a result, Raman spectroscopy with PCA and PLS-DA methods of data analysis could be used exten sively to build similar or different classification models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 has had a profound effect on heart health; from COVID-related heart damage to the havoc caused to the services patients rely on, the legacy of the pandemic will be felt for years to come. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent hypervitaminosis B12 is an incidental and unexpected finding of elevated levels of vitamin B12 in a blood test. It can be caused by various conditions, ranging from insignificant causes to being a marker of silent neoplasia, liver, kidney, immune, or infectious disease. It is important to rule out pathologies and observe the evolution over time. Sustained elevation of vitamin B12 without apparent causes should not be underestimated and can be a prognostic and survival marker in patients with malnutrition, established cancer, and critical situations. The concurrent elevation of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid indicates a deficiency in the bioavailability of cobalamin at the tissue level. The article discusses the necessary tests to reach a diagnosis of hypervitaminosis B12 and its management in primary care. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the use of laboratory tests, specifically the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), to assess inflammation in the body. The ESR test measures the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom of a test tube, which can indicate inflammation, and its values can be affected by various factors such as age, pregnancy, and underlying medical conditions.

Rationale and key points: Why you should read this article: • To enhance your knowledge of the steps involved in arterial blood gas analysis • To understand the altered physiology and compensatory mechanisms associated with arterial blood gas results • To recognise the importance of considering the patient's clinical context when interpreting their arterial blood gas results Arterial blood gas analysis is designed to measure the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, as well as the acid-base (pH) balance. Arterial blood gas analysis can assist healthcare professionals to evaluate respiration, circulation and metabolic processes in deteriorating patients. Arterial blood gas analysis is usually undertaken by a trained healthcare professional where patients are acutely unwell or deteriorating. • Nurses should be aware of the normal arterial blood gas ranges, as well as those that may have altered as part of a patient's long-term condition, to enable them to assess any abnormalities. • A three-stage approach to the interpretation of arterial blood gas results is required: identify any alterations in the pH; identify the possible cause of these alterations; and assess whether any compensatory mechanisms are occurring within the body. • Nurses should refer to the patient's clinical presentation, history, and other signs and symptoms to ensure they consider the overall clinical context when interpreting arterial blood gas results. Reflective activity: 'How to' articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: • How this article might enhance your practice when undertaking a holistic assessment of a deteriorating patient. • How you could use this information to educate nursing students or your colleagues on the appropriate technique and evidence base for interpreting arterial blood gas results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Charles Baxter's novel "Blood Test," the protagonist, Brock Hobson, a mild-mannered insurance salesman and Sunday school teacher, undergoes an experimental blood test that predicts a future of criminal behavior, including murder. As Brock flirts with his supposed fate by shoplifting and confronts his ex-wife's boyfriend, he questions whether the test is a scam. The story builds towards a violent climax, although the ending feels rushed. Baxter's sharp observations and skillful dialogue make for an entertaining read, and readers will enjoy witnessing Brock's transformation. [Extracted from the article]

Based on a case report, the state of the art diagnosis of the HIV infection is presented. Not always with the first blood sample, the diagnosis of an acute HIV infection can be made. In the phase of seroconversion, the serological confirmation test may be negative, so that further blood draws and tests may be necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on pregnancy testing, including the indications for when and why it is needed, the different types of tests available, how they work, and their reliability. Topics include the detection of pregnancy through urine and blood tests, as well as the functioning of pregnancy tests and their accuracy; and mentions that pregnancy tests work by detecting the presence of ß-HCG in the blood or urine.

Problem/Condition: Malaria in humans is caused by intraerythrocytic protozoa of the genus Plasmodium. These parasites are transmitted by the bite of an infective female Anopheles species mosquito. The majority of malaria infections in the United States occur among persons who have traveled to regions with ongoing malaria transmission. However, malaria is occasionally acquired by persons who have not traveled out of the country through exposure to infected blood products, congenital transmission, laboratory exposure, or local mosquitoborne transmission. Malaria surveillance in the United States is conducted to provide information on its occurrence (e.g., temporal, geographic, and demographic), guide prevention and treatment recommendations for travelers and patients, and facilitate transmission control measures if locally acquired cases are identified. Period Covered: This report summarizes confirmed malaria cases in persons with onset of illness in 2016 and summarizes trends in previous years. Description of System: Malaria cases diagnosed by blood film microscopy, polymerase chain reaction, or rapid diagnostic tests are reported to local and state health departments by health care providers or laboratory staff members. Case investigations are conducted by local and state health departments, and reports are transmitted to CDC through the National Malaria Surveillance System (NMSS), the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS), or direct CDC consultations. CDC reference laboratories provide diagnostic assistance and conduct antimalarial drug resistance marker testing on blood samples submitted by health care providers or local or state health departments. This report summarizes data from the integration of all NMSS and NNDSS cases, CDC reference laboratory reports, and CDC clinical consultations. Results: CDC received reports of 2,078 confirmed malaria cases with onset of symptoms in 2016, including two congenital cases, three cryptic cases, and one case acquired through blood transfusion. The number of malaria cases diagnosed in the United States has been increasing since the mid-1970s. However, in 2015 a decrease occurred in the number of cases, specifically from the region of West Africa, likely due to altered travel related to the Ebola virus disease outbreak. The number of confirmed malaria cases in 2016 represents a 36% increase compared with 2015, and the 2016 total is 153 more cases than in 2011, which previously had the highest number of cases (1,925 cases). In 2016, a total of 1,729 cases originated from Africa, and 1,061 (61.4%) of these came from West Africa. P. falciparum accounted for the majority of the infections (1,419 [68.2%]), followed by P. vivax (251 [12.1%]). Fewer than 2% of patients were infected by two species (23 [1.1%]). The infecting species was not reported or was undetermined in 10.8% of cases. CDC provided diagnostic assistance for 12.1% of confirmed cases and tested 10.8% of specimens with P. falciparum infections for antimalarial resistance markers. Of the U.S. resident patients who reported reason for travel, 69.4% were travelers who were visiting friends and relatives. The proportion of U.S. residents with malaria who reported taking any chemoprophylaxis in 2016 (26.3%) was similar to that in 2015 (26.6%), and adherence was poor among those who took chemoprophylaxis. Among the 964 U.S. residents with malaria for whom information on chemoprophylaxis use and travel region were known, 94.0% of patients with malaria did not adhere to or did not take a CDC-recommended chemoprophylaxis regimen. Among 795 women with malaria, 50 were pregnant, and one had adhered to mefloquine chemoprophylaxis. Forty-one (2.0%) malaria cases occurred among U.S. military personnel in 2016, a comparable proportion to that in 2015 (23 cases [1.5%]). Among all reported cases in 2016, a total of 306 (14.7%) were classified as severe illnesses, and seven persons died. In 2016, CDC analyzed 144 P. falciparum-positive and nine P. falciparum mixed species samples for surveillance of antimalarial resistance markers (although certain loci were untestable in some samples); genetic polymorphisms associated with resistance to pyrimethamine were identified in 142 (97.9%), to sulfadoxine in 98 (70.5%), to chloroquine in 67 (44.7%), to mefloquine in six (4.3%), and to atovaquone in one (<1.0%). The completeness of key variables (e.g., species, country of acquisition, and resident status) was 79.4% in 2016 and 75.7% in 2015. Interpretation: The number of reported malaria cases in 2016 continued a decades-long increasing trend and is the highest since 1972. The importation of malaria reflects the overall increase in global travel trends to and from areas where malaria is endemic; a transient decrease in the acquisition of cases, predominantly from West Africa, occurred in 2015. In 2016, more cases (absolute number) originated from regions of the world with widespread malaria transmission. Since the early 2000s, worldwide interventions to reduce malaria have been successful; however, progress has plateaued in recent years, the disease remains endemic in many regions, and the use of appropriate prevention measures by travelers remains inadequate. Public Health Actions: The best way to prevent malaria is to take chemoprophylaxis medication during travel to a country where malaria is endemic. Malaria infections can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated promptly with antimalarial medications appropriate for the patient's age and medical history, the likely country of malaria acquisition, and previous use of antimalarial chemoprophylaxis. In 2018, two tafenoquine-based antimalarials were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the United States. Arakoda was approved for use by adults for chemoprophylaxis and is available as a weekly dosage that is convenient during travel, which might improve adherence and also can prevent relapses from P. vivax and P. ovale infections. Krintafel was approved for radical cure of P. vivax infections in those >16 years old. In April 2019, intravenous artesunate became the first-line medication for treatment of severe malaria in the United States. Because intravenous artesunate is not FDA approved, it is available from CDC under an investigational new drug protocol. Detailed recommendations for preventing malaria are available to the general public at the CDC website (https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/travelers/drugs.html). Health care providers should consult the CDC Guidelines for Treatment of Malaria in the United States and contact the CDC's Malaria Hotline for case management advice when needed. Malaria treatment recommendations are available online (https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/diagnosis_treatment) and from the Malaria Hotline (770-488-7788 or toll-free at 855-856-4713). Persons submitting malaria case reports (care providers, laboratories, and state and local public health officials) should provide complete information because incomplete reporting compromises case investigations and efforts to prevent infections and examine trends in malaria cases. Adherence to recommended malaria prevention strategies is low among U.S. travelers; reasons for nonadherence include prematurely stopping after leaving the area where malaria was endemic, forgetting to take the medication, and experiencing a side effect. Molecular surveillance of antimalarial drug resistance markers (https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/features/ars.html) enables CDC to track, guide treatment, and manage drug resistance in malaria parasites both domestically and internationally. More samples are needed to improve the completeness of antimalarial drug resistance analysis; therefore, CDC requests that blood specimens be submitted for all cases of malaria diagnosed in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the use of fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy to analyze biological stains in forensic sciences. Topics discussed include the advantage of this method over other biochemical tests, due to its in situ analysis potential; the use of attenuated total reflection (ATR) with FT-IR spectroscopy to analyze body fluids; and the analysis of blood as well as species identification using this method.

The article offers information on OD's role in the diagnosis, management and prevention of systemic health conditions. Topics discussed include complete blood count with differential (CBC with diff) as the most common blood tests ordered, components of cholesterol evaluation, diabetes as a growing epidemic, liver and kidney testing for patients taking certain medications, testing for systemic inflammatory markers and autoimmune disorders.

Rationale and key points Venepuncture and obtaining accurate blood samples is an important procedure in healthcare, and can assist in the diagnosis, care and treatment of patients. This article outlines the procedure for undertaking venepuncture and obtaining venous blood samples. It emphasises the importance of undertaking a visual assessment of the patient's skin and palpating the veins to identify a suitable site for venepuncture. » The optimal sites for venepuncture are the veins in the antecubital fossa -- the cephalic, basilic and median cubital veins. A suitable vein will be 'bouncy' to the touch, have no pulse and refill when depressed. » Venepuncture can be undertaken using either a needle or a buterfly device with safety system, depending on which site is selected. The size of needle used will also depend on the venepuncture site. » Before undertaking the procedure, it is essential to check the blood sample request form for the samples required and the healthcare organisation's policy for the order of draw. Reflective activity 'How to' articles can help update your practice and ensure it remains evidence-based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: 1. How you think this article will change your practice when performing venepuncture and obtaining blood samples. 2. How you could use this resource to support your colleagues to perform venepuncture and obtain blood samples effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is about the importance of rectal bleeding in differentiating between upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. The most important and urgent causes of rectal bleeding are mentioned, such as diverticulosis, hemorrhoids, angiodysplasia, infectious colitis, and colorectal cancer. The importance of evaluating rectal bleeding in primary care through history taking and physical examination is emphasized, as well as the performance of complementary tests such as a complete blood count and fecal occult blood test. It is mentioned that although benign causes of rectal bleeding are more common, it is important to consider the combination of symptoms, signs, and complementary tests to determine the likelihood of colorectal cancer. [Extracted from the article]

A science experiment for the quantification of 12 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in dried blood spots is presented using analysis by gas chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and a straightforward sample extraction method. It describes instrumentation and sample preparation for the experiment. It highlights the use of dried blood spot cards for toxicological studies.

Problem/Condition: Malaria in humans is caused by intraerythrocytic protozoa of the genus Plasmodium. These parasites are transmitted by the bite of an infective female Anopheles mosquito. The majority of malaria infections in the United States occur among persons who have traveled to regions with ongoing malaria transmission. However, malaria is occasionally acquired by persons who have not traveled out of the country through exposure to infected blood products, congenital transmission, laboratory exposure, or local mosquitoborne transmission. Malaria surveillance in the United States is conducted to identify episodes of local transmission and to guide prevention recommendations for travelers. Period Covered: This report summarizes cases in persons with onset of illness in 2014 and trends during previous years. Description of System: Malaria cases diagnosed by blood film, polymerase chain reaction, or rapid diagnostic tests are reported to local and state health departments by health care providers or laboratory staff. Case investigations are conducted by local and state health departments, and reports are transmitted to CDC through the National Malaria Surveillance System, National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, or direct CDC consultations. CDC conducts antimalarial drug resistance marker testing on blood samples submitted by health care providers or local or state health departments. Data from these reporting systems serve as the basis for this report. Results: CDC received reports of 1,724 confirmed malaria cases, including one congenital case and two cryptic cases, with onset of symptoms in 2014 among persons in the United States. The number of confirmed cases in 2014 is consistent with the number of confirmed cases reported in 2013 (n = 1,741; this number has been updated from a previous publication to account for delayed reporting for persons with symptom onset occurring in late 2013). Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae were identified in 66.1%, 13.3%, 5.2%, and 2.7% of cases, respectively. Less than 1.0% of patients were infected with two species. The infecting species was unreported or undetermined in 11.7% of cases. CDC provided diagnostic assistance for 14.2% of confirmed cases and tested 12.0% of P. falciparum specimens for antimalarial resistance markers. Of patients who reported purpose of travel, 57.5% were visiting friends and relatives (VFR). Among U.S. residents for whom information on chemoprophylaxis use and travel region was known, 7.8% reported that they initiated and adhered to a chemoprophylaxis drug regimen recommended by CDC for the regions to which they had traveled. Thirty-two cases were among pregnant women, none of whom had adhered to chemoprophylaxis. Among all reported cases, 17.0% were classified as severe illness, and five persons with malaria died. CDC received 137 P. falciparum-positive samples for the detection of antimalarial resistance markers (although some loci for chloroquine and mefloquine were untestable for up to nine samples). Of the 137 samples tested, 131 (95.6%) had genetic polymorphisms associated with pyrimethamine drug resistance, 96 (70.0%) with sulfadoxine resistance, 77 (57.5%) with chloroquine resistance, three (2.3%) with mefloquine drug resistance, one (<1.0%) with atovaquone resistance, and two (1.4%) with artemisinin resistance. Interpretation: The overall trend of malaria cases has been increasing since 1973; the number of cases reported in 2014 is the fourth highest annual total since then. Despite progress in reducing global prevalence of malaria, the disease remains endemic in many regions and use of appropriate prevention measures by travelers is still inadequate. Public Health Action: Completion of data elements on the malaria case report form increased slightly in 2014 compared with 2013, but still remains unacceptably low. In 2014, at least one essential element (i.e., species, travel history, or resident status) was missing in 21.3% of case report forms. Incomplete reporting compromises efforts to examine trends in malaria cases and prevent infections. VFR travelers continue to be a difficult population to reach with effective malaria prevention strategies. Evidence-based prevention strategies that effectively target VFR travelers need to be developed and implemented to have a substantial impact on the number of imported malaria cases in the United States. Fewer U.S. resident patients reported taking chemoprophylaxis in 2014 (27.2%) compared with 2013 (28.6%), and adherence was poor among those who did take chemoprophylaxis. Proper use of malaria chemoprophylaxis will prevent the majority of malaria illnesses and reduce risk for severe disease (https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/travelers/drugs.html). Malaria infections can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated promptly with antimalarial medications appropriate for the patient's age and medical history, likely country of malaria acquisition, and previous use of antimalarial chemoprophylaxis. Recent molecular laboratory advances have enabled CDC to identify and conduct molecular surveillance of antimalarial drug resistance markers (https://www. cdc.gov/malaria/features/ars.html) and improve the ability of CDC to track, guide treatment, and manage drug resistance in malaria parasites both domestically and globally. For this effort to be successful, specimens should be submitted for all cases diagnosed in the United States. Clinicians should consult CDC Guidelines for Treatment of Malaria in the United States and contact the CDC Malaria Hotline for case management advice, when needed. Malaria treatment recommendations can be obtained online at https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/diagnosis_treatment/ or by calling the Malaria Hotline at 770-488-7788 or toll-free at 855-856-4713. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a device that could perform blood tests from just a finger stick, doctors, patients, and investors from a health technology company Theranos laboratories. The article mentions that the capability and accuracy of its device fell short of company claims and therefore the regulators banned founder and chief executive officers (CEO) Elizabeth Holmes from operating a blood-testing lab for two years. It mentions some most common tests performed on venous blood samples.

The article discusses the emergence of new diagnostic modalities that enhance clinical treatment and monitoring of patients with dry eye disease (DED) alongside older and still effective processes as of February 2019. Topics covered include the older Schirmer's tests and tear ferning, and the simpler and more recent tests SPEED and the UNC Dry Eye Management Scale. Also noted are the Quidel MMP9 test, the TearLab tear osmolarity test, and the LipiView II imaging platform.

The article focuses on the use of Raman spectroscopy as a non-destructive analytical technique to provide information on the chemical composition of blood and its components. Topics include the functions of blood, the clinical assessment of human health based on blood composition; and the applications of Raman spectroscopy in studying blood components on erythrocytes, leucocytes, platelets, plasma, and whole blood to draw general conclusions on the state of the field.

The development of novel, nondestructive technologies for rapid analysis of evidence discovered at crime scenes is pertinent to our criminal justice system to solve the millions of violent crimes that occur each year. Without a witness, establishing the precise timeline of a crime is difficult. Therefore, technologies based on sensitive, nondestructive techniques are needed to evaluate evidence and create such a timeline. We propose the use of Raman spectroscopy to analyze the age of bloodstains for potential use as a forensics tool. Previous studies have revealed Raman spectroscopy is sensitive to changes in blood analyte concentration and different oxidative states of hemoglobin. Raman spectroscopy could allow for rapid comparison of spectra from bloodstains of unknown age to spectra of known age with high temporal accuracy. Though further investigation into other substrates and biochemical components should be performed, our study reveals Raman spectroscopy has the potential to accurately and nondestructively determine the age of a bloodstain for use in criminal investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the use of volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) for peptide, hepcidin extraction from whole blood analysis. Topics discussed include the use of blood in biological matrix on identifying diseases, routine checkup, and medical treatment monitoring, the effort of manufacturers to create collection supports for easy sample blood collection, and the dried blood analysis sampling technique such as dried blood spot (DBS).

The article discusses methods to enhance quantitating of cyanide in human blood matrices through automated cryotrapping isotopic dilution static headspace gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Topics discussed include production of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) in cyanide waste, effect of HCN concentration on human health upon their exposure to these wastes, and dependence of pH on HCN distribution is vital in quantitating HCN in blood samples.

There are two stages to making a diagnosis of dementia: establishing the presence of a dementia syndrome and determining the likely cause. Dementia should be distinguished from mild cognitive impairment, in which any cognitive and functional changes are less marked. Diagnosis of dementia is essentially clinical but investigations are helpful in excluding other disorders and in determining the underlying cause of the condition. International diagnostic criteria exist for the most common causes of dementia and these are useful for clinical and research purposes. At and following diagnosis, patients and their families require information, support and guidance about the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses treatment of uveitis. Topics include classification, diagnosis and iridocyclitis. Blood testing including complete blood count (CBC) testing, rheumatoid factor (RF) testing and Antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing are also mentioned. Posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) and peripheral anterior syn­echiae (PAS) are also mentioned.

The article focuses on simulation software in analysis of blood samples at HORIBA Medical, world-wide supplier of medical diagnostic equipment based in Japan. It discusses HORIBA Medical's hematology analysis equipment that uses a combination of optical measurement and electrical impedance to analyze a sample, use of simulation of the micro aperture-electrode system in the Pentra Series, one of HORIBA Medical's most advanced hematology analyzers and optimizing the impedance measurement system.

Gas chromatography with electron ionization and mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS) detection is a workhorse among analytical techniques in metabolomics. A major challenge in the utilization of GC-EI-MS in metabolomics is the identification of unknowns. The recent availability of high resolution, accurate mass, time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) systems provides great potential for identifying unknowns by reducing uncertainty in possible formulas and enhancing detection continuity between sample sets. A workflow using GC-EI-MS spectra for library identification, with molecular formula information for unknowns provided by chemical ionization-mass spectrometry (CI-MS) and accurate mass analysis was used for the analysis of blood plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to give nurses an insight into proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is relatively common and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Complications such as post-thrombotic syndrome, venous leg ulcers, recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) -- pulmonary embolism (PE) or DVT -- and pulmonary hypertension can develop following DVT diagnosis. There is also a risk that a large PE could prove fatal. While VTE prevention is a clinical priority, nurses should also have appropriate skills and knowledge to care for patients with suspected DVT. Nurses need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of DVT, common diagnostic tests, pharmacological and mechanical treatments, and the follow-up investigations patients should be offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on important blood tests. Topics include C-reactive protein (CRP) being synthesized and released in the liver in response to inflammation or tumour; low vitamin B12 levels indicating vitamin B12-related anaemia, damage to the spinal cord, and malnutrition; and vitamin B12 deficits accompanied by a low folic acid level.

The article looks at various analytical tools available to help prevent the development of health problems in cattle, sheep and pigs. They include faecal culture, blood tests for pneumonia, and blood ketone monitoring. It also discusses skin scrapes for mange and blood tests for protein in sheep. It also describes an on farm test to determine whether a piglet was born alive or dead.

The article discusses the etiology, laboratory/clinical workups and treatments, and recommended follow-up patterns for vasculitic peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK). It states that the autoimmune vasculitis is considered to be caused by circulating antibodies. It mentions that an auto-immune workshop which includes antinuclear antibody, complete blood count, and chest x-ray is being suggested.

The article focuses on the utilization of plastics MoldFlow simulation services from CAE Service Corp. to solve a problem encountered by Medbio Inc. with a blood diagnostic device. The problem involved a leakage in sealing the O-rings of the device. Joe Szyperski, Medbio's engineering manager, describes the process for molding the O-ring seals. The analysis conducted by CAE is discussed.

Microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) is a new technique for sample preparation that can be connected on-line with liquid chromatography (LC) or gas chromatography (Go systems without any modifications. This article describes the use of MEPS in clinical and preclinical studies to quantify different drugs in whole blood samples. MEPS was used to determine cyclophosphamide in mouse blood from preclinical studies using 20 μL of blood samples. The interday accuracies and precisions ranged from 107-109% and from 2.0-7.0%, respectively. The determination of four immunosuppressive drugs in human blood by MEPS and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is described. The method showed a good selectivity and sensitivity. The calibration curves for everolimus, sirolimus, and tacrolimus ranged from 0.5 to 50 ng/mL and for cyclosporine from 3.0 to 1500 ng/mL. lntraday precisions for the studied immunosuppressive drugs were 2.0-11.7% and interday precision ranged from 5.1 to 13.7% (CV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which uses core-shell silica particles to allow fast and accurate high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of vitamin D levels in patient's serum samples. Protein precipitation is utilized for sample preparation of the serum samples to interfere with the protein serum association 25-OH D2 and 25-OH D3. The study offers the most significant breakthrough on the HPLC analysis, improving its resolution and effectiveness rendered by the core-shell column.

The article discusses the use of dried blood spots by pharmaceutical companies to determine the fate of drugs in the bodies of patients. It states that dried blood spots has been used for pharmaceutical analysis since analytical instruments were not sensitive enough for the quantitative analysis required to obtain pharmacokinetic data. It notes that one of the disadvantages of dried blood sample analysis is that it is more time-consuming than the analysis of liquid samples.

The article focuses on the benefits of dried blood spot (DBS) analysis. It addresses the importance of determining the plasma membranes in studies reflecting drug exposure in humans and animals. It also provides highlights on the relevance of the cell-disintegrated blood technique (CDB) to a direct solid-phase extraction liquid chromatography (SPE-LC) analysis.

Revisamos en este artículo las evidencias disponibles sobre el cribado poblacional de distintos tipos de cáncer. En el cáncer colorrectal, existen evidencias que apoyan la realización de colonoscopia de cribado en pacientes con alto riesgo y en mayores de 50 años. El tacto rectal no está recomendado, el uso de test de sangre oculta en heces y la colonoscopia virtual son controvertidos. En el cáncer de próstata, el uso de cribado mediante antígeno prostático específico (PSA) y la ecografía transrectal son controvertidos, se recomienda el tacto rectal a partir de los 50 años. En el cáncer de cuello de útero, está recomendada la citología bienal o trienal en mujeres entre 25 y 60 años, pero no está recomendado el cribado poblacional mediante la prueba del virus del papiloma humano (VPH). En el cáncer de mama, está recomendada la mamografía bienal entre los 50 y 70 años; entre los 40 y 49 años existen controversias. No está recomendado el cribado mediante exploración física o autoexploración mamaria. La aplicación en el paciente concreto de las evidencias científicas obtenidas en estudios poblacionales no es tarea sencilla y requiere que el médico de familia aplique su arte y su ciencia para ayudar al paciente a tomar una decisión lo más informada posible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the several microsampling approach dried-blood spot analysis, solid-phase microextraction bioanalysis (SPME), and gas chromatography (GC)-type phase. Topics include the decrease of analyte concentration during sampling and analysis, the role of sample homogeneity, and the need to avoid contamination with trace analysis.

The article focuses on the authors' approaches to retinal disease management. In a case in which a man is presented with diabetic retinopathy and high blood pressure, an eye doctor schedules the patient for a blood test, while the other doctor both schedules the patient for blood test and takes his or her blood pressure. Their approaches for another case in which a patient has a mild age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are eliminating risk factors and recommending proper dietary intake.

The article reports that hypertension (HTN) or chronic abnormally high blood pressure is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. It affects nearly 50 million Americans and two-thirds of the population above age 65. These numbers will likely increase as the American population ages. It sometimes a change in ophthalmic vasculature may be the key sign in the diagnoses of HTN. With this optometrists play a key role in comanaging hypertensive patients.

In this article the author talks about the blood test which is an ubiquitous tool of medicine—billions of them are done each year in the U.S. alone as is the IV line, and both require a needle to find a vein. It mentions that the researchers at Rutgers University have created just such a blood-tapping machine, and has been tested on human patients, and it outperforms human practitioners.

The article presents information on asthma. Asthma is defined as a chronic, inflammatory disorder of the airways in which inflammatory symptoms are usually associated with widespread but variable airflow obstruction and an increase in airway response to a variety of stimuli. There is no generally available diagnostic blood test or histopathological investigation to identify the condition, which, just to complicate matters, shares some of its symptoms with other obstructive lung disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Diagnosis of asthma, therefore, depends on a detailed patient history, a review of the risk factors and careful assessment of the clinical symptoms.

Discusses some laboratory tests needed to rule out systematic etiologies of uveitis. Complete blood count; Symptoms; Urinalysis; Syphilis testing; Chest X-ray; Angiotensin converting enzyme; Rheumatoid factor; Purified protein derivative. INSET: When BloodTests Aren't Enough.

Provides information on medical tests in the United States. ThinPrep Pap test; OsteoMark NTx urine test; Free PSA Assay blood test; NMA LipoProfile test; Hercept test.

Focuses on the Immediate Response Mobile Analysis (IRMA) blood-gas analysis system. Product dimensions; Usefulness in medical situations that happen in limited space; Ability of physicians to treat patients faster and more effectively; Reduction in the time needed for blood sample processing; Goal of mass production; Development of the product by Diametrics Medical Inc. INSET: The chemical process that makes IRMA work..

The article presents information on the repurposing of the Anti-Doping Science Centre (ADSC) of 2012 Olympic Games into the world's first national phenome center. Phenome describes the chemistry of a person including all the molecules in the blood, urine and tissue that are the result of the genetics and lifestyle of an individual. The phenome center will analyze biological samples by the millions in comparison of ADSC that has been analyzing thousands of biological samples. The vision for the center includes creating the world's first labs that will combine analytical science, epidemiology and clinical expertise.

The article evaluates the Abbott Prism blood analyzer from the firm Abbott Diagnostics.

The article reports on the challenges faced by resource-limited countries in the development of affordable diagnostics for tropical diseases. Important for the safety of emergency blood supply is infectious disease testing. Tests need to be fast enough for patients to receive treatment. The types of assays needed in the diagnosis of tropical infectious diseases are discussed.

The article focuses on a 65-year-old woman suffering from diabetes and polycythemia. Some routine blood tests associated with her diabetes were conducted. A high hemoglobin level or haematocrit is generally referred to as polycythemia. In real polycythemia there is an increase in the mass of red blood cells.

Presents a case on the diagnosis and treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) with 3 week history of fever and malaise. Result of blood test; Differential diagnosis of bilateral serous detachments; Causes and treatment of the ophthalmic symptoms.

The article discusses research published in nursing and scientific journals as of January 2017. Topics discussed include the link between sustained enjoyment of life over several years in older age with lower mortality according to researchers from University College London, therapeutic hypothermia or lowering the body temperature of adults with traumatic brain injury, and how the troponin high-sensitivity blood test could predict the risk of heart attack and death.