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(1) Background: Cervical screening and additional diagnostic procedures often lead to depression. This research aimed to develop a prediction model for depression in women who received an abnormal Papanicolaou screening test, prior to and following the diagnostic procedures. (2) Methods: The study included women who had a positive Papanicolaou screening test (N = 172) and attended the Clinical Center of Kragujevac in Serbia for additional diagnostic procedures (colposcopy/biopsy/endocervical curettage). Women filled out a sociodemographic survey and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression questionnaire (CES-D scale) before and after diagnostic procedures. A prediction model was built with multilayer perceptron neural networks. (3) Results: A correlation-based filter method of feature selection indicated four variables that correlated with depression both prior to and following the diagnostic procedures—anxiety, depression, worry, and concern about health consequences. In addition, the use of sedatives and a history of both induced and spontaneous abortion correlated with pre-diagnostic depression. Important attributes for predicting post-diagnostic depression were scores for the domains 'Tension/discomfort' and 'Embarrassment' and depression in personal medical history. The accuracy of the pre-diagnostic procedures model was 70.6%, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was 0.668. The model for post-diagnostic depression prediction showed an accuracy of 70.6%, and an AUROC = 0.836. (4) Conclusions: This study helps provide means to predict the occurrence of depression in women with an abnormal Papanicolaou screening result prior to and following diagnostic procedures, which can aid healthcare professionals in successfully providing timely psychological support to those women who are referred to further diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can often be challenging, and differentiating between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can be particularly difficult. Diagnostic procedures for IBD include laboratory tests, endoscopy, pathological tests, and imaging tests. Serological and stool tests can be easily performed in an outpatient setting and provide critical diagnostic clues. Although endoscopy is an invasive procedure, it offers essential diagnostic information and allows for tissue biopsy and therapeutic procedures. Video capsule endoscopy and device-assisted enteroscopy are endoscopic procedures used to evaluate the small bowel. In addition to endoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and ultrasound (US) are valuable tools for small bowel assessment. Among these, US is noninvasive and easily utilized, making its use highly practical in daily clinical practice. Endoscopic biopsy aids in the diagnosis of IBD and is crucial for assessing the histological activity of the disease, facilitating a thorough evaluation of disease remission, and aiding in the development of treatment strategies. Recent advances in artificial intelligence hold promise for enhancing various aspects of IBD management, including diagnosis, monitoring, and precision medicine. This review compiles current procedures and promising future tools for the diagnosis of IBD, providing comprehensive insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the potential applications of nanorobots in oncology, cardiology, neurology, respiratory medicine, and nephrology, emphasizing their role in precision drug delivery, cancer therapy, diagnostic procedures, surgical interventions, and disease management. Nanorobots perform particular tasks with great accuracy and precision. They are capable of sensing the environment, transmitting signals to technicians, processing information, and exhibiting intelligence at the nanoscale. They are utilized for treating various illnesses in medical specialties such as cardiology, respiratory, neurology, nephrology, and ophthalmology. Nanorobots can be primarily used in surgery. The material characteristics, such as non-toxicity and biocompatibility, are critical for their safe interaction within the human body. Furthermore, various insertion methods, including intravenous and intra-tumoral injections, are explored. Future advancements are anticipated to enhance multifunctionality, targeting specificity, and integration with artificial intelligence, leading to more autonomous and efficient nanorobots. The integration of nanorobots in medical practice could revolutionize healthcare by offering minimally invasive, highly precise, and personalized treatment options, significantly improving patient outcomes and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anxiety is one of the most common causes of withdrawal from follow-up among women with abnormal Papanicolaou screening results. The purpose of this study was to investigate predictors of anxiety in women with abnormal Papanicolaou smear in cervical cancer screening program. A population-based, cross-sectional study concerning the factors related to anxiety was carried out during 2017 in a cohort of women (N = 172) with positive Papanicolaou screening test before and after diagnostic procedures (colposcopy/biopsy/endocervical curettage) at one university Clinical Center in Serbia. Women completed a socio-demographic questionnaire and scale concerning anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, subscale HADS-Anxiety) immediately before and 2-4 weeks after the diagnostic procedures. Multivariate logistic regression was applied in the data analysis. In our study, 35.2% (n = 52) of women had abnormal anxiety scores before the diagnostic procedures and 40.1% (n = 69) after the diagnostic procedures. Predictors of anxiety before diagnostic procedures were family history of noncervical gynecological cancers, higher level of worry and high burden of depressive symptoms. Significant independent predictors of anxiety after diagnostic procedures in women were rural residence, tension and discomfort during medical procedures, and less satisfaction with information/support. Although there was no significant difference in the prevalence of anxiety before and after diagnostic procedures in women with abnormal Papanicolaou screening results, results of this research will enable doctors to successfully make decisions concerning timely psychological support for women with positive screening test for cervical cancer that is necessary to decrease anxiety in our population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Cervical screening and additional diagnostic procedures often lead to depression. This research aimed to develop a prediction model for depression in women who received an abnormal Papanicolaou screening test, prior to and following the diagnostic procedures. (2) Methods: The study included women who had a positive Papanicolaou screening test (N = 172) and attended the Clinical Center of Kragujevac in Serbia for additional diagnostic procedures (colposcopy/biopsy/endocervical curettage). Women filled out a sociodemographic survey and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression questionnaire (CES-D scale) before and after diagnostic procedures. A prediction model was built with multilayer perceptron neural networks. (3) Results: A correlation-based filter method of feature selection indicated four variables that correlated with depression both prior to and following the diagnostic procedures—anxiety, depression, worry, and concern about health consequences. In addition, the use of sedatives and a history of both induced and spontaneous abortion correlated with pre-diagnostic depression. Important attributes for predicting post-diagnostic depression were scores for the domains ‘Tension/discomfort’ and ‘Embarrassment’ and depression in personal medical history. The accuracy of the pre-diagnostic procedures model was 70.6%, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was 0.668. The model for post-diagnostic depression prediction showed an accuracy of 70.6%, and an AUROC = 0.836. (4) Conclusions: This study helps provide means to predict the occurrence of depression in women with an abnormal Papanicolaou screening result prior to and following diagnostic procedures, which can aid healthcare professionals in successfully providing timely psychological support to those women who are referred to further diagnostics.

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a neurological disorder characterized by the triad of gait disturbance, cognitive impairment, and urinary incontinence. The condition is diagnosed mainly in older adults and is associated with ventricular enlargement without an increase in cerebrospinal fluid pressure. The clinical assessment involves a detailed medical history, physical examination, and cognitive testing. Neuroimaging is an essential part of the diagnostic workup for iNPH. However, to determine the suitability of patients for shunt surgery, a range of invasive preoperative investigations are employed. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current literature on invasive preoperative investigations in iNPH, focusing primarily on the lumbar infusion test, cerebrospinal fluid drainage tests, and continuous intracranial pressure monitoring. The strengths and limitations of each method, as well as their potential impact on treatment outcomes, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light-chain amyloidosis (AL) is a disease of protean manifestations due to a wide spectrum of organs that can be affected. The disorder is caused by the deposition of an extracellular amorphous material, the amyloid, which is produced by malignant plasma cells. The latter usually reside in the bone marrow; plasma cell infiltration is often low, in sharp contrast to what we observe in multiple myeloma. The disease may run below the physician's radar for a while before clinical suspicion is raised and targeted tests are performed. In this short review, we try to answer most of the questions that a practicing physician may ask in a relative clinical setting. The text is formed as a series of reader-friendly questions that cover the subject of AL amyloidosis from history to current therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the Netherlands, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a temporary halt of population screening for cancer and limited hospital capacity for non-COVID care. We aimed to investigate the impact of the pandemic on the inhospital diagnostic pathway of breast cancer (BC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: 71,159BC and 48,900 CRC patients were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Patients, diagnosed between January 2020 and July 2021, were divided into six periods and compared to the average of patients diagnosed in the same periods in 2017–2019. Diagnostic procedures performed were analysed using logistic regression. Lead time of the diagnostic pathway was analysed using Cox regression. Analyses were stratified for cancer type and corrected for age, sex (only CRC), stage and region. Results: For BC, less mammograms were performed during the first recovery period in 2020. More PET-CTs were performed during the first peak, first recovery and third peak period. For CRC, less ultrasounds and more CT scans and MRIs were performed during the first peak. Lead time decreased the most during the first peak by 2days (BC) and 8days (CRC). Significantly fewer patients, mainly in lower stages, were diagnosed with BC (−47%) and CRC (−36%) during the first peak. Conclusion: Significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was found on the diagnostic pathway, mainly during the first peak. In 2021, care returned to the same standards as before the pandemic. Long-term effects on patient outcomes are not known yet and will be the subject of future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we derive estimating equations for modeling unbalanced correlated data sets in which the marginal distributions follow the one parameter unit-Lindley distributions with domain on the interval (0,1). A class of regressions models is proposed for modeling the location parameter and a reweighted iterative process is developed for the joint estimation of the regression coefficients and the correlation structure. Simulation studies are performed to assess the empirical properties of the derived estimators and diagnostic procedures, such as residual analysis and sensitivity studies based on conformal local influence are given. Finally, we analyze the proportion of people in households with inadequate water supply and sewage within federation units of Brazil by the procedures developed in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this review is to investigate the distribution and the characteristics of coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) implicated in ovine mastitis, and especially in subclinical cases, in order to provide a global perspective of the current research data and analyze specific critical aspects of the issue. PRISMA guidelines were implemented in the search of the last 20 years of the related literature in two databases. In total, 139 studies were included in this review. Relevant data were tracked down, assembled, and compared. Regarding the geographical distribution, most studies originated from Europe (68), followed by South America (33). Lacaune was the most examined breed, while S. epidermidis was the predominantly identified species, representing approximately 39% of the obtained isolates. Antibiotic resistance in the relevant bacteria was documented mostly for Penicillin (32.8%) and Amoxicillin (32.1%), while biofilm- and toxin-associated genes were encountered in variable rates because significant inequalities were observed between different articles. Significantly higher rates of antimicrobial resistance were detected in Asia and South America compared to Europe. Finally, the diagnostic procedures carried out in the respective studies were evaluated. Conventional culture and biochemical tests were mostly performed for simple strain identification; therefore, further molecular investigation of isolates should be pursued in future studies, as this will provide important data regarding specific aspects of the implication of CoNS in ovine mastitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can often be challenging, and differentiating between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can be particularly difficult. Diagnostic procedures for IBD include laboratory tests, endoscopy, pathological tests, and imaging tests. Serological and stool tests can be easily performed in an outpatient setting and provide critical diagnostic clues. Although endoscopy is an invasive procedure, it offers essential diagnostic information and allows for tissue biopsy and therapeutic procedures. Video capsule endoscopy and device-assisted enteroscopy are endoscopic procedures used to evaluate the small bowel. In addition to endoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and ultrasound (US) are valuable tools for small bowel assessment. Among these, US is noninvasive and easily utilized, making its use highly practical in daily clinical practice. Endoscopic biopsy aids in the diagnosis of IBD and is crucial for assessing the histological activity of the disease, facilitating a thorough evaluation of disease remission, and aiding in the development of treatment strategies. Recent advances in artificial intelligence hold promise for enhancing various aspects of IBD management, including diagnosis, monitoring, and precision medicine. This review compiles current procedures and promising future tools for the diagnosis of IBD, providing comprehensive insights.

Abstract Background In the Netherlands, the COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in a temporary halt of population screening for cancer and limited hospital capacity for non‐COVID care. We aimed to investigate the impact of the pandemic on the in‐hospital diagnostic pathway of breast cancer (BC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods 71,159 BC and 48,900 CRC patients were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Patients, diagnosed between January 2020 and July 2021, were divided into six periods and compared to the average of patients diagnosed in the same periods in 2017–2019. Diagnostic procedures performed were analysed using logistic regression. Lead time of the diagnostic pathway was analysed using Cox regression. Analyses were stratified for cancer type and corrected for age, sex (only CRC), stage and region. Results For BC, less mammograms were performed during the first recovery period in 2020. More PET‐CTs were performed during the first peak, first recovery and third peak period. For CRC, less ultrasounds and more CT scans and MRIs were performed during the first peak. Lead time decreased the most during the first peak by 2 days (BC) and 8 days (CRC). Significantly fewer patients, mainly in lower stages, were diagnosed with BC (−47%) and CRC (−36%) during the first peak. Conclusion Significant impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic was found on the diagnostic pathway, mainly during the first peak. In 2021, care returned to the same standards as before the pandemic. Long‐term effects on patient outcomes are not known yet and will be the subject of future research.

Ultrasonography guidance can help make procedures safer and more effective, particularly in the intensive care setting. This article discusses techniques to optimize periprocedural ultrasonography and reviews common intensive care procedures for which ultrasonography can be used: vascular access procedures, paracentesis, thoracentesis, and pericardiocentesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionMental disorders are often underdiagnosed in routine diagnostic procedures due to the use of unstandardized assessments; this can result in people either not receiving necessary treatment or receiving ineffective treatment for their condition. Klenico is an online diagnostic software system that facilitates diagnosis of mental disorders in adults through the use of standardized procedures. The procedure encompasses two modules, self-report and clinical validation. The current study aimed to confirm the validity of the Klenico assessment in a large clinical sample.MethodsFully anonymized data from 495 adult inpatients were used. ICD-10 diagnoses were made during an initial interview by the clinical staff. Afterwards, patients filled out self-report questionnaires (BDI-II, BSI, EDE-Q, OCI-R, PHQ-D, and Y-BOCS) and completed the Klenico self-report module, which involves selecting and rating the severity of applicable symptoms. Finally, in the clinical validation module, mental health professionals validated the symptoms endorsed in the self-report module. Six Klenico domains were tested against patient self-reports and routine ICD-10 diagnoses by following the multitrait-multimethod approach. Internal consistency was assessed by calculating Cronbach's alpha.ResultsThe Klenico depressive disorders, OCD, and somatoform disorders domains revealed high correlations with the congruent questionnaires (i.e., those pertaining to these specific disorders) and revealed low correlations with the noncongruent questionnaires (i.e., those pertaining to other disorders), therefore evidencing construct validity. For the eating disorders and psychotic disorders domains, divergent validity was demonstrated. For the anxiety disorders domain, although analysis mostly indicated construct validity, this should be further confirmed.DiscussionOverall, the results largely confirmed the construct validity of the Klenico assessment, demonstrating its use as an easy-to-use, valid, standardized, and comprehensive instrument for diagnosing mental disorders.

Aim: To observe the abnormal fissures over the surface of the liver lobes. Introduction: Liver has numerous functions essential to the wellbeing of the individual and has got lot of significance in connection with various neoplasm's, infective and degenerative diseases. The knowledge on the variations acts as a guidance for the radiologist and surgeons while performing the procedures. Material And Methods: The Present study has been carried out in 50 formalin fixed human cadaveric livers and are observed for presence of abnormal fissures over the surfaces of lobes of liver. Results: Among the 50 liver specimens, on the right lobe it is observed, 1 accessory fissure in 6 specimens, 2 accessory fissures in 4 specimens, 3 accessory fissures in 1 specimen. In the caudate lobe, 1 accessory fissure is seen in 4 specimens and 2 accessory fissures in 3 specimens. In the quadrate lobe, 1 accessory fissure is seen 2 specimens. Conclusion: Knowledge of the fissures of the liver is useful in performing liver surgeries and various non invasive diagnostic procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Some studies did find significant differences in the level of depression of women while undergoing diagnostic evaluation of an abnormal Papanicolaou screening smear, but findings were not consistent. This study aimed to assess prevalence and correlates of depression in women with abnormal cervical screening results before and after diagnostic procedures. Methods A cross‐sectional study was carried out during 2017 in a cohort of women with positive Papanicolaou screening test before and after diagnostic procedures (colposcopy/biopsy/endocervical curettage) at the university Clinical Centre Kragujevac, Serbia. Women completed a questionnaire about demographics, lifestyle, and other factors of interest. Also, questionnaire “Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale” (HADS) was used immediately before and 2–4 weeks after the diagnostic procedures: a score of ≥8 on HADS‐D and HADS‐A subscales indicated depression and anxiety, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was applied in the data analysis. Results The study comprised 172 women, giving a response rate of 72.3%. The mean age of the participants was 47.8 ± 11.1 years (range 23–65). The frequency of depressive symptoms was significantly higher after diagnostic procedures (48.3%) than before diagnostic procedures (37.2%) (p = 0.038). Before diagnostic procedures, older age (OR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.09–2.34; p = 0.017), and level of anxiety according to the HADS‐A subscale (OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.38–1.88; p

Background: Due to their fast turnaround time and user-friendliness, point-of-care tests (POCTs) possess a great potential in primary care. The purpose of the study was to assess general practitioners' (GPs) perspectives on POCT use in German primary care, including utilization, limitations and requirements. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey study among GPs in Germany (federal states of Thuringia, Bremen and Bavaria (Lower Franconia), study period: 04/22–06/2022). Results: From 2,014 GPs reached, 292 participated in our study (response rate: 14.5%). The median number of POCTs used per GP was 7.0 (IQR: 5.0–8.0). Six POCTs are used by the majority of surveyed GPs (> 50%): urine dipstick tests (99%), glucose (urine [91%] and plasma [69%]), SARS-CoV-2 (80%), urine microalbumin (77%), troponin I/T (74%) and prothrombin time / international normalized ratio (65%). The number of utilized POCTs did not differ between GP practice type (p = 0.307) and population size of GP practice location (p = 0.099). The great majority of participating German GPs (93%) rated POCTs as useful diagnostic tools in the GP practice. GPs ranked immediate decisions on patient management and the increase in diagnostic certainty as the most important reasons for performing POCTs. The most frequently reported limitations of POCT use in the GP practice were economic aspects (high costs and inadequate reimbursement), concerns regarding diagnostic accuracy, and difficulties to integrate POCT-testing into practice routines (e.g. time and personnel expenses). Conclusion: Although participating German GPs generally perceive POCTs as useful diagnostic tools and numerous POCTs are available, several test-related and contextual factors contribute to the relatively low utilization of POCTs in primary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light-chain amyloidosis (AL) is a disease of protean manifestations due to a wide spectrum of organs that can be affected. The disorder is caused by the deposition of an extracellular amorphous material, the amyloid, which is produced by malignant plasma cells. The latter usually reside in the bone marrow; plasma cell infiltration is often low, in sharp contrast to what we observe in multiple myeloma. The disease may run below the physician’s radar for a while before clinical suspicion is raised and targeted tests are performed. In this short review, we try to answer most of the questions that a practicing physician may ask in a relative clinical setting. The text is formed as a series of reader-friendly questions that cover the subject of AL amyloidosis from history to current therapy.

The objective of this review is to investigate the distribution and the characteristics of coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) implicated in ovine mastitis, and especially in subclinical cases, in order to provide a global perspective of the current research data and analyze specific critical aspects of the issue. PRISMA guidelines were implemented in the search of the last 20 years of the related literature in two databases. In total, 139 studies were included in this review. Relevant data were tracked down, assembled, and compared. Regarding the geographical distribution, most studies originated from Europe (68), followed by South America (33). Lacaune was the most examined breed, while S. epidermidis was the predominantly identified species, representing approximately 39% of the obtained isolates. Antibiotic resistance in the relevant bacteria was documented mostly for Penicillin (32.8%) and Amoxicillin (32.1%), while biofilm- and toxin-associated genes were encountered in variable rates because significant inequalities were observed between different articles. Significantly higher rates of antimicrobial resistance were detected in Asia and South America compared to Europe. Finally, the diagnostic procedures carried out in the respective studies were evaluated. Conventional culture and biochemical tests were mostly performed for simple strain identification; therefore, further molecular investigation of isolates should be pursued in future studies, as this will provide important data regarding specific aspects of the implication of CoNS in ovine mastitis.

World wide, breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. Despite an increased incidence of this cancer, the mortality rates have been maintained at the same level. This is due to the continuous development of therapeutic, as well as diagnostic methods because appropriate, effective treatment is dependent on accurate diagnosis. At the same time, the success is that more and more patients undergo breast- and axillary lymph nodes-sparing surgeries, therefore, determining the initial advancement stage of breast cancer is absolutely essential for ensuring proper therapy. This is a review of current guidelines for both early and advanced stages of breast cancer diagnostics. The principles described are largely based on the work of the European School of Oncology (ESO) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). The review includes the rule of imaging studies, especially mammography screening and histopathological evaluation with molecular classification of breast cancer.

COVID-19 pandemic caused by the newly emerged Coronavirus was first detected in China in December 2019 and rapidly spread throughout the world. With the rapid spread of the disease, all countries involved in accordance with their capacities took necessary measures to identify and manage the disease. The first patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 in Iran in February 2020. Considering the significant role of the laboratory services in detection and management of the disease, planning and programming to provide access to these services was considered as a top priority for healthcare system in Iran. Adopting all existing laboratory capacities and providing necessary infrastructures for expanding COVID-19 laboratory diagnostics, resulted in establishment of a nationwide network of COVID-19 molecular diagnostic laboratories within the shortest possible time. In addition to expanding the capacity of laboratory services, improving the laboratory network’s performance have been taken into serious consideration. In spite of the strict sanctions, the COVID-19 molecular diagnostic laboratories scaled up to more than 430 laboratories currently (September 2021), mostly are operating in the private sector. With considerable efforts, COVID-19 molecular laboratory network was established to provide nationwide diagnostic services. Taking into account the capacity for performing SARS CoV-2 Rapid Antigen testing, at the moment, we are able to provide more than 100,000 COVID-19 diagnostic tests per day. However, due to continuation of the pandemic and in accordance with the needs of the health system, it is necessary to plan and carry out more activities for diagnostic testing of COVID-19. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the process of establishing the COVID-19 laboratory diagnostic network to manage the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran.

Cancer is responsible for a significant portion of disease-related death worldwide. In pathological words, cancer is described as the uncontrolled rapid multiplication of aberrant cells that can subsequently infiltrate into new locations. Malignant tumors with metastatic potential are the most common cause of cancer-related morbidity and so attract the most interest from scientists and researchers around the world. While new treatment and diagnostic procedures have significantly increased the survival rate of cancer patients, a complete cure remains improbable. Theranostic (combination of therapy and diagnostics) has developed as a cutting-edge strategy for cancer management, offering a two-pronged advantage. Nanoparticle can be tailored to develop theranostic capabilities resulting in nanotheranostics agents. Nanotheranostics hold enormous potential since they combine non-invasive disease detection and treatment with the exciting possibility of monitoring medication release and distribution in real time, anticipating and evaluating the therapy effectiveness. The clinical application of nanotheranostics would allow for earlier disease detection and treatment, as well as earlier response assessment, allowing for the screening of individuals who might respond to therapy and have a better chance of a positive outcome. This article discusses various nanotheranostics and their most recent developments in the fight against cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pandemic SARS -- CoV2 is a novel virus disease that first appeared in China in December 2019. On February 24, 2020, the disease spread throughout Iraq, and many different studies were conducted on it. This study highlights the procedures for diagnosing COVID-19 and evaluating tools among Iraqi patients through a systematic review of research conducted in Iraq during the past two years (2020--2021). Methods: From March 2020 to December 31, 2021, articles on relevant themes were carefully searched in the main databases: Science Direct, PubMed, Embase, and Iraqi Academic Scientific Journals. Using keywords related to COVID-19 and Iraq yielded a total of 2743 articles. Articles were chosen for this systematic review based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, according to the PRISMA 2020 statement for reporting systematic review. Only Iraqi studies that reported data on diagnostic procedure outcomes were included, with a total of 21 articles chosen. Results: A total of 21 articles were found to be relevant, which reviewed the biochemical and hematological parameters as diagnostic procedures and tools in Iraqi patients. The biochemical parameters are as follows: triglycerides, cholesterol, APRs, liver functions tests, kidney functions tests, antibodies, cytokines, and minerals. The hematological parameters are as follows: ABO group, red blood cell (RBC) indices, white blood cell (WBC) indices, and platelet indices. Conclusion: Diagnostic procedures and tools for COVID-19 among Iraqi patients were in agreement with the majority of other global studies. High serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, d-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and cytokines were associated with severe COVID-19 pneumonia and also hypoalbuminemia, lymphocytopenia, and neutrophilia. Biochemical and hematological parameters might be significant indicators for COVID-19 evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper additive partial linear models with generalized log-gamma errors and P-spline smoothing are proposed for uncensored data. This class derived from the generalized gamma distribution contains various continuous asymmetric distributions to the right and to the left with domain on the real line and has the normal distribution as a particular case. The location parameter is modeled in a semiparametric way so that one has a generalized gamma accelerated failure time additive partial linear model. A joint iterative process is derived, that combines the penalized Fisher scoring algorithm for estimating the parametric and nonparametric regression coefficients and a quasi-Newton procedure for obtaining the scale and shape estimates. Discussions on the inferential aspects of the former estimators as well as on the derivation of the effective degrees of freedom are given. Diagnostic procedures are also proposed, such as residual analysis and sensitivity studies based on the local influence approach. Simulation studies are performed to assess the empirical distributions of the parametric and nonparametric estimators and a real data set on personal injury insurance claims made in Australia from January 1998 to June 1999 is analyzed by the methodology developed through the paper. Technical results, tables, graphs, R codes and the data set used in the application are presented as Supplementary Materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report trends and characteristics of post‐prostate biopsy (PBx) infections, with regard to aetiology and resistance patterns, in a large unique cohort from a single‐centre using the same antibiotic prophylactic regimens during a 15‐year period. Patients and Methods: An observational cross‐sectional cohort study, including all patients who underwent transrectal ultrasonography‐guided PBx (TRUS PBx) for the suspicion of prostate cancer at the Department of Urology, Skåne University Hospital between 1 May 2003 and 31 December 2017. Positive blood and urinary cultures were considered markers of bloodstream infection (BSI) and urinary tract infection (UTI), respectively. For all patients, details regarding blood or urine cultures from the date of the TRUS PBx and 14 days onwards were retrieved. Results: In total, 8973 TRUS PBx procedures were performed in 6597 men during the study period. Over time, there was a trend towards a changing case‐mix, with PBx procedures increasingly being performed in older patients, patients with lower prostate‐specific antigen values, and higher prostate volumes. During the study period, the number of PBx procedures performed increased for each time period and we found an increasing rate of infectious complications in the last period. Overall, the rates of BSI and UTI with at least one relevant pathogen were 1% (88/8973) and 1.8% (159/8973), respectively. In total, 16 of 90 strains (18%) were extended spectrum beta‐lactamases producing, with an increasing proportion over time. The proportion of ciprofloxacin‐resistant pathogens did not increase over time. Conclusion: During the 15 years of this study, BSI and UTI after TRUS PBx increased. The rise of infectious complications after TRUS PBx in this population is unlikely to be explained by quinolone‐resistance, as ciprofloxacin‐resistance did not increase in the blood and urinary samples obtained during the study period. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to investigate why infectious complications after TRUS PBx are increasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 pandemic caused by the newly emerged Coronavirus was first detected in China in December 2019 and rapidly spread throughout the world. With the rapid spread of the disease, all countries involved in accordance with their capacities took necessary measures to identify and manage the disease. The first patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 in Iran in February 2020. Considering the significant role of the laboratory services in detection and management of the disease, planning and programming to provide access to these services was considered as a top priority for healthcare system in Iran. Adopting all existing laboratory capacities and providing necessary infrastructures for expanding COVID-19 laboratory diagnostics, resulted in establishment of a nationwide network of COVID-19 molecular diagnostic laboratories within the shortest possible time. In addition to expanding the capacity of laboratory services, improving the laboratory network's performance have been taken into serious consideration. In spite of the strict sanctions, the COVID-19 molecular diagnostic laboratories scaled up to more than 430 laboratories currently (September 2021), mostly are operating in the private sector. With considerable efforts, COVID-19 molecular laboratory network was established to provide nationwide diagnostic services. Taking into account the capacity for performing SARS CoV-2 Rapid Antigen testing, at the moment, we are able to provide more than 100,000 COVID-19 diagnostic tests per day. However, due to continuation of the pandemic and in accordance with the needs of the health system, it is necessary to plan and carry out more activities for diagnostic testing of COVID-19. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the process of establishing the COVID-19 laboratory diagnostic network to manage the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some studies did find significant differences in the level of depression of women while undergoing diagnostic evaluation of an abnormal Papanicolaou screening smear, but findings were not consistent. This study aimed to assess prevalence and correlates of depression in women with abnormal cervical screening results before and after diagnostic procedures. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was carried out during 2017 in a cohort of women with positive Papanicolaou screening test before and after diagnostic procedures (colposcopy/biopsy/endocervical curettage) at the university Clinical Centre Kragujevac, Serbia. Women completed a questionnaire about demographics, lifestyle, and other factors of interest. Also, questionnaire "Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale" (HADS) was used immediately before and 2–4 weeks after the diagnostic procedures: a score of ≥8 on HADS‐D and HADS‐A subscales indicated depression and anxiety, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was applied in the data analysis. Results: The study comprised 172 women, giving a response rate of 72.3%. The mean age of the participants was 47.8 ± 11.1 years (range 23–65). The frequency of depressive symptoms was significantly higher after diagnostic procedures (48.3%) than before diagnostic procedures (37.2%) (p = 0.038). Before diagnostic procedures, older age (OR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.09–2.34; p = 0.017), and level of anxiety according to the HADS‐A subscale (OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.38–1.88; p < 0.001) were significant independent predictors of depression. After diagnostic procedures, significant independent predictors of depression were urban place of residence (OR = 0.12; 95% CI = 0.03–0.47; p = 0.002) and level of anxiety according to the HADS‐A subscale (OR = 1.85; 95% CI = 1.54–2.21; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study showed that older age, rural residence, and anxiety play a role in shaping the risk of depression among women undergoing additional diagnostic procedures after receiving an abnormal Papanicolaou screening result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) is a group of 13 hereditary metabolic diseases identified in humans (or 14 diseases if considering one MPS type described to date only in mice) in which an enzymatic defect results in the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) in the lysosomes of cells. First of all, as a result of GAG storage, the proper functioning of the lysosome is disturbed; then, the cells, and finally, tissue, organs, and the whole organism malfunctions are observed. Due to the rarity, heterogeneity, and multi-systemic and progressive nature of MPS, they present a major diagnostic challenge. Due to the wide variation in symptoms and their similarity to other diseases, MPS is often misdiagnosed, usually as neurological diseases (like autism spectrum disorders, psychomotor hyperactivity, and intellectual disability) or rheumatology and orthopedic disorders (like juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Perthes disease, rickets, and muscular dystrophy). In this review article, we present the problems associated with the possibility of misdiagnosing MPS, discuss what diseases they can be confused with, and suggest ways to reduce these problems in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although diagnostic procedures are crucial for secondary prevention and patient disease control, they often trigger fear and anxiety. These reactions highlight the need to adopt effective interventions to improve patients’ experience and satisfaction. Recently, educational videos have been employed in preparing diagnostic procedures; however, there is no integrated understanding of their effects. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of educational videos on patients’ anxiety and satisfaction regarding preparation for diagnostic procedures. Three scientific databases (PubMed; Web of Science, Scopus), were used in this systematic review. Studies about educational videos as a form of preparation for patients undergoing diagnostic procedures published between 2000 and 2021 were included. A meta-analysis was also conducted. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria for systematic review, and seven were included in the meta-analysis. Nine studies of the total sample were about vascular procedures and seven studies about other medical image procedures. Of the fourteen studies that evaluated the use of educational videos on patients’ anxiety, nine proved to reduce it significantly. Of the thirteen studies that evaluated satisfaction, seven showed a significant increase in the experimental group. Studies included in the meta-analysis show that educational video patient groups had lower anxiety levels than the control groups after the procedure. Although future studies are required, the results suggest that educational videos effectively prepare patients for diagnostic procedures, improving care quality.

The work presents description and operation of the mobile engine test station, designed for the miniature turbine jet engines with a maximum trust below 200 N. The engine test bed allows us to monitor the condition of the engine used to drive remotely controlled flying aerial targets or military unmanned aircraft. According to military (Department of Defence) requirements, the designed engine test station is mobile, it can be used in military battlefield conditions and it meets safety precautions and military transport requirements. The reason of the engine investigations was the shortage and lack of information on the engine capability and suitability to work in the field conditions, and first of all on its limitations. The designed engine test station successfully completed tests in laboratory as well as in military field conditions and nowadays it is an integrated part of the Aerial Flying Target System called the ZOCP-JE2 that is designated for the engine’s monitoring and checking before the flight. Keywords: life cycle monitoring, miniature turbine jet engines, diagnostic procedures

Shinji Teramoto Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center, Tokyo, JapanCorrespondence: Shinji Teramoto, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center, 1163 Tate-machi, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo, 193-0998, Japan, Tel +81-42-665-5611, Fax +81-42-665-1796, Email shinjit-tky@umin.ac.jp

Background: Communication disorders following traumatic brain injury (TBI) play a crucial role in successful participation and are therefore closely associated with quality of life (QoL). To this day, however, these disorders have hardly been taken into account in diagnostic procedures. Aims: This scoping review serves to identify diagnostic tools that assess the communicative and pragmatic skills of people with TBI and take into account the impact of communicative-pragmatic competence on social participation and QoL. Results: After a systematic research of databases for the publication period 2010–2020, we included 14 diagnostic tools (6 of which are available in German). An analysis of both content and method yielded tools for assessing communication skills (e. g., LCQ) and evaluating social participation and QoL (e. g., QOLIBRI). Conclusion: Although communicative disorders are frequent and persistent in TBI patients, there is presently a lack of diagnostic tools in the German-speaking countries. Further development seems crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vector-borne diseases are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in small animals in Europe. Many of these diseases are well-known among veterinary practitioners and some of them are called emerging diseases as prevalence, temporal and spatial distribution seem to increase in Europe. The number of newly recognized pathogens, transmitted by a variety of arthropod vectors, that are relevant for dogs and cats, is also increasing every year. The prevalence among infected vectors and hosts is a hot topic in veterinary science throughout the entire continent, as well as the development of efficient diagnostic procedures, therapy and prophylactic measures. Companion animal vector-borne diseases comprise a large group of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, protozoa and helminths. These pathogens are mainly transmitted by bloodsucking arthropods (ticks, fleas, mosquitos, sand flies), and more seldom by direct transmission between vertebrate hosts. Vector prevalence and activity is influenced by local climate conditions, host species density, changes in landscape and land use. Human parameters such as poverty and migration affect the use of prophylactic measures against pathogen transmission and infection as well as increasing the zoonotic risk to introducing pathogens by infected humans. Small animal associated factors such as pet trade and pet travel spread infection and certain vectors such as ticks and fleas. All these factors pose several complex and significant challenges for veterinarians in clinical practice to decide on efficient laboratory work-up and constructive diagnostic procedures.

Management of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is affected by regional specificities. The present study aimed at determining diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including outcome of patients with NSCLC stage III in the real-world setting in Central European countries to define areas for improvements.

Abstract Background As more and more diagnostic and interventional options are becoming available for use in pediatric patients, techniques of procedural sedation analgesia (PSA) are being administered in considerably growing numbers as well. Aims The objective of this research effort was to conduct the first countrywide survey on the status quo of sedation analgesia as delivered to children and adolescents in Germany. Methods We dispatched letters to all pediatric hospital settings in Germany (n = 305), including a questionnaire that had been developed with existing guidelines taken into account. Its items were designed to elucidate the current practice of PSA throughout these pediatric centers regarding (a) organizational structures and (b) standards of medication and staffing. Results A total of 138 centers returned the questionnaire, hence the response rate was 45.2%. Numerous centers had implemented adequate structures and staffing standards. Deficits were nevertheless identified, most notably in terms of on-location equipment and staff provided to deliver sedations. Essential items of equipment were not provided in up to 26.8% of centers. Adequate staffing was not provided in up to 44.2% of centers, depending on the diagnostic or interventional procedures for which the PSA was delivered. The most widely used sedative agents were midazolam, ketamine/esketamine, and propofol. Conclusions Adequate care structures for the management of procedural sedation analgesia have been implemented by many pediatric centers in Germany. On the downside, these findings also reveal deficits that will take efforts to be eliminated.

Anlässlich des 200. Geburtstags von Hermann von Helmholtz gibt der Artikel einen Rückblick über die Entwicklung der Audiologie in den letzten zwei Jahrhunderten. Die moderne Audiologie versteht sich als multidisziplinäres Fachgebiet, das sich mit der Erforschung der Ursachen von Hörstörungen und aller damit zusammenhängenden Phänomene, insbesondere Prävention/Protektion, Diagnostik und Behandlung von Hörstörungen sowie der Rehabilitation schwerhöriger und gehörloser Menschen befasst. Eine komplette Abhandlung aller dieser Bereiche würde den Rahmen eines Zeitschriftenartikels sprengen. Deshalb fokussiert sich der Überblick auf zwei dieser Teilgebiete, nämlich die Hörforschung und diagnostische Verfahren, die hier stellvertretend für die anderen, gleichermaßen bedeutenden Teilgebiete der Audiologie stehen sollen. Der Artikel schließt mit einer kurzen Betrachtung zur Entwicklung der fachwissenschaftlichen Organisationsstrukturen und einem Fazit. On occasion of the 200th anniversary of the birthday of Hermann von Helmholtz the article presents a historical review on the development of audiology over the past two centuries. Modern audiology is considered to be a multidisciplinary field addressing clinical work and research on all aspects of hearing impairment, particularly prevention/protection, diagnostics and treatment of hearing problems as well as rehabilitation of patients with any degree of hearing loss. To cover all these subjects comprehensively would go beyond the scope of a journal article. Therefore, the review focuses on two of these domains, namely hearing research and diagnostic procedures as representatives for the other areas of audiology being equally important. The paper concludes with a brief look into the development of the organizational structures of audiology and a summary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrombocytopenia is one of the two most common hematological problems in pregnant women. It is defined as the platelet (PLT) count below 150 × 103/µL. Gestational incidental thrombocytopenia (GIT) represents about 75% of thrombocytopenia cases in pregnancy and it is believed that GIT is secondary to accelerated platelet destruction and increased plasma volume associated with pregnancy. The pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and its most severe form -- HELLP syndrome account for 20% cases of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy and primary immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) -- for 3-4 percent. During ITP, maternal antiplatelet antibodies can pass through the placenta and bind to fetal thrombocytes leading to the development of fetal thrombocytopenia which occurs in about 50% cases. Even if the maternal platelet count stabilizes, the estimated fetal and neonatal risk of thrombocytopenia in ITP is approximately 30%. Other types of thrombocytopenia in pregnant women constitute 1-2% of cases (disseminated intravascular coagulation, autoimmunological diseases, congenital, infection and drug-related, concomitant with blood neoplastic diseases). Although thrombocytopenia in pregnant women usually has a mild course, in case of a significant decrease in PLT count may lead to dangerous bleeding, especially when the platelet count falls below 20 × 103/µL. Since it is important to identify the cause of thrombocytopenia and to determine the risk for both the mother and the child, this paper presents the influence of maternal thrombocytopenia on the pregnancy course as well as its etiology and diagnostics. The treatment principles are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Timeliness of LC care significantly differs between types of LC. • More invasive diagnostic procedures are performed for early stage NSCLC. • Some LC patients receive extra invasive procedures only for molecular diagnostics. • Improvements regarding timely and less invasive LC care should be made. Timely diagnosis of lung cancer (LC) is crucial to achieve optimal patient care and outcome. Moreover, the number of procedures required to obtain a definitive diagnosis can have a large influence on the life expectancy of a patient. Here, adherence with existing Dutch guidelines for timeliness and type and number of invasive and imaging procedures was assessed. 1096 patients with suspected LC were enrolled in this multicenter prospective study (NL9146). The overall survival, time from referral to the first appointment with the pulmonologist, time to diagnosis and treatment, and the number of imaging and invasive procedures were evaluated. Patients were divided into different diagnostic groupsearly- and advanced stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung (LCNEC), patients without LC and patients without a definitive diagnosis. The majority of patients (66 %) received a definitive diagnosis within 5 weeks, although the time to diagnosis of early-stage LC patients and patients without LC was significantly longer comparted to advanced stage LC. An increase in invasive procedures was seen for early-stage LC compared to advanced stage LC and for 13 % of the advanced stage non-squamous NSCLC patients up to three additional invasive procedures were performed solely to obtain sufficient material for NGS. For patients without a definitive diagnosis, 50 % did undergo at least one invasive procedure, while 11 % did not wish to undergo any invasive procedures. These insights could aid in improved LC diagnostics and efficient implementation of new techniques like liquid biopsy and artificial intelligence. This may lead to more timely LC care, a decreased number of invasive procedures, less variability between the diagnostic trajectory of different patients and aid in obtaining a definitive diagnosis for all patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preservation of sedation is vital and of great significance to successfully carry out diagnostic-therapeutic procedures in children and researchers believe that it is indispensable to offer a safe medication with appropriate administration in this regard. Hence, the present study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of different doses of submucosal Midazolam to induce sedation in children undergoing diagnostic procedures. Methods: The present study was a clinical trial, in which 99 patients undergoing diagnostic procedures within the age range of 3 months to 5 years were selected and divided into three groups (n=33) of receiving submucosal Midazolam administration with doses of 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 mg/kg. Then, the onset time of sedation, level of sedation, and duration of drug action were recorded and compared among the three groups. Results: In the present study, the level of sedation 30 min after the administration of Midazolam 0.3 mg/kg with the mean value of 2.42±0.83 was significantly lower than that of Midazolam 0.4 and 0.5 mg/kg with the mean values of 3.51±0.62 and 3.36±0.60, respectively (p -value

Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency during pregnancy. It should be suspected when a pregnant woman complains of newly developed abdominal pain. No laboratory finding was found to be conclusive for acute appendicitis during pregnancy. A considerable percentage of fetal loss occurs after appendectomy in pregnant women during the first trimester, but also during the second. The combination of symptoms and clinical findings are crucial in making the diagnosis of acute appendicitis during pregnancy. Uterine contractions and diffuse or periumbilical abdominal pain, which migrates into the right lower quadrant are significantly more frequent among pregnant women with acute appendicitis than in pregnant women with other types of abdominal pathology. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, leukocyte count, CRP and body temperature were of no help in establishing the correct diagnosis. The maternal morbidity and mortality were no higher than they were in other, non-pregnant individuals with acute appendicitis. However, the complications of the pregnancy itself were found to be significant.

Diagnostic procedures in pediatric dermatology are different and significantly more challenging than those in adult patients, especially on how to approach the patients. We need to acknowledge that pediatric patients have unique anatomical, physiological, and psychological aspects. Compared to adults, children have smaller procedure area, are less cooperative, and more difficult to understand. For these reasons, we should perform diagnostic procedures on children cautiously. Having extensive knowledge in this field can facilitate us to carry out an ethical, efficient, targeted procedure with less risk. This article reviewed the most appropriate, most comfortable, and least invasive diagnostic procedures for children. Some of the most commonly performed pediatric dermatology procedures highlighted in this article are potassium hydroxide examination, Gram staining examination, acid fast bacilli examination, skin test for allergies, and skin biopsy for children. We also discuss the process of obtaining a written informed consent from the parents who were involved in decision making process and play a crucial role in assisting physicians to calm their children during the diagnostic procedures.

To assess automated volumetric analysis as a potential presurgical diagnostic tool or as a method to potentially shed light on normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) pathophysiology. MRI imaging according to our protocol was performed in 29 NPH patients, 45 non-NPH (but suspected) patients and 15 controls. Twenty patients underwent a second MRI 3 months after ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgery. All structures relevant to NPH diagnosis were automatically segmented using commercial software. The results were subsequently tested using ANOVA analysis. Significant differences in the volumes of the corpus callosum, left hippocampus, internal globus pallidus, grey and white matter and ventricular volumes were observed between NPH group and healthy controls. However, the differences between NPH and non-NPH groups were non-significant. Three months after, VP shunt insertion decreased ventricular volume was the only clearly significant result (p value 0.0001). Even though a detailed volumetric study shows several significant differences, volumetric analysis as a standalone method does not provide a simple diagnostic biomarker, nor does it shed a light on an unknown NPH aetiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]