Evaluation of the GeneXpert MTB/RIF to diagnose tuberculosis in a public health laboratory

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES To evaluate the performance of geneXpert MTB/Rif versus conventional methods (bacilloscopy and culture) in the diagnosis of tuberculosis in a Central Public Health Laboratory (LACEN, Tocantins), Northern Brazil. METHODS Retrospective study, with information from 1,973 suspected cases of tuberculosis from patients treated from January 2015 to December 2020. RESULTS From the culture (reference standard), the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the geneXpert MTB/Rif were 100%, 97%, 74%, 100%, and 97%, respectively, against 85%, 98%, 80%, 98%, and 97% of bacilloscopy. CONCLUSIONS The geneXpert MTB/Rif performed similarly to culture and better than bacilloscopy. Although positive cases with negative culture should be evaluated with caution, its routine use is important for the early detection of tuberculosis.

Polyphenol analysis in human milk by a rapid, cost-effective, and accurate micromethod: translational development / Análise de polifenóis no leite humano por meio de um micrométodo rápido, econômico e preciso: desenvolvimento translacional

ABSTRACT Objective: To develop a rapid method for analysing polyphenols, which are potentially active antioxidants against neonatal oxidative stress, from small human milk (HM) volumes. Methods: Acid and alkaline extractions were compared using two dyes: Folin-Ciocalteu and Fast Blue BB. Linearity, sensitivity, recovery percentage, polyphenol content, precision, and stability were assessed in 14 HM samples and compared using the Kruskal-Wallis H test (p<0.05). The best technique was applied to 284 HM samples to determine their polyphenolic content and its association with maternal diet by multifactorial linear regression. Results: Acidic extraction successfully recovered the gallic acid reference standard, whereas alkaline extraction overestimated it. Calibration curves for all methods were linear (R2>0.96) up to 500 mg/L. All bicarbonate-based Folin-Ciocalteu methods assayed were stable and repeatable, whereas Fast Blue BB-based variants were not. HM polyphenols (mean=94.68 mg/L) positively correlated to the dietary intake of hydroxycinnamic acids, the most consumed polyphenolic family in this population. Conclusions: A bicarbonate-based Folin-Ciocalteu micromethod allowed the accurate determination of polyphenols in HM, which might be useful for translational research settings and HM banks.

RESUMO Objetivo: Desenvolver um método rápido para analisar polifenóis, que são antioxidantes potencialmente ativos contra o estresse oxidativo neonatal, em pequenos volumes de leite humano (LH). Métodos: Foram comparadas extrações ácidas e alcalinas usando dois corantes: Folin-Ciocalteu e Fast Blue BB. Foram avaliadas variáveis como linearidade, sensibilidade, percentagem de recuperação, teor de polifenóis, precisão e estabilidade em 14 amostras de LH, comparadas usando o teste de Kruskal-Wallis H (p<0,05). A melhor técnica foi aplicada a 284 amostras de LH para determinar seu teor polifenólico e sua associação com a dieta materna por regressão linear multifatorial. Resultados: A extração ácida recuperou com sucesso o padrão de referência do ácido gálico, enquanto a extração alcalina o superestimou. As curvas de calibração para todos os métodos foram lineares (R2>0,96) até os 500 mg/L. Todos os métodos testados baseados em Folin-Ciocalteu com bicarbonato foram estáveis e repetíveis, enquanto as variantes baseadas em Fast Blue BB não. Os polifenóis do HM (média=94,68 mg/L) correlacionaram-se positivamente com a ingestão dietética de ácidos hidroxicinâmicos, a família de polifenóis mais consumida nesta população. Conclusões: Um micrométodo baseado em bicarbonato de Folin-Ciocalteu permitiu a determinação precisa de polifenóis no HM, o que pode ser útil para configurações de pesquisa translacional e bancos de HM.

Primer registro de procedimientos de intervencionismo cardiovascular pediátrico realizados en un laboratorio estatal de hemodinamia pediátrica en El Salvador / First record of pediatric cardiovascular interventional procedures performed in a state pediatric catheterization laboratory in El Salvador

Resumen Objetivo: Describir los tipos de cateterismo cardiaco que se realizan en el único laboratorio de hemodinamia pediátrica dentro de la red de salud pública de El Salvador, en colaboración con organizaciones sin fines de lucro. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de corte transversal en el periodo entre mayo de 2022 a enero de 2023, revisando los expedientes de todos los pacientes que pasaron a cateterismo cardiaco. Resultados: Se realizaron 54 procedimientos dentro de la sala de hemodinamia, 37 pacientes de sexo femenino. El peso fue de 20.6 ± 14.5 kg, de los procedimientos, 47 (87%) fueron terapéuticos y 7 (13%) diagnósticos. La oclusión del conducto arterioso se realizó en el 46% de los pacientes. No se reportaron complicaciones, los pacientes fueron dados de alta luego de 12 horas, todos los insumos fueron donados por fundaciones sin fines de lucro. Conclusiones: Nuestro laboratorio de hemodinamia realiza procedimientos de complejidad variada sin reportar hasta el momento complicaciones mayores. Nos vemos limitados debido al costo alto de algunos dispositivos, a la baja frecuencia de la utilización de estos y a la imposibilidad para adquirirlos en el mercado nacional.

Abstract Objective: To describe the types of cardiac catheterization that are performed in the only pediatric catheterization laboratory within the public health network of El Salvador, in collaboration with non-profit organizations. Material and method: A descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in the period from May 2022 to January 2023, reviewing the records of all patients who underwent cardiac catheterization. Results: 54 procedures were performed in the catheterization room, 37 female patients. The weight was 20.6 ± 14.5 kg, of the procedures, 47 (87%) were therapeutic and 7 (13%) diagnostic. Occlusion of the ductus arteriosus was performed in 46% of the patients. No complications were reported, the patients were discharged after 12 hours, all supplies were donated by non-profit foundations. Conclusions: Our catheterization laboratory performs procedures of varied complexity without reporting any major complications to date. We are limited due to the high cost of some devices, the low frequency of their use and the impossibility of acquiring them in the national market.

Evaluation the scanning accuracy of Blue-Light laboratory scanners in complete edentulous Maxilla with multiple implants with titanium scan bodies / Evaluación de la precisión de escaneado de los escáneres de laboratorio de luz azul en maxilares desdentados completos con implantes múltiples con cuerpos de escaneado de titanio

Abstract To evaluate the accuracy of complete arch scanning with multiple implant titanium scan bodies using laboratory scanners. A master model of an edentulous maxillary arch with 6 implants was fabricated. Titanium scan bodies were inserted into the model. Three laboratory scanners were used: D2000 (3Shape), Vinyl High Resolution (Smart Optics), and inEos X5 (Dentsply Sirona). The master model was consecutively scanned ten times using dental laboratory scanners (LS) without detaching and repositioning the scan bodies. Linear and angular accuracy between adjacent implants was measured using inspection software (Control X, Geomagic). The accuracy of the complete arch scans was calculated. Implant regions were defined as; parallel (R1: #24-26 and #16-14), angled (R2: #22-24 and #14-12), angled to occlusal plane (R3: #12-22), and cross-arch (R4: #16-26). The effect of LS and implant region on accuracy was compared using two-Way ANOVA (α=0.05). Significant greater linear distortion was noted in R4 (61.2±17.9µm) compared to R1 (23.4±15.5µm) and R2 (26±17.7µm) (p<0.01). Greater linear distortions were noted in R4 with D2000 (0.07±0.016 degrees) and Vinyl High Resolution (0.067±0.02 degrees) than inEos X5 (0.032±0.021 degrees) (p>0.05). Greater mean linear precisions were noted in R1 (9±8µm) and R3 (9.3±8.3µm) than R4 (12.6±10.3µm) (p<0.05). The highest linear precision was noted in D2000 (7.2±7.6µm) (p<0.05). The angular precision of D2000 (0.02±0.015 degrees) was the highest (p<0.01). The angular precisión of R4 (0.036±0.018 degrees) was the lowest (p<0.01). This study revealed that the trueness was affected by the implant region and the precision was affected by both LS and implant region.

Resumen Evaluar la precisión del escaneado de la arcada completa con cuerpos de escaneado de titanio de múltiples implantes utilizando escáneres de laboratorio. Se fabricó un modelo maestro de una arcada maxilar edéntula con 6 implantes. Se insertaron cuerpos de escaneo de titanio en el modelo. Se utilizaron tres escáneres de laboratorio: D2000 (3Shape), Vinyl High Resolution (Smart Optics) e inEos X5 (Dentsply Sirona). El modelo maestro se escaneó consecutivamente diez veces usando escáneres de laboratorio dental (LS) sin separar y reposicionar los cuerpos de escaneo. La precisión lineal y angular entre implantes adyacentes se midió utilizando un software de inspección (Control X, Geomagic). Se calculó la precisión de los escaneos completos del arco. Las regiones del implante se definieron como; paralelo (R1: #24-26 y #16-14), angulado (R2: #22-24 y #14-12), angulado al plano oclusal (R3: #12-22) y cruzado (R4: #16-26). El efecto de LS y la región del implante en la precisión se comparó mediante ANOVA de dos vías (α=0,05). Se observó una distorsión lineal significativamente mayor en R4 (61,2±17,9µm) en comparación con R1 (23,4±15,5µm) y R2 (26 ±17,7µm) (p<0,01). Se observaron mayores distorsiones lineales en R4 con D2000 (0,07±0,016 grados) y vinilo de alta resolución (0,067±0,02 grados) que en inEos X5 (0,032±0,021 grados) (p>0,05). Se observaron precisiones lineales medias mayores en R1 (9±8µm) y R3 (9,3±8,3µm) que en R4 (12,6±10,3µm) (p<0,05). La mayor precisión lineal se observó en D2000 (7,2±7,6 µm) (p<0,05). La precisión angular de D2000 (0,02±0,015 grados) fue la más alta (p<0,01). La precisión angular de R4 (0,036±0,018 grados) fue la más baja (p<0,01). Este estudio reveló que la veracidad se vio afectada por la región del implante y la precisión se vio afectada tanto por LS como por la región del implante.

Integración de contenidos en la carrera de Bioanálisis Clínico desde una perspectiva social de la ciencia y la tecnología

El objetivo de la investigación fue valorar el proceso de integración de contenidos desde la disciplina Diagnóstico Integral de Laboratorio en la carrera de Bioanálisis Clínico desde una perspectiva social de la ciencia y la tecnología. De los métodos empíricos fueron utilizados la revisión documental y el análisis de documentos, así como la caracterización del estado actual del desarrollo de la técnica lámina periférica por los docentes y estudiantes del tercer año, en la que se identificaron insuficiencias que influyen en la preparación de este futuro profesional. A partir de la valoración realizada se argumentó la necesidad de elaborar una estrategia didáctica para la integración de los contenidos en la carrera de Bioanálisis Clínico lo que contribuirá a la preparación de los estudiantes y profesores.

The objective of the research was to assess the process of integration of contents from the Comprehensive Laboratory Diagnosis discipline in the Clinical Bioanalysis degree from a social perspective of science and technology. From the empirical methods, the documentary review and the analysis of documents were used, as well as the characterization of the current state of development of the peripheral lamina technique by teachers and students of the third year, in which insufficiencies were identified that influence the preparation of this future professional. Based on the assessment made, the need to develop a didactic strategy for the integration of the contents in the Clinical Bioanalysis career was argued, which will contribute to the preparation of students and teachers.

El valor de estar acreditados / The value of accreditation

Los laboratorios clínicos desempeñan un papel cada vez más central en el proceso de atención siendo líderes en el campo de la gestión de la calidad de la salud. Desde hace algunos años hay un creciente interés en la mejora de la calidad de aquellas actividades que tienen un alto impacto en la seguridad del paciente. En este contexto la acreditación constituye un recurso estratégico para garantizar un sistema de calidad. En el año 2020 el laboratorio obtiene la acreditación por norma IRAM ISO 15189, siendo el segundo laboratorio público acreditado por un estándar internacional en el país y el primero de un Hospital Pediátrico. Con un alcance inicial que involucra a las áreas de Química, Hematología, Serología, Endocrinología y Biología Molecular, continuamos trabajando para sostener y ampliar este alcance incluyendo entre otras, el área de Microbiología. Nuestra fortaleza más grande: el trabajo en equipo (AU)

Clinical laboratories play an increasingly central role in the care process and are leaders in the field of healthcare quality management. For some years now there has been a growing interest in improving the quality of those activities that have a high impact on patient safety. In this context, accreditation is a strategic resource to warrant the quality of the system. In 2020 the laboratory was granted accreditation by IRAM ISO 15189, being the second public laboratory accredited by an international standard in the country and the first in a pediatric hospital. With an initial coverage involving the areas of Chemistry, Hematology, Serology, Endocrinology, and Molecular Biology, we continue working to sustain and expand this coverage to include, among others, the area of Microbiology. Our greatest strength: teamwork (AU)

Clarified Butter as Xylene Substitute in Routine Histopathology of Oral and Maxillofacial Biopsies

Introduction: An ideal clearing agent should remove alcohol from the tissue specimens to enable the penetration of paraffin wax which provides sturdiness to the tissue specimen. Xylene has toxic effects and is still used because of its accurate clearing property and maintaining the staining quality. Natural alternatives to xylene provide a less toxic environment for histopathological technicians. Aim: The study is to evaluate the accuracy of clarified butter as xylene substitute in routine histopathological tissue processing procedure. Materials and Methods: 40 paired soft tissue specimens were obtained from the Department of Oral pathology and microbiology and subjected to routine histopathological tissue processing with xylene and ghee as clearing agents. Post processing, the tissue specimens were immersed in paraffin wax overnight, embedded, sectioned and stained using hematoxylin and eosin. Histopathological criteria namely nuclear staining, cytoplasmic staining, artefacts and background staining were evaluated and the scores were tabulated and statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20 by IBM. Results: Our study results showed that tissue specimens processed in xylene and ghee had similar nuclear staining. In cytoplasmic staining, tissue specimens processed in ghee had superior results than xylene processing. Artefacts were present more in xylene processing than ghee processing. Background staining was more appreciated in xylene processed tissue specimens than ghee processing. Conclusion: Substituting xylene with ghee showed better results as a clearing agent in routine histopathological tissue processing. Ghee as a clearing agent is non toxic, cost effective compared to xylene and a safer alternative.

Laboratory derangements and clinical picture of Covid-19 in pediatric age group: A retrospective study

Aim: To assess the clinical presenta?on and laboratory derangements of pediatric covid-19 pa?ents admi?ed to the ter?ary care hospital. Methodology: The present retrospec?ve study was started a?er the approval of the Ins?tu?onal Ethics Commi?ee. Clinical (Sp02, final diagnosis and outcome) and biochemical parameters (Complete Blood Count, Liver Func?on Test, Renal Func?on Test, Lactate De-Hydrogenase, D-dimer, C-Reac?ve Protein, and Serum ferri?n) of pediatric covid-19 pa?ents were collected from Central Laboratory and Medical Record Department of our ins?tu?on. Pa?ent names were anonymized and data were analyzed. The results are expressed in percentages. Results: A total of 16 pediatric covid-19 pa?ent details were iden?fied and collected who were admi?ed during our study period. Out of 16 pa?ents, 09 (56.2%) were female and the remaining 07 (43.7%) were male. Out of 16, 05 pa?ents had mild covid, 07 were moderate and the remaining 04 suffered from severe covid-19 infec?on. The mean values of oxygen satura?on, LDH, D-dimer, CRP, and Ferri?n were 88%, 249.4U/L, 1140.9 ng/ml, 16.17 mg/dl, and 61.7 µg/L respec?vely. Mean values of 17.9 mg/dl and 0.4 mg/dl were recorded for blood urea and S.crea?nine. Regarding liver func?on tests, mean values of 1.7mg/dl, 0.2mg/dl, 1.5mg/dl, 82.4 U/L, 55 U/L, 135.6 U/L respec?vely noted for total bilirubin, direct, indirect, SGOT, SGPT and ALP. Regarding pa?ent outcomes, all the pa?ents were covered and discharged from the hospital. Conclusion: The present study has found an increase in laboratory mean values of liver func?on tests but the mean values of C-Reac?ve protein, LDH, and d-dimer which are the acute inflammatory markers are highly disrupted compared to normal ranges.

La hipertensión arterial en animales de laboratorio / High blood pressure in experimental animals

Las Ciencias Médicas y Biológicas requieren, prioritariamente, que la investigación y la experimentación sean desarrolladas sobre organismos completos (los modelos animales). Su utilización ha permitido desarrollar innumerables ensayos preclínicos para evaluar los mecanismos patógenos y terapéuticos de diversas enfermedades, así como el estudio de las causas, naturaleza y cura de múltiples desórdenes de la salud humana. En este trabajo se muestra una panorámica general de los biomodelos de hipertensión arterial donde se describen: conceptos, características, origen, importancia, utilidad y procedimientos experimentales durante su fase de inducción. También se pondera la justificación de los biomodelos empleados en los estudios preclínicos de esta enfermedad. De igual forma, se describen los antecedentes para medir las alteraciones, las técnicas y los métodos directos e indirectos de medición de la presión arterial, la cual fue provocada experimentalmente en los animales de laboratorio para realizar los estudios de hipertensión humana.

Medical and biological sciences require, as a priority, that research and experimentation be carried out on complete organisms (animal models). Its use has allowed the development of innumerable preclinical tests to evaluate pathogenic and therapeutic mechanisms of various diseases, as well as to study the causes, nature and cure of multiple human health disorders. In this work, we show a general overview of arterial hypertension biomodels where concepts, characteristics, origin, importance, utility and experimental procedures during their induction phase are described. The justification of the biomodels used in preclinical studies of this disease is also considered. Antecedents are also described to measure alterations, techniques and direct and indirect methods of measurement of arterial pressure, which was provoked experimentally in the laboratory animals to carry out the studies of human hypertension.

An overview of mycetoma and its diagnostic dilemma: Time to move on to advanced techniques

The neglected tropical disease mycetoma can become extremely devastating, and can be caused both by fungi and bacteria; these are popularly known as eumycetoma and actinomycetoma respectively. The classical triad of the disease is subcutaneous swelling, multiple discharging sinuses and the presence of macroscopic granules. The present study aims to highlight the existing diagnostic modalities and the need to incorporate newer and more advanced laboratory techniques like pan fungal/pan bacterial 16S rRNA gene polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing, Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), rolling circle amplification (RCA), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA). It is important for the medical team to be aware of the various diagnostic options (both existing and future), so that diagnosis of such a debilitating disease is never missed, both by clinicians and microbiologists/pathologists. The newer diagnostic methods discussed in this article will help in rapid, accurate diagnosis thus facilitating early treatment initiation, and decreasing the overall morbidity of the disease. In the Indian context, newer technologies need to be made available more widely. Making clinicians aware and promoting research and development in mycetoma diagnostics is the need of the hour.

Laboratory reports as a learning tool – Early clinical exposure in 1st-year MBBS physiology (Hematology)

Background: Early clinical exposure (ECE) aims to bridge the gap between pre-clinical and clinical subjects. ECE exposes students to the health-care system at an early stage of professional life, follows patient-centered approach, and increases motivation for classroom learning. Most of the studies have reported a positive attitude of students toward ECE. However, very few studies have reported the difficulties that may be faced by the students during implementation of ECE. Aim and Objectives: The aim of this was to explore the attitude of students and difficulties faced if any during implementation of ECE in 1st MBBS Physiology (Hematology) with the help of laboratory reports and clinical scenarios. Materials and Methods: One hundred and ten students participated after completion of theory and practical classes of hematology. Clinical scenarios and laboratory forms were prepared based on actual laboratory reports of patients from pathology department. Group discussions and discussion with faculty was done. Attitude of the students was noted. Results: Most of the students found this method to be interesting and better than routine methods, helped in better understanding of theory and practical concepts, and helped in better preparation for examinations and better clinical correlations. However, about half of the students agreed or were not sure about the difficulty of ECE. Conclusion: The positive attitude of the students shows that ECE provides a successful integration of basic science and clinical subjects. It also helps in understanding the relevance of a basic science subject. Concepts of the subjects are made easier and interesting by ECE. However, the difficulties faced by the students should be kept in mind and more practice sessions may be done

Indicadores morfométricos de la corteza cerebral frontal de gazapos de ratas Wistar con diabetes pregestacional

Introducción: La diabetes es una enfermedad que afecta el embarazo provoca complicaciones fetales; dentro de ellas son frecuentes las malformaciones congénitas. Por la imposibilidad práctica y ética de estudiar este proceso en gestantes es imprescindible realizar estudios experimentales empleando procedimientos morfométricos para determinar si la diabetes afecta el neurodesarrollo. Objetivo: Caracterizar morfométricamente la sustancia gris de gazapos de ratas Wistar normales y con diabetes mellitus pregestacional. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio experimental básico de serie de casos a 20 gazapos de ratas Wistar de los cuales 10 eran descendientes de diabetes pregestacional. Se caracterizaron indicadores morfométricos del tejido nervioso como espesor de corteza e indicadores nucleares como el perímetro. Resultados: La media de la altura de la sustancia gris cortical mostró un valor de 1,224 ± 303,7 μm para el grupo control y 1,014 ± 376,0 para los casos, al aplicar el test de diferencias de medias se encontró diferencia significativa (p ≤ 0,05) a favor del grupo control. Los valores de la media del perímetro nuclear en el grupo control fue de 42,80 ± 7,23 μm y en el grupo experimental el promedio fue de 39,68 ± 6,52 μm, al aplicar el test de diferencias de medias se encontró diferencia significativa (p ≤ 0,05) a favor del grupo control al presentar mayor perímetro nuclear. Conclusiones: El mayor espesor cortical y perímetro nuclear correspondió al grupo control evidenciándose el efecto deletéreo de la diabetes mellitus en el neurodesarrollo.

Introduction: Diabetes is a disease that affects pregnancy causing fetal complications; within them congenital malformations are frequent. Due to the practical and ethical impossibility of studying this process in pregnant women, it is essential to carry out experimental studies using morphometric procedures to determine if diabetes affects neurodevelopment. Objective: To characterize morphometrically the gray matter of kits from normal Wistar rats and those with pregestational diabetes mellitus. Methods: A basic experimental study of a series of cases was carried out on 20 young Wistar rats, of which 10 were descendants of pregestational diabetes. Morphometric indicators of the nervous tissue were characterized as thickness of the cortex and nuclear indicators such as perimeter. Results: The average height of the cortical gray matter showed a value of 1.224 ± 303.7 μm for the control group and 1.014 ± 376.0 μm for the cases. When applying the mean difference test, a significant difference was found (p ≤ 0.05) in favor of the control group. The values of the measurement of the nuclear perimeter in the control group was 42.80 ± 7.23 μm and in the experimental group the average was 39.68 ± 6.52 μm. When applying the mean different test, a significant difference was found (p ≤ 0.05) at favor of control group presenting greater nuclear perimeter. Conclusions: The greatest cortical thickness and nuclear perimeter corresponded to the control group, evidencing the deleterious effect os diabetes mellitus on neurodevelopment.

Cognitive abilities and medical students' practice of physical exams: A quasi-experimental study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: To highlight the importance of clinical simulations and simulated laboratories for student training, especially in physical examination teaching. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the gains obtained by medical students in their cognitive and practical performance of physical examinations (abdominal, cardiological, and pulmonary), as well as satisfaction and self-confidence in what they have learned, after concentrated practice developed in a skills and simulation laboratory. DESIGN AND SETTING: A quantitative and quasi-experimental study in which 48 students were evaluated at the Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: A quantitative and descriptive study was conducted with regularly enrolled 2nd year medical students over 18 years of age who had content prior to data collection regarding anamnesis and physical examination remotely taught in a Moodle virtual learning environment. For data collection, the participants were subjected to a concentrated period of skill training (abdominal, cardiological, and pulmonary). Every day after the skill training session, they were subjected to a practical evaluation and completed a theoretical test before and after the practical activities. At the end of all activities, they answered the instrument to assess the simulated practices (self-confidence and satisfaction). RESULTS: Among the 49 students evaluated, positive and significant theoretical and practical gains were identified in all three components (abdominal, cardiological, and pulmonary) (P = 0.000), as well as in the general evaluation (Theoretical 1 and Theoretical 2) (P = 0.000), satisfaction, and self-confidence (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Concentrated laboratory practice resulted in positive improvements in students' physical examination skills.

Hematological parameters: is there a difference between those released by the hematological analyzer and to the customer?

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to compare the hematological parameters released by hematological analyzers with those released in customer reports. Methods We conducted a descriptive study in the laboratories of a medium-sized municipality in the state of Minas Gerais registered in the National Register of Health Establishments. Interviews were conducted using a questionnaire to obtain information regarding the parameters released by the analyzers and those available in the customer's report. Results Sixteen laboratories were evaluated, and none of them released all the parameters obtained from the hematological analyzers to customers. The red blood cell distribution width was released in 88% of the laboratories, atypical lymphocytes in 70%, mean platelet volume in 50%, platelet distribution width and platelet count in 20%. No laboratory released information on reticulocytes, fraction of immature reticulocytes and immature granulocytes, nucleated erythrocyte count, immature platelet fraction and reticulocyte hemoglobin, and large platelet rate. Conclusion All evaluated clinical analysis laboratories had at least one parameter that was not released in the customer's report despite being released by the hematological analyzers. The lack of knowledge on the part of professionals about the clinical importance of each parameter of the complete blood count results in a loss in patient assessment, and it is important to include these parameters in the complete blood count report.

Medical laboratory practice in Malawi ­ Current status

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Advances of development and application amino acid biosensors / 生物工程学报

Amino acids are the basic building blocks of protein that are very important to the nutrition and health of humans and animals, and widely used in feed, food, medicine and daily chemicals. At present, amino acids are mainly produced from renewable raw materials by microbial fermentation, forming one of the important pillar industries of biomanufacturing in China. Amino acid-producing strains are mostly developed through random mutagenesis- and metabolic engineering-enabled strain breeding combined with strain screening. One of the key limitations to further improvement of production level is the lack of efficient, rapid, and accurate strain screening methods. Therefore, the development of high-throughput screening methods for amino acid strains is very important for the mining of key functional elements and the creation and screening of hyper-producing strains. This paper reviews the design of amino acid biosensors and their applications in the high-throughput evolution and screening of functional elements and hyper-producing strains, and the dynamic regulation of metabolic pathways. The challenges of existing amino acid biosensors and strategies for biosensor optimization are discussed. Finally, the importance of developing biosensors for amino acid derivatives is prospected.

Audit to assess the quality of 916 prosthetic prescriptions of removable partial dentures / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#The objectives of this study were to assess the quality of prosthetic prescriptions of removable partial dentures (RPDs) and to analyze the current situation of the communication and information delivery between clinicians and technicians.@*METHODS@#All RPD prosthetic prescriptions received by a major dental laboratory in 4 weeks were involved in a quality audit, and the prescriptions were divided into three groups in accordance with the grades of clients. The filling of prosthetic prescriptions was recorded. The items in the prescriptions for audit included the general information of the patient, the general information of the clinician, the design diagram information, other detailed information, and the return date. The prescriptions were categorized into four levels on the basis of their quality by two quality inspectors who have been working for more than 10 years.@*RESULTS@#A total of 916 prescriptions were collected and assessed. The names in the general information of the patient and the clinician were filled out best, both at the rate of 97.6% (n=894). The return date was filled out worst, only at the rate of 6.4% (n=59). Of those prescriptions, 86.8% (n=795) exhibited inadequate design diagram information. The results of the quality assessment demonstrated that 74.2% of prescriptions were assessed as noncompliant ones and failed to meet the acceptable clinical quality standard.@*CONCLUSIONS@#At present, the overall quality of RPD prosthetic prescriptions is poor. The responsibilities of clinicians and technicians are unclear, and the communication between them is not ideal.

Características e diagnóstico laboratorial das infecções causadas pelo hantavírus: revisão integrativa / Characteristics and laboratory diagnosis of infections caused by hantavirus: integrative review

A hantavirose é uma zoonose de distribuição mundial que utiliza como vetores roedores, musaranhos, toupeiras e morcegos. Os sintomas da infecção pelo hantavírus assemelham-se aos de diversas doenças, por isso o diagnóstico laboratorial é crucial para o tratamento precoce. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão da literatura sobre as características e diagnóstico laboratorial da hantavirose. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura com base no modelo PRISMA, com seleção de estudos nas bases de dados Portal de Periódicos da Capes, PubMed/Medline, SciELO, ScienceDirect e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). Foram empregados os descritores: hantavírus, diagnóstico laboratorial, exames e zoonose, em português e inglês, no período de 2015 a 2022, sendo selecionados 19 artigos científicos em atendimento aos critérios de inclusão. Resultados e Discussão: Diversas técnicas diagnósticas podem ser empregadas em casos de hantavirose, sendo a biologia molecular a mais empregada, conjuntamente com a imunologia. Há outros recursos utilizados para monitoramento e evolução da doença, como a bioquímica, a hematologia e a imagenologia. Para a ocorrência de hantavirose é necessário um ambiente propício, clima específico e contato com hospedeiro suscetível, podendo evoluir para quadros assintomáticos ou sintomáticos com complicações graves. Conclusão: O diagnóstico dessa doença é desafiador e requer investigação detalhada que inclua a sintomatologia do paciente, o histórico de exposição a animais reservatórios e os resultados de exames laboratoriais. Como desfechos negativos da hantavirose incluem-se a febre hemorrágica com síndrome renal, a síndrome pulmonar por hantavírus e o óbito

Hantavirus is a worldwide distributed zoonosis that uses rodents, shrews, moles and bats as vectors. The symptoms of hantavirus infection resemble those of many diseases, so laboratory diagnosis is crucial for early treatment. Objective: The present study aimed to conduct a literature review on the characteristics and laboratory diagnosis of hantavirus. Methods: This is an integrative literature review based on the PRISMA model, with a selection of studies in the Capes Portal de Periódicos, PubMed/Medline, SciELO, ScienceDirect and Virtual Health Library databases, using the descriptors: hantavirus, laboratory diagnosis, exams, and zoonosis, in portuguese and english, from 2015 to 2022, and nineteen scientific articles that met the inclusion criteria were selected. Results and Discussion: Several techniques can be used in cases of hantavirus, with molecular biology being the most evidenced along with immunology. There are other parameters that are used for monitoring and evolution of the disease, such as biochemistry, hematology, and imaging. For the hantavirus disease, an adequate environment, specific climate and contact with a susceptible host are necessary, which may lead to asymptomatic conditions or symptoms with more serious complications. Conclusion: The diagnosis of this disease is challenging and requires detailed investigation that includes the patient's symptoms, the history of exposure to reservoir animals and the results of laboratory tests. Negative outcomes of hantavirus infection include hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, and death

Dynamic changes and predictive values of routine laboratory parameters in patients with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome / 中华传染病杂志

Objective:To investigate the dynamic changes of routine laboratory parameters during the course of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and estimate the predictive value for the severity of the disease.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted, which enrolled 394 HFRS patients admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University (374 cases) and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi′an Jiaotong University (20 cases) from January 2019 to January 2022. The patients were divided into mild (mild and moderate) and severe (severe and critical) groups.The basic information, personal history, past history, treatment, complications and other clinical data of patients were collected and the results of the laboratory examinations in the morning at day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20 and 25 of hospitalization and before discharge were recorded. The dynamic changes of the patients′ routine laboratory indicators and the dynamic predictive values of each indicator for severe condition were analyzed. Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test were used for comparison, and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was used for predictive value evaluation. Results:The age of 212 patients in the mild group was 38(27, 61) years, and that of 182 patients in the severe group was 49(32, 64) years, the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-2.24, P=0.025). The incidences of acute pancreatitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, the utilization rates of blood purification and mechanical ventilation in the severe group were 6.0%(11/182), 12.6%(23/182), 19.8%(36/182), 89.6%(163/182) and 22.5%(41/182), respectively, and those in the mild group were 0(0/212), 0(0/212), 0(0/212), 15.6%(33/212) and 0.5%(1/212) respectively, and the differences were all statistically significant ( χ2=13.18, 28.45, 46.15, 214.48 and 50.02, respectively, all P<0.05). The levels of white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, monocyte count and neutrophil count were all increased rapidly after onset and peaked at days 4 to 6 of illness, with the counts of 14.2(9.7, 20.7)×10 9/L, 4.2(2.3, 6.2)×10 9/L, 1.5 (0.8, 3.3)×10 9/L and 8.3(4.3, 11.4)×10 9/L, respectively. Aspartate aminotransferase peaked (102(66, 178) U/L) within three days after onset and then decreased rapidly, returned to normal level by day 12. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine both increased steadily after onset, peaked at day 9 to 10, with the levels of 13.2(7.7, 19.1) mmol/L and 255.4(122.9, 400.9) μmol/L, respectively. Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen degradation products and D-dimer levels at day 3 after onset were 12.7(12.0, 13.2) s, 38.7(33.5, 51.9) s, 12.6(6.9, 32.0) mg/L and 4.9(2.2, 13.7) mg/L, respectively.Platelet count at day 4, neutrophil count at day 5, creatinine at day 11 and blood urea nitrogen at day 14 after onset had decent predictive values for estimating severity, of which the area under curve (AUC) values were 0.801(95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.727 to 0.875), 0.824(95% CI 0.770 to 0.878), 0.862(95% CI 0.805 to 0.919) and 0.810(95% CI 0.722 to 0.897), respectively. Conclusions:Routine blood count, liver function and coagulation are important reference indicators for early warning of severe disease of HFRS, while with the progress of the disease, renal function indicators are effective in differentiating the severity of the disease. The platelet count at day 4, neutrophil count at day 5, creatinine at day 11 and blood urea nitrogen at day 14 after onset have predictive values for severe HFRS.

Analysis of external quality control assessment results of fluorine and arsenic in Qinghai Province in 2021 / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To learn about the detection quality and external quality control assessment of fluoride and arsenic in laboratories at all levels in Qinghai Province.Methods:The Z-score method was used to analyze and evaluate the evaluation results of 1 provincial, 8 municipal and 43 county level laboratories of disease prevention and control institutions participating in the external quality control assessment of water fluoride and brick tea fluoride in Qinghai Province in 2021, as well as 1 provincial, 1 municipal and 2 county level laboratories of disease prevention and control institutions participating in the external quality control assessment of water arsenic and urine arsenic. The feedback rate and qualification rate of external quality control of each assessment laboratory were calculated.Results:In 2021, the feedback rate of external quality control of water fluoride, brick tea fluoride, water arsenic and urine arsenic in provincial and municipal level laboratories of Qinghai Province were 100.00%; except that the qualified rate of water fluoride was 7/9, the qualified rate of external quality control of other projects was 100.00%. The feedback rate of external quality control of water fluoride, brick tea fluoride, water arsenic and urine arsenic in county level laboratories was 100.00%; except that the qualified rate of water fluoride was 86.05% (37/43), the qualified rate of external quality control of other projects was 100.00%. In the specific assessment results of the laboratory, the assessment results of water fluoride sample FS20210101 from 1 provincial, 1 municipal and 2 county level laboratories, and FS20210102 from 1 county level laboratory were suspicious; the assessment results of water fluoride sample FS20210101 from 3 county level laboratories were not satisfactory; the assessment results of fluoride and arsenic sample in other laboratories were satisfactory.Conclusions:The qualified rate of external quality control of fluoride and arsenic in laboratories at all levels in Qinghai Province is relatively high, but some county level laboratories are still dissatisfied with the assessment results of water fluoride. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the detection level of water fluoride in laboratories.