Screening

Abstract: Foot care prevention programs can reduce the occurrence of foot ulcerations and amputations. This investigation evaluated Effectiveness of Semmes–Weinstein monofilament examination for diabetic peripheral neuropathy screening in Ahvaz, Iran. In this quasi-experimental design 150 patients with diabetes mellitus were recruited by purposive sampling. All patients were tested for sensory neuropathy using Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Examination. In the next phase nerve conduction velocity was examined. The sensitivity of Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament 10 g was 38.5-61.5 % at sites 1-8, whereas the specificity was 77.5-95.5%. Monofilament was found to be simple, cheap and useful method and suitable for detection of sensory neuropathy in clinical examinations. Hence, we recommend screening of patients for neuropathy as soon as they are diagnosed with diabetes.

Investigation of the genetic functions in complex biological systems is a challenging step in recent year. Hence, several valuable and interesting research projects have been developed with novel ideas to find out the unknown functions of genes or proteins. To validate the applicability of their novel ideas, various approaches are built up. To date, the most promising and commonly used approach for discovering the target proteins from biological system using small molecule is well known a forward chemical genetics which is considered to be more convenient than the classical genetics. Although, the forward chemical genetics consists of the three basic components, the target identification is the most challenging step to chemical biology researchers. Hence, the diverse target identification methods have been developed and adopted to disclose the small molecule bound protein. Herein, in this review, we briefly described the first two parts chemical toolbox and screening, and then the t...

We compared PCR to conventional culture for the detection of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in 30,835 rectal samples over a 3-year period. The positive and negative predictive values of vanB PCR were 1.42% and 99.9%, respectively. A positive vanB result by PCR is poorly predictive and necessitates culture for differentiation of VRE-positive and -negative individuals.

Abstract: 
Objective: Dysphagia is commonly encountered in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It can consequently cause severe complications such as the increased risk of dehydration, malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia that associated with an increased risk of death in the late stages of the disease. These complications can be prevented with an effective screening protocol. The Dysphagia in Multiple Sclerosis (DYMUS) is the only questionnaire developed specifically for patients with MS. The aim of the present study was translation and cross-culturally adaptation of DYMUS for the Persian population and estimation of the questionnairechr('39')s reliability and validity. Also, we investigated the frequency and severity of dysphagia in the patients referring to the Tehran MS Society and its association with the course of MS, disease duration, and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).
Materials & Methods: This is a methodological and descriptive-analytic study. The statistical populations consist of the patients with MS referring to the Tehran Multiple Sclerosis Society in 2018. The study sample consisted of 108 patients who were selected through a convenient sampling method. The research instruments consisted of 10-items DYMUS questionnaire (in the first part of the study, translated and its psychometric properties examined), Dysphagia Handicap Index and a demographic information questionnaire. In methodological section, translation and cross-cultural adaptation were fulfilled and the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to assess the construct validity and to test the goodness-of-fit of the presented model. The association between the DYMUS and Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI) scores investigated to convergent validity. ‏ The inter-item correlation matrix was calculated to assess the homogeneity of the questionnaire items. Kuder - Richardson (KR-20) was measured to assess the internal consistency of the questionnaire. Also, the test-retest procedure was conducted on the 19 subjects understudy to assess the reliability. Finally, the frequency and severity of dysphagia and its association with the course of MS, disease duration, and EDSS was investigated. KR-20 reliability coefficient, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), inter-item correlation matrix, Mann-Whitney U test and rank correlation coefficient or Spearmanchr('39')s were used to inferential statistical analysis.
Results: Analysis of the inter-item correlations matrix indicated a positive correlation between all items, exception item 10. Based on the results of the inter-item correlation, item 10 had the lowest correlation coefficient that was deleted from the questionnaire. CFA results confirmed the two-factor model of DYMUS, “dysphagia for solids” and “dysphagia for liquids”, and revealed that the item 10 was minimally contributing to the measurement of "dysphagia of solids" and internal consistency increased after the deletion of this item. Also, the solution of the 9-item Model was the best goodness-of-fit indicator for the sample. The obtained results from the convergent validity indicated a positive significant correlation between the DYMUS and DHI (rs=0.693, P<0.001). A KR-20 reliability coefficient of the DYMUS was 0.856, indicating high internal consistency of the Persian translation of the questionnaire items. Test-retest reliability was excellent with 0.965 value. The results also showed that 65.7% of multiple sclerosis patients had a swallowing disorder. In terms of the dysphagia severity, 25.9% of participants had mild dysphagia, and 39.8% of participants had alarming dysphagia. DYMUS values were significantly correlated with disease duration (rs=0.198, P= 0.040), and EDSS (rs=0.235, P= 0.014) and significantly higher mean scores were observed in the patients with secondary progressive than the other subgroups of multiple sclerosis.
Conclusion: The Persian adjusted 9-item questionnaire was demonstrated to be a simple, consistent, valid and reliable tool for the detection of patients who need more specific instrumental evaluations of swallowing. Also, about the dysphagia is very frequent in these patients, it is important that clinicians monitor these patients carefully even in early stages of the disease‏ for early detection and planning a rehabilitation program to the prevention of serious subsequence complications.

Key words: prostate biopsy, prostate cancer, prostate-specific antigen, screening. ... Correspondence to: Stefano Ciatto, CSPO, Viale A. Volta 171, 50131 Florence, Italy. Tel 055-5012275; fax 055-5001623; e-mail s.ciatto@cspo.it ... PSA use and incidence of prostate biopsy

... and (b) that any corridor that had scored less than two did not involve a missed BRT opportunity. ... Routes with the largest growth (with development plans factored in) were scored highest; the other routes were scored ... Table 3 summarizes potential benefits data for each corridor. ...

Gametocyte sex-ratio in Plasmodium falciparum malaria is an important determinant of transmission success and basis of disease epidemiology. Information on ratio of male to female gametocytes after an exposure of antimalarial regimens under field conditions is very limited. In this retrospective study we observed high densities of gametocytes along with high sex-ratio in P. falciparum cases, which may be responsible for persistent malaria transmission in this area. Laksar PHC of Hardwar district, Uttarakhand State, India was selected because it contributed 90 per cent of the total malaria cases. A total of 568 uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria patients were assessed to investigate prevalence of gametocytes while 339 P. falciparum thick smears containing 5620 gametocytes were screened for measuring the gametocyte density for microgametocyte (male) and macrogametocyte (female). Homology of variance (&#39;F&#39; test) was checked on days 7 and 14 including the variables and risk fact...

The term thrombophilia describes an increased tendency to develop thrombosis and many laboratory markers with different strengths of association with thrombosis have been identified. The main causes of maternal mortality and morbidity in developed countries is venous thromboembolism (VTE) and obstetric complications. During pregnancy and puerperium the risk for VTE increases due to hemostatic imbalance towards a prothrombotic state, and it is further increased in women carriers of thrombophilia; recent studies have also demonstrated an association between thrombophilia and obstetric complications. These complications are, therefore, considered potentially preventable with the prophylactic administration of anticoagulant drugs, although their efficacy is not proven by data from randomized controlled trials. After a systematic comprehensive literature review and using a rigorous methodology, the expert panel formulated recommendations regarding the usefulness of screening for thrombophilia in pregnancy to identify high-risk women and for the management of antithrombotic prophyalxis. When evidence is lacking, consensus-based recommendations are provided.

The aim was to develop a comprehensive screening instrument for evaluation of orofacial dysfunction that was easy to perform for different health professionals without special equipment. The Nordic Orofacial Test--Screening (NOT-S), consisting of a structured interview and clinical examination,was developed with a picture manual illustrating the different tasks in the examination. It was first tested in a Swedish version, and later translated to other Nordic languages, and to English. The interview reflected six domains, (I) Sensory function, (II) Breathing, (III) Habits, (IV) Chewing and swallowing, (V) Drooling, and (VI) Dryness of the mouth, and the examination included six domains representing (1) The face at rest, and tasks regarding (2) Nose breathing, (3) Facial expression, (4) Masticatory muscle and jaw function, (5) Oral motor function, and (6) Speech. One or more &quot;yes&quot; for impairment in a domain resulted in one point (maximum NOT-S score 12 points). The mean NOT-...

Introduction: Fine motor and graphomotor skills are essential for children's healthy development, as well as for successful participation in everyday activities. The Gilboa functional test (GIFT) is a newly developed norm-referenced screening instrument for use with children 3–6 years old. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the GIFT as a new measure for preschool graphomotor screening. Method: A community-based sample of 611 children aged 3–6 years was screened. Findings: Content validity was established via a panel of experts. The GIFT demonstrated good test–retest (0.95) and inter-rater reliability (0.94), demonstrating good concurrent validity in scores which significantly correlated with the Beery-VMI (r ¼ 0.32, P < 0.05), the Beery-MC (r ¼ 0.33, P < 0.05), the 'manual dexterity' subcategory of the movement assessment battery for children (r ¼ –0.364, P < 0.05) and the total score of the developmental coordination disorder questionnaire '07 (DCDQ'07)/little DCDQ (r ¼ 0.41, P < 0.01). A significant difference in total GIFT scoring was found between children from mainstream versus special education preschools (t ¼ 3.99, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The GIFT is a unique tool that measures performance skills based on preschool children's everyday activities. It can be used by paediatric occupational therapists as a first step for early identification of children potentially at risk for graphomotor/fine motor developmental delay.

Reaction of 1-adamantanecarbonyl chloride with certain carboxylic acid hydrazides in pyridine yielded the corresponding N-acyl adamantane-1-carbohydrazide derivatives 3a–j, which were cyclized to the corresponding 2-(1-adamantyl)-5-substituted-1,3,4-oxadiazoles 4a–jvia heating with phosphorus oxychloride. Treatment of 1-adamantylisothiocyanate with some carboxylic acid hydrazides in ethanol yielded the corresponding 1-acyl-4-(1-adamantyl)-3-thiosemicarbazides 7a–g, which were cyclized to the corresponding 2-(1-adamantylamino)-5-substituted-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives 8a–g. Compounds 4a–j, 7a–g, and 8a–g were tested for in vitro activities against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and the yeast-like pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. Several derivatives produced good or moderate activities particularly against the tested Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis. Meanwhile, compounds 4i and 8g displayed marked antifungal activity against C. albicans. In addition, the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the synthesized compounds was determined using the carrageenin-induced paw oedema method in rats. The oxadiazole derivatives 4c, 4g, 4i and 4j produced good dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity.New compounds with the above structures were synthesized and tested for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a phonological awareness (PA) intervention, designed for Tier 2 instruction in a Response to Intervention (RTI) model, delivered to small groups of preschoolers. A multiple baseline design across participants was used to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention on low-income preschool children&#39;s PA skills. A trained interventionist delivered small group sessions three to four days a week and ensured children received frequent opportunities to respond and contingent feedback. Participants received 28 to 36 lessons that lasted about 10 minutes each and focused on PA and alphabet knowledge. Initiation of intervention was staggered across three triads and seven children completed the study. The intervention produced consistent gains on weekly progress monitoring assessments of the primary outcome measure for first sound identification (First Sound Fluency). Most children also demonstrated gains on other measures of PA...