We herein report a gossypiboma resulting from a retained surgical swab, which had been left in peritoneum for 20years after appendectomy. CT revealed a cystic mass with a calcified reticulate rind. Subsequent surgery ...We herein report a gossypiboma resulting from a retained surgical swab, which had been left in peritoneum for 20years after appendectomy. CT revealed a cystic mass with a calcified reticulate rind. Subsequent surgery and pathological examination showed a gossypiboma. A simple experiment, using a barium-soaked surgical swab demonstrating similar CT appearance, supported our postulation that calcium deposition on the reticulated fibers of a surgical swab could generate such a characteristic 'calcified reticulate rind' sign. We believe that identification of this CT sign facilitates the diagnosis of gossypibomas.展开更多
Perianal infectious dermatitis(PID) represents a super-ficial inflammation of the perianal skin, which is of bac-terial origin(classically, group A beta-hemolytic strepto-cocci). This narrative review aims to critical...Perianal infectious dermatitis(PID) represents a super-ficial inflammation of the perianal skin, which is of bac-terial origin(classically, group A beta-hemolytic strepto-cocci). This narrative review aims to critically review and summarize the available scientific literature regarding pediatric PID, being the first of its kind, to the best of the author's knowledge. It also reports the first cases of Romanian children with PID. Multiple databases were subjected to systematic literature search(from 1966 to April 30, 2018) to identify studies and case reports of children with PID. As such, this review provides up-dated information about essential aspects of PID(epi-demiology, etiology, pathogenesis, as well as clinical features, required investigations and therapeutic options) and of diagnostic pitfalls. Although a well-defined entity, PID remains largely underdiagnosed. PID may mimic other common conditions with skin manifestations(like candidiasis, pinworms, eczema, irritant dermatitis, anal fissure, hemorrhoids, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, sebor-rheic dermatitis, zinc deficiency dermatosis and even sexual abuse), with consequent unnecessary, sometimes expensive and invasive investigations and futile therapies, which cause patients and families discomfort and distress. Since PID has an unremitting course, early recognition is imperative, as it allows for prompt and efficacious antibiotic therapy. However, PID represents a stubborn condition and, even if properly treated, its recurrence rate remains high. Further well-designed prospective randomized controlled trials, with adequate follow-up, are required in order to formulate the optimum personalized antibiotic therapy(oral alone or in association with topical medication), able to prevent recurrences. Awareness of this condition by healthcare professionals should improve patient outcomes.展开更多
The nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19 testing is generally considered safe;however, it is primarily performed by staff that may not completely understand the anatomy of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. We report the t...The nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19 testing is generally considered safe;however, it is primarily performed by staff that may not completely understand the anatomy of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. We report the treatment of a 48-year-old man who developed unilateral left rhinorrhea after a nasopharyngeal swab sample. It is aimed to draw attention to this complication that can be prevented with the appropriate technique during nasopharyngeal swab sampling.展开更多
BACKGROUND Prisons can be a reservoir for infectious diseases,including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),due to the very intimate nature of the living spaces and the large number of people f...BACKGROUND Prisons can be a reservoir for infectious diseases,including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),due to the very intimate nature of the living spaces and the large number of people forced to share them.AIM To investigate the SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology in prisons,this study evaluated the infection incidence rate in prisoners who underwent nasopharyngeal swabs.METHODS This is an observational cohort study.Data collection included information on prisoners who underwent nasopharyngeal swab testing for SARS-CoV-2 and the results.Nasopharyngeal swab tests for SARS-CoV-2 were performed between 15 February 2021 and 31 May 2021 for prisoners with symptoms and all new arrivals to the facility.Another section included information on the diagnosis of the disease according to the International Classification of Diseases,Ninth Revision,and Clinical Modification.RESULTS Up until the 31 May 2021,79.2%of the prisoner cohort(n=1744)agreed to a nasopharyngeal swab test(n=1381).Of these,1288 were negative(93.3%)and 85 were positive(6.2%).A significant association[relative risk(RR)]was found only for the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among foreigners compared to Italians[RR=2.4,95%confidence interval(CI):1.2-4.8].A positive association with SARS-CoV-2 infection was also found for inmates with at least one nervous system disorder(RR=4,95%CI:1.8-9.1).The SARS-CoV-2 incidence rate among prisoners is significantly lower than in the general population in Tuscany(standardized incidence ratio 0.7,95%CI:0.6-0.9).CONCLUSION In the prisoner cohort,screening and rapid access to health care for the immigrant population were critical to limiting virus transmission and subsequent morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable population.展开更多
The real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction(RT‐PCR)test is the gold standard for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS‐CoV‐2)detection.Proper specimen collection and obtaining a s...The real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction(RT‐PCR)test is the gold standard for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS‐CoV‐2)detection.Proper specimen collection and obtaining a sufficient specimen are the most essential steps for laboratory diagnosis.The nasopharyngeal(NP)swab is recommended as the reference collection method.However,NP swab collection is invasive and uncomfortable for patients and poses some risk to healthcare workers.This study aimed to compare the efficacy of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA detection from surgical masks with the NP swab method using RT‐PCR testing.Of 269 patients,RT‐PCR RNA from NP swabs was detected among 82 patients(30.5%)and was undetected among 187 patients(69.5%).All patients were tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA from surgical masks.SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA was detected in 25/82(30.5%)surgical mask filters,while undetected among 57(69.5%).For the surgical mask with an average use time of 7.05 h,the sensitivity was 30.5%,the specificity was 100.0%,with positive predictive value of 100.0%and negative predictive value of 76.2%.Therefore,surgical masks could be an alternative non‐invasive specimen source for SARS‐CoV‐2 RT‐PCR testing.The results of our study suggest that the test could be employed after wearing surgical masks for at least 8‐12 h,with increased sensitivity when used for more than 12 h.展开更多
To contain the rapid and global spread of SARS-CoV-2, it is essential to develop an accurate and sensitive test system to address pandemic bottlenecks, simplified sample collection, and no sample prep. While meeting t...To contain the rapid and global spread of SARS-CoV-2, it is essential to develop an accurate and sensitive test system to address pandemic bottlenecks, simplified sample collection, and no sample prep. While meeting the demand of testing large populations, the miniaturized volume of assay reagents and offering rapid results is the need in such scenarios. Moreover, in view of the reports of co-infections and overlapping symptoms of Influenza caused by Influenza A or Influenza B, and COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2, a test system with three targets can be supportive for accurate clinical diagnosis. In this presentation, we evaluated the performance of a test comprising Microchip RT-PCR Influenza and COVID-19 Detection System for identifying these three viral pathogens in nasal swabs and saliva specimens. A rapid and simplified total nucleic acid extraction method was developed and validated for the reliable, high-throughput simultaneous detection of respiratory viruses causing Influenza (type A and type B viruses) and COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 virus) using the microchip-based AriaDNATM platform deriving the name ABC Test. The test system was evaluated using 81 nasal swab samples, 77 clinical saliva samples, 5 blind CAP reference samples, and RNA standards. The limit of detection (LoD) was assessed using SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, and Influenza B RNA standards. The multiplex ABC Test microchip displayed LoD of 14 copies/μL for SARS-CoV-2 and approximately 26 copies/μL for Influenza A, and 140 copies/μL for Influenza B, respectively. The ABC Test offers rapid multiplex one-step RT-PCR in 32 minutes for 45 cycles as the miniaturized reaction of 1.2 μL offering a highly sensitive, robust, and accurate assay for the detection of Influenza A/B, and SARS-CoV-2.展开更多
Objective: To reveal the presence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus)(MRSA) in poultry samples and to determine the antibiogram pattern against five antibiotics.Methods: Samples from different po...Objective: To reveal the presence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus)(MRSA) in poultry samples and to determine the antibiogram pattern against five antibiotics.Methods: Samples from different poultry farm of Chittagong city, Bangladesh were examined for S. aureus by different biochemical tests and confirmed as MRSA by identifying the presence of mec A gene using PCR. Antibiotic resistance pattern in S. aureus was determined by antibiotic disk diffusion method.Results: In this study, a total of 60 samples(30 from nasal swabs and 30 from cloacal swabs) were used, of which 54 were confirmed as S. aureus by different biochemical tests. Among these, 12 were confirmed as MRSA by detecting mec A gene using PCR.During antibiogram study, both nasal and cloacal samples showed the highest resistance against penicillin-G and the lowest resistance was observed against neomycin.Conclusions: Based on the present study, it can be said that different antibiotics are used extensively in poultry that leads to MRSA and is alarming for human health.展开更多
Mediterranean spotted fever(MSF)has been diagnosed clinically in the Crimean Peninsula since the 1930s.We describe the recent illness of an elderly patient from Crimea who had developed a classic triad of MSF symptoms...Mediterranean spotted fever(MSF)has been diagnosed clinically in the Crimean Peninsula since the 1930s.We describe the recent illness of an elderly patient from Crimea who had developed a classic triad of MSF symptoms consisting of fever,maculopapular rash,and eschar.Clinical diagnosis of rickettsiosis was confirmed using real-time PCR and sequencing of 4 Rickettsia protein genes.The strain causing clinical illness was characterized as Rickettsia conorii subspecies conorii Malish 7.This report corroborates the utility of eschar swab material as a source of DNA for PCR-based diagnostics that enables timely patient treatment and management.展开更多
Nasal swabs are non-invasive testing methods for detecting diseases by collecting samples from the nasal cavity or nasopharynx.Dysosmia is regarded as an early sign of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),and nasal swab...Nasal swabs are non-invasive testing methods for detecting diseases by collecting samples from the nasal cavity or nasopharynx.Dysosmia is regarded as an early sign of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),and nasal swabs are the gold standard for the detection.By nasal swabs,severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)nucleic acids can be cyclically amplified and detected using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction after sampling.Similarly,olfactory dysfunction precedes the onset of typical clinical manifestations by several years in prion diseases and other neurodegenerative diseases,such as Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,dementia with Lewy bodies,and multiple system atrophy.In neurodegenerative diseases,nasal swab tests are currently being explored using seed amplification assay(SAA)of pathogenic misfolded proteins,such as prion,α-synuclein,and tau.These misfolded proteins can serve as templates for the conformational change of other copies from the native form into the same misfolded form in a prion-like manner.SAA for misfolded prion-like proteins from nasal swab extracts has been developed,conceptually analogous to PCR,showing high sensitivity and specificity for molecular diagnosis of degenerative diseases even in the prodromal stage.Cyclic amplification assay of nasal swab extracts is an attractive and feasible method for accurate and non-invasive detection of trace amount of pathogenic substances for screening and diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease.展开更多
This study focuses on a robot vision localization method for coping with the operational task ofautomatic nasal swab sampling. The application is important in the detection and epidemic prevention of CoronaVirus Disea...This study focuses on a robot vision localization method for coping with the operational task ofautomatic nasal swab sampling. The application is important in the detection and epidemic prevention of CoronaVirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) to alleviate the large-scale negative impact of individuals suffering from pneumoniaowing to COVID-19. In this method, the idea of a hierarchical decision network is used to consider the stronginfectious characteristics of the COVID-19, which is followed by processing the robot behavior constraint condition.The visual navigation and positioning method using a single-arm robot for sampling is also planned, whichconsiders the operation characteristics of medical staff. In the decision network, the risk factor for potentialcontact infection caused by swab sampling operations is established to avoid the spread among personnel. A robotvisual servo control with artificial intelligence characteristics is developed to achieve a stable and safe nasal swabsampling operation. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve good vision positioning forthe robots and provide technical support for managing new major public health situations.展开更多
Introduction: The transmission pathways of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remain not completely clear. In this case study the test for the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in pha...Introduction: The transmission pathways of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remain not completely clear. In this case study the test for the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in pharyngeal swab and anal swab were compared.Case presentation: A 3-month-old girl was admitted to our hospital with COVID-19. Her parents had both been diagnosed with COVID-19. The results of pharyngeal swab and anal swab of the little girl were recorded and compared during the course of the disease. The oropharyngeal specimen showed negative result for SARS-CoV-2 on the 14th day after onset of the illness. However, the anal swab was still positive for SARS-CoV-2 on the 28th day after the onset of the illness.Conclusion: The possibility of fecal-oral transmission of COVID-19 should be assessed. Personal hygiene during home quarantine merits considerable attention.展开更多
Prostate biopsy is a very common procedure performed worldwide which still represents the only way for prostate cancer diagnosis and reference point for subsequent treatments. Even if transrectal prostate biopsy is co...Prostate biopsy is a very common procedure performed worldwide which still represents the only way for prostate cancer diagnosis and reference point for subsequent treatments. Even if transrectal prostate biopsy is considered a safe procedure, it may be accompanied by infective complications, ranging from asymptomatic bacteriuria to symptomatic urinary tract infections and sepsis. During the recent decade we observed an increasing number of infectious complications and subsequent hospitalizations after and transrectal prostate biopsy. The most probable reason for the increasing rate of infectious complications after prostate biopsy is the increasing antimicrobial resistance, especially to the current first-line recommended fluoroquinolone antibiotics. We believe the time has come to re-think our current practice of diagnosing prostate cancer. We need to focus on the selection of patients at higher risk of infective complications, on microbiological sampling of the faecal flora prior to biopsy to identify resistance to specific agents, on the number of biopsy cores, on the biopsy route(perineal or transrectal approach) and, finally, consider alternative antibiotics with improved susceptibility to be used for prophylaxis.展开更多
<b><span>Background:</span></b><span> With reports of higher mortality and complications occurring in patients with perioperative 2019 novel coronarvirus disease (COVID-19), most elective...<b><span>Background:</span></b><span> With reports of higher mortality and complications occurring in patients with perioperative 2019 novel coronarvirus disease (COVID-19), most elective surgeries have been postponed. However, evidence regarding emergency surgeries in patients with COVID-19 remains scarce. We report the case of a patient with asymptomatic perioperative COVID-19, presenting with an acute abdomen requiring surgery.</span><span> </span><b><span>Case:</span></b><span> A 25-year-old male, with a prior nasopharyngeal swab that was negative for SARS-CoV-2, presented with classical signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis. Clinical examination </span><span>and investigations were not suggestive of COVID-19 infection. He underwent</span><span> laparoscopic appendicectomy with infection control precautions. Post-</span><span>operatively, he was found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 but remained asymptomatic and had an uneventful recovery.</span><span> </span><b><span>Conclusion: </span></b><span>In asymptomatic </span><span>individuals with higher risks, negative test results should be viewed cau</span><span>tiously. </span><span>The benefits of urgent surgical interventions must be weighed against the</span><span> risks of complications due to perioperative COVID-19 in these patients.</span>展开更多
文摘We herein report a gossypiboma resulting from a retained surgical swab, which had been left in peritoneum for 20years after appendectomy. CT revealed a cystic mass with a calcified reticulate rind. Subsequent surgery and pathological examination showed a gossypiboma. A simple experiment, using a barium-soaked surgical swab demonstrating similar CT appearance, supported our postulation that calcium deposition on the reticulated fibers of a surgical swab could generate such a characteristic 'calcified reticulate rind' sign. We believe that identification of this CT sign facilitates the diagnosis of gossypibomas.
文摘Perianal infectious dermatitis(PID) represents a super-ficial inflammation of the perianal skin, which is of bac-terial origin(classically, group A beta-hemolytic strepto-cocci). This narrative review aims to critically review and summarize the available scientific literature regarding pediatric PID, being the first of its kind, to the best of the author's knowledge. It also reports the first cases of Romanian children with PID. Multiple databases were subjected to systematic literature search(from 1966 to April 30, 2018) to identify studies and case reports of children with PID. As such, this review provides up-dated information about essential aspects of PID(epi-demiology, etiology, pathogenesis, as well as clinical features, required investigations and therapeutic options) and of diagnostic pitfalls. Although a well-defined entity, PID remains largely underdiagnosed. PID may mimic other common conditions with skin manifestations(like candidiasis, pinworms, eczema, irritant dermatitis, anal fissure, hemorrhoids, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, sebor-rheic dermatitis, zinc deficiency dermatosis and even sexual abuse), with consequent unnecessary, sometimes expensive and invasive investigations and futile therapies, which cause patients and families discomfort and distress. Since PID has an unremitting course, early recognition is imperative, as it allows for prompt and efficacious antibiotic therapy. However, PID represents a stubborn condition and, even if properly treated, its recurrence rate remains high. Further well-designed prospective randomized controlled trials, with adequate follow-up, are required in order to formulate the optimum personalized antibiotic therapy(oral alone or in association with topical medication), able to prevent recurrences. Awareness of this condition by healthcare professionals should improve patient outcomes.
文摘The nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19 testing is generally considered safe;however, it is primarily performed by staff that may not completely understand the anatomy of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. We report the treatment of a 48-year-old man who developed unilateral left rhinorrhea after a nasopharyngeal swab sample. It is aimed to draw attention to this complication that can be prevented with the appropriate technique during nasopharyngeal swab sampling.
文摘BACKGROUND Prisons can be a reservoir for infectious diseases,including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),due to the very intimate nature of the living spaces and the large number of people forced to share them.AIM To investigate the SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology in prisons,this study evaluated the infection incidence rate in prisoners who underwent nasopharyngeal swabs.METHODS This is an observational cohort study.Data collection included information on prisoners who underwent nasopharyngeal swab testing for SARS-CoV-2 and the results.Nasopharyngeal swab tests for SARS-CoV-2 were performed between 15 February 2021 and 31 May 2021 for prisoners with symptoms and all new arrivals to the facility.Another section included information on the diagnosis of the disease according to the International Classification of Diseases,Ninth Revision,and Clinical Modification.RESULTS Up until the 31 May 2021,79.2%of the prisoner cohort(n=1744)agreed to a nasopharyngeal swab test(n=1381).Of these,1288 were negative(93.3%)and 85 were positive(6.2%).A significant association[relative risk(RR)]was found only for the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among foreigners compared to Italians[RR=2.4,95%confidence interval(CI):1.2-4.8].A positive association with SARS-CoV-2 infection was also found for inmates with at least one nervous system disorder(RR=4,95%CI:1.8-9.1).The SARS-CoV-2 incidence rate among prisoners is significantly lower than in the general population in Tuscany(standardized incidence ratio 0.7,95%CI:0.6-0.9).CONCLUSION In the prisoner cohort,screening and rapid access to health care for the immigrant population were critical to limiting virus transmission and subsequent morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable population.
基金funded by the Navamindradhiraj Research Fund (grant number 115/2564)to Dr.Uraporn Phumisantiphong.
文摘The real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction(RT‐PCR)test is the gold standard for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS‐CoV‐2)detection.Proper specimen collection and obtaining a sufficient specimen are the most essential steps for laboratory diagnosis.The nasopharyngeal(NP)swab is recommended as the reference collection method.However,NP swab collection is invasive and uncomfortable for patients and poses some risk to healthcare workers.This study aimed to compare the efficacy of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA detection from surgical masks with the NP swab method using RT‐PCR testing.Of 269 patients,RT‐PCR RNA from NP swabs was detected among 82 patients(30.5%)and was undetected among 187 patients(69.5%).All patients were tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA from surgical masks.SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA was detected in 25/82(30.5%)surgical mask filters,while undetected among 57(69.5%).For the surgical mask with an average use time of 7.05 h,the sensitivity was 30.5%,the specificity was 100.0%,with positive predictive value of 100.0%and negative predictive value of 76.2%.Therefore,surgical masks could be an alternative non‐invasive specimen source for SARS‐CoV‐2 RT‐PCR testing.The results of our study suggest that the test could be employed after wearing surgical masks for at least 8‐12 h,with increased sensitivity when used for more than 12 h.
文摘To contain the rapid and global spread of SARS-CoV-2, it is essential to develop an accurate and sensitive test system to address pandemic bottlenecks, simplified sample collection, and no sample prep. While meeting the demand of testing large populations, the miniaturized volume of assay reagents and offering rapid results is the need in such scenarios. Moreover, in view of the reports of co-infections and overlapping symptoms of Influenza caused by Influenza A or Influenza B, and COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2, a test system with three targets can be supportive for accurate clinical diagnosis. In this presentation, we evaluated the performance of a test comprising Microchip RT-PCR Influenza and COVID-19 Detection System for identifying these three viral pathogens in nasal swabs and saliva specimens. A rapid and simplified total nucleic acid extraction method was developed and validated for the reliable, high-throughput simultaneous detection of respiratory viruses causing Influenza (type A and type B viruses) and COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 virus) using the microchip-based AriaDNATM platform deriving the name ABC Test. The test system was evaluated using 81 nasal swab samples, 77 clinical saliva samples, 5 blind CAP reference samples, and RNA standards. The limit of detection (LoD) was assessed using SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, and Influenza B RNA standards. The multiplex ABC Test microchip displayed LoD of 14 copies/μL for SARS-CoV-2 and approximately 26 copies/μL for Influenza A, and 140 copies/μL for Influenza B, respectively. The ABC Test offers rapid multiplex one-step RT-PCR in 32 minutes for 45 cycles as the miniaturized reaction of 1.2 μL offering a highly sensitive, robust, and accurate assay for the detection of Influenza A/B, and SARS-CoV-2.
基金Supported by University Grants Commission of Bangladesh(Grant No.240/POO/7-31(D)/2013)
文摘Objective: To reveal the presence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus)(MRSA) in poultry samples and to determine the antibiogram pattern against five antibiotics.Methods: Samples from different poultry farm of Chittagong city, Bangladesh were examined for S. aureus by different biochemical tests and confirmed as MRSA by identifying the presence of mec A gene using PCR. Antibiotic resistance pattern in S. aureus was determined by antibiotic disk diffusion method.Results: In this study, a total of 60 samples(30 from nasal swabs and 30 from cloacal swabs) were used, of which 54 were confirmed as S. aureus by different biochemical tests. Among these, 12 were confirmed as MRSA by detecting mec A gene using PCR.During antibiogram study, both nasal and cloacal samples showed the highest resistance against penicillin-G and the lowest resistance was observed against neomycin.Conclusions: Based on the present study, it can be said that different antibiotics are used extensively in poultry that leads to MRSA and is alarming for human health.
文摘Mediterranean spotted fever(MSF)has been diagnosed clinically in the Crimean Peninsula since the 1930s.We describe the recent illness of an elderly patient from Crimea who had developed a classic triad of MSF symptoms consisting of fever,maculopapular rash,and eschar.Clinical diagnosis of rickettsiosis was confirmed using real-time PCR and sequencing of 4 Rickettsia protein genes.The strain causing clinical illness was characterized as Rickettsia conorii subspecies conorii Malish 7.This report corroborates the utility of eschar swab material as a source of DNA for PCR-based diagnostics that enables timely patient treatment and management.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U1904207 to Dr.Yuming Xu)the Non-profit Central Research Institute Fund of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences(2020-PT310-01 to Dr.Yuming Xu).
文摘Nasal swabs are non-invasive testing methods for detecting diseases by collecting samples from the nasal cavity or nasopharynx.Dysosmia is regarded as an early sign of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),and nasal swabs are the gold standard for the detection.By nasal swabs,severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)nucleic acids can be cyclically amplified and detected using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction after sampling.Similarly,olfactory dysfunction precedes the onset of typical clinical manifestations by several years in prion diseases and other neurodegenerative diseases,such as Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,dementia with Lewy bodies,and multiple system atrophy.In neurodegenerative diseases,nasal swab tests are currently being explored using seed amplification assay(SAA)of pathogenic misfolded proteins,such as prion,α-synuclein,and tau.These misfolded proteins can serve as templates for the conformational change of other copies from the native form into the same misfolded form in a prion-like manner.SAA for misfolded prion-like proteins from nasal swab extracts has been developed,conceptually analogous to PCR,showing high sensitivity and specificity for molecular diagnosis of degenerative diseases even in the prodromal stage.Cyclic amplification assay of nasal swab extracts is an attractive and feasible method for accurate and non-invasive detection of trace amount of pathogenic substances for screening and diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease.
基金the Director Foundation of Guangxi Key Laboratory of Automatic Detection Technology and Instrument(No.YQ21110)。
文摘This study focuses on a robot vision localization method for coping with the operational task ofautomatic nasal swab sampling. The application is important in the detection and epidemic prevention of CoronaVirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) to alleviate the large-scale negative impact of individuals suffering from pneumoniaowing to COVID-19. In this method, the idea of a hierarchical decision network is used to consider the stronginfectious characteristics of the COVID-19, which is followed by processing the robot behavior constraint condition.The visual navigation and positioning method using a single-arm robot for sampling is also planned, whichconsiders the operation characteristics of medical staff. In the decision network, the risk factor for potentialcontact infection caused by swab sampling operations is established to avoid the spread among personnel. A robotvisual servo control with artificial intelligence characteristics is developed to achieve a stable and safe nasal swabsampling operation. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve good vision positioning forthe robots and provide technical support for managing new major public health situations.
文摘目的比较分析鼻咽癌患者和正常人咽部标本中的细菌种类和比例,探讨细菌感染和鼻咽癌的关系。方法选择1 1例初次确诊的鼻咽癌患者以及1 1例与鼻咽癌患者年龄和性别匹配的健康对照者,两组1年内均未使用抗生素、化疗等药物。提取咽拭子中的细菌总DNA,针对1 6 S rDNA保守区设计通用引物进行PCR扩增,PCR产物克隆到T载体,在转化的白色克隆中随机挑选1 0 0个左右进行测序。将获得的1 6 S rDNA序列与网上已公布的1 6 S rDNA序列进行Blast比对,分析克隆群中细菌的种类和比例。结果1 1例鼻咽癌患者中9例结核分枝杆菌和奈瑟菌占优势菌群;另2例排第四和第五位,而在1 1例健康对照者中未发现结核分枝杆菌和奈瑟菌。鼻咽癌患者与健康对照者的菌群分布明显不同。结论用1 6 S rDNA技术发现鼻咽癌患者与正常人咽部细菌组成存在较大的差异,结核分枝杆菌和奈瑟菌感染可能与鼻咽癌相关。
文摘Introduction: The transmission pathways of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remain not completely clear. In this case study the test for the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in pharyngeal swab and anal swab were compared.Case presentation: A 3-month-old girl was admitted to our hospital with COVID-19. Her parents had both been diagnosed with COVID-19. The results of pharyngeal swab and anal swab of the little girl were recorded and compared during the course of the disease. The oropharyngeal specimen showed negative result for SARS-CoV-2 on the 14th day after onset of the illness. However, the anal swab was still positive for SARS-CoV-2 on the 28th day after the onset of the illness.Conclusion: The possibility of fecal-oral transmission of COVID-19 should be assessed. Personal hygiene during home quarantine merits considerable attention.
文摘Prostate biopsy is a very common procedure performed worldwide which still represents the only way for prostate cancer diagnosis and reference point for subsequent treatments. Even if transrectal prostate biopsy is considered a safe procedure, it may be accompanied by infective complications, ranging from asymptomatic bacteriuria to symptomatic urinary tract infections and sepsis. During the recent decade we observed an increasing number of infectious complications and subsequent hospitalizations after and transrectal prostate biopsy. The most probable reason for the increasing rate of infectious complications after prostate biopsy is the increasing antimicrobial resistance, especially to the current first-line recommended fluoroquinolone antibiotics. We believe the time has come to re-think our current practice of diagnosing prostate cancer. We need to focus on the selection of patients at higher risk of infective complications, on microbiological sampling of the faecal flora prior to biopsy to identify resistance to specific agents, on the number of biopsy cores, on the biopsy route(perineal or transrectal approach) and, finally, consider alternative antibiotics with improved susceptibility to be used for prophylaxis.
文摘<b><span>Background:</span></b><span> With reports of higher mortality and complications occurring in patients with perioperative 2019 novel coronarvirus disease (COVID-19), most elective surgeries have been postponed. However, evidence regarding emergency surgeries in patients with COVID-19 remains scarce. We report the case of a patient with asymptomatic perioperative COVID-19, presenting with an acute abdomen requiring surgery.</span><span> </span><b><span>Case:</span></b><span> A 25-year-old male, with a prior nasopharyngeal swab that was negative for SARS-CoV-2, presented with classical signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis. Clinical examination </span><span>and investigations were not suggestive of COVID-19 infection. He underwent</span><span> laparoscopic appendicectomy with infection control precautions. Post-</span><span>operatively, he was found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 but remained asymptomatic and had an uneventful recovery.</span><span> </span><b><span>Conclusion: </span></b><span>In asymptomatic </span><span>individuals with higher risks, negative test results should be viewed cau</span><span>tiously. </span><span>The benefits of urgent surgical interventions must be weighed against the</span><span> risks of complications due to perioperative COVID-19 in these patients.</span>
