scholarly journals Nanomaterial-based devices for point-of-care diagnostic applications

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (13) ◽  
pp. 4697-4709 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Quesada-González ◽  
Arben Merkoçi
Keyword(s):  
Point Of Care ◽  
Diagnostic Applications

In this review, we have discussed the capabilities of nanomaterials for point-of-care (PoC) diagnostics and explained how these materials can help to strengthen, miniaturize and improve the quality of diagnostic devices.

Trends in Diagnosis for Active Tuberculosis Using Nanomaterials

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (11) ◽  
pp. 1946-1959 ◽  
Author(s):  
Le Minh Tu Phan ◽  
Lemma Teshome Tufa ◽  
Hwa-Jung Kim ◽  
Jaebeom Lee ◽  
Tae Jung Park
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Clinical Tools ◽  
Diagnostic Applications

Background:Tuberculosis (TB), one of the leading causes of death worldwide, is difficult to diagnose based only on signs and symptoms. Methods for TB detection are continuously being researched to design novel effective clinical tools for the diagnosis of TB.Objective:This article reviews the methods to diagnose TB at the latent and active stages and to recognize prospective TB diagnostic methods based on nanomaterials.Methods:The current methods for TB diagnosis were reviewed by evaluating their advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, the trends in TB detection using nanomaterials were discussed regarding their performance capacity for clinical diagnostic applications.Results:Current methods such as microscopy, culture, and tuberculin skin test are still being employed to diagnose TB, however, a highly sensitive point of care tool without false results is still needed. The utilization of nanomaterials to detect the specific TB biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity can provide a possible strategy to rapidly diagnose TB. Although it is challenging for nanodiagnostic platforms to be assessed in clinical trials, active TB diagnosis using nanomaterials is highly expected to achieve clinical significance for regular application. In addition, aspects and future directions in developing the high-efficiency tools to diagnose active TB using advanced nanomaterials are expounded.Conclusion:This review suggests that nanomaterials have high potential as rapid, costeffective tools to enhance the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for the accurate diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of TB. Hence, portable nanobiosensors can be alternative effective tests to be exploited globally after clinical trial execution.

scholarly journals Multi-organ point-of-care ultrasound for COVID-19 (PoCUS4COVID): international expert consensus

Critical Care ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arif Hussain ◽  
Gabriele Via ◽  
Lawrence Melniker ◽  
Alberto Goffi ◽  
Guido Tavazzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Ultrasound ◽  
Expert Panel ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Expert Consensus ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽  
The Past ◽  
Modified Delphi ◽  
Grade Methodology

AbstractCOVID-19 has caused great devastation in the past year. Multi-organ point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) including lung ultrasound (LUS) and focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) as a clinical adjunct has played a significant role in triaging, diagnosis and medical management of COVID-19 patients. The expert panel from 27 countries and 6 continents with considerable experience of direct application of PoCUS on COVID-19 patients presents evidence-based consensus using GRADE methodology for the quality of evidence and an expedited, modified-Delphi process for the strength of expert consensus. The use of ultrasound is suggested in many clinical situations related to respiratory, cardiovascular and thromboembolic aspects of COVID-19, comparing well with other imaging modalities. The limitations due to insufficient data are highlighted as opportunities for future research.

scholarly journals Stromal Vascular Fraction for Osteoarthritis of the Knee Regenerative Engineering

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chinedu C. Ude ◽  
Shiv Shah ◽  
Kenneth S. Ogueri ◽  
Lakshmi S. Nair ◽  
Cato T. Laurencin
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Clinical Evidence ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Stromal Vascular Fraction ◽  
Clinic Visit ◽  
Osteoarthritis Of The Knee ◽  
Clinical Patient ◽  
Inflammatory Proteins ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Abstract Purpose The knee joint is prone to osteoarthritis (OA) due to its anatomical position, and several reports have implicated the imbalance between catabolic and anabolic processes within the joint as the main culprit, thus leading to investigations towards attenuation of these inflammatory signals for OA treatment. In this review, we have explored clinical evidence supporting the use of stromal vascular fraction (SVF), known for its anti-inflammatory characteristics for the treatment of OA. Methods Searches were made on PubMed, PMC, and Google Scholar with the keywords “adipose fraction knee regeneration, and stromal vascular fraction knee regeneration, and limiting searches within 2017–2020. Results Frequently found interventions include cultured adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), SVF, and the micronized/microfragmented adipose tissue-stromal vascular fraction (MAT-SVF). Clinical data reported that joints treated with SVF provided a better quality of life to patients. Currently, MAT-SVF obtained and administered at the point of care is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but more studies including manufacturing validation, safety, and proof of pharmacological activity are needed for SVF. The mechanism of action of MAT-SVF is also not fully understood. However, the current hypothesis indicates a direct adherence and integration with the degenerative host tissue, and/or trophic effects resulting from the secretome of constituent cells. Conclusion Our review of the literature on stromal vascular fraction and related therapy use has found evidence of efficacy in results. More research and clinical patient follow-up are needed to determine the proper place of these therapies in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Lay Summary Reports have implicated the increased inflammatory proteins within the joints as the main cause of osteoarthritis (OA). This has attracted interest towards addressing these inflammatory proteins as a way of treatment for OA. The concentrated cell-packed portion of the adipose product stromal vascular fraction (SVF) from liposuction or other methods possesses anti-inflammatory effects and has been acclaimed to heal OA. Thus, we searched for clinical evidence supporting their use, for OA treatment through examining the literature. Data from various hospitals support that joints treated with SVF provided a better quality of life to patients. Currently, there is at least one version of these products that are obtained and given back to patients during a single clinic visit, approved by the FDA.

scholarly journals Diagnostic Capabilities of a Smartphone- Based Low-Cost Microscope

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 522-525
Author(s):  
Dorina Hasselbeck ◽  
Max B. Schäfer ◽  
Kent W. Stewart ◽  
Peter P. Pott
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Field Of View ◽  
Parasitic Diseases ◽  
Optical Parameters ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Diagnostic Applications ◽  
Diagnostic Capabilities

AbstractMicroscopy enables fast and effective diagnostics. However, in resource-limited regions microscopy is not accessible to everyone. Smartphone-based low-cost microscopes could be a powerful tool for diagnostic and educational purposes. In this paper, the imaging quality of a smartphone-based microscope with four different optical parameters is presented and a systematic overview of the resulting diagnostic applications is given. With the chosen configuration, aiming for a reasonable trade-off, an average resolution of 1.23 μm and a field of view of 1.12 mm2 was achieved. This enables a wide range of diagnostic applications such as the diagnosis of Malaria and other parasitic diseases.

scholarly journals Quality in crisis: a systematic review of the quality of health systems in humanitarian settings

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keely Jordan ◽  
Todd P. Lewis ◽  
Bayard Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health System ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
System Level ◽  
System Quality ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Humanitarian Settings ◽  
Quality Health

Abstract Background There is a growing concern that the quality of health systems in humanitarian crises and the care they provide has received little attention. To help better understand current practice and research on health system quality, this paper aimed to examine the evidence on the quality of health systems in humanitarian settings. Methods This systematic review was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. The context of interest was populations affected by humanitarian crisis in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs). We included studies where the intervention of interest, health services for populations affected by crisis, was provided by the formal health system. Our outcome of interest was the quality of the health system. We included primary research studies, from a combination of information sources, published in English between January 2000 and January 2019 using quantitative and qualitative methods. We used the High Quality Health Systems Framework to analyze the included studies by quality domain and sub-domain. Results We identified 2285 articles through our search, of which 163 were eligible for full-text review, and 55 articles were eligible for inclusion in our systematic review. Poor diagnosis, inadequate patient referrals, and inappropriate treatment of illness were commonly cited barriers to quality care. There was a strong focus placed on the foundations of a health system with emphasis on the workforce and tools, but a limited focus on the health impacts of health systems. The review also suggests some barriers to high quality health systems that are specific to humanitarian settings such as language barriers for refugees in their host country, discontinued care for migrant populations with chronic conditions, and fears around provider safety. Conclusion The review highlights a large gap in the measurement of quality both at the point of care and at the health system level. There is a need for further work particularly on health system measurement strategies, accountability mechanisms, and patient-centered approaches in humanitarian settings.

Approach to the Patient with Abdominal Pain

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dana Sajed
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Abdominal Pain ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Acute Abdominal Pain ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Abdominal Ultrasonography ◽  
Pediatric Populations ◽  
Ed Visits ◽  
Point Of Care Ultrasonography

Abdominal pain is the most common presenting complaint in the emergency department (ED), accounting for nearly 8% of ED visits. Although many chronic conditions may cause pain in the abdomen, acute abdominal pain, defined as undiagnosed pain present for less than 1 week, is of greatest concern to the emergency practitioner. For many reasons, acute abdominal pain is often diagnostically challenging. Abdominal pain may be due to numerous causes, including gastrointestinal, genitourinary, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and other sources. Symptoms may fluctuate or change in nature, and the quality of pain can be difficult for the patient to describe. Physical examination findings, although important, are variable and can even be misleading. Despite being such a common presenting complaint, misdiagnosis is not uncommon and results in a high percentage of medicolegal actions in both and adult and pediatric populations. This review contains 5 figures, 8 tables, and 92 references Key words: abdominal computed tomography, abdominal pain, abdominal ultrasonography, pain management, point-of-care ultrasonography

scholarly journals The Application of Hand-Held Ultrasound Scanner in Teaching of Telemedicine and Rural Medicine

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oscar Noriega ◽  
Hoi Ho ◽  
Justin Wright
Keyword(s):  
Point Of Care ◽  
Modern Medicine ◽  
Diagnostic Instrument ◽  
Obstetrics And Gynecology ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Ultrasound Images ◽  
Rural Medicine ◽  
Physical Examinations ◽  
Ultrasound Scanner

ABSTRACT Stethoscope, the symbol of modern medicine has been in place for more than 150 years. However, this reliable diagnostic instrument has started showing its age with the arrival of a newer diagnostic instrument: the hand-held ultrasound. Hand-held ultrasound is rapidly expanding in many specialties but not yet in obstetrics and gynecology. There is a paucity of literature on the application of hand-held ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology, in contrast to a large volume of literature published by other specialties. Several studies demonstrated that medical students and residents can improve the accuracy of their physical examinations with the use of hand-held ultrasound. Similarly, physical examinations performed by hospitalists with hand-carried ultrasound are more accurate than those performed without the instrument. Advances in technology have contributed to the improvement of image quality and portability. As a result, these devices become increasingly available in many clinical settings such as point of care, telemedicine and rural medicine. The quality of ultrasound images of the hand-held scanner is inferior to those of standard laptop ultrasound. However, the hand-held ultrasound requires much less time for setup. Although there have been recommendations for training guidelines for operators of hand-held ultrasound, standards for optimal training to achieve level of competency have not been determined. How to cite this article Wright J, Noriega O, Ho H. The Application of Hand-Held Ultrasound Scanner in Teaching of Telemedicine and Rural Medicine. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014;8(1):87-91.

An Android-Enabled PHR-based System for the Provision of Homecare Services

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vassiliki Koufi ◽  
Flora Malamateniou ◽  
George Vassilacopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Personal Health Record ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Quality Of Healthcare ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
Treatment Plans ◽  
The Continuum

Homecare is an important component of the continuum of care as it provides the potential to improve quality of life and quality of healthcare delivery while containing costs. Personal Health Record (PHR) systems are intended to reach patients outside of care settings and influence their behaviors thus allowing for more effective homecare services. To this end, these systems need to evolve well beyond providing a consolidated patient record, in ways that make it more widely applicable and valuable to health systems. The development of applications on top of PHR systems can allow them to function as a platform for both patients and healthcare professionals to exchange information and interact with the health system. This paper presents a prototype PHR-based system that aims at supporting chronic disease management at any point of care or decision making through familiar environments such as Google’s Android. In particular, it assists healthcare professionals in assessing an individual’s condition and in forming the appropriate treatment plan for him/her while it provides individuals with step-to-step guidance to their treatment plans.

scholarly journals Clinical evaluation of serial blood processing at point of care

1997 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 360-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher A Estey ◽  
Robin A Felder
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Performance ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
University Of Virginia ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Blood Separation ◽  
The North ◽  
Blood Specimens ◽  
The University

Abstract The Axial Separation Module (ASM™), which separates whole-blood specimens serially in Axial Process Containers (APC™), was evaluated for clinical performance at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center (UVA HSC) in a community-based outpatient laboratory (North Ridge Clinic). We hypothesized that moving the task of blood separation to point of care would reduce specimen turnaround time within the main laboratory. Blood drawn into an APC was separated in the ASM at point of care at the North Ridge Clinic. Blood drawn into a Vacutainer Tube™was separated in a conventional centrifuge at the main laboratory. Turnaround time was calculated for the “chem 17” test from files stored in our laboratory information system. Blood serially separated at point of care yielded turnaround time savings for specimens originating from the North Ridge Clinic. Average turnaround time decreased by 24%. Phlebotomists found no appreciable workload increase from incorporating the ASM as a point-of-care blood separation device. Phlebotomists also found that they could immediately detect hemolysis. We concluded that serial separation at point of care reduces specimen turnaround time at the main laboratory. The ASM/APC was found to be better suited for point-of-care blood separation than a conventional centrifuge. We speculate that immediate blood separation has the potential to improve the quality of analytical results.

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