scholarly journals Metal-based imaging agents: progress towards interrogating neurodegenerative disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (10) ◽  
pp. 2886-2915 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam C. Sedgwick ◽  
James T. Brewster ◽  
Peter Harvey ◽  
Diana A. Iovan ◽  
Graham Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transition Metals ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disease ◽  
Lanthanide Ions ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Imaging Agents ◽  
Non Invasive

Transition metals and lanthanide ions display unique properties that enable the development of non-invasive diagnostic tools for imaging. In this review, we highlight various metal-based imaging strategies used to interrogate neurodegeneration.

scholarly journals Circulating miRNAs Related to Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transitions (EMT) as the New Molecular Markers in Endometriosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 900-916
Author(s):  
Anna Zubrzycka ◽  
Monika Migdalska-Sęk ◽  
Sławomir Jędrzejczyk ◽  
Ewa Brzeziańska-Lasota
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Endometrial Stromal Cells ◽  
Disease Etiology ◽  
Diagnostic Biomarkers ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Non Invasive

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease defined by the presence of endometrial-like tissue found outside the uterus, most commonly in the peritoneal cavity. Endometriosis lesions are heterogenous but usually contain endometrial stromal cells and epithelial glands, immune cell infiltrates and are vascularized and innervated by nerves. The complex etiopathogenesis and heterogenity of the clinical symptoms, as well as the lack of a specific non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers, underline the need for more advanced diagnostic tools. Unfortunately, the contribution of environmental, hormonal and immunological factors in the disease etiology is insufficient, and the contribution of genetic/epigenetic factors is still fragmentary. Therefore, there is a need for more focused study on the molecular mechanisms of endometriosis and non-invasive diagnostic monitoring systems. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) demonstrate high stability and tissue specificity and play a significant role in modulating a range of molecular pathways, and hence may be suitable diagnostic biomarkers for the origin and development of endometriosis. Of these, the most frequently studied are those related to endometriosis, including those involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), whose expression is altered in plasma or endometriotic lesion biopsies; however, the results are ambiguous. Specific miRNAs expressed in endometriosis may serve as diagnostics markers with prognostic value, and they have been proposed as molecular targets for treatment. The aim of this review is to present selected miRNAs associated with EMT known to have experimentally confirmed significance, and discuss their utility as biomarkers in endometriosis.

scholarly journals A pilot study to establish non-invasive biomarkers for higher-grade meningioma

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. iv6-iv6
Author(s):  
Daniele Baiz ◽  
Caterina Negroni ◽  
Emanuela Ercolano ◽  
Claire L Adams ◽  
Kathreena M Kurian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Tumour Progression ◽  
Primary Tumour ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Malignant Tumours ◽  
Liquid Biopsies ◽  
Benign Meningioma ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Serum Exosomes

Abstract Introduction Meningioma brain tumours are the most common primary tumour in adults. Despite surgery and/or radiation therapy, meningioma may recur. The 5-year recurrence rate in benign meningioma is estimated in about 10% while much greater in atypical and malignant tumours. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a large class of small RNAs driving regulation of gene expression and playing a role in tumour progression and therefore proposed as diagnostic tools. Moreover, miRNAs can be released from tumour cells into the blood stream via exosomes, showing potential to be used as liquid biopsies. Methods Identification of novel circulating biomarkers was conducted by performing an unbiased Cancer MicroRNA qPCR Array, followed by bioinformatics analysis. In parallel, we conducted a biased in silico analysis of the miRNAs targeting Cyclin D1 and E1, recently proposed as immunohistochemical meningioma biomarkers. Validation studies performed using TaqMan® reagents. Results Stringent unbiased (p<0.01) miRNA profiling followed by validation in ex vivo samples revealed that the miR-9-1 is upregulated in higher-grade meningioma tissues and serum exosomes, controlled by the EGFR/AP-1 axis and correlated with lower levels of E-Cadherin, a proposed biomarker for malignant meningioma. On the contrary, biased analysis, followed by validation in vitro and ex vivo, showed that the miR-497~195 cluster is downregulated in higher-grade meningioma tissues and serum exosomes, correlating with the overexpression of GATA-4, a novel meningioma tissue biomarker. Conclusion Our data demonstrated that both miR-497~195 and miR-9-1 show potential to become promising non-invasive biomarkers for higher-grade meningioma, reflecting their expression status in tissues. (DB and CN contributed equally).

scholarly journals Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) as a diagnostic tool in assessment of thoracic aortic anomalies in pediatric patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawlat Nader Eltatawy ◽  
Fatma Anas Elsharawy ◽  
Aly Aly Elbarbary ◽  
Raghda Ghonimy Elsheikh ◽  
Manal Ezzat Badawy
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Aortic Arch ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Interrupted Aortic Arch ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Branching Patterns ◽  
Anatomic Variants ◽  
Multi Detector Computed Tomography

Abstract Background A wide variety of congenital thoracic aortic variants and pathological anomalies could be assessed recently in diagnostic and interventional radiology. Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) is one of the most important non-invasive diagnostic tools for their detection. The aim of the study was to evaluate role of MDCT scanning for diagnosis of thoracic aortic anatomic variants and diseases in pediatric patients. Results Thirty patients (15 male and 15 female), mean age (8.49 ± 20.29 months) were diagnosed with different thoracic aortic anomalies by MDCT then confirmed by surgical results. MDCT was more sensitive than echocardiography in detection of hypo plastic arch, vascular rings, interrupted aortic arch anomalies, and aortic coarctation. Both MDCT and echocardiography showed 100% sensitivity in their detection of TGA, TOF, and PDA. MDCT detected 6 cases of right-sided aortic arch while echo missed 2 cases. Different aortic arch branching patterns and coronary origin were better demonstrated by MDCT. Conclusion 320-Multi-detector computed tomography is a reliable tool for optimal detection of thoracic aortic anomalies and preoperative planning.

scholarly journals Ultrasonographic Diagnosis of Ileal Intussusception in Calf

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Clara Sarzedas Ribeiro ◽  
Rodolfo José Cavalcanti Souto ◽  
Tayrlla Polessa Rodrigues Silva ◽  
José Augusto Bastos Afonso ◽  
Carla Lopes Mendonça ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Obstruction ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Chloride Content ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Adjacent Segment ◽  
Ultrasound Images ◽  
Target Pattern ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Intestinal Obstructions

Background: Intussusception, characterized by invagination of an intestinal segment into the lumen of the adjacent segment, is one of the main causes of intestinal obstruction in cattle, and occurs more frequently in calves. The diagnosis of the disease is based on the history, clinical examination, and complementary exams, which are a challenge in this species, especially in calves, in which transrectal palpation is limited. As it is a non-invasive, effective, and low-cost test, ultrasonography could be an important tool in the diagnosis of intestinal obstructions, in which time is essential for the prognosis. Therefore, the objective was to report a case of intussusception in a calf diagnosed by ultrasound.Case: A 4-month-old calf, weaned at 3 months and raised intensively, was treated at the Clínica de Bovinos de Garanhuns, campus of the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (CBG/UFRPE), with a history of apathy, anorexia, and dyschezia for 3 days. On physical examination, fever, moderate dehydration, tachycardia, tachypnea with polypnea, bilaterally bulging abdomen, sound of fluid on ballottement, ruminal and intestinal hypomotility, and melena were observed. The hematological findings revealed leukocytosis due to neutrophilia (degenerate neutrophils), hypoproteinemia, and hyperfibrinogenemia. The analysis of the ruminal fluid showed compromised microbiota and increased chloride content. The transabdominal ultrasonography demonstrated, in the right ventral region, hypermotile and full small bowel loops and an increase in the volume of the peritoneal fluid. In addition, there was a segment of the small intestine which, in cross-section, showed multiple concentric rings (“onion rings”, “target pattern”, or “bull’s eye”) and adherence to adjacent loops, compatible with intestinal obstruction due to intussusception. Due to the seriousness of the clinical condition and the ultrasound findings, the animal was euthanized and the necropsy revealed focal fibrinous peritonitis and intestinal obstruction due to intussusception in ileum intestinal segments.Discussion: Intussusception has previously been reported in calves, however this is the first report of ultrasound diagnosis of the disease in Brazil. Although the etiology is rarely confirmed, the age group and recent changes in diet (weaning) were predisposing factors. The history, clinical signs, and laboratory tests were similar to those described in cattle with intussusception, however they may be present in other gastrointestinal illnesses. Other authors have also reported that the nonspecificity of the signs and the impossibility of performing transrectal palpation made it difficult to diagnose intestinal obstruction in calves without the use of other diagnostic tools. As it is a non-invasive and accurate technique, ultrasound has been used in ruminants for diagnostic purposes, including intestinal obstructions. In the present case, the main findings are described as the presence of a lesion with the appearance of multiple concentric rings, hypermotile, dilated, and full intestinal loops. The pathological findings were compatible with the ultrasound images and similar to those described by other authors, confirming the diagnosis. The use of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in cattle should be expanded, aiming at the early determination of diagnosis and prognosis, to reduce producer costs and animal discomfort. In cases of intussusception, late diagnosis makes treatment unfeasible.

Non Invasive Measurement of Blood Flow in the Human Lower Extremity

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hehe Zhou ◽  
John E. Novotny ◽  
Liyun Wang
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Stress Fracture ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
Lower Extremities ◽  
Focal Ischemia ◽  
Stress Fractures ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Blood Flows ◽  
Non Invasive

Stress fracture in lower extremities occurs commonly among military recruits and athletes during intensive physical training. This injury has a marked impact on the health of military personnel and imposes a significant financial burden [1]. Despites advances in stress fracture studies, its pathogeneses remains poorly understood and early diagnostic tools are lacking. Focal ischemia is a potential initiator of site-specific bone remodeling and may cause stress fractures in human lower extremity [2, 3]. We hypothesize that intensive repetitive loading impairs intramedullary blood flow due to pressurization of the bone marrow cavity, leading to focal ischemia and eventual development of stress fractures. To begin to test our hypothesis, we developed and validated a quantitative, non-invasive method to measure blood flow in vivo. The approach was based on Cine Phase Contrast MRI (CPC-MRI), a dynamic motion measurement and visualization modality that was originally designed for cardiovascular studies. By measuring the phase shift that is induced by pulsatile blood flows in the magnetic resonance signal, cross-sectional images and velocity maps are acquired of the moving fluid. This technique has been adapted to study blood flows in skeletal muscles [4], intracranial flows [5], and muscle mechanics and joint kinematics [6]]. We first performed a flow phantom study to validate the reliability and accuracy of CPC-MRI in measuring flow velocity. We then quantified the effects of brief exercise on blood flows in the lower extremities of human subjects. These non-invasive measurements will help us better understand the interplay between vasculature and skeletal system in various physiological and pathological conditions.

scholarly journals Breath Analysis Using eNose and Ion Mobility Technology to Diagnose Inflammatory Bowel Disease—A Pilot Study

Biosensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiele ◽  
Wicaksono ◽  
Kansara ◽  
Arasaradnam ◽  
Covington
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Ion Mobility ◽  
Bowel Disease ◽  
Breath Analysis ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Exhaled Breath ◽  
Faecal Calprotectin ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel

Early diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), remains a clinical challenge with current tests being invasive and costly. The analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath and biomarkers in stool (faecal calprotectin (FCP)) show increasing potential as non-invasive diagnostic tools. The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate the efficacy of breath analysis and determine if FCP can be used as an additional non-invasive parameter to supplement breath results, for the diagnosis of IBD. Thirty-nine subjects were recruited (14 CD, 16 UC, 9 controls). Breath samples were analysed using an in-house built electronic nose (Wolf eNose) and commercial gas chromatograph–ion mobility spectrometer (G.A.S. BreathSpec GC-IMS). Both technologies could consistently separate IBD and controls [AUC ± 95%, sensitivity, specificity], eNose: [0.81, 0.67, 0.89]; GC-IMS: [0.93, 0.87, 0.89]. Furthermore, we could separate CD from UC, eNose: [0.88, 0.71, 0.88]; GC-IMS: [0.71, 0.86, 0.62]. Including FCP did not improve distinction between CD vs UC; eNose: [0.74, 1.00, 0.56], but rather, improved separation of CD vs controls and UC vs controls; eNose: [0.77, 0.55, 1.00] and [0.72, 0.89, 0.67] without FCP, [0.81, 0.73, 0.78] and [0.90, 1.00, 0.78] with FCP, respectively. These results confirm the utility of breath analysis to distinguish between IBD-related diagnostic groups. FCP does not add significant diagnostic value to breath analysis within this study.

scholarly journals Soybean Oil Modulates the Gut Microbiota Associated with Atherogenic Biomarkers

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 486
Author(s):  
Hila Korach-Rechtman ◽  
Oren Rom ◽  
Lirane Mazouz ◽  
Shay Freilich ◽  
Helana Jeries ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soybean Oil ◽  
Metabolic Pathways ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Compositional Changes ◽  
Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
Fat Diets

During the last few decades there has been a staggering rise in human consumption of soybean-oil (SO). The microbiome and specific taxa composing it are dramatically affected by diet; specifically, by high-fat diets. Increasing evidence indicates the association between dysbiosis and health or disease state, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and atherosclerosis pathogenesis in human and animal models. To investigate the effects of high SO intake, C57BL/6 mice were orally supplemented with SO-based emulsion (SOE) for one month, followed by analyses of atherosclerosis-related biomarkers and microbiota profiling by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal DNA. SOE-supplementation caused compositional changes to 64 taxa, including enrichment in Bacteroidetes, Mucispirillum, Prevotella and Ruminococcus, and decreased Firmicutes. These changes were previously associated with atherosclerosis in numerous studies. Among the shifted taxa, 40 significantly correlated with at least one atherosclerosis-related biomarker (FDR < 0.05), while 13 taxa positively correlated with the average of all biomarkers. These microbial alterations also caused a microbial-derived metabolic-pathways shift, including enrichment in different amino-acid metabolic-pathways known to be implicated in CVD. In conclusion, our results demonstrate dysbiosis following SOE supplementation associated with atherosclerosis-related biomarkers. These findings point to the microbiome as a possible mediator to CVD, and it may be implemented into non-invasive diagnostic tools or as potential therapeutic strategies.

Diagnostic Tools of Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia – Best Possibilities for Non-invasive and Long-term Disease Monitoring

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (Suppl 2) ◽  
pp. 2S81-2S91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kateřina Growková ◽  
Zuzana Kufová ◽  
Tereza Ševčíková ◽  
Jana Filipová ◽  
Michal Kaščák ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Disease Monitoring ◽  
Waldenström’S Macroglobulinemia ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia ◽  
Waldenstrom’S Macroglobulinemia ◽  
Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia
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