Diagnosis of systemic or visceral candidosis.

Although systemic or visceral candidosis can be diagnosed during life, it is usually discovered at autopsy. Early diagnosis is important since treatment with specific antifungal drugs is effective. The diagnosis should rest on all available clinical and laboratory evidence. Mucocutaneous lesions and chorioretinitis are important clinical findings in the presence of predisposing illness and iatrogenic factors. Repeatedly positive blood cultures for Candida in the absence of an indwelling intravenous line and Candida colony counts of 10 000/ml or greater in urine freshly obtained by catheter in the absence of an indwelling Foley catheter are very significant. Similarly significant is recovery of Candida from closed spaces (pleural, peritoneal, joint or subarachnoid). The agar gel diffusion test for Candida antibodies has a sensitivity and specificity of 85% or greater and can confirm the diagnosis in otherwise doubtful cases. The various antibody tests for Candida are not suitable for random screening because of the low prevalence of visceral or systemic candidosis in the general population.     

Universal primers for detection of common bacterial pathogens causing prosthetic joint infection

The diagnosis of low grade prosthetic joint infection is difficult and time consuming. Nested-PCR for universal bacterial DNA segments detection of "orthopaedic" bacteria was tested in a laboratory setting. This method is based on amplification of the 16S bacterial ribosomal RNA coding sequences. 11 species of the most frequent bacterial pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens) involved in prosthetic joint infections were studied. All could be detected rapidly and sensitively by this method.     

Impact orientation can significantly affect the outcome of a blunt impact to the rabbit patellofemoral joint

This laboratory has developed a subfracture, joint trauma model in rabbits. Using a dropped impact mass directed onto a slightly abducted joint, chronic softening of retropatellar cartilage and thickening of underlying subchondral bone are documented in studies to 1 year post-insult. It has been hypothesized that these tissue changes are initiated by stresses developed during impact loading. A previous analytical study by this laboratory suggests that tensile strains in retropatellar cartilage can be significantly lowered, without significantly changing the intensity of stresses in the underlying subchondral bone, by reorientation of patellar impact more centrally on the joint. In the current study comparative experiments were performed on groups of animals after either an impact directed on the slightly abducted limb or a more central impact. One-year post-trauma in animals subjected to the central-oriented impact no degradation of the shear modulus for the retropatellar cartilage was documented, but the thickness of the underlying subchondral bone was significantly increased. In contrast, alterations in cartilage and underlying bone following impact on the slightly abducted limb were consistent with previous studies. The current experimental investigation showed the sensitivity of post-trauma alterations in joint tissues to slight changes in the orientation of impact load on the joint. Interestingly, for this trauma model thickening of the underlying subchondral plate occurred without mechanical degradation of the overlying articular cartilage. This supports the current laboratory hypothesis that alterations in the subchondral bone and overlying cartilage occur independently in this animal model.     

Impact of Laboratory Test Use Strategies in a Turkish Hospital

ObjectivesEliminating unnecessary laboratory tests is a good way to reduce costs while maintain patient safety. The aim of this study was to define and process strategies to rationalize laboratory use in Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital (ANH) and calculate potential savings in costs.MethodsA collaborative plan was defined by hospital managers; joint meetings with ANHTA and laboratory professors were set; the joint committee invited relevant staff for input, and a laboratory efficiency committee was created. Literature was reviewed systematically to identify strategies used to improve laboratory efficiency. Strategies that would be applicable in local settings were identified for implementation, processed, and the impact on clinical use and costs assessed for 12 months.ResultsLaboratory use in ANH differed enormously among clinics. Major use was identified in internal medicine. The mean number of tests per patient was 15.8. Unnecessary testing for chloride, folic acid, free prostate specific antigen, hepatitis and HIV testing were observed. Test panel use was pinpointed as the main cause of overuse of the laboratory and the Hospital Information System test ordering page was reorganized. A significant decrease (between 12.6–85.0%) was observed for the tests that were taken to an alternative page on the computer screen. The one year study saving was equivalent to 371,183 US dollars.ConclusionHospital-based committees including laboratory professionals and clinicians can define hospital based problems and led to a standardized approach to test use that can help clinicians reduce laboratory costs through appropriate use of laboratory tests.     

Spuriously Elevated Free Thyroxine Associated with Autoantibodies,a Result of Laboratory Methodology: Case Report and Literature Review

ObjectiveWe describe a case of spurious hyperthy-roxinemia secondary to thyroid hormone autoantibodies (THAAbs) in a clinically euthyroid patient with Turner mosaic syndrome.MethodsSeveral commonly available laboratory-based approaches were used, which indicated a disproportionate elevation of free thyroxine (T₄) and ultimately led to the diagnosis of THAAbs. A literature review was undertaken to examine the clinical and laboratory associations of THAAbs.ResultsThe free T₄ result of the patient was highly discrepant when measured using an Advia Centaur platform (5.89 ng/dL) as compared with the Vitros 5600 and DxI 800 platforms (1.03 and 0.74 ng/dL, respectively). Polyethylene glycol precipitation of the patient’s sample showed reduced free T₄ recovery (26%), suggesting the presence of a high-molecular-weight interfering substance. Rheumatoid factor and heterophile blocking tube studies were negative. These results suggested a presumptive diagnosis of THAAbs. Direct detection of THAAbs using a radiobinding method confirmed the diagnosis. A review of the literature showed that THAAbs are prevalent among patients with (autoimmune and nonautoimmune) thyroid disorders and nonthyroid autoimmune disorders but rarely cause spurious measurements. Possible pathogenesis includes molecular mimicry, exposure of the antigenic surfaces of iodinated thyroglobulin molecules to B lymphocytes in injurious or inflammatory conditions involving the thyroid gland. Free thyroid hormone methods using one-step analog and labeled antibody designs are prone to falsely high measurements, whereas two-step analog designs may produce spuriously low results.ConclusionTHAAbs are an underrecognized cause of laboratory interference that is best approached by joint clinical-laboratory efforts. The routine laboratory techniques described above can suggest preliminary diagnosis of this rare entity. (Endocr Pract. 2014;20:e134-e139)     

The Spectrum of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis

The incidence of new cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis has remained constant, despite the decline in new cases of active pulmonary tuberculosis. This might be due to a delay in recognition, and particularly a lack of consideration of tuberculosis when the presenting symptoms are other than respiratory. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of bone, joint, genitourinary tract and central nervous system (CNS) diseases.To determine factors that might delay recognition and identification, 62 patients having extrapulmonary tuberculosis during 1969-1972 at the Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center were studied.Three quarters of these patients had had CNS, skeletal or genitourinary tuberculosis in equal distribution or 25 percent each. CNS involvement was seen frequently in the disseminated form. Presenting symptoms were protean and not specific, such as fever, anorexia, weight loss, cough, lymphadenopathy and neurologic abnormalities. Roentgenograms of the chest were abnormal in most. When a roentgenogram of the chest suggests pulmonary tuberculosis, signs and symptoms in other body systems should suggest extrapulmonary tuberculosis. If no abnormalities are seen on a roentgenogram of the chest, however, this does not preclude the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Neither does a negative tuberculin skin test exclude the condition.Abnormal laboratory findings are common, especially in disseminated tuberculosis. These include various anemias, bone marrow disorders, hyponatremia due to inappropriate antidiuretic hormone syndrome. Analyses of pleural, peritoneal, pericardial and joint fluid usually show an exudate high in lymphocytes and occasionally low in glucose. Similar findings are seen in spinal fluid. The histological features of caseous or noncaseous granulomas are suggestive of but not specific for tuberculosis. Only culture of mycobacteria from sputum, urine, spinal fluid, pleural and other effusions and tissue biopsy specimens will yield a definitive diagnosis.Physicians must have a high index of suspicion to diagnose extrapulmonary tuberculosis, as it can resemble any disease in any organ system. Immediate therapy in the disseminated variety, sometimes even before a definite diagnosis can be made, may be lifesaving.     

Radiation diagnosis for tuberculous gonitis in children

Tuberculous knee joint lesion in children is the most common form of articular pathology. The high sociomedical significance of this disease in modern society is determined by not only its prevalence, but also economic losses caused by high disability rates in children. The purpose of the study was to determine the possibilities and place of a comprehensive radiation study in the diagnosis of tuberculous gonitis in children. Sixty patients aged 10 months to 18 years were examined. Clinical studies were comprehensively assessed, by taking into account the collected history data and orhthopedic and laboratory findings. Surgery was made in 26 children. All the patients underwent mutiprojection X-ray study, knee joint ultrasound study being made in 48 patients. Knee joint X-ray study was performed on Siregraph (Siemens) apparatuses. Real-time ultrasonography was conducted on Aloka SSD-1100 and Aloka--3500+ apparatuses, by employing a 7.5-MHz linear transducer. According to P.G. Kornev (1971), three phases were identified in the course of tuberculous gonitis. These included prearthritic (the development of primary ostitis); arthritic (articular cartilage destruction, followed by the development of secondary arthritis; and postarthritic (sequels of prior tuberculous osteomyelitis) phases. Analysis indicated that the use of the routine X-ray study in combination with ultrasound scanning in the diagnosis of tuberculous gonitis in children yielded more adequate information on tissue and knee joint structural changes and made it possible to define further policy treatment and to predict the outcomes of the disease.     

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS—Diagnosis in Peripheral Joint Affliction

The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in a typical case depends upon a history of pain and swelling of various joints throughout the body. In the first stages the disease usually involves only the small joints of the hands and feet, but sooner or later it spreads to the larger joints. This may be accompanied by fibrosis of one or more joints, causing disability ranging from disuse of one joint up to total incapacity. Diagnosis in early or atypical cases is often impossible until the patient has been under observation a long time. It is important that diagnosis be made as early as possible, in order that appropriate therapy may be started and ankylosis and disability of the joints prevented.Since laboratory procedures and roentgen films do not show early changes, emphasis is placed on the history and physical examination for diagnosis.     

Rheumatoid arthritis; diagnosis in peripheral joint affliction

The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in a typical case depends upon a history of pain and swelling of various joints throughout the body. In the first stages the disease usually involves only the small joints of the hands and feet, but sooner or later it spreads to the larger joints. This may be accompanied by fibrosis of one or more joints, causing disability ranging from disuse of one joint up to total incapacity. Diagnosis in early or atypical cases is often impossible until the patient has been under observation a long time. It is important that diagnosis be made as early as possible, in order that appropriate therapy may be started and ankylosis and disability of the joints prevented. Since laboratory procedures and roentgen films do not show early changes, emphasis is placed on the history and physical examination for diagnosis.     

髋关节撞击征的诊断和治疗

髋关节撞击综合征（femoroacetabularimpingement,FAI）是以髋关节解剖结构异常而引发的股骨近端和髋臼间发生异常碰撞,从而导致髋关节孟唇和关节软骨的退行性变化,引起髋关节慢性疼痛的疾病。髋关节活动范围特别是屈曲和内旋受限,最终发展为髋关节骨关节炎。FAI在我国国内为一个较新的概念,临床能得到诊断的病例不多,但实际病例很多,相当一部分的髋关节疼痛是由撞击征造成,平常的药物止痛不能解除持续的撞击,最终会发生骨关节炎。由此早期的诊断及手术干预,可以消除疼痛,防止骨关节炎的发生。进而推迟或消除关节置换手术是有巨大的经济和社会价值。     

髋关节撞击征的诊断和治疗*

摘要：髋关节撞击综合征(femoroacetabular impingement,FAI)是以髋关节解剖结构异常而引发的股骨近端和髋臼间发生异常碰 撞,从而导致髋关节盂唇和关节软骨的退行性变化,引起髋关节慢性疼痛的疾病。髋关节活动范围特别是屈曲和内旋受限,最终 发展为髋关节骨关节炎。FAI在我国国内为一个较新的概念,临床能得到诊断的病例不多,但实际病例很多,相当一部分的髋关节 疼痛是由撞击征造成,平常的药物止痛不能解除持续的撞击,最终会发生骨关节炎。由此早期的诊断及手术干预,可以消除疼痛, 防止骨关节炎的发生,进而推迟或消除关节置换手术是有巨大的经济和社会价值。     

Rheumatoid Disease in Children

Data relative to 102 patients seen between 1940 and 1960 with infantile rheumatoid arthritis were analyzed. The systemic nature of the disease and variable early clinical picture make early diagnosis very difficult. Only 20% had articular symptoms at the onset. The youngest was aged 6 months and there was a greater incidence of onset in the first two years of life. Particular attention was paid to the site of original joint involvement as compared with the subsequent final joint pathology. Spindle fingers or swollen proximal interphalangeal joints appear late in the disease but are usually diagnostic of infantile rheumatoid arthritis. Diagnosis is essentially a clinical one; laboratory tests are of little diagnostic value. Prognosis is related to the age of onset, on institution of therapy, and systemic manifestations. Of these patients 50% were functionally normal at the time of follow-up, 25% had mild residual disability and 25% were severely crippled.     

基于GPL软件的小型生物实验室计算服务解决方案

针对小型实验室特点和实际需要,提出并实现一个以服务器-客户机模式,涵盖web服务,生物序列分析,生物芯片数据分析,实验数据统计处理,文献服务等计算机辅助的通用解决方案。该解决方案已经应用在批量ESTs电子注释和寄生虫病分子诊断的靶序列筛选上。可作为小型实验室生物信息学基础设施部署。     

Use of the dot-immunogold assay for the rapid diagnosis of acute enteric infections

A simple method based on an immunodot assay using colloidal gold labels is proposed for the rapid diagnosis of a range of acute enteric infections. Owing to its rapidity, high sensitivity, and specificity, the method can be recommended for routine use in the laboratory diagnosis of enteric infections.     

The diagnostic challenge of progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia (PPRD): a review of clinical features, radiographic features, and WISP3 mutations in 63 affected individuals

Progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia (PPRD) is a genetic, non-inflammatory arthropathy caused by recessive loss of function mutations in WISP3 (Wnt1-inducible signaling pathway protein 3; MIM 603400), encoding for a signaling protein. The disease is clinically silent at birth and in infancy. It manifests between the age of 3 and 6 years with joint pain and progressive joint stiffness. Affected children are referred to pediatric rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons; however, signs of inflammation are absent and anti-inflammatory treatment is of little help. Bony enlargement at the interphalangeal joints progresses leading to camptodactyly. Spine involvement develops in late childhood and adolescence leading to short trunk with thoracolumbar kyphosis. Adult height is usually below the 3rd percentile. Radiographic signs are relatively mild. Platyspondyly develops in late childhood and can be the first clue to the diagnosis. Enlargement of the phalangeal metaphyses develops subtly and is usually recognizable by 10 years. The femoral heads are large and the acetabulum forms a distinct "lip" overriding the femoral head. There is a progressive narrowing of all articular spaces as articular cartilage is lost. Medical management of PPRD remains symptomatic and relies on pain medication. Hip joint replacement surgery in early adulthood is effective in reducing pain and maintaining mobility and can be recommended. Subsequent knee joint replacement is a further option. Mutation analysis of WISP3 allowed the confirmation of the diagnosis in 63 out of 64 typical cases in our series. Intronic mutations in WISP3 leading to splicing aberrations can be detected only in cDNA from fibroblasts and therefore a skin biopsy is indicated when genomic analysis fails to reveal mutations in individuals with otherwise typical signs and symptoms. In spite of the first symptoms appearing in early childhood, the diagnosis of PPRD is most often made only in the second decade and affected children often receive unnecessary anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive treatments. Increasing awareness of PPRD appears to be essential to allow for a timely diagnosis.     

实验动物皮肤病原真菌检测方法的改良

目的对实验动物皮肤病原真菌2种培养方法进行了比较。方法将采集到的3只皮肤真菌感染病兔样品经由沙氏平皿法和沙氏试管斜面培养法分别进行培养。结果在3只真菌感染病兔中应用试管斜面法我们只检测到1例皮肤病原真菌阳性,而采用沙氏平皿法3例阳性全部检出。结论结合临床检测经验,我们认为本研究的沙氏平皿法优于沙氏试管斜面法,在实验动物皮肤病原真菌常规检测中具有推广应用价值。     

Fine needle aspiration of tophi for crystal identification in problematic cases of gout. A report of two cases

BACKGROUND: The definitive diagnosis of gout is best established by demonstration of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in the synovial fluid or biopsy. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of tophi can play a crucial role in diagnosis. CASES: A 36-year-old chronic alcoholic male developed subcutaneous nodules on both malleoli without a history of arthropathy and with normal serum uric acid levels. FNAC of the nodules demonstrated stacks and sheaves of needle-shaped crystals of MSU. A 50-year-old diabetic male developed multiple nodules on the feet. He gave a past history of painful athropathy. A roentgenogram of the feet was suspicious for gout; however, joint aspiration failed, and the serum uric acid levels were normal. At this juncture FNAC of the feet tophi clinched the diagnosis of gout. In both cases, polarization of needle washings (wet mount) and the fixed, Papanicolaoustained smears showed negatively birefringent, needle-shaped crystals of MSU, thus confirming the diagnosis of gout. CONCLUSION: FNAC of gouty tophi is an easy alternative to synovial biopsy and joint fluid analysis. It is simpler, easier and less painful. As crystals are preserved in stained smears, they can be employed for polarization and confirmation of gout.     

Arthrosonography--a modern method for morphologic and functional joint evaluation in hemophilia]

The arthrosonography is a new depicting procedure for detection of destructing joint processes in haemophilia. A direct evaluation of the cartilage, of the border between cartilage and bone, of the synovial membrane with proliferative processes as well as the differentiation between soft-tissue bleeding and haemarthros are possible. An essential advantage is given by a combined morphological and functional joint evaluation. The diagnosis of joint instabilities can be recognized easier by sonography than by X-ray. Clinical findings are completed in an excellent manner and lesions of bone and cartilage are detected earlier by arthrosonography.     

禽流感病毒实验检测研究进展

禽流感病毒(avian influenza viruses,AIV)给人类健康已带来严重威胁,而实验室快速、准确的诊断技术对禽流感的预防、控制及应急反应决策起着极其关键的作用,这使其成为了研究热点并取得了巨大进步。就禽流感的实验检测技术研究进展从病毒分离、免疫学诊断及分子诊断3个方面加以综述。     

Tick borne zoonosis: selected clinical and diagnostic aspects

Tick-borne zoonotic infections are among the most diffuse vector borne diseases: these large group of infections is caused by different microorganisms: Babesia spp., Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Francisella tularensis, Coxiella burnetii) and tick-borne encephalitis virus. Babesiosis is caused by the protozoa (sporozoa) Babesia microti and it is quite rare in humans in Europe. The ixodids ticks are the competent vectors. A few symptomatic cases have been reported, mainly in splenectomized patients. The laboratory diagnosis is made by the microscopic identification of the parasites within the red blood cells in blood smears. The serologic diagnosis, based mainly upon IFA and WB techniques has only an epidemiological interest. Lyme borreliosis (Lyme disease) has been recognized as the most frequent vector borne disease in mild climate areas. The etiologic agent is a spirochete, belonging to the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex: B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. garinii and B. afzelii. Several additional species of this geno-complex have been identified but their pathogenic capability for humans still needs to be elucidated. Lyme borreliosis is clinically divided into three different clinical stages: the early disease, the disseminated infection and the persistent infection. Individual stages are caused by the diffusion of the spirochetes to different anatomic districts of the body. The main clinical symptoms are, for each stage: the erythema chronicum migrans in the early infection, the peripheral nerves and joint involvement in disseminated diseases and the acrodermatitis chronica atrophica (ACA) with central nervous system involvement in the late disseminated infection. The microbiological diagnosis is achieved by serologic techniques (IFA, EIA, WB) and by isolation of the spirochetes (in vitro culture and DNA amplification methods). Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is occasionally transmitted to humans by the soft ticks Ornithodorus and is caused by Borrelia spp. Different borreliae are responsible for TBRF in various geographic areas. The laboratory diagnosis is based upon the identification of spirochetes in peripheral blood by microscopic observation of Giemsa stained smears. Rickettsiosis diseases are caused worldwide by the obligate intracellular bacteria belonging to the genus Rickettsia. In the Mediterranean area the most frequently identified rickettsia is R. conorii, that causes the so called Mediterranean spotted fever. The serologic detection of a specific antibody response by IFA techniques is the most prominent tool for the diagnosis. In addition, the PCR method can be applied. Bacteria of the genus Ehrlichia are well known pathogens in veterinary medicine. Since the last decade their zoonotic capability has emerged and E. chafeensis, E. canis and the so called human granulocytic agent (HGE) have been identified in human diseases following a tick bite. The ehrlichiosis is characterized, in human, by a mild fever associated with lymphoadenopathy. The diagnosis is made on the identification of morulae (the intracytoplasmatic inclusion of the growing rickettsiae) in the white cells of peripheral blood. In addition the molecular diagnosis is also possible by PCR. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is the only viral arthropod-borne encephalitis in Europe: it is caused by a flavivirus and it can also be transmitted by the ingestion of goat raw milk. The more relevant epidemiological figure is limited to the Alps, in particular to the Northern side (Austria). Isolated cases have been reported also in Italy. TBE is a benign self-limiting illness that usually recovers without any reliquate. The laboratory diagnosis is obtained by isolating the virus in cell cultures from the CSF or blood of acute phase patients. Serology is anyway the main laboratory tool to perform this diagnosis. Complement fixation and EIA IgM are the most used methods: the latter technique is particularly sensitive in early infection.