Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecological cancer in the developed world. Most cases are diagnosed at late stage III-IV with a very low 5-year overall survival rate. Several studies revealed an elevated risk of OC in users of hormone treatment (HT) compared with non-users. The extended duration of HT is a statistically significant risk factor. Carbohydrate antigen or cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) remains the best screening tool for OC; however, its value is limited due to low specificity, leading to unnecessary interventions, surgeries, and psychological harm. Additionally, the variability of ultrasound interpretation highlights the urgent need to develop a univariate index with higher sensitivity and specificity for early diagnosis of OC in women under HT. Herein we critically review the limitations of biomarkers for the detection of OC aiming to suggest an accurate and cost-effective diagnostic ratio that eliminates the impact of body mass index, age, HT, smoking, and benign ovarian diseases on measurements. Numerous studies combine biomarkers such as CA-125, human epididymis protein 4, and thymidine kinase 1 into diagnostic algorithms. Data suggest that the expression of estrogen receptors may have diagnostic and prognostic value, as the estrogen receptor α (ERα):estrogen receptor β (ERβ) ratio is significantly higher in OC than in normal tissue due to ERβ downregulation. A high positive correlation between expression of CA-125 and carbohydrate antigen or cancer antigen 72 - 4 (CA72-4) with ERα and ERβ, respectively, poses that a novel ratio CA-125:CA72-4 could be nodal for monitoring post-menopausal women under HT.

Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) has recently become the imaging technique of choice for patients with different types of intestinal inflammation. IUS has a high sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value when diagnosing Crohn\'s disease or ulcerative colitis. Further, it is now the preferred imaging modality for routine IBD reevaluations because of its non-invasiveness, cost-effectiveness, availability (at least in Europe), and reproducibility in all age groups. However, the clinical success of IUS requires IUS training for doctors and technicians who perform IUS with a standardised description of ultrasound findings of the terminal ileum and entire colon. Complications such as abscess formation, fistulae, and stenosis can be detected by either conventional IUS or contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Lately, several disease activity scores have been proposed for Crohn\'s disease, postoperative Crohn\'s disease, and ulcerative colitis both in adults (including elderly) and in children. IUS was successfully used in randomised clinical trials in order to measure the treatment response. Therefore, IUS now plays a central role in clinical decision making.

The eating and feeding disorder section of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) is organized by a diagnostic algorithm that limits the contemporaneous assignment of multiple eating disorder diagnoses. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a disturbance in food intake typically associated with lack of interest in food, food avoidance based on sensory characteristics, and/or fear of aversive consequences from eating. According to the DSM-5-TR, an ARFID diagnosis cannot be made when weight or shape disturbances are present, and ARFID cannot be co-diagnosed with other eating disorders characterized by these disturbances. However, emerging evidence from both clinical and lived experience contexts suggests that the co-occurrence of ARFID with multiple other types of eating disorders may be problematically invisibilized by this trumping scheme. The diagnostic criteria for ARFID can contribute to inappropriate diagnosis or exclusion from diagnosis due to excessive ambiguity and disqualification based on body image disturbance and other eating disorder pathology, even if unrelated to the food restriction or avoidance. This harmfully limits the ability of diagnostic codes to accurately describe an individual\'s eating disorder symptomatology, impacting access to specialized and appropriate eating disorder care. Therefore, revision of the DSM-5-TR criteria for ARFID and removal of limitations on the diagnosis of ARFID concurrent to other full-syndrome eating disorders stands to improve identification, diagnosis, and support of the full spectrum of ARFID presentations.

TB diagnosis has been simplified in India following advances in available diagnostic tools. This facilitates private doctors\' \"patient first\" approach toward early diagnosis; however, costs remain high. India\'s NTEP established a TB diagnostic network, which is free for patients and incentivizes private doctors to participate. Drawing from this context led to the design and implementation of the One-Stop TB Diagnostic Solution model, which was conducted in the Hisar district, Haryana, allowing specimens from presumptive TB patients from private doctors to be collected and tested as per NTEPs diagnostic algorithm. A subset of data pertaining to private doctors was analyzed for the project period. Qualitative data were also collected by interviewing doctors using a snowball method to capture doctors\' perception about the model. Out of 1159 specimens collected from 60 facilities, MTB was detected in 32% and rifampicin resistance was detected in 7% specimens. All specimens went through the diagnostic algorithm. Thirty doctors interviewed were satisfied with the services offered and were appreciative of the program that implements this \"patient centric\" model. Results from implementation indicate the need to strengthen private diagnostics through a certification process to ensure provision of quality TB diagnostic services.

Kerion celsi (KC), known as scalp ringworm, is the most common dermatophytosis in children. In Mexico, it ranks fourth among dermatophytoses, with a frequency of 4%-10%. KC is the inflammatory variety of tinea capitis (TC), with the most common causative agents being Microsporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. We present the clinical case of a six-year-old male diagnosed with KC. Direct examination stained with chlorazol black and cultures were performed, yielding negative results. Histopathological study revealed spores and short hyphae within and surrounding the hair shaft. Treatment with itraconazole was initiated based on suspicion of Microsporum spp. from the trichoscopy findings. We propose a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for kerion celsi.

UNASSIGNED: Although tuberculosis is highly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, millions of cases remain undetected using current diagnostic methods. To address this problem, researchers have proposed prediction rules.
UNASSIGNED: We analyzed existing prediction rules for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis and identified factors with a moderate to high strength of association with the disease.
UNASSIGNED: We conducted a comprehensive search of relevant databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Global Health for Reports, and Google Scholar) up to 14 November 2022. Studies that developed diagnostic algorithms for pulmonary tuberculosis in adults from low and middle-income countries were included. Two reviewers performed study screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. The study quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2. We performed a narrative synthesis.
UNASSIGNED: Of the 26 articles selected, only half included human immune deficiency virus-positive patients. In symptomatic human immune deficiency virus patients, radiographic findings and body mass index were strong predictors of pulmonary tuberculosis, with an odds ratio of >4. However, in human immune deficiency virus-negative individuals, the biomarkers showed a moderate association with the disease. In symptomatic human immune deficiency virus patients, a C-reactive protein level ⩾10 mg/L had a sensitivity and specificity of 93% and 40%, respectively, whereas a trial of antibiotics had a specificity of 86% and a sensitivity of 43%. In smear-negative patients, anti-tuberculosis treatment showed a sensitivity of 52% and a specificity of 63%.
UNASSIGNED: The performance of predictors and diagnostic algorithms differs among patient subgroups, such as in human immune deficiency virus-positive patients, radiographic findings, and body mass index were strong predictors of pulmonary tuberculosis. However, in human immune deficiency virus-negative individuals, the biomarkers showed a moderate association with the disease. A few models have reached the World Health Organization\'s recommendation. Therefore, more work should be done to strengthen the predictive models for tuberculosis screening in the future, and they should be developed rigorously, considering the heterogeneity of the population in clinical work.

The Integral Theory Paradigm (ITP) has a 25-year track record of successfully treating bladder/bowel/pain symptoms caused by laxity in specific ligaments, even when the prolapse is minimal. The ITP-based treatment involves ligament support and can be nonsurgical or daycare surgical. An accurate diagnostic protocol is required. The Integral Theory Diagnostic system is performed in an outpatient setting. It a step-by-step \"how to\" resource for clinicians who wish to learn a practical anatomical diagnostic method which can quickly and accurately identify a ligament cause for bladder/bowel/pain symptoms, and therefore, potentially cure them. The structured ITP diagnosis flow chart uses symptoms to diagnose anatomical defects. It comprises 4 related steps. The ITP is holistic, and bladder, bowel, pain symptoms co-occur. The first step, therefore, is to establish all possible symptoms for transfer to the Diagnostic Algorithm which is the second step. Because patients complain of one main symptom, other symptoms must be located by direct questioning, using the Diagnostic Algorithm as an aide memoire, or a questionnaire to locate bladder, bowel, pain symptoms. Second step: symptoms are placed into 3 anatomical zones: anterior zone, pubourethral ligament (PUL) [stress urinary incontinence (SUI)]; middle zone, cardinal ligament (CL) (transverse defect cystocele); posterior zone, uterosacral ligament (USL) (uterine prolapse and enterocele). The third step is a vaginal examination to confirm the ligament damage (prolapses) in the three zones predicted by the algorithm. The fourth step is \"simulated operations\" (mechanical support of specific ligaments per vaginam) to validate the particular ligament indicated by the diagnostic algorithm, is indeed causing that symptom. For SUI, a hemostat test at midurethra supports PUL vaginally to stop urine loss on coughing; the lower blade of a bivalve speculum gently inserted into the vagina can relieve urge and pain.

Neonates with a new diagnosis of anorectal malformation (ARM) present a unique challenge to the clinical team. ARM is strongly associated with additional midline malformations, such as those observed in the VACTERL sequence, including vertebral, cardiac, and renal malformations. Timely assessment is necessary to identify anomalies requiring intervention and to prevent undue stress and delayed treatment. We utilized a multidisciplinary team to develop an algorithm guiding the midline workup of patients newly diagnosed with ARM. Patients were included if born in or transferred to our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), or if seen in clinic within one month of life. Complete imaging was defined as an echocardiogram, renal ultrasound, and spinal magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound within the first month of life. We compared three periods: prior to implementation (2010-2014), adoption period (2015), and delayed implementation (2022); p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Rates of complete imaging significantly improved from pre-implementation to delayed implementation (65.2% vs. 50.0% vs. 97.0%, p = 0.0003); the most growth was observed in spinal imaging (71.0% vs. 90.0% vs. 100.0%, p = 0.001). While there were no differences in the rates of identified anomalies, there were fewer missed diagnoses with the algorithm (10.0% vs. 47.6%, p = 0.05). We demonstrate that the implementation of a standardized algorithm can significantly increase appropriate screening for anomalies associated with a new diagnosis of ARM and can decrease delayed diagnosis. Further qualitative studies will help to refine and optimize the algorithm moving forward.

BACKGROUND: There is no gold-standard test for primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), rather American Thoracic Society guidelines recommend starting with nasal nitric oxide (nNO) in children ≥5 years old and confirming the diagnosis with genetic testing or ciliary biopsy with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These guidelines have not been studied in a clinical setting. We present a case series describing the PCD diagnostic process at our pediatric PCD center.
METHODS: Diagnostic data from 131 patients undergoing PCD consultation were reviewed.
RESULTS: In all participants ≥ 5 years old and who completed nNO using resistor methodology, the first diagnostic test performed was nNO in 77% (73/95), genetic testing in 14% (13/95), and TEM in <1% (9/95). nNO was the only diagnostic test performed in 75% (55/73) of participants who completed nNO first. Seventy-five percent (55/73) had a single above the cutoff nNO value and PCD was determined to be unlikely in 91% (50/55) without performing additional confirmatory testing. Eleven percent (8/73) had multiple below the cutoff nNO values, with 38% (3/8) being diagnosed with PCD by confirmatory testing and 50% (4/8) with negative confirmatory testing, but being managed as PCD. The genetic testing positivity rate was 50% in participants who completed nNO first and 8% when genetic testing was completed first.
CONCLUSIONS: nNO is useful in three situations: an initial above the cutoff nNO value makes PCD unlikely and prevents additional confirmatory testing, repetitively below the cutoff nNO values without positive confirmatory testing suggests a probable PCD diagnosis and the yield of genetic testing is higher when nNO is performed first.

UNASSIGNED: Better diagnosis and treatment of neuropathic cancer pain (NcP) remains an unmet clinical need. The EAPC/IASP algorithm was specifically designed for NcP diagnosis; yet, to date, there is no information on its application and accuracy.
UNASSIGNED: Our aim was to determine the accuracy of the EAPC/IASP algorithm compared with the Neuropathic Special Interest Group grading system (gold standard) and to describe patients\' sensory profile with quantitative sensory testing (QST).
UNASSIGNED: This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted in a palliative care and pain outpatient clinic. Patients with cancer pain intensity ≥3 (numerical rating scale 0-10) were eligible. The palliative care physician applied the EAPC/IASP algorithm as a grading system to diagnose probable or definite NcP, and an independent investigator applied the gold standard and performed the QST. Sensitivity and specificity of the EAPC/IASP algorithm were measured in comparison with the gold standard results. Kruskal-Wallis and unequal variance independent-samples t tests were used to compare the QST parameters in patients with and without NcP.
UNASSIGNED: Ninety-eight patients were enrolled from August 2020 to March 2023. Sensitivity and specificity for the EAPC/IASP algorithm were 85% (95% CI 70.2-94.3) and 98.3% (95% CI 90.8-100), respectively. Patients with NcP in contrast to patients without NcP showed cold hypoesthesia (P = 0.0032), warm hypoesthesia (P = 0.0018), pressure hyperalgesia (P = 0.02), and the presence of allodynia (P = 0.0001).
UNASSIGNED: The results indicate a good performance of the EAPC/IASP algorithm in diagnosing NcP and the QST discriminated well between patients with and without NcP.