Point-of-care diagnosis of tissue fibrosis: a review of advances in vibrational spectroscopy with machine learning.

Histopathology is the gold standard for diagnosing fibrosis, but its routine use is constrained by the need for additional stains, time, personnel and resources. Vibrational spectroscopy is a novel technique that offers an alternative atraumatic approach, with short scan times, while providing metabolic and morphological data. This review evaluates vibrational spectroscopy for the assessment of fibrosis, with a focus on point-of-care capabilities.

IgA Determines Bacterial Composition in the Gut.

Background: Classically, IgA in the gut prevents the invasion of microorganisms to systemic organs through the process of neutralization and immune exclusion. Interestingly, recent reports suggest that IgA might help in biofilm formation and promote bacterial growth inside the intestine.

Methods: In this study, we used flow cytometry, ELISA, and chemical models of colitis to test whether the quality and quantity of IgA can select for bacterial persistence in the gut.

Acute Cerebellitis as a Rare Treatable Cause of Obstructive Hydrocephalus.

Acute cerebellitis commonly presents as acute ataxia in children. Rarely, it can result in obstructive hydrocephalus. We report a 10-year-old boy with infection-associated acute cerebellitis and obstructive hydrocephalus that responded well to conservative management with no residual neurological deficit.

Hepatitis viruses in heamodialysis patients: an added insult to injury?

Hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) viruses are the most important causes of chronic liver disease in patients with end stage renal disease on hemodialysis. The prevalence of hepatitis infection among hemodialysis patients is high and varies between countries and between dialysis units within a single country. This case-control study was undertaken to estimate the occurrence of HBV and HCV infections in patients undergoing hemodialysis in our tertiary care center.