Evaluation of a Point-of-Need Molecular Diagnostic Tool Coupled with Rapid DNA Extraction Methods for Visceral Leishmaniasis.

A rapid, cost-effective, and simple nucleic acid isolation technique coupled with a point-of-need DNA amplification assay is a desirable goal for programmatic use. For diagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL), Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) rapid tests for the detection of Leishmania DNA are versatile and have operational advantages over qPCR. To facilitate the delivery of the RPA test at point-of-need for VL diagnosis, we compared two rapid DNA extraction methods, SwiftDx (SX) and an in-house Boil and Spin (BS) method, coupled with RPA amplification, versus more widely used methods for DNA extraction and amplification, namely Qiagen (Q) kits and qPCR, respectively.

Glioblastoma imitating a cavernoma radiologically: A unique image report.

Background: Glioblastoma is the most common primary malignant brain tumor with characteristic radiological features in most cases.

Case Description: We highlight an unusual case of a 54-year-old woman, neurologically intact, with a diagnostically challenging lesion. The patient's magnetic resonance imaging revealed a left frontal lesion with surrounding edema and a hemosiderin ring, misleading it to be a cavernoma.

Influence of Lyophilization and Cryoprotection on the Stability and Morphology of Drug-Loaded Poly(ethylene glycol--ε-caprolactone) Micelles.

Polymeric micelles are promising carriers for the delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs, providing enhanced drug solubility, blood circulation times, and bioavailability. Nevertheless, the storage and long-term stability of micelles in solution present challenges requiring the lyophilization and storage of formulations in the solid state, with reconstitution immediately prior to application. Therefore, it is important to understand the effects of lyophilization/reconstitution on micelles, particularly their drug-loaded counterparts.