Expert Opinion on Medical Diagnostics 

About: Expert Opinion on Medical Diagnostics is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Cancer & Biomarker discovery. It has an ISSN identifier of 1753-0059. Over the lifetime, 419 publications have been published receiving 4492 citations.

Challenges in biomarker discovery: combining expert insights with statistical analysis of complex omics data

Abstract: Introduction: The advent of high throughput technologies capable of comprehensive analysis of genes, transcripts, proteins and other significant biological molecules has provided an unprecedented opportunity for the identification of molecular markers of disease processes. However, it has simultaneously complicated the problem of extracting meaningful molecular signatures of biological processes from these complex datasets. The process of biomarker discovery and characterization provides opportunities for more sophisticated approaches to integrating purely statistical and expert knowledge-based approaches. Areas covered: In this review we will present examples of current practices for biomarker discovery from complex omic datasets and the challenges that have been encountered in deriving valid and useful signatures of disease. We will then present a high-level review of data-driven (statistical) and knowledge-based methods applied to biomarker discovery, highlighting some current efforts to combine the tw...

Emerging urinary biomarkers in the diagnosis of acute kidney injury

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) represents a common and devastating problem in clinical medicine. The lack of early biomarkers for AKI has led to a delay in initiating potentially effective therapies. OBJECTIVE: Identification of novel urinary biomarkers for AKI that have progressed to the clinical phase of the biomarker discovery process. METHODS: A literature review (PubMed, MedLine) from 2000 to the present. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS;: The most promising AKI biomarkers include neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, IL-18, kidney injury molecule-1 and liver-type fatty acid binding protein. Studies to validate the sensitivity and specificity of these biomarkers in clinical samples from large cohorts and from multiple clinical situations are in progress, facilitated by the development of commercial tools for their measurement.

Advances in Clinical and Biomedical Applications of Photoacoustic Imaging.

Abstract: IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD: Photoacoustic imaging is an imaging modality that derives image contrast from the optical absorption coefficient of the tissue being imaged. The imaging technique is able to differentiate between healthy and diseased tissue with either deeper penetration or higher resolution than other functional imaging modalities currently available. From a clinical standpoint, photoacoustic imaging has demonstrated safety and effectiveness in diagnosing diseased tissue regions using either endogenous tissue contrast or exogenous contrast agents. Furthermore, the potential of photoacoustic imaging has been demonstrated in various therapeutic interventions ranging from drug delivery and release to image-guided therapy and monitoring. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW: This article reviews the current state of photoacoustic imaging in biomedicine from a technological perspective, highlights various biomedical and clinical applications of photoacoustic imaging, and gives insights on future directions. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN: Readers will learn about the various applications of photoacoustic imaging, as well as the various contrast agents that can be used to assist photoacoustic imaging. This review will highlight both pre-clinical and clinical uses for photoacoustic imaging, as well as discuss some of the challenges that must be addressed to move photoacoustic imaging into the clinical realm. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Photoacoustic imaging offers unique advantages over existing imaging modalities. The imaging field is broad with many exciting applications for detecting and diagnosing diseased tissue or processes. Photoacoustics is also used in therapeutic applications to identify and characterize the pathology and then to monitor the treatment. Although the technology is still in its infancy, much work has been done in the pre-clinical arena, and photoacoustic imaging is fast approaching the clinical setting.

Biomarkers of endometriosis.

Abstract: Background: Diagnosis of endometriosis is surgical through laparoscopy, which is invasive, costly and associated with potential complications. Objectives: A non-invasive test for diagnosis of endometriosis will focus the use of laparoscopy on women who are highly suspected of having endometriosis. This review includes studies about different biomarkers for endometriosis and their potential for the non-surgical diagnosis of this disease. Methods: This review covers studies that investigated different biomarkers in blood or endometrium. Studies that identified definite cutoff points and evaluated the diagnostic performance of the biomarker as a blood test for endometriosis are focused on. Results/conclusions: Some of the markers investigated showed a good specificity, none of them showed a high sensitivity. More multi-center studies involving larger numbers of patients are required to identify the most useful biomarker.

The role of thymidine kinase in cancer diseases.

Abstract: Thymidine kinase 1 (TK 1-fetal) is a cell cycle-dependent marker that increases dramatically during the S-phase of the cell cycle. In this review, the authors discuss serum levels of thymidine kinase in a variety of neoplasias. Determination of thymidine kinase helps to monitor the follow-up of solid tumours and haematological malignancies as well as indicating the efficacy of adjuvant and palliative chemotherapy. Elevated levels of thymidine kinase must always be interpreted together with a detailed knowledge of the patient's condition because nonspecific elevations of serum levels (inflammatory and autoimmune diseases) must be excluded.