scholarly journals Application of a fast and cost-effective ‘three-in-one’ MMR ELISA as a tool for surveying anti-MMR humoral immunity: the Hungarian experience

2020 ◽  
Vol 148 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Böröcz ◽  
Z. Csizmadia ◽  
Á. Markovics ◽  
N. Farkas ◽  
J. Najbauer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Humoral Immunity ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Reference Method ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Mmr Vaccine ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Automated Platform

Abstract In Hungary, between February 2017 and July 2019, 70 confirmed measles cases were reported, raising questions about the adequacy of population-level immunity. Although the assumed vaccination coverage is ≥99%, in a recent study, we detected potential gaps in the anti-measles humoral immunity. In Hungary, according to a decree by the Ministry of Public Welfare, beginning from 2021, the healthcare provider should conduct a serosurvey of anti-measles protection levels of healthcare professionals. To facilitate the compliance with this requirement, we developed a quick ‘three-in-one’ or ‘triple’ MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) indirect ELISA (IgG); an assay format that is currently not available commercially. High throughput applicability of the ‘three-in-one’ ELISA was verified using 1736 sera from routine laboratory residual samples, using an automated platform (Siemens BEP 2000 Advance). Assay verification was performed by comparing the full antigen repertoire-based ‘target’ assay with in-house ‘control’ assays using recombinant viral antigen coatings, and by validated commercially available kits. Indirect immunofluorescence was used as an independent reference method. Data were analysed using OriginLab, IBM SPSS, RStudio and MedCalc. In case of measles, we combined our current results with previously published data (Ntotal measles = 3523). Evaluation of anti-mumps and anti-rubella humoral antibody levels was based on the measurement of 1736 samples. The lowest anti-measles seropositivity (79.3%) was detected in sera of individuals vaccinated between 1978 and 1987. Considering the antigen-specific seropositivity ratios of all samples measured, anti-measles, -mumps and -rubella IgG antibody titres were adequate in 89.84%, 91.82% and 92.28%, respectively. Based on the virus-specific herd immunity threshold (HIT) values (HITMeasles = 92–95%, HITMumps = 75–86%, HITRubella = 83–86), it can be stated that regarding anti-measles immunity, certain age clusters of the population may have inadequate levels of humoral immunity. Despite the potential gaps in herd immunity, the use of MMR vaccine remains an effective and low-cost approach for the prevention of measles, mumps and rubella infections.

scholarly journals Synchronous fluorescence as a green and selective tool for simultaneous determination of bambuterol and its main degradation product, terbutaline

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (10) ◽  
pp. 181359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samah Abo El Abass ◽  
Heba Elmansi
Keyword(s):  
Degradation Product ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Reference Method ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Zero Crossing ◽  
Cost Effective Method ◽  
Validation Parameters ◽  
Main Degradation Product ◽  
20 Nm

A green, sensitive and cost-effective method is introduced in this research for the determination of bambuterol and its main degradation product, terbutaline, simultaneously, relying on the synchronous spectrofluorimetric technique. First derivative synchronous spectrofluorimetric amplitude is measured at Δ λ = 20 nm, so bambuterol can be quantitated at 260 nm, and terbutaline can be measured at 290 nm, each at the zero crossing point of the other. The amplitude–concentration plots were linear over the concentration ranges of 0.2–6.0 µg ml −1 and 0.2–4.0 µg ml −1 for both bambuterol and terbutaline, respectively. Official guidelines were followed to calculate the validation parameters of the proposed method. The low values of limits of detection of 0.023, 0.056 µg ml −1 and limits of quantitation of 0.071, 0.169 µg ml −1 for bambuterol and terbutaline, respectively, point to the sensitivity of the method. Bambuterol is a prodrug for terbutaline, and the latter is considered its degradation product so the established method could be regarded as a stability-indicating one. Moreover, the proposed method was used for the analysis of bambuterol and terbutaline in their single ingredient preparations and the results revealed statistical agreement with the reference method. The suggested method, being a simple and low-cost procedure, is superior to the previously published methods which need more sophisticated techniques, longer analysis time and highly toxic solvents and reagents. It could be considered as an eco-friendly analytical procedure.

scholarly journals Analytical and Clinical Evaluation of the Automated Elecsys Anti–SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Assay on the Roche cobas e602 Analyzer

2020 ◽  
Vol 154 (5) ◽  
pp. 620-626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clarence W Chan ◽  
Kyle Parker ◽  
Vera Tesic ◽  
Angel Baldwin ◽  
Nga Yeung Tang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Performance ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Good Precision ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Serologic Testing ◽  
Automated Platform ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Roche Cobas

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the analytical and clinical performance of the automated Elecsys anti–severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody (Elecsys Ab) assay on the Roche cobas e602 analyzer. With the ongoing global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, widespread and routine serologic testing of SARS-CoV-2 remains a pressing need. To better understand its epidemiologic spread and to support policies aimed at curtailing further infections, reliable serologic testing is crucial for providing insight into the dynamics of the spread of COVID-19 on a population level. Methods The presence of anti–SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in polymerase chain reaction–positive, confirmed COVID-19 patient samples was determined using the Elecsys Ab assay on the Roche cobas e602 analyzer. The precision and cross-reactivity of the Elecsys Ab assay were characterized and its performance was compared against the EuroImmun IgA/IgG antibody (EuroImmun Ab) assay. Calculated sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were assessed. Results The Elecsys Ab assay demonstrated good precision, had no cross-reactivity with other viral samples, and showed 100% concordance with the EuroImmun Ab assay. Excellent clinical performance with respect to sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values was observed. Conclusions The Elecsys Ab assay is a precise and highly reliable automated platform for clinical detection of seropositivity in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

scholarly journals A herd immunity to measles and rubella viruses in the population of the Republic of Serbia

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 171-176
Author(s):  
M. A. Bichurina ◽  
S. Filipovic-Vignjevic ◽  
A. Yu. Antipova ◽  
M. Bancevic ◽  
I. N. Lavrentieva
Keyword(s):  
Measles Virus ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Mmr Vaccine ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Group I ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Republic

According to the WHO Strategic Plan, measles should be eradicated in 2020 in the five WHO Regions including European Region. However, large measles outbreaks are being periodically registered in diverse European countries. In the Republic of Serbia (SRB), 5,076 measles cases were detected in 2018, among which 15 cases were fatal.Aim of the study was to examine herd immunity to measles and rubella viruses in the population of the Republic of Serbia.Materials and methods. Blood serum samples obtained in 2018 and 2019 from conditionally healthy residents of the Republic of Serbia were tested for the presence of IgG antibodies to measles and rubella viruses in five age groups: I — children from 2 to 6 years old, II — children from 8 to 14 years old, III — 15 to 24 years old, IV — 25 to 49 years old and V — over 50 years old. A total of 1000 samples were obtained, 200 sera in each group. Enzygnost® Anti-Measles virus/IgG and Enzygnost® Anti-Rubella virus/IgG ELISA test systems (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Products GmbH, Germany) were used according to the manufacturer's instructions.Results. Overall, around 23.0% and 33.7% of the surveyed persons had no or low level of anti-measles IgG antibody (≥ 275.0 — ≤ 1000.0 IU/1). In age group I, 60% children contained no or “low” anti-measles antibodies titer (29.5% and 30.5%, respectively). In addition, low antibody titer level was mainly detected in individuals from age group II and III (p < 0.05). A third of children under 8—14 contained high IgG-antibodies titer against measles (> 3000.0 IU/l) that might serve as an evidence that such subjects recently recovered after measles. Similar results were obtained for IgG antibodies to rubella in the same age groups.Discussion. The study results evidence about altered routine immunization against measles and rubella in children aged 12—15 months (first vaccination) and those at age of 6—7 years (revaccination) with MMR vaccine. The data obtained correlate with official data on coverage with measles and rubella vaccines in the Republic of Serbia.

scholarly journals Australian mumps serosurvey 2012–2013: any cause for concern?

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cyra Patel ◽  
Frank Beard ◽  
Alexandra Hendry ◽  
Helen Quinn ◽  
Aditi Dey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Close Contact ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Vaccine Dose ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Mmr Vaccine ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Weighted Estimates ◽  
Specific Igg ◽  
Specific Igg Antibodies

Objective To determine population-level immunity to mumps in Australia. Methods We tested randomly selected specimens from people aged 1–49 years using the Enzygnost anti-parotitis IgG enzyme immunoassay from an opportunistically collected serum bank in 2012–2013. Weighted estimates of the proportion seropositive and equivocal for mumps-specific IgG antibody were determined by age group and compared with two previous national serosurveys conducted in 2007–2008 and 1997–1998. Results Overall, 82.1% (95% CI 80.6–83.5%) of 2,729 specimens were positive or equivocal for mumps-specific IgG antibodies (71.1% positive [95% CI 69.4–72.9%]; 10.9% equivocal [95% CI 9.8–12.2%]). The proportion positive or equivocal was higher in 2012–2013 (82.1%) than in 2007–2008 (75.5%) and 1997–1998 (72.5%), but varied by age. The proportion positive or equivocal in 2012-2013 was above 80% for all age groups older than 1 year except for 30–34 year olds, corresponding to the 1978–1982 birth cohort previously identified as most likely to have missed out on a second MMR vaccine dose. Conclusions Seropositivity to mumps in 2012–2013 was well-maintained compared with previous serosurveys. Low mumps notifications over this period in Australia suggest an absence of community-based transmission of mumps infection in the general population, but recent outbreaks among Aboriginal adolescents and young adults in close-contact settings, despite high 2-dose MMR coverage, suggest that seroprotection may be insufficient in other similar settings in Australia.

scholarly journals Clinical Impact, Costs, and Cost-Effectiveness of Expanded SARS-CoV-2 Testing in Massachusetts

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne M Neilan ◽  
Elena Losina ◽  
Audrey C Bangs ◽  
Clare Flanagan ◽  
Christopher Panella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Quality Adjusted Life Year ◽  
Entire Population ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Testing Strategies ◽  
Incidence And Mortality ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Abstract Background We projected the clinical and economic impact of alternative testing strategies on COVID-19 incidence and mortality in Massachusetts using a microsimulation model. Methods We compared four testing strategies: 1) Hospitalized: PCR testing only patients with severe/critical symptoms warranting hospitalization; 2) Symptomatic: PCR for any COVID-19-consistent symptoms, with self-isolation if positive; 3) Symptomatic+asymptomatic-once: Symptomatic and one-time PCR for the entire population; and, 4) Symptomatic+asymptomatic-monthly: Symptomatic with monthly re-testing for the entire population. We examined effective reproduction numbers (Re, 0.9-2.0) at which policy conclusions would change. We assumed homogeneous mixing among the Massachusetts population (excluding those residing in long-term care facilities). We used published data on disease progression and mortality, transmission, PCR sensitivity/specificity (70/100%) and costs. Model-projected outcomes included infections, deaths, tests performed, hospital-days, and costs over 180-days, as well as incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER, $/quality-adjusted life-year [QALY]). Results At Re 0.9, Symptomatic+asymptomatic-monthly vs. Hospitalized resulted in a 64% reduction in infections and a 46% reduction in deaths, but required &gt;66-fold more tests/day with 5-fold higher costs. Symptomatic+asymptomatic-monthly had an ICER &lt;$100,000/QALY only when Re ≥1.6; when test cost was ≤$3, every 14-day testing was cost-effective at all Re examined. Conclusions Testing people with any COVID-19-consistent symptoms would be cost-saving compared to testing only those whose symptoms warrant hospital care. Expanding PCR testing to asymptomatic people would decrease infections, deaths, and hospitalizations. Despite modest sensitivity, low-cost, repeat screening of the entire population could be cost-effective in all epidemic settings.

ASSESSMENT OF THE PLATELET COUNT IN THE PREGNANT WOMEN IN IGIMS, PATNA, BIHAR

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanwi Singh ◽  
Anshuman Sinha
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Screening Test ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Platelet Indices ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Low Platelet Count ◽  
Severity Of The Disease

The major risk associated with low platelet count in pregnancy is the increased risk of bleeding during the childbirth or post that. There is an increased blood supply to the uterus during pregnancy and the surgical procedure requires cutting of major blood vessels. Women with thrombocytopenia are at increased risk of losing excessive blood. The risk is more in case of caesarean delivery as compared to vaginal delivery. Hence based on above findings the present study was planned for Assessment of the Platelet Count in the Pregnant Women in IGIMS, Patna, Bihar. The present study was planned in Department of Pathology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science, Patna, Bihar, India. The present study was planned from duration of January 2019 to June 2019. In the present study 200 pregnant females samples received for the platelet estimation were enrolled in the present study. Clinically platelet indices can be a useful screening test for early identification of preeclampsia and eclampsia. Also platelet indices can assess the prognosis of this disease in pregnant women and can be used as an effective prognostic marker because it correlates with severity of the disease. Platelet count is a simple, low cost, and rapid routine screening test. Hence the data generated from the present study concludes that platelet count can be used as a simple and cost effective tool to monitor the progression of preeclampsia, thereby preventing complications to develop during the gestational period. Keywords: Platelet Count, Pregnant Women, IGIMS, Patna, Bihar, etc.

Janus – A New Approach to Air Combat Pilot Training

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 (4) ◽  
pp. 7-22
Author(s):  
Georges Bridel ◽  
Zdobyslaw Goraj ◽  
Lukasz Kiszkowiak ◽  
Jean-Georges Brévot ◽  
Jean-Pierre Devaux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Training System ◽  
Embedded Sensors ◽  
Pilot Training ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Combat Aircraft ◽  
Air Combat ◽  
The Cost

Abstract Advanced jet training still relies on old concepts and solutions that are no longer efficient when considering the current and forthcoming changes in air combat. The cost of those old solutions to develop and maintain combat pilot skills are important, adding even more constraints to the training limitations. The requirement of having a trainer aircraft able to perform also light combat aircraft operational mission is adding unnecessary complexity and cost without any real operational advantages to air combat mission training. Thanks to emerging technologies, the JANUS project will study the feasibility of a brand-new concept of agile manoeuvrable training aircraft and an integrated training system, able to provide a live, virtual and constructive environment. The JANUS concept is based on a lightweight, low-cost, high energy aircraft associated to a ground based Integrated Training System providing simulated and emulated signals, simulated and real opponents, combined with real-time feedback on pilot’s physiological characteristics: traditionally embedded sensors are replaced with emulated signals, simulated opponents are proposed to the pilot, enabling out of sight engagement. JANUS is also providing new cost effective and more realistic solutions for “Red air aircraft” missions, organised in so-called “Aggressor Squadrons”.

Motivating Compliance: Firm Response to Mandatory Disclosure Policies

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-119
Author(s):  
Colleen M. Boland ◽  
Chris E. Hogan ◽  
Marilyn F. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Conflict Of Interest ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Policy Adoption ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Regulated Firms ◽  
Firm Response ◽  
Disclosure Rules ◽  
The Impact

SYNOPSIS Mandatory existence disclosure rules require an organization to disclose a policy's existence, but not its content. We examine policy adoption frequencies in the year immediately after the IRS required mandatory existence disclosure by nonprofits of various governance policies. We also examine adoption frequencies in the year of the subsequent change from mandatory existence disclosure to a disclose-and-explain regime that required supplemental disclosures about the content and implementation of conflict of interest policies. Our results suggest that in areas where there is unclear regulatory authority, mandatory existence disclosure is an effective and low cost regulatory device for encouraging the adoption of policies desired by regulators, provided those policies are cost-effective for regulated firms to implement. In addition, we find that disclose-and-explain regulatory regimes provide stronger incentives for policy adoption than do mandatory existence disclosure regimes and also discourage “check the box” behavior. Future research should examine the impact of mandatory existence disclosure rules in the year that the regulation is implemented. Data Availability: Data are available from sources cited in the text.

Azo (Hydrazone) pigments: general principles

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Christie
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Metal Salt ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Precipitation Process ◽  
Ambient Temperatures ◽  
Technical Performance ◽  
Chemical Structures ◽  
General Chemical ◽  
Physical Form

Abstract This paper presents an overview of the general chemical principles underlying the structures, synthesis and technical performance of azo pigments, the dominant chemical class of industrial organic pigments in the yellow, orange, and red shade areas, both numerically and in terms of tonnage manufactured. A description of the most significant historical features in this group of pigments is provided, starting from the discovery of the chemistry on which azo colorants are based by Griess in the mid-nineteenth century, through the commercial introduction of the most important classical azo pigments in the early twentieth century, including products known as the Hansa Yellows, β-naphthol reds, including metal salt pigments, and the diarylide yellows and oranges, to the development in the 1950s and 1960s of two classes of azo pigments that exhibit high performance, disazo condensation pigments and benzimidazolone-based azo pigments. A feature that complicates the description of the chemical structures of azo pigments is that they exist in the solid state as the ketohydrazone rather than the hydroxyazo form, in which they have been traditionally been illustrated. Numerous structural studies conducted over the years on an extensive range of azo pigments have demonstrated this feature. In this text, they are referred to throughout as azo (hydrazone) pigments. Since a common synthetic procedure is used in the manufacture of virtually all azo (hydrazone) pigments, this is discussed in some detail, including practical aspects. The procedure brings together two organic components as the fundamental starting materials, a diazo component and a coupling component. An important reason for the dominance of azo (hydrazone) pigments is that they are highly cost-effective. The syntheses generally involve low cost, commodity organic starting materials and are carried out in water as the reaction solvent, which offers obvious economic and environmental advantages. The versatility of the approach means that an immense number of products may be prepared, so that they have been adapted structurally to meet the requirements of many applications. On an industrial scale, the processes are straightforward, making use of simple, multi-purpose chemical plant. Azo pigments may be produced in virtually quantitative yields and the processes are carried out at or below ambient temperatures, thus presenting low energy requirements. Finally, provided that careful control of the reaction conditions is maintained, azo pigments may be prepared directly by an aqueous precipitation process that can optimise physical form, with control of particle size distribution, crystalline structure, and surface character. The applications of azo pigments are outlined, with more detail reserved for subsequent papers on individual products.

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