Evaluation of the RheumaStrip ANA profile test: a rapid test strip procedure for simultaneously determining antibodies to autoantigens U1-ribonucleoprotein (U1-RNP), Sm, SS-A/Ro, SS-B/La, and to native DNA

1990 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 792-797 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Paxton ◽  
T Bendele ◽  
L O'Connor ◽  
D C Haynes

Abstract The "LipoGen RheumaStrip ANA Profile" test method (LipoGen, Inc.) is a new assay format for autoantibody detection in which recombinant autoantigens are used. This enzyme immunoassay, in test-strip format, detects antibodies to autoantigens U1-ribonucleoprotein (U1-RNP), Sm, SS-A/Ro, SS-B/La, and to native DNA (nDNA). We evaluated 200 antinuclear antibody (ANA)-positive and 100 ANA-negative sera for the presence of antibodies to U1-RNP, Sm, SS-A/Ro, SS-B/La, and nDNA by the new test-strip procedure. These data correlated well with those obtained with either Ouchterlony double immunodiffusion for U1-RNP, Sm, SS-A/Ro, and SS-B/La or with Crithidia luciliae indirect immunofluorescence for anti-nDNA. Assay sensitivity and assay specificity of the ANA Profile method as compared with those of established procedures were respectively as follows: 89.8% and 98.8% for U1-RNP, 86.4% and 95.3% for Sm, 97.9% and 89.3% for SS-A/Ro, 98.3% and 86.3% for SS-B/La, and 97.5% and 93.1% for nDNA. Agreement between the ANA Profile test and these other test methodologies ranged from 88.7% for the SS-B/La test to 97.3% for the U1-RNP test. This new test procedure substantially decreases the time and effort required to perform these assays. Total hands-on time and overall assay time were decreased by 72% and 97%, respectively.

Author(s):  
Chiara F. Ferraris ◽  
Paul E. Stutzman ◽  
Max Peltz

The sulfate resistance of cements used in the construction industry is traditionally assessed by measuring the expansion of a prism of 280 mm (11inch) length and 25 mm (1 inch) square cross section immersed in a sodium sulfate solution for at least one year. The duration of the experiment limits this test from being used as a performance-based determination of innovative mixtures of cementitious materials. In response to the need for a more rapid test protocol, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a new test method that measures the expansion of smaller bars (10 mm x 10 mm x 60 mm) made with neat cement paste. With these bars, similar expansion is achieved in less than 3 months, reducing the test duration by a factor of at least 4. This accelerated test method provides more rapid results consistent with the traditional test procedure, allowing for a shorter decision time and the screening of more materials.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 210-212
Author(s):  
R Trasolini ◽  
S Wong ◽  
B Salh

Abstract Background Fecal calprotectin is a non-invasive test of colonic inflammation used for monitoring inflammatory bowel disease activity and for risk stratifying non-specific colonic symptoms. Calprotectin is a leukocyte specific enzyme. A similar test, leukocyte esterase is used to detect leukocytes in urine and is widely available as a low-cost point-of-care test strip. We hypothesize that an unmodified version of the urine test strip would be highly accurate in predicting a positive fecal calprotectin test in a real world sample of patients. Aims To explore a low cost, rapid alternative to the fecal calprotectin test Methods All inpatient and outpatient stool samples tested for calprotectin by the Vancouver General Hospital laboratory from February 2020 to November 2020 were included prospectively. Samples were simultaneously tested for fecal leukocyte esterase using an unmodified Roche Cobas Chemstrip urinalysis test strip by central lab personnel. An identical aliquot was sent to LifeLabs for calprotectin as per standard protocol. All samples were suspended in buffer using established laboratory protocols prior to testing. Fecal leukocyte esterase results were reported as 0–4+ based on visual interpretation, calprotectin results were reported as mcg/g of stool. REB review and approval was obtained prior to data collection. Sensitivity, Specificity and AUROC were calculated using Microsoft Excel and JROCFIT. Results 26 samples were collected. Using a fecal calprotectin greater than 120 mcg/g as a gold standard an AUROC of 0.89 (SE= .06) was calculated. A leukocyte esterase reading of 2+ or greater had the best test characteristics based on ROC curve analysis. Using this cutoff, 21/26 samples were concordant, giving an accuracy of 80.8%, sensitivity of 90.9% and specificity of 73.3%. Positive likelihood ratio was 8.07 and negative likelihood ratio was 0.29. Assuming an AUROC of 0.8, the sample size N=26 is 90% powered (β=0.9) to predict the true AUROC within 0.1 with a type I error rate of .05 (α<.05). Conclusions This study suggests application of a prepared stool sample to a urinalysis test strip gives a result highly predictive of a positive fecal calprotectin test. Further results are being collected prospectively to improve the robustness of these preliminary data. Secondary outcomes including comparison to endoscopy and biopsy results where available are planned if an adequate sample size can be accrued. Future studies justifying independent clinical use of leukocyte esterase would require a common gold standard comparator such as endoscopy. Fecal calprotectin testing is not universally insured and is not available as a rapid test strip. Use of fecal leukocyte esterase may reduce costs and shorten time to results if proven to be independently reliable. Funding Agencies None


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 94
Author(s):  
Holly Clingan ◽  
Devon Rusk ◽  
Kathryn Smith ◽  
Antonio Garcia

In lateral flow and colorimetric test strip diagnostics, the effects of capillary action and diffusion on speed and sensitivity have been well studied. However, another form of fluid motion can be generated due to stresses and instabilities generated in pores when two miscible liquids with different densities and viscosities come into contact. This study explored how a swellable test pad can be deployed for measuring urea in saliva by partially prefilling the pad with a miscible solution of greater viscosity and density. The resultant Korteweg stresses and viscous fingering patterns were analyzed using solutions with added food color through video analysis and image processing. Image analysis was simplified using the saturation channel after converting RGB image sequences to HSB. The kinetics of liquid mixing agreed with capillary displacement results for miscible liquids undergoing movement from Korteweg stresses. After capillary filling, there was significant movement of liquid due to these fluidic effects, which led to mixing of the saliva sample with an enzyme test solution. Owing to the simplicity and speed of this test method, urea can be analyzed with an electronic nose over a useful range for detecting salivary urea concentration for rapid and early detection of dehydration.


1985 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 592-599
Author(s):  
R. G. Horvath

A multiple loading testing method is suggested, which permits testing a single drilled pier foundation under three different conditions of load support. The pier may be tested under conditions of combined shaft and end-bearing resistance, end-bearing resistance only, and shaft resistance only. The advantages of this multiple loading test method include observation of the load-transfer and displacement behaviours of the pier under these three different support conditions and verification of the values obtained for the components of load support, i.e., shaft and end-bearing resistance, all from a single test pier.A special base load cell capable of performing a different function during each cycle of loading is required. A suitable load cell, consisting of a series of Freyssi flatjacks, and the method of operation are described.A multiple loading test procedure was used successfully as part of a field investigation program on full-scale pier sockets in weak shale. Data on the load-displacement behaviour of the pier tested using the multiple loading method are reported. Information concerning piers tested using conventional single loading methods are provided for comparison.The multiple loading test results were in good agreement with results obtained from conventional testing methods. Thus the multiple loading test method provides an economical means of obtaining a large amount of design information for drilled pier foundation systems, using a single test pier. Key words: field load test, multiple loading, drilled piers and caissons, shaft resistance, end-bearing resistance, combined shaft and end-bearing resistances, base load cell, shale.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Hummel ◽  
Dietmar Göhlich ◽  
Roland Schmehl

Abstract. We have developed a tow test setup for the reproducible measurement of the dynamic properties of different types of tethered membrane wings. The test procedure is based on repeatable automated maneuvers with the entire kite system under realistic conditions. By measuring line forces and line angles, we determine the aerodynamic coefficients and lift-to-drag ratio as functions of the length ratio between power and steering lines. This nondimensional parameter characterizes the angle of attack of the wing and is varied automatically by the control unit on the towed test bench. During each towing run, several test cycles are executed such that mean values can be determined and errors can be minimized. We can conclude from this study that an objective measurement of specific dynamic properties of highly flexible membrane wings is feasible. The presented tow test method is suitable for quantitatively assessing and comparing different wing designs. The method represents an essential milestone for the development and characterization of tethered membrane wings as well as for the validation and improvement of simulation models. On the basis of this work, more complex maneuvers and a full degree of automation can be implemented in subsequent work. It can also be used for aerodynamic parameter identification.


Author(s):  
Iheanyi O. Okonko ◽  
Tochi I. Cookey ◽  
Sofiat Adewuyi-Oseni ◽  
Amaka M. Awanye

Aim: This study reports on the detection of Treponema pallidum (syphilis) antibodies in HIV infected patients in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Screening for syphilis was carried out to determine the prevalence levels of these infections, as biological markers of risk, modes, and time functions of their transmission. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) and O.B. Lulu Briggs Medical Centre, University of Port Harcourt, both in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, between August 2012 and July 2015. Methods: A total of 100 HIV-infected individuals and 100 sexually-active attendees were recruited for this study. Samples of blood were collected and re-screened for the presence of HIV antibodies using the Determine HIV-1/2 (Alere), HIV ½ Stat-Pak (Chembio), and HIV-1/2/P24/O ELISA kit (Dia.Pro). The same set of samples were screened for Treponema pallidum specific antibodies using the syphilis Ultra Rapid Test Strip (ACON(R), USA) and syphilis rapid strips (Global, USA) following the respective manufacturer's instructions. Results: Among the 200 samples, serological reactivity was detected for syphilis in 3(1.5%). The incidence of syphilis was higher in males (2.0%) than in females (1.0%). Age, sex, and locality did not significantly (P>0.05) influence the rate of syphilis. Conclusion: This study further confirms the presence of syphilis among the population studied. Routine screening of Syphilis among patients is therefore advocated.


2006 ◽  
Vol 321-323 ◽  
pp. 1539-1542
Author(s):  
Wae Gyeong Shin ◽  
Soo Hong Lee ◽  
Young Sik Song

Reliability of automotive parts has been one of the most interesting fields in the automotive industry. Especially small DC motor was issued because of the increasing adoption for passengers’ safety and convenience. For several years, small DC motors have been studied and some problems of a life test method were found out. The field condition was not considered enough in the old life test method. It also needed a lot of test time. For precise life estimation and accelerated life test, new life test procedure was developed based on measured field condition. First, vibration condition on vehicle and latent force on fan motor shaft were measured and correlated with each other. Second, test condition was decided by obtained data. Finally, life of fan motors was estimated by new life test method in shorter test time.


2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (10) ◽  
pp. 1117-1123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chaoman ANG ◽  
Doudou LOU ◽  
Linling HU ◽  
Wei CHEN ◽  
Yefei ZHU ◽  
...  

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