scholarly journals Low-Cost Polyester-Tipped Three-Dimensionally Printed Nasopharyngeal Swab for the Detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Related Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Alghounaim ◽  
Sulaiman Almazeedi ◽  
Sarah Al Youha ◽  
Jesse Papenburg ◽  
Osama Alowaish ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Polylactic Acid ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
3D Printed

ABSTRACT Case identification, isolation, and contact tracing are fundamental strategies used to control the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This has led to widespread testing that interrupted the supply chain for testing materials around the world. A prospective study was conducted to compare inexpensive and easily sourced 3-dimensionally (3D)-printed polylactic acid and polyester nasopharyngeal swabs to commercially manufactured swabs for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). During the study period, 287 laboratory-confirmed hospitalized COVID-19 patients, at multiple stages of their illness, were enrolled. The median age for the study population was 47.6 years (interquartile range [IQR], 34.4 to 56.6 years), and two-thirds (67.6%) of the subjects were male. The median duration of hospitalization, at the time of sampling, was 13 days (IQR, 10 to 16 days). Overall concordance between the prototype and control swabs was 80.8% (Cohen’s kappa coefficient, 0.61). Most discrepant results were due to prototype-positive control-negative results. When considering all positive results to be true positives, the prototype swab had a higher sensitivity (90.6% versus 80.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 85.7% to 94.0% and 74.7% to 85.7%, respectively; P < 0.015). The cost to produce the prototype swab was estimated to be $0.05 per swab. Polylactic acid 3D-printed polyester-tipped swabs were shown to be effective for nasopharyngeal sample collection. We believe that this design can easily be adopted in countries where commercial swabs are not readily available and can play a vital role in public health efforts for disease control in low-income countries.

scholarly journals Environmental surveillance for Salmonella Typhi as a tool to estimate the incidence of typhoid fever in low-income populations

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher B Uzzell ◽  
Catherine M Troman ◽  
Jonathan Rigby ◽  
Venkata Raghava Mohan ◽  
Jacob John ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Typhoid Fever ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
World Health ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Environmental Surveillance ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Conjugate Vaccines ◽  
Clinical Surveillance ◽  
The Impact

Background: The World Health Organisation recommends prioritised use of recently prequalified typhoid conjugate vaccines in countries with the highest incidence of typhoid fever. However, representative typhoid surveillance data are lacking in many low-income countries because of the costs and challenges of diagnostic clinical microbiology. Environmental surveillance (ES) of Salmonella Typhi in sewage and wastewater using molecular methods may offer a low-cost alternative, but its performance in comparison with clinical surveillance has not been assessed. Methodology/Principal Findings: We developed a harmonised protocol for typhoid ES and its implementation in communities in India and Malawi where it will be compared with findings from hospital-based surveillance for typhoid fever. The protocol includes methods for ES site selection based on geospatial analysis, grab and trap sample collection at sewage and wastewater sites, and laboratory methods for sample processing, concentration and quantitative PCR to detect Salmonella Typhi. The optimal locations for ES sites based on digital elevation models and mapping of sewage and river networks are described for each community and their suitability confirmed through field investigation. We will compare the prevalence and abundance of Salmonella Typhi in ES samples collected each month over a 12-month period to the incidence of blood culture confirmed typhoid estimated from cases recorded at referral hospitals serving the study areas and community surveys of healthcare seeking for individuals with fever. Significance: If environmental detection of Salmonella Typhi correlates with the incidence of typhoid fever estimated through clinical surveillance, typhoid ES may be a powerful and low-cost tool to estimate the local burden of typhoid fever and support the introduction of typhoid conjugate vaccines. Typhoid ES could also allow the impact of vaccination to be assessed and rapidly identify circulation of drug resistant strains.

Effective optimization of SARS-CoV-2 laboratory testing variables in an era of supply chain constraints

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (15) ◽  
pp. 1483-1487
Author(s):  
Nikhil S Sahajpal ◽  
Ashis K Mondal ◽  
Allan Njau ◽  
Sudha Ananth ◽  
Kimya Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Rna Extraction ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Short Supply ◽  
Viral Transport ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Bridging Studies

RT-PCR-based assays for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 have played an essential role in the current COVID-19 pandemic. However, the sample collection and test reagents are in short supply, primarily due to supply chain issues. Thus, to eliminate testing constraints, we have optimized three key process variables: RNA extraction and RT-PCR reactions, different sample types and media to facilitate SARS-CoV-2 testing. By performing various validation and bridging studies, we have shown that various sample types such as nasopharyngeal swab, bronchioalveolar lavage and saliva, collected using conventional nasopharyngeal swabs, ESwab or 3D-printed swabs and, preserved in viral transport media, universal transport media, 0.9% sodium chloride or Amies media are compatible with RT-PCR assay for COVID-19. Besides, the reduction of PCR reagents by up to fourfold also produces reliable results.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Low-Cost Commercial Actigraph and Its Potential Use in Detecting Cultural Variations in Physical Activity and Sleep

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 3774
Author(s):  
Pavlos Topalidis ◽  
Cristina Florea ◽  
Esther-Sevil Eigl ◽  
Anton Kurapov ◽  
Carlos Alberto Beltran Leon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Cultural Variations ◽  
Step Counts ◽  
Scale Step ◽  
Potential Use

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the performance of a low-cost commercial smartwatch, the Xiaomi Mi Band (MB), in extracting physical activity and sleep-related measures and show its potential use in addressing questions that require large-scale real-time data and/or intercultural data including low-income countries. We evaluated physical activity and sleep-related measures and discussed the potential application of such devices for large-scale step and sleep data acquisition. To that end, we conducted two separate studies. In Study 1, we evaluated the performance of MB by comparing it to the GT3X (ActiGraph, wGT3X-BT), a scientific actigraph used in research, as well as subjective sleep reports. In Study 2, we distributed the MB across four countries (Austria, Germany, Cuba, and Ukraine) and investigated physical activity and sleep among these countries. The results of Study 1 indicated that MB step counts correlated highly with the scientific GT3X device, but did display biases. In addition, the MB-derived wake-up and total-sleep-times showed high agreement with subjective reports, but partly deviated from GT3X predictions. Study 2 revealed similar MB step counts across countries, but significant later wake-up and bedtimes for Ukraine than the other countries. We hope that our studies will stimulate future large-scale sensor-based physical activity and sleep research studies, including various cultures.

scholarly journals Adaptation and validation for Colombia of the WHO safe childbirth checklist

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-212
Author(s):  
Ana Carolina Amaya Arias ◽  
Óscar Zuluaga ◽  
Douglas Idárraga ◽  
Javier Hernando Eslava Schmalbach
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Neonatal Morbidity ◽  
Neonatal Care ◽  
World Health ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Safe Childbirth Checklist ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Safe Childbirth

Introduction: Most maternal deaths that occur in developing countries are considered unfair and can be avoided. In 2008, The World Health Organization (WHO) proposed a checklist for childbirth care, in order to assess whether a simple, low-cost intervention had an impact on maternal and neonatal mortality in low-income countries. Objective: To translate, adapt and validate the content of the WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist (SCC) for its use in Colombia Methods: The checklist was translated and adapted to the Colombian context. It was subsequently validated by a panel of experts composed of 17 health workers with experience in maternal and neonatal care and safety. Reliability among judges was estimated (Rwg) and items were modified or added to each section of the list according to the results. Results: Modifications were made to 28 items, while 19 new items were added, and none was removed. The most important modifications were made to the management guidelines included in each item, and the items added refer to risks inherent to our environment. Conclusion: The Colombian version of the SCC will be a useful tool to improve maternal and neonatal care and thereby contribute to reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in our country.

scholarly journals Fe0/H2O Filtration Systems for Decentralized Safe Drinking Water: Where to from Here?

Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Nanseu-Njiki ◽  
Willis Gwenzi ◽  
Martin Pengou ◽  
Mohammad Rahman ◽  
Chicgoua Noubactep
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Universal Access ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Systematic Research ◽  
Safe Drinking Water ◽  
Iron Corrosion ◽  
Small Communities

Inadequate access to safe drinking water is one of the most pervasive problems currently afflicting the developing world. Scientists and engineers are called to present affordable but efficient solutions, particularly applicable to small communities. Filtration systems based on metallic iron (Fe0) are discussed in the literature as one such viable solution, whether as a stand-alone system or as a complement to slow sand filters (SSFs). Fe0 filters can also be improved by incorporating biochar to form Fe0-biochar filtration systems with potentially higher contaminant removal efficiencies than those based on Fe0 or biochar alone. These three low-cost and chemical-free systems (Fe0, biochar, SSFs) have the potential to provide universal access to safe drinking water. However, a well-structured systematic research is needed to design robust and efficient water treatment systems based on these affordable filter materials. This communication highlights the technology being developed to use Fe0-based systems for decentralized safe drinking water provision. Future research directions for the design of the next generation Fe0-based systems are highlighted. It is shown that Fe0 enhances the efficiency of SSFs, while biochar has the potential to alleviate the loss of porosity and uncertainties arising from the non-linear kinetics of iron corrosion. Fe0-based systems are an affordable and applicable technology for small communities in low-income countries, which could contribute to attaining self-reliance in clean water supply and universal public health.

Development of improved low-cost ceramic water filters for viral removal in the Haitian context

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Guerrero-Latorre ◽  
M. Rusiñol ◽  
A. Hundesa ◽  
M. Garcia-Valles ◽  
S. Martinez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
World Health ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Virus Removal ◽  
Ceramic Water Filters ◽  
Removal Efficiencies ◽  
Reductive Atmosphere ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Water Filters

Household-based water treatment (HWT) is increasingly being promoted to improve water quality and, therefore, health status in low-income countries. Ceramic water filters (CWFs) are used in many regions as sustainable HWT and have been proven to meet World Health Organization (WHO) microbiological performance targets for bacterial removal (2–4 log); however, the described viral removal efficiencies are insufficient to significantly reduce the associated risk of viral infection. With the objective of improving the viral removal efficiencies of ceramic water filters, new prototypes with different oxide compositions and firing atmospheres have been developed and evaluated. For removal efficiencies human adenoviruses, MS2 bacteriophage and Escherichia coli were quantified in all prototypes. A new model of CWF that was fired in a reductive atmosphere presented virus and bacteria removal efficiencies greater than 3.0 log and 2.5 log, respectively, which would fulfill the viral targets that are recommended by the WHO. Ceramic characterization of the selected filters, which were fired in a reductive atmosphere, showed that a larger specific surface area than those of control filters and higher fraction of a positive Z-potential fraction are the most likely explanations for this increase in virus removal.

scholarly journals The reversible adjustable coupling: A lightweight and low-cost alignment component for the lower limb prosthesis

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 205566831770642
Author(s):  
Kazuhiko Sasaki ◽  
Jutamat Pinitlertsakun ◽  
Pakwan Nualnim ◽  
Gary Guerra ◽  
Yuttapichai Sansook ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Strength Tests ◽  
Lower Limb Prosthesis ◽  
Repetitive Loading ◽  
Limb Prosthesis ◽  
Anterior Posterior

Background The alignment of the lower limb prosthesis is an integral part of the prosthetic fitting. A properly aligned prosthesis contributes to optimal gait and overall function of the patient. The current offering of alignment componentry is expensive for low-income countries. The purpose of this study was to develop a lightweight and low-cost alignment coupler for the lower limb prosthesis. Methods An alignment coupler called the reversible adjustable coupling was designed and manufactured. Measurements of total anterior/posterior and medial/lateral and rotation in prostheses were recorded and mechanical testing performed. Swiftness and difficulty of use was also recorded. Results The reversible adjustable coupling permitted acceptable ranges of anterior/posterior and medial/lateral translation and 30° of internal and external rotation of prosthetic componentry. Repetitive loading of the coupling at a speed of 1 Hz under 1.28 kN load for 2000 cycles was successful, as were static and strength tests. Discussion The coupler provided acceptable ranges of anterior/posterior and medial/lateral and rotation adjustment and is acceptable for potential use in the alignment of both exoskeletal and endoskeletal prosthesis. The final weight of the component was 166 g and cost of $55.00 USD is affordable for low-income countries for use in clinical and educational settings.

scholarly journals Performance Evaluation of a low cost integrated collector storage solar water heater with independent plane reflectors

2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 147-154
Author(s):  
Zakariya Kaneesamkandi
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Storage Systems ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Heating System ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Water Heating ◽  
Water Heater ◽  
Beam Radiation ◽  
Solar Water Heating ◽  
Solar Water

High initial cost is one of the reasons why consumers think twice before investing on the conventional solar water heating systems, especially in low income countries. Integrated collector storage systems are available at a lesser cost, but with a penalty of decreased efficiency. In this paper, yet another attempt to reduce cost of solar water heating system has been made by using independent plane reflectors along with an insulated storage tank provided with a heat absorbing aperture. With no tracking arrangement, this system uses only the intense beam radiation available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM with a concentration factor of 10. A theoretical study was conducted using commercial computational fluid dynamics software which was followed by an experimental validation of the results. The theoretical results were in agreement with the experimental results. The efficiency of this system was less than collector storage systems reported in the literature by about 10-15%. Maximum average tank temperature of 350 K and efficiency of 0.61 was obtained. Overall loss coefficient was identical with that of existing integrated collector storage systems. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v49i3.22128 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 49(3), 147-154, 2014

scholarly journals Right use of Screening Pulse Oximetry test for early detection of Critical Congenital Heart Diseases

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (5) ◽  
pp. 7-11
Author(s):  
Andreas Petropoulos
Keyword(s):  
Early Detection ◽  
Pulse Oximetry ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Screening Test ◽  
Congenital Heart ◽  
Heart Diseases ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
High Morbidity

Introduction: Preventive medicine is the ideal way in dealing with frequent and fatal diseases. Congenital heart disease (CHD) is responsible for the largest proportion of mortality caused by birth defects in the first year of life. Actual numbers and mortality from CHD is increasing. In the developed world the treatment of CHD has escalating costs for health care systems and private covered patients, while in low-income countries the resources are minimal. Prevention/early detection is urgently needed to tackle the increasing needs. Aim: To justify why pulse oximetry (pox) is the best available, early detecting postnatal screening test currently. Conclusion: Although CHD’s are both frequent and carry a high morbidity and mortality, we still lack a single, easy to apply, non-invasive and low-cost screening test, worldwide. The most advantageous method for minimizing CHD deaths worldwide seems to be currently, the combination of clinical assessment with pox. Original publication: https://crimsonpublishers.com/ojchd/pdf/OJCHD.000510.pdf Open Journal of Cardiology and Heart Diseases.

scholarly journals Reducing preterm mortality in eastern Uganda: The impact of introducing low-cost bubble CPAP on neonates <1500g

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Egiru ◽  
Francis Okello ◽  
Juliet Ikiror ◽  
Linda Acom ◽  
Kate SM Loe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Distress ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Neonatal Unit ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Preterm Neonates ◽  
Healthcare Provision ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Eastern Uganda

Abstract Background Complications of prematurity are the leading cause of deaths in children under the age of five. The predominant reason for these preterm deaths is respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). In low-income countries (LICs) there are limited treatment options for RDS. Due to their simplicity and affordability, low-cost bubble continuous positive airway pressure (bCPAP) devices have been introduced in neonatal units in LICs to treat RDS. This study is the first observational study from a LIC to compare outcomes of preterm neonates in pre- and post-CPAP periods. Methods This was a retrospective study in Mbale Regional Referral Hospital Neonatal Unit (MRRH-NNU), a government hospital in eastern Uganda. Two study periods were identified. A 14-month study period beginning at the opening of MRRH-NNU and covering the period until bCPAP was introduced (pre-bCPAP) and an 18-month period after bCPAP was introduced (post-bCPAP). After the introduction of bCPAP, it was applied to preterm neonates with RDS when clinically indicated and if a device was available. Clinical features and outcomes of all neonates <1500g were compared before and after the introduction of bCPAP. Results The admission records of 377 preterm neonates <1500g were obtained. 158 were admitted in pre-bCPAP period and 219 after. The mortality rate in pre- bCPAP period was 39.2% (62/158) compared with 26.5% (58/219, P=0.012) in post-bCPAP period. There were no differences in birthweight, sex, presence of signs of respiratory distress or apnoea between the two groups. Conclusion Specialized and resource-appropriate neonatal care that appropriately addresses the challenges of healthcare provision in LICs has the potential to reduce neonatal deaths. The use of a low-cost bCPAP to treat RDS in preterm neonates <1500g resulted in a significant improvement in their survival in a neonatal unit in eastern Uganda. Implementing bCPAP with adequate training and supervision could significantly reduce preterm mortality in LICs.

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