scholarly journals Development of a rapid diagnostic test for the detection of antibodies or antigens to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Elliff
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Rapid Detection ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Specific Antigens ◽  
Microscope Slides ◽  
Glass Microscope ◽  
Control Samples

Theglobal health crisis caused by COVID-19 has overwhelmed both healthcaresettings and economies globally. Whilst mass population testing has improveddrastically, recent reviews of existing methods have highlighted variousshortcomings with these methods. Theaim of this project was to investigate whether the LAA could be modified andutilised as rapid detection test which either matched or exceeded the existingsensitivity and specificity values.   TheLAA investigated whether the COVID-19 spike protein could be detected insamples. COVID-19 specific IgM and IgG were used in conjunction with a seriesof non-specific antigens. Control or AG containing samples weremixed with AB-microsphere complexes on glass microscope slides. Manualvisualisation identified various levels of agglutination. Light microscopy andspectrophotometry at 405nm determined that the LAA could detect at least 2.3ngof spike protein.  Theparticle counting tool of ImageJ was utilised to obtain a dataset which wassubjected to statistical analysis which indicated that there was a significantdifference between control samples and live tests, P = 0.000102 for the spikeprotein assay and P = 0.254 for the non-specific assay respectively. Theresults obtained fell in line with a similar study conducted by Buffin et al in2018. Theanalytical methods used in this project twinned with data obtained in previousstudies supports the significant difference between control values and livetest values. The LAA is easier, quicker to use (results in ≤ 30 minutes) andcheaper, with potentially better sensitivity to existing methods. This couldbenefit high and low-income countries alike upon further research andoptimisation. 

scholarly journals Genomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern identified from the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 immunized patients from Southwest part of Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan M. Al-Emran ◽  
Md. Shazid Hasan ◽  
Md. Ali Ahsan Setu ◽  
Md. Shaminur Rahman ◽  
ASM Rubayet Ul Alam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Dose ◽  
Disease Severity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Protein Sequence ◽  
Genomic Analysis ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Whole Genome Sequence ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Whole Genome ◽  
Significant Difference

Introduction Bangladesh introduced ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 since February, 2021 and in six months, only a small population (3.5%) received their first dose of vaccination like other low-income countries. The remaining populations are struggling with increased rate of infection due to beta and delta variants. Although this uncontrolled COVID-19 pandemic did not leave even the immunized group because of immune escaping capacity of those new variants. Methods A total of 4718 nasopharygeal samples were collected from 1st March until 15th April, 2021, of which, 834 (18%) were SARS-CoV-2 positive. Randomly generated 135 positive cases were selected for telephone interview and 108 were available and provided consent. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 variants and disease severity among both immunized and unimmunized group was measured. A total of 63 spike protein sequence and 14 whole genome sequences were performed from both groups and phylogenetic reconstruction and mutation analysis were compared. Results A total of 40 respondents (37%, N=108) received single-dose and 2 (2%) received both doses of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine which significantly reduce dry cough, loss of appetite and difficulties in breathing compared to none. There was no significant difference in hospitalization, duration of hospitalization or reduction of other symptoms like running nose, muscle pain, shortness of breathing or generalized weakness between immunized and unimmunized group. Spike protein sequence assumed 21 (87.5%) B.1.351, one B.1.526 and two 20B variants in immunized group compared to 27 (69%) B.1.351, 5 (13%) B.1.1.7, 4 (10%) 20B, 2 B.1.526 and one B.1.427 variant in unimmunized group. Those variants were further confirmed by 14 whole genome sequence analysis. Complete genome analysis included seven B.1.351 Beta V2, three B.1.1.7 Alpha V1, one B.1.526 Eta and rest three 20B variant. Conclusion Single dose of ChAdOx1 could not prevent the new infection or disease severity by the COVID-19 variants of concern, B.1.351, in Bangladesh.

scholarly journals COVID-19 in children treated with immunosuppressive medication for kidney diseases

2020 ◽  
pp. archdischild-2020-320616
Author(s):  
Matko Marlais ◽  
Tanja Wlodkowski ◽  
Samhar Al-Akash ◽  
Petr Ananin ◽  
Varun Kumar Bandi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Immunosuppressive Therapy ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Reference Network ◽  
Immunosuppressive Medication ◽  
Immunosuppressive Medications ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundChildren are recognised as at lower risk of severe COVID-19 compared with adults, but the impact of immunosuppression is yet to be determined. This study aims to describe the clinical course of COVID-19 in children with kidney disease taking immunosuppressive medication and to assess disease severity.MethodsCross-sectional study hosted by the European Rare Kidney Disease Reference Network and supported by the European, Asian and International paediatric nephrology societies. Anonymised data were submitted online for any child (age <20 years) with COVID-19 taking immunosuppressive medication for a kidney condition. Study recruited for 16 weeks from 15 March 2020 to 05 July 2020. The primary outcome was severity of COVID-19.Results113 children were reported in this study from 30 different countries. Median age: 13 years (49% male). Main underlying reasons for immunosuppressive therapy: kidney transplant (47%), nephrotic syndrome (27%), systemic lupus erythematosus (10%). Immunosuppressive medications used include: glucocorticoids (76%), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (54%), tacrolimus/ciclosporine A (58%), rituximab/ofatumumab (11%). 78% required no respiratory support during COVID-19 illness, 5% required bi-level positive airway pressure or ventilation. Four children died; all deaths reported were from low-income countries with associated comorbidities. There was no significant difference in severity of COVID-19 based on gender, dialysis status, underlying kidney condition, and type or number of immunosuppressive medications.ConclusionsThis global study shows most children with a kidney disease taking immunosuppressive medication have mild disease with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We therefore suggest that children on immunosuppressive therapy should not be more strictly isolated than children who are not on immunosuppressive therapy.

Effectiveness of the Bactiseal Universal Shunt for reducing shunt infection in a sub-Saharan African context: a retrospective cohort study in 160 Ugandan children

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 140-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordan D. Lane ◽  
John Mugamba ◽  
Peter Ssenyonga ◽  
Benjamin C. Warf
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Retrospective Cohort Study ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Shunt Infection ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Log Rank Test ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Chi Square Analysis

Object Antibiotic-impregnated shunts have yet to find widespread use in the developing world, largely due to cost. Given potential differences in the microbial spectrum, their effectiveness in preventing shunt infection for populations in low-income countries may differ and has not been demonstrated. This study is the first to compare the efficacy of a Bactiseal shunt system with a non–antibiotic-impregnated system in a developing country. Methods The Bactiseal Universal Shunt (BUS) was placed in 80 consecutive Ugandan children who required a shunt. In this retrospective cohort study, the outcome for that group was compared with the outcome for the immediately preceding 80 consecutive children in whom a Chhabra shunt had been placed. The primary end points were shunt failure, shunt infection, and death. Shunt survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Significance of differences between groups was tested using the log-rank test, chi-square analysis, Fisher's exact test, and t-test. Results There was no difference between groups in regard to age, sex, or etiology of hydrocephalus. Mean follow-up for cases of nonfailure was 7.6 months (median 7.8 months, interquartile range 6.5–9.5 months). There was no significant difference between groups for any end point. The BUS group had fewer infections (4 vs 11), but the difference was not significant (p = 0.086, log-rank test). Gram-positive cocci were the most common culturable pathogens in the Chhabra group, while the only positive culture in the BUS group was a gram-negative rod. Conclusions These results provide equipoise for a randomized controlled trial in the same population and this has been initiated. It is possible that the observed trends may become significant in a larger study. The more complex task will involve determining not only the efficacy, but also the cost-effectiveness of using antibiotic-impregnated shunt components in limited-resource settings.

Comparative Analysis of Mobile Pain Management Applications in Developed versus Developing Countries (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilson Mupfururirwa ◽  
Victoria Nembaware ◽  
Jack Morrice ◽  
Khuthala Mnika ◽  
Gaston Kuzamunu Mazandu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Management ◽  
Uniform Distribution ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Cochrane Review ◽  
High Income ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
App Store ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND The impact of mobile phones and their applications in healthcare (mobile health) is well established for a range of diseases and cross-cutting complications, such as pain. While numerous mobile health (mHealth) pain interventions have been established, an evaluation of their prevalence, adequacy and distribution remains limited. OBJECTIVE This study aims at reviewing and comparing current pain management mHealth tools in high- versus low-income countries. METHODS A literature and application (app) store search was conducted in May 2021 using combinations of the following keywords: “pain management”, “pain”, “mobile health”, “telemedicine”, and “app”. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Review Library, and Google scholar. App store searches were conducted in Google Play and Apple App Store. Data characteristics descriptive analysis was performed using R software to summarize different datasets and compute p-values (P) for testing the significance of different hypotheses with the significance level set to 0.05. RESULTS The search identified 40 publications (literature search) and 230 mHealth applications (app store search), revealing a non uniform distribution of search categories (χ2= 133.7, P < 0.004) with a ratio approximating 1:6 (OR = 5.730, 95%CI:3.745-8.909, P < 0.004). About 86.7% of these 270 applications (apps) are from high-income countries, showing a statistically significant non uniform distribution of country categories: high- and low-income (χ2= 145.2, P < 0.004) approximating the theoretical distribution of a 7:1 ratio (OR = 6.476, 95%CI:4.180-10.222, P < 0.004). Moreover, there is no significant difference in the proportion of search categories between country categories ( χ2= 0.113, P = 0.737) and the difference in pain app prevalence in high- versus low-income countries is not statistically significant. Finally, we have observed that pain-tracking apps are significantly more prevalent in developed countries in comparison to low-income countries. CONCLUSIONS As expected, pain management app prevalence is higher in high-income countries. However, more research is required to readily comprehend the effectiveness of these apps.

A Systems Approach for Sustainably Reducing Childhood Diarrheal Deaths in Developing Countries

2016 ◽  
pp. 1208-1227
Author(s):  
Monica Gray
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Industrialized Nations ◽  
Sub Saharan

Diarrhea is the second leading cause of death and is the major cause of malnutrition in children under age 5 worldwide. More than 50 percent of the cases occur in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Open defecation, substandard fecal disposal systems, and contaminated water supplies are the typical causes of diarrheal diseases. This public health crisis in low income countries mirrors the experiences of today's industrialized nations two centuries ago. The lessons learned from their sanitary evolution can be instructive in charting a sustainable path towards saving the lives of almost 2 million children annually. In this chapter a case study of Cuba's sanitary reformation is also presented to showcase successes, similar to those of developed countries, within a developing country and economically challenging context.

scholarly journals Joining psychiatric care and faith healing in a prayer camp in Ghana: randomised trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 212 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Ofori-Atta ◽  
J. Attafuah ◽  
H. Jack ◽  
F. Baning ◽  
R. Rosenheck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Psychiatric Care ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Randomised Trial ◽  
Faith Healing ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Short Run ◽  
Psychiatric Rating Scale

BackgroundCare of people with serious mental illness in prayer camps in low-income countries generates human rights concerns and ethical challenges for outcome researchers.AimsTo ethically evaluate joining traditional faith healing with psychiatric care including medications (Clinical trials.gov identifier NCT02593734).MethodResidents of a Ghana prayer camp were randomly assigned to receive either indicated medication for schizophrenia or mood disorders along with usual prayer camp activities (prayers, chain restraints and fasting) (n= 71); or the prayer camp activities alone (n= 68). Masked psychologists assessed Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) outcomes at 2, 4 and 6 weeks. Researchers discouraged use of chaining, but chaining decisions remained under the control of prayer camp staff.ResultsTotal BPRS symptoms were significantly lower in the experimental group (P= 0.003, effect size –0.48). There was no significant difference in days in chains.ConclusionsJoining psychiatric and prayer camp care brought symptom benefits but, in the short-run, did not significantly reduce days spent in chains.Declaration of interestNone.

The Impact of Earthquakes on the Domestic Stock Market

2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 325-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bert Scholtens ◽  
Yvonne Voorhorst
Keyword(s):  
Stock Market ◽  
Low Income ◽  
German Law ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Key Characteristics ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Event Study Methodology

How do financial markets respond to the impact of earthquakes? We investigate this for more than 100 earthquakes with fatalities in 21 countries from five continents in the period 1973–2011. Using an event study methodology we conclude that there are significant negative effects on stock market value. We find that the stock market's response to earthquakes is more pronounced in recent years than in the 1970s and 1980s. There is no difference in the responses to the most and least severe earthquakes or to those in high-income and low-income countries. There is hardly a significant difference in the response to earthquakes in German law–based countries and English or French law–based countries. This suggests that the stock market is not very sensitive regarding key characteristics of earthquakes.

scholarly journals Drivers of Millet Consumption Among School Aged Children in Central Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Chande ◽  
Happiness Muhimbula ◽  
Ruth Mremi ◽  
Yasinta C. Muzanila ◽  
Nelson C. Kumwenda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pearl Millet ◽  
Zinc Deficiency ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Iron And Zinc ◽  
And Behavior

Background: Iron and zinc deficiency are common public health problems in low-income countries largely due to poor consumption of iron and zinc rich foods. It has previously been observed that 57% of school aged children (SAC) in Tanzania suffer from anemia. In addition, estimates indicate that over 25% of the population have inadequate zinc intake. Pearl millet is an example of a nutrient dense, resilient cereal crop, that can be promoted to diversify diets and combat iron and zinc deficiency. This study overall aim was to increase pearl millet consumption among school aged (5 – 12 years) children. As part of the study, we investigated, the drivers of food choice relating to pearl millet consumption.Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study of randomly selected households in Kongwa district, Dodoma region of Tanzania. In total, 128 women of reproductive age (20 – 49 years) were randomly selected for the study. A study questionnaire consisting of 66 items, was developed and validated. The constructs in the questionnaire were categorized in two groups: internal and external factors. Respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement or disagreement with statements read to them by interviewers. The scores on intention and behavior constructs were based on the number of times caregivers intended to, or had fed their school going children with pearl millet in the referent month. Intention was considered high if it was higher than the median intention score of the group, and low if it was equal to or lower than the median scores. Correlations and multiple linear regressions were performed to measure association between constructs and to identify predictive constructs. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for score comparison.Results: There was a significant difference between intention and behavior among those who did not consume pearl millet (P = 0.003), and those who consumed pearl millet two or more times a week, in the same month (P = 0.01). Knowledge was significantly correlated with behavior identity (ρ = 0.58, P = 0.001), while health behavior identity was significantly correlated with intention (ρ = 0.31, P = 0.001). Intention of caregivers was significantly and positively correlated (ρ = 0.44, P = 0.001) with and predicted consumption of pearl millet (ρ = 0.87, P = 0.067).Conclusion: Increasing knowledge or awareness on nutritional benefits of pearl millet among caregivers may increase consumption of pearl millet by children of school going age.

scholarly journals Evaluation of antigen-based rapid detection test for the diagnosis of SARS CoV-2 in low-income countries

2021 ◽  
pp. 114409
Author(s):  
Randriamahazo Toky Rakotomalala ◽  
Andry Maharo Andrianarivelo ◽  
Andry Toky Rakotoarivo ◽  
Todisoa Mahenina Raheritiana ◽  
Luc Andriamiadana Rakotovao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Rapid Detection ◽  
Low Income Countries

scholarly journals Effect of Pentoxifylline on Organ Dysfunction and Mortality in Severe Sepsis

QJM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 113 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
B E Hasan ◽  
H A Elgendy ◽  
A S Abdelkawe ◽  
H M Ibrahim
Keyword(s):  
Severe Sepsis ◽  
Adjuvant Therapy ◽  
Organ Dysfunction ◽  
Low Income ◽  
World Wide ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background sepsis and infection are among the leading causes of death world-wide. The annual burden of sepsis in high income countries is rising with mortality of 40%. Despite these figures from industrialized countries, the largest part of the global sepsis burden occurs in middle and low- income countries, 90% of the world wide deaths from pneumonia, meningitis or other infections occur in less developed countries. Aim of the Work to evaluate the therapeutic efficiency of pentoxifylline as an adjuvant therapy in treatment of severe sepsis and its effect in multiple organ dysfunction and mortality in septic patients. Materials and Methods this is a randomized double blinded prospective study conducted from January 2015 to March 2016 included total sample size 52 cases (we used organ dysfunction as a primary outcome with proposed large effect size (0.8) and alfa=0.05 and power=0.80, so, 26 cases were needed in each group). Results we included 52 patients with sepsis who were divided in 1: 1 ratio to receive pentoxifylline or not. The average age of the included patients was almost 53 years, with no statistically significant different between both groups (p = 0.902); while the majority of the included patients were males, with no significant difference between both groups (p = 0.99). The mean weight was similar between both groups (84.50 ±11.25 vs. 83.65 ±10.54 years; p = 0.78) and chest disorders were the main cause of sepsis in both groups. Conclusion we concluded that PTX as an adjuvant therapy had no significant influence on the SOFA score, lactate level, CRP level, and pro-calcitonin level compared to control. Moreover, there were no statistically significant differences in terms of length of hospital stay, need for HD, need for vasopressor and inotropic, need for MV, and mortality rate. Further large clinical trials are recommended to assess the effectiveness of PTX especially with regards to organ failure, survival, and dose dependency.

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