A flow and acoustic facility for characterization of liner and meta-acoustic surfaces under grazing flow condition

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has designed and assembled a new facility, a grazing flow tube, for aeroacoustic characteristics measurement of acoustic liners, e.g. transmission loss, impedance, etc., under a high-speed grazing flow. The cross-section of the test section of the tube has a dimension of 50 mm × 50 mm, and the grazing flow speed can be up to 0.3 Ma. A settling chamber, a long-enough flow development section and a multi-stage anechoic termination are adopted to ensure the high-quality flow field and acoustic field. This paper presents the detailed designs of the key components of the facility, as well as the calibrations of the velocity profile in a series of cross-section surfaces of the duct along the streamwise direction and sound pressure distributions in the axial and circumferential directions. Pitot tube, Hotwire and PIV are used to obtain the flow field measurement results. The overall performance of the diagnostic facility is verified by comparing the impedance results of acoustic liners acquired from an impedance tube under the static condition and the theoretical variation of axial wavenumber with Ma number under the grazing flow.

An iteratively optimised process for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of an industrial SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic facility

On 11th March 2020, the UK government announced plans for the scaling of COVID-19 testing, and on 27th March 2020 it was announced that a new alliance of private sector and academic collaborative laboratories were being created to generate the testing capacity required. The Cambridge COVID-19 Testing Centre (CCTC) was established during April 2020 through collaboration between AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, and the University of Cambridge, with Charles River Laboratories joining the collaboration at the end of July 2020. The CCTC lab operation focussed on the optimised use of automation, introduction of novel technologies and process modelling to enable a testing capacity of 22,000 tests per day. Here we describe the optimisation of the laboratory process through the continued exploitation of internal performance metrics, while introducing new technologies including the Heat Inactivation of clinical samples upon receipt into the laboratory and a Direct to PCR protocol that removed the requirement for the RNA extraction step. We anticipate that these methods will have value in driving continued efficiency and effectiveness within all large scale viral diagnostic testing laboratories.

Pattern of Computerized Tomographic Findings in Suspected Gallbladder Cancer in Nigeria

Background: Gallbladder (GB) cancer is a rare malignancy with a variable incidence worldwide. Imaging detection at an early stage is elusive. Preoperative imaging for tumour recognition and non-invasive staging is essential to triage patients to appropriate care. Objectives: To describe the CT imaging findings of GB cancer among Nigerians. Methods: A retrospective review of the CT images of 15 patients who had gall bladder carcinoma between January 2015 and June 2017 at a private diagnostic facility in Lagos was done. Results: The age of the patients ranged from 39 to 73 years with a mean age of 60.9 years. The male to female ratio was 1:4.3. Clinical presentations included abdominal pain (61.5%) and jaundice (38.5%). Irregular GB wall thickening (61.5%) and focal mass lesions in the GB (38.5%) were the main features on imaging while 38.5% had associated gall stones. Infiltration of the adjacent liver was found in 76.9% and 60 % of those who had local infiltration of the liver also had intrahepatic metastasis. Conclusion: A majority of gall bladder cancer cases are still diagnosed in their late stages. CT scan readily delineates regional spread into adjacent organs which may be obscured in other imaging modalities due to adjacent bowel gas.

Hemorrhagic fever in Saudi Arabia: challenge to public health, effective management and future considerations

Background: Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) refers to a group of febrile illnesses caused by different viruses that result in high mortality in animals and humans. Many risk factors like increased human-animal interactions, climate change, increased mobility of people and limited diagnostic facility have contributed to the rapid spread of VHF. Materials: The history of VHFs in the Saudi Arabian Peninsula has been documented since the 19th century, in which many outbreaks have been reported from the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Despite presence of regional network of experts and technical organizations, which expedite support and respond during outbreaks, there are some more challenges that need to be addressed immediately. Gaps in funding, exhaustive and inclusive response plans and improved surveillance systems are some areas of concern in the region which can be dealt productively. This review primarily focusses on the hem- orrhagic fevers that are caused by three most common viruses namely, the Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus, Rift valley fever virus, and Dengue fever virus. Conclusion: In summary, effective vector control, health education, possible use of vaccine and concerted synchronized efforts between different government organizations and private research institutions will help in planning effective out- break-prevention and response strategies in future. Keywords: Viral fever; hemorrhagic fever (VHF); Saudi Arabia; challenges; management; future considerations.

Network for subclinical prognostication of COVID 19 Patients from data of thoracic roentgenogram: A feasible alternative screening technology

Background and Study Aim: COVID 19 is the terminology driving peoples life in the year 2020 without a supportive globally high mortality rate. Coronavirus lead pandemic is a new found disease with no gold standard diagnostic and therapeutic guideline across the globe. Amidst this scenario our aim is to develop a prediction model that makes mass screening easy on par with reducing strain on hospitals diagnostic facility and doctors alike. For this prediction model, a neural network based on Chest X-ray images has been developed. Alongside the aim is also to generate a case record form that would include prediction model result along with few other subclinical factors for generating disease identification. Once found positive then only it will proceed to RT-PCR for final validation. The objective was to provide a cheap alternative to RT-PCR for mass screening and to reduced burden on diagnostic facility by keeping RT-PCR only for final confirmation. Methods: Datasets of chest X-ray images gathered from across the globe has been used to test and train the network after proper dataset curing and augmentation. Results: The final neural network-based prediction model showed an accuracy of 81% with sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 90%. The AUC score obtained is 93.7%. Discussion and Conclusion: The above results based on the existing datasets showcase our model capability to successfully distinguish patients based on Chest X-ray (a non-invasive tool) and along with the designed case record form it can significantly contribute in increasing hospitals monitoring and health care capability.

Recurrent urinary tract infection as presenting feature of genito-urinary tuberculosis: reports of two cases

Genito-urinary tract is one of the most common extra-pulmonary sites of involvement by tuberculosis. Genitourinary tuberculosis poses significant diagnostic difficulty; not only because of non-specific symptoms, but also because of lack of diagnostic facility, specially, in resource constrain settings. We report two cases of genito-urinary tuberculosis occurring among Bangladeshi adult females, who presented with recurrent urinary tract infection. Along with other supportive tests, acid fast bacilli were identified on urine examinations. Birdem Med J 2020; 10(3): 212-214

Knowledge, attitude and practices among the inhabitants of Lahore, Pakistan towards the COVID-19 pandemic: an immediate online based cross-sectional survey while people are under the lockdown.

Background: COVID-19 is an emerging infectious disease and has reached a status of global health emergency. It is widespread in Pakistan causing morbidity and mortality amongst masses. Objectives: Undertaken study aims at investigating knowledge, attitude and practices of the people residing in Lahore, Pakistan whilst the global crisis with sparse data available previously. Methodology: Following lockdown announcement, an immediate online cross sectional study was conducted from the 31st March to 6 April 2020. Data was analyzed by using SPSS IBM version 22. 00. Results: A total of 316 responses were received. Our study has shown that people 95.80% were well familiar with COVID-19, informed via news channels 46.2%. 91.7% believed the virus is contagious, 95.8% reported that the virus is spread by the respiratory droplets, 89.2% believed that all ages are at risk while 62.3% believed it risky for geriatrics only. 60.4% believed in its prevention with 91.7% respondents agreeably quarantined themselves while 6.6% didn’t. 99.7% participants were aware of social/physical distancing and 75.6% found it affecting mental health i.e. cause anxiety, depression etc. 59.2% of respondents were optimistic expecting it to end soon while 32.3% were uncertain. 49.1% said they have diagnostic facility and 89.6% acknowledged efforts of researchers/healthcare providers (doctors, pharmacist, nurses, allied health professionals and paramedical staff) for the society. 94.3% believed that there is need of awareness regarding COVID-19. Conclusion: An ever increasing need of awareness amongst the local population regarding COVID-19 is needed. It will lend hands in preventing spread of COVID-19 with minimal secondary transmission. It is recommended that extensive survey studies are required that can provide supportive data in developing and implementing public health policies regarding COVID-19 pandemic. It would further control and arrest the spread of COVID-19 in country. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.19(0) 2020 p. S 69-S 76

The Landscape of Anthrax Prevention and Control: Stakeholders’ Perceptive in Odisha, India

The prevalence and outbreaks of anthrax are interlinked with the animal-environment-human context, which signifies the need for collaborative, trans-disciplinary and multi-sectoral approaches for the prevention and control of anthrax. In India, there are hardly any shreds of evidence on the role of various stakeholders’ on anthrax prevention and control. Therefore, this study addressed the experiences of various stakeholders on anthrax prevention and control strategies in Odisha, India. A qualitative explorative study was carried out using 42 in-depth-interviews among the stakeholders from health, veterinary and general administrative departments from the block, district, and state level. Two major themes emerged: (1) Epidemiological investigation of anthrax in Odisha, India, and (2) Biological and social prevention strategies for anthrax in Odisha, India. The study emphasizes setting up the surveillance system as per standard guideline, and strengthening the diagnostic facility at a regional medical college laboratory to avoid delay. Moreover, it emphasizes step-up inter-sectoral co-ordination, collaboration and sensitization among health, veterinary, forestry, education, nutrition and tribal welfare departments at all levels in order to reduce the prevalence and control the outbreaks of anthrax in Odisha state. It also recommends raising community literacy, in particular on safe carcass disposal, changing behavior on dead-livestock consumption, and compliance with livestock vaccinations.

Patient’s travel distance to specialised cancer diagnostics and the association with the general practitioner’s diagnostic strategy and satisfaction with the access to diagnostic procedures: an observational study in Denmark

Background: Research indicate that when general practitioners (GPs) refer their patients for specialist care, the patient often has long distance. This study had a twofold aim: in accordance to the GP’s suspicion of cancer, we investigated the association between: 1) cancer patient’s travel distance to the first specialised diagnostic facility and the GP’s diagnostic strategy and 2) cancer patient’s travel distance to the first specialised diagnostic facility and satisfaction with the waiting time and the availability of diagnostic investigations.Method: This combined questionnaire- and registry-based study included incident cancer patients diagnosed in the last six months of 2016 where the GP had been involved in the diagnostic process of the patients prior to their diagnosis of cancer (n=3,455). The patient’s travel distance to the first specialised diagnostic facility was calculated by ArcGIS Network Analyst. The diagnostic strategy of the GP and the GP’s satisfaction with the waiting times and the available investigations were assessed from GP questionnaires. Results: When the GP did not suspect cancer or serious illness, an insignificant tendency was seen that longer travel distance to the first specialised diagnostic facility increased the likelihood of the GP using ’wait-and-see’ approach and ’medical treatment’ as diagnostic strategies. The GPs of patients with travel distance longer than 49 kilometres to the first specialised diagnostic facility were more likely to report dissatisfaction with the waiting time for requested diagnostic investigations (PR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.20-3.28).Conclusion: A insignificant tendency to use ‘wait-and-see’ and ‘medical treatment’ were more likely in GPs of patients with long travel distance to the first diagnostic facility when the GP did not suspect cancer or serious illness. Long distance was associated with higher probability of GP dissatisfaction with the waiting time for diagnostic investigations.

A brief history of AAHL

The CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) was officially opened on 1 April 1985. After that day the laboratory switched to secure mode and has operated as such ever since. AAHL was constructed to be the primary national diagnostic facility for exotic animal diseases but has expanded its role to become a national and international reference laboratory for many diseases. AAHL has supported disease control within the region by providing training, reagents and proficiency testing, both within Australia and internationally. AAHL’s role has evolved even further to include a focus on one-health which resulted in AAHL being renamed the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in March 2020.