Laboratory Support Research Articles

Mobile learning in engineering using smartphones: Two examples in acoustics and thermal courses

Mobile learning is usually seen as a form of distance education where learners use portable devices such as mobile phones to learn anywhere and anytime. The portability that mobile devices provide allows for learning anywhere but also opens the possibility for field testing. Smartphones are indeed one of the common traits of today's students, who can't imagine life without these tools, which are almost seen as an extension of themselves. These communication tools are also working tools, and we want to highlight in this project the possibility of taking advantage of this technology as part of student training. We aim to introduce the smartphone as support for laboratory or experiential work support through a project entitled ‘Flexible and applied mechanical and building engineering laboratories involving smartphones and digital resources.’ Even though it is still a work in progress, this communication presents concrete examples of how smartphones, applications, and short experiments or analyses can enhance learning in two undergraduate courses: ‘Acoustics and noise control’ and ‘Thermal Engineering.’ By leveraging these tools, we aim to create a practical, engaging learning environment that fosters inclusivity and diversity.

On development of risk-based monitoring over ready-to-cook products

Introduction. Ready-to-cook food products are becoming more and more popular among consumers. They have certain consumer benefits making cooking more comfortable; still, such products pose serious threats for consumer health. The basic reasons for that include the following: ready-to-cook products are made of many various components; manufacture of such products involves multiple manual operations; it is hard to observe safety requirements at production facilities; etc. Optimization of monitoring over such products seems relevant and significant since it can provide more targeted control and surveillance. The aim of this study was to suggest possible ways to optimize monitoring over safety of ready-to-cook products based on analyzing long-term results of laboratory tests performed on such products all over the country. Materials and methods. There was used data from the annual federal statistical observation form No. 18 “Information on the sanitary condition of a constituent entity of the Russian Federation” and data from Laboratory Support section of the Unified Information-Analytical System (UIAS) presented by the Federal Service for Supervision in Protection of the Rights of Consumer and Man Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor). Risk profiles were created for specific ready-to-cook products considering the likelihood of violations of mandatory safety requirements and severity of potential adverse health outcomes caused by these violations. Results. We established that in general the proportion of samples that violated mandatory safety requirements equaled approximately 3.5%. Ready-to-cook food products not conforming to safety standards were detected 2.2–3.8 times more frequently at retail outlets and food providers than in educational establishments or healthcare institutions. Total bacterial contamination (TBC), coliform bacteria (CB), S. Aureus, and certain non-conforming sanitary-chemical indicators are priority health risk factors of ready-to-cook products. These are subject to mandatory laboratory control when each product sample is tested. It seems advisable to change the structure of samples taken within monitoring activities increasing proportions of analyzed samples of salads, drinks (juices), and mixed dishes (meat / fish with trimmings). Limitations. The limitations of the study include the analyzed data set (an in-depth analysis of the results of monitoring culinary products was performed on only one region). Conclusion. Optimization of monitoring over safety of ready-to-cook products that involves using risk profile makes control (surveillance) activities more targeted, ensures a growth in a number of detected violations and withdrawal of low-quality unsafe ready-to-good products from the market.

Celebrated support for dental laboratories.

Celebrated support for dental laboratories.

The monitoring of B lymphocytes in non-lymphoma patients following rituximab treatment.

RTX was initially used for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma treatment and has been used in the clinical treatment of various autoimmune diseases as well as in antirejection and immune induction therapy for kidney transplant recipients. Following RTX treatment, the time for B cell regeneration varies among patients, but there is no unified recommendation for the frequency of B cell monitoring. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of periodic monitoring of peripheral blood B lymphocytes in individualized immunotherapy following rituximab (RTX) treatment in patients with different diseases. This study included 488 patients with different diseases divided in four groups who were hospitalized and followed up from April 2017 to March 2024 (including 77, 161, 120, and 130 cases of neuromyelitis optica, pemphigus, membranous nephropathy, and kidney transplant recipients, respectively). Dynamic changes in percentage and absolute count of peripheral blood B lymphocytes before and after RTX treatment were investigated in the four groups, as well as the number of B cell subsets in 32 patients with optic neuromyelitis after RTX treatment. Although most patients showed high expression of B cells after 24 weeks, less than 6.8% of patients still began to experience B cell regeneration within 4 weeks. Thus, regular B cell monitoring following RTX treatment is helpful to better track the remission and recurrence of the disease and provide effective laboratory support for the selection and implementation of individualized immunotherapy.

Laboratory support for seromonitoring of anti-pertussis post-vaccination immunity

Monitoring of humoral immunity in 3–4 year-old anti-pertussis vaccinated children is one of the approaches for pertussis epidemiological surveillance. It’s a predictive indicator for comprehensive assessment of morbidity in the region. The agglutination reaction (RA) used earlier has been displaced with enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). So, two questions arose: regarding i) a relevance of using ELISA in whole-cell vaccinated individuals, and ii) correctness of large-scale data interpretation without applying a unified IgG reference value. Study aims were to assess humoral anti-pertussis population immunity by ELISA, to determine features of humoral protection in vaccinated subjects after using various vaccine types, to identify age features, to make recommendations for evaluating seromonitoring data. Blood serum samples from anti-pertussis vaccinated children in Samara region (n = 1729) were examined in 2016–2020; children were divided into 4 age groups ( 3, 3–4, 5–7, ≥ 7.1 years) and into 3 type vaccines groups: cellular, acellular and combined. We used two ELISA kits, which are designed to assess post-vaccination immunity, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, quantifying IgG againstB. pertussis, which differ in units and reference values. Statistical analysis was performed using StatTech program v.2.6.2. The largest and smallest percentage of seronegative children was in the cellular-vaccinated and acellular-vaccinated group, respectively. Seronegative percentage in the “indicator group” reaches 55.2% being significantly higher than acceptable 10.0%-level, and differs from the literature data (30–40%), which were obtained mainly with RA. This may suggest about an incorrect interpretation of post-vaccination immunity data evaluation strictly according to manufacturers’ reference criteria, especially for whole-cell vaccinated subjects. A method for calculating the seronegative percentage is proposed that relies on the prognostic negative data level as a correction factor. The required values were obtained during comparison studies of random serum samples from 3–4-year-old children (n = 70) using two ELISA kits (“RIDASCREEN®Bordetella”, “SeroPertussis™ IgG”) and intra-laboratory comparison panel. It should be given preference for sets with a greater prognostic negative data level, if population seronegative percentage is assessed.

A Burkholderia contaminans outbreak in an intensive care unit associated with contaminated bath solution: Control and microbiological findings

The Burkholderia cepacia complex comprises a group of bacteria with a growing threat as a contaminant of nonsterile solutions. We describe an outbreak of a Burkholderia cepaciacomplex involving patients at intensive care unit related to a no-rinse bathing solution (NRBS). We carried out patients, environmental and laboratory investigation performing analyses of cases, pulsed-field-gel electrophoresis and whole genome sequence (WGS) of isolates. We investigated 32 cases and 16 isolates that were identified as Burkholderia contaminans, belonging to 2 different clones. One clone (new ST2175) was identified in 6 sequences (4 from patients and 2 from bath cart samples) and for the remaining 10 isolates (7 isolates from patients and 3 from NRBS) we identified the ST762. The investigation demonstrated that NRBS was the source of the outbreak caused by ST762 clone of Bcontaminans. Early suspicion of a common source, rapid implementation of control measures, and laboratory support are vital in an outbreak investigation. We also highlight the role of WGS which was very important to conclude our investigation regarding environmental samples and bacterial typing. We highlight the need to regulate water-based products and the role of WGS for investigate environmental samples.

A prospective registry study of the epidemiology and management of childhood cancer in the Gambia-The first year experience.

Globally, over 180,000 children develop cancers yearly, with about 80% residing in low- or middle-income countries where cancer-associated mortality is also high. In The Gambia, cumulative incidence rate of 27.6 childhood cancers/million population was reported between 2002 and 2011. The current study appraised newly-established pediatric oncological services in The Gambia. In this prospective registry study, children with cancer who presented at the pediatric units, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, between November 2022 and October 2023 were assessed. Data on sociodemographic variables, mode of admission and presentation, tumor type, diagnostic methods, and challenges such as laboratory support, treatment, use of blood/blood products; and eventual outcome were analyzed. The median (interquartile range, IQR) age at presentation of the 44 children was 36.0 (22.3-117.0) months. Wilms tumor was the most common tumor 12 (27.3%); followed by leukemia 11 (25.0%); germ cell tumor 8 (18.2%); lymphoma 6 (13.6%); retinoblastoma 4 (9.1%); rhabdomyosarcoma 2 (4.5%) and one central nervous system tumor (2.3%). The median(IQR) duration of symptoms before presentation was 48 (21-90) days, presentation to diagnosis 7.5 (3-20.8) days, and first symptom to diagnosis 62.5 (32-126.8) days. Treatment refusal and abandonment rates were 20.5% and 13.6%, respectively. Families of 93.8% of children could not procure cytotoxic drugs due to nonavailability, high cost, or both. Adequate laboratory monitoring was only available in 6.8%, and none had platelet concentrate transfusion or radiotherapy. The nine (20.5%) who completed treatment are currently being followed up, 10(22.7%) are still receiving chemotherapy, while 2(4.5%) were referred. Eight (18.2%) died, predominantly from metastasis (75%) and severe drug toxicities (25%). Late presentation and diagnosis, poverty, unavailability of drugs, suboptimal or lack of laboratory testing, blood product, adjuvant medications, and psychosocial supports contributed to high treatment refusal, abandonment, and mortality. These daunting challenges can be ameliorated with regular community sensitization, frequent cancer auditing, and strong political will.

Analytical methods for Ir-192 determination and their comparison.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Radiation Laboratory's primary mission is to provide laboratory support for an effective and efficient response to public health radiological emergencies. The laboratory has developed methods for several radiological threat agents, including Iridium-192 (Ir-192). Ir-192 can be analyzed via its gamma energy through analytical methods such as High Purity Germanium (HPGe) and its beta energy through Liquid Scintillation Counting (LSC). In this work, we present and compare HPGe and LSC rapid response methods for Ir-192 quantification. Both methods show the reasonable results and can be used in emergency situations.

A standalone and portable imaging detection system with embedded computing for automated defect inspection of microfluidic devices

The existing methods for defect detection in PDMS microfluidic chips typically involve complex image recognition algorithms or manual inspection and still lack efficiency and reliability. Although some automatic defect detection methods have been proposed in recent years, most of them still rely on external computation systems to deploy. To address these challenges, we propose an independent portable defect detection system with embedded computing for microfluidic devices. This portable system is completely self-contained, integrating an image acquisition module, a control panel module, a power module, and an embedded computing control module to realize chip detection, processing, and result display functions. Experimental results show that the system can effectively detect most of the commonly seen defects in PDMS-based microfluidic chips, proving to be more efficient and reliable than manual inspection. With the control of the embedded system, two detection methods: template matching (based on comparison with standard samples) and automatic defect detection (based on surface defect recognition) were used to identify defects in PDMS-based microfluidic chips. The proposed system can automatically inspect and analyze chips without the need for external laboratory support and can provide a promising solution for future microfluidic chip manufacturing and operation.

Strengthening Teachers’ Competencies in Utilising ICT in Physics Experiment Activities and Developing Student Worksheets

The development of ICT brings new innovations in physics learning. Thus, the application of ICT needs to be trained to be mastered by teachers in physics education. The community service aimed to strengthen teachers' competencies in utilising ICT and training in developing student worksheets for physics experiments. The software includes PhET, Physical Phone Experiment, and Physics Toolbox. The implementation method included preparation, implementation, and evaluation stages. The activities on the first day (online) included introducing technology-based software as laboratory support and designing student worksheets to train students’ skills. The activities on the second day (offline) involved direct training on software usage and student worksheet creation. On the third day (online), there were presentations of the student worksheets created by teachers. There were 110 participants in this community service, consisting of physics and science teachers from various Sumatera, Java, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi schools. The implementation of the community service utilised lectures, Q&A sessions, discussions, and demonstrations. The achievements of the community service included providing teachers with new knowledge and experiences in developing student worksheets. The validity results of the student worksheets created by teachers obtained an average percentage of 95.5%. This indicated that the community service activities positively impacted teachers and were highly effective.

Veterinary Drug Use Pattern in livestock and Its Public Health Significance, Gondar Town Veterinary Clinic, Northern Ethiopia

A cross-sectional and retrospective study design and simple random sampling strategy was conducted in Gondar town veterinary clinic, northern Ethiopia with the aim of evaluating drug use pattern and show public health significance of irrational veterinary drug use. A total of 2117 drugs were prescribed to 1717 veterinary patients randomly selected from the case registry in this study. The result indicates average number of drugs prescribed per case was 1.23 and the maximum of three drugs was prescribed. The percentages of antimicrobial, anthelmintic, endectocide and other drugs prescribed were 1182 (55.7%), 481 (22.7%), 426 (20.1%), and 28 (1.3%), respectively. All patients were treated without correct laboratory support. As a result, antimicrobials were inappropriately prescribed in 1.4% of viral diseases, 0.2% of external parasitic diseases, 0.8% of internal parasitic diseases, 0.3% of metabolic diseases, 0.1% of fungal diseases, and anthelmintics in 0.1% of bacterial diseases and 0.5% of external parasitic diseases. 2013/2117 (95.1%) the route of administration of the prescribed drugs was not stated. Clinic professionals were 80% animal health assistants and 20% veterinarians. The results reveal problems with correct diagnosis, low level of education of prescribers, few essential drugs, absence of standard veterinary drug lists, and inappropriate drug use; these all principals to public health significance. Therefore, the availability of key essential drugs should improve and available drugs be prescribed with its appropriate doses, routes, and regimens. Veterinarians should be made aware of the irrational use of veterinary drugs and their public health implications.

Capacity-building during public health emergencies: perceived usefulness and cost savings of an online training on SARS-CoV-2 real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) diagnostics in low- and middle-income settings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Upon the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Public Health Laboratory Support Unit (ZIG4) at the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the German National Public Health Institute, developed and delivered an online training on SARS-CoV-2 qPCR diagnostics to 17 partner countries in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). This article analyses the usefulness and cost savings of this training. The authors performed a concurrent mixed-methodology study based on key informant interviews, interviewer-administered questionnaires, and document reviews. Economic costs were estimated from the perspective of RKI. Responding participants indicated that the course provided good and comprehensive information on up-to-date scientific knowledge and laboratory practice in PCR diagnostics. Respondents appreciated how the technical content of the training enhanced their ability to apply diagnostic methods in their daily work. Interviewees highlighted that the fast implementation and the low threshold of attending an online training had allowed them to quickly build skills that were crucial during, and beyond, the COVID-19 crisis. The total estimated cost of the online SARS-CoV-2 qPCR training was 61,644 euros. The total estimated cost of the equivalent face-to-face training was estimated at 267,592 euros. Programme weaknesses identified included the top-down approaches taken, lack of interactive components and opportunities to directly engage with other course participants and with teachers. An online training was developed and implemented to support RKI partner countries in SARS-CoV-2 qPCR diagnostics during the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby strengthening pandemic response and health system resilience. The training incurred in important cost savings compared to the equivalent face-to-face training. Post-pandemic studies could usefully build on these research findings and explore ways to enhance end user involvement and improve interactive features to build stronger communities of learners and facilitate exchange of information and mutual learning.

Implementation of an integrated control programme for neglected tropical diseases of the skin in Ghana: The essential role of the laboratory

IntroductionIn this study, we report on findings from approaches used, the outcomes and the lessons learnt from the laboratory support provided for integrated control of skin NTDs including Buruli ulcer (BU), and yaws in seven selected districts in Ghana. MethodsActions implemented from July 2018 to October 2022 included; training district-level health workers on specimen collection, storage, and transport to laboratories, integrated case searches, continual monitoring and supervision for trained health workers, laboratory confirmation of BU and yaws samples and providing results of the analysed samples to guide decision making. Descriptive analysis of data was performed. ResultsA total of 18,683 (including suspected BU 976; suspected yaws 10,995) individuals were screened for BU and yaws. Of 976 suspected BU cases, 16.8% [median (IQR) age 24 (12.0–37.8) years] were confirmed positive by IS2404 PCR; BU mostly presented as ulcers (78.7%); category I (37.2%) and category II (36%). 480 individuals (4.4%) had DPP positive yaws. Multiplex PCR analysis of 75 selected DPP positive cases identified; 7 DPP positive yaws cases as Treponema pallidum, 28 as Haemophilus ducreyi and 7 as Treponema pallidum/Haemophilus ducreyi coinfection. Laboratory results were sent to the districts within a median (IQR) of 5 (3 – 9) days. ConclusionThe implementation of integrated diagnostic confirmation for skin NTDs is feasible with provision of timely results within a week. Multiplex diagnostic tools differentiated Treponema pallidum and Haemophilus ducreyi. There is a need to sustain active case search activities, enhance health worker training, and improve laboratory confirmation of cases as part of the overall strategy for the integrated control of skin neglected tropical diseases.

You Can’t Climb a Broken Ladder: Examining Underrepresentation of Multiply-Disadvantaged Groups in Secure and Senior Roles in UK Geochemistry

Geochemistry provides useful research tools related to fundamental processes in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences. It has a distinct identity among the academic communities in these subjects, yet there is no specific data on workforce diversity among geochemists. We present the first demographic data of UK geochemists from a voluntary anonymous survey. We scrutinise the data with respect to protected characteristics (e.g., age, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation and disability) and seniority of those within the community. We furthermore use this UK data to compare the career progression of geochemists who belong to multiply-privileged identities with those who belong to multiply-disadvantaged identities, to assess their representations with increased seniority on the academic career. This UK based case study on diversity and inclusion suggests that the career paths of geochemists belonging to multiple disadvantaged groups are restricted, including overrepresentation among those on fixed-term contracts or in service roles for laboratory support. Our data highlight that there is a decrease in diversity with an increase in seniority; specifically, UK geochemists from sexual and gender minorities, neurodiverse, and women from ethnic minority groups were not represented among the participants of our survey at the top of the academic ladder. There are many reasons for the loss of diversity in the UK geochemistry community with increased seniority. In order to address this and the underrepresentation of particular groups in senior leadership roles, our findings suggest that the career progression of geochemists requires an intersectional lens to examine the complexity of identity data. Such an approach would enable a better understanding of the impact of multiple and compounded disadvantages, biases, negative experiences and discrimination faced by multiply-disadvantaged identities.

Intelligence and the Value of Forensic Science

Recent research has seen a rapid expansion in the reference to front-end forensics as an indication of the untapped value of forensic science. While some of these contributions have centered on development of forensic intelligence from a single area of investigation, others call for a more fundamental change in the relationship between crime laboratories and policing, particularly relating early laboratory analysis with big datasets to provide leads to investigators. We highlight several recently implemented tactical strategies of crime laboratories that contribute to the body of forensic intelligence. Beyond the scientific gains from these tactical applications, the corresponding details on associated efficiencies, costs, time savings, and quality improvements offer insights towards patterns of success for the community of crime laboratories. Further details expand an interpretation of what constitutes success with an eye on the contributions of the crime laboratory towards public health, safety, and protection of the innocent in addition to societal gains from conviction of the guilty. The economic interpretation of the value provided by the forensic laboratory assists in the cost–benefit review of strategic and tactical decisions and supports the justification for laboratory public funding with measures of the return on investment from public support of the forensic laboratory. Examples of the cost savings from crimes avoided include the returns from testing the backlog of unsubmitted sexual assault kits with USD 81 of costs avoided for each USD 1 spent to high-efficiency laboratories achieving gains of USD 646 for each UD 1 spent on de novo case submissions.

The WHO atlas for female-genital schistosomiasis: Co-design of a practicable diagnostic guide, digital support and training.

Up to 56 million young and adult women of African origin suffer from Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS). The transmission of schistosomiasis happens through contact with schistosomiasis infested fresh water in rivers and lakes. The transmission vector is the snail that releases immature worms capable of penetrating the human skin. The worm then matures and mates in the blood vessels and deposits its eggs in tissues, causing urogenital disease. There is currently no gold standard for FGS diagnosis. Reliable diagnostics are challenging due to the lack of appropriate instruments and clinical skills. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends "screen-and-treat" cervical cancer management, by means of visual inspection of characteristic lesions on the cervix and point-of-care treatment as per the findings. FGS may be mistaken for cervical cancer or sexually transmitted diseases. Misdiagnosis may lead to the wrong treatment, increased risk of exposure to other infectious diseases (human immunodeficiency virus and human papilloma virus), infertility and stigmatisation. The necessary clinical knowledge is only available to a few experts in the world. For an appropriate diagnosis, this knowledge needs to be transferred to health professionals who have minimal or non-existing laboratory support. Co-design workshops were held with stakeholders (WHO representative, national health authority, FGS experts and researchers, gynaecologists, nurses, medical doctors, public health experts, technical experts, and members of the public) to make prototypes for the WHO Pocket Atlas for FGS, a mobile diagnostic support tool and an e-learning tool for health professionals. The dissemination targeted health facilities, including remote areas across the 51 anglophone, francophone and lusophone African countries. Outcomes were endorsed by the WHO and comprise a practical diagnostic guide for FGS in low-resource environments.

The Impact of DNA Databases on the Investigation of Crimes

This study aims to establish the significance and impact of using DNA data in forensics. The study employed the anamnestic method, descriptive analysis, and forecasting. The conducted research identified the key problems of creating and using DNA databases, including insufficient logistical and laboratory support, understaffing, lack of special legislation, low level of security, slow filling of databases, disregard of the public position, and the need to establish international cooperation. It was established that DNA analysis enables identifying the identity of the deceased or a person who cannot identify himself; determining the number of persons at the crime scene; establishing whether DNA traces belong to a suspect; establishing a connection between several crimes by matching DNA samples taken from the scene; establishing those accused of crimes. It is proposed to increase the effectiveness of law enforcement activities through the development of an International Strategy for the Influence of the Use of DNA Databases and ensure international cooperation on the exchange of DNA information in forensics.

ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ ПЕРВИЧНОЙ ПРОФИЛАКТИКИ БОЛЕЗНИ ПАРКИНСОНА

The incidence of Parkinson's disease currently outpaces the rate of aging and is growing disproportionately in newly industrialized areas of the globe. Scientific evidence suggests that exposure to environmental toxicants during neurodevelopment, whether in utero, perinatal or childhood, may have a significant impact on the risk of developing Parkinson's disease in the future. More often we have a combination of factors/triggers that last for decades, such as pesticides, organic solvents, metals and air pollution. The relationship between exposure and disease is variable, meaning that gene-environment and environment-environment interactions and other exposure dynamics contribute to the disease phenotype. Since all disease phenotypes are the result of our genes (intrinsic factors) and environment (extrinsic factors), there is no doubt that gene-environment interactions account for most cases of idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Unraveling key aspects of our understanding of the environmental risk associated with Parkinson's disease in the human population requires experimental work. Collaboration between interdisciplinary teams and new technologies combined with basic toxicological principles is required. With both laboratory and analytical support, incorporating biomarkers, transcriptomics or metabolomics, and gene-environment interactions into research projects would be an ideal mechanism for PD research, both in the preclinical and clinical areas. Understanding the contribution of the environment to PD is critical as it could potentially help prevent the development and/or progression of this as yet incurable disease in some percentage of cases.

Building the emergency care workforce in a low resource setting; The Seed Global Health experience in Uganda

Introduction: Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face a disproportionate burden of diseases requiring emergency care. In Uganda, road traffic trauma in the context of rapid urbanization, particularly motorcycle accidents, accounts for 48% of medical emergencies. The burden of road traffic accidents, obstetric complications, and non-communicable diseases necessitate robust emergency care, yet Uganda faces systemic challenges in this sector. Following the 60th and 72nd sessions of the World Health Assembly that called for strengthened emergency, critical and operative care to achieve universal health coverage, Uganda committed to strengthening emergency medical services through taking key steps such as developing a national Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Policy. The EMS Policy outlined twelve key focus areas including development of human resources for emergency medical services, key among are emergency physicians. To support these efforts, Seed Global Health, the Ugandan Ministry of Health, Makerere University, and Mbarara University of Science and Technology partnered to strengthen the emergency medicine training between 2019 and 2024. Methods: We conducted a desk review to evaluate the collaborative effort between Seed Global Health, Ministry of Health, Makerere University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. We reviewed policy documents, health records, and program reports to assess initiatives by Seed Global Health that were focused on developing human resources for emergency medical services, including emergency physicians training, emergency nurses and the contributions of local and international faculty. Results: The partnership between Seed Global Health, Ministry of Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology and Makerere University successfully trained 21 new emergency physicians, with 43 more residents currently in training. It introduced essential clinical resources, enhancing diagnostic and treatment capacities for improved patient care while improving learning environments through skills laboratory support, simulation support and classroom equipment. Additionally, it supported the coordination of emergency services within emergency departments in hospitals as well as enhanced advocacy efforts to improving emergency care in Uganda. However, despite these tremendous milestones, challenges persist including a shortage of specialists relative to the high demand for services, a need for increased investment for emergency medical services and a need for better integration of emergency services within the healthcare system. Conclusion: This article highlights the value of international collaborations, long term partnership and targeted training in addressing emergency care gaps in LMICs. We recommend expanding emergency medicine programs, increasing government investment in facilities and human resources, and strengthening interdisciplinary emergency response teams. These measures are essential for providing sustainable, quality emergency care to address Uganda's growing needs.

RT-RPA-PfAgo detection platform for one-tube simultaneous typing diagnosis of human respiratory syncytial virus.

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is the most prevalent pathogen contributing to acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) in infants and young children and can lead to significant financial and medical costs. Here, we developed a simultaneous, dual-gene and ultrasensitive detection system for typing HRSV within 60 minutes that needs only minimum laboratory support. Briefly, multiplex integrating reverse transcription-recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) was performed with viral RNA extracted from nasopharyngeal swabs as a template for the amplification of the specific regions of subtypes A (HRSVA) and B (HRSVB) of HRSV. Next, the Pyrococcus furiosus Argonaute (PfAgo) protein utilizes small 5'-phosphorylated DNA guides to cleave target sequences and produce fluorophore signals (FAM and ROX). Compared with the traditional gold standard (RT-qPCR) and direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA), this method has the additional advantages of easy operation, efficiency and sensitivity, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1 copy/μL. In terms of clinical sample validation, the diagnostic accuracy of the method for determining the HRSVA and HRSVB infection was greater than 95%. This technique provides a reliable point-of-care (POC) testing for the diagnosis of HRSV-induced ARTI in children and for outbreak management, especially in resource-limited settings.