Simple Test Kit Research Articles

Phenolphthalein based molecule as a lighting–up fluorescent chemoprobe for the nanomolar recognition of Al3+: DFT study and its applications in test kits, food and water samples

Phenolphthalein–based compound (PHAB) was synthesized, well–characterized and studied as a lighting–up fluorescent chemosensor for Al3+. Fluorescence studies were performed at 25 °C in H2O/CH3CN (20/80, v/v) media. Free PHAB was non–fluorescent; but, it depicted a strong fluorescence toward Al3+ at 468 nm over potential competitive cations. The mechanism of C = N isomerisation and blocking PET enhanced its emission with a remarkable color alteration from colorless to blue. The LOD value was found at nano–molar level (51.5 nM), indicating high sensitivity toward Al3+. The validation study also confirmed the sensing performance of PHAB based on different analytical parameters. Job's plot, 1H NMR titration and MALDI TOF–MS studies authenticated the stoichiometry between PHAB and Al3+ (1:2). The binding of PHAB with Al3+ was further verified by the theoretical study. Furthermore, the fluorescence sensing performance of PHAB makes it perfect for practical applications in drinkable water and food samples with satisfactory recovery values (91.42%–108.8%), as well as in simple test–kit applications.

Field-friendly MUNNG® optima simple test kit for quick qualitative assessment of iodine and iron presence in double-fortified salt.

Data from several efficacy studies and a long-term effectiveness study have encouraged the governments to adopt a policy of providing double-fortified salt (DFS) in the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) programs in government schools across India. These envisaged food security events are likely to boost the manufacturing of DFS in a big way. Thus, it becomes pertinent to come up with a robust monitoring system involving community and field workers for quality checks. It is imperative to equip these field workers with simple testing kits (STKs) capable of qualitative detection of iron and iodine in DFS. As the consumer acceptance of foods is based on several factors including sensory characteristics, performance, convenience, cost, nutrition, and product image, a variety of iron compounds are in use for fortification. However, it becomes challenging to provide a kit that can overcome the chemical masking of iodine detection by iron compounds. We aimed at (1) the development of a field-friendly STK for quick qualitative assessment of iodine and various forms of iron present in DFS, (2) to check its validity under field conditions. We put in place reagents combined using known chemical reactions and balanced use of oxidants to overcome the problems of encapsulation and to maximize the use, by enabling reagent combination to react with all forms of iron. The kit reagents successfully detect iodine as well as three commonly used iron fortificants in DFS. Published field trials confirmed the specificity and sensitivity of the developed kit. The simplicity and use of the kit by a field worker can be seen in the enclosed video. The combination of improvised kit reagents allows early detection of iron and iodine in DFS. Iron is detected in a variety of iron-containing fortifications. The provision of diluted H2O2 ensures the presence of oxygen-free radicals that enhances iodine release captured by concentrated KI making iodine detection an easy task.

Comparison of Taste and Smell Test Results Before and After COVID-19 in Yakumo Residents Health Checkup Comparison between 2019 and 2022

Since August 2007, the authors have conducted health checkups for residents of Yakumo Town, Hokkaido, over three days yearly, with approximately 600 people. Taste and smell tests were conducted on the study participants, and the results have been reported. However, in 2020 and 2021, we were could not receive a health checkup data to the influence of the new coronavirus. But, in August 2022, we were finally able to obtain the results of taste and smell tests. Therefore, in this study, we compare the taste and smell test results obtained in August 2019 (before the COVID-19 epidemic) and in August 2022 (after the COVID-19 epidemic).Taste and smell were measured using a simple test kit, and height, weight, and blood pressure were also obtained.

A Pyrene-Tetrazole Fused Fluorescent Probe for Effective Real Time Detection Towards Aluminium Ion.

We constructed a novel-binding site for metal ion detection using a fused tetrazole ring conjugated with aminopyrene (R). The designed structure of the molecule was successfully synthesized and determined the probe's selectivity by testing various metal ions and found that the probe effectively detects Al3+ ion visually. Checked the sensing ability of the probe with different approaches (fluorimetric and colorimetric), and the effectiveness is double confirmed. The added Al3+ ion to R procured a rapid change in color from yellowish orange to colorless. Under the UV lamp, a turn-on blue fluorescence was observed after adding aluminium ion, whereas the probe was non-fluorescent before detecting aluminium ion. The probable interface of the probe with aluminium ion has also been expected from HRMS spectral analysis results. The probe's utility in real-time monitoring of Al3+ ion in water is confirmed by a simple test kit prepared using filter paper. The kit showed a possible naked-eye detection with a notable color change, and when checked, the aluminium ion detected test kit under a UV lamp showed blue fluorescence.

Evaluation of olfactory impairment using a simple test kit “ The Odor Stick Identification test for the Japanese ” (OSIT-J) in neurodegenerative diseases

Evaluation of olfactory impairment using a simple test kit “ The Odor Stick Identification test for the Japanese ” (OSIT-J) in neurodegenerative diseases

Prof K C Dube Poster Award

Background:The Hair cortisol levels (HairF) reflect average serum cortisol levels longitudinally practically similar to HbA1c levels for blood glucose levels. There are conflicting reports of higher serum cortisol levels due to hyperactive Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis, in Anxiety, particularly Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), which is a common, disabling condition, that remains under-detected.Aims:To determine validity of the HairF in detecting GAD.Methodology:Consenting study participants (N=66) included those with GAD (n=40) and Healthy Controls (n=26) at Psychiatry Outpatients of Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences in year 2020 provided hair sample for study. HairF was assessed as per standardized ELISA method, validated by Kirschbaum and colleagues (2009). GAD diagnosis was made by Consultant Psychiatrist, who also administered Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and received Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ-4) for all participants; HairF were evaluated by Consultant Biochemist, was blind to participants’ diagnosis.Results:Study found correlations of HairF with HAM-A scores (r2 = 0.61; p<.001) & PHQ-4 scores (r2 = 0.52; p<.001). The ROC statistics found that the AUC against gold standard of clinical GAD diagnosis, for HairF was 0.98 (p<.001), HAM-A was 0.99 (p<.001) and PHQ-4 was 0.92 (p<.001). The optimum cut-off of HairF of 88.4 pg/mg had 98.5% sensitivity and 92.5% specificity.Discussion:HairF test is not only a substitute for clinician rated HAM-A and self-reported PHQ-4, but provide anxiety states longitudinally, moreover it is objective. Study limitations were that Control group had lower sample size and were younger. Also, study should have evaluated HairF levels post treatment.Conclusion:HairF test can be a simple objective diagnostic aid in detecting GAD could help Primary Care Physicians, if a simple test kit becomes available to treat early. This highlights the need for pertinent inter-discipline collaboration for similar future Translational Psychiatry Research.Word count of abstract: 292 Corresponding, Submitting & Presenting Author:

Simple test kit based on colorimetry for quantification of magnesium content in natural rubber latex by miniaturized complexometric titration without using masking agent

A simple, low-cost and portable field test kit based on colorimetry with detection by naked eye was developed for determination of magnesium content in natural rubber latex (NRL). The miniaturized complexometric titration between Mg2+ and EDTA without any masking agent was a key reaction in this development, which was designed according to the concept of green chemistry by reduction of waste generation and chemical and time consumption. The system enabled quantification of magnesium content in NRL at low concentration with the detection limit being <50 mg L−1, small sample volume uptake (0.18 g, sampling by a small spoon) and use of <1.5 mL reagent volume which was >70 times less than that applied in the conventional method. Moreover, with the presence of potential interference ions, greater selectivity towards magnesium was observed. Furthermore, the reagents used in our developed test kit were stable for >6 months at room temperature. The results obtained on real samples were in agreement with those obtained from the conventional complexometric titration (ISO 17403: 2014(E)) method. The proposed technique provides a low-cost, rapid, simple, selective and on-site analysis of magnesium content in NRL.

Analysis of Correlation between Caries Risk Factors to Establish an Effective Clinical Testing and Diagnostic System for Caries Risk

Previous studies investigating caries risk have often analyzed either salivary buffering capacity or individual bacteriological risk factors. However, individuals differ in risk levels for respective factors. Furthermore, many studies have involved the use of simple test kits, while few studies have additively integrated multiple risk factors into their analysis. Therefore, correlations among individual factor levels could be important in investigating caries risk. This study investigates the correlation between an individual's respective caries risk factor levels in order to establish a more effective clinical testing/diagnostic system of caries risk, and analyzes the correlation among the following caries risk factors in 59 adult subjects : buffering capacities of saliva at rest and with mastication by the buffer pH method ; and the presence of S. mutans and S. sobrinus in saliva by cultivation. There were significant correlations between salivary buffering capacity values at rest and with mastication (r=0.48, p<0.001). Significant correlations were also observed between the numbers of S. mutans and S. sobrinus in subjects with both S. mutans and S. sobrinus (r=0.69, p<0.05). There were no significant differences between the proportions of subjects with S. sobrinus in the high and low S. mutans number groups, and there were no significant correlations between salivary buffering capacity and the number of S. mutans. In this study, no significant correlations were observed between salivary buffering capacity as a protective factor and cariogenic bacteria as an offensive factor. This suggests that a comprehensive analysis of a combination of both factors may be important in identifying their relationship with caries development.

Field Trial Of A New Test Kit For Monitoring Urinary Cyanide Load And Diagnosis Of Cyanide Poisoning

A newly developed simple test kit for the assessment of urinary thiocyanate using a visual colour chart was compared with a standard spectrophotometric method. Results obtained from the determinations of the urinary thiocyanate levels of 104 adults using both methods did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). The results from both methods were also significantly positively correlated (r = 0.90; p < 0.01). These findings of significant agreement between the two methods further validate the field accuracy and reliability of the new simple visual colour chart method. The significance of the above results are discussed in relation to the relevance of such a simple test kit which can be used for the assessment of body cyanide load and confirmatory diagnosis of cyanide poisoning even in rural population settings where electric power supply and a laboratory equipped with a spectrophotometer may not be available. Keywords: Cassava, Cyanide poisoning, Diagnostic kit, Thiocyanate, Urine Bio-Research Vol.2(1) 2004: 91-96

Bioremediation of Stranded Oil on an Arctic Shoreline

The application of slow-release and soluble fertilizers proved to be an effective and environmentally benign way of stimulating oil biodegradation on an Arctic shoreline. Fertilizer application to the surface of the beach delivered nutrients to the oiled sediment beneath the beach surface. There was no significant run-off of this fertilizer to either the nearshore water or to unfertilized plots, and there were no adverse toxicological effects of the fertilizer application. The fertilizer application was followed by an increase in oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide evolution from the beach, increased microbial biomass, and significantly greater biodegradation of oil on the plots that had received fertilizer. The rate of oil biodegradation was approximately doubled over the course of a year by fertilizer applications in the first two months after the spill. Simple test kits proved adequate to monitor the fertilizer-application process in the field in a time frame that would allow the application process to be fine-tuned during treatment on a real spill. Simple test kits and portable instrumentation were useful in demonstrating the initial success of the bioremediation strategy.

World status of monitoring iodine deficiency disorders control programs.

Monitoring and evaluation are the last phases of a national iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) control program but among the most important. This paper summarizes the latest recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the International Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (ICCIDD) about indicators and their normative values for monitoring the progress of IDD elimination and illustrates the successful monitoring programs in Switzerland and in China. Salt is the usual vehicle for iodine supplementation and quality control for iodine content can be assessed quantitatively by titration and qualitatively by simple test kits that can be used in the field. The most useful indicator of iodine nutrition is the median urinary iodine concentration. Thyroid size, especially by ultrasound, and neonatal thyrotropin (TSH) are also valuable. In Switzerland, access to iodized salt on a voluntary basis started in 1922. The initial level of iodization, 1.9-3.75 ppm iodine as potassium iodide (KI), was slowly increased to 15 ppm, and recently to 20 ppm, after careful epidemiologic and biologic monitoring. Elimination of IDD has been highly successful. The program costs US dollars 0.07 per year per person. In China, a national program of iodized salt (10-30 ppm) started in 1960 under the authority of the central government and rapidly expanded. National monitoring surveys have taken place every 2 years since 1993. Median urinary iodine, initially low, increased to 165 microg/L in 1995 and to 306 microg/L in 1999, prompting a decrease in the amount of iodine added to salt. The total goiter rate decreased to 20.4% in 1995 and to 8.8% in 1999. IDD can presently be considered as eliminated in China. Review of monitoring in the 128 other major countries affected by IDD shows extremely variable achievements, with evidence of IDD elimination in at least 18 additional countries. Some countries that were severely iodine deficient in the past are now exposed to iodine excess and risk its effects. Sustainable elimination of IDD is within reach and would constitute an unprecedented global success story in the field of noncommunicable diseases, but continuing vigorous action is required to attain this goal.

General Information &amp; Statistics

Free Vaccine for Meningococcus Bacterial Infection. Chinese Pharmaceutical Companies to Invest in Pakistan. China Mulls Fighting Iron Deficiency with Fortified Flour. China Destoys Contaminated Imported Meat. Northern Ireland and Hong Kong to Collaborate in Biotech. Hong Kong Cleans Up Poultry Markets to Halt Bird Flu Virus. Japanese Consumers to Get Information on Beef. Some Agricultural Statistics in Korea. Malaysia and Thailand to Boost Scientific Collaboration. Singapore Expects More Biomedical Investments in 2002. Simple Test Kit for Cancer to Hit Shelves Soon. Singapore Offers Online Medical Services. Second Heart Center Set Up in Singapore. Taiwan Industrial Parks Offer 40 Percent Rental Discount. Thai Government Urged to Strengthen Economic Ties with China.

Field Tests for Iodide in Salt

Rapid field tests for the determination of iodide in salt were developed, based on the oxidation of iodide to iodine and reaction of the released iodine with starch to produce a coloured complex that could be visually related to the iodide content of the salt. Potassium iodate and ferric chloride were used as oxidizing agents in the two versions of the test that were examined in detail. the reaction with ferric chloride gave a test with a wider useful concentration range. It had the added advantage of not producing false readings for iodine by reacting with reducing agents that were present in the salt as natural impurities or as a result of fraud. A simple test kit suitable for field use was developed and tested with iodized salts produced using salts from Canada and Ecuador. the kit results were compared with results obtained by neutron activation analysis using the SLOWPOKE nuclear reactor facility of the University of Toronto and by standard iodometric titration. the test kits readily analysed for iodine levels between 0 and 50 ppm, with an accuracy of ± 10 ppm and a reproducibility of ± 5 ppm. Inexpensive rapid tests using these kits may be useful in monitoring iodine levels in areas where salt iodization is based on potassium iodide, because of the presence of impurities in the salt supply that reduce the stability of the usual iodizing agent, potassium iodate.

Problems and promises for out-of-lab tests for the detection of sexually transmitted diseases

Before comprehensive microbiological laboratory services became standard, most doctor's offices had siderooms to examine stool and urinary specimens microscopically and to perform gram stains. In many remote areas of Canada, diagnostic siderooms persist, often run by nurse practitioners. With the development of rapid simple test kits, the doctor's office, the walk-in clinic, or the family planning clinic have the potential to provide rapid diagnostic testing for microbial diseases, particularly sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Because STDs have high morbidity and, in some cases, mortality, rapid tests have become a target for industrial development (1). I In 1990, STDs represented 49.4% of all communicable diseases reported to the Laboratory Centre for Disease ControlOttawa, with Chlamydia trachomatis infections the most frequent (48,164 cases), followed by gonorrhoea (13,822 cases). The long-term disease burden of bacterial STDs is disproportionately borne by women who may develop sequelae such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Infections may be asymptomatic, especially for chlamydial disease, not becoming apparent until a woman experiences reproductive dysfunction, sometimes years after the initial infection. Asymptomatic STDs in males may also represent a hidden reservoir of transmission. Although syphilis incidence in Canada is not high (304 cases of primary and secondary syphilis in 1990), it remains an important STD because of the severity of untreated disease and the potentially harmful effects on maternal/child health. While the prevalance of viral STDs in Canada also is not as high, AIDS is especially important because it is fatal and because the presence of other STDs increases the risk of transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Genital infections with the human papilloma virus (HPV) have been implicated in cases of cervical cancer.

Development and evaluation of a rapid, simple, sensitive, monoclonal antibody-based co-agglutination test for direct detection of Vibrio cholerae 01

Cholera epidemics caused by Vibrio cholerae 01 continue to represent a major public health concern in many developing countries. A rapid and simple test kit for the detection of V. cholerae 01 has been developed. The kit, CholeraScreen TM is a monoclonal antibody-based, co-agglutination test and is used directly with stool specimens. It does not include culturing the specimen and is performed without the need for sophisticated laboratory equipment. Specificity of the test was demonstrated, using 118 reference cultures, to which cross-reactions were not observed. Preliminary results of field trials carried out in Guatemala and Bangladesh demonstrated that the test is equally sensitive as conventional culture methods in detecting V. cholerae and, in many cases, more sensitive. The CholeraScreen TM test is simple, specific, and does not require culturing procedures, making it suitable for direct detection of cells of V. cholerae in clinical specimens, even in the field. Also, the test requires less than five minutes to complete.

Development and evaluation of a rapid, simple, sensitive, monoclonal antibody-based co-agglutination test for direct detection ofVibrio cholerae01

Cholera epidemics caused by Vibrio cholerae 01 continue to represent a major public health concern in many developing countries. A rapid and simple test kit for the detection of V. cholerae 01 has been developed. The kit, CholeraScreenTM is a monoclonal antibody-based, co-agglutination test and is used directly with stool specimens. It does not include culturing the specimen and is performed without the need for sophisticated laboratory equipment. Specificity of the test was demonstrated, using 118 reference cultures, to which cross-reactions were not observed. Preliminary results of field trials carried out in Guatemala and Bangladesh demonstrated that the test is equally sensitive as conventional culture methods in detecting V. cholerae and, in many cases, more sensitive. The CholeraScreenTM test is simple, specific, and does not require culturing procedures, making it suitable for direct detection of cells of V. cholerae in clinical specimens, even in the field. Also, the test requires less than five minutes to complete.

A SINGLE REAGENT FIELD TEST FOR QUATERNARY AMMONIUM SOLUTIONS

A test method is described for the verification of proper use concentrations of solutions of straight quaternary ammonium rinses or formulated detergent-quaternary preparations. The simple test kit and direct procedure afford an economical and easily used test method for the sanitarian and the food and beverage worker. The estimation of the quaternary concentration is accomplished by the reaction of the quaternary with a definite amount of bromphenol blue accurately buffered on the acid side. The blue color of the dye-quaternary complex is dominant if 200 ppm. or more of quaternary is present in the solution. If less than 200 ppm. quaternary is present various shades of green are produced by the partial conversion of the dye to its blue complex plus the acidified yellow excess. The test reagent may be used with many proprietary preparations after the dye demand of the specific quaternary at the recommended use concentration is established.The test described is simpler than related methods in eliminating use of an organic solvent and in its wide adaptability to service conditions. It is simple and accurate and economical enough to encourage greater use of controlled solutions.