Test Kit Research Articles

Enhancing surveillance for dengue fever in Oyo State, Nigeria – a one health approach

BackgroundDengue fever (DF) poses a growing global threat, necessitating a comprehensive one-health approach to address its complex interplay between human, animal, and environmental factors. In Oyo State, Nigeria, the true burden of DF remains unknown due to underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis as malaria, exacerbated by poor health-seeking behavior, weak surveillance systems, and inadequate health infrastructure. Adopting a one-health approach is crucial to understanding the dynamics of DF transmission.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2022 to April 2023 in 10 high-risk LGAs of Oyo State. It involved screening DENV in 289 febrile human blood samples and 1,015 Aedes species mosquitoes. Viral RNA from human and mosquito specimens was extracted and analyzed using RT-qPCR. A one-step lateral flow immunoassay cassette test kit detected DENV-specific IgM and IgG in humans. DENV IgM-positive participants were screened for Lassa Virus (LASV) to rule out coinfection due to an outbreak of Lassa fever. Mosquitoes recovered were morphologically identified and classified using appropriate taxonomical keys. Meteorological data was obtained from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency. Data was abridged as proportions and correlation analysis was performed.ResultThe overall seroprevalence of DENV was 128/289 (44.2%) with 19/289 (6.6%) and 109/289 (37.7%) being IgM and IgG positive respectively. DENV was detected all year round with more cases in the rainy season. LASV and DENV coinfection were detected in a participant. DENV RT-qPCR analysis in febrile patients and mosquitoes was negative. There was a high abundance of Aedes aegypti (79.5%) in all the locations surveyed with Aedes albopictus (12.3%) detected in Ido LGA and Ibadan South-East LGA and Aedes simpsoni (9.1%) in Iwajowa LGA. DF shows moderate to strong positive correlations with Aedes mosquito population, humidity, and rainfall (r = 0.419–0.61, p < 0.05), and a negative correlation with temperature (r =—0.465, p < 0.05).ConclusionThe study reveals a significant burden of DENV in Oyo State. The presence of both IgM and IgG antibodies suggests past exposure and possible recent circulation of the virus. The co-detection of LASV and DENV in one participant highlights the likely potential for co-infection. Although DENV was not detected in febrile patients and mosquitoes through RT-qPCR, the high abundance of Aedes species underscores the risk of transmission. These findings emphasize the need for enhanced surveillance systems, strengthened laboratory services, targeted vector control, and increased awareness.

Commitment Competency and Growth of Aquaculture-Based Small Enterprises in Kenya

Purpose: This study evaluated the influence of commitment competency on growth of small enterprises in Kenya. Methodology: The study adopted descriptive research design using mixed methods approach. The target population was 600 fish farmers in Nyeri County, Kenya. The study utilized purposive sampling to select fish farmers within Nyeri County, then cluster sampling to identify fish farmers in their various sub-counties. Simple random sampling was then utilized to select respondents for the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. A pilot study was conducted to test validity and reliability of the questionnaire. Data analysis was done using Statistical package for Social Scientists (SPSS). Regression analysis and chi-square were used to test for significant associations between the dependent and independent variables. The findings were presented in frequency tables, pie charts, bar graphs and scatter diagrams in the final report. Findings: The findings indicated that commitment competency and growth had weak inverse linear statistical relationship. The study concluded that fish farmers are already aware of the many hurdles involved in fish farming but they remain resilient in doing what it takes to achieve the goals set for their fish farms. It is not the lack of commitment on their part that contributes to the stagnating or declining of their businesses. Instead, other challenges such as lack of crucial inputs such as reliable and quality feeds, quality fingerlings, adequate water, lack of business management knowledge, lack of market accessibility and capital contribute to the dismal performance of their businesses. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The government and NGOs should provide subsidized inputs and promote cottage industries to enhance aquaculture value chains. In addition, extension officers should be equipped with resources like water testing kits, and water harvesting should be encouraged in water-scarce areas.

DOP004 Proactive fecal calprotectin testing in ulcerative colitis: Initial results of the PROMOTE UC study

Abstract Background Fecal calprotectin (FC) is a biomarker of mucosal inflammation widely used in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Given the convenience of home-based FC testing, we hypothesized that intensive, proactive FC monitoring would prevent symptomatic ulcerative colitis (UC) flares by detecting elevated FC levels prior to symptom onset and allowing clinicians to optimize therapy. Methods This prospective, multicenter, randomized, observational clinical trial evaluated intensive home-based, FC testing (IBDoc, Bühlmann Laboratories) versus usual care in adults with UC in clinical remission, defined as a modified partial Mayo score (mpMayo) ≤2 with no rectal bleeding. Patients in the intervention arm used the home testing kit every 2 months for 18 months or until symptomatic flare. The decision to modify therapy based on an elevated FC result was left to the discretion of the attending physician. Patients in the control group were followed according to usual care for 18 months or until symptomatic flare. Clinical data were collected at baseline and every 6 months. The primary endpoint was the time to symptomatic flare, defined as an increase in mpMayo ≥2 points from baseline or a rectal bleeding score ≥1. Results A total of 584 patients were followed at 14 sites in Canada and Australia until symptomatic flare or end of study. Demographics were similar between the control (n=293) and intervention arms (n=291), including mean age (41.9 vs 41.9 years), sex (46.8% vs 49.1% male), disease duration (1.61 vs 1.44 years), and mean mpMayo (0.39 vs 0.40) (Table). At study end, the flare rate of 30.9% in the intervention arm with proactive monitoring was slightly lower than the flare rate of 32.8% in the control arm (median follow-up 549 and 562 days, respectively). Overall, HR for flare in the intervention vs control arm was 1.01 (95% CI: 0.76, 1.34; p=0.96) (Figure). Risk for flare was also similar when analyzed by disease extent (proctitis: 1.13 [0.60, 2.14, p=0.71]; left-sided disease: 0.99 [0.61, 1.58, p=0.95]; pancolitis: 0.96 [0.60, 1.53, p=0.86]) or biologic use (biologics: 1.29 [0.86, 1.95, p=0.22], non-biologics: 0.78 [0.52, 1.18, p=0.24]) at baseline. Conclusion In this large, prospective clinical trial, approximately one-third of patients with UC in clinical remission developed a symptomatic flare within 18 months. Longitudinal proactive FC monitoring was not associated with a reduction in clinical flares. Further study is needed to determine the utility of home-based FC testing in guiding the management of UC.

Dapagliflozin attenuates skeletal muscle atrophy in diabetic nephropathy mice through suppressing Gasdermin D-mediated pyroptosis.

Skeletal muscle atrophy is a clinical concern in diabetic nephropathy, and without effective therapeutic approaches. Massive evidence has demonstrated that dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor can relieve diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting glucose re-absorption or podocyte pyroptosis. Nevertheless, whether dapagliflozin could treat skeletal muscle atrophy or the potential protection mechanism in diabetic nephropathy mice is unclear. The variety of approaches were used to assess the particular histology-associated characteristics, mRNA, and protein expression. These included examing the morphology of renal and skeletal muscle tissues through H&E staining, detecting mRNA and protein expression through real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, and monitoring fasting blood glucose levels by using Blood Glucose Monitor Test Kits. Dapagliflozin mitigated renal tissue injury with podocyte protein-nephrin and skeletal muscle atrophy effectively with mitochondrial-related proteins. Meanwhile, our research revealed that Casp3 was the target gene and dapagliflozin could decrease the expressions. Subsequently, we verified that dapagliflozin can effectively decrease canonical pyroptosis pathway proteins, which include Gasdermin D, NLRP3, Casp1, and ASC. Meanwhile, Palmitic acid (PA) induced Gasdermin E-N fragment (non-canonical pyroptosis protein) in C2C12 cells, and then released the inflammatory molecules such as IL-1β, IL-18, and NF-kappaB, which were suppressed by dapagliflozin treatment. Aside from that, dapagliflozin demonstrated a good binding affinity to the Casp3 and Gasdermin D protein, whereas it had a less binding affinity with NLRP3, Casp1, ASC, and Gasdermin E. At last, the Gasdermin D inhibitor can reverse the therapeutic effect of dapagliflozin. Dapagliflozin alleviates skeletal muscle atrophy in diabetic nephropathy mice, which is through the Gasdermin D-mediated canonical pyroptosis pathway.

ASSOCIATION OF ANTI-KU AUTOANTIBODIES AND SOME ORGAN DAMAGE OF AUTOIMMUNE CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASES

Objective: To assess the association between anti-Ku antibodies and organ damage in common autoimmune connective tissue diseases. Materials and Method: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective, and prospective study involving 215 patients diagnosed with autoimmune connective tissue diseases, including systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, and overlap syndromes of ACTDs, treated at the National Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology from January 2021 to December 2022. Patients were tested for the presence of anti-Ku antibodies using the ANA 23 profile test kit. Result: Out of the 215 patients in the study, 60 (27.9%) tested positive for anti-Ku antibodies, predominantly at a weak level (1+). Among these, 43.3% had systemic lupus erythematosus, 10% had systemic sclerosis, 18.3% had dermatomyositis, and 28.3% had overlap syndromes of ACTDs. The group with positive anti-Ku antibodies exhibited a higher incidence of butterfly rash and mouth ulcers. The positive anti-Ku antibody group had a significantly higher rate of elevated muscle enzymes (53.3%) compared to the negative group (29.7%) (p = 0.001). Additionally, the incidence of pulmonary arterial hypertension was 39.5%, with the positive anti-Ku antibody group having a higher rate (61.7%) than the negative group (31%) (p &lt; 0.05). High-resolution computed tomography revealed interstitial lung lesions in 37.2% of the patients, with no significant difference between the positive and negative groups. Conclusion: Anti-Ku antibodies are relatively prevalent in patients with autoimmune connective tissue diseases, particularly in systemic lupus erythematosus and overlap syndromes of ACTDs. Patients with positive anti-Ku antibodies are at a higher risk of developing acute skin lesions in systemic lupus erythematosus, muscle damage with elevated muscle enzymes, and pulmonary arterial hypertension compared to those without these antibodies. Received 14 August 2023Revised 13 September 2023Accepted 03 November 2023

Adherence to multi-target stool DNA testing for colorectal cancer screening in the United States

PurposeColorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in the USA and is highly preventable, with early screening vital for improving outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate adherence rates of multi-target stool DNA (mt-sDNA) testing, following updated guidelines recommending screening starting at age 45.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study used aggregated data from Exact Sciences Laboratories LLC, examining new users (first-time testers) aged 45–85 with commercial, Medicare, or Medicaid insurance who received mt-sDNA test kits (point-of-care) between January 1, 2023, and June 1, 2023. Adherence was defined as the percentage of eligible participants returning a valid non-empty test kit within 365 days of initial shipment date. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze adherence.ResultsAmong 1,557,915 patients, the overall adherence rate to mt-sDNA testing was 71.3% (commercial insurance 72.3%, Medicare Advantage 70.2%, Medicare 69.9%, Medicaid 52.0%) (p < 0.001). Females had slightly higher adherence than males, except for commercial insurance (72.2% vs. 72.6%, p < 0.001). Adherence was highest in commercial insurance for individuals aged 76–85 (79.2%, p < 0.001), gastroenterology patients (82.5%, p < 0.001), and rural residents (73.2%, p < 0.001), along with those in Medicare Advantage earning $200 K + (78.5%, p < 0.001).ConclusionsAdherence to mt-sDNA testing was robust, particularly among individuals with commercial insurance, older adults, gastroenterology patients, higher income groups, and rural residents. With a 71% adherence rate, the test demonstrates substantial engagement and value in colorectal cancer screening. Future research should assess its long-term impact and address disparities to optimize its benefits.

P16INK4a / Ki67 dual staining immunocytochemistry to refer women infected by HR-HPV for colposcopy.

Cervical cancer is still a significant global health issue, espacially in low- and middle-income countries. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is known to be the primary etiological factor in the development of cervical cancer. The identification of high-risk HPV infections in cervical screening is becoming crucial for early detection and management of cervical pre-neoplasia. However, HPV testing requires triage markers since HR HPV infections are widespread in the target population, of which only a small fraction requires detailed clinical work-up by colposcopy. p16INK4a is a tumor suppressor protein that has emerged as a promising surrogate marker for HPV infection. In combination with a proliferation marker Ki67 in one diagnostic test kit referred to as CINtecPlus®- or dual stain (DS) it revealed excellent sensitivity and specificity profiles to detect clinically relevant CIN2+ lesions among HPV-infected women in large screening cohorts. This review examines the role of the cytology CINtecPlus®-test (Dual Stain (DS)-test) as a triage marker to identify patients with CIN2+ lesions among HPV + tested women and summarizes the most recent recommendations for its clinical use.

Seroprevalence of Australian antigen (HBsAg) among blood donors in the local population at standalone blood center by ELISA and rapid test kit

Seroprevalence of Australian antigen (HBsAg) among blood donors in the local population at standalone blood center by ELISA and rapid test kit

Efficacy of Rapid Salivary C-Reactive Protein Test to Assess Early Changes in Malignancy in the Oral Cavity and Its Utility in Screening for Oral Cancer.

Background/Objectives: The present study aimed to test the efficacy of the chair-side rapid salivary C-reactive protein assay kit in differentiating oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and oral cancer from normal mucosa using whole salivary samples. Methods: In this study, unstimulated saliva samples of cases (OPMDs and oral cancer) and controls (systemically healthy subjects) were used to detect CRP levels using a novel colorimetric, quantitative rapid assay kit. Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA with a post hoc Dunn's test were applied to determine the difference in the mean and SD values between the case and control groups. ROC analysis was performed to identify the positive and negative likelihood ratios. Results: The mean calculated salivary CRP level in the oral cancer group was 4.21 ng/mL, in the OPMD group it was 2.51 ng/mL and in the healthy controls it was 0.7 ng/mL. Post hoc tests showed that the salivary CRP levels were significantly higher in the oral cancer and OPMD groups than in the controls. Conclusions: The present study showed that the novel rapid salivary test kit could significantly differentiate between the salivary CRP values of cases and controls but there was no significant difference between the OPMD and malignancy groups. It also showed higher sensitivity values, confirming the efficacy of this kit as a screening tool.

The applications of CRISPR systems in cancer detection

With the increasing incidence and mortality rate of cancer, CRISPR technology needs to be applied more widely and accurately in this field. The current application of CRISPR in cancer detection is mostly aimed at cancers with clear genes as tumor markers. The detection of some cancers with unknown pathogenesis is still in the stage of development. Studying their pathogenesis through CRISPR technology may make progress and accelerate their detection and diagnosis. This article demonstrates the feasibility of CRISPR cas system and the incidence detection principles of the important disease cancer and introduces representative application cases to further demonstrate the importance and development prospects of CRISPR in this field. This article helps to gain a preliminary understanding of the application principles of CRISPR system in cancer detection, facilitating the screening of suitable related technologies and providing ideas for future study on new CRISPR technologies in cancer. In the future, CRISPR technology is highly likely to greatly accelerate the speed of cancer detection, reduce detection costs, and provide assistance for integrated cancer detection, perhaps making cancer detection as easy as nucleic acid kit testing.

Compliance with maternal HIV retesting for pregnant women attending care in selected health facilities in Namutumba district, Uganda

BackgroundRetesting for HIV during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum is crucial for identifying new infections and ensuring timely interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). Uganda's national guidelines recommend that pregnant women be retested in the 3rd trimester or during labor/delivery. However, limited information exists regarding adherence to these guidelines, which may affect the effectiveness of PMTCT efforts.AimTo assess compliance with maternal HIV retesting and the factors influencing retesting among pregnant women attending care in selected health facilities in Namutumba district.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2024 in six government health facilities in Namutumba district. Quantitative data were collected from randomly selected mothers who delivered during the study period using a structured questionnaire in an open data kit. For the qualitative component, data were collected through key informant interviews with healthcare workers to explore barriers and facilitators to HIV retesting. Quantitative data were analyzed using STATA version 17, while qualitative data underwent manual thematic analysis.ResultsThe study showed that most respondents were young women, with an average age of 25.7 years, most of whom lived in rural areas (89.3%) and were married (88%). HIV retesting prevalence was 85%. Key factors associated with retesting included secondary education [APR 1.55, 95% CI (1.03-2.34)], tertiary education [APR 1.72, 95% CI (1.10-2.61)], attending at least five ANC visits [APR 1.11, 95% CI (1.01-1.21)], and spousal accompaniment for ANC or delivery [APR 1.18 (1.05-1.34)]. Facilitators included community outreach, education, and incentives while barriers involved testing kit shortages, poor documentation, stigma, and human resource constraints.ConclusionsHIV retesting in Namutumba district's high-volume health facilities was below the recommended 100% needed to eliminate mother-to-child transmission.RecommendationsPrioritize interventions to increase retesting uptake, focus on health education, promote spousal involvement, and address human resource gaps in HIV testing services.

Urinary oxidative stress biomarkers in nephrotoxicity induced by PM2.5 in a rat model

Objective The present study evaluated urinary oxidative stress (OxS) biomarkers to explain the extrapulmonary effect of renal function decline due to subchronic inhalation exposure to particles smaller than 2.5 μm, as well as the correlation of the biomarkers with the particles’ endotoxin content. Materials and methods Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to subchronic inhalation of particles smaller than 2.5 μm (8 weeks, 4 days/week, 5 h/day). The control group was exposed to filtered air. MiniVol and HiVol samplers were used to estimate the concentration and collected particles, respectively. Biomarkers were assessed in weekly urine samples harvested by the metabolic cage. The OxS biomarkers assessed were methylglyoxal, non-esterified fatty acids, malondialdehyde, advanced oxidative protein products, arginase, myeloperoxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase, all of which were evaluated by colorimetric assays. Creatinine was evaluated by the Jaffe reaction, and cystatin-C (Cys-C) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin-2 were quantified using Luminex technology. Endotoxin content was analyzed with the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate Pyrochrome Chromogenic Test Kit. Results and discussion Subchronic exposure to PM2.5 increased OxS biomarkers in urine. Endotoxin content showed a positive correlation with the urinary OxS biomarkers evaluated. Additionally, urinary OxS biomarkers correlated with creatinine and the early kidney damage biomarkers Cys-C and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin-2, where the strongest and positive correlations were observed with the latter two biomarkers. Conclusions Inhalation of environmental airborne particles smaller than 2.5 μm increased urinary OxS biomarkers, correlated with endotoxin content and early kidney damage biomarkers. This finding corroborates the extrapulmonary nephrotoxic effect of inhaled particles.

Farnesol Inhibits Cell Viability and Activates Apoptosis in Glioma C6 Cells via Downregulating Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Protein Kinase B (AKT)/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) Pathway

Background Gliomas are the most aggressive and devastating brain tumors, with a poor prognosis due to their complex etiology, diverse clinical manifestations, and the limited efficacy of existing treatment methods. Purpose The present work was conducted to understand the anticancer activities of farnesol against glioma C6 cells. Methods The effects of farnesol on in vitro free radical scavenging were evaluated at various dosages (1–100 µM). A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test was used to assess the influence of farnesol on the growth of glioma C6 cells and nonmalignant Vero cells. The apoptotic levels in the cells were investigated using 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and dual staining assays. The levels of oxidative stress markers, inflammatory biomarkers, apoptotic protein levels, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway proteins were assessed using the respective test kits. Results The results of the free radical scavenging assays proved the antioxidant properties of farnesol. The MTT assay findings demonstrated a significant reduction in C6 cell viability following treatment with farnesol. The findings of the fluorescent assays proved the onset of apoptosis in the farnesol-treated C6 cells. Furthermore, the farnesol treatment effectively increased oxidative stress, increased apoptotic protein levels, and reduced inflammatory marker levels in the C6 glioma cells. The PI3K, AKT, and mTOR protein expression were also successfully downregulated in the C6 glioma cells by farnesol. Conclusion The current results demonstrate that farnesol effectively suppresses viability and triggers apoptosis in C6 cells. Thus, it has the capacity to be an effective anticancer agent to treat glioma. Nonetheless, additional work is still necessary in the future to determine the specific molecular mechanisms involved in farnesol-induced apoptosis in C6 cells.

Performance of a Point-of-Care Test Kit (Anigen Rapid®) to Diagnose Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Infection in Domestic Cats Using Saliva Instead of Blood in Australia.

The primary aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of saliva as a proxy for blood in cats using Anigen Rapid® FIV point-of-care (PoC) kits and as an easy collection technique applicable for all veterinary clinics and shelters. A secondary aim was to report FIV prevalence in various Australian states/territories and key cat risk factors associated with FIV infection. In total, 382 cats were recruited from patients presenting to private, shelter and teaching hospital veterinary clinics in Australia. Information collected for each cat included age, sex, neuter status, postcode, and health status ('healthy' versus 'sick'). The traditional blood testing technique with Anigen Rapid® was used to determine the FIV status of cats. Comparative saliva testing found 48/382 (12.5%) cats were FIV-positive. Test sensitivity for Anigen Rapid® FIV using saliva was 84.2% (48/57; 95% CI 80.6 to 87.9). Test specificity for Anigen Rapid® FIV using saliva was 100% (325/325). The two significant cat risk factors for FIV infection were sex (male) and health status (sick). In terms of demographic information, prevalence in Tasmania and the Northen Territory was reported for the first time. This study proves the ability to utilise cheap and readily available consumables for less invasive FIV testing purposes by using saliva instead of blood, for example, when screening cat before adoption in shelters and in cats prior to annual FIV re-vaccination.

Evaluating the Implementation of Home-Based Sexual Health Care Among Men Who Have Sex with Men: Limburg4zero.

Home-based sexual health care (including self-sampling testing) could reduce barriers to clinic-based testing. This study systematically evaluated the implementation of home-based sexual health care ('Limburg4Zero') among men who have sex with men (MSM) in a mixed urban-rural region of the Netherlands. We systematically assessed implementation outcomes (contextual domains, population reached, effectiveness, adoption by health care providers (HCP), implementation fidelity, and maintenance) using the practical, robust implementation and sustainability model. We used a mixed-methods research design that combined survey and in-depth interview data from our priority population (MSM) and implementers with insights from our community advisory board and field notes from monthly meetings with the implementers. Of 1076 requested tests, 906 MSM received a (self-sampling STI/HIV) test kit and sexual health information. Most participants (median age 31) had a university or college degree and had a Western ethnicity. The return rate for laboratory testing was 67%. Home-based care participants more often never tested HIV before (39%) compared to STI clinic attendees (28%). Adoption by HCP was highly acceptable, although perceived pragmatic and technical challenges were experienced. Key elements of the home-based care service were implemented as designed, with co-created adjustments for optimization during the implementation. Maintaining the innovation in the long term was desirable, although future recommendations for efficient continuation should be considered. Implementation of home-based sexual health care has demonstrably increased care accessibility for MSM who had never previously been tested. Therefore, a systematic approach is crucial to foster the impact of home-based sexual health care.

Women with persistent/recurrent vaginal discharge should be offered multiplex-7 PCR testing.

Recurrent vaginal discharge is an important cause of repeated visits to the gynaecologists. Failure to correctly identify the causative organism with standard microscopy and culture techniques results in repeated unsuccessful treatment and the risk of developing antibiotic resistance. Multiplex PCR test is increasingly being used for investigating infections where multiple organisms may be involved. This was a retrospective review of women attending the Feto Maternal Centre, Doha Qatar with the complaint of persistent/recurrent vaginal discharge over a period of 8years who were tested by both the standard approach and a multiplex 7-PCR. A total of 536 women with vulvovaginal discharge (474 with persistent/recurrent discharge and 62 with first episode) had been investigated with 7-PCR and treated. 7-PCR was able to identify a possible infective organism in 85% of those with persistent/recurrent discharge and 95% of those presenting with symptoms for the first time. The most common microorganisms were the sexually transmitted infections Ureplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma genitalium and Gardnerella vaginalis. At follow-up 88.2% of symptoms had been eradicated. Multiplex 7-PCR is more likely to identify an infective cause of vulvovaginal discharge than standard microbiology tests. The most common organisms identified were Ureplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma genitalium and Gardnerella vaginalis. While the standard tests can identify other pathogens that may be associated with vulvovaginal discharge 7-PCR offers an advantage in that it is able from a single swab to screen for 7 organisms. Since it does not screen for Candida albicans, we feel that whenever this is offered, standard screening for candida should be offered unless the PCR test kit included screening for candida. We suggest that multiplex-PCR should be considered as the standard screening test for women presenting with first episode or recurrent vulvovaginal discharge.

The Effect of Resveratrol on Lead-Induced Oxidative Damage and Apoptosis in HT-22 Cells.

The purpose of this work was to investigate whether resveratrol affects lead-induced oxidative damage in HT-22 cells, characterizing mechanisms and strategies for preventing and treating lead-induced neurotoxicity. Various lead and resveratrol concentrations were applied to HT-22 cells over different time periods. First, we established the lead treatment (12.5, 50 and 200 μmol/L) and resveratrol (40 μmol/L) intervention model for the study. MTT was used to analyze HT-22 cell survival rate. The rates of cell death, mitochondrial membrane potential, lipid peroxidation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were all measured by flow cytometry. Cellular oxidant (MDA) and antioxidant (SOD, GSH-Px) levels were measured with test kits. Western blotting was used to assess the expression of proteins related to autophagy and apoptosis. Lead reduced HT-22 cell viability in a concentration/time-dependent manner. In addition, lead (200 μmol/L) decreased the protein expression of BCL2, while increasing PARP and BAX expression and apoptotic rate. Moreover, the lead-exposed group had significantly higher levels of ROS, lipid-ROS, and MDA than the control group. This was accompanied by increased MDA levels and decreased SOD, GSH-Px, and MMP levels in the lead-exposed cells. Furthermore, lead lowered SIRT1 protein expression, while increasing the levels of autophagy-related proteins, including P62, ATG5, Beclin-1 and LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ. Resveratrol (40 μmol/L), an agonist of SIRT1, restored the effects of lead (200 μmol/L) to levelsindistinguishable from controls. Resveratrol inhibited mitochondrial damage and restored the lead-induced block of autophagic flux and oxidative stress by activating SIRT1, thereby alleviating lead-induced damage in HT-22 cells.

Are we ready for self-sampling for cervical cancer screening? Insights from service providers and policy makers in Nepal.

Cervical cancer is the leading cancer among women in Nepal, but the country has very low screening rate, with only 8.2% of women being screened. In recent years, a self-sampling kit for testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV) has been developed to allow self-sampling and enable early detection of cervical abnormalities. This kit enables women to collect cervical samples without the need for trained healthcare providers or healthcare facilities. Nevertheless, there has been a notable absence of scientific studies to analyse the feasibility and acceptability of self-sampling for cervical cancer screening in Nepal, particularly from the perspective of various service providers. The qualitative research method used semi-structured in-depth interviews and key informant interviews with healthcare providers, online service providers, and policymakers. These interviews were conducted in person with 20 participants until data saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis was performed where the translated data was coded inductively using NVivo 12. The majority of the participants identified the self-sampling method as an alternative sampling option for detection of cervical abnormalities/cancer in Nepal. Barriers to self-sampling included a low level of knowledge and information, the cost of the self-sampling kit, unclear information regarding self-sampling process and concerns about inaccurate results among women and girls, who are the end users. Similarly, factors such as knowledge and information regarding the self-sampling technique, accessibility of available services and information, and national self-care guidelines and policies for cervical cancer screening were identified as facilitators for self-sampling. It is crucial to have evidence-based discussions, especially regarding the effectiveness of a self-care approach in cervical cancer screening and help create a supportive policy environment for implementing self-care strategies in Nepal. Furthermore, disseminating education and information nationwide through campaigns to raise awareness about self-sampling is essential among beneficiaries for the scaling up of self-sampling for cervical cancer in Nepal.

Brightness and AIEE behaviour of methylenebis(4,1-phenylene) linkage electron donor-acceptor-based dyads and their implications for robust quantification of explosive picric acid in both aqueous medium and solid state.

Organic luminescent materials having photoluminescence in their solid state have become emerging trends in chemistry, materials science, and biology due to their versatile potential applications. In the present contribution, we have introduced some methylenebis(4,1-phenylene) electron donor-acceptor-based fashionable solid-state fluorescent molecules, MBA, MBB, and MBH, having exciting photoluminescence characteristics in their solid and aggregate states. Interestingly, all probes exhibited a compelling aggregation-induced enhanced emission (AIEE) phenomenon in aqueous media. The mechanistic aspects of solid-state brightness and AIEE behavior are elucidated by diverse spectroscopic, microscopic, and X-ray crystallographic analyses. Employing their intriguing AIEE characteristics, the water-suspended low dimensional particles have been employed as a sensor, demonstrating rapid sensitivity and brilliant selectivity towards the nitro-explosive compound picric acid (PA). The estimated limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) reach as low as the μM to nM range in the aqueous medium. The fluorescent paper strip-based test kit experiment has been demonstrated for instant detection of PA through visual examination in the solid state, rendering the protocol quick, cost-effective, and appropriate for on-spot solid-state recognition.

Analysis of seroprevalence and risk factors for syphilis and HIV among female sex workers and transgender individuals in different cities of Sindh, Pakistan.

Co-infections of syphilis and HIV have been found to exacerbate the impact on sexual and reproductive health, especially among key population groups such as Female Sex Workers (FSWs) and Transgender Individuals (TGs). The data on the prevalence and determinants of syphilis and HIV in Pakistan, particularly in Sindh province, is limited. This prospective cross-sectional study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors for HIV and syphilis infections among FSWs and TGs in different cities of Sindh, Pakistan. A total of 1120 participants (531 FSWs and 589 TGs) were recruited from Karachi, Sukkur, Hyderabad, and Larkana. Community-based serological testing for HIV and syphilis was performed using Abbot Bioline HIV/syphilis Duo test kits, and sociodemographic and risk factor data were collected through questionnaires. Chi-square and logic regression were applied to determine variables associated significantly with syphilis in TGs and FSWs. TGs exhibited higher rates of syphilis (16.29%) and syphilis-HIV (6.79%) as compared to FSWs (syphilis: 15.63%; syphilis-HIV: 0.75%). Inconsistent condom use was more common among FSWs (75.32%), and over half reported STI symptoms. Regression analysis showed that for TGs, having five years (adjusted OR: 0.52, p = 0.04) and graduate-level education (adjusted OR: 0.40, p = 0.04) was associated with a lower risk of syphilis, while an income between 30,000 and 50,000 Pakistani rupees (OR: 1.93, p = 0.028) and more than three years in profession (adjusted OR: 2.20, p = 0.04) was associated with a higher risk. For FSWs, five (OR: 0.34, p = 0.03) and ten (OR: 0.02, p = 0.02) years of education were associated with a lower risk of syphilis, whereas an income between 30,000 and 50,000 PKR (OR: 3.05, p < 0.01) and self-reported HIV-negative status (OR: 3.08, p = 0.01) were associated with a higher risk of syphilis mono-infection. In conclusion, the results of the study show higher rates of syphilis and HIV co-infection among TG compared to FSW from Sind. The study findings provide valuable insights for national health agencies and policymakers to devise data-driven strategies for preventing and controlling syphilis and HIV infections among FSW and TG populations in Sind.