Large-scale clinical study of ‘point of care’ thermal imaging for febrile patient detection: towards optimal non-contact diagnostics in disease pandemics (Conference Presentation)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yangling Zhou ◽  
Pejhman Ghassemi ◽  
Joshua Pfefer ◽  
Jon Casamento ◽  
David McBride ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Study ◽  
Thermal Imaging ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Febrile Patient

scholarly journals Integrating syphilis screening in a large-scale HIV prevention program for key populations: the Avahan experience from India

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (06) ◽  
pp. 484-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mugundu Ramien Parthasarathy ◽  
Prakash Narayanan ◽  
Anjana Das ◽  
Anup Gurung ◽  
Parimi Prabhakar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Prevention Program ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Immunochromatographic Strip ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Syphilis Screening ◽  
Strip Test

Introduction: Documented experiences from India on the implementation of syphilis screening in large-scale HIV prevention programs for “key populations at higher risk’ (KPs) are limited. Avahan is a large-scale HIV prevention program providing services to more than 300,000 KPs in six high HIV prevalence states of India since 2004. Avahan clinics provide a sexually transmitted infection service package which includes bi-annual syphilis screening. The trends in the coverage of syphilis screening among Avahan clinic attendees were studied retrospectively. Methodology: Screening was performed using either the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test or point-of-care immunochromatographic strip test (ICST). Clinic records from 2005 to 2009 were collated in an individual tracking database and analyzed with STATA-10. Results: Initially the coverage of syphilis screening (2.6% in 2005) was constrained by the availability and operational complexity of the RPR test. After its introduction in 2007, the use of ICST for screening increased from 7.4% to 77.0% and the proportion of clinic attendees screened increased from 9.0% to 21.6% during 2007-2009. The RPR reactivity rates declined from 6.6% (2006) to 4.4% (2009). Conclusion: The data showed improved rates of screening of clinic attendees and declining trends in sero-reactivity over time. The introduction of point-of-care syphilis tests may have contributed to the improved coverage of syphilis screening. The ICST may be considered for initial syphilis screening at other resource-constrained primary care sites in India such as ante-natal clinics and other KP interventions.

scholarly journals Metachronal waves in magnetic micro-robotic paddles for artificial cilia

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew T. Bryan ◽  
Elizabeth L. Martin ◽  
Aleksandra Pac ◽  
Andrew D. Gilbert ◽  
Feodor Y. Ogrin
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Hydrodynamic Response ◽  
Flow Speeds ◽  
Break Time ◽  
Large Scale Manufacture ◽  
Fresh Insight ◽  
Metachronal Waves ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Phase Differences

AbstractBiological cilia generate fluid movement within viscosity-dominated environments using beating motions that break time-reversal symmetry. This creates a metachronal wave, which enhances flow efficiency. Artificially mimicking this behaviour could improve microfluidic point-of-care devices, since viscosity-dominated fluid dynamics impede fluid flow and mixing of reagents, limiting potential for multiplexing diagnostic tests. However, current biomimicry schemes require either variation in the hydrodynamic response across a cilia array or a complex magnetic anisotropy configuration to synchronise the actuation sequence with the driving field. Here, we show that simple modifications to the structural design introduce phase differences between individual actuators, leading to the spontaneous formation of metachronal waves. This generates flow speeds of up to 16 μm/s as far as 675 μm above the actuator plane. By introducing metachronal waves through lithographic structuring, large scale manufacture becomes feasible. Additionally, by demonstrating that metachronal waves emerge from non-uniformity in internal structural mechanics, we offer fresh insight into the mechanics of cilia coordination.

scholarly journals Automated processing of thermal imaging to detect COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Y. Brzezinski ◽  
Neta Rabin ◽  
Nir Lewis ◽  
Racheli Peled ◽  
Ariel Kerpel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Image Processing ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Thermal Imaging ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Imaging Device ◽  
Thermal Images ◽  
Image Processing Algorithms ◽  
Processing Algorithms

ABSTRACTRapid and sensitive screening tools for SARS-CoV-2 infection are essential to limit the spread of COVID-19 and to properly allocate national resources. Here, we developed a new point-of-care, non-contact thermal imaging tool to detect COVID-19, based on image-processing algorithms and machine learning analysis. We captured thermal images of the back of individuals with and without COVID-19 using a portable thermal camera that connects directly to smartphones. Our novel image processing algorithms automatically extracted multiple texture and shape features of the thermal images and achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.85 in detecting COVID-19 with up to 92% sensitivity. Thermal imaging scores were inversely correlated with clinical variables associated with COVID-19 disease progression. We show, for the first time, that a hand-held thermal imaging device can be used to detect COVID-19. Non-invasive thermal imaging could be used to screen for COVID-19 in out-of-hospital settings, especially in low-income regions with limited imaging resources.

scholarly journals Testing Denmark: A Danish nationwide surveillance study of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamille Fogh ◽  
Jarl E Strange ◽  
Bibi FSS Scharff ◽  
Alexandra RR Eriksen ◽  
Rasmus B Hasselbalch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Rapid Test ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Surveillance Study ◽  
Epidemiological Surveillance ◽  
Danish Population ◽  
Positive Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Geographic Population ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Background National data on the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection and knowledge on associated risk factors are important for understanding the course of the pandemic. Testing Denmark is a national large-scale epidemiological surveillance study of SARS-CoV-2 in the Danish population. Methods Between September and October 2020, approximately 1.3 million of 5.8 million Danish citizens (age > 15 years) were randomly invited to fill in an electronic questionnaire covering COVID-19 exposures and symptoms. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was determined by Point-of Care rapid Test (POCT) distributed to participants home addresses. Findings In total 318,552 participants (24.5% invitees) completed the questionnaire and provided the result of the POCT. Of these, 2,519 (0.79%) were seropositive (median age 55 years) and women were more often seropositive than men, interquartile range (IQR) 42-64, 40.2% males. Of participants with a prior positive Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test (n=1,828), 29.1% were seropositive in the POCT. Seropositivity increased with age irrespective of sex. Elderly participants (>61 years) reported less symptoms and had less frequently been tested for SARS-CoV-2 compared to younger participants. Seropositivity was associated with physical contact with SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals (Risk ratio (RR) 7.43, 95% CI: 6.57-8.41) and in particular household members (RR 17.70, 95% CI: 15.60-20.10). Home care workers had a higher risk of seropositivity (RR 2.09 (95% CI: 1.58-2.78) as compared to office workers. Geographic population density was not associated to seropositivity. A high degree of compliance with national preventive recommendations was reported (e.g., > 80% use of face masks), but no difference was found between seropositive and seronegative participants. Interpretation This study provides insight into the immunity of the Danish population seven to eight months after the first COVID-19 case in Denmark. The seroprevalence was lower than expected probably due to a low sensitivity of the POCT used or due to challenges relating to the reading of test results. Occupation or exposure in local communities were major routes of infection. As elderly participants were more often seropositive despite fewer symptoms and less PCR tests performed, more emphasis should be placed on testing this age group.

Simulation and thermal imaging of the 2006 Esperanza Wildfire in southern California: application of a coupled weather–wildland fire model

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 755 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janice L. Coen ◽  
Philip J. Riggan
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Imaging ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Transient Flow ◽  
Wildland Fire ◽  
Fire Spread ◽  
Early Morning ◽  
Fuel Load ◽  
Dynamic Interactions ◽  
Riverside County ◽  
Layer Flow

The 2006 Esperanza Fire in Riverside County, California, was simulated with the Coupled Atmosphere–Wildland Fire Environment (CAWFE) model to examine how dynamic interactions of the atmosphere with large-scale fire spread and energy release may affect observed patterns of fire behaviour as mapped using the FireMapper thermal-imaging radiometer. CAWFE simulated the meteorological flow in and near the fire, the fire’s growth as influenced by gusty Santa Ana winds and interactions between the fire and weather through fire-induced winds during the first day of burning. The airflow was characterised by thermally stratified, two-layer flow channelled between the San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountain ranges with transient flow accelerations driving the fire in Cabazon Peak’s lee. The simulation reproduced distinguishing features of the fire including its overall direction and width, rapid spread west-south-westward across canyons, spread up canyons crossing its southern flank, splitting into two heading regions and feathering of the fire line. The simulation correctly depicted the fire’s location at the time of an early-morning incident involving firefighter fatalities. It also depicted periods of deep plume growth, but anomalously described downhill spread of the head of the fire under weak winds that was less rapid than observed. Although capturing the meteorological flow was essential to reproducing the fire’s evolution, fuel factors including fuel load appeared to play a secondary role.

scholarly journals Colorimetric Nanoplasmonics to Spot Hyperglycemia From Saliva

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Donati ◽  
Tania Pomili ◽  
Luca Boselli ◽  
Pier P. Pompa
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Visual Response ◽  
Colorimetric Sensing ◽  
Chronic Patients ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Sensing Platform ◽  
Signal Color

Early diagnostics and point-of-care (POC) devices can save people’s lives or drastically improve their quality. In particular, millions of diabetic patients worldwide benefit from POC devices for frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose. Yet, this still involves invasive sampling processes, which are quite discomforting for frequent measurements, or implantable devices dedicated to selected chronic patients, thus precluding large-scale monitoring of the globally increasing diabetic disorders. Here, we report a non-invasive colorimetric sensing platform to identify hyperglycemia from saliva. We designed plasmonic multibranched gold nanostructures, able to rapidly change their shape and color (naked-eye detection) in the presence of hyperglycemic conditions. This “reshaping approach” provides a fast visual response and high sensitivity, overcoming common detection issues related to signal (color intensity) losses and bio-matrix interferences. Notably, optimal performances of the assay were achieved in real biological samples, where the biomolecular environment was found to play a key role. Finally, we developed a dipstick prototype as a rapid home-testing kit.

Five analytic challenges in working with electronic health records data to support clinical trials with some solutions

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 370-376
Author(s):  
Benjamin A Goldstein
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Electronic Health Records ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Records ◽  
Data Resource ◽  
Electronic Health ◽  
Data Elements ◽  
Data Efficiency

Electronic health records data are becoming a key data resource in clinical research. Owing to issues of data efficiency, electronic health records data are being used for clinical trials. This includes both large-scale pragmatic trails and smaller—more focused—point-of-care trials. While electronic health records data open up a number of scientific opportunities, they also present a number of analytic challenges. This article discusses five particular challenges related to organizing electronic health records data for analytic purposes. These are as follows: (1) data are not organized for research purposes, (2) data are both densely and irregularly observed, (3) we don’t have all data elements we may want or need, (4) data are both cross-sectional and longitudinal, and (5) data may be informatively observed. While laying out these challenges, the article notes how many of these challenges can be addressed by careful and thoughtful study design as well as by integration of clinicians and informaticians into the analytic team.

scholarly journals α-Methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) serves as a prognostic biomarker for the early recurrence/metastasis of HCC

2014 ◽  
Vol 67 (11) ◽  
pp. 974-979 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Xu ◽  
Zhixiong Cai ◽  
Yongyi Zeng ◽  
Lihong Chen ◽  
Xiaobo Du ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Clinical Study ◽  
Quantitative Proteomics ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Prognostic Biomarker ◽  
Early Recurrence ◽  
Clinical Parameter ◽  
Regional Lymph Nodes ◽  
High Expression Group ◽  
Low Expression

AimsHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, and it is still lacking effective prognostic biomarkers so far. Previous results of the iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics study (iTRAQ-2DLC-MS/MS) have shown that α-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) might be a promising prognostic biomarker for the early recurrence/metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here a large-scale cohort clinical study was performed to evaluate its prognostic potential.MethodsHCC samples from patients (n=158) were used for the construction of tissue microarray. The expression level of AMACR was determined by immunohistochemical staining. A large-scale cohort clinical study between the expression of AMACR and some major clinical parameter has been performed to assess the prognostic potential of AMACR for the early recurrence/metastasis of HCC.ResultsSome important clinical parameters such as α-fetoprotein, tumour numbers, dissemination to regional lymph nodes, tumour capsule and portal vein tumour thrombosis are significantly associated with the low expression of AMACR. The expression of AMACR was an independent factor for the survival of patients with HCC. The median survival time was 17 months in the low-expression group compared with 45 months in the high-expression group.ConclusionsThis study reveals that the AMACR might be a potential prognostic marker for predicting early recurrence/metastasis of HCC after hepatectomy.

scholarly journals CRISPR-Cas Systems for Diagnosing Infectious Diseases

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastasiya Kostyusheva ◽  
Sergey Brezgin ◽  
Yurii Babin ◽  
Irina Vasil'eva ◽  
Dmitry Kostyushev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Molecular Diagnostics ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Epidemiological Surveillance ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Wide Range

Infectious diseases are a global health problem affecting billions of people. Developing rapid and sensitive diagnostic tools is key for successful patient management and curbing disease spread. Currently available diagnostics are very specific and sensitive but time-consuming and require expensive laboratory settings and well-trained personnel; thus, they are not available in resource-limited areas, for the purposes of large-scale screenings and in case of outbreaks and epidemics. Developing new, rapid, and affordable point-of-care diagnostic assays is urgently needed. This review focuses on CRISPR-based technologies and their perspectives to become platforms for point-of-care nucleic acid detection methods and as deployable diagnostic platforms that could help to identify and curb outbreaks and emerging epidemics. We describe the mechanisms and function of different classes and types of CRISPR-Cas systems, including pros and cons for developing molecular diagnostic tests and applications of each type to detect a wide range of infectious agents. Many Cas proteins (Cas9, Cas12, Cas13, Cas14) have been leveraged to create highly accurate and sensitive diagnostic tools combined with technologies of signal amplification and fluorescent, potentiometric, colorimetric, or lateral flow assay detection. In particular, the most advanced platforms -- SHERLOCK/v2, DETECTR, or CRISPR-Chip -- enable detection of attomolar amounts of pathogenic nucleic acids with specificity comparable to that of PCR but with minimal technical settings. Further developing CRISPR-based diagnostic tools promises to dramatically transform molecular diagnostics, making them easily affordable and accessible virtually anywhere in the world. The burden of socially significant diseases, frequent outbreaks, recent epidemics (MERS, SARS and the ongoing coronoviral nCov-2019 infection) urgently need the developing of express-diagnostic tools. Recently devised CRISPR-technologies represent the unprecedented opportunity to reshape epidemiological surveillance and molecular diagnostics.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document