56 research outputs found
The trade-off between accuracy and accessibility of syphilis screening assays.
No full textThe availability of rapid and sensitive methods to diagnose syphilis facilitates screening of pregnant women, which is one of the most cost-effective health interventions available. We have evaluated two screening methods in Tanzania: an enzyme immunoassay (EIA), and a point-of-care test (POCT). We evaluated the performance of each test against the Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TPPA) as the reference method, and the accessibility of testing in a rural district of Tanzania. The POCT was performed in the clinic on whole blood, while the other assays were performed on plasma in the laboratory. Samples were also tested by the rapid plasma Reagin (RPR) test. With TPPA as reference assay, the sensitivity and specificity of EIA were 95.3% and 97.8%, and of the POCT were 59.6% and 99.4% respectively. The sensitivity of the POCT and EIA for active syphilis cases (TPPA positive and RPR titer ≥ 1/8) were 82% and 100% respectively. Only 15% of antenatal clinic attenders in this district visited a health facility with a laboratory capable of performing the EIA. Although it is less sensitive than EIA, its greater accessibility, and the fact that treatment can be given on the same day, means that the use of POCT would result in a higher proportion of women with syphilis receiving treatment than with the EIA in this district of Tanzania
The forward kinematics of 3-RPR planar robots: A review and a distance-based formulation
No full textThe standard forward-kinematics analysis of 3-RPR planar parallel robots boils down to computation of the roots of a sextic polynomial. There are many different ways to obtain this polynomial, but most of them include exceptions for which the formulation is not valid. Unfortunately, near these exceptions, the corresponding polynomial exhibits numerical instabilities. In this paper, we provide a way around this inconvenience by translating the forward-kinematics problem to be solved into an equivalent problem fully stated in terms of distances. Using constructive geometric arguments, an alternative sexticwhich is not linked to a particular reference frameis straightforwardly obtained with the need for neither variable eliminations nor tangent-half-angle substitutions. The presented formulation is valid, with no modification, for any planar 3-RPR parallel robot, including the special architectures and configurationswhich ultimately lead to numerical instabilitiesthat cannot be directly handled by previous formulations. © 2010 IEEE.This research has been partially supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation under the I+D project DPI2007- 60858. The first author is supported by the Colombian Ministry of Communications and Colfuturo through the ICT National Plan of Colombia.Peer Reviewe
Globalization, Social Movements, and the Construction of Europe: The Example of the European Parliament Elections in France, CES Working Paper, no. 74, August 2000
No full textThough social scientists have lately devoted themselves to the study of globalization (Waters 1995; Hirst and Thompson 1999), most of these studies have concentrated on its economic and social consequences. Globalization is often seen as a fundamentally unjust process that causes confusion and destroys more than it creates. In many areas, the substantive implications of globalization are left untouched. In this paper, I examine the link between regional integration in Western Europe and the transformation of domestic politics through the example of the European Parliament elections. I argue that globalization through European integration is having a significant impact on French domestic politics. More precisely, the elections to the European Parliament, a supranational political institution, have contributed to the political mobilization of traditionally voiceless groups such as the unemployed and to the introduction into public discussion of new issues tied to Europe, transforming political culture and the relationship between national politics and multinational bargaining (Keohane and Hoffmann 1990, 295). Not only has European political integration provided marginal groups in France with an access to national politics through European Parliament elections, it has also supplied the government and the presidency with new resources, connecting them to trans-European circles and networks that are developing their own political culture. The success of neoliberal economic doctrines in the European Union may have in part to do with these networks. National ministers spend half their time wrestling with European affairs in the Council of Ministers of the European Union and in transnational party structures, developing a common culture and outlook on politics and economics. The main ingredients for this Weltanschauung are well known: electoral cycles should not interfere with economic policy and unemployment figures should not have priority over other monetary indices in the evaluation of economic and political success
Cost utility analysis of diagnostic method of syphilis
No full textPresently, the diagnosis of syphilis is dependent mainly on serological tests. The most widely used screening tests for syphilis are the VDRL and the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and for confirmation, the fluorescent treponemal antibody (FTA) and the treponema pallidum hemagglutination (TPHA) tests. The four alternative modes for diagnosis of syphilis can be a) VDRL + FTA, b) VDRL + TPHA, c) RPR + FTA and d) RPR + TPHA. Here the author reports an evaluation of cost utility of these tests in medical practice. It is shown that the cost per accurate diagnosis with VDRL + TPH is the least expensive choice. Therefore, this alternative is the best method for serological diagnosis for syphilis, based on medical laboratory economics principles
Evaluation of syphilis serostatus on the safety of IVF treatment
No full textAn increasing number of infertile syphilis-infected individuals have turned to assisted reproductive technology; however, the safety of syphilis carrier serostatus on IVF and embryo transfer outcomes has not been evaluated. Data from 482 patients who delivered singletons were analysed. In the retrospective study, the rate of IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection fertilization was 79.50% +/- 17.57%/ 78.72% +/- 16.66% in the Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay negative (TPPA-negative) and rapid plasma reagin negative (RPR-negative) group, 76.12% +/- 22.99%/ 74.05% +/- 20.31% in the TPPA-positive and RPR-negative group, and 75.66% +/- 21.72%/ 70.90% +/- 16.11% in the TPPA-positive and RPR-positive group. The clinical pregnancy rate was 39.79% in the TPPAnegative and RPR-negative group, 46.30% in the TPPA-positive and RPR-negative group, and 36.59% in the TPPA-positive and RPR-positive group. No significant differences were found between the groups. The neonatal gestational age and mean birth weight were not significantly different between the TPPA-negative and TPPA-positive groups. Multiple linear regression analysis also showed no association between TPPA serostatus and newborn birth weight and gestational age. The present retrospective study showed that TPPA and RPR serostatus did not affect the outcomes of IVF and embryo transfer. Syphilis-infected individuals can undergo IVF and embryo transfer cycles after penicillin treatment. (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Reproductive Healthcare Ltd.Obstetrics & GynecologyReproductive BiologySCI(E)[email protected]
Medical aspects of diving accidents. Congress organised in association with the European Undersea Biomedical Society and the Medical Committee of the European Diving Technology Committee. Luxembourg, 12-13 October 1978
No full textStudies on the rapid plasma reagin card test for the diagnosis of syphilis and its evaluation
No full text의학과/박사[한글]
[영문]In spite of the fact that many investigators have strived for an effective control of syphilis, it remains as a major and presently increasing public health problem.
The importance of the serologic tests for the diagnosis of syphilis is reflected in the fact that syphilis may simulate many other diseases thus rendering an accurate diagnosis difficult on the basis of clinical signs and symptoms alone.
Since Wassermann et al.(1906) developed the complement fixation reaction for the diagnosis of syphilis, many investigators have continued to search for a simple and accurate testing method. Many kinds of serological tests have been developed and reported by the stead efforts of many investigators. Nevertheless, most of these tests are so complex as to be restricted to routine serologic laboratories.
Portnoy et al.(1959) reported the Rapid Plasma Reagin(RPR) test for syphilis which is more rapid, economical and simple. But still this test has many disadvantages as a rapid performing field and office procedure, because it requires the usual laboratory equipment such as a centrifuge, a rotating machine, a
microscope etc.
To substitute for these disadvantages of the RPR test, in 1962, Portnoy et al. developed the Rapid Plasma Reagin(RPR) card test for syphilis, which has the following advantages: a) Simplicity and rapidity of performance, b) Requires no laboratory equipment, c) Stable antigen suspension, d) Adequate sensitivity and
specificity.
This RPR card test can be used as a rapidly performing screening test in field investigation, outpatient clinics, small laboratories and hospitals doing limited syphilis serology, and for predonors in blood banks. Private clinics which have
limited laboratory equipment and techniques for syphilis serology can also use this RPR card test as a tool in the rapid diagnosis of syphilis.
It was thought that this RPR card test is a useful tool in Korea for private physicians and as a mass survey for syphilis diagnosis. Portnoy patented the reagents needed for performing the RPR card test. Therefore, the author developed newly the reagents, and according to Portnoy's method evaluated the sensitivity and the specificity of the newly developed RPR card test compared with the VDRL, the Kolmer CF, and the RPCF tests.
On the other hand, the information on syphilis reported up to now in Korea has dealt mostly with prostitutes. In order to present one aspect of syphilis prevalence and to actually utilize this simple and rapid RPR card test in a field survey in Korea, the prevalence of syphilis infections among the members of the
Korean Service Corps was analyzed.
Materials and Methods
A. Rapid Plasma Reagin Card Test
1. Preparation of antigen solution
a. Prepare antigen emulsion to be used for VDRL tests.
b. Centrifuge measured volume of the antigen emulsion for 15 minutes at 2,000g at room temperature.
c. Without disturbing the sediment, decant the supernatant fluid by inverting the tube.
d. Resuspend the sediment with an equal volume of resuspending solution to that of the centrifuged antigen emulsion. This solution is used for the antigen suspension of the RPR card test.
2. Plasma and serum collection
The plasma and sera were collected from the total 3,142 cases of four testing groups and tested; syphilis suspected cases, 521, healthy young men, 611m, and the members of the Korean Service Corps, 2,010.
The plasma was collected by using the plasma collection slide which is made from a plastic-coated card board with a keyholeshaped depression of 2×4cm in the center of the board. The depressed area is coated with an anticoagulant and a reagent to aggregated blood corpuscles. By the used of this plasma collection slide, the plasma can be obtained within 1∼2 minutes from 3∼4 drops of blood.
The sera were collected in the usual manner. Blood was collected in a clean dry test tube, and allowed to clot, and serum was separated by centrifugation.
3. Test Methods.
The RPR card test was performed on all the specimens as follows: Using the capillary tube with a rubber bulb, remove 0.03ml. of plasma from the plasma collection slide, and put it on the diagnostic card. Add one drop of antigen suspension and mix gently but completely, using a clean toothpick. Shake by tilting
the diagnostic card to and fro for 4 minutes. Read macroscopically and report as "reactive" specimens showing characteristic clumping; report as "nonreactive" specimens not clumping.
The VDRL slide flocculation test was carried out on all the specimens by the method described in the manual, Laboratory procedures for modern syphilis serology.
The Kolmer CF test was carried out on the specimens predetermined reactive by one or both the RPR card and the VDRL test, according to the method described in the Applied laboratory technic.
The RPCF test was performed on the specimens predetermined reactive by one or both the RPR card and the VDRL test, utilizing one-fifth volume Kolmer CF method recommended by Cannefax and Garson. B. Evaluation of the RPR card test for syphilis
screening in a field survey.
2,010 Korea, Service Corps men were examined by the RPR card test compared with the VDRL, the Kolmer CF, and the RPCF tests. the reactive specimens by one or both the RPR card and the VDRL test were retested by the Kolmer CF and the RPCF tests.
Results and Summary
Of 3,142 cased tested by th RPR card and the VDRL test, 242(7.7 per cent) were reactive in both tests and 2,726(86.8 per cent) were nonreactive in both tests. Agreement, reactive and nonreactive, between the RPR card and the VDRL test results
was 94.5 percent. 242(82.0 per cent) of the 295 reactives in the RPR card test were reactive in the VDRL test, and 2,726(95.7 per cent) of the 2,847 nonreactive in the RPR card test showed nonreactive VDRL tests.
The sensitivity and specificity of the RPR card and the VDRL tests were compared by retesting the 245 cases by the RPCF test, which were reactive by one or both the RPR card and the VDRL test. Compared with the agreement between the VDRL and the RPCF tests, the better correlations of the results of the RPR card and the RPCF tests were observed.
Among 2,010, 245(12.0 per cent) reactive by one or both the RPR card and the VDRL test were retested by the RPCF test. Of 245(12.0 per cent), 116(5.7 per cent) were reactive in the RPCF test. 145(7.1 per cent) of 2,010, which were reactive by the
RPR card test, were retested by the RPCF test, and 109(5.4 per cent) of 145 were reactive in the RPCF test. 222(10.9 per cent) of 2,010, which wrer reactive in the VDRL test, were retested by the RPCF test and 108(5.3 per cent) of 222(10.9 percent) were reactive in the RPCF test.
The biologtical false positive rates of the RPR card and the VDRL tests based on the reactivity of the RPCF test showed 1.7 per cent in the RPR card test and 5.6 per cent in the VDRL test. From the foregoing data, the sensitivity of the RPR card test appears to be similar to that of the VDRL test, and the RPR card test indicates higher specificity than that of the VDRL test. The RPR card test might be a valuable screening test for the diagnosing of syphilis.
In a field application of the RPR card test, 2010 of the Korean Service Corps were examined and the VDRL, the Kolmer CF, and the RPCF tests were compared. 7.1 per cent of 2,010 cases were reactive in the RPR card test and 10.9 per cent were reactive in the VDRL test.
The reactive specimens by one or both the RPR card and the VDRL tests were retested by the Komer CF and the RPC tests. 6.3 per cent of 2,010 were reactive in the Kolmer CF test and 5.7 per cent in the RPCF test.restrictio
Preferable procedure for the screening of syphilis in clinical laboratories in China
No full textBackground: With the rapid expansion of infectious syphilis all over the world, optimal procedures for screening syphilis are urgently required. Conventional methods for the diagnosis of syphilis are time- and labor-consuming. We compared automated chemiluminescent micro-particle immunoassay (CLIA) with conventional methods to verify whether CLIA is feasible for syphilis screening. Methods: A cross-sectional assay was conducted on 3962 serum samples tested by CLIA, rapid plasma reagin test (RPR), and Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA). Meanwhile, another 36 000 sera were screened for syphilis using CLIA and the positive samples were confirmed using TPPA, RPR or Western blotting. Results: The sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 99.8% for CLIA, and 65% and 99.6% for RPR. With the elevation of the optical density value of samples to cut-off ratio (S/CO) value, the true-positive rate of CLIA increased significantly, and when the S/CO value exceeded 10, the true-positive rate of CLIA reached 100%. The false-positive rate of CLIA was 0.22%; pregnant women had the most false-positive results, followed by elderly people and cancer patients. Conclusion: CLIA is suggested as a screening test for the diagnosis of syphilis, while TPPA and RPR are required for confirming the positive samples and monitoring their activity.SCI(E)[email protected]
Boundary Algebra: A Simple Notation for Boolean Algebra and the Truth Functors
No full textBoundary algebra [BA] is a simpler notation for Spencer-Brown’s (1969) primary algebra [pa], the Boolean algebra 2, and the truth functors. The primary arithmetic [PA] consists of the atoms ‘()’ and the blank page, concatenation, and enclosure between ‘(‘ and ‘)’, denoting the primitive notion of distinction. Inserting letters denoting the presence or absence of () into a PA formula yields a BA formula. The BA axioms are "()()=()" (A1), and "(()) [=?] may be written or erased at will” (A2). Repeated application of these axioms to a PA formula yields a member of B= {(),?} called its simplification. (a) has two intended interpretations: (a) ? a? (Boolean algebra 2), and (a) ? ~a (sentential logic). BA is self-dual: () ? 1 [dually 0] so that B is the carrier for 2, ab ? a?b [a?b], and (a)b [(a(b))] ? a=b, so that ?=() [()=?] follows trivially and B is a poset. The BA basis abc= bca (Dilworth 1938), a(ab)= a(b), and a()=() (Bricken 2002) facilitates clausal reasoning and proof by calculation. BA also simplifies normal forms and Quine’s (1982) truth value analysis. () ? true [false] yields boundary logic.G. Spencer Brown; boundary algebra; boundary logic; primary algebra; primary arithmetic; Boolean algebra; calculation proof; C.S. Peirce; existential graphs.
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