The usefulness of a new rapid diagnostic test, the First Response® Malaria Combo (pLDH/HRP2) card test, for malaria diagnosis in the forested belt of central India

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Malaria presents a diagnostic challenge in tribal belt of central India where two Plasmodium species, <it>Plasmodium falciparum </it>and <it>Plasmodium vivax</it>, are prevalent. In these areas, rapid detection of the malaria parasites and early treatment of infection remain the most important goals of disease management. Therefore, the usefulness of a new rapid diagnostic (RDT), the First Response^®Combo Malaria Ag (pLDH/HRP2) card test was assessed for differential diagnosis between <it>P. falciparum </it>with other Plasmodium species in remote villages of Jabalpur district.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A finger prick blood sample was collected to prepare blood smear and for testing with the RDT after taking informed consent. The figures for sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and predictive values were calculated using microscopy as gold standard.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Analysis revealed that overall, the RDT was 93% sensitive, 85% specific with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 79%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 95%. The accuracy 88% and J-index was 0.74. For <it>P. falciparum</it>, the sensitivity and specificity of the test were 96% and 95% respectively, with a PPV of 85% and a NPV of 99%. The RDT accuracy 95% and J-index was 0.84. For non-falciparum malaria, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 83%, 94% and 92% respectively with a PPV of 69% and a NPV of 97%.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The RDTs are easy to use, reliable and simple to interpret. RDTs are more suited to health workers in situations where health services are deficient or absent. Therefore, the test can be used as an epidemiological tool for the rapid screening of malaria.</p

Characterizing artificial socio-cognitive technical systems

This paper is an invitation to examine a class of socio-technical systems - artificial socio-cognitive (ASCS) - whose distinctive nature is that they may involve humans as well as artificial agents who interact in a regulated milieu. We propose a characterization of these ASCS and build on that characterization to describe how these systems evolve

Predicting Blast-Induced Ground Vibrations in Some Indian Tunnels: a Comparison of Decision Tree, Artificial Neural Network and Multivariate Regression Methods

The present study compares three different techniques (decision tree, artificial neural network and multivariate regression analysis) for predicting blast-induced ground vibrations in some Indian tunnelling projects. The performance of these models was also compared to site-specific conventional predictor equations. A database consisting of 137 vibration records was randomly divided into training and testing sets for model generation. Eight input parameters (total charge, tunnel cross-section, maximum charge per delay, number of holes, hole diameter, distance from blasting face, hole depth and charge per hole) were selected for model development using bivariate correlation analysis. Results indicated that the decision tree is best suited for predicting vibrations. The decision tree further suggested that the intensity of near-field ground vibrations is mainly affected by total charge fired in a round, whereas the intensity of far-field vibrations is governed by maximum charge per delay and charge per hole. Conventional ground vibration predictors and machine learning techniques such as neural networks do not depict the relationship between input and output parameters. However, the present study substantiates that the decision tree can be a good tool for precise prediction of ground vibrations. Further, the decision tree can classify and relate different blast design parametersfor refining blast designs to control ground vibrations on site

Brakes Analysis of BAJA ATV

In the modern day and age where automobiles are an essential part of our day to day life, the requirements of each are different. Some demand for a high-performance machine whereas others require a comfortable ride. The modern engineering helps in achieving all the aspects of a safe, reliable and fast vehicle. With the change in time, the need for an all-terrain vehicle has gradually increased. The research paper includes the optimisation of braking system for minimum stopping distance and locking all four tyres simultaneously. The SolidWorks struct-static analysis and simulation are done to obtain a better braking system which can provide the best in class arrangements for the customer. The research focused on disc, master cylinder position. The designs provide the sturdiness and durability which is the primary requirement for an all-terrain vehicle. The study comprises of braking for BAJA-ATV. The all-terrain conditions require active braking and all wheels locking at the instant time. The research paper includes the parameters for the efficient disc, callipers, master cylinder position for effective braking

Availability and Utilization of Malaria Prevention Strategies in Pregnancy in Eastern India

BACKGROUND. Malaria in pregnancy in India, as elsewhere, is responsible for maternal anemia and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight and preterm birth. It is not known whether prevention and treatment strategies for malaria in pregnancy (case management, insecticide-treated bednets, intermittent preventive therapy) are widely utilized in India. METHODS. This cross-sectional study was conducted during 2006-2008 in two states of India, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, at 7 facilities representing a range of rural and urban populations and areas of more versus less stable malaria transmission. 280 antenatal visits (40/site) were observed by study personnel coupled with exit interviews of pregnant women to assess emphasis upon, availability and utilization of malaria prevention practices by health workers and pregnant women. The facilities were assessed for the availability of antimalarials, lab supplies and bednets. RESULTS. All participating facilities were equipped to perform malaria blood smears; none used rapid diagnostic tests. Chloroquine, endorsed for chemoprophylaxis during pregnancy by the government at the time of the study, was stocked regularly at all facilities although the quantity stocked varied. Availability of alternative antimalarials for use in pregnancy was less consistent. In Jharkhand, no health worker recommended bednet use during the antenatal visit yet over 90% of pregnant women had bednets in their household. In Chhattisgarh, bednets were available at all facilities but only 14.4% of health workers recommended their use. 40% of the pregnant women interviewed had bednets in their household. Only 1.4% of all households owned an insecticide-treated bednet; yet 40% of all women reported their households had been sprayed with insecticide. Antimalarial chemoprophylaxis with chloroquine was prescribed in only 2 (0.7%) and intermittent preventive therapy prescribed in only one (0.4%) of the 280 observed visits. CONCLUSIONS. A disconnect remains between routine antenatal practices in India and known strategies to prevent and treat malaria in pregnancy. Prevention strategies, in particular the use of insecticide-treated bednets, are underutilized. Gaps highlighted by this study combined with recent estimates of the prevalence of malaria during pregnancy in these areas should be used to revise governmental policy and target increased educational efforts among health care workers and pregnant women.United States Agency for International Development/India mission (cooperative agreement GHS-A-00-03-00020-00); National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (R03 HD52167-01); Indian National Institute of Malaria Research; Indo-US Program for Contraception and Reproductive Health Researc

MBL2 variations and malaria susceptibility in Indian populations

Human Mannose-binding Lectin (MBL) encoded by the MBL2 gene is a pattern recognition protein and has been associated with many infectious diseases, including malaria. We sought to investigate the contribution of functional MBL2 gene variations to Plasmodium falciparum malaria in well-defined cases and in matched controls. We resequenced the 8.7 kb of the entire MBL2 gene in 434 individuals clinically classified with malaria from regions of India where malaria is endemic. The study cohort included 176 patients with severe malaria, 101 patients with mild malaria, and 157 ethnically matched asymptomatic individuals. In addition, 830 individuals from 32 socially, linguistically, and geographically diverse endogamous populations of India were investigated for the distribution of functional MBL2 variants. The MBL2 −221C (X) allelic variant is associated with increased risk of malaria (mild malaria odds ratio [OR] = 1.9, corrected P value [PCorr] = 0.0036; severe malaria OR = 1.6, PCorr = 0.02). The exon1 variants MBL2*B (severe malaria OR = 2.1, PCorr = 0.036; mild versus severe malaria OR = 2.5, PCorr = 0.039) and MBL2*C (mild versus severe malaria OR = 5.4, PCorr = 0.045) increased the odds of having malaria. The exon1 MBL2*D/*B/*C variant increased the risk for severe malaria (OR = 3.4, PCorr = 0.000045). The frequencies of low MBL haplotypes were significantly higher in severe malaria (14.2%) compared to mild malaria (7.9%) and asymptomatic (3.8%). The MBL2*LYPA haplotypes confer protection, whereas MBL2*LXPA increases the malaria risk. Our findings in Indian populations demonstrate that MBL2 functional variants are strongly associated with malaria and infection severity