117 research outputs found
Quantification of raindrop kinetic energy for improved prediction of splash-dispersed pathogens
Validation of Two Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Visceral Leishmaniasis in Kenya
BACKGROUND: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a systemic parasitic disease that is fatal unless treated. In Kenya, national VL guidelines rely on microscopic examination of spleen aspirate to confirm diagnosis. As this procedure is invasive, it cannot be safely implemented in peripheral health structures, where non-invasive, accurate, easy to use diagnostic tests are needed. METHODOLOGY: We evaluated the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of two rapid diagnostic tests (RDT), DiaMed IT LEISH and Signal-KA, among consecutive patients with clinical suspicion of VL in two treatment centres located in Baringo and North Pokot District, Rift Valley province, Kenya. Microscopic examination of spleen aspirate was the reference diagnostic standard. Patients were prospectively recruited between May 2010 and July 2011. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Of 251 eligible patients, 219 patients were analyzed, including 131 VL and 88 non-VL patients. The median age of VL patients was 16 years with predominance of males (66%). None of the tested VL patients were co-infected with HIV. Sensitivity and specificity of the DiaMed IT LEISH were 89.3% (95%CI: 82.7-94%) and 89.8% (95%CI: 81.5-95.2%), respectively. The Signal KA showed trends towards lower sensitivity (77.1%; 95%CI: 68.9-84%) and higher specificity (95.5%; 95%CI: 88.7-98.7%). Combining the tests did not improve the overall diagnostic performance, as all patients with a positive Signal KA were also positive with the DiaMed IT LEISH. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: The DiaMed IT LEISH can be used to diagnose VL in Kenyan peripheral health facilities where microscopic examination of spleen aspirate or sophisticated serological techniques are not feasible. There is a crucial need for an improved RDT for VL diagnosis in East Africa
Contaminants in organically and conventionally produced winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum
GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTING REFORM: EVOLUTION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION IN FLEMISH MUNICIPALITIES
Some studies measured the success of adopting governmental accounting reforms (New Public Management) revealing many problems. However, these empirical studies only consider the starting point assuming that implementation difficulties are just transition problems that will disappear automatically in time. This study concentrates on how implementing a governmental reform evolves after a number of years. Looking at Flemish municipalities it reveals that the level of compliance has merely increased in 1995-1997 and it has remained unchanged in 1997-99. It evidences that there is no self-regulating effect of implementing governmental reforms, even after a period of almost 5 years of experience.
Determination of stanozolol and 16ß-hydroxystanozolol in bovine urine by liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry
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Development of a simple method for the determination of genistein, daidzein, biochanin A, and formononetin (Biochanin B) in human urine.
Simultaneous determination of betamethasone and dexamethasone residues in bovine liver by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.
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