Review
Infectious Diseases
Andrew B. Dagens, Amanda Rojek, Louise Sigfrid, Annette Pluddemann
Summary: A systematic review assessed the diagnostic accuracy of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for Ebola virus disease (EVD). The results showed that lateral flow assays had a sensitivity of 86.1% and specificity of 97%, while rapid PCR devices had a sensitivity of 96.2% and specificity of 96.8%. These RDTs can be used as a 'rule in' test to expedite treatment and vaccination.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ujjala Ghoshal, Atul Garg, Shruthi Vasanth, Akshay K. Arya, Ankita Pandey, Nidhi Tejan, Vikas Patel, Vikram P. Singh
Summary: In COVID-19 testing, the TrueNat method demonstrates a diagnostic accuracy of up to 89.2%, making it particularly suitable for resource-limited settings.
Article
Immunology
Helen Cox, Lesley Workman, Lindy Bateman, Zoe Franckling-Smith, Margaretha Prins, Juaneta Luiz, Judi Van Heerden, Lemese Ah Tow Edries, Samantha Africa, Veronica Allen, Cynthia Baard, Widaad Zemanay, Mark P. Nicol, Heather J. Zar
Summary: Oral swab specimens may be an alternative method for diagnosing childhood pulmonary tuberculosis, but the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay has poor sensitivity. This prospective diagnostic accuracy study found that the sensitivity of the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay with oral swab specimens was only 22%.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Stian Magnus Staurung Orlien, Tekabe Abdosh Ahmed, Nejib Yusuf Ismael, Nega Berhe Belay, Anne-Marte Bakken Kran, Svein Gunnar Gundersen, Asgeir Johannessen
Summary: This study evaluated the validity of three hepatitis B surface antigen rapid diagnostic tests in an area with high prevalence of HBV, showing that all three tests had relatively high sensitivity and excellent specificity. However, false negative results were observed in patients with low levels of HBsAg, indicating limitations in using these tests for blood donor screening.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGICAL METHODS
(2021)
Article
Hematology
Neta Bachar, Dana Benbassat, David Brailovsky, Yochay Eshel, Dan Gluck, Daniel Levner, Sarah Levy, Sharon Pecker, Evgeny Yurkovsky, Amir Zait, Cordelia Sever, Alexander Kratz, Carlo Brugnara
Summary: Sight OLO is a novel hematological platform that addresses the limitations of current point-of-care hematology analyzers using artificial intelligence and computer vision, showing high accuracy and repeatability for all CBC parameters. The study demonstrated the validity of CBC analysis using samples collected directly from fingerpricks.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Chelsea Caya, Ameeta E. Singh, Bouchra Serhir, Veronique Morin, Michael D. Libman, Rachel Corsini, David M. Goldfarb, Tom Wong, Yiqing Xia, Mathieu Maheu-Giroux, Cedric P. Yansouni
Summary: In this study, the field diagnostic accuracy of a syphilis rapid test (RDT) using serum and whole blood was evaluated in two Canadian Arctic communities. The results showed that the RDT had good sensitivity and specificity for both whole blood and serum, making it suitable for rapid screening of individuals with syphilis infection in real-world settings.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Anaclaudia Pereira da Costa Flores, Michelle Roxo-Goncalves, Nancy Vanessa Rodrigues Batista, Luiz Alcino Gueiros, Matheus Linares, Alan Roger Santos-Silva, Marcio Ajudarte Lopes, Carolina Flausino, Maria Ines Meurer, Liliane Janete Grando, Cynthia Goulart Molina-Bastos, Veronica Lucas de Oliveira Guattini, Vinicius Coelho Carrard
Summary: This multicentric study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of a telediagnosis service for oral mucosal disorders. The results showed that the telediagnosis method had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 97.4% for diagnosing oral diseases, indicating its reliability compared to face-to-face diagnosis. It also demonstrated relatively simple case management.
ORAL SURGERY ORAL MEDICINE ORAL PATHOLOGY ORAL RADIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Moses Chawira, Zvikomborero Hoko, Alexander Mhizha
Summary: Most water supply utilities in developing countries face challenges of high Non-Revenue Water (NRW). This study focused on the Juru Service Centre water supply system in Zimbabwe and analyzed NRW trends from 2012 to 2020. The study found that real losses were the main contributor to NRW, while unauthorized consumption drove apparent losses.
PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF THE EARTH
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Ruiying Han, Nan Lin, Juan Huang, Xuelei Ma
Summary: Raman spectroscopy has shown high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma, indicating its potential clinical application.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Ruiying Han, Nan Lin, Juan Huang, Xuelei Ma
Summary: This meta-analysis evaluated the performance of Raman spectroscopy (RS) in the diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The results showed that RS has high specificity and sensitivity, indicating its potential for clinical application in OSCC diagnosis.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Rachel E. Geyer, Jack Henry Kotnik, Victoria Lyon, Elisabeth Brandstetter, Monica Zigman Suchsland, Peter D. Han, Chelsey Graham, Misja Ilcisin, Ashley E. Kim, Helen Y. Chu, Deborah A. Nickerson, Lea M. Starita, Trevor Bedford, Barry Lutz, Matthew J. Thompson
Summary: This study assessed the accuracy of an influenza rapid diagnostic test (RDT) conducted at home by lay users with acute respiratory illness. The sensitivity and specificity of the self-test were comparable with those of influenza RDTs used in clinical settings, indicating the importance of home testing for the management of influenza and other respiratory infections.
JMIR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SURVEILLANCE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Angelica F. Tan, Sitti Saimah Binti Sakam, Giri S. Rajahram, Timothy William, Mohammad Faruq Abd Rachman Isnadi, Sylvia Daim, Bridget E. Barber, Steven Kho, Colin J. Sutherland, Nicholas M. Anstey, Seda Yerlikaya, Donelly A. van Schalkwyk, Matthew J. Grigg
Summary: The study evaluated ten rapid diagnostic tests for detection of P. knowlesi, with some tests showing sufficient performance for detecting major human malaria species (including P. knowlesi) in co-endemic areas, particularly for higher parasite counts. However, these tests cannot reliably differentiate non-falciparum malaria.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Remote Sensing
Ignacio Fernandez-Hernandez, Adrian Chamorro-Moreno, Simon Cancela-Diaz, J. David Calle-Calle, Paolo Zoccarato, Daniel Blonski, Tommaso Senni, F. Javier de Blas, Carmelo Hernandez, Javier Simon, Alvaro Mozo
Summary: The Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) aims to provide a Precise Point Positioning (PPP) service worldwide by transmitting precise data through the signal-in-space and ground channel. This service is based on existing monitoring and uplink capabilities of Galileo and has shown promising performance in its initial phase.
Article
Virology
Ginette A. Okoye, Haja Kamara, Michelle Strobeck, Thomas Alan Mellman, John Kwagyan, Ava Sullivan, Angel S. Byrd, Babak Shokrani, Hugh E. Mighty
Summary: This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card rapid antigen assay compared to PCR testing. The sensitivity of the rapid antigen assay was lower than reported by the manufacturer, but rapid tests have the advantage of providing quick results, making them useful in situations where swift results are critical.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Basilua Andre Muzembo, Kei Kitahara, Anusuya Debnath, Keinosuke Okamoto, Shin-Ichi Miyoshi
Summary: This study systematically evaluated the accuracy of cholera rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and found that they have moderate sensitivity and specificity, especially when enriched with alkaline peptone water (APW). Although they are less useful for clinical management, the current generation of RDTs can be valuable for surveillance efforts if used in a principled manner.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Eve S. Puffer, Amy Finnegan, Katie Schenk, Lisa Langhaug, Simbarashe Rusakaniko, Yujung Choi, Simbarashe Mahaso, Ryan Simmons, Eric P. Green
Summary: The study aimed to understand the worries of parents and guardians during the process of paediatric HIV disclosure and estimate the effects of disclosure on child, caregiver, and family well-being. The findings showed that most of the caregivers' worries were not realized, and there was no significant increase in problems following disclosure.
PSYCHOLOGY & HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Kidist Zewdie, Michael Pickles, Sian Floyd, Sarah Fidler, Helen Ayles, Peter Bock, Graeme Hoddinott, Nomtha Mandla, Kwame Shanaube, Musonda Simwinga, Christophe Fraser, Janet Seeley, Estelle Piwowar-Manning, Richard Hayes, Deborah Donnell
Summary: Based on data analysis from 21 research communities in Zambia and South Africa, it was found that traditional male circumcision is not significantly more protective against HIV acquisition compared to medical male circumcision. The uptake of voluntary medical male circumcision was not substantial, even with household-based delivery of HIV testing followed by referral for circumcision.
Article
Immunology
Blia Yang, Rosa Sloot, Sian Floyd, Dolapo Awoniyi, Sam Griffith, Helen Ayles, Sarah Fidler, Richard H. Hayes, Sten Vermund, Peter Bock
Summary: A study conducted in South Africa found that conducting household visits during the weekends increased the number of men and women participating in the HIV testing program. This suggests that targeting households during the weekend can be an effective and easy-to-implement strategy to increase the number of men accessing HIV testing.
JAIDS-JOURNAL OF ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROMES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Deborah Watson-Jones, John Changalucha, Hilary Whitworth, Ligia Pinto, Paul Mutani, Jackton Indangasi, Troy Kemp, Ramadhan Hashim, Beatrice Kamala, Rebecca Wiggins, Twaib Songoro, Nicholas Connor, Gladys Mbwanji, Miquel A. Pavon, Brett Lowe, Devis Mmbando, Saidi Kapiga, Philippe Mayaud, Silvia de SanJose, Joakim Dillner, Richard J. Hayes, Charles J. Lacey, Kathy Baisley
Summary: The global burden of cervical cancer is high, especially in low-income and middle-income countries. Despite the existence of HPV vaccination, only 15% of girls in the target age group worldwide are fully vaccinated. This study in Tanzania found that a single dose of the 2-valent or 9-valent HPV vaccines could induce high seropositivity and maintain stable vaccine responses up to 24 months.
OBSTETRICAL & GYNECOLOGICAL SURVEY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Peter J. Dodd, Debebe Shaweno, Chu-Chang Ku, Philippe Glaziou, Carel Pretorius, Richard J. Hayes, Peter MacPherson, Ted Cohen, Helen Ayles
Summary: Accurately estimating the burden of tuberculosis in high HIV prevalence areas is challenging. The authors developed a new age-structured TB transmission model that incorporates evolving demographic, HIV and antiretroviral therapy effects. By including Bayesian methods and accounting for uncertainty, they estimated age-specific annual risks of TB infection and the proportion resulting from recent infection.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Bernadette Hensen, Sian Floyd, Mwelwa M. Phiri, Ab Schaap, Lucheka Sigande, Melvin Simuyaba, Lawrence Mwenge, Rosemary Zulu-Phiri, Louis Mwape, Sarah Fidler, Richard Hayes, Musonda Simwinga, Helen Ayles
Summary: In sub-Saharan Africa, adolescents and young people face a high burden of HIV, and unintended pregnancies among adolescent girls remain high. However, the sexual and reproductive health needs of this population have been underserved. A cluster-randomised trial was conducted in Zambia to estimate the impact of community-based, peer-led sexual and reproductive health services on HIV knowledge and other outcomes. The results showed that this intervention significantly increased HIV knowledge among adolescents and young people and has the potential to improve access to HIV prevention and care services.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Webster Mavhu, Memory Makamba, Karin Hatzold, Galven Maringwa, Albert Takaruza, Miriam Mutseta, Getrude Ncube, Frances M. Cowan, Euphemia L. Sibanda
Summary: Most testing clients preferred oral-fluid-based self-testing, followed by blood-based self-testing and provider-delivered blood-based testing. Those who self-assessed as less healthy were more likely to opt for provider-delivered blood-based testing which likely facilitated linkage.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Social Sciences, Mathematical Methods
Jennifer A. Thompson, Baptiste Leurent, Stephen Nash, Lawrence H. Moulton, Richard J. Hayes
Summary: This article introduces a new command, clan, for conducting cluster-level analysis in cluster randomized trials. The command simplifies adjustment for individual- and cluster-level covariates and can account for a stratified design.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sheila Kansiime, Christian Holm Hansen, Richard Hayes, Eugene Ruzagira, PrEPVacc Study Team
Summary: We aimed to create and validate tools for identifying individuals at highest risk of prevalent and incident HIV in an African setting. Logistic regression and Poisson regression were used to determine risk factors for HIV prevalence and incidence, and these factors were used to create and validate tools that predict HIV risk. The performance of the VOICE risk score in predicting HIV incidence among women was also assessed.
TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Timothy Skalland, Helen Ayles, Peter Bock, Justin Bwalya, Kwame Shanaube, Nkatya Kasese, Michelle Dupre, Barry Kosloff, Sian Floyd, Ethan Wilson, Ayana Moore, Susan Eshleman, Sarah Fidler, Richard Hayes, Deborah Donnell
Summary: Universal HIV testing and treatment aims to reduce HIV transmission by identifying all people living with HIV and providing them with treatment. A study conducted between 2013 and 2018 found that communities with lower financial wealth and more individuals reporting multiple sexual partners had higher HIV incidence. The study also showed a strong association between the proportion of the community with unsuppressed viral load and HIV incidence.
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Caroline Govathson, Lawrence C. C. Long, Colin A. A. Russell, Aneesa Moolla, Sophie Pascoe, Brooke E. E. Nichols
Summary: South African youth and adolescents face a high burden of STIs, HIV, and unintended pregnancies, but the uptake of services is low. This study developed a framework to analyze the cost-effectiveness of increasing HIV/contraceptive service uptake in adolescents, based on preferences identified through a DCE. The results suggest that friendly and confidential services have the greatest potential impact on uptake.
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Katherine Davis, Michael Pickles, Simon Gregson, James R. Hargreaves, Helen Ayles, Peter Bock, Triantafyllos Pliakas, Ranjeeta Thomas, Julius Ohrnberger, Justin Bwalya, Nomtha Bell-Mandla, Kwame Shanaube, William Probert, Graeme Hoddinott, Virginia Bond, Richard Hayes, Sarah Fidler, Katharina Hauck
Summary: This study examined the impact of Universal Testing and Treatment (UTT) on the Health-Related Quality-of-Life (HRQoL) of People Living with HIV (PLHIV). The results showed that UTT did not change the overall HRQoL of PLHIV, but it reduced the problems with pain/discomfort. The importance of this study lies in improving our understanding of the effects of UTT on the HRQoL of PLHIV, providing guidance for HIV treatment and management.
SSM-POPULATION HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chido Dziva Chikwari, Victoria Simms, Katharina Kranzer, Ethel Dauya, Tsitsi Bandason, Mandikudza Tembo, Constancia Mavodza, Anna Machiha, Owen Mugurungi, Primrose Musiyandaka, Tinashe Mwaturura, Nkazimulo Tshuma, Sarah Bernays, Constance Mackworth-Young, Joanna Busza, Suzanna C. Francis, Richard J. Hayes
Summary: This study reports on the STI testing uptake, prevalence, and incidence within a community-based integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health service for youth in Zimbabwe. The findings indicate high acceptability of STI testing among youth, with higher prevalence in females and HIV-positive youth, highlighting the need for integration of HIV and STI services.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Maria Ruperez, Kwame Shanaube, Linda Mureithi, Chali Wapamesa, Michael J. Burnett, Barry Kosloff, Petra de Haas, Richard Hayes, Sarah Fidler, Thomas Gachie, Albertus Schaap, Sian Floyd, Eveline Klinkenberg, Helen Ayles
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a point-of-care C-reactive protein test for tuberculosis screening in high-burden countries. By conducting a tuberculosis prevalence survey, we calculated the sensitivity and specificity of C-reactive protein testing combined with symptom screening. The results showed that C-reactive protein testing alone does not meet the sensitivity requirement of 90% stipulated by WHO, but when combined with symptom screening, it may improve the identification of individuals with tuberculosis in communities with high prevalence, especially where recommended tools are not readily available.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Hanlie Myburgh, Graeme Hoddinott, Janet Seeley, Virginia Bond, Peter Bock, Richard Hayes, Ria Reis, Lindsey Reynolds
Summary: This study explores how community members in South Africa make decisions around taking up home-based HIV testing and how the goal of achieving HIV epidemic control is internalized and enacted in the interactions between community members and health workers. The findings suggest that a community-wide health intervention can motivate individuals to be good, moral citizens in contexts of low social cohesion.
SSM-QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN HEALTH
(2023)
