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Inflight Polymerase Chain Reaction of samples with drones. Anal Biochem 2020; 616:114098. [PMID: 33388295 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2020.114098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A system devised to conduct Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in-flight on drones that uses the spatial displacement of capillary tubes on thermal blocks kept at 94 °C, 58 °C and 72 °C corresponding to cycling temperatures for denaturation, annealing and extension is demonstrated here. The use of acetal as the thermal block material reduced heat loss and the input power (within 18.5 W) needed to maintain the required temperatures. Tests showed that concentrations of samples down to 1.16 × 106 DNA copies/μL could be significantly and consistently detected above the background emission of the fluorescence signal intensity.
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Cryopreservation without dry ice-induced acidification during sample transport. Anal Biochem 2020; 608:113906. [PMID: 32795454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2020.113906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Dry ice (solid CO2) remains highly useful when temperature-sensitive biological samples need to be cryogenically transported. CO2 released during the sublimation of dry ice can diffuse through gas permeable receptacle material or any defective seals resulting in potential sample acidification and compromised integrity. In addition, the quality of cryopreservation can be undermined once the dry ice is exhausted. The dry ice carrier design described here has been demonstrated to prevent sublimated CO2 from reaching the samples while maintaining storage temperature below -60 °C for 19 h. It is also equipped with microcontroller-based temperature monitoring for traceability and CO2 gas monitoring for safety.
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Context-Specific Challenges, Opportunities, and Ethics of Drones for Healthcare Delivery in the Eyes of Program Managers and Field Staff: A Multi-Site Qualitative Study. DRONES 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/drones4030044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, have significant potential in the healthcare field. Ethical and practical concerns, challenges, and complexities of using drones for specific and diverse healthcare purposes have been minimally explored to date. This paper aims to document and advance awareness of diverse context-specific concerns, challenges, and complexities encountered by individuals working on the front lines of drones for health. It draws on original qualitative research and data from semi-structured interviews (N = 16) with drones for health program managers and field staff in nine countries. Directed thematic analysis was used to analyze interviews and identify key ethical and practical concerns, challenges, and complexities experienced by participants in their work with drones for health projects. While some concerns, challenges, and complexities described by study participants were more technical in nature, for example, those related to drone technology and approval processes, the majority were not. The bulk of context-specific concerns and challenges identified by participants, we propose, could be mitigated through community engagement initiatives.
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Sedov L, Krasnochub A, Polishchuk V. Modeling quarantine during epidemics and mass-testing using drones. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235307. [PMID: 32579590 PMCID: PMC7314055 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We extend the classical SIR epidemic spread model by introducing the "quarantined" compartment. We solve (numerically) the differential equations that govern the extended model and quantify how quarantining "flattens the curve" for the proportion of infected population over time. Furthermore, we explore the potential of using drones to deliver tests, enabling mass-testing for the infection; we give a method to estimate the drone fleet needed to deliver the tests in a metropolitan area. Application of our models to COVID-19 spread in Sweden shows how the proposed methods could substantially decrease the peak number of infected people, almost without increasing the duration of the epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonid Sedov
- Communications and Transport Systems, ITN, Linköping University, Norrköping, Sweden
| | | | - Valentin Polishchuk
- Communications and Transport Systems, ITN, Linköping University, Norrköping, Sweden
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Poljak M, Šterbenc A. Use of drones in clinical microbiology and infectious diseases: current status, challenges and barriers. Clin Microbiol Infect 2019; 26:425-430. [PMID: 31574337 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2019.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles are autonomous or remotely controlled multipurpose aerial vehicles driven by aerodynamic forces and capable of carrying a payload. Whereas initially used exclusively for military purposes, the use of drones has gradually spread into other areas. Given their great flexibility and favourable costs, the use of drones has also been piloted in various healthcare settings. OBJECTIVES We briefly summarize current knowledge regarding the use of drones in healthcare, focusing on infectious diseases and/or microbiology when applicable. SOURCES Information was sought through PubMed and extracted from peer-reviewed literature published between January 2010 and August 2019 and from reliable online news sources. The search terms 'drones', 'unmanned aerial vehicles', 'microbiology' and 'medicine' were used. CONTENT Peer-reviewed literature on the use of drones in healthcare has steadily increased in recent years. Drones have been successfully evaluated in various pilot programmes and are already implemented in some settings for transporting samples and delivering blood, vaccines, medicines, organs, life-saving medical supplies and equipment. In addition, a promising proof-of-concept 'lab-on-a-drone' was recently presented, as well as several pilot studies showing the benefits of drone use in surveillance and epidemiology of infectious diseases. IMPLICATIONS The potential for drone use in clinical microbiology, infectious diseases and epidemiology is vast. Drones may help to increase access to healthcare for individuals that might otherwise not benefit from appropriate care due to remoteness and lack of infrastructure or funds. However, factors such as national airspace legislation and legal medical issues, differences in topography and climates, cost-effectiveness, and community attitudes and acceptance in different cultures and societies currently impede the widespread use of drones. Significant cost savings compared with ground transportation, speed and convenience of delivery, and the booming drone sector will probably drive drone implementation in various areas of medicine in the next 5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Poljak
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - A Šterbenc
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Abstract
This study tests the impact of drone transportation on the quality of a medicine. Modelling the critical process parameters of drone flight, the effects of temperature and vibration on insulin were investigated using the pharmacopoeia methods. The medicine, Actrapid, (3.5 mg/mL of insulin), was flown by a quad-rotor drone. Insulin stored between −20 and 40 °C for 30 mins, and subjected to vibration (0–40 Hz, 25 °C, 30 mins) passed the pharmacopeia tests. Dynamic light scattering identified the active tetrameric and hexameric forms of insulin post testing. Vibration frequencies during drone flight were between 0.1 and 3.4 Hz. There was no evidence of visible insulin aggregates following the drone transportation. The differences in UV absorbance readings between flown Actrapid and controls were insignificant (p = 0.89). No adverse impact of drone transport on insulin was observed. This study provides supporting evidence that drone transportation of medicinal products containing insulin is feasible. The authors recommend that when considering the drone delivery of medicines five tests need to be applied. These tests must determine the safe flight time and range, the quality of the medicine post flight, the onboard conditions experienced by the medicine, the security of the drone supply chain and the effect of drone failure on both the medicine and the environment.
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Nouvet E, Knoblauch AM, Passe I, Andriamiadanarivo A, Ravelona M, Ainanomena Ramtariharisoa F, Razafimdriana K, Wright PC, McKinney J, Small PM, Rakotosamimanana N, Grandjean Lapierre S. Perceptions of drones, digital adherence monitoring technologies and educational videos for tuberculosis control in remote Madagascar: a mixed-method study protocol. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e028073. [PMID: 31076475 PMCID: PMC6528021 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Poor road and communication infrastructure pose major challenges to tuberculosis (TB) control in many regions of the world. TB surveillance and patient support often fall to community health workers (CHWs) who may lack the time or knowledge needed for this work. To meet the End TB Strategy goal of reducing TB incidence by 90% by 2035, the WHO calls for intensified research and innovation including the rapid uptake of new tools, interventions and strategies. Technologies that 'leapfrog' infrastructure challenges and support CHWs in TB control responsibilities have the potential to dramatically change TB outcomes in remote regions. Such technologies may strengthen TB control activities within challenged national tuberculosis treatment and control programmes (NTPs), and be adapted to address other public health challenges. The deployment of innovative technologies needs to be differentially adapted to context-specific factors. The Drone Observed Therapy System (DrOTS) project was launched in Madagascar in 2017 and integrates a bundle of innovative technologies including drones, digital adherence monitoring technology and mobile device-based educational videos to support TB control. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This mixed-methods study gathers and analyses cultural perceptions of the DrOTS project among key stakeholders: patients, community members, CHWs, village chiefs and NTP-DrOTS mobile health teams. Data from questionnaires, semistructured interviews, focus group discussions (FGD) and ethnographic observation gathered from June 2018 to June 2019 are thematically analysed and compared to identify patterns and singularities in how DrOTS stakeholders perceive and interact with DrOTS technologies, its enrolment processes, objectives and team. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval was obtained from the National Bioethics Research Committee of Madagascar and Stony Brook University institutional review board. Study results will be submitted for peer-reviewed publication. In Madagascar, results will be presented in person to Ministry and other Malagasy decision-makers through the Institut Pasteur de Madagascar. PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT This study is designed to foreground the voices of patients and potential patients in the DrOTS programme. CHW participants in this study also supported the design of study information sessions and recruitment strategies. One member of the mobile health team provided detailed input on the wording and content of FGD and interview guides. Study findings will be presented via a report in French and Malagasy to CHW, mobile health team and other village-level participants who have email/internet access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elysée Nouvet
- School of Health Studies, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Astrid M Knoblauch
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland
- Mycobacteria Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Ian Passe
- Global Health Institute, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Patricia C Wright
- Global Health Institute, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, NY, USA
- Health Department, Center Valbio, Ranomafana, Madagascar
| | - Jesse McKinney
- Global Health Institute, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, NY, USA
- Health Department, Center Valbio, Ranomafana, Madagascar
| | - Peter M Small
- Global Health Institute, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Simon Grandjean Lapierre
- Mycobacteria Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Immunopathology, Centre de recherche du CHUM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Katariya M, Chung DCK, Minifie T, Gupta H, Zahidi AAA, Liew OW, Ng TW. Note: Biochemical samples centrifuged in-flight on drones. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2018; 89:106102. [PMID: 30399692 DOI: 10.1063/1.5031039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The ability to conduct en-route centrifugation of samples improves quality and timeliness in the pre-analytical phase. This is demonstrated here on a quadcopter whereby the propellers were adapted to house and apply centrifugal forces to sample-containing capillary tubes instead of incorporating a centrifuge. Tests revealed the ability of the method to separate non-homogenized milk into a cream portion and a skim milk portion, and human whole blood into plasma, buffy coat, and red blood cell components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayur Katariya
- Laboratory for Optics and Applied Mechanics, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Dwayne Chung Kim Chung
- Laboratory for Optics and Applied Mechanics, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Tristan Minifie
- Laboratory for Optics and Applied Mechanics, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Harshit Gupta
- Laboratory for Optics and Applied Mechanics, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Alifa Afiah Ahmad Zahidi
- Laboratory for Optics and Applied Mechanics, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Oi Wah Liew
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Centre for Translational Medicine, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599
| | - Tuck Wah Ng
- Laboratory for Optics and Applied Mechanics, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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