A large-volume sputum dry storage and transportation device for molecular and culture-based diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Technologies for preservation of specimens in the absence of cold chains are essential for optimum utilization of existing laboratory services in the developing world. We present a prototype called specimen transportation tube (SPECTRA-tube) for the collection, exposure-free drying, ambient transportation, and liquid state recovery of large-volume (>1 mL) specimens. Specimens introduced into the SPECTRA-tube are dried in glass fiber membranes, which are critical for efficient liquid-state sample recovery by rehydration and centrifugation.

Ground Penetrating Radar Algorithm to Sense the Depth of Blood Clot in Microwave Head Imaging.

Background: Microwave imaging is one of the emerging non-invasive portable imaging techniques, which uses nonionized radiations to take a detailed view of biological tissues in the microwave frequency range. Brain stroke is an emergency caused by the interruption of the blood supply into parts of the brain, leading to the loss of millions of brain cells. Imaging plays a major role in stroke diagnosis for prompt treatment.

HyPE study: hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis-related adverse events' analysis among healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic: a rising public health concern.

Background: The rising burden of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has led to the mass use of hydroxychloroquine by healthcare workers (HCWs). Adverse event profile of this drug when used as prophylaxis is not well known in the literature.

Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted across the country using semi-structured web-based questionnaire among COVID-19 negative and asymptomatic healthcare workers, taking hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis.

Differential Diagnosis of Malaria on Truelab Uno®, a Portable, Real-Time, MicroPCR Device for Point-Of-Care Applications.

Background: Sensitive and specific detection of malarial parasites is crucial in controlling the significant malaria burden in the developing world. Also important is being able to identify life threatening Plasmodium falciparum malaria quickly and accurately to reduce malaria related mortality. Existing methods such as microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have major shortcomings.

Congenital calcinosis cutis of the foot.

Calcinosis cutis is a rare disease characterized by deposition of insoluble calcium salts in the skin. Subepidermal calcified nodule is a form of idiopathic calcinosis cutis that commonly affects children but rarely presents at birth. Herein we describe a healthy 10-month-old boy who had a solitary hard nodule on the left foot since birth.