According to the World Health Organization,an estimated 58 million people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus(HCV),yet only about 20%have been formally diagnosed.Traditional laboratory–based ant...According to the World Health Organization,an estimated 58 million people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus(HCV),yet only about 20%have been formally diagnosed.Traditional laboratory–based antibody and RNA assays require infrastructure and trained personnel,limiting their uptake in resource-limited and hard-to-reach settings.The OraQuick HCV self-test(HCVST)is the first World Health Organization-prequalified HCVST,which delivers results in 20-40 min via an easy-to-use gum-swab format.Field evaluations report a sensitivity of about 97%–98%and a specificity of about 99%–100%that are comparable with those of blood-based lateral-flow assays(e.g.,Alere Truline,SD Bioline).Usability studies demonstrated an acceptability rate of over 90%and a correct self-test completion rate of over 85%in key populations.HCVST with the Ora-Quick HCVST kit provides a practical,evidence-based approach to closing diagnostic gaps,particularly among underserved or stigmatized populations.To maximize the public health impact,programs should integrate self-testing into national screening algorithms,ensure linkage to RNA confirmation and treatment,and consider economic and operational contexts.展开更多
Objective To examine HIV self-testing uptake and its determinates among men who have sex with men （MSM） in Beijing, China. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Beijing, China in 2016. Participant...Objective To examine HIV self-testing uptake and its determinates among men who have sex with men （MSM） in Beijing, China. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Beijing, China in 2016. Participants were users of a popular Chinese gay networking application and had an unknown or negative HIV status. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine factors associated with HIV self-testing based on adjusted odds ratio （AOR） and 95% confidence interval （CI）. Results Among the 5,996 MSM included in the study, 2,383 （39.7%） reported to have used HIV self-testing kits. Willingness to use an HIV self-test kit in the future was expressed by 92% of the participants. High monthly income （AOR = 1.49; CI = 1.10-2.02; P = 0.010）, large number of male sex partners （≥2： AOR = 1.24; CI = 2.09-1.43; P = 0.002）, sexual activity with commercial male sex partners （〉 2： AOR = 1.94; CI = 1.34 -2.82; P = 0.001）, long-term drug use （AOR = 1.42; CI = 1.23-1.62; P 〈 0.001）, and long-term HIV voluntary counseling and testing （VCT） attendance （AOR = 3.62; CI = 3.11-4.22; P 〈 0.001） were all associated with increased odds of HIV self-testing uptake. Conclusion The nearly 40% rate of HIV self-testing uptake among MSM in our sample was high. In addition, an over 90% willingness to use kits in the future was encouraging. HIV self-testing could be an important solution to help China achieve the global target of having 90% of all people living with HIV diagnosed by 2020.展开更多
An adaptive ramp generator based on linear histogram was proposed for the built-in selftest (BIST) of analog to digital convertor (ADC) in CMOS image sensor. By comparing the generated ramp signal to a reference volta...An adaptive ramp generator based on linear histogram was proposed for the built-in selftest (BIST) of analog to digital convertor (ADC) in CMOS image sensor. By comparing the generated ramp signal to a reference voltage and feeding back a calibration signal, the slope adjustment was implemented, and high linearity and precision of ramp slope were realized. By modulating the pulse width and reference voltage, sweep length varied from microsecond to second and signal swing could reach 3 V with 5.6 mW power consumption. The ramp was used as input to an ideal 10-bit single-slope ADC, and the corresponding DNL and INL were 0.032 LSB and 0.078 LSB, re-spectively.展开更多
Recently, Tavakoli et al.proposed a self-testing scheme in the prepare-and-measure scenario, showing that self-testing is not necessarily based on entanglement and violation of a Bell inequality [Phys.Rev.A 98 062307(...Recently, Tavakoli et al.proposed a self-testing scheme in the prepare-and-measure scenario, showing that self-testing is not necessarily based on entanglement and violation of a Bell inequality [Phys.Rev.A 98 062307(2018)].They realized the self-testing of preparations and measurements in an N → 1(N ≥ 2) random access code(RAC), and provided robustness bounds in a 2 → 1 RAC.Since all N → 1 RACs with shared randomness are combinations of 2 → 1 and 3 → 1 RACs, the3 → 1 RAC is just as important as the 2 → 1 RAC.In this paper, we find a set of preparations and measurements in the3 → 1 RAC, and use them to complete the robustness self-testing analysis in the prepare-and-measure scenario.The method is robust to small but inevitable experimental errors.展开更多
A rapid and accurate COVID-19 diagnosis is a prerequisite for blocking the source of infection as soon as possible and taking the appropriate medical action.Herein,we developed GeneClick,a device for nucleic acid self...A rapid and accurate COVID-19 diagnosis is a prerequisite for blocking the source of infection as soon as possible and taking the appropriate medical action.Herein,we developed GeneClick,a device for nucleic acid self-testing of SARS-CoV-2,consisting of three modules:a sampling kit,a microfluidic chip-based disposable cartridge,and an amplification reader.In addition,we evaluated the clinical performance of GeneClick using 2162 nasal swabs collected at three medical institutions,using three commercial RT-qPCR kits and an antigen self-test as references.Compared to RT-qPCR,the sensitivity and specificity of the GeneClick assay were 97.93%and 99.72%,respectively,with a kappa value of 0.979(P<0.01).Of the 2162 samples,2076 were also tested for SARS-CoV-2 antigens.Among the 314 positive samples identified by GeneClick assay,63 samples were undetected by antigen tests.Overall,the GeneClick nucleic acid self-test demonstrated higher accuracy than the antigen-based detection.Based on the additional features,including simple operation,affordable price,portable device,and reliability of smartphone APP-driven sampling and result reporting,GeneClick offers a powerful tool for field-based SARS-CoV-2 detection in primary healthcare institutions or at-home use.展开更多
Verification in quantum computations is crucial since quantum systems are extremely vulnerable to the environment.However,verifying directly the output of a quantum computation is difficult since we know that efficien...Verification in quantum computations is crucial since quantum systems are extremely vulnerable to the environment.However,verifying directly the output of a quantum computation is difficult since we know that efficiently simulating a large-scale quantum computation on a classical computer is usually thought to be impossible.To overcome this difficulty,we propose a self-testing system for quantum computations,which can be used to verify if a quantum computation is performed correctly by itself.Our basic idea is using some extra ancilla qubits to test the output of the computation.We design two kinds of permutation circuits into the original quantum circuit:one is applied on the ancilla qubits whose output indicates the testing information,the other is applied on all qubits(including ancilla qubits) which is aiming to uniformly permute the positions of all qubits.We show that both permutation circuits are easy to achieve.By this way,we prove that any quantum computation has an efficient self-testing system.In the end,we also discuss the relation between our self-testing system and interactive proof systems,and show that the two systems are equivalent if the verifier is allowed to have some quantum capacity.展开更多
AIM:To assess feasibility of a finger prick-based kit as method for self-testing of first and second-degree relatives of coeliac disease (CD) patients. METHODS:A total number of 379 subjects were invited to participat...AIM:To assess feasibility of a finger prick-based kit as method for self-testing of first and second-degree relatives of coeliac disease (CD) patients. METHODS:A total number of 379 subjects were invited to participate in this study,consisting of 197 first- degree and 182 second-degree relatives of CD patients. The self-testing kit (BiocardTM) was sent out with included instructions for use. Completed tests were sent back to the study coordinator for assessment. RESULTS:One hundred and ninety-six invited relatives carried out the BiocardTM test at home. Amongst these,70% were children. In 97% of the cases the test was performed correctly. Three tests revealed a positive result,all of which were later confirmed by serology and histology as coeliac disease.CONCLUSION:Our study indicates that BiocardTM test is a reliable,easy to use and well-accepted tool for home testing of first- and second-degree relatives of CD patients.展开更多
Globally, there is increasing evidence that HIV self-testing (HIVST) is commonly practiced among health care workers (HCWs). Although HIVST kits are available in South Africa, their distribution and use remain unregul...Globally, there is increasing evidence that HIV self-testing (HIVST) is commonly practiced among health care workers (HCWs). Although HIVST kits are available in South Africa, their distribution and use remain unregulated and its acceptability, undocumented. The aim of the study was to explore the acceptability of HIV self-testing among student nurses, examine their willingness to use self-testing, and evaluate their views on the implementation of a regulated HIV self-testing programme. This was a qualitative explorative study, and six focus group discussions were conducted with 67 student nurses recruited from a private nursing college, in Pretoria, South Africa. Thematic analysis and NVivo10 qualitative software were used for data analysis. The nurses perceived HIVST as an acceptable option for HIV testing and most were willing to self-test. Self-testing will provide confidential and accessible HIV testing services, reduce the stigma associated with the condition, and increase partner testing and disclosure. HIVST is more likely to be practised if self-testing kits are easily accessible and affordable, and there are strategies to educate people before the adoption of HIVST. The lack of pre- and post-test counselling, the risk of inaccurate test results, and lack of strategies for the confirmation of self-testing results were the main arguments against HIVST. The high acceptance of HIVST among nurses suggests that HIVST is a feasible option to increase the uptake of HIV-testing among HCWs. However, pre- and post-test counselling should be considered important components in the implementation of self-testing services. Educational and awareness campaigns should precede the roll-out of the self-testing programs.展开更多
How to estimate the randomness of the measurement outcomes generated by a given device is an important issue in quantum information theory. Recently, Brunner et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 112 （2014）140407] proposed a pre...How to estimate the randomness of the measurement outcomes generated by a given device is an important issue in quantum information theory. Recently, Brunner et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 112 （2014）140407] proposed a prepare-and-measure quantum random number generation scenario with device-independent assumption, which indicates a method to test the randomness of bit strings according to the generation process rather than the results. Based on this protocol, we implement a quantum random number generator with an intrinsic stable phase-encoded quantum key distribution system. The system has been continuously running for more than 200 h, a stable witness W with the average value of 0.9752 and a standard deviation of 0.0024 are obtained. More than 1 G random bits are generated and the results pass all items of NIST test suite.展开更多
BACKGROUND In 2019,the Nigerian Ministry of Health published the first operational guidelines for human immunodeficiency virus self-testing(HIVST)to improve access to human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)testing services ...BACKGROUND In 2019,the Nigerian Ministry of Health published the first operational guidelines for human immunodeficiency virus self-testing(HIVST)to improve access to human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)testing services among undertested populations in the country.Also,as part of the campaign to increase HIV testing services in Nigeria,the Nigerian Ministry of Health developed standard operating procedures for using HIVST kits.AIM To systematically review the acceptability and strategies for enhancing the uptake of HIVST in Nigeria.METHODS The systematic review was conducted and reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.Different databases were searched to get the necessary materials needed for this review.Standardized forms developed by the authors were used for data extraction to minimize the risk of bias and ensure that the articles used for the study were properly screened.Identified articles were first screened using the titles and their abstracts.The full papers were screened,and the similarities of the documents were determined.Qualitative,quantitative,and mixed-method studies were evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme and Critical Appraisal Framework criteria.RESULTS All the publications reviewed were published between 2015 and 2022,with 33.3%published in 2021.Most(77.8%)of the studies were cross-sectional,43.3%were conducted in Lagos State,and 26.3%were conducted among young people.The study revealed a high level of acceptability of HIVST.Certain factors,such as gender,sexual activity,and previous testing experience,influence the acceptability of HIV self-testing,with some individuals more likely to opt-out.The cost of the kit was reported as the strongest factor for choosing HIVST services,and this ranged from 200 to 4000 Naira(approximately United States Dollar 0.55-11.07),with the majority willing to pay 500 Naira(approximately United States Dollar 1.38).Privately-owned,registered pharmacies,youthfriendly centres,supermarkets,and online stores were the most cited access locations for HIVST.The least influential attribute was the type of specimen needed for HIVST.Strategies addressing cost and preferred access points and diverse needs for social media promotion,local translation of product use instructions,and HIVST distribution led by key opinion leaders for key populations were found to significantly enhance HIVST uptake and linkage to care.CONCLUSION HIVST acceptability is generally high from an intention-to-use perspective.Targeted strategies are required to improve the acceptability of HIV self-testing,especially among males,sexually active individuals,and first-time testers.Identified and proposed uptake-enhancing strategies need to be investigated in controlled settings and among different populations and distribution models in Nigeria.展开更多
BACKGROUND The evidence on preferences for oral-vs blood-based human immunodeficiency virus self-testing(HIVST)has been heterogenous and inconclusive.In addition,most evaluations have relied on hypothetical or stated ...BACKGROUND The evidence on preferences for oral-vs blood-based human immunodeficiency virus self-testing(HIVST)has been heterogenous and inconclusive.In addition,most evaluations have relied on hypothetical or stated use cases using discreet choice experiments rather than actual preferences among experienced users,which are more objective and critical for the understanding of product uptake.Direct head-to-head comparison of consumer preferences for oral-versus bloodbased HIVST is lacking.AIM To examine the existing literature on preferences for oral-vs blood-based HIVST,determine the factors that impact these preferences,and assess the potential implications for HIVST programs.METHODS Databases such as PubMed,Medline,Google Scholar,and Web of Science were searched for articles published between January 2011 to October 2022.Articles must address preferences for oral-vs blood-based HIVST.The study used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist to ensure the quality of the study.RESULTS The initial search revealed 2424 records,of which 8 studies were finally included in the scoping review.Pooled preference for blood-based HIVST was 48.8%(9%-78.6%),whereas pooled preference for oral HIVST was 59.8%(34.2%-91%)across all studies.However,for male-specific studies,the preference for blood-based HIVST(58%-65.6%)was higher than that for oral(34.2%-41%).The four studies that reported a higher preference for blood-based HIVST were in men.Participants considered blood-based HIVST to be more accurate and rapid,while those with a higher preference for oral HIVST did so because these were considered non-invasive and easy to use.CONCLUSION Consistently in the literature,men preferred blood-based HIVST over oral HIVST due to higher risk perception and desire for a test that provides higher accuracy coupled with rapidity,autonomy,privacy,and confidentiality,whereas those with a higher preference for oral HIVST did so because these were considered non-invasive and easy to use.Misinformation and distrust need to be addressed through promotional messaging to maximize the diversity of this new biomedical technology.展开更多
Background: Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus Self-Testing (HIVST) is a process where an individual who wants to know their HIV status collects a specimen, performs a test and interprets the result by themselves. HIVST da...Background: Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus Self-Testing (HIVST) is a process where an individual who wants to know their HIV status collects a specimen, performs a test and interprets the result by themselves. HIVST data from the Zimbabwe AIDS and TB Program (ATP) directorate showed that between 2019-2020, only 31% of the target HIVST kits were distributed in the country. Mashonaland West Province was one of the least performing provinces in meeting targets for HIVST kits distribution. Gaps in the implementation of the HIVST in the province ultimately affect the nationwide scaleup of targeted testing, a key enabler in achieving HIV epidemic control. We analyzed HIVST trends in Mashonaland West Province to inform HIV testing services programming. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using HIVST secondary data obtained from the District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2) electronic database. We conducted regression analysis for trends using Epi Info 7.2 and tables, bar graphs, pie charts and linear graphs were used for data presentation. Results: A total of 31,070 clients accessed HIVST kits in Mashonaland West Province from 2019-2020. A slightly higher proportion (50.4% and 51.7%) of females as compared to males accessed HIVST kits in 2019 and 2020 respectively. Overall, an increase in the trend of HIVST kits uptake was recorded (males R<sup>2</sup> = 0.3945, p-value = 0.003 and females R<sup>2</sup> = 0.4739, p-value = 0.001). There was generally a decline in the trend of community-based distribution of HIVST kits from the third quarter of 2019 throughout 2020 (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.2441, p-value = 0.006). Primary distribution of HIVST kits remained the dominant method of distribution, constituting more than half of the kits distributed in both 2019 (67%) and 2020 (86%). Conclusion: Mashonaland West Province was mainly utilising facility-based distribution model for HIVST over the community-based distribution model. We recommended training more community-based distribution agents to increase community distribution of HIVST kits.展开更多
文摘According to the World Health Organization,an estimated 58 million people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus(HCV),yet only about 20%have been formally diagnosed.Traditional laboratory–based antibody and RNA assays require infrastructure and trained personnel,limiting their uptake in resource-limited and hard-to-reach settings.The OraQuick HCV self-test(HCVST)is the first World Health Organization-prequalified HCVST,which delivers results in 20-40 min via an easy-to-use gum-swab format.Field evaluations report a sensitivity of about 97%–98%and a specificity of about 99%–100%that are comparable with those of blood-based lateral-flow assays(e.g.,Alere Truline,SD Bioline).Usability studies demonstrated an acceptability rate of over 90%and a correct self-test completion rate of over 85%in key populations.HCVST with the Ora-Quick HCVST kit provides a practical,evidence-based approach to closing diagnostic gaps,particularly among underserved or stigmatized populations.To maximize the public health impact,programs should integrate self-testing into national screening algorithms,ensure linkage to RNA confirmation and treatment,and consider economic and operational contexts.
基金funded by China-US Collaboration on HIV/AIDS(Grant#5U2GGH001153)China National Health&Family Planning Commission(131-16-000-105-02)
文摘Objective To examine HIV self-testing uptake and its determinates among men who have sex with men （MSM） in Beijing, China. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Beijing, China in 2016. Participants were users of a popular Chinese gay networking application and had an unknown or negative HIV status. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine factors associated with HIV self-testing based on adjusted odds ratio （AOR） and 95% confidence interval （CI）. Results Among the 5,996 MSM included in the study, 2,383 （39.7%） reported to have used HIV self-testing kits. Willingness to use an HIV self-test kit in the future was expressed by 92% of the participants. High monthly income （AOR = 1.49; CI = 1.10-2.02; P = 0.010）, large number of male sex partners （≥2： AOR = 1.24; CI = 2.09-1.43; P = 0.002）, sexual activity with commercial male sex partners （〉 2： AOR = 1.94; CI = 1.34 -2.82; P = 0.001）, long-term drug use （AOR = 1.42; CI = 1.23-1.62; P 〈 0.001）, and long-term HIV voluntary counseling and testing （VCT） attendance （AOR = 3.62; CI = 3.11-4.22; P 〈 0.001） were all associated with increased odds of HIV self-testing uptake. Conclusion The nearly 40% rate of HIV self-testing uptake among MSM in our sample was high. In addition, an over 90% willingness to use kits in the future was encouraging. HIV self-testing could be an important solution to help China achieve the global target of having 90% of all people living with HIV diagnosed by 2020.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.60576025)Tianjin Science and Technology Development Program (No.06YFGZGX03400)
文摘An adaptive ramp generator based on linear histogram was proposed for the built-in selftest (BIST) of analog to digital convertor (ADC) in CMOS image sensor. By comparing the generated ramp signal to a reference voltage and feeding back a calibration signal, the slope adjustment was implemented, and high linearity and precision of ramp slope were realized. By modulating the pulse width and reference voltage, sweep length varied from microsecond to second and signal swing could reach 3 V with 5.6 mW power consumption. The ramp was used as input to an ideal 10-bit single-slope ADC, and the corresponding DNL and INL were 0.032 LSB and 0.078 LSB, re-spectively.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.61572081,61672110,and 61671082)
文摘Recently, Tavakoli et al.proposed a self-testing scheme in the prepare-and-measure scenario, showing that self-testing is not necessarily based on entanglement and violation of a Bell inequality [Phys.Rev.A 98 062307(2018)].They realized the self-testing of preparations and measurements in an N → 1(N ≥ 2) random access code(RAC), and provided robustness bounds in a 2 → 1 RAC.Since all N → 1 RACs with shared randomness are combinations of 2 → 1 and 3 → 1 RACs, the3 → 1 RAC is just as important as the 2 → 1 RAC.In this paper, we find a set of preparations and measurements in the3 → 1 RAC, and use them to complete the robustness self-testing analysis in the prepare-and-measure scenario.The method is robust to small but inevitable experimental errors.
基金funded by the National Key R&D Program of China (2021YFC2301102)National Natural Science Foundation of China (82202593)Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province,China (ZR2022MH115).
文摘A rapid and accurate COVID-19 diagnosis is a prerequisite for blocking the source of infection as soon as possible and taking the appropriate medical action.Herein,we developed GeneClick,a device for nucleic acid self-testing of SARS-CoV-2,consisting of three modules:a sampling kit,a microfluidic chip-based disposable cartridge,and an amplification reader.In addition,we evaluated the clinical performance of GeneClick using 2162 nasal swabs collected at three medical institutions,using three commercial RT-qPCR kits and an antigen self-test as references.Compared to RT-qPCR,the sensitivity and specificity of the GeneClick assay were 97.93%and 99.72%,respectively,with a kappa value of 0.979(P<0.01).Of the 2162 samples,2076 were also tested for SARS-CoV-2 antigens.Among the 314 positive samples identified by GeneClick assay,63 samples were undetected by antigen tests.Overall,the GeneClick nucleic acid self-test demonstrated higher accuracy than the antigen-based detection.Based on the additional features,including simple operation,affordable price,portable device,and reliability of smartphone APP-driven sampling and result reporting,GeneClick offers a powerful tool for field-based SARS-CoV-2 detection in primary healthcare institutions or at-home use.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.61372076,61971348,and 62001351)Foundation of Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Information Communication Network and Security(Grant No.ICNS201802)+1 种基金Natural Science Basic Research Program of Shaanxi,China(Grant No.2021JM-142)Key Research and Development Program of Shaanxi Province,China(Grant No.2019ZDLGY09-02)。
文摘Verification in quantum computations is crucial since quantum systems are extremely vulnerable to the environment.However,verifying directly the output of a quantum computation is difficult since we know that efficiently simulating a large-scale quantum computation on a classical computer is usually thought to be impossible.To overcome this difficulty,we propose a self-testing system for quantum computations,which can be used to verify if a quantum computation is performed correctly by itself.Our basic idea is using some extra ancilla qubits to test the output of the computation.We design two kinds of permutation circuits into the original quantum circuit:one is applied on the ancilla qubits whose output indicates the testing information,the other is applied on all qubits(including ancilla qubits) which is aiming to uniformly permute the positions of all qubits.We show that both permutation circuits are easy to achieve.By this way,we prove that any quantum computation has an efficient self-testing system.In the end,we also discuss the relation between our self-testing system and interactive proof systems,and show that the two systems are equivalent if the verifier is allowed to have some quantum capacity.
基金Supported by Teddy Schwarzohr Verein zur Unterstützung von chronisch kranken Kindern
文摘AIM:To assess feasibility of a finger prick-based kit as method for self-testing of first and second-degree relatives of coeliac disease (CD) patients. METHODS:A total number of 379 subjects were invited to participate in this study,consisting of 197 first- degree and 182 second-degree relatives of CD patients. The self-testing kit (BiocardTM) was sent out with included instructions for use. Completed tests were sent back to the study coordinator for assessment. RESULTS:One hundred and ninety-six invited relatives carried out the BiocardTM test at home. Amongst these,70% were children. In 97% of the cases the test was performed correctly. Three tests revealed a positive result,all of which were later confirmed by serology and histology as coeliac disease.CONCLUSION:Our study indicates that BiocardTM test is a reliable,easy to use and well-accepted tool for home testing of first- and second-degree relatives of CD patients.
文摘Globally, there is increasing evidence that HIV self-testing (HIVST) is commonly practiced among health care workers (HCWs). Although HIVST kits are available in South Africa, their distribution and use remain unregulated and its acceptability, undocumented. The aim of the study was to explore the acceptability of HIV self-testing among student nurses, examine their willingness to use self-testing, and evaluate their views on the implementation of a regulated HIV self-testing programme. This was a qualitative explorative study, and six focus group discussions were conducted with 67 student nurses recruited from a private nursing college, in Pretoria, South Africa. Thematic analysis and NVivo10 qualitative software were used for data analysis. The nurses perceived HIVST as an acceptable option for HIV testing and most were willing to self-test. Self-testing will provide confidential and accessible HIV testing services, reduce the stigma associated with the condition, and increase partner testing and disclosure. HIVST is more likely to be practised if self-testing kits are easily accessible and affordable, and there are strategies to educate people before the adoption of HIVST. The lack of pre- and post-test counselling, the risk of inaccurate test results, and lack of strategies for the confirmation of self-testing results were the main arguments against HIVST. The high acceptance of HIVST among nurses suggests that HIVST is a feasible option to increase the uptake of HIV-testing among HCWs. However, pre- and post-test counselling should be considered important components in the implementation of self-testing services. Educational and awareness campaigns should precede the roll-out of the self-testing programs.
基金Supported by the National Basic Research Program of China under Grant Nos 2011CBA00200 and 2011CB921200the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos 61201239,61205118,11304397 and 61475148the Strategic Priority Research Program(B) of Chinese Academy of Sciences under Grant Nos XDB01030100 and XDB01030300
文摘How to estimate the randomness of the measurement outcomes generated by a given device is an important issue in quantum information theory. Recently, Brunner et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 112 （2014）140407] proposed a prepare-and-measure quantum random number generation scenario with device-independent assumption, which indicates a method to test the randomness of bit strings according to the generation process rather than the results. Based on this protocol, we implement a quantum random number generator with an intrinsic stable phase-encoded quantum key distribution system. The system has been continuously running for more than 200 h, a stable witness W with the average value of 0.9752 and a standard deviation of 0.0024 are obtained. More than 1 G random bits are generated and the results pass all items of NIST test suite.
文摘BACKGROUND In 2019,the Nigerian Ministry of Health published the first operational guidelines for human immunodeficiency virus self-testing(HIVST)to improve access to human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)testing services among undertested populations in the country.Also,as part of the campaign to increase HIV testing services in Nigeria,the Nigerian Ministry of Health developed standard operating procedures for using HIVST kits.AIM To systematically review the acceptability and strategies for enhancing the uptake of HIVST in Nigeria.METHODS The systematic review was conducted and reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.Different databases were searched to get the necessary materials needed for this review.Standardized forms developed by the authors were used for data extraction to minimize the risk of bias and ensure that the articles used for the study were properly screened.Identified articles were first screened using the titles and their abstracts.The full papers were screened,and the similarities of the documents were determined.Qualitative,quantitative,and mixed-method studies were evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme and Critical Appraisal Framework criteria.RESULTS All the publications reviewed were published between 2015 and 2022,with 33.3%published in 2021.Most(77.8%)of the studies were cross-sectional,43.3%were conducted in Lagos State,and 26.3%were conducted among young people.The study revealed a high level of acceptability of HIVST.Certain factors,such as gender,sexual activity,and previous testing experience,influence the acceptability of HIV self-testing,with some individuals more likely to opt-out.The cost of the kit was reported as the strongest factor for choosing HIVST services,and this ranged from 200 to 4000 Naira(approximately United States Dollar 0.55-11.07),with the majority willing to pay 500 Naira(approximately United States Dollar 1.38).Privately-owned,registered pharmacies,youthfriendly centres,supermarkets,and online stores were the most cited access locations for HIVST.The least influential attribute was the type of specimen needed for HIVST.Strategies addressing cost and preferred access points and diverse needs for social media promotion,local translation of product use instructions,and HIVST distribution led by key opinion leaders for key populations were found to significantly enhance HIVST uptake and linkage to care.CONCLUSION HIVST acceptability is generally high from an intention-to-use perspective.Targeted strategies are required to improve the acceptability of HIV self-testing,especially among males,sexually active individuals,and first-time testers.Identified and proposed uptake-enhancing strategies need to be investigated in controlled settings and among different populations and distribution models in Nigeria.
文摘BACKGROUND The evidence on preferences for oral-vs blood-based human immunodeficiency virus self-testing(HIVST)has been heterogenous and inconclusive.In addition,most evaluations have relied on hypothetical or stated use cases using discreet choice experiments rather than actual preferences among experienced users,which are more objective and critical for the understanding of product uptake.Direct head-to-head comparison of consumer preferences for oral-versus bloodbased HIVST is lacking.AIM To examine the existing literature on preferences for oral-vs blood-based HIVST,determine the factors that impact these preferences,and assess the potential implications for HIVST programs.METHODS Databases such as PubMed,Medline,Google Scholar,and Web of Science were searched for articles published between January 2011 to October 2022.Articles must address preferences for oral-vs blood-based HIVST.The study used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist to ensure the quality of the study.RESULTS The initial search revealed 2424 records,of which 8 studies were finally included in the scoping review.Pooled preference for blood-based HIVST was 48.8%(9%-78.6%),whereas pooled preference for oral HIVST was 59.8%(34.2%-91%)across all studies.However,for male-specific studies,the preference for blood-based HIVST(58%-65.6%)was higher than that for oral(34.2%-41%).The four studies that reported a higher preference for blood-based HIVST were in men.Participants considered blood-based HIVST to be more accurate and rapid,while those with a higher preference for oral HIVST did so because these were considered non-invasive and easy to use.CONCLUSION Consistently in the literature,men preferred blood-based HIVST over oral HIVST due to higher risk perception and desire for a test that provides higher accuracy coupled with rapidity,autonomy,privacy,and confidentiality,whereas those with a higher preference for oral HIVST did so because these were considered non-invasive and easy to use.Misinformation and distrust need to be addressed through promotional messaging to maximize the diversity of this new biomedical technology.
文摘Background: Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus Self-Testing (HIVST) is a process where an individual who wants to know their HIV status collects a specimen, performs a test and interprets the result by themselves. HIVST data from the Zimbabwe AIDS and TB Program (ATP) directorate showed that between 2019-2020, only 31% of the target HIVST kits were distributed in the country. Mashonaland West Province was one of the least performing provinces in meeting targets for HIVST kits distribution. Gaps in the implementation of the HIVST in the province ultimately affect the nationwide scaleup of targeted testing, a key enabler in achieving HIV epidemic control. We analyzed HIVST trends in Mashonaland West Province to inform HIV testing services programming. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using HIVST secondary data obtained from the District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2) electronic database. We conducted regression analysis for trends using Epi Info 7.2 and tables, bar graphs, pie charts and linear graphs were used for data presentation. Results: A total of 31,070 clients accessed HIVST kits in Mashonaland West Province from 2019-2020. A slightly higher proportion (50.4% and 51.7%) of females as compared to males accessed HIVST kits in 2019 and 2020 respectively. Overall, an increase in the trend of HIVST kits uptake was recorded (males R<sup>2</sup> = 0.3945, p-value = 0.003 and females R<sup>2</sup> = 0.4739, p-value = 0.001). There was generally a decline in the trend of community-based distribution of HIVST kits from the third quarter of 2019 throughout 2020 (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.2441, p-value = 0.006). Primary distribution of HIVST kits remained the dominant method of distribution, constituting more than half of the kits distributed in both 2019 (67%) and 2020 (86%). Conclusion: Mashonaland West Province was mainly utilising facility-based distribution model for HIVST over the community-based distribution model. We recommended training more community-based distribution agents to increase community distribution of HIVST kits.
