Evaluation of the ICT Malaria Pf test for rapid post-mortem diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in corpses examined for forensic reasons

To test the diagnostic value of a rapid and simple immunochromatographic test (ICT) based on the detection of Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2) for post-mortem examination, blood samples from 30 consecutive corpses were analysed by ICT and Giemsa-stained blood films. Compared to microscopy, ICT had 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity even after a considerable time had passed between the presumed time of death and testing or after prolonged storage of whole blood samples. The ICT yielded positive results for four travellers who had returned from Kenya and died from Pl. falciparum malaria. The ICT might therefore serve as an additional tool for rapid malaria diagnosis, especially in non-endemic countries where experience with microscopic malaria detection is limited. Received: 5 August 1999 / Received in revised form: 7 October 1999     

Use of information communication technology and stress,burnout, and mental health in older,middle-aged,and younger workers – results from a systematic review

The aim of this systematic review is to summarise quantitative studies in occupational settings observing the association between Information communication technology (ICT) and stress, and burnout, considering age as an effect modifier. A systematic review using PRISMA guidelines was conducted through the following bibliographic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Psycinfo, and the Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria were occupational settings and content relevant to our research question. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Two interventional, 4 cohorts, and 29 cross-sectional studies were found. ICT use in occupational settings was associated with stress seen in cross-sectional studies, but not in interventional studies. There was a concordant association with ICT and burnout in different study designs. Overall, there were no linear trends between age and technostress. We suggest that the observed associations were mostly present in the middle-aged working population and that these associations need to be supported in further studies.     

Lessons From Participation in a Web-Based Substance Use Preventive Program in Uruguay

We analyzed individual and program characteristics associated with participation in an Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)-based substance use preventive intervention in Uruguay, South America. The intervention was directed at ninth- and tenth-grade students in 10 private schools in Montevideo. Participation in the program was non-mandatory and effective participation rates were low. We found that individual characteristics, such as prior heavy engagement with alcohol and opportunity costs of time, were associated with the decision to participate. We also found that sending the participants periodic reminders via e-mail and short message service (SMS) text messages had a positive impact on participation. The lessons from this intervention suggest that participation in non-mandatory Web-based programs aimed at preventing substance use among adolescents could be substantially improved with a more structured, mandatory, and longer intervention.     

淫羊藿素对 SD 大鼠骨髓基质细胞增殖与成骨分化的影响

目的：研究淫羊藿素（ICT）对体外培养 SD 大鼠骨髓基质细胞（rBMSCs）增殖与成骨分化的影响。方法：体外分离培养 rBMSCs,传代至第4代作多向分化鉴定。分别以10－9、10－8、10－7、10－6、10－5 mol／L ICT 刺激 rBMSCs 后3、6、9 d,分别用 cck-8及碱性磷酸酶 ALP 试剂盒检测 rBMSCs 的增殖及 ALP 活性;10－9 mol／L ICT 处理 rBMSCs 后21 d 作茜素红（AR）染色以判断钙结节的形成。结果：原代培养的 rBMSCs 贴壁生长、呈梭形,能多向分化;ICT 明显抑制了 rBMSCs 的增殖;但增高其 ALP 活性、钙结节形成。结论：ICT 以剂量依赖方式抑制 rBMSCs 的增殖但促进其分化和矿化。     

'CHEATS': a generic information communication technology (ICT) evaluation framework

This paper describes a generic framework for the evaluation of information communication technologies. This framework, CHEATS, utilises both qualitative and quantitative research methods and has proved appropriate in multiple clinical settings including telepsychiatry, teledermatology and teleeducation. The paper demonstrates how a multidisciplinary approach is essential when evaluating new and emerging technologies, particularly when such systems are implemented in real service as opposed to a research setting.     

Wonder children and victimizing parents – preservice early childhood teachers’ beliefs about children and technology at home

In this study, written assignments from preservice early childhood teachers were examined to find answers to the following research questions: [1] What beliefs do preservice teachers have about children and technology at home? [2] How are parents represented in preservice teachers’ beliefs about children and technology? [3] What are the relationships between these beliefs and preservice teachers’ views about the role of technology in early childhood education? Preservice teachers in this study had idolized beliefs about children and discriminating beliefs about parents. Children were believed to be born-competent technology users. Parents were believed to lack the skills or will needed to regulate their children’s technology use. It was expressed to be the responsibility of early childhood education to ensure that play and social interaction are still included in young children’s lives. These findings propose that students’ beliefs about children and parents need to be afforded attention in educational technology courses.