Dataset Information

A hands-free stool sampling system for monitoring intestinal health and disease.

ABSTRACT: Analysis of stool offers simple, non-invasive monitoring for many gastrointestinal (GI) diseases and access to the gut microbiome, however adherence to stool sampling protocols remains a major challenge because of the prevalent dislike of handling one's feces. We present a technology that enables individual stool specimen collection from toilet wastewater for fecal protein and molecular assay. Human stool specimens and a benchtop test platform integrated with a commercial toilet were used to demonstrate reliable specimen collection over a wide range of stool consistencies by solid/liquid separation followed by spray-erosion. The obtained fecal suspensions were used to perform occult blood tests for GI cancer screening and for microbiome 16S rRNA analysis. Using occult blood home test kits, we found overall 90% agreement with standard sampling, 96% sensitivity and 86% specificity. Microbiome analysis revealed no significant difference in within-sample species diversity compared to standard sampling and specimen cross-contamination was below the detection limit of the assay. Furthermore, we report on the use of an analogue turbidity sensor to assess in real time loose stools for tracking of diarrhea. Implementation of this technology in residential settings will improve the quality of GI healthcare by facilitating increased adherence to routine stool monitoring.

SUBMITTER: Grego S

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9237014 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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A hands-free stool sampling system for monitoring intestinal health and disease.

Grego Sonia S Welling Claire M CM Miller Graham H GH Coggan Peter F PF Sellgren Katelyn L KL Hawkins Brian T BT Ginsburg Geoffrey S GS Ruiz Jose R JR Fisher Deborah A DA Stoner Brian R BR

Scientific reports 20220627 1

Analysis of stool offers simple, non-invasive monitoring for many gastrointestinal (GI) diseases and access to the gut microbiome, however adherence to stool sampling protocols remains a major challenge because of the prevalent dislike of handling one's feces. We present a technology that enables individual stool specimen collection from toilet wastewater for fecal protein and molecular assay. Human stool specimens and a benchtop test platform integrated with a commercial toilet were used to dem ...[more]

PMID: 35760855

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Project description:BackgroundOver the last 20 years, community health workers (CHWs) have become a mainstay of human resources for health in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A large body of research chronicles CHWs' experience of their work. In this study we focus on 2 narratives that stand out in the literature. The first is the idea that social, economic and health system contexts intersect to undermine CHWs' experience of their work, and that a key factor underpinning this experience is that LMIC health systems tend to view CHWs as just an 'extra pair of hands' to be called upon to provide 'technical fixes.' In this study we show the dynamic and evolving nature of CHW programmes and CHW identities and the need, therefore, for new understandings.MethodsA qualitative case study was carried out of the Indian CHW program (CHWs are called accredited social health activists: ASHAs). It aimed to answer the research question: How do ASHAs experience being CHWs, and what shapes their experience and performance? In depth interviews were conducted with 32 purposively selected ASHAs and key informants. Analysis was focused on interpreting and on developing analytical accounts of ASHAs' experiences of being CHWs; it was iterative and occurred throughout the research. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and transcripts were analysed using a framework approach (with Nvivo 11).ResultsCHWs resent being treated as just another pair of hands at the beck and call of formal health workers. The experience of being a CHW is evolving, and many are accumulating substantial social capital over time - emerging as influential social actors in the communities they serve. CHWs are covertly and overtly acting to subvert the structural forces that undermine their performance and work experience.ConclusionCHWs have the potential to be influential actors in the communities they serve and in frontline health services. Health systems and health researchers need to be cognizant of and consciously engage with this emerging global social dynamic around CHWs. Such an approach can help guide the development of optimal strategies to support CHWs to fulfil their role in achieving health and social development goals.

Project description:We looked for the presence of prostatic cells and RNAs (cellular and acellular) of prostatic origin in the ejaculate semen from fertile and sterilized men and from men with prostate cancer, to ascertain the suitability of ejaculate semen for studying and monitoring prostate health. Methods. For prostatic cells, semen from fertile and sterile men and men with prostate cancer were subjected to density gradient centrifugation on a 60% cushion of Suprasperm™ and fractions containing somatic cells were washed and cytospun onto coated slides prior to fixation and immunocytochemistry with antibodies recognizing prostatic markers. Small RNAs were isolated from liquefied semen clarified of all cellular and other insoluble material by high-speed ultra-centrifugation. Sequencing libraries were prepared from fractions isolated by PAGE, corresponding to small non-coding (snc) RNAs in the 18-23 nt and 30-35 nt size ranges. Libraries were interrogated by next generation sequencing and analysed to generate lists of differentially expressed RNAs associated with cancer and sterility. Results. Cells positive for cytokeratin 18, PSMA, NKX3.1 and CD24 were observed in most ejaculate samples by indirect immunocytochemistry as either discrete cellular entities or within clumps of cell containing material (DAPI+; antigen positive and negative) and cytoplasmic fragments (DAP–; antigen positive and negative). RNA from populations of cells enriched by differential density gradient centrifugation supported their immunocytochemical designation as prostatic cells. Small RNAs (18 - 43 nt) from seminal plasma were highly heterogeneous although tRNAs and 5SRNAs were the dominant forms. A degree of overlap between the respective differential expression profiles of small RNAs from sterile and cancer samples, suggested a common feature, perhaps indicating an inflammatory response. Conclusion. This study supports a wider appraisal of ejaculate semen for studying and monitoring prostate health.

Dataset Information

A hands-free stool sampling system for monitoring intestinal health and disease.

Publications

A hands-free stool sampling system for monitoring intestinal health and disease.

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