Search

We provide effective and practical guidelines on the choice of the complex denominator function of the discrete derivative as well as on the choice of the nonlocal approximation of nonlinear terms in the construction of nonstandard finite difference (NSFD) schemes. Firstly, we construct nonstandard one-stage and two-stage theta methods for a general dynamical system defined by a system of autonomous ordinary differential equations. We provide a sharp condition, which captures the dynamics of the continuous model. We discuss at length how this condition is pivotal in the construction of the complex denominator function. We show that the nonstandard theta methods are elementary stable in the sense that they have exactly the same fixed-points as the continuous model and they preserve their stability, irrespective of the value of the step size. For more complex dynamical systems that are dissipative, we identify a class of nonstandard theta methods that replicate this property. We apply the first part by considering a dynamical system that models the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). The formulation of the model involves both the fast/direct and slow/indirect transmission routes. Using the specific structure of the EVD model, we show that, apart from the guidelines in the first part, the nonlocal approximation of nonlinear terms is guided by the productive-destructive structure of the model, whereas the choice of the denominator function is based on the conservation laws and the sub-equations that are associated with the model. We construct a NSFD scheme that is dynamically consistent with respect to the properties of the continuous model such as: positivity and boundedness of solutions; local and/or global asymptotic stability of disease-free and endemic equilibrium points; dependence of the severity of the infection on self-protection measures. Throughout the paper, we provide numerical simulations that support the theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We deal with the following question: Can the consumption of contaminated bush meat, the funeral practices and the environmental contamination explain the recurrence and persistence of Ebola virus disease outbreaks in Africa? We develop an SIR-type model which, incorporates both the direct and indirect transmissions in such a manner that there is a provision of Ebola viruses. We prove that the full model has one (endemic) equilibrium which is locally asymptotically stable whereas, it is globally asymptotically stable in the absence of the Ebola virus shedding in the environment. For the sub-model without the provision of Ebola viruses, the disease dies out or stabilizes globally at an endemic equilibrium. At the endemic level, the number of infectious is larger for the full model than for the sub-model without provision of Ebola viruses. We design a nonstandard finite difference scheme, which preserves the dynamics of the model. Numerical simulations are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this study we assessed the accuracy of IgG serology and other tests in confirming Helicobacter pylori eradication. Methods: The outcome of anti-H. pylori therapy was established by at least two of the following tests: rapid urease test (RUT), culture, [sup 14]C urea breath test (non-capsule or capsule UBT), and IgG serology (Orion Diagnostica Pyloriset New EIA-G). Results: Successful H. pylori eradication was confirmed in 698 of 794 patients (88%). The percentage decrease in IgG antibody titre was related to the patients' pre-treatment IgG titre and time interval after treatment. A decrease in IgG titres of 40% or more confirmed H. pylori eradication with 100% specificity, whereas the sensitivity was 82%, 90%, 98%, and 98% 3, 4, 5, and 6 months after therapy, respectively. The 40% cut-off confirmed eradication 3 to 6 months after therapy in 328 of 339 patients (97%) with pre-treatment IgG titres of >700, in 36 of 45 patients (80%) with pre-treatment titres of 300-700, and in 5 of 12 patients (42%) with pre-treatment titres of <300. The sensitivity and specificity of the other tests 2 months after treatment were as follows: RUT, 84% and 100%; culture, 88% and 100%; non-capsule UBT, 100% and 89%; and capsule UBT, 100% and 97%. Conclusion: A decrease in IgG antibody titre of 40% or more 3 to 6 months after therapy and the capsule [sup 14]C UBT at the 2-month follow-up were both highly accurate in confirming H. pylori eradication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma total homocysteine response was compared in four groups of healthy individuals given orally divided doses of vitamin supplementations for a duration of 5 weeks. The vitamin supplements; A, 0.3 mg folic acid; B, 120 mg vitamin B[sub 6]; C, combination of 0.3 mg folic acid and 120 mg vitamin B[sub 6] or D, 0.6 mg folic acid reduced the concentrations of plasma total homocysteine 20, 17, 32 and 24%, respectively. However, the intergroup comparisons did not show a significant difference in the effects of vitamin supplements. Multivariate analysis with correction for differences in pre-supplement values indicated a significant effect of vitamin B[sub 6] supplementation on plasma total homocysteine and serum folate. Our data show that plasma total homocysteine concentrations are reduced with low to medium divided doses of folic acid alone or in combination with vitamin B[sub 6]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this study we compared the accuracy of seven diagnostic tests in diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection. Methods: Over 1 year 351 consecutive dyspeptic patients were tested for H. pylori infection by means of antral biopsy specimens for the rapid urease test (RUT), culture, microscopy (acridine stain), and the laboratory urease test (LUT) and, in addition, with C urea breath test (UBT), IgG serology, and IgA serology (Orion Diagnostica Pyloriset New EIA-G and New EIA-A). The criterion for H. pylori infection was a minimum of three positive tests. Before being tested, 38% of the patients had used an H-receptor antagonist (HRA). Results: Two-hundred and twenty-four patients (64%) were H. pylori-positive. The sensitivity and specificity of the tests were as follows (percentages): RUT, 85, 99; culture, 93, 100; microscopy, 81, 98; LUT, 80, 100; UBT, 95, 95; IgG serology, 99, 91; and IgA serology, 88, 91. The accuracy of the RUT and LUT was reduced in patients receiving HRA therapy (P = 0.04 and 0.01, respectively). Conclusions: Culture, UBT, and IgG serology were all superior to the other four tests in diagnosing H. pylori infection. Invasive urease-based tests were less accurate in patients receiving HRAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]