Development and clinical application of an InvaderPlus® assay for the detection of genital mycoplasmas.

We developed a PCR-based assay involving Invader® technology for detection of the genital mycoplasmas of Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Ureaplasma parvum. We compared its performance with that of a PCR-microtiter plate hybridization assay, which we developed previously, in detecting genital mycoplasmas in first-voided urine (FVU) specimens from men with non-gonococcal urethritis. The tests targeting each of the genital mycoplasmas were specific for the respective species and could detect as few as 10 copies of the plasmids containing the target genes of each of the genital mycoplasmas per reaction. The assay using the InvaderPlus® method (InvaderPlus® assay) showed very similar performance to that of the PCR-microtiter plate hybridization assay for detecting the genital mycoplasmas in the FVU specimens. In addition, the PCR and endonuclease reaction in the InvaderPlus® assay were carried out simultaneously in one procedure, thus simplifying the assay, leading to time- and labor-savings and a decrease in the risk of specimen contamination. The InvaderPlus® assay could be useful in diagnosing genitourinary tract infections caused by the genital mycoplasmas.

Design and kinematics of a tube-shaped multidirectional bending robotic device using slackened SMA wires for transurethral ureterolithotripsy.

PURPOSE: The complex and elaborate structure of the urinary system presents surgeons with difficulty in using a ureteroscope with a fixed optical fiber to reach the targeted calculus. To address this challenge, a robotic device is required to control the direction of laser irradiation position independently in ureteroscopes. METHOD: A continuum robotic device was designed and fabricated. The device is constructed with three slackened shape memory alloy (SMA) wires to control the laser irradiation position of the optical fiber combined with the view of the camera on the tip of the ureteroscope. Kinematics analysis and experimental evaluation reveal the capability of the device. RESULTS: The structure of the device is the same as a single-joint continuum robot. This device is unique because of the tiny diameter of 1.1 mm which can be used inside the ureteroscope through a Ø1.2 mm inner channel into the kidney for transurethral ureterolithotripsy. Kinematic analysis revealed the relationship among space coordinates, angles of bending, and direction and SMA wires length. The maximum bending angle was around 25° when the current value was 350 mA on a single SMA wire. The device could achieve multi-directional bending by allocating the values of current on SMA wires, separately. CONCLUSION: This device offers a major advancement in small size and dexterity in medical robotics. Combined with a proper control system, this device could simplify the operation and improve the efficiency of the transurethral ureterolithotripsy.