Alternative Test Research Articles

Comparison of simultaneous prism and cover test (SPCT) and prism and alternate cover test (PACT) measurements with final power of Press-On prism power dispensed

PurposeTo investigate the association of strabismic angle obtained by simultaneous prism and cover test (SPCT) and prism alternate cover test (PACT) with the final power of Press-On prism used in adults with symptomatic strabismus. Subjects and MethodsThe medical records of consecutive patients seen by a single orthoptist at an urban, tertiary care hospital over a 36-month period were reviewed retrospectively. All subjects had been prescribed Press-on prism for diplopia after evaluation with SPCT and PACT measurements at distance fixation. Prism dispensed was chosen by the patient using a trial Press-On prism set. ResultsA total of 244 charts were reviewed. Of these, 108 adult patients had prism dispensed, and 32 had both SPCT and PACT measurements. Mean SPCT measurement was 7Δ (median, 6Δ; range, 3Δ-14Δ); mean PACT, 13Δ (median, 11Δ; range, 8Δ-20Δ). The mean prism power dispensed was 7Δ (median, 6Δ; range, 1Δ-15Δ); this was not significantly different from mean SPCT (P = 0.35). There was a large difference (6Δ) between mean PACT measurements and mean prism dispensed (P < 0.001). At follow-up of 1 year, 21 patients (66%) remained in prism. Nine patients (4%) elected to undergo eye muscle surgery, 7 with horizontal strabismus, 6 of whom had SPCT measurements of >10Δ and PACT measurements of >15Δ. ConclusionsPress-On prism power used was more closely tied to the angle of strabismus obtained by SPCT. Overall success rate of Press-On prism was good when the prism power dispensed was close to the SPCT measurement, suggesting that it is reasonable to initiate treatment with a weaker prism, approximating the SPCT measurement, building up only if there are continuing symptoms.

Revisiting the Checkerboard to Inform Development of β-Lactam/β-Lactamase Inhibitor Combinations.

A two-dimensional "checkerboard" array employing systematic titration (e.g., serial two-fold dilutions) is a well-established in vitro method for exploring the antibacterial effects of novel drug combinations. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) on the checkerboard are isoeffective points at which the antibiotic potency is the same. Representations of checkerboard MIC curves for a β-lactam and β-lactamase inhibitor combination are used in hypothetical "thought experiments" and reveal the ways in which current practices can be improved. Because different types of response (i.e., independence vs. additivity vs. one effective agent; interaction vs. noninteraction) produce different MIC curves, data from different strains/isolates should not be pooled indiscriminately, as the composition of a pooled dataset will influence any derived pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) index. Because the β-lactamase inhibitor threshold concentration (CT) parameter is a function of the β-lactam partner dosing regimen, it is not possible to derive a universal PK/PD index target based on CT. Alternative susceptibility testing methods represent different planes through the checkerboard; a fixed ratio method is less prone to bias for all β-lactam and β-lactamase inhibitor combinations. Susceptibility test MICs will often not reflect the sensitivity of the strain/isolate to the β-lactamase inhibitor, so the use of these MICs to normalize PK/PD indices is inappropriate.

Performance of ChatGPT on Chinese Master's Degree Entrance Examination in Clinical Medicine.

ChatGPT is a large language model designed to generate responses based on a contextual understanding of user queries and requests. This study utilised the entrance examination for the Master of Clinical Medicine in Traditional Chinese Medicine to assesses the reliability and practicality of ChatGPT within the domain of medical education. We selected 330 single and multiple-choice questions from the 2021 and 2022 Chinese Master of Clinical Medicine comprehensive examinations, which did not include any images or tables. To ensure the test's accuracy and authenticity, we preserved the original format of the query and alternative test texts, without any modifications or explanations. Both ChatGPT3.5 and GPT-4 attained average scores surpassing the admission threshold. Noteworthy is that ChatGPT achieved the highest score in the Medical Humanities section, boasting a correct rate of 93.75%. However, it is worth noting that ChatGPT3.5 exhibited the lowest accuracy percentage of 37.5% in the Pathology division, while GPT-4 also displayed a relatively lower correctness percentage of 60.23% in the Biochemistry section. An analysis of sub-questions revealed that ChatGPT demonstrates superior performance in handling single-choice questions but performs poorly in multiple-choice questions. ChatGPT exhibits a degree of medical knowledge and the capacity to aid in diagnosing and treating diseases. Nevertheless, enhancements are warranted to address its accuracy and reliability limitations. Imperatively, rigorous evaluation and oversight must accompany its utilization, accompanied by proactive measures to surmount prevailing constraints.

Implementation of a Program for Appendicitis MRI in a Pediatric Hospital.

MRI is increasingly used as an alternate to CT for the evaluation of suspected appendicitis in pediatric patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with abdominal pain, when further imaging is needed after an initial ultrasound examination. The available literature shows a similar diagnostic performance of MRI and CT in this setting. At the authors' institution, to evaluate for appendicitis in children in the ED, MRI is performed using a rapid three-sequence free-breathing protocol without IV contrast media. Implementation of an MRI program for appendicitis in children involves multiple steps, including determination of imaging resource availability, collaboration with other services to develop imaging pathways, widespread educational efforts, and regular quality review. Such programs can face numerous practice-specific challenges, such as those involving scanner capacity, costs, and buy-in of impacted groups. Nonetheless, through careful consideration of these factors, MRI can be used to positively impact the care of children presenting to the ED with suspected appendicitis. This Clinical Perspective aims to provide guidance on the development of a program for appendicitis MRI in children, drawing on one institution's experience while highlighting the advantages of MRI and practical strategies for overcoming potential barriers.

Strabismus Measurements Using the Alternating and Simultaneous Prism Cover Tests

Purpose: Tocomparetheangleofdeviationbyperformingsimultaneousprismcover test (SPCT) and alternate prism cover test (APCT) at near (33cm) and far (6m). Study Design: Cross-sectional observational. Place and Duration of Study: Al-Ibrahim Eye Hospital, Karachi from July 2021 to December 2021. Methods: This study enrolled 32 participants diagnosed with constant esotropia, aged between 5 and 25 years, comprising 14 males and 18 females. Comprehensive ocular examinations for strabismus were performed, including simultaneous prism cover tests at both distance and near fixation, conducted with and without corrective glasses. Subsequently, an alternate prism cover test was administered at each fixation point, again both with and without glasses. Binocular single vision was evaluated using the Worth Four Dot test and the 10Δ test. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20.0. Results: At distance fixation, the mean deviation angle measured by the simultaneous and alternate prism cover tests exhibited a significant difference of 9.78Δ (p=&lt;.001). Similarly, at near fixation, the mean deviation angle between the simultaneous and alternate prism cover tests showed a significant difference of 10Δ (p=&lt;.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrates a notable and statistically significant variance in the measured angle of deviation when employing different testing methodologies (SPCT and APCT).

Analisa sifat mekanik material logam melalui pemodelan dan simulasi uji tarik berdasarkan metode elemen hingga

Mechanical properties of material are attributes that should be known by engineers and product designers to determine the suitability of the structure being designed. One of the ways to determine the mechanical properties of a material is generally conducted by well-known tensile test. By the test, it will inform the elastic, plastic and fracture areas are known in the strain-stress diagram. Apart from that, the yield strength and maximum tensile strength can also be observed. The obstacle factor in experimentally tensile testing is the expensive costs, both for renting and procuring a tensile testing machine, which is called universal testing machine (UTM). This research aims to provide an alternative tensile test method, namely modeling and simulation techniques based on the finite element method (FEM). The workpiece material applied was ST37 Steel. This material is widely utilized in various types of industry, including the automotive, railway, and construction industries. The results show that the simulation can display all events that tensile tests may not be able to display experimentally, such as information on stress distribution and also elongation during the test. In addition, the mechanical properties of the ST37 material were obtained, including the yield strength of the material (yield point, Y) and the maximum tensile strength (ultimate tensile strength, σmax) which were 812.3 and 928.1 MPa, respectively.

Exploring Alternatives for Marine Toxicity Testing: Initial Evaluation of Fish Embryo and Mysid Tests.

Current regulations require that toxicity assessments be performed using standardized toxicity testing methods, often using fish. Recent legislation in both the European Union and United States has mandated that toxicity testing alternatives implement the 3Rs of animal research (replacement, reduction, and refinement) whenever possible. There have been advances in the development of alternatives for freshwater assessments, but there is a lack of analogous developments for marine assessments. One potential alternative testing method is the fish embryo toxicity (FET) test, which uses fish embryos rather than older fish. In the present study, FET methods were applied to two marine model organisms, the sheepshead minnow and the inland silverside. Another potential alternative is the mysid shrimp survival and growth test, which uses an invertebrate model. The primary objective of the present study was to compare the sensitivity of these three potential alternative testing methods to two standardized fish-based tests using 3,4-dichloroaniline (DCA), a common reference toxicant. A secondary objective was to characterize the ontogeny of sheepshead minnows and inland silversides. This provided a temporal and visual guide that can be used to identify appropriately staged embryos for inclusion in FET tests and delineate key developmental events (e.g., somite development, eyespot formation, etc.). Comparison of the testing strategies for assessing DCA indicated that: (1) the standardized fish tests possessed comparable sensitivity to each other; (2) the mysid shrimp tests possessed comparable sensitivity to the standardized fish tests; (3) the sheepshead minnow and inland silverside FET tests were the least sensitive testing strategies employed; and (4) inclusion of sublethal endpoints (i.e., hatchability and pericardial edema) in the marine FETs increased their sensitivity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1285-1299. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Screening for Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death. Screening has been proven to reduce both cancer incidence and cancer-related mortality. Various screening tests are available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages and varying levels of evidence to support their use. Clinicians should offer CRC screening to average-risk persons aged 50 to 75 years; starting screening at age 45 years remains controversial. Screening may be beneficial in select persons aged 76 to 85 years, based on their overall health and screening history. Offering a choice of screening tests or sequentially offering an alternate test for those who do not complete screening can significantly increase participation.

Exploring skill distribution tails through stochastic dominance

SummaryLocation choices of differently skilled workers are analyzed in previous work on labor mobility, which proposes a model that suggests thicker tails in the skill distributions of large cities. This paper replicates the empirical findings of this work by using quantile regression and density plots as employed in the existing study, while also suggesting an alternative testing method for thick tails in the form of an initial stochastic dominance test. The test reveals clear evidence of a thicker lower tail, but the results are less clear for the upper tail, which raises some questions on how to best handle extreme upper tails of skill distributions.

오가노이드를 이용한 동물대체시험법 표준동향과 전망

Animal testing for toxicity assessments has long been a point of contention due to concerns over animal welfare and ethics. As an integral component of product development and consumer safety, the evaluation of chemical toxicity is vital. Yet, the 21st century has witnessed a growing demand for alternative testing methods that can offer sustainable solutions without relying on animal experiments. This need has spurred major developed countries and international standardization organizations to pursue the development and standardization of novel testing approaches. Among these, organoid-based methods have emerged as a promising avenue for innovation.&#x0D; This study examines the concept of organoids, defining and categorizing alternative testing methods. It explores a broad spectrum of topics, including the standardization trends of alternative testing method regulations, organoid-based method standardization, and trends led by government entities, research institutions, academia, and corporations. It also examines the development of organ-specific manufacturing protocols for organoids. The research finds that international efforts to standardize alternative testing methods are in progress, with a particular focus on organoid-based strategies.&#x0D; The anticipated growth and evolution of such alternatives could revolutionize standard practices in safety assessments and drug efficacy evaluations. The standardization of organoid-based testing methods is poised to become a crucial milestone in advancing human health and environmental protection, driving the sector's growth and innovation. Moreover, advancements in organoid technology and the creation of models for various organs are likely to further refine alternative testing methods and introduce new evaluation techniques for drugs and chemicals. This study highlights to the biomedical community that standardizing new testing methods can address the ethical dilemmas of animal testing, underscoring a significant contribution towards ethical scientific practices.

Incidence of Pneumonia on the Nutritional Status of Young Children in the Work Room of the Antang Public Health Center, Makassar South Sulawesi

Pneumonia is infection network lungs Which nature I reason his is bacteria, virus, mold, exposure material chemistry or damage physique from bacterial lungs Which normal cause pneumonia is Streptococcus and Mycoplasma Pneumonia, whereas virus which cause pneumonia is Adenoviruses, Rhinovirus, Influenza Virus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus. The aim of this study to find out the relationship between nutritional status and the incidence of pneumonia in toddlers In Region Work Public health center Antang. Type study This is method study analytical observation with a cross sectional approach. This research was carried out in part Antang health center working area. population in study this all toddler which visit in Public health center Antang. Technique taking sample use simple random sampling. The data analysis carried out was univariate analysis and bivaruate analysis. Test that on used is the chi square statistical test with another alternative test, namely the Fisher Excat test with level meaning p=0 .02 so HA accepted Because proven to exist connection knowledge Mother pregnant with attitude with p&lt;0.05. Concluded there is connection Between Nutritional Status and the Incidence of Pneumonia in Toddlers in Community Health Center Working Areas Antang. Based on results study this, as good as his officer health especially midwife collaborate with health agencies that hold outreach and outreach activities so that they can increase knowledge, and information person related old pneumonia treatment on toddler.

Evaluating hepatitis C cascade of care surveillance system in Tuscany, Italy, through a population retrospective data-linkage study, 2015–2021

This comprehensive retrospective data-linkage study aimed at evaluating the impact of Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs) on Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) testing, treatment trends, and access to care in Tuscany over six years following their introduction. Utilizing administrative healthcare records, our work reveals a substantial increase in HCV tests in 2017, attributed to the decision to provide universal access to treatment. However, despite efforts to eradicate chronic HCV through a government-led plan, the target of treating 6,221 patients annually was not met, and services contracted after 2018, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Key findings indicate a higher prevalence of HCV screening among females in the 33–53 age group, influenced by pregnancy-related recommendations, while diagnostic tests and treatment uptake were more common among males. Problematic substance users constituted a significant proportion of those tested and treated, emphasizing their priority in HCV screening. Our paper underscores the need for decentralized HCV models and alternative testing strategies, such as point-of-care assays, especially in populations accessing harm reduction services, communities, and prisons. The study acknowledges limitations in relying solely on administrative records, advocating for improved data access and timely linkages to accurately monitor HCV care cascades and inform regional plans. Despite challenges, the paper demonstrates the value of administrative record linkages in understanding the access to care pathway for hard-to-reach populations. The findings emphasize the importance of the national HCV elimination strategy and the need for enhanced data collection to assess progress accurately, providing insights for future regional and national interventions.

Foraging by larval fish: a full stomach is indicative of high performance but random encounters with prey are also important

Abstract This study contrasts diet composition patterns of larval fish categorized as strong and weak foragers, identified from quadratic relationships between larval length and the number of prey eaten, for 11 fish species. Two sets of alternative hypotheses test whether strong foragers (1) exhibit precocious behaviour by eating later developmental stages of copepods, and (2) take advantage of random encounters with zooplankton, based on the contrast between the two categories in each 1 mm length-class. Results indicate that strong foragers shift their feeding toward earlier copepod developmental stages, which was most apparent in four flatfish species, and demonstrate stronger overall prey selectivity than weak foragers. Inverse modeling revealed the latter is achieved through increases in apparent prey perception and/or responsiveness to dominant prey types (i.e. nauplii and copepodites) and declines for less frequent prey (e.g. veliger and Cladocera). Foraging strength increased modestly with larger eye diameter and mouth gape. Two possible explanations for prey selection patterns are that strong foragers have inherently different capacity to perceive and attack prey, or that after initially eating sufficient large prey to meet metabolic requirements fuller stomachs depend on the ability of larval fish to take advantage of random encounters.

UJI AKTIVITAS ANALGESIK FRAKSI DAUN SENGGANI (Clidemia hirta [L] D.Don) PADA MENCIT PUTIH GALUR SWISS WEBSTER

Pain is a sensation that can interfere with activities and reduce the quality of life of the sufferer if left untreated and left prolonged. Senggani is one of the plants that contains flavonoid compounds and steroids that have analgesic activity. This study aimed to test the analgesic activity of senggani leaf fraction (Clidemia hirta [L] D.Don) in white mice swiss webster strain induced acetic acid and determine the fraction that most effectively produces analgesic activity. The type of research conducted is true experimental design based on Complete Randomized Design (RAL). The test animals used were 25 heads divided into 5 groups with 5 replications, namely negative control (CMC 1%), positive control (dexamethasone) and the test group of senggani leaf fraction, namely n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol fractions. The data obtained were analyzed using an alternative test from One Way ANOVA namely Kruskal Wallis with a follow-up test post hoc Mann Whitney test. The results showed that the fraction of senggani leaves in all types of solvents had analgesic activity compared to negative controls (CMC 1%) with a significant difference (p0.05). From these results it is concluded that the senggani leaf fraction can be used as an analgesic.

Genetically predicted causal effects of gut microbiota on spinal pain: a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.

Observational studies have hinted at a correlation between the gut microbiota and spinal pain (SP). However, the impact of the gut microbiota on SP remains inconclusive. In this study, we employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the causal relationship between the gut microbiota and SP, encompassing neck pain (NP), thoracic spine pain (TSP), low back pain (LBP), and back pain (BP). The compiled gut microbiota data originated from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) conducted by the MiBioGen consortium (n = 18,340). Summary data for NP were sourced from the UK Biobank, TSP from the FinnGen Biobank, and LBP from both the UK Biobank and FinnGen Biobank. Summary data for BP were obtained from the UK Biobank. The primary analytical approach for assessing causal relationships was the Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) method, supplemented by various sensitivity analyses to ensure result robustness. The IVW analysis unveiled 37 bacterial genera with a potential causal relationship to SP. After Benjamini-Hochberg corrected test, four bacterial genera emerged with a strong causal relationship to SP. Specifically, Oxalobacter (OR: 1.143, 95% CI 1.061-1.232, P = 0.0004) and Tyzzerella 3 (OR: 1.145, 95% CI 1.059-1.238, P = 0.0007) were identified as risk factors for LBP, while Ruminococcaceae UCG011 (OR: 0.859, 95% CI 0.791-0.932, P = 0.0003) was marked as a protective factor for LBP, and Olsenella (OR: 0.893, 95% CI 0.839-0.951, P = 0.0004) was recognized as a protective factor for low back pain or/and sciatica. No significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was observed through alternative testing methods. This study establishes a causal relationship between the gut microbiota and SP, shedding light on the "gut-spine" axis. These findings offer novel perspectives for understanding the etiology of SP and provide a theoretical foundation for potential interventions targeting the gut microbiota to prevent and treat SP.

Abstract 6293: Influence of prescription opioids and recreational cannabis use on efficacy outcomes and adverse events related to immune checkpoint inhibitors

Abstract Introduction: Opioids and cannabis possess immunomodulatory properties. However, the effect of opioid receptor activity on immune function is complicated, facilitated by several mechanisms and can lead to enhancement or inhibition. Similarly, the relation between cannabinoid ligands of diverse types and endocannabinoid receptors on various immune cells is complex. We hereby delineate the effect of prescription opioids and recreational cannabis use on immune-related adverse events (IRAEs) during immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy in various cancers, as well as efficacy outcomes in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC). Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with advanced cancers who received ICI with or without chemotherapy for at least two months at an urban safety net hospital from January 2016 to June 2022. All patients, as well as a subset of patients with aNSCLC, were divided into two arms based on whether they were prescribed opioids during ICI therapy or not (OP vs. NO). Similarly, they were grouped based on whether they reported recreational cannabis use during ICI therapy (since initiation of therapy) or not (CA vs. NC). Incidence of IRAEs, median overall survival (mOS) and median progression-free survival (mPFS) calculated per RECIST 1.1 were the outcome variables. Multivariate logistic regression and alternative log-rank test were utilized for analysis with adjustments for demographics, insurance status, BMI, ECOG, PD-L1, TMB, smoking and concurrent chemotherapy. Results: 230 patients received ICI-based therapy; 47% were female, 34% were African American and 6.5% were Hispanic. There was no significant difference in the incidence of IRAEs between OP (n=144) and NO (n=86; p=0.225). However, CA (n=44) had higher IRAEs than NC (n=186) with an odds ratio estimate of 2.023 (X2=4.18, CI 1.03-3.97, p=0.04). Among 110 patients with aNSCLC, 46% were female. Patients with aNSCLC in the OP arm (n=69) had no significant difference in mOS (HR=1.34, CI 0.8-2.25, p=0.26) or mPFS (HR=1.21, CI 0.69-2.1, p=0.51) compared to patients in the NO arm (n=51). Similarly, the two arms CA (n=21) and NC (n=89) had no difference in mOS (HR:0.96, CI 0.5-1.83, p=0.89) or mPFS (HR:1.18, CI 0.61-2.29, p=0.63) for aNSCLC. Conclusion: Recreational cannabis use during ICI therapy increased the incidence of IRAEs. Prescription opioids and recreational cannabis use did not significantly affect survival outcomes for ICI in aNSCLC. Prescription opioid use also did not significantly influence the occurrence of IRAEs. This study suggests that recreational cannabis may need to be used with caution in this patient population due to its influence on IRAEs. On the other hand, opioids appear to be a safe option for pain management in these patients. Larger studies are warranted to shed more insight into the effect of these substances on ICI therapy. Citation Format: Himil Mahadevia, Benjamin Eidenschink, An-Lin Cheng, Atharva Desai, Stephanie Harry, Lara Kujtan. Influence of prescription opioids and recreational cannabis use on efficacy outcomes and adverse events related to immune checkpoint inhibitors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 6293.

Enhancing children's nutrition: the influence of rural household technology under China's home appliances going to the countryside policy.

This study explores the influence of household technological advancements on children's nutritional intake, specifically within the context of the Chinese government's "Home Appliances Going to the Countryside" (HAGC) initiative. Utilizing data from the China Health and Nutrition Surveys of 2006, 2009, and 2011, we employed a Propensity Score Matching Difference-in-Differences (PSM-DID) framework to ascertain the repercussions of enhanced household technology on the dynamics of children's nutritional consumption patterns. Our analysis reveals that the HAGC-inspired integration of household appliances, including color televisions, washing machines, and refrigerators, has beneficially reshaped the nutritional consumption patterns of children, with a pronounced effect among female children. This finding remains consistent even when employing alternate methodological robustness tests. A deeper examination of the HAGC policy's mechanisms underscores the pivotal roles of parental time allocation, improved food storage capabilities, and augmented information accessibility as significant drivers bolstering children's nutritional intake. These insights bear considerable significance for strategizing interventions aimed at elevating the nutritional wellbeing of children in rural settings, offering valuable input for shaping public health policies tailored for such demographies.

Chemicals regulation and non-animal methods: displacing the gold standard

Regulating industrial chemicals in foodstuffs and consumer products is a major aspect of protecting populations against health risks. Non-animal testing methods are an essential part of the radical change to the framework for toxicity testing that is long overdue in global economies. This paper discusses reasons why the drive to reduce animal testing for chemical safety testing is so difficult to achieve, as perceived by those who are closely involved in chemicals regulations in different capacities. Progress is slow, despite the fact that the ethico-legal conditions for a move away from animal testing are largely in place, and despite scientific arguments for a radical change in the paradigm of toxicity testing, away from reliance on animal studies. I present empirical data drawn from two studies in a European Commission context promoting non-animal methods. The aim of the paper is modest. It is to foreground the voices of those who deal with the science and regulation of chemicals on a day-to-day basis, rather than to offer a theoretical framework for what I heard from them. I offer a synthesis of the main challenges faced by non-animal alternatives, as these are perceived by people in different stakeholder groups dealing with chemicals regulation. I show where there are pockets of agreement between different stakeholders, and where the main disagreements lie. In particular there is dispute and disagreement over what counts as validation of these alternative tests, and by implication of the traditional ‘gold standard’ of animal testing. Finally, I suggest that the shift to non-animal methods in chemicals regulation demonstrates the need for the concept of validation to be broadened from a purely techno-scientific definition, and be more explictly understood as a demand for trust and acceptance, with more attention given to the complex social, institutional and economic settings in which it operates.

The impact of access to finance and business environment on firm innovation in Vietnam: Moderating role of working experience of top manager

Innovation enables organizations to swiftly adapt to market dynamics, technological advancements, and the competitive environment, hence augmenting their competitive edge. Innovation endeavors provide challenges due to their substantial financial requirements, business environment, and the need for proficient management. This research examines the role of the business environment and access to finance in influencing firm innovation effectiveness, encompassing organisational innovation and product innovation, both individually and as a simultaneous combination of both innovation activities. The business environment comprises four factors such as business licensing and permits, corruption, customs and trade regulations, and an inadequately educated workforce. Additionally, this study explores the moderating role of manager working experience in accessing finance and firm innovation. The research used a large dataset of firm-level data (996 observations) from 2006 to 2016 in the World Bank Enterprise Survey specifically extracted for the Vietnamese market. The research methodology employs multinomial probit models to analyze datasets with layers of distinct financial access levels, including minor, moderate, significant, and severe obstacles, combined with alternate testing of four business environment factors. The research results highlight limitations in financial access at different levels, leading to a reduction in both organisational and product innovation. Customs emerge as the most significant barrier in the business environment for all levels of financial access, followed by licensing and permits, corruption, and the labor workforce as obstacles at varying degrees of financial access. Managerial working experience has mitigated obstacles to financial access for both organisational and product innovation. The study outcomes contribute to both theory and management implications.

Intuitive toxicology in the 21st century-Bridging the perspectives of the public and risk assessors in Europe.

Three decades ago, several articles on the subjectivity in chemical risk judgments (i.e., labeled "intuitive toxicology") measured the divide between the public and toxicologists with different backgrounds regarding the validity of predicting health effects based on in vivo studies. Similar divides with impacts on societal discourse and chemical risk assessment practices might exist concerning alternative toxicity testing methods (i.e., in vitro and in silico). However, studies to date have focused either on the public's views of in vivo or stem cell testing or on experts' views of in vivo testing and potential alternatives (i.e., toxicologists and medical students), which do not allow for a direct investigation of potential divides. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted two online surveys, involving members of the German-speaking public in Switzerland and European human health risk assessors, respectively. This article presents the results of these two surveys regarding the divide in the public's and risk assessors' perspectives on risk assessment based on in vivo, in vitro, and in silico testing. Particularly, the survey with the risk assessors highlights that, beyond scientific and regulatory barriers, alternatives to in vivo testing may encounter individual hurdles, such as higher uncertainty associated with them. Understanding and addressing these hurdles will be crucial to facilitate the integration of new approach methodologies into chemical risk assessment practices as well as a successful transition toward next-generation risk assessment, bringing us closer to a fit-for-purpose and more efficient regulatory landscape.