Combination Of Tests Research Articles

Investigation of the Clinical Diagnostic Significance of the T-Cell Test for Tuberculosis combined with Erythrocyte Sedimentation Test in Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Objective: To investigate the clinical diagnostic significance of peripheral blood T-cell test (T-spot test) for tuberculosis (TB) infection combined with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in pulmonary TB. Methods: 41 patients with a clinical diagnosis of TB during hospitalization from January 2020 to April 2023 in our hospital were selected as the experimental group, and 45 patients without TB (bronchopneumonia patients) were selected as the control group. The diagnostic specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy of the T-spot TB test, ESR test, and the combined test of the two were calculated respectively. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the T-spot TB test combined with ESR for the diagnosis of TB in the experimental group were significantly higher than the individual results of the T-spot TB test and ESR test alone (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The T-spot TB test combined with the ESR test for TB diagnosis has greater clinical value than carrying out the tests individually.

Abstract 4065: Entinostat synergizes with the IL-15 superagonist N-803 and anti-PD-1 to engage cDC1 and stem-like TCF-1+ CD8+ T and NK cells to overcome colorectal tumors refractory to anti-PD-1 therapy

Abstract Background: Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has limited efficacy in colorectal carcinoma (CRC), where ~85% of patients harbor microsatellite stability (MSS). A minor subset of CRC patients (~15%) harbor microsatellite instability (MSI) and demonstrate improved responses to ICB ranging from 30-50%. Combination therapy has the potential to increase the response rate. Entinostat, a class I HDAC inhibitor, has demonstrated potential to enhance ICB efficacy, such as αPD-1 and immunostimulatory cytokines. N-803, a heterodimeric IL-15 superagonist that enhances proliferation and activation of CD8+ and NK cells has demonstrated to enhance the clinical benefit of Nivolumab in non-small cell lung cancer patients that were relapsed or refractory to αPD-1 monotherapy. Here, we investigated the antitumor efficacy and mode of action of combination therapy comprising αPD1, Entinostat, and N-803 in αPD1-refractory CT26 and Jak1-deleted MC38 CRC tumor models. Methods: Entinostat, N-803, and αPD1 alone or in combination were administered to mice bearing established CT26 or Jak1-deleted MC38 tumors. Antitumor efficacy, survival, and protective memory upon tumor rechallenge were monitored. Comprehensive flow cytometric profiling of the tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor-draining lymph node (tdLN), and spleen cell populations was conducted. CT26 tumor and tdLN immunomes were examined by single-cell transcriptomics. Cytokines and chemokines were examined in the TME and sera. Antigen-specific IFNg T cell responses were evaluated by ELISpot. Results: We demonstrated that combination therapy with Entinostat, N-803 and αPD1 elicits potent suppression of CT26 and Jak1-deleted MC38 tumors, with median overall survival increasing 33% to not reached. These effects were associated with increased activation, infiltration, cytokine production, and cytolytic function of tumor CD8+ T and NK cells, and increased sera IFNg and TNFα. Tumor resolution and protective memory were associated with development of p15e-specific T cell responses. Increased migration of CD8+ T cells and cross-presenting dendritic cells (cDC1) to the tdLN, as well as significant enrichment of cross-presentation genes in tumor cDC1s was observed. Transcriptomic and phenotypic analyses demonstrated increased stem-like TCF-1+ CD8+ T cell accumulation in the tdLNs and TME of mice treated with triple combination. Conclusions: Combination therapy with Entinostat plus N-803 and αPD1 synergized to promote a sustained antitumor response and prolonged survival. We hypothesize the antitumor effects were due to collaborative efforts of CD8+ T and NK cells, and cDC1 cells in tdLN and TME. These results provide a rationale for the clinical testing of αPD1, Entinostat and N-803 combination for patients with CRC, including those with acquired resistance to ICB. Citation Format: Christine M. Minnar, Masaya Miyamoto, Asma S. Khelifa, Grace Lui, Katherine L. Lothstein, Paul L. Chariou, Thomas J. Meyer, Alexei Lobanov, Margaret Cam, Jeffrey Schlom, Sofia R. Gameiro. Entinostat synergizes with the IL-15 superagonist N-803 and anti-PD-1 to engage cDC1 and stem-like TCF-1+ CD8+ T and NK cells to overcome colorectal tumors refractory to anti-PD-1 therapy [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 4065.

Prospective Investigation of Optical Genome Mapping for Prenatal Genetic Diagnosis.

Optical genome mapping (OGM) is a novel assay for detecting structural variants (SVs) and has been retrospectively evaluated for its performance. However, its prospective evaluation in prenatal diagnosis remains unreported. This study aimed to prospectively assess the technical concordance of OGM with standard of care (SOC) testing in prenatal diagnosis. A prospective cohort of 204 pregnant women was enrolled in this study. Amniotic fluid samples from these women were subjected to OGM and SOC testing, which included chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and karyotyping (KT) in parallel. The diagnostic yield of OGM was evaluated, and the technical concordance between OGM and SOC testing was assessed. OGM successfully analyzed 204 cultured amniocyte samples, even with a cell count as low as 0.24 million. In total, 60 reportable SVs were identified through combined OGM and SOC testing, with 22 SVs detected by all 3 techniques. The diagnostic yield for OGM, CMA, and KT was 25% (51/204), 22.06% (45/204), and 18.14% (37/204), respectively. The highest diagnostic yield (29.41%, 60/204) was achieved when OGM and KT were used together. OGM demonstrated a concordance of 95.56% with CMA and 75.68% with KT in this cohort study. Our findings suggest that OGM can be effectively applied in prenatal diagnosis using cultured amniocytes and exhibits high concordance with SOC testing. The combined use of OGM and KT appears to yield the most promising diagnostic outcomes.

Experimental and numerical investigation of the bending behavior in nontraditional steel beam-to-beam tip connections

This study aimed to conduct combined experimental testing and numerical studies on the static performance of tip beam-to-beam flush endplate moment connections. The research parameters considered were bolt layout, diameters, and end plate thickness. Three specimens consisting of two IPE 300 beams connected to a beam of section HEA 300 using two end plates were designed and assembled with different bolt configurations. The grade of the steel elements was S235, while that of the bolts was 8.8. A monotonic load was applied to the specimen during testing, revealing failure modes such as fractures in bolts, end plate bending, and necking loosening of bolts. The study presented and discussed the moment rotation relationship, rotation capacity, and initial stiffness for the three specimens. A finite element (FE) model was constructed based on the moment-rotation curves of the tested connections, and the numerical and experimental results showed good agreement. An extensive parametric study was conducted to investigate the effect of different end plate thicknesses and bolts of various diameters and configurations on the connection's behavior. The study revealed that increasing the bolts' row number in tension rather than increasing the number of bolts in a row significantly affects the ultimate capacity and ductility of the connection. A thick end plate increases the connection's rotation capacity but decreases its ductility. The study also introduced a simple approach based on virtual work to predict the connections' bending stiffness using load and deflection results.

Abstract 4236: PDX-derived organoids (PDXO) are valuable tools to unveil the shortcomings of new anti-cancer drug candidates

Abstract Introduction: Tumor organoids are increasingly being used as predictive preclinical cancer models, as they reflect the original tumor features and patient drug responses. However, systematic comparisons between organoids and traditional 2D cell lines or 3D spheroids are lacking. Method: We established over 30 PDX-derived organoid (PDXO) models with KRAS mutations and tested three inhibitors targeting the KRAS pathway: VS-6766(RAF/MEK inhibitor), Trametinib (MEK inhibitor), and MRTX1133 (a Phase II drug targeting KRASG12D) against these models. Results: IC50 results indicated that most models responded to treatment. For some cell lines we detected differential drug responses in 2D vs. 3D testing with 3Dspheroids being more sensitive to inhibitors than 2D cell lines (on average ~10 fold). PDXO models exhibited greater individual differences in drug response, with a subset of models demonstrating no sensitivity to MRTX1133. This is consistent with published results showing that some KRASG12D-mutant PDX models were less sensitive to MRTX11331. Similarly, the clinical trial data for the KRASG12C inhibitor Adagrasib revealed distinctions in the response of patients2. Further analysis with WES (whole exome sequencing) and RNA-sequencing identified potential genotypic mutations and differential expressions of signaling pathways related to drug resistance. Subsequent drug combination testing showed that targeting these pathways could enhance the MRTX1133 efficacy in the resistant PDXO models. Summary: Our research confirms that drug testing on organoids predicts responses in mouse models and clinical trials. In combination with multi-omics and bioinformatics analysis, the platform can be used for evaluating drug resistances, identifying new targets, developing new drug combination therapies, and ultimately improving the creation of new cancer therapeutics. Citation Format: Yuhui Wang, Lin Feng, Han Liu, Junwen Zhang, Kaiqiang Hu, Pengwei Pan, Fang He. PDX-derived organoids (PDXO) are valuable tools to unveil the shortcomings of new anti-cancer drug candidates [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 4236.

Key results from examinations of seven high burnup pressurized water reactor spent nuclear fuel rods

At present, spent nuclear fuel (SNF) assemblies discharged from US commercial power plants are placed into dry storage following a short cooling time (<10 years) in the plant’s spent fuel pool. The process of packaging the spent fuel into dry-storage canisters includes a drying step to remove residual water from the canister. During the drying process, the fuel rod cladding may reach temperatures as high as 400°C. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is performing destructive examinations of high burnup (HBU) (>45 GWd/MTU) SNF rods to address knowledge and data gaps related to extended interim storage and eventual transportation for disposal. The rods examined include four different kinds of fuel rod cladding: standard Zircaloy-4 (Zirc-4), low-tin (LT) Zirc-4, ZIRLO, and M5. Three rods were subjected to a thermal transient to assess the effects of decay-heat-driven high temperatures expected during vacuum drying of the fuel as it is prepared for interim dry storage. The examinations focus on the composite fuel rod performance, as compared with the performance of defueled rod cladding, and establish the baseline mechanical properties of a fuel rod before interim dry storage. The key results of these examinations are presented, including the measured mechanical and fatigue properties, observations of cladding hydrogen pickup and hydride reorientation effects on rod performance, effects of the simulated drying temperatures on rod performance, and general conclusions of SNF performance in extended interim dry storage and transport. The rods were found to be strong and durable in the expected loading conditions, even considering the formation of radial hydrides associated with vacuum drying. The combined testing provides a broad body of data supporting extended interim storage and transportation performance of HBU spent fuel.

Synthesis of biodiesel from the composite oil and process parameters optimization using artificial neural network

This study aims to investigate the effect of catalyst utilization (wt%), methanol to composite oil molar ratio (mole) and reaction thermal state (°C) on the biodiesel yield percentage of transesterification of novel composite oil (equal volume % of Castor oil, Mahua oil and dairy waste scum oil). Artificial neural network (ANN) based on central composite design was implemented to investigate the influence of catalyst utilization (1–3 wt%), methanol to composite oil molar ratio (6–12 molar) and reaction thermal state (55–65 °C) as the independent variables. Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm was used to predict the responses, biodiesel yield %. The fairness of the ANN prediction of biodiesel yield % is tested by means of coefficients of determination of training phase, validation set, test set and combined training, validation and test. The results revealed that the optimum catalyst utilization, methanol to composite oil molar ratio and reaction thermal state were determined as 3 wt%, 9 molar, and 65 °C for the maximum biodiesel yield of 94 ± 1% from the composite oil. The ASTM D6751 standard is employed to assess the quality of biodiesel derived from a blend of oils. The findings of this study indicate that the newly developed mixed oil is a viable feedstock for the production of biodiesel.

Altered neopterin and IDO in kynurenine metabolism based on LC-MS/MS metabolomics study: Novel therapeutic checkpoints for type 2 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundThis study assessed the alternations of kynurenine pathway (KP) and neopterin in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and explored possible differential metabolites. MethodsA fresh residual sera panel was collected from 80 healthy control (HC) individuals and 72 T2DM patients. Metabolites/ratios of interest including tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT), kynurenic acid (KA), xanthurenic acid (XA), neopterin (NEO), KA/KYN ratio and KYN/TRP ratio were determined using a targeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) metabolomics approach, and the difference between groups was assessed. Supervised orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis and differential metabolite screening with fold change (FC) were performed to identify distinct biomarkers. The diagnostic performance of KP metabolites in T2DM was evaluated. ResultsSignificant decreases of TRP, 5HT, KA, XA, and KA/KYN and increases of KYN/TRP and NEO in T2DM compared to HC group were observed (P < 0.05). The KP metabolites panel significantly changed between T2DM and HC groups (Q2: 0.925, P < 0.005). 5HT (FC: 0.63, P < 0.01) and NEO (FC: 3.27, P < 0.01) were proven to be distinct differential metabolites. A combined testing of fasting plasma glucose and KYN/TRP showed good value in the prediction of T2DM (AUC: 0.904, 95% CI 0.843–0.947). ConclusionsThe targeted LC-MS/MS metabolomics study is a powerful tool for evaluating the status of T2DM. This study facilitated the application of KP metabolomics into future clinical practice. 5HT and NEO are promising biomarkers in T2DM. KYN/TRP was highly associated with the development of T2DM and may serve as a potential treatment target.

Study of the 4He, 10Be, 14C, 14N, and 16O accompanied ternary fission of 248Cf isotope in the fragments equatorial geometry

In this comprehensive study, the 4He, 10Be, 14C, 14N, and 16O, LCP-accompanied ternary fission of the 248Cf isotope has been investigated based on equatorial geometry fragmentation. Utilizing the Three-Cluster Model (TCM) and using the WKB approximation, the Q-values, the driving potentials (V-Q), the probability of tunneling through barrier, the yields and the decay constant λ for an extensive array of various fragments combinations with positive Q-values are calculated. After testing for all possible combinations, in order for refinement of our findings, combinations with the higher Q-values and considerable yields are selected for further analysis. Calculated results for each LCP were tabulated and also yields versus mass number of one fragment A1 are plotted for a detailed analysis. Our study not only contributes significantly to the understanding of ternary fission of 248Cf nucleus but also highlights the role played by the interaction potential for different LCPs and clear the importance of shell effects in the ternary fission process. The calculated results pave the way for future studies in nuclear physics, particularly in understanding of the complex dynamics of the nuclear ternary fission involving fixed LCP.

Level of physical fitness and physical development of volleyball players

In modern volleyball, the physical training of athletes acquires special importance in connection with the expansion of the range of game actions, the increase in the tension of the game, which requires maximum physical effort from athletes in situations that change quickly on the volleyball court.&#x0D; The purpose of the work is to determine the level of physical fitness and physical development of volleyball players based on the results of pedagogical testing.&#x0D; Research results. The study was conducted at Polis National University (10 team players, trainer-teacher: A. P. Denisovets). Pedagogical testing was conducted, in which 10 volleyball players of the student team took part. In the pedagogical testing, the following control exercises were used to assess the development of motor skills: long jump from a standing position, jumping up from a standing position, jumping up from a running run according to Abalakov), bending and extending the arms in a resting position while lying down, lifting the trunk into a sitting position from a lying position, throwing stuffed ball weighing 1 kg, "shuttle" run 4×9 m and a combined test.&#x0D; The results of the study indicate that volleyball players have different levels of physical fitness. The results of hand and static dynamometry show that the highest indicators are observed in players who perform the role of the first pace, followed by players of the second pace. Linking players have a lower level of physical fitness.&#x0D; Based on a study of the physical development of volleyball players, it was established that their average body length was 185 cm, and their average weight was 75 kg. First pace players had a height advantage compared to other playing roles, although libero players were shorter compared to other players. These data indicate a tendency to favor tall players in the formation of teams, regardless of their qualification and competition rank.&#x0D; Conclusions. The conducted research will enable specialists and coaches to determine the optimal ways of planning to improve indicators of physical fitness and physical development of volleyball players, both during educational and training sessions of groups improving the sportsmanship of students and highly qualified athletes at all stages of multi-year improvement.

Eliminating first trimester combined testing: Consequences for early detection of significant fetal anomalies.

To determine whether implementation of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing for aneuploidy as a first-tier test and subsequent abolition of first trimester combined testing (FCT) affected the first trimester detection (<14weeks) of certain fetal anomalies. We performed a geographical cohort study in two Fetal Medicine Units between 2011 and 2020, including 705 fetuses with prenatally detected severe brain, abdominal wall and congenital heart defects. Cases were divided into two groups: before (n=396) and after (n=309) cfDNA introduction. The primary outcome was the first trimester detection rate (<14weeks) overall and for non-chromosomal anomalies solely. Overall, gastroschisis, AVSD and HLHS were detected more often in the first trimester in the before group compared to the after group, respectively 54.5% versus 18.5% (p=0.004), 45.9% versus 26.9% (p=0.008) and 30% versus 3.4% (p=0.005). After exclusion of chromosomal anomalies identifiable through cfDNA testing, the detection of AVSD remained higher in the before group (43.3% vs. 9.5%, p=0.02), leading to a possible earlier gestation at termination. The termination of pregnancy (TOP) rate did not differ among the groups. In the after group, referrals for suspected anomalies following a dating scan between 11 and 14weeks significantly increased from 17.4% to 29.1% (p<0.001). This study underscores the value of a scan dedicated to fetal anatomy in the first trimester as we observed a decline in the early detection of certain fetal anomalies (detectable in the first trimester) subsequent to the abolition of FCT.

Centrifuge testing on ordinary and hybrid suction caissons subjected to cyclic lateral loading

Hybrid Suction Caissons (HSCs) are innovative structures that amalgamate a shallow foundation (mat or skirted) with an internal caisson. The results of 40g centrifuge tests conducted on the Ordinary Suction Caisson (OSC) and two HSC types installed in medium-dense saturated sand, enduring long-term lateral cyclic loading (600 cycles), are analyzed and discussed in this paper. This research incorporates combined cyclic loading tests, encompassing one-way and two-way cycles in a singular examination to simulate the typhoon and service conditions before and after. The major findings include: (i) HSC, compared to OSC, can effectively harness accumulated rotations of the foundation induced by both one-way and two-way cyclic loading, (ii) adding an outer skirt to HSC, attached to an inner caisson and mat foundation, reduces considerably accumulated rotations induced by one-way cycles, (iii) cyclic loading does not change the unloading stiffness of OSC and HSC without an outer skirt, while increases the unloading stiffness of HSC with an outer skirt, and (iv) analyzing and designing OWT foundations should consider the combined cyclic loading scenario, rather than solely relying on one-way or two-way cyclic loading regimes. Based on the results, a power formula is proposed for estimating caissons' rotations stemming from long-term cyclic loading.

Three-dimensional numerical simulation of dynamic strength and failure mode of a rock mass with cross joints

To study the dynamic mechanical properties and failure characteristics of intersecting jointed rock masses with different joint distributions under confining pressure, considering the cross angle α and joint persistence ratio η, a numerical model of the biaxial Hopkinson bar test system was established using the finite element method–discrete-element model coupling method. The validity of the model was verified by comparing and analyzing it in conjunction with laboratory test results. Dynamics-static combined impact tests were conducted on specimens under various conditions to investigate the strength characteristics and patterns of crack initiation and expansion. The study revealed the predominant factors influencing intersecting joints with different angles and penetrations under impact loading. The results show that the peak stress of the specimens decreases first and then increases with the increase of the cross angle. When α < 60°, regardless of the value of η, the dynamic stress of the specimens is controlled by the main joint. When α ≥ 60°, the peak stress borne by the specimens decreases with increasing η. When α < 60°, the initiation and propagation of cracks in the cross-jointed specimens are mainly controlled by the main joint, and the final failure surface of the specimens is composed of the main joint and wing cracks. When α ≥ 60° or η ≥ 0.67, the secondary joint guides the expansion of the wing cracks, and multiple failure surfaces composed of main and secondary joints, wing cracks, and co-planar cracks are formed. Increasing lateral confinement significantly increases the dynamic peak stress able to be borne by the specimens. Under triaxial conditions, the degree of failure of the intersecting jointed specimens is much lower than that under uniaxial and biaxial conditions.

DLP printed 3D gyroid structure: Mechanical response at meso and macro scale

Rapid prototyping (RP) technology enables the fabrication of complex geometries, making lattice structures increasingly popular. Lattice structures, known as cellular materials, have garnered significant attention over the past two decades due to their ability to optimise mass distribution in components. These structures excel in mechanical properties, catering to energy absorption (bending-dominated structures) and structural performance (stretch-dominated structures). In this paper, we investigate the behaviour of stretch-dominated lattice structures using periodic surface models, specifically focusing on sheet-based Gyroid cells, to allow for a more efficient macroscale modelling. We study cells and scaffolds of different sizes, considering various triply periodic minimal surface thicknesses and relative densities ranging from approximately 0.2 to 0.65. We explore load applications in directions different from the unit cell's principal axes and analyse the strain rate effect on both bulk and cellular material. The lattice structures are manufactured using epoxy resin and digital light processing (DLP) technology. In the range of relative density investigated, both in quasi-static and dynamic conditions, a linear trend is observed for Young's modulus and compression yield strength. To extend the quasi-static results to the dynamic regime, we employ a more generalized normalization technique. This approach divides Young's modulus and compression yield strength by the behaviour of the base material at a specific strain rate, facilitating the correlation of mechanical properties across the two loading regimes. Based on experimental findings, we implemented and calibrated a bi-linear material model for describing, in macroscale, triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) Gyroid structures. The model coefficients are parameterized with respect to relative density. In addition, the presented material law was compared with that proposed by Gibson-Ashby. Furthermore, we evaluated the anisotropy of both the base material and the unit cell. The first one is done by testing the 3D printed samples in directions different from the printing one, the latter by using the Zener factor. The anisotropy evaluation confirmed the isotropic behaviour of the unit cell within the range of relative density and test conditions investigated. Finally, we perform linear elastic 3D macroscopic and mesoscopic model simulations for combined shear-compression tests using the implemented bi-linear material model and the anisotropic stiffness matrix (obtained through the homogeneous formulation) for the macroscale, and the base material for the mesoscopic one. The results demonstrate the suitability of the proposed equivalent material model for studying the TPMS Gyroid structure in the elastic regime, both in quasi-static and dynamic states. This allows for an efficient FE modelling process of complex lattice structures.

Accuracy of blood-based biomarkers for staging liver fibrosis in chronic liver disease: A systematic review supporting the AASLD Practice Guideline.

Blood-based biomarkers have been proposed as an alternative to liver biopsy for noninvasive liver disease assessment in chronic liver disease. Our aims for this systematic review were to evaluate the diagnostic utility of selected blood-based tests either alone, or in combination, for identifying significant fibrosis (F2-4), advanced fibrosis (F3-4), and cirrhosis (F4), as compared to biopsy in chronic liver disease. We included a comprehensive search of databases including Ovid MEDLINE(R), EMBASE, Cochrane Database, and Scopus through to April 2022. Two independent reviewers selected 286 studies with 103,162 patients. The most frequently identified studies included the simple aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index and fibrosis (FIB)-4 markers (with low-to-moderate risk of bias) in HBV and HCV, HIV-HCV/HBV coinfection, and NAFLD. Positive (LR+) and negative (LR-) likelihood ratios across direct and indirect biomarker tests for HCV and HBV for F2-4, F3-4, or F4 were 1.66-6.25 and 0.23-0.80, 1.89-5.24 and 0.12-0.64, and 1.32-7.15 and 0.15-0.86, respectively; LR+ and LR- for NAFLD F2-4, F3-4, and F4 were 2.65-3.37 and 0.37-0.39, 2.25-6.76 and 0.07-0.87, and 3.90 and 0.15, respectively. Overall, the proportional odds ratio indicated FIB-4 <1.45 was better than aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index <0.5 for F2-4. FIB-4 >3.25 was also better than aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index >1.5 for F3-4 and F4. There was limited data for combined tests. Blood-based biomarkers are associated with small-to-moderate change in pretest probability for diagnosing F2-4, F3-4, and F4 in viral hepatitis, HIV-HCV coinfection, and NAFLD, with limited comparative or combination studies for other chronic liver diseases.

Anatomical cup implantation assisted with dynamic 3D planning improves functional outcomes in primary total hip arthroplasty: A retrospective study.

Anatomical cup implantation is a promising approach in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and improves functional outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the cup position and functional outcomes in primary THA with preoperative dynamic 3D planning. We retrospectively reviewed 54 hips in 48 patients who underwent primary THA with anatomical cup implantation (mean follow-up time: 52months). Cup positions were evaluated based on patient-specific morphology, the acetabular fossa and the combined anteversion test. Functional outcomes were assessed after THA. The paired-sample t-test was performed for surgical and contralateral native hips among 42 patients who underwent unilateral THA. Two hips suffered intraoperative trochanteric fracture, but no hip dislocations occurred. No patients reported groin or thigh pain, and all patients were capable of deep squatting and one-leg standing. The mean Harris hip score, WOMAC score, and physical SF-36 score were 94.46 ± 6.16, 10.41 ± 3.62, and 95.19 ± 8.74, respectively. Except for acetabular offset, THA restored biomechanics to those of contralateral native hip, including cup anteversion, abduction, femoral offset and acetabular height (P> 0.05). This study provided evidence for the application of anatomical cup implantation assisted with dynamic 3D planning in primary THA, which restored morphology and improved functional outcomes.

Simultaneous Detection of Antigen and Antibodies of African Swine Fever in a Novel Combo Lateral Flow Assay.

African swine fever (ASF) is a contagious disease of wild boar and domestic pigs notifiable to the World Organisation for Animal Health due to its high socio-economic impact. ASF is caused by the complex ASF virus (ASFV), and it can present different clinical manifestations that can be confused with other diseases; for this reason, laboratory testing is necessary for the proper diagnosis of clinically suspected animals. Despite the efforts put into it over decades, no treatment or safe vaccine is globally available, and disease control is based on early diagnosis and the implementation of strict biosecurity measures. In this context, rapid tests have the potential to accelerate and facilitate the identification of infected animals by giving fast on-site results. In this work, we improved the available point-of-care assays for the diagnosis of the disease by the development of a more specific antigen test and a more sensitive antibody test. This antibody detection test allowed for the earlier detection of infected animals than two commercial indirect ELISAs (statistically significant). Moreover, we developed a combined dual rapid test, unifying, in the same cassette, an antigen detection strip and an antibody detection strip. In this study, we confirmed that this combo approach is a useful tool for implementing rapid tests in the field since it increases the percentage of positive samples detected, even when PCR turns negative, while maintaining a good specificity.

Eco-friendly road construction: Harnessing fly ash and waste marble powder for sustainable road construction using a fuzzy logic assessment

&lt;p&gt;More than seventy percent of mineral gets wasted during mining and polishing processing, and all this dumped waste threatens the aquifer. Utilizing this waste in construction works helps to reduce the environmental effects. This research aims to protect the environment by implementing mineral waste collected from neyveli lignite fly ash with waste marble waste powder in road-base construction. Accessing the different required combinations of mineral admixtures through laboratory tests poses a challenge. This study identify a suitable combination of fly ash with waste marble powder for assessing the compaction properties and compressive strength for road base construction through fuzzy logic. A fuzzy model was created by using MATLAB software. It consists of two input and four output parameters, fly ash and marble waste powder are the input parameters with four different combinations, and the output factors are dry unit weight, water content, unconfined compressive strength and CBR. The fuzzy model was evaluated with laboratory test results. The study concluded that only a minimum percentage of deviations between the predicted strength and actual results from the laboratory. In future research, this study helps to reduce the time and cost of laboratory tests for different combinations.&lt;/p&gt;&#x0D;

Research on a Vibrationally Tuned Directional Seed Supply Method Based on ADAMS-EDEM Coupling and the Optimization of System Parameters

We have combined the theory of bulk dynamics and the agronomic requirements of precision sowing with the aim of resolving the technical problems of poor seed mobility and the difficulty in controlling suction posture, which leads to an increase in the leakage rate and a reduction in seed qualification index scores. In this study, a vibrationally tuned directional seed supply method and system are proposed. We carried out a force analysis of seeds, constructed kinematic equations for seeds and seed boxes to specify the state of the seed motion, and determined the structural parameters and the range of structural parameters that affect the seed suction posture. In addition, we coupled the ADAMS-EDEM simulation of the motion process of the seed and seed boxes and analyzed the vibrational tuning process of the seeds and the angle of inclination of the bottom surface of the seed box. The speed of the eccentric wheel and the eccentric distance were used as test factors. Three-factor and three-level Box–Behnken central combination testing with a single-grain rate, multiple-grain rate, and cavity rate were used as response indicators. Mathematical models were obtained between the experimental factors and the response indicators. Multi-objective optimization of mathematical regression models was carried out with Design-Expert 10.0.4 software. The optimal parameter combination obtained was a tilt angle of 14.27°, an eccentric wheel speed of 4.48 rad/s, and an eccentricity of 1.94 mm. The rate of single grains was 90.75%, the rate of multiple grains was 3.63%, and the rate of cavities was 5.62%. In bench performance tests, using an angle of inclination of 14°, the speed of the eccentric wheel was 4.50 rad/s and the eccentricity was 2 mm. The mean value of the single-grain rate was 89.28%, the mean value of the multiple-grain rate was 3.89%, and the mean value of the cavity rate was 6.83%. The test error was within permissible limits, and reliable results were achieved for parameter optimization. The results met the technical requirements for precision sowing. The results of the study can provide academic references for theoretical research on the methodology of posturing and directional seed supply. They can also provide ideas for the design and development of seed supply systems for precision sowing machinery.

Risk factors for surgical site infection in patients undergoing obstetrics and gynecology surgeries: A meta-analysis of observational studies.

The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) in patients undergoing obstetrics and gynecology surgeries through meta-analysis. Relevant original studies published from January 1945 to May 2023 were searched the CBM, PubMed, Embase, WOS, CNKI, Wanfang, vip, and Cochrane Library databases. Studies eligible were evaluated by two investigators following Newcastle-Ottawa Scale(NOS) criteria. Review Manager 5.3 software was used to analyse the combined effect sizes and test for heterogeneity, and Stata 14.0 software's Begg's Test and Egger's Test were used to test for bias. 13 case-control articles, including 860 cases in the case group and 13574 cases in the control group, met the inclusion criteria. Eventually, Our meta-analysis showed that SSI in patients undergoing obstetrics and gynecology surgeries was correlated with body mass index (BMI)≥24 (OR = 2.66; P < 0.0001), malignant lesions (OR = 4.65; P < 0.0001), operating time≥60min (OR = 2.58; P < 0.0001), intraoperative bleeding≥300ml (OR = 2.54; P < 0.0001), retained urinary catheter (OR = 4.45; P < 0.0001), and vaginal digital examination≥3times (OR = 2.52; P < 0.0001). In this study, BMI≥24, intraoperative bleeding≥300ml, malignant lesions, operating time≥60min, retained urinary catheter, and vaginal digital examination≥3times were considered as independent risk factors for SSI in obstetrics and gynecology surgery. It is recommended that scholars be rigorous in designing the experimental process when conducting case-control or experimental studies in order to improve the quality of the study. Controlling patients' weight before obstetrical and gynecological surgery, shortening the operation time intraoperatively, and strictly controlling the indications of vaginal digital examination and retained urinary catheter can effectively reduce the incidence of SSI.