Cost-effective Analytical Method Research Articles

A Novel Image Processing Technique for Weighted Particle Size Distribution Assessment

Objective The objective of the study was to create a reliable method that could be used to evaluate the particle size distribution of samples and pre-mixes in real-world situations, particularly those consisting of typical formulation blends. The goal was to use this method to assess the uniformity of the samples and ensure that they met the required quality standards. The researchers aimed to create a method that could be easily incorporated into the manufacturing process, providing a practical and efficient solution. Significance of review This study demonstrates the use of ImageJ software to analyze the particle size distribution (PSD) of powders. The technique produces qualitative data from microscopy images and quantitative data from analysis of parameters including average diameter, D 10, D 50 , D 90, and standard deviation. The method was tested with various treatments, showing differentiating outcomes in all cases. Key findings The alternate technique provides a rapid and cost-effective method for PSD analysis, surpassing the limitations of sieve analysis. Extensive testing of the method, using a variety of sample types, including typical formulation blends, was performed. The results suggest that the method can effectively assess the morphology of changing materials during batch manufacturing and characterize uniformity in blends. Conclusions The methodology has the capability to identify attributes related to PSD that are typically required to be monitored during manufacturing. The technique allows for accurate and reliable quantification of the attributes through image capture technology. The technique has future potential and has important implications for material science, powder rheology, pharmaceutical formulation development, and continual process monitoring.

Properties of processing and data acquisition methods in test methods of chemical analysis

Chemical analysis is a crucial source of information for assessing the state of the environment, evaluating the human body condition, and serving as a diagnostic tool for detecting diseases and more. The use of simple, rapid, and cost-effective analysis methods without the need for specialized laboratory conditions and personnel with specific qualifications, such as test methods, contributes to the effective implementation of well-known techniques for analyzing the chemical composition of environmental objects and for use in the field of healthcare. Scanner indication of the analytical signal in chemical analysis is an objective, fast, and automated method for assessing the color characteristics of colored samples. The use of scanner indication in obtaining the analytical signal eliminates errors associated with subjective evaluation and assists individuals with color vision impairments, speeding up data collection and processing operations. Considering and controlling the light source in scanning systems is crucial to ensuring the stability and accuracy of obtained images under different lighting conditions. To obtain the analytical signal, it is primarily necessary to process the image to obtain the region of interest, which is determined by segmentation, manual methods, and using image processing techniques. The analysis of obtained values is carried out by constructing a linear or nonlinear relationship of color values in the selected color model converted to a single value of the analytical signal to concentration. Most existing systems for scanner detection of the analytical signal in analytical test methods require human involvement in obtaining and interpreting results, limiting the application areas of these methods of analytical signal indication. Further research is focused on creating a reliable method for obtaining the analytical signal using a smartphone camera based on image processing techniques, allowing for the automation of obtaining, processing, and improving the reproducibility of results in chemical test analyses.

Failure Analysis and Technical Development of Electronic Components

The failure analysis involves researching a product to identify its failure mechanism and components. This allows for targeted improvements to prevent subsequent issues and enhance the product’s stability. In the context of electronic component failure analysis, testing and analysis are employed to elucidate the failure process and identify the underlying causes, ensuring the smooth operation of components. This paper introduces some simple and cost-effective analysis methods. During the electronic component failure analysis, sensory examination and internal analysis can aid in judgment. Leveraging extensive analysis experience and utilizing relevant facilities correctly can lead to cost reduction and an increased success rate.

Analytical Review on Newly Approved Antidiabetic and Antihypertensive Drugs

Diabetes and hypertension are the principal causes of death all over the world. Both diabetes and hypertension coexist frequently. Managing both is a multi-faced task requiring extensive care. Therapeutic intervention optimization and ensuring patient safety are the results of assessing medications in biological samples. The development of an analytical technique specific to the measurement of a medicinal chemical in a certain matrix requires careful consideration of the various equipment options and an understanding of their relative capabilities with regard to selectivity, sensitivity, usability, speed of investigation, etc. This article aimed to systematically analyze many popular quantitative analytical techniques for measuring some newly approved antidiabetic and antihypertensive drugs in pharmaceutical planning. Several chromatographic techniques have been employed for quantitative research into these pharmaceuticals. Rapid, accurate, cost-effective, and straightforward drug analysis methods are now essential for developing and using new technologies.

Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for Monitoring the Biochemical Changes Due to DNA Mutations Induced by CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing in the Aspergillus niger Fungus.

In this study, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technique, along with principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), is used as a simple, quick, and cost-effective analysis method for identifying biochemical changes occurring due to induced mutations in the Aspergillus niger fungus strain. The goal of this study is to identify the biochemical changes in the mutated fungal cells (cell mass) as compared to the control/nonmutated cells. Furthermore, multivariate data analysis tools, including PCA and PLS-DA, are used to further confirm the differentiating SERS spectral features among fungal samples. The mutations are caused in A. niger by the clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeat CRISPR-Cas9 genomic editing method to improve their biotechnological potential for the production of cellulase enzyme. SERS was employed to detect the changes in the cells of mutated A. niger fungal strains, including one mutant producing low levels of an enzyme and another mutant producing high levels of the enzyme as a result of mutation as compared with an unmutated fungal strain as a control sample. The distinctive features of SERS corresponding to nucleic acids and proteins appear at 546, 622, 655, 738, 802, 835, 959, 1025, 1157, 1245, 1331, 1398, and 1469 cm-1. Furthermore, PLS-DA is used to confirm the 89% accuracy, 87.7% precision, 87% sensitivity, and 88.9% specificity of this method, and the value of the area under the curve (AUROC) is 0.67. It has been shown that surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is an effective method for identifying and differentiating biochemical changes in genome-modified fungal samples.

MtDNA analysis using Mitopore

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis is crucial for diagnosis of mitochondrial disorders, forensic investigations, and basic research, but existing pipelines are complex, expensive, and require specialized personnel. In many cases, including the diagnosis of detrimental single nucleotide variants (SNVs), mtDNA analysis is still carried out using Sanger sequencing. Here, we developed a simple workflow and a publicly available webserver named Mitopore that allows the detection of mtDNA SNVs, indels and haplogroups. To simplify mtDNA analysis, we tailored our workflow to process noisy long-read sequencing data for mtDNA analysis, focusing on sequence alignment and parameter optimization. We implemented Mitopore with eliBQ (eliminate Bad Quality reads), an innovative quality enhancement that allows to increase per base quality of over 20 % for low-quality data. The whole Mitopore workflow and webserver were validated using patient-derived and induced pluripotent stem cells harboring mtDNA mutations. Mitopore streamlines mtDNA analysis as an easy-to-use fast, reliable, and cost-effective analysis method for both long- and short-read sequencing data. This significantly enhances the accessibility of mtDNA analysis and reduces the cost per sample, contributing to the progress of mtDNA-related research and diagnosis.

Analisis Efektivitas Biaya Penggunaan Kombinasi Doksetaksel Doksorubisin dan Kombinasi Siklofosfamid - Doksorubisin pada Pasien Kanker Payudara Stadium II di RSUD X Bungo Tahun 2022

Breast cancer is cancer that occurs in the mammary glands due to cell malignancy or uncontrolled growth of cells from the gland cells and their ducts.Cancer treatment has consumed BPJS funding of approximately 7.6 trillion rupiah at 2019 – 2020 years. This study is needed to determine the ratio of treatment effectiveness and the average cost comparison of the drug combinations Doxetaxel-Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide-Doxorubicin at X Bungo General Hospital in 2022. Cost Effectiveness Analysis Method (Cost Effectiveness Analysis) is an analysis by looking at the effectiveness of treatment seen from medical record information and calculating the value of ACER and ICER.The object of this study is the Regional General Hospital (RSUD) in Bungo Regency. It is known that the component of direct medical costs is in the form of BPJS payments. Based on the ACER value, it shows that Cyclophosphamide - Doxorubicin has a lower ACER value than the ACER value for Doxetaxel - Doxorubicin. It can be concluded that Cyclophosphamide - Doxorubicin has a cost-effectiveness value, namely cost-effective and effective therapy compared to Doxetaxel - Doxorubicin.

Extended cost-effectiveness analysis of interventions to improve uptake of diabetes services in South Africa.

The rising prevalence of diabetes in South Africa (SA), coupled with significant levels of unmet need for diagnosis and treatment, results in high rates of diabetes-associated complications. Income status is a determinant of utilization of diagnosis and treatment services, with transport costs and loss of wages being key barriers to care. A conditional cash transfer (CCT) programme, targeted to compensate for such costs, may improve service utilization. We applied extended cost-effectiveness analysis (ECEA) methods and used a Markov model to compare the costs, health benefits and financial risk protection (FRP) attributes of a CCT programme. A population was simulated, drawing from SA-specific data, which transitioned yearly through various health states, based on specific probabilities obtained from local data, over a 45-year time horizon. Costs and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were applied to each health state. Three CCT programme strategies were simulated and compared to a 'no programme' scenario: (1) covering diagnosis services only; (2) covering treatment services only; (3) covering both diagnosis and treatment services. Cost-effectiveness was reported as incremental net monetary benefit (INMB) using a cost-effectiveness threshold of USD3015 per DALY for SA, while FRP outcomes were reported as catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) cases averted. Distributions of the outcomes were reported by income quintile and sex. Covering both diagnosis and treatment services for the bottom two quintiles resulted in the greatest INMB (USD22 per person) and the greatest CHE cases averted. There were greater FRP benefits for women compared to men. A CCT programme covering diabetes diagnosis and treatment services was found to be cost-effective, when provided to the poorest 40% of the SA population. ECEA provides a useful platform for including equity considerations to inform priority setting and implementation policies in SA.

Micromeria biflora mediated gold and silver nanoparticles for colourimetric detection of antibiotics and dyes degradation

The study reports on synthesis of aqueous extract mediated gold and silver nanoparticles of M. biflora (MBAuNPs and MBAgNPs) via hydrated chloroauric acid and silver nitrate salts. The nanoparticles (NPs) were produced in 1:15 (MBAuNPs) and 1:6 (MBAgNPs) ratios under sunlight displaying localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peaks at 541 and 431 nm, respectively. The sizes characterized by transmission electron, scanning electron, and atomic force microscopic (SEM, TEM, AFM) techniques were respectively 26.73 nm and 53.81 nm. The subject NPs demonstrated application in the degradation of methylene blue, Congo red, Rhodamine B, methyl orange, ortho-nitrophenol, and para-nitrophenol ranging from 65 to 86 %. For detection of levofloxacin, amoxicillin, and azithromycin antibiotics, the MBAuNPs and MBAgNPs exhibited efficiency in real water and biological (blood plasma and urine) samples. Conclusively, the MBAuNPs and MBAgNPs applications for dyes degradation and antibiotics detection was found as simple and cost-effective analytical method.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of encorafenib and binimetinib combination as first-line treatment for metastatic or unresectable <i>BRAF</i> V600-mutated metastatic melanoma in Russia

Objective: to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of using encorafenib and binimetinib combination in the first-line therapy for metastatic or unresectable BRAF V600-mutated melanoma in the Russian Federation. Material and methods. The comparators included “dabrafenib + trametinib” combination and vemurafenib monotherapy, which are listed in the Russian clinical guidelines and the Vital and Essential Drugs List. Since “encorafenib and binimetinib” combination demonstrated superior overall response rate compared to “dabrafenib + trametinib” and vemurafenib monotherapy, the method of cost-effectiveness analysis was used. We developed a disease progression model based on data from the COLUMBUS randomized control trial and published network meta-analysis. The model was used to calculate the direct medical costs associated with the considered alternatives over a 3-year modeling horizon. We compared the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for “encorafenib + binimetinib” vs. “dabrafenib + trametinib” to the same ratio calculated for “dabrafenib + trametinib” vs. vemurafenib monotherapy.Results. Mean costs of using “encorafenib + binimetinib” combination over a 3-year period, considering the discontinuation of treatment as the disease progresses, was 6,547,693.07 rubles. Meanwhile, it was 5,962,742.52 rubles for “dabrafenib + trametinib” and 2,581,781.45 rubles for vemurafenib monotherapy. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of “encorafenib + binimetinib” vs. “dabrafenib + trametinib” was 3,846,818.71 rubles per 1 patient with a response to therapy. This was 85.14% lower than the same ratio estimated for “dabrafenib + trametinib” vs. vemurafenib monotherapy (25,890,022.64 rubles per 1 patient with a response to therapy).Conclusion. The “encorafenib + binimetinib” combination is a cost-effective treatment method for patients with unresectable or metastatic BRAF V600-mutated melanoma in the Russian Federation.

Simultaneous determination of ergothioneine, selenoneine, and their methylated metabolites in human blood using ID-LC-MS/MS.

Ergothioneine and selenoneine are structurally related dietary antioxidants and cytoprotectants that may help prevent several chronic diseases associated with inflammation and aging. Both compounds share pharmacokinetic characteristics such as cellular uptake through the ergothioneine transporter, accumulation in red blood cells, and biotransformation to methylated metabolites. A rapid, sensitive, specific, precise, and cost-effective analytical method is required to further investigate the potential health benefits of these compounds, individually or combined, in large epidemiological studies. We developed and validated an isotope-dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous specific quantification of these analytes in human blood following a simple sample preparation consisting of dilution in aqueous dithiothreitol followed by centrifugal filtration. Chromatographic separation of the analytes is achieved using a reversed-phase chromatography within an 8-min run. Analyte detection is performed using triple quadrupole mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring mode. Each analyte is quantified against its corresponding isotopically labeled internal standard either commercially available or synthesized in-house (77Se-labeled selenoneine compounds). The validated method demonstrates excellent linearity and very good precision (all CV < 10%). Matrix effects are minimal, suggesting that this method could easily be adapted to other matrices. Freeze/thaw cycles have little effect on methylated metabolites but significantly reduced concentrations of the parent compounds. The method was successfully applied to a small set of volunteer blood samples containing low levels of the analytes. The developed ID-LC-MS/MS method opens new avenues for exploring the roles of these bioactive compounds and their metabolites in human health and disease.

Molecular basis and genetics of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasias.

Ectodermal dysplasia (ED) is a heterogeneous group of hereditary diseases of the skin and its appendages, which are characterized by impaired development and/or homeostasis of two or more ectoderm derivatives, including: hair, teeth, nails, sweat glands and their modifications (mammary glands, for instance). The overall prevalence of ectodermal dysplasia remains precisely unknown not only in Russia, but also in the world, nor is known the contribution of individual genes to its structure. This complicates the DNA diagnosis establishment of this disease due to the lack of an accurate diagnostic algorithm and a universal cost-effective method of analysis. To date, the most highly-researched genes involved in the development of anhydrous or hypohidrotic forms of ED are EDA, EDAR, EDARADD and WNT10A. The ectodysplasin A (EDA) gene is the cause of the most common X-linked form of ED, a gene from the Wnt family (WNT10A) is responsible for the autosomal recessive form of the disease, and two other genes (EDAR and EDARADD) can cause both autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant forms. This review provides the characteristics of the genes involved in ED, their mutation spectra, the level of their expression in human tissues, as well as the interrelation of the aforementioned genes. The domain structures of the corresponding proteins are considered, as well as the molecular genetic pathways in which they are involved. Animal models for studying this disorder are also taken into consideration. Due to the cross-species genes conservation, their mutations cause the disruption of the development of ectoderm derivatives not only in humans, but also in mice, cows, dogs, and even fish. It can be exploited for a better understanding of the etiopathogenesis of ectodermal dysplasias. Moreover, this article brings up the possibility of recurrent mutations in the EDA and WNT10A genes. The review also presents data on promising approaches for intrauterine ED treatment.

Solvent-Assisted Laser Desorption Flexible Microtube Plasma Mass Spectrometry for Direct Analysis of Dried Samples on Paper.

The present study investigated the potential for solvent-assisted laser desorption coupled with flexible microtube plasma ionization mass spectrometry (SALD-FμTP-MS) as a rapid analytical technique for direct analysis of surface-deposited samples. Paper was used as the demonstrative substrate, and an infrared hand-held laser was employed for sample desorption, aiming to explore cost-effective sampling and analysis methods. SALD-FμTP-MS offers several advantages, particularly for biofluid analysis, including affordability, the ability to analyze low sample volumes (<10 μL), expanded chemical coverage, sample and substrate stability, and in situ analysis and high throughput potential. The optimization process involved exploring the use of viscous solvents with high boiling points as liquid matrices. This approach aimed to enhance desorption and ionization efficiencies. Ethylene glycol (EG) was identified as a suitable solvent, which not only improved sensitivity but also ensured substrate stability during analysis. Furthermore, the addition of cosolvents such as acetonitrile/water (1:1) and ethyl acetate further enhanced sensitivity and reproducibility for a standard solution containing amphetamine, imazalil, and cholesterol. Optimized conditions for reproducible and sensitive analysis were determined as 1000 ms of laser exposure time using a 1 μL solvent mixture of 60% EG and 40% acetonitrile (ACN)/water (1:1). A mixture of 60% EG and 40% ACN/water (1:1) resulted in signal enhancements and relative standard deviations of 12, 20, and 13% for the evaluated standards, respectively. The applicability of SALD-FμTP-MS was further evaluated by successfully analyzing food, water, and biological samples, highlighting the potential of SALD-FμTP-MS analysis, particularly for thermolabile and polarity diverse compounds.

A-143 Imaging Flow Cytometry: A Novel Method Using ADVIA 2120i System Reagents and Microscopic Image Analysis

Abstract Background Flow cytometry based ADVIA 2120i Hematology System reagents are used to modify blood cells. Laser-scattering flow cytometry replaced with digital microscopic image analysis significantly simplifies the complex system to a compact, low-cost microscope. A novel method for imaging flow cytometry is proposed here that simultaneously generates complete blood count (CBC) and high-resolution images of blood cells. Methods Image processing algorithms are implemented to process the pixels containing blood cells. RBCs are made isovolumetrically spherical using the RBC reagent (Fig. 1A) and imaged. RBC volumes are easily determined from the diameter of the isovolumetrically spherical RBCs. By illuminating the spherical RBCs with approximately400 nm light, the increasing grayscale values of the pixels corresponds to increasing haemoglobin concentration due to absorption. WBC nuclei are stained using the Perox reagent (Fig. 1B). The grayscale values of the nuclei pixels can be used to determine the peroxidase stain component, thereby obtaining cell size-to-peroxidase activity scatter plots similar to those on the ADVIA 2120i system. Using the Baso reagent, the cytoplasm of all WBCs are stripped off except for basophils, as shown in Fig. 1C. All the microscopic images have good contrast and high resolution. Image processing techniques can thus provide a 5-part differential using the nuclei/lobular density of WBCs. Results Images were obtained under a 20×x Nikon microscope with a Thorlabs DCC1545M monochrome camera. ADVIA reagents were mixed with venous blood and &amp;lt;5 µL of reagent treated sample was spotted between a microscopic slide and coverslip. Image analysis was performed using ImageJ particle analysis tools. Conclusion Analysis of digital microscopic images of blood cells acted upon by ADVIA 2120i system reagents can offer a novel, simplified, cost-effective method of hematology analysis. Simultaneous CBC scatter plots and high-resolution images of the blood cells can be obtained using this new approach.Fig. 1.(a) Isovolumetricallly spherical RBCs, (b) peroxidase stain of WBC nuclei, and (c) cytoplasm of WBCs stripped off (except for basophils). Images taken under a 20× Nikon microscope. *Under development and not available for commercial sale.

Validation of a Cost-Effective RP-HPLC Method for Quantitative Investigation of Daclatasvir Dihydrochloride in Pharmaceutical Formulations

A well-known direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drug called daclatasvir may be used to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Herein, we reported a selective, precise, and a cost-effective analytical method for the measurement of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) of daclatasvir dihydrochloride in drug substances as well as drug products via the reversed-phase RP-HPLC technique. To obtain greater separation, the majority of the chromatographic conditions were improved. Best separation findings were achieved under chromatographic conditions with an HPLC column of USP L1 (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) by utilizing a combination of acetonitrile and buffer solution of KH2PO4 (30 : 70, v/v) as a mobile phase at a stream rate of 1 mL.min−1 with a finding at 300 nm and a column temperature of 40°C. Linearity was examined in the range of 90–210 ppm (R2 = 0.999) for daclatasvir dihydrochloride. The new technique has been verified using industry-recognized criteria, including applicability, system precision, accuracy, robustness, specificity, range, linearity, quantification limit, reagent stability, and detection limit. All the measured metrics were determined to be within acceptable limits using the criteria of the Worldwide Council for Harmonisation (ICH). In pharmaceutical labs, daclatasvir dihydrochloride may be analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using the well-established RP-HPLC technique. Our study also highlights the need to evaluate the greenness of the method developed using a recognized tool ,i.e., Analytical Greenness Metrics (AGREE).

Cost-effectiveness analysis of Chaiyin Granules in treatment of influenza

This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of Chaiyin Granules compared with Oseltamivir Phosphate Capsules in the treatment of influenza(exogenous wind-heat syndrome). Based on a randomized, double-blind, positive drug parallel control clinical trial, this study evaluated the pharmacoeconomics of Chaiyin Granules with cost-effectiveness analysis method. A total of 116 patients with influenza from eight hospitals(grade Ⅱ level A above) in 6 cities were selected in this study, including 78 cases in the experimental group with Chaiyin Granules and Oseltamivir Phosphate Capsules placebo, and 38 cases in the control group with Oseltamivir Phosphate Capsules and Chaiyin Granules placebo. The total cost of this study included direct medical cost, direct non-medical cost, and indirect cost. The remission time of clinical symptoms, cure time/cure rate, antipyretic onset time/complete antipyretic time, viral nucleic acid negative rate, and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndrome curative effect were selected as the effect indicators for cost-effectiveness analysis. Four-quadrant diagram was used to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. The results showed that Chaiyin Granules were not inferior to Oseltamivir Phosphate Capsules in the remission time of clinical symptoms of influenza(3.1 d vs 2.9 d, P=0.360, non-inferiority margin was 0.5 d). Compared with Oseltamivir Phosphate Capsules, Chaiyin Granules would delay the remission time of clinic symptoms of influenza for 1 d, but could save 213.9 yuan. 1 d delay in cure time could save 149.3 yuan; 1% reduction in the cure rate could save 8.2 yuan; 1 d delay in antipyretic onset time could save 295.4 yuan; 1 d delay in complete antipyretic time could save 114.3 yuan; 1% reduction in the 5-day cure rate of TCM syndrome could save 19.2 yuan. Different from other indicators, there was no statistically significant difference between two groups in the effect of negative conversion rate of viral nucleic acid, but the cost was lower and the effect was superior, and the pharmacoeconomics was not different from that of Oseltamivir Phosphate Capsules in the field of influenza treatment.

Cost-effective smartphone-based method for low range chemical oxygen demand analysis

Aiming the decentralization of monitoring policies and to facilitate the work of researchers, mainly in developing countries, the present method deals with the explanation of a simple and rapid protocol for chemical oxygen demand (COD) analysis through the use of digital smartphone devices coupled with a camera and a free app available for Android operating system that recognizes HSV (hue, saturation, value). The calibration of the method is done based on the theoretical values of potassium hydrogen phthalate for a proper and reliable build of the calibration curve by using the smartphone-based technique and the digested samples of COD. The coefficient of determination (R2) attained a value upper than 0.99, providing a high confidence levels, and the method achieved 97% of average accuracy in samples with COD values ranging from 0 to 150 mg L−1. Finally, the procedure here presented can be a great support for scientific laboratories and monitoring policies, once it can efficiently substitute expensive spectrophotometers and can improve and ensure the sustainable management of water sanitation, which is one of the sustainable goals proposed by the United Nations.•COD measurements, based on the use of a simple smartphone with a camera, can be a promising way for environmental analysis when spectrophotometers are not available, such as decentralized approaches.•The use of smartphone protocol is a novel initiative to fulfill sustainable development goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.•The smartphone is capable to read the difference of HSV values efficiently and can substitute the use of expensive spectrophotometers.

Comparative verification of Mehlich 3 soil analysis methods in Northern Mozambique using microwave plasma–atomic emission spectrometry

ABSTRACT Regular testing of nutrients in soil samples is important for understanding soil fertility. This study investigated a combination of the Mehlich 3 extraction method and Microwave Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (MP – AES) for testing the nutrient status in soil to establish a labor-saving and cost-effective analytical method in Northern Mozambique. Available P, exchangeable cations, and micronutrients in the Mehlich 3 extract were measured using conventional methods and compared with those quantified using MP – AES to determine its accuracy. Linear regression analysis implied a high correlation between the Available P extracted via Mehlich 3 and quantified using MP – AES and that extracted via Mehlich 3, Bray 1, Olsen, and Mehlich 1 and quantified using UV – Vis. Moreover, a high determination coefficient (R2 = 0.920) was observed between Mehlich 3 quantified using MP – AES and that quantified using UV – Vis spectroscopy with a low root mean square error (RMSE = 9.245), MP – AES may have accuracy comparable to conventional methods. Linear regression of the exchangeable cations extracted using the Mehlich 3 method and quantified using MP – AES and those extracted using the 1 M NH4OAc method and quantified using ICP – AES revealed that the coefficients of determination of Ca, Mg, and K were 0.952, 0.878, and 0.826, respectively. The coefficient of determination for Na was small at 0.101. For the micronutrients, Mehlich 3 extraction with MP – AES quantification method showed a correlation with the conventional DTPA method; specifically, a strong correlation was observed for Cu and Zn. Although the correlation for Fe and Mn was also high, it was less accurate than that for the other elements. The method used in this study is considered effective for estimating field variability. To convert to conventional methods, variation in available elemental content between sites with different local soil properties should be considered.

Reconstructing the value puzzle in health technology assessment: a pragmatic review to determine which modelling methods can account for additional value elements.

Health technology assessment (HTA) has traditionally relied on cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) as a cornerstone of evaluation of new therapies, assessing the clinical validity and utility, the efficacy, and the cost-effectiveness of new interventions. The current format of cost-effectiveness analysis, however, does not allow for inclusion of more holistic aspects of health and, therefore, value elements for new technologies such as the impact on patients and society beyond its pure clinical and economic value. This study aimed to review the recent modelling attempts to expand the traditional cost-effectiveness analysis approach by incorporating additional elements of value in health technology assessment. A pragmatic literature review was conducted for articles published between 2012 and 2022 reporting cost-effectiveness analysis including value aspects beyond the clinical and cost-effectiveness estimates; searches identified 13 articles that were eligible for inclusion. These expanded modelling approaches mainly focused on integrating the impact of societal values and health equity in cost-effectiveness analysis, both of which were championed as important aspects of health technology assessment that should be incorporated into future technology assessments. The reviewed cost-effectiveness analysis methods included modification of the current cost-effectiveness analysis methodology (distributional cost-effectiveness analysis, augmented cost-effectiveness analysis, extended cost-effectiveness analysis) or the use of multi-criteria decision analysis. Of these approaches, augmented cost-effectiveness analysis appears to have the most potential by expanding traditional aspects of value, as it uses techniques already familiar to health technology assessment agencies but also allows space for incorporation of qualitative aspects of a product's value. This review showcases that methods to unravel additional value elements for technology assessment exist, therefore, patient access to promising technologies can be improved by moving the discussion from "if" to "how" additional value elements can inform decision-making.

A splinkerette PCR-based genome walking technique for the identification of transgene integration sites in CHO cells.

Identification of recombinant gene integrations sites in the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell genome is increasingly important to assure monoclonality. While next-generation sequencing (NGS) is commonly used for the gene integration site analysis, it is a time-consuming and costly technique as it analyzes the entire genome. Hence, simple, easy, and inexpensive methods to analyze transgene insertion sites are necessary. To selectively capture the integration site of transgene in the CHO genome, we applied splinkerette-PCR (spPCR). SpPCR is an adaptor ligation-based method using splinkerette adaptors that have a stable hairpin loop. Restriction enzymes with high frequencies in the CHO genome were chosen using a Python script and used for the in vitro spPCR assay development. After testing on two CHO housekeeping genes with known loci, the spPCR-based genome walking technique was successfully applied to recombinant CHO cells to identify the transgene integration site. Finally, the comparison with NGS methods exhibited that the time and cost required for the analysis can be substantially reduced. Taken together, the established technique would aid the stable cell line development process by providing a rapid and cost-effective method for transgene integration site analysis.