Establishment Of Quality Standards Research Articles

Development and Implementation of National Time in Therapeutic Range Reports and Establishing Quality Standards Within Veterans Health Administration.

Development and Implementation of National Time in Therapeutic Range Reports and Establishing Quality Standards Within Veterans Health Administration.

Studi Mutu Air Sungai Cibaligo Kota Cimahi Provinsi Jawa Barat dengan Metode Indeks Pencemar

Cibaligo River is the polluted rivers in Cimahi City. The river that flows through three districts and 6 sub-districts in Cimahi City catchment area of 666.19 hectares of watershed with a total length of 7 km. The land use of the district through which this river passes is domestic, trade, agriculture, livestock and industry whose waste will end into the Cibaligo River. The impact of these activities causes the river to be polluted and a decrease in water quality. The purpose of this study was to determine the status of water quality from upstream to downstream which represents the transition, dry, and rainy seasons. Knowledge of water quality status can be used as basic data for controlling water pollution in rivers. The pollutant index (IP) method used in this study is in accordance with the Decree of the State Minister for the Environment Number 115 of 2003 concerning guidelines for determining water quality status. The results showed that the water quality status of the Cibaligo River from upstream to downstream represented that each season was categorized as heavily polluted with the highest index value being in the rainy season at the downstream point. The main contributor that causes river water to be heavily polluted is domestic wastewater, especially the presence of total coliform and fecal coliform that exceed the established quality standards. Based on the results of the research, efforts to tackle domestic waste are needed to improve the quality of this river water.

Bile acid derivatives-focused chemical profiling in snake bile

As a precious traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), snake bile has been widely used in numerous Chinese medicine prescriptions. Bile acid(BA) derivatives have been demonstrated as the primary chemical family in snake bile. In-depth chemical characterization of BAs is of great importance towards the establishment of quality standards and clarification of the effective material basis for snake bile. This study firstly employed ~1H-NMR to preliminarily analyze the chemical profiles of snake bile, an automated fraction collector was subsequently implemented to obtain the fractions-of-interest. The fraction was then concentrated and re-analyzed by LC-MS. Based on ~1H-NMR, BAs were found to be the main components of snake bile, and six BAs including CDCA, CA, TCDCA, TCA, TDCA and GCA were tentatively identified from the representative spectrum with the assistance of literature and reference compounds. Whereas the content of TCA in snake bile was too great, resulting in a great obstacle for the detection of trace components, the automated fraction collector was subsequently implemented to obtain the fractions-of-interest for LC-MS analysis. According to matching MS/MS information and retention time with reference compounds as well as database retrieval, a total of 57 BAs were detected and annotated. Because of the combination of ~1H-NMR and LC-MS platforms, the findings are beneficial for the in-depth characterization of BAs in snake bile, which provides references for the establishment of quality control and evaluation methods of snake bile.

TEORES DE VANÁDIO, MOLIBDÊNIO E ANTIMÔNIO EM SOLOS DE DIFERENTES LITOLOGIAS EM SANTA CATARINA

VANADIUM, MOLYBDENUM AND ANTIMONY CONTENTS IN SOILS OF DIFFERENT LITHOLOGIES IN SANTA CATARINA. Trace element levels knowledge in soils is important for establishing quality standards. This study has objective to determine levels of vanadium (V), molybdenum (Mo) and antimony (Sb) in soils from Santa Catarina, observing the different source materials and establishing relationships between these elements and soil properties. The extractions occurred according to USEPA 3051 A protocol, with nitric and hydrochloric acid addition for V and Mo and only with hydrochloric acid for Sb. The quantification of V and Mo occurred by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and of Sb by hydride generation inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The results were submitted to variance analysis and Scott-Knott test and evaluated by Pearson’s correlation with soil attributes. V and Mo contents differed between soils of different source materials. Highest V levels were found in andesite and basalt soils and Mo in porphyry phonolite, granite, mica schist and sedimentary rocks. V and Sb showed a positive correlation with each other and with oxides of iron, silt, and organic carbon. Mo showed a negative correlation with cation exchange capacity (CEC), iron oxides and organic carbon

Childcare and education quality assurance at private preschools: A case study in Hanoi, Vietnam

Research on quality assurance (QA) over nurturing, caring and educating preschool children is an urgent and crucial issue, especially at private preschools. Using questionnaire survey methods, the study evaluates the situation of ensuring the quality of nurturing and educating children in private preschools regarding the following main aspects: establishing quality standards of child nurturing and education; building a quality assurance system and procedure for preschools’ childcare and education; financial and infrastructure conditions for QA activities to nurture and educate children; the community’s participation into private preschools’ activities; developing a culture of preschools’ childcare and education quality. The research significance lies in the implications from the results to improve QA of nurturing and educating children in private preschools in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Evaluación de la calidad de vida, pérdida de peso y evolución de comorbilidades a los 6 años de la cirugía bariátrica

IntroductionMorbid obesity is a disease with multiple comorbidities and considerably limits the quality of life and life expectancy. Bariatric surgery is an effective therapeutic alternative in these patients; it acts on the decrease and / or absorption of nutrients, achieving a significant weight loss which is maintained over time.The objective of the study is to determine the long-term results, in terms of efficacy, regarding weight loss, the resolution of comorbidities and improvement in the quality of life of our patients. Material and methodsThis was a retrospective study that comprised all patients consecutively undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery at our center over a 10 year period. In all patients, the anthropometric and clinical data were collected prior to surgery and in subsequent protocolized visits after surgery. At the end of the follow-up, a BAROS questionnaire was used that recorded weight loss, the resolution of comorbidities, complications and the quality of life test completed by the patients. Results353 patients (303 GBPRY and 50 GV), 105 men and 248 women, with a mean age of 42.14±10.16 years, BMI 48.63 kg / m2 and 68.5% had some comorbidity. The mean follow-up was 5.7±2.6 years for 96.7% of the total number operated on.At the end of the follow-up the %EWL was 59.00±19.50, %EBMIL 68.15±22.94, the final BMI 32.65±5.98 and 31.3% of the patients had %EWL ≤ 50. The resolution of comorbidities was as follows: 48.7% hypertension, 70.3% Type 2 Diabetes, 82.6% DLP and 71.6% SAHS. The result of the quality of life test was 1.51±0.93, with 67.2% of patients reporting good or very good quality, with the highest score being for self-esteem, followed by physical condition, work and social activity, and the lowest being for sexual quality of life in that only 40.3% reported an improvement. The BAROS score was 4.35±2.06 with 84.7% of the patients in the good to excellent range, while 91.2% of all patients would undergo surgery again. ConclusionsBariatric surgery is an effective technique for reducing weight, resolving comorbidities and improving the quality of life of patients with morbid obesity, mainly in its physical aspect. In our series, the percentage of follow-up and average time was within the range of established quality standards.

Cutaneous Bacteria in the Gut Microbiome as Biomarkers of Systemic Malodor and People Are Allergic to Me (PATM) Conditions: Insights From a Virtually Conducted Clinical Trial

Background The skin is a dynamic ecosystem of microbes and the source of many chemical compounds that affect human health. Skin-microbiome interactions can cause persistent, psychosocially devastating body smell despite good hygiene. Since odor production is often transient, malodors may not be perceptible during medical examinations. Therefore, having odor complaints can be diagnosed as body dysmorphic disorder and referred for psychological evaluations. Development of simple at-home tests and virtual care programs could improve the diagnosis and management of socially debilitating malodor conditions. Objective The aim of this study was to assess potential effectiveness of at-home gut microbiome testing in the diagnosis and management of idiopathic body and breath odor and in people are allergic to me (PATM) syndrome. Methods We contacted participants of prior metabolic body odor (MEBO) and PATM studies and online support groups by email or social media. Individuals who consented to participate were mailed test kits for at-home collection of gut microbiome samples. Participants completed an online survey (specially developed for this study) addressing their symptoms and other quality-of-life indicators at baseline and after sampling. Participants collected stool samples after flare-ups or symptom improvements and mailed them to the laboratory to be processed and analyzed. We evaluated between-group differences in symptom severity, as well as symptom improvement observations for the same individuals. For differential abundance testing of microbial taxa, we performed nonparametric statistical analyses using Mann-Whitney U tests for unpaired samples and Wilcoxon signed rank test for paired samples. Results A total of 112 individuals from 21 countries consented to participate. About half the participants had been tested for the metabolic disorder trimethylaminuria, and about half of those tested were diagnosed with the disorder. The levels of bacteria previously associated with cutaneous body odor were significantly elevated in gut samples. For the combination of species from Anaerococcus, Corynebacterium, Campylobacter, and Propionibacterium genera, the differences were P=.002 for active (73 participants, 182 samples) versus regression or remission groups (30 participants, 51 samples); P=.01 for those experiencing symptoms most or all of the time (46 participants, 88 samples) versus those who had symptoms sometimes, rarely, or never (25 participants, 74 samples); and P<.001 for improvement of symptoms in the same individuals (22 participants, 43 sets of matched samples). Changes in microbial diversity were significant for between- but not within-participant comparisons. Conclusions Changes in the gut microbiome composition affect MEBO and PATM severity. In particular, an increase in intestinal bacteria producing odor when in skin flexures was associated with increased intensity of self-reported symptoms. The changes were consistent in the within-group and between-group analyses. Our findings support the feasibility of remote and decentralized clinical studies of malodor conditions. Supplementary sample collection procedures may help to meet established research quality standards. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03582826; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03582826 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.1101/2020.08.21.20179242

Monitoring of Heavy Metal Polution the Lead (Pb) with Bio Indicator Baung Fish (Hemibagrus nemurus) at the Musi River of South Sumatra

Safitri R, Riswanda J, Armanda F. 2020. Monitoring of heavy metal polution the lead (Pb) with bio indicator baung fish (Hemibagrus nemurus) at the Musi River of South Sumatra. Jurnal Lahan Suboptimal : Journal of Suboptimal Lands 9(2): 127-138.The high activity of the community in the musi river waters could affect the quality of river water, and can even caused water pollution and aquatic biota including fish baung (Hemibagrus nemurus) by lead heavy metals (Pb). This study aimed to determine the lead (Pb) heavy metal content of baung fish (H. nemurus) catches of fishermen in the musi river waters of palembang city. This research was conducted in May-June 2019. The method used is quantitative descriptive. The sample of this research is the meat, skin, liver, kidney and gill of baung fish (H. nemurus) which are tested for lead (Pb) heavy metal content using aas (atomic absorption spectrophotometry). The results of this study indicated that the concentration of heavy metal the lead (Pb) in fish baung (H. nemurus) in the waters of the musi river on the average meat of 0.046 mg/kg, on the skin of 0.058 mg/kg, in the liver of 0.1516 mg/kg, in the kidney at 0.2513 mg/kg, and in the gills at 0.2216 mg/kg. The Pb concentration on the meat, skin and liver samples were still below the established quality standards so that they were still suitable for consumption while the kidney and fish gill samples are above the quality standards that have been set based on the regulations of the Regulations Drug and Food Control Agency (DFCA) number 5 of 2018 which is equal to 0.20 mg/kg.

Quality evaluation of different Berberidis Cortex species based on ~1H-NMR metabolomics and anti-diabetic activity

To evaluate the quality differences of four mainstream species of Berberidis Cortex,~1H-NMR metabolomics was applied to detect its primary and secondary metabolites, and the partial least squares discriminant analysis and analysis of variance were integrated to screen differential metabolites between species. Furthermore, diabetic rat model was established by high fat diet and streptozotocin to assess differences in antidiabetic activities among the four species. Sixteen compounds were simultaneously detected and identified, including alkaloids, organic acids, carbohydrates and amino acids. Interspecific difference markers were revealed as magnoflorine, jateorhi-zine, bufotenidine and saccharose for the first time. Berberis vernae and B. kansuensis presented superior activities on reducing blood glucose level, improving insulin resistance, increasing insulin sensibility and anti-inflammation. B. dictyophylla showed moderate antidiabe-tic effect, while B. diaphana rendered inferior antidiabetic capacity. Based on the contents of four differential markers and the results of antidiabetic activity evaluation, the quality of four Berberidis Cortex species was ranked as B.vernae≈B.kansuensis>B. dictyophylla>B. diaphana. These results provided references for species collation, quality standard establishment and exploitation of Berberidis Cortex. The antidiabetic activities of B. vernae and B. kansuensis as well as their mechanisms of action merit further study in the future.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Honey Extract.

Safflower honey is a unique type of monofloral honey collected from the nectar of Carthamus tinctorius L. in the Apis mellifera colonies of northwestern China. Scant information is available regarding its chemical composition and biological activities. Here, for the first time, we investigated this honey’s chemical composition and evaluated its in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Basic physicochemical parameters of the safflower honey samples in comparison to established quality standards suggested that safflower honeys presented a good level of quality. The in vitro antioxidant tests showed that extract from Carthamus tinctorius L. honey (ECH) effectively scavenged DPPH and ABTS+ free radicals. In lipopolysaccharides (LPS) activated murine macrophages inflammatory model, ECH treatment to the cells inhibited the release of nitric oxide and down-regulated the expressions of inflammatory-relating genes (iNOS, IL-1β, TNF-α and MCP-1). The expressions of the antioxidant genes TXNRD, HO-1, and NQO-1, were significantly boosted in a concentration-dependent manner. ECH decreased the phosphorylation of IκBα and inhibited the nuclear entry of the NF-κB-p65 protein, in LPS-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells, accompany with the increased expressions of Nrf-2 and HO-1, suggesting that ECH achieved the anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NF-κB signal transduction and boosting the antioxidant system via activating Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling. These results, taken together, indicated that safflower honey has great potential into developing as a high-quality agriproduct.

Gout: Where Is the Weak Link?

In the field of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, no other condition has evolved so significantly since the mid-1950s as gout. In this period, the cause of gout has been firmly established; the close relationship with other conditions clarified; a rapid, unequivocal diagnostic test established; and agents effective in dissolving monosodium urate crystals and controlling inflammation made widely available. All these insights have ultimately led to deem gout as curable, an end point formerly considered out of reach. Unfortunately, diagnosis and management of gout in clinical practice have not paralleled the scientific advances and remain far from established quality standards. This paradox is the topic of the present review article, intending to increase the widespread interest of clinicians in gout.

Comparison of test performance of commercial anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoassays in serum and plasma samples

BackgroundFor epidemiologic, social and economic reasons, assessment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection prevalence and immunity are important to adapt decisions to current demands. Hence, immunoassays for detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are introduced rapidly without requiring FDA emergency use authorization approval. Thus, evaluation of test performance predominantly relies on laboratories. This study aimed to evaluate the test performance of recently launched commercial immunoassays in serum and plasma samples. Methods51 serum samples from 26 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection after end of quarantine and 25 control patients were analyzed using anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG immunoassays from Roche, Euroimmun and Epitope to assess diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. 20 matching pairs of serum and plasma samples were included to analyze comparability between different specimens. ResultsOverall, a diagnostic sensitivity of 92.3%, 96.2–100% and 100% with a respective diagnostic specificity of 100%, 100% and 84–86% for the immunoassays from Roche, Euroimmun and Epitope were determined. In total, 84–96% of samples were correctly classified as negative and 92.3–95.2% as positive. The level of concordance between plasma- and serum-based testing diverged between the assays (Epitope r2 = 0.97; Euroimmun r2 = 0.91; Roche r2 = 0.76). ConclusionsThe immunoassays from Euroimmun and Roche revealed a higher specificity than the Epitope assay without a substantial drop of diagnostic sensitivity. Significant differences between plasma- and serum-based testing highlights the need for determination of appropriate cut-offs per specimen type. Hence, there is an urgent need for test harmonization and establishment of quality standards for an appropriate use of COVID-19 serological tests.

The Analysis of Total Dissolved Iron from Mud Sedimentation Ponds Wastewater in PT Bukit Asam (Persero) Tbk Tanjung Enim Using Individual Control Diagram

The tests have been carried out on the iron content of wastewater in the inlet and outlet of the mud sedimentation ponds PT Bukit Asam (Persero) Tbk Tanjung Enim, South Sumatra Province. The iron concentration in mining waste water that does not comply with government standards of 7.0000 mg / L can pollute the environment. The measurement of iron concentration was carried out by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) method in accordance with SNI 06-6989.4: 2004. Analysis of iron concentration using calibration curve methods and individual control diagrams. The results of data analysis showed that the iron content of the inlet and outlet MSP (Mud Sedimentation Ponds) wastewater was still under the standard set with an average value of 1.4488 mg/L inlet and outlet 0.4061 mg/L. Based on the results of the study the concentration of iron meets the established quality standards.

Synthesis of 4-((1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)oxy)-3-methylpicolinic acid, a key related substance of Rabeprazole sodium

4-((1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)oxy)-3-methylpicolinic acid (11) is a key related substance of Rabeprazole sodium. In this article, this key related substance is synthesized by using 3-methylpicolinonitrile as a starting material via a five-step processes. By converting 3-methylpicolinonitrile to 4-hydroxy-3-methylpicolinonitrile (13), the preparation of TM becomes practical. This work provides a guarantee for quality standard establishment of Rabeprazole sodium.

Revolution in the trenches: building capacity through quality assurance in Belize: a case study

ABSTRACT This article outlines a case study of creating a system of quality assurance in Belize while also building the capacity of teaching staff in order to support the process of establishing quality standards in tertiary education. This case study outlines the process of establishing the first quality assurance system in the nation’s history as well as the instruction, mentoring and coaching provided to support capacity building as the implementation of standards were rolled out. The culmination of the initial two years of the pilot resulted in the first external review of an institution in the nation’s history. Challenges and limitations of the programme are addressed as well as the successes each institution experienced in the initial two years of implementation. The pilot programme has yielded great interest in data collection and analysis as well as professional development to facilitate a culture shift from oral interpretation to data-driven decision making.

Recycling the domestic copper scrap to address the China’s copper sustainability

The Chinese economy is in a critical period of continuous transformation of new and old kinetic energy and economic transformation and upgrading. Copper, the second largest strategic raw material, is still central to China’s economic development. As the major producer and consumer of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), China’s production and consumption of refined copper is the largest in the world. Thus, it is necessary to forecast the supply and demand of China’s future copper. There is a huge gap between copper production and consumption in China, the current identified copper resources cannot meet copper consumption in the next five years, thus the import of copper will be more crucial for China’s future copper industry. Due to trade frictions, restriction on imports and other reasons, the import of copper from other countries will exist a lot of uncertainties. Hence, the domestic copper waste and scraps could be the suitable secondary resource for recycling copper in China. According to the grade and value of copper scraps, establishing quality standards and optimizing the disassembly process of the domestic Cu-bearing waste & scraps, and using the suitable method are the key to recycling the domestic copper scraps.

Production, Characterization, and Evaluation of Pellets from Rice Harvest Residues

Pellets from residues from rice harvest (i.e., straw and husk) were produced and their main properties were evaluated. Firstly, rice straw pellets were produced at lab scale at varying operational conditions (i.e., load compression and wt % of feeding moisture content) to evaluate their suitability for palletization. Successively, rice straw and husk pellets were commercially produced. All the samples were characterized in terms of their main physical, chemical, and physico-chemical properties. In addition, axial/diametral compression and durability tests were performed to assess their mechanical performance. All the analyzed properties were compared with the established quality standards for non-woody pellets. In general, rice straw pellets presented suitable properties for their use as pelletized fuels. Rice husk pellets fell out of the standards in recommended size or durability and thus preliminary treatments might be required prior their use as fuels.

Aerobic Anaerobic WWTP Design Simulation in the Jeans Industry to Reduce TSS Levels according to Quality Standards

The rapid development of the textile industry has induced an increase in environmental pollution. This is not only harmful to the environment but is also a threat to living things, especially in humans. Dyes from textile waste when disposed into the water, pollute its surface thereby preventing sunlight into it. The level of organic compounds in water can be measured by TSS parameters. In general, the discarded TSS level ranges from about 475 to 678mg/L. According to the Provincial Regulation of Central Java Number 5 of 2012 on Amendments to the Regional Regulation of Central Java Number 10 of 2004 on Wastewater Quality Standards, the maximum allowable level for Textile and Batik Wastewater for TSS is 50mg/L. The Aerobics Anaerobic WWTP Design function is to reduce TSS levels in accordance with quality standards. The simulation results showed that, at the discharge level of 50 m3/day, the initial TSS level of 678mg/L decreases to 40.7 mg/L in accordance with the established Quality Standards and become an environmentally friendly Industry.

Зональные особенности химического состава вод малых рек бассейна Рыбинского водохранилища

The work is devoted to the study of the chemical composition of small rivers in the southwestern part of the territory of the Vologda region, which form the river flow of the Rybinsk reservoir basin. The determination of the chemical composition of water in rivers is carried out by generally accepted methods according to standard procedures. A distinctive feature of the river waters of the studied drainage basin is their significant difference in color and color intensity, total iron ion content, and ratio of basic anions. Most of the catchment area of this territory is represented by swamps and numerous lakes, many of them are sources of small and medium length watercourses. A comparative analysis of the ion-salt composition of the waters of rivers shows a certain similarity in the manifestation of the zonal features of the formation of their chemical composition. The composition of the water of the rivers in its salt part is mainly due to the climatic conditions. The waters of the rivers have a hydrocarbonate and sulphate-hydrocarbonate magnesium-calcium composition and relatively low mineralization. Statistical processing of the results of analytical data shows a high correlation in terms of color, permanganate oxidation and chemical oxygen consumption of the investigated water samples. Nutrients represented by the mineral forms of nitrogen and phosphorus in river waters within the studied catchment basin are determined by similar concentrations. A single directivity has been established in the distributions of the contents of heavy metal ions. From the number of heavy metal ions (iron, manganese, aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, lead, arsenic, chromium, cadmium), which were determined in the analyzed samples, the excess of water quality standards for fishery water bodies was established of by iron and manganese ions. Excess of the established standards of quality of natural waters for other identified ions was not detected.

Dry washing biodiesel purification using fumed silica sorbent

Aiming the decarbonization of the transport sector, biodiesel, obtained by alcoholysis of oils or animal fats, is currently mixed with conventional fossil diesel. For this purpose, biodiesel has to comply with the established quality standards and, therefore, the production process comprises purification steps, which need huge volumes of water. Thus, the biodiesel purification procedure must be improved in order to provide a greener and low-cost renewable fuel.Biodiesel (FAME) produced by methanolysis of soybean and waste frying oils over a heterogeneous calcium-based catalyst was purified by dry washing, using commercial silica sorbent (Sipernat 22 from Evonik). ATR-FTIR spectra of post-purification sorbents showed that silica was effective to remove unreacted oil species, glycerin and Ca soap from biodiesel and, contrary to the previously reported in the literature, it was also able to remove leached calcium from the biodiesel. For both feedsotcks, the highest purity was reached for the sorption test carried out at 45 ℃ during 60 min.Sorbent regeneration was evaluated using acetone, methanol, and isopropanol alcohols at room temperature during short contact time (5 min for 1 g of sorbent and 20 mL of solvent). All the tested solvents were effective to remove the adsorbed species from silica surface.