Laboratory Experience Research Articles

Carbon-13 chemical shift tensor measurements for nitrogen-dense compounds.

This paper reports the principal values of the 13 C chemical shift tensors for five nitrogen-dense compounds (i.e., cytosine, uracil, imidazole, guanidine hydrochloride, and aminoguanidine hydrochloride). Although these are all fundamentally important compounds, the majority do not have 13 C chemical shift tensors reported in the literature. The chemical shift tensors are obtained from 1 H→13 C cross-polarization magic-angle spinning (CP/MAS) experiments that were conducted at a high field of 18.8T to suppress the effects of 14 N-13 C residual dipolar coupling. Quantum chemical calculations using density functional theory are used to obtain the 13 C magnetic shielding tensors for these compounds. The best agreement with experiment arises from calculations using the hybrid functional PBE0 or the double-hybrid functional PBE0-DH, along with the triple-zeta basis sets TZ2P or pc-3, respectively, and intermolecular effects modeled using large clusters of molecules with electrostatic embedding through the COSMO approach. These measurements are part of an ongoing effort to expand the catalog of accurate 13 C chemical shift tensor measurements, with the aim of creating a database that may be useful for benchmarking the accuracy of quantum chemical calculations, developing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) crystallography protocols, or aiding in applications involving machine learning or data mining. This work was conducted at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory as part of a 2-week school for introducing undergraduate students to practical laboratory experience that will prepare them for scientific careers or postgraduate studies.

DC Microgrid for Robotic Manufacturing – field demonstration and laboratory experience.

Paper present real manufacturing application based approach to DC based power supply and infrastructure verification. Alternative solutions for improved management of power flows and integration of renewable energy sources has become an interesting topic and discussions of alternative DC related power infrastructure with respect to existing technology. Since modern manufacturing solutions implement industrial robot manipulators more detailed evaluation of possible opportunities regarding DC based supply has been introduced. Typical distribution of units and respective electrical power flows present need for power measurement equipment with multipoint functionality experiments. Obtained practical measurement results enable evaluation of DC based energy distribution system potential compared to existing solution and future operation scenarios including energy storage and buffering approaches. Implementation of single AC/DC converter unit has been evaluated in laboratory conditions with respect to power quality within DC distribution link.

Biosafety Management Based Upon Risk Assessment and Monitoring: Perspectives from a Clinical Laboratory, China.

Inadequate risk assessment and a lack of risk monitoring are common deficiencies in clinical laboratory, and are also the main causes of biosafety incidents. Therefore, we summarized the experience of implementing adequate risk assessment and maintaining risk monitoring, and established a procedure for continuously improving biosafety management. Learning from our laboratory's experience in implementing risk assessment, risk response, and risk monitoring before and during the COVID-19 epidemic, we summarized the procedures for fully identifying risks, accurately evaluating risks, maintaining risk monitoring, establishing and regular reviewing safety indicators. On this basis, we established a system for continuously improving biosafety management through risk monitoring and reviewing safety indicator. We identified a total of 30 unacceptable risks prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and developed and implemented appropriate risk control measures. After risk control, residual risks were acceptable, and no biosafety incidents have occurred. During the COVID-19 pandemic, after multiple risk monitoring, we identified ten new risks, three ineffective risk control measures, and multiple control measures for excessive protection. Then, we timely adjusted risk control measures to avoid laboratory personnel infection and excessive protection. Meanwhile, We established eight safety indicators and identified two improvement opportunities through regular reviews. Adequate risk identification and accurate risk assessment are particularly important for effectively controlling biosafety risks. Biosafety management should be continuously improved to deal with ineffective and excessive protection caused by various changes in experimental activities. Continuous improvement of biosafety management can be achieved through risk monitoring, regular review of safety indicators, and management reviews. This study will help laboratory managers to fully and accurately assess risks, as well as update risks and their control measures through risk monitoring, and the continuous improvement procedure established in the study has certain reference value for laboratories to effectively respond to emerging infectious diseases and avoid excessive protection.

Prenatal Testing for Variants in Genes Associated with Hereditary Cancer Risk: Laboratory Experience and Considerations

Prenatal molecular genetic testing for familial variants that cause inherited disorders has been performed for decades and is accepted as standard of care. However, the spectrum of genes considered for prenatal testing is expanding due to genetic testing for hereditary cancer risk (HCR) and inclusion of conditions with associated cancer risk in carrier screening panels. A few of these disorders, such as ataxia telangiectasia and Bloom syndrome, include increased cancer risk as part of the phenotype, already meet professional guidelines for prenatal testing, and may be associated with increased cancer risk in heterozygous carriers. Additionally, recent studies implicate heterozygosity for variants in lysosomal storage disease (LSD) genes in HCR etiology. Currently, there is no specific professional guidance regarding prenatal testing for HCR. In order to determine the prevalence of such testing we reviewed 1345 consecutive prenatal specimens received in our laboratory for familial variant specific testing and identified 65 (4.8%) with a known or likely HCR component, plus 210 (15.6%) for LSD. These specimens were classified into five distinct categories for clarity and to enable evaluation. Our experience assessing prenatal specimens for variants associated with HCR, with or without a constitutional phenotype, provides metrics for and contributes to the points to consider in prenatal testing for HCR.

ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ ПРЕДПРИНИМАТЕЛЬСКОЙ ИНИЦИАТИВЫ В СФЕРЕ КРЕАТИВНЫХ ИНДУСТРИЙ У ЛЮДЕЙ С ИНВАЛИДНОСТЬЮ И ОВЗ

The development of social entrepreneurship in the field of creative industries is today an urgent task of social policy and economy of our country. The article presents the experience of inclusive creative laboratories in creating conditions for the formation of entrepreneurial initiatives in the creative industries among people with disabilities and limited health capabilities.

Identification of Invasive Filamentous Mold Isolates Using DNA Sequencing: Experience of a Clinical Laboratory in a Resource-limited Setting

Background: Correct identification of clinically significant mold is becoming critical and cannot be relied only on phenotypic methods; hence, there is a dire need to develop an algorithm of workflows and capacity for molecular identification. This study shares the experience of DNA sequencing for invasive mold identification isolated and compared with phenotypic identification. Methods: This study was conducted at the microbiology laboratory, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan, and the Mycotic Disease Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA. Filamentous molds isolated from clinical specimens during January 2012–April 2013 were initially identified through phenotypic characteristics. Pan-fungal polymerase chain reaction targeting the internal transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal cistron and the D1/D2 domains of the 28S ribosomal cistron was performed. Sequencer version was utilized to edit and align the DNA sequences, and then sequences were identified using BLAST. The correlation between phenotypic and molecular identification was evaluated. Results: Gene sequencing identified 50% of clinical isolates as one of the Aspergillus species, followed by Mucorales 29%, Fusarium species 17%, and Cladosporium spp. 4%. Overall, 50% of clinical isolates were identified correctly till the species level by conventional methods. Phenotypic correlation with genotype till genus was 42%, while two isolates were wrongly identified phenotypically. Excellent agreement (100%) till species level between phenotypic and molecular identification for Aspergillus, while Mucorales had an agreement of 71%. Conclusion: Traditional phenotypic identification methods for filamentous molds had a good correlation with sequencing up to genus level identification; however, were not reliable up to species level.

Investigating evidence in support of validity and reliability for data collected with the meaningful learning in the laboratory instrument (MLLI)

The Meaningful Learning in the Laboratory Instrument (MLLI) was designed to measure students’ expectations before and after their laboratory courses and experiences. Although the MLLI has been used in various studies and laboratory environments to investigate students’ cognitive and affective laboratory expectations, the authors of the instrument reported a discrepancy between the intended factor structure of the MLLI and the factor structure suggested by the data collected in preliminary studies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability evidence related to data collected with the MLLI, especially that related to structural validity. Evidence to support structural validity would provide greater meaning for the reporting and interpretation of MLLI scores. In this study, two possible a priori models for the factor structure of data collected from multiple institutions with the MLLI were investigated using confirmatory factory analysis (CFA). This initial investigation found poor data-model fit for each of the two tested models. Cognitive interviews and free response items were then used to inform modifications to the two a priori structures, and a third alternative structure, which included a negative method factor, was also investigated. Once a best fitting model was identified, further model revisions were informed by a combination of modification indices and qualitative data. Evidence of adequate-to-good data model fit was found for the final revised version of the MLLI, deemed the MLLIv2. Additionally, evidence of both internal structure validity and single administration reliability were found for each of the MLLIv2 factors. The structure of the data from these items leads to scale scores that likely represent student expectations that contribute to meaningful learning and student expectations that detract from meaningful learning. As the results of this study provide the first psychometrically supported scales for MLLI data, they have implications on the future reporting and analyses of MLLI scores.

Novel treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage with mechanical tissue resuscitation.

The previous laboratory and clinical experience of the authors had demonstrated that application of controlled subatmospheric pressure directly to injured soft tissue can result in increased survival of compromised tissues. Mechanical tissue resuscitation (MTR) is a new concept evolving from these discoveries. The authors' recent studies have demonstrated that traumatic brain injury tissue can also be salvaged. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of MTR application to injuries from intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs) in a swine model. The ICHs in swine were simulated by infusion of autologous artery blood into the right frontal lobe. A specially designed silicone manifold device was introduced directly into the hematoma. Continuous negative pressure at -50 mm Hg was applied through this device. T2- and T2*-weighted MRI, histological H&E staining, and immunostaining were examined. After 1 week of treatment, MTR significantly decreased gross hematoma volume by more than 60%, from 472.62 ± 230.19 mm3 in the nontreated group to 171.25 ± 75.38 mm3 in the MTR-treated group (p < 0.05). Total hypointense volumes measured on T2*-weighted MR images decreased from 791.99 ± 360.47 mm3 in the nontreated group to 371.16 ± 105.75 mm3 in the MTR-treated group (p < 0.05). The hyperintense area on the T2-weighted MR image decreased significantly from 2656.23 ± 426.26 mm3 in the nontreated group to 1816.66 ± 525.26 mm3 in the MTR-treated group (p < 0.05). When ICHs were treated with MTR for 2 weeks, the gross hematomas were reduced by 94%, from 112.23 ± 66.21 mm3 in the nontreated group to 6.12 ± 10.99 mm3 in the MTR-treated group (p = 0.003). MTR significantly decreased the total necrotic tissue volume in H&E staining from 120.42 ± 48.35 mm3 in the nontreated group to 60.94 ± 38.99 mm3 in the MTR-treated group (p < 0.05). The total hypointense volumes on T2*-weighted MR images were significantly reduced, from 385.54 ± 93.85 mm3 in the nontreated group to 220.54 ± 104.28 mm3 in the MTR-treated group (p < 0.05), while their mean T2 hyperintense volume decreased significantly from 2192.83 ± 728.27 mm3 in the nontreated group to 1366.97 ± 463.36 mm3 in the MTR-treated group (p < 0.05). Histology revealed that the capillary diameter in the reactive tissue rim adjacent to the hematoma increased in both the 1- and 2-week MTR-treated groups. Both von Willebrand factor and CD31 signals were detectable in endothelial cells within the hematoma cavity of both MTR-treated groups. This study demonstrates that local continuous application of controlled subatmospheric pressure to an ICH can safely remove more than half of a clot in 1 week and more than 90% in 2 weeks.

A Rapid, Equipment-Free DNA Isolation Method for DNA Barcoding.

This rapid, equipment-free DNA isolation procedure using chromatography paper is a simple method that can be performed in less than 30min and requires no wet lab experience. With minimal expense, it offers an affordable alternative for anyone wanting to explore biodiversity. It also provides an excellent option for use in classrooms or other activities that are time limited. The method works best for plants or lichens, producing stable DNA on Whatman® chromatography paper at room temperature, which can be eluted as needed.

PlantGIFT: An Effective Teacher Workshop Model for Increasing Plant-Based Laboratory Experiences in Secondary Science Classrooms

PlantGIFT: An Effective Teacher Workshop Model for Increasing Plant-Based Laboratory Experiences in Secondary Science Classrooms

Evaluating the level of inquiry in postsecondary instructional laboratory experiments: results of a national survey

A national survey on chemistry instructional laboratories was administered to faculty members at four-year postsecondary institutions in the United States for the purpose of exploring levels of inquiry-based instruction implemented in laboratory courses. Respondents were asked to rate the level of choice their students had in deciding six key characteristics of the experiments used in their course (e.g., what research questions to explore); the more choices students get to make, the more inquiry-based instructional experience. MANOVA and post hoc analyses suggest that there are differences in the level of inquiry across chemistry course levels; lower-level courses (i.e., general chemistry and organic chemistry) implement lower levels of inquiry-based laboratory instruction compared to upper-level courses (i.e. more chemistry major-focused courses). We found no evidence of association between the level of inquiry courses and institutions’ highest chemistry degree awarded, American Chemical Society approval to award certified bachelors degrees, or external funding to transform postsecondary chemistry courses. Our study contributes to the chemical education community's growing understanding of the state of postsecondary chemistry laboratory instruction. Results further suggest that there is an opportunity for faculty members and department leaders to reflect on their instructional laboratory courses and implement more inquiry-based instructional laboratory experiences across the entirety of the postsecondary chemistry curriculum.

A max-plus algebra approach to model laboratory experiences in blended control engineering education

Internet-based control engineering education combines traditional methods with modern technology, creating a dynamic and accessible learning environment. Both online and traditional approaches have unique advantages and challenges, with the choice depending on factors like student preferences, geographic location, and available resources. A blended approach, integrating online and in-person activities, leverages the strengths of both methods to offer a comprehensive and flexible learning experience. In this context, managing laboratory resources and activities scheduling may be challenging. For this reason, this paper introduces a novel approach to modelling these activities and resources through the mathematical framework of max-plus algebra. This algebra can improve the use of finite resources, meeting educational goals without concurrency issues. Moreover, the resolution of a model matching problem shows how lessons can be structured to meet time constraints and maximize flexibility, accessibility, and resource efficiency, thus preparing students effectively for the field.

250 Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for non-homologous Robertsonian translocation carriers: a twelve-year laboratory experience

250 Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for non-homologous Robertsonian translocation carriers: a twelve-year laboratory experience

Application of Industrial Remote Access Control Laboratory

An industrial-scale remote access control laboratory system was developed to address the potential lack of practical laboratory experience for Control and Automation Engineering (CAE) students at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) in response to the coronavirus pandemic 2019 (COVID-2019). The system consists of six fundamental control theory experiments and aims to test fundamental control engineering topics such as mathematical modeling, system identification, controller design, and design comparison. These experiments are integrated into a remote access system using industry 4.0 methodologies, allowing students to use the experiments remotely over web-based user interfaces. The system has necessary capabilities such as remote control, online experimentation, graphs and charts, live camera view, data storage, accessibility options, and security for robust interaction with students. Two surveys were conducted to collect feedback from students who have not used the system and those who have used it for at least a semester. The results of the first survey showed that students appreciate the opportunity of remote-access laboratory usage on control experiments and would consider using it. The results of the second survey demonstrated that the system fulfills the varied requirements of students and received high overall satisfaction. Overall, the demand for an industrial-scale remote access control laboratory has been met, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and the dynamic environment of engineering education.

Critiquing lab technique videos prior to class: can it improve demonstrated technique?

During COVID-19 remote instruction, instructors were tasked with providing students with authentic laboratory experiences in an out-of-classroom environment. One solution developed for our introductory general chemistry laboratory involved students critiquing readily available technique videos to distinguish between correct and incorrect laboratory technique. After returning to in-person labs in Fall 2021, we incorporated this assessment into the pre-lab assignments in an effort to reduce the cognitive load of learning a new technique. Here we explore whether this critical-review exercise translates into improved technique as measured by precision and accuracy when using a 10 mL volumetric pipet. Additionally, we consider the impact of the pre-lab assignment given the involvement level of the TA, as some TAs are more willing to provide feedback on student technique during the lab period. We found that while students self-report the exercise as useful towards their learning, there are no significant changes in performance for most students. We did, however, find a reduction in the overall outliers and saw improvements when additional feedback (through a TA) was provided as well. These findings indicate that the exercise may be most useful for students who make large errors and who receive little individualized feedback.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on accredited programs and graduates who sat for the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification examination: graduates' perspective.

Students in health profession education programs were severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at both didactic and clinical training levels. The purpose for this American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) study was to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on graduates. This study represents the perspectives of laboratory professional graduates who sat for the BOC certification in their respective professional disciplines. A survey was sent to all graduates from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS), Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), and Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited programs who sat for the ASCP BOC examination in 2020 and 2021 to determine the impact of COVID-19 on laboratory professional graduates during the pandemic. A total of 180 graduates responded to the survey. The majority of graduates indicated that at least 1 didactic program component was shifted to an online system during the pandemic and that both clinical and nonclinical student laboratories were affected. Although program completion for most graduates was not delayed, one-third of graduates delayed taking their respective BOC exam. Due to the lack of knowledge application through practical hands-on laboratory experience in their educational programs, graduates reported feeling a lack of readiness with regards to preparing for the national certification examination as well as for employment. The study results showed the pandemic greatly impacted the education experience and readiness for the ASCP BOC examinations for graduates. Factors such as the absence of in-person learning and hands-on experience-both crucial aspects in laboratory training-and the ripple effects as a result of the pandemic, such as job loss, financial constraints, and health concerns, contributed to the decreased quality of education for graduates.

A blended approach to developing psychomotor skills in novice learners in a doctor of physical therapy curriculum

Purpose Psychomotor skill performance is central to effective clinical practice across health professions. These complex skills are challenging to teach, particularly in the novice learner. As many health professions programs have increased blended course offerings, educators must establish best practices for teaching psychomotor skills in this evolving learning environment. The purpose of this paper is to describe the innovative application of an evidence-based framework to teaching psychomotor skills to novice learners in a blended learning environment. Materials and methods Using a modified 9-step framework, two novice clinical skills courses in a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program were redesigned to teach psychomotor skills in a blended format, using online and in-person class sessions. Online coursework consisted of synchronous and asynchronous learning activities that preceded an immersive lab experience. Formative and summative assessments occurred during lab immersion. Results and Conclusions The learning framework provided a central evidence-based pillar for novel course design, guiding development of learning activities for teaching psychomotor skills to novice learners in a blended learning environment. Initial student outcomes appear favorable when compared with previous traditional course structures and satisfaction was high. These preliminary findings align with prior research using similar frameworks for learning complex skills and provide an archetype curricular model for a blended learning environment.

Cell Death &amp; Certainty

I’m Diya Mukherjee, a high school senior based in San Jose, CA with an interest in computational biology and public health. The summer of 2023 marked a turning point for me that is familiar to any science student: my first wet lab experience. I was given the incredible opportunity to participate in the Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) at Rockefeller University in New York, NY, working with research mentors from the Fuchs Lab of Mammalian Cell Biology and Development on a project about the role of inflammation in skin cancer. Cell Death &amp; Certainty depicts an incident from my third week of the program, in which many of my cell samples began to mysteriously die overnight. I deliberately wrote the story with a melodramatic tone, because I think that science so often feels that way.

Postoperative Craniopharyngioma in a 10-Year-Old Girl Presenting with Central Precocious Puberty, Central Diabetes Insipidus, and Growth Hormone Deficiency

Background: Hypopituitarism is the most common endocrinology complication of postoperative craniopharyngioma. However, we found a 10-year-old girl with a history of postoperative craniopharyngioma presenting with central precocious puberty (CPP), central diabetes insipidus (CDI), and growth hormone deficiency (GHD).&#x0D; Case presentation: A 5-year-old girl experienced breast growth followed by menstruation six months later. The patient's weight was 19 kg (weight-for-age: P25-P50), height was 109 cm (height-for-age: P10-P25), and good nutritional status (Waterlow 90%). The stage of pubertal development was M2P2. There was a history of craniopharyngioma, and it was resected at the age of 2 years. After surgery, the patient developed CDI and has received desmopressin. No new tumour growth was found from evaluation with periodic MRIs every three years. After CPP was established, with increased serum levels of LH, FSH, and estradiol, GnRH agonist therapy was given at 100 mcg/kg BW every month. During five years of follow-up, the patient experienced clinical and laboratory improvement. However, the growth is only 3-4 cm/year (&lt;P3) with short stature (height-for-age: &lt;P3) and overweight. Low levels of IGF1 and GH were found in the stimulation test results, so the diagnosis of GHD was confirmed. The patient will receive growth hormone therapy and is expected to reach her potential genetic height (148.5 - 165.5 cm).&#x0D; Conclusion: Even though the craniopharyngioma tumour has been resected and no recurrence has occurred, it is crucial to evaluate the hormones produced by the pituitary thoroughly.

Explaining neurological factors of hearing loss through digital technologies

The study investigated how inclusion of the considerable amount of knowledge generated through basic research in multisensory experiences can be brought into clinical paediatric audiology with a specific focus to enhance understanding of the neurological implications of childhood hearing loss. ObjectivesThe overall aim of the project was to investigate how to use emerging technologies to enhance the understanding of the neurological impact of paediatric hearing loss. The specific objectives were to develop an app and to evaluate its ease of use and the understanding of neurology by all types of stakeholders and end-users. MethodsA collaborative participatory and human centred research design was used. This methodological approach brought stakeholders into the design process at an early point of time and workshops mapped the content and interaction of the iterative development of the app. Nine clinicians from Copenhagen Hearing and Balance Centre and 4 media technologists from Multisensory Experience Lab participated in the development of the app-prototype. Evaluations were made by use of questionnaires completed by stakeholders and end-users and focus group interviews. Eight parents with children with hearing loss, 13 internal stakeholders and 14 external stakeholders participated in the evaluation of the app. ResultsThe app was overall positively evaluated. End users/parents with children with hearing loss were slightly more positive than stakeholders/professionals in audiology. ConclusionsApps are a future media for providing health care information and it proved both relevant and applicable to start using apps also to provide complex information such as neurological implications of childhood hearing loss.