Indirect Test Research Articles

3D‐Printed Gelatin‐Based Scaffold Crosslinked by Genipin: Evaluation of Mechanical Properties and Biological Effect

ABSTRACTIn this study, scaffolds based on natural polymer gelatin A, blended with polyvinylpyrrolidone were crosslinked by genipin (0.5 and 1 wt%), in order to investigate their mechanical performance and potential for biomedical application. Semi‐solid extrusion (SSE) 3D printing technique was used, enabling in situ crosslinking of the blend during processing. Swelling test showed that the swelling ratio reduces with higher concentration of genipin due to an increased crosslinking. The FTIR analysis confirmed the crosslinking of scaffolds by genipin. DSC analysis and mechanical testing have shown improved thermal and mechanical properties. Morphological analysis of scaffolds by FESEM showed increased toughening of the material with the crosslinking. Tensile strength and microhardness showed a significant rise in scaffolds with the increase in genipin content, which was up to 93.8% and 125.3%, respectively. These findings were in accordance with morphological features present in samples. The biological effect of the scaffold matrix system was evaluated by qualitative and quantitative cytotoxicity assessment in vitro, demonstrating the absence of cytotoxicity in tested preparations in a direct test. The cytotoxicity index based on the metabolic activity of cells in an indirect test showed up to 20% reduction of viability compared with the control, confirming the absence of cytotoxicity, which was additionally verified by propidium iodine staining of the cells exposed to scaffolds. The presented gelatin‐based crosslinked scaffolds obtained by 3D printing represent good candidates for biomedical application and future research that includes further in vitro and in vivo analysis.

Assessment of the Production Variability and Composite Performance Index for Conventional and High Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Balanced Mix Design Mixtures

The balanced mix design (BMD) concept enables the design of engineered mixtures containing conventional and high reclaimed asphalt pavement (HRAP) contents, moving beyond the constraints of traditional volumetric design methodologies. During production, the designed mixture undergoes verification and potential modifications at the plant to accommodate actual production and field circumstances, regardless of the mix design method. This study assessed the impact of production and associated performance variability on a volumetrically designed control mixture and five mixtures designed with the BMD concept. This investigation showed relatively precise gradation control, but exceedances of volumetric property tolerances were observed in BMD-optimized mixtures during production. Performance, including durability, cracking, and rutting susceptibility, was evaluated using the Cantabro test, indirect tensile cracking test (IDT-CT), and asphalt pavement analyzer (APA) test, respectively. Test results uncovered that produced mixtures may become unbalanced. Observations from the Cantabro test and IDT-CT highlighted the necessity and effectiveness of employing the BMD for HRAP mixtures. The potential aging effect introduced during the reheating process may compromise durability and cracking resistance. In addition, a three-dimensional plot with a revised composite performance index (CPIR) was used to optimize the process of evaluating the mixture “balance” status among multiple primary performances. It revealed that almost all produced HRAP mixtures demonstrated a well-balanced status. Finally, agencies can use the CPIR as part of their acceptance program for BMD mixtures to determine a pay factor for possible bonuses or penalties.

Using Soluble CD38 to Overcome Daratumumab Interference in Pretransfusion Compatibility Testing

Background: CD38 is a protein highly expressed on myeloma (MM) cells that has been shown to be an effective target antigen for monoclonal antibody therapies, so treatment with anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies is a first line therapy for patients with MM. Although CD38 is weaker expressed on erythocytes anti-CD38 binds to CD38 on reagent RBCs and cause panreactivity in vitro and subsequent false positive reactions in indirect antiglobulin tests (IAT), antibody detection (screening) tests, antibody identification panels, and anti-human globulin (AHG) crossmatches. These findings suggest that the soluble CD38 method could improve transfusion safety for patients receiving anti-CD38 therapy, particularly in urgent clinical settings This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a new soluble CD38-based method in mitigating Daratumumab interference during pretransfusion compatibility testing." Methods: We evaluated the Grifols sCD38 method in 20 patients and compared it with the DTT method Results: In our experience the sCD38 method reduced testing time from 150 to 50 minutes and demonstrated 100% efficacy, compared to 90% with DTT. The sCD38 effectively mitigated the interference caused by anti-CD38 antibodies in 10 (100% efficacy) of patient samples tested while DTT was successful in only 9/10 (90% efficacy); no interference was observed in patients presenting anti erythrocyte antibodies. Moreover, there was no negative influence on DTT sensitive blood group systems such as KEL upon sCD38 treatment. Conclusions: In our Laboratory, in the year 2023, we processed 129 patients treated with anti-CD38. Therefore the reduction from 150 to 50 minutes in the time needed to perform tests for mitigation of anti-CD38 interference appears to be relevant with a recovery of approximately 210 technical-hours per year. Another highly appreciated operational aspect was the possibility of treating the patient's plasma and perform tests using automatic instruments (Erytra Grifols) available in our laboratory. In the evaluation of this new method, we did not observe failures in the mitigation of anti-CD38 interference. Furthermore, the results obtained in the samples that presented allo or auto antibodies were not affected by the treatment with sCD38. In our experience Grifols sCD38 assay is straightforward and quick to perform ant it is superior to DTT treatment in the mitigation of anti-CD38 antibody interference in MM patients treated with Daratumumab.

Comparison of the Diagnostic Performance of Antigen B Purified from Sheep Hydatid Cyst Fluid (HCF) with Commercial ELISA Kit.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the metacestode of Echinococcus granulosus. CE is a health problem in Middle Eastern countries, such as Iran. The purpose of this study was to purify subunit 8 KDa antigen B from crude sheep hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) and compare its sensitivity and specificity with a commercial human ELISA kit (PT-Hydatid-96). 28 sera samples were collected from hydatid cyst patients who had surgery for a hydatid cyst and had their disease confirmed by pathology after the surgery. Furthermore, 35 samples of healthy individuals with no history of hydatid cysts were collected, as were nine serum samples from parasite-infected non-CE patients. HCF was obtained from sheep fertile cysts at a Sari slaughterhouse and used as an antigen. In an indirect ELISA test, the B antigen was employed, and the results were compared to those from a commercial ELISA kit. The results of this study were analyzed using the Kappa test. The commercial ELISA kit showed 17 cases (23.6%) positive, 44 cases (61.1%) negative, and 11 cases (15.3%) borderline. B antigen showed that 18 (25%), 43 (59.7 %), and 11 (15.3%) were positive, negative, and borderline, respectively. One sample (1.4% of 72 total samples) of 35 serum samples from healthy individuals was positive using B antigen-based ELISA. In addition, all nine serum samples from parasite-infected non-CE patients were negative for both tests. The sensitivity and specificity of the commercial ELISA kit have been evaluated at 60.7% and 100%, respectively. For B antigenbased ELISA, these values are 64.3 and 97.7%, respectively. Antigen B produced from hydatid cyst fluid is a promising option for serological identification of hydatid cysts in both infected and healthy individuals. In an indirect ELISA test, hydatid fluid antigen could be used as a precise source of detection.

Evaluating Behavioral Incentive Compatibility: Insights from Experiments

Incentive compatibility is core to mechanism design. The success of auctions, matching algorithms, and voting systems all hinge on the ability to select incentives that make it in the individual’s interest to reveal their type. But how do we test whether a mechanism that is designed to be incentive compatible is actually so in practice, particularly when faced with boundedly rational agents with nonstandard preferences? We review the many experimental tests that have been designed to assess behavioral incentive compatibility, separating them into two categories: indirect tests that evaluate behavior within the mechanism, and direct tests that assess how participants respond to the mechanism’s incentives. Using belief elicitation as a running example, we show that the most popular elicitations are not behaviorally incentive compatible. In fact, the incentives used under these elicitations discourage rather than encourage truthful revelation.

Multi-scale investigation on water stability and anti-aging performance of granite asphalt mixture modified with composite anti-stripping agents

This study aims to improve the water damage resistance of granite asphalt mixtures. Five types of composite modified asphalt were developed using organic anti-stripping agents AMRIII, LQ-2020, ultrafine hydrated lime (HL), and SBS modified asphalt, and the effects of aging on the mechanical properties of these modified asphalt mixtures were evaluated. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), pull-off tests, and indirect tensile strength tests were the primary analytical methods used. The results indicated that the anti-stripping agents physically mixed with the SBS modified asphalt without any chemical reaction. The SBS modified asphalt containing anti-stripping agents exhibited better mechanical strength compared to unmodified SBS asphalt, with the combined use of multiple anti-stripping agents proving more effective than individual applications. At five freeze-thaw conditions without aging, the enhancement ratios of indirect tensile strength test results of single addition of AMRIII, LQ-2020, HL and combined addition of AMRIII/HL and LQ-2020/HL were 27.27%, 36.36%, 14.29%, 50.91% and 46.41%, respectively. The addition of the anti-stripping agent enhanced the cohesive and adhesive energy. Aging reduced the water stability of the mixtures. Different modified asphalts have various sensitivity to aging, with the combination of AMRIII and HL showing the best aging resistance performance. Additionally, it was found that surface free energy had a strong correlation with water damage indicators, suggesting its potential for verifying the water stability of asphalt mixtures.

Clinicopathological Features of Pakistani Patients with Anti Aquaporin-4 (Aqp-4) Antibody Positive Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD): A Comparison with Local, Regional and International StudiesOPTICA SPECTRUM DISORDER(NMOSD)-A COMPARISON WITH LOCAL, REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

Objective: To characterize clinicopathological characteristics of patients with anti AQP-4 antibody positive Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder in local population in order to facilitate clinicians in timely diagnosis and treatment of this rare debilitating illness. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Immunology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jun 2021 to Dec 2022. Methodology: The study included 369 individuals presenting at Armed Forces Institute of Pathology for serum anti AQP-4 antibody testing by indirect immunofluorescence. Commercial Anti Aquaporin-4 Indirect Immunofluorescence Test Slides along with control serum (EUROIMMUN Medizinische Labordiagnostika AG, Lubeck, Germany) were used and immune-fluorescence was observed using immunofluorescent microscope BA-310. Results: Out of 369 patients who were tested for Anti Aquaporin-4 antibody, 168(45.5%) were females and 201(54.5%) were males. Total 9(2.43%) patients tested positive including 5(55.5%) females and 4(44.4%) males (p=0.947). Most prevalent core clinical characteristics among patients with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder were optic neuritis 7(77.8%), acute myelitis 7(77.8%) and area postrema syndrome 6(66.6%). Common presenting core clinical characteristics were area postrema syndrome 4(44.4%) and acute myelitis 4(44.4%). Average diagnostic delay in our study was 2.7±3.2 years. Conclusion: By keeping high index of suspicion for presenting core clinical characteristics (area postrema syndrome and acute myelitis) clinicians may be able to diagnose and treat this rare disease timely hence decrease average diagnostic delay and prevent associated morbidity and mortality.

An immuno-inflammatory profiling of asymptomatic individuals in a malaria endemic area in Uganda

Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum leads to the destruction of red blood cells (RBCs). A better understanding of how naturally immune individuals control infections should be valuable for future vaccine studies. Antibodies against RBCs and RBC surface antigens were measured together with different inflammatory markers in healthy adults living in a malaria endemic area of Uganda and compared to Swedish healthy adults. Antibodies binding to RBCs were clearly elevated in Ugandans compared to Swedish samples, and for RBC surface antigens the Ugandans had higher levels of antibodies against JMH, but not against Cromer or Kell. Twenty-eight percent of the Ugandans were PCR-positive for P. falciparum, and these had higher levels of IgG against parasite extract and more inhibition in functional growth/invasion assays, but levels of antibodies against RBC, RBC surface antigens, results from Direct Antiglobulin Tests (DAT) and indirect antiglobulin tests were similar when compared with PCR-negative individuals. When inflammatory markers (α-1-antitrypsin, haptoglobin, orosomucoid/α-1-acid glycoprotein, CRP, IgG, IgA and IgM) were measured there were in general almost no signs of inflammation except for clearly elevated levels of IgG. Some had low levels of haptoglobin and for orosomucoid more than half of the individuals had clearly reduced levels. There was no correlation between the inflammatory markers and PCR-positivity, antibodies against RBCs or parasites. In conclusion, for healthy adults living in a malaria endemic area, there was a clear presence of antibodies against RBCs in parallel with high levels of IgG and almost no signs of inflammation, even though many individuals were carrying parasites.

Serological Evidence of Potential Marburg Virus Circulation in Livestock and Dogs in Ghana

Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a zoonotic hemorrhagic disease with an estimated case fatality rate of up to 88%. Ghana recorded its first human MVD outbreak in June 2022 and although the outbreak was quickly brought under control, the transmission dynamics of the disease remained unclear. We assessed the presence of Marburg virus (MARV) antibodies in livestock and dogs and identified associated risk factors that increased the risk of these animals being exposed to MARV in five regions of Ghana. Sera collected from 3113 livestock and dogs in 2 climatic seasons (rainy and dry seasons) were tested for MARV antibodies using an indirect ELISA test. The samples were further tested using dot blotting to substantiate the presence of antibodies against MARV glycoprotein (GP). Overall, MARV antibodies were detected in 20.6% of the animals. The species-specific prevalence was 28.7% in cattle, 21.8% in sheep, 19.5% in goats, 15.3% in dogs and 11.2% in pigs. The seropositivity was higher in the rainy season [RR 1.5; 95% CI 1.3–1.8] and in older animals [RR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.9–3.4]. The findings underscore the importance of regular surveillance using the one health approach and future studies into the role of livestock and dogs as potential intermediaries in the circulation of MARV.

Optimizing on-site testing for post-tensioned concrete bridges

The decreasing structural reliability of key infrastructure due to aging and degradation represents a significant challenge for engineers, infrastructure managers, and society in general. The concealed nature of tendons in post-tensioned concrete bridges makes the assessment of their structural health a crucial point of several national bridge inspection guidelines. This assessment is commonly performed by means of direct and/or indirect tendon testing. A widely spread approach to the design and quantification of the number of tests is the American FHWA method, also adopted by the Italian guidelines. Unfortunately, in light of its frequentist nature and the consequent negligence of the prior knowledge on the health state of the structure, this one can lead to test campaigns with redundant and non-optimized allocation of resources and time. The present article proposes a novel Bayesian perspective of the FHWA test quantification methodology that accounts for: (i) the prior knowledge in an explicit manner by means of Bayes’ theorem; (ii) the test uncertainties, as in the case of Nondestructive Testing. By means of a demonstrative application, this article displays how this novel methodology leads to an optimized number of tests whilst guaranteeing the required structural reliability and user safety levels.

Genotyping for Weak and Partial D Rh Status to Optimize Usage of Limited Blood Supplies

Abstract Introduction The Rh antigen group, expressed on erythrocytes and encoded by highly polymorphic RHD and RHCE genes on chromosome 1 (1p36-p34), is notable in transfusion medicine due to its high polymorphism, strong immunogenicity and ability to cause hemolytic transfusion reactions in patients and hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). The D antigen specifically contains multiple epitopes with variations that include decreased expression (weak D) or loss of certain epitopes (partial D) which expose patients to risk of alloimmunization depending on the subtype of the Rh(D) antigen. Hence, serologic weak D testing followed by molecular testing is not performed except for donors testing negative for Rh(D) antigen and newborns typing negative for Rh(D) and born to Rh(D) negative mothers. Given the current shortages of blood supplies, understanding patients’ genotypes in the context of weak or partial D-typing and risk of alloimmunization can be essential in the management of increasingly limited supplies of red blood cell (RBC) units. Objective To further characterize patients that initially type negative for Rh(D) but positive for weak D with molecular testing to investigate risk of alloimmunization, retype the Rh(D) and avoid unnecessary use of Rh(D) negative RBC units during critical shortages of RBC units. Methods We collected the results of ABO/Rh(D) typing for patients with negative Rh(D) testing but positive weak D test over a period of four weeks in December 2023 and had D-variant molecular testing performed by a reference laboratory. Initial serologic ABO/Rh(D) was performed in tube followed by weak D testing by indirect Coombs test in tube. Results The total number of patients who initially tested negative for Rh(D) but positive (weak to +4) for weak-D was three patients. Two patients showed a probable genotype of RHD*01W.1 (RHD* weak type 1, 809T>G (V270G)) homozygous which indicated the presence of weak D+ type 1. Patients with weak D+ type 1 can receive Rh(D) positive red cell units, and they are not at risk of alloimmunization and developing anti-D. The third patient showed a probable genotype RHD*DVI type 2 homozygous (lack of Rh(D) exons 4 through 6) and indicated the presence of partial D antigen. Patients with partial D antigen should receive RH(D) negative red cell units as they are at risk of alloimmunization and developing anti-D. Conclusions Although the vast majority of Transfusion Medicine services do not perform the serologic weak D test with reflex to molecular testing, characterizing patients who test negative with initial serologic Rh(D) testing with serologic and molecular D-tests may aid in retyping the Rh(D) of patients during critical shortages, particularly for patients with ABO blood group O.

Preliminary Study on Multi-Scale Modeling of Asphalt Materials: Evaluation of Material Behavior through an RVE-Based Approach

This study employs a microstructure-based finite element modeling approach to understand the mechanical behavior of asphalt mixtures across different length scales. Specifically, this work aims to develop a multi-scale modeling approach employing representative volume elements (RVEs) of optimal size; this is a key issue in asphalt modeling for high-fidelity fracture modeling of heterogeneous asphalt mixtures. To determine the optimal RVE size, a convergence analysis of homogenized elastic properties is conducted using two types of RVEs, one made with polydisperse spherical inclusions, and another made with polydisperse truncated cylindrical inclusions, each aligned with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Official’s maximum density gradation curve for a 12.5 mm Nominal Maximum Aggregate Size (NMAS). The minimum RVE lengths for this NMAS were found to be in the range of 32–34 mm. After the optimal RVE size for each inclusion shape is obtained, computational models of heterogeneous Indirect Tensile Asphalt Cracking Test samples are then generated. These models include the components of viscoelastic mastic, linear elastic aggregates, and cohesive zone modeling to simulate the rate-dependent failure evolution from micro- to macro-cracking. Examination of load-displacement responses at multiple loading rates shows that both heterogeneous models replicate experimentally measured data satisfactorily. Through micro- and macro-level analyses, this study enhances our understanding of the composition-performance relationships in asphalt pavement materials. The procedure proposed in this study allows us to identify the optimal RVE sizes that preserve computational efficiency without significantly compromising their ability to capture the asphalt material behavior under specific operational conditions.

Antecedents Of Career Optimism, Career Success, And Competence For Career Sustainability As A Professional Lecturer In Indonesia

This study aims to examine the relationship between the variables of career optimism, career success, and competence on career sustainability directly and indirectly in private universities in Indonesia. This study uses quantitative methods with structural equation modelling analysis techniques. The result is that career optimism has no effect on career competence, but career optimism has a positive effect on career sustainability. Furthermore, the results of indirect testing found that career competence is not able to intervene in the relationship between career optimism variables and career sustainability, but career success is able to strongly mediate the relationship between career optimism variables and career competence and strongly moderate the relationship between career optimism variables and career sustainability. The implication of this research is that all lecturers are expected to start thinking about their career sustainability, either by improving their abilities or taking higher education to reach a professional level as lecturers and educators.

Pengaruh Pelatihan Kerja terhadap Kinerja Karyawan dengan Kompetensi Karyawan Sebagai Variabel Mediasi pada Departemen Produksi pada Salah Satu Perusahaan Tambang di Indonesia

This study aims to analyze the impact of job training on employee performance, with employee competency serving as a mediating variable. This quantitative research collected data through questionnaires. The respondents comprised 202 employees from the production department of PT XYZ, selected using proportional stratified random sampling. Data processing employed Structural Equation Modeling Partial Least Squares (SEM PLS), incorporating convergent validity tests, discriminant validity tests, and composite reliability tests. The analysis techniques included path coefficient analysis, R-square testing, bootstrapping, and specific indirect effect testing. The findings of this study are: (1) job training has a significant effect on employee performance; (2) job training significantly influences employee competency; (3) competency significantly impacts employee performance; and (4) competency significantly mediates the effect of job training on employee performance. This research provides new insights into the mediating role of employee competency in the relationship between job training and employee performance within the context of an mining industry. The study contributes to the body of knowledge by highlighting the importance of competency development through job training to enhance employee performance. It offers practical implications for human resource practices in similar industrial settings, emphasizing the critical role of competency as a mediator.

Preliminary field evaluation of indirect ELISA test using the recombinant antigen rLicNTPDase-2 for serodiagnosis of canine leishmaniasis in Colombia

Leishmaniasis is a significant public health concern, with dogs as the primary reservoir in urban scenarios and facilitating transmission. Diagnosing infected dogs is a crucial step for public health interventions, and the development of new diagnostic platforms can significantly enhance efforts in various regions worldwide. Given the limited availability of diagnostic methods in Colombia, this study evaluates the effectiveness of an Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) based on the recombinant protein rLicNTPDase-2 to detect Leishmania in infected dogs. Serum samples were collected from dogs in both endemic and non-endemic areas and classified as natural standards based on prior parasitological diagnoses. The results revealed 24 true positives (TP) and 9 true negatives (TN). Subsequently, the test was then validated with samples from symptomatic and asymptomatic animals, alongside the standards, yielding a specificity of 96 %, a sensitivity of 81 %, efficiency of 90.6 %, a positive predictive value of 92.8 %, and a negative predictive value of 89.6 %. The positive likelihood ratio (RV+) was 20, while the negative likelihood ratio (RV-) was 0.19, indicating high relevance and a robust clinical utility. The area under the curve (AUC) was 1.00, suggesting that the test has excellent discriminatory ability, significantly deviating from the reference diagonal. This is further supported by the significant difference(p < 0.0001) between TN and TP results determined by Fisher's exact test. Involving 163 animals showed 47 % positive and 46 % negative results with a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the mean optical density (OD) values between positive and negative samples. These findings indicate that the ELISA test effectively differentiates between positive and negative samples based on OD values. This study suggests that ELISA based on the recombinant antigen rLicNTPDase-2 could serve as a viable alternative for the serodiagnosis of leishmaniasis in canines in Colombia.

Blended Phenotypes From a SERPINA 11 Pathogenic Variant Over Underlying Immune Fetal Hydrops: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract Fetal hydrops can stem from immune or nonimmune causes. Immune causes often involve red cell alloimmunization, whereas nonimmune causes encompass structural malformations, aneuploidy, infections, lymphatic system disorders, genetic syndromes, and more. In a rare and complex case, we encountered a fetal hydrops presentation characterized by blended phenotypes, indicating both a genetic and an underlying immune etiology. The mother, Rhesus negative, presented with a history of adverse obstetric events. At 21 weeks, the current fetus was diagnosed with hydrops. Maternal blood tests unveiled Rhesus alloimmunization, featuring a positive indirect Coombs test at a 1:512 dilution and the presence of anti-D, anti-C, and anti-E antibodies. Fetal blood sampling revealed an O-positive blood group with a hemoglobin level of 10 gm/dL. Despite administering intrauterine transfusion to the fetus, there was no improvement; instead, the fetal hydrops worsened, accompanied by the emergence of nuchal and axillary masses. Exome sequencing of fetal DNA revealed the fetus was homozygous for a pathogenic variant in the SERPINA11 gene and compound heterozygous for a pathogenic variant in the PIEZO1 gene. Furthermore, the combination of pathogenic variants in SERPINA11 and PIEZO1 genes has not been described in cases of fetal hydrops before. This case posed significant challenges in management due to the concurrent presence of both immune and nonimmune hydrops. We describe some of the diagnostic challenges faced in clinical management of this case.

A Novel Trichinella spiralis Galectin Strengthens the Macrophage ADCC Killing of Larvae via Driving M1 Polarization.

Galectin recognizes β-galactosides through its carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs). This study aimed to determine the biological features of a novel Trichinella spiralis galectin (galactoside-binding lectin family protein, TsGLFP) and its role in driving macrophage M1 polarization and enhancing ADCC killing of larvae. TsGLFP belongs to the galectin family and has two CRDs. The complete TsGLFP cDNA sequence was cloned and then expressed in Escherichia coli BL21. The results of qPCR, Western blot, and indirect immunofluorescence tests (IIFTs) revealed that TsGLFP was expressed in various stages of T. spiralis worms and principally localized at the cuticle and around the female embryos of the nematode. rTsGLFP had the function of agglutinating mouse erythrocytes, and this agglutination activity could be inhibited by lactose. After the mouse macrophage RAW264.7 was incubated with rTsGLFP, the expression level of the M1 genes (iNOS, IL-6, and TNF-α) and NO production were obviously increased. After incubating macrophages with rTsGLFP, there was a noticeable rise in the expression levels of p-IκB-α and p-NF-κB p65. Additionally, rTsGLFP enhanced the macrophage's ability to kill newborn larvae by ADCC cytotoxicity. When the macrophages were pretreated with the specific p-NF-κB p65 inhibitor PDTC, and then stimulated with rTsGLFP, the expression levels of iNOS, NO, and p-NF-κB p65 and the macrophages' ADCC cytotoxicity were distinctly decreased. These findings indicated that rTsGLFP enhanced the macrophage ADCC killing of larvae by driving M1 polarization through activating the NF-κB pathway.

The Influence Of Market Orientation And Product Innovation On Marketing Performance Through Competitive Advantage In Tiktok Shop Content Creators

Good marketing means sales will increase. The aim of this research is to find out whether market orientation and product innovation influence marketing performance, and to find out whether competitive advantage is able to mediate market orientation and product innovation on marketing performance.The population in this study are TikTok shop content creators who are members of official groups. The total sample was 115 respondents using accidental sampling technique. Data collection techniques use questionnaire and observation methods. The data analysis method uses multiple linear regression with a path analysis approach and the SPSS program.The research results show that market orientation variables and product innovation have an influence on marketing performance, then competitive advantage also has a positive and significant influence on marketing performance. The results of the indirect influence test also show that competitive advantage is able to mediate the relationship between market orientation and product innovation on marketing performance.Implementation of market orientation strategies and product innovation influence the marketing performance of TikTok Shop content creators. Competitive advantage also influences marketing performance and can mediate the relationship between market orientation and product innovation on the marketing performance of TikTok shop content creators. Suggestions for TikTok Shop content creators to implement market orientation strategies and product innovation that are appropriate to the business sector they are undertaking so that they will increase their competitive advantage which will improve marketing performance

Evaluating the effects of cement asphalt emulsion paste as a grouting material on the fatigue and thermal contraction properties of semi-flexible asphalt composite pavement

Semi-flexible asphalt (SFA) composite pavement is widely used in pavement engineering for its high load-bearing capacity, enhanced durability, impermeability, and resistance to fuel and oil spillage. However, its cracking resistance remains a concern, influenced by repeated vehicle loads and thermal contraction stresses. This study investigates the impact of cement asphalt emulsion paste as a grouting material on SFA’s fatigue and thermal contraction. SFA specimens were grouted with cement paste (CP) containing 20%, 40%, and 60% asphalt emulsion. These specimens were subjected to indirect tensile strength, resilient modulus, and fatigue tests, along with evaluation of thermal contraction behavior using coefficient of thermal contraction. Results indicated that adding asphalt emulsion to CP enhances the flexibility and ductility of SFA but reduces its indirect tensile strength and stiffness modulus. A mathematical model was introduced to predict the resilient modulus based on indirect tensile strength tests. The fatigue analysis demonstrated significant difference in fatigue resistance between SFA and AC16 materials. Incorporating asphalt emulsion also improved SFA’s thermal contraction behavior.

Evaluation of the analytical performance of four different manufacturer's reagent red blood cells in antibody detection and identification.

The detection/identification of clinically significant antibodies to red cell antigens form the foundation for safe transfusion practices. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of commercially available 0.8% reagent red blood cells (RRBCs) in Australia. 166 patient-derived plasma samples with a positive indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) were tested using column agglutination technology (CAT) with Immulab, Bio-Rad, Grifols and QuidelOrtho screening and identification RRBCs with the respective manufacturer's proprietary CAT system. False-negative antibody screening and identification results were obtained with Bio-Rad (3/61), Grifols (14/68) and Quidel-Ortho (3/59) RRBCs when tested with the respective manufacturer's proprietary CAT system. Zero false-negative results were observed with Immulab RRBCs when tested with samples across all platforms. The sensitivity of the RRBCs used in this study were calculated to be 95.83% (95%CI 88.30-99.13%) for Bio-Rad RRBCs, 82.50% (95%CI 72.38-90.09%) for Grifols RRBCs and 95.65% (95%CI 87.82-99.09%) for QuidelOrtho RRBCs. The sensitivity of Immulab RRBCs were stratified based on performance in the 3 CAT platforms: Bio-Rad CAT (100%, 95%CI 95.01-100%), Grifols CAT (100%, 95%CI 95.49-100%) and QuidelOrtho CAT (100%, 95%CI 94.79-100%). RRBCs used in antibody detection and identification vary in diagnostic performance and should therefore be carefully considered before being implemented in routine patient testing.