Laboratory Methods Research Articles

Correlation analysis of failure risk factors in automated container port logistics systems from a resilience perspective

This paper aims to explore the correlations among failure risk factors of automated container port logistics systems from a resilience perspective. Based on the Wuli-Shili-Renli (WSR) theory and a multi-dimensional resilience framework, five key categories of risk factors affecting system resilience are identified: port infrastructure, port logistics operation organization, port personnel, port operational environment, and port emergency response and management. Through expert interviews, system component analysis, and a review of related literature across these five dimensions, 36 specific risk factors were identified to establish an initial set of system failure risk factors. Subsequently, a dual-factor screening method combining grey relational analysis and rank correlation was applied to simplify the initial set, constructing a system failure risk factor index system from a resilience perspective. Finally, a comprehensive model combining the Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (FDEMATEL) method and the Total Adversarial Interpretation Structure Model (TAISM) was proposed. This model identifies and quantifies the complex correlations among system failure risk factors from a resilience perspective, revealing their relative importance and their impact on system resilience. The results indicate that system resilience is primarily influenced by internal factors such as the smoothness of collection and distribution operations, infrastructure service capacity, and the stability of technical support systems. External factors, such as the prevention capability for major emergency threats and the improvement of government supervision and coordination feedback mechanisms, also significantly impact system resilience. The complex interactions among key factors have a profound effect on system resilience, underscoring the need to enhance coordination and management measures to strengthen overall system resilience. This study provides a theoretical foundation for developing targeted strategies to enhance the resilience of automated container port logistics systems.

Non-collinear wave mixing to determine physical ageing in PVC pipelines

The ultrasonic signal amplitudes obtained from non-collinear wave mixing has previously shown significant changes for physically aged Poly-Vinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes, demonstrating the method's effectiveness in assessing the ageing condition of PVC. However, the exact relationship between the measured amplitudes and the extent of physical ageing in PVC has yet to be established. Additionally, it has not yet been validated against established methods or applied to determine the service lifetime of PVC pipes. This study outlines a three-step process to validate the effectiveness of the non-collinear wave mixing technique for assessing the physical ageing of PVC pipelines. Firstly, the non-collinear wave mixing results are compared with the established laboratory method of differential scanning calorimetry, to validate the scattered wave amplitude measurements. Secondly, employing the Arrhenius relation, service lifetime estimates derived from non-collinear wave mixing results align within the expected magnitudes, emphasizing the technique's potential for in-situ pipeline inspections. Finally, a material model is utilized to estimate the Third Order Elastic Coefficient (TOEC) m based on the measured amplitudes, demonstrating a linear correlation with annealing time. A 50% change in TOEC m signifies a brittle state, indicating a high risk of failure. A combination of experimental and analytical analyses highlighted TOEC m variations as the primary factor influencing non-collinear wave mixing amplitude changes during physical ageing. This comprehensive approach also highlights the importance of incorporating diverse factors to precisely forecast and oversee the performance of PVC pipes in real-world environments.

Moving forward from Cockcroft-Gault creatinine clearance to race-free estimated glomerular filtration rate to improve medication-related decision-making in adults across healthcare settings: A consensus of the National Kidney Foundation Workgroup for Implementation of Race-Free eGFR-Based Medication-Related Decisions

Abstract Purpose The goals of this paper are to (1) provide evidence and expert consensus to support a unified approach to estimating kidney filtration in adults with stable kidney function using race-free estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in place of Cockcroft-Gault estimated creatinine clearance (C-G eCrCL) for medical and medication-related decisions, and (2) demonstrate how adjusting eGFR results for an individual’s body surface area (BSA) when it is higher or lower than 1.73 m2 will improve results for medication-related decisions. Summary C-G eCrCL is predominantly used by US pharmacists to determine eGFR for the purposes of medication-related decisions, even though more accurate eGFR equations exist. Several driving factors make it the ideal time to shift clinical practice from using C-G eCrCL to eGFR. These factors include the following: (1) 2024 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance for industry recommends eGFR over C-G eCrCL to evaluate the impact on pharmacokinetics in patients with impaired kidney function; (2) a joint National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and American Society of Nephrology task force recommends 3 race-free Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) eGFR equations for medical and medication-related decision-making; (3) the almost ubiquitous use of standardized serum creatinine assay methods in US clinical laboratories; and (4) increasing availability and use of serum cystatin C for eGFR assessment. This publication guides practitioners through the rationale for using race-free eGFR equations for medication-related decisions and how to implement this practice change. Conclusion The NKF Workgroup for Implementation of Race-Free eGFR-Based Medication-Related Decisions suggests that health systems, health settings, clinical laboratories, electronic health record systems, compendia and data vendors, and healthcare practitioners involved with medication-related decision-making transition away from C-G eCrCL and towards the race-free eGFR equations for more accurate assessment of kidney filtration and consistency in medication and medical decision-making across the US.

Machine Learning Enhances Soil Aggregate Stability Mapping for Effective Land Management in a Semi-Arid Region

Soil aggregate stability (SAS) is needed to evaluate the soil’s resistance to degradation and erosion, especially in semi-arid regions. Traditional laboratory methods for assessing SAS are labor-intensive and costly, limiting timely and cost-effective monitoring. Thus, we developed cost-efficient wall-to-wall spatial prediction maps for two fundamental SAS proxies [mean weight diameter (MWD) and geometric mean diameter (GMD)], across a 5000-hectare area in Southwest Iran. Machine learning algorithms coupled with environmental and soil covariates were used. Our results showed that topographic covariates were the most influential covariates in predicting these SAS proxies. Overall, our SAS maps are valuable tools for sustainable soil and natural resource management, enabling decision-making for addressing potential soil degradation and promoting sustainable land use in semi-arid regions.

Study of bacterial susceptibility to antibiotic and phage combinations: a literature review

The aim of the review is to describe existing laboratory methods for determining the sensitivity of bacteria to a combination of antibiotics and bacteriophages. However, more and more often there are scientific papers in which their combined action is described as synergism. The mechanisms of this phenomenon have not been fully studied, but it has been proven that not only virulent but also moderate phages can enter into synergy with antibiotics, allowing the minimum inhibitory concentration of the antibiotic to be reduced several times. Since synergy cannot yet be empirically predicted, microbiological laboratories use various in vitro methods, most of which are labor-intensive. The development of a new technique that can be introduced into the daily practice of microbiological laboratories is relevant.

Olfactory Profile and Stochastic Analysis: An Innovative Approach for Predicting the Physicochemical Characteristics of Recycled Waste Cooking Oils for Sustainable Biodiesel Production

The efficient, economical, and sustainable production of biodiesel from waste cooking oils (WCOs) depends on the availability of simple, rapid, and low-cost methods to test the quality of potential feedstocks. The aim of this study was to establish the applicability of stochastic modeling of e-nose profiles in the evaluation of recycled WCO characteristics. Olfactory profiles of 10 WCOs were determined using a Sensigent Cyranose® 320 chemical vapor-sensing device with a 32 sensor-array, and a stepwise multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis was performed to select stochastic parameters (explanatory variables) for inclusion in the final predictive models of the physicochemical properties of the WCOs. The most important model parameters for the characterization of WCOs were those relating to the time of inception of the e-nose signal “plateau” and to the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the sensor region. A comparison of acid values, peroxide values, water contents, and kinematic viscosities predicted by the MLR models with those determined by conventional laboratory methods revealed that goodness of fit and predictor accuracy varied from good to excellent, with all metric values >90%. Combining e-nose profiling with stochastic modeling was successful in predicting the physicochemical characteristics of WCOs and could be used to select suitable raw materials for efficient and sustainable biodiesel production.

Laboratory detection of carbapenemases among Gram-negative organisms.

SUMMARYThe carbapenems remain some of the most effective options available for treating patients with serious infections due to Gram-negative bacteria. Carbapenemases are enzymes that hydrolyze carbapenems and are the primary method driving carbapenem resistance globally. Detection of carbapenemases is required for patient management, the rapid implementation of infection prevention and control (IP&C) protocols, and for epidemiologic purposes. Therefore, clinical and public health microbiology laboratories must be able to detect and report carbapenemases among predominant Gram-negative organisms from both cultured isolates and direct from clinical specimens for treatment and surveillance purposes. There is not a "one size fits all" laboratory approach for the detection of bacteria with carbapenemases, and institutions need to determine what fits best with the goals of their antimicrobial stewardship and IP&C programs. Luckily, there are several options and approaches available for clinical laboratories to choose methods that best suits their individual needs. A laboratory approach to detect carbapenemases among bacterial isolates consists of two steps, namely a screening process (e.g., not susceptible to ertapenem, meropenem, and/or imipenem), followed by a confirmation test (i.e., phenotypic, genotypic or proteomic methods) for the presence of a carbapenemase. Direct from specimen testing for the most common carbapenemases generally involves detection via rapid, molecular approaches. The aim of this article is to provide brief overviews on Gram-negative bacteria carbapenem-resistant definitions, types of carbapenemases, global epidemiology, and then describe in detail the laboratory methods for the detection of carbapenemases among Gram-negative bacteria. We will specifically focus on the Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii complex.

Analysis of the changes in filtration and capacity properties of the oil and gas condensate field reservoirs using X-ray computed tomography methods

Objective. To study the nature of changes in structural, capacity and filtration properties of the Chayanda oil and gas condensate field reservoir resulting from mechanical and hydrodynamic testing and to improve the quality of laboratory assessment of the reservoir properties of rocks by applying the digital approach. Materials and methods. A high-resolution X-ray micro-CT scanner ProCon X-Ray CT-MINI was used for computed tomography. Digital analysis of images was carried out in GeoDict software. Results. The results of digital analysis of changes in the pore space of hydrocarbon reservoir by computer tomography methods after the tests with fluid filtration under baric conditions are presented, including comparison of macroscopic changes in the pore space and determination of the nature of changes in reservoir porosity and pore geometry at the macro level. Porosity values were determined using digital methods and compared with laboratory data. Numerical modeling of filtration processes on the created 3D models of the rock was performed. The fact of nonuniform distribution of filtration flows was established: filtration in the rock occurs mainly through isolated alternating channels. It was determined that the change in the rock pore space occurred mainly due to deformation and expansion of the walls of the main filtration channels. Conclusions. Nonuniformity of changes in filtration-capacitance properties of rock specimens caused by mechanical and hydrodynamic tests can lead to incorrect estimation of porosity and permeability when applying traditional laboratory methods. The results of nondestructive digital studies can be advised as a supplement to laboratory studies of core material properties. Joint application of digital and traditional laboratory methods allows obtaining the most complete range of data on reservoir properties to solve problems arising during development.

Unveiling the Potential of Ultraviolet Fluorescence Imaging as a Versatile Inspection Tool: Insights from Extensive Photovoltaic Module Inspections in Multi‐MWp Photovoltaic Power Stations

UV fluorescence imaging (UVF) has the potential to grow into a powerful, informative, and economically attractive inspection method for photovoltaic (PV) power stations. UVF demonstrates the ability to indicate differences in polymer types and degradation states in backsheets and encapsulation materials of PV modules. The data acquisition rate of UVF measurements is 10 to 15 times higher than that achieved by state‐of‐the‐art near‐infrared spectroscopy, enabling the mapping of the bill of materials (BoMs) and degradation state for every module in large PV arrays. Combinations of UVF with vibrational spectroscopies allow the polymer BoMs to be recognized and correlated with aging phenomena such as metal corrosion or potential induced degradation. UVF imaging can also be used for conventional visualization of nonmaterial‐related anomalies, such as hot cells or cell cracks. The low purchase cost of the equipment makes UVF an affordable and high‐throughput diagnostic method yielding comprehensive information that would otherwise only be accessible by combining several slower and more laborious methods. Automated UVF image analysis and refinements of correlations between different BoMs and UVF pattern geometry can further unlock the potential of UVF as a straightforward tool accessible to all stakeholders and promote proactive strategies for the optimization of the reliability and performance of PV power stations.

Exploring winter diet, gut microbiota and parasitism in caribou using multi-marker metabarcoding of fecal DNA

In conservation strategies, getting precise and repeatable information on the species’ diet and health without relying on invasive or laborious methods is challenging. Here, we developed an efficient and non-invasive workflow for the sequencing and analysis of four taxonomic markers from fecal DNA to characterize the gut microbiota, parasites, and plants and lichens composing the winter diet of caribou (Rangifer tarandus), Canada’s most iconic endangered species. Sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene of eukaryotes from seven locations in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Canada, allowed for the detection of five genera of parasites in caribou feces (including Nematodirella and Parelaphostrongylus) with variable frequency of occurrence depending on sampling location and sex. Our workflow also revealed a rich winter plant and lichen diet in caribou, with respectively 29 and 18 genera identified across all samples through plant and fungal ITS2 sequencing. Relationships between the gut microbiota and both the diet and parasite richness were also identified. Of note, the Central Saskatchewan sampling location was characterized by a clearly distinct gut microbiota which could be linked to an epiphytic lichen-rich diet. Overall, our results showed the potential of this multi-marker DNA metabarcoding workflow as an efficient tool to provide insights into the species biology and ecology.

Modelling of critical success factors to improve the supply chain resilience for sustainable construction sector

PurposeThe construction industry has an intricate and constantly evolving supply chain (SC) that includes multiple stakeholders and processes. Enhancing SC resilience (SCR) is essential for promoting industry expansion and competitiveness. The SCR has attracted considerable interest because of the increasing worldwide challenges and threats facing SCs. This study introduces a conceptual framework for recognizing and classifying resilient supply chains’ critical success factors (CSFs) in sustainable construction.Design/methodology/approachThis research employs a sequential mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses. Initially, an extensive literature review and expert consultations were conducted to identify potential CSFs. The fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method was then applied to classify these CSFs into cause-and-effect groups. To further analyse the interrelationships among the CSFs, interpretive structural modelling (ISM) was utilised, establishing a hierarchical framework. This integrated methodology provides a comprehensive understanding of the CSFs’ relative importance and their driving and dependence power, facilitating targeted interventions for enhancing supply chain resilience in the construction sector.FindingsThis integrated methodology establishes a hierarchical ranking of CSFs across five levels by revealing their causal interrelationships. The study addresses crucial SCR issues and provides actionable insights. The 17 finalized CSFs have 12 causal and five effect factors. The “safety measures and guidelines” have the highest driving potential, whereas the “availability of standardized materials/equipment” and “skilled human resources” depend highly on causal CSFs. The findings will offer a detailed perspective to narrow the gap between unsustainability and sustainability by enhancing the resilience of CSC.Practical implicationsIt offers a pragmatic framework for allocating resources and efforts to enhance the resilience of construction supply chains (CSCs). Policymakers can also use this study to create a more resilient SC for sustainable construction.Originality/valueThis study uniquely identifies and evaluates CSFs for SCR in the construction industry, providing a novel analysis of their driving power, dependence power and ranking. No previous studies have demonstrated such a comprehensive evaluation.

Pediatric masks of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

A number of factors contribute to the occurrence of chronic otolaryngological diseases in children at an early age, which often acquire a long, undulating course with exacerbations, relapses and complications. The increasing aggressiveness of environmental factors, the growth of allergization of the population, the formation of strains of microorganisms resistant to the action of medicines, lead to a steady increase in diseases of the nasopharyngeal tonsils and a worsening of their course, especially among children, both in our country and abroad. At the same time, the adenotonsillar problem has long gone beyond ENT pathology and attracts the attention of a wide range of medical resea. The aim of the work: to analyze the literature data on clinical manifestations, laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods and the prevalence of OSA in children. The analysis of publications using PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science search engines in the period from January 1970 to March 2024 related to research on epidemiological, pathogenetic, clinical and laboratory aspects of OSA in children and adults was carried out. rchers. Sleep respiratory disorder is a term covering various clinical diagnoses from primary snoring to obstructive sleep apnea. This clinical symptom is registered in at least one in nine children, which makes it one of the most frequently diagnosed sleep disorders and puts it in the category of serious social problems. The most compelling evidence relates to hyperactivity, inattention, and social problems: decreased social competence, increased problematic behavior, and decreased memory scores. Despite the growing body of evidence suggesting cognitive impairment in children with snoring, many results have been contradictory. The availability of pediatric sleep laboratories, even in countries with advanced health systems, is limited, which encourages the search for less complex and more convenient testing methods. Timely detection of the development of the disease allows you to prevent complications and improve the quality of life. The article also describes clinical cases of late diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in children.

False-positive XXY results by interphase FISH in cytogenetically normal XX individuals: two cases highlighting the necessity of additional laboratory follow-up

BackgroundInterphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is commonly used for rapid aneuploidy detection in clinical settings. While FISH-based aneuploidy detection provides rapid results desirable for patient management, it usually only utilizes one probe per chromosome, which may lead to rare false-positive findings.Case presentationHere we report two interphase FISH results, which were false-positive for XXY in cytogenetically normal XX individuals. Both false-positive cases were due to hybridization of the Y chromosome centromeric probe DYZ3 to the pericentromeric region of chromosome 15. In both cases, chromosomal microarray revealed no detectable Y chromosome material, suggesting the hybridizations of the DYZ3 probe to chromosome 15 likely represent benign heterochromatic variants of no clinical significance. In one case, the DYZ3 hybridization was also identified in the phenotypically unaffected mother, further suggesting this is likely a rare variant of no clinical significance.ConclusionsThis report marks the first documentation of hybridization of the DYZ3 probe to another chromosome in cytogenetically normal individuals. Our report has important clinical implications, because DYZ3 is widely used by clinical laboratories for Y chromosome detection. Our findings underscore the necessity of confirming abnormal aneuploidy detection FISH results with additional laboratory methods such as chromosomal microarray analysis.

Physiological estimation of heat and drought resistance at the initial stages of winter barley ontogenesis

Drought and heat stress have significant effects on plant growth and productivity. In the natural environment, these abiotic stresses often occur simultaneously, which amplifies their negative effects. Therefore, understanding heat and drought influence on plant growth and productivity is particularly valuable. Winter barley, compared to other winter grain crops, is characterized by a relatively high resistance to moisture deficiency in soil and the effect of relatively high air temperatures. The current paper has highlighted the study of physiological indicators of winter barley resistance to moisture deficiency and high temperature effect. There have been presented the results of laboratory study for the period of 2022–2023. Identification of drought and heat resistance was carried out in the initial period of plant development on 100 winter barley samples of local selection and the VIR collection. The purpose of the study was to identify winter barley resistance to high temperatures and moisture deficiency using a set of laboratory methods. There has been studied the effect of sucrose solution of different concentrations (8, 12 and 14 atm.) and ambient temperature (52 and 54 °C) on the ability of seed germination under stress conditions. During the trials, there has been identified the best differentiation of resistance values under osmotic stress (8 atm.) and temperature (-54 °C). There have been identified the samples ‘Step’ (211.9 rel. units) and ‘HVW 36/72’ (157.9 rel. units) combining high resistance to osmotic and thermal stress, which reliably exceeded the values of the standard variety ‘Timofey’ by 25.3–79.3 rel. units.

USE OF TUBING COATINGS AND SCALE INHIBITORS TO PREVENT SCALING

The problem of formation of inorganic scaling in tubing is a common problem in oil production processes. The formation of salts on the inner surface of the tubing leads to a significant narrowing of the flow section of the pipe. An urgent task is to find methods, the use of which will either prevent or reduce the formation of inorganic scaling on the walls of pipes. Methods of removing scaling from the tubing are expensive, time consuming, and require shutdown of the oil production facility. Therefore, it is preferable to use methods for preventing salt formation in tubing. Methods of preventing the processes of scaling in the tubing include physical, chemical and technological. The most common method of preventing scaling is the use of scale inhibitors (chemical method). The use of internal protective pipe coatings (technological method) as a measure to prevent the formation of inorganic scaling on the walls of the tubing is a promising, but not fully studied method. The use of coatings is promising, since in addition to the potential reduction in the formation of scaling on the walls of pipes, their main function is corrosion protection.One of the methods of preventing salt formation in the tubing may be the integrated use of internal protective coatings of the tubing and scale inhibitors. But, since this method is not universal, an individual selection of the most effective coating-inhibitor combination will be required for each oil production facility. Selection of an effective coating-inhibitor combination using pilot field tests is an expensive and time-consuming procedure, therefore, it is necessary to develop a laboratory method to solve this problem. The article proposes a method that makes it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of the complex use of protective coatings and scale inhibitors to prevent the formation of inorganic salts on the inner surface of tubing in laboratory conditions. The results of bench tests for 9 grades of protective coatings and for 6 grades of scale inhibitors (in different dosages) are presented.

A comparison of two MALDI-TOF MS based assays for the detection of carbapenemases in Enterobacterales

Carbapenem resistant (CRE) and carbapenemase producing Enterobacterales (CPE) in particular, represent a major threat for healthcare systems worldwide. Rapid, reliable, and easy to perform assays are required to enable targeted and effective therapy. MALDI-TOF MS based carbapenemase diagnostics has potential advantages over molecular and phenotypic sensitivity tests, especially in terms of time to result. So far, only one mass spectrometry (MS)-based carbapenemase test system is commercially available for routine use. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the established system to a novel MS-based test to identify CPE isolates. Forty consecutive CRE isolates (70% CPEs) were pre-screened for carbapenemase activity by routine laboratory methods. Isolates then were tested using the to date only IVD CE certified MALDI-TOF MS carbapenemase detection assay (MBT STAR-Carba IVD Kit; Bruker Daltonics) and a novel test designed for the recently launched EXS2600 MALDI-TOF MS system (Carbapenemase Activity Kit; Zybio). Valid results were obtained for 93% and 85% isolates by the Bruker and the Zybio assay, respectively. Sensitivities, specificities, positive and negative predictive values were 92%, 91%, 96%, and 83% for the Bruker assay and 96%, 64%, 85%, and 88% for the Zybio assay. There are notable differences concerning the handling of the assays. In summary, both systems featured high sensitivities for the detection of carbapenemases, but the Bruker assay yielded less false-positive results. There are advantages and disadvantages concerning the handling for each system, but both proved to be suitable for the use in a routine laboratory.

Laboratory detection of donors implicated in transfusion-transmitted malaria.

Transfusion-transmitted malaria (TTM) is rare in non-endemic areas (non-EAs) but can potentially be fatal. This review analyzes the laboratory results of donors causing TTM in non-EAs, to assess the detectability of their Plasmodium infection by molecular or antibody tests. TTM cases in the United States, Canada, and Europe since 2010 were identified through a literature review. Authors and laboratories were contacted for missing details about sample types and laboratory methods. Results of Plasmodium polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and antibody tests were summarized. Twelve cases of TTM and one bone marrow transplant transmission were identified. Of the 13 source donors, 12 were tested by PCR, 10 were positive on at least one sample; the 2 negative donors were tested only on retained segments of blood refrigerated for several weeks. All donors were PCR positive on a fresh sample except one who was positive on a retained but not a fresh sample. These PCRs targeted Plasmodium DNA with sensitivities in the range of 1000-10,000 parasites/mL. Antibody EIA was positive in only three of seven donors tested. This review found that antibody EIAs failed to detect four of the seven TTM donors tested. DNA-based PCRs were able to detect Plasmodium infection in all donors tested except for two tested only on samples likely to have deteriorated from prolonged storage. Recently developed ribosomal RNA-based molecular donor screening assays are approximately 1000 fold more sensitive than these DNA-based PCRs, holding promise as a potential method to further reduce TTM.

First isolation of Campylobacter vicugnae sp. nov. in humans suffering from gastroenteritis.

The present study describes the first isolation of a recently described Campylobacter species, Campylobacter vicugnae, in humans. The isolates were recovered by two independent French laboratories in 2020 and 2022 from a man and a woman suffering from gastroenteritis. Biochemical and growth characteristics, and electron microscopy for these two strains indicated that they belong to Campylobacter genus. 16S rDNA and GyrA-based phylogeny, as well as average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA-DNA Hybridization analyses revealed that both strains belong to the Campylobacter vicugnae species. Both isolates possess a complete cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) locus with cdtA, cdtB, and cdtC, and features of CDT activity were demonstrated in vitro with Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells. Our data suggest that these two isolates of C. vicugnae were associated with gastroenteritis in humans and induced major cytopathogenic effects in vitro. C. vicugnae is likely to be a novel human pathogen, with a source of foodborne infection that needs to be determined.IMPORTANCECampylobacter species that display toxicity features are a worldwide public health issue. In clinical contexts, it is crucial to identify which isolate could be an urgent threat to a patient. Actual and widely used laboratory methods such as mass spectrometry or PCR may be flawed in the field of species identification. In contrast, the present study shows that next-generation sequencing allows to precisely identify isolates to species level that may have been omitted otherwise. Moreover, it helps to identify emerging species before they become a threat to human health. Recovery of a new Campylobacter species in human sample, such as the new species "Campylobacter vicugnae," is an important step for the identification of emerging pathogens posing threat to global health.

Association of uremic toxins and systemic inflammation with depression and anxiety among hemodialysis patients in Montenegro.

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between uremic toxins, inflammation, depression and anxiety among hemodialysis patients in Montenegro. The cross-sectional study included 88 patients undergoing hemodialysis. Depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed by Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The standard laboratory methods were used to measure uremic toxins and systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein, Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR)). Clinically significant depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) and anxiety (BAI ≥16) were found in 55.7% and 27.2%, respectively. Logistic regression analyses revealed that serum urea, beta 2-microglobulin (B2M), and systemic inflammation (CRP, NLR, PLR) were significantly and independently associated with depressive symptoms, whereas serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, B2M, and systemic inflammation (CRP nad NLR) were associated with anxiety symptoms. Depressive symptoms and anxiety are common among hemodialysis patients in Montenegro, and are associated with increased levels of systematic inflammation, serum urea, and beta 2-microglobulin.

Epidemiology of pediatric meningitis and encephalitis in Japan: a cross-sectional study.

Information on the epidemiology and cause-specific clinical features of pediatric meningitis and encephalitis is limited, owing to conventional laboratory methods' limitations in identifying causative pathogens. The FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis (FA-M/E) panel, a molecular diagnostic tool, can detect 14 pathogens within 1 hour. We investigated meningitis and encephalitis epidemiology among children in Japan and FA-M/E panels' utility in their clinical management. This cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 0-18 years admitted to seven regional hospitals in western Japan between October 2022 and September 2023. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected from 221 children and tested using the FA-M/E panel. Clinical and microbiological data were reviewed retrospectively. Fifty-eight patients tested positive using the FA-M/E panel. Viral and bacterial pathogens were detected in 49 and nine cases, respectively. Human parechovirus and enterovirus occurred mainly in epidemic clusters during the summer and were primarily detected in young infants. Patients who tested positive for human parechovirus had a significantly higher frequency of sepsis-like manifestations and a lower frequency of CSF pleocytosis than did those who tested positive for enterovirus. CSF pleocytosis was absent in 30 patients who tested positive using the FA-M/E panel. Among the patients who tested positive for bacteria, three of the nine were not diagnosed using conventional culture methods, owing to prior antimicrobial therapy. The FA-M/E panel can identify bacterial and viral pathogens causing pediatric meningitis and characterize the epidemiology in local communities.IMPORTANCECulture and polymerase chain reactions have traditionally been used to identify microorganisms causing pediatric meningitis and encephalitis. However, the methods currently used to identify the causative microorganisms are limited, particularly in general hospitals. The FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis (FA-M/E) panel, a fully automated genetic testing system, can detect 14 pathogens using the multiplex polymerase chain reaction method. This study described the epidemiology of pediatric meningitis and encephalitis in Japan. The microorganisms causing acute meningitis and encephalitis in children in Japan were identified using the FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis panel. Testing cerebrospinal fluid using the FA-M/E panel is useful for the identification of the pathogen in children with community-acquired acute meningitis and encephalitis. This increases knowledge on the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of acute meningitis and encephalitis caused by specific pathogens and can be used to facilitate optimal patient management.