Quality Control Measures Research Articles

Birth defects reporting and surveillance in India: a narrative review.

Mortality attributable to birth defects (congenital anomalies, congenital disorders) is increasing in low and middle-income countries, including India. Surveillance is essential to inform strategies to address these disorders. The objective of this narrative review was to document the birth defects surveillance/reporting systems in India, their current status, structures and reporting formats. The review used empirical analysis of retrieved literature to answer the framed research questions. Publications on birth defects surveillance in India was negligible. Website searches yielded information on two surveillance systems. The WHO South East Asia Region-Newborn-Birth Defects (SEAR-NBBD) surveillance for congenital disorders uses a non-representative sample of hospitals to conduct passive surveillance for eight congenital anomalies. The system has a hierarchy of quality control measures to assure data accuracy. The second system is a child screening and early intervention service (the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, RBSK), which reports data on nine birth defects among children screened at birth, in the first six weeks of life, and till 18 years of age. The RBSK uses existing community-based staff and competency-appropriate screening tools that incorporate defined referral routes to secondary or tertiary level of care. Data from neither of these systems is available in the public domain. The review identified that the strengths and weaknesses of both these systems can be utilized to put in place a potentially sustainable sentinel surveillance for monitoring birth defects in India.

Current Technological Advances in Mucoadhesive Buccal Drug Delivery Systems and Their Therapeutic Applications

Buccal drug delivery has emerged as a promising route of administration, offering distinct advantages over conventional oral delivery systems. The unique physiological characteristics of the buccal mucosa, including rich vascularity and relatively high permeability, make it an attractive site for both local and systemic drug administration. Bioadhesive formulations have revolutionized buccal drug delivery by ensuring prolonged contact with the mucosal surface, thereby enhancing drug absorption and bioavailability. Recent developments in polymer science have introduced novel mucoadhesive materials, including thiolated polymers, lectins, and stimuli-responsive systems, which demonstrate superior adhesion properties and controlled release characteristics. Various formulation approaches, such as films, tablets, patches, and hydrogels, have been developed to optimize drug delivery through the buccal route. These systems incorporate permeation enhancers, enzyme inhibitors, and novel drug carriers to overcome the biological barriers associated with buccal delivery. The application of nanotechnology has further advanced the field, introducing nanostructured formulations that exhibit enhanced mucoadhesion and improved drug permeation. Current research focuses on developing intelligent delivery systems that respond to physiological triggers and maintain therapeutic drug levels. Understanding the critical factors affecting bioadhesion, including polymer characteristics, environmental conditions, and physiological variables, has led to the development of more effective formulations. The integration of modern analytical techniques and quality control measures ensures the development of stable and efficient buccal delivery systems and improves patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes

Interpretable Quality Control of Sparsely Distributed Environmental Sensor Networks Using Graph Neural Networks

Abstract Environmental sensor networks play a crucial role in monitoring key parameters essential for understanding Earth’s systems. To ensure the reliability and accuracy of collected data, effective quality control (QC) measures are essential. Conventional QC methods struggle to handle the complexity of environmental data. Conversely, advanced techniques such as neural networks, are typically not designed to process data from sensor networks with irregular spatial distribution. In this study, we focus on anomaly detection in environmental sensor networks using graph neural networks, which can represent sensor network structures as graphs. We investigate its performance on two datasets with distinct dynamics and resolution: commercial microwave link (CML) signal levels used for rainfall estimation and SoilNet soil moisture measurements. To evaluate the benefits of incorporating neighboring sensor information for anomaly detection, we compare two models: graph convolution network (GCN) and a graph-less baseline: long short-term memory (LSTM). Our robust evaluation through 5-fold cross-validation demonstrates the superiority of the GCN models. For CML, the mean area under receiver operating characteristic curve for the GCN was 0.941 compared to 0.885 for the baseline-LSTM, and for SoilNet, it was 0.858 for GCN and 0.816 for the baseline-LSTM. Visual inspection of CML time series revealed that the GCN proficiently classified anomalies and remained resilient against rain-induced events often misidentified by the baseline-LSTM. However, for SoilNet, the advantage of GCN was less pronounced, likely due to inconsistent and less precise labeling. Through interpretable model analysis, we demonstrate how feature attributions vividly illustrate the significance of neighboring sensor data, particularly in distinguishing between anomalies and expected changes in signal level in the time series.

Analysis of the Impact of Extraction Processes on the Quality of Traditional Chinese Medicine Granules.

This review aims to summarize and elucidate the extraction processes of traditional Chinese medicine granules, examining their connection to quality control, with the aim of establishing a foundation for superior extraction methodologies. This article systematically collects and analyzes relevant literature from the past two decades through databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and CNKI, focusing on the extraction processes of traditional Chinese medicine granules and the factors affecting extraction efficiency. This article provides a comprehensive account of the extraction and granulation processes of traditional Chinese medicine granules. Beginning with the physicochemical properties and chemical components of herbal slices, it explores ways to improve extraction efficiency while also examining the relationship between component structure and biological activity. Rooted in the fundamental theories of traditional Chinese medicine and harmonized with contemporary extraction technologies, it follows the principle that "quality originates from design," ensuring stringent control over the extraction process. This article analyzes extraction technologies, factors influencing extraction efficiency, and quality control measures, establishing a theoretical basis for achieving high-quality and high-yield extraction processes.

A robust GNSS velocity estimation method combining Doppler and carrier phase observations in complex urban environments

Accurate and reliable velocity information is crucial for kinematic positioning, as it not only characterizes the carrier state but also serves as constraint information for positioning. However, due to the influence of low-cost Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) chips and complex environments, GNSS signals are prone to attenuation and interruptions. Consequently, frequent gross errors and cycle slips occur in observations, significantly degrading the velocity precision and reliability. To address this challenge, we have proposed a method combining Doppler and Time-Differenced Carrier Phase Velocity Estimation (D-TDCPVE). First, we assess the accuracy of both Doppler and carrier phase observations to determine the appropriate weight ratio for their combination. Second, we analyze the correlation between the two observation types and propose an adaptive parameter estimation strategy for estimating one or two clock bias variations to address their potential differences. Finally, we incorporate a combination of pre- and post-detection quality control measures along with additional cycle slip parameters to mitigate the impact of gross errors and cycle slips in complex environments. Experimental results conducted with three low-cost devices in urban environments demonstrate the superior performance of the D-TDCPVE method over both Doppler velocity estimation (DVE) and time-differenced carrier phase velocity estimation (TDCPVE). It enhances the success rate of velocity estimation by 3.3% to 20.1% compared to TDCPVE and improves velocity estimation accuracy by 16.1% to 60.9% compared to DVE. Moreover, the method does not necessitate the combination of dual-frequency observations, making it particularly valuable for cycle slip detection in scenarios involving mixed single- and dual-frequency observations, which is particularly useful in urban environments.

Mitochondrial quality control measures, systemic inflammation, and lower-limb muscle power in older adults: a PROMPT secondary analysis

ObjectivesThe study was conducted to explore associations between markers of mitochondrial quality control (MQC) from vastus lateralis muscle biopsies, serum inflammatory markers, and measures of muscle power assessed by two different tools in a sample of older adults. DesignSecondary analysis of data collected in the PeppeR develOpMental ProjecT (PROMPT) at the University of Florida (Gainesville, FL, USA). MethodsForty-three older adults (n = 20 women) were included in the study. Muscle volume of the calf and thigh was quantified by three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging. Lower-limb muscle power was estimated using 5-time sit-to-stand (5STS) muscle power equations and isokinetic test. Protein markers of MQC were measured in muscle samples by Western immoblotting (n = 12–23), while type I and II fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) and their proportion were quantified using immunohistochemistry (n = 12). Cytochrome C oxidase enzyme activity was measured spectrophotometrically. Finally, inflammatory markers were quantified in the serum using a multiplex immunoassay (n = 39). ResultsMean age of participants was 78.1 ± 5.5 years, and the average body mass index was 26.2 ± 4.5 kg/m2. Markers of mitochondrial biogenesis (i.e., PGC-1α), mitochondrial import proteins (i.e., cHsp70 and mtHsp70), and type I fiber CSA were significantly associated with muscle power estimated via both 5STS muscle power equations and isokinetic test (p < 0.05). Specific associations were also found according to the muscle power assessment method. 5STS muscle power measures were negatively correlated with ClvCasp3, P-AMPK, T-AMPK, P-p38, GM-CSF, INF-γ, IL1b, IL6, IL8, and TNF-α, whereas positive associations were found with BAX (p < 0.05). In contrast, isokinetic measures were significantly and positively correlated with RIP140, Hsp60, and type II muscle fiber CSA (p < 0.05). ConclusionsMarkers of mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1α), mitochondrial import proteins (cHsp70 and mtHsp70), and type I muscle fiber CSA were significantly linked to lower-limb muscle power in older adults. These results suggest that muscle power is influenced by mitochondrial signaling. We also found that the relationship between mitochondrial mediators, inflammatory markers, and muscle power varied according to the assessment tool used.

ONGOING MONITORING OF LIQUID FUEL QUALITY AT STORAGE FACILITIES

The newly developed method employs spectral analysis to evaluate fuel quality continuously. Unlike traditional approaches, it eliminates the need for sampling and laboratory analysis, provides real-time results, facilitates rapid decision-making regarding fuel quality, and enhances operational efficiency. A comparative analysis of the new method with laboratory tests carried out following ISO standards demonstrated its effectiveness in the assessment of liquid fuels containing biocomponents. The determined age in sample ageing index is highly correlated with the oxidative stability of the Diesel oil and resin content for Pb95 and Pb98. Statistically, significant transformation functions were developed. The results confirm the ability of the method to rapidly identify substandard fuels, thereby accelerating their withdrawal from the market. The implementation of this spectral analysis-based method represents a significant advance in fuel quality assessment. Its continuous monitoring capability and real-time reporting distinguish it from conventional approaches, thereby offering practical benefits for fuel management. Ensuring timely interventions to maintain quality standards are supported by enabling the prompt detection of degraded fuels. The applicability of this method to state fuel reserves and petrol stations underlines its usefulness in improving fuel quality control measures. Overall, its introduction offers both economic and environmental benefits to the transportation sector.

Plywood Proficiency: Navigating Quality Assurance in Manufacturing

Proficiency testing (PT) plays a vital role in the plywood manufacturing industry, acting as a quality assurance tool to maintain high standards in product consistency and reliability. This study evaluates the effectiveness of PT in identifying and addressing quality issues within plywood production, focusing on three main objectives: assessing PT’s role in uncovering quality problems, analyzing root causes, and proposing targeted solutions for process improvement. The research involved eight laboratories evaluating the Modulus of Rupture (MoR) and Modulus of Elasticity (MoE) of plywood samples, with results statistically analyzed to measure inter-laboratory consistency and identify performance gaps. To ensure reliable testing, the PT samples were prepared in line with IS 303:1989 standards, emphasizing homogeneity and stability. Statistical analyses revealed variability among laboratories, highlighting areas for improvement in material handling and testing protocols. The study found that PT is instrumental for the industry, not only in identifying discrepancies but also in fostering a culture of continuous quality enhancement. Recommendations for improvement include refining the adhesive application, optimizing pressing parameters, ensuring accurate layer alignment, and implementing thorough end-of-line inspections. Quality control measures such as random sampling, supplier audits, and traceability systems are also recommended to maintain consistency. The study advocates for comprehensive employee training and cross-functional collaboration across production, quality assurance, and R&amp;D teams to enhance overall product quality. By addressing critical process variables and leveraging PT as a benchmarking tool, plywood manufacturers can meet regulatory standards and customer expectations. This research underscores the importance of PT in delivering actionable insights for improving product quality and reliability, ultimately supporting the industry’s growth and commitment to safe, high-quality plywood products.

A comprehensive pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis for the assessment of microplastics in various salts

Analytical pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry(Py-GC/MS) was chosen to quantify microplastics(MPs) in edible salts: sea salt(SS), deep-sea salt(DSS), rock salt(RS), and lake salt(LS). Samples were filtered by two-step using 20 μm(MPs20) and 1 μm(MPs1) filters. Two Py-GC/MS methods with split ratios of 100/1 for high-level and 10/1 for low-level MPs were used. Quality control measures were taken to avoid pre-contamination. Methods showed high linearities (R2 > 0.995) and recoveries (84.2–118.1 %) for standards, polyethylene(PE), polypropylene(PP), polystyrene(PS), and polyethylene terephthalate(PET). SS showed highest MPs concentration (584.5 ± 204.4 μg/kg), followed by RS(34.2 ± 16.7 μg/kg) and LS(6.2 μg/kg). Over 7.2 % of detected MPs in SS and RS were smaller than 20 μm. PE, PP, and PET comprised 98.4 % of MPs in SS and 88.1 % in RS. MPs contamination from packaging materials was experimentally confirmed by the presence of similarly shaped PS particles in RS. MPs annual exposure was highest in SS(2304 μg/person), followed by RS(135 μg/person), and LS(24 μg/person), indicating substantial variation in exposure based on salt type.

Quality assessment of translated isiXhosa public texts

Equitable information dissemination in a multilingual and multicultural setting is important. Translation as a means of information dissemination is equally important. Quality translation is even more important because it ensures that information effectively reaches the intended target audience and accurately serves the intended purpose. This study utilised Marais’ assessment tool to assess the quality of selected government documents translated from English into isiXhosa. The selected documents were informative texts such as annual reports, information brochures and Acts. Using content analysis, the study scrutinised the texts to identify any errors that may compromise the quality and acceptability of the translations. Fifteen texts translated into isiXhosa were analysed to determine whether they were adequate and functional in terms of purpose, culture, text type and style, content and language. The findings reveal that, of the 15 texts, eight were found to be adequate or functional, four were partly functional, and three were not functional. The study sheds light on the importance of observing quality control measures like revision and self-revision before publishing the final product. It is concluded that a lack of translator and translation competence has a negative impact on the translation product.

Sc2GWAS: a comprehensive platform linking single cell and GWAS traits of human.

Identifying cell populations associated with risk variants is essential for uncovering cell-specific mechanisms that drive disease development and progression. Integrating genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has become an effective strategy for detecting trait-cell relationships. The accumulation of trait-related single cell data has led to an urgent need for its comprehensively processing. To address this, we developed sc2GWAS (https://bio.liclab.net/sc2GWAS/), which aims to document large-scale GWAS trait-cell regulatory pairs at single-cell resolution and provide comprehensive annotations and enrichment analyses for these related pairs. The current version of sc2GWAS curates a total of 15078310 candidate trait-cell pairs from>6300000 individual cells, offering a valuable resource for exploring complex regulatory relationships between traits and cells. We applied strict quality control measures on both scRNA-seq data and GWAS data, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the datasets for the identification of trait-relevant cells and genes. In addition, sc2GWAS provides ranked lists of trait-relevant genes and extensive (epi) genetic annotations, making it a valuable resource for downstream analyses. We demonstrate the utility of the platform by investigating Alzheimer's disease, where we identified significant associations between the disease and microglial cells, with the APOE gene emerging as particularly significant. This platform facilitates detailed research into complex trait-celland trait-gene interactions, we anticipate that sc2GWAS will become a comprehensive and valuable platform for exploring GWAS trait-cell regulatory mechanisms.

Comparative analysis of marker selection approaches for population stratification in Garole and Deccani sheep

The present study was undertaken to identify ancestry-informative single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers from medium-density Ovine50K genotyping data for the development of low-density SNP panels in Deccani and Garole sheep breeds of India. These panels can be used for efficient and cost-effective genetic analysis and breed identification. Genotyping data from 49 individuals (25 Garole, and 24 Deccani) was analyzed using the OvineSNP50 BeadChip array. Quality control measures were applied to ensure data accuracy and improve reliability and reproducibility of results. Admixture analysis was performed to assess genetic structure and identify potential marker sets for low-density panels. Three different methods (distance, frequency, and index) were used to select markers based on their distribution and allele frequencies. The low-density panels were designed at pre-set sizes of 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, and 5000. The results revealed that low-density panels, particularly with 3K and 5K markers, can effectively differentiate between Deccani and Garole sheep. In conclusion, the 0.5K dense SNP panel developed via index method (followed by frequency method) can be recommended for better genomic clustering (~90%) for both the breeds. The developed SNP panels provide a valuable resource for genetic analysis and breed identification in these sheep populations, potentially facilitating conservation efforts and genetic improvement programs.

Hemostatic function, immunomodulatory capacity, and effects of lipemia in cold-stored whole blood.

Whole blood (WB) is increasingly being used for resuscitation of trauma patients. Although platelet-, red blood cell (RBC)- and plasma-specific parameters in cold-stored WB are well characterized, there has been limited investigation of biological response modifiers (BRMs), which may induce adverse reactions in recipients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality and function of RBC, platelets, plasma proteins, and BRMs in cold-stored WB during storage. WB (n = 24) was collected into collected into citrate-phosphate-dextrose (CPD) anticoagulant, held overnight, processed through a platelet-sparing filter, and stored at 2-6°C for 21 days. RBC, platelet, coagulation factor quality and function, and BRM concentrations were measured throughout the duration of storage. WB was effectively leukoreduced, with 99.98% reduction in leukocyte count and 81% platelet count recovery following filtration. Five WB units were significantly lipemic, with a visible lipid layer appearing after being cold storage overnight. These were more turbid with higher hemolysis compared to non-lipemic units (p = .023). Despite a decrease in platelet count during storage (p < .001), hemostatic function as measured by thromboelastography was maintained for at least 21 days (R time and maximum amplitude; both p < .001). There was a significant increase in PF4, CD62P, and RANTES during cold storage (all p < .001). WB retains hemostatic potential for at least 21 days of cold storage, and with further development, may be suitable for transfusion in Australia. Before implementation in Australia, quality control measures for lipemia and hemolysis would need to be defined as part of our manufacturing processes.

Chlorella vulgaris as a food substitute: Applications and benefits in the food industry.

Chlorella vulgaris, a freshwater microalga, is gaining attention for its potential as a nutritious food source and dietary supplement. This review aims to provide a comprehensive discussion on C. vulgaris, evaluating its viability as a food substitute in the industry by exploring the nutritional value and application of C. vulgaris in the food industry. Rich in protein, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, Chlorella offers substantial nutritional benefits, positioning it as a valuable food substitute. Its applications in the food industry include incorporation into smoothies, snacks, and supplements, enhancing the nutritional profile of various food products. The health benefits of Chlorella encompass antioxidant activity, immune system support, and detoxification, contributing to overall well-being. Despite these advantages, the commercialization of Chlorella faces significant challenges. These include variability in antibacterial activity due to strain and growth conditions, high production costs, contamination risks, and sensory issues such as unpleasant taste and smell. Additionally, Chlorella can accumulate heavy metals from its environment, necessitating stringent quality control measures. Future prospects involve improving Chlorella strains through genetic manipulation to enhance nutrient content, developing cost-effective culture systems, and exploring advanced processing techniques like pulsed electric fields for better digestibility. Addressing sensory issues through flavor-masking strategies and employing environmental management practices will further support Chlorella's integration into the food industry. Although C. vulgaris shows great potential as a nutritious food ingredient, overcoming existing challenges and optimizing production methods would be crucial for its successful adoption and widespread use.

Optimising 3D printed medications for rare diseases: In-line mass uniformity testing in direct powder extrusion 3D printing

Biotinidase deficiency is a rare inherited disorder characterized by biotin metabolism issues, leading to neurological and cutaneous symptoms that can be alleviated through biotin administration. Three-dimensional (3D) printing (3DP) offers potential for personalized medicine production for rare diseases, due to its flexibility in designing dosage forms and controlling release profiles. For such point-of-care applications, rigorous quality control (QC) measures are essential to ensure precise dosing, optimal performance, and product safety, especially for low personalized doses in preclinical and clinical studies. In this work, we addressed QC challenges by integrating a precision balance into a direct powder extrusion pharmaceutical 3D printer (M3DIMAKER™) for real-time, in-line mass uniformity testing, a critical quality control step. Small and large capsule-shaped biotin printlets (3D printed tablets) for immediate- and extended-release were printed. The integrated balance monitored and registered each printlet’s weight, identifying any deviations from acceptable limits. While all large printlet batches met mass uniformity criteria, some small printlet batches exhibited weight deviations. In vitro release studies showed large immediate-release printlets releasing 82% of biotin within 45 min, compared to 100% for small immediate-release printlets. For extended-release formulations, 35% of the drug was released from small printlets, whereas 24% was released from large printlets at the same time point. The integration of process analytical technology tools in 3DP shows promise in enhancing QC and scalability of personalized dosing at the point-of-care, demonstrating successful integration of a balance into a direct powder extrusion 3D printer for in-line mass uniformity testing across different sizes of capsule-shaped printlets.

EDI&amp;S SO05 Barriers to delivering a net zero NHS: An evaluation of Sustainability in Surgery across the Midlands

Abstract Background The healthcare sector is under increasing scrutiny for contributing approximately 4.6% of the UK’s total carbon footprint and 25% of the public sector’s carbon footprint. With support from the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change, the NHS aims to reach a net zero carbon target by 2045 through its Greener NHS campaign. This study aimed to identify key barriers to implementing sustainable practices in the surgical environment. It involved reviewing Green Plans published by Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) in the Midlands, conducting a thematic analysis of relevant literature, and surveying key stakeholders within NHS Trusts in the Midlands. Method Between June and September 2023, Green Plans from 11 ICSs across the Midlands were evaluated by two reviewers for the inclusion of the "key areas of focus" outlined by the NHS Green Plan Guidance. Additionally, three computerised searches were conducted using Ovid MEDLINE and Embase to retrieve abstracts published before May 2023 on reusable surgical gowns, re-sterilisation of surgical energy devices, and operating theatre waste management. Three reviewers screened the abstracts to identify barriers to implementing change. Based on these findings, a framework was developed for the “Supporting a Greener NHS Survey” and disseminated to key stakeholders in the Midlands. Results A heat map was created to assess compliance of each Green Plan with NHS England guidance (Figure 1). The literature search yielded 82 abstracts and key barriers to sustainability were identified as infection control, cost implications, instrument damage, and waste management practices. The survey received 89 responses; 45% did not use reusable drapes at their Trust, 35% did not use reusable gowns, 46% did not use reusable laparoscopic ports, and 59% didn’t know whether their energy devices were recyclable. Key barriers to implementing sustainable change included surgeon preference, financial constraints, and infection control concerns. Conclusion The literature analysis and survey of stakeholders in the Midlands identified several barriers to implementing sustainable changes. With national, regional and local organisational impetus coupled with clinical leadership commitment to sustainability, these barriers can be overcome with multi-disciplinary involvement. By investing in comprehensive training programmes and implementing rigorous quality control measures with input from infection prevention and control teams, clinical leaders and clinicians are best placed to help overcome these barriers and promote sustainability in the surgical environment.

Abstract 4137829: Comprehensive Single-Cell Atlas of the Human Lung in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Introduction: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex cardiopulmonary disease characterized by progressive vascular remodeling. Although various immune and vascular cell populations have been implicated in the pathobiology of PAH, a comprehensive assessment of the various cell types in human PAH lungs is still lacking. Methods: Single-nucleus RNA sequencing was performed on lung samples from the Pulmonary Hypertension Breakthrough Initiative using the 10x Genomics Chromium Fixed RNA Profiling workflow. Rigorous quality control measures were implemented, including the detection and removal of ambient RNA using CellBender and doublets using scDblFinder. Data normalization and dimensionality reduction were performed using Seurat, and alignment by sample and sequencing batch was conducted using Harmony. Cells were annotated by mapping onto the Human Lung Cell Atlas using Azimuth. Differential gene expression analysis was conducted using a robust pseudobulk approach with edgeR to limit false positive findings. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed using the Hallmark pathways. Results: Lung samples from a total of 67 individuals were profiled, including 42 PAH and 25 age- and sex-matched control lungs. After quality control filtering, over 800,000 cells were captured, with a median of 12,000 cells per sample. Clustering uncovered over 30 cell types, representing endothelial, stromal, immune, and epithelial lineages of the lung. A median of 2,500 transcripts and 1,500 genes were detected per cell. Differentially expressed genes between PAH and control were detected in all major cell populations (FDR &lt; 0.05). Comparative analysis across all cell types revealed interferon response in monocyte subpopulations and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in endothelial subpopulations as top upregulated pathways. Conclusion: Comprehensive single-nucleus profiling of human lungs in PAH revealed extensive gene and pathway dysregulation across diverse cell types. This rich dataset provides a valuable resource for the research community, offering opportunities to advance and refine our understanding of the cellular pathobiology of PAH.

AI-enabled pipeline for virus detection, validation, and SNP discovery from next-generation sequencing data.

The rapid and accurate detection of viruses and the discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are critical for disease management and understanding viral evolution. This study presents a pipeline for virus detection, validation, and SNP discovery from next-generation sequencing (NGS) data. The pipeline processes raw sequencing data to identify viral sequences with high accuracy and sensitivity by integrating state-of-the-art bioinformatics tools with artificial intelligence. Before aligning the reads to the reference genomes, quality control measures, and adapter trimming are performed to ensure the integrity of the data. Unmapped reads are subjected to de novo assembly to reveal novel viral sequences and genetic elements. The effectiveness of the pipeline is demonstrated by the identification of virus sequences, illustrating its potential for detecting known and emerging pathogens. SNP discovery is performed using a custom Python script that compares the entire population of sequenced viral reads to a reference genome. This approach provides a comprehensive overview of viral genetic diversity and identifies dominant variants and a spectrum of genetic variations. The robustness of the pipeline is confirmed by the recovery of complete viral sequences, which improves our understanding of viral genomics. This research aims to develop an auto-bioinformatics pipeline for novel viral sequence discovery, in vitro validation, and SNPs using the Python (AI) language to understand viral evolution. This study highlights the synergy between traditional bioinformatics techniques and modern approaches, providing a robust tool for analyzing viral genomes and contributing to the broader field of viral genomics.

QLTI-07. COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH SUITE FOR GENOMIC ANALYSIS, DATA REPORTING AND WORKFLOW CUSTOMISATION

Abstract The genomic analysis pipeline involves multiple stages, including data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL), exploratory data analysis (EDA), machine learning (ML) modeling, and reporting. The ETL stage involves data profiling and quality control measures to ensure data integrity and consistency. The EDA stage employs statistical and visualization methods to understand data distribution, identify patterns, and detect anomalies. Machine learning modelling involves supervised classification techniques, such as logistic regression and support vector machines (SVMs), to predict tumour classification and develop gene signatures. Unsupervised classification techniques, such as K-means clustering and Hierarchical clustering, identify patterns and relationships in genomic data. Quality metrics evaluate data completeness, accuracy, and consistency, ensuring data reliability and validity. The integration of data science techniques into a comprehensive framework can be achieved with the development of Application Dashboards that provide real-time insights into genomic data across every stage of the analysis pipeline. This enables clinical researchers and bioinformaticians to make informed decisions quickly, improving turn-around time and accelerating the discovery of new insights. In contrast to conventional methods of using stand-alone scripts, these dashboards offer a reusable and scalable solution, allowing for easy modification and adaptation to new datasets and analysis pipelines, thereby reducing development effort and increasing productivity. The dashboards constitute a centralized platform for data visualization, exploration, and analysis, facilitating collaboration and communication among research team members. With customizable and interactive visualizations, users can explore genomic data from multiple dimensions and the integration of multiple sources, including genomic and transcriptomic data. The technologies used to power this Research suite include Streamlit for Web App development, Python for data analysis, Opensearch for data storage and other utility libraries for reporting.

Performance Characteristics of a Calculated Index Control Method for the phi Multianalyte Assay with Algorithmic Analysis.

Multianalyte assays with algorithmic analysis (MAAAs), such as the Prostate Health Index (phi), are increasingly utilized for generating disease risk scores. Currently, imprecision and bias in phi are not directly monitored by quality control (QC) assessment of the index but rather by QC assessment of individual components. This may not be adequately controlling for imprecision and bias in the calculated multicomponent phi value itself. Inter- and intra-assay phi precision was compared to precision of the individual component assays. QC measurements from total prostate-specific antigen (PSA), free PSA, and p2PSA were used to calculate a single calculated phi QC metric (PHIc). The frequency of QC failure of PHIc, relative to individual components QC by Westgard rules (13S and 22S), was determined. The effects of varying analyte component assay bias on the resulting PHIc metric were also examined. Average measured phi imprecision (6.7% CV) was higher than individual phi analyte component imprecision (3.9-4.5% CV) across 2 Beckman Coulter Unicel DxI 800 instruments. A retrospective examination of PHIc QC over 84 quality control determinations was concurrently carried out for both PHIc and component assay failure patterns, which were dependent on SDs utilized for Westgard evaluation. Finally, reinforcing nonlinear changes in PHIc were observed in select cases of introduced simulated bias of individual component measurements. An additional calculated phi QC measure can be introduced to monitor MAAA precision/bias, and in principle calculated index controls may represent a complementary supplemental QC method that could be applied to other MAAA indices.