Non-invasive Methodology Research Articles

HPLC-TBARS-EVSC (high-performance liquid chromatography-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances-ex vivo stratum corneum) protocol: Selection of the subjects and approach to present the results.

Nowadays, it is recognized the need for improved safety and efficacy protocols to evaluate the human stratum corneum (SC) and its interaction with topical and cosmetic formulations by minimally or non-invasive methodologies. The aim of our research work was to streamline the HPLC-TBARS-EVSC (high-performance liquid chromatography-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances-ex vivo stratum corneum) methodology, by exploring the results of a group of 18 subjects. The study included nine women and nine men aged between 19 and 57 years old with phototypes from II to V. Sites in the forearm of each volunteer were randomly delimited, and the SC was collected by tape stripping. HPLC was used to quantify the MDA-TBA2 (malondialdehyde-thiobarbituric acid) adduct from the tape-stripped SC, irradiated and not by an ultraviolet (UV) simulator chamber. Observing the findings of our present investigation, and the statistical approach applied, the use of the ratio between the treatment site and control would be an adequate strategy to better discriminate and evaluate the results. Additionally, an optimal selection of the volunteers to respond specifically to the purpose of the ex vivo assay also can be considered advantageous. It seemed that in future studies focusing on the impact of SC UV-induced lipid peroxidation, determined by the HPLC-TBARS-EVSC, the most suitable subjects are females aged less than 35 years old, with phototype II.

Comparison of the local safety of two multi-component feline vaccines, adjuvanted (1 mL) versus non-adjuvanted at reduced volume (0.5 mL), using computed tomography imaging

In 2020, a new 0.5 mL presentation of PUREVAX® RCP FeLV was registered and introduced in Europe.The objectives of this study were to investigate the local safety of this non-adjuvanted vaccine at reduced volume by classical methods (clinical examination, histopathology) and to evaluate the suitability of an alternative non-invasive methodology, the computed tomography (CT). For this purpose, the course of local reactions was assessed for 3 months after subcutaneous injection of PUREVAX® RCP FeLV 0.5 mL and compared to an adjuvanted vaccine, LEUCOFELIGEN® FeLV/RCP 1.0 mL.Injection site reactions consisted mainly of swelling reactions, which were more frequent, more pronounced and long-lasting in the adjuvanted vaccine group. Microscopically, in this group, moderate to severe inflammatory reactions were observed on day 7 (D7) and D21 post-injection and still present on D84, while mild inflammatory lesions were observed in the non-adjuvanted vaccine group only on D7 and D21. With the adjuvanted vaccine, inflamed areas were measurable by CT scan in all cats on D7 and D21, whereas they were detected only on D7 and only in 20 % of cats from the non-adjuvanted vaccine group. Besides the higher frequency, the mean inflamed volume was nearly 300 times larger in adjuvanted vaccine group on D7.Using different methodologies, the favorable safety profile of PUREVAX® RCP FeLV 0.5 mL was confirmed. Furthermore, the vaccine is aligned with current vaccination guidelines by inducing less inflammatory reactions, being adjuvant-free and injectable under a reduced volume, thus improving the convenience of administration in recommended sites (eg, legs).CT scan proved to be a suitable non-invasive method for the experimental follow-up of injection site reactions, yielding results consistent with clinical assessment and histopathology on D7 and D21. CT scan substantiated large differences between the investigated vaccines with a more prominent inflammatory reaction after injection of an adjuvanted vaccine.

P-186 Combination of proteomics and automatic scoring using artificial neural networks to detect aneuploid embryos

Abstract Study question How powerful is the combination of artificial neural networks that combine embryo's protein profile with its automatic score provided by time-lapse videos to predict ploidy? Summary answer An artificial neural network (ANN) that considers proteomics and automatic score assigned by deep learning achieves 71% accuracy in distinguishing between euploid and aneuploid embryos. What is known already Currently the most widely used technique for detecting chromosomal abnormalities involves biopsy of the developing embryo. However, it has several disadvantages related to invasiveness, technical difficulty, high economic costs, etc. Therefore, different non-invasive techniques are being studied for the detection of aneuploid embryos. The discovery of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) released by the embryo to the culture media during its development marked the beginning of a new era of noninvasive PGT (niPGT) but some factors require adaptation for the analysis. Also, artificial Intelligence (AI) represents a valuable alternative to developing new models for predicting PGT outcomes without disturbing the embryo. Study design, size, duration This study included 294 samples of culture medium from 81 treatments of the PGT-A program. Out of the total, 23 were control samples (medium in which no embryos had been cultured) and 271 were samples where there was a developing embryo. Embryos were cultured until the blastocyst stage in EmbryoScope systems (Vitrolife, Sweden) with single-step medium (Gems, Genea) and automatically scored by iDAScore v2 algorithm from 1 to 9.9. Participants/materials, setting, methods The spent culture medium was collected on day 5/6 of embryo development and chromosome analysis was performed using next-generation sequence technology (Juno Genetics, Valencia). The relative concentrations of 92 proteins were analysed using Proseek Multiplex Assays (Olink Bioscience) using 1 μl of each sample. The final assay readout was presented as Normalized Protein eXpression (NPX) values. Finally, we developed our own ANN algorithms considering protein profile and automatic embryo score. Main results and the role of chance For euploid embryos (n = 101), 35 protein samples analysed had different NPX values between conditioned and control media*. The relative concentration was reduced for 11 proteins (consumption by the embryo) and 24 proteins increased their levels (secretion). For aneuploid embryos (n = 170), 33 protein samples analysed had different NPX values between conditioned and control media*. The relative concentration was reduced for 4 proteins and 29 proteins increased their levels. Out of the total, only 6 proteins had on average different concentrations between normal and abnormal embryos*: MCP_1, IL_17A, CXCL1, IL18, IL_22RA1 and CSF_1. Additionally, the automatic embryo score provided by iDAScore v2 algorithm was higher for euploid embryos than for aneuploid embryos (5.9 ± 2.7 vs. 5.1 ± 2.6)*. For ploidy prediction, three architectures of ANN were developed with different input data ANN1 (six discriminatory proteins), ANN2 (automatic embryo score) and ANN3 (six discriminatory proteins and automatic embryo score). Our dataset was divided into 68% training, 16% validation and 16% test. The accuracy, sensibility and specificity for the test phase were as follows: 63.6%, 76.9% and 44% for ANN1; 61%, 11.8% and 95.8% for ANN2; and 71.1%, 62.5% and 77.3% for ANN3. Limitations, reasons for caution Only one laboratory by using single step culture medium from one brand was involved in this study. Wider implications of the findings Our study showed a new approach to avoid transferring aneuploid embryos in cases where embryo biopsy is not performed. In addition, further studies on this field may result in a new non-invasive methodology for detecting aneuploidy. Trial registration number PI21/00283

Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction: What Clinicians and Investigators Should Know.

Abnormal structure and function of the coronary microvasculature have been implicated in the pathophysiology of multiple cardiovascular disease processes. This article reviews recent research progress related to coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) and salient clinical takeaways. CMD is prevalent in patients with signs and symptoms of ischemia and no obstructive epicardial coronary artery disease (INOCA), particularly in women. CMD is associated with adverse outcomes, including most frequently the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. It is also associated with adverse outcomes in patient populations including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, and acute coronary syndromes. In patients with INOCA, stratified medical therapy guided by invasive coronary function testing to define the subtype of CMD leads to improved symptoms. There are invasive and non-invasive methodologies to diagnose CMD that provide prognostic information and mechanistic information to direct treatment. Available treatments improve symptoms and myocardial blood flow; ongoing investigations aim to develop therapy to improve adverse outcomes related to CMD.

Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange Vibrational Raman Spectroscopy Distinguishes Distinct Amyloid Polymorphs Comprising Altered Core Architecture.

Amyloid fibrils are ordered protein aggregates comprising a hydrogen-bonded central cross-β core displaying a structural diversity in their supramolecular packing arrangements within the core. Such an altered packing results in amyloid polymorphism that gives rise to morphological and biological strain diversities. Here, we show that vibrational Raman spectroscopy coupled with hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange discerns the key structural features that are responsible for yielding diverse amyloid polymorphs. Such a noninvasive and label-free methodology allows us to structurally distinguish distinct amyloid polymorphs displaying altered hydrogen bonding and supramolecular packing within the cross-β structural motif. By using quantitative molecular fingerprinting and multivariate statistical analysis, we analyze key Raman bands for the protein backbone and side chains that allow us to capture the conformational heterogeneity and structural distributions within distinct amyloid polymorphs. Our results delineate the key molecular factors governing the structural diversity in amyloid polymorphs and can potentially simplify studying amyloid remodeling by small molecules.

Futuristic Approach to Cholesterol Detection by Utilizing Non-invasive Techniques

Abstract: Regular blood cholesterol control is an integral part of healthcare for detecting cardio-vascular issues immediately. Existing procedures are mostly intrusive and necessitate the collection of blood samples. Furthermore, because of the danger of infection, bruising, and/or haematoma, this measurement method may not be appropriate for continuous or regular examinations. As a result, an alternate option is required, which is known as the noninvasive (NI) approach that does not necessi-tate the collection of blood samples. Because NI approaches give painless and precise answers, they can be used in place of intrusive procedures. This review article includes a comprehensive investi-gation on NI methodologies and various NI approaches for detecting cholesterol in the bloodstream. It is important to note that medical system possibilities are changing due to the algorithms for NI techniques, which ultimately project the need for patient monitoring via the internet of medical things (IoMT) and artificial intelligence (AI).

In‐situ technical study of contemporary painting from the heritage collection of the Universitat de València, Spain. Canvases and colorful landscapes by Manuel Moreno Gimeno

AbstractThe Universitat de València brings together artistic collections of great value that embrace more than five centuries of history (1499–2022). Among them, the collection of contemporary painting stands out for its diversity of artists, artistic techniques and themes. One of the aims of the Vice‐rectorate for Culture and Society of the Universitat de València is the study, conservation and dissemination of its art collection, implementing innovative methodologies that will place these artworks at the research and transfer frontline. To achieve this, the Laboratory for Analysis and Diagnosis of Works of Art of the Universitat de València: Conservation, Legacy, InnOvation has recently optimized a multi‐analytical artistic diagnosis approach that combines the use of multiband technical photography (MTP) with digital radiography, infrared reflectography (IRR) and hyperspectral camera. The noninvasive methodology developed for the studied paintings, belonging to different historical periods, is completed by using a portable X‐ray fluorescence. The final goal is to obtain useful information on the composition and execution technique, issues of great interest for developing preventive conservation plans for the collections and for the design of innovative exhibition proposals of an immersive and accessible nature. This article presents the results obtained for three paintings that were made by one of the most unknown Valencian painters of the early 20th century, despite the great quality of his work: Manuel Moreno Gimeno (1900–1982). These paintings are part of the aforementioned art collection of the Universitat de València, and are housed at the Faculty of Medicine. In this study, the use of MTP, IRR and hyperspectral imaging techniques were combined with the analysis of the pictorial surface using a portable optical microscope and a portable X‐ray fluorescence. The results obtained indicate that Manuel Moreno Gimeno developed a landscape painting technique that was very close to that of other Valencian painters of the early 20th century. The handling of light and color was achieved using a rich color palette that included numerous contemporary innovative pigment such as chrome or cadmium.

Use of thermography and physiological rate to assess heat tolerance in cattle breeds.

Thermography has grown in use in recent years. It is a valuable tool for measuring animal heat tolerance under heat stress conditions since it is a non-invasive, safe and practical methodology. Physiological variables such as respiration rate and eye temperature, and environmental variables such as air temperature and wet bulb temperature were analysed in animals from nine cattle breeds (Angus, Braford, Brangus, Canchim, Charolais, Hereford, Nelore, Simmental and Santa Gertrudis) and one bubaline (Mediterranean) at Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Positive correlations were observed between air temperature and respiration rate and eye temperature. Furthermore, the breed strongly influenced the eye temperature and respiration rate of the animals. Eye temperature showed strong correlation with air temperature and wet bulb temperature. Simmental and Nelore animals presented higher eye temperature values. Simmental presented alteration in respiratory rate before the other breeds and Nelore was the last breed to present this alteration. The inflection points in the broken line analysis indicated the environmental temperature limits at which breeds begin to change their respiration to compensate for environmental variation. The use of thermography has proven to be a technique with possible application to evaluate the temperature of animals. Logistic regression analysis allows us to observe how each breed behaves with the temperature change. Using respiration rates and eye temperatures it was possible to identify physiological limits for comfort in different breeds of bovine. In the future it would be interesting to conduct additional studies using other physiological variables and also other indices of climatic conditions.

Protein Requirements Are Increased in Endurance-Trained Athletes but Similar between Females and Males during Postexercise Recovery.

This study aimed to determine the daily protein requirements of female and male endurance athletes in a home-based setting using noninvasive stable isotope methodology (i.e., indicator amino acid oxidation). Eight males (30 ± 3 yr; 78.6 ± 10.5 kg; 75.6 ± 7.5 mL·kgFFM-1·min-1; mean ± SD) and seven females (30 ± 4 yr; 57.7 ± 5.0 kg; 77.5 ± 7.1 mL·kgFFM-1·min-1) during the midluteal phase were studied. After 2 d of controlled diet (1.4 gprotein·kg-1·d-1) and training (10 and 5 km run·d-1, respectively), participants completed a 20-km run before an at-home indicator amino acid oxidation trial testing a suboptimal, a moderate, and an excess (i.e., 0.2, 1.2, and 2.0 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) protein intake. Protein was consumed as a crystalline amino acid mixture containing [1-13C]phenylalanine to examine whole-body phenylalanine flux and phenylalanine oxidation (PheOx; the reciprocal of whole-body protein synthesis) through breath and urine sample collection. A modified biphasic linear regression determined the breakpoint in PheOx for each participant to generate an estimated average intake that would maximize whole-body protein synthesis for each sex. PheOx was different (P < 0.01) between all protein intakes with no effect of sex (P = 0.63). Using a modified three-point curve resulted in a breakpoint that was not different (P = 0.94) between males and females (1.60 and 1.61 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively). The recommended intake (i.e., upper 95% confidence interval) was estimated to be 1.81 and 1.89 g·kg-1·d-1 for males and females, respectively. Our findings indicate that endurance athletes consuming a daily protein intake toward the upper end of current consensus recommendations (~1.85 g·kg-1·d-1) will maximize whole-body protein synthesis during postexercise recovery regardless of sex.

Koalas showed limited behavioural response and no physiological response to drones

Drones have become a popular conservation tool especially when monitoring cryptic species or species inhabiting locations difficult to access. We developed a non-invasive methodology to measure heart rate in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) using a Fitbit and investigated the behavioural (vigilance behaviour) and physiological (heart rate and breathing rate) responses of captive koalas to drones. We showed for the first time that heart rate values in koalas can be accurately obtained with a Fitbit. Koalas responded to a drone flight conducted 15 m above their heads with a short-term increase in vigilance, but no change in heart rate or breathing rate. Our results suggest that drones may not have long-term detrimental effects on koalas’ fitness or energy demands and adds to the growing literature investigating animals’ responses to drones to help develop best practices for drone monitoring.

A pattern-recognition-based clustering method for non-invasive diagnosis and classification of various gastric conditions.

Conventional endoscopic biopsy tests are not suitable for early detection of the acute onset and progression of peptic ulcer as well as various gastric complications. This also limits its suitability for widespread population-based screening and consequently, many people with complex gastric phenotypes remain undiagnosed. Here, we demonstrate a new non-invasive methodology for accurate diagnosis and classification of various gastric disorders exploiting a pattern-recognition-based cluster analysis of a breathomics dataset generated from a simple residual gas analyzer-mass spectrometry. The clustering approach recognizes unique breathograms and "breathprints" signatures that clearly reflect the specific gastric condition of an individual person. The method can selectively distinguish the breath of peptic ulcer and other gastric dysfunctions like dyspepsia, gastritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease patients from the exhaled breath of healthy individuals with high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, the clustering method exhibited a reasonable power to selectively classify the early-stage and high-risk gastric conditions with/without ulceration, thus opening a new non-invasive analytical avenue for early detection, follow-up, and fast population-based robust screening strategy of gastric complications in the real-world clinical domain.

Holocaust victims, Jewish law and the ethics of archaeological investigations

Dead bodies – and the graves in which they are interred – are often highly contested within Holocaust campscapes. Although photographs of bodies at places like Bergen-Belsen, Dachau, and Ohrdruf emerged in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War, the exhumation of mass graves of Holocaust victims for either judicial or humanitarian reasons has become something of a taboo subject. Whilst some see dead bodies in these environments as evidence of a crime, others view them as relatives, friends, and loved ones who require a proper burial, a marked burial site, or should be left undisturbed. Disputes arise between governments, communities, individuals, and religious groups when accounting for Halacha (Jewish Law) and the dead. This paper highlights how a non-invasive methodology, derived from archaeology and other disciplines, offers one way of locating and classifying graves whilst respecting the ethical sensitivities involved in their investigation. This is a growing field of research and one which has proven ability and future potential to shed new light on the crimes perpetrated across the European Holocaust landscape.

Measuring short-term changes in stress-associated salivary analytes in free-ranging Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata).

Monitoring short-term changes of endocrine responses in non-human primates living in wild populations is a challenge. Saliva contains enzymes, steroids, and various analytes that can be broadly useful for helping us understand physiological responses to social and environmental sources of stress as well as other compromises to an individual's health homeostasis. Salivary alpha-amylase and salivary cortisol are known to respond rapidly to stress, which can allow us to use these analytes to monitor stress on a time scale of minutes. We developed a non-invasive methodology for the collection of saliva and verified its applicability by conducting short-term interval sampling of focal individuals under varying social conditions in a group of semi-provisioned free-ranging Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) living endemically on the island of Koshima, Miyazaki prefecture, Japan. Monkeys were habituated to sampling by using ingestive attractants applied to cotton ropes. Their receptivity to chewing on the saliva sampling material provided and chewing time was recorded ad libitum during the initial habituation period of the troop to the sampling procedure. Focal animal behavior observations were conducted in conjunction with saliva sampling. Salivary analytes associated with stress, alpha-amylase and cortisol, were measured via enzyme immunoassay. Short-term changes in salivary alpha-amylase and salivary cortisol were examined in relation to short-term changes in social behavior, in particular aggression or grooming. We tested flow-rate effects in both analytes and found strong correlations between original sample results and their respective flow-rate transformed equivalents. Additionally, temperature effects on samples were tested and both analytes showed nearly the same values when stored at -20, 4, and 30°C conditions for 6h; important information expected to facilitate future sampling in field conditions where freezer storage is uncertain. Our study shows that saliva can be repeatedly sampled non-invasively to investigate short-term changes in stress-associated markers in free-ranging Japanese macaques.

A Novel Serum-Based Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease Using an Advanced Phage-Based Biochip.

55 million people worldwide suffer from Alzheimer's disease (AD). A definitive diagnosis of AD is made postmortem after a neuropathological examination of the brain. There is an urgent need for an innovative, noninvasive methodology that allows for an early and reliable diagnosis. Several engineered phages that recognized Aβ-autoantibodies present in the sera of AD patients are previously identified. Here, novel phages are tested for their ability to accurately discriminate AD sera using immunophage-polymerase chain reaction in a miniatured biochip. It is found that five of the six phages analyzed discriminate between healthy controls and AD patients. Further, by combining the response of two phages, non-AD and severe AD cases are identified with 100% accuracy and mild-to-moderate cases with 90% accuracy. While the number of cases used here are relatively small and can be confirmed in larger cohorts, this first-of-a-kind system represents an innovative methodology with the potential of having a major impact in the AD field: from a clinical perspective, it can aid physicians in making an accurate AD diagnosis; from a research perspective, it can be used as a surrogate for AD clinical trials.

Experimental non-invasive methodology to assess light-induced pigment changes in green and red leaf lettuce

Experimental non-invasive methodology to assess light-induced pigment changes in green and red leaf lettuce

Optical Coherence Tomography as a novel tool for non-invasive membrane thickness monitoring of co-extruded drug-delivery systems

Co-extruded core-membrane formulations have been extensively explored as long-acting subcutaneous implants or vaginal inserts, guaranteeing zero-order release. Although the membrane thickness and homogeneity determine the final drug release, these parameters are still evaluated offline via destructive testing. The present study aims at tackling this shortcoming by introducing an in-line, non-invasive, fast and reproducible methodology based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) to evaluate the membrane characteristics of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) based co-extrudates. The novel setup enables a membrane representation and thickness analysis in real time during the manufacturing process, while the characterized membrane thicknesses are in good agreement with those obtained by optical microscopy. In addition, OCT offers novel insights into essential membrane characteristics that have not been visualized before. A case in point is the visualization of potential membrane defects, e.g. delaminated membranes, rough surfaces or viscosity mismatches in the core-membrane interface. Due to the obtained wealth of information combined with the instantaneous and destruction-free measurement, OCT has the potential to become the process analytical technology of choice for co-extruded dosage forms.

Review on the Role of Salivary Biomarkers in the Diagnosis of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Concussion Syndrome.

(1) Background: While mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a major public health issue, post-concussion syndrome (PCS) remains a controversial entity. In both cases, the clinical diagnosis is mainly based on the symptoms and brain imaging evaluation. The current molecular biomarkers were described from blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), yet both fluid collection methods are invasive. Saliva could be preferred in molecular diagnosis due to its non-invasive and non-expensive methods of acquisition, transport, and samples processing. (2) Objectives: In the present study, we aimed to review the latest developments in salivary biomarkers and their potential role in diagnosing mild TBIs, and PCS. (3) Results: In TBIs and PCS, a few novel studies focusing on salivary biomarkers have emphasized their importance in diagnosis. The previous studies mainly focused on micro RNAs, and only a few on extracellular vesicles, neurofilament light chain, and S100B. (4) Conclusions: The combination between salivary biomarkers, clinical history and examination, self-reported symptoms, and cognitive/balance testing can provide a non-invasive alternative diagnostic methodology, as compared to the currently approved plasma and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers.

Predicting risk of metastases and recurrence in soft-tissue sarcomas via Radiomics and Formal Methods.

Soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs) of the extremities are a group of malignancies arising from the mesenchymal cells that may develop distant metastases or local recurrence. In this article, we propose a novel methodology aimed to predict metastases and recurrence risk in patients with these malignancies by evaluating magnetic resonance radiomic features that will be formally verified through formal logic models. This is a retrospective study based on a public dataset evaluating MRI scans T2-weighted fat-saturated or short tau inversion recovery and patients having "metastases/local recurrence" (group B) or "no metastases/no local recurrence" (group A) as clinical outcomes. Once radiomic features are extracted, they are included in formal models, on which is automatically verified the logic property written by a radiologist and his computer scientists coworkers. Evaluating the Formal Methods efficacy in predicting distant metastases/local recurrence in STSs (group A vs group B), our methodology showed a sensitivity and specificity of 0.81 and 0.67, respectively; this suggests that radiomics and formal verification may be useful in predicting future metastases or local recurrence development in soft tissue sarcoma. Authors discussed about the literature to consider Formal Methods as a valid alternative to other Artificial Intelligence techniques. An innovative and noninvasive rigourous methodology can be significant in predicting local recurrence and metastases development in STSs. Future works can be the assessment on multicentric studies to extract objective disease information, enriching the connection between the radiomic quantitative analysis and the radiological clinical evidences.

Immune status of piglets during the first week of life: Current knowledge, significance and assessment – a review

Abstract The immune system of neonate piglets differs from adult pigs in structure and competence. Although piglets are born immunocompetent, they are genuinely immunologically defenseless. To survive in the environment, piglets need passive protection provided by sow’s colostrum and milk when constantly exposed to numerous pathogens. Early assessment of piglets’ immune status may enable rapid intervention in case of detection of any deficiencies or disorders. Moreover, awareness of the piglets’ immunocompetence and the level of maternally-derived antibodies (MDA) may allow the creation of a proper vaccine schedule. Hence, extending knowledge of prenatal ontogeny of the porcine immune system, the immune status of neonate piglets’ and the immunological components of porcine colostrum is crucial. Since animal welfare has become a more critical element of animal production, new, non-invasive sampling methodologies are highly desirable for the evaluation of piglets’ immune status.

A Velocity-Based Approach to Noninvasive Methodology for Urodynamic Analysis.

To date, invasive urodynamic investigations have been used to define most terms and conditions relating to lower urinary tract symptoms. This invasiveness is almost totally due to the urethral catheter. In order to remove this source of discomfort for patients, the present study investigated a noninvasive methodology able to provide diagnostic information on bladder outlet obstruction or detrusor underactivity without any contact with the human body. The proposed approach is based on simultaneous measurements of flow rate and jet exit velocity. In particular, the jet exit kinetic energy appears to be strongly related to bladder pressure, providing useful information on the lower urinary tract functionality. We developed a new experimental apparatus to simulate the male lower urinary tract, thus allowing extensive laboratory activities. A large amount of data was collected regarding different functional statuses. Experimental results were compared successfully with data in the literature in terms of peak flow rate and jet exit velocity. A new diagram based on the kinetic energy of the exit jet is proposed herein. Using the same notation as a Schäfer diagram, it is possible to perform noninvasive urodynamic studies. A new noninvasive approach based on the measurement of jet exit kinetic energy has been proposed to replace current invasive urodynamic studies. A preliminary assessment of this approach was carried out in healthy men, with a specificity of 91.5%. An additional comparison using a small sample of available pressure-flow studies also confirmed the validity of the proposed approach.