Non-standardized Method Research Articles

Professional Development from the Perspective of Kindergarten Teachers in the Czech Republic

The paper focuses on the professional development of kindergarten teachers in the Czech Republic, presenting the results of a research survey conducted between April and September 2023. The study examines teachers’ motives for further education, available professional development opportunities and expectations related to the application of newly acquired knowledge in the innovation of the educational process in kindergartens, taking into account current changes in educational needs. The main aim of the research was to identify the educational needs of female teachers in the areas of child education, management and personal development. The qualitative research was conducted using a non-standardized interview method, which provided insight into the reasons and conditions of teachers’ professional development, as well as their opportunities to apply newly acquired skills in practice. The results were compared with similar research from 2017–2020. In particular, digital technologies and the desire to “keep up with the times” were identified as new learning needs. Teachers also expressed a lack of recognition of their professional work by parents and the public, which they perceived as a significant gap in practice.

Culture of care: the question of animal agency in laboratory animal science.

A majority of the current debates in experimental animal science research focus to a large extent on the significance and implementation of the 3Rs principle according to Russell and Burch. In this context, not least due to the EU Directive 2010/63/EU, the concept of a culture of care has become more prevalent. Although animals are essential actors in the field of laboratory science, the discussion around animal agency, as well as the resulting consequences for laboratory animal science, is currently unconsidered. The purpose of this qualitative survey was to identify the perception and understanding of professional workers in laboratory animal science regarding the culture of care in general and aspects of animal agency in particular. Using a non-standardized qualitative survey method (topic-oriented, guideline-based expert interviews), persons involved in animal experimentation in different groups (management, science, regulation, and care) were interviewed. Overall, the results of the qualitative survey showed that animal agency plays a subordinate role in the question of a culture of care in animal research. Although not all groups explicitly applied the construct of animal agency or comparable terminology for this, there were links to the theoretical construct. Overall, the interviews showed a recognized network between humans and animals and that animals can interact dialogically in research. This is justified, for example, by the transfer of emotions from carers or scientists to animals. Nevertheless, a differentiated reflection of an animal's agency remains disregarded. The present qualitative survey approached the understanding of a culture of care among experts in the field of animal research. Animal agency does occur in the theoretical reception of the culture of care model. However, it is not conclusively established in everyday practice. Rather, the results lead to the assumption that strategies are being implemented to largely fade out animal agency.

Organisatonal Climate in Healthcare Institutions

Background: The organizational climate is defined as the perception of events within the work environment (relationships, values, actions) among organization members that are psychologically meaningful. It also includes the influence of the surroundings on employee motivation and behavior. This concept is studied within the field of industrial and organizational psychology, particularly focusing on healthcare institutions. Objective: The study aims to explain the concept, definition, and history of organizational climate, with a specific focus on healthcare institutions. It also aims to examine the factors influencing the work environment and the extent to which they can improve it. Methods: The research utilizes both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative approach is presented through a non-standardized survey method. Qualitative research was conducted using case studies of healthcare institutions in Sarajevo Canton. The integration of these methods allowed for a comprehensive examination of the organizational climate. Results: The survey provided detailed insights into the organizational climate within healthcare institutions in Sarajevo Canton. It identified key factors that influence the work environment and highlighted areas for potential improvement. Discussion: The findings underscore the importance of strategic management of human resources and potential in creating a positive organizational climate. The study suggests that improving organizational climate is a long-term, multi-layered process involving doctors, managers, and all organizational members working towards common goals. Further research is needed to explore specific interventions that can enhance organizational climate in healthcare settings. Conclusion: This underscores the need for healthcare institutions to focus on fostering a supportive organizational climate and nurturing positive interpersonal interactions to enhance overall job satisfaction among employees.

81 Test-retest Reliability of the Oral Trail Making Test Administered on the Telephone

Objective:In the aftermath and continuance of the COVID-19 pandemic, the field of neuropsychology has experienced a burgeoning literature base on remote telehealth practices. These practices include both videoconference and telephone modalities. Several studies to date have proposed evidence suggesting that inperson and remote telehealth assessments demonstrate comparable results. One of the major limitations to telehealth practices is the scarcity of measures of processing speed. A widely used measure is the Oral Trail Making Test, which has two trials (A & B). Oral Trails B is often conceptualized as a measure of set-shifting and cognitive flexibility. And validity studies support Oral Trails B having strong test-retest reliability and correlation to its written counterpart. In contrast, there is contention as to whether Oral Trails A can be conceptualized as a measure of basic attention and speed versus simple numerical automaticity. Importantly, to our knowledge, the test-retest reliability of Oral Trails A administered specifically via telephone has never been reported in a healthy sample. The following study presents test-retest reliability for the Oral Trails A and B (in a healthy control group) administered as part of a larger study investigating the effects of deep diaphragmatic breathing on cognitive functioning.Participants and Methods:Eighty healthy young adults with elevated stress levels were recruited from a major metropolitan city at a major university. The subjects had to be between the ages of 18 to 29 and self-reported Perceived Stress Scale score >13. The subjects could not practice any form of meditation, yoga, or breathing exercise regularly. Additionally, they could not have any severe medical or psychiatric disorder, be actively suicidal; have a substance use disorder within the past year, or use of medication with a known negative impact on cognition or autonomic nervous system (ANS) arousal. Participants were randomized to a waitlist control group or an intervention group. Cognitive assessments were administered over the phone to both groups (pre and post-treatment) and self-report measures were completed online due to quarantine restrictions.Results:Among participants in the waitlist control group, the mean difference (MD) between time points on OTMT-A (MD= -0.17, SD= 1.69) was small and not significant (p>0.05). The mean difference for OTMT-B (MD= -13.06, SD=26.99) was large and significant (p=0.01). Bivariate Pearson correlations were computed revealing a significant moderate strength relationship between OTMT-A performance across time points (r=0.6, p<0.001). In contrast, performance on OTMT-B across time points revealed a nonsignificant, weak relationship (r=0.2, p=1.94).Conclusions:These results do not support literature demonstrating strong test-retest reliability for OTMT-B. Furthermore, this is the first study establishing test-retest reliability for the OTMT-A as administered via a novel telephonic modality. Given the novel and non-standardized method of administration, the data should be interpreted with caution. Nonetheless, given the weak relationship in OTMT-B performance and the only moderate relationship of OTMT-A performance across time points, the results suggest that the OTMT may not be highly reliable as administered via a telephonic modality.

Clinical effectiveness study of the new diagnostic score of acute appendicitis in the elderly

Introduction. Acute appendicitis is among the three most frequent surgical diseases. The lifetime likelihood of developing acute appendicitis is around 7%. The incidence of acute appendicitis reduces with age after adolescence. Several studies evaluated the relevance of the current scores to the general population, mostly children, but a limited number of studies have studied the elderly population. This study aims to assess the clinical effectiveness of the new diagnostic score for the elderly population in comparison to both the Alvarado score and the non-standardized score. Material and methods. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the diagnostic score of acute appendicitis, we examined 78 patients who were admitted to emergency unit of the Saint Archangel Michael Municipal Clinical Hospital during 20182021 with the presumptive diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Of all patients admitted, Acute Appendicitis was confirmed on pathological examination in 22 (28.2%) patients. The average age of patients was 73.5±13.5 years (minimum - 60 years, maximum - 87 years). The ratio of males to females was 1:1.6. Results. Comparative evaluation of the new diagnostic score of acute appendicitis and the non-standardized clinical-echographic examination for acute appendicitis diagnosis showed better performance indicators of the new diagnostic score of acute appendicitis compared to the non-standardized clinical method for acute appendicitis diagnosis. The high sensitivity of the new diagnostic score of acute appendicitis was statistically demonstrated (ƛ2 = 4.32; p < 0.05), a lower rate of missed acute appendicitis cases in the new diagnostic score of acute appendicitis (ƛ2 = 4.32; p < 0.05), the „grey area” is lower in the new diagnostic score of acute appendicitis (ƛ2 = 5.28; p < 0.05), than in the non-standardized diagnosis. It was shown to have a lower rate of acute appendicitis cases in the „grey area” of the total number of acute appendicitis cases (ƛ2 = 4.9; p < 0.05). Benchmarking indicators such as specificity and diagnostic accuracy showed no statistically significant differences. At the same time, a definite increase in specificity and accuracy was observed for the new diagnostic score of acute appendicitis compared to non-standardized clinical diagnosis. Conclusions. Diagnosing acute appendicitis in elderly patients remains challenging due to the numerous potential diagnoses with similar clinical manifestations that are observed in this patient population. It was necessary to utilize clinical risk-scoring systems that could aid in the prompt identification of patients with acute appendicitis. This study concludes that the New diagnostic score has higher clinical efficiency in diagnosing acute appendicitis in elderly patients. It has a sensitivity of up to 93.15%, compared to the unstandardized clinical method and the Alvarado diagnostic score, and is independent of „risk factors” such as obesity and atypical vermiform appendix localization.

The Effect of Thermal Procedure on Skin Affected by Cellulite

The external appearance, especially that of women, is very important and cellulite is an aesthetically unacceptable cosmetic defect (S. A. Abosabaa, 2020). Genetics, lifestyle, gender determines development of cellulite (N. Sadick, 2018).
 The aim. To evaluate the effect of thermal procedures on skin affected by cellulite.
 Methods. The analysis of 2010–2022 scientific literature in Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, Archives of Dermatological Research, PubMed electronic database was performed. The keywords helped to achieve the goal: cellulite, thermal procedures, cosmetic products. Ten scientific sources containing keywords were examined. A non-standardized interview method was used to examine eating habits, medications used, age, effectiveness of cosmetic products and a standardized customer card.
 Results. Thermal procedures decreased the volume of the abdomen by 11 cm, that of the buttocks and thighs affected by cellulite by 9 cm.
 Conclusions. 1. Cellulite mainly affected the skin of buttocks, thighs, and abdominal areas, the damage was influenced by the age, hormonal imbalance, diet, and a lack of physical activity. 2. The effectiveness of a thermal effect was observed after five procedures. After coordinating procedures with participants, changing eating habits and passive physical activity to active, cellulite stages decreased from stage III to stage II. 3. After ten thermal procedures, the participant reduced areas of the body affected by cellulite, restored the moisture level and firmness of the skin, however, cellulite did not disappear completely.

ПОЛИТИЧЕСКОЕ ДОВЕРИЕ РОССИЙСКОЙ МОЛОДЕЖИ: САМООЦЕНКА И МНЕНИЕ ЭКСПЕРТОВ

An analysis of the results of two empirical studies of the political trust of Russian youth conducted in the fall of 2022 — an all-Russian online youth survey and an expert survey — was carried out. Empirical studies were a part of the implementation of the research project "Political Trust of the Russian Youth: Formation Mechanisms, State, Trends, Systemic Risks". The self-assessment of the political trust of young people included the identification of their attitude towards the institutions of power, as well as to NGOs, and politicians of all levels. The expert survey was based on the application of the non-standardized interview method. A variable was calculated to clarify the issue of the proportion of those who did not trust the authorities, demonstrating low, medium and high indicators of political trust. Compared to previous online surveys, trust anti-rating indicators grew significantly. A split was revealed in the assessment of young people's regard of the domestic and foreign policies and the activities of certain institutions. Data was obtained on the differentiation of the political trust of young people in certain political institutions. Age/generational explanations for the differences in the political attitudes of young people showed differences between the three age groups of young people.

EDNA envisaged conservation of IUCN threatened taxa of the tropical mangrove ecosystems

eDNA sampling is a more affordable, quick, and consistent method to understand the aquatic ecosystem, especially the ocean, with freely associated DNA in water suitable for estimating diversity, composition, and behaviour. Furthermore, it helps to propose management plans to use sustainable ocean resources. The world's mangroves are currently under threat, and they also provide habitat for International Union Conservation of Nature (IUCN)-listed threatened species (e.g., Dugong, Bengal Tiger, etc.). These species are inextricably linked to the mangrove ecosystem, forming a sustenance chain that can be disrupted if lost. On the other hand, the more reliable methods to monitor threatened species are not clearly established and mostly depend on the non-standardized method, which requires practical and taxonomic expertise and limits the data-driven conservation acts. The implementation of eDNA in ocean data collection and monitoring of endangered species is still in a progressive stage and the studies on the eDNA of threatened species from mangrove ecosystems are few. Environmental DNA surveys have also mapped the distribution of endangered European eel (Anguilla anguilla) during spring and documented threatened sharks and rays across eastern Indonesia. As a hallmark, UNESCO recently launched a project to understand the richness of biodiversity. The main objective is to monitor fishes, including the IUCN red-listed species, through eDNA collected across the selected marine World Heritage sites. The recent observations ensure that eDNA might be used to monitor the IUCN-designated threatened taxa found in the tropical mangrove ecosystem. The outcomes of this eDNA technique are crucial for providing information regarding conservation priorities.

Assessment of Shear Bond Strength of Thermal Spray Coatings by Applying Prismatic Samples

The purpose of this study was the research for a non-standardized method of measuring the shear bond strength at constant compression force and compare with the shear testing methods on cylindrical and prismatic samples, like DIN 50161:1977-10, DIN EN15340-2007. The conducted comparative analysis showed a significant shortcoming of the well-known methods for assessing the shear bond strength on samples for industrial application. The main one is an inability to measure the “actual/real” adhesion shear strength of thermal spray coatings for industrial parts. The shear bond strength of plasma-sprayed coating MgAl2O4 with thickness 0.30-has been investigated by applying the prismatic samples (linear dimensions of shear area 1.5-), using Nanovea scratch tester at compression forces ranging from 1 to 70 N. Shear force-displacement curves get essential information about adhesion/cohesion, delamination and cracking properties of thermal spray coating. An increase of shear forces is primarily associated with a rise in friction forces at the coating delamination boundary. Applying for parts of the ITER blanket modules, this research has demonstrated the importance of practical application of the shear testing results at compressive loads for ensuring product life.

Comparison of the standardized Valsalva manoeuvre versus the cuff deflation method to elicit venous reflux.

Background: Two standardized methods to detect venous reflux, the Valsalva manoeuvre (VM) and the cuff deflation method (CM) are compared. Patients and methods: We included 72 patients with varicose veins (VV) and 106 patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The proximal leg veins were examined. A survey was sent to the members of the Union of Vascular Societies to assess, which methods are used in the clinical practice. Results: In the VV-group the correlation coefficient (VM vs CM) for the reflux time (RT) amounted to 0.44 (p<0.0001) for the common femoral vein (CFV) and 0.4 for the femoral vein (FV) (p=0.0003). The sensitivity of the two tests in the VV group amounted to 87.5% for both methods in the CFV (p=0.4). The sensitivity for the FV amounted to 87.5% for the VM and 71.4% for the CM (p=0.4). In the DVT - group the correlation coefficient (VM vs CM) for RT amounted to 0.62 for the CFV (p<0.0001) and 0.77 for the FV (p<0.0001), as well as to 0.6 for the great saphenous vein (GSV) (p<0.0001). The sensitivity of the two tests amounted to 50.0% for the VM and 42.9% for the CM in the CFV (p=0.5). The sensitivity, if reflux was measured in the FV, amounted to 42.9% for the VM and 50.0% for the CM (p=0.5). 87.3% of the doctors who answered the survey use a non-standardized reflux measurement method. Conclusions: Both methods of reflux measurement (VM, CM) are comparable. Further studies have to address the issue, whether non standardized methods are as accurate as the standardized manoeuvres.

Does compliance to topical corticosteroid therapy reduce the risk of development of permanent vulvar structural abnormalities in pediatric vulvar lichen sclerosus? Aretrospective cohort study.

Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis of the genital skin, with up to 20% of cases in the pediatric age group. Limited data exist concerning the prognosis of pediatric VLS, particularly the likelihood of permanent architectural change and whether this can be prevented by compliance with topical corticosteroid treatment (TCS). To evaluate the extent to which compliance to TCS treatment influences the risk of developing vulvar structural abnormalities, including clitoral phimosis and diminutive or fused labia minora. A retrospective chart review of case records of pediatric-age females with VLS between January 31, 2004 and January 31, 2021. One hundred eighteen cases of VLS were identified, with a mean age at diagnosis of 7.25years and a mean follow-up period of 42.7months. Thirty-four girls were "partially compliant," whereas 84 were "compliant." The risk ratio (RR) of developing any vulvar structural abnormality or clitoral phimosis was 5.76 (95% CI 2.96-11.3) and 21.2 (95%CI 5.23-85.9) times higher, respectively, in partially compliant compared with compliant subjects. The RR of a partially compliant female with pre-pubertal onset VLS having a vulvar structural abnormality persisting beyond menarche was increased 3.54-fold relative to compliant females (95% CI 1.75-7.17). The retrospective nature of our data, lack of a control group, wide variability in follow-up duration, and nonstandardized method of stratifying compliance. Vulvar structural abnormalities are common in prepubertal onset VLS. Compliance to TCS appears to be critical in the prognosis of pediatric VLS although attitudes underpinning noncompliance to TCS treatment require further elucidation.

Definition of Healthy Ranges for Alanine Aminotransferase Levels: A 2021 Update.

The changing epidemiology of liver disease, and modifications in the recommended analytical methodology call for a re‐evaluation of the upper reference limits (URLs) of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Using the same approach consolidated 20 years ago to define the healthy population, we defined the URL for the newly recommended International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) standardized test. In a cross‐sectional study, we examined 21,296 apparently healthy blood donors (age 18‐65 years) and calculated the sex‐specific URL by the 95th percentile in individuals without risk factors for liver disease. These were tested for the ability to predict liver damage in a subset of 745 participants with dysmetabolism, in an independent cohort of 977 unselected donors, and in 899 patients with chronic liver disease. ALT levels were measured by the IFCC test. Male sex, body mass index, glucose, lipids, ferritin, hypertension, and younger age were independent ALT predictors (P < 0.001). Updated URLs were identified at 42/30 U/L in males/females, approximately 30% lower than those currently recommended by the IFCC. Due to improved sensitivity, they conferred the ability to detect steatosis and significant fibrosis in individuals with dysmetabolism (odds ratio [OR] = 2.31, range 1.40‐3.80, P = 0.001; and OR = 3.35, range 1.19‐9.42, P = 0.021; respectively), although with a limited accuracy, and significant fibrosis in unselected donors (OR = 2.32, 1.02‐5.31, P = 0.045). Updated URLs had a moderate to high accuracy to discriminate liver conditions (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.81, range 0.78‐0.91). Conclusion: Updated URLs by the IFCC method were lower than those calculated in initial studies, but higher than those in use with the recommended old, nonstandardized method, and were able to better predict liver disease. The limited awareness that different techniques are still in use should be regarded as a possible source of medical errors.

Building Information Modeling-Based Building Energy Modeling: Investigation of Interoperability and Simulation Results

There is increasing need to apply building information modeling (BIM) to low energy buildings, this includes building energy modeling (BEM). If a building energy model can be flawlessly generated from a BIM model, the energy simulation process can be better integrated within the design, can be more competent, and timesaving. However, concerns about both the reliability and integrity of the data transfer process and the interoperability between the BIM and BEM prevent any implementation of BIM-based energy modeling on a large scale. This study addresses the accuracy and integrity of BIM-based energy modeling by investigating how well Autodesk's Revit (BIM), in conjunction with two of the most used energy modeling programs (BEM) known as DesignBuilder and Virtual Environment (IES-ve), were integrated in terms of interoperability, including location and weather files, geometry, construction and materials, thermal zones, occupancy operating schedules, and HVAC systems. All misrepresented data during the interoperability process were identified, followed by benchmarking between the BIM-based energy modeling simulation outcomes and the actual energy consumption of the case study, to assess the reliability of the process. The investigation has revealed a number of interoperability issues regarding the BIM data input and BEM data interpretation. Overall, BIM-based energy modeling proved to be a promising tool for sustainable and low energy building design, however, the BIM to BEM process is a non-standardized method of producing building energy models as it varies from one modeler to another, and the BIM to BEM process. All these might slow down any possible application for the process and might cause some uncertainties for the professionals in the field applying it.

Attitudes and Knowledge Regarding Pain Management and Addiction in Massachusetts: A Mixed Methods Study on Podiatric Residents.

The opioid epidemic has hit disastrous levels across the United States. Many attempts have been made to counteract this, including policy changes and modification of provider and patient behavior. The purpose of this study was to understand the current state of podiatric residents' knowledge regarding pain management and addiction. This study used mixed quantitative-qualitative methods. Two focus groups were conducted with two podiatric residency programs to understand current issues and inform the creation of a survey. A 30-question survey was created and peer reviewed to assess general pain management knowledge, levels of confidence in pain management and addiction, and areas for improvement. Pain management education in podiatry is mainly focused on opioids. These concepts are often taught in a nonstandardized method, which does not often include nonopioid alternatives. Knowledge of risk factors for addiction was lacking, whereas knowledge of behaviors concerning for addiction was more bountiful. Thirty-three surveys were completed of a possible 39. A knowledge score was created from eight survey questions for a total of 10 points, with an average score of 4.61. There was no statistical difference between those with and without a pain management rotation. Nearly all residents felt comfortable managing surgical pain. The residents are "never" or "only occasionally" inquiring about risk factors for addiction. Questions asked also suggest that the residents are not thinking about their role within the opioid epidemic. As the opioid epidemic grows, it is imperative to examine the causes and solutions to the problem. Focusing efforts on educating resident physicians is one method to address the issue. The results of this study show that pain management basics need to be reinforced and more time must be spent emphasizing the importance of thorough patient histories and educating patients when prescribing pain medication.

Factors associated with parental acceptance of influenza vaccination for their children: the evidence from four cities of China

ABSTRACT Background It is necessary and urgent to vaccinate 245 million Chinese children against influenza pandemics. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate different psychological and demographic factors that influence parental willingness to vaccinate their children against influenza. Methods A hybrid theoretical framework was expanded and verified with 462 sample data collected from four cities in China. Structural equation models were used to test nine theoretical hypotheses, and the non-standardized coefficient method was used to discuss the moderating effects among demographic variables. Results Knowledge is considered to be the significant factor of performance expectancy (β = 0.228), effort expectancy (β = 0.227) and perceived risk (β = −0.138), and social influence also has the significant impacts on the above three variables, with β values of 0.437, 0.386, and −0.172. Performance expectancy (β = 0.402), effort expectancy (β = 0.343), and perceived risk (β = −0.244) thus significantly affect parental behavioral intention regarding children’s influenza vaccination. Gender, education, and kids’ gender are demographic variables with significant moderating effects, while age, income, number of kids are not significant. Conclusion To improve the acceptability of influenza vaccination among Chinese children, the promoting policies should emphasize on public knowledge and social influence, as well as effectiveness, affordability, and safety of vaccination.

10° off-axis testing of CFRP using DIC: A study on strength, strain and modulus

For the determination of the shear properties such as strength, strain and modulus of unidirectionally reinforced composites, nearly a dozen measurement techniques exist, several of which have found their way into standards. One non-standardized method for sheet materials is the 10° off-axis tensile test of unidirectional coupons. The current work focuses on the experimental investigation of tensile testing of CFRP-UD coupon specimens using the 10° off-axis test and DIC strain mapping to measure the full-field deformation response. A sensitivity analysis on the measured stresses, strains and moduli is performed by varying the aspect ratio of the specimens and the location of strain measurement. Test related uncertainties such as the loading angle and specimen preparation details are investigated and quantified with the help of these full-field DIC measurements.

Jaffe's kinetic method comparison between isotope dilution mass spectrometry standardized versus nonstandardized method

INTRODUCTION: Serum creatinine is estimated by several methods in different laboratories, having varying degrees of bias and imprecision, leading to different values across the laboratories with the same sample. To reduce the interlaboratory variations in creatinine assay, creatinine standardization program was established by the National Kidney Disease Education Program Laboratory Working Group and recommended that creatinine calibration should be done with material traceable to an Isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) reference measurement procedure. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: To compare the serum creatinine estimated by CRE (calibration nonstandardized IDMS with correction factor) and CRE2 (standardized to IDMS) method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital as a part of validation of CRE2 method. Two hundred samples were selected from individuals aged between 18 and 60 years with normal serum urea, creatinine, and electrolytes based on the CRE2 method. Further, the sample is estimated for serum creatinine by CRE method on the same instrument with a correction factor (Siemens Dimension RXL with LM). Descriptive statistics and Bland–Altman analysis were used to describe the population and check for agreement between the methods. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The average serum creatinine by CRE and CRE2 method was 0.803 mg/dl and 0.809 mg/dl, respectively. Bland–Altman plot shows a good agreement between the methods for serum creatinine with a mean bias of − 0.01 mg/dL for serum creatinine values ranging from 0.4 to 1.4 mg/dL.

Comparison of Method Validation for Test and Inspections

One of the most important purposes of a validation method is to verify whether a test method is suitable for the purpose of the test. In this study, validation parameters that are used by national and international institutes for test and inspection bodies are classified. As a result of classifying these general factors, method validation parameters were performed, including the following cases: ①the confirmation of a new test method, ② comparison between a non-standardized test method and standardized method, ③confirmation of a test method needing such extensions as a test method verification, verification of the test method applied between other test institutes or analysts, ④ verification of the required similarity between test methods, and ⑤ revalidation of the previously verified test methods. The general parameters applied in the validation processes were classified as follows; specificity, selectivity, linearity, sensitivity, accuracy, precision, detection limit uncertainty, quantitative limit, and range. By a comparison of the validation guidelines or guideline parameters applied by the test and inspection bodies, the survey results were considered to be useful in preparing validation guidelines for environmental testing and inspection methods. Key Words: Validation Parameters, Test method verification, Method validation, Method verification, Validation Process

How well do Croatian laboratories adhere to national recommendations for laboratory diagnostics of chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

Background In 2014, the Joint Croatian Working Group (JCWG) for laboratory diagnostic of chronic kidney disease (CKD) conducted a survey across medical-biochemistry laboratories which demonstrated a large heterogeneity in this area of laboratory medicine. To ensure the tools for the standardization process, in 2017 the JCWG-CKD published the first Croatian recommendations for laboratory diagnostics of CKD. To assess the implementation process, we have repeated a survey to explore how well laboratories adhere to the recommendations. Methods An invitation to the survey was sent to all Croatian medical-biochemistry laboratories (n = 196). The questionnaire was designed in a form of 19 questions and statements, with possible multiple answers. Results The response rate was 98/196 (50.0%). The predominant method for serum creatinine measurement was the standardized compensated Jaffe method (79.2%). There was substantial decrease in the number of laboratories which measure creatinine with the non-standardized uncompensated Jaffe method, compared with the initial 2014 assessment; 7% vs. 40%, respectively. The number of the laboratories that did not report estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values decreased almost by half compared to the initial data (37.6% vs. 74.4%). However, compared to the 2014 initial assessment, a similar number of laboratories (54/98 vs. 58/80) did not measure urine albumin or protein. Conclusions The collected data showed a substantial improvement in the standardization of the serum creatinine measurement, as well as in the reporting of eGFR. However, albuminuria or proteinuria assessment is still not implemented nationwide, mainly in primary health care laboratories. This demonstrates the importance of promoting and monitoring implementation of guidelines after publication.

The antifungal activity and mechanisms of action of quantified extracts from berries, leaves and roots of Phytolacca tetramera.

BackgroundPhytolacca tetramera is an endemic plant from Argentina that is currently at serious risk because its environment is subjected to a high anthropic impact. A previous study has shown that berry extracts obtained from this plant display antifungal activity against multiple human-pathogenic fungi when tested with a non-standardized method. Further evidences of the antifungal properties of other parts of the plant and studies of mechanism of antifungal action of the antifungal chemically characterized extracts are required. PurposeThis study aimed to gain further evidence of the antifungal activity of P. tetramera berry, leaf and root extracts in order to find the most active extract to be developed as an Herbal Medicinal Antifungal Product. The medicinal usefulness of P. tetramera extracts as antifungal agents will serve as an important support to create concience and carry out actions tending to the preservation of this threatened species and its environment. Materials and methodsChemical analysis of all P. tetramera extracts, including quantitation of selected markers, was performed through UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS and UPLC-ESI-MS techniques according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The antifungal activity of the quantified extracts was tested with the standardized CLSI microbroth dilution method against Candida spp. Antifungal mechanisms of the most active extract were studied by examination of morphological changes by phase-contrast and fluorescence microscopies and both, cellular and enzymatic assays targeting either the fungal membrane or the cell wall. ResultsThe antifungal activity of twelve P. tetramera extracts was tested against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. The dichloromethane extract from berries (PtDEb) showed the best activity. Phytolaccagenin (PhytG) and phytolaccoside B (PhytB) were selected as the main active markers for the antifungal P. tetramera extracts. The quantitation of these active markers in all extracts showed that PtDEb possessed the highest amount of PhytG and PhytB. Finally, studies on the mechanism of antifungal action showed that the most active PtDEb extract produces morphological changes compatible with a damage of the cell wall and/or the plasma membrane. Cellular and enzymatic assays showed that PtDEb would not damage the fungal cell wall by itself, but would alter the plasma membrane. In agreement, PtDEb was found to bind to ergosterol, the main sterol of the fungal plasma membrane. ConclusionStudies of the anti-Candida activity of P. tetramera extracts led to the selection of PtDEb as the most suitable extract, confirming the antifungal properties of the threatened species P. tetramera. The new data give a valuable reason for the definitive protection of this sp. and its natural environment thus allowing further studies for the future development of an Herbal Medicinal Antifungal Product.