Panel Of Volunteers Research Articles

"Scentsor": A Whole-Cell Yeast Biosensor with an Olfactory Reporter for Low-Cost and Equipment-Free Detection of Pharmaceuticals.

Portable and inexpensive analytical tools are required to monitor pharmaceutical quality in technology limited settings including low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Whole cell yeast biosensors have the potential to help meet this need. However, most of the readouts for yeast biosensors require expensive equipment or reagents. To overcome this challenge, we have designed a yeast biosensor that produces a unique scent as a readout. This inducible scent biosensor, or "scentsor", does not require the user to administer additional reagents for reporter development and utilizes only the user's nose to be "read". In this Letter, we describe a scentsor that is responsive to the hormone estradiol (E2). The best estimate threshold (BET) for E2 detection with a panel of human volunteers (n = 49) is 39 nM E2 (15 nM when "non-smellers" are excluded). This concentration of E2 is sensitive enough to detect levels of E2 that would be found in dosage forms. This paper provides evidence that scent has the potential for use in portable yeast biosensors as a readout, particularly for use in LMICs.

4-H STEM Curriculum Challenges: A Delphi study

Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills have become essential for today’s youth. STEM-literate individuals are a necessity to fill the ever-growing STEM employment pipeline. Employers are expecting applicants with STEM skills. 4-H programs across the nation have recognized the importance of educating STEM-minded youth. As STEM programs become more prevalent within 4-H, it is essential to address challenges Extension educators and 4-H volunteers face when teaching STEM curriculum. In this study the Delphi technique was utilized to collect the opinions of a geographically dispersed group of 4-H Extension educators and volunteers. Each group served on a separate panel and were asked the question, “What challenges do you face when teaching STEM curriculum?” After three rounds of study, both the educator and volunteer panels identified 2 challenges faced when teaching STEM curriculum. Through identification of these challenges, Oklahoma state 4-H staff can better address the professional development needs of educators and volunteers within the organization, and support the desired scientific literacy outcomes of 4-H youth.

Care priorities for stroke patients developing cognitive difficulties: a Delphi survey of UK professional views

BackgroundPost stroke cognitive difficulties are common but generally prioritised below other impairments. In the UK, clinical guidelines recommend a holistic review at six-months post-stroke including an assessment of cognitive function. In order to assist clinicians to provide better care for patients with post-stroke cognitive deficits and assist with service planning, our aim was to establish professional consensus on key actions at the six-month review.MethodsAn electronic Delphi survey was developed with ten potential actions for clinicians to prioritise across five different clinical scenarios describing patients with cognitive difficulties. Scenarios varied in terms of age of the stroke-survivor, stroke severity and use of dementia risk assessment. A panel of professional volunteers was obtained through the British Association of Stroke Physicians and the UK National Stroke Nursing Forum.ResultsForty-five stroke clinicians completed round one, with 21 participants completing round two. Priorities consistently supported by professionals included access to psychological services, screening for a mood disorder and ensuring multi-professional input. Direct access to specialist memory services was not generally supported unless a dementia risk assessment tool indicated that the individual was at high risk of dementia.ConclusionsAssessment of post-stroke cognitive deficits needs to be routinely considered during the six-month review. A formal risk assessment tool could be a way to streamline direct access to memory clinic services to ensure that individuals at-risk of dementia receive ongoing care.

Developing an Efficacious Diclofenac Diethylamine Transdermal Formulation

The aim of current study was to develop an efficacious topical formulation of diclofenac diethylamine (DDA), for eventual use as a locally applied analgesic lotion. A series of lotions were prepared that incorporated 2% w/v DDA but a variable (1, 2, 3 or 4% v/v) concentration of oleic acid (permeation enhancer)-turpentine oil binary mixture (1:1 v/v). After measurements of each lotion's visual appearance, viscosity, spreadability, pH and long term stability, a diffusion cell method was employed to quantify DDA permeation from each lotion across both silicone membranes and rabbit skin. Subsequently, three distinct in vivo animal models were utilised to evaluate each lotion's induced anti-inflammatory, antinociception and irritancy effects. Lastly, a panel of human volunteers assessed the subjective sensory feel of each lotion as well as its potential for cutaneous irritancy following a brief application. Upon preparation, all four DDA-containing lotions (L1, L2, L3 and L4) appeared as clear, colourless, homogenous and aggregate-free solutions. All the lotions exhibited a pH of ~6.2 with non-significant (p ＞ 0.05) differences between each formulation (data not shown). Increasing the formulation's oleic acid concentration yielded a general trend of mild enhancement of DDA transport across silicone membrane and dramatic improvements of DDA flux through rabbit skin. Application of each of the DDA-containing formulations significantly reduced tissue inflammation in the rabbit model. It was determined that the DDA lotion containing 4% v/v oleic acid exhibited the best performance overall and that this specific formulation should be the basis for further clinical investigation.

Less Salt, Same Taste: Food Marketing Strategies via Healthier Products

Given the negative effects deriving from the overconsumption of sodium chloride (salt), this paper aims to verify whether food companies can provide their products in a healthier version, without modifying their organoleptic characteristics, specifically studying how it is possible to reduce salt in food without affecting taste. From an empirical point of view, a sensorial analysis was organized. A panel of volunteers were invited to taste some samples of pizza crust which had been prepared using different quantities of salt. Each individual assessed the amount of salt they perceived on a graduated scale. These samples were prepared by reducing the amount of salt by 7%, 10%, 16%, 23%, 30%, and 53%, respectively. The reference point used was the average content of sodium chloride in five popular brands of pizza dough in Italy. Panelists’ evaluations revealed that a 10% reduction in sodium chloride was imperceptible from the point of view of taste. Considering the negative consequences deriving from salt overconsumption, this study shows how food companies can contribute to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals by investing more attention in public health.

Experts say more women should be tested for BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations.

New recommendations from the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) indicate that more women may benefit from genetic testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, especially if they have already survived cancer once. The new recommendations, published in JAMA, broaden the scope of who should be evaluated for testing of these mutations.1 They suggest that primary care clinicians assess the risk in women who have a personal or family history of breast, ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer as well as those who have an ancestry associated with BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations. If those patients have a positive result in that risk assessment, they should receive genetic counseling and potentially testing for the mutations, according to the recommendation. Women with no personal or family history of these diseases or ancestry associated with the mutations should not receive routine assessment or genetic counseling and testing, the panel concludes. Fewer than 1% of all women have a mutation in either of the BRCA genes. The recommendation provides guidance regarding the steps women can take to determine whether they are at risk of the mutations, starting with talking to their clinician about their personal or family history and ancestry. The panel adds that women should undergo testing only after they have discussed the benefits and harms with a clinician. The USPSTF is an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine.

Formulation and evaluation of antiacne cream by using Clove oil

Acne is a common skin problem associated with the microbial infection and needs antimicrobial agents for the treatment. Herbal products containing essential oils as antimicrobial agents are undoubtedly a growing trend. Clove oil is reported to have antimicrobial activity against acne causing microorganisms such as Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Hence the present study was undertaken with the aim to formulate and develop Antiacne cream by using Clove oil. The essential oil of clove was extracted by steam distillation method and cream formulations were developed with various concentrations of Clove oil; all the formulations were evaluated as per Bureau of Indian Standards guidelines (BIS) guidelines and for antimicrobial activity against the microorganisms responsible for acne by agar well diffusion technique. Also all the Antiacne cream formulations were subjected to stability studies and subjective evaluation of panel of human volunteers. The results showed that the Antiacne cream (C-6) containing clove oil is effective against microorganisms responsible for acne. Clove oil is effective Antiacne agent hence can prove to be beneficial for incorporating in Antiacne preparations.

Comparing Methods of Ploidy Estimation in Potato (Solanum) Species

Ploidy manipulation and the resulting need for rapid ploidy screening can be important in potato research and breeding programs. We tested three predictors of ploidy, particularly seeking the quickest, simplest, and most reliable: Chloroplast number per guard cell (C#), guard cell length (GC), and pollen diameter (P), with a total of seven variations in methods of preparation. Time required for each preparation was assessed, and a panel of inexperienced volunteers compared these methods for accuracy using a standard set of coded samples of known ploidy. The common method of counting C# with iodine stain took longer and was no more accurate than observing C# or GC in tap water. GC from tape impressions of the underside of leaves was reliable and has the advantage of permanent slides for later reference. We recommend GC, whether in water, stained, or as tape impressions. GC is significantly different in diploids and tetraploids, but the distributions do overlap, so experience and care in selecting a representative sample of cells contributes to accuracy. The standard measurement of P after staining with aceto-carmine was faster to prep and just as reliable as epidermal methods for some technicians, even with no previous experience. Pursuit of ultra-simplified methods led us to measure P in tap water. Diameters of pollen in plain water are significantly larger, but only for living pollen, suggesting this method might also be developed into a rapid and reliable way to estimate pollen viability.

Panvigilance: Integrating Biomarkers in Clinical Trials for Systems Pharmacovigilance.

Drug safety and pharmacovigilance are rapidly changing with biomarkers and new technologies such as artificial intelligence. However, we need new ideas and application contexts for integration of biomarkers and emerging technologies in modern pharmacovigilance. A new concept, panvigilance, has been recently introduced for proactive "stress testing" of new drug candidates in panels of patients or healthy volunteers identified by biomarkers, and who are situated in population edges in terms of pharmacokinetic (PK) and/or molecular target interindividual variability. Panvigilance aims to provide upper and lower bound estimates for drug performance under conditions that mimic population edges. Subsequently, it becomes easier to extrapolate pharmacovigilance signals with regard to individuals who reside in between the population edges. In this expert review, we explain that the prefix "pan," meaning everything or all, refers to the three-pronged panvigilance goals to (1) decipher the full population scale variability in medicinal product PKs and molecular target variability, (2) empower forecasting of pharmacovigilance signals within and across populations through knowledge of biomarker variations worldwide, and (3) integration of pharmacovigilance signals across government ministries, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders through, for example, institutional innovation such as centers for panvigilance. We note that panvigilance and pharmacovigilance are complementary, and underscore the added value of panvigilance for global clinical trials. Panvigilance offers a new opportunity for meaningful biomarker application in clinical trials beyond traditional contexts such as personalized medicine. In sum, panvigilance is a systems approach to pharmacovigilance and poised to innovate risk governance in medicinal product development and clinical trials.

Mental imagery as a “motivational amplifier” to promote activities

Facilitating engagement in rewarding activities is a key treatment target in depression. Mental imagery can increase engagement in planned behaviours, potentially due to its special role in representing emotionally salient experiences. The present study tested the hypothesis that mental imagery promotes motivation and engagement when planning pleasant and rewarding activities. Participants were recruited from a community volunteer panel (N = 72). They self-nominated six activities to complete over the following week, and were randomized to either: a) a single-session Motivational Imagery condition (N = 24); b) an Activity Reminder control condition (N = 24); or c) a No-Reminder control condition (N = 24). As predicted, relative to control groups, the Motivational Imagery group reported higher levels of motivation, anticipated pleasure, and anticipated reward for the planned activities. The Motivational Imagery group also completed significantly more activities than the Activity Reminder group, but not more than the No-Reminder group. Relevance of results to behavioural activation approaches for depression are discussed.

Development of a theoretical framework for assessment of quality of primary care medical service trips in Latin America.

Short-term medical service trips (MSTs) are a controversial modality for addressing the health of marginalized populations. Despite their prevalence, there are no routinely used evaluative frameworks. This study used stakeholder consensus to validate a literature-based framework for MST best practices. A recent systematic review was used to construct a preliminary list of best practices for short-term MSTs. We then recruited a multidisciplinary panel of academics, medical professionals, program coordinators, and non-medical volunteers for a three-round e-Delphi consensus-building exercise to review the list. A 7-point Likert scale was used, with mean scores 4-7 representing rejection, scores < 2 representing acceptance, and elements scoring in between being redistributed for discussion. The literature review identified 30 best practices. Twenty-six stakeholders were recruited for the e-Delphi panel, with 73.1% responding to all three rounds. Eighteen elements were accepted into the final framework. This framework identifies essential MST best practices and enables volunteers to compare organizations. Future research should translate this framework into an assessment tool and initiate dialogue between host communities, local clinicians, and sending organizations.

Evaluating the effectiveness of a Japanese version of the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI-J) in volunteer panel Web surveys

Evaluating the effectiveness of a Japanese version of the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI-J) in volunteer panel Web surveys

MEASURING THE IMPACT OF MICU ROUNDING PRACTICES ON TRAINEE LEARNING EXPERIENCE: A QUALITATIVE NEEDS ASSESSMENT

SESSION TITLE: Advances in Pulmonary and Critical Care Training SESSION TYPE: Original Investigations PRESENTED ON: 10/08/2018 01:30 pm - 02:30 pm PURPOSE: To perform a qualitative assessment of current rounding practices in the Mayo Clinic Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), and identify opportunities for improvement that would have the greatest impact on the learning experience of rotating residents. METHODS: This study was reviewed and deemed quality improvement by the Mayo Clinic IRB. A previously published survey based on 13 best ICU rounding practices from a recent systematic review was adapted and distributed electronically to the 307 interprofessional team members who participated in MICU rounds between July 2017 and January 2018 (critical care staff physicians, fellows, advance practice providers, internal medicine residents, ICU nurses and pharmacists). All questions used a 5 point anchored Likert scale (1 = never, 5 = always) with the exception of three summary questions on the efficiency, quality and educational environment of ICU rounds (10 point anchored scale, 1=low, 10 = high). Survey results were presented to a volunteer panel of interprofessional members (two from each group surveyed), who identified three areas to improve rounding efficiency and education using the Modified Nominal Group Technique (Rankin et al). RESULTS: Overall response rate was 33.6% (103 respondents, range 20.8% - 62.5% by subgroup). Median and mode scores for efficiency, quality and educational environment were 6, 7, and 7, respectively. The majority of median and mode responses assessing use of evidence-based best ICU rounding practices were 4 (usually) or above, with less perceived adherence in the areas of “implementing structured rounding tool and checklist” (median, mode = 3), and “a systemic approach to address interruptions during rounds” (median, mode = 3). The most disruptive perceived interruptions included returning pages, answering phones, new patient admissions and side conversations. Using Modified Nominal Group Technique the volunteer focus group identified the following areas for improvement: 1) Defining explicit roles for each health care provider participating on rounds; 2) Minimizing unnecessary interruptions; 3) Focusing patient centered discussion and documentation of daily goals. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that trainee educational experience is closely linked to their effective integration into the interprofessional ICU team, clear understanding of team roles and responsibilities, and rounding efficiency with an emphasis on patient centeredness and minimizing interruptions. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These findings will inform the learning objectives for a revised orientation module in the resident MICU curriculum, and has prompted an ongoing pilot project to determine if more effective resident integration through ICU rounding processes results in overall improvements in rounding efficiency, education, and adherence to published best practices. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Crystal Breighner, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Alexander Niven, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Mahrukh Rizvi, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Can Wang, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Zhenmei Zhang, source=Web Response

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Drug Resistance: 2018 Recommendations of the International Antiviral Society-USA Panel.

Contemporary antiretroviral therapies (ART) and management strategies have diminished both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment failure and the acquired resistance to drugs in resource-rich regions, but transmission of drug-resistant viruses has not similarly decreased. In low- and middle-income regions, ART roll-out has improved outcomes, but has resulted in increasing acquired and transmitted resistances. Our objective was to review resistance to ART drugs and methods to detect it, and to provide updated recommendations for testing and monitoring for drug resistance in HIV-infected individuals. A volunteer panel of experts appointed by the International Antiviral (formerly AIDS) Society-USA reviewed relevant peer-reviewed data that were published or presented at scientific conferences. Recommendations were rated according to the strength of the recommendation and quality of the evidence, and reached by full panel consensus. Resistance testing remains a cornerstone of ART. It is recommended in newly-diagnosed individuals and in patients in whom ART has failed. Testing for transmitted integrase strand-transfer inhibitor resistance is currently not recommended, but this may change as more resistance emerges with widespread use. Sanger-based and next-generation sequencing approaches are each suited for genotypic testing. Testing for minority variants harboring drug resistance may only be considered if treatments depend on a first-generation nonnucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Different HIV-1 subtypes do not need special considerations regarding resistance testing. Testing for HIV drug resistance in drug-naive individuals and in patients in whom antiretroviral drugs are failing, and the appreciation of the role of testing, are crucial to the prevention and management of failure of ART.

Aggregate exposure to common fragrance compounds: Comparison of the contribution of essential oils and cosmetics using probabilistic methods and the example of limonene

The knowledge of aggregate exposure to different types of products is paramount in the risk assessment.The aim of this study was to compare the relative contribution of essential oils compared to cosmetics on the daily dermal exposure to limonene, an ubiquitous fragrance compound that can be an allergen depending on its degree of oxidation.Aggregate daily exposure to limonene was calculated among a panel of French volunteers using both essential oils and cosmetics, for 4 different specific zones, i.e. face and neck, chest, upper limbs and lower limbs. Calculations were made using a probabilistic Monte Carlo method and sensitivity analysis.The main strength of this work was the inclusion of essential oils in addition to cosmetics in the model. For the first time, the generated data could be used to compare the contribution of these two products in dermal exposure. Essential oils appear to be significant contributors to exposure to limonene particularly for the face. This work is a first step that will permit to determine the exposure to other fragrance compounds with sensitizing potential.These data will be useful for risk managers to consider the inclusion of essential oils in the overall burden of this pathology.

Evaluating the effectiveness of multiple-answer formats in volunteer panel Web surveys

Evaluating the effectiveness of multiple-answer formats in volunteer panel Web surveys

서비스직 여성근로자의 일과 삶의 균형에 영향을 미치는 요인

Purpose: The study aimed to identify factors influencing work-life balance in female service workers. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with an online survey of 234 service workers using volunteer panels. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire from July 16 to 24, 2017. Major variables included work-life balance, resilience, emotional intelligence, job stress, and fatigue. Using the SPSS 24.0 program, descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were conducted. Results: The mean score of the work-life balance level of female service workers was 2.9±0.85 on a total score of 6. A multiple regression analysis revealed that smoking, resilience, job stress and fatigue were statistically significant factors in the model (p<.001), with an explanatory power of 50.3%. Emotional intelligence was not significantly associated with work-life balance. Conclusion: The level of work-life balance was considerably low in female service workers. This study suggests that nursing interventions to enhance work-life balance are required at both the individual and organizational levels.

Better understanding of bioavailability of cosmetic ingredients: Results from Cosmetics Europe Skin Bioavailability project

The knowledge of aggregate exposure to different types of products is paramount in the risk assessment.The aim of this study was to compare the relative contribution of essential oils compared to cosmetics on the daily dermal exposure to limonene, an ubiquitous fragrance compound that can be an allergen depending on its degree of oxidation.Aggregate daily exposure to limonene was calculated among a panel of French volunteers using both essential oils and cosmetics, for 4 different specific zones, i.e. face and neck, chest, upper limbs and lower limbs. Calculations were made using a probabilistic Monte Carlo method and sensitivity analysis.The main strength of this work was the inclusion of essential oils in addition to cosmetics in the model. For the first time, the generated data could be used to compare the contribution of these two products in dermal exposure. Essential oils appear to be significant contributors to exposure to limonene particularly for the face. This work is a first step that will permit to determine the exposure to other fragrance compounds with sensitizing potential.These data will be useful for risk managers to consider the inclusion of essential oils in the overall burden of this pathology.

Bacterial cellulose skin masks-Properties and sensory tests.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a versatile material produced by microorganisms in the form of a membranous hydrogel, totally biocompatible, and endowed with high mechanical strength. Its high water-holding capacity based on its highly porous nanofibrillar structure allows BC to incorporate and to release substances very fast, thus being suitable for the preparation of skincare masks. The preparation and characterization of cosmetic masks based on BC membranes and active cosmetics. The masks were prepared by the simple incorporation of the cosmetic actives into BC membranes, used as a swelling matrix. The masks were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), sensory tests, and skin moisture tests on volunteers. The results of sensory tests revealed the good performance of BC, being considered effective by the panel of volunteers, specially for adhesion to the skin (7.7 at the score scale), and improvement of the skin moisture (the hydration effect increased 76% in 75% of the volunteers that used vegetable extract mask formulation [VEM]), or a decrease in skin hydration (80% of the volunteers showed 32.6% decrease on skin hydration using propolis extract formulation [PEM] treatment), indicating the BC nanofiber membranes can be used to skincare applications. The results demonstrate the BC can be used as an alternative support for cosmetic actives for skin treatment.

P028 Immunogenicity of minor histocompatibility antigens may be dependent on the frequencies of naive precursor cells in the donor repertoire

Aim Out of 60+ minor histocompatibility antigens (MiHA) discovered so far some are immunodominant, i.e. almost universally cause allogeneic response when mismatched, while others are much less immunogenic. Before transplantation MiHA specific T cells reside in naive T cell (TN) subpopulation of the donor. One potential explanation for unequal MiHA immunogenicity is the variation in frequencies of TN specific to different antigens in the donor T cell repertoires. To test this hypothesis we compared the frequencies of naive T cells, specific for highly immunogenic minor antigen HA-2 and less immunogenic ACC-1Y in individuals negative for these antigens. Methods We genotyped a panel of healthy volunteers for HA-2 and ACC-1Y polymorphisms and selected donors negative for these minor antigens, but bearing restricting HLA alleles (HLA-A∗02:01 and HLA-A∗24:02 respectively). Donor naive T cells were magnetically purified and stimulated by autologous monocyte derived dendritic cells, loaded with appropriate peptides. Expanding MiHA-specific lymphocytes were detected using MHC-multimers and flow cytometry. Frequencies of HA-2 and ACC-1Y-specific TN cells were calculated by extreme limiting dilution analysis. Results Frequency of specific TN was found to be substantially higher for HA-2 than for ACC-1Y (5 × 10−6 vs. 2 × 10−7, p = 3 × 10−9), which correlates with HA-2 immunodominance and confirms the initial hypothesis. Conclusions Further studies are needed to elucidate the reason for major differences in TN frequencies between various MiHA. It is possible that the variation could be explained by the peptide properties or by the influence of the negative selection on initial T cell repertoire. In contrast with HA-2, ACC-1Y has alternative allelic variant (ACC-1C) presented in the thymus, which leads to elimination of all cross-reactive clones. Creating a model of MiHA immunogenicity would be very useful for predicting allogeneic immune response after transplantation. Funding: Russian Science Foundation grant 17-15-01512.