Test Points Research Articles

Improvement of point of care testing (POCT) device for accurate whole blood glucose measurement in early neonates.

It is important that blood glucose concentrations be accurately and conveniently measured in infants. However, especially in the early neonatal period, point-of-care testing devices used for adults may not accurately measure blood glucose concentrations in neonates. In Study 1, the accuracy of neonatal whole-blood glucose measurements was evaluated for the existing glucose analyser Glutest Mint® (hereinafter MINT1; Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho, Nagoya, Japan) by comparing the data with reference blood glucose concentrations. In Study 2, we used MINT2, which was modified based on the findings from Study 1, to measure whole-blood glucose concentrations in newborns, and the accuracy of the measurements was compared with that of MINT1. Blood glucose concentrations were measured in 100 infants each in Study 1 and 2. In Study 1, the whole-blood glucose concentrations measured using MINT1 were found to be significantly lower than the reference blood glucose concentrations in early neonates. The results of Study 1 suggested that characteristics of erythrocyte membranes in early neonates affected the measurements. Therefore, we conducted Study 2 using MINT2, which was modified to be less susceptible. MINT2 was found to accurately measure whole-blood glucose concentrations in the early neonatal period. The study showed that the point-of-care testing device could be improved to allow for accurate whole-blood glucose measurements in the early neonatal period.

Estimating the prevalence of Non-Verbal Learning Disability (NVLD) from the ABCD sample.

Non-Verbal Learning Disability (NVLD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in processing visuospatial information but with age-appropriate verbal skills. This cognitive profile has been hypothesized to be associated with atypical white matter, but at the present there is a lack of evidence for this hypothesis. Currently, the condition is not characterized within the main diagnostic systems, in part because no clear set of criteria for characterizing the disorder exists. This report is the first attempt to estimate NVLD prevalence, using two sets of diagnostic criteria, in a large sample of over 11,000 children who were selected without regards to problems of specific nature, either psychological, neurological, physical and/or social. Furthermore, it examined the association between the profile of cognitive abilities and aspects of whole-brain white matter measures in children with and without symptoms associated with NVLD. Participants were drawn from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, a 10-year longitudinal study of 11,876 children in the U.S. The data used in the present study were drawn from the initial testing point at which the children were 9-10years old. Prevalence of NVLD based on two distinct sets of criteria, correlations between the measures used to create the criteria, correlations between criteria measures and measures of white matter integrity. The cognitive criteria included measures of visuospatial processing, reading, intelligence and social skills. By varying the cut-offs applied to social skills in conjunction with visuo-spatial difficulties, spared reading skills and intelligence scores, we calculated prevalence for two NVLD groups. White matter characteristics were measures of volume, fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity. Based on the criteria used, the estimated prevalence of NVLD varied from 1 to 8%. Furthermore, children with NVLD showed a dissociation between measures of visuo-spatial processing not observed in non-NVLD children. At the neurological level, findings provide preliminary evidenceof associations between the cognitive profile of NVLD and abnormalities in white matters tracts. The present study documents that exists, within this large non-selected sample, a proportion of youth who show evidence of NVLD. Given those results, it appears essential to establish the best diagnostic criteria, to improve the treatment options and quality of life for children with this disorder.

[Clinical features and temporal CT findings in patients with Branchio-Oto-Renal or Branchio-Oto Syndrome].

Objective: To assess the clinical features and CT diagnostic characteristics of Branchio-Oto-Renal or Branchio-Oto Syndrome. Methods: The temporal CT findings and clinical features observations of 13 patients with Branchio-Oto-Renal Syndrome (BORS) or Branchio-Oto Syndrome(BOS) confirmed by genetic testing were retrospectively analyzed. There were 8 males and 5 females, aged from 1 to 39 years, with a median age of 9 years, in which 3 pairs (6 cases) were parent-child relationship. Results: All of 13 cases had hearing loss and preauricular fistula, 11 cases accompanied by 2nd branchial fistulas. There were 20 ears of mixed hearing loss, 3 ears of sensorineural hearing loss, and 2 ears of conductive hearing loss. The mutation point of gene testing was located in EYA1 in 12 cases and SIX1 in 1 case. Twenty ears showed gradually narrowing of the diameter of basal turn, with hypoplasia in the second turn and aplasia in apical turn. There were irregular wall of vestibule and horizontal semicircular canal in 10 ears,widened vestibular in 7 ears, and vestibular fusion with horizontal semicircular canal in 3 ears. Three ears had an enlarged vestibular aqueduct, 8 ears showed enlargement of internal auditory canal. Seventeen ears had adhesion of malleolus to tympanic cavity. Six ears could not measured the incudostapedial joint angle by reason of tympanic inflammatory cover, 3 ears could not show incudostapedial joint, and 8 ears showed the incudostapedial joint angle more than 122°. Six ears showed poor oval window, and 1 ear had poor round window. Eighteen ears showed distended eustachian tube, and accompanied by tympanic or mastoiditis in 11 ears. Anterolateral shift of tympanum was found in 22 ears, 17 ears had low middle cranial fossa, and 3 ears had stenotic external auditory canal. Conclusions: Cochlear dysplasia, ossicular chain malformation and distended eustachian tube comprise the characteristic CT signs of BOS/BORS, which possesses versatile and complex CT findings. Temporal CT can accurately assess the important structures such as cochlea, ossicles, vestibule, semicircular canal, vestibular aqueduct and internal auditory canal. Combing with the clinical characteristics of bilateral, mixed hearing loss, preauricular fistula and branchial fistula can provide valuable information for early diagnosis and treatment.

Research on the location of measurement points in explosion shock wave pressure testing

Shock wave is an important damage element in ammunition explosion and one of the important technical indicators for evaluating its damage power. Accurately measuring shock wave pressure is of great significance for guiding ammunition design and evaluating damage power. The testing environment in the explosion field is harsh, and the measurement of shock wave pressure is affected by various influencing factors, resulting in inaccurate measurement results and low reliability. The location of pressure measurement points directly affects the measurement results of surface reflection pressure and free field pressure. This study is based on the display explosion dynamics simulation software AUTODYN to conduct simulation analysis of the propagation law of explosion shock wave pressure, analyze the height variation of the three wave point trajectory during the ammunition explosion process, and clarify that the surface reflection pressure measurement points need to be located in the Mach reflection zone, and the free field pressure measurement points need to be located above the height of the three wave points. The research results provide theoretical support for accurate testing of explosion shock wave pressure and have significant engineering application value.

Detection of NT-proBNP Using Optical Fiber Back-Reflection Plasmonic Biosensors

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical entity included in cardiovascular diseases affecting millions of people worldwide, being a leading cause of hospitalization of older adults, and therefore imposing a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems. HF is characterized by dyspnea, fatigue, and edema associated with elevated blood levels of natriuretic peptides, such as N Terminal pro-B-type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP), for which there is a high demand for point of care testing (POCT) devices. Optical fiber (OF) biosensors offer a promising solution, capable of real-time detection, quantification, and monitoring of NT-proBNP concentrations in serum, saliva, or urine. In this study, immunosensors based on plasmonic uncladded OF tips were developed using OF with different core diameters (200 and 600 µm). The tips were characterized to bulk refractive index (RI), anddetection tests were conducted with NT-proBNP concentrations varying from 0.01 to 100 ng/mL. The 200 µm sensors showed an average total variation of 3.6 ± 2.5 mRIU, an average sensitivity of 50.5 mRIU/ng·mL−1, and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.15 ng/mL, while the 600 µm sensors had a response of 6.1 ± 4.2 mRIU, a sensitivity of 102.8 mRIU/ng·mL−1, and an LOD of 0.11 ng/mL. Control tests were performed using interferents such as uric acid, glucose, and creatinine. The results show the potential of these sensors for their use in biological fluids.

Feasibility analysis of inactivating influenza A(H1N1) virus using UVC robot in classroom environment

BackgroundStarting from 2009, H1N1 has been one of the respiratory diseases that afflict the global population. Concurrently, due to the influence of COVID-19, it has become widely accepted that preventing the virus's spread necessitates personal protection measures and disinfection in public spaces. ExperimentsThis study conducted two experiments. In the classroom experiment, six UVC dose test points were calibrated to test whether the UVC dose at each testing point met the standards for inactivating IAVs and the time required to meet the standards. In the simulated classroom experiment, seven square slides made of IAVs were placed. After 10minutes of robot movement, irradiated sterile square slides were made into suspension and injected into chicken embryos. Cultivate chicken embryos and conduct IAVs testing. ResultsClassroom experiment has shown that 5 testing points can meet the standards for inactivating IAVs(3mJ/cm2), with a required time of 80minutes, 40minutes, 15minutes, 5minutes and 10minutes. The UVC dose for testing points that do not meet the standards in 80minutes is only 0.5mJ/cm2. The simulation classroom experiment outcomes revealed that 99.99% of IAVs were deactivated. Furthermore, this study established both a desktop control group and a chair arm control group, both of which yielded identical results, indicating an inactivation logarithm of IAVs≥4log. ConclusionThe study presented that IAVs on the surface of an object can be effectively and rapidly deactivated at an irradiation density of 1.8mW/cm2. Meanwhile, the study provides evidence of the feasibility of using the GXU robot to inactivate IAV in a classroom environment.

Deep-Learning-Based Group Point-Wise Spatial Mapping of Structure to Function in Glaucoma

PurposeTo establish generalizable point-wise spatial relationship between structure and function through occlusion analysis of a deep-learning (DL) model for predicting the visual field (VF) sensitivities from three-dimensional (3D) optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan. DesignRetrospective cross-sectional study. Participants2151 eyes from 1129 patients. MethodsA DL model was trained to predict 52 VF sensitivities of 24-2 standard automated perimetry from 3D spectral-domain OCT images of the optic nerve head (ONH) with 12915 OCT-VF pairs. Using occlusion analysis, the contribution of each individual cube covering a 240 x 240 x 31.25 μm region of the ONH to the model's prediction was systematically evaluated for each OCT-VF pair in a separate test set that consisted of 996 OCT-VF pairs. After simple translation (shifting in x and y-axes to match the ONH center), group t-statistic maps were derived to visualize statistically significant ONH regions for each VF test point within a group. This analysis allowed for understanding the importance of each super voxel (240 x 240 x 31.25 μm covering the entire 4.32 x 4.32 x 1.125 mm ONH cube) in predicting VF test points for specific patient groups. Main Outcome MeasuresThe region at the ONH corresponding to each VF test point and the effect of the former on the latter. ResultsThe test set was divided to two groups, the healthy-to-early-glaucoma group (792 OCT-VF pairs, VF mean deviation (MD): -1.32 ± 1.90 dB) and the moderate-to-advanced-glaucoma group (204 OCT-VF pairs, VF MD: -17.93 ± 7.68 dB). Two-dimensional group t-statistic maps (x, y projection) were generated for both groups, assigning related ONH regions to visual field test points. The identified influential structural locations for VF sensitivity prediction at each test point aligned well with existing knowledge and understanding of structure-function spatial relationships. ConclusionsThis study successfully visualized the global trend of point-by-point spatial relationships between OCT-based structure and VF-based function without the need for prior knowledge or segmentation of OCTs. The revealed spatial correlations were consistent with previously published mappings. This presents possibilities of learning from trained machine learning models without applying any prior knowledge, potentially robust and free from bias.

Rapid evaluation of trade-offs between strength and impact toughness of wheel steels by instrumented spherical indentation test

In this paper, an improved size-independent instrumented spherical indentation test (ISIT) method was proposed to determine tensile strength and fracture toughness on wheel rims of two different types of wheel steels. Additionally, Charpy impact specimens were taken from three specific positions on the wheel rims and subjected to standard Charpy impact testing. The resulting Charpy impact energy (CVN) were matched with the fracture toughness measured by ISIT (KIc,IT) at the same positions. There was a clear linear correlation between CVN and the square of KIc,IT, which was consistent with the established relationship between both properties as determined by conventional Charpy impact and compact tension tests. Therefore, we expanded the ISIT method to study the impact of cooling rates on the variation of yield strength and Charpy impact energy across the wheel rim. To accomplish this, we designated additional testing points on the wheel rim using the ISIT method. The investigation found trade-offs between strength and impact toughness of wheel steels under different cooling rates. The above findings demonstrated the effectiveness of using the ISIT method, which facilitated high-resolution fracture toughness measurement, to establish accurate correlation between CVN and fracture toughness of wheel steels. Moreover, this ISIT method can be employed to regulate heat treatment of material properties to meet specific application requirements.

Assessment of Surface Water Quality Using Entropy-WQI, Fuzzy-TOPSIS Analysis, Irrigation Indices and Spatial Interpolation Approaches in Mahanadi River Basin, Odisha, India

The current study is aimed at the assessment of surface water quality in the Mahanadi River, Odisha and its suitability for agricultural and consumption purposes, utilizing various indices of water quality such as Entropy Water Quality Index, Osmotic Pressure, Potential Salinity, Residual Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Adsorption Ratio and Kelly Index. Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) mechanisms namely, fuzzy-TOPSIS modeling and GIS tools were used; additionally, the suitability of river water for industrial uses was evaluated using indices such as Ryznar Stability Index and Puckorius scaling index. From 2019 to 2023, samples from 19 sampling stations were collected and 21 physical and chemical parameters were evaluated and compared with the normative recommendations advised by WHO. The dispersion of surface water quality on land use changes was discovered using GIS approaches. Additionally, using ArcGIS software, the spatial variability of hydrological processes was determined using the IDW interpolation approach. The pH levels of certain sampling points were slightly above the acceptable limit. Tests revealed that the Total coliform (TC) and turbidity levels in the water samples exceeded critical limits, particularly in areas of the urban river basin that were irrigated with wastewater. The calculated values of EWQI lie between 14.6 and 1066. Entropy WQI values designated 2 locations (ST-8, 19) out of 19 sampling locations as poor category and another one testing point (ST-9) as extremely poor category. The study found that 84.21% of the water samples were of excellent quality for drinking, while 15.78% of locations had poor or extremely poor water quality. However, some indices were favorable for the usage of the water for irrigation purposes. Magnesium hazard (MH) readings at two sampling sites were above 50%, indicating that they were inappropriate for irrigation. USSL (United States Salinity Laboratory) diagrams categorized the water samples as C1-S1 (low salinity and low sodium) for almost 18 sites and C4-S3 (very high salinity and high sodium) for only ONE sample, respectively, suggesting river water’s irrigation suitability. Further, Piper diagrams revealed that most investigated waters were Ca2+-Mg2+-Cl- water type. In a later stage, from Gibb’s diagram, it was found that most samples fall under the rock-water dominance. Based on the above and all other investigation results, it was concluded that water is suitable for irrigation and drinking purposes in all sites, except for three locations. The reason may be due to long-term use of wastewater, anthropogenic activities, over-extraction of surface water and changes in land use patterns. To sum up, it is advantageous to combine physicochemical properties, EWQI, fuzzy-TOPSIS, and GIS tools to evaluate surface water suitability for consumption and agriculture and their regulating variables. The strategy utilized in this work will aid the water management authorities in ensuring the supply of safe water for stakeholders.

Numerical Investigation of the Effect of Trailing Edge Thickness of Simulated CMC Blades on Loss Profiles

Abstract Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) is an enabling material allowing higher turbine inlet temperatures and possibly resulting in better thermal efficiency of gas turbine engines. This is because CMC layers with environmental barrier coating (EBC) have significantly higher thermal limits (∼1755K) compared with the more conventional alloyed metallic blades. CMCs possess a complex fabrication process resulting in different geometrical characteristics than metallic blades (e.g., larger trailing edge thickness, large leading-edge curvature, etc.). It is therefore desirable to assess the aerodynamic performance of the CMC blades using experimental and numerical simulations. To investigate, three different CMC blades with varying trailing edge thicknesses were numerically simulated. Both Large Eddy simulation (LES) with the dynamic subgrid closure as well a recently implemented Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) coupled with an intermittency function-based transition model were utilized. Two sets of experimental test points with different Reynolds numbers at a given high-free stream turbulence range (Tu=∼10-13%) were considered. The LES was previously validated by comparing with experimental data. The RANS transition model was validated against the experimental data of the Stripf's for a turbine blade. The predicted pressure loading profiles, total loss distributions, and integrated loss of the three different CMC blades were computed and comparisons against the experimental data are presented herein. The mixing and boundary layer loss was evaluated by both the RANS and LES and was found that the mixing loss forms a larger proportion of the overall loss as the trailing edge thickness increases.

Secondary use of genomic data: patients' decisions at point of testing and perspectives to inform international data sharing.

International sharing of genomic data files arising from clinical testing of patients is essential to further improve genomic medicine. Whilst the general public are reluctant to donate DNA for research, the choices patients actually make about sharing their clinical genomic data for future re-use (research or clinical) are unknown. We ascertained the data-sharing choices of 1515 patients having genomic testing for inherited conditions or cancer treatment from clinical consent forms. To understand the experiences and preferences of these patients, surveys were administered after test consent (RR 73%). Almost all patients (98%) consented to share their data. Survey respondents' decision recall was high (90%), but poorer if English was an additional language (p < 0.001). Parents deciding on behalf of children were over-represented amongst data-sharing decliners (p = 0.047) and decliners were more likely to believe that stored data could be easily reidentified (p < 0.001). A quarter of respondents did not know if reidentification would be easy and 44% of them were concerned about this possibility. Of those willing to share data overseas (60%), 23% indicated the recipient researcher's country would affect their decision. Most respondents (89%) desired some ongoing control over research use of their data. Four preliminary data-sharing profiles emerged; their further development could inform tailored patient resources. Our results highlight considerations for establishment of systems to make clinical genomic data files available for reanalysis locally and across borders. Patients' willingness to share their data - and value of the resulting research - should encourage clinical laboratories to consider sharing data systematically for secondary uses.

3D Printed Cement Composites Testing

Testing of the properties of cement mortars for 3D printing has not been standardized yet. Manufacturers of dry mixes declares tensile strength and compressive strength, but these properties are determined on standard beams for cement mortars, and their values may differ from the material actually formed by the 3D printing method. Another factor affecting strength is the printing process itself, where different printing machines require different consistencies and therefore different amount of water. Last but not least, it is necessary to take into account the different properties of the printed material depending on the direction of testing. Presented article brings results of determination the compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, splitting tensile strength and uniaxial tensile strength of the cement mortar from 3D printing loaded in different directions in relation to the axis of the print and comparing them with the parameters determined on standard beams made of the same material. A commercially produced dry mixture was used. Rectangular object was printed. Before the actual printing and also the fresh mixture was taken from the print head directly into the molds for the production of standard beams 40×40×160 mm. The printed object and the beams were placed in a water environment after 24 hours and the properties were determined at the age of 28 days. Cubes with dimensions of 40×40×40 mm and beams of 40×40×160 mm were subsequently cut from the printed object. The results of the testing point to a relatively large variability of the strength characteristics not only according to the direction of the load forces, but also in different places of the printed object (samples were taken in the bottom part, in the middle and in top of the printed object). Strengths of the standard beams were significantly higher than strengths of samples cut out from 3D printed object.

Abstract 6778: New microplate platform with cryopreserved 3D tumor spheroids for faster and convenient pre-clinical testing

Abstract Drug discovery and safety testing depend on predictive in vitro models, including multicellular tissues with organotypic functions. While traditional 2D tumor cell cultures have been extensively used in early drug screening due to their user-friendly nature, automation compatibility, and high throughput, they fall short in representing the intricate 3-dimensional structure, physiology, and complex multicellular nature of actual tumors. However, generating such 3D tissues for each test campaign is labor intensive. In addition, not all researchers have the resources to establish these 3D models. To pave the way, we developed a new platform that offers a range of cryopreserved 3D tumor models in micro plate format allowing for high-content screening. It enables users to start testing compounds within a 3-to-5 days simply by thawing an ARCTis™ plate (Always Ready Cryo Tissues) and following clear instructions. Another advantage of these cryopreserved 3D models derives from the fact that they are made in larger batches which means the start point for compound testing is always the same. This improves data quality, maximizes the test window length, and makes the data comparable across work groups. Currently, our growing portfolio consists of 25 tumor cell lines from ATCC representing the most common solid tumors. Their functionality has been determined based on efficacy tests for each cell line with the apoptotic agent Staurosporine. Various cell lines exhibited compact spheroids with a round morphology, less compact aggregates with non-spherical morphology, or loose cell-cell interaction aggregates, which can correlate with their tumor site of origin. Upon treatment with Staurosporine the dose-response profiles indicated growth inhibition, tumor shrinkage, or tumor cell killing effects based on size assessment and cell metabolic analysis (ATP). Moreover, we demonstrated the robust performance of these assays from plates stored for up to 6 months at -80°C.In conclusion, this groundbreaking approach addresses the limitations of traditional 2D cell cultures by providing a high-throughput, in-plate frozen, 3D cell culture platform. By offering a combination of a more physiologically relevant representation of tumors with a robust frozen-storage and time flexible assay platform our method holds great promise for advancing cancer drug discovery by easing the exploration of complex drug testing screens in vitro. Citation Format: Nils Goedecke, Simon Stroebel, Simon Hutter, Tala Issa, Irina Agarkova, Laure-Anne Ligeon, Olivier Frey. New microplate platform with cryopreserved 3D tumor spheroids for faster and convenient pre-clinical testing [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 6778.

Energy release rate in bimaterial specimens tested in pure modes I and II

New closed-form analytical expressions of the energy release rate of a bimaterial cracked specimen are derived, when it experiences pure mode I in an asymmetric double cantilever test, and pure mode II in an asymmetric end-notched flexure test. The analysis is based on the strain coenergy and on the laminated beam theory. The results of the analytical approach are compared with those obtained using the finite element method in two ways: by the virtual crack closure technique at a test point and by cohesive elements during a virtual delamination test. The agreement is excellent in both cases.

Point of care testing for hepatitis C in the priority settings of mental health, prisons and drug & alcohol facilities - the PROMPt Study.

A barrier to hepatitis C virus (HCV) cure is conventional testing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of HCV antibody and RNA point-of-care-testing (POCT) on testing rates, linkage to care, treatment and acceptability of testing in three priority settings in Australia. Participants were enrolled in an interventional cohort study at a reception prison, inpatient mental health service (MHS), and inpatient alcohol and other drug (AOD) unit-between October 2020 and December 2021. HCV POCT was performed using SD Bioline HCV antibody fingerstick test and a reflexive Xpert® HCV Viral Load Fingerstick test using capillary blood samples. A retrospective audit of HCV testing and treatment data was performed at each site for the preceding 12-month period to generate a historical control. 1,549 participants received a HCV antibody test with 17% (264/1,549) receiving a positive result, of which 21% (55/264) tested HCV RNA positive. Across all settings the rate of testing per year significantly increased between the historical controls and the study intervention period by three-fold (RR:2.57 95% CI: 2.32, 2.85) for HCV antibody testing and four-fold (RR:1.62; 95% CI:1.31, 2.01) for RNA testing. Treatment uptake was higher during the POCT intervention (86%, 47/55; P=0.010) compared to the historical controls (61%, 27/44). This study demonstrated across three settings that the use of HCV antibody and RNA POCT increased testing rates, treatment uptake linkage to care. The testing model was highly acceptable for most participants. ACTRN-12621001578897.

Inclusion of Nature-Based Solution in the Evaluation of Slope Stability in Large Areas

In areas affected by mining, which are undergoing reclamation, their geotechnical characteristics need to be monitored and the level of landslide risk should be assessed. This risk should preferably be reduced by nature-based solutions. This paper presents a KurZeS slope stability assessment technique based on areal data. This method is suitable for large areas. In addition, a procedure is presented for how to incorporate a prediction of the impact of nature-based solutions into this method, using the example of vegetation root reinforcement. The paper verifies the KurZeS method by comparing its results with the results of stability calculations by GEO5 software (version 5.2023.52.0) and validates the method by comparing its results with a map of closed areas in the area of the former open-cast mine Lohsa II in Lusatia, Germany. The original feature of the KurZeS method is the use of a pre-computed database. It allows the use of an original geometrical and geotechnical concept, where slope stability at each Test Point is evaluated not just along the fall line but also along different directions. This concept takes into account more slopes and assigns the Test Point the lowest safety factor in its vicinity. This could be important, especially in soil dumps with rugged terrain.

A fluorescence viewer for rapid molecular assay readout in space and low-resource terrestrial environments.

Fluorescence-based assays provide sensitive and adaptable methods for point of care testing, environmental monitoring, studies of protein abundance and activity, and a wide variety of additional applications. Currently, their utility in remote and low-resource environments is limited by the need for technically complicated or expensive instruments to read out fluorescence signal. Here we describe the Genes in Space Fluorescence Viewer (GiS Viewer), a portable, durable viewer for rapid molecular assay readout that can be used to visualize fluorescence in the red and green ranges. The GiS Viewer can be used to visualize any assay run in standard PCR tubes and contains a heating element. Results are visible by eye or can be imaged with a smartphone or tablet for downstream quantification. We demonstrate the capabilities of the GiS Viewer using two case studies-detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA using RT-LAMP and quantification of drug-induced changes in gene expression via qRT-PCR on Earth and aboard the International Space Station. We show that the GiS Viewer provides a reliable method to visualize fluorescence in space without the need to return samples to Earth and can further be used to assess the results of RT-LAMP and qRT-PCR assays on Earth.

Results of Organization of Vaccination Against Viral Hepatitis in the Adult Population for 2023 on the Territory of Family Physician Group No. 2 Family Medicine Center of Jalal-Abad City, Kyrgyz Republic

The article reflects the results of organizing express testing and vaccination against viral hepatitis B among the adult population of family physician group no. 2, family medicine center in the city of Jalal-Abad. During this period, n=317 (2.4%) people underwent express testing, of which n=307 (96.8%) had negative results; n=10 (3.2%) was identified, with positive results. results for viral hepatitis B. The coverage of the population for vaccination against parenteral viral hepatitis at the level of family physician groups is very low — the daily average load of the population visiting the testing point and vaccination point against parenteral viral hepatitis during the year averaged 2.5 people. During the year, the highest frequency of those vaccinated with the 1-2-3rd dose falls in the age group of 50-59 years (34.6 and 29.5 per 1000 population), and in second place are 40-49 years and 60 years and older (by 33.0 and 27.0 per 1000 population). Among those who applied for 1-2-3 vaccinations, a large proportion are made up of the non-working population (code-120), then in second place are persons examined for clinical and epidemiological indications (code-113). More women apply to receive vaccination against parenteral viral hepatitis — 63.6%, men — 36.4%.

Ultrasensitive 3D Stacked Silicon Nanosheet Field-Effect Transistor Biosensor with Overcoming Debye Shielding Effect for Detection of DNA.

Silicon nanowire field effect (SiNW-FET) biosensors have been successfully used in the detection of nucleic acids, proteins and other molecules owing to their advantages of ultra-high sensitivity, high specificity, and label-free and immediate response. However, the presence of the Debye shielding effect in semiconductor devices severely reduces their detection sensitivity. In this paper, a three-dimensional stacked silicon nanosheet FET (3D-SiNS-FET) biosensor was studied for the high-sensitivity detection of nucleic acids. Based on the mainstream Gate-All-Around (GAA) fenestration process, a three-dimensional stacked structure with an 8 nm cavity spacing was designed and prepared, allowing modification of probe molecules within the stacked cavities. Furthermore, the advantage of the three-dimensional space can realize the upper and lower complementary detection, which can overcome the Debye shielding effect and realize high-sensitivity Point of Care Testing (POCT) at high ionic strength. The experimental results show that the minimum detection limit for 12-base DNA (4 nM) at 1 × PBS is less than 10 zM, and at a high concentration of 1 µM DNA, the sensitivity of the 3D-SiNS-FET is approximately 10 times higher than that of the planar devices. This indicates that our device provides distinct advantages for detection, showing promise for future biosensor applications in clinical settings.

Validation of a New Method for Continuous Flare Combustion Efficiency Monitoring

A new method is described for calculating flare combustion efficiency (CE) and destruction and removal efficiency (DRE) using a numerical parametric model. The method combines key variables that affect flare performance including the flare vent gas net heating value (NHV), flare design, flow rate, exit velocity, and inert gas composition, alongside the environmental influence of crosswind speed. Each effect is characterized using a parametric model derived from experimental testing data and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The inclusion of CFD allows the model to be extended into the high-wind conditions that cannot be adequately controlled for in empirical testing yet represent some of the most challenging conditions in which to maintain good combustion. This new parametric model method (PMM) is coupled with ultrasonic flowmeters from which the molecular weight and net heating value of the flare gas can be derived using the vent gas speed of sound measurement. In doing so, this method provides a reliable continuous flare combustion efficiency measure that can be deployed at scale with minimum hardware updates. The system was verified using an extractive sampling method with tests conducted on three full-scale industrial flares including non-assisted, single-arm pressure-assisted, and multi-arm pressure-assisted flare designs. A total of seventy valid test points were carried out with varying flow rate and flare gas heating value, covering a CE range from 46–100%. The uncertainty of the method was assessed using both traditional error propagation and Monte Carlo methodology. The results from the new method agree with the extractive method to within 0.8% in the ≥98% DRE region where flares are expected to operate to limit the impacts of flaring as a source of methane as a greenhouse gas. Uncertainty analysis revealed that the larger DRE discrepancy for DRE ≤ 98% correlates to the measurement uncertainties for both methods.