Test Points Research Articles

638 Evaluating accuracy of electrolyte and blood gas level point of care testing among inborn infants in the neonatal intensive care unit

638 Evaluating accuracy of electrolyte and blood gas level point of care testing among inborn infants in the neonatal intensive care unit

Quantitative analysis of different SLAM algorithms for geo-monitoring in an underground test field

Geo-monitoring provides quantitative and reliable information to identify hazards and adopt appropriate measures timely. However, this task inherently exposes monitoring staff to hazardous environments, especially in underground settings. Since 2000s, robots have been widely applied in various fields and many studies have focused on establishing autonomous mobile robotic systems as well as solving the issue of underground navigation and mapping. However, only a few studies have conducted quantitative evaluations of these methods, and almost none have provided a systematic and comprehensive assessment of the suitability of mapping robots for underground geo-monitoring. In this study, a methodology for objective and quantitative assessment of the applicability of SLAM methods in underground geo-monitoring is proposed. This involves the development of an underground test field and some specific metrics, which allow detailed local accuracy analysis of point measurements, line segments, and areas using artificial targets. With this proposed methodology, a series of repeated experimental measurements has been performed with an autonomous driving robot and the selected LiDAR- and visual-based SLAM methods. The resulting point cloud was compared with the reference data measured by a total station and a terrestrial laser scanner. The accuracy and precision of the selected SLAM methods as well as the verifiability and reliability of the results are evaluated and discussed by analysing quantities such as the deviations of the control points coordinates, cloud-to-cloud distances between the test and reference point cloud, normal vector, centre point coordinates and area of the planar objects. The results demonstrate that the HDL Graph SLAM achieves satisfactory precision, accuracy, and repeatability with a mean cloud-to-cloud distance of 0.12 m (with a standard deviation of 0.13 m) in an 80 m closed-loop measurement area. Although RTAB-Map exhibits better plane-capturing capabilities, the measurement results reveal instability and inaccuracies.

Research on virtual collection method of layer house temperature for the construction requirements of digital twin system.

At present, in the context of the highly intensive development of livestock and poultry breeding, digital management is becoming increasingly important, and digital twin systems are gradually being applied. To solve the contradiction between data acquisition and sensor network congestion, a virtual acquisition method based on historical data and real-time reference of point data is proposed when constructing a digital twin system. Firstly, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was used to analyze and determine the temperature distribution and environmental characteristics inside the layer house, and the collection area was preliminarily divided according to the CFD simulation results. Then, combined with gray correlation degree and cosine similarity analysis, it can effectively identify the reference points highly correlated with the temperature of the key unmonitored area. Finally, WOA was used to optimize the BiLSTM hyperparameters and construct a WOA-BiLSTM virtual acquisition model. It is based on the XGBoost algorithm to determine the actual data collection points, predict the current value based on the actual data of the reference point and the historical data of the test point, and complete virtual collection. Through the test in a farm, the average absolute error between the data of 10 virtual collection points and the actual data was within 0.25 °C, which ensured the reliability of the data. It analyzes the data volume requirements for digital twin modeling and theoretically verifies the supporting role of virtual collection in the construction of digital twin systems.

How have interventions targeting pregnant women from refugee, migrant and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds living in high-income countries been developed or tailored to meet community needs? A systematic scoping review of stillbirth-related literature

BackgroundPeople from migrant, refugee and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds experience significant disparities in pregnancy outcomes compared to the general population, including a higher risk of stillbirth. This study aimed to identify stillbirth-related programs or interventions for pregnant women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and explore how these interventions have been developed and/or tailored for culturally and linguistically diverse women.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, and Scopus for articles published from inception to 12 Jan 2023. We included studies that report on the development and/or evaluation of a program or intervention to reduce the risk of stillbirth which has been specifically developed or tailored for pregnant women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds living in high-income countries. Two independent reviewers conducted screening of the articles, data extraction, and quality appraisal. We first summarized the descriptive information of eligible studies using text and tables and then thematically grouped interventions based on approaches to meet community needs and synthesized data qualitatively.ResultsWe identified 1999 studies from the database search. After removing duplicates and screening for eligibility, 9 studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Studies were conducted in Australia, the UK, US and Denmark between 1986 and 2021, with multi-ethnic populations (n = 6) or specific cultural and language groups (n = 3) (e.g. Pakistani and Indian women; African American and Hispanic population groups). Approaches to tailoring included the use of interpreters and translated materials, linking women to existing community resources and networks and community outreach delivered to women outside of hospital settings. Training of staff in cultural competence and multi-component, multiagency interventions addressing the wider social determinants of health and system-based approaches to facilitate access to language services were also identified.ConclusionWhile there are currently few targeted interventions for pregnant women from migrant, refugee and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, approaches to cultural tailoring identified in this review can be used as a starting point for effectiveness testing and wider application. Ongoing work is needed to continue to address significant disparities in pregnancy outcomes for minoritised community groups. Protocol registrationThe protocol for this review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021289321).

Revolutionizing emergency care: the transformative role of point of care testing (POCT) in modern medicine

Point of Care Testing (POCT) has revolutionized emergency medicine by providing rapid diagnostic results, enhancing patient care, and improving clinical outcomes. This review explores the impact of POCT on emergency settings, particularly focusing on turnaround time (TAT), patient outcomes, and specific applications such as acute coronary syndrome (ACS). While the utility of POCT is evident in certain clinical scenarios, its broader implementation poses challenges, including cost, analytical performance, and integration with traditional laboratory workflows. Future perspectives emphasize the potential of molecular POCT advancements to further streamline emergency care.

P-485. Enhancing Adolescent Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Screening : A Quality Improvement Approach with Point-of-Care Testing

Abstract Background Pediatricians play a key role in preventing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) by offering routine HIV testing. While there has been great progress in treatment for patients with HIV/AIDS, many adolescents still believe they are not at risk for HIV and have never been tested. Recent studies have shown that almost half of adolescents who have HIV are undiagnosed. A key barrier to screening adolescents for HIV during clinic well child visits includes patient follow through with HIV screening lab work. Traditionally, this requires a visit to the lab, serum draw, followed by waiting hours to days for a result. We sought to eliminate this barrier by implementing a point of care (POC) HIV oral swab during adolescent well child visits with anticipation of increasing overall HIV screening rates. Plan Do-Study-Act Cycle Multiple PDSA cycles were implemented throughout the project to ensure continued improvement and integration of HIV screening during clinic visits. This was the an example of the main overarching PDSA cycle driving quality improvement. Methods Adolescents ages 15-18 presenting for well-child check who had not yet tested for HIV were eligible. Interventions included creating educational curriculum for physicians regarding HIV screening guidelines, generating mulit-lingual resources for families about the importance of HIV screening, and utilizing a multidisciplinary team to implement testing into clinic workflow. The primary outcome measure was the monthly percentage of adolescents ages 15-18 who were screened for HIV via the POC swab during their WCC. Multiple “Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles” were implemented to reinforce change. Proportion of Adolescents tested for HIV Red arrow indicated when POC HIV swabs became available for use in clinic Results We found a statistically significant difference between the proportion of patients screened for HIV before and after the availability of POC HIV swab with p< 0.001. Prior to implementation, the year-to-date percentage of those screened among eligible patients from January 2023 to July 2023 was 29% (80/276). Within eight months of implementation of the HIV POC swab from August 2023 to March 2024 the percentage of adolescents screened increased to 47 % (155/331). Conclusion Improving HIV screening among adolescents is feasible and effective through the use of point of care rapid antibody testing. This type of testing is painless, can be quickly performed during clinic visits, and improves patient confidentiality as results are available at time of visit instead of traditionally waiting for the results by phone or email. Medicaid covers POC testing for HIV so this form of testing could be used in many clinics. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

P-342. Outcomes of Human Metapneumovirus in Nursing Home Residents: A Matched Analysis

Abstract Background Identified in 2001, human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a Paramyxoviridae with bimodal age distribution - affecting children and older people. In older people, clinically severe hMPV may be associated with respiratory symptoms resulting in hospitalization and/or death. The purpose of this study was to compare hospitalization and death in older nursing home residents with hMPV or influenza. Methods Using the electronic medical records of VA Community Living Centers (CLC) during the epidemiology years of Sept 1, 2017 to August 31, 2023, we identified CLC residents who tested positive for hMPV or influenza. We collected information on demographics and comorbidities, as well as clinical testing. We developed a propensity matched cohort of hMPV and influenza positive CLC residents and used proportional hazards models to determine the hazard ratio (HR) for hospitalization, death or either during the 90 days after positive test among hMPV- and influenza-positive residents. Results During the study period, we identified 135 hMPV infections and 1170 influenza. Most hMPV included influenza testing and there were no co-infections. Both populations were older (hMPV 76.1 (10.6) vs. influenza 74.2 (10.9) years, SMD=0.18) and predominantly male (hMPV 96.7% vs. influenza 96.3%, SMD=0.02). The hMPV cohort had more pulmonary disease (42.2% vs 30.9%, SMD=0.25) and dementia (55.6% vs. 42.3%, SMD=0.26) compared to influenza cohort. The propensity matching identified 130 hMPV and 601 influenza residents that were well matched. proportional hazard model on the propensity matched cohort found equivocal hazard for hospitalization (adjusted HR 0.91 (0.55, 1.50)), death (adjusted HR 1.03 (0.61, 1.75)), and the combined outcome (adjusted HR 0.92 (0.61, 1.33)). Conclusion When hMPV develops in nursing home residents, the outcomes of hospitalization and death are comparable to influenza. Increased awareness of hMPV and appropriate point of care testing are needed to accurately detect hMPV and implement infection control measures. Additional studies are needed to better understand epidemiology, prevention, and treatment of hMPV in especially high-risk nursing home residents. Funded by Icosavax, a member of the AstraZeneca Group Disclosures Yasin Abul, MD, Moderna: Grant/Research Support|Moderna, Abt, CDC: Grant/Research Support Kevin McConeghy, Pharm.D., Genentech: Grant/Research Support|GlaxoSmithKline: Grant/Research Support|Moderna: Grant/Research Support|Sanofi-Pasteur: Grant/Research Support|Seqirus: Grant/Research Support Stefan Gravenstein, MD, MPH, CDC: Advisor/Consultant|CDC: Grant/Research Support|Genentech: Advisor/Consultant|Genentech: Grant/Research Support|Genentech: Honoraria|GlaxoSmithKline: Advisor/Consultant|GlaxoSmithKline: Grant/Research Support|GlaxoSmithKline: Honoraria|Janssen: Advisor/Consultant|Janssen: Grant/Research Support|Janssen: Honoraria|Moderna: Advisor/Consultant|Moderna: Grant/Research Support|Moderna: Honoraria|NIH: Grant/Research Support|Pfizer: Advisor/Consultant|Pfizer: Grant/Research Support|Pfizer: Honoraria|Sanofi: Advisor/Consultant|Sanofi: Grant/Research Support|Sanofi: Honoraria|Seqirus: Advisor/Consultant James L. Rudolph, MD, Icosavax / AstraZeneca: Grant/Research Support

P-2101. Coverage Of The Molecular Diagnostic Technology For Pulmonary Tuberculosis In Bangladesh: Diagnostic Milestone For Control Of Tuberculosis

Abstract Background Provision of early and accurate Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis is crucial to end TB specially in a densely populated like Bangladesh. Molecular WHO-approved rapid diagnostic tests for TB (mWRDs) can significantly improve identification of undiagnosed TB cases. This study estimates the coverage of mWRDs among the total detected Pulmonary TB (PTB). Methods Monthly programmatic data on nationwide TB diagnosis in Bangladesh using mWRDs were pulled and compiled. Routine programmatic data for TB detection using mWRDs were segregated and compared quarterly for the first three quarter of 2023 to know the percentage of molecular testing coverage among presumptive TB tested and percentage of pulmonary TB notified diagnosed through molecular testing during that time. Results A total of 5,53,172 presumptive cases undergone mWRDs to detect the Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (MTB) and Rifampicin Resistant (RR) cases. Among them, 80,414 (14.54%) cases were detected as MTB including RR. During the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quarters of 2023, the total number of presumptive tests conducted were 133,845, 175,038, and 244,289, respectively. Among them, the detected TB cases according to each quarter were 15,418 (11.52%), 24,397 (13.94%), and 40,599 (16.62%), respectively (Figure 1). With this data it was obvious that in the 3rd quarter of 2023 the percentage of case detection by mWRDs increased compared to the consecutive previous two quarters. It revealed that, percentage of case detection by mWRDs gradually increased over the time during 1st to 3rd quarter 2023. To assess the coverage of mWRDs, quarterly data was analyzed and compared. It was determined how many TB cases were confirmed using molecular technology (GeneXpert and TrueNat) out of the total number of pulmonary cases over time. The analysis revealed that the quarterly percentage coverage of mWRDs was 26.85%, 42.68%, and 68.89% during the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quarters, respectively, indicating an increasing trend over time (Figure 2). Conclusion Scaling up the mWRDs as a point of care diagnostic test for presumptive TB cases in resource limited settings would have a significant impact to meet the SDG and End TB strategy for TB detection. Increasing coverage of molecular testing for more PTB case detection is inevitable considering the context of Bangladesh. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Analisis Unsurfaced Road Condition Index Untuk Kualitas Jalan Tambang PT Antareja Mahada Makmur Kalimantan Timur

Overburden stripping is a process of removing overburden to extract the underlying minerals, and is an activity in the early stages of mining. A company that carries out mining activities must carry out stripping activities. The purpose of this study is to analyse the quality of haul roads using the URCI and CBR methods, analyse the obstacles that occur to provide recommendations for improvement, and provide recommendations for the thickness of road layers for overburden haul roads. The research method used is a quantitative method. Road geometry consists of straight road width, bend road width, road slope, superelevation and also crossfall. Based on the test results with the help of dynamic cone penetrometer test, it is known that the CBR value of 6 test points obtained values of 67.5, 42, 59.25, 70.90, 50 and 60, where the limit of good condition of a road based on percent CBR is 55 so that there are 2 roads that are not in good condition. Based on observations using the URCI method with 7 parameters, a value of 65 was obtained for 2 observation locations. Based on the observation results, it is known that in the three rock samples that have been soaked in water for three days, it is known that the material contained in HEX4035 is a material that dissolves quickly in water, resulting in mud. Meanwhile, the material in the mining front of HEX4036 and HEX1440 does not dissolve quickly in water so that the material can be a material for road layers as high as 9 inches for sub base and 7 inches for surface course.

Accurate urine sodium measurements at home using Point of Care Testing in patients with Short Bowel Syndrome.

Measurement of the urine sodium concentration (USC) is a simple procedure that in many patients adequately indicates their hydration status. This is of particular importance in patients suffering from short bowel syndrome (SBS), who may very rapidly dehydrate and are at risk for permanently compromising their kidney function. A point of care test (POCT) that allows reliable measurement of USC would enable these patients to effectively evaluate their sodium- and water balance in the at home setting, thereby avoiding hospital visits and delayed test results. In this study, a POCT device to assess USC was first analytically validated after which it was applied for the at home evaluation of the hydration status in patients with SBS. First, we validated the imprecision, bias and limit of quantification of USC as measured with the Fisic Medimate POCT device in comparison to an automated routine chemistry system. Next, the device was used for monitoring USC at home in 21 patients with SBS, including an evaluation of user friendliness System Usability Scale (SUS) and accuracy for detecting low sodium levels as compared to the routine chemistry system. The imprecision of the POCT device at low USC was 6.1 %. In samples at the clinical decision threshold to identify patients at the verge of dehydration of 20 mmol/l as measured by routine chemistry USC, the POCT device demonstrated a mean estimation of USC of 20.6 mmol/l (95% CI 18.8-22.4). Dehydration was detected with a sensitivity of 95% when the medical decision limit for urinary sodium on the POCT device was set at a safe concentration of 30 mmol/l. Using the device was straightforward and easy to learn for patients with an overall System Usability Scale (SUS) score of 86. USC measurements using this POCT device can be safely integrated into daily practice for early detection of dehydration in patients with SBS. Clear patient instructions to ensure accurate drop dispensing and a higher clinical decision threshold of USC of 30 mmol/l will allow a high sensitivity for detecting dehydration in patients with short bowel syndrome.

Association between various blood glucose variability-related indicators during early ICU admission and 28-day mortality in non-diabetic patients with sepsis

BackgroundVarious blood glucose (BG) variability-related indexes have been widely used to assess glycemic control and predict glycemic risks, but the association between BG variations and prognosis in non-diabetic patients with sepsis remains unclear.MethodsThe single-center retrospective cohort study included 7,049 non-diabetic adults with sepsis who had at least 3 records of bedside capillary point of care BG testing during the first day after ICU admission from MIMIC-IV database (2008 to 2019). Coefficient of variation and standard deviation of glucose (i.e., GluCV and GluSD), M-value, J-index, high blood glucose index (HBGI), and low blood glucose index (LBGI) were used to describe glucose variability, quality of glycemic control, and glycemic risk of patients with sepsis. The dose-response relationship between BG variability-related indexes and mortality was explored using multivariate logistic regression with restricted cubic spline (RCS) function. If the dose-response curve presented a J-shape with a specific threshold value, a linear threshold function instead of RCS would be employed.ResultsThere is a J-shaped relationship between hospital mortality risk and glucose variability-related indexes in ICU patients with sepsis. The mortality risk remained relatively stable below the threshold of these indexes. However, over the threshold, the 28-day mortality risk increased by 2.82% (95% CI: 1.80–3.85%), 1.13% (95% CI: 0.66–1.60%), 1.96% (95% CI: 0.98–2.95%), 1.37% (95% CI: 0.57–2.16%), 11.19% (95% CI: 6.56–15.98%) and 39.04% (95% CI: 29.86–48.81%) for each unit increases in GluCV, GluSD, M-value, J-index, LBGI and HBGI, respectively. The effects of LBGI and HBGI on 7-day and 14-day mortality were more pronounced.ConclusionsHigh levels of GluCV, GluSD, M-value, J-index, HBGI, and LBGI on the first day of ICU admission were important risk markers of hospital mortality among non-diabetic patients with sepsis.

Mobile health clinics in a rural setting: a cost analysis and time motion study of La Clínica in Oregon, United States

BackgroundMobile Health Clinics (MHCs) are an alternate form of healthcare delivery that may ameliorate current rural–urban health disparities in chronic diseases and have downstream impacts on the health system by reducing costs. Evaluations of providers’ time allocation on MHCs are scarce, hindering knowledge transfer related to MHC implementation strategies.MethodsRetrospective economic cost was assessed using business ledgers and expert assessments in 2023 US Dollar (USD) from 2022 to 2023. Time motion observational study assessed nurse practitioner (NP) and community health worker (CHW) time allocation and compared them between patients residing in isolated rural areas (hereafter isolated rural patients) and patients experiencing houselessness (PEH) sub-populations. Procedure codes were assessed retrospectively for each patient encounter (n = 1,981) over one year (April 2022 to April 2023). We used statistical significance tests (chi-square and Fisher’s Exact) to evaluate difference across sub-populations.ResultsIntervention start-up and operational costs totaled 275,000USD and 308,000USD, respectively, with the largest allocations to the modified recreational vehicle (RV) unit and labor. NP attributed 32% of time on direct care (mean = 153.00 min (SD = 37.80 min)), 38% on indirect care (186.0 (53.40)), and 21% on MHC tasks (104.00 (23.94)). CHW spent 47% of time on MHC tasks (182.00 (29.46)), 22% on medical care tasks (85.01 (SD 81.97)), and 22% on social needs tasks (87.70 (86.71 min)). NP time allocation did not differ significantly between isolated rural patients and PEH (p > 0.01), but CHW time did (p < 0.01). Of all procedures, 31.3% were vaccinations (N = 438), 27.0% were Covid-19 related (N = 377), 12.8% were outside referrals (N = 179), and 11.8% were point of care testing. Healthcare utilization varied between patient sub-populations, with Isolated Rural patient use dominated by Covid-19 and Influenza vaccines whereas PEH use was dominated by point of care testing (p < 0.01).ConclusionPatient sub-populations require varying provider time in different tasks and variable economic resources for interventions. As local policy makers balance resources and community health needs, a complete understanding of the resources required to operate an MHC and use of provider time is essential for informed decision making and successful implementation in underserved communities.

Biomechanical analysis of a short femoral stem used in revision total hip replacement of a standard femoral stem

Short-stem total hip arthroplasty (SHA) has become popular because it preserves femoral bone stock and enables the use of short femoral stems in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, no study has evaluated whether a short stem in revision THA, replacing a standard stem, can provide adequate primary stability to facilitate osseous integration. In this biomechanical study, a metaphyseal anchoring SHA (Tri-Lock BPS) stem and a standard THA (Corail) stem were implanted into ten composite femurs and loaded dynamically from 300 to 1700 N with 1 Hz. Primary stability was estimated using three-dimensional (3D) micromotions at five points around the bone–implant interface. A revision scenario was then established by removing the standard stem and implanting the same Tri-Lock BPS stem, with subsequent measurements of 3D micromotions. In the primary scenario, no significant differences in 3D micromotions were noted between the short and standard stems at most of the test points. Compared with the Corail group, the Tri-Lock BPS group presented significantly greater 3D micromotions only at the lateral point of the distal femur (P5: Tri-Lock BPS 32.9 ± 7.54 μm vs. Corail 25.1 ± 4.32 μm; p = 0.011). In the revision scenario, no significant differences in the 3D micromotions were noted between the primary and revision Tri-Lock BPS stems at all test points. Our results show that the SHA (Tri-Lock BPS) offers good primary stability, which is similar to that of the standard THA (Corail). The Tri-Lock BPS stem obtained comparable stability in this revision scenario as in the primary scenario; therefore, it can be assumed that the Corail standard stem can safely be revised with a Tri-Lock BPS short stem.

Influences of Different Factors and Sensitivity Analysis of Permeability of Gassy Coal

Influencing factors and sensitivity analysis of coal permeability are significant for reasonably setting coalbed methane (CBM) extraction parameters and increasing CBM output. Seepage tests were conducted on gassy coal using a seepage test system for damaged coal and rock mass under various conditions of axial pressure, confining pressure, and gas pressure. Moreover, the influences of different factors on the permeability of gassy coal and the sensitivity of permeability to these factors were analyzed. Research results show that under the same confining pressure, the relationship between permeability and axial pressure of gassy coal meets the quadratic polynomial function; under the same axial pressure, the permeability changes with the confining pressure as a power function. The permeability of gassy coal is far more sensitive to confining pressure than to axial pressure during axial seepage. Under the same axial pressure and confining pressure (same stress), the permeability of gassy coal reduces at first and then increases in a V-shaped trend with growing gas pressure. There is a turning point in the seepage tests, that is, the critical gas pressure. When the gas pressure is lower than the critical value, the slippage effect plays the leading role in the variation of permeability of the coal; on the contrary, effective stress plays the dominant role. In the non-isobaric deviatoric stress state, the permeability of gassy coal is most sensitive to the confining pressure, followed successively by gas pressure and axial pressure. The research results provide a theoretical basis for precise gas extraction and control in coal seams.

The Reciprocal Relation Between Vocabulary Knowledge and Compound Structure Awareness and Their Contributions to Reading Comprehension in Chinese Children: A Longitudinal Study From Grades 3 to 6

AbstractPrevious studies uncover that vocabulary knowledge may be related to compound structure awareness (the awareness of relational structure embedded in compound words), and they both contribute to reading comprehension. Yet, limited studies have examined the dynamic relationship between vocabulary knowledge and compound structure awareness, or their joint contributions (including growth rates) to reading comprehension. Our study aimed to fill this gap in Chinese, an ideal target language with complex grammatical structures of compound words. We followed 125 native Mandarin‐Chinese‐speaking children in Mainland China from Grades 3 to 6, with one testing point in the fall of each grade and a total of four testing times. These children's vocabulary, compound structure awareness, and text reading comprehension were measured as three key variables, and their Chinese character reading, word reading fluency, and compounding awareness were measured as three control variables in model analyses; all materials were adopted from previous research and were highly reliable and valid. We fitted the latent growth models and found that children's initial vocabulary in Grade 3 significantly predicted their compound structure awareness growth over Grades 3 to 6, and then predicted reading comprehension in Grade 6. However, such results were not evident the other way around. Importantly, initial vocabulary knowledge and compound structure awareness in Grade 3 and their growth rates from Grades 3 to 6 contributed to reading comprehension skills in Grade 6. Our findings demonstrate the necessity of considering vocabulary knowledge and compound structure awareness jointly and longitudinally to support early reading development.

Multifocal electroretinogram evaluation of different optical coherence tomography patterns of diabetic macular edema

Purpose To correlate macular function to morphological patterns of diabetic macular edema (DME) observed by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Patients and methods This study included 100 DME eyes and 60 control eyes. OCT patterns of DME were divided into: Type 1: diffuse retinal thickening (DRT); Type 2: cystoid macular edema (CME); Type 3: neurosensory detachment (NSD); and Type 4: the combined type that was further subdivided into: Type 4a: DRT with CME, Type 4b: DRT with NSD, and Type 4c: CME with NSD. These types were correlated with LogMAR VA and P1 wave amplitude and implicit time of multifocal electroretinogram. Results In both central ring 1 and paracentral ring 2, P1 amplitude was significantly reduced in all types of DME compared with control group. P1 amplitude was highest in Type 1, and lowest in Type 4c compared with other DME types. P1 implicit time was significantly delayed in all types, and significantly delayed in Type 4c compared with Type 1. Conclusion DRT was the best type for macular function, CME was associated with decreased P1 wave amplitude in central macular ring, NSD was associated with decreased P1 wave amplitude in the paracentral macular ring, combined CME with NSD carried the poorest visual function. From a practical point of view, combining OCT and multifocal electroretinogram testing may offer a potent method to assess the degree of retinal injury.

Graphene Nano-Surfaces Advances multiplexing of cardiac biomarkers and High-Performance sensing for point of care testing

Graphene Nano-Surfaces Advances multiplexing of cardiac biomarkers and High-Performance sensing for point of care testing

A Comprehensive Review of the Usefulness of Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Postbiotics in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a disorder characterized by the excessive growth of bacteria in the small intestine. Bacterial overgrowth disrupts the bacterial balance and can lead to abdominal pain, weight loss, and gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloating, diarrhea, and malabsorption. SIBO is widespread in the population. There are two main methods for diagnosing SIBO: breath tests and bacterial culture. The most commonly used method is a breath test, which enables the division of SIBO into the following three types: hydrogen-dominant (H-SIBO), methane-dominant (CH4-SIBO), and hydrogen/methane-dominant (H/CH4-SIBO). This comprehensive review aims to present the current knowledge on the use of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics in the context of SIBO. For this purpose, medical databases such as MEDLINE (PubMed) and Scopus were analyzed using specific keywords and their combinations. This review is based on research studies no older than 10 years old and those using only human models. In summary, clinical studies have shown that the efficacy of SIBO therapy can be increased by combining antibiotics with probiotics, especially in vulnerable patients such as children and pregnant women. The further development of diagnostic methods, such as point of care testing (POCT) and portable devices, and a better understanding of the mechanisms of biotics action are needed to treat SIBO more effectively and improve the quality of life of patients.

Coordinate Transformation Using the Least Squares Method: A Case Study on Trabzon, Türkiye

The ED50 datum uses the Hayford ellipsoid and the Greenwich meridian as the prime meridian. In Turkey, the ED50 datum with the Hayford ellipsoid was used until 2001, after which the ITRF datum with the GRS80 ellipsoid became the standard. To utilize coordinate systems across different datums, these systems must be associated and transformed accordingly. This study determines 2D transformation parameters for converting the ED50 datum to the ITRF-96 datum. For this transformation, common points in both the ED50 and ITRF systems were selected in the Maçka and Ortahisar districts of Trabzon province. The two-dimensional similarity (Helmert) and Affine transformation methods were applied to these common points to establish the relationship between the two systems within the study area. Statistical data was gathered to evaluate the performance of the transformation parameters and process. Additionally, test points within the study areas were selected, and their ED50 datum coordinates were transformed to ITRF-96 coordinates using these parameters. The differences between the transformed coordinates and the current coordinates of these test points were analyzed, with root mean square error (RMSE), minimum and maximum errors, and mean absolute error (MAE) values calculated. In this study, a total of 197 points were used in Değirmendere, and 106 points were used in Maçka. It was observed that the sensitivity parameters of the transformation in the Maçka region are better than those in Değirmendere, potentially due to the number of common points. When comparing the Affine and Similarity transformations, the similarity transformation yielded significantly better results. All calculations were conducted using MATLAB R2022b software.

MATHEMATICAL MODEL AND OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM ACCORDING TO THE CRITERIA OF MINIMUM CONTACT STRESS FOR INVOLUTE SPUR GEARS WITH INCREASED CONTACT RATIO

Reducing the mass and dimensions of involute spur gears is an actual task of modern mechanical engineering. One of the perspective ways to solve it is the use of gearing with an increased working tooth depth and profile contact ratio εα ≥ 2. The study is devoted to the development of optimal design methods for such gears. Optimality criteria is formulated as follows: the contact stresses in the pitch point must take a minimum value when all constructive, geometric, kinematic, and technological constraints are met, first, when the profile contact ratio εα ≥ 2 is ensured. Variables planning are defined. These are addendum coefficients of the basic racks tooth for pinion and wheel h*a1, h*a2; profile angle of the basic rack α; addendum modification coefficient of the pinion x1. Formed a system of constraints for the variables planning: the main functional constraint of the minimum value of the profile contact ratio: εα ≥ 2; constraint for the addendum coefficients of the basic racks tooth for pinion and wheel h*a1, h*a2; constraint for profile angle of the basic rack α; constraint for addendum modification coefficients x1, x2; absence of the cutter interference for tooth dedendum; absence of the sharpening for tooth addendum; absence of the mesh interference; ensuring the bending strength of pinion and wheel teeth. A method for solving the problem of optimal design is chosen. The method of probing the space of design parameters was chosen from all the variety. The points of the LPτ-sequence are used as test points. The method allows you to operate with a significant number of parameters – up to 51, provides a sufficiently large number of evenly distributed test points – up to 220. The algorithm for optimal design of gear has been developed. The main stages of the algorithm are as follows: setting input data (numerical constraints on design variables, gear parameters and its load); generation of LPτ-sequence for variables planning with simultaneous consideration of their numerical constraints; checking of functional constraints; additional verification calculations (if necessary) of the gearing contact strength; formation of an array of possible solutions; searching of the best solution variant (the test point corresponding to the minimum value of the objective function) by sorting the array.