Laboratory Practice Research Articles

Correlations between frailty index and inflammatory markers derived from blood cell count in the United States

BackgroundComplete blood cell count (CBC)-derived inflammatory biomarkers are crucial indicators of adverse outcomes and possess predictive value for a wide range of diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the links between CBC-derived inflammatory biomarkers and frailty index.MethodsInformation was gathered from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning the years 1999 to 2016. The research investigated the correlation between inflammatory biomarkers derived from CBC, including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and Rockwood’s frailty index, using logistic regression analyses.ResultsIn total, the cross-sectional study involved 13,507 U.S. adults aged 50 and older, with 3,729 individuals (24%) meeting the criteria for frailty. After adjusting for confounding factors, elevated levels of logNLR (odds ratio [OR] 3.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.52–4.73), logMLR (OR 3.58, 95% CI 2.44–5.25), logSIRI (OR 2.77, 95% CI 2.17–3.55), and logSII (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.44–2.48) were significantly associated with an increased frailty index in the entire study population. We also found that frailty index and inflammatory biomarkers derived from CBC have a non-linear relationship by restricted cubic spline.ConclusionsOur findings indicate a correlation between frailty index and NLR, MLR, SIRI, and SII among elderly adults. Considering their wide accessibility in both clinical and laboratory practice, these biomarkers may be recommended as potential indicators for the development of frailty.

Influence of Textural and Compositional Heterogeneities on the Staining of Silicate Ornamental Rocks

Objective: This study aims to compare the results of staining tests carried out on natural silicate ornamental stone samples. The staining test was applied to different regions of the same slab of rock, assessing the behavior of a staining agent, oil, in relation to the textural variations and compositional characteristics of the natural rocks investigated. From this analysis, we hope to better understand how these properties influence the interaction with the staining agent, contributing to knowledge about the durability and aesthetic maintenance of ornamental stones in commercial use. Theoretical background: Ornamental stones, as well as being beautiful, must be durable and functional, maintaining their aesthetic, physical and chemical properties (ASTM, 2005). However, cleaning products, food and environmental factors can alter these characteristics. Aires-Barros (1991) defines this “alterability” as a function of intrinsic factors (material and porosity), extrinsic factors (environment) and time, which together determine the durability of stone. Method/project/approach: A study compared the behavior of three types of stone exposed to oil as a staining agent, applying a stain resistance test methodology. The procedure followed Document 20 of the ABIROCHAS Technical Documents Collection on the technological characterization of cladding stones and the practices described by Castilho (2018) in Technological Characterization of Ornamental Stones: Laboratory Practices. Results and conclusion: The study carried out in this work showed that the same slab of natural ornamental stone can have areas that are more susceptible to oil staining than other areas on the same slab. The areas with the finest crystalline texture and consequently the least expressive cracking were the areas least affected by oil staining. Another observation based on the results obtained was the loss of shine associated with the areas subjected to staining, even those where the stain was visually removed. In addition to these observations, the color of the ornamental stone, as well as the type of surface finish on the slabs, may also be important variables in the effect of oil staining, since the Anthracite stone with a black color and brushed surface finish was the lithotype that did not show stains after contact with oil. Implications of the research: Natural ornamental stone comprises materials with textural, compositional and structural heterogeneities observed even in a single slab, so the work seeks, through comparisons, to observe areas of greater susceptibility in natural ornamental stone slabs that can interact with oil staining agents. Originality/value: to contribute to the improvement of technologies that contribute to the best performance of natural ornamental stones, taking into account the type of resin and associated finishes.

Research and Clinical Practice Involving the Use of Cannabis Products, with Emphasis on Cannabidiol: A Narrative Review

Background: Emerging evidence supports cannabidiol (CBD) as a promising therapeutic compound for various health conditions, despite its approval as a medication (product for medical purposes) remaining restricted to a limited range of clinical indications. Simultaneously, the regulation of cannabis-derived products for medicinal and recreational use has expanded their global market availability to meet local community demands. This scenario presents a complex challenge for clinicians, researchers, and industry, as the global appeal of therapeutic uses of CBD is growing more rapidly than the scientific evidence supporting its safety and effectiveness. Outcomes: A narrative review was conducted to discuss the best evidence regarding the pharmacological profile of CBD, its efficacy, and safety within the context of regulation and perspectives on the development of new cannabinoid-based drugs. Key articles addressing the various facets of this issue were selected for comprehensive analysis. Conclusions: Clinicians and researchers may face unique challenges in understanding the pharmacological profile of CBD and the prospects for developing its clinical indications, given the heterogeneity of clinical terminologies and the quality and composition of cannabis-based medical products available on the market. More basic and clinical research that complies with regulatory agencies’ testing guidelines, such as good manufacturing practices (GMPs), good laboratory practices (GLPs), and good clinical practices (GCPs), is needed to obtain approval for CBD or any other cannabinoid as a therapeutic for broader clinical indications.

Engaging chemistry teachers with inquiry/investigatory based experimental modules for undergraduate chemistry laboratory education

Abstract The experimental domain is central to chemistry education at undergraduate level. It is important that teachers teaching chemistry at this level are oriented with research informed approaches based on work done in chemistry education research. Currently, academic autonomy is being granted to various state colleges affiliated to university system in India and such an orientation is the need of the time. The chemistry group at HBCSE has been conducting capacity building workshops in the experimental domain for chemistry teachers as part of the National Initiative on Undergraduate Science (chemistry) programme. The primary aims are a) present hands-on experiences of experiments developed using inquiry/investigatory approaches and b) help teachers to reflect on related aspects of pedagogy, assessment and content. Often these experiments are selected from the existing lab manuals for teachers to witness how to adapt and modify experiments from their own lab manuals. This paper discusses examples, structure of workshops and feedback from participating teachers who are receptive to these alternative approaches. Conduct of such workshops in regular college set-ups can help teachers to reflect on the existing teaching-learning practices in conventional laboratories. In our opinion, the entire process is equally important to those individuals involved with similar activities globally.

Electricity from saccharide-based galvanic cell

Abstract Here we report a practical laboratory that first-year undergraduate students can do in a general chemistry framework to explore both electrochemistry and transition metal chemistry. These laboratory activities focus on the use of saccharides and specifically starch as possible sustainable sources of energy by experimenting with the redox reactions that occur between vanadate ions and different saccharides. Students undergo hands-on experiments in order to see color changes that indicate electron transfer and link to real-world applications of these concepts in energy conversion. To reduce dependency on foreign resources and the economic risks of foreign energy product prices, the experiments employed agricultural products to generate electricity. Through the application of “Sufficiency Economy” philosophy, this work provides students with lessons in sustainable practice and the fundamentals of electrochemistry, which are essential for addressing today’s global challenges.

Newborn Screening for Six Primary Conditions in a Clinical Setting in Morocco

Newborn screening (NBS) represents an important public health measure for the early detection of specified disorders; such screening can prevent disability and death, not only from metabolic disorders but also from endocrine, hematologic, immune, and cardiac disorders. Screening for critical congenital conditions affecting newborns’ health is a great challenge, especially in developing countries such as Morocco, where NBS program infrastructure is lacking. In addition, the consanguinity rate is high in Morocco. This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of integrating NBS into a diagnostic laboratory for routine analysis. Six primary severe conditions were included: congenital hypothyroidism (CH), cystic fibrosis (CF), phenylketonuria (PKU), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and hemoglobinopathies. Methods: A retrospective investigation was carried out to examine the outcomes of NBS in Casablanca, Morocco. A total of 5511 newborn blood samples were collected via heel-prick sampling and tested for the above disorders. Most of the samples were collected within the third and sixth days of birth. The dried blood spots were analyzed via a quantitative immunofluorescence technique and isoelectric focusing. Results: A total of 72 newborns had one of the six pathological conditions. The most prevalent disorders were hemoglobinopathies, which were identified in 47 newborns (0.9%), with 29 having HbC carrier status (0.5%), 15 having Hb S carrier status (0.3%), and 3 having an Hb Bart’s carrier profile (0.05%). This was followed by G6PD deficiency, which was found to affect 16 newborns (0.32% of cases). CF was found in one case (0.02%), whereas five newborns (0.09%) tested positive for CAH. Additionally, two newborns (0.04%) tested positive for CH, and one newborn tested positive for PKU (0.02%). Conclusion: Our findings underscore the importance and success of NBS programs in preventing morbidity and mortality and improving the quality of life of affected neonates. The significant gap in data and research on these disorders within the Moroccan population highlights the urgent need to integrate NBS into routine practice in diagnostic laboratories across Morocco. This integration is crucial for enhancing the health and well-being of Moroccan newborns.

Vaginal Ecological Profile and Characteristic of Vaginal Infection of the Genital Tract of Pregnant Women followed at the Laboratory of the Inter-Army Medical Center Senegal

Introduction: Female genital tract infections are a public health problem. Initial treatment of vaginal infections is most often probabilistic. The benignity of the condition and the safety of topical medications allow for immediate management, even empirical. Hence this study, which aims to evaluate the vaginal microecological profile and vaginal infections in pregnant women followed at the laboratory of the Inter Army Medical Center. Methodology: We carried out a descriptive retrospective study over a period of 8 years, from 2012 to 2020, conducted by the laboratory of the Inter Army Medical Center., on pregnant women. After the collection of sociodemographic data, each woman was subjected to a vaginal swab in accordance with good laboratory practices. A macroscopic and microscopic examination and culture were carried out on each sample. Results: During the study period, 3221 pregnant women were included with an average age of 29.91years. 59.05% of these had normal vaginal cleanliness. 1634 women had type IV flora. The direct examination showed that 210 pregnant women were carriers of Gardnerella vaginalis. The prevalence of Candida albicans and Trichomonas vaginalis infections was 10.90% and 1.06%. There was statistically significant difference of the type of flora, bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women of different age groups. Conclusion: The microecological state of the pregnant women was mostly normal. Low rates of vaginal trichomoniasis infections were found in our study. There was a significant difference between the type of flora and the incidence of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women of different age groups.

A Take Home Laboratory to Support Teaching Electronics:

Three modes dominate engineering labs – in-person, simulation and remote. Take-home laboratories have received comparatively little attention within engineering education. This article reports on qualitative data that was collected, via focus groups with eight staff from a single University, to evaluate the effectiveness of take-home laboratories. The laboratories consisted of a range of embedded development platforms along with a bespoke Home Electronics Laboratory Platform (HELP) that was designed to support the learning of analog and digital electronics in the early years of our programmes. The findings indicate that take-home laboratories can support the development of independent learners and enhance troubleshooting skills. Participants also identified that supporting students in their troubleshooting activity was particularly challenging in a remote environment. We make some suggestions for how take-home laboratories could be used to complement existing laboratory practices.

Use of metered dose inhalers for bronchodilator responsiveness testing: laboratory practices in Australia and opportunities for carbon footprint reduction

BackgroundMetered dose inhalers (MDIs) are important devices for delivering inhaled medications; however, they have an outsized carbon footprint due to their propellant gas. Many short-acting beta-agonist inhalers contain HFA-134a which...

Exploring experiences of house officers in bridging gap in translation of knowledge into practice using different learning strategies in Prosthodontics: an in-depth qualitative approach

Objective: To explore the lived experiences of Prosthodontics house officers in bridging gap in translation of knowledge into practice using different learning strategies in Prosthodontics. Methodology: A qualitative study was conducted by using phenomenological approach; the individual face to face in depth interview was conducted at the workplace of the participants. Purposeful sampling was considered among the Prosthodontics House Officers who have successfully completed their clinical rotation in the department of Prosthodontics. Using NIVIVO software, a thematic analysis was done considering Braun and Clark (2006) thematic analysis. Results: Braun & Clarke steps were used for the thematic analysis. Seven themes were identified: Theme 1: Observational learning strategy; Theme 2: Case-discussion as a learning strategy; Theme 3: Feedback enhances skills; Theme 4: Laboratories procedures play vital role; Theme 5: Early clinical exposure as a learning strategy; Theme 6: Record keeping as learning strategy; Theme 7: Visual aids improve clinical skills. The participants suggested some learning strategies that can help in the development of clinical skills during clinical rotations of house job tenure in Prosthodontics in bridging the gap. Conclusion: There are learning strategies that can bridge the gap in translation of knowledge into clinical practice during the clinical rotations in Prosthodontics. These learning strategies are observation, case discussion, laboratory practice, taking feedback, early exposure to clinics and video-based learning. Key words: Theory practice gap, Prosthodontics, learning strategies, house officers, theoretical knowledge, clinical practice.

Creation and Administration of a Chiropractic Program Practical Classroom Preparticipation Screening Aimed to Prevent Student Injuries: A Descriptive Report

ObjectiveThe purpose of this descriptive report is to describe the development of a preparticipation risk assessment screening process for incoming students prior to participation in practical labs. MethodsA committee at the Palmer College of Chiropractic, Florida met to discuss a health history questionnaire, physical examination process, and course of action to have second-year students use their current knowledge to screen incoming students for possible clinical considerations of practice lab participation. The aim was to identify potential risk factors that may require application modification associated with performing and receiving adjustments and other hands-on lab activities within the curriculum. The preparticipation screening process, focused on general health and curriculum referenced chiropractic clinical considerations, and was created as an expansion of the existing informed consent procedures to screen incoming students prior to participating in palpation, technique, physical examination, and open adjusting labs in the chiropractic program. Any clinical considerations identified during the screening were referred to be fully evaluated by a third-year clinic intern and faculty-licensed chiropractor to maintain classroom safety standards for the students. Referred students were restricted from full classroom lab participation until recommendations from the clinic or outside licensed healthcare providers managing their concerns were received. ResultsThe program was implemented in April 2022. Eight out of the 48 students evaluated in the first group and 12 of the 81 in the second group had possible clinical considerations to participation and were referred appropriately for a full evaluation. In the third group, 35 out of 146 students with suspected clinical considerations to participation were identified. Of the 55 students referred out, all students are now actively participating in classroom activities. Fifteen have been cleared to return to classroom participation with no restrictions and the remaining 40 students have been released for participation with patient-specific restrictions as directed by their managing health care providers. ConclusionThe preparticipation screening process was implemented as all incoming students since the inception of the process have been screened, referred for evaluation when deemed appropriate, and cleared to participate in labs either with or without restrictions. This process has also demonstrated the possibility of identifying multiple clinical considerations for safe curricular participation while participating in doctor-patient simulated classroom activities. This process may be helpful for new students to recognize the patient history and examination procedures as an important aspect of a patient encounter prior to receiving treatment.

Bacillus subtilis ZB423: 90-Day repeat dose oral (gavage) toxicity study in Wistar rats.

The novel genetically modified probiotic Bacillus subtilis ZB423 was assessed in a 90-day repeated-dose oral toxicity study adhering to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines. Spray-dried spores at a concentration of 1.1E12 CFU/g were administered at doses of 130, 260, and 519 mg/kg body weight/day correlating to 1.43 × 1011, 2.86 × 1011, and 5.71 × 1011 CFU/kg/day, respectively, by oral gavage to Wistar rats for a period of 90 consecutive days. Results showed no toxicologically relevant findings for B. subtilis ZB423 from measured parameters. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of B. subtilis ZB423 is 519 mg/kg body weight/day corresponding to 5.71 × 1011 CFU/kg/day for lyophilized B. subtilis ZB423 spores under the test conditions employed.

Preclinical development and characterisation of PP353, a formulation of linezolid for intradiscal administration.

Bacterial infection of the intervertebral disc can lead to vertebral endplate edema known as Modic changes, with associated chronic low back pain. Oral antimicrobial therapy has shown efficacy but relies on prolonged dosing and may not be optimal in terms of patient outcome, side effects, or antibiotic stewardship. There is no antibiotic formulation approved for intradiscal administration. Here, we describe the development and preclinical characterization of a formulation of linezolid, a suspension of 50 mg/mL micronized powder, for intradiscal administration. Micronization, particle size analysis, Franz cell diffusion assays, ex vivo bioassay, and estimates of gelling temperature were used to optimize the composition and properties of the formulation. Performance of the formulation was assessed using sheep to characterize the pharmacokinetics and a model of intradiscal infection was developed to demonstrate efficacy. Suitability for human administration was demonstrated in a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) local tolerance study. Micronized linezolid, formulated as a powder suspension using a vehicle containing poloxamer 407 and iohexol, provided a temperature-dependent radio-opaque gel that was suitable for image-guided percutaneous intradiscal administration. Efficacy in a sheep model of intradiscal Staphylococcus aureus infection was demonstrated. The formulation provides a high level of sheep disc tissue exposure, with Cmax of 6500 μg/g and limited systemic exposure, with a plasma Cmax of 0.04 μg/mL per 0.1 mL dose (5 mg of linezolid). Deconvolution of plasma linezolid pharmacokinetics correlated with linezolid remaining in the disc over time. Observations from a GLP local tolerance study with the linezolid formulation were of a minor nature and related to the intradiscal administration procedure. Linezolid can be formulated for image-guided percutaneous intradiscal administration. The formulation is now in a Phase 1b clinical trial to evaluate safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy in patients with CLBP and suspected bacterial infection.

Enhancing Student Comprehension of Glucose Metabolism Visualization Through Virtual Simulation Platform: An Educational Approach.

With the rapid progression of biotechnology, the significance translational research on glycolysis in molecular pharmacology has become increasingly evident. To deepen students' understanding of glycolytic processes and facilitate their comprehension of drug action mechanisms, we have developed a visual virtual simulation platform dedicated glycolysis. The educational approach commenced with theoretical lectures on glycolysis, followed by practical laboratory sessions where students measured glycolysis-related parameters such as hexokinase, pyruvate kinase, and lactate. Students then engaged with the virtual simulation training platform to explore glycolytic stress tests and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging, with their progress tracked through an assessment mode. The study involved 67 s-year undergraduate students majoring in biomedical sciences, all of whom had received instruction in glucose metabolism theories and completed the associated questionnaires. The results showed that the students gained a deeper understanding of glycolysis and the clinical application of PET/CT imaging in the context of glycolysis. The majority also agreed that the integration of scientific and clinical cases in teaching is beneficial and that the project sparked their interest in scientific research. These findings align with existing literature that emphasizes the importance of innovative educational tools in enhancing student engagement and understanding of the underlying theories of the curriculum. This project designed an innovative glycolytic metabolism teaching system encompassing the monitoring of traditional glycolytic indicators, glycolytic stress tests, and PET/CT imaging based on glycolysis. The visual virtual simulation platform for glycolysis can serve as an innovative educational tool in the molecular pharmacology curriculum or other courses involving glycolysis, assisting students in deeply understanding the molecular mechanisms of glycolysis and its significance in disease and drug action.

AN ANALYSIS OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS' LABORATORY SELF-EFFICACY BELIEFS AND PERCEPTIONS OF LABORATORY APPLICATIONS

Background: Chemistry is one of the least preferred courses and is considered an abstract and difficult branch of science by students. In order to make chemistry more meaningful and interesting, it is of great importance to do more laboratory activities and to relate chemistry to daily life. When designing chemistry programs, the skills that students need to develop should be taken into account. Among these skills, laboratory perception and self-efficacy are the most prominent ones. Aim: This research was conducted to determine the perceptions of high school students regarding laboratory practices to reveal their self-efficacy in chemistry laboratories and also to determine the changes in perception and self-efficacy according to grade level and gender. Methods: The study was designed using the relational survey model. The study sample consists of 423 high school students. MANOVA test was performed to determine the effects of gender and grade level on students' laboratory perception and self-efficacy. Results: According to the MANOVA results, the gender effect is significant, but the class level effect and the gender*class level effect are not significant. However, there was a difference with respect to gender in the dimensions of the goals of the laboratory, the effectiveness of the laboratory, and the planning of the chemistry perception. It was determined that female students had higher perceptions of laboratory goals, while male students had higher perceptions of laboratory effectiveness and planning. Discussion: It is thought that examining the perceptions and self-efficacy of high school students regarding laboratory activities before they start their undergraduate education and analyzing how these factors are related to various variables can guide university-level education.Conclusions: These results indicate that high school students' perceptions of chemistry laboratory practices and their self-efficacy in the lab are at a moderate level. To enhance students' perceptions of chemistry, it is recommended that hands-on activities be incorporated into the curriculum.

Robotization in microbiology.

Since 1960, Williams and Trotman had dreamed of automating all technical manipulations in bacteriology. However, this switch to automation took several decades to realize. The high cost of instruments and the attachment to classical bacteriology were the main obstacles. Automation began with blood culture incubators, and paved the way for automation in other areas of bacteriology, notably cytology, culture, identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Medical laboratories have been quick to recognize the efficiency of these systems and their many advantages. The reduction in turnaround times for bacteriological examinations is one of the changes that have revolutionized laboratory practice. In addition, sensitivity, safety, traceability and quality are more assured with automation. The second revolution is the integration of artificial intelligence into the processing and interpretation of bacteriological analyses. We are currently witnessing the total automation of laboratories and a reduction in human intervention. In this article, we have attempted to address all aspects of bacteriology affected by automation, and the impact of this change on current laboratory practice and quality of healthcare.

Diversity in Vascular Laboratory Practice

Diversity in Vascular Laboratory Practice

Seamless Science: Lifting Experimental Mechanical Testing Lab Data to an Interoperable Semantic Representation

The scientific landscape is undergoing rapid transformations with the advent of the digital age which revolutionizes research methodologies. In materials science and engineering, an adoption of modern data management techniques is desirable to maximize the efficiency and accessibility of research efforts. Traditional practices in testing laboratories are usually inadequate for efficient data acquisition and utilization as they lead to local storage and difficulty in publication and correlation with other results. Electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) are promising prospects in this respect. Semantic concepts and ontologies enhance interoperability by standardizing experimental data representation. An in‐laboratory pipeline seamlessly integrating an ELN with transformation scripts to convert experimental into interoperable data in a machine‐actionable format is created in this study as a proof of concept. Tensile test results and the corresponding tensile test ontology are used exemplary. Linking ELN data to semantic concepts enriches the stored information while improving interpretability and reusability. Involving undergraduate students builds a bridge between theory and practice during their training and promotes their digital skills. This study underscores the potential of ELNs and knowledge representations as beneficial means toward improved data management practices that enhance collaborative research and education while ensuring compatibility with evolving standards and technologies.

Optimization Strategies for the Construction and Application of Networked Intelligent Language Laboratory Practice Bases under the Perspective of Collaborative Education

Under the background of collaborative education, this paper discusses the construction and optimization strategies for the use of networked intelligent language laboratory practice bases. By analyzing its importance, including meeting the needs of educational informatization, improving the quality of language teaching, and cultivating students' innovation and practical abilities, measures such as strengthening school-enterprise cooperation, optimizing the practical teaching system, building a collaborative operation mechanism for laboratories, and optimization strategies for use are proposed. Case studies of Zhejiang International Studies University and the School of Foreign Languages of Xiamen University are conducted to emphasize the significance and development trend of the construction and optimization of this practice base.

Study of bacterial susceptibility to antibiotic and phage combinations: a literature review

The aim of the review is to describe existing laboratory methods for determining the sensitivity of bacteria to a combination of antibiotics and bacteriophages. However, more and more often there are scientific papers in which their combined action is described as synergism. The mechanisms of this phenomenon have not been fully studied, but it has been proven that not only virulent but also moderate phages can enter into synergy with antibiotics, allowing the minimum inhibitory concentration of the antibiotic to be reduced several times. Since synergy cannot yet be empirically predicted, microbiological laboratories use various in vitro methods, most of which are labor-intensive. The development of a new technique that can be introduced into the daily practice of microbiological laboratories is relevant.