Samples For Testing Research Articles

The world's first anabolic-androgenic steroid testing trial: A two-phase pilot combining chemical analysis, results dissemination and community feedback.

The clandestine production and distribution of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) poses health risks due to the uncertainty of their contents. This study aimed to test the chemical content of AAS samples and provide aggregate results back to the community, exploring how these results influenced usage decisions and risk management. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining chemical analysis of AAS samples with qualitative interviews. Participants submitted samples for testing, and the results were later shared with them. Semi-structured interviews explored participants' perceptions of AAS risks and the impact of testing results on their behaviour. The study was conducted at CheQpoint drug checking service in Brisbane, Australia. Thirty-two samples were submitted for testing between 19 April and 7 June 2024, with 23 samples analysed. A total of 25 active AAS users participated in interviews. Chemical analyses identified substances present and assessed active ingredient concentrations. Qualitative interviews gathered participants' perceptions, and these data were analysed through iterative categorisation, guided by the Health Belief Model. Chemical analysis identified that 13% of samples contained substances different from what was expected. Concentrations of active ingredients were close to expected levels [e.g. testosterone propionate at 96.2mg/mL (range = 91.39-101.01 mg/mL)]. Interviews identified four key theme categories. Participants sought testing primarily for substance verification, expressing concerns about contamination and dosage. Barriers to testing included limited access and fear of disclosure. While testing was seen as a valuable harm reduction tool, gaps in health guidance and follow-up support were identified as areas for improvement. Thirteen percent of 23 anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) samples analysed contained substances different from what was expected. Interviews with active AAS users highlighted the need for reliable information, accessible testing services and tailored health approaches for AAS use.

Analytical Methodologies for Anti-Infective Orphan Drugs: A Comprehensive Review of FDA Approvals (2013-2023) Part 1.

Most orphan diseases, which affect small patient populations, are chronic, incurable and often lead to early death. Due to small market size, orphan drugs developed to address these diseases receive little attention from the pharmaceutical industry. This lack of interest also applies to the development of analytical methods, which are crucial for drug analysis and quality control. Analysis of orphan drugs faces challenges, including a lack of reference standard and an inadequate number of samples for testing. In addition, constant adjustment of analytical techniques is demanded due to the lengthy development process. Financial constraints further hinder the advancement of analytical techniques since orphan drugs represents a narrow niche market and the pharmaceutical industry often focuses on research with greater impact, causing orphan drugs to be deprioritized. This review summarizes the analytical methods developed for US FDA-approved anti-infective orphan drugs (except antivirals) in the period between 2013 to 2023, covering in depth small molecules and broadly biologics in numerous dosage forms and biological samples. It covers the most common reported analytical methods, such as liquid chromatography, TLC, spectroscopy, and electrochemical analysis. This review highlights the crucial need for the continuous development of new analytical techniques to support the development and quality control of orphan drugs.

HEalth-Related Quality of Life-Intervention in Survivors of Breast and Other Cancers Experiencing Cancer-Related Fatigue and Associated Cognitive Symptoms Using TraditionAL Chinese Medicine: The 'HERBAL' Trial.

As pharmacological strategies remain limited for relieving fatigue and associated cognitive symptoms, integrative modalities such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) could be explored as therapeutic strategies in cancer survivors. Here, we evaluate and report the efficacy and safety of a TCM concoction, modified Xiang Bei Yang Rong Tang (XBYRT), on quality of life (QOL), cancer-related fatigue (CRF), and cognitive symptoms, compared to placebo. In a single-centered, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot trial conducted from 2019 to 2022, fatigued cancer survivors ≥21 years old were recruited to receive the XBYRT intervention or placebo (5% diluted) once daily for the duration of 8 weeks. Patient-reported outcomes for QOL, CRF, cognition, blood samples for biomarker testing, and adverse events were collected at baseline (T0), 4 weeks (T1), 8 weeks (T2), and 10 weeks (T3) after baseline. Linear regression was performed to evaluate differences between groups at T2 and T3. A total of 1502 patients were screened, with 672 patients considered eligible. Of the eligible, 15 XBYRT and 13 placebo subjects with similar mean ages (58.5 vs 58.4) were recruited. Both groups were predominantly Chinese (93% vs 62%), breast cancer patients (87% vs 62%), and diagnosed with stage 2 cancer (60% vs 46%). Although no significant difference was found in QOL between groups, the XBYRT group exhibited improved emotional fatigue at T3 (P = .045) and higher BDNF levels at T2 (P = .047) and T3 (P = .029). After baseline adjustment, XBYRT was associated with better perceived cognitive impairment at T2 (P = .011) and T3 (P = .017), as well as overall perceived cognitive function at T3 (P = .028). XBYRT is well tolerated, with grade 3 adverse events reported in three XBYRT (20%) and two placebo (15%) subjects. In this pilot study, XBYRT as an integrative therapy is safe and generates encouraging improvements in cognitive and fatigue symptoms. Difficulties with recruitment limited the generalizability of trial findings, thus findings should be verified through a larger, multi-centered trial.

Stool-based Xpert testing for diagnosis of TB in children and critically ill adults.

<sec><title>BACKGROUND</title>We describe our approach and experience with the routine implementation of stool-based Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Xpert) testing for the diagnosis of childhood TB in Zambia.</sec><sec><title>METHODS</title>We conducted a method validation and subsequently introduced stool as an alternative sample for routine Xpert testing for children and critically ill adults. We reviewed the impact of stool-based Xpert testing during the first 18 months of routine implementation.</sec><sec><title>RESULTS</title>The method validation showed 98.0% (95% CI 92.9-99.4) agreement between Xpert results on sputum/gastric aspirate (GA) and stool specimens. During 18 months of routine implementation, 16,210 stool samples were tested, yielding 157 TB cases in children, including five rifampicin (RIF) resistant cases, and 45 cases in critically ill adults. In children aged 0-4 years, 10,288 stool samples were tested compared to 2,459 GA samples in the same period. Childhood TB notifications and the bacteriological confirmation rate increased by 30% and 53%, respectively, in 2021 compared to 2020.</sec><sec><title>CONCLUSION</title>The routine implementation of stool testing provided access to Xpert testing for children who could not produce sputum or have GA collected, contributing to increased bacteriological confirmation of TB in children. For critically ill adults with difficulty expectorating sputum, it facilitated a rapid test result.</sec>.

Tumor cellularity assessment using AI trained on IHC-restained slides improves selection of lung adenocarcinoma samples for molecular testing.

Tumor cellularity (TC) in lung adenocarcinoma slides submitted for molecular testing is important in identifying actionable mutations, but absent best practice guidelines yields high interobserver variability in TC assessments. An AI-based pipeline developed to assess TC in whole slide H&E images (WSIs) and in tumor areas (TAs) within WSIs includes a new model (CaBeSt-Net) trained to mask cancer cells, benign epithelial cells, and stroma in H&E WSIs using IHC-restained slides, and a model to detect all cell nuclei. High masking accuracy (>91%) by CaBeSt-Net computed using 1024 H&E ROIs and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)>0.97 assessing TC assessments reliability by one pathologist and AI in 20 test ROIs supported pipeline's applicability to TC assessment in 50 study H&E WSIs. Utilizing the pipeline, TCs assessed in TAs and WSIs were compared with those by 3 pathologists. Reliabilities of these ratings by the pathologists supported by the pipeline were good (ICC>0.82, p<0.0001). The consistency of sample categorizations as inadequate or adequate (TC≤20% cut-point) for molecular testing among the pathologists assessing TCs without AI support was moderate in TAs (kappa=0.410, p<0.0001) and slight in WSIs (kappa=0.132, ns.). With AI support, the consistency was substantial in both WSIs (kappa=0.602, p<0.0001) and TAs (kappa=0.704, p<0.0001). By visualizing cancer and measuring TC in the sample this novel AI-based pipeline assists pathologists in selecting samples for molecular testing.

Increased myocardial stiffness as assessed by echocardiographic shear wave imaging is associated with Fontan circulatory failure

Abstract Background Diastolic dysfunction with elevated end-diastolic pressures is a key component of Fontan circulatory failure. However, conventional echocardiographic parameters of diastolic function do not correlate with invasive pressures in Fontan patients. Natural shear waves (SW) are emerging as a novel echocardiographic parameter of myocardial stiffness, a key determinant of diastolic function. Purpose We investigated the relationship between natural SW velocities and Fontan circulatory failure. Methods Fontan patients were prospectively recruited from a single center. They underwent a blood sampling for NT-proBNP and cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a supine bicycle combined with echocardiography and with peripheral venous pressure (PVP) measurement. PVP correlates with mean pulmonary arterial pressure in Fontan patients, and a PVP/cardiac output (CO) slope &amp;gt; 3 is associated with worse clinical status. In addition, high frame rate SW imaging was performed at rest in the parasternal long axis view. An anatomic M-mode was drawn along the ventricular septum, or if absent, in the corresponding anterior wall. In the color-coded M-mode maps for tissue acceleration, SW appear as tilted green bands after atrio-ventricular valve closure (AVVC), the slope of which represents their propagation velocity. A clinical diagnosis of Fontan circulatory failure was defined as one the following: dyspnea on exertion with NT-proBNP &amp;gt;300 ng/l, need for diuretics, a peak oxygen consumption (VO2) inferior to the lowest quartile according to age- and sex-adjusted Fontan norms, Fontan associated liver disease complicated by ascites or hepatocellular carcinoma, or protein losing enteropathy. Results Twenty-nine Fontan patients were included, of which 48.3% were female and 82.76% had a dominant left ventricle. The mean age was 33.7 ±8.6 years, the mean peak VO2 19.9 ± 5.9 ml/min/kg and the median NT-proBNP 225 ng/l (IQR 52-473.5). SW velocities increased with age (r = 0.63, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and time since Fontan palliation (r = 0.53, p = 0.005, Figure 1A). In addition, SW velocities significantly correlated with unfavorable clinical parameters: lower peak VO2 (r = -0.76, p &amp;lt; 0.001), elevated NT-proBNP (r = 0.53, p = 0.003) and an increased PVP/CO slope (r = 0.66, p &amp;lt; 0.001) (Figure 1 B-D). Of interest, SW velocities were significantly higher in patients with a clinical diagnosis of Fontan circulatory failure (mean 5.3 vs 7.4 m/sec, p = 0.003, Figure 2A). A cut-off value of 6.3 m/sec had a 90% sensitivity and 84% specificity to predict Fontan circulatory failure (AUC = 0.89; 95% CI [0.77 – 0.99], p = 0.001, Figure 2B). Conclusion Natural SW velocities after AVVC strongly correlated with parameters of Fontan circulatory failure. The preliminary results of this ongoing study highlight the potential of SW elastography in the assessment of patients with a Fontan circulation. Figure 1 Figure 2

Weight reduction in material extrusion composite parts: pin-bearing behavior analysis

Abstract This study investigated the performance of lightweight samples in pin-bearing tests. The samples were manufactured through Material Extrusion technology of nylon reinforced with short carbon fibers. Their design was based on infill strategy, density, and raster angle. Load–displacement curves and failure mechanisms were analyzed across configurations, with statistical methods applied to evaluate the influence of design factors on maximum stress, relative displacement, and stiffness. Results reveal distinct load–displacement behaviors and failure mechanisms, with deposition strategies tailored to specific final purposes. Specifically, the study identifies gyroid infill, 50% density, and a raster angle of 45° as the optimal solution for maximizing bearing stress. This configuration exhibits a weight and printing time reduction of 40% and 8% concerning the full sample, and a performance reduction in the range of 30–56%, considering both stress (28.2 MPa vs 65.8 MPa) and displacement reduction (9.4 mm vs 15.1 mm). Conversely, rectangular infill, 50% density and raster angle of 0° emerge as the optimal solution for minimizing displacement and maximizing stiffness. This configuration exhibits a weight and printing time reduction of 39% and 34%, in comparison to the full sample, and a performance reduction of about 65–70% (displacement of 4.6 mm at a maximum stress of 23.7 MPa). The triangular strategy can be used to reach elevated values for all output parameters (up to 25.9 MPa as maximum stress, 9.4 mm as maximum displacement, and 242.4 MPa for stiffness), with weight and printing time saving in the range of 41–54% and 34–36% respectively.

Point-of-Care Diagnosis of Atrophic Gastritis by Serological Biomarker Test (GastroPanel® Quick Test) in Gastroscopy Referral Patients in India

Background: Increased demand of the serological biomarker test (GastroPanel®) in non-invasive diagnosis of gastric cancer (GC) risk conditions, i.e., atrophic gastritis (AG) and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection, prompted the design of GastroPanel® Quick test (GPQT) (Biohit Oyj, Helsinki, Finland) for point-of-care (POC) settings. Objective: This study validated the diagnostic accuracy (DA) of GPQT in diagnosis of AG and Hp among gastroscopy referral patients. Methods: Altogether, 266 patients were enrolled among the consecutive gastroscopy referrals at the Department of Gastroenterology, Fortis Hospital (Punjab, India). All patients underwent gastroscopy with biopsies (n = 249) classified using the Updated Sydney System (USS) and finger prick blood sampling for GPQT testing. Results: Biopsy-confirmed AG was found in 15.3% (38/249) of the patients. The overall agreement between the GPQT and the USS classification was 71.4% (95% CI 65.4–77.0%), with the weighted kappa (κw) of 0.823 (95% CI 0.773–0.862). In ROC analysis for moderate/severe AG of the corpus (AGC) endpoint, AUC = 0.990 (95% CI 0.979–1.000) and AUC = 0.971 (95% CI 0.948–0.995) for PGI and PGI/PGII, respectively. Hp IgG Ab test detected biopsy-confirmed Hp with AUC = 0.836 (95% CI 0.783–0.889). Conclusions: The GPQT favourably competes in accuracy with the ELISA test version (unified-GP) in diagnosis of AG and Hp in patients referred for diagnostic gastroscopy.

Immunolipid magnetic bead-based circulating tumor cell sorting: a novel approach for pathological staging of colorectal cancer

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess whether circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from colorectal cancer (CRC) could be used as an alternative to tissue samples for genetic mutation testing, overcoming the challenge of difficult tumor tissue acquisition.MethodsWe developed an immunolipid magnetic bead (IMB) system modified with antibodies against epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and vimentin to efficiently separate CTCs. We prepared EpCAM-modified IMBs (Ep-IMBs) and vimentin-modified IMBs (Vi-IMBs). The separation efficiency of the system was evaluated via in vitro experiments and by capturing and counting CTCs in blood samples from 23 CRC patients and 20 healthy controls. Hotspot mutations in patient tissue samples were identified via next-generation sequencing (NGS), whereas mutations in blood CTCs were detected via Sanger sequencing. The concordance between hotspot mutations in tumor tissue and blood CTCs was analyzed.ResultsThe CTC sorting system exhibited good dispersion, stability, and low cytotoxicity, with a specificity of 90.54% and a sensitivity of 89.07%. CRC patients had an average of 8.39 CTCs per 7.5 mL of blood, whereas healthy controls had 0.09 per 7.5 mL of blood. The consistency of gene mutations was as follows: TP53 (91.31%), PIK3CA (76.00%), KRAS (85.36%), BRAF (51.00%), APC (65.67%), and EGFR (74.00%), with an overall gene mutation consistency of 85.06%.ConclusionOur CTC sorting system, which is based on Ep-IMBs and Vi-IMBs, effectively captures CTCs in the peripheral blood of CRC patients and enables clinical hotspot gene mutation testing via these enriched CTCs. This system partially solves the problem of difficult tumor tissue sample collection and provides a reference for gene mutation testing in early diagnosis, therapeutic efficacy evaluation, prognosis assessment, and minimal metastasis detection in CRC patients, showing significant potential for clinical application, especially in targeted therapy gene testing for CRC.

Analysis of the Effect of Storage Time on Serum Samples for Cholesterol Testing

Cholesterol testing is an important parameter for monitoring lipid metabolism disorders characterized by a decrease or increase in lipid content. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of storage time on serum samples for cholesterol testing that is delayed by 2 hours and immediate testing. This research was conducted in the laboratory of Puskesmas Tarakan using laboratory observation with the CHOD-PAP method, with the research subjects being students of Politeknik Muhammadiyah Makassar. Based on the cholesterol examination results using 15 samples that were directly tested, there were 3 samples that showed an increase and 12 other samples had normal values. After a 2-hour delay, there was a decrease in all 15 samples. In the paired sample t-test, it can be observed that the average serum sample for direct examination is 170 mg/dl, while the serum sample delayed by 2 hours has an average value of 131 mg/dl, showing a significance of 0.01 &lt; 0.05. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is a significant effect between the direct serum sample and the serum sample delayed by 2 hours. The storage of serum at room temperature must be done immediately to ensure more accurate results and to avoid enzyme changes in the serum.Key words: CHOD-PAP, cholesterol, direct examination.

Research Progress of DNA Methylation Markers for Endometrial Carcinoma Diagnosis.

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the most common malignancies of the female reproductive system in developed countries and areas. Ultrasound-guided and hysteroscopic samplings are commonly used to diagnose EC. However, clinicians question their diagnostic efficacy and the associated patient discomfort. DNA methylation is the widely studied epigenetic alteration in human tumors, and tumor screening and diagnosis. This review summarized common methods for collecting clinical samples for methylation testing. Furthermore, we analyzed the diagnostic evaluation indices of different methylation marker assays in clinical diagnosis and discussed the challenges of methylation testing in the future application of EC diagnosis.

Von Willebrand factor and VITRO score as useful markers predict spontaneous bacterial peritonitis with and without hepatorenal syndrome in Egyptian cirrhotic patients

Background Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is commonly elevated in patients with cirrhosis. Moreover, it is a predictor of morbidity and mortality. Aim We aimed to examine whether Egyptian cirrhotic patients have a higher risk of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and its associated complications based on their von Willebrand factor level. Patients and methods This cross-sectional study included 90 hepatitis c virus (HCV)-positive cirrhotic patients. Group A, consisted of 30 patients without spontaneous bacterial peritonitis; Group B, consisted of 30 patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis; and Group C, consisted of 30 patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis complicated by hepatorenal syndrome. All study participants had paracentesis samples for diagnostic testing. Serum von Willebrand factor was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Model for end-stage liver disease score, von Willebrand factor antigen/thrombocyte ratio (VITRO) and Child-Pugh stages were calculated. Results Von Willebrand factor level at a cut-off value &gt; 196.5 international unit/deciliter (IU/dL) could predict the presence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Moreover, it has been found that von Willebrand factor cut-off value of &gt;244 IU/dL can predict hepatorenal syndrome. With VITRO score cut-off &gt;2.26, the presence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis can be predicted. Also, cut-off value&gt;2.60 can be used to predict the occurrence of hepatorenal syndrome as a complication of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Conclusion Von Willebrand factor could be a reliable noninvasive predictor of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and Hepatorenal syndrome in cirrhotic patients.

DSAM: A deep learning framework for analyzing temporal and spatial dynamics in brain networks.

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) is a noninvasive technique pivotal for understanding human neural mechanisms of intricate cognitive processes. Most rs-fMRI studies compute a single static functional connectivity matrix across brain regions of interest, or dynamic functional connectivity matrices with a sliding window approach. These approaches are at risk of oversimplifying brain dynamics and lack proper consideration of the goal at hand. While deep learning has gained substantial popularity for modeling complex relational data, its application to uncovering the spatiotemporal dynamics of the brain is still limited. In this study we propose a novel interpretable deep learning framework that learns goal-specific functional connectivity matrix directly from time series and employs a specialized graph neural network for the final classification. Our model, DSAM, leverages temporal causal convolutional networks to capture the temporal dynamics in both low- and high-level feature representations, a temporal attention unit to identify important time points, a self-attention unit to construct the goal-specific connectivity matrix, and a novel variant of graph neural network to capture the spatial dynamics for downstream classification. To validate our approach, we conducted experiments on the Human Connectome Project dataset with 1075 samples to build and interpret the model for the classification of sex group, and the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Dataset with 8520 samples for independent testing. Compared our proposed framework with other state-of-art models, results suggested this novel approach goes beyond the assumption of a fixed connectivity matrix, and provides evidence of goal-specific brain connectivity patterns, which opens up potential to gain deeper insights into how the human brain adapts its functional connectivity specific to the task at hand. Our implementation can be found on https://github.com/bishalth01/DSAM.

Universal newborn screening for congenital cytomegalovirus infection.

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the leading infectious cause of childhood disability, in particular sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Timeliness of diagnosis is crucial, since the presence of CMV in any compartment (eg, blood, urine, or saliva) after age 21 days can mean postnatal acquisition of infection, particularly in breastfed infants. Given these issues, there is considerable interest in implementation of screening programmes-either universal screening (where all newborns are tested) or targeted screening. Targeted screening is typically based on the outcome of a newborn hearing screen, and can be influenced in some strategies by findings of other signs suggestive of congenital CMV. Universal screening is likely to have the greatest overall benefit. Early identification of congenital CMV allows for interventions such as antiviral therapy (when indicated) and enables anticipatory audiological monitoring that facilitates timely detection of delayed-onset SNHL. However, there are debates about the effectiveness of screening programmes. Most infants with congenital CMV are unaffected and do not appear to be at risk for adverse neurodevelopment outcomes, except for SNHL. Screening can, therefore, raise unwarranted concern among parents and clinicians in these cases. The best clinical sample for diagnostic testing is unclear. PCR testing of saliva is sensitive but has a risk of yielding false-positive results in infants without congenital CMV. Resolving the technological issues has improved the sensitivity of dried blood spot (DBS) PCR but the technique remains suboptimum. An advantage to DBS PCR testing is that an infrastructure exists to add this test to existing newborn screening programmes. In this Review, the advantages and disadvantages of congenital CMV screening are discussed, along with high-priority areas for future research that will inform and direct this rapidly evolving field.

Amniocentesis in Pregnancies at or Beyond 24 Weeks: An International Multicenter Study

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024:S0002-9378(24)00693-8) Amniocentesis, a standard method for obtaining fetal samples for genetic testing since the 1970s, is typically performed between 15 and 22 weeks of gestation. While useful for detecting chromosomal or single-gene fetal disorders, it carries low-incidence risks such as pregnancy loss, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes, chorioamnionitis, and fetal needle injury.

Tissue Prior to the Initial Hematoxylin-Eosin Section Demonstrates Value as an Alternative Source of DNA for Molecular Testing.

Small biopsies are used for histologic, immunophenotypic, cytogenetic, molecular genetic, and other ancillary studies. Occasionally, this diagnostic tissue is exhausted before molecular testing can be performed. To investigate a simple banking protocol for currently discarded tissues trimmed off prior to the initial hematoxylin-eosin section, as an alternative source of DNA for molecular studies. Mock biopsies of lung adenocarcinomas, benign testes, and B-cell lymphomas were constructed from biobank blocks; these simulated biopsies were assessed via epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) p.L858R droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Biomed B-cell clonality testing by PCR, or a custom next-generation sequencing panel for lymphomas. For each cancer mock biopsy, DNA amounts and molecular test results from the "trimmings" samples were compared to data from corresponding molecular samples acquired via a "standard" clinical protocol. The data show that although trimmings samples usually contained less DNA than standard samples, both sample classes generally had sufficient DNA for testing and produced essentially identical molecular results. A single sample showed low-level carryover contamination on droplet digital PCR testing. Tissue trimmings banked by using the studied protocol demonstrated value as a potential alternative sample for molecular testing.

Application of aluminum nanoparticles in reagents for oil viscosity reduction

The problem of extracting hard-to-recover reserves, which belong to the category of heavy and highly bound oil, is one of the most pressing oil industries. Many mining companies actively use physical and chemical methods to solve this problem. The use of nanotechnology in physical and chemical methods for increasing oil production is a relatively new area. Nanoparticles easily enter the regime, their size allows them to spread more easily in porous media without reducing permeability. The main goal of the research was to reduce oil viscosity and achieve increased production. In order to increase oil recovery, the proposed method for reducing oil viscosity in reservoir conditions based on treating the bottomhole zone of production wells with a solution of caustic soda and nanoparticles affects the dimension of 40-60 nm (concentrations of 1, 0.1 and 0.01 %). The nanoparticles were obtained using an electrical conductor method and studied by transmission electron microscopy. Determination of surface tension using a DSA30 device (Kruss, Germany) using the pendant drop (PD) method. The samples for testing were oil samples, visible wells No. 222761 Binagadi-North, No. 220051 Fatmai area and No. 221937 Kirmaki area, trading company "Binagadi Oil". Based on experimental data, it was found that the proposed composition reduces the viscosity of oil by several times in all three experimental samples, nanoparticles have a positive effect on reducing viscosity, the greatest effect was noted with 0.01% nanoparticles, this composition can be used to increase the production of high-viscosity oils. Keywords: nanotechnology; metal nanoparticles; enhanced oil recovery; reduce oil viscosity.

Analysis of the Influence of Manufacturing Technology on Selected Static, Fatigue and Morphological Properties of CFRP Composites.

The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical properties of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites produced using three popular technologies. The tests were performed on composites produced from prepregs in an autoclave, the next variant is composites produced using the infusion method, and the third variant concerns composites produced using the vacuum-assisted hand lay-up method. For each variant, flat plates with dimensions of 1000 mm × 1000 mm were produced while maintaining similar material properties and fabric arrangement configuration. Samples for testing were cut using a plotter in the 0° and 45° directions. Non-destructive tests (NDTs) were carried out using the active thermography method, demonstrating the correctness of the composites, i.e., the absence of structural defects for all variants. Static peel strength tests were carried out for samples with different directional orientations. The tests were carried out at temperatures of +25 °C and +80 °C. At room temperature, similar strengths were demonstrated, which for the 0° orientation were 619 MPa, 599 MPa and 536 MPa for the autoclave, vacuum and infusion variants, respectively. However, at a temperature of +80 °C, only the composite produced in the autoclave maintained the stability of its properties, showing a strength of 668 MPa. Meanwhile, in the case of the composite produced by the infusion method, a decrease in strength at an elevated temperature of 46.5% was demonstrated, while for the composite produced by the hand lay-up method, there was a decrease of 46.2%. For the last two variants, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis of epoxy resins constituting the composite matrices was carried out, showing a glass transition temperature value of 49.91 °C for the infusion variant and 56.07 °C for the vacuum variant. In the three-point static bending test, the highest strength was also demonstrated for the 0ᵒ orientation, and the bending strength was 1088 MPa for the autoclave variant, 634 MPa for the infusion variant and 547 MPa for the vacuum variant. The fatigue strength tests in tension at 80% of the static strength for the infusion variant showed an average fatigue life of 678.788 × 103 cycles for the autoclave variant, 176.620 × 103 cycles for the vacuum variant and 159.539 × 103 cycles for the infusion variant.

Knowledge profile about HIV/AIDS and clinical features of oral mucosal lesion in Persatuan Waria Kota Surabaya (PERWAKOS) community: a qualitative study

Introduction: Transgender is a term used for individuals who have different gender identities at birth with current gender identities. Members of the male-to-female transgender community in Indonesia often refer to themselves as "waria", which stands for wanita (women) and pria (men). Transvestites are 18 times more at risk of HIV infection than the general population. The high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections in transvestites is in line with the lack of knowledge, lack of understanding of health services and poor support for transvestites with HIV. Material and Methods: This research is an observational descriptive study with cross-sectional design. The research subjects were all members of Persatuan Waria Kota Surabaya (PERWAKOS) in Wonokromo region, Surabaya. This research was attended by 20 respondents. Research subjects were taken blood samples for HIV and STI tests. A pre-test and post-test model is carried out to assess understanding knowledge about HIV/AIDS. The respondents were given a questionnaire containing questions about HIV/AIDS. Researchers provide brief education, information and pictorial leaflet media with counseling and discussion session. After pre-test and post-test, intra-oral examination of oral mucosal was carried out using a dental instrument. Results: The results of HIV and STI tests in 18 study subjects showed that 4 people (22.22%) had reactive results for HIV testing and none of the study subjects had an STI. Assessment of knowledge about HIV/AIDS showed that 12 people (60%) had the same score in the pre-test and post-test. Examination of oral mucosal lesions found that only 1 case required therapy (5%) of 20 respondents namely oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL). Conclusion: Preventing and controlling HIV infection in transvestites communities can be done by increasing knowledge about HIV/AIDS and routine checks through HIV testing and oral screening. This supports efforts to control HIV infection in the transvestite’s group who are considered to be at high risk.

Safety and efficacy of transbronchial cryobiopsy for elderly lung cancer patients

BackgroundThe increasing prevalence of lung cancer in the elderly population necessitates a closer evaluation of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to compare the safety and diagnostic efficacy of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) between patients ≥ 80 years and younger patients.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of 96 patients diagnosed with peripheral lung cancer who underwent TBLC between April 2021 and October 2023. The patients were categorized into two groups: the elderly group (age ≥ 80 years, n = 20) and younger group (age < 80 years; n = 76). Data regarding the biopsy yield, complications, and feasibility of molecular analyses were collected and analyzed.ResultsThe diagnostic yield of TBLC was comparable between the elderly and younger groups (95% vs. 89.5%, p = 0.679). Biomarker testing, including programmed death-ligand 1 expression and genetic mutations, were feasible in all cases diagnosed with cancer using TBLC samples. No significant differences were observed in major complications such as pneumothorax or bleeding.ConclusionsTBLC was found to be a safe and effective diagnostic tool for peripheral lung cancer in elderly patients and provided adequate samples for molecular testing. Since the complication rates did not significantly differ between the two age groups, age alone should not be considered a contraindication for the procedure.