Science Laboratory Research Articles

Efficacy of brain stimulation therapies across psychiatric, movement, and cognitive disorders: an umbrella review synthesizing meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials.

Brain stimulation therapy (BST) has significant potential in treating psychiatric, movement, and cognitive disorders. Given the high prevalence of comorbidities among these disorders, we conducted an umbrella review to comprehensively assess the efficacy of BSTs in treating the core symptoms across these three categories of disorders. We systematically searched for meta-analyses and network meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials with sham controls up to September 25, 2024, from databases including PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Our primary outcome was improvements in core symptoms. We evaluated quality using 11 criteria. We calculated pooled effect estimates for core symptoms based on the largest meta-analyses, then conducted sensitivity and subgroup analyses, and assessed heterogeneity, publication bias, and small-study effects. Finally, we synthesized effect sizes from all meta-analyses to provide a comprehensive overview of BSTs' efficacy. PROSPERO registration: CRD42023439090. We included 198 articles with 108,377 patients evaluating 14 BSTs across 21 disorders. The largest meta-analysis showed a moderate standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.56 (95% CI: 0.49, 0.64; I2=70%). Subgroup analyses revealed significant SMDs for psychiatric disorders (0.60; 95% CI: 0.49, 0.71; I2=66%), movement disorders (0.56; 95% CI: 0.42, 0.69; I2=79%), and cognitive disorders (0.46; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.61; I2=48%). SMDs were 0.44 (95% CI: 0.23, 0.65; I2=70%) for follow-up≤1 month and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.43, 0.94; I2=84%) for follow-up>1 month. Compared to other conditions, BSTs show better therapeutic effects in treating depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, pain, fibromyalgia, and post-stroke motor recovery. This review explored the potential of BSTs for comorbidities of the three disorders from a disorder-specific perspective, providing a roadmap for their clinical application and future research. This work was supported by the Anhui Natural Science Foundation (2023AH040086), Key Laboratory of Philosophy and Social Science of Anhui Province on Adolescent Mental Health and Crisis Intelligence Intervention (SYS2023B08), and the Joint Funds of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (U23A20424).

Multi-target stool DNA test adherence among average-risk 45- to 49-year-old patients from 2017-2023.

102 Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the United States and the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality. In 2021, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) lowered the age of initial CRC screening from 50 to 45 years of age for average risk individuals. At that time, only 20% of adults aged 45-49 years were up-to-date with CRC screening. With its at-home use, accessibility, and patient navigation, the multi-target stool DNA test (mt-sDNA) could help support screening uptake in this population. Here, we analyzed national claims data to investigate mt-sDNA adherence rates among average-risk adults aged 45-50 years. Methods: Using a national claims database of over 165 million individuals linked with Exact Sciences Laboratories data, mt-sDNA orders for AA patients were retrospectively identified from 2017 to 2023. Average CRC risk individuals aged ≥45 years, and new to mt-sDNA, were included in this analysis. Primary outcome of interest was adherence, defined as mt-sDNA kit return rate within 365-days from shipment. Test return time was examined as the secondary outcome. Demographics were age, sex, ordering provider, residential geography, payor, and outreach preference. Covariates on adherence were examined using logistic regression. Results: A total of 607,388 mt-sDNA orders were prescribed during the study period, with an overall 365-day return rate of 65.4%. Average time to test return was 30.4 days. Women outnumbered men in the cohort (58.6%), and most mt-sDNA orders were prescribed by primary care providers (59.4%). The majority of individuals preferred ‘Digital SMS’ communication (62%), and nearly 90% of the cohort was Commercially insured (87.6%). Among those in the cohort participants’ self-reported race/ethnicity was: White (37.3%), Hispanic or Latino (10.1%), Black or African American (8.8%), unknown (8.8%), Asian or pacific islander (4.6%), and other (3.7%). Adherences for the four identified races/ethnicities were all near, or above 60%. Men demonstrated higher adherence than women (66.7% vs 64.5%; p<0.0001). Time to test return was shortest in men (28.9 days) and African American persons (28.5 days). Tests ordered by gastroenterologists yielded the quickest adherence times amongst providers (26 days). After controlling for race, gender, payor class, setting (urban/rural classification), and preferred language, digital outreach and provider type were significantly associated with increased mt-sDNA adherence. Conclusions: This large, national analysis reports a substantially higher rate of adherence among individuals ages 45-49 with the mt-sDNA test than the current nationally reported rates. At-home testing, along with standard and preference-based navigation may have contributed to high mt-sDNA completion rates. More research is warranted to explore screening behaviors and the benefits of screening within this younger population.

Adherence to multi-target stool DNA test in the US Asian population from 2017-2024.

101 Background: In 2024, incidence and mortality cases related to colorectal cancer (CRC) in the US are estimated to reach 152,810 and 53,010, respectively. CRC screening can help identify malignant lesions at earlier stages; however, in 2021, only 48% of Asian American persons between the ages of 45-75 were up-to-date. Multi-target stool DNA test (mt-sDNA), a highly sensitive and guideline recommended CRC screening modality, may improve screening adherence in average-risk individuals within this population. Herein, we examined CRC screening adherence with mt-sDNA in Asian Americans using national claims data. Methods: A large claims database of over 165 million individuals linked with Exact Sciences Laboratories data, was used to source mt-sDNA orders for Asian Americans from 2017 to 2024. Eligible individuals were aged ≥45 years, new to mt-sDNA and average risk for CRC during the baseline period of 12 months. Primary outcome was adherence to mt-sDNA, defined as return of mt-sDNA kit within 365-days from shipment. The secondary outcome was time to kit return in days. All individuals received a standard mailed letter along with additional digital outreach through the accompanying mt-sDNA patient navigation program, according to their desired mode of communication. Baseline demographic measures included age, sex, ordering provider, residential geography, payor, and outreach preference. Association of adherence with patient characteristics was evaluated using multivariable regression. Results: Of the 182,259 eligible mt-sDNA orders shipped during the study period, overall adherence was 68.9%. Average time to test return was 27.1 days. The cohort was comprised mostly of women (56.7%), aged 50-64 years (58.42%), primary care provider (74.7%), and preferred ‘Digital SMS’ outreach (50.9%). Average adherence for all age groups, 45-49 years, 50-64 years, 65-75 years, and 76+ years, exceeded 65%, at 67.2%, 68.8%, 69.7%, and 72%, respectively. Medicare recipients demonstrated the highest adherence by payor type (71%, p < 0.0001), and persons who opted for ‘Digital SMS + Email’ communication were most adherent (70.9%; p < 0.0001). Of all provider specialties, individuals having their tests ordered by gastroenterologists produced the shortest time to adherence (21.8 days). Multivariable regression revealed that age, digital outreach (compared to none), micropolitan residence, and ordering provider were independent predictors of increased mt-sDNA adherence. Conclusions: The results of this large cohort and nationally representative analysis demonstrated high mt-sDNA adherence amongst Asian American persons, despite a low percentage of this population being current with CRC screening overall. The use of mt-sDNA, in concordance with its included patient navigation, is a viable modality to encourage test completion through screening engagement – which has the potential to reduce screening barriers in this population.

Multi-target stool DNA test adherence in average-risk African Americans from 2017-2024.

99 Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands as the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States, while being the third most common cancer in the country. African Americans (AA) are disproportionately affected with CRC (incidence and mortality), yet the disease can be prevented through screening and early detection. Data reveals that only 59% of AA between ages 45-75 were up to date with CRC screening as of 2021. Broad availability of the navigation-supported, at home multi-target stool DNA (mt-sDNA) test may help mitigate barriers to screening adherence in this population. We examined multi-target stool-DNA (mt-sDNA) test adherence rates in a nationally representative AA population. Methods: Using a national claims database of over 165 million individuals linked with Exact Sciences Laboratories data, mt-sDNA orders for AA patients were retrospectively identified from 2016 to 2024. Average CRC risk individuals aged ≥45 years, and new to mt-sDNA, were included in this analysis. Primary outcome of interest was adherence, defined as mt-sDNA kit return rate within 365-days from shipment. Time to test return was examined as the secondary outcome. Demographics were age, sex, ordering provider, residential geography, payor, and outreach preference. Covariates on adherence were examined using logistic regression. Results: Among 434,951 mt-sDNA orders from 2017-2024, the overall adherence rate was 62%, and the average time to test return was 27.6 days. The cohort included higher percentages of women (61.7%), ages 50-64 years (57.8%), located in Southern US (51.4%), and metro areas (90.9%). Most patients were also commercially insured (56.1%) and received their mt-sDNA order from their primary care provider (65.4%). Digital SMS was the most preferred outreach option (47%). Patients ages ≥76 years demonstrated the highest adherence (70.3%), with all age categories near or above 60% (45-49 yrs [59.4%]; 50-64 yrs [60.8%], 65-75 yrs [64.3%]). Across payors, patients with Medicare had the highest adherence rates (66.5%). Across outreach, highest adherence was among those who preferred ‘Digital SMS + Email’ outreach (64.3%). Men were quicker to return their test than women (26.8 days vs 28 days, p<0.001). Those ages ≥76 years and with tests ordered by GIs had the shortest time to test return (21.3 and 22.2 days, respectively). Adjusted analyses revealed multiple factors were associated with increased odds of adherence, including older age (≥76 years; OR=1.54; p<0.001), ‘Digital SMS + Email’ outreach (OR=1.25; p<0.001), rural residence (OR=1.23; p<0.001), and males (OR=1.05; p<0.001). Conclusions: Mt-sDNA adherence was higher for AA patients in this large, national cohort as compared to previously reported overall CRC screening adherence data for this population group. Findings suggest mt-sDNA utilization, with its included patient navigation, may help reduce screening disparities among AA patients.

Adherence to the multi-target stool DNA test in the US Hispanic population from 2016-2024.

100 Background: With colorectal cancer (CRC) as the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality in the US, adherence to CRC screening is a vital component to alleviating the cancer burden. Statistics show that only 52% of Hispanic or Latino individuals ≥45 years were up-to-date with CRC screening in 2021. A guideline-recommended, at-home CRC screening option, such as the multi-target stool DNA test (mt-sDNA), could be an efficient modality for screening average-risk individuals. Using a large national claims database, we examined CRC screening adherence with mt-sDNA in the US Hispanic population. Methods: Data was sourced from a database of over 165 million individuals linked with Exact Sciences Laboratories data. Hispanic persons who received mt-sDNA orders and resided in the US were retrospectively identified from 2016 to 2024. The analyses included persons who were ≥45 years of age, new to mt-sDNA and average risk for CRC during the 12-month pre-index period. Primary outcome of interest was adherence, which was defined as the mt-sDNA kit return rate within 365-days from shipment. All patients received a mailed letter along with digital outreach through the accompanying patient navigation program, according to their communication preference. The modes of digital outreach included: SMS, email, or both. Baseline demographics collected included age, sex, ordering provider, residential geography, payor, and outreach preference. Adjusted analyses were used to examine effects of covariates on adherence. Results: A total of 447,968 mt-sDNA orders were shipped during the study period and the overall adherence rate was 62.5%. Average time to test return was 28.5 days. Women comprised the majority of the cohort (59.9%), resided mostly in the Southern US (46.9%), aged 50-64 (60.9%), resided in a metropolitan area (91.2%), and received their mt-sDNA order from their primary care provider (62.7%). Across evaluated age groups, adherence was above 60% for all: ages 45-49 [60.5%]; 50-64 [62.6%], 65-75 [62.6%]), and ≥ 76 years [66.8]. By payor, Medicare-insured patients demonstrated the highest adherence (65.5%). Digital SMS was the preferred contact method (51.2%), and those opting for SMS + Email had the highest adherence rate (64.2%). Of provider specialties, individuals having their tests ordered by GIs produced the shortest time to adherence (23.2 days). Regression analyses revealed that older age (≥ 76 years), living in a rural area, and receiving fully or partially digital outreach were associated with increased mt-sDNA adherence. Conclusions: This large, national analysis reveals high mt-sDNA adherence amongst Hispanic individuals in the US, despite reports of low national CRC screening rates in this population. These data support the important role of mt-sDNA in facilitating screening engagement, while emphasizing the importance of preference-based navigation in facilitating screening test completion.

Estimation of the required number of nodes of a university cloud virtualization cluster

When designing a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) for a university or inter-university cloud, developers must overcome many complex technical challenges. One of these tasks is estimating the required number of virtualization cluster nodes. Such nodes host virtual machines for users. These virtual machines can be used by students and teachers to complete academic assignments or research work. Another task that arises in the VDI design process is the problem of algorithmizing the placement of virtual machines in a computer network. In this case, optimal placement of virtual machines will reduce the number of computer nodes without affecting functionality. And this, ultimately, helps to reduce the cost of such a solution, which is important for educational institutions. The article proposes a model for estimating the required number of virtualization cluster nodes. The proposed model is based on a combined approach, which involves jointly solving the problem of optimal packaging and finding the configuration of server platforms of a private university cloud using a genetic algorithm. The model introduced in this research is universal. It can be used in the design of university cloud systems for different purposes-for example, educational systems or inter-university scientific laboratory management systems.

From Breaking Bad to Breaking Bonds-Mass Spectrometry in the Classroom.

We describe a workshop that prompts chemistry students in the final 2 years of secondary school to apply their understanding of modern analytical chemistry techniques to a 'real world' example. The scenario used is that of a forensic science laboratory that has been asked to determine the structure of an illicit compound, Revisomed (methamphetamine) being sold as a revision aid, and seized by police. Over the course of an hour, the students use a combination of infrared (IR) spectroscopy, liquid chromatography (LC), high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy data to determine the structure of Revisomed from first principles. The bulk of the workshop is spent reviewing MS data and using m/z, the isotope pattern, elemental composition and product ion data to reach three plausible isomeric structures for Revisomed, which are then distinguished by NMR spectroscopy. More broadly, the workshop focusses on the use of the scientific method and the concept that 'no ideas are bad' when exploring hypotheses. We describe the structure of the workshop, and our experience delivering it to a local academy over the last 9 years.

Prevalence of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producing Bacteria in Patients with Wound Infections Attending Tertiary Hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria

Background: The problem of antibiotics usage against bacterial infection is the modifications of such antibiotics by the bacteria thereby rendering them ineffective. Extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria invading wound infections may lead to long term hospitalization, financial burden and limited antibiotics for therapy. The goals of this study were to determine the prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria colonization of wound infections among individuals with non-healing wounds and the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the ESBL isolates. Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional research design. A total of 266 samples were collected from different wound infections which included diabetic foot ulcers, burn wounds, post-surgical wounds, non-diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, accident and open cancer wounds that met the inclusion criteria. The patients were consecutively selected. That is, any individual that has a wound and was willing to participate was selected. A structured questionnaire was administered to the patients to obtain information on demographic characteristics, antibiotic usage, and duration of infection, herbal medication, type and site of wound. Identification of bacterial isolates was done using colony/ microscopic morphology, gram stain reaction and standard biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done using modified Kirby - Bauer disc diffusion method. ESBL detection was done following the recommendations by the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) which involves a 2-step approach of initially screening for ESBL producers and phenotypic confirmatory test using a combination disc test method. Molecular screening of the genes encoding for ESBLs was done at the Central Science Laboratory, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Results: A total of 196 isolates were recovered from the wound swabs. Pseudomonas aeruginosa 56 (28.6%) was the leading organism causing wound infection followed by Staphylococcus aureus 24 (12.2%). The bacteria isolates showed that 157 (80.1%) were gram negatives as against 39 (19.9%) that were gram positive bacteria. Among the gram-negative bacteria isolates, 21.7% (34/157) were confirmed as ESBL producers. The ESBL- producers were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Esherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumonia and Klebsiella granulomatis at frequencies of 41.2%, 20.6%,14.7%,11.8%,5.9%,2.9% and 2.9% respectively. This showed that these isolates have the ability to resist penicillins and cephalosporins of the first, second and third generations. The ESBL-producing bacteria isolated exhibited high degree of multidrug resistance especially to tetracyclines, cefuroxime, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime and ceftazidime. The antibiotics amikacin was sensitive to most of the ESBL-producing bacteria isolated. The assessment of the risk factors showed that none of the variables was statistically significant, though those risk factors were still important in evaluating wound infections. Both hospital and community acquired infections showed no statistical significance (P= 0.072) which means that both had the same degree of pathogenicity. Among the 10 samples screened for ESBLs genes namely bla SHV, bla TEM, bla CTX-M, bla GES, and bla OXA-50, only bla OXA- 50 was detected in 8 out of the ten samples. Thus, the persistent gene circulating in this region is bla OXA-50, which confers high rate of infection and persistence. Conclusion: The presence of ESBL-producing bacteria in wounds remains a challenging issue, as the majority of the patients may suffer from long term infected wounds due to treatment failure.

Meteorological Changes Across Curiosity Rover’s Traverse Using REMS Measurements and Comparisons with Measurements and MRAMS Model Results

The Curiosity rover, from NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), has climbed nearly 740 m from its landing location at −4500.971 m in Gale Crater to a location reached on sol 3967 on the slopes of Mt. Sharp at −3765.27 m. We examine the atmospheric pressure, surface and atmospheric temperatures, relative humidity, and water vapor volume mixing ratios from measurements made by the Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS), taken along the trajectory traveled over 3967 sols spanning from late MY31 to mid-MY37, on an interannual scale. The results help us understand the Martian meteorology inside Gale Crater. The atmospheric pressure and temperature changes caused by the elevation variation of the rover show the impact of the altitude change on the atmospheric dynamics. Regarding the rover’s locations for MY32 and MY36, a detailed comparative analysis of the full diurnal cycle is performed for the solstices and equinoxes. These scenarios are examined using the REMS and the Mars Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (MRAMS) data. We compare the REMS and MRAMS data to evaluate their concordance. We present, for the first time, a hypothesis for the existence of the cold pool phenomenon, which also occurs on Earth, based on REMS data.

Prevalence of Malaria Parasite among Students of Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria

Background: Malaria, an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted through infected Anopheles mosquitoes, remains a significant public health challenge. Nigeria has a high malaria burden, particularly among vulnerable populations. We aimed to determine the prevalence of malaria among students at Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology (FCVMLT) in Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria, and assess their knowledge and prevention practices. Materials: The study involved 134 students from three academic departments at FCVMLT between Apr and Jun 2022. Venous blood samples were collected, and malaria infection was assessed using microscopy with Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood films. A questionnaire was also administered to gather information on malaria awareness and preventive behaviors. Results: The overall malaria prevalence among students was 35.07%, with a higher infection rate observed among females (42.35%) compared to males (22.45%), a difference that was statistically significant (χ² = 47.38, P<0.001). Malaria prevalence varied slightly across departments, with the Medical Laboratory Science department recording the highest prevalence at 39.13%, followed by Environmental Science and Management (25.00%) and Environmental Health Technology (26.92%), though this variation was not statistically significant (χ² =2.14, P=0.344). Students residing off-campus had a slightly higher prevalence (35.78%) than those living on-campus (32.94%), with no statistically significant difference (χ² = 0.24, P=0.622). Conclusion: The high prevalence of malaria among students, despite good awareness, highlights the need for improved malaria control measures within educational settings. Asymptomatic infections among students could contribute to sustained malaria transmission within the community. Implementing regular malaria screenings, distributing insecticide-treated bed nets, and conducting educational campaigns on effective preventive practices are recommended.

Implementation of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for microbiology in Timor-Leste: challenges, mitigation strategies, and end-user experiences

BackgroundEffective diagnostic capacity is crucial for clinical decision-making, with up to 70% of decisions in high-resource settings based on laboratory test results. However, in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) access to diagnostic services is often limited due to the absence of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). LIMS streamline laboratory operations by automating sample handling, analysis, and reporting, leading to improved quality and faster results. Despite these benefits, sustainably implementing LIMS in LMIC is challenging due to high costs, inadequate infrastructure, and limited technical expertise.MethodsThis study evaluated the implementation of a customised microbiology LIMS at the National Health Laboratory (NHL) in Timor-Leste. The LIMS was deployed in November 2020, with an accompanying online results portal introduced in early 2021. The implementation was assessed via a checklist based on key challenges and requirements for LIMS in LMIC, alongside a post-implementation survey of scientists and clinicians.ResultsThe assessment revealed significant improvements in laboratory processes, including enhanced sample throughput, data management, and result reporting. The LIMS reduced transcription errors and standardised reporting of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), improving data quality and accessibility. However, challenges such as unreliable internet connectivity and the need for ongoing funding and technical support persist. The user satisfaction survey, with responses from 19 laboratory scientists and 15 clinicians, revealed positive feedback on workflow improvements and result accessibility, although concerns about internet speed, sustainability, and the need for further training were noted.ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of careful planning, customisation, and stakeholder engagement in LIMS implementation in LMIC. The success in Timor-Leste demonstrates the potential for improved laboratory quality and patient outcomes, but also underscores the need for ongoing investment in infrastructure, technical expertise, and sustainability planning.

Adherence to multi-target stool DNA testing for colorectal cancer screening in the United States

PurposeColorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in the USA and is highly preventable, with early screening vital for improving outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate adherence rates of multi-target stool DNA (mt-sDNA) testing, following updated guidelines recommending screening starting at age 45.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study used aggregated data from Exact Sciences Laboratories LLC, examining new users (first-time testers) aged 45–85 with commercial, Medicare, or Medicaid insurance who received mt-sDNA test kits (point-of-care) between January 1, 2023, and June 1, 2023. Adherence was defined as the percentage of eligible participants returning a valid non-empty test kit within 365 days of initial shipment date. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze adherence.ResultsAmong 1,557,915 patients, the overall adherence rate to mt-sDNA testing was 71.3% (commercial insurance 72.3%, Medicare Advantage 70.2%, Medicare 69.9%, Medicaid 52.0%) (p < 0.001). Females had slightly higher adherence than males, except for commercial insurance (72.2% vs. 72.6%, p < 0.001). Adherence was highest in commercial insurance for individuals aged 76–85 (79.2%, p < 0.001), gastroenterology patients (82.5%, p < 0.001), and rural residents (73.2%, p < 0.001), along with those in Medicare Advantage earning $200 K + (78.5%, p < 0.001).ConclusionsAdherence to mt-sDNA testing was robust, particularly among individuals with commercial insurance, older adults, gastroenterology patients, higher income groups, and rural residents. With a 71% adherence rate, the test demonstrates substantial engagement and value in colorectal cancer screening. Future research should assess its long-term impact and address disparities to optimize its benefits.

Measurement of capillarity using oblique plates as a function of the separation angle, temperature and glycerol concentration in water

Abstract Capillarity refers to the ability of a liquid to move within narrow spaces such as tubes and pores with reduced diameters or between two oblique plates with a very small angle between them. It is well known that the height a liquid can reach due to capillarity is directly related to the values of the surface tension, the density, and the contact angle. In this investigation, a study is conducted on the dependence of these properties on the glycerol concentration in an aqueous solution and on the water temperature. The experimental device used is a capillary formed by two oblique glass plates, which allows for the direct observation of the liquid height variation as a function of the separation angle between the plates. This phenomenon is studied using Jurin's law, widely used in the study of capillarity. The results are explained using the Connors-Wright surface tension model and the Eötvös rule. The experiment is very low cost and easy to implement in undergraduate science laboratories, making it useful for exploring the capillarity phenomenon of liquids.&amp;#xD;

Addressing transferability and stability in Raman spectrometers

AbstractThe invention of lasers has enabled the widespread use of Raman spectroscopy in scientific laboratories, and recently Raman spectroscopy has been applied in industrial environments as well. Based on Ibsen Photonics' experience as an OEM supplier of Raman spectrometers for various applications, this article reviews key concerns that must be addressed when designing a Raman spectrometer for industrial applications.

Developing an intervention tool for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in laboratory settings

ABSTRACT In the wake of ongoing injustices and disparities in the COVID-19 pandemic and continued extrajudicial killings by police in the United States (US) during 2020, many academic science communities began to have widespread discussions about system racism, the ways in which scientific fields were implicated, and how to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programming in academic science fields. As academic researchers in multiple fields and institutions, we each observed this current moment differing vantage points. Discontented with the lack of sustained engagement on discussions of racism, diversity, and inclusion in the aftermath of 2020, we developed an initiative, The DE-SILO (Diversity, Equity, and Sociology Training in Laboratory Organizations) Project, to bring these conversations into everyday practice. The goal of The DE-SILO Project was simple: to spark small but durable changes to daily life in research laboratories. Leveraging the sociological, science and technology studies, and anti-racism scholarship to create a toolkit for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) laboratories, The DE-SILO Project supports sustained engagement on these issues in academic science settings. In this engagement, we document the DE-SILO Project concept and methods, describe our implementation efforts in four research laboratories at institutions across the US, present findings from our pilot year, and discuss lessons learned through implementation.

Use of a virtual laboratory to improve the understanding of direct current electrical circuits

The purpose of this project was to analyze a way to improve the understanding of direct current electrical circuits in students of the fourth semester of High School of the College of Bachelors of the State of Hidalgo. The methodology used is based on the constructivist approach, based on problem-based learning. The results obtained show that a large percentage of the students improved their understanding of the topics when doing virtual practices. It is concluded that the teacher can use virtual simulators in institutions where, due to lack of infrastructure, there is no science laboratory

The use of mobile technology in abductive inquiry-based teaching and learning of chemical bonding

Continuous enhancement of mobile devices such as smartphones offers new opportunities for using these technologies in inquiry-based learning environments. Inquiry-based learning has followed deductive and inductive forms of inquiry, while the abductive form of inquiry that targets the development of higher-order thinking skills such as critical thinking is less prevalent. This study investigated the use of mobile technology in abductive-inquiry based teaching and learning of chemical bonding for grade 11 physical sciences learners in two South African schools. The study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design that entailed first collecting quantitative data and then qualitative data to help explain or elaborate on the quantitative results. Two grade 11 physical sciences classes were randomly designated as the experimental and control groups in each of the two different schools. The experimental group in each school experienced activities in a laboratory using mobile technology-enhanced abductive scientific inquiry through the ‘Molecular Workbench’ web-based simulation using a mobile device, while the control group in each school experienced activities in abductive scientific inquiry in a science laboratory without using mobile learning technology. The principal findings indicated that learners within the control group displayed a significant increase in their performance to create a scientifically accurate hypothesis that is the essence of abductive inquiry, whereas for the experimental group there was no significant improvement in their hypothesis generation capacity. However, participants within the experimental group felt that their use of mobile devices created a sense of learner agency amongst themselves, developed their communication skills, made them feel responsible for their own learning, and also made learning scientific concepts more fun as opposed to what they are normally exposed to.

Automated post-run analysis of arrayed quantitative PCR amplification curves using machine learning.

The TaqMan Array Card (TAC) is an arrayed, high-throughput qPCR platform that can simultaneously detect multiple targets in a single reaction. However, the manual post-run analysis of TAC data is time consuming and subject to interpretation. We sought to automate the post-run analysis of TAC data using machine learning models. We used 165,214 qPCR amplification curves from two studies to train and test two eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) models. Previous manual analyses of the amplification curves by experts in qPCR analysis were used as the gold standard. First, a classification model predicted whether amplification occurred or not, and if so, a second model predicted the cycle threshold (Ct) value. We used 5-fold cross-validation to tune the models and assessed performance using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and mean absolute error (MAE). For external validation, we used 1,472 reactions previously analyzed by 17 laboratory scientists as part of an external quality assessment for a multisite study. In internal validation, the classification model achieved an accuracy of 0.996, sensitivity of 0.997, specificity of 0.993, PPV of 0.998, and NPV of 0.991. The Ct prediction model achieved a MAE of 0.590. In external validation, the automated analysis achieved an accuracy of 0.997 and a MAE of 0.611, and the automated analysis was more accurate than manual analyses by 14 of the 17 laboratory scientists. We automated the post-run analysis of highly-arrayed qPCR data using machine learning models with high accuracy in comparison to a manual gold standard. This approach has the potential to save time and improve reproducibility in laboratories using the TAC platform and other high-throughput qPCR approaches.

Readiness Of Science Laboratory Facilities Of The Public Junior High School In Lanao Del Sur, Philippines

Readiness Of Science Laboratory Facilities Of The Public Junior High School In Lanao Del Sur, Philippines

Quantitative ultrasonography of the foot muscles: a comprehensive perspective on reliability.

Quantitative ultrasound imaging is a popular technique to assess the structural properties of the intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles. Although several studies examined test-retest reliability, specific gaps remain in assessing inter-rater reliability, particularly distinguishing between image acquisition and muscle measurement. Additionally, these studies utilized equipment that may not be generalizable across both clinical and research settings and often involved small sample sizes without prior sample size calculations. This study aimed to investigate test-retest reliability as well as global and measurement-based inter-rater reliability (MIRR) using a low-end ultrasound device to measure intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscle sizes. This prospective reliability study included 21 active individuals. Five intrinsic muscles [abductor hallucis (AbH), flexor digitorum brevis (FDB), flexor hallucis brevis (FHB), quadratus plantae (QP), abductor digiti minimi (AbDM)], and three extrinsic muscles [peroneal (PER), flexor digitorum longus, tibialis anterior (TA)] were scanned. Three investigators independently acquired images on two occasions and measured cross-sectional area (CSA) and thickness in September and October 2023. Participants were assessed either at the Musculoskeletal Research Group laboratory (University of Leuven, Bruges) or in the Rehabilitation Sciences laboratory (Ghent University hospital). Test-retest (same investigator, one week in between), global inter-rater (each investigator measures own image set) and MIRR (three investigators measure one image set) was performed following intra-class correlation, standard error of the measurement (SEM) and coefficient of variation. Test-retest reliability showed intraclass-correlation coefficients of 0.60-0.88 for the FDB and 0.38-0.73 for the TA. SEM ranged from 0.16 to 0.41 cm2 (CSA) and from 0.05 to 0.31 cm (thickness) for the intrinsic, while they ranged from 0.19 to 1.13 cm2 and from 0.12 to 0.44 cm for the extrinsic muscles. Global inter-rater correlation coefficients varied between 0.4 and 0.8 for the AbH and FDB. Measurement based inter-rater correlation coefficient varied between 0.50 and 0.96 for AbH, FDB, TA and PER muscles. SEM ranged from 0.14 to 0.89 cm2 (CSA) and from 0.07 to 0.24 cm (thickness) for the intrinsic, while they ranged from 0.29 to 0.85 cm2 (CSA) and from 0.12 to 0.51 cm (thickness) for the extrinsic muscles. Coefficients of variations were between 4% and 34%. For test-retest, they were consistently ≤10% for AbH thickness, FDB CSA, FHB and TA. FDB coefficients of variation were ≤10% across all inter-rater reliabilities. Most muscles demonstrated moderate to excellent test-retest reliability using a portable ultrasound device, supporting its generalizability. However, the greater variability in global inter-rater reliability suggests substantial variation during image acquisition. The same clinician should perform pre-intervention and follow-up assessments to minimize errors. If different clinicians are involved, caution is needed when comparing measurements.