Screening Procedure For Selection Research Articles

The Impact of Embracing New Antenatal Screening Guidelines on Complications Related to Grand Multiparity in a Jordanian Tertiary Referral Center

Background: Universal screening, including thyroid dysfunction, gestational diabetes, and performing morphology and growth scans, was introduced in the healthcare system to improve perinatal care and pregnancy outcomes. Pregnancy-related complications are usually higher in grand multiparous women and their advanced maternal age. This study aimed to compare the impact of implementing a universal screening strategy protocol versus the selective screening for grand multiparous pregnant women aged ≥35 years on the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes and the associated risk factors. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of two groups (n = 89/group) of healthy grand multiparous women aged ≥35 years and who either delivered between 2011–2012 and underwent selective screening, or between 2016–2017 and were universally screened, was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jordan University Hospital. Results: The universal screening protocol detected more cases of women with gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, and polyhydramnios 7, 4, and 9 more times, respectively, than the selective screening procedure. However, the results of universal screening tests for thyroid function and glucose tolerance were abnormal in only a small number of women. Furthermore, the cesarean section rate was reduced from 45% in the selective screening group to 1% in the universal screening group. No other significant differences in pregnancy or neonatal complications between the two groups were noted. Conclusions: Implementing new perinatal care protocols, including universal screening for thyroid disease and gestational diabetes, morphological and growth scans significantly decreased the rate of cesarean section in grand multiparous women with advanced maternal age, but did not affect pregnancy or neonatal complications. However, larger studies are needed to obtain more representative results among women in high-risk group for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and thyroid dysfunction.

Screening procedure for selection of putative ligands of SARS-CoV-2 proteins

Screening procedure for selection of putative ligands of SARS-CoV-2 proteins

Effects of high temperature on in vitro tuberization and accumulation of stress-responsive proteins in potato

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) plants are highly vulnerable to heat stress. Even moderately elevated temperatures can disturb the process of tuberization in this important crop, causing a decline in tuber initiation, a reduction in tuber bulking, and tuber disorders. In the present study, we investigated the effects of heat stress on tuberization in two potato cultivars, the heat-sensitive cultivar Desiree and the heat-tolerant cultivar Festival, using an in vitro system. A temperature of 29 °C reduced tuber initiation and tuber bulking, and stimulated shoot elongation in cv. Desiree, while this temperature treatment did not significantly alter tuberization or shoot elongation in cv. Festival. In addition, high temperature interfered with the onset of microtuber dormancy and promoted growth of tuber apical buds during the tuber bulking stage in both cultivars. Stress-responsive proteins HSP17.6-CI, HSP101, and eEF1A showed heat-induced accumulation patterns in shoots and microtubers of these two cultivars, with the exception of a decline in the abundance of eEF1A in cv. Desiree microtubers under heat stress. High levels of HSP17.6-CI in microtubers of cv. Desiree did not ameliorate the effects of heat stress on tuberization of this relatively heat-sensitive cultivar. Conversely, a higher level of eEF1A under heat stress in microtubers of the heat-tolerant cv. Festival indicated a possible function of this protein in alleviating the negative effects of high temperature on potato tuberization. This study suggested that analysis of stress-responsive proteins in potato microtubers combined with assessment of tuberization parameters in vitro may represent a useful screening procedure for selection of heat-tolerant potato genotypes.

Improved method for qualitative screening of lipolytic bacterial strains

Esterases and lipases are lipolytic enzymes that catalyse the hydrolysis of triacylglycerols, Determination of lipolysis on agar plates is a simple approach to determine lipase or esterase action, but visual evaluation of lipolysis is frequently difficult in practice. Therefore, the aim of this work was to improve the efficiency of lipolysis visualization in tributyrin agar (mTBA) by adding calcium and/or magnesium ions in the screening of lipolytic microbial strains. Lipolytic activity was evaluated in mTBA using the well diffusion technique, where a clear zone around the inoculated wells indicated lipid hydrolysis. Results suggest that the addition of 2.5 mM calcium and 5.0 mM magnesium was the best combination of ion addition to TBA. Lipolytic activity increased the clearing zone up to 38% more than without the addition of ions and the clear zone was clearly observed. The mTBA plate was used with culture collection microbial strains, as well as with a collection of soil microorganisms, to identify lipase producers. The addition of calcium and magnesium ions can provide an easier screening procedure for selection of lipolytic bacterial strains. •A modified tributyrin agar for screening of lipolytic bacteria was prepared by adding calcium and magnesium ions.•The modified TBA agar was tested with control bacterial strains, and, based on the results, 2.5 mM Ca and 5.0 mM Mg ions were added in the mTBA.•mTBA was validated with environmental bacterial strains for screening of lipolytic activity.

Valuing Equal Protection in Aviation Security Screening.

The growing number of anti-terrorism policies has elevated public concerns about discrimination. Within the context of airport security screening, the current study examines how American travelers value the principle of equal protection by quantifying the "equity premium" that they are willing to sacrifice to avoid screening procedures that result in differential treatments. In addition, we applied the notion of procedural justice to explore the effect of alternative selective screening procedures on the value of equal protection. Two-hundred and twenty-two respondents were randomly assigned to one of three selective screening procedures: (1) randomly, (2) using behavioral indicators, or (3) based on demographic characteristics. They were asked to choose between airlines using either an equal or a discriminatory screening procedure. While the former requires all passengers to be screened in the same manner, the latter mandates all passengers undergo a quick primary screening and, in addition, some passengers are selected for a secondary screening based on a predetermined selection criterion. Equity premiums were quantified in terms of monetary cost, wait time, convenience, and safety compromise. Results show that equity premiums varied greatly across respondents, with many indicating little willingness to sacrifice to avoid inequitable screening, and a smaller minority willing to sacrifice anything to avoid the discriminatory screening. The selective screening manipulation was effective in that equity premiums were greater under selection by demographic characteristics compared to the other two procedures.

Improvement of selective screening strategy for gestational diabetes through a more accurate definition of high-risk groups

This study aimed to assess the predictive value of risk factors (RFs) for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) established by selective screening (SS) and to identify subgroups of women at a higher risk of developing GDM. A retrospective, single-center study design was employed. Data of 1015 women screened for GDM at 24-28 weeks of gestation and diagnosed according to the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria were evaluated. Information on RFs established by SS was also collected and their association with GDM was determined. To identify distinct and homogeneous subgroups of patients at a higher risk, the RECursive Partitioning and AMalgamation (RECPAM) method was used. Overall, 113 (11.1%) women were diagnosed as having GDM. The application of the SS criteria would result in the execution of an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in 58.3% of women and 26 (23.0%) cases of GDM would not be detected due to the absence of any RF. The RECPAM analysis identified high-risk subgroups characterized by fasting plasma glucose values >5.1 mmol/l (odds ratio (OR)=26.5; 95% CI 14.3-49.0) and pre-pregnancy BMI (OR=7.0; 95% CI 3.9-12.8 for overweight women). In a final logistic model including RECPAM classes, previous macrosomia (OR=3.6; 95% CI 1.1-11.6), and family history of diabetes (OR=1.8; 95% CI 1.1-2.8), but not maternal age, were also found to be associated with an increased risk of developing GDM. A screening approach based on the RECPAM model would reduce by over 50% (23.0 vs 10.6%) the number of undiagnosed GDM cases when compared with the current SS approach, at the expense of 50 additional OGTTs required. A screening approach based on our RECPAM model results in a significant reduction in the number of undetected GDM cases compared with the current SS procedure.

Do public subsidies affect the performance of new technology-based firms? The importance of evaluation schemes and agency goals

New technology-based firms (NTBFs) greatly contribute to the dynamic efficiency of the economic system. To perform this role, NTBFs need external financing. However, private financing of this type of firm is particularly subject to market inefficiencies. This seems to recommend policy intervention and NTBFs often find support through payment of direct public subsidies. When these are based on ex ante selective screening procedures of applicants and awarded competitively, direct public support may exert a positive effect on the performance of NTBFs beyond the amount of the subsidy. By picking promising projects, governments may signal the quality of a firm to third parties, thereby lowering information asymmetries. This paper contributes to the literature on the differing impact of various subsidies on firm performance by crossing the evaluation dimension (i.e. selective vs. automatic subsidies) with the dimension of the specific goal (R&D-enhancing vs. other measures) for which a subsidy may be implemented. Our results show that the evaluation mechanism and the goal of the subsidy are both important dimensions in the policy design domain and that selective R&D subsidies outperform other types of scheme in fostering NTBF performance.

Cerebrospinal fluid pulse pressure amplitude during lumbar infusion in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus can predict response to shunting

BackgroundWe have previously seen that idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) patients having elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) pulse amplitude consistently respond to shunt surgery. In this study we explored how the cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP) pulse amplitude determined during lumbar infusion testing, correlates with ICP pulse amplitude determined during over-night ICP monitoring and with response to shunt surgery. Our goal was to establish a more reliable screening procedure for selecting iNPH patients for shunt surgery using lumbar intrathecal infusion.MethodsThe study population consisted of all iNPH patients undergoing both diagnostic lumbar infusion testing and continuous over-night ICP monitoring during the period 2002-2007. The severity of iNPH was assessed using our NPH grading scale before surgery and 12 months after shunting. The CSFP pulse was characterized from the amplitude of single pressure waves.ResultsTotally 62 iNPH patients were included, 45 of them underwent shunt surgery, in whom 78% were shunt responders. Among the 45 shunted patients, resistance to CSF outflow (Rout) was elevated (≥ 12 mmHg/ml/min) in 44. The ICP pulse amplitude recorded over-night was elevated (i.e. mean ICP wave amplitude ≥ 4 mmHg) in 68% of patients; 92% of these were shunt responders. In those with elevated overnight ICP pulse amplitude, we found also elevated CSFP pulse amplitude recorded during lumbar infusion testing, both during the opening phase following lumbar puncture and during a standardized period of lumbar infusion (15 ml Ringer over 10 min). The clinical response to shunting after 1 year strongly associated with the over-night ICP pulse amplitude, and also with the pulsatile CSFP during the period of lumbar infusion. Elevated CSFP pulse amplitude during lumbar infusion thus predicted shunt response with sensitivity of 88 and specificity of 60 (positive and negative predictive values of 89 and 60, respectively).ConclusionsIn iNPH patients, shunt response can be anticipated in 9/10 patients with elevated overnight ICP pulse amplitude, while in only 1/10 with low ICP pulse amplitude. Additionally, the CSFP pulse amplitude during lumbar infusion testing was elevated in patients with elevated over-night ICP pulse amplitude. In particular, measurement of CSFP pulse amplitude during a standardized infusion of 15 ml Ringer over 10 min was useful in predicting response to shunt surgery and can be used as a screening procedure for selection of iNPH patients for shunting.

The Role of the Digital Rectal Examination in Subsequent Screening Visits in the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC), Rotterdam

The value of digital rectal examination (DRE) as a screening test for prostate cancer (PC) is controversial in the current prostate-specific antigen (PSA) era. To determine (1) the additional value of a suspicious DRE for the detection of PC in men with an elevated PSA level in subsequent screenings and (2) the tumour characteristics of PCs detected in men with a suspicious DRE. Within the screening study, from 1997-2006 men aged 55-75 years were invited for an every 4-yr PSA determination. A PSA level > or =3.0ng/ml prompted a DRE and a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided, lateralized sextant biopsy. Throughout the three screenings of the ERSPC, Rotterdam, 5040 biopsy sessions were evaluated. We determined the positive predictive values (PPVs) of a suspicious DRE and normal DRE, which entailed, respectively, the proportion of PCs detected in men with a suspicious DRE or normal DRE divided by, respectively, all biopsied men with a suspicious DRE or normal DRE. At initial screening, the PPV of a suspicious DRE, in conjunction with an elevated PSA level, to detect PC was 48.6% compared to 22.4% for men with a normal DRE. Both PPVs decreased in consecutive screens: respectively, 29.9% versus 17.1% (screen 2) and 21.2% versus 18.2% (screen 3). Respectively, 71.0% (p<0.001), 68.8% (p<0.001), and 85.7% (p=0.002) of all PCs with a Gleason score >7 were detected in men with a suspicious DRE at screens 1, 2, and 3. A limitation is that only biopsied men were evaluated. At initial and subsequent screenings, the chance of having cancer at biopsy was higher in men with a suspicious DRE compared to men with a normal DRE (to a lesser extent in subsequent screenings), and the combination of a PSA level > or =3.0ng/ml with a suspicious DRE resulted in detecting significantly more PCs with Gleason score >7. DRE may be useful in more selective screening procedures to decrease unnecessary biopsies and overdiagnosis.

Identification of AFLP markers in soybean linked to resistance to Meloidogyne javanica and conversion to Sequence Characterized Amplified Regions (SCARs)

Meloidogynejavanica is the most widely spread nematode pest on soybean in SouthAfrica. Only a few registered commercial South African cultivars are poor hostsof this nematode species and there is an urgent need for an efficient breedingprogramme for resistant cultivars of all maturity groups. However, breeding ishampered by laborious screening procedures for selection of poor host cultivarsand/or lines. The objective of this study was to develop an economically viablemolecular marker system for application in selection procedures. BothRestriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and Amplified Fragment LengthPolymorphism (AFLP) screening techniques identified markers linked togall-indexvariation in a segregating population of 60 F2 progeny from a crossbetween a resistant cultivar (Gazelle) and a highly susceptible variety(Prima).A codominant RFLP marker( B212) was linked significantly to M.javanica resistance and explained 62% of the variation ingall-index.Seven AFLP markers were linked significantly to the resistance trait, of whichfour were linked in repulsion phase and three in coupling phase. All seven AFLPmarkers mapped to LG-F (Linkage Group F) on the public soybean molecular map.The major quantitative trait locus (QTL) for resistance mapped between markersE-ACC/M-CTC2(SOJA6) (linked in coupling phase), B212 and E-AAC/M-CAT1(SOJA7)(linked in repulsion phase). These two AFLP markers bracketing the majorresistance QTL were successfully converted to SCARs (Sequence CharacterizedAmplified Regions). Marker E-ACC/M-CTC2 was converted to a codominant SCARmarker SOJA6, which accounted for 41% of variation in gall-index in the mappingpopulation. Marker E-AAC/M-CAT1 was converted to a dominant SCAR marker (SOJA7)and explained 42% of gall-index variation in the mapping population. These twomarkers mapped approximately 3.8 cM and 2.4 cMrespectively from the resistance QTL. This study represents the first report ofthe development of PCR-based sequence specific markers linked to M.javanica resistance in soybean.

Microbial Asymmetric CH Oxidations of Simple Hydrocarbons: A Novel Monooxygenase Activity of the Topsoil MicroorganismBacillus megaterium

A Bacillus megaterium strain was isolated from topsoil by a selective screening procedure with allylbenzene as xenobiotic substrate. It is demonstrated for the first time, from analytical-scale experiments, that this microorganism hydroxylates a variety of simple n-alkanes (hexane through nonane) and cycloalkanes (cyclohexane and cyclooctane) to afford optically active alcohols in up to 99% enantiomeric excess (ee). In the case of the n-alkanes, the ω-1, ω-2 and ω-3 regioisomers were obtained. This enzymatic activity is unprecedented for Bacillus megaterium strains and is generally rarely observed in bacteria.

Biocatalytic Kinetic Resolution of Racemic Hydroperoxides through the Enantioselective Reduction with Free and Immobilized Microorganisms

A Bacillus subtilis strain, isolated from topsoil by a selective screening procedure, is effective for the biocatalytic kinetic resolution of racemic hydroperoxides. A variety of secondary aralkyl hydroperoxides have been resolved by this microorganism in moderate to high enantioselectivities [up to 88% ee for the (R)-hydroperoxide]. This topsoil bacterium B. subtilis also reduced the racemic tertiary 1-methyl-(1-phenyl)propyl hydroperoxide enantioselectively to afford the (R)-hydroperoxide in 39% ee. In contrast to the bacteria, the fungus Aspergillus niger displayed the reverse sense of enantioselectivity in the kinetic resolution of the racemic hydroperoxides, that is, the (R) enantiomer was preferably reduced and the (S)-hydroperoxide was obtained in enantiomerically enriched form. Such an inverse enantioselectivity has not been observed before for the peroxidases of bacterial versus fungal and plant sources. Furthermore, it was shown that immobilized B. subtilis cells may be reused for several cataly...

Biocatalytic asymmetric hydroxylation of hydrocarbons with the topsoil-microorganism Bacillus megaterium.

A Bacillus megaterium strain was isolated from topsoil by a selective screening procedure with allylbenzene as a xenobiotic substrate. This strain performed the hydroxylation chemoselectively (no arene oxidation and overoxidized products) and enantioselectively (up to 99% ee) in the benzylic and nonbenzylic positions of a variety of unfunctionalized arylalkanes. Salycilate and phenobarbital, which are potent inducers of cytochrome P-450 activity, changed the regioselectivity of the microbial CH insertion, without an effect on the enantioselectivity. The biotransformation conditions were optimized in regard to product yield and enantioselectivity by variation of the oxygen-gas supply and the time of the substrate addition. The different product distributions (alpha- versus beta-hydroxylated product) that are obtained on induction of cytochrome P-450 enzyme activity demonstrate the involvement of two or more hydroxylating enzymes with distinct regioselectivities in this biotransformation. An oxygen-rebound mechanism is assumed for the cytochrome P-450-type monooxygenase activity, in which steric interactions between the substrate and the enzyme determine the preferred face of the hydroxy-group transfer to the radical intermediate.

Can subjects with a positive allergen skin test be selected by a short questionnaire?

The objective was to evaluate a postal questionnaire screening procedure for selection of subjects with positive reactions to skin prick tests with common allergens. The project consisted of a screening, with subsequent skin prick test of two selected groups. The setting was the Glostrup Population Studies institute in Copenhagen, Denmark. Participants in the screening included 8000 subjects, aged 15-69 years. The subjects were randomly selected from the population of western Copenhagen County, Denmark. From the 6998 respondents (87.5%), 793 subjects were randomly selected (Random Group), and 788 subjects were chosen on the basis of their answers to the questionnaire (Symptom Group). Both groups were invited to take skin prick tests. Attendance rates were 75.5% (Random Group) and 80.6% (Symptom Group). The main outcome measures were responses (yes or no) to the specific questions and the subjects' skin reaction (positive or negative). The association between symptoms and skin reactivity, adjusted for the effects of sex and age, was summarized by odds ratios. Symptoms on exposure to allergens were highly associated with positive skin reactivity. In the Symptom Group the percentage of subjects with at least one positive skin reaction was 57.7%, which was twice as much (28.4%) as in the Random Group. The results show that it was possible to select a group with high skin reactivity on the basis of the symptoms reported in the screening. Questions about exposure to allergens were the most appropriate for selection of this group.

Osteoporosis and Bone Density Measurement Methods

Recent technologic advances in bone mineral densitometry have resulted in increasingly precise and accurate methods of estimating bone mineral density. Dual-photon absorptiometry has been made obsolete by the introduction of dual-energy radiography, a development that is likely to result in more widespread use of densitometry. The technique allows a reproducible, low dose examination of the spine, hip, and total body. Although capable of selectively measuring trabecular bone, quantitative computed tomography is currently limited to the spine, and the reliability of the technique varies from center to center. Single-photon absorptiometry and ultrasound experimental methods are of limited value because only peripheral skeletal sites can be examined by these techniques. Although invaluable in epidemiologic research and in limited clinical situations, the role of densitometry in the management and prevention of involutional osteoporosis has not been established. The evidence indicates that densitometry is unlikely to be effective as a selective screening procedure. Long-term prospective studies are needed to clarify the role of densitometry in osteoporosis management.

Congenital metabolic diseases as a cause of acute illnesses in the neonatal period

Inborn errors of metabolism occurring in the neonatal period both comprise diseases with clinical onset immediately after birth and diseases with clinical onset after a symptom free interval. Organ damage caused by inherited metabolic diseases can occur already in utero or--depending on oral food intake--during the first postnatal days. Unselective screening methods are applied in neonatal mass screening programs for the early detection of metabolic diseases. In cases of unspecific clinical symptoms selective screening procedures may provide an effective diagnostic tool. If a patient with suspected metabolic disease dies, body fluids and organ biopsies should be preserved for further investigations. The establishment of a genotypspecific (enzyme) diagnosis needs time and cost consuming biochemical procedures. It is a prior condition for prenatal diagnosis in further pregnancies.

Seven years of experience with selective screening for organic acidurias

Between 1975 and 1981 nearly 9000 patients with suspected inherited metabolic diseases were investigated by a selective screening procedure including, apart from simple tests for ketone bodies, sugars and SH-containing compounds, high voltage electrophoresis of amino acids as well as gas liquid chromatography and gas liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry of the organic acids. Fifty-two cases with 18 different inborn errors of metabolism were detected. The effectivity index was calculated to be 0.6% or 1 case in about 170 requests. From the presented and from already existing data in the literature the overall incidences for all organic acidurias together and for propionic acidemia separately were appraised to be 1:10000 and 1:50000, respectively. About half of the patients diagnosed by this screening may benefit from the diagnosis.

The rationale for cytologic screening in the control of uterine cervical carcinoma

The prospective statistical evidence from population studies supports the continued use of routine cervical cytologic examination as a preventive measure. This obtains despite uncertainties about both the relevance of cervical epithelial changes to cervical carcinoma and the accuracy of the method. The presence of a negative smear must not be taken as firm reassurance by either patient or doctor. The results cited, and others from different countries, suggest that cervical cytologic examination offered as a selective screening procedure can significantly reduce the mortality from carcinoma of the cervix. However, cervical screening is frustrated by the fact that those most at risk are the least likely to attend tests regularly, if at all. Thus, there will always be a few patients who present with cervical cancer.

Toxicological Analysis of 1,4-Benzodiazepines I. Differential Pulse Polarography*

A differential pulse polarographic method is described for the routine identification and quantitation of 1,4-benzodlazepines in blood or plasma with a sensitivity of 0.25-0.50 Fg/ml. The method serves as a selective screening procedure to determine the total concentration of a particular 1,4benzodiazepine and its metabolites prior to quantitation by more specific methods. A good correlation was shown for samples assayed by the screening method and more complicated gas chromatographic or TLC-polarographic procedures. A rapid screening procedure involving dilution of urine or gastric fluid samples and direct polarographic analysis is also detailed. In addition, a combined TLC-polarographic procedure is described to identify and quantitate the particular 1,4-benzodiazepine ingested based upon the urinary metabolic profile.

Selective screening procedure for the isolation of heat- and cold-sensitive, DNA replication-deficient mutants of bacteriophage SPO1 and preliminary characterization of the mutants isolated

A procedure is described for the selective isolation of temperature-sensitive replication-deficient mutants of Bacillus subtilis phage SPO1. A modification of the procedure permits the isolation of temperature-sensitive mutants in specific cistrons of interest. The applicability of these procedures to other viral systems is discussed. The mutations isolated were assigned to eight replication-deficient cistrons, with the cold-sensitive mutations showing a distribution strikingly different from that of the heat-sensitive mutations. As a preliminary to the identification of initiation-deficient mutants, the mutants were divided into three classes on the basis of their ability to synthesize DNA after a shift to nonpermissive temperature. We also report two incidental results: (i) the SPO1 dUMP hydroxymethylase, like the T4 dCMP hydroxymethylase, may be part of a multifunctional complex; and (ii) mutants were isolated that were replication positive but lysis deficient and failed to complement one of the replication-deficient mutants.