Specific Platform Research Articles

Abstract 4244: Clinical response assessment of immune checkpoint inhibitors in mismatch repair-deficient endometrial cancer using a T cell organoid coculture system

Abstract Endometrial cancers with the mismatch repair deficiency (MMR-D) phenotype exhibit characteristics such as an increased burden of tumor mutations and the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) involved in tumor invasion. While monotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has shown clinical improvement in MMR-D endometrial cancer (EC), observed response rates ranging from 30% to 50% suggest the existence of inherent resistance mechanisms. One notable feature of MMR-D tumors is the high proportion of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) encompassing various lymphocytes with diverse effects on immune interactions. Therefore, we aim to assess the feasibility of a self T-cell-tumor organoid co-culture platform for individual MMR-D endometrial cancer patients. We provide evidence that co-culturing self-tumor organoids with peripheral blood lymphocytes can be utilized to evaluate ICI responsiveness in MMR-D endometrial cancer patients. The application of a specific T-cell organoid co-culture platform to a cohort of patient resistant to monotherapy ICIs offers a means to anticipate the timing for minimal immunotherapeutic intervention and the appropriate timing for combination therapy. Citation Format: Ju Hee Oh, Eun Hye Choi, Ji Eun Lee, Eun Ji Nam. Clinical response assessment of immune checkpoint inhibitors in mismatch repair-deficient endometrial cancer using a T cell organoid coculture system [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4244.

Effects of adaptive or fixed thresholds and different platforms on the assessment of plaque characteristics using coronary computed tomography angiography

BackgroundCoronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is used to evaluate components of atherosclerosis. Either adaptive or diverse, fixed Hounsfield Units (HU) are used to define components such as low attenuation (LAP), mixed (MP) and calcified plaque (CP). Comparisons of different platforms and different thresholding approaches have not been extensively evaluated. We compare two fixed threshold options to an adaptive threshold option within a specific platform and to fixed threshold options measured with another platform. MethodsCoronary segments (n ​= ​24) of good image quality, with well-defined boundaries and representing a broad range of atheroma were analyzed for LAP, MP and CP. Thresholds for LAP vs MP and MP vs CP were either Fixed30/350, Fixed75/350 or based on an automatically determined Adaptive option. Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman analyses were undertaken. ResultsWithin a single platform, measures were highly correlated irrespective of use of Adaptive or Fixed30/350 and Fixed75/350 thresholds (R ​≥ ​0.819, p ​< ​0.000001). The correlation slope for measures of LAP progressively diminished comparing the Adaptive versus Fixed30/350 and the Fixed75/350 versus the Fixed30/350 approaches but bias was small. Between-platform comparisons yielded less optimal results, particularly with respect to measures of LAP and with one platform yielding both very small LAP volumes and very small ranges of volumes. ConclusionMeasures of plaque components are highly correlated irrespective of use of Adaptive or Fixed threshold approaches within a given platform. But measures are more affected by the specific proprietary algorithms employed than by specific thresholding options, especially for LAP.

Differences in social media use by COVID-19 vaccination status

The near-ubiquitous use of social media in the United States (U.S.) highlights the utility of social media for encouraging vaccination. Vaccination campaigns have used social media to reach audiences, yet research linking the use of specific social media platforms and vaccination uptake is nascent. This descriptive study assesses differences in social media use by COVID-19 vaccination status among adults overall and those who reported baseline vaccine hesitancy. We used data from a nationally representative longitudinal survey of U.S. adults administered between January 2021–August 2022 (n = 2,908). Results indicated a positive association between frequent Instagram and/or Twitter use and vaccination status (p <.05). Among baseline vaccine hesitant adults, results indicated a positive association between frequent TikTok, Instagram, and/or Twitter use and vaccination status (p <.05). Findings have implications for research that examines the content of social media platforms and their environment on vaccine attitudes and uptake.

Implementation of FFT-Based Convolutional Neural Networks on Medical Imagery for Studying Performance Boost

This study focuses on the implementation of CNNs based on the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) in medical images to study the performance boost compared to traditional neural networks. Using a Kaggle dataset of brain tumour imagery, we examine the effectiveness of FFT-based CNNs for the detection and classification of brain tumours. By leveraging the advantages of FFT, we aim to improve the efficiency and accuracy of CNNs in analyzing medical images. Our results demonstrate that FFT-based CNNs outperform traditional CNNs in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency. This performance boost is attributed to the inherent properties of FFT, which enable faster convolution operations and reduced complexity. In order to ensure a fair comparison between traditional CNNs and Fourier Transform-based convolutions, the forward pass for both methods was implemented from scratch using NumPy and SciPy libraries. By doing so, any optimization benefits gained by either technique through specific libraries or computation platforms are eliminated. This approach allows for a more accurate evaluation of the relative performance of each method in terms of inference time and accuracy, while also providing insights into potential areas for improvement and optimization.

Maximizing Supply Chain Resilience: Viability of a Distributed Manufacturing Network Platform Using the Open Knowledge Resilience Framework

This paper introduces the Open Knowledge Resilience Framework (OKRF), a set of seven cooperative data standards, and demonstrates its alignment with the Supply Chain Interoperability Specification (SCIS) Platform. Building upon the Internet of Production Alliance (IoPA) work, this article explores how integrating OKRF and SCIS can enhance production flexibility and efficiency through substitutability and resource repurposing strategies. The OKRF-SCIS integration exhibits the potential to enhance Supply Chain Resilience (SCR) by empowering organizations to adapt to fluctuating demand and availability through adaptability strategies such as supplier/product substitution and resource repurposing. While this study primarily focuses on the conceptual design of OKRF and SCIS, further empirical research is needed to validate its effectiveness. Additionally, investigating the framework’s applicability across various industries and contexts would provide valuable insights. The integration of OKRF and SCIS can enable organizations to optimize supply chain operations, enhancing resilience and facilitating adaptation to changing demands through seamless substitutability and resource repurposing. This integration can also reduce transportation costs and increase responsiveness to local demand. Furthermore, it can enhance SCR and promote sustainable, resilient supply chain ecosystems by improving data transparency and resource utilization efficiency. This paper illustrates the potential of OKRF and SCIS in healthcare supply chains.

Robotic Total Knee Arthroplasty Surgeon Marketing: Do Claims Align With the Literature?

BackgroundRobotic total knee arthroplasty (R-TKA) utilization and marketing continue to rise. We examined the marketing on surgeon websites regarding R-TKA benefits and sought to determine if the claims were supported by existing literature. MethodsA Google search identified 10 physician websites from each of the 5 largest U.S. markets by population with the term “robotic total knee arthroplasty city, state.” Claims on websites about R-TKA were categorized. Literature from 2012-2022 was reviewed for data “for” or “against” each claim. Level of evidence for each publication was collected. ResultsFifty websites were captured that included 59 surgeons. A specific R-TKA platform was mentioned on 68% of websites. Website claims about robotics were placed into 8 major categories. Literature review supported the claims of more precise/accurate, reduced injury to tissue, and less pain with more literature “for” than “against” the claims. ConclusionsClaims made on physician websites regarding the benefits of R-TKA are variable and not definitively supported by existing literature. Most available data can be categorized into levels of evidence III, IV, and V. There is a paucity of level I evidence to support the various marketing statements. Physicians should be cognizant of both the claims made on their websites and the literature that could be used to support or refute those specific claims.

AraDQ: an automated digital phenotyping software for quantifying disease symptoms of flood-inoculated Arabidopsis seedlings

BackgroundPlant scientists have largely relied on pathogen growth assays and/or transcript analysis of stress-responsive genes for quantification of disease severity and susceptibility. These methods are destructive to plants, labor-intensive, and time-consuming, thereby limiting their application in real-time, large-scale studies. Image-based plant phenotyping is an alternative approach that enables automated measurement of various symptoms. However, most of the currently available plant image analysis tools require specific hardware platform and vendor specific software packages, and thus, are not suited for researchers who are not primarily focused on plant phenotyping. In this study, we aimed to develop a digital phenotyping tool to enhance the speed, accuracy, and reliability of disease quantification in Arabidopsis.ResultsHere, we present the Arabidopsis Disease Quantification (AraDQ) image analysis tool for examination of flood-inoculated Arabidopsis seedlings grown on plates containing plant growth media. It is a cross-platform application program with a user-friendly graphical interface that contains highly accurate deep neural networks for object detection and segmentation. The only prerequisite is that the input image should contain a fixed-sized 24-color balance card placed next to the objects of interest on a white background to ensure reliable and reproducible results, regardless of the image acquisition method. The image processing pipeline automatically calculates 10 different colors and morphological parameters for individual seedlings in the given image, and disease-associated phenotypic changes can be easily assessed by comparing plant images captured before and after infection. We conducted two case studies involving bacterial and plant mutants with reduced virulence and disease resistance capabilities, respectively, and thereby demonstrated that AraDQ can capture subtle changes in plant color and morphology with a high level of sensitivity.ConclusionsAraDQ offers a simple, fast, and accurate approach for image-based quantification of plant disease symptoms using various parameters. Its fully automated pipeline neither requires prior image processing nor costly hardware setups, allowing easy implementation of the software by researchers interested in digital phenotyping of diseased plants.

Assessing the Rise of Dedicated Digital Engagement Platforms for Local Planning

Digitally mediated participation in planning processes has grown significantly. In an emergent digital turn for participatory planning scholarship, there is a growing body of research attempting to trace this growth and grapple with its implications. This paper explores how planning scholars and practitioners can deepen their critical stance toward digital modes of participatory planning. In Canada, this approach becomes especially important given the recent and widespread adoption of a specific digital platform type used to support participatory decision-making at the municipal level. Across the country, many towns and cities have embraced what I call Dedicated Digital Engagement Platforms (DDEPs). Despite their growing influence, these platforms for community involvement have not been previously quantified at a nation-wide level, nor thoroughly examined in planning scholarship. New evidence presented here defines DDEPs and documents the extent of their use by local and regional municipalities across Canada. In light of the growing prominence of these platforms, this article then provides the foundation for a more critical digital participation research agenda that draws on important debates in wider planning theory regarding democratic decision-making, the commercialization of deliberative democracy, and the platformization of public participation.

Impact of Social Media Marketing on Brand Equity in the United States

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of social media marketing on brand equity in the United States. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Research on the impact of social media marketing on brand equity in the United States suggests a significant positive relationship between the two variables. Studies indicate that effective utilization of social media platforms by brands enhances brand awareness, brand image, brand loyalty, and overall brand equity. Engaging content, interactive communication with consumers, and consistent brand messaging are identified as key factors contributing to this positive impact. Additionally, the ability of social media to facilitate direct interaction between brands and consumers fosters trust and emotional connections, leading to stronger brand equity. However, the effectiveness of social media marketing strategies varies depending on factors such as industry, target audience, and the specific platforms used, highlighting the importance of tailored approaches for optimal results. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social Identity Theory, Uses and Gratifications Theory and Cognitive Dissonance Theory may be use to anchor future studies on assessing the impact of social media marketing on brand equity in the United States. Encourage businesses to adopt a holistic approach to social media marketing that aligns with their overall brand strategy and objectives. Advocate for industry-wide standards and guidelines to promote ethical and responsible use of social media marketing techniques.

Sustainability Neighborhood

This project explores the opportunities for not only for individuals aiming to increase sustainability in their lifestyles, but, for other landlords and universities nationally to incorporate the grassroots innovation of Sustainable Neighbourhood/s to their practices. Connecting innovation and community action enables a new lens on individual and community-level sustainability efforts, further highlighting the importance of community action which is often as an overlooked source of innovation (Seyfang &amp; Smith, 2007). Otago University’s Sustainability Neighbourhoods fosters a sense of environmental responsibility, community engagement, and lifelong learning, contributing to a more resilient and eco-conscious future for both the residents and the broader community. The practical aspect of this project has been conducted through providing an interactive and locally specific online platform with resources, information, and tools to enhance for both residents and other students understanding and commitment to sustainable living. By enabling open online platform to the University of Otago’s Sustainability Neighbourhoods, this concurrently acts as a manual for other universities and landlords seeking to establish similar Sustainability initiatives, communities and/or neighbourhoods.&#x0D; Supervised by: Ray O’Brien &amp; Jesikah Triscott

A Rapid Control Prototyping and Hardware-in-the Loop Approach for Upper Limb Robotic Exoskeletons Control

In the last decade, robotic-mediated rehabilitation has emerged as a potential solution to improve repetitive task training. Each device in this field has a unique development history shaped by engineers’ expertise in specific programming languages or platforms. In this work we adopt an approach that tries to abstract from the final implementation with the aim to make control logic more shareable and understandable. The authors will present the outcomes of the application of a Rapid Control Prototyping strategy to an upper-limb robotic exoskeleton. A model-based design approach implemented on a real-time target machine is presented. This modern design approach was explored with several control strategies and was used to test the exoskeleton’s performances. The proposed method highlights how it is possible to develop the entire control architecture in a single programming environment.

Further evidence of the association between social media use, eating disorder pathology and appearance ideals and pressure: a cross-sectional study in Norwegian adolescents

BackgroundFew studies have investigated how the plethora of contemporary social media (SM) platforms relate to, and influence eating disorder (ED) pathology, appearance ideals and pressure to conform to these ideals in youth.MethodsIn this study, 1558 girls (53%) and boys (47%), predominantly within the 16–19 age range, completed an online questionnaire assessing SM use and perceived influence on appearance, ED pathology, internalization of appearance ideals and perceived appearance pressure.ResultsResults showed that ED pathology was common, particularly in girls, and that internalization of body ideals was gender specific, a thin ideal being more prevalent in girls, and a muscular ideal being more common in boys. Results also showed a strong association between ED pathology and perceived pressure to conform to these appearance ideals. One fourth of the participants reported spending four hours or more on SM daily, and 80% of girls reported that SM, particularly Instagram and TikTok, had a negative influence on how they felt about their appearance. These girls had significantly higher levels of ED pathology and reported higher levels of appearance pressure from the media.ConclusionA clear pattern of associations between photo- and video specific SM platforms, ED pathology, internalization of body ideals and perceived pressure was found in this study. Adolescent girls appeared to be particularly at risk. The results illustrate an imperative need to keep addressing the potential risks of SM use in adolescents, and to continue monitoring the effect of SM on young people’s view of themselves, their appearance, and their eating habits. Future studies should attempt to identify aspects of SM use that may be particularly detrimental for girls and boys in their formative years, but also those that may enhance adolescents’ satisfaction and appreciation of their body and appearance.Trial registration: The study is registered in the Open Science Framework (Identifier: 10.17605/OSF.IO/5RB6P https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/5RB6P).

Development and evaluation of a time-resolved fluorescence labelled immunochromatographic strip assay for rapid and quantitative detection of bovine herpesvirus 1.

Bovine herpes virus 1 (BoHV-1) causes a wide variety of diseases in wild and domestic cattle. The most widely used method for viral identification is real-time PCR, which can only be performed in laboratories using sophisticated instruments by expert personnel. Herein, we developed an ultrasensitive time-resolved fluorescence lateral flow immunochromatographic strip (ICS) assay for detecting BoHV-1 in bovine samples using a monoclonal antibody against BoHV-1 labelled with fluorescent microspheres, which can be applied in any setting. The intact process from sample collection to final result can be achieved in 15 min. The limit of detection of the assay for BoHV-1 was 102 TCID50/100 μL. The coincidence rate of the ICS method and real-time PCR recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) was 100% for negative, 92.30% for positive, and 95.42% for total, as evaluated by the detection of 131 clinical samples. This detection method was specifically targeted to BoHV-1, not exhibiting cross-reactivity with other bovine pathogens including BoHV-5. We developed an ICS assay equipped with a portable instrument that offers a sensitive and specific platform for the rapid and reliable detection of BoHV-1 in the field. The Point-of-Care test of BoHV-1 is suitable for the screening and surveillance of BoHV-1 in dairy herds.

An automated process for bulk downloading optical coherence tomography scans

ObjectiveTo develop an automated method for efficiently downloading a large number of optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans obtained using the Heidelberg Spectralis (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) platform.MethodsThe electronic medical records and OCT scans were extracted for all patients with age-related macular degeneration treated at the Hadassah University Hospital Retina Clinic between 2010 and 2021. A macro was created using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) and Microsoft Excel to automate the export process and anonymize the OCT scans in accordance with hospital policy. OCT scans were extracted as proprietary Heidelberg E2E files.ResultsThe VBA macro was used to export a total of 94,789 E2E files from 2807 patient records, with an average processing time of 4.32 min per volume scan (SD: 3.57 min). The entire export process took a total of approximately 202 h to complete over a period of 24 days. In a smaller sample, using the macro to download the scans was significantly faster than manually downloading the scans, averaging 3.88 vs. 11.08 min/file, respectively (t = 8.59, p < 0.001). Finally, we found that exporting the files during both off-clinic and working hours resulted in significantly faster processing times compared to exporting the files solely during working hours (t = 5.77, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the feasibility of using VBA and Excel to automate the process for bulk downloading data from a specific medical imaging platform. The specific steps and techniques will likely vary depending on the software used and hospital constraints and should be determined for each application.

Measurement-Free Fault-Tolerant Quantum Error Correction in Near-Term Devices

Logical qubits can be protected from decoherence by performing quantum error-correction (QEC) cycles repeatedly. Algorithms for fault-tolerant QEC must be compiled to the specific hardware platform under consideration in order to practically realize a quantum memory that operates for in principle arbitrary long times. All circuit components must be assumed as noisy unless specific assumptions about the form of the noise are made. Modern QEC schemes are challenging to implement experimentally in physical architectures where in-sequence measurements and feed forward of classical information cannot be reliably executed fast enough or even at all. Here we provide a novel scheme to perform QEC cycles without the need of measuring qubits that is fully fault-tolerant with respect to all components used in the circuit. Our scheme can be used for any low-distance CSS code since its only requirement towards the underlying code is a transversal gate. Similarly to Steane-type EC, we coherently copy errors to a logical auxiliary qubit but then apply a coherent feedback operation from the auxiliary system to the logical data qubit. The logical auxiliary qubit is prepared fault tolerantly without measurements, too. We benchmark logical failure rates of the scheme in comparison to a flag-qubit-based EC cycle. We map out a parameter region where our scheme is feasible and estimate physical error rates necessary to achieve the break-even point of beneficial QEC with our scheme. We outline how our scheme could be implemented in ion traps and with neutral atoms in a tweezer array. For recently demonstrated capabilities of atom shuttling and native multiatom Rydberg gates, we achieve moderate circuit depths and beneficial performance of our scheme while not breaking fault tolerance. These results thereby enable practical fault-tolerant QEC in hardware architectures that do not support midcircuit measurements. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Réforme de l’accès dérogatoire : impact sur la gestion dans une PUI et identification des risques

The reform of derogatory access authorisations (DAs) on 1st July 2021 has distorted the routine of the hospital pharmacists dealing with innovative medicines that are waiting for marketing authorization or approval. There are two distinct categories of DAs: Compassionate Access Authorisations (CAAs) are granted by the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines (ANSM) while Early Access Authorisations (EAPs) are granted at the request of pharmaceutical companies by the French National Authority for Health (HAS). All AAPs and a majority of the AACs are supported by a Protocol for Therapeutic Use and Data Collection (PTU-DC).The aim of this study is to assess the impact of the reform on pharmacy process one year following its implementation, and to identify the risks related to the new circuits.The working group, composed of three pharmacists carried out an initial assessment of the effects first measured the impact of the reform on medicine processes in DAs. They performed a comparison of the changes in their management methods: 3 months prior to the reform (M0), and 3 months (M3) and 12 months (M12) post-reform.Risks analysis was conducted using the FMEA (Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis) method. The analysis was limited to the process steps specific related to DAs drugs were analyzed. The critical severity of the risk situations identified was rated. A critical hierarchy matrix was used to establish priority actions. The priority actions to be taken were determined using the critical hierarchy matrix.Over the span of one year, the number of DAs in our establishment showed a 31.7% increase, from 41 at M0 to 54 at M12. At M0, the proportion of drugs needed inclusion via a drug- specific digital platform, specific to each drug, stood at 27% (11/41) of drugs at M0 while at M12, it rose to 52% (28/54).The percentage of PTU-DCs therefore increased by a factor of 1.7, rising from 29% (12/41) at M0 to 47% (21/45) at M3 and 60% (32/54) at M12. For orders, which are always nominative, approval depends on both the presence of the PTU-DC tracking sheet being present in 12% of PAAs, and the inclusion number in 26% of PAAs.The risk analysis shows 44 failure modes and 28 risk situations. Among the failure modes, 33 have a consequence of acceptable or tolerable criticality under control, whilst 11 are deemed of unacceptable criticality. A suitable control method exists has been identifies for 3 of them. Finally, the ranking evaluation of criticalities has highlighted 4 situations which require immediate action as a priority: delivery times, obtaining completed tracking sheets and ordering procedures.The aim of the DAs reform is to simplify access to innovative medicines. However, the reform has significant and damaging repercussions on pharmaceutical activities. Corrective measures need to be taken in conjunction with all parties involved in the circuits including laboratories and service providers (CROs), authorities and healthcare professionals.

A study on the factors impacting the customers’ preferences towards digital media platforms in Chennai

Presently, there is a growing population of Indian users who are increasingly drawn to digital media platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hotstar. The transition from television to these platforms commenced with the surge in smartphone usage in recent years, along with the availability of a wide array of content ranging from Western shows and Hollywood movies to local languages, all conveniently accessible in a single location. Following the lifting of the lockdown, there has been a significant surge in the number of these users. Regardless of age, individuals have shown a strong inclination towards new shows and a willingness to engage in prolonged viewing sessions from the convenience of their residences. This study report examines the factors that have contributed to the preference of Chennai users for the popular platforms Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hotstar. The analysis additionally emphasizes the factors contributing to a substantial decline in cable and satellite television subscribers. The study aims to comprehend the factors that attract users to these platforms and provide further insight into their advantages and disadvantages. This study will provide solid data on the percentage of the population, categorized by age groups, that are more prone to watch specific OTT platforms. Consider, for instance, the vast majority of the Indian populace, particularly the elderly, who have a keen interest in viewing Amazon Prime videos due to the presence of religious content. The study has emphasized the significant impact of the COVID lockout and the subsequent rise in platform utilization. Additionally, it has identified emerging tendencies among users.

A MOBILE-BASED APPLICATION FOR COVID-19 DIAGNOSIS AND RECOMMENDATION

n 2019, a new coronavirus outbreak emerged, identified in December 2019. The disease exhibits an average incubation period of 5.2 days, with flu-like symptoms, accompanied by cough and fever. COVID-19 affects various organs and tissues in the human body. While expert systems exist for disease diagnosis, they require experts to operate due to their specific platforms. This paper proposes thedevelopment of an efficient, rapid, and precise COVID-19 diagnostic system using mobile phone technology, leveraging the widespread availability of mobile devices. Unlike existing applications, this system's focus is to offer a diagnostic tool accessible to any individual without requiring expert intervention. The framework was implemented using Android Studio and the Dart platform. The resulting mobile application demonstrated user-friendliness and ease of use, ensuring a seamless and intuitive experience for The COVID-19 APP has the potential to reduce disease transmission and enable early treatment initiation, thus mitigating the risk of severe illness. This proactive approach contributes to better overall health outcomes, enhancing individuals' quality of life The mobile phone-based diagnostic system offers an accessible and reliable means for diagnosing COVID-19 without expert involvement. By leveraging mobile technology, this solution can positively impact disease management and foster a healthier population

Renová tu Vestidor: Second-hand online clothing retail as an extension of domestic labour and as resistance practices in Argentina between 2016 and 2018

The aim of this article is to look into some fashion consumption practices that manifest resistance at the micro social level and which occur through one specific virtual platform from Argentina, Renová Tu Vestidor (renovatuvestidor.com). The resistance mentioned here seeks to overcome market prices during the period concerning 2016 and 2018, as well as to find brand items and other affordable stylish garments and simultaneously generate extra income. Therefore, resistant practices through online shopping are linked to the need of managing the household economy in a time of national (and global) crisis, without neglecting the pleasure that fashion consumption provides (visiting virtual stores and shopping online), as well as avoiding the loss of class status and, last but not least, evincing an unconscious extension of domestic labour. This article will specifically address the relationships some women maintain between fashion consumption as resistant practices in virtual platforms that trade with second-hand clothes, and formal occupations, leisure, pleasure and an extension of domestic labour.

A colorimetric immunoassay for the detection of human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) based on anti-VEGF-iron oxide nanoparticle conjugation

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an indispensable element in many physiological processes, while alterations in its level in the circulating system are signs of pathology-associated diseases. Therefore, its precise and selective detection is critical for clinical applications to monitor the progression of the pathology. In this study, an optical immunoassay biosensor was developed as a model study for detecting recombinant VEGF165. The VEGF165 sample was purified from recombinant Kluyveromyces lactis GG799 yeast cells. Indirect ELISA was used during the detection, wherein iron oxide nanoparticles (FeNPs) were utilized to obtain optical signals. The FeNPs were synthesized in the presence of lactose p-amino benzoic acid (LpAB). VEGF165 antibody was conjugated to the LpAB-FeNPs through EDC/NHS chemistry to convert the iron oxide nanoparticles into VEGF165 specific probes. The specificity of the prepared system was tested in the presence of potential serum-based interferents (i.e., glucose, urea, insulin, C-reactive protein, and serum amyloid A), and validation studies were performed in a simulated serum sample. The proposed immunoassay showed a wide detection range (0.5 to 100 ng/mL) with a detection limit of 0.29 ng/mL. These results show that the developed assay could offer a sensitive, simple, specific, reliable, and high-throughput detection platform that can be used in the clinical diagnostics of VEGF.Graphical