Standardization Of Test Protocols Research Articles

The 1 μg Synacthen stimulation test in the diagnosis of secondary adrenal insufficiency in patients with Rathke's cleft cyst and empty sella syndrome.

Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC) and primary empty sella syndrome (PESS) are usually incidental findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. In most cases, these lesions do not cause mass effect symptoms and do not require surgical intervention. In patients with RCC or PESS, it is important to exclude secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI), which may be a life-threatening condition. The incidence of SAI was assessed in patients with RCC or PESS detected by MRI, using the 1 μg Synacthen stimulation test. A total of 38 patients were analysed. Test results were linked to clinical symptoms and the type of cystic lesion. Assuming that cortisol levels < 14.6 μg/dL in Synacthen test are the criterion of SAI diagnosis, SAI was diagnosed only in 2 patients (5%). Adopting the traditional criterion of cortisol levels < 18 μg/dL, SAI would be diagnosed in 7 patients (18.4 %). Dizziness (Chi2 = 3.89; p = 0.049) and apathy (Chi2 = 3.87; p = 0.049) were significantly more frequent in the PESS group than in the RCC group. The incidence of SAI in the general patient population with empty sella syndrome and Rathke's cleft cysts is low. The 1 μg Synacthen test seems to be a valuable tool in the diagnosis of SAI among patients with RCC and PESS. Further studies are necessary to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the 1 μg Synacthen test with the standardization of test protocol and considering the cortisol level at the 20-minute timepoint. PESS patients report dizziness and apathy more frequently than RCC patients, which does not result from the disturbance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, but probably from the different pathogenesis of these cystic lesions.

Testing and Profiling Athletes: Recommendations for Test Selection, Implementation, and Maximizing Information

ABSTRACT Understanding the physical qualities of athletes can lead to improved training prescription, monitoring, and ranking. Consequently, testing and profiling athletes is an important aspect of strength and conditioning. However, results can often be difficult to interpret because of the wide range of available tests and outcome variables, the diverse forms of technology used, and the varying levels of standardization implemented. Furthermore, physical qualities can easily be misrepresented without careful consideration if fundamental scientific principles are not followed. This review discusses how to develop impactful testing batteries so that practitioners can maximize their understanding of athletic development while helping to monitor changes in performance to better individualize and support training. It also provides recommendations on the selection of tests and their outcome measures; considerations for the proper interpretation, setup, and standardization of testing protocols; methods to maximize testing information; and techniques to enhance visualization and interpretation.

Future lines of research on phase angle: Strengths and limitations.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is the most widely used technique in body composition analysis. When we focus the use of phase sensitive BIA on its raw parameters Resistance (R), Reactance (Xc) and Phase Angle (PhA), we eliminate the bias of using predictive equations based on reference models. In particular PhA, have demonstrated their prognostic utility in multiple aspects of health and disease. In recent years, as a strong association between prognostic and diagnostic factors has been observed, scientific interest in the utility of PhA has increased. In the different fields of knowledge in biomedical research, there are different ways of assessing the impact of a scientific-technical aspect such as PhA. Single frequency with phase detection bioimpedance analysis (SF-BIA) using a 50kHz single frequency device and tetrapolar wrist-ankle electrode placement is the most widely used bioimpedance approach for characterization of whole-body composition. However, the incorporation of vector representation of raw bioelectrical parameters and direct mathematical calculations without the need for regression equations for the analysis of body compartments has been one of the most important aspects for the development of research in this area. These results provide new evidence for the validity of phase-sensitive bioelectrical measurements as biomarkers of fluid and nutritional status. To enable the development of clinical research that provides consistent results, it is essential to establish appropriate standardization of PhA measurement techniques. Standardization of test protocols will facilitate the diagnosis and assessment of the risk associated with reduced PhA and the evaluation of changes in response to therapeutic interventions. In this paper, we describe and overview the value of PhA in biomedical research, technical and instrumental aspects of PhA research, analysis of Areas of clinical research (cancer patients, digestive and liver diseases, critical and surgical patients, Respiratory, infectious, and COVID-19, obesity and metabolic diseases, Heart and kidney failure, Malnutrition and sarcopenia), characterisation of the different research outcomes, Morphofunctional assessment in disease-related malnutrition and other metabolic disorders: validation of PhA with reference clinical practice techniques, strengths and limitations. Based on the detailed study of the measurement technique, some of the key issues to be considered in future PhA research. On the other hand, it is important to assess the clinical conditions and the phenotype of the patients, as well as to establish a disease-specific clinical profile. The appropriate selection of the most critical outcomes is another fundamental aspect of research.

Cold Storage Media versus Optisol-GS in the Preservation of Corneal Quality for Keratoplasty: A Systematic Review

Optisol-GS is the most widely used pharmaceutical composition to preserve corneas for transplantation. This systematic review investigated the effects of different cold corneal storage media (CCSM) compared with Optisol-GS on the quality of stored corneas. The literature was searched throughout May 2022 on six databases and grey literature. Studies including corneas (population) exposed to distinct cold storage media (exposure) and Optisol-GS (comparison) that reported qualitative and/or quantitative parameters of cornea quality (outcome) were included. Methodological quality was assessed using ToxRTool. From 4520 identified studies, fourteen were included according to the eligibility criteria, comprising 769 evaluated cornea samples comparing Optisol-GS with commercial and noncommercial media. All studies showed good methodological quality. Experimental times ranged from 1–28 days, mainly using 4 °C as the preservation temperature. Viable endothelial cell density (ECD) and endothelial cell morphology (EC) were the most assessed parameters. ECD results for Cornisol were higher than Optisol-GS in 10 days (p = 0.049) and favored Cornea ColdTM up to 4 weeks (p &lt; 0.05), which also showed better qualitative results. While the standardization of test protocols could improve comparisons, evidence indicates that most CCSM present similar performances on cornea preservation for transplantation at seven days, while some formulations may increase preservation at extended times.

Ecotoxicological effects of anthropogenic stressors in subterranean organisms: A review.

How anthropogenic stressors affect biodiversity is a central question in a changing world. Subterranean ecosystems and their biodiversity are particularly vulnerable to change, yet, these species are frequently neglected in analyses of global biodiversity and assessments of ecological status and risk. Are these hidden species affected by anthropogenic stressors? Do they survive outside of the current thermal limits of their ecosystems? These and other important questions can be addressed with ecotoxicological testing, relating contaminants and temperature resistance of species with measured environmental concentrations and climatic data. Ecotoxicological knowledge specific to subterranean ecosystems is crucial for establishing thresholds for their protection, but such data are both scarce and scattered. Here, we review the existing ecotoxicological studies of these impacts to subterranean-adapted species. An effort that includes 167 measured endpoints and presents a database containing experimentally derived species' tolerance data for 28 contaminants and temperature, for 46 terrestrial and groundwater species, including fungi and animals. The lack of standard data among the studies is currently the major impediment to evaluate how stressors affect subterranean-adapted species and how differently they respond from their relatives at surface. Improving understanding of ecotoxicological effects on subterranean-adapted species will require extensive analysis of physiological responses to a wide range of untested stressors, standardization of testing protocols and evaluation of exposures under realistic scenarios.

On Transferability of Performance Metrics for Redox-Active Molecules

Because of their lower material costs, redox-active organic molecules (ROMs) are increasingly used in flow cells. Quantification of their electrochemical stability is important for choosing between different battery chemistries. Ad hoc performance metrics such as cycle numbers have been used to guide materials discovery, but it is unclear whether such metrics are suitable for the intended use. Here, we suggest a kinetic model allowing a narrower definition of cyclability by interpreting it through intrinsic parameters. Using this model, we examine systematic data on cycling and calendar stabilities for dialkoxyarene ROMs in stationary cells. Even for these closely related ROMs, the cycling numbers strongly depend on minor changes in test protocols and structure, which argue against the universality and transferability of these commonly used metrics. Recommendations regarding the standardization of testing protocols are suggested in light of these findings.

Clinical laboratory diagnostics of immunosuppressants: One laboratory’s journey

Laboratory support for the organ transplant patient is the provision of the best testing technology for a specific and accurate determination of immunosuppressive drug level. This translates to better management with the therapeutic cocktail of immunosuppressive drugs used with a lesser incidence of organ rejection and side effects. Over the years, development of automated immunoassay/chemistry test platforms with standardization of test protocols has demonstrated great improvements. The present clinical laboratory services with tandem mass spectrometry in our hospital present more precise and specific therapeutic drug monitoring so necessary still for the patient. This article follows the evolving testing technologies over the years for immunosuppressive drug monitoring following the organ transplants programme (renal in general) in Singapore General Hospital.

Effects of anaerobic fatigue on postural control in taekwondo practitioners

Biomechanical research in combat sports usually focuses on the improvement of technique effectiveness [1,2,3]. Train ing loads are to produce specific fatigue-induced changes. Fatigue results from performance and is desired in sports training, provided it reaches a specific level. An external mea su rable symptom of fatigue is a reduction of speed, strength and precision of movements. Such a state may also lead to sports injuries. Postural control is of crucial significance in physical activity as it constitutes a basis for development of other motor abilities in upright body stance. The quality of body balance control is determined by the proper function of the vestibular system and involves a vast array of issues related to motor control, spatial orientation and effects of different forces on the human body. Many resear chers agree that physical exercise and sight do affect postural control in upright stance [4,5,6,7]. There has been a number of studies concerned with the impact of anaerobic and aerobic exercise as well as peripheral and central fatigue on body balance control [8,9,10,11,12, 13,14,15,16]. Some researchers claim that exercise has a negative influence on the quality of postural control in upper stance [5,12,17], while others stipulate that the impact of exercise depends on applied training loads [15,18]. This diver gence of researchers’ opinions may certainly be related to the application of different methods in research experiments. It was noted by Paillard T. [14] , who advocates some stan dardization of test protocols examining the impact of exer cises in sport and rehabilitation. He also concludes that the fatigue of leg muscles, proximal muscles and extensors decreases the quality of postural control to a greater degree than the fatigue of arm muscles, distal muscles, and flexors. Different authors also claim that specific forms of movement may improve parameters of postural control, e.g. Tai-chi train ing [19]. It can be assumed that a similar positive impact can

Anorectal functional testing: review of collective experience.

Anorectal manometry includes a number of specific tests that are helpful in the diagnostic assessment of patients with fecal incontinence and constipation; their purpose is to delineate the pathophysiological mechanism for these symptoms. Some of these tests may also provide helpful information in the assessment of patients with rectal pain or diarrhea, but their sensitivity and specificity are less well established for these symptoms. Tests for which there is consensus regarding their clinical utility include 1) resting anal canal pressure, 2) anal canal squeeze pressure (peak pressure and duration), 3) the rectoanal inhibitory reflex elicited by balloon distension of the rectum, 4) anal canal pressure in response to a cough, 5) anal canal pressure in response to defecatory maneuvers, 6) simulated defecation by means of balloon or radiopaque contrast, 7) compliance of the rectum in response to balloon distension, and 8) sensory thresholds in response to balloon distension. Anal endosonography and pelvic floor electromyography from intra-anal plate electrodes are nonmanometric tests that are also specifically useful in the evaluation of constipation and fecal incontinence. The clinical utility of all anorectal manometric tests is limited by the relative absence of 1) standardization of test protocols and 2) normative data from a large number of healthy individuals. The interpretation of these diagnostic tests is also complicated by the fact that patients are able to compensate for deficits in specific physiological mechanisms maintaining continence and defecation by utilizing other biological and behavioral mechanisms.

Análise da pureza genética e discriminação de cultivares de vinca (Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don) usando "random amplified polymorphic DNA" em DNA extraído de sementes e folhas

A técnica "Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA" (RAPD) surgiu como uma ferramenta útil para testar a pureza genética e a discriminação de cultivares em muitas espécies. É uma técnica simples, rápida, relativamente de baixo custo e permite o uso de DNA extraído de sementes secas, o que é muito importante em um programa de análise de sementes. O uso desta tecnologia no teste da pureza genética pode ser muito interessante para algumas espécies, como a vinca (Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don), pois pouco se conhece a respeito da seqüência de seu DNA. É interessante, também, pelo fato de existir grande número de "primers" comercialmente disponíveis, que podem ser prontamente utilizados para gerar dados. Essa técnica pode ser mais facilmente utilizada para gerar padrões de bandas polimórficas suficientes para discriminar genótipos diferentes. Todavia, no presente estudo, os padrões RAPD de bandas obtidas de amostras de DNA extraído de sementes de vinca em "bulk" foram não-consistentes, o mesmo ocorrendo com o uso de DNA extraído de sementes individuais de um mesmo cultivar, o que evidencia que a técnica não é aplicável para testar a pureza genética e a discriminação de cultivares de vinca. Entretanto, os padrões de bandas RAPD gerados a partir de DNA extraído de tecido foliar de plântulas foram mais reproduzíveis e poderiam ser considerados na caracterização de cultivares.

A Critical Examination of Selected Hand-Held Dynamometers to Assess Isometric Muscle Strength

This paper provides a critical review of objective hand-held dynamometers (HHDs) in assessing muscle strength in children and individuals with disabilities. In the past few years, numerous studies have examined the reliability and validity of HHDs as an objective method of measuring muscle strength. However, the standardization of testing protocols, which is paramount for the effective use of HHDs in clinical and educational settings, is lacking. This paper compares two commonly used HHDs, the Nicholas Manual Muscle Tester and Microfet, to provide the practitioner with the most current information.

Health care ergonomics Part 1: The fundamental skill of palpation - A review and critique

Palpation of tissues, organs and body parts at rest or in physiological motion are fundamental skills utilised by clinicians in the clinic and the research laboratory. The accuracu of clinical assessments, task analysis and the fidelity of sophisticated motion analysis systems, are dependent on the accuracy of palpation. This accuracy is usually accepted unchallenged. However, a review of the literature on palpation provides little support for this position. Both within- and between-rater tests of palpation are generally unreliable. Several recommendations are made: (1) standardization of test protocol and training; (2) systematic investigation of factors that affect palpation accuracy; (3) the establishment of test-retest reliability prior to studies using palpation; and (4) determination of the measurement error of key landmarks used in clinical practice.

Estimating ecotoxicological risk and impact using indigenous aquatic microbial communities

Emphasis has increased on accuracy in predicting the effect that anthropogenic stress has on natural ecosystems. Although toxicity tests low in environmental realism, such as standardized single species procedures, have been useful in providing a certain degree of protection to human health and the environment, the accuracy of such tests for predicting the effects of anthropogenic activities on complex ecosystems is questionable. The use of indigenous communities of microorganisms to assess the hazard of toxicants in aquatic ecosystems has many advantages. Theoretical and practical aspects of microbial community tests are discussed, particularly in related to widely cited problems in the use of multispecies test systems for predicting hazard. Further standardization of testing protocols using microbial colonization dynamics is advocated on the basis of previous studies, which have shown these parameters to be useful in assessing risk and impact of hazardous substances in aquatic ecosystems.

Carcinogenicity tests with small fish species

Development of carcinogenesis bioassays that utilize small fish species is important principally for investigating the causes of neoplasms in wild fishes and for providing alternative or supplementary models to rodent carcinogenicity tests. Availability, economy, latency of tumorigenic response, and ease of maintenance and exposure are commonly cited advantages of small fish species in carcinogenesis bioassays. Carcinogen metabolism and mechanisms of carcinogenesis in several small fish species appear similar to those processes in the more thoroughly studied large fish species as well as in rodents. Recent studies suggest that small fish species are appropriate test models for waterborne carcinogens having a variety of mechanisms. Several small fish species readily develop hepatic and non-hepatic neoplasms following brief static exposures to direct-acting genotoxic compounds such as methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM-Ac) and N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). Tumorigenic responses appear to be related to species and to various exposure factors. Indirect-acting genotoxic carcinogens such as nitrosamines and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons have not been thoroughly tested in small fish species but appear to require longer exposures than direct-acting ones to induce hepatic neoplasms. An especially important potential use of small fish carcinogenesis bioassays is in testing carcinogens that might have epigenetic mechanisms, especially complex mixtures that might affect man or the environment but are difficult to test in rodent models. Preliminary studies indicate that prolonged exposures of up to 6 months to a mixture of halogenated organic compounds result in hepatic neoplasms in two small fish species. To improve their usefulness and exploit small fish carcinogenesis models better, gaps in several areas need to be filled. These include (1) a better understanding of biological and nutritional requirements of test species as related to carcinogenesis, (2) a broader database on neoplastic responses of various species to various chemicals, and (3) development of special exposure methods and standardization of test protocols.