Standard Methods Research Articles

СОРТ ВИНОГРАДА ПИНО НУАР В УСЛОВИЯХ НИЖНЕГО ПРИДОНЬЯ

The purpose of research is to analyze data obtained over two periods of studying the Pinot noir grape variety under the changing climate of Novocherkassk, Rostov Region. Research was carried out at the Don ampelographic collection named after Ya.I. Potapenko according to generally accepted methods in viticulture and GOST standards. Data were analyzed for two five-year observation periods: the first – 1981–1985 and the second – 2016–2020. The interval between periods was 30 years. The periods differed in the method of cultivation and planting pattern. In the first period, the variety was studied in its own root culture with a planting scheme of 2 × 1.5 m, in the second period the bush culture was grafted on the rootstock Berlandieri × Riparia Kober 5BB with a planting scheme of 3 × 1.5 m. During both periods, the variety was studied in a covered culture. Data on agrobiological indicators, productivity, crop condition, and tasting assessment of the wine are presented. The preservation of buds in the covering bank by period was 62.3 and 78.6 %, respectively. The excess of the Pinot noir variety in the second period in terms of average bunch weight was 55 g. The productivity of the shoot was 2.9 times, and the yield was 1.9 times higher than in the first period. The average sugar content in the 1st and 2nd periods was at the level of 21.7–23 g/100 cm3 with a titratable acidity of 8.1–7.8 g/dm3. A comparative analysis of the climatic conditions of the periods showed that in the summer months of the second period there were changes towards an increase in temperature and a decrease in the amount of precipitation. Climate change did not have a negative impact on economic and biological traits. The variety has increased: the percentage of blossom¬ming buds, fruitful shoots, average bunch weight, yield, sugar content in berry juice. The potential for producing wine with good organoleptic properties remains.

Assessment of the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS™) with modification of the management recommendations for pediatric thyroid nodules.

Thyroid nodules are unusual in children, but when present, they carry a higher risk for malignancy, as compared to adults. Several guidelines have been created to address the risk stratification for malignancy of thyroid nodules in adults, but none has been completely validated in children. A few authors have proposed lowering the size threshold to the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS™) management guidelines to decrease missed carcinomas at presentation in children; however, little information is known regarding their accuracy. To assess the performance of proposed modifications of the ACR TI-RADS™ size criteria to guide management decisions in pediatric thyroid nodules and to assess the associated increase in number of fine needle aspiration (FNA) and follow-up exams. This is a retrospective study of children under 18years old who underwent ultrasound assessment of a thyroid nodule at a tertiary care pediatric institution between January 2006 and August 2021. The largest dimension, maximum ACR TI-RADS™ score, and final thyroid nodules' diagnoses were documented. The course of action based on the adult ACR TI-RADS™ and after modifying the size threshold for management recommendations was documented and compared. Statistics included descriptive analysis, weighted Kappa statistics, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive/negative predictive values of the ACR TI-RADS™ presented with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using either Clopper-Pearson or standard logit methods. Of 116 nodules, 18 (15.5%) were malignant. Most malignant nodules (94.4%, n = 17) were ACRTI-RADS™ 4 and ACRTI-RADS™ 5 categories. Based on the adult ACR TI-RADS™ criteria, 24 (24.5%) benign and 15 (83.3%) malignant nodules would have undergone FNA; 14 (14.3%) benign and 3 (16.7%) malignant nodules would have been followed up; and 60 (61.2%) benign and none of malignant nodules would have been dismissed. Three (16.7%) malignant nodules would not have been recommended FNA at presentation, delaying their diagnoses. By lowering the size-threshold criteria of the ACR TI-RADS™ guidelines, no malignancy would have been missed at presentation, but this also resulted in a higher number of FNA from 24 (24.5%) to 36 (36.7%) and follow-up ultrasound exams from 14 (14.3%) to 62 (63.3%). Applying potential modifications to the ACR TI-RADS™ guideline lowering the size threshold criteria of the thyroid nodule to guide management decisions for pediatric thyroid nodules can lead to early detection of malignant nodules in children, but at the cost of a significantly increased number of biopsies or ultrasound exams. Further tailoring of the guideline with larger multicentric studies is needed, before warranting its acceptance and general use in the pediatric population.

An experimental study on the thermal efficacy, combustion and exhaust characteristics of a CRDI CI engine fueled with a novel pedicel biodiesel

<p>In contemporary industrialization, the prevalent occurrence of energy crises and emissions poses significant challenges, necessitating the exploration of alternative fuel sources and the implementation of measures to minimize hazardous emissions. These efforts are crucial for attaining the sustainable development goals set forth by the United Nations. The current study is to empirically examine the effects of a newly developed biofuel on the operational characteristics of a CRDI engine this investigation will involve the utilization of different mixtures of pedicel oil at various brake mean effective pressures. The generation of oil from bio-waste collected from industry in Guntur Mirchi-yard, pedicel of dried hot paprika or chili using Soxhlet extraction method. After the synthesis, the characterization of Pedicel bio-oil (PBO) is done using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) and results are estimated using standard ASTM methods. After characterization, bio-oil is converted to pedicel bio-diesel (PBD) using a transesterification process. When the engine was operated using a combination of 80% diesel and 20% pedicel oil (referred to as the D80B20 blend), it resulted in a notable improvement in brake thermal efficiency by 1.6%. Additionally, this blend led to a reduction in emissions of oxides of nitrogen by 6.7%. However, it is worth noting that smoke levels marginally increased under full-load conditions with a 500 bar fuel injection pressure (FIP). The D80B20 fuel mixture exhibited a 7% reduction in hydrocarbon emissions compared to pure diesel fuel when the engine was operating at maximum load with an ignition timing of 23 ̊ before the top dead center. This numerical analysis clearly shows that D80B20 at IT 23 ̊ bTDC and FIP 500 bar give better results. Although it doesn't need any engine adaptations, the biodiesel made from leftover chili pedicel is a viable diesel replacement fuel.</p>

Nitrofurantoin susceptibility profile versus other antibiotics tested in uropathogens- a retrospective study from India

Introduction. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections encountered by clinicians worldwide. The emergence of multidrug-resistant uropathogens necessitates a review of their susceptibility profiles. This study aims to assess the susceptibility trends of uropathogens to a panel of drugs, with special emphasis on Nitrofurantoin (NFT). Methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 2,099 mid-stream clean catch urine samples processed by standard microbiological methods. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines (2019) were followed. Statistical analysis was performed. Results. Out of all samples, 212 were culture positive. Escherichia coli (34.9%) and Enterococcus spp. (15.1%) were the most common Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms, respectively. Gram-negative isolates were most susceptible to Colistin (97.38%), followed by NFT (69.35%). Gram-positive uropathogens were most sensitive to Linezolid (100%), followed by Vancomycin and NFT, each with 92.45% susceptibility. Conclusion. The increase in antibiotic resistance among various uropathogens underscores the need for surveillance data to inform the appropriate selection of antibiotics. Our study highlights that, among the panel of antibiotics tested, NFT appears to be a viable alternative for treating multidrug-resistant uropathogens.

Occurrence of multi-carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales in a tertiary hospital in Madrid (Spain): a new epidemiologic scenario

Introduction: Multi-carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (M-CPE) are increasingly described. We characterized the M-CPE isolates prospectively recovered in our hospital (Madrid, Spain) over two years (2021-2022). Methods: We collected 796 carbapenem resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) from clinical and surveillance samples. Carbapenemase production was confirmed with phenotypic (immunochromatographic, disk diffusion) and molecular (PCR, WGS) techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated by a standard broth microdilution method. Clinical and demographic data were collected. Results: Overall, 23 M-CPE (10 Klebsiella pneumoniae, 6 Citrobacter freundii complex, 3 Escherichia coli, 2 Klebsiella oxytoca, and 2 Enterobacter hormaechei) isolates were recovered from 17 patients (3% with CPE, 0.27 cases per 1000 admissions). OXA-48+KPC-3 (7/23) and KPC-3+VIM-1 (5/23) were the most frequent carbapenemase combinations. All patients had prior antibiotics exposure, including carbapenems (8/17). High resistance rates to ceftazidime/avibactam (14/23), imipenem/relebactam (16/23) and meropenem/vaborbactam (7/23) were found. Ceftazidime/avibactam+aztreonam combination was synergistic in all metallo-β-lactamase producers. Clonal and non-clonal related isolates were found, particularly in K. pneumoniae (5 ST29, 3 ST147, 3 ST307) and C. freundii (3 ST8, 2 ST125, 1 ST563). NDM-1+OXA-48 was introduced with the ST147-K. pneumoniae high-risk clone linked to the transfer of an Ukrainian patient. We identified four possible nosocomial clonal transmission events between patients of the same clone with the same combination of carbapenemases (KPC-3+VIM-1-ST29-K. pneumoniae, NDM-1+OXA-48-ST147-K. pneumoniae and KPC-2+VIM-1-ST145-K. oxytoca). Carbapenemase-encoding genes were located on different plasmids, except for VIM-1+KPC-2-ST145-K. oxytoca. Cross-species transmission and a possible acquisition overtime was found, particularly between K. pneumoniae and E. coli producing OXA-48+KPC-3. Conclusion: M-CPE is an emerging threat in our hospital. Co-production of different carbapenemases, including metallo-β-lactamases, limits therapeutic options and depicts the need to reinforce infection control measures.

Assessment of the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS™) with modification of the management recommendations for pediatric thyroid nodules.

Thyroid nodules are unusual in children, but when present, they carry a higher risk for malignancy, as compared to adults. Several guidelines have been created to address the risk stratification for malignancy of thyroid nodules in adults, but none has been completely validated in children. A few authors have proposed lowering the size threshold to the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS™) management guidelines to decrease missed carcinomas at presentation in children; however, little information is known regarding their accuracy. To assess the performance of proposed modifications of the ACR TI-RADS™ size criteria to guide management decisions in pediatric thyroid nodules and to assess the associated increase in number of fine needle aspiration (FNA) and follow-up exams. This is a retrospective study of children under 18years old who underwent ultrasound assessment of a thyroid nodule at a tertiary care pediatric institution between January 2006 and August 2021. The largest dimension, maximum ACR TI-RADS™ score, and final thyroid nodules' diagnoses were documented. The course of action based on the adult ACR TI-RADS™ and after modifying the size threshold for management recommendations was documented and compared. Statistics included descriptive analysis, weighted Kappa statistics, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive/negative predictive values of the ACR TI-RADS™ presented with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using either Clopper-Pearson or standard logit methods. Of 116 nodules, 18 (15.5%) were malignant. Most malignant nodules (94.4%, n = 17) were ACRTI-RADS™ 4 and ACRTI-RADS™ 5 categories. Based on the adult ACR TI-RADS™ criteria, 24 (24.5%) benign and 15 (83.3%) malignant nodules would have undergone FNA; 14 (14.3%) benign and 3 (16.7%) malignant nodules would have been followed up; and 60 (61.2%) benign and none of malignant nodules would have been dismissed. Three (16.7%) malignant nodules would not have been recommended FNA at presentation, delaying their diagnoses. By lowering the size-threshold criteria of the ACR TI-RADS™ guidelines, no malignancy would have been missed at presentation, but this also resulted in a higher number of FNA from 24 (24.5%) to 36 (36.7%) and follow-up ultrasound exams from 14 (14.3%) to 62 (63.3%). Applying potential modifications to the ACR TI-RADS™ guideline lowering the size threshold criteria of the thyroid nodule to guide management decisions for pediatric thyroid nodules can lead to early detection of malignant nodules in children, but at the cost of a significantly increased number of biopsies or ultrasound exams. Further tailoring of the guideline with larger multicentric studies is needed, before warranting its acceptance and general use in the pediatric population.

Creation and validation of the first infinium DNA methylation array for the human imprintome

BackgroundDifferentially methylated imprint control regions (ICRs) regulate the monoallelic expression of imprinted genes. Their epigenetic dysregulation by environmental exposures throughout life results in the formation of common chronic diseases. Unfortunately, existing Infinium methylation arrays lack the ability to profile these regions adequately. Whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) is the unique method able to profile the ICRs. However, it is very expensive and it requires not only a high coverage, but it is also computationally intensive to assess these regions.FindingsTo address this deficiency, we developed a custom methylation array containing 22,819 probes. Among them, 10,438 are CG probes targeting unique CpG sites, with 9,757 probes successfully mapping to 1,088 out of the 1,488 candidate ICRs recently described. To assess the performance of the array, we created matched samples processed with the Human Imprintome array and WGBS, which is the current standard method for assessing the methylation of the Human Imprintome. We compared the methylation levels from the shared CpG sites, and obtained a mean R2 = 0.569. We also created matched samples processed with the Human Imprintome array and the Infinium Methylation EPIC v2 array, and obtained a mean R2 = 0.796. Furthermore, replication experiments demonstrated high reliability (ICC: 0.799–0.945).ConclusionsOur custom array will be useful for replicable and accurate assessment, mechanistic insight, and targeted investigation of ICRs. This tool should accelerate the discovery of ICRs associated with a wide range of diseases and exposures, and advance our understanding of genomic imprinting and its relevance in development and disease formation throughout the life course.

Creation and validation of the first infinium DNA methylation array for the human imprintome

BackgroundDifferentially methylated imprint control regions (ICRs) regulate the monoallelic expression of imprinted genes. Their epigenetic dysregulation by environmental exposures throughout life results in the formation of common chronic diseases. Unfortunately, existing Infinium methylation arrays lack the ability to profile these regions adequately. Whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) is the unique method able to profile the ICRs. However, it is very expensive and it requires not only a high coverage, but it is also computationally intensive to assess these regions.FindingsTo address this deficiency, we developed a custom methylation array containing 22,819 probes. Among them, 10,438 are CG probes targeting unique CpG sites, with 9,757 probes successfully mapping to 1,088 out of the 1,488 candidate ICRs recently described. To assess the performance of the array, we created matched samples processed with the Human Imprintome array and WGBS, which is the current standard method for assessing the methylation of the Human Imprintome. We compared the methylation levels from the shared CpG sites, and obtained a mean R2 = 0.569. We also created matched samples processed with the Human Imprintome array and the Infinium Methylation EPIC v2 array, and obtained a mean R2 = 0.796. Furthermore, replication experiments demonstrated high reliability (ICC: 0.799–0.945).ConclusionsOur custom array will be useful for replicable and accurate assessment, mechanistic insight, and targeted investigation of ICRs. This tool should accelerate the discovery of ICRs associated with a wide range of diseases and exposures, and advance our understanding of genomic imprinting and its relevance in development and disease formation throughout the life course.

Recommendations for Using the Method of Standards in Bioindication Studies of the Northern Caspian Sea

Despite the increasing water and sediment pollution in the western part of the Northern Caspian Sea, the quality of its marine environment has never been assessed through bioindication, largely due to methodological issues. In this article, the method of standards, which involves comparing the species composition between the polluted and clean (reference) sites, was used for the bioindication of organic pollutants in the Northern Caspian Sea. The study area was segmented based on isobaths. The segments were determined depending on the range of depths inhabited by zoobenthos species and their ecological valence to oxygen. The depths with a sufficient abundance of oxyphilic zooplankton species (bioindicators) to apply the method of standards were located. The obtained results show that the method of standards is a good and reliable choice to assess the marine environment quality in the Northern Caspian Sea at isobaths of 6–9 m and within depths of 14–18 m for polluted and reference sites. However, the sediments must contain shells, sand, and siltstones. Therefore, while the method of standards has clear merits, it does not suffice for the rest of the Caspian Sea area.

Effect of Insecticide Exposure Across Multiple Generations of the Earthworm Eisenia andrei.

The toxicity of neonicotinoids and many of their replacement insecticides to nontarget soil invertebrates such as earthworms has previously been established. However, the long-term effects of these substances on these organisms are largely unknown. In the field of soil ecotoxicology, lumbricid earthworms such as Eisenia andrei are used extensively due to the availability of standardized test methods and their adaptability to laboratory culture and testing. Multigenerational studies have gained popularity and attention in recent years, with a shift toward the use of long-term assays and lower concentrations of test chemicals. The use of exposure concentrations that include those measured in a monitoring program carried out by the Government of Ontario presents a realistic exposure scenario that may not show significant effects in contemporary, shorter term studies. We used current standardized test methods as a basis for the development of multigenerational studies on E. andrei. The effects of exposure to a single application of the insecticides thiamethoxam and cyantraniliprole on the survival and reproduction of E. andrei were observed over three (thiamethoxam) or two (cyantraniliprole) generations using consecutive reproduction tests. No significant impacts on adult survival were reported in any generation for either insecticide, whereas reproduction decreased between the first and second generations in the thiamethoxam test, with median effective concentration (EC50) values of 0.022 mg/kg dry weight reported for the first generation compared with 0.002 mg/kg dry weight in the second generation. For cyantraniliprole, an EC50 of 0.064 was determined for the first generation compared with 0.016 mg/kg dry weight in the second generation. A third generation was completed for the thiamethoxam test, and a significant decrease in reproduction was observed in all treatments and controls compared with previous generations. No significant difference between thiamethoxam treatments and the control treatment was reported for the third generation. Collectively, these data indicate that exposure of oligochaetes to these two insecticides at concentrations representative of field conditions may result in long-term stresses. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-13. © 2024 The Author(s). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Comparative assessment of the effect of storage vessels, thatched roof and industrial activity on harvested rainwater quality in south eastern, Nigeria using water quality index

Rainwater is usually harvested through catchment systems such as roofs or directly from the sky for storage in different vessels for eventual use due to water scarcity which is as a result of increased in water demand, rapid industrialization, increasing pollution, global warming and climate change. This study was carried out to assess the effects of galvanized iron and PVC tanks, thatched roof and industrial activity on harvested rainwater quality by investigating physico-chemical properties, heavy metals, coliform level and metal composition of the storage vessels. Seven-two harvested rainwater samples were collected from four locations in the urban and rural areas of Delta and Enugu States, Nigeria between the months of April-July, 2018. Rainwater samples stored for 1 month to a year in storage vessels were considered. The results were compared with water quality standards (USEPA, WHO, NAFDAC and NSDWQ) and Water Quality Index ratings. Heavy metals (Pb, Fe, Cr, Zn and Al) were analyzed using Flame-AAS; other parameters were determined using standard methods. The WQI ratings were calculated using the weighted arithmetic method. The results were analysed using descriptive and two-way ANOVA statistical analysis. Results obtained in both areas of the States showed mean values ranging from 5.60 ± 0.28 to 7.60 ± 0.20 for pH, E.coli (0.00 ± 0.00–1.00 ± 0.00 cfu/mL), EC (7.00 ± 1.41–108.70 ± 8.62 µs/cm), colour (0.44 ± 0.01–12.86 ± 0.17 TCU) and heavy metals (mg/L) gave 0.00 ± 0.00–1.52 ± 0.13 for Fe, Pb (0.00 ± 0.00–0.29 ± 0.02), Cr (0.00 ± 0.00–0.30 ± 0.05), Zn (0.00 ± 0.00–0.05 ± 0.02) and Al (0.00 ± 0.00–4.65 ± 2.24). The results of the harvested rainwater samples analyzed showed that, the mean values of all the parameters analyzed were below and within the water quality set standard with the exception of a few in both areas in each of the States and were significantly different at (p < 0.05). The results of WQI ratings showed that, harvested rainwater qualities in both States were rated from excellent to unfit for drinking water quality. Generally, harvested rainwater stored in PVC tanks rated better than rainwater stored in galvanized iron tanks though not free of contamination. The storage duration for harvested rainwater is very important for its water quality, hence, harvested rainwater whether it is stored or not should be subjected to treatment before being use for potable usages.

Toxic potential evaluation of liquid effluents discharged into nature by the university hospital centers (UHC) and mixed wastewater treatment station (WWTS) at Ouagadougou-Burkina Faso.

In Burkina Faso, several investigations have raised suspicions that hospital liquid effluents are the source of contaminants in porbeagle-culture products and surface water in urban and peri-urban areas. This study aimed to evaluate the hygienic quality of hospital liquid effluents discharged into nature by the UHC Bogodogo (UHC-BOG), Yalgado Ouédraogo (UHC-YO), and the WWTS of Kossodo (WWTS-KOS). Thus, 15 samples of liquid effluents (five per site) discharged into nature were collected. Within the physicochemical parameters, the pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), suspended solids (TSS), conductivity, copper, iron, hafnium, silver, mercury, lead, and cadmium of these samples were determined using standard methods. The mean values of pH were 8.84 ± 0.42,8.06 ± 0.54, and 8.55 ± 0.53 for WWTS-KOS, UHC-BOG, and UHC-YO, respectively. Conductivity values were 1956.80 ± 81.30, 812.80 ± 45.22, and 956.00 ± 39.96 µS/cm, respectively. TSS were 338.20 ± 38.80, 45.00 ± 5.79, and 187.80 ± 27.58mg/L, respectively. COD were 274.80 ± 20.46, 35.00 ± 5.52, and 139.80 ± 25.53mg/L, respectively. BOD5 were 186.40 ± 68.68, 26.20 ± 4.82, and 81.80 ± 15.63mg/L, respectively. Mercury values were 1.93 ± 0.38, 4.04 ± 0.38, and 14.37 ± 1.65µg/L, respectively. Lead values were 434.70 ± 202.42, 310.50 ± 4.09, and 367.43 ± 94.01µg/L, respectively. Cadmium values were 79.59 ± 19.48, 109.94 ± 8.43, and 80.26 ± 7.85µg/L, respectively. Copper values were 27.66 ± 3.33, 30.84 ± 1.65, and 28.32 ± 2.36mg/L, respectively. Iron was detected only on the STEP-KOS with an average of 71.01 ± 37.83mg/L. Hafnium values were 50.27 ± 4.49 and 51.58 ± 4.61mg/L for WWTS-KOS and UHC-BOG, respectively. Silver values were 34.26 ± 3.06 for WWTS-KOS. On the three sites, the differences found were significant (p < 0.05). Liquid hospital effluents from Ouagadougou discharged into nature on the whole do not compile with the Burkinabè normative values for the discharge of wastewater into the environment.

Wheat seed quality assessment after thiamethoxam treatment: integrating optical techniques with standard methods

Insecticide treatment of seeds protects against early field pests. Therefore, studies on the physiological and biochemical responses of crops exposed to insecticides are required. Standard (non-optical) tests are used to evaluate the physiological quality of seeds. However, some tests may need to be more sensitive to observe possible differences between the control group and the groups of interest. Optical techniques such as ultra- weak photon emission and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy have been discovered to aid standard tests. The effects of different doses of Thiamethoxam were evaluated on wheat seeds from the cultivar FPS Certero. Samples were divided into five groups: control and treated with 75, 150, 225, and 300 mL of Thiamethoxam for each 100 kg of seeds. The ultra-weak photon emission results showed that it was possible to classify the treatment doses through the intensity of photon emissions. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses can be used for biological analysis but are unrelated to Thiamethoxam seed treatment. Considering the findings, optical techniques can be used as an additional tool for assessing the physiological quality of seeds.

NIR-based models for the evaluation of basic density, moisture and higher heating value of industrial wood chips

ABSTRACT The quick and efficient classification of wood is crucial for optimizing processes in forestry industries, which highlights the use of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. This study investigated the application of NIR spectroscopy for estimating the basic density, moisture content and calorific value of wood chips of Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis hybrids directly in the company yard. Using two lots of industrial chips collected in the company’s yard (Lots A and B), the NIR signatures were correlated with the results obtained by standard methods via Partial Least Squares Regression (PLS-R). The predictive models presented coefficients of determination (R²) of 0.83 for basic density (Lot A), 0.81 to 0.90 for moisture content (Lots A and B) and 0.74 for calorific value (Lot A). Variations in the moisture content of wood chips impacted the information quality of spectral signatures and thus the model accuracy, highlighting the difficulty of applying this technology in field conditions. However, the NIR models can be used as a solution for fast estimation of wood chips quality in the company yard, optimizing industrial processes.

Emergencies in inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs), encompassing a broad spectrum of chronic disorders, typically necessitate prolonged therapeutic intervention. Nevertheless, these diseases can sometimes manifest as severe emergencies requiring prompt and extensive medical intervention. Urgent intervention is essential for effectively recognizing and managing these situations, as they have the potential to be life-threatening and can result in severe morbidity and mortality. Emergencies in IRDs can occur with different frequencies and manifestations, including nervous system issues, severe infections, thrombosis-emboli, renal crises, gastrointestinal issues, and cardiovascular events. The fact that these events can occur across different IRDs underscores the necessity for heightened awareness and readiness among healthcare professionals. The pathophysiologic mechanisms that cause rheumatic emergencies are complex and involve multiple factors. These emergencies frequently arise due to the interplay between the inflammatory characteristics of rheumatic diseases and different systemic triggers. Early detection and treatment can have a substantial impact on an individual's prognosis in cases of severe and life-threatening disorders that require prompt recognition. Rapid decision-making and urgent care are required to effectively address rheumatic emergencies, as well as the implementation of a diagnostic flowchart. This article provides an overview of the emergencies linked to IRDs, classifying and assessing them individually. This article aims to enhance healthcare professionals' knowledge and awareness of critical situations by examining current recommendations and pathophysiological information. Implementing standardized diagnostic and treatment methods, providing patient education, and conducting continuing research into the underlying mechanisms are essential for enhancing the management of these critical situations and improving patient outcomes.

Determining sample size in a personalized randomized controlled (PRACTical) trial.

In clinical settings with no commonly accepted standard-of-care, multiple treatment regimens are potentially useful, but some treatments may not be appropriate for some patients. A personalized randomized controlled trial (PRACTical) design has been proposed for this setting. For a network of treatments, each patient is randomized only among treatments which are appropriate for them. The aim is to produce treatment rankings that can inform clinical decisions about treatment choices for individual patients. Here we propose methods for determining sample size in a PRACTical design, since standard power-based methods are not applicable. We derive a sample size by evaluating information gained from trials of varying sizes. For a binary outcome, we quantify how many adverse outcomes would be prevented by choosing the top-ranked treatment for each patient based on trial results rather than choosing a random treatment from the appropriate personalized randomization list. In simulations, we evaluate three performance measures: mean reduction in adverse outcomes using sample information, proportion of simulated patients for whom the top-ranked treatment performed as well or almost as well as the best appropriate treatment, and proportion of simulated trials in which the top-ranked treatment performed better than a randomly chosen treatment. We apply the methods to a trial evaluating eight different combination antibiotic regimens for neonatal sepsis (NeoSep1), in which a PRACTical design addresses varying patterns of antibiotic choice based on disease characteristics and resistance. Our proposed approach produces results that are more relevant to complex decision making by clinicians and policy makers.

Determining sample size in a personalized randomized controlled (PRACTical) trial.

In clinical settings with no commonly accepted standard-of-care, multiple treatment regimens are potentially useful, but some treatments may not be appropriate for some patients. A personalized randomized controlled trial (PRACTical) design has been proposed for this setting. For a network of treatments, each patient is randomized only among treatments which are appropriate for them. The aim is to produce treatment rankings that can inform clinical decisions about treatment choices for individual patients. Here we propose methods for determining sample size in a PRACTical design, since standard power-based methods are not applicable. We derive a sample size by evaluating information gained from trials of varying sizes. For a binary outcome, we quantify how many adverse outcomes would be prevented by choosing the top-ranked treatment for each patient based on trial results rather than choosing a random treatment from the appropriate personalized randomization list. In simulations, we evaluate three performance measures: mean reduction in adverse outcomes using sample information, proportion of simulated patients for whom the top-ranked treatment performed as well or almost as well as the best appropriate treatment, and proportion of simulated trials in which the top-ranked treatment performed better than a randomly chosen treatment. We apply the methods to a trial evaluating eight different combination antibiotic regimens for neonatal sepsis (NeoSep1), in which a PRACTical design addresses varying patterns of antibiotic choice based on disease characteristics and resistance. Our proposed approach produces results that are more relevant to complex decision making by clinicians and policy makers.

Detection of Typhoid Fever by Immuno Chromatographic Test (ICT) and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Salmonella Typhi in Chittagong Metropoliton City

Typhoid fever caused by the Salmonella typhi is a disease of global distribution and one of the major health problems in many developing countries. In this study, clinically suspected thirty five patients were enrolled from different diagnostic centers of Chittagong city. We evaluated the reliability of Immuno Chromatographic Test (ICT) compared to different diagnostic methods like blood/serum culture and serological/Widal test for early detection of the disease. A total of 18 (51.43%) and 20 (57.14%) samples were found positive in culture method and Widal test, respectively, whereas 31 (88.57%) were found positive in ICT. Moreover, 13 culture negative and 11 Widal test negative samples were found positive in ICT. As the ICT showed satisfactory results compared to the other methods used in this survey, it can be considered as a reliable method for the early detection of typhoid infection. The study revealed several antibiotic resistant patterns by standard disc diffusion method, 12 (66.66%) out of 18 culture positives were found multi-drug resistant. The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 10(1 &amp;2):53-70, 2020

Is inflation targeting effective? Lessons from global financial crisis and COVID‐19 pandemic

AbstractThis paper explores the influence of inflation targeting (IT) policy on macroeconomic performance in 24 Asian economies by taking a wide range of macroeconomic variables from 2001 to 2022. Specifically, the study seeks to evaluate the influence of IT on macroeconomic performance during the global financial crisis (GFC) and the COVID‐19 pandemic periods separately. The empirical analysis comprises three approaches: propensity score matching, difference‐in‐differences, and panel‐corrected standard error methods. The empirical investigation reveals that IT significantly impacts inflation and its volatility during the GFC. In contrast, the effect on the unemployment rate is not statistically significant. Further, IT statistically influences the inflation and unemployment rates throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic. In contrast, its impact on inflation volatility during the COVID‐19 pandemic is not evident. Our results have significant policy implications for the Asian economies. It may be suggested that low‐income countries could benefit from implementing IT policy as a tool to ensure stable inflation. However, there is a need for continuous policy adaptation and targeted interventions to address evolving economic challenges, especially in situations like crises.

Emergencies in inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs), encompassing a broad spectrum of chronic disorders, typically necessitate prolonged therapeutic intervention. Nevertheless, these diseases can sometimes manifest as severe emergencies requiring prompt and extensive medical intervention. Urgent intervention is essential for effectively recognizing and managing these situations, as they have the potential to be life-threatening and can result in severe morbidity and mortality. Emergencies in IRDs can occur with different frequencies and manifestations, including nervous system issues, severe infections, thrombosis-emboli, renal crises, gastrointestinal issues, and cardiovascular events. The fact that these events can occur across different IRDs underscores the necessity for heightened awareness and readiness among healthcare professionals. The pathophysiologic mechanisms that cause rheumatic emergencies are complex and involve multiple factors. These emergencies frequently arise due to the interplay between the inflammatory characteristics of rheumatic diseases and different systemic triggers. Early detection and treatment can have a substantial impact on an individual's prognosis in cases of severe and life-threatening disorders that require prompt recognition. Rapid decision-making and urgent care are required to effectively address rheumatic emergencies, as well as the implementation of a diagnostic flowchart. This article provides an overview of the emergencies linked to IRDs, classifying and assessing them individually. This article aims to enhance healthcare professionals' knowledge and awareness of critical situations by examining current recommendations and pathophysiological information. Implementing standardized diagnostic and treatment methods, providing patient education, and conducting continuing research into the underlying mechanisms are essential for enhancing the management of these critical situations and improving patient outcomes.