Standard Monitoring Methods Research Articles

Contextualizing microplastic pollution in different river habitats through rapid habitat assessment in South Africa

There has been a notable increase in research into microplastics in rivers over the last decade. However, no clear or concise standardized monitoring method exists for the sampling of microplastics in rivers. Many guidelines exist for the sampling and analysis of microplastics from rivers, but researchers continue to use methods and tools that may contaminate samples, such as plankton nets, or collect and filter bulk water samples with differing volumes and numbers of replicates. This can result in the same river system being shown to have notably varying levels of microplastics between sites. The aim of this study was to determine microplastic abundances in water and sediment, together with a critical evaluation of the sampling sites, to ascertain which environmental factors impacted microplastic distribution. This was achieved by applying the rapid habitat assessment method and simultaneously sampling microplastics. The results indicated that factors such as water velocity, physical obstructions to water flow and, most importantly, discharge, can change the context of a site with respect to its microplastic content, which can impact niche-specific organisms. The results were used to develop a new measurement unit, the microplastic discharge unit. The MDU provides a contextualized representation of the microplastics moving through a river, and can be used as an indicator of microplastic pollution at a site and its impact on biota. The results will be used further to produce a guide for the accurate sampling of microplastics in rivers.

Utilising artificial intelligence for cultivating decorative plants

BackgroundThe research aims to assess the effectiveness of artificial intelligence models in predicting the risk level in tulip greenhouses using different varieties. The study was conducted in 2022 in the Almaty region, Panfilov village.ResultsTwo groups of 10 greenhouses each (area 200 m2) were compared: the control group used standard monitoring methods, while the experimental group employed AI-based monitoring. We applied ANOVA, regression analysis, Bootstrap, and correlation analysis to evaluate the impact of factors on the risk level. The results demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in the risk level in the experimental group, where artificial intelligence models were employed, especially the recurrent neural network “Expert-Pro.” A comparison of different tulip varieties revealed differences in their susceptibility to risks. The results provide an opportunity for more effective risk management in greenhouse cultivation.ConclusionsThe high accuracy and sensitivity exhibited by the “Expert-Pro” model underscore its potential to enhance the productivity and resilience of crops. The research findings justify the theoretical significance of applying artificial intelligence in agriculture and its practical applicability for improving risk management efficiency in greenhouse cultivation conditions.

Real-time monitoring of functional data

With the development of data acquisition technologies, huge amounts of data, which are apt to be modeled as functional data, are now generated. In this setting, standard profile monitoring methods aim to assess the stability over time of a completely observed functional quality characteristic. However, in some practical situations, assessing the presence of assignable causes is of great interest even when the functional quality characteristic is not completely observed yet, that is, to monitor the process state in realtime. To this aim, we propose a new method, referred to as functional real-time monitoring (FRTM), that is able to account for both phase and amplitude variation through the following steps: (i) registration, (ii) dimensionality reduction, and (iii) monitoring of a partially observed functional quality characteristic. An extensive Monte Carlo simulation study quantifies the performance of FRTM relative to three competing methods. Finally, a case study addresses the real-time monitoring of household daily electricity demand FRTM is implemented in the R package funcharts, available CRAN.

Determination of digital biomarkers of disease progression for digital phenotyping of patients with arterial hypertension.

Background: To compare the effectiveness of digital phenotyping of patients diagnosed with arterial hypertension with traditional monitoring methods over a three-year period. Patients and methods: The study was conducted from January 2021 to January 2024 among 800 patients diagnosed with arterial hypertension at 6 clinics in Moscow, Russia, evenly divided into experimental (identification of digital biomarkers of disease progression for digital phenotyping) and control (standard monitoring methods) groups. The intervention included lifestyle changes focused on increasing physical activity, improving sleep quality, reducing stress, and modifying diet. Significant improvements were observed in the experimental group compared to the control group. Systolic blood pressure decreased by 10 mmHg (p<0.001), pulse by 5 beats per minute (p<0.001), and stress level by 2 points (p<0.001) in the experimental group. Additionally, physical activity increased by 15 minutes per day (p<0.001), and sleep quality improved by 2 points on a scale from 1 to 10 (p<0.001). Results: Multiple regression analysis showed a decrease in the significance of digital biomarkers over the study period, indicating a positive response to the intervention. Conclusions: The obtained results emphasize the importance of comprehensive interventions in managing arterial hypertension and its related conditions. Implementing comprehensive lifestyle changes can lead to significant health improvements and serve as an effective preventive strategy. Further research is needed to explore optimal intervention strategies for promoting societal health.

Water Quality and Prevalence of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase Producing Escherichia coli (ESBL E. coli) in Sungai Terengganu, Malaysia

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global issue impacting human, animal, and environmental health, as well as economic security. Water bodies, especially, are now recognized for their role in the spread of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, though standardized monitoring methods are lacking. This study investigates the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli in the Sungai Terengganu River in Malaysia, focusing on water quality and ESBL E. coli monitoring. Sampling was conducted twice in 2023 at 13 locations along the river. Overall, the water quality index (WQI) classified the river as Class II (WQI = 81), with upstream regions rated as Class I, indicating minimal anthropogenic impact. Higher Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) in downstream areas suggested organic pollution from anthropogenic activities. Four metal elements exceeded the National Water Quality Standards (NWQS): Al (0.88 mg/L), Fe (3.45 mg/L), Cu (0.102 mg/L), and Hg (2.525 mg/L). No Pb, Cr, Se, Sn, or As were detected. Statistical analysis showed better water quality correlates with lower microbial contamination. ESBL E. coli was found in 8 of 13 sampling sites (61.5%), with the highest concentration at 800 CFU/100 mL. From 40 presumptive ESBL isolates tested, 87.5% (35 isolates) were positive for ESBL and carried additional drug resistance genes, including mcr-1, tetW, sul-1, and sul-2. These findings indicate a concerning presence of multidrug-resistant E. coli in the river, representing a potential public health risk.

Macroinvertebrate communities respond strongly but non-specifically to a toxicity gradient derived by effect-based methods

Chemical pollution is one of the most important threats to freshwater ecosystems. The plethora of potentially occurring chemicals and their effects in complex mixtures challenge standard monitoring methods. Effect-based methods (EBMs) are proposed as complementary tools for the assessment of chemical pollution and toxic effects. To investigate the effects of chemical pollution, the ecological relevance of EBMs and the potential of macroinvertebrates as toxicity-specific bioindicators, ecological and ecotoxicological data were linked. Baseline toxicity, mutagenicity, dioxin-like and estrogenic activity of water and sediment samples from 30 river sites in central Germany were quantified with four in vitro bioassays. The responses of macroinvertebrate communities at these sites were assessed by calculating 16 taxonomic and functional metrics and by investigating changes in the taxonomic and trait composition. Principal component analysis revealed an increase in toxicity along a joint gradient of chemicals with different modes of action. This toxicity gradient was associated with a decrease in biodiversity and ecological quality, as well as significant changes in taxonomic and functional composition. The strength of the effects suggested a strong impact of chemical pollution and underlined the suitability of EBMs in detecting ecological relevant effects. However, the metrics, taxa, and traits associated with vulnerability or tolerance to toxicity were found to also respond to other stressors in previous studies and thus may have only a low potential as toxicity-specific bioindicators. Because macroinvertebrates respond integratively to all present stressors, linking both ecological and environmental monitoring is necessary to investigate the overall effects but also isolate individual stressors. EBMs have a high potential to separate the toxicity of chemical mixtures from other stressors in a multiple stressor scenario, as well as identifying the presence of chemical groups with specific modes of action.

Accuracy of point-of-care capillary blood sugar measurements in critically ill patients: An observational study.

Accurately monitoring blood glucose levels is vital for critically ill individuals. Point-of-care (POC) glucose meters are commonly used in local intensive care units (ICUs). This study aimed to assess the precision of POC glucose meter readings in critically ill individuals with specific evaluation in patients with and without shock against the reference standard of venous blood glucose measurements. An observational study was done on adult patients admitted in the ICU at a teaching institution. Capillary blood samples were collected from the patient's fingertip using lancet device with aseptic measures. The sample was analyzed using the GlucoCare Sense Glucometer (RMD Mediaids Limited, Taiwan). At the same time, 2 ml of blood was drawn from the patient's peripheral veins and analyzed by glucose oxidase-peroxidase method as reference. POC glucose measurements averaged 140 ± 20.23 mg/dl, while laboratory values were recorded as 116.10 ± 17.13 mg/dl. The difference between the two methods was 24.34 ± 12.01 mg/dl. A strong correlation (r = 0.805) was found between capillary and laboratory blood glucose levels, indicating a significant association (P < 0.0001). Twenty-two (44%) patients were in shock during the study. The mean difference between laboratory and POC blood glucose levels was higher in patients with circulatory shock (36.82 ± 4.84 mg/dl) than those without shock (14.61 ± 4.49 mg/dl), P < 0.05. POC glucose meters may lead to underdetection of hypoglycemia in critically ill patients, as their values are higher than laboratory values. Moreover, the results showed that POC glucometers are inaccurate for monitoring glucose in hypotensive patients in shock. Standard venous glucose monitoring methods may be more appropriate for these patients.

Electrical Impedance Tomography for Real-Time Monitoring of Muscle Activity in Robot-Assisted Rehabilitation

This work looks at how Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) can be used in robot-assisted rehabilitation to make it easier to watch how muscle activity changes in real time. Quantitative methods are used in this study to look into how well EIT works, including full analyses and comparisons with common tracking methods like Electromyography (EMG). Both EIT and EMG are used to record the participants' mean and peak muscle activation levels as they do a set of Upper Limb, Lower Limb, and Full Body exercises. The study's findings show that EIT is incredibly flexible when it comes to capturing complex patterns of muscle activation across a wide range of rehabilitation routines. Each participant's involvement is shown by different patterns of muscle activation, and these patterns can be seen across different types of exercise. We can learn a lot about how muscles work during rehabilitation by measuring their mean and peak activation levels. This helps us see how well EIT works as a tracking tool. A very important step in validating EIT is to compare it to EMG readings. This shows how consistent and accurate EIT is in real-time monitoring situations. The high level of agreement between the two methods shows that EIT is a reliable alternative to standard monitoring methods, providing an easy to use and non-invasive way to measure muscle activity. The results of this study are even stronger because they include quantitative analyses and a detailed look at system performance data. We carefully check things like signal-to-noise ratio, reconstruction accuracy, and reliability, which shows how strong and dependable the combined EIT system is. These metrics are important for showing how well the system can measure things accurately and reliably in changing rehabilitation situations. This study adds to the growing amount of research on EIT uses in rehabilitation by showing that it can be a useful tool for keeping track of real-time muscle activity. This study opens the door for EIT to be widely used in rehabilitation by showing how muscle activation changes over time and proving its effectiveness against well-known methods. This will eventually lead to better patient outcomes and more effective rehabilitation.

Exploration of quality criteria for the detection of peak inspiratory flow under different resistance conditions.

At present, robust quality criteria and methods for the assessment of Peak inspiratory flow meter performance are lacking. A standard flow-volume simulator for quality control analyses of an inhalation assessment device was utilized with different simulated resistance levels in order to propose a quality testing method and associated standard for this device type. A standard flow-volume simulator was utilized to assess the performance of an In-Check DIAL® (Device I) and an intelligent inhalation assessment device (Device P) at a fixed volume and flow rate. Indices used to evaluate these two instruments included repeatability, accuracy, linearity, and impedance. Both devices exhibited good repeatability (<± 3 L/min). The difference between test results and standard simulator values for Device P was less than ± 5 L/min at resistance level R1 but higher than ± 5 L/min at resistance levels R2-5, while Device I were greater than 5 L/min at all resistance levels. The relative error for Device P was <± 10% at resistance levels R1, R2, and R4, but > 10% at resistance levels R3 and R5. The relative error values for Device I at all five resistance levels were > 10%. Device P passed the linearity test at the R2 resistance level, while Device I partially passed the linearity test at all five resistance levels. Standard monitoring methods and standards provide a valuable approach to the more reliable clinical assessment and application of these instruments.

Distribution, health and threats to Mediterranean macroalgal forests: defining the baselines for their conservation and restoration

The worldwide decline of macroalgal forests is raising major concerns for the potentially negative consequences on biodiversity and ecosystem functions, pushing for the definition of specific conservation and restoration measures. Protecting and restoring these habitats requires detailed information on their distribution, ecological status, and drivers of decline. Here, we provide the most updated available information on the distribution of Mediterranean Cystoseira s.l. forests by conducting a comprehensive bibliographic survey of literature published from 2009 to 2021, complemented by unpublished data. We also provide insights into the ecological status of these forests and the stressors affecting them across the Mediterranean basin. Our results show that most Mediterranean coasts remain un(der)studied and that the available information is concentrated in spatially limited coastal areas, restricted to very few species. When the ecological status is reported, data is highly heterogeneous, making any comparisons problematic, what claims for the description and use of easy and standardized monitoring methods for comparative purposes. Drivers of decline of Cystoseira s.l. forest have been even less investigated and, therefore, still poorly characterized. Our results highlight that our current knowledge is still insufficient to implement effective conservation and restoration strategies at the basin scale but also regionally. We call for the urgent need for mapping and standardized monitoring of Cystoseira s.l. forests to obtain baseline information for future management strategies involving their conservation, the mitigation of the stressors threatening them and the restoration of the degraded forests.

Atrial Fibrillation In Patients With Stroke Attributed to Large- or Small-Vessel Disease

The STROKE AF study found that in patients with prior ischemic stroke attributed to large-artery atherosclerotic disease (LAD) or small-vessel occlusive disease (SVD), 12% developed AF over 1 year when monitored with an insertable cardiac monitor (ICM). The occurrence over subsequent years is unknown. To compare the rates of AF detection through 3 years of follow-up between an ICM vs site-specific usual care in patients with prior ischemic stroke attributed to LAD or SVD. This multicenter, randomized (1:1) clinical trial took place at 33 sites in the US with enrollment between April 2016 and July 2019 and 3-year follow-up through July 2022. Eligible patients were aged 60 years or older, or aged 50 to 59 years with at least 1 additional stroke risk factor and had an index ischemic stroke attributed to LAD or SVD within 10 days prior to ICM insertion. Of the 496 patients enrolled, 492 were randomized and 4 were excluded. ICM monitoring vs site-specific usual care. The prespecified long-term outcome of the trial was AF detection through study follow-up (up to 3 years). AF was defined as an episode lasting more than 30 seconds, adjudicated by an expert committee. In total, 492 patients were randomized and included in the analyses (median [IQR] age, 66 [60-74] years; 307 men [62.4%] and 185 women [37.6%]), of whom 314 completed 3-year follow-up (63.8%). The incidence rate of AF at 3 years was 21.7% (46 patients) in the ICM group vs 2.4% (5 patients) in the control group (hazard ratio, 10.0; 95% CI, 4.0-25.2; P < .001). Patients with ischemic stroke attributed to LAD or SVD face an increasing risk of AF over time and most of the AF occurrences are not reliably detected by standard medical monitoring methods. One year of negative monitoring should not reassure clinicians that patients who have experienced stroke will not develop AF over the next 2 years. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02700945.

B-371 Two Cases of Multiple Myeloma Achieving Complete Remission But Presenting Residual M-protein by the EXENT® Solution

Abstract Background Disappearance of the monoclonal component is a condition for achieving complete response (CR), which requires confirmation by bone marrow biopsy for the absence of clonal plasma cells. Electrophoretic methods used for monitoring these patients lack sufficient sensitivity to identify low-level M-protein, potentially missing the presence of serological residual disease once the tests become negative. The EXENT® solution (in development by The Binding Site, part of Thermo Fisher scientific) uses matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) for the identification and quantification of M-proteins. The technique offers high sensitivity and specificity for identifying and tracking M-proteins. The aim of this study is to determine whether the superior analytical sensitivity of mass spectrometry conveys any clinical benefit to patient monitoring. Methods We present two multiple myeloma patients seen during routine practice. Baseline and longitudinal samples were available. Serum samples were retrospectively analysed with the EXENT® solution. Briefly, diluted samples were separately incubated with antisera specific for IgG, IgA, IgM, total-κ and total-λ conjugated to paramagnetic beads. Purified immunoglobulins were reduced and eluted from the beads, the solution mixed with matrix, spotted onto MALDI plates, and acquired by MALDI-TOF-MS to determine mass-to-charge (m/z), isotype and concentration of the M-proteins. Results were compared to serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and free light chains (FLC; Freelite, The Binding Site). The EXENT solution responses were modelled on those from the International Myeloma Working Group. CR by MS refers to absence of the original monoclonal peak during follow-up. Results Case 1 is a 68-year-old white male presenting with 11.7 g/L monoclonal IgGκ on SPE and abnormal FLC ratio (3.06). After initiating therapy, FLC ratio normalized at month 2, whereas SPE became negative at month 8, at which time a CR was confirmed. The patient stayed in remission for over two-and-a-half years before relapsing at month 40, as determined by re-appearance of the M-protein on SPE (2.20 g/L). The EXENT solution also identified an IgGκ peak at baseline (m/z = 11629, 11.9 g/L). The peak remained present until month 19, disappeared for over a year, then reemerged at month 36 (0.39 g/L) to indicate progression. Thus, the EXENT solution identified the presence of residual M-protein (&amp;lt;1 g/L) for an additional eleven months after standard monitoring methods indicated CR; and recognized relapse from CR four months before SPE.Case 2 is a 76-year-old Asian male presenting with 32.9 g/L monoclonal IgGλ on SPE and normal FLC ratio (0.43). The EXENT solution reported an IgGλ peak (m/z = 11250, 44.3 g/L) at this time. SPE became negative ten months after starting treatment; and identified relapse from CR one year after. The EXENT solution remained positive throughout and was the only method detecting low-level M-protein (≤1.25 g/L) during the 1-year remission period. Conclusion EXENT demonstrates a potentially superior performance over electrophoretic methods for identifying residual serological disease during monitoring; and shows potential as a serum biomarker of early relapse in myeloma. The improved sensitivity of MS suggests it may delay and, in some cases, avoid the need for invasive methods to determine response to therapy.

Anchialine pool shrimp (Halocaridina rubra) as an indicator of sewage in coastal groundwater ecosystems on the island of Hawai'i.

Groundwater is a primary pathway for wastewater and other pollutants to enter coastal ecosystems worldwide. Sewage associated pathogens, pharmaceuticals, and other emerging contaminants pose potential risks to marine life and human health. Anchialine pool ecosystems and the endemic species they support are at risk and provide an opportunity to sample for presence of contaminants prior to diffusion in the marine environment. In this study, we tested the potential use of nitrogen isotopes in the tissues of a dominant anchialine pool grazing shrimp (Halocaridina rubra), as a bioindicator for sewage in groundwater flowing through their habitats. Water quality parameters and shrimp tissue isotopes (N and C) were collected from pools exposed to a range of sewage contamination along the West Hawai'i coastal corridor from 2015 to 2017. Data were used to test for spatial and temporal variability both within and among pools and to examine the relationship between stable isotopes and water quality parameters. Within 22 pools, mean δ15N from whole tissue samples ranged between 2.74‰ and 22.46‰. Variability of isotope values was low within individual pools and within pool clusters. However, δ15N differed significantly between areas and indicated that sewage is entering groundwater in some of the sampled locations. The significant positive relationship between δ15N and dissolved nitrogen (p<0.001, R2 = 0.84) and δ15N and phosphorus (p<0.001, R2 = 0.9) support this conclusion. In a mesocosm experiment, the nitrogen half-life for H. rubra tissue was estimated to be 20.4 days, demonstrating that the grazer provides a time-integrative sample compared to grab-sample measurements of dissolved nutrients. Ubiquitous grazers such as H. rubra may prove a useful and cost-effective method for δ15N detection of sewage in conjunction with standard monitoring methods, enabling sampling of a large number of pools to establish and refine monitoring programs, especially because anchialine habitats typically support no macroalgae.

Application of a structural monitoring on segmental tunnel linings

AbstractThe prediction of the structural behavior and the internal forces acting in segmental tunnel linings is a difficult task and contains uncertainties. In situ measurements within structural monitoring are the only possibility to assess the results under realistic boundary conditions. However, no standardized structural monitoring method for segmented lining exists and consequentially setting up a new monitoring project requires an increased effort. Therefore, in this paper, first, an analysis of experiences in reported monitoring projects is done. Then, a report on a current monitoring project carried out by the authors and the experiences made are presented. Based on these, suggestions are given to facilitate future applications of structural monitoring on segmental tunnel linings regarding conceptualization, instrumentation, installation, operation, and data evaluation.

On-line monitoring the corrosion rate of reinforcing steel in concrete under natural conditions using bimetallic batch sensors along the coast of Khanh Hoa (Vietnam)

A bimetallic batch sensor was proposed to assess the corrosion rate of steel reinforcement in concrete in the presence of chlorides under laboratory and marine conditions. The prepared sensor could generate an electric current independently, indicating the corrosion process's intensity. Moreover, this sensor did not require any external polarization, resulting in reducing the device's cost and power consumption. These advantages are very important when using sensors for autonomous monitoring systems away from energy sources. Laboratory tests in an aqueous extract of concrete have shown the possibility of a sensor to detect the transition from a passive state to corrosion with an increase in the concentration of chlorides. Activation was received when 0.010 < CCl ≤ 0.10 mol·dm−3. The boundary between the passive state and corrosion was obtained at a current density of 8.6 ± 0.5 μA·cm−2. The measurement results on the sensor coincided with the data of the anode polarization curves and the polarization resistance method. In addition, the monitoring system based on sensors was tested in the field conditions of Khanh Hoa (Vietnam) for four exposure conditions for nine months. The correspondence of the measured current for sensors with standard monitoring methods was obtained: the half-cell potential and the electrical resistivity. The most intense corrosion occurred for the samples placed in the splash zone or immersed to a depth of 1 m. The coefficient of conversion of the current on the sensor and the corrosion rate by the polarization resistance method for concrete samples was set to 69.9. Therefore, it is possible to use the current value on the sensor to predict the time to structural failure using well-known models based on data on the corrosion rate of reinforcement. The sensors could retain their functionality and integrity after 9 months of field tests. The current findings suggest a continuous monitoring system of the corrosion rate of steel reinforcement in marine conditions for practical applications.

Pesticide susceptibility monitoring of fall armyworms (Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith)): a simple methodology for information-sharing among Southeast Asian countries

BackgroundThe fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a destructive moth pest. It is highly migratory and was first detected in Southeast Asia in 2018, rapidly becoming a major pest of corn production in this region. Monitoring the susceptibility of S. frugiperda populations is important for efficient insecticide resistance management. Because of the high mobility of this pest, information-sharing of susceptibility levels among neighboring countries is required for insecticide resistance management. To this end, we developed simple standard methods for pesticide susceptibility monitoring of S. frugiperda to contribute to information-sharing among Southeast Asian countries.MethodsThe developed methods included mass rearing of larvae using an artificial diet and bioassay by diet overlay. The lethal concentrations for 50% and 95% mortality (LC50 and LC95) and resistance coefficient values were calculated. We tested the susceptibilities of samples of S. frugiperda collected from the six major corn planting areas in Thailand to emamectin benzoate, spinetoram, chlorantraniliprole, indoxacarb, chlorfenapyr, and lufenuron using the developed methods.ResultsThe mortality of artificial diet-fed larvae was higher than those fed corn leaves, especially in the early instars. However, more than half of the specimens reared on the artificial diet became pupae. In the case of three of the six pesticides, emamectin benzoate, indoxacarb, and chlorfenapyr, the LC50 values of the samples collected in 2021 and 2022 were significantly higher than those collected in 2019, indicating increasing resistance to those three pesticides. According to the resistance coefficient values, only samples from one area exhibited low resistance to lufenuron.ConclusionsWe developed a simple standardized methodology for Southeast Asian countries to compare insecticide susceptibility. The calculated LC50 and resistance coefficient values can be used as a baseline for monitoring the development of pesticide resistance in the region. The LC50 values of several pesticides have increased significantly over the years. However, the resistance coefficient values indicated that S. frugiperda developed low resistance to only one pesticide (lufenuron). This study offers helpful information for insecticide selection and improved resistance management of fall armyworms in Thailand.

Bioimpedance Analysis as Early Predictor for Clot Formation Inside a Blood-Perfused Test Chamber: Proof of Concept Using an In Vitro Test-Circuit.

Clot formation inside a membrane oxygenator (MO) due to blood-to-foreign surface interaction represents a frequent complication during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Since current standard monitoring methods of coagulation status inside the MO fail to detect clot formation at an early stage, reliable sensors for early clot detection are in demand to reduce associated complications and adverse events. Bioimpedance analysis offers a monitoring concept by integrating sensor fibers into the MO. Herein, the feasibility of clot detection via bioimpedance analysis is evaluated. A custom-made test chamber with integrated titanium fibers acting as sensors was perfused with heparinized human whole blood in an in vitro test circuit until clot formation occurred. The clot detection capability of bioimpedance analysis was directly compared to the pressure difference across the test chamber (ΔP-TC), analogous to the measurement across MOs (ΔP-MO), the clinical gold standard for clot detection. We found that bioimpedance measurement increased significantly 8 min prior to a significant increase in ΔP-TC, indicating fulminant clot formation. Experiments without clot formation resulted in a lack of increase in bioimpedance or ΔP-TC. This study shows that clot detection via bioimpedance analysis under flow conditions in a blood-perfused test chamber is generally feasible, thus paving the way for further investigation.

Methods for Measuring and Assessing Irregularities of Stone Pavements—Part I

Stone pavements are the historical, architectural, and cultural heritage of lots of cities in Italy and the world. Road managers should be able to make decisions on the global conditions to define the most suitable strategies and maintenance interventions for every type of pavement. There are no standard monitoring methods or criteria for evaluating stone pavement performance. These pavements have more uneven surfaces than traditional pavements, but this characteristic could be accepted if type of vehicles and relative travel conditions are considered. Therefore, it is useful to define criteria for assessing roughness considering the comfort experienced by users in different vehicles. In this research, both traditional and innovative methodologies for assessing irregularities have been investigated using true stone surface profiles. In this regard, traditional performance indicators such as the International Roughness Index (IRI) defined by the ASTM E1926, the ISO 8608 classification, and the frequency-weighted vertical acceleration (awz) provided by ISO 2631-1 for comfort assessment have been considered. In the case of comfort assessment, three dynamic vehicle models (bike, automobile, and bus) have been adopted. Finally, this two-part paper also proposes an innovative straightedge analysis for stone pavements (SASP) to evaluate the effect on traffic of both pavement profile roughness and localized irregularities. In this way, the authors aim to provide an effective tool to monitor stone pavements.

Cancer Serum Atlas-Supported Precise Pan-Targeted Proteomics Enable Multicancer Detection.

The wide dynamic range of serum proteome restrained discovery of clinically interested proteins in large cohort studies. Herein, we presented a high-sensitivity, high-throughput, and precise pan-targeted serum proteomic strategy for highly efficient cancer serum proteomic research and biomarker discovery. We constructed a resource of over 2000 cancer-secreted proteins, and the standard MS assays and spectra of at least one synthetic unique peptide per protein were acquired and documented (Cancer Serum Atlas, www.cancerserumatlas.com). Then, the standard peptide-anchored parallel reaction monitoring (SPA-PRM) method was developed with support of the Cancer Serum Atlas, achieving precise quantification of cancer-secreted proteins with high throughput and sensitivity. We directly quantified 325 cancer-related serum proteins in 288 serums of four cancer types (liver, stomach, lung, breast) and controls with the pan-targeted strategy and discovered considerable potential biomarker benefits for early detection of cancer. Finally, a proteomic-based multicancer detection model was built, demonstrating high sensitivity (87.2%) and specificity (100%), with 73.8% localization accuracy for an independent test set. In conclusion, the Cancer Serum Atlas provides a wide range of potential biomarkers that serve as targets and standard assays for systematic and highly efficient serological studies of cancer. The Cancer Serum Atlas-supported pan-targeted proteomic strategy enables highly efficient biomarker discovery and multicancer detection and thus can be a powerful tool for liquid biopsy.

Weighted-average time-lapse seismic full-waveform inversion

As seismic data can contain information over a large spatial area and are sensitive to changes in the properties of the subsurface, seismic imaging has become the standard geophysical monitoring method for many applications such as carbon capture and storage and reservoir monitoring. The availability of practical tools such as full-waveform inversion (FWI) makes time-lapse seismic FWI a promising method for monitoring subsurface changes. However, FWI is a highly ill-posed problem that can generate artifacts. Because the changes in the earth’s properties are typically small in terms of magnitude and spatial extent, discriminating the true time-lapse signature from noise can be challenging. Different strategies have been proposed to address these difficulties. In this study, we propose a weighted-average (WA) inversion to better control the effects of artifacts and differentiate them from the true 4D changes. We further compare five related strategies with synthetic tests on clean and noisy data. The effects of seawater velocity variation on different strategies also are studied as one of the main sources of nonrepeatability. We tested different strategies of time-lapse FWI (TL-FWI) using the Marmousi and the SEG Advanced Modeling time-lapse models. The results indicate that the WA method can provide the best compromise between accuracy and computation time. This method also provides a range of possible answers of other TL-FWI strategies.