Standard Procedures Research Articles

Infectious Agents Associated with Abortion Outbreaks in Italian Pig Farms from 2011 to 2021

The present study retrospectively analyzed the infectious agents associated with 829 abortion outbreaks occurring from 2011 to 2021 in northern Italy. Foetuses were subjected to necropsies, and organ samples were analyzed by direct PCR to screen for six swine pathogens. In 42.0% of the examined outbreaks, at least one infectious agent was found. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) (24.9%) and porcine circovirus-2 (PCV2) (11.5%) were the most frequently detected among the known abortion-inducing pathogens. Chlamydia spp. (5.6%), porcine parvovirus (PPV) (4.0%), and Leptospira spp. (2.6%) were less common. Although its role in swine reproductive disorders is still unclear, PCV3 was detected in 19.6% of the cases. Coinfections were detected in 25.0% of positive outbreaks, and the most frequent coinfection was represented by PRRSV and PCV2 (32.2%), followed by PRRSV and PCV3 (23%). PCV2 prevalence showed a slight but consistent reduction during the study period, while PCV3 increased in frequency. Our data suggest an overall reduction in abortion outbreaks during the study period. PRRSV was confirmed as the main abortion agent detected in the examined area, while PCV2 prevalence showed a decline. Conversely, PCV3 detection has been increasing, supporting its potential role as an abortion agent. Our results highlight the importance of implementing a consistent and standardized sampling procedure, as well as a thorough diagnostic protocol, to reduce the incidence of inconclusive diagnoses.

Copper-61 is an advantageous alternative to gallium-68 for PET imaging of somatostatin receptor-expressing tumors: a head-to-head comparative preclinical study.

Gallium-68 positron emission tomography (68Ga-PET) with the two registered somatostatin analogs, [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-Tyr3-octreotide ([68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC) and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-Tyr3-octreotate ([68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TATE), where DOTA = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid, is routinely used for imaging of somatostatin receptor (SST)-expressing tumors. We investigated copper-61 (61Cu) as an alternative radiometal for PET imaging of SST-expressing tumors. Compared to gallium-68, copper-61 (t1/2 = 3.33 h, E β + max = 1.22 MeV) can be produced on a large scale, enables late time point imaging, and has the therapeutic twin copper-67. Herein, DOTA-TOC and 1,4,7-triazacyclononane,1-glutaric acid-4,7-acetic acid (NODAGA)-TOC were labeled with copper-61 and compared with the clinically used [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC. [61Cu]CuCl2 was produced from an irradiated natural nickel target. DOTA-TOC and NODAGA-TOC were labeled with [61Cu]CuCl2 in ammonium acetate buffer so to achieve a reaction pH of 5-6 and a temperature of 95°C for DOTA-TOC or room temperature for NODAGA-TOC. The radioligands were evaluated head-to-head in vitro using human embryonic kidney (HEK)-SST2 cells (affinity, binding sites, cellular uptake, and efflux) and in vivo using HEK-SST2 xenografts [PET/computed tomography (CT) imaging, biodistribution, and pharmacokinetics] and compared with [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC, which was prepared using a standard procedure. Dosimetry estimates were made for [61Cu]Cu-NODAGA-TOC. [61Cu]Cu-DOTA-TOC and [61Cu]Cu-NODAGA-TOC were prepared at an apparent molar activity of 25 MBq/nmol with radiochemical purities of ≥96% and ≥98%, respectively. In vitro, both presented a sub-nanomolar affinity for SST2 (IC50 = 0.23 and 0.34 nM, respectively). They were almost entirely internalized upon binding to SST2-expressing cells and had similar efflux rates at 37°C. In vivo, [61Cu]Cu-DOTA-TOC and [61Cu]Cu-NODAGA-TOC showed the same accumulation in SST2-expressing tumors. However, PET/CT images and biodistribution analyses clearly showed an unfavorable biodistribution for [61Cu]Cu-DOTA-TOC, characterized by accumulation in the liver and the abdomen. [61Cu]Cu-NODAGA-TOC displayed favorable biodistribution, comparable with [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC at 1 h post-injection (p.i.). Notwithstanding, [61Cu]Cu-NODAGA-TOC showed advantages at 4 h p.i., due to the tumor retention and improved tumor-to-non-tumor ratios. The effective dose (2.41 × 10-3 mSv/MBq) of [61Cu]Cu-NODAGA-TOC, but also the dose to the other organs and the kidneys (9.65 × 10-2 mGy/MBq), suggested a favorable safety profile. Somatostatin receptor 61Cu-PET imaging not only matches the performance of 68Ga-PET at 1 h p.i. but has advantages in late-time imaging at 4 h p.i., as it provides improved tumor-to-non-tumor ratios. [61Cu]Cu-NODAGA-TOC is superior to [61Cu]Cu-DOTA-TOC in vivo. The use of the chelator NODAGA allows quantitative labeling with copper-61 at room temperature and enables the straightforward use of a kit formulation for simple manufacturing in medical centers.

Planning for and Assessing Rigor in Rapid Qualitative Analysis (PARRQA): a consensus-based framework for designing, conducting, and reporting

BackgroundThe use of rapid qualitative methods has increased substantially over the past decade in quality improvement and health services research. These methods have gained traction in implementation research and practice, wherein real-time adjustments are often made to optimize processes and outcomes. This brisk increase begs the questions: what does rigor entail in projects that use rapid qualitative analysis (RQA)? How do we define a pragmatic framework to help research teams design and conduct rigorous and valid rapid qualitative projects? How can authors articulate rigor in their methods descriptions? Lastly, how can reviewers evaluate the rigor of rapid qualitative projects?.MethodsA team of seven interdisciplinary qualitative methods experts developed a framework for ensuring rigor and validity in RQA and methods suitable for this analytic approach. We conducted a qualitative evidence synthesis to identify gaps in the literature and then drew upon literature, standard procedures within our teams, and a repository of rapid qualitative training materials to create a planning and reporting framework. We iteratively refined this framework through 11 group working meetings (60-90 minutes each) over the course of one year and invited feedback on items to ensure their completeness, clarity, and comprehensibility.ResultsThe Planning for and Assessing Rigor in Rapid Qualitative Analysis (PARRQA) framework is organized progressively across phases from design to dissemination, as follows: 1) rigorous design (rationale and staffing), 2) semi-structured data collection (pilot and planning), 3) RQA: summary template development (accuracy and calibration), 4) RQA: matrix analysis (matrices), and 5) rapid qualitative data synthesis. Eighteen recommendations across these sections specify best practices for rigor and validity.ConclusionsRapid qualitative methods play a central role in implementation evaluations, with the potential to yield prompt information and insights about context, processes, and relationships. However, guidance on how to assess rigor is nascent. The PARRQA framework enhances the literature by offering criteria to ensure appropriate planning for and assessment of rigor in projects that involve RQA. This framework provides a consensus-based resource to support high-level qualitative methodological rigor in implementation science.

Flooding Control by Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide Additives in Silver Catalyst Layers for CO2 Electrolysis.

Electrolyte flooding in porous catalyst layers on gas diffusion electrodes (GDE) limits the stability and high-current performance of CO2 and CO electrolyzers. Here, we demonstrate the in situ electroreduction of graphene oxide (GO) to reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) within a silver catalyst layer on a carbon GDE. The r-GO introduces hydrophobicity regions in the catalyst layer that help mitigate electrolyte flooding during high current density CO2 electrolysis to CO. The flooding-resistant r-GO/Ag-coated GDE achieves a sustained Faradaic efficiency of CO at 94% for more than 8 h, compared to a rapid drop from 95% to 66% in an Ag-coated GDE without r-GO at 100 mA·cm-2. We found that GO enhances the electrochemically active surface area of the catalyst layer during CO2 electrolysis tests because the incorporation of GO increases the roughness of the catalyst layer. The in situ method of electrochemically reducing GO to r-GO provides a low-cost, practical approach that can be applied during standard spray-deposition procedures to develop flooding-resistant GDEs.

A review of label-free photonics-based techniques for cancer detection in the digestive and urinary systems

Abstract For a long time, it has been known that optics can provide a broad range of tools for addressing clinical needs, particularly diagnostics. Optical techniques can help in identifying diseases and detecting pathological tissues with non/minimally invasive and label-free methods. Given the current limitations of standard clinical procedures, such an approach could provide a powerful tool in detecting gastrointestinal and bladder cancers. However, each technique has serious limitations regarding one or more of the following features: biomarker sensitivity, penetration depth, acquisition times, or adaptation to the clinical environment. Hence there is an increasing need for approaches and instruments based on the concept of multimodality; in this regard, we review the application of different imaging/spectroscopy tools and methods operating in the first two optical windows (SHG, SPEF, TPEF, THG, 3PEF, CARS, Raman and reflectance) for tumour detection in the digestive and urinary systems. This article also explores the possibility of exploiting the third bio-tissue transmission window (1600-1900 nm) by reviewing state of the art in ultrafast laser sources development. Finally, we summarise the most recent results in developing multiphoton endoscopes – a key element for clinical in vivo translation of photonics-based diagnostics.

A simplified method for theoretical sum frequency generation spectroscopy calculation and interpretation: The "pop model".

Existing methods to compute theoretical spectra are restricted to the use of time-correlation functions evaluated from accurate atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, often at the abinitio level. The molecular interpretation of the computed spectra requires additional steps to deconvolve the spectroscopic contributions from local water and surface structural populations at the interface. The lack of a standard procedure to do this often hampers rationalization. To overcome these challenges, we rewrite the equations for spectra calculation into a sum of partial contributions from interfacial populations, weighted by their abundance at the interface. We show that SFG signatures from each population can be parameterized into a minimum dataset of reference partial spectra. Accurate spectra can then be predicted by just evaluating the statistics of interfacial populations, which can be done even with force field simulations as well as with analytic models. This approach broadens the range of simulation techniques from which theoretical spectra can be calculated, opening toward non-atomistic and Monte Carlo simulation approaches. Most notably, it allows constructing accurate theoretical spectra for interfacial conditions that cannot even be simulated, as we demonstrate for the pH-dependent SFG spectra of silica/water interfaces.

Understanding Standard Procedure in Auditory Brainstem Response: Importance of Normative Data

The auditory brainstem response (ABR) is a noninvasive test that measures neural activity in response to auditory stimuli. Racial differences in head shape have provided strong evidence for specific normative data and accurate device calibration. International standards emphasize the need for standardized procedures and references. This study aimed to outline the standard procedure and related normative ABR values. Standard procedures were performed according to International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. Five studies from two countries were included to compare the normative values of the ABR. The dataset from the National Standard Reference Data Center (NSRDC) was used as reference. Normative values were described in terms of stimuli, latency, and amplitude. For click stimuli, the latency of the ABR showed different patterns across populations, such as those from Korea and the USA. Although the latencies reported by the NSRDC and for Koreans were relatively short, those reported for USA populations were longer. Using clicks, it was shown that the USA population had the largest ABR amplitude compared to those reported for the other two datasets. For Wave V latency using tone bursts, a similar pattern was identified with click stimuli. Frequency-specific trends were also observed. Although there is a lack of ABR datasets, the information and insights of the present study could be utilized as standard guidelines in research on ABR.

PENERAPAN GOOD AGRICULTURE PRACTICES (GAP) PADA USAHATANI BUAH NAGA MERAH DI KECAMATAN PESANGGARAN KABUPATEN BANYUWANGI

This research develops and applies the implementation of Good Agriculture Practices to red dragon fruit farming, influencing factors, and recommendations for providing extension materials to increase its implementation. Implementing Good Agricultural Practices must be by Control Points, Standard Operating Procedures, Plant Pest Control, filling out workbooks, and re-registration, which are obligations that farmers must carry out after obtaining a Good Agricultural Practices certificate. In this study, as many as 62 red dragon fruit farmers certified as Good Agriculture Practices were selected as a whole or total sampling. The Likert scale is used to analyze the level of implementation of Good Agriculture Practices. Logistic Regression Analysis is used to see the factors that influence the level of implementation of Good Agriculture Practices. Efforts to increase the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices through rankings. The research results show that (1) the implementation of Good Agriculture Practices in red dragon fruit farming is sufficient; (2) factors that influence the implementation of Good Agriculture Practices are the variables of farming experience, perception of production quantity, and perception of selling price. (3) recommendations for increasing the implementation of Good Agriculture Practices in red dragon fruit farming in Pesanggaran District can be done by providing material on priority efforts starting from Mandatory Control Points, Very Green Control Points, filling out workbooks, implementing Plant Pest Control, re-registering, Points Control Recommendations, and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures.

Appraisal of chemical composition and biological activities of thyme essential oil: an insight to in-silico molecular docking studies

The current study aims to ascertain the chemical composition and biological activities of thyme leaves essential oil (TEO), with an emphasis on its in silico molecular docking studies targeting the antibacterial properties of its constituents. TEO was extracted from dried leaves using a standardized procedure, with a yield of 0.75%. The chemical constituents of TEO were identified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The primary compounds detected included carvacrol, o-acetyl thymol, α-pinene, and spathulenol. Subsequently, the antioxidant activity of the isolated oil was measured, and the results showed that the total phenolic contents (TPC) was 4.69 ± 0.17 GAE mg/100 g, the total flavonoid contents (TFC) was 1.45 ± 0.04 CE mg/100 g, the ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) ranged from 0.07-0.81, and the DPPH radical scavenging activity was 42.88-86.94%. TEO exhibited notable antibacterial activity against certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The molecular docking studies were then conducted to further investigate the interaction of TEO’s potent metabolites with key bacterial enzymes, identifying spathulenol and caryophyllene as the best-interacting ligands. Hemolytic activity tests of TEO indicated negligible cytotoxic effects. These findings support that TEO holds great potential for the development of functional food and nutra-pharmaceuticals.

Synthesis of Montmorillonite-Silica Nanocomposite Using Millet Husk and Montmorillonite Clay and Optimization of Adsorption Parameters for Congo Red Dye Adsorption

Dyes are substances that, when applied to a substrate provides color by a process that alters, at least temporarily, any crystal structure of the colored substances The discharge of these effluents into the receiving environments results in hazardous health problems as most of these dyes have carcinogenic effects on the living organisms. Generally, dyes are classified into three categories: a) anionic: direct, acid, and reactive dyes; b) cationic: basic dyes; and c) non-ionic: disperse dyes. The chromophores in anionic and non-ionic dyes mostly consist of azo groups or anthraquinone types. However, Congo red, are difficult to biodegrade due to their complex aromatic structures, which provide them with physico-chemical, thermal, and optical stability. This study is aimed at synthesizing Montmorillonite-silica nanocomposite, a cost effective adsorbent from millet husk and Montmorillonite-clay with the determination of its optimum adsorption parameters for Congo Red Dye adsorption. Here, synthesis of Montmorillonite-silica nanocomposite and optimization parameters were carried out using standard procedures. The unbiased result demonstrated that the percentage yield was found to be 94.51 %. The optimum adsorption parameters studied were adsorbent dose, adsorbate concentration, pH and Kinetics studies. The optimum adsorption parameters were found to be 8.0 g/L, 2.0 mg/L, 8 and 30 minutes, respectively. Hence, the synthesized Montmorillonite-silica nanocomposite obtained from montmorillonite clay and millet husk ash can serve as a cost-effective adsorbent for the removal of Congo Red Dye from waste waters.

Estimating Asymmetric Fuel Price Responses in Croatia

Abstract Background According to many studies, the transmission of oil prices to retail fuel prices is asymmetric. Fuel prices react faster if oil prices rise and more slowly if oil prices fall. Different standard econometric procedures lead to different results. The Linex approach, which is based on formulating the non-linear adjustment cost function, reflects the theory. It uses the generalised method of moments to estimate the reaction functions, which demands many observations. Objectives The paper investigates the price asymmetry in the Croatian retail fuel market using standard approaches and the Linex approach. Methods/Approach The simple and dynamic asymmetry models, error correction models, threshold autoregressive co-integration, and the Linex approach are used to verify the hypothesis of asymmetric reactions of gasoline and diesel prices in Croatia. Results The results using the standard methods are mixed, while the Linex approach indicates price asymmetry, the size of which is measured with the average price bias. The results correspond to other studies worldwide. Conclusions The authors' preferred Linex approach detects price asymmetries, even with large data samples with frequent changes in trends and volatilities. According to the approach, the question is not whether prices are formed asymmetrically but the size of the asymmetry.

Spatial variation in physicochemical water quality parameters associated with Rice farming in the Dakalt Branch Canal, Kafrelsheikh governorate, Egypt

AbstractThe inappropriate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in rice farming has been identified as a significant source of pollution in the aquatic environments. The declining water quality has been a cause of concern for the riparian communities owing to ill health associated with the usage of contaminated water from lotic systems draining such rice‐growing areas and its potential to cause lethal and sublethal effects on aquatic organisms. The spatial variation of selected water quality parameters was assessed using multivariate techniques. Data from three sampling stations, collected in triplicates, were analyzed to understand the effects of rice farming practices on the Dakalt Branch Canal's water quality. Eleven physicochemical parameters were measured in situ with a portable multimeter, while nutrients and other chemical parameters were determined following the standard procedures outlined in the American Public Health Association using the UV/Visible spectrophotometer. One‐way ANOVA was used to establish whether or not there were significant differences among means of various parameters. The findings revealed considerable spatial variability in the means for nearly all water quality parameters (p < 0.05). The Water Quality Index revealed that all the sampling stations were polluted with indices of more than 100. We conclude that poor rice management practices are responsible for the observed pollution of the River Nile and potentially lethal and sublethal effects on aquatic organisms and human health. We therefore recommend regular monitoring of the water quality of the Dakalt Branch Canal and that the relevant stakeholders, including farmers, embrace Best Management Practices, especially when applying pesticides and fertilizers.

Development of Ready to Drink Banana Pseudostem Beverage Incorporated with Pineapple and Grape Extract

Background: Banana pseudostem (Musa acuminata) comprises nearly 30% of plant biomass and carries a substantial quantity of fiber and moisture. Banana pseudostem beverage was developed from banana tender core, natural extracts (Pine apple and Grape) and 2% citric acid used as an antibrowning agent. The present study aimed to develop ready-to-drink banana pseudostem juice incorporated with pineapple and grape extract. The banana pseudostem juice (80%) was incorporated with pineapple (20%) and grape (20%) extracts. Methods: The proximate composition of the ready-to-drink banana pseudostem beverage and the physicochemical properties of banana pseudostem extract were analyzed using standard procedures. Sensory evaluation and microbial quality were analyzed for ready-to-drink banana pseudostem beverages stored at 25°C and 4°C. The beverages were evaluated at 6 days interval period. Result: The ready-to-drink beverages were evaluated at a 6-day interval period. The result of the physicochemical properties of the ready-to-drink banana pseudostem beverage incorporated with pineapple and grape extract during storage at ambient and refrigerated temperature. The banana pseudostem beverage pH value gradually increased and its acidity value decreased. The total soluble solids remained constant, viscosity at 25°C was decreased, at 4°C viscosity was increased during the storage period up to 12 days. During storage conditions, the total soluble solids remain constant, while the viscosity increased at 4! and reduced at 25°C. Minimal substantial changes were observed in the quality of ready-to-drink banana pseudostem beverages during storage conditions. The pineapple extract-flavored pseudostem beverages during storage conditions. The pineapple extract-flavored pseudostem beverage was very well-liked by consumers, according to the organoleptic evaluation. The quality of ready-to-drink banana pseudostem beverages was minimal significant changes were observed. Based on the organoleptic evaluation, the pineapple extract flavored pseudostem beverage was highly accepted by consumer preference. The banana pseudostem beverage incorporated with pineapple extracts was microbiologically safe for 12 days at 25°C and 4°C for human consumption. After 12 days at (25°C) and (4°C), the banana pseudostem beverage incorporated with pineapple extracts proved microbiologically safe.

Statistical modelling of a tractor tractive performance during ploughing operation on a tropical Alfisol

Abstract Tractor is the most prominent off-road agricultural machinery that is significant to the global food security. The tractive modelling of tyre–soil interaction and agricultural implement dynamics is a complex phenomenon that require holistic approach. Terramechanics techniques such as empirical, semi-empirical, analytical, and numerical methods such as finite element models and discrete element models have gained traction in tractive performance studies. Some of these approaches are premised on large arrays of variables for modelling tractive performance based on the soil–tyre and tools interactions. In this study, soft computing in R software domain was used to model the tractor tractive performance during ploughing operations on a tropical Alfisol. The research farm at the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization was used for the field experiment. The experimental design was a nested-factorial under a Randomized Complete Block Design having three replications. The input factors were tractor power size, T, (60, 65, and 70 hp); tyre inflation pressure, P, (83, 124, and 165 kPa); implement configuration, I, (2 and 3 bottoms disc plough); and operational speed, S, (6.31, 7.90, 9.47, 11.05, and 12.63 km/h). Standard procedures were followed to obtain the measured parameters in the field, which were statistically analysed. Correlation analysis and analysis of variance of the measured parameters at 5% significance level were established. Multiple linear regression was used to develop the model, validated using the 10-fold cross-validation method. The results revealed that the evaluated variables have a range of 1.56–7.79 kN, 5.15–27.20%, 9.10–32.00 cm, 4.50–13.94%, 1.31–1.67 g/cm3, 95.89–207.78 kPa, and 98.67–295.56 for draught, wheel slip, depth of cut, moisture content, bulk density, cone index (CI), and shear stress, respectively. A positive correlation exists between the towing force (TF) and the measured variables except for the shear stress and CI. The final developed model has seven variables for predicting TF with a 6.5% error and an average of 0.4735 cross validation root mean square error. The model quality of fit achieved an R Adj 2 = 0.8754 {R}_{\text{Adj}}^{2}=0.8754 which satisfactorily described the response variable. The study provides insights into tractive dynamic systems modelling of machine, tractive medium (soil), and agricultural tools anchored on soft computing approach. Its adoption will assist in quality ploughing operation integrating the variables established in the model.

Clinical and morphological features of the myometrium in patients with placental adherent and invasive pathology

BACKGROUND: The fast increase in the frequency of placental adherent and invasive pathology worldwide accounts for the growing interest in studying the pathogenesis of placenta accreta. According to the literature, the clinical and morphological features of the myometrium from the placental attachment area in placental adherent and invasive pathology are described in single articles. Study of morphological features using proteolytic markers in the myometrium from the placenta accreta area could help in understanding the pathogenesis of placental adherent and invasive pathology. For the first time in this study, the clinical and morphological features of the myometrium from the placental attachment area in patients with uterine scar and placental adherent and invasive pathology are compared with the myometrium of women with uterine scar without placenta accreta and intact myometrium. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 2 in myometrial biopsies in placental adherent and invasive pathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 15 myometrial biopsies from the placental site, which were divided into three groups according to the clinical diagnosis of the patients: group 1 (main group), with a uterine scar after cesarean section and placental adherent and invasive pathology (n = 5); group 2 (comparison group), with a uterine scar after cesarean section (n = 5); group 3 (control group), with a normal pregnancy without a uterine scar (n = 5). Histological examination was carried out using the standard procedure. Immunohistochemical study was performed using antibodies to matrix metalloproteinase 2 and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 2 (Abcam, USA). Morphometry was carried out using the VideoTesT-Morphology 5.2 program (Videotest Ltd., Russia). The statistical analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0 software. RESULTS: In the biopsies of the main group, we verified terminal chorionic villi with hypervascularization and uneven plethora of the vascular bed among hypertrophied muscle fibers, a basal plate with lumen ectasia of unevenly full-blooded vessels, and the absence of a decidual membrane, in contrast to groups 2 and 3. The matrix metalloproteinase 2 expression area in the main group was higher than in the comparison and control groups (p = 0.008; p1–2 = 0.049*, p1–3 = 0.011), the matrix metalloproteinase 2 optical density not differing between the groups (p = 0.122). The tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases 1 expression area was higher in the comparison group compared to the main group (p = 0.035; p2–3 = 0.032), and the tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 2 optical density was higher in the comparison group compared to control (p = 0.008; p2–3 = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: In myometrial biopsies of patients with a uterine scar and placental adherent and invasive pathology, we verified pathology of the basal plate of the placenta, increased matrix metalloproteinase 2 expression and decreased tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases 1 expression, which may indicate the peculiarities of the inflammatory response in the myometrium in placental adherent and invasive pathology.

The Role of Ultrasound-Based Monitoring of Bladder Volume in Patients with Prostate Cancer during CyberKnife Stereotactic Radiosurgery

(1) Background: For patients irradiated due to prostate cancer, monitoring of bladder volume (BV) is crucial for accuracy of radiation delivery and minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Due to the limited imaging capabilities of the CyberKnife system, ultrasound imaging plays a vital role in the monitoring of bladder filling. (2) Methods: A study was carried out in 142 prostate cancer patients treated with the CyberKnife system. Bladder ultrasound (US) was performed before each RTH session to assess real BV (rBV). The double US assessment of rBV was performed by two independent operators or a single operator during 177 and 495 RTH sessions, respectively, giving, in total, 1344 BV assessments. (3) Results: The mean BV in the first and second US assessment was 214.7 mL and 218.1 mL, respectively, while the mean planning bladder volume (pBV) was 340.8 mL. A pBV was significantly higher than an rBV. The mean difference between the US and CT assessment of BV was the smallest in the 100–349 mL group and the largest in the group above 349 mL. The Passing–Bablok regression results confirmed the reliability of the ultrasound (US) measurements. (4) Conclusions: The introduction of US-based BV assessment in patients irradiated due to prostate cancer using CyberKnife seems to be a crucial element in controlling the reproducibility of the treatment plan and should be a standard procedure. The pBV should be within the range of 200–300 mL. The US examination prior to CT scanning for planning is recommended to ensure the optimal range of BV for CT.

Assessing your Observatory’s Impact: Best Practices in Establishing and Maintaining Observatory Bibliographies

Observatories need to measure and evaluate the scientific output and overall impact of their facilities. An observatory bibliography consists of the papers published using that observatory’s data, typically gathered by searching the major journals for relevant keywords. Recently, the volume of literature and methods by which the publications pool is evaluated has increased. Efficient and standardized procedures are necessary to assign meaningful metadata; enable user-friendly retrieval; and provide the opportunity to derive reports, statistics, and visualizations to impart a deeper understanding of the research output. In 2021, a group of observatory bibliographers from around the world convened online to continue the discussions presented in Lagerstrom (2015). We worked to extract general guidelines from our experiences, techniques, and lessons learnt. The paper explores the development, application, and current status of telescope bibliographies and future trends. This paper briefly describes the methodologies employed in constructing databases, along with the various bibliometric techniques used to analyze and interpret them. We explain reasons for non-standardization and why it is essential for each observatory to identify metadata and metrics that are meaningful for them; caution the (over-)use of comparisons among facilities that are, ultimately, not comparable through bibliometrics; and highlight the benefits of telescope bibliographies, both for researchers within the astronomical community and for stakeholders beyond the specific observatories. There is tremendous diversity in the ways bibliographers track publications and maintain databases, due to parameters such as resources, type of observatory, historical practices, and reporting requirements to funders and outside agencies. However, there are also common sets of Best Practices.

Multivariate analysis of water quality in the Dhaleshwari River, Bangladesh: identifying pollution sources and environmental implications

ABSTRACT This study aims to evaluate the current water quality status of the Dhaleshwari River, considering seasonal variations, and identify potential pollution sources using physicochemical parameters, multivariate statistical analysis, and the water quality index (WQI) method. Sampling was conducted at six locations along the Dhaleshwari River from January 2021 to April 2022, encompassing both dry and wet seasons. Eleven physicochemical parameters were tested following standard procedures. The calculated WQI values demonstrated that the overall water quality of the Dhaleshwari River is very poor (264.7 ± 64.5). Seasonal variation in water quality was significant, with the worst quality (305.7 ± 54.3) observed during the dry season; however, water quality during the wet season was also unsatisfactory (223.6 ± 46.3). Geospatial analysis shows the distribution of water quality in the study locations. Principal components analysis was performed for source appointment, which indicated that direct wastewater discharge from surrounding industries, particularly tanneries, as well as municipal wastewater, were the major pollution sources. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the deteriorating water quality of the Dhaleshwari River due to industrialization and human activities. The findings underscore the urgent need for interventions to mitigate pollution sources and improve the overall health of the river ecosystem.

Development of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) prevention model in the hospital based on Six Sigma and VAP Bundle

Background & Objective: Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is the leading cause of death in Healthcare-Associated Infections (HCAI), with 30-day mortality of 59% of patients with ventilator devices. The aim of this research was to develop a VAP prevention model in the intensive care unit (ICU) based on Six Sigma and VAP Bundle, involving individual, organizational and work characteristics factors. Methodology: This research was carried out in the ICU, Poltekkes Kemenkes Malang, Malang, Indonesia, using a cross-sectional design. The research subjects were nurses, selected using a simple random sampling technique. All variables were measured through filling out questionnaires. Next, the measurement data was analyzed using Partial Least Square (PLS), based on Six Sigma and VAP Bundle. Results: Based on Six Sigma and VAP Bundle, the results of the analysis of the effects of the three factors on the implementation of VAP prevention were: 1) for individual factors, path coefficient = 0.189 and P = 0.000, so it was interpreted that this factor had a significant effect on the implementation of VAP prevention; 2) for organizational factors, path coefficient = 0.496 and P = 0.003, so it was interpreted that this factor also had a significant effect; 3) for the work characteristics factors, path coefficient = 0.289 and P = 0.000, so this factor also had a significant effect on the implementation of VAP prevention. Conclusion: Based on the research results, a VAP prevention model based on Six Sigma and VAP bundle was successfully built in the ICU, which involved organizational factors, work characteristics and individual factors. Abbreviations: HCAI - Healthcare-Associated Infections; HAP - Hospital-acquired pneumonia; PLS - Partial Least Square; SOP - standard operating procedure; VAP - ventilator-associated pneumonia; Keywords: Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia, VAP, Prevention; Six Sigma, VAP Bundle; Intensive Care Unit; organizational factors; work characteristics; individual factors Citation: Yuswanto TJA, Ernawati N, SolikhahFK, Nugroho HSW. Development of a prevention model for ventilator-associated pneumonia based on Six Sigma and VAP bundle. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2024;28(5):876−882; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v28i5.2574 Received: July 14, 2024; Reviewed: July 28, 2024; Accepted: July 28, 2024

Fisher Information-Based Optimization of Mapped Fourier Grid Methods

The mapped Fourier grid method (mapped-FGM) is a simple and efficient discrete variable representation (DVR) numerical technique for solving atomic radial Schrödinger differential equations. It is set up on equidistant grid points, and the mapping, a suitable coordinate transformation to the radial variable, deals with the potential energy peculiarities that are incompatible with constant step grids. For a given constrained number of grid points, classical phase space and semiclassical arguments help in selecting the mapping function and the maximum radial extension, while the energy does not generally exhibit a variational extremization trend. In this work, optimal computational parameters and mapping quality are alternatively assessed using the extremization of (coordinate and momentum) Fisher information. A benchmark system (hydrogen atom) is employed, where energy eigenvalues and Fisher information are traced in a standard convergence procedure. High-precision energy eigenvalues exhibit a correlation with the extrema of Fisher information measures. Highly efficient mapping schemes (sometimes classically counterintuitive) also stand out with these measures. Same trends are evidenced in the solution of Dalgarno–Lewis equations, i.e., inhomogeneous counterparts of the radial Schrödinger equation occurring in perturbation theory. A detailed analysis of the results, implications on more complex single valence electron Hamiltonians, and future extensions are also included.