Laboratory Survey Research Articles

The American Society for Clinical Pathology's 2023 wage survey of medical laboratories in the United States.

To inform the pathology and laboratory field of the most recent national wage data. Historically, the results of this biennial survey have served as a basis for additional research on laboratory professional recruitment, retention, education, marketing, certification, and advocacy. The 2023 Wage Survey was conducted in collaboration between the American Society for Clinical Pathology's (ASCP's) Institute of Science, Technology, and Policy in Washington, DC, and ASCP Board of Certification in Chicago, Illinois. Compared to 2021, results show that more occupations at the staff level had an increased average hourly wage (pathologists' assistant, molecular biology technologist, phlebotomist, cytogenetic technologist, and medical laboratory technician [MLT]), after adjusting for inflation. Wages by time in current occupational title are significantly higher in 2023 than in 2021. Histotechnicians, histotechnologists, and MLTs show consistent increases in pay rates for a longer length of time in the laboratory. Over half (52.4%) of the respondents feel the pandemic continues to influence their salary and/or well-being. Survey results call for continued efforts in promoting visibility of the profession and greater representation through advocacy. While burnout rates are lower compared to 2021, staffing challenges remain a relevant concern. Efforts to support the workforce have multiplied since the pandemic and have been the forefront focus of the laboratory community. However, continued support and advocacy are needed to increase the promotion and value of laboratory careers for laboratory professionals and patients alike.

An investigation of soundscape perception in oncology polyclinics' waiting area based on biophilia hypothesis paradigm: a field and laboratory survey study

The present study employed an in-between investigation to examine changes in soundscape perception in two waiting areas of Ankara City Oncology assessing both audio-visual environments. For the investigation, a questionnaire survey procedure was employed based on a Biophilia Hypothesis Paradigm in the field and laboratory. While it is important to establish a baseline from a soundscape perspective within the paradigm, the latter establishes an investigation procedure that claims a positive affective outcome. Important measures for this study are Biophilic Quality using the Biophilic Interior Design Index (BIDI), Affective Attributes, Sound Overall Quality, Appropriateness, and Sound Source Dominance following ISO/TS 12913-2:2018., Method A. For the visual environment, Visual Appropriateness and Overall Quality were assessed. For the laboratory setting, audio and visual environments are digitally reproduced using still images and binaural recordings accordingly. Overall, 112 subjects completed the survey considered for further analysis. Significant differences were tested separately with the t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. The biophilic quality between waiting areas in the field varies from low to moderate biophilic, while the sound descriptors identify an eventful, annoying, monotonous, and chaotic sound environment for both waiting areas and settings based on mean scores.

Utilization of radiometric data for mapping primary and secondary sources of gamma radiation and radon/thoron release potentials in Ireland.

This paper presents a novel approach to predict and map radon and thoron levels. We developed separate radon and thoron prediction maps for Ireland and introduced a system for producing high-resolution 3D radiation maps which may be used for planning purposes in residential areas, recycling and demolishing waste depots, and quarries of building and construction material. Additionally, we highlight the critical need to monitor thoron alongside radon in indoor surveys, as thoron's shorter half-life and higher energy levels may pose a greater health risk. We utilized Tellus radiometric survey data and indoor radon measurement records to investigate the spatial correlation between elevated indoor radon activity and anomalies in radioelement concentrations. We also estimated the degree of thoron interference in indoor radon surveys conducted in Ireland using CR-39 detectors. Field and laboratory surveys were performed to produce high-resolution radiation maps for four Irish quarries and estimate the radon and thoron potential of these quarries. Our initial findings suggest that thoron may be the primary health issue in some parts of Ireland, surpassing radon. For example, our map shows that the expected thoron potential in county Donegal is significantly higher than that for radon. Our radon and thoron exhalation tests on building material samples from four random quarries confirm this. We also estimate that over 20% of the elevated indoor radon activity recorded by the EPA using CR-39 detectors may be attributed to thoron-related sources. This study contributes to a better understanding of the prevalence and impact of radon and thoron in Ireland, helping to determine the main radiological health issue related to indoor air quality in the country. Thoron's impact on indoor air quality and health has been understudied in Ireland, necessitating more comprehensive studies and monitoring programs to accurately assess the prevalence and impact of both radon and thoron.

The necessity of artificial intelligence in fintech for SupTech and RegTech supervisory in banks and financial organizations

In the rapidly evolving financial landscape, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Supervisory Technology (SupTech) and Regulatory Technology (RegTech) has become increasingly vital. As banks and financial organizations grapple with the complexities of compliance, risk management, and regulatory oversight, AI offers transformative capabilities that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and resilience. This paper explores the critical need for AI in Fintech for SupTech and RegTech, focusing on its role in supervisory functions within the banking sector. A case study on AI-driven anti-money laundering systems is presented, along with a discussion of authentic laboratory research and survey results. The paper concludes by illustrating the potential impact of AI on financial supervision with graphs and data, underscoring its necessity in modern financial governance.

Time Pressure Preferences

Many professional and educational settings require individuals to be willing and able to perform under time pressure. We use a laboratory experiment and survey data to study preferences for working under time pressure. We make three main contributions. First, we develop an incentivized method to measure preferences for working under time pressure and document that participants in our laboratory experiment are averse to working under time pressure on average. Second, we show that there is substantial heterogeneity in the degree of time pressure aversion across individuals and that these individual preferences can be partially captured by simple survey questions. Third, we include these questions in a survey of bachelor’s degree students and a nationally representative survey panel and show that time pressure preferences predict career choices and income. Our results indicate that individual differences in time pressure aversion could be an influential factor in determining labor market outcomes. This paper was accepted by Yan Chen, behavioral economics and decision analysis. Funding: This work was supported by the Jan Wallander and Tom Hedelius Foundation, European Research Council under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme [Grant 850590]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.02078 .

Implementation of World Health Organization Recommendations for Semen Analysis: A Survey of Laboratories in the United Kingdom

The standard method for identification of male fertility status is a semen analysis. This is performed in fertility and pathology laboratories accredited by different bodies in the UK such as the HFEA or UKAS, and is based on whether they perform licenced clinical treatment or diagnostic testing. The WHO laboratory semen analysis criteria provide the most comprehensive guidance for best practice, yet this is not strictly adhered to. Our objective was to determine any differences in semen analyses between laboratories in the UK, based on the regulatory body they are registered with. A cross-sectional survey was sent to NEQAS for andrology registrants (n = 184 laboratories), HFEA (n = 117 clinics), and individual ARCS members (n = 682). Most ARCS members are associated with NEQAS and/or the HFEA. A ∼50% laboratory response rate (n = 106 included responses) was found. Results were grouped based on accreditation: Group 1, UKAS accredited only (n = 38); Group 2, both UKAS accredited and HFEA licenced (n = 17); Group 3, HFEA licenced only (n = 42); and Group 4, no accreditation (n = 9). Over 85% of UKAS accredited laboratories (Groups 1 and 2) state they perform semen analysis according to WHO 2010 recommendations and adhere to best practice guidelines. A significantly fewer number of HFEA only laboratories (<74% Group 3, p <0.01) adhere to both guidelines. Non-HFEA laboratories (Groups 1 and 4) are almost all performing sperm counts according to WHO criteria, while <60% HFEA clinics (Groups 2 and 3) perform counts according to regulation (Group 1 vs. Groups 2 and 3: Fixed sperm, p <0.05; Neubauer chamber: p <0.005). QC is implemented in most laboratories, however there is a significant difference (p <0.01) between non-UKAS (Groups 3 and 4) and UKAS laboratories (Groups 1 and 2). There is a significant difference in semen analysis performance between UKAS and HFEA laboratories with regards to implementation of best practice guidelines and QC procedures. This may have a detrimental effect on result accuracy and consequently lead to patient misdiagnosis and mismanagement.

Recommendations for laboratory workflow that better support centralised amalgamation of genomic variant data: findings from CanVIG-UK national molecular laboratory survey.

National and international amalgamation of genomic data offers opportunity for research and audit, including analyses enabling improved classification of variants of uncertain significance. Review of individual-level data from National Health Service (NHS) testing of cancer susceptibility genes (2002-2023) submitted to the National Disease Registration Service revealed heterogeneity across participating laboratories regarding (1) the structure, quality and completeness of submitted data, and (2) the ease with which that data could be assembled locally for submission. In May 2023, we undertook a closed online survey of 51 clinical scientists who provided consensus responses representing all 17 of 17 NHS molecular genetic laboratories in England and Wales which undertake NHS diagnostic analyses of cancer susceptibility genes. The survey included 18 questions relating to 'next-generation sequencing workflow' (11), 'variant classification' (3) and 'phenotypical context' (4). Widely differing processes were reported for transfer of variant data into their local LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System), for the formatting in which the variants are stored in the LIMS and which classes of variants are retained in the local LIMS. Differing local provisions and workflow for variant classifications were also reported, including the resources provided and the mechanisms by which classifications are stored. The survey responses illustrate heterogeneous laboratory workflow for preparation of genomic variant data from local LIMS for centralised submission. Workflow is often labour-intensive and inefficient, involving multiple manual steps which introduce opportunities for error. These survey findings and adoption of the concomitant recommendations may support improvement in laboratory dataflows, better facilitating submission of data for central amalgamation.

Laboratory tests and analysis of mathematical models of deformation of crushed salt rocks

Relevance of the work. For a qualitative prediction of the stress-strain state of host rock massifs during the development of potash and salt mines with chamber-pillar mining systems with the backfilling of the excavated space, as well as in other cases of the use of crushed salts as the backfilling masses, it is necessary to take into account the influence of the backfill massive, which determines the relevance of the study devoted to the laboratory tests and analysis of mathematical models of deformation of crushed salt rocks, which usually represent the backfilling massifs used in these cases. The purpose of the work is to analyze situation in the field of mathematical and numerical modeling of deformation of crushed salt rock and investigation of mechanical response of crushed salt rock under hydrostatic conditions. Methods. As the main method of theoretical research, the analysis of modern sources of information related to the subject of the study was used. Laboratory tests were carried out using a standard set of sieves and universal test machine MTS 815. Results. The paper considers the following deformation models used to describe the mechanical response of crushed salt rocks, as well as examples of their use: the Mohr-Coulomb model, the model of double plastic hardening, the S. A. Konstantinova model, the S. Olivella and A. Gens model, and the WIPP Salt model. As part of laboratory studies, data were obtained on the material size modulus, as well as the dependence of the medium pressure on volumetric deformations and volumetric deformations on time, in addition, creep rates for the studied material were obtained at various levels of average stresses under hydrostatic compression conditions. Conclusions. It is proposed to carry out further development of models of crushed salt rocks for mining conditions based on the description of plastic flow surfaces with a hardening/softening area obtained as a result of extensive laboratory and field surveys.

A 39-Year-Old Woman Presented with Abdominal Pain (colic), Vomiting and Right Lower Quadrant Abdominal Pain

<p>急性腹痛為急診常見主訴之一，其中成人腸套疊診斷著實罕見，以腹部絞痛、噁心嘔吐及腹脹為臨床表現，若未及時處置，病患可能因為腸段套疊造成腸阻塞，導致腸壁缺血、壞死或穿孔，甚至惡化為腹膜炎或敗血症。本文個案為一位39歲女性，因上腹絞痛、嘔吐及右下腹痛至急診求治，藉由病史收集、身體評估、實驗室檢驗無法確立診斷，於腹部電腦斷層檢查後確診為迴腸結腸腸套疊，因此緊急安排腸套疊復位手術，術中發現被套入包覆的闌尾已腫脹發炎，一併執行闌尾切除手術；個案經手術介入後給予充足輸液、傷口照護與多策略方式止痛，恢復漸進式飲食與活動後順利出院。成人腸套疊罕見且缺乏特異性症狀，導因多元且常與腫瘤相關，其次為感染等特發性因素，藉由身體評估困難診斷，因此建議臨床照護人員，當成人病患出現腹部絞痛、噁心嘔吐及腹脹表現時，應考慮納入腸套疊，盡速安排腹部電腦斷層診斷，評估是否需要介入手術治療，以提供病患適切即時的醫療照護。</p> <p> </p><p>Acute abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints of patients admitted to emergency unit but the diagnosis of intussusception in adults is really rare. The clinical symptoms include abdominal pain (colic), nausea, vomiting and distension. Obstruction, ischemia, necrosis, or perforation of the bowel could be induced by intussusception, and even deteriorating into peritonitis or sepsis if not be-ing treated properly. The case in this study is a 39-years-old woman presented with acute abdominal pain (colic), vomiting and right lower quadrant abdominal pain. The diagnosis could not be established by medical history taking, physical examination and laboratory survey. Ileocolic intussusception was diagnosed by abdominal computed tomography, and reduction of intussusception was arranged ur-gently. Swollen appendix with inflammation was also noted during the operation, thus appendectomy was performed. The patient was discharged after progressive diet and treatments such as providing ad-equate fluid infusion, wound and pain management. Adult intussusception is rare and lack of specific symptoms. The causes of intussusception are various and often related to tumors or sometimes idio-pathic factors such as infection. It is difficult to diagnose intussusception through physical examina-tion. Therefore, intussusception should be considered when adult experience abdominal colic, nausea, vomiting and distension. Abdominal computed tomography should be arranged as soon as possible, and surgical intervention should be provided appropriately for immediate medical care for patients.</p> <p> </p>

The American Society for Clinical Pathology 2022 Vacancy Survey of medical laboratories in the United States.

To determine the extent and distribution of laboratory workforce shortages within the nation's medical laboratories. The Vacancy Survey was conducted through collaboration between the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Institute for Science, Technology and Public Policy in Washington, DC, and the Evaluation, Measurement, and Assessment Department and ASCP Board of Certification in Chicago, IL. Data were collected through an internet survey distributed to individuals who were able to report on staffing and certifications for their laboratories. Results of the ASCP 2022 Vacancy Survey show increased overall vacancy rates for laboratory positions in all departments compared with 2020. Overall retirement rates for laboratory professionals increased across most departments. Current Vacancy Survey data show continued increases in the numbers of laboratory vacancies and retirements as well as changes in certification requirements, with trends amplified during the pandemic continuing into the present. Qualitative analysis results showed that there is an urgent need to focus not only on recruitment but-equally important-on retention of laboratory professionals.

Minding the osmol gap: a sentinel event and subsequent laboratory investigation

Introduction Many hospitals are unable to determine toxic alcohol concentrations in a clinically meaningful time frame. Thus, clinicians use surrogate markers when evaluating potentially poisoned patients. Index case A patient presented after an intentional antifreeze (ethylene glycol) ingestion with an osmol gap of −10.6 that remained stable one hour later. Further investigation revealed that the serum osmolality was calculated and not measured. The true osmol gap was 16.4, which correlated to a measured ethylene glycol concentration of 808 mg/L (80.8 mg/dL, 13.0 mmol/L). Survey A telephone survey of hospital laboratories in our catchment area was performed to investigate the potential for similar events. Results Thirty-eight (47 percent) hospitals responded. No laboratories were able to test for toxic alcohols. One hospital (2.6 percent) reported routinely calculating osmolality based on chemistries, while two hospitals (5.3 percent) reported scenarios in which this might occur. Thirty-five (92.1 percent) hospitals could directly measure osmolality. Two hospitals (5.3 percent) were reliant on outside laboratories for osmolality measurement. Limitations The 47 percent response rate and one geographic area are significant limitations. Discussion Over 10 percent of hospitals that responded could have significant difficulty assessing patients with toxic alcohol ingestion. Conclusions Until the standard of rapidly obtaining toxic alcohol concentrations is broadly implemented, we recommend that policies and procedures be put in place to minimize errors associated with the determination of the osmol gap.

Integrating 3Rs approaches in WHO guidelines for the batch release testing of biologicals: Responses from a survey of National Control Laboratories and National Regulatory Authorities

The UK National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement, and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) is reviewing World Health Organization (WHO) manuals, guidelines and recommendations for vaccines and biotherapeutics to identify the extent to which animal-based testing methods are described. The aim is to recommend where updates to these documents can lead to an increased and more harmonised adoption of 3Rs principles (i.e. Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal tests) in the quality control and batch release testing requirements for vaccines and biotherapeutics. Improved adoption of 3Rs principles and non-animal testing strategies will help to reduce the delays and costs associated with product release testing. Developing recommendations that are widely applicable by both the manufacturers and national regulatory authorities for vaccines and biological therapeutics globally requires a detailed understanding of how different organisations view the opportunities and barriers to better integration of the 3Rs. To facilitate this, we developed and distributed a survey aimed at individuals who work for national regulatory authorities (NRAs) and/or national control laboratories (NCLs). In this paper, we present the key findings from this survey and how these will help inform the recommendations for wider integration of 3Rs approaches by WHO in their guidance documents applicable to the quality control and batch release testing of vaccines and biotherapeutics.

B-055 Comparison of Sensitivity Between Tissue Anti-Transglutaminase and Anti-Endomysium IgA and IgG in Serological Screening for Celiac Disease in a Large Clinical Laboratory in Brazil

Abstract Background Celiac Disease (CD) is a genetic and autoimmune disorder characterized by permanent intolerance to gluten found in foods, resulting in small intestine injury in children and adults. Anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) and anti-endomysium (anti-EM) antibodies are important serological markers of this disease. The aim was to analyze the analytical sensitivity of these markers in a large-scale Clinical Laboratory routine. Methods We employed a pure sample and a series of dilutions in the analysis of the functional sensitivity of each marker (anti-tTG IgA/IgG and anti-EM IgA/IgG) and a database survey of a large Clinical Laboratory in Sao Paulo/Brazil, from January to December 2021, analyzing 60 000 samples with concomitant results of anti-tTG IGA and anti-EM IgA and 7075 samples with results of anti-tTG IgG and anti-EM IgG, from patients with no defined clinic condition. The anti-tTG tests were performed by fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) and the anti-EM tests by indirect immunofluorescence (IFI), with an initial dilution of 1:10, following the manufacturer's recommendations. Results The determination of functional sensitivity by checking the maximum dilution of antibody detection showed higher sensitivity of the anti-tTG IgA and IgG test (dilution factor 0.3 for both) compared to the anti-EM IgA and IgG (dilution factor 0.7 for both). Of the 60 000 samples analyzed for IgA markers, 59 083 (98.5%) were negative for both tests. Of the remaining 917 samples (1.5%), 609 (66.4%) were positive for both anti-tTG IgA and anti-EM IgA, 308 (33.6%) were positive only for anti-tTG IgA, and we did not observe any sample anti-tTG IgA negative with anti-EM IgA positive. Of the 7075 samples analyzed for IgG markers, 7032 (99.4%) were negative for both tests. Of the remaining 43 samples (0.6%), 18 (41.9%) were positive for anti-tTG IgG and anti-EM IgG, 14 (32.6%) were positive only for anti-tTG IgG, and 1 (2.3%) were positive only for anti-EM IgG. Conclusion The study showed greater sensitivity of anti-tTG compared to anti-EM for both IgA and IgG, in agreement with the literature data. The anti-tTG IgA test, in individuals without immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency, is recommended as the initial test in suspicion of celiac disease by current scientific guidelines on celiac disease. Based on our findings and literature data, in individuals with IgA deficiency, we suggest a screening using two automated IgG markers, tTG IgG and deamidated gliadin IgG (DG IgG). In addition to the lower sensitivity of anti-EM, indirect immunofluorescence (IFI), compared to the fully automated FEIA method, is a more subjective, observer-dependent, and labor-intensive methodology to be used as screening in large-scale Clinical Laboratory routines.

Lifestyle Factors Associated with Abdominal Pain in Quiescent Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, substance use, and sexual activity, have been shown to influence risk of inflammation and complications in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Little is known about their potential role in abdominal pain generation in IBD. We performed this study to evaluate for relationships between lifestyle factors and abdominal pain in quiescent IBD (QP-IBD). We performed a retrospective analysis utilizing data from our institution's IBD Natural History Registry (January 1, 2017-December 31, 2022). Endoscopic evaluation, concurrent laboratory studies and surveys were completed by participants. Demographic and clinical data were also abstracted. We identified 177 consecutive patients with quiescent disease (105 females:72 males; 121 with CD:56 with UC) for participation in this study, 93 (52.5%) had QP-IBD. Compared to patients with quiescent IBD without pain (QNP-IBD, patients with QP-IBD exhibited no significant differences in IBD type, location, severity or complication rate. Patients with QP-IBD were more likely to have anxiety/depression (55.9% vs. 32.1%, p = 0.002) and to use antidepressants/anxiolytics (49.5% vs. 21.4%, p < 0.001). They were also less likely to engage in exercise at least three times per week (39.8% vs. 54.8%, p = 0.05) or participate in sexual activity at least monthly (53.8% vs. 69.1%, p = 0.04). On logistic regression analysis, antidepressant and/or anxiolytic use was independently associated with QP-IBD [2.72(1.32-5.62)], while monthly sexual activity was inversely associated [0.48(0.24-0.96)]. Lifestyle factors, including the lack ofsexual activity and exercise, are significantly associated with QP-IBD. Further study is warranted to clarify the relationships between these factors and the development of abdominal pain in quiescent IBD.

HAPS Curriculum &amp; Instruction 2022 Laboratory Survey: Laboratory Activities and Learning Outcomes

HAPS Curriculum &amp; Instruction 2022 Laboratory Survey: Laboratory Activities and Learning Outcomes

HAPS Curriculum &amp; Instruction 2022 Laboratory Survey: Demographics of Respondents, Institutions, and Students

HAPS Curriculum &amp; Instruction 2022 Laboratory Survey: Demographics of Respondents, Institutions, and Students

Candida haemulonii Species Complex: A Mini-review.

Candida haemulonii species complex (CHSC) are emerging multidrug-resistant yeast pathogens able to cause life-threatening human infections in at-risk populations for invasive candidiasis worldwide. A recent laboratory survey conducted in 12 medical centers found that prevalence rates of Candida haemulonii complex isolates rose from 0.9 to 1.7% along the period between 2008 and 2019. We present a mini-review addressing recent aspects of the epidemiology, diagnosis and therapy of infections due to CHSC.

Utilization of Student-Created Videos for Laboratory Activities in Physics

The shift from a traditional to an online mode of learning due to COVID-19 pandemic led the researchers to conceptualize and create videos for students who have no access to a laboratory facility. This research assessed the effect of student-created videos to the academic performance of fifty-three (53) Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) students in Physics 1 (Electromagnetism) and 4 (Waves and Optics). The student-created videos served as the intervention of this research. Laboratory worksheets and survey tools were used for data gathering. The paired samples T-Test was utilized to determine the significant difference in the test scores before and after the intervention. Results showed that academic performance in Physics improved when coupled with student-created videos. Laboratory videos helped enhance the quality of the learning process. Therefore, this may be adopted in science subjects with laboratory component.

Influences of bulk structure of Calcarenitic rocks on water storage and transfer in order to assess durability and climate change impact.

The main purpose of this study is to understand influences of bulk structure of geomaterials on water storage and transfer, in order to assess durability and climate change impact on the UNESCO world heritage sites in Alexandria, Egypt. This study deals with the responses of water towards the physiochemical and physicomechanical behaviours of Calcarenitic rocks, that are utilized in Greek and Roman monuments at Alexandria. Many vulnerable archaeological sites [2.3–2.5 m above mean sea level (M.S.L)] are identified at Alexandria, specifically at the Eastern Harbor, El-Shatby the Greek necropolis and Moustafa Kamil Roman tombs and addition to the Roman Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa which excavated with deepth − 18 m from the land surface. These UNESCO heritage sites suffer climate change impact (heavy rains and sea water rising) as well as multiple geoenvironmental and geophysical hazards. In this study a general outline of the various tests, surveys and analyses is presented, highlighting the most important issues related to the durability and climate change impact. This paper represents the comprehensive in-situ, field and laboratory surveys and tests undertaken in these outstanding world heritage sites. The field testing program comprises various geotechnical and geophysical field and laboratory tests aiming to define the physical, mechanical and dynamic properties of the hard soils/soft rock materials of the archaeological sites where these outstanding monuments are excavated and constracted. By analysis of linear correlations, some essential mechanisms should be underlined, which may connect the macrostructure to the microstructure of the geomaterial. A systematic method of analysis clearly appeared and emphasized the role of the bulk structure (i.e. grain size, grain contact, specific area, pore shape and microporosity) on petrophysical and petromechanical behavior of rock materials. The study revealed that the petrophysical and geomechanical properties of Calcarenitic rocks are influenced by size, shape, packing of grains, porosity, cement and matrix content, all controlled strongly by depositional fabric and postdepositional processes. The accurate analysis of the physiochemical and physicomechanical behaviours of Calcarenitic rocks that are utilized in Greek and Roman monuments at Alexandria allowed us to define the pathology of these monuments and to estimate the durability, climate change impact and ultimate geostatic loads that they can survive under their present geoenvironmental conditions.

Harmonization of criteria and terminology in fetal rat skeletal evaluations.

A survey of laboratories in North American and Europe that routinely conduct fetal skeletal examinations was performed with the purpose of (1) understanding current terminology used for classifying skeletal findings in developmental toxicity (DT) studies and (2) understanding the criteria used to identify relatively common findings that sufficiently deviate from normal. The goal was to promote terminology harmonization and improve interlaboratory consistency in the criteria used to identify developmental anomalies. The survey, designed based on terminology for developmental anomalies recommended by an international collaboration (Makris et al., Congenital Anomalies, 2009;49(3):123-246), was conducted by a subgroup (authors of this publication) of the Royal Society of Biology's International Register of Fetal Morphologists (IRFM). Individual and summarized anonymized responses are provided here. The authors, who are expert fetal morphologists with experience performing fetal examinations, reviewed the responses and generated recommendations on preferred terminology and criteria for determining when morphological variations deviate from normal and warrant recording of the findings for skeletal observations in Sprague Dawley (SD) fetal rats. The objective of these recommendations is to complement Makris et al. (Congenital Anomalies, 2009;49(3):123-246). The broad application will improve interlaboratory harmonization of recording fetal skeleton findings in developmental toxicity studies intended for regulatory submissions, including SEND (Standard for Exchange of Nonclinical Data).