Application Of Test Research Articles

Real-World Application of the MeMed BV Test in Differentiating Bacterial, Viral, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infections in Pediatric Community-Acquired Pneumonia.

Real-World Application of the MeMed BV Test in Differentiating Bacterial, Viral, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infections in Pediatric Community-Acquired Pneumonia.

A novel, rapid, ultrasensitive diagnosis platform for detecting Candida albicans using restriction endonuclease‐mediated real-time loop-mediated isothermal amplification

IntroductionCandida albicans (C. albicans, CA) is an essential invasive fungus in clinical diagnosis. Although several detection methods exist, none meet the need for early diagnosis. A rapid, sensitive, and specific diagnostic tool is crucial for effective prevention and control of C. albicans infections.MethodsThis study aimed to develop a new, rapid, and ultrasensitive diagnostic tool for C. albicans detection based on restriction endonuclease-mediated real-time loop-mediated isothermal amplification (ERT-LAMP-CA). The ERT-LAMP-CA technology combines LAMP amplification, restriction endonuclease cleavage, and real-time fluorescence detection in a single reaction tube, which can complete a diagnosis of C. albicans in a short time (approximately 1 h).ResultsHerein, we developed the primer sequences required for ERT-LAMP-CA based on the ITS2 gene of C. albicans and found that ERT-LAMP-CA limit of detection was approximately 500 ag/μL genomic DNA and can present negative results for non-C. albicans templates. We tested sputum samples from 64 patients with suspected C. albicans infections to validate ERT-LAMP-CA applicability in clinical sample testing and found that ERT-LAMP-CA was consistent with multiplex PCR-capillary electrophoresis.DiscussionIn conclusion, ERT-LAMP-CA is a rapid, accurate, and sensitive assay with excellent potential for clinical and basic laboratory diagnosis and an efficient screening strategy.

The Geneticization of Education and Its Bioethical Implications.

The day has arrived that genetic tests for educational outcomes are available to the public. Today parents and students alike can send off a sample of blood or saliva and receive a 'genetic report' for a range of characteristics relevant to education, including intelligence, math ability, reading ability, and educational attainment. DTC availability is compounded by a growing "precision education" initiative, which proposes the application of DNA tests in schools to tailor educational curricula to children's genomic profiles. Here I argue that these happenings are a strong signal of the geneticization of education; the process by which educational abilities and outcomes come to be examined, understood, explained, and treated as primarily genetic characteristics. I clarify what it means to geneticize education, highlight the nature and limitations of the underlying science, explore both real and potential downstream bioethical implications, and make proposals for mitigating negative impacts.

Causality relationships between climate policy uncertainty, renewable energy stocks, and oil prices: a mixed-frequency causality analysis

This paper investigates the predictive relationships among climate policy uncertainty (CPU), oil prices, and renewable energy (RE) stock market returns, particularly highlighting the challenges posed by the varying data frequencies of these variables. The study utilizes a comprehensive dataset comprising monthly CPU, daily oil prices, and RE stock returns, sourced globally. By applying a mixed-frequency causality test (MFCT), the analysis reveals significant predictability across different time horizons, particularly highlighting the strong influence of oil prices on RE stock returns over short-term horizons, while CPU demonstrates a more pronounced effect over medium to long-term horizons. In contrast, the application of the classical Granger causality test on low-frequency (monthly) data indicates an insignificant relationship between CPU and RE stocks, suggesting that traditional models may overlook important predictive dynamics. The analysis was conducted using Matlab code, and the findings provide valuable insights for policymakers in designing effective climate policies and for investors in optimizing portfolio strategies and hedging against risks.

Mapping design stages and methodologies for developing STEM concept inventories: a scoping review

BackgroundConcept inventories (CIs) have become widely used tools for assessing students’ learning and assisting with educational decisions. Over the past three decades, CI developers have utilized various design approaches and methodologies. As a result, it can be challenging for those developing new CIs to identify the most effective and appropriate methods and approaches. This scoping review aimed to identify and map key design stages, summarize methodologies, identify design gaps and provide guidance for future efforts in the development and validation of CI tools.MethodsA preliminary literature review combined theoretical thematic analysis (deductive, researcher-driven) focusing on specific data aspects, and inductive thematic analysis (data-driven), using emerging themes independent of specific research questions or theoretical interests. Expert discussions complemented the analysis process.ResultsThe scoping review analyzed 106 CI articles and identified five key development stages: define the construct, determine and validate content domain; identify misconceptions; item formation and response processes design; test item selection and validation; and test application and refinement. A descriptive design model was developed using a mixed-method approach, incorporating expert input, literature review, student-oriented analysis, and statistical tests. Various psychometric assessments were employed to validate the test and its items. Substantial gaps were noted in defining and determining the validity and reliability of CI tools, and in the evidence required to establish these attributes.ConclusionThe growing interest in utilizing CIs for educational purposes has highlighted the importance of identifying and refining the most effective design stages and methodologies. CI developers need comprehensive guidance to establish and evaluate the validity and reliability of their instruments. Future research should focus on establishing a unified typology of CI instrument validity and reliability requirements, as well as the types of evidence needed to meet these standards. This effort could optimize the effectiveness of CI tools, foster a cohesive evaluation approach, and bridge existing gaps.

A hand-held in-situ nucleic acid detection device based on dual-function GHz acoustofluidic resonator

Microfluidic-based nucleic acid testing (NAT) has been proven as an alternative approach for in-situ and rapid NA detection. However, these on-chip methods still require complex peripherals, which contradict the purpose of point-of-care (POC) applications. One of the major challenges is the integration of NA purification and amplification in a miniaturized setup with high mass and heat transfer efficiency. Here, we propose a hand-held in-situ nucleic acid detection device featuring a dual-functional GHz acoustofluidic resonator. The device is designed to utilize GHz acoustic streaming and acoustothermal effects to address both liquid mixing and heating issues, ensuring uniform reaction conditions and consistent thermal management in the microfluidic channel. By replacing traditional magnetic beads with polystyrene beads as matrix for solid-phase microextraction, the redundant washing and elution steps are eliminated, thereby simplifying the NA extraction process. The mixing and heating functions can be seamlessly switched by adjusting the applied power, thereby enhancing NA processing without the need for additional peripherals. The developed hand-held NAT apparatus achieved a detection limit of 10³ copies per milliliter in complex plasma samples within 35 min. Our method simplifies workflows, improves NA retention, and is suitable for processing complex biological samples, making it ideal for POC and in-field testing applications.

Duration of onset, body temperature and C-reactive protein can be used to predict the results of pus culture in children with acute osteomyelitis of long bones

BackgroundWith the application of PCR testing and Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing(mNGS), the detection rate of causative organisms in paediatric bone and joint infections has been greatly improved. The aim of our study is to identify some indicators that could be used to distinguish the culture results to optimize the use of PCR and mNGS.MethodsIn this study, a total of 117 cases of acute osteomyelitis of long bones in children who underwent pus culture were included. Patients were grouped as culture-negative (n:21) and culture-positive (n:96) groups according to the results of pus culture. Age, sex, duration of onset, maximum body temperature at onset, inflammatory indicators and D-dimer after admission were systematically collected for all patients and were compared for both groups. ROC curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of culture-negative. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine independent risk factors for culture-negative.ResultsThere was no significant difference in age, sex and erythrocyte sedimentation rate between culture-negative group and culture-positive group (P > 0.05). The duration of onset was longer, and the temperature, white blood cells, neutrophils count, C-reactive protein and D-dimer were less elevated in culture-negative acute osteomyelitis (P < 0.05). Duration of onset, maximum body temperature at onset, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, C-reactive protein, and D-dimer have certain diagnostic efficacy in judging the efficacy of negative culture. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the duration of onset more than 6.5 days, the maximum body temperature at onset lower than 38.35℃ and C-reactive protein lower than 78.40 mg/L were independent risk factors for negative culture (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOur study revealed that duration of onset more than 6.5 days, maximum body temperature at onset lower than 38.35℃ and C-reactive protein lower than 78.40 mg/L were independent risk factors for predicting negative culture. In children with this type of acute osteomyelitis, we recommend that the pus be tested by PCR or mNGS as a priority.

Improved design of optical-microforce sensor with high thermal-mechanical stability for insulation charge ellipsometer testing application

Optical-microforce sensor is the core of the sensing module for the insulation charge ellipsometer testing, whose thermal-mechanical stability directly affects the charge measurement reliability. In this paper, based on molecular simulation, the improved design for SU-8 photoresist-based optical-microforce sensor is proposed. It is found that carboxyl-functionalized carbon nanotube/SU-8 photoresist composite system with 75 % cross-linking index possesses the comparatively better thermal-mechanical stability. Then, based on the photolithography process, modified and unmodified optical-microforce sensors are prepared. Meanwhile, the thermal-mechanical stability is evaluated from the experimental perspective. The experiment is consistent with the molecular simulation, showing that compared with the unmodified optical-microforce sensor with measurement fluctuation of 17.6 %, the modified sensor exhibits better thermal-mechanical stability, whose measurement fluctuation is only 5.3 % during the temperature range of 25–100 °C. Further, the optical-microforce sensor measurement performance evaluation platform is built. It is shown that the modified sensor could achieve the response to different frequency, different magnitude elastic wave and picosecond pulse width elastic wave, which could be applied in the insulation charge ellipsometer testing application.

Development of Novel 3D Spheroids for Discrete Subaortic Stenosis.

In this study, we propose a new method for bioprinting 3D Spheroids to study complex congenital heart disease known as discrete subaortic stenosis (DSS). The bioprinter allows us to manipulate the extrusion pressure to change the size of the spheroids, and the alginate porosity increases in size over time. The spheroids are composed of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and we demonstrated that pressure and time during the bioprinting process can modulate the diameter of the spheroids. In addition, we used Pluronic acid to maintain the shape and position of the spheroids. Characterization of HUVECs in the spheroids confirmed their uniform distribution and we demonstrated cell viability as a function of time. Compared to traditional 2D cell cultures, the 3D spheroids model provides more relevant physiological environments, making it valuable for drug testing and therapeutic applications.

The Effect of an Educational Program on the Knowledge and Attitude of Medical Sciences Students About Social Determinants of Health in Iranian University Students: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Given the importance of social determinants on health outcomes, training medical sciences students in addressing social determinants of health can enhance their effectiveness and social accountability. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of an educational program on the knowledge and attitude of medical sciences students regarding social determinants of health. Using a one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design, this study selected 200 students from a medical university in Iran through simple random sampling. A tailored educational intervention, grounded in the conceptual framework for action on social determinants of health, was implemented. To assess the program's effect, data were collected using a validated questionnaire that measured the students' knowledge and attitudes towards social determinants of health both at baseline (pretest) and 1 month following the intervention (posttest). The application of the Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks Test revealed a significant increase in the median scores for knowledge and attitude postintervention. Specifically, the posttest median scores were significantly elevated compared to the pretest knowledge score (Z = -11.89, p < 0.001) and attitude score (Z = -11.60, p < 0.001). This indicates that the educational intervention significantly improved the students' knowledge and attitudes concerning social determinants of health. The study outcomes suggest that educational interventions focused on social determinants of health effectively improve students' knowledge and attitudes. We recommend integrating such programs into the medical sciences curriculum and experiential training. By doing so, we can better prepare future healthcare professionals to address social determinants of health-related issues. This approach has the potential to reduce health disparities and also addresses broader social challenges affecting population health.

Novel fast full-wavefield modeling of air-coupled surface waves and its implications for non-contact pavement testing

We present a novel approach for deriving and modeling air-coupled surface waves with applications in non-contact non-destructive testing (NDT). It is based on the fast Fourier-Bessel series system in conjunction with the unconditionally stable dual-variable and position matrix method. Parametric studies, including sensitivity analysis, are conducted to assess the feasibility of using non-contact air-coupled measurements for pavement testing, focusing on Green's functions, time-domain waveforms, and experimental frequency-velocity spectra (FVS, i.e., the estimated Green's functions from acquired truncated wavefield). The predicted experimental FVS presented in this study are synthetic dispersion images, which are distinguished from the measured experimental FVS (i.e., measured dispersion images from multichannel analysis of surface wave (MASW) test). With the derived complete solution of air-coupled dynamic responses, we find that: (1) Striking similarities between the theoretical Green's functions of vertical displacement (on the pavement surface) and pressure (in the air), as well as in their corresponding experimental FVS. (2) The proposed accurate and efficient full-wave modeling of air-coupled surface waves avoids the need for good contact between geophones/accelerometers and pavement surface. This facilitates direct inversion of shear wave velocity profiles by fitting the predicted experimental FVS to the measured one. (3) Sensitivity analysis demonstrates no significant loss of information in the pressure measured in the air, supporting the feasibility of using non-contact measurement for non-destructive testing. These results suggest that non-contact air-coupled measurements hold great promise as a viable alternative to contact measurements in non-destructive testing.

Errata: Executive Summary of the 2023 Adult Position Development Conference of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry: DXA Reporting, Follow-up BMD Testing and Trabecular Bone Score Application and Reporting

Errata: Executive Summary of the 2023 Adult Position Development Conference of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry: DXA Reporting, Follow-up BMD Testing and Trabecular Bone Score Application and Reporting

Hybrid Testing System Development for Single Point Mooring Lines FOWT’s

Abstract To advance the development of various concepts for floating offshore wind turbines, it is imperative to have access to experimental data. These data are used in the validation of the tools for the simulation of floating turbines and also for the tuning of the models. CENER has developed a hybrid testing methodology that enhances the performance of wave basin tests for scaled models of Floating Offshore Wind Turbines (FOWTs). This approach allows us to apply forces and moments from the wind turbine to the floating platform without needing to replicate wind within the testing facility or create a complex model of the wind turbine rotor. However, when it comes to testing single point moored (SPM) platforms, a unique challenge arises. These platforms have an additional degree of freedom as they can freely rotate around the vertical axis of their mooring attachment (yaw degree of freedom). These type of platforms can present important misalignments with respect to the wind depending on the combination of wind, wave and current directions. Consequently, accurately capturing the impact of misalignment on platform dynamics, especially in yaw, is essential to assess the platform’s ability to self-align with the wind direction, a key factor known as weathervaning capacity. The X1Wind platform is an innovative floating wind system, based on a single point mooring solution with a downwind wind turbine configuration that allows it to be passively self-orientated. The concept has been extensively tested on prototypes at real sea conditions as well as on scaled models at wave basins. For the last wave basin testing campaign, X1Wind has entrusted CENER with the development of the hybrid testing methodology adapted to the requirements of SPM platforms. The testing campaign has covered different wave and wind conditions, including misalignment scenarios and has shown a good dynamic behavior of the platform on yaw. This study outlines the advancements made in the CENER Software-in-the-Loop (SiL) hybrid testing system for wave basin tests of SPM platforms. In order to correctly introduce the direction of the aerodynamic forces on the wind turbine under misaligned conditions, improvements on the software and hardware (loads actuator) of the SiL system were developed and tested. An actuator system consisting of 6 propellers was used. The numerical model that calculates the rotor aerodynamic loading were expanded to take into consideration the direction of the aerodynamic loads with respect to the platform. Additionally, the drag of the wind over the tower and other platform elements must be considered, as they can play a relevant role in the generation of the weathervaning moment. The study concludes that the use of the upgraded SiL hybrid testing system is an effective and afordable solution for the testing of scaled SPM platforms at wave basin facilities. It also summarizes the different considerations that the system has to overcome for the particularity of this type of testing application.

Brief Overview on Pathology of Blood and Urine

Clinical pathology is recognized as an essential component of the preclinical safety evaluation of test articles (new chemical entities, exploratory novel medicines, and xenobiotics), particularly in short- and medium-term toxicity studies. Traditionally, this evaluation includes clinical chemistry, coagulation, hematology, and urinalysis assessments. The findings of these assessments include details on the general state of health of the animals as well as target organs and general metabolic, adaptive, or harmful processes linked to test material exposure. Consequently, in the preclinical safety assessment of a test article, clinical pathology evaluations aid in the establishment of toxicological dose-response correlations. These findings hold significance and relevance for dose selection in long-term research, as well as for risk assessment and management when applied to humans. Guidance on the fundamentals of clinical pathology testing and interpretation in the species utilized in toxicological investigations is the aim of this chapter. In order to increase testing capacity and enhance its ability to identify more sensitive, early signals of drug-induced target organ toxicity or pathophysiology, the application of clinical pathology testing in preclinical safety assessment as well as the areas of development for novel biomarker implementation within the laboratory are discussed. Lastly, the significance of interpreting clinical pathology and combining the results with data from other studies is emphasized when assessing overall safety or risk assessment

Test Application for Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and Planting Media to Grow the Growth and Yield of Shallot Plants (Allium ascalonicum L.) Varieties of Bauji

The main commodity of food crops is rice which has a strategic function, namely as a staple food for the people of Indonesia. Maintaining the health and quality of soil biologically by reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. Swamp Inbred Paddy (Inpara) are superior varieties of paddy that are well cultivated in swamp land conditions, resistant to immersion, and adaptability to acidic soil conditions. This study investigates the combination of biological and synthetic fertilizers on the growth of flood-tolerant Inpara rice using a strip plot/split block design. The treatments used were 6 combinations of biological fertilizers-synthetic fertilizers and 3 paddy varieties with 3 replications. The results obtained from the analysis of variance then conducted a further test of BNJ to determine the performance of each variable. Correlation test is performed to determine the interactions and relationships between observational variables. Soil analysis is also carried out to determine the mineral content in the soil. The effect of the combination of synthetic and biological fertilizer doses with 3 Inpara paddy varieties interacted significantly on several observational variables resulting in significantly different performance. The combination treatment with 75% synthetic fertilizer and 25% biological fertilizer showed several parameters that were higher than the treatment with 100% synthetic fertilizer so that the use of synthetic fertilizer can be reduced.

Applications, Limitations, and Considerations of Clinical Trials in a Dish

Recent advancements in biotechnology forged the path for clinical trials in dish (CTiDs) to advance as a popular method of experimentation in biomedicine. CTiDs play a fundamental role in translational research through technologies such as induced pluripotent stem cells, whole genome sequencing, and organs-on-a-chip. In this review, we explore advancements that enable these CTiD biotechnologies and their applications in animal testing, disease modeling, and space radiation technologies. Furthermore, this review dissects the advantages and disadvantages of CTiDs, as well as their regulatory considerations. Lastly, we evaluate the challenges that CTiDs pose and the role of CTiDs in future experimentation.

Evaluation of 3-Point and 4-Point Bending Tests for Tensile Strength Assessment of GFRP Bars.

Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars are used as reinforcement for structural concrete, especially in cases where corrosion of traditional steel reinforcement is a problem. The tensile strength of these reinforcing bars is the primary characteristic on which the design of concrete members reinforced with GFRP bars relies. Determination of the tensile strength of the bars using a direct tensile test is a time and resource-intensive task and therefore is not routinely conducted for quality control. The tensile strength can also be measured from flexure tests, which are much simpler than direct tensile tests, and use appropriate correlation formulations. In this paper, the applicability of flexure testing for the identification of bars' tensile strength is investigated by conducting and analyzing both 3-point and 4-point flexure testing. The correlation formulations are presented that allow the determination of tensile strength from the modulus of rupture. The Weibull weakest link model and the assumption of the same flaw distribution in tensile and flexure tests is adopted. The results of the 3-point and the 4-point bending are presented and compared. Comparisons are also conducted to select direct tensile test results. The work shows that 3-point and 4-point bending tests provide very similar results, with the difference between the results being 2% to 10%, suggesting both tests can be used for tensile strength determination of GFRP bars.

Maximising the Synergy of Tumour Tissue and Liquid Biopsy Testing in Oncology Clinical Practice

The symposium took place during the 2024 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress in Barcelona, Spain, with the goal of highlighting the synergy between tissue and liquid biopsy testing in the diagnosis and treatment of solid tumours. Christian Rolfo, Director of the Division of Medical Oncology at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Caner Centre, Columbus, USA, set the stage with a discussion on the state-of-the-art liquid biopsy for solid tumour testing. He was followed by Guilhem Roubaud from the Bergonié Institute in Bordeaux, France, and Federico Cappuzzo from Regina Elena Institute, Rome, Italy, who delved into molecular testing challenges and applications in genitourinary and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), respectively. Practical insights on next-generation sequencing (NGS) implementation was provided by Bence Sipos, TBAG of Molecular Pathology Baden-Württemberg, Germany, with real-world case studies presented by Sara Pilotto, University Hospital, Verona, Italy, and Roubaud. The faculty emphasised the importance of integrating liquid and tissue biopsies to perform tumour molecular profiling, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment strategies. They also highlighted the critical role of rapid NGS in detecting a wide range of genetic alterations to enhance the precision of diagnosis and access to precision therapies.

Application and Evaluation of Cone Penetration Testing for Determining Internal Friction Angle in Composite Subgrade Cushion Layer

Application and Evaluation of Cone Penetration Testing for Determining Internal Friction Angle in Composite Subgrade Cushion Layer

The Current Status of Comprehensive Genomic Profiling in the Management of Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Study from a Cooperative Hospital for Cancer Genomic Medicine in Japan.

Several effective treatment modalities against metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) are available; however, an unmet clinical need persists for mCRPC treatment because resistance to these therapies is inevitable. This study aimed to evaluate the status of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) and its impact on subsequent treatments for patients with mCRPC at our hospital. Between December 2020 and August 2023, we assessed 41 patients with mCRPC who underwent CGP testing at the Nippon Medical School Hospital. The testing comprised FoundationOne® CDx for 30 patients and FoundationOne® Liquid CDx for 11 patients, following the procedures outlined by the Japanese Urological Association. CGP testing was successfully conducted in 40 out of 41 patients (97.6%), which resulted in the identification of 140 actionable genomic alterations. The most common alteration was TP53 in 12 patients (30.0%). Twenty-three patients (57.5%) with druggable gene alterations were identified; 21 were recommended for clinical trials, four for patient-proposed healthcare services, and six for insurance-covered drugs. Consequently, genotype-matched therapy with insurance-covered drugs was administered to five patients (12.5%) with a BRCA2 mutation. Notably, none of the patients underwent clinical or prospective trials based on patient-suggested medical services. Our results offer insights into the real-world application of CGP testing for patients with mCRPC at a cooperative hospital for cancer genomic medicine in Japan. Thus, urologists require a comprehensive understanding of the current status of CGP testing to enhance mCRPC management.