Test Frequency Research Articles

Role of HIV Serostatus Communication on Frequent HIV Testing and Self-Testing Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Who Seek Sexual Partners on the Internet in Zhejiang, China: Cross-Sectional Study

Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) are increasingly using the internet to meet casual sexual partners. Those who do are at higher risk of sexually transmitted diseases. However, little is known about the rates and associations of frequent HIV testing and self-testing among such MSM. Objective We aimed to examine HIV serostatus communication and perceptions regarding the HIV infection risk of internet-based partners, along with their associations with frequent HIV testing and self-testing. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2018 and April 2019 in Zhejiang Province, China. The study participants were assigned male at birth, were aged 18 years or older, had had casual sex with another male found through the internet in the last 6 months, and were HIV-negative. Information was obtained on HIV-testing behavior, along with demographic characteristics, HIV-related knowledge, internet-based behaviors, sexual behaviors with male partners, HIV serostatus communication, and perceptions regarding the HIV infection risk of internet-based partners. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression models were used to measure the associations of HIV testing and self-testing. Results The study recruited 281 individuals who had sought casual sexual partners through the internet during the previous 6 months. Of the participants, 61.9% (174/281) reported frequent HIV testing (twice or more frequently) and 50.9% (119/234; 47 with missing values) reported frequent HIV self-testing. MSM who always or usually communicated about the HIV serostatus of internet-based partners in the previous 6 months had 3.12 (95% CI 1.76-5.52) and 2.45 (95% CI 1.42-4.22) times higher odds of being frequently tested or self-tested for HIV, respectively, compared with those who communicated about this issue minimally or not at all. Conclusions There remains a need to improve the frequency of HIV testing and self-testing among internet-based MSM. HIV serostatus communication should be improved within the context of social networking applications to promote frequent HIV testing among internet-based MSM, especially for those who communicated about this issue minimally or not at all.

Perceptions, experiences and concerns with sexually transmitted infections among current and former PrEP users: a longitudinal qualitative study of gay, bisexual and queer men in Canada

Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use has been attributed to heightened rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), ostensibly due to increased condomless anal sex (CAS) and greater frequency of STI testing. Few qualitative studies have assessed how gay, bisexual and queer men (GBQM) who use PrEP perceive STIs and how these attitudes have evolved post-PrEP uptake. We investigated the perspectives of current and former PrEP users on STIs. Methods Annual, in-depth longitudinal interviews were conducted with 38 current and former PrEP users in Ontario (n = 18) and British Columbia (n = 20), Canada, as part of a mixed-methods implementation science study (2020–2022). Over 3 years, 109 interviews were conducted. Data analysis included reflexive thematic coding and longitudinal recurrent cross-sectional analysis using NVivo 12. Results Four STI-related themes emerged: (1) lack of STI-related concerns due to treatment and prevention optimism, (2) stigma-related concerns, (3) perceived risk among other PrEP users due to increased CAS, and (4) inconsistent testing concerns among non-PrEP users. Over time, some STI-related anxieties decreased with increased knowledge and reduced stigma. However, concerns persisted for other participants due to perceived risky sexual behaviours among other PrEP users and non-PrEP users. Both current and former PrEP users who expressed STI-related apprehensions consistently indicated adopting risk-reduction strategies, including condom use and having fewer sexual partners throughout the study. Conclusions Findings show how varied STI perceptions and experiences among current and former PrEP users shaped sexual decision-making over time. Providers, public health experts, and policymakers should develop a more comprehensive strategy to address STI concerns among GBQM.

Barriers and Facilitators to Cervical Cancer vaccination Among Young Females in Chennai: A Cross-Sectional KAP Study

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papilloma virus (HPV). It is one of the most common cancers in women, especially in low- and middle-income countries. While most HPV infections resolve naturally, some persist and can lead to cervical cancer over time. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of young women in Chennai regarding cervical cancer, screening, and prevention, and to identify barriers and facilitators influencing participation in screening programs. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2024 among 222 young females, aged 13 and above.. A semi-structured questionnaire assessed their KAP towards cervical cancer. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and Bloom’s taxonomy was applied to categorize knowledge and attitude. Chi-square tests were used to determine statistical significance, with a p-value < 0.05. Results: Although 78.2% of participants were aware of cervical cancer, knowledge of preventive measures was low—only 25.2% knew about the HPV vaccine, and 44% understood the correct Pap test frequency. Attitudes toward screening were mostly positive, with 73.2% agreeing that free screening reduces cervical cancer risk. However, actual preventive practices were limited—only 9% had undergone a Pap smear, and 10% had received the HPV vaccine. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in KAP between groups (p > 0.05), except for medical students, who demonstrated significantly higher knowledge levels. Conclusion: Despite positive attitudes toward cervical cancer screening, there were notable gaps in knowledge and preventive practices among young women in Chennai. The findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions, particularly on HPV vaccination and routine screening, to bridge these gaps.

Risk-based ultrasound probe quality assurance - a single center proof-of-concept study.

Ultrasound probe quality assurance is an underserved and underregulated area in medical imaging. While several testing methods exist, their availability and adoption remains varied, and the frequency of testing is often insufficient. Here we aimed to conduct a user-driven simple and rapid probe quality testing approach and to evaluate its rationale.Testing was based on physical examination of probe integrity (all probes) and in-air reverberation check (for curvilinear and linear array probes), findings, as well as probe age were registered. Prior to assessment, probes were divided into a high-risk vs. a low-risk category, based on the perceived risk of probe damage as a result of the typical application (e.g., non-invasive vs. interventional, inpatient vs. point-of-care).17.4% of the low-risk and 31.4% of high-risk probes demonstrated physical wear or damage. Reverberation artifacts were significantly more frequent (68%) in the high-risk category vs. the low-risk one (29.4%). Probes with either physical or reverberation faults were significantly older on average.The simple, rapid investigational technique uncovered an alarming percentage of probe damage or faults. It also identified immediately solvable technical issues (e.g., poor cable contact mimicking dropout). High-risk probe usage resulted in an increased rate of reverberation errors and physical damage. Risk-based, frequent rapid observational testing of ultrasound probes could substantially improve both diagnostic quality and patient safety.

A nationwide Swedish retrospective study on poisoning deaths between the years 2000 and 2022.

Approximately 1% of Sweden's 90 000 annual deaths were reported caused by poisoning. In this study, we aim to describe this poisoning population's characteristics, autopsy frequency and results of toxicology testing. A national cohort study based on Swedish national registers. All deceased subjects older than 18 years with poisoning as the cause of death registered between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2021 were included. Causes of death according to primary ICD-10 code were analysed along with the substances found in forensic chemistry testing. There were 27 057 poisonous deaths during the study periods 2 018 495 adult deaths. Subjects deceased due to poisoning had a median age of 53 years, and 18 838 (70%) were men. A private home was the most reported location of death (52%). In total, 23 260 (87%) did undergo some sort post-mortem examination. Drugs (synthetic narcotics, opioids, heroin) caused 12 448 (46%) deaths, and alcohols explained 9056 cases (33%). Positive toxicological tests were found in 22 550 (83%) of the subjects. The most common separate substances were ethanol, zopiclone and nordazepam. Poisoning caused 1.3% of Swedish deaths. Men in their 50s were the most common victims, and their deaths were often cause by synthetic narcotics, other opioids or alcohol. The autopsy frequency was lower than expected for poisonous deaths.

Results of patch testing propolis in the European baseline series: A 4-year retrospective study.

Propolis was added to the European baseline series (EBS) in 2019. To investigate the frequency and relevance of positive patch tests to propolis in the EBS and to study co-reactivities. Retrospective study in patients patch tested between June 2019 and November 2023 in a university hospital in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Of 3134 consecutive patients, 299 (9.5%) had a positive reaction to propolis 10% pet. Only nine reactions (3%) were judged to be clinically relevant. There were significant co-reactivities to Myroxylon pereirae resin (balsam of Peru), colophonium, fragrance mixes 1 and 2, and to limonene and linalool hydroperoxides. A steep increase in rates of positive reactions to propolis was observed from 2020 to 2023. This was highly likely the result of the replacement of Chinese propolis with Brazilian propolis by the manufacturer. Positive patch tests for propolis are very frequent in Amsterdam, but only a few of these reactions are relevant. Most are probably (pseudo-)cross-reactions in patients with fragrance allergies. Propolis in the EBS has very limited value for dermatologists and patients in The Netherlands. Changes in patch test materials should be provided to all users to avoid misinterpretation of patch test results.

A method for data conversion of exposure level testers using sinusoidal alternating magnetic fields

Flux density measurements provide valuable information on the state of electrical appliances, which can be utilised for improving the safety and the performance of the associated system. Exposure level testers with a B-field probe are widely used for flux density measurements but they can only perform a time-domain measurement and display it as output voltage related to flux density. In other words, they cannot output flux density directly, which brings many inconveniences. These drawbacks can be improved using data conversion coefficients. However, the test frequencies of most exposure level testers are greater than 1 Hz. They are unable to calculate the data conversion coefficients using a constant magnetic field. This paper proposes a method for data conversion of exposure level testers using alternating magnetic fields to measure flux density directly: the flux density conversion model was established; the mathematical relationship between the mean value of the voltage signal output by the exposure level testers and its stable display value was deduced; and an experimental test of the conversion coefficients was carried out. The results show that the error between the value measured using the new technique and the display value of the exposure level tester at different frequencies is small. This method can trace the flux density in both the time and frequency domains through software processing algorithms without changing the exposure level tester itself. By applying sinusoidal magnetic fields and using the conversion factor, then existing testers can be used to measure flux density directly.

A Novel Algorithm to Analyze Multi-Frequency Electrocochleography Measurements to Monitor Electrode Placement During Cochlear Implant Surgery

Objectives: During cochlear implant (CI) electrode placement, single low-frequency (e.g., 500 Hz) cochlear microphonics (CM) measurements are used to monitor hair-cell function and provide feedback to avert insertion trauma. However, it can be difficult to differentiate between trauma and the electrode’s progression through the cochlea when monitored with a single frequency. Multi-frequency CM measurements, while more complex to analyze, can provide more accurate feedback by measuring CM from various locations along the basilar membrane. Methods: A new algorithm was developed to analyze multi-frequency CM tracings by comparing amplitude and phase changes across different test frequencies. The new algorithm was evaluated as to its ability to identify drop-alarm instances with the multi-frequency approach, as compared to single-frequency 500 Hz tracings. Results: The algorithm presented in this manuscript uses the relationship between CM amplitude and phase changes across frequencies to provide real-time feedback during CI electrode placement. The results show that multi-frequency CM tracings raised an alarm only 0.5 times, as compared to 2.8 instances of alarm raised for the single-frequency 500 Hz CM measurements. Conclusions: Multi-frequency CM tracings can help reduce the number of alarms which may be false positives prompting unnecessary electrode manipulations, thereby minimizing the risk of insertion trauma.

Sex-related differences in vitamin D testing in the Veneto Region, Italy: a retrospective analysis from 2005 to 2016

SummaryA retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the frequency of vitamin D blood testing in individuals from the Padua province, Veneto, Italy from 2005 to 2016. A significant increase in the frequency of vitamin D blood tests, particularly in females was observed and in individuals with severe vitamin D deficiency (Class I).PurposeVitamin D deficiency has been linked to negative health outcomes that extend beyond bone-related conditions. The frequency of vitamin D blood testing in residents from the Padua province, (Veneto, Italy) from 2005 to 2016 was evaluated.MethodsData were retrospectively retrieved from blood test databases (Laboratory Medicine Unit, Padua University Hospital) and information on number of vitamin D blood tests performed on residents from 2005 to 2016 was collected. Data were stratified by sex and ten birth cohorts from 1901 to 2016. Blood tests were classified into five vitamin D classes: I < 50 nmol/L, II 50–74.9 nmol/L, III 75–149 nmol/L, IV 150–250 nmol/L, and V > 250–1000 nmol/L. Blood test trends were analyzed as blood test rate and vitamin D class rate/resident population. Population analysis was analyzed by incidence rates and stratified by vitamin D class.Results293,013 vitamin D blood tests were conducted between 2005 and 2016 across 10 birth cohorts. Females accounted for 75% of tests and fewer were conducted in the youngest and oldest birth cohorts. Sex differences in vitamin D blood test frequency were observed; adjusted rates ranging from 1.7 to 35.6% for males and 8 to 81% for females from 2005 to 2016. Crude incidence rates (per 1000 from 2005 to 2016) varied from 1.5 to 10.8‰ for males and 7 to 19.4‰ for females. Crude blood test rates for vitamin D deficiency (Class I) increased from 1.1 to 9.9‰ in 2016 for males and 5 to 17.3‰ for females. Crude incidence rates (from 2005 to 2016) for Class I were 9.7–57.1‰ in males and 43.6–92.4‰ in females.ConclusionsThese findings highlight sex-related differences in vitamin D testing, providing valuable insight for healthcare planning.

Socioeconomic drivers of low value screening

Abstract Low-value care brings minimal or no benefit to the patient and is a growing concern for healthcare systems. In this presentation, we will discuss the issue of low-value cancer screening, its frequency, and how it is socially patterned. The general population, policymakers, and healthcare providers expect a lot from cancer screening, while the actual absolute benefits are generally relatively low. In addition, screening practice often does not follow recommendations regarding the frequency of testing or the ages at which to start and to stop, and many screenings providing no benefit are commonly performed. Addressing low-value screening is key for evidence-based population health management and prevention.

Social determinants and drivers of use of SARS-CoV-2 self-tests in a French national cohort study

Abstract Background Self-tests for SARS-CoV-2 became quickly available after the onset of the epidemic. They were especially recommended for high-risk and hard-to-reach populations. This study examines whether self-tests successfully reached vulnerable groups during first months of availability in France. Methods The EpiCov study is a national population-based cohort study conducted in France during the Covid-19 pandemic. Primary outcome variable was use of self-test at last SARS-CoV-2 test, among those who reported testing at least once between May-July 2021. Univariate and multivariate binomial weighted logistic regressions were run, stratified by age group (16-24 yrs, 25-59, 60+), to identify social determinants and drivers of use of self-tests. Results Overall, 11% of the population who tested for SARS-CoV-2 between May-July 2021 reported using a self-test as last test. Demographic factors were highly predictive of use of self-tests among 25-59 y/o, but not among younger and older age groups. Use of self-tests was highest among 16-24 y/o, people with higher education, lowest population density areas, and people with high overall frequency of testing. Use was lowest among 60+ y/o, unemployed and retired people, and first-generation immigrants. When stratifying by age, 16-24 y/o with high perceived Covid-19 risk were more likely to use self-tests (aOR 1.99, 95% CI 1.10-3.59). Among 25-59 y/o, in-person workers were more likely to use self-tests than remote workers (aOR 1.91 [1.20-3.05]). Among 60+ y/o, employed people were more likely than retired people (aOR 3.97 [2.30-6.85]). Conclusions With higher utilization in low population density areas and among frequent testers, convenience may be a primary driver of use of self-tests. Additional drivers include perceived risk among younger people and exposure at work for those ≥25 yrs. Inequities in use were observed, with lower use among people with low education, older age, and immigrants. Key messages • Use of self-tests in France during the Covid-19 pandemic was low among vulnerable population groups, including people with lower education, immigrants, and older individuals. • Drivers of use included geographical access to healthcare services, perception of risk among younger respondents, and exposure at work among adults aged ≥25 years.

Development of an automated process for monitoring of amiodarone treatment

Abstract Background Amiodarone treatment requires repeated laboratory evaluations of thyroid and liver function due to risk of side effects during long-term administration. Robotic process automation (RPA) represents the use of software robots to automate repetitive and routine tasks typically performed by humans. Purpose We aimed to develop an RPA using a diagnostic classification algorithm and clinical support system for follow-up of amiodarone treatment. Methods Based on international guidelines and clinical specialist advisory we constructed an RPA which was studied in a test environment in parallel with routine amiodarone treatment. Expert advice was integrated through a series of collaborative workshops, ensuring alignment of the algorithm with current best practices in thyroid and liver disease management. The RPA provided recommendations on the time interval to next laboratory testing and suggestions for patient management to the physician, who was serving as a human-in-the-loop responsible for clinical decisions. Results After iterative improvements the RPA was evaluated against physician orders (n=390 paired orders) without technical failures. The recommended time interval to next follow-up was (mean ± SD) 4.5 ± 2.4 vs. 3.1 ± 1.4 months for RPA vs. physician (p&amp;lt;0.0001). While normal laboratory findings resulted in recommended follow-up in 6 months by the RPA (72.2%) this was only ordered in 9.9% by the physician (Figure). Physicians’ orders clustered between 3-4 months (58.5%). All patients diagnosed with new side effects (n=12) were detected and communicated correctly by the RPA, whereas only 8 were correctly detected and responded to by the physician (Table). Conclusions An automated process constitutes a reliable alternative to the current fully manual management of amiodarone follow-up. It may reduce manual labour, frequency of laboratory testing and detect side effects with increased precision, thereby reducing costs and enhancing patient value. While the RPA shows promise, further research is needed to explore its adaptability to other treatment scenarios.

HIV-1 transmission clusters and drug resistance in men who have sex with men in Portugal

Abstract Introduction In 2022, 45.8% of diagnoses in the EU/EEA with known route of transmission were in Men who have Sex with Men (MSM). We aim to characterise HIV transmission clusters and transmission of drug resistance (TDR), as well as its determinants, using integrated sociodemographic, behavioural, clinical, and viral genomic data of MSMs newly diagnosed in Portugal between 2014 and 2019. Methods This study included data from 340 MSM who were diagnosed with HIV-1 infection. These individuals were newly diagnosed at 17 hospitals in Portugal between September 2014 and December 2019. Phylogenies were constructed and transmission clusters were identified with branch support ≥ 90% and 1.5% genetic distance. Logistic regression models were computed to examine the factors associated with clusters of transmission and with the presence of TDR. Results We identified 38 transmission clusters with 104 MSM, which included 26.6% of the total 305 MSM from our database used for cluster analysis. The overall prevalence of TDR was 8.2%. Only subtype C was significantly associated with TDR. 10.5% of the clusters had at least 1 drug resistance mutation (K103N, L90M or N88S). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of TDR between MSM inside and outside clusters. 50% of the clusters were composed of portuguese native MSM only, whereas 16% had exclusively migrant MSMs. No significant difference was found in the proportion of portuguese and migrant MSM inside and outside clusters. Factors associated with HIV-1 transmission clusters were age at diagnosis, district of residence, unprotected anal or vaginal sex with a woman, HIV testing frequency, presenter status and subtype. 87% of men engaged in sexual activity only with other men, while 13% with both men and women. Conclusions Specific subgroups of MSM are contributing to HIV dissemination in Portugal. Direct and precise prevention measures based on molecular epidemiology should be developed. Key messages • Specific subgroups of MSM are contributing to HIV dissemination in Portugal. • Direct and precise prevention measures based on molecular epidemiology should be developed.

Attitudes and Related Factors of Women in Turkey Towards Cancer Screening: Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This study aimed to examine women's attitudes and related factors towards cancer screening in Turkey. Methods: This analytical-cross-sectional study was conducted between June and September 2022. The universe of the study consisted of all women between the ages of 30-70 in Turkey, and the sample included 335 women. The data of the study were collected online with the “Personal Information Form’’ and “Attitude Scale for Cancer Screening”. Results: The average Attitude Scale for Cancer Screening total score of the women participating in the study was 84.36±14.55. Of the women who participated in the study, 33.1% did not perform breast self-examination, 63.1% did not perform clinical breast examination, 49.5% did not perform Pap smear and HPV-DNA testing, 60.9% did not perform mammography, 76.1% did not perform fecal occult blood testing and 93.8% did not perform colonoscopy. It was determined that education status, breast self-examination, clinical breast examination, Pap Smear and HPV-DNA test frequencies, and knowing the places where cancer screening was performed affected the Attitude Scale for Cancer Screening score averages (F = 8.729, p = 0.000). Conclusion: It was determined that the attitudes of the women participating in the study towards cancer screening were moderate. Several factors are done affect attitudes towards cancer screening.

Eosinophil count testing in patients with asthma varies by healthcare provider type in the US: a retrospective study

BackgroundPatients with asthma with an eosinophilic phenotype may be eligible for additional treatment options to improve disease control; however, the prevalence and frequency of eosinophil testing is unknown. This study assessed blood eosinophil count testing prevalence in patients with asthma by exacerbation frequency and healthcare provider (HCP) type.MethodsThis was a retrospective, longitudinal, real-world study (GSK ID: 214470) utilizing the Merative Explorys® Universe electronic health records database. Eligible patients had ≥ 2 asthma diagnostic codes (January 2016–December 2018) (Index date: first asthma diagnosis). Outcomes included patient demographics and clinical characteristics (12 months pre-index [baseline]), and prevalence of blood eosinophil count testing, stratified by exacerbation frequency (infrequent exacerbations [< 2]) or frequent exacerbations [≥ 2] or primary HCP (Allergist/Pulmonologist, a primary care physician [PCP] or other HCP) during the 12 months post-index (follow-up).ResultsOf 400,254 patients included (mean age: 51.2 years; 70.8% female), the most common provider type at baseline was a PCP (76.8%). A higher proportion of patients with frequent exacerbations had blood eosinophil count tests at baseline (55.4–69.5%) and follow-up (67.9–75.1%), compared with patients with infrequent exacerbations (55.5–63.7%, 62.4–67.3%). Significantly more patients in the Allergist/Pulmonologist subgroup had ≥ 1 blood eosinophil count test result compared with patients in the PCP subgroup at both baseline (59.9% vs. 50.7%; p < 0.001) and follow-up (59.0% vs. 56.2%; p < 0.001). In the total population, the mean (SD) number of tests ordered was 3.4 (5.3) and 4.1 (6.4) during the baseline and follow-up periods, respectively. A greater mean number of tests were ordered for patients with frequent exacerbations, most apparently in the Allergist/Pulmonologist subgroup during baseline and follow-up (7.4 vs. 4.9). For patients with frequent exacerbations and blood eosinophil count test results, the mean (SD) number of tests ranged from 3.1 (4.6) to 5.8 (8.3) at baseline and 5.1 (8.5) to 7.4 (10.6) during follow-up.ConclusionsThe prevalence of blood eosinophil count testing in patients with asthma remains suboptimal. Routine blood eosinophil count testing should be considered by HCPs for patients with asthma to increase identification of the eosinophilic asthma phenotype, which may inform the decision to advance to targeted biologic therapy.

Assessment of routine pre-operative group and save testing in patients undergoing cholecystectomy: a retrospective cohort study.

Routine group and save (G&S) testing is frequently performed prior to cholecystectomy, despite growing evidence that a targeted approach is safe and avoids unnecessary investigations. This retrospective cohort study explored frequency of testing in our unit, rates of peri-operative blood transfusion and pre-operative risk factors for requiring transfusion. Health records of 453 consecutive adults who underwent cholecystectomy in a UK NHS trust were reviewed for blood transfusion up to 30 days post-operatively. We compared the need for transfusion against patient demographics, indication and urgency of surgery, and the number of prior emergency hospital attendances with gallstone complications. Logistic regression determined whether prior attendances with complications of gallstones independently predicted the need for transfusion. Peri-operative blood transfusions within 30 days of operation occurred in 1.1% of cases, with no requirement for uncrossmatched blood. Patients who received a blood transfusion tended to have higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grades ( p = 0.017), were more likely to have an underlying primary haematological malignancy (20.0% vs. 0.2%; p = 0.022) and prior emergency hospital attendances with gallstone complications (median 4 vs. 1; p < 0.001). Logistic regression showed each prior emergency attendance was associated with 4.6-fold odds of transfusion ( p = 0.019). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.92. Three or more attendances predicted need for transfusion with 60.0% sensitivity and 98.0% specificity. 74% of patients had at least one G&S sample taken pre-operatively, costing the trust approximately £3,800 per year in materials. The findings of this study suggest that pre-operative G&S testing prior to cholecystectomy is not routinely required. Increased frequency of prior emergency hospital attendances with gallstone complications and co-morbidities associated with coagulopathies were pre-operative risk factors for post-operative blood transfusion. More selective testing could provide large financial savings for health institutions without compromising patient safety.

Experimental study on the cyclic performance of innovative self-centering three-dimensional isolation bearing

To improve vertical seismic isolation and seismic resilience in isolation bearings, this paper introduces an innovative three-dimensional isolation bearing combining a disc-spring system (DSS), a high-damping rubber bearing (HDR), and a horizontal spring system (HSS). The DSS is designed with low vertical stiffness to enhance vertical isolation, while the HSS provides self-centering force to improve the seismic resilience of the HDR. This study first presents a comprehensive theoretical analysis of the horizontal and vertical stiffness composition. The vertical performance of this three-dimensional isolation bearing is attributed to the DSS, while the HSS and HDR jointly contribute to its horizontal performance. Seven specimens were designed and subjected to shear-compression cyclic tests to assess the horizontal and vertical cyclic performance. Experimental parameters included loading amplitude, loading frequency, vertical pre-load, and DSS combinations for vertical tests, and axial compression force, loading frequency, shear strain, and HSS function in horizontal tests. The cyclic performance parameters for the three-dimensional isolation bearing, including equivalent damping ratio, equivalent stiffness, and energy dissipation, was evaluated. In general, the proposed three-dimensional isolation bearing exhibits stable cyclic performance and advantageous seismic resilience, warranting its promotion to practical engineering applications.

P10.24.B PREDICTION OF PCFDNA LEVELS, PROGRESSION-FREE SURVIVAL, AND OVERALL SURVIVAL THROUGH MACHINE-LEARNING MODELS BASED ON MRI-DERIVED RADIOMIC FEATURES IN PATIENTS WITH NEWLY DIAGNOSED GLIOBLASTOMA

Abstract BACKGROUND Circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) is a promising tool for monitoring patients with high-grade gliomas (HGGs) in addition to follow-up with conventional (cMRI) and advanced MRI (aMRI), which harbors an enormous amount of quantitative subvisual data that can be used to build models predicting disease behavior. Examining the relationship between ccfDNA levels and quantitative features extracted from cMRI and aMRI gives further insight into this novel biomarker, aiming to combine the biological value of ccfDNA and the spatial resolution of image biomarkers to improve HGGs monitoring. MATERIAL AND METHODS Features were extracted from each T1 post-contrast and FLAIR images by using the FLAIR hyperintensity and enhancement automatic segmentation tool (Pyradiomics software, v2.2.0). The radiomic dataset underwent Z-score normalization, feature reduction, and feature selection. Highly correlated features were excluded using a threshold of 0.9 person-correlation-coefficient. The ‘F_regression’ function was used to select the most important features concerning the ccfDNA concentration, Overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). This dataset was used as input for four machine learning models: Linear Regression (LR), Support Vector Regression (SVR), Random Forest (RF), and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). Hyperparameter tuning was performed at the first training iteration of each model using a 4-fold cross-validation GridSearchCV and model-specific parameters. The train-test strategy involved randomizing datasets into 80% training and 20% testing subsets across 100 iterations, ensuring robustness and reducing biases. RMSE values of each run were averaged based on sample test frequencies. Root means square error (RMSE) was used to assess the model’s performance. RESULTS 405 features were successfully extracted from T1 post-contrast and FLAIR images from both tumoral masks. A total of 287 were found to be highly correlated and, therefore, removed from the dataset. The ‘F_regression’ with a 90-percentile threshold separates 12 features divided into 3 shapes features relative to FLAIR segmentation, 6 features relative to the T1 post-contrast image, and 3 features for the FLAIR image. The SVR achieves the best RMSE performances when compared to other models when predicting the ccfDNA concentration, reaching an RMSE of 8.58. An analogous strategy was used for the models built to predict PFS and OS reaching an RMSE of 5.89 and 6.77, respectively. CONCLUSION Machine-learning models based on radiomic features combined with clinical variables are valuable tools for predicting OS and PFS in HGGs’ patients. The radiomic signature provides additional information compared to the tumoral volume to forecast ccfDNA levels. Combining both techniques could provide more precise assessment of disease status.

A Survey on Female Employment and the Quality of Their Family Relationships in Mahabad, Iran (2017–2018)

Abstract The primary objective of this descriptive survey is to examine the correlation between women’s employment and the quality of their family relationships in Mahabad, a Kurdish city in the northwest of Iran. This locale has distinct cultural norms and perspectives concerning female employment. The statistical sample consists of all married women aged between 20 and 60 years and employed within the urban areas of Mahabad from 2017 to 2018. This group encompasses a total of 2,995 individuals (N = 2995). Employing Cochran’s formula, the sample size was determined to be n = 350. Participants were selected through multi-stage clustering and systematic random sampling methodologies. Data were collected through a researcher-designed questionnaire, with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient estimated at 0.89, indicating satisfactory reliability. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were employed for data analysis, including the chi-square test and percentage frequency distribution tables. The study’s central hypothesis was validated using the chi-square test at a 5% significance level. Consequently, the research findings substantiate that, within the context of Mahabad, employed women exhibit a higher quality of family relationships than their unemployed counterparts. Given the historically limited discourse on the circumstances of Kurdish women in smaller regions, and the prevailing tendency to focus primarily on the challenges faced by women at the lower strata of society, this research serves as a valuable contribution towards a more comprehensive understanding of the lives of this particular cohort of Kurdish women residing in the modest city of Mahabad. By delving into the dimensions of employment and the quality of their marital relationships, this study strives toward shedding light on the positive impacts of women’s participation on their family dynamics. The insights gleaned from this research hold the potential to serve as a model that can be extrapolated to benefit women in other regions across the Middle East in the future.

Optimization of Turnaround Time and Insufficient Quantity Frequency for Molecular Testing on FFPE Material

Abstract Introduction/Objective With clinical decisions relying progressively more on molecular data extracted from formalin- fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue, it is pivotal to optimize the use of tissue for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. This optimization can be reached by identifying actionable instances that can decrease the turnaround time (TAT) and the rate of “quantity not sufficient” (QNS) results Methods/Case Report From January 2023 to December 2023, the total TAT from the time a molecular study is ordered to its delivery to the molecular lab at LL200A (Tomsich Laboratories), as well as the TAT from the time between the ordering pathologist circling the region of interest to its delivery to LL200A were broken down by subspecialty and site. In addition, the QNS results of Caris genomic profiling were evaluated considering subspecialty and site, amount of material present in the initial sample, and number of levels cut for other ancillary testing from the same material. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) 83% of subspecialties took longer than 48 hours to have material ordered for molecular studies delivered to LL200A. The median TAT for all specialties was 58 hours (average: 71.6 hours). When examining TAT from circling to LL200A, the median time was 19 hours (average: 28.4 hours). Regarding the QNS rate of the Caris assay, most QNS cases were gastrointestinal tract specimens (27%) or specimens obtained from either CT-guided core needle biopsies (30%) or endoscopic biopsies (32%). The longest dimension of QNS cases ranged from 7.5 cm to 0.1 cm (median: 1.3cm)—the average number of slides ordered before Caris ranged from 1 to 52 (median: 12). Conclusion The initial results pointed towards the time from circling to LL200A as one actionable item that could improve the TAT of molecular tests. Possible solutions include enacting a dedicated tumor circling service. In addition, to decrease the rate of Caris QNS results, we propose working together with proceduralists to increase biopsy material yield and to work with pathologists to preserve limited specimens for molecular studies.