Interpretation Of Tests Research Articles

Master Curves for Poroelastic Spherical Indentation With Step Displacement Loading

Abstract Theoretical and numerical analyses are conducted to rigorously construct master curves that can be used for interpretation of displacement-controlled poroelastic spherical indentation test. A fully coupled poroelastic solution is first derived within the framework of Biot’s theory using the McNamee–Gibson displacement function method. The fully saturated porous medium is assumed to consist of slightly compressible solid and fluid phases and the surface is assumed to be impermeable over the contact area and permeable everywhere else. In contrast to the cases in our previous studies with an either fully permeable or impermeable surface, the mixed drainage condition yields two coupled sets of dual integral equations instead of one in the Laplace transform domain. The theoretical solutions show that for this class of poroelastic spherical indentation problems, relaxation of the normalized indentation force is affected by material properties through weak dependence on a single-derived material constant only. Finite element analysis is then performed in order to examine the differences between the theoretical solution, obtained by imposing the normal displacement over the contact area, and the numerical results where frictionless contact between a rigid sphere and the poroelastic medium is explicitly modeled. A four-parameter elementary function, an approximation of the theoretical solution with its validity supported by the numerical analysis, is proposed as the master curve that can be conveniently used to aid the interpretation of the poroelastic spherical indentation test. Application of the master curve for the ramp-hold loading scenario is also discussed.

Feasibility of superimposed supine cycling and lower body negative pressure as an effective means of prolonging exercise tolerance in individuals experiencing persisting post-concussive symptoms: Preliminary results.

To examine the feasibility, utility and safety of superimposed lower body negative pressure (LBNP) and tilt during supine cycling in individuals suffering from persisting post-concussive symptoms (PPCS). Elevenindividuals aged 17-31 (6 females/5 males) participated in two randomized separate visits, 1week apart. A ramp-incremental test was performed during both visits until volitional failure. Visits included no pressure (control) or LBNP at -40Torr (experimental) with head-up tilt at 15degrees (females) or 30degrees (males). Transcranial Doppler ultrasound was utilized to quantify middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv), while symptom reports were filled out before and 0, 10, and 60min post-exertion. Ratings of exertion and overall condition followed similar trends for participants across both tests. The relative increase in MCAv was blunted during the experimental condition (8%) compared to control (24%), while a greater heart rate (17 beats/min) was achieved during the LBNP condition (P=0.047). Symptom severity at the 0 and 10minpost-exertion time points displayed negligible-to-small effect sizes between conditions (Wilcoxon's r<0.11). Symptom reporting was lower at the 60min post-exertion time point with these displaying a moderate effect size (Wilcoxon's r=0.31). The combination of LBNP and tilt during supine cycling did not change the participants' subjective interpretation of the exertional test but attenuated the hyperpnia-induced vasodilatory MCAv response, while also enabling participants to achieve a higher heart rate during exercise and reduced symptoms 1h later. As this protocol is safe and feasible, further research is warranted in this area for developing PPCS treatment options. HIGHLIGHTS: What is the central question of this study? What are the feasibility, safety and utility of combining head-up tilt with lower body negative pressure during supine cycling for blunting the increase in cerebral blood velocity seen during moderate-intensity exercise in individuals experiencing persisting post-concussion symptoms? What is the main finding and its importance? Although no differences were found in symptoms between conditions within the first 10min following exertion, symptom severity scores showed a clinically meaningful reduction 60min following the experimental condition compared to the non-experimental control condition.

Development of thresholds and a visualization tool for use of a blood test in routine clinical dementia practice.

We developed a multimarker blood test result interpretation tool for the clinical dementia practice, including phosphorylated (P-)tau181, amyloid-beta (Abeta)42/40, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light (NfL). We measured the plasma biomarkers with Simoa (n=1199), applied LASSO regression for biomarker selection and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses to determine diagnostic accuracy. We validated our findings in two independent cohorts and constructed a visualization approach. P-tau181, GFAP, and NfL were selected. This combination had area under the curve (AUC)=83% to identify amyloid positivity in pre-dementia stages, AUC=87%-89% to differentiate Alzheimer's or controls from frontotemporal dementia, AUC=74%-76% to differentiate Alzheimer's or controls from dementia with Lewy bodies. Highly reproducible AUCs were obtained in independent cohorts. The resulting visualization tool includes UpSet plots to visualize the stand-alone biomarker results and density plots to visualize the biomarker results combined. Our multimarker blood test interpretation tool is ready for testing in real-world clinical dementia settings. We developed a multimarker blood test interpretation tool for clinical dementia practice. Our interpretation tool includes plasma biomarkers P-tau, GFAP, and NfL. Our tool is particularly useful for Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia diagnosis.

Variation in Interpretation of Provocative Tests for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

We studied variation in interpretation of specific symptoms during clinical tests for carpal tunnel syndrome to estimate the degree to which surgeons consider pain without paresthesia characteristic of median neuropathy. We invited all upper-extremity surgeon members of the Science of Variation Group to complete a scenario-based experiment. Surgeons read 5-10 clinical vignettes of patients with variation in patient demographics and random variation in symptoms and signs as follows: primary symptoms (nighttime numbness and tingling, constant numbness and loss of sensibility, pain with activity), symptoms elicited by a provocative test (Phalen, Durkan, or Tinel) (tingling, pain), and location of symptoms elicited by the provocative test (index and middle fingers, thumb and index fingers, little and ring fingers, entire hand). Patient factors associated with surgeon interpretation of provocative tests as negative included pain rather than paresthesia during the Phalen, Durkan, or Tinel test and location of symptoms in the entire hand rather than the median nerve distribution. Specialists do not consider pain without paresthesia or a noncharacteristic symptom distribution as characteristic of carpal tunnel syndrome. Awareness that elicitation of pain with Phalen, Durkan, and Tinel tests is regarded by specialists as relatively uncharacteristic of median neuropathy can help limit the potential for both overdiagnosis and overtreatment of median neuropathy as well as underdiagnosis and undertreatment of mental and social health contributions to illness (notable correlates of the intensity and distribution of pain).

Mechanical properties of rubble pile asteroids (Dimorphos, Itokawa, Ryugu, and Bennu) through surface boulder morphological analysis

Planetary defense efforts rely on estimates of the mechanical properties of asteroids, which are difficult to constrain accurately from Earth. The mechanical properties of asteroid material are also important in the interpretation of the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) impact. Here we perform a detailed morphological analysis of the surface boulders on Dimorphos using images, the primary data set available from the DART mission. We estimate the bulk angle of internal friction of the boulders to be 32.7 ± 2. 5° from our measurements of the roundness of the 34 best-resolved boulders ranging in size from 1.67–6.64 m. The elongated nature of the boulders around the DART impact site implies that they were likely formed through impact processing. Finally, we find striking similarities in the morphology of the boulders on Dimorphos with those on other rubble pile asteroids (Itokawa, Ryugu and Bennu). This leads to very similar internal friction angles across the four bodies and suggests that a common formation mechanism has shaped the boulders. Our results provide key inputs for understanding the DART impact and for improving our knowledge about the physical properties, the formation and the evolution of both near-Earth rubble-pile and binary asteroids.

Assessing knowledge gaps and educational needs in urine drug test interpretation among health care professionals.

Urine drug testing (UDT) is a critical tool used in medical, forensic, and occupational settings, but interpreting results can be challenging. We performed a study to assess the ability of health care professionals to interpret UDT results accurately. In total, 911 clinical and laboratory professionals in the United States and Canada responded to a survey with questions gauging expertise in UDT interpretation. Responses were analyzed to identify knowledge gaps. Toxicologists and laboratory PhD scientists performed well, with means of 4.82 and 4.63 questions answered correctly (out of 6 possible), respectively. Physicians specializing in pathology, emergency medicine, primary care, and internal medicine, however, displayed concerning knowledge gaps, as did laboratorians with nondoctoral degrees. Experience and training correlated with interpretation accuracy. Identification of simulated compliance as well as understanding opioid exposure, metabolism, and immunoassay cross-reactivity were among the most clinicallysignificant knowledge gaps. More than 30% of survey respondents indicated that they would seek UDT information from the internet or peers rather than clinical or laboratory experts. The study highlighted the need for targeted education and better collaboration between clinical and laboratory experts and other health care professionals to ensure that when physicians order UDT, they can accurately interpret results and reduce harm.

Scientific logic and spatio-temporal dependence in analyzing extreme-precipitation frequency: negligible or neglected?

Abstract. Statistics is often misused in hydro-climatology, thus causing research to get stuck on unscientific concepts that hinder scientific advances. In particular, neglecting the scientific rationale of statistical inference results in logical and operational fallacies that prevent the discernment of facts, assumptions, and models, thus leading to systematic misinterpretations of the output of data analysis. This study discusses how epistemological principles are not just philosophical concepts but also have very practical effects. To this aim, we focus on the iterated underestimation and misinterpretation of the role of spatio-temporal dependence in statistical analysis of hydro-climatic processes by analyzing the occurrence process of extreme precipitation (P) derived from 100-year daily time series recorded at 1106 worldwide gauges of the Global Historical Climatology Network. The analysis contrasts a model-based approach that is compliant with the well-devised but often neglected logic of statistical inference and a widespread but theoretically problematic test-based approach relying on statistical hypothesis tests applied to unrepeatable hydro-climatic records. The model-based approach highlights the actual impact of spatio-temporal dependence and a finite sample size on statistical inference, resulting in over-dispersed marginal distributions and biased estimates of dependence properties, such as autocorrelation and power spectrum density. These issues also affect the outcome and interpretation of statistical tests for trend detection. Overall, the model-based approach results in a theoretically coherent modeling framework where stationary stochastic processes incorporating the empirical spatio-temporal correlation and its effects provide a faithful description of the occurrence process of extreme P at various spatio-temporal scales. On the other hand, the test-based approach leads to theoretically unsubstantiated results and interpretations, along with logically contradictory conclusions such as the simultaneous equi-dispersion and over-dispersion of extreme P. Therefore, accounting for the effect of dependence in the analysis of the frequency of extreme P has a huge impact that cannot be ignored, and, more importantly, any data analysis can be scientifically meaningful only if it considers the epistemological principles of statistical inference such as the asymmetry between confirmatory and disconfirmatory empiricism, the inverse-probability problem affecting statistical tests, and the difference between assumptions and models.

Causes and Consequences of Divorced Parents in Child Personality Development

By the nature of the concept, parents need to ensure the growth and development of their children, the creation of an appropriate, non-confrontational environment, their emotional preparation to face adverse life events so that they are manageable and not traumatic. In practice, post-divorce parental interactions are unsatisfactory and damaging because they often transmit to the child the hostility that the child feels towards the ex-spouse, with consequences for the child’s psycho-emotional balance. In this context, the HiPIC – Hierarchical Personality Inventory for Children test was used in order to assess the parents’ (the resident parent and the parents with organized family) perception of their child, to reflect on the child’s concrete and observable behaviours. The sample selected included children aged 9-12 and their parents. Scoring and interpretation of the HiPIC test and statistical processing revealed five dimensions of specific child personality functioning. The psychological analysis of research on divorced families, the relationship between the resident parent and the child is reviewed. Caught up in the hostility between them, parents often do not sense the emotional disorders and imbalances in the child’s personality that generate and lead to the formation of problematic personality patterns in the minor.

Introduction and content analysis of "Nurse's voice" WhatsApp group during COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

BackgroundAt the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran, the School of Nursing and Midwifery of Tehran University of Medical Sciences created several joint virtual groups to connect with people and answer their questions. One of these groups was called "Nurse's Voice,” in which nursing professors answered people's questions. The purpose of the current study was to analyze the content of questions in this WhatsApp group during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodThis retrospective media content analysis qualitatively analyzed the text of questions and answers extracted from the above-named WhatsApp group.ResultsOut of 629 questions asked, 364 questions (58.0%) were related to COVID-19 and 265 questions (42.0%) were not. Those related to COVID-19 concerned COVID-19 symptoms and diagnosis, prevention and care, fear and worry, and interpretation of laboratory tests. The questions related to prevention and care fell into four subcategories: basic health principles, prevention of COVID-19 infection, care during COVID-19 infection, and care during COVID-19 recovery.ConclusionsNursing and midwifery schools can take advantage of the scientific capacity of professors and students for virtual communication and social accountability by integrating telehealth into their curricula. Cyberspace provides an opportunity for people to ask questions anonymously. With the results of the current study, the educational needs of the people during possible future epidemics can be predicted and answered faster. Furthermore, the large number of questions unrelated to COVID-19 indicates the need for counseling and training of the general public by nurses in all situations.

Small-strain stiffness of selected anthropogenic aggregates from bender element tests

Abstract This article presents a study on the stiffness of mixtures of anthropogenic materials derived from construction or demolition waste, specifically fine recycled concrete aggregates (fRCAs) with different fine fraction (FF) contents. The study investigated small-strain shear moduli via various signal interpretation methods, examining, above all, the time domain approaches and considering the influence of FF content. However, the inconclusive results from the bender element (BE) tests highlight the complexity of factors affecting shear wave velocity, which requires further research to refine the methodology and assess long-term performance in geotechnical applications. Selecting the correct test frequency and interpretation method is crucial to obtain accurate results. The BE test method should consider all relevant factors. At low input frequencies (≤5 kHz), the near-field effect affected the received signal for fRCA mixtures. At higher frequencies (around 14 kHz), the noise levels increased, thereby interfering with the S-wave travel time determination. Intermediate input frequencies (10.0 and 12.5 kHz) provided the representative shear modulus (G) values. The small-strain shear modulus (G max) of the fRCA compounds from the resonant column and BE tests was found to be in good agreement, despite differences in the test procedures themselves.

International Council for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH) recommendations for the performance and interpretation of activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time mixing tests.

This guidance document has been prepared on behalf of the International Council for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH). The aim of the document is to provide guidance and recommendations for the performance and interpretation of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) plasma mixing tests in clinical laboratories in all regions of the world. The following areas are included in this document: preanalytical, analytical, postanalytical, and quality assurance considerations as they relate to the proper performance and interpretation of plasma mixing tests. The recommendations are based on good laboratory practice, published data in peer-reviewed literature, and expert opinion.

Pathogen-Agnostic Advanced Molecular Diagnostic Testing for Difficult-to-Diagnose Clinical Syndromes-Results of an Emerging Infections Network Survey of Frontline US Infectious Disease Clinicians, May 2023.

During routine clinical practice, infectious disease physicians encounter patients with difficult-to-diagnose clinical syndromes and may order advanced molecular testing to detect pathogens. These tests may identify potential infectious causes for illness and allow clinicians to adapt treatments or stop unnecessary antimicrobials. Cases of pathogen-agnostic disease testing also provide an important window into known, emerging, and reemerging pathogens and may be leveraged as part of national sentinel surveillance. A survey of Emerging Infections Network members, a group of infectious disease providers in North America, was conducted in May 2023. The objective of the survey was to gain insight into how and when infectious disease physicians use advanced molecular testing for patients with difficult-to-diagnose infectious diseases, as well as to explore the usefulness of advanced molecular testing and barriers to use. Overall, 643 providers answered at least some of the survey questions; 478 (74%) of those who completed the survey had ordered advanced molecular testing in the last two years, and formed the basis for this study. Respondents indicated that they most often ordered broad-range 16S rRNA gene sequencing, followed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing and whole genome sequencing; and commented that in clinical practice, some, but not all tests were useful. Many physicians also noted several barriers to use, including a lack of national guidelines and cost, while others commented that whole genome sequencing had potential for use in outbreak surveillance. Improving frontline physician access, availability, affordability, and developing clear national guidelines for interpretation and use of advanced molecular testing could potentially support clinical practice and public health surveillance.

Study on the adsorption mechanism of fluorescent nano-tracer in sandstone core

Chemical tracer testing technology has increasingly become the preferred method for reservoir monitoring in oil fields due to its low cost and high efficiency. Understanding the migration behavior and adsorption mechanisms of chemical tracers in porous media is crucial for designing tracer injection processes and enhancing the accuracy of tracer test interpretation. This study employs an enhanced Stöber sol-gel method to synthesize fluorescent silica nanoparticles. After surface modification with the silane coupling agent γ-(methacryloyloxy) propyltrimethoxysilane (KH570) and doping with two fluorescent dyes, a multicolor fluorescent nano-tracer (PMFN) was synthesized. This study conducted dynamic and equilibrium adsorption experiments to investigate the adsorption behavior of PMFN on sandstone surfaces. To elucidate the adsorption mechanism of PMFN, we fitted the adsorption equilibrium experimental data using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isothermal adsorption models. The adsorption kinetics were studied using the Lagergren, Elovich, and pseudo-first-order kinetic models. Additionally, we assessed the influence of ionic strength and particle size on the adsorption of PMFN by calculating the DLVO interaction forces between PMFN and the sandstone surface. The results showed that PMFN adsorption on sandstone primarily occurs in the pre-contact stage and is characterized by monolayer adsorption. When the ionic strength of the solution is 0.001 mol/L, the maximum repulsive energy barrier between PMFN and the sandstone surface hinders adsorption.

Identification and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Staphylococcus Aureus from Clinical Samples of Tertiary Care Centre, North India

Staphylococci are contributors of the Micrococcaceae family. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common type of bacteria which causes infections in the humans. They are classically taken into consideration extracellular, pyogenic pathogens due to their capacity to set off abscess formation. The microorganisms are non-motile and generally tend to develop in clusters. They are extraordinarily hardy and may continue to exist for extended durations of time on environmental surfaces. Staphylococci are identified in medical samples with the aid of using Gram stain and their function morphology – Gram positive cocci in grape-like clusters. They shape spherical frequently beta-hemolytic colonies on agar. It is characterized by the presence of the bacteria in different samples collected from different departments and the use of different antibiotic drugs and other medicines have increased the rate of infections. Some of the other risk factors includes the advanced ages and hospitalization. Staphylococcus aureus can be of different types like MRSA, MSSA, VRSA etc. Staphylococcus can cause infections in different ages it can infect child also or adult also. Different types of samples of Staphylococcus aureus can be identified using MALDI-TOF, MICROSCAN and BD PHOENIX and their interpretation of the antimicrobial susceptibility test can be given. Staphylococcus aureus is a major bacterial human pathogen that causes a wide variety of harmful diseases to the clinical manifestations. Infections caused by this bacterium are commonboth in community as well as hospital settings and treatment of the diseases caused by this remains challenging to manage. Because due to the emergence of its multi-drug resistant strainssuch as MRSA. Different drugs were used like Amp/Sulbactam, Ampicilin, Ceftriaxone, Ciprofloxacin, Clindamycin, Daptomycin, Erythomycin, Linezolid, Oxacillin, Rifampin, Synercid, Tetracycline, Teicoplanin, Vancomycin, Penicillin. The antimicrobial susceptibility test was done and their resistance percentage is calculated.

IgG, IgM, and Nonstructural Protein 1 Response Profiles after Receipt of Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine TAK-003 in a Phase 2 Randomized Controlled Trial.

The profiles of vaccine-induced dengue antibodies may differ from those produced following natural infection and could potentially interfere with the interpretation of diagnostic tests. We assessed anti-dengue IgG and IgM antibodies, and nonstructural protein 1 antigen profiles in the serum of adults who received a single dose of the tetravalent dengue vaccine TAK-003 as either an initially developed high-dose formulation or the standard approved formulation in a phase 2 study in Singapore (#NCT02425098). Immunoglobulin G and IgM profiles during the first 30 days postvaccination varied by baseline serostatus (microneutralization assay). Nonstructural protein 1 antigen was not detected in the serum of any participants. Vaccine-induced IgG and IgM antibodies can affect serological confirmation of subsequent dengue infection in vaccinees. These results highlight the limitations of using serological tests for dengue diagnosis, particularly in a postvaccination setting, and emphasize the need for more sensitive antigen- and molecular-based testing for accurate dengue diagnosis.

Solution of the inverse problem of tracer tests interpretation results for oil reservoirs in the presence of low resistance channels

Solution of the inverse problem of tracer tests interpretation results for oil reservoirs in the presence of low resistance channels

Capturing the ghost in the machine: a process for development and validation of measures of phenomenal consciousness in delirium.

Delirium has conventionally been considered a disorder of consciousness. Alertness and arousal are used as surrogates in clinical practice but are insufficient for the purposes of a more dimensional assessment of consciousness. We present a process of development and validation of candidate measures of phenomenal consciousness that could be applied to the diagnosis of delirium. First, a narrative review of available instruments in the fields of phenomenal consciousness, including prereflective consciousness, the phenomenal-sensed experience and reflective thought, was undertaken. Eligibility of tools in the context of applicability to delirium was based upon objectivity in test interpretation and the requirement for tester administration. Second, where there was a gap in suitable cognitive tools, new items were derived using the silent generation technique. A process of face and construct validity using a diverse panel of experts was performed, and readability was evaluated. 814 articles were screened from the literature review. Fourteen candidate tools were reported from the three domains of phenomenal consciousness. One of these met the eligibility criteria for a delirium assessment. Fifty-seven new tests of phenomenal consciousness were identified. After a process of item reduction, a total of 26 individual tests were identified. After content validity, 22 of the 26 items were retained. The scale average content validity index was 0.89. The agreement between raters was between 80% and 97%. 100% of responses for face validity were rated as positive. Flesch Reading Ease Score was 91.6 (very easy to read). Candidate measures of phenomenal consciousness are described, and early validity studies are promising.

Rejection Surveillance After Heart Transplantation: Is Paired Noninvasive Testing the New Gold Standard?

Rejection surveillance after heart transplantation has traditionally relied on numerous endomyocardial biopsies, most of which occur during the first posttransplant year. With the introduction of gene expression profiling and, more recently, donor-derived cell-free DNA, a great proportion of surveillance is being performed noninvasively with both tests. Although patients have welcomed the use of paired testing because of the decreased risk and inconvenience, interpretation of both tests can sometimes be challenging, particularly when the test results are discordant. Growing evidence from both single-center experiences and large national databases has given insights that have allowed the field to operationalize dual testing and provide physicians with algorithms to approach paired testing. The increased use of noninvasive testing has also begun to challenge the role of biopsy as the gold standard for graft monitoring, not only for rejection but over the life of the heart transplant. In a growing number of circumstances, cell-free DNA not only may be a better means of assessing rejection but could also redefine how clinicians approach the diagnosis and even treatment of graft injury. As the heart transplant community garners more experience and generates more data, the current paradigms of heart transplant surveillance will continue to be challenged.

Evaluation of minimum inhibitory concentration data in National Healthcare Safety Network’s Antimicrobial Resistance Option

Background: Clinical laboratories perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) primarily by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for an organism–antimicrobial combination and comparing it with established breakpoints to generate interpretations. The Antimicrobial Resistance (AR) Option of CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) permits hospitals to submit clinical isolate AST data, including test values and interpretations (Figure 1). The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) periodically revises breakpoints, but their adoption by clinical laboratories can be delayed, potentially affecting national AR surveillance data accuracy. Using MIC values, instead of clinical laboratory interpretations, can improve surveillance data accuracy and overcome misclassification due to delayed uptake of revised breakpoints. We evaluated the completeness and consistency of MIC data submitted to the AR Option for fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Methods: We included data on (1) E. coli isolates tested for ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin susceptibility and (2) S. aureus isolates tested for oxacillin or cefoxitin susceptibility in 2022 and reported by October 1, 2023. We evaluated completeness among isolates reporting a final AST interpretation as the proportion of isolates reporting both an MIC value and interpretation. We evaluated consistency using percent agreement comparing the laboratory’s MIC interpretation (classified as resistant or not resistant) with the interpretation derived by applying 2021 CLSI M100 breakpoints to the MIC values reported for the same isolate. Results: Across 974 hospitals, fluoroquinolone MICs and interpretations were reported for 172,012/393,359 E. coli isolates (43.7%), and oxacillin or cefoxitin MICs and interpretations were reported for 38,519/79,372 S. aureus isolates (48.5%). Of isolates with both MIC values and interpretations, 157,902 (91.8%) E. coli and 7,808(79.7%) S. aureus isolates had MICs that could be classified as resistant or non-resistant (i.e., intermediate or susceptible) per CLSI breakpoints (Figure 2). The remaining MICs were unclassifiable (reported as intervals spanning CLSI breakpoints, e.g., ≤1 μg/ml ciprofloxacin for E. coli). Among isolates with classifiable MICs, the agreement between the clinical laboratory and CLSI-based interpretation was 99.5% for E. coli and 99.7% for S. aureus. Conclusion: MIC values and interpretations were available for

Recent advances in measuring the effects of diet on gastrointestinal physiology: Probing the "leaky gut" and application of real-time ultrasound.

There is a large pool of ideas in both mainstream and non-mainstream medicine on how diet can be manipulated in order to treat or prevent illnesses. Despite this, our understanding of how specific changes in diet influence the structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract is limited. This review aims to describe two areas that might provide key information on the integrity and function of the gastrointestinal tract. First, demystifying the "leaky gut syndrome" requires rational application and interpretation of tests of intestinal barrier function. Multiple ways of measuring barrier function have been described, but the inherent difficulties in translation from animal studies to humans have created misinterpretations and misconceptions. The intrinsic nature of intestinal barrier function is dynamic. This is seldom considered in studies of intestinal barrier assessment. To adequately understand the effects of dietary interventions on intestinal barrier function, background barrier function in different regions of the gut and the dynamic responses to stressors (such as psychological stress) should be assessed as a minimum. Second, intestinal ultrasound, which is now established in the assessment and monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease, has hitherto been poorly evaluated in assessing real-time intestinal function and novel aspects of structure in patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction. In conclusion, a more complete functional and structural profile that these investigations enable should permit a greater understanding of the effects of dietary manipulation on the gastrointestinal tract and provide clinically relevant information that, amongst other advantages, might permit opportunities for personalized health care delivery.