Time In Samples Research Articles

Modern hemogram parameters in the diagnosis of infectious pathology

Introduction. The algorithm for examining hospital patients includes a complete blood count and a number of biochemical parameters, which often do not have pathognomonic significance and require time and financial costs. There are hemogram parameters that have prognostic value for patients with infectious pathology.Objective — to evaluate the clinical and diagnostic significance of changes in advanced inflammation parameters of automated hematological analysis (neutrophil reactivity NEUT-RI, relative content of reactive neutrophils RE-NEUT, total number of immature forms of granulocytes TOTAL IG) in hospital patients with infectious pathology.Materials and methods. A retrospective cohort single-center study was conducted. Criteria for inclusion in the survey program: age 18–86 years, length of stay in the hospital > 7 days, no mortality until the end of the hospitalization period. The study included 51 patients hospitalized between December 2021 and December 2022 and were divided into two groups. Main group: patients with a confirmed pathogen (adenovirus, parainfluenza, bocavirus, rhinovirus, coronavirus) by REAL TIME PCR, C-reactive protein level 5 mg/l, absolute number of band neutrophils ≥ 6 % (n = 41). Control group: patients with confirmed absence of infection, C-re[1]active protein level ≤ 5 mg/l, absolute number of stab neutrophils ≤ 6 % (n = 12). In both groups of patients, extended parameters of inflammation of the complete blood count were assessed on the hematological analyzer Sysmex XN-9000 (Sysmex Co., Japan) on days 2 and 7 of hospital stay. At the same time in the blood serum samples, the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin were determined on the biochemical analyzer ARCHITECT c16000 (Abbot, USA) using Werfen, Biokit (Barcelona, Madrid) and Abbot (USA) reagents Statistical processing of the obtained data was carried out using the analytical software IBM SPSS Statistics v.21 (“Statistical Package for the Social Sciences”).Results. The mean age of patients included in the study is 63 years. Comparative analysis was carried out by calculating Student’s t-test for dependent samples. RE-NEUT, TOTAL IG and CRP (RE-NEUT 9.5 ± 13.14; t = 2.7 at p = 0.009; TOTAL IG 11.13 ± 13.29; t = 2.7 at p = 0.009; CRP 84.84 ± 105.97; t = 3.13 at p = 0.003) show a statistically significant change after therapy. Both parameters are effective diagnostic criteria. Changes in the level of ferritin and NEUT-RI had no statistically significant differences. Extended parameters of inflammation had significant (p < 0.005) correlations with classical markers of inflammation at both measurement points (2/7 days) in patients of the main group: RE-NEUT and NEUT-RI 0.65/0.78; RE-NEUT and CRP 0.72/0.65; TOTAL IG and NEUT-RI 0.59/0.73; TOTAL IG and CRP 0.7/0.64, respectively.Conclusions. Advanced hemogram parameters provide accurate diagnostic values comparable to inflammatory markers and may have a priority recommendation for use in operational diagnostics due to low cost and a significant reduction in the time to obtain the result.

An augmented approach for the determination of the particle size effect on energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis outcomes for alumina-based refractory materials

The chemical compositions of refractory materials, such as high-alumina concrete, bricks, and putty, were analyzed using an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDXRF). An improved methodology for investigating the effect of particle size on the outcomes of EDXRF chemical analysis is presented. Eight independent refractory samples (refractory concrete, brick, and putty) were pulverized utilizing seven milling times (30, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, and 360 s) and compared to non-pulverized samples. Thus, sixty-four refractory samples were obtained and analyzed using EDXRF. The method for measuring the fundamental EDXRF characteristics was then tested with ten certified reference materials. The acquired data were compared using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Univariate and multivariate statistics are used to evaluate EDXRF data. The particle size of the tested samples affected the z-scores of SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, TiO2, CaO, MgO, Na2O, K2O, and P2O5 concentration measurements. Grinding times for refractory concrete, brick, and putty samples were determined in order to validate the robustness of the EDXRF technique and provide reliable chemical analyses. The ideal milling times for the samples studied ranged from 180 to 360 s, depending on the type of refractory material.

Seasonal and Regional Differences in Eating Times in a Representative Sample of the Brazilian Population.

Human food intake and its timing are a complex behavior that can be influenced by a variety of factors, some of which may vary from season to season or from region to region. In this study, our aim was to investigate the seasonal variation in food intake times, with a particular focus on how these may vary across different regions of a country. We conducted an analysis of data from 20,622 adults from the National Household Budget Survey (POF-IBGE), encompassing complete food diaries collected from individuals residing in Brazil, and thereby ensuring representation across different latitudes. Each participant's daily food intake was reported for two non-consecutive days at different times in the same week using food diaries. An ANOVA revealed a later food intake time in the evening in high-latitude regions compared to low-latitude regions. The Sidak post-hoc test showed a significant interaction effect between region and season, demonstrating a pattern of early First Intake Time and Eating Midpoint in the Northeast region during spring/summer. Additionally, we observed an independent effect of the region, as early food intake times were found in low-latitude regions. These findings offer a basis for discussing food intake times among individuals living in different regions located on distinct latitudes.

Predicting clozapine dose required to achieve a therapeutic plasma concentration - A comparison of a population algorithm and three algorithms based on gene variant models.

Clozapine is the most effective antipsychotic but requires careful titration to therapeutic blood levels. Methods to predict therapeutic doses are based on population data. We aimed to construct a model based on genetic variants which accurately predicted plasma levels for clozapine. We measured clozapine plasma levels in patients on a stable dose of clozapine who were known to be fully compliant. Measured plasma levels were adjusted for sampling time and dose. Hepatic enzyme variants were analysed and models were constructed to predict the required dose. These predictions were compared with a standard population-based algorithm. We measured plasma clozapine concentrations in 18 adherent patients on stable doses of clozapine and recorded the exact timing of sampling. For the algorithm-predicted dose, the mean difference was -49.9 mg/day ((SD 155.9), r = 0.36) from the actual dose required to give a plasma concentration of 0.35 ng/ml. The gene variant activity score predicted a dose for which the mean difference was -43.5 mg/day ((SD 140.1), r = 0.55). For the gene variant activity score with omeprazole correction predicted dose, the mean difference was -31.0 mg/day ((SD 140.8), r = 0.54), and with the gene variant CYP1A2 inducibility predicted dose the mean difference was 44.9 mg/day ((SD 160.8), r = 0.32). Our gene variant activity score with omeprazole correction gave the best estimate of the clozapine dose required to achieve a minimum therapeutic plasma concentration. The use of this model will allow safer titration of clozapine and may reduce the need for plasma-level monitoring during titration.

Improving Worst-case TSN Communication Times of Large Sensor Data Samples by Exploiting Synchronization

Higher levels of automated driving also require a more sophisticated environmental perception. Therefore, an increasing number of sensors transmit their data samples as frame bursts to other applications for further processing. As a vehicle has to react to its environment in time, such data is subject to safety-critical latency constraints. To keep up with the resulting data rates, there is an ongoing transition to a Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN)-based communication backbone. However, the use of TSN-related industry standards does not match the automotive requirements of large timely sensor data transmission, nor it offers benefits on time-critical transmissions of single control data packets. By using the full data rate of prioritized IEEE 802.1Q Ethernet, giving time guarantees on large data samples is possible, but with strongly degraded results due to data collision. Resolving such collisions with time-aware shaping comes with significant overhead. Hence, rather than optimizing the parameters of the existing protocol, we propose a system design that synchronizes the transmission times of sensor data samples. This limits network protocol complexity and hardware requirements by avoiding tight time synchronization and time-aware shaping. We demonstrate that individual sensor data samples are transmitted without significant interference, exclusively at full Ethernet data rate. We provide a synchronous event model together with a straightforward response time analysis for synchronous multi-frame sample transmissions. The results show that worst-case latencies of such sample communication, in contrast to non-synchronized approaches, are close to their theoretical minimum as well as to simulative results while keeping the overall network utilization high.

O.4.5-1 Device-measured physical activity and sedentary time in a national sample of Luxembourg residents: moving beyond the traditional metrics in the ORISCAV-LUX 2 study

Abstract Purpose This is the first study aiming at describing the volume and pattern of device-measured movement behaviours performed by adults living in Luxembourg, spanning the full intensity spectrum, and including markers of sedentary time accumulation. We also demonstrated the added value of a multidimensional approach for the comparison of sub-populations. Methods This observational study included Luxembourg residents aged 18-79y who each provided ≥4 valid days of triaxial accelerometry in 2016-18 (n = 1122). Compliance with the current international physical activity (PA) guideline was quantified. Linear regression models were used to quantify variability in average 24h acceleration (indicative of PA volume), awake-time PA levels, sedentary time and accumulation pattern with sociodemographic characteristics and other covariates. Data were weighted to be nationally representative. Results Overall, participants spent 51% of daily sedentary time (12.1 h/day), 11% in light PA (2.7 h/day), 6% in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA; 1.5 h/day), and remaining time asleep (7.7 h/day). Adherence to the current PA guideline was high (98.1%), but drop to 22% when including only bouts >10min. Although time spent in MVPA did not differ between women and men, average 24h acceleration and light PA were higher in women than men, while men achieved higher average accelerations across the most active periods of the day. Women performed less sedentary time and shorter sedentary bouts. Older participants (≥55y) registered a lower average 24h acceleration and engaged in less MVPA, more sedentary time and longer sedentary bouts. Average 24h acceleration was higher in participants of lower educational attainment, who also performed less sedentary time, shorter bouts, and fewer bouts of prolonged sedentariness. Average 24h acceleration and levels of PA were higher in participants with standing and manual occupations than a sedentary work type, but manual workers registered lower average accelerations across the most active periods of the day. Standing and manual workers accumulated less sedentary time and fewer bouts of prolonged sedentariness than sedentary workers. Conclusions Traditional metrics may incompletely reflect differences in the physical behaviour between sub-populations. Breaking up continuous sedentary periods and replacing sedentary time with active alternatives should be the focus of public health initiatives in Luxembourg. Funding Luxembourg Institute of Health.

Determination of chlorophylls a and b and β-carotene in environmental waters: Diminishing wastes and analysis time by in-tube solid-phase microextraction coupled on-line to nano liquid chromatography

Chlorophylls and carotenoids are indicators of water quality. A new method based on in-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME) coupled on-line to nano-liquid chromatography with diode array detection (NanoLC-DAD) was developed. This paper aims to provide selectivity and sensitivity with a short analysis time of about 10 min and low residues of friendly solvents, 5 µL/run of ethanol:water 95:5 and 250 µL of ethanol for dissolving the pigments retained in a nylon filter (0.45 µm, 13 mm) from 30 mL of water. IT-SPME capillary was a fused silica capillary (10 cm length x 75 µm internal diameter, i.d.) with a coating of tetraethyl orthosilicato (TEOS), triethoximethylsilane (MTEOS) doped with SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and an analytical column Zorbax 300SB-C18 (50 mm x 75 µm i.d., 3.5 µm particle size) was used. The recovery obtained to chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and β-carotene were 93 ± 8 %, 92 ± 7 % and 94 ± 4 %, respectively. The method shows good linearity in the range up to 300 µg L−1 for chlorophyll a and β-carotene and up to 600 µg L−1 for chlorophyll b. The achieved limits of detection (LODs) in samples were 0.1 µg L−1 to chlorophyll a and β-carotene, and 0.2 µg L−1 to chlorophyll b. Values of relative standard deviations (RSD) expressed in% between 2 and 3 were obtained. Pigments were successfully determined with a short analysis time and minimal residues in real water samples.

The MothersBabies Study, an Australian Prospective Cohort Study Analyzing the Microbiome in the Preconception and Perinatal Period to Determine Risk of Adverse Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Child-Related Health Outcomes: Study Protocol.

The microbiome has emerged as a key determinant of human health and reproduction, with recent evidence suggesting a dysbiotic microbiome is implicated in adverse perinatal health outcomes. The existing research has been limited by the sample collection and timing, cohort design, sample design, and lack of data on the preconception microbiome. This prospective, longitudinal cohort study will recruit 2000 Australian women, in order to fully explore the role of the microbiome in the development of adverse perinatal outcomes. Participants are enrolled for a maximum of 7 years, from 1 year preconception, through to 5 years postpartum. Assessment occurs every three months until pregnancy occurs, then during Trimester 1 (5 + 0-12 + 6 weeks gestation), Trimester 2 (20 + 0-24 + 6 weeks gestation), Trimester 3 (32 + 0-36 + 6 weeks gestation), and postpartum at 1 week, 2 months, 6 months, and then annually from 1 to 5 years. At each assessment, maternal participants self-collect oral, skin, vaginal, urine, and stool samples. Oral, skin, urine, and stool samples will be collected from children. Blood samples will be obtained from maternal participants who can access a study collection center. The measurements taken will include anthropometric, blood pressure, heart rate, and serum hormonal and metabolic parameters. Validated self-report questionnaires will be administered to assess diet, physical activity, mental health, and child developmental milestones. Medications, medical, surgical, obstetric history, the impact of COVID-19, living environments, and pregnancy and child health outcomes will be recorded. Multiomic bioinformatic and statistical analyses will assess the association between participants who developed high-risk and low-risk pregnancies, adverse postnatal conditions, and/or childhood disease, and their microbiome for the different sample types.

Measurement of 90Sr and 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratio in Japanese cow milk sample using thermal ionization mass spectrometry

The pure beta emitter 90Sr (T1/2 = 28.8y) is a typical contaminant released by nuclear accidents and nuclear explosions. In the event of a nuclear disaster, it is crucial to identify radioactive pollutants quickly, to expedite the public's awareness of radiation exposure. In this work, a rapid 90Sr analysis protocol using thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) was developed for milk samples. With the improved sample preparation, Sr separation, and a newly developed TIMS method, 18 milk samples can be analyzed in less than 30 h and only 1 mL of cow milk is required for the complete analysis. The minimum detectable activity concentration of 90Sr is affected by the stable Sr concentration therefore, it is around 500 mBq·kg−1 (∼100ag·g−1). Additionally, 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios (0.71518(9)–0.74132(4)) were determined for the first time in Japanese cow milk samples.

Preventing alcohol use post-bariatric surgery: patient perspectives on a technology-based approach.

Nearly two-thirds of patients engage in alcohol use after bariatric surgery, while a substantial number meet criteria for alcohol use disorder after their procedure. Given that pre-surgical education may not be sufficient, alternative methods of preventing post-surgical drinking are needed. We sought feedback on a proposed technology-based intervention to reduce alcohol use for individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery. Twenty patients who consumed alcohol post-surgery completed qualitative interviews where they provided opinions on sample intervention content, delivery method, timing, and other aspects of a two-session web-based intervention followed by tailored text messaging for 6 months. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using thematic analysis principles. Participants strongly endorsed using technology to deliver an alcohol intervention, citing the interactivity and personal tailoring available in the proposed software. Education about the effects of post-surgical drinking and learning new coping strategies for social situations were the two most salient themes to emerge from questions about intervention content. Throughout the interviews, participants strongly highlighted the importance of measuring patient readiness to change alcohol use and matching intervention content to such motivation levels. Respondents felt that text messages could extend what they had learned, but also requested additional non-alcohol content (e.g., recipes, exercise tips). Most participants agreed that an online forum consisting of peers and professionals with whom they could ask questions and interact would be useful. Web- and text message-based interventions may be an acceptable approach to prevent alcohol use post-bariatric surgery.

Progressive enrichment in 18O and 2H in xylem water along sap flow paths in Fagus sylvatica trees

AbstractIsotopic signatures of xylem water in different tree compartments such as roots, boles and branches, differ due to physiological and physical processes occurring inside trees. Accordingly, we hypothesised that the extent of such differences among the isotopic signatures of tree compartments is coherent with the distance travelled by the water inside trees and to its residence time. To test this, we compared the O–H isotopic composition of xylem water collected using an in‐situ water extraction method from roots, boles and branches of Fagus sylvatica trees growing on three geomorphological units of the Weierbach experimental catchment, Luxembourg. There was progressive 18O and 2H enrichment in xylem waters along the root–branch flow path for all the studied trees. Three explanations could be considered for this progressive enrichment: internal fractionation by xylem–phloem water exchange, chemical reactions of metabolic pathways and variable ages of water retained in the xylem, reflecting historical variation in isotopic composition of uptake water. Support for the hypothesis of isotopic fractionation linked to xylem–phloem water exchange and chemical reactions is that enrichment was generally consistent with the distance travelled by the water and to its residence time inside the trees. However, the relative enrichment of 2H and 18O was not consistent along the flow path, with Δ2H/Δ18O ~7.5 from the soil into the roots and bole and ~4.7–6.5 for pathways that included smaller branches. This contrast suggests different processes controlling above‐ground isotopic enrichment. In particular, the slope of ~7.5 in the lower tree is also consistent with variation in tree water uptake varying along the local meteoric water line, with water in the roots being closer to the composition of rainfall close to the time of sampling and water in the bole being closer to the composition of rainfall from the previous summer. The timing of root and bole sampling in early spring, just before leaf‐out, means sap flow was very slow and makes it plausible that varying‐age water was present in the tree at that time. We also compared the O–H isotopic composition of those samples with the ones of the potential water sources to identify the origin of the water uptaken. The latter varied during the 3 years of sampling, with a preferential uptake from near‐surface waters. Our results suggest multiple biochemical, physiological and physical processes may play fundamental roles in the isotopic composition of xylem water within trees.

A comparative study on outcomes of fasting vs postprandial thyroid function tests among pregnant mothers in a tertiary care setting in Sri Lanka.

Accurate estimation of serum thyrotropin (TSH) is crucial in the diagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) in pregnancy. We aimed to investigate whether there are significant differences between fasting and nonfasting thyroid function tests (TFTs) among pregnant mothers. We studied 100 pregnant mothers with previously unknown thyroid dysfunction. An equal number of participants were included in each trimester. All pregnant mothers underwent fasting and 2-hour postprandial TFTs (TSH, free T4). Postprandial TSH (mean 1.01 mIU/L, SD 0.80) was significantly lower than the fasting TSH (mean 1.47 mIU/L, SD 1.18) in pregnancy (P < .01). Postprandial free T4 (mean 10.30 pmol/L, SD 2.01) was also lowered compared with fasting free T4 (mean 10.70 pmol/L, SD 1.99) in pregnancy (P < .01). The prevalence of SCH in pregnancy estimated using fasting TSH was 9.4% (SD 3%). In contrast, the prevalence was only 3.5% (SD 2%) when postprandial TSH was used. Compared with the fasting state, postprandial TSH demonstrates a statistically significant reduction that greatly influences the diagnosis of SCH in pregnant mothers. Therefore, we conclude that the timing of sampling for TFTs should be standardized, especially in the pregnant population.

1144 Audit of Microbiological Sampling in Patients with Diabetic Foot Infections Presenting to a Tertiary Vascular Centre in the North-East of England

Abstract Aim To identify the practice of microbiology sampling in patients presenting to a Tertiary Vascular Centre in the North East of England in accordance with NICE guideline (NG19) ‘Diabetic foot problems: prevention and management’ and the ‘International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot guidance on the diagnosis and management of foot infections in diabetes’. Method A two-part retrospective audit was completed before and after the introduction of a podiatrist-led 'Hot Foot Clinic'. Patients were identified from the surgical-take handover and admission database by using keywords ‘diabetic’, ‘cellulitis’, ‘erythema’, ‘pain’, ‘wet necrosis’, ‘collection’, 'osteomyelitis’. Route of admission, timing and type of microbial samples and date of antibiotics prescribed were recorded. Results In the first cycle 56.8% (21/37) patients had microbiology samples sent. 47.6% (10/21) of these were sent before antibiotic prescription. 8.1% (3/37) had both a swab and tissue sample taken. 35.1% (13/37) had tissue samples and 21.6% (5/37) had swabs. In the second cycle 74.2% (23/31) had microbiology samples sent. In patients who had tissue samples taken, 23.5% (4/17) were prior to antibiotic initiation. All patients (3/3) admitted from a podiatry-led ‘Hot Foot Clinic’ had microbiology taken prior to antibiotics. 6.3% (1/16) patients admitted through the clinician-led Emergency Admissions Suite had microbiology taken before antibiotics. Conclusions Despite introducing a podiatrist-led clinic, reinforcement of correct microbiological sampling in diabetic foot infections is required for accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment. Further specialist input and audio-visual educational material is being developed to improve practice amongst all staff.

Factors Associated With Circulating Sex Hormones in Men : Individual Participant Data Meta-analyses.

Various factors modulate circulating testosterone in men, affecting interpretation of testosterone measurements. To clarify factors associated with variations in sex hormone concentrations. Systematic literature searches (to July 2019). Prospective cohort studies of community-dwelling men with total testosterone measured using mass spectrometry. Individual participant data (IPD) (9 studies; n= 21 074) and aggregate data (2 studies; n= 4075). Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health factors and concentrations of total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH), dihydrotestosterone, and estradiol were extracted. Two-stage random-effects IPD meta-analyses found a nonlinear association of testosterone with age, with negligible change among men aged 17 to 70 years (change per SD increase about the midpoint, -0.27 nmol/L [-7.8 ng/dL] [CI, -0.71 to 0.18 nmol/L {-20.5 to 5.2 ng/dL}]) and decreasing testosterone levels with age for men older than 70 years (-1.55 nmol/L [-44.7 ng/dL] [CI, -2.05 to -1.06 nmol/L {-59.1 to -30.6 ng/dL}]). Testosterone was inversely associated with body mass index (BMI) (change per SD increase, -2.42 nmol/L [-69.7 ng/dL] [CI, -2.70 to -2.13 nmol/L {-77.8 to -61.4 ng/dL}]). Testosterone concentrations were lower for men who were married (mean difference, -0.57 nmol/L [-16.4 ng/dL] [CI, -0.89 to -0.26 nmol/L {-25.6 to -7.5 ng/dL}]); undertook at most 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week (-0.51 nmol/L [-14.7 ng/dL] [CI, -0.90 to -0.13 nmol/L {-25.9 to -3.7 ng/dL}]); were former smokers (-0.34 nmol/L [-9.8 ng/dL] [CI, -0.55 to -0.12 nmol/L {-15.9 to -3.5 ng/dL}]); or had hypertension (-0.53 nmol/L [-15.3 ng/dL] [CI, -0.82 to -0.24 nmol/L {-23.6 to -6.9 ng/dL}]), cardiovascular disease (-0.35 nmol/L [-10.1 ng/dL] [CI, -0.55 to -0.15 nmol/L {-15.9 to -4.3 ng/dL}]), cancer (-1.39 nmol/L [-40.1 ng/dL] [CI, -1.79 to -0.99 nmol/L {-51.6 to -28.5 ng/dL}]), or diabetes (-1.43 nmol/L [-41.2 ng/dL] [CI, -1.65 to -1.22 nmol/L {-47.6 to -35.2 ng/dL}]). Sex hormone-binding globulin was directly associated with age and inversely associated with BMI. Luteinizing hormone was directly associated with age in men older than 70 years. Cross-sectional analysis, heterogeneity between studies and in timing of blood sampling, and imputation for missing data. Multiple factors are associated with variation in male testosterone, SHBG, and LH concentrations. Reduced testosterone and increased LH concentrations may indicate impaired testicular function after age 70 years. Interpretation of individual testosterone measurements should account particularly for age older than 70 years, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Medical Research Future Fund, Government of Western Australia, and Lawley Pharmaceuticals. (PROSPERO: CRD42019139668).

In-situ graphene oxide reduction via inkjet printing using natural reducing inks

The development of eco-friendly alkali lignin-assisted water-based stable graphene oxide (GO) ink presents an innovative approach with the potential to revolutionize the manufacturing of printed and flexible electronics through scalable inkjet printing. However, GO lacks conductivity, necessitating an additional reduction step to restore its electrical properties. Traditional reduction methods using toxic agents or high temperatures are not suitable for large-scale manufacturing due to environmental hazards. In-situ reduction techniques using natural substances offer a promising, cost-effective, and continuous solution for precise reduction of GO-printed patterns via inkjet printing. However, limited research has been conducted on natural-based inkjet printable reducing inks. In this work, in-situ inkjet printable natural reducing inks were produced and printed on top of GO-printed patterns to carry out the reduction process. The reduced printed patterns were investigated for structural, functional groups, morphology, and electrical resistance. The ascorbic acid reduced sample showed an increase in the I D/I G ratio from 1.058 to 1.15, and the interlayer distance decreased from 0.395 to 0.385 nm. The atomic force microscope surface analysis showed a significant increase in the mean roughness by three times for the ascorbic acid-reduced sample, indicating success in the reduction process. The ascorbic acid reduced patterns also showed an electrical conductivity of 1250 S m−1 compared to 0.43 S m−1 for unreduced GO printed patterns, indicating restoration of the sp2 hybridised conductive networks.

Human immature testicular tissue organ culture: a step towards fertility preservation and restoration.

Cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue (ITT) is currently the only option to preserve fertility of prepubertal patients. Autologous transplantation of ITT may not be safe or appropriate for all patients. Therefore, methods to mature ITT ex vivo are needed. Aim to investigate the feasibility of inducing in vitro spermatogenesis from ITT cryopreserved for pediatric patients prior to initiation of gonadotoxic therapy. Cryopreserved-thawed ITT from prepubertal and peripubertal patients were cultured for 7, 16, and 32 days in medium with no hormones or supplemented with 5 IU/L FSH, 1 IU/L hCG, or 5IU/L FSH+1 IU/L hCG. Samples were evaluated histologically to assess tissue integrity, and immunofluorescence staining was performed to identify VASA (DDX4)+ germ cells, UCHL1+ spermatogonia, SYCP3+ spermatocytes, CREM+ spermatids, SOX9+ Sertoli cells. Proliferation (KI67) and apoptosis (CASPASE3) of germ cells and Sertoli cells were also analyzed. Sertoli and Leydig cell maturation was evaluated by AR and INSL3 expression as well as expression of the blood testis barrier protein, CLAUDIN11, and testosterone secretion in the culture medium. Integrity of seminiferous tubules, VASA+ germ cells and SOX9+ Sertoli cells were maintained up to 32 days. The number of VASA+ germ cells was consistently higher in the peripubertal groups. UCHL1+ undifferentiated spermatogonia and SOX9+ Sertoli cell proliferation was confirmed in most samples. SYCP3+ primary spermatocytes began to appear by day 16 in both age groups. Sertoli cell maturation was demonstrated by AR expression but the expression of CLAUDIN11 was disorganized. Presence of mature and functional Leydig cells was verified by INSL3 expression and secretion of testosterone. Gonadotropin treatments did not consistently impact the number or proliferation of germ cells or somatic cells, but FSH was necessary to increase testosterone secretion over time in prepubertal samples. ITT were maintained in organotypic culture for up to 32 days and spermatogonia differentiated to produce primary spermatocytes in both pre- and peripubertal age groups. However, complete spermatogenesis was not observed in either group.

V2O5-rGO based chemiresistive gas sensor for NO2 detection

Current study displays an actual hydrothermal synthesis of V2O5-rGO composite and further investigates how changes in rGO composition in V2O5-rGO composites affected their NO2 sensing property. The orthorhombic crystal structure is confirmed by XRD and Raman techniques, and the optimum proportion of disorders in the composite as a result of rGO is also confirmed. Porous nanostructure is observed in SEM images. The C, V, and O present in the composite are confirmed by the XPS results, along with a fluctuation in V4+/V5+. The BET technique was used to measure specific surface area (25.91 m2g−1) and pore radius (6.4140 nm). A prominent PL peak confirm presence of oxygen vacancies. At 150 °C, gas sensing for 100 ppm concentration of NO2 gas revealed improved response about 121.85%. The calculated response/ recovery time for sample consisting 10 mg rGO are 39 and 262 s, respectively. Along with response, sample C shows excellent reproducibility and good stability.

In-syringe cotton fiber solid-phase extraction coupled with stable-isotope-dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of zearalenone

Here, an in-syringe cotton fiber solid-phase extraction (CF-SPE) method for the effective pretreatment of zearalenone (ZEA) in cereal crops and traditional Chinese medicines was developed. In this method, a syringe tube is packed with degreasing cotton, which serves as the normal-phase adsorbent for extracting ZEA from the nonpolar solvent extract of samples. The entire extraction process, including activation, sampling, washing, and elution steps, can be conveniently performed by employing a series of pull–push operations to force the solution to pass through the degreasing cotton. Optimal extraction recoveries were achieved using 200 mg of degreasing cotton as the adsorbent, a 3 mL volume of sampling solution, a desorption solution consisting of 2 mL of acetonitrile, and 4 pull–push times for both sampling and desorption. Coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), quantification of ZEA in corns was achieved by validating matrix-matched calibration curves in the range of 0.1–100.0 ng/g with satisfactory linearity (R2 = 0.9996). The limit of detection (LOD) was calculated to be 0.025 ng/g with a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of 3. The intra-/inter-day relative recoveries and relative standard deviations were calculated to be in the ranges of 93.8%–110.4% and 3.2%–9.3%, respectively, which were satisfactory for quantitative analysis. The proposed in-syringe CF-SPE-LC-MS/MS method is simple, cheap, and labor/time-saving.

Association of Blood Manganese and Preeclampsia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to comprehensively evaluate the association between manganese (Mn) level and preeclampsia (PE) during pregnancy. Relevant observational studies were retrieved by searching Medline, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library from database inception to May 25, 2023. Pooling results was performed using a random-effects model incorporating heterogeneity. This meta-analysis incorporated 18 observational studies, which included 1113 women with PE and 5480 normotensive pregnant women. Pooled results showed that compared to normotensive control, women with PE had significantly lower blood Mn concentration (standardized mean difference: -0.36, 95% confidence interval: -0.50 to -0.22, p < 0.001; I2 = 67%). Subgroup analysis showed that the results were not significantly affected by study country (African, Asian, or Western), timing of blood sampling (before, at, or after the diagnosis of PE), mean blood Mn level of controls, or numbers of confounding factors adjusted (p for subgroup analysis all > 0.05), while methods for measuring blood Mn levels might affect the results (p for subgroup difference < 0.001). Finally, pooled results of three studies showed that a high level of blood Mn was related to a low risk of PE with blood Mn analyzed in continuous (risk ratio [RR]: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.59 to 0.85, p < 0.001; I2 = 0%) and categorized variables (RR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.82, p = 0.006; I2 = 32%). In conclusion, a low blood level of Mn may be associated with PE in pregnant women.

Evaluating effects of changing sampling protocol for a long-term ichthyoplankton monitoring program

Abundance indices play a crucial role in monitoring and assessing fish population dynamics. Fishery-independent surveys are commonly favored for deriving abundance indices because they follow standardized or randomized designs, ensuring spatiotemporal consistency in representative and unbiased sampling. However, modifications to the survey protocol may be necessary to accommodate changes in survey goals and logistic difficulty. When the survey undergoes changes, calibration is often needed to remove variability that is unrelated to changes in abundance. We evaluated a long-term monitoring program, the Long River Survey (LRS) in the Hudson River Estuary (HRE), to illustrate the process of calibrating survey data to account for the effects of changing sampling protocol. The LRS provided valuable ichthyoplankton data from 1974 to 2017, but inconsistencies in sampling timing, location, and gears resulted in challenges in interpreting and comparing the fish abundance data in the HRE. Generalized Additive Models were developed for five species at various life stages, aiming to mitigate the impact of sampling protocol changes. Model validation results suggest the consistent performance of the developed models with varying lengths of time series. This study indicates that changes in the sampling protocol can introduce biases in the estimates of abundance indices and that the model-based estimates can improve the reliability and accuracy of the survey abundance indices. The model-estimated sampling effects for each species and life stage provide critical information and valuable insights for designing future sampling protocols.