Tt Value Research Articles

The potential relationship between EasyNAT system Tt values and Cobas z480 Ct values in the detection of SARS-Cov-2

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the potential relationship between the time threshold (Tt) values of a commercial EasyNAT system, which is based on cross priming amplification (CPA) technology, and the cycle threshold (Ct) values of the Cobas z480 analyzer, which is based on a real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, in the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) from oropharyngeal swabs. Design and Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from a clinical laboratory between December 4, 2022 and July 1, 2024. ResultsA total of 277 EasyNAT-positive samples (Tt values from 3.83 to 29.5) were simultaneously investigated using the Cobas z480 analyzer (Ct values from 10.74 to 38.78). The concordance rate between the two systems was 100 %. Among the positive samples, the mean and maximum PCR Ct values of O and N genes increased in line with increasing Tt values of the left and right amplification areas of the EasyNAT system. The maximum Ct values of the O or N gene determined by the Cobas z480 analyzer were no more than 29.52 when the Tt values of the left or right amplification areas of the UC0116 analyzer were no more than 6. ConclusionsThe safe, simple, fast, accurate, and automatic EasyNAT system used in conjunction with a PCR system might be a better choice for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in hospitals, especially in settings without sophisticated PCR facilities. The Tt value (≤6) of the EasyNAT system can be a reference index for estimating the maximum Ct value (29.52) in SARS-CoV-2-positive samples.

Improving therapeutic outcomes in heart failure with reduced nonvalvular ejection fraction: A clinical study of heart failure education intervention.

The current study delves into the impact of heart failure education intervention on improving therapeutic outcomes for heart failure (HF) patients with reduced nonvalvular ejection fraction. There involved a total of 60 HF patients with non-valvular ejection fraction reduction who met the inclusion requirements. Patients enrolled were randomly distributed into an observation group and a control group. The observation group received heart failure education intervention, while the control group received conventional intervention. The therapeutic effect, changes in physical indicators, cardiac function indicators, coagulation function, self-management scale scores, and the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events were meticulously evaluated. The total effective proportion in the observation group was 96.67%, which was significantly higher than the control group's proportion of 76.67% (p < .05). After treatment, several parameters in the observation group showed significant improvements compared to the control group: hs-CRP, IL-6, LVEDV value, LVESV value, PT value, APTT value, and TT value were all evidently lower in the observation group. Additionally, the cardiac index, LVEF value, and heart failure self-management scale fraction were significantly higher in the observation group compared to the control group (p < .05). Furthermore, the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in the observation group was only 6.67%, which was significantly lower than the control group's incidence of 20.00% (p < .05). Heart failure education intervention demonstrates effectiveness in improving the therapeutic outcomes for HF patients and reduced nonvalvular ejection fraction. Additionally, it enhances patients' self-management abilities. Given these positive results, it is highly recommended to promote and implement HF education intervention in clinical practice.

Electrically actuated characteristics and electrochemical mechanism of a flexible biomimetic artificial muscle regulated by the responsive polymer of the calcium alginate gelation

In comparison to conventional actuated techniques, the utilization of a Flexible Biomimetic Artificial Muscle (FBAM) incorporating calcium alginate hydrogel, a type of responsive polymer, offers numerous benefits including reduced weight, lower actuated voltage requirements, enhanced specific energy density, and minimal acoustic disturbances, among others. This paper presents the fabrication of the FBAM through calcium alginate gelation utilizing six calcium salts with identical Ca2+ molar mass. Subsequently, the electrically actuated characteristics and electrochemical mechanism of the FBAM were investigated, employing four evaluation indexes: peak force density (D, mN/g), operating life (Tt, s), response speed (Vr, mN/g·s), and rise time (Ts, s). The findings of this study hold significant implications for the advancement of novel responsive polymers for artificial muscles. The findings of the study indicate that the electrically actuated characteristics of FBAM were most optimal when calcium alginate gelation with CaH8I2O4 was employed. This was evidenced by the D value of 22.807 mN/g, Tt value of 1066 s, Vr value of 98 s, and Ts value of 0.1046 mN/g·s. The sufficient degree of calcium alginate gelation between sodium alginate molecule and Ca2+ cations resulted in the formation of intermolecular bridges within the calcium alginate hydrogel, which consisted of polymer β-D-mannuronic and α-L-guluronic. Notably, this gelation process was found to be inversely related to the pH level in the aqueous solution of the electrically actuated membrane.

The Effect of Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) Learning Approach on the Ability to Recognize Number Concepts in Children Aged 4-5 Years

This research aims to determine the effect of a realistic mathematics learning approach (PMR) on the ability to recognize the concept of numbers. This research is a quantitative research with pre-experimental design. This research was conducted at Pertiwi Batusangkar Kindergarten, Tanah Datar District. The data collection technique in this study is total sampling. In general, the results of this study indicate that the open-ended learning approach has a significant effect, that t0 is greater than the tt value table (14.01&gt; 2.9980), so the null hypothesis (h0) proposed is rejected and the alternative hypothesis (ha) accepted to develop the ability to recognize children's number concepts at the age of 4-5 years. Thus the realistic mathematics education learning approach (PMR) has an effect on the introduction of the concept of numbers in early childhood.

CORRELATION OF ATMOSPHERIC LABILITY INDEX TO VERTICAL WIND SHEAR AT I GUSTI NGURAH RAI AIRPORT

Wind shear is a condition that is detrimental to aircraft because it can cause the aircraft to experience lift, especially during take-off or landing, where wind shear can occur due to bad and unstable weather, so research on the correlation of the atmospheric lability index to wind shear is very important to prevent a plane crash. This research aims to determine the magnitude of the correlation of the atmospheric lability index to the vertical wind shear that occurs at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, Bali. In this research, the Wind Profiler Radar (WPR) brand scintec LAP-3000 was used to obtain wind shear data in the form of wind direction and wind speed data then radiosonde to obtain atmospheric lability index data in the form of Lifted Index (LI), Total-Totals Index (TT), K-Index (KI), and Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) index values for each month in 2019-2020. Wind shear measurement was carried out at an altitude of 100-3000 m and data were taken on the difference in wind direction ≥ 60o and the difference in wind speed ≥ 10 knots. Meanwhile, measurement of the atmospheric lability index is carried out by a flying air balloon that has been equipped with a transmitter. All LI, TT, KI, and CAPE index value data and the number of wind shear events were analyzed with Pearson Product Moment correlation. The value of the correlation coefficient (r) between the LI, TT, KI, and CAPE indices was obtained for successive wind shear events of -0.786; 0,250; 0.738, and 0.713. These results show that the LI, KI, and CAPE index values can be used as a reference to predict wind shear events because they have a strong correlation, obtaining a correlation value between 0.60 to 0.79 compared to the TT index.

Does COVID-19 cause testicular damage? A cross-sectional study comparing hormonal parameters.

We aimed to predict the potential testicular damage of COVID-19 by comparing the hormones FSH, LH, and TT before COVID-19 with values measured after COVID-19. A total of 348 patients - who were followed up in our urology clinic for varicocele, premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction and infertility, had FSH, LH and TT levels measured one year before COVID-19 and were positive for COVID-19 after a Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) tests - were included in the study. Presence of pneumonia compatible with COVID-19, hospitalization in the intensive care unit and FSH, LH and TT values before and after COVID-19 were recorded, along with lung computed tomography (CT). The post-COVID-19 LH value (9.72±3.27 mIU/mL) of the patients was significantly higher than the pre-COVID-19 LH value (5.72±2.50 mIU/mL) (p<0.001). The post-COVID-19 TT (253.85±88.03 ng/dl) value was significantly lower than the pre-COVID-19 TT value (351.08±106.19 ng/dl) (p<.001). In addition, while there was a mean decrease of 127.8 ng/dl in TT level in patients with pneumonia, a decrease of 39.03 ng/dl was observed in patients without pneumonia (p<.001). COVID-19 may cause an increase in serum LH levels while decreasing TT levels. Additionally, those with COVID-19 pneumonia may experience a greater decrease in serum TT levels than those with COVID-19 without pneumonia.

Testosterone (T) challenge in men post-radical prostatectomy (RP) with profoundly low testosterone

ABSTRACT Introduction Prostate specific antigen is the primary marker of prostate cancer recurrence. PSA secretion is T dependent with T levels below saturation point associated with sub-optimal PSA production. Men with an undetectable PSA level after RP with very low T levels might have an artificially low PSA level. Objective We aimed to evaluate the effects of raising T level in such men. Methods Study population consisted of (i) men post-RP (ii) with undetectable PSA level (iii) total T levels &amp;lt;200 ng/dl (two levels, LCMS) who (iv) underwent in-office intramuscular injection of 100mg of T cypionate (v) had a PSA level checked 5 days later, and if undetectable every month after that, 3 months later then every 6 months and (vi) follow-up of at least 24 months on T therapy. Results 22 men have been challenged thus far. Mean age 62±18 years. Mean preoperative PSA 6.2. Mean post-RP TT value 140± 35 ng/dL 2.2. Median Gleason sum 7. 23% had GS ≥8. Mean post-RP, pre-challenge T value 140± 35 ng/dL. Mean time post-RP to challenge was 7± 9 months. Mean TT value 5 days after IMT challenge 640± 220 ng/dL, all with TT levels above 400. 5/22 has a PSA elevation, 2 immediately after IMT challenge (PSA values 0.07, 0.08). All other men started T therapy immediately and had PSA elevation at 9, 14 and 22 months after commencing T therapy (PSA values 0.08, 0.12, 0.11). All patients with PSA elevation had continued rise in PSA and had detectable disease on imaging. All men with PSA recurrence had either GS 7 with unfavorable pathology (2) or GS ≥8 (3). Conclusions This T challenge approach permits the early detection of prostate cancer recurrence permitting early intervention. About 10% of such men had a PSA rise immediately after T challenge. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no.

Testosterone (T) Challenge in Men Post-Radical Prostatectomy (RP) with Profoundly Low Testosterone

ABSTRACT Introduction Prostate specific antigen is the primary marker of prostate cancer recurrence. PSA secretion is T dependent with T levels below saturation point associated with sub-optimal PSA production. Men with an undetectable PSA level after RP with very low T levels might have an artificially low PSA level. Objective We aimed to evaluate the effects of raising T level in such men. Methods Study population consisted of (i) men post-RP (ii) with undetectable PSA level (iii) total T levels &amp;lt;200 ng/dl (two levels, LCMS) who (iv) underwent in-office intramuscular injection of 100mg of T cypionate (v) had a PSA level checked 5 days later, and if undetectable every month after that, 3 months later then every 6 months and (vi) follow-up of at least 24 months on T therapy. Results 22 men have been challenged thus far. Mean age 62±18 years. Mean preoperative PSA 6.2. Mean post-RP TT value 140± 35 ng/dL 2.2. Median Gleason sum 7. 23% had GS ≥8. Mean post-RP, pre-challenge T value 140± 35 ng/dL. Mean time post-RP to challenge was 7± 9 months. Mean TT value 5 days after IMT challenge 640± 220 ng/dL, all with TT levels above 400. 5/22 has a PSA elevation, 2 immediately after IMT challenge (PSA values 0.07, 0.08). All other men started T therapy immediately and had PSA elevation at 9, 14 and 22 months after commencing T therapy (PSA values 0.08, 0.12, 0.11). All patients with PSA elevation had continued rise in PSA and had detectable disease on imaging. All men with PSA recurrence had either GS 7 with unfavorable pathology (2) or GS ≥8 (3). Conclusions This T challenge approach permits the early detection of prostate cancer recurrence permitting early intervention. About 10% of such men had a PSA rise immediately after T challenge. Disclosure No

THE USE OF PODCAST TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ LISTENING COMPREHENSION

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of podcast in improving students’ listening skill. The method used in this research is quantitative method with pre-experimental as a research design. Both the pre-test and post-test were used as instruments in collecting data. The writer used one class in the seventh grade of SMP Muhammadiyah 35 Jakarta as the sample. The data were analyzed statistically using t-test. The results of the analysis show that the mean score of students is 89.4, statistical calculations show the result to (t-observation) &gt; t (t-table) obtained are 17.986 while the Tt value is 1.721 with a significant level of 5% (0.05), because To is higher than Tt, then the alternative hypothesis (Ha) was accepted while the null hypothesis was rejected. From the result of this analysis this study concludes that using Podcast was an effective media to improve students’ listening skills.

MP36-01 TESTOSTERONE (T) CHALLENGE IN MEN POST-RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY (RP) WITH PROFOUNDLY LOW TESTOSTERONE

You have accessJournal of UrologySexual Function/Dysfunction: Medical, Hormonal & Non-surgical Therapy II (MP36)1 Sep 2021MP36-01 TESTOSTERONE (T) CHALLENGE IN MEN POST-RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY (RP) WITH PROFOUNDLY LOW TESTOSTERONE John P. Mulhall, Serkan Deveci, Jose Flores, Kazuhito Matsushita, Jose Torremade, and Carolyn A. Salter John P. MulhallJohn P. Mulhall More articles by this author , Serkan DeveciSerkan Deveci More articles by this author , Jose FloresJose Flores More articles by this author , Kazuhito MatsushitaKazuhito Matsushita More articles by this author , Jose TorremadeJose Torremade More articles by this author , and Carolyn A. SalterCarolyn A. Salter More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002045.01AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Prostate specific antigen is the primary marker of prostate cancer recurrence. PSA secretion is T dependent with T levels below saturation point associated with sub-optimal PSA production. Men with an undetectable PSA level after RP with very low T levels might have an artificially low PSA level. We aimed to evaluate the effects of raising T level in such men. METHODS: Study population consisted of (i) men post-RP (ii) with undetectable PSA level (iii) total T levels <200 ng/dl (two levels, LCMS) who (iv) underwent in-office intramuscular injection of 100mg of T cypionate (v) had a PSA level checked 5 days later, and if undetectable every month after that, 3 months later then every 6 months and (vi) follow-up of at least 24 months on T therapy. RESULTS: 22 men have been challenged thus far. Mean age 62±18 years. Mean preoperative PSA 6.2. Mean post-RP TT value 140±35 ng/dL 2.2. Median Gleason sum 7. 23% had GS ≥8. Mean post-RP, pre-challenge T value 140± 35 ng/dL. Mean time post-RP to challenge was 7±9 months. Mean TT value 5 days after IMT challenge 640±220 ng/dL, all with TT levels above 400. 5/22 has a PSA elevation, 2 immediately after IMT challenge (PSA values 0.07, 0.08). All other men started T therapy immediately and had PSA elevation at 9, 14 and 22 months after commencing T therapy (PSA values 0.08, 0.12, 0.11). All patients with PSA elevation had continued rise in PSA and had detectable disease on imaging. All men with PSA recurrence had either GS 7 with unfavorable pathology (2) or GS ≥8 (3). CONCLUSIONS: This T challenge approach permits the early detection of prostate cancer recurrence permitting early intervention. About 10% of such men had a PSA rise immediately after T challenge. Source of Funding: None © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e636-e636 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information John P. Mulhall More articles by this author Serkan Deveci More articles by this author Jose Flores More articles by this author Kazuhito Matsushita More articles by this author Jose Torremade More articles by this author Carolyn A. Salter More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

Comparative evaluation of 19 reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assays for detection of SARS-CoV-2

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 has caused a global pandemics. To facilitate the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection, various RT-LAMP assays using 19 sets of primers had been developed, but never been compared. We performed comparative evaluation of the 19 sets of primers using 4 RNA standards and 29 clinical samples from COVID-19 patients. Six of 15 sets of primers were firstly identified to have faster amplification when tested with four RNA standards, and were further subjected to parallel comparison with the remaining four primer sets using 29 clinical samples. Among these 10 primer sets, Set-4 had the highest positive detection rate of SARS-CoV-2 (82.8%), followed by Set-10, Set-11, and Set-13 and Set-17 (75.9%). Set-14 showed the fastest amplification speed (Tt value < 8.5 min), followed by Set-17 (Tt value < 12.5 min). Based on the overall detection performance, Set-4, Set-10, Set-11, Set-13, Set-14 and Set-17 that target Nsp3, S, S, E, N and N gene regions of SARS-CoV-2, respectively, were determined to be better than the other primer sets. Two RT-LAMP assays with the Set-4 primers in combination with any one of four other primer sets (Set-14, Set-10, Set-11, and Set-13) were recommended to be used in the COVID-19 surveillance.

Serum testosterone levels are not associated with the severity of penile curvature in men with Peyronie's disease-findings from a cross-sectional study.

We aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum testosterone (T) levels and penile curvature in a cohort of men presenting for chronic phase Peyronie's disease (PD). Clinical data from 149 patients assessed for chronic phase PD between 2016 and 2019 at a single academic center were analyzed. Deformity assessment was conducted during an intracavernosal injection-induced rigid erection. Both total T (tT) and calculated free T (cFT) were assessed in every patient and considered as continuous variables or according to quartiles of the normal range. Hypogonadism was defined for tT < 10.4 nmol/L. Descriptive statistics and linear regression models tested the association between T values and the severity of penile curvature. Overall, median tT value was 15.9 (11.4-20.8) nmol/L in the whole cohort; median curvature magnitude and plaque size were 45 (30-60) degrees and 1.5 (0.8-2.0) cm, respectively. Penile curvature (40.0 vs. 45.0 degree; p = 0.7) and plaque size (1.5 vs. 1.3 cm; p = 0.4) were similar between eugonadal and hypogonadal patients. The magnitude of penile curvature did not differ across tT quartiles (p = 0.31). Both at univariable (β 1.32; p < 0.01) and multivariable (β 1.34; p < 0.01) linear regression model, only duration of PD was associated with the severity of penile curvature magnitude. The results of this cross-sectional study confirmed that there is no association between serum T values and the severity of penile curvature in patients with chronic phase PD. Only PD duration is associated with penile deformity severity.

PERBANDINGAN METODE AUTOREGRESSIVE INTEGRATED MOVING AVERAGE DAN METODE DOUBLE EXPONENTIAL SMOOTHING DARI HOLT DALAM MERAMALKAN NILAI IMPOR DI INDONESIA

As a form of purchased goods from other state’s imports have impacts both positive and negative to the states’s condition; therefore, prediction is required. Employing Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and Holt’s Double Exponential Smoothing (DES) methods, this study intends to identify which of the methods is the most accurate to predict Indonesia’s import value. The ARIMA method stage involved: data ploting, data stasioneriation, temporary model identification, parameter estimation, test residual assumption, and prediction. Moreover, the Holt’s DES method involved: data plotting, initial value determination, optimal parameter identification, Level Lt and Trend Tt value quantification, andprediction. The result shows that ARIMA method is the most accurate method to predict Indonesia’s import value.

MP78-05 ARE TESTOSTERONE LEVELS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEGREE OF CURVATURE IN MEN WITH PEYRONIE’S DISEASE? FINDINGS FROM A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

You have accessJournal of UrologySexual Function/Dysfunction: Evaluation II (MP78)1 Apr 2020MP78-05 ARE TESTOSTERONE LEVELS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEGREE OF CURVATURE IN MEN WITH PEYRONIE’S DISEASE? FINDINGS FROM A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY Luca Boeri*, Paolo Capogrosso, Walter Cazzaniga, Davide Oreggia, Nicolò Schifano, Luigi Candela, Giuseppe Fallara, Federico Belladelli, Edoardo Pozzi, Rayan Matloob, Federico Dehò, Costantino Abbate, Vincenzo Mirone, Francesco Montorsi, and Andrea Salonia Luca Boeri*Luca Boeri* More articles by this author , Paolo CapogrossoPaolo Capogrosso More articles by this author , Walter CazzanigaWalter Cazzaniga More articles by this author , Davide OreggiaDavide Oreggia More articles by this author , Nicolò SchifanoNicolò Schifano More articles by this author , Luigi CandelaLuigi Candela More articles by this author , Giuseppe FallaraGiuseppe Fallara More articles by this author , Federico BelladelliFederico Belladelli More articles by this author , Edoardo PozziEdoardo Pozzi More articles by this author , Rayan MatloobRayan Matloob More articles by this author , Federico DehòFederico Dehò More articles by this author , Costantino AbbateCostantino Abbate More articles by this author , Vincenzo MironeVincenzo Mirone More articles by this author , Francesco MontorsiFrancesco Montorsi More articles by this author , and Andrea SaloniaAndrea Salonia More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000000964.05AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have identified a possible link between Peyronie’s disease (PD)-associated deformity and low testosterone levels (tT). However, the rationale underlying the link between tT and PD severity is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum tT and PD. METHODS: Data of 149 white-European patients presenting for chronic phase PD at a single academic center between 2013 and 2019 were analyzed. All patients were assessed with a comprehensive medical and sexual history. Comorbidities were scored with Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Penile deformity was assessed with an intracavernosal injection-induced rigid erection during a Color Doppler Duplex Ultrasound (CDDU) in every patient. tT was measured in all patients and considered as continuous variable or according to quartiles of the normal range (<3.3, 3.3-4.6, 4.6-6.0, and >6.0 ng/mL). Hypogonadism was defined as tT <3.0 ng/mL. Descriptive statistics and linear regression models tested the association between tT values and the curvature severity. RESULTS: Overall, median (IQR) age and BMI were 56 (45, 64) years and 25.2 (23.5, 27.7) Kg/m2, respectively. Median tT value was 4.3 (3.3, 6.0) ng/mL in the whole cohort; patients were segregated into tT quartiles as follows; 24.2%, 32.2%, 26.8%, and 16.8%, respectively. Hypogonadism was observed in 21 (4.6%) patients. Median curvature magnitude and plaque size were 45 (30, 70) degrees and 1.5 (1.0, 2.0) cm. Penile curvature was similar between patients with and without hypogonadism (40.0 vs. 45.0 degrees; p=0.69). The magnitude of the curvature was not different according to tT quartiles (p=0.31). As a continuous variable, there was no association between tT levels and the magnitude of the curvature (r= -0.04; p=0.71). At UVA linear regression model, duration of PD was associated with the curvature magnitude (beta 1.1; p=0.02); conversely, age, BMI, CCI, smoking status and tT (beta -0.9; p=0.43) were not. Similar results were observed at MVA linear regression model. CONCLUSIONS: The magnitude of a PD-associated penile curvature is not associated with tT values in patients with chronic phase PD. Source of Funding: none © 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 203Issue Supplement 4April 2020Page: e1175-e1175 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Luca Boeri* More articles by this author Paolo Capogrosso More articles by this author Walter Cazzaniga More articles by this author Davide Oreggia More articles by this author Nicolò Schifano More articles by this author Luigi Candela More articles by this author Giuseppe Fallara More articles by this author Federico Belladelli More articles by this author Edoardo Pozzi More articles by this author Rayan Matloob More articles by this author Federico Dehò More articles by this author Costantino Abbate More articles by this author Vincenzo Mirone More articles by this author Francesco Montorsi More articles by this author Andrea Salonia More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Primer design strategy for denaturation bubble-mediated strand exchange amplification

Denaturation bubble-mediated strand exchange amplification (SEA) is a novel, rapid isothermal nucleic acid amplification has been applied for point-of-care molecular diagnostic in food safety, meat adulteration, forest disease and animal disease. Nevertheless, the absence of specialized strategy for SEA primers design led to long-time of primer screening progress before SEA reaction execution, which would largely increase the time consuming when SEA is utilized for detecting other new targets. In this present work, we investigated the impact of the following primers' attributes on SEA efficiency, including Tm value, 3′ end G/C content, self-complementary and 3′ complementary, according to which we demonstrated that optimal Tm value and reaction temperature were all 61 °C, while 3′-terminal nucleotide should be G/C, as the SEA reaction induced by the primers possessing these attributes exhibited significantly lower threshold time (Tt) value. Moreover, self-complementary and 3′ complementary of primers should be avoided. Besides, we also discussed the consideration priority order of these factors, which was self-complementary and 3′ complementary, Tm value and 3′ end G/C content in turn. Because the SEA primer design strategy is first presented, our work will greatly promote the application of SEA in point-of-care test.

PENGARUH SENAM IRAMA TERHADAP KECERDASAN KINESTETIK PADA ANAK DI TK KURNIA ILLAHI KABUPATEN TANAH DATAR

The purpose of this study is to see whether rhythmic gymnastics influences kinesthetic intelligence in early childhood. The formulation of the problem is whether rhythmic exercises affect kinesthetic intelligence in children in Kurnia Illahi Padang Magek Kindergarten, Rambat Subdistrict, Tanah Datar District. This study uses a quantitative approach, pre-experimental research design with type one group pretest-posttest design. In this study the population was children in Kambingia Illahi Padang Magek Kindergarten, Rambat Subdistrict, Tanah Datar District, which consisted of group B, which was a B3 group consisting of 13 children. The treatment given is to use rhythmic gymnastics in developing kinesthetic intelligence. Before the treatment / treatment was given a pretest of kinesthetic intelligence. The average results of pretest13,38. After the pretest was carried out then the treatment was given in the form of applying rhythmic gymnastics, during the treatment there was an increase seen from the posttest results where the average was 24.69. To test the significance of t0 by comparing t0 (t 'count) with tt (' t 'table), if seen in the table of tt value at the level of 5%, the price of criticism is obtained at 2.18. Then the result of t count is 3 , 46&gt; 2.18. Thus, it means that there are significant differences between pretest and posttest in the experimental group. Then the alternative hypothesis (Ha) is accepted and the null hypothesis (H0) is rejected, meaning rhythmic gymnastics can affect kinesthetic intelligence in children in Kurnia Illahi Kindergarten Padang Magek, Rambat District, Tanah Datar District

A rapid and simple detection method for phenotypic antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli by loop-mediated isothermal amplification

In infectious disease therapy, administration of adequate antimicrobial agents is essential for preventing the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria. However, conventional antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), based on bacterial growth, is time consuming; therefore, a rapid, simple assay is needed for the timely selection of appropriate antibiotics in clinical laboratories. Here, we established a simple, cost-effective, time-saving and highly sensitive AST assay based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). The targeted bacteria were cultivated for a short period with or without antibiotic before the LAMP reaction. The time to detect a positive reaction with LAMP was used to generate a threshold time (Tt) value, and subtraction of the Tt value for an antibiotic-free sample from the Tt value in an antibiotic-exposed sample generated the ΔTt value, which was used as a marker of antimicrobial susceptibility. The ΔTt value generated using the LAMP-based assay simply and quickly detected antimicrobial resistance in clinical Escherichia coli isolates. Detection of susceptibility to levofloxacin using the ΔTt value perfectly matched with the results of the conventional assay. In addition, the sensitivity and specificity for the detection of ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and fosfomycin resistance were 100 %, 93.8 %, 100 % and 80.0 %, 93.3 %, 97.6 %, respectively. These results showed that this LAMP-based AST has high sensitivity and specificity for detecting resistant strains and a significant time advantage compared with the conventional method.

Brittle fracture resistance of reactor pressure vessel steels in the initial state

The authors investigate the influence of chemical and structural inhomogeneity on the brittle fracture resistance (BFR) of VVER vessel materials in the initial state (without irradiation). It is proposed to replace the brittle fracture resistance assessment using the critical brittleness temperature TC for the BFR assessment using the brittle-viscous transition temperature TT. Consideration was given to calibration charts used for studying the TT dependence on the grain size and heat treatment. A comparison of the TC and TT values in the experimental industrial 15H2NMFA-A steel billets shows that the TC values are significantly lower than the TT values: – at the lower level of conservatism, the difference between TC and TT is 22 °C; – at the upper level of conservatism, this difference is 24 °C. The array data on the critical brittleness temperature and the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature of impact test samples of 15H2NMFAA (for VVER-1000) and 15H2NMFA grade 1 (for VVER-1200) steels were statistically processed. The industrial shell samples were manufactured at the “Energomashspetsstal” plant (Kramatorsk, Ukraine). It was found that, in the metal of VVER-1000 vessel surveillance specimens with the copper content – less than 0.06%, heat treatment has a significant effect on the TT value, which changes from –99 to –28°C; – from 0.07 to 0.12%, heat treatment has a significant effect on the TT value, which changes from –60 to –40°C.

PENGARUH MODEL PEMBELAJARAN PICTURE AND PICTURE BERBASIS KARAKTER TERHADAP KOMPETENSI PENGETAHUAN IPS

The study aimed to determine the significant difference of knowledge competence in Social Science to group of students taught by Picture and Picture learning model based the Character and group of students taught by conventional learning in grade IV SD Gugus III Kuta Utara, academic year of 2017/2018. This study was a quasi-experimental research with nonequivalent control group design. The population of this study was the whole grade IV SD Gugus III Kuta Utara which consist of 15 classes and 506 students from 7 schools. The sample was obtained by random sampling. The sample in this study were the students of grade IVA SD No. 1 Kerobokan Kaja as experiment group and fourth grade students of SD No. 2 Kerobokan Kaja as control group. The data collected were knowledge competence in Social Sience data and analyzed using t test. The result of data analysis obtained by tc = 4,103 at 5% significance level and dk = 62 obtained tt value = 2,000 so tc = 4,103 &gt; tt = 2,000, H0 rejected. This means that there is a significant difference of knowledge competence in Social Science of students who are taught using Picture and Picture learning model based on the Character and students who are taught using conventional learning. The mean value gain normalize score in the group that was taught using Picture and Picture learning model based the Character was 1=0,50 &gt; 2= 0,34 The mean value gain normalize score in the group that was taught using conventional learning , so the conclusion of this study is the Picture and Picture learning model based the Character effect to knowledge competence in Social Sience of fourth grade students SD Gugus III Kuta Utara in academic year 2017/2018.

149 Nocturia is Significantly Associated with Depressive Symptoms in Caucasian-European Men Seeking Medical Help for Sexual Dysfunction Without Known Psychiatric Disorders

We aimed to investigate the association between nocturia and mood impairment in a homogeneous cohort of Caucasian-European men seeking medical help for solitary erectile dysfunction (ED) as a primary reason for office evaluation, without any known psychiatric disorders. Data from 426 patients with ED were analysed. Patients completed the Beck’s inventory for Depression (BDI), the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the International Prostatic Symptoms Score (IPSS). Depressive symptoms (DS) were considered for BDI≥11, with clinical depression (CD) defined as a BDI score ≥16. Nocturia was defined as ≥2 nocturnal voiding episodes. The number of nocturia episodes was assessed using IPSS question 7. Comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Testosterone deficiency (TD) was defined as tT <3.5 ng/mL. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models tested the association between nocturia and DS and/or CD. Overall, mean (SD) age was 47.6 (14.1) yrs and mean tT value was 4.9 (2.9) ng/mL; TD was observed in 90 (21.2%) patients. Mean BDI was 7.23 (7.2); BDI scores suggestive for DS and CD were observed in 107 (25.1%) and 51 (12.0%) patients, respectively. Of all, 66 (15.6%), 59 (13.9%), 69 (16.1%) and 133 (31.2%) men had mild, mild-to-moderate, moderate and severe ED, respectively. Nocturia was reported in 150 (35.2%) men. Patients with nocturia showed higher rate of obesity (p=0.02), BDI scores suggestive for either DS (31.3% vs. 21.7%; p=0.029) or CD (18.7% vs. 8.3%; p=0.002) compared to patients without nocturia. No differences in terms of age, CCI, IIEF-EF and TD prevalence were observed between the two groups. At multivariable analysis, BMI (p=0.015), CCI (p=0.015), low IIEF-EF score (p=0.03) and nocturia (p=0.024) achieved independent predictor status for DS, after accounting for age and testosterone values. Conversely, only age (p=0.04), low IIEF-EF score (p=0.04) and nocturia (p=0.016) achieved independent predictor status for CD.