Value Of Test Research Articles

Biocompatible Hydrogel Coating on Silicone Rubber with Improved Antifouling and Durable Lubricious Properties

(1) Background: Silicone rubber is widely used in various medical applications. However, silicone rubber is prone to biofouling due to their affinity for lipids and has a high friction coefficient, which can significantly impact their efficacy and performance used as medical devices. Thus, the development of hydrogels with antifouling and lubricious abilities for the modification of silicone rubber is in high demand. (2) Methods: We herein prepared a variety of hydrogel coatings mainly based on polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA). We modified the silicone rubber using the prepared hydrogel coatings and cured it using a heating method. Then, we characterized its surface and evaluated the antifouling property, lubricious property, cytotoxicity, sensitization, and vaginal irritation. (3) Results: The results of water contact angle (WCA), protein adsorption, and friction coefficient indicated the success of the modification of the silicone rubber, leading to a significant decrease in the corresponding test values. Meanwhile, the results of cytotoxicity, sensitization, and vaginal irritation tests showed that the hydrogel coating-modified silicone rubbers have an excellent biocompatibility. (4) Conclusions: This study describes how the silicone rubber could be modified with a biocompatible hydrogel coating. The hydrogel coating-modified silicone rubbers have improved antifouling and durable lubricious properties.

Ten-words recall test: an effective tool to differentiate mild cognitive impairment from subjective cognitive decline

IntroductionSubjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are stages 2 and 3, respectively, of the Alzheimer’s continuum. The Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-cog’s) ten-words recall test is a validated method for the early detection of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease. However, limited studies have investigated its ability to differentiate between SCD and MCI.Methods203 participants with SCD and 62 participants with MCI underwent multiple neuropsychological assessments. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MOCA-B) served as brief global cognition tests. A binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the potential factors affecting MCI. The accuracy of the ten-words recall test was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and the area under the curve (AUC).ResultsThe neuropsychological assessment revealed significant differences in the ten-words recall test scores between the SCD (median age 61 years; 70.44% female) and MCI (median age 64 years; 61.29% female) groups (p < 0.001), with the MCI group scoring the highest. Using a cut-off value of 3.15 for the ten-words recall test, sensitivity for distinguishing MCI from SCD reached 87%, while specificity stood at 61% (AUC 0.777, p < 0.001). DeLong’s test indicated no statistically significant difference in the ten-words recall test’s ability to distinguish between SCD and MCI compared to the total score of ADAS-Cog (AUC 0.833, p) and MMSE (AUC 0.784, p > 0.05). However, a significant difference was observed when compared to MoCA-B (AUC 0.973, p < 0.001). In the population with an education level of ≤ 9 years, the optimal cut-off value for the ten-words recall test was 3.15, yielding a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 45% (AUC = 0.674, p = 0.030). In the population with an education level > 9 years, the optimal cut-off value was 3.63, resulting in a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 71% (AUC = 0.785, p < 0.001).DiscussionThe ten-words recall test from the ADAS-cog may detect MCI early owing to its simplicity and quick administration. It is an effective and convenient tool for rapidly identifying mild cognitive impairment.

Utilizing the glucose challenge test during pregnancy as a predictor of future diabetes risk

BackgroundGestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) presents a significant health concern during pregnancy, predisposing individuals to future diabetes. Despite established postpartum diabetes screening guidelines, adherence to follow-up remains inadequate.AimsThis study aimed to assess the predictive value of the 50-gram glucose challenge test (GCT) for post-pregnancy diabetes development.Materials and methodsA population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted on pregnant women aged 18–45 who underwent GCT screening between November 2007 and July 2017 in a large Israeli community medical organization. Baseline characteristics, GCT results, and diabetes development during follow-up were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.ResultsAmong 8,675 women included, 2.4% developed diabetes over a median follow-up of 73.23 months. Elevated GCT results correlated with a higher risk of future diabetes, with a 4% rise in risk per 1 mg/dL increase in glucose above 140 mg/dL. Multivariate analysis revealed a 60-fold rise in the risk of future diabetes in women with GCT results ≥ 200 mg/dL compared to those with GCT < 140 mg/dL, adjusting for age, body mass index, pre-pregnancy glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides. A GCT result between 140 and 199 mg/dL was a predictor of future diabetes, even when adjusted for GDM based on a subsequent GTT if performed.ConclusionsGCT results during pregnancy strongly predict future diabetes development, with higher GCT values significantly increasing risk. Recognizing abnormal GCT results as indicative of a prediabetic state offers a practical approach for risk stratification, facilitating early diagnosis, and intervention in post-pregnancy care.

Modeling and chewing parameters calibration of Euryale ferox based on discrete element method.

Euryale ferox was chosen for this study to examine its mechanical properties during chewing. Experiments and the discrete element method were used to conduct the study. Initially, the intrinsic and contact parameters of E. ferox were established through physical tests. The maximum compressive force of breakage and chewing mechanical properties (hardness, springiness, and chewiness) were measured using a texture profile analyzer (TPA). A Hertz-Mindlin with bonding model of the E. ferox was constructed. Optimal values for significant factors, including the normal stiffness per unit area, shear stiffness per unit area, and bonding radius, were obtained through single-factor, Plackett-Burman, steepest ascent, and Box-Behnken response surface tests, with the maximum compressive force as the index. Under optimal parameter combination conditions, the relative error between the simulated and experimental values of the maximum compressive force was 0.79%, and the relative errors between the simulated and TPA test values of all indicators were less than 5.65%. This study provides a valuable reference for simulating the textural characteristics of agricultural products.

Pharmacogenetics testing for poor response to antidepressants: a transnosographic case series

IntroductionPharmacogenetics (PGx) holds promise for optimizing psychotropic medication use, with CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 identified as key genes in antidepressant treatment. However, few studies have explored the genetic variants of these genes in real-world settings for patients experiencing ineffectiveness or adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to antidepressants.MethodsThis case series includes 40 patients who underwent PGx testing due to antidepressant ineffectiveness or ADRs between June 2020 and April 2022. We describe the patients' demographic, clinical, and genetic characteristics and assess the value of PGx testing based on feedback from their psychiatrists.ResultsThe most common diagnoses were major depressive disorder (60.0%) and post-traumatic stress disorder (30.0%). Ineffectiveness was reported in 65.0% of patients, ADRs in 2.5%, and both in 32.5%. The antidepressants involved included SSRIs (45.0%), SNRIs (27.5%), atypical antidepressants (20.0%), and tricyclics (17.5%). Only 17.5% of patients had normal CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 metabolic activity. Actionable genetic variants were identified in 22.0% of CYP2D6/CYP2C19-antidepressant-response pairs. PGx recommendations were followed in 92.7% of cases, with significant improvement in ADRs reported in 71.4% of patients and efficacy improvement in 79.5%.DiscussionOur findings suggest that PGx testing can guide prescribing decisions for patients with antidepressant ineffectiveness or ADRs. The relatively high prevalence of genetic variants affecting pharmacokinetics supports the broader adoption of PGx testing in psychiatric practice.

Weight-adjusted waist index and disability: a cohort study from CHARLS

BackgroundThe association between weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) and disability is unclear. This study aimed to assess the relationship between WWI and disability in middle-aged and elderly Chinese individuals and provide more predictive indicators for disability prevention.MethodsIn this study, 13,015 middle-aged and older adults aged 45 years and above who were surveyed in 2011 by the China Health and Aging Tracking Survey (CHARLS) database were selected, and 8344 respondents with complete data were included for cohort analysis after seven years of follow-up. Information on clinical demographic characteristics, anthropometric indices, assessment of disability, and related covariates were collected, and the presence or absence of disability was assessed by the disability scale. WWI was calculated by dividing the waist circumference (cm) by the square root of the body weight (kg). Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the association between WWI and disability after follow-up.ResultsOur study found that 2912 of 8344 participants had disability after seven years of follow-up, and disability incidence was approximately 34.9%. Age, sex, place of residence, chronic disease, depression, waist circumference, and WWI were significantly associated with disability in univariate analysis. Among them, there was a positive association between WWI as a continuous variable and incidence of disability (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.22–1.31, p < 0.001). WWI was transformed into categorical variables using quartiles as cutoffs for disability regression analysis. After adjusting covariates, HR values in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quantile showed an increasing trend compared with the 1st quantile, and the risk of disability among WWI subjects in the 4th quantile increased by 43% (95% CI: 1.24–1.64). P values for the trend test in the model were all < 0.001. In subgroup analyses, the positive association between WWI and risk of disability remained robust for sex, age, alcohol consumption, smoking status, education level, marital status, and place of residence after adjusting for all covariates considered in this study.ConclusionsWWI is a new and reliable obesity-related indicator that can be used for disability prevention. WWI can be detected and controlled for reducing the risk of disability.

Association between the use of prostaglandin analogues and ocular surface disease: a systematic review.

Patients with glaucoma often experience chronic ocular surface diseases, potentially underestimated in frequency and severity. To provide updated estimates of ocular surface diseases linked to prostaglandin analogue antiglaucoma eye medication, a systematic review was conducted. Twenty-seven publications were selected from databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, following a search strategy targeting glaucoma and prostaglandins while excluding certain medications '(Glaucoma AND prostaglandins OR 'prostaglandin analogues')('eye drops' OR 'artificial tears' OR 'ocular surface' OR 'dry eye' OR 'dry eye syndrome' OR 'ocular surface disease' OR 'tear film') NOT ('beta blockers' OR 'alpha adrenergic agonists' OR 'carbonic anhydrase inhibitors' OR 'rho-quinase')'. The review revealed a correlation between prostaglandin analogue use and ocular surface damage, assessing parameters such as tear break-up time, Schirmer test value, ocular surface staining, hyperaemia score, and meibomian gland characteristics. Some studies explored switching patients to alternative glaucoma medications, noting varied effects on ocular surface parameters. Comparisons suggested better tolerance and outcomes with preservative-free options over prostaglandins. Additionally, the impact of treatment duration and diquafosol on ocular health, including meibomian gland loss, was examined across different formulations. Although a link between prostaglandin analogues (with or without preservatives) and ocular surface damage was established, inconsistencies in methodologies and assessment across studies were noted. This comprehensive review, spanning a decade of glaucoma research, underscores the need for re-evaluation of treatment strategies in ophthalmology. It stresses the significance of informed decision-making for enhanced glaucoma care, taking into account the observed effects of various medications on eye health.

Description of Differences in Sexual Desire in Female Fujoshi Kpop Fans in Indonesia Based on Age

In recent years, people's interest in the Korean wave phenomenon has increased. This can be seen from the large number of people, especially young people, who are fans of this Kpop idol. The majority of Kpop fans are dominated by women. Most of these female Kpop fans are also fujohi. Fujoshi is a term for women who like relationships with men. From this phenomenon, fans claim that viewing fujoshi-related content can increase their sexual desire. Therefore, the aim of this research is to see a picture of the differences in Sexual Desire or sexual desire in female fujoshi kpop fans when viewed in terms of age, namely teenagers and adults. This research is quantitative research with a descriptive method carried out on 92 respondents. Data analysis in this study used the homogeneity test and the Mann Whitney U-test. The results obtained are that the significance value in the homogeneity test shows the number 0.078, which means the data in this study is homogeneous. In the Mann Whitney U-test, the significance value was 0.000 with a mean rank for adolescents of 28.02 and for adults of 64.98. This means that there are differences in the variables in the research data.

Peningkatan Hasil Belajar Peserta Didik Kelas VIII SMP Negeri 2 Tarabintang melalui Metode Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning

This study aims to improve the learning outcomes of eighth-grade students at SMP Negeri 2 Tarabintang in the subjects of Catholic Religious Education and Ethics through the implementation of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model. This method was chosen as a solution to the low interest and learning outcomes of students, especially in understanding the material of the Church as a Sign and Means of Salvation. This study employs a Classroom Action Research (CAR) approach conducted in two cycles. Each cycle involves the stages of planning, action implementation, observation, and reflection. The results of the study indicate that the implementation of the PBL model successfully improved students' learning outcomes in the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor aspects. In the first cycle, the average value of student test results reached 76, which increased to 85 in the second cycle. In addition, students' active participation in group discussions increased significantly, as seen from the observation results that showed an increase in students' ability to identify problems, provide alternative solutions, and appreciate the perspectives of others. In conclusion, the implementation of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model has proven effective in improving students' learning outcomes, both in terms of knowledge and social skills. The application of this model not only increases students' understanding of the material taught but also enhances students' active participation and motivation to learn. It is recommended that teachers continue to apply this method in teaching, especially in subjects that require active student involvement in problem-solving.

The causal relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and interstitial lung disease in East Asian population: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study

To investigate the causal relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) in the East Asian population, we utilized Mendelian randomization (MR). Publicly available summarized data from genome-wide association studies on RA (4199 cases and 208,254 controls), and the data on ILD (1046 cases and 176,974 controls) were obtained from BioBank Japan. Eligible single nucleotide polymorphisms from East Asian populations were obtained from genome-wide association studies as instrumental variables, and 11 RA-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (P &lt; 5 × 10−8) were selected as instrumental variables. MR analysis was performed using inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger regression, weighted median, and MR-PRESSO with RA as the exposure data and ILD as the outcome data. Reliability was evaluated using Cochran Q test, MR-Egger intercept, leave-one-out analysis, and funnel plot. Inverse variance weighted results showed an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 1.29 (1.18–1.41), P = 3.99 × 10−8, indicating a positive association between RA and ILD. The reliability evaluation could adopt the fixed-effect model, and the absolute value of the MR-Egger regression intercept was 0.021, P &gt; 0.05, and P value of Global Test in MR-PRESSO was 0.573. The test results of the leave-one-out showed that the results are robust, and the funnel plot indicated that the instrumental variables were not affected by potential factors. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that RA is a risk factor for ILD in the East Asian population.

Presumptive Identification of Clinically Significant Hemoglobin Variants Hb E, Hb S, Hb D in Hb A1c Capillary Electrophoresis.

The quantitation of glycated hemoglobin (Hb A1c) represents an average blood glucose level for a period of 2 to 3 months for diagnosing, monitoring, and managing diabetes mellitus. Unreliable results are reported when hemoglobin (Hb) variants are present in the sample. Patients are advised to use an alternate method due to the presence of the variant Hb and a reflex test to Hb electrophoresis to obtain precise information about the Hb variant. The present study utilizes x axis values from Hb A1c capillary electrophoresis (CE) to identify clinically significant Hb variants Hb E, S, and D. Patient samples (n = 60) that showed a variant peak in the Hb A1c test with an x axis value of 190 to 240 were selected for the study. The migration position of the Hb variant (x axis value) and variant percent of the Hb A1c test were compared with the x axis value and variant percent in the Hb electrophoresis test to presumptively identify the variants. The identity of the variants was confirmed using mass spectrometry (MS). Out of 60 samples, 20 samples were identified as Hb E (x axis 225-227), 20 samples were identified as Hb S (x axis 210-214), and 18 samples were identified as Hb D-Punjab (x axis 200-201). Two variants with an x axis value of 194 were identified as an α variant Hb Q India using MS. There is an overall negative shift of the x axis (-1 to -13 units) and a lower variant percent (-0.2% to -8.7%) in Hb A1c CE when compared with Hb electrophoresis. The present study highlights the significance of the x axis value and variant percent to identify clinically significant Hb variants in the Hb A1c CE test.

Value of Pharmacogenetic Testing Assessed with Real-World Drug Utilization and Genotype Data.

Implementation of pharmacogenetic testing in clinical care has been slow and with few exceptions is hindered by the lack of real-world evidence on how to best target testing. In this retrospective register-based study, we analyzed a nationwide cohort of 1,425,000 patients discharged from internal medicine or surgical wards and a cohort of 2,178 university hospital patients for purchases and prescriptions of pharmacogenetically actionable drugs. Pharmacogenetic variants were obtained from whole genome genotype data for a subset (n = 930) of the university hospital patients. We investigated factors associated with receiving pharmacogenetically actionable drugs and developed a literature-based cost-benefit model for pre-emptive pharmacogenetic panel testing. In a 2-year follow-up, 60.4% of the patients in the nationwide cohort purchased at least one pharmacogenetically actionable drug, most commonly ibuprofen (25.0%) and codeine (19.4%). Of the genotyped subset, 98.8% carried at least one actionable pharmacogenetic genotype and 23.3% had at least one actionable gene-drug pair. Patients suffering from musculoskeletal or cardiovascular diseases were more prone to receive pharmacogenetically actionable drugs during inpatient episode. The cost-benefit model included frequently dispensed drugs in the university hospital cohort, comprising ondansetron (19.4%), simvastatin (7.4%), clopidogrel (5.0%), warfarin (5.1%), (es)citalopram (5.3%), and azathioprine (0.5%). For untargeted pre-emptive pharmacogenetic testing of all university hospital patients, the model indicated saving €17.49 in direct healthcare system costs per patient in 2 years without accounting for the cost of the test itself. Therefore, it might be reasonable to target pre-emptive pharmacogenetic testing to patient groups most likely to receive pharmacogenetically actionable drugs.

The Effect of Biocomposite Material Composition with Natural Fiber Reinforced Polyester Matrix on Mechanical and Physical Strength

This study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of natural fiber composition in polymer composites on the flexural strength and density of bio-composites with polyester matrix reinforced with ramie fiber, giant false agave (GFA), bamboo, and sugar cane fibers. Mechanical testing was carried out in the form of flexural strength testing and calculating density as a physical test. The composition of the matrix with fiber reinforcement was set at 70% polyester and 30% natural fiber. The variables used in this study were to create a dominant composition of fiber types in the form of a measured weight amount so as to produce a comparison of which type of natural fiber has a better test value. From the results of the flexural strength test, it was found that the bio-composite dominated by sugar cane fiber had the largest flexural strength value of 261.66 kg/cm2 while the bio-composite dominated by ramie and GFA sequentially produced flexural strengths of 101.465 kg/cm2 and 185.89 kg/cm2. The results of the density calculation show that the highest density was achieved by the bio-composite material with a dominant composition of hemp fiber (70% Polyester: 20% hemp fiber, 5% GFA fiber: 5% sugar cane fiber) of 1.049 g/cm3.

Joint testing of rare variant burden scores using non-negative least squares

Gene-based burden tests are a popular and powerful approach for analysis of exome-wide association studies. These approaches combine sets of variants within a gene into a single burden score that is then tested for association. Typically, a range of burden scores are calculated and tested across a range of annotation classes and frequency bins. Correlation between these tests can complicate the multiple testing correction and hamper interpretation of the results. We introduce a method called the sparse burden association test (SBAT) that tests the joint set of burden scores under the assumption that causal burden scores act in the same effect direction. The method simultaneously assesses the significance of the model fit and selects the set of burden scores that best explain the association at the same time. Using simulated data, we show that the method is well calibrated and highlight scenarios where the test outperforms existing gene-based tests. We apply the method to 73 quantitative traits from the UK Biobank, showing that SBAT is a valuable additional gene-based test when combined with other existing approaches. This test is implemented in the REGENIE software.

Exploring the dyeing potential of annatto dye on linen substrate: An inquiry into the effects of different mordants

AbstractThis study aimed to compare the dyeing capacity of annatto dye on linen textile substrates under the influence of different mordants, such as ferrous sulphate, alum, chitosan, and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDACl). Annatto dye was extracted in an alcoholic medium, and the concentrations of the dye compounds bixin and norbixin were determined using ultraviolet‐visible spectrophotometry. Dyeing experiments were conducted with 10% and 20% weight of material (s.p.m.) concentrations, both on mordant‐treated substrates and on substrates pre‐bleached only. The colour evaluation indicated better colour yields for substrates pretreated with alum and PDDACl, with colour strength (K/S) values of 41.14 and 38.74, respectively, for dyeing with 20% s.p.m. However, these substrates exhibited the highest colour deviation (∆E) values in washing and lightfastness tests. The substrate pretreated with ferrous sulphate and the substrate pre‐bleached only showed K/S values of 25.99 and 18.68, respectively, with the ferrous sulphate‐treated substrate exhibiting the lowest ∆E values in washing and lightfastness tests among all evaluated substrates. Chitosan‐cationised samples showed the lowest colour yield, with a K/S of 12.51. Regarding washing and lightfastness, the pre‐bleached only substrate and the chitosan‐pretreated substrate displayed intermediate ∆𝐸 values. The dyeing kinetics of pre‐bleached substrates exhibited pseudo‐first‐order behaviour, while for ferrous sulphate‐pretreated samples, pseudo‐second‐order behaviour was observed. Langmuir's adsorption model was suitable for pre‐bleached substrate dyeing and ferrous sulphate‐pretreated sample dyeing in adsorption isotherms. However, for mordanted samples, higher adsorption intensity was observed.

Assessment of the trapezoidal miniplate with posterior extension for open management of condylar fractures: Can it be used instead of straight miniplates?

AbstractObjectiveThis study comparatively measures and evaluates the strength of five plating techniques for mandibular condylar fracture fixation when linear loading is applied.Materials and MethodsThe investigators designed and implemented a cross‐sectional in vitro study. The sample was composed of 60 polyurethane mandibles for the mechanical tests. For the photoelastic test, 10 photoelastic mandibles were used. The predictor variable is the plating technique, and it was categorized as groups G2P‐2.0: two 4‐hole 2.0 mm straight plates, G1TP‐2.0: 4‐hole 2.0 mm trapezoidal plate; G1TPPE‐2.0: 4‐hole 2.0 mm trapezoidal plate with posterior extension; G1TP‐1.5: 4‐hole 1.5 mm trapezoidal plate and G1TPPE‐1.5: 4‐hole 1.5 mm trapezoidal plate with posterior extension. The outcome variable is the strength of the plating techniques that was evaluated with the loading test: peak/ending load and peak/ending displacement measures collected. The photoelastic test was used to detect tension distribution throughout the structure helping to understand the material's behaviour. Values of the loading test were analysed using SAS (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, EUA). A p &lt;0.5 (p = 0.05) was considered significant and means were compared using the Tukey test.ResultsThe results indicated that the fixation with two plates presented a higher resistance in the anteroposterior direction and fixation with a trapezoidal plate with posterior extension is more resistant towards mediolateral. The photoelastic analysis showed that the strain lines were best distributed when trapezoidal plates were used.ConclusionAccording to the results, the posterior extension of the trapezoidal plates increased the strength of the fixation system, and the use of trapezoidal plates with or without posterior extension was favourable to a more balanced stress distribution. However, clinical studies must be done to confirm the biomechanical findings.

A-078 Harmonization of Immunoassay Reference Intervals with LC-MS/MS for Total and Calculated Free Testosterone Measurement

Abstract Background Management of male hypogonadism relies on accurate serum testosterone testing and reference values. This study aimed to establish harmonized reference ranges for total and calculated free testosterone in adults using the Siemens Atellica immunoassay, validated against a reference method. Methods The Siemens Atellica IM total testosterone assay is a fully automated competitive chemiluminescent immunoassay. We conducted 25 de-identified serum samples. Inter-laboratory correlation studies for total testosterone were performed on in-house Siemens Atellica and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) at a reference laboratory. Free testosterone was calculated using the International Society for the Study of the Aging Male (ISSAM) Free Testosterone calculator, which can be accessed from the ISSAM website, http://www.issam.ch/freetesto.htm, using the assayed concentrations of testosterone and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) on the Siemens Atellica IM system. The Siemens Atellica IM SHBG assay is a sandwich monoclonal immunoassay. Calculated free testosterone was compared with LC-MS/MS. Deming and linear regression, and Bland-Altman plot were employed for data analysis. Reference intervals were adopted from the reference laboratory and verified using 20 male and 20 female healthy samples. Total testosterone: Male 240-950 ng/dL, Female 8-60 ng/dL; Free testosterone: Male 2.29-20.7 ng/dL, Female 0-1.08 ng/dL. Results Strong correlations were observed between Siemens Atellica and LC-MS/MS for total testosterone (R^2 = 0.9915, slope = 0.988, intercept = 35) and for calculated free testosterone (R^2 = 0.9645, slope = 0.988, intercept = -0.4). Adopted reference intervals were verified using local healthy samples. Conclusions Harmonized reference intervals for total and calculated free testosterone, validated on Siemens Atellica, offer consistent results comparable to LC-MS/MS. This study demonstrates the feasibility of establishing standardized reference ranges for testosterone assays across laboratories.

The Clinical Utility of the Seated Wall Angel as a Test with Scoring.

The seated wall angel (SWA) is an intervention to improve upper quarter mobility but has not been described as a clinical test with scoring. To explore the clinical utility of the SWA as a test with scoring. The authors hypothesized that SWA test scores would be lower on the injured than uninjured side, improve over time, and show stronger association with patient-reported shoulder function than shoulder mobility tests. Prospective cohort. Patients diagnosed with anterior shoulder instability and referred to physical therapy participated. Testing occurred after physical therapy examination (initial) and six weeks later (follow-up). Rehabilitation was not controlled. Testing included clinical tests (SWA, passive shoulder external rotation range of motion, total arc of motion) and patient-reported outcomes including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form, (ASES) and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI). The SWA test was scored 0 to 3 points bilaterally based on number of body contacts with the wall (i.e., elbows and fingertips, posterior fingers, posterior forearm). Passive range of motion was measured with a standard goniometer. SWA scores were compared between sides at initial testing and compared between testing timepoints on the injured side. Associations among injured side clinical test values and patient-reported outcome scores were examined. Mean (SD) SWA score on the injured side was significantly lower than the uninjured side at initial testing [1.6 (1.0) vs 2.2 (1.1), p = 0.045] and significantly increased at follow-up testing [2.4 (1.0), p = 0.041]. Only SWA test score was significantly correlated with ASES (r=0.597) and WOSI (r=-0.648) scores at initial testing, and SWA test score was significantly correlated with WOSI score at follow-up testing (r=-0.611). The clinical utility of the SWA test is supported by distinguishing the injured and uninjured sides and having stronger associations with patient-reported shoulder function than shoulder mobility tests.

Topical Application of 0.05% Cyclosporine for the Treatment of Neurotrophic Keratopathy Secondary to Herpes Simplex Keratitis

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of 0.05% cyclosporine A (CsA) eye drops for neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) secondary to herpes simplex keratitis (HSK). Fifteen patients (15 eyes) with prior HSK and secondary NK, classified as stage 2 or 3 on the basis of the Mackie classification, were enrolled. All patients received a combined treatment regimen of 0.05% CsA eye drops (1 drop 4 times daily), a silicone hydrogel bandage contact lens, and 0.15% ganciclovir ophthalmic gel (1 drop 3 times daily). For patients achieving corneal healing, CsA was continued at a reduced dosage of twice daily for an additional 2 months and other treatments were discontinued. Follow-ups were scheduled at weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 and at months 2 and 3 after treatment initiation, followed by a 3-month follow-up period. Key outcomes, including best-corrected visual acuity, Schirmer I test, and corneal sensitivity, were assessed at each visit before and after treatment. Significant reductions were observed in the area of corneal defects, expressed as proportion of total corneal area, throughout follow-up period. Complete corneal healing was achieved by 13.3% of patients by week 2, 60.0% by week 3, 86.7% by week 4, and 100.0% by week 8, with the mean (SD) time to healing being 3.8 (1.8) weeks (range, 2-8 weeks). Additionally, significant improvements were noted in diseased eyes for best-corrected visual acuity, tear secretion (Schirmer I test values), and corneal sensitivity after treatment. CsA eye drops, with bandage lenses and ganciclovir, effectively resolve NK from HSK, without adverse effects. This combination therapy shows promise for future clinical use and research. Our study is a retrospective observational study because it involves the analysis of previously collected data, so the study was not registered prior to its commencement. However, if it is necessary for publication, we are willing to proceed with retrospective registration.

Relationship between peripheral and intracoronary blood flow in patients with angina and nonobstructive coronary arteries.

Coronary vasomotor dysfunction, an important underlying cause of angina and nonobstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA), encompassing coronary vasospasm, coronary endothelial dysfunction, and/or coronary microvascular dysfunction, is clinically assessed by invasive coronary function testing (ICFT). As ICFT imposes a high burden on patients and carries risks, developing noninvasive alternatives is important. We evaluated whether coronary vasomotor dysfunction is a component of systemic microvascular endothelial and smooth muscle dysfunction and can be detected using laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA). Forty-three consecutive patients with ANOCA underwent ICFT, with intracoronary acetylcholine, adenosine, and flow measurements, to assess coronary vasomotor dysfunction. Cutaneous microvascular function was assessed using LASCA in the forearm, combined with vasodilators acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside, and insulin and using EndoPAT, by measuring the reactive hyperemia index (RHI). Of the 43 included patients with ANOCA (79% women, 59 ± 9 yr old), 38 patients had coronary vasomotor dysfunction, including 28 with coronary vasospasm, 26 with coronary endothelial dysfunction, and 18 with coronary microvascular dysfunction, with overlapping endotypes. Patients with and without coronary vasomotor dysfunction had similar peripheral flow responses to acetylcholine, insulin, and RHI. In contrast, coronary vasomotor dysfunction was associated with lower peripheral flow responses to sodium nitroprusside (P < 0.001). An absolute flow response to sodium nitroprusside of 83.95 APU resulted in 86.1% sensitivity and 80.0% specificity for coronary vasomotor dysfunction (area under the ROC curve, 0.883; P = 0.006). In conclusion, this study provides evidence of systemic vascular smooth muscle dysfunction in patients with ANOCA with coronary vasomotor dysfunction and the diagnostic value of peripheral microvascular function testing as a noninvasive tool for detecting coronary vasomotor dysfunction.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides proof of concept that assessment of the peripheral vasculature, particularly vascular smooth muscle cells measured using the LASCA technology holds potential as a noninvasive tool for detecting coronary vasomotor dysfunction. This finding highlights the potential of the LASCA technology in, for example, medication studies for coronary vasomotor dysfunction, especially when investigating whether medication improves vascular function, as repeated peripheral measurements are less invasive than invasive coronary function testing, the current gold standard.