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Patient risk management is an essential subject for clinical laboratory which is now central in main international laboratory quality standards (e.g., ISO 15989:2022; ISO 22367:2020 and CLSI EP232nd). Risk analysis is a necessary part of risk management which requires categorizing the severity of patient harm from a laboratory failure. However, this subjective task is not currently the subject of any recommendation and little literature about this topic. To remedy that, we conducted an international survey of medical biology professionals, asking them to rate a panel of 20 analytes the harm potentially induced by an erroneous reported result.The survey was published by Bio-Rad® to their customers base and the public with a dedicated webpage. The survey proposes to assign for the submitted analytes the amount of harm among five pre-defined categories of harm: negligible, minor, serious, critical, and catastrophic. Participants were also asked to specify their demographic characteristics.The questionnaires of 267 respondents coming from 43 countries were analyzed to allocate for each analyte a specific harm category. We highlight that almost all parameters (19/20) were categorized with at least a serious harm category and that none were associated with the negligible category.This study constitutes the first international attempt to investigate how the laboratory community thinks about patient harm from an erroneous reported result. These results provide support to document the laboratory risk management policy which must now be centered on patient risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coagulation factor X (FX), originally named Stuart–Prower factor, plays a pivotal role in the coagulation cascade, activating thrombin to promote platelet plug formation and prevent excess blood loss. Genetic variants in F10 may lead to FX deficiency and to impaired coagulation. FX variants are phenotypically classified as being type I, with the concomitant reduction of FX coagulant activity and FX antigen levels or type II, corresponding to a reduction in activity with normal antigen plasma levels. Patients affected with FX deficiency tend to be one of the most seriously affected among those with rare bleeding disorders. They show a variable bleeding tendency strongly associated with FX coagulant activity levels in plasma and may present, in the severe form of the deficiency, life-threatening symptoms such as gastrointestinal and umbilical stump bleeding and intracranial hemorrhages or central nervous system bleeding. Treatment of FX deficiency was originally based on the replacement of the missing factor using fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate and prothrombin complex concentrates; however, a plasma-derived concentrate, shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials, is now available. In addition, novel nonreplacement therapy such as small interference RNA, gene therapy, drug repurposing, and gene editing may also represent novel therapeutic approaches for FX deficiency, but further, much focused studies are needed before considering this emerging therapy in such patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the achievements in the field of instrumental methods of pollutant analysis, human error (HE) is still a significant issue affecting the quality of data obtained during environmental analysis and should be taken into account for quality risk management in the laboratory and field. Numerous scenarios that depend on the performance shaping factor (PSF) can lead to HE in the chemical analysis of environmental pollutants. Considering this, we applied, for the first time, the Success likelihood index method (SLIM) for the identification and quantification of HE in the analysis of polluting substances. As a case study, a spectrophotometric determination of ammonia concentration in water was examined. By applying SLIM, the impact of PSFs, such as procedure, experience, training, time, communication, and teamwork, on the occurrence of HE for specific activities was assessed by experts. It is estimated that "taking an unrepresentative sample" is the error with the highest probability of occurrence. The obtained results indicate that experience and training, followed by procedures and time, are PSFs that contribute to the greatest extent to the reduction of errors during the analysis of polluting substances. Considering the above-mentioned, the appropriate corrective measures that would lead to a reduction of HE in the analysis of pollutants are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractLarge language models (LLMs) have demonstrated high performance across various fields due to their ability to understand, generate, and manipulate human language. However, their potential in specialized medical domains, such as clinical chemistry and laboratory management, remains underexplored. This study evaluated the performance of nine LLMs using zero-shot prompting on 109 clinical problem-based quizzes from peer-reviewed journal articles in the Laboratory Medicine Online (LMO) database. These quizzes covered topics in clinical chemistry, toxicology, and laboratory management. The models, including GPT-4o, Claude 3 Opus, and Gemini 1.5 Pro, along with their earlier or smaller versions, were assigned roles as clinical chemists or laboratory managers to simulate real-world decision-making scenarios. Among the evaluated models, GPT-4o achieved the highest overall accuracy, correctly answering 81.7% of the quizzes, followed by GPT-4 Turbo (76.1%), Claude 3 Opus (74.3%), and Gemini 1.5 Pro (69.7%), while the lowest performance was observed with Gemini 1.0 Pro (51.4%). GPT-4o performed exceptionally well across all quiz types, including single-select, open-ended, and multiple-select questions, and demonstrated particular strength in quizzes involving figures, tables, or calculations. These findings highlight the ability of LLMs to effectively apply their pre-existing knowledge base to specialized clinical chemistry inquiries without additional fine-tuning. Among the evaluated models, GPT-4o exhibited superior performance across different quiz types, underscoring its potential utility in assisting healthcare professionals in clinical decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis and visualisation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance data is a crucial challenge, especially in high-burden, low-middle-income countries. We describe the design, development, integration, and implementation of the Quick Analysis of Antimicrobial Patterns and Trends (QAAPT) tool for AMR data analysis and visualisation. The QAAPT tool was created by the Capturing Data on Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns and Trends in Use in Regions of Asia project, led by the International Vaccine Institute (IVI). This open-source web-based tool/application generates statistical and visual outputs of AMR data, offers data curation options, and can be integrated with laboratory information management systems. The QAAPT tool is user-friendly and is operable by someone with limited expertise in software or programming. As a part of the project, the tool was used to analyse data from 72 laboratories across 7 Asian countries. In this study, we present the technical aspects of tool development and highlight implementation outcomes for analysing and generating visual reports from more than 2.37 million highly heterogeneous antimicrobial susceptibility test data points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic reaffirmed the importance of high-quality laboratory services in the face of elevated demand for timely COVID-19 laboratory diagnosis. We explored the scale-up experience of the laboratory system in Armenia as well as the successes and challenges it brought to the overall laboratory system with the aim to identify lessons that can serve as opportunities for improvement. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study to explore the experiences concerning the process of scale-up of the COVID-19 testing network through in-depth interviews with policymakers/experts (n = 6), heads (n = 6) and physicians (n = 3) of private and public laboratories conducting COVID-19 testing. Eight domains of the WHO Laboratory Assessment Tool System (S-LAT) questionnaire guided the study and directed the content analysis. Results: According to the findings, within the COVID-19 testing network, numerous advancements were documented across all essential elements of the S-LAT as a result of the COVID-19 response. The most vivid improvements were related to the newly established network of public and private laboratories for COVID-19 testing and related coordination mechanisms, new laboratory information management practices, improved compliance with biosafety measures, novel quality assurance mechanisms as well as improved technical and human resources. However, suboptimal coordination of the COVID-19 testing network and the whole laboratory system, the gap between existing and proper biosafety management and quality control practices, and insufficient training of laboratory professionals were mentioned as potential challenges for the laboratory system in the future. Conclusion: The assessment revealed challenges and achievements of the laboratory system during the COVID-19 response. Enhancement of coordination and cooperation mechanisms within and beyond the COVID-19 testing network, continuous improvement of human resources as well as quality and biosafety control practices throughout the whole system are crucial for sustaining the achievements and for strengthening future preparedness of the laboratory system to infectious disease outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bedaquiline, an antimicrobial used to treat drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), was introduced in Brazil in October 2021. Monitoring the emergence and transmission of DR-TB is crucial for implementing public health to control the spread of DR strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. To measure its impact on the multi-drug treatment scheme in the state of Pará, we aimed to conduct genomic surveillance of DR-TB after bedaquiline was introduced in Brazil. Individuals treated for DR-TB between October 2021 and December 2022, in the reference hospital to treat DR-TB cases from the state of Pará, were included in the study. Clinical and bacteriological information was obtained from the National Laboratory Management Environment and the Special TB Treatment Information System. Genomic DNA was extracted from bacterial cultures performed at the Pará Central Laboratory (LACEN-PA). Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was obtained using Illumina Nextera-XT and NextSeq 550 and genomes were analyzed using the MAGMA and TB-Profiler pipelines interpreted according to the World Health Organization (WHO) mutations catalog 2nd edition. Geoprocessing was performed based on the patient's residences. Cutoffs of 5–12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used for transmission analysis. From the 103 patients reported as DR-TB, viable cultures were obtained from 67. Forty isolates were selected randomly for WGS. Among these, a mixed infection of M. tuberculosis L1 and L4 and a co-infection of M. tuberculosis and Mycobacterium chelonae were observed. The genotypic drug susceptibility profile of TB stains (39/40) was as follows: sensitive (1/2, 5%), rifampicin mono-resistant (RR) (4/10%), isoniazid mono-resistant (1/2%), multidrug-resistant (MDR) (21/52%), extensively drug-resistant (XDR) (3/7%), pre-XDR (8/20%), and other (1/2%). Among the 38 isolates of M. tuberculosis strains without mixed infection, using a cutoff of 12 SNPs and suggestive of recent TB transmission, 14 (37%) were grouped into five clusters (C1–C5) and included RR (C5), MDR (C3, C4, C5), pre-XDR, and XDR (C2) strains. We recommend greater attention from the regional public health authorities to detect and track resistance to new drugs, especially in areas with pre-XDR and XDR cases. This is the first report on the detection and transmission of XDR-TB in Pará, Brazil, after the recent re-definition of XDR-TB by the WHO in 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health issue, particularly in resource-limited, low- to middle-income countries like Bangladesh. In this study, we analyze and present four years of data on AMR from a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh to inform policymakers and the wider community. Methods: In a retrospective cross-sectional study, we collected data for 4403 bacterial isolates reported between January 2017 and February 2020 at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Bangladesh. All data were entered, cleaned, and analyzed using the software Stata Version-16.0, WHONET, a microbiology laboratory data management solution, and Quick Analysis of Antimicrobial Patterns and Trends (QAAPT), an AMR data visualization platform. Results: The bacteria were most commonly isolated from urine (71.66%, n = 3155), followed by pus (11.63%, n = 512), sputum (6.70%, n = 295), wound swabs (6.70%, n = 295), stool (1.91%, n = 84), endotracheal aspirate (1.20%, n = 53), and blood (0.20%, n = 9). Gram-negative bacteria predominated in all samples. Escherichia coli was the most common Gram-negative bacterium (31.30%, n = 1378), while Staphylococcus aureus was the most common Gram-positive bacterium (4.38%, n = 193). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) showed that multidrug resistance in Gram-negative bacteria such as E. coli, Klebsiella sp., and Acinetobacter sp. was common. S. aureus exhibited high resistance rates for beta-lactams, macrolides, and quinolones. In the urine samples, E. coli demonstrated high resistance to antibiotics like amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, and cefuroxime (60–100%). Critical and high-priority pathogens as listed by the WHO constituted approximately 60% of the isolates. The AMR trends over three months showed increased resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid for E. coli and to cefuroxime for Klebsiella sp. For S. aureus, the resistance to ciprofloxacin increased over three years, while the resistance to azithromycin decreased. Conclusions: There is a rise in bacterial resistance to the available antibiotics, with a significant prevalence of critical and high-priority pathogens in Bangladesh. We recommend vigilant AMR surveillance and stewardship programs to control the AMR in this country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oropouche virus is an arthropod-borne virus that has caused outbreaks of Oropouche fever in central and South America since the 1950s. This study investigates virological factors contributing to the re-emergence of Oropouche fever in Brazil between 2023 and 2024. In this observational epidemiological study, we combined multiple data sources for Oropouche virus infections in Brazil and conducted in-vitro and in-vivo characterisation. We collected serum samples obtained in Manaus City, Amazonas state, Brazil, from patients with acute febrile illnesses aged 18 years or older who tested negative for malaria and samples from people with previous Oropouche virus infection from Coari municipality, Amazonas state, Brazil. Basic clinical and demographic data were collected from the Brazilian Laboratory Environment Management System. We calculated the incidence of Oropouche fever cases with data from the Brazilian Ministry of Health and the 2022 Brazilian population census and conducted age–sex analyses. We used reverse transcription quantitative PCR to test for Oropouche virus RNA in samples and subsequently performed sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of viral isolates. We compared the phenotype of the 2023–24 epidemic isolate (AM0088) with the historical prototype strain BeAn19991 through assessment of titre, plaque number, and plaque size. We used a plaque reduction neutralisation test (PRNT 50) to assess the susceptibility of the novel isolate and BeAn19991 isolate to antibody neutralisation, both in serum samples from people previously infected with Oropouche virus and in blood collected from mice that were inoculated with either of the strains. 8639 (81·8%) of 10 557 laboratory-confirmed Oropouche fever cases from Jan 4, 2015, to Aug 10, 2024, occurred in 2024, which is 58·8 times the annual median of 147 cases (IQR 73–325). Oropouche virus infections were reported in all 27 federal units, with 8182 (77·5%) of 10 557 infections occurring in North Brazil. We detected Oropouche virus RNA in ten (11%) of 93 patients with acute febrile illness between Jan 1 and Feb 4, 2024, in Amazonas state. AM0088 had a significantly higher replication at 12 h and 24 h after infection in mammalian cells than the prototype strain. AM0088 had a more virulent phenotype than the prototype in mammalian cells, characterised by earlier plaque formation, between 27% and 65% increase in plaque number, and plaques between 2·4-times and 2·6-times larger. Furthermore, serum collected on May 2 and May 20, 2016, from individuals previously infected with Oropouche virus showed at least a 32-fold reduction in neutralising capacity (ie, median PRNT 50 titre of 640 [IQR 320–640] for BeAn19991 vs <20 [ie, below the limit of detection] for AM0088) against the reassortant strain compared with the prototype. These findings provide a comprehensive assessment of Oropouche fever in Brazil and contribute to an improved understanding of the 2023–24 Oropouche virus re-emergence. Our exploratory in-vitro data suggest that the increased incidence might be related to a higher replication efficiency of a new Oropouche virus reassortant for which previous immunity shows lower neutralising capacity. São Paulo Research Foundation, Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Wellcome Trust, US National Institutes of Health, and Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development. For the Portuguese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When designing a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) for a university or inter-university cloud, developers must overcome many complex technical challenges. One of these tasks is estimating the required number of virtualization cluster nodes. Such nodes host virtual machines for users. These virtual machines can be used by students and teachers to complete academic assignments or research work. Another task that arises in the VDI design process is the problem of algorithmizing the placement of virtual machines in a computer network. In this case, optimal placement of virtual machines will reduce the number of computer nodes without affecting functionality. And this, ultimately, helps to reduce the cost of such a solution, which is important for educational institutions. The article proposes a model for estimating the required number of virtualization cluster nodes. The proposed model is based on a combined approach, which involves jointly solving the problem of optimal packaging and finding the configuration of server platforms of a private university cloud using a genetic algorithm. The model introduced in this research is universal. It can be used in the design of university cloud systems for different purposes-for example, educational systems or inter-university scientific laboratory management systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the risk preference and its effect on the laboratory safety attitude of first-year graduate students. The results show significant differences in risk emotional preference and behavioral intention preference in school and in terms of whether the students had laboratory experience during their undergraduate period. In addition, risk preference has a negative correlation with the laboratory safety attitude. The correlation between risk emotional preference and safety emotional attitude is the strongest. Therefore, we suggest that education on "risk" in university laboratories needs further strengthening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the pivotal role of graduate students in laboratory safety, this work investigates the tolerance of habitual risk-taking behaviors among first-year graduate students. The results showed that the risk tolerance of graduate students in laboratory living habits is higher than that in personal protective equipment, safety operation regulations, and occupational exposure. In addition, there is a significant positive correlation between personal safety-related risk tolerance and laboratory-related risk tolerance. This work pays attention to some habitual behaviors of graduate students in academic laboratories that can lead to near-misses, incidents, and accidents. It reminds us to strengthen risk education concerning occupational exposure during regular and daily safety education and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effective diagnostic capacity is crucial for clinical decision-making, with up to 70% of decisions in high-resource settings based on laboratory test results. However, in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) access to diagnostic services is often limited due to the absence of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). LIMS streamline laboratory operations by automating sample handling, analysis, and reporting, leading to improved quality and faster results. Despite these benefits, sustainably implementing LIMS in LMIC is challenging due to high costs, inadequate infrastructure, and limited technical expertise. Methods: This study evaluated the implementation of a customised microbiology LIMS at the National Health Laboratory (NHL) in Timor-Leste. The LIMS was deployed in November 2020, with an accompanying online results portal introduced in early 2021. The implementation was assessed via a checklist based on key challenges and requirements for LIMS in LMIC, alongside a post-implementation survey of scientists and clinicians. Results: The assessment revealed significant improvements in laboratory processes, including enhanced sample throughput, data management, and result reporting. The LIMS reduced transcription errors and standardised reporting of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), improving data quality and accessibility. However, challenges such as unreliable internet connectivity and the need for ongoing funding and technical support persist. The user satisfaction survey, with responses from 19 laboratory scientists and 15 clinicians, revealed positive feedback on workflow improvements and result accessibility, although concerns about internet speed, sustainability, and the need for further training were noted. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of careful planning, customisation, and stakeholder engagement in LIMS implementation in LMIC. The success in Timor-Leste demonstrates the potential for improved laboratory quality and patient outcomes, but also underscores the need for ongoing investment in infrastructure, technical expertise, and sustainability planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Centralizing genetic sequencing in specialized facilities is pivotal for reducing the costs associated with diagnostic testing. These centers must be able to verify data quality and ensure sample integrity. This study aims at developing a protocol for tracking NGS-analyzed samples to prevent errors and mix-ups, ensuring proper quality control, accuracy, and reliability in genetic testing procedures. To this purpose, a protocol based on the genotyping of a panel of 60 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by OpenArrayTM technology was employed. Methods: The protocol was initially tested on a cohort of 758 samples and subsequently validated on a cohort of 100 samples. Furthermore, its ability to accurately detect identical and different samples was evaluated through a simulation test conducted on an additional 100 samples. Results: In total, 55 probes achieved a call rate ≥90% and were subjected to the sample matching process performed by an R tool specifically developed. The SNP panel achieved a random match probability of 3.29 × 10−15, proving its suitability for efficiently tracking samples and rapidly identifying any errors or mix-up during the analytical processing. Conclusions: The features of OpenArrayTM technology, cost-effectiveness, rapid analysis, and high discriminative power make it a suitable tool for sample tracking. In conclusion, this method represents a valuable example for promoting laboratory centralization and minimizing the risks related to different laboratory procedures and the management of a high number of samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reference intervals (RIs) are crucial for distinguishing healthy from sick individuals and vary across age groups. Hemoglobinopathies are common in Pakistan, making the quantification of hemoglobin variants essential for screening. Direct RIs are established by measuring values from a healthy reference population, whereas indirect RIs, use statistical analysis of routine lab data to estimate values, making it feasible in settings where direct data is unavailable. Since Pakistan lacks locally established Hemoglobin A2 RIs for infants, this study aims to fill that gap using an indirect data mining method to improve diagnostic accuracy for hemoglobinopathies. Methods: It was a retrospective observational study. Hemoglobin A2 measurements from all patients aged birth to 1 year between January 2015 and December 2022 were retrieved from the laboratory management system at Aga Khan University Hospital. The study population represented the entire geographical distribution of the country. Hemoglobin A2 was measured using the Bio-Rad Variant™ II analyzer. RIs were computed using an indirect KOSMIC algorithm, which assumes non-pathologic samples follow a Gaussian distribution after Box-Cox transformation. Results: A total of 88,690 specimens were analyzed for HbA2. After excluding patients with multiple specimens, RIs were calculated for 22,713 infants, stratified into five age sub-groups. The 2.5th and 97.5th percentile results showed good agreement with RIs from Mayo Clinic Laboratories. Conclusions: This study supports data mining as an alternative method for establishing HbA2 RIs, especially in resource-limited settings. The results are specific to the studied population, instrument, and reagent, and they elucidate the fluctuations in HbA2 synthesis with age. These intervals will enhance clinical decision-making based on HbA2 results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For surveillance video management in university laboratories, issues such as occlusion and low-resolution face capture often arise. Traditional face recognition algorithms are typically static and rely heavily on clear images, resulting in inaccurate recognition for low-resolution, small-sized faces. To address the challenges of occlusion and low-resolution person identification, this paper proposes a new face recognition framework by reconstructing Retinaface-Resnet and combining it with Quality-Adaptive Margin (adaface). Currently, although there are many target detection algorithms, they all require a large amount of data for training. However, datasets for low-resolution face detection are scarce, leading to poor detection performance of the models. This paper aims to solve Retinaface's weak face recognition capability in low-resolution scenarios and its potential inaccuracies in face bounding box localization when faces are at extreme angles or partially occluded. To this end, Spatial Depth-wise Separable Convolutions are introduced. Retinaface-Resnet is designed for face detection and localization, while adaface is employed to address low-resolution face recognition by using feature norm approximation to estimate image quality and applying an adaptive margin function. Additionally, a multi-object tracking algorithm is used to solve the problem of moving occlusion. Experimental results demonstrate significant improvements, achieving an accuracy of 96.12% on the WiderFace dataset and a recognition accuracy of 84.36% in practical laboratory applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Babylon Center for Humanities Studies is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of medical biochemistry professionals in Türkiye regarding green and sustainable medical laboratory (GSML) practices. It also seeks to identify the most common and challenging barriers to adopting GSML practices.

ABSTRACT Introduction Methods Results Conclusion There continues to be much discussion around optimisation of thyroid hormone status in hypothyroid individuals. We here looked the way that free T4(FT4) and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) related to each other in a large laboratory sample of people who underwent a thyroid function test (TFT), split between those on levothyroxine replacement (monitoring test) and those who underwent a test to check for thyroid hormone imbalance (diagnostic test; not on levothyroxine).TFT test (FT4/TSH) results were extracted from the Salford Royal Hospital Laboratory Information Management System during 2009–2012. This was a single site study. Requests includes a tick box for ‘on levothyroxine’ (yes or no). To minimise comorbidity effects, only samples taken in General Practices were used. For untreated patients only those who had single tests results were used; for treated patients, the median value across all their results was used. Cluster analysis considered an ellipse with centre on median values for log (TSH) and FT4 and the vertex based on 5% and 95% percentile values of both. The percentage of patients falling outside the ellipse boundary was considered for both treated and untreated populations.The total data set included 290,000 tests on 130,000 individuals. After filtering, FT4/TSH results were used from 12,006 (F 9231/M 2775; age < 60 5850/age ≥ 60 6567) treated patients with 43,846 test results. These were compared to the single results for 43,394 untreated patients (F 24,386/M19,008; age < 60 32,537/age ≥ 60 10,857). Cluster analysis showed for untreated patients, median values for TSH and FT4 were 1.8 mU/L and 15.5 pmol/L, respectively, with 24% of patient results falling outside the untreated 5%/95% percentiles. For treated patients, the median TSH was 2.3 mU/L (+30% vs. untreated) and FT4 was 18.9 pmol/L (+22% vs. untreated), with 22% of treated patients falling outside the treated 5%/95% percentiles. When considered against the untreated limits, 68% of treated results fell outside (split male 63%, female 70% and age < 60 67%, Age ≥ 60 64%).The current treatment regimens of either low or high dose levothyroxine are not delivering the expected laboratory TFT profiles, with significant numbers of treated patients being well outside the expected values: both TSH and FT4 being significantly higher. This effect appears to be more prevalent in women than men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this mini-review, we delve into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in the field of microbiology. The paper provides a brief overview of various domains where AI is reshaping practices, including clinical diagnostics, drug and vaccine discovery, and public health management. Our discussion spotlights the implementation of convolutional neural networks for enhanced pathogen identification, the advancements in point-of-care diagnostics, and the emergence of new antimicrobials to tackle resistant strains. The application of AI in epidemiology, microbial ecology and forensic microbiology is also outlined, underscoring its proficiency in deciphering complex microbial interactions and forecasting disease outbreaks. We critically examine the challenges in AI application, such as ensuring data quality and overcoming algorithmic constraints, and stress the necessity for interpretable AI models that align with medical and ethical standards. We address the intricacies of digitalization in microbiology diagnostics, emphasizing the need for efficient data management in laboratory and clinical environments. Looking forward, we identify key directions for AI in microbiology, particularly focusing on developing adaptable, self-updating AI models and their integration into clinical settings. We conclude by highlighting AI's potential to revolutionize microbiological diagnostics and infection control, significantly influencing patient care and public health. This review serves as an invitation to explore AI's integration into microbiology, showcasing its role in evolving current methodologies and propelling future innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the erosion process of an earth dam and flood embankment composed of noncohesive, homogeneous soils due to overflow is crucial for determining the quantity and rate of water release. This is necessary to assess the consequences of a failure, analyze the risk, and develop appropriate crisis management procedures. Despite numerous studies in this area, the process of breach evolution is not fully explored. The article presents the results of physical experiments carried out in the field laboratory of the Wrocław University of Science and Technology for a dam with a height of 0.50 m that closes a reservoir with a capacity of 14.4 m3, whose width is significantly greater than the final width of the breach. The scenario analyzed assumes that water overflows the embankment crest, as it is the most common cause of embankment failure based on dam disaster databases. At the same time, the amount of water accumulated in the reservoir is the largest possible for this scenario, suggesting that such a catastrophe may have the most severe consequences. Based on the results obtained from three experiments, four repeatable phases of erosion evolution were identified and described: (I) the initiation phase, (II) the vertical erosion phase, (III) the lateral erosion phase, divided into two cycles, and (IV) the reservoir emptying phase without further propagation of the breach. The outflow rate of the water from the reservoir was also analyzed, allowing the determination of the outflow hydrograph for each test. Hydrographs showed differences between individual experiments; however, the average erosion rate was similar for all tests. Furthermore, the final width of the breach created each time was between 2.2 and 2.5 H (where H is the height of the embankment) and the volume of eroded soil ranged from 0.52 to 0.59 m3. The article also highlights the methodology to calculate the water outflow hydrograph. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a modular laboratory information management system (LIMS) developed at the Peruvian Institute of Nuclear Energy for neutron activation analysis using the k0 method. The LIMS is based on Visual Studio, WinForms, the.NET Framework, and C#. It digitizes processes and ensures metrological traceability while facilitating sample management, spectral processing, and neutron flux characterization. Data is stored securely in the cloud to allow instant and secure access by multiple users. Its innovation lies in the personalized and modular design, which optimizes laboratory efficiency without requiring significant adjustments to existing procedures. In addition, it was designed for it to be adaptable for use by other research organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quality control (QC) is an important part of clinical laboratory management which evaluates and maintains the performance of the clinical laboratory. Six Sigma is a continuous quality improvement process which is widely applied in the health care industry mainly in clinical laboratories. Aims and Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the performance of biochemical analytes in a clinical laboratory using Six Sigma metrics and to implement quality improvement interventions. Sigma value was analyzed using bias, coefficient of variation (CV), and total allowable error (TEa) for each analyte. The quality goal index ratio was calculated to identify specific types of errors to introduce targeted quality interventions. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was carried out at the Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Internal QC (IQC) and external QC data were collected during the study period and analyzed. The CV, Bias, and TEa were used to calculate the sigma (s) values for 20 biochemical analytes. Results: On retrospective data analysis, triglycerides-Level 1 (L1) and Level 2 (L2), and direct bilirubin-L2 showed a world-class performance (above 6s) while 14 parameters were placed below average (<3s) on sigma metrics. Prospective data analysis was performed following quality improvement intervention. Amylase, direct bilirubin, triglycerides and alanine transferase performed at world-class sigma metric for both the control levels (L1 and L2) whereas, Albumin and aspartate transferase showed above six sigma values for L2 control only. Five analytes out of 20 performed below average (<3s) on sigma metrics, for which further continuous intervention will be carried out. Conclusion: Six Sigma metrics is a continuous improvement and monitoring program that should be implemented to achieve world-class quality performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Necatibey Faculty of Education Electronic Journal of Science & Mathematics Education is the property of Balikesir University, Necatibey Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Botulism is a neuroparalytic disease caused by the neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum (a gram-positive, anaerobic, endospore-forming bacillus). Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is one of the most potent substances known, and seven toxin serotypes (serotypes A–G) have been identified. Type A serotype botulism is the most common cause of human botulism, and can occur in epidemic proportions. Botulism occurs after ingestion of food contaminated with BoNT, colonization of a wound by neurotoxin-producing Clostridium species, and exposure to botulinum neurotoxins by inhalation or injection. In all forms of botulism, progressive muscle weakness is usually seen, beginning in the cranial nerves and progressing in a proximal to distal manner to the extremities. This descending paralysis can lead to respiratory failure and death with involvement of the respiratory muscles. Treatment includes supportive care, intubation, and early administration of botulinum antitoxin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study assessed three physical properties of effluents from selected food processing centres and their effects on receiving water bodies in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state. Three replicates of both effluent and water samples from effluent-receiving water bodies were collected in 2023 and 2024 from Native Delicacy, Crunches, Chicken Republic and Kilimanjaro. The samples collected were taken to the Soil and Environmental Management Laboratory of Ebonyi State University for analyses of temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS) and total suspended solids (TSS). Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and mean separated using F-SLD (p<0.05). The results revealed that the effluent temperatures for all the study centres in the dry season ranged from 28.0 - 29.5oC and were higher than that of wet season values. The receiving water bodies' temperatures were lower than the effluent temperatures but higher than WHO standards in all the study centres. The TDS and TSS of effluent studied showed a significant difference in all the food processing centres and were higher in the dry season compared to the wet season in the receiving water bodies. The TDS value ranged from 46.80 - 55.60 mg/L in the dry season and 31.00 - 50.20 mg/L in the wet season though the values were higher than that of control and were within WHO standards. The study showed that the receiving water bodies were poor in quality and there is a need to treat them before use. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on industrial pollution in Abakaliki. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Experimental Technology & Management is the property of Experimental Technology & Management Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aims to develop an Information and Educational Laboratory Management System application based on SIONLAP. SIONLAP is designed and developed following educational institution elements' duties, needs, and functions. The system is developed to convert manual procedures, forms, and workflows into digital formats. Workflow processes can be optimized and automated through the implementation of SIONLAP. Documents and records generated by SIONLAP will be in digital data form, which can facilitate data processing and strategic analysis for planning, organizing, implementing, documenting, monitoring, reporting, evaluating, and developing educational laboratories, thereby improving management and continuous services in support of the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. The research method refers to the waterfall method, with testing using the black box method. The results of the SIONLAP 2.0 application research show that it 1) provides more user-friendly user access management capabilities to facilitate users in higher education institutions with multi-role functions; 2) simplifies the data management and information workflow of equipment inventory; and 3) offers a laboratory asset rental feature as a means for higher education institutions to generate revenue from their laboratory assets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of likely pathogenic or pathogenic variants and assess the diagnostic yield from genetic testing for cardiac arrhythmias in Norway since 2003. Data from 1991 probands and 2782 relatives were retrospectively collected from the laboratory information management system at Unit for Cardiac and Cardiovascular Genetics, Oslo University hospital. Of 1991 probands, 57.4% were females, age at genetic testing was 33.1 (±22.7) years, and 32.5% were under the age of 18. A likely pathogenic or pathogenic variant (including 14 novel) was detected in 15.4% in total. Of the 2782 relatives, 53.7% were females, age at genetic testing was 35.6 (±22.5) years, 27.3% were under the age of 18, and 45.3% carried the family variant. Probands and relatives combined, 1/3356 persons in the Norwegian population were heterozygous for an arrhythmia‐causing variant. The founder variant p.Q530X (NM_000218.2: c.1588C>T) in KCNQ1 accounted for 34% of all variants in Norway. In conclusion, genetic testing provided a genetic basis of the arrhythmia in 15.4% of the probands. Familial cascade screening identified four times as many variant‐positive relatives, allowing early detection and prompt stratification of arrhythmic risk of those variant carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HbA1c plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and is a valuable biomarker for evaluating glycemic control and predicting the risk of vascular complications. The study aimed to determine the biological variation (BV) for HbA1c and thereby contribute to analytical performance specifications, reference change values, and index of individuality. Fasting venous whole blood samples were collected from 38 presumably healthy subjects (20 females, 18 males) once a week for ten weeks, and analyzed in duplicate using the Roche Cobas c501 analyzer. BioVar, an online R-based biological variation analysis tool, was used for the statistical analysis. BV values were obtained by analysis of variance (ANOVA) after outlier detection, normality tests, steady-state, and homogeneity checks. The within-subject biological variation for HbA1c was 2.9%, and the between-subject biological variation was 7.9%. The index of the individuality of HbA1c was 0.37. Derived desirable analytical goals for imprecision, bias, total allowable error, and maximum expanded allowable measurement uncertainty were 1.4%, 1.8%, 4.2%, and 2.9% respectively. The reference change value is more appropriate for interpreting HbA1c results than a population-based reference interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article from Microscopy Today provides industry and product news updates from various companies in the field of microscopy. TESCAN expands its presence in the Japanese electron microscopy market, ibidi GmbH celebrates its 25th anniversary, and Radiant Vision Systems achieves ISO accreditation. Other companies like Nanosurf, Hummingbird Scientific, and Biolyst Scientific also announce partnerships, expansions, and achievements in the microscopy industry. Additionally, the article highlights new product releases and advancements in microscopy technology from companies like Oxford Instruments, TESCAN, and abberior. [Extracted from the article]

In this work, we describe the implementation of an infrastructure of conversational chatbots by using natural language processing and training within the Rasa framework. We use this infrastructure to create a chatbot assistant for the users of a bioinformatics suite. This suite provides a customized interface solution for omic pipelines and workflows, and it is named GPRO. The infrastructure has also been used to build another chatbot for a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). The two chatbots (namely, Genie and Abu) have been built on an open framework that uses natural language understanding (NLU) and machine learning techniques to understand user queries and respond to them. Users can seamlessly interact with the chatbot to receive support on navigating the GPRO pipelines and workflows. The chatbot provides a bridge between users and the wealth of bioinformatics knowledge available online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientists who manage research laboratories often face ethical dilemmas related to conflicts between their different roles, such as researcher, mentor, entrepreneur, and manager. It is not known how often uncertainty about conflicting role obligations leads scientists to engage in unethical conduct, but this probably occurs more often than many people would like to think. In this paper, we reflect on ethical decision-making in scientific laboratory management with special attention to how different roles create conflicting obligations and expectations that may produce moral uncertainty and lead to violations of research norms, especially when combined with self-interest and other factors that increase the risk of misbehavior. We also offer some suggestions and guidance for investigators and research institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Veterinary Journal / Revue Vétérinaire Canadienne is the property of Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The abstracts from the "Journal of Pathology" at the University of Sheffield cover a wide range of topics in pathology research, including the use of deep-learning algorithms for cancer prognosis, cellular changes in Crohn's disease, and the relationship between lymph nodes and immune response in esophageal cancer. Other topics include biomarker testing in cancer, the role of specific genes in prognosis, and the use of artificial intelligence for biomarkers. The text also discusses advancements in pathology reporting, the challenges and opportunities in computational pathology, and the impact of various diagnostic techniques on cancer treatment and transplantation outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

[Objective] The complicated situations in China and abroad bring new challenges to higher education in the country; therefore, cultivating top-notch innovative talents has become an important mission for colleges and universities to serve the national strategy. The experimental teaching center plays an important role in cultivating the practical, analytical, and innovation abilities of leading talents and is the main site of experimental teaching reform. Consequently, the experimental teaching center should take the lead in establishing standards to cultivate talents, solve current issues, create a highland of experimental teaching through reform, and support the independent cultivation of leading talents. [Methods] This study takes the initiative to adapt to the new trends and requirements of experimental teaching and faces the existing problems in experimental teaching, such as obsolete experimental content, insufficient scientific research transformation, outdated instruments and equipment, low use efficiency, and backward management mechanisms. It identifies and analyzes the specific issues and difficulties in the process of promoting experimental teaching center reform by the laboratory or asset management department. First, the reform of the experimental teaching center lacks motivation. Second, the reform of the experimental teaching center is a complicated and arduous task. Therefore, by giving full play to the role of the laboratory or asset management department in the experimental teaching center reform, this study clarifies the general idea of experimental teaching center reform. Guided by the "trinity" of education, science and technology, and talents, this study adheres to the goal and problem orientation, focuses on the cultivation of top-notch innovative talents and high-quality green development of disciplines and specialties, examines the experimental ability of talents, and conducts a mapping analysis of disciplines and majors. These measures result in the promotion of the reform of experimental teaching content, an increase in the proportion of basic, comprehensive, and innovative experiments, a change in the defensive experimental teaching environment to an offensive one, an organized allocation of resources, and the establishment of a corresponding system and mechanism. This study considers resource allocation as the starting point in promoting the reform of the experimental teaching center and clarifies the resource demand and benefits of the reform by focusing on input and output. Subsequently, the study employs the perspective of performance appraisal to establish a closed-loop test of the effects of resource support reform. [Results] In the new era, the role of the laboratory or asset management department in the process of the reform of the experimental teaching center has been fully brought into play. Organized resource allocation helps improve the quality of the experimental teaching center, upgrade the quality of the support and training of talents, and cultivate innovative talents for the development of new quality productivity. [Conclusions] This study explores a series of reform suggestions and measures concerning experimental teaching centers in the reform of teaching laboratories, such as the National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Beijing Institute of Technology. With the reform of the experimental teaching center, laboratory management has ushered in new opportunities and challenges, which will lead laboratory management to a higher level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] Laboratory grounding indicates strong professionalism and is mainly implemented in laboratory infrastructure construction and renovation processes, which are quite easy to neglect. The core objectives of the research were to delve into the significance and complexities of proper grounding in university laboratory settings, which included examining the roles of grounding in enhancing safety, protecting equipment, and maintaining the accuracy of the experimental results. This study raised awareness of the often overlooked but critical aspects of grounding in laboratories. [Methods] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, this paper first discussed the various types of grounding required in a laboratory setting and then reviewed the essential functions, such as protection against electric shocks, prevention of electromagnetic interference, stabilization of equipment operation, and dissipation of static electricity. The protective function of grounding, i.e., to prevent electric shocks and damage to equipment by diverting currents to the earth, was highlighted. The importance of grounding in shielding sensitive electronic devices from electromagnetic interference and its vital improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio of precision instruments, which could compromise the quality and reliability of data obtained from experiments, was also underscored. Risk analysis was conducted to illustrate the potential consequences of improper grounding, including power instability, increased likelihood of electrocution, fire and explosion hazards, damage to instruments, and data distortion. This study proposed the implementation of a comprehensive grounding design strategy for the Analysis & Testing Center at North China Electric Power University, which might mitigate these risks. This comprehensive grounding design strategy involved the use of local equipotential bonding boxes, complex grounding networks, and specific engineering techniques to reduce ground resistance to meet the stringent requirements of high-precision instruments. [Results] Implementing grounding strategies at the Analysis & Testing Center resulted in a significant reduction in ground resistance by employing advanced grounding techniques. In this study, a deep hole was drilled by adding conductive materials. A ground resistance of <0.5 Ω was achieved. This result not only satisfied the strict criteria set for sensitive equipment but also contributed to a safer working environment and more accurate data collection. Laboratory checklists converted the professional issues into actionable confirm items, such as "Yes or No". The use of the laboratory checklists in the ongoing management of the grounding system ensured its continued effectiveness, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring. [Conclusion] In conclusion, this study emphasized the indispensable role of effective grounding in university laboratories. Proper grounding not only safeguards personnel and equipment from electrical hazards but also enhances the reliability of scientific research by minimizing data inaccuracies caused by electromagnetic interference. The research advocated for a more refined and systematic approach to grounding management that incorporates professional knowledge and regular inspection routines and proposed that universities should prioritize grounding education and training for laboratory staff to foster a culture of safety and precision. The success of the grounding system at the Analysis & Testing Center serves as a practical example for other institutions seeking to improve their laboratory grounding practices and refine laboratory safety management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Significance] With the further improvement in the level of scientific research in universities, the annual increase in the use of chemical reagents in various disciplines not only brings more challenges to laboratory safety but also runs counter to the current "dual carbon" goal of pursuing high-quality development with low-carbon environmental protection. In recent years, laboratory accidents involving hazardous chemicals have occurred occasionally. These accidents not only seriously affect the normal teaching and research orders at universities but also cause considerable harm to the personal safety of teachers and students and the property of the country. At the same time, we observe that the extensive use of chemical reagents in university laboratories has exerted great pressure on safety management. Furthermore, the use of numerous chemicals has an increasingly serious impact on the environment. Through various measures and approaches, controlling and reducing the use of chemical reagents significantly improves the essential safety of chemical laboratories. [Progress] Chemical research under the "dual carbon" goal is a new discipline born in the context of sustainable development. Starting from the concept of essential safety management in chemical laboratories, the use of chemical reagents can be controlled and reduced through the following approaches: (1) controlling the amount of chemical reagents used at the source, (2) recycling chemical reagents to achieve "zero waste and zero pollution," (3) completely utilizing new technological processes such as new chemical synthesis, analysis, and characterization methods and the application of artificial intelligence technology, and (4) continuously improving environmental governance capabilities. [Conclusions and Prospects] Suzhou University's practices regarding the essential safety of chemical laboratories mainly focus on the following aspects: (1) strengthening the source management of hazardous chemicals through virtual simulation experiments, chemical theoretical calculations, and other means to achieve the elimination and reduction of chemical reagents. (2) Strengthening the entire supervision process of hazardous chemicals and combining laboratory procurement and inventory management to avoid potential risks caused by the excessive accumulation of chemical reagents in laboratories. (3) Improving the ability to manage hazardous waste. Since 2020, Suzhou University has been comprehensively implementing the third-party "environmental stewardship" service for laboratory hazardous waste. Through door-to-door collection, classification guidance, and hidden danger investigation in each laboratory, this service ensures the standardization of hazardous waste classification and packaging, reducing potential safety risks that may arise from the mixing of hazardous waste by teachers and students. (4) Exploring intelligent laboratory safety management based on digital technology. Suzhou University has made certain explorations and pilot constructions to apply new digital technologies to perform intelligent laboratory management. Using big data and artificial intelligence technology, Suzhou University analyzes historical and experimental process data of chemical laboratories, identifies potential safety hazards, and provides corresponding safety management suggestions and early warning measures. To achieve essential safety in chemical laboratories, it is necessary to establish a new chemical research project approval and scientific research achievement evaluation system, actively guide universities in the direction of chemical and material science research to adopt new methods and technologies, and gradually shift to simpler experimental schemes with shorter cycles, better energy efficiency, and lesser risk. Moreover, this emphasizes the need to reform and innovate existing experimental methods, change conventional experiments to microchemical experiments and use tandem reactions, solvent-free synthesis, and other means to optimize experimental methods, gradually developing a new chemical research system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] Dynamic light scattering is one of the effective methods to determine the average hydrodynamic diameter and particle size distribution of nanoparticles in suspension. It is widely used in various fields, such as materials, chemical engineering, biology, and medicine. Due to the influence of different instruments and personnel, the measurement results between different laboratories may have certain differences. Therefore, it is necessary to organize interlaboratory comparisons to examine the comparability of data between laboratories. This helps each participating laboratory identify deficiencies, analyze differences, and effectively prevent them, continuously improving laboratory detection capabilities. [Methods] Taking the 2023 interlaboratory comparison project "Determination of Nanoparticle Particle Size by Dynamic Light Scattering Method" as an example, the project selected polystyrene nanoparticles as the comparison sample and conducted multiple investigations on the uniformity and stability of the samples. One-way analysis of variance was used to test the particle size of the test results to verify the uniformity of the samples. Then, the t-test method was used to analyze the particle size of the test results to test the stability of the samples. At the same time, considering temperature changes during transportation and daily testing, the short-term stability of the samples was examined under room temperature and high-temperature storage environments. A detailed standard operation procedure has been prepared, including sample information, testing methods, testing criteria, results, and evaluation instructions. In addition, the dispersant has been uniformly prepared to provide a basic guarantee for the comparability of experimental results. The data were analyzed using robust statistical techniques, and the results were evaluated by Z-ratio scores. [Results] The results of the sample uniformity test show that there was no significant difference between the samples, indicating that these samples were uniform. The stability test results of the samples indicate that there was no significant difference between the two average values of the samples, indicating that these samples were stable. The comparison results showed that a total of 27 laboratories and 28 instruments participated in this comparison, with a preliminary pass rate of 92.9%. This verified the comparability of nanoparticle size analysis data between different laboratories, comprehensively analyzed the factors affecting the consistency of results, and identified existing problems from the aspects of original records and testing reports, instrument equipment influence, quality control of the testing process, and uncertainty evaluation. Relevant technical suggestions were provided. Interlaboratory comparison activities are one of the effective methods to improve laboratory quality control work. The dynamic light scattering method for measuring the particle size comparison of nanoparticles was the first organized comparison activity among university laboratories. Before conducting the comparison, the samples were thoroughly screened, and multiple inspections were conducted to ensure that the samples were uniform and stable. The objective was to reduce the uncertainty caused by the sample and provide assurance for the consistent evaluation of the comparison results. In the comparison activity, there were certain challenges posed to the proficiency of personnel in operating instruments, such as sample pretreatment and control of testing conditions, as well as the judgment of test results. Therefore, this comparison can comprehensively judge the laboratory's testing ability. [Conclusions] By comparing and analyzing the results, some issues are identified, and relevant technical recommendations are provided. Each laboratory can identify and fill in gaps based on its own situation, establish prevention mechanisms, and take corrective measures when necessary. In summary, the implementation of this comparison activity is conducive to continuously improving the technical testing capabilities and laboratory quality management level of each laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The safety management of laboratories is of utmost importance in the construction and management of university laboratories. Abnormal behaviors such as smoking, incorrect wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) like lab coats, hats, masks, and gloves pose significant safety hazards. In this paper, in order to improve the level of laboratory safety management and effectively provide an alert in the case of unsafe behaviors, video analysis technology is employed to achieve abnormal behavior recognition and monitoring through steps such as human key point detection, posture estimation, and behavior recognition. Firstly, the human pose estimation algorithm YOLO is used for human detection, followed by the extraction of human key points after segmentation. Finally, spatiotemporal graph convolution is used for feature detection and classification of abnormal behaviors. The experimental results show that the accuracy of abnormal behavior detection and recognition based on human key points reaches over 85%, which is of great significance for safety management and behavior warning in university laboratories, and thus, improves the efficiency and level of laboratory safety management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We analyze the psychological and interpersonal aspects of in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory operations, highlighting how human factors such as leadership style, emotional intelligence (EI), and team dynamics influence the effectiveness of IVF treatments. We also examine the role of personality dynamics in team functioning and the adverse effects of toxic behaviors on laboratory performance and morale. Methods: The manuscript comprehensively reviews contemporary literature about leadership styles, EI, and team dynamics. It also includes a detailed analysis of the ramifications of their operations within IVF laboratories. The primary emphasis resides in determining how these human factors contribute to the overall efficacy of IVF treatments and following patient outcomes. Results: The findings suggest that staff well-being is not just a concern, but a critical factor in enhancing successful IVF outcomes. Leadership styles that promote emotional intelligence and healthy team dynamics significantly improve laboratory performance. On the other hand, a toxic workplace negatively impacts staff well-being and patient outcomes. The study highlights the need for management development and EI training as vital components of successful IVF laboratory operations, reassuring the audience that these measures can lead to improved outcomes. Conclusion: This manuscript presents the case for an equitable operational framework that recognizes the value of soft skills and technical expertise in IVF laboratories. It underscores the significance of emphasizing the human element in reproductive medicine, proposing that by prioritizing empathy and delineating the contributions of the human factor, the field can achieve its maximum potential and enhance outcomes for staff members and patients. The pivotal role of future research in empirically substantiating the influence of these human factors in realizing successful IVF laboratories cannot be overstated, and we urge the academic community to participate actively in this crucial area of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]