bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative tribological study of the material intended for a lightweight HAMNC brake rotor sliding against NAO brake pad material
Authors: Dinesh Kumar P K , Darius Gnanaraj Solomon
Published: October 2024

The present work studies the lightweight Hybrid Aluminium Metal Matrix Nanocomposite (HAMNC) for brake rotor application. The novel HAMNC brake rotor material is fabricated by reinforcing 1 wt% nano Boron carbide (nB4C) and 0.75 wt% nano Titanium dioxide (nTiO2) employing ultrasonic-squeeze-assisted stir-casting process. The developed HAMNC and a commercial Gray Cast Iron (GCI) brake rotor material was subjected to density, hardness, thermal, corrosion, and tribological studies. The results indicated that the HAMNC brake rotor material is 60% lighter and extremely corrosive resistant compared with GCI material. Also, the dry sliding wear study done using Non Asbestos Organic (NAO) commercial brake pad as the pin material exhibited that the HAMNC brake rotor material possessed a higher wear-resistant behavior compared to GCI.
Enhancing perovskite solar cells performance through tailored design: pyridine-functionalized phenothiazine derivatives with modified end-capped acceptor moieties
Authors: Shahzad Nabeel , Chatha Shahzad Ali Shahid , Iqbal Javed , Hussain Shahid , Hussain Riaz
Published: October 2024

Future energy resources are being developed using clean and renewable energies since these sources offer environmentally friendly and sustainable choices to traditional sources like fossil fuels. Among various renewable energy sources, solar energy is becoming increasingly efficient with advancements in organic photovoltaic systems. Organic semiconductor materials, which require high electron affinity and possess desirable optical and electronic properties, are crucial for these systems. Researchers are constantly trying to increase the role of photovoltaic materials in optoelectronic applications. With current energy demands, there is a shift from traditional solar cells to perovskite photovoltaic materials due to their significant contributions to renewable energy. Therefore, we have designed a new stream of donor- π -acceptor (D- π -A) type pyridine functionalized phenothiazine derivates-based donor materials, resulting in nine fabricated HTMs (PT1-PT9), by substituting the terminals with thiophene and acceptors moieties respectively to enhance the photovoltaic properties of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). All newly proposed materials were computationally examined to estimate their optoelectronics, geometrical, and photovoltaic properties using quantum chemical approach, and then compared to the reference. For organic hole-transporting materials, a heterocyclic phenothiazine core (PTZ) has been proven effective as it has feasible structure modifications, excellent electron-donating properties, and straightforward synthesis. The study of electronic parameters (density of state, frontier molecular orbitals, and electrostatic potential ESP), optical properties (light harvesting efficiency, absorption maxima, dipole moment, and first excitation energies) and charge transfer characteristics (electron–hole overlap, transition density matrix) of designed materials revealed that there is an increase in absorption range under the influence of terminal acceptor groups, with lowering the bandgap values compared to the reference. A density of state (DOS) graph and HOMO–LUMO schema are evidence of the electron-withdrawing effect of acceptor moieties. Transition density matrix (TDM) analysis proves reliable charger transfer in designed molecules. Reorganization energy values for designed molecules are lower than the reference making charge transfer carriers more efficient. Additionally, solvation-free energy values (−17.28 to −33.19 Kcalmol−1) and higher dipole moments suggest better surface-wetting and solubility properties. In general, the fabricated materials have exceptional charge mobilities with higher absorption and reduced band gap values that make them suitable and stable candidates for photovoltaic devices.
Overcoming fouling challenges in ultrafiltration for drinking water treatment
Authors: Latif E F , Elmaadawy Khaled
Published: October 2024

Ultrafiltration-based-membrane technology has been introduced as a viable and promising solution in drinking water treatment and wastewater reuse applications. However, in this technology membrane fouling presents a crucial challenge hindering its widespread use and sustainability. Membrane fouling increases the operational costs and decreases membrane lifetime due to backwashing, chemical cleaning, and ultimately membrane replacement in a shorter time. Ultrafiltration reversible fouling can be removed by reversing backwashing and chemical cleaning of membrane pores, on the other hand, irreversible fouling is persistent and membrane flux is not restored to its original state. An extensive understanding of reversible and irreversible fouling mitigation still needs more investigation. This review will focus on the technologies and methods used in controlling UF fouling and conclude the most effective method for UF fouling mitigation. The fundamentals of fouling are addressed, the methods of reversible and irreversible fouling control are summarized, factors that influence fouling are presented, and the results of controlling fouling methods are illustrated and discussed to conclude the most effective method for mitigating UF fouling. This review found that coagulation with an aiding coagulant and alternate disinfection such as chlorine dioxide and potassium ferrate were promising technologies as a pretreatment to mitigate ultrafiltration fouling.
Quality assurance for online adaptive radiotherapy: a secondary dose verification model with geometry-encoded U-Net
Authors: Yan Shunyu , Maniscalco Austen , Wang Biling , Nguyen Dan , Jiang Steve , Shen Chenyang
Published: October 2024

In online adaptive radiotherapy (ART), quick computation-based secondary dose verification is crucial for ensuring the quality of ART plans while the patient is positioned on the treatment couch. However, traditional dose verification algorithms are generally time-consuming, reducing the efficiency of ART workflow. This study aims to develop an ultra-fast deep-learning (DL) based secondary dose verification algorithm to accurately estimate dose distributions using computed tomography (CT) and fluence maps (FMs). We integrated FMs into the CT image domain by explicitly resolving the geometry of treatment delivery. For each gantry angle, an FM was constructed based on the optimized multi-leaf collimator apertures and corresponding monitoring units. To effectively encode treatment beam configuration, the constructed FMs were back-projected to

30

cm away from the isocenter with respect to the exact geometry of the treatment machines. Then, a 3D U-Net was utilized to take the integrated CT and FM volume as input to estimate dose. Training and validation were performed on

381

prostate cancer cases, with an additional

40

testing cases for independent evaluation of model performance. The proposed model can estimate dose in ∼

15

ms for each patient. The average γ passing rate (

3
%

/

2

mm

,

10
%

threshold) for the estimated dose was 99.9% ± 0.15% on testing patients. The mean dose differences for the planning target volume and organs at risk were

0.07
%
±
0.34
%

and

0.48
%
±
0.72
%

, respectively. We have developed a geometry-resolved DL framework for accurate dose estimation and demonstrated its potential in real-time online ART doses verification.
Relationalism’s psychosemantic ills
Authors: Sharp William A
Published: October 2024

Relationalism about colour (as described in Cohen’s 2004 article on colour properties and his 2009 book The Red and the Real) is motivated by the thought that by identifying colours with relations between objects, subjects and viewing circumstances we can provide the best realist, general, ecumenical accommodation of perceptual variation data. This ‘best’-claim is supported by the charge that one of the view’s ecumenical rivals does uniquely badly in respect of fit with mainstream psychosemantics. This case for relationalism is complicated by Cohen’s later acknowledgement that relationalism has psychosemantic ills of its own. In this paper I argue that Cohen’s proposed remedying of those ills fails.
Microaggression and ambiguous experience
Authors: Brunning Luke
Published: October 2024

Regina Rini argues that ambiguity about whether behaviour instantiates oppression is constitutive of microaggression. I give reasons to doubt this: people can be clear that someone’s behaviour towards them instantiates oppression; ambiguity does not seem to feature centrally in apologies for microaggression; ambiguity can be present when someone is a victim of microaggression due to external causes such as fatigue; ambiguity can be introduced or dispelled by the corroborating input of third parties, some of whom have expertise as oppressed people themselves. These points lend support to a structural account of microaggression where ambiguity is an optional aggravating feature of some microagressive behaviour.
A-001 The Postprandial Levels of the Metabolites in the Metaorganismal Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) Pathway are Altered in A Diet-, Microbe-, and Sex-Specific Manner
Authors: Hamilton G , Brown A L , Wilcox J D , Province V M , Banerjee R , Burrows A C , Mrdjen M , Mouannes N , Gogonea V , Wang Z , Tang W , Brown J
Published: October 2024

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in developed countries. Elevated levels of the gut-microbe-associated metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) have been associated with increased risk for CVD mortality in many large independent studies. In fact, large laboratory corporations such as Labcorp and Quest Diagnostic now offer TMAO diagnostic tests for the assessment of CVD risk and as a marker for disease-associated dysbiosis, using samples obtained from fasting patients. Although the strong association between TMAO levels and CVD risk has been established in fasting blood samples, here we are investigating the potential for a single meal to dynamically alter TMAO-related metabolites based on sex, diverse dietary substrates, and microbial influences.

Methods

35 healthy participants were randomized to one of four study groups with approximately 8-9 subjects in each arm. Half of the participants were randomly assigned to receive a three-day broad spectrum antibiotic regimen (ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and vancomycin) while the others received no antibiotics. These two groups were further subdivided into a group consuming a highly processed meal (originating from local fast food restaurants) or alternatively a whole food meal (containing a variety of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fiber). Blood samples were taken at baseline (after an overnight fast), and then postprandially at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, and 6 hours after meal ingestion. Targeted plasma metabolites were quantified using a stable isotope dilution, liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method

Results

While plasma TMAO levels between food groups did not change significantly within the total cohort, there were clear individualized responses to either highly processed or whole food meals. Separation based on sex showed that TMAO levels were significantly reduced in females at 6 hours but remained steady in males for both food groups. Particularly, in the processed food group, TMAO levels were significantly lower in females than males at the 6-hour time point. Neither of these observations held true for TMAO precursors choline, carnitine, or betaine. However, plasma levels of a dietary precursor for TMAO, γ-butyrobetaine, showed clear diet-microbe-host interactions. For males in the processed food group, plasma γ-butyrobetaine levels were significantly increased in subjects on broad spectrum antibiotics.

Conclusions

Our results show the postprandial levels of TMAO, and its nutrient precursors dynamically change in a diet-, microbe-, and sex-dependent manner. These findings provide new insights into the postprandial levels of TMAO-related metabolites and may inform precision nutritional approaches in those who could benefit from TMAO-lowering strategies.
A-015 Changes of sST2 and NT-proBNP levels predict early cardiovascular toxicity in breast cancer patients treated with anthracycline-containing chemotherapy
Authors: Chen C , Lu R , Guo L , Zheng H , Wang Y , Tong Y , Zhang H , Xie S , Ma X , Jiang M , Gong Z , Yan T , Lu D
Published: October 2024

Background

Cardiovascular biomarkers play a crucial role in monitoring the risk for cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity, but their changes and values at the early stage of chemotherapy are still inadequate, especially for some new biomarkers.The purpose of this study was to examine changes in cardiovascular biomarkers and evaluate the prognostic values for cardiovascular toxicity in patients with breast cancer treated with anthracycline-containing chemotherapy.

Methods

In a prospective cohort of 73 patients treated with anthracycline-containing chemotherapy, soluble ST2 (sST2), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), Myoglobin (Myo), Creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) and heart-fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) were measured at baseline, during every chemotherapy cycle (C1-C6, about every month).Cardiovascular toxicity was defined as cancer therapy-related arrhythmias, which was differentiated into bradycardia,tachycardia or atrial fibrillation. According to whether arrhythmia occurred, patients were divided into two groups (healthy group and arrhythmias group), and the basic clinical characteristics were collected and compared among the two groups. Logistic regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were conducted to investigate the relationship between the changes in biomarkers and anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity.

Results

sST2 levels increased significantly from baseline to C1 (P<0.01). NT-proBNP decreased from baseline to C1, C5 (P< 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed a greater risk of cardiovascular toxicity was associated with greater interval increase in sST2 from baseline to C1(ΔsST2) (OR:1.27; 95% CI:1.03 to1.56; P= 0.024) and interval decline in NT-proBNP from baseline to C1(ΔNT-proBNP) was associated with cardiovascular toxicity (OR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.70 to 0.98; P= 0.029). ROC curves showed that ΔsST2, ΔNT-proBNP and ΔsST2+ΔNT-proBNP had good predictive value for cardiovascular toxicity (areas under the curves were 0.631, 0.633, and 0.735, respectively, P<0.05).

Conclusions

Early changes in sST2 and NT-proBNP levels offer additive information in early cardiovascular toxicity risk prediction in patients with breast cancer who receive anthracycline-containing chemotherapy.
A-022 A pilot study evaluating NT-proBNP and hs-cTnI levels in pneumoconiosis patients with and without cardiovascular diseases
Authors: He Q
Published: October 2024

Background

Pneumoconiosis is a serious occupational lung disease in China that is progressive and irreversible but lacks systematic research. This pilot case-control study was conducted to understand levels of N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) in pneumoconiosis patients with and without cardiovascular diseases.

Methods

Pneumoconiosis patients with/without cardiovascular diseases were recruited from the West China Occupational Pneumoconiosis Cohort in West China Fourth Hospital. Healthy controls were adults who underwent health check-ups and matched by age with the pneumoconiosis patients at the same hospital. The serum concentrations of NT-proBNP and hs-cTnI were measured by the automated QuidelOrtho™ Vitros™ 5600 system from July 2023 to January 2024. The levels of NT-proBNP and hs-cTnI between the two groups were compared by the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

Among 105 male pneumoconiosis patients in our analysis, 63 reported cardiovascular diseases with a median age of 71(61,75) years and 42 without cardiovascular diseases with a median age of 65.5 (58,76) years, with no statistically significant difference (p=0.386). The median NT-proBNP level was 211(102,432)pg/mL for pneumoconiosis with cardiovascular diseases and 104(39.6,190) pg/mL for pneumoconiosis without cardiovascular diseases, the difference beingstatistically significant (p<0.001). The median hs-cTnI level was 2.14(1.50,4.25)ng/L for pneumoconiosis with cardiovascular diseases and 1.50(1.50, 1.52)ng/L for pneumoconiosis without cardiovascular diseases, the difference being statistically significant (p<0.001). Patients who had pneumoconiosis with pulmonary heart diseases had the highest NT-proBNP and hs-cTnI levels,(summarized in Table 1). There was no significant difference in the levels of NT-proBNP and hs-cTnI between patients who had pneumoconiosis without cardiovascular diseases and 65 healthy control participants.

Conclusions

The incident rate of cardiovascular diseases among pneumoconiosis patients is significantly higher than in the general population, especially pulmonary heart diseases. Future studies are needed to evaluate the levels of NT-proBNP and hs-cTnI in individuals with pneumoconiosis at diagnosis and over time.
A-028 Evaluation of the Analytical Performance Iron3, Vitamin B12, and Homocysteine Assays on the Atellica CI Analyzer
Authors: Frenna J , Snyder J , Belth B , Guo M , Valdivia B , Shalhoub V , Thakur K , Leipold H
Published: October 2024

Background

The Atellica® CI Analyzer is an automated, mid-throughput integrated chemistry and immunoassay analyzer employing both Atellica® CH and Atellica® IM assays. This study evaluated the analytical performance of the Atellica® CH Iron3, and Atellica® IM Vitamin B12 (VB12) and Homocysteine (HCY) assays on the Atellica CI Analyzer.

Methods

The Atellica CI assays use the same reagents and calibrators as Atellica CH and Atellica IM assays. Precision studies followed CLSI EP05-A3; human contrived and serum samples were tested in duplicate in 2 runs per day for 20 days. Method comparison (MC) studies used human serum samples according to CLSI EP09c and EP09-A3. MC involved comparing the Atellica CH Iron3 Assay on the Atellica CH and Atellica CI Analyzers. MC also compared Atellica IM VB12 and HCY assays on the Atellica CI with Atellica IM Analyzer. Detection capability and linearity were determined.

Results

Representative precision and MC results are listed for each assay in the table. Slopes determined using the Deming linear regression model were approximately equal to 1. LoB, LoD, LoQ were 2, 4, 5 µg/dL (0.4, 0.7, 0.9 µmol/L) for Iron3, 45, 90, 90 pg/mL (33, 66, 66 pmol/L) for VB12, and 0.50, 1.00, 1.00 µmol/L for HCY; linearity was 5-1000 µg/dL (0.9-179.0 µmol/L), 45-2000 pg/mL (33-1476 pmol/L), and 0.50-65.00 µmol/L, respectively.

Conclusions

Atellica IM Iron3, VB12, and HCY Assays on the Atellica CI Analyzer demonstrated good precision and equivalent performance to the Atellica CH Analyzer.
A-030 Evaluation of the Analytical Performance of Two Reproductive Endocrinology Related Assays on the Atellica CI Analyzer
Authors: Quintanilla M , Aleo R , Warnock J , Arrode-Bruses G , Leipold H
Published: October 2024

Background

The Atellica® CI Analyzer is an automated, high-throughput integrated chemistry and immunoassay analyzer utilizing both Atellica® CH and Atellica® IM Assays. This study evaluated the analytical performance of the Atellica IM Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) and the total Testosterone II (TSTII) Assays on the Atellica CI Analyzer.

Methods

Precision studies were performed according to CLSI EP05-A3 using native and contrived human serum samples. One aliquot of each sample pool was tested in duplicate in two runs per day ≥2 hours apart on each analyzer for ≥20 days. Precision studies were evaluated with one reagent lot on two systems. Method comparison (MC) studies were performed using three reagent lots according to CLSI EP09c. Individual native and contrived human serum samples were analyzed using the Atellica IM SHBG and TSTII Assays on the Atellica IM Analyzer and the Atellica CI Analyzer. LoB, LoD, and LoQ were determined as described in CLSI protocol EP17-A2.

Results

Representative precision and MC results for each assay are listed in the table. For the two assays tested, repeatability and within-lab %CVs were <4.0% and <6.6%, respectively. Slopes determined by the Deming linear regression model were approximately equal to 1. Detection capability for the Atellica IM SHBG Assay on the Atellica CI Analyzer was estimated at 1.33 nmol/L (standard international (SI) units; 0.13 μg/mL, common units), 1.60 nmol/L (0.15 μg/mL) and 2.00 nmol/L (0.19 μg/mL) for LoB, LoD, and LoQ respectively. When using the Atellica IM TSTII Assay, detection capability was estimated at 0.09 nmol/L (2.50 ng/dL), 0.17 nmol/L (5.00 ng/dL) and 0.24 nmol/L (7.00 ng/dL) for LoB, LoD, and LoQ, respectively.

Conclusions

Evaluation of the Atellica IM SHBG and TSTII Assays using the Atellica CI Analyzer demonstrated good precision and equivalent performance compared to the same assays on the Atellica IM Analyzer.
A-031 Development of novel ELISAs for total GDF-15 and H-specific GDF-15
Authors: Kalra B , Parekh H , Patel A S , Mistry S , Hyvonen M , Kumar A
Published: October 2024

Background

To develop sensitive and specific ELISAs for the quantitative measurement of total human GDF-15 and H-specific (H202D mutant) GDF-15 in human serum, and other biological fluids. Growth/differentiation Factor 15 (GDF-15) is a divergent member of the TGF-β superfamily of growth factors. It is encoded in humans by a gene in chromosome 19. The human GDF-15 gene encodes for a protein of 308 amino acid residues which consists of a signal sequence (residues 1-29), pro-domain (30-194), and mature growth factor domain (195-308). The molecular weight of a mature GDF-15 dimer is 25 kDa. Approximately 25% of humans have a missense polymorphism in the GDF-15 gene resulting in mutation of histidine 202 to aspartate (histidine 6 in the mature domain), close to the N-terminus of the mature growth factor. This variant is associated with phenotypes in prostate cancer, hyperemesis gravidarum, (severe morning sickness in pregnancy), and rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

Highly specific and reproducible total GDF-15 (AL-1014-r) and H-specific GDF-15 (AL-1018-r) ELISAs have been developed using specific monoclonal antibodies to help estimate the total and mutant (DD) concentration in serum in the respective assays. The ELISAs use 10 uL sample volume and are calibrated to recombinant human GDF-15 from R & D Systems (Biotechne, USA). These ELISAs were validated for their specificity using HH, DD, HD recombinant preparations and their circulating levels in male, female, 1st, and 2nd-trimester serum samples.

Results

The Total GDF-15 ELISA assay detects total GDF-15 including histidine 202 to aspartate mutation (HH, HD & DD variant) in the mature domain in equimolar proportions. The H-specific GDF-15 assay is specific to histidine at 202aa in the GDF-15 sequence and does not detect histidine 202 to aspartate mutation (DD variant). Median Levels of total GDF-15 in healthy males (n=18), females (n=17), 1st trimester (n=20), and 2nd trimester (n=20) were 847.9 pg/mL, 1182.4 pg/mL, 12759.7 pg/mL, and 12951.2 pg/mL. Median Levels of H-specific GDF-15 in healthy males (n=18), females (n=17), 1st trimester (n=20), and 2nd trimester (n=20) were 723.2 pg/mL, 641.3 pg/mL, 8381.4 pg/mL and 4652.1 pg/mL. Method comparison between total GDF-15 and commercial GDF-15 assay using serum samples (HH, wild type) in the range of 400-2500 pg/mL yielded a slope of 0.98 (r=0.97). The HD and DD mutant samples in the total assay recovered at twice the concentrations of the commercial assay. The total and intact assays are highly reproducible with the total coefficient of variation less than 7%.

Conclusions

Use of total GDF-15 assay in combination with the GDF-15 H-specific assay (DD nondetectable) ELISA can accurately estimate the mutant (DD) concentration in serum. This will enhance the knowledge of the GDF-15 measurements in the literature as the commercial assays were compromised for its immunoreactivity to the HD DD genotypes which is highly prevalent.
A-045 Analytical and Clinical Evaluation of A1c Test by HPLC - Lifotronic™ H100Plus Analyzer - in a Brazilian Clinical Laboratory
Authors: Canali D , Vieira L , Dias C , Moreira V , Brugger R , Sabino C , Bonato C , Zampieri G , Lopes A
Published: October 2024

Background

Over the years, the measurement of Glycated Hemoglobin (A1c) has solidified as an important risk marker for pre-diabetic patients and for the diagnosis and control of diabetic patients. The High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (CLAE) method has been adopted in prospective studies such as the DDCT, and international certification by the NGSP is available. In this study, analytical performance metrics including imprecision, correlation, linearity, carryover, and detection of hemoglobin variants were evaluated for the Lifotronic® H100 Plus analyzer from China.

Methods

The results were evaluated following CLSI guidelines on samples within stability, collected according to standardized procedures. For the comparative method, 40 patient samples ranging from 4 to 15.4% were analyzed, and two concentrations of internal quality control material were used for intra-assay (5 repetitions per day) and inter-assay (over five days) imprecision testing. Linearity was assessed using samples at two concentrations, one low (4.5%) and another high (17.2%). For carryover evaluation, low (4.98%), intermediate (9.97%), and high (14.96%) concentrations were assayed in an interleaved manner. Hemoglobin variants found in the studied population were determined using the same method employed in correlation tests (HbS, HbF, HbC, HbE, and HbD).

Results

The method comparison study revealed a Total Error for decision levels of 5.6%: 2.23% and 6.5%: 1.70%, which were lower than the maximum allowable Total Error of 3.3% (EFLM - EuBIVAS). The difference plot showed that 95% of the results fell within acceptable limits. Positive bias was observed in 7 out of 40 tested samples, predominantly in samples with concentrations above 6,5%, although the medical team assessed it as having no clinical impact. For intra-assay imprecision, the obtained result was 0.86%, and for inter-assay imprecision, it was 0.87%, both deemed acceptable according to the 3.0 % specification proposed by the supplier for the two tested levels.Linearity tests were approved for concentrations proposed by the manufacturer between 3 and 18%, and no carryover was found between samples. All hemoglobin variants previously detected in the comparative method were also identified in the test method without exception, although the specific type of Hb variant was not identified.

Conclusions

The Lifotronic™ H100Plus analyzer demonstrated approved analytical performance with some notable observations: positive bias was observed in samples with concentrations above 6,5%, though it was not considered clinically relevant, the throughput of 58 tests per hour could be a limitation for laboratories with high testing volumes and the analyzer detected the presence of Hb variants, although it did not identify their specific types.
A-047 Comparison of Two Immunoassays for Measuring Anti-Mullerian Hormone
Authors: Tamimi W , Alsughyyir A , Altwaijry A , Al Saedi R , Alhamad A , Alotabi A M , Mohamed M M , Althubiti F M , Al-Zaidi M M , Alkhidhr A , Alhuwayshil S , Almutairi M O
Published: October 2024

Background

Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is produced by follicles in women, and its measurement in blood may be a reliable indicator of ovarian reserve and ovarian function. It can also be of clinical value in the treatment of infertility. Many immunoassays gave been devolved to measure AMH in the blood. Recently a new AMH assay was developed by Snibe company with different immunoassay technique and detecting labeled. The aim of this study was to compare this new AMH immunoassay with the current under use immunoassays.

Methods

A total of 40 blood samples were collected from 40 Saudi women with age between 15 to 49 years. The samples were performed by both immunoassay Cobas e411 (Roche) and Maglumi 4000 plus (Snibe). The Cobas e411 uses Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) with ruthenium(II) complex labeled, while Maglumi 4000 plus use Chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) with different labeled ABEI. The measuring range was 0.071 to 164 pmol/L and 0.143 to 178 pmol/L for each assay respectively. The Microsoft Excel sheet was used and T Test was used to evaluate the comparison statistics with p value at (0.05).

Results

The correlation of coefficient was found to be 0.9418 between the two assays. The mean and standard deviation were calculated to be 11.8±13 pmol/L and 8.3±8.5 pmol/L for Cobas e411 and Maglumi 4000 plus respectively (p<0.0001). Based on the reference interval for each assay, there was 100% agreement between the two assays.

Conclusions

The Anti-Mullerian Hormone assay by Maglumi 4000 plus (Snibe) had a very good correlation with current assay used in our laboratory and thus can be reliably used to measure AMH in the blood but as with current assay, interpretation of the result must be matched with other clinical findings.
A-049 Effect of Supplementation With Prebiotics on Levels of 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D and on Biomarkers of Bone Remodelling-Results From the OSTEOME Clinical Trial
Authors: Makris K , Trifonidi I , Haliassos A , Lambropoulou-Adamidou K
Published: October 2024

Background

It is proven that intestinal microbes regulate bone metabolism and can affect the quality of the bone. Prebiotics contain no microorganisms, only substances stimulating their growth. Moreover, flavonoids and catechines are transformed by the microbes into bioactive compounds and polyphenols can modify the microflora composition. OSTEOME is a randomized double-blinded clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of dietary supplements enriched with prebiotics, in advancing the role of gut microbiota in bone remodelling. We present the effect of supplementation with prebiotics on the serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) and on levels bone markers Osteocalcin (OCN), and C-Terminal Telopeptide of Type-I Collagen (CTX).

Methods

We enrolled 120 postmenopausal women with osteopenia. Participants were randomized into three groups of 40-participants. Group-A received a supplement containing 600mg calcium citrate and 2400IUof vitamin D3 only, group-B received a supplement additionally containing flavonoids (120mg Naringin and 120mg Hesperidine) and group-C received additionally prebiotic oligosaccharides (2000mg fructooligosaccharides and acacia gum). Blood collections were performed at baseline and at 3, 6 and 9 months for the measurement of bone remodelling biomarkers. Levels of serum Calcium (sCa), 25OHD, as well as levels bone markers OCN, and CTX were measured at all timepoints of follow-up.

Results

The mean age of group-A, group-B and group-C participants was 60.72(+8.08), 62.37(+7.70) and 62.09(+7.09) (p=NS), and the mean BMIs were 25.35(+3.96), 25.89(+3.80) and 26.25(+4.56) (p=NS). All women were osteopenic as mean total hip T-score was -1.282(+0.617), -1.193(+0.659) and -1.273(+0.573) at baseline for all three groups respectively. The results of OCN, CTX and 25OHD are shown in the table.

Conclusions

Only patients in group-C showed significant changes in CTX and 25OHD at 9-months, and OCN at 6- and 9-months. Addition of prebiotics to supplements might improve the vitamin D absorption from the gut and give positive balance to biomarkers of bone metabolism.
A-058 Biomarkers of Nephropathy and the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Insertion and Deletion Gene Polymorphisms Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients at a Tertiary Hospital in Uganda
Authors: Kiconco R , Kalyesubula R , Kiwanuka G
Published: October 2024

Background

In this cross-sectional study, we aimed at determining the association between the biomarkers of nephropathy and the ACE insertion/deletion gene polymorphisms among type 2 diabetic patients.

Methods

Data were collected from 237 adult type 2 diabetes mellitus patients receiving healthcare at the diabetic clinic of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. Peripheral blood genomic DNA was amplified using a conventional PCR technique and analyzed for the ACE homozygous forms of the insertion (II), deletion (DD) and heterozygous insertion deletion (ID) genotypes as well as their respective allele counts. Biomarkers of nephropathy were analyzed on a Beckman coulter AU480 chemistry analyzer using system compatible reagents.

Results

Majority of the participants were older persons (Median = 57, IQR = 49-64) and female 171 (72.2%). Most of them had the Deletion allele 198 (83.5%) and DD genotype 116 (48.9%). At multivariate logistic regression, Insertion allele was associated with increasing glycated hemoglobin (OR =1.082, p = 0.019) and decreasing serum glucose levels (OR = 0.891, p = 0.001). Deletion allele was associated with decreasing glycated hemoglobin (OR = 0.924, p = 0.047) and increasing serum glucose levels (OR= 1.208, p = 0.001). ACE II genotype was associated with decreasing serum glucose levels (OR = 0.873, p = 0.029). ACE DD genotype was associated with decreasing glycated hemoglobin (OR = 0.917, p = 0.010) and increasing serum glucose levels (OR = 1.132, p = 0.001). ACE ID genotype was associated with increasing glycated hemoglobin (OR =1.077, p = 0.022), triglycerides levels (OR = 1.316, p = 0.031) and decreasing serum glucose levels (OR = 0.933, p = 0.038). See Table 1. There was no association between the ACE I/D alleles or genotypes with microalbuminuria and eGFR.

Conclusions

ACE polymorphisms affect the ultimate increase or decrease in the serum glucose, glycated hemoglobin and triglycerides levels.
A-091 Evaluation of the Analytical Performance of the New Prealbumin Assay on the Atellica CH Analyzer
Authors: Lewisch S , Thomas J , Maxwell T , Shalhoub V , Cheek J , Snyder J
Published: October 2024

Background

Analytical performance studies for the new Atellica® CH Prealbumin (PALB) Assay were performed to evaluate precision, detection capability, linearity, and method comparison with the Atellica® CH Prealbumin (PreAlb) Assay.

Methods

Precision was conducted with 3 reagent lots per CLSI EP05-A3. Daily, two runs were performed, separated by >2 hours with 2 replicates/run, for 20 days, using normal human serum, QC material (Bio-Rad Liquid Assayed Multiqual® Level 3), and normal human serum spiked with prealbumin (Cliniqa Prealbumin spike). Reproducibility was determined per CLSI EP05 A3 and internal protocols. Samples were assayed n=5 in 1 run for 5 days using 3 instruments and 3 reagent lots. Method comparison (MC) studies were conducted with 3 reagent lots per CLSI EP09C-ED3. Individual native serum samples were tested in singlicate on two Atellica® CH analyzers. Passing & Bablok regression used PALB assay as test assay and PreAlb assay as predicate assay. Where needed, MC samples were spiked with concentrated prealbumin (Clinqa Prealbumin spike) to cover the assay measuring interval. LoB and LoD testing were conducted with 3 reagent lots per CLSI EP17-A2. For LoB, four blank samples were run (n=6) per day for three days, total 72 per reagent lot. For LoD, and additional four low samples were run (n=6) per day for three days on 3 lots, on one instrument, total 72 per lot. Linearity studies followed CLSI EP06 A; low and high pools were diluted and spiked (9 levels; n=5 per level).

Results

The linear range was 3.0-70.0 (30-700) mg/dL (mg/L). Results are presented in the table below for detection capability, repeatability, and method comparison. Reproducibility was 2.7-6.5% at 15.0-58.4 mg/dL (150-584 mg/L).

Conclusions

The PALB assay detection capability, precision, linearity, and method comparison with the PreAlb assay results were acceptable. This assay is fit for use in a clinical laboratory.
A-106 Determination of Urinary NGAL Reference Intervals from Specimens of Healthy Adult and Pediatric Individuals
Authors: Klause U , Broyles D , Baker T , Bird C
Published: October 2024

Background

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a 25kDa protein implicated in multiple biological processes, including attenuation of apoptosis and differentiation of renal tubule epithelial cells and nephrons. NGAL is also produced and secreted by injured kidney tubule epithelial cells. As such, NGAL can serve as an early urinary biomarker for acute kidney injury (AKI). This multi-site, cross-sectional study aimed to establish reference intervals for urinary NGAL (uNGAL) in healthy pediatric and adult populations using a particle-enhanced turbidimetric assay.

Methods

Apparently healthy individuals, aged ≥ 3 months, were eligible for this study. Subjects with an active urinary tract infection (UTI) on the day of sample collection, acute kidney injury (AKI) or a history of AKI, stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD), known congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, known urothelial, urological, or kidney malignancies were excluded from the study. Subjects with uncorrected congenital heart disease, having undergone solid organ or bone marrow transplantation, receiving renal replacement therapy, and having undergone surgery (urologic, nephrectomy, or correction of congenital heart disease) were also excluded. A total of 688 subjects were screened, 677 were eligible, and 629 (91.4%) were considered evaluable per the protocol. The 59 excluded subjects were ineligible due to missing/incorrect information in the informed consent form, or not evaluable due to meeting exclusion criteria, mostly a positive UTI test. Urine samples were tested for NGAL on a Roche cobas® c501 analyzer in single determinations.

Results

Tables 1 and 2 describe the NGAL summary statistics and central 95% reference intervals by age and gender.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate the normal urine NGAL values in an apparently healthy pediatric and adult populations.
A-107 Sample Matrix Matters: A Precision Study of BioRad, TechnoPath, and Patient Pooled Samples Across 20 High Volume Chemistries and Immunoassays
Authors: Sobhani K , Quizon A K , Masukawa R , Hernandez C , Peteros I , Manimtim E
Published: October 2024

Background

BioRad is a major provider of QC materials in the US with robust peer data, and Technopath has emerged as a recent competitor, especially on cost. While many factors are considered when selecting QC materials, primary considerations include commutability, matrix effects, decision levels, and acceptability limits. A couple studies comparing BioRad and Technopath QC performance were published in recent years. However, none have compared performance to patient-pooled samples. We undertook a comparison of BioRad/Technopath QC performance, with the addition of patient-pooled samples in order to assess potential matrix effects.

Methods

We compared precision for 20 high-volume chemistry/immunoassay tests (Table 1) across two levels of BioRad and Technopath QC and a patient pooled sample over 7 days on 2 Abbott Alinity-i and 4 Alinity-C instruments. Each immunoassay control level was run 5 times/day across 10 tests and 7 days per instrument, (i.e., 700 results/level), and the same for chemistry controls (1,400 results/level). Lithium-heparin plasma patient-pool was prepared by obtaining sufficient volume and preparing daily frozen aliquots (i.e., 1400 immunoassay and 2800 chemistry results).

Results

BioRad and Technopath Chemistry QCs were highly comparable with all levels demonstrating <1% CV difference. Notably, CO2, B12, FT4 pooled-patient CVs were >2% lower than the best performing high control. Additionally, greater differences in performance were observed across immunoassay controls with high BioRad QC performing better for 7 tests.

Conclusions

Chemistry QC for Technopath and BioRad are largely comparable (i.e., CV differences <1%). Overall, BioRad immunoassay control performance was slightly to somewhat better (i.e., B12, CA125, and CA15-3). B12 and CO2 were particularly unstable (as reflected by patient-pool CVs). That said, differences in performance were not untenable and could be handled based on a tailored approach of extending QC limits if assay/instrument performance allows, and/or changing control material or reagents on a tighter schedule.
A-142 Usefulness of Targeted RNAseq to Diagnosis of Patients with Suspected hypereosinophilic syndrome: Retrospective Analysis in a single hospital
Authors: Park J , Kang J , Jeon S , Kee S , Na E , Shin M
Published: October 2024

Background

Hypereosinophilia is defined as either a continuous concentration of 1.5×109 /L eosinophils in the blood for at least 1 month apart periods or at least 20% eosinophils on bone marrow biopsy. Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is a group of blood disorders that occur when an individual has high numbers of eosinophils, and the excess eosinophils enter various tissues, eventually damaging body organs. HES is classified into primary HES, caused by myeloid neoplasms (MNs), and secondary HES, in which polyclonal expansion of eosinophils is induced by factors other than MNs. To diagnose HES, genetic tests, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, which can detect targeted fusion genes, should be accompanied by chromosomal karyotyping in bone marrow aspirates. Here, we aimed to analyze the results of several genetic tests performed for diagnosing hypereosinophilia, including targeted RNA-sequencing (RNAseq).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the information of 68 patients with suspected HES who underwent bone marrow examination from 2018 to 2022. FISH panels for eosinophilia (FIP1L1/PDGFRA, PDGFRB, and FGFR1 rearrangement probes(Abbott)) and chromosomal karyotyping after bone marrow aspiration and biopsy were included. RNAseq was performed to identify fusion genes or genetic variants. Targeted RNAseq was obtained for 85 genes using the panel (KblueBio), and the data was analyzed using NGeneAnalysis (NGeneBio).

Results

Among the 68 patients analyzed, 30 patients (44%) were diagnosed with reactive hypereosinophilia as the final diagnosis. Secondary HES was diagnosed in 33 patients (50%), followed by 4 patients diagnosed with primary HES including myeloid neoplasms with gene rearrangement, and one AML patient. Chromosome karyotyping was performed in 66 patients (97%), and 61 (92%) had normal karyotypes. FISH analysis was performed in 46 patients (68%), and 41 (89%) had negative results. The remaining five patients had the following results; numerical abnormality of FIP1L1/PDGFRA, numerical abnormality of PDGFRB, numerical abnormality of 11q23, positive for FGFR1 rearrangement, and positive for FIP1L1/PDGFRA rearrangement. Targeted RNAseq was performed in 33 patients (49%), and significant gene rearrangements were observed in 4 patients (12%). TCF3::JAK2 fusion was found in the patient diagnosed with HES. FGFR1::CNTRL, FGFR1::SSBP2, and FIP1L1::PDGFRA fusions were found in each patient diagnosed with myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia and tyrosine kinase fusion genes. FGFR1::SSBP2 fusion was not observed in FISH but only in RNAseq.

Conclusions

To work-up for hypereosinophilia, RNAseq is considered a complementary useful test to find a clonal abnormality that can be missed in existing tests such as chromosomal karyotyping and FISH.
A-285 Adoption of 2023 CLSI Revised Aminoglycoside Clinical Breakpoints on Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacterales Isolates Identified at a Commercial Reference Laboratory in Korea, Republic of
Authors: Bae H , Kwak B , Chang E , Lee M
Published: October 2024

Background

The incidence of carbapenem resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) has been rapidly increasing as a nationally notifiable communicable disease since 2017 in Korea. The therapeutic options available for these pathogens are extremely limited. Several new drugs developed to treat CRE infections was recently introduced in Korea, but was not widely used. Instead, aminoglycoside is used as one of current available antimicrobials in CRE infections. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) publishes revised aminoglycoside breakpoints in Enterobacterales in 2023. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adoption of changing the aminoglycoside breakpoint in a commercial reference laboratory.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated aminoglycosides (amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin) for 1,393 CRE isolates not including surveillance culture identified by MALDI-TOF MS (Bruker Daltonik, Bremen, Germany) from January to December in 2023 at a commercial reference laboratory in Korea. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using a N415 card on the VITEK2 XL (bioMerieux, France). Susceptibilities of aminoglycoside were assessed based on previous breakpoints in CLSI M100-S32 in 2022 as well as the current breakpoints from the most recent CLSI MIC breakpoints in 2023.

Results

We evaluated 1,393 CRE isolates. Most isolates were Klebsiella pneumoniae [n=876 (62.9%)] and Escherichia coli [n=322 (23.1%)] followed by Citrobacter koseri [n=76 (5.5%)] The new aminoglycoside breakpoints reduced the percentage of strains that were previously judged to be susceptible by CLSI M100-S32 from 87.5% (1,219/1,393) to 71.2% (992/1,393) in amikacin, from 45.5 (634/1,393) to 44.8% (624/1,393) in gentamicin and from 23.3% (323/1,385) to 21.4% (297/1,385) in tobramycin, respectively. In meropenem resistant 56 isolates with MIC≤8 mg/L available of meropenem in combination with a second agent, frequently polymyxins or aminoglycosides, the new aminoglycoside breakpoints reduced the percentage of strains that were previously judged to be susceptible from 92.9% (52/56) to 64.3% (36/56) in amikacin and from 64.3% (36/56) to 60.7% (34/56) in gentamicin, respectively. There was no difference in tobramycin.

Conclusions

Our results show decreased susceptibility of aminoglycoside especially for amikacin in CRE isolates tested. Amikacin is commonly used to treat CRE infections, either alone or as part of combination therapy. Although our study has no correlation with clinical outcomes, we found microbiology laboratories should adopt the updated breakpoints.