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So far, employee performance appraisals at the Central Bengkulu Transportation Service have used a predetermined form. Seeing the way in conducting employee performance appraisals that are still manual, a decision support system is needed so that employee performance appraisals get an accurate assessment. The method that can be applied in conducting the assessment is the SAW method and the TOPSIS method as well as conducting a sensitivity test for evaluating employee performance, sensitivity testing is the process of knowing and getting results from the comparison of the two methods. The results of the assessment are 10 employees with the SAW method ranking 1, namely Zainal Arifin with a total score of 35, ranking 2 Yosi Eskamarina with a total value of 31 and ranking 3 Donny Irawan with a total value of 29. While the assessment uses the TOPSIS method, namely ranking 1 Zainal Arifin with a total value of 1.00, ranking 2 Donny Irawan with a total score of 0.68, and rank 3 Yosi Eskamarina with a total score of 0.29. With the sensitivity test based on the employee's performance assessment, it is expected to be able to determine the right method between the saw method and the topsis method.

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) losses from agricultural areas have degraded the water quality of downstream rivers, lakes, and oceans. As a result, investment in the adoption of agricultural best management practices (BMPs) has grown, but assessments of their effectiveness at large spatial scales have lagged. This study applies regional Spatially Referenced Regression On Watershed-attributes (SPARROW) models developed for the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast United States to quantify potential regional effects of BMPs on nutrient losses from agricultural lands. These models were used because they account for specific BMPs in the prediction of instream nutrient loads. The BMPs included in the models were cover crops, no-till, and conservation tillage. Sensitivity testing for the BMPs on agricultural nutrient loads was done using simulations that varied the intensity of BMPs specified in each region. When the BMP intensity was increased 50% relative to the 2012 intensity, the predicted agricultural load of total P decreased across all regions (4% to 14%). The predicted reduction in average P yields in the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast was 706, 544, and 26 kg km–2, respectively. Increasing BMPs by 50% decreased predicted agricultural total N loads by 3.5% in the Southeast but increased predicted N loads in the Midwest and Northeast by 4.7% and 1.8%, respectively. Model-predicted average N yields increased by 402 kg km–2 and 302 kg km–2 in the Midwest and Northeast, respectively, and decreased in the Southeast by 329 kg km–2. In model simulations, cover crops were more effective at reducing N and P loads than the tillage BMPs despite lower intensity of implementation in 2012. However, at the regional scale of this investigation, implementation of BMPs result in only moderate predicted effects on agricultural nutrient loads

Objective: To find a relationship between visual acuity and contrast sensitivity testing in low vision patients of different age groups. Effect of visual acuity and contrast sensitivity on increasing age of low vision patients. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: The study included low vision patients of different age groups. Data was collected by Performa. Visual acuity was assessed by ETDRS chart and contrast sensitivity was checked by the peli-Robson chart at different distances. Data were analyzed by using SPSS 22.00. Results: The study included a total of 64 patients with low vision of different age groups. Out of 64 patients, 31(48.44%) were males and 33(51.56%) were females. Patients with age group 1-15(15.63%). Patients with age group16-30(50%) and patients with age group above 30(34.36%). Relation between CS and VA of RE with age groups. In the age group 1-15, 2 patients have VA 0.9 and CS 0.10, in age group 16-30, 4 patients have VA 0.9 and CS 0.30 and in the age group of above 30 years 2 patients have VA 1 and CS 0.30. The relation between CS and VA of LE in different age groups of low vision patients in age group 1-15, 2 patients have VA 0.7 and CS 1.35 similarly in age group 16-30, 4 patients have VA 0.9 and CS 0.30 and in the age group above 30 years 2 patients have VA 1.3 and CS 0.75. Conclusion: It is concluded that the statistical value is significant P_ 0.00 which shows a significant result. And it shows that there is a strong relationship between visual acuity and contrast sensitivity as age increases visual acuity and contrast decreases so age has to affect visual functions.

Cheese is regarded as an essential dairy product that cover part of the human needs with vitamins and minerals. However, cheese is also implicated in many food poisonings outbreaks worldwide. This study conducted to estimate coliforms and E. coli, and to investigate the occurrence of shigatoxigenic E. coli in four cheese types mostly consumed in Zagazig city, Egypt. In addition, detection of coding genes for shiga toxins (stx1, and stx2) was further screened using PCR. Besides, antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolated E. coli was further examined. The obtained results revealed that Kariesh cheese had the highest coliforms and E. coli counts, followed by Rumy, Domiati, and Feta cheeses, respectively. The isolation rates of E. coli were 52%, 24%, 20%, and 8% in Kariesh, Rumy, Domiati and Feta cheeses, respectively. The identified E. coli serotypes were E. coli O55:H7, E. coli O86:H11, E. coli O78:H-, E. coli O111:H4, E. coli O127:H6, and E. coli O26:H11. The expression of shiga toxin-coding genes indicated that E. coli O55:H7 harbored only stx1, E. coli O111:H4, and E. coli O86:H11 harbored only stx2, E. coli O78:H-, and E. coli O26:H11 harbored both stx1, and stx2; however, E. coli O127:H6 did not express any of the tested genes. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing revealed multidrug resistance profiles, particularly among E. coli O86:H11, E. coli O78:H-, and E. coli O26:H11. Therefore, strict hygienic measures should be adopted during all manufacture steps of these kinds of cheese.

Connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technologies and services are rapidly developing and have the potential to revolutionise the transport systems. However, like many innovations, the uptake pathways are uncertain. The focus of this article is on improving understanding of factors that may affect the uptake of highly and fully automated vehicles, with a particular interest in the role of the internet of things (IoT). Using system dynamic modelling, sensitivity testing towards vehicle attributes (e.g., comfort, safety, familiarity) is carried out and scenarios were developed to explore how CAV uptake can vary under different conditions based around the quality of IoT provision. Utility and poor IoT are found to have the biggest influence. Attention is then given to CAV ‘services' that are characterized by the attributes explored earlier in the paper, and it is found that they could contribute to a 20% increase in market share.

When new explosives are synthesized and developed, handling sensitivity must be measured in a consistent way to dictate safety protocols. Drop-weight impact tests, which represent explosive materia...

The International Standard Organization (ISO) standard 13091-1 describes methods and procedures for performing the vibrotactile perception threshold (VPT) testing to diagnose changes in tactile sensory function associated with occupational exposures. However, the VPT test also has been used in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathies associated with a number of disorders. This review examines the VPT test, variations in procedures that have been used, as well as disorders and diseases in which this test has been reliable for the detection of sensory changes. Mechanisms potentially underlying the changes in VPTs are also discussed along with procedural and subject/patient factors that may affect the interpretation of test results. Based upon the review of the literature, there are also suggestions for where additional research might improve the administration of this test, depending upon the subject/patient population and interpretation of data.

The laboratory plays an important role in diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) and the identification and drug sensitivity testing (DST) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. With a timely diagnosis and treatment with appropriate anti-TB drugs, most people who develop TB can be cured and onward transmission of infection curtailed. For a long time, laboratories used only microscopy and conventional culture-based diagnosis, however these procedures are slow and may require 3-4 weeks to yield results. Given the increasing rate of drug resistance, it has been necessary to look for new and rapid diagnostic methods. Various molecular based diagnostic technologies became available in the beginning of early 90s, providing rapid detection, identification and DST of M. tuberculosis. Molecular technologies offer the greatest potential for laboratories because they have the highest sensitivity and specificity. The present article will review some of the new methodology that has been introduced in the clinical laboratory.

Organoid cell culture methodologies are enabling the generation of cell models from healthy and diseased tissue. Patient-derived cancer organoids that recapitulate the genetic and histopathological diversity of patient tumours are being systematically generated, providing an opportunity to investigate novel cancer biology and therapeutic approaches. The use of organoid cultures for many applications, including genetic and chemical perturbation screens, is limited due to the technical demands and cost associated with their handling and propagation. Here we report and benchmark a suspension culture technique for cancer organoids which allows for the expansion of models to tens of millions of cells with increased efficiency in comparison to standard organoid culturing protocols. Using whole-genome DNA and RNA sequencing analyses, as well as medium-throughput drug sensitivity testing and genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screening, we demonstrate that cancer organoids grown as a suspension culture are genetically and phenotypically similar to their counterparts grown in standard conditions. This culture technique simplifies organoid cell culture and extends the range of organoid applications, including for routine use in large-scale perturbation screens.

Variability in human olfactory sensitivity has been attributed to individual-level factors such as genetics, age, sex, medical history of infections and trauma, neurogenerative diseases, and emotional disorders. Scarce evidence exists on the cross-cultural variation in olfactory sensitivity. Hence, we performed 2 studies to estimate the variability in olfactory threshold as a function of location and environment. Study 1 involved 11 laboratories from 4 continents (N = 802). In each location, in a designated laboratory, approximately 80 subjects underwent olfactory sensitivity testing with custom-made tests with eucalyptol and phenylethanol (PEA) odors. Tests were based on the Threshold subtest of the Sniffin' Sticks battery. In Study 2, we compared olfactory sensitivity and suprathreshold perception of PEA and eucalyptol in 2 Chinese (N = 160) and 2 Indian (N = 92) populations-one based in their native country and the other in Germany. Both studies present large-scale evidence that olfactory sensitivity varies as a function of geographical location and suggest that environmental factors play an important role in shaping olfactory sensitivity and suprathreshold olfactory perception. We delineate further steps necessary to identify specific factors underlying uncovered variability and the relationship between olfactory sensitivity and suprathreshold odor perception. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

The objective of this study is to expound on the deliverables of a steady-state RANS (Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes) simulation in one of the simplest flows, Couette flow, at a very high Reynolds number. To that end, a process to perform better grid sensitivity testing is introduced. Three two-equation turbulence models ( , , and ) are compared against each other as well as pitted against formal literature on the subject and core flow velocities, slopes, wall-bounded velocities, shear stresses and kinetic energies are analyzed. applied with enhanced wall functions is consistently found to be in better agreement with previous studies. Finally, plane turbulent Couette flow at 51,099, the range at which it has not been studied experimentally, numerically or analytically in former studies, is simulated. The results are found to be consistent with the trends asserted by literature and preliminary computations of this study.

Graduation rates are considered as one of the parameters of the effectiveness of educational institutions. The period of student studies is an important issue that needs to be handled wisely by the Undana Computer Science department. Because graduation rates on time and not on time will affect the accreditation of majors, so we need a solution to be able to improve the problem of graduation on time. The solution that can help supervise and pay attention to active students in the 5th semester in order to graduate on time is to use a Decision Support System. Decision Support System can help predict the period of study of students with the TOPSIS method. The criteria used are Gender, Number of SKS that have been taken, Semester GPA, Cumulative Achievement Index and subsequent SKS Load. Sensitivity testing is done by adding a weight value of 0.5 and 1 to each criterion to get the results of criteria that are sensitive to changes in weights namely the GPA criterion of 3.92% change and subsequent SKS Load criteria of 3.92% change. The results of testing the sensitivity of criteria weights have an average percentage change in yield of 0.78%., Tingkat kelulusan dianggap sebagai salah satu parameter efektivitas lembaga pendidikan. Masa studi mahasiswa merupakan masalah penting yang perlu ditangani secara bijak oleh pihak jurusan Ilmu Komputer Undana. Karena angka kelulusan tepat waktu dan tidak tepat waktu akan mempengaruhi akreditasi jurusan, sehingga dibutuhkan solusi untuk dapat meningkatkan masalah kelulusan tepat waktu. Solusi yang dapat membantu mengawasi dan memperhatikan mahasiswa aktif semester 5 agar dapat lulus tepat pada waktunya adalah menggunakan Sistem Pendukung Keputusan. Sistem Pendukung Keputusan bisa membantu memprediksi masa studi mahasiswa dengan metode TOPSIS. Kriteria yang dipakai yaitu Jenis kelamin, Jumlah SKS yang telah diambil, IP Semester, Index Prestasi Kumulatif dan Beban SKS berikutnya. Pengujian sensitifitas yang dilakukan dengan menambahkan nilai bobot sebesar 0,5 dan 1 pada setiap kriteria mendapatkan hasil kriteria yang sensitif terhadap perubahan bobot yaitu kriteria IPK sebesar 3,92% perubahan dan kriteria Beban SKS berikutnya sebesar 3,92% perubahan. Hasil pengujian sensitifitas bobot kriteria memiliki rata-rata persentase perubahan hasil sebesar 0,78%.

Cancer treatments become more effective now. One cause of these therapeutic promotions is based on drug selective paradigms in the clinic. A small range of drug selective paradigms (pharmacogenomics, precision-oncology, biomarkers and drug sensitivity testing) have been widely used worldwide. To accelerate the performance of these drug selective strategies, improved understanding of different mechanisms may be useful. Among these four classes of selective systems, drug sensitivity testing (DST) plays a unique role in clinical trials. Biomedical advances of knowledge and technology in current drug selective systems are increasingly importance. In the past two decades, knowledge gap between pathology and therapeutics is gradually filling, especially among different predictive mechanisms. The different drug selective systems are competitive, progress and advantageous in different clinical situations. To face with this diversity of drug selective strategies, guiding principle and technical feasibility need to emphasize. As a powerful platform, DST have some unique characters—high-quality quantification and comparison of responses among anticancer drug of interests. The smooth progress of DST platform depends on increasingly understanding of cancer biology, pathology and pharmacology—including medical knowledge (cancer heterogeneity, plasticity, stem cells and metastasis) and technical versatility (micro-fluidity and apoptotic evaluation). The medical and technical insights into various and uniqueness of DST are especially highlighted in this article.

The lack of accounting literature that links budget supervision or control with budget realization allows the author to conduct this study. In addition, the main issue of this study is the failure of the local government in planning, implementing and being responsible for the budget resulting in budget surpluses and deficits. Surplus and deficit prove the existence of the budget deviations. The cause of the budget deviation is a mistake in the budget forecast. Some cases of budget deficits in Indonesia prove this. Budget forecast errors have the potential to increase budget deviation due to the role of the financial capability index. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of financial capability index in influencing the relationship of budget forecast errors and budget deviation. The sample used local government in Indonesia between 2016 and 2018 through a purposive sampling technique. Analytical tools use STATA Version 15.1. The results of the study prove that budget forecast errors have a positive and significant effect on budget deviation, and the financial capability index has a positive effect on the relationship between budget forecast errors and budget deviation. Sensitivity testing and additional testing reinforced the initial testing of this study.

Background/aim Individualized proper chemotherapy using in vitro drug sensitivity testing has been proposed as a novel therapeutic modality and shown to have better efficacy than empiric chemotherapy. However, issues around establishing a patient-derived cell culture or xenograft, the timing of the testing obtained, and the validity of testing represent major limitations to translating the use of such a technique to clinical practice. Patients and methods In this study, we assessed the feasibility of an in vitro drug sensitivity technique for testing malignant pleural effusion from advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Results Our technique was able to produce a turnaround time for in vitro drug sensitivity testing of less than 1 week, with a success rate of more than 90% of cases. Correlated with the individual clinical outcome, using the area under the dose response curve (AUC) could define the level of in vitro drug sensitivity as: responsive (AUC>0.25), intermediate response (0.1≤AUC≤0.25), or resistance (AUC Conclusion Data obtained from this method of drug testing were correlated with the clinical outcome. The present drug sensitivity evaluation may benefit the development of individual precision chemotherapy.

We present a practical guide and step-by-step flowchart for establishing uncertainty intervals for key model outcomes in a simulation model in the face of uncertain parameters. The process starts with Powell optimization to find a set of uncertain parameters (the optimum parameter set or OPS) that minimizes the model fitness error relative to historical data. Optimization also helps in refinement of parameter uncertainty ranges. Next, traditional Monte Carlo (TMC) randomization or Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) is used to create a sample of parameter sets that fit the reference behavior data nearly as well as the OPS. Under the TMC method, the entire parameter space is explored broadly with a large number of runs, and the results are sorted for selection of qualifying parameter sets (QPS) to ensure good fit and parameter distributions that are centrally located within the uncertainty ranges. In addition, the QPS outputs are graphed as sensitivity graphs or box-and-whisker plots for comparison with the historical data. Finally, alternative policies and scenarios are run against the OPS and all QPS, and uncertainty intervals are found for projected model outcomes. We illustrate the full parameter uncertainty approach with a (previously published) system dynamics model of the U.S. opioid epidemic, and demonstrate how it can enrich policy modeling results.

Cell embedment into a solid support matrix is considered essential for the culture of intestinal epithelial organoids and tumoroids, but this technique presents challenges that impede scalable culture expansion, experimental manipulation, high-throughput screening and diagnostic applications. We have developed a low-viscosity matrix (LVM) suspension culture method that enables efficient establishment and propagation of organoids and tumoroids from the human large intestine. Organoids and tumoroids cultured in LVM suspension recapitulate the morphological development observed in solid matrices, with tumoroids reflecting the histological features and genetic heterogeneity of primary colorectal cancers. We demonstrate the utility of LVM suspension culture for organoid and tumoroid bioreactor applications and biobanking, as well as tumoroid high-throughput drug sensitivity testing. These methods provide opportunities for the study and use of patient-derived organoids and tumoroids from the large intestine., Given the practical limitations of solid matrix-based protocols in organoid culture, Yumiko Hirokawa et al. assess the ability of low-concentration Matrigel conditions to promote intestinal organoid growth. Their results suggest that a low-viscosity culture system can improve live cell yield compared to the existing dome method, while maintaining similar morphology, and represents a useful approach for high-throughput applications of organoids.

Many spinal circuits dedicated to locomotor control have been identified in the developing zebrafish. How these circuits operate together to generate the various swimming movements during development remains to be clarified. In this study, we iteratively built models of developing zebrafish spinal circuits coupled to simplified musculoskeletal models that reproduce coiling and swimming movements. The neurons of the models were based upon morphologically or genetically identified populations in the developing zebrafish spinal cord. We simulated intact spinal circuits as well as circuits with silenced neurons or altered synaptic transmission to better understand the role of specific spinal neurons. Analysis of firing patterns and phase relationships helped to identify possible mechanisms underlying the locomotor movements of developing zebrafish. Notably, our simulations demonstrated how the site and the operation of rhythm generation could transition between coiling and swimming. The simulations also underlined the importance of contralateral excitation to multiple tail beats. They allowed us to estimate the sensitivity of spinal locomotor networks to motor command amplitude, synaptic weights, length of ascending and descending axons, and firing behavior. These models will serve as valuable tools to test and further understand the operation of spinal circuits for locomotion., eLife digest The spinal cord is a column of nerve tissue that connects the brain to the rest of the body in vertebrate animals. Nerve cells in the spinal cord, called neurons, help to control and coordinate the body's movements. As the spinal cord develops, new neurons are born and new connections are made between neurons and muscles, resulting in more coordinated and skillful movements as time goes on. Zebrafish, for example, display body-bending maneuvers called coils within 24 hours of the egg being fertilized. Next, bursts of swimming movements emerge, which are driven by sporadic tail beats. These tail maneuvers become more consistent as the fish develops, and eventually result in smooth movements called beat-and-glide swimming. The groups of spinal cord neurons that appear at each stage of zebrafish development have been characterized, but it remains unclear how newly formed circuits (groups of neurons recently connected to each other) work together to produce swimming maneuvers. To answer this question, Roussel et al. simulated changes in the spinal cord that help zebrafish acquire new swimming movements as they grow. The computer models encoded neural circuits based on cell populations identified in experimental studies, and replicated swimming behaviors that emerge during the first few days of zebrafish development. Simulations tested how specific neural circuits generate the characteristic swimming movements that represent key developmental milestones in zebrafish. The results showed that adding new neurons and more cell-to-cell connections led to increasingly sophisticated swimming maneuvers. As the zebrafish spinal cord matured, the fish were better able to control the pace and duration of their swimming movements. Roussel et al. also identified specific patterns of neural activity linked to particular maneuvers. For example, tail beats switch direction when neurons on one side of the spinal cord excite neurons on the opposite side. This activity, which becomes more rhythmic, also needs to be exquisitely timed to produce and coordinate the right motion. Roussel et al.'s modelling of developmental milestones in growing zebrafish provides insights into how neural networks control movement. The computer models are among the first to accurately reproduce swimming behaviors in developing zebrafish. More experimental data could be added to the models to capture the full range of early zebrafish movements, and to further investigate how maturing spinal cord circuits control swimming. Since zebrafish and mammals have many spinal neurons in common, further research may aid our understanding of movement disorders in humans.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:It has been hypothesized that some overactive bladder (OAB) patients may have central sensitization and/or increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli (“sensory/afferent hyp...

Healthcare workers (HCWs) with MRSA nasal colonisation pose a serious threat of passing on the infection to patients. A cross sectional study was designed to investigate the effect of ablution on MRSA nasal colonisation and was conducted at the Department of Pathology, King Edward Medical University. A total of 220 nasal swab samples, 110 from ablution performing HCWs and 110 from non-ablution performing HCWs were processed for the identification of Staphylococcus aureus and sensitivity testing for Cefoxitin. In the ablution performing group, 11(10%) HCW were harbouring Staphylococcus aureus in their nose, while in non-ablution performing group 32 (29%) HCWs had colonisation of Staphylococcus aureus. Frequency of MRSA colonised HCWs was 9/11 (82%) in ablution performing group, while in the non-ablution group 16/32 (55%) had MRSA in their nose. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the duration of working experience and non-performance of ablution are the potential risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Treatment options for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer are generally palliative in nature and rarely have realistic potential to be curative. Because many patients with recurrent ovarian cancer receive aggressive chemotherapy for prolonged periods, sometimes continuously, therapy-related toxicities are a major factor in treatment decisions. The use of ex vivo drug sensitivity screens has the potential to improve the treatment of patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer by providing personalized treatment plans and thus reducing toxicity from unproductive therapy attempts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the treatment responses of a set of six early-passage patient-derived ovarian cancer cell lines towards a set of 30 Food and Drug Administration-approved chemotherapy drugs using drug-sensitivity testing. RESULTS: We observed a wide range of treatment responses of the cell lines. While most compounds displayed vastly different treatment responses between cell lines, we found that some compounds such as docetaxel and cephalomannine reduced cell survival of all cell lines. CONCLUSION: We propose that ex vivo drug-sensitivity screening holds the potential to greatly improve patient outcomes, especially in a population where multiple continuous treatments are not an option due to advanced disease, rapid disease progression, age or poor overall health. This approach may also be useful to identify potential novel therapeutics for patients with ovarian cancer.

Antimicrobial stewardship involves the judicious use of antimicrobials balanced against the requirement to treat the presenting clinical condition. The same mandate and principles as discussed in human medicine and other veterinary disciplines are relevant to equine practice. This brief review will focus on available resources for equine practitioners, emerging perspectives on antimicrobial use and stewardship, and opportunities for more effective antimicrobial use in equine practice. There is a need for improved client education, availability of faster and more accurate techniques for identification and sensitivity testing of bacterial pathogens, and the development of novel agents.

The main goal of a good sensitivity testing procedure is to quickly determine at which stimulus level a specified fraction of test items fail. Based on a previous study, two procedures, D-optimal a...

In this study, the potential of four popular artificial intelligence techniques random forest (RF), Gaussian process (GP), M5P tree and artificial neural network (ANN) are assessed for estimating the strength of stabilized dispersive soil with cement clinker and fly ash. GP, M5P and ANN models were providing a good estimate of performance, whereas the RF model outperforms them. For this study, a dataset containing 52 observations obtained from the laboratory experiments. Total data set (52 observations) has been segregated in two different groups. The larger group (36) was used for model development and the smaller group (16) was used for testing the models. Input dataset consists of dispersive soil (%), cement clinker (%), fly ash (%) and curing time (days), whereas unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of soil (MPa) was taken as a target. Sensitivity testing results conclude that the curing time is the most essential factor in estimating the strength of dispersive soil with cement clinker and fly ash for RF-based modelling. The results of this study also suggest that the combined mix of cement clinker and fly ash are used to increase the UCS of dispersive soil than an alone mix.

A new method developed for in-vitro susceptibility test in medical laboratories consist of micro tubes or gloves containing dehydrated tryptic soya broth, 5% glucose, 0.1% bromothymol blue and one type of antibiotics (ampicillin, tetracycline and chloramphenicol) with critical concentration MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) for susceptibility. Standard quality control strains of bacterial (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) suspension were adjusted to 0.5 McFarland turbidity standard (1 × 106 cell/mL) were used in inoculation the media and incubated two hours at 37 °C. The MIC of ampicillin against E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa were 4, 32, and 256 µg/mL of the media for the bacteria respectively, while the MIC of tetracycline against bacteria were 512, 512 and 32 µg/mL respectively, the MIC of chloramphenicol were 512, 32 and 512 µg/mL, respectively. Where, the resistant bacteria to the antibiotics could grow and ferment glucose sugar producing a color change of the media from blue to yellow, while the sensitive bacteria do not grow or show no change in color. Our study result compared with common used antibiotic disk method obtaining similar results. This developed method characterized by fast (only two hours) and less cost in comparison to conventional technique. The new micro tube strip is highly stable (more than one year) with more sensitive in detection of variable pathogenic bacteria including standard bacteria strains compared with conventional technique..

The article presents studies aimed at determining the relative risk of accidents at work in all age groups of employees and the trend of possible changes in risk as a function of time in the years 2008–2018. The studies were conducted on the basis of statistics of accidents at work in Poland in the years 2008–2018. The data were collected from statistical yearbooks published by the Polish Central Statistical Office. The database covered 732,460 accidents at work. A retrospective cohort analysis of the relative risks for each year and the entire population was carried out. Through sensitivity testing, changes in the summary effect resulting from the removal of a given study were determined. The group with the highest average relative risk of accidents at work (2.59) were employees aged 18–19 years. An increase in relative risk was observed among employees aged +60 years. The smallest relative risk (0.33) was determined among employees under 18 years of age, who in Poland are mainly trainees and students.

The techniques and qualities of drug sensitivity testing (DST) for anticancer treatment have grown rapidly in the past two decades worldwide. Much of DST progress came from advanced systems of technical versatility (faster, highly-throughput, highly-sensitive, and smaller in tumor quantity). As the earliest drug selective system, biomedical knowledge and technical advances for DST are mutually supported. More importantly, many pharmacological controversies are resolved by these technical advances. With this technical stride, the clinical landscape of DST entered into a new phase (>500 samples per testing and extremely low quantity of tumor cells). As a forerunner of the drug selection system, DST awaits a new version that can adapt to complicated therapeutic situations and diverse tumor categories in the clinic. By upholding this goal of pathogenic and therapeutic diversity, DST could eventually cure more cancer patients by establishing high-quality drug selection systems. To smoothen DST development, there is a need to increase the understanding of cancer biology, pathology and pharmacology (cancer heterogeneity, plasticity, metastasis and drug resistance) with well-informative parameters before chemotherapy. In this article, medicinal and technical insights into DST are especially highlighted.

Monitoring programs and guidelines on the use of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in human and veterinary medicine have been developed worldwide to promote the prudent use of antibiotics in recent years. However, such information on the use of antibiotics in exotic pets is absent. This fact must be taken into account, since the number of exotic pet patients is constantly increasing and the administration of antibiotics is particular challenging due to the diversity of species and the differences in physiology. The present study reports the results of a survey of frequently used antibiotics and the criteria of antibiotic usage in exotic pets (rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles) among Swiss veterinarians. These data should form the basis for the development of antibiotic usage guidelines in exotic pets. A total of 61 veterinarians returned the questionnaire. The most important decision-making criteria for antibiotic treatment and antibiotic selection were clinical symptoms (55/59, 93% for antibiotic treatment and 40/59, 68% for antibiotic selection), experience (41/59, 69% and 36/59, 61%, respectively) and textbooks (39/59, 66% and 40/59, 68%). The most important decision-making criteria for dosage and duration of therapy were textbooks (59/59, 100%) and experience (31/59, 53%). The use of a microbial culture was used as a decision criterion for both antibiotic treatment and antibiotic selection by 39% of the participants, sensitivity testing was chosen as a decision criterion by 37% for antibiotic treatment and by 46% for antibiotic selection. Fluoroquinolones were used most frequently, 46/56 (82% of the participants) for rabbits, 49/57 (86%) for rodents, 36/37 (97%) for reptiles and 38/46 (83%) for birds. The vast majority of veterinarians (57/58, 98%) would consult a guide for the use of antibiotics. The frequent use of critical antibiotics in exotic pets underscores the need for a guide to the prudent use of antibiotics. The positive influence of such guidelines has already been proven in dogs and cats.Zur Förderung des umsichtigen Umgangs mit Antibiotika wurden in den vergangenen Jahren weltweit Überwachungsprogramme und Leitlinien zum Antibiotikaeinsatz und zur Antibiotikaresistenz in der Human- und Veterinärmedizin entwickelt. Allerdings fehlen solche bislang für exotische Heimtiere, ebenso wie umfassende Informationen zum Antibiotikaeinsatz in der tierärztlichen Praxis. Diesem Umstand ist Rechnung zu tragen, zumal die Zahl der exotischen Heimtierpatienten stetig zunimmt und die Verabreichung von Antibiotika aufgrund der Artenvielfalt und der Unterschiede in der Physiologie eine besondere Herausforderung darstellt. In der vorliegenden Untersuchung wurde eine Umfrage durchgeführt, um einen Überblick über häufig verwendete Antibiotika und die Kriterien für den Antibiotikaeinsatz bei exotischen Heimtieren (Kaninchen, Nager, Vögel und Reptilien) bei Schweizer Tierärzte/-innen zu erhalten. Diese Daten sollen die Grundlage darstellen für die Entwicklung eines Antibiotika-Leitfadens für exotische Heimtiere. Insgesamt 61 Tierärzte/-innen haben den Fragebogen beantwortet. Die wichtigsten Entscheidungskriterien für eine Antibiotikabehandlung und die Antibiotikaauswahl waren Symptomatik (55/59, 93% für Antibiotikabehandlung bzw. 40/59, 68% für Antibiotikaauswahl), Erfahrung (41/59, 69% bzw. 36/59, 61%) und Fachbücher (39/59, 66% bzw. 40/59, 68%). Die wichtigsten Entscheidungskriterien für Dosis und Therapiedauer waren Fachbücher (59/59, 100%) und Erfahrung (31/59, 53%). Die Nutzung einer mikrobiellen Kultur wurde von 39% der Teilnehmenden als Entscheidungskriterium sowohl für die Antibiotikabehandlung als auch für die Antibiotikawahl angegeben und ein Antibiogramm wurde von 37% als Entscheidungskriterium für eine Antibiotikabehandlung und 46% für die Antibiotikawahl gewählt. Es zeigte sich, dass Fluorchinolone am häufigsten eingesetzt werden, und zwar bei 46/56 (82% der Teilnehmenden) für Kaninchen, 49/57 (86%) für Nagetiere, 36/37 (97%) für Reptilien und 38/46 (83%) für Vögel. Die überwiegende Mehrheit der Tierärzte/-innen (57/58, 98%) gaben an, dass sie für den Einsatz von Antibiotika einen Leitfaden konsultieren würden. Die häufige Verwendung von kritischen Antibiotika bei exotischen Heimtieren unterstreicht die Notwendigkeit eines Leitfadens zum umsichtigen Einsatz von Antibiotika. Der positive Einfluss solcher Leitlinien ist für Hunde und Katzen bereits nachgewiesen worden.Pour promouvoir une utilisation prudente des antibiotiques, des programmes de surveillance et des lignes directrices sur l’utilisation des antibiotiques et la résistance aux antibiotiques en médecine humaine et vétérinaire ont été élaborés dans le monde entier ces dernières années. Cependant, il n’existe actuellement aucune information de ce type en ce qui concerne les nouveaux animaux de compagnie ainsi que des informations exhaustives sur l’utilisation d’antibiotiques dans la pratique vétérinaire. Ce fait doit être pris en compte, d’autant plus que le nombre d’nouveaux animaux de compagnie est en constante augmentation dans la patientèle et que l’administration d’antibiotiques est un défi particulier en raison de la diversité des espèces et des différences de physiologie. Dans la présente étude, une enquête a été menée pour avoir un aperçu des antibiotiques fréquemment utilisés et de leurs critères d’utilisation chez les nouveaux animaux de compagnie (lapins, rongeurs, oiseaux et reptiles) auprès de vétérinaires suisses. Ces données sont destinées à servir de base à l’élaboration d’un guide sur les antibiotiques pour les animaux exotiques. Au total 61 vétérinaires ont répondu au questionnaire. Les critères de décision les plus importants pour le traitement antibiotique et la sélection d’un antibiotique étaient les symptômes (55/59, 93% pour le traitement antibiotique et 40/59, 68% pour la sélection de l’antibiotique), l’expérience (41/59, 69% et 36/59, 61%, respectivement) et la littérature spécialisée (39/59, 66% et 40/59, 68%). Les critères de décision les plus importants pour e dosage et la durée du traitement étaient la littérature spécialisée (59/59, 100%) et l’expérience (31/59, 53%). L’utilisation d’une culture bactériologique a été donnée par 39% des participants comme critère de décision à la fois pour le traitement antibiotique et le choix de l’antibiotique et un antibiogramme a été choisi par 37% comme critère de décision pour le traitement antibiotique et 46% pour le choix de l’antibiotique. Il a été constaté que les fluoroquinolones sont utilisées le plus fréquemment, chez 46/56 (82% des participants) pour les lapins, 49/57 (86%) pour les rongeurs, 36/37 (97%) pour les reptiles et 38/46 (83%) pour les oiseaux. La grande majorité des vétérinaires (57/58, 98%) a déclaré qu’ils consulteraient un guide pour l’utilisation des antibiotiques. L’utilisation fréquente d’antibiotiques critiques chez les nouveaux animaux de compagnie souligne la nécessité d’un guide sur l’utilisation prudente des antibiotiques. L’influence positive de ces recommandations a déjà été prouvée pour les chiens et les chats.Al fine di promuovere un uso prudente degli antibiotici, negli ultimi anni sono stati sviluppati in tutto il mondo programmi di sorveglianza e linee guida sull’uso degli antibiotici e sulla resistenza agli antibiotici sia in medicina umana che veterinaria. Tuttavia, non sono ancora disponibili queste informazioni per gli animali da compagnia esotici, nonché informazioni complete sull’uso degli antibiotici nella pratica veterinaria. Perciò questa mancanza va presa in considerazione, soprattutto perché il numero dei pazienti tra gli animali da compagnia esotici è in costante aumento e la somministrazione di antibiotici è una sfida a causa della diversità delle specie e delle differenze nella fisiologia. Nel presente studio, è stato condotto un sondaggio per ottenere una panoramica degli antibiotici usati di frequente e dei criteri per l’uso degli antibiotici negli animali da compagnia esotici (conigli, roditori, uccelli e rettili) da parte dei veterinari svizzeri. Questi dati intendono costituire la base per lo sviluppo di linee guida per gli antibiotici usati negli animali da compagnia esotici. Un totale di 61 veterinari ha risposto al questionario. I criteri decisivi più importanti per la scelta di un trattamento antibiotico e per la selezione degli antibiotici erano i sintomi (55/59, 93% per il trattamento antibiotico e 40/59, 68% per la selezione antibiotica), l’esperienza (41/59, 69% e 36/59, 61%, rispettivamente) e la letteratura specialistica (39/59, 66% e 40/59, 68%). I criteri decisivi più importanti per la dose e la durata della terapia erano la letteratura specialistica (59/59, 100%) e l’esperienza (31/59, 53%). L’uso di una coltura microbica è stato dato dal 39% dei partecipanti come criterio decisivo sia per il trattamento antibiotico che per la scelta dell’antibiotico, e un antibiogramma è stato scelto dal 37% come criterio decisionale per il trattamento antibiotico e dal 46% per la scelta dell’antibiotico. Il risultato del sondaggio ha dato che i fluorochinoloni sono usati più frequentemente, in 46/56 (82% dei partecipanti) per i conigli, 49/57 (86%) per roditori, 36/37 (97%) per i rettili e 38/46 (83%) per gli uccelli. La grande maggioranza dei veterinari (57/58, 98%) ha indicato che consulterebbe delle linee guida per l’uso degli antibiotici. L’uso frequente di antibiotici critici in animali da compagnia esotici sottolinea la necessità di linee guida per un uso prudente degli antibiotici. Le ripercussioni positive di tali linee guida sono già state dimostrate per i cani e i gatti.

Uncertainty evaluation and sensitivity testing of the functions and parameters used in ERA Acute serve two functions. ERA Acute is a deterministic model which is sensitive to the range of values used for the parameters. Parameters have inherent uncertainties as to what their true values are, and functions may have varying strength of knowledge. The individual functions were tested with respect to their sensitivity towards variation of the parameter values using both deterministic and stochastic testing. Based on the testing, an uncertainty scoring system was used to identify and prioritize the most important parameters for reducing uncertainty. Recommendations for handling the uncertainty and securing comparability in spite of uncertainty were set up as a conclusion of the studies.

Veterinary diagnostic labs (VDLs) are important service agencies providing essential diagnostic testing for a wide variety of domestic animal species as well as wildlife. They serve key roles in disease monitoring and diagnosis as well as surveillance for diseases of consequence. Of the many roles VDLs serve, one is being a member of the larger team of professionals dealing with the management of the bovine respiratory disease (BRD) complex. VDLs provide a number of services related to the management of BRD. These include disease outbreak investigation, abnormal morbidity characterization, routine monitoring, and biosecurity screening for a variety of infectious agents via methods such as necropsy and histopathology, bacterial culture, antimicrobial sensitivity testing, virus isolation, and serological assays. VDLs continue to look for better methods and assays as instrumentation technology also grows and improves. This is reflected in the growing proliferation of molecular-based assays that provide a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. Professional staff in VDLs work in collaboration with those in academia and private industry to conduct basic research focusing on a different aspect of the BRD complex. VDLs remain a primary source of the varied field-origin infectious agents associated with BRD that are used for research purposes.