Dynamic characteristic of SARS-CoV-2 and its antibody detection

To prevent excess morbidity and mortality of Covid-19, a prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial. Antibody-based rapid diagnostic test (RDT) is a rapid, fairly reliable, and useful diagnostic testing solution for COVID-19. As a point-of-care test with fast turnaround time, the kit permits quick screening in hospitals to avoid the crowding of specimen collection. However, available RDTs kits have different sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy profiles due to antigen and antibody variability because of the sequence mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 gene. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to either re-measure the accuracy of a rapid test before using it in a different country or use tests developed based on local viral characteristics

Comparative studies on the microstructure and corrosion behaviour of forged and SLM processed 316L stainless steel

The corrosion behaviour of forged and SLM (Selective Laser Melting) processed 316L samples was investigated in a 3.5% NaCl solution at neutral and light acidic pH. The influence of the oxygen concentration in the testing solution on the corrosion resistance of the alloy was also proved. This made it possible to qualitatively evaluate the influence of the additive manufacturing process on the microstructure of the 316L alloy in comparison to that of the forged steel. Therefore, the logarithmic polarisation curves generated during the electrochemical investigations were compared, especially in respect to the corrosion potential respectively corrosion current density. The results showed that the corrosion resistance of the 3D-printed samples was inferior to that of the forged 316L. Instead of the pitting corrosion that often appears during exposure of the forged material to chloride containing media, the SLM processed material exhibited rather an extensive surface attack. The microscopic examination of the samples revealed large differences in porosity between the microstructures obtained by means of the two manufacturing methods, whereby the 3D-printed samples exhibited a larger number of voids.

Pilot Study to investigate Home Potassium testing in Heart Failure

Background and hypothesis: Heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Normal potassium range is 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. Low potassium level is associated with fatal dysrhythmia, and elevated potassium levels result in slow cardiac rhythms and asystole. Current venipuncture methods used for potassium testing are complicated with hemolysis, which create false potassium results. Our study objective is assessing the effectiveness of an at home device that would enable HF patients to test potassium levels frequently to avoid any complications as it relates to dyskalemia. We hypothesize that by utilizing a home testing solution, patients can develop a home HF management strategy to improve health outcomes. Experimental Design or Project Methods: Patients diagnosed with HF will be recruited from Parkview Physicians Group – Cardiology. A venipuncture and a finger stick sample will be collected simultaneously, and their serum potassium levels will be analyzed. Venipuncture blood will be analyzed by ion-selective electrode (ISE) and flame photometry analyses. Finger stick blood will be analyzed by a novel Blaire Biomedical device. Surveys about the device will be given to both patients and clinicians. Linear regressions comparing the Blaire Biomedical results to both the ISE and flame photometry results will be created. Results: The r-values for the regressions will be analyzed. An r-value close to 1 would indicate that the results are directly correlated and clinically equivalent. Results of the surveys will be used to gauge interest in the device. Conclusion and Potential Impact: This study will establish a more efficient way for HF patients to measure potassium levels and ensure levels stay in the range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. This device will assist in reducing potassium imbalance complications, which will translate to a decrease in mortality in HF patients as it relates to dyskalemia.

Performing Qualitative Mask Fit Testing Without a Commercial Kit: Fit Testing Which Can Be Performed at Home and at Work

ABSTRACT Objective: Qualitative fit testing is a popular method of ensuring the fit of sealing face masks such as N95 and FFP3 masks. Increased demand due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to shortages in testing equipment and has forced many institutions to abandon fit testing. Three key materials are required for qualitative fit testing: the test solution, nebulizer, and testing hood. Accessible alternatives to the testing solution have been studied. This exploratory qualitative study evaluates alternatives to the nebulizer and hoods for performing qualitative fit testing. Methods: Four devices were trialed to replace the test kit nebulizer. Two enclosures were tested for their ability to replace the test hood. Three researchers evaluated promising replacements under multiple mask fit conditions to assess functionality and accuracy. Results: The aroma diffuser and smaller enclosures allowed participants to perform qualitative fit tests quickly and with high accuracy. Conclusions: Aroma diffusers show significant promise in their ability to allow individuals to quickly, easily, and inexpensively perform qualitative fit testing. Our findings indicate that aroma diffusers and homemade testing hoods may allow for qualitative fit testing when conventional apparatus is unavailable. Additional research is needed to evaluate the safety and reliability of these devices.

Performing Qualitative Mask Fit Testing without a Commercial Kit: Fit Testing Which can be Performed at Home and at Work

Introduction: Qualitative fit testing is a popular method of ensuring the fit of sealing face masks such as N95 and FFP3 masks. Increased demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to shortages in testing equipment and has forced many institutions to abandon fit testing. Three key materials are required for qualitative fit testing: the test solution, nebulizer, and testing hood. Accessible alternatives to the testing solution have been studied. This exploratory qualitative study evaluates alternatives to the nebulizer and hoods for performing qualitative fit testing. Methods: Four devices were trialled to replace the test kit nebulizer. Two enclosures were tested for their ability to replace the test hood. Three researchers evaluated promising replacements under multiple mask fit conditions to assess functionality and accuracy. Results: The aroma diffuser and smaller enclosures allowed participants to perform qualitative fit tests quickly and with high accuracy. Discussion & Conclusion: Aroma diffusers show significant promise in their ability to allow individuals to quickly, easily, and inexpensively perform qualitative fit testing. Our findings indicate that aroma diffusers and homemade testing hoods may allow for qualitative fit testing when conventional apparatus is unavailable. Additional research is needed to evaluate the safety and reliability of these devices.

Method Development and Application of an Accelerated Solution Stability Screen for Drug Discovery

An important aspect to understand about an experimental molecule in drug discovery is its stability in solution. A compound that degrades might be eliciting its apparent effect via a degradation product, so it is important to understand the solution stability profile of a compound early on in the drug discovery process. Improvements and application of a streamlined, higher-throughput method for testing solution stability to support drug discovery are described. Mass spectrometry detection has been incorporated into the screen to allow for the identification of degradation products. The amount of compound needed for the assay has been significantly reduced using 10 mM DMSO solutions instead of solid material. The buffers used in the screen provide the stability-pH profile of compounds with additional variations to assess liabilities under oxidizing and reducing conditions. In this article, we discuss the method development, screen validation, guidelines for result interpretation, and results for a set of marketed drugs to illustrate the application of the screen.