Investigating the immediate and mid-term effect of a gamified e-learning platform for the enhancement of traffic knowledge and skills among Vietnamese adolescents operating powered two-wheelers.

INTRODUCTION: Traffic crashes caused by adolescents are being assessed as particularly serious and a common concern of society as a whole. Improving traffic knowledge and skills is crucial in reducing adolescent traffic crashes. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a gamified e-learning platform on traffic knowledge and skills among adolescents (aged 15-18) in Vietnam. METHOD: Using a pretest-posttest design, this quasi-experimental study, included 350 participants within the intervention group and 350 participants within the control group. All participants were selected from three high schools in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Intervention group participants got a gamified traffic safety learning experience with a gamified e-learning platform, while control group participants received general traffic safety education through conventional methods using short videos. The effect was measured via tests focusing on traffic knowledge and skills. Data were subsequently collected from both groups before (i.e., pretest) and immediately after (i.e., posttest 1) following the education. In addition, within the intervention group also a second posttest (i.e., posttest 2) was conducted six months after following the education. RESULTS: A significant increase in scores on posttest 1 compared to the pretest was found in the intervention group but not in the control group. Also, among the intervention group, the scores in posttest 2 were significantly better than those in the pretest, however, there was no difference in scores between posttest 1 and posttest 2. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that the gamified e-learning platform cannot only improve participants' knowledge of traffic safety but also help participants retain such knowledge for at least six months. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The study findings can reinforce the important role of traffic safety education in improving adolescent traffic knowledge and skills.

The importance of matrix in cardiomyogenesis: Defined substrates for maturation and chamber specificity.

Human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hESC-CM) are a promising source of cardiac cells for disease modelling and regenerative medicine. However, current protocols invariably lead to mixed population of cardiac cell types and often generate cells that resemble embryonic phenotypes. Here we developed a combinatorial approach to assess the importance of extracellular matrix proteins (ECMP) in directing the differentiation of cardiomyocytes from human embryonic stem cells (hESC). We did this by focusing on combinations of ECMP commonly found in the developing heart with a broad goal of identifying combinations that promote maturation and influence chamber specific differentiation. We formulated 63 unique ECMP combinations fabricated from collagen 1, collagen 3, collagen 4, fibronectin, laminin, and vitronectin, presented alone and in combinations, leading to the identification of specific ECMP combinations that promote hESC proliferation, pluripotency, and germ layer specification. When hESC were subjected to a differentiation protocol on the ECMP combinations, it revealed precise protein combinations that enhance differentiation as determined by the expression of cardiac progenitor markers kinase insert domain receptor (KDR) and mesoderm posterior transcription factor 1 (MESP1). High expression of cardiac troponin (cTnT) and the relative expression of myosin light chain isoforms (MLC2a and MLC2v) led to the identification of three surfaces that promote a mature cardiomyocyte phenotype. Action potential morphology was used to assess chamber specificity, which led to the identification of matrices that promote chamber-specific cardiomyocytes. This study provides a matrix-based approach to improve control over cardiomyocyte phenotypes during differentiation, with the scope for translation to cardiac laboratory models and for the generation of functional chamber specific cardiomyocytes for regenerative therapies.

Highlighting overlooked biodiversity through online platforms: The "Chalcid Wasps of Cyprus" website.

Biodiversity data platforms including databases, websites and data repositories underpin conservation efforts by collecting spatiotemporal data of discovered native and alien species and maps of their distributions. Chalcid wasps (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea) are one of the most diverse insect groups estimated to include half a million species. Being mostly parasitoids of other arthropods, they have been successfully used as biological control agents against serious agricultural pests worldwide. In Cyprus, only 124 species of chalcid wasps have been recorded, with 53 species being alien to the island. Their true biodiversity is predicted to be much larger because the island is both under-sampled and under-researched. A number of biodiversity data platforms focusing on the biodiversity of Cyprus are currently online; however, an online platform dedicated on the chalcid wasps of Cyprus is lacking. In the framework of the Darwin Plus Fellowship (DPLUS202) "Species richness and biological invasions of Chalcid wasps in Akrotiri Peninsula", the "Chalcid wasps of Cyprus" website (https://sites.google.com/view/chalcidwaspscyprus) is presented. This online, dynamic database aims to: (1) raise public awareness regarding a rather neglected and yet ecologically important insect group, (2) provide data on the morphology, ecology and biodiversity of Chalcidoidea on Cyprus, as well as (3) promote conservation needs by setting a baseline for the future assessment of both native and alien chalcid wasp species. This online platform will be regularly revised in order to provide an up-to-date, user-friendly digital environment to the scientific community, policy-makers and citizens.

Bridging Language Barriers in COVID-19 Research: Descriptive Study of AccesoCovid.com's Reach and User Engagement.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the challenge of swiftly disseminating research findings to a global audience. Language barriers further exacerbated disparities in access to timely scientific information, particularly for non-English speaking communities. The majority of COVID-19 research was published in English, limiting accessibility for Spanish-speaking populations. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to assess the reach and effectiveness of AccesoCovid.com, a platform designed to disseminate up-to-date COVID-19 research in both English and Spanish, addressing the language gap in scientific communication. METHODS: AccesoCovid.com was developed through a partnership between the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). The website's performance and user engagement were evaluated using Google Analytics over a span of 2 years. Key metrics included user language preference, geographical distribution, and site traffic. The website summarized and translated 1032 articles on various COVID-19 topics, such as "Pharmaceutical Interventions and Vaccines." RESULTS: From February 2021 to February 2023, the platform attracted 57,000 users. Of the 43,000 unique new visitors, 84.2% (n=36,219) hailed from Spanish-speaking regions. The majority accessed the site organically through search engines, with 88.4% (n=38,000) of users arriving this way, while 5000 (11.6%) users accessed the site directly. Most users (n=30,894, 72.1%) preferred the Spanish version of the site. The website's most accessed category was "Pharmaceutical Interventions and Vaccines," followed by "Clinical Presentation and Management" and "Mental Health." Regarding language distribution, 72.1% (n=30,894) of users primarily used Spanish; 21.4% (n=9215) used English; and 6.7% (n=2891) spoke other languages, including Portuguese, Chinese, and German. Geographically, the website attracted visitors from 179 countries, with the highest visitor counts from Mexico (n=12,342, 28.7%), Spain (n=6405, 14.9%), the United States (n=4416, 10.3%), and Peru (n=3821, 8.9%). CONCLUSIONS: AccesoCovid.com successfully bridged a critical language gap in the dissemination of COVID-19 research. Its success underscores the pressing need for multilingual scientific resources. The platform demonstrated significant user engagement and reach, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries. This highlights the potential for similar platforms to ensure equitable access to scientific knowledge across diverse linguistic communities. Future efforts should focus on expanding to other languages and conducting formal evaluations to enhance user satisfaction and impact.

Development and Delivery of an Integrated Digital Health Care Approach for Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Usability Study.

Background: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with no cure. Most children are prescribed several medications aimed at controlling disease activity, managing symptoms, and reducing pain. Physical activity is also encouraged to retain musculoskeletal function. The primary determinants of treatment success are maintaining long-term adherence, ongoing monitoring by a pediatric rheumatologist, and involvement of an interdisciplinary team. To support these goals, a new digital intervention was developed, InteractiveClinics, which aimed to prompt children to take their medications, report pain levels, and increase their physical activity. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the usability of InteractiveClinics among children with JIA. Methods: As part of this pediatric cross-sectional study, 12 children were asked to wear a smartwatch for 2 weeks, which was synchronized to the InteractiveClinics phone app and web-based platform. Personalized notifications were sent daily to the watch and phone, to prompt and record medication adherence and pain level assessment. Physical activity was automatically recorded by the watch. At the end of the study, all children and parents completed a postintervention survey. Written comments were also encouraged to gain further feedback. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the survey results, and all qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Results: Twelve children aged 10 to 18 years (mean 14.2, SD 3.1 years; female: n=8, 66.7%) and 1 parent for each child (n=12; female: n=8, 66.7%) were enrolled in the study. Based on the highest and lowest agreement areas of the survey, most children and parents liked the smartwatch and web-based platform; they found it easy to learn and simple to use. They were also satisfied with the pain and physical activity module. However, usability and acceptability barriers that hindered uptake were identified in the phone app and medication module. Children required a unique in-app experience, and their suggestive improvements included more personalization within the app; simplification by removing all links not relevant to antirheumatic medications; flexibility in response times; improved conferment through gamification; additional comment fields for the input of more data, such as medication side effects or pain-related symptoms; more detailed graphical illustrations of the physical activity module, including a breakdown of metrics; and importantly, interconnections between modules, because medication adherence, pain levels, and physical activity can each influence the other. They were, overall, improving usefulness for children and parents. Conclusions: The usability of InteractiveClinics was positive. Children and parents liked the watch and web-based platform and were satisfied with the pain and physical activity module. However, children wanted a unique in-app experience through more personalization, simplification, flexibility, conferment, comment fields, graphical illustrations, a breakdown of metrics, and interconnections. Certainly, inclusions are needed to promote user adoption and advancement of new validated digital health interventions in pediatric rheumatology, to support the delivery of integrated care.

Shell-bearing Bivalvia and Gastropoda from a rocky shore in the Central Caribbean of Colombia.

This study documents the natural accumulation of mollusk shells on an elevated rocky shore carved into the calcareous rocks of the La Popa formation at Punta Roca (Atlántico), covering an estimated area of 0.35 km2. Hydrodynamic transport and differential exposure to environmental conditions are the primary factors contributing to shell deposition. A total of 58 mollusk species were identified, including 30 bivalves and 28 gastropods. The Veneridae was the most prominent, with the highest number of species (7) and shells comprising 64.22 % of the total. Key species contributing to the accumulation include the bivalves Anomalocardia cf. flexuosa, Polymesoda cf. arctata, Leukoma pectorina, Tivela mactroides, Crassostrea rhizophorae, and the gastropod Vitta virginea. These species are primarily characteristic of estuarine environments, with the exception of T. mactroides. Notably, the first recorded occurrence of the non-native gastropod Naria turdus (Cypraeidae) on the Colombian Caribbean coast was documented. The accumulations exhibit varying degrees of abrasion, fragmentation, encrustation, and bioerosion, with some shells appearing almost intact, indicating differences in origin and transport mechanisms. The extraction of shells for ornamental purposes poses a significant challenge to this natural accumulation.

A novel ratiometric colorimetric sensor for detecting hypochlorite and ascorbic acid based on cascade reaction.

Hypochlorite and ascorbic acid (AA), play an indispensable role in numerous physiological activities. Herein, a ratiometric colorimetric sensing strategy for the determination of hypochlorite and AA was developed via the catalytic oxidation and reduction of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). Interestingly, in the presence of Fe3O4-MOF-5(Fe) and hypochlorite, TMB complexes in acidic environments were oxidized to blue oxidized TMB and further diazotized to produce yellow-green diazotized TMB, resulting in the hypochlorite concentration-dependent ratiometric variation for the absorbance at 652 and 450 nm (A450/A652). Moreover, the diazotized TMB was restored to colorless TMB due to the reducibility of AA, and the detection limit of hypochlorite and AA were 0.027 and 0.677 µM, respectively. The ratiometric colorimetric sensing platform offered higher sensitivity and better selectivity because of the specific hypochlorite-induced reaction and the excellent peroxidase-like activity of Fe3O4-MOF-5(Fe). The proposed novel strategy provided the guidance to develop sensors for successive detection of hypochlorite and AA in complicated samples.

G2PDeep-v2: a web-based deep-learning framework for phenotype prediction and biomarker discovery using multi-omics data.

The G2PDeep-v2 server is a web-based platform powered by deep learning, for phenotype prediction and markers discovery from multi-omics data in any organisms including humans, plants, animals, and viruses. The server provides multiple services for researchers to create deep-learning models through an interactive interface and train these models using an automated hyperparameter tuning algorithm on high-performance computing resources. Users can visualize the results of phenotype and markers predictions and perform Gene Set Enrichment Analysis for the significant markers to provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying complex diseases and other biological processes. The G2PDeep-v2 server is publicly available at https://g2pdeep.org/.

Smartphone-assisted ratiometric fluorescent sensor to quantitatively detect curcumin in traditional Chinese medicine based on Förster resonance energy transfer.

A ratiometric fluorescence sensor (Fe-MIL-88-NH2/curcumin) based on luminescent metal-organic frameworks (LMOFs) for the determination of curcumin was constructed. Upon the addition of curcumin, the 535-nm emission of curcumin was enhanced, while the fluorescence emission at 438 nm was quenched, under 367-nm excitation. This sensor demonstrated a broad linear range from 1.5 to 40 µM, a low detection limit of 35 nM, and a fast response time of at most 30 s. We verified the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism between donor (Fe-MIL-88-NH2) and acceptor (curcumin), which further proved the selectivity of the approach. The sensing system enabled the detection of curcumin in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Turmeric. A smartphone-assisted sensing platform was prepared to visually detect curcumin in a portable manner. This study represents the first attempt to fabricate LMOFs for ratiometric fluorescence detection of curcumin, which has promising potential for application in TCM.

Multi-scale Hierarchical Organic Photocatalytic Platform for Self-Suspending Sacrificial Hydrogen Production from Seawater.

The widespread application of photocatalysis for converting solar energy and seawater into hydrogen is generally hindered by limited catalyst activity and the lack of sustainable large-scale platforms. Here, a multi-scale hierarchical organic photocatalytic platform was developed, combining a photosensitive molecular heterojunction with a molecular-scale gradient energy level alignment and micro-nanoscale hierarchical pore structures. The ternary system facilitates efficient charge transfer and enhances photocatalytic activity compared to conventional donor-acceptor pairs. Meanwhile, the super-wetted hierarchical interfaces of the platform endow it with the ability to repeatedly capture light and self-suspend below the water surface, which simultaneously improves the light utilization efficiency, and reduces the adverse effects of salt deposition. Under a Xe lamp illumination, the hydrogen evolution rate of this organic platform utilizing a sacrificial agent can reach 165.8 mmol h-1 m-2, exceeding that of mostly inorganic systems as reported. And upon constructing a scalable system, the platform produced 80.6 ml m-2 of hydrogen from seawater within five hours at noon. More importantly, the outcomes suggest an innovative multi-scale approach that bridges disciplines, advancing the frontier of sustainable seawater hydrogen production driven by solar energy.

Nonparametric Biomarker Based Treatment Selection With Reproducibility Data.

We consider evaluating biomarkers for treatment selection under assay modification. Survival outcome, treatment, and Affymetrix gene expression data were attained from cancer patients. Consider migrating a gene expression biomarker to the Illumina platform. A recent novel approach allows a quick evaluation of the migrated biomarker with only a reproducibility study needed to compare the two platforms, achieved by treating the original biomarker as an error-contaminated observation of the migrated biomarker. However, its assumptions of a classical measurement error model and a linear predictor for the outcome may not hold. Ignoring such model deviations may lead to sub-optimal treatment selection or failure to identify effective biomarkers. To overcome such limitations, we adopt a nonparametric logistic regression to model the relationship between the event rate and the biomarker, and the deduced marker-based treatment selection is optimal. We further assume a nonparametric relationship between the migrated and original biomarkers and show that the error-contaminated biomarker leads to sub-optimal treatment selection compared to the error-free biomarker. We obtain the estimation via B-spline approximation. The approach is assessed by simulation studies and demonstrated through application to lung cancer data.

On the effect of microwave energy on the Michael addition of dimethyl malonate on levoglucosenone.

Among biomass-derived platform molecules one of the most prominent structures is levoglucosenone (LGO) from which it is possible to derive a wide array of solvents, chemicals, and polymeric materials. In this work we investigated the Michael addition of dimethyl malonate on levoglucosenone by testing several alternative catalysts ranging from Lewis acids to structured silicas and clays. The work had the double aim to i) optimize the reaction using the widely reported KF/Alumina catalyst, giving a frame of reference for its relative activity in this Michael addition and ii) conduct a catalyst screen while investigating various reaction mechanisms. Among the tested catalysts, Ca(OH)2 was the best candidate to substitute KF/Alumina, reaching yields >90 % after only 5 min of microwave irradiation.

Enhanced Production of Furfural via Methanolysis of Wood Biomass with HCl Gas.

This study explores the production of furfural, xylose and methylxylosides through the methanolysis of wood flour using anhydrous HCl gas. The process involves methanolysis of wood flour with HCl gas under pressure to generate methylxylosides, which are subsequently converted to xylose and furfural via autohydrolysis in a Parr batch reactor system. The methanolysis was conducted in temperature-controlled HCl gas chamber employing 24 h reaction time and 50% methanol content in wood flour. During the methanolysis step with HCl gas, 65% of the available xylan in wood flour was converted to water-soluble methylxylosides, xylose, xylooligosaccharides (XO) and water-soluble methyl xylooligosaccharides (MXO). Methanolysis filtrates were then autohydrolyzed with Parr 50 mL batch reactor system to xylose and furfural in two different pH values at 180˚C. The highest furfural yield of 91% from methanolysis filtrate was achieved with pH 1.2 and 25 min reaction time.

The TeLeo Program: Tele-education in pediatric oncology as a tool to support training programs in Latin America.

The TeLeo Program offers a free-access 2-year online learning program to support fellowship programs in pediatric oncology, enhance networking opportunities, and facilitate the exchange of context-specific, educational content within the pediatric oncology community in training in Latin America. In its first edition beginning in 2021, 185 fellows from 40 centers in 12 Latin American countries were enrolled. Additional courses for other healthcare professionals related to oncology in the region were produced to further support the program. A digital platform was created to allow users to easily access learning activities after registration, with 7075 professionals currently registered.

Advancing Parkinson's Disease Research in Canada: The Canadian Open Parkinson Network (C-OPN) Cohort.

Background: Enhancing the interactions between study participants, clinicians, and investigators is imperative for advancing Parkinson's disease (PD) research. The Canadian Open Parkinson Network (C-OPN) stands as a nationwide endeavor, connecting the PD community with ten accredited universities and movement disorders research centers spanning, at the time of this analysis, British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. Objective: Our aim is to showcase C-OPN as a paradigm for bolstering national collaboration to accelerate PD research and to provide an initial overview of already collected data sets. Methods: The C-OPN database comprises de-identified data concerning demographics, symptoms and signs, treatment approaches, and standardized assessments. Additionally, it collects venous blood-derived biomaterials, such as for analyses of DNA, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and serum. Accessible to researchers, C-OPN resources are available through web-based data management systems for multi-center studies, including REDCap. Results: As of November 2023, the C-OPN had enrolled 1,505 PD participants. The male-to-female ratio was 1.77:1, with 83% (n = 1098) residing in urban areas and 82% (n = 1084) having pursued post-secondary education. The average age at diagnosis was 60.2±10.3 years. Herein, our analysis of the C-OPN PD cohort encompasses environmental factors, motor and non-motor symptoms, disease management, and regional differences among provinces. As of April 2024, 32 research projects have utilized C-OPN resources. Conclusions: C-OPN represents a national platform promoting multidisciplinary and multisite research that focuses on PD to promote innovation, exploration of care models, and collaboration among Canadian scientists.

Teamwork and communication between people living with Parkinson's disease (PD), physicians, health professionals, and research scientists is important for improving the lives of those living with this condition. The Canadian Open Parkinson Network (C-OPN) is a Canada-wide initiative, connecting the PD community with ten accredited universities and movement disorders research centers located in ­ at the time of this analysis­British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. The aim of this paper is to showcase C-OPN as a useful resource for physician and research scientists studying PD in Canada and around the world, and to provide snapshot of already collected data. The C-OPN database comprises de-identified (meaning removal of any identifying information, such as name or date of birth) data concerning lifestyle, disease symptoms, treatments, and results from standardized tests. It also collects blood samples for further analysis. As of November 2023, C-OPN had enrolled 1,505 PD participants across Canada. Most of the participants were male (64%), living in urban areas (83%), and completed post-secondary education (82%). The average age at diagnosis was 60.2±10.3 years. In this paper, we look at environmental factors, motor and non-motor symptoms, different disease management strategies, and regional differences between provinces. In conclusion, C-OPN represents a national platform that encourages multidisciplinary and multisite research focusing on PD to promote innovation and collaboration among Canadian scientists.

Pediatric Conditions and Platforms of Telemedicine Used in Philippine Primary Care: A Cross-sectional Study.

Background and Objective: Inequity in access to healthcare continues to be a problem in the Philippines. This was further aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine is considered a potential strategy to address inequitable access to healthcare; however, it only gained popularity during the pandemic. This study aims to determine the pediatric conditions diagnosed through telemedicine consults and the platforms utilized by patients in the Philippine Primary Care Studies pilot sites during the pandemic. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of pediatric patients below 19 years of age who sought consult using telemedicine. Using the electronic medical records (EMR) system adapted by the Philippine Primary Care Studies in UP Health Service (UPHS) Quezon City, Metro Manila (urban site), Samal, Bataan (rural site), and Bulusan, Sorsogon (remote site), pediatric conditions diagnosed through telemedicine consults and the platforms utilized by patients from September 2021 to August 2022 were extracted and summarized. Data was summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 5,388 consults involving pediatric patients were recorded from September 2021 to August 2022, of which 1,562 (29.0%) were done through telemedicine. Majority of the telemedicine consults (67.5%, n=1,055) were in the rural site. There were 274 telemedicine consults (17.6%) in the remote site, and 233 (14.9%) in the urban site. The most common diagnosis was acute upper respiratory tract infection (30.8%). Other common conditions diagnosed through telemedicine were lower respiratory tract infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections, obesity, anxiety disorders, allergic rhinitis, conditions related to pregnancy, and myalgia. The most common platforms used by patients are video calls (20.2%, n=315) and voice calls (18.4%, n=287) across all three sites. However, the most common platform differed per area-video calls for the urban site (85.8%), live chat for the rural site (76.1%), and voice calls for the remote site (60.6%). Conclusion: The most common condition diagnosed among pediatric patients consulting through telemedicine is upper respiratory tract infection. The most common platforms used to seek consult through telemedicine are live chat, video calls, and voice calls, with differences noted per site.

Antecedent research on cross-border E-commerce consumer purchase decision-making: The moderating role of platform-recommended advertisement characteristics.

Relying on the development of big data, internet technology, and digital trade, consumers are seeking cross-border e-commerce platforms increasingly. Platform-based advertising communication, characterized by low cost and wide coverage, is notable as one of the marketing strategies favored most within general cross-border e-commerce platforms. It furnishes consumers with abundant shopping options while it exerts influence on their purchasing decisions concurrently. Using Behavioral Reasoning Theory to explore in-platform advertisements' effect on consumer purchasing decisions in cross-border e-commerce platforms, this study introduces advertising features as moderating variables. From the perspectives of self-efficacy, behavioral rationality, and inclusiveness, a behavioral reasoning model for consumer purchasing decisions is constructed. This paper focuses on cross-border e-commerce platform consumers as the research object, and uses Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the data and validate the model. The results show that self-efficacy and behavioral rationality can have a direct effect on consumers' purchase decision-making behaviors, while self-efficacy plays a significant mediating role between behavioral reasonableness and purchase decision-making behaviors. Inclusiveness has a significant direct effect on self-efficacy and behavioral reasonableness; moreover, advertisement characteristics have a significant negative moderating effect on inclusiveness and behavioral reasonableness-adoption. This study revealed the influencing mechanisms of consumers' purchasing decision behavior on cross-border e-commerce platforms, and expands the scope of Behavioral Reasoning Theory's application. Further, it provides valuable insights for the development of cross-border e-commerce platforms that have both theoretical and practical significance.

Dual-functional probe-based multi-signal immunosensor platform for tropane alkaloids: Verification and evaluation.

This study aims to realise rapid detecting of tropane alkaloids (TAs) in food. For this purpose, a broad-spectrum single-chain fragment variable was fused with horseradish peroxidase to create an antibody-enzyme complex (AEC) with antigen recognition and catalytic activity. A multi-signal immunosensor platform based on AEC in the direct competitive reaction mode was constructed using 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine and 10-acetyl-3,7-dihydroxyphenoxazine as substrates. The sensitivity of TAs in the immunosensor platform ranged from 0.25 µg/kg to 7912.46 µg/kg. Honey was selected as a representative food sample, and the limit of detection of TAs in honey ranged from 0.02 µg/kg to 409.11 µg/kg, with a recovery rate of 65.7 %-117.1 % and a coefficient of variation less than 21.4 %. Results showed that the immunosensor platform possesses satisfactory accuracy and precision, which highlights its potential for practical applications and its suitability as an ideal tool for rapid screening of TAs in food.

[Molecular profiling in biliary tract cancers: A national practice survey of French platforms]. / Portrait moléculaire dans les cancers des voies biliaires : enquête nationale de pratique auprès des plateformes françaises.

INTRODUCTION: Molecular profiling has become essential in the management of patients with biliary tract cancer (BTC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the practices of French genetics platforms in the management of BTCs. METHODS: A survey was developed by a multidisciplinary group and distributed to each of the 28 French genetics platforms over a one-month period. RESULTS: Twenty-one platforms answered the survey (75%). A majority (62%) had performed more than 50 analyses for BTCs over the last two years, with an average turnaround time for results evaluated between 11 and 15 days for 62% of them. Three quarters (76%) of the platforms performed both DNA and RNA analysis, while a quarter (24%) performed RNA analysis only. A commercial panel was used by 50% of platforms for DNA analysis, and 80% for RNA. Panels included between 10 and 50 genes for 76% of platforms. All responding platforms systematically tested for IDH1 mutations, FGFR2 fusions and BRAF mutations. A majority systematically tested for HER2 amplification, MSI status and TP53 mutation (88%, 81% and 69% respectively). DISCUSSION: This national survey of French genetics platforms shows good performance and compliance with recommendations for molecular analysis. However, many medical, financial and organizational obstacles remain upstream of these platforms.

Case Studies on Changes and Proposed Process Development Approaches reflecting applicability of PDA Technical Report No. 89 Strategies for Vaccine Development and Lifecycle Management.

Vaccines are complex and a very diverse group of products with relatively long product lifecycles. The manufacturing programs for these vaccines need to be continually updated to comply with evolving regulatory expectations. Members of the Parenteral Drug Association (PDA) Vaccines Interest Group (VIG) authored and published PDA Technical Report No. 89 Strategies for Vaccine Development and Lifecycle Management (TR 89) which seeks to provide context to vaccine developers and manufacturers regarding key aspects of new or legacy vaccines such as control strategy from process development to vaccine lifecycle management, comparability and lifecycle management including technical, validation, quality and regulatory perspectives. To further explain and illustrate the concepts and topics discussed, seven relevant situations were selected as either case studies associated with changes implemented or proposed process development strategies, which are discussed in this article. The situations described are: working cell bank, modification or update of externally supplied product contact components for vaccine manufacturing, raw material change, new product at an existing site, vaccine development acceleration by leveraging existing platforms, selection and implementation of potency method, and modeling for stability forecast prediction. For each situation, the applicable key concepts from TR#89 are discussed as follows: Control Strategy, Prior Knowledge, Relying on PQS, Classification of Parameters, Validation Approach, Use of a Risk-based Approach, Comparability, Use of ICHQ12 and Additional Regulatory Considerations.