Analytical validation of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) on AxSYM Abbott analyzer

Introduction: Careful monitoring of drug concentration (therapeutic drug monitoring, TDM) is essential for a large number of drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate analytical performance of Abbott AxSYM analyzer for therapeutic drug monitoring of theophylline, carbamazepine, pheno-barbital and valproic acid. Materials and methods: For the purpose of analytical validation following parameters were determined for all analytes: inaccuracy (bias), within-run and between-run imprecision and measurement uncertainty. Additionally, concentration of valproic acid was compared with the previously used analytical system (TDx FLx Abbott analyzer) for 30 patients\u27 samples. Results: Inaccuracy results (bias) were as follows: for theophylline from -3.66% to -5.84%; for carbamazepine -0.46% to 1.00%; for phenobarbital -1.83% to -8.08% and for valproic acid from -1.01% to -5.65%. The highest coefficient of variation (CV) for within run imprecision was observed for phenobarbital (7.07%) and the lowest for theophylline (2.71%). The highest CV for between run imprecision was observed for carbamazepine (4.73%) and the lowest for theophylline (2.94%). The highest measurement uncertainty was observed for phenobarbital assay (21.7%) and the lowest for carbamazepine (10.7%). Passing-Bablock regression analysis of valproic acid comparison on two analyzers showed statistically significant, but clinically insignificant deviation in slope of the regression equation (b = 1.121; 95% CI = 1.028-1.197); however the Cusum linearity test proved that there was a linear relationship between two methods. Conclusion: In conclusion, analytical validation fulfilled all previously established criteria and could be implemented in a routine laboratory work

Does jumping conducted before the swimming start elicit underwater enhancement?

The effects of pre-activation exercises on undulatory underwater swimming (UUS) have not been studied. This research aimed to: 1) assess the effects of a jumping-exercise strategy upon UUS performance and kinematics variables; 2) test the different effects on males and females, and; 3) to explore if stronger participants exhibit greater post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE). Ninety-two age-group national level swimmers randomly assigned into control (17 males and 18 females) and experimental groups (27 males and 30 females) took part in a cross-sectional study designed to test two maximal 15-m UUS performance efforts. The experimental group performed four maximal tuck jumps before the first or the second UUS effort. Performance and kinematics variables were analyzed using instantaneous velocity data via speedometer. Maximal lower-limbs force was obtained during a countermovement jump through a linear-encoder. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA test and linear regression analysis were used to explore variable interactions between baseline and PAPE, and the association between the PAPE response and strength of the swimmers, respectively. Despite trends toward improvements in push-off velocity (Δ = 1.33%; d = 0.12), the results did not show enhancements nor deterioration in UUS performance and kinematics after the tuck jumps. No specific PAPE responses modulated by sex or by the strength level of the swimmers were observed for this age-group (p < 0.05). Four tuck jump repetitions executed prior to diving could be insufficient to acutely enhance UUS performance. The fact that the exercise performed during warm-up was a body-weight based exercise, was possibly not enough to evoke PAPE

Evaluation of pH and Optical Properties of Dual Rinse HEDP Irrigating Solution

This study investigates the pH values and optical characteristics of Dual Rinse HEDP, either independently or combined with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), and compares them to other irrigants used in endodontics. The solutions used in this study were commercially acquired and prepared, followed by pH measurements using a pH meter and spectral analysis using UV/Vis spectrophotometry in specified wavelengths of the ultraviolet (UV) C (190–280 nm), UVB (281–315 nm), UVA (316–400 nm), visible light (VL) (401–780 nm), and near-infrared (NIR) spectra (781–1100 nm). The pH analysis revealed alkaline values for NaOCl, EDTA, Dual Rinse HEDP, and the HEDP + NaOCl combination, an acidic value for citric acid, and nearly neutral values for chlorhexidine and distilled water. Spectral analysis revealed the notable absorption characteristics of endodontic irrigants. In the UV range, all solutions exhibited higher absorption values to water (p < 0.05), with Dual Rinse HEDP resembling EDTA and citric acid, and HEDP + NaOCl resembling NaOCl. The NIR region highlights absorption peaks around 975 nm for all solutions, including NaOCl and Dual Rinse HEDP + NaOCl, suggesting potential applications in laser-activated irrigation. This study provides comprehensive insights into the pH and optical features of endodontic irrigants, emphasizing their potential roles in enhancing disinfection strategies and optimizing laser-activated irrigation protocols