In silico model development and optimization of in vitro lung cell population growth.

Tissue engineering predominantly relies on trial and error in vitro and ex vivo experiments to develop protocols and bioreactors to generate functional tissues. As an alternative, in silico methods have the potential to significantly reduce the timelines and costs of experimental programs for tissue engineering. In this paper, we propose a methodology to formulate, select, calibrate, and test mathematical models to predict cell population growth as a function of the biochemical environment and to design optimal experimental protocols for model inference of in silico model parameters.

Electronic medical record based tools: Not a panacea in the diagnosis of coin-shaped foreign bodies.

Introduction: Electronic medical record-based tools have been demonstrated to improve timeliness of x-ray order placement in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with coin-shaped foreign body ingestion. Similar efforts directed towards downstream processes are necessary to expedite diagnosis of an esophageal button battery. We predicted that improvement tools such as electronic medical record-based alerts and process standardization could be utilized to expedite x-ray completion.

Smokefree and vapefree streets: high levels of support from tourists, residents and businesses, implications for tourist-destination communities in New Zealand.

Aims: To (a) evaluate the attitudes of local businesses, residents, and visitors regarding the trial of a voluntary smokefree and vapefree zone covering the central business streets of a popular tourist town in the South Island of New Zealand, and (b) observe smoking and vaping prevalence before and during the trial, to inform national and local smokefree environment advocacy work.

Methods: The six-month smokefree and vapefree trial included an embedded mixed methods project evaluation to capture a range of stakeholder groups' views about the smokefree and vapefree zone. Data collection methods included face-to-face interviews, non-random pen and paper and online surveys, and observational scans.

Study of dynamic of chicken infectious anaemia virus infection: which sample is more reliable for viral detection?

Chicken infectious anaemia virus (CIAV) is a widely distributed immunosuppressive agent. SPF flocks and eggs used for vaccine production and diagnostics must be CIAV-free. Detection of CIAV infection in SPF flocks involves primarily serology or other invasive methods.