A survey on the status of semen analysis in 118 laboratories in China

Collecting baseline information on how laboratories perform testing is a reasonable first step towards establishing intra- and inter-laboratory standardization and quality control for semen analysis. We carried out a survey of the laboratories performing the testing in China's Mainland. A questionnaire, composed of 36 questions covering all aspects of semen analysis, was designed, and a copy was distributed to each of the 145 laboratories. Of these, 118 laboratories completed the questionnaires. The survey results showed that semen volume was measured visually in 53.6% （59/110） of the responding laboratories, and 70.9% （73/103） of laboratories analysed incompletely liquefied semen without any treatment. In addition, both manual-microscopic and computer-assisted semen-analysis systems were applied to analyse sperm concentration, motility and morphology. However, more than five methods were employed in routine sperm staining. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was commonly used for determining whether antisperm antibodies were present. Several seminal biochemical markers were analysed in only 27.1% （32/118） of the responding laboratories. Generally, there was a lack of intra- and inter-laboratory quality control measures for semen analysis in all laboratories responding to this survey. In conclusion, the methods of semen analysis and the interpretation of test results in the surveyed laboratories differed markedly. In particular, many laboratories employed methods other than those recommended by the World Health Organization Laboratory Manual for the Examination of Human Semen and Sperm- cervical Mucus Interaction （1999）. These findings suggest an urgent need for the standardization of semen analysis with acceptable quality controls for each parameter to make the results repeatable and meaningful.

Sensor design and implementation for a downhole NMR fluid analysis laboratory

This paper tries to build a multi-functional downhole nuclear magnetic resonance （NMR） fluid analysis laboratory that can evaluate fluid information in real time at reservoir conditions at a depth of several thousand meters. The aim is to monitor the pollution of the formation fluids and quantitatively evaluate NMR characteristics of the fluids. It focuses on the design of the structure and parameters of a sensor with zero stray fields. Two separate coils are designed to measure NMR characteristics of flowing or static fluids. A method is proposed to use the Bloch equation, to guide the optimization of the NMR sensor. Finally, the measured results confirm that the design is reasonable. There is a homogeneous static field （perpendicular to the axial direction） in the center of the sensor, and there are no stray external fields. The novel design of pre-polarization magnet improves the signal to noise ratio, while shortening the sensor length.

Semen analysis standardization： is there any problem in Polish laboratories？

The aim of the study was to determine the degree of compliance of Polish laboratories with World Health Organization （WHO） recommendations, with regard to semen analysis methodology. A survey requesting information about methods of semen analysis was distributed to employees of 55 laboratories. Respondents who had participated in external seminological workshops （31%） were termed certified respondents （CR）, the remaining （69%）--non-certified respondents （NCR）. Only one laboratory （6%） in the CR group and none in the NCR were compliant with WHO guidelines for methods and equipment used to evaluate seminal volume, sperm motility, concentration, vitality and morphology. Most problems were of volume measurement （weighing method was reported by 17% of CR and 10% of NCR） and staining method for sperm morphology （Papanicolau or Diff-Quik were found in 33% of CR and 23% of NCR）. A three- or four-point grading of sperm motility was used by the majority of respondents; however, 17% of CR and 37% of NCR did not use a laboratory counter to tally spermatozoa. Although a haemocytometer method was used by 80% of laboratories in each group, the improved Neubauer chamber was used only by 42% of CR and 19% of NCR. In each group, 24% of laboratories did not perform a vitality test. Procedural errors and the interchangeable utilization of two or even three methods to analyse a given parameter was observed in both groups. The results indicate a need for standardisation of the methods and continuous, unified training in semen analysis in Polish laboratories.

Gait Analysis of a Subject with Tarsometatarsal Prosthesis

Introduction: Gait analysis of an adult man after trans-metatarsal unilateral amputation is described. Objective: Instrumental gait analysis of a subject 15 years after trans-metatarsal unilateral amputation in two footwear conditions: while walking barefoot and with prosthesis. Materials and Methods: In a movement analysis laboratory, locomotion studies were carried out at freely chosen walking speed by a 65-year-old subject, obtaining kinematic, kinetic and surface electromyographic data in time and space. Gait analysis was performed using instrumental technologies from a digital eco-system applying walking protocols. Results: When the patient wore the prosthesis, several positive improvements were observed in various aspects of gait. These included enhancements in the base of support, gait speed, and joint range of movements. Additionally, there was a slight improvement in the vertical ground reaction forces pattern, indicating a positive effect of the assistive technology. Furthermore, the use of the prosthesis led to a more organized pattern of muscle activity, which further supports its beneficial impact. However, it is worth noting that some challenges still persisted, particularly regarding stabilizing the body during the double support phase. Despite this difficulty, the overall findings suggest that the use of the prosthesis offers valuable improvements to the patient’s gait dynamics. Conclusions: After conducting a thorough analysis of the parameters related to the gait of a subject who underwent a trans-metatarsal unilateral amputation fifteen years ago, it was found that the use of prosthesis had a positive impact. This study demonstrated important improvements in some kinematic and kinetic parameters, including muscle activation patterns, indicating an increase in comfort and confidence while utilizing the prosthetic device.

Inverse analysis of laboratory data and observations for evaluation of backward erosion piping process

An inverse analysis procedure has been developed to interpret collected pore pressure data and observations during backward erosion piping(BEP)initiation and progression in sandy soils.The procedure has been applied to laboratory models designed to mimic the initiation and progression of BEP through a constricted vertical outlet.The inverse analysis uses three-dimensional(3D)finite element method(FEM)to successively produce models of the hydraulic head regime surrounding progressive stages of BEP based on observations at the sample surface and pore pressure measurements obtained from the laboratory models.The inverse analysis results in a series of 3D contour plots that represent the hydraulic-head regime at each stage of the BEP development,allowing for assessing the development of BEP mechanism as well as calculating the critical hydraulic conditions required for various BEP stages to initiate and progress.Interpretation of the results identified four significant stages of the piping process:(1)loosened zone initiation,(2)channel initiation and progression,(3)riser sand fluidization,and(4)loosened zone progression.Interpretation of the hydraulic head contour plots allows assessment of the critical hydraulic gradients needed to initiate and progress various components of the BEP development.

Analysis of Turnaround Time during Casefile and Sample Processing in Forensic Science Laboratory

Turnaround time (TAT), is the total time interval from when a request for forensic laboratory analysis is received until when the results are collected by the client. The performance of the forensic science laboratory (FSL) is affected by extended TAT in the case-file and sample processing steps necessitating critical analysis reported in this paper. The total TAT was obtained as the sum of measured time interval for each work station (six of which were studied). Extended TAT leads not only to customer complaints, but also paves way for customers to seek for services from competitors, leading to lost competitive edge for the FSL. This study was conducted to establish the baseline data on TAT (between 2014 and 2015) to enable implementation of corrective actions. Six casefile processing steps were identified for which starting and completion times were recorded in dates, giving TAT values in days. The TAT data for each step was collected as each case file is processed and analyzed separately using statistical analysis while comparing the data for the two years (Y2014 and Y2015) and?among?three forensic science laboratory disciplines (biology/DNA, chemistry and toxicology). The overall turnaround time (TTAT) was?the?highest for forensic biology/DNA compared to forensic toxicology and chemistry. The analysis time (TAT2) was the longest of all six case-file processing steps. Using Pareto analysis, the three major steps necessitating root-cause analysis and intervention to minimize TAT were analysis turnaround time (TAT2), report collection time (TAT6) and report review time (TAT4). It was concluded that the causes for extended TAT are within control by the FSL management, although financial and human resources are required.

Optimization of Evidence Analysis Cost Using Arbitrary Re-Sampling Techniques for Sample Influx into Forensic Science Laboratory

This study analyzes the sample influx (samples per case file) into forensic science laboratory (FSL) and the corresponding analysis costs and uses arbitrary re-sampling plans to establish the minimum cost function. The demand for forensic analysis increased for all disciplines, especially biology/DNA between 2014 and 2015. While the average distribution of case files was about 42.5%, 40.6% and 17% for the three disciplines, the distribution of samples was rather different being 12%, 82.5% and 5.5% for samples requiring forensic biology, chemistry and toxicology analysis, respectively. Results show that most of the analysis workload was on forensic chemistry analysis. The cost of analysis for case files and the corresponding sample influx varied in the ratio of 35:6:1 and 28:12:1 for forensic chemistry, biology/DNA and toxicology for year 2014 for 2015, respectively. In the two consecutive years, the cost for forensic chemistry analysis was comparatively very high, necessitating re-sampling. The time series of sample influx in all disciplines are strongly stochastic, with higher magnitude for chemistry, biology/DNA and toxicology, in this order. The PDFs of sample influx data are highly skewed to the right, especially forensic toxicology and biology/DNA with peaks at 1 and 3 samples per case file. The arbitrary re-sampling plans were best suited to forensic chemistry case files (where re-sampling conditions apply). The locus of arbitrary number of samples to take from the submitted forensic samples was used to establish the minimum and scientifically acceptable samples by applying minimization function developed in this paper. The cost minimization function was also developed based on the average cost per sample and choice of re-sampling plans depending on the range of sample influx, from which the savings were determined and maximized. Thus, the study gives a forensic scientist a business model and scientific decision making tool on minimum number of samples to analyze focusing on savings on analysis cost.

Detection and Analysis of Ebola Virus in Sierra Leone-China Friendship Biosafety Laboratory from March 11 to April 20, 2015

Ebola virus disease reemerged in Western Africa in 2014.Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention dispatched the first Ebola virus（EBOV）detection team to run newly established Sierra Leone-China Friendship Biological Safety Laboratory.The aims of study were to understand epidemiology,clinical manifestations and survival time of EBOV in patient＇s blood.A total of 913specimens were tested between March 11 and April20, 2015. EBOV positivity occurred in 7.37% of the blood and 0.53% in throat swabs.

Survey and Analysis of Common Diseases of Laboratory Monkeys, Taking Kunming Area as an Example

[Objective] The paper was to understand the epidemiology of common diseases of laboratory monkeys in Kunming area. [Method]Through the investigation of sick and dead monkeys in a large-scale laboratory monkey breeding facility in Kunming area in 2014,the animals were classified depending on the main symptoms,and diseases were classified according to adult and juvenile monkeys. Data were analyzed by Office Excel 2010 software. [Result]Digestive system diseases,respiratory system diseases,trauma,reproductive system diseases,and locomotor system diseases were common disease types of laboratory monkeys in Kunming area,accounting for 47. 45%,13. 06%,12. 10%,11. 46% and 8. 92%,respectively. Common diseases included diarrhea,soft tissue injury,abortion,lobar pneumonia,dysentery,arthritis,bowel gas,chronic colitis,and extremely poor nutrition,and the ratios were 18. 47%,11. 15%,8. 91%,8. 28%,7. 96%,5. 10%,5. 10% and 5. 09%,respectively. [Conclusion]A set of scientific and reasonable measures for prevention and control of diseases is formulated,which is of great significance for improving the quantity and quality of laboratory monkeys and ensuring the accuracy of animal test results.

New Explorations of Laboratory and On-site Testing of Broadband Seismographs in China

According to different testing purposes, methods and available environmental conditions, the seismograph testing can be divided into laboratory and on-site testing, respectively. The testing of the seismograph's key parameters and other concerning technical specifications are well described in guide documents(China Earthquake Administration, 2017). This includes seismometer sensitivity, linearity and clip levels based on the shake table test, as well as the seismometer natural period, damping constant based on electrical calibration(Wang Guangfu,1986; Ple?inger A.,1993) and instrumental self-noise collocation estimation(Holcomb L.G., 1989; Sleeman R. et al., 2006). However, with the development of seismic observation technology, many new requirements for the performance evaluation of seismographs have been put forward, and new testing items and methods have emerged.

Study of Behavioral Changes and Photosynthetic Activity of <i>Euglenas gracilis</i>in the Presence of Effluents from the Laboratory of Clinical Analysis

Healthcare waste has now been increasingly studied in terms of the risks or dangers that can cause the environment and human health. Waste generated in clinical analysis laboratories (CALs) deserves attention, because, due to the advent of the concept of emergent pollution, it is doubtful if the materials or reagents are disposed in the sewage by CALs, which are currently considered non-contaminated or with low risk potential, under current legislation, may actually impact the environment with actions not yet understood. This study was experimental and conducted at the Environmental Laboratory of the University of the Region of Joinville. It was used Euglena gracilis (primary trophic level) algae exposed to effluents from five sectors of a CAL: Biochemistry, Hematology, Viral Load, Tuberculosis and Immunochemistry. Samples were collected from the siphons attached to the wash sinks of the CAL materials. To verify changes in algae that denote environmental danger, behavioral changes were analyzed via NGTOX, and chlorophyll concentration was calculated by chlorophyll extraction according to Mendel’s method. Viral Load (VL) and Hematology (HT) sectors were the ones that most affected algae (Tukey test). In both sectors, there was inhibition of algae mobility and gravitaxy: in VL, due to the presence of chaotropic agents that denature organic structures;and in HT, due to the change in membrane permeability attributed to methylene blue. Also in HT, there was a search for algae adaptation by increasing the rise to the surface in order to overcome the lower luminosity due to the coloration of the environment, which also affects photosynthesis. Regarding the concentration of a-chlorophyll, the VL and HT were the most affected as well, being the first one the one that had more concentration reduction because of the presence of chaotropic agents. Considering new parameters evaluated, the discarded compounds need to be better evaluated for risk, as they affect algal photosynthesis. Procedures for removal of these compounds should be considered.

Analysis of the Effect of Subgroup Size on the X-Bar Control Chart Using Forensic Science Laboratory Sample Influx Data

This paper analyzes the effect of subgroup size on the x-bar chart characteristics using sample influx (SIF) into forensic science laboratory (FSL). The characteristics studied include changes in out-or-control points (OCP), upper control limit UCLx, and zonal demarcations. Multi-rules were used to identify the number of out-of-control-points, Nocp as violations using five control chart rules applied separately. A sensitivity analysis on the Nocp was applied for subgroup size, k, and number of sigma above the mean value to determine the upper control limit, UCLx. A computer code was implemented using a FORTRAN code to create x-bar control-charts and capture OCP and other control-chart characteristics with increasing k from 2 to 25. For each value of k, a complete series of average values, Q(p), of specific length, Nsg, was created from which statistical analysis was conducted and compared to the original SIF data, S(t). The variation of number of out-of-control points or violations, Nocp, for different control-charts rules with increasing k was determined to follow a decaying exponential function, Nocp = Ae–α, for which, the goodness of fit was established, and the R2 value approached unity for Rule #4 and #5 only. The goodness of fit was established to be the new criteria for rational subgroup-size range, for Rules #5 and #4 only, which involve a count of 6 consecutive points decreasing and 8 consecutive points above the selected control limit (σ/3 above the grand mean), respectively. Using this criterion, the rational subgroup range was established to be 4 ≤ k ≤ 20 for the two x-bar control chart rules.

The effect of empowerment education on depression level and laboratory indicators of patients treated with hemodialysis:a meta-analysis

Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of empowerment education on depression level and laboratory indicators of patients treated with hemodialysis.Methods:We searched databases including Cochrane Library,Web of Science,Embase,PubMed,Chinese Biomedical Literature Database(CBM),Chinese Academic Journals Full-text Database(CNKI),VIP,and Wanfang.We included all the researches about the application of empowerment education in patients treated with hemodialysis.We used RevMan 5.3 to analyze the data after assessing the quality of researches.Results:We included 10 studies eventually.The results of meta-analysis showed that the self-efficacy[MD=1.10,95%confidence interval(CI;0.71,1.48),P<0.01],depression[MD=-6.94,95%CI(-8.53,-5.34),P<0.01],serum creatinine[Scr;MD=-116.46,95%CI(-171.90,-61.03),P<0.01],albumin[Alb;MD=2.93,95%CI(2.00,3.86),P<0.01],and blood urea nitrogen[BUN;MD=-0.95,95%CI(-1.89,-0.01),P=0.05]in the empowerment education group had significantly statistical difference compared with those in the usual education group.However,there was no significant difference in hemoglobin[Hb;MD=3.03,95%CI(-0.64,6.70),P=0.11]between two groups.Conclusions:Empowerment education can improve the self-efficacy in patients treated with hemodialysis,relieve depression,and improve Scr,Alb,and BUN.However,there is no significant improvement in Hb;it needs further exploration in clinical practice.

Practical semen analysis： from A to Z

Accurate semen analysis is critical for decisions about patient care, as well as for studies addressing overall changes in semen quality, contraceptive efficacy and effects of toxicant exposure. The standardization of semen analysis is very difficult for many reasons, including the use of subjective techniques with no standards for comparison, poor technician training, problems with proficiency testing and a reluctance to change techniques. The World Health Organization （WHO） Semen handbook （2010） offers a vastly improved set of standardized procedures, all at a level of detail that will preclude most misinterpretations. However, there is a limit to what can be learned from words and pictures alone. A WHO- produced DVD that offers complete demonstrations of each technique along with quality assurance standards for motility, morphology and concentration assessments would enhance the effectiveness of the manual. However, neither the manual nor a DVD will help unless there is general acknowledgement of the critical need to standardize techniques and rigorously pursue quality control to ensure that laboratories actually perform techniques ＇according to WHO＇ instead of merely reporting that they have done so. Unless improvements are made, patient results will continue to be compromised and comparison between studies and laboratories will have limited merit.

System structural analysis of communication networks based on DEMATEL-ISM and entropy

A method of system structural analysis based on decision making trial and evaluation laboratory together with interpretative structural modeling(DEMATEL-ISM) and entropy is proposed to clarify system structure of communication networks and analyze mutual influencing degree between different networks.Mutual influencing degree and importance degree of elements are both considered to determine weights of elements,and the entropy of expert judgment results is used to omit unimportant influence relation and simplify system structure.Structural analysis on communication networks system shows that the proposed method can quantificationally present weights and mutual influencing degree of elements,and reasonably simplify system structure.The results indicate the rationality and feasibility of the method.

Semen analysis： a new manual and its application to the understanding of semen and its pathology

这篇文章在精液分析上考察世界健康组织的手册的最近的编辑，一个全面指导指南。，在精液分析在对平常的变量的评价使用的方法论被描述是许多更少普通，却很珍贵，精子功能测试。为过程例如的精液准备技术在 vitro，授精和子宫内的授精也在手册被构画出。另外，它为对精液的评价详细说明许多有用技术。它将是执行精液的分析的任何实验室的一本很有用的手册。

Rationale of Timed-Release Analysis and the Improvement of Flotation Experiment

The fundamental aspects of The Timed-Release Analysis (TRA) and some problems are analysed. Having studied the attribute of optimum flotation test results and the way of optimum test conditions, the auther put forward a proposal to improve this test method by adding a new test step of scavenging flotation and using optimum test conditions varied with different fine coals instead of the given ones settled by the TRA norm. Comparison between test results of the two methods of TRA shows that the improved method is very good.

Gait Analysis of a Subject with Total Hip Arthroplasty

Introduction: gait analysis of a subject with total hip replacement is described. Objective: instrumental gait analysis of a subject 12 years after the total hip arthroplasty. Materials and Methods: in a movement analysis laboratory, locomotion studies were carried out at freely chosen walking speed by a 64-year-old subject, obtaining kinematic, kinetic and surface electromyographic data in time and space. All measurements were assessments by applying walking protocols on a straight surface of 8 m long. Results: abnormal slight activations of semitendinosus and tibialis anterior muscles, of the left limb, were observed throughout the gait cycle, no spatiotemporal parameters far from normal values were detected. Conclusions: it was possible to obtain an exhaustive analysis of the parameters associated with the gait of a subject after 12 years of total hip arthroplasty.

A statistical analysis of geomechanical data and its effect on rock mass numerical modeling:a case study

Geomechanical data are never sufficient in quantity or adequately precise and accurate for design purposes in mining and civil engineering.The objective of this paper is to show the variability of rock properties at the sampled point in the roadway's roof,and then,how the statistical processing of the available geomechanical data can affect the results of numerical modelling of the roadway's stability.Four cases were applied in the numerical analysis,using average values(the most common in geomechanical data analysis),average minus standard deviation,median,and average value minus statistical error.The study show that different approach to the same geomechanical data set can change the modelling results considerably.The case shows that average minus standard deviation is the most conservative and least risky.It gives the displacements and yielded elements zone in four times broader range comparing to the average values scenario,which is the least conservative option.The two other cases need to be studied further.The results obtained from them are placed between most favorable and most adverse values.Taking the average values corrected by statistical error for the numerical analysis seems to be the best solution.Moreover,the confidence level can be adjusted depending on the object importance and the assumed risk level.

System failure analysis based on DEMATEL–ISM and FMECA

A new method of system failure analysis was proposed. First, considering the relationships between the failure subsystems,the decision making trial and evaluation laboratory(DEMATEL) method was used to calculate the degree of correlation between the failure subsystems, analyze the combined effect of related failures, and obtain the degree of correlation by using the directed graph and matrix operations. Then, the interpretative structural modeling(ISM) method was combined to intuitively show the logical relationship of many failure subsystems and their influences on each other by using multilevel hierarchical structure model and obtaining the critical subsystems. Finally, failure mode effects and criticality analysis(FMECA) was used to perform a qualitative hazard analysis of critical subsystems, determine the critical failure mode, and clarify the direction of reliability improvement.Through an example, the result demonstrates that the proposed method can be efficiently applied to system failure analysis problems.