A systematic mapping study on testing technique experiments: has the situation changed since 2000?

Context: Empirical Software Engineering (ESE) replication researchers need to store and manipulate experimental data for several purposes, in particular analysis and reporting. Current research needs call for sharing and preservation of experimental data as well. In a previous work, we analyzed Replication Data Management (RDM) needs. A novel concept, called Experimental Ecosystem, was proposed to solve current deficiencies in RDM approaches. The empirical ecosystem provides replication researchers with a common framework that integrates transparently local heterogeneous data sources. A typical situation where the Empirical Ecosystem is applicable, is when several members of a research group, or several research groups collaborating together, need to share and access each other experimental results. However, to be able to apply the Empirical Ecosystem concept and deliver all promised benefits, it is necessary to analyze the software architectures and tools that can properly support it.

Inhibitory effect of 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)adenine on visna virus infection in lambs: a model for in vivo testing of candidate anti-human immunodeficiency virus drugs.

The acyclic nucleoside phosphonate analog 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)adenine (PMEA) was recently found to be effective as an inhibitor of visna virus replication and cytopathic effect in sheep choroid plexus cultures. To study whether PMEA also affects visna virus infection in sheep, two groups of four lambs each were inoculated intracerebrally with 10(6.3) TCID50 of visna virus strain KV1772 and treated subcutaneously three times a week with PMEA at 10 and 25 mg/kg, respectively. The treatment was begun on the day of virus inoculation and continued for 6 weeks. A group of four lambs were infected in the same way but were not treated. The lambs were bled weekly or biweekly and the leukocytes were tested for virus. At 7 weeks after infection, the animals were sacrificed, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and samples of tissue from various areas of the brain and from lungs, spleen, and lymph nodes were collected for isolation of virus and for histopathologic examination. The PMEA treatment had a striking effect on visna virus infection, which was similar for both doses of the drug. Thus, the frequency of virus isolations was much lower in PMEA-treated than in untreated lambs. The difference was particularly pronounced in the blood, CSF, and brain tissue. Furthermore, CSF cell counts were much lower and inflammatory lesions in the brain were much less severe in the treated lambs than in the untreated controls. The results indicate that PMEA inhibits the propagation and spread of visna virus in infected lambs and prevents brain lesions, at least during early infection. The drug caused no noticeable side effects during the 6 weeks of treatment.

Total chemical synthesis of a ribozyme derived from a group I intron.

We describe the complete chemical synthesis of a ribozyme that catalyzes template-directed oligonucleotide ligation. The specific activity of the synthetic ribozyme is nearly identical to that of the same enzyme generated by in vitro transcription with T7 RNA polymerase. The ribozyme is derived from a group I intron and consists of three RNA fragments of 36, 43, and 59 nt that self-assemble to form a catalytically active complex. We have site-specifically substituted ribonucleotide analogs into this enzyme and have identified two 2'-hydroxyl groups that are required for full catalytic activity. In contrast, neither the 2'-hydroxyl nor the exocyclic amino group of the conserved guanosine in the guanosine binding site is necessary for catalysis. By allowing the ribozyme to be modified as easily as its substrates, this synthetic ribozyme system should be useful for testing specific hypotheses concerning ribozyme-substrate interactions and tertiary interactions within the ribozyme.

Recommendations for Genetic Testing to Reduce the Incidence of Anthracycline-induced Cardiotoxicity

AIM Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (ACT) occurs in 57% of treated patients and remains an important limitation of anthracycline-based chemotherapy. In various genetic association studies, potential genetic risk markers for ACT have been identified. Therefore, we developed evidence-based clinical practice recommendations for pharmacogenomic testing to further individualize therapy based on ACT risk. METHODS We followed a standard guideline development process; including a systematic literature search, evidence synthesis and critical appraisal, and the development of clinical practice recommendations with an international expert group. RESULTS RARG rs2229774, SLC28A3 rs7853758 and UGT1A6 rs17863783 variants currently have the strongest and the most consistent evidence for association with ACT. Genetic variants in ABCC1, ABCC2, ABCC5, ABCB1, ABCB4, CBR3, RAC2, NCF4, CYBA, GSTP1, CAT, SULT2B1, POR, HAS3, SLC22A7, SCL22A17, HFE and NOS3 have also been associated with ACT, but require additional validation. We recommend pharmacogenomic testing for the RARG rs2229774 (S427L), SLC28A3 rs7853758 (L461L) and UGT1A6*4 rs17863783 (V209V) variants in childhood cancer patients with an indication for doxorubicin or daunorubicin therapy (Level B - moderate). Based on an overall risk stratification, taking into account genetic and clinical risk factors, we recommend a number of management options including increased frequency of echocardiogram monitoring, follow-up, as well as therapeutic options within the current standard of clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS Existing evidence demonstrates that genetic factors have the potential to improve the discrimination between individuals at higher and lower risk of ACT. Genetic testing may therefore support both patient care decisions and evidence development for an improved prevention of ACT.

Relational Memory Is Evident in Eye Movement Behavior despite the Use of Subliminal Testing Methods

While it is generally agreed that perception can occur without awareness, there continues to be debate about the type of representational content that is accessible when awareness is minimized or eliminated. Most investigations that have addressed this issue evaluate access to well-learned representations. Far fewer studies have evaluated whether or not associations encountered just once prior to testing might also be accessed and influence behavior. Here, eye movements were used to examine whether or not memory for studied relationships is evident following the presentation of subliminal cues. Participants (assigned to experimental or control groups) studied scene-face pairs and test trials evaluated implicit and explicit memory for these pairs. Each test trial began with a subliminal scene cue, followed by three visible studied faces. For experimental group participants, one face was the studied associate of the scene (implicit test); for controls none were a match. Subsequently, the Display containing a match was presented to both groups, but now it was preceded by a visible scene cue (explicit test). Eye movements were recorded and recognition Memory responses were made. Participants in the experimental group looked disproportionately at matching faces on implicit test trials and participants from both groups looked disproportionately at matching faces on explicit test trials, even when that face had not been successfully identified as the associate. Critically, implicit memory-based viewing effects seemed not to depend on residual awareness of subliminal scenes cues, as subjective and objective measures indicated that scenes were successfully masked from view. The reported outcomes indicate that memory for studied relationships can be expressed in eye movement behavior without awareness.

Heterogeneity in testing practices for infections during pregnancy: national survey across Switzerland.

QUESTION Detection and treatment of infections during pregnancy are important for both maternal and child health. The objective of this study was to describe testing practices and adherence to current national guidelines in Switzerland. METHODS We invited all registered practicing obstetricians and gynaecologists in Switzerland to complete an anonymous web-based questionnaire about strategies for testing for 14 infections during pregnancy. We conducted a descriptive analysis according to demographic characteristics. RESULTS Of 1138 invited clinicians, 537 (47.2%) responded and 520 (45.6%) were eligible as they are currently caring for pregnant women. Nearly all eligible respondents tested all pregnant women for group B streptococcus (98.0%), hepatitis B virus (HBV) (96.5%) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (94.7%), in accordance with national guidelines. Although testing for toxoplasmosis is not recommended, 24.1% of respondents tested all women and 32.9% tested at the request of the patient. Hospital doctors were more likely not to test for toxoplasmosis than doctors working in private practice (odds ratio [OR] 2.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-6.13, p = 0.04). Only 80.4% of respondents tested all women for syphilis. There were regional differences in testing for some infections. The proportion of clinicians testing all women for HIV, HBV and syphilis was lower in Eastern Switzerland and the Zurich region (69.4% and 61.2%, respectively) than in other regions (range 77.1-88.1%, p <0.001). Most respondents (74.5%) said they would appreciate national guidelines about testing for infections during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Testing practices for infections in pregnant women vary widely in Switzerland. More extensive national guidelines could improve consistency of testing practices.

Summary of luminaire support capability testing. Final report.

Federal Highway Administration, Safety Design Division, McLean, Va.

Analysis and testing of a bridge deck reinforced with GFRP rebars /

"HWY-2005-22."

Aberrant protective force generation during neural provocation testing and the effect of treatment in patients with neurogenic cervicobrachial pain

Background: Observation of the occurrence of protective muscle activity is advocated in assessment of the peripheral nervous system by means of neural provocation tests. However, no studies have yet demonstrated abnormal force generation in a patient population. Objectives: To analyze whether aberrations in shoulder girdle-elevation force during neural tissue provocation testing for the median nerve (NTPTI) can be demonstrated, and whether possible aberrations can be normalized following cervical mobilization. Study Design: A single-blind randomized comparative controlled study. Setting: Laboratory setting annex in a manual therapy teaching practice. Participants: Twenty patients with unilateral or bilateral neurogenic cervicobrachial pain. Methods: During the NTPTI, we used a load cell and electrogoniometer to record continuously the shoulder-girdle elevation force in relation to the available range of elbow extension. Following randomization, we analyzed the immediate treatment effects of a cervical contralateral lateral glide mobilization technique (experimental group) and therapeutic ultrasound (control group). Results: On the involved side, the shoulder-girdle elevation force occur-red earlier, and the amount of force at the end of the test was substantially, though not significantly, greater than that on the uninvolved side at the corresponding range of motion. Together with a significant reduction in pain perception after cervical mobilization, a clear tendency toward normalization of the force curve could be observed, namely, a significant decrease in force generation and a delayed onset. The control group demonstrated no differences. Conclusions: Aberrations in force generation during neural, provocation testing are present in patients with neurogenic pain and can be normalized with appropriate treatment modalities.

Genetic testing in familial isolated hyperparathyroidism: unexpected results and their implications

Familial hyperparathyroidism is not uncommon in clinical endocrine practice. It encompasses a spectrum of disorders including multiple endocrine neoplasia types 1 (MEN1) and 2A, hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumour syndrome (HPT-JT), familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia (FHH), and familial isolated hyperparathyroidism (FIHP). Distinguishing among the five syndromes is often difficult but has profound implications for the management of patient and family. The availability of specific genetic testing for four of the syndromes has improved diagnostic accuracy and simplified family monitoring in many cases but its current cost and limited accessibility require rationalisation of its use. No gene has yet been associated exclusively with FIHP. FIHP phenotypes have been associated with mutant MEN1 and calcium-sensing receptor ( CASR) genotypes and, very recently, with mutation in the newly identified HRPT2 gene. The relative proportions of these are not yet clear. We report results of MEN1, CASR, and HRPT2 genotyping of 22 unrelated subjects with FIHP phenotypes. We found 5 (23%) with MEN1 mutations, four (18%) with CASR mutations, and none with an HRPT2 mutation. All those with mutations had multiglandular hyperparathyroidism. Of the subjects with CASR mutations, none were of the typical FHH phenotype. These findings strongly favour a recommendation for MEN1 and CASR genotyping of patients with multiglandular FIHP, irrespective of urinary calcium excretion. However, it appears that HRPT2 genotyping should be reserved for cases in which other features of the HPT-JT phenotype have occurred in the kindred. Also apparent is the need for further investigation to identify additional genes associated with FIHP.

Adaptation to being at-risk for Huntington's disease and the availability of genetic testing: Application of a stress and coping model

This study examined the utility of a stress/coping model in explaining adaptation in two groups of people at-risk for Huntington's Disease (HD): those who have not approached genetic testing services (non-testees) and those who have engaged a testing service (testees). The aims were (1) to compare testees and non-testees on stress/coping variables, (2) to examine relations between adjustment and the stress/coping predictors in the two groups, and (3) to examine relations between the stress/coping variables and testees' satisfaction with their first counselling session. Participants were 44 testees and 40 non-testees who completed questionnaires which measured the stress/coping variables: adjustment (global distress, depression, health anxiety, social and dyadic adjustment), genetic testing concerns, testing context (HD contact, experience, knowledge), appraisal (control, threat, self-efficacy), coping strategies (avoidance, self-blame, wishful thinking, seeking support, problem solving), social support and locus of control. Testees also completed a genetic counselling session satisfaction scale. As expected, non-testees reported lower self-efficacy and control appraisals, higher threat and passive avoidant coping than testees. Overall, results supported the hypothesis that within each group poorer adjustment would be related to higher genetic testing concerns, contact with HD, threat appraisals, passive avoidant coping and external locus of control, and lower levels of positive experiences with HD, social support, internal locus of control, self-efficacy, control appraisals, problem solving, emotional approach and seeking social support coping. Session satisfaction scores were positively correlated with dyadic adjustment, problem solving and positive experience with HD, and inversely related to testing concerns, and threat and control appraisals. Findings support the utility of the stress/coping model in explaining adaptation in people who have decided not to seek genetic testing for HD and those who have decided to engage a genetic testing service.

A report of a national mutation testing service for the MEN1 gene: clinical presentations and implications for mutation testing

Introduction: Mutation testing for the MEN1 gene is a useful method to diagnose and predict individuals who either have or will develop multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 ( MEN 1). Clinical selection criteria to identify patients who should be tested are needed, as mutation analysis is costly and time consuming. This study is a report of an Australian national mutation testing service for the MEN1 gene from referred patients with classical MEN 1 and various MEN 1- like conditions. Results: All 55 MEN1 mutation positive patients had a family history of hyperparathyroidism, had hyperparathyroidism with one other MEN1 related tumour, or had hyperparathyroidism with multiglandular hyperplasia at a young age. We found 42 separate mutations and six recurring mutations from unrelated families, and evidence for a founder effect in five families with the same mutation. Discussion: Our results indicate that mutations in genes other than MEN1 may cause familial isolated hyperparathyroidism and familial isolated pituitary tumours. Conclusions: We therefore suggest that routine germline MEN1 mutation testing of all cases of classical'' MEN1, familial hyperparathyroidism, and sporadic hyperparathyroidism with one other MEN1 related condition is justified by national testing services. We do not recommend routine sequencing of the promoter region between nucleotides 1234 and 1758 ( Genbank accession no. U93237) as we could not detect any sequence variations within this region in any familial or sporadic cases of MEN1 related conditions lacking a MEN1 mutation. We also suggest that testing be considered for patients < 30 years old with sporadic hyperparathyroidism and multigland hyperplasia

Effectiveness of a mutual support group for families of patients with schizophrenia

Aim. This paper reports a study to examine the effectiveness of a 12-session mutual support group for Chinese families caring for a relative with schizophrenia compared with a psycho-educational group and routine family support services in Hong Kong. Background. Schizophrenia is a disruptive and distressing illness for patients and their families. With the current trend of community care for mental illness, there is evidence that family intervention reduces patient relapse and re-hospitalization, satisfies the health needs of families and enhances their coping capabilities. Methods. A randomized controlled trial was conducted from May 2002 to June 2003 with 96 Chinese families of a relative with schizophrenia selected from two psychiatric outpatient clinics in Hong Kong. Families were randomly assigned to receive mutual support (n = 32), psycho-education (n = 33) or standard care only (n = 31). The interventions were delivered at outpatient clinics over a 6-month period. Pre- and post- (1 week and 6 months) testing took place and families' functioning, mental health service utilization, patients' level of functioning and duration of re-hospitalization were measured. Results. At both post-test periods, family caregivers and patients in the mutual support group reported statistically significant improvements on family and patients' level of functioning, when compared with their counterparts in the psycho-education and standard care groups. Conclusions. The findings support the use of mutual support groups as an effective modality of family intervention in a Chinese population caring for a family member with schizophrenia to improve both family and patient functioning.

Polyethism and comparability of termite choice assays in a model system using Microcerotermes turneri (Termitidae : Termitinae): Implications for standardised testing techniques

Traditional measures of termite food preference assess consequences of foraging behavior such as wood consumption, aggregation and/or termite survivorship. Although studies have been done to investigate the specifics of foraging behavior this is not generally integrated into choice assay experiments. Here choice assays were conducted with small isolated (orphaned) groups of workers and compared with choice assays involving foragers from whole nests (non-orphaned) in the laboratory. Aggregation to two different wood types was used as a measure of preference. Specific worker caste and instars participating in initial exploration were compared between assay methods, with samples of termites taken from nest carton material and sites where termites were feeding. Aggregation results differ between choice assay techniques. Castes and instars responsible for initial exploration, as determined in whole nest trials, were not commonly found exploring in isolated group trials, nor were they numerous in termites taken from active feeding sites. Consequently the use of small groups of M. turneri worker termites extracted from active feeding sites may not be appropriate for use in choice assays.