scholarly journals Characteristics of a novel NMR-based metabolomics platform for dogs

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Ottka ◽  
Katariina Vapalahti ◽  
Jenni Puurunen ◽  
Laura Vahtera ◽  
Hannes Lohi
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Method Comparison ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Reference Intervals ◽  
Blood Collection ◽  
Prolonged Contact ◽  
Quantitative Results ◽  
Quantitative Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Development And Validation ◽  
Blood Collection Tubes

AbstractMetabolomics has proven itself an invaluable research tool, providing comprehensive insight to systemic metabolism. However, the lack of scalable and quantitative methods with known reference intervals and documented reproducibility has prevented the use of metabolomics in the clinical setting. This study describes the development and validation of a quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) -based metabolomics platform for canine serum and plasma samples. Altogether 8247 canine samples were analyzed using a Bruker’s 500 MHz NMR spectrometer. Using statistical approaches derived from international guidelines, we defined reference intervals for 123 biomarkers, studied method precision, analyte storage stability, the effect of prolonged contact to red blood cells, differences of blood collection tubes, interference of lipemia, hemolysis and bilirubinemia, method comparison, and demonstrated the method’s practical relevance in a hyperglycemic cohort. Owing to the advantages of quantitative results, high reproducibility, and scalability, this canine metabolomics platform holds great potential for numerous clinical and research applications to improve canine health and well-being.

The EFLM strategy for harmonization of the preanalytical phase

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (10) ◽  
pp. 1660-1666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Lippi ◽  
Ana-Maria Simundic ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Chemistry ◽  
European Federation ◽  
Blood Collection ◽  
External Quality Assessment Scheme ◽  
Preanalytical Phase ◽  
Unsuitable Samples ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Sampling Procedures ◽  
Development And Validation ◽  
Blood Collection Tubes

Abstract The Working Group for the Preanalytical Phase (WG-PRE) was officially established by the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) in 2013, with the aim of improving harmonization in the preanalytical phase across European member societies. Since its early birth, the WG-PRE has already completed a number of projects, including harmonizing the definition of fasting status, patient and blood tubes identification, color coding of blood collection tubes, sequence of tubes during blood drawing and participation in the development of suitable preanalytical quality indicators. The WG-PRE has also provided guidance on local validation of blood collection tubes, has performed two European surveys on blood sampling procedures and has organized four European meetings to promote the importance of quality in the preanalytical phase. The future activities entail development and validation of an external quality assessment scheme focused on preanalytical variables, development and dissemination of a survey about the local management of unsuitable samples in clinical laboratories, as well as release of EFLM phlebotomy guidelines. This article summarizes all recent achievements of the WG-PRE and illustrates future projects to promote harmonization in the preanalytical phase.

Development and validation of financial well-being related scales

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 1025-1040 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farah Diba M.A. Abrantes-Braga ◽  
Tania Veludo-de-Oliveira
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rates ◽  
Credit Card ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Convergent And Discriminant Validity ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Development And Validation ◽  
Additional Income

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop valid and reliable scales for assessing a driver and two obstacles potentially related to financial well-being (FWB): financial preparedness for emergency, beliefs of credit limits as additional income and risky indebtedness behaviour.Design/methodology/approachThe scales were developed from scratch across six studies, employing a two-step methodology, which encompassed both qualitative (e.g. focus group, interviews) and quantitative (i.e. online surveys) data collection. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were employed to test and validate the proposed scales.FindingsThis study provides a set of three parsimonious, self-reported behavioural measures that could be employed in conjunction with objective economic indicators to identify individuals who are financially ill prepared and potential candidates for delinquency. The three proposed scales achieved satisfactory levels of reliability and convergent and discriminant validity.Research limitations/implicationsThe resulting scales still need to be tested for predictive validity and in different consumer groups. The scales were validated in a single culture population (Brazil, a country that presents extraordinarily high credit card interest rates), and they should be tested cross-culturally in countries with different economic and credit policies.Originality/valueThe literature on FWB has traditionally employed objective financial indicators as an attempt to measure the concept of FWB and its elements. Self-reported behavioural measures of such constructs are scant to the point of being non-existent for some elements. This study is the first to offer scales for measuring the elements of financial preparedness for emergency, beliefs of credit limits as additional income and risky indebtedness behaviour.

A Generative Sequential Mixed Methods Approach Using Quantitative Measures to Enhance Social Constructionist Inquiry

2021 ◽  
pp. 155868982098627
Author(s):  
Diego Romaioli
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Constructionist ◽  
Social Scientists ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Sequential Mixed Methods

In order to enhance core mixed methods research designs, social scientists need an approach that incorporates developments in the social constructionist perspective. This work describes a study that aimed to promote occupational well-being in hospital departments where employees are at risk of burnout, based on a constructionist inquiry developed starting from the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Taking this study as an example, we define a “generative sequential mixed methods approach” as a process that involves consulting quantitative studies to identify criticalities on which to conduct focused, transformative investigations. The article contributes by envisaging ways to mix qualitative and quantitative methods that consider a “generative” and “future-forming” orientation to research, in line with recent shifts in social psychology.

scholarly journals Comparison of Blood Collection Tubes from Three Different Manufacturers for the Collection of Cell-Free DNA for Liquid Biopsy Mutation Testing

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 801-804 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Alidousty ◽  
Danielle Brandes ◽  
Carina Heydt ◽  
Svenja Wagener ◽  
Maike Wittersheim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Biopsy ◽  
Mutation Testing ◽  
Blood Collection ◽  
Cell Free Dna ◽  
Free Dna ◽  
Blood Collection Tubes

scholarly journals Exploring, measuring and enhancing the coproduction of health and well-being at the national, regional and local levels through comparative case studies in Sweden and England: the ‘Samskapa’ research programme protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. e029723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofia Kjellström ◽  
Kristina Areskoug-Josefsson ◽  
Boel Andersson Gäre ◽  
Ann-Christine Andersson ◽  
Marlene Ockander ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Explanatory Models ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Health And Well Being

IntroductionCocreation, coproduction and codesign are advocated as effective ways of involving citizens in the design, management, provision and evaluation of health and social care services. Although numerous case studies describe the nature and level of coproduction in individual projects, there remain three significant gaps in the evidence base: (1) measures of coproduction processes and their outcomes, (2) mechanisms that enable inclusivity and reciprocity and (3) management systems and styles. By focusing on these issues, we aim to explore, enhance and measure the value of coproduction for improving the health and well-being of citizens.Methods and analysisNine ongoing coproduction projects form the core of an interactive research programme (‘Samskapa’) during a 6-year period (2019–2024). Six of these will take place in Sweden and three will be undertaken in England to enable knowledge exchange and cross-cultural comparison. The programme has a longitudinal case study design using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Cross-case analysis and a sensemaking process will generate relevant lessons both for those participating in the projects and researchers. Based on the findings, we will develop explanatory models and other outputs to increase the sustained value (and values) of future coproduction initiatives in these sectors.Ethics and disseminationAll necessary ethical approvals will be obtained from the regional Ethical Board in Sweden and from relevant authorities in England. All data and personal data will be handled in accordance with General Data Protection Regulations. Given the interactive nature of the research programme, knowledge dissemination to participants and stakeholders in the nine projects will be ongoing throughout the 6 years. External workshops—facilitated in collaboration with participating case studies and citizens—both during and at the end of the programme will provide an additional dissemination mechanism and involve health and social care practitioners, policymakers and third-sector organisations.

scholarly journals Social Well-Being at School: Development and Validation of a Scale for Primary Education Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lidon Moliner ◽  
Francisco Alegre ◽  
Alberto Cabedo-Mas ◽  
Oscar Chiva-Bartoll
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Primary Education ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Education Students ◽  
European Universities ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
International Audience ◽  
Fit Indexes ◽  
School Attitude ◽  
Development And Validation

This study presents the development and validation of a scale for Primary Education students that measures social well-being. A seven-factor structure was defined, with the factors being: achievement, cooperation, cohesion, coexistence, attitude towards school, attitude towards diversity and solidarity. 14 experts from independent European universities participated in the validation process of the scale. The 38-item scale showed considerable reliability (Cronbach’s alpha =0.91). The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the original seven-factor structure with consistent goodness and badness of fit indexes. The promising results in this study suggest that this scale may be suitable for an international audience.

scholarly journals Suddenly Telework: Job Crafting as a Way to Promote Employee Well-Being?

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christiane R. Stempel ◽  
Katja Siestrup
Keyword(s):  
Working Conditions ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Job Characteristics ◽  
Social Resources ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Job Crafting ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Abrupt Shift ◽  
Quantitative Results

COVID-19 confronted many people with an abrupt shift from their usual working environment to telework. This study explores which job characteristics are perceived as most crucial in this exceptional situation and how they differ from people’s previous working conditions. Additionally, we focus on job crafting as a response to this situation and how it is related to employees’ well-being. We conducted an online survey with N = 599 participants, of which 321 reported that they were telework newcomers. First, we asked participants to indicate the three most important advantages and disadvantages they see in telework. The subsequent questionnaire contained a comprehensive measure of working conditions before and during the pandemic, job crafting behaviors, and indicators of well-being. Based on the qualitative answers, we identified three major advantages and disadvantages. Quantitative results indicate perceived changes in all job characteristics for telework newcomers. Concerning working conditions and well-being, job crafting activities that aim to increase structural and social resources are important mediators. The findings underline the need to design appropriate telework conditions and encourage job crafting activities to foster occupational well-being.

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