Chemiluminescence Analysis Research Articles

The Influence of Gamma Radiation on Different Gelatin Nanofibers and Gelatins.

Gelatin nanofibers are known as wound-healing biomaterials due to their high biocompatible, biodegradable, and non-antigenic properties compared to synthetic-polymer-fabricated nanofibers. The influence of gamma radiation doses on the structure of gelatin nanofiber dressings compared to gelatin of their origin is little known, although it is very important for the production of stable bioactive products. Different-origin gelatins were extracted from bovine and donkey hides, rabbit skins, and fish scales and used for fabrication of nanofibers through electrospinning of gelatin solutions in acetic acid. Nanofibers with sizes ranging from 73.50 nm to 230.46 nm were successfully prepared, thus showing the potential of different-origin gelatin by-products valorization as a lower-cost alternative to native collagen. The gelatin nanofibers together with their origin gelatins were treated with 10, 20, and 25 kGy gamma radiation doses and investigated for their structural stability through chemiluminescence and FTIR spectroscopy. Chemiluminescence analysis showed a stable behavior of gelatin nanofibers and gelatins up to 200 °C and increased chemiluminescent emission intensities for nanofibers treated with gamma radiation, at temperatures above 200 °C, compared to irradiated gelatins and non-irradiated nanofibers and gelatins. The electron paramagnetic (EPR) signals of DMPO adduct allowed for the identification of long-life HO● radicals only for bovine and donkey gelatin nanofibers treated with a 20 kGy gamma radiation dose. Microbial contamination with aerobic microorganisms, yeasts, filamentous fungi, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans of gelatin nanofibers treated with 10 kGy gamma radiation was under the limits required for pharmaceutical and topic formulations. Minor shifts of FTIR bands were observed at irradiation, indicating the preservation of secondary structure and stable properties of different-origin gelatin nanofibers.

The level of blood neutrophils primary reactive oxygen species production in Graves’ disease patients undergoing conservative therapy with thiamazole.

Background. Conservative therapy with thiamazole in Graves’ disease helps to reduce the level of oxidative stress by restoring euthyroidism and the total reactive antioxidant potential of plasma. However, until now, in patients with Graves’ disease, the radical-producing ability of neutrophils remains unexplored at the initial stage of free radical conversion at different durations of drug-induced euthyroidism, which seems significant in revealing the mechanisms of disease recurrence. The aim is to study the level of production of primary reactive oxygen species in peripheral blood neutrophils depending on the duration of drug — induced euthyroidism in patients with Graves’ disease. Materials and methods. A single-center, prospective, controlled study was conducted with the participation of patients with laboratory-confirmed Graves’ disease. Subgroups of patients with Graves’ disease were formed depending on the duration of achieved drug-induced euthyroidism with continuous conservative therapy with thiamazole. The level of ROS production in peripheral blood neutrophils was determined by chemiluminescence. The assessment of spontaneous and zymosan-induced chemiluminescence was carried out for 90 minutes on a 36-channel chemiluminescence analyzer BLM-3607 (Medbiotech LLC, Krasnoyarsk). Results. The study included 102 Graves’ disease women with an average age of 47.54 ± 15.47 years. Of these, 75 (73.5 %) with relapse and 27 (26.47 %) with newly diagnosed disease. The total synthesis of (S) primary ROS increased statistically significantly relative to the control values in the examined patients with a duration of the euthyroid state of 5–8 and 9–12 months. It was found that in patients with Graves’ disease with stable drug-induced euthyroidism for 5–8 and 9–12 months, the S index of zymosan-induced lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence of neutrophils increased statistically significantly, respectively, by 10.7 and 7.4 times relative to the control values. Conclusion. The restoration and maintenance of drug-induced euthyroidism for more than 12 months against the background of conservative thiamazole therapy in patients with Graves’ disease reduces the load of systemic oxidative stress on the immune system. However, the high total production of primary ROS in neutrophils of patients with Graves’ disease in a state of drug-induced euthyroidism with conservative thiamazole therapy may play a significant role in disconnecting the functioning of the NADPH oxidase complex and determine the functional capabilities of neutrophils in case of disease recurrence.

Changed regulation of granulocyte NADPH oxidase activity in the mouse model of obesity-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus

NADPH oxidase is a target of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which causes dysregulation of enzyme. Alterations in regulation of NADPH oxidase activity mediated receptor and non-receptor signaling in bone marrow granulocytes of mice with obesity-induced T2DM were studied. The animals fed high fat diet (516 kcal/100 g) for 16 weeks. NADPH oxidase-related generation of reactive species (RS) at normo- and hyperthermia was estimated using chemiluminescent analysis. The redox status of the cells was assessed by Redox Sensor Red CC-1. Baseline biochemical indicators in blood (glucose, cholesterol, HDL and LDL levels) were significant higher in T2DM mice versus controls. Using specific inhibitors, signaling mediated by formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) to NADPH oxidase was shown to involve PLC, PKC, cytochrome p450 in both control and T2DM groups and PLA2 in controls. In T2DM regulation of NADPH oxidase activity via mFpr1, a high-affinity receptors, occurred with a significant increase of the role of PKC isoforms and suppression of PLA2 participation. Significant differences between this regulation via mFpr2, low-affinity receptors, were not found. Non-receptor activation of NADPH oxidase with ionomycin (Ca2+ ionophore) or phorbol ester (direct activator of PKC isoforms) did not revealed differences in the kinetic parameters between groups at 37 °C and 40 °C. When these agents were used together (synergistic effect), lower sensitivity of cells to ionophore was observed in T2DM at both temperatures. Redox status in responses to opsonized zymosan was higher in T2DM mice at 37 °C and similar to control levels at 40 °C. ROC-analysis identified Tmax, RS production and effect of opsonized zymosan as the most significant predictors for discriminating between groups. It was concluded that Ca2+-dependent/PKC-mediated regulation of NADPH oxidase activity was altered in BM granulocytes from diabetic mice.

‘Three Birds With One Stone’ functionalized metal–organic frameworks for facile and efficient chemiluminescent immunoassays

The luminol–H2O2 system is crucial in the field of chemiluminescence (CL) analysis. However, luminol exhibits improved solubility and luminescence only in an alkaline environment, and its preparation process is cumbersome. This inconvenience highlights the need for developing a simple and universally applicable method in this regard. This study integrates luminol and a catalyst into metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for fabrication of functionalised MOF nanoparticles. Further, PEGylated hematin (PEG = polyethylene glycol) was prepared. This modification with PEG enhanced the catalytic properties of hematin and facilitated the formation of zeolitic imidazole framework-8 nanoparticles. Furthermore, the built-in catalyst enhanced the CL in terms of strength and persistence. These MOF nanoparticles were used as signal markers to fabricate a sandwich-type CL immunosensor for detection of carcinoembryonic antigen, which is a disease marker, following which highly satisfactory analytical test results are obtained. This approach of integrating luminophores and catalysts offers a new idea for generating novel materials in the CL analysis field.

ГЕНЕРАЦИЯ СВОБОДНЫХ РАДИКАЛОВ КЛЕТКАМИ КРОВИ КОРОВ ПРИ СУБКЛИНИЧЕСКИХ ДОЗАХ РАДИАЦИИ

The aim of the study is to evaluate the kinetics of ROS generation in the peripheral blood of cattle exposed to subclinical doses of radiation. Objectives: to determine chemiluminescent indices: time to reach and amplitude of maximum activity, total ROS volume in the peripheral blood of lactating cows in agricultural landscapes of the Krasnoyarsk Region with different radioecological status; to calculate the blood phagocyte activation index. The object of the study is lactating cows kept in three agricultural landscapes of the Krasnoyarsk Region with different radioecological status: with an absorbed annual dose for farm animals of 0.92 mGy (control), with doses of 1.33 and 1.55 mGy/year. Research material is peripheral blood of cows. The studies were conducted in 2017–2019 in the immunology sector of the international scientific center for research into extreme states of the body, Federal Research Center of the Krasnoyarsk Scientific Center, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Krasnoyarsk, and at the Institute of Applied Biotechnology and Veterinary Medicine, Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education, Krasnoyarsk State Agrarian University. In the peripheral blood of lactating cows, the following chemiluminescent indices were assessed: the time of formation of peaks in the production of reactive oxygen species and the amplitude of their generation, the total volume of ROS, and the index of activation of blood phagocytes. The chemiluminescent analysis was performed in the immunology sector of the international scientific center for research into extreme conditions of the body, FRC KSC SB RAS (Krasnoyarsk). Subclinical doses of ionizing radiation of 1.33 and 1.55 mGy/year negatively affect the course of free-radical processes in the blood cells of cows. Slowdown in the formation time of kinetic peaks, an increase in the total number of spontaneous free radicals, and a decrease in the light sum of activated ROS were revealed. A decrease in the cell activation index was established, i.e. a decrease in the ability of blood phagocytes to induce a respiratory burst in response to additional antigenic irritation, which is related to the negative consequences of exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation.

Кореляційний аналіз залежності здоров’я населення України від паління як чинника виникнення розвитку цукрового діабету

Numerous clinical studies have established that smoking has a harmful effect on human health including diabetes mellitus. The aim is to assess the peculiarities of health changes among citizens of Ukraine under the influence of a harmful factor, thanks to a simultaneous questionnaire and in-depth medical examination for further improvement of diagnostics and stratification of the degree of risk of developing various diseases and timely appointment of adequate therapy. Materials and methods. Among the laboratory tests, the following were determined: blood glucose level, IR marker – Нoma index, which were determined on an empty stomach, in the morning, the last meal was 12 hours before blood donation. Determination of the results of indicators was carried out using chemiluminescence analysis. Reagents: Roche Diagnostics (Switzerland). Analyzer Cobas 8000 | ProCobas 6000 |Cobas 411 (Switzerland). Statistical data processing was carried out using a software package. The relationship between quantitative indicators was carried out using Pearson’s correlation analysis (r ). Statistical probability was estimated by the parametric Student’s t-test. The difference was considered probable at p<0.05. The relationship between quantitative and rank indicators was carried out using variance analysis, the Fisher coefficient (F). Results. A register of respondents was created - adults (men and women) who were under the influence of a modified factor that is a trigger for the prevalence of such conditions as insulin resistance and hyperglycemia; prediabetes, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), etc. Answers related to smoking were converted from rank indicators into quantitative indicators. Through prospective observations, during the research, it was established that 47.5% consumed tobacco products in one form or another (not often - 15%, moderately - 12.5%, quite often - 7.5%, extremely often - 12.5%). A reliable relationship between quantitative indicators was also confirmed using Pearson’s correlation analysis (rs) between the level of glucose and the IR Нoma index (r=0.444, p=0.004), which once again confirms that the IR Нoma index increases due to the increase in glucose, and the prerequisite for this can be serve: age-related changes in the body’s hormonal balance, a passive lifestyle, weight gain and the presence of a bad habit, namely smoking. For the first time, the relationship between quantitative and rank indicators was established using variance analysis: between the level of glucose and smoking (F=2.757; p=0.043), between the level of IR Нoma index and smoking. Conclusions. As a result of the implementation of the pilot project, it was established that 47.5% of respondents smoke, of which 7.5% very often, 12.5% extremely often. In the course of the implementation of the pilot project, a register of respondents participating in the study was created. The relationship between quantitative indicators was also confirmed, one of which is the relationship between health status and smoking (rs=0.428; p=0.005). For the first time, the relationship between quantitative and rank indicators was investigated using variance analysis: between glucose level and smoking (F=2.757; p=0.043). Thanks to the transformation of the measurement scale, the dependence of the IR level on the Нoma annealing index was established for the first time.

Measurement of Light-Duty Vehicle Exhaust Emissions with Light Absorption Spectrometers

Light-duty vehicle emission regulations worldwide set limits for the following gaseous pollutants: carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxides (NOX), hydrocarbons (HCs), and/or non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs). Carbon dioxide (CO2) is indirectly limited by fleet CO2 or fuel consumption targets. Measurements are carried out at the dilution tunnel with “standard” laboratory-grade instruments following well-defined principles of operation: non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) analyzers for CO and CO2, flame ionization detectors (FIDs) for hydrocarbons, and chemiluminescence analyzers (CLAs) or non-dispersive ultraviolet detectors (NDUVs) for NOX. In the United States in 2012 and in China in 2020, with Stage 6, nitrous oxide (N2O) was also included. Brazil is phasing in NH3 in its regulation. Alternative instruments that can measure some or all these pollutants include Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)- and laser absorption spectroscopy (LAS)-based instruments. In the second category, quantum cascade laser (QCL) spectroscopy in the mid-infrared area or laser diode spectroscopy (LDS) in the near-infrared area, such as tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS), are included. According to current regulations and technical specifications, NH3 is the only component that has to be measured at the tailpipe to avoid ammonia losses due to its hydrophilic properties and adsorption on the transfer lines. There are not many studies that have evaluated such instruments, in particular those for “non-regulated” worldwide pollutants. For this reason, we compared laboratory-grade “standard” analyzers with FTIR- and TDLAS-based instruments measuring NH3. One diesel and two gasoline vehicles at different ambient temperatures and with different test cycles produced emissions in a wide range. In general, the agreement among the instruments was very good (in most cases, within ±10%), confirming their suitability for the measurement of pollutants.

Effects of Nd: YAG LASER irradiation and O2 plasma on the adhesive performance of poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK)

PurposeTo evaluate the effects of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd: YAG) LASER irradiation and oxygen (O2) plasma on the adhesive performance of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and resin adhesive. MethodsNd: YAG LASERs of varying powers and O2 plasma for different durations were used to modify PEEK. A total of 168 PEEK specimens were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 24/group): (A) Control group: untreated PEEK, (B) L0.75 group: PEEK modified with 0.75 W Nd: YAG LASER, (C) L1 group: PEEK modified with 1.0 W Nd: YAG LASER, (D) L1.25 group: PEEK modified with 1.25 W Nd: YAG LASER, (E) P15 group: PEEK modified with 15 min of O2 plasma, (F) P25 group: PEEK modified with 25 min of O2 plasma, and (G) P35 group: PEEK modified with 35 min of O2 plasma. The surface characteristics of the materials were comprehensively analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), profilometer, energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and contact angle tester. The adhesive specimens were bonded with Variolink N resin adhesive in all groups and each group was further divided into two subgroups (n = 12/group): (a) water storage for 56 h at 37 °C and (b) thermal cycling 5000 times. Shear bond strength (SBS) was tested using a universal testing machine, and the fracture modes were observed using an automated chemiluminescence analysis system to assess the effects of Nd: YAG LASER and O2 plasma on the bond strength of PEEK to resin adhesive. ResultsBoth Nd: YAG LASER and O2 plasma treatments altered the surface characteristics of PEEK and significantly increased the SBS between PEEK and Variolink N resin adhesive. The L0.75 group (Nd: YAG LASER) and the P35 group (O2 plasma) achieved the highest SBS, respectively. Furthermore, the SBS of the L0.75 group was higher than that of the P35 group. Following thermal cycling, SBS values decreased compared to the water storage subgroups. The fracture modes of the specimens in each group were predominantly interfacial and mixed, with no cohesive fractures observed. ConclusionsNd: YAG LASER irradiation and O2 plasma treatments can improve the SBS between PEEK and resin adhesive, with the 0.75 W Nd: YAG LASER being the preferred treatment method.

Outcome of stress on G protein-coupled receptors and hypoxia inducible factor-1α.

Stress drives neuroendocrine signals with detrimental effects to the intestinal homeostasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of stress on intestinal hypoxia response elements, including G protein-coupled receptor 41 (GPR41), GPR43, and hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α. Groups of five BALB/c mice were subjected to acute (2 h per day) and chronic (2 h per day for 4 days) stress induced by restraint, and the results were compared to those of an unstressed control group. Whole mucosal samples from the colon were collected to evaluate the expression of GPR41, GPR43 and HIF-1α using Western blot chemiluminescent analysis. Compared to the control group, in the chronic stress group the expression of GPR43 (P = 0.0092) and HIF-1α (P < 0.0001) were significantly lower and the expression of GPR41 was similar (P = 0.9184); acute stress significantly increased HIF-1α expression (P = 0.0030) and increased GPR41 expression (P = 0.0937), without affecting GPR43 (P = 0.9184). These findings offer insights into the modulation of hypoxia response elements under stress conditions and their pharmacological implications for developing drugs that mitigate the effects of stress on intestinal homeostasis.

Field Quantification of Hydroxyl Radicals by Flow-Injection Chemiluminescence Analysis with a Portable Device.

Hydroxyl radical (•OH) is a powerful oxidant abundantly found in nature and plays a central role in numerous environmental processes. On-site detection of •OH is highly desirable for real-time assessments of •OH-centered processes and yet is restrained by a lack of an analysis system suitable for field applications. Here, we report the development of a flow-injection chemiluminescence analysis (FIA-CL) system for the continuous field detection of •OH. The system is based on the reaction of •OH with phthalhydrazide to generate 5-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1,4-phthalazinedione, which emits chemiluminescence (CL) when oxidatively activated by H2O2 and Cu3+. The FIA-CL system was successfully validated using the Fenton reaction as a standard •OH source. Unlike traditional absorbance- or fluorescence-based methods, CL detection could minimize interference from an environmental medium (e.g., organic matter), therefore attaining highly sensitive •OH detection (limits of detection and quantification = 0.035 and 0.12 nM, respectively). The broad applications of FIA-CL were illustrated for on-site 24 h detection of •OH produced from photochemical processes in lake water and air, where the temporal variations on •OH productions (1.0-12.2 nM in water and 1.5-37.1 × 107 cm-3 in air) agreed well with sunlight photon flux. Further, the FIA-CL system enabled field 24 h field analysis of •OH productions from the oxidation of reduced substances triggered by tidal fluctuations in coastal soils. The superior analytical capability of the FIA-CL system opens new opportunities for monitoring •OH dynamics under field conditions.

CHEMICAL STABILITY OF CELLULOSE NITRATES: REVIEW

The results of the analysis of literature data on updated methods for determining the chemical stability of cellulose nitrates are presented. The relevance of research is due to the need to control the operation and storage of a widespread component of solid rocket fuels and explosive compositions. The criterion for chemical resistance is the value of the decomposition rate or the time dependence of the degree of decomposition of the sample. It is shown that methods for assessing the chemical resistance of cellulose nitrates are based on determining the rate of its thermal decomposition, which is measured by a specific parameter accompanying decomposition. These parameters include weight loss, amount of gaseous decomposition products released, decomposition temperature or thermal effects. Studies are carried out at elevated temperatures and allow you to control the magnitude or rate of change in the parameter that accompanies thermal decomposition. The possibility of using modern analytical methods for evaluating chemical resistance is shown: differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, chemiluminescent analysis, infrared spectroscopy, high-performance liquid and thin-layer chromatography, gas chromatography, electron paramagnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction analysis. The preference for methods of differential scanning calorimetry or differential thermal analysis is substantiated. The results of studies on improving the chemical resistance of cellulose nitrates and compositions based on it with the use of new stabilizers of the aniline series, stabilizers of natural origin with the advantage of the latter on the examples of curcumin and lignins are presented. Due to the insufficient stability of cellulose nitrates, stabilizers added to the formulation of explosive compositions lengthen the induction period of the decomposition of nitro compounds and do not allow the development of the autocatalytic decomposition stage. Methods for determining the chemical stability of cellulose nitrates obtained from alternative sources of raw materials are presented. For citation: Vdovina N.P., Korchagina А.А., Budaev I.А. Chemical stability of cellulose nitrates: Review. ChemChemTech [Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol.]. 2023. V. 66. N 5. P. 6-20. DOI: 10.6060/ivkkt.20236605.6725.

Markers of eosinophilic airway inflammation in patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Background: Measurement of airway inflammation is an important step to determine phenotype of asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR). Objective: To assess the level of nitric oxide in exhaled air (FeNO), nasal fraction of nitric oxide (nasal NO), their relationship with clinical control and blood eosinophils in patients with steroid-naive mild and moderate asthma and AR. Methods: One hundred forty-seven patients (65 men), ages 26-49.5 years (mean age, 32 years) with AR (n = 81) or AR and concomitant asthma (n = 46) and 20 healthy subjects were included in a single-center cohort study. All the patients underwent spirometry with reversibility test. Control of asthma and AR was assessed by using the Asthma Control Questionnaire and the visual analog scale, respectively. Levels of FeNO and nasal NO were measured by chemiluminescent analyzer, peripheral blood eosinophils were counted by automatic analyzer. Results: The FeNO level was significantly elevated in the patients with asthma and concomitant AR compared with the healthy subjects and was associated with control of both asthma and AR. There was no correlation between nasal NO and control of AR. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the level of eosinophils of 150 cells/μL may be a cutoff for lower airway eosinophilic inflammation. Blood eosinophils count was unable to distinguish eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic upper airway inflammation. Conclusion: We confirm that FeNO but not nasal NO is a marker of eosinophilic airway inflammation in patients with mild-moderate steroid-naive AR and concomitant asthma. A blood eosinophil level of ≥150 cells/µL may be a simple marker of eosinophilic airway inflammation in patients with asthma. However, its low specificity requires repeated measurements and use in combination with other biomarkers.

Color and multi-band imaging of a cavity-based flameholder in supersonic flow

Utilizing time-resolved CH*/C2* and multi-angle color flame imaging recorded at 1 kHz/22.5 kHz frequencies, this study investigates the dynamics and stabilization of supersonic flames in a cavity flameholder combustor at Mach 2, with ethylene fuel and air. A stagnation pressure of 289 kPa was used for the stable cavity burning experiments with fuel flow rates of 30, 60, and 90 slpm and 483 kPa for ignition transient experiments with fuel flow rates of 55 and 90 slpm, injecting fuel at the closeout ramp. The stagnation temperature was 597 K. Chemiluminescence analysis focused on the equivalence ratio (ER) and combustion intensity, while a fiber-based endoscope captured color flame image, informing on premixedness, flame structure, and flame surface density. Results from transient ignition showed that a progression from lean to stoichiometric, and ultimately to fuel-rich conditions was observed, with marked transitions occurring along the cavity floor. High-intensity CH* regions were consistently associated with fuel-rich zones. Digital flame coloration discrimination (DFCD) analysis provided insights into the mixing efficiency, affecting the flame color and structure. Despite reduced fuel flow rates significantly altering flame characteristics, such as thickness and the persistence of a 'W' flame structure, the shear layer remained a focal point for optimal combustion conditions. The study demonstrated that the shear layer's intense turbulent mixing is crucial for flame stability and structure, with chemiluminescence surface density (CSD) profiles suggesting balanced combustion at 60 and 90 slpm flow rates. However, an asymmetry of CSD at 30 slpm indicated a shift towards fuel-rich conditions at the burning surface, indicating potential instability and elevated blowout.

Association of Serum Alpha-fetoprotein with the Tumor Characters and HBV Status of Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Assess its Resectability

Background: Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has long been used to complement imaging tests in the screening and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), its utility as a predictive marker of long-term risk for HCC in HBV patients is contentious. Objective: The current study is aimed to assess the serum alpha-fetoprotein with the tumor character and HBV status of HCC to assess its resectability. Methods: This was a single-center, cross-sectional study done from September 2020 to August 2021 at the department of Hepatobiliary, pancreatic, and liver transplantation surgery at BSMMU. A total of 27 HCC patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings were obtained using a standardized data collecting sheet with the patients' informed agreement. AFP was measured by automated chemiluminescence analyzer (LIAISON XL, DiaSorin, Italy) in the Department of Biochemistry &amp; Molecular Biology, BSMMU. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22. Quantitative variables were expressed as mean standard deviation and examined using an unpaired t-test. The qualitative data were represented by frequencies and percentages, and the Chi-Square test and Fisher exact test (where applicable) were used to determine any association. The statistical tests were conducted with a 95% confidence interval, and P&lt;0.05 was deemed statistically significant. Results: Majority of the tumors were single and located in the right lobe. Local extension and distant metastasis were preset in unresectable patients of group 2.Hepatitis B virus was positive in 16 (59.3%) patients and DNA was detectable in 8 (29.6%) patients. HBV positivity and detectable HBV DNA was significantly associated with poor resectable status in group 2 but insignificant in group 1. Conclusions: In this study, the overall resectability was 37%. HBV positive HCC patients are significantly associated with poor resectability when serum AFP is raised and it would be more indicative when HBV DNA is detected. TAJ 2023; 36: No-2: 111-119

Features of phagocytic and chemiluminescent activity of neutrophils when exposed to polyprenols &lt;i&gt;in vitro&lt;/i&gt;

Aim: Studying of the features of phagocytic activity and the state of the respiratory burst of neutrophils under the influence of polyprenols in vitro.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study involved 30 relatively healthy donors aged 23-59 years from whose peripheral blood neutrophilic granulocytes were isolated to determine phagocytic and chemiluminescent activity. The isolated cells were incubated for 30 minutes with polyprenols in vitro. The level of phagocytosis of immature and mature neutrophils was determined by flow cytometry using FITC-labeled staphylococcal protein A. The state of the respiratory burst was assessed using chemiluminescent analysis.&#x0D; Results. It was found that the levels of phagocytic index (PI) and number (PN) of mature neutrophils were reduced after incubation with polyprenols relative to initial and control values. The values of PI and PN of immature neutrophils under the influence of polyprenols and during control incubation were decreased relative to the initial values. The intensity maximum and area under the curve of spontaneous and zymosan-induced lucigenin- and luminol-dependent chemiluminescence of the neutrophils were reduced after incubation with polyprenols.&#x0D; Conclusion. The effect of polyprenols on neutrophilic granulocytes in vitro leads to a decrease in activity in respiratory burst cells, which is realized in blocking by polyprenols the interaction of primary and secondary ROS with chemiluminescent indicators by the mechanism of primary antioxidants. The binding of ROS by polyprenols also manifests itself in a decrease in the phagocytic activity of mature neutrophils while maintaining the phagocytic activity of immature cells at the level of control incubation. In general, polyprenols exhibit anti-inflammatory activity when exposed in vitro to neutrophilic granulocytes.

The relationship of dyslipidemia and insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome

The aim of the research was to study the relationship between dyslipidemia and insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes with metabolic syndrome.&#x0D; Materials and methods: In accordance with the aim and objectives of the study, the group of subjects consisted of 120 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with MS who were undergoing inpatient treatment in the endocrinology department of the KNP "Regional Clinical Hospital of the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Council" and 15 practically healthy individuals (PHI), who made up the control group. The degree of IR was determined by waist circumference (WC), IR indices: the HOMA-IR index and the Caro index. The distribution of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with MS and without signs of MS was carried out, depending on the presence of NASH. The concentration of endogenous insulin (EI) was determined by the enzyme immunoassay method using an autonomous chemiluminescence analyzer Maglumi 800 with a set of reagents Maglumi "Insulin" Shanghai International Holding Corp. GmbH (Europe), Hamburg, Germany. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was determined using the "Glycosylated Hemoglobin Spl" reagent of Granum Laboratory LLC, Kharkiv, Ukraine, using a ULAB 108UV spectrophotometer. The level of triglycerides and HDL-CHD in blood serum was determined with the help of the "Cholesterol Spl" reagent of the "Granum Laboratory" LLC, Ukraine, Kharkiv, using the ER 500 enzyme immunoassay analyzer.&#x0D; Results: calculation of generally accepted indices of insulin resistance, in particular the HOMA IR index, OT, BMI indicate the presence of significant insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes with MS, while the changes were the greatest in patients with type 2 diabetes with MS and NASH. Insulin resistance syndrome contributes to lipid imbalance and is a metabolic prerequisite for the development of NASH.&#x0D; Conclusions. The results of the study are recommended for practical use in health care: correction of dyslipidemia against the background of glycemic control

Chemiluminescent and Photometric Analysis of Matrix Gla Protein from Patients with a Defect of Musculoskeletal System

Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is a circulating protein with a low molecular weight that acts as a natural inhibitor of calcification. It belongs to the group of vitamin K‑dependent proteins. For its proper function, MGP must undergo vitamin K-dependent carboxylation and phosphorylation. Its main function is the prevention of soft-tissue calcification. It requires vitamin K2 as a cofactor for gamma glutamyl carboxylase. Vitamin K insufficiency is manifested by cardiovascular diseases, insufficient mineralization of bone tissue and the formation of calcifying deposits in soft tissues. The aim of this study was to design methods for monitoring the levels of MGP and dp-uc MGP by using immunochemical detection and to apply them to the analysis of real samples for use in clinical laboratories. These markers could serve as potential markers of the severity of joint diseases, cardiovascular diseases and also as markers indicating the status of vitamin K in organism.

Evaluation of DiaSorin Liaison® calprotectin fecal assay adapted for pleural effusion.

Calprotectin (CP) is a calcium and zinc binding protein that is widely measured on faecal samples but its determination in other biological fluids might be of interest. The aim of this work was to validate the measurement of CP in pleural fluid by chemiluminescence. LIAISON®XL, a fully automated chemiluminescence analyzer, was used for CP quantification on pleural fluid. A validation protocol was designed using both quality control materials provided by the manufacturer and pools of pleural fluid samples. Stability, imprecision, bias, linearity, detection capability and carry over effect were evaluated. CP was stable on pleural fluid at least one week, under refrigerated conditions, and four weeks at-80 °C. The observed intra- and inter-day imprecision was between 2.2 and 6.49 %, with a negative bias under 5.51 %. The linearity of the method was verified up to 2,000 ng/mL. The LoQ for the assay was 48.52 ng/mL. A statistically significant carry-over effect was observed after measuring CP concentrations above the upper limit of linearity, but given the observed magnitude, a clinically relevant impact should not be expected. DiaSorin Liaison® calprotectin assay allows reliable measurement of CP in pleural fluid.

Mid‐Infrared Spectroscopy and Machine Learning for Nondestructive Detection of Inapparent Deterioration in Acrylic Waterborne Coatings for Wood

AbstractThis study presents an approach for nondestructive detection of inapparent deterioration in waterborne acrylic coatings (containing cellulose nanofibers (CNFs)) for wood by using mid‐infrared spectroscopy and machine learning. The method evaluates films that mimic coatings before and after 500 h of accelerated weathering, equivalent to roughly 1 year of outdoor exposure. No noticeable transformation in film appearance is evident with a spectrophotometer following the accelerated weathering. Chemiluminescence analysis indicates oxidative degradation predominantly in the acrylic resin, an impact that the CNFs seem to mitigate. Whereas attenuated total reflectance (ATR)‐Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy commonly identifies chemical changes in visibly degraded coatings, it does not clearly discern prior, inapparent deterioration. In this context, machine learning algorithms (such as k‐nearest neighbors, decision tree, random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM)) categorize these nuanced changes by using the absorbance from 400 to 4000 cm−1 as explanatory variables. The SVM model exhibits the highest predictive accuracy, and the RF recognizes crucial variables in some wavenumber zones. This approach has the potential for enhancing recoating schedules, cutting costs, and encouraging sustainable use of wood.

Chemiluminescent Analysis of Oxidative Metabolism in Rat Blood under the Influence of Argon and Helium.

We studied the nature of the action of course treatment with argon and helium (1 min, 3 procedures) on the oxidative metabolism in rat blood plasma. The study was performed on 30 Wistar rats divided into 3 groups (n=10 in each group): intact and 2 experimental (treatment of the skin of the back with a stream of argon and helium, respectively). After completion of the treatment course, the intensity of free radical processes, the total antioxidant activity, and malondialdehyde concentration were evaluated in the blood plasma. It was found that argon and helium gas flows provide stimulation of antioxidant systems, but the mechanisms of their effect were different. Treatment with helium did not affect the intensity of free radical processes, but significantly increased the overall antioxidant activity of blood plasma and reduced malondialdehyde concentration in comparison with the effect of argon flow.