Determination Of Sedimentation Rate Research Articles

Inflammatory and neutrophil activation markers in Behcet's disease

Behcet's disease (BD) is a systemic vasculitis characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation with aphthous stomatitis, genital ulcers, skin, joint and internal organ involvement. Currently, there are no reliable laboratory markers that can be used to monitor BD activity. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) have low sensitivity, so the search for new biomarkers continues. Neutrophil reactivity intensity (NEUT-RI), neutrophil granularity intensity (NEUT-GI), immature granulocytes (IG), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic immune inflammation index (SII) are new inflammatory indicators whose role in BD is not well studied.Objective: to evaluate and compare the efficacy of the determination of NEUT-RI, NEUT-GI, IG, SII, NLR, ESR and CRP in the diagnosis of active BD.Material and methods. 84 patients with a reliable diagnosis of BD and 38 healthy controls were included in the study. BD activity was assessed using the Behcet’s Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF). Patients with BD were divided into two groups according to activity: Group I included 41 patients with high activity (BDCAF >5) and Group II included 43 patients with low activity (BDCAF ≤5). A complete blood count with determination of NEUT-RI, NEUT-GI, IG, SII and NLR was performed in all patients and healthy donors using the Sysmex XN 1000 automated haematology analyzer (Sysmex Сorp, Japan). ESR was determined using the Westergren method. High-sensitivity serum CRP level was determined in all patients with BD (normal range ≤5) by immunonephelometric method.Results and discussion. Patients with active BD had significantly higher levels of neutrophils, SII, NLR, NEUT-RI, IG, ESR and CRP compared to patients with low disease activity. ROC analysis was performed to compare the significance of these inflammatory markers in the assessment of BD activity. The SII had the largest area under the ROC curve (AUC =0.816). The sensitivity and specificity of the SII at a value of 509.75 or higher for determining the active form of BD were 79.4% and 71.8%, respectively.Conclusion. The new inflammatory parameters (SII, NLR, NEUT-RI and IG) and the traditional inflammatory parameters (ESR, CRP, neutrophils) can serve as laboratory markers for BD activity. SII is the most informative parameter to determine BD activity with optimal sensitivity and specificity.

Method Comparison of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Automated Systems, the VES-MATIC 5 (DIESSE) and Test 1 (ALIFAX), with the Reference Method in Routine Practice

Background: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a routine and aspecific test that is still widely used. The reference-manual method for ESR determination is the Westergren method. The VES-MATIC 5 is a novel, fully automated, and closed system based on a modified Westergren method. This study conceived the aim of comparing two ESR analytical analysers, Test 1 and the VES-MATIC 5, with the reference method in routine practice. Methods: This study included 264 randomly analysed samples. A comparison between the two methods and Westergren was performed, and they were evaluated for inter-run and intra-run precision. In addition, we investigated possible interferences and different sensitivities to conventional analytes. Results: The comparison of methods by Passing–Bablok analysis provided a good agreement for both systems, with a better correlation for VES-MATIC 5 (p = 0.96) than Test 1 (p = 0.93), and sensitivity studies did not show any significant influence. Conclusions: The VES-MATIC 5 analyser demonstrated excellent comparability with the reference method, and it had better performance than Test 1. It can be employed in routine practice, bringing advantages such as a reduction in the probability of human error compared to the manual method, as well as an increase in operator safety and environmental protection.

Validation of the New MINI-CUBE for Clinic Determination of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) indirectly measures blood fibrinogen, and it is altered by all those pathological conditions that modify the aggregation of red blood cells. The international guidelines by the International Council for Standardization in Hematology (ICSH) define the Westergren method as the gold standard for ESR, although it is completely operator-dependent, time-consuming, and requires a patient's blood consumption. Therefore, the validation of new ESR analyzers is needed. The aim of this study is the validation of a new automated ESR analyzer, MINI-CUBE (DIESSE, Diagnostica Senese, Italy). The samples (n = 270) were collected at the University Hospital of the University of Rome Tor Vergata. A comparison between the automated instrument and the gold standard was performed. Statistical analyses were processed by MedCalc software. The comparison analysis performed on the overall samples reported a good agreement, showing a Spearman rank correlation coefficient of 0.94 (P < 0.001), compared to the Westergren test. The Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean bias of 1.5 (maximum (max.):19.6; minimum (min.): -16.6). Inter-run (level 1 coefficient of variation (CV): 4.9%; level 2 CV: 0.8%), intra-run (level 1 CV: 21.1%; level 2 CV: 3.2%), and inter-instrument (level 1 CV: 27.1%; level 2 CV: 5.6%) precision were also assessed. The hematocrit value did not interfere with the analysis: Spearman rank correlation coefficient of 0.929 (P < 0.001); mean bias of 1.3 (max.:18.3; min.: -15.6). Overall results from MINI-CUBE asserted a good correlation rate with the gold standard, and it could be considered an accurate, and objective alternative for the Westergren test.

DISTRIBUTION OF SEDIMENTS AT THE MAIN MOUTHS OF THE KILIA DENUBE DELTA AND THEIR SEDIMENTATION VALUE

Purpose: In the article the basic purpose is determination and analysis by distribution natural conformities of deltaic sediments after its movement across every arm, under impact of sea waves separation and influence of the coastal hydrogenetic factors. The noted peculiarities have important practical significance. Additionally, they explain the marine margin dynamics and sediment forming of deltaic types. Data &amp; Methods: This article is based on natural datum of sedimentary material sampling around of marine margin of the dynamical Danube delta, NW Coast of the Black Sea. The sampling was made in region from head of Zhebriyan bay in north side to Musura bay in south side during 2010–2020 period in different environment and synoptical conditions. Laboratory elaborations were made with representative instruments usage and mathematical methods of treatment. Samples of suspended and coarse drifts were elaborated and analyzed within conditions of different sides of marine margin of the Delta. Results: The general definitions of protruding deltas state that the delta cone of protrusion is composed of alluvial sediments. But in the studied delta, a significant place is occupied by coastal-marine facies of wave action. In addition, the newest river sedimentary material changes during the passage through deltaic watercourses (especially long ones). Therefore, on the delta coast within the marine wave field, sediments with a slightly changed composition appear. Therefore, several facies environments can be defined in the Danube delta: a) typically riverine; b) alluvial-delta; c) coastal sea with separated sediments; d) aeolian center of influence of the wind factor; e) typical marine on the outer strip of the sea. We recommend that all the mentioned features be taken into account during the analysis of the Danube’s flow sediments to the bottom of the Black Sea and the determination of sedimentation rates. The main paper outlines provisions of the lithodynamic model of delta-type sediments’ formation in the conditions of a generous influx of river sediments, a steep underwater slope, a non-tidal sea and strong wave action. Fractions of 0.1–0.01 mm dominate along the coastal edge, with integral Md = 0.048 mm, and the concentration of fractions &gt; 1.0 mm is sharply reduced. The content of CaСО3 is lower in comparison with sediments in Zhebriyansk Bay in the area of final dispersion of a strong alongshore flow of sand sediments. Within the studied deltaic natural system, the surrounding physical and geographical conditions actively influence the composition of delta sediments, create a sedimentary diversity of the facies network and tracts. The different composition of sediments leads to different density of the sediment layer, with different amounts of water content, mostly from 1% to 5%, different influence of river and sea factors. Accordingly, specific facies cells of the botanical and zoological substrate are formed in the areas of dominant influence of these factors. In the new parts of the delta, some cells settle first, others later, and the third – last in the life cycle. Therefore, in different areas, we meet the settlement of the primary territories of the delta by different plants and animals that are located in different parts of the warm period of the year.

Management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in real clinical practice: Switching from interleukin 6 receptor inhibitors to interleukin 6 inhibitor (olokizumab)

Aim. Switching to another biologic with the same mode of action provides greater opportunity for long-term management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In clinical practice, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, such switching occurred for non-medical reasons as well. However, there is no information about switching from interleukin 6 (IL-6) receptor (R) inhibitor to direct IL-6 inhibitor. Objective – to assess the efficacy and safety of therapy in RA patients, after switching from IL-6R inhibitors (tocilizumab (TOC), sarilumab (SAR)) to olokizumab (OKZ) for reasons not related to the loss of their efficacy or adverse events. Material and methods. In this retrospective cohort study efficacy parameters and routine biochemical data were analyzed using descriptive statistics – mean values with standard deviation for continuous parameters and absolute and relative frequency for binary variables. Adverse events (AE) were reported according to patient’s files. The statistical significance and changes of the analyzed variables by visits were determined using paired t-test. Fisher’s exact test or chi-square test was used to compare the proportion of patients with improvement/no change and of patients with worsening. All tests were 2-sided, and p&lt;0.050 was considered statistically significant. As this was an observational study, the statistical criteria have not been pre-specified. Results. We analyzed results obtained during 5 visits (2 visits before switching, switching visit and 2 visits after switching) in 110 RA patients who switched to OKZ 64 mg every 4 weeks subcutaneously (SC). Most patients (79.1%) were women, and 70% of patients were both positive by rheumatoid factor and antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide. Mean RA duration was 11 [6; 16] years, previous treatment duration was 44 [27; 62] months and mean interval before switching to OKZ was 35 [31; 68] days. This relatively long interval led to an increase in DAS28-ESR (Disease Activity Score 28 with determination of erythrocyte sedimentation rate) from 2.4 [1.9; 3.0] to 2.6 [2.1; 3.5] and DAS28-CRP (DAS28 with determination of C-reactive protein level) from 2.8 [2.0; 3.3] to 2.9 [2.2; 4.0] (the trends were similar in patients who received combined therapy and monotherapy). After switching, all of RA symptoms and indexes have been improved compared with the switching visit (some of them were significantly better even compared with stable therapy period e. g. DAS28-CRP was 2.4 [2.0; 3.1] in the overall group and 2.4 [2.1; 2.7] in the monotherapy group). AEs were registered in only 7 (6.4%) patients, of which 1 (0.9%) case (an exacerbation of herpes infection) was considered as serious. The most frequent AEs were arthralgia and mild transient leukopenia (2 patients each). There were no deaths. Conclusion. OKZ effectively maintained remission/low activity of RA after switching in both regimens: as add-on to disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and as monotherapy, and did not cause any additional safety concerns. The optimal results were reported when intervals before switching to OKZ were closer to those indicated in the instructions for IL-6R inhibitors.

Determination of sedimentation rates and life of Kodaikanal Lake, South India, using radiometric dating (210Pb and 137Cs) techniques

Determination of sedimentation rates and life of Kodaikanal Lake, South India, using radiometric dating (210Pb and 137Cs) techniques

A Comparative Study on Determination of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate by Two Automated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Analysis Techniques-Ves Matic Cube 30 and Mixrate X20 in Comparison to Modified Manual Westergren Method

BACKGROUND: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a widely used simple and cost-efficient lab test for the diagnosis and follow-up of many diseases. Even though the Westergren method is considered as gold standard, it has many drawbacks such as long test time duration, infection risk to technician, and need of citrated blood sample and to overcome these limitations, automated ESR analysis techniques have been introduced. This study aimed to compare and assess the agreement as well as to analyze the correlation between the ESR values obtained by two automated ESR analysis techniques– Ves Matic Cube 30 and Mixrate-X20 against the gold standard–Modified Manual Westergren method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four milliliter blood samples were collected from 1174 patients who came to the Central laboratory with complete blood count and ESR test request forms, after taking informed consent. Each of these samples was subjected to ESR test in both Mixrate X20 and Ves Matic Cube 30, followed by ESR analysis through the modified manual Westergren method. All values obtained were recorded and analyzed using SPSS software. Mean, standard deviation, Bland–Altman agreement analysis, Linear regression, and Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis was done. RESULTS: Of 1174 study samples, 588 were male and 586 were female and major proportion of the study sample was in the age group of 50–59 years. Bland–Altman agreement analysis of manual ESR Vs Ves Matic cube 30, showed a mean difference of −2.44 ± 13.01 with 95% limit of agreement (LOA) between −27.93 and 23.05 whereas it was 0.05 ± 1.68 with 95% LOA between −3.24 and 3.34 for manual ESR vs Mixrate X20. Pearson's correlation coefficient for manual ESR Vs Ves Matic Cube 30 was r = 0.891 whereas r = 0.998 for manual ESR Vs Mixrate X20, indicating a strong positive correlation between ESR values obtained through manual method and both automated ESR analyzers. CONCLUSION: ESR results from both automated analyzers are agreeable to the reference method with no proportional bias statistically. However, the results from Mixrate X20 ESR analyzer correlate very well with the manual ESR, with close readings that do not affect the clinical interpretation and so can be used in clinical laboratories to optimize workflow and use of human resources.

Evaluation of Role of Hepatitis C Virus in the Pathogenesis of Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients

Background and Aim: Hepatitis C is a viral infection that cause liver’s inflammation. Numerous studies have found a significant frequency of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in non-lymphoma Hodgkin's patients. B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL) development could be significantly caused by HCV. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the hepatitis C virus role in the pathogenesis Hodgkin lymphoma patients. Patients and Methods: This prospective study was carried out on 60 B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. (B-NHL) and 30 (healthy) control group in PAF Hospital Lahore Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology Department CMH, Lahore from May 2022 to October 2022. Study protocol was approved by institute ethical committee. Each individual provided written informed consent. All the patients were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, CBCs, kidney and liver function assessment, B2 microglobine, erythrocyte sedimentation rate determination, serum uric acid, abdominal ultrasound for lymphadenopathy and organomegaly, serum LDH, proper diagnosis and staging through CT abdomen, PCR, biopsy of bone marrow, and ELISA. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 27. Results: Of the total 60 B-NHL patients, there were 32 (53.3%) male and 28 (46.7%) females. The overall mean age was 42.8± 10.8 years with an age range 16-65 years. There were 20 (66.7%) male and 10 (33.3%) females in control group and their mean age was 28.4± 11.6 years with an age range 12-60 years. Based on ELISA test, the incidence of for positive and negative anti-HCV antibodies were 34 (56.7%) and 26 (43.3%) respectively. The incidence of positive and negative anti-HCV RNA was 36 (60%) and 24 (40%) respectively. Conclusion: The present study revealed that higher incidence of HCV infection play significant role in the pathogenesis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients. This increases the likelihood of HCV infection playing a role in the development of B-NHL. Keywords: Hepatitis C virus, Hodgkin lymphoma, Pathogenesis

The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate is a Simple, Sensitive and Predictive Hematological Index for Non-Septic Diabetic Foot Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: Several studies have found that the hematological index can be considered as a prognostic biomarker of diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to compare the level of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) with other hematological indices as a predictive marker of non-infected diabetic foot syndrome (DFS). Materials and methods: A total of 137 patients with diabetes (53 males and 84 females) and another 30 healthy subjects (10 males and 20 females) were included in this study. The participants were grouped into Group I (healthy subjects, n = 30); Group II (n = 72, type 2 diabetes without clinical evidence of DFS features); and Group III (n = 65, type 2 diabetes with clinical evidence of DFS features (grade 0–2). Hematological indices were determined by a hematology autoanalyzer. Results: The serum fasting glucose levels were significantly higher among Group III patients compared with Groups I and II. The value of ESR was significantly higher among Group III patients compared with Group II. The ESR and red distribution width (RDW) values increased in tandem with the DFS upgrade. The area under the curve (AUC) of the ESR at a cutoff value of 18 mm/hour was 0.663 with 95% confidence intervals of 0.571–0.755, which was significantly (p &lt; 0.001) higher than the AUC of RDW, platelet distribution width, mean platelet volume, and plateletcrit. Also, the area under the curve of the ESR increased as the upgrading of DFS increased. Conclusions: We conclude that determination of ESR serves as a predictor and discriminator of DFS and its upgrading.‎

Transport of Water Into the Polar Regions of Mars Through Scavenging by CO2 Snowfall

AbstractThe Martian water cycle is tightly coupled to the polar regions, where water in the residual polar caps exchanges with the atmosphere on seasonal and multi‐annual timescales. It is thus crucial to understand the mechanisms that control water exchange in the polar regions in order to understand the water cycle as a whole. One such mechanism is CO2 snowfall, which previous studies have shown is frequent in the poles and provides a pathway for material to move from the atmosphere to the surface. We hypothesize that water ice particles that form in the wintertime atmosphere above the polar region act as condensation nuclei (CN) for the CO2 ice particles and are deposited onto the polar caps during the CO2 snowfall process. A significant amount of water may thus be contributed to the polar caps in winter through CO2 snowfall. In this study we use atmospheric retrievals of temperature, pressure, and CO2 ice cloud opacity from the Mars Climate Sounder on board NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter coupled with a simple cloud settling model to determine sedimentation rates of CO2 ice in the polar winter. We then use these snowfall rates to quantify the amount of water ice deposited to the seasonal polar caps as CN and analyze spatial and temporal patterns in its distribution. We find a lower limit on the average mass of water scavenged every winter on the order of 109–1010 kg in the north and 108–109 kg in the south.

Assessment of current reservoir sedimentation rate and storage capacity loss: An Italian overview

Sedimentation has a prominent impact on the functionality and lifetime of reservoirs and is a growing concern for stakeholders. Various parameters influence sedimentation caused by soil erosion. Here we have examined fifty Italian reservoirs to determine sedimentation rates and storage capacity loss. The reservoirs studied have an average age of 78 years as of 2021, with the highest loss of capacity observed, equal to 100%, for Ceppo Morelli. For the fifty Italian catchments covering north, south, central and islands of Italy, we found the mean annual sediment yield varying between 17–4000 m3/km2. year. Six of fifty reservoirs studied (Quarto, Colombara, Ceppo Morelli, Fusino, Vodo and Valle di Cadore) are already in a very critical situation in terms of storage capacity loss. Out of the fifty reservoirs, half of them will reach their half-life year by 2050. For example, for the Fusino reservoir located in northern Italy, we observed a loss of 90% of the storage volume as of 2020 with respect to its operation year 1974, compared to 6% in 2015 as available in literature. Modelling the sediment delivery ratio (SDR) is an open question, due to the lack of adequate data and uncertainties about the variability in hydrological, geomorphological, climate and landcover parameters. Here, we addressed the issue with a simplified multiple regression approach based on sediment delivery ratio values retrieved by the RUSLE model. We found different multi regressions for reservoirs belonging to the Alpine and Apennine regions. This analysis offers a starting point for the management and prioritization of adaptation and remediation policies necessary to address reservoir sedimentation.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (with its inherent limitations) Remains a Useful Investigation in Contemporary Clinical Practice

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate(ESR) determined by Westergren method is used in diagnosis and monitoring inflammatory activities. Extremely elevated ESR (&gt;100mm/hr) is usually indicative of a serious underlying disease. ESR phenomenon occurs in three phases (Aggregation, Decantation &amp; Packaging) and is related to certain laws of physics like Stokes’s law. ESR by Westergren method is affected by RBC, Plasma and Technical factors and also by many physiological and clinical states. ESR by Westergren method is endorsed by International Council for Standardization in Haematology as a “Gold Standard” for ESR determination and provides recommendations to perform ESR by reference method. ESR by conventional Westergren method has many limitations necessitating technical innovations and alternate test methods in ESR determination.

Selected hematological abnormalities and their associated factors among asthmatic patients in Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAsthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the lungs. Variation in whole blood cell lines is caused by the progression and severity of asthma. Common hematological abnormalities encountered during asthma include eosinophilia, neutrophilia, leukocytosis, and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The main aim of this study was to assess the selected hematological abnormalities and their associated factors among asthmatic patients in Northwest Ethiopia from March to May 2021.MethodologyA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 320 asthmatic patients in Northwest Ethiopia. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select study participants. A pre-tested structured questionnaire and a checklist were used to collect data. Blood samples were collected from asthmatic patients for complete blood count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate determination. Hematological profiles were analyzed by Unicel DxH 800 (Beckman Coulter, Ireland). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was determined by using the Westergren method. The data were entered into EpiData version 3.0.4 and analyzed with a statistical package for social science version 20 software. The bi-variable and multi-variable binary logistic regression models were used to assess the factors associated with hematological abnormalities. A p value of less than 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression analysis was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe overall prevalence of neutrophilia, eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, and basophilia was 35.3%, 20%, 11.9%, 10.3%, and 4.1%, respectively. Neutrophilia was associated with a lack of physical activity (AOR = 3.25; 95% CI 1.43–7.37) and a history of taking non-asthmatic drugs within the previous three months (AOR = 2.63; 95% CI 1.22–5.65). Being admitted to the emergency department (AOR = 0.27; 95% CI 0.11–5.67) was found to be associated with eosinophilia. In addition, being admitted to the emergency department (AOR = 5.44; 95%CI: 2.6–11.3) was associated with thrombocytopenia.ConclusionThe current study demonstrated the predominant prevalence of neutrophilia, followed by eosinophilia, among asthma patients. Therefore, hematological abnormalities should be taken into account for proper monitoring and management of asthmatic patients.

Establishment and Evaluation of an Internal Quality Control Method for ESR Relays.

ObjectiveThis study establish and evaluate an internal quality control system for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) by a “relay” mode based on samples from relevant patients.MethodsThe method for establishing a new internal quality control system for ESR by a “relay” mode based on patient’s samples was executed from February 2021 to July 2021. In this paper, a total of 219 outpatients were recruited for ESR determination, and their blood samples were stored at 4 °C or room temperature for 24 h. Subsequently, the samples were re-measured for ESR, and the re-measured values were compared with the initial values. The patient samples (15±1mm/h and 50±3mm/h) were selected after the TEST1 ESR analyzer was calibrated, and were stored overnight at 4 °C and measured again the following day. The percentage deviation was determined and entered into the quality control management module for internal quality control. Next, we analyzed the median distribution trend of the patients’ ESR values measured by our laboratory every day over five months, as well as the external quality assessment (EQA) results for ESR obtained from the National Center for Clinical Laboratories (NCCL).ResultsThe ESR of the room temperature samples after 24 h of storage had significantly decreased (P=0.001), while there was no noticeable difference for those stored at 4 °C (P=0.197). Results of the internal quality control in March were satisfactory, and there was no significant deviation in the median ESR relay results within five months. Besides, the EQA results for the ESR data obtained from NCCL were excellent.ConclusionAs a precise and practical new method, the ESR relay internal quality control method can be used to scientifically determine the stability and accuracy of the TEST1 ESR analyzer.

The constant flux and constant sedimentation (CF:CS) 210Pb chronological method applied to determine sedimentation rates at Amazon River watershed, Brazil

Activity profiles of excess 210Pb determined in three sediment cores from Amazon River mouth, Amapá State, Brazil, provide the evaluation of sedimentation rates, contributing to a better knowledge of the hydrological conditions. Chemical data on the sediments allowed calculation of the Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo) for each constituent analyzed. Significant direct relationships among Fe2O3 and major/minor constituents Al2O3 (r = 0.86), K2O (r = 0.94), MgO (r = 0.89), MnO (r = 0.92), BaO (r = 0.64), P2O5 (r = 0.62), and TiO2 (r = 0.54), inverse correlation between Fe2O3 and SiO2 (r = −0.93) and the direct correlation between SiO2 and LOI (loss on ignition) (r = 0.88) suggest competitive sorption of Si to Fe oxides and organic compounds. Igeo values between −3.75 and 0.22 for Si, Al, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Ti, P, S, Sr, Ba, Rb, Zn, Cr, Nb, Cu, Ni, As, V, Ga, Tb, Y, and Ce indicate practically unpolluted environments despite several mining activities in the Amazon basin and its vicinity. The apparent sediment mass accumulation rates between 0.5 and 2.4 gcm−2yr−1 are compatible with the results of others studies. The 210Pb activity at one sampling point (P1) exhibited an abrupt fluctuation, similar to findings from previous studies held at the northern channel of the Amazon River discharge. On the other hand, in two sediment profiles (P2 and P3), the excess 210Pb activity data validate the use of the CF:CS method, yielding unique straight lines and increasing the sedimentation rates database.

Investigation of Sediment Records of Kulakçayiri Lake (Istanbul)

In this study, the date of the Holocene sediments of Kulakçayırı Lake was determined and the sedimentation rates were calculated. The determined sedimentation rates provide important clues about the climatic and ecological characteristics of the study area. Especially in aquatic environments, it is important to date sediment processes in order to monitor the time-dependent changes in the pollution processes of sediments. In this context, radiocarbon (14C) analysis was performed in order to date the sediments. Liquid scintillation spectrometry was used to find the radioactivity of the 14C isotope. Three drilling samples were taken from the study area (Kulakçayırı Lake / Istanbul) for 14C analysis. According to the results of 14C analysis of the samples taken; Sediment deposition in SK-1 sample took place in 5599 years, in SK-2 in 7596 years and in SK-3 in 8060 years. Sedimentation rates are; SK-1&amp;gt; SK-2&amp;gt; SK-3. From the data obtained, it was observed that the sedimentation rate has different rates at different points of the lake. There is no stream bringing material to the lake. Therefore, it can be said that a slow storage dominates the lake in general.

Comparison of Micro-ESR Method with Westergren Method for Determination of Erythrocytes Sedimentation Rate

Background: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is an important diagnostic tool used for diagnosing and monitoring various disease processes. The most important method of ESR estimation is gold standard Westergren method using 3.8% sodium citrate in the ratio of 4:1. Though many other methods are available for ESR estimation not many studies have been done in this regard. This study was done with an aim of comparing gold standard Westergren ESR method with micro ESR method, Modified Westergren ESR method (K3 EDTA using blood in Dilution 0.85% sodium chloride by ratio 4:1) and ESR method using EDTA without blood dilution. Material and Methods: The present study was done in the haematology section of central diagnostic laboratory services of a tertiary care hospital in Karnataka from November 2018 to July 2019 on blood samples from 110 adult patients. The mean values of ESR estimation done by using blood collected with 3.8% sodium citrate in a ratio of 4:1 was compared with ESR estimated through microesr method, ESR estimated using blood collected in K3 EDTA with dilution with normal saline and ESR estimated using blood collected in K3 EDTA without dilution. The Mean, Standard Deviation and confidence interval was measured using SPSS 22IBM version. Paired t-test was used for calculation of p value, which if < .001 was considered statistically significant. Results: Maximum number of cases were in the age group of 21-40years (70%). 40.9% cases were males and 59.1% cases were females. Out of 110 cases the blood sample 75 cases were normal and 35 cases are abnormal (gold standard method). The comparison of mean values obtained between gold standard method micro ESR methods, undiluted EDTA. While the mean values when compared between gold standard ESR estimation with EDTA blood with normal saline dilution had not much significant difference. Conclusion: In this study ESR estimation by dilution of EDTA collected blood with normal saline was as good as gold standard Westergren method. It is easy to perform, needs one single vacuitainer and doesnot need any sophisticated instruments. Hence they can be used interchangeably. Keywords: Westegrens Method, Micro ESR Method, K3 EDTA Dilution.

Omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation improve clinical symptoms in patients with Covid‐19: A randomised clinical trial

We hypothesised that omega-3 fatty acids would be an appropriate adjunct therapy for alleviating the inflammatory response and clinical manifestation in hospitalised patients with Covid-19 disease. This was a single-blind randomised controlled trial in Amir-Alam hospital in Tehran. Thirty adult men and women diagnosed with Covid-19 were allocated to either control group (receiving Hydroxychloroquine) or intervention group (receiving Hydroxychloroquine plus 2 grams of Docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]+Eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]) for 2weeks. Primary outcome of the intervention including C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) as well as clinical symptoms including body pain, fatigue, appetite and olfactory and secondary outcomes including liver enzymes were determined at the baseline and after omega-3 supplementation. Clinical signs were measured using self-reported questionnaires. There were commercial kits for determination of CRP and liver enzymes concentrations in the serum of patients. For determination of ESR automated haematology analyser was applied. The study of "Comparison of the effectiveness of omega-3 and Hydroxychloroquine on Inflammatory factors, liver enzymes and clinical symptoms in diabetic Covid-19 patients" was registered in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) with ID number: IRCT20200511047399N1. In comparison to control group, patients receiving omega-3 indicated favourable changes in all clinical symptoms except for olfactory (P<.001 for body pain and fatigue, P=.03 for appetite and P=.21 for olfactory). Reducing effects of omega-3 supplementation compared with control group were also observed in the levels of ESR and CRP after treatment (P<.001 for CRP and P=.02 for ESR). However, no between group differences in the liver enzymes serum concentrations were observed after supplementation (P>.05). Current observations are very promising and indicate that supplementation with moderate dosages of omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial in the management of inflammation-mediated clinical symptoms in Covid-19 patients.

Вплив тяжкості стеатозу підшлункової залози на перебіг неалкогольної жирової хвороби підшлункової залози в дiтей

Актуальність. Неалкогольна жирова хвороба підшлункової залози — надлишкове накопичення жиру в підшлунковій залозі, асоційоване з ожирінням, при виключенні вторинної етіології стеатозу. Неалкогольна хвороба печінки може мати прогредієнтний перебіг. Чи супроводжується прогресування неалкогольної жирової хвороби підшлункової залози специфічними структурними та лабораторними змінами, залишається неясним. Мета: встановити особливості сонологічних та лабораторних змін у дітей iз неалкогольною жировою хворобою підшлункової залози залежно від ступеня стеатозу. Матеріали та методи. Ми спостерігали 93 дітей віком від 7 до 17 років, середній вік 11,87 ± 2,82 року. Ступінь стеатозу підшлункової залози оцінювали за допомогою ультрасонографії. Пацієнтам проводили зсувнохвильову еластографію і стеатометрію (кількісну оцінку ступеня загасання ультразвуку з визначенням середнього коефіцієнта загасання ультразвуку (КЗУ)) підшлункової залози за допомогою апарату Ultima PA Expert («Радмір», Україна). Фіброз та стеатоз печінки були діагностовані з використанням апарату FibroScan 502 Touch (Франція) з функцією контрольованого параметра ультразвукового загасання (КПУЗ). Діти були розділені на наступні групи: 1-ша група — 50 пацієнтів зi стеатозом підшлункової залози й ожирінням/надмірною вагою; ця група була розділена на підгрупи: S1 — 20 осіб iз 1-м ступенем стеатозу підшлункової залози; S2 — 22 пацієн­ти з 2-м ступенем стеатозу підшлункової залози, S3 — 8 хворих iз 3-м ступенем стеатозу підшлункової залози; 2-га група — 30 пацієнтів без стеатозу підшлункової залози з ожирінням/надмірною вагою, 3-тя (контрольна) група — 13 дітей iз нормальною вагою. Пацієнтам були проведенi загальноклінічний аналіз крові з визначенням швидкості осідання еритроцитів (ШОЕ), біохімічна гепатограма (аланінамінотрансфераза (AЛТ), аспартатамінотрансфераза (АСТ), гамма-глутамілтранспептидаза (ГГТП), амілаза крові). Рівень інсуліну визначали за допомогою імуноферментного аналізу з розрахунком індексу інсулінорезистентності HOMA. Статистичний аналіз проводився з використанням програмного забезпечення Statistica 7.0 за допомогою дисперсійного аналізу (ANOVA) з наступним post hoc аналізом. Результати. У дітей групи S3 порівняно з контрольною групою продемонстровано більш високий рівень ШОЕ — в 1,86 раза (р = 0,01), АЛТ — в 1,86 (р = 0,006), АСТ — в 1,96 (р = 0,00019), ГГТП — в 2,10 раза (р = 0,0001). Ми виявили, що пацієнти зi стеатозом підшлункової залози мали більш високий рівень інсуліну порівняно з контрольною групою (підгрупа S1 — 18,38 ± 5,07 мкОД/мл, S2 — 30,76 ± 3,92 мкОД/мл, S3 — 33,70 ± 5,37 мкОд/мл; 2-га група — 18,70 ± 2,98 мкОд/мл; 3-тя група — 9,480 ± 5,067 мкОд/мл (р = 0,00262)). Також у пацієнтiв зi стеатозом підшлункової залози відмічено більш високий індекс HOMA порівняно з конт­рольною групою (S1 — 4,04 ± 0,87, S2 — 7,11 ± 0,96, S3 — 7,99 ± 1,35; 2-га група — 3,81 ± 0,73; 3-тя група — 1,94 ± 0,92 (p = 0,00156)). КПУЗ був підвищеним у дітей зi стеатозом підшлункової залози порівняно з конт­рольною групою (підгрупа S1 — 234,50 ± 9,94 дБ/м, S2 — 239,05 ± 8,99 дБ/м, S3 — 245,33 ± 17,21 дБ/м; 2-га група — 197,87 ± 7,70 дБ/м; 3-тя група — 172,754 ± 12,170 дБ/м (p = 0,00156)). КЗУ сягав максимальних рівнів у дітей підгрупи S3 (S1 — 2,55 ± 0,08 дБ/см, S2 — 2,56 ± 0,09 дБ/см, S3 — 2,74 ± 0,14 дБ/см; 2-га група — 2,26 ± 0,08 дБ/см; 3-тя група — 1,72 ± 0,15 дБ/см (р = 0,00001)). Пацієнти зі стеатозом підшлункової залози мали вищий рівень жорсткості печінки та підшлункової залози, проте значущість відмінностей була недостатньою. Висновки. Дослідження показало, що неалкогольна жирова хвороба підшлункової залози в дітей супроводжується стеатозом печінки, зростанням рівня маркерів запалення та інсулінорезистентності, що збільшуються при зростанні ступеня ­стеатозу.

Internal and External Modulation of Folding Rates With 104 to 105 Year Time Resolutions From Growth Strata, Pico del Aguila, Spain

AbstractHigh‐resolution cyclostratigraphy in growth strata are used to reconstruct unsteady folding rates at the regional‐scale Pico del Aguila anticline, southern Pyrenees, to evaluate deformation modulation. Magnetic polarity stratigraphy was used to calibrate cyclostratigraphy‐based anhysteretic remanent magnetization intensity variations to establish precessional frequencies in the growth strata record. The astronomically tuning was used to determine sedimentation rates and absolute time. Incremental tilting rates were calculated between selected horizons over ∼6 myr of fold growth. Careful treatment of uncertainties enhances confidence that the results are meaningful and results show significant variability in folding rates over time. The acceleration phase of fold growth was variable, punctuated by a prolonged period of tectonic quiescence, and correlated to sedimentation changes in the wedge‐top basin. Low dipping bedding intrinsically modulated the initial rates of folding for the first 25° of limb tilt, until ∼38.86 Ma. Then, halotectonics in the Paleogene Jaca Basin extrinsically modulated accelerating folding rates for the next 45° of limb tilting, until ∼37.42 Ma. Finally, forelimb‐steepening leading to geometric strain hardening and blunted folding rates for the last 17° of fold tightening and causing a thrust fault to cut the anticline's core. Folding ended at Pico del Aguila ∼35.10 Ma. Calculated folding rates varied between 0° ± 5.5°and 90° ± 19°/myr over 100s kyr time increments. Variations in the folding rate of the Pico del Aguila décollement anticline are attributed to both intrinsic modulation as a result of progressive bedding steepening during folding and extrinsic modulation as a result of variable deltaic sedimentation rates in the wedge‐top basin.