Measurement Of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Research Articles

Multiple and Periodic Measurement of RBC Aggregation and ESR in Parallel Microfluidic Channels under On-Off Blood Flow Control.

Red blood cell (RBC) aggregation causes to alter hemodynamic behaviors at low flow-rate regions of post-capillary venules. Additionally, it is significantly elevated in inflammatory or pathophysiological conditions. In this study, multiple and periodic measurements of RBC aggregation and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are suggested by sucking blood from a pipette tip into parallel microfluidic channels, and quantifying image intensity, especially through single experiment. Here, a microfluidic device was prepared from a master mold using the xurography technique rather than micro-electro-mechanical-system fabrication techniques. In order to consider variations of RBC aggregation in microfluidic channels due to continuous ESR in the conical pipette tip, two indices (aggregation index (AI) and erythrocyte-sedimentation-rate aggregation index (EAI)) are evaluated by using temporal variations of microscopic, image-based intensity. The proposed method is employed to evaluate the effect of hematocrit and dextran solution on RBC aggregation under continuous ESR in the conical pipette tip. As a result, EAI displays a significantly linear relationship with modified conventional ESR measurement obtained by quantifying time constants. In addition, EAI varies linearly within a specific concentration of dextran solution. In conclusion, the proposed method is able to measure RBC aggregation under continuous ESR in the conical pipette tip. Furthermore, the method provides multiple data of RBC aggregation and ESR through a single experiment. A future study will involve employing the proposed method to evaluate biophysical properties of blood samples collected from cardiovascular diseases.

Time Not Our Time: Physical Controls on the Preservation and Measurement of Geologic Time

Sadler's (1981) analysis of how measured sedimentation rate decreases with timescale of measurement quantified the vanishingly small fractional time preservation—completeness—of the stratigraphic record. Generalized numerical models have shown that the Sadler effect can be recovered, through the action of erosional clipping and time removal (the “stratigraphic filter”), from even fairly simple topographic sequences. However, several lines of evidence suggest that most of the missing time has not been eroded out but rather represents periods of inactivity or stasis. Low temporal completeness could also imply that the stratigraphic record is dominated by rare, extreme events, but paleotransport estimates suggest that this is not generally the case: The stratigraphic record is strangely ordinary. It appears that the organization of the topography into a hierarchy of forms also organizes the deposition into concentrated events that tend to preserve relatively ordinary conditions, albeit for very short intervals. Our understanding of time preservation would benefit from insight about how inactivity is recorded in strata; better ways to constrain localized, short-term rates of deposition; and a new focus on integrated time–space dynamics of deposition and preservation.

The Current Use and the Evolution of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Measurement

Objective: The golden standard for measuring erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is the Westergren method. Some other methods for measuring ESR have become available in the recent decades. They differ from a modest modification of the Westergren method to very different methodologies. Even though the methodologies of these tests are different the results of them are assessed as the same test by clinicians. Therefore the bias reasoned by different methodology has caused misinterpretation of the patients by clinicians. The comparison and harmonization of this method will provide a standardization and same interpretation for ESR.Methods: The golden standard method for measuring ESR which is called Westergren Method and two prototypes of the remaining methods were chosen for comparison. Three different group of patients were were assessed with three different methods in this study. Results: The monitorization of three samples were observed for 60 minutes. There was no correlation detected depending on the time after the monitorization had started. Hence the adjustment of the results were collected after 20 or 30 minutes for simulating 60 minutes were found significantly different than the classical Westergren method. The detected bias between the adjustment of the earlier result to one hour and the classical method is not always different than the classical method. The sample results were found significantly different in comparison to two methods for all selected patient groups. Conclusion: There is no sedimentation algorithm detected in ESR monitorization process. Therefore the observed bias is thought to be caused by the adjustment of the earlier results to one hour. The adjusted results of 30 minutes were found to be significantly similar compared to the adjusted results of 20 minutes. The results of the capillary photometric kinetic method were found unbiased with the classical Westergren method and compatible with the clinical observations.

Automation of sedimentation test.

This paper reports on the development of an automated method to perform sedimentation tests on a suspension, to study the settling and sedimentation behaviour of particle suspension. The standard method for measuring sedimentation rate is the jar test, but this is burdened with some errors: the possibility of misinterpretation of the interface or subjective readings by technicians. In order to overcome these problems, there are many different methods that exclude subjective mistakes. The proposed solution automatically detects the phase separation boundary and, by use of a moving camera, plots the real-time sedimentation curve. The good agreement of settling curves between the manual method, another CCD image processing method and the current technique demonstrates the reliability of the system. This system can be used for testing different types of suspensions. The article presents a comparison of the commonly used method of image analysis and the proposed solution with a tracking camera, based on the example of a coal suspension.

Test-1 analyzer and conventional Westergren method for erythrocyte sedimentation rate: A comparative study between two laboratories.

Measurement of the length of sedimentation reaction in blood (LSRB), also called erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), is a widely used hematology test. This study intends to compare ESR levels measured by Test-1 method and International Council for Standardization in Hematology's (ICSH) reference method, and analyzes the effect of hematocrit (Hct) on ESR results. A total of 755 patients from 2 hospitals were included in the study, and samples with EDTA were studied by Test-1 method for ESR measurement and total blood count, whereas citrated samples were studied with reference Westergren method. Then, 2 methods were compared. Distribution of ESR results according to the ESR(≤20, >20mm/h) and Hct(≥35%, <35%) levels and hospital type was analyzed. ESR levels with Hct levels<35% were corrected with Fabry's formula. The mean and SD values for the Test-1 method, reference Westergren method, and corrected ESR measurement were 21.30±18.39, 28.59±25.82, and 24.92±20.58mm/h, respectively. Within the whole group, the correlation coefficient (r) was .77 (.7-.80) with a significance level P<.001. Passing-Bablok regression analysis of the methods resulted in a regression equation y=1.00 (95% Cl: 0.43-1.88)+0.75 (95% Cl: 0.70-0.78)x while the significance of linearity was acceptable (P<.01). All subgroup linear regression analyses revealed that the correlation was acceptable, except ESR>20mm/h group, Hct<35% group, and corrected ESR group (significance level were P>.10). The study showed that the role of the hospital and the capacity of testing are important in choosing the instrument for measuring ESR. Furthermore, the patient profile, especially malignancy possibility and Hct level, may be important for instrument selection.

Socio-ecological Impacts of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes) Under Dry Climatic Conditions: The Case of Shagashe River in Masvingo, Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, aquatic environments continue to endure water hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes) invasions. The intricate and distinctive characteristics of water hyacinth make it one of the most ecologically resilient aquatic plants enabling it to invade major water systems. There is still paucity of scientific knowledge about the social and ecological ramifications of this macrophyte. In this study, we assessed the social and ecological effects of water hyacinth along Shagashe River. The mixed methods research design was adopted as the strategy of inquiry. Sampling sites were selected to compare two environments along the river, one under the cover of water hyacinth and the other without water hyacinth. Moreover, the sampling was done in two distinct periods i.e. the dry season and wet season. In each of these sections and periods, 15 sampling points were selected using the stratified random sampling criteria. Ecological data for the two sections were compared by means of one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). A comparison was also done on the social data from the two sections of the river and also from the two seasons. Ecological data was collected mainly through field measurements of biodiversity, sedimentation rate and velocity. Laboratory testing of evaporation rate and water parameters augmented the ecological data collection processes. Data on sociological aspects was collected mainly through interviews, questionnaire surveys and the story telling approach. Results show that the water hyacinth infested environment had low phytoplankton productivity, low dissolved oxygen, high sedimentation rates, high water loss and reduced river velocity among other ecological effects. Communities have been affected through lack of access to debris free water, reduced access to water points, reduction of fish catch and clogging of irrigation pipes. We conclude that water hyacinth has significant socioecological ramifications along Shagashe River. There is need to identify and exploit potential opportunities provided by the presence of water hyacinth such as biogas production, use as animal feed and use as raw material for the craft industry in order to convert the water hyacinth socio-ecological “curse” into a “blessing”.

Do Elevated Inflammatory Markers Associate With Infection in Revision Shoulder Arthroplasty?

Background Serologic erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) measurements, which have been successfully utilized in the lower extremity, are thought to lack adequate sensitivity in the diagnosis of infection after shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this study is to determine the diagnostic performance of preoperative white blood cell (WBC) count, ESR, and CRP in the diagnosis of infection in the setting of revision shoulder arthroplasty with the gold standard of infection being defined as a later diagnosis of infection. Patients and methods A national insurance database between the years of 2007 and 2015 (PearlDiver, Warsaw, IN) was queried for those patients who underwent revision shoulder arthroplasty using a combination of procedural (common procedural terminology codes 23472 and 23474) and diagnostic codes (International Classification of Diseases [ICD]-9 code 81.97 and equivalent ICD-10 codes). This database contains demographics, laboratory data, and complication data to allow identification of patients with an infection within 1 year postoperatively. Results The database contained 1392 patients who met criteria. Among these, the best diagnostic performance was with a combined test which was positive if CRP, ESR, or WBC was positive with a sensitivity of 7% to 42%, a specificity of 92%, a positive predictive value of 8% to 45%, a negative predictive value of 91%, and an accuracy of 84% to 85%. On multivariate analyses, predictors included an abnormal ESR (odds ratio 2.4, P = .05) and male gender (3.8, &lt;.001). Conclusions Those patients with an abnormal preoperative ESR have significantly increased odds of a subsequent infection following revision shoulder arthroplasty. ESR, CRP, and WBC in combination are specific but insensitive. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic, Level III

Influence of system controls on the Late Quaternary geomorphic evolution of a rapidly-infilled incised-valley system: The lower Manawatu valley, North Island New Zealand

The Manawatu incised-valley estuary was rapidly infilled between 12,000–4700cal.yrBP. A combination of empirical measurements of sedimentation rates, a reconstruction of relative sea-level (RSL) change, and digital elevation models of key surfaces within the Holocene sedimentary fill of the valley were integrated to produce a numerical model to investigate the influence of the system controls of sea-level change, sediment flux, and accommodation space on the rapid infilling history of the palaeo-estuary. The numerical model indicates that sediment flux into the palaeo-estuary was greatest during the Holocene marine transgression between 12,000–8000yearsBP. The average rate of sediment deposition in the estuary during this period was ~1.0Mm3yr−1. This rapid rate of sedimentation was controlled by the rate of accommodation space creation, as regulated by the rate of sea-level rise and the antecedent configuration of the valley. By the time sea levels stabilised c. 7500cal.yrBP, the palaeo-estuary had been substantively infilled. Limited accommodation space resulted in rapid infilling of the central basin, though sediment flux into the estuary between 7100 and 4500cal.yrBP was at a lower rate of 234,000m3yr−1. The limited accommodation space also influenced hydrodynamic conditions in the estuarine central basin, driving export of fine-grained sediment from the estuary. Once the accommodation space of the estuarine basin was infilled sediment bypassed the system, with a consequent reduction in the sedimentation rate in the valley. More accurate partitioning of the sources of sediment driving the infilling is necessary to quantify sediment bypassing. Post-depositional lowering of RSL index points from the valley is driven by neotectonics and sediment compaction.

Influence of top-down control in the plankton food web on vertical carbon flux: A case study in the Chesapeake Bay

Carnivorous gelatinous zooplankton dominate the zooplankton community in Chesapeake Bay during summer months, exerting considerable top-down control on the planktonic food web. To examine the cascading effects of gelatinous zooplankton blooms on the plankton food web and particulate organic carbon (POC) flux, multiple 2-day mesocosm experiments were conducted in the York River tributary of Chesapeake Bay in July–August 2015. Mesocosms contained a natural assemblage of phytoplankton, microzooplankton, and copepods, and each treatment received additions of the ctenophore (Mnemiopsis leidyi), the scyphozoan medusae (Chrysaora chesapeakei), or both gelatinous zooplankton. There was no significant difference between treatments in total POC or PON flux. However, presence of M. leidyi reduced the abundance of copepods, in turn significantly decreasing copepod fecal pellet carbon flux compared to treatments without M. leidyi by 50% (from 36 to 18μgCd−1m−3, or 6% to 3% of total POC flux). Total POC export fluxes were small in all treatments (<1%) compared to previously measured sedimentation rates in the Chesapeake Bay. Top-down changes in copepod fecal pellet carbon flux are equivalent to a modest portion (~10%) of previously calculated C. chesapeakei carcass flux. Future experiments and models of zooplankton contributions to vertical carbon flux should include top-down processes and cascading effects.

Experimental determination of bottom relief on the basis of studies of the lower part of the river Samara

Experimentally determine the bottom relief on the basis of studies of the lower section of the river. Samara. To build a route for measuring depths and digitizing depths, we used the built-in Android application, Androzik. Along with measurements of depths, water turbidity and sedimentation rate were determined. About 2,000 depth points were obtained, the data was transferred to the GIS platform, resulting in a bottom relief model, the area and volume of the reservoir. Laboratory tests of water samples were conducted on a number of parameters, the most important of which is the "turbidity" for modeling the sludge formation process. In the course of expedition studies of the cross-section profiles of the reservoir-prototype, the information was obtained in the form of direct measurements of the depths in the cross-sections of the given cross sections. Digitization and processing of cartographic data (topographic maps, remote sensing images) are carried out in the appropriate sections of the dissertation research using special techniques. Measurements were made using echo-lot and GPS devices. For an approximate calculation of the volume of the low, experimental data on the distribution of the turbidity of water and the rate of sedimentation of suspended solids are used. According to the approximate method of estimating the amount of the nitrate deposited during the year in the specified zones of the reservoir - the prototype. The bottom relief was determined experimentally on the basis of studies of the lower section of the river. Samara.

Modelling obstructive sleep apnea susceptibility using non-invasive inflammatory biomarkers

BackgroundObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is considered systemic inflammatory disease but airway and systemic inflammatory markers roles in OSA prediction are not widely used in sleep clinics. AimsTo study some simple inflammatory markers in the serum or exhaled breath that may predict OSA diagnosis or severity. MethodsThe study included 60 participants, 43 OSAS and 17 healthy control. Cases were recruited from Respiratory Sleep Disorders Clinic full night PSG was done, the next morning, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) was measured, blood sample were collected for measuring Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and high sensitivity C- reactive protein (HS-CRP). ResultsStatistically Significant increase in Basal and minimal oxygen saturation, arousal index, FENO, ESR (1st, 2nd hour), HS-CRP with in OSA patients versus controls. While significant increase of HS-CRP, basal, minimal oxygen saturation and arousal index were found in severe OSA no significant differences were founded in (FENO, or ESR (1st, 2nd hour)).The predicted cut off point of FENO, HS-CRP, ESR(1st, 2ndhrs) that can be used in OSA diagnosis were (8,5.5,6.5,13.5) with sensitivity (0.88,0.95,0.83,0.93) and specificity (0.77,0.88,0.63,0.63). While in severe OSA were (24.5, 19.4, 9, 18.5) with sensitivity (0.82, 0.91, 0.82, 0.82) and specificity (0.72, 0.72, 0.72, 0.68) respectively. ConclusionOSA patients have increased level of HS-CRP, ESR, and Exhaled FENO which confirm association of inflammation in OSA. These simple inflammatory markers may be used also as simple non invasive predictors to diagnose OSA. Moreover, the HS-CRP may be used as a useful parameter to predict OSA severity.

Mechanism of hydrolyzable metal ions effect on the zeta potential of fine quartz particles

ABSTRACTThe effects of ion species, cation valence, ionic strength, and hydrated ionic radius on the zeta potential of quartz have been systematically studied through the measurement of zeta potential, sedimentation rate, and aggregation observation. The results show that the interaction between hydrolysis components and quartz particles results in three critical points – CR1, CR2, and CR3. The results of sedimentation and aggregation observation are in good agreement with the changes of the zeta potential in 0.1 M MgCl2, the maximum sedimentation rate being 99.26% at pH 10.85. When the pH is around 6.25 or 10.00, the sedimentation rate is relatively lower and the size of aggregation smaller. The adsorption of hydrolyzable multivalent metal ions on the quartz surface is a combination of three adsorption forms, namely electrostatic adsorption, hydroxyl complex adsorption, and hydroxide precipitation adsorption. Then the hydrolysis properties of metal ions and the surrounding environment determine the action of the hydrolysis components and the main form of adsorption.

Semaphorin 3A in Ankylosing Spondylitis.

To determine serum semaphorin 3A (Sema 3A) levels in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Serum Sema 3A was measured in 46 AS patients and 30 healthy controls (HCs). For the patients, we recorded demographic data, disease activity, functional index & global assessment, detected human leukocyte antigen-B27 (HLA-B27), and measured erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) & C-reactive protein (CRP). Sema 3A was higher in AS patients than in HCs (3.98±2.57 vs. 1.34±0.48ng/ml, p=0.013). Area under the curve (AUC) of standard receiver operating characteristic (ROC) has suggested that Sema 3A>2ng/ml is better to predict the higher Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI, > 4) than ESR or CRP. There were good correlations between higher Sema 3A and uveitis, Schöber's test, as well as interstitial lung disease. AS patients undergoing anti-tumor necrosis factor therapies for 3 months exhibited a positive correlation of change in Sema 3A (ΔSema 3A) with disease activity fluctuation [ΔBASDAI, ΔBath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and ΔBath Ankylosing Spondylitis - Global score (BAS-G)]. Serum Sema 3A level was increased in AS patients and was inversely correlated to Schöber's test. Serum Sema 3A is better as a bio-marker than ESR or CRP to correlate with high disease activity in AS patients, and it is also a good indicator for monitoring disease activity and functional status during anti-TNF treatment. Also, Sema 3A may be taken as a predictor for extra-articular presentations in AS, but this needs further study to elucidate.

Geocronologia com 210Pb na avaliação das taxas de sedimentação e da dinâmica deposicional na Lagoa Itapeva, sul do Brasil

Lagoas costeiras são ambientes potencialmente ameaçados pelo aumento recente das taxas de sedimentação e elevação relativa do nível do mar. Neste trabalho foram analisadas as condições de preenchimento sedimentar da Lagoa Itapeva utilizando o método geocronológico 210Pb, a partir dos valores da atividade do 210Pb e 226Ra obtidos de três testemunhos geológicos. As taxas de sedimentação medidas no testemunho C3 indicam forte influência da drenagem do Rio Três Forquilhas, com valores na ordem de 3,2 mm.a-1. Os pontos de coleta no centro C2 e norte C1 apresentaram valores sensivelmente menores, 2,4 e 2,9 mm.a-1, respectivamente. Tais valores mostram-se inferiores as taxas de elevação relativa do nível do mar, indicando um cenário transicional entre a estabilização e o déficit sedimentar no processo de preenchimento lacustre. A análise granulométrica nos testemunhos indica a presença de significativa energia hidrodinâmica no processo de sedimentação. A fração silte é a classe dominante, com variação entre o tamanho médio a grosso em todas as amostras, seguida pela ocorrência da fração areia em relação à argila que apresentou baixa concentração, não ultrapassando 9%. Entretanto, foi verificado no testemunho C3 um aumento do teor de lamas nas últimas décadas, o que sugere modificações na bacia de drenagem do Rio Três Forquilhas pelo aumento na produção de sedimentos. A urbanização e a introdução da agricultura no último século são as principais variáveis que explicam este comportamento.

A microfluidic erythrocyte sedimentation rate analyzer using rouleaux formation kinetics

Red blood cell aggregation is an intrinsic property of red blood cells that form reversible stacked structures, also called rouleaux, under low shear rates. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), commonly performed in clinics, is an indirect inflammation screener and a prognostic test for diseases. We have recently developed a microfluidic system for rapid measurement of ESR from 40 µl whole blood employing the aggregation dynamics. In this work, we propose the use of an aggregation inducer, dextran polyglucose, for the preparation of multiple blood samples with differing aggregation dynamics. Using these samples, we characterized the performance of the system with three aggregation indices and under varying experimental conditions. Additionally, using the same underlying principle, we improved the system for ESR measurement using both venipuncture and fingerprick whole blood samples depending on the user needs. The results demonstrate that the system performs equally well with both samples, which validates the compatibility of the system for both laboratory and point-of-care applications where venous and capillary blood are the primary samples, respectively. The detailed characterization presented in this study legitimates the feasibility of the system for ultrafast and facile measurement of ESR in clinics and diverse off-laboratory settings.

Continuous in situ monitoring of sediment deposition in shallow benthic environments

Sedimentation is considered the most widespread contemporary, human-induced perturbation on reefs, and yet if the problems associated with its estimation using sediment traps are recognized, there have been few reliable measurements made over time frames relevant to the local organisms. This study describes the design, calibration and testing of an in situ optical backscatter sediment deposition sensor capable of measuring sedimentation over intervals of a few hours. The instrument has been reconfigured from an earlier version to include 15 measurement points instead of one, and to have a more rugose measuring surface with a microtopography similar to a coral. Laboratory tests of the instrument with different sediment types, colours, particle sizes and under different flow regimes gave similar accumulation estimates to SedPods, but lower estimates than sediment traps. At higher flow rates (9–17 cm s−1), the deposition sensor and SedPods gave estimates >10× lower than trap accumulation rates. The instrument was deployed for 39 d in a highly turbid inshore area in the Great Barrier Reef. Sediment deposition varied by several orders of magnitude, occurring in either a relatively uniform (constant) pattern or a pulsed pattern characterized by short-term (4–6 h) periods of ‘enhanced’ deposition, occurring daily or twice daily and modulated by the tidal phase. For the whole deployment, which included several very high wind events and suspended sediment concentrations (SSCs) >100 mg L−1, deposition rates averaged 19 ± 16 mg cm−2 d−1. For the first half of the deployment, where SSCs varied from <1 to 28 mg L−1 which is more typical for the study area, the deposition rate averaged only 8 ± 5 mg cm−2 d−1. The capacity to measure sedimentation rates over a few hours is discussed in terms of examining the risk from sediment deposition associated with catchment run-off, natural wind/wave events and dredging activities.

The Relations between Serum Leptin Level with Disease Activity and Inflammatory Markers in Fibromyalgia Patients

OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a correlation between serum leptin level, disease activity and inflammation markers in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).METHODS:A total of 48 patients with FMS diagnosed according to the 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria were included in the study, as well as 36 healthy women as controls. The Visual Analogue Scale was used to gauge pain severity, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire was used to assess physical function, the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey was used to examine quality of life, and depression was measured with the Beck Depression Inventory. Blood samples were examined for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein level (CRP), high-sensitivity CRP level (hsCRP), the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and the serum leptin level was determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.RESULTS:The serum leptin level in patients with FMS was significantly higher than in the healthy group. However, no significant relationship was found between leptin level and clinical and inflammatory parameters. In addition, there were no significant differences between the patients and the control group in measurements of ESR, CRP, hsCRP, or NLR.CONCLUSION:A higher serum leptin level in patients with FMS suggested that leptin may play role in the pathogenesis of FMS, yet there was no relationship between leptin and clinical and inflammatory parameters, suggesting that leptin is not an indicator of disease activity in FMS. Additional research should be performed with larger patient groups.

Changes of Estuarine Sedimentation Patterns by Urban Expansion: The Case of Middle Capibaribe Estuary, Northeastern Brazil

The aim of this study is to describe the sedimentary evolution occurred during the last 200-years in the middle Capibaribe Estuary by mean of the sedimentary analysis (magnetic susceptibility, grain size, calcium carbonate, total organic matter—TOM) and geochemical parameters (sedimentation rates, heavy metal concentrations, enrichment and contamination factor) along a core. The core recorded four units and the measured sedimentation rate was 0.52 cm cm·y﹣1. The first unit, dating before 1812, showed environmental characteristics of mangrove with predominance of fine sediments, high total organic matter percentages and heavy metal concentrations probably from natural sources. The second unit, from 1812 to 1937, showed a slight increase in sand percentages and decrease in fine fraction, TOM contents and heavy metals concentrations. These characteristics may be associated with the urban expansion processes and the presence of monoculture of sugar cane occurred in the middle Capibaribe Estuary. The third unit, from 1937 to 2004, showed the highest sand percentages of the core, characterizing a unit exclusively of sand with low fine fractions percentages, total organic matter contents and heavy metals concentrations. This unit represented the intensification of the urban processes expansion of Recife City. The fourth unit showed increases in fine fraction sedimentation, TOM contents and heavy metals concentrations. This new change in sedimentation probably is consequence of rebirth of marginal estuarine banks by mangrove vegetation, due to environmental projects carried out by Recife Prefecture in the early 2000’s. It was not possible to register the anthropic contamination to middle estuary area probably due to the Barreiras Formation influences in the metal concentration records, masking the anthropic contamination inputs in estuarine region. Although, lead and arsenic showing an enrichment level indicating anthropic contamination.

Synthesis of Highly-loaded Holmium-165 Siloxane Particles for Brachytherapy of Brain Cancer and Injectability Evaluation in Healthy Pig

Glioblastoma is the most invasive type of glial tumors, rapidly growing and commonly spreading into nearby brain tissue. Internal radiotherapy, also called brachytherapy, is an advanced cancer treatment where radioactive seeds are placed in or near the tumor itself, giving a high radiation dose to the tumor while reducing the radiation exposure in the surrounding healthy tissues. Among the available radioactive materials, 166Ho emits high-energy β radiation required for tumor destruction and low-energy γ radiation which can be used for quantitative SPECT imaging. In addition, Ho is a highly paramagnetic element and can therefore be visualized by MRI. In this context, we synthesized 400 nm particles via a sol-gel process in acidic conditions using holmium (III) oxide Ho2O3 as a nanostructured precursor. The objective was to design particles with a high 165Ho content combined with an enhanced stability suitable for brachytherapy of brain cancer following neutron activation. A sol-gel process was chosen to make Ho2O3 soluble in aqueous media and to improve particle’s colloidal stability. The resulting suspension showed enhanced colloidal stability in water, as evidenced by zeta potential and sedimentation rate measurements, combined with a high Ho content (28% w:w). Injectability and preliminary acute toxicity of the suspension were assessed after stereotactic injection in the brain of healthy minipig. Computerized tomography (CT) imaging was performed to visualize the injection sites and to determine the holmium distribution. It turns out that our suspension provided high 165Ho concentration to the site of action by way of stereotactic injection. This procedure allowed identifying suitable experimental conditions for future intratumoral injections of activated suspension.

High-Sensitive C-Reactive Protein Levels in a Group of Syrian University Male Students and Its Associations with Smoking, Physical Activity, Anthropometric Measurements, and Some Hematologic Inflammation Biomarkers.

In Syria, health risk data on young males are limited. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors along with C-reactive protein levels measured by high-sensitive method (hsCRP) in a group of healthy males of university students (n = 101, 18–25 years old). Participants' anthropometric characteristics; alcohol drinking, smoking, and physical activity habits; parents medical history; and some inflammatory biomarkers were inspected for their associations with hsCRP. Results. Regarding hsCRP level, 19 participants were at average (1–3 mg/L) and 13 were at high (>3 mg/L) risk of CVD. Nonparametric statistical tests (p value < 0.05) revealed that hsCRP level was higher in participants who had high body mass index (BMI), had high BMI with high waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), or did not practice sport frequently. Unexpectedly, it did not vary between smokers and nonsmokers. In general, it correlated positively with anthropometric and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measurements. Nevertheless, it negatively correlated with sports practicing in overall and nonsmoker groups and in participants whose parents were without medical history. Finally, when participants with high BMI were smokers, did not practice sport frequently, or had a parent with medical history, their hsCRP levels were higher than others who had the same circumstances but with low BMI.