Filtration Capacity Research Articles

Does the Composition of Gut Microbiota Affect Chronic Kidney Disease? Molecular Mechanisms Contributed to Decreasing Glomerular Filtration Rate.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a very prevalent and insidious disease, particularly with initially poorly manifested symptoms that progressively culminate in the manifestation of an advanced stage of the condition. The gradual impairment of kidney function, particularly decreased filtration capacity, results in the retention of uremic toxins and affects numerous molecular mechanisms within the body. The dysbiotic intestinal microbiome plays a crucial role in the accumulation of protein-bound uremic toxins such as p-cresol (pC), indoxyl sulfate (IS), and p-cresyl sulfate (p-CS) through the ongoing fermentation process. The described phenomenon leads to an elevated level of oxidative stress and inflammation, subsequently resulting in tissue damage and complications, particularly an increase in cardiovascular risk, representing the predominant cause of mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, exploring methods to reduce uremic toxins is currently a pivotal therapeutic strategy aimed at reducing the risk of organ damage in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review aims to summarize recent discoveries on modifying the composition of the intestinal microbiota through the introduction of special probiotic and synbiotic supplements for CKD therapy. The potential to connect the gut microbiota with CKD opens the possibility for further extensive research in this area, which could lead to the incorporation of synbiotics and probiotics into the fundamental treatment and prevention of CKD.

Efficiency of Backwashing in Removing Solids from Sand Media Filters for Drip Irrigation Systems

Sand media filters are especially recommended to prevent emitter clogging with loaded irrigation waters, but their performances rely on backwashing. Despite backwashing being a basic procedure needed to restore the initial filtration capacity, there is a lack of information about the solid removal efficiency along the media bed depth. An experimental filter with a 200 mm silica sand bed height was used to assess the effect of two operation velocities (30/45 and 60/75 (filtration/backwashing) m h−1) and two clogging particles (inorganic sand dust and organic from a reclaimed effluent) on the efficiency of backwashing for removing the total suspended solids retained in different media bed slices. The average solid removal backwashing efficiency was greater with organic particles (78%) than with inorganic ones (64%), reaching its maximum at a 5–15 mm bed depth. A higher operation velocity increased the solid removal efficiency by 16%, using organic particles, but no significant differences were observed with inorganic particles. The removal efficiencies across the media bed were more uniform with organic particles (63–89%) than with inorganic (40–85%), which makes it not advisable to reduce the media height when reclaimed effluents are used. This study may contribute to future improvements in sand media filter design and management.

Ecologically significant shallow-water (0–30 m) marine animal forests in central New Zealand

Marine animal forests are habitats formed by dense aggregations of suspension-feeding invertebrates that are increasingly being recognised as biodiversity hotspots with key roles in ecosystem functioning. Despite being found across the world, these ecologically important ecosystems remain understudied in temperate seas. Furthermore, while temperate animal forests are typically associated with deeper water, they can also occur in the shallows (< 30 m). This study is the first to describe the diversity of shallow-water (0–30 m) marine animal forests in the Wellington Region of New Zealand using a combination of SCUBA, ROVs, and citizen science surveys. Through qualitative and quantitative surveys, we identified nine distinct biotic communities dominated by sessile invertebrates, including sponges, cnidarians, bivalves, brachiopods, and polychaetes. In Wellington Harbour, the most common communities were sponge beds formed by the massive sponge Suberites australiensis, often occurring with other sponges, the brachiopod Magasella sanguinea, and the bivalve Atrina zelandica. The S. australiensis beds occurred between 7 and 17 m, with densities up to 19 sponges per m2 and specimens up to 40 cm in diameter. Based on pumping rate measurements, we estimated the average filtration capacity of S. australiensis in the sponge beds to range between 1240 and 19,996 L m−2 day−1. Along Wellington’s open coasts, diverse sponge gardens were dominated by massive morphologies, such as Ecionema alata, together with fan, and branching sponges between 20 and 30 m deep. Community composition varied spatially, likely due to heterogeneity in currents, sedimentation, and food availability. Anthropogenic impacts on animal-dominated ecosystems in the harbour included widespread marine debris (e.g., plastics, fishing gear, and tyres), and substrate alteration from coastal development. The open-coast communities were comparatively undisturbed but might be vulnerable to anchoring and fishing activities. Our study revealed ecologically important marine animal forests in the shallow waters of Wellington, which are largely unprotected urban ecosystems. Conservation through mapping, monitoring, and strategic marine spatial planning is urgently needed to preserve these underappreciated biodiversity hotspots worldwide.

An analytical study of facemask performance to mitigate respiratory diseases transmission through coughs and sneezes

Upper respiratory infectious diseases are often transmitted through ejected droplets and aerosols at high velocity by coughs or sneezes. In its early stages, the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus could not be fully controlled without face masks and social distancing, and the measures' effectiveness was in doubt due to the uncertainty of air leakage around the mask edges. This study aims to analytically investigate the effect of wearing face masks on the contamination distance around a coughing infected person in still air. The effect of mask design and the presence of gaps around the mask edges was also investigated in this study. A steady-state analytical model was developed to estimate the contamination distance as a function of mask properties and the gap width around the mask edges. The model was validated against experimental observations, showing good agreement. Results revealed that the effectiveness of a face mask in reducing contamination distances is highly dependent on the tightness of the mask fit around the wearer's face. Masks with high packing density, such as N95, were found to be ineffective with gap widths wider than 0.2 mm around the mask edges due to their high resistance, which diverts most of the flow to leak around the edges. For such wide gaps, more permeable cloth masks with packing densities below 1 % reduce the contamination distance more effectively, despite having a low filtration capacity, by impeding the inertia of the ejected particles.

Assessment of filtration capacity of different filters used in the West Region of Cameroon for quality improvement of drinking water

Assessment of filtration capacity of different filters used in the West Region of Cameroon for quality improvement of drinking water

Periclase-magnesium aluminate spinel ceramics filter with excellent purification efficiency on molten steel prepared from Mg(OH)2: Effect of fused MgO content

Reticulated ceramic filters are widely used in the field of steel purification to improve the quality of steel products. In this work, periclase-magnesium aluminate spinel ceramic filters with microporous MgO coating were fabricated by using Mg(OH)2 as raw material. The effect of fused MgO content on the microstructures, mechanical properties and filtration capacity of filters on Al2O3 inclusions in molten steel was comparatively studied. The results indicate that the particle packing and liquid phase sintering cooperated to promote the formation of neck connections between microporous MgO particles, which increased the cold compressive strength and thermal shock resistance of the filters. Furthermore, the results from the immersion test in molten steel demonstrate that an appropriate amount of high-temperature liquid phase and the relatively microporous structure of filter skeleton were favorable for filters to filtrate Al2O3 inclusion in molten steel. Overall, the filter with 30 wt% fused MgO had the best comprehensive performance with a cold compressive strength of 0.68 MPa, a residual retention of cold compressive strength after three thermal shock recycles of 79.07 % and a filtration efficiency of 79.06 % in reducing the total oxygen content of the steel.

Исследование закономерностей изменения солевого состава буровых шламов в процессе их утилизации

Drill cuttings in their natural state have viscous-plastic properties; in a dry state they are cohesive and hard. This is due to the content of sodium ions in the absorbing complex. Features of the physical and mechanical properties of drill cuttings indicate its ability to absorb and retain dissolved salts. When gypsum is added to drill cuttings in different percentages of the waste volume, the concentration of chloride ion changes in all samples, and chloride-sulfate salinization is observed. The content of sulfate ion increases with a minimum volume fraction of gypsum application. The addition of gypsum in a volume fraction of 15 and 20% affects the reduction of phosphate and carbonate ions. A change in electrical conductivity indicates an increase in the concentration of water-soluble salts in the water extract, which is confirmed by a direct high correlation. When adding gypsum from 7–20% volume fractions, a significant reduction in the dense residue occurs. The use of gypsum increases the filtration capacity of drill cuttings. The use of gypsum makes it possible to lighten the granulometric composition of drill cuttings due to the active coagulation of colloids. As a result of the removal of water-soluble salts, optimal water-physical properties of drill cuttings are created, structuring and filtration properties of drill cuttings are increased. A mathematical model for predicting the dissolution of salts in drill cuttings allows taking into account uncontrollable factors (density, particle size distribution, filtration coefficient, content of water-soluble salts).

Impact of Deforestation on Water Quality in Cameroon

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of deforestation on water quality in Cameroon. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Deforestation in Cameroon significantly impacts water quality, as evidenced by increased sedimentation, higher pollutant levels, and elevated risks of waterborne diseases. Loss of forest cover reduces natural filtration capacities, leading to higher concentrations of contaminants in water sources. Alterations in hydrological patterns and changes in land use further exacerbate these issues, affecting water availability and aquatic habitats. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Hydrological cycle theory, land use/land cover change (LU/LC) theory &amp; ecosystem services theory may be used to anchor future studies on impact of deforestation on water quality in Cameroon. Implement land-use planning measures that prioritize the conservation and sustainable management of forest ecosystems, including protected area designation, forest restoration initiatives, and sustainable forest management practices. Develop and enforce policies that incentivize forest conservation and sustainable land management practices, such as payment for ecosystem services schemes, land-use zoning regulations, and carbon offset programs.

#2490 Analyzing the morphology of mesothelial cells when exposed to peritoneal dialysis solutions

Abstract Background and Aims Glucose remains the predominant osmotic agent in peritoneal dialysis (PD), yet its prolonged use is associated with an inevitable decline in peritoneal filtration capacity. Persistent contact with glucose during dialysis can induce significant morphological and functional changes in the peritoneum. In this study, we explore the morphological alterations in mesothelial cells exposed to both conventional glucose-based PD solutions and an innovative biocompatible PD solution (XyloCore) containing L-carnitine and Xylitol. Method Met5A mesothelial cells were seeded and cultured on a polyester filter (with a pore size of 0.4 micrometers, Transwell, 12 well type, Millipore) utilizing a full medium. The impact of PD solutions, differentiating between glucose-based and XyloCore, was assessed on cells cultivated on transwells. These cells were exposed to PD solutions on the apical side and to culture medium on the basal side. The cells were then employed for proteomic and metabolomic assessments and were also fixed and scrutinized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results Through unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis, discernable proteomic distinctions emerged between wild-type (WT) cells (control) and cells exposed to either glucose-based PD solution or XyloCore. In SEM analysis, control cells exhibited a distinct flat epithelial appearance. Contrastingly, subjecting WT cells to treatment with a glucose-based PD solution induced significant alterations in cellular morphology. Notably, cells displayed elongated shapes, loosening of cell-cell contacts, and a consistent denuding of the culture surface. In contrast, XyloCore maintained a better cellular morphology and mitigated cell detachment. Conclusion Preserving the integrity of the mesothelial barrier is crucial for maintaining peritoneal ultrafiltration capacity. The findings suggest that glucose-based PD solutions trigger early morphological changes in cell shape and cell-cell contacts, likely stemming from alterations in cytoskeleton or adhesion molecules. The exploration of new osmotic agents in clinical practice holds paramount significance for the future of peritoneal dialysis.

The role of claudins in renal transepithelial transport and kidney disease.

25 years after the discovery of claudins as the central constituents of tight junctions, the "hunter-gatherer phase" of claudin research is coming to an end. Deficiency in individual claudins as a cause of rare hereditary diseases is well documented. However, knowledge about the involvement of renal claudins in common kidney diseases and strategies to utilize claudins or their regulators for intervention are still scarce. The present review summarizes novel approaches to address these questions. Publicly accessible omics data provide new insights not only into general claudin expression patterns along the nephron, but also into sex-specific differences in claudin expression and into claudin dysregulation in renal injury. Computational association studies identify claudin variants as risk factors for kidney disease such as nephrolithiasis or loss of filtration capacity. The establishment of innovative cell culture and organoid models contributes to a better understanding of junctional and extra-junctional functions of individual claudins. The current studies lay the foundation for the identification of upstream regulators of renal claudin expression and thus for the development of new concepts for the treatment of kidney disease.

Praseodymium and warming interactions in mussels: Comparison between observed and predicted results

Being a crucial element for technological development, praseodymium (Pr) has been increasingly used, leading to a rise in its concentration in aquatic systems. However, its potential threats to organisms remain poorly understood. Besides contamination, organisms are also threatened by climate change-related factors, including warming. It is important to evaluate how climate change-related factors may influence the effects of contaminants. To address this, histopathological and biochemical analyses were performed in adult mussels of Mytilus galloprovincialis, following a 28-day exposure to Pr (10 μg/L) and warming (4 °C increase) separately, and in combination. Additionally, biochemical and physiological alterations were analysed in the sperm of mussels after 30-min exposure to the same treatments. Furthermore, it was used the Independent Action model to predict the interaction between Pr and warming. The results showed, in the case of adults exposed to Pr, an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) activities. However, it was insufficient, leading to histopathological injuries, redox imbalance, and cellular damage. In the case of sperm, Pr induced an increase of mitochondrial activity and respiration rate, in response to the increase in systemic metabolic rate and oxygen demand. Warming increased the metabolism, and induced redox imbalance and cellular damage in adults. In sperm, a rise in temperature induced lipid peroxidation and a decrease in velocity. Warming induced some alterations in how adult mussels responded to Pr, activating catalase instead of SOD, and in addition to GSTs, also activated carboxylesterases. However, it was not enough to avoid redox imbalance and cellular damage. In the case of sperm, the combination induced a decrease in H2O2 production, and higher oxygen demand, which prevented the decrease in motility and velocity. This study highlights the limitations of using models and emphasizes the importance of studying the impacts of emerging contaminants, such as rare earth elements, and their combination with climate change-related factors. Under environmental conditions, chronic exposure to the combined effect of different stressors might generate impacts at higher biological levels. This may affect organisms' respiratory and filtration capacity, nutrient absorption, defence capacity against infections or diseases, and sperm viability, ultimately resulting in reduced growth and reproduction, with consequences at the population level.

Inclined Tubes Clarifier for Effective Removal of Suspended Solids from Canal Water Prior to Groundwater Recharge

Groundwater recharge, through surplus supplies of canal water, may prove to be an important strategy for replenishing the rapidly depleting groundwater in Punjab and managing sustainably the groundwater resources. However, presence of suspended silt load in the canal water results in clogging of recharge wells and subsequent reduction in recharge rates and capacity of filters. In present study, an inclined tubes clarifier having filtration capacity of 1.8 L s-1 was designed and fabricated to filter the silt-loaded canal water. In the clarifier, tubes of poly vinyl chloride (PVC) media of 1-m length were attached one over the other to form an inclined honeycomb like structure through which canal water enters as inflow from the bottom and the clarified water exits as outflow from the top of the clarifier. Efficacy of the designed clarifier was tested at different total suspended solids ranging from 500 to 3000 mg L-1 in the canal water and at pumping rates varying from 0.3 to 2.1 L s-1. The results revealed more than 85% sediment-removal efficiency of the clarifier at flow rates above 0.8 L s-1. The results further indicated that efficiency of removing total suspended solids (TSS) reduced drastically at inflow rates more than 1.2 L s-1. Also, at all the flow rates, the efficiency was 6% higher for water samples having TSS more than 2000 mg L-1 in comparison to samples having TSS less than 1000 mg L-1. The clarifier makes no significant difference to the values of total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, total solids and pH of the canal water.

Electrospun membrane of PLA/calendula with improved UV protection and stable filtration performance

The “dual carbon” strategy and the severe air pollution problem have spurred the development of environmentally friendly functional filters. However, the performance stability of degradable polymers under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation needs to be explored and addressed. Loading natural small molecules onto electrospun fibers can enhance their functionality and sustainability. This study explores the use of calendula extract to protect polylactic acid electrospun fibers from UV degradation and provide antibacterial properties. A double-layer filter was created using straightforward sequential electrospinning. Only one-third of the fiber membrane's thickness contains drugs, resulting in an 88 % inhibition rate against Staphylococcus aureus. Its UV protection capability has been significantly enhanced. The calendula filters exhibited a tensile strength loss rate of only 23 %, compared to 30 % for the unmodified filters. Furthermore, the calendula extract altered the morphology and porous structure of the fibers, leading to an enhancement in the stable filtration efficiency of the membrane. It maintains a filtration efficiency of over 99 % at a flow rate of 32–85 L/min. This study has enhanced the stable filtration capacity of biomass filters and showcased their potential for UV protection and antibacterial applications.

The effect of knee replacement on renal function in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective: to evaluate the effect of knee replacement on kidney function in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and methods: at stage 1, 308 people suffering from hypertension (GB), stage III osteoarthritis of the knee joint (OA CS), type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) were examined. GB occurred in 308 people, DM — in 66 people, and OA CS — in 216 people. Depending on the presence of OA CS, observation and comparison groups were identified. Within each group, subgroups are distinguished by the presence of SD: subgroup 1 (n=170) — OA CS +GB, subgroup 2 (n=46) — OA CS+GB+SD, subgroup 3 (n=72) — GB, subgroup 4 (n=20) — GB+SD. At stage 2, the dynamics of GFR after total knee arthroplasty (TEP CS) in subgroups 1 and 2 and against the background of AGT therapy in subgroups 3 and 4 were evaluated. Results: at the 1st stage, it was found that the proportion of people with GFR 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 was significantly higher in subgroup 1 (OA CS+GB) compared with subgroup 3 of patients with GB without joint pathology (40.6% vs. 12.5%, p0.01). The presence of DM in patients with GB significantly affected renal filtration function, which is reflected in an increase in serum creatinine levels in subgroup 4 (GB+DM) by 20.02% and a decrease in GFR by 15.35%.Against the background of the performed TEP in the group with GB, 64.06% had a stable GFR value or its increase, and in the subgroup of GB+ DM after TEP, 72.41% of patients had an increase or stable state of renal filtration capacity. At the same time, during the same follow-up period in the comparison group (in patients with GB without comorbid conditions), only 39.13% of cases had stable GFR values, and a decrease in GFR was recorded in 60.87%. At the same time, the dynamics of GFR values manifested itself in an increase of 11.19% in patients of subgroup 5 (TEP CS + GB) and by 12.47% in the group of the described knee joint intervention with a combination of GB and DM. In patients with controlled hypertension, GFR decreased by 6.6%. Conclusion: knee replacement in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus can slow down the rate of GFR reduction.

Human soluble prorenin receptor expressed in mouse renal collecting duct shows sex-specific effect on cardiorenal function.

Soluble prorenin receptor (sPRR), a component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), has been identified as a plasma biomarker for hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in humans. Despite studies showing that sPRR in the kidney is produced by tubular cells in the renal collecting duct (CD), its biological actions modulating cardiorenal function in physiological conditions remain unknown. Therefore, the objective of our study was to investigate whether CD-derived human sPRR (HsPRR) expression influences cardiorenal function and examine sex and circadian differences. Thus, we investigated the status of the intrarenal RAS, water and electrolyte balance, renal filtration capacity, and blood pressure (BP) regulation in CD-HsPRR and control (CTL) mice. CD-HsPRR mice were generated by breeding human sPRR-Myc-tag mice with Hoxb7/Cre mice. Renal sPRR expression increased in CD-HsPRR mice, but circulating sPRR and RAS levels were unchanged compared with CTL mice. Only female littermates expressing CD-HsPRR showed 1) increased 24-h BP, 2) an impaired BP response to an acute dose of losartan and attenuated angiotensin II (ANG II)-induced hypertension, 3) reduced angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and ANG II content in the renal cortex, and 4) decreased glomerular filtration rate, with no changes in natriuresis and kaliuresis despite upregulation of the β-subunit of the epithelial Na+ channel in the renal cortex. These cardiorenal alterations were displayed only during the active phase of the day. Taken together, these data suggest that HsPRR could interact with ANG II type 1 receptors mediating sex-specific, ANG II-independent renal dysfunction and a prohypertensive phenotype in a sex-specific manner.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We successfully generated a humanized mouse model that expresses human sPRR in the collecting duct. Collecting duct-derived human sPRR did not change circulating sPRR and RAS levels but increased daytime BP in female mice while showing an attenuated angiotensin II-dependent pressor response. These findings may aid in elucidating the mechanisms by which women show uncontrolled BP in response to antihypertensive treatments targeting the RAS, improving approaches to reduce uncontrolled BP and chronic kidney disease incidences in women.

Hyperbranched Polymer Induced Antibacterial Tree-Like Nanofibrous Membrane for High Effective Air Filtration.

The air filtration materials with high efficiency, low resistance, and extra antibacterial property are crucial for personal health protection. Herein, a tree-like polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibrous membrane with hierarchical structure (trunk fiber of 447nm, branched fiber of 24.7nm) and high filtration capacity is demonstrated. Specifically, 2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride terminated hyperbranched polymer (HBP-HTC) with near-spherical three-dimensional molecular structure and adjustable terminal positive groups is synthesized as an additive for PVDF electrospinning to enhance the jet splitting and promote the formation of branched ultrafine nanofibers, achieving a coverage rate of branched nanofibers over 90% that is superior than small molecular quaternary ammonium salts. The branched nanofibers network enhances mechanical properties and filtration efficiency (99.995% for 0.26µm sodium chloride particles) of the PVDF/HBP-HTC membrane, which demonstrates reduced pressure drop (122.4Pa) and a quality factor up to 0.083 Pa-1 on a 40µm-thick sample. More importantly, the numerous quaternary ammonium salt groups of HBP-HTC deliver excellent antibacterial properties to the PVDF membranes. Bacterial inhibitive rate of 99.9% against both S. aureus and E. coli is demonstrated in a membrane with 3.0 wt% HBP-HTC. This work provides a new strategy for development of high-efficiency and antibacterial protection products.

Virus removal by high-efficiency air (HEPA) filters and filtration capacity enhancement by nanotextiles: a pilot study.

Portable household air purifiers are widely used devices designed to maintain a high-quality level of indoor air. Portable air purifiers equipped with the high-efficiency air (HEPA) filter served 100h in a household space occupied by two adults without any symptoms of respiratory tract infection. The main objective of the study was to determine microbial contamination on the HEPA filter and to investigate if the selected nanotextile monolayer made of polyamide 6 (PA6) nanofibers can capture potential microorganisms when installed downstream of the HEPA filter as the final filtration medium. Samples were taken from the inlet and outlet surfaces. Samples from the nanotextile were collected in the same manner as from the HEPA filter. QIAStat DX® 1.0 Analyzer using the Respiratory SARS CoV-2 Panel multiplex PCR detection system was selected for microorganism detection. Adenovirus was detected on the inlet surface of the HEPA filter. The outlet surface of the filter contained no viruses included in the Respiratory SARS CoV-2 Panel portfolio. The nanotextile monolayer was replaced twice during the 100h of operation, so three pieces were used and all contained coronavirus 229 E. Coronavirus 229 E was then detected in the nasopharynx of one of the members of the household as well. It may be assumed that the selected nanotextile is capable of capturing a virus of a small size.

Possibilities of Using Industrial Waste for Chemical Reclaimation of Siberian Solonzes

The effect of natural ameliorants and industrial waste on the filtration capacity of solonetzes and the process of their desalination and salinization in relation to soils neutral and sulfate soda salinity in the south of the Tyumen region has been studied. The conclusion is made about the feasibility of using phosphogypsum as waste for solonetzes reclamation and the need for field testing promising coagulants in the form of industrial waste.

Pathophysiological features of thyroid dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (a literature review and own observations)

Background. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic di­sease that causes disorders of all types of metabolism. Currently, there is an increasing prevalence of not only DM, but also its serious complications. One of the common chronic complications of DM is diabetic kidney disease (DKD). As of today, it is also known about the effect of DM on other endocrine organs, in particular thyroid gland. Thyroid dysfunction in combination with type 2 DM and DKD are interrelated conditions. In the literature review, the causes, theories of development, stages, course, and criteria for making a diagnosis of DKD are highlighted, probable mechanisms for the development of phenotypes are described. The impact of pathophysio­logical mechanisms of metabolic and secretory disorders on thyroid function has been demonstrated. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were used to search for literature data. The purpose of the study is to investigate the frequency and prevalence of phenoty­pic forms of DKD and the thyroid functional state. Materials and methods. We have analyzed the data of 1,874 patients with type 2 DM who were receiving inpatient treatment at the Lviv Regional Clinical Diagnostic Center, branch of the Center for Endocrinolo­gical Population Health, in 2022 and the first three quarters of 2023. Among them, 56 % were women, 44 % were men. The average age of the patients was 56.1 ± 8.2 years. The frequency and prevalence of phenotypic forms of DKD, the thyroid functional state in such patients were studied. Results. The share of patients with confirmed DKD was 26 % (n = 487). According to the results of the studies, DKD develops by a phenotype of non-albuminuric renal dysfunction in 288 patients (59 %), by an albuminuric phenotype — in 192 cases (39.6 %), and as a progressive decrease in kidney function — in 7 patients (1.4 %). Non-albuminuric renal dysfunction phenotype was 1.5 times more frequent than albuminuric one. Thyroid dysfunction was diagnosed in 166 patients with DKD (34 %). The obtained data confirm the greater prevalence of hypothyroidism as compared to hyperthyroidism in patients with DKD. This allows us to suspect that the structural and functional changes in the kidneys in type 2 DM, which lead to a decrease in the filtration capacity of the kidneys, may be independent of albuminuria. Conclusions. The presence of DKD, regardless of the stage of DM and phenotype, has a direct and indirect effect on the regulation and functioning of the thyroid gland. In turn, adequate production of thyroid hormones is necessary for a balanced metabolism, energy homeostasis and renoprotection. The presence of thyroid dysfunction can be a cause of unsatisfactory control of diabetes and lead to the development of complications.

Comparative Evaluation of Microorganism Disinfection Methods for N95 Respirators

Background: An excessive demand for N95 respirators occurred during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Therefore, health care workers were obligated to reuse N95 respirators, which were intended to be disposable. Aim: The primary objective of this study was to establish a standard procedure for safe disinfection or sterilization that does not affect the performance of an N95 respirator. Methods: As disinfection or sterilization methods, immersion in 70% ethanol, 0.1% hypochlorous acid, 0.3% peracetic acid, 0.2% alkyldiaminoethylglycine hydrochloride aqueous solution, hypochlorous acid water, or plant mineral-activated water, autoclaving, pasteurization and hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization were used. After sterilization/disinfection, the filtration capacity of each N95 respirator was examined. Findings: The performance changes in the N95 respirator caused by each sterilization/disinfection method differed for each manufacturer’s product. Seventy percent ethanol, 0.1% sodium hypochlorite aqueous solution, 0.3% peracetic acid aqueous solution, autoclaving, hypochlorous acid water, and plant mineral-activated water significantly deteriorated the performance of N95 respirators. Performance degradation (increased permeability) was observed in 0.2% alkyldiaminoethylglycine hydrochloride aqueous solution and hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization, and the permeation performance significantly deteriorated by 50–70% in all N95 respirators tested. Only pasteurization resulted in no deterioration in performance, even after five repeated sterilizations. Conclusion: Verification of sterilization/disinfection methods for the reuse of N95 respirators has shown that the currently recommended hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization is inadequate as it increases permeability by more than 50% with a single treatment. In this study, pasteurization was found to be the optimal sterilization method.