General Laboratory Research Articles

A humidity resistant radon source developed by ion exchange of radium in a membrane

ObjectiveTo develop a humidity resistant radon source on a membrane based on the ion exchange technique. Methods226Ra in its standard solution was adsorbed in the HP membrane through cation exchange. The radioactivity of 226Ra in the membrane was determined through the measurements of 226Ra activities in the solution before and after the adsorption using a HPGe γ spectrometer. The emanation coefficients of radon from the membrane in different humidity conditions were quantified through the measurements of radon concentrations in a close loop mode using the AlphaGUARD DF2000 radon monitor. Long-term measurements of radon concentrations in the close loop and a standard chamber using the membrane as radon source were performed to verify the stability of radon emanation from the source. ResultsA piece (70 ​mm ​× ​20 ​mm) of the HP membrane could adsorb 51.2 kBq of 226Ra in about 30 ​min. The emanation coefficient of radon from the membrane could reach as high as 0.997, and it was hardly changed in a humidity range from 7.5% RH to 94.5 ​% RH. The variation of the radon production rate from the source was only ±1.2 ​% in two weeks at a general laboratory condition, and its emanation stability was also confirmed in a standard radon chamber by using the membrane source for one month. ConclusionThe radon membrane source developed in this study has a stable emanation coefficient regardless the environmental humidity. It can be used as a flow-through radon source in a standard radon chamber.

APTT and D-dimer as biomarkers for heatstroke in patients with severe heat-related illnesses.

The objective of this study was to analyze the changes of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and D-dimer in severe heatstroke (HS) patients and their value in identifying HS patients and to analyze clinical features and early laboratory test results of heat-related illnesses. Forty-five patients with heat-related illnesses who were admitted to the Department of Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine of Suining Central Hospital from June 2022 to April 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on their clinical diagnosis: classic HS group, exertional HS group, and control group. General date and laboratory test results were collected, especially APTT and D-dimer. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze D-dimer and APTT. : There were differences in gender distribution among the 3 groups. Exertional HS was dominated by male patients, and classic HS was dominated by elderly patients. Binary logistic regression analysis of coagulation index showed a significant correlation between D-dimer and APTT and HS. The receiver operating characteristic curve results showed that APTT and D-dimer had high sensitivity and specificity in the identification of HS with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.846, sensitivity of 97%, and specificity of 58.3% for APTT and an AUC of 0.861, sensitivity of 72%, and specificity of 91.7% for D-dimer (D-dimer + APTT [AUC, 0.929; sensitivity, 81.8%-91.7%; P < .001]). : The mortality rate of HS is high, and early diagnosis is particularly important. APTT and D-dimer may be used as markers assisting in identifying HS.

Geriatric patients with acute kidney injury in the intensive care unit: the effect of vitamin B12 and albumin levels on survival

Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and critically important clinical entity in geriatric age group. In addition, higher mortality rates are seen in cases requiring intensive care treatment. We have aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin B12 and albumin levels on mortality in critically ill geriatric patients with AKI. Methods: Geriatric patients hospitalised in the Intensive Care Unit with a diagnosis of AKI between 07.01.2014-07.01.2015 were retrospectively screened and included in the study. Two groups were formed from discharged and exited patients. General characteristics and laboratory values of the patients were scanned from the hospital archives and recorded. Statistically significant intergroup differences in terms of demographic characteristics, and biochemical values were determined by statistical analysis. Results: A total of 103 patients, including 53 females were enrolled in the study, while 72.2% of the patients had prerenal AKI. The mortality rate was 47.57% in all patients. There was no difference between groups in terms of mortality rates, etiologic factors and KDIGO staging. Vitamin B12 was high and albümin was low the group who succumbed to death. In addition, mortality rates increased by 10% for every 100 units increase in vitamin B12 value and decreased by 22% for every 10 units increase in albumin value. Conclusions: We have determined that an increase in albumin levels during clinical follow-up decreased mortality rates and an increase in vitamin B12 levels directly increased mortality rates. Hypoalbuminemia and high vitamin B12 levels were found to be independent predictive factors for mortality in AKI.

Changes of coagulation function and platelet parameters in preeclampsia and their correlation with pregnancy outcomes.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a severe pregnancy complication characterized by significant alterations in coagulation function. This study aims to analyze the correlation between coagulation function, platelet parameters, and pregnancy outcomes in PE patients. Clinical data, along with blood and urine samples, were collected from 168 PE patients and 128 healthy pregnant women. General demographic and laboratory testing data were recorded, and maternal and fetal outcomes were followed up. Data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and logistic regression analyses. In mild PE patients, thrombin time (p=.000), platelet distribution width (PDW) (p=.000), and clot formation time (p=.000) were increased, while prothrombin time (p=.000) and fibrinogen (p=.045) were reduced. With increasing PE severity, prothrombin time (p=.000), platelet count (PLT) (p=.000), mean platelet volume (MPV) (p=.000), plateletcrit (p=.000), maximum amplitude (MA) (p=.000), and coagulation index (p=.001) decreased, whereas activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) (p=.000), thrombin time (p=.002), D-dimer (p=.026), and PDW (p=.000) increased. Lower prothrombin time (p=.048), PLT (p=.004), and coagulation index (p=.026) or higher APTT (p=.032), thrombin time (p=.044), D-dimer (p=.023), and PDW (p=.016) were associated with a higher risk of poor pregnancy outcomes. Thrombin time was identified as an independent risk factor (p=.025, OR=2.918, 95% CI: 1.145-7.436), whereas gestational age was an independent protective factor (p=.000, OR=0.244, 95% CI: 0.151-0.395). This study demonstrates that specific coagulation and platelet parameters are significantly associated with PE severity and adverse pregnancy outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring coagulation function in PE patients to improve clinical management and outcomes.

Clinical Insights into Brucella Peritonitis: A Comprehensive Analysis of Four Cases

IntroductionBrucellosis, a globally distributed zoonotic disease, exhibits diverse clinical manifestations, with Brucella peritonitis being a rare but consequential complication.MethodsAnalyzing the medical records of four patients with Brucella peritonitis admitted to the First People’s Hospital of Kashi Region from January 2022 to November 2023. A retrospective approach was used to analyze the general data, epidemiological history, clinical features, laboratory tests, and efficacy. All four patients with Brucella peritonitis were farmers.ResultsAll of them were combined with decompensated stage of liver cirrhosis. The main manifestations were poor appetite, fatigue, bloating. Two patients were accompanied by moderate-high fever. All patients presented with mildly elevated C-reactive protein and procalcitonin < 0.25ng/ml. Brucella was cultured from blood in 2 cases, from pleural fluid in 1 case, and from ascitic fluid in another case. All patients had moderate-to-large amounts of ascites with elevated leukocytes in the ascites, predominantly mononuclear cells. Symptoms of the above patients were reduced or disappeared after effective anti-infection.ConclusionWhen patients with decompensated cirrhosis present with exudative ascites dominated by elevated mononuclear cells, the possibility of Brucella peritonitis should also be considered in areas where brucellosis is endemic.

Malnutrition Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes in Gynecology and Obstetric Patients

Aim: Nutrition was a prerequisite for a healthy life, a basic human need, and a fundamental human right. The aim of this descriptive study is to examine the risk factors for malnutrition in obstetrics and gynecology patients and the relationship between malnutrition and clinical outcomes. Subjects and Method: The research was carried out in a Gynecology and Obstetrics Branch Hospital between 30.10.2018 and 01.06.2022. The research sample consisted of patients who were assessed for malnutrition risk using the Nutritional Risk Screening-2002 (NRS-2002) form during the specified dates and had severe risk of malnutrition in all of the patients (risk score of ≥3, case group, n=82). An equal number of patients with mild/moderate malnutrition risk (score=1 and 2) and patients without risk were randomly selected using a computerized randomization process. General health, obstetric, admission characteristics, and laboratory findings were compared between the groups. A statistical significance level of p&lt;0.05 was accepted. Results: According to NRS-2002, the mean malnutrition risk score scores were 0.64±0.8 in the mild/moderate malnutrition risk group and 3.71±0.90 in the severe malnutrition risk group. The median age and body mass index of the group with a severe risk were higher and lower, respectively (p&lt;0.05). The median length of hospital stay, weight loss, occurrence of surgical procedures, presence of infection, and presence of an oncological diagnosis were significantly higher in the group with a severe risk of malnutrition group compared to the other groups (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: When evaluating women for malnutrition, care should be taken in case of age, length of hospital stay, weight loss, surgical procedure, presence of infection and oncological diagnosis. In case of impaired laboratory findings and normal body mass index value, it is important not to ignore the evaluation and to perform a comprehensive evaluation.

Globalization of a telepathology network with artificial intelligence applications in Colombia: The GLORIA program study protocol

In Colombia, cancer is recognized as a high-cost pathology by the national government and the Colombian High-Cost Disease Fund. As of 2020, the situation is most critical for adult cancer patients, particularly those under public healthcare and residing in remote regions of the country. The highest lag time for a diagnosis was observed for cervical cancer (79.13 days), followed by prostate (77.30 days), and breast cancer (70.25 days). Timely and accurate histopathological reporting plays a vital role in the diagnosis of cancer. In recent years, digital pathology has been globally implemented as a technological tool in two main areas: telepathology (TP) and computational pathology. TP has been shown to improve rapid and timely diagnosis in anatomic pathology by facilitating interaction between general laboratories and specialized pathologists worldwide through information and telecommunication technologies. Computational pathology provides diagnostic and prognostic assistance based on histopathological patterns, molecular, and clinical information, aiding pathologists in making more accurate diagnoses. We present the study protocol of the GLORIA digital pathology network, a pioneering initiative, and national grant-approved program aiming to design and pilot a Colombian digital pathology transformation focused on TP and computational pathology, in response to the general needs of pathology laboratories for diagnosing complex malignant tumors. The study protocol describes the design of a TP network to expand oncopathology services across all Colombian regions. It also describes an artificial intelligence proposal for lung cancer, one of Colombia's most prevalent cancers, and a freely accessible national histopathological image database to facilitate image analysis studies.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Chinese Children: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

The reported outcomes of pediatric dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) have varied across studies. There are few outcome data concerning DCM in Chinese children. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective study to describe clinical features and determine risk factors for poor outcomes in children with DCM. We enrolled 121 children with DCM in our hospital from 2003 to 2021. General information and laboratory and echocardiographic data were collected and analyzed. Cox regression analysis was performed to determine risk factors for poor outcomes. This study included 121 patients (69 males and 52 females). The median age at diagnosis was 10.8 years, and the follow-up time was 10.0 months. Eighty-two patients (67.8%) exhibited cardiac function classes III-IV at the time of diagnosis. Tachypnea was the most common symptom (78.5%). In echocardiography, the mean left ventricular end-diastolic dimension z score was 7.36 ± 2.73, and the left ventricular ejection fraction z score was -6.58 ± 2.17. The 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival rates were 51.2%, 43.8%, and 32.2%, respectively. Cox analysis revealed that cardiac function classes III-IV (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.801, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.030-3.149, p = 0.039) and calcium levels (HR = 0.219, 95% CI = 0.084-0.576, p = 0.002) were predictors of poor outcomes in children with DCM. Children with DCM are at high risk of death. Cardiac function class III-IV and calcium levels were related to the prognosis of pediatric DCM patients.

А COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF PATIENTS WITH ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE: AGE, GENDER, AND COMORBIDITY ASPECTS

The purpose of the study was to analyze the clinical characteristics, comorbid status, individual biochemical indicators, and systemic inflammation activity in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) depending on age, gender distribution, and diagnosis influence.Materials and methods. The study included 144 patients with IHD, who were divided into two groups – the main and the control. The main group comprised 120 patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) II-III functional class (FC). The control group consisted of 24 patients with STEMI. All patients underwent a comprehensive examination: general clinical, anthropometric, laboratory (complete blood count, biochemical analysis), and instrumental (office blood pressure measurement, heart rate, and echocardiography). The comorbid profile of patients with IHD was assessed using the Charlson comorbidity index. The severity of systemic inflammation syndrome in the selected patient groups was assessed by the cellular composition of peripheral blood upon admission to the hospital, and based on the obtained data, the values of leukocyte inflammatory markers were calculated.Results. Patients in the main group were younger than those in the control group (54.78 ± 1.11 vs. 63.50 ± 1.82) (p&lt;0.001). A statistically significant predominance of men over women was found among the cohort of IHD patients (63.33% and 36.67%, respectively) (p&lt;0.001), with a tendency towards male predominance among patients with SAP II-III FC compared to those with STEMI (p = 0.074). Patients in the main group compared to those in the control group had significantly higher left ventricular ejection fraction (p&lt;0.001), systolic blood pressure (p&lt;0.001), and diastolic blood pressure (p=0.001). In the control group compared to the main group, more cases of patients with high levels of comorbidity were found (p&lt;0.001). Lower levels of creatinine, fibrinogen, prothrombin time, and glucose were observed in patients in the main group. Patients with SAP II-III FC compared to those with STEMI had lower levels of leukocyte inflammatory markers, such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (p&lt;0.001), systemic immune inflammation index (SII) (p=0.002), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) (p=0.007), and aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI) (p=0.011).Conclusions. The study underscores the need for an individualized approach to each patient with ischemic heart disease, considering their age, gender, and comorbid characteristics, as well as laboratory peculiarities, to improve therapy outcomes and prevent complications.

Hospital surveillance of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: contribution to the WHO mosaic framework, Israel, 2020 to 2023.

BackgroundA new respiratory virus surveillance platform, based on nationwide hospital laboratory data, was established in Israel during the COVID-19 pandemic.AimWe aimed to evaluate the performance of this platform with respect to the detection of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) from week 36 in 2020 to week 15 in 2023, and how it fits with the World Health Organization (WHO) mosaic surveillance framework.MethodsData of respiratory samples from hospitalised patients sent for laboratory confirmation of influenza virus or RSV from 25 general hospital laboratories nationwide were collected. We analysed the weekly number and percentage of samples positive for influenza virus or RSV vis-à-vis SARS-CoV-2 activity and compared data from the new surveillance platform with existing surveillance platforms. Using data in the new surveillance platform, we analysed early stages of a 2021 out-of-season RSV outbreak and evaluated the capabilities of the new surveillance system with respect to objectives and domains of the WHO mosaic framework.ResultsThe new hospital-laboratory surveillance platform captured the activity of influenza virus and RSV, provided crucial data when outpatient sentinel surveillance was not operational and supported an out-of-season RSV outbreak investigation. The new surveillance platform fulfilled important objectives in all three domains of the mosaic framework and could serve for gathering additional information to fulfil more domain objectives.ConclusionThe new hospital laboratory surveillance platform provided essential data during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, fulfilled important domain objectives of the mosaic framework and could be adapted for the surveillance of other viruses.

Mechanisms of high cardiovascular risk in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Aim. To optimise the curation of patients with a comorbid course of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) to explore pathogenetically-based targets of high cardiovascular risk (CVR) formation. Materials and methods. An open comparative study was conducted with the formation of a cohort of 126 patients with comorbid course of NAFLD and CVD with different stages of liver fibrosis, who were divided into comparison groups according to SCORE-2 and SCORE-2-OR. Collection of complaints, medical and life history, examination, general laboratory investigations and examination of hormonal status, abdominal ultrasound, EchoCG and liver elastometry to assess the severity of fibrosis were performed. Work with the study data and graphical analysis was performed using Microsoft Office 2019 software package statistical analysis using STATISTICA 12.0. Results. SCORE-2 risk increased with increasing age of patients (z=-5.29; p0.01). The most common non-cardiovascular co-morbidities in the study sample were cholelithiasis in 35 (66.78%) patients. Soluble leptin receptor levels were lower (z=-8.60; p0.01) and leptin resistance index was higher (z=-5.95; p0.01) in the higher cardiovascular group. Corresponding data were also obtained when the changes in insulin resistance index were calculated and analysed (z=-2.15; p0.01). Fibrosis stage was higher, in patients with higher CVR (z=-3.488; p0.01), while no statistically significant difference in steatosis level was recorded. According to transient elastometry, patients taking statins had lower levels of fibrosis (z=-3.747; p0.01) and hepatic steatosis (z=-3.379; p0.01). Conclusions. The most common pathology is arterial hypertension. Gallstone disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus are often found in patients with a comorbid course. The risk of comorbid pathology and CVD increases with age. Formation of advanced stages of liver fibrosis, hyperinsulinaemia and leptin resistance phenomenon are associated with higher CVR according to SCORE-2 and SCORE-2-OR. The syndrome of increased intestinal permeability is a possible mechanism of increased CVD in patients with NAFLD.

Correlation Between Growth Differentiation Factor-15 and Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

To inquire into the relationship between diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and serum levels of growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Out of 162 T2DM patients classified according to the diagnostic criteria of DPN, 75 were allocated to the non-DPN group and 87 to the DPN group. In turn, based on serum GDF-15 quartiles, all patients were additionally divided (GDF-15 low to high) into group A (40 cases), group B (41 cases), group C (41 cases), and group D (40 cases). General data and laboratory indexes of patients were collected, and enzyme-linkedimmunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine serum GDF-15 levels. Compared to the non-DPN group, in the DPN group GDF-15 levels were noticeably greater (P < 0.001). Using serum GDF-15 as a grouping variable, DPN prevalence and body mass index were gradually increased, motor and sensory nerve latencies were gradually lengthened, and amplitude (Amp) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) were gradually decreased with increasing GDF-15 levels (P < 0.05). Linear regression modeling revealed that GDF-15 levels correlated positively with the latencies of sensory and motor nerves, and negatively with their corresponding NCV (P < 0.05). Binary logistic regression results indicated GDF-15 as an independent predictor for DPN (P < 0.05), whereas restricted cubic spline analysis indicated a dose-response, nonlinear relationship between GDF-15 and DPN. Serum GDF-15 level strongly correlates with DPN, and may represent an independent predictor and a biological marker for the disease.

Rhekiss-The German Register for Child Wish and Pregnancies in Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases.

In pharmacoepidemiology, robust data are needed to judge the impact of drug treatment on pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes and breast-fed infants. As pregnant and breastfeeding women are usually excluded from randomised clinical trials, observational studies are required. One of those data sources are pregnancy registers specifically developed to focus on certain diseases or disease groups. The German Rhekiss register investigates pregnancies in women with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD). Rhekiss is a nationwide, multicentre, longitudinal study, in which women aged 18 years or older with an underlying IRD can be enrolled by a rheumatologist either when planning a pregnancy or in the first half of pregnancy. Data are collected prospectively at regular follow-up visits. Rheumatologists and patients provide information in a web-based system before conception (if enrolment was at the time of pregnancy planning), during and after pregnancy. A smartphone app is available for patients. Maternal and clinical information, general laboratory markers, treatment with antirheumatic and other drugs, adverse events, items related to course and outcome of pregnancy and the health of the child are uniformly assessed for all diseases. Individual information on the IRD includes classification criteria, diagnosis-specific laboratory parameters, clinical parameters and validated instruments to measure disease activity or damage. Furthermore, patient-reported outcome measures are captured. A total of 2013 individual patients have been enrolled in the register, and data on 1801 completed pregnancies are available. In summary, Rhekiss is a comprehensive and complex register that can answer various research questions about pregnancy in women with chronic IRDs.

The relationship between 25-hydroxy vitamin D and serum asprosin in patients with type 2 diabetes in the community.

This study aimed to investigate the link between 25-hydroxy vitamin D and serum asprosin in individuals with type 2 diabetes within the community. The goal was to provide a foundation for clinical interventions. Between November 2019 and July 2021, data from 463 patients with type 2 diabetes were consistently gathered at a community health service station in Southeast Shanxi Province. General information and laboratory metrics were compiled, including serum asprosin levels. The participants were categorized based on three serum asprosin quantiles, allowing for a comparison of various factors among the groups. The correlation between serum asprosin levels and other factors was analyzed. Employing a general linear model, the connection between 25-hydroxy vitamin D and serum asprosin levels was studied. Utilizing three quantiles of 25-hydroxy vitamin D, serum asprosin was treated as the dependent variable, while 25-hydroxy vitamin D served as the independent variable for linear regression analysis. As serum asprosin increased, there were gradual increments in age, disease duration, SBP, BMI, WC, creatinine, and SUA levels (P<0.05). Conversely, HbA1c, HDL-C, GFR, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels exhibited gradual declines (P<0.05). Age, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, SUA, creatinine, and LDL-C emerged as independent influencing factors for serum asprosin. Across the 1st to 3rd 25-hydroxy vitamin D quantiles, elevated 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels correlated with a gradual reduction in mean serum asprosin (P<0.05). Serum asprosin levels demonstrate an inverse correlation with 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels in community-dwelling individuals with type 2 diabetes. Serum asprosin levels might independently contribute to 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels.

An epidemiological study on morbidity profile among food handlers in Panaji city, Goa.

Access to safe and nutritious food is key to promoting good health. An estimated 600 million fall ill after eating contaminated food, for which food handlers may constitute a common source of contamination. In addition to unhealthy food handlers, disease carriers handling the food play an equally important role in transmitting these diseases and pose a significant threat to public health. This study, therefore, aimed to know the morbidity profile among the food handlers employed in various food establishments in Panaji city. Using stratified sampling techniques, we conducted a cross-sectional study among 227 participants selected from 12 food establishments. We did three visits to each food establishment. We excluded food handlers who were unavailable despite three visits at fortnightly intervals and those who did not consent to the study. We administered a pre-designed and pre-structured questionnaire to each participant. A general examination and laboratory investigations, including stool and urine routine, were performed on all participants. We performed descriptive and analytical statistics by using SPSS version 14. Out of the 227 study participants, 79 (34.8%) had at least one morbidity at the time of examination. None of the food handlers had received a single dose of typhoid, hepatitis A, or cholera vaccines. Most (74.4%) study participants did not administer deworming tablets. We found that the health status of the study participants was substandard. Food safety may be in peril among food handlers with lower education backgrounds with morbidities as they may have little understanding of the risk of microbial contamination of food. Therefore, it is essential to create awareness among them.

Anthracycline therapy induces an early decline of cardiac contractility in low-risk patients with breast cancer

AimsCancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) is a dreaded complication of anthracycline therapy. CTRCD most frequently appears in patients with cardiovascular risk factors (CVR) or known cardiovascular disease. However, limited data exist on incidence and course of anthracycline-induced CTRCD in patients without preexisting risk factors.We therefore aimed to longitudinally investigate a cohort of young women on anthracycline treatment due to breast cancer without cardiovascular risk factors or known cardiovascular disease (NCT03940625).Methods and resultsWe enrolled 59 women with primary breast cancer and scheduled anthracycline-based therapy, but without CVR or preexisting cardiovascular disease. We conducted a longitudinal assessment before, immediately and 12 months after cancer therapy with general laboratory, electrocardiograms, echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), including myocardial relaxometry with T1, T2 and extracellular volume mapping.Every single patient experienced a drop in CMR-measured left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 6 ± 3% immediately after cancer therapy. According to the novel definition 32 patients (54.2%) developed CTRCD after 12 months defined by reduction in LVEF, global longitudinal strain (GLS) and/or biomarkers elevation, two of them were symptomatic. Global myocardial T2 relaxation times as well as myocardial mass increased coincidently with a decline in wall-thickening. While T2 values and myocardial mass normalized after 12 months, LVEF and GLS remained impaired.ConclusionIn every single patient anthracyclines induce a decline of myocardial contractility, even among patients without pre-existing risk factors for CTRCD. Our data suggest to thoroughly evaluate whether this may lead to an increased risk of future cardiovascular events.Graphical Reduced myocardial contractility in low-risk patients receiving anthracycline-based cancer therapy. This study included 59 otherwise healthy women with primary breast cancer undergoing anthracycline-based chemotherapy. CMR was performed at baseline, directly and 12 months after cancer therapy. A decline in left ventricular function was observed in every single patient accompanied by transient edema. More than 50% were diagnosed with cancer therapy related cardiovascular dysfunction. LVEF: left ventricular function, CTRCD: cancer therapy related cardiovascular dysfunction, GLS = Global longitudinal strain, hs-TnT= high sensitive Troponin T, NT-pro BNP = NT-pro brain natriuretic peptide

ANALYSIS OF THE AVAILABILITY AND IDENTIFICATION OF PUBLIC GREEN OPEN SPACES IN GKU 1 AND GKU 2 AT INSTITUT TEKNOLOGI SUMATERA CAMPUS

Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA) is a higher education institution located in the village of Way Huwi, South Lampung Regency. It was established to fulfill the educational needs centered on the island of Suamtera. ITERA campus was formerly a green area used for rubber plantations and forests which underwent transformation due to the demand for academic buildings. This transformations is ecidenced by the construction of the General Lecture Building (GKU) and Engineering Laboratory Building (Labtek) 1-4. This reserarch focuses on GKU 1 and 2, which serve as the central academic hubs for three faculties of ITERA. The aim is to identify issues related to the availability of public green open spaces in each building. Both GKU building have the potential to function as communal zones that can be utilized for discussions, relaxation, and studying due to their distinct characteristics in terms of green space forms and types. The research methodology employs both quantitative and qualitative methods, such as parameters of Responsive Environments, The Likert Scale, and interviews related to the questionnaire, with the primary target audience being ITERA’s students. The research results highlight various shortcomings and advantages in each GKU building. Recommendarions for improvemenr are expected to refine the research outcomes for ITERA.

Analysis of factors influencing the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers.

The aim of this study is to investigate the factors influencing the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and provide guidance for reducing the recurrence rate. A total of 211 patients diagnosed with DFU who were hospitalized and discharged from the hospital from October 2015 to January 2020 were included as the study cohort. Participants were divided into two groups according to whether the foot ulcer recurred during the 2-year follow-up period: a recurrence group (n=84) and a non-recurrence group (n=127). The following data were collected and analyzed for the two groups of patients: general information, foot information, laboratory indicators, diabetes comorbidities, and complications. (1) The overall recurrence rate of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) within 2 years was 39.8%, indicating a high recurrence rate. (2) Significant differences were observed between the two patient groups in terms of BMI, HbA1c, TBIL, CRP, financial situation, foot deformity, first ulcer on the sole of the foot, previous amputation history, Wagner grade of the first ulcer, osteomyelitis, DFU duration(>60 days), lower limb vascular reconstruction, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) (t=2.455; Z=-1.988, -3.731, -3.618; χ2=7.88, 5.004, 3.906, 17.178, 16.237, 5.007, 24.642, 4.782, 29.334, 10.253). No significant differences were found for the other indicators. (3) Logistic regression analysis revealed that TBIL (OR=0.886, p=0.036) was a protective factor against ulcer recurrence. In contrast, PAD, previous amputation history, DPN, and the first ulcer on the sole of the foot (OR=3.987, 6.758, 4.681, 2.405; p<0.05 or p<0.01) were identified as risk factors for ulcer recurrence. Early screening and preventive education targeting high-risk factors such as DPN, PAD and the initial ulcer location on the sole of the foot are essential to mitigate the high long-term recurrence rate of DFU. Furthermore, the protective role of TBIL in preventing ulcer recurrence underscores the importance of monitoring bilirubin levels as part of a comprehensive management strategy for DFU patients.

IMPROVEMENT OF ELEMENTARY COMPONENT OF DAMAGED SUBSTRATES BY SAPONITE CLAY INCLUSION

In this proposed article, the impact on the elemental composition of sand substrates is determined using the example of the Andriykovetskyi quarry-dump complex and the Barsukivskyi sand pit, which are located in the Central Podillya region in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe. It was determined, that saponite clay contains a significant amount of macro- and micro- elements, and the directions of this use depend on the composition and origin of saponite: in agriculture, in industry, in construction, an application as a sorbent or as meliorant, etc. It is noted that the use of saponite as an ameliorant is an economical and cost-effective method of reclamation, which allows to reduce the burden on the environment caused by the extraction of minerals, pollution of the territory by heavy metals, the conduct of hostilities, etc. General scientific (analysis), statistical (statistical analysis) and laboratory methods (Fourier-transform spectroscopy) were used to assess the qualitative composition of inorganic and organic components of sand-saponite mixtures and to determine saponite clay as a potentially fertile material. To conduct the research, an averaged sample of sand was taken from the Andriykovetskyi quarry and dump complex and from the Barsukivskyi sand pit. For comparison with reference values, a zonal soil sample was taken from undisturbed areas. Saponite from the Tashkiv deposit with a fraction of 0.1 mm was used for sand-saponite mixtures, the ratio of sand substrate to saponite is 70% to 30%. According to the results of the study of the qualitative composition of the inorganic component, it was determined, that saponite has a positive effect on the composition of the sand-saponite mixture in terms of providing plants with nutrients, such as macro- and micro- elements (Mg, K, Na, Cu, Zn, Ca). This confirms the positive effect of saponite on plant growth, which was obtained by us in previous biotesting experiments, and is explained by the fact that the elements of the sand-saponite substrate are available to plants as a result of their transition into the substrate solution. Adding saponite to the substrate of sand pits also increases the content of organic substances, which accelerates the processes of humification and the formation of soil aggregates: humic acid contributes to the bonding of soil particles; carbohydrates sucrose, fructose, glucose and lactose create a nutrient environment for plants; stearates and stearic acid are the main soap components, lauric acid is a foaming catalyst, their presence in sand-saponite mixtures indicates their transition from saponite. When comparing the samples of sand-saponite mixtures of the Andriykovetskyi quarry-dump complex and the Barsukivskyi sand pit, it was concluded that the processes of soil formation began in the substrate of the Andriykovetskyi quarry-dump complex, since the composition of organic matter is greater here.

Development and Implementation of a Research-Preparative General Chemistry Laboratory Course: Chemistry of Beverages

Development and Implementation of a Research-Preparative General Chemistry Laboratory Course: Chemistry of Beverages