Increased Sedimentation Rate Research Articles

Sediment accretion and nutrient enrichment enhance the growth and vegetative propagation of Phalaris arundinacea growing within a Carex thunbergii stand.

Sediment accretion (burial) and nutrient enrichment may exert a synergistic influence on the growth and distribution of macrophytes in floodplain wetlands; however, this phenomenon has rarely been examined. In this study, we investigated the effects of sediment accretion and nutrient enrichment on the growth and vegetative propagation of Phalaris arundinacea within a Carex thunbergii stand (one P. arundinacea ramet within 25 C. thunbergii ramets) using a factorial sediment burial (0, 3, and 6 cm) and nutrient addition (low, medium, and high) experimental design. High sediment burial (6 cm) without nutrient addition decreased the aboveground and total biomass of C. thunbergii but did not affect P. arundinacea, indicating that P. arundinacea is more tolerant to sediment burial than C. thunbergii. Moderate sediment burial (3 cm) with nutrient addition enhanced the aboveground and total biomass of P. arundinacea but did not affect C. thunbergii, indicating that P. arundinacea may gain a growth advantage over C. thunbergii under moderate sedimentation. High sediment burial with nutrient addition increased the number of rhizomes and ramets produced by P. arundinacea but did not affect C. thunbergii, indicating that the relative abundance of P. arundinacea may increase within the Carex community under high sedimentation conditions. Based on these results, it can be concluded that an increased sedimentation rate facilitates the invasion of P. arundinacea into Carex grasslands, and this invasion is further enhanced by nutrient enrichment. Therefore, management measures should be taken to reduce the sediment load and nutrient input to prevent Carex grasslands invasion by P. arundinacea and maintain the ecological function of floodplain wetlands.

Characteristics of risk factors and molecular genetic parameters in children with chronic kidney disease

Introduction. Information about the health status of children with nephrological pathology includes many manifestations of functional system disorders. However, early diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rarely carried out due to the lack of reliable predictors of this process.The aim: To analyze the association of anamnestic signs, laboratory and genetic research results with chronic kidney disease in children to identify potential predictors of the disease.Material and Methods. The data were obtained from a single-center retrospective catamnestic cohort study (2011–2022). The main group included 128 children with chronic kidney disease aged 1 to 17 years. The comparison group consisted of 30 children without diagnosed kidney pathology aged from 1 to 17 years. There were no statistically significant differences in sex and age between the two groups. The informative value of more than 150 features, including anamnestic ones, the state of the mother’s health during pregnancy, antenatal and perinatal factors, features of the child’s development and manifestation of the disease, the results of clinical, laboratory, and genetic research methods were evaluated. An integrated approach to the study included methods for hypotheses testing on statistical significance of indicators differences, regression analysis, and ROC analysis.Results. Hereditary burden of nephrological pathology in the family, unfavorable course of pregnancy (anemia, toxicosis of the first half), obstetric and somatic pathology in the mother, the serial number of childbirth are associated with the subsequent development of CKD. Erythrocytes in the urine and daily protein loss were detected only in the group of children with CKD. In this group, a decrease in the number of red blood cells, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), allergies at an early age, otitis media, persistent viral and bacterial infections, and a number of signs of connective tissue dysplasia were more common. The main group statistically significantly differed from the comparison group by a number of polymorphic genetic markers. It can be assumed that the polymorphisms AGT1 Thr174Thr, AGT2 Thr235Thr, NO3 C786T are associated with a predisposition to CKD, and the products of polymorphisms AGT1 Thr174Met, AGT2 Met235Met, R1 AGT2 C1166C, NO3 T786T may have a protective effect according to development of CKD.Conclusion. The risk factors for CKD identified in this study can be used to develop software to support medical decision making for early detection of children at high risk of disease progression.

Effect of Land Use Land Cover on the Hydrology of Rwizi River Catchment located in Southwestern Uganda

Changes in land use and land cover usually affect the hydrological processes of river flows, sediment transport, and water quality on a global scale. Hence, the objective of this paper was to investigate the effect of Land Use Land Cover (LULCC) on the Hydrology of Rwizi River Catchment located in South-western Uganda using appropriate standard techniques and procedures including Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Model calibration and validation demonstrated good agreement (R² = 0.76-0.86, NSE = 0.75-0.78). LULC analysis revealed significant increases in built-up areas and forestland, with declines in grazing land and wetlands. These changes were driven by socio-economic factors and hydro-climatic influences. The study found strong correlations between LULC types and sediment yield, highlighting the implications for water quality and erosion control. The results show that urban growth raises surface runoff and peak flows as a result of a rise in impervious surfaces, whereas agricultural intensification raises water demand and lowers base flow, especially during dry spells. Deforestation has led to increased sedimentation rates, degrading water quality. These findings underscore the significant anthropogenic and climatic impacts on LULCC dynamics and hydrological processes in the catchment. The study emphasizes the critical need for integrated watershed management strategies to mitigate these impacts and ensure sustainable water management practices. By advancing understanding in hydrological sciences, this research informs policy and management decisions for sustainable development in tropical river basins globally.

Comparative Analysis of Pediatric Patients with Different Involvements of Brucellosis.

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that mimics many other diseases, making diagnosis difficult in pediatric patients. If the clinical signs of the disease are not well known and there is a delay in diagnosis and treatment, complicated brucellosis involving different body sites can develop. This study aimed to analyze the demographics, clinical information, laboratory test results, and imaging findings of children with brucellosis. Particular attention was paid to the involvement of organs and potential complications. Pediatric patients diagnosed with brucellosis at the Sanlıurfa Training and Research Hospital in Turkey were retrospectively evaluated. In total, 101 patients diagnosed with brucellosis were included in this study. Bone-joint involvement was observed in 21 (20.7%) patients. High Brucella Coombs gel test (CT) titers (≥1/640) and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were significant in the bone-joint brucellosis group (P = 0.022 and P = 0.0205, respectively). Fourteen (13.9%) patients had at least one organomegaly in which Brucella CT titers and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were substantially higher than those in patients without organomegaly (P = 0.02 and P = 0.0049, respectively). Anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia were observed in 36 (35.6%), 10 (9.9%), and 4 (3.9%) patients, respectively. At least one elevation in liver function test (LFT) results was observed in 32 (31.7%) patients. High acute-phase reactants, such as ESR, CRP levels, and Brucella CT titers, may help identify complicated brucellosis. This study highlights that pediatric brucellosis can lead to cytopenia and elevated LFT results and should therefore be considered as a differential diagnosis.

Prognostic factors and outcomes in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated glomerulonephritis: A retrospective single-center study from southern China.

To investigate the prognostic factors and outcomes in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated glomerulonephritis (ANCA-GN) in Southern China. A retrospective analysis of medical records of patients with ANCA-GN admitted to Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University and Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University between September 2011 and September 2021 was performed. The clinical presentation, biological, and renal pathology were collected. In addition, the risk factors for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and short-term overall survival in patients with ANCA-GN were analyzed. A total of 93 patients with ANCA-GN were included in the study. Of them, 91.4%, were perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (MPO-pANCA)-positive. Approximately one-quarter (24.7%) of patients had progressed to ESRD, and 7.5% died within six months. Most patients presented with hematuria (94.6%), proteinuria (78.5%), elevated serum creatinine (86.0%), anemia (90.3%), and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (44.1%). The majority (94.6%) of patients presented with crescent formations at histopathological examination. Serum creatinine, hemoglobin, and Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS) were all independent factors for ESRD (P<0.05). Moreover, while ANCA renal risk score (ARRS) has an impact on prognosis of nephropathy, it did not influence ESRD independently (P>0.05). The effect of Berden's histopathologic classification on ESRD has not been confirmed. Age at onset, ESR and cardiovascular involvement were all independent factors affecting short-term overall survival of patients with ANCA-GN (P<0.05). Serum creatinine, hemoglobin, and BVAS were all independent risk factors of ESRD, while ARRS and Berden's histopathologic classification were not. Age at onset, ESR, and cardiovascular involvement were independent risk factors for the overall six-month survival rate in patients with ANCA-GN.

Characteristics and risk assessment of potentially toxic elements pollution in river water and sediment in typical gold mining areas of Northwest China

To assess the concentration characteristics and ecological risks of potential toxic elements (PTEs) in water and sediment, 17 water samples and 17 sediment samples were collected in the Xiyu River to analyze the content of Cr, Ni, As, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd and Hg, and the environmental risks of PTEs was evaluated by single-factor pollution index, Nemerow comprehensive pollution index, potential ecological risk, and human health risk assessment. The results indicated that Hg in water and Pb, Cu, Cd in sediments exceeded the corresponding environmental quality standards. In the gold mining factories distribution river section (X8-X10), there was a significant increase in PTEs in water and sediments, indicating that the arbitrary discharge of tailings during gold mining flotation is the main cause of PTEs pollution. The increase in PTEs concentration at the end of the Xiyu River may be related to the increased sedimentation rate, caused by the slowing of the riverbed, and the active chemical reactions at the estuary. The single-factor pollution index and Nemerow pollution index indicated that the river water was severely polluted by Hg. Potential ecological risk index indicated that the risk of Hg in sediments was extremely high, the risk of Cd was high, and the risk of Pb and Cu was moderate. The human health risk assessment indicated that As in water at point X10 and Hg in water at point X9 may pose non-carcinogenic risk to children through ingestion, and As at X8–X10 and Cd at X14 may pose carcinogenic risk to adults through ingestion. The average HQingestion value of Pb in sediments was 1.96, indicating that the ingestion of the sediments may poses a non-carcinogenic risk to children, As in the sediments at X8–X10 and X15–X17 may pose non-carcinogenic risk to children through ingestion.

Comparative Analysis of Monopolar Electrocautery and Ultrasonic Activated Scalpel in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Comprehensive Evaluation Using Clinical, Laboratory, and Imaging Techniques.

Introduction Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has long been the cornerstone of gallstone treatment. Both monopolar cautery and ultrasonically activatedscalpel(UAS, also known as harmonic scalpel) have been employed in the dissection of the gallbladder from its fossa during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Material and methods The prospective study was conducted in the Department of Surgery at Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences including 200 patients equally divided among the monopolar cautery and harmonic scalpel group. Patients were observed for 48 hours post-surgery, during which temperature and pain assessment were done. Acute phase reactants were measured during this period and compared with preoperative values. On the seventh day ultrasonography was done to look for the inflammatory changes. Results In a study involving 200 patients, the majority fell within the age bracket of 31 to 50 years, with females constituting the predominant demographic. Notably, patients who underwent surgery with a harmonic scalpel exhibited a reduced need for analgesics. Furthermore, the use of harmonic scalpels led to noteworthy alterations in acute phase reactants, including a significant decrease in the total leucocyte count (TLC) (p=0.03), neutrophils (p=0.005), and lymphocytes (p=0.02). Additionally, patients in the UAS group experienced a significantly lesser increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) values (p=0.0001). Conversely, ultrasound imaging conducted on the seventh day post-surgery did not reveal any significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion Laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed with a harmonic scalpel is associated with a reduced tissue response and less tissue damage compared to the monopolar group.

Predictive Significance of Laboratory Tests in Bacteremic Brucellosis.

Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic infections. Although culture is the gold standard diagnostic method, bacterial growth in blood cultures may not always occur due to various factors. We aimed to investigate demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings that may have predictive significance for bacteremia in brucellosis. Patients older than 18 years of age followed up with a diagnosis of brucellosis between 2012 and 2022 were included in this retrospective multicenter study. They were divided into two main subgroups according to their Brucella species reproductive status as bacteremic and non-bacteremic. A total of 743 patients, 370 (49.80%) bacteremic and 373 (50.20%) non-bacteremic brucellosis patients, were enrolled. The mean age of the bacteremic group (36.74 years) was lower than the non-bacteremic group (43.18 yr). High fever, chills/cold, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss were more common in the bacteremic group. In the bacteremic group, white blood cell count, platelet count, hemoglobin level, mean platelet volume, eosinophil, and neutrophil counts were lower, and lymphocyte, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and ferritin levels were higher. According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, when the cut-off value of ferritin was considered 67, it was the parameter with the strongest predictive significance in Brucella bacteremia. High ferritin level, low eosinophil count, and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate were determined as the most critical laboratory findings in predicting bacteremia in brucellosis.

The Elevated Inflammatory Status of Neutrophils Is Related to In-Hospital Complications in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Has Important Prognosis Value for Diabetic Patients.

Despite neutrophil involvement in inflammation and tissue repair, little is understood about their inflammatory status in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with poor outcomes. Hence, we investigated the potential correlation between neutrophil inflammatory markers and the prognosis of ACS patients with/without diabetes and explored whether neutrophils demonstrate a unique inflammatory phenotype in patients experiencing an adverse in-hospital outcome. The study enrolled 229 ACS patients with or without diabetes. Poor evolution was defined as either death, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40%, Killip Class 3/4, ventricular arrhythmias, or mechanical complications. Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to identify clinical and paraclinical factors associated with in-hospital outcomes. Neutrophils isolated from fresh blood were investigated using qPCR, Western blot, enzymatic assay, and immunofluorescence. Poor evolution post-myocardial infarction (MI) was associated with increased number, activity, and inflammatory status of neutrophils, as indicated by significant increase of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and, interleukin-6 (IL-6). Among the patients with complicated evolution, neutrophil activity had an important prognosis value for diabetics. Neutrophils from patients with unfavorable evolution revealed a pro-inflammatory phenotype with increased expression of CCL3, IL-1β, interleukin-18 (IL-18), S100A9, intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), matrix metalloprotease (MMP-9), of molecules essential in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production p22phox and Nox2, and increased capacity to form neutrophil extracellular traps. Inflammation is associated with adverse short-term prognosis in acute ACS, and inflammatory biomarkers exhibit greater specificity in predicting short-term outcomes in diabetics. Moreover, neutrophils from patients with unfavorable evolution exhibit distinct inflammatory patterns, suggesting that alterations in the innate immune response in this subgroup may exert detrimental effects on disease progression.

Increased Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Dogs: Frequency in Routine Clinical Practice and Association with Hematological Changes.

(1) Background: the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) has been reported to increase in some infectious or inflammatory diseases in dogs, but no information on the frequency of increases in a routine clinical setting exists. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of an increased ESR in dogs and to investigate its possible association with hematologic changes; (2) Methods: A total of 295 EDTA blood samples were randomly selected from the routine caseload of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Samples were grouped in controls and in pathologic groups based on the clinical presentation. A routine hemogram was performed, then the ESR was measured using the instrument MINI-PET; (3) Results: compared with controls, the ESR was significantly higher in all the pathologic groups, except for the hematological disorders group. The highest ESR was found in samples from dogs with chronic kidney disease or inflammation, followed by those from dogs with mild chronic disorders, severe/acute diseases, tumors and urinary disorders. The ESR negatively correlated with hematocrit and positively with neutrophil counts. (4) Conclusions: The ESR increases more frequently in dogs with clinically evident inflammation or CKD, but also in several other conditions, likely as a consequence of anemia and acute phase response.

Assessing basin-wide soil erosion in the Citarum watershed using USLE method

Citarum is the largest watershed in West Java, which is home to 25 million people. In such a large and populated watershed, land conversion is an inevitability. This condition directly encouraged an increase in erosion rates, which impacted increasing sedimentation rates in rivers, lakes, and dams. This research aimed to assess the spatial characteristics of soil erosion in the Citarum Watershed using the USLE method. The results showed that 45 % of the land in the Citarum watershed was in class I erosion hazard with an erosion rate of ≤15 tons/ha/year, 18 % in class II (15–60 tons/ha/year), 26 % in class III (60–180 tons/ha/year), 5 % in class IV (180–480 tons/ha/year), and the remaining 6 % in class V (>480 tons/ha/year). Total annual erosion in the Citarum watershed reaches 80.1 million tons, of which 52 % is contributed by the Middle Citarum Watershed (42.0 million tons/year), 26 % is the Upper Citarum Watershed (21.2 million tons/year), and the remaining 22 % contributed by the Lower Citarum Watershed (17.0 million tons/year). The proposed control measures for erosion hotspot locations throughout the watershed, which include structural and nonstructural approaches, are also proposed.

Did the first description of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica take place in Scotland or in Denmark?

The first description of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is generally attributed to Dr. Bruce. In an 1888 article entitled Senile rheumatic gout, he described five male patients aged from 60 to 74 years whom he had visited at the Strathpeffer spa in Scotland. In 1945, Dr. Holst and Dr. Johansen reported on five female patients examined over several months at the Medical Department of Roskilde County Hospital in Denmark. These patients suffered from hip, upper arms, and neck pain associated with elevated ESR and constitutional manifestations such as low-grade fever or loss of weight. In the same year, Meulengracht, another Danish physician, reported on two patients with shoulder pain and stiffness associated with fever, weight loss, and an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate. As in the five patients reported by Dr. Holst and Dr. Johansen, a prolonged recovery time was recorded. On reading and comparing these three accounts, we question whether it is correct to attribute the first description of PMR to Dr. Bruce and put forward shifting this accolade to the three Danish physicians.

Erythema nodosum in children

Erythema nodosum, which is often associated with infectious diseases, is one of the rare skin manifestations in the practice of pediatricians and pediatric infectious disease specialists. Purpose. The purpose was to study the clinical and laboratory manifestations of erythema nodosum in children. Material and methods. The study included 17 children with erythema nodosum aged 2 to 17 years who were hospitalized at the City Children’s Hospital No. 1 of Kazan. Results. In 6 (35 %) children, elevated values of antistreptolysin-O were detected, in 5 (29 %) — high titers of antibodies to Salmonella, in 2 (12 %) cases — IgM to Chlamidia pneumonia, in 2 (12 %) other children — IgM to capsid antigen of EBV, in one case (6 %) — IgM to Mycoplasma pneumonia. Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein level was observed in 15 (88 %) and 12 (70 %) children, respectively. In 12 (70 %) of 17 children, increased level of soluble fibrin-monomer complex was detected in the blood. Conclusion. Erythema nodosum in children in most cases is associated with streptococcal infection and salmonellosis. The immune-inflammatory process in erythema nodosum is accompanied with an increase in the level of soluble fibrin-monomer complex in the blood.

Factor Analysis for Predicting the Structural Reorganization of the Microvasculature of the Kidneys in Patients with Glomerulonephritis and Arterial Hypertension

Objectives. Evaluation of the relationship of clinical, laboratory and morphological factors with remodeling of small-diameter renal arteries in patients with glomerulonephritis (GN) and arterial hypertension (AH). Materials and methods. The study included 105 patients (average age 37.1±1.2 years) with primary GN and hypertension who had indications for morphological investigation of kidney tissue. All patients underwent a standard examination for kidney disease, a morphological study of kidney tissue with a description of the changes that occur in the presence of glomerulonephritis, corresponding to the individual severity of the pathological process. The presence of signs of a tubulointerstitial component of damage (or tubulointerstitial component — TIC) in the form of tubulointerstitial infl ammation (TIV), fi brosis (TIF) was assessed. Vasometry of the interlobular artery (IA) was performed. The value of the intima-media complex (IMC) was considered to be a sign of IA remodeling. A sign of MA remodeling was considered to be an intima-media complex (IMC) value of more than 30.43 μm. Results. Among clinical and laboratory risk factors, an increase in systolic blood pressure has a statistically signifi cant effect on the likelihood of increasing IMC (χ2-criterion = 5.76, p = 0.016), arterial hypertension stage (χ2-criterion = 9.45, p = 0.002), blood urea level (χ2-criterion = 8.11, p = 0.004), decrease in glomerular fi ltration rate (χ2-criterion = 5.0, p = 0.025), increase in the stage of chronic kidney disease (χ2-criterion = 10.32, p = 0.001). The presence of signs of GN progression, such as an increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or proteinuria, did not have a statistically significant effect on the risk of IA remodeling (p&gt;0.05). The increase in IA IMC is affected by the presence of hyalinosis of glomerular capillary loops (χ2-criterion = 7.56, p = 0.006), periglomerular hyalinosis (χ2-criterion = 6.96, p = 0.008), sclerosis of the glomerulus (χ2-criterion = 3.9, p = 0.048), increased fibrosis of tubulointerstitium (χ2-criterion = 12.16, p = 0.0005). Conclusion. In GN and AH, remodeling of small-diameter renal vessels occurs due to the influence of AH and its severity, tubulointerstitial changes in the renal tissue. New risk factors for vascular remodeling have been obtained — changes in the glomerulus. At the same time, the inflammatory and autoimmune mechanisms of GN were not associated with changes in the vascular wall. The role of hypertension is decisive in changing the structure of small-diameter kidneys.

The post-COVID-19 intestinal damages: clinical, endoscopic and morphological features. The results of a single-center prospective observational cohort study

Background: Clinical signs of gastrointestinal disorders can manifest both from the first days of COVID-19 and after recovery, and may last up to 6 months or more. Most studies examined the gastrointestinal changes in acute coronavirus infection, whereas intestinal abnormalities in the early and late post-COVID period and their causes have not been sufficiently studied.&#x0D; Aim: To determine the frequency and types of clinical, endoscopic and morphological abnormalities in patients with post-COVID-19 intestinal lesions.&#x0D; Materials and methods: This was a prospective, observational, open-label, cohort, non-controlled study in 72 patients with intestinal symptoms after the coronavirus infection (female 48, mean age 54.6 (95% confidence interval 51.08–58.12) years), who were admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology of general hospital during the first and second waves of COVID-19 from June 2020 to September 2021. The assessment included routine anamnestic, clinical, laboratory, endoscopic, and morphological methods. When indicated, visualization methods (ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) were performed. The treatment was symptom-oriented and aimed at inflammation, anemia and protein and electrolyte abnormalities. Outcomes were assessed by the time of discharge from the hospital and thereafter by telephone interviewing of the patients for 8 weeks.&#x0D; Results: In all patients, the main symptom was diarrhea, which started right just after SARS-CoV-2 infection with negative PCR test or 2–4 weeks later. The average stool frequency was 6.8 (5.61–7.99) times daily. In 19/72 patients (26.4%), there were blood and mucus in stools. 2.8% of the patients developed massive intestinal bleeding. Fever was present in 40.3% of the patients, decreased hemoglobin levels in 44.4%, and hypoalbuminemia in 16.7%. Signs of systemic inflammation (increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, thrombocytosis, leukocytosis) were found with various frequencies in a half of the patients. Clostridioides difficile A and B toxins were identified in 38.9% of the cases and increased fecal calprotectin in 22.2%.&#x0D; Ileocolonoscopy was performed in 67 patients. The colonic mucosa in 21 (31.3%) patients either was not different from the normal, or showed minimal inflammatory changes such as absence of vascular pattern, hyperemia, mild friability even in patients with severe diarrhea, fever and laboratory abnormalities. Pseudomembranous colitis was diagnosed in 12 (17.9%) patients, and focal hemorrhagic colitis in 11 (16.4%) patients. In 2 (3%) cases, moderate to severe ulcerative colitis was newly diagnosed after the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Single or multiple erosions and ulcers of various sizes against the unchanged surrounding mucosa were found in 19 (28.4%) patients. In 2 (3%) cases with profuse intestinal bleeding, the endoscopy showed diffuse spontaneous bleedings from colonic mucosa, with no local source of bleeding found.&#x0D; Biopsy samples from colonic mucosa were taken from 47 patients. Morphological abnormalities of only moderate or dense lymphoplasmocytic infiltration were detected in 29 (67.7%) patients, erosions in 8 (17%). In 2 (4.3%) cases, highly dense lymphoid infiltration with neutrophils, eosinophils and crypt abscesses was found, as typical for ulcerative colitis. In 2 (4.3%) patients, the lymphoid infiltration was associated with small venular and arteriolar clots, and in 5 (10.6%) patients there were no significant morphological abnormalities, except mild lymphoid infiltration.&#x0D; During the hospitalization period, 56.9% of the patients showed a decrease in stool frequency, improvement of clinical and laboratory signs of systemic inflammation and metabolic abnormalities, and partial restoration of their body weight. One patient with ulcerative colitis received adalimumab and achieved stable clinical and endoscopic remission. Complete recovery was noted in 27.8% of the cases within 4–8 weeks, among them in 1 patient who had had profuse intestinal bleedings. In 3 cases (4.2%), an emergency colectomy was performed due to severe pseudomembranous colitis. Two (2.8%) deaths were registered: one patient with newly diagnosed post-COVID severe ulcerative colitis died of pneumonia, and another patient died of severe multiorgan failure. In 6 (8.3%) cases, a moderate long-term (above 8 weeks) diarrhea with metabolic disorders, weight loss, but without systemic inflammation was noted.&#x0D; Conclusion: In patients with post-COVID intestinal lesions, the clinical symptoms are almost the identical and manifest with diarrhea of varying severity, systemic inflammation and metabolic disorders, whereas the endoscopic and morphological lesions are quite diverse. The severity of clinical symptoms often does not correspond to poorly expressed endoscopic and morphological signs. The variability and inconsistency of the clinical, endoscopic and morphological changes have not yet been systematized and do not allow for a clearly formulated diagnosis (except cases of pseudomembranous and ulcerative colitis). This makes it impossible to provide pathophysiologically-based treatments.

Investigation of Clinical, Laboratory, Imaging Findings and Histopathological Features of Patients wıth Gastric Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia.

Neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia is a non-neoplastic proliferation of enterochromaffin-like cells and is considered a premalignant lesion because of their potential to progress to neuroendocrine tumor. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the demographic and clinical features, laboratory, radiological and endoscopic findings, gastric biopsy histopathological features, follow-up frequency, and histopathological findings of patients diagnosed with gastric neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia as well as to investigate the factors that play a role in the development of neuroendocrine tumors on the basis of neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia. The study has been conducted in 2 centers with 282 patients that were grouped as those with and without neuroendocrine tumor. Individuals with control endoscopy were separated as those with regression of neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia and those without regression, and the determined parameters were evaluated between the groups. The most common histological subtype of neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia was linear+micronodular (50.4%). Neuroendocrine tumor developed in 4.3% (12/282) of the patients with neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia after a mean of 36 months. The presence of polyps as confirmed via endoscopy and dysplasia as confirmed via histopathological examination was significantly higher in favor of the group with neuroendocrine tumor (P = .01). In patients with neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia regressed and patients in whom it did not regress were examined, the rate of asymptomatic patients and increased sedimentation rate were found in favor of the group that did not regress (P = .02 and P = .02), but no difference was found in other parameters. Neuroendocrine tumor development rate was found to be 4.3% in the background of neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia. Two factors predicting progression from neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia to neuroendocrine tumor can be elaborated as the presence of polypoid appearance due to neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia as confirmed via endoscopy and dysplasia as confirmed via histopathological examination.

Marshall syndrome: A case report

Background. Marshall syndrome, also known as the PFAPA syndrome, is an autoinflammatory disease characterized by periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis. This widely common pediatric autoimmune disease often remains undiagnosed due to a lack of knowledge about its clinical features. Therefore, it can be assumed that Marshall syndrome is much more common than it is diagnosed. We describe a clinical case of Marshall syndrome in a five-year-old boy by retrospectively analyzing the patient’s anamnesis, the course of the disease, the results of laboratory and instrumental studies. The treatment approach is also presented. Despite the complexity of this pathology, a positive result in the treatment of the child was achieved. Clinical case description. A five-year-old boy was admitted to the Cardio-Rheumatology Department of the Krasnodar Krai Children’s Regional Clinical Hospital for examination and clarification of the diagnosis. The patient’s parents complained of recurrent episodes of fever. During such episodes, the child’s blood tests revealed leukocytosis, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and increased C-reactive protein levels. After the end of the episode, all indicators returned to normal levels. The anamnesis showed that, during the previous three months, the boy had been repeatedly hospitalized with various diseases. The preliminary diagnosis was “Juvenile arthritis, systemic variant. Autoinflammatory disease?”. Laboratory studies revealed antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies to proteinase-3 (cANCA), to myeloperoxidase (pANCA), and antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in a titer of 1/160. For differential diagnosis, genetic screening for familial Mediterranean fever was performed; however, no mutations in exons two, three, five, and ten of the MEFV gene were found. As a result, the child was diagnosed with “Autoinflammatory disease. Marshall syndrome.” The prescribed therapy with glucocorticosteroid drugs and immunosuppressants produced a positive effect. After recovery, the boy was discharged from the hospital under the supervision of a pediatrician at the place of residence. Conclusion. Difficulties in the treatment of such patients lie, first of all, in the verification of the diagnosis. Indeed, at early stages, the clinical symptoms of monogenic forms of autoinflammatory diseases and other diseases may be similar to Marshall syndrome. As a result, the patients are subjected to unnecessary massive antimicrobial therapy, resulting in deterioration of their quality of life for many years. Untimely diagnosis does not result in an unfavorable outcome or disability due to the benign clinical course of the disease.

Holocene climate regulates multiple sulfur isotope compositions of pyrite in the East China sea via sedimentation rate

Marine authigenic pyrite sulfur isotope (δ34Spyr) is one of the most important proxies for reconstructing remarkable changes of Earth's surface in deep time. Recent observations of unexpectedly large δ34Spyr variations in Quaternary sediments complicate the application of this isotopic proxy, and a mechanistic understanding of such variabilities is needed. In this study, we measured multiple sulfur isotopic compositions of pyrite in well dated sediments spanning the last 7500 years from the East China Sea (ECS) inner shelf to study the mechanism how Holocene climate controls pyrite sulfur isotopic compositions. We found that variabilities of pyrite multiple sulfur isotopes, δ34Spyr and Δ33Spyr (ranging from −38.3‰ to 2.3‰ and from −0.01‰ to 0.21‰, respectively) are significantly correlated with large fluctuations of sedimentation rates (0.03–2.09 cm/yr). In tandem with box model calculations and compiled data, the large δ34Spyr variations up to 40‰ are primarily ascribed to fluctuated anaerobic oxidation of methane coupled sulfate reduction (AOM-SR). Further analyses suggest that heightened distillation of interstitial sulfate, likely propelled by high methane flux coupled with increased sedimentation rates, can produce such negatively correlated δ34Spyr-Δ33Spyr pattern and large variations in δ34Spyr. Possible changes in isotope fractionation factors caused by varied cell-specific sulfate reduction rates result in a maximum δ34Spyr variation of <20‰ and therefore play a minor role in the large variation in δ34Spyr (>40‰). The major and minor isotopic compositions of pyrite align with sulfide produced through pure sulfate reduction, indicating little evidence of additional oxidative sulfur cycling. Sedimentation rates in the ECS are controlled by the East Asian winter monsoon that influences the sediment transport capacity from longshore currents on a multicentennial timescale, and also by the coupled East Asian summer monsoon that affects the sediment availability from the Yangtze River on a millennial timescale. Holocene climate changes alter sediment supplies at the ECS and therefore play a vital role in controlling multiple sulfur isotope compositions of sedimentary pyrite in this region. This study has the potential to provide new insights into δ34S excursions in seawater sulfate that occurred during periods of notable acceleration in sedimentation rates throughout the geological history.

Etiological classification of high sedimentation rate and relation with other inflammatory markers

This study describes the causes of significantly increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and compares the etiological categories based on inflammatory markers. We collected data from the patients who applied between March 2020 and August 2023. Patients were categorized into five groups based on their identified etiology. Categories were sorted as infection, inflammatory, malignancy, renal, and others. Inflammation markers were compared between groups and ROC analysis was performed if there was a significant difference. The cause of the elevated ESR levels in 291 patients was determined. The median age was 58 (18-92). ESR levels were lower in females (113, 106-120) than in males (119, 109-120) (p=0.015). The distribution of etiological disease categories was as follows: inflammatory (41.9%), infection (35.1%), malignancy (18.2%), renal (3.1%), and others (1.7%). Albumin levels were lower in the malignancy group than in the inflammatory group (p&lt;0.005). Platelet counts of the inflammatory group were higher than other groups (p=0.005). Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was higher in the malignancy group than in the inflammatory group (p=0.001). Monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) was, NLPR, and SIRI were lower in the inflammatory group than others (p&lt;0.001). ROC curves for inflammatory markers have been calculated. MLR had the highest area under the curve (AUC: 0.655, p&lt;0.001), and the cut-off value of MLR which is 0.2775 had 65.3% sensitivity and 65.5% specificity to identify the cases without the inflammatory disease. This study presents the causes of significantly increased ESR and its correlation with inflammatory markers. We aim to highlight the differences between etiological groups using cost-effective and accessible blood test results.

Magnetorheological fluids: A comprehensive review

The magnetorheological (MR) fluids contain magnetic micro-sized iron particles, non-magnetic-based fluid, and some additives in order to mitigate sedimentation and agglomeration. The various carrier fluids used in the preparation of MR fluids are mineral oil, silicon oil, castor oil, soybean oil, kerosene, synthetic oils, honge oil, organic oil, water-based oils, etc. However, for obtaining better vibration control, silicone oil is the most preferred one due to its higher viscosity index, lower friction characteristics, higher flash point, and higher shear strength. The MR fluids have various application areas such as dampers, prosthetic knees, valves, brakes, clutches, finishing processes etc. The dampers containing MR fluids are used in automobile cushioning for enhancing passenger comfort and MR suspensions significantly improve steering stability in vehicles. In case of MR brakes, the braking torque on the rotating disks is controlled using the generated shear stress. The carbonyl iron (CI) particles exhibit better rheological characteristics as compared to electrolytic iron (EI) particles. The use of MR fluids produces stable and natural limb movement in orthoses, lower limb prostheses, and exoskeletons. The MR fluids also prove to be very significant in polishing applications. There are various issues with preparation methods and difficulties in the storage of MR fluids. The problems encountered in the synthesis of MR fluids include sedimentation, agglomeration, in-use thickening, corrosion, erosion, etc. The impact of particle proportion, particle shapes, and size has been influential in evaluating MR characteristics. The viscosity and shear stress of MR fluid have been mitigated at higher values of temperature and even CI particles get oxidized at higher temperatures. The CI particles as compared to EI particles are the majority favourable particles used for dispersing state within the MR fluids due to their higher value of saturation magnetization, more availability, and lesser cost. The small-sized particles led to lower wettability, whereas larger-sized particles accounted for an increased sedimentation rate. The currently available MR fluids cost is still on the higher side and the preparation of economical MR fluid is still a big challenge for the researchers. The MR fluids storage is also a big concern. The future scope of MR fluid may be in heavy industries such as nuclear, shipbuilding, oil and gas, space and aviation, etc. to achieve the desired damping response.