Laboratory Determinations Research Articles

B-197 Separation of Bile Acid Muricholic Acid Enantiomers by C18 Reversed-phase HPLC as a Function of Component Polarity Values of the Mobile Phase

Abstract Objective Optimize the reversed phase HPLC technique for the separation of alpha-muricholic acid and beta-muricholic bile acid enantiomers, by investigating the effects of the mobile phase’s three polarity components [hydrogen bond donor acidity (α), hydrogen bond donor basicity (β) and dipolarity/polarizability (π)] on the separation of the enantiomers. Background The importance of drug enantiomers in clinical pharmacology is well recognized, where often only one of the enantiomer pair effectively binds to the target protein site to exert its therapeutic effect. Same for some endogenous compounds, only one of the enantiomer pair molecules binds to an enzyme or receptor to exert its physiological action, while the other molecule is inactive. It is essential for the analytical method to separately determine the two compounds of the pair. Usual HPLC techniques for separating enantiomers employ specialized chiral columns. In this work, steroid isomers are separated on a C18 column, with the separation controlled by mobile phase (MP) component polarity adjusted with different proportions of binary organic modifiers added to the MP. Methods The bile acid enantiomers alpha-muricholic acid and beta-muricholic acid were separated on a C18 column (150 mm × 2.1 mm, 3.5 μm, 40 °C) using two different organic modifiers in the MP at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min, with ESI-LC/MS detection. The isocratic MP consisted of 0.1% formic acid in 100% water for MP A and 0.1% formic acid and five or more different proportions (separate runs) of the two organic modifiers for MP B to adjust MP polarity. MP component polarities was determined from: 1) the literature values for the total polarity (P) for each of the pure solvents in the MP; 2) published values of the fraction of the total polarity for the polarity components (α + β + π = 1) for each solvent; and 3) the fraction proportion of each solvent in the MP. The experimentally determined selectivity factor is then plotted vs the polarity component value of the MP. Results When the selectivity factor vs the values of the MP polarity components was plotted for six different organic modifier pair combinations on the same plot, the summed dipolarity/polarizability (and basicity polarity (β) components of the MP showed reasonable correlation (R2 = 0.72), displaying mostly a linear superimposed trend for all the organic modifier pairs, while the acidity component (α, R2 = 0.13) and total polarity (P) (R2 = 0.002) of the MP did not. Thus, the π + β summed MP polarities is a significant determiner of selectivity, irrespective of the organic modifier pair used. The bile acid enantiomers were baseline separated, with a selectivity factor of 1.3 being the highest value obtained. Conclusion For the laboratory determination of steroid enantiomers, our results suggest that calculated component polarity values of the MP can be used to direct laboratorians for achieving desired separation of steroid enantiomers (as opposed to a trial-and-error approach for achieving the separation). This study shows that the separation of these bile acid enantiomers significantly depends on the summed π and β polarities of the MP, with poor correlation for total polarity (P) and α.

Laboratory Determination of Particulate-Matter-Bound Agrochemical Toxicity among Honeybees, Mason Bees, and Painted Lady Butterflies.

Pollinator population declines are global phenomena with severe consequences for native flora and agriculture. Many factors have contributed to pollinator declines including habitat loss, climate change, disease and parasitism, reductions in abundance and diversity of foraging resources, and agrochemical exposure. Particulate matter (PM) serves as a carrier of toxic agrochemicals, and pollinator mortality can occur following exposure to agrochemical-contaminated PM. Therefore, laboratory-controlled experiments were conducted to evaluate impacts of individual PM-bound agrochemicals. Honeybees (Apis mellifera), blue orchard mason bees (Osmia lignaria), and painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui) larvae were exposed to bifenthrin, permethrin, clothianidin, imidacloprid, abamectin, and ivermectin via suspended, airborne PM. Agrochemical concentrations in PM to which pollinators were exposed were based on concentrations observed in fugitive beef cattle feedyard PM including a "mean" treatment and a "max" treatment reflective of reported mean and maximum PM-bound agrochemical concentrations, respectively. In general, pollinators in the mean and max treatments experienced significantly higher mortality compared with controls. Honeybees were most sensitive to pyrethroids, mason bees were most sensitive to neonicotinoids, and painted lady butterfly larvae were most sensitive to macrocyclic lactones. Overall, pollinator mortality was quite low relative to established toxic effect levels derived from traditional pollinator contact toxicity tests. Furthermore, pollinator mortality resulting from exposure to individual agrochemicals via PM was less than that reported to occur at beef cattle feedyards, highlighting the importance of mixture toxicity to native and managed pollinator survival and conservation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2642-2650. © 2023 SETAC.

Component design optimization of green roof substrate layer based on the assessment of multifunctional performance

A high-quality substrate layer is the cornerstone of supporting that green roofs (GRs) can become an efficient and sustainable nature-based solution to urban environmental problems. In the present study, three lightweight substrate materials commonly used in GRs of peat soil, vermiculite and pumice with four appropriate proportions of the nutrient substrate and the mineral substrates were selected to install twelve substrate modules. The lightweight property, water-holding, nutrient retention and rainwater reduction performance of the substrate modules were investigated by the laboratory determination methods and the simulated rainfall experiment. An assessment model based on the multifunctional performance established by analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used for the component design optimization of GR substrate layer. The results showed that the substrate modules based on peat soil and vermiculite (PV) as the mineral substrate, which the dry volumetric weights and the average water content were 1.40–1.70 kN m−3 and 47.80%–49.06%, always exhibited better lightweight properties and water-holding performance compared to those composed of pumice. PV-40 had the highest value of the multifunction index even while none of its functional performance was optimal among all the substrate modules. The present study emphasizes the necessity of optimizing the GR substrate layer component based on the assessment of multifunctional performance to better promote the sustainable development of GRs in urban areas.

Molecular detection and association of HIV and HSV-2 IgM co-infection among asymptomatic pregnant women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

HSV-2 is a common human pathogen that can cause primary and recurrent infection of the mucous membrane. Genital infection with HSV-2 facilitates the acquisition of HIV, both mutually reinforcing infection. Infection with herpes simplex virus type 2 is a significant public health problem being the leading cause of genital ulcerative disease. This study aimed at Molecular investigation and association of HIV and HSV-2 IgM co-infection among asymptomatic pregnant women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the antenatal unit of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), River State. A total of 168 consenting pregnant women were selected. The study involved collecting socio-demographic data and laboratory determination of HSV-2 immunoglobulin M (IgM) and HIV seroprevalence using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (DIAPRO Diagnostic Bioprobes, Milan, Italy) and ALERE determine/STAT PAK respectively. Data analysis was done using graph pad statistical package. Chi square analysis was used to determine the correlation of the infection with socio-demographic factors. The seroprevalence for HSV-2 IgM was 29.8% (50/168) of the respondents while there was no co-infection between IgM and HIV. All HIV respondents were married. Majority are trader having tertiary educational qualification and are in a monogamous relationship. With regard to IgM seropositivity age, marital status, religion and gestation period were significantly associated with IgM while educational level, occupation, type of family and parity were not significantly associated with HSV-2 IgM. There is a significant correlation between HIV seropositivity with parity and history of sexually transmitted disease while there is no significant difference between HIV prevalence with age, marital status education level occupation type of family, religion history of abortion and the prevalence of HSV-2 was high among women of childbearing age in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Effort should be made to increase the awareness of HSV-2 and HIV infection among the childbearing populace and serological testing of pregnant women should be included as a routine test.

Laboratory Determination of Productivity of Bomu Oil Field (Oml 11 as Case Study) Using MEOR Process and Calcium Oxide Nanoparticles

The need for petroleum products in the world is increasing daily, this product can only be gotten from the refining of crude oil a naturally occurring mineral resource which is produced by degradation of organic materials. This crude is gotten from several wells drilled for the sole purpose of the production of this mineral resource but this wells are being shut-down and abandoned because of the decrease in the well’s productivity which causes losses to the operators and poor finances for the petroleum industry. Therefore, the need to increase the recovery of a well is been considered, these methods are called enhanced oil recovery method. These methods include Gas injection method, Steam Injection method, Chemical injection method (chemicals such as surfactants, polymers etc) Microbial method and the use of nanoparticles as additives to help increase the recovery process. The type of enhanced oil recovery used in this work is the microbial enhanced oil recovery, this method makes use of biosurfactants which can also be referred to as microbe surfactants. The biosurfactants are gotten from microorganism they act as surfactants which reduces the interfacial tension between the molecules of the substance and the interface, this biosurfactants can be used for many industrial purposes which includes bioremediation, oil recovery etc. Nanoparticles are also another aspect of the recent technology which can increase the recovery of our well providing more crude and finance for the petroleum industry. This work shows how biosurfactants and nanoparticles when used together can increase oil recovery. The ever-rising global demand for energy and the issue of large volumes of unrecovered oil after primary and secondary oil production operations are driving the development and/or advancement of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques. Conventional EOR processes include thermal, immiscible and miscible gas injection, chemical, and microbial enhanced oil recovery

Yield and quality of different kidney bean varieties

Purpose. To determine the yield and quality of different kidney bean varieties. Methods. Field (determination of yield); laboratory (determination of the 1000 kernel weight and the protein and starch content in grain); mathematical and statistical analysis. Results. On average, over two years of research, the highest yield (3.31 t/ha) was obtained in ‘Podolianka’ variety, while the lowest (1.02 t/ha) in ‘Dvadesiatytsia’. The yield at the level of 2.04–2.72 t/ha was obtained in varieties ‘Bilosnizhka’, ‘Pervomaiska’, ‘Oniks’, ‘Bukovynka’, ‘Mavka’, ‘Zhuravka’, and ‘Shchedra’. However, the yield was 22–62% lower compared to ‘Podolianka’ variety. The yield of the rest studied varieties varied from 1.29 to 1.81 t/ha. The highest 1000 kernel weight was obtained in ‘Podolianka’ and ‘Bukovynka’ varieties (230 and 245 g, respectively). This indicator was the lowest in ‘Zlatko’ and ‘Dvadesiatytsia’, 106 and 113 g, respectively. In the rest of studied varieties, 1000 kernel weight ranged between 123 and 210 g. The highest protein content of 30.2% was obtained in ‘Onyx’ variety. In ‘Zhuravka’ and ‘Podolianka’ varieties, the protein content was 27.0–27.2%. The lowest protein content of 19.4% was obtained in the grain of ‘Dvadesiatytsia' variety. In the rest of varieties, this indicator was 20.0–26.0%. At the same time, the stability index of protein content formation was high – 0.94–0.99. The protein content of kidney bean grains in 2022 was higher (19.7–30.4%) and in 2021 lower (19.1–30.0%). The content of starch in kidney bean grains changed inversely proportional to the protein content, i.e., in 2021, this indicator was higher and in 2022 lower. However, the starch content changed little depending on the year, as the stability index was high and ranged between 0.97 and 0.99. Conclusions. The highest yield of 3.10–3.52 t/ha was obtained in ‘Podolianka’ variety. At the same time, the content of protein and starch in the grain was 26.4–28.0 and 40.5–41.5%, respectively; the 1000 kernel weight was 219–241 g. The highest protein content was in ‘Onyx’ variety – 30.0–30.4% for the yield of 2.00–2.64 t/ha. At the same time, 1000-kernel weight in this variety was 146–164 g. Kidney bean varieties react differently to weather conditions as the yield stability index varied between 0.52 and 0.88. However, the stability index for the formation of protein content was high – 0.94–0.99.

Oral lichen planus among patients from Lublin Region in relation to 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 serum level.

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory skin disease involving the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. It is postulated that different factors play a role in the occurrence of the disease and may activate the immune system, thus influencing the development of lichen planus. Vitamin D is a steroid prohormone with multiple systemic effects. The aim of this study was to assess oral lichen planus against 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 serum level. Vitamin D takes an active part in the pathogenesis of immunisation diseases, may have also a beneficial effect on oral health. The clinical picture of lichen planus was analyzed according to the concentration of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3. Patients were given a questionnaire interview which included questions about the co-existence of systemic diseases, subjective complaints, and information relating to the individual course of the disease. In the next stage of the study, patients were underwent a physical examination. Laboratory determinations of the concentration of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 were also performed. The mean vitamin D concentration in patients with lichen planus in the oral cavity was 14.37 ± 4.95 ng/ml. An insufficient level (10-30 ng/ml) was detected in 84.91% of the examined patients, whereas a deficiency (< 10 ng/ml) was observed in 15.09% of those patients. None of the analyzed patients had vitamin D level in the range of established clinical standards. A substantially lowered vitamin D level was found in patients reporting bleeding and pain of the gums. The study enhances relationship between reduced levels of vitamin D3 and lichen planus in patients with oral lesions. Thus, vitamin D3 control and supplementation may play an important role in the treatment of lichen planus.

A multicentre, prospective, double-blind study comparing the accuracy of autoantibody diagnostic assays in myasthenia gravis: the SCREAM study

Laboratory determination of autoantibodies against acetylcholine receptor (AChR), muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) and other autoantigens have been integrated into the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG). However, evidence supporting the selection of methodologies is lacking. In this prospective, multicentre cohort study, we recruited patients with suspected MG to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of cell-based assay (CBA), radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIPA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in detecting AChR and MuSK autoantibodies. This study is registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT05219097. 2272 eligible participants were recruited, including 2043MG, 229 non-MG subjects. AChR antibodies were detected in 1478, 1310, and 1280 out of a total of 2043MG patients by CBA, RIPA, and ELISA, respectively; sensitivity, 72.3% (95% CI, 70.3-74.3), 64.1% (95% CI, 62.0-66.2), 62.7% (95% CI, 60.5-64.8); specificity, 97.8% (95% CI, 95.0-99.3), 97.8% (95% CI, 95.0-99.3), 94.8% (95% CI, 91.9-97.7). MuSK antibodies were found in 59, 50, and 54 from 2043MG patients by CBA, RIPA and ELISA, respectively; sensitivity, 2.9% (95% CI, 2.2-3.7), 2.4% (95% CI, 1.8-3.2), 2.6% (95% CI, 2.0-3.4); specificity, 100% (95% CI, 98.4-100), 100% (95% CI, 98.4-100), and 99.1% (95% CI, 96.9-99.9). The area under the curve of AChR antibodies tested by CBA was 0.858, and there were statistical differences with RIPA (0.843; p=0.03) and ELISA (0.809; p<0.0001). CBA has a higher diagnostic accuracy compared to RIPA or ELISA in detecting AChR and MuSK autoantibodies for MG diagnosis. New Terrain Biotechnology, Inc., Tianjin, China.

Assessment of the tillage impact on soybean productivity

Modern crop production technologies depend on the intensity of soil cultivation. Traditional cultivation methods increase production costs and harm the environment. The research relevance is determined by the need to find effective and environmentally friendly alternative tillage technologies that will reduce the cost of agricultural production and have a positive impact on the environment. The research aims to determine the influence of the soil tillage system on the formation of soybean plant productivity. Research methods: long-term stationary experiment, laboratory determination of soil agrophysical properties, statistical data processing. The field research was carried out at the Agronomic Research Station, a separate subdivision of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, in a stationary experiment of the Department of Agriculture and Herbology. Soybean yields under the No-till system were found to be 22.7% higher than under the conventional system, which in absolute terms was 2.81 t/ha under the No-till system and 2.29 t/ha under the conventional system. No-till provided higher soil moisture content and the share of agronomically valuable aggregates at a higher soil density than the traditional system. In general, the efficiency of moisture use by soybean plants under the shelf tillage system was 16.0% lower compared to the no-till system. The use of the conventional tillage system on average in 2020-2022 led to a decrease in the structural structure of the 0-30 cm soil layer studied by 8-33%. The amount of agronomically valuable aggregates (0.25-10 mm) depended on the tillage system. The No-till system increased the agronomically valuable structure in the 0-10 cm soil layer by 15.5%, the 10-20 cm layer by 10.3% and the 20-30 cm layer by 9.1% compared to the conventional tillage system at the beginning of the growing season and by 4.2%, 7.3% and 4.7%, respectively, at the end of the growing season. The practical significance of the obtained research results is to determine the optimal soil cultivation system for the realisation of the genetic potential of soybean to form its stable productivity

Efficacy of Protein Baits with Fipronil to Control Vespa velutina nigrithorax (Lepeletier, 1836) in Apiaries.

The yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax), outside its natural range, has become a major threat to domestic bees. Several control methods have been used to fight against V. velutina, but the results achieved are not satisfactory. The use of protein baits with biocides has shown to be an effective method to control invasive wasp populations, but they have not been used to control V. velutina. Thus, the efficacy of protein baits containing fipronil to reduce the presence of hornets in apiaries was evaluated in this study. After laboratory determination of the optimal efficacy of a protein bait at a 0.01% concentration of fipronil, field trials were conducted involving 222 beekeepers. The data reported by the 90 beekeepers who completed the requested questionnaire demonstrated that in the groups of apiaries with the highest pressure of hornets (groups with 10-30 and >30 hornets), there was a significant decrease in the presence of V. velutina, lasting at least two weeks. The reduction in the number of hornets was positively correlated with bait consumption, and bait consumption was positively correlated with the number of hornets present at the time of treatment. Although the method used has shown good efficacy and the concentration of fipronil used was very low; possible negative effects on the environment should also be evaluated.

Identifying pollution dynamics using discrete Fourier transform: From an urban-rural river, Central Mexico

The quality of life and human survival is dependent on sustainable development and sanitation of water bodies in an environment. The present research focuses on cyclicity data of more than 750,000 records of parameters associated with the water quality from a rural-urban river monitoring stations in real-time from River Atoyac in Central Mexico. The events detected in the instrumental records correlated with 2528 laboratory and instrumental determinations. The 64 polluting compounds were grouped into inorganic compounds (metals and metalloids) and organic compounds (pesticides, herbicides, hydrocarbons). Metal associated compounds were grouped along mechanical, pharmaceutical and textile industries which associates itself with the entry of polluting components. The cyclicity of the events was detected through Discrete Fourier Transformation time series analysis identifying the predominant events in each station. These highlight the events at 23–26 h corresponding to a circadian pattern of the metabolism of the city. Likewise, pollution signals were detected at 3.3, 5.5, and 12–14 h, associated with discharges from economic activities. Multivariate statistical techniques were used to identify the circadian extremes of a regionalized cycle of polluting compounds in each of the stations.The results of this research allow pollution prevention using a mathematical analysis of time series of different quality parameters collected at monitoring stations in real-time as a tool for predicting polluting events. The DFT analysis makes it possible to prevent polluting events in different bodies of water, allowing to support the development of public policies based on the supervision and control of pollution.

Agro-ecological Assessment of the Preponderance of Rill Erosion Channels under Different Land Cover Types in Humid Tropics of Akamkpa, Southeastern Nigeria

Agro-ecological assessment of proliferation of rill erosion channels in the humid tropic was conducted between January and July 2022. The purpose of the study was to seek possibility of preventing proliferation of rill erosion channels using a variety of crops; vetiver grass, potato plant, groundnut and fallow vegetation in erosion control. Different land slopes of 4, 5 and 6 per cents representing blocks 1,2 and 3 were used for the study. Soil samples were collected from each unit for laboratory determination of soil textural characteristics. Plots dimension of 10m x 80m were delineated on each slope to form a block. Sub plots of 10m x 10m were delineated from each block for each crops cover types. In-situ measurement of parameters, viz; number of rill erosion channels, length, width and depth of channels were accomplished. The total number of rill channels from each crops’ plot was statistically analyzed to determine their Coefficient of Variation (CV). The CV values for vetiver, potatoes, groundnut, fallow vegetation and control plot indicated; 40.50%, 31.11%, 60.62%, 38.00% and 62.50% respectively. Result of channel characteristics showed that fallow plot recorded the lowest number of channels of 1.8, width of 2.3cm and length of 142.5cm respectively. Average length and depth recorded in vetiver plots are 143cm and 1.6cm, Potatoes has a total depth of 2.2cm and length of 194.3cm. Similar result was recorded in fallow plot, indicating that vetiver, potatoes and fallow vegetation exhibited similar erosion control potential. Conversely, the highest length, width and depth and number of rill channels were traced to control plot with a mean of 3.8 spillways, depth of 4.8cm, width of 25.8cm and mean length of 312.5cm seconded by groundnut plot. Implying, soil protection as well as crop production can be guaranteed with the right choice of crops in the humid tropics

The Inflammatory Profile Orchestrated by Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

(1) Background: The pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) involves complicated and multifactorial interactions. Inducible nitric oxide synthase overactivation (iNOS or NOS2) could be involved in SLE pathogenesis and progression. This study explored the relationship between NOS2-associated inflammation profiles and SLE phenotypes. (2) Methods: We developed a prospective, case control study that included a group of 86 SLE subjects, a group of 73 subjects with lupus nephritis, and a control group of 60 people. Laboratory determinations included serum C reactive protein (CRP-mg/L), enzymatic activity of NOS2 (U/L), serum levels of inducible factors of hypoxia 1 and 2 (HIF1a-ng/mL, HIF2a-ng/mL), vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF (pg/mL), matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2, MMP-9-ng/mL), thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1-ng/mL), and soluble receptor of VEGF (sVEGFR-ng/mL). (3) Results: CRP, NOS2, HIF-1a, HIF-2a, VEGF, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were significantly increased, while TSP-1 and sVEGFR were decreased in the SLE and lupus nephritis groups compared with the control group. The variations in these biomarkers were strongly associated with the decrease in eGFR and increase in albuminuria. (4) Conclusions: The inflammatory phenotype of SLE patients, with or without LN, is defined by NOS2 and hypoxia over-expression, angiogenesis stimulation, and inactivation of factors that induce resolution of inflammation in relation with eGFR decline.

Оцінка ефективності магній-калієвого комплексу в корекції стану здоров’я дітей, які перенесли COVID-19

The health status of children and adolescents after an acute episode of COVID-19, namely the post-acute and long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2, is an urgent medical problem. The pathogenesis of the development of the post-covid state has not yet been fully studied and includes various links, including a violation of the constancy of the levels of various macroelements in biological tissues and blood. Since the leading role in ensuring the proper functioning of energy and synthetic processes in the body belongs to magnesium, it is assumed that the development of post-covid state may be associated with hypomagnesemia. Purpose - to evaluate the level of magnesium in the blood serum of children who have suffered from COVID-19, to analyze their state of health, level of tolerance to physical exertion, and quality of life; to optimize approaches to the correction of detected violations, by prescribing a magnesium-potassium complex, and to evaluate its effectiveness. Materials and methods. 75 children aged 6 to 18 took part in the study. Among them, 60 children with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 in the anamnesis and a period after COVID-19 more than 12 weeks and 15 somatically healthy children of the same age did not suffer from COVID-19 (control group). Children with COVID-19 were divided into a main group (35 children who had reduced serum magnesium levels) and a control group (25 children with normal magnesium levels). The research was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, the health status of children who suffered from COVID-19 was analyzed. The second stage of the study involved the appointment of PANCICOR magnesium-potassium complex to children of the main group and the evaluation of the effectiveness of its use on the 60th day of treatment. General clinical (analysis of anamnesis data, Rufier test results, questionnaire), laboratory (determination of magnesium level in blood serum), instrumental (cycle ergometry), and statistical research methods were used. Results. Magnesium deficiency is a common disorder of macronutrient homeostasis in children who have experienced COVID-19. Post- covid syndrome was detected in 28.3% of children. At the same time, the proportion of post-covid state detection was higher in the group of children with magnesium deficiency compared to the group of children with normal serum magnesium levels. The level of tolerance to physical exertion and indicators of quality of life in children who suffered from COVID-19 are significantly lower (p&lt;0.05) compared to children in the control group who did not suffer from COVID-19. The analysis of the parameters of the health status of children on the 60th day of taking the magnesium-potassium complex PANCICOR showed a positive effect of the drug on the characteristics of the state of health that were studied. In particular, on the 30th day of treatment, no child noted the manifestations of the post-covid condition. Indicators of the quality of life and tolerance to physical exertion statistically significantly increased and improved (p=0.002 and p=0.005, respectively) compared with the results at the initial visit. Conclusions. The use of the magnesium-potassium complex allows you to influence the basic links of the pathogenesis of the post-covid state and the consequences of the transferred COVID-19 associated with magnesium deficiency, as well as to promote the restoration of the adaptive reserves of the body after an acute episode of COVID-19. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The research protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the institution mentioned in the work. Informed consent from the children’s parents was obtained for the research. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Investigating Near-Surface Hydrologic Connectivity in a Grass-Covered Inter-Row Area of a Hillslope Vineyard Using Field Monitoring and Numerical Simulations

The interplay of surface and shallow subsurface fluxes plays a critical role in controlling water movement in hillslope agroecosystems and impacting soil and plant health during prolonged dry periods, demonstrating a need for in-field monitoring. This study was conducted for two years (2021–2022) by combining field monitoring of the grass-covered inter-row area (passive wick lysimeter, surface runoff, and meteorological data), laboratory determination of soil hydraulic properties (SHPs), and numerical modeling with the aim to explore near-surface fluxes at the SUPREHILL Critical Zone Observatory (CZO) located on a hillslope vineyard. Additionally, sensitivity analysis for basic root water uptake (RWU) parameters was conducted. The model was evaluated (R2, RMSE, and NSE) with lysimeter (hillslope) and runoff (footslope) data, producing good agreement, but only after the inverse optimization of laboratory estimated hydraulic conductivity was conducted, demonstrating that adequate parameterization is required to capture the hydropedological response of erosion-affected soil systems. Results exhibit the dependence of runoff generation on hydraulic conductivity, rainfall, and soil moisture conditions. The data suggest different soil-rewetting scenarios based on temporal rainfall variability. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that Leaf Area Index (LAI) was the most responsive parameter determining the RWU. The study offers an approach for the investigation of fluxes in the topsoil for similar sites and/or crops (and covers), presenting the methodology of self-constructed soil–water collection instruments.

Outcomes in Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Four or More SMN2 Copies Treated with Onasemnogene Abeparvovec: Findings from RESTORE (P7-9.007)

Outcomes in Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Four or More SMN2 Copies Treated with Onasemnogene Abeparvovec: Findings from RESTORE (P7-9.007)

A New Relantioship for the Prediction of the Formation of Gas Hydrate in Fluids Petroleum

The presence of gas hydrates in natural gas extraction, transport and storage facilities, creates problems related to the blocking of flow pores in the productive layer, the clogging of pipelines and especially the increase in the delivery and pumping pressure of natural gas. This aspect usually leads to damage to oil structures by damaging them and especially by stopping gas supplies. The present work presents the history of the identification of natural gas hydrates present in nature as well as their nucleation conditions.&#x0D; Also, following the laboratory determinations, two new correlations could be made to indicate the pressure and temperature at the beginning of the nucleation of gas hydrates, starting from the determination of their specific gravity.&#x0D; The new correlations were compared with the laboratory data and with the existing correlations in the specialized literature, the results being close.&#x0D; Also, based on the observations of the formation of gas hydrates of some gases with a specific density between 0.6 and 1.0, it was possible to analyze the laboratory data with those obtained after running a new correlatios.

Laboratory determination of gravimetric correction factors for real-time area measurements of electronic cigarette aerosols: Part 2

The popularity and widespread of electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) have warranted a necessity for monitoring different populations directly or indirectly exposed to particulate matter (PM) from ECIGs. To accurately estimate exposure to aerosols from ECIGs, it is important to correctly measure the concentration of aerosols. Real-time aerosol monitors are usually based on optics that provides biased measurements that are adjusted using filter correction factors. In addition, low-cost aerosol sensors have become popular that allow widespread of these sensors and can estimate ECIG aerosol exposure after calibration. Therefore, this study determined the filter correction factors for three aerosol monitors (MiniWRAS, pDR, SidePak) based on exposure to six ECIG brands and two particle sizes (PM1 and PM2.5). In addition, the GeoAir2 low-cost monitor was evaluated compared to filter corrected MiniWRAS measurements for these exposures. The study also evaluated the real-time measurements and Mass Median Diameter (MMD) for each ECIG brand. The correction factors varied between aerosol monitors, ECIG brands and particle sizes, with ranges for PM2.5 that span between 1.85 and 2.42 (MiniWRAS), 0.50 and 0.58 (pDR) and 0.24 and 0.28 (SidePak). The GeoAir2 underestimated the reference measurements but had a high correlation (r = 0.90 - 0.94), showing that the monitor can be effectively calibrated to provide good estimates. The real-time average PM2.5 measurements differed between aerosol instruments with concentrations that ranged between 1,398 and 3,706 µg/m3 (MiniWRAS), 5,479 and 16,825 µg/m3 (pDR), and 9,783 and 29,808 µg/m3 (SidePak). Finally, the MMD values spanned between 0.45 and 0.80 µm based on the MiniWRAS measurements. The differences between the raw real-time measurements for the aerosol monitors show the necessity for developing filter correction factors to accurately measure ECIG exposure.

Descriptive analysis of Cycle Threshold in patients with hematologic malignancies infected with SARS-COV-2

SARS-CoV-2 has caused over 200 million documented infections, more than 4 million deaths, and unprecedented consequences worldwide. The cycle threshold (Ct), the number of amplification cycles required to obtain a product detectable through fluorescence during a quantitative RT-PCR test, is an indirect measurement of viral load. Patients with hematologic malignancies have an increased risk of death by the SARS-CoV-2. We conducted a retrospective, observational, descriptive analysis of the Ct obtained from patients with history of hematologic malignancies who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in our hospital, from March 3rd, 2020, to August 17th, 2021. We used the mean Ct at diagnosis. 15 adults, with previous diagnosis of lymphomas, acute leukemias and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, were included. 9 of the 15 patients (60 %) developed pneumonia, 6 of them required supplementary oxygen and 5 mechanical ventilation. 5 patients died between 7-86 days from symptom onset. Ct was lower among the group of patients who died (15.5 cycles; SD= 2.28, CI95%= 9.17-21.86) compared with those who survived (20.2 cycles; SD= 8.87, CI95%= 13.9-26.6). Ct was also lower in the pneumonia group (18.2 cycles; SD= 2.28, CI95%= 12.98-23.51) than in the no-pneumonia group (19.3 cycles; SD= 4.11; CI95%= 8.73-29.9). Ct was lowest in severe forms of CoViD-19. Further studies with larger populations of patients with hematologic malignancies could establish the validity of Ct as a quantitative laboratory determination as a course-prediction and infectivity tool.

Grain yield and protein content in different ripening varieties of soft winter wheat using various types and doses of fertilizers

Purpose. To study of yield formation and protein content in the grain of different ripening varieties of soft winter wheat under the condition of using various types and doses of fertilizers. Methods. Field and laboratory (determination of protein content), calculation (collection of protein), mathematical and statistical. Results. It was found that different fertilization systems reliably increased the grain yield of soft winter wheat. The use of N75 increased this indicator by 1.2 times and N150 by 1.4 times in the varieties studied, compared with the no-fertilizer variant. Yield with incomplete return of phosphorus-potassium fertilizer was only 2–3% lower than with complete mineral fertilizer. With the nitrogen-phosphorus and nitrogen-potassium fertilization systems, the yield was 5–7% higher than with the nitrogen system. At the same time, this indicator was 6% lower than in the full mineral fertilizer version of the trial. The use of 75 kg/ha nitrogen fertilizer per year increased the protein content to 13.5%, or by 10% compared to the control. In the double dose nitrogen fertilizer variant, the protein content increased to 14.2% or by 15%. The use of nitrogen fertilizers with phosphorus-potassium only contributed 2–4% to the increase of this indicator. Cultivation of winter wheat under the condition of application of N75 increased the collection of protein up to 724 kg/ha or by 33%, and with a double dose of nitrogen fertilizer – up to 848 kg/ha or by 55% compared to the option without fertilizer. In the N75P30K40 variant, protein yield increased by 10% compared to the nitrogen system. The application of a complete mineral fertilizer (N150P60K40) increased this indicator by 12%. Conclusions. It was found that the use of N75P30K40 increased the grain yield of soft winter wheat by up to 5.9 t/ha, or 7%, compared to the option where only 75 kg/ha of nitrogen fertilizer was applied. Yield development in soft winter wheat varies considerably from variety to variety. For example, this indicator was 35% higher in the ‘KWS Emil’ variety than in the ‘Prino’ line. In addition, the grain yield of both varieties is reliably influenced by the weather conditions during the growing season. The protein content of soft winter wheat varies considerably depending on the variety and the weather conditions. When growing soft winter wheat varieties, the protein content can vary by 12.8–15.1%. Weather conditions during the growing season can change this indicator by 13.1–14.7%. The protein content index in the grain of the ‘Prino’ line is significantly higher than that of the ‘KWS Emil’ variety. According to the protein yield per hectare indicator, the ‘KWS Emil’ variety (896 kg/ha) has a significant advantage over the ‘Prino’ line (774 kg/ha).