Mean Levels Research Articles

Role of Calcium Levels in Pregnant Women with Pre-Eclampsia and Severe Pre-Eclampsia

Objective: To determine the association between hypocalcemia and pre-eclampsia. Study Design: Case-control study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Obstetrics Gynaecology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jan to Jul 2019. Methodology: A total of 90 women, (45 with pre-eclampsia and 45 with normotensive) aged 18-40 years, were included. In all patients, 5ml of venous blood was collected and sent to an institutional pathology laboratory for serum calcium level measurement. Hypocalcemia was noted in the patients. Results: The mean gestational age in the Case-Group was 31.40±1.64 weeks, and in the Control-Group was 31.51±1.69 weeks. The mean BMI in the Case-Group was 24.94±4.39 kg/m2, and in the Control-Group was 24.24±4.61 kg/m2. The mean serum calcium levels in the Case-Group were 5328.73±2638.70 ng/ml, and in the Control-Group were 8630.03±1099.26 ng/ml. In our study, the frequency of hypocalcemia in women with pre-eclampsia (Case Group) was found to be 16(36.56%) compared to only 04(8.89%) in normotensive (Control Group) women with a p-value of 005 and Odds ratio of 5.66 which shows a positive association of hypocalcemia with pre-eclampsia. Conclusion: This study concluded that the frequency of hypocalcemia in pre-eclampsia women is very high, which shows a positive association between hypocalcemia and pre-eclampsia.

Association of Hypoalbuminemia within Hospital Mortality in Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Background: Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) remains a leading cause of hospitalization with significant morbidity and mortality. Hypoalbuminemia has been identified as a potential prognostic factor in various medical conditions, including heart failure. Understanding its association with in-hospital mortality in ADHF patients could enhance risk assessment and management strategies. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association of hypoalbuminemia with in-hospital mortality in patients admitted with ADHF. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted at a tertiary cardiac care center in Rawalpindi between July and November 2023. A total of 480 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ADHF were included. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years, confirmed ADHF diagnosis, and available serum albumin levels upon admission. Exclusion criteria included incomplete medical records, end-stage renal disease, active malignancies, acute liver disease, and acute infectious diseases. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, and serum albumin levels were collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between hypoalbuminemia (defined as serum albumin <3.0 g/dL) and in-hospital mortality, adjusting for confounders like age, sex, and comorbidities. Results: The cohort comprised 60% males and 40% females, with a mean age of 68 years. Hypertension (78%), diabetes (42%), and chronic kidney disease (36%) were the most prevalent comorbidities. The mean serum albumin level was 3.2 g/dL (SD = 0.4). Hypoalbuminemia was observed in 42% of patients. In-hospital mortality was 15%. Patients with hypoalbuminemia had a 2.5-fold increased risk of in-hospital mortality (unadjusted HR = 2.5, p < 0.001). The adjusted HR was 2.0 (p < 0.01), indicating hypoalbuminemia as an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: Hypoalbuminemia is significantly associated with increased in-hospital mortality in patients with ADHF, serving as an independent prognostic indicator. This finding highlights the importance of serum albumin in the risk assessment and management of ADHF patients.

Local orthometric height based on a combination of GPS-derived ellipsoidal height and geoid model: A review paper

Abstract The use of orthometric height in geodetic applications provides elevations on the physical topographic surface of the earth rather than ellipsoidal heights that are not in conformity with the physical topography. Global positioning system (GPS)/levelling produces ellipsoidal heights that are not consistent with levelled heights above mean sea level. The study provides a practical solution of using the GPS levelling approach or the geoidal heights aimed at providing local orthometric height. Many research studies were conducted with a view of finding a viable solution to the derived orthometric heights. It was revealed that the research studies conducted were found lacking in the use of only lower order numerical solutions models, which limit the accuracy derived from the model, the use of online post-processing, RTKlib, and other non-precise software to obtain the coordinates of the stations used in the derivation of orthometric. Finally, the use of gravimetric data, with its temporal variation problem, poses a threat to the derivation of orthometric height, so also to the accuracy of the developed model. Considering factors while developing models for orthometric heights improves the accuracy in achieving required heights for geodetic applications and aids in fast-tracking mapping.

A STUDY ON THE PROBLEM OF MEANING IN THE ART OF SCULPTURE

This study explores the complex relationship between the meaning of sculpture and its making process in the context of the philosophy of language. Sculpture is a unique art form that involves the creation of three-dimensional objects that occupy physical space. However, the meaning of a sculpture is not limited to its spatial characteristics alone. This study identifies two distinct levels of meaning in sculpture: its relation to space and its making process. While the former has received considerable attention in the literature, the latter has been largely overlooked. Therefore, this study focuses on the semantic relationship between Richard Serra's sculptures and his sculpture-making processes, particularly in his early works.
 
 Richard Serra is widely regarded as one of the most important artists of the Process Art movement, which emerged in the 1960s and emphasizes the importance of the making process in art. The study questions the reduction of the meaning of sculpture to a mere action and seeks to establish a deeper relationship between the philosophy of language and the process of sculpture. To achieve this, the study draws on the works of Ludwig Wittgenstein, J. L. Austin, and John R. Searle, who are some of the most important philosophers of language of the 20th century.
 
 Wittgenstein's concept of language games and his emphasis on the social context of language use is particularly relevant to this study. The study explores how Serra's sculpture-making processes can be seen as a form of language game, with its own rules and conventions. Similarly, Austin's concept of performative language provides a framework for understanding how the making process of a sculpture can be seen as a form of performative action. The study also draws on Searle's theory of speech acts, which suggests that language use is not just a matter of describing the world, but also of performing actions and creating new realities.
 
 Overall, this study represents an important contribution to the field of art and philosophy. By exploring the relationship between the meaning of sculpture and its making process, the study challenges traditional notions of art and raises important questions about the nature of meaning and representation in art. The study also demonstrates the relevance of the philosophy of language to the study of art and provides a framework for future research in this area.

Does Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Chronic Low Back Pain: A Case-Control Study

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is an important cause of morbidity worldwide and is routinely treated by vitamin D supplementation alongwith other measures. Whether vitamin D deficiency is responsible for CLBP, is a matter of debate. The aim of this case-control study is to find out weather vitamin d deficiency is associated with CLBP. Objective: The objective of the study to find out whether hypovitaminosis D causes CLBP. Methods: This case-control study was conducted in the Department of Surgery and Medicine of Aero Hospital Wahcantt from 2ndMay 2022 to 31May 2023 after ethical approval from IMC vide letter No 44(33)/2023-IMC. 195 cases of CLBP and an equal number of controls were selected through non-probability convenience sampling. After matching confounding factors between the two groups, their vitamin D levels were recorded. The null hypothesis that there is no difference between the mean vitamin D level of cases and controls was tested by applying an independent sample t-test. Taking vitamin D levels below 20ng/ml as hypovitaminosis D, the odds ratio was calculated as well. Results: Both groups, cases, and controls had an equal number of males (n=63, 32.3%) and females (n=132, 67.7%). The mean age of cases was 44.6 years with SD ± 13.54 while the mean age of controls was 45.2 years with SD ± 13.46 years. The mean level of vitamin D of patients was 23.22 ng/ml with SD ± 17.76 while the mean vitamin D level of controls was 26.48ng/ml with SD ± 20.64. Independent sample t-test showed that there is no statistical significant difference between the mean vitamin D levels of the two groups (p-value > 0.05). The odds ratio was 1.31 showing no or very weak correlation between hypovitaminosis D and CLBP. Conclusion: There is no causal relationship between CLBP and hypovitaminosis D.

Gender as a threat for type 2 diabetes mellitus: Elevated fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR levels in females.

Objective: The research aimed to compare serum levels of fasting plasma glucose, 2hrpp, fasting insulin, Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and waist-to-height ratio in individuals with a diabetic background. Study Design: Cross-sectional Observational draft. Setting: District Headquarters Hospital, Gujranwala. Period: December 22, 2020, to December 22, 2022. Material & Methods: Overall, 80 healthy participants, 20-50 years old, were recruited and graded into two groups based on gender. Group A comprised males, and Group B comprised females. All participants demonstrated normal glucose tolerance centered on the oral glucose tolerance test. Results: Females exhibited significantly higher mean levels of fasting plasma glucose (p=0.01), fasting plasma insulin (p=0.004), and Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (p=0.007) compared to males. Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance and waist-to-height ratio exhibited a positive correlation (p=0.001). Conclusion: Females with a positive family history may present an amplified threat of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Staphylococcus Aureus and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Biofilms in Ear-Set Associated Infection

Background and objectives: Ear infections are a serious public health issue in developing countries. Gram-positive and gram-negative Bacteria are both capable of developing biofilms on medical equipment and earphones; however, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis are the most prevalent types and may involve in ear infections. Since there was no such study in our region about ear set association with biofilm formation in patients with ear infections, this study was accomplished. The aim of the study: Therefore, this study was suggested in order to evaluate the relationship between the continuous use of Ear set with biofilm formation and ear infections among handlers. Patients, Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in Kirkuk City (The urban region only) from the 15th of January 2023 to the 23rd of May 2023, done on a total number of (168) participants. The total number of the patients who were Ear set users enrolled for the current study was (120), divided into two groups including (60 patients with biofilm positive (including 27 male and 33 female patients respectively) and 60 patients with biofilm negative (including 23 male and 37 female patients separately), with age, ranged from 20 to 60 years old, who were attended at Kirkuk Teaching Hospital. The control group (non-Ear set users) of the presented study was a total number of (48) including (18) males and (30) females. The serological tests included: the estimation of Human GR, SOD, and MDA antioxidants levels through using of the ELISA technique for all the participants, and the biochemical tests included measuring Vitamin D3 levels by using the iChromaTM technique, while the microbial tests were done through using of VITEK 2 compact system. Biofilm formation was detected by using the Congo red agar method. All the steps of methods are conducted based on the manufacturer's instructions. The bacterial growth among the patients group was (22.5%) of Staphylococcus aureus and (14.16%) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while the control group revealed (8.33 %) of Staphylococcus aureus and (4.16%) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The age range (20-30) years showed the highest rates among the infected patients, with male patients being more vulnerable to the infections. The mean levels of vitamin D3, human GR, SOD, and MDA decreased significantly in patients in matching to control groups. Conclusions: As a conclusion, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are more prevalent agents involved in ear infections. Male patients are more susceptible patients to contracting ear infections. Vitamin D3, Human GR, SOD, and MDA antioxidants levels decline in patients with ear infections.

Can non-individual factors be associated with mothers’ intention to complete childhood immunization? Findings from a cross-sectional study in Nigeria

Objective: Child immunization completion remains worrisome in Sub-Saharan Africa. Immunization completion is affected by individual and non-individual factors, although, the non-individual factors have not been well studied and documented in Nigeria. The study examined the non-individual factors influencing mothers’ intention to complete immunization of children 0-2 years in Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers of children 0-2 years registered in three selected Primary Health Centres in a district of Lagos State who completed a self/interviewer-administered Socio-ecological model-based questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics at a 5% level of significance were performed. Results: Mean age of respondents was 32.68 ± 7.19 years. The mean level of interpersonal factors was (1.18 ± 0.39) and therefore low. Environmental and policy factors were also low with mean scores of (1.09±0.28) and (1.06±0.24) respectively. All mothers (100%) had the intention to complete immunization. There was no significant relationship between interpersonal factors (r(421) = 0.089, p = 0.067) and environmental factors (r(421) = 0.057, p=0.242) and the mother’s intention to complete child immunization, but, there was a significant relationship between policy factor (r(421) = 0.100, p=0.039) and mother’s intention to complete child immunization. Conclusion: Continuous encouragement of mothers through policy-level mechanisms should continue, to aid the completion of childhood vaccination for the maintenance of health and welfare of both the mother and the child (ren).

The Correlation Between Eating Patterns and Nutritional Adequacy of Children with Cerebral Palsy

Due to sensory and motor dysfunction, some children with cerebral palsy (CP), have trouble chewing and ingesting, which may result in inadequate feeding. The goal of this study is to look into the correlation between eating patterns and nutritional adequacy of children with cerebral palsy. This research was carried out in 11 Special Schools Depok, Bogor and Jakarta. Taking into the topic inclusion requirements of the subjects (i.e. aged 5-18 years, had hemiplegic and diplegic types of cerebral palsy, had no infection, and good communication), 45 subjects were interviewed for data collection. A pre-test structured questionnaire which uncovered the identity and dietary intake (1x24-hour food record by caregiver) was used to guide the interviewer and also interview about the type of food of meal and snack and the frequency of eating in children. The results showed that the children with cerebral palsy liked to consume soft and liquid foods. Protein, fat, energy, and carbohydrate showed mean sufficiency levels of 80,9%, 53,5%, respectively. 62.0%, and 66.2%. Iron, calcium, zinc, Vitamins A, D, E, B9, C, calcium, iron, and zinc all exhibited mean sufficiency levels of 40.7%, 29.9%, 41.1%, 135.9%, 36.4%, 63.3%, 30.9%, and 70.8%. There was a substantial beneficial relationship between eating behaviors and protein and carbohydrate sufficiency (p<0.05). This implies that the children with cerebral palsy inadequately consume both macro- and micronutrient source foods. The result showed that there’s a correlation between eating patterns and nutritional adequacy in children with CP. Th

Serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 in hospitalised COVID-19 patients – evidence of reduced cytokine storm in discharged patients

Introduction and aim. Coronavirus disease 2019 is characterised by cytokine storm and it was managed with repurposed drugs, however the effect of this treatment on cytokine storm is unknown. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of repurposed management on serum Th1 pro-inflammation cytokine (IFN-γ) and Th2 anti-inflammation cytokine (IL-4) in COVID-19 patients. Material and methods. The levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 were determined in sera from 45 COVID-19 patients at admission followed-up till discharge after repurposed treatment using ELISA. The mean levels and proportions above normal reference ranges of IFN-γ and IL-4 were compared in COVID-19 at admission and discharge. Results. The mean values of IFN-γ and IL-4 were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients at admission compared with discharged COVID-19 patients whereas IFN-γ:IL-4 ratio was significantly higher in discharged COVID-19 patients compared with admitted COVID-19 patients. Significantly higher proportion of COVID-19 patients at discharge had IFN-γ within the normal reference ranges compared with COVID-19 patients at admission whereas the proportions of COVID-19 patients at discharge and COVID-19 patients at admission having IL-4 within the normal reference ranges were the same. Conclusion. Cytokine storm was evidenced in COVID-19 patients at admission and repurposed treatment suppressed pro-inflammation cytokine (IFN-γ) in most discharged COVID-19 patients.

Faktor-Faktor yang Memengaruhi Permintaan Buah Jeruk Siam di Kota Surakarta

Increasing public awareness of the importance of fulfilling nutrition and vitamins has resulted in people consuming fruit more massively. One popular fruit is siam citrus because it tends to taste sweet and is readily available on the market, including in Surakarta City. Surakarta City is a potential market for siam citrus because the public consumption of the fruit increases yearly. In contrast, public consumption of siam citrus fluctuates from year to year. The fluctuating level of public consumption means that the demand for siam citrus is also uncertain. Considering this, it is imperative to understand the variables influencing Surakarta City's demand for siam citrus. One hundred respondents who purchased siam citrus from "Pasar Legi, Pasar Gede, Pasar Kadipolo, Pasar Gading, and Pasar Harjodaksino" provided the primary data for this study. The demand function was converted into a multiple linear regression function for data analysis. The analysis's findings indicate that the variables of siam citrus price, mandarin orange price, apple price, mango price, family earnings, number of family members, and taste all affect the siam citrus demand in Surakarta City. The variable price of siam citrus, mandarin orange price, mango price, family earnings, and tastes partially significantly affected the siam citrus demand. Therefore, the demand for siam citrus in Surakarta City was not considerably impacted by the apple price and the number of family members. Taste is the most critical factor influencing the demand for siam citrus.

Establishing Occupational Health and Safety Management System in a Libya Oil Company According to ISO 45001:2018 Case Study: Waha Oil Company

The main aim of the paper is to identify the level of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) systems application in the Waha Oil Company. This study also examines the employee’s perspective (PE) regarding the application level of the systems of occupational health and safety. The study has shown that the majority of employees are satisfied with the level of occupational health and safety means and procedures in their workplace, also the employees agreed that the company holds training programs and sessions on occupational health and safety affairs, and the results have shown that employees are satisfied with the insurance and compensation policies in the company. The study has adopted a quantitative approach with deductive reasoning based on a case study model to test for a correlation between two main variables which are (OHS and EP). Also, this approach allows analysis of the numerical primary data generated from the questionnaire using the statistical software SPSS. According to the results of this study, it was concluded that there is a statistically significant linear correlation between the two variables and that this relationship is positive, meaning that OHS as an independent variable can predict EP as a dependent variable.

المعتقدات الثقافية وعلاقتها بالصحة - دراسة وصفية على عينة من طلاب كلية الآداب والعلوم الإنسانية بجامعة الملك عبد العزيز بمدينة جدة

The study aimed to explore the relevance between cultural beliefs and health. The study applied the social survey approach. The research population of this study was chosen from the students of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah. The study sample comprised 195 students. The questionnaire tool was used to collect data. The study reached several results, the most important of which are: the study sample members are of a high cultural level and they showed 71.5% agreement on the axis of the level of culture and its relevance to maintaining health, especially through living in a clean and healthy home in terms of good ventilation and sunshine, and following guidelines for preventing infectious diseases. Also, the results also showed a neutral response of study sample regarding the role of cultural beliefs in the diagnosis some diseases, with a total percentage of 63.1%. Through means, the items were arranged in a descending order according to the degree and percentage of agreement. The most recurrent items that refer to the role of cultural beliefs in the diagnosis of some diseases from the point of view of the sample members and achieved the highest mean and response level (Agree) are: (I do not go to the doctor except unless I have a severe illness; I depend on family experiences for treatment; and I consult my friends when I feel symptoms of illness). Moreover, the results of the study showed no statistically significant differences in the means of the sample members’ opinions regarding (the cultural level and its relevance to maintaining health) and (the role of cultural beliefs in the diagnosis of some diseases) according to the variable of age. There are statistically significant differences at the level of (0.05) in the means of the sample members’ opinions regarding (the cultural level and its relationship to maintaining health) according to the father’s level of education. There are no statistically significant differences regarding (the role of cultural beliefs in diagnosing some diseases) according to the variable of the father’s education level. There are statistically significant differences at the level of (0.05) in the means of the sample members’ opinions regarding (the cultural level and its relevance to maintaining health) according to the mother’s level of education. There are statistically significant differences at the level of (0.05) in the means of the sample members’ opinions regarding (the role of cultural beliefs in the diagnosis some diseases) according to the mother’s level of education. There are no statistically significant differences in the means of the sample members’ opinions regarding (the cultural level and its relevance to maintaining health) and (the role of cultural beliefs in the diagnosis of some diseases) according to the variable of family income level.

Evaluation of some hematological and biochemical parameters for women with polycystic ovary syndrome in Wasit Governorate

The aim of the study; the Study of physiological causes and risk factors of ovarian cysts in women and Analyzing the results statistically to determine the extent of the relationship between the physiological and biochemical causes of the occurrence of polycysticovaries. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the commonest endocrine disorders affecting many females in reproductive period which start from menarche till the menopause and commonly caused infertility around the world, and is characterized by irregular menstrual cycle, Hyperandrogensim and polycystic ovary; it can be considered a conditions involving reproductive, metabolic and cardiovascular components leading to lifelong health implication. Its prevalence among infertile women is between (15% to 20%). There is evidence that PCOS is a pro inflammatory disorder, characterized by the presence of low grade chronic inflammation that correlated with obesity or insulin resistance (IR). The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of study included 100 females diagnosed with PCOS, there were recruited from Al-kut hospital in Wasit during November 2022 until January 2023 , the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome was based on the Rotterdam 2003 criteria. The control group consists of 50 fertile women who have regular menstrual cycle with no sign of hyperandrogenism and subjected to ultrasound examination and have normal hormonal levels. The age was identical in both groups and it was between (20-40) years. . Body mass index (BMI) for both patients and control group was calculated. The questionnaire form has been filled for each patient and control. Hormones levels luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were estimated. The present study was carried out in two parts: immunological and physiological study. ELISA technique has been used to determine the serum level of High –sensitivity C-reactive protin(Hscrp) . The results of Hscrp serum level was significantly increased (p<0.oo5) in pcos patient(17.38+1.36) The results for physiological study demonstrated that insulin serum level recorded a highly significant difference (p <0.05) in PCOS patients compared to control group, the mean level of this hormone for PCOS patients and control were (17.18±2.84) μIU/mL, (8.68±1.97) μIU/mL respective. While this study showed there were no significant differences in serum levels of T.protin, and TSH between PCOS patients (8.08± 1,28). ng/mL(, 0.79±0.17)μg/dL, and control group (7.09±0.51) ng/mL,( 1.20±0.09) μg/dL. This study illustrate that the serum levels of Hscrp and insulin were elevated in PCOS comparing to healthy women and this high levels related to PCOS independent on the presence of obesity or IR., and there was a positive correlation between the insulin hormone with the parameters Hscrp and this may be due to the background of PCOS which considered as inflammatory disease The reslts showed that ,Creatin ,cholesterol,GPT, and LDL ,Lympho ,TG were significantly increased in pcos patients than control group

COMPARISON OF BODY WEIGTH INFANTS AGED 6 TO 12 MONTHS IN EXCLUSIVE AND NON-EXCLUSIVE BREASFEEDING

Background: Breast milk is an adequate food for babies in the process of growth and development because its content such as nutrients and protective factors play a role increasing the speed of metabolism and growth thus as to reduce infant morbidity and mortality. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the body weight of infants aged 6-12 months between exclusive and non-exclusive breastfeeding. Methods: The method used that descriptive-comparative research design. Samples in the study were taken using the Total Sampling method. It was 70 respondents divided into two groups namely exclusive breastfeeding and non-exclusive breastfeeding. The data were taken using a Kartu Menuju Sehat (KMS, Standard Growth Charts) and analyzed using the Chi-Square test with a meaning level of 5% (α=0.05). Result: There were 21 (60%) infants with normal body weight that received exclusive breastfeeding and 19 (54.2%) infants with more body weight that received non-exclusive breastfeeding. The results of the hypothesis test using Chi-Square obtained a p-value of 0.006 (P<0.05). Conclusion: The early days of life are very important for infants regarding to their nutrition. Breastfeeding mother need support from the family thus the infants could get exclusive breastfeeding.

Impacts of varied industrial activities within southern Nigeria on air environment and human health

The contamination of air environment by industrial activities is a global problem mostly in the underdeveloped and developing Nations where environmental issues are handled with levity. This research investigated the impact of industrial activities on air environment at the following companies; Crude Oil processing (COPC), beer processing (BPC), asphalt processing (APC), metal processing (MPC), and construction Company machinery Yard (CCMY) in Southern Nigeria. Air Monitors were employed to quantify nitrogen (IV) oxide (NO2), sulphur (IV) oxide (SO2), hydrogen sulphide (H2S), cabon (II) Oxide CO, total volatile organic carbon (TVOC), and suspended particulate matter (SPM) at the studied locations. The mean values of NO2, SO2, H2S, and CO obtained at all the industrial locations were higher than their recommended limits by the Federal Environmental and protection Agency (FEPA) except at BPC. The mean levels of TVOC were higher than the limit at all the locations apart from BPC and CCMY. However, the mean levels of SPM at all locations were higher than the permissible limit. The general trend for the discharge of air pollutants indicated that, COPC and BPC were rated the highest and lowest, respectively. The air quality index (AQI) values obtained revealed that, all the air pollutants at all the locations except BPC were harmful to human health. Nevertheless, the mean AQI value of SPM at BPC was also in the hazardous class. The Principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed that, industrial activities at the studied locations were responsible for the accumulation of these toxic substances in the adjoining air environment. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) for the air pollutants corroborated that most of the parameters were from a common source. HCA for the studied locations indicated similarities between BPC and CCMY, APC and MPC, while COPC was in a separate cluster. Thus, this study has shown the effects of untreated gases released from industries into the air on the environment and appropriate measures should be adopted to ameliorate the trend.

Age-Specific Reference Values for Amino Acid Content in Dried Blood Spots in Children in Western Kazakhstan, Measured by Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Measuring the level of amino acids in the blood is one of the stages in the early diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), implying timely initiation of therapeutic measures. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is now replacing traditional IEM screening methods. Dried blood spot amino acid reference values developed for the pediatric population are crucial for interpreting test results and diagnosing aminoacidopathies. The study aims to establish reference values for amino acid (AAs) concentrations in samples of dried blood spots from newborns in Western Kazakhstan using LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) technology. Methods: The cross-sectional study included 250 healthy newborns of Western Kazakhstan aged 1-3 days, born at term and breastfed, 49.2% male and 50.2% female. To establish the age-specific reference values for AAs, newborns were divided into three groups: (1) 1 day, (2) 2 days, and (3) 3 days. Blood samples on Guthrie cards were collected on days 1–3 of life and quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Nonparametric statistical approaches were used to generate the 2.5th–97.5th percentile distributions for newborns. Results: 3 of the 15 DBS amino acid distributions were dependent on gender. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean level of alanine, citrulline, and glutamic acid in males and females. The highest values were determined in the female group. Age-related differences in glutamic acid, leucine, ornithine, tyrosine, and valine concentration levels were observed. No significant correlations were found between the concentrations of 15 amino acids in dried blood spots and the body weight of newborns. Conclusion: The present study established amino acid concentrations that can be utilized as reference standards in Kazakhstan's newborn screening program for inherited metabolic diseases.

Evaluation of the Effect of Zinc, Quercetin, Bromelain and Vitamin C on COVID-19 Patients

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus. There are three phases of COVID-19: early infection stage, pulmonary stage and hyper-inflammation stage respectively. It is important to prevent lung or other organs injuries by preventing phase-II and phase-III via pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatments. This was a case series study done on twenty-two patients confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 and diagnosed with COVID-19. Patients in this study have been used quercetin 800 mg, bromelain 165 mg, zinc acetate 50 mg and ascorbic acid 1 g once daily as supplements for 3 to 5 days during SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of quercetin, bromelain, zinc and ascorbic acid combination supplements on patients with COVID-19. The mean levels of WBC, ANC, ALC, AMC and AST were normal among all included patients before and after taking quercetin, bromelain, zinc and ascorbic acid supplements (P-value >0.05). Quercetin 800 mg, bromelain 165 mg, zinc acetate 50 mg and ascorbic acid 1 g once daily supplements were safe for patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and may prevent poor prognosis. Randomized clinical trials needed in the future to ensure the efficacy of quercetin, bromelain, zinc and vitamin C combination.

Comparison of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) during pregnancy, after placental detachment and during puerperium between normal and pregnancy with COVID-19.

Pregnant women have a number of physiological changes that lower the immune responses to avoid embryonic rejection, which increases the risk of problems after contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Multiple inflammatory cytokines are dysregulated in this process and expressed inappropriately during systemic inflammatory responses associated with COVID-19. The aim of the study was to compare the levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), a marker of endothelial damage in pregnancies with and without COVID-19. A cohort prospective study was conducted at H. Adam Malik General Hospital and the Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital, Indonesia. Pregnant women without COVID-19 and pregnant women with moderate and severe degrees of COVID-19 were recruited. The level of VCAM-1 was measured at three different time points (during pregnancy, within an hour of placental detachment, and 24 hours postpartum). The ANOVA and Student t-test were used to compare the VCAM-1 levels among different time points and between groups, respectively. The mean VCAM-1 levels at the hospital admission, one hour of placental detachment and 24 hours postpartum in non-COVID-19 and COVID-19 pregnancies were 591.29 vs 1176.27 pg/mL; 558.2 vs 1136.2 pg/mL; and 508.59 vs 985.2 pg/mL, respectively. There was a significant different in VCAM-1 levels in normal pregnancy at the time of hospital admission, one hour after detachment of the placenta and 24 hours postpartum (p=0.04). The mean VCAM-1 levels in pregnant women with COVID-19 also had significant differences between three time points (p=0.033). The levels of VCAM-1 were statically higher among pregnancy in the COVID-19 group compared to the non-COVID-19 group during hospital admission (p=0.023), one hour after placenta detachment (p=0.040) and 24 hours postpartum (p=0.043). The results suggested the usefulness of identifying the VCAM-1 level as a marker of endothelial dysfunction in pregnancy with COVID-19.

Influence of Blood Glucose, Total Protein and Haemoglobin at The Time of Induced Estrus on Conception Rate on Anestrus Crossbred Cows

The present study was conducted to evaluate the influence of blood glucose, total protein and haemoglobin at the time of induced estrus on conception rate in 30 postpartum anestrus crossbred dairy cows. The cows were treated with progesterone intravaginal (CIDR) based estrus induction protocol with double fixed timed inseminations at 12 and 24 h after injection of last GnRH. estrus induction response was 100% with majority of the cows (80%) showed intermediate intensity of estrus. On the day of first AI, blood was collected from all the animals for the estimation of glucose, total protein and haemoglobin. The mean time to onset of estrus from the time of removal of CIDR was 44.85 ± 7.23 h. The overall conception rate in the present study was 30 % (9/30). In the present study, the mean values of glucose, total protein and haemoglobin at the time of estrus were 43.81 ± 1.14 mg/dl, 7.78 ± 0.24 g/dl and 8.68 ± 0.22 g/dl respectively. The mean glucose, total protein and haemoglobin levels in the anestrus cows which were included in the study are lower than the normal range. There is no significant different in the biochemical parameters among the cows showing weak, intermediate and intense intensity of estrus. Similarly, there is no significant difference in the biochemical parameters between the cows that conceived and cows not has not conceived. The findings in the present study clearly indicates that poor nutritional status may be the cause for the anestrus condition of the animal under field conditions.