Laboratory Methods Research Articles

EVALUATION OF THE APPLICABILITY OF THE O.K.N.V.I. RESIST-5 AND THE KPC&MBL&0XA-48 DISK TESTS IN A ROUTINE MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY

Background: The global spread of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) and the increasing emergence of clinical Enterobacterales harboring multiple carbapenemases of different molecular classes have prioritized the use of rapid molecular detection methods in routine microbiology laboratories. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of the immunochromatographic O. K.N.V.I. RESIST-5 and the KPC&MBL&0XA-48 disc tests in a clinical microbiology laboratory. Material and methods: The tests were performed with 50 CPE belonging to 8 species and producing 7 molecularly characterized carbapenemases. Six of these isolates carried two different carbapenemases. To assess the specificity of the assays, 18 non-carbapenemase-producing but carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (non-CP CRE) were also included. Both tests were performed from a common overnight culture on Mueller-Hinton agar with inoculum harvested around an ertapenem disk. Results: The O.K.N.V.I. RESIST-5 correctly detected all 56 carbapenemases, including KPC-2 in Klebsiella pneumoniae; OX-48 in Serratia marcescens, Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter hormaechei and K. pneumoniae; NDM-1 in Escherichia coli, Morganella morganii, E. hormaechei, C. freundii, S. marcescens and K. pneumoniae; VIM-1 in Proteus mirabilis; VIM-4 in C. freundii and S. marcescens; VIM-86 with and without NDM-1 in Providencia stuartii, and NDM-5 with and without OXA-232 in K. pneumoniae. The KPC&MBL&0XA-48 disc tests correctly confirmed KPC, OX-48-like and most MBL except VIM in P. mirabilis. Furthermore, the combination disc tests failed to detect OXA-48-like in pairs with MBL in K. pneumoniae. Conclusions:The O.K.N.V.I. RESIST-5 multiplex lateral assay is an excellent test for rapid diagnostic of CPE in routine microbiology laboratories. It is easy to handle and provides results with 100% sensitivity and specificity when an inoculum around ertapenem disc from routine antibiogram was used.

Comparative Effects of Neem-coated Urea, Agrotain Urea and Nano Nitrogen on Nutrient Uptake of Paddy Crop

Aims: To evaluate the impact of innovative nitrogen management strategies, including neem-coated urea (NCU), nano fertilizers, and Agrotain urea, on nutrient use efficiency (NUE), NPK uptake, and rice productivity in the Southern Telangana Zone. Study Design: Randomized block design with 3 replications, including traditional and innovative nitrogen formulations combined with foliar-applied nano nitrogen sprays. Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural Research Institute, Rajendranagar, during the Kharif season of 2021&2022. Methodology: The experiment was conducted on the JGL 24423 rice variety. Treatments included varying nitrogen rates (100%, 50%, and 33% recommended dose of nitrogen [RDN]) applied as NCU (Neem Coated Urea), Agrotain UG (urea granules), or combinations with nano nitrogen sprays. Nitrogen was applied in three splits (transplanting, tillering, and panicle initiation). Nutrient uptake (NPK) was analyzed using standard laboratory methods, and statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA to assess treatment effects. Results: The 100% RDN-STCR (Soil Test Crop Response)-based NCU treatment demonstrated the highest mean nitrogen uptake (66.8 kg ha⁻¹ in grain, 53.7 kg ha⁻¹ in straw), phosphorus uptake (18.7 kg ha⁻¹ in grain, 9.5 kg ha⁻¹ in straw), and potassium uptake (37.7 kg ha⁻¹ in grain, 120.9 kg ha⁻¹ in straw). Reduced nitrogen treatments with nano nitrogen sprays showed moderate nutrient uptake.The control and nano nitrogen sprays alone had the lowest uptake levels. Conclusion: Nitrogen management strategies, particularly 100% RDN-STCR-based NCU, significantly enhanced NUE, nutrient uptake, and rice productivity, demonstrating their potential for sustainable rice cultivation.

Analysis of Laboratory Methods for Diagnosing Syphilis in Bishkek over a five-year Period

Analysis of Laboratory Methods for Diagnosing Syphilis in Bishkek over a five-year Period

Barriers to innovation in Brazilian small- and medium-sized enterprises

PurposeThis research investigates the barriers impeding innovation within small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Brazil, exploring 54 innovation-related barriers categorized into six distinct groups to offer substantial insights and analyses pertinent to the decision-makers, researchers and SMEs.Design/methodology/approachThis research employed a mixed quantitative and exploratory approach, utilizing fuzzy Delphi, fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) methods. The fuzzy Delphi method confirmed the categories and barriers through quantitative analysis, the fuzzy AHP ranked the validated obstacles and the fuzzy DEMATEL method identified causal connections among the top-priority barriers.FindingsOut of 54 barriers, 23 significantly impacted SMEs. The “Financing and Financial” category was the most significant barrier, with “Access to Financing” being the most critical impediment. The barrier with the most influence was “Instability of Fiscal Policies,” and the highest causal priority was “Survival of the Priority Business,” identifying the government’s unstable fiscal policy as the principal barrier confronting SMEs in Brazil.Originality/valueThe primary challenges for Brazilian SMEs center on financing, fiscal policies and maintaining ongoing operations. By addressing these barriers and fostering a resilient business environment, SMEs’ innovation capabilities and competitiveness can be enhanced, serving as key drivers for sustainable economic growth in fluctuating economic conditions. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting and validating the main barriers to SME innovation, providing highly relevant information about the innovation process.

Risk in Sustainability Reporting: Designing a DEMATEL-Based Model for Enhanced Transparency and Accountability

The primary concern of research in the area of fraud risk relevant to sustainability reporting lies in understanding the potential for fraudulent or misleading reporting practices and developing strategies and tools to identify and prevent such behaviors. Taking into consideration that significant research has yet to be conducted on fraud risk models associated with sustainability reporting, this study represents an innovative contribution. It uses a mixed-methods approach to design a fraud risk model based on sustainability reporting. Given its type and approach, this research does not posit any hypotheses involving thematic analysis and the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method. This study is exploratory and applied, aiming to design a model through a mixed-methods methodology. Therefore, the research is hypothesis-free and instead utilizes a qualitative sample of experts and academics in the field of accounting from Iran and Denmark. The DEMATEL technique identifies key external and internal factors that significantly impact sustainability reporting, including comprehensive internal controls, strong governance and oversight, training and awareness, the utilization of technology, and data analytics. The influence of stakeholders, third-party audits, and the credibility of sustainability reports emerges as particularly significant in this context, exceeding the impact of other factors. These findings underscore that stakeholders, third-party audits, and report credibility to play a more prominent role in shaping sustainability performance compared to other considerations. This would imply that such variables remain key drivers in the perceptiveness and effectiveness of sustainability performance.

In Vitro Antiviral Assays: A Review of Laboratory Methods.

Viral diseases remain a significant challenge for global health with rising fatalities each year. In vitro assays are crucial techniques that have been utilized by researchers in the quest to develop antiviral therapies. These assays mimic the internal conditions of a living system and make it possible to study how antiviral compounds interact with such systems in a laboratory setting. Thus, the importance of in vitro assays cannot be overemphasized, as they provide an accurate means for assessing the efficacy of potential antiviral compounds. This review offers an overview of in vitro antiviral assays, the different types of cell lines used, and emerging techniques and applications that have been developed in recent times. The current review also assesses challenges that are encountered in antiviral drug research, as well as emerging technologies like microfluidics and three-dimensional cell cultures. The integration of computational models and multiparametric assays into antiviral research was noted to significantly improve antiviral drug development process.

New easy lab methods for the extraction of phycobiliproteins and pigments from cyanobacteria

Abstract Cyanobacteria are a source of a variety of valuable substances. These include extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and natural dyes. EPS are produced by cyanobacteria to protect themselves against environmental stresses, serve as a water reservoir, and play an essential role in the formation of biofilms. They can be used, for example, due to their antimicrobial properties. Cyanobacteria are phototrophic organisms and synthesize the pigments chlorophyll a and carotenoids for photosynthesis. However, they also possess other light-harvesting complexes in the form of phycobilisomes, which combine with proteins to form so-called phycobiliproteins (PBP). These enable cyanobacteria to utilize a larger light spectrum than plants. Both the pigments and the PBP can be used as natural colorants and offer antioxidant properties, among other things, which enables applications in medicine. Methods for the combined extraction of EPS, PBP, and pigments have already been described in the literature. Still, in this work, the methods were simplified and optimized to obtain the best possible method for use in the laboratory. The optimized downstream process is based on an extraction of the EPS with deionized water followed by an extraction of the PBP with potassium phosphate buffer and finally the extraction of the pigments with methanol. The PBP and pigments are extracted by adding fixed ratios of solvents followed by a single extraction for a certain period. The universal applicability was demonstrated over a broad biomass spectrum from 4 mg to 80 mg dry mass and the method was transferred to several cyanobacterial strains.

Assessing the Impacts of Coal Mining on Soil Quality in Kogi East, Nigeria

This study investigates the effects of coal mining on soil physical and chemical properties in Kogi East, Nigeria, focusing on two mined sites (Ika-Ogboyaga and Okaba) and one unmined control site (Abache). Soil samples were collected from 32 plots across mined areas and 16 plots in the unmined site using a 200m x 200m belt transect method. Samples were analyzed for particle size, bulk density, soil pH, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, exchangeable cations, and heavy metal concentrations using standard laboratory methods. Results show minimal differences in soil texture (sandy clay loam) across all sites, with slightly higher bulk density in mined areas (1.89±0.2g/cm3, 1.87±0.6 g/cm3), indicating soil compaction from mining activities. Chemical properties, including pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, and cation exchange capacity, showed minor variations, while heavy metal concentrations (Zn, Cu, Fe, Pb) were within safe limits across all sites. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) (F-value=0.00449; F-crit=3.1907; P-value=0.995511) showed no significant differences in most soil properties between mined and unmined areas, suggesting limited impact of coal mining on soil quality in the region. To improve soil health and sustainability the study recommended mitigating soil compaction, implementing vegetation rehabilitation with native species, conducting continuous soil monitoring, raising community awareness, and promoting sustainable mining practices.

Examining influencing factors and their hierarchical relationships in flight crew resilient behavior through a hybrid ISM-DEMATEL approach

The increasing complexity of aviation systems and the rise of unpredictable “Black Swan” events necessitate resilience-based safety management strategies. Flight Crew Resilient Behavior (FCRB), defined as the ability of flight crews to adapt effectively beyond standard operating procedures, is critical for ensuring operational safety. Despite its significance, systematic approaches to understanding and managing FCRB remain underdeveloped. This study builds on American Airlines’ pioneering work by extending the FCRB scope to the Chinese aviation sector, and identifies 22 key factors influencing FCRB across individual, cockpit, organizational, and social dimensions through a comprehensive literature review and expert interviews. A hierarchical model was developed using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) to uncover the relationships and layered dependencies among these factors. Subsequently, the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method was applied to analyze causal relationships and interaction strengths, pinpointing critical driving and dependent factors within the system. The integrated ISM-DEMATEL analysis revealed seven management pathways, offering actionable strategies to enhance FCRB through targeted interventions in knowledge development, safety culture, and responsibility. These findings provide a robust framework for airlines, aviation authorities, and manufacturers to manage FCRB proactively, address both anticipated and unforeseen challenges, and advance aviation safety.

Accuracy of the Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring Sensors in People with Diabetes Undergoing Hemodialysis (ALPHA-2 Study).

The accuracy of the latest generation Dexcom G7 sensors in individuals with diabetes undergoing hemodialysis has not previously been investigated. Participants with diabetes undergoing hemodialysis were recruited, with paired sensor glucose from Dexcom G7 recorded with plasma glucose analyzed in the laboratory, as well as the Freestyle Precision Pro glucometer and EKF Biosen C-Line analyzer. Ten adults (median age 64.0 [58.0-74.5] years) were recruited. Overall percentage (%) mean and median absolute relative differences were 10.4% and 8.5% for matched laboratory pairs, respectively (n = 720). Diabetes Technology Society error grid analysis showed 99.7%, 100%, and 99.9% of pairs within zones A and B for lab, glucometer, and EKF methods, respectively. This, the first Dexcom G7 accuracy study conducted in people on hemodialysis, demonstrates accuracy and safety when compared with lab reference readings. These data support the accessibility of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and hybrid closed-loop systems for people with diabetes on hemodialysis.

Accurate evaluation of factor VIII activity of efanesoctocog alfa in the presence of emicizumab.

Efanesoctocog is a B-domain-deleted, Fc-fusion FVIII linked to the D'D3 domain of VWF and two XTEN polypeptides, designed for an ultra-extended half-life for prophylaxis in hemophilia A, but also aiding in managing acute bleeding or surgery in patients on long-term emicizumab. However, no current laboratory method accurately measures FVIII levels in the presence of emicizumab. We hypothesized that the chromogenic (CSA) FVIII assay, specifically calibrated for efanesoctocog using bovine coagulation factors, could provide an accurate assessment of efanesoctocog activity. Seven centers across five countries received 12 plasma samples to measure in triplicate using two calibration methods across three independent days. Samples (n=6) contained either only efanesoctocog (FVIII :C=150 to 5 IU/dL), or efanesoctocog (FVIII:C=150 to 5 IU/dL) in combination with emicizumab (50 μg/mL)(n=5). One sample contained efanesoctocog (FVIII :C=50 IU/dL) and a high dose of emicizumab (80 μg/mL), another sample contained efanesoctocog (FVIII :C=50 IU/dL) with a low dose of emicizumab (20 μg/mL). Each center used its own analyzers, along with their usual reagents. CSA calibrated with standard calibrators highly overestimate FVIII activity. However, specific calibration with efanesoctocog enabled accurate measurement of FVIII activity, with low inter- and intra-laboratory variability, and no interference from emicizumab. All CSA reagents used in the study demonstrated low variability across different laboratories (Inter-laboratory coefficient of variation ranges between 9% and 20%). Specific calibration of the CSA FVIII assay using efanesoctocog and bovine reagents allows for accurate measurement of FVIII activity in patients receiving efanesoctocog, even in the presence of emicizumab.

Discriminating Analysis of Metal Ions via Multivariate Curve Resolution-Alternating Least Squares Applied to Silver Nanoparticle Sensor.

Heavy metals are life-threatening pollutions because of their great toxicity, long-term persistence in nature and their bioaccumulation in living organisms. In this work, we performed multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares analysis of UV-Vis raw spectra received by a colorimetric sensor constructed on mercaptoundecanoic acid functionalized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs@11MUA) to detect Cd2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+ in water. This combined approach allowed the rapid identification and quantification of multiple heavy metals and showed adequate sensitivity and selectivity, thus representing a promising analytical and computational method for both laboratory and field applications such as environmental safety and public health monitoring.

Risk propagation in emergency supply chain during public health events - From a reliability perspective.

The emergency supply chain is a vital component of the emergency management system and serves as the cornerstone for delivering relief during emergencies. This paper focuses on investigating the propagation mechanism of supply chain risks in public health emergencies. Firstly, by analyzing the characteristics of emergency supply chains, this study enhances the formation mechanism of scale-free networks in emergency supply chains from a reliability perspective through the utilization of Decision Experimentation and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and Analytic Network Process (ANP) methods. Secondly, an emergency supply chain network is established based on the improved mechanism. Thirdly, the risk propagation mechanism of the emergency supply chain is analyzed by utilizing an enhanced outbreak model. The mechanisms and processes of risk propagation in the emergency supply chain are examined in relation to the initial proportion of infection, intensity of risk, probability of infection, probability of recovery and speed of rescue. Based on this analysis, factors influencing risk propagation are identified and effective measures for controlling risks are proposed.

Development of circular supply chain implementation model for MSMEs using extended theory of planned behaviour and DEMATEL approach

This study emphasizes circular supply chain management (CSCM) implementation model development for Micro, Small, and Medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the context of India by using the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior (ETPB) and Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method of decision making. This study identifies seven factors to develop an extended theory of planned behavior (ETPB) with the help of experts and literature surveys. The DEMATEL method is used to analyze the prominence of factors, interrelationships, and causal relationships between the identified ETPB factors based on experts' opinions. The results indicate that there are three cause factors and the rest four are effect factors. ‘Social Pressure’, ‘Circular Incentives’, and ‘Pro-environmental Behavior and Responsibility’ are the significant causes. The Inbound Supply Chain is the prominent factor affected by all the six factors of ETPB. The research findings will be beneficial for academicians, policymakers, and practitioners as they provide insights into CSCM model development and help in recognizing significant measures to implement it.

Analysis of impact of anthropogenic factors on the landscape-geochemical state of the Nura river basin

The study examines the formation of anthropogenic landscapes under the influence of multiple factors, including pollutants, radioactive substances, radiation, noise, and the extraction of natural resources. Society's transformation of natural landscapes into anthropogenic ones has become a global phenomenon, acquiring new characteristics due to scientific and technological advancements in mining, industrial chemistry, and agriculture. The Nura River basin, dominated by the metallurgical complex of Qarmet, serves as a key area for this investigation. This enterprise is the largest mining and metallurgical facility in Kazakhstan, producing a range of materials, including coated metals and raw industrial products. Geochemical analyses were conducted within the Nura River basin to assess the environmental impact of industrial activities. Water and soil samples were collected systematically, and pollutant concentrations were determined using accredited laboratory methods. Data were processed through statistical analysis to identify patterns and causal relationships. The research revealed significant pollution in the Nura River basin, predominantly caused by industrial discharges containing heavy metals and other contaminants. Elevated concentrations of pollutants were linked to the metallurgical activities of Qarmet and other industrial enterprises. The transformation of natural landscapes into anthropogenic ones was found to be closely associated with the intensity of these activities. The study highlights the critical influence of industrial processes on the geochemical composition of landscapes within the Nura River basin. The findings underline the need for improved environmental management, including the modernization of industrial processes and waste treatment systems, to mitigate anthropogenic impacts and ensure sustainable development in the region.

Accuracy of noninvasive total haemoglobin measurement for detecting anaemia in infants: a cross-sectional study in a well-child care clinic, Khon Kaen, Thailand

ObjectiveInfants are at a high risk of developing anaemia, which can arise from various causes, including inappropriate feeding practices. However, few infants attend anaemia screening programmes due to poor cooperation...

ANALYSIS OF ANAMNESTIC DATA AND CLINICAL AND LABORATORY CRITERIA FOR FOOD INTOLERANCE IN PRETERM INFANTS TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE SEVERITY OF PERINATAL PATHOLOGY

Every year, up to 10% of the total number of children in the world are born before term. Preterm birth is considered to be one of the main factors in the increase of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The morphological and functional immaturity of the body at premature birth is one of the factors in the development of severe metabolic disorders. The negative effect of intrauterine hypoxia causes a violation of the functional state of organ systems, causes the development of multiple organ failure after birth For the timely detection of these disorders, justification of the necessary preventive and therapeutic measures, the issues of improving diagnostic measures in children in the neonatal period, in order to prevent the development of gastrointestinal pathology in the future are discussed. The aim of the study. To analyze the anamnestic data and clinical and laboratory criteria for disorders of the functional state of the gastrointestinal system in premature infants, considering the severity of the course of perinatal pathology. Materials and methods of the study. The main group of the study consisted of 149 premature infants of gestational age 32-33/6 weeks: subgroup A - newborns with severe forms of perinatal pathology (67 children), subgroup B - children with clinical signs of moderate perinatal pathology (82 children). The comparison group consisted of 50 conditionally healthy children with gestational age of 34-36/6 weeks. Inclusion criteria: gestational age at birth 32-33/6 weeks, manifestations of digestive system dysfunction with the consent of the child's parents. The complex of laboratory methods included the study of the level of albumin, α-1-antitrypsin, fecal elastase-1, PMN-elastase and calprotectin in coprofiltrate. The studies were conducted in accordance with the provisions of GCP (1996), the Convention of the Council of Europe on Human Rights and Biomedicine (1997), the Declaration of Helsinki of the World Medical Association for the Ethical Principles of Scientific Medical Research Involving Human Subjects (1964-2008), the Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine No.690 dated 23.09.2009 (as amended by the Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine No.523 dated 12.07.2012). Approval of the Bioethics Committee of the Bukovinian State Medical University (Protocol No. 2 dated 9.02.2015). Statistical processing of the study results was performed using the software "STATISTICA" (StatSoft Inc., USA, version 10). Comparison of quantitative indicators with normal distribution was performed using Student's t-test (p<0.05; p<0.001). Qualitative differences between the comparison groups were evaluated using MedCalc software (Statistical Software Package for Biomedical Research, 2023, Version 16.1). The study was performed as part of the research work of the Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology and Perinatal Medicine of the Bukovinian State Medical University (Chernivtsi, Ukraine). Results of the study. The risk of developing food tolerance disorders in IPV depends on a complex of factors, namely, a burdened maternal history of gastroenterological diseases and the implementation of adverse factors during pregnancy and childbirth. Assessment of the newborn's somatic status should be comprehensive, with special attention to clinical and paraclinical criteria for gastrointestinal dysfunction. The clinical signs of combined gastrointestinal disorders are: increase in liver size beyond the physiological norm (100.0%) or hepatolithiasis (52.24%), jaundice (86.57%), edema (80.6%), endotoxemia syndrome (71.64%), intestinal flatulence (73.13%) and hemorrhagic manifestations (56.27%), including bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract (43.68%). The laboratory criteria confirming the presence of severe forms of food intolerance are an increase in the level of calprotectin > 390.15 µg/g, albumin > 37.25 µg/g, α-1-antitrypsin > 452.67 µg/g with a decrease in the level of PMN elastase < 95.49 ng/g in the newborn coprofiltrate. Conclusions. The significant risk of disorders of the functional state of the digestive system in conditions of perinatal hypoxia in critical conditions of the newborn period in premature infants requires special attention of practitioners to clarify the characteristics of the somatic history, the course of pregnancy and childbirth of the mother, as well as the nature of postnatal adaptation of the newborn. Such an approach will allow to identify newborns with increased risk of developing gastrointestinal disorders in the acute period of neonatal diseases, as well as long-term consequences, with due regard to the peculiarities of the formation of long-term adaptation processes.

Closed Cardiac Trauma: Literature Review and Case Series of Combat Trauma

The aim. Analysis of the causes, diagnosis and treatment methods of closed heart injuries through the examples of literary sources and our own clinical cases. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine led to massive hostilities. This war not only changed the geopolitical situation in Europe, but also presented new challenges to the medical community, particularly in the field of military medicine. Among many types of combat injuries, heart injury, which can be both open and closed, requires special attention. Although both types of injuries are life-threatening, the closed heart injury becomes more relevant in the conditions of modern warfare. A closed heart injury often accompanies any chest injuries, has a hidden course, and its real prevalence exceeds the number of diagnosed cases. Among the closed injuries of the heart, concussion is accompanied by the least damage to the structures and the mildest consequences, while heart rupture has an intensive clinical manifestation, an extremely difficult course, and often fatal consequences. Most often, a heart bruise occurs with a chest injury. The proper diagnosis of heart bruise at the pre-hospital stage is accompanied by difficulties. They are associated with the conditions of the history taking and physical examination of the wounded person. The mentioned conditions include the lack of time, impaired consciousness of the victim (for example, when combined with a craniocerebral injury), lack of additional laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods as well as different levels of training of medical personnel. The article presents a detailed description of the types of closed heart trauma, clinical, laboratory and instrumental characteristics of each type, as well as a generalized scheme of treatment tactics. In addition, three clinical cases of heart bruise with different severity of clinical manifestation are provided. Conclusion. In the conditions of modern warfare, a closed heart injury is more relevant than an open type of the combat heart trauma. This requires military and civilian physicians to pay more attention to the possible presence of this type of injury, to improve diagnostics and treatment approaches, and to develop effective field care protocols.

Late Middle to Late Ordovician Phosphate Accumulation of the Moyero River Section (Siberia): A Record of Upwelling and Global Cooling

The phosphate-bearing rocks (phosphate rocks and phosphorites) were studied over a 45-meter interval of the Moyero river section, covering the upper part of the Darriwilian and the lower part of the Sandbian stages of the Ordovician. These rocks were investigated by field observations and laboratory methods, including optic and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analyses. The accumulation of phosphatic matter is manifested in carbonates, sandstones, and aleurolites in the form of grains (ooids and peloids), intraclasts, phosphatic and phosphatized shells. In argillites, it is represented by cryptocrystalline matter. Phosphate matter consists of fluorapatite. The peaks of phosphate accumulation are associated with the formation of layers of physically reworked granular phosphorites (condensation horizons) directly above the depositional sequence boundaries. The formation of the studied phosphate-bearing rocks during the Darriwilian-Sandbian transition was influenced by a combination of global (Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event (GOBE), reduction in sea surface temperature, atmospheric CO2, high sea level, flooding of craton margins) and regional (equatorial position of Siberia, arid climate, facies) factors. Global conditions led to the enrichment of seawater with phosphorus and the effect of upwelling. Regional conditions determined the characteristics of phosphate formation. Studied phosphate-bearing rocks can be considered as a record of upwelling on the Siberian craton during the Middle-Late Ordovician transition and one of the manifestations of long-term global cooling started early in the Middle Ordovician.

Uji Homogenitas dan Stabilitas Bungkil Kedelai Sebagai Bahan Standar pada Pengujian Nutrien di Laboratorium Pakan

One method for laboratories to achieve accreditation is through proficiency testing, which relies on the availability of reference materials from specialized providers or manufacturers. This research investigates the stability of both imported and locally sourced soybean meal, which serves as control samples in animal feed laboratories. The parameters assessed in this research include water content, ash content, and crude protein levels. Statistical analyses were conducted according to the proficiency testing guidelines outlined in SNI ISO 13528:2016, focusing on homogeneity and stability assessments. The results indicate that both local and imported soybean meals are homogeneous across the tested parameters. However, the stability tests reveal differing results: local soybean meal shows instability in water content and crude protein, while its ash content remains stable. In contrast, the imported soybean meal exhibits stable water and ash content but unstable crude protein levels. In conclusion, soybean meal can be utilized as a control sample in feed laboratories for short-term applications due to its susceptibility to changes in material characteristics. Key words: homogeneity, stability, soybean meal