Physiological Values Research Articles

Impact of anti-coagulant choice on blood elongational behavior.

Blood is a highly complex fluid with rheological properties that have a significant impact on various flow phenomena. In particular, it exhibits a non-Newtonian elongational viscosity that is comparable to polymer solutions. In this study, we investigate the effect of three different anticoagulants, namely EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid), heparin, and citrate, on the elongational properties of both human and swine blood. We observe a unique two stage thinning process and a strong dependency of the characteristic relaxation time on the chosen anticoagulant, with the longest relaxation time and thus the highest elongational viscosity being found for the case of citrate. Our findings for the latter are consistent with the physiological values obtained from a dripping droplet of human blood without any anticoagulant. Furthermore, our study resolves the discrepancy found in the literature regarding the reported range of characteristic relaxation times, confirming that the elongational viscosity must be taken into account for a full rheological characterization of blood. These results have important implications for understanding blood flow in various physiological, pathological and technological conditions.

En bloc kidney transplantation of an infant to an adolescent girl - one-year follow-up

Introduction. En bloc kidney transplantation (EBKT) overcomes the problems of insufficient nephron mass of the solitary kidney of the youngest donors and the creation of a vascular anastomosis with small blood vessels. Although there are positive experiences with EBKT in adult patients, there is little data in pediatric recipients. Case outline. The kidney donor was a six-month-old male infant (7 kg), and the recipient was a 16-year-old adolescent girl (58.7 kg). The estimated glomerular filtration rate increased during the one-year follow-up after EBKT and reached 88.8 ml/min/1.73m2, which was accompanied by an increase in the dimensions of the medial and lateral kidneys. Normalization of proteinuria and tubular functions occurred 6 and 12 months after transplantation, respectively. Conclusion. EBKT in an adolescent girl was performed without vascular complications, with satisfactory kidney function and physiological values of proteinuria after a one-year follow-up. EBKT of infants could increase the number of cadaveric donors but also enable better function and survival of the graft, given that the growth and functional maturation of the infant's kidneys continue postnatally in the body of the graft recipient.

Enzymatic activity of bone markers on Lithobates catesbeianus (Shaw, 1802) growth during the ossification process.

In order to better understand the ossification processes in anurans our study was carried out on tadpoles and adults of Lithobates catesbeianus. In this sense, we characterized the kinetic properties of alkaline phosphatase with p-nitrophenylphosphatase (pNPP) and pyrophosphate (PPi) and evaluated the activities of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and acid phosphatase. The enzyme extracts were obtained from tadpoles and adult femurs, which were divided into epiphysis and diaphysis. After homogenization, the samples were submitted to differential centrifugation to obtain cell membranes and, further, to phospholipase C (PIPLC) treatment, to remove membrane-bound proteins anchored by phosphatidylinositol. The average of specific activity for pNPP hydrolysis (at pH 10.5) by alkaline phosphatase released by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PIPLC) from Bacillus cereus among different bone regions at different animal ages was 1,142.57 U.mg-1, while for PPi hydrolysis (at pH 8.0), it was 1,433.82 U.mg-1. Among the compounds tested for enzymatic activity, the one that influenced the most was EDTA, with approximately 67% of inhibition for pNPPase activity and 77% for PPase activity. In the case of kinetic parameters, the enzyme showed a "Michaelian" behavior for pNPP and PPi hydrolysis. The Km value was around 0.6mM for pNPPase activity and ranged from 0.01 to 0.11mM for PPase activity, indicating that the enzyme has a higher affinity for this substrate. The study of pNPP and PPi hydrolysis by the enzyme revealed that the optimum pH of actuation for pNPP was 10.5, while for PPi, which is considered the true substrate of alkaline phosphatase, was 8.0, close to the physiological value. The results show that regardless of the ossification type that occurs, the same enzyme or isoenzymes act on the different bone regions and different life stages of anurans. The similarity of the results of studies with other vertebrates shows that anurans can be considered excellent animal models for the study of biological calcification.

HEMPSEED CAKE IN RABBIT NUTRITION: LIVESTOCK PERFORMANCES, QUALITY OF MEAT, DIGESTIBILITY OF NUTRIENTS AND ANIMAL HEALTH STATUS

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dried hempseed cake (by-product of oil production) supplementation (5 % − EG1 and 10 % − EG2) to rabbit feed mixture on livestock performances, quality of meat, digestibility of nutrients and animal health status. The chemical composition of the Longissimus thoracis and lumborum muscle including the content of fatty acids and amino acids, and the biochemical parameters in caecum and blood of growing rabbits were investigated. No significant differences among the experimental groups in feed intake, body weight and carcass parameters were found. The digestibility trial was performed using the balance method. Feed mixtures differed in digestible energy content i.e., crude protein, crude fibre and fat. The resulting digestibility coefficients for protein fell within the range of 66.72 − 74.18 %, fat digestibility was in the interval from 88.73 to 89.34 % and crude fibre digestibility was in the range from 27.56 to 34.59 %. Fatty acid profile in intramuscular lipids represents the highest content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA; 47.72 − 48.51 %), followed by the content of saturated acids (SFA; 33.75 − 33.87 %) and a low content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; 11.23 − 12.08 %). Hempseed oil cake could be included in rabbits' diet with beneficial effect on carcass quality and can enhance the nutritional quality of rabbit meat with the focus on essential amino acids. The tested blood serum parameters were within the range of the physiological reference values with no statistical differences between experimental groups, except for glucose and cholesterol content. The data on volatile fatty acids (VFA) show that most intensive process was in the caecum of rabbits in the experimental groups EG1 and EG2. All obtained data let us to recommend the inclusion of hempseed cake up to 10 % in rabbit diet without any negative effect on animal welfare, livestock performance and quality of meat.

PH responsive curcumin released from urea-amine group functionalized mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles.

Studies on natural products with anticancer properties have gained more importance in recent years in order to not damage healthy tissues during cancer treatments or to perform the treatment causing the least damage. Curcumin is a common natural product with anticancer properties, but its low solubility, instability, and bioavailability have limited its use in clinical applications in cancer research. As a proposed solution to this problem, a new mesoporous organosilica nanocarrier (MON-A) functionalized with a 1,2-diphenylethane-1,2-diamine structure capable of pH-controlled release was prepared in this study. MON-A was characterized by TGA, BET, XRD, FT-IR, and SEM-EDS analyses. Dispersion of MON-A into curcumin stock solution in ethanol afforded a curcumin-loaded MON-A-Cur system. Elevated loading capacity and pH-controlled release were provided by the Schiff base reaction that occurred during loading of curcumin with 1,2-diphenylethane-1,2-diamine placed on the silica wall of the nanocarrier system. The encapsulation efficiency was 25% for MON-A-Cur. In in vitro release experiments, curcumin release from the MON-A-Cur system was 0.5% at physiological and endosomal pH values. The resulting low release percentage indicates the presence of very strong interactions between the nanocarrier MON-A and curcumin. This strong interaction showed that MON-A nanocarrier could carry 99.5% of the curcumin without leakage under physiological and endosomal pH conditions without using pore capping agents. At a lower acidic pH value (pH 4.5), 26.3% curcumin release was obtained. These findings showed that the cumulative release of curcumin from the MON-A-Cur system can be achieved in a long-term and pH-controlled manner.

Hematological Profile and Aminotransferase Activity in Kintamani Bali Puppies Injected with High Doses of Ivermectin

Pr Ivermectin toxicity is known to cause harmful side effects or even death in dogs intolerant to the medication. Intolerant dogs have a mutation in the MDR-1 (Multi-Drug Resistance) gene, so they lack the P-glycoprotein gene that removes drugs from the brain. Therefore, this study aimed to determine ivermectin toxicity in Kintamani Bali puppies by examining physiological responses based on hematological profiles and aminotransferase activity after a high-dose injection. A laboratory observational approach was used, and the samples were 25 healthy female Kintamani puppies based on a veterinary examination, aged 3-6 months, weighing 6.32 ± 1.18 kg, randomly divided equally into five treatment groups. The treatments included a placebo (1ml Aqua Pro Injection) as a control, as well as a single dose of ivermectin injection sequentially 200, 400, 800, and 1600 µg/kg subcutaneously. Blood samples were collected before treatment and after 7 and 14 days post-treatment. The hematologic parameters observed included levels of hemoglobin, erythrocytes, hematocrit, total leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, as well as blood biochemistry, namely aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities. Observation results after 4 hours of administration of ivermectin at doses of 800 and 1600 µg/kg of puppies showed changes in behavior, restlessness, depression, tremors, mydriasis, hypersalivation, anorexia, and polydipsia. Meanwhile, the results of hematological examination on the seventh day after ivermectin treatment showed a trend of erythropenia, leukocytosis, a decrease in hemoglobin levels, and an increase in aminotransferase enzyme activity. This condition continued until day 14, but the physiological parameter values showed that the puppy’s condition gradually improved compared to the seventh day after treatment. There were significant differences in the blood profile, AST, and ALT of Kintamani puppies injected with ivermectin at doses of 800 and 1,600 ug/kg compared to controls on days 7 and 14 after and before treatment. It was concluded that high-dose ivermectin injections in Kintamani Bali puppies caused toxicity with clinical signs of erythropenia, decreased hemoglobin, leukocytosis, and increased aminotransferase activity.

Studying Erythromelalgia Using Doppler Flowmetry Perfusion Signals and Wavelet Analysis-An Exploratory Study.

Erythromelalgia (EM) is a rare disease, which is still poorly characterized. In the present paper, we compared the hand perfusion of one female EM patient, under challenges, with a healthy control group. Using a laser Doppler flowmeter (LDF) with an integrated thermal probe, measurements were taken in both hands at rest (Phase I) and after two separate challenges-post-occlusive hyperemia (PORH) in one arm (A) and reduction of skin temperature (cooling) with ice in one hand (B) (Phase II). The final measurement periods corresponded to recovery (Phases III and IV). The control group involved ten healthy women (27.3 ± 7.9 years old). A second set of measurements was taken in the EM patient one month after beginning a new therapeutic approach with beta-blockers (6.25 mg carvedilol twice daily). Z-scores of the patient's LDF and temperature fluctuations compared to the control group were assessed using the Wavelet transform (WT) analysis. Here, fluctuations with |Z| > 1.96 were considered significantly different from healthy values, whereas positive or negative Z values indicated higher or lower deviations from the control mean values. Cooling elicited more measurable changes in LDF and temperature fluctuations, especially in higher frequency components (cardiac, respiratory, and myogenic), whereas PORH notably evoked changes in lower frequency components (myogenic, autonomic, and endothelial). No significant Z-score deviations were observed in the second measurement, which might signify a stabilization of the patient's distal perfusion following the new therapeutic approach. This analysis involving one EM patient, while clearly exploratory, has shown significant deviations in WT-derived physiological components' values in comparison with the healthy group, confirming the interest in using cold temperature as a challenger. The apparent agreement achieved with the clinical evaluation opens the possibility of expanding this approach to other patients and pathologies in vascular medicine.

Rejuvenation of Ovarian Function after Autologous Platelet Lysate Injection: Promising Evidence from Confirmed Cases

Intraovarian injection of autologous Platelet Lysate (PL) can be considered a potential therapeutic strategy for ovarian function rejuvenation. Especially, in women diagnosed with Poor Ovarian Response (POR) or Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), the exogenous administration of the autologous platelet-derived growth factors, influence positively the regulation of the serum Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) and Estradiol (E2). Therefore, the evaluation of the serum levels of the aforementioned hormones was performed on 10 participants with a mean age of 43 ± 4 years diagnosed with POR or POI, who received intraovarian PL injection monotherapy. The monitoring of the serum hormone levels was performed for 3 months. The results of this study clearly showed that all participants were characterized by elevated levels of FSH and LH and reduced levels of E2 and AMH, prior to the PL injection. However, the levels of all hormones started to change after the 1st month of follow-up monitoring. Moreover, 40% of the participants conceived successfully either by natural way or after in vitro Fertilization (IVF). Considering these, the intraovarian injection of autologous PL exhibited promising evidence regarding the altering of hormone levels at physiological values. Moreover, the contained PL growth factors were implicated in angiogenesis promotion and also in toleration of the inflammatory microenvironment, regulating positively ovarian function. In conclusion, the intraovarian autologous PL injection is considered a safe, effective, and tolerable therapeutic strategy in women with POR or POI. Moreover, the results of this study were very encouraging, especially for the women with infertility issues, who want their genetic offspring.

Responses of cacao to exposed to hypoxia and excess iron in growth, physiology, and nutritional value

The growth, enzyme activity, and nutritional value of Theobroma cacao L. are strongly affected under hypoxic conditions and by the toxicity of iron (Fe). It is a challenge to mitigate the stress caused by excessive levels of Fe under flooding in cocoa trees. This study evaluated the physiological response of two cocoa genotypes to different Fe concentrations and hypoxic conditions. The plants were cultivated under three Fe concentrations (44.5, 133.5, and 400.5 μmol L−1 FeSO4) and two hydroponic cultivation conditions, one with an oxygenated nutrient solution and the other solution without oxygenation (hypoxia). Growth characteristics, enzyme activity, and nutritional balance were evaluated at 116 days after planting. An increased guaiacol peroxidase activity and higher phenolic compound contents of genotype TSH 1188 were observed at the Fe concentration of 400.5 μmol L−1 under hypoxia. The genotype SIAL 70 was also recorded increased with rising Fe concentrations, even without aeration. Regardless of the hypoxic conditions, the calcium content of both genotypes decreased with increasing Fe concentrations in the nutrient solution, while the Zn concentration of genotype TSH 1188 increased, regardless of the hypoxic nutrient solution, and that of genotype SIAL 70 decreased under hypoxic conditions. The genotypes respond differently to Fe excess and hypoxia, indicating distinct tolerance mechanisms for each stress type. In general, the tolerance of genotype TSH 1188 and SIAL 70 to the combination of Fe excess and hypoxia, respectively, was high and moderate, suggesting that the two genotypes have different mechanisms to support these stress conditions.

Refinement of Neurofilament light Dynamics in CSF and Blood for familial Alzheimer’s Disease

AbstractBackgroundDisease‐modifying therapies for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) are likely most beneficial when initiated in the pre‐symptomatic phase. To track success of such interventions fluid biomarkers became instrumental, with neurofilament light chain (NfL) showing particular promise. We previously reported that serum NfL increases in pre‐symptomatic phases of familial (autosomal‐dominantly inherited) AD (fAD) and that within‐person rate‐of‐change in NfL is an earlier predictor of fAD symptom onset compared to cross‐sectional levels. The aim of the study at hand was to extend these initial findings in a larger cohort.MethodParticipants enrolled in the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN) with matched cross‐sectional and longitudinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF; n = 962) as well as plasma (n = 1294) samples were used. NfL measurements have been performed on the SIMOA platform using commercially available assay‐kits. To investigate the influence of physiological factors independent from AD, we first analyzed whether age and body mass index (BMI) could account for observed variation in inter‐individual CSF and plasma NfL levels considering non‐carrier family‐members (NC) as a healthy control group. Next, utilizing estimated years to symptom onset (EYO) and previously published methods (Preische et al., 2019), we determined the point in disease course when baseline and longitudinal CSF and plasma NfL concentrations started to increase in mutation carriers (MC) relative to NC, after adjusting for age and BMI.ResultOur results reveal a tight correlation of CSF and blood NfL values within MC as well as NC (figure 1A‐B). However, within NC, after correction for age and BMI, some unexplained variability remained (figure 1C). Further, a decrease of the NfL plasma/CSF ratio over age was found after correcting for BMI (figure 1D). The discrimination of MC from NC was equally good for plasma compared to CSF, being possible on the group level as early as around ‐15 to almost ‐20 EYO depending on the modelling (figure 2).ConclusionOur results support plasma equivalently to CSF NfL as a clinically useful biomarker to longitudinally track neurodegeneration in fAD. The systemic factors influencing physiological NfL values in blood should be investigated in future studies to further improve interpretation of this biomarker.

The Application of Fluorescence Anisotropy for Viscosity Measurements of Small Volume Biological Analytes.

Time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy has been extensively used to detect changes in bimolecular rotation associated with viscosity levels within cells and other solutions. Physiological alterations of the viscosity of biological fluids have been associated with numerous pathological causes. This current work serves as proof of concept for a method to measure viscosity changes in small analyte volumes representative of biological fluids. The fluorophores used in this study were fluorescein disodium salt and Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (EGFP). To assess the ability of the method to accurately detect viscosity values in small volume samples, we conducted measurements with 12 μL and 100 μL samples. No statistically significant changes in determined viscosities were recorded as a function of sample volume for either fluorescent probe. The anisotropy of both fluorescence probes was measured in low viscosity standards ranging from 1.02 to 1.31 cP, representative of physiological fluid values, and showed increasing rotational correlation times in response to increasing viscosity. We also showed that smaller fluid volumes can be diluted to accommodate available cuvette volume requirements without a loss in the accuracy of detecting discrete viscosity variations. Moreover, the ability of this technique to detect subtle viscosity changes in complex fluids similar to physiological ones was assessed by using fetal bovine serum (FBS) containing samples. The presence of FBS in the analytes did not alter the viscosity specific rotational correlation time of EGFP, indicating that this probe does not interact with the tested analyte components and is able to accurately reflect sample viscosity. We also showed that freeze-thaw cycles, reflective of the temperature-dependent processes that biological samples of interest could undergo from the time of collection to analyses, did not impact the viscosity measurements' accuracy. Overall, our data highlight the feasibility of using time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy for precise viscosity measurements in biological samples. This finding is relevant as it could potentially expand the use of this technique for in vitro diagnostic systems.

Assessing amyloid plaque burden in aging marmosets and genetically engineered PSEN1 mutation carriers using 11C‐PiB PET

AbstractBackgroundThere is an urgent need to develop novel animal models to investigate the underlying cellular and molecular root causes of the pathogenesis and progression of AD. Our group has worked to establish the common marmoset as the first primate‐specific model of AD to reveal the earliest cellular and molecular events of AD processes and allow charting of AD progression from its inception. For this, we established a colony of outbred marmosets and used genetic engineering techniques to generate marmosets carrying the PSEN1‐C410Y and PSEN1‐A426P mutations that cause early‐onset, familial AD. The present study aims to use PET imaging to access and track the progression of Ab plaque burden non‐invasively and longitudinally in our marmoset models of AD.MethodMarmosets anesthetized with isoflurane delivered via a facemask were placed in a preclinical PET/CT scanner customized with marmoset‐specific beds. Respiratory rate, heart rate, arterial O2 saturation, and rectal temperature were monitored and maintained at normal physiological values. Our PET imaging protocol follows the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). The amyloid‐binding 11C‐Pittsburgh Compound B (11C‐PiB) was delivered intravenously in doses varying from 18.5 – 185 MBq (0.5 – 5 mCi). A 90‐min dynamic acquisition was performed immediately following the radiotracer injection, followed by a 3D CT scan acquired at 200 µm isotropic resolution. After the PET/CT neuroimaging scan, the marmosets were recovered from anesthesia and returned to their home cages.ResultWe observed positive 11C‐PiB binding and retention in the brains of aging outbred marmosets and in marmosets harboring PSEN1 mutations. Significant 11C‐PiB retention was observed in the cortex and white matter tracts. The areas with the highest 11C‐PiB retention were the lateral frontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and temporal lobe regions.ConclusionThis study demonstrates using 11C‐PiB to track Ab plaque burden in the brains of aging marmosets and marmosets harboring PSEN1 mutations. As observed in human patients of AD, the amount of 11C‐PiB bound (measured in SUV and SUVR units) varied from animal to animal, and we are currently performing group analysis to investigate the dependence of 11C‐PiB retention on age and sex. This research was funded by NIH/NIA grants R24AG073190 and U19AG074866.

Assessing amyloid plaque burden in aging marmosets and genetically engineered PSEN1 mutation carriers using 11C‐PiB PET

AbstractBackgroundThere is an urgent need to develop novel animal models to investigate the underlying cellular and molecular root causes of the pathogenesis and progression of AD. Our group has worked to establish the common marmoset as the first primate‐specific model of AD to reveal the earliest cellular and molecular events of AD processes and allow charting of AD progression from its inception. For this, we established a colony of outbred marmosets and used genetic engineering techniques to generate marmosets carrying the PSEN1‐C410Y and PSEN1‐A426P mutations that cause early‐onset, familial AD. The present study aims to use PET imaging to access and track the progression of Ab plaque burden non‐invasively and longitudinally in our marmoset models of AD.MethodMarmosets anesthetized with isoflurane delivered via a facemask were placed in a preclinical PET/CT scanner customized with marmoset‐specific beds. Respiratory rate, heart rate, arterial O2 saturation, and rectal temperature were monitored and maintained at normal physiological values. Our PET imaging protocol follows the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). The amyloid‐binding 11C‐Pittsburgh Compound B (11C‐PiB) was delivered intravenously in doses varying from 18.5 – 185 MBq (0.5 – 5 mCi). A 90‐min dynamic acquisition was performed immediately following the radiotracer injection, followed by a 3D CT scan acquired at 200 µm isotropic resolution. After the PET/CT neuroimaging scan, the marmosets were recovered from anesthesia and returned to their home cages.ResultWe observed positive 11C‐PiB binding and retention in the brains of aging outbred marmosets and in marmosets harboring PSEN1 mutations. Significant 11C‐PiB retention was observed in the cortex and white matter tracts. The areas with the highest 11C‐PiB retention were the lateral frontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and temporal lobe regions.ConclusionThis study demonstrates using 11C‐PiB to track Ab plaque burden in the brains of aging marmosets and marmosets harboring PSEN1 mutations. As observed in human patients of AD, the amount of 11C‐PiB bound (measured in SUV and SUVR units) varied from animal to animal, and we are currently performing group analysis to investigate the dependence of 11C‐PiB retention on age and sex.This research was funded by NIH/NIA grants R24AG073190 and U19AG074866.

Impact of pre-bypass ultrafiltration on prime values and clinical outcomes in neonatal and infant cardiopulmonary bypass

Background: A standard blood prime for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in congenital cardiac surgery may possess non-physiologic values for electrolytes, glucose, and lactate. Pre-bypass Ultrafiltration (PBUF) can make these values more physiologic and standardized prior to bypass initiation. We aimed to determine if using PBUF on blood primes including packed red blood cells and thawed plasma would make prime values more predictable and physiologic. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate whether the addition of PBUF had an impact on outcome measures. Methods: Retrospective review of consecutive patients ≤ 1 year of age undergoing an index cardiac operation on CPB between 8/2017 and 9/2021. As PBUF was performed at the perfusionists’ discretion, a natural grouping of patients that received PBUF vs. those that did not occur. Differences in electrolytes, glucose, and lactate were compared at specific time points using Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables and the Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables. Clinical outcomes were also assessed. Results: In both cohorts, the median age at surgery was 3 months and 47% of patients were female; 308/704 (44%) of the PBUF group and 163/414 (39%) of the standard prime group had at least one preoperative risk factor. The proportion of PBUF circuits which demonstrated more physiologic values for glucose (318 [45%]), sodium (434, [62%]), potassium (688 [98%]), lactate (612 [87%]) and osmolality (595 [92%]) was significantly higher when compared to standard prime circuit levels for glucose (8 [2%]), sodium (13 [3%], potassium (150 [36%]), lactate (56 [13%]) and osmolality (23 [6%]) prior to CPB initiation. There were no differences in clinical outcomes or rates of major adverse events between the two cohorts. Conclusions: PBUF creates standardized and more physiologic values for electrolytes, glucose, and lactate before the initiation of bypass without significant impacts on in-hospital outcomes.

Assessment of clinical and biochemical parameters in calves of the dairy period when introducing a feed additive into the diet

This article examines the clinical health indicators of dairy calves, as well as data on laboratory tests of blood and urine, before and after conducting a scientific experiment on adding selenium and cobalt aspartate nanoparticles to their diet in the form of a feed additive. It was established that the hematological parameters of calves throughout the experiment did not go beyond the reference values for this type of animal. In the course of studying the biochemical parameters of the blood serum of calves, it was established that they, as well as the parameters of the clinical blood test, did not go beyond the physiological values for these animals throughout the experiment. At the same time, some differences were identified between groups of animals. Thus, a decrease in the activity of the alanine aminotransferase enzyme in calves of the first experimental group relative to control animals was reliably established. At the same time, a significant increase in the concentration of magnesium in the blood serum of experimental animals relative to control animals was established.

Comparison of cashew nuts, pistachios, and hazelnuts according to nutritional, biological, and physiological values when justifying the development of new product types

Empirical studies of the chemical composition of nuts and systematization of the obtained data on cashew nuts, hazelnuts, and pistachios were carried out in order to develop new types of products. It has been shown that the fat fractions of cashew nuts, hazelnuts, and pistachios are comparable to oilseeds used for the extraction of vegetable oil. Cashew kernels have an SFA:MUFA:PUFA ratio of 1:3:1, pistachio kernels — 1:4.3:2.5, and hazelnut kernels — 1:10:1.8. PUFAs are represented by ω-6 fatty acids; there are no ω-3 fatty acids and trans isomers. In terms of protein content, nut kernels (cashews — 18 g, hazelnuts — about 16g, pistachios — 20 g) are not inferior to complete protein sources. The comparison of amino acid scores with the amino acid composition of the reference protein (FAO) has shown that the pistachio nut mass corresponds to a complete protein in amino acid composition, while cashews and hazelnuts have one limiting amino acid — lysine. The carbohydrate part of nuts is represented by dietary fi ber, starch, and sugars. A distinctive feature of pistachio nuts is their higher carbohydrate content (27.5 g), as well as the presence of maltose. Hazelnuts, pistachios, and cashews are high in dietary fiber. Introducing nuts into the diet of healthy people has demonstrated that each nut promotes the development of diff erent phyla of the microbiome.

Production and characterization of fruit jam with activated pectin using wild hawthorn puree (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.)

In this study, we developed a technology for the production of jelly confiture based on natural hawthorn puree. The use of activated low-esterified hawthorn pectin in the recipe was shown to increase the complexing ability of the product in relation to zinc and lead ions, making it suitable for functional preventive nutrition. The final product was characterised by a bright orange-yellow colour, a distinct hawthorn taste and odour, and a gelatinous consistency. Evaluation of the product based on organoleptic, physicochemical, and microbiological indicators showed that it had high nutritional and physiological value due to its retention of native micronutrients, high content of potassium, magnesium, and calcium, and antioxidant activity. The use of this product in a daily diet can satisfy the daily need for physiologically active substances and food ingredients. Overall, the use of natural puree from wild hawthorn fruit in the technology of jelly confiture allows for the expansion of raw material sources in the production of confectionery products with high nutritional and physiological value.

Differences in Facial Skin Acidity Levels of Nurses in Sebelas Maret University Hospital, Before and After Surgical Mask Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Indonesia has reported more than 4 million confirmed COVID-19 cases as of November 2021. This has led to an increase in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), for example, surgical masks in hospitals, especially referral hospitals for COVID-19 patients. The Potential Hydrogen (pH) or level of acidity plays an important role in the body's physiological functions and regulates the formation of an epidermal barrier (stratum corneum). Thus, the use of surgical masks is able to influence the pH of human skin. This study aimed to determine the difference in facial skin acidity (pH) levels of nurses at Sebelas Maret University Hospital before and after surgical mask use.
 Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional observational method and was conducted at the Sebelas Maret University Hospital, Surakarta. A total of 55 subjects were involved in this study, and each subject’s facial skin Potential Hydrogen (pH) was measured before and after surgical mask use. Subsequently, all data were analyzed with a T-test using SPSS 21.00, and a p-value <0.05 indicated statistical significance.
 Results: The results showed facial skin pH increased after surgical mask use for nurses at the Sebelas Maret University Hospital (p = 0.000).
 Conclusion: An increase in the physiological value of skin pH was observed in the nurses of Sebelas Maret University Hospital after surgical mask use.

Does the pre-procedural pathophysiological pattern impact post-procedural hemodynamic outcomes and vessel prognosis in multivessel coronary artery disease?

Abstract Aim The pathophysiological pattern of coronary artery disease (CAD) pre-procedure may affect the physiological response to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the pathophysiological pattern of CAD, derived from virtual pullbacks of angiography-based fractional flow reserve, impacted the immediate hemodynamic outcome post-PCI. Methods and results Among 503 consecutive patients with chronic coronary syndrome and non-ST elevated acute coronary syndrome treated at least 1 vessel in the Multivessel TALENT trial, 826 quantitative flow ratio (QFR) analysable vessels were enrolled. Pre-procedural pathophysiological patterns in CAD were characterized by the physiological distribution and local severity of coronary atherosclerosis using QFR-derived indexes acquired from pre-PCI angiograms. The physiological distribution of CAD was defined as "predominant diffuse" or "focal" according to a QFR pullback pressure gradient (PPG) index <0.78 and ≥0.78, respectively. Physiological local severity was assessed using QFR gradient per 1 mm (dQFR/ds), with a value ≥ 0.025/mm defining the presence of a "major gradient". The optimal post-PCI QFR value was defined as QFR ≥0.91. Among the 826 vessels, 673 vessels were analysed (excluding vessels which have total occlusions, ostial lesions, and paired QFR not analysable). Mean pre-PCI PPG index was 0.70 with a nadir in the distribution curve. As per the definition, "focal" lesions were 30% of the total analysed vessels and 88% had a "major gradient". The majority of the vessels belong to predominantly diffuse disease with a major gradient (62.7%, Figure 1). Compared to predominantly focal disease with a major gradient, predominantly diffuse disease had a higher risk of a post-PCI QFR <0.91 (OR 1.78, 95%CI 1.23-2.58). The scatterplot between pre-procedural PPGI and post-procedural QFR showed positive correlation (Piason’s R=0.163, p<0.001, Figure 2). The correlation suggested that the vessels with focal lesions more frequently achieved optimal post-PCI QFR values compared to that with diffuse lesions. In multivariable analysis, low QFR PPG index (diffuse disease) was an independent factor for predicting a post-PCI QFR<0.91 (per 0.1 decreases of QFR PPG index, OR:10.3, 95% CI 1.7-63.3, p=0.012). The estimated 2-year VOCE, the powered secondary endpoint of this study, estimated by the post-QFR is 5.9% in treated vessels with predominant diffuse lesion, while 4.9% in that with predominant focal lesion based on the previous substudy of SYNTAX II trial.[1] Conclusions A physiological pattern of diffuse CAD pre-procedure was an independent factor in predicting an unfavourable immediate hemodynamic outcome post-PCI. Pre-procedural PPG index can be the predictor of not only post-PCI physiological value but also vessel base prognosis.pre-PCI pathophysiological patternScatterplot and correlation

Evaluation and application of treadmill Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing and field measurement results of female national team water polo players

Abstract Introduction Due to intensive sport adaptation, examinations of elite athletes are a special entity of cardiology. Cardiovascular follow-up of elite athletes is a significant method of supporting safe and successful sport. In many sports like water polo, training work takes place in different environments and with different forms of movement, then the tests applied in laboratory circumstances. Although treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is widely used in cardiology screening, we have little information of its usefulness in physical fitness follow-up in non-running sports. Purpose We aimed to analyze and to compare the data of elite youth team (YT) and adult water polo players collected from maximal intensity cardio-pulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and field examinations in definition of current fitness status of the different age groups. Methods During the age- and sport specific field measurements (swimming tests) and CPET examinations, we collected resting and exercise heart rate data and lactate levels at defined time points. During CPET, continuous 12-lead ECG, gas analysis and repeated blood pressure measurements were also carried out. Results 46 female water polo players were examined (age: 18.5±5.9y, adults: 19, training: 18.0±7.9h/w). Comparing CPET and field measurements, no differences were found between resting heart rate (75.7±13.4vs73.1±13.0 BPM, p=0.22) and resting lactate levels (1.5±0.4vs1.6±0.6 mM, p=0.29). Achieved maximal heart rates were higher during CPET examinations, than during field tests (196.3±9.7 vs 191.0±12.5 BPM, p=0.001) On the contrary, maximal lactate levels were lower during CPET in comparison to field measurements (8.4±2.4 vs 9.6±2.7 mM, p=0.01). Lactate levels stayed high after routine cool-down swimming ordered by the trainers, but decreased after suggested further training (6.6±2.7 vs 3.7±1.6 mM, p=10-16). When comparing the age groups, CPET examinations showed similar relative maximal aerobic capacity (44.4±4.8vs44.9±5.5 ml/kg/min, p=0.72) and peak lactate values (8.2±2.7vs8.7±1.9 mM, p=0.48), while maximal heart rates were higher in YT groups (200.7±7.2 vs 190.1±9.6 BPM, p<0.001) as compared to adults. Similarly, maximal lactate levels showed no differences (9.1±2.6 vs 10.4±2,7 mM, p=0.13), while maximal heart rates were higher in YT groups (197.7±10.0 vs 181.4±8.9 BPM, p<0.001) as compared to adults during field examinations. Conclusions Although field measurements and laboratory CPET results differ from several points of view, differences between age groups and the kinetics of the data are similar. Maximal heart rates are easier to achieve during CPET, while more intensive lactate increase could be observed during field measurements. Combining the above examinations helps defining maximal physiological values, fitness status, differences between different age groups, and optimizing training plans, as well as differentiating between physiological and pathological sport adaptation.