Reference Values Research Articles

Toward mechanistic understanding of highly extraction efficiency for boron from Salt Lake brine: kinetics, mass transfer, and modeling

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe kinetic study of boron extraction from Salt Lake brine is the essence and mechanism of solvent extraction process. A thorough understanding of the kinetic competition between desired Ionic liquid (IL)‐isooctyl alcohol (2‐EH) extraction processes and any detrimental diffusion resistance is required to achieve high extraction efficiency of boron in Salt Lake brine.RESULTSThe extraction experiments of boron from Salt Lake brine with highly extraction efficiency (93.6%) in 3‐dodecyl‐1‐methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([C12mim][HSO4])‐2‐EH extraction system was performed in a constant interfacial area stirred Lewis cell. The work uniquely employs a laminar constant interface surface cell as the research object, offering a more precise measurement of the extraction kinetics compared to traditional methods. Furthermore, the impacts of key parameters such as extraction temperature, stirring speed, phase interface area, and the initial concentrations of boron [C12mim][HSO4] and 2‐EH were thoroughly examined, revealing their significant influence on extraction efficiency.CONCLUSIONThe results showed that the extraction process mainly occurred in the two‐phase interfacial region and was controlled by aqueous diffusion reaction. The activation energy was determined to be about 23.90 kJ·mol−1. Meanwhile, thermodynamic parameters (ΔH, ΔS, and ΔG) revealed that the extraction of boron was an endothermic and non‐spontaneous process. According to data analysis, boron extraction is approximately first‐order, and a novel rate equation and extraction mechanism are proposed. The results will provide referential values for the development of more efficient separation processes. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Usefulness of differential somatic cell count for udder health monitoring: Identifying referential values for differential somatic cell count in healthy quarters and quarters with subclinical mastitis.

Usefulness of differential somatic cell count for udder health monitoring: Identifying referential values for differential somatic cell count in healthy quarters and quarters with subclinical mastitis.

Comparison of the prevalence of metabolic syndrome between individuals with spinal cord injury and the general population based on the cutoff values of abdominal obesity

Comparison of the prevalence of metabolic syndrome between individuals with spinal cord injury and the general population based on the cutoff values of abdominal obesity

Overview of the Balanced Suspension Patents

Background: The suspension has the role of transmitting and carrying the forces and moments between the wheels and the frame and controlling the wheel runout, thus providing the car with good comfort and operational stability. Objective: Through the analysis of the current situation of suspension research, we summarize the research line and specific technical solutions of suspension, and finally, we provide an outlook on the future development direction of suspension, which in turn can provide some reference value for readers. Methods: The existing suspensions are classified into passive suspensions, semi-active suspensions, and active suspensions, and their improvement methods are described to compare the advantages and disadvantages of different improvement methods. Results: By comparing the results of suspension studies, semi-active suspension can effectively improve the smoothness and handling stability of the vehicle. Semi-active suspension has the advantages of low energy consumption, simple control, lower cost, easy implementation, and high reliability, while the effect of vibration control can be close to active suspension to some extent and far better than passive suspension. Conclusion: This paper introduces passive suspension, semi-active suspension, and active suspension in three categories and describes the working principle, functions, problem-solving advantages, and shortcomings of the three suspensions, respectively. Semi-active suspension is more suitable for the future development trend of suspension.

The Pharmacokinetic Interaction of Tirabrutinib with Voriconazole, Itraconazole, and Fluconazole in SD Rats by UPLC-MS/MS.

Tirabrutinib is an orally effective, approved, and highly selective second-generation Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor for the treatment of recurrent or refractory primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). This study aimed to develop an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for the determination of tirabrutinib concentration in rat plasma, where zanubrutinib was used as an internal standard (IS). This method was also applied to study whether tirabrutinib would interact with voriconazole, itraconazole, and fluconazole in rats, providing a reference value for clinical medication guidance. In the current study, the organic solvent protein precipitation method was used to treat plasma samples, which is simple and reproducible. Tirabrutinib (m/z 455.32 → 320.21) and zanubrutinib (m/z 472.13 → 455.04) were separated on a Waters Acquity BEH C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.7 μm) and detected by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in positive ionization mode. The method showed good linearity in the range of 5-3000 ng/mL for tirabrutinib with the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of 5 ng/mL. The recovery and matrix effects were 85.7-91.0% and 102.0-113.3%, respectively. The accuracy, precision, stability, and carry-over effect were also acceptable. The method could also be used for determining the pharmacokinetic interaction of tirabrutinib in rats. The results showed AUC0→∞ of tirabrutinib to be increased by 139.3% and 83.9% in the presence of voriconazole and fluconazole, respectively, while itraconazole had little effect. It is necessary to monitor the concentration of tirabrutinib in patients when it is combined with voriconazole and fluconazole to achieve a better therapeutic effect and reduce the risk of adverse reaction. Further research should be conducted in the future.

Vegetable Mountain Products, as Functional Food. A Cross-sectional Study of European Romanian Agricultural Producers

Background:: Mountain areas, in a normal ecosystemic context as the analyzed region from the European Romanian Carpathians, offer healthier solutions through different agronomical practices and solutions designed for the production of functional food. The paper approaches a chain formed by mountain functional food – agronomic practices – mountain products commerce, the purpose being the development of the entire mountain products value chain from an area focusing on the matrix "from the farm to the fork". The paper analyzes highly consumed mountain products with functional food roles Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Cucumis sativus, Capsicum, and Solanum lycopersicum. Objective: The research highlights the importance of vegetable mountain products as a functional food in the current hunger and environment contexts, in a more and more polluted world Methods:: The experimental, clinical, and agronomical research, together with the production territorial profile, show that mountain products present high qualitative valences comparatively with low-land areas or with reference values given by USDA. Results:: According to macro-nutritional and micro-nutritional analysis – lipids-fats, saturated fatty acids, protein, cyanocobalamin (B12), ergocalciferol (D2 ), cholecalciferol (D3 ), iron and calcium – Allium sativum dominates the mountain product's top with a functional food role. Instead of this, mountain producers prefer to cultivate mountain products with a higher income horizon. Conclusion:: Functional food represents an imperative in a more polluted world. Being less polluted than other ecosystems, the mountain area offers healthier agricultural products and requires notable investments, together with more involved agronomy.

Somatic Cell Count Evaluation in Early Lactation Betweenprimiparous and Multiparous Bos indicus Cows (SDG'S)

Objective: A study examined the relationship between somatic cell count (SCC) and milk yield Theoretical Framework: The sustainable development of dairy farms will be key to stopping the growing agricultural frontier. In comparison to breeds from temperate regions, tropical bovine production is low in terms of milk kilos, composition, or udder health. Method: We enrolled one hundred fifty cows (Primiparous, PM, 75 and Multiparous, MP 75) in early lactation (days in milk, PM =134 ± 3; MP = 136 ± 5), milk production (9,88 kg/d, on average) of the creole breed Gyr lechers. Prior to the assignment to each treatment, the SCC values were lower than 220,000 cells/mL, on average. All cows were maintained to graze daily on Megathyrsus maximus and supplemented with Morus alba ad libitum, being hand-milking at 0700 daily. Before analysis, the SCC was logarithmically trans-formed (log10). Then, PROC Mixed from SAS version 9.4 was used to evaluate all measurements. Results and Discussion: The MP had higher milk yields than PM cows (10.83 vs. 9.18 ± 0.38 kg/d; P = 0.003). Similar results were observed for fat-corrected milk (8.26 vs. 6.80 ± 0.34; P = 0.002), although the fat values did not differ between both groups (P = 0.86) being lower than referential values for these breeds (2.46 ± 0.16, on average). Additionally, no differences were observed in the other milk components (P = 0.65 to 0.85). Despite that, the somatic cell count (SCC) values indicated a statistical tendency in PM than in MP (1.89 vs. 2.13 ± 0.05; P = 0.07). Research Implications: Low-fat contents were observed in both groups, possibly due to the low quality of foods used in ruminant feeding. Correspondingly, the parity and advanced lactation conditioned the SCC contents. Therefore, further studies may be relevant in order to identify complementary factors that possibly could be more determinants. Originality/Value: The relevance and value of this research are very importance due to the main activity in this zone is livestock cattle.

A Prerequisite for need of Harmonized Nutrient Reference Values & its Standardized Terminology for Better access of Nutritional Supplements Globally

Abstract: To reduce the risk of insufficient nutrient intake, nutrient reference values for humans are set at the average nutrient need level without a safety margin. The vast majority of nations and areas in the globe set nutritional intake guidelines for their citizens. Currently, no harmonized nutrient reference value has been published, as well as the development of standards cannot be achieved through the use of formalized frameworks or terminology. The study's objective was to create recommendations for appropriate and secure micronutrient intake ranges that could be used to inform dietary advice. As relevant to the study, we examined micronutrient data from food intake surveys from representative nations. The comparison of national standards illustrates that the level of reference values for nutrient for individual countries is dependent on variables such as methodology, data sources, physical activity exemptions, standard body weights, and age range. In the current study, iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin A, B12, D and folate were identified as the most commonly under-consumed micronutrients. In this article, the level of six countries' standards are compared to the current reference values for nutrients. Further, numerous words for different dietary standards components are discussed, and a final set of harmonized reference nutrient intake for the dietary advice is provided.

Determinants of prolonged length of hospital stay in patients undergoing surgery due to extremity fractures: a retrospective cohort study

Determinants of prolonged length of hospital stay in patients undergoing surgery due to extremity fractures: a retrospective cohort study

A novel game-based belief rule base

A novel game-based belief rule base

Ultrasound-based horizontal ranging in the localization of fetal conus medullaris.

Currently, there are a variety of methods for ultrasound to localize the conus medullaris. A concern is that measured values can be influenced by variations in spinal flexion and extension. To overcome this limitation, the present study measures the horizontal distance (HD) between the end of the conus medullaris and the caudal edge of last vertebral body ossification in normal fetus at different gestational weeks, and analyzes the relationship between the measured value and fetal growth, as well as the utility of these measurements in assessing the position of the conus medullaris. A total of 655 fetuses at gestational weeks 18-40, who underwent routine prenatal ultrasound, were selected in the study. We measured the distance between the end of the cone of the fetal spinal cord and the caudal end of the final vertebral ossification center (Distance1, D1), the distance between the end of the spinal cord cone and the intersection of the extension of D1 with the caudal skin (Distance2, D2), and HD. We analyzed the correlation between the measurements and gestational weeks, established normal reference values, the ratio of D1, D2 and HD to the commonly used growth parameters was calculated. The ratios of D1, D2, HD and the application value of each ratio phase were analyzed, and the reliability analysis of repeated measurement results among physicians was performed. D1, D2 and HD exhibited strong linear correlations with gestational weeks. Among the ratios of D1, D2 and HD to common growth parameters, D2/FL stabilized after 20 weeks of gestation and consistently exceeded 1. Repeatability tests between D1, D2 and HD showed good reliability (P> 0.05). D1, D2 and HD are significantly correlated with gestational age. Horizontal distance measurement can effectively determine the position of fetal conus medullaris, enabling rapid prenatal evaluation of low position of conus medullaris and excluding the possibility of tethered cord.

Screening the polymeric membrane toxic metals ion‐selective electrodes with multiple high‐response performances using electrode quality index

AbstractToxic metal ion‐selective electrodes (TM‐ISEs) with simultaneously multiple high‐response properties (MHRPs) are urgently needed for continuous monitoring of contaminated water environment. Still, scarce reports exist from research in which electrodes developed possess those properties. To overcome this challenge, we previously proposed an IECQ index method for obtaining a few of Pb2+‐ISEs with MHRPs and a universal approach for selecting referable values of response characteristic ([RC]refer) for normalization. This research aims to select electrodes with MHRPs from 391 collected electrodes for five kinds of TM (Cd, Cu, Hg, Ag or Zn)‐ISEs (TM‐ISEs) reported in the literature, through the IECQ,i indices and the study of the IECQ screening capacity, that is, the magnitude of IECQ coverage. The higher coverages, from 63.60% to 100%, of four categories IECQ,i (IECQ,2B, IECQ,3C, etc.) to electrodes with high performance are observed, indicating their good screening abilities. For eight diverse needs, the 21 screened electrodes have MHRPs, and their excellent performances are comparable with those used in real‐time monitoring. The reliability of the monitored results would be improved if they were applied to the actual detection of TM ions.

Medium spatiotemporal characteristics based global optimization method for energy efficiency trade-off issue in variable flow rate HVAC system

Medium spatiotemporal characteristics based global optimization method for energy efficiency trade-off issue in variable flow rate HVAC system

Comparison of vitamin C and flavanones between freshly squeezed orange juices and commercial 100% orange juices from four European countries

Knowing the true levels of nutrients and dietary bioactives in fruit juices at the point of consumption is key to properly understand their potential health benefits. The objective was to characterise the vitamin C and flavanone content in commercial orange juices consumed in Europe, compared with fresh-squeezed juices. Commercial juices were a rich source of vitamin C (>30% of the Nutrient Reference Value). Vitamin C in fresh-squeezed juices, at the end of their shelf-life, remained 33% higher than the levels found in the commercial juices. Flavanones had similar values from both commercial and fresh juices, except for fresh samples stored for 48 h, where fresh juices had higher values (22.36 mg/100 mL). Thus, orange juices preserve their bioactive compounds during storage, with very little influence of the brand, country, industrial process or storage conditions. Main bioactive compounds in commercial juices are present at nutritionally significant levels to the freshly-squeezed ones.

Hematology and Serum Biochemistry of Coastal Seabirds Rehabilitated on the Southeastern and Southern Coast of Brazil.

Complete blood counts (n=566) and serum biochemistry (n=426) were assessed in seven coastal seabirds species that underwent rehabilitation along the southeastern and southern coast of Brazil from Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro State (22°56'16.44″S, 42°18'24.16″W) to Laguna, Santa Catarina State (28°29'43″S, 48°45'39.2″W), from August 2016 to August 2020. Blood samples were collected from four species of Charadriiformes, including Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus, n=136), South American Tern (Sterna hirundinacea, n=25), Cabot's Tern (Thalasseus acuflavidus, n=17), and Common Tern (Sterna hirundo, n=14) as well as three species of Suliformes, the Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster, n=212), Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens, n=104), and Neotropic Cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum, n=58). The individuals were sampled as part of the protocol required before their release into the wild when considered healthy. This work aimed to establish the normal hematologic and biochemical reference values of those seabird species and, when possible, to analyze variations among age class and sex and to compare those with the available data in the literature. In addition, we provide the first baseline data for the South American Tern, Cabot's Tern, and Neotropic Cormorant. Baseline hematologic data are crucial for assessing health status of individuals and to support management and conservation actions, including release of seabirds into the wild.

Hematological and Inflammatory Parameters to Predict the Develop Surgical Site Infection After Cesarean Section

Objective: This study seeks to illustrate the efficacy of inflammatory hematological markers in patients who develop site infections following a cesarean section, while also establishing reference values for these parameters.
 Methods: This retrospective, single-center study was conducted at Ordu University Training and Research Hospital from January 2016 to January 2023. A comparison was made between 42 cases where surgical site infection developed after cesarean section and 42 cases. The data for this study were obtained from hospital medical records, which encompass of demographic, general medical, obstetric, and neonatal information. Preoperative complete blood count (CBC) was included in the analysis.
 Results: Statistically significant differences were observed among preoperative hematological and inflammation markers, including "PLT, WBC, NOT, PCT, MLR, DNLR, NLO, PLO, MPVPR, LP, RDWPR, NLRNPR, SII. ROC analysis revealed that optimal cutoff values were statistically significant for most laboratory parameters and blood count-derived ratios in patients with post-Cesarean wound infection. The largest AUC for SII was 0.861 with the cut-off value of 892.03 (sensivity %76 and specifity %76).
 Conclusion: This article has revealed differences between hematological and inflammatory markers in patients developing complications at the incision site after cesarean section. To assess the risk of surgical site infection development and reduce morbidity and hospitalization durations, further research in this area is needed.

Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) Dispersion in Alluvial Deposits from Abandoned Mining Sites

In the watersheds of abandoned mining districts, it is common to find remains of former facilities and waste dams on stream banks and slopes—a situation that results in the transport and accumulation of metal(loid)s in alluvial deposits. To analyze this problem, an area of the former mining district of Linares–La Carolina (southern Spain) was selected to evaluate the contents and distributions of Ag, As, Ba, Cu, and Pb as potentially toxic elements (PTEs) found in the mineral paragenesis. Specifically, this study focused on the Siles Stream, which runs through a sector where underground mining for the exploitation of galena veins generated abundant mining wastes, mainly waste rock and tailings. Thirty-four sediment samples from the stream bed of the Siles Stream and two sediment samples from the Guadiel River, of which it is a tributary, were analyzed. Floodplain sediments were sampled in the stream banks at the middle and lower reaches (11 samples), as well as the riverine soils developed at the mouth of the Siles Stream (22 samples). The analyzed samples presented high levels of PTEs, in most cases with values much higher than the generic reference levels established by European and regional legislation for PTEs in soils. In the case of Pb, the main metal mined in this district, contents of up to 27,074 mg·kg−1 were observed in the stream bed sediments. Very high concentrations of Pb also appeared in the floodplain sediments, with maximum values in the middle course of the stream, where the concentration reached 43,692 mg·kg−1. With respect to the sediments of the Guadiel river bed, the Pb content was 699 mg·kg−1 before the confluence with the stream and 2537 mg·kg−1 downstream, which clearly reflects the influence of the contributions from the Siles Stream. The enrichment factors (EFs) show that the sediments present a severe to very severe anthropogenic influence for Ag, As, Ba, Cu, and Pb. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) indicates that the entire basin is extremely polluted by Pb, to which As and Ag are added in the middle course of the stream. The potential ecological risk index (RI) and pollution load index (PLI) based on the contamination factor (CF) suggested that metal loads far exceeded the reference values. Selective chemical extraction methods were used to assess the potential bioavailability of these elements in sediment and soil samples. The results showed high concentrations of Pb in the exchangeable fraction, which poses a significant ecological risk and potential human health risks.

Geochemical background and geopedological interactions of selenium in soils from Piauí state, Northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT Although Selenium (Se) plays a role as a micronutrient for humans through vegetable consumption, it is also recognized as toxic when present in excessive quantities. Therefore, quantifying Se contents in soils can prevent diseases influenced by crop Se deficiency or excess. We aimed to measure background contents, establish quality reference values (QRV) for Se in soils from two Brazilian biomes (Cerrado and Caatinga), and assess how geopedological factors affect Se content and spatial variability. Two hundred and eight composite topsoil samples were analyzed for Se content, covering an area of about 251,578 km². Sampling sites were under the minimal anthropogenic influence to represent Se background contents. Selenium contents were determined by hydride generation atomic absorption spectroscopy (HGAAS), ranging from 0.002 to 4.78 mg kg -1 . Most soils had contents below the world average of 0.44 mg kg -1 but still above the soil content that causes human Se deficiency (0.125 mg kg -1 ). Soils from Cerrado and Caatinga biomes showed similar average contents of Se, 0.41 and 0.47 mg kg -1 , respectively. Organic carbon content and soil particle size (clay fraction) were the main factors governing Se content in the soils. Our results contribute to understanding the Se content and spatial distribution in tropical soils and the factors governing them. They also provide a tool for agriculture and environmental decision-makers to plan public policies regarding the management of Se levels in these and similar tropical soils in the world.

Near-infrared spectroscopy combined with deep convolutional generative adversarial network for prediction of component content in melt-cast explosive

Near-infrared spectroscopy combined with deep convolutional generative adversarial network for prediction of component content in melt-cast explosive

Abstract 2350: Comparison of normalization methods for RT-qPCR microRNA expression in cancer datasets

Abstract Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is a widely used method for quantifying microRNA (miRNA) expression, but its accuracy depends on appropriate normalization. RT-qPCR is susceptible to technical variation from several sources, including sample collection and storage, miRNA quantity/quality, and extraction and amplification efficiencies. Normalization corrects for these factors, theoretically leaving behind only biological variation. With growing interest in miRNAs as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of various cancers, analyses must be accurate and consistent. Primarily, the comparative Ct method is used, which compares the expression of miRNAs to a reference value. Unfortunately, there is a lack of consistency on what to use as a reference. A standard recommendation is the average of multiple, stable miRNAs referred to as endogenous controls (ECs). Currently, there are no known universally stable miRNAs. Therefore, ECs should be selected on a per-disease and per-sample type basis. Multiple algorithms exist to identify stable ECs, but few studies indicate what, if any, steps were taken to implement them correctly. Also, many studies have used non-ideal reference values such as small nuclear RNAs or a single miRNA. This lack of agreement on protocol often leads to difficulty comparing studies and may produce incorrect results. This work addresses these inconsistencies by making recommendations for the normalization of RT-qPCR miRNA expression. We compared 2 widely used methods for EC selection, NormFinder and GeNorm, and to show how normalization influences results we also used an unstable miRNA. Only miRNAs with expression in all samples were considered as potential ECs. GeNorm is sensitive to correlated genes. Therefore, for any pair or trio of correlated miRNAs 1 was kept. NormFinder performs optimally with 5-10 candidate genes; therefore, we tested the 10 miRNAs with the lowest coefficients of variation (CV). The top 3 stable miRNAs were selected from each algorithm to serve as ECs, and we used their average expression to normalize each sample. For the single miRNA, samples were scaled based on its value. We applied these methods to 3 independent datasets: First, plasma samples from a study on canine osteosarcoma (OSA), including pre-amputation (n=45), post-amputation (n=27), and healthy controls (n=21). Second, tissue samples from a study on canine OSA, including primary tumour (n=42) and lung metastases (n=12). Third, serum samples from a study on canine lymphoma included B-cell (n=24), T-cell (n=16), and healthy controls (n=14). For datasets 1 and 3, NormFinder provided a better reduction in gene-specific CV and a more favourable cumulative distribution of the CV. For dataset 2, there was less initial variability, but NormFinder still had slightly better results. Both algorithms had pros and cons, but NormFinder consistently provides a better reduction in sample variation across datasets. Citation Format: Heather Treleaven, Latasha Ludwig, Alicia Viloria-Petit, R. Darren Wood, Ayesha Ali, Geoffrey A. Wood. Comparison of normalization methods for RT-qPCR microRNA expression in cancer datasets [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2350.