Regional Laboratory Research Articles

Assessment of Soil Fertility Status in Rupani Rural Municipality, Saptari, Nepal

As soil fertility is one of the most important factors for soil productivity, soil fertility management is important for sustainable soil management. This study was conducted to determine the soil fertility status of Rupani Rural Municipality, Saptari, Nepal. A total of 60 soil samples were collected randomly from 0-30 cm depth. The exact location of the samples was recorded using a handheld GPS device. All collected samples were analyzed at a regional soil testing laboratory in Saptari to determine their pH, soil texture, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and organic matter status. In addition, fertility status maps were prepared using ArcGIS 10.8 software. The study area consists mainly of 51.66% clay and 18.33% sandy loam soils. The soil pH ranged from highly acidic to slightly alkaline, with pH values ranging from 4.5 to 8.0. Soil organic matter (0.42-3.21%), nitrogen (0.02-0.16%), available phosphorus (40.1-282.35 kg P2O5/ha) and exchangeable potassium (64.8-729.6 kg K2O/ha) are present in the soil with the status of low to high in the study area. In order to improve crop potential and maintain soil nutrient status through the use of site-specific fertilizers, a reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers and various sustainable soil management practices were adopted. This research provides valuable information to policymakers, farmers, and agricultural stakeholders, facilitating evidence-based decision-making for agricultural development and food security in Rupani Rural Municipality, Saptari, Nepal.

The Epidemiological Pattern of Skin Cancer from 2011 to 2022 among the Population of the Aseer Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The overall risk of developing cancer before the age of 75 years in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is 9.9%. We aimed to explore the pattern of skin cancer, specifically among the Saudi population residing in the Aseer region. We obtained data from the medical records of Aseer Central Hospital regional histopathological laboratory considering surgical pathology reports from 2011 to 2021. The 61-80-year-old age group represented most of the cases (41.4%), followed by the 41-60-year-old group at 24.1%. Men made up the majority of the cases (59.4%). Furthermore, the dataset predominantly consisted of Saudi nationals (94.3% of the sample). The percentage of cases diagnosed each year relative to the cumulative number of skin cancer cases varied each year, ranging from 1.6% in 2011 to 11.6% in 2017. The most common diagnoses were squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with 230 cases (41.1%) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) with 147 cases (26.3%). The majority of cases occurred in the head and neck region (55.4%), followed by the lower limb (16.6%), trunk (13.6%), upper limb (8.2%), and pelvis (2.3%). There was a significant variation in the type of skin cancer across the age groups (p < 0.001) and across different body parts (p < 0.001). The incidence of skin cancer exhibited variability throughout the study period. The predominant diagnoses observed were SSC and BCC. Among the affected areas, the head and neck region displayed the highest prevalence, followed by the lower limb, trunk, upper limb, and pelvis.

Improving regional medical laboratory center report quality through a report recall management system.

Currently, most medical laboratories do not have a dedicated software for managing report recalls, and relying on traditional manual methods or laboratory information system (LIS) to record recall data is no longer sufficient to meet the quality management requirements in the large regional laboratory center. The purpose of this article was to describe the research process and preliminary evaluation results of integrating the Medical Laboratory Electronic Record System (electronic record system) laboratory report recall function into the iLab intelligent management system for quality indicators (iLab system), and to introduce the workflow and methods of laboratory report recall management in our laboratory. This study employed cluster analysis to extract commonly used recall reasons from laboratory report recall records in the electronic record system. The identified recall reasons were validated for their applicability through a survey questionnaire and then incorporated into the LIS for selecting recall reasons during report recall. The statistical functionality of the iLab system was utilized to investigate the proportion of reports using the selected recall reasons among the total number of reports, and to perform visual analysis of the recall data. Additionally, we employed P-Chart to establish quality targets and developed a "continuous improvement process" electronic flow form. The reasons for the recall of laboratory reports recorded in the electronic recording system were analyzed. After considering the opinions of medical laboratory personnel, a total of 12 recall reasons were identified, covering 73.05 % (1854/2538) of the recalled laboratory reports. After removing data of mass spectra lab with significant anomalies, the coverage rate increased to 82.66 % (1849/2237). The iLab system can generate six types of statistical graphs based on user needs, including statistical time, specialty labs (or divisions), test items, reviewers, reasons for report recalls, and distribution of the recall frequency of 0-24h reports. The control upper limit of therecall rate of P-Chart based on laboratory reports can provide quality targets suitable for each professional group at the current stage. Setting the five stages of continuous process improvement reasonably and rigorously can effectively achieve the goal of quality enhancement. The enhanced iLab system enhances the intelligence and sustainable improvement capability of therecall management of laboratory reports, thus improving the efficiency of the recall management process and reducing the workload of laboratory personnel.

Assessment of drug-susceptible and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in the Central Region of Somalia: A 3-year retrospective study.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) remains a public health emergency and a threat globally. Although increasing MDR-TB cases have been recently reported in Somalia, limited information is known. This study aims to determine the prevalence of drug-susceptible and MDR-TB in suspected patients referred to the TB Department in Mudug Hospital, Galkayo, Somalia, and identify potential factors associated with MDR-TB. A 3-year hospital laboratory-based retrospective study was conducted by manually reviewing laboratory records of Mycobacterium tuberculosis specimens and GeneXpert MTB/RIF results from January 2019 to December 2021 at the reference mycobacteria laboratory department in Mudug Hospital. A total of 714 positive GeneXpert-MTB results were identified: 619 (86.7%) were drug susceptible (no Rifampin resistance [RR] detected) and 95 (13.3%) with RR detected or defined as MDR-TB. Most of the MDR-TB patients were males (71.6%, 68/95) and between the ages of 15 to 24 (31.6%, 30/95). Most isolates were collected in 2021 (43.2%, 41/95). Multivariate analyses show no significant difference between patients having MDR-TB and/or drug-susceptible TB for all variables. This study showed an alarming frequency of MDR-TB cases among M. tuberculosis-positive patients at a regional TB reference laboratory in central Somalia.

Genetic surveillance and outcomes of pyrazinamide and fluoroquinolones-resistant tuberculosis in Taiwan

BackgroundPyrazinamide (PZA) and fluoroquinolone (FQ), particularly moxifloxacin (MXF), are essential drugs in the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended short-course regimen to treat drug-susceptible tuberculosis (TB). MethodsTo understand the extent of PZA and MXF susceptibility in general TB cases in Taiwan, we conducted retrospective analyses of 385 conservative Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) isolates identified from 4 TB laboratories in different regions of Taiwan. The case information was obtained from the TB registry. Genotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST) was performed by sequencing drug-resistance associated genes, PZA (pncA) and FQ (gyrA, and gyrB). Phenotypic DST was determined using the Bactec MGIT 960 system or the agar proportion method. Genotyping was carried out using spacer oligonucleotide typing. ResultsIn this study, 4.7% (18/385) cases' isolates harbored pncA mutations and 7.0% (27/385) cases’ isolates harbored gyrA or gyrB mutation. Notably, pncA mutation was associated with Beijing family genotypes (P = 0.028), East African-Indian (EAI) genotypes (P = 0.047) and MDR-TB (P < 0.001). Whereas, gyrA or gyrB mutation was associated with EAI genotypes (P = 0.020) and MDR-TB (P = 0.006). In addition, a statistically significant difference was found between the favorable outcomes using active and inactive PZA (P = 0.009) in 38 case isolates with any pncA, gyrA, or gyrB mutation. ConclusionWe concluded that routine PZA and FQ susceptibility tests are recommended for guiding the treatment of TB.

Inter-laboratory validation of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry multi-mycotoxin determination in animal feed - method transfer from the reference laboratory to regional laboratories.

The results are presented of the inter-laboratory validation of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of eight mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol, fumonisin B1, fumonisin B2, ochratoxin A, toxin T-2, toxin HT-2 and zearalenone) in animal feeds. This study was an essential part of the method's transfer from the National Reference Laboratory to six regional laboratories in Poland working in the official survey of mycotoxins in feed. The laboratories received a batch of standard solutions, blank samples and quality control materials on which to perform analysis with one procedure and different liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry conditions. The validation results show good precision (reproducibility coefficient of variation 3.7-20.5%) and accuracy of the method (recovery 89-120% and trueness 94-103%) and sufficient skills of the laboratory personnel. The study is an example of the successful transfer of the method among laboratories.

PROSPECTS AND PROBLEMS OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE RAW MATERIAL BASE OF SUFFICIENT STRATEGIC TYPES OF SOLID MINERAL RESOURCES OF SIBERIA

The analysis of the state of the mineral resource base of strategic types of solid minerals in Russia in general and in Siberia in particular has been carried out. Particular attention is paid to the prospects for the development of the resource base of lithium, rare earth metals, ordinary and impact diamonds in Siberia. The characteristics of a number of deposits and options for their development were assessed, taking into account the quality of ores, geographical location, the state of the infrastructure and the level of development of technologies for ore dressing and obtaining end products. The prospects for the development of the raw material base of niobium and rare earth metals within the Tomtor massif and the territory of the Udzha uplift as a whole are assessed. Summary results of long-term regional field and laboratory studies of the distribution and compositional variations of Cr-pyrope garnet, the most informative of the set of indicator minerals for determining the potential diamond content of kimberlites, selected from uneven-aged intermediate reservoirs of the Siberian Platform, are presented. Based on these results, areas within the platform were identified with signs of the presence of new fields of potentially diamond-bearing kimberlites of the Middle Paleozoic age. A mineralogical description and assessment of the technological characteristics of impact diamonds from the Popigai astrobleme and from the ejection zone in its frame is given. The prospects of creating a new large area of the extractive industry on the raw material base of strategic materials in the territory of the Lena-Khatanga interfluve are substantiated

Incidence Of Hemoglobinopathies In South Indian Population – 4 Year Study

Background&#x0D; Hemoglobinopathies are very common, but majority being asymptomatic it is under diagnosed. Hemoglobinopathies are important health care threat in tropical countries. The present study analyzed the incidence of hemoglobinpathies in south Indian population reported in regional laboratory in Chennai catering Tamil nadu and Andhra Pradesh population.&#x0D; Methods&#x0D; A cohort of samples which was received for abnormal hemoglobinopathy studies for evaluation of anemia and prenatal screening from Tamil nadu and Andrapradesh population for 4 years was analyzed using capillary electrophoresis method in (Sebia Minicap instrument) for incidence of hemoglobinopathies.&#x0D; Result&#x0D; Total number of cases studied during 4 years (2018-2022) is 17678, Of which 1194(7%) were detected with hemoglobinopathy/ abnormal hemoglobin variant. Of which 56.28% were female and 43.72% were male. Common age group under study is 21-30(30.07%). Beta thalassemia trait was detected at the highest frequency (69.13%) followed by HbE-Beta thalaseemia(6.87%) and least being HbD homozygous.&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; Our study analyzed a cohort and reported a spectrum of hemoglobin variants and its incidence in Tamil nadu and Andhrapradesh population.

Comparison of an image cytometry somatic cell count analyzer to a flow cytometry analyzer

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of a small footprint benchtop somatic cell counter based on image cytometry (LactiCyte HD; Page and Pedersen International Ltd., Hopkinton, MA) against a flow cytometer employed at a regional dairy herd improvement (DHI) laboratory. Milk samples collected during monthly DHI testing were split into 2 samples. One sample was evaluated using flow cytometry (Bentley SomaCount FCM; Bentley Instruments, Chaska, MN) at the regional DHI laboratory, whereas the other was evaluated using image cytometry at 2 different image levels (full number of images, 16 pictures per slide; half number of images, 8 pictures per slide). Mean bias of the image cytometer at 16 images was −15,500 cells/mL, whereas at 8 images the bias was 21,800 cells/mL. When considering only cell counts ≤400,000 cells per mL, the bias for both imaging resolutions was positive, meaning the image cytometer read higher than the flow cytometer. Both imaging resolutions (16 and 8) had a concordance correlation coefficient greater than 0.95. Considering ≥200,000 cells/mL to be indicative of subclinical mammary gland infection, the sensitivity and specificity of the image cytometer at 16 images were 92.0% and 91.7%, whereas the sensitivity and specificity of the analyzer at 8 images were 92.0% and 85.7%, respectively. Method precision (repeatability; coefficients of variation) were calculated at 3 different somatic cell counts (100,000, 200,000, and 400,000 cells/mL) where each sample was run repeatedly 12 times. When analyzed at the full number of images the coefficients of variation were 16.9%, 11.7%, and 10.9% for 100,000, 200,000, and 400,000 cells/mL, respectively. Analysis at half the number of images resulted in coefficients of variation of 18.9%, 24.8%, and 8.7% for 100,000, 200,000, and 400,000 cells/mL. We conclude that the image cytometer is an acceptable somatic cell count analyzer for on-farm use for applications such as screening cows for microbiological testing, and that precision is superior when the analysis is performed at the full number of images allowed by the instrument.

Contribution of the one health approach to strengthening health security in Uganda: a case study

BackgroundThe One Health approach is key in implementing International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005) and the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA). Uganda is signatory to the IHR 2005 and in 2017, the country conducted a Joint External Evaluation (JEE) that guided development of the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) 2019–2023.AimThis study assessed the contribution of the One Health approach to strengthening health security in Uganda.MethodsA process evaluation between 25th September and 5th October 2020, using a mixed–methods case study. Participants were Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from government ministries, departments, agencies and implementing partners. Focus group discussions were conducted for five technical areas (workforce development, real-time surveillance, zoonotic diseases, national laboratory systems and emergency response operations), spanning 18 indicators and 96 activities. Funding and implementation status from the NAPHS launch in August 2019 to October 2020 was assessed with a One Health lens.ResultsFull funding was available for 36.5% of activities while 40.6% were partially funded and 22.9% were not funded at all. Majority (65%) of the activities were still in progress, whereas 8.6% were fully implemented and14.2% were not yet done. In workforce development, several multisectoral trainings were conducted including the frontline public health fellowship program, the One Health fellowship and residency program, advanced field epidemiology training program, in-service veterinary trainings and 21 district One Health teams’ trainings. Real Time Surveillance was achieved through incorporating animal health events reporting in the electronic integrated disease surveillance and response platform. The national and ten regional veterinary laboratories were assessed for capacity to conduct zoonotic disease diagnostics, two of which were integrated into the national specimen referral and transportation network. Multisectoral planning for emergency response and the actual response to prioritized zoonotic disease outbreaks was done jointly.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the contribution of ‘One Health’ implementation in strengthening Uganda’s health security. Investment in the funding gaps will reinforce Uganda’s health security to achieve the IHR 2005. Future studies could examine the impacts and cost-effectiveness of One Health in curbing prioritized zoonotic disease outbreaks.

Leptospiral uveitis- "Transition 'from epidemic to endemic form" difficulties in laboratory confirmations.

Leptospirosis is a waterborne zoonotic disease that primarily causes systemic illness, followed by uveitis. After heavy flooding in Madurai district, an epidemic outbreak of systemic and ocular leptospirosis occurred in 1994. Our data shows a transition to endemicity after each epidemic. The aim of this study is to report the clinical signs, epidemic outbreaks, and persistent endemicity of leptospiral uveitis, as well as the diagnostic dilemmas associated with it. A retrospective analysis of clinical signs was conducted using medical records of leptospiral uveitis patients over a period of 27 years (1994-2020) in a tertiary care eye hospital. The clinical workup of uveitis included a detailed clinical history, systemic, and ophthalmic examination. Microagglutination tests (MATs) was done at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta and later in our regional laboratory. Serum samples were collected from human systemic leptospirosis cases and a small group of animals in and around Madurai. The first epidemic outbreak resulted in 200 seropositive patients. Subsequent epidemic outbreaks occurred in 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, and 2012, with Madurai experiencing multiple outbreaks. However, the disease remained endemic, with 25-50 patients being observed per year in between the peaks. Ocular examination revealed acute non-granulomatous uveitis (94.9%), pan uveitis (59.8%), vitreous inflammatory reaction (55.4%), retinal vasculitis (29.5%), disc hyperemia (20.9%), and hypopyon. (16.2%). New serovars emerged every year, resulting in decreased sensitivity of the MAT. Over time, the MAT started to miss diagnoses. The persistent endemicity of leptospiral uveitis emphasizes the need for accessible diagnostic tests. The low performance of the MAT can be attributable to the use of an older panel. The incorporation of new isolates in the MAT by a national laboratory will improve the accuracy of diagnosis.

The role of the icc coordinator within the NHS-SUD pilot project

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Inherited Cardiac Conditions services across the country provide excellent care to families affected by sudden unexpected death, with many Coroners and Pathologists facilitating appropriate referrals and retention of post mortem tissue samples for future genetic testing. However, service provision varies greatly resulting in missed opportunities for tissue retention, signposting to ICC services and disparities in clinical screening. To ensure this gap is closed, the seven NHS Genomic Medicine Service Alliance (GMSA) regions have partnered with the British Heart Foundation to recruit seven ICC coordinators, tasked with coordinating the delivery of a nationally standardised NHS - Coronial Sudden Unexpected Death (SUD) pilot pathway. Methods The ICC coordinator’s main role is to improve the processes and collaboration between the Coronial and their nearest ICC service, increase the number of affected families who are assessed in an NHS ICC service and facilitate genomic counselling and testing at the beginning of the pathway. ICC nurses and genetic counsellors have been recruited into these posts. Their unique skillsets and existing links with pathologists, coroners, coroner officers, families, nurses, geneticists, support groups and cardiologists maximises the deliverables for the duration of the pilot. Results 30 cases of sudden unexplained deaths eligible for entry into the pilot have been signposted and 65 at risk family members have been identified by the seven sites. Some of the most notable results have been facilitation of family referrals, cardiac-genomic counselling, and timely results dissemination. Furthermore, ICC Coordinators have established relationships and delivered training to pathologists, coroner officers and local MDTs, ensuring consistent pathway delivery. Genomic samples are tracked and transferred to the regional genomic laboratory hubs in a standardised manner. Collaboration with external evaluators is ongoing and methods of data capture have been established. Conclusion To ensure national delivery and equitable access to genomic testing, the ICC coordinator role is vital to each ICC service and coronial network. We have highlighted some of the unique skills and relationships needed for a national rollout. Following the outcome of the project evaluation, this role can be expanded to other cardiac nurses and genetic counsellors in other regions.

Occupational Health and Safety Practices Among Frontline Medical Laboratory Staff in the Covid-19 Testing Centres in the Bono Region of Ghana

Background: Medical laboratory personnel are exposed to various occupational risks, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their role in testing COVID-19 patients puts them at risk of contracting the virus while handling specimens. This study aimed to assess the occupational health and safety practices of frontline medical laboratory staff in COVID-19 testing laboratories in Ghana's Bono region. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using purposive sampling among medical laboratory staff at five COVID-19 testing centers in the Bono region. Checklists, interview schedules and structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0. Results: The study included 137 participants, with 85 (62.0%) aged between 21 and 30 years. Males constituted 96(70.1%) whiles females constituted 41(29.9%) of the study participants. Among the respondents, 55% reported having been infected with COVID-19 before vaccination, 30% after vaccination, and 15% both before and after immunization. The majority of participants (93%) emphasized the importance of adhering to occupational health and safety procedures. Furthermore, 97% believed that standard operating procedures should be regularly reviewed, and 91% agreed that rewards should be provided for following safety protocols. Conclusion: The study revealed a positive attitude toward adherence to occupational health and safety protocols among frontline medical laboratory staff in COVID-19 testing centers in the Bono region of Ghana.

Validation of in vitro-produced and freeze-dried whole cell lysate antigens for ELISA Trypanosoma evansi antibody detection in camels

Trypanosoma evansi is a blood parasite responsible for surra in mammals, with a high impact in camels and horses. The WOAH-recommended reference method for detecting immunoglobulin G directed against T. evansi is ELISA, using whole cell lysate antigens (WCLAs). WCLAs are prepared with T. evansi produced in laboratory rodents, separated from blood cells using DE-cellulose anion exchange chromatography. As parasite lysates are fragile, antigens are preserved frozen pending use. For these reasons and others, T. evansi WCLAs are not commercially available. They are produced in small quantities, in a limited number of specialized laboratories, and they require a reliable and expensive cold chain for their shipment. In this study, we assessed and validated in vitro production of T. evansi and lyophilization of WCLAs in comparison with the reference method using frozen WCLAs prepared with parasites produced in rodents. Using a set of 400 samples monthly collected from 12 naturally infected camels followed-up for 1384 days, and two batches of referenced serum samples (infected, n = 12; non-infected, n = 15), statistical studies on qualitative and semi-quantitative results of the ELISAs did not show any significant difference when comparing the four combinations of parasites produced in vivo or in vitro, and frozen or freeze-dried WCLSAs. A repeatability study (28 repeats in 9 serum samples) was fully satisfying (p-value = 0.055). With the more convenient in vitro-produced freeze-dried WCLAs it was possible to: (i) avoid the ethical concern of in vivo production, (ii) improve the standardization of antigen production, (iii) secure antigen preservation during shipment and (iv) save a considerable amount of money (DE52-cellulose and dry-ice cold chain being avoided). Additional studies with other Trypanosoma spp are required for further extending ELISA to regional laboratories in enzootic areas, especially in view of the current progress in the “Progressive Control Pathway” (PCP) for trypanosomes in Africa.

Epizootological and epidemiological aspects of leptospirosis in Ukraine for the period 2003–2022

Zoonotic leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira bacteria that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Animals, especially wild and domestic mammals, are reservoir hosts that carry and excrete the bacteria in their urine. A retrospective analysis of the incidence of leptospirosis in animals and humans in Ukraine from 2003 to 2022 was conducted based on reports from regional state laboratories of veterinary medicine and the Center for Public Health. GIS mapping was used to analyze and visualize the data. The incidence and prevalence of leptospirosis among different animal species, including farm, domestic and wild animals, were analyzed. These studies included a retrospective analysis of blood serum samples from different animal species for leptospirosis and analysis of the results to determine the level of seropositivity. The study analyzed a total of 6,543,934 samples, with an overall seropositivity rate of 3.3%. Among cattle, 4.1% of the samples were positive. For pigs, 2.1% were positive. Horses had a seropositivity rate of 7.9%, while dogs and cats had seropositivity rates of 17.5% and 13.1% respectively. Wild boars showed a positivity rate of 2.2%. The number of seropositive animals of different species in Ukraine showed different dynamics from 2003 to 2022. The highest number of positive cases was found among cattle, pigs and horses. However, the number of positive cases decreased significantly after 2015, which coincides with a significant reduction in the number of farm animals. Trends of increasing seropositivity among dogs and cats in the period 2007–2015 indicate that these species are also active carriers of Leptospira, as are the leading agricultural species. Wildlife species with stable seropositivity serve as both sources and reservoirs of Leptospira. Wild pigs are becoming the main bacterial carriers in all regions of Ukraine. There is a marked disproportion between the number of positive cases among farm animals and wildlife, indicating that seropositivity in these populations exists largely autonomously. A total of 7,937 people were infected in Ukraine between 2003 and 2022. Certain regions, such as Lviv, Kherson, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, and Vinnytsia, account for a larger share of the total number of cases, ranging from 4.8% to 7.3%. The incidence of human leptospirosis has fluctuated over the years, peaking at 473 cases in 2014, followed by a decline: 301 cases in 2015, 323 cases in 2016 and 330 cases in 2017, and in subsequent years the number of cases remained relatively stable, ranging from 142 to 295 cases per year. The study emphasizes the need to improve preventive measures and raise public awareness of the disease, especially in rural areas. It is important to adopt a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach involving collaboration between veterinary medicine, public health and environmental authorities to better understand and address the complexities of leptospirosis transmission and reduce its impact on animal and human health.

Economic aspects of assessment and marketing of carbon emissions by enterprises based on the principles of sustainable development

Purpose. To analyze the economic aspects of carbon emissions by industry and conduct a marketing assessment of the emissions trading system (ETS). To develop recommendations for the introduction of market mechanisms for regulating emissions. Methodology. Special and general methods of scientific knowledge are used: abstract-logical analysis to identify the predominant causes of greenhouse gas (GHG) generation; statistical methods of analysis to establish the correlation of capital investments and emissions; induction and deduction to identify complex management approaches to reducing harmful emissions; mathematical – for the formalization of the factors of the ETS market and their functional dependencies, necessary for the analysis of the market. Findings. A correlation between capital investments and emissions has been established, which confirms the long-term trend of implementing a strategic policy of enterprises to reduce emissions. The presence of sectoral differences in correlation coefficients indicated the need for differentiation of institutional support for industries as a tool for changing the export structure. The effects of Carbon Border Adjustments Mechanism (CBAM) influence on the economy of Ukraine are indicated. Recommendations for harmonizing issues regarding Ukraine’s obligations to reduce emissions are proposed. Measures to reduce risks for the economy during the introduction of the national ETS are proposed. Originality. Factors of the ETS market and their functional dependencies that are necessary for market analysis are presented mathematically. An equivalence function is proposed for the assessment of individual specific indicators of enterprises. The factors that determine prices and the amount of demand at the ETS market are stratified. Principles of this market are formulated. Practical value. It is proposed to introduce regional emission control laboratories and agree on the recognition of their certificates by Ukraine and the EU.

Evaluation of Kidney Functioning in Children with Renal Complications During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Clinical Study

Background. An increase in a quantity of children with acute renal insufficiency associated with infectious diseases, including COVID-19 is a growing problem in nephrology. Such insufficiency is often expressed in pyelonephritis. Due to a lack of specific signs or obvious clinical symptoms and their correct interpretation, acute renal insufficiency against the background of COVID-19 is first identified in the period of steady worsening of the kidney functioning. An accurate non-invasive diagnostic test is yet to be fully developed, therefore, determination of the mechanisms of complications is considered to be challenging and can contribute to the formation of irreversible renal injury.Objective — to determine and evaluate characteristics of the renal status in children with acute pyelonephritis against the background of COVID-19.Methods. A retrospective observational cohort clinical study of 65 children with acute pyelonephritis was carried out. The study also included a control group of 20 healthy children, who were observed during routine health checkup. The patients were observed at the Nephrology Unit, Samarkand Regional Pediatric Multidisciplinary Medical Center, Uzbekistan. Laboratory examination was carried out on the basis of Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory, Samarkand Regional Pediatric Multidisciplinary Medical Center, Uzbekistan, and Laboratory of Innova Clinic, Uzbekistan. The study was conducted from January 2021 to December 2022 and involved participants with the history of COVID-19 before treatment. Thus, two cohorts were formed: group 1 comprised 30 children with acute pyelonephritis and without a history of COVID-19; group 2 consisted of 35 patients with acute pyelonephritis against the background of COVID-19. In order to evaluate the renal status, examination of the glomeruli, proximal and distal tubules was carried out. The study included investigation of “urinary syndrome” indicators — leukocyturia of neutrophil origin, microhematuria, proteinuria, and bacteriuria. The obtained laboratory data were analyzed using variance and given in SI System — the International System of Units. The calculations were carried out using StatPlus 7 (AnalystSoft Inc., USA).Results. Renal function is decreased in an acute period due to reduced functionality of concentration and distal tubule, which were more significantly affected in group 2. Inflammatory changes in the renal tissue due to the toxic effects of coronavirus infection underlie the abnormalities detected. The history of COVID-19 is reckoned from the date of admission and ranges from 3 weeks to 2 months. Renal insufficiency in children with COVID-19 history is manifested irrespective of their clinical polymorphism, due to impairment of its tubular structures (reabsorption, acidogenesis and ammoniogenesis, osmotic concentration) and glomerular filtration. A statistically significant reduction in acidogenesis (p = 0.001) was recorded in patients with acute COVID-associated pyelonephritis.Conclusion. Children with COVID-19 respiratory symptoms require monitoring their renal functions for early diagnosis and treatment. Long-term monitoring of patients with isolated urinary syndrome in the acute period is needed to detect the underlying renal disease.

Head-to-head comparison of CAMPYAIR aerobic culture medium versus standard microaerophilic culture for Campylobacter isolation from clinical samples.

Campylobacter spp. are considered the most frequent cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. However, outside high-income countries, its burden is poorly understood. Limited published data suggest that Campylobacter prevalence in low- and middle-income countries is high, but their reservoirs and age distribution are different. Culturing Campylobacter is expensive due to laboratory equipment and supplies needed to grow the bacterium (e.g., selective culture media, microaerophilic atmosphere, and a 42°C incubator). These requirements limit the diagnostic capacity of clinical laboratories in many resource-poor regions, leading to significant underdiagnosis and underreporting of isolation of the pathogen. CAMPYAIR, a newly developed selective differential medium, permits Campylobacter isolation without the need for microaerophilic incubation. The medium is supplemented with antibiotics to allow Campylobacter isolation in complex matrices such as human feces. The present study aims to evaluate the ability of the medium to recover Campylobacter from routine clinical samples. A total of 191 human stool samples were used to compare the ability of CAMPYAIR (aerobic incubation) and a commercial Campylobacter medium (CASA, microaerophilic incubation) to recover Campylobacter. All Campylobacter isolates were then identified by MALDI-TOF MS. CAMPYAIR showed sensitivity and specificity values of 87.5% (95% CI 47.4%-99.7%) and 100% (95% CI 98%-100%), respectively. The positive predictive value of CAMPYAIR was 100% and its negative predictive value was 99.5% (95% CI 96.7%-99.9%); Kappa Cohen coefficient was 0.93 (95% CI 0.79-1.0). The high diagnostic performance and low technical requirements of the CAMPYAIR medium could permit Campylobacter culture in countries with limited resources.

The Argentinian landscape of mycological diagnostic capacity and treatment accessibility.

Immunosuppressed patients, transplant recipients, and those with acute or chronic respiratory disease are at increased risk for invasive fungal infections in Argentina. Although the national public system guarantees universal access to health care for all citizens, little is known about the quality of available diagnostic and treatment armamentaria for invasive fungal infections in the country. Between June and August 2022, infectious disease clinicians from each of the 23 provinces and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires were contacted to describe local access to fungal diagnostic tools and antifungal agents. The information collected included different aspects such as hospital characteristics, patients admitted and wards, access to diagnostic tools, estimated infection incidence, and treatment capacity. Thirty responses were collected from facilities throughout Argentina. Most institutions were governmental (77%). A mycology department was available in 83% of them. Histopathology was available in almost 93% of the sites, while automated methods and galactomannan tests were available in 57%, each; 53% of the sites had access to MALDI-TOF-MS through regional reference laboratories, and PCR was present in 20% of the sites. Susceptibility testing was available in 63% of the laboratories. Candida spp. (24%), Cryptococcus spp. (20%), Aspergillus spp. (18%), and Histoplasma spp. (16%) were described as the main pathogens. Fluconazole was the only antifungal agent available in all institutions. This was followed by amphotericin B deoxycholate (83%) and itraconazole (80%). If an antifungal agent was not available onsite, then 60% of the patients could receive adequate antifungal treatment within the first 48 h upon request. Although there are no significant differences in access to diagnostic and clinical management of invasive fungal infections among the Argentinean centres studied, national awareness-raising initiatives led by policymakers could help to improve their general availability.

Local variability, human factor or vague procedure? Searching for the reasons of excessive mortality in free living aquatic insects, resulting from biological monitoring

During the analysis of the biomonitoring data of Polish watercourses, it was found that the vast majority of aquatic insects (83–95% of more than 8.8 million individuals collected between 2012 and 2019) die unnecessarily during sampling, as a result of the sub-sampling procedure. Great, in some cases 30-fold differences in the mortality of insects, including those belonging to protected taxa, were observed between the samples analyzed by various regional laboratories. The most important reason for these differences appears to be factors that can be collectively referred to as the ‘human factor’, related to removing insects from the sphere of ethical protection, makes their killing an activity ethically neutral. This kind of attitude, which does not attach any importance to the life and suffering of insects interacts with the lack of precise requirements for the sampling equipment used. Those factors seem to be the most important in explaining the causes of excessive mortality of aquatic insects during sampling and the huge differences between laboratories. Principal component analysis and the analysis of variability measures showed that ecological differences between sampling sites can only be considered as a secondary determinant.Implications for insect conservationImproperly planned and conducted monitoring procedures, through excessive mortality of free-living aquatic insects, have or may have a negative impact on the environment and biodiversity. Therefore, it seems very important to promote alternative solutions that reduce such mortality in biological monitoring, such as: non-lethal methods of animal sampling, the use of pre-sampling areas to estimate the density of animals before sampling and estimation of the maximum abundance of a sample necessary for a reliable estimate of taxonomic richness using rarefaction.