Changes In Size Research Articles

Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) Population Trend and Productivity in Central Israel

ABSTRACT Israel’s nationwide multiyear campaigns, particularly in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, involved deforestation and the development of natural areas for agriculture and human settlement, and resulted in the local extirpation of several animal species. However, reforestation began in the 1940s and promoted the resurgence of extirpated populations. One species that has benefited from these landscape changes is the Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus). Based on the analysis of population trends in the Judea region (central Israel), we found that this species’ abundance increased by 8.9% over a 5-yr study period (2006–2010). We also found that hatching day was the only reproductive parameter in our study area that varied significantly among years. This breeding parameter depended on three habitat characteristics: (1) the height of the nest; (2) the amount of mixed forest with sparse cover in the area around the nest; and (3) the amount of herbaceous vegetation around the nest. Hatching began earlier in higher nests, and hatching began later in nests surrounded by a high percentage of mixed forest and herbaceous vegetation. However, productivity was independent of the habitat type surrounding the nest site. Our descriptive analysis of prey types suggested that most species in the prey remains and pellets likely came from outside the forest, typically from open areas such as agricultural fields, water reservoirs, or aquaculture ponds. Further, only three species dominated the prey remains and pellets below the nests. We documented reproductive parameters and changes in population size during the early years of this population increase. We predict that the population will continue to thrive and spread into the surrounding areas, as there have been no significant changes in land management in the study area over the past 13 yr.

Effect of aggregate size on the slump and uniaxial compressive strength of concrete: a DEM study

The aggregate size and particle-size distribution (PSD) can change the packing density, slump, and strength of concrete. The micromechanical effects of aggregate size on the slump and strength remain unclear. The current numerical study examined concrete behavior using slump and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) tests considering the aggregate size distribution using the discrete element method. The effect of the aggregate size on the packing density, UCS, and slump of the concrete was analyzed. To accomplish this, we evaluated how variations in the uniformity and curvature coefficients of the PSD, as well as the specific surface area of the samples, were affected by changes in aggregate size. Although the simulations were based on standard specimens from the laboratory, the results showed good agreement with the documented experimental results. Briefly, at a 40–60% fine aggregate content, the packing density and compressive strength of the concrete reached their peaks and caused a decrease in the height of the slump. The uniformity and curvature coefficients did not influence the slump height. The induced shear band could be tracked during the UCS tests and the crack angles could be measured. At the optimum fine content (40–60%), the shear bands were primarily localized and propagated through the samples having different fine contents.

Changes in size and chemical composition of fruits and seeds along an elevational gradient in the tropical tree Myrsine coriacea

Changes in size and chemical composition of fruits and seeds along an elevational gradient in the tropical tree Myrsine coriacea

6976 Early-Onset Paget's Disease- A Unique Presentation In A Young Female With Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase And Low Back Pain

Abstract Disclosure: F. El Sayed: None. Background Paget disease of bone is an age-related disorder characterized by abnormal growth in certain bones, leading to changes in size and shape. Commonly affecting the skull, spine, pelvis, and long bones, it is more prevalent in men, those over 55, with a family history, and of European ancestry. The prevalence of Paget's disease of bone is approximately 2-3% in individuals over 55 in the United States and Europe, with higher rates in those of European descent. Symptoms, such as pain and deformities, may arise from the condition itself or complications like arthritis. While Paget disease can cause visible abnormalities and fractures in affected bones, most individuals remain asymptomatic. Diagnosis often involves blood tests measuring alkaline phosphatase levels, bone scans, and x-rays. Case Presentation We present the case of a 34-year-old woman who sought evaluation due to persistently elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in the thousands. The abnormality was discovered during routine blood work conducted during her pregnancy in 2020, and subsequent investigation revealed a chronic elevation for over three years. The patient reported chronic lower back pain but denied other neurological symptoms. Quantification of ALP Bone showed elevated levels at 629, with normal aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, as well as within-range calcium and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). A whole-body bone scan revealed marked radio tracer uptake in the calvarium, raising concerns for Paget's disease. The patient received a one-time infusion of Zoledronic acid (5 mg), leading to a significant decrease in ALP levels to 182 after three months. Subsequent examination by an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist unveiled bilateral extra bone deposition and mild hearing loss in the right ear, adding a unique dimension to the patient's presentation. This case highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to diagnose and manage Paget's disease, even in younger individuals with atypical symptoms. Discussion and conclusion Paget's disease presenting in young adults with back pain can be a diagnostic challenge due to its atypical occurrence in this age group. Although back pain is a common symptom, the underlying cause might not immediately be linked to Paget's disease, which typically affects older individuals. However, when encountering persistent back pain in young adults, especially when accompanied by elevated alkaline phosphatase levels, clinicians should consider Paget's disease as a potential differential diagnosis. Further investigation, including imaging studies and bone scans, becomes crucial to confirm the presence of Paget's disease and initiate appropriate management strategies to mitigate its impact on the patient's health and quality of life. Presentation: 6/2/2024

7029 Changes In Adrenal Gland Size Seen By Linear Assessment On Routine Abdominal CT During Critical Illness

Abstract Disclosure: D.R. Vangipuram: None. N. Bhagat: None. R. Borkar: None. N.T. Mazengia: None. S. Williams, MD: None. S.K. Majumdar: None. Introduction: During acute stress, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is activated, ultimately releasing adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland, which stimulates cortisol synthesis and release from the adrenal gland. During this process, ACTH also increases adrenal blood flow which may result in noticeable changes in adrenal gland size on imaging. A previous study compared adrenal gland volume in patients with and without sepsis and concluded that adrenal gland volume was found to be nearly double in sepsis compared with patients without sepsis(1). Another study that evaluated adrenal gland size on MDCT, to provide normal values for volumetry and linear dimensions, found a concordance between volumetric and linear assessment (by cumulative width), though volumetry was more reproducible(2). Method: This is a retrospective study that included 50 adult patients (age 18 and over) who underwent a non-contrast or contrast CT scan of the abdomen within 5 years prior to admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with any critical illness, and then had another CT of the abdomen during the admission to the ICU. We measured the maximum width of the body (corpus) and that of the medial and lateral limbs of both the adrenal glands, perpendicular to the long axis, as seen on CT. The total (cumulative) width was calculated by adding the width of the corpus and both the limbs of each adrenal gland. The measurements were made by two different radiologists, who were blinded both to the before/after ICU admission CTs, and to each other’s measurements. Results: There was concordance in the measurements made by both the radiologists. We used the averages of both their measurements for analysis. The mean cumulative width of each adrenal gland, i.e., corpus+medial limb+lateral limb (in mm), was: Right adrenal before ICU admission 13.52 (± 3.20); during ICU admission 13.24 (± 3.13); p 0.444. Left adrenal before ICU admission 16.03 (± 3.18); during ICU admission 15.12 (± 3.47); p 0.021. Conclusion: There was a statistically significant decrease in the size of the left adrenal gland during critical illness, but no significant change in the right. Our findings do not suggest an increase in adrenal gland size during ICU admission.

Enhancing Small Target Detection in Aerial Imagery with Bi-PAN-FPN and EDMOA-Optimized YOLOv8-s

Across the globe, people are working to build "smart cities" that will employ technology to make people's lives better and safer. Installing cameras at strategic spots across the city to monitor public spaces besides provide real-time footage to law enforcement besides other local authorities is a crucial part of smart city infrastructure, which includes video surveillance. A more effective answer is provided by deep learning algorithms, however research in this area still faces significant problems from changes in target size, form change, occlusion, and illumination circumstances as seen from the drone's perspective. In light of the aforementioned issues, this study presents a highly effective and resilient approach for aerial picture identification. To begin, the concept of Bi-PAN-FPN is presented to enhance the neck component of YOLOv8-s, taking into consideration the prevalent issue of small targets being easily misdetected or ignored in aerial photos. We achieve a more advanced and thorough feature fusion procedure much as feasible by completely considering and reusing multiscale features. To further reduce the amount of parameters in the model and prevent info loss during long-distance feature transfer, the benchmark model's backbone incorporates the GhostblockV2 structure in lieu of a portion of the C2f module. With the help of the Enhanced Dwarf Mongoose Optimization Algorithm (EDMOA), the suggested model's hyper-parameters are optimised. Lastly, a dynamic nonmonotonic focusing mechanism is employed in conjunction with WiseIoU loss as bounding box regression loss. The detector accounts for varying anchor box quality by utilizing "outlier" evaluations, thus improving the complete presentation of the detection task.

Design and fabrication of plant-based milk fat globule mimetics: Flaxseed oil droplets coated with potato, soy, or pea protein

An increasing number of plant-based milk products are appearing on the market as substitutes for dairy milk. These products are becoming more popular due to growing consumers concerns about environmental, health, or ethical issues linked to dairy milk. Typically, plant-based milks are produced using top-down approaches that involve mechanical disruption of plant tissues. In this study, we examined the possibility of using a bottom-up approach to mimic the structural and physicochemical properties of milk fat globules (MFGs) in homogenized milk. Plant-based MFGs (PB-MFGs) were prepared using flaxseed oil as an omega-3 fatty acid rich oil phase, and potato, soy, or pea protein as emulsifiers to create the interfacial membranes. PB-MFGs were prepared with the same oil content (10 %) but different protein contents (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 %). The mean particle diameters (d4,3 and d3,2) of the three types of PB-MFGs were slightly smaller than those of dairy MFGs, while their surface charges were somewhat more negative under neutral conditions. There was no significant difference in the shear viscosity of PB-MFGs and MFGs. In terms of stability, PB-MFGs prepared with potato protein exhibited the smallest particle size change after 30 days of storage. Moreover, the pH stability of these PB-MFGs was closest to that of dairy MFGs. Our results provide valuable insights into the design and development of plant-based milks with more dairy-like properties, which may increase their more widespread acceptance and application.

Immediate and Long-Term Results of Portacaval Shunt Surgeries in Portal Hypertension: 10-Year Clinical Experience of a Regional Vascular Surgery Department

INTRODUCTION: The number of patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) makes 20–40 cases per 100 thousand populations and rises steadily. A five-year survival rate of patients with LC in the compensation stage is 50%–62%, in the decompensation stage — 11%–40%. In the overwhelming majority of patients (80%–90%), LC leads to the compensatory formation of esophageal and gastric varices (EV and GV, respectively), which is further complicated with a life-threatening bleeding in 30% of patients. AIM: To evaluate 5-year results of partial portacaval shunt surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The paper describes a 10-year clinical experience of the vascular surgery department of Yaroslavl Regional Clinical Hospital in surgical treatment of patients with LC with a clinical presentation of portal hypertension, with recorded esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding. The study included 26 patients (of them 11 men; the mean age 48 ± 7.3 years) with LC (A and B classes on Child-Pugh scale), who underwent planned reconstructive surgery on the portal system. By the type of anastomosis, the patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 — mesocaval anastomosis (n = 6); group 2 — distal splenorenal anastomosis with preservation of spleen (n = 10); group 3 — splenorenal H-shaped shunt. The primary end points of the study were survival of the patients, rebleeding from EV, shunt patency. Secondary end points were dynamics of EV size, changes in the spleen size, dynamics of the portal and splenic veins size, blood flow directions in the portal system, the presence of hepatic encephalopathy. Postoperative mortality was 3.8%. RESULTS: Survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was 96%, 90% and 58, respectively, and patency of anastomoses was 96%, 96% and 91%, respectively. Rebleeding at 1 year made 4% (n = 1), at 3 years — 0, at 5 years — 17% (n = 2). Changes in the hemodynamics of the portal system were recorded after formation of all types of anastomoses: reduction of the diameter of the portal vein by on average 5 mm, of the splenic vein by 3 mm, of the spleen size by 210 cm3. Shunt thrombosis occurred in two of 26 patients (7.7%) at 1 year (splenorenal H-shaped shunt with use of prosthesis) and 4 years (splenorenal autovenous shunt), respectively. CONCLUSION: The formation of partial portacaval anastomoses in patients with portal hypertension and episodes of bleeding from esophageal varices is a reliable prevention of rebleeding. The first bleeding episode is an indication for an open surgery in case the transjugular intrahepatic stenting is impossible. Survival rate of patients after portacaval shunt surgeries is determined by the initial degree of hepatic failure and patency of the formed anastomoses.

Sociodemographic and dietary predictors of maternal and placental mycoestrogen concentrations in a US pregnancy cohort.

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin contaminating grains and processed foods. ZEN alters nuclear estrogen receptor α/β signaling earning its designation as a mycoestrogen. Experimental evidence demonstrates that mycoestrogen exposure during pregnancy is associated with altered maternal sex steroid hormones, changes in placental size, and decreases in fetal weight and length. While mycoestrogens have been detected in human biospecimens worldwide, exposure assessment of ZEN in US populations, particularly during pregnancy, is lacking. To characterize urinary and placental concentrations of ZEN and its metabolites in healthy US pregnant people and examine demographic, perinatal, and dietary predictors of exposure. Urine samples were collected in each trimester from pregnant participants in the UPSIDE study and placenta samples were collected at delivery (Rochester, NY, n = 317). We used high performance liquid chromatography and high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry to measure total urinary (ng/ml) and placental mycoestrogens (ng/g). Using linear regression and linear mixed effect models, we examined associations between mycoestrogen concentrations and demographic, perinatal, and dietary factors (Healthy Eating Index [HEI], ultra-processed food [UPF] consumption). Mycoestrogens were detected in 97% of urines (median 0.323 ng/ml) and 84% of placentas (median 0.012 ng/g). Stability of urinary mycoestrogens across pregnancy was low (ICC: 0.16-0.22) and did not correlate with placental levels. In adjusted models, parity (multiparous) and pre-pregnancy BMI (higher) predicted higher urinary concentrations. Birth season (fall) corresponded with higher placental mycoestrogens. Dietary analyses indicated that higher HEI (healthier diets) predicted lower exposure (e.g., Σmycoestrogens %∆ -2.03; 95%CI -3.23, -0.81) and higher percent calories from UPF predicted higher exposure (e.g., Σmycoestrogens %∆ 1.26; 95%CI 0.29, 2.24). The mycotoxin, zearalenone (ZEN), has been linked to adverse health and reproductive impacts in animal models and livestock. Despite evidence of widespread human exposure, relatively little is known about predictors of exposure. In a pregnant population, we observed that maternal ZEN concentrations varied by maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and parity. Consumption of ultra-processed foods, added sugars, and refined grains were linked to higher ZEN concentrations while healthier diets were associated with lower levels. Our research suggests disparities in exposure that are likely due to diet. Further research is needed to understand the impacts of ZEN on maternal and offspring health.

Atmospheric Fungal Spore Injection: A Promising Breakthrough for Challenging the Impacts of Climate Change Through Cloud Seeding and Weather Modification

Cloud seeding is a technique used to enhance precipitation in drought-prone areas, support agricultural productivity, ensure water supply for human consumption, improve hydropower generation from dams, lessen hurricanes, cool urban heat, and disperse fog in airports. Growing global population size and climate change are the biggest impetus for weather modification and cloud seeding operations. Currently, salt powders like silver iodide, potassium iodide, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, dry ice (solid carbon dioxide), and liquid propane are widely used as ice nucleating particles for cloud seeding purposes while in natural cloud formation, and precipitation particles from dust storms, mineral dust and biological aerosols (like spores, pollen, bacteria) are the dominant ice nucleators. Having this knowledge on hand and the ubiquitous nature of fungi on the other hand; it is feasible to exploit the ice nucleating ability of fungal spores and use it as potential candidates for cloud seeding and weather modification operations.

Implant dynamics, inner structure, and their impact on drug release of in situ forming implants uncovered through CT imaging

In situ forming implants (ISFIs) composed of biodegradable polymers and biocompatible solvents are generally designed for sustained drug release. In this study, a non-invasive computed tomography (CT) imaging approach is used to achieve real time imaging of ISFIs in vivo and in vitro using leuprolide acetate in situ forming implant as a model drug product. The process of implant formation, inner structure change and their impact on drug release were elucidated. Real-time drug distribution was unveiled by the CT contrast agent, iohexol, where it shows a core-shell structure of the deposition. The incorporation of leuprolide acetate (LA) led to a reduced extent of burst release, prolongated release profile, and extended implant size expansion. LA was found to interact with the solvent and slowed down the polymer phase inversion, thus significantly changed the drug distribution in the implant and reduced the drug release. The implant inner structure identified through SEM, implant size change, and polymer degradation along with the CT real time imaging all consistently support the implant formation differences and their implant on the drug release. Similar patterns of implant size expansion and iohexol distribution in the implants were observed both in vitro and in vivo for the implants with and without LA. The comprehensive understanding of the impact of implant formation on drug release through real time CT imaging facilitates the ISFI product development and evaluation.

Temporal lobe evolution in Hominidae and the origin of human lobe proportions.

Objectives Evolutionary changes in hominin social complexity have been associated with increases in absolute brain size. The temporal lobes are nestled in the middle cranial fossae (MCF) of the skull, the dimensions of which allow estimation of temporal lobe volume (TLV) in extant and fossil taxa. Materials and Methods The main aim of this study is to determine where along the hominid phylogeny, major temporal lobe size transitions occurred. We used computed tomography (CT) scans of crania, 3D photogrammetry data, and laser surface scans of endocranial casts to measure seven MCF metrics in 11 extant anthropoid taxa using multiple regressions to estimate TLV in 5 extant hominids and 10 fossil hominins. Phylogenetic comparative methods mapped temporal lobe size, brain size, and temporal lobe proportions onto phylogenetic trees broadly for Hominidae and specifically for Hominini. Results Extant Homo sapiens were not an outlier in relative brain size, temporal lobe size, or proportions of the temporal lobes, but some proportions within the lobe were uniquely altered. The most notable changes in relative temporal lobe size and proportions saw a decrease in relative temporal lobe size and proportions in the genus Pan compared to other extant great apes and fossil hominins while there was a relative increase in the temporal lobe width and length in Australopithecus-Paranthropus clade compared to the genus Homo and other extant great apes including modern humans. Discussion We do not find support for the social brain, environmental or functional craniology hypotheses alone but think it prudent to consider the implications of cerebral reorganization between the temporal lobes and other regions of the brain within the context of these hypotheses and with future investigation is warranted.

Influence of qualitative menu labeling on diners' food choices: A controlled quasi-experiment in self-service buffet restaurants

Menu labeling is a strategy to promote healthier food choices in restaurants. This study aimed to analyze the influence of a qualitative menu labeling on the healthfulness of diners' food choices in self-service buffet restaurants. A controlled quasi-experiment comparing parallel groups at baseline and intervention periods was conducted in a control restaurant and an intervention restaurant. Qualitative labels provided information on the name and ingredients list of the dish, highlighting the use of organic vegetables. The same food menu was served in both restaurants. Menu labeling was implemented at the intervention restaurant for six dishes each day, three considered healthier and three less healthy. Dishes were weighed at the beginning and at the end of the service to estimate the average portion size (g) of diners, during five consecutive days at baseline and intervention. Diners who had lunch at the intervention restaurant were invited to participate in a survey on the use of menu labels. Of the 153 interviewed diners, 31% reported noticing menu labels. Of these, 57% said menu labeling had influenced their food choices at the restaurant. No changes in portion sizes were observed between baseline and intervention periods within control and intervention restaurants. However, it was found that the provision of qualitative menu labeling sparked the interest of restaurant managers in improving meal quality and modifying recipes to eliminate ultra-processed ingredients. Thus, the implementation of the proposed menu labeling model can promote healthier food choices through the reformulation of culinary recipes. However, it is essential to adopt strategies to enable its direct impact.

Dose-escalation, tolerability, and efficacy of intratumoral and subcutaneous injection of hemagglutinating virus of Japan envelope (HVJ-E) against chemotherapy-resistant malignant pleural mesothelioma: a clinical trial

The hemagglutinating virus of Japan envelope (HVJ-E) is an inactivated Sendai virus particle with antitumor effect and inducing antitumor immunity. However, its dosage and efficacy have not been verified. We conducted a phase I clinical study on chemotherapy-resistant malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) aiming to determine the recommended dosage for a phase II study through dose-limiting toxicity and evaluate HVJ-E’s preliminary efficacy. HVJ-E was administered intratumorally and subcutaneously to the patients with chemotherapy-resistant MPM. While no serious adverse events occurred, known adverse events of HVJ-E were observed. In the preliminary antitumor efficacy using modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) criteria, three low-dose patients exhibited progressive disease, while all high-dose patients achieved stable disease, yielding disease control rates (DCRs) of 0% and 100%, respectively. Furthermore, the dose-dependent effect of HVJ-E revealed on DCR modified by RECIST and the baseline changes in target lesion size (by CT and SUL-peak; p < 0.05). Comparing targeted lesions receiving intratumoral HVJ-E with non-injected ones, while no clear difference existed at the end of the study, follow-up cases suggested stronger antitumor effects with intratumoral administration. Our findings suggest that HVJ-E could be safely administered to patients with chemotherapy-resistant MPM at both study doses. HVJ-E exhibited some antitumor activity against chemotherapy-resistant MPM, and higher doses tended to have stronger antitumor effects than lower doses. Consequently, a phase II clinical trial with higher HVJ-E doses has been conducted for MPM treatment. Trial registration number: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (#UMIN000019345).

In Vivo Biocompatibility of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002-Integrated Scaffolds for Skin Regeneration.

Cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, are prevalent in freshwater systems and have gained interest for their potential in medical applications, particularly in skin regeneration. Among these, Synechococcus sp. strain PCC 7002 stands out because of its rapid proliferation and capacity to be genetically modified to produce growth factors. This study investigates the safety of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 when used in scaffolds for skin regeneration, focusing on systemic inflammatory responses in a murine model. We evaluated the following three groups: scaffolds colonized with genetically engineered bacteria producing hyaluronic acid, scaffolds with wild-type bacteria, and control scaffolds without bacteria. After seven days, we assessed systemic inflammation by measuring changes in cytokine profiles and lymphatic organ sizes. The results showed no significant differences in spleen, thymus, and lymph node weights, indicating a lack of overt systemic toxicity. Blood cytokine analysis revealed elevated levels of IL-6 and IL-1β in scaffolds with bacteria, suggesting a systemic inflammatory response, while TNF-α levels remained unaffected. Proteome profiling identified distinct cytokine patterns associated with bacterial colonization, including elevated inflammatory proteins and products, indicative of acute inflammation. Conversely, control scaffolds exhibited protein profiles suggestive of a rejection response, characterized by increased levels of cytokines involved in T and B cell activation. Our findings suggest that Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 does not appear to cause significant systemic toxicity, supporting its potential use in biomedical applications. Further research is necessary to explore the long-term effects and clinical implications of these responses.

Enzymatically Triggered Drug Release from Microgels Controlled by Glucose Concentration.

This study aims to design microgels for controlled drug release via enzymatically generated pH changes in the presence of glucose. Modern medicine is focused on developing smart delivery systems with controlled release capabilities. In response to this demand, we present the synthesis, characterization, and enzymatically triggered drug release behavior of microgels based on poly(acrylic acid) modified with glucose oxidase (GOx) (p(AA-BIS)-GOx). TEM images revealed that the sizes of air-dried p(AA-BIS)-GOx microgels were approximately 130 nm. DLS measurements showed glucose-triggered microgel size changes upon glucose addition, which depended on buffer concentration. Enzymatically triggered drug release experiments using doxorubicin-loaded microgels with immobilized GOx demonstrated that drug release is strongly dependent on glucose and buffer concentration. The highest differences in release triggered by 5 and 25 mM glucose were observed in HEPES buffer at concentrations of 3 and 9 mM. Under these conditions, 80 and 52% of DOX were released with 25 mM glucose, while 47 and 28% of DOX were released with 5 mM glucose. The interstitial glucose concentration in a tumor ranges from ∼15 to 50 mM. Normal fasting blood glucose levels are about 5.5 mM, and postprandial (2 h after a meal) glucose levels should be less than 7.8 mM. The obtained results highlight the microgel's potential for drug delivery using the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, where drug release is controlled by enzymatically generated pH changes in response to elevated glucose concentrations.

Некоторые особенности токсикологических свойств специфического иммунобиостимулятора «Трансфер-фактор» в доклинических испытаниях

Abstract. The purpose of the study is to evaluate some aspects of toxicological safety of a specific immunobiostimulant “Transfer factor” in laboratory animal models. Methods. The experiments were performed on mice, rats and guinea pigs. The toxicological safety assessment of the “Transfer factor” preparation included the determination of the following characteristics: chronic toxicity, assessment of specific activity, assessment of embryotoxic and teratogenic properties, assessment of allergenic properties Results. It was established that the introduction of the “Transfer factor” preparation in a chronic toxicological experiment is accompanied by the development of muscle tremor in the rodents’ body, the duration of which depends on the administered dose, route of administration and exposure time, but their body weight increases by 6.29–10.63 %. Autopsy of experimental group animals revealed no visible changes in the arrangement of internal organs and fluid accumulation in the abdominal and pleural cavities, although some pathological changes in color, consistency and size of the lungs, spleen, liver and heart were noted. The mass coefficients of these organs change with an increase in the dose of the administered drug “Transfer factor”, especially with the intraperitoneal route of administration up to 10.39 %. The tested drug in the reaction of lymphocyte blast transformation increases the number of blasts from 0.20 to 1.40 %. The totality of data allows us to state that the drug “Transfer factor” in accordance with GOST 12.1.007-76 belongs to the IV hazard class “low-hazard substances” and it can be recommended for further clinical trials, in which a dosage exceeding 6 ml/kg of live weight will not be used, when administered to laboratory animals, a complex of changes in the internal organs develops. Scientific novelty. The introduction of “Transfer factor” does not affect the condition and functions of the reproductive organs (uterus, ovaries) of pregnant rats, and the drug does not exhibit a negative embryotoxic and teratogenic effect in their body. When studying the allergenic properties of the drug, it was found that it does not cause a general anaphylaxis reaction in the body of guinea pigs, does not irritate the skin in the reaction of immune complexes and the conjunctiva of the eye in the conjunctival test.

Evaluation of a prototype array for daily quality assurance in spot scanning proton therapy.

Quality assurance (QA) on a daily basis is an essential task in radiotherapy. In pencil beam scanning proton therapy (PBS), there is a lack of available practical QA devices for routine daily QA in comparison to conventional radiotherapy. The aim was to characterize and evaluate a prototype for the task of daily QA routine for PBS with parameters recommended by the AAPM TG 224, that is, the dose output constancy, the spot position and the distal range verification. Furthermore, a time efficient calibration method for fast and reliable daily QA routine was established for theprototype. First, a calibration routine was designed and evaluated, which characterizes the array response and allows for a conversion of the measured signal to clinically needed QA parameters. Finally, a time and resource efficient daily QA routine was developed andtested. The prototype array can distinguish spot position deviations with sub-millimeter accuracy, as well as changes in the spot size in terms of FWHM with a 2 sensitivity. The range and thus the energy can be evaluated at different depths also with sub-millimeter precision. After some training, the setup of the prototype device took roughly two minutes and the total beamtime was about one minuteon cyclotron site and five minutesfor synchrotrons. A prototype for daily QA in spot scanning proton therapy was evaluated, which features a fast and easy setup and allows for measuring relevant beam parameters, typically within less than a minute of beam time. All QA parameters as recommended by the AAPM TG 224 report can be analyzed with sufficientaccuracy.

Exploring unified methods of killing and storing insect samples for forensic entomotoxicology using diazepam in Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae

Forensic entomologists use the maturity of necrophagous larvae to estimate the minimum post-mortem interval (PMImin), ideally taking account of effects that xenobiotics in the corpse may have on insect maturation. Forensic toxicologists may employ larvae to detect drugs in drug-related deaths when human samples are unavailable. Yet current pre-analytical practices of these two professions differ significantly, impeding the successful use of the same samples. Potential benefits of shared pre-analytical practices and opportunities for enhanced collaboration have yet to be fully explored. We employed Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae, grown in the presence of diazepam, to investigate the effects of two standard investigative practices on larvae for drug detection and for quantifying mass and length as proxies of age. Specimens were killed by either blanching or freezing and stored at -20℃ for either intermediate or long periods. Blanched larvae showed smaller changes in size and body integrity during storage, thereby producing the most reproducible estimates of PMImin. Consequently, data obtained from blanched larvae were used to evaluate the impact of diazepam on larval development. Diazepam exerted no significant effect on larval mass, and a weak effect on length. Diazepam recovery was significantly higher from blanched larvae, suggesting that freeze-killing causes drug loss. This model system demonstrates the value to forensic entomologists of the standard technique of blanching larvae, followed by storage at -20℃ for toxicological analysis. We recommend that forensic toxicologists consider blanching to kill larvae before storage at low temperatures, at least for certain drugs. This approach offers the dual benefit of high-quality specimens for both PMI estimation and drug detection.

Microplastics interactions and transformations during in vitro digestion with milk

Despite increasing awareness of microplastic contamination in food, the specific interactions and transformations of microplastics during digestion remain poorly understood. The study investigates the behavior of microplastics during in vitro digestion processes and their interaction with components of milk. The in vitro digestion studies are conducted to study the changes in microplastics in simulated digestive fluids, with and without milk. The study revealed that microplastics undergo significant changes in size, surface morphology, and chemical properties when subjected to digestion with and without milk. Notably, microplastics digested with milk exhibited a 15–25 % increase in aggregation due to protein corona formation, enhancing their potential for interactions within biological systems. FTIR analysis revealed the formation of OH and CO groups in digested microplastics, indicating hydrolysis and structural changes. The stronger peaks in the 1630–1650 cm−1 range suggest significant adsorption of milk proteins, highlighting the complex interactions during digestion. Additionally, the chemicals and additives leached from microplastics into digesta raising the concerns about their potential health effects. The study emphasizes the necessity for additional research and regulatory measures to address the risks associated with microplastic contamination in food.