Standard Tube Research Articles

Pre-Analytical Evaluation of Streck Cell-Free DNA Blood Collection Tubes for Liquid Profiling in Oncology

Excellent pre-analytical stability is an essential precondition for reliable molecular profiling of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in oncological diagnostics. Therefore, in vitro degradation of ctDNA and the additional release of contaminating genomic DNA from lysed blood cells must be prevented. Streck Cell-Free DNA blood collection tubes (cfDNA BCTs) have proposed advantages over standard K2EDTA tubes, but mainly have been tested in healthy individuals. Blood was collected from cancer patients (n = 53) suffering from colorectal (n = 21), pancreatic (n = 11), and non-small-cell lung cancer (n = 21) using cfDNA BCT tubes and K2EDTA tubes that were processed immediately or after 3 days (BCTs) or 6 hours (K2EDTA) at room temperature. The cfDNA isolated from these samples was characterized in terms of yield using LINE-1 qPCR; the level of gDNA contamination; and the mutation status of KRAS, NRAS, and EGFR genes using BEAMing ddPCR. CfDNA yield and gDNA levels were comparable in both tube types and were not affected by prolonged storage of blood samples for at least 3 days in cfDNA BCTs or 6 hours in K2EDTA tubes. In addition, biospecimens collected in K2EDTA tubes and cfDNA BCTs stored for up to 3 days demonstrated highly comparable levels of mutational load across all respective cancer patient cohorts and a wide range of concentrations. Our data support the applicability of clinical oncology specimens collected and stored in cfDNA BCTs for up to 3 days for reliable cfDNA and mutation analyses.

Bruselloz; Endemik Bölgelerde Tanı Zorluğu

Introduction: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease distributed worldwide and very important public health problem especially in the developing countries. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical/laboratory findings of brucellosis patients and contribute of coombs testing to diagnosis at Iğdır State Hospital infection diseases and clinical microbiology department. Materials and Methods: One hundred and forty-five brucellosis patients followed up in our clinic between September 2012 and February 2013 were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic characteristics, laboratory findings, diagnostic methods of the patients were presented. Results: The mean age of the patients were 39±15 (18-80) and 59% (n=86) of the patients were female, 41% (n=59) were male. Most frequent risk factors were animal breeding (n=115, 79%) and using underdone milk and milk products (n=98, 69%). Most reported complaints were weakness (92%), arthralgia (89%), sweating (74%), lack of appetite (70%) and fever (68%). Fifty-seven of the brucellosis patients could not diagnosed with standard tube agglutination. Therefore, Coombs test was used for these undiagnosed patients (39%, n=57). Eighty patients were evaluated as acute (55%), 53 as subacute (37%) and 12 as chronic (8%) brucellosis. Conclusions: Brucellosis can affect all organ systems and cause different clinical manifestations. Therefore, difficulties are encountered in the diagnosis of the disease. Brucellosis should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis especially in the endemic regions. When the clinical suspicion exists detailed laboratory evaluation must be performed.

Effects Of Specialized Tube Feeding Composition Vs Standard Tube Feeding In Healing Complex Pressure Ulcers (PUS) In Stroke/Brain Injury Patients.

Effects Of Specialized Tube Feeding Composition Vs Standard Tube Feeding In Healing Complex Pressure Ulcers (PUS) In Stroke/Brain Injury Patients.

Health economic benefits of real food tube feeding formulas compared to standard tube feeding formulas in post-acute care adult patients

Health economic benefits of real food tube feeding formulas compared to standard tube feeding formulas in post-acute care adult patients

Regulation of Hypoxic-Adenosinergic Signaling by Estrogen: Implications for Microvascular Injury.

Loss of estrogen, as occurs with normal aging, leads to increased inflammation, pathologic angiogenesis, impaired mitochondrial function, and microvascular disease. While the influence of estrogens on purinergic pathways is largely unknown, extracellular adenosine, generated at high levels by CD39 and CD73, is known to be anti-inflammatory in the vasculature. To further define the cellular mechanisms necessary for vascular protection, we investigated how estrogen modulates hypoxic-adenosinergic vascular signaling responses and angiogenesis. Expression of estrogen receptors, purinergic mediators inclusive of adenosine, adenosine deaminase (ADA), and ATP were measured in human endothelial cells. Standard tube formation and wound healing assays were performed to assess angiogenesis in vitro. The impacts on purinergic responses in vivo were modeled using cardiac tissue from ovariectomized mice. CD39 and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) levels were markedly increased in presence of estradiol (E2). Suppression of ERα resulted in decreased CD39 expression. Expression of ENT1 was decreased in an ER-dependent manner. Extracellular ATP and ADA activity levels decreased following E2 exposure while levels of adenosine increased. Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 increased following E2 treatment and was attenuated by blocking adenosine receptor (AR) and ER activity. Estradiol boosted angiogenesis, while inhibition of estrogen decreased tube formation in vitro. Expression of CD39 and phospho-ERK1/2 decreased in cardiac tissues from ovariectomized mice, whereas ENT1 expression increased with expected decreases in blood adenosine levels. Estradiol-induced upregulation of CD39 substantially increases adenosine availability, while augmenting vascular protective signaling responses. Control of CD39 by ERα follows on transcriptional regulation. These data suggest novel therapeutic avenues to explore in the amelioration of post-menopausal cardiovascular disease, by modulation of adenosinergic mechanisms.

Study on double differential pressure measurement method of gas-liquid two-phase flow in high gas content wells

The production of natural-gas wells contains natural gas and a small amount of liquid, which is a wet gas composed of oil, gas and water. For dynamically monitor the liquid and gas production from a single well, there is an urgent need for a low-cost, small-volume online metering device for wet gas flows through a single well. Aiming at the problem, this paper designs a wet gas flow measurement device for a long-throated Venturi tube based on the double differential pressure method. By combining experiments and numerical simulations, a matching flow calculation model was developed. Based on the experimental data of NEL's 6-inch standard Venturi tube wet gas over-reading, the numerical simulation method is used to carry out the research of high-pressure wet gas measurement under the pressure condition of 2, 4 and 6 MPa. The simulation results of two multiphase flow models, DPM and Euler, are compared with the experimental values of NEL. The results show that the maximum relative error is less than 10%, and the Euler model is more suitable for the numerical simulation of high-pressure wet gas. According to the actual production from the gas well, a long-throated Venturi tube with a throttling ratio of 0.5 and a diameter of DN50 was designed, and a numerical simulation study of wet gas under a pressure of 2, 3 and 4 MPa was carried out. Numerical simulation results show that the change laws of over-reading and liquid-gas mass ratios of high-pressure wet gas are consistent with those of low-pressure wet gas. The numerical simulation results are used to correct the flow calculation model of low-pressure wet gas, and a flow calculation model suitable for high-pressure wet gas in gas wells is obtained. The gas flow prediction accuracy of the flow calculation model was lower than ±3%, and the liquid flow prediction value was lower than ±10%. Compared with other measurement methods without separation of wet gas, the long-throated Venturi tube based on the double differential pressure method has a simple structure and low measurement cost. By further optimizing and expanding the measurement model, after improving the accuracy, it can be installed in the wellhead pipeline to monitor the oil and gas production from a single well in real time. This can provide support for gas reservoir exploitation decisions.

Integration of a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector into a confocal microscope for time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL)-mapping: Sensitivity and time resolution.

This report highlights the combination of the MicroTime 100 upright confocal fluorescence lifetime microscope with a Single Quantum Eos Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detector (SNSPD) system as a powerful tool for photophysical research and applications. We focus on an application in materials science, photoluminescence imaging, and lifetime characterization of Cu(InGa)Se2 (CIGS) devices intended for solar cells. We demonstrate improved sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio, and time-resolution in combination with confocal spatial resolution in the near-infrared (NIR) range, specifically in the 1000-1300nm range. The MicroTime 100-Single Quantum Eos system shows two orders of magnitude higher signal-to-noise ratio for CIGS devices' photoluminescence imaging compared to a standard NIR-photomultiplier tube (NIR-PMT) and a three-fold improvement in time resolution, which is now limited by the laser pulse width. Our results demonstrate the advantages in terms of image quality and time resolution of SNSPDs technology for imaging in materials science.

Assay performance and stability of uracil and dihydrouracil in clinical practice

Measurement of endogenous uracil (U) is increasingly being used as a dose-individualization method in the treatment of cancer patients with fluoropyrimidines. However, instability at room temperature (RT) and improper sample handling may cause falsely increased U levels. Therefore we aimed to study the stability of U and dihydrouracil (DHU) to ensure proper handling conditions. Stability of U and DHU in whole blood, serum, and plasma at RT (up to 24h) and long-term stability (≥ 7days) at -20°C were studied in samples from 6 healthy individuals. U and DHU levels of patients were compared using standard serum tubes (SSTs) and rapid serum tubes (RSTs). The performance of our validated UPLC-MS/MS assay was assessed over a period of 7months. U and DHU levels significantly increased at RT in whole blood and serum after blood sampling with increases of 12.7 and 47.6% after 2h, respectively. A significant difference (p = 0.0036) in U and DHU levels in serum was found between SSTs and RSTs. U and DHU were stable at -20°C at least 2months in serum and 3weeks in plasma. Assay performance assessment fulfilled the acceptance criteria for system suitability, calibration standards, and quality controls. A maximum of 1h at RT between sampling and processing is recommended to ensure reliable U and DHU results. Assay performance tests showed that our UPLC-MS/MS method was robust and reliable. Additionally, we provided a guideline for proper sample handling, processing and reliable quantification of U and DHU.

IN-LINE METHOD OF X-RAY PHASE-CONTRAST MICRO-CT USING A WIDE-FOCUS LABORATORY SOURCE

An experimental implementation of the “in-line” method of X-ray phase contrast using a standard wide-focus X-ray tube as a polychromatic source is described. Using the proposed experimental scheme, in vitro tomographic measurements of a sample of human brain pineal gland are carried out, and the morphological structure of the soft tissues of this organ is visualized based on the results obtained. The advantage of phase-contrast tomography in comparison with traditional absorption tomography for studying the structural features of soft tissues is experimentally demonstrated. The “in-line” phase-contrast scheme, implemented on a laboratory setup, allows tomographic study of samples with linear dimensions of several millimeters and a resolution of ∼20 μm.

Alternative methods for calculating percentage haemolysis of red cell concentrates in peripheral blood banks in Sri Lanka.

Haemolysis - one of the major limiting factors of red cell concentrate quality - must be measured as a quality-monitoring requirement. According to international quality standards, percentage haemolysis must be monitored in 1.0% of red cell concentrates produced monthly and maintained under 0.8%. This study assessed three alternative methods for determining plasma haemoglobin concentration in peripheral blood banks that lack a plasma or low haemoglobin photometer - the gold-standard method - in Sri Lanka. A standard haemolysate was prepared using an unexpired whole blood pack of normal haemoglobin concentration. A concentration series from 0.1 g/dL to 1.0 g/dL was prepared by diluting portions of standard haemolysate with saline. The alternative methods, namely visual haemoglobin colour scale, spectrophotometric calibration graph, and standard haemolysate capillary tube comparison, were designed using this concentration series and were used to test red cell concentrates received at the Quality Control Department of the National Blood Center, Sri Lanka, from February 2021 to May 2021. A strong correlation was observed between the haemoglobin photometer method and the alternative methods (R = ~0.9). Based on the linear regression model, the standard haemolysate capillary tube comparison method was the best of the three alternative methods (R 2 = 0.974). All three alternative methods are recommended for use in peripheral blood banks. The standard haemolysate capillary tube comparison method was the best model.

RAE ENDOTRACHEAL TUBES SIZES FOR CHILDREN UNDERGOING CLEFT LIP AND PALATE SURGERY.

Background: Appropriate sizes (internal diameters) of RAE endotracheal tubes in children with cleft lip and palate, who generally have delayed growth and development in early infancy have not been explained. Objectives: The aim of the current study was to identify the proper size of REA endotracheal tube for intubation used for cleft lip and palate surgery and intubation outcomes in these patients. Material and methods: 60 cleft lip and palate patients were selected for analytic cross-sectional study. The proper tube size was determined by normal children formula. Then tube size was confirmed by patients' minimum resistance to intubation, proper ventilation, and appropriate air leakage at an airway pressure of 15-20 cm H2O. Number of attempts of intubation and the largest endotracheal tube size were recorded. Results: The average age, weight and height of patients were 22.40±4.85 months, 9.88±1.28 kg, 72.40±24.50 cm respectively. The average RAE endotracheal tube size and frequency of intubation trials were 4.25±0.78 and 1.62±0.70, respectively. 6 cases required RAE endotracheal tube size smaller than the recommended size. Conclusions: In cleft lip and plate child, the predicted RAE endotracheal tube size was similar to standard normal child tube size. Smaller RAE tube size was required for subglottic stenosis.

Pre-hospital emergency cricothyrotomy in dogs part 2: Airway sealing and ventilation using cricothyrotomy tubes.

Cricothyrotomy (CTT) has been recommended for use in the pre-hospital setting for military working dogs and Operational K9s during airway emergencies. Although the CTT can establish a patent airway for spontaneous ventilation, the ability to seal the airway and provide positive pressure ventilation (PPV) using tubes designed for humans has not been determined. Using various CTT tubes placed in cadaver dog airways, this study aimed to determine: (1) Whether the tube cuff could create a functional airway seal with safe intra-cuff pressures; (2) The magnitude of delivered tidal volume (TV) loss during a standard breath to assess the possibility of delivering an adequate tidal volume with a bag-valve device (BVM); (3) The best performing tubes for either test; (4) The reasons behind the findings using observations from upper airway endoscopy, dissection, and measurements. Cadaver dogs of similar weights to MWD and Operational K9 breeds had various CTT tubes placed including three from commercial kits, a standard endotracheal tube, and a tracheostomy tube. The minimum occlusive volume technique was used to inflate the tube cuff and a pressure ≤ 48 cm H2O with an adequate seal was considered successful. Individual TVs were calculated for each dog and added to the volume lost during delivery of a standard breath from an ICU ventilator. Endoscopy and airway dissection were performed to assess the relationship between tubes cuffs and the airway. The tubes from the CTT kits performed poorly with regards to producing an airway seal with the H&H tube failing to seal the airway all tests. Tracheal dimensions were significantly associated with successful airway sealing (P = 0.0004). Tidal volume loss could be compensated using a BVM in 34/35 tests with the H&H tube in cadaver 8 the only to fail. Tracheal airway sealing is influenced by airway anatomy when tube cuffs are inflated to a target pressure and larger tubes do not always provide a better seal. The CTT tubes tested have the potential to facilitate ventilation with a BVM under the conditions set in this study. The 8.0 mm endotracheal tube performed the best and the H&H the worst in both tests.

Improvement of enteral nutrition technologies in patients with a severe course of acute pancreatitis

in the case of severe acute pancreatitis, the early start of enteral nutrition (24-72 hours from the moment of hospitalization) by means of nasogastric or nasojejunal administration of the mixture is considered appropriate, which is associated with a 24% decrease in the frequency of infectious complications and a 32% decrease in mortality. However, 30.5-65.7% of patients may develop intolerance to this type of nutritional support. The aim of the study was to improve the results of treatment of patients with severe acute pancreatitis by improving enteral nutrition technologies. There were 101 patients with severe acute pancreatitis took part in the study, who were divided into the main group, where enteral nutrition was carried out according to the improved protocol - 34 patients, comparison group No. 1, where standard nasogastric nutrition was carried out - 34 patients, and comparison group No. 2, where standard EN – 33 patients. The effectiveness of enteral nutrition in the studied groups was evaluated by analyzing and comparing biochemical indicators of blood serum, frequency of intolerance to nutritional support, infected local complications, mortality, duration of multiple organ failure and stay of patients in the hospital. When using the proposed protocol of enteral nutrition in patients with a severe course of acute pancreatitis, 14 days after the start of treatment, a significant difference was obtained between the content of albumin, creatinine, cholesterol and K+ blood serum (p<0.05) between patients of the main group and the comparison groups , as well as the content of Na+ in blood serum (p<0.05) between patients of the main group and the group of standard nasogastric tube feeding. Application of the proposed protocol of enteral nutrition significantly reduces the frequency of intolerance of nutritional support in the first 7 days of treatment by 23.6% (χ2=5.7, 95% CI 4.41-41.56, p=0.01) compared to the control group patients, where standard nasogastric tube feeding is used, by 21.5% (χ2=4.87, 95% CI 2.34-39.48, p=0.02) compared to the group of standard enteral tube feeding, as well as the duration of multiple organ failure from 12.2±1.7 days to 10.5±1.9 days in comparison with the group of patients where standard nasogastric tube feeding was used (p=0.0002) and from 11.5±1.9 days to 10.5±1.9 days compared to the group of standard enteral tube feeding (p=0.03). The use of the proposed technology of enteral nutrition in patients with a severe course of acute pancreatitis improves treatment results by reducing the duration of multiple organ failure and the frequency of intolerance to this type of nutritional support.

A new WHO bottle bioassay method to assess the susceptibility of mosquito vectors to public health insecticides: results from a WHO-coordinated multi-centre study

BackgroundThe continued spread of insecticide resistance in mosquito vectors of malaria and arboviral diseases may lead to operational failure of insecticide-based interventions if resistance is not monitored and managed efficiently. This study aimed to develop and validate a new WHO glass bottle bioassay method as an alternative to the WHO standard insecticide tube test to monitor mosquito susceptibility to new public health insecticides with particular modes of action, physical properties or both.MethodsA multi-centre study involving 21 laboratories worldwide generated data on the susceptibility of seven mosquito species (Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto [An. gambiae s.s.], Anopheles funestus, Anopheles stephensi, Anopheles minimus and Anopheles albimanus) to seven public health insecticides in five classes, including pyrethroids (metofluthrin, prallethrin and transfluthrin), neonicotinoids (clothianidin), pyrroles (chlorfenapyr), juvenile hormone mimics (pyriproxyfen) and butenolides (flupyradifurone), in glass bottle assays. The data were analysed using a Bayesian binomial model to determine the concentration–response curves for each insecticide–species combination and to assess the within-bioassay variability in the susceptibility endpoints, namely the concentration that kills 50% and 99% of the test population (LC50 and LC99, respectively) and the concentration that inhibits oviposition of the test population by 50% and 99% (OI50 and OI99), to measure mortality and the sterilizing effect, respectively.ResultsOverall, about 200,000 mosquitoes were tested with the new bottle bioassay, and LC50/LC99 or OI50/OI99 values were determined for all insecticides. Variation was seen between laboratories in estimates for some mosquito species–insecticide combinations, while other test results were consistent. The variation was generally greater with transfluthrin and flupyradifurone than with the other compounds tested, especially against Anopheles species. Overall, the mean within-bioassay variability in mortality and oviposition inhibition were < 10% for most mosquito species-insecticide combinations.ConclusionOur findings, based on the largest susceptibility dataset ever produced on mosquitoes, showed that the new WHO bottle bioassay is adequate for evaluating mosquito susceptibility to new and promising public health insecticides currently deployed for vector control. The datasets presented in this study have been used recently by the WHO to establish 17 new insecticide discriminating concentrations (DCs) for either Aedes spp. or Anopheles spp. The bottle bioassay and DCs can now be widely used to monitor baseline insecticide susceptibility of wild populations of vectors of malaria and Aedes-borne diseases worldwide.Graphical abstract

The Influence of Preanalytical Biospecimen Handling on the Measurement of B Vitamers, Amino Acids, and Other Metabolites in Blood.

Introduction: Sample handling can influence biomarker measurement and introduce variability when combining data from multiple studies or study sites. To inform the development of blood collection protocols within a multisite cohort study, we directly quantified concentrations of 54 biomarkers in blood samples subjected to different handling conditions. Materials and Methods: We obtained serum, lithium heparin plasma, and EDTA plasma from 20 adult volunteers. Tubes of chilled whole blood were either centrifuged and processed within 2 hours of collection (the "reference standard") or were stored with cool packs for 24 or 48 hours; centrifuged before and/or after this delay; or collected in tubes with/without gel separators. We used linear mixed models with random intercepts to estimate geometric mean concentrations and relative percent differences across the conditions. Results: Compared to the reference standard tubes, concentrations of many biomarkers changed after processing delays, but changes were often small. In serum, we observed large differences for B vitamers, glutamic acid (37% and 73% increases with 24- and 48-hour delays, respectively), glycine (12% and 23% increases), serine (16% and 27% increases), and acetoacetate (-19% and -26% decreases). Centrifugation timing and separator tube use did not affect concentrations of most biomarkers. Conclusion: Sample handling should be consistent across samples within an analysis. The length of processing delays should be recorded and accounted for when this is not feasible.

Analysis of Friction and Heat Transfer Characteristics of Tubes with Trapezoidal Cut Twisted Tape Inserts

The thermo-hydraulic properties of circular tubes with a twisted tape inside (used accordingly to induce turbulence and enhance heat transfer through the tube wall) are described for Reynolds Numbers ranging from 830 to 1990. Tapes twisted with the three distinct twist ratios are considered, namely, 6, 4.4 and 3. Air is used as the working fluid in several tests. For the sake of comparison, the standard tube with no insert is also examined. It is shown that in the presence of the twisted tape, the ‘frictional factor’, ‘Nusselt Number’ and the ‘thermal performance factor’ are much higher than those obtained for the plain tube. Moreover, the tapes having the lowest twist ratio, i.e., 3, are more effective than the others in terms of heat transfer augmentation. The ‘thermal performance factor’ is greater than one for all the twisted tapes used in the experiments, which confirms the enhanced performances of the heat exchanger and the related savings in terms of total energy.

Conceptual design of a GEM (gas electron multiplier) based gas Cherenkov detector for measurement of 17MeV gamma rays from T(D, γ)5He in magnetic confinement fusion plasmas.

The only method for assessing the fusion power throughput of a deuterium-tritium (DT) reactor presently relies on determining the absolute number of 14MeV neutrons produced in the DT plasma. An independent method, developed and investigated during the recent DT campaign at the Joint European Torus, is based on the absolute counting of 17MeV gamma rays produced by the competing T(D, γ)5He reaction that features a very weak branching ratio (about 3-6 × 10-6) when compared to the main T(D,n)4He reaction. The state-of-the-art spectrometer used for gamma-ray measurements in magnetic confinement fusion plasmas is LaBr3(Ce) scintillator detectors, although they require significant neutron shielding to extract a relatively weak gamma-ray signal from a much more abundant neutron field. A better approach relies on a gamma-ray detector that is intrinsically insensitive to neutrons. We have advanced the design of a gamma-ray counter based on the Cherenkov effect for gamma-rays whose energy exceeds 11MeV, optimized to work in the neutron-rich environment of a steady-state, magnetically confined fusion plasma device. The gamma-rays interact with an aluminum window and extract electrons that move into the radiator emitting photons via the Cherenkov effect. Since the Cherenkov light consists of few photons (25 on average) in the far UV band (100-200nm), a pre-amplifier is required to transport the photons to the neutron-shielded location, which may be a few meters away, where the readout elements of the detector, either a silicon or standard photomultiplier tube, are placed. The present work focuses on the development of a scintillating GEM (Gas Electron Multiplier) based pre-amplifier that acts as a Cherenkov photon pre-amplifier and wavelength shifter. This paper presents the result of a set of Garfield++ simulations developed to find the optimal GEM working parameters. A photon gain of 100 is obtained by biasing a single GEM foil to 1kV.

VENTING, REMOTE AIR SAMPLING AND MONITORING OF AIR QUALITY IN BLASTED MINING EXCAVATIONS: CURRENT PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

Objective: to analyze working conditions and safety of miners involved in mining excavations by drilling and blasting and to develop modern schemes and technical solutions to improve their standards. Methodology: comprehensive and detailed analytical studies of the current problems connected with occupational health and safety of personnel working specifically in lifting mine excavations of different purposes were carried out, on the basis of which the key tasks for their practical solution were defined. Results: The preliminary analysis and analytical studies have determined that the main and most acute problems requiring an urgent solution are connected with the ventilation of mine workings, and the need to improve the means of sampling and express-control of the quality of air from the bottom-hole zone of mines. According to the state standard “System of product development and launching into manufacture” (“DSTU 3974-2000”) the fundamentally new integral system of schemes and technical solutions (having no analogs) was developed. The system allows for efficiently and reliably solving the extremely complicated issues of ventilation, dust and gas removal, air quality sampling, and control (express analysis) of air composition in drilling and blasting mining excavations of different purposes (ore mining, ventilation, material-entry) to the height of 80-100 m. The developed equipment includes a multipurpose high-pressure ejector-type automatic dust collector ADC-1, designed for efficient ventilation of lifting workings and providing normal sanitary and hygienic working conditions for tunnelers while performing their work cycle, and for reliable neutralization of explosion products; the modernized device for remote control of air composition RCAC-20/80 ore-welding ventilation and material-entry from the bottom-hole zone of the lifting excavations. This process can be carried out both with the use of standard special indicator tubes with chemical reagents and with the use of modern electronic gas-measuring apparatuses (“Dräger-2500/5000” made in Germany or their analogs). Scientific novelty: the integration, i.e. bringing into a single system, of developed up-to-date technical solutions for effective ventilation, reliable dust and gas extraction, gas removal, and air quality sampling and control of air composition of the lifting workings by the drilling and blasting method.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia complicated with acute kidney injury and tubulopathy due to hemoglobin casts

A 62-year-old male patient was admitted for close monitoring of anemia (hemoglobin level, 8.2 g/dl). Hemolytic anemia was observed; however, the direct antiglobulin test (DAT) result (standard tube method) was negative. Nevertheless, autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) was still suspected; therefore, a DAT (Colum method) and quantifying levels of red-blood-cell bound immunoglobulin G were performed, resulting in a definite diagnosis of warm AIHA. The patient also had an acute kidney injury (AKI) from the time of admission, which was poorly improved by supplemental fluids therapy alone. Therefore, renal biopsy was performed. Renal biopsy revealed acute tubular injury due to hemoglobin columns, and a diagnosed AKI caused by hemolysis due to AIHA. Following the definitive diagnosis of AIHA, the patient was treated with prednisolone, and after approximately 2 weeks, the anemia and nephropathy completely improved, which is maintained to this day. We report this case as a rare case of AKI induced by hemolysis of AIHA and a successful case of renal salvage by early administration of steroid.

Novel markers in predicting Brucella sacroiliitis: The platelet large cell ratio and basal immature reticulocyte fraction

Objective: To present platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR), reticulocyte, and immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) values as novel parameters in diagnosis and response to treatment in patients developing sacroiliitis. Methods: Sixty-eight patients with clinical symptoms and Brucella standard tube agglutination (Wright) or Brucella Coombs agglutination test titers ≥1:160 were included in the study. Two groups were established, one developing sacroiliitis and another with no sacroiliitis development. P-LCR, reticulocyte, and IRF levels were measured using a Sysmex XN-9000 device (Japan). These were then compared between the two groups. Results: Reticulocyte (P=0.037) and IRF (P=0.026) levels were significantly lower among the patients developing sacroiliitis compared to the non-sacroiliitis group, while P-LCR (P=0.003) levels were significantly higher. P-LCR had the most powerful correlation with sacroiliitis development. Significant negative correlation was observed between reticulocyte, IRF levels and sacroiliitis. Conclusions: Elevated P-LCR levels were observed as a marker of persisting inflammation in patients developing sacroiliitis, while low reticulocyte and IRF levels secondary to bone marrow involvement were detected. These three parameters emerged as highly significant markers in terms of diagnosis and reflecting responses to treatment in organ involvement such as sacroiliitis in brucellosis. These are presented as inexpensive, and easily accessible novel parameters.