Morphometric characteristics of the structural components of the intervertebral disc in rats at different times of the experimental opioid exposure and after its withdrawal

Background. The world and domestic literature from time to time report about the problems of uncontrolled drug abuse. This problem is associated not only with the negative impact on the morphological structure, but also is a serious factor which, if it has been exposing for a long time, leads to disability and death. Despite a significant number of studies in this area, the problem of changes in the morphometric parameters of the intervertebral disc’s structural components under chronic exposure of opioid agents still remains unresolved. That is why the study of morphometric characteristics of the intervertebral disc’s structural components under experimental opioid exposure will be interesting for both - morphologists and practical traumatologists. Objective. To study the morphometric parameters of the structural components of the intervertebral disc in rats at different times of the experimental opioid exposure and after its withdrawal. Methods. The objects of the study were 61 mature outbred male rats, weight - 80-135g, age - 4.5-7.5 months. Animals were injected with nalbuphine intramuscularly once daily (at 10-11 am) for 42 days. Histological specimens were stained with alcyan blue (for the study of the collagen fibers thickness of the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments) and PAS-reaction (for the study of the gelatinous nucleus and its capsule thickness). For measurements of collagen fiber thickness, were taken images at x100 magnification, for measurements of the gelatinous nucleus and its capsule thickness - at x40 magnification. Measurements were performed with ImageJver software. 1.51 using the tool "straight" for linear measurements. Results. Thus, changes in the collagen fibers thickness of the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments during the experiment were uneven and had different tendencies. The thickness of the posterior longitudinal fibers changed mostly within the central trend of the control group with a significant decrease only at the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weeks. However, more significant, as for pathogenetic changes, was a sharp decrease in the number of fibers thicker than 25 μm in animals of the experimental group after 2 weeks of the study, and the maximum thickness at 5th and 6th week was only 31.41 μm and 35.24 μm whereas the maximum thickness of the control group was 81.48 μm. In the withdrawal group, only a decrease in sites with nuclear edema can be considered positive, which is displayed by morphometrical decrease in the maximum value, but the central trend remains much lower than in the control group, which also indicates the predominance of decompensatory changes. Conclusion. During the whole experiment, we observed similar changes in the nucleus capsule thickness: non-systemic fluctuations of the central parameters ​​up to the 5th week and a sharp decompensation at the 6th week, which was manifested by a sharp decrease in thickness. Simultaneously, we observed numerous sites of edema and thickening by more than 100 μm on the 2nd week. Despite a general decrease in median and quartile at this time, such sites were also noted at the 6th week. Thickness of the nucleus capsule in the withdrawal group did not demonstrate significant dynamics and remained similar to those at the 6th week. Although, this can be interpreted as the stabilization at a certain level without further negative dynamics.

SELECTING THE HEAT-REFLECTING SCREEN WHILE THE FORMATION OF CONDENSATE IS AVOIDED

This article deals with the problem of choosing the thickness of the heat-refl ecting screen behind the heating radiator, in which the conditions for the formation of condensate on the wall are not achieved. Based on the analysis of the results obtained, the maximum thickness of the screen is established, using the example of penofol, at the calculated temperature diff erence in the conditions of a cold fi ve-day period, and the heat losses and the economic eff ect of this energy-saving measure are determined already during the heating period. Calculations were carried out for a wall made of reinforced concrete, covered with plaster on the outside. This technique can be used for other cases of enclosing structures and various materials of the heat-refl ecting screen.

Gerontological Studies on the Micrometry of Liver of Bakerwali Goat

Background: Goat husbandry has been playing an important role in the economy of our country with special reference to milk, meat, manure and hide production. Bakerwali goat constitutes about 50% of the total goat population of J and K. The liver is an extremely important organ in the body of mammals performing numerous functions. The liver is much heavier in young animals than older animals as it atrophies with age. The present study has been planned to record the micrometrical data about the liver of Bakerwali goat during different age groups. Methods: Liver samples were collected from slaughter houses of Nagrota in and around Jammu city of UT of J and K during 2019-20. The samples were divided into young (below 1 year), adult (2-3 years) and senile (4 years and above) as per the dentition of the goats. Six samples from each age group were collected. The micrometrical observations were recorded on H and E stained sections with the help of an ocular micrometer duly calibrated with stage micrometer. Result: The capsule showed maximum thickness in adults followed by the young and senile age group. The maximum thickness of the capsule was seen at upper part of main lobe (UPOML) in the liver of young and adult whereas, in the senile group, the maximum thickness was seen at middle part of main lobe (MPOML). The diameter of the central vein showed the highest values in adults, followed by young and senile probably due to increased liver functions in adult. The mean values of length of hepatocytes ranged between 13.50 to 22.50 µm in all regions of the liver of irrespective of age groups. The mean values showed higher values in adult and senile age groups. The nuclear diameter of the hepatocytes ranged between 9.00 to 13.50 µm with mean values varying between 9.72±0.58 to 10.05±0.50 µm in all the three age groups. The maximum number of portal triads per field was seen at ventral part of main lobe (VPOML) in the senile group whereas the minimum number was observed at MPOML in the young group. In general, several portal triads per field were highest in the senile group followed by adult and young.

Maximum Thickness Location Selection of High Subsonic Axial Compressor Airfoils and Its Effect on Aerodynamic Performance

Solidity and camber angle are key parameters with a primary effect on airfoil diffusion. Maximum thickness location has a considerable impact on blade loading distribution. This paper investigates correlations of maximum thickness location, solidity, and camber angle with airfoil performance to choose maximum thickness location quickly for compressor airfoils with different diffusion. The effects of maximum thickness location, solidity, and camber angle on incidence characteristics are discussed based on abundant two-dimensional cascade cases computed through numerical methods. Models of minimum loss incidence, total pressure loss coefficient, diffusion factor, and static pressure rise coefficient are established to describe correlations quantitatively. Based on models, dependence maps of total pressure loss coefficient, diffusion factor, and static pressure rise coefficient are drawn and total loss variation brought by maximum thickness location is analyzed. The study shows that the preferred selection of maximum thickness location can be the most forward one with no serious shock loss. Then, the choice maps of optimal maximum thickness location on different design conditions are presented. The optimal maximum thickness locates at 20–35% chord length. Finally, a database of optimal cases which can meet different loading requirements is provided as a tool for designers to choose geometrical parameters.

Micrometry of Liver of Non-descript Goats of Jammu Region in Different Age Groups

The present study was conducted on the liver of non-descript goats of Jammu region during 2019. The samples were divided into young (below 1 year), adult (2–3 years) and senile (4 years and above) age groups as per the dentition. Six samples from each age group were collected. The capsule showed maximum thickness in adult age group. Maximum thickness of capsule was seen at upper part of main lobe (UPOML) in the liver of young, adult and senile age group. The diameter of central vein showed highest values in adult, followed senile group probably due to increased liver functions in adult. Inter-central vein distance was maximum in adult age group followed by young and senile groups. The mean values of length of hepatocytes ranged between 13.50 to 22.50 µm in all regions of liver of irrespective of age groups. The mean values showed higher values in adult and senile age groups. The nuclear diameter of the hepatocytes ranged between 9.00 to 13.50 µm with mean values varying between 9.75±0.50 to 10.50±0.64 µm in all the three age groups. Number of liver lobules per field was maximum at MPOML in senile group (14.16±0.61) whereas minimum number was observed at CL in young (4.41±0.22). Maximum number of portal triads per field was seen at VPOML in senile group (5.16±0.32) whereas minimum number was observed at VPOML in young group (3.08±0.19). In general, number of liver lobules and portal triads per field was highest in senile group followed by adult and young.

Preliminary study of CT features of intermediate- and high-grade alimentary lymphoma and adenocarcinoma in cats

Case series summary The ultrasonographic findings of many feline intestinal tumours are similar. This study evaluated the CT features of intermediate- and high-grade alimentary lymphoma and adenocarcinoma in cats. CT was performed on six cats with adenocarcinoma and 14 cats with lymphoma. Comparisons between tumour types were conducted, focusing on CT features, including obstruction (present or absent), growth patterns of lesions (symmetry or asymmetry), layering enhancement (present or absent), location of the lesion, number of lesions (solitary or multiple), lymphadenopathy (present or absent), location of lymphadenopathy, pulmonary metastasis (present or absent) and maximum thickness (mm) of the lesion. The cats with adenocarcinoma (n = 5/6 [83%]) experienced intestinal obstruction significantly more often than cats with lymphoma (n = 0/14 [0%]; P = 0.0004). Layering enhancement was observed significantly more often in cats with adenocarcinoma (n = 6/6 [100%]) than in cats with lymphoma (n = 1/14 [7%]; P = 0.0002). Lymphadenopathy was detected significantly more often in cats with lymphoma (n = 14/14 [100%]) than in cats with adenocarcinoma (n = 2/6 [33%]) ( P = 0.003). In cats with lymphoma, the intestine (12.1 ± 3.9 mm) was significantly thicker than that in cats with adenocarcinoma (6.4 ± 2.3 mm; P = 0.005). Relevance and novel information To the best of our knowledge, no reports have described the characteristics of feline intestinal tumours using CT. Layering enhancement was observed in cats with intestinal adenocarcinomas. No layering enhancement was observed in alimentary lymphoma in cats, but enlarged regional nodes were noted. Lesions with lymphoma were thicker than those with adenocarcinoma. These findings may help differentiate between adenocarcinomas and lymphomas.

First Evidence of Contourite Drifts in the North-Western Sicilian Active Continental Margin (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea)

We present the results of an integrated geomorphological and seismo-stratigraphic study based on high resolution marine data acquired in the north-western Sicilian continental margin. We document for the first time five contourite drifts (marked as EM1a, EM2b, EM2, EM3a, and EM3b), located in the continental slope at depths between ca. 400 and 1500 m. EM1a,b have been interpreted as elongated mounded drifts. EM1a,b are ca. 3 km long, 1.3 km wide, and have a maximum thickness of 36 m in their center that thins northwards, while EM1b is smaller with a thickness up to 24 m. They are internally characterized by mounded seismic packages dominated by continuous and parallel reflectors. EM2 is located in the upper slope at a depth of ca. 1470 m, and it is ca. 9.3 km long, more than 3.9 km wide, and has a maximum thickness of ca. 65 m. It consists of an internal aggradational stacking pattern with elongated mounded packages of continuous, moderate to high amplitude seismic reflectors. EM2 is internally composed by a mix of contourite deposits (Holocene) interbedded with turbiditic and/or mass flow deposits. EM1a,b and EM2 are deposited at the top of an erosional truncation aged at 11.5 ka, so they mostly formed during the Holocene. EM3a,b are ca. 16 km long, more than 6.7 km wide, and have a thickness up to 350 m. Both EM2 and EM3a,b have been interpreted as sheeted drift due to their morphology and seismic features. The spatial distribution of the contourite drifts suggests that the drifts are likely generated by the interaction of the LIW, and deep Tyrrhenian water (TDW) on the seafloor, playing an important role in the shaping this continental margin since the late Pleistocene-Holocene. The results may help to understand the deep oceanic processes affecting the north-western Sicilian continental margin.

TECTONIC AND EROSION FEATURES, AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON ZONAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE UPPER TRIASSIC AND THE LOWER CRETACEOUS SEDIMENTS IN THE EUPHRATES GRABEN AREA, SYRIA

We have investigated the tectonic and erosion features of the Upper Triassic (Mulussa F Formation) and Lower Cretaceous (Rutbah Formation) sediments in the Euphrates graben area and analysed their influence on changes in the thickness and zonal distribution patterns of these sediments. In this study, the geological modeling software of Petrel Schlumberger is used to model the regional geological structure and stratigraphy from the available geological and geophysical data.The Upper Triassic and Lower Cretaceous sediments (in total, almost 800 m thick) are the major hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Euphrates graben, which contain approximately 80 to 90 % of the total hydrocarbon reserve in this area. These sedimentary zones experienced variable changes in thickness and zonal distribution due to erosion processes caused by the two major regional unconformities, the Base Upper Cretaceous (BKU) and Base Lower Cretaceous (BKL) unconformities. The maximum thickness of the Upper Triassic sediments amounts to 480 m in the central parts of the Euphrates graben and along the NW-SE trend, i.e. in the dip direction of the Upper Triassic Mulussa F Formation. Towards the NE flank of the graben near the Khleissia uplift and the SW flank near to the Rutbah uplift, the thickness of the Upper Triassic sediments is gradually decreased due to their partial or total erosion caused by the BKL unconformity, and also due to a less space for sediment accumulation near the uplifts. The thickness of the Lower Cretaceous sediments increases in the northern, NW and NE flanks of the graben. Their maximum thickness is about 320 m. The BKL unconformity is the major cause of erosion of the Lower Cretaceous sediments along the southern, SE and SW flanks of the graben. In the Jora and Palmyra areas towards the NW flank of the Euphrates graben, the Upper Triassic and Lower Cretaceous sediments show no changes in thickness. In these areas, there was more space for sediment accumulation, and the sediments were less influenced by the BKL and BKU unconformities and thus less eroded.

GEODYNAMICS

Purpose. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the peculiarities of the spatial distribution of thickness and paleorelief of continental flood basalts of Luchychi stratum of Ratne suite of the Ediacaran of the Ratne–Kamin-Kashyrskyi Area in Western Volyn using maps of the thickness and relief of the paleosurface. The study also focuses on correlation between the specified parameters of the stratum and the spatial change of concentrations of native mineralization and its localization relative to the roof (sole) of the stratum. Method. The research applies a number of methods, including field geological surveys; petrography of basalts, structural features (degree of crystallization of mesostasis, structural position of minerals and, in particular, copper, ratio of globular formations and minerals that surround them, relationship between globules), macro- and microtextural features of rocks; geochemical research: determination of the content of the main chemical components of the rocks by the method of gross chemical analysis and copper content; geological and morphostructural studies: construction of a map of paleorelief and thickness of continental flood basalt of the Luchichiv stratum (according to the section of wells). Results. The constructed maps of the thickness and paleo surface of the Luchychi stratum show the spatial variability of the basalt thickness and the reflection of the effective tectonic situation on its paleo surface, which can be "read" by relief elements. It is established that high copper content in basalts is spatially confined to areas of maximum thickness and shifted vertically to the near-roof and, partially, plantar parts of the basalt thickness, and the degree of their crystallization increases in the direction of the inner parts of bodies. This situation with the spatial arrangement of native mineralization indicates the existence within these areas of local isolated thermostated systems. They evolved in their internal parts in conditions close to the intrusive ones (relatively slow decrease in melt temperature, crystallization of rock differences almost devoid of volcanic glass – dolerite-basalts with the transition to dolerites in the central part). Such physicochemical conditions caused long-term migration of gaseous, gaseous-liquid and liquid fluids, providing concomitant extraction, concentration, transfer and deposition not only of native copper, but also a number of petrogenic oxides (alkalis, iron, partially calcium, silicium). The latter subsequently formed a number of low-temperature minerals, the most common of which are zeolites, calcite, and iron compounds. In areas with small and minimum thickness of basalts, the above facts are observed in a reduced form, and in some places are virtually absent. The research has established the complete absence of signs of hydrothermal copper ore mineralization. The latter indicates the lack of evidence about the formation of native mineralization of the hydrothermal type. We provide the geological and petrogeochemical facts that give grounds to consider the scenario of the process of formation of native copper mineralization in relation to the fluid-liquidation hypothesis, earlier developed and proposed by the authors. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the study made it possible to construct maps of the thickness and relief of the paleo surface of the basalts of the Luchychi strata of the Ratne–Kamin-Kashyrskyi area of Western Volyn. Based on the actual material it is shown that the vertical distribution and localization of native mineralization within basaltic bodies are naturally related to their thickness. The value of native copper is directly related to body thickness, reaching a maximum in areas with maximum thickness and background values at the minimum thickness. Practical significance. For the first time, geological, petrographic, geological and morphostructural data were compared with the copper content in basalts of the Luchichi stratum. The proposed approach can be used by geological production organizations in conducting exploration work to prepare promising areas for exploration of the North-Hirnyky and Rafalivka ore fields (ore nodes) within the Ratne Horst anticline. The obtained original material can be distributed as a new method of native mineralization search in other areas of the continental flood basalts distribution.

Brief communication: An empirical relation between center frequency and measured thickness for radar sounding of temperate glaciers

Radar sounding of the thickness of temperate glaciers is challenged by substantial volume scattering, surface scattering and high attenuation rates. Lower-frequency radar sounders are often deployed to mitigate these effects, but the lack of a global synthesis of their success limits progress in system and survey design. Here we extend a recent global compilation of glacier thickness measurements (GlaThiDa) with the center frequency for radar-sounding surveys. From a maximum reported thickness of ∼ 1500 m near 1 MHz, the maximum thickness sounded decreases by ∼ 500 m per frequency decade. Between 25–100 MHz, newer airborne radar sounders generally outperform older, ground-based ones. Based on globally modeled glacier thicknesses, we conclude that a multi-element, ≤30 MHz airborne radar sounder could survey most temperate glaciers more efficiently.