Prominent seasonality of 25(OH)D vitamin deficiency in Latvia: Age and gender-related variations and testing regimen

Seasonality of 25(OH)D deficiency rate is a factor of major clinical and social impact and should be considered when planning for appropriate testing and tailored correction. We present retrospective cross-sectional analysis of over a million 25(OH)D tests performed in two leading Latvian laboratories – Central Laboratory and E.Gulbja Laboratory. Both series of tests demonstrated prominent seasonal variability of 25(OH)D deficiency rate (<20 ng/ml) and critical deficiency rate (<12 ng/ml): the lowest percentage of deficient tests was in August, while a significant peak was found in March-April. This trend was present at all ages and in both genders, variations were pronounced even for a high-latitude country and more prominent for critical deficiency, in younger age groups and in males. Analysis of testing regimens of both laboratories revealed that schedule was not optimal, period of higher testing intensity being far removed from the 25(OH)D deficiency peak.

The Mathematical Models of the Operation Process for Critical Production Facilities Using Advanced Technologies

The paper presents data on the problems of monitoring and diagnosing the technical conditions of critical production facilities, such as torpedo ladle cars, steel ladles. The accidents with critical production facilities, such as torpedo ladle cars, lead to losses and different types of damages in the metallurgical industry. The paper substantiates the need for a mathematical study of the operation process of the noted critical production facilities. A Markovian graph has been built that describes the states of torpedo ladle cars during their operation. A mathematical model is presented that allows determining the optimal frequency of diagnostics of torpedo ladle cars, which, in contrast to the existing approaches, take into account the procedures for preventive diagnostics of torpedo ladle cars, without taking them out of service. Dependence of the utilization coefficient on the period of diagnostics of PM350t torpedo ladle cars was developed. The results (of determining the optimal period of diagnostics for PM350t torpedo ladle cars) are demonstrated. The system for automated monitoring and diagnosing the technical conditions of torpedo ladle cars, without taking them out of service, has been developed and described.

Ipid bark beetle population assessment and threats to weaken pine stands in Central Russia

The data on the ipid bark beetle population growth in pine plantations of Central Russia in 2020 was recorded. The formation of favorable weather conditions for the development of this depredator in some regions was recorded, which greatly influenced the successful development of the insect population in plantations, in particular in the Pskov, Vladimir, Moscow, Bryansk, Lipetsk, and Ryazan regions. In some areas, a medium and low spread of the bark beetle was revealed. The influence of meteorological conditions on the flight activity of the insect and the probability of the mass reproduction foci formation under the 2020 weather conditions were analyzed. The results of the study formed the basis for the forecast preparation of the sanitary and forest health state. It is recommended to use the materials of the article to determine the optimal period for carrying out measures to protect pine plantations from the ipid bark beetle.

Effect of supplementation with core homeopathic on the serum immunological profile of pregnant ewes and lambs

Few information is available about the optimal period for colostrum absorption in the bowel of newborn lambs. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of using supplementation with commercial core homeopathic during pregnancy and early lactation on 18 pregnant Santa Inês ewes presenting body condition score ≥ 2.5. Pregnant animals were randomly divided in two groups; one was used as control (control group) and the other was supplemented on a daily basis with 30 g of homeopathic product with Natrum muriaticum 10-60, Calcium carbonicum 10-30, Silicea terra 10-400 and Hypothalamus 10-30 per animal, mixed to the concentrate during pregnancy and early lactation (treatment group). The Total Protein (TP) and globulin (GLB) values found in ewes and lambs belonging to the treatment group were higher than and different from those recorded for the control group. The serum albumin (ALB) concentration did not differ between groups of ewes but was different in lambs. TP and GLB evolution in lambs and ewes throughout the seven experimental days showed the animals in the treatment group trend to present higher TP and GLB values in all experimental periods; supplemented animals showed trend to progressive increase in both variables until day 3; whereas non-supplemented animals showed such trend until day 2 (when they reached their peak). The commercial core homeopathic to the animals during pregnancy and early lactation resulted in higher TP and GLB concentrations in the serum samples collected from ewes and lambs.

Results of improved vitreoretinal surgery at proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Purpose. To improve the technology of combined vitreoretinal intervention, including preliminary intravitreal injection of angiogenesis inhibitors followed by vitrectomy and a differentiated approach to internal limiting membrane peeling in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Material and methods. The research based on analysis of morpho-functional parameters 134 patient's eyes with PDR during type II diabetes mellitus. The patients were divided into 2 groups. The first group consisted of 30 patients (30 eyes), who were determined optimal period for vitrectomy. That patients underwent fundus photography and optical coherence tomography during 1 month after intravitreal injection of ranibizumab. Vitrectomy was performed within 1-3 months (38.4 ± 5.6 days). The second group consisted of 104 patients (104 eyes) who underwent vitrectomy with a differentiated approach to internal limiting membrane peeling and tamponade of the vitreous cavity. Results. The optimal period for vitrectomy in patients with PDR is 10-14 days after preliminary ranibizumab injection, which is due to the maximal regression of neovascularization and minimal traction on the retina (the risk of developing local traction retinal detachment decreases by 36.6%). Carrying out vitrectomy in optimal period helped to reduce the risk of intraoperative hemorrhagic complications by 4.2 times, the frequency of using perfluorocarbons by 3.7 times. At postoperative period, in patients without internal limiting membrane peeling on the silicone oil tamponade, the risk of epiretinal fibrosis increased 2.7 times compared with the data before treatment, and 1.8 times on air-gas mixture tamponade. Conclusion. The optimal surgical tactic for patients with PDR is preliminary intravitreal injection of angiogenesis inhibitors before vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane peeling at silicone oil tamponade (frequency of epiretinal fibrosis 96%) and individual approach to surgical correction of macular area at gas-air mixture tamponade (frequency of epiretinal fibrosis 36%), which allows to achieve a progressive improvement in morphological and functional results. Key words: proliferative diabetic retinopathy, preliminary anti-VEGF therapy, vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane peeling.

Temporal Profile of Pneumonia After Stroke

Background and Purpose: The occurrence of pneumonia after stroke is associated with a higher risk of poor outcome or death. We assessed the temporal profile of pneumonia after stroke and its association with poor outcome at several time points to identify the most optimal period for testing pneumonia prevention strategies. Methods: We analyzed individual patient data stored in the VISTA (Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive) from randomized acute stroke trials with an inclusion window up to 24 hours after stroke onset and assessed the occurrence of pneumonia in the first 90 days after stroke. Adjusted odds ratios and hazard ratios were calculated for the association between pneumonia and poor outcome and death by means of logistic and Cox proportional hazard regression, respectively, at different times of follow-up. Results: Of 10 821 patients, 1017 (9.4%) had a total of 1076 pneumonias. Six hundred eighty-nine (64.0%) pneumonias occurred in the first week after stroke. The peak incidence was on the third day and the median time of onset was 4.0 days after stroke (interquartile range, 2–12). The presence of a pneumonia was associated with an increased risk of poor outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 4.8 [95% CI, 3.8–6.1]) or death (adjusted hazard ratio, 4.1 [95% CI, 3.7–4.6]). These associations were present throughout the 90 days of follow-up. Conclusions: Two out of 3 pneumonias in the first 3 months after stroke occur in the first week, with a peak incidence on the third day. The most optimal period to assess pneumonia prevention strategies is the first 4 days after stroke. However, pneumonia occurring later was also associated with poor functional outcome or death.

Comparison of Biogas Concentrations in Various Environmental Conditions and Determination of the Optimal Period of Its Production at Environment Temperature

Albania, as a part of Western Balkan, has a variety of climate systems. This type of climate has a closed connection with waste treatment process. The biogas volume produced by the experimental environmental was 0.6 m3. The maximum methane concentration in biogas was reached at 55.8%/volume. The enclosed area (in oval circle) is another indicator of this system. This area extends over the period from 14.08.2018 until 26.08.2018 (12 days). The biomethane maximum biogas concentration reached 53.5 %/vol. up to 55.8% vol. The concentration drop was 4.2 %/vol. The main factor was the temperature. In the period of maximum durability the temperatures were minimum 30°C and maximum 42°C. Another contributing factor was the inoculum. Since inoculum was made from the treatment of four types of waste of different nature, then the concentration of microorganisms was higher. The purpose of the comparison between the two experiments is the sustainability of biogas production as well as the biomethane concentration biogas concentration on waste treatment. Environmental temperature was studied in three different regions of Albania: Shkodra, Tirana and Vlora. The observations showed that the region of Vlora has the longest period of average daily temperature (June 14th to October 1st).

DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGY FOR COLLECTION, DRYING AND STORAGE OF MEDICINAL PLANT RAW MATERIALS OF FERULA ZAILIYSKAYA (FERULA TRANSILIENSIS)

В статье представлена надлежащая технология сбора, обработки, сушки и хранения лекарственного растительного сырья корней ферулы заилийской (Ferula transiliensis). В соответствии с результатами исследований установлен оптимальный период сбора корней - ранней весной и поздней осенью, по окончании вегетационного периода. В данный период происходит максимальное накопление эфирных масел в органах растении. Рекомендовано производить сушку на открытом воздухе в тени, без воздействия прямых солнечных лучей или в сушилках при температуре не выше 40°С и периодически их переворачивая. Установлены условия хранения: температура не выше 25°С, влажность 50±5%, в хорошо проветриваемом помещении. The article presents the proper technology for the collection, processing, drying and storage of medicinal plant raw materials of the roots of the Ferula transiliensis. The optimal period for collecting roots - in early spring and late autumn, at the end of the growing season, was established by the research results. During this period, the maximum accumulation of essential oils in the organs of the plant occurs. It is recommended to dry the raw materials in the open air in the shade, without exposure to direct sunlight, or in dryers at a temperature not exceeding 40° C, and periodically turn them over. Storage conditions are established: temperature not higher than 25 ° C, humidity 50 ± 5%, in well-ventilated premises.

Influence of Technological Maturity on the Secondary Metabolites of Hemp Concentrate (Cannabis sativa L.)

During the last decade, the popularity of hemp products has been rising rapidly. Products containing cannabidiol (CBD) are of predominant interest. Traditional hemp products are frequently enriched by CBD due to their potential therapeutic effects. Cannabidiol occurs naturally in hemp juice together with other biologically active substances, such as terpenes, flavonoids, and stilbenoids. These constituents act synergistically. This study aimed to observe the influence of the hemp plant developmental stage on its chemical composition and antioxidant activity. The hemp plants were analyzed during three vegetative stages, i.e., before, during, and after flowering. The collected samples were evaluated using the following analyses: total polyphenolic content and profile, terpenoid and cannabinoid contents, and ferric reducing antioxidant power. The results revealed statistically significant differences between the samples in almost all set parameters. The optimal period for hemp harvest depends on desirable compounds, i.e., phenolic content is the highest before flowering, while the levels of cannabinoids and terpenoids are the highest during the flowering period.

DETERMINATION OF THE OPTIMUM TIME OF REPLACEMENT OF THE VEHICLE

A method for determining the optimal period of vehicle replacement based on the economic analysis of the life cycle is considered