Synthesis and characterization of ammonium phosphate fertilizers with boron

The concentration of boron, an essential micronutrient for plants, presents a narrow range between deficiency and toxicity. In order to provide the boron requirement for plants, and to avoid toxicity problems, boron compounds are mixed with basic fertilizers. Sodium borate pentahydrate was used as a boron source. Ammonium orthophosphates fertilizers with boron were prepared by neutralizing phosphoric acid with ammonia and addition of variable amounts of sodium tetraborate pentahydrate to the reaction mixture at a NH3:H3PO4 molar ratio of 1.5. The fertilizers obtained with boron contents ranging from 0.05 to 1 % (w/w) were fully characterized by chemical analysis, thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction and infrared spectrophotometry. The studies showed that up to 500 °C, regardless of the boron content, no significant changes concerning thermal stability and nutritional properties occurred. Above 500 °C, an increase of thermal stability with an increase of the boron content was observed. X-Ray diffraction of a heat-treated sample containing 5 % (w/w) boron indicated the appearance of boron orthophosphate, BPO4, as a new crystalline phase, and the disappearance of the previous structures above 500 °C, which explains the increase in thermal stability

Гены II фазы (GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTM1) детоксикации ксенобиотиков у женщин с привычным невынашиванием беременности

ISMP Institutul Mamei şi Copilului, Centrul de Sănătate a Reproducerii şi Genetică MedicalăBackground: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a multifactor and distressing disease. There are still approximately half of the RPL patients with cause not being identified to date. Is supposed that genetic polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) may be associated with the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the polymorphism of GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1 and the pregnancy loss. Methods: A case-control study of 100 cases with RPL and 100 healthy women was conducted. Was investigated DNA of 100 healthy children aged up to 17 years, in order to make a comparative analysis of GST polymorphisms in Moldova with other countries. They were genotyped for polymorphisms of GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 using PCR, PCR/RLFP methods. Results: We found that the frequencies of genotypes between cases and controls have no significant difference (p>0.05). 43% of the cases with RPL and 51% of the controls had the GSTM1 null genotype [odds ratio (OR)=0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.49-1.07)]. On the other hand, 28% of the cases and 35% of the controls had the GSTT1 null genotype (OR = 0.72; 95% CI=0.47-1.10). The frequency of GSTP1 gene of the cases and control is the following: GSTP1 Ile/Ile–49% and 51% (OR=0.92; 95%CI=0.53-1.71); GSTP1 Ile/Val–42% and 43% (OR=0.96; 95%CI=0.55- 1.68); GSTP1 Val/Val–9% and 6% (OR=1.55; 95%CI=0.53-4.53). However, the differences in genotype frequencies between the study and control group are not statistically significant (P>0.05). The comparative analysis performed in the healthy population of Moldova and other countries have found that the frequency of GSTM1 null genotype in Moldova (50%) is similar to that in Ukraine, Italy, Russia, Egypt and Brazil (p>0.05), The frequencies of genotypes GSTT1(+) and GSTT1 0/0 in the Moldavian population are 64% and 36%, respectively differ significantly from the population investigated previously (p<0.05). Frequency of the GSTP1 polymorphism (GSTP1 Ile/Ile=37%; GSTP1 Ile/Val=53%; GSTP1 Val/Val=10%) differs from the same data in Ukraine, Russia and Turkey. Conclusion: The polymorphism of GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1 cannot be associated with the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss in Moldovan women.Актуалъностъ: Привычное невынашивание беременности (ПНБ) является многофакторной болезнью. У более половины пациентов с ПНБ причина этой болезни не было выявлена. Предполагается, что генетические полиморфизмы в глутатион S-трансфераз (GST) могут быть связаны с риском ПНБ. В этом исследовании, мы стремились обнаружить взаимосвязь между полиморфизмом GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1 и ПНБ. Методы: Было проведено исследование случай-контроль в выборке 100 женщин с НБ и 100 здоровых женщин-без прерывания беременности в анамнезе. Все исследованные женщины проживают в Молдове. Было генотипировано ДНК 100 здоровых детей в возрасте до 17 лет для популяционного анализа GST полиморфизма в Республике Молдова. Для генотипирования полиморфизмов GSTM1, GSTT1 и GSTP1 использовались молекулярно-генетические методы PCR, PCR/RLFP. Результаты: Нулевой генотип GSTM1 был выявлен в 43% случаев в группе с ПНБ и 51% в контрольной группе (OR=0.72, 95%Cl=0.49-1.07). Нулевой генотип GSTT1 был установлен в 28% случаев в группе с ПНБ и 35% в контроле (OR=0.72, 95%Cl=0.47-1.10). Частота генотипов GSTP1 Ile/Ile-49% и 51%; GSTP1 Ile/Val-42% и 43%; GSTP1 Val/Val-9% и 6% (в основное группе и контрольной соответственно). Однако, различия в частоте генотипов между исследуемой и контрольной группах не являются статистически значимыми (p>0.05). Сравнительный анализ популяционных частот выявил, что генотип GSTM1(+) встречается в РМ с частотой 50%, как в Украине, Италии, России, Египте. Частоты встречаемости генотипов GSTT1(+) и GSTT1 0/0 в популяции РМ составляют 64% и 36%, соответственно и значительно отличается от этих стран (р<0.05). Частоты полиморфизма GSTP1(GSTP1 Ile/Ile=37%; GSTP1 Ile/Val=53%; GSTP1 Val/Val=10%) отличается от данных Украины, России и Турции. Выводы: Полиморфизмы GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1 не ассоциированы с ПНБ у молдавских женщин

Asocierea mutaţiilor frecvente în genele trombofilice cu pierderile de sarcină în populaţia Republicii Moldova

Pierderile reproductive reprezintă una din cele mai frecvente complicaţii gestaţionale şi sunt o problemă clinică semnificativă. Aproximativ 20% din sarcinile înregistrate se termină cu avort spontan până la 20 de săptămîni de sarcină. În multe cazuri avorturile spontane sunt asociate cu complicaţii trombofi lice, acestea din urmă find considerate drept unul din factorii principali ale pierderilor reproductive. Scopul lucrării: cercetarea celor mai răspândite mutaţii a factorilor trombofiliei - FV Leiden, FV H1299R, Prothrombin G20210A, FXIII V34L, β-Fibrinogen-455G>A, PAI-1, GPIIIa L33P, MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C, ACE I ⁄ D, Apo B, Apo E la femei cu pierderi reproductive din populaţia Republicii Moldova. S-a efectuat screening-ul molecular tuturor 12 mutaţii la 298 de femei cu pierderi reproductive şi 200 de femei din grupul control. S-a efectuat analiza incidenţei mutaţiilor trombofi lice. Femeile cu pierderi reproductive au avut frecvenţa mai înaltă de mutaţii în comparaţie cu cele din grupul de control. A fost descoperită o asociere a mutaţiilor PAI-1 4G/5G şi ACE I ⁄D cu pierderi reproductive

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Mitochondrial physiology

As the knowledge base and importance of mitochondrial physiology to evolution, health and disease expands, the necessity for harmonizing the terminology concerning mitochondrial respiratory states and rates has become increasingly apparent. The chemiosmotic theory establishes the mechanism of energy transformation and coupling in oxidative phosphorylation. The unifying concept of the protonmotive force provides the framework for developing a consistent theoretical foundation of mitochondrial physiology and bioenergetics. We follow the latest SI guidelines and those of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) on terminology in physical chemistry, extended by considerations of open systems and thermodynamics of irreversible processes. The concept-driven constructive terminology incorporates the meaning of each quantity and aligns concepts and symbols with the nomenclature of classical bioenergetics. We endeavour to provide a balanced view of mitochondrial respiratory control and a critical discussion on reporting data of mitochondrial respiration in terms of metabolic flows and fluxes. Uniform standards for evaluation of respiratory states and rates will ultimately contribute to reproducibility between laboratories and thus support the development of data repositories of mitochondrial respiratory function in species, tissues, and cells. Clarity of concept and consistency of nomenclature facilitate effective transdisciplinary communication, education, and ultimately further discovery

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Mitochondrial physiology

As the knowledge base and importance of mitochondrial physiology to evolution, health and disease expands, the necessity for harmonizing the terminology concerning mitochondrial respiratory states and rates has become increasingly apparent. The chemiosmotic theory establishes the mechanism of energy transformation and coupling in oxidative phosphorylation. The unifying concept of the protonmotive force provides the framework for developing a consistent theoretical foundation of mitochondrial physiology and bioenergetics. We follow the latest SI guidelines and those of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) on terminology in physical chemistry, extended by considerations of open systems and thermodynamics of irreversible processes. The concept-driven constructive terminology incorporates the meaning of each quantity and aligns concepts and symbols with the nomenclature of classical bioenergetics. We endeavour to provide a balanced view of mitochondrial respiratory control and a critical discussion on reporting data of mitochondrial respiration in terms of metabolic flows and fluxes. Uniform standards for evaluation of respiratory states and rates will ultimately contribute to reproducibility between laboratories and thus support the development of data repositories of mitochondrial respiratory function in species, tissues, and cells. Clarity of concept and consistency of nomenclature facilitate effective transdisciplinary communication, education, and ultimately further discovery

CARACTERISTICILE HIPERTENSIUNII ARTERIALE PULMONARE ASOCIATE MALFORMAȚIILOR CARDIACE CONGENITALE

Hipertensiunea arterială pulmonară asociată malformaţiilor cardiace congenitale are o serie de particularităţi care o fac distinctă de alte forme de hipertensiune pulmonară. La copiii cu boală cardiacă congenitală asociată cu şunt stânga-dreapta non-restrictiv, hipertensiunea arterială pulmonară este iniţial reversibilă, aceasta fi ind singura formă de hipertensiune arterială pulmonară în care este recunoscut clinic un stadiu reversibil. Speranţa de viaţă la pacienţii cu sindrom Eisenmenger este mai mare decât în alte forme de hipertensiune arterială pulmonară. La pacientul netratat cu hipertensiune arterială pulmonară idiopatică supravieţuirea medie este de 2,8 ani, în timp ce bolnavii cu sindrom Eisenmenger pot supravieţui până la o vârstă de 40-50 de ani. La pacienţii cu şunt stângadreapta non-restrictiv la nivel post-tricuspidian în peste 50% dintre cazuri se dezvoltă boală vasculară pulmonară ireversibilă şi progresivă în primii ani de viaţă, ducând în fi nal la sindrom Eisenmenger. În leziunile cardiace cu şunt stânga-dreapta la nivel pre-tricuspidian, cu o creştere izolată a fl uxului sanguin către plămâni, boala vasculară pulmonară se dezvoltă semnifi cativ mai puţin frecvent şi mult mai târziu în cursul vieţii. Netrataţi, doar 1/10-1/5 din pacienţii cu o comunicare interatrială importantă din punct de vedere hemodinamic vor dezvolta în fi nal boala vasculară pulmonară, mai ales în decada a 3-a sau a 4-a de viaţă. Pentru a înţelege relaţia dintre hipertensiunea pulmonară coexistentă şi o malformaţie cardiacă congenitală la un pacient individual şi pentru a defi ni în mod adecvat prognosticul şi tratamentul, este necesară evaluarea progresiei bolii vasculare şi caracterizarea adecvată a malformaţiei cardiace din punct de vedere morfologic şi fi ziopatologic

The incidence of nosocomial infections in State Institution "The Mother and Child Center" Tiraspol

Centrul Republican de Igiena si Epidemiologie, Colegiul de Medicina or. TiraspolOne of the major problems in public health is septic-purulent complications acquired in hospital conditions. The study carried out for the period of 1991-2011 in the State Institution "The Mother and Child Center remarked decreasing of morbidity caused by septic-purulent infections at newborns and their mothers. This article presents some epidemiological peculiarities of nosocomial infections in State Institution "The Mother and Child Center and problems on diagnosing and surveillance of these infections. Una din probleme actuale ale sănătăţii publice este apariţia complicaţiilor septico-purulente ce apar în staţionare. Studiul efectuat pentru anii 1991-2011 in Centrul Mamei si Copilului denotă o tendinta de scadere a morbiditatii prin infectii septico-purulente nosocomiale. În acest articol sunt reflectate unele particularităţi epidemiologice ale infecţiilor nosocomiale în Centrul Mamei si Copilului din or.Tiraspol si problemele ce ţin de dignosticarea şi monitorizarea acestor infecţii