A novel method for the accurate quantification of two isomeric mercapturic acids of 1,3-dichlorobenzene in human urine using isotope dilution online-SPE-LC-MS/MS.

1,3-dichlorobenzene (1,3-DCB) is an aromatic solvent that might be formed during thermal decomposition of bis(2,4-dichlorobenzoyl)peroxide used as initiator in silicone rubber production with many workers exposed worldwide. During metabolism of 1,3-DCB, two isomeric mercapturic acids can be formed from ring oxidation of 1,3-DCB in the liver, namely 2,4-dichlorophenylmercapturic acid (24CPhMA) and 3,5-dichlorophenylmercapturic acid (35CPhMA). These urinary mercapturic acids might serve as biomarkers of the toxicologically relevant absorbed dose of 1,3-DCB and have not been determined so far. Thus, we were aimed to develop an analytical method for quantification of these biomarkers. Authentic standards of both mercapturic acids as well as deuterium-labelled analogues were self-synthesized. A method for the quantification of both CPhMAs in human urine using online-SPE LC/MS/MS was developed and validated with an LOQ of 0.1 ng mL-1 for both CPhMAs. The analytes were extracted from urine by online-SPE on a restricted access material phase, transferred to the analytical column and quantified by tandem mass spectrometry. Interday (n = 6) and Intraday (n = 10) precision for both CPhMAs ranged from 1.7 to 4.3 % with accuracies between 99.4 and 109.9 % at concentrations of 0.6 and 3 ng mL-1. We applied the method on post-shift urine samples of 16 workers of the silicone rubber industry with occupational exposure to 1,3-DCB. Both CPhMAs were above LOQ in 15 of 16 urine samples with median levels (range) for 24CPhMA and 35CPhMA of 1.64 ng mL-1 (<0.1 - 8.2 ng mL-1) and 3.98 ng mL-1 (0.36 - 24.1 ng mL-1), respectively. This is the first report on specific urinary mercapturic acids of 1,3-DCB in humans. Our results show that ring oxidation of 1,3-DCB is considered to be a toxicologically relevant metabolic pathway in humans. This might improve risk assessment of 1,3-DCB-emissions in silicone rubber industry.

Measurement of Electron-Neutrino Charged-Current Cross Sections on

Using an 185-kg NaI[Tl] array, COHERENT has measured the inclusive electron-neutrino charged-current cross section on ^{127}I with pion decay-at-rest neutrinos produced by the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Iodine is one the heaviest targets for which low-energy (≤50 MeV) inelastic neutrino-nucleus processes have been measured, and this is the first measurement of its inclusive cross section. After a five-year detector exposure, COHERENT reports a flux-averaged cross section for electron neutrinos of 9.2_{-1.8}^{+2.1}×10^{-40} cm^{2}. This corresponds to a value that is ∼41% lower than predicted using the MARLEY event generator with a measured Gamow-Teller strength distribution. In addition, the observed visible spectrum from charged-current scattering on ^{127}I has been measured between 10 and 55 MeV, and the exclusive zero-neutron and one-or-more-neutron emission cross sections are measured to be 5.2_{-3.1}^{+3.4}×10^{-40} and 2.2_{-0.5}^{+0.4}×10^{-40} cm^{2}, respectively.

First Probe of Sub-GeV Dark Matter beyond the Cosmological Expectation with the COHERENT CsI Detector at the SNS.

The COHERENT Collaboration searched for scalar dark matter particles produced at the Spallation Neutron Source with masses between 1 and 220 MeV/c^{2} using a CsI[Na] scintillation detector sensitive to nuclear recoils above 9 keV_{nr}. No evidence for dark matter is found and we thus place limits on allowed parameter space. With this low-threshold detector, we are sensitive to coherent elastic scattering between dark matter and nuclei. The cross section for this process is orders of magnitude higher than for other processes historically used for accelerator-based direct-detection searches so that our small, 14.6 kg detector significantly improves on past constraints. At peak sensitivity, we reject the flux consistent with the cosmologically observed dark-matter concentration for all coupling constants α_{D}<0.64, assuming a scalar dark-matter particle. We also calculate the sensitivity of future COHERENT detectors to dark-matter signals which will ambitiously test multiple dark-matter spin scenarios.

Measurement of the Coherent Elastic Neutrino-Nucleus Scattering Cross Section on CsI by COHERENT.

We measured the cross section of coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CEvNS) using a CsI[Na] scintillating crystal in a high flux of neutrinos produced at the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. New data collected before detector decommissioning have more than doubled the dataset since the first observation of CEvNS, achieved with this detector. Systematic uncertainties have also been reduced with an updated quenching model, allowing for improved precision. With these analysis improvements, the COHERENT Collaboration determined the cross section to be (165_{-25}^{+30})×10^{-40} cm^{2}, consistent with the standard model, giving the most precise measurement of CEvNS yet. The timing structure of the neutrino beam has been exploited to compare the CEvNS cross section from scattering of different neutrino flavors. This result places leading constraints on neutrino nonstandard interactions while testing lepton flavor universality and measures the weak mixing angle as sin^{2}θ_{W}=0.220_{-0.026}^{+0.028} at Q^{2}≈(50 MeV)^{2}.

Interim Results of the BYHEART Observational Study: Exogenous Phosphocreatine Effect on the Quality of life of Patients with Chronic Heart Failure.

Aim      Improvement of quality of life is one of the most important goals for the treatment of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). This study searched for ways to increase the efficiency of CHF treatment based on parameters of quality of life in CHF patients during and after the treatment with exogenous phosphocreatine (EP).Material and methods  The effect of a single course of EP treatment on quality of life of patients with functional class (FC) II-IV CHF with reduced or mid-range left ventricular ejection fraction was studied as a part of the all-Russia prospective observational study BYHEART. The presence of FC II-IV CHF and a left ventricular ejection fraction <50 % were confirmed by results of 6-min walk test (6MWT) and findings of echocardiography after stabilization of the background therapy.Results An interim data analysis showed that the course of EP treatment was associated with a significant improvement of quality-of-life indexes as determined by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (LHFQ) total score. These indexes significantly increased and remained at a satisfactory level for 6 mos. following completion of the treatment course. Also, the treatment significantly beneficially influenced the clinical condition of patients (heart failure severity scale), results of 6MWT, and the increase in left ventricular ejection fraction.Conclusion      The conclusions based on results of the interim analysis should be confirmed by results of the completed study. Complete results are planned to be published in 2022.

An innovative route for valorising iron and aluminium oxide rich industrial wastes: Recovery of multiple metals.

Several industrial wastes including biomass, fly ashes, red mud, mill scales, water treatment residues, have significant concentrations of metal oxides: Fe2O3, Al2O3, TiO2, SiO2 etc. Several efforts have been made towards recovering metals within these wastes. Rather than recovering one metal at a time, we report a novel approach for simultaneously extracting multiple metals from mixed oxides in a single process step. Using three distinct furnaces/heating regimes, the carbothermic reduction of Fe2O3/Al2O3/SiO2 system was investigated at 1450-1700 °C for up to 2 h over a wide composition range. Complete reduction was achieved for both Fe2O3 and SiO2 in all cases leading to the formation of Fe and Fe-Si alloys. The reduction of alumina at moderate temperatures was the key challenge. No alumina reduction was observed during reductions at 1450 °C. A partial reduction of alumina and the formation of Fe-Al alloys was detected in the Al2O3/Fe2O3/C system at 1550 °C. The formation of Fe-Si-Al alloys was also observed in the Fe2O3/SiO2/Al2O3/C system at 1550 °C. Complete reduction of alumina was observed at 1600-1700 °C, even for up to 50 wt% alumina in the system. Optimal operating conditions and reference standards were established for the simultaneous recovery of multiple metals from waste oxides. While conserving natural resources, this novel route will lower the burden on waste storage facilities with significant contributions to the economic and environmental sustainability of industrial waste management.

A nonlinear evolution of the structure, morphology, and optical properties of PbS-CdS films with cadmium nitrate in the reaction mixture.

Herein, we describe the nonlinear processes for the formation of thin films of the PbS-CdS system using chemical bath deposition with a gradual change in the cadmium nitrate content in the reaction mixture. The morphology of films was studied via scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The mechanism for the formation of thin-film compounds can be considered as cluster-particle aggregation (diffusion-limited aggregation). X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of single-phase layers of substitutional B1-type CdxPb1-xS solid solutions (space group Fm3[combining macron]m) when the concentration of cadmium nitrate in the reaction bath increased up to [Cd(NO3)2] = 0.08 M. The maximum cadmium content in CdxPb1-xS solid solutions was determined to be x = 0.094. At the concentration of [Cd(NO3)2] = 0.10 M, a two-phase film was formed, where the film consisted of crystallites of cubic CdxPb1-xS with x = 0.071 (lower compared to the film obtained at [Cd(NO3)2] = 0.08 M) and fine-crystalline hexagonal B4-type Cd1-δS (space group P63mc). The texture of grains forming films was observed; where a predominant orientation with the (111) plane along substrate in PbS changed to the (200) plane in CdxPb1-xS films, the portion of (200) oriented grains increased with an increase in cadmium nitrate content up to [Cd(NO3)2] = 0.08 M, and at 0.10 M of cadmium nitrate, a radical change in the type of texture to the (111) type occurred. The concentration [Cd(NO3)2] = 0.10 M is called the critical concentration, where under this condition, the deposition process occurs due to the excess Gibbs energy. The higher cadmium content x in films determined by the energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and Auger spectroscopy compared with that estimated from the crystal lattice parameter is associated with the presence of an additional amorphous CdS phase formed as a sublayer distributed in intercrystalline spaces and island formations. Optical studies showed a nonlinear change in the band gap (Eg) of obtained films from 0.53 to 0.76 eV, whereas at the critical cadmium salt concentration (0.10 M), two crystalline phases with Eg equal to 0.73 and 2.47 eV were observed.

First Measurement of Coherent Elastic Neutrino-Nucleus Scattering on Argon.

We report the first measurement of coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CEvNS) on argon using a liquid argon detector at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Spallation Neutron Source. Two independent analyses prefer CEvNS over the background-only null hypothesis with greater than 3σ significance. The measured cross section, averaged over the incident neutrino flux, is (2.2±0.7)×10^{-39} cm^{2}-consistent with the standard model prediction. The neutron-number dependence of this result, together with that from our previous measurement on CsI, confirms the existence of the CEvNS process and provides improved constraints on nonstandard neutrino interactions.

Measurement of the Spectral Shape of the ß-Decay of

We report on a comparison between the theoretically predicted and experimentally measured spectra of the first-forbidden nonunique ß-decay transition ^{137}Xe(7/2^{-})→^{137}Cs(7/2^{+}). The experimental data were acquired by the EXO-200 experiment during a deployment of an AmBe neutron source. The ultralow background environment of EXO-200, together with dedicated source deployment and analysis procedures, allowed for collection of a pure sample of the decays, with an estimated signal to background ratio of more than 99 to 1 in the energy range from 1075 to 4175 keV. In addition to providing a rare and accurate measurement of the first-forbidden nonunique ß-decay shape, this work constitutes a novel test of the calculated electron spectral shapes in the context of the reactor antineutrino anomaly and spectral bump.

Search for Neutrinoless Double-ß Decay with the Complete EXO-200 Dataset.

A search for neutrinoless double-ß decay (0νßß) in ^{136}Xe is performed with the full EXO-200 dataset using a deep neural network to discriminate between 0νßß and background events. Relative to previous analyses, the signal detection efficiency has been raised from 80.8% to 96.4±3.0%, and the energy resolution of the detector at the Q value of ^{136}Xe 0νßß has been improved from σ/E=1.23% to 1.15±0.02% with the upgraded detector. Accounting for the new data, the median 90% confidence level 0νßß half-life sensitivity for this analysis is 5.0×10^{25} yr with a total ^{136}Xe exposure of 234.1 kg yr. No statistically significant evidence for 0νßß is observed, leading to a lower limit on the 0νßß half-life of 3.5×10^{25} yr at the 90% confidence level.

[Substantiation of the drug «Cytoflavin¼ application and cognitive-behavioral therapy in complex treatment of deforming coxarthrosis in elderly patients.]

The article presents the results of a study of the effectiveness of the addition of a standard course of conservative therapy to 104 patients of the older age group with coxarthrosis deforming the drug «Cytoflavin¼ and cognitive-behavioral therapy courses. It was found that such scheme increases the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions, which manifests itself as the improvement of the mental and physical components of quality of life by reducing pain and increasing the functionality of some of the affected hip. At the heart of positive clinical effect is a decrease in processes of inflammation and reduction of tension of regulatory processes in the organism.

Search for Neutrinoless Double-Beta Decay with the Upgraded EXO-200 Detector.

Results from a search for neutrinoless double-beta decay (0νßß) of ^{136}Xe are presented using the first year of data taken with the upgraded EXO-200 detector. Relative to previous searches by EXO-200, the energy resolution of the detector has been improved to σ/E=1.23%, the electric field in the drift region has been raised by 50%, and a system to suppress radon in the volume between the cryostat and lead shielding has been implemented. In addition, analysis techniques that improve topological discrimination between 0νßß and background events have been developed. Incorporating these hardware and analysis improvements, the median 90% confidence level 0νßß half-life sensitivity after combining with the full data set acquired before the upgrade has increased twofold to 3.7×10^{25} yr. No statistically significant evidence for 0νßß is observed, leading to a lower limit on the 0νßß half-life of 1.8×10^{25} yr at the 90% confidence level.

Pre-harvest sprouting resistance and haplotype variation of ThVp-1 gene in the collection of wheat-wheatgrass hybrids.

The germplasm collection of 87 wheat-wheatgrass hybrids developed in Tsitisin Main Botanical Garden (Russia, Moscow) was evaluated for resistance to pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) by spike sprouting (SS) and germination index (GI) assays as well as for spike and grain features. The PHS resistance variation and haplotype polymorphism of the wheatgrass ThVp-1 and wheat TaVp-1B genes orthologues of Vp-1 was revealed in the studied collection. Four haplotypes of ThVp-1 were revealed: ThVp-1a (41% of the entries), ThVp-1b (13%), ThVp-1c (29%), and ThVp-1d (15%). The association between the allelic state of ThVp-1 and PHS resistance in the wheat-wheatgrass hybrids was shown: haplotype ThVp-1d of the wheatgrass Vp-1 gene is significantly associated with reduced PHS in the wheat-wheatgrass hybrids (mean SS 0.33, mean GI 0.64). The resistant entries may be perspective as a source of PHS resistance in the development of commercial cultivars of perennial wheat.

[Evaluation of bio-inverse communication and Cytoflavin effects on the dynamics of the clinical and psychophysiological condition of elderly patients with osteochondrosis].

We conducted a study of 150 patients on the basis of polyclinic № 91 in St. Petersburg. The effect of Cytoflavin and bio-inverse communication therapy on the dynamics of the condition of elderly patients with osteochondrosis was evaluated. A number of positive effects from such an addition to existing therapy, potentiating the nominal effect, were revealed.

[Dynamics of indicators of the functional state of the central nervous system in Navy operators treated with cytoflavin after a long working cycle]. / Dinamika pokazatelei funktsional'nogo sostoianiia tsentral'noi nervnoi sistemy u operatorov Voenno-morskogo flota posle dlitel'nogo rabochego tsikla na fone priema tsitoflavina.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of cytoflavin in the correction of functional state and working ability of Navy operators after a long working cycle. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Results of the examination of 25 Navy operators, aged from 27 to 42 years, were analyzed at baseline and after treatment with cytoflavin. The Rusalov questionnaire for Individuality Formal Dynamic Properties and EEG were used to evaluate the state of participants. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate the ability of cytoflavin to exert the positive effect on the energetic component of the functional state of Navy operators after a long working cycle, increasing the psychomotor activity and optimizing the spontaneous electrical activity of the brain. The activation of energetic potential, physical activity and emotional reactions by cytoflavin is correlated with the growth of the central nervous system reserves in Navy operators treated after a long working cycle.

Observation of coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering.

The coherent elastic scattering of neutrinos off nuclei has eluded detection for four decades, even though its predicted cross section is by far the largest of all low-energy neutrino couplings. This mode of interaction offers new opportunities to study neutrino properties and leads to a miniaturization of detector size, with potential technological applications. We observed this process at a 6.7σ confidence level, using a low-background, 14.6-kilogram CsI[Na] scintillator exposed to the neutrino emissions from the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Characteristic signatures in energy and time, predicted by the standard model for this process, were observed in high signal-to-background conditions. Improved constraints on nonstandard neutrino interactions with quarks are derived from this initial data set.

[Experience of Treatment of Spontaneous Rupture of Left Ventricular Posterior Wall After Mitral Valve Replacement].

Spontaneous rupture of the left ventricular posterior wall after mitral valve replacement is a severe complication and is associated with high mortality rate. This complication was first described in 1967 by Roberts and Morrow, which describe the results of autopsy of two patients. In leading clinics around the world left ventricular wall ruptures after mitral valve replacement account for up to 20% of causes of hospital mortality. Currently there is no clear-cut strategy of treatment of this complication. In this article we present analysis of both traditional and non-traditional methods of treatment of this complication as well as own small positive and negative experience.

[Peculiarities of clinical and psychophysiological status of elderly patients with osteochondrosis.]

We conducted a study of 220 patients in polyclinic № 91 in St. Petersburg. It was revealed that elderly patients with osteochondrosis are characterized by a high prevalence and severity of osteochondrosis against the background of metabolic disorders in the structures of the spine. At the same time, the actual condition of the spine does not always determine the severity of the pain syndrome. The effect of osteochondrosis on the development of comorbid pathology has been clarified. The ways of correction of the clinical and psychophysiological status of elderly patients with osteochondrosis such as appointment of Cytoflavin, behavioral therapy and biofeed back therapy are suggested.

[The effectiveness of the combined use of energomonitor antioxidant and cognitive psychotherapy in the treatment of generalized periodontitis in elderly patients].

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of combined use of Cytoflavin and cognitive therapy on the dynamics of psychosomatic status and effectiveness of the treatment of generalized periodontitis in elderly patients. The results of treatment of 103 patients aged 60 and older were analyzed. All patients received standard therapy for 10-14 days depending on the severity of the process. In addition, the patients of the main group (51 patients) received Cytoflavin: 2 tabs. 2 times a day with an interval between doses of 8-10 hours for 25 days, and cognitive therapy aimed at training alternative realistic way of life perception. Treatment results were monitored by PMA, Russell periodontal index (PI), Green-Vermillion hygienic index. Psychosomatic dynamics was assessed by means of Spielberger anxiety scale and SUN" methods of before and after a month of treatment. The inclusion in the treatment regimen of Cytoflavin and cognitive therapy had a positive impact: reduction of PMA by 61.8%, PI by 45.3% and Green-Vermillion index by 39.8%. The psychosomatic tests proved anxiety level decrease by 28.7% in terms of "reactive" anxiety and 31.5% in terms of "personal" anxiety, emotional status (21.2%), activity (21.7%) and mood (21.8%) improvement.

[Behavioral psychotherapy and citoftavin in the treatment of deforming coxarthrosis in elderly patients].

The authors studied the efficiency of the expansion of the standard course of conservative therapy of deforming coxarthrosis by appointment Cytoflavin and behavioral therapy. The study was performed on 104 elderly patients. It was found that the addition of the existing scheme increases the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions, which manifests itself as the improvement of the mental and physical components of quality of life by reducing pain and increasing the functionality of some of the affected hip. At the heart of positive clinical effect is a decrease in processes of inflammation and reduction of tension of regulatory processes in the organism. Positive quality extra medical appointments was the absence of significant side effects when taken orally Cytoflavin requiring discontinuation of the drug, as well as the absence of failure patients from further sessions of behavioral therapy.