Amount Of Excretion Research Articles

Study of effect of pig manure treatment method on emission of odor-forming substances

During operation of livestock complexes in small spaces, a large amount of animal excretions (feces, urine and undigested food) is generated, which can lead to air pollution, constant smell and release of toxic gases. With increase in productivity of complexes, complaints from residents of settlements located in the immediate vicinity of the facility increase, and pig breeding complexes in this case are no exception. Unpleasant odor is a powerful irritating factor having a significant negative impact on the life and health of people living near livestock complexes, which reduces their living standards. Often, the need to constantly monitor presence of unpleasant odor is the limiting factor for modification, expansion of existing pig farms or creation of new ones, as well as for increasing their productivity and profitability. In this research, studies were carried out for selection of chemical reagents composition for the purpose of deodorization and neutralization of liquid manure runoff at pig-breeding complex. It has been determined that composition based on ammonium persulfate with peracetic acid and formalin, as well as a composition based on sodium nitrite with ammonium molybdate (a high deodorizing effect was maintained after 21 days of exposure to the moment of introduction of reagents into manure) was the most preferable in terms of maintaining the disinfecting effect and suppressing bad odor over the long term. The manure mixtures obtained as a result of such treatment do not pose danger to the environment and can be used as the main component of complex organomineral fertilizers.

MO715: The Role of Duration and Modality Choice on Sodium and Water Removal for Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hypervolemia is common in peritoneal dialysis (PD) and contributes to hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy, thus increasing the cardiovascular risk of these patients. The achievement of adequate water and sodium balance is considered a major determinant of dialysis adequacy and seems to have a greater effect on PD outcome than Kt/V and small solute clearances. However, the contribution of different PD modalities to dialytic sodium removal remains not well defined. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of different PD modalities on sodium and water removal. METHOD This is a single-center cohort study of 21 patients (m = 12, f = 9). They were examined according to their modality of PD: CAPD (continuous ambulatory PD n = 9) and APD (continuous cycler PD n = 12). CAPD patients’ median age was 74 years (66–79), median time on PD was 37 months (24–59), median Kt/V 2.4 (1.9–3.1) and median eGFR 9.9 mL/min (3.5–12.4). APD patients’ median age was 47 years (32–75), median time on PD 65 months (52–87), median Kt/V 2.439 (2.12–2.8) and median eGFR 2.3 mL/min (0–5). We used the modified peritoneal equilibration test (PET with DW 4.25%) and double mini-PET to calculate the small solute transport rate (D/P of creatinine), water removal (FWT—free water transport, ΔNa—sodium dip, OCG—osmotic conductance of glucose) and mesothelial cell integrity (CA125 appearance rate in dialysis effluent). We also calculate the total amount of sodium excretion from the 24 h PD effluent collection and urine collection. Using bioimpedance spectroscopy we calculate the patients’ total body water, the overhydration and the intracellular and extracellular volume (ECV). RESULTS We did not find between the two groups any statistically significant difference for water movement through the membrane (ΔNa P = 0.427; FWT P = 0.384; OCG P = 0.27), for the marker of mesothelial cell mass (CA125AR P > 0.05) or for hydration status (OH, ECV). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups for the small solute transport rate (Cr d/p, P = 0.025), for the total daily amount of sodium excretion through the membrane (P < 0.001), i.e. patients on APD having faster solute movement and excrete more sodium during the day compared to CAPD patients. Additionally, from the regression analysis there was statistically significant correlation between the daily dialysis sodium excretion and solute movement (P = 0.007, r = 0.58) and total time on PD (P = 0.004, r = 0.612). CONCLUSION These results indicate that there is no inferiority of APD compared to CAPD for sodium excretion due to the smaller time duration of the cycles (sodium sieving). Additionally, we notice that even though the patients on APD remained longer on PD and received larger daily volumes of PD effluent there was not any difference in mesothelial cell marker or water transport indicators. Inevitable time probably through neo angiogenesis results in faster solute transport.

PHYSICAL THERAPY OF PATIENTS WITH POST-TRAUMATIC GONARTHROSIS WITH IMBALANCE OF OSTEO-ASSOCIATED MACRONUTRIENTS

According to modern concepts, bone remodeling disorders that are directly dependent on the imbalanceof osteo-associated trace elements play a key role in the pathogenesis of OA. Therefore, the purpose of ourstudy is to develop the program of physical rehabilitation of patients with post-traumatic gonarthrosisand to investigate its effect on the composition of osteoassociated macronutrients.To determine the metabolic function of bone tissue there were the results of the study of mineralhomeostasis by the level in the peripheral blood of phosphorus and magnesium, total calcium and itsionized form, as well as the amount of urinary calcium excretion. The processes of bone formation wereevaluated by the content of bone isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase, bone resorption was evaluated bythe level of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. 42 patients with post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the kneejoints of I–II stages according to Kellgren-Lowrence were observed.The complex of physical therapy included the educational program, medical gymnastics and massage.The theoretical part of the program included 6 topics covering the main issues related to the risk factorsand prognosis for the disease, the main mechanisms of its progression, as well as the basics of differentphysical therapy use. The practical part of the program was carried out in a small-group way and includedthe gradual application of static, dynamic, active and proprioceptive neuromuscular stretching usingthe exercises with elastic bands and metered loading. As for the massage technology a combinationof segmental massage with Swedish technique was used in the program. The total duration of the complexprogram was 9 months, after which patients were advised to perform independent classes. The applicationof the developed program of physical rehabilitation had a positive effect on the processes of boneremodeling, and allowed to reduce the number of exacerbations during the year.

Comparative Evaluation of Quantitative Protein Measurement of 12-Hour and 24-hour Urine Sample for the Diagnosis of Nephrotic Syndrome and their Correlation with Spot Urinary Protein Creatinine Ratio

Background: The amount of protein excretion is a reflection of disease activity in Nephrotic Syndrome. 24-hour urine collection has remained as the method of choice to quantify proteinuria. An alternative method for quantitative evaluation of proteinuria is measuring the ratio of protein or albumin to creatinine in an untimed ‘‘spot’’ urine specimen.
 Objective: To compare 12-hour versus 24-hour proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome and its correlation to spot urinary protein creatinine ratio.
 Materials & Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital (SSMC & MH), Dhaka over a period from September 2016 to June 2017. All the babies developing 1st attack of Nephrotic Syndrome and meeting the clinical criteria were included in the study. Complete history was taken from accompanying attendants. Thorough clinical examinations and relevant laboratory investigations (12- hour day urinary protein, 12-hour night urinary protein, 24-hour urinary total protein, S. Albumin, S. Cholesterol, Urinary spot Protein Creatinine ratio) were done. All the information was recorded in the fixed protocol. Collected data were classified, edited, coded and entered into computer for statistical analyses.
 Results: Out of 50 cases, the mean age was found 58.3±29.0 months. 12-hour day urinary protein was found 2.02±0.167 gm/m2/12 hours, mean; 12-hour night urinary protein was found 2.12±2.18 gm/m2/12 hours, mean; 24-hour urinary total protein was found 4.10±3.32 gm/m2/24 hours. The mean spot urinary protein creatinine ratio was found 12.58±7.21 with range from 2.02 to 29.85. There was no statistically significant difference between 12- hour day sample and 12-hour night sample. There was also no significant difference between 12-hour day & night sample with 24-hour sample. Results of all 03 samples were comparable to urinary protein creatinine ratio.
 Conclusion: This study reveals no statistically significant difference in quantitative estimation of 12-hour day and night protein with 24-hour urinary total protein. The 12- hour day and night protein and urinary total protein were comparable with each other and also with urinary spot protein creatinine ratio.So 12-hour day or night urinary total protein may be a diagnostic tool for nephrotic syndrome.
 Sir Salimullah Med Coll J 2021; 29(2): 105-111

Wild Rice Species in Sri Lanka as Genetic Resources for Breeding for Brown Plant Hopper (<em>Nilaparvata lugens</em> (Stål)) Resistance in Rice

Brown pl anthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens (Stål.) is considered the most destructive rice pest in rice-growing countries including Sri Lanka. Resistance breeding considered the most e conomical management strategy, starts by identifying new genetic resources for BPH resistance and comparative analysis wi th existing donors. So far, scientists have identified 38 genes/QTLs responsible for BPH resistance. This study explored the BPH resistance in five wild rice species in Sri Lanka, inc luding the endemic species Oryza rhizomatis. One recommended rice variety; Bg 352, fourteen O. rhizomatis accessions, and one accession from Oryza nivara, Oryza rufipogon, Oryza granulata and Oryza eichingeri screened by the honeydew test. The experiment was arranged in a complete randomize d design with fifteen replicates with Bg 380 and Ptb 33 as susc eptible and resistant checks respectively. The lower amount of honeydew excretion recorded in all tested O. rhizomatis accessions, O. nivara, O. granulata, and O. eichingeri accessions suggested BPH resistance. Both Ptb 33 and O. rufipogon showed a similar level of resistance with low honeydew excretion. The varieties Bg 352 and Bg 380 showed a high amount of honeydew excretions confirming higher susceptibility to the BPH. Therefore, all fourteen accessions of O. rhizomatis and the selected accessions of O. nivara and O. eichingeri are potential donors for rice breeding programs. Further, th e coding sequences (CDS) of known BPH genes of O. sativa were used as queries to search similar genes in wild rice genomes. The CDS coverage and phylogenetic analysis suggest, of known BPH resistance genes, at least BPH6, BPH9, BPH14-1, and BPH18 are present in O. rhizomatis, O. eichingeri, O. nivara, and O. rufipogon genomes. This information will assist in marker-as sisted breeding attempts.

Preliminary bronchodilator dose effect on aerosol-delivery through different nebulizers in noninvasively ventilated COPD patients

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a preliminary bronchodilator dose on the aerosol-d elivery by different nebulizers in noninvasively ventilated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Method: COPD patients were randomized to receive study doses of 800 µg beclomethasone dipropionate (BPD) nebulized by either a vibrating mesh nebulizer (VMN) or a jet nebulizer (JN) connected to MinimHal spacer device. On a different day, the nebulized dose of beclomethasone was given to each patient by the same aerosol generator with and without preceded two puffs (100 µg each) of salbutamol delivered by a pressurized-metered dose inhaler. Urinary BPD and its metabolites in 30 min post-inhalation samples and pooled up to 24 h post-inhalation were measured. On day 2, ex-vivo studies were performed with BPD collected on filters before reaching patients which were eluted from filters and analyzed to estimate the total emitted dose. Results: The highest urinary excretion amounts of BPD and its metabolites 30 min and 24 h post-inhalation were identified with pMDI + VMN compared with other regimens(p < 0.001). The amounts of BPD and its metabolites excreted 30 min post inhalation had approximately doubled with pMDI + JN compared with JN delivery (p < 0.05). No significant effect was found in the ex-vivo study results except between VMN and JN with a significant superiority of the VMN (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Using a preliminary bronchodilator dose before drug nebulization significantly increased the effective lung dose of the nebulized drug with both VMNs and JNs. However, adding a preliminary bronchodilator dose increased the 24 hr cumulative urinary amount of the drug representing higher systemic delivery of the drug, which in turn could result in higher systemic side effects.

Detection of bazedoxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, in human urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Bazedoxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, has been explicitly included in the prohibited list issued by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) since January 2020. A high-resolution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric detection method was developed to identify bazedoxifene and its metabolites in human urine and to quantify bazedoxifene (free plus glucuronide) for doping control purposes. Bazedoxifene acetate (20 mg) was orally administered to seven male volunteers, and the urine samples collected were analyzed using the developed method. The linearity ranged from 0.5 to 200 ng/ml, and the limit of detection was <0.2 ng/ml. The interday precision (2.2% to 3.6%) and the interday accuracy (-10.0% to 1.9%) were adequate. Bazedoxifene, bazedoxifene-N-oxide, and bazedoxifene glucoconjugates were identified in the urine samples. The profiles of the urinary excretion indicated the presence of small amounts of free bazedoxifene and bazedoxifene-N-oxide, whereas bazedoxifene glucuronide was the predominant metabolite. The cumulative excretion amount of bazedoxifene (free form plus glucuronide conjugate) within 78 h after the administration was 0.7% to 1.3% of the total dose. In all subjects, bazedoxifene (free plus glucuronide) could be detected in urine up to 78 h after administration.

English

Rathu Heenati is a donor parent commonly used in the development of resistant rice varieties against brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, which is a devastating insect pest of rice. The variety is reported to have a broad-spectrum resistance against BPH, through the action of multiple genes and quantitative trait loci (QTL) including Bph3, Qbph3, Qbph4 and Qbph10. The present study was carried out to validate the effectiveness of those genes against Malaysian BPH population. The study was conducted using an F2 segregating population which was obtained from a cross between Rathu Heenati and a Malaysian commercial variety, MR219. Plant damage score was used to estimate the degree of plant tolerance, while the amount of honeydew excretion was used to measure the level of antibiosis. The gene presence in an individual plant was determined based on the segregation pattern of the flanking microsatellite markers of the respective reported genes. Results confirmed the role of Bph3 and the three other QTLs in conferring resistance against the Malaysian biotype of BPH. Marker assisted breeding can facilitate the monitoring of the introgressed genes in the plants of a breeding population. © 2022 Friends Science Publishers

Individual variability in patterns and dynamics of fecal gluten immunogenic peptides excretion after low gluten intake

PurposeDetermination of Gluten Immunogenic Peptides (GIP) in feces is a direct tool for gluten exposure detection. The sensitivity of GIP detection methods for cases of unintentional low gluten intakes is unknown. We studied the interindividual variability in the kinetic of excretion under homogeneously controlled dietary conditions, and the sensitivity of fecal GIP tests after low amounts of punctual gluten ingestions.MethodsParticipants (n = 20) followed the same gluten-free menu for 12 days in which two separated doses of gluten (50 mg and 2 g) were ingested and all the depositions were collected. GIP from stool samples were analyzed by ELISA and lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) tests.ResultsMost participants had detectable GIP after 50 mg and 2 g gluten ingestions using ELISA test (72.2% and 95%, respectively), whereas the LFIA test showed less sensitivity (22.2% and 80%, respectively). GIP were detected at higher either frequency or concentration in the range of 12–36 h after 50 mg intake, and 12–84 h after 2 g consumption. Considering this period, diagnostic sensitivity of GIP detection after a single 50 mg ingestion may be significatively increased analyzing three stool samples per individual. High variability among participants was found in the time and amount of GIP excretion; however, some individuals showed common patterns for both gluten intakes.ConclusionSporadic gluten exposure detection may require several fecal samples to achieve level of sensitivity above 90%. Interindividual variability in the dynamic of GIP excretion may suggest patterns of gluten metabolism.

Population Pharmacokinetic Model-Based Evaluation of Intact Oxaliplatin in Rats with Acute Kidney Injury.

Simple SummaryAcute kidney injury (AKI) complicates the dose setting of oxaliplatin (L-OHP), making it difficult to continue treatment cycles and retain antitumor efficacies with minimum L-OHP-related toxicities. Our study aimed to assess the impact of AKI on the pharmacokinetics of intact L-OHP and simulate the relationship between the degree of renal function and intact L-OHP exposures using a population pharmacokinetic model. Mild and severe renal dysfunction model rats were used to determine plasma and urine intact L-OHP concentration–time profiles after L-OHP administration. No significant differences in intact L-OHP levels between rats with normal renal function and those with renal dysfunction were observed, whereas renal excretion of intact L-OHP was correlated with renal function. Results of population PK model simulation suggested that dose reduction is dispensable for patients with mild to moderate AKI. The population PK modeling and simulation approach can contribute to developing an appropriate dose regimen of L-OHP for AKI patients.Acute kidney injury (AKI) complicates the dosing strategies of oxaliplatin (L-OHP) and the requirement for L-OHP dose reduction in patients with renal failure remains controversial. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of AKI on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of intact L-OHP and simulate the relationship between the degree of renal function and intact L-OHP exposures using a population PK model. Intact L-OHP concentrations in plasma and urine after L-OHP administration were measured in mild and severe AKI models established in rats through renal ischemia-reperfusion. Population PK modeling and simulation were performed. There were no differences among rats in the area under the plasma concentration–time curve of intact L-OHP after intravenous L-OHP administrations. Nevertheless, the amount of L-OHP excretion after administration of 8 mg/kg L-OHP in mild and severe renal dysfunction rats was 63.5% and 37.7%, respectively, and strong correlations were observed between biochemical renal function markers and clearance of intact L-OHP. The population PK model simulated well the observed levels of intact L-OHP in AKI model rats. The population PK model-based simulation suggests that dose reduction is unnecessary for patients with mild to moderate AKI.

The Role of Monocyte to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio in Predicting the Severity of Proteinuria and Renal Dysfunction in Primary Nephrotic Syndrome.

Introduction: Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ratio (MHR) has emerged as a novel marker of endothelial injury, inflammation, and oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the effect of MHR on primary nephrotic syndrome (NS) and its relationship with the severity of proteinuria.Methods: This study enrolled 161 patients newly diagnosed with primary NS and 100 healthy individuals. Demographic characteristics of the patients, primary NS diagnosis, basal laboratory parameters, the amount of 24-hour urinary protein excretion, and MHR were recorded. The groups were compared regarding these parameters.Results: MHR was significantly higher in patients with primary NS compared with the healthy group (12.89 ± 4.86 and 9.71 ± 2.30, respectively; p < 0.001). There was no difference between the groups in terms of age and sex. The amount of protein in the 24-hour urine in patients with a diagnosis of primary NS was 6.91 ± 3.73 g/day. The correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between MHR and the amount of proteinuria (r = 0.519, p < 0.001) and creatinine level (r = 0.167, p = 0.034). The multivariate regression analysis found that the severity of proteinuria was independently correlated to MHR (p < 0.001). According to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal cut-off level for MHR in NS was 10.08 (area under the curve of 0.704, sensitivity of 68%, and a specificity of 62%).Conclusion: Our study is the first to compare the severity of proteinuria and renal functions with MHR in patients with primary NS. We believe that MHR can be used as a biomarker to determine inflammation, endothelial injury, and the level of oxidative stress, and may be useful to predict prognosis in patients with primary NS.

A STUDY OF CORRELATION OF SPOT URINE PROTEIN-CREATININE RATIO WITH 24HOUR URINARY PROTEIN IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Background:Diabetic nephropathy is the major cause for chronic renal failure (CRF) and proteinuria is an independent risk factor for end stage renal disease. Hence, early identification and quantification of proteinuria is of prime importance in the diagnosis and management. Method: The present study is a prospective observational study conducted amongst 50 diabetic subjects in Medicine department &amp; IKDRC,Civil Hospital Ahmedabad.The study carried out during the period between July 2017 to October 2019. All patients were treated as per standard treatment protocol. 24-hour urine protein and random urine protein to creatinine ratio (P:C) was determined. Result: Total 50(24 male &amp;26 female) patients were studied. A strong correlation was found between 24 hours urine protein and protein- Creatinine ratio, especially in patient with eGFR &gt;30 (CKD stage I to III) with coefficient of correlation of 0.973.However correlation weaken as the GFR worsens and is weakest in patients with stage 5 CKD Conclusion: The random urine Protein:Creatinine ratio predicts the amount of 24-hour urinary protein excretion with high accuracy.Hence it can be used as a faster substitute test for 24-hour urinary protein estimation.

The Dairy Cow Slurry Composition Used as Organic Fertilizer Is Influenced by the Level and Origin of the Dietary Protein.

Simple SummaryDairy cattle is a source of ammonia because only 25–35% of the dietary nitrogen is used for the synthesis of milk, and the remainder is excreted through feces and urine. A reduction in dietary nitrogen is an effective way to decrease nitrogen excretions and subsequent ammonia emissions. However, this reduction should not induce a decrease in the potential yield of the cows. On the other hand, legumes are more susceptible than grasses to undergo proteolysis in the silage process due to their higher protein content. However, not all legumes have the same rate of proteolysis rate. With the main objective of improving the quality of the slurry to be used as organic fertilizer, two sequential experiments were carried out. In the first, it was intended to determine the optimal level of dietary nitrogen intake necessary for high-production dairy cows. Once this level was established, two legume silages with different proteolysis rates were evaluated. In conclusion, dairy cows producing more than 30 kg of milk per day can meet their needs with diets with 13% of protein, reducing nitrogen losses through urine. The main pathway for the excretion of dietary nitrogen provided by legume silage is the urine, and the protein of field pea silage is metabolized towards ammonia production to a larger extent than the protein of faba bean silage.Less than 30% of dairy cattle’s nitrogen ingested is retained in milk. Therefore, large amounts of nitrogen can be excreted in manure and urine with a potential environmental impact. In addition, some legume forages can be more susceptible to proteolysis during the silage process than grasses, and dairy cows fed these legume silages would excrete a larger quantity of nitrogen in slurry. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the amount of nitrogen excretion in dairy cows fed different protein levels and legume silages with a view to improve the slurry quality as a co-product that can be used as fertilizer. Two double 3 × 3 Latin square trials were carried out in order to study three different protein levels (high, medium, and low) and three different silages (grass, faba bean, and field pea). Dry matter intake, milk production, and composition were not affected by treatments. The excretion of ammonia-N in the urine was almost four times lower in the diet with the lowest protein level. The ammonia-N in the urine was twice as high with the pea silage than faba bean and grass silages. In conclusion, the diet containing 13% of protein meets the protein requirement for lactating cows producing 31 kg daily, with low nitrogen excretion in the urine, and the main pathway for the excretion of surplus nitrogen from legume silages is through urine and the metabolization of pea silage protein goes toward ammonia-N.

The Effect of Oxalobacter formigenes Colonization in Patients with Calcium Oxalate Renal Stones in Comparison with Healthy People in Qom: A Case-Control Study

Background: Urinary stones are a major problem world, and their incidence has increased significantly in recent years. Objectives: This study aimed to develop a simple and rapid molecular method based on PCR and qPCR assays to detect Oxalobacter formigenes (which causes oxalate degradation in intestines) in fecal samples of healthy volunteers and patients with calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis, and determine the amount of urinary oxalate in the two groups. Methods: This study was performed on urine and fecal samples of 73 patients with kidney stones and 52 healthy individuals. After DNA extraction, PCR and qPCR assays were performed on two gene regions of O. formigenes, OXC, and FRC. Also, urine oxalate was measured in the study population using biochemical methods. Results: We found that the presence of O. formigenes could reduce the risk of kidney stones and calcium oxalate stones. In fact, both FRC and OXC genes were involved in the diagnosis of O. formigenes; however, the results based on the FRC gene showed higher efficiency. In addition, the presence or absence of stones did not affect the amount of urinary excretion of oxalate, rather it is affected by diet. Conclusions: Molecular identification of O. formigenes by PCR and qPCR assays allows rapid, specific, and reproducible detection in fecal samples, which also allows immediate processing of these samples in clinical conditions.

Microalbuminuria as a predictor of cardiovascular morbidity in essential hypertensive patients: research study done at tertiary care centre in Western India

Background:Small amount of albumin excretion in urine, termed as microalbuminuria, has been postulated to be an indicator of endothelial dysfunction. This study was done to find the prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with essential hypertension and to study the association of microalbuminuria with cardiovascular morbidity.Methods:This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted at the Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College and SSG Hospital, Baroda; by selecting 60 first time detected essential hypertensive patients, without any significant past or treatment history, attending Medicine outpatient department (OPD) or admitted in different wards at SSG hospital, for various reasons. A detailed history, clinical examination, basic blood investigation, urine albumin to creatinine ratio, electrocardiography (ECG) and 2D echo were done in all patients.Results:In this study, microalbuminuria was found in 24 (40%) cases with prevalence increasing with increasing age. A higher serum cholesterol, serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) and cholesterol/high density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio; left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), ST-T changes and bundle branch block on ECG; LVH, hypokinesia and diastolic dysfunction on 2D echo; retinopathy on D fundus examination were all associated with higher microalbumin excretion in urine. Microalbuminuria was independent of age, sex, addiction to smoking, alcohol, BMI and severity/stage of hypertension. Thus, irrespective of existing known cardiovascular risk factors, microalbuminuria was associated with signs of cardiovascular morbidity.Conclusions:As a predictor of systemic vascular dysfunction, microalbuminuria can be used to stratify and prognosticate hypertensive patients at a higher risk of developing further vascular complications and they can be screened early for same.

Rhamnan sulphate from green algae Monostroma nitidum improves constipation with gut microbiome alteration in double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Rhamnan sulphate (RS), a sulphated polysaccharide from Monostroma nitidum, possesses several biological properties that help in treating diseases such as viral infection, thrombosis, and obesity. In the present study, we first administered RS (0.25 mg/g food volume) orally to high-fat diet-treated mice for 4 weeks. RS increased the faecal volume and calorie excretion with decreased plasma lipids, which was in accordance with the results of our previous zebrafish study. Notably, as the excretion amount by RS increased in the mice, we hypothesised that RS could decrease the chance of constipation in mice and also in human subjects because RS is considered as a dietary fibre. We administrated RS (100 mg/day) to subjects with low defaecation frequencies (3–5 times/week) for 2 weeks in double-blind placebo-controlled manner. As a result, RS administration significantly increased the frequency of dejection without any side effects, although no effect was observed on the body weight and blood lipids. Moreover, we performed 16s rRNA-seq analysis of the gut microbiota in these subjects. Metagenomics profiling using PICRUSt revealed functional alternation of the KEGG pathways, which could be involved in the therapeutic effect of RS for constipation.

Comparative analysis of excretion of six major compounds of Polygonum orientale L. extract in urine, feces and bile under physiological and myocardial ischemia conditions in rats using UPLC–MS/MS

AbstractPolygonum orientale L. is a traditional Chinese medicine having extensive pharmacological activities including antimyocardial ischemia (MI) injury properties. Isoorientin, orientin, vitexin, quercitrin, astragalin and protocatechuic acid are the main compounds in P. orientale extract. The aim of this study was to establish an ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of the content of these compounds in urine, feces and bile samples simultaneously and application of the method in a comparative excretion study in normal and MI model rats after oral administration of P. orientale extract. Chromatographic seperation was conducted on an Agilent Eclipse Plus C18 column with the mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid–acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid–water. Negative ion multiple reaction monitoring mode was used for quantification. The six compounds had good linearity (r ≥ 0.9921) and acceptable accuracy ranging from 10.10 to −5.82% The relative standard deviations of within‐day precision and inter‐day precision were &lt;10.45 and 13.44%, respectively. The extraction recovery of the six analytes ranged from 80.31 to 101.47% and the matrix effect was 82.56–102.88%, indicating that the preparations of sample collected form urine, feces and bile were stable throughout analysis. The excretion amount of the six analytes increased in both normal and MI model rats’ urine, feces and bile in a 24 h period and became stable between 36 and 48 h after administration. The total excretion rate of six compounds was &lt;5% in urine, feces and bile of normal and MI model rats. The excretion peak period for all compounds in MI rats was slower than that in normal rats. This excretion study provides insights for further application and research on P. orientale.

Estimating household exposure to moth repellents p-dichlorobenzene and naphthalene and the relative contribution of inhalation pathway in a sample of Japanese children

p-Dichlorobenzene (DCB) and naphthalene (NP) used as moth repellents in indoor environments are suspected to be carcinogenic. To evaluate their adverse effects on health with chronic exposure in the general population, especially children, we need to know their amounts absorbed by the body and the relationships between their amounts and air quality in residences. At present, little is known worldwide about them.This study examined the daily intakes of DCB and NP by Japanese children via all exposure pathways and the contribution of indoor air quality to the intakes. First-morning void urine samples from the subjects aged 6 to 15 years and air samples in their bedrooms were collected. Airborne NP and DCB and their urinary metabolites were measured.Significant correlations were detected between their airborne concentrations and the urinary excretion amounts of their corresponding metabolites. The absorption amounts of DCB and NP by inhalation of the children while at home were calculated to be 26 and 2.0 ng/kg b.w./h, respectively, as median values. The daily intake was estimated to be 2.4 and 0.90 μg/kg b.w./d (median), respectively. The fractions (median) of inhalation absorption amounts to overall absorption amounts for DCB and NP were 30% and 5%, respectively. In children living in residences where the indoor air concentrations of these compounds were more than half the level of each guideline value for indoor air quality, the main exposure route for their absorption was considered to be inhalation while at home. The indoor concentrations of DCB exceeded the lifetime excess cancer risk level of 10−4 in 22% of the residences and 10−3 in 9% of them. Our findings indicate the need to further reduce airborne concentrations of DCB in Japanese residences to prevent its adverse effects on the health of Japanese children.

Zinc promotes cadmium leaf excretion and translocation in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea)

Phytoexcretion is a novel strategy to remediate cadmium (Cd) pollution by leaf excretion in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), which involves the processes of Cd leaf excretion, root-to-leaf translocation, and root uptake. A hydroponic experiment was designed to investigate a series of 11 zinc (Zn) concentrations on Cd leaf excretion in tall fescue under 75 μM Cd stress. The results showed that the promotions of Zn on Cd leaf excretion, root-to-leaf translocation, and leaf accumulation were concentration-dependent in tall fescue. Zn treatments at 90 and 135 μM resulted in the highest Cd leaf excretion with 118.1 and 123.6 mg/kg of Cd excretion amount and 27.0 and 26.6% of excretion ratio, which were 2.6 and 2.7 fold of the control (15 μM of Zn), respectively. Cd leaf excretion was decreased when Zn treatments reached 180 μM, which could be toxic to plants as indicated by the decline of plant biomass. Zn also promoted leaf Cd accumulation and Cd translocation from roots to leaves and reached the highest at 90 and 180 μM respectively. Root Cd accumulation decreased with the increase of Zn concentrations, but the total plant Cd uptake did not decrease significantly until Zn concentration reached 90 μM. Our results indicate that 90 μM of Zn treatment can be served as the threshold to promote Cd leaf excretion and improve the efficiency of Cd phytoexcretion in tall fescue.

Impact of policy instruments on lead-acid battery recycling: A system dynamics approach

The insufficiency of primary lead sources to satisfy the demand makes the recycling of used batteries necessary. This study quantitatively assesses the impact of different policy instruments on reducing lead pollution from lead-acid battery (LAB) recycling. We develop a system dynamics model to analyze the dynamics of LAB recycling considering remanufactures and recyclers spanning formal and informal sectors in the Indian context. We model the competition between the formal and informal sectors in both recycling and remanufacturing settings in the lead recovery process. We test our model with the data from the Indian automobile LAB recycling and investigate the impact of policy decisions on the performance of the automobile LAB recycling. This study explores three policies in anticipation of improving the efficiency of the recycling process—(i) reduce tax on regulated recyclers, (ii) offer subsidy to regulated recyclers, and (iii) offer subsidy to formal battery remanufactures. Our results show that the first two policies help the business shift from informal to formal sector which results in lowering the lead pollution. We observe that providing subsidy on formal battery can reduce the amount of lead excretion; however, a very high subsidy can lead to the shutting down of both regulated and unregulated recycling sectors.