Blood Serum Calcium Research Articles

Identification of independent risk factors for hypoalbuminemia in patients with CKD stages 3 and 4: the construction of a nomogram

BackgroundHypoalbuminemia is a common complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with various adverse clinical events. Currently, there are few studies focused on identifying risk factors and constructing models for hypoalbuminemia in patients with CKD stages 3 and 4. This study aims to identify independent risk factors for hypoalbuminemia in patients with CKD stages 3 and 4 and construct a nomogram for predicting the risk of hypoalbuminemia in these patients.MethodsA total of 237 patients with CKD stages 3 and 4 treated at Anning First People’s Hospital from January to December 2023 were included. Univariate and bidirectional stepwise multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for hypoalbuminemia in these patients. Based on the results of logistic regression analyses, a nomogram was constructed. The model performance was assessed using area under the receiver operator characteristic curve, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis.ResultsHemoglobin, red blood cells, serum sodium, and serum calcium were identified as independent risk factors for hypoalbuminemia in these patients. The contributions of each independent risk factor to hypoalbuminemia were visualized in a nomogram. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of the model was 0.819, indicating good discrimination. The calibration curves showed good agreement between predicted and observed outcomes. The decision curve analysis also verified that the model had the good clinical utility.ConclusionHemoglobin, red blood cells, serum sodium, and serum calcium were identified as independent risk factors of hypoalbuminemia in patients with CKD stages 3 and 4. The nomogram exhibits good discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility, offering a reliable tool for the early prediction and identification of hypoalbuminemia in these patients.

Seasonal dynamics of indicators of mineral metabolism in horses in the conditions of the Leningrad region

The article analyzes the seasonal dynamics of mineral metabolism indicators in adult horses kept in private stables in the Leningrad region. As a result of the research, knowledge of the concentration and dependence of indicators on the seasonality of the year was obtained. It is important to remember that macro- and microelements are not synthesized in the body, they come from food, water, and air. The degree of their assimilation depends on the state of the respiratory and digestive organs. The most difficult period for animals is winter, when there is a decrease in the resistance of the body as a whole due to poor climatic conditions and minimizing physical activity in the fresh air. All these are predisposing factors for the imbalance of indicators at the level of the whole organism.It is established that in the autumn-winter period there is a decrease in indicators relative to the average annual digital values. Thus, there is a linear relationship between the concentration of calcium and phosphorus in blood serum – the minimum values are observed in winter and are 2.53±0.27 mmol/l and 1.76± 0.11 mmol/l, respectively. And the maximum values are typical for the autumn period and are 3.63±0.29 mmol/l for calcium and 2.33±0.12 mmol/l for phosphorus. Similar dynamics is observed in other indicators of the body's mineral metabolism. Thus, for trace elements such as copper, iron, protein-bound iodine, the minimum values were noted in the spring period. This can be explained by a decrease in the mineral components of the feed itself, as a result of long-term storage, resulting in changes in the chemical composition of vegetable feed with fat oxidation. Microelementoses and osteodystrophic processes are observed in animals. The autumn period is characterized by the highest concentrations of minerals in the blood serum of horses, on average by 8-12% compared with the average annual figures, This is explained by the fact that it was in the summer period that the greatest benefit was obtained from juicy plant substances of feed and proper exercise.This knowledge is necessary to understand the processes occurring in the body of horses at different times of the year and the possibility of correcting mineral supplements based on the data obtained

8410 Lipid modification enhances the calcemic and bone building effects of injected PTH(1-14) and PTH(1-11) fragment peptides in mice

Abstract Disclosure: J. Höppner: None. H. Noda: None. A. Khatri: None. H. Jüppner: None. T.J. Gardella: None. PTH analogs with improved actions in vivo are of interest as potential treatment options for bone and mineral ion diseases such as hypoparathyroidism and osteoporosis. The efficacies in vivo of conventional PTH peptides are generally limited by rapid rates of clearance from the circulation (t1/2 = ∼ 5-30 minutes) and relatively short-dwell times on the receptor (PTH1R). This is especially true for small fragment analogs, such as M (modified)-PTH(1-14), and M-PTH(1-11), which have only been shown to be active in vitro. We explored whether PTH fragment peptide efficacy in vivo could be enhanced by addition of a lipid chain (e.g., a C15 palmitoyl chain (palm)) to either the peptide C-terminus or to the side chain of the amino acid residue at position 11 or 13. The C-tail lipid modifications were specifically designed to promote binding to serum albumin, and hence extend circulation half-life, while the lipid chains at sidechains of residue positions 11 and 13 were designed, based on structural models, to anchor the ligand to the receptor in situ -- i.e. by projection of the acyl chain between two adjacent transmembrane helices and into the surrounding plasma membrane -- to thereby extend receptor dwell time. Assessment of cAMP signaling potencies in HEK293/hPTH1R/glosensor cells revealed that both types of lipid modifications can preserve agonist potency, and that the lipid extensions at position 11 or 13 can indeed prolong receptor dwell times, as shown by extended durations of cAMP signaling after initial binding of Palm 11 or 13-modified M-PTH(1-14) and M-PTH(1-11) peptide fragment. Single subcutaneous injection of either Palm-13-M-PTH(1-14) or Palm-11-M-PTH(1-11) into mice resulted in prolonged increases in blood serum calcium levels, while 14 days of daily injection resulted in profound increases in bone mass, as measured by uCT, and marked increases in blood levels of the bone turnover markers CTX1 and P1NP, whereas non-lipidated M-PTH(1-14) control peptides were inactive in vivo. Peptide lipidation thus holds promise as a strategy to employ in the design of new PTH analogs with improved efficacies in vivo. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Does Monopolar Electrocautery Affect the Fetus during Cesarean Section?

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of monopolar electrocautery on the fetus during cesarean section. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted with 552 patients delivered by cesarean section. Patients were grouped based on usage of monopolar electrocautery. In 272 patients, monopolar electrocautery was used to separate the tissues before the delivery. In 280 patients, no electrocautery was used. Newborn vital signs, Apgar scores, umbilical cord blood parameters, newborn serum parameters collected within 6th postpartum hour, and rate of newborn intensive care unit admission were compared. Results: The 1st and 5th minute Apgar scores were significantly higher in the electrocautery group; however, this difference lost its significance at the 10th minute. The median newborn pulse rate (148 (7) vs. 146 (6) beats per minute, p = 0.026), umbilical cord blood pH, and partial oxygen pressure were significantly higher in the electrocautery group compared to the no-electrocautery group (7.34 ± 0.06 vs. 7.31 ± 0.06, p < 0.001, and 25.5 (14.77) vs. 23 (16.08) mmHg, p = 0.025, respectively). The median umbilical cord blood serum calcium level was 1.51 (0.64) mmol/L in the electrocautery group, which was significantly lower than 1.9 (0.82) mmol/L in the no-electrocautery group (p = 0.002). The incidence of hypoglycemia was significantly lower in the electrocautery group than in the no-electrocautery group (2.2% vs. 5.7%, p = 0.035). Conclusions: Monopolar electrocautery during cesarean section affects the fetus, but it is safe to use it. Electrocautery is independently associated with umbilical cord blood pH and calcium level. Electrocautery may be associated with a lower incidence of hypoglycemia.

THE EFFECT OF HIGH FLUORIDE INTAKE ON SODIUM, AND POTASSIUM AND CALCIUM LEVELS IN SHEEP BLOOD SERUM

This experiment was carried out to investigate levels of sodium, potassium and calcium in ovine blood serum for 12 weeks during which fluoride (100 ppm) was added to the ration. The rams remained physically in good condition and there were no lesions in the teeth, gums and joints. With the exception of an increase in sodium at the end of the first week, sodium and potassium levels were not influenced. This finding could point out to the possibility of failure of the added fluoride to induce significant changes in kidney and aldosterone functions regarding regulation of these two ions in blood. There was a general tendency of the total calcium level to decrease which reached statistical significance in samples of three weeks. Such decrease could be due to a decline in calcium intestinal absorption and an increase in bone deposition and excretion with urine.

Objective Methods to Assess Aorto-Iliac Calcifications: A Systematic Review.

Vascular calcifications in aorto-iliac arteries are emerging as crucial risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) with profound clinical implications. This systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, investigated methodologies for measuring these calcifications and explored their correlation with CVDs and clinical outcomes. Out of 698 publications, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. In total, 7 studies utilized manual methods, while 4 studies utilized automated technologies, including artificial intelligence and deep learning for image analyses. Age, systolic blood pressure, serum calcium, and lipoprotein(a) levels were found to be independent risk factors for aortic calcification. Mortality from CVDs was correlated with abdominal aorta calcification. Patients requiring reintervention after endovascular recanalization exhibited a significantly higher volume of calcification in their iliac arteries. Conclusions: This review reveals a diverse landscape of measurement methods for aorto-iliac calcifications; however, they lack a standardized reproducibility assessment. Automatic methods employing artificial intelligence appear to offer broader applicability and are less time-consuming. Assessment of calcium scoring could be routinely employed during preoperative workups for risk stratification and detailed surgical planning. Additionally, its correlation with clinical outcomes could be useful in predicting the risk of reinterventions and amputations.

Evaluation of some proinflammatory cytokines and biochemical parameters in pre and postmenopausal breast cancer women

The study was planned to evaluate the differences in certain proinflammatory cytokines(IL-6, TNF-α) with CRP and biochemical parameters (E2, D3, LDH, GGT, TSB, Ca, Ph, uric acid), between women with pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer and seemingly healthy women in Iraqi women as controls; at medical city in teaching Oncology hospital,70 breast cancer patients women their ages ranged (47.51 ± 1.18) and 20 healthy women with age (44.45 ± 2.66) begun from September (2020) to February (2021). The aims of this study to investigate the evaluation of chemotherapy effects especially doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide only use in this study in pre and postmenopausal breast cancer women on proinflammatory cytokines(IL-6, TNF-α) with CRP and on biochemical parameters(E2, D3, LDH, GGT, TSB, Ca, Ph, uric acid) in pre and postmenapausal breast cancer women. The patients were divided into five groups and each group contains 14 patients women with breast cancer during pre and postmenopausal periods. The control groups were divided into 10 pre and 10 postmenopausal women(Fig. 1). The results of proinflammatory cytokines of and biochemical parameters in premenopausal groups were as the levels of IL-6 (pg/ml),TNF-α(pg/ml) and CRP (ng/ml) showed significant increase differences (P < 0.01)among breast cancer treated (BCT) groups in comparison with control groups,While the Liver enzymes GGT,LDH and TSB showed highly significant increase (P < 0.01) in BCT groups, Estrogen levels (pg/ml) and D3(ng/ml) increased significantly (P < 0.01)among BCT groups. Blood serum calcium and phosphorus with uric acid levels (mg/dl) showed significant difference (P < 0.01); While the result in postmenopausal of IL-6(pg/ml), TNF-α (pg/ml) and CRP (ng/ml) showed highly significant differences (P < 0.01)among BCT groups.While GGT(IU/L), LDH(IU/L) and TSB (mg/dl) enzymes were increased significantly (p < 0.01), Estrogen (pg/ml) and D3(ng/ml) levels showed significant increase (P < 0.01) among BCT groups.Blood calcium and phosphorus showed significant increase (P < 0.01) while uric acid was non-significant increase (P > 0.05).

Relationship of calcium and phosphorus content with indicators of reproductive ability in cattle

Relationship of calcium and phosphorus content with indicators of reproductive ability in cattle

Effect of cuprum proteinate on blood parameters in broiler chickens

The data obtained during the scientific and economic experiment show that the replacement of copper sulfate with copper proteinate in broiler chickens, even in smaller doses, did not significantly affect hematological and biochemical blood parameters. Some increase in the total level of albumins and globulins, the activity of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, and the content of calcium, phosphorus and copper in blood serum was noted. Introduction of cuprum proteinate to compound feed to broiler chickens of the third experimental group in doses of 13.9; 12.6 and 9.0 g/t (on average for 42 days – 12.5 g/t) contributed to a probable increase in total protein by 14.2 % (Р &lt; 0.05) on the 30th day of the experiment and by 12.3 % (Р &lt; 0.05) on the 42nd day of the experiment compared to the control group. At the same time, the level of albumins increased by 11.9 % (Р &lt; 0.05) and 15.8 % (Р &lt; 0.05), and globulins by 12.0 % (Р &lt; 0.05) and 10.7 %, respectively. This fact shows that reducing the dose of cuprum proteinate has a positive effect on protein synthesis, activation of albumin and globulin synthesis occurs, which reduces the load on the immune system of broiler chickens and has a positive effect on protein metabolism. On the 42nd day of the experiment, the calcium content in the blood of all groups increased, but in the experimental groups it was higher than the control indicator in the second group by 4.8 % and by 5.6 % in the third experimental group. Regarding the level of Phosphorus in the blood serum of experimental groups of broiler chickens, its amount increased to 1.85–1.96 mmol/l on the 42nd day. The content of cuprum in the blood of broiler chickens, which were fed cuprum proteinate as part of compound feed, was probably higher than the indicator of the control group. Chickens of the second experimental group, which were fed cuprum proteinate in quantities of 18.2; 16.8 and 12.0 g/t of compound feed exceeded their counterparts by 14.0–16.3 % (Р &lt; 0.05). Broiler chickens of the third experimental group, which were added to compound feed with cuprum proteinate in doses of 13.9, 12.6 and 30 g/t, prevailed on day 30 of the experiment by 18.8 % (Р &lt; 0.01), and on day 42 day by 18.9 % (Р &lt; 0.01). A higher level of Calcium and Phosphorus in the blood serum of experimental broiler chickens indicates an increase in the resistance of the bird to infections and better mineralization of bone tissue. Feeding of cuprum proteinate to broiler chickens makes it possible to reduce the dose of the trace element in compound feed, which reduces the burden on the bird's body and increases the biological availability of mineral compounds.

Pyknodysostosis- A Challenging Diagnosis

We report a case of a 7-year-old boy presented to us with short stature, born at full term by SVD with an immediate cry and a birth weight of 03 kg, breast-fed for 2 years. There are no apparent signs of development delay. By the age of two, the mother was concerned about physical and developmental delays.&#x0D; The patient had a male sibling with a history of repeated fractures and sensorineural hearing loss, labelled osteopetrosis.&#x0D; EXAMINATION:&#x0D; &#x0D; An active male child of 95cm and 12 kg falls below the 3rd centile.&#x0D; He had frontal bossing, mildly hypoplastic maxillae, a wide open fontanelle, and sutural diastasis.&#x0D; &#x0D; INVESTIGATIONS:&#x0D; &#x0D; Complete Blood Count, Thyroid profile, Serum Calcium, Phosphorus and Alkaline Phosphatase. All normal.&#x0D; A skeletal survey showed an increase in bone density. Sutural diastasis, multiple Wormian bones, thickening of the Calvaria, thickening of long bones with medullary sparing, and spool deformity of vertebral bodies.&#x0D; &#x0D; DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS&#x0D; &#x0D; Pyknodysostosis&#x0D; Hypothyroidism&#x0D; Osteopetrosis&#x0D; &#x0D; CONCLUSION:&#x0D; Additional X-rays, including the mandible, showed an obtuse angle, the clavicle was laterally deficient, and the hand showed acro osteolysis. The patient was diagnosed with a rare case of pyknodysostosis.

Оценка обеспеченности витамином D и эффективности его саплементации у детей, находящихся длительно на безмолочном типе питания

The purpose — to determine the level of vitamin D availability and to evaluate the effectiveness of its supplementation in children who have been on a dairy-free diet for a long time. Material and methods. At the first stage of the study, the availability of vitamin D and calcium in children were assessed. 62 children were examined who had been on a dairy-free diet (group I). The control group consisted of 30 conditionally healthy children who did not keep any restrictive diets. At stage II, a scheme of vitamin D supplementation was proposed, which consisted in taking an aqueous solution of cholecalciferol in a therapeutic dose during one month, depending on the initial level of calcidiol in blood serum: at the level of 11–20 ng/ml (vitamin D deficiency), 3000 IU/day was prescribed, at the level of 21–29 ng/ml (insufficient vitamin D) — 2000 IU/day, switching to the dose of 1000 IU/day. Children with adequate provision of vitamin D were prescribed a prophylactic dose of cholecalciferol — 1000 IU/day. Subgroup Ia consisted of 32 children who received cholecalciferol supplementation. Subgroup Ib included 30 children who had no supplementation. The importance of daily consumption of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D was explained to children of both subgroups and their parents. The assessment of vitamin D and calcium availability was repeated after 4 months of follow-up. Results. The proportion of children with insufficient vitamin D in group I was 62.9%, which was statistically significantly higher (p &lt; 0.001) relative to the proportion of children with normal concentration or deficiency of vitamin D in blood serum. A decrease in serum calcium levels among patients of this group was found in 64.5% of children, which was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.001) relative to children of the control group. After the course of cholecalciferol supplementation in subgroup Ia, insufficient vitamin D was found in 18.8%. Normal micronutrient availability was established in 81.2%. Among children of subgroup Ib, the proportion of children with normal vitamin D availability at the control visit was 33.3%, which was less (p &lt; 0.01) relative to subgroup Ia. Normal values of calcium in blood serum against the background of complementation were found in 78.1% of children of subgroup 1a and in 36.7% of children in subgroup 1b. Conclusions. For children who follow a dairy-free diet, insufficient vitamin D and calcium levels are characteristic. Supplementation with an aqueous solution of cholecalciferol has shown its effectiveness in normalizing the level of calcidiol and calcium in the blood serum of children on a dairy-free diet.

Antioxidant associated chemoprophylaxis effect of natural spice and green vegetable on hepatotoxicity.

This is a case control and cohort study, conducted at Department of Biochemistry in FUAST, compressing 24 number of albino Wistar rats. Illicium verum (star anise) natural spice and green vegetable broccoli are used for chemo-preventive herbal treatment in relation with vitamin C antioxidant activity. Hepatotoxicity was induced in liver of model rats by giving interperitoneally single injection of 200 mg/kg bod weight (B.W) of N-nitrosodiethylamine and orally giving 1 mg/kg BW phenobarbital for 14 days during disease prorogation period. The vitamin C analysis from Illicium verum (star anise), green broccoli, orange juice, orange peel and orange pulp was done by iodometric quantitative and qualitative titration method. Rats were given compound according to their bodyweight as 1 mg/kg B.W. After 14 days (Disease Promotion and Propagation Period) and 28 days (Disease cure period) of treatment behavioral activity was monitored by locomotors activity in open field experiment, stimulatory activity in home cage and anxiolytic effects observed in light and dark apparatus and also in T maze. Behavioral activity were significantly increased in Illicium verum and green broccoli treated rats. Hematological study including hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution width (RDW) and Platelets was done by abbot laboratory analyzer cell. The value of Hb and RBC was also significantly increased in star anise and broccoli treated rats, showed proper function of RBC in microcirculation. WBC was also in normal range revealed that no disease regards to bone marrow and leukemia's. The biochemical activity of rats including urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, amylase and calcium in blood serum were analyzed while, liver health or performance was also determined by LFT (liver function test). Behavioral and laboratorial variables were analyzed by using SPSS v. 20 and p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study report noticeable significant effect of Illicium verum and broccoli on hepatotoxicity of experimental model. Recent experimental study statistical outcomes show reciprocal relationship between the consumption of vegetable diet and natural spice with the risk of Hepatotoxicity. Thus, the aim of the study is to enhance the function of star anise or illicium verum natural spice and green vegetable broccoli as an anticancer or chemoprophylaxis agent.

ГИПОТОНИЧЕСКАЯ ДИСФУНКЦИЯ МАТКИ: НЕКОТОРЫЕ БИОХИМИЧЕСКИЕ МАРКЕРЫ

We examined 70 postpartum women with postpartum subinvolution of the uterus and hypotonic contractile dysfunction of the uterus in 2022–2024. The comparison group consisted of 19 postpartum women with a physiological course of labor and the postpartum period. The content of oxytocin, nitric oxide, monoamine oxidase, potassium and calcium in blood serum was studied. In postpartum women with impaired contractile function of the uterus, the calcium content was slightly reduced (1.15 times) compared to healthy women (p = 0.0467), but the values of oxytocin and potassium did not differ significantly from the control group. In postpartum women with uterine subinvolution, an increase in monoamine oxidase was observed in comparison with the parameters of healthy women by 1.92 times (p = 0.021) and serum cholinesterase by 2.0 times compared with physiological labor (p = 0.001). Thus, the severity of clinical symptoms of uterine subinvolution and its hypotonic dysfunction is associated with the intensity of neurohumoral regulation of the uterus.

MINERAL STATUS OF LACTATING EWES IN THE ARID AND SEMI-ARID ZONES OF NORTH-CENTRAL MEXICO

Profitable sheep production depends greatly on the mineral content of range forages, as adequate nutrition is a prerequisite for reaching the animal’s optimum performance. The objective was to determine the contents of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) in range forages and blood serum of grazing, lactating ewes in the arid and semi-arid zones of North-Central Mexico. Samples of forages and blood of lactating ewes were collected in two seasons (spring and winter) from four randomly selected sheep farms located in the state of Aguascalientes. The P content was analyzed using the colorimetrical method, while levels of Ca, Cu, Zn, and Mn were determined by spectrophotometry. Forage mineral content averaged 0.20% P, 0.34% Ca, 8 ppm Cu, 483 ppm Mn, and 29 ppm Zn. In blood serum, mineral content reached 20 ppm P, 147 ppm Ca, 0.52 ppm Cu, 2.9 ppm Mn, and 0.80 ppm Zn in winter, and values of 20.5 ppm P, 177 ppm Ca, 0.57 ppm Cu, 3.13 ppm Mn, and 0.89 ppm Zn in spring. Overall, in both spring and winter seasons, 58-100% of sampled forages showed Ca, P, Cu, and Zn deficiencies, but all of them fitted the optimal content of Mn. Blood samples showed similar patterns in winter and spring seasons, Ca was not deficient (145-180 ppm vs. optimal range: 90-120 ppm), but P, Cu, and Zn were deficient (P: 9-21 ppm vs. optimal range: 50-65 ppm; Cu: 0.51-0.58 vs. optimal range: 0.60-1.5 ppm; and Zn: 0.71-0.92 ppm vs. optimal range: 0.50-1.2 ppm); Mn was slightly over the optimal range (2.89-3.2 μg/L vs. optimal range: 2 to 40 μg/L). In some cases, forage mineral content might not be related to blood serum contents. However, it should be desirable to understand all the uncontrolled factors in addition to the mineral interactions that could interfere with further studies.

Some indicators of nutritional security of children with restrictive types of nutrition

Following vegetarian diets means, to varying degrees, the exclusion of animal products from diets, which, if poorly planned, can lead to deficiency of some nutrients. Aim of the study was to evaluate some indicators of nutritional security of children with a restrictive type of nutrition and living in the territory of a long-term military conflict in the Donbass. Material and methods. 80 school-age children following restrictive diets were examined. All patients were divided into two groups: 40 children following a dairy-free diet (group 1), 40 children on a vegetarian type of diet (group 2). The control group consisted of 30 children who adhere to the traditional type of diet. Calcium, ferritin, vitamin B12 and zinc content in blood serum were studied in all children, living in Donbass. Results. In group 1 deficiency of calcium was found in 60.0 %, of zinc – in 32.5 %, of vitamin B12 – in 15.0 %, a decrease in ferritin content – in 22.5 %. In group 2 level of ferritin was declined in 55.0%, zinc deficiency was detected in 37.5 %, vitamin B12 deficiency – in 30.0 %, calcium deficiency – in 10.0 %. Conclusions. For children on a long-term dairy-free diet, calcium and zinc deficiency is characteristic, as well as a decrease in tissue iron reserves. Children who observe lactovegetarianism are characterized by a deficiency of zinc and vitamin B12, as well as a decrease in the concentration of ferritin in the blood serum. Children living in the Donbass in the conditions of a long military conflict and adhering to restrictive types of nutrition can be considered as a risk group for the development of deficient conditions. To correct the identified imbalance, it is necessary to develop programs for the supplementation of macro- and micronutrients.

Smartphone-Interfaced Serum Calcium-Level Quantification on a Simple Paper Strip Assay for Diagnostics at Extreme Point of Care

Due to its pivotal role in many physiological processes and calcium-depleting diseases like osteoporosis, accurate quantification of the concentration of calcium in blood serum is imperative in monitoring multifarious facets of human health and disease. Established laboratory-based protocols for serum calcium level detection are expensive, resource-intensive and functionally dependent on skilled technicians. Circumventing these constraints, here we innovate a novel adaptation of the Bradford’s assay as a decisive pre-processing step of a highly specific diagnostic test for serum calcium level detection. This ensures the binding of protein molecules to Coomassie dye under acidic conditions with a resulting alteration in its colour so as to quench out the possibilities of unwarranted side reactions with excess proteins abundantly present in patient samples. This specific adaptation renders the test to be implemented on a simple paper strip without deploying controlled laboratory-based procedure, obviating any adverse interference in the subsequent reaction of calcium in the serum with Arsenazo III, a metallochromic dye used for the final colorimetric detection step. The method is affordable, user-friendly and can be deployed by minimally trained personnel at the point of use in extreme harsh environments. By mapping the resulting colorimetric information quantitatively with the serum concentration level from a panel of training dataset pre-standardized via established laboratory-based gold standard examination, a simple smartphone-based readout system may be developed, bearing the potential of replacing the currently existing expensive, time-consuming and environmentally-restrictive diagnostic solutions.

Association between creatine phosphokinase level within normal range and bone mineral density in adolescents.

Currently, it is unclear whether creatine phosphokinase (CPK) affects bone mineral density (BMD) in adolescents. We sought to clarify the relationship between CPK and total BMD in adolescents aged 12 to 19 years within normal values by conducting this study. A cross-sectional study was conducted using the 2011 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Survey data to examine 1188 males (average age, 15.2 years) and 1629 females (average age, 15.4 years). In this study, CPK was the independent variable and total BMD was the outcome variable. In addition to using multivariate linear regression models, subgroup analyses were also conducted in order to examine the relationship between CPK levels and total BMD within normal ranges. Significant positive association was observed between the CPK levels and total BMD in adolescents (model 1: 0.0003 [0.0002, 0.0004], model 2: 0.0004 [0.0003, 0.0005] and model 3: 0.0004 [0.0003, 0.0004]). After adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, body mass index, dietary protein intake, dietary protein intake, dietary fiber intake, poverty to income ratio, physical activities, total cholesterol, total protein, blood urea nitrogen, phosphorus, and serum calcium, CPK levels remained significantly associated with BMD (regression coefficients for quartiles 2 to 4 vs quartile1 were 0.0002, 0.0072, and 0.0154, respectively; P for trend <.001). The association was positive even when stratified by age, gender, and race. Further, adolescents aged 16 to 19 years were more likely to report positive relationships than adolescents aged 12 to 15 years. And the phase relationship between total BMD and CPK was further enhanced in boys. The results of our study show that CPK levels within the normal range are positively associated with total BMD in adolescents aged 12 to 19 years. Additionally, CPK may be a potential biomarker of bone health among adolescents.

Pokaznyky kaltsiievo-fosfornoho obminu ta remodeliuvannia kistok yak chynnyky ryzyku vynyknennia porushen mineralnoi shchilnosty kistkovoi tkanyny u khvorykh na revmatoidnyi artryt

Introduction. Osteoporosis (OP) is one of the most common causes of disability decrease in life expectancy among the elderly. The main risk factors for the occurrence of osteoporosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include family predisposition, female sex, age, the presence of menopause, chronic inflammatory process and its treatment. The current task remains the assessment of risk factors for the occurrence of OP in patients with RA, and there is also the need to assess risk factors for the occurrence of OP in patients with RA based on the results of laboratory parameters of calcium-phosphorus metabolism and markers of bone remodeling, which will improve the diagnosis of bone mineral density (BMD) disorders. The aim of the study. To determine the indices of calcium-phosphorus metabolism and bone remodeling as risk factors for the occurrence of bone mineral density disorders in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Materials and methods. To the study were randomly enrolled 76 patients with RA (64 women (84.21%) in the premenopausal period and 12 men (15.78%) 38-60 years old (the average age at the time of examination of women – 48.67 ± 2.34 years, men – 45.42 ± 2.78). All patients were receiving methylprednisolone at a dose of 4.0 mg/day and a short course during an exacerbation up to 24.0 mg/day for RA treatment, but received no drugs for the treatment of BMD disorders. All patients underwent an assessment of BMD using ultrasound bone densitometry of the calcaneus, indicators of calcium-phosphorus metabolism and markers of bone remodeling were determined. Based on the obtained results, patients were stratified into three groups as follows: (1) 18 patients – 15 women and 3 men, aged 38-52, with RA without BMD disorders; (2) 34 patients – 31 women and 3 men, aged 38-54, with RA and osteopenia; (3) 24 patients – 18 women and 6 men, aged 41-53, with RA and OP. The control group consisted of 22 practically healthy individuals. Results. Patients with RA without BMD disorders significantly more often observed a decrease in the content of total calcium (p is less than 0.015) and ionized calcium (p is less than 0.000) in the blood serum, as well as a decrease in the individual osteocalcin (OK) index (р is less than 0.000). These patients were also endangered with reduced OC and/or total Ca in blood serum (p is less than 0.005). It was also revealed that in RA patients a decrease in urinary phosphorus indicates higher risk of osteopenia compared to RA patients with normal reference values of the same index (p is less than 0.000). Moreover, in patients with RA increased ionized calcium and decreased phosphorus indeces in urine correlated with significantly higher risk of osteoporosis compared to RA patients with these indeces normal levels (p is less than 0.050). According to the obtained data, an increase in the β-CrossLaps index in patients with RA is a risk factor for the occurrence both osteopenia and OP (p is less than 0.050). It was also founded that the reduced OC and increased ionized calcium levels can be treated as a risk factor for the occurrence of OP in patients with RA (p is less than 0.023). Conclusions. The risk of osteopenia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis without a violation of the mineral density of bone tissue is significantly higher in case of decreased content of blood serum total calcium or ionized calcium levels, or reduced osteocalcin index, or a simultaneous decreased content of total calcium and osteocalcin levels in blood serum. The risk of osteopenia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is significantly higher if there is detected decreased phosphorus content in urine, or an increasede content of C-terminal telopeptide in blood serum, specific for the degradation of type I collagene. The risk of osteoporosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is significantly higher if there is a statistically significant increased level of ionized calcium in blood serum, or decreased content of phosphorus in the urine, or increased serum level of C-terminal telopeptidee, or an increased level of ionized calcium in the blood serum accompanied by a reduced level of osteocalcin. Keywords: calcium-phosphorus metabolism, bone remodeling markers, osteoporosis, osteocalcin, rheumatoid arthritis, bone mineral density.

Effect of probiotic biologics on morpho-biochemical parameters of broiler chicken blood

In the production of broiler poultry products, market operators use intensive technologies that involve the use of various, environmentally friendly nutraceuticals, in particular, probiotic preparations. In the technology of raising broiler chickens, probiotic preparations are necessary as a means for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, stimulating the growth and increasing the productivity of poultry. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of probiotic biologics on haematological parameters when it is fed to broiler chickens. The experiment used 20 broiler chickens, which were given a probiotic from 28 to 42 days in the following amounts: 0.5 g/10 dm3 , 2.0 and 4.0 g/10 dm3 of water. It was found that the morpho-biochemical parameters of poultry blood corresponded to the physiological standards for broiler chickens of the established age and confirmed the absence of pathophysiological changes in their body. On days 35 and 42 of rearing, an increase in the number of leukocytes from 4.4 to 17.2% and the haemoglobin content by 3.9 and 6.2%, respectively, was observed in the blood of broiler chickens fed the probiotic at a dose of 4.0 g/10 dm3 compared to the control group. On day 35 of the study, a 1.2-fold increase in total serum protein was observed when drinking a probiotic in poultry, respectively, at doses of 2.0 and 4.0 g/10 dm3 of water, and on day 42 – 1.0 times for its drinking at a dose of 4.0 g/10 dm3 of water. It was found that the content of inorganic calcium and phosphorus in the poultry blood serum corresponded to physiological limits, which indicates a sufficient level of mineral nutrition in the body of broiler chickens. The absence of changes in the activity of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, the content of total lipids, cholesterol, and creatinine in the blood serum of broiler chickens of the experimental groups indicates the hepato- and nephronethoxicity of the probiotic. Based on the results obtained, the drug under study can be recommended to increase the resistance of the poultry body and regulate metabolism

Metabolic Syndrome in Aging Men as a Factor Affecting the Relationship between Mg, Ca, and P in Serum and Bone.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and selected hormonal disorders and concentrations of magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) in both blood serum and bone tissue. This study involved 152 men with and without MetS. In the blood of the patients we examined, we determined levels of: testosterone (TT), estradiol (E2), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), insulin (I), osteocalcin (OC), and concentrations of markers of bone turnover. The concentration of Mg, Ca, and P was determined in the serum and bone tissue. In patients with MetS, the serum Ca concentration correlated with procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Among patients without MetS, the serum Ca concentration correlated with SHBG and OC, while Ca concentration in bone correlated with the lipid accumulation product (LAP) index and the body mass index (BMI). After analyzing the serum Mg concentration, positive correlations were observed with E2, PINP, and PTH in patients with MetS. In patients without MetS, the Mg concentration in bone positively correlated with the BMI and the LAP index. Our study findings suggest that increased Mg levels could have an impact on bone tissue metabolism. Elevated serum Mg levels may be associated with changes in sex hormone concentrations and alterations in bone turnover markers.