Ca Levels Research Articles

Adaptive Behavior is Related to Body Adiposity and Functional Fitness in Older Women

To determine whether indicators of body adiposity and functional fitness are related to adaptive behavior in Chilean elderly women. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 162 elderly adult women. Body adiposity (BA) was determined by body mass index (BMI) and fat mass (FM). Functional fitness (FA) was assessed by means of four physical tests: Arm flexibility, 30-second right arm strength endurance (RFBD), 30-second chair stand (up-and-go) test and the agility test (2.44 m). Adaptive behavior (AC) was assessed using a scale called AC Self-Perception of AC for Women (ACAM). There were negative correlations between AC with chronological age, BMI, MG, and Agility (∼ r= -0.27 to -0.45, p<0.05), while the relationship was positive with leg strength, flexibility, and RFBD (∼ r= 0.17 to 0.26, p<0.05). Comparisons of CA and PA between CA categories were small and medium. The effect size between women categorized as low and high CA was medium (∼ 0.31 to -0.46). However, among women categorized with medium and high CA level it was small (∼ 0.07 to -0.30). The study found that, in women aged 65-84 years, AC tends to decrease with age, while body adiposity increases and functional fitness decreases. It is recommended to implement strategies that address these negative effects of aging, such as prevention and management of body adiposity, functional exercise programs, and promotion of a healthy lifestyle.

Associations of Serum Mineral levels of Copper, Magnesium and Calcium with Skeletal Muscle mass and Strength in Chinese children, aged 6-11: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Skeletal Muscle Mass (SMM) and strength are crucial for children's health, and low SMM can lead to adverse health outcomes. A deficiency of essential minerals can cause poor growth, fractures or osteoporosis. The study aimed to explore the relationship between serum Calcium (Ca), Copper (Cu), and Magnesium (Mg) levels and SMM in Chinese children. Methods: 466 primary school children were recruited for a cross-section study aged 6-11 in Guangzhou City, South of China, from December 2015 to February 2017. The study conducted whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans using the Hologic discovery W to obtain the Total skeletal mass (TSM) and appendicular skeletal mass (ASM) were calculated, which were used as parameters to calculate variables of Skeletal muscle mass (SMM). Results: Of the 466 primary school children, 266 were boys and 200 girls with mean ages of 8.00±1.00 years for boys and 8.08±0.97 years for girls. An increase in mean Cu serum concentration between the T1 and T3 in girls resulted in 3.19% (P- trend =0.034, P-diff =0.083), 3.57% (P- trend =0.037, P-diff=0.083), 2.44% (P- trend =0.018, P=diff=0.060) and 2.25% (P- trend =0.024, P-diff= 0.072) for ASM/Height, ASH/ Weight, TSM/ Height and TSM/ Weight respectively, No significant mean difference was observed between serum Cu and ASM, TSM, ASM/ AFM and TSM/TFM (P- trend &gt;0.05). A significant mean difference in serum Mg levels and ASM/ AFM for the total and boys' group was observed, with 6.68% and 9.44% (P- trend =0.042 and 0.041) respectively. No significant mean differences were seen between all the variables of serum Ca levels and all the variables of skeletal muscle mass and strength. Conclusions: Serum copper levels influence the development of SMM in girls, but not in boys. Serum Ca and Mg level in girls and boys do not influence SMM development among children aged 6-11.

Analysis of exhaled breath condensate in patients with asthma and recurrent wheezing

Wheezing is the most common clinical symptom of bronchial obstructive syndrome. The functions of pulmonary surfactant (PS) depend directly on the level of total phospholipids (TP). This can be used to assess the integrity of the cell membrane structure. Objective. To determine the level of total phospholipids and calcium in exhaled breath condensate in young children with recurrent wheezing and asthma. Materials and methods. The study included 77 patients divided into 3 groups. Group 1 included 30 patients (20 girls and 10 boys) with no more than 2 episodes of recurrent wheezing in their lifetime; Group 2 -10 patients (6 boys and 4 girls) with more than 3 episodes of recurrent wheezing, and 37 patients (15 girls, 22 boys) with asthma. The control group consisted of 20 conditionally healthy children (11 girls, 9 boys). All patients were aged from 3 months to 6 years. The determination of phospholipid levels and calcium (Ca) in the exhaled breath condensate was performed in dynamics - during the period of clinical manifestations and remission. Results. The level of phospholipids in the exhaled breath condensate was the highest in patients of all groups at the stage of clinical manifestations compared with the period of remission, while its lowest level was noted in the control group. During the peak of the disease, the level of Ca in the exhaled breath condensate was significantly lower compared to the period of remission. The control group had the highest level. Conclusions. The exhaled breath condensate's high level of phospholipids in the first days of the disease confirms cell damage in the presence of inflammation. Additionally, the exhaled breath condensate's Ca level is lowest during this period, possibly indicating its involvement in cell damage

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Induces Vasodilation in Liver Vessels That Is Not Mediated by Unfolded Protein Response.

There is a growing body of evidence that ER stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR) play a key role in numerous diseases. Impaired liver perfusion and ER stress often accompany each other in liver diseases. However, the exact impact of ER stress and UPR on the hepatic perfusion is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to disclose the effect of ER stress and UPR on the size of liver vessels and on the levels of Ca2+ and nitric oxide (NO), critical regulators of vascular tonus. This study was carried out in precisely cut liver tissue slices. Confocal microscopy was used to create 3D images of vessels. NO levels were determined either using either laser scan microscopy (LSM) in cells or by NO-analyser in medium. Ca2+ levels were analysed by LSM. We show that tunicamycin, an inducer of ER stress, acts similarly with vasodilator acetylcholine. Both exert a similar effect on the NO and Ca2+ levels; both induce significant vasodilation. Notably, this vasodilative effect persisted despite individual inhibition of UPR pathways-ATF-6, PERK, and IRE1-despite confirming the activation of UPR. Experiments with HUVEC cells showed that elevated NO levels did not result from endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) activation. Our study suggests that tunicamycin-mediated ER stress induces liver vessel vasodilation in an NO-dependent manner, which is mediated by intracellular nitrodilator-activatable NO store (NANOS) in smooth muscle cells rather than by eNOS.

The Determination and evaluation of trace elements in the blood of radiography workers using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

This study aimed to evaluate the potentially toxic effects of trace elements in the blood of Iraqi medical radiography workers by analyzing them through GF-AAS. The study involved 50 male blood radiography workers from the medical imaging field at Al-Shatrah General Hospital in Thi-Qar City, Iraq. All workers were aged between 35-50 years and had worked for less than 10 years. The study compared these workers with 50 healthy men. The study found a significant increase in the levels of Cu, Pb, Cd, and Ca among radiography workers compared to the healthy control group, while Zn and Se levels decreased significantly. Moreover, Specificity and confidence interval (95%) were estimated via the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). The study provided conclusive evidence of disturbances in the levels of trace elements in the blood of radiographer workers, which makes them more susceptible to many diseases because of their radiation exposure. which portends the more preventive measures of radiation. The linear range of Cd, Cu, Zn, Se and Pb in human serum were obtained 0.2-6.0 µg dL-1, 6.0-200 µg dL-1, 8.0-200 µg dL-1, 10-250 µg dL-1, 4-120 µg dL-1 by GF-AAS after dilution samples with DW up to 20 (n=10, RSD&lt; 5%).

Evaluation of Osteoporosis Among Epileptic Patients on Monotherapy

Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disorder that affects almost 50 million people worldwide. Most patients require long-term, and sometimes lifelong therapy with antiseizure medications (ASMs), our case control study evaluates the long-term effect of carbamazepine (CBZ) and valproate (VPA) on bone mineral density and bone health biochemical markers. 50 patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy who had no history of antiseizure medications (ASMs) intake prior were divided into 2 groups. In the first group, 25 patients started carbamazepine (CBZ) monotherapy, while the second group included 25 patients who started receiving valproate (VPA) monotherapy. Another 25 healthy individuals were considered as a control group. The primary outcome of our study is to evaluate the percentage of osteoporosis compared to the duration of ASM therapy measured by the T score at two different sites in the body at baseline, after 3 and 6 months of therapy, while measurements of bone biomarker variables are considered secondary outcomes. We found that CBZ and VPA significantly decreased the level of vitamin D3, Ca, P, the L3-L5, and right femoral neck T score with prolonged treatment duration, while the level of ALP increased with increasing duration of treatment in patients treated with CBZ but not in the VPA group. Furthermore, CBZ significantly decreased bone health biomarkers and T score before VPA and the control group, as well as there were no significant differences between the two sexes who received CBZ or VPA therapy on bone biomarkers. In conclusion, valproate will not affect bone biomarkers earlier, but with a longer duration of therapy, they may have the same effect as carbamazepine which requires the prescription of supportive vitamin D and Ca along with ASMs.

Bioaccumulation, transfer characteristics of metals in six vascular plants, and soil pollution assessment from Wachangping karst bauxite residue areas

Bauxite residue (BR) is a large volume by-product generated during bauxite smelting process and metal pollution problem is becoming increasingly prominent in residue areas. Accumulation and transfer of metals in six vascular plants were analyzed and soil environment was evaluated. Results found levels of Al (2,110–26,280 mg kg−1), Fe (990 to 9,880 mg kg−1), Ca (8,020 to 49,250 mg kg−1), Mg (2,060 to 17,190 mg kg−1), K (16,840 to 39,670 mg kg−1), and Ti (80 to 1,240 mg kg−1) in plants. Metal concentrations in soils exceeded background levels. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) found that Al, Fe, and Ti in plants (roots, stems, and leaves) were relatively depleted (BCF <1). Transfer factor (TF) of Al, Fe, Ca, K, and Ti in plants was distinctly higher than 1 and mainly concentrated in stems and leaves. Pollution indices revealed that soil environment was at moderated to serious contaminated risk. Principal components analysis (PCA) showed that Artemisia caruifolia Buch. and Siegesbeckia orientalis L. plants had a good ability to absorb Al and Fe, which can be used as biological indicators and restoration materials.

C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide levels in COVID-19 patients: A prospective case-control study.

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is a viral infection mediated by coronavirus-2 that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). The disease may affect biochemical parameters and electrolytes. C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide (CTX-I) is released during mature bone resorption and is a biomarker for predicting bone resorption. As the pandemic progressed, understanding the effects of COVID-19 disease remained critical. Inflammatory responses triggered by the virus can result in a bone metabolism regulation imbalance. As such, this study aimed to analyze serum levels of CTX-I, calcium (CA), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), C-reactive protein (CRP), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in COVID-19 patients to investigate the relationship between bone resorption and the disease. The study included 56 individuals with COVID-19 (divided into mild, moderate and severe subgroups depending on disease severity) and 25 healthy adults as a control group. Serum CTX-I concentrations were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, CRP, Ca, Mg, P, and ALP levels were measured using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer. Serum CTX-I levels were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients than in the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a positive weak relationship was detected between CRP and CTX-I (r = 0.303, p < 0.05). Increased serum CTX-I levels in the patient group caused COVID-19-driven bone degradation, though serum CTX-I levels did not differ according to disease severity.

Effect of Seed Spaceflight Storage on Tomato Fruit Quality and Peel/Pulp Mineral and Antioxidant Distribution

The spaceflight storage of seeds is known to cause mutations affecting both their quality and the mature plants originating from them. To study the effects of space stress, tomato seeds of two cultivars (Lotus and Autumn rhapsody) were subjected to half a year of storage at the International Space Station (ISS), and then, sown in a greenhouse to produce tomato fruits. The space-treated plants gave smaller fruits with a stable total yield not significantly different from that of the control plants. Space-treated tomatoes showed significantly higher levels of dry matter, dietary fiber, monosaccharides and citric and malic acids and lower values of oxalic acid compared to the control plants. The pulp of space-treated fruits had 1.44–1.70 times lower levels of carotenoids, while their peel contained a 1.27–1.90 times higher pigment amount compared to the control plants. No significant changes in the total antioxidant activity (AOA), photosynthetic pigments and phenolic (TP) and proline content were recorded in the fruits due to seed spaceflight storage. Contrarily, space-treated tomatoes showed decreased levels of Ca, Sr and Mo and increased Se both in the fruit pulp and peel. The concentration of Fe and especially Pb was lower in space-treated fruit pulp. Positive correlations between Se and dry matter, Ca and Sr, Ca and Co, Ca and Fe, and Cr and carotenoids, and negative correlations between Se and Mo, Se and K, and Mo and dry matter were recorded. The results indicate that seed stress caused by long-term spaceflight affects both the biochemical characteristics and mineral composition of tomato fruits and causes the peel/pulp redistribution of carotenoids as well as macro- and micro-elements, improving Se accumulation levels in the fruit peel.

Biochemical characteristics and clinical manifestation of normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism.

Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (nPHPT) is a condition characterized by persistently high levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and normal serum calcium levels in the absence of other causes for secondary hyperparathyroidism. The aim of the present study was to assess the clinical presentation and the biochemical characteristics in patients with nPHPT and to compare them with those in patients with hypercalcemic PHPT (hPHPT). The study included 316 patients (277 women and 39 men, average age 58.7 ± 12.1) diagnosed with PHPT. Total serum calcium, inorganic phosphates (PO4), PTH, urinary Ca (uCa), albumin, creatinine, 25(OH)D and bone markers (b-CTX and ALP) were examined in all of them. BMD of the lumbar spine (LS), distal third of the radius (DR), femoral neck (FN) and total proximal femur (TF) were measured by a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The patients were divided into two groups according to albumin-corrected calcium (Ca) level - with hPHPT (Ca>2.62 mmol/L) and with nPHPT (Ca 2.12-2.62 mmol/l), without other causes for secondary hyperparathyroidism. The frequency of nPHPT was 15.2%. Normocalcemic patients had lower levels of PTH, higher PO4 and 25(OH)D, and smaller parathyroid adenomas. No significant difference in the frequency of osteoporosis, low-energy fractures, nephrolithiasis and gastrointestinal disorders was found between nPHPT and hPHPT. There was no difference in BMD between the two groups. The patients with nPHPT show a more favorable biochemical profile compared to those with hPHPT. Nevertheless, clinical manifestations and complications are similar, without a significant difference in the frequency of osteoporosis, nephrolithiasis, gastrointestinal disorders and low-energy fractures.

Critical Role for 24-Hydroxylation in Homeostatic Regulation of Vitamin D Metabolism.

The body has evolved homeostatic mechanisms to maintain free levels of Ca+2 and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] within narrow physiological ranges. Clinical guidelines emphasize important contributions of PTH in maintaining this homeostasis. To investigate mechanisms of homeostatic regulation of vitamin D (VitD) metabolism and to apply mechanistic insights to improve clinical assessment of VitD status. Crossover clinical trial studying participants before and after VitD3-supplementation. Community. 11 otherwise healthy individuals with VitD-deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] ≤20 ng/mL). VitD3-supplements (50,000 IU once or twice a week depending on BMI, for 4-6 weeks) were administered to achieve 25(OH)D≥30 ng/mL. VitD3-supplementation significantly increased mean 25(OH)D by 2.7-fold and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [24,25(OH)2D] by 4.3-fold. In contrast, mean levels of PTH, FGF23, and 1,25(OH)2D did not change. Mathematical modeling suggested that 24-hydroxylase activity was maximal for 25(OH)D≥50 ng/mL and achieved a minimum (∼90% suppression) with 25(OH)D<10-20 ng/mL. The 1,25(OH)2D/24,25(OH)2D ratio better predicted modeled 24-hydroxylase activity (h) (ρ=-0.85; p=0.001) compared to total plasma 25(OH)D (ρ=0.51; p=0.01) and the 24,25(OH)2D/25(OH)D ratio (ρ=0.37; p=0.3). Suppression of 24-hydroxylase provides a first line of defense against symptomatic VitD-deficiency by decreasing metabolic clearance of 1,25(OH)2D. The 1,25(OH)2D/24,25(OH)2D ratio provides a useful index of VitD status since it incorporates 24,25(OH)2D levels and therefore, provides insight into 24-hydroxylase activity. When VitD availability is limited, this suppresses 24-hydroxylase activity - thereby decreasing the level of 24,25(OH)2D and increasing the 1,25(OH)2D/24,25(OH)2D ratio. Thus, an increased 1,25(OH)2D/24,25(OH)2D ratio signifies triggering of homeostatic regulation, which occurs at early stages of VitD-deficiency.

Association Between Disturbed Serum Phosphorus Levels and QT Interval Prolongation

INTRODUCTIONQT interval prolongation is a risk factor for fatal arrhythmias and other cardiovascular complications. QT interval prolongation in hemodialysis (HD) patients is not well understood. Hypocalcemia is a suspected, but poorly verified etiology in these patients, and the association between serum phosphorus levels and QT interval prolongation is unknown. We sought to determine the prevalence of QT interval prolongation in HD patients and to verify the association between pre-dialysis serum Ca and P levels and QT interval prolongation. METHODSA cross-sectional study was conducted on adult maintenance HD patients enrolled in the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy and Renal Data Registry 2019. After assessing patient characteristics, linear regression analysis was performed with pre-dialysis serum Ca and P levels as exposures and a rate-corrected QT (QTc) interval as the outcome. RESULTSA total of 204,530 patients were analyzed with a mean QTc of 451.2 msec (SD = 36.9 msec). On multivariable analysis, estimated change in QTc (coefficients, [95% confidence interval {CI}])] per 1 mg/dL increase in serum Ca and P was -2.02 [-3.00, -1.04] and 5.50 [3.92,7.09], respectively. In the restricted cubic spline curve, estimated change in QTc increased with lower values of serum Ca. The correlation between serum P and QTc showed a U-shaped curve. CONCLUSIONDecreased serum Ca levels and decreased and increased serum P levels may be associated with QT interval prolongation in maintenance HD patients.

Moderate nitrogen application facilitates Bt cotton growth and suppresses population expansion of aphids (Aphis gossypii) by altering plant physiological characteristics.

Excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer in cotton field causes soil and water pollution as well as significant increase of aphid population. Reasonable fertilization is an important approach to improve agricultural production efficiency and reduce agriculture-derived pollutions. This study was aimed to explore the effects of nitrogen fertilizer on the Bt cotton physiological characteristics and the growth and development of A. gossypii, a sap-sucking cotton pest. Five different levels of Ca(NO3)2 (0.0 g/kg, 0.3 g/kg, 0.9 g/kg, 2.7 g/kg and 8.1 g/kg) were applied into vermiculite as nitrogen fertilizer in order to explore the effects of nitrogen fertilizer on the growth and development of Bt cotton and aphids. The results showed that the medium level of nitrogen fertilizer (0.9 g/kg) effectively facilitated the growth of Bt cotton plant and suppressed the population expansion of aphids, whereas high and extremely high nitrogen application (2.7 and 8.1 g/kg) significantly increased the population size of aphids. Both high and low nitrogen application benefited aphid growth in multiple aspects such as prolonging nymph period and adult lifespan, enhancing fecundity, and improving adult survival rate by elevating soluble sugar content in host Bt cotton plants. Cotton leaf Bt toxin content in medium nitrogen group (0.9 g/kg) was significantly higher than that in high (2.7 and 8.1 g/kg) and low (0.3 g/kg) nitrogen groups, but Bt toxin content in aphids was very low in all the nitrogen treatment groups, suggesting that medium level (0.9 g/kg) might be the optimal nitrogen fertilizer treatment level for promoting cotton seedling growth and inhibiting aphids. Overall, this study provides insight into trophic interaction among nitrogen fertilizer levels, Bt cotton, and cotton aphid, and reveals the multiple effects of nitrogen fertilizer levels on growth and development of cotton and aphids. Our findings will contribute to the optimization of the integrated management of Bt cotton and cotton aphids under nitrogen fertilization.

The Promising Role of Oncomarkers CA 19-9 and CA 125 in the Diagnosis of Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis

Purpose of the study to study the role of serum glycoproteins CA 19–9 and CA 125 as a potential non-invasive biomarker of progressive fibrosis in interstitial lung diseases.Materials and methods. The study included 77 patients with interstitial diseases. Based on the presence/absence of signs of progression over the previous 6 months, patients were divided into 2 groups. All patients underwent forced spirometry, body plethysmography, diffusion test, computed tomography of the chest, and a study of serum concentrations of CA 19-9 and CA 125.Results. In the group of patients with a progressive fibrotic phenotype of interstitial lung diseases (ILD), higher levels of CA 19-9 and CA 125 were detected. A correlation of the studied level of tumor markers with parameters of pulmonary function and the severity of interstitial changes in lung changes according to computed tomography of the chest was shown (Warrick test).Conclusion. The data obtained demonstrate the capabilities of non-invasive diagnosis of PF-ILD and require further research and prospective observation to assess the diagnostic and prognostic role of the studied biomarkers, as well as determine their place in clinical practice.

Association of Plasma Metal Levels with Outcomes of Assisted Reproduction in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

The objective of this study is to explore the correlation of metal levels with assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. The individuals were recruited who met the research criteria, only tubal factor or male infertility served as the control group (n = 40) and patient group was PCOS patients (n = 35). Individuals (n = 75) were divided into PCOS group (n = 35) and control group (n = 40). The normal body mass index (BMI) group (control) includes women with BMI < 25kg/m2 in PCOS group (n = 24) and control group (n = 33), and BMI ≥ 25kg/m2 in PCOS group (n = 11) and control group (n = 7). We performed an analysis of insulin resistance (IR) (n = 15) group and without insulin resistance (NIR) group (n = 20) in PCOS patient and control patients. Comparing difference demographic data, ART outcomes and the metal levels in every group respectively, the correlation of metal levels and ART outcomes in control participants and PCOS patients were analyzed by the Spearman correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression model was used to examine the association between the concentration of 19 metals and ART outcomes in PCOS group and control group. Plasma manganese (Mn), titanium (Ti), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca)/Mg ratio, and Cu/zinc (Zn) ratio levels in PCOS patients were higher than that in control, while Zn and Ca levels were lower in PCOS patients than that in control. The Mg levels had a positive connection with the number of eggs recovered, and the iron (Fe) levels were positively associated with the number of transplanted embryos in PCOS-IR. In PCOS-NIR, Mn levels positively correlated with the number of follicles and the number of good embryos. Silver (Ag) levels were negatively correlated with the number of follicles, and aluminum (Al) levels were negatively related with the normal fertilization and the number of good embryos. The Spearman analysis in PCOS-BMI ≥ 25 group exhibited that nickel (Ni) levels were negatively associated with the number of follicles. The plasma metal levels seem to affect the clinical manifestations and in vitro fertilization outcomes in assisted reproduction.

Plasma levels and dietary intake of minerals in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease: A case-control study

Background and aimDiabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the primary cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide. Altered mineral levels leading to adverse outcomes are widely reported in diabetes but limited in DKD, in the Indian scenario, hence this study was taken up to address this issue. MethodsA hospital-based case-control study was taken up with 54 healthy controls (C) and 140 subjects with type 2 diabetes wherein 74 subjects with diabetes and CKD formed the DKD group, and 66 subjects with diabetes but no CKD formed the diabetic no-chronic kidney disease (DNCKD) group. High-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to evaluate the blood levels of minerals (calcium (Ca), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se)), and a raw food-based food frequency questionnaire for dietary intakes. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation (mL/min/1.73 m2) and albuminuria. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between the categorical variables. ResultsThe median values of plasma Ca in the DKD group were significantly lower compared with the DNCKD and C groups (10.5 mg/dL vs. 11.0 mg/dL and 11.7 mg/dL, p<0.001). Furthermore, plasma Ca levels lowered with declining kidney function, as evidenced by the eGFR and albuminuria segregation. Dietary intake of minerals did not correlate with the corresponding plasma levels. However, in the DKD group, eGFR correlated positively with the plasma levels of Ca (r= 0.422, p=0.001), Cr (r= 0.351, p=0.008), Mn (r= 0.338, p=0.011), Fe (r= 0.403, p=0.002), Cu (r= 0.274, p=0.041) and negatively with Se (r= −0.486, p<0.001). ConclusionPlasma Ca levels are lower in the DKD group with a strong positive association with eGFR, indicating its role in predicting the onset and progression of kidney function decline.

Clam Peptides Attenuated Adenine-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease by Improving Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Intestinal Flora Composition

Clam Peptides Attenuated Adenine-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease by Improving Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Intestinal Flora Composition

Early hospital discharge through prediction of post-thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism

IntroductionHypoparathyroidism is the most common postsurgical complication of total thyroidectomy. Furthermore, it is the main cause of prolonged hospitalisation after this procedure. ObjectiveTo predict the probability of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia according to the levels of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), as well as to determine the needs for treatment with exogenous calcium according to the levels of serum calcium (Ca). Materials and methodsRetrospective study was carried out on patients who underwent total thyroidectomy between January 2017 and January 2020 at Los Arcos del Mar Menor University Hospital (HULAMM). iPTH and Ca levels ​​were measured at 4, 24 and 48 h after the surgery. Follow-up was 6 months. ResultsNinety-four patients were operated on. Temporary and permanent postoperative hypoparathyroidism percentages were, respectively, 51.06% and 6.38%. iPTH level 24 h after the procedure was the most reliable predictor of post-thyroidectomy temporary hypoparathyroidism (Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC) = 0.933, p < .001). iPTH levels ​​≥29 pg/mL predicted normal parathyroid metabolism. ConclusionsThe combined values of iPTH and Ca levels 24 h after thyroidectomy seems to be a reliable, safe and efficient method to control the post-thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism. Our protocol could reduce the hospital stay of patients at low risk of hypocalcaemia, allowing them to be discharged from the hospital on the first postoperative morning and identifying patients at high risk of hypocalcaemia early.

The effect of micronutrient on thyroid cancer risk: a Mendelian randomization study.

The effect of micronutrients on thyroid cancer has been studied in observational studies, however, the cause of relationships has not yet been determined. Thyroid cancer was the subject of a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis of micronutrients. Aimed to determine whether micronutrient intake has a causal impact on the chance of developing thyroid cancer. We used a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis with two samples. Our circulation levels of Cu, Ir, Zn, Ca, VD, and VC were reflected by genetic variations reported from GWAS in individuals of European ancestry. For the GWAS outcome of thyroid cancer. Sensitivity studies that included MR-Egger, weighted median/mode tests, and a more open selection of variations at a genome-wide sub-significant threshold were added to our inverse-variance weighted (IVW) MR study. Using the IVW approach, we did not find evidence that any of the micronutrients to thyroid cancer (Cu: odds ratio [OR = 0.88, p = 0.41]; Zn: odds ratio [OR = 0.87, p = 0.40]; Ir: odds ratio [OR = 1.18, p = 0.39]; Ca: odds ratio [OR = 1.12, p = 0.43]; VC: odds ratio [OR = 0.95, p = 0.22]; VD: odds ratio [OR = 0.89, p = 0.04]). The heterogeneity (p > 0.05) and pleiotropy (p > 0.05) testing provided confirmatory evidence for the validity of our MR estimates. This study does not provide evidence that supplementation with micronutrients including Cu, Ir, Zn, Ca, VD, and VC can prevent thyroid cancer.

Screening for asymptomatic nephrolithiasis in primary hyperparathyroidism patients is warranted

BackgroundWe aimed to investigate the prevalence, characteristics, and management of nephrolithiasis in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) patients. MethodsMedical records of patients who underwent parathyroidectomy at a tertiary care hospital in British Columbia from January 2016 to April 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, laboratory results, imaging reports, and urologic consultations were examined. Descriptive statistics and relevant statistical tests, including logistic regressions, were utilized for data analysis. ResultOf the 413 PHPT patients included in the study population, 41.9% harbored renal stones, and nearly half (48.6%) required urological interventions. Male sex, elevated preoperative serum ionized calcium (iCa) and 24-h urinary calcium (24 ​h urine Ca) levels were independent risk factors for stone formation. Additionally, male sex, younger age, and lower preoperative serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level were associated with higher odds of requiring urological intervention for stones. ConclusionsThis study identified significant prevalence of asymptomatic renal calcifications in PHPT patients, with a substantial proportion necessitating urological intervention. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating screening and treatment of renal stones into the management of PHPT patients.