Chemistry Analysis Research Articles

Development of Highly Sensitive Immunochromatography Using Time-Resolved Fluorescence Microspheres for Amantadine Detection.

Amantadine (AMA), commonly used to treat viral infections in livestock and poultry, has been banned owing to its potential hazards to human well-being. To detect unauthorized AMA usage in livestock, we developed a polyclonal antibody with a high affinity for the specific recognition of AMA through a rational design based on a structure similar to AMA and revealed the availability of the hapten design by computational chemistry analysis. Using this antibody, we established a highly responsive time-resolved fluorescence immunochromatographic assay (TRFICA). The visual detection limit of the assay is 0.6 μg/kg, and the quantitative detection limit is 0.05 μg/kg. The TRFICA also showed good recovery rates ranging from 94.5 to 109.9%, with variability coefficients not exceeding 10%. The outcomes of undisclosed sample examinations aligned with those of HPLC-MS/MS analyses, indicating that this approach can function as an ideal screening and monitoring tool for detecting illegal AMA in chicken muscle.

Novel In-Line Hemolysis Detection on a Blood Gas Analyzer and Impact on Whole Blood Potassium Results.

Preanalytical error due to hemolyzed blood samples is a common challenge in laboratory and point-of-care (POC) settings. Whole blood potassium (K+) measurements routinely measured on blood gas analyzers are particularly susceptible to hemolysis, which poses a risk for incorrect K+ results. The GEM Premier 7000 with IQM3 (GEM 7000) blood gas analyzer provides novel integrated hemolysis detection within the sample measurement process. Therefore, the GEM 7000 can detect and flag hemolyzed whole blood samples at the POC, warning the operator of potentially erroneous results. Heparinized venous or arterial whole blood samples were used for K+ interference studies and assessed for hemolysis agreement utilizing either a traditional volumetric method or chemistry analyzer serum index measurements with the Roche cobas c311 or Abbott Alinity c. Hemolysis interference studies performed at 2 different K+ concentrations (3.8 and 5.3 mmol/L) identified that a plasma free hemoglobin ≥116 mg/dL can impact K+ results on the GEM 7000. Hemolysis agreement studies demonstrated an excellent agreement of >99% with the volumetric method, 98.8% with cobas H index, and 96.4% with Alinity H index. GEM 7000 K+ results were correctly flagged for both native and spiked samples. GEM 7000 hemolysis detection provides a novel technology to detect hemolysis in whole blood samples. Moreover, the GEM 7000 demonstrates excellent agreement with traditional laboratory hemolysis detection methods and offers an integrated technological solution for assuring the quality of whole blood K+ results in POC settings.

Ding-Zhi-Xiao-Wan decoction alleviates mitochondrial autophagy in vascular dementia mice via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

BackgroundVascular dementia (VD) is a common and diverse group of neurological disorders. The cause of cognitive impairment symptoms in VD is mainly cerebrovascular lesions caused by various factors. Ding-Zhi-Xiao-Wan decoction (DZXW) is a classical Chinese medicine compound for treating clinical manifestations of dementia-like conditions. Our preliminary study determined that the volatile oil component (β-asarone) of Acorus tatarinowii Schott in DZXW has a significant neuroprotective effect. However, there is limited documentation on the effects of DZXW in treating VD. MethodsThe analysis of medicinal chemistry, potential targets, and mechanisms of DZXW for treating VD started with network pharmacology. To create the VD model, bilateral carotid artery ligation was performed. Normal saline or DZXW was administered to Institute of Cancer Research mice via gavage daily for 28 days. The Morris water maze test was used to evaluate the learning and memory abilities of the mice post-treatment. To validate potential targets and efficacy mechanisms identified through network pharmacology, qualitative real-time PCR and western blotting were employed. Further examination of histopathological and ultrastructural changes in the hippocampal region was conducted using hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining, immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. ResultsThe analysis using network pharmacology showed that there was a connection between the key targets associated with the components of DZXW, there were 836 targets of ginseng, 305 targets of Acorus tatarinowii Schott, 394 targets of Poria cocos, and 228 targets of Polygala tenuifolia; and 4671 targets related to VD. In particular, 53 targets are at the intersection of DZXW and VD. The results of this experiment confirmed that DZXW not only attenuated brain damage and its induced learning memory deficits in the VD model but also had some antioxidant effects. Furthermore, DZXW down-regulated VD-induced CASP3, EGFR, PTGS2, ESR1, and HSP90AA1 mRNA expression. It was confirmed that DZXW enhanced the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR. Additionally, DZXW was demonstrated to elevate the protein levels of p62 and TOM20 while reducing the protein expression of mitochondrial autophagy markers such as PINK1, PARKIN, Beclin-1, and LC3. ConclusionsDZXW impedes mitochondrial autophagy through the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. This leads to the reduction of mitochondrial injury in nerve cells triggered by VD-induced tissue hypoglycemia and hypoxia, ultimately enhancing cognitive function and memory retention.

Structural evolution and exhumation events recorded in the Huingancó Granodiorite, Cordillera del Viento, Southern Central Andes, Argentina

This study seeks to unravel the exhumation history of Permian granodiorites corresponding to the Huingancó volcano-plutonic Complex in the southern sector of the Cordillera del Viento (∼37°S), located within the Chos Malal fold-thrust belt. In this context, mineral chemistry analyses were conducted on the granodiorites using electron microprobe data to infer the P-T conditions of emplacement, resulting in 700–900 °C and pressures ranging between 1 and 2.4 kbar. Employing a geostatic gradient of 3.7 km/kbar, these values give an estimate of emplacement depths between 4 and 9 km. In order to understand their exhumation path, five samples from the Huingancó Granodiorite were taken along the Huaraco creek on the western flank of the Cordillera del Viento anticline to perform apatite fission track (AFT) analysis. This analysis yielded new cooling ages for the study area ranging between 50 and 80 Ma. Furthermore, inverse thermal modeling using the fission track data revealed two significant exhumation events during the Andean cycle: one during the Late Cretaceous-Paleocene and the other in Miocene times, separated by a period of gradual cooling or stability during Eocene-Oligocene times. These important cooling events are associated with the main construction phases of the Cordillera del Viento. Finally, to characterize its deformation evolution, a structural kinematic model is proposed based on a balanced structural section and its reconstruction to its non-deformed pre-Cretaceous state. The resulting model allows us to identify the structures and mechanisms of uplift rising the Cordillera del Viento, and their association with the main exhumation events depicted in the inverse thermal modeling. The main structure of the Cordillera del Viento corresponds to a fault bending fold that involves the basement in the deformation. Subsequently, its insertion as an intracutaneous wedge is related with the development of the thin-skinned structures at the internal sector of the Chos Malal fold and thrust belt.

Hydrogen loss from pyroxene within granulite xenoliths at Damaping, North China craton

The preservation of original water contents within nominally anhydrous minerals is essential for understanding the deep Earth’s water budget. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of mineral chemistry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy on 15 lower-crustal granulite xenoliths collected from Damaping in the North China craton. Our analyses reveal that the orthopyroxene grains from two samples exhibit hydrogen-deficient rims, suggestive of hydrogen loss. Drawing upon experimentally determined hydrogen diffusivity in pyroxene, we propose that clinopyroxene, despite the absence of evident hydrogen zoning, may have likewise undergone partial hydrogen depletion. Our findings call into question the conventional belief that hydrogen concentrations in pyroxene are faithful proxies for the original water content in the continental lower crust. We attribute the loss of hydrogen in pyroxene to magmatic outgassing, most likely occurring during the surface flow stage. Such a process could partially explain the relatively lower water contents documented in the granulite xenoliths when compared to those found in the Precambrian granulite terranes from the North China craton. Considering recent studies on mantle xenoliths, it becomes evident that both basalt-hosted mantle and lower-crustal xenoliths may have experienced partial loss of their original water contents within the deep Earth.

PSIII-27 Blood biochemistry, histology, and metabolomic profiling of contaminated with mycotoxin: A repeated dose oral toxicity study in rats

Abstract Mycotoxins causes diseases and physiological responses in humans and livestock. This study was performed to estimate the effects of binary mixtures mycotoxin {e.g., deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisin (FB)] on blood biochemistry, histology, and metabolic profiles in rats fed with different toxin concentrations. Experimental animals were administered by oral gavage with 0.9% saline, DON (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg BW), FB (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg) at 8 wk of age. Histological changes, metabolomic profiling, and blood biochemical analysis were performed Masson’s trichrome stain kit, liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, and VetTest chemistry analyzer, respectively. The final BW of the rats contaminated with mixtures mycotoxin significantly decreased compared with the control group. Biochemistry results and fibrosis were also significantly differentially regulated according to mycotoxin concentrations. Additionally, we observed collagen fibers in the liver and kidney showed blue staining after toxin contamination. For metabolomic profiling, data were analyzed using MetaboAnalyst 4.0. Results were analyzed by multivariate analysis to elucidate the potential compounds. The toxin-treated groups observed discriminating metabolites in the liver and kidney tissue but no differences in ileum. The profiling revealed potential metabolites such as glycine, serine and threonine metabolism. Phosphatidylethanolamine and tryptophan were identified with high sensitivity as candidate biomarkers via variable importance in the projection plot in piglets fed with mycotoxin (FDR < 0.05; P < 0.05). The differently treated groups showed discriminating metabolites in different concentrations. In conclusion, these findings suggest that mycotoxin exposure disturbs histological changes and metabolites. Dietary toxins in rats may better understand the physiological effects consistent with metabolism, which are commonly reported in animals.

222 Validation of Brix for predicting sugar concentration of alfalfa and orchardgrass

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of Brix in predicting sugar concentrations in fresh alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.; ALF) and orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.; OG) forages to be used as an inexpensive and rapid field-level assessment of relative energy in forages. In a 2-yr study, fresh forages samples from ALF and OG monoculture pastures in central Pennsylvania, U.S. were collected once monthly from May to September. Samples were immediately evaluated for Brix values with a hand-held digital refractometer, and the remaining biomass was frozen immediately with liquid N to halt cellular respiration. Samples were lyophilized and analyzed for individual sugars and wet chemistry nutritive analyses. Brix values were correlated with wet chemistry analyses using the PROC CORR procedure in SAS, with significance established at P < 0.05. Brix was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with total and individual sugars in ALF during late spring and late summer (0.49 to 0.93), but correlations were non-existent (P > 0.05) or negative (-0.55 to -0.73; P < 0.05) in mid-summer. Brix values had moderate to strong negative correlations (P < 0.05) to NDF and ADF in ALF (-0.57 to -0.71). Conversely, Brix values did not correlate (P > 0.05) to any notable sugar parameters in OG beyond the first sampling date (0.60 to 0.74; P < 0.05). Brix was not correlated (P > 0.05) to NDF and ADF in OG. In summary, Brix values did not consistently predict sugar concentrations in fresh ALF and OG forages. Because Brix measures dissolved solids in solution (not just sugars), Brix readings collected from crushed ALF or OG samples may be confounded by fibrous fractions found in the solution as well as decreased sugar concentrations compared with fruit crops. Brix accuracy may also be dependent on seasonal temperature patterns, plant growth stage, and daily weather patterns. Other solutions should be investigated that rapidly assess sugar profiles and nutritive values of fresh forages.

Surface preparation by femtosecond laser - An adhesion strength perspective for suspension plasma sprayed ceramic coatings

Surface preparation is very important for the adhesion of thermal sprayed coatings. In this work, the effect of surface preparation on the adhesion strength of suspension plasma sprayed (SPS) Al2O3 coatings is investigated. Aluminum (Al-2024) substrates were micromachined by femtosecond laser (FSL) and also mechanically blasted by conventional grit blasting for surface preparation prior to SPS coating. Surface morphology results showed laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) produced by FSL, whereas grit blasting produced random irregularities with peaks and undercuts. Surface chemistry analysis showed that the FSL-prepared substrates were functionalized by -OH and O, while the grit-blasted substrates were not functionalized. The prepared substrates were coated by the SPS process under two spray conditions, where one condition was selected to produce a dense coating and the other condition was selected to produce a porous coating. The dense coating showed poor adhesion regardless of surface preparation, while the porous coating showed good adhesion for both grit-blasted and FSL-treated substrates. The adhesion strength of the porous coating was evaluated using the ASTM C-633 pull test protocol. A significant improvement (4.5 factors higher) in adhesion strength was achieved for the FSL-prepared substrates compared to the grit-blasted substrates. The improved adhesion of the FSL-prepared substrates was assessed by surface chemistry and surface morphology analyses of the prepared substrates, as well as by further analysis of the failed samples after the adhesion test and splat analysis. Results from this research showed that FSL has potential as an effective surface preparation technique for SPS.

Hyperbranched Poly-l-Lysine Modified Titanium Surface With Enhanced Osseointegration, Bacteriostasis, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties for Implant Application: AnExperimental InVivo Study.

This study aimed to explore multiple effects of hyperbranched poly-l-lysine (HBPL) titanium (Ti) surfaces on osseointegration, bacteriostasis, and anti-inflammation across three different animal models. Ti surfaces were covalently modified with HBPL, with uncoated surfaces as controls. Characterization included scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and surface chemistry and elemental analysis (EDX). Ti and Ti-HBPL implants were placed in conventional canine edentulous sites, post-operative infection canine edentulous sites, and diabetic rat tibias. Implants from canine edentulous models were analyzed using micro-CT and histomorphometry to assess osseointegration at 8 weeks. Post-operative infection beagles were used to evaluate antibacterial efficacy through clinical parameters and bacterial cultures at 1 week. In diabetic rats, micro-CT and histomorphometry were performed at 8 weeks. HBPL was uniformly grafted on Ti-HBPL surfaces. Ti-HBPL surfaces showed higher bone volume/total volume (BV/TV, p < 0.001), bone-implant contact (BIC%, p < 0.001), and trabecular number (Tb.N, p < 0.01) in beagles. Besides, it displayed higher BIC% (p < 0.001) and bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO%, p < 0.01) in hard tissue sections. In an infected model, Ti-HBPL surfaces exhibited lower bleeding on probing (BOP, p < 0.001), and plaque index (DI, p < 0.01), with reduced bacterial colony formation (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. In diabetic rats, Ti-HBPL surfaces showed an increase in BV/TV (p < 0.01) and Tb.N (p < 0.001), downregulated TNF-α and IL-1β (p < 0.01), and upregulated IL-10 (p < 0.01) and osteocalcin (OCN) expression (p < 0.01). HBPL-Ti surfaces demonstrated enhanced osseointegration, bacteriostasis, and anti-inflammatory effects invivo.

Temporal analysis of water chemistry and smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) health at two sites with divergent land use in the Susquehanna River watershed, Pennsylvania, USA

Monitoring wild fish health and exposure effects in impacted rivers and streams with differing land use has become a valuable research tool. Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) are a sensitive, indicator species that exhibit signs of immunosuppression and endocrine disruption in response to water quality changes and contaminant exposure. To determine the impact of agriculture and development on smallmouth bass health, two sites (a developed/agriculture site and a forested site) in the Susquehanna River watershed, Pennsylvania were selected where bass and water chemistry were sampled from 2015 to 2019. Smallmouth bass were sampled for histopathology to assess parasite and macrophage aggregate density in the liver and spleen, condition factor (Ktl), hepatic gene transcript abundance, hepatosomatic index (HSI), and a health assessment index (HAI). Land use at the developed/agriculture site included greater pesticide application rates and phytoestrogen crop cover and more detections and higher concentrations of pesticides, wastewater-associated contaminants, hormones, phytoestrogens, and mycotoxins than at the forested site. Additionally, at the developed/agriculture site, indicators of molecular changes, including oxidative stress, immune/inflammation, and lipid metabolism-related hepatic gene transcripts, were associated with more contaminants and land use variables. At both sites, there were multiple associations of contaminants with liver and/or spleen macrophage aggregate density, indicating that changes at the molecular level seemed to be a better indicator of exposures unique to each site. The findings illustrate the importance of timing for land management practices, the complex mixtures aquatic animals are exposed to, and the temporal changes in contaminant concentration. Agricultural practices that affect hepatic gene transcripts associated with immune function and disease resistance were demonstrated which could negatively affect smallmouth bass populations.

Effects of High-Intensity Training on Complete Blood Count, Iron Metabolism, Lipid Profile, Liver, and Kidney Function Tests of Professional Water Polo Players.

Our goal was to examine the effect of high-intensity physical activity on changes in the lipid profile, complete blood count (CBC), iron metabolism, and kidney and liver function tests of professional water polo players. This study included twenty professional male water polo players. Blood sampling was carried out at the beginning of the season and during periods of high-intensity training. CBCs were determined with a Siemens Advia 2120i hematology analyzer. A Beckman CoulterAU680 chemistry analyzer was used to determine the serum concentrations/activities of lipid profiles and liver and kidney function test analytes. The lipid athlete scores were also determined. The mean corpuscular volume (p = 0.006), platelet count (p = 0.008), and mean platelet volume (p < 0.001) significantly decreased during the high-intensity period, compared with the beginning of the season. The total iron-binding capacity increased (p = 0.001), and ferritin concentrations significantly declined (p = 0.017). The lipid profiles revealed a significant difference between phases, with slight increases in serum total (p = 0.025) and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.002) levels and a decrease in triglyceride concentrations (p = 0.040) in the high-intensity period. During the high-intensity period, the liver and kidney function tests showed a substantial positive effect on lactate dehydrogenase levels (p < 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.028) serum activity, and total protein concentrations (p = 0.033), compared with the beginning of the season. Water polo players might exhibit a decrease in some CBC parameters, an increase in LDL cholesterol, and a decrease in liver function biomarkers due to intense training at the peak of the competitive season. Kidney function biomarkers remain unchanged.

Evaluation of Relationship Between C-Reactive Protein, Leukocyte Count and Platelet Indices in Dogs with Leukocytosis

A complete blood count and acute-phase protein analyses are the laboratory tests that are used in veterinary medicine practice. Leukocytes, also known as white blood cells (WBCs), are the primary biological components of inflammatory and immunological responses. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a powerful predictor of inflammation and/or infection in veterinary medicine. Starting at that point, the investigation of the alterations and relationship between WBC count, platelet indices, and blood serum CRP levels in dogs with leukocytosis was the aim of this study. A total of 135 bloodwork records, from January 2018 to December 2022, of dogs were analyzed. The inflammatory panel of complete blood count data, including WBC, PLT, MPV, PDW, PCT, and MPV/PLT, and CRP levels in blood serum chemistry analyses were investigated. The inflammatory panel of complete blood count data was categorized according to CRP levels in blood serum chemistry analyses. There was no significant difference in platelet indices according to the blood serum levels of CRP in the dogs’ bloodwork records. The WBC count in dogs with an equal or above 10 mg/dL CRP level was significantly higher than the other levels of CRP. A moderately positive correlation was detected between CRP and WBC in the bloodwork of all dogs, undivided according to inflammatory status, and of dogs with an inflammatory status. Consequently, in veterinary clinical practice, C-reactive protein measures in dogs may be more applicable in cases where an important rise in WBC over the cut-off value is observed in the complete blood count, commonly used to diagnose inflammatory or infectious status.

Physiological and Biochemical Blood Indicators of Boer X Saanen Crossbred Goats Raised in Binh Duong Province, Vietnam

This paper presents the results of a study on the physiological and biochemical blood indices of F1 (Boer x Saanen) crossbred goats raised in Binh Duong province, Vietnam. Blood samples from 160 goats were taken by venipuncture from each animal in the morning, data were collected by sex and two age groups (3-12 months and 12-24 months). Blood physiological indices were measured using a Hemascreen 18 hematology analyzer. Blood biochemical indices were measured using an Abaxis Vetscan 2 chemistry analyzer. The results showed that the WBC, Mono and Neut indices varied according to age and sex (P0.05). RBC, HGB, MCV, MCH had no statistically significant differences between ages and sexes (P&gt;0.05). The average protein concentration was 64.82-81.85 g/L, with significant differences between the study groups (P0.05). Statistically significant differences in mean values between age groups were investigated in the following parameters: Glucose, creatinine, AST, ALP, K, Ca, P, Cl. This study provides data on physiological and biochemical blood indices of Hybrids goats F1 (Boer x Saanen) as a basis for periodic health diagnosis of goat herds, promptly detecting health abnormalities. The data obtained can be used as reference limits related to physiological changes in livestock due to disease, nutritional deficiencies or other health-affecting factors. This is also the premise for studies on large goat herds to build a database of physiological and biochemical blood indices of goat breeds raised in Vietnam.

Determination of Some Element’s Migrants in Aqueous Simulant from Plastic Food Contact Products by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer

Various chemicals present at different stages in the food supply chain can lead to the leaching of heavy metals. These metals can accumulate in the human body through the consumption of contaminated food. Consequently, it is necessary to validate an analytical technique for the quantification chemical that could contaminate food. This study presents a rapid, straightforward, and efficient analytical method for the direct quantification of some potentially toxic elements in aqueous simulants from plastic food contact products using an inductively coupled mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The method’s validation encompassed the study of the estimated detection limits, practical quantification limits, linearity, accuracy, and measurement uncertainty of aluminium (Al), antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) under optimized ICP-MS conditions. The estimated detection limits ranged from 7.5 × 10−4 to 0.074 mg/kg, while practical quantification limits spanned from 0.02 to 0.8 mg/kg. The average recoveries ± standard deviations at different spiking levels were varied between 85.7 ± 1.51 and 115.6 ± 0.88% with coefficients of variation between 0.42 and 5.85%. The method trueness was verified by using references materials (test material in aqueous acetic acid) purchased from Food Chemistry Proficiency Testing and Analysis (FAPAS) yielding satisfactory results within acceptable recovery and Z-score values. The method precision, in terms of relative standard deviation (RSD), was being below 4.22%. The method uncertainty expressed as expanded uncertainty of all validated elements was found to be ≤ 21.9%. Validated method was employed to determine specific elements in aqueous simulants of thirty commercial plastic food packaging samples, representing three distinct types of plastic polymers. The results showed that the mean concentrations, in mg/kg, were as follows: 2.04 (Al), 0.02 (As), 0.02 (Cd), 0.02 (Co), 0.06 (Cr), 0.41 (Cu), 1.55 (Fe), 0.09 (Mn), 0.15 (Ni), 0.07 (Pb), 0.05 (Sb), and 0.81 (Zn). Furthermore, 30% of analyzed samples exceeding the maximum permissible limits of Al for plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.

Assessment of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and Folate Levels in Recently Identified Pregnant Females.

Background: Pregnancy is a critical period where optimal maternal and fetal health depends on adequate nutritional status. Deficiencies in essential vitamins, such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folate, can result in adverse health outcomes. Objective: This study aims to assess the serum levels of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folate in early pregnancy. Methodology: This cross-sectional research was conducted at Kurdistan Private Hospital in Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, from September 2022 to October 2023. The study included 150 pregnant women, with ages ranging from 18 to 45 years. Serum levels of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folate were measured using the Automatic Clinical Chemistry Analyzer COBAS e 411 (Roche Diagnostics, Basel, Switzerland). Results: The mean age of the participants was 29 years (standard deviation [SD] = 6.2 years), with ages ranging from 18 to 45 years. The average serum human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) level was 4,292 mIU/mL (SD = 3,947 mIU/mL), with a range of 98 to 10,000 mIU/mL. The mean serum levels were 17.8 ng/mL (SD = 11.6) for vitamin D, 367 pg/mL (SD = 245) for vitamin B12, and 11.5 ng/mL (SD = 4.6) for folate. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was significant, with 92 participants (61.3%) having levels below 20 ng/mL, 39 participants (26%) having insufficient levels ranging from 20 to 29 ng/mL, and only 19 participants (12.7%) having sufficient levels between 30 and 100 ng/mL. No cases of vitamin D toxicity (>150 ng/mL) were observed. Regarding vitamin B12, 32 participants (21.3%) had deficient levels (<200 pg/mL), while 118 participants (78.7%) had normal levels. Folate analysis revealed that 3 participants (2%) had moderate deficiency (2-3 ng/mL), 14 participants (9.3%) had mild deficiency (3-6 ng/mL), and there were no cases of severe folate deficiency (<2 ng/mL). Pearson correlation analysis showed weak correlations between the study variables, with the strongest being a weak negative correlation between age and serum folate levels (-0.18). Conclusions: The study found a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among the pregnant women included in the study, while the levels of folate and vitamin B12 were comparable to worldwide estimates. These findings focus attention on the importance of monitoring and addressing nutritional deficiencies at the beginning and throughout pregnancy. They also underline the need for preventive health interventions to correct these deficiencies and achieve the best outcomes for both maternal and fetal health.

Association of Inflammatory Marker C-Reactive Protein and Interleukin-6 with Stages 3-5 of Chronic Kidney Disease

Background: Despite different strategy to retard the progression of CKD, majority still progress to ESRD. Other than conventional risk factors inflammation is considered as one of the reversible factors responsible for CKD progression which can be intervened. Therefore, we have studied the level of inflammatory marker CRP and IL-6 at stages 3-5 of CKD patients and their association with CKD stage progression determined by eGFR. Methods: We have conducted a cross sectional study among 150 CKD patients and 32 healthy controls at OPD of Nephrology department of National Institute of Kidney Diseases and Urology, Dhaka from January`2016 to December`2016. Purposive sampling method was the tool for case selection and CKD was defined as eGFR &lt;60ml/min/1.73m2. AKI, history of dialysis, kidney transplant, patients having acute infection, malignancy or liver disease, received chemotherapy or immunotherapy (&lt;6 months) and patients with connective tissue disease were the exclusion criteria. Fasting blood glucose, Hb%, serum Ca++, serum PO4, serum total cholesterol and serum triglyceride level were measured for both case and controls. eGFR has been calculated using MDRD equation. For the cases CRP had been measured on two occasions at an interval of one and half month. Those cases who had raised CRP level in both occasions were selected for measurement of IL-6 from second sample. CRP had been measured by turbidimetry method using fully automated chemistry analyzer. IL-6 had been measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on the Biotin double antibody sandwich technology. Scatter diagram and multiple regression models were used to examine the association between CRP and IL-6 with stage 3-5 of CKD denoted by eGFR. Results: The mean of CRP were 9.5±2.7 mg/L in CKD patients vs. 2.9±0.5 mg/L in controls without CKD and the mean of IL-6 were 29.5±13.0 pg/ml in CKD patients vs. 3.3±0.3 pg/ml in controls without CKD. Both were elevated and significant statistically (p=.001). Scatter diagram showing correlation coefficient (r value) -0.592 and -0.615 for eGFR vs. CRP and eGFR vs. IL-6 respectively which indicate both are negatively correlated with eGFR. But IL-6 had a more strong negative correlation. Multiple regression analysis shows regression co efficient (B) for CRP and IL-6 is -1.251 and -2.826 respectively after taking into account other factors which can alter eGFR level (age, Hb%, serum Calcium, S. Total Cholesterol, S.PO4, S. Triglyceride) that indicates in the prediction of eGFR, IL-6 had significant negative association than CRP after adjusting the conventional factors responsible for CKD progression. Conclusion: Our data suggest that though CRP and IL-6 both are significantly raised in advanced CKD stage 3-5, IL-6 is more rapidly increasing and more strongly associated than CRP with the severity of CKD measured by eGFR.

Evaluation of a continuous glucose monitoring system in healthy dairy calves and adult goats.

To determine the accuracy of a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) device by comparing glucose concentrations measured over time as determined by the CGMS to those of the chemistry analyzer (reference method). 7 healthy goats and 7 dairy calves. A randomized, crossover design with 3 treatments: control, hypoglycemia, and hyperglycemia. The CGMS device was applied to the neck. Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia were induced by insulin and xylazine, respectively. Glucose concentrations were measured by the chemistry analyzer CGMS, point-of-care glucometer, and intensive care unit machine at 0 (before treatment), 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 hours. Agreement between the CGMS and the chemistry analyzer was determined by Bland-Altman plots. The analytical and clinical accuracy of the CGMS was determined using the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15197:2013 criteria and the Parkes error grid analysis. In goats, the CGMS overestimated glucose concentrations during the hypoglycemic, normoglycemia, and hyperglycemia treatments. In calves, the CGMS underestimated glucose concentrations during the hypoglycemic treatment but overestimated glucose concentrations in normoglycemia and hyperglycemic treatments. The CGMS met the ISO clinical accuracy criteria for goats and calves, with > 99% of the glucose measurements in zones A and B of the Parkes grid. However, the CGMS did not meet the ISO 15197:2013 criteria for analytical accuracy. The CGMS evaluated in our study only met the ISO 15197:2013 clinical accuracy criteria, not the analytical accuracy. Therefore, the device might be considered for clinical use.

Correlation of Silage Feeds to Blood Biochemical Parameters in Saanen Goats

This paper presents the results of monitoring blood biochemical parameters of Saanen goats when using some types of silage. The study was conducted on 40 Saanen goats 6-12 months old, with an average weight of 17.5 kg, raised at the Center for Livestock Biotechnology. The goats were completely randomized in blocks into 3 treatments (NT); NT1: pseudo-silage cashew nuts, NT2: silage cassava pulp and NT3: silage corn stalks and leaves and 1 control group (using standard feed at the center). Blood samples were taken by jugular vein puncture of each animal in the morning, before feeding on days 1, 45 and 90 of the experiment. Blood biochemical indices: Glucose, Protein, Albumin, Globulin, BUN, Creatinine, AST, ALT, ALP, electrolyte index (Na, K, Ca, P) were measured by Abaxis Vetscan 2 chemical analyzer. Biochemical parameters of the control group and the 3 treatments 1, 2, 3 on the 90th day were respectively Glucose was 4.56 ± 2.86; 4.59 ± 3.84; 4.38 ± 3.88; 4.42 ± 3.18 mmol/l; Protein was 76.83 ± 8.56; 77.56 ± 6.82; 77.36 ± 7.96; 78.35 ± 8.38 g/l. The results of the evaluation of blood biochemical parameters of Saanen goats were all at normal levels when using silage rations. There was no statistical difference between the experimental and control groups. The results confirmed that the use of supplementary silage in Saanen goat farming did not affect blood biochemical indices. These data are useful for further studies on other ruminants, suggesting the use of silage in goat farming from agricultural by-products.

Serum chemistry, thyroxine concentration, and blood cell morphology of wild, young Blackchin Guitarfish Glaucostegus cemiculus sampled on the eastern Mediterranean coastline.

The Blackchin Guitarfish Glaucostegus cemiculus is endemic to the Mediterranean Sea and is critically endangered, but relevant routine laboratory data are unavailable. Our objectives were to determine the packed cell volume (PCV), comprehensive serum chemistry analytes, and serum total thyroxine (sTT4) concentration; compare serum albumin and serum globulin concentrations as measured by two different methods; and describe the blood cell morphology of healthy, free-ranging Blackchin Guitarfish. Wild Blackchin Guitarfish were captured using a seine net. Blood samples for serum chemistry and hematological analyses were obtained and measured using routine laboratory methods. The fish were tagged and released. This study included 43 Blackchin Guitarfish (17 males and 26 females) that were younger than 6 months as estimated based on total length and body weight. The median PCV (n = 23) was 22% (minimum-maximum [min-max] = 15-25%). Median sTT4 (n = 10) measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay was 7.86 nmol/L (min-max = 7.52-9.57 nmol/L). The study included a comprehensive, 25-analyte serum chemistry analysis (e.g., serum iron and unbound and total iron-binding capacity) and a morphological description of all blood cells. Serum electrophoresis (SEP; n = 13) yielded a consistent serum albumin-migrating protein fraction and four globulin fractions. Serum electrophoretograms corroborating these results are presented. In Blackchin Guitarfish, the serum albumin-migrating fraction measured by SEP combined with serum total protein concentration yields a much higher albumin concentration compared to that measured by bromocresol green spectrophotometry. The true identity of this albumin-migrating fraction remains to be identified. The analytes' calculated 2.5-97.5% interpercentile intervals should be considered as reference intervals applying to Blackchin Guitarfish of similar age but should be applied cautiously to adult fish.

Dynamic analysis of groundwater chemistry from 1997 to 2018 in the eastern part of Yongning County, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of northwestern China: Integration of Bayesian water quality assessment and health risk assessment

AbstractGroundwater is an important part of water resources, with many characteristics: widespreading, steady changing, good water quality, and usable. Therefore, it is an ideal drinking water source. However, with the rapidly economic development and the accelerated urbanization process, the problem of groundwater pollution has become increasingly serious. In this study, the eastern part of Yongning County was taken as the study area, 30 groundwater samples from 1997 to 1998, 2007 to 2008, and 2017 to 2018 were selected for water quality assessment and health risk assessment. The results showed that the groundwater chemical type had a tendency to change from HCO3‐Ca·Mg type to SO4·Cl‐Ca·Mg type, and the rock weathering was the important factor controlling the groundwater hydrochemistry in the eastern part of Yongning County. The water quality evaluation of Mn and As was grade II, and the water quality evaluation of Cu, Zn, Cr6+, Cd, and Mo was grade I. Both carcinogenic and non‐carcinogenic risks were higher in children than in adults, the acceptable frequency of adults was higher than that of children, and the area with higher risks was distributed in the central and easternmost regions of Yongning County. As was a more sensitive factor to carcinogenic risk than Cr6+. Therefore, we should pay more attention to the governance of As and the health of children's drinking water. Special attention also should be paid to the water environment protection in the eastern parts of Yongning County. Water quality assessment and health risk assessment in the study area lay a foundation for water pollution control and water environmental protection in the future.Practitioner Points The hydrochemical type changes from HCO3‐Ca·Mg type to SO4·Cl‐Ca·Mg type, which is mainly affected by rock weathering. According to the Bayesian water quality assessment: Mn and As was II, and Cr belongs to I is small. As was the main carcinogenic factor, Mn was the main non‐carcinogenic factor, and the risk was higher in children than adults.