Chemistry Values Research Articles

The Coprecipitation of Akaganeite and Jarosite and Its Implications for the Late‐Stage Diagenetic Fluids in the Vera Rubin Ridge, Gale Crater, Mars

AbstractAkaganeite and jarosite were detected in two mudstone drill samples from Vera Rubin ridge (VRR), Gale crater by Chemistry & Mineralogy X‐Ray Diffraction (CheMin). The co‐occurrence of these two minerals is quite rare in both terrestrial and Martian aqueous environments. In order to confine the chemical conditions of paragenetic akaganeite and jarosite, and provide insight into late‐stage diagenetic alterations at VRR, we synthesized akaganeite and jarosite with varying SO42− concentrations and initial pH levels. Synthetic samples were characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Our study reveals that akaganeite and jarosite exist in equilibrium in the solution with 0.011–0.028 M SO42− with respect to 0.6 M Cl− and an initial pH of 1.3–2.2. In combination with the CheMin detection results, the chemistry and pH values of the fluids at VRR can be further constrained. Considering the absence of goethite and the relative higher portion of akaganeite than jarosite in the drill samples, the pH values should be 1.4–2 and the S/Cl molar ratio should be within the range of 0.018–0.042. Based on our laboratory results, we hypothesize that the presence of akaganeite and jarosite at VRR represents an individual episode of acidic groundwater activity. During the late‐stage diagenetic process at VRR, upwelled acidic groundwater dissolved the local chlorides to form the Cl−‐dominated fluids. Subsequent evaporation further concentrated the acid saline fluids and therefore resulted in an extremely acidic environment (1.4 ≤ pH＜2 with S/Cl molar ratio of 0.018–0.042), which produced akaganeite and jarosite.

Species composition of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in the Ridge and Valley region of Tennessee, USA.

Biting midges in the genus Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are known to transmit many pathogens of veterinary and medical concern. Although much work has been done globally and in certain regions of North America, Culicoides spp. research in rural Appalachia is limited. To begin characterizing the distribution and community structure of Culicoides spp. in Appalachia, we surveyed 2 distinct sites in the Ridge and Valley ecoregion of northeastern Tennessee, USA, from April 2021-September 2021. Culicoides spp. were sampled using 2 methods: Centers for Disease Control ultraviolet LED light traps and potential larval habitat substrate collection (coupled with water chemistry values). Site 1 was dominated by natural features, and Site 2 was a beef cattle operation. During 96 trap nights, a total of 1,568 Culicoides were collected, representing 24 species. Site 1 yielded the highest diversity, with 24 species, while Site 2 yielded 12 species. Overall, the most abundant species in light traps were C. stellifer Coquillett (44%), C. bergi Cochrane (18%), C. haematopotus Malloch (12%), and C. debilipalpis Lutz (11%). From substrate sampling, 8 species were identified. Culicoides haematopotus was the most abundant and was collected during each sampling period. Water chemistry values taken at the time of substrate collection were not significantly related to which Culicoides spp. emerged from a given substrate. Our results indicate a diverse community of Culicoides spp. in our study area, however, further work is needed to identify Culicoides species composition across a variety of landscapes in Appalachia and inform research on vector presence and associated vector disease dynamics.

Safety assessment and gastrointestinal retention of orally administered cerium oxide nanoparticles in rats

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs, NM-212) are well-known for their catalytic properties and antioxidant potential, and have many applications in various industries, drug delivery, and cosmetic formulations. CeO2 NPs exhibit strong antimicrobial activity and can be used to efficiently remove pathogens from different environments. However, knowledge of the toxicological evaluation of CeO2 NPs is too limited to support their safe use. In this study, CeO2 NPs were orally administered to Sprague Dawley rats for 13 weeks at the doses of 0, 10, 100, and 1000 mg/kg bw/day, followed by a four week recovery period. The hematology values for the absolute and relative reticulocyte counts in male rats treated with 1000 mg/kg bw/day CeO2 NPs were lower than those in control rats. The clinical chemistry values for sodium and chloride in the treated male rat groups (100 and 1000 mg/kg/day) and total protein and calcium in the treated female rat groups (100 mg/kg/day) were higher than those in the control groups. However, these changes were not consistent in both sexes, and no abnormalities were found in the corresponding pathological findings. The results showed no adverse effects on any of the parameters assessed. CeO2 NPs accumulated in the jejunum, colon, and stomach wall of rats administered 1000 mg/kg CeO2 NPs for 90 days. However, these changes were not abnormal in the corresponding histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. Therefore, 1000 mg/kg bw/day may be considered the “no observed adverse effect level” of CeO2 NPs (NM-212) in male and female SD rats under the present experimental conditions.

Overview of the catalytic properties of bulk unsupported and supported group 4–5-6 oxides

The number of active sites (Ns), surface chemistry (redox, acid, base) and TOF values were compared for bulk one component oxides, bulk mixed metal oxides and supported metal oxides. The number of active sites was based on CH3OH chemisorption. The surface chemistry was based on CH3OH-TPSR and steady state CH3OH oxidation. The specific TOF values were based on the steady state methanol oxidation activity values and Ns values. The Ns values were found to depend on the catalyst morphology (isotropic > anisotropic). The surface chemistry was found to dramatically depend on the specific metal oxide element. For supported bulk mixed metal molybdates, the surfaces were found to be dominated by segregation of MoOx and, consequently, the surface chemistry and TOFredox values were dominated by the characteristics of the bulk one component MoO3. Similarly, for the supported molybdenum oxide catalysts, the surface is dominated by the surface MoOx sites that dictate the surface chemistry and TOFredox values that reflect the surface chemistry and TOFredox of the bulk one component MoO3. Thus, it is possible to predict the surface chemistry and TOF values from knowledge of the surface composition of mixed oxides and the surface chemistry and TOF values of the bulk one component oxides. This conclusion should also hold for other types of mixed oxides such as polyoxometalates (POMs) and supported MOx/silicates and MOx/zeolite catalyst systems.

Risk factors for immune-related adverse effects during CPI therapy in patients with head and neck malignancies - a single center study.

Checkpoint inhibitors, such as PD1 inhibitors, represent an important pillar in the therapy of advanced malignancies of the head and neck region. The most relevant complications are immune-related adverse effects (irAEs), which represent an immense burden for patients. Currently, no sufficient stratification measures are available to identify patients at increased risk of irAEs. The aim of this retrospective study was to examine whether demographic, histopathological, clinical, or laboratory values at the start of CPI therapy represent a risk factor for the later occurrence of autoimmune complications. Data from 35 patients between 2018 and 2021 who received therapy with nivolumab or pembrolizumab for head and neck malignancy were analyzed and assessed for any associations with the subsequent occurrence of irAEs. IrAE developed in 37% of patients, with pneumonitis being the most common form (14%). Pneumonitis was found in patients with an average significantly lower T-stage of primary tumors. An increase in basophilic leukocytes was found in patients with dermatitis later in the course. When thyroiditis developed later, the patients had a higher CPS score and lower monocyte levels. Even though individual laboratory values at the beginning of therapy might show a statistical association with the later occurrence of irAEs, neither demographic, histopathological, nor laboratory chemistry values seem to be able to generate a sound and reliable risk profile for this type of complication. Therefore, patients need to be educated and sensitized to irAEs, and regular screening for irAEs should be carried out.

High variability in short and long-term recovery kinetic of blood cell count and blood chemistry in a partial body irradiation mouse model

Purpose In the aftermath of a nuclear disaster or accident, survivors will suffer from radiation-induced normal tissue damage. Recovery after radiation exposure is dictated by several factors, one of which is degree of shielding at time of exposure. This study aims to characterize the short and late term changes in kinetics and magnitude of pancytopenia and blood chemistry in a model of heterogeneous radiation exposure, or partial body irradiation (PBI), compared to whole body irradiation (WBI). Materials and methods Male C57BL/6 mice, 8-10 weeks of age, were WBI at 6 different doses (6, 6.1. 6.15, 6.2, 6.5, and 7.5 Gy) to establish the LD50. To determine the effect of shielding on blood cell counts and chemistry, animals were either WBI at 6 Gy (LD2230) or 6 Gy PBI with one leg shielding (LD030). Complete blood counts and chemistry were measured at 1, 5-, 10-, 20-, 30- and 120-days post-irradiation. Results and conclusions Irradiated animals had significant depletion of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets up to 10 days post-irradiation. Separation between PBI and WBI were observed at 10- and 20-days post-irradiation at which point PBI animals showed sign of recovery while overall cell count remains depleted in WBI animals up to 30 days post-irradiation. In addition, significant changes were found in parameters indicative of hematopoietic injury including hemoglobin count, hematocrit count and white blood cell population. Significant changes were observed in kidney function with changes to blood urea nitrogen and calcium concentration at 5-days post-irradiation. At 10-days post-irradiation. liver function changes differentiated WBI from PBI animals. Long-term, irradiated animal’s chemistry values and many blood counts were not significantly different from Sham. In conclusion, partial shielding ensured complete survival and demonstrated a different recovery kinetics of blood and chemistry parameters after irradiation compared to survivors of whole body irradiation and no single hemopoietic parameter was able to consistently differentiate irradiated from Sham animals. This seems to indicate that there is no single robust hemopoietic parameter to differentiate those exposed from those who were not due to the inherent variability in individual responses. Furthermore, there were no significant long-term effects on these blood parameters between survivors of WBI and PBI except that shielding accelerated recovery.

Nucleophilic Substitution at Phosphorus Centres - Old and Recent Studies and a Final Solution of Mechanistic and Related Stereochemical Problems.

Among many problems of a fundamental value in the heteroatom chemistry the mechanism and stereochemistry of the nucleophilic substitution reaction at the phosphorus and other heteroatom centres have attracted great attention of phosphorus chemists already in the middle of the last century. This review, which does not have a comprehensive character, summarizes the selected original contributions aimed at solution of the mechanism of SN2-P reaction and its relationship with stereochemistry. The breakthrough in these studies was the Westheimer's concept and his rules which is presented at the beginning of this article. Next, a series of papers is presented where the stereochemistry of the substitution at phosphorus was investigated in cyclic five-, four- and six-membered ring phosphorus compound. The majority of these reactions have been found to occur with retention of the P-configuration. In the third part of this account, the selected examples of substitution reactions at phosphorus in acyclic compounds are discussed. As the results of all the investigations discussed did not allow to undoubtedly ascribe the mechanism (SN2 or A-E) to the investigated reactions, in the last part the SN-P reactions are presented, the mechanism of which has been established by combination of the stereochemical and DFT-studies.

Copper-catalyzed perfluoroalkylation of propargyl gem-dichlorides.

Herein, we present a highly efficient copper-catalyzed protocol for transforming propargyl gem-dichlorides into the corresponding chloro-substituted fluoroalkylated allenes. This protocol demonstrates a broad substrate scope and excellent tolerance towards various functional groups. Moreover, the strategy of utilizing the chloro-substituted pentafluoroethylation allenes for multiple transformations has shown significant value in synthetic chemistry.

A recyclable Cu@C2N nano-catalyst applied in the transformation of alkynes: pH switchable access to ketones and 1,3-diynes

We synthesized a reusable heterogeneous Cu@C2N catalyst for pH switchable conversion of alkynes to ketones and 1,3-diynes with 92% and 95% yield. The catalyst has a broad substrate scope, and the reaction conditions are environmentally-friendly.

Photoinduced isomerization mechanism of isatin N<sup>2</sup>-diphenylhydrazones molecular switch

Hydrazone molecular switches have significant application value in supramolecular chemistry. A new type of hydrazone molecular switch, named isatin N<sup>2</sup>-diphenylhydrazone, has been synthesized. Owing to its cis-trans isomerization characteristics under visible light excitation, ease of synthesizing of derivatives, and sensitivity to external stimuli, it has important application value in the field of biochemistry. Because of its forward and backward visible light excitation characteristics, it is considered a class of compound that is very suitable for molecular switches, and it has a wide application value in fields such as biotechnology. In addition, the derivatives compound exhibits strong interactions with negative ions, which enhances its function as a molecular switch, making it a four-state molecular switch that can be achieved by a single molecule. However, the photo-induced isomerization mechanism of these new molecular switches is not yet clear, and whether there are novel phenomena in the isomerization process is also unknown. In this work, a semi empirical OM2/MRCI based trajectory surface hopping dynamics method is adopted to systematically study a photo induced isomerization mechanism based on the E-Z isomerization process of the isatin N<sup>2</sup>-diphenylhydrazones molecular switch. Optimization configuration and the average lifetime of the first excited S<sub>1</sub> state are obtained by using the semi-empirical OM2/MRCI method of molecular switch. It is found that the average lifetime of the S<sub>1</sub> excited state of the E-configuration molecular switch is about 107 fs, and the quantum yield of E-Z isomerization of the molecular switch is 16.01%. By calculating the photo induced isomerization process of the molecular switch, two different isomerization mechanisms of the molecular switch are identified. In addition to the traditional molecular switch isomerization mechanism revolving around the C=N bond, a new isomerization mechanism, i.e. the face-to-face twisting of the molecular switch rotor part is elucidated. By calculating the time-resolved fluorescence radiation spectrum, it is predicted that there may be a very fast fluorescence quenching phenomenon occurring in about 75 fs in the isomerization process, slightly faster than the S<sub>1</sub> average decay events (107 fs). The information about wavelength-resolved attenuation at different times is also calculated, which reflects the ultrafast fluorescence quenching process accompanied by fluorescence red shift, ranging from 2.1 × 10<sup>4</sup> cm<sup>–1</sup> to 3.4 × 10<sup>4</sup> cm<sup>–1</sup>. By comparing the calculated fluorescence spectra with the average lifetime of excited states, the existence of “dark states” is proposed, and possible explanations for the existence of “dark states” are provided, and those “dark states” may be related to lower quantum yields. The research results can provide theoretical guidance for the design and application of new molecular switches. The ease of synthesis and sensitivity to external stimuli of its derivatives make those compounds extremely valuable in molecular switching and light measurement applications.

Evaluation of the comparative efficacy of green lipped mussel plus krill oil extracts (EAB-277), Biota orientalis extracts or NSAIDs for the treatment of dogs with osteoarthritis associated pain: a blinded, placebo-controlled study.

With little to no regulation of the supplement markets and a paucity of quality information regarding clinical utility of individual marketed supplements, it is difficult for veterinarians to provide any evidence-based recommendations to owners. The current study aimed to provide clinically useful comparative efficacy data on certain marketed supplements. Using a prospective, block-randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled design, one hundred and one pet dogs with clinical hip OA-associated pain with one side worse than the other (index limb) were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: Green lipped Mussel plus Krill oil extracts (Antinol® Rapid, EAB-277); Biota orientalis extracts (4CYTE™ Epiitalis® Forte); an NSAID (meloxicam); or placebo (sunflower oil). Peak vertical force (PVF, expressed as a percentage of bodyweight) of the index limb, orthopedic assessment score (OAS) and hematology and blood chemistry values were evaluated before treatment (week 0), at 2, 4 and 6 weeks during treatment. At 6 weeks, the changes from baseline in PVF of the index limb in the EAB-277 and meloxicam groups were significantly greater than the change in the placebo and 4CYTE™ groups, and the placebo and 4CYTE groups were not different from each other. At 6 weeks, there were significant differences between the groups for overall OAS scores with the lowest scores (least impairment) in the EAB-277 and meloxicam groups, followed by the 4CYTE group and then the placebo group. Results of this study indicate that meloxicam and EAB-277 have significant objectively measured benefits in managing OA-related pain in dogs compared to placebo, but 4CYTE does not differ from placebo.

Ionic liquid mediated efficient synthesis of 2,4,5-triarylimidazoles via green economical multicomponent reaction

In the present work, a new protocol was developed for the synthesis of 2,4,5-triaryl imidazoles via three component condensation of aryl aldehyde, benzil and ammonium acetate in the presence of 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium hexafluoro phosphate ([BMIM][PF6]) as a catalyst under reflux in ethanol. The present protocol has many beneficial advantages such as excellent yields, easy workup procedure, green catalyst and purification of the targeted molecules without the use of column chromatography which increases the green chemistry value of the present work.

Effect of Centrifugation Speed and Time on the Blood Chemistry Values of Healthy Individuals

Blood chemistry testing requires centrifugation as one of the crucial pre-analytical phases. Usual differences in the speed and time of centrifugation influence specimens to varying extents among laboratories. This prompted the researchers to ascertain the effects of varying centrifugation speeds and times on healthy individuals' blood chemistry values and reduce the centrifugation time attested by the World Health Organization (WHO). Blood specimens were collected from four healthy adults, centrifuged, and then analyzed using the VITROS 5600 Automated Machine. The dry chemistry principle was applied. Three sets of speed and time were applied (1) 3,500 RPM for 15 minutes (WHO recommended), (2) 3,750 RPM for 10 minutes, and (3) 4,000 RPM for 5 minutes. The parameters include Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Total Cholesterol (Total CHOLE), Creatinine (Crea), Sodium (Na), and Potassium (K). The results of the serum chemistry values have no significant difference between different speeds and times against the standard set by WHO and were found to be acceptable, normal, and close in range with each other. Therefore, these can be substituted for the WHO-recommended speed and time. The researchers forward the following recommendations: (1) tests should be conducted to respondents with comorbidities and to younger and older individuals; (2) conduct the tests in triplicates and consider using other methods and more participants should be considered; and; (3) consider lesser time in centrifugation.

Development and performance evaluation of online monitors for near real-time measurement of total and water-soluble organic carbon in fine and coarse ambient PM

In this study, we developed two online monitors for total organic carbon (TOC) and water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) measurements in fine (dp < 2.5 μm) and coarse (2.5 μm < dp < 10 μm) particulate matter (PM), respectively. Their performance has been evaluated in laboratory and field tests to demonstrate the feasibility of using these monitors to measure near real-time concentrations, with consideration of their potential for being employed in long-term measurements. The fine PM collection setup was equipped with a versatile aerosol concentration enrichment system (VACES) connected to an aerosol-into-liquid-sampler (AILS), whereas two virtual impactors (VIs) in tandem with a modified BioSampler were used to collect coarse PM. These particle collection setups were in tandem with a Sievers M9 TOC analyzer to read TOC and WSOC concentrations in aqueous samples hourly. The average hourly TOC concentration measured by our developed monitors in fine and coarse PM were 5.17 ± 2.41 and 0.92 ± 0.29 μg/m³, respectively. In addition, our TOC readings showed good agreement and were comparable with those quantified using Sunset Lab EC/OC analyzer operating in parallel as a reference. Furthermore, we conducted field tests to produce diurnal profiles of fine PM-bound WSOC, which can show the effects of ambient temperature on maximum values in the nighttime chemistry of the winter, as well as on increased photochemical activities in afternoon peaks during the summer. According to our experimental campaign, WSOC mean values during the study period (3.07 μg/m³ for the winter and 2.7 μg/m³ for the summer) were in a comparable range with those of earlier studies in Los Angeles. Overall, our results corroborate the performance of our developed monitors in near real-time measurements of TOC and WSOC, which can be employed for future source apportionment studies in Los Angeles and other areas, aiding in understanding the health impacts of different pollution sources.

Micafungin twice-a-week for prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus infections in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: A controlled cohort study

ObjectivesInvasive Aspergillus infections during the early phase of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment come with morbidity and mortality. The interaction with vincristine hampers first-line azole prophylaxis. We describe the efficacy of an alternative twice-a-week micafungin regimen for Aspergillus prophylaxis. MethodsNewly diagnosed paediatric patients with ALL treated according to the ALL-11 protocol received micafungin twice-a-week (9 mg/kg/dose [max. 300 mg]) during the induction course (first 35 days of treatment) as part of routine care. A historical control cohort without Aspergillus prophylaxis was used. During the first consolidation course (day 36-79), standard itraconazole prophylaxis was used in both groups.The percentage of proven/probable Aspergillus infections during the induction/first consolidation course was compared between the cohorts. The cumulative incidence of proven/probable Aspergillus infections was estimated using a competing risk model. For safety evaluation, liver laboratory chemistry values were analysed. ResultsA total of 169 and 643 paediatric patients with ALL were treated in the micafungin cohort (median age: 4 years [range 1-17]) and historical cohort (median age: 5 years [range 1-17]). The percentage of proven/probable Aspergillus infections was 1·2% (2/169) in the micafungin cohort versus 5·8% (37/643) in the historical cohort (p=0.013; Fisher's exact test). The differences in estimated cumulative incidence were assessed (p=0·014; Gray's test). Although significantly higher ALT/AST values were reported in the micafungin cohort, no clinically relevant side effects were observed. ConclusionsTwice-a-week micafungin prophylaxis during the induction course significantly reduced the occurrence of proven/probable Aspergillus infections in the early phase of childhood ALL treatment.

PSVIII-19 Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Fermentation Product Modulates Blood Cell Counts and Gut Immunity in Healthy Adult Cats

Abstract Dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) has been shown to modulate immune responses in dogs and livestock. Information about feeding SCFP to cats, however, is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of SCFP (TruMune, Cargill, Inc.) on immune indices including fecal IgA, serum oxidative stress markers, and toll-like receptor (TLR) responsiveness in healthy adult cats. Sixty-three cats (mean age = 6.3 ± 2.8 yr; mean BW = 4.4 ± 0.1 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design. All cats were fed a control kibble diet without SCFP (CON) during a 21-day adaptation period. Cats were randomly assigned to one of the three diets including CON, a dry diet containing 150 mg/kg BW SCFP (TRUL), and a dry diet containing 300 mg/kg BW SCFP (TRUH) and fed for 42 days. Fecal samples were collected on days 0, 21, and 42 for fecal IgA analysis. Serum samples were collected on days 0 and 42 for measurements of serum chemistry, complete blood count, and oxidative stress markers. Whole blood samples were collected on day 42 for TLR responsive evaluation. Protocols were approved by the facility’s Institutional Animal Care and Use committee before the study. Data were analyzed using R v.4.1.2. Differences P &amp;lt; 0.05 were considered significant and P &amp;lt; 0.10 as trends. All serum chemistry and blood cell count values were within the reference ranges, with serum chemistry not affected by SCFP. Absolute cell counts of eosinophils and neutrophils decreased linearly with SCFP dose (P &amp;lt; 0.001) while absolute cell counts of lymphocytes and monocytes increased linearly with SCFP dose (P &amp;lt; 0.01). TLR responsiveness was not altered (P &amp;gt; 0.05) by SCFP. A tendency (P = 0.08) of quadratic treatment dose response was noted for thiobarbituric acids from the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance assay, with cats fed TRUL having the greatest thiobarbituric acid values. Fecal IgA showed a quadratic treatment dose response on day 42 (P = 0.01), with cats fed TRUL having the lowest fecal IgA values. These results demonstrate that SCFP may affect immune outcomes including blood cell counts and fecal IgA in adult healthy cats.

PSVIII-20 A Premium Dry Cat Food Enhances Digestibility and Gut Health in Cats Compared with a Grocery Dry Cat Food

Abstract As the awareness of pet owners to the benefits of nutrition on pet health and wellness increases, pet owners are looking for foods that include high-quality ingredients and functional benefits. However, little research is available on cats comparing health measures when feeding premium foods vs basic cat foods. This study aimed to compare the effects of feeding a premium cat kibble diet (Blue Buffalo Tastefuls; BB) and a basic grocery cat kibble diet on digestibility, blood biomarkers, and fecal microbiome in healthy adult cats. Sixty cats (mean BW = 4.2 ± 0.8 kg; mean age = 4.3 ± 3.2 yr) were randomly selected to consume BB (n = 30) or grocery diet (n = 30) for 180 days. On days 0, 90, and 180, fresh fecal samples were collected for fecal microbiome and dysbiosis index analysis and blood samples were collected for measurements of complete blood count, serum chemistry, and serum biomarkers. A separate 10-day digestibility study was conducted using 14 cats (BB n = 7, grocery diet n = 7; mean BW = 3.8 ± 0.7 kg). Total fecal samples were collected from day 6 to day 10 for nutrient digestibility analysis. Protocols were approved by the facility’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee before the study. All data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS. Fecal scores were not changed (P &amp;gt; 0.05) by diet. Greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) digestibility of protein, fat, and energy were observed in cats consuming BB. Although all blood cell count and blood chemistry values were within the reference ranges, measurements such as total protein, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, and triglycerides were significantly different (P &amp;lt; 0.05) between diet groups. Greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) insulin-like growth factor-1 was observed in cats fed BB. Cats consuming BB had a lower (P &amp;lt; 0.05) dysbiosis index (less dysbiotic microbiome) and a greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) bacterial species richness. Relative abundances of 28 bacterial genera were altered (P &amp;lt; 0.05) by the diets, with greater abundances of Faecalibacterium, Megamonas, and Ruminococcus observed in cats fed BB. The data suggest that a premium dry cat food may elicit beneficial effects on digestibility and the GI microbiome of healthy adult cats.

PSVIII-21 A Premium Dry Dog Food Elicits Gut Health Benefits Compared with a Grocery Dry Dog Food

Abstract With the pet humanization trend, pet parents are continuously seeking approaches to improve the health of their pets. Compared with grocery dog foods produced to meet the basic needs of the dog, premium dog foods include high-quality ingredients and functional benefits that can be more appealing to consumers. However, little research is available comparing health measures in dogs fed premium foods vs. basic grocery foods. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of feeding a premium dog kibble diet (Blue Buffalo; BB) and a grocery dog kibble diet on digestibility, blood biomarkers, and fecal microbiome in healthy adult dogs. Sixty dogs (mean BW = 10.8 ± 2.0 kg; mean age = 8.2 ± 3.3 yr) were randomly selected to consume BB (n = 30) or the grocery diet (n = 30) for 180 days. On days 0, 90, and 180, fresh fecal samples were collected for fecal microbiome and dysbiosis index analysis and blood samples were collected for measurements of complete blood count, serum chemistry, and serum biomarkers. A separate 10-day digestibility study was conducted using 12 dogs (BB n = 6, grocery diet n = 6; mean BW = 12.0 ± 2.1 kg). Total fecal samples were collected from day 6 to day 10 for nutrient digestibility analysis. Protocols were approved by the facility’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee before the study. All data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS. Stool quality was not different (P &amp;gt; 0.05) between diet groups. Both diets were highly digestible without dietary effects (P &amp;gt; 0.05). All blood cell count and serum chemistry values were within the reference ranges. However, dogs fed the grocery diet had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) liver enzyme concentrations including alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) monocyte counts compared with BB. Dogs had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) serum pancreatic polypeptide when fed BB. A lower dysbiosis index (less dysbiotic microbiome) was observed in dogs consuming BB. Relative abundances of 23 bacterial genera were altered (P &amp;lt; 0.05) by the diets, with greater abundances of Bifidobacterium and Megamonas and decreased abundance of Streptococcus observed in the BB group compared with the grocery diet group. These results suggest that premium dry dog food could potentially elicit a positive impact on blood parameters and GI health.

Hypokalemia as a risk factor for prolonged QT interval and arrhythmia in inherited salt-losing tubulopathy

Purpose: To analyze electrocardiograms (ECGs) of patients with a salt-losing tubulopathy (SLT) and to determine the frequency and risk factors for long QT and arrhythmia.Methods: A total of 203 patients aged &lt;19 years with SLT, specifically Bartter syndrome and Gitelman syndrome, who had a 12-lead ECG were included in this retrospective study. We analyzed the presence of an arrhythmia or prolonged corrected QT (QTc) on ECGs obtained for these patients. Demographic and laboratory data were compared between patients with abnormal and normal ECG findings.Results: Out of the 203 SLT patients, 38 (18.7%) underwent electrocardiography and 10 (40.0%) of 25 patients with inherited SLT had abnormal ECG findings, including prolonged QTc and arrhythmias. The abnormal ECG group had significantly lower serum potassium levels than the normal group (median [interquartile range]: 2.50 mmol/L [2.20–2.83] vs. 2.90 mmol/L [2.70–3.30], &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=0.036), whereas other serum chemistry values did not show significant differences. The cutoff level for a significant difference in QTc interval was serum potassium level &lt;2.50 mmol/L. One cardiac event occurred in a 13-year-old boy, who developed paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia and underwent cardiac ablation. No sudden cardiac deaths occurred in this cohort.Conclusions: The incidence of ECG abnormalities in patients with inherited SLT was 40.0%, whereas the ECG screening rate was relatively low (18.7%). Therefore, we recommend ECG screening in patients with inherited SLT, especially in those with serum potassium level &lt;2.50 mmol/L.

Experimental study on physical exercise in diabetes: pathophysiology and therapeutic effects.

Diabetes is a chronic disease. Some complications can be prevented, their effects can be slowed down. Sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of obesity and consequently the predisposition to diabetes II. The article aimed to demonstrate the positive and negative effects of exercise on active and sedentary diabetics and on pathophysiology, evaluating the effects after 3 and 6 months. The study involved 90 participants, both male and female, with type II diabetes, aged 45, divided into two groups: Group A (n=50, sedentary) and Group B (n=40, active). We evaluated anthropometric parameters, blood chemistry values, which are fundamental for the transversal evaluation of the results. In group A improvements were less noticeable than group B. The most improved parameter is blood sugar, Glycemic values and BMI. Cholesterol and Hb1Ac decreased but more slowly than previous parameters. The expectations of the study were, not only in recognizing the therapeutic and preventive powers of exercise, but above all in choosing to program a motor protocol after a team work between diabetologist, sports doctor and kinesiologist and/ or personal trainer. Physical activity is an additional therapy to insulin.