Deficiency Of Elements Research Articles

TraceEyeDisease: a web-based database for investigating trace elements and their imbalances in eye diseases.

Eye diseases remain a significant global health concern, with trace elements crucial in maintaining ocular health and preventing ocular disorders. In ocular health, trace elements have been recognized as critical factors influencing the development and progression of multiple eye diseases. In this study, we conducted a thorough literature search through PubMed to acquire data concerning different eye diseases associated with trace elements. These diseases are essential in trace element imbalances or deficiencies in their progression. Our approach included a meticulous compilation of information from various databases, systematically integrated into a carefully curated database. In total, we identified 178 distinct genes that encode proteins linked to fourteen trace elements in this comprehensive list. A web-based database designed to formulate evidence-based hypotheses regarding the impact of trace element deficiency and imbalance on eye diseases was presented using Shiny R. This study underscores the vital role of trace elements in preserving ocular health. The Shiny R application facilitates subsequent investigations, fostering enhanced insights into public health, clinical practices, and eye disease research. The URL of TraceEyeDiseas is https://tredis.shinyapps.io/TraceEyeDisease/ .

Risk factors of seizure and complex seizure in febrile children: a clinical study.

There is some evidence that trace element and mineral deficiencies may promote the occurrence of febrile seizures. However, the role of these elements in the occurrence of complex seizures in children with FS has not been comprehensively investigated. The present study was conducted to evaluate this issue. In a cross-sectional study, 220 patients including 110 febrile and 110 FS children aged 6-60 months were studied. Blood samples were taken and serum zinc, potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium levels were measured. Demographic and clinical characteristics were also recorded. The patients were similar in age and sex. Higher serum zinc levels decreased the risk of seizure (RR = 0.95, p-value = 0.0001) and complex seizure (OR = 0.96, p-value = 0.03). Higher serum sodium levels decreased the risk of complex seizures (OR = 0.85, p-value = 0.023). Higher serum potassium levels were associated with a lower risk of seizure (OR = 0.55, p-value = 0.035). Serum calcium and magnesium levels were not associated with the risk of seizure and complex seizure. A BMI at the upper end of the normal range decreased the risk of complex seizures (OR = 0.83, p-value = 0.05). Male sex increased the risk of complex seizure (OR = 4.14, p-value = 0.016). Low serum levels of zinc, potassium and sodium are risk factors for seizure and complex seizure in febrile children. Male sex is also a risk factor for complex seizures. The time from fever to seizure was shorter in younger children. Children with a BMI at the upper end of the normal range have a lower risk of having a complex seizure.

Association between trace elements and cognitive function among hemodialysis patients in Turkey.

Cognitive impairment is common among patients with hemodialysis. Hemodialysis patients have theoretical risks for both deficiency and accumulation of trace elements. We aimed to investigate the relationship between cognitive dysfunction and whole blood levels of trace elements in hemodialysis patients. We also aimed to examine the effect of baseline trace element status and cognitive dysfunction on mortality. Maintenance hemodialysis patients and age-and sex-matched controls were included. The whole blood levels of trace elements were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Cognitive impairment was defined as a score of ≤24 points on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test. Executive dysfunction was also defined as Trails A score of more than 75 s and Trails B score of more than 180 s. Forty-two patients and 35 controls were included. Cognitive impairment was detected in 69% of the patients and 45.7% of the controls (p = 0.039). Cognitively impaired patients had lower education years (p = 0.003) and higher whole blood levels of manganese (Mn) and lead (Pb) (p = 0.026, p = 0.019, respectively) compared to patients without cognitive impairment. Mn levels were also found statistically higher in patients with executive dysfunction compared to patients without executive dysfunction (p = 0.005). Lower education years and higher Pb levels were independent risk factors for cognitive impairment in hemodialysis patients (odds ratio [OR] 0.589 [95% confidence interval, CI 0.400-0.866, p = 0.007] and OR 1.047 [95% CI 1.001-1.096, p = 0.047, respectively]). Cognitive impairment, especially impaired executive function, is common among patients with hemodialysis patients. Cognitive impairment is not found to be associated in cross-sectional analysis with several modifiable end-stage renal disease- and dialysis-associated factors. The accumulation of trace elements especially Mn and Pb might exacerbate the cognitive dysfunction in hemodialysis patients.

Role of mineral elements in the nutrition of garden strawberry plants

Relevance. The increase in global production of garden strawberry fruit is due to the high demand for the products for fresh consumption and as raw material for processing. The leading countries are: PRC, USA, Turkey, Egypt, Mexico, Spain, Russia, Poland, South Korea, Brazil. Increase in production volumes is provided due to high productivity of new varieties and intensification of strawberry cultivation technologies and, in particular, plant nutrition. The possibility of managing the nutrition of garden strawberry plants is one of the priority tasks from the solution of which depends on the realization of the potential of plant productivity, as well as the quality of the resulting products The role of many macroand microelements in plant nutrition is not fully understood. Numerous studies are conducted to identify the mechanisms of their absorption and movement in strawberry plants. New forms of fertilizers are being studied, allowing to effectively influence the processes of growth and development of plants, minimize the impact on the environment.Results. The article is devoted to the review of the role of the main mineral macroand microelements in plant nutrition, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, silicon, molybdenum. Based on the analysis of literary sources, the influence of certain mineral elements on physiological processes associated with the growth and development of garden strawberries is considered. The data on reaction of plants to the optimal content, excess and deficiency of certain elements, possibilities of their receipt and assimilation by plants of garden strawberries are given. Application in practice of the world experience on management of mineral nutrition can significantly improve the existing technologies of strawberry cultivation in open and protected ground.

КОМПЛЕКСНОЕ ЛЕЧЕНИЕ ПРИ АЦИДОЗЕ РУБЦА

A study on the effectiveness of a comprehensive treatment regimen for rumen acidosis in cows was conducted at the Ulanovo Residential Complex, Donskoy SAU. The proposed regimen included rumen lavage with a 2% sodium bicarbonate solution followed by administration of 500 g of magnesium oxide on the first day; 500 g of baking soda and 500 g of magnesium oxide dissolved in 10 l of warm water orally over the next two days; 1 l of rumen contents from a healthy cow; Oxylong 20 % retard intramuscularly at a dose of 1 ml per 10 kg of live weight once; Ringer-Locke solution - 800 ml intravenously for 3 days in a row; 5 % thiamine chloride solution intramuscularly 3 times a day at a dose of 5 mg/kg of live weight for 3 days in a row; feed additive «Bacell-MT» - 120 grams per head once a day with water individually for 5 days. The use of complex therapy aimed at reducing acidity, replenishing the deficiency of elements, microflora of the gastrointestinal tract helps to restore homeostasis of the body, which was manifested by the normalization of not only clinical and physiological indicators, but also an increase in the amount of hemoglobin, erythrocytes, the number of ciliates, a decrease in the acidity of the rumen contents, urine, feces. Normalization of the condition was accompanied by an increase in the number of rumen contractions to 3.7 ± 0.4 movements / 2 min., an increase in the pH of the rumen contents to 6.8 ± 0.4, urine to 7.0 ± 0.1, feces to 7.4 ± 0.1. The number of ciliates increased by 4.99 times, the families of Ophrуоsсоlecidae of the genus Entodinium (54.4 %), Diplodinium (32.6 %), Epidinium (7.2 %), Ophrуоsсоlex (5.8 %) were identified.

Trace Element Supplementation in Burn Patients: Exploring the Relationship Between Burn Size and Mineral Needs.

Trace element deficiency is an adverse nutritional outcome that can occur with burn injuries, and can interfere with a patient's recovery. The aim of this study was to review the efficacy of our predominately enteral trace element supplementation strategy and determine the burn size at which patients are at risk for trace element deficiency. We reviewed 53 burn patients admitted to our burn center from August 1, 2019 to May 31, 2022 who had their trace element levels and C-reactive protein monitored in two-week increments. Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated a 22.1% BSAB cutoff for zinc supplementation to prevent deficiency with 91.7% sensitivity and 92.6% specificity, and a 27.5% BSAB cutoff with 88.9% sensitivity and 81% specificity for copper. No patient in our cohort developed selenium deficiency, regardless of burn size. Patients with greater than 30% body surface area burned developed deficiencies in both zinc and copper within the first two weeks of hospitalization. Our results provide guidance for trace element replacement based on burn size.

Influence of compositional variation of Li3InCl6 on the solid-electrolyte property

Li3InCl6 (LIC) is a promising halogen-based solid electrolyte. This study investigates the influence of compositional variations in LIC on its properties as a solid electrolyte using deep-learning-assisted computational simulations. Introducing vacancies to create LIC compositions with elemental deficiencies enhances the mobility of Li ions. However, while Cl deficiency increases Li-ion mobility, it also induces instability in the crystal structure by facilitating Cl ion movement. In contrast, generating vacancies exclusively for Li ions significantly boosts Li-ion conductivity while maintaining a stable anionic superlattice structure. Therefore, minimizing Cl vacancies while promoting a Li-deficient state is recommended as an effective compositional design strategy to enhance the solid electrolyte performance of LIC while ensuring crystal structure stability.

Zinc and thyroid cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

The thyroid cancer has the ninth larger incidence of cancer in the world. Investigations related to the exposure to metals have become important due to the sensibility of the thyroid gland to them. Studies reveal that carcinogenic progressions are associated to the deficiency of the essential trace elements. In this context, the zinc is highlighted, essential for the metabolism of the thyroidal hormone and has a potential relation with the pathogenesis of the thyroid cancer. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the low serum zinc as a risk factor for thyroid cancer in adults. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase and LILACS databases will be searched for observational studies investigating the low serum zinc as a risk factor for thyroid cancer in adults. No language or publication period restrictions will be imposed. The primary outcome will be that the low serum zinc is a risk factor for thyroid cancer. Three independent reviewers will select the studies and extract data from the original publications. The risk-of-bias will be assessed by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS). Data synthesis will be performed using the R software (V.4.3.1) and to assess heterogeneity, we will compute the I2 statistic and the results will be based on either random-effects or fixed-effects models, depending on the heterogeneity. The Grading of Recommendations, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system will be used to evaluate the reliability and quality of evidence. International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) CRD42023463747.

Increasing the milk yield in cows on corn silage and concentrates enriched with feed additive with biologically active substances

The purpose of the work was to investigate the characteristics of increasing the milk yield in cows on corn silage and concentrates enriched with a feed additive with biologically active substances. The research work was carried out at the educational and experimental farm of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Northern Trans-Ural State Agricultural University” on cows of Black-and-White breed with a milk yield of 6000–7000 kg per lactation. The cows of the control group received a farm ration consisting of 1.5–2.0 kg of brome hay, 25–27 kg of corn silage, 10–12 kg of grain mixture; the animals of the experimental group received the same feeds, but additionally a feed additive with biologically active substances. It was found that the inclusion of a feed additive with biologically active substances in the ration of cows during the fi rst 100 days of lactation helped to eliminate the deficiency of individual nutritional elements in the ration, reduced the consumption of concentrated feed and protein. It was found that enrichment of the concentrate-silage ration with the feed additive in the amount of 60 g/head/day allowed to obtain 472 kg of milk or 8.06 % more per lactation than without its use. Consumption of the feed additive with biologically active substances by cows of the experimental group led to diff erences in the digestibility coeffi cients of nutrients. Thus, the animals of the experimental group had higher digestibility coeffi cients of dry matter by 2.67 abs.%, organic matter by 2.91 abs.%, crude fi ber by 0.60 abs.% and nitrogen-free extractive substances by 3.75 abs.%, and the digestibility coeffi cient of crude protein and crude fat on the contrary was lower by 0.36 and 2.55 abs.%, respectively. Economic indicators of milk production were significantly higher in cows of the experimental group receiving the feed additive with biologically active substances.

Implementation of the Internal Control System in the Aviation and Space Research Organization of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN)

This research examines the implementation of the Internal Control System (SPI) at the Aviation and Space Research Organization (ORPA) which is under the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). The aim of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of SPI in supporting the achievement of organizational goals and identify the obstacles faced in its implementation. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with a case study approach. Data was obtained through in-depth interviews and analysis of related documents. The research results show that the implemented SPI has helped in increasing the operational accountability and transparency of ORPA BRIN. However, there are still several obstacles, such as limited human resources and policy changes that affect SPI's performance. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that the implementation of SPI in ORPA BRIN is not optimal. This is caused by deficiencies in SPI elements, such as the control environment, risk assessment, and control activities. In the control environment element, there are deficiencies in the aspects of commitment to competence, human resource development policies, the role of effective Government Internal Oversight Apparatus (APIP), and working relationships with stakeholders. This research provides recommendations for ORPA BRIN to increase human resource capacity, strengthen commitment to competence, and build close collaboration with APIP and stakeholders to support more effective implementation of SPI.

Mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of mudstones from the Lower Cretaceous Prosopis Formation in the Bongor basin, Chad: Implications for provenance, paleoenvironment and organic matter enrichment

The Cretaceous greenhouse represents the largest global warming event since the Phanerozoic, significantly affecting the provenance, weathering, regional climate, and paleoenvironment of lake basins globally. During the period of global warming, the control of regional paleoenvironment over organic matter enrichment is still unclear. The Lower Cretaceous Prosopis Formation in the Bongor Basin features thick lacustrine organic-rich mudstones as major effective hydrocarbon source rocks with excellent hydrocarbon potential in the basin. However, the provenance, paleoclimate, paleoenvironment and mechanism of organic matter accumulation in this location have not yet been systematically studied. In this study, 22 dark gray mudstone samples were collected from three cored wells. Clay mineralogy, along with organic and inorganic elemental geochemical analyses were jointly carried out to determine the characteristics of the provenance, paleoclimate and paleoenvironment as well as the major controlling factors for organic matter enrichment. The results imply that the Prosopis Formation mudstones are mainly composed of clay minerals such as illite, kaolinite, chlorite, and illite/smectite mixed layers (I/S). Organic geochemistry indicated that all the studied mudstones reached the standard of good to excellent source rocks (the total organic carbon content ranged from 1.27% to 7.41%). Inorganic elemental geochemistry is characterized by high enrichment of Fe, Mg, P, Mn, Ti, Na, Ca, V, Co, Cu, Sr, Ba and B relative to UCC and PAAS, whereas rare earth elements (REEs) show enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREEs) and a deficiency of heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) relative to chondrite. The source composition of the mudstones is predominantly intermediate-felsic igneous rocks that have not undergone sediment recycling. The parent rocks experienced weak to moderate weathering, corresponding to semiarid paleoclimatic conditions of transitional nature. The organic-rich mudstones were deposited in fresh to brackish waters with paleoredox conditions ranging from weakly oxic to anoxic semi-deep to deep lake environments having relatively low initial productivity. Comprehensive study indicates that paleoredox and paleoclimate are important parameters affecting the enrichment of organic matter in lake basins during global warming. The aridification of climate is one of the most important reasons for the high input and efficient preservation of organic matter. The relatively semiarid climate both increased the supply of terrigenous nutrients to the lake basins and provided a driving force for the increase in salinity, thereby providing better sources and preservation conditions for organic matter.

The role of selenium in the pathogenesis and therapy of inflammatory bowel diseases

In recent decades, Russia, as well as around the world, has recorded a steady increase in the incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases, which include ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases in Russia accounts for 4.1 per 100 thousand of the population for ulcerative colitis and 0.8 per 100 thousand – for Crohn’s disease. The prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases in Russia is 19.3–29.8 cases per 100 thousand of the population for ulcerative colitis and 3.0–4.5 per 100 thousand – for Crohn’s disease. In recent years, selenium has attracted the attention of researchers due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties as well as its ability to influence the intestinal flora. There is evidence that inflammatory bowel diseases has deficiency of trace elements, which is more often detected during active period of the disease than during remission. The purpose of the review is to summarize and analyze current literature data on the relationship between selenium and inflammatory bowel diseases, with special emphasis on the mechanism and function of selenium in intestinal inflammation as well as to discuss the possible therapeutic use of selenium in inflammatory bowel diseases. The authors conducted a search for publications in the electronic databases PubMed and eLibrary. After the selection procedure, 87 studies were included in the review. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the concentration of selenium can be crucial in the occurrence and development of inflammatory bowel diseases. Dietary recommendations with the inclusion of selenium gradually improve the quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. The development and use of selenium drugs have also provided new therapy strategies. In the future, a large number of experimental and clinical studies are still needed to confirm the relationship between selenium and inflammatory bowel diseases, which, in turn, will mark a new turn in the prevention and treatment of these severe chronic diseases.

Trace Element Deficiency in Systemic Sclerosis-Too Much Effort for Some Traces?

Trace elements are essential for several physiological processes. To date, various data have suggested that inadequate levels of trace elements may be involved in the pathogenesis of different chronic diseases, including immune-mediated ones, or may develop during their course. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune multisystemic disease, primarily characterized by microvascular dysregulation, the widespread activation of the immune system and tissue fibrosis. According to the latest reports regarding the pathogenesis of SSc, the main pathophysiological processes-inflammation, vasculopathy and fibrosis-may include various trace element derangements. The present literature review aims to update the available data regarding iron, zinc, copper and selenium status in SSc as well as to underline the possible implications of these trace elements in the complexity of the pathogenic process of the disease. We observe that the status of trace elements in SSc plays a crucial role in numerous pathogenic processes, emphasizing the necessity for proper monitoring and supplementation. The reported data are heterogenous and scarce, and future studies are needed in order to draw clearer conclusions about their complete spectrum.

Determination of Electrolytes and Trace Elements in Biological Samples from Patients with Altered Semen Parameters: a Correlational Analysis.

The effects of important nutrients such as calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) have been investigated in relation to male fertility due to their roles in proper spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, motility, and optimal sperm function. An imbalance between these elements has been associated with several pathologic conditions and male reproductive issues. The purpose of this study was to determine the essential trace and electrolytes elements, such as Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Se, and Zn, in human biological samples (blood, serum, and semen) from patients with male infertility. This study used correlational analysis to determine the potential associations between these elements and male fertility. Imbalances in these elements have been linked to various pathological conditions and male reproductive issues. One hundred eighty referent male adults and two hundred twenty-nine patients diagnosed with subtypes of infertility were included in the study, divided into two age groups. Acid digestion was controlled using a microwave oven, and the essential trace elements and electrolytes in the oxidized biological samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Certified reference materials of blood and serum were used to validate the accuracy of the methodology. The results showed that the concentrations of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Se, and Zn in the blood, serum, and seminal plasma of male adults in all age groups were higher than those in patients with different infertility phenotypes. Essential element deficiency in all biological fluid samples may significantly negatively affect human reproductive health and lead to male infertility. Through a multidimensional approach, our study sought to unravel the intricate biochemical signatures associated with OAT, providing insights that may shape the landscape of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for male reproductive health.

The Effect of Manganese and Sulfur Applications on the Rocket (Eruca vesicaria subsp. Sativa) Plant Grown in Lime Soils

Due to the high lime and pH in the soil, sulfur and micro element deficiencies are observed in green vegetable plants. Rocket, one of the green vegetables and a member of the Brassicaceae family, is widely produced in our country. It is noteworthy that rocket is grown by producers almost everywhere and that this plant grown in our region also has a deficiency of microelements. For this reason, in this study were investigated that the sulfur and manganese requirement of rocket, which is one of the vegetable plants grown in Konya calcareous soil, and the effect of the interaction between these two elements on plant growth and yield. In our study, sulfur (S) fertilizer was applied in three doses (0- 40- 80 kg S da-1) and manganese (Mn) fertilizer in three doses (0- 1- 2 kg Mn da-1) was applied to the rocket plant. The experiment was carried out in the greenhouse conditions according to the randomized plots factorial design. At the end of the experiment, the average leaf height, chlorophyll SPAD value, plant fresh weight, plant height and plant Mn concentration did not differ with different doses of fertilizer applications in the rocket plant. On the other hand, the sulfur concentration in the plant and soil increased significantly with sulfur fertilization (p

Impact of herbal treatments for Vitiligo disease

Vitiligo is a common skin disorder resulting from the breakdown of functional epidermal melanocytes. The global prevalence of vitiligo ranges from 0.5% to 2%, with higher rates reported in certain populations. Melanocytes, responsible for skin color, are destroyed in vitiligo condition leading to the appearance of smooth, white patches on the skin. The progression of vitiligo is influenced by various factors, including genetics, autoimmunity, psychosis, melanocyte self-destruction, trace element deficiency, oxidative stress, and other biochemical and environmental variables. Recent research has identified herbal plant extractions as potential agents for re-pigmentation and regeneration of normal skin color. Specific components of these herbal plants, such as furocoumarin, thymoquinone, flavonoids, curcuminoids, and glycyrrhizin, play crucial roles in promoting re-pigmentation. Combination therapies involving these herbal compounds have shown promise in increasing tyrosinase activity and reducing oxidative stress, which are two important aspects of vitiligo treatment. The review aims to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy of herbal plant therapies for melanocyte re-pigmentation in vitiligo patients. By analyzing the effectiveness of various herbal extracts and their active components, this study seeks to advance the understanding and potential application of herbal treatments for vitiligo. The findings from this review may contribute to the current knowledge on therapeutic options available for vitiligo patients.

Active listening, shared decision-making and participation in care among older women and primary care nurses: a critical discourse analysis approach from a gender perspective

BackgroundNursing care for older women represent a challenge worldwide due to its characteristics. When communication is impaired between primary care nurses and older women living alone, an imbalance in power relations occurs. The main objective of this study is to analyse the power relations between older women and primary care nurses in situations of active listening, shared decision-making and participation in care.MethodsWe developed a qualitative study in southern Spain using a discursive and gender approach. We used purposeful sampling to interview older women who lived alone and received home nursing care. Simultaneously, we conducted focus groups with primary care nurses who provided home care to older women. A linguistic analysis of the transcripts was carried out.ResultsNine semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with older women who lived alone and two face-to-face focus groups with four primary care nurses in each. The discourse of the participants demonstrated an imbalance in power relations. Influenced by work overload, active listening was considered a privilege in primary care nurses´ discourse. Regarding shared decision-making, older women´s discourses revealed “mirages” of real situations where they thought they were deciding. Participation in care was difficult since older women saw themselves as a nuisance in nurses´ presence, and primary care nurses did not facilitate older women’s engagement. Older women weren´t considered when organising home visits and had interiorised a subordinated feeling. Similarly, a strict sense of identity made primary care nurses feel powerful in their relationships with older women.ConclusionsThe discourse of older women represented them as victims of a hostile panorama whilst they were sometimes satisfied with the deficient care received. The discourse of primary care nurses used more discursive strategies to represent themselves as professionals committed to caring. However, it also revealed deficiencies in care, discriminatory elements, and feelings of being limited by their working conditions. Active listening to older women and engagement in decision-making readjust empower the older women. Attending to the needs and concerns of primary care nurses could recalibrate the power imbalance between them and healthcare organisations.

Chelate compounds and their use for correction of trace element deficiencies in livestock (review)

Chelate compounds and their use for correction of trace element deficiencies in livestock (review)

Calcium deficiency is associated with malnutrition risk in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

ABSTRACT Background and Aim Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often have the condition of malnutrition, which can be presented as sarcopenia, micronutrient deficiencies, etc. Trace elements (magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, plumbum and manganese) belonging to micronutrients, are greatly vital for the assessment of nutritional status in humans. Trace element deficiencies are also the main manifestation of malnutrition. Calcium (Ca) has been proved to play an important part in maintaining body homeostasis and regulating cellular function. However, there are still a lack of studies on the association between malnutrition and Ca deficiency in IBD. This research aimed to investigate the role of Ca for malnutrition in IBD patients. Methods We prospectively collected blood samples from 149 patients and utilized inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to examine their venous serum trace element concentrations. Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the association between Ca and malnutrition. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to calculate the cutoffs for determination of Ca deficiency. Results Except Ca, the concentrations of the other six trace elements presented no statistical significance between non-malnutrition and malnutrition group. In comparison with the non-malnutrition group, the serum concentration of Ca decreased in the malnutrition group (89.36 vs 87.03 mg/L, p = 0.023). With regard to ROC curve, Ca < 87.21 mg/L showed the best discriminative capability with an area of 0.624 (95% CI: 0.520, 0.727, p = 0.023). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that Ca < 87.21 mg/L (OR = 3.393, 95% CI: 1.524, 7.554, p = 0.003) and age (OR = 0.958, 95% CI: 0.926, 0.990, p = 0.011) were associated with malnutrition risk. Serum Ca levels were significantly lower in the malnutrition group than those in the non-malnutrition group among UC patients, those with severe disease state or the female group. Conclusions In patients with IBD, Ca deficiency is an independent factor for high malnutrition risk.

Bilateral bartholin’s gland abscesses in a 4-year-old girl with vitamin a deficiency: a case report

BackgroundA Bartholin’s gland abscess is one of the most common infections in women of reproductive age. Although Bartholin’s gland abscesses have been reported in prepubertal children, they are rarer in prepubertal children than in adults. Herein, we report a case of bilateral Bartholin’s gland abscesses in a 4-year-old girl with vitamin A deficiency.Case presentationA 4-year-old girl diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder was admitted to the hospital for close examination and treatment because of persistent fever and malaise. The child was a marked fussy eater and was diagnosed with corneal ulceration and night blindness secondary to vitamin A deficiency. Both of the patient’s labia were swollen, and a diagnosis of a bilateral Bartholin’s gland abscess was made using computed tomography. Incisional drainage was performed under general anesthesia. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged from the hospital on day 8 after the surgery. During hospitalization, attempts were made to correct the vitamin deficiency by adding nutritional supplements to the diet. Three months after the surgery, no recurrence of abscesses was noted.ConclusionsDecreased immunocompetence and mucosal barrier function due to vitamin A deficiency is thought to be the underlying cause of Bartholin’s gland abscesses. Although prepubertal Bartholin’s gland abscesses have been reported, they are rare. To the best of our knowledge, no reports of bilateral Bartholin’s gland abscesses potentially caused by vitamin A deficiency have been reported. When prepubertal girls present with Bartholin’s gland abscesses, the presence of immunodeficiency due to vitamin or trace element deficiency should also be considered.