Fall In pH Research Articles

Monitoring mitochondrial calcium in cardiomyocytes during coverslip hypoxia using a fluorescent lifetime indicator

An increase in mitochondrial calcium via the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) has been implicated in initiating cell death in the heart during ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Measurement of calcium during I/R has been challenging due to the pH sensitivity of indicators coupled with the fall in pH during I/R. The development of a pH-insensitive indicator, mitochondrial localized Turquoise Calcium Fluorescence Lifetime Sensor (mito-TqFLITS), allows for quantifying mitochondrial calcium during I/R via fluorescent lifetime imaging. Mitochondrial calcium was monitored using mito-TqFLITS in neonatal mouse ventricular myocytes (NMVM) isolated from germline MCU-KO mice and MCUfl/fl treated with CRE-recombinase to acutely knockout MCU. To simulate ischemia, a coverslip was placed on a monolayer of NMVMs to prevent access to oxygen and nutrients. Reperfusion was induced by removing the coverslip. Mitochondrial calcium increases threefold during coverslip hypoxia in MCU-WT. There is a significant increase in mitochondrial calcium during coverslip hypoxia in germline MCU-KO, but it is significantly lower than in MCU-WT. We also found that compared to WT, acute MCU-KO resulted in no difference in mitochondrial calcium during coverslip hypoxia and reoxygenation. To determine the role of mitochondrial calcium uptake via MCU in initiating cell death, we used propidium iodide to measure cell death. We found a significant increase in cell death in both the germline MCU-KO and acute MCU-KO, but this was similar to their respective WTs. These data demonstrate the utility of mito-TqFLITS to monitor mitochondrial calcium during simulated I/R and further show that germline loss of MCU attenuates the rise in mitochondrial calcium during ischemia but does not reduce cell death.

The reduction in arterial pH with increased temperature is not affected by hyperoxia in toads (Rhinella marina) and pythons (Python molurus).

It is well established that arterial pH decreases with increased temperature in amphibians and reptiles through an elevation of arterial PCO2, but the underlying regulation remains controversial. The alphastat hypothesis ascribes the pH fall to a ventilatory regulation of protein ionisation, but the pH reduction with temperature is lower than predicted by the pKa change of the imidazole group on histidine. We hypothesised that arterial pH decreases at high, but not at low, temperatures when toads (Rhinella marina) and snakes (Python molurus) are exposed to hyperoxia. In toads, hyperoxia caused similar elevations of arterial PCO2at 20 and 30°C, indicative of a temperature-independent oxygen-mediated drive to breathing, whereas PCO2was unaffected by hyperoxia in snakes at 25 and 35°C. These findings do not support our hypothesis of an increased oxygen-mediated drive to breathing as body temperature increases.

Interactions Among Temperature, pH, and Agitation May Cause Instability in an Oil-in-water Emulsion

Introduction: Two key features of an emulsion, stability and viscosity, are not only considered dependent on ingredient quantities but also delicately affected by emulsification conditions, such as pH, temperature, and mixing conditions. Methods: In the laboratory, we formulated an O/W emulsion made up of 41% water, 9.8% silicon (polydimethylsiloxane), 22.1% liquid sucrose (700 mg/ml), 22.1% light liquid paraffin, and 1.5 to 5% paraffin emulsifier by volume % purposed for large-scale production as a rubber coating for decorative purposes. Results: This emulsion became faulty after large-scale production, while it was fine on the laboratory scale. This study investigated the probability of a complicated interaction among pH, temperature, solutes, and agitation intensity on the stability and viscosity of our emulsion by focusing on sugar degradation effects on these parameters. This emulsion was made in two different temperatures and agitation rates, and the emulsification time was 20 minutes for all samples. The critical roles of appropriate pH regulators or buffers in the stability were also investigated. Conclusion: It was found that applying intense agitations at 1500 rpm during emulsifications in high temperatures may lead to absurdly high emulsion viscosity, accompanied by a sharp pH fall.

Boiled potato waste silage as an alternate roughage for goats

A feeding trial (60 days) was conducted to gauge the nutritional attributes of boiled potato (Solanum tuberosum) peel waste silage and to analyse its feeding effect on intake and utilization of nutrients in goats. Twelve local, non-descript, adult male goats were randomly divided into two groups. Each group was given ad lib. wheat straw, concentrate mixture @ 20 g/KgW0.75 and silage @ 75 g/KgW0.75 Based on variation in source of silage the groups were classified as maize silage (MS) or potato peel waste silage (PPS) groups. Despite the higher crude protein concentration PPS could be successfully ensiled with achievement of necessary pH fall, possibly due to effect of boiling on starch granules to render it readily fermentable and/or heat damaged CP. In both the groups live weight of the goats was maintained throughout the trial. The PPS formed about 20.2% of the total ration intake (on DM basis). Nutrient digestibility (%) was similar between dietary groups, except NFE and NDF digestibility, which was considerably higher in PPS group. It may be concluded that the ensiled boiled potato peel waste may be utilized as a constituent of adult goat ration without compromising nutrient intake, digestibility, plane of nutrition and nutrient balance.

A Comparison of Capacitive Deionization and Membrane Capacitive Deionization Using Novel Fabricated Ion Exchange Membranes.

Another technique for desalination, known as membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI), has been investigated as an alternative. This approach has the potential to lower the voltage that is required, in addition to improving the ability to renew the electrodes. In this study, the desalination effectiveness of capacitive deionization (CDI) was compared to that of MCDI, employing newly produced cellulose acetate ion exchange membranes (IEMs), which were utilized for the very first time in MCDI. As expected, the salt adsorption and charge efficiency of MCDI were shown to be higher than those of CDI. Despite this, the unique electrosorption behavior of the former reveals that ion transport via the IEMs is a crucial rate-controlling step in the desalination process. We monitored the concentration of salt in the CDI and MCDI effluent streams, but we also evaluated the pH of the effluent stream in each of these systems and investigated the factors that may have caused these shifts. The significant change in pH that takes place during one adsorption and desorption cycle in CDI (pH range: 2.3-11.6) may cause problems in feed water that already contains components that are prone to scaling. In the case of MCDI, the fall in pH was only slightly more noticeable. Based on these findings, it appears that CDI and MCDI are promising new desalination techniques that has the potential to be more ecologically friendly and efficient than conventional methods of desalination. MCDI has some advantages over CDI in its higher salt removal efficiency, faster regeneration, and longer lifetime, but it is also more expensive and complex. The best choice for a particular application will depend on the specific requirements.

Increased mitochondrial free Ca2+ during ischemia is suppressed, but not eliminated by, germline deletion of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter

Mitochondrial Ca2+ overload is proposed to regulate cell death via opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. It is hypothesized that inhibition of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) will prevent Ca2+ accumulation during ischemia/reperfusion and thereby reduce cell death. To address this, we evaluate mitochondrial Ca2+ in ex-vivo-perfused hearts from germline MCU-knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice using transmural spectroscopy. Matrix Ca2+ levels are measured with a genetically encoded, red fluorescent Ca2+ indicator (R-GECO1) using an adeno-associated viral vector (AAV9) for delivery. Due to the pH sensitivity of R-GECO1 and the known fall in pH during ischemia, hearts are glycogen depleted to decrease the ischemic fall in pH. At 20min of ischemia, there is significantly less mitochondrial Ca2+ in MCU-KO hearts compared with MCU-WT controls. However, an increase in mitochondrial Ca2+ is present in MCU-KO hearts, suggesting that mitochondrial Ca2+ overload during ischemia is not solely dependent on MCU.

Correlation of Hemolysis by Plasma Hemoglobin with Biochemical Markers during Storage of Blood under Standard Conditions in the Blood Bank of a Tertiary Health-care Center

Background and Objectives: Stored blood undergoes many metabolic, biochemical, and molecular changes known as storage lesions which are responsible for negative posttransfusion effects in recipients. This study aims to detect serial in vitro qualitative changes that occur during processing and blood storage including changes in plasma hemoglobin (Hb), plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and potassium levels and changes (fall) in pH of packed red blood cell at serial intervals under a standard condition of storage in the blood bank. This is a two year prospective study. Methods: Fifty donors were selected and blood units were collected and stored under blood bank conditions. Mean plasma Hb of stored blood was estimated by measuring the transmittance and absorbance of modified azide-methemoglobin and percentage hemolysis was calculated on days 0, 1, 7, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days. Similarly, plasma LDH and plasma potassium levels were also assessed during storage. Results: It was noted that free Hb level and percentage hemolysis progressively increased with storage along with the level of LDH and potassium. However, the extent of hemolysis did not exceed the permissible limit of up to 42 days of storage. Conclusion: It was concluded that quantitative estimation of Hb is superior to the visual method for the determination of hemolysis. Hemolysis can be further reduced by additive solution saline, adenine, glucose, and mannitol and using di-2-ethyl hexyl pHthalate as s plasticizer in blood bags for storage.

Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) and COVID‐19: A review of the potential use of ASM inhibitors against SARS‐CoV‐2

In the last 2 years, different pharmacological agents have been indicated as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Specifically, drugs termed as functional inhibitors of acid sphingomyelinase (FIASMAs) have proved to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 replication using different types of cells. Those therapeutic agents share several chemical structure characteristics and some well-known representatives are fluoxetine, escitalopram, fluvoxamine, and others. Most of theFIASMAs are primarily used as effective therapeutic agents to treat different pathologies, therefore, they are natural drug candidates for repositioning strategy. In this review, we summarize the two main proposed mechanisms mediating acid sphingomyelinase(ASM) inhibition and how they can explain the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication by FIASMAs. The first mechanism implies a disruption in the lysosomal pH fall as the endosome-lysosome moves toward the interior of the cell. In fact, changes in cholesterol levels in endosome-lysosome membranes, which are associated with ASM inhibition is thought to be mediated by lysosomal proton pump (ATP-ase) inactivation. The second mechanism involves the formation of an extracellular ceramide-rich domain, which is blocked by FIASMAs. The ceramide-rich domains are believed to facilitate the SARS-CoV-2entrance into the host cells.

Increased light scattering in electrically stimulated beef longissimus muscle fibres contributes to the observed meat colour at grading

Context Electrical stimulation is often used by meat processors to promote fast muscle pH decline and optimise meat quality. Meat colour can be made more acceptable by this process, but how this relates to the microstructure and light-scattering properties of muscle is still unknown. Aims To investigate the effect of electrical stimulation of beef carcasses on the meat colour at grading and the role of the muscle fibre microstructure and light scattering in determining colour differences. Methods Electrical stimulation inputs (electrical stimulation inputs (ES), n = 8; no electrical stimulation inputs (NS), n = 8) were applied to beef carcasses from female cattle of approximately 18–24 months of age. ES comprised electrical immobilisation, bleed rail electric simulation and hide puller rigidity probe, which have all been shown to increase pH fall post-mortem in beef carcasses. pH fall was monitored, the longissimus thoracis was graded at 20–22 h postmortem and measurements were made of colour, muscle-fibre structure and light scattering. Key results The decline of pH was increased in ES relative to NS, as indicated by lower pH at 2 h postmortem (5.83 vs 6.86 respectively, s.e. = 0.068; P < 0.05) as well as changes in both chromatic colour a* b* and achromatic (no colour) lightness in the muscle. Chromatic changes were evident as higher grader colour scores, increased redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) with higher levels of oxymyoglobin and lower levels of deoxymyoglobin. Achromatic changes were evident as increased lightness (L*) and surface reflectance (%R) at the meat surface, and increased global brightness within the muscle fibres. Conclusions Increased lightness and brightness in electrically stimulated muscles were likely to be due to formation of contraction nodes and distortion of muscle fibres, which changed the microstructure of muscle in ways that increased its light-scattering properties. Implications Consideration of the role of light scattering in determining beef colour at grading will advance understanding of how to improve this important quality trait.

Characterization of Spatial Variability of Micro Nutrients in Soils: Classical Vs. Geo-Statistical Approach

ABSTRACT The spatial variability characterization of micronutrients is needed for agricultural quality produce and environmental safety. However, study on this aspect is weakly implicit. In present study, Global Positioning System (GPS)-based 283 surface soil samples were collected and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), and micronutrients. Classical results revealed that soils are slightly acidic pH, safe in EC, low to medium in OC, and non-calcareous. OC was in order of Typic Haplustalfs-Chromic Haplusterts (S8)>Vertic Ustochrepts-Chromic Haplusterts (S3)>Typic Haplustalfs-Typic Haplustalfs (S9)>Typic Haplustalfs-Typic Ustipsammarts (S7)>Typic Haplusterts-Typic Ustorthents (S6)>Vertic Ustochrepts -Chromic Haplusterts (S5)> Lithic Ustochrepts -Typic Haplusterts (S4)>Typic Haplusterts -Vertic Ustochrepts(S2)>Typic Haplusterts-Typic Haplusterts (S1). In soils, zinc (Zn) and hot water-soluble boron (HWS-B) in order of S4>S5>S7>S9>S3>S2>S8>S1>S6 and S1>S2>S3>S4>S5>S9>S6>S7>S8, respectively. Overall, about 54.06 and 9.89% soil samples to be deficient in Zn and HWS-B in study area, respectively. Geo-statistical results showed that the exponential model was best-fitted for pH, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), OC, Zn and HWS-B and spherical model for EC and iron (Fe). However, the circular model was fitted for copper (Cu) and Manganese (Mn). The pH, EC, OC Zn, Cu, and Fe fall between 26 and 71%, which exhibit moderate spatial dependency. However, CaCO3 and Mn show 81 and 76% Nugget/sill ratios, respectively. Variability maps also showed the prediction of micronutrients using geo-statistical method better than classical methods.

Pepsin properties, structure, and its accurate measurement: a narrative review

: Pepsin is an aspartate protease that is generated from its proenzyme, pepsinogen by autocatalysis initiated by a fall in pH below 5. Human gastric juice contains eight isoenzymes of pepsin. The peptides released on conversion of pepsinogen to pepsin of which there are potentially five, have been shown to have antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus which have also been shown to have biofilm formation inhibiting properties. The stability in response to changes in pH varies between pepsin and pepsinogen. Pepsinogen is stable up to pH 10, pepsin is only stable to pH just above 7.0 and is completely denatured at pH 8.0. Many diseases of the aerodigestive tract have been linked to reflux and the presence of pepsin. Therefore, the measurement of pepsin in tissue and lavages or in saliva or sputum, could be a good screening tool for the diagnosis of reflux related disease. However, there is no current consensus as to the best methods to measure it or the best time to sample it. For an effective pepsin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the following is required; a monoclonal/monospecific polyclonal antibody with a good lowest level of detection (LLOD) and sensitivity 1–25 ng/mL (depending on dilution) and an adequate supply of purified human pepsin as a standard for antibody-based assays. If possible, an activity assay for pepsin should also be used as the presence of pepsin protein does not indicate it is capable of damaging activity. Finally, if pepsin is associated with a disease large studies are required to confirm it with multiple samples. This review deals with several studies where pepsin quantitation is attempted, and their measurement techniques assessed.

Effect of Respite Time before Live Transportation on Muscle Quality of Blunt Snout (Wuchang) Bream.

To provide scientific support for improving the muscle quality of blunt snout bream, ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography, texture analyzer, and optical electron microscopy were applied to explore the effects of respite time (0, 24, 48, and 72 h) on the muscle quality of blunt snout bream before live transportation. The energy compounds (ATP and glycogen) of muscle significantly decreased with the respite time (p < 0.05). Lactic acid content declined and then increased, leading to a rise and then a fall in pH (p < 0.05). Water-holding capacity of fish muscle increased progressively when the respite time was increased to 48 h and then dramatically decreased when the respite time was further increased to 72 h (p < 0.05). Shear force gradually increased (p < 0.05), while the whiteness and lightness values remained stable (p > 0.05). Both the content of umami compounds (IMP) and bitter compounds (HxR, Hx), and the calculated K value decreased steadily with the respite time (p < 0.05). The extracellular gap of the fish muscles gradually decreased with the respite time. The most uniform and intact cellular structure occurred at 48 h. However, when the respite time was extended to 72 h, the extracellular gap and muscle fragmentation rate of the muscle increased considerably. The findings indicated that a 48 h respite time was suitable to improve the muscle quality of blunt snout bream after live transportation.

Evaluation of the efficacy of some preventive measures on their ability to restrict fall in salivary pH after consumption of carbonated drinks

Introduction and Aim: Salivary pH is important for healthy enamel of the teeth. Consumption of carbonated beverages leads to a drop in salivary pH which favors the growth of microorganisms, leading to dental caries. This study evaluates the efficacy of preventive measures in resisting change of salivary pH after consumption of carbonated drink. Materials and Methods: The study consisted of four experiments (1 to 4), conducted with thirty-seven participants: consumption of drink, 1) directly from the glass, 2) Using a straw. Preventive measures post consumption of carbonated drink, 3) rinsing the mouth with water, and 4) chewing sugar free gum. The salivary pH was measured using pH paper narrow range at the basal level, and at &lt;1, and 5 to 30 min post consumption of the drink. The data was analysed by descriptive statistics and the intergroup comparisons were done using ANOVA and Tukey test. Results: In all the four experiments there was an increase in salivary pH at the &lt;1 min and a significant decrease in salivary pH at 5-20 min (p&lt;0.001). There was no significant difference in the salivary pH between the two modes of drink consumption (p&gt;0.05). Post consumption of drink, chewing gum resisted the fall in pH for a longer duration of 5-20 min than rinsing the mouth with water 5-10 min (p&lt;0.000). Conclusion: Post consumption of the carbonated beverages, preventive measures such as rinsing the mouth with water and chewing gum resist the fall in pH of saliva. Chewing gum is more effective than rinsing the mouth with water.

Prediction of Neonatal Acidosis Based on the Type of Fetal Hypoxia Observed on the Cardiotocograph (CTG)

Cardiotocograph (CTG) was introduced into clinical practice to promptly recognize the features of intrapartum fetal hypoxic stress, so that timely action could be taken to avoid hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) and perinatal deaths. However, the current systematic evidence suggests that the introduction of CTG into clinical practice over 50 years has not resulted in improvement in the rates of cerebral palsy or perinatal deaths. This is because most fetuses are able to withstand intrapartum hypoxic stresses without sustaining damage, and if the features of fetal compensatory responses are erroneously considered as “pathological”, “Abnormal” or “Category III” CTG tracing, it would lead to an exponential increase in unnecessary operative interventions without any improvement in perinatal outcomes. Neonatal acidosis at birth, determined by the estimation of pH in the umbilical artery has been considered as a surrogate marker of poor perinatal outcome. This is because significant intrapartum fetal hypoxic stress which leads to fetal decompensation, would lead to the onset of anaerobic metabolism and production of lactic acid in fetal tissues and organs. Entry of lactic acid into the fetal systemic circulation may cause damage to fetal central organs resulting in organ damage and death, and this lactate may lower the pH in the umbilical artery. Understanding the different types of fetal hypoxia on the CTG trace may help practicing clinicians to predict the rate of fall in fetal pH, and therefore, predict the umbilical cord pH at birth. It is important to appreciate that non-hypoxic pathways of fetal compromise such as chorioamnionitis may not be associated with low umbilical arterial pH at birth. Fetal pathophysiological approach to CTG interpretation based on deeper understanding of types of intrapartum hypoxia and features of non-hypoxic pathways of injury may help avoid the onset of neonatal metabolic acidosis and improve perinatal outcomes.

Records of fluid-rock interactions in the Degana tungsten deposit, India: Inferences from mineral paragenesis, whole-rock and mineral chemistry, and fluid inclusions

The Degana Granite, a F-rich, peraluminous, Neoproterozoic intrusion in NW India hosts the richest tungsten deposit in the country. This study on the Degana W deposit outlines its alteration history, and nature (and evolution) of pre-ore and ore-stage fluids. Moderate salinity (5.4 to 9.6 wt% NaCl equiv.), H2O-CO2 fluids with nearly consistent CO2/(H2O + CO2) ratios of 0.05–0.07 represent the magmatic stage. A pervasive, post-magmatic K (±Na) alteration occurred in a fluid regime dominated by moderate salinity H2O-CO2 fluids. In subsequent alteration stages, the activity of greisen fluids led to the development of steeply-dipping quartz veins (poorly-mineralized), sub-parallel wolframite-bearing greisenized granitic wall-rock (main ore body), and and a late phase of stockwork-type greisen veins. The greisenization is attributed to the incursion of moderate to high salinity (12–22 wt%) H2O-CO2 ore fluids. Such fluids led to K-feldspar and muscovite hydrolysis, and the growth of lithian ferroan muscovite, secondary topaz, and wolframite (±cassiterite, fluorite). Greisenization introduced additional Fe and Li (+W, Sn) in the wall-rock zone and concomitantly leached out Na, K, Cu, Ba, Sr, U, Zr, and Th. Greisen fluids caused Fe leaching along with incorporation of Li in the micas. The compositions of tri- and di-octahedral micas are controlled by distinct substitution mechanisms --VILi1+1IVSi4+2VIAl3+1VIξ1VIFe2+-3IVAl3+-2, and VILi1+4IVSi4+1VIFe2+-1IVAl3+-1VIAl3+-1VIξ-2 (where ξ = vacancy), respectively. We constrain the P-T conditions of W enrichment (380–450 °C and 1.2–1.8 kbar) by means of isochore intersections for coexisting aqueous and carbonic fluid inclusions hosted in greisenized wall rock. The fall in pH of the ore fluid due to fluid-silicate hydrolysis in concomitance with H2O-CO2 immiscibility promoted the decrease in W solubility and subsequent wolframite precipitation. It is surmised that the pervasive, post-magmatic potassic alteration that preceded the ore mineralization acted as a critical pre-conditioning process for ore formation. Both tri- and di-octahedral micas were critical for W enrichment, the former being the likely source for Fe (+W, Sn), and the latter as a reactant for pH-neutralization of greisen fluid, thereby limiting its W solubility.

Co-digestion of municipal solid waste with lignocellulosic waste in mesophilic Environment

The present study deals with the dual problem of municipal solid waste and lignocellulosic waste in which authors tried to use these two waste materials as clean and renewable energy source. In the present study, anaerobic digestion of organic fraction of municipal solid waste and lignocellulosic waste in varying combinations was carried out. Five-set of experiments (S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5) under mesophilic conditions were conducted in batch reactors. From all the combinations, reactor S3 (organic fraction of municipal solid waste: lignocellulosic waste, 1:1 ratio) was observed to be the best combination producing 70.09 ml concentration of methane out of 78.76 ml of biogas as compared to all other combinations. The increase in methane production rate was observed by 53.67% due to the addition of lignocellulosic waste. The decline in methane production at the end of the 50th day was observed due to a fall in pH, which created acidic conditions, thus inhibiting the conversion process. It was found that the mesophilic condition acted as a governing factor in the process of digestion.

Association of Urine Findings with Metabolic Syndrome Traits in a Population of Patients with Nephrolithiasis.

The odds of nephrolithiasis increase with more metabolic syndrome (MetS) traits. We evaluated associations of metabolic and dietary factors from urine studies and stone composition with MetS traits in a large cohort of stone-forming patients. Patients >18 years old who were evaluated for stones with 24-hour urine collections between July 2009 and December 2018 had their records reviewed retrospectively. Patient factors, laboratory values, and diagnoses were identified within 6 months of urine collection and stone composition within 1 year. Four groups with none, one, two, and three or four MetS traits (hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, and diabetes) were evaluated. Trends across groups were tested using linear contrasts in analysis of variance and analysis of covariance. A total of 1473 patients met the inclusion criteria (835 with stone composition). MetS groups were 684 with no traits, 425 with one trait, 211 with two traits, and 153 with three or four traits. There were no differences among groups for urine volume, calcium, or ammonium excretion. There was a significant trend (P<0.001) for more MetS traits being associated with decreasing urine pH, increasing age, calculated dietary protein, urine uric acid (UA), oxalate, citrate, titratable acid phosphate, net acid excretion, and UA supersaturation. The ratio of ammonium to net acid excretion did not differ among the groups. After adjustment for protein intake, the fall in urine pH remained strong, while the upward trend in acid excretion was lost. Calcium oxalate stones were most common, but there was a trend for more UA (P<0.001) and fewer calcium phosphate (P=0.09) and calcium oxalate stones (P=0.01) with more MetS traits. Stone-forming patients with MetS have a defined pattern of metabolic and dietary risk factors that contribute to an increased risk of stone formation, including higher acid excretion, largely the result of greater protein intake, and lower urine pH.

Efficacy of Probiotic and Herbal Chewing Gums on Salivary pH in 6-11 years age group Children: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Introduction: Saliva is a crucial diagnostic tool to evaluate oral health. Chewing sugar-free gum is an effective method to increase salivary flow and can also be employed a medium for the administration of medicinal ingredients. Aim: To evaluate and compare the effect of chewing xylitol, herbal and probiotic chewing gums on salivary acidogenicity levels. Materials and Methods: A single centre, randomised, double blind, parallel clinical trial was conducted on 60 children aged between 6-11 years. Baseline salivary pH was recorded With the pH meter and then the participants were asked to consume chocolate and salivary pH was recorded at an interval of 5, 30, and 60 minutes. Then children were randomly allocated to Group A-Xylitol chewing gum (control group, n=20), Group B-Herbal chewing gum (n=20), and Group C-Probiotic chewing gum (n=20) and instructed to chew gum according to their assigned group and salivary pH was again recorded at an interval of 5, 30, and 60 minutes. The change in salivary pH was evaluated using ANOVA and Post hoc Bonferroni test. Results: The mean age of the study population was 9.23±1.38 years. Statistically significant (p&lt;0.001) increase in pH was recorded post consumption of probiotic, xylitol and herbal chewing gums and the mean salivary pH values recorded at 60 minutes were 7.20±0.21, 7.01±0.23 and 6.43±0.22, respectively. Conclusion: The observations of the study showed that xylitol, herbal and probiotic chewing gums reversed the fall in salivary pH after an acidogenic challenge with probiotic being better among the three groups.

Gastrointestinal function in diabetes is affected regardless of asymptomatic appearance.

Gastrointestinal dysmotility may exist without concomitant symptoms. We hypothesize that asymptomatic individuals with diabetes have altered gastrointestinal function associated with age, cardiac vagal tone and glycaemic control. One hundred fifty-four asymptomatic participants (61 with type 1 diabetes (T1D), 70 type 2 diabetes (T2D) and 23 healthy volunteers (HV)) underwent wireless motility capsule investigation. Transit times, motility indices and pH were retrieved. Age, cardiac vagal tone, glucose and haemoglobin A1c levels were collected. In T1D, prolongation of colonic (p=0.03) and whole-gut transit times (p=0.04) were shown. Transpyloric pH rise was decreased in T1D (p=0.001) and T2D (p=0.007) and was associated with cardiac vagal tone (p=0.03) or glucose (p=0.04) and haemoglobin A1c (p=0.005). Ileocaecal pH fall was decreased in T2D (p<0.001). Gastrointestinal function was altered in asymptomatic individuals with diabetes. These findings call for further investigations of gastrointestinal function in order to identify risk factors or even predictors for diabetic enteropathy, particularly when glycaemic control is impaired.

Effect of drops containing Lactobacillus reuteri (DSM 17938 and ATCC PTA 5289) on plaque acidogenicity and other caries-related variables in orthodontic patients

BackgroundThe purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of probiotics on biofilm acidogenicity and on the number of salivary Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli in orthodontic patients.MethodsThis RCT was conducted on 28 young adults who were undergoing orthodontic treatment. The short-term prospective clinical trial lasted for three weeks. The test group rinsed daily with drops containing two Lactobacillus reuteri strains diluted in water, while the placebo group used drops without probiotics. The subjects were enrolled eight months since the beginning of orthodontic treatment. Plaque-pH, saliva and dental biofilm samples were obtained at baseline, one week and three weeks post intervention.ResultsTwenty-seven subjects successfully completed the trial period, only one drop out in the test group. No side effects were reported. A statistically significant increase in plaque pH at three weeks post-intervention was found for the test group (p < 0.05), while insignificant changes in the pH value were found for the placebo group in comparison to baseline (p > 0.05). In addition, the AUC7.0 showed a significant difference at three weeks between the test and placebo (p = 0.00002). The three-week samples of stimulated whole saliva showed a statistically insignificant difference in the number of S. mutans and lactobacilli between the two groups (p > 0.05). The qPCR analysis showed the ability of the two strains to get colonized in the dental biofilm without a significant effect on the microbial counts.Conclusion/clinical implicationsA mixture of Lactobacillus reuteri has the ability to reduce the pH fall at the three-week follow-up. However, the short-term use of probiotics does not appear to have an effect on the number of salivary Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli in saliva and on the dental biofilm.Trial registrationClinicaltrial.gov (Identifier: NCT04593017/ (19/10/2020)).