High Levels Of Ca Research Articles

Evaluation of Essential and Toxic Elements in the Blood of 0-14-Year-Old Children in Hunan, China From 2013 to 2019: A Retrospective Analysis.

ObjectiveThe aim was to investigate the distribution and correlation of Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Cd in the blood of children aged 0–14 years in Hunan, China, which may serve to provide a basis for clinical guidance on child health.Study DesignA retrospective analysis was carried out. Concentrations of all elements were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Distributions were analyzed and compared among different age, sex, and year groups by the Kruskal–Wallis test, the chi-square test, and the Fisher's exact test. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the association between every pair of elements.ResultsA total of 46,951 children were involved in this study from 2013 to 2019. The median blood levels of elements were 13.51 μmol/L (Cu), 58.69 μmol/L (Zn), 1.70 mmol/L (Ca), 1.40 mmol/L (Mg), 7.46 mmol/L (Fe), 35.00 μg/L (Pb), and 1.00 μg/L (Cd). Girls had a higher level of Ca and lower levels of Pb and Cd than boys. Cu and Ca showed an upward trend, and Mg and Pb showed a downward trend by year. Zn and Fe increased and Ca decreased significantly with age. The deficiency rates of Fe and Zn decreased significantly by year, while Ca and Cu increased significantly by year. Cd exposure in this area was relatively low.ConclusionMost children had normal levels of the essential elements Ca, Cu, and Mg and the toxic elements Pb and Cd. Severe deficiencies in Zn and Fe were observed in the relatively younger children but improved with age. Persistent efforts in reducing Pb exposure might still be needed.

Measurement of Heavy Metal Concentrations of Marine Sediments in Yalova Section of Marmara Sea By LIBS Method And Evaluation of Pollution By Principal Component Analysis

The wastes formed as a result of increasing settlements, industrial establishments, agricultural activities and shipping activities on the shores of the Marmara Sea cause the pollution of the Sea of Marmara. Although the pollution in seawater is diluted in a short time by waves and water currents, heavy metals and other pollutants that precipitate chemically and physically create permanent pollution in the sediments. Heavy metal concentrations in Yalova and its surroundings were analyzed by LIBS (Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) method in order to control the pollution in this region. In the analyzes made, the percent availability of heavy metals in the sediments was evaluated. With Principal Component Analysis (PCA), heavy metal contamination levels caused by domestic and industrial wastes in the sediments were analyzed and the results were interpreted. The high levels of Ca, Na, Mg elements in the region depend on the presence of carbonate rocks in the region. The presence of Fe, Al and some trace elements is due to the prevalence of volcanic and magmatic rocks in the region. The fact that the elements with high economic value such as Al, Ag and Ti are especially high in Core 1-6 is due to the granitic rocks outcropping in the eastern part of the study area where the samples were taken in, and it is an indication of the existence of important mineral mineralizations in the region. This situation shows that heavy metal pollution in the marine environment consists of both anthropogenic and natural sources.

Physiological, Proteomic Analysis, and Calcium-Related Gene Expression Reveal Taxus wallichiana var. mairei Adaptability to Acid Rain Stress Under Various Calcium Levels.

As one of the serious environmental problems worldwide, acid rain (AR) has always caused continuous damage to the forestry ecosystem. Studies have shown that AR can leach calcium ions from plants and soil. Calcium (Ca) is also a crucial regulator of the plant stress response, whereas there are few reports on how Ca regulates the response of AR-resistant woody plants to AR stress. In this study, by setting different exogenous Ca levels, we study the physiological and molecular mechanism of Ca in regulating the Taxus wallichiana var. mairei response to AR stress. Our results showed that low Ca level leads to photosynthesis, and antioxidant defense system decreases in T. wallichiana var. mairei leaves; however, these negative effects could be reversed at high Ca level. In addition, proteomic analyses identified 44 differentially expressed proteins in different Ca level treatments of T. wallichiana var. mairei under AR stress. These proteins were classified into seven groups, which include metabolic process, photosynthesis and energy pathway, cell rescue and defense, transcription and translation, protein modification and degradation, signal transduction, etc. Furthermore, the study found that low Ca level leads to an obvious increase of Ca-related gene expression under AR stress in T. wallichiana var. mairei using qRT-PCR analyses and however can be reversed at high Ca level. These findings would enrich and extend the Ca signaling pathways of AR stress in AR-resistant woody plants and are expected to have important theoretical and practical significance in revealing the mechanism of woody plants tolerating AR stress and protecting forestry ecosystem in soil environment under different Ca levels.

Effects of Resistance Training in Hypobaric vs. Normobaric Hypoxia on Circulating Ions and Hormones.

Hypobaric hypoxia (HH) seems to lead to different responses compared to normobaric hypoxia (NH) during physical conditioning. The aim of the study was to analyze the hormonal and circulating ion responses after performing high-intensity resistance training with different inter-set rest under HH and NH condition. Sixteen male volunteers were randomly divided into two training groups. Each group completed two counterbalanced resistance training sessions (three sets × ten repetitions, remaining two repetitions in reserve), with both one- and two-minute inter-set rest, under HH and NH. Blood samples were obtained to determine hormones and circulating ions (Ca2+, Pi, and HCO3−) at baseline and after training sessions (5, 10, and 30 min). Resistance training with one-minute rest caused greater hormonal stress than with two-minute rest in cortisol and growth hormone, although the hypoxic environmental condition did not cause any significant alterations in these hormones. The short inter-set rest also caused greater alterations in HCO3− and Pi than the longer rest. Additionally, higher levels of Ca2+ and Pi, and lower levels of HCO3−, were observed after training in HH compared to NH. Metabolic and physiological responses after resistance training are mediated by inter-set rest intervals and hypoxic environmental condition. According to the alterations observed in the circulating ions, HH could cause greater muscular fatigue and metabolic stress than NH.

Root Foraging Behavior of Two Agronomical Herbs Subjected to Heterogeneous P Pattern and High Ca Stress

Ecosystems are vulnerable to large areas of rocky desertification, which results in patchy soils and stone-inlaid soils. Karst landforms are typically characterized by heterogeneous phosphorus (P) distributions in soils at high calcium (Ca), but root foraging behavior has not been fully documented in agronomical plants. In this study, Bidens pilosa L. and Plantago asiatica L. were raised in pots in a simulated soil environment with sands at high Ca (2 g kg−1) and low Ca (0.63 g kg−1) levels. Inner spaces were divided into four sections to receive P in homogeneous (Homo.) (four quarters: 2 mg P kg−1) or heterogenous (Hete.) (one quarter: 8 mg P kg−1; three quarters: no-P input) patterns. Both species had longer roots in high P sections compared to no P sections. Foraging scale (highest length or surface-area(SA)) was higher in P. asiatica plants subjected to the Hete. pattern than to the Homo. pattern in low Ca pots. Foraging precision (length or SA differences between P patches as a proportion of the total) was also higher for P. asiatica subjected to the Hete. pattern but did not change in response to Ca level or P placement pattern. Overall, P. asiatica has a higher foraging ability than B. pilosa because of higher levels of foraging scale and precision from high-P (8 mg kg−1) patches in soils subjected to low Ca (0.63 g kg−1).

POS-754 PERSISTENT HYPERPARATHYROIDISM AFTER KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION, ITS PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS

Persistent hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is common after successful kidney transplantation (KTx) and is related to pretransplant risk factors. pHPT is associated with increased graft loss, mortality and increased risk of fractures. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for pHPT after KTx. A retrospective study of kidney transplant recipients attending the transplant clinic between November 2018 and March 2020 was performed. The laboratory data of patients (Serum calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)) were collected at 12 months posttransplantation and at pretransplantation. The persistency of HPT after transplant was defined as iPTH ≥ 130 pg/mL, and the term "tertiary hyperparathyroidism" (THPT) was used for patients with pHPT how needed parathyroidectomy (PTx). Risk factors for the development of pHPT were investigated by comparing THPT and non-pHPT groups. Data for 80 patients were analyzed. After one year of KTx, HPT persists in 18 patients (22.5%), of whom six patients underwent parathyroidectomy, and 12 patients were kept on conservative management. Compared with non-HPT group, patients with THPT had significantly longer dialysis duration (43 ± 32.6 mo vs 12.6 ± 13.9 mo. P = 0.013), higher pre-KTx iPTH (1138.7 ± 669.8 vs 365.5 ± 178.6 pg/ml, P = 0.001), and higher pre-KTx calcium (10.1 ± 0.61 vs 8.6 ± 0.60 mg/dl, P < 0.0001). Based on our study results, the most important risk factors for post-KT pHPT are long dialysis duration and high pre-KTx iPTH and Ca levels. Therefore, parathyroidectomy must be considered before kidney transplantation in high-risk patients.

Investigation of the protective suitability of a dental fluorinated varnish by means of X Ray fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy

Background and aimEvaluating the protective effect in human enamel of a fluorinated varnish after enduring a citric acid erosive challenge. MethodsAn in vitro model was developed considering the intraoral environment, human saliva and acid erosive procedures. The evaluation of the enamel specimens was undertaken through the direct analysis of enamel by means of Raman spectroscopy and Energy Dispersive X Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF). Ten tooth specimens per group were analysed during three stages: 1- before treatment; 2- After varnish (treatment group) or toothpaste (control) application; 3- After citric acid cycle. Additionally, Particle Induced Gamma Ray emission (PIGE) was used to gauge the fluorine uptake by enamel after the application of the varnish (stage 2). Results were presented as mean and standard deviation with ANOVA and Tukey post hoc performed considering a significance level of 0.05. ResultsA significant (p < 0.05) higher Ca levels were detected in treatment group at stage 2 (37.4 ± 0.4 w/w%) and 3 (37.1 ± 0.1) when compared to the control group. After varnish application in treatment group, depolarization ratios were significant lower (p < 0.05) and anisotropy were significant higher (p < 0.05), however no differences were detected in FWHM. ConclusionsThe use of a fluorinated dental varnish suggests a protective effect for human enamel against dental erosion demineralization process which was detectable in an in vitro model.

Sealing ability of mineral trioxide aggregate, Biodentine, and EndoSequence RRM putty used as retrograde restorative material: An in vitro bacterial leakage model study

Sealing ability of mineral trioxide aggregate, Biodentine, and EndoSequence RRM putty used as retrograde restorative material: An in vitro bacterial leakage model study

Analysis of Selected Physico-Chemical Parameters, Nutrients, and Heavy Metals in Drinking Water Samples in Halaba Town, SNNPR, Ethiopia

Residents in the Halaba town, SNNPR, Ethiopia have used tap water as the main source of water for their drinking and domestic purposes. However, the Physico-chemical parameters of tap water in Halaba town have not been studied and this study was aimed to investigate some Physico-chemical parameters and selected heavy metals in tap water samples collected from two sampling sites in Halaba town. All the samples were analyzed for selected heavy metals such as Zn, Cu, Pb Ni, Cr, Fe, Mn, and some Physico-chemical parameters such as EC, pH, TDS, TH, turbidity, K, Ca, Mg, nitrate, and sulfate using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (FAAS) and Paline test methods, respectively. The mean results of the physicochemical parameters investigated in tap water samples collected from two sampling sites were found to be in the range: EC (193.3–323.3) 𝜇S/cm, pH (7.88–7.9), TDS (96.7–175) mg/L, TH (24-30) mg/L, turbidity (3.93–4.53) NTUs, NO3-1(1.64–1.75) mg/L, SO4-2(1.3–3.3) mg/L. The mean concentrations of heavy metals were found to be in the range: Zn (0.05–0.30) mg/L, Fe (0.25–0.50) mg/L, Cu (0.01–0.04) mg/L, Pb (0.01–0.02) mg/L, Ni (1.86–2.4) mg/L, Cr (0.08–0.14) mg/L, Mn (0.001) mg/L, K (44.3–88.7) mg/L, Ca (180–204) mg/L, Mg (6.3–13) mg/L. The study showed that the concentrations of Pb, Ni, and Cr were slightly higher than the maximum permissible limits recommended by WHO, USEPA, and EU standards whereas concentrations of K and Ca were found to be higher than the maximum permissible limits recommended by WHO. All the other selected physicochemical parameters considered were below the maximum permissible limits recommended by WHO. Furthermore, the concentration of Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn were found to be below the maximum permissible limits recommended by WHO, USEPA, EU, Australian, Iranian, Indian, Malaysian, Newzlandian, and Ethiopian standards. Therefore, citizens in the Halaba town that uses tap water for their day-to-day domestic activities and drinking purpose could potentially expose to health risks due to high levels of Pb, Ni, Cr, K and Ca. So, it is recommended that the tap water in the study area should be treated before being used for drinking and domestic purposes.

Reference Intervals and Regularity Analysis of Biochemical Makers in 3-Year-Old Children

The reference intervals of biochemical markers were significantly affected by age and gender, especially in minors. In recent years, many provinces and regions in China had established reference intervals for children's hematological indicators. Without considering the instruments and reagents, the reference interval will also be affected by the region, economic development, eating habits, and other factors. Therefore, the reference interval of any hematological indicators is not necessarily a fixed range, it changes with certain factors. In our study, we analyzed the changes of biochemical markers in different serum total Ca and 25-OH-D concentrations, and established the reference intervals of biochemical markers in 3-year-old children, explored the change trend of biochemical markers with different serum total Ca and 25-OH-D concentration. Data was collected from 226 cases of 3-year-old children for biochemical markers, in the Chinese PLA General Hospital in August 2015. The data were divided into a high-level group (serum total Ca > 2.63 mmol/L and 25-OH-D > 40.81 ng/mL) and a low-level group (serum total Ca < 2.54 mmol/L and 25-OH-D < 32.64 ng/mL) according to serum total Ca and 25-OH-D levels for comparison. The change trend of biochemical markers was compared according to serum total Ca and 25-OH-D level. The Glu levels in boys were significantly higher than that in girls, but CHO and LDL-C in girls were significantly higher than that in boys. The reference intervals of ATL (5.6 - 22.1 U/L), ALB (44.8 - 55.2 g/L), TP (62.7 - 83.1 g/L), ALP (154.4 - 379.7 U/L), GGT (7.2 - 15.9 U/L), Glu (boys: 4.08 - 5.91 mmol/L; girls: 4.05 - 5.37 mmol/L), UREA (2.7 - 6.3 mmol/L), CREA (26.4 - 46.8 µmol/L), UA (182.4 - 400.2 µmol/L), TG (0.43 - 1.67 mmol/L), CHO (boys: 3.19 - 5.96 mmol/L; girls: 3.03 - 6.51 mmol/L), HDL-C (0.98 - 2.24 mmol/L), LDL-C (boys: 1.30 - 3.64 mmol/L; girls: 1.24 - 4.27 mmol/L), total Ca (2.34 - 2.85 mmol/L), PHOS (1.38 - 2.06 mmol/L), Mg (0.83 - 1.06 mmol/L), osteocalcin (41.64 - 91.92 ng/mL), PTH (12.08 - 43.06 pg/mL), 25-OH-D (19.66 - 56.37 ng/mL), β-CrossLaps (0.82 - 1.88 ng/mL), TP1NP (357.9 - 1025.7 μg/L) were established. ALT, TP, ALB, GGT, Glu, CHO, HDL-C, LDL-C, UREA, CREA, PHOS, Mg, and ALP in high level group were significantly higher than those in low level group. There was no significant difference in TG, UA, TP1NP, osteocalcin, PTH and β-CrossLaps between high level group and low-level group. With the increase of serum total Ca and 25-OH-D levels, most of the biochemical markers had a gradually increasing trend. However, biochemical markers of bone (TP1NP, osteocalcin, PTH, β-CrossLaps) showed different trends. This study established the reference intervals of biochemical markers of 3-year-old children. The changes of serum total Ca and 25-OH-D levels in children reflected the changes of glucose and lipid metabolism, liver and kidney function markers, and indirectly reflected the growth and development of children and various organ functions. Maintaining high levels of serum total Ca and 25-OH-D can promote the growth and development of children.

CA 19-9 in Ovarian Immature TeratomaA Potential Tumour Marker or A Masquerade?

Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9, also known as Cancer Antigen (CA 19-9) is a tumour marker found elevated in certain ovarian tumours. Although reports of its association with mature teratoma are considerable, little is mentioned about its association with immature teratoma. This could be attributed to immature teratoma being a rare tumour with only a few studies on its tumour markers. Authors present the case of a 24-year-old female presenting with ovarian immature teratoma who also showed unusually high serum levels of CA 19-9 which reduced drastically after surgery. This association therefore may warrant further investigations to establish the clinical relevance and its importance in future.

Haematological manifestations in primary hyperparathyroidism.

Background & objectives:Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disorder caused by the elevated secretion of the parathormone (PTH). The aim of this study was to evaluate the haematological manifestations of PHPT in patients with normal renal functions who were treated surgically for parathyroid adenomas.Methods:In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 134 patients with normal renal functions who underwent parathyroidectomies for PHPT were included. The haematological manifestations were evaluated in the total study cohort and in the two groups of different calcium (Ca) levels (Group 1 ≤11.2 mg/dl and Group 2 >11.2 mg/dl).Results:The overall prevalence of anaemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia was 20.1, 6.7 and 6.0 per cent, respectively. Normocytic anaemia was present in 19 (14.2%) patients. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of anaemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia between the two groups. There were no correlations between the PTH levels and the leukocyte, haemoglobin or platelet values. Six to 12 months after the parathyroidectomy (PTX), 35.7 per cent of the patients with anaemia, 85.7 per cent of the patients with leucopenia and 100 per cent of the patients with thrombocytopenia had recovered.Interpretation & conclusions:In the present study, anaemia was seen with a variable frequency in PHPT, but there was no relationship between anaemia and high PTH or Ca levels. The development of anaemia can be seen regardless of the PTH levels in PHPT patients with normal renal functions. High-resolution rates after PTX indicate a possible association between PHPT and thrombocytopenia or leucopenia, although their prevalence is low in PHPT.

Mineral Content of Forages in Coconut Triangle, Wet Zone and Dry Zone Dairy Production Regions, During South-West Monsoon in Sri Lanka

The present study was conducted to evaluate the mineral status of forages in three different dairy production zones, Coconut Triangle, Wet Zone, and Dry Zone. Forage samples were collected from Kotadeniyawa, Udugoda and Seeppukulama representing the three locations, respectively. The samples were analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer to determine macro and micro minerals. Levels of Ca, K, Mg and Na in forages were ranged, 0.57-19.9 gram per kilogram dry matter (gkg-1 DM), 8.03-11.47 gkg-1 DM, 0.65-0.90 gkg-1 DM and 0.01-0.60 gkg-1 DM respectively. The micro mineral content of tested samples was ranged 21.5-478 mg Fe kg-1 DM, 18.7-285 mg Mn kg-1 DM, 2.82-103 mg Cu kg-1 DM M, 0.03-0.40 mg Co kg-1 DM, 0.09-0.25 mg Se kg-1 DM, 15.8-298 mg Zn kg-1 DM and 0.42-2.64 mg Cr kg-1 DM. The results revealed that legumes contain higher levels of Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn and Cu than grasses, while grasses are rich in Zn. The tested mineral contents of forages from three different zones were significantly different (p&lt;0.05) except Se. Level of Se in forage varieties showed no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) among three zones for most tested varieties except in Koronivia grass (Brachiaria humidicola) and Peuro (Pueraria phaseoloides).

Performance of a wheat–soybean cropping system as affected by applying phosphogypsum in combination with urea

High-intensity crop-production seeking for higher grain yields increases nutrient demand by plants. A field experiment was performed in Parana State, Brazil, on a clayey Haplic Cambisol to evaluate the effects of phosphogypsum and nitrogen (N) amendments on a wheat–soybean rotation. Phosphogypsum was surface-applied to plots at 0, 2, 4, and 6 Mg ha−1 before wheat sowing and two rates of urea at 40 and 80 kg N ha−1 were applied to subplots in top dressing at tillering of wheat. Phosphogypsum improved the yield performance of wheat–soybean rotation. Wheat grain yield increased by 20% due to phosphogypsum application only when a higher rate of urea at 80 kg N ha−1 was applied in top dressing, indicating an influence of the interaction between N and sulfur (S). Soybean grain yield increased by 16% with phosphogypsum application, regardless of the urea-N rates to the previous wheat crop. Higher grain yields of wheat and soybean were related to higher levels of Ca2+ and S in the soil profile (0–0.40 m). Although there was a slight involvement of phosphogypsum in reducing aluminum Al3+ toxicity in the subsoil due to a reduction in Al3+ saturation caused by increased Ca2+ concentration, the improvements imparted by the use of phosphogypsum resulted mainly from increased S concentration. The results showed that the critical levels of SO4–S by 0.01 mol L−1 Ca(H2PO4)2 were 14 and 27 mg dm−3 at 0–0.20 m and 0–0.40 m depths, respectively, for the wheat–soybean cropping system.

IPMN-associated pancreatic cancer: Survival, prognostic staging and impact of adjuvant chemotherapy

BackgroundIntraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN)-associated carcinoma is a subtype of pancreatic cancer for which prognostic factors, the validity of the AJCC/UICC staging system and the role of adjuvant chemotherapy remain unknown. Materials and methodsClinicopathological, treatment and follow-up data of patients with IPMN-associated carcinoma undergoing resection between 2002 and 2018 were analyzed. Uni- and multivariable survival analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors. ResultsOf 424 patients undergoing resection for IPMN-associated carcinoma, 77% patients had pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (IPMN-PDAC) and 23% had colloid carcinoma (IPMN-CC). Compared to IPMN-CC, IPMN-PDAC was diagnosed at more advanced tumor stages, more frequently involved lymph nodes, more frequently showed poor differentiation and were associated with higher rates of R1 resections. Resected IPMN-PDAC showed markedly shorter median overall survival than IPMN-CC (26.7 months vs. 91.3 months). The current AJCC/UICC staging system was validated for IPMN-associated carcinoma and for both of its subtypes. In multivariable analysis age ≥70 years, diabetes mellitus, high levels of Ca 19–9, IPMN-PDAC subtype, G3 tumors and higher AJCC/UICC stage were independently associated with shorter survival. Adjuvant therapy was not associated with improved survival in IPMN-associated carcinoma. Overall survival was comparable in patients receiving vs. not receiving adjuvant therapy. ConclusionsSurvival after resection of IPMN-associated carcinoma depends on tumor stage, on histologic tumor subtype, grading, and Ca 19-9 levels. The current 8th edition of the AJCC/UICC staging system is applicable for IPMN-associated carcinoma and for both of its subtypes IPMN-PDAC and IPMN-CC. The role of adjuvant therapy for IPMN-associated carcinoma remains unclear.

THE ROLE OF CA 19-9 IN PREDICTING TUMOR RESECTABILITY AND PROGNOSIS IN CARCINOMA HEAD OF THE PANCREAS.

Background: Pancreatic cancer is the fth leading cause of cancer death.. Pancreatic cancer is diicult to diagnose in its early stages. at the time presentation nearly 50% cases have distant metastsis. CA 19-9 is tumor associated mucin glycoprotein present in epithelial tissues of pancreas, biliary ductularcells, stomach, gall bladder. Blood levels may be elevated in benign as well as malignant conditions. Aims And Objectives: To study the relation between levels of CA 19-19 and tumor respectability in cases of carcinoma head of pancreas. To study the relation between levels of CA 19-9 and prognosis of the cases. Materials And Methods: A Retrospective analysis of all the cases of carcinoma head of pancreas admiited over a period of 2 years, June 2019 to may 2021 at king George Hospital Visakhapatnam and in them the data was collected from all the patients of ca head of pancrteas on basis of CECT, MRCP. CA 19-9 levels were measured and recorded. During surgery the operative ndings on operability and prognosis were documented and tabulated aganist correspoding CA 19-9 levels. Results: A total of 45 cases Carcinoma head of pancreas of which 30 were operated; of which 21 cases were operable and underwent whipples procedure and 9 under went palliative bypass procedure. CA 19-9 was elevated in all the cases. In operable cases (21) CA 19-9 levels were elevated but not more than 1000IU/ml. Among inoperable cases (24) 85% cases have high levels of CA !9-9 (greater than 1000 IU/ml) Conclusion: Rasie in CA 19-9 levels are seen in many bengin conditions and CA 19-9 is tumor marker for various GI malignancies. Very high levels of CA 19-9 denotes high chances of inooperability and distant metastasis and poor prognosis.

Assessment of significant metals in effluents, soil, and pond water of tanneries south of capital of Sudan state

In the present study, impact of tannery effluents and their subsequent on accumulation of some metals (Ca, K, Na, Mg, Cl, S, Cr, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) in water and soil samples in and around South Khartoum industrial area, Khartoum-Sudan were studied. Concentration of metals in tannery effluents (SA), adjacent contaminated pond water (SB), Soil (SC), and uncontaminated water (SD) were assessed by atomic absorption photometer. The results showed high levels of Ca, K, Na, Mg, Cl, S, Cr, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn within the water from all sampling point (SA, SB and SC). The investigation exhibited that tanneries wastewater has high mean concentrations of Cr, Fe, Mn, and Pb in all sampling point of effluent, pond water, soil, and uncontaminated water, except Zn which is high only in soil sampling point (SC). The significant metals accumulation displayed a pattern of mean concentration as follow: Soil &gt; Effluent &gt;contaminated pond water &gt; Un contaminated water. Significant metals toxicity levels within the totally different sampling points were compared with water from WHO. Mean metal concentrations in un contaminated water were among the allowable limit set by WHO except for Magnesium (Mg). The comparison indicated that soil (SC) within the neighboring industrial area accumulated metals, enhanced levels of toxic of metals such as Cr, Ni, Zn and Pb, which also demonstrated higher concentration levels in the adjacent contaminated pond water samples. increased levels of poisonous, that additionally incontestable higher concentration levels within the contaminated pond water.

Novel nanostructured resin infiltrant containing calcium phosphate nanoparticles to prevent enamel white spot lesions

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to develop a novel nanostructured resin infiltrant containing nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) to treat enamel white spot lesions (WSLs). Physical properties and the therapeutic effect of the new resin infiltrant were investigated for the first time. MethodsNACP was incorporated into ICON (Icon caries infiltrant, DMG, Germany) with different mass fractions. Cytotoxicity, degree of conversion, surface hardness, calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) ions release concentrations were tested. After application to the demineralized enamel samples, the color changes were determined. Surface and cross-sectional hardness were measured, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were taken on the cross-section of samples to observe microstructure changes after 14-day pH cycling. ResultsIncorporating 10%–30% of NACP did not compromise the biocompatibility and physical properties of the resin infiltrant. ICON + 30% NACP group had long-lasting and high level of Ca and P ion release. After 14-day pH cycling, enamel surface hardness of ICON + 30% NACP group was 1.83 ± 0.21 GPa, significantly higher than the control group (1.32 ± 0.18 GPa) (p < 0.05). ICON + 30NACP group had the highest cross-sectional enamel hardness among all groups (p < 0.05), especially at 50 μm and 100 μm depth. SEM images showed that apparent enamel prism and inter-prism gaps in negative control were masked by mineral deposition in ICON + 30% NACP group. SignificanceThe novel ICON+30% NACP infiltrant is promising to inhibit enamel WSLs, protect the enamel and increase its hardness.

English

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. High Ca levels and low Mg levels are associated with increased cardiovascular risk in the general population.1 The balance between Ca and Mg seems to play an important role in homeostasis since Mg is considered as physiologic antagonist of Ca.2 Hence Ca/Mg ratio was considered to study its association with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS This is a case control study conducted in Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli over a period of 2 years, February 2019 to December 2020. 200 cases and 150 controls were included in the study. The biochemical measurements including complete blood count (CBC), cardiac biomarkers, liver function tests, renal function tests (RFT), serum electrolytes and lipid profile were measured using standard laboratory methods. Student ‘t’ test was used to compare the data. Optimum cut-offs for diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction was calculated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. The association among markers was established by calculating Pearson’s correlation. RESULTS Serum Ca/Mg ratio was significantly higher (p value &lt; 0.001) in ACS when compared to control groups. It was also found that Ca/Mg ratio was significantly lower (p value &lt; 0.001) in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) when compared to STEMI group. Serum Mg was significantly lower (p value &lt; 0.001) in ACS group when compared to control group. Significant correlation (p value &lt; 0.05) was found between serum Ca/Mg ratio and cardiac markers (CKMB, Troponin-I). ROC analysis of Ca/Mg (4.19) ratios showed optimum cut-offs in diagnosis of AMI. CONCLUSIONS Serum Ca/Mg could be useful adjuvant marker in diagnosis of AMI. The ratio is higher in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction when compared to non-STsegment myocardial infarction, which could be due to greater decrease in Mg levels when compared Ca in ACS. KEYWORDS ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), Non ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), Creatine Kinase-MB (CK-MB).

Influence of heavy metals on the occurrence of Antarctic soil microalgae

AbstractHuman- and animal-impacted sites in Antarctica can be contaminated with heavy metals, as well as areas influenced by underlying geology and naturally occurring minerals. The present study examined the relationship between heavy metal presence and soil microalgal occurrence across a range of human-impacted and undisturbed locations on Signy Island. Microalgae were identified based on cultures that developed after inoculation into an enriched medium. Twenty-nine microalgae representing Cyanobacteria, Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta and Tribophyta were identified. High levels of As, Ca, Cd, Cu and Zn were detected in Gourlay Peninsula and North Point, both locations hosting dense penguin rookeries. Samples from Berntsen Point, the location of most intense human activity both today and historically, contained high levels of Pb. The contamination factor and pollution load index confirmed that the former locations were polluted by Cd, Cu and Zn, with these being of marine biogenic origin. Variation in the microalgal community was significantly correlated with concentrations of Mn, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cd, Co, Cr and Cu. However, the overall proportion of the total variation contributed by all metals was low (16.11%). Other factors not measured in this study are likely to underlie the majority of the observed variation in microalgal community composition between sampling locations.