High Calcium Levels Research Articles

The underlying mechanism of calcium toxicity-induced autophagic cell death and lysosomal degradation in early stage of cerebral ischemia.

Cerebral ischemia is the important cause of worldwide disability and mortality, that is one of the obstruction of blood vessels supplying to the brain. In early stage, glutamate excitotoxicity and high level of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) are the major processes which can promote many downstream signaling involving in neuronal death and brain tissue damaging. Moreover, autophagy, the reusing of damaged cell organelles, is affected in early ischemia. Under ischemic conditions, autophagy plays an important role to maintain energy of the brain and its function. In the other hand, over intracellular Ca2+ accumulation triggers excessive autophagic process and lysosomal degradation leading to autophagic process impairment which finally induce neuronal death. This article reviews the association between intracellular Ca2+ and autophagic process in acute stage of ischemic stroke.

RELATIONSHIP OF VITAMIN D LEVEL WITH SOME BIOCHEMICAL INDICATORS OF BLOOD IN PATIENTS OVER 60 YEARS OF AGE WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS BEFORE SURGERY AND AFTER PROSTHETICS

Objective. To study the relationship between vitamin D level and biochemical blood parameters in patients over 60 years of age with osteoarthritis (OA). Material and methods. In the investigation 200 patients aged 60–80 years (mean age – 69,03±2,34 years; 170 [85%] women and 30 [15%] men) with OA being observed in the out-patient medical institutions of Murmansk including 100 patients after total joint replacement took part. Vitamin D, triglycerides, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total cholesterol, low and high density lipoproteins, blood glucose, uric acid, creatinine, total protein, and blood calcium levels were determined in all patients. Results. Vitamin D deficiency was more frequently observed in the group of patients who did not receive surgical treatment compared to patients who underwent arthroplasty. A statistically significant relationship between vitamin D level and blood glucose was detected in the group of non-prosthetic patients. The relationship between vitamin D level, albumin and TSH was revealed in the group of prosthetic patients.

Tunisian Silybum Species: Important Sources of Polyphenols, Organic Acids, Minerals, and Proteins across Various Plant Organs.

Silybum marianum and Silybum eburneum are wild edible Mediterranean plants used in the human diet. This study presents the initial findings on the phytochemical characterization of Tunisian S. marianum and S. eburneum organs. It examined their mineral, sugar, organic acid, polyphenolic, and seed storage protein contents, as well as their antioxidant potential. In S. marianum, stems had high sodium and potassium contents, while the immature and mature seeds were rich in calcium and magnesium. However, S. eburneum had high potassium levels in stems and high sodium and calcium levels in the flowers. S. marianum showed substantial fructose variation among its organs. Conversely, S. eburneum exhibited significant heterogeneity in glucose, sucrose, and maltose levels across its organs, with maltose exclusively detected in the immature seeds. A notable organ-dependent distribution of organic acids was observed among the two species. Higher levels of phenolic contents were detected in both mature and immature seeds in both species compared to the other plant parts. The seeds possessed higher antioxidant activities than other plant organs. In both S. marianum and S. eburneum seeds, albumins and globulins were the predominant protein fractions. This study brings evidence supporting the important potential of Silybum organs as sources of nutrients with antioxidant properties for producing functional food.

Pedogenesis of pelitic rocks of the Serra da Saudade Formation - Bambuí Group

ABSTRACT Serra da Saudade Formation corresponds to the upper part of the stratigraphic column of the Bambuí Group. Few studies have addressed the soil properties and pedogenesis of the pelitic rocks rich in potassium minerals of this formation. This study analyzed siltstone-derived soils, some of which are glauconitic (green siltstone; “verdete”), to understand the role of the main pedogenetic factors and processes in the landscape of the Central-West region of the Minas Gerais State, covered by Cerrado vegetation. Nine soil profiles were described, and their morphological, physical, chemical and mineralogical properties were analyzed. Soils were classified as Neossolos Litólicos (P1, P3, P6, P8 and P9), Cambissolos Háplicos (P2 and P5), Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo (P4) and Argissolo Acinzentado (P7). The main active pedogenetic processes identified in the study area are melanization, goethization, argiluviation and elutriation. These are essentially controlled by the nature of the parent material and position of the soil in the relief. Soils are typically shallow, dystrophic, highly Al-saturated and contain essentially quartz and micas in the coarse fractions (sand and silt) and illite/glauconite and kaolinite in the clay fraction. In soil environments with siltstone and green siltstone under “dry forests”, the soil water pH was higher and high levels of exchangeable calcium and magnesium, a eutrophic character and high-activity clay were observed. Barium, chromium, lead and zinc contents were high in all studied soils. Green siltstone-derived soils have peculiar physical and chemical properties, divergent from those developed from other glauconitic rocks on the Earth surface. However, greenish tones in horizons are common in all these soils.

Tenascin-X is increased with decreased expression of miR-378a-5p and miR-486-5p in mice fed a methionine-choline-deficient diet that induces hepatic fibrosis.

We previously reported that tenascin-X (Tnxb) aggravates hepatic fibrosis in mice fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet with high levels of phosphorus and calcium (HFCD). In this study, we investigated Tnxb expression in livers with fibrosis caused by administration of a methionine-chorine-deficient (MCD) diet in mice. Whole transcriptome analysis showed that Tnxb was one of the genes with increased expression in livers of MCD diet-fed mice compared with that in livers of normal diet (ND)-fed mice. In microarray and subsequent microRNA (miRNA) network analyses, miR-378a-5p and miR-486-5p were identified in livers of MCD diet-fed mice as downregulated miRNAs, which have their predicted target sites in the 3' untranslated region of Tnxb mRNA and might suppress the translation of Tnxb mRNA. RT-qPCR analyses of livers of MCD diet-fed mice compared with livers of ND-fed mice verified the upregulation of Tnxb and fibrosis-triggering genes and conversely the downregulation of miR-378a-5p and miR-486-5p. Overexpression of miR-378a-5p and miR-486-5p resulted in decreased level not only of the FLAG-tagged fibrinogen-like domain of Tnxb protein (FLAG-mTNX-FG) but also of endogenous Tnxb protein in murine cultured cells. These results indicate that expression of Tnxb is regulated by miR-378a-5p and miR-486-5p in hepatic fibrosis following MCD diet feeding.

Renal hyperparathyroidism- a risk factor in the development of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis.

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a rare complication of prolonged peritoneal dialysis (PD) exposure, characterised by peritoneal thickening, calcification, and fibrosis ultimately presenting with life-threatening bowel obstruction. The presence or role of peritoneal calcification in the pathogenesis of EPS is poorly characterised. We hypothesise that significantly aberrant bone mineral metabolism in patients on PD can cause peritoneal calcification which may trigger the development of EPS. We compared the temporal evolution of bone mineral markers during PD in EPS patients with non-EPS long-term PD controls. Linear mixed model and logistic regression analysis were used to compare four-monthly serum levels of calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) over the duration of PD exposure in 46 EPS and 46 controls (PD, non-EPS) patients. EPS patients had higher mean calcium (2.51 vs. 2.41 mmol/L) and ALP (248.00 vs. 111.13 IU/L) levels compared with controls (p=0.01 and p<0.001 respectively, maximum likelihood estimation). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that high serum calcium and phosphate levels during PD were associated with a 4.5 and 2.9 fold increase in the risk of developing EPS respectively. High levels of calcium and phosphate in patients on PD were identified to be risk factors for EPS development. Possible reasons for this may be an imbalance of pro-calcifying factors and calcification inhibitors promoting peritoneal calcification which increases peritoneal stiffness. Mechanical alterations may trigger, unregulated fibrosis and subsequent development of EPS. Improved management of secondary hyperparathyroidism during PD may ultimately diminish the EPS risk.

Hypercalcemia with the development of chronic kidney disease, nephrolithiasis after intramuscular injection of oil solutions

One of the rare causes of PTH-independent hypercalcemia can be anabolic oil solution, injected intramuscularly by bodybuilders, along with anabolic hormones, in order to make the muscles more prominent. Here is the clinical report of a 43-year-old patient who used Synthol oil solution at the age of 25–30 years is presented. He had long-term undiagnosed hypercalcemia that manifested with nephrolithiasis and progressing chronic kidney disease (CKD). For the first time hypercalcemia was diagnosed at the age of 37, but left omitted. In 2023 (43 years) the laboratory findings sowed extremely high calcium level (4.26 mmol/l) with decreased PTH and CKD C4. Malignancy hypercalcemia was excluded. With this case, the rare cause of hypercalcemia has been proven – intramuscular oil injection resulting in nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis and CKD. Treatment with glucocorticoids has demonstrated positive effect, similar to the ones of granulomatous diseases and hypercalcemia. The mechanisms of PTH-independent hypercalcemia development and differential diagnosis are currently being discussed. The presented clinical case of a rare cause of hypercalcemia may be useful for doctors of various specialties: endocrinologists, therapists, urologists, dermatologists, etc.

Effects of AM/PM Diets on Laying Performance, Egg Quality, and Nutrient Utilisation in Free-Range Laying Hens

Laying hen nutrient requirements change throughout the day, due to the cyclic nature of egg formation. Generally, more energy and protein are required in the morning when the albumen is deposited around the yolk, and more calcium is required in the evening when the eggshell is formed. The aim of this study was to determine if feeding laying hens diets tailored to their specific nutritional and physiological requirements throughout the day, by feeding higher levels of protein and energy in the morning and higher levels of calcium in the evening, is more beneficial than feeding one diet all day. Hy-Line Brown laying hens (n = 360) were housed in free-range floor pens (18 pens with 20 hens/pen) from 34 to 53 weeks of age (WOA). Half of the birds (n = 180, nine replicate pens) were fed a conventional layer hen diet all day (control) and the remaining birds (n = 180, nine replicate pens) were fed an AM diet from 08:00 h to 16:00 h and PM diet from 16:00 h to 08:00 h (AM/PM). From 39 WOA, hens were given access to an outdoor range from 09:00 h to 18:00 h via pop holes. Egg weight and hen-day egg production were measured daily, and feed consumption and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured weekly. Hen weight and egg size uniformity were determined at 43 and 53 WOA, and egg quality was measured at 53 WOA. A total of 72 hens (4 hens/pen, 36 hens/treatment) were euthanised at 53 WOA to determine ileal apparent energy and nitrogen digestibility. A cost–benefit analysis for the study period, based on feed costs and egg mass, was calculated. Overall, the results showed that the AM/PM treatment increased egg mass by 2.15% (60.4 vs. 59.1 g/hen/day, p = 0.086) and improved feed efficiency by 8.34% (2.231 vs. 2.436 kg feed/kg egg, p = 0.030) compared with the control. A higher yolk colour score was observed in eggs from hens on the AM/PM treatment (p = 0.002), but no other significant effects of the treatments on egg quality were observed. Ileal digestible energy and digestible nitrogen coefficient were lower in hens on the AM/PM treatment compared with the control treatment (both p &lt; 0.001). However, the AM/PM treatment was attributed to a lower feed cost to egg mass compared with the control treatment (p &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, using an AM/PM feeding strategy was found to be economically beneficial.

Phytochemical profile and antioxidant potential of four cultivars of Corchorus olitorius l: traditional African vegetables underused in Côte d'Ivoire

Corchorus olitorius L, a traditional leafy vegetable of the Malvaceae family, is well appreciated in the central region of Côte d'Ivoire, where there are 5 cultivars whose phytochemical profile and antioxidant potential remain poorly understood. To better characterise them, phytochemical analysis and evaluation of antioxidant activity by DPPH and ABTS were carried out. The analyses revealed that the leaves of these cultivars are good sources of nutrients, with high levels of protein (19 - 25%), ash (8 - 12%), fibre (3 - 9%), total carbohydrates (40 - 48%), energy (252 - 288 Kcal/100g), iron (29 - 192 mg/100g), calcium (2167 - 2574 mg/100g) and potassium (6799 - 10692 mg/100g). The leaves are also rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols (11 - 81 mg GA eq/g extract), flavonoids (268 - 474 mg Q eq/g extract) and condensed tannins (8 - 75 mg TA eq/g extract). High antioxidant activity was observed (IC50 DPPH = 61 - 173 µg/mL and IC50 ABTS = 12 - 29 µg/mL). The best phytochemical profile and antioxidant potential were obtained in the CONB cultivar, which is also the most widely consumed by the population.

Yield and chemical composition in Arapaima gigas fillets, reuse of by-products for flour make and quality of vegetable tannin-tanned leathers

Objective: The aimed of this study was to evaluate the yield and chemical composition of paiche (Arapaima gigas) fillets and use of head and spine for elaboration of flour and quality of the skins tanned with vegetable tannin. Main Body: Therefore, different flours were developed and evaluated in terms of chemical composition, minerals, fatty acid and amino acid profile, pH, Aw, colorimetry, granulometry and microbiology. Paiche evaluated had 12.61 kg and 120.5 cm in total length, with a skinless fillet yield 44.56%, totaling 55.44% of filleting by-products. Among these, there was possibility of using the spine 16.17%, head 16.49% and skin 16.81%. The fillets had 71.41% moisture, 20.34% protein, 5.58% lipids and 1.05% minerals. Natural flour was obtained from spines and heads, with an average yield 15.48%, and the spine flour had better nutritional value, containing 54.42% of protein and 7.24% of lipids, in addition to lower Aw 0.27, despite head flours having higher levels of calcium and phosphorus. Spine flour showed a more reddish color and smaller granulometry, where the Mean Geometric Diameter (MGD) was 0.24%, making its inclusion in food products easier. Leathers have higher tensile strength 13.85 N mm-2 and elasticity 86% in transverse direction. The skins within the by-products generated can tanned with vegetable tannin, shown high quality resistance and being able to used for making clothes, bags and shoes, adding a substantially high economic value to products.

Effect of cuprum proteinate on blood parameters in broiler chickens

The data obtained during the scientific and economic experiment show that the replacement of copper sulfate with copper proteinate in broiler chickens, even in smaller doses, did not significantly affect hematological and biochemical blood parameters. Some increase in the total level of albumins and globulins, the activity of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, and the content of calcium, phosphorus and copper in blood serum was noted. Introduction of cuprum proteinate to compound feed to broiler chickens of the third experimental group in doses of 13.9; 12.6 and 9.0 g/t (on average for 42 days – 12.5 g/t) contributed to a probable increase in total protein by 14.2 % (Р &lt; 0.05) on the 30th day of the experiment and by 12.3 % (Р &lt; 0.05) on the 42nd day of the experiment compared to the control group. At the same time, the level of albumins increased by 11.9 % (Р &lt; 0.05) and 15.8 % (Р &lt; 0.05), and globulins by 12.0 % (Р &lt; 0.05) and 10.7 %, respectively. This fact shows that reducing the dose of cuprum proteinate has a positive effect on protein synthesis, activation of albumin and globulin synthesis occurs, which reduces the load on the immune system of broiler chickens and has a positive effect on protein metabolism. On the 42nd day of the experiment, the calcium content in the blood of all groups increased, but in the experimental groups it was higher than the control indicator in the second group by 4.8 % and by 5.6 % in the third experimental group. Regarding the level of Phosphorus in the blood serum of experimental groups of broiler chickens, its amount increased to 1.85–1.96 mmol/l on the 42nd day. The content of cuprum in the blood of broiler chickens, which were fed cuprum proteinate as part of compound feed, was probably higher than the indicator of the control group. Chickens of the second experimental group, which were fed cuprum proteinate in quantities of 18.2; 16.8 and 12.0 g/t of compound feed exceeded their counterparts by 14.0–16.3 % (Р &lt; 0.05). Broiler chickens of the third experimental group, which were added to compound feed with cuprum proteinate in doses of 13.9, 12.6 and 30 g/t, prevailed on day 30 of the experiment by 18.8 % (Р &lt; 0.01), and on day 42 day by 18.9 % (Р &lt; 0.01). A higher level of Calcium and Phosphorus in the blood serum of experimental broiler chickens indicates an increase in the resistance of the bird to infections and better mineralization of bone tissue. Feeding of cuprum proteinate to broiler chickens makes it possible to reduce the dose of the trace element in compound feed, which reduces the burden on the bird's body and increases the biological availability of mineral compounds.

Potential of Shells as a Source of Calcium

Shellfish are also known as by-products, namely production results that are not utilized or not consumed, where the value of this by-product can be increased/added through a process known as Reduce-Reuse and Recycle (3R). This research aims to determine the potential of shellfish as a source of calcium. Samples of clams (Paphia undulata), blood clams (Tegillarca granosa), and Asian Moon Scallop (Amusium pleuronectes) were obtained from Tambak Lorok Fish Auction Place, Semarang; then taken to the Marine Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Diponegoro to have the shells, and air dry until dry after drying the shell. Calcium and mineral content were analyzed using the XRF method at the Integrated Laboratory, Universitas Diponegoro. The results of the study showed that the calcium (CaO) content of the three shellfish was the lowest in the clam (P. undulata) at 45.79%, then the Asian moon Scallop (A. pleuronectes) at 45.89%, and the highest in the blood cockle T. granosa namely 92.41%. It can be concluded that the shells of clams, blood clams, and Asian Moon Scallops contain high levels of calcium and minerals, which have the potential to be used as an additional ingredient in concrete/paving blocks and fish feed.

Diagnostic pitfalls and therapeutic challenges of hypercalcaemia in chronic kidney disease: a case report and a narrative review

BackgroundEvaluation of hypercalcaemia in a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is challenging, especially in low-resource settings. Hormone assays should be interpreted with caution as CKD affects both parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D. Therapies such as bisphosphonates are contraindicated in CKD, while fluid resuscitation can lead to volume overload. We report the diagnostic workup of a patient with stage V CKD who presented with symptomatic hypercalcaemia and discuss the diagnostic pitfalls and therapeutic challenges.Case presentationA 72-year-old Sri Lankan woman with stage V, non-oliguric CKD presented with a 2-week history of worsening lassitude, increased thirst and constipation. She was clinically euvolemic and did not have signs of uraemia. Bilateral lung fields had occasional coarse crepitations. The rest of the physical examination was normal. Her serum creatinine level was similar to her baseline (4.7 mg/dl, eGFR 9 ml/min). She was found to have a high serum calcium (14.3 mg/dl) and phosphate (5.0 mg/dl) levels. Her PTH level was 24.1 pg/ml (15–68), and she was deficient in 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (9 mg/ml (30–100)). She was not on calcium or vitamin D supplementation. Disseminated tuberculosis was diagnosed after detecting granulomata in the lungs and abdomen in the contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and mycobacterial DNA in sputum. She was hydrated with 0.9% NaCl with meticulous use of frusemide. The effect of frusemide waned off by the 10th day, requiring haemodialysis to control the hypercalcaemia. Vitamin D was replaced intramuscularly with 200,000 IU, after which the calcium levels increased. She was treated with IV pamidronate 30 mg, and the calcium levels started reducing drastically. Antituberculous therapy (ATT) was initiated 7 days after pamidronate treatment. The calcium levels normalised 2 days after ATT and sustained beyond 2 months.ConclusionInterpretation of PTH and phosphate levels should be done with caution when evaluating hypercalcaemia in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. First- and second-generation assays detect PTH fragments which accumulate in CKD, leading to false positives. Hypophosphataemic effects of PTH/PTHrP can be masked by accumulation of phosphate in CKD. Bisphosphonates might have a role in treating calcitriol-induced hypercalcaemia, although this needs further evaluation.

The response of human osteoblasts on bovine xenografts with and without hyaluronate used in bone augmentation

The aim of the in vitro study was to asses the effect of hyaluronate in conjunction with bovine derived xenografts on the viability, proliferation on day 4, 7 and 10, expression of early osteogenic differentiation marker Alkaline phosphatase on day 14 and 21, collagen, calcium deposition on day 14, 21 and 28 and cellular characteristics, as assessed through live cell image analysis, confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, in primary human osteoblasts compared to three bovine xenografts without hyaluronate. All experiments were performed in triplicates. Data were compared between groups and timepoints using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Bonferroni post hoc test were further used for multiple comparison between groups (p < .05) An increase in cell viability (p < .05) and enhanced ALP activity was observed in all xenografts. Specimens containing hyaluronate showed a highest significant difference (23755 ± 29953, p < .0001). The highest levels of calcium (1.60 ± 0.30) and collagen (1.92 ± 0.09, p < .0001) deposition were also observed with hyaluronate loaded groups. The osteoblasts were well attached and spread on all xenograft groups. However, a higher number of cells were observed with hyaluronate functionalized xenograft (76.27 ± 15.11, (p < .0001) in live cell image analysis and they migrated towards the graft boundaries. The biofunctionalization of xenografts with hyaluronate improves their in vitro performance on human osteoblasts. This suggests that hyaluronate might be able to improve the bone regeneration when using such xenografts.

THE EFFECT OF EDUCATION ABOUT THE DASH DIET ON AWARENESS SCORES OF THE HAZARDS OF HYPERTENSION

Background: According to the records of the World Health Organization (WHO), one billion people in the world suffer from hypertension, two-thirds of whom are in developing countries with moderate and low incomes. We can do non-pharmacological therapy by providing education about the dash diet to the hypertension hazard awareness score. Where this dash diet emphasizes consuming high levels of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Purpose: to determine the effect of education about the dash diet on the awareness score of the dangers of hypertension. Methods: Pre-experimental research design with a one group pre-test and post-test design carried out in one group without a control group. This research was conducted on January 30 - February 18, 2023. The population in this study were 266 patients who experienced hypertension at the Kenten Palembang Health Center. The sampling technique used purposive sampling with a sample of 38 respondents. Data collection through the pre-test provided question paper, then the intervention provided education about the hypertension hazard awareness score, then the post-test provided similar questions. Data analysis used univariate and bivariate analysis. Results: there is an effect of education about the dash diet on the awareness score of the dangers of hypertension (p value = 0.000). Suggestion: it is hoped that this can be an additional reference that can be used as an alternative action/therapy in non-communicable disease management programs, namely hypertension.

Evaluation of Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT, and Tp-e/QTc ratio in primary hyperparathyroidism before and after parathyroidectomy

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio, and Tp-e/QTc ratios, which are new ventricular repolarization (VR) parameters in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) patients, and also investigate the potential effect of parathyroidectomy (PTx) on these parameters. Methods: In total, 27 patients with PHPT who underwent PTx and 25 control subjects were selected for our study. Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio, and Tp-e/QTc ratios of patients planned for PTx were compared to healthy matched controls. Electrocardiographic parameters measured 6 months after the surgery were also compared with preoperative values for each patient. Results: Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio, and Tp-e/QTc ratio were significantly higher in PHPT patients compared to the control group (p&amp;lt;0.001, for all).It was observed that the parameters mentioned after surgery decreased significantly, and there was no statistical difference when compared to the control group.The correlation analysis revealed a significant and positive correlation between corrected calcium (CCa) and PTH levels with Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio, and Tp-e/QTc ratio (for Ca; r=0.515, p=0.006; r=0.398, p=0.040; r=0.797, p&amp;lt;0.001 respectively vs. for PTH; r=538, p=0.04; r=0.422, p=0.028; r=0.812, p&amp;lt;0.001 respectively). Conclusions: This study showed that Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT, and Tp-e/QTc ratios were prolonged in PHPT.These values, which are accepted as an indicator of sudden cardiac death after PTx, decreased significantly. In addition, both high PTH and high calcium(Ca) levels appear to have the potential to cause arrhythmogenic effects separately.

O-05 A novel mutation of MEN1 gene in familial Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1): A report of two cases

Abstract Introduction Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1) is a rare (1-9/100000) autosomal dominant disease. It is characterized by primary hyperparathyroidism (90%), enteropancreatic tumor (60-70%), non-functional adrenal adenomas (30%) and pituitary tumors (10-20%). Herein, we present two cases in the same family with MEN1 syndrome caused by a novel mutation. Clinical Case 1: 49-year-old male presented to our clinic with fasting hypoglycemia. Fasting serum glucose (FSG) was 51 mg/dl and serum cortisol was 18 ug/dl. During the hypoglycemia in prolonged fasting test, the serum levels of glucose, insulin and C-peptide were 37 mg/dl, 17.3 mu/l, 7.75 ng/ml respectively (Table 1). Abdominal MRI revealed mass lesions in the pancreas (Figure 1). Ultrasonography of the neck and MIBI scintigraphy performed because of the high levels of calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH), were consistent with parathyroid adenoma (Table 2). Pituitary MRI showed a 12 mm macroadenoma. He underwent parathyroidectomy and distal pancreatectomy simultaneously. The resected specimens revealed a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (NET) of the pancreas and parathyroid adenoma. The patient had no new hypoglycemic episodes after surgery and serum calcium remained within the normal range (Table 2). Central hypothyroidism and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism which was resulted from the pressure of the adenoma was managed medically. Genetic testing revealed a heterozygous mutation in NM_001370251.1:c.949del(HET). First degree relatives of the patient were screened for MEN. Clinical Case 2: The son of case 1, an 18-year-old male, presented with fasting hypoglycemia. He had a BMI of 37 kg/m2 and underwent gastric botox 3 months prior to his presentation. FPG was 52 mg/dl and serum cortisol was 20 ug/dl. Prolonged fasting test confirmed the diagnosis of insulinoma (Table 1). Abdominal MRI showed a pancreatic tail mass 37×22 mm in size. Gallium 68 PET/CT DOTATATE revealed increased uptake in multiple lesions in the pancreas. Ultrasonography and MIBI scintigraphy showed a parathyroid adenoma. A nonfunctional microadenoma was detected in pituitary MRI. The patient underwent distal pancreatectomy. Following pancreatectomy, right superior and left inferior parathyroidectomies were performed. Since his serum calcium levels started to increase in 48 hours after the operation, the patient has had second operation for left superior parathyroidectomy. After the operation, the serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels were 9.2 mg/dl, 58 pg/ml respectively. Specimens revealed well-differentiated NET and atypical parathyroid adenoma. The patient was found to have the same genetic mutation with his father and during the follow up the serum glucose and calcium levels remained within the normal range (Table 2). Conclusion In the genetic examination the heterozygous mutation NM_001370251.1:c.949del(HET) in exon 7/11 of the MEN1 gene found in our patients represents a novel mutation.Figure 1.MRI showing pancreatic masses Table 1.Laboratory findings Table 2.Prolonged fasting test

PRMT3 methylates HIF-1α to enhance the vascular calcification induced by chronic kidney disease

BackgroundMedial vascular calcification is commonly identified in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and seriously affects the health and life quality of patients. This study aimed to investigate the effects of protein arginine methyltransferase 3 (PRMT3) on vascular calcification induced by CKD.MethodsA mice model of CKD was established with a two-step diet containing high levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were subjected to β-glycerophosphate (β-GP) treatment to induce the osteogenic differentiation as an in vitro CKD model.ResultsPRMT3 was upregulated in VSMCs of medial artery of CKD mice and β-GP-induced VSMCs. The inhibitor of PRMT3 (SGC707) alleviated the vascular calcification and inhibited the glycolysis of CKD mice. Knockdown of PRMT3 alleviated the β-GP-induced osteogenic transfomation of VSMCs by the repression of glycolysis. Next, PRMT3 interacted with hypoxia-induced factor 1α (HIF-1α), and the knockdown of PRMT3 downregulated the protein expression of HIF-1α by weakening its methylation. Gain of HIF-1α reversed the PRMT3 depletion-induced suppression of osteogenic differentiation and glycolysis of VSMCs.ConclusionThe inhibitory role of PRMT3 depletion was at least mediated by the regulation of glycolysis upon repressing the methylation of HIF-1α.

The discovery of Moniliformis saudi (Acanthocephala: Moniliformidae) in the Algerian hedgehog Atelerix algirus in Malta: morphological, molecular, and metal analyses.

The acanthocephalan Moniliformis saudi Amin, Heckmann, Mohammed, Evans, 2016 was originally described from the desert hedgehog, Paraechinus aethiopicus (Ehrenberg) in central Saudi Arabia. The distribution of P. aethiopicus extends to North Africa and west to Mauritania. Moniliformis saudi was recently found in the Algerian hedgehog Atelerix algirus (Lereboullet) in Malta. The distribution of A. algirus is restricted to the North African and east Iberian Mediterranean coast and associated islands. Both host species cohabit and share the same feeding grounds in northern Algeria where common infections appear to take place. The morphology of specimens from both acanthocephalan populations was similar, with minor variations mostly related to the relatively larger Maltese specimens especially the trunk and the male reproductive system. Taxonomic features like the cone-shaped anterior trunk, size and formula of proboscis and hooks, the receptacle, size and shape of eggs, anatomy of the apical proboscis sensory pores, and the stellate body wall giant nuclei were, however, practically identical. SEM and microscope images of specimens of the Maltese population emphasize their qualitative characteristics such as the degree of the extreme spiral muscle development and the development of the posterior nucleated pouches of the proboscis receptacle. Proboscis hooks of specimens from both the Maltese and the Saudi populations had similarly high levels (percent weights) of calcium, moderate levels of phosphorus, and minimal levels of sulfur, magnesium and sodium marking the diagnostic value of the Energy Dispersive x-ray analysis in species recognition. Newly generated partial sequences of the 18S ribosomal RNA and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (Cox1) of the mitochondrial gene were generated from M. saudi from Malta. Moniliformis saudi from Malta, when compared with other available sequences of the same species isolates available in the GenBank database, formed a strongly supported clade with other congeners. The comparison of the molecular profiles of specimens from populations in Malta, Spain, and Saudi Arabia shows no or low genetic variation between them. Ultimately, we provide a morphological and molecular description of a new population of M. saudi from a new host species in a new geographical location, vastly exceeding the originally described ones from Saudi Arabia. A Cox 1 haplotype network inferred with 10 sequences revealed the presence of eight haplotypes, one of which was shared between the populations of Malta and Spain of M. saudi.

Nutritional Profiling and Characterization of Developed Cake Premix Using Finger Millets (Eleusine coracana) and Sweet Potato (Ipomea batatas L.)

Research in the areas of nutrition and health care, as well as the growing public knowledge of these subjects, support the potential of phytochemicals like dietary fibre on their health-beneficial properties. Finger millet (FM) rates higher in terms of nutritional composition than other cereal grains. When absorbed by the body, FM's nutritional composition lowers the chance of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and gastrointestinal tract disorders. Due to the high levels of calcium (0.38%), dietary fibre (18%), and phenolic compounds (0.3–3%) in it, its usefulness in terms of nutrition is well understood. Additionally, they have been found to have anti-diabetic, anti-tumor, anti-atherosclerotic, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities. The study focused on the development, Physiochemical Analysis, Nutritional Profiling and Microbial analysis of Cake Premix using Finger Millet and Sweet Potato in Different Ratio. A porous shape of the premix powder was shown by Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy. The structure of the Premix was mainly pore-free, uniform, and compact. showed that the Premix's surface was also smooth. Presumption powder's Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra were essentially identical within the wave-number range of 4000–400 cm−1. the six-month period's microbiological proliferation (count of mould and yeast). The findings showed that during the storage period, there was no discernible variation in the microbiological load (yeast and mould count) in the created goods, suggesting that they were safe for ingestion for up to six months. The objective of the present research was intended to develop Cake premix by using Finger Millet and Sweet Potato in different Ratio which could be utilized as nutritional supplement and also helps in lowering the risks of lifestyle disorders.