Blood Urea Levels Research Articles

An investigation into the contributing factors to survival of ARDS patients supported by veno-venous ECMO.

This study aimed to identify characteristics associated with survival during and post Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) therapy, in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A retrospective observational study on 94 consecutive patients with confirmed COVID-19 induced ARDS supported by ECMO was carried out 49/94 (52.7%) patients survived to hospital discharge. Non-survivors were found to have significantly (p < .05) higher: Pre-ECMO International normalized ratios (INR), carbon dioxide partial pressure (pCO2), Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) scores and blood urea levels. Also, lower pre-ECMO peak inspiratory pressures (PIP), mean arterial pressure, saturation of arterial oxygen (SaO2), blood bicarbonate levels (HCO3), blood Ph and fewer trials off ECMO with shorter combined trial off times. Patients that did not survive were more likely to have renal impairment and have received peri-ECMO haemofiltration. Poor prognosis was significantly associated with: receiving pre-ECMO nitric oxide (HR = 3.047, CI = 1.247-7.447, p = .015), renal impairment (HR = 3.023, CI = 1.586-5.763, p < .001), AKI of 2 (HR = 3.611, CI = 1.382-9.441, p = .009) or 3 (HR = 3.275, CI = 1.235-8.685, p = .017), peri-ECMO haemofiltration (HR = 2.412, CI = 1.310-4.442, p = .005) and the ABO blood group B (HR = 3.103, CI = 1.335-7.212, p = .008). pre-ECMO high CO2 (HR = 1.134, CI = 1.031-1.248, p = .010), blood lactate (HR = 1.350, CI = 1.156-1.576, p < .001), INR (HR = 2.571, CI = 1.438-4.598, p=<0.001) and lower blood Ph (HR = 0.023, CI = 0.002-0.210, p < .001). Commonly used mortality scores may not be of use in a COVID-19 cohort of ECMO patients. The initiation of ECMO needs to be implemented prior to metabolic derangements, renal and fulminant respiratory failure.

Protective effects of astaxanthin solid lipid nanoparticle as a promising candidate against acute kidney injury in rats.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden onset of renal injury that occurs within a few hours or days. Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) is a major cause of AKI. There are multiple dysregulated mechanisms behind the pathogenesis of AKI and IR which urges the need for finding multi-targeting therapies. Natural products are multi-targeting agents with promising sources of anti-inflammation, antioxidant, and antiapoptosis. Among them, astaxanthin (AST) is a keto-carotenoid with a high antioxidant potential. Using solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) as a novel formulation of AST helps to increase its efficacy and reduce side effects against AKI. After SLN preparation and loading of AST, the physicochemical properties were evaluated, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) tests. For the in vivo study, 28 rats were divided into four groups, including sham, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), and groups receiving protective and daily doses of AST-SLN (5 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) during all 5 days before ischemia. Exactly 24 h after ischemia, kidneys were isolated for histological studies, and also, serum levels of catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), nitrite, blood urea, and creatinine were measured. The results indicated that intraperitoneal administration of SLN-AST reduced oxidative stress by decreasing serum nitrite levels, while increasing CAT and GSH. SLN-AST also improved renal function by decreasing serum urea and creatinine and preventing tissue damage. Therefore, SLN-AST could be a hopeful adjuvant candidate to prevent AKI by modulating renal function, preventing tissue damage, and through antioxidant mechanisms.

Growth, Feed Efficiency, and Health Status of Tilapia sp. Fed with New Technology Promoter Binder Fortified Diet

Developing a sustainable feed with minimal or no fishmeal in tilapia production is a challenge to this industry. New Technology Promoter Binder (NTPB), a guanidinoacetic acid, is a nutritional supplement to enhance the energy metabolism of the muscle and brain tissue of vertebrates. This study aimed to evaluate several plant-based diet formulations with zero and minimal use of fishmeal enriched with NTPB on the growth, feed efficiency, and health status of Tilapia sp. The experimental diets in this study were conducted based on four formulations (minimum fishmeal/FM and zero fishmeal/NFM-based diets) with 0, 0.6, and 1.2 mg·kg−1 feed of NTPB supplementation. The research indicated that the various diets given to tilapia affected the growth performance of fish in terms of growth parameters and feed efficiency. Tilapias fed with NTPB grew better than those without NPTB in both FM- and NFM-based diets. The addition of NTPB was safe for tilapia as demonstrated in the blood glucose, urea, and creatinine levels, which were normal for healthy fish. The viscerosomatic and hepatosomatic indexes of tilapia fed with the experimental diets showed no distinct differences. Adding NTPB to tilapia diets increased the hardness and amino acid contents of the tilapia’s muscle, which would benefit consumers.

Optical Detection of Urea Level in Blood Using Novel SPR Sensor Employing Silicon and Tungsten Diselenide Nanomaterial for the Early Diagnosis of Heart and Kidney Diseases

Optical Detection of Urea Level in Blood Using Novel SPR Sensor Employing Silicon and Tungsten Diselenide Nanomaterial for the Early Diagnosis of Heart and Kidney Diseases

Variation in blood glucose, cholesterol, urea and calcium levels according to the physiological stage in Ouled-Djellal ewes in Algerian arid zone. Technical note

Sheep farming in arid and semi-arid regions of Algeria is confronted with large fluctuations in the availability of fodder, which is all the more restrictive for pregnant ewes whose needs are at a maximum and constitute a major obstacle to the development of this sector. This study aims to evaluate the influence of the physiological stage on the energy, nitrogen and mineral status of Ouled-Djellal ewes living in arid zones (Biskra), by determining the plasma levels of glucose, cholesterol, urea and calcium. Blood samples were taken from 40 ewes divided into two groups according to their physiological stage (pregnant and empty). The obtained results showed that the physiological stage had a significant influence only on blood glucose, being higher in empty sheep than in pregnant sheep (P&lt;0.05), whereas for the other blood parameters: cholesterol, urea, and the plasma concentrations of calcium do not seem to be influenced by the physiological stage.

Continuous flow microfluidic system with magnetic nanoparticles for the spectrophotometric quantification of urea in urine and plasma samples.

Urea, synthesized exclusively in the liver, is primarily transported through the bloodstream to the kidneys, where it is excreted in urine, accounting for 80-90% of nitrogen excretion in humans. Elevated blood urea levels, indicative of kidney dysfunction, make it a crucial biomarker for assessing renal function. Previous studies on urea detection using microdevices have largely focused on conductometric methods. In this study, we demonstrated the application of a continuous flow miniaturized system for rapid spectrophotometric urea quantification using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microdevices. The microdevice featured two distinct zones: an enzymatic reaction zone, where urease-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles were immobilized, and a detection zone, where reagents were incorporated to produce a colored reaction product via a modified Berthelot reaction. Integrating magnetic nanoparticles as a solid support for the enzyme enabled the reuse of PDMS microdevices without compromising the analytical signal. Spectrophotometric detection was performed in an additional microdevice acting as a microflow cell coupled with optical fibers. A calibration curve was constructed using urea standards diluted in phosphate buffer solution (PBS), yielding a linear range of 0.12-3.00 mg dL-1. The method demonstrated detection and quantification limits of 0.04 mg dL-1 and 0.12 mg dL-1, respectively. Precision and accuracy assessments yielded a repeatability of 0.90% and intermediate precision of 4.52%, with recovery rates near 100%. The method was applied to plasma and urine samples, showing urea concentrations within normal physiological ranges and an analysis throughput of 36 measurements per hour.

The effect of post-activation enhancement on the performance of Chinese national skeleton athletes in the "ice push sled"-a first cross-sectional study.

To investigate the impact of post-activation potentiation (PAP) induced by resisted sled sprint at different loads on the subsequent 30 m ice push sled performance of Chinese skeleton athletes, and to identify the resisted sled sprint load that most effectively enhances PAP for Chinese skeleton athletes. Seven elite athletes from the Chinese skeleton team participated in four tests with more than 48 h intervals. During the tests, on the first test, athletes completed a 40 min standard warm-up, rested for 6 min, and then performed a 30 m test. On the second, third, and fourth test, athletes completed the standard warm-up, then performed 20 m sprints with resisted sled (RS) at 75%, 50%, and 25% of body mass (BM), respectively, rested for 6 min, and then performed the 30 m test. No significant differences were found in morning pulse, blood urea, and creatine kinase levels among four tests. The percentage of maximum heart rate (%HRmax) within different intensity ranges showed no significant differences among four tests. However, significant differences were observed in ice push sled performance among four tests (No BMRS: 5.08 ± 0.27; 25% BMRS: 5.05 ± 0.29; 50% BMRS: 5.02 ± 0.27; 75% BMRS: 5.04 ± 0.28). Post hoc analyses revealed that the 50% BMRS test had faster speed compared to the no resistance (p < 0.05), the 25% BMRS (p < 0.05), and the 75% BMRS (p < 0.05) tests. Additionally, the 75% BMRS test had faster speed than the no resistance test (p < 0.05). A 20 m sprint with 50% BMRS effectively enhances the PAP effect in skeleton athletes, improving their ice push sled performance. Coaches can incorporate this resisted sled sprint in athletes' training routines for performance enhancement in both daily training and pre-competition preparations.

Potential nephroprotective effect of dapagliflozin against renal ischemia reperfusion injury in rats via activation of autophagy pathway and inhibition of inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis

Renal ischemia/reperfusion injury is a common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI), causing tissue damage, inflammation and oxidative stress. Autophagy, responsible for breakdown and recycling of cytoplasmic components. In hypoxic and ischemic renal damage, autophagy may serve as a survival strategy for the cells. Dapagliflozin has been shown to have protective effects against ischemia. Objective: The study investigates the potential nephro-protective effects of dapagliflozin on renal ischemia reperfusion injury, evaluating its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic effects and activation of autophagy via biochemical parameters and histopathological changes in adult male rats. Material and method: In this study, twenty eight male rats weighing between 200-300g, were divided into 4 groups sham, RIRI, DMSO, Dapagliflozin pretreated groups. All groups subjected to 30 min. of ischemia then 24 h of reperfusion except sham undergo the same anesthesia and surgical procedures except for bilateral renal ischemia. Dapagliflozin 1mg/kg and DMSO was given 2 hours before the induction of ischemia. Results: The study found that blood urea and serum creatinine levels increased in RIRI and DMSO groups when compared with sham group. Renal tissue levels of IL-6, Kim-1, caspase-3, LC-3 and Akt were also elevated in RIRI while GSH levels decreased in the RIRI. Dapagliflozin group showed significant increases in GSH, LC-3 and Akt levels when compared to sham group. Dapagliflozin reduced serum urea and creatinine levels, and renal tissue levels of IL-6, Kim-1, and caspase-3 also reduced. Conclusion: Dapagliflozin significantly reduced renal damage in rat model due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and activation autophagy.

EFFECTS OF CARICA PAPAPYA SEED EXTRACT ON HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN AMINOGLYCOSIDE-TRIGGERED ACUTE NEPHROTOXICITY IN EXPERIMENTAL RATS

Background: Nephrotoxicity is an emerging complication arising with the use of multiple drugs and dietary modifications. The objective of this study was to determine the nephroprotective effect of aqueous extract of Carica papaya seeds in aminoglycoside induced acute nephrotoxicity in rats. Methods: This Quasi Experimental study was conducted on 30 Sprague Dawley rats. After nephrotoxicity was confirmed by measuring serum urea and creatinine levels histomorphological examination of kidney tissue was done. Results: Group A, Group C and Group B had a mean serum urea level of 24.70±1.633, 82.70±2.587 and 81.00±1.247 mg/dL respectively (p&lt;0.05), showing nephrotoxicity on day 6. On day 11, mean blood urea level for Group C was 50.60±1.857 mg/dL (p&lt;0.05) compared to Group B with mean blood urea level 78.60±1.240. The reduced mean blood urea levels of Group C in comparison to Group B indicated nephroprotection from aqueous extract of Carica papaya seeds. In Group A, Group B and Group C the mean serum creatinine level was 0.750±0.619, 1.980±0.467 and 2.030±0.667 mg/dL (p&lt;0.05) respectively, on day 6 indicating nephrotoxicity with Gentamycin. Group B had mean serum creatinine levels of 1.920±0.0389 at day 11 while Group C had a mean serum creatinine of 1.380±0.611 after 5 days of therapy with Carica papaya seed aqueous extract on day 11 indicating nephroprotection. Conclusion: Aqueous extract of Carica papaya seeds has significant nephroprotective effects on aminoglycoside induced acute nephrotoxicity. Pak J Physiol 2024;20(3):3?7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v20i3.1637

EFFECT OF AYURVEDA TREATMENT MODALITY IN IMPROVING CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: A CASE REPORT

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition augmenting over years, entailing loss of kidney functions, affecting more than 10% of the general population worldwide. The solution of choice is either kidney transplantation or blood purification treatments such as hemodialysis (HD). Such medical procedures are expensive &amp; arduous for the patients, adversely impacting their quality of life. Hence alternative treatment modalities are copiously perceived seeking restoration. In the present study, 50 year-old female patient approached the hospital OPD for consultation with complaints of weakness, constipation, reduced appetite, weight loss, breathlessness etc. Patient was advised Ayurveda treatment along with dietary restriction. After 2 months of treatment significant improvement was seen, there was a gradual decrease in Serum Creatinine levels from 6.05 mg/dl to 2.20 mg/dl, Blood Urea levels from 80mg/dl to 64mg/dl and Uric acid levels from 4.4mg/dl to 3.0 mg/dl .The case clearly reveals the noteworthiness of Ayurveda treatment modality in the management of CKD.

Biochemical blood parameters in platinum fox females and males in ontogenesis

Currently, veterinarians pay much attention to the diagnostic examination of animals, including animals kept on fur farms. Blood is the main material used for such examinations. Changes in its composition allows veterinary practitioners to identify disorders in various systems and organs of animals, as well as to assess metabolism in animals. Results of biochemical tests of serum samples from platinum fox males and females of different age groups and comparative assessment thereof are presented. The levels of aspartate aminotransferase (U/L), alanine aminotransferase (U/L), alkaline phosphatase (U/L), total protein (g/L), albumin (g/L), urea (mmol/L), creatinine (μmol/L), α-amylase (U/L), cholesterol (μmol/L) were determined. Aspartate aminotransferase levels in females at the age of 6 months were lower by 69% than that ones in males. Increase in aspartate aminotransferase by the age of 6 months helps animals to accumulate body weight before winter. Sexual differences in the alkaline phosphatase levels were detected in 1.5-month-old kits: alkaline phosphatase levels were higher by 21.05% in males than in females. By the age of 6 months, the alkaline phosphatase levels decreased in both males and females. The decline in alkaline phosphatase level with the age is associated with participation of this enzyme in the development of animal skeleton during ontogenesis. From the age of 4 months, the growth and development of the skeleton slows down, and by the age of 6 months the animals gain the size and body weight of adult animals. Urea and creatinine levels in foxes of both sexes increased during their growth, but remained within the reference limits. Changes in urea levels in blood can be caused by feeding excessively high-protein or excessively low-protein diets. The total protein content in sera from 4 month-old males and females decreased by 32.51 and 43.24%, respectively, compared with that one in sera from animals at the age of 1.5 months, and increased at the age of 6 months up to the level observed at the age of 4 months. According to the literature, rather rapid stabilization of protein metabolism is a biological feature of many mammals born in spring, their growth rate is accelerated and, in general, the maturity phase is shortened.

Utilization of the dialysate to characterize dialysis adequacy by using microwave urea biosensor based on complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR)

The aim of this study is going to develop a monitoring approach for measuring blood urea concentration. This method uses microwave technology and complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR) to assess dialysis adequacy. The robust electric field near CSRR sides produces a high-sensitivity surface to a change in the nearby urea level. The proposed biosensor detection range spans from 1 to 100 mg/dL by modifying resonance frequency and peak attenuation. The biosensor was developed to operate at the main resonance frequency of 2.4 GHz, but all harmonics within the frequency range of 1–10 GHz were analyzed. A container incorporates the dialysate as the material being tested on the top of the sensor. Accurate measurement of blood urea variations using spent dialysate compared to the blood-based method has benefits due primarily to the lack of repetitive blood sampling. The innovative biosensor offers a non-invasive and convenient method to accurately evaluate the quantitative urea concentration in spent dialysate without the necessity of disposable chemicals. The biosensor has been designed to possess noteworthy attributes such as detecting minuscule concentration variations, low-cost fabrication, compact size, high sensitivity, and its ability to provide real-time results. By merging these features, the sensor demonstrates remarkable potential for non-invasively monitoring blood urea levels while seamlessly integrating with other dialysis devices. The initiative purpose of this study is going to offer renal patients methods for assessing dialysis adequacy with minimal impact on human health.

Assessment of Biochemical Potential of Rhizopus oligosporus as Starter Culture to Enhance the Nutritional Value of Palm Kernel Cake for Animal Feed Formulation

The objective of this study was to assess the biochemical potential of Rhizopus oligosporus as a starter culture to enhance the nutritional value of palm kernel cake (PKC) for animal feed formulation using appropriate standard methods. Among the experimental groups, the batch of birds fed with solid-state fermented PKC as a 50% maize replacement showed a noteworthy weight gain (p &lt; 0.05) in relation to the control group, while the other experimental groups exhibited a weight loss. Serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, creatinine, and blood urea did not show a notable difference from the reference group and those on the experimental diets. These findings collectively suggest that the pre-treatment of PKC using R. oligosporus holds the potential to elevate its nutritional quality for utilization in animal feed applications.

Dose-response curves for the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on growth performance, feed utilization, and health status of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp. Optimizing the economic efficiency of supplementation

Abstract A 14-weeks feeding trial was conducted to employ polynomial regression analysis to establish the optimal dosage of Lactobacillus plantarum (Lac) for enhancing the growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, and blood biochemical, redox balance, and immunity response of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp (initial body weight = 2.94 ± 0.03 g). A total of 240 healthy Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp were randomly distributed into four equal groups and were fed diets containing 0, 200, 400 and 800 mg Lac /kg diet respectively for 98 days. Increasing the levels of dietary Lac cubically improved growth performance and feed utilization ( p &lt;0.01), the optimal doses were established at 600 and 650 mg Lac/kg diet, respectively. Muscles thickness decreased significantly in all treated group compared to the control ( p &lt;0.05). The dietary treatment quadratic ally affected total protein ( p &lt;0.0001), tri-glycerides ( p &lt;0.0001), and cortisol ( p =0.0097), the optimal responses were observed at 650, 700, and 600 mg Lac/kg diet, respectively. Meanwhile the activities of liver enzymes (ALT and AST), the levels of blood urea and digestive enzymes (amylase and proteases) were cubically enhanced by the treatment, the optimal dosages were at 600 and 650 mg Lac/kg diet for liver enzymes, and urea concentration, respectively and at 650 and 700 mg Lac/kg diet for the activities of amylase and protease, respectively. With regards to redox balance, increasing the levels of Lac caused a quadratic decrease in the levels of malondialdehyde ( p =0.0398) and a cubic increase in the activities of superoxide dismutase ( p =0.0265), and catalase ( p =0.0163), the corresponding dose–response curves showed that the optimal dose was at 650 mg/kg diet. However, the levels of total antioxidant capacity were in a quadratic increase ( p =0.0372), maximizing at a level of 600 mg Lac / kg diet. Concerning the immunity response, both of lysozyme and IgM significantly affected by the dietary treatment ( p =0.0002 and 0.0001, respectively), maximizing at 600 and 650 mg Lac/kg diet, respectively. Dietary supplementation of Lac had significant and substantial impacts on the economic efficiency ( p &lt;0.0001). In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of 600-700 mg Lac /kg diet can be used as an effective and practical feeding strategy to enhanced growth performance, feed efficacy, redox balance and nonspecific immune responses in Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp.

Pomegranate juice recuperates N’-Nitrosodiethylamine-induced kidney injury: evidence from biochemical and histological approaches

BackgroundPomegranate is considered as one of the oldest elixirs having various properties. Renal fibrosis is a preliminary sign of pathological degradation in most ailments related to kidney. Several efforts have been made for the discovery of cost-effective and safe therapeutics for the alleviation of renal diseases. There is a major dearth of studies on the action of pomegranate juice (PGJ) against NDEA-instigated kidney injury. This study investigates the protective and antifibrotic action of PGJ in restricting the occurrence of experimental renal fibrosis in Wistar rats. Renal injury was generated by a single intraperitoneal dose of 10 ml kg−1 b.wt. (1% NDEA stock), while fresh PGJ (i.p.) in doses of 2 ml kg−1 b.wt was administered thrice a week on alternate days for two weeks to observe amelioration. The renal function indices (blood urea, creatinine, and uric acid), SOD, CAT, LPO levels and renal anatomy (H&E, MT, Picrosirius and SEM) were investigated.ResultsThe assessment of renal function demonstrates augmented levels of blood urea, creatinine and uric acid in NDEA-administered groups in comparison with controls. SOD, CAT declined significantly in NDEA Day-7- and Day-14-treated animals, while the MDA levels raised by ~ 70.5% and ~ 76.3% in these groups, respectively. However, supplementation of PGJ provided recuperation from these elevated levels in injured groups. H&E staining of the controls exhibited normal renal structure with intact glomerulus and Bowman’s capsule, while NDEA generated congestion of glomerular tuft, convoluted tubules with cloudy swelling and multiple subsidence of the renal tissue. Noticeable presence of collagen fibers in the interstitium of cortex region of kidney was observed by MT staining along with gross ultrastructural deterioration in NDEA-administered animals by electron microscopy. PGJ supplementation exhibited restoration of renal anatomy and physiology.ConclusionsPomegranate may be considered as a potent nutraceutical to prevent NDEA-induced renal damage and may be included as a daily dietary supplement.

TOXICITY TEST OF KELAKAI LEAF EXTRACT (Stenochlaena palustris) TOWARD WISTAR RAT KIDNEY (Rattus norvegicus)

Background: Excessive free radicals cause oxidative stress which is dangerous for the body. The number of free radicals in the body can be controlled with the presence of antioxidants. Kelakai leaves (Stenochlaena palustris.) are known to have activity as an antioxidant which has the potential to become an ingredient in herbal medicine. Purpose: To prove whether there is a toxic effect of administering kelakai leaf extract on the kidneys of Wistar rats based on analysis of blood urea and creatinine levels. Method: A pure experimental study with a posttest-only with control group design method, there were 4 groups consisting of 1 negative control group and 3 treatment groups who were given kelakai leaf extract orally for 28 days and then analyzed the blood urea and creatinine levels of the Wistar rats. Results: The average values of urea and creatinine levels in the three treatment groups were still within the normal range. There was a significant difference in the urea levels of all groups (p&lt;0.05), and there was no significant difference in the creatinine levels of treatment groups 2 and 3 (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Kelakai leaf extract given orally for 28 days did not cause toxic effects on the kidneys of Wistar rats based on analysis of blood urea and creatinine levels.

Neurological Manifestation of Neonatal Acute Kidney Injury: Focusing on the Clinico-Radiological Profile.

Purpose This study aimed atstudying the neurological manifestation of neonatal acute kidney injury, focusing on the clinico-radiological profile. Methodology In this cross-sectional study, newborns hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital were enrolled over a study period of one year. As per the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) criteria, 74 neonates were enrolled, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on the same neonates. Result In this study, acute kidney injury (AKI) was seen more often in neonates with admission weights between 1,500 and 2,499 grams, accounting for 52.7% of total study participants. In the current study, neonates admitted with AKI presented more with signs and symptoms of encephalopathy, such as lethargy (78.4%), seizures (64.8%), and irritability (35.1%) at admission. Signs and symptoms of fever and decreased urine output were more common after the first week of life. Abnormal MRI findings were observed in 64.9% of neonates with AKI. The mean blood urea and serum creatinine levels in neonates with abnormal MRI were 188.14 ± 108.25 mg/dL and 2.93 ± 2.16 mg/dL, respectively. The mean blood urea and serum creatinine levels in neonates with normal MRI were 169.84 ± 65.45 mg/dL and 2.41 ± 1.85 mg/dL, respectively. Of the 74 neonates enrolled with AKI, 12 (16.21%) had CSVT. These neonates had a mean blood urea level of 231.58 ± 111.66 mg/dL (p = 0.047) and a mean creatinine level of 3.77 ± 2.78 mg/dL. Conclusion Neonatal AKI has a variable presentation with high mortality and morbidity. Elevated serum urea and creatinine can be used to predict CSVT.

The assessment of zeolite addition to diets with or without urea on some productive and physiological indicators in Awassi lambs

BackgroundInterest is growing in the search for alternatives to traditional feed additives, so this study aimed to investigate the effect of adding zeolite to the concentrate diets of Awassi lambs with or without urea on growth performance, nutrient digestion, and health status. A total of 45 Awassi lambs similar in weight (24 ± 2 kg) and age (3 months ± 4 days) were divided into three groups: the first group (G1) fed on a concentrate diet supplemented with 1% urea; the second group (G2) fed on the concentrate diet supplemented with 1% urea and 3% zeolite, and the third group (G3) fed on a urea-free diet supplemented with 3% zeolite.ResultsThe results showed a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in final live weight, daily and total weight gain for group G2 compared to groups G1and G3, with a significant superiority (P ≤ 0.05) of group G3 over the control group G1. Significant improvement (P < 0.05) was also observed in feed consumption and feed conversion ratio in diets supplemented with zeolite for groups G2 and G3 compared to the control group G1. Additionally, there was a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in nutrient digestion and nutritional value in the diet of group G2 containing urea with added zeolite compared to groups G1 and G3. Zeolite did not affect the levels of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and albumin in the blood, but a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in total blood protein level and a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in blood urea level were noted for groups G2 and G3 compared to the control group G1.ConclusionsAdding zeolite to urea-containing concentrate diets improved growth rates and nutrient digestion, of Awassi lambs. In diets without urea, zeolite improved growth rates without affecting nutrient digestion coefficients, in both types of diets, zeolite increased total protein levels and decreased blood urea levels, with all physiological indicators in lambs blood remaining within normal limits.

Serum Procalcitonin ,Cystatin C, Kidney Injury Molecule -1 Levels in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcer and Relation with Chronic Kidney Disease

Objective: To evaluate the serum levels of Procalcitonin (PCT), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Cystatin C, and Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). Methods: This case-control study included 120 participants divided into four groups: 30 with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), 30 with diabetic foot ulcers and chronic kidney disease (DFU &amp; CKD), 30 with diabetes mellitus (DM), and 30 healthy controls. The study was conducted from November 2023 to March 2024. Laboratory tests performed on all patients and controls included CBC, blood urea, serum creatinine, and serum CRP levels using a fully automated analyzer. PCT, Cystatin C, and KIM-1 levels were measured using the ELISA method. Results: The biomarkers PCT, CRP, and WBC showed a significant increase in the diabetic foot group and the diabetic foot with chronic kidney disease group. Additionally, there were positive correlations between PCT and CRP and Cystatin C, and between KIM-1 and Cystatin C. ROC analysis of PCT demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity (91.1% and 99%, respectively). Conclusion: Elevated Procalcitonin levels in diabetic foot patients can predict early infection even without clear clinical signs. Increased levels of Cystatin C and KIM-1 serve as good biomarkers for renal function and complications of diabetes, showing a close relationship with diabetic foot conditions.

Prophylactic and curative activity of Withania somnifera on experimentally induced calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis

Withania somnifera an ayurvedic herb was utilized to assess the antilithic properties of calcium oxalate (CaOx) Nephrolithiasis in rats fed ethylene glycol (EG) in an experimental setting. There were 5 groups of animals (n = 6). The control group was given normal saline, Lithiatic control was given ethylene glycol 1% (v/v) with ammonium chloride 1% (w/v) for 4 days (received stone inducing treatment till 28th day ), follow by 1% ethylene glycol alone in water, Standard group received antiurolithiatic drug (Cystone) (500 mg/Kg) from 15th day till 28th day, treatment group received Withania somnifera methanolic extract (200 mg/Kg) from 15th day till 28th day (Curative regimen) and received Withania somnifera methanolic extract (WS-200 mg/Kg) from 1st day till 28th day (prophylactic regimen) in wistar rats. Blood and kidney tissue were collected after the 28th day of urine. Ca2-, Mg2+, K+ and PO4- levels were estimated in urine, creatinine and urea level were estimated in serum whereas all oxidative stress was measured in kidney tissue. Additionally, Urinary microscopy and kidney histopathology were estimated. Lithiatic control group showed significant elevation (P&lt;0.0001 vs. control) in serum creatinine, blood urea and antioxidants levels. Due to crystal deposits, the histopathology of Lithiatic group showed tubule dilatation with interstitial inflammatory infiltrate, whereas the therapy group showed less tubule dilatation with interstitial inflammatory infiltrate. It can be concluded that at 200 mg/kg the herbal drug possessed significant potential in the management of nephrolithiasis.