Mean Values Of Calcium Research Articles

Serum Concentrations of Calcium, Phosphorus, and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D in Captive African Elephants (Loxodonta africana)

Seventy-two serum samples were collected from 14 healthy African elephants (Loxodonta africana), including three calves, to test for 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] as well as for performing biochemical panels. Samples were collected between July 1997 and January 2008 to establish normal 25(OH)D values for the species and to examine the relationship of season and time on these values. Although the number of samples from the calves was small (n = 7), there was no statistically significant difference in the mean 25(OH)D levels between adults and calves (15.7 +/- 7.7 ng/ml versus 17.1 +/- 5.8 ng/ml, P > 0.05, respectively). The comparison of mean and individual values among seasons showed some variation, but was not statistically different; therefore, all values were combined for further analyses. The mean value of 25(OH)D for all samples was 15.8 +/- 7.5 ng/ml (n = 72), with a 95% confidence interval of 14.0-17.6 ng/ml. There did not appear to be a direct correlation between 25(OH)D levels and calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), or calcium:phosphorus ratio (Ca:P) based on regression analyses (P < 0.05). Values measured approximated normal distributions. Mean calcium value was 10.5 +/- 0.6 mg/dl (n = 61); mean phosphorus value was 5.2 +/- 0.8 mg/dl (n = 50); and mean Ca:P was 2.06 +/- 0.34. Since all animals appeared healthy during the course of sample collection, and bone density on foot radiographs was assessed as good, the results are considered to be normal for this herd. With the incidence of joint disease in older elephants, and metabolic bone disease in hand-reared calves, these values will provide a basis for further studies of calcium metabolism in elephants.

Untersuchung zur klinischen Wirksamkeit elektronisch abgespeicherter Zahn- und Gelenksnosoden bei Erkrankungen des rheumatischen Formenkreises

For about 15 years, one of the authors(JS) has successfully treated patients suffering fromrheumatic diseases with individually tested and electronicallystored nosodes from tooth diseases and articular rheumatismusing exogenic MORA bioresonance therapy. Until today nohuman study has tested that kind of nosode therapy. The present,partially controlled study aims to test the effectivenessof that type of nosode therapy. Participants and Methods:A partially placebo-controlled study was carried out on15-21 participants (depending on the parameter) who sufferedfrom rheumatic diseases. The main outcome parameterwas the mean EAP(electro acupuncture)-40 value (controlled),i.e. the mean difference of the 40 final measured values fromthe norm of scale division 50. Secondary outcome parameters(not controlled) were the perceived state of health as wellas biochemical, physicochemical and cellular parameters ofthe blood. Results: The mean EAP-40 value was significantlyreduced (p < 0.01) by the verum treatment. The placebo treatmentalso yielded slight results but these were not significant(p > 0.05). The mean perceived state of health, the sedimentationof blood cells, the mean calcium value and the redoxpotential of the blood improved significantly (p < 0.01). Theother parameters indicated no or only slight changes(p > 0.05). Conclusion: The results suggest that therapy withelectronically stored nosodes is effective in patients withrheumatic diseases.

An Investigation of the Impacts of Agricultural Runoff on the Water Quality and Aquatic Organisms in a Lowveld Sand River System in Southeast Zimbabwe

In this research we examined the hypothesis that agricultural pollution is a key determinant of variability in nutrients concentrations and benthic fauna in a semi-arid tropical lowveld region of southeast Zimbabwe. Water quality was monitored in the river water column and river bottom sediments at a time when dissolved oxygen concentration was thought to be very low during the winter period in the rivers passing through low input agricultural sections and intensive commercial agricultural sections. The surveys used established chemical methods and biological methods. Benthic fauna assemblages were used to complement chemical cases of nutrient loading at localities chosen for sampling. Unpolluted control sites were not significantly different (t test, p < 0.05) from polluted sites in levels in mean values of dissolved oxygen, conductivity, total dissolved solids and mean density (no.m2) of benthic invertebrates in May. Significant differences (t test, p < 0.05) were not found in mean values of calcium, magnesium, potassium, total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen and total phosphorous in river bottom sediments in May and August. These data certainly do not support the notion that the Runde River is severely polluted by the upstream agricultural activities and the hypothesis that agricultural runoff is a key determinant of water quality is rejected. As the data suggests the Runde River may be receiving moderate nutrient pollution. The positive effects of moderate eutrophication on fish catch and the trade-off in pollution implied here needs to be addressed by appropriate agricultural and environmental policies that relate to water pollution and land use.

DOES HYPERPARATHYROIDISM CAUSE PANCREATITIS? A SOUTH INDIAN EXPERIENCE AND A REVIEW OF PUBLISHED WORK

The association between pancreatic disease and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is controversial. We attempt to suggest a causal correlation and characterize the nature of pancreatic disease in PHPT. This study is a retrospective review of the medical records of patients who were diagnosed with PHPT and presented with pancreatic disease between 1 May 2000 and 30 May 2005 at Christian Medical College, Vellore. During the period of 5 years, there were 1284 patients with pancreatic disease and 101 patients with PHPT admitted to our hospital, accounting for 0.42 and 0.03%, respectively, of the total hospital inpatient admissions of 302 883. Of them, 13 patients had both pancreatic disease and PHPT accounting for 1% of all admissions for pancreatic disease and 12% of admissions for PHPT. Patients admitted with PHPT have a 28-fold increased risk of developing pancreatitis compared with patients admitted without parathyroid disease. The ages of the patients ranged from 22 to 52 years with a median age of 37 years. There were 9 male and 4 female patients. The mean calcium values among patients with PHPT and pancreatic disease were significantly higher than patients with PHPT without pancreatic involvement. The data suggest a causal association between the pancreatic disease and PHPT. This may be correlated to the higher calcium values. Until more information is available, it would be prudent to check serum calcium in all patients presenting with unexplained pancreatic disease.

MEASUREMENT OF TRACE METALS IN THYROID NODULES IN IRAN BY PIXE

A PIXE (Proton Induced X-ray Emission) analysis is applied for measuring the concentration of 21 major and minor trace metal elements (in the range of Z =13-53) for normal, adenoma and carcinoma human thyroid tissues. A 2.0 MeV proton beam was employed to excite the samples. The thyroid samples were obtained from 14 patients during surgical operations, with which normal and damaged parts are concerned as an aid to understand the mechanisms of formation of thyroid cancer and as a complementary diagnostic tool. Thirty samples were measured in total. Fourteen samples of them were in pairs, i.e.14 tumor samples with 14 corresponding healthy tissue specimens taken at a distance from the tumor. The statistical analysis of the results shows the lower levels of the mean value of iron and iodine in the carcinoma tissues than those in the normal tissues; especially iodine is about one tenth of the normal value. On the contrary, the elevation of the mean value for calcium and zinc in the carcinoma tissues in comparison with the normal ones is observed, while in the adenoma tissues copper is very lower than those in the normal thyroid. The concentration of iron in the adenoma is two times of normal tissues.

Parathyroid hormone and mineral metabolism do not have significant impact on pulse pressure in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

Pulse pressure, a surrogate for arterial stiffness, has been shown to have substantial impact on predicting patient mortality. Excess cardiac risk in the end-stage renal disease population could be mediated by elevated arterial stiffness, which might in turn result from secondary hyperparathyroidism and abnormal calcium metabolism. A cross-sectional study was carried out to examine a possible relationship between pulse pressure and secondary hyperparathyroidism among 126 prevalent patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. The mean values for calcium and intact parathyroid hormone level were 2.48 mmol/l and 50.5 pmol/l, respectively. No correlation was found between pulse pressure and the plasma PTH levels (r = -0.15, p = 0.11) or calcium-phosphorus product (r = -0.08, p = 0.38). In a multivariate regression analysis, on the other hand, elevated pulse pressure was directly associated with age (2.1 mmHg per 10-year increase) and the presence of diabetes mellitus (6.9 mmHg) (both p < 0.001). Pulse pressure was also inversely associated with hemoglobin level. The magnitude of arterial pulse pressure in a peritoneal dialysis population was not significantly affected by parathyroid disease and alterations in mineral metabolism with end-stage renal disease. In agreement with similar observations in hemodialysis populations, it is postulated that abnormalities in conduit vessel stiffness (as measured by pulse pressure) are substantially caused by atherosclerosis, in which intimal calcification (as distinct from medial calcification in the context of hyperparathyroidism) plays a more important role.

Valores séricos de cálcio, fósforo, sódio, potássio e proteínas totais em caprinos fêmeas da raça Parda Alpina

Por ser de grande importância o conhecimento de valores séricos referenciais do mineralograma e do proteinograma, a sua utilização na medicina veterinária, e a escassez de trabalhos brasileiros relacionados à espécie caprina, este estudo objetivou determinar e comparar os níveis séricos de cálcio, fósforo, sódio, potássio e proteínas (proteína total, albumina, globulina e a relação albumina/globulina) em caprinos fêmeas da raça Parda Alpina, em três idades diferentes. Foram utilizadas 30 fêmeas caprinas da raça Parda Alpina criadas em regime intensivo, sendo separadas em três grupos: Grupo 1 - 10 fêmeas jovens com idade de quatro meses; Grupo 2 - 10 fêmeas adultas jovens com idade de 18 meses; Grupo 3 - 10 fêmeas adultas lactantes com idade de 24 a 60 meses. Os animais foram avaliados por meio de exames clínico e coproparasitológico. Foram encontrados os seguintes valores médios de cálcio, fósforo, sódio e potássio no grupo G1: 10,10± 1,70, 10,13± 2,04, 151± 3,30 e 5,16± 0,41; no grupo G2: 10,36± 0,94, 7,49± 1,34, 145,9± 3,35 e 4,56± 0,48; e para o grupo G3: 9,47± 1,45, 5,90± 1,21, 153,3± 5,17 e 4,20± 0,55. Para as variáveis proteína total sérica, albumina, globulina e relação albumina/globulina foram encontrados os seguintes valores médios, para o grupo G1: 6,29± 0,94, 3,5± 10,41, 2,78± 0,95 e 1,40± 0,48; para o grupo G2: 7,27± 0,73, 4,92± 1,06, 3,06± 0,56, 1,43± 0,44; e para o grupo G3: 7,14± 0,84, 3,70± 0,20, 3,44± 0,79 e 1,14± 0,30. A análise estatística dos dados demonstra que existe influência da faixa etária nas variáveis fósforo, sódio, potássio, proteína total e albumina.

Fungal contamination, natural occurrence of mycotoxins and resistance for aflatoxin accumulation of some broad bean (Vicia faba L.) cultivars.

Using glucose-Czapek's and 10% NaCl glucose-Czapek's agar media incubated at 28 +/- 2 degrees C, nine genera and 18 species were identified from 10 different cultivars seed of broad bean. Aspergillus and Penicillium were the most common genera on the two types of media used. The most common fungal species were Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. tamarii and Penicillium chrysogenum. Thin-layer chromatographic analysis indicated that seeds of one cultivar only was naturally contaminated with aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2. Nine mycotoxin-free cultivars of broad bean were examined for resistance or susceptibility for aflatoxin production when inoculated by Aspergillus flavus IMI 89717. Results obtained revealed that seeds of two cultivars were highly resistant, two cultivars showed partial resistance and the remaining were susceptible to the establishment of A. flavus and aflatoxin accumulation. The results did not show any relationship between morphological characters (colour, shape and size) and the amount of aflatoxin produced on the different broad bean seed cultivars. Also the results reveal absence of significant variation in the total nitrogen of the highly susceptible, partially resistant and highly resistant groups of broad bean seeds examined. Mean values of calcium, total phosphate and potassium of both seed coat and seed kernel of the susceptible seeds were low as compared to those of partially and highly resistant seed cultivars. The susceptible seeds contained higher levels of magnesium, zinc and sodium while the resistant seeds contained lower ones.

Etiology of Hypercalcemia in Hemodialysis Patients on Calcium Carbonate Therapy

Fourteen of 39 dialysis patients (36%) became hypercalcemic after switching to calcium carbonate as their principal phosphate binder. In order to identify risk factors associated with the development of hypercalcemia, indirect parameters of intestinal calcium reabsorption and bone turnover rate in these 14 patients were compared with results in 14 eucalcemic patients matched for age, sex, length of time on dialysis, and etiology of renal disease. In addition to experiencing hypercalcemic episodes with peak calcium values of 2.7 to 3.8 mmol/L (10.7 to 15.0 mg/dL), patients in the hypercalcemic group exhibited a significant increase in the mean calcium concentration obtained during 6 months before the switch, compared with the mean value obtained during the 7 months of observation after the switch (2.4 +/- 0.03 to 2.5 +/- 0.03 mmol/L [9.7 +/- 0.2 to 10.2 +/- 0.1 mg/dL], P = 0.006). In contrast, eucalcemic patients exhibited no change in mean calcium values over the same time period (2.3 +/- 0.05 to 2.3 +/- 0.05 mmol/L [9.2 +/- 0.2 to 9.2 +/- 0.2 mg/dL]). CaCO3 dosage, calculated dietary calcium intake, and circulating levels of vitamin D metabolites were similar in both groups. Physical activity index and predialysis serum bicarbonate levels also were similar in both groups. However, there was a significant difference in parameters reflecting bone turnover rates between groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Fluorimetric determination of calcium in serum with calcein blue.

Calcium was determined in serum by fluorimetry with calcein blue (CB) in a strongly alkaline solution (0.1 M KOH). Triethanolamine and N-(2-hydroxyethyl)iminodiacetic acid were used to mask iron, copper, zinc and magnesium. The relative standard deviation of the slope of a typical working curve was 0.45%. This value corresponds to confidence limits of 3.53 ± 0.02 at the 95% level. The correlation coefficient was 0.9999. The mean value of calcium in a 20-µl sample of Quality Control Serum was within the appropriate limits of the reference sample. The changes in the structure of CB on standing at high pH are discussed.

The Effect of Phototherapy on Neonatal Vitamin D Metabolism

Phototherapy for the treatment of neonatal jaundice has now been widely accepted. Its effect on Vitamin D metabolism is however unknown. In this study 10 full-term jaundiced babies receiving phototherapy were investigated. Serum 25OHD, 24,25(OH)2D, Ca and P were measured. Samples were taken before the onset of phototherapy, 48 hours after the onset and 24 hours after the finish of phototherapy. The mean weight of the 10 babies was 3.4 kg, mean age of onset of phototherapy 64 hours of age,mean bilirubin level at onset 17.1mg%. The mean duration of phototherapy was 83 hours. Causes of jaundice were G6PD deficiency (1), rhesus incompatibility (1), blood group incompatibility (3), and unknown (5). Infants were nursed naked under the phototherapy light which was provided by seven daylight fluorescent lamps 60 cm above the baby. Babies were fed a cow's milk formula not containing Vit. D. The mean serum 25OHD and serum 24,25(OH)2D before phototherapy were 8.49±6.91 ng/ml and 1.29±2.64 respectively, 48 hours after the onset were 8.72±6.10 and 0.84±1.53 and 24 hours after the finish were 7.51±5.34 and 0.46±0.74 respectively. Mean calcium values before and 24 hours after the finish of phototherapy were 9.36±1.10 mg% and 9.83±0.93 mg%. Likewise mean phosphate values were 6.19±1.58 and 7.35±0.97 mg%. The results of this preliminary study thus suggest that the neonatal jaundiced skin does not convert provitamin D to active Vitamin D in response to phototherapy light (420λ). Neither was hypo or hypercalcaemia observed after phototherapy as has been previously reported.

Calcium and magnesium contents of ectoplasm and endoplasm of Physarum polycephalum plasmodium.

The contents of calcium and magnesium in the ectoplasm and endoplasm ofPhysarum plasmodium were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mean value of calcium is 45.8 m moles/kg fresh weight for ectoplasm and 21.4 m moles/kg f.w. for endoplasm. The mean value of magnesium is 17.6 m moles/kg f.w. for ectoplasm and 17.8 m moles/kg f.w. for endoplasm. The calcium content in the endoplasm is 53.3% lower than in the ectoplasmic layer of the plasmodium.

The association of hypocalcemia and recurrent apnea in premature infants

Serum total calcium was measured from birth to 48 hours of age in 27 neonates under 1,751 grams. Fourteen developed recurrent apnea; 13 had no apnea and had an essentially uneventful nursery course. The minimum mean calcium value for all infants with recurrent apnea was 5.8 mg. per 100 ml. and occurred at 31 hours of age. The minimum mean calcium value for the infants with no apnea was 8.3 mg. per 100 ml. and occurred at 35 hours of age. The babies with recurrent apnea had consistently higher serum phosphorus and lower serum total protein values.

Blood serum electrolytes in a Colorado mule deer population.

Means (± SD) of serum electrolytes sampled from 21–32 male and 32–65 female Rocky Mountain mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus) 18 months and older collected yearlong were: sodium, 148.5 ± 19.0 and 148.8 ± 17.8 meq/liter; potassium, 8.88 ±2.12 and 8.74 ±2.13 meq/liter; calcium, 6.44 ± 1.58 and 6.13 ±1.31 meq/liter; magnesium, 3.11 ± 0.95 and 3.34 ±1.14 meq/liter; and inorganic phosphorus, 7.27 ± 1.03 and 7.82 ± 2.70 mg/100 cc, respectively. Significant (P < 0.05) between-sex differences were limited to higher mean calcium values in 6-11 month old females. Significant age class differences occurred only in mean potassium and inorganic phosphorus among males and mean calcium among females wherein younger deer had the larger values. Significantly larger seasonal means occurred in potassium of mature females during the spring and summer and in inorganic phosphorus of mature females during the summer. Over a three-year period of decreasing precipitation and browse yields, annual means of sodium and calcium...

The association of hypocalcemia with recurrent apnea of prematurity

Serum calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and total proteins were determined at 8 hour intervals during the first 48 hours of life in 27 neonates weighing under 1750 grams at birth, who were monitored for apnea. 14 babies developed recurrent apnea during the first 72 hours of life. The remaining 13 neonates had no distress. None of the 27 babies received calcium during the period of sampling. Calcium values were grouped into 9 consecutive 5 hour intervals and the mean value of the calcium levels in each intervals was plotted using the mid-point of the 5 hour interval for time. Using the standard polynomial regression for a quadratic response, the apneic subjects showed a decrease in calcium values to a level of 5.9 mgm./100 ml. at 32 hours of age. The minimum mean calcium value for the non-apneic babies was 8.3 mgm./100 ml. at 32 hours of age. Apenic babies had higher phosphorus values and lower total serum proteins than the non-apneic babies. Recurrent apnea was associated with an increased maternal age and a higher incidence of previous abortion. Apneic babies had higher incidence of 1 min. Apgar below 5 (75% vs. 30%). Apneic spells developed in most of the cases during the first 24 hours of life (22.1 hours average). Thus, for the most part of the onset of apnea precedes the development of hypocalcemia. Calcium urinary losses were similar in both groups. Calcium therapy appeared to reduce the number of apneic spells in 6 out of the 14 infants.

Development of Normal Values for Use in Multitest Biochemical Screening of Sera

Abstract Age- and sex-related "normal" values were calculated for data obtained by screening 8015 patients’ sera with the Technicon SMA 12/60 at the time of hospital admission. Calcium, phosphorus, total protein, and albumin concentrations decrease with age; glucose, urea nitrogen, cholesterol, and lactic dehydrogenase concentrations increase. Uric acid concentration increases with age in women. Mean values for calcium, glucose, urea nitrogen, and uric acid concentrations are greater in men. Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic acid transaminase activity is most frequently abnormal, total protein concentration least frequently. Alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin results were unremarkable.

A análise foliar na nutrição do milho: I - Correlação entre analise de fôlhas e produção

Análises de folhas de milho (híbrido H-6999B) foram correlacionadas com as produções em 31 ensaios de adubação em diferentes localidades e solos do Estado de São Paulo. Num total de 24 ensaios para nitrogênio e 26 para o fósforo foram encontradas as correlações: nitrogênio, r = 0,51++, y = - 4,26 + 28,66 x; e fósforo, r =0,47++, y = 43,21 + 160,83 x. As correlações para nitrato não foram consistentes. A omissão de enxofre na presença de NPK resultou em decréscimo variável na produção e no teor de S-S0(4) nas folhas. Com base nos resultados foram estabelecidos os seguintes níveis limiares nas folhas: nitrogênio (N) = 2,90%; fósforo (P) = 0,230%; potássio (K), latossolo roxo = 1,70%; solos podzolizados com cascalho = 2,80%; outros solos = 2,10 a 2,70%.

Blood levels of calcium, inorganic phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase in relation to social position and tuberculous infection

1. Values for the three blood constituents: calcium, inorganic phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase, were estimated in two groups of persons from different social levels. The results are displayed in nine tables and two graphs. 2. The mean calcium value for Group 1, college students, is found to be significantly higher than the corresponding figure for Group 2, which consisted of working-class sanatorium patients and contacts. 3. Phosphorus values were not significantly different from one group to another, or between the sub-groups. 4. The mean alkaline phosphatase level for Group 1 was found to be significantly lower than the corresponding value for working-class sanatorium patients, but the difference between the Group 1 value and that of the sub-group contacts was not significant. 5. The results are interpreted as indicating that a deficiency in calcium saturation is associated with an increased tendency to tuberculous disease.

BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF THE SALIVA OF ESKIMOS

Stimulated and unstimulated salivas of persons with and without dental caries have been studied extensively in an effort to determine whether differences occur in certain salivary characteristics. 1 In most studies of this kind higher mean values for total calcium, inorganic phosphate and carbon dioxide capacity were found for caries-free persons than for persons with active caries. The differences between the means were in some instances either definitely significant statistically or bordering on significance. Persons who had inactive decay or could not be placed in either the caries-free group or the group with active caries yielded less consistent results, resembling the former group in some characteristics and the latter group in others. 2 For Kuskokwim Eskimos without caries and with active caries, Karshan, Rosebury and Waugh 3 reported differences in the mean values for calcium, inorganic phosphate and carbon dioxide capacity of stimulated saliva which were similar in direction to

BIOMETRY OF CALCIUM, INORGANIC PHOSPHORUS, CHOLESTEROL, AND LIPOID PHOSPHORUS IN THE BLOOD OF RABBITS

A series of determinations of inorganic phosphorus, calcium, cholesterol, and lecithin were made on a group of 10 animals living in the laboratory from Oct. 27, 1927, to May 17, 1928. A marked difference in both the trend and absolute values was noted in animals living in the laboratory when compared with the values obtained for animals living out-of-doors. With animals living in the open, the trend of variation for calcium was found to be the same. However, animals living in the laboratory maintained a higher level over the same period of time. The inorganic phosphorus and lecithin both showed a marked decrease and both maintained a lower level than was found in animals just received from the dealer. The cholesterol content of whole blood exhibited a similar trend in both groups of animals. However, it was found that animals living in the laboratory maintained a lower level than animals living out-of-doors. The mean value for calcium was found to be 15.7 +/-0.05, for inorganic phosphorus 4.65 +/-0.05 mg. per 100 cc. of blood serum, and for cholesterol 58.2 +/-0.39 and lecithin 118.4 +/-1.13 mg. per 100 cc. of whole blood. The coefficients of correlation having the highest degree of mathematical significance were obtained from the mean values for individual animals.