Urine pH Research Articles

Can Double J stent encrustation be predicted by risk analysis and nomogram?: A retrospective case-control study.

To explore the risk factors and develop a nomogram to predict Double J stent encrustation incidence. The general demographic characteristics and underlying risk factors of 248 patients with upper urinary tract calculus who underwent endoscopic lithotripsy and Double J stenting at the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University between January 1st, 2018 and January 1st, 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them,173 patients were randomly selected to form the development cohort. A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to identify the independent risk factors associated with Double J stent encrustation, and a nomogram was developed for predicting its occurrence. Additionally, 75 patients were randomly selected to form the validation cohort to validate the nomogram. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that several factors were significantly associated with Double J stent encrustation: indwelling time (odds ratio [OR]1.051; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.030-1.073, P < .001), urine PH (OR 2.198; 95% CI 1.061-4.539, P = .033), fasting blood glucose (OR 1.590; 95% CI 1.300-1.943, P < .001), and total cholesterol (OR 2.676; 95% CI 1.551-4618, P < .001).Based on these findings, A nomogram was developed to predict the occurrence of Double J stent encrustation. The nomogram demonstrated good performance with an area under the curve of 0.870 and 0.862 in the development and validation cohorts, respectively. Furthermore, the calibration curve indicated a well-fitted model. We constructed and validated an accessible nomogram to assist urologists in evaluating the risk factors associated with Double J stent encrustation and predicting its likelihood.

Potassium sodium hydrogen citrate intervention on gut microbiota and clinical features in uric acid stone patients

The high recurrence rate of renal uric acid stone (UAS) poses a significant challenge for urologists, and potassium sodium hydrogen citrate (PSHC) has been proven to be an effective oral dissolution drug. However, no studies have investigated the impact of PSHC on gut microbiota and its metabolites during stone dissolution therapy. We prospectively recruited 37 UAS patients and 40 healthy subjects, of which 12 patients completed a 3-month pharmacological intervention. Fasting vein blood was extracted and mid-stream urine was retained for biochemical testing. Fecal samples were collected for 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content determination. UAS patients exhibited comorbidities such as obesity, hypertension, gout, and dyslipidemia. The richness and diversity of the gut microbiota were significantly decreased in UAS patients, Bacteroides and Fusobacterium were dominant genera while Subdoligranulum and Bifidobacterium were poorly enriched. After PSHC intervention, there was a significant reduction in stone size accompanied by decreased serum uric acid and increased urinary pH levels. The abundance of pathogenic bacterium Fusobacterium was significantly downregulated following the intervention, whereas there was an upregulation observed in SCFA-producing bacteria Lachnoclostridium and Parasutterella, leading to a significant elevation in butyric acid content. Functions related to fatty acid synthesis and amino acid metabolism within the microbiota showed upregulation following PSHC intervention. The correlation analysis revealed a positive association between stone pathogenic bacteria abundance and clinical factors for stone formation, while a negative correlation with SCFAs contents. Our preliminary study revealed that alterations in gut microbiota and metabolites were the crucial physiological adaptation to PSHC intervention. Targeted regulation of microbiota and SCFA holds promise for enhancing drug therapy efficacy and preventing stone recurrence.Key points• Bacteroides and Fusobacterium were identified as dominant genera for UAS patients• After PSHC intervention, Fusobacterium decreased and butyric acid content increased• The microbiota increased capacity for fatty acid synthesis after PSHC intervention

Acute kidney injury in neonatal intensive care unit and the significance of nRIFLE criteria on diagnosis and prognosis

Objectives: The objective of this study is to identify factors that affect the severity of acute kidney injury (AKI) using neonatal RIFLE (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of function, End-stage kidney disease) criteria; to identify the impact of these criteria and the factors on mortality rates and to determine the one-year clinical outcome. Methods: Five hundred and thirty-two inpatients who were admitted to Gazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) between 2006 and 2016 have been examined retrospectively. Results: Acute kidney injury developed in the first month of life in 85 (16%) patients. Thirty-nine (7.35%) of the cases were term and 46 (8.65%) were preterm. Among these patients, 33 (38.8%) were in the risk group, 18 (21%) in the injury group, and 34 (40%) in the failure group. Metabolic acidosis and edema were the most commonly seen findings as acute kidney injury scores increased. According to the neonatal RIFLE (nRIFLE) criteria, the severity of AKI was significantly correlated (p &amp;lt; 0.05) with metabolic acidosis (71%) and edema (50.5%). There was a positive correlation between urinary output and pH, bicarbonate, glomerular filtration rate, and sodium values in patients with AKI, while a negative correlation between urinary output and BUN, creatinine, potassium, phosphorus, and uric acid was found. Regarding the nRIFLE criteria, the frequency of hyponatremia and hyperpotassemia was increased as the AKI severity score was increasing (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The mortality rate was 54% in the newborn period and factors that significantly affect mortality were the need for mechanical ventilation, sepsis, nephrotoxicity, and acidosis (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusions: The nRIFLE criteria based on urinary output is a guide for clinicians to diagnose AKI. There is a need to work on new markers in future studies.

Effects of feeding a negative dietary cation and anion difference diet to twin-bearing Merino ewes in late gestation on parturition outcomes.

In Australia, dystocia is responsible for 53% of lamb mortalities, and calcium deficiencies may be a contributing factor. A negative dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) diet can increase calcium concentrations in sheep. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a negative DCAD diet on metabolic state, mineral status, and parturition duration in ewes compared with those fed a positive DCAD diet. At approximately day 130 of gestation (dG), 71 twin-bearing ewes were placed in the following treatment groups; ewes receiving a positive DCAD TMR (total mixed ration; DCAD of total diet = 281.8 mEq/kg DM; n = 35) and twin-bearing ewes receiving a negative DCAD TMR (DCAD of total diet = -89.0 mEq/kg DM; n = 36). Urine and blood were sampled on dG 130, 140, and 145, and blood was also sampled at the onset of parturition and 4h postpartum. Urine was analyzed for pH and blood was analyzed for metabolites, mineral concentration, and acid-base balance. Lambs' liveweight, rectal temperature, blood glucose and lactate, and body morphology were measured. Serum phosphate concentrations at dG 145 were significantly lower for negative DCAD ewes compared with positive DCAD ewes (1.9 ± 0.1 vs. 2.1 ± 0.1 mmol/L, P = 0.047). Ionized calcium (P = 0.09) and serum magnesium (P = 0.09) prepartum were marginally greater in the negative DCAD ewes (1.35 ± 0.06 and 1.06 ± 0.03 mmol/L, respectively) compared with the positive DCAD ewes (1.18 ± 0.08 and 0.98 ± 0.04 mmol/L, respectively). Urine pH was lower in the negative DCAD ewes compared with positive DCAD ewes at both dG 140 (7.38 ± 0.17 vs. and 8.10 ± 0.19. P = 0.01) and dG 145 (and 7.20 ± 0.19 vs. 8.25. P < 0.01). The birth interval between the first the second-born lamb was shorter in the negative DCAD ewes compared with the positive DCAD ewes (P = 0.02), but no differences in lamb survival or lamb viability (P > 0.05) were seen. The negative DCAD diet reduced parturition duration, most likely due to the marginally greater ionized calcium and magnesium concentrations. Despite this improvement, the negative DCAD ewes did not reach urinary acidification, indicating that the marginally significant greater ionized calcium and serum magnesium concentrations were due to the magnesium in the diets and not metabolic acidosis. Further research testing a negative DCAD diet that can achieve the target urine pH is required to determine whether this diet can decrease parturition duration and improve lamb viability.

Effects of negative dietary cation-anion difference and calcidiol supplementation in transition diets fed to sows on piglet survival, piglet weight, and sow metabolism.

Diets that provide a negative dietary anion cation difference (DCAD) and supplement with a vitamin D metabolite 25-OH-D3 (calcidiol) may increase calcium availability at parturition, and enhance piglet survival and performance. This factorial study assessed the effects of DCAD, calcidiol (50 µg/kg), and parity (parity 1 or >1) and their interactions. Large White and Landrace sows (n = 328), parity 1 to 8 were randomly allocated in blocks to treatment diets from day 103 of gestation until day 3 postfarrow: 1) negative DCAD without calcidiol (negative DCAD + no CA), n = 84, 2) negative DCAD with calcidiol (negative DCAD + CA) n = 84, 3) positive DCAD without calcidiol (negative DCAD + no CA), n = 81, and 4) positive DCAD with calcidiol (positive DCAD + CA), n = 79. Negative DCAD diets were acidified with an anionic feed (2kg/t) and magnesium sulfate (2kg/t). All treatment diets contained cholecalciferol at 1,000 IU/kg. Dry sow diets contained 14.8% crude protein (CP), 5.4% crude fiber (CF), 0.8% Ca, and 83 mEq/kg DCAD. Treatment diets 1 and 2 contained 17.5% CP, 7.3% CF, 0.8% Ca, and -2 mEq/kg DCAD. Treatment diets 3 and 4 contained 17.4% CP, 7.4% CF, 0.8% Ca, and 68 mEq/kg DCAD. Before farrowing, all negative DCAD sows had lower urine pH than all sows fed a positive DCAD (5.66 ± 0.05 and 6.29 ± 0.05, respectively; P < 0.01); urinary pH was acidified for both DCAD treatments indicating metabolic acidification. The percentage of sows with stillborn piglets was not affected by DCAD, calcidiol, or parity alone but sows fed the negative DCAD + CA diet had a 28% reduction in odds of stillbirth compared to the negative DCAD + no CA diet and even lesser odds to the positive DCAD + CA diet. At day 1 after farrowing, blood gas, and mineral and metabolite concentrations were consistent with feeding a negative DCAD diet and that negative DCAD diets influence energy metabolism, as indicated by increased glucose, cholesterol, and osteocalcin concentrations and reduced nonesterified free fatty acids and 3-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. In the subsequent litter, total piglets born and born alive (14.7 ± 0.3 and 13.8 ± 0.3 piglets, respectively; P = 0.029) was greater for positive DCAD diets compared to negative DCAD diets; and there was an interaction between DCAD, calcidiol, and parity (P = 0.002). Feeding a negative DCAD diet influenced stillbirth, subsequent litter size, and metabolic responses at farrowing. More studies are needed to define optimal diets prefarrowing for sows.

Elimination and penetration of amikacin into urine in patients with decreased glomerular filtration rate.

Amikacin monotherapy is recommended for urinary tract infection (UTI) treatment with multi-resistant pathogens. Even though amikacin efficacy in the treatment of UTIs is dependent on its urinary concentration, there are no robust data proving that sufficiently high urinary concentration is reached in patients with reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR). A prospective study to monitor amikacin penetration into urine of 70 patients [40 males, median (interquartile range) age 70 (65-79) years] with different levels of glomerular filtration decline, including patients treated by dialysis, was conducted. The bactericidal efficacy of amikacin in urine samples has been evaluated. Patients with estimated GFR (eGFR) <30mL/min had significantly lower median amikacin urinary concentration than patients with eGFR >30mL/min (89.75 vs 186.0mg/L, P<.0001; 200.5 vs 830.0mg/L, P<.0001; and 126.0 vs 408.0mg/L, P<.0001 for minimal, maximal and minimal together with maximal concentrations, respectively). The amount of amikacin eliminated in the first 10-13h after dose administration was dependent on eGFR (r2=0.6144, P<.0001). The urinary concentration of amikacin in patients treated by dialysis was indirectly proportional to pH of urine. The plasma concentrations of amikacin did not correlate with urinary levels in patients in either of the GFR categories. Microbiological evaluation showed that the critical urinary concentration for efficacy of amikacin during UTI monotherapy in patients treated by dialysis is 100mg/L. We found that 4 out of 11 patients treated by dialysis did not reach this level during the treatment. Systemic administration of amikacin monotherapy in patients treated by dialysis is questionable as the concentrations of amikacin in their urine are often below the threshold of effectivity. Amikacin plasma concentrations are not a major determinant of amikacin concentration in urine, therefore pulse dosing is neither necessary nor safe in patients treated by dialysis, and may cause undesirable toxicity.

Negative dietary cation and anion difference supplementation of twin-bearing Merino ewes grazing pasture in late gestation did not affect lamb growth or survival.

Each year in Australia, 53% of lamb mortalities are attributed to dystocia, with subclinical maternal calcium deficiencies likely contributing to dystocia rates. A negative dietary cation and anion difference (DCAD) diet has increased circulating calcium in sheep. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of supplementing twin-bearing, grazing ewes with a negative DCAD partial mixed ration (PMR) during late gestation on ewe calcium and magnesium concentrations and subsequent lamb growth and survival. On day 120 of gestation (dG), blood samples were collected from 115 twin-bearing Merino ewes and analyzed for glucose, ketone bodies, pH, ionized calcium, and serum calcium and magnesium. On dG 130, ewes were moved into lambing paddocks and placed in the following 2 treatment groups; ewes receiving a positive DCAD PMR (DCAD = 287 mEq/kg DM; n = 58) and ewes receiving a negative DCAD PMR (DCAD = -125 mEq/kg DM; n = 57) fed as a PMR. On dG 140, a blood and urine sample were collected. The urine was tested for pH. Pasture samples were taken on dG 133 and 149 and tested for DCAD and mineral content. When a lamb was 6 to 18h old, survival, vigor score, liveweight (LW), rectal temperature, blood glucose, and body morphology were recorded. At 10 d of age, lamb LW and survival were recorded and a milk sample was collected from ewes. At 44 d of age, lamb LW and survival were recorded. The DCAD of the pastures across the 6 paddocks ranged from 598 to 893 mEq/kg DM. There were no differences in lamb survival, weight, or viability at any timepoint (P > 0.05). There were no differences in mineral status, metabolic state, or acid-base balance between the positive and negative DCAD-supplemented ewes (P > 0.05) during supplementation (dG 140). Supplementing a negative DCAD diet to ewes grazing pasture during late gestation did not improve lamb survival. The blood and urine pH of the negative DCAD-supplemented ewes indicated a mild metabolic acidosis was not reached due to the high DCAD of the pastures. Further research needs to take careful consideration of the DCAD of pasture when designing a negative DCAD supplement in order for it to be effective.

UROLITHIASIS IN MALE POM MIX DOGS

Dogs are one of the animals classified as pet animals, or it can be said to be animals that are close to humans. Feeding to dogs must be considered carefully, feeding patterns can affect urine pH, urine volume, and urine concentration which can cause the formation of mineral precipitation, such as uroliths consisting of various minerals. One of the health problems that occur in dogs due to nutritional imbalance is urolithiasis. Urolithiasis is the formation of sediment that is difficult to dissolve in the urinary tract. The purpose of this writing is to report the process of handling urolithiasis through cystotomy in a dog named Lucky with a male Pom mix dog breed aged 7 years and weighing 11 kg is a rescue dog. Lucky's dog experienced pain when urinating (stranguria), urine came out below normal (oligouria), bloody urine (hematuria), and had no appetite to eat and drink since 3 days before being treated. Dogs are usually given dry dog food feed mixed with rice and chicken with ad libitum portions. 1.5 years ago dogs had difficulty urinating but did not bleed. Based on the results of the history, clinical examination, supporting examinations in the form of chemical examination of urine and X-ray, the dog has urolithiasis. Dog cases are treated with cystotomy surgery to remove calculi by incision of urinary vesicles. Postoperative therapy, dogs are given an injection of the antibiotic cefotaxime sodium 20mg / kg body weight with the IM route and given anti-inflammatory tolfedine CS 4ml / kg body weight. Based on a series of examinations carried out, it can be concluded that animal cases have urolithiasis and handling cases of urolithiasis in dog cases can be done with cystotomy. To avoid the occurrence of urolithiasis in urinary vesica in dogs, client education is needed on how to maintain and select feed that contains balanced nutrition.

Factors associated with success rate of oral force-feeding ammonium chloride administration to acidify urine in goats

Background: Ammonium chloride is the most common urine acidifier used for urolithiasis treatment and prevention in goats. Aim: The objective of this study was to determine a guideline for ammonium chloride administration to acidify urine in goats. Methods: A three-period, three-treatment crossover study was conducted in three groups, with 10 female goats in each group. Three dosages of ammonium chloride were used (250, 350, or 450 mg/kg). In each experimental period, ammonium chloride was orally administered for three consecutive days or until the urine pH dropped below 6.5. Urine samples were collected to measure the pH before each administration and one day after the last administration. The Cox proportional hazards model was conducted to identify factors associated with the success rate in reducing the urine pH below 6.5 at a time. Results: The dosage of ammonium chloride and period of administration were significantly associated with the success rate (p &lt; 0.001). The success rates during a unit of time for goats receiving 350 mg/kg and 450 mg/kg were greater than that of goats receiving 250 mg/kg. The second and third periods of ammonium chloride administration provided higher success rates during a unit of time compared to the first period. The success rate was also associated with the pretreatment urine pH (p = 0.044). There was a higher success rate for goats with a lower pretreatment urine pH. Conclusion: The recommended ammonium chloride dosage was 350 mg/kg. Periodic use can be considered to achieve better outcomes. The pretreatment urine pH should be measured to anticipate the clinical response.

Solução intravenosa poliiônica com concentração elevada de lactato (84 mEq/L) é eficaz para o tratamento de bezerros com diarreia

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an electrolyte solution with a high lactate concentration (84mEq/L; L84) in correcting imbalances in diarrheal calves. Another solution with similar electrolyte composition, containing 84mEq/L of bicarbonate (B84) was used for comparison. Diarrhea was induced in neonatal calves by rotavirus infection, sucrose ingestion and furosemide administration. When a moderate degree of metabolic acidosis was reached, the calves were treated with intravenous infusion of L84 (n=10) or B84 (n=10) solutions. Venous blood and urine samples were collected before starting the infusion (0 h), in the middle (2.5 h), at the end (5.0 h) and 2.5 hours later. Total plasma protein concentration, blood and urine pH, blood pCO2, HCO3 -, and BE, plasma and urine concentration of L-lactate, and serum and urine concentrations of Na+, K+, and Cl- were measured. Strong ion difference, total concentration of non-volatile weak acids, anion gap, strong ion gap, percentage change in plasma volume, and urinary fractional clearances of Na+, K+, Cl-, and L-lactate were calculated. The calves demonstrated moderate dehydration, hypernatremia, hyperchloremia, metabolic acidosis, and unmeasured anion accumulation. These changes were completely corrected with the L84 solution, and the effects did not differ from those observed with B84 solution. The calves recovered without further therapeutic procedures, demonstrating that the L84 solution was effective for treating diarrheal calves.

Adequate Vegetable Intake Improves Metabolic Indices in Healthy Japanese Participants: A Randomized Crossover Study.

We aimed to elucidate the effect of a healthy diet containing adequate amounts of protein and vegetables on metabolic indices. In this randomized crossover study, twenty-two healthy Japanese participants ingested two different test meals: fish diet (F) or fish diet with adequate vegetable content (FV). Each 5-day diet load test was separated by a washout period of at least seven days. Metabolic indices were measured in fasting blood and 24-h urine samples. The delta (Δ) plasma glucose and Δserum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations were significantly larger in the participants in group FV than in group F (p=0.042, p=0.013, respectively). The urinary pH in participants in group F on day 6 was significantly lower than on day 1 (p=0.008), and the Δurinary pH and Δnet gastrointestinal absorption of alkali of participants in group FV tended to be smaller than in group F (p=0.070, p=0.075, respectively). This study showed that a healthy diet containing adequate protein and vegetables reduced the dietary acid load and improved plasma glucose and serum LDL concentrations in healthy Japanese participants.

Assessment of the Diuretic Effect of the Leaves of Cucumis Dipsaceus Ehrenb (Cucurbitaceae) in Rats: Using Aqueous and 80% Methanol Extracts.

The diuretic activity of the Cucumis dipsaceus leaf, which is used in indigenous medicine, has been claimed but has not yet undergone scientific evaluation. The objective of this study was to assess the diuretic activity of the aqueous and 80% methanol extracts derived from the leaves of Cucumis dipsaceus in rats. For the extraction process, the maceration technique was employed to obtain the aqueous and 80% methanol extracts from the Cucumis dipsaceus leaves. Male rats were then divided randomly into eight groups, with six rats in each group. These groups consisted of a negative control group, a positive control group, and three different groups for each extract at varying doses. The urine output volumes, the concentrations of urinary electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride) and urinary pH, were measured and analysed to compare the results among the different groups. Both the aqueous and 80% methanol extracts of Cucumis dipsaceus leaves demonstrated a significant increase in urinary output at doses of 200mg/kg body weight (p<0.01) and 400mg/kg body weight (p<0.001). When comparing the urinary electrolyte excretion with the negative control group, the groups treated with the 400mg/kg body weight dose of the aqueous extract showed significant differences in the urinary excretion of sodium (p<0.05), chloride (p<0.01), and K+ (p<0.01). Similarly, the urinary excretion of K+ and Cl- also exhibited significant differences at moderate doses (K+: p<0.01, Cl-: p<0.05) and the highest doses (both: p<0.01) of the 80% methanol extract. Furthermore, the highest doses of both the aqueous (p<0.01) and 80% methanol (p<0.01) extracts demonstrated significant differences in saluretic effect. Both crude extracts of C. dipsaceus leaves have significant diuretic activity, providing support for the traditional use of the plant as a diuretic agent.

A paper-based dual functional biosensor for safe and user-friendly point-of-care urine analysis.

Safe, accurate, and reliable analysis of urinary biomarkers is clinically important for early detection and monitoring of the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), as it has become one of the world's most prevalent non-communicable diseases. However, current technologies for measuring urinary biomarkers are either time-consuming and limited to well-equipped hospitals or lack the necessary sensitivity for quantitative analysis and post a health risk to frontline practitioners. Here we report a robust paper-based dual functional biosensor, which is integrated with the clinical urine sampling vial, for the simultaneous and quantitative analysis of pH and glucose in urine. The pH sensor was fabricated by electrochemically depositing IrOx onto a paper substrate using optimised parameters, which enabled an ultrahigh sensitivity of 71.58 mV pH-1. Glucose oxidase (GOx) was used in combination with an electrochemically deposited Prussian blue layer for the detection of glucose, and its performance was enhanced by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), chitosan, and graphite composites, achieving a sensitivity of 1.5 μA mM-1. This dual function biosensor was validated using clinical urine samples, where a correlation coefficient of 0.96 for pH and 0.98 for glucose detection was achieved with commercial methods as references. More importantly, the urine sampling vial was kept sealed throughout the sample-to-result process, which minimised the health risk to frontline practitioners and simplified the diagnostic procedures. This diagnostic platform, therefore, holds high promise as a rapid, accurate, safe, and user-friendly point-of-care (POC) technology for the analysis of urinary biomarkers in frontline clinical settings.

Additive-manufactured paper-PMMA hybrid microfluidic chip for simultaneous monitoring of creatinine and pH in artificial urine.

Nowadays, kidney dysfunction is a common health issue due to the modernized lifestyle. Even though medications are commercially available to treat kidney diseases, early diagnosis is crucial and challenging. Clinically, measuring urine creatinine and pH has gained significant interest as a way to diagnose kidney diseases early. In the present work, we attempted to develop a low-cost, robust, accurate and naked-eye colorimetric method to determine both creatinine levels and pH variations in artificial urine samples using a simple 3D-printed hybrid microfluidic device. Creatinine was detected by the incorporation of the traditional Jaffe test onto the hybrid paper-PMMA microfluidic device and pH (4-8) was measured by a simple anthocyanin test. Notably, the tests were established without employing any sophisticated or costly instrument clusters. The developed 3D-printed microfluidic probe showed a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.04 mM for creatinine over a concentration range of 1-10 mM, with a regression coefficient (R2) of 0.995 in laboratory conditions. Interestingly, the experimental data obtained with artificial urine exhibited a wide linear range from 0.1 mM to 5 mM under different pH values ranging from 4 to 8 in the presence of matrices commonly found in urine samples other than proteins, indicating the potential use of this method in pre-clinical analysis. Since the wide linear range of urine creatinine in artificial urine samples falls well below the clinically relevant concentrations in humans (0.07-0.27 mM), the developed lab-on-chip device is further suitable for clinical evaluation with proper ethical clearance. This 3D-printed hybrid microfluidic colorimetry-based creatinine detection and pH indicator platform can be beneficial in the healthcare sector due to the on-site testing capability, cost-effectiveness, ease of use, robustness, and instrument-free approach.

An imidazole functionalized aqua-stable metal-organic framework for selective fluorogenic detection of herbicide DNOC and antibacterial agent furaltadone in various biological and environmental specimens.

The widespread use of herbicides like dinitro-o-cresol (DNOC) and veterinary drugs such as furaltadone (FLT) has surged to meet agricultural and animal husbandry demands, raising significant health and environmental concerns due to their extensive use and unregulated disposal. To address this issue, herein, we developed an imidazole-functionalized metal-organic framework (MOF)-based fluorometric dual sensor for rapid and selective detection of these analytes in aqueous medium. The present MOF-based probe demonstrated 82% fluorescence quenching upon DNOC introduction, whereas 89% quenching occurred in the presence of FLT. The probe exhibited notably high sensitivity, with the lowest ever reported limit of detection (LOD) of 0.5 nM for DNOC and 1.1 nM for FLT. The highest reported Stern-Volmer quenching constant (KSV) value of 5 × 107 M-1 and 2 × 107 M-1 for DNOC and FLT, respectively, further indicates the extraordinary sensitivity of the sensor towards these targeted analytes. The MOF showed a rapid response time of 5 s for both DNOC and FLT. The sensor also demonstrated outstanding selectivity even in the presence of interfering substances, proving effective in various complex environments such as serum, urine, wastewater, and different pH media. We thoroughly investigated the sensor's working mechanisms using different advanced analytical techniques to understand its high selectivity towards the targeted analytes. These findings underscore the sensor's practical and potential real-world applications, offering a valuable tool for environmental pollution monitoring and public health protection.

Assessing Concordance of Results: A Comparative Study of the Manual and Automated Urinalysis Methods.

An accurate urine analysis is a good indicator of the status of the renal and genitourinary system. However, limited studies have been done on comparing the diagnostic performance of the fully automated analyser and manual urinalysis especially in Ghana. This study evaluated the concordance of results of the fully automated urine analyser (Sysmex UN series) and the manual method urinalysis at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. Methodology. Sixty-seven (67) freshly voided urine samples were analysed by the automated urine analyser Sysmex UN series and by manual examination at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Kappa and Bland-Altman plot analyses were used to evaluate the degree of concordance and correlation of both methods, respectively. Substantial (κ = 0.711, p < 0.01), slight (κ = 0.193, p = 0.004), and slight (κ = 0.109, p < 0.001) agreements were found for urine colour, appearance, and pH, respectively, between the manual and automated methods. A strong and significant correlation (r = 0.593, p < 0.001) was found between both methods for specific gravity with a strong positive linear correlation observed for red blood cell count (r = 0.951, R2 = 0.904, p < 0.001), white blood cell count (r = 0.907, R2 = 0.822, p < 0.001), and epithelial cell count (r = 0.729, R2 = 0.532, p < 0.001). A perfect agreement of urine chemistry results in both methods was observed for nitrite 67 (100%) (κ = 1.000, p < 0.001) with a fair agreement for protein 46 (68.7%) (κ = 0.395, p < 0.001). A strong agreement was found in both methods for the presence of cast 65 (97.0%) (κ = 0.734, p < 0.001) with no concordance observed for the presence of crystals (κ = 0.115, p = 0.326) and yeast-like cells (YLC) (κ = 0.171, p = 0.116). The automated and manual methods showed similar performances and good correlation, especially for physical and chemical examination. However, manual microscopy remains necessary to classify urine sediments, particularly for bacteria and yeast-like cells. Future research with larger samples could help validate automated urinalysis for wider clinical use and identify areas requiring improved automated detection capabilities.

Использование фитопрепаратов в фармакокоррекции мочекаменной болезни

Recently, despite the constant expansion of the range of synthetic medicine, herbal preparations are occupied a significant place in the treatment and prevention of urolithiasis in dogs and cats. The proposed work contains the results of the use of the herbal drug Melavit-plus in patients with urolithiasis of dogs and cats. The drug Melavit-plus, which contains buckwheat melanins and coniferous terpenes, enhances diuresis and stabilizes the pH of urine, it can be used for a long period of time to prevent stone formation of carnivores.

Proximal Renal Tubular Acidosis Complicated by Severe Hypocalcemia Caused by Malnutrition and Inappropriate Long-term Use of Zoledronate: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

An 80-year-old man presented with electrolyte abnormalities, particularly hypocalcemia (3.6 mg/dL). He was diagnosed with bone and lymph node metastases from prostate cancer seven years earlier and continuously received goserelin, bicalutamide, and zoledronate. He later developed gradually worsening hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, hypouricemia, renal dysfunction, and weight loss. Urinary potassium and phosphate loss, renal glucosuria, metabolic acidosis, and a low urine pH (5.0) were observed. Given the acquired onset and clinical course, we diagnosed the patient with zoledronate-induced proximal renal tubular acidosis. In the present case, severe hypocalcemia may have been caused by malnutrition and inappropriate long-term use of zoledronate.

Hypokalemic Paralysis Due to Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis, Case Report

Distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) is a metabolic disease characterized by hypokalemia, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis and urine pH above 5.5. These findings may be accompanied by hypercalciuria, nephrocalcinosis, nephrolithiasis, jaundice, osteomalacia or rickets in children. Although hypokalemia is frequently seen as a laboratory finding in dRTA, weakness, which is the clinical finding of this deficiency, is rare. A 33-year-old female patient was brought to the emergency department (ED) with complaints of weakness, loss of strength in the extremities, and difficulty in breathing. Laboratory analyzes of the patient revealed metabolic acidosis and hypokalemia. Urea and creatinine values were normal. The patient was admitted to the internal medicine department with a preliminary diagnosis of dRTA and hypokalemic paralysis. Initially, parenteral infusion of KCl and NaHCO3 was administered in the treatment. In the follow-up of the patient, it was observed that hypokalemia and metabolic acidosis improved from the 3rd day and clinical findings improved within 36 hours following the replacement therapy. dRTA, which is rare in adults, is among the secondary causes of hypokalemic paralysis. dRTA should be considered among the differential diagnoses in the presence of hypokalemia and metabolic acidosis in patients presenting with bilateral weakness.

Water Intake and Hydration Status among Pregnant Women in the Second Trimester in China: A Three-Day Metabolic Trial.

Adequate water intake and optimal hydration status during pregnancy are crucial for maternal and infant health. However, research on water intake by pregnant women in China is very limited. This study mainly aimed to observe the daily total water intake (TWI) of pregnant women and its different sources and to investigate the relationship between their water intake and hydration biomarkers. From October to November 2020, a convenience sample of pregnant women in the second trimester (n = 21) was recruited. Under conditions close to daily life, they undertook a 3-day metabolic trial. Each participant was provided with sufficient bottled water, and the weight of what they drank each time was measured. The intake of other beverages and foods was measured using a combination of weighing and duplicate portion method. Fasting venous blood and 24 h urine samples were collected and analyzed for the hydration biomarkers, including the serum/urine osmolality, urine pH, urine specific gravity, and the concentrations of major electrolytes in urine and serum. The results showed that the mean daily TWI was 3151 mL, of which water from beverages and foods accounted for 60.1% and 39.9%, respectively. The mean total fluid intake (TFI) was 1970 mL, with plain water being the primary contributor (68.7%, r = 0.896). Among the participants, 66.7% (n = 14, Group 1) met the TWI recommendation set by the Chinese Nutrition Society. Further analysis revealed that the TFI, water from beverages and foods, plain water, and milk and milk derivatives (MMDs) were significantly higher in Group 1 than those who did not reach the adequate intake value (Group 2) (p < 0.05). The results of hydration biomarkers showed that the mean 24 h urine volume in Group 1 was significantly higher than that in Group 2 (p < 0.05), while the 24 h urine osmolality, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, chloride, and creatinine concentrations in Group 1 were significantly lower than those in Group 2 (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in serum biomarkers. Partial correlation analysis showed that TWI was moderately positively correlated with 24 h urine volume (r = 0.675) and negatively correlated with urine osmolality, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and chloride concentrations (r = from-0.505 to -0.769), but it was not significantly correlated with serum biomarkers. Therefore, under free-living conditions, increasing the daily intake of plain water and MMDs is beneficial for pregnant women to maintain optimal hydration. The hydration biomarkers in urine are more accurate indicators of water intake and exhibit greater sensitivity compared to serum biomarkers. These findings provide a scientific basis for establishing appropriate water intake and hydration status for pregnant women in China.