Blood Phosphorus Concentrations Research Articles

Determination of renal blood flow with Doppler ultrasound and the hypertension prevalence and acid-base level in dogs with chronic renal failure

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs. The aim of this study is to investigate the renal Doppler measurements, blood hypertension and acid-base levels in dogs with chronic renal failure. Twenty-six dogs previously diagnosed with chronic renal failure were compared with twenty healthy dogs. A complete blood cell, biochemical profile, urinalysis, blood gasses, blood pressure were analyzed and changes in renal blood flow were measured by renal Doppler ultrasonography. The dogs with CRF had significantly higher serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and phosphorus concentration, significantly lower packed cell volume, and urine specific gravity than control dogs. Positive correlation was determined between serum creatinine levels and renal Doppler indices. There were significant decreases in blood pH and bicarbonate. Indirect blood pressure measurements were slightly increased in CRF dogs. Renal Doppler measurement was observed as a helpful tool in diagnosing the CRF in dogs. Identification of acidosis and hypertension may help in developing treatments that slow the rate of progression of chronic renal failure.

Kinetic studies on clinical and immunological modulations by intramuscular injection of Escherichia coli LPS in laying hens.

The present study investigated clinical and immunological modulations due to intramuscular injection of Escherichia coli LPS in 49-wk-old laying hens over 48 h post injection (p.i.). LPS induced characteristic sickness behavior but no significant body temperature alterations (P > 0.05). During experimental period decreases in blood albumin, calcium, phosphorus and tryptophan concentrations, hyperglycemia, increased plasma nitrite concentrations, leucopenia, decreased thrombocyte counts, lymphopenia, heterophilia and an increased heterophilic granulocyte/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio were observed after LPS administration. Time-dependent effects were shown on T and B cell subsets in caecal tonsils (CT) and on splenic CD3+/CD4+/CD8+ proportions, on IL-1β and -10 and inducible NO synthase mRNA expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), liver, spleen and CT, and on the mRNA expression of the TLR4 in PBL, liver and spleen p.i. (P < 0.05). The main responding period of mentioned alterations due to LPS appears to include the period from 2 until 8 h p.i. According to the H/L ratio, the most stressful phase was 5 h p.i. T and B cell subsets in CT, the IL-1β and TLR4 mRNA expression in liver and plasma nitrite concentrations seemed to be affected for a longer period.

Clinical and immunohistopathologic study of phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor

Objective: To study the clinicopathological characteristics and immunohistochemical phenotype of phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor (PMT) . Methods: The clinicopathological data and immunohistochemical profiles were obtained retrospectively from 206 patients diagnosed with PMT at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) during July 2008 to September 2017, with a review of literature. Results: The mean age of PMT patients was 42 years (range 13 to 70 years), with a male to female ratio of 1.1∶1.0. All patients presented with different degree of bone pain, muscle weakness, shorten of stature, thoracic deformity and pathological fractures, with hypophosphatemia and high serum ALP. Phosphatemia returned to normal within 1 week after operation in all cases underwent complete tumor resection. The duration of osteomalacia before resection (documented in 197 cases) ranged from 20 days to 40 years (average 5.7 years). The average blood phosphorus concentration raised from 0.49 mmol/L to 0.92 mmol/L before and after tumor resection (P<0.01), with 147 cases (84.0%, 147/175) returned to normal range within 2 weeks. The rate or blood phosphorus concentration recovery in 15 days after operation was 79.6% in average, displayed significant differences between patients with complete resection and those with partial resection (85.4% vs. 21.1%, P<0.01). PMT lesions mainly involved lower extremities (55.8%), followed by head and neck (29.1%). In immunohistochemical study, all cases were positive for vimentin (100.0%), while most cases were positive for NSE (96.3%), CD56 (94.2%), FGF23(88.4%), CD68 (88.3%), D2-40 (70.9%), CD34 (23.1%), SMA (55.5%), bcl-2 (59.8%) and CD99 (47.1%). The Ki-67 positive index of tumor varied from less than 2% (51.4%), 3% to 10% (41.3%) to >10% (7.2%). Conclusions: PMT mainly occurs in lower limbs or head and neck, with unique clinical characteristics and blood biochemical indexes. The tumor expresses a variety of immunohistochemical markers, indicating the potential of multi-directional differentiation. Clinical profile, blood biochemistry testing and immunohistochemical phenotype is helpful for diagnosis of PMT.

Risk factors for peritoneal dialysis–associated peritonitis

The purpose of this study was to summarize the pathogens that cause peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis and to identify risk factors for PD-associated peritonitis. This retrospective study included 115 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients receiving PD therapy. Patients were categorized into two groups: peritonitis group (n = 41) and non-peritonitis group (n = 74). Clinical data and laboratory tests were collected from medical records. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to evaluate associations between PD-associated peritonitis and potential risk factors. PD-associated peritonitis occurred 54 times in 41 patients. The most frequently identified pathogen was Gram-positive cocci (57.78%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that serum albumin (β = –0.208, P &lt; 0.001), blood phosphorus concentration (β = –1.732, P = 0.001), gastrointestinal disorders (β = 1.624, P = 0.043), and use of calcitriol (β = –2.239, P = 0.048) were significantly correlated with PD-associated peritonitis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed that the areas under the curve were 0.832 for serum albumin and 0.700 for blood phosphorus concentration with optimal cut-off values of 29.1 g/L for serum albumin and 1.795 mmol/L for blood phosphorus concentration. Gram-positive coccus is the major pathogen responsible for PD-associated peritonitis. Serum albumin &lt;29.1 g/L, blood phosphorus concentration &lt;1.795 mmol/L, and intestinal disorders are risk factors for PD-associated peritonitis, whereas the use of calcitriol can reduce the risk of PD-associated peritonitis.

Impact of feed restriction, sexual class and age on the growth, blood metabolites and endocrine responses of hair lambs in a tropical climate

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feed restriction on the growth, blood metabolites and endocrine responses of hair lambs in a tropical environment. Thirty lambs were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2×3×3 factorial scheme. Experimentaltreatments consisted of two sexual classes (15 intact males and 15 castrated males, 13.0±1.49kg initial BW and two months old), different levels of quantitative feed restriction (FR) (ad libitum, 300 and 600g/kg) and various ages (14, 19 and 23 weeks). Lamb age influenced the blood leptin (P<0.001), chloride, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium (P<0.05) concentrations. The blood insulin and glucose concentrations (P<0.001) were positively influenced by diet and age. The increased feed restriction resulted in a higher concentration of blood β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) (P<0.001). The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration was influenced by diet (P<0.001), age (P<0.001) and the interaction of sexual class and age (P<0.01), with the highest concentrations in the oldest and castrated lambs. A positive correlation was observed between insulin and thyroxine in animals fed ad libitum (P<0.05). The thyroxin is present in low concentrations in the hair lambs raised in a tropical climate. Hair lambs exhibited significant changes in their growth, blood metabolites and endocrine responses, which enabled them to adapt to the feed conditions.

Effect of magnetized water on productive traits of laying chickens

ABSTRACT This study examined the effect of using magnetized water on productive traits of Lohmann Brown hens during the egg production period (1 mo). A total of 400 hens were randomly distributed into 2 treatment groups with 10 replicates for each group. Hens were kept in 4 lines of 400 cages with the same environmental conditions. The first group (control) of hens in 2 lines of cages were provided tap water, and the second group (in 2 lines of cages) was provided magnetized water. The physical and chemical properties of water were determined using a pH meter, ion chromatography, and a spectrophotometer. Data of egg yield, egg weight, eggshell thickness, eggshell weight, and mortality rate were recorded. Blood calcium and phosphorus concentrations (mg/dL) were also evaluated in hens at the end of the experiment. Compared with tap water (control), the magnetized water was more (P

Effect of inhibiting the lactogenic signal at calving on milk production and metabolic and immune perturbations in dairy cows

During the periparturient period, the abrupt increase in energy demand for milk production often induces metabolic and immunological disturbances in dairy cows. Our previous work has shown that reducing milk output by milking once a day or incompletely in the first few days of lactation reduces these disturbances. The aim of this study was to reduce metabolic and immunological disturbances by limiting milk production during the first week of lactation by inhibiting the lactogenic signal driven by prolactin. Twenty-two fresh cows received 8 i.m. injections of the prolactin-release inhibitor quinagolide (QUIN; 2 mg) or water as a control (CTL). The first injection was given just after calving, and the subsequent 7 injections were given every 12 h. Milk production was measured until d 28 after calving. Blood samples were taken from d 1 (calving) to d 5 and then on d 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28 to measure concentrations of urea, phosphorus, calcium, glucose, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate, and prolactin. Other blood samples were taken on d 2, 5, 10, and 28 to analyze oxidative burst, phagocytosis, and the effect of the serum on the lymphoproliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from donor cows. Blood prolactin concentration was lower from d 2 to 5 but higher from d 10 to 28 in the QUIN cows than in the CTL cows. Milk production was lower from d 2 to 6 in the QUIN cows than in the CTL cows (24.3 ± 6.4 and 34.8 ± 4.1 kg/d on average, respectively). We observed no residual effect of quinagolide on milk production after d 6. During the first week of lactation, blood glucose and calcium concentrations were higher and β-hydroxybutyrate concentration was lower in the QUIN cows than in the CTL cows. Blood NEFA, urea, and phosphorus concentrations were not affected by the treatment. At d 2 and 5, the phagocytosis ability of polymorphonuclear leukocytes was not affected by treatment; however, quinagolide injection enhanced the proportion of cells that entered oxidative burst, The mitogen-induced proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was greater when they were incubated with serum harvested from the CTL cows and was negatively correlated with the NEFA concentration in the serum. Reducing the prolactin peak at calving was effective in reducing milk production during the first week of lactation without compromising the dairy cow's overall productivity. Slowing the increase in milk production allowed a more gradual transition from pregnancy to lactation and led to a reduction in metabolic stress and an improvement in some immune system aspects during this period.

Hematologic, Plasma Biochemical, and Lipid Panel Reference Intervals in Orange-winged Amazon Parrots ( Amazona amazonica ).

To establish reference intervals in orange-winged Amazon parrots ( Amazona amazonica ) for the complete blood count, plasma biochemical values, and lipid panel and to evaluate age- and sex-related variations, blood samples were obtained from 29 healthy juvenile and adult parrots. Concentrations of total protein, bile acids, phosphorus, total cholesterol, low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly higher in adult compared with juvenile birds, while uric acid concentration was significantly higher in juveniles. The white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, and phosphorus and potassium concentrations were significantly higher in females, while chloride concentration was significantly higher in males. In this species, direct measurement of LDL-C resulted in lower concentrations than LDL-C calculated with the Friedewald formula. Assessment of the agreement between the calculated and measured LDL-C concentrations indicated a systematic bias of 19.1 mg/dL and a proportional bias of 1.07. A correction factor of -19 mg/L could be applied to the Friedewald formula, to obtain a result closer to the measured LDL-C, providing clinically acceptable (<20% difference) agreement in 66% of the samples. Triglyceride concentrations within the range measured in healthy birds of the present study did not significantly affect the bias between calculated and directly measured LDL-C. Further studies are needed to investigate the impact of nutritional factors, genetics, and exercise on biochemistry and lipoprotein panel analytes in orange-winged Amazon parrots.

Performance of Broilers Fed Diets Supplemented With Graded Levels of Soybean Oil and Different Sources of Bone Meal

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of inclusion of three levels of soybean oil (0%, 2% and 4%) and three sources of commercial bone meals (GBM, PBM and IBM) in the diet of broiler chicken. Body weight, weight gain, feed consumption, feed efficiency, digestibility coefficient, calcium, phosphorus and ash content of blood and bone of broilers were measured. Significantly higher (P&lt;0.01) average weekly feed consumption, average cumulative body weight, average weekly body weight gain was found in broilers fed diets containing soybean oil. The highest (5058.27 g) average total feed consumption was recorded on T9 and the lowest (4117.88 g) on T1. The highest average cumulative body weight was obtained on T6 (2168.33 g) and was the lowest on T1 (1930.00 g). Similarly, the highest average body weight gain was recorded on T6 (301.04 g) and the lowest on T1 (273.77 g). The abdominal fat weight percentage was maximum (2.38%) on the diet containing 4% soybean oil with GBM and minimum (1.04%) on the diet without soybean oil withIBM. However, the overall performance of broilers was found improved on the diet containing soybean oil. The ash, calcium and phosphorus content of blood and bone were better when supplied the diet with 2% to 4% soybean oil containing the sources of bone meal. Considering better bone calcification, phosphorus and minerals utilization in the chicken body, 2% to 4% levels of the soybean oil with the GBM source of bone meal could be incorporated in the diets. Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 4(3): 272-280

Effects of ambient temperature and dietary glycerol addition on growth performance, blood parameters and immune cell populations of Korean cattle steers.

ObjectiveThis study was performed to evaluate whether ambient temperature and dietary glycerol addition affect growth performance, and blood metabolic and immunological parameters, in beef cattle.MethodsTwenty Korean cattle steers (405.1±7.11 kg of body weight [BW], 14.2±0.15 months of age) were divided into a conventional control diet group (n = 10) and a 2% glycerol- added group (n = 10). Steers were fed 1.6% BW of a concentrate diet and 0.75% BW of a timothy hay diet for 8 weeks (4 weeks from July 28th to August 26th and 4 weeks from August 27th to September 26th). Blood was collected four times on July 28th, August 11th, August 27th, and September 26th.ResultsThe maximum indoor ambient temperature-humidity index in August (75.8) was higher (p<0.001) than that in September (70.0), and in August was within the mild heat stress (HS) category range previously reported for dairy cattle. The average daily gain (ADG; p = 0.03) and feed efficiency (p<0.001) were higher in hotter August than in September. Glycerol addition did not affect ADG and feed efficiency. Neither month nor glycerol addition affected blood concentrations of cortisol, triglyceride, or non-esterified fatty acid. Blood concentrations of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, glucose, and albumin were lower (p<0.05) on August 27th than on September 26 th, and blood phosphorus, calcium and magnesium concentrations were also lower on August 27th than on September 27th. Glycerol addition did not affect these blood parameters. Percentages of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells were higher (p<0.05) on July 28th than on August 27th and September 26th. The blood CD8+ T cell population was lower in the glycerol supplemented-group compared to the control group on July 28th and August 27th.ConclusionKorean cattle may not be significantly affected by mild HS, considering that growth performance of cattle was better in hotter conditions, although some changes in blood metabolic and mineral parameters were observed.

Peri-parturient metabolic profile in Murrah buffaloes with cervico-vaginal prolapse

Profile of blood glucose, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium was studied during peri -parturient period &lt;italic&gt;i.e.&lt;/italic&gt; on day 10 antepartum/ day of prolapse, day of parturition and day 10 postpartum in 12 normal pregnant buffaloes and 12 buffaloes with antepartum cervico vaginal prolapse during the last month of gestation. The blood glucose, serum calcium, phosphorus and magnesium concentration (mg/dl) in normal pregnant buffaloes were 62.13±1.01, 8.75±0.2, 6.04±0.12 and 1.7±0.10 on day 10 antepartum, 57.39±1.13, 8.30±0.25, 5.59±0.16 and 1.95±0.09 on day of parturition and 59.69±1.22, 6.69±0.23, 4.89±0.07 and 2.08±0.14 at day 10 postpartum respectively, where as, the corresponding values in buffaloes with antepartum cervicovaginal prolapse were 53.66±1.39, 3.99±0.11, 2.88±0.08 and 2.7±0.1 on the day of prolapse; 52.15±1.03, 6.77±0.29, 4.72±0.12 and 2.12±0.08 on the day of parturition; 57.63±1.28, 5.40±0.22, 4.29±0.14 and 1.89±0.14 on day 10 postpartum. The blood glucose, calcium and phosphorus concentration was significantly lower (p&lt; 0.05) in buffaloes with antepartum cervico -vaginal prolapse as compared to normal pregnant buffaloes whereas, on day 10 antepartum/ day of prolapse the serum magnesium concentration was significantly higher in buffaloes with antepartum prolapse as compared to normal pregnant buffaloes.

Anti-osteoporotic activity of puerarin 6″-O-xyloside on ovariectomized mice and its potential mechanism

Context: Osteoporosis is one of the most common bone diseases, and radix of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi possesses an obvious therapeutical effect on postmenopausal osteoporosis.Objective: This study investigates the anti-osteoporotic activity of the puerarin 6″-O-xyloside (PXY) on ovariectomized mice and its related mechanism.Materials and methods: Osteoporotic mice model was established by ovariectomy (OVX). A total of 50 mice were divided into five groups (n = 10): sham, OVX group, PXY treatment groups (20, 40, and 60 mg/kg/d, i.p.). After 12 weeks’ treatment, body weights were recorded. Then, mice were sacrificed, and serum samples were collected to determine the blood calcium, blood phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) concentrations and uterine index was assayed. The thigh-bones of mice were collected to evaluate histopathological changes. In the in vitro experiment, the effect of PXY on osteoblasts’ proliferation was evaluated and western blotting was performed to determine expressions of OPG and the receptor activators of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), as well as the ratio of OPG/RANKL.Results: PXY (40 and 60 mg/kg/d, i.p.) obviously decreased body weights and increased uterine index of OVX (p < 0.05), and improved osteoporotic syndromes of OVX mice; PXY also significantly increased the concentrations of blood calcium, blood phosphorus, ALP, and OPG of OVX mice (p < 0.05); moreover, PXY obviously up-regulated the ratio of OPG/RANKL (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that the puerarin 6″-O-xyloside possesses significant anti-osteoporotic activity on ovariectomy mice.

Growth Performance, Blood Biochemical Changes, Carcass Traits and Nutrient Digestibility of Growing Japanese Quail Fed on Various Dietary Protein and Calcium Levels

Seven hundred and twenty of 14 day old Japanese quail chicks were used in this study to evaluate the effect of various dietary protein and calcium levels on growth performance, carcass traits, blood biochemical changes and nutrient digestibility of growing Japanese quail. The birds were individually weighed, randomly allocated into 6 groups of mixed sex (120 quails per each group). Quail chicks of groups 1, 2 and 3 were fed on the experimental diet containing 24% crude protein with standards calcium content according to NRC recommendation (0.8%) or 25% more calcium than NRC 1994, recommendation (1.0%) and 50% higher calcium than the requirement (1.2%%) for the three groups respectively, while chicks groups 4, 5 and 6 fed on the experimental diet containing 21% crude protein with 0.8 or 1.0 and 1.2% calcium respectively. The obtained data revealed that high protein diet reduced final body weight and total gain when compared with lower protein fed group. While 25% or 50% high calcium more than recommended requirement improved final body weight and total gain when compared with chicks group fed on the same protein level with standard calcium content. The best FCR and PER values were obtained by quail chicks group fed on lower protein level with 25% high calcium content. All treatment had no significant effect on blood picture, blood serum total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol concentrations. Regarding blood serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations, it was observed that higher protein diet with standard calcium level increased (P≥0.05) both calcium and phosphorus blood serum concentration by about 6.8% and 65.1% respectively, when compared with quail chicks group fed on low protein diet with standard calcium level. Moreover, 25% more calcium improve immune response parameters but all treatments had no effect on carcass traits. The obtained data revealed that higher protein feeding with standard calcium content of growing Japanese quail chick diets decreased Dry matter, Organic matter, Inorganic matter (ash), Crude protein, Ether extract, Crude fiber and nitrogen free extract digestibility by about 6.8%, 3.8%, 39.7, 0.17%, 1.8%, 7.9% and 3.7% when compared with quail chick group fed on lower protein containing diet with the standard level of calcium. It can be concluded that 21% crude protein with 1.0% calcium level improve growth performance, feed efficiency and some blood parameters of growing Japanese quail.

STUDIES ON USING BIOGEN - ZINC ON PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF RUMINANTS. 1- PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF DAMASCUS GOATS TO DIET SUPPLEMENTATION WITH BIOGEN-ZINC.

ABSTRACTA total of 36 of Damascus does aged 1.5-2 years and weighed 45.7±1.64 kg were used to define the influence of Biogen –Zinc (BZ) supplementation on oestrus characteristics , ovarian activity, progesterone concentration, reproductive performance and some blood metabolites of Damascus does. Does were randomly divided into three equal groups (12 each). The first group (G1) fed basal ration composed of 60% concentrate, feed mixture (CFM) plus 20% clover hay and 20% rice straw and served as control. The other two groups fed the same basal ration supplemented daily with Biogen–Zinc (BZ) at levels 0.5 g/h/d (25 mg Zn) and 1.0 gm/h/d (50 mg Zn) g/h/d, respectively.Results indicated that does treated with BZ at level 0.5gm (G2) had significantly (P≤ 0.05) more oestrus (91.67 %), while those treated with 1.0 gm (G3) had insignificant increase in oestrus (83.33%) compared to the control group (75 %). The duration of oestrus showed the longest (P≤ 0.05) time (28 h) on does treated with BZ at level of 0.5 gm (G2 ), followed by does treated with BZ at level of 1.0 gm (G3) (25.8 hr) compared to untreated does (G1) (19.2 hr). The interval from treatment to onset of oestrus (time to oestrus) was significantly (P≤ 0.05) shorter with does in G 3 and G2 than those in control group (G1). Day of oestrus was significantly (P≤ 0.05) shorter in the does treated with BZ (G3 and G2) than control (G1). The non-return to oestrus was significantly (P≤ 0.05) higher in G3 than G1.The does treated with BZ at level 1.0 gm (G3) increased (P≤ 0.05) total number of ovulatory cycle and number of oestrus ovulatory cycles compared to the control does. The number of anoestrus ovulatory cycles / doe were significantly (P≤ 0.05) decrease in G2 and G3 compared to the control group (G1). Anoestrus ovulatory cycle (%) showed insignificant lowering in the does in G3 than G1 and G2. At pre-oestrus period, progesterone (P4) concentration in blood plasma was significantly (P≤ 0.05) increased in the treated does of G3 while insignificantly increased in G2 compared to G1. At 4, 8 and 30 days post mating, P4 concentration was higher (P≤ 0.05) in G2 and G3 than that of G1.Supplementation of BZ significantly (P<0.05) improved conception rate, fertility, fecundity, kidding rate, reproductive ability, does kidded /does conceived, kids born per does joined and kidded and kg of kids born or weaned per does joined.Biogen-Zinc supplementation significantly (P<0.05) increased blood total protein, albumin, urea, creatine, creatinine, total lipids, AST, T3, zinc, iron, calcium and phosphorus concentrations during different physiological stages as compared to the control does. Meanwhile, it was significantly (P<0.05) increased globulin, glucose, cholesterol, ALT, triglyceride, T4 concentrations and A/G ratio, during pregnancy and lactation periods while the increase during mating period was not significant.

Alpha-lactalbumin: A new carrier for vitamin D3 food enrichment

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble regulatory vitamin maintaining blood calcium and phosphorus concentrations within a narrow physiological range. Binding to an appropriate delivery system can enhance vitamin D3 solubility, simplify its transport, protect it from degradation and increase its bioavailability. Alpha-lactalbumin as a milk protein is a good candidate for a vitamin encapsulation. Binding properties and conformational change of bovine apo alpha-lactalbumin upon interaction with vitamin D3 were investigated by calorimetry, spectroscopy and by molecular docking. Tryptophan fluorescence quenching indicates that the protein conformation changes in the presence of vitamin D3. However, according to far UV CD results, the secondary structure of the protein was altered in the presence of vitamin D3. The molecular modeling showed that Van der Waals interactions, hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interactions play a major role in the binding of vitamin D3 to the alpha-lactalbumin hydrophobic pocket. The particle size of alpha-lactalbumin and vitamin D3 complex is much larger than the native protein. Surprisingly, in the presence of vitamin D3, the thermal stability of the protein decreases. The binding constant and standard Gibbs free energy change (ΔG°) of binding vitamin D3 to the protein obtained from ITC are 3.66 × 105 M−1 and −7.6 kcal mol−1, respectively, what agrees with results obtained by measurement of fluorescence and by molecular docking. The formed complex is a suitable candidate in order to enrich the low-fat food and non-alcohol drinks. According to the results, alpha-lactalbumin can be introduced suitable carrier for vitamin D3.

Phaeochromocytoma revealed by a stellate neuroretinitis

A 28-year-old woman presented with bilateral progressive decrease in visual acuity for 1 month. She had a history of headache, palpitations, profuse sweating, and abdominal pain for 3 months. Visual acuity was 20/800 in both eyes. On funduscopy (fi gure A) we saw a prominent bilateral optic disc swelling (black arrowheads) with marked macular hard exudates in a star shape (white arrowheads). Several hyperpigmented lesions (Siegrist streaks; white arrows) were scattered in the temporal midperipheral retina, suggesting marked ischaemia over choroidal arteries. We also noted a mild and diff use arterial narrowing with some intraretinal haem orrhages. This presentation was consistent with a stellate neuroretinitis, which is defi ned by optic disc swelling and macular hard exudates in a star shape. Fluorescein angiography (fi gure B) showed, a bilateral papillary hyperfl uorescence (black arrowheads) with some areas of delayed choroidal fi lling (white arrows) and several well-defi ned hypofl uorescent lesions (Elschnig fl ecks; white arrowheads) suggestive of a hypertensive choroidopathy. Optical coherence tomography (fi gure C) revealed a bilateral mild macular oedema (white arrows) with many perimacular exudates (white arrowheads). Blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum lysozyme concentration, serum angiotensin-converting enzyme concentration, and fasting glucose concentration showed no abnormal results. Serology for Bartonella, syphilis, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis, quantiferon gold for tuberculosis, and cerebral CT were all normal. The patient’s blood pressure was 240/130 mm Hg. Abdominal ultra sonography showed a right adrenal mass that was hyperechoic and highly vascularised, measuring 50 mm by 52 mm and displacing the kidney (fi gure D). An abdominopelvic CT scan showed a hypodense right adrenal lesion with areas of necrosis, no intratumoural calcifi cations, and measuring 60 mm in diameter. Urinary catecholamine concentrations were high (metanephrine 107·1 μmol/24 h; normetanephrine 17·22 μmol/24 h). Neck ultrasonography, calcitonin concentration, parathyroid hormone concentration, blood and urinary calcium concentration and phosphorus concentration were normal, discounting medullary thyroid carcinoma and primary hyperparathyroidism. We did a right laparoscopic adrenalectomy; pathological examination confi rmed Phaeochromocytoma. At 3-month follow-up, blood pressure was normal (100/80 mm Hg) and visual acuity was 20/63 (right eye) and 20/200 (left eye). In our patient, the ocular symptoms were related to the high blood pressure, with a subsequent breakdown of the blood–retinal barrier leading to stellate neuroretinitis (which is a grade 4 hypertensive retinopathy). Presentation with bilateral stellate neuroretinitis should lead to measurement of blood pressure. Additional presence of Menard’s triad (headache, palpitations, and sweating) should be recognised as suggestive of phaeochromocytoma.

Response to strategic dietary mineral mixture supplementation in cattle and buffaloes under field condition (Hill region) of Nainital district of Uttarakhand

Calcium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese and copper were found below the critical level in soil, feeds and blood serum of cattle and buffaloes in hill region of Nainital district of Uttarakhand. A study was, therefore conducted to see the effect of dietary supplementation of these minerals as area specific mineral mixture in cattle and buffaloes on reproductive performance, milk yield, their profile in blood serum under field condition in four villages of Nainital district. The calcium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese and copper were supplemented in the form of feed (mineral) mixture which contained ground maize 32.80%, mustard cake 48.69%, di-calcium phosphate 17.85%, copper sulphate 0.12%, manganese sulphate 0.30% and zinc sulphate 0.24%. Fifteen animals (cattle and buffaloes) of different physiological status from each village were selected. Each selected animal was provided 250 g feed mixture daily in order to supply 12 g calcium, 5 g phosphorus, 250 mg zinc, 175 mg manganese and 60 mg copper over and above already present in the ration of animals provided by the farmers for 45 days. The incidence of the anoestrus and repeat breeding cases decreased due to dietary supplementation of area specific mineral mixture. Milk yield was increased and remained persistent in lactating (pregnant) and lactating (non-pregnant) animals. The SGPT, SGOT and ALP activities increased in all categories of animals but were within the normal range. Blood serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations were also increased significantly and reached above their critical levels (8.00 mg/dl and 4.00 mg/dl respectively) in all categories of animals. The serum zinc, manganese and copper concentration also increased but not significantly due to dietary supplementation of these minerals. It was concluded that area specific mineral mixture supplementation in the ration is inevitable in amelioration of reproductive problems and in improving the milk production, reproductive performance and mineral profile in cattle and buffaloes under field condition of Kumaun hill region.

Effect of &lt;i&gt;in ovo&lt;/i&gt; injection with L-arginine on productive and physiological traits of Japanese quail

This study evaluated the influence of administering different levels of L-arginine into eggs of 0-day-old Japanese quail embryos. On day 0 of incubation, 480 eggs (120 for each treatment group) were injected with 0% arginine (C group), 1% arginine (T1), 2% arginine (T2) or 3% arginine (T3). After hatching, 336 quail chicks (84 chicks produced from each in ovo injection treatment) were placed in an experimental quail house and allocated to four treatment groups of three replicates, with 16 quail chicks for each replicate. Traits involved in this study were hatchability rate, initial body weight (7 days of age), final body weight (42 days old), feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and blood serum glucose, protein, cholesterol, total lipids, triglycerides, calcium and phosphorus concentrations, and proportional weights of the carcass, breast, legs, backbone, wings, neck, abdominal fat, liver, heart and gizzard. Results revealed that in ovo injection with different levels of L-arginine on day 0 of incubation resulted in significant increases in the hatchability rate, initial body weight, final body weight, feed conversion ratio, and blood serum glucose, protein, total protein, calcium and phosphorus concentrations, as well as the proportional weights of the carcass, breast, legs, liver, heart and gizzard. However, there was no significant difference in feed intake between treatment groups. Significant decreases were recorded in blood serum cholesterol, total lipids and triglyceride concentrations, and proportional weights of the backbone, wings and abdominal fat. In conclusion, the inoculation of different levels of L-arginine into eggs of 0-day-old quail embryos, especially at the levels of 2% and 3% arginine, resulted in a significant improvement in the productive and physiological performance of the quail. Hence in ovo injection with L-arginine could be used as a tool for enhancing the hatchability rate and productive performance of quail hatched from the egg. Keywords: Coturnix coturnix japonica , egg, incubation, in ovo fed avian neonate, nutrition

Relationships between lumbar bone mineral density and biochemical parameters in phenylketonuria patients

BackgroundThe etiology of reduced bone mineral density (BMD) in phenylketonuria (PKU) is unknown. Reduced BMD may be inherent to PKU and/or secondary to its dietary treatment. Materials and methodsLumbar BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 53 early and continuously treated PKU patients (median age 16, range 2–35years). First, Z-scores of BMD were correlated to age group, clinical severity of PKU, mean phenylalanine (Phe) concentration and Phe variation in the year prior to DXA scanning, as well as to blood vitamin, mineral, and alkaline phosphatase concentrations. Second, parameters were compared between subjects with reduced BMD (Z-score<−2 SD) and subjects with normal BMD. ResultsBMD was significantly reduced in our cohort (p=0.000). Z-scores of BMD were neither significantly correlated to age group, nor clinical severity of PKU. Both mean Phe concentration and Phe variation in the year prior to DXA scanning did not significantly correlate with Z-scores of BMD. Higher blood calcium concentrations were significantly associated with lower BMD (r2=−0.485, p=0.004). Other biochemical parameters, including vitamin B12 availability markers, did not show significant correlations with Z-score of BMD. Subjects with reduced BMD had significantly higher blood phosphorus concentrations than subjects with normal BMD (p=0.009). No other significant differences were found between both BMD groups. ConclusionReduced BMD in PKU is present from early age onward and does not progress with age. Therefore, BMD deserves attention from early age onward in PKU patients. Our findings are consistent with increased bone turnover in PKU. It remains unclear whether reduced BMD is inherent to PKU and/or secondary to its dietary treatment.

Microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase 1 Deletion Retards Renal Disease Progression But Exacerbates Anemia in Mice With Renal Mass Reduction

Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase 1 (mPGES-1) is a cytokine-inducible enzyme responsible for generation of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) during the inflammatory response. In the present study, we investigated the role of mPGES-1 in the development of chronic renal failure in mice with 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx). After 4 weeks of Nx, wild-type mice with renal mass reduction exhibited increased blood urea nitrogen, plasma creatinine and phosphorus concentrations, and defective urine concentrating capability, all of which were significantly attenuated by mPGES-1 deletion. The Nx wild-type mice developed a 2.6-fold increase in urinary albumin excretion, accompanied by glomerulosclerosis and reduction of nephrin and wild-type 1 expression in the remnant kidney. In contrast, the Nx KO mice had normal albuminuria with improvement of glomerular injury. Nx-induced increases in circulating and renal tumor necrosis factor 1α and renal interleukin 1β and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 expressions were all remarkably attenuated or abolished by mPGES-1 deletion. Paradoxically, the Nx knockout mice developed worsened anemia, accompanied by impaired erythropoietin synthesis. The coinduction of mPGES-1 and cyclooxygenase 2 but not cyclooxygenase 1 mRNA expressions, along with increased PGE(2) synthesis, was demonstrated in the remnant kidney of wild-type mice. mPGES-1 deletion remarkably reduced renal PGE(2) content and urinary PGE(2) excretion after renal ablation but had a limited effect on the baseline PGE(2) production. We conclude that mPGES-1 deletion ameliorates chronic renal failure in the mouse model of renal mass reduction, and mPGES-1 deletion paradoxically exacerbates anemia in this model likely via suppression of erythropoietin synthesis.