Plasma Ca Research Articles

Ultrasensitive Ionophore-Based Liquid Sensors for Colorimetric Ion Measurements in Blood.

The self-monitoring of electrolytes using a small volume of capillary blood is needed for the management of many chronic diseases. Herein, we report an ionophore-based colorimetric sensor for electrolyte measurements in a few microliters of blood. The sensor is a pipet microtip preloaded with a segment of oil (plasticizer) containing a pH-sensitive chromoionophore, a cation exchanger, and an ionophore. The analyte is extracted from the sample into the oil via a mixing protocol controlled by a stepper motor. The oil with an optimized ratio of sensing chemicals shows an unprecedentedly large color response for electrolytes in a very narrow concentration range that is clinically relevant. This ultrahigh sensitivity is based on an exhaustive response mode with a novel mechanism for defining the lower and higher limits of detection. Compared to previous optodes and molecular probes for ions, the proposed platform is especially suitable for at-home blood electrolyte measurements because (1) the oil sensor is interrogated independent of the sample and therefore works for whole blood without requiring plasma separation; (2) the sensor does not need individual calibration as the consistency between liquid sensors is high compared to solid sensors, such as ion-selective electrodes and optodes; and (3) the sensing system consisting of a disposable oil sensor, a programmed stepper motor, and a smartphone is portable, cost-effective, and user-friendly. The accuracy and precision of Ca2+ sensors are validated in 51 blood samples with varying concentrations of total plasma Ca2+. Oil sensors with an ultrasensitive response can also be obtained for other ions, such as K+.

Use of oral boluses comprised of readily absorbed calcium salts and Solanum glaucophyllum leaf administered a single time after calving to reduce hypocalcemia in dairy cows

Hypocalcemia is commonly observed in periparturient cows. If persistent beyond the first day of lactation, it contributes to poor milk production and other health problems (Neves et al., 2017). Oral Ca boluses can provide Ca for rapid absorption of Ca to support blood Ca concentration. Because their actions are short-lived (3-6 hrs), they are often administered at calving and again 12-24 hrs later. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25 VD) and its analogs have been utilized to prevent milk fever, but must be given 1-3 days prior to parturition to be effective as 12-24 hrs are required to stimulate intestinal Ca absorption (Hove and Kris­tiansen, 1982). A major obstacle to the use of 1,25 VD to prevent hypocalcemia is administration within the effective window. Given too early, the dose must be repeated. Given too late, the cow can still suffer severe hypocalcemia. Solanum glaucophyl­lum (SG) is a plant whose leaves contain an inactive glycoside form of 1,25 VD. Within the rumen the glycoside is cleaved by rumen bacteria, liberating 1,25 VD which is rapidly absorbed into the blood. Our hypothesis is that administering a bolus with readily absorbable Ca and SG leaf will improve plasma Ca in periparturient cows when administered at the time of calv­ing. The Ca will sustain improved blood Ca concentrations for up to 12 hrs after calving and the SG leaf will stimulate intesti­nal Ca absorption from 12 hrs until 72 hrs after calving.

Evaluation of a point-of-care calcium device in bovine plasma and serum

Hypocalcemia is a common metabolic disease in dairy cows, and it is defined as total calcium (tCa) blood concentration <2.0 mmol/L. The alternatives for the gold standard test to measure tCa in bovine blood are limited. Therefore, our objective was to compare the performance of the calcium (Ca) point-of-care compact analyzer (POC; ARKRAY Inc.) device with the gold standard method to measure bovine blood tCa concentration. Blood samples (n = 151) from dairy cows were collected within 24 h postpartum from multiparous and primiparous dairy cows for serum and plasma. Then, serum and plasma were stored at −80°C until further analyses with the gold standard method on an automatic analyzer (Cobas C501 analyzer; Roche Diagnostics) and the POC device. The tCa blood concentration was measured in the laboratory in plasma and serum samples using both methods within 10 mo of sample collection. Correlation coefficients (Spearman), coefficients of variation (CV, %), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), accuracy, Passing and Bablok regression, and Bland-Altman agreement test were performed between the gold standard and the POC device. The range and median tCa plasma concentrations measured with the POC device were 1.1 to 2.8 mmol/L and 2.4 mmol/L, respectively. The range and median tCa serum concentrations measured with the POC device were 1.1 to 2.7 mmol/L and 2.3 mmol/L, respectively. The tCa blood concentrations range and median with the gold standard were 1.1 to 2.6 mmol/L and 2.3 mmol/L. The hypocalcemia prevalence of our study population was 11.2%. The CV were 1.89% and 0.55% for low and high tCa in plasma samples measured with the POC, respectively. The CV were 2.57% and 1.58% for low and high tCa in serum, respectively. The Spearman correlation coefficient showed a strong correlation between the gold standard and the POC device for both serum and plasma tCa concentration. The sensitivity of the POC device for both plasma (41.1%) and serum (64.7%) Ca was poor. However, the specificity of the POC device was perfect in plasma (99.2%) and serum (99.2%). The PPV in plasma and serum were 87.5% and 91.6%, respectively. Negative predicted values were 93.0% and 95.6% in plasma and serum. The mean (95% CI) difference between the gold standard and the POC device in plasma and serum were 0.35 (−0.52, 1.23) mmol/L and 0.19 (−0.53, 0.92) mmol/L, respectively. Finally, we observed a strong correlation between the POC device and the gold standard method for tCa plasma and serum. However, the clinical application of the POC device should be carefully considered because its ability to detect cows with hypocalcemia in serum or plasma samples was poor. However, the device performed better than previously analyzed POC devices and needs further improvement to be a valuable tool for the dairy industry.

Neutral – Eradication of As (III) and Congo red (CR) with green iron oxide (GIO) loaded chitosan(C) - (C - GIO) beads by a non – thermal plasma jet via potential study

In this potential – study, the non – thermal atmospheric pressure plasma is utilized for the neutral – eradication of water contaminants. In the air ambient region, plasma induced reactive species, like as OH•, O (O2−), H2O2 (OH•+OH•) & NOx are performed for the oxidative and reductive transformation of AsIII (H3AsO3) to AsV (H2As O4−) & Fe3O4 (Fe3+) (C-GIO) to Fe2O3 (Fe2+). Whereas, the H2O2 & NOx are quantified maximum (max.) in water, which is 144.24 & 111.82 μM, respectively. In the absence of plasma and plasma with C-GIO, the AsIII was more eradicated, which is 64.01 and 100.00%. While, the C – GIO (catalyst) synergistic enhancement was performed and proved by the neutral – degradation of CR. Also, the AsV adsorbed on C-GIO adsorption capacity qmax and redox-adsorption yield were evaluated, which are 1.36 mg/g and 20.80 g/kWh, respectively. In this research, the waste material (GIO) was recycled, modified, and utilized for the neutral – eradication of water contaminates, which are organic (CR) and inorganic (AsIII) toxicants by the controlling of H and OH• under the interaction of plasma with catalyst (C-GIO). However, in this research, plasma can't adopt the acidic, which is controlled by the C-GIO via RONS. Moreover, in this eradicative study, various water pH alignments were performed, from neutral to acidic & neutral & base for toxicants removal. Furthermore, according to WHO norms, the arsenic level was reduced to 0.01 mg/l for environmental safety. The kinetic and isotherm studies were followed by the mono and multi-layer adsorption was performed on the surface of C – GIO beads, which is estimated by the fitting of rate limiting constant R2 ≈ 1. Furthermore, the C-GIO was examined several characterizations alignments, such as crystal, surface, functional, elemental composition, retention time, mass spectrum, and elemental oriented properties. Overall, the suggested hybrid system is an eco-friendly pathway for the natural – eradication of contaminants, such as organic and inorganic compounds via waste material (GIO) recycling, modification, oxidation, reduction, adsorption, degradation, and neutralization phenomenon.

The incidence of hyponatremia in hospitalized patients due to hip fracture and its effect on mortality

Purpose: Hyponatremia is associated with high morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of hyponatremia and its effects on the duration of hospitalization, in-hospital and 1-year mortality in elderly patients admitted to the hospital due to hip fracture.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: After the approval of the ethics committee, patients over the age 65 and had hip surgery between January-December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The age, gender, fracture type, current comorbidities, and American Society of Anesthesiology physical status scores of the patients were recorded. Plasma Na, K, and Ca values in admission to hospital were recorded. Patients with hyponatremia and normonatremia were compared in terms of demographic data, comorbidities, duration of hospitalization, in-hospital, and 1-year mortality rates.&#x0D; Results: Of the total 253 patients, 52(%20.5) had hyponatremia at hospital admission. Demographic data were similar in hyponatremic and normonatremic patients. In hyponatremia group mean Na values were 131.13±3.96 mmol/L and significantly lower than normonatremia group (138.73±2.27). In the hyponatremic group, diabetes mellitus was observed in 23 (44%) patients, and congestive heart failure was observed in 9 (17%) patients, which was higher than the normonatremic group. The preoperative and total duration of hospitalization was 5.21±2.68 and 9.92±4.49 days respectively and higher in patients with hyponatremia. In-hospital and 1-year mortality rates were similar between the groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: The incidence of hyponatremia was found to be 20.5% in patients with hip fractures, and both the preoperative and total hospital stays were prolonged in these patients. Although mortality rates were similar in this study, hyponatremia requires careful follow-up and early treatment in these patients, since it is known that the length of hospital stay increases mortality.

Association between plasma metal elements and platelet dysfunction in trauma-induced coagulopathy rat model

BackgroundDisorders of metal elements and platelet dysfunction are common in patients with trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC). AimThe aim of this study was to explore the potential role of plasma metal elements in platelet dysfunction in TIC. MethodsThirty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control, hemorrhage shock (HS) and multiple injury (MI) groups. At timepoints of 0.5 and 3 h after trauma and being documented as HS 0.5 h, HS3 h, MI 0.5 h or MI3 h, blood samples were harvested for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, conventional coagulation function and thromboelastograph. ResultsThe plasma zinc (Zn), vanadium (V) and cadmium (Ca) decreased initially in HS 0.5 h and recovered slightly in HS3 h, whereas their plasma concentrations continued to decrease from beginning till MI3 h (p < 0.05). In HS, plasma Ca, V and nickel were negatively correlated to the time taken to reach the initial formation (R), whereas R was positively correlated to plasms Zn, V, Ca and selenium in MI (p < 0.05). In MI, plasma Ca was positively correlated to maximum amplitude, and plasma V was positively correlated to platelet count (p < 0.05). ConclusionThe plasma concentrations of Zn, V and Ca appeared to contribute to platelet dysfunction in HS 0.5 h, HS3 h, MI 0.5 h and MI3 h, which were trauma type sensitive.

The Association between Prepartum Rumination Time, Activity and Dry Matter Intake and Subclinical Hypocalcemia and Hypomagnesemia in the First 3 Days Postpartum in Holstein Dairy Cows.

Changes in prepartum behaviors such as total daily rumination (TDR), total daily activity (TDA) and dry matter intake (DMI) have the potential to be used as early indicators for cows at risk for subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH) or hypomagnesemia (HYM) after calving. Our objective was to investigate associations between average daily rate of change in total daily rumination (ΔTDR), total daily activity (ΔTDA) and dry matter intake (ΔDMI) from -3 days prepartum to calving with SCH and HYM at D0 or D3 relative to calving. Prepartum TDR, TDA and DMI were measured in 64 Holstein dairy cows. Blood samples were taken at D0 and D3 post-calving for the measurement of total plasma Ca and Mg concentration. Linear regression models were used to analyze the association between ΔTDR, ΔTDA and ΔDMI and SCH and HYM at D0 and D3 relative to calving. Potential confounding variables were offered to the models and backwards selection was used to determine which covariates to retain. No significant differences in prepartum ΔTDR, ΔTDA or ΔDMI were found between cows with or without SCH and HYM at D0 and D3. Our results suggest that the change in TDR, TDA and DMI in the last 3 days prepartum are not effective predictors for cows that will have SCH or HYM in the first 3 days postpartum.

Comparative effects of treatment with ferric carboxymaltose versus ferric derisomaltose in a murine model of iron-deficiency anemia

Intravenous (IV) iron preparations like ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) and ferric derisomaltose (FDI) are used to treat iron deficiency anemia (IDA) due to heavy uterine bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic kidney disease. These preparations greatly differ in terms of their side-effect profiles (e.g, hypophosphatemia). However, studies that directly compare FCM and FDI are limited. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of FCM and FDI in a mouse model of IDA and investigate changes in blood parameters and mineral homeostasis. Female C57Bl/6J mice were fed iron-deficient diet for 5 weeks followed by IV bleeding (0.7% of body weight [b.w.]) for 3 consecutive days. On day 0 (last day of bleeding), baseline blood and urine were analyzed for hematocrit, CBC, P i and Ca 2+ . Mice were randomized to vehicle (saline, 2 μl/g b.w.; n=16), FCM (20 mg/kg; n=12), or FDI (20 mg/kg; n=12) treatment via retroorbital injection on day 0 and 7. On day 14, terminal blood, urine, spleen, and heart were collected. At baseline, compared with pre-bleeding, all mice had low hematocrit (22±1 vs 48±0.3%; P&lt;0.05) and microcytic hypochromic anemia. After 14 days, mice treated with FCM and FDI had higher hematocrit compared with vehicle (47±0.4 and 46±0.3 vs 25±1%; P&lt;0.05). WBC were similar on day 14 compared with day 0 for mice treated with FCM (8±1 vs 7±1 x10 9 /L; NS) or FDI (7±1 vs 7±1 x10 9 /L; NS); however, WBC were decreased in vehicle-treated mice (4±1 vs 6±1 x10 9 /L; P&lt;0.05). Thrombocytes were increased in vehicle-treated mice on day 14 compared with day 0 (1405±55 vs 795±23 x10 9 /L; P&lt;0.05); while there was no change in thrombocytes in mice treated with FDI (706±16 vs 831±29 x10 9 /L; NS), they were decreased in FCM-treated mice (583±41 vs 771±30 x10 9 /L; P&lt;0.05). Both FCM and FDI prevented splenomegaly that was seen in vehicle-treated mice (88±3 and 87±20 vs 263±40 mg; P&lt;0.05). Similarly, FCM and FDI prevented greater heart weight that was seen in vehicle-treated mice (0.43±0.01 and 0.45±0.01 vs 0.48±0.01 g/b.w. %; P&lt;0.05). After 14 days, mice treated with FCM and FDI had lower plasma P i compared with vehicle (1.9±0.1 and 2.1±0.1 vs 2.4±0.1 mmol; P&lt;0.05); although FCM-treated mice showed greater hypophosphatemia compared with FDI ( P&lt;0.05). There were no differences between groups for urinary P i . Plasma Ca 2+ was similar between groups on day 14; but compared with day 0, it was higher in vehicle (2.7±0.1 vs 2.5±0.1 mmol; P&lt;0.05) and FCM-treated mice (2.8±0.1 vs 2.5±0.1 mmol; P&lt;0.05). Urinary Ca 2+ /creatinine was higher in mice treated with vehicle compared with day 0 (0.4±0.04 vs 0.1±0.01 mmol/mmol; P&lt;0.05) but was lower with FCM (0.09±0.03 vs 0.14±0.04 mmol/mmol; P&lt;0.05) and FDI (0.08±0.01 vs 0.3±0.06 mmol/mmol; P&lt;0.05). In summary, our study shows that both iron preparations have similar effects on blood parameters, but mice were more hypophosphatemic when treated with FCM vs FDI. We speculate this may be due to variations in PTH and FGF23 levels. This work was supported by 1R01DK110621, VA Merit Award IBX004968A, NIDDK Diabetic Complications Consortium RRID:SCR_001415, DK076169 and DK115255 (all to TR). LT was supported by an AHA Postdoctoral Fellowship (828731). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Evaluating the inclusion of alfalfa hay in diets fed to multigravid Holstein cows in their transition to early lactation

The objectives of this study were to determine the dry matter intake (DMI), urine pH, Ca concentration in blood, Ca output in urine, and frequency of hypocalcemia in pregnant and nonlactating dairy cows consuming diets containing different hays and acidogenic products during the prepartum period. Eighty pregnant and nonlactating Holstein cows approaching their second or greater calving were fed 1 of 4 experimental diets according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments during the prepartum period (21 d before calving). Diets included either grass hay (GH) or alfalfa hay (AH) and calcium chloride (CL) or polyhalite (PO) as the acidogenic products. All diets had a dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) below -190 mEq/kg of dry matter (DM). Grass hay contained 75 g/kg crude protein, 749 g/kg neutral detergent fiber, 3.6 g/kg Ca, 0.9 g/kg Na, 18.8 g/kg K, 3.8 g/kg Cl, 1.5 g/kg S, and a cation-anion difference equal to 290 mEq/kg of DM. Alfalfa hay contained 196 g/kg crude protein, 456 g/kg neutral detergent fiber, 15.2 g/kg Ca, 1.6 g/kg Na, 25 g/kg K, 7.7 g/kg Cl, 3.2 g/kg S, and a cation-anion difference equal to 292 mEq/kg of DM. Cows consuming GH tended to consume more DM than cows consuming AH (11.6 vs. 10.8 kg/d) but DMI did not differ between acidogenic products. Urine pH decreased below 6.5 for all diets, although cows consuming the GHPO diet had the highest urine pH. The concentration of Ca in plasma decreased substantially around calving but neither hay type nor acidogenic product affected it. Urinary Ca output was lowest for cows consuming the GHPO diet. No associations existed between dietary treatments and the frequencies of normocalcemia and hypocalcemia. Under the conditions of this study, in which alfalfa and grass hays had similar cation-anion differences, we concluded that the inclusion of alfalfa hay in prepartum diets does not necessarily increase the frequency of hypocalcemia. The cation-anion difference of the alfalfa hay, more than the concentration of potassium alone, may be a key determinant of whether alfalfa hay fits in a prepartum feeding program for prepartum dairy cows. Further research should explore this relationship.

Negative dietary cation–anion difference in prepartum dairy cow diets: a pragmatic study in two commercial dairy farms

Pragmatic studies, evaluating the effectiveness of an intervention under its usual conditions, are less commonly reported than the explanatory trials. For instance, the effectiveness of prepartum negative dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) diets on inducing a compensated metabolic acidosis that promotes a higher blood Ca concentration at calving has not been frequently described under commercial farm management conditions without researchers' interference. Thus, the objectives were to study cows under commercial farm management conditions to (1) describe the daily close-up dairy cows' urine pH and fed DCAD, and (2) evaluate the association between urine pH and fed DCAD, and preceding urine pH and blood Ca at calving. A total of 129 close-up Jersey cows about to commence their ≥2nd lactation were enrolled in the study after 7 days of exposure to DCAD diets in two commercial dairy herds. Urine pH was determined daily from mid-stream urine samples from enrollment to calving. Fed DCAD was determined from feed bunk samples obtained during 29 (Herd 1) and 23 (Herd 2) consecutive days. Plasma Ca concentration was determined within 12 h after calving. Descriptive statistics were generated at the herd- and cow-level. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the associations between urine pH and fed DCAD for each herd, and preceding urine pH and plasma Ca concentration at calving for both herds. At herd-level, the average urine pH and CV during the study period were 6.1 and 12.0% (Herd 1) and 5.9 and 10.9% (Herd 2), respectively. At the cow-level, the average urine pH and CV during the study period were 6.1 and 10.3% (Herd 1) and 6.1 and 12.3% (Herd 2), respectively. During the study period, fed DCAD averages were -121.3 and -165.7 mEq/kg of DM and CV 22.8 and 60.6% for Herd 1 and Herd 2, respectively. No evidence of association between cows' urine pH and fed DCAD was observed in Herd 1, whereas a quadratic association was observed in Herd 2. When both herds were combined, a quadratic association was observed between the urine pH intercept (at calving) and plasma Ca concentration. Although average urine pH and fed DCAD were within recommended ranges, the high variability observed indicates that acidification and fed DCAD are not constant, and often outside the recommended ranges in commercial settings. Monitoring of DCAD programs is warranted to ensure their effectiveness under commercial settings.

Minimal effects of ultraviolet light supplementation on egg production, egg and bone quality, and health during early lay of laying hens.

Chicken vision is sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light containing the UVA spectrum, while UVB plays a key role in the endogenous production of vitamin D3. However, commercially available light sources are typically deficient in the UV spectrum and thus may not adequately fulfill the lighting requirements of indoor-housed laying hens. We hypothesized that supplementary UVB light may improve egg production and egg quality, and bone health during early lay relative to UVA supplementation or standard control lighting. To investigate the effects of UV light supplementation, an experiment was conducted on 252 ISA Brown hens during 16 to 27 weeks of age. Birds were housed in eighteen pens (14 hens/pen) under three different light treatment groups each with six replications: (i) UVO: standard control lighting with LED white light, (ii) UVA: control lighting plus supplemental daylight with an avian bulb, and (iii) UVA/B: control lighting plus a supplemental full spectrum reptile bulb containing both UVA and UVB wavelengths. Hen-day egg production and egg quality, blood parameters including plasma Ca and P, and serum 25(OH)D3, and hen body weight and external health scoring were measured at different age points; while bone quality was assessed at the end of the experiment at 27 weeks. Data were analyzed in JMP® 16.0 using general linear mixed models with α level set at 0.05. Results showed that UVA and UVA/B supplemented birds reached sexual maturity (50% production) 3 and 1 day earlier, respectively, than control birds. There was a trend for UV lights to increase hen-day egg production (P=0.06). Among egg quality traits, only eggshell reflectivity and yolk index were affected by UV lights (P=0.02 and 0.01, respectively); however, most of the egg quality traits changed over age (all P<0.01). Post-hoc tests showed higher serum 25(OH)D3 in the UVA/B group relative to control hens (P<0.05); but there was no treatment effect on plasma Ca and P or on bone quality parameters (all P>0.05). A significant interaction was observed between light treatment and age for the number of comb wounds (P=0.0004), with the UV supplemented hens showing more comb wounds after 24 weeks. These results demonstrated that supplemental UVA/B light had minimal effects on egg production and egg quality, whereas, UVA/B exposure may increase vitamin D3 synthesis during the early laying period. The optimum duration of exposure and level of intensity needs to be determined to ensure these benefits.

Egg production, egg quality, organ weight, bone ash, and plasma metabolites in 30-week-old Lohmann LSL lite hens fed corn and soybean meal-based diets supplemented with enzymatically treated yeast

Highly prolific modern hens are susceptible to metabolic disorders that could be modulated by functional feedstuffs such as enzymatically treated yeast (ETY). Therefore, we assessed the dose-response of ETY on hen-day egg production (HDEP), egg quality attributes, organ weight, bone ash, and plasma metabolites in laying hens. A total of 160 thirty-week-old Lohmann LSL lite hens were placed in 40 enriched cages (4 birds/cage) based on body weight (BW) and allocated to 5 diets in a completely randomized design for a 12-wk trial. The diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous corn and soybean meal based supplemented with 0.0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, or 0.2% ETY. Feed and water were provided ad libitum; HDEP and feed intake (FI) were monitored weekly, whereas egg components, eggshell breaking strength (ESBS), and thickness (EST) were monitored biweekly, and albumen IgA concentration was measured on wk 12. At the end of the trial, 2 birds/cage were bled for plasma and necropsied for liver, spleen, and bursa weight, ceca digesta for short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and tibia and femur for ash content. Supplemental ETY reduced HDEP quadratically (P=0.03); the HDEP was 98, 98, 96, 95, and 94% for 0.0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2% ETY, respectively. However, ETY linearly and quadratically (P = 0.01) increased egg weight (EW) and egg mass (EM). Specifically, EM was 57.9, 60.9, 59.9, 58.9, and 59.2 g/b for 0.0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2% ETY, respectively. Egg albumen increased linearly (P=0.01), and egg yolk decreased linearly (P=0.03) in response to ETY. In response to ETY, the ESBS and plasma Ca increased linearly and quadratically (P ≤ 0.03). Plasma concentration of total protein and albumin increased quadratically (P ≤ 0.05) with ETY. Diets had no (P > 0.05) effects on FI, FCR, bone ash, SCFA, and IgA. In conclusion, 0.1% or higher ETY reduced egg production rate; however, linear improvement in EW and shell quality linked to larger albumen and higher plasma protein and Ca suggested modulation in protein and calcium metabolism.

Influence of glycoprotein MUC1 on trafficking of the Ca2+-selective ion channels, TRPV5 and TRPV6, and on in vivo calcium homeostasis

Polymorphism of the gene encoding mucin 1 (MUC1) is associated with skeletal and dental phenotypes in human genomic studies. Animals lacking MUC1 exhibit mild reduction in bone density. These phenotypes could be a consequence of modulation of bodily Ca homeostasis by MUC1, as suggested by the previous observation that MUC1 enhances cell surface expression of the Ca2+-selective channel, TRPV5, in cultured unpolarized cells. Using biotinylation of cell surface proteins, we asked whether MUC1 influences endocytosis of TRPV5 and another Ca2+-selective TRP channel, TRPV6, in cultured polarized epithelial cells. Our results indicate that MUC1 reduces endocytosis of both channels, enhancing cell surface expression. Further, we found that mice lacking MUC1 lose apical localization of TRPV5 and TRPV6 in the renal tubular and duodenal epithelium. Females, but not males, lacking MUC1 exhibit reduced blood Ca2+. However, mice lacking MUC1 exhibited no differences in basal urinary Ca excretion or Ca retention in response to PTH receptor signaling, suggesting compensation by transport mechanisms independent of TRPV5 and TRPV6. Finally, humans with autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease due to frame-shift mutation of MUC1 (ADTKD-MUC1) exhibit reduced plasma Ca concentrations compared to control individuals with mutations in the gene encoding uromodulin (ADTKD-UMOD), consistent with MUC1 haploinsufficiency causing reduced bodily Ca2+. In summary, our results provide further insight into the role of MUC1 in Ca2+-selective TRP channel endocytosis and the overall effects on Ca concentrations.

Smoking as the most important risk factor for chronic pancreatitis in the general population.

We tested the hypothesis that six toxic risk factors from the TIGAR-O classification system are equally important for risk of chronic pancreatitis, at the level of the individual patient and in the general population. 108,438 women and men aged 20-100years participating in the Copenhagen General Population Study from 2003 to 2015 were included. Associations of smoking, alcohol intake, waist/hip ratio, kidney function, plasma triglycerides, plasma Ca2+, and diseases within the causal pathway with risk of chronic pancreatitis, and corresponding population attributable risks were estimated. Information on chronic pancreatitis was from national Danish health registries. During median 9years (range: 0-15) of follow-up, 313 individuals had a first diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis; the incidence of chronic pancreatitis per 10,000 person-years were 3.1 overall, 2.8 in women, and 3.5 in men. Of the six toxic risk factors and relative to individuals with low values, individuals in the top 5% had hazard ratios for chronic pancreatitis of 3.1(95% CI 2.1-4.5) for pack-years smoked, 2.5(1.5-4.0) for alcohol intake, and 1.6(1.1-2.6) for plasma triglycerides. Corresponding values versus those without the baseline disease were 12.6 (7.9-20.2) for acute pancreatitis, 1.9 (1.2-2.8) for gallstone disease, and 1.9 (1.3-2.7) for diabetes mellitus. The highest population attributable fractions were for women (1) ever smoking (31%), (2) gallstone disease (5%), and (3) diabetes mellitus (4%), and for men (1) ever smoking (38%), (2) acute pancreatitis (7%)/high alcohol intake (7%), and (3) high plasma triglycerides (5%). Smoking is the most important risk factor for chronic pancreatitis in the general population.

Assessment of Noninferiority of Delayed Oral Calcium Supplementation on Blood Calcium and Magnesium Concentrations and Rumination Behavior in Dairy Cows

We investigated whether delaying oral calcium (Ca) bolus administration to the second day postpartum (DEL) was noninferior to bolus administration within 24 h of calving (CON) in its effects on plasma Ca concentrations during the first five days in milk (DIM). We also investigated the effects of DEL vs. CON strategies on magnesium (Mg) concentrations and daily rumination time (RT). Twenty-three multiparous (parity ≥ 3) dairy cows were randomly assigned to the CON (n = 11) or DEL (n = 12) treatment. Blood Ca and Mg were measured at 1–5 DIM and RT was monitored from −7 d to 7 d relative to calving. The noninferiority margin was a difference in Ca concentration of 0.15 mmol/L. Blood Ca and Mg concentrations and RT were analyzed by multivariable linear mixed models accounting for repeated measures. Blood Ca concentrations were 0.07 mmol/L (95% confidence interval: −0.30–0.17) less in DEL cows than CON cows, thus non-inferiority results were inconclusive. The Ca concentration increased across the first 5 DIM but did not differ between treatments while Mg concentrations decreased in both treatments (p &lt; 0.001). There was no treatment difference in RT (CON: 436 ± 21, DEL: 485 ± 19 min/d). While noninferiority results were inconclusive, similar blood Ca dynamics between CON and DEL treatment strategies indicates that delayed Ca administration is a potential management option for commercial dairy farms; however, additional studies using large sample sizes are warranted to confirm these findings.

Effect of Anionic and Zeolite Supplements and Oral Calcium Bolus in Prepartum Diets on Feed Intake, Milk Yield and Milk Compositions, Plasma Ca Concentration, Blood Metabolites and the Prevalence of Some Reproductive Disorders in Fresh Dairy Cows.

Hypocalcaemia is an important disorder associated with an increased risk of metabolic diseases, and many studies have been going on for decades. This study investigated the effects of anionic and zeolite with an oral Ca bolus in the prepartum phase on milk yields and compositions, and plasma Ca concentrations, blood metabolites and the prevalence of some reproductive disorders in dairy cows after parturition. Ninety pregnant non-lactating Holstein-Friesian cows were randomly assigned to three isoenergetic diets and their counterparts using an oral Ca bolus: (1) Control (CON): low Ca (0.44%); (2) Anionic (ANI): high Ca (1.00%); (3) Zeolite (ZEO): low Ca (0.44%). The feed and energy intakes of the CON and ZEO groups were higher than the ANI group. The raw milk yield, Pr%, and feed efficiency did not differ between the groups, while the corrected milk yield, fat% and total corrected milk yield at 305 days differed between groups. Total plasma and the ionized Ca concentration of the ANI and ZEO groups, at calving time and in 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after that, were higher than in the CON group. The frequencies of hypocalcaemia and reproductive disorders in the ANI and ZEO groups were lower than in the CON. The blood metabolite levels in the CON group were higher than in other groups. In conclusion, the ANI and ZEO diets and their counterparts supplemented with an oral Ca bolus improved the milk production traits, plasma calcium and metabolites concentration and also effectively prevented reproductive disorders.

Sodium phosphate cotransporter 2a inhibitors: potential therapeutic uses.

Purpose of reviewTargeting sodium phosphate cotransporter 2a (Npt2a) offers a novel strategy for treating hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here we review recent studies on the efficacy of Npt2a inhibition, its plasma phosphate (Pi)-lowering effects, as well as potential “off-target” beneficial effects on cardiovascular consequences.Recent findingsTwo novel Npt2a-selective inhibitors (PF-06869206 and BAY-767) have been developed. Pharmacological Npt2a inhibition shows a significant phosphaturic effect and consequently lowers plasma Pi and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels regardless of CKD. However, plasma fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), a master regulator of Pi homeostasis, shows inconsistent responses between these two inhibitors (no effect by PF-06869206 vs. reduction by BAY-767). In addition to the effects on Pi homeostasis, Npt2a inhibition also enhances urinary excretions of Na+, Cl−, and Ca2+, which is recapitulated in animal models with reduced kidney function. The effect of Npt2a inhibition by BAY-767 on vascular calcification has been studied, with positive results showing that oral treatment with BAY-767 (10 mg kg−1) attenuated the increases in plasma Pi and Ca2+ content in the aorta under the setting of vascular calcification induced by a pan-FGF receptor inhibitor. Together, Npt2a inhibition offers a promising therapeutic approach for treating hyperphosphatemia and reducing cardiovascular complications in CKD.SummaryNpt2a inhibition significantly increases urinary Pi excretion and lowers plasma Pi and PTH levels; moreover, it exerts pleiotropic “off-target” effects, providing a novel treatment for hyperphosphatemia and exhibiting beneficial potential for cardiovascular complications in CKD.

Calcium Ions Signaling: Targets for Attack and Utilization by Viruses.

Calcium, as a second intracellular messenger, participate in various physiological and biochemical processes, including cell growth and proliferation, energy metabolism, information transfer, cell death, and immune response. Ca2+ channels or pumps in plasma and organelle membranes and Ca2+-related proteins maintain Ca2+ homeostasis by regulating Ca2+ inflow, outflow and buffering to avoid any adverse effects caused by Ca2+ overload or depletion. Thus, Ca2+ signaling also provides a target for virus invasion, replication, proliferation and release. After hijacking the host cell, viruses exploit Ca2+ signaling to regulate apoptosis and resist host immunity to establish persistent infection. In this review, we discuss cellular Ca2+ signaling and channels, interaction of calcium-associated proteins with viruses, and host cell fate, as well as the role of Ca2+ in cell death and antiviral response during viral infection.

Supplementation of Broiler Chicken Feed Mixtures with Micronised Oilseeds and the Effects on Nutrient Contents and Mineral Profiles of Meat and Some Organs, Carcass Composition Parameters, and Health Status.

Simple SummaryIn the present study, the inclusion of micronised camelina, flax, and sunflower seeds in the diets of broiler chickens improved the slaughter parameters, for example, the share of commercial cuts in the carcass (breast, thigh, and drumstick muscle), and reduced the content of abdominal fat. The addition of oilseeds in the diets also modified the calorific value of the breast, thigh, and drumstick muscles as well as some organs by reducing the content of ether extract. In addition, the flax seeds increased the content of Ca, Cu, and Fe in the muscles and organs. At the same time, there were no abnormalities in the health status of the birds.In this study, we included 15% doses of infrared-irradiated camelina, flax, and sunflower seeds in the diets of broiler chickens (grower and finisher) and focused on assessing the effects on the production traits, selected slaughter analysis parameters, nutrients, and minerals in breast and drumstick meat and some organs, i.e., liver, proventriculus, and heart. In total, 200 one-day-old broiler chickens were assigned randomly to four treatments with five replicate cages of 10 broiler chickens per cage (five females and five males). The experiment lasted 6 weeks. In the group of broiler chickens in which diets were supplemented with micronised camelina and flax seeds, there was an increase in (p < 0.05) breast, thigh, and drumstick weight and a decrease (p < 0.05) in the abdominal fat of the carcasses. The oilseed treatments reduced the ether extract content and the calorific value in the breast and drumstick muscles and organs. The flax seeds contributed to an increase in the contents of Ca (breast muscle and liver), Cu (breast muscle and proventriculus), and Fe (drumstick muscle and heart). Likewise, some blood parameters were influenced by supplementation with infrared-irradiated camelina and flax seeds, for example, there was a decrease in the haemoglobin level and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (p < 0.05). The oilseed treatments also modified the contents of Fe and Ca in the blood plasma of broiler chickens (p < 0.05). It may be concluded that infrared-irradiated camelina, flax, and sunflower seeds can be regarded as good diet components exerting positive effects on the dietary value of poultry meat and organs used in dietetics.

Protective Effect of Silymarin and Boric Acid Against Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction in Mice

This study aimed to compare the protective or therapeutic effects of silymarin and/or boric acid against myocardial infarction induced by isoproterenol. Distilled water was given orally by gavage to the GI and GII groups for fourteen days. The GIII group was received silymarin (100mg/kg), while the GIV group was given boric acid (100mg/kg) for 14 days. In the last group, both silymarin and boric acid were given orally (gavage) for fourteen days. On the thirteenth and fourteenth days of the study, while isotonic water was applied to the GI group, isoproterenol (85mg/kg) was applied to the other groups subcutaneously. Plasma ALT, AST, Ca, CK, CHO, TP, Ing P, IL-6, IL-12, PAL-1, and sPLA2 parameters were evaluated. Histopathological examination was performed on the heart, lung, liver, kidney, spleen, cerebrum, and cerebellum tissues taken from mice. The CK level was found to be significantly lower in the GIII and GV groups compared to the GII group (P