Ratio Of Calcium Research Articles

Interaction between Butyrate and Tumor Necrosis Factor α in Primary Rat Colonocytes.

Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, is utilized by the gut epithelium as energy and it improves the gut epithelial barrier. More recently, it has been associated with beneficial effects on immune and cardiovascular homeostasis. Conversely, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) is a pro-inflammatory and pro-hypertensive cytokine. While butyrate and TNFα are both linked with hypertension, studies have not yet addressed their interaction in the colon. Here, we investigated the capacity of butyrate to modulate a host of effects of TNFα in primary rodent colonic cells in vitro. We measured ATP levels, cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolytic activity in colonocytes following exposure to either butyrate or TNFα, or both. To address the potential mechanisms, transcripts related to oxidative stress, cell fate, and cell metabolism (Pdk1, Pdk2, Pdk4, Spr, Slc16a1, Slc16a3, Ppargc1a, Cs, Lgr5, Casp3, Tnfr2, Bax, Bcl2, Sod1, Sod2, and Cat) were measured, and untargeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was employed to profile the metabolic responses of colonocytes following exposure to butyrate and TNFα. We found that both butyrate and TNFα lowered cellular ATP levels towards a quiescent cell energy phenotype, characterized by decreased oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification. Co-treatment with butyrate ameliorated TNFα-induced cytotoxicity and the reduction in cell viability. Butyrate also opposed the TNFα-mediated decrease in MMP and mitochondrial-to-intracellular calcium ratios, suggesting that butyrate may protect colonocytes against TNFα-induced cytotoxicity by decreasing mitochondrial calcium flux. The relative expression levels of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (Pdk4) were increased via co-treatment of butyrate and TNFα, suggesting the synergistic inhibition of glycolysis. TNFα alone reduced the expression of monocarboxylate transporters slc16a1 and slc16a3, suggesting effects of TNFα on butyrate uptake into colonocytes. Of the 185 metabolites that were detected with LC-MS, the TNFα-induced increase in biopterin produced the only significant change, suggesting an alteration in mitochondrial biogenesis in colonocytes. Considering the reports of elevated colonic TNFα and reduced butyrate metabolism in many conditions, including in hypertension, the present work sheds light on cellular interactions between TNFα and butyrate in colonocytes that may be important in understanding conditions of the colon.

Evaluation of Content and Ratio of Calcium and Phosphorus in Commercially Available Pet Food for Dogs and Cats

Evaluation of Content and Ratio of Calcium and Phosphorus in Commercially Available Pet Food for Dogs and Cats

An Experimental Investigation on the Effect of Calcium Chloride As Dust Suppressant on the Strength of Unpaved Road

The quality of the gravel used in road construction has a profound positive impact on roadservice life. The potential use of calcium chloride as a dust control agent and material for stabilizing the base of unpaved roads has been researched.However, the quality of the gravel may be impacted if calcium chloride isintroduced as a dust suppressant into it.The main aim of this researchis to examine the increase in strength of soil specimens treated with calcium chloride and to evaluate how different proportions of calcium chloride as a dust suppressant and base stabilizer affect the California Bearing Ratio value of the soil samples. Mixtures of natural gravel and gravel with varying amounts of calcium chloride were analyzed for their Atterberg limits, grading, maximum dry density, CBR properties, and optimum moisture content.The changes in the characteristics of the gravel -calcium chloride mixtures were analyzed. It was found that the particle size distribution and Atterberg limits remained largely unchanged. However, the optimum moisture content (OMC) decreased from 9.2% to 7.6%, 7.4%, and 7.2% withcalcium chlorideaddedat percentages of2 percent, 3 percent,and4 percent per volumeof dry soil, respectively.Observation of the mixture revealed an increase in the maximum dry density (MDD) as the ratios of calcium chloride were altered.The maximum dry density significantlyincreasedfrom 2.15 Mg/m3to 2.31 Mg/m3, 2.35Mg/m3, and 2.36Mg/m3, respectively. Along with this, the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) demonstrated an improvement of 25% to 29%, 32%, and 36% at 95% compaction with an increase in the ratios of calcium chloride.The increase in dry density can be explained by the improved bonding between particles and the reduction of air voids. This increase in dry density, in turn, positively influences the California Bearing Ratio by transforming soil structure from a dispersed state to a flocculated state.It can be inferred from the results that calcium chloride has the potential to function as a stabilizer for unpaved roads.The findings of this study are expected to reduced life cycle costs for unpaved roads, provide insights for the best approach to materials analysis for unpaved roads, and contribute to environmental benefits by minimizingdust emissions into the atmosphere and reducing the release of chemicals into nature.

Regional Citrate Anticoagulation or Heparin Anticoagulation for Renal Replacement Therapy in Patients With Liver Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In patients with liver failure complicated by acute kidney injury, renal replacement therapy (RRT) is often required to improve the internal environment. The use of anticoagulants for RRT in patients with liver failure remains controversial. We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for studies. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies. A meta-analysis was performed using R software (version 3.5.1) and Review Manager (version 5.3.5). During RRT, 348 patients from 9 studies received regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA), and 127 patients from 5 studies received heparin anticoagulation (including heparin and LMWH). Among patients who received RCA, the incidence of citrate accumulation, metabolic acidosis, and metabolic alkalosis were 5.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0%-25.3%), 26.4% (95% CI: 0-76.9), and 1.8% (95% CI: 0-6.8), respectively. The potassium, phosphorus, total bilirubin (TBIL), and creatinine levels were lower, whereas the serum pH, bicarbonate, base excess levels, and total calcium/ionized calcium ratio were higher after treatment than before treatment. Among patients who received heparin anticoagulation, the TBIL levels were lower, whereas the activated partial thromboplastin clotting time and D-dimer levels were higher after treatment than before treatment. The mortality rates in the RCA and heparin anticoagulation groups were 58.9% (95% CI: 39.2-77.3) and 47.4% (95% CI: 31.1-63.7), respectively. No statistical difference in mortality was observed between the 2 groups. For patients with liver failure, the administration of RCA or heparin for anticoagulation during RRT under strict monitoring may be safe and effective.

Dietary Patterns in 1125 Iranian Women: Adequacy of Energy and Micronutrient Intakes and Weight Statuses.

Women's nutrition status includes significant effects on their children and household health. The purpose of this study was to assess energy and micronutrient intake adequacy in Iranian women. This study was a part of the Urban HEART Study, which has jointly been developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) Centre for Health Development, Kobe, Japan. In total, anthropometric and dietary intake data were collected from 1125 women in southern Tehran municipality districts. A 24-h recall questionnaire was completed by the expert nutritionists and the participants' anthropometric statuses were assessed. Food intakes were calculated in grams per capita per day. Micronutrients and energy requirements were adapted from WHO/Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) tables and Iran National Food Consumption Survey, respectively. Nearly 71.5% of the women were overweight or obese [body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2]. Furthermore, 1.2% of the women were underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2), while 27.3% had normal weight (BMI = 18.5--24.9 kg/m2). The mean bread/cereal and vegetable intakes were significantly higher in obese group, compared to that in normal/under/overweight group (375.6 g/day ± 151.4, P = 0.05; and 331.4 g/day ± 227.5, P = 0.02), respectively]. Women in the lean group significantly consumed higher quantities of cakes/pastries and had the lowest calcium and iron adequacy ratios, compared to other groups (p = 0.001, P = 0.03, and P = 0.05, respectively). These findings suggest that Iranian women, especially those who reside in the southern areas of Tehran, need to change their dietary habits to maintain their health. Moreover, being under/normal weight does not necessarily mean following healthy diets.

Hydroxyapatite-Bioceramic/Expanded Perlite Hybrid Composites Coating on Ti6Al4V by Hydrothermal Method and in vitro Behavior.

This study was aimed to coat a hybrid bioceramic composite onto Ti6Al4V by using hydrothermal method. The Hybrid bioceramic composite for coating was prepared by reinforcing different rations of expanded perlite (EP) and 5 wt.% chitosan into synthesized Hydroxyapatite (HA). Coating was performed at 1800°C for 12 hours. The coated specimens were gradually subjected to a sintering at 6000°C for 1 hour. For in vitro analysis, the specimens were kept in Ringer's solution for 1, 10, and 25 days. All specimens were examined by SEM, EDX, FTIR, and surface roughness analyses for characterizing. It was concluded that as the reinforcement ratio increased, there was an increase in coating thickness and surface roughness. The optimum reinforcement ratio for expanded perlite can be 10 wt.% (A3-B3). With increasing ratio of calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) (Ca/P), the surface becomes more active in body fluid and then observed the formation of the hydroxycarbonate apatite (HCA) layer. As the waiting time increased, there was an increase in the formation of an apatite structure.

Abrupt Increase in ENSO Variability at 700 CE Triggered by Solar Activity

AbstractThe El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the dominant interannual variability affecting global weather and climate. However, limited observational records hinder our understanding of the evolution of natural ENSO variability and its driving mechanisms. In this study, ENSO variations from 665 to 749 CE (Common Era) were investigated using monthly sea surface temperature (SST) records of the northern South China Sea derived from coral strontium to calcium ratios of sub‐fossil Porites obtained at the Xisha Islands. The results suggested the existence of cold conditions in this period relative to the twentieth century. No change in SST seasonality for the CE was found that is in agreement with the orbitally controlled insolation seasonality at that time. ENSO variability during 665–749 CE was enhanced by 39% than that during 1980–2014 CE and exhibited fluctuations. A persistent dampened ENSO variability with frequent El Niño events from 665 to 700 CE was followed by a rapid increase in variability to a level double that of the present. The frequency of La Niña events increased during this time. The abrupt transformation of ENSO activity at 700 CE was attributed to the increased natural radiative forcing induced by intense solar irradiance and weak volcanism. This paper demonstrates that ENSO variability can be influenced by external forcings, such as changes in solar and volcanic activity, and not only by the internal dynamics of the climate system.

Direct Pore‐Scale Numerical Simulation of Microbially Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation

AbstractMicrobially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a promising method for eco‐friendly solutions in geotechincal engineering. MICP involves highly coupled processes in geochemistry and bacterial metabolism that take place in a porous medium. Advancement of these processes drives calcite crystal growth which leads to a decrease in porosity and permeability of the medium. Mathematical models are being developed and used to predict the fate of system at different conditions. Micro‐scale and local bio‐geochemical evolution and its role on the overall macroscopic fate of MICP needs further investigation. In this work, a pore‐scale reactive transport model of MICP for biocementation is developed in a closed system. MICP is simulated in a sample porous geometry in 2D using a native geochemical solver and a lattice Boltzmann solver that handles diffusive transport. We present reactive‐transport factors to up‐scale pore‐scale effects and quantify the efficiency of MICP at different stages of the process. Our results show that pore‐scale effects on the average concentration of urea and calcium are not significant after the initial 20% of urea have been consumed. On the other hand, the pH evolution in the system is significantly affected by pore‐scale effects. We also explored effects of biomass density and biomass distribution on the reactive transport factors, as well as the effect of the urea to calcium ratio on the resulting crystallization patterns. We found that a higher ratio of rate of ureolysis to rate of precipitation leads to more nucleation sites and more uniform calcite precipitation in the geometry.

Association between Serum Magnesium to Calcium Ratio with Level of Asthma Control in Children

Introduction: Bronchial asthma is an inflammatory reversible obstructive airway disease. This study aims to determine the association between serum magnesium to calcium ratio with level of asthma control in children by comparing serum magnesium to calcium ratio between - children with well controlled, partly controlled and uncontrolled asthma. Methods: An analytical cross sectional study was done on 90 children diagnosed with bronchial asthma between five to 12 years age from January 2019 to June 2020. Children were selected from the outpatient and inpatient departments of paediatric medicine of a tertiary care medical college hospital. They were classified into well controlled, partly controlled and uncontrolled groups as per Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) assessment of asthma control in children. The serum magnesium to serum calcium ratio of these children were compared between the groups classified. Results: Mean level of serum magnesium to calcium ratio in well controlled group was 0.29857 (SD 0.07633), partly controlled 0.2439 (SD 0.0532), uncontrolled 0.2545 (SD 0.04467), respectively. Serum magnesium to calcium ratio more than or equal to 0.3 was positively correlated with well controlled asthma. Comparisons of serum magnesium to calcium ratio of well controlled group with partly controlled, uncontrolled and both partly and uncontrolled were statistically significant. Conclusions: Higher serum magnesium to calcium ratio is associated with well controlled asthma. In our study, serum magnesium to calcium ratio more than 0.3 is significantly associated with well controlled asthma.

Effects of ecological roofs in water quality: an experimental study over a humid tropical climate

Although ecological roofs (vegetated or non-vegetated) provide many benefits, it can also leach substances such as nutrients and metals that can affect downstream aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, this work aims to investigate the rainwater quality from ecological roofs in Recife, located in the Northeast Brazil, using local species in a tropical and humid climate. Using four test cells of 1 m2 (one non-vegetated filled with expanded clay aggregate, two vegetated with cactus “Coroa-de-Frade” and grass “Grama Esmeralda”, and one control roof), we analyzed thirteen water quality variables regarding irrigation parameters: pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, nitrate, ammonia, phosphate, bicarbonate, carbonate, calcium, magnesium, sulfate, potassium, boron, sodium, and sodium adsorption ratio. We simulated rain events controlling its intensity and analyzed a sample of natural rainwater event. All roofs neutralized the pH. Control and clay roofs were source of bicarbonate and calcium, responsible for more alkaline effluents. Carbonate and ammonia were below the recommended limits for irrigation purposes for all roofs. Green roofs were source of nitrate, ammonia, and boron. Neither roofs were source or sink for sulfate and chloride for all analyzed samples. Regarding the natural rainwater experiment, only green roof with Coroa-de-Frade exceeded the recommend irrigation parameters for potassium and phosphate. A post-treatment is required for irrigation purposes. We recommend a first-flush system followed by a filter with sand and activated carbon.

Surface Modification of Additively Fabricated Titanium-Based Implants by Means of Bioactive Micro-Arc Oxidation Coatings for Bone Replacement.

In this work, the micro-arc oxidation method is used to fabricate surface-modified complex-structured titanium implant coatings to improve biocompatibility. Depending on the utilized electrolyte solution and micro-arc oxidation process parameters, three different types of coatings (one of them-oxide, another two-calcium phosphates) were obtained, differing in their coating thickness, crystallite phase composition and, thus, with a significantly different biocompatibility. An analytical approach based on X-ray computed tomography utilizing software-aided coating recognition is employed in this work to reveal their structural uniformity. Electrochemical studies prove that the coatings exhibit varying levels of corrosion protection. In vitro and in vivo experiments of the three different micro-arc oxidation coatings prove high biocompatibility towards adult stem cells (investigation of cell adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation), as well as in vivo biocompatibility (including histological analysis). These results demonstrate superior biological properties compared to unmodified titanium surfaces. The ratio of calcium and phosphorus in coatings, as well as their phase composition, have a great influence on the biological response of the coatings.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Marking Juvenile Takifugu obscurus Otoliths with Strontium

Strontium marking technology is commonly used for extensive marking in stock enhancement and releasing activities. In order to explore the feasibility of this technology for juvenile Takifugu obscurus, five different concentrations of strontium (0, 12, 18, 36, and 72 mg/L) were set up by strontium chloride hexahydrate (SrCl2·6H2O) and T. obscurus were immersed for 7 days. Then, T. obscurus were reared in non-additive water for 25 days. The results showed that the survival rate of all groups was 100%, except the 72 mg/L group, after 7 days of immersion. Moreover, the growths of all the marked groups were better than that of the control group. There was no significant difference between the control and marked groups, except for the 18 mg/L group, indicating that the appropriate concentration of strontium might have positive effect for T. obscurus. The strontium to calcium (Sr/Ca) ratios of otoliths in the marked groups increased with increasing concentration and time, which were higher than the baseline, respectively. Then, the Sr/Ca ratios returned to the original level, but the peak value was still retained, suggesting that the success rate of the strontium marking reached 100%. Notably, the residual strontium content of 18 mg/L group was insufficient for causing negative effects for T. obscurus after 25 days. Therefore, in consideration of the growth, survival, and effect of strontium marking on otolith, 18 mg/L is an appropriate concentration for strontium marking of juvenile T. obscurus. This study confirmed the feasibility of strontium marking for T. obscurus and provided a new approach to rationally and scientifically evaluate the stock enhancement and releasing efficiency of T. obscurus.

Microencapsulation of Monascus red pigments by emulsification/internal gelation with freeze/spray-drying: Process optimization, morphological characteristics, and stability

Monascus red pigments (MRPs), natural food colorants from microorganisms, are widely used in the food industry but are not very stable during storage and processing. Therefore, this study aims to microencapsulate MRPs using an emulsification/internal gelation technique to improve the stability. The highest encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 70.32% ± 0.28% was achieved when the percentage of NaCl in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was 0.88%, the mass ratio of CaCO3 to NaAlg was 3.13, and the molar ratio of calcium to acid was 4.15. Spray-dried MRPs microcapsules had a smaller average diameter (D [4,3] ≈ 3 μm) with a smooth surface and spherical shape. Moreover, the stability assays revealed that spray-dried MRPs microcapsules processed higher retention rate, especially under the treatments of heating, light and in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion. The spray-dried MRPs microcapsules exhibited the lowest degradation constant and longest half-life compared with free MRPs and freeze-dried MRPs microcapsules. These results demonstrated that combining emulsification/internal gelation with spray-drying is feasible for enhancing the stability of MRPs to broad its further application in the food industry.

A Review on the Effect of Metakaolin on the Chloride Binding of Concrete, Mortar, and Paste Specimens

Chloride binding is a complex phenomenon in which the chloride ions bind with hydrated Portland cement (PC) phases via physical and chemical mechanisms. However, the current utilization of clays as (Al)-rich supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), such as metakaolin (MK), can affect the chloride-binding capacity of these concrete materials. This state-of-the-art review discusses the effect of clay-based SCMs on physical and chemical chloride binding with an emphasis on MK as a high-reactivity clay-based SCM. Furthermore, the potential mechanisms playing a role in physical and chemical binding and the MK effect on the hydrated cement products before and after exposure to chloride ions are discussed. Recent findings have portrayed competing properties of how MK limits the physical chloride-binding capacity of MK-supplemented concrete. The use of MK has been found to increase the calcium silicate hydrates (CSH) content and its aluminum to silicon (Al/Si) ratio, but to reduce the calcium to silicon (Ca/Si) ratio, which reduces the physical chloride-binding capacity of PC-clay blended cements, such as limestone calcined clay cements (LC3). By contrast, the influence of MK on the chemical chloride capacity is significant since it increases the formation of Friedel’s salt due to an increased concentration of Al during the hydration of Portland cement grains. Recent research has found an optimum aluminum to calcium (Al/Ca) ratio range, of approximately 3 to 7, for maximizing the chemical binding of chlorides. This literature review highlights the optimal Al content for maximizing chloride binding, which reveals a theoretical limit for calcined clay addition to supplementary cementitious materials and LC3 formulations. Results show that 5–25% of replacements increase bound chloride; however, with a higher percentage of replacements, fresh and hardened state properties play a more pivotal role. Lastly, the practical application of four binding isotherms is discussed with the Freundlich isotherm found to be the most accurate in predicting the correlation between free and bound chlorides. This review discusses the effects of important cement chemistry parameters, such as cation type, sulfate presence, carbonation, chloride concentration, temperature, and applied electrical fields on the chloride binding of MK-containing concretes—important for the durable formulation of LC3.

Simultaneous Determination of I/Ca and Other Elemental Ratios in Foraminifera: Comparing Results From Acidic and Basic Solutions

AbstractThe iodine to calcium ratio in carbonate (I/Ca) has been widely used to indicate ocean oxygenation level in the past. Given the volatility of iodine, I/Ca has been measured in alkaline solutions in previous studies. However, this limits the application of I/Ca with other element/Ca (El/Ca) proxies at the same time and in the same foraminifera because other El/Ca data are preferably analyzed in acidic solutions. This study assesses the reliability of I/Ca measurements in acidic solutions measured with other El/Ca as well as the effects of different sample pre‐treatments on measured foraminiferal I/Ca. Our results show that when samples are measured within hours of prepaparation, the pH of the final solution has an insignificant effect on I/Ca measurements of a carbonate reference material JCp‐1 and a multi‐element standard solution, consistent with the slow kinetics of iodine volatilization. We find, however, that low pH possibly reduces the measured I/Ca in foraminiferal tests in some samples. Our experiments also suggest a resolvable effect of reductive cleaning, yielding lower foraminiferal I/Ca compared to without reductive cleaning. The HNO3 concentration used to dissolve foraminiferal shells has a negligible effect. Despite the different solution pHs and cleaning and dissolving methods, our core top planktic I/Ca data are able to differentiate well‐oxygenated from oxygen‐depleted waters in the upper ocean, and after correcting for cleaning effect, our data are generally consistent with the published studies that analyzed I/Ca without reductive cleaning and in basic solutions. This study shows that measurements of I/Ca within hours of sample dissolutions yield reliable planktic I/Ca data, while also allowing the acquisition of other El/Ca values for paleoceanographic studies.

Phenomena and mechanism of slagging and corrosion in energy use of coal with a high content of salts

Purpose. Determination of the main mechanisms of slagging and corrosion of heating surfaces when using coal or other raw materials with a high content of alkali and alkaline earth metals. Experimental determination of mineral phases of ash residues of burning composite raw materials with the participation of salty coal and the influence of component composition on the formation of refractory compounds. Methodology. Critical analysis and generalization of achievements in the developed theories of slagging and corrosion of surfaces during the combustion of problematic carbon raw materials (salty coal, biomass, some wastes, etc.). Determination of the main approaches to the problem of using coal with a high pollution factor. Selection of objects of experimental study on composite raw materials, including coal of different degrees of metamorphism and salinity. Identification of minerals of ash residues of individual fuels and their blends using X-ray phase analysis (X-ray diffraction). Semi-quantitative phase analysis of diffractograms was performed using MATCH! software. Findings. Modern views on the causes of slagging and corrosion processes during the combustion of fuel with a high salt content are highlighted. It has been determined that the process of intensive slagging is associated with a certain ratio of sodium, calcium and iron compounds. The composition and features of the mineral phases of ash residues of composite fuel with the participation of salty coal are experimentally established. The influence of the content of components on the formation of certain mineral phases of mixed ash was determined. Originality. For the first time, the prospects of using two-component blended fuel with the participation of Ukrainian salty coal have been studied. The analysis of minerals in ash residues of salty coal and its blends was carried out. It has been determined that the main part of Na in ash of salty coal of the Bohdanivske deposit in the Northern Donbas is in the form of sulfates and silicates. For the first time, the composition and ways of formation of new refractory mineral compounds in the ash formed during the combustion of composite fuel from coal of different metamorphism and salinity have been established. Practical value. Based on the analysis of literary sources and conducted studies, the dependence of the ash composition on the minerals of the initial fuel and on the ratio of various components in the blends was determined. The proposed approach has a predictive power, as it allows predicting the formation of the main refractory ash minerals. The expediency and prospects of involving salty coal in the fuel base of Ukraine as a component of blended fuels are shown.

Risk factors for osteoporosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Aim of the study was to investigate risk factors for osteoporosis (OP) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Material and methods. We observed 110 patients with a verified diagnosis of RA. RA was diagnosed based on the 2010 EULAR/ACR clinical classification. All patients with RA were divided into 2 groups: with ОP (53 patients) and without ОP signs (57 patients). Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed by dual-energy X-ray densitometry (DEXA), the diagnosis was made on the basis of WHO recommendations. All patients underwent a standard clinical and laboratory examination, in addition the following parameters were studied: 25-OH vitamin D, C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-1), N-terminal propeptide of procollagen I (P1NP) content in the blood, the ratio of calcium to urine creatinine. Results. We found a statistically significant relationship between the presence of ОP and the following clinical signs: patient weight (р = 0.014), duration of RA course (р = 0.024), and the presence of erosive changes (р = 0.014). In addition, a relationship was found between the presence of OP and lower BMD in the Ward area (Ward) and the greater trochanter area (Troch) (р &lt; 0.0001). It was also shown that taking glucocorticosteroid drugs for more than 3 months significantly increases the risk of developing ОP (р &lt; 0.0001). Conclusions. Identification of risk groups for patients at risk for the development of OP is of great practical importance. The factors given in the article can be adjusted towards normalization in order to reduce the degree of possible risk, which is quite feasible in practice.

ВЛИЯНИЕ РАФИНИРОВАННОГО ВЫСОКОСАХАРОЗНОГО РАЦИОНА НА СОСТОЯНИЕ ТВЕРДЫХ ТКАНЕЙ ЗУБА И ТКАНЕЙ ПАРОДОНТА КРЫС

The aim of this work is to study the effect of dispersed carbohydrate nutrition on the state of hard toofh tissues, gum tissue, bone tissue of the alveolar process of the jaws, and the gastric mucosa of rats. Material and methods. The studies were performed on 15 white Wistar rats. The condition of the teeth (the number and depth of carious cavities), the degree of atrophy of the alveolar process of the jaws were assssed. Biochemical methods were used to determine elastase activity and total proteolytic activity, alkaline and acid phosphatase, calcium and phosphorus concentration in alveolar bone homogenates, calculating of the ratio of calcium to phosphate concentration; in gingival homogenates, malonialdehyde content and catalase activity, inflammation markers (elastase activity, general proteolytic activity). Results. Highly sucrose refined diet formed morphological changes in the main structural components of the gastric mucosa of rats, increased the intensity of caries and the severity of the carious process, increased the degree of atrophy of the alveolar process of the jaws. In the bone tissue of the jaws, a significant decrease in the total proteolytic activity was determined; an increase in the activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase was noted. In the gingival tissues, a sharp intensification of lipid peroxidation (an increase in the content of malondialdehyde) was detected against the background of suppression of antioxidant protection in terms of catalase activity.

Application of low-solubility dolomite as seed material for phosphorus recovery from synthetic wastewater using fluidized-bed crystallization (FBC) technology

Fluidized-bed reactor technology was applied to recover phosphorus from solution via crystallization in a seeded (FBC, Fluidized-bed Crystallization) and unseeded (FBHC, Fluidized-bed Homogeneous Crystallization) system. Dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2) is applied as seed material to provide an existing surface in the seeded crystallization system. Under the optimum pH of 7.7, the presence of seed material in the FBC system enhanced the crystallization ratio of both phosphorus and calcium from 60% to 80%. The operating parameters, including - effluent pHe, up-flow velocity (U, m h−1), and cross-sectional loading (L, kg m−2 hr−1) were optimized in the FBC system. Under optimum conditions at pH 7.7, molar ratio of [Ca]0/[P]0=3.5/1, up-flow rate of 30 m h−1, and cross-sectional loading of 0.9 kg m−2 hr−1, the crystallization ratio (CR) and total removal (TR) of both phosphorus and calcium reached 85% and 92%, respectively. Based on the XRD and Raman pattern, it was confirmed the solid products consist of tricalcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2·xH2O) from both FBC and FBHC processes. An economic analysis shows that the disposal cost could be reduced from 0.92 US$ wastewater to 0.2 US$/m3. Phosphorus, encapsulated in a sparingly soluble crystalline form such as dolomite in the FBC system can be potentially used as a slow-release fertilizer and raw material for bio-ceramic and bioactive glass.

A comparison of machine learning algorithms in predicting COVID-19 prognostics

ML algorithms are used to develop prognostic and diagnostic models and so to support clinical decision-making. This study uses eight supervised ML algorithms to predict the need for intensive care, intubation, and mortality risk for COVID-19 patients. The study uses two datasets: (1) patient demographics and clinical data (n = 11,712), and (2) patient demographics, clinical data, and blood test results (n = 602) for developing the prediction models, understanding the most significant features, and comparing the performances of eight different ML algorithms. Experimental findings showed that all prognostic prediction models reported an AUROC value of over 0.92, in which extra tree and CatBoost classifiers were often outperformed (AUROC over 0.94). The findings revealed that the features of C-reactive protein, the ratio of lymphocytes, lactic acid, and serum calcium have a substantial impact on COVID-19 prognostic predictions. This study provides evidence of the value of tree-based supervised ML algorithms for predicting prognosis in health care.