Urea Concentration Research Articles

Enrichment of marine microbes to remove nitrogen of urea wastewater under salinity stress

Salinity (NaCl) and urea concentration significantly affect the diversity, structural and physiological function of microbial communities in the biological treatment of wastewater. However, the responses of microbial in high salt and urea wastewater remain elusive. Here, we investigated microbial community function and assembly of four regions using gradient domestication experiment combined with 16S rRNA gene sequencing and statistical methods. The results showed that with the increase of salinity and urea concentration, the consortium Xiamen could still remove most urea, while the other three consortia could not. The alpha diversity of microbial community initially decreased and then increased, showing a recovery trend. After domestication, the consortium Xiamen exhibited high physiological activity and complex network structure, and the community assembly process changed from stochastic to deterministic during the domestication. Furthermore, the keystones with low abundance were associated with urea removal and important for maintain the complexity of the networks, while Arenibacter and Oceanimonas were found to be keystones in maintaining efficient urea removal in harsh environments. To sum up, environmental effects dominated by salinity and urea concentration stress drove the community assembly and species coexistence that underpinned the microbial differentiation pattern at a geographic scale. These results provided new sights for elucidate how microbial response to salinity and urea during wastewater treatment.

Elevated Serum Syndecan-1 Levels Are Associated with Obesity-Related Complications in Children

Background: Syndecan-1 plays a crucial role in cell differentiation, growth, adhesion, wound healing, and inflammatory processes. It has been linked to obesity, particularly overweight and chronic low-grade inflammation. Objectives: This study aimed to compare serum syndecan-1 levels between obese children and a healthy control group and to investigate the relationship between serum syndecan-1 levels and renal and cardiovascular complications associated with obesity in children. Methods: We assessed 30 obese and 30 healthy children aged 8 - 16 years. Blood samples were collected from both groups to measure serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), syndecan-1, fasting blood glucose (FBG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, and urea concentrations. In the obese group, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), insulin, triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were also measured, along with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results: The mean serum syndecan-1 levels in the obese and control groups were 15.65 ± 10.01 ng/mL and 6.99 ± 3.79 ng/mL, respectively, with a significantly higher level observed in the obese group (P < 0.005). Significant differences were also found in BMI, BMI SDS, creatinine, AST, and ALT levels between the two groups (P < 0.05), with all parameters being higher in the obese group. A significant positive linear association was identified between syndecan-1 levels and creatinine, TG, and BMI SDS (r = 0.711, r = 0.630, r = 0.682, P < 0.01). Additionally, a strong negative correlation was found between syndecan-1 and HDL-C levels (r = -0.609, P < 0.001). No significant linear relationship was detected between syndecan-1 levels and LDL-C, ALT, AST, glucose, urea, insulin levels, or HOMA-IR measurements (P > 0.05). Linear regression analysis revealed that serum creatinine levels and BMI SDS were significantly linked to changes in syndecan-1 levels. Conclusions: Syndecan-1 is elevated in obese children due to inflammation and may serve as an early biomarker for endothelial damage. It can be useful in detecting obesity-related renal damage and cardiovascular risk in children.

Early metabolic and hemodynamic indicators of kidney dysfunction in mice offspring from parental low protein diet

BackgroundParental malnutrition, particularly a low-protein diet (LPD), causes oligonephropathy at birth and predisposes offspring to hypertension and chronic kidney disease later in life. The onset of adult kidney disease varies based on genetics and environmental factors, often with subclinical alterations in kidney function being overlooked. This study aimed to examine changes in kidney morphology before significant kidney function decline in the offspring of mice fed a low-protein diet.MethodsUsing a combination of histological analysis, kidney metabolic and hemodynamic panel assessments, and advanced statistical techniques such as Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), we investigated the initial impact of a maternal low-protein diet (LPD) on kidney development and function. Our study utilized 12-week-old F1 mice from F0 parents fed either a low-protein diet (LPD) or a normal-protein diet (NPD) before the onset of hypertension.ResultsThe offspring (F1 generation) of parents (F0 generation) fed an LPD show reduced body weight from birth to P20. The kidney weight was also reduced compared to F1 offspring from parents fed an NPD. At 12 weeks of age, body weight normalized, but kidney weight remained low. Offspring of parents fed an LPD displayed abnormal kidney morphology, including dilated tubules, oligonephropathy, and fluid-filled cysts which had worsened with age. A kidney metabolic panel analysis at 12 weeks revealed a slight but consistent increase in urine albumin, plasma creatinine, mean urea, and BUN concentrations. Although no significant changes in hemodynamic variables were observed, 2/12 mice, both males, showed alterations in systolic blood pressure, suggesting sex-specific effects when comparing F1 mice from F0 fed either diet. Overall, kidney metabolic changes were strongly correlated to parental LPD.ConclusionOur findings indicate that significant kidney damage must accumulate in the F1 generation from parents fed an LPD before any detectable changes in blood pressure occur. Our study suggests that small variations in kidney metabolic function may point to early kidney damage and should not be overlooked in the offspring of these malnourished mice and likely humans.

A Machine Learning Assisted Non-Enzymatic Electrochemical Biosensor to Detect Urea Based on Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Functionalized with Copper Oxide Micro-Flowers.

Detecting urea is crucial for diagnosing related health conditions and ensuring timely medical intervention. The addition of machine learning (ML) technologies has completely changed the field of biochemical sensing, providing enhanced accuracy and reliability. In the present work, an ML-assisted screen-printed, flexible, electrochemical, non-enzymatic biosensor was proposed to quantify urea concentrations. For the detection of urea, the biosensor was modified with a multi-walled carbon nanotube-zinc oxide (MWCNT-ZnO) nanocomposite functionalized with copper oxide (CuO) micro-flowers (MFs). Further, the CuO-MFs were synthesized using a standard sol-gel approach, and the obtained particles were subjected to various characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The sensor's performance for urea detection was evaluated by assessing the dependence of peak currents on analyte concentration using cyclic voltammetry (CV) at different scan rates of 50, 75, and 100 mV/s. The designed non-enzymatic biosensor showed an acceptable linear range of operation of 0.5-8 mM, and the limit of detection (LoD) observed was 78.479 nM, which is well aligned with the urea concentration found in human blood and exhibits a good sensitivity of 117.98 mA mM-1 cm-2. Additionally, different regression-based ML models were applied to determine CV parameters to predict urea concentrations experimentally. ML significantly improves the accuracy and reliability of screen-printed biosensors, enabling accurate predictions of urea levels. Finally, the combination of ML and biosensor design emphasizes not only the high sensitivity and accuracy of the sensor but also its potential for complex non-enzymatic urea detection applications. Future advancements in accurate biochemical sensing technologies are made possible by this strong and dependable methodology.

Continuous flow microfluidic system with magnetic nanoparticles for the spectrophotometric quantification of urea in urine and plasma samples.

Urea, synthesized exclusively in the liver, is primarily transported through the bloodstream to the kidneys, where it is excreted in urine, accounting for 80-90% of nitrogen excretion in humans. Elevated blood urea levels, indicative of kidney dysfunction, make it a crucial biomarker for assessing renal function. Previous studies on urea detection using microdevices have largely focused on conductometric methods. In this study, we demonstrated the application of a continuous flow miniaturized system for rapid spectrophotometric urea quantification using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microdevices. The microdevice featured two distinct zones: an enzymatic reaction zone, where urease-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles were immobilized, and a detection zone, where reagents were incorporated to produce a colored reaction product via a modified Berthelot reaction. Integrating magnetic nanoparticles as a solid support for the enzyme enabled the reuse of PDMS microdevices without compromising the analytical signal. Spectrophotometric detection was performed in an additional microdevice acting as a microflow cell coupled with optical fibers. A calibration curve was constructed using urea standards diluted in phosphate buffer solution (PBS), yielding a linear range of 0.12-3.00 mg dL-1. The method demonstrated detection and quantification limits of 0.04 mg dL-1 and 0.12 mg dL-1, respectively. Precision and accuracy assessments yielded a repeatability of 0.90% and intermediate precision of 4.52%, with recovery rates near 100%. The method was applied to plasma and urine samples, showing urea concentrations within normal physiological ranges and an analysis throughput of 36 measurements per hour.

Green synthesis and evaluation of dual herb-extracted DHM-AgNPs: Antimicrobial efficacy and low ecotoxicity in agricultural and aquatic systems

Uncontrolled applications of weedicide and fertilizer can harm the soil ecology, and most significantly, earthworms are hazardous soil engineers. Thus, we aimed at the toxicity and histopathological alterations in the earthworm Eudrilus euginae following exposure to glyphosate (weedicide), urea (fertilizer), and environmentally friendly dual herb-mixed silver nanoparticles (DHM-AgNPs). The DHM-AgNPs were synthesized using a blend of Alfinia officinarum and Curcuma longa aqueous leaf extracts with 1 mM silver nitrate. The color change from yellow to brown after an hour of incubation was a significant indicator of successful DHM-AgNP synthesis. Characterization of the DHM-AgNPs using UV–Vis spectra indicated a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 430 nm. In addition to FT-IR spectroscopy and XRD analysis, SEM, TEM, and SEM investigations were performed to identify the DHM-AgNPs. The XPS analysis revealed the oxidation state and surface chemical composition, and Ag NP's specific surface area and degree of porosity were measured using BET. Furthermore, different concentrations of urea and glyphosate were administered to Artemia nauplii and E. euginae to assess their toxicity. The mortality rate for E. euginae exposed to a higher urea concentration (10 g/kg of soil) was 100%. In contrast, a % mortality rate of 83% was noted at 0.5 g/kg of soil. The maximum mortality (90 ± 0.64%) was observed at a 10 mL/kg/L concentration for glyphosate. In contrast, low mortality was noted in E. euginae and A. nauplii exposed with gradient concentrations of DHM-AgNPs compared to glyphosate and urea. As aquaculture and foodborne diseases are widespread, DHM-AgNPs showed significant anti-Vibrio activity against pathogenic Vibrio-related bacteria, inhibiting 80% at 100,100 μg/L, which is of great concern. This study suggests the potential use of DHM-AgNPs in field aqua and crops culture for eco-friendly pest control and anti-Vibrio activity without causing soil and environmental pollution. Further research is warranted to determine the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of DHM-AgNPs in aqua and agricultural practices.

Biochemical changes in the aetiology of floppy kid syndrome in goat kids

AbstractIn the herd, 20 of 75 goat kids born became progressively ill. Twelve affected kids, aged 4–9 days, exhibited muscle weakness, pain without fever, diarrhoea and dehydration. Their health deteriorated rapidly, and within a few hours, one kid died. The results of the blood test revealed severe metabolic acidosis, hypokalaemia and changes in urea concentrations. Floppy kid syndrome was diagnosed. Treatment was initiated to correct the acid–base balance, and all affected kids were temporarily separated from their mothers. All the treated kids recovered. Before the onset of clinical signs, elevated urea concentrations and differences in maternal blood potassium levels were observed. This is the first report on changes in potassium concentrations in periparturient dams of goat kids with and without floppy kid syndrome, as well as the first report on changes in urea concentrations in kids before the onset of clinical signs.

Study of dried-out pattern formation in urea-protein droplets placed on a glass substrate

In the current work, we have studied the drying of two important bio colloids (protein and urea) using sessile droplets on a glass substrate. Urea denatures protein and alters the behaviour of the protein molecules. The concentration of urea plays a crucial role in determining the functioning of proteins. Therefore, various diseases can be diagnosed if there is any change in concentration of these components in the body fluids (blood and urine).We found that the concentration also alters the final dried-out morphologies in droplets of bio-colloids. The analysis of these patterns will thus assist in understanding the interaction between the molecules. The current investigation provides physical insights into the formation of these different morphologies. The findings can be further extended for the preliminary diagnosis of diseases using patterns formed of bio-fluid droplets.

Edoxaban pharmacokinetics during in vitro continuous renal replacement therapy

BackgroundTo evaluate the clearance of edoxaban during modeled in vitro continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), assess protein binding and circuit adsorption, and provide initial dosing recommendations.MethodsEdoxaban was added to the CRRT circuit and serial pre-filter bovine blood samples were collected along with post-filter blood and effluent samples. All experiments were performed in duplicate using continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) and hemodialysis (CVVHD) modes, with varying filter types, flow rates, and point of CVVH replacement fluid dilution. Concentrations of edoxaban and urea were quantified via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Plasma pharmacokinetic parameters for edoxaban were estimated via noncompartmental analysis. Two and three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) models were built to assess the effects of mode, filter type, flow rate, and point of dilution on CLCRRT. Linear regression was utilized to provide dosing estimations across CRRT effluent flow rates from 0.5 to 5 L/h. Optimal edoxaban doses were suggested using CLCRRT and population non-renal clearance (CLNR) to estimate total clearance and match the systemic AUC associated with efficacy in the treatment of venous thromboembolism.ResultsEdoxaban clearance from the CRRT circuit occurred primarily via hemofilter adsorption to the HF1400 and M150 filters at 74% and 65%, respectively, while mean percent protein binding was 41%. Multivariate analyses confirmed the lack of influence of CRRT mode, filter type, and point of dilution on the CLCRRT of edoxaban allowing dosing recommendations to be made based on effluent flow rate. Edoxaban doses of 30-45 mg once daily were estimated to achieve target the AUC threshold for flow rates from 0.5 to 5 L/h.ConclusionFor CRRT flow rates most employed in clinical practice, an edoxaban dose of 45 mg once daily is predicted to achieve target systemic exposure thresholds for venous thromboembolism treatment. The safety and efficacy of this proposed dosing warrants further investigation in clinical studies.

Investigating oral microbiome dynamics in chronic kidney disease and post-transplantation in continuous culture.

This study investigates dynamic changes in the oral microbiome associated with changes in salivary urea concentration, an important factor in chronic kidney disease (CKD). The in vitro system modeled increased urea concentrations and subsequent reductions post-transplantation. The study provides insight into the oral microbial shifts during different simulated clinical phases. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for advancing our comprehension of CKD-associated oral microbiome variations and their potential impact on patient well-being and recovery.

Subchronic Toxicity of Ethanol Extract of Mangosteen Rind (Garcinia Mangostana L.) on Kidney Function in Wistar Rats

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is a fruit that possesses antioxidant, antibacterial, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties. Before this, an acute toxicity test was conducted on the ethanol extract of mangosteen rind. However, further testing is required, specifically the subchronic toxicity test, to identify any hazardous effects that may not have been found in the previous study. The objective of this study is to evaluate the amount of toxicity based on the mortality rate, alterations in the relative weight of the kidneys, and changes in renal function as shown by levels of urea and creatinine. This study is an experimental investigation that employs the Post-test Only Control Group Design methodology, with a sample of 40 rats. The rats were categorized into two groups: the control group and the treatment group. The treatment group was divided into three subgroups, each receiving a dosage of 250 mg/kg body weight. The doses were 500 milligrams per kilogram and 1000 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, respectively. The control group received simply water and feed. The duration of the treatment was 28 days. Observations were conducted over 28 days, which involved monitoring animal mortality. On the 29th day, a surgical procedure was carried out to assess the comparative weight of the kidneys and collect blood samples for analyzing the levels of urea and creatinine. The findings demonstrated no mortality in the test subjects, although there was an elevation in the relative mass of the kidneys and an increase in urea concentrations. The increase in urea levels was observed in female rats using the Kruskal–Wallis test (P = 0.019). The study was further conducted using the post-hoc Mann–Whitney test. Control female rats exhibited notable disparities when administered dosages of 250 mg/kgBW and 500 mg/kgBW. The repeated administration of an ethanolic extract derived from the peel of the mangosteen fruit had a detrimental impact on the functioning of the kidneys, as evidenced by a rise in urea concentrations. Keywords: mangosteen, toxicity test, subchronic, kidney

Microbially Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation UsingLysinibacillussp.: A Ureolytic Bacteriumfrom Uttarakhand for Soil Stabilization.

Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a soil remediation method that has emerged as a viable and long-term solution for enhancing soil mechanical qualities. The technique of MICP that has been extensively researched is urea hydrolysis, which occurs naturally in the environment by urease-producing bacteria as part of their fundamental metabolic processes. The objectives of the current study include screening and identifying native ureolytic bacteria from soil in Uttarakhand, optimizing growth factors for increased urease activity, and calcite precipitation by the bacteria using response surface methodology. Additionally, it was assessed how well the isolated bacteria in the medium biomineralized when using synthetic media and cheaper alternatives such as cow urine and eggshell as sources of urea and Ca2+, respectively. The isolated strain identified as Lysinibacillus sp. was found to be the very active strain after soil samples were screened for ureolytic bacteria. It was discovered that optimization studies with values of pH 8, urea concentration (0.8M), inoculum concentration (3%), and incubation time (48h) yielded a higher activity of 33.7 U/mL (threefold increase), and a higher calcium carbonate precipitation (enzyme activity: 10.96 U/mL, pH: 8.92, soluble Ca2⁺: 25.53mM and insoluble Ca2⁺: 0.856g). The calcite precipitation in broth media supplemented with ready-made substrates and alternative sources demonstrated a similar result of increased pH and ammonia release. Thus, the current study successfully paves the way for several possibilities to stabilize the slopy soils prone to landslides and erosion in Uttarakhand and pinpoint an economic approach through biomineralization.

Synergistic Benefits of Dietary Silymarin and Selenium on Growth, Immune Functions, Antioxidants, and Gut/Liver Health of Thinlip Mullet (Liza ramada) Juveniles

Abstract This study investigates the synergistic impact of silymarin (SI) levels combined with inorganic selenium (sodium selenite: Se) on growth, feed utilization, biochemical parameters, antioxidants, innate immunity, intestinal and liver histology, and gene expression of thinlip mullet (Liza ramada) juveniles. The experimental design involved thinlip mullets initially weighing 3.5±0.13 g, distributed in a completely randomized design with 30 fish per hapa (0.5 × 0.5 × 1 m), and conducted in triplicate over 60 days. Seven experimental diets were employed, including a control (without SI and Se supplementation), a negative control (with only Se supplementation), and four treatments with varying levels of silymarin (250, 450, 650, 850 mg/kg) alongside selenium (0.5 mg/kg diet). The growth performance results highlighted significant enhancements in final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate, particularly in the SI 850 mg/kg + Se treatment. Survival rates, feed intake, and feed conversion ratios showed positive trends across the SI-Se supplemented groups. Biochemical profiles of serum exhibited that the control diet induced elevated concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and urea, while Se or SI supplementation significantly mitigated these levels, with the lowest concentrations observed in the SI-Se supplemented groups. Moreover, SI supplementation increased serum protein content. Antioxidant enzyme activities, represented by superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and catalase (GPx), demonstrated notable improvements in the SI-Se fortified groups, with significantly elevated GPx activity compared to the Se-supplemented and control groups. Immune system responses, including lysozyme, bactericidal, nitro-blue tetrazolium (NBT%), and serum alternative complement pathway (ACH50) activities, were highest in the SI-Se augmented groups. SI and Se in L. ramada reduce liver pro-inflammatory gene expression (IL-1 β, hepcidin) vs. control group. Histological examinations of the intestine and liver depicted structural enhancements, especially at moderate and high levels of SI with Se supplementation. The results indicate improved intestinal villi morphology and hepatic architecture, supporting the positive influence of dietary treatments on the health of thinlip mullet juveniles. In conclusion, the combined supplementation of SI at 850 mg/kg diet and Se at 0.5 mg/kg diet positively influenced the growth, biochemical profiles, antioxidant status, immune responses, gene expression, and histological integrity of thinlip mullet juveniles, providing valuable insights for optimizing aquafeed formulations.

Optimization of process parameters for preparing AlN nanopowders by combining carbon-containing droplet combustion and carbothermal reduction methods

In this research, AlN nano-powders were prepared by combining carbon-containing droplet combustion (CCDC) and carbothermal reduction (CR) methods. Firstly, Al2O3+C mixed precursor was synthesized by the CCDC method, and then AlN nano-powder was obtained by the carbothermal reduction of this CCDC precursor. The effects of urea and glucose contents, ignition temperature, and combustion atmosphere on precursors and AlN powders were studied in detail. The results showed that with the molar ratio of urea to aluminum nitrate (U/A) of 3, the atomic ratio of carbon to aluminum (C/Al) of 6, and the ignition temperature at 800 °C under air atmosphere, the prepared precursor was composed of hollow and spherical structure particles exhibiting rough and porous surface morphology with high specific surface area (SSA) (41.4 m2/g). AlN nano-powders obtained by the carbothermal reduction of this precursor were found to be consisted of fine particles with the size of 20–30 nm with high SSA of 39.9 m2/g.

Effects of supplementing rumen-protected arginine on performance of transition cows

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of supplementing rumen-protected arginine (RPA) on productive performance in dairy cows. One-hundred and 2 cows were blocked by parity and then by energy-corrected milk (ECM) yield. Within block, cows were randomly assigned to control (CON) that received 200 g/d of a mixture of hydrogenated soybean oil and heat-treated soybean meal to supply 30 g of metabolizable protein (MP), or 200 g/d of a product containing 30 g of metabolizable arginine (RPA), which increased the dietary arginine from 5.7 to 7.5% of the MP from 250 d of gestation to 21 d postpartum. After 21 d postpartum, cows were fed the same diet and data were collected until 84 d postpartum. Cows fed RPA produced an additional 2.5 kg of colostrum (5.3 vs. 7.8 ± 1.0 kg) and 220 g more immunoglobulin G (526 vs. 746 ± 93 g) than CON cows. Supplementing RPA increased the yields of milk (32.8 vs. 34.9 ± 1.0 kg/d), ECM (37.8 vs. 40.9 ± 1.2 kg/d), and milk total solids (4.48 vs. 4.86 ± 0.14 kg/d) in the first 21 DIM. The benefits of RPA extended beyond the period of supplementation, with a 6.4% increase in yield of ECM per kg of dry matter consumed in all cows (1.88 vs. 2.00 ± 0.05 kg/kg) and an increase in ECM yield, but only in parous cows (44.2 vs. 48.5 ± 1.5 kg/d). Feeding RPA increased the concentrations of urea N in plasma pre- (12.5 vs. 13.9 ± 0.4 mg/dL) and postpartum (11.6 vs. 13.2 ± 0.4 mg/dL), and in milk during the first 21 d postpartum (11.0 vs. 12.0 ± 0.3 mg/dL). Treatment did not affect the concentrations of AA in plasma prepartum, but feeding RPA tended to increase citrulline (72.5 vs. 77.5 ± 2.7 μM), whereas RPA either tended to decrease isoleucine (129.5 vs. 120.9 ± 5.7 μM) or decreased the concentrations of leucine (181.3 vs. 170.2 ± 6.4 μM) and valine (293.2 vs. 276.7 ± 10.4 μM) postpartum. Feeding RPA increased the relative expression of transcripts involved in AA transport (SLC38A4), urea cycle (ARG1), and gluconeogenesis (PC, PEPCK, and G6PC) in hepatic tissue. Feeding diets to supply additional arginine as RPA during the transition period benefited productive performance in dairy cows that extended beyond the period of supplementation despite minor changes in plasma AA concentrations.

Significance of Urea in Sustaining Nitrite Production by Ammonia Oxidizers in the Oligotrophic Ocean

AbstractNitrification, the stepwise oxidation of ammonia to nitrate via nitrite, is a key process in the marine nitrogen cycle. Reported nitrite oxidation rates frequently exceed ammonia oxidation rates below the euphotic zone, raising the fundamental question of whether the two steps are balanced and if alternative sources contribute to nitrite production in the dark ocean. Here we present vertically resolved profiles of ammonia, urea, and nitrite oxidation rates and their kinetic traits in the oligotrophic Subtropical North Pacific. Our results show active urea‐derived nitrogen oxidation (urea‐N oxidation) in the presence of experimental ammonium amendment, suggesting direct urea utilization. The depth‐integrated rates of urea‐N oxidation and ammonia oxidation are comparable, demonstrating that urea‐N oxidation is a significant source of nitrite. The additional nitrite from urea‐N oxidation helps to balance the two steps of nitrification in our study region. Nitrifiers exhibit high affinity for their substrates, and the apparent half‐saturation constants for ammonia and nitrite oxidation decrease with depth. The apparent half‐saturation constant for urea‐N oxidation is higher than that for ammonia oxidation and shows no clear vertical trend. Such kinetic traits may account for the relatively higher urea concentration than ammonium concentration in the ocean's interior. Moreover, a compilation of our results and reported data shows a trend of increased urea‐N oxidation relative to ammonia oxidation from the eutrophic coastal zone to the oligotrophic open ocean. This trend reveals a substrate‐dependent biogeographic distribution of urea‐N oxidation across marine environments and provides new information on the balance and flux of the marine nitrification process.

Assessment of B2-Microglobulin Analysis for Renal Insufficiency in Iraqi β-Thalassemia Major Patients

Background: Beta-thalassemia is the most prevalent genetic hemoglobin apathy in the world. It is caused by a reduction or absence of beta-globin chain production, which is typically a portion of adult hemoglobin (HbA, which is α2β2). This genetic anomaly will lead to a rapid erythrocyte turnover, severe anemia, and compensatory ineffective erythropoiesis. The purpose of the current research is to reveal diagnostic, and predictive biomarkers that can be performed to detect the decline in renal function in β-thalassemia major patients with early stage renal impairment with high sensitivity and specificity, ascertain changes in B2-microglobulin as a biomarker in β-thalassemia patient. Objective: The samples were collected from Karama Hospital-Genetic Hematology Center/Baghdad during the period from the 1st of September 2022 until the 1st of January 2023. Methods: The patient group consisted of 45 patients with β-thalassemia major with repeated blood transfusion and the control group consisted of 45 individuals who seemed to be healthy. Age ranged between (18-35) years (for patients and control). The serum samples were used to measure biochemical parameters, S.Creatinine, blood urea, and Urine B2-microglobulin were measured from urine samples. B2-microglobulin level in Urine was estimated by Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique, while serum Blood Urea and Serum Creatinine concentration were calculated by Colorimetric Kit by Spectrophotometer method, and Ferritin level in blood was estimated by BioMrieux Mini Vidas. Results: The statistical examination was carried out using SPSS software. B2-microglobulin biomarkers in the thalassemia Patient group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.001). While serum ferritin, B.Urea and S.Cr increased in patient groups compared to the control group (p<0. 005). Conclusions: All parameters included in this study are significantly higher in β-thalassemia patients than in healthy subjects. Renal hemosiderosis and asymptomatic renal dysfunction are prevalent among β-thalassemia major patients with repeated blood transfusions, which are not found in routine renal investigations.

An in vitro experimental study on the interference of glyphosate on the urease enzyme

Purpose: Exposure to glyphosate is increasing due to the density of agricultural areas in Türkiye. In this study, the possible interference effect of glyphosate on urease, an enzyme that is frequently used in the diagnosis and follow-up of many diseases and in the measurement of urea in biological samples was examined. Materials and Methods: First, glyphosate was observed to have a negative interference in experiments using solutions of varying concentrations of urea. Second, blood samples were examined using the urease-glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and indirect nesslerization procedures to determine the effects of glyphosate on the results before and after its addition. To determine the morphological and chemical alterations, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses were conducted, and binding patterns were established through molecular docking. Urea measurements conducted with urease-GLDH and indirect nesslerization demonstrated a negative interference on the results with glyphosate concentrations of 10–3, 10–4, and 10–5 M. Results: Morphological changes observed in the SEM analysis were supported by the 3228.25 (O-H), 1642.08 (C=C), and 1531.20 (N-O) cm–1 bonds formed in the FTIR analysis. Furthermore, the molecular docking analysis showed that glyphosate affected the urease via hydrogen bonding (Gly13, Ser12, Lys14, Thr15, and Asp37) and hydrophobic interactions (Val10, Asp37, and Glu98). It was hypothesized that these interacting amino acids limit the accessibility of the urease’s active catalytic conformation and/or impact the stability of the catalytic transition state. Conclusion: Glyphosate leads to negative interference in human serum urea assays, leading to incorrect test results in clinical biochemistry, microbiology, and agricultural laboratories. This effect should be considered when conducting analysis, and clinicians as well as hospital information management systems should be informed ahead of time, with special emphasis devoted to this interference.

Effect of Urea Variation Concentration on Slow Release Fertilizer (SRF) Based Chitosan/NaTPP/Calcium

Environmental pollution due to urea can negatively impact the environment and its surroundings. Efforts to prevent environmental pollution include encapsulating urea made of chitosan/NaTPP/Ca, which aims to determine its physical and chemical properties. This study crosslinks chitosan 1.66%, with NaTPP 3.33%, CaO, with variations in the addition of urea concentrations of 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.15%, 0.2%, and 0.25%. The results of FTIR characterization showed that there were functional groups OH-, C-H, Ca-O, NH, and P=O. The membrane weight yield ranges from 0.14-0.16 grams, while the average membrane thickness is 0.15-0.35 mm. The water absorption test is 1.86-2.64%, and the membrane porosity result is 0.91-2,25%. This shows that the membrane with a base material of 1.66% chitosan and 3.33% NaTPP is the best.

Effect of Replacing Corn Grain and Soybean Meal with Field Peas at Different Levels on Feed Intake, Milk Production, and Metabolism in Dairy Cows under a Restrictive Grazing.

This study assessed the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) and corn grain with field peas in the concentrate of grazing dairy cows on milk production, intake, ruminal fermentation, and blood indicators. Twelve multiparous lactating Holstein-Friesian cows were utilized in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design, comprising three periods and three treatments: (1) Pea-0 (Control diet): 6 kg dry matter (DM) of fresh pasture, 7.2 kg DM of grass silage, and 7 kg DM of a concentrate containing 0% pea; (2) Pea-30: Control diet with the concentrate composed of 30% pea; (3) Pea-60: Control diet with the concentrate composed of 60% pea. The effect of treatments on productive and metabolic parameters was evaluated using linear-mixed models. Pasture and total DM intake, milk production, and composition were unaffected by treatments. Despite the concentrates being isonitrogenous and isoenergetic, crude protein (CP) intake was slightly higher in Pea-30 and significantly higher in Pea-60 due to higher pasture CP content in the pasture grazed by these groups, leading to higher milk urea content, though within recommended ranges. Blood parameters showed no significant changes, except for plasma β-hydroxybutyrate, which was lowest in the Pea-60 treatment; however, all values were within ranges not indicative of subclinical ketosis. Ruminal fermentation parameters were similar across treatments. These findings support the use of field peas as a viable alternative to replace SBM and corn grain in concentrates, enabling similar milk production and composition in grazing dairy cows.