Urinary Nitrogen Research Articles

Modular Functionalization of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Nitrogen Recovery from Fresh Urine.

Nitrogen recovery from wastewater represents a sustainable route to recycle reactive nitrogen (Nr). It can reduce the demand of producing Nr from the energy-extensive Haber-Bosch process and lower the risk of causing eutrophication simultaneously. In this aspect, source-separated fresh urine is an ideal source for nitrogen recovery given its ubiquity and high nitrogen contents. However, current techniques for nitrogen recovery from fresh urine require high energy input and are of low efficiencies because the recovery target, urea, is a challenge to separate. In this work, we developed a novel fresh urine nitrogen recovery treatment process based on modular functionalized metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Specifically, we employed three distinct modification methods to MOF-808 and developed robust functional materials for urea hydrolysis, ammonium adsorption, and ammonia monitoring. By integrating these functional materials into our newly developed nitrogen recovery treatment process, we achieved an average of 75 % total nitrogen reduction and 45 % nitrogen recovery with a 30-minute treatment of synthetic fresh urine. The nitrogen recovery process developed in this work can serve as a sustainable and efficient nutrient management that is suitable for decentralized wastewater treatment. This work also provides a new perspective of implementing versatile advanced materials for water and wastewater treatment.

Effects of glucose release kinetics of extruded-maize diet on energy utilization of growing pigs

The precise energy requirement of swine should not only meet the static parameters of net energy but also consider the dynamic supply of glucose release. The effects of glucose release characteristics on nitrogen and energy utilization of growing pigs were conducted by the energy metabolism in vivo using open-circuit respiratory calorimetry and the hydrolysis in vitro of glucose release. Sixteen castrated boars were randomly divided into two groups (Raw maize group and Extruded maize group, RAW and EXT). Maize in the RAW diet was completely replaced by extruded-maize in the EXT diet. In vitro studies showed that extrusion treatment had a rapid and huge glucose release of maize (P < 0.05). The metabolizable energy (ME) in EXT was higher than that in RAW (P = 0.002), but no difference in net energy (NE) was observed (P = 0.864). EXT had higher crude protein (CP) apparent digestibility (P = 0.035) but lower nitrogen deposition (P < 0.001) due to higher urinary nitrogen (UN) excretion (P < 0.001). Extrusion treatment changed the proportion of heat production of carbohydrates, fat, and protein. EXT presented higher oxidation of protein (OXP, P < 0.001) and fat (OXF, P = 0.025) and lower oxidation of carbohydrates (OXCHO, P = 0.003). There was no difference in retained energy (RE) between the two groups (P = 0.803). Extrusion treatment can accelerate the glucose release of maize, and the extruded maize fully replacing raw maize in the diet can enhance ME of growing pigs, and the ratio of nutrient oxidation to energy supply was altered, resulting in lower protein deposition and energy utilization.

Carbohydrate Ingestion during Prolonged Cycling Improves Next-Day Time Trial Performance and Alters Amino Acid Concentrations.

Exercise with low carbohydrate availability increases protein degradation, which may reduce subsequent performance considerably. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of carbohydrate ingestion during standardized exercise with and without exhaustion on protein degradation and next-day performance. Seven trained male cyclists (V̇O 2max 66.8 ± 1.9 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 ; mean ± SEM) cycled to exhaustion (~2.5 h) at a power output eliciting 68% of V̇O 2max (W 68% ). This was followed by repeating 1-min work/1-min recovery intervals at 90% of V̇O 2max (W 90% ) until exhaustion. During W 68% , cyclists consumed a placebo water drink (PLA) the first time and a carbohydrate drink (CHO), 1 g carbohydrate·kg -1 ·h -1 , the second time. The participants performed the same amount of work under the two conditions, separated by at least 1 wk. A standardized diet was provided to the participants so that the two conditions were isoenergetic. To test the impact of carbohydrates on recovery, participants completed a time trial (TT) the next day. Carbohydrate ingestion maintained carbohydrate availability during W 68% and W 90% : total carbohydrate oxidation was significantly higher in CHO ( P = 0.022), and plasma glucose concentration was maintained compared with PLA ( P = 0.025). Next-day performance during TT was better after CHO ingestion (CHO, 41:49 ± 1:38 min; PLA, 42:50 ± 1:46 min; P = 0.020; effect size d = 0.23, small), as was gross efficiency (CHO, 18.6% ± 0.3%; PLA, 17.9% ± 0.3%; P = 0.019). Urinary nitrogen excretion ( P = 0.897) and urinary 3-methylhistidine excretion ( P = 0.673) did not significantly differ during the study period. Finally, tyrosine and phenylalanine plasma concentrations increased in PLA but not in CHO ( P = 0.018). Carbohydrate ingestion during exhaustive exercise reduced deterioration in next-day performance through reduced metabolic stress and development of fatigue. In addition, some parameters point toward less protein degradation, which would preserve muscle function.

Qizhi Jiangtang capsule activates podocyte autophagy in diabetic kidney disease by inhibiting phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathways.

To investigate the therapeutic action and mechanism of the Qizhi Jiangtang capsule (, QZJT) on diabetic kidney disease (DKD) treatment. This experiment used db/db mice and podocytes (MPC5) to develop DKD model. Evaluation of the effect of the QZJT on db/db mice by testing urine and blood biochemical parameters (24-h urinary albumin, serum creatinine, blood urine nitrogen), pathological kidney injury, and podocyte integrity. Moreover, autophagosomes in podocytes of DKD mice and cultured podocytes were detected using electron microscopy. Additionally, Western blotting was applied to detect the expression of podocyte marker protein (podocin), autophagy-associated proteins, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signaling pathway changes and . QZJT significantly reduced urine protein, blood nitrogen urea, and serum creatinine and showed histological restoration of renal tissues. QZJT also significantly improved the down-regulation of podocin and foot fusion and effacement in db/db mice. QZJT increased autophagic vesicles in mice and cultured podocytes. QZJT also upregulated microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II (LC3-II) / (LC3-I) and Beclin-1 and downregulated phosphorylated-PI3K (p-PI3K), p-AKT, and p-mTOR in db/db mice and MPC5 cells. However, autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine partially alleviated the above effects in MPC5 cells. These results showed that the QZJT can enhance podocyte autophagy and ameliorate podocyte injury in DKD by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Simultaneous Urea and Phosphate Recovery from Synthetic Urine by Electrochemical Stabilization.

Urine is a widely available renewable source of nitrogen and phosphorous. The nitrogen in urine is present in the form of urea, which is rapidly hydrolyzed to ammonia and carbonic acid by the urease enzymes occurring in nature. In order to efficiently recover urea, the inhibition of urease must be done, usually by increasing the pH value above 11. This method, however, usually is based on external chemical dosing, limiting the sustainability of the process. In this work, the simultaneous recovery of urea and phosphorous from synthetic urine was aimed at by means of electrochemical pH modulation. Electrochemical cells were constructed and used for urea stabilization from synthetic urine by the in situ formation of OH- ions at the cathode. In addition, phosphorous precipitation with divalent cations (Ca2+, Mg2+) in the course of pH elevation was studied. Electrochemical cells equipped with commercial (Fumasep FKE) and developmental (PSEBS SU) cation exchange membranes (CEM) were used in this study to carry out urea stabilization and simultaneous P-recovery at an applied current density of 60 A m-2. The urea was successfully stabilized for a long time (more than 1 month at room temperature and nearly two months at 4 °C) at a pH of 11.5. In addition, >82% P-recovery could be achieved in the form of precipitate, which was identified as amorphous calcium magnesium phosphate (CMP) by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Effects of dietary niacinamide and CP concentrations on the nitrogen excretion, growth performance, and meat quality of pigs.

Reducing the dietary CP concentration in the formulation of low-protein diets without adverse effects on animal growth performance and meat quality remains challenging. In this study, we investigated the effects of nicotinamide (NAM) on the nitrogen excretion, growth performance, and meat quality of growing-finishing pigs fed low-protein diets. To measure the nitrogen balance, we conducted two trials: in nitrogen balance trial 1, four crossbred (Duroc×Landrace×Large White) barrows (40±0.5kg BW) were used in a 4×4 Latin square design with four diets and periods. The diets consisted of a basal diet+30mg/kg NAM (a control dose), basal diet+90mg/kg NAM, basal diet+210mg/kg NAM, and basal diet+360mg/kg NAM. In nitrogen balance trial 2, another four barrows (40±0.5kg BW) were used in a 4×4 Latin square design. The diets consisted of a basal diet+including 30mg/kg NAM (control), basal diet+360mg/kg NAM, low-protein diet+30mg/kg NAM, and low-protein diet+360mg/kg NAM. To measure growth performance, two trials were conducted. In growth performance trial 1, 40 barrows (37.0±1.0kg) were randomly allocated to one of four dietary treatments (n=10 per group), whereas in growth performance trial 2, 300 barrows (41.4±2.0kg) were randomly allocated to one of four dietary treatments, with each dietary treatment conducted in five repetitions with 15 pigs each. The four diets in the two growth performance trials were similar to those in nitrogen balance trial 2. Supplementing the diet with 210 or 360mg/kg NAM reduced urinary nitrogen excretion and total nitrogen excretion and increased nitrogen retention comparted with the control diet (P<0.05). Compared with the control diet, the low-protein diet with 360mg/kg NAM reduced faecal, urinary, and total nitrogen excretion (P<0.05) without affecting nitrogen retention and average daily gain (P>0.05). Pigs fed the low-protein diet with 360mg/kg NAM showed a decreased intramuscular fat content in the longissimus thoracis muscle when compared with pigs fed the control diet (P>0.05). Our results suggest NAM as a suitable dietary additive to reduce dietary CP concentration, maximise nitrogen retention and growth performance, and decrease fat deposition in pigs.

Evaluation of Tribulus terrestris effect on kidney and liver function in healthy mice

This research aims to evaluate the pharmacological efficacy of aqueous spine extracts of Tribulus terrestris (TT) on liver and kidney function through physiological, biochemical, haematological, and histological assessments. Tribulus terrestris is renowned for its therapeutic benefits in traditional medicine practices in China, India, Pakistan, and Sudan for treating various chronic ailments. The study employed 5 weight per volume percentage (% w/v) of TT aqueous spines extract. BALB/c mice, both male and female, aged 4-6 weeks, were maintained in controlled ecological conditions (temperature: 22-24°C, humidity: 50-70%, light/dark cycle: 12-h). The mice were divided into two groups: the control group received normal tap water throughout the experimental period, while the other group was administered 5% (w/v) TT spines solution for 15 days. The outcomes of BALB/c mice treated with 5% Tribulus terrestris were compared with the control group after 15 days, revealing no significant difference in the drug's efficacy. The physiological results indicated reduced body weight, food intake, and adverse effects in the biochemical profile, including urinary and serum electrolyte levels, liver function tests, increased random blood glucosem, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), bilirubin (BIL), cholesterol (CHO), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides (TRI). Similarly, kidney function tests showed increased Urinary Nitrogen and creatinine plasma levels, with low blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urinary creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). However, no significant difference was observed in haematological profile readings. In conclusion, the findings suggest that the aqueous spine extract of Tribulus terrestris does not demonstrate beneficial effects on liver and kidney function, indicating that this study supports the notion that the plant cannot be utilized as a medicinal remedy.

Low energy availability reduces myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic muscle protein synthesis in trained females.

Low energy availability (LEA) describes a state where the energy intake is insufficient to cover the energy costs of both exercise energy expenditure and basal physiological body functions. LEA has been associated with various physiological consequences, such as reproductive dysfunction. However, the effect of LEA on skeletal muscle protein synthesis in females performing exercise training is still poorly understood. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to investigate the impact of LEA on daily integrated myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic muscle protein synthesis in trained females. Thirty eumenorrheic females were matched based on training history and randomized to undergo 10days of LEA (25kcal·kg fat-free mass (FFM)-1 ·day-1 ) or optimal energy availability (OEA, 50kcal·kg FFM-1 ·day-1 ). Before the intervention, both groups underwent a 5-day 'run-in' period with OEA. All foods were provided throughout the experimental period with a protein content of 2.2gkg lean mass-1 ·day-1 . A standardized, supervised combined resistance and cardiovascular exercise training programme was performed over the experimental period. Daily integrated muscle protein synthesis was measured by deuterium oxide (D2 O) consumption along with changes in body composition, resting metabolic rate, blood biomarkers and 24h nitrogen balance. We found that LEA reduced daily integrated myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic muscle protein synthesis compared with OEA. Concomitant reductions were observed in lean mass, urinary nitrogen balance, free androgen index, thyroid hormone concentrations and resting metabolic rate following LEA. These results highlight that LEA may negatively affect skeletal muscle adaptations in females performing exercise training. KEY POINTS: Low energy availability (LEA) with potential health and performance impairments is widespread among female athletes. We investigated the impact of 10days of LEA on daily integrated myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic muscle protein synthesis in young, trained females. We show that LEA impairs myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic muscle protein synthesis in trained females performing exercise training. These findings suggest that LEA may have negative consequences for skeletal muscle adaptations and highlight the importance of ensuring adequate energy availability in female athletes.

Effect of reducing dietary crude protein level on growth performance, blood profiles, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, and odor emissions in growing-finishing pigs.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a low-protein (LP) diet on growth performance, carcass traits, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, and odor emissions in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 126 crossbred pigs ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc) with an average body weight (BW) of 38.56 ± 0.53 kg were used for a 14-week feeding trial. Experimental pigs were allotted to one of 6 treatments in 3 replicates of 7 pigs per pen in a randomized complete block design. Pigs were fed each treatment diet with different levels of crude protein (CP). Phase 1 (early growing): 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%; phase 2 (late growing): 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%; phase 3 (early finishing): 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%; phase 4 (late finishing): 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%. All experimental diets in each phase were contained the same concentration of lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), threonine (Thr), and tryptophan (Trp). Over the entire experimental period, there was no significant difference in body weight (BW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F ratio) among all treatments (p>0.05), but a quadratic effect (p = 0.04) was observed in average daily gain (ADG) during the late finishing phase with higher ADG in Group D. Blood urea nitrogen concentration linearly increased with an increase in dietary CP levels (p<0.01). Regarding nutrient digestibility, excreted nitrogen in urine and feces and nitrogen retention linearly increased as the CP level increased (p<0.01). A linear effect was observed with increasing CP levels in amines, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide in odor emissions (p<0.01). No significant effects were observed in the measurements of carcass traits and meat characteristics (p>0.05). In phase feeding, reducing the CP level to 14% in early-growing pigs, 13% in late-growing pigs, 12% in early-finishing pigs, and 11% in late-finishing pigs is recommended.

Characterizations of microRNAs involved in the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit juice on hyperuricemia in mice.

Hyperuricemia is generally defined as the high level of serum uric acid and is well known as an important risk factor for the development of various medical disorders. However, the medicinal treatment of hyperuricemia is frequently associated with multiple side-effects. The therapeutic effect of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit juice on hyperuricemia and the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated in mouse model of hyperuricemia induced by potassium oxonate using biochemical and high-throughput RNA sequencing analyses. The levels of serum uric acid (UA) and xanthine oxidase (XOD) in mice treated with noni fruit juice were significantly decreased, suggesting that the noni fruit juice could alleviate hyperuricemia by inhibiting the XOD activity and reducing the level of serum UA. The contents of both serum creatinine and blood urine nitrogen of the noni fruit juice group were significantly lower than those of the model group, suggesting that noni fruit juice promoted the excretion of UA without causing deleterious effect on the renal functions in mice. The differentially expressed microRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of hyperuricemia in mice were identified by RNA sequencing with their target genes further annotated based on both Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases to explore the metabolic pathways and molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect on hyperuricemia by noni fruit juice. Our study provided strong experimental evidence to support the further investigations of the potential application of noni fruit juice in the treatment of hyperuricemia.

Effects of dietary inclusion of dry distillers grains with solubles on performance, carcass characteristics, and nitrogen metabolism in meat sheep: a meta-analysis.

We conducted a meta-analysis in this scientific study to determine the effects of feeding meat sheep dry distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). Thirty-three peer-reviewed articles that met our inclusion requirements and were published between 1997 and 2021 were examined. To calculate the variation in performance, fermentation, carcass features, and nitrogen efficiency between the DDGS and control (no DDGS) treatments, we used 940 sheep weighing an average of 29.1 ± 1.5 kg. We used a hierarchical mixed model to conduct a meta-regression, subset, and dose-response analysis, while taking into consideration categorical variables like breed (pure or cross-breed), and continuous factors, like CP, NDF, and DDGS inclusion rate. Our findings indicate that sheep fed DDGS had higher (p < 0.05) final body weight (51.4 vs. 50.4 kg), neutral detergent fiber digestibility (55.9 vs. 53.8%), and total-tract ether extract digestibility (81.7 vs. 78.7%) than sheep on a control diet. No effects were observed on DMI, CP, and rumen fermentation, but dietary DDGS tended to increase (p = 0.07) HC weight (25.53 vs. 24.6 kg) and meat (redness) color (16.6 vs. 16.3) among treatment comparisons. Dietary DDGS was associated with higher N intake (29.9 vs. 26.8 g/d), fecal N (8.2 vs. 7.8 g/d), and digestibility (71.9 vs. 68.5%). Urinary nitrogen was significantly (p < 0.05) affected linearly by increasing the intake of DDGS in the diet. Based on the dose-response analysis, dietary DDGS inclusion should not exceed 20% to avoid negative effects on performance, nitrogen metabolism, and meat color. Dietary protein from DDGS should not exceed 17% to prevent reduced TVFA concentrations. Breed strongly influenced (p < 0.05) RMD in performance, and inconsistent responses were observed between crossbreed and purebred sheep comparisons. Despite these inconsistencies, no publication bias was observed, but a high variance (Ω2) among comparisons-between-studies was detected. This meta-analysis showed evidence in support of the hypothesis that feeding meat sheep DDGS at a rate of 20% can improve their performance, digestibility, carcass weight, and meat color.

Expression and Significance of KIM-1, NGAL, and HO-1 in Patients with Acute Kidney Injury After Cardiac Valve Replacement.

To investigate the changes and significance of perioperative expression levels of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-related lipocalin (NGAL), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac valve replacement under cardiopulmonary bypass. A total of 80 patients were divided into the AKI group and non-AKI group based on the postoperative occurrence of AKI. The expression levels of urinary KIM-1, NGAL, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and HO-1 were compared between the two groups before surgery and at 12 h, 24 h, and 48h after surgery. There were 22 patients with postoperative AKI (AKI group), the incidence of postoperative AKI were 27.5%, and there were 58 patients without AKI (non-AKI group). There was no significant difference in general clinical data between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared between AKI group and preoperative group, KIM-1, NGAL, HO-1, blood creatinine, and BUN levels were significantly increased, with significant differences (P < 0.05). Compared with non-AKI groups, KIM-1, NGAL, HO-1, blood creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels increased at all time points, but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). Compared with AKI group and non-AKI group, KIM-1, NGAL, HO-1, blood creatinine, and BUN levels increased significantly, the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). AKI can easily occur after cardiac valve replacement and postoperative expression levels of KIM-1, NGAL, and HO-1 can be early warning indicators of postoperative AKI.

Calcium dobesilate attenuates renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in a mouse model.

Calcium dobesilate (CaD) is a microvascular protective agent that can significantly improve kidney function by reducing urinary protein, serum creatinine, and urea nitrogen levels. The effects of CaD on ischemia-reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) were investigated in this study. In this study, The Balb/c mice were randomly divided into (1) sham group, (2) I/R group, (3) I/R group + CaD (50 mg/kg) and (4) I/R group + CaD (500 mg/kg). After treatment, serum creatinine and urea nitrogen were detected. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malonaldehyde (MDA) were examined. Then, the effects of CaD H2O2-damaged HK-2 cells were investigated, as reflected by the results of cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, apoptosis and markers of kidney injury. The results showed that CaD treatment effectively attenuated the renal functions, pathological changes, and oxidative stress in I/R-induced AKI mice. It effectively reduced ROS production and improved MMP and apoptosis in H2O2-damaged HK-2 cells. The increased expression of apoptosis-related proteins and kidney injury biomarkers were significantly ameliorated after CaD treatment. Overall, CaD effectively ameliorated renal injury by eliminating ROS and demonstrated in vivo and in vitro for I/R-induced AKI. CaD has been shown to be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of I/R-induced AKI.

Effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza Combined with Aromatic Amino Acids on the Impaired Renal Function in Rats with Chronic Renal Failure

Background and Aim: At present, the main therapy for chronic renal failure (CRF) is dialysis and renal transplantation, but neither obtains satisfactory results. Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) is a very popular medicinal plant that has been extensively applied to treat various diseases. It also has been reported that lowering the aromatic aminoacids (AAA) in the protein diet can improve renal function in rodents with CRF. This study seeks to employ the use of SM combined with low aromatic amino acid diet (LA-AAD) for treatment of CRF in rats. Methods: Animals were assigned into 3 groups: Control, CRF and Experiment. CRF models were induced by 2.5% adenine administered by gavage for 8 weeks. Control and CRF group received normal protein diet (18.8% proteins, AAA 0.024%), and Experiment group was divided into 3 subgroups, being treated with SM (1.0g/kg/d) and LA-AAD (18% proteins, AAA 0.009%) differently. Proteinuria, blood urine nitrogen (BUN), serum and urine creatinine (Scr, Ucr) were measured and creatinine clearance rate (CCR) was calculated accordingly. Results: Proteinuria, BUN, Scr analyses showed amelioration of functional parameters and increased the CCR significantly in LA-AAD + SM group. Conclusion: These results showed that the combination of SM and LA-AAD could be beneficial to the improvement of renal function in CRF rats and this method can be a novel strategy for CRF treatment.

98 Utilizing gas Flux from an Automated Head Chamber System to Estimate Dietary Energy Values in Cattle Fed a Finishing Diet

Abstract Automated head chamber systems (AHCS; GreenFeed, C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD) provide estimates of daily flux of methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and oxygen (O2) from free roaming cattle. This provides the opportunity to conduct energetic research from cattle in their production environment. One opportunity is to evaluate agreement between performance-estimated (P) net energy [Mcal×(kg DMI)-1] for maintenance (NEm) and gain (NEg; pNEm and pNEg, respectively) and gas-estimated (G) NEm and NEg (gNEm and gNEg, respectively). To assess this, yearling steers (n = 54; initial BW = 484.1 ± 26.0 kg) were assigned to one of two pens containing an AHCS and feed bunks designed to measure individual feed intake (Calan Gate; American Calan, Northwood, NH). Steers were transitioned to one of three finishing diets and were then fed for 80 days. Paired day initial and final unshrunk BW were measured on day 0 and 1, and on day 79 and 80, respectively. Following the feeding period, steers were transported to a commercial abattoir where carcass data were collected. Average daily gas flux was utilized to calculate heat production (HP), ignoring the energy losses from urinary nitrogen. Empty body weight (EBW) and empty body gain (EBG) were calculated and used to estimate retained energy (RE). The estimates of RE and HP were used to calculate ME intake and DMI was used to quantify dietary ME content. Through previously established cubic models, gNEm and gNEg were calculated. Ultimately, gNEm and gNEg were estimated from gas flux, DMI, ADG, and initial and final BW. A previously established quadratic model was used to estimate pNEm and pNEg using calculated energy requirements and available carcass parameters. Statistical analyses to compare the P and G energy values were conducted utilizing R (v.4.1.0) to assess precision (Pearson Correlation; r), method agreement (Lin’s Concordance Coefficient Correlation; CCC), Root Mean Square Error of Prediction (RMSEP), and Relative Prediction Error (RPE; RMSEP as a % of average performance estimated values). On average, P provided greater estimates of NEm [0.074 Mcal×(kg DMI)-1] and NEg [0.070 Mcal×(kg DMI)-1] relative to G. The G and P provided values which were highly correlated and had excellent agreement (r = 0.92, P &amp;lt; 0.01; CCC ≥ 0.87) for both NEm and NEg. Additionally, predictive capability was high for NEm (RMSEP = 0.12; RPE = 5.3%) and NEg (RMSEP = 0.11; RPE = 6.8%) between P and G values. The excellent agreement between P and G derived NEm and NEg values suggest that researchers can utilize AHCS to conduct energetic studies with cattle in their production environment. Moreover, the G methodology provides an alternative method for retrospective assessment of animal energetic efficiency.

Do high soil geochemical backgrounds of selenium and associated heavy metals affect human hepatic and renal health? Evidence from Enshi County, China

It is unclear whether the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) method can accurately assess heavy metal risks in high-Se areas. Herein, a black shale outcropping in Enshi County, China, was taken as the study area, and a carbonate outcropping in Lichuan County was the control area. Selenium and associated heavy metal concentrations in rock, soil, rice, human blood and urine samples and human sensitive hepatic and renal biomarkers were measured. The results showed that the contents of selenium, cadmium, molybdenum and copper in the study area were 3.68 ± 2.72 μg/g, 2.65 ± 1.42 μg/g, 16.3 ± 15.5 μg/g, and 57.3 ± 17.6 μg/g, respectively, in soil (n = 47) and 1.072 ± 0.924 μg/g, 0.252 ± 0.310 μg/g, 2.800 ± 2.167 μg/g, and 10.91 ± 27.42 μg/g, respectively, in rice (n = 47). The daily adult intake levels of selenium, cadmium and molybdenum from rice consumption in the study area (exposure group) exceed the recommended tolerance values in China. According to the US EPA method, these environmental media pose a significant risk to human health. However, in the exposure group (n = 111), the median levels of the sensitive hepatic biomarkers alanine aminotransferase (18 U/L), aspartate aminotransferase (28 U/L) and total bilirubin (10.9 μmol/L) and the sensitive renal biomarkers serum creatinine (70.1 μmol/L), urinary nitrogen (5.73 mmol/L) and uric acid (303.80 μmol/L) were within reference ranges and had values equivalent to those of the control group (P > 0.05). The elements tended to differentiate during migration from one medium to another. Due to the complex interaction between selenium and heavy metals, a survey of human health indicators is indispensable when the US EPA method is used to assess the heavy metal risks in high-Se areas. The recommended molybdenum tolerable intake in the U.S. (2000 μg/d) is reasonable based on a comparison.

Effects of non-protein nitrogen on buffel grass fiber and ruminal bacterial composition in sheep

This study aimed to evaluate different concentrations of non-protein nitrogen (NPN) ruminal infusion in sheep fed buffel grass hay on nutrient intake and digestibility, ruminal parameters, nitrogen balance, and rumen bacterial composition. Five rumen-fistulated adult wethers, weighing 58 ± 5.1 kg were distributed according to a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The control treatment consisted of a 5.5% crude protein (CP) buffel grass hay basal diet only, while the other four treatments consisted of the addition, via ruminal infusion, of increasing amounts of NPN to gradually raise the level of CP in the basal diet (7.44, 9.39, 11.33 and 13.27% CP). There was a quadratic effect for the intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), CP, ether extract (EE) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Values of pH, volatile fatty acids, microbial protein, microbial efficiency and digestibility coefficients were not affected by CP levels in basal diet. On the other hand, there was a linear effect for the concentrations of ammonia nitrogen (NNH3) and nitrogen (N) in urine, and a quadratic effect for ingested and excreted N in feces, as well as for N balance. There was no effect of the different CP levels on the ruminal microbial composition. While the 5.5% CP basal diet provided sufficient NPN supply for the maintenance of ruminal bacterial activity, increased CP concentrations from 7.34 to 8.66% by means of ruminal infusion with NPM optimized the utilization of buffel grass nutrients by sheep.

Validation of the smartphone-based dietary assessment tool “Traqq” for assessing actual dietary intake by repeated 2-h recalls in adults: comparison with 24-h recalls and urinary biomarkers

BackgroundConventional dietary assessment methods are affected by measurement errors. We developed a smartphone-based 2-h recall (2hR) methodology to reduce participant burden and memory-related bias. ObjectiveAssessing the validity of the 2hR method against traditional 24-h recalls (24hRs) and objective biomarkers. MethodsDietary intake was assessed in 215 Dutch adults on 6 randomly selected nonconsecutive days (i.e., 3 2hR-days and 3 24hRs) during a 4-wk period. Sixty-three participants provided 4 24-h urine samples, to assess urinary nitrogen and potassium concentrations. ResultsIntake estimates of energy (2052±503 kcal vs. 1976±483 kcal) and nutrients (e.g., protein: 78±23 g vs. 71±19 g; fat: 84±30 g vs. 79±26 g; carbohydrates: 220±60 g vs. 216±60 g) were slightly higher with 2hR-days than with 24hRs. Comparing self-reported protein and potassium intake to urinary nitrogen and potassium concentrations indicated a slightly higher accuracy of 2hR-days than 24hRs (protein: −14% vs. −18%; potassium: −11% vs. −16%). Correlation coefficients between methods ranged from 0.41 to 0.75 for energy and macronutrients and from 0.41 to 0.62 for micronutrients. Generally, regularly consumed food groups showed small differences in intake (<10%) and good correlations (>0.60). Intake of energy, nutrients, and food groups showed similar reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient) for 2hR-days and 24hRs. ConclusionsComparing 2hR-days with 24hRs showed a relatively similar group-level bias for energy, most nutrients, and food groups. Differences were mostly due to higher intake estimates by 2hR-days. Biomarker comparisons showed less underestimation by 2hR-days as compared with 24hRs, suggesting that 2hR-days are a valid approach to assess the intake of energy, nutrients, and food groups.This trial was registered at the Dutch Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects (CCMO) registry as ABR. No. NL69065.081.19.

SLC14A1 is a new biomarker in renal cancer.

Renal cancer is one of the common malignant tumors of the urinary tract, prone to distant metastasis and drug resistance, with a poor clinical prognosis. SLC14A1 belongs to the solute transporter family, which plays a role in urinary concentration and urea nitrogen recycling in the renal, and is closely associated with the development of a variety of tumors. Transcription data for renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) were obtained from the public databases Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and we investigated the differences in SLC14A1 expression in cancerous and normal tissues of renal cancer, its correlation with the clinicopathological features of renal cancer patients. Then, we verified the expression levels of SLC14A1 in renal cancer tissues and their Paracancerous tissues using RT-PCR, Western-blotting and immunohistochemistry. Finally, we used renal endothelial cell line HEK-293 and renal cancer cell lines 786-O and ACHN to explore the effects of SLC14A1 on the biological behaviors of renal cancer cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis using EDU, MTT proliferation assay, Transwell invasion assay and scratch healing assay. SLC14A1 was lowly expressed in renal cancer tissues and this was further validated by RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry in our clinical samples. Analysis of KIRC single-cell data suggested that SLC14A1 was mainly expressed in endothelial cells. Survival analysis showed that low levels of SLC14A1 expression were associated with a better clinical prognosis. In biological behavioral studies, we found that upregulation of SLC14A1 expression levels inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and metastatic ability of renal cancer cells. SLC14A1 plays an important role in the progression of renal cancer and has the potential to become a new biomarker for renal cancer.

MP16-18 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH AND 24-HOUR URINE COMPOSITION IN PATIENTS WITH NEPHROLITHIASIS

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP16-18 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH AND 24-HOUR URINE COMPOSITION IN PATIENTS WITH NEPHROLITHIASIS Max Abramson, Kevin Labagnara, Rutul D Patel, Alexander C Small, and Dima Raskolnikov Max AbramsonMax Abramson More articles by this author , Kevin LabagnaraKevin Labagnara More articles by this author , Rutul D PatelRutul D Patel More articles by this author , Alexander C SmallAlexander C Small More articles by this author , and Dima RaskolnikovDima Raskolnikov More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003236.18AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Social determinants of health (SDH) are economic and environmental conditions that influence patients’ health. While dietary and environmental factors are known to influence kidney stone disease (KSD) risk, the effects of SDH have not been well explored. We used a validated 10-item social needs screener (SNS) to assess the relationship between SDH and 24-hour urine composition in patients with nephrolithiasis. METHODS: Between 04/2018 and 06/2022, the SNS tool was implemented as a population health initiative in the primary care clinic of our institution, which acts as a safety-net hospital in a low-resource, urban setting. We retrospectively identified the patients who were referred to urology and underwent 24-hour urine collection for KSD evaluation. The SNS included questions on housing, utilities, finances, transportation, healthcare costs, and other SDH needs. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and 24-hour urine parameters were compared between those with and without self-reported unmet SDH needs. RESULTS: Of the 5,403 patients referred to urology who previously completed the SNS, 1,456 had a diagnosis of nephrolithiasis and 124 completed a 24-hour urine analysis. Respondents were mostly female (64%) and Hispanic (56%). Consistent with the larger cohort of non-stone formers, 18 patients (15%) with recurrent nephrolithiasis expressed 1+ unmet SDH need. Those with SDH needs were more likely to be enrolled in Medicare/Medicaid than private insurance (94% vs 62%, p=0.007) and to have diabetes (72% vs 39%, p=0.008) when compared to those without social needs. On 24-hour urine analysis, those with 1+ SDH need had less urinary uric acid (0.44 vs 0.60, p=0.019), sulfate (25 vs 31, p=0.014), and urea nitrogen (7.55 vs 8.77, p=0.044), and a lower protein catabolic rate (0.75 vs 0.88; p=0.026). There were no differences in other 24-hour urinary parameters or stone composition. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with nephrolithiasis and unmet SDH needs have unique findings on 24-hour urinary testing. The use of a validated SDH screening tool may help to identify patients with KSD and unique risk factors for recurrence. Further prospective study is needed to explore this relationship and identify opportunities for improved nephrolithiasis treatment in patients with social and economic barriers to care. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e209 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Max Abramson More articles by this author Kevin Labagnara More articles by this author Rutul D Patel More articles by this author Alexander C Small More articles by this author Dima Raskolnikov More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...