Urine Color Research Articles

Intrapartum hydration assessment and management: A cross-sectional survey of Australian and New Zealand maternity units.

Hydration assessment and management during labour play an important role in maternal and newborn outcomes. Studies indicate that clinical practice is inconsistent, with limited consensus evident in clinical guidelines. Current practices in fluid management across public and private maternity units within Australia and New Zealand remain unknown. Respondents highlighted the importance of maternal hydration assessment and management to well-being. However, inconsistencies were noted in the documentation, medication use and adherence to clinical protocols. Our study aimed to investigate unit-level clinical practice regarding intrapartum hydration assessment and management across Australian and New Zealand private and public hospitals. The scope of this study focuses on fluid management during both spontaneous and induced labour. We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive survey to assess the fluid management practices of Australian and New Zealand maternity services. Of the 307 eligible maternity units, 89 participated (responding key informants included midwives, obstetricians, managers, and educators). All acknowledged the importance of maternal intrapartum hydration assessment and management. However, variations existed in assessment methods, with urine colour (87.6 %, n = 78) and frequency (84.3 %, n = 75), as well as maternal and fetal vital sign assessments (83.1 %, n = 74) being most prevalent. Documentation format and tools varied, and midwives identified this as their role. Despite the significance attributed to hydration by clinicians, not all felt confident in their capabilities to assess or manage intrapartum hydration. Free-text responses emphasised the significance of this topic from an educational perspective. Respondents highlighted the significance of maternal intrapartum hydration assessment and maternal and newborn well-being management. However, inconsistent documentation, medication usage, including intravenous fluids, and clinical protocols were evident.

MONITORING EFEK SAMPING OBAT TUBERKULOSIS DI PUSKESMAS KERTAK HANYAR KABUPATEN BANJAR

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis and spreads through phlegm/droplets when coughing, infecting the lungs. TB treatment requires two stages, namely the intensive stage and the advanced stage, with a combination of at least four drugs. If drugs are consumed for a long period of time, the possibility of drug side effects will also increase. Monitoring drug side effects is a form of pharmacovigilance program that aims to determine drug safety. This research was conducted using a descriptive observational method with a cross-sectional research design using observational sheets as a data collection tool. Based on the research results, the respondents who experienced the most side effects from drugs were men (59.10%), aged 45-65 years (30%), had at least elementary school education (31.8%), and worked in the private sector (31 .8%). Of the 30 respondents, 22 (73.34%) experienced drug side effects. Side effects experienced included changes in urine color (50.0%), nausea (23.3%), joint pain (16.7%), dizziness (20.0%), vomiting (6.7%), itching (6.7%), stomach ache (3.3%), and numbness (3.3%). Based on the research results, it was found that the characteristics of respondents who experienced the most side effects from drugs were men, age range 45-65 years, primary school education and the most employment, namely private sector. Of the 30 respondents, 22 respondents experienced drug side effects. Side effects that occur include changes in urine color, nausea, joint pain, dizziness, vomiting, itching, stomach ache and numbness.

STUDI FARMAKOVIGILANS TERAPI TUBERKULOSIS PARU PASIEN RAWAT JALAN DI RSUD ULIN BANJARMASIN

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The prevalence of pulmonary TB sufferers in Indonesia is 8.4% and is number 3 in the world, however, because the treatment takes a long period of time, the TB program in Indonesia has not been completed and the target is to eliminate TB in Indonesia by 2030. Long treatment allows the occurrence of drug side effects. TB. Therefore, it is necessary to assess drug use in terms of side effects of pulmonary TB drugs using the Naranjo Algorithm. This study aims to determine the incidence of side effects that occur during pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) therapy and identify categories of side effects using Naranjo Scale analysis. The method in this research is a descriptive observational approach Prospective Cross Sectional with the Naranjo Algorithm questionnaire. The results obtained showed that of the 62 respondents, 61 respondents experienced side effects of changes in urine color (40,32%), skin rashes (12,90%), joint pain (11,30%), nausea (11,30%), visual disturbances (8,06%) and headaches (14,51%). There were 62 respondents who experienced side effects from the Naranjo Doubtful Algorithm scale analysis, 1 patient with a percentage (1,7%), Possible 8 patients with a percentage (12,9%), Probable 26 patients with a percentage (41,9%) and Definite 27 patients with a percentage (43,5% ). In general, it can be concluded that from 62 respondents, 61 respondents experienced side effects of changes in urine color, skin rashes, joint pain, nausea, visual disturbances and headaches. There were 62 respondents who experienced side effects from the Naranjo Algorithm scale analysis: 1 patient was Doubtful, 8 patients were Possible, 26 patients were Probable and 27 patients were Definite.

Successful Management of Cystitis in a Male Dog

A 5-year-old male mixed breed dog was brought with complaints of fever, vomiting, inappetence, hematuria for 1 week, dysuria, pollakiuria, pain during urination and pain on palpation in the caudal part of abdomen. Haemato-biochemical analysis showed Hemoglobin 9.1 gm/dL, RBC 4.4 million/µL, WBC 24.75 x 103 /µL, and Neutrophil 85%. Urine culture revealed Staphylococci. In USG, urinary bladder wall was markedly thickened and bladder endothelium lining was highly uneven. In urinalysis report, sanguineous color of urine with pH 7.8 and red blood cell (10 cells/HPF) were there. The management of cystitis was done with fluid therapy, broad-spectrum antibiotic, and supportive therapy for a duration one week. The condition of the dog improved and medicines were continued orally for another 2 weeks.

056. Impacted CBD Stones in Ampula Vater Evacuated by Transduodenal Approach in A 48-year-old Patient at Prof. Dr. IGNG Ngoerah Hospital in 2024

Background: Cholecystolithiasis and choledocholithiasis are common biliary disorders that can lead to significant complications if left untreated. Among these complications, the formation of impacted CBD stones, particularly at the Ampulla of Vater, poses a unique clinical challenge. The Ampulla of Vater is the anatomical site where the common bile duct (CBD) and pancreatic duct converge, and its obstruction can lead to biliary colic, cholangitis, or pancreatitis. Urgent stone removal is critical for improving the patient’s condition. Case: A 48-year-old male patient presents to the emergency department with right upper abdominal pain since 10 days ago accompanied with icteric sclera since 10 days ago. There was nausea and vomiting when eating high-fat foods. The stools were brownish in color, the urine color was similar to tea color. The patient regularly takes UDCA 3 x 250 mg IO, simvastatin 1 x 20mg IO, curcuma 3 x1 tab IO, lansoprazole 2 x 30mg IO. Physical examination showed icteric eyes, jaundice, liver enlargement 2 fingers below costae arch with positive Murphy's sign. Complete blood examination showed leukocytosis, decreased hemoglobin, hypokalemia, as well as increased direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin. BOF result showed sentinel loop on the right umbilical region suspected inflammatory process. MRI impression of choledocholithiasis causing dilatation of EHBD and IHBD proximal aspect without signs of cholangitis, hepatomegaly, simple cyst of left kidney (Bosniak I). Abdominal ultrasound with the conclusion of cholecystitis with dilatation and thickening of the ductus cysticus wall suspicious of inflammation, dilatation of the right and left IHBD, common hepatic duct, to the proximal common biliary duct, the presence of distal obstruction cannot be evaluated because it is covered by intestinal shadows, mild prostatic hypertrophy accompanied by prostate calcification. After Cholecystectomy and Explore CBD transduodenal, the patient was placed with thoracic drain with good outcome. Conclusion: The transduodenal approach to evacuating impacted CBD stones at the Ampulla of Vater is a valuable technique that can yield excellent outcomes in select cases. This case report underscores the importance of a tailored approach based on individual patient anatomy and stone characteristics.

Hydration, mood, and cognition in primary aged school children in the United Kingdom

Children are at increased risk of dehydration(1–3), which can adversely impact cognition and mood(4–6). Many children begin their school day dehydrated and fail to replenish fluids adequately throughout the day(7–11), however, these findings have not been confirmed using objective measures of hydration(12,13). This study aimed to confirm hydration status of primary school-aged children across the school day using objective hydration assessments and to examine if changes in hydration are associated with cognition and mood.Thirty children (mean age 9.4 ± 0.5 years old, stature 1.4 ± 0.5m, body mass 36.5 ± 4.2kg, and body mass index 18.9 ± 1.7 kg/m2) were recruited from a local primary school. Food and fluid intake were tracked via nutritional analysis of photographs. Urine osmolality (Uosm), serum osmolality (Sosm), urine specific gravity (USG) and self-reported urine colour (Ucol) were assessed at first void (Uosm only) or the start (9:00) and end (16:00) of the school day. Children’s self-reported mood were obtained via Visual Analogue Scales(100mm) (9:00, 10:30, 13:30, 16:00). Children completed cognitive assessments using the Computerised Mental Performance Assessment System (15:3016:00).Mean total water intake was 759.9 ± 240.7 mL. Children consumed more fluid at mealtimes than from water bottle (Mean Difference (MD) 154.3mL, t(29) = -5.763, p<0.001). From the start to the end of the day, significant increases in Sosm (MD 3.3mOsm/kg, t(21) = 4.011, p = 0.002), USG (MD 0.0066, t(29) = 8.514, p = 0.005) and Ucol (MD 1.2, t(26) = 15.558, p = <0.001), indicated reduced hydration. The prevalence of dehydration (Sosm >290mOsm/kg USG >1.030) increased from the start (17%) to the end of school (40%). A series of ANOVAs from the start to the end of the day showed feelings of boredom, hunger, tiredness, and thirst increased, and focus, and happiness decreased (p’s <0.05). Hydration measures were significantly associated with long term memory (LTM) (changes in Sosm, r = 0.437, p = 0.042) and working memory (WM) (changes in Sosm r = 0.462, p = 0.031, and USG, r = 0.403, p = 0.033).Children were less hydrated at the end of the school day suggesting inadequate fluid replacement during the school hours. Changes in hydration status across the school day were associated with subjective mood states. Furthermore, a decrease in hydration resulted in decreased performance in the memory tasks which could potentially hold implications on school performance. Children in this study had access to water throughout the day, however, most fluids were consumed at breakfast and lunch, suggesting interventions promoting sustained drinking throughout the day are required. For example, measures could be taken to educate parents and school staff on the importance of adequate hydration, and the need to remind children to drink throughout the day. For this to be effective, action needs to be taken across lesson time, meals, and break times.

Hydration Awareness and Effect of Sports Nutrition Education Among Youth Baseball Players: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate hydration awareness among youth baseball players and the effect of sports nutrition education on hydration-related indicators.METHODS Eighty-two youth baseball players who participated in a winter training camp hosted by the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) participated in this study. A questionnaire was used to assess hydration awareness, and sports nutrition education focused on hydration-related topics was implemented. Hydration-related indicators such as fluid intake and urine color were measured to determine the effect of sports nutrition education.RESULTS Although the hydration awareness of youth baseball players was low, sports nutrition education had a positive effect on changes in fluid intake and urine color during the training camp.CONCLUSIONS Sports nutrition education should be actively implemented in the field to improve hydration awareness and status among youth baseball players.

Bifidumbacterin forte in the treatment of acute viral hepatitis

Relevance. In patients with acute viral hepatitis A and B, favorable conditions are created for the development of dysbacteriosis. As a result, the toxic load on the liver increases. For effective treatment of acute viral hepatitis A and B, it is necessary to examine for intestinal dysbiosis before and after treatment and subsequent correction of identified disorders. Aim. To study the clinical course, functional state of the liver, intestinal microflora in patients with acute viral hepatitis A and B and the effectiveness of using bifidumbacterin forte for the correction of intestinal microflora. Materials and methods. The work used clinical and laboratory data from 54 patients with acute viral hepatitis A and B. The main group of patients received bifidumbacterin forte against the background of basic therapy. Patients in the comparison group were on traditional therapy. Clinical, biochemical, bacteriological parameters were observed before the start of therapy and 15 days after its start, serological markers - upon admission. Results. During the therapy, in patients of the main group, the disappearance of intoxication, lethargy, weakness, pain, and normalization of liver size were observed earlier in comparison with the control group. Symptoms of pigment metabolism disorders disappeared significantly earlier: yellowness of the skin, itching of the skin, changes in the color of urine and feces. A dynamic study of liver tests demonstrated a more rapid reverse development of biochemical disorders of the functional state of the liver in patients who received bifidumbacterin forte as part of complex treatment. Conclusion. The use of bifidumbacterin forte in patients with acute viral hepatitis A and B against the background of basic treatment has a positive effect on some clinical manifestations, biochemical parameters, and individual components of the intestinal microflora.

Physiological Response and Sports Injury Risk Relevant Biomechanics in Endurance Obstacle Course Races

Obstacle course races (OCR) have experienced significant growth in recent years, with millions of participants worldwide. However, there is limited research on the specific physiological demands and injury prevention strategies required for these events. This study aimed to analyze the physiological responses and injury risks in participants of a 5 km (Sprint) and 13 km (Super) OCR. Sixty-eight participants were assessed for cortical arousal, leg strength, isometric handgrip strength, blood lactate, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, body temperature, urine composition, spirometry values, hamstring flexibility, lower limb stability, foot biomechanics, and scapular kinematics, one hour before and immediately after the races. The results showed a significant decrease in leg strength (Sprint: r = −0.56, p < 0.01; Super: r = −0.54, p = 0.01) and urine pH (Sprint: r = −0.70, p = 0.03; Super: r = −0.67, p = 0.01) in both distances, with increases in urine colour, protein, and glucose (Sprint: p < 0.04). In the 13 km race, lower limb stability decreased significantly post-race (r = −0.53, p = 0.01). Positive correlations were found between performance and pre-race handgrip strength (Sprint: r = 0.71, p = 0.001; Super: r = 0.72, p = 0.01) and spirometry values (FVC, FEF 25–75%, FEV1) (Sprint: r = 0.52, p = 0.031; Super: r = 0.48, p = 0.035). Thermoregulation capacity, reflected in a higher pre-race body temperature and lower post-race body temperature, also correlated with improved performance (r = 0.49, p = 0.046). Injury risk increased post-race, with a significant decline in lower limb stability (p < 0.05). These findings highlight the importance of targeted training programs, focusing on grip strength, leg strength, respiratory muscle training, and hydration strategies to optimize performance and reduce injury risk in OCR athletes.

Plasma and serum volume remain unchanged following a 12-h fast from food and drink despite changes in blood and urinary hydration markers.

The effect of mild dehydration on plasma and serum volume has not been well established. Furthermore, the ability of urinary and blood biomarkers to monitor small hydration changes have not been solidified. There were two objectives of this research: 1. Determine if mild dehydration affects plasma and serum volume; 2. Determine if mild dehydration can be detected better by urinary or blood biomarkers. 47 subjects were recruited; 10 subjects were removed from the study and 37 subjects (27% male) completed the study. This was a crossover study design such that each subject underwent all protocols in a counterbalanced order. Protocols consisted of 12-h dehydration, 12-h hydration, and control. Neither plasma volume (p = 0.914), plasma volume status (p = 0.649), nor serum volume (p = 0.273) were different among protocols. Body mass (p < 0.001) was lower following the dehydration protocol. Urine color (p < 0.001), urine osmolality (p < 0.001), urine specific gravity (p < 0.001), serum osmolality (p < 0.001), and plasma osmolality (p < 0.001) were all lower following the hydration protocol. Hematocrit (p = 0.842) and hemoglobin concentration (p = 0.558) were not different among protocols. Dehydration did not affect plasma or serum volume. Therefore, a 12-h fast from food and water as done in this study will not likely affect laboratory test results of biomarker concentration. All 3 urinary measures were able to detect changes in hydration status, whereas only 2 blood measures were able to detect changes in hydration status. This may indicate that urinary measures are best at detecting small changes in hydration status.

Analysis of Hydration Habits Before and During a Specific Training Session in Male Padel Athletes Aged over 65: Physiological and Psychological Implications

(1) Background: Since older adults are more susceptible to dehydration and there is a lack of information on older athletes, this study observed a group of 12 male padel players in this age group (70.42 ± 3.50 years) to characterize their hydration habits, physiological demands, and psychological responses before and during a 90 min padel training (PT). (2) Methods: After approval from the Ethics Committee (CE/FCDEF-UC/00022023) and the provision of signed informed consent, participants’ body mass, height, waist and hip circumferences, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio were measured. Habitual fluid intake was monitored by diary from the evening until before the PT; the subjects completed a Profile of Mood States questionnaire (POMS) and a satiety scale (SLIM). To assess hydration levels at different moments, we used a portable osmometer and an eight-point urine color chart and weighed the participants immediately before and after the PT. During the PT, heart rate (HR) and hydration were monitored. After the PT, subjects completed another POMS and SLIM. (3) Results: Subjects trained at 73.2 ± 12.3% of their maximum HR, with brief peaks at the anaerobic threshold or higher (130.00 ± 18.78 bpm). The mean urine osmolality indicated normal hydration or minimal dehydration. However, the urine color values indicated dehydration after the training. Subjects drank 438 mL of liquids at night, 333 mL before PT, and 900 mL during the PT, with a good repartition of the liquids. POMS and SLIM were not affected by the training. (4) Conclusions: Older male padel athletes achieved challenging yet safe training, staying within healthy intensity zones; their hydration patterns nearly met the recommendations for exercise and should be slightly increased.

RANCANG BANGUN PENDETEKSI DEHIDRASI MANUSIA BERDASARKAN WARNA URINE BERBASIS INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT)

In the current technological era, the Internet of Things (IoT) provides creative fixes for numerous health problems. The purpose of this research is to design and construct a urine color analysis system that uses the Internet of Things to identify human dehydration. Urine color is precisely measured and analyzed by the system using color and pH sensors. Data is then sent over an internet connection to a cloud-based platform.The urine color analysis results will be compared to accepted medical standards as part of the processing of the gathered data to ascertain the user's bodily hydration level. This system has a Blynk app-based user interface that offers proper hydration recommendations and real-time information about the user's level of hydration. It is anticipated that by putting this system in place, users will be able to efficiently check their level of hydration and take precautions to avoid being dehydrated. This research offers a more approachable and cost-effective method of managing one's own health in addition to aiding in the development of Internet of Things-based health technology.

Influence of tailing dust contamination in drinking water on the health status of goats in subtropical Regions

The contamination of river systems by tailing dust remains a constraint to goat productivity in communal farming systems. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate how resource-limited households in subtropical regions assessed the effects of tailing dust contamination in drinking water on the health status of goats. In a study conducted in the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality, 200 households from two villages were randomly selected and interviewed using a questionnaire. Forty-eight percent (n = 96) of the households were located in contaminated areas, while 52% (n = 104) were from uncontaminated areas. The study found that poor water quality, caused by tailing dust contamination, as well as a high incidence of diseases, were key factors affecting goat productivity. Water contamination was most severe during the hot and cool dry seasons. It was also noted that goats rely on freshwater as their primary source of supplemental water during dry seasons. Urine colour, oedema of the eyelids, and kid survival were indicators for assessing the health status of goats. Nominal binary logistic regression revealed that water contamination was 2.96 more likely to be reported by youth compared to elderly members. Farmers who received informal education were 37 times more likely to report contamination than those who received formal education. High kid mortality as a health status indicator was 50 times less likely to be reported in uncontaminated areas. Intervention strategies for reducing the adverse health effects of tailing dust in contaminated areas should focus primarily on the health of goats during dry seasons.

The role of pharmaceutical care in the use of rifaximin for the treatment of diarrhea

the management of diarrhea represents a prevalent issue within the realm of healthcare. Rifaximin is recommended to treat traveler's diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. At the same time, it is important to rationally use an antimicrobial drug to prevent the development of antimicrobial resistance. Aim: to evaluate the role of pharmaceutical care in using rifaximin to treat diarrhea, based on a questionnaire. A questionnaire survey was done among 55 pharmacy professionals and 42 pharmacy visitors regarding the dispensing and use of rifaximin for diarrhea treatment. The survey of pharmacy visitors revealed that rifaximin was used for the treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome (32 cases), traveler's diarrhea (7 cases), and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (3 cases). Patients did not undergo stool culture before rifaximin prescription, which could have prevented antimicrobial resistance and ruled out other causes of diarrhea. It was found that 14% of respondents reported improvement the next day, while 83.3% reported improvement within three days. Pharmacists can educate visitors about the importance of completing the treatment course. Five percent of respondents reported nausea as an adverse reaction. Pharmacists dispensed rifaximin for the treatment of diarrhea in adults almost three times more often than in children. The tablet form of the drug was used in 94.5% of cases, while the oral suspension was used in 5.5% of cases. The majority of pharmacy visitors (89.0%) received rifaximin with a doctor's prescription, and 10.9% without a prescription, which emphasizes the importance of pharmaceutical care to prevent irrational use of the drug. The results of the study show that 92.7% of pharmacists provide recommendations on the safety of rifaximin use, and 78.2% recommend abstaining from alcohol during treatment. Only 21.8% of pharmacists warn about the possible staining of urine, which can cause concern for patients. The majority of pharmacists (89.1%) systematically ask women about possible pregnancy, which indicates their awareness of safe pharmacotherapy. Pharmacists also clarify the simultaneous use of rifaximin with other drugs: 32.7% ask about taking oral contraceptives, 7.3% – antiarrhythmic drugs, and 3.6% – warfarin. mailto:https://meshb.nlm.nih.gov/record/ui?ui=D002648Pharmacists can enhance the effectiveness of rifaximin treatment by preventing its uncontrolled use, emphasizing the importance of completing the treatment course and informing about possible adverse reactions. When providing pharmaceutical care to visitors taking rifaximin, pharmacists should educate them about potential changes in urine color. Additionally, pharmaceutical workers advise women taking oral contraceptives to use additional contraceptive methods while taking rifaximin.

The repeatability of a cycling exercise-heat stress test in a male population

IntroductionThere is considerable inter-individual variability in the physiological responses to environmental stressors and so to accurately assess and monitor changes in an individual's ability to cope with exercise-heat stress, a reliable protocol is required. The aim of this study was to examine the repeatability of a 90-min steady-state heat exercise bout with physiological and subjective variables, and performance during an incremental test to exhaustion post 90-min steady-state exercise. MethodSixteen mixed ability males (Age: 39 ± 15yrs; Height: 176.5 ± 4.8 cm; BM: 79.7 ± 10.3 kg; V˙O2peak: 46.2 ± 8.6 ml/kg/min; PPO: 309 ± 39W) who trained at least three times a week undertook two 90-min steady-state – followed by an incremental protocol to exhaustion – cycling heat stress tests (HSTs) in a hot-humid environment (35 °C, 60%RH). Heart rate (HR), rectal (T‾re) and skin temperature (T‾sk), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), thermal sensation (TS), and thermal comfort (TC) were measured throughout. Data was analysed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC), technical error of measurement (TEM), Bland-Altman plots, t-tests, and Cohen's d to indicate magnitude of change. ResultsPhysiological variables indicated good repeatability evident through moderate to strong ICC ratings, low magnitudes of change (d), lower mean biases compared to their respective calculated TEMs, and statistical non-significance, except HR90, ₸sk90, and ₸sk. Hydration status showed good repeatability except for urine osmolality (osmu90) and resting urine colour (colu). Perceptual variables showed encouraging repeatability apart from resting TS and mean TS. Performance data showed good repeatability overall, however 11 participants progressed to the incremental test to exhaustion in the second visit compared to 7 in the first. ConclusionCurrent data demonstrated favourable physiological, perceptual, and performance repeatability during repeated cycling HSTs in hot-humid conditions. However, given more participants progressed to the incremental trial to exhaustion protocol in the second visit, at least one familiarisation trial may improve the reliability of exercise capacity assessment.

The Effects of Diet, Dietary Supplements, Drugs and Exercise on Physical, Diagnostic Values of Urine Characteristics.

Background/Objectives: This review summarizes the current knowledge about factors that affect the physical characteristics of urine. It highlights proper urine sample collection and displays factors like diet, hydration status, and medications that can alter urine color, odor, clarity, specific gravity and pH. Results: Urinalysis is a minimally invasive examination of a patient's health, especially concerning nephrological and endocrinological abnormalities, as well as dietary habits and stimulants used. Certain deviations in appearance, composition or frequency/pain during urination may indicate an ongoing disease process in the body. Based on laboratory results, further medical treatment is determined. The reason for a change in the color of the urine, for its clouding or intense odor may be a disease, as well as the consumption of food, medication, intensive physical exercise or inadequate hydration of the body. Well-standardized procedures for collecting, transporting, preparing and analyzing samples should become the basis for an effective diagnostic strategy in urinalysis. It is worth noting that pharmacists in pharmaceutical care are often the first people to whom a patient turns for health advice and for the interpretation of simple laboratory tests. Acquiring the ability to interpret the results of laboratory tests and the principles of proper sampling for laboratory tests is indispensable in the process of possible counseling and providing reliable answers to patients' questions. Conclusions: Although urinalysis is not recommended as a routine screening tool for the general population, it can prove to be a valuable source of patient health data in some cases as the data will be useful to physicians and pharmacists to more effectively diagnose and better care for patients.

Utility of Body Weight, Urine Color, and Thirst Perception (WUT) in Determining Hydration in Young Adults.

The primary aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of the weight, urine, thirst (WUT) framework in predicting dehydration after a body water manipulation protocol, while concurrently determining the individual and interactive contributions of the model components. The total study sample was 93 participants (female, n = 47), recruited from two institutions. Phase 1 involved collecting daily hydration measures from free-living participants (Study 1, 58 participants for 3 days; Study 2, 35 participants for 7 days). Phase 2 entailed a two-hour passive heating protocol, where participants from Study 2 were randomly assigned to one of three groups that manipulated total body water over 24-hours using passive heating and fluid restriction. During each Phase, participants provided urine samples, underwent body mass measurements, and completed questionnaires pertaining to thirst perception. Morning and 24-hour urine samples were assessed for color, osmolality, and specific gravity. Differences between intervention groups, based on the probability of hydration status, were examined (ANOVA) and ridge regression analysis assessed the relative importance of variables within the WUT model. The study revealed significant differences among the intervention groups for predicted probability of dehydration, as determined by changes in body mass (p = 0.001), urine color (p = 0.044), and thirst perception (p < 0.001). Binomial ridge regression indicated that change in body mass (58%) and thirst perception (26%) were the most influential predictors of dehydration. These data support use of an enhanced version of the WUT model, underscoring the significance of changes in body mass and thirst perception in the assessment of hydration status.

Ematuria e proteinuria

Proteinuria and haematuria are common findings in children. However, they are indicative of a renal or urinary condition only in a minority of cases. The probability of an underlying disease causing haematuria and /or proteinuria increases when they are associated and in the presence of symptoms that suggest kidney damage, such as oedema, hypertension, or kidney failure. Transient and orthostatic proteinurias are benign conditions that do not require further investigations. Proteinuria should always be investigated when constant or heavy. If patients present with nephrotic syndrome, oedema and hypoalbuminemia, proteinuria is always pathologic. Tubular proteinuria should always be ruled out, in particular in male subjects with persistent proteinuria. Haematuria can be glomerular or non-glomerular and may present as gross haematuria or can only be detected microscopically. Macroscopic haematuria should always be investigated as it may be associated with benign conditions (fever, exertion, dehydration, nutcracker syndrome), but also with several conditions such as glomerular diseases or urolithiasis. The urine colour, the urinary sediment, the morphology of red blood cells, kidney function, the presence of proteinuria and the medical history help in the differential diagnosis. On the other hand, microscopic haematuria should be investigated only when persistent or if there is a positive family history. This paper presents 5 illustrative cases to highlight the above points.

VITAMIN B2 AND ITS STATUS IN VEGETARIANS AND VEGANS

The main goal of this review was to briefly highlight the key points of today’s knowledge about the role and metabolism of vitamin B2 as well as to compare its status in vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores according to present data. Biologically active forms of water-soluble vitamin B2 (riboflavin) are represented by flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine diphosphate (FAD), which are coenzymes in the reactions of the electron transport chain and the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. Riboflavin is also involved in the metabolism of fatty acids, the synthesis of cholesterol and steroid hormones. Riboflavin also participates in the folate cycle. Vitamin B2 is crucial for the metabolism of other vitamins. FMN is necessary for the for-mation of the active form of vitamin B6, while FAD is necessary for the synthesis of niacin. Severe clinical insufficiency of vitamin B2 is not common. Besides insufficient riboflavin consumption, hypothyroidism can also be a cause of vitamin B2 deficiency as thyroxine regulates the conversion of ribo-flavin to its active forms  FMN and FAD. Lack of riboflavin can cause tissue damage; especially of the epithelial, reproductive, and nervous system. The variety of its manifestations is related to the fact that riboflavin deficiency also disrupts the metabolism of vitamins B6, or PP. Similarly, riboflavin deficiency can also disrupt the folate cycle, increasing the level of homocysteine which damages vascular intima and leads to endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis as a result. Rapid urinary excretion of riboflavin makes it safe even if taken in a high dose, changing the urine colour into bright-yellow. This safety of riboflavin makes it unharmful to be used as an oral tracer for monitoring compliance in clinical research. Ultra-high doses of ribo-flavin (more than 400 mg/day) can cause diarrhoea or polyuria. The content of vitamin B2 in animal-derived products is higher than in plant-based ones. This also determines its lower intake in vegans and vegetarians compared to omnivores. While there is a shred of evidence that plant-based diets in-crease the production of bioavailable riboflavin by the gut microbiota, this does not appear to be sufficient to completely compensate for the vegetari-ans’/vegans’ reduced dietary intake of vitamin B2, as most of the researches point the fact that vegans and vegetarians are more prone to lack vita-min B2 than omnivores. At the same time, it should be noted that there exists no universally adopted optimal method for assessing the status of vit-amin B2 in the body. Further research and standardization of methods may ease to assess the prevalence and risks of riboflavin deficiency in various dietary groups

Hydration status of esports players in a live competition

Objectives: esports are an increasingly popular activity that involves professional players. Dehydration hinders cognitive performance, on which these competitors rely heavily. This observational study assessed the hydration state of esports players on a competition day and its possible associations with esports and lifestyle-related features.Methods: The hydration status of esports players was assessed on a tournament day through urine-specific gravity and by comparison with the Armstrong urine color chart. Binary logistic regression and univariate analysis of variance were applied to assess the relationships between urine-specific gravity and age, BMI, hours of sleep per day, hours of video game play per day, esports title, physical activity level, and professionalism level.Results: Ninety-eight esports players participated in this study. The average urine-specific gravity, assessed through refractometry, was 1.020 (SD = 0.007) g/cm³. 10.2% were classified as well hydrated, 25.5% with minimal dehydration, 60.2% with significant dehydration, and 4.1% with serious dehydration. Considering the eight-color urine chart method, 16.3% were classified with minimal dehydration, 65.3% with significant dehydration, and 18.4% as serious dehydration. There were no significant associations between hydration status and lifestyle-related variables (p > 0.05). The results of the two methods of assessing hydration status presented a positive, moderate, and statistically significant correlation (r = 0.711, p < 0.001). The agreement between the two classifications was 56.1%, with Cohen’s kappa showing a weak agreement (k = 0.213, p < 0.001) even if with linear (k = 0.330, p < 0.001) or quadratic (k = 0.471, p < 0.001) weighting.