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Background: In 2019, according to WHO estimates, 262 million people were affected by asta, resulting in 455,000 deaths [1]. Asthma, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes reversible bronchoconstriction, making it difficult for patients to breathe. Exacerbations of the disease can be caused by a variety of factors but share similar symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. Severe asthma exacerbations are defined as symptoms that do not respond to inhaled medications and improve only after oral or intravenous steroid administration. Asthma-related deaths often occur during exacerbations. Vitamin D, which is produced naturally in the body and found in some foods, is a steroid-derived vitamin. Adequate doses of this vitamin, administered through medication or supplements, can be used to maintain its proper levels in the organism. Vitamin D is essential for regulating calcium levels in the body and for bone remodeling. It also has immunomodulatory effects, affecting both innate and adaptive immunity. This partly explains its association with changes in the airway epithelium that occur as a result of inflammation in asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regulatory influence of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) is exerted on bone, which serves as a vital reservoir of calcium within the body. While various aspects of bone growth, turnover, and mechanisms operate independently of gonadal hormones, a crucial role is assumed by sex steroids, particularly estrogen, in maintaining bone equilibrium in adults. In order to unravel the underlying mechanisms of bone remodeling mediated by PTH, a distinguished mathematical model of this intricate process is presented. Subsequently, the temporal effects of Plasma PTH and PTH external dosages are investigated using the proposed mathematical model. Among the limited repertoire of approved and accessible anabolic treatments for severe osteoporosis, daily injections of PTH stand out. This pharmaceutical marvel possesses a unique dual action, capable of acting either anabolically or catabolically, contingent upon the mode of administration. The study aims to accurately predict osteogenic responses to introduced and endogenous PTH, incorporating factors such as T G F - β , R A N K L , and bisphosphonates in osteoblast–osteoclast signaling, as well as considering PTH's influence on the gland and the regulatory roles of R u n x 2 , p C R E B , and B c l 2 in osteoblast apoptosis and bone volume effects. Through diverse methods including illustrative depictions, numerical simulations, sensitivity analysis, and stability analysis, this work seeks to comprehend how PTH therapy impacts bone volume, enhancing its therapeutic relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significance: Intravital cellular calcium imaging has emerged as a powerful tool to investigate how different types of neurons interact at the microcircuit level to produce seizure activity, with newfound potential to understand epilepsy. Although many methods exist to measure seizure-related activity in traditional electrophysiology, few yet exist for calcium imaging. Aim: To demonstrate an automated algorithmic framework to detect seizure-related events using calcium imaging--including the detection of pre-ictal spike events, propagation of the seizure wavefront, and terminal spreading waves for both population- level activity and that of individual cells. Approach: We developed an algorithm for precise recruitment detection of population and individual cells during seizure-associated events, which broadly leverages averaged population activity and high-magnitude slope features to detect single-cell pre-ictal spike and seizure recruitment. We applied this method to data recorded using awake in vivo two-photon calcium imaging during pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures in mice. Results: We demonstrate that our detected recruitment times are concordant with visually identified labels provided by an expert reviewer and are sufficiently accurate to model the spatiotemporal progression of seizure-associated traveling waves. Conclusions: Our algorithm enables accurate cell recruitment detection and will serve as a useful tool for researchers investigating seizure dynamics using calcium imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A five week feeding study was carried out to evaluate the effects of different levels of calcium, available phosphorus (AP) on broiler performance, carcass traits and deposition of calcium and phosphorus in serum and tibia of broiler chickens. Two hundred and fifty two one day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were used. The birds were weighed and assigned to equal nine treatment groups: three calcium to phosphorus ratios were used, 2:1, 1.75:1, and 1.5:1, there were three different values of available phosphorus for each calcium into phosphorus ratio according to the feeding stage. Each treatment had four replicates and each replicate contained seven chicks. The results showed that during starter stage, performance at available phosphorus 0.5% and 0.45% were significantly higher than that of 0.4% regardless of calcium levels for body weight, body weight gain and high feed intake, but during the finisher period, there was no significant difference between treatments. Treatment with Ca level 1.5 and AP 0.4% is the same result of treatment with Ca level 2 and AP 0.5% in all stages. Treatment with Ca level 1.75 and AP 0.35% showed the highest serum ALT, Ca and P measurements and non-significant changes in treatments with AP 0.4. AST and creatinine in treatments with AP 0.3% showed significant decreases compared to treatments with AP 0.4%. Increasing of Ca level and P availability resulted in decreased Ca levels in ash in all stages. Increasing P availability resulted in decreased P levels in all stages. Phosphorus availability 0.4% showed high significant differences from AP 0.3% in weight, eviscerated, dressing and breast. Drumstick and thigh in all treatments were the same except the high Ca level 1.5 with AP 0.35% and Ca level 2 with AP 0.3%, which showed the lowest significant difference from other treatments. It could be concluded that calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) utilization at low rate with low available phosphorus could be effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypocalcemia is a common problem during pregnancy that affects maternal and fetal outcomes. So, preventive and treatment measures are warranted to prevent complications and promote health and well-being in pregnant women with calcium deficiency. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of circuit training (CT) on calcium levels and physical fitness in pregnant women with hypocalcemia. Methods: Forty-four pregnant women in their 2nd trimester having hypocalcemia participated in the study; their ages ranged from 20 to 35 years old, and their body mass index (BMI) was 35.00 to 39.99kg/m2. They were randomly divided into two equal groups. The control group received daily calcium supplements (1.5 - 2 g), while the CT group received the same tablets and performed the CT program for 60 minutes, three sessions per week for 12 weeks. Serum-free and ionized calcium levels were measured, and sit and reach flexibility test, wall squat test, chair stand test, and modified push-up test assessed the physical fitness before and after treatment. Results: The control and CT groups showed statistically significant increases (p<0.0001) in free and ionized calcium levels and a non-significant difference (p>0.05) between groups after treatment. Compared to the control group, the CT group showed statistically significant increases (p<0.0001) in the scores of sit and reach flexibility test, wall squat test, chair stand test, and modified push-up test after treatment. However, the control group showed a nonsignificant difference (p>0.05) in all test scores. Conclusion: Adding CT to calcium supplements is a safe and effective method that maintains calcium and improves physical fitness in pregnant women with hypocalcemia, which should be a part of the antenatal exercises program for gravid women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stanniocalcin 1 (Stc1) is well known for its role in regulating calcium uptake in fish by acting on ionocytes or NaR cells. A hallmark of NaR cells is the expression of Trpv6, a constitutively open calcium channel. Recent studies in zebrafish suggest that genetical deletion of Stc1a and Trpv6 individually both increases IGF signaling and NaR cell proliferation. While trpv6-/- fish suffered from calcium deficiency and died prematurely, stc1a-/- fish had elevated body calcium levels but also died prematurely. The relationship between Stc1a, Trpv6, and IGF signaling in regulating calcium homeostasis and organismal survival is unclear. Here we report that loss of Stc1a increases Trpv6 expression in NaR cells in an IGF signaling-dependent manner. Treatment with CdCl2, a Trpv6 inhibitor, reduced NaR cell number in stc1a-/- fish to the sibling levels. Genetic and biochemical analysis results suggest that Stc1a and Trpv6 regulate NaR cell proliferation via the same IGF pathway. Alizarin red staining detected abnormal calcium deposits in the yolk sac region and kidney stone-like structures in stc1a-/- fish. Double knockout or pharmacological inhibition of Trpv6 alleviated these phenotypes, suggesting that Stc1a inhibit epithelial Ca2+ uptake by regulating Trpv6 expression and activity. stc1a-/- mutant fish developed cardiac edema, body swelling, and died prematurely. Treatment of stc1a-/- fish with CdCl2 or double knockout of Trpv6 alleviated these phenotypes. These results provide evidence that Stc1a regulates calcium homeostasis and organismal survival by suppressing Trpv6 expression and inhibiting IGF signaling in ionocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Globally, sheep productivity is constrained by scarcity of high-quality feed and haemonchosis. These challenges may simultaneously be addressed by valorisation of nutraceutical forage legumes such as sericea lespedeza (SL) into sheep diets. Aim. The current study determined the effects of feeding diets containing increasing inclusion levels of SL (0%, 6.25%, 12.5%, 18.75% and 25%) as replacement for lucerne on haematological, biochemical, and parasitological parameters in Haemonchus contortus-infected and non-infected lambs. Methods. Bodyweights, body condition scores (BCS), FAMACHA© scores, faecal worm egg counts (FWEC), and haematological and biochemical parameters were recorded from 80 Dohne Merino intact male lambs assigned to diet-by-infection status-based treatments in a completely randomised design, with a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments comprising of eight lambs pertreatment during a 42-day feeding trial. Adult worms were collected, enumerated, and their ultra-structure was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy after slaughter. Results. Diet, and diet × infection status had no effects on red blood-cell parameters of the lambs (P > 0.05). Eosinophils were affected by diet × infection status, being highest in non-infected lambs fed the control diet and lowest in infected lambs fed the 25% SL diet (P = 0.05). Serum albumin, calcium and body condition scores declined (P = 0.05) with increasing inclusion levels of SL in the diet. There was no influence of diet on lamb bodyweights, FAMACHA© scores, FWEC, and worm burdens. Dietary increments of SL disrupted the structural integrity of the head (Χ² = 28.43; ɸc = 0.493; P = 0.05) of adult worms. Conclusions. Sericea lespedeza may replace lucerne up to 25% in lamb feedlot diets, with minor negative effects on haematological and biochemical parameters, but offers little benefits for modulating Haemonchus contortus infection. Implications. Beneficiation of biologically active alternative feed resources such as sericea lespedeza could help farmers adapt better to market changes through the development of enhanced livestock feed and pharmaceutical products, which could help alleviate losses associated with impoverished nutrition and gastrointestinal health of lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell wall traits are believed to be a key component of the succulent syndrome, an adaptive syndrome to drought, yet the variability of such traits remains largely unknown. In this study, we surveyed the leaf polysaccharide and glycoprotein composition in a wide sampling of Crassula species that occur naturally along an aridity gradient in southern Africa, and we interpreted its adaptive significance in relation to growth form and arid adaptation. To study the glycomic diversity, we sampled leaf material from 56 Crassula taxa and performed comprehensive microarray polymer profiling to obtain the relative content of cell wall polysaccharides and glycoproteins. This analysis was complemented by the determination of monosaccharide composition and immunolocalization in leaf sections using glycan‐targeting antibodies. We found that compact and non‐compact Crassula species occupy distinct phenotypic spaces in terms of leaf glycomics, particularly in regard to rhamnogalacturonan I, its arabinan side chains, and arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs). Moreover, these cell wall components also correlated positively with increasing aridity, which suggests that they are likely advantageous in terms of arid adaptation. These differences point to compact Crassula species having more elastic cell walls with plasticizing properties, which can be interpreted as an adaptation toward increased drought resistance. Furthermore, we report an intracellular pool of AGPs associated with oil bodies and calcium oxalate crystals, which could be a peculiarity of Crassula and could be linked to increased drought resistance. Our results indicate that glycomics may be underlying arid adaptation and drought resistance in succulent plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by dilation and enlargement of one or both ventricles with reduced systolic function. Calcium plays a key role in myocardial contraction. Hypocalcaemia can lead to a decrease in contraction, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (EF). Hypocalcaemia is a rare reversible cause of dilated cardiomyopathy. The author presents a case who presented with complaints of shortness of breath on exertion, orthopnoea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea, numbness and crampy muscular pains. He had a high JVP, systolic murmur on auscultation, hepatomegaly, pedal oedema and crackles on chest auscultation. His ECG showed sinus rhythm with prolonged QT interval. His echocardiography showed dilated cardiomyopathy with reduced ejection fraction, moderate mitral regurgitation and mild tricuspid regurgitation. His Calcium levels and PTH levels were both low. He was treated with ionotrophes, diuretics, vitamin D and calcium supplements, including both intravenous and oral. With the correction of calcium levels, he was weaned off the ionotrophic support and his ejection fraction improved. Calcium levels if low should be corrected in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of calcium in the body. Altered signaling through the CaSR has been linked to the development of various tumors, such as colorectal and breast tumors. This retrospective study enrolled 79 patients who underwent surgical removal of invasive breast carcinoma of no special type (NST) to explore the expression of the CaSR in breast cancer. The patients were categorized based on age, tumor size, hormone receptor status, HER2 status, Ki-67 proliferation index, tumor grade, and TNM staging. Immunohistochemistry was conducted on core needle biopsy samples to assess CaSR expression. The results revealed a positive correlation between CaSR expression and tumor size, regardless of the tumor surrogate subtype (p = 0.001). The expression of ER exhibited a negative correlation with CaSR expression (p = 0.033). In contrast, a positive correlation was observed between CaSR expression and the presence of HER2 receptors (p = 0.002). Increased CaSR expression was significantly associated with lymph node involvement and the presence of distant metastasis (p = 0.001 and p = 0.038, respectively). CaSR values were significantly higher in the patients with increased Ki-67 (p = 0.042). Collectively, higher CaSR expression in breast cancer could suggest a poor prognosis and treatment outcome regardless of the breast cancer subtype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin D is necessary for the body to absorb calcium and maintain normal bone density. Although it was shown that children with short stature had lower concentrations of vitamin D, there is no conclusive evidence to support a connection between vitamin D and the growth of height in young children, including but not limited to those with short stature. This study puts in an effort to find whether Vitamin D deficiency is associated with Height growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Türkiye Klinikleri Journal of Ophthalmology is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Online Turkish Journal of Health Sciences (OTJHS) / Online Türk Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Oguz KARABAY and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We examined the patients with hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia who were performed noninvasive imaging techniques with doubtful or failed results. We compared the performances of the Selective Arterial Calcium Stimulation Test (SACST) and non-invasive imaging techniques. Eight patients with hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, performed SACST after evaluating with imaging modalities were examined retrospectively. Three patients were diagnosed with Non-Insulinoma Pancreatogenous Hypoglycemia Syndrome (NIPHS), 4 with insulinoma, and 1 with autoimmune hypoglycemia after SACST. While the concordance between the SACST and surgery-proven pathology for insulinoma was 50% (2/4), the accuracy in the localization of insulinoma was 25%. Although SACST does not have high concordance with surgery-proven pathology and accuracy in the localization of insulinoma, it may be preferred in the differential diagnosis of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia in medical centers where other imaging techniques are not available, or in cases where other imaging methods obtain suspicious/inadequate diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary hyperparathyroidism is defined by elevated parathyroid hormone and calcium levels, most usually caused by a parathyroid adenoma. Parathyroid adenomas are most commonly detected in the neck or an ectopic site, seldom in the mediastinum. The parathyroid adenoma can occur in ectopic locations such as the mediastinum, thymus, or retro oesophagal area in 6-16% of cases. We presented the example of a 73-year-old woman who was found to have hypercalcemia during a regular test. The patient's serum calcium (3.11 mmol/L), alkaline phosphatase (162 U/L), parathyroid hormone (PTH: 379 pg/mL) and creatinine (111.6 umol/L) levels were higher than the reference values. A chest computerized tomography scan revealed an anterior mediastinal mass, and nuclear scintigraphy revealed functioning parathyroid tissue in the mediastinum. The mediastinal parathyroid adenoma was effectively removed surgically, and the PTH level began to fall. Any hypercalcemia and high PTH levels in the absence of a parathyroid adenoma in the neck should prompt clinicians to look for ectopic sites using a mix of imaging modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Calcium is a mineral that is needed by bones and teeth. Calcium needs have not been achieved evenly among children, about 1000mg/day. Hydroxyapatite contains Ca and apatite which is good for the maintenance of bones and teeth. Hydroxyapatite is made from the bones of mackerel, where the bones of mackerel have a high source of calcium. For easy being consumed for children, the hydroxyapatite made in the form of jelly candy. Objective: The aim of this research was Hydroxyapatite Mackerel Fish Bone can be made as Jelly Candy. Methods: Hydroxyapatite from mackerel bones is made by the precipitation method. Then, hydroxyapatite was formulated into jelly candy with concentrations of hydroxyapatite was 18%, 19% and 20% respectively for Formula I, II and III. Jelly candy evaluation includes organoleptic test, gel strength, khamir and ALT ochre, weight uniformity, pH, hedonics, homogeneity and storage. Results: The evaluation showed that all jelly candy formulas are safe for consumption according to SNI 3547.2-2008. Conclusion: In conclusion, hydroxyapatite mackerel fish bone can be made as Jelly Candy with the best concentration in Formula 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evodiamine (EVO), the main active alkaloid in Evodia rutaecarpa, was shown to exert various pharmacological activities, especially anti-tumor. Currently, it is considered a potential anti-cancer drug due to its excellent anti-tumor activity, which unfortunately has adverse reactions, such as the risk of liver and kidney injury, when Evodia rutaecarpa containing EVO is used clinically. In the present study, we aim to clarify the potential toxic target organs and toxicity mechanism of EVO, an active monomer in Evodia rutaecarpa, and to develop mitigation strategies for its toxicity mechanism. Transcriptome analysis and related experiments showed that the PI3K/Akt pathway induced by calcium overload was an important step in EVO-induced apoptosis of renal cells. Specifically, intracellular calcium ions were increased, and mitochondrial calcium ions were decreased. In addition, EVO-induced calcium overload was associated with TRPV1 receptor activation. In vivo TRPV1 antagonist and calcium chelator effects were observed to significantly reduce body weight loss and renal damage in mice due to EVO toxicity. The potential nephrotoxicity of EVO was further confirmed by an in vivo test. In conclusion, TRPV1-mediated calcium overload-induced apoptosis is one of the mechanisms contributing to the nephrotoxicity of EVO due to its toxicity, whereas maintaining body calcium homeostasis is an effective measure to reduce toxicity. These studies suggest that the clinical use of EVO-containing herbal medicines should pay due attention to the changes in renal function of patients as well as the off-target effects of the drugs. [Display omitted] • Evodiamine, a naturally active small molecule derived from plants, has the potential to be nephrotoxic. • Evodiamine-induced calcium homeostasis imbalance plays a crucial role in the toxicity of normal renal cells (HK-2). • Mechanistically, TRPV1-mediated calcium overload-induced apoptosis was revealed to be one of the mechanisms of evodiamine nephrotoxicity based on in vivo and in vitro studies. • Proposing a detoxification strategy: maintaining calcium homeostasis to alleviate evodiamine-induced renal injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In general, carbonates cannot be easily hardened by the conventional ceramic sintering process due to their thermal decomposition during heating. However, when the cold sintering process (CSP) is selected, carbonates can be hardened at lower temperatures. It has been demonstrated that calcium carbonate can be hardened by CSP, but the detailed densification mechanisms of cold sintering at various temperatures have not been fully clarified. In this study, the vaterite phase of calcium carbonate was selected as the starting material. As the cold sintering temperature for calcium carbonate powder increased, the bulk density of the hardened calcium carbonate body increased. The compressive strength was maximized when cold sintered at 80 °C due to the balance between the solubility of calcium carbonate and the reactivity of cold sintering. Almost no crystal phase transformation from vaterite to calcite occurred during cold sintering, and reprecipitation of the vaterite phase though dissolution-precipitation densified the body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prebiotics can selectively promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in animals without being digested by host, improve the health of the animal host, which can be used as a green and healthy alternative feed additive. The paper reviews the effect of prebiotics on intestinal microbial composition and intestinal morphology of chickens, the mechanism of action of the immune system, the promotion of calcium absorption in body, discusses the mechanism and effect of prebiotics, to provide reference for the production of pollution-free livestock and poultry products and further research on prebiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin D plays a vital role in synthesizing calcium-carrying proteins in the small intestine and helps the absorption of calcium in the body, thus reducing the risk of rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults, especially in women. So, the objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value and quality characteristics of some food products such as waffles, breadsticks and salad cream fortified with dried mushroom powder (DMP) after exposure to sunlight for 60 min as a source of vitamin D. The exposure of mushroom to sunlight for 60 min before drying increased its content of vitamin D by 158% more than fresh mushroom (not exposed to sunlight). The DMP was added to the product's formula by a ratio of 1, 2, and 3%. The addition of DMP increased protein, ash, fat, and vitamin D2 and D3 contents in all products, while carbohydrates and moisture contents were decreased in both waffles, and breadsticks. The hardness of both waffles and breadsticks was decreased with increasing the levels of DMP added, while the addition of DMP led to enhance bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in all products. The sensory evaluation of waffles, breadsticks, and salad cream containing DMP was not changed than control sample. The results found that the intake of 100 g of salad cream, waffles, and breadstick (containing 3% DMP) could by providing more than the recommended daily allowances (RDA) of vitamin D. Therefore, this study recommended the use of DMP (by a ratio of 3%) in fortifying food products in order to meet the RDA of vitamin D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Dental Sciences is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Diverse types of bricks from monuments in the city of Padua (northeastern Italy) were studied using a multi-analytical approach based on spectrophotometry, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), polarized-light optical microscopy (POM) and/or high-resolution scanning electron microscopy with coupled energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (HRSEM-EDS). The most representative bricks were yellow or beige and in well-preserved condition. The results showed that they were made of Mg- and Ca-rich illitic clays, were fired at high temperatures (from 900 to over 950 ∘ C), and achieved an incipient vitrification. Two main processes took place during firing: (i) the development of a Ca-aluminosilicate amorphous phase where very abundant pyroxene-type crystals were nucleated and (ii) the transformation of the pristine Mg-rich clayey grains into Mg-silicate mineral phases. The analyses suggest a firing dynamic within a highly reactive and supersaturated unstable system, particularly rich in calcium and magnesium. There are also signs of the rapid heating and/or soaking of the bricks and the irregular heat distribution and/or different residence times inside the kilns. The formation of zeolite and calcite secondary phases was also observed. The former was largely promoted by the high calcium content of the bodies and the very humid conditions, while the latter was mainly precipitated from Ca-rich solutions. The preservation of the bricks was enhanced by processes that took place both during and after firing. Firstly, the significant development of a Ca-rich amorphous phase and of high-temperature pyroxene-type crystals has provided strength to the bricks. Secondly, the porosity yielded by the firing of the carbonate-rich clays was almost filled by secondary calcite, which acted as a cementing agent. The information attained has increased the knowledge of (i) the mineralogical and microstructural changes that take place during the firing over 900 ∘ C of Ca- and Mg-rich illitic clays and (ii) the formation of secondary phases within highly calcareous bricks laid in very humid environments and affected by Ca-rich solutions. The key role of the Ca- and Mg-rich raw clays and of the high firing temperatures, in producing high-quality bricks, and of the secondary calcite, which increased their durability, is highlighted. All these factors have contributed to the better preservation of the built heritage of the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiological studies use biomarkers of fluoride exposure in pregnant women as surrogate measures of fetal fluoride exposure; however, there is little understanding of how pregnancy affects fluoride metabolism and its biomarkers. This narrative review summarizes the changes of pregnancy that have the potential to impact fluoride's absorption, distribution and excretion, and highlights the limited body of evidence on the topic. The physiologic systems that experience pregnancy-associated changes relevant to fluoride's metabolism are the cardiovascular, renal, metabolic and gastrointestinal, as well bone and calcium metabolism and the body's acid-base balance. The available evidence indicates that fluoride is found in the maternal plasma and urine, placenta, amniotic fluid and fetus. Although plasma and urinary fluoride vary across gestation, there is insufficient quality evidence to determine the direction or extent of such variation. Furthermore, there is no doubt that fluoride from maternal blood crosses the placenta and is absorbed and excreted by the fetus; however, the biological mechanisms behind this placental passage are unknown. Research on maternal and prenatal biomarkers of fluoride exposure would benefit from studies on how pregnancy-associated changes affect the metabolism of fluoride across gestation, the mechanisms for the intestinal absorption of fluoride in pregnant women, and the placental passage of fluoride. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ionized hypocalcemia is common in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and is associated with adverse outcomes. We previously developed a linear model that estimates ionized calcium (ICa) by adjusting total calcium (TCa) for the three components of the anion gap and albumin. On internal validation, it outperformed the popular method that corrects TCa for albumin alone (cTCa) in diagnosing low ICa. In this study, we sought to externally validate our ICa model in hospitalized COVID-19 positive patients. Methods: We retrospectively studied all 200 patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center between March 11th and April 30th 2020 and referred to the nephrology service for renal failure, and who had ICa measured on a venous blood gas within 25 min of a comprehensive metabolic panel. We compared the performance of the ICa model and cTCa in diagnosing low ICa by ROC analysis, and also examined the accuracy of the absolute values predicted by the two methods relative to measured ICa. Results: On ROC analysis, the ICa model was better than cTCa (area under ROC curve: 0.872 [0.025] vs. 0.835 [0.028]; p = 0.045). The ICa model estimated ICa accurately, but the cTCa method seemed to overcorrect TCa, as a substantial number of patients with clearly normal cTCa values had low ICa. Conclusions: In an external validation cohort, the ICa model estimated ICa accurately and was better than cTCa in the diagnosis of low ICa. This finding can be useful in guiding direct ICa testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frescoes were developed as religious paintings in medieval Europe before the rise of oil paintings. When coloring with natural pigments on a slaked lime plaster, calcium carbonate gradually forms a coating on the pigments at the surface of the plaster over a period of decades to a hundred years. Many frescoes have been maintained for hundreds of years and have become part of historic heritage. However, the making of frescoes is rarely selected as a general art painting method because it takes a lot of time for complete carbonation to occur. This study demonstrated that a geomimetic ceramic hardening technique using calcium hydroxide and calcium carbonate, followed by subsequent acceleration of carbonation at the surface of the calcium hydroxide with supercritical carbon dioxide, could assist in forming frescoes in a short time. The immobilization of the pigment used on the base calcium hydroxide body was evaluated by a scratch test with emery paper, and pigment color differences were measured by a colorimeter. Furthermore, the micromorphology of the resultant frescoes fabricated by the geomimetic technique in a short time was investigated to evaluate the progress of carbonation. As a result, frescoes could be fabricated in a short time by combining a geomimetic technique and carbonation with supercritical carbon dioxide using a novel pigment that is a mixture of pigment and calcium hydroxide. The pigment in the final sample was completely fixed to the base calcium hydroxide body, and the pigment color was brighter than the original pigment color due to the densification of calcium carbonate after supercritical carbon dioxide treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parathyroid cancer is a rare malignancy originating from the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium levels in the body. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of parathyroid cancer, including its epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and prognosis. The article also highlights recent advancements in research and potential future directions for improving the management of this challenging disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) is a benign disease associated with heterozygous inactivating mutations in the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) gene. This article presents a girl with heterozygous p.Cys575Tyr variation in the CaSR gene. The serum calcium level of a 9.2-year-old girl was 12.4mg/dl in incidental laboratory analysis. On the same occasion, the serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was 45 pg/ml, 25(OH) vitamin D level 24.2ng/ml, 1.25 dihydroxy vitamin D level 22pg/ml, and urinary Ca/creatinine ratio <0.01. The ultrasonographic evaluation of the urinary system was unremarkable. The clinical and laboratory findings pointed towards FHD. A heterozygous p.Cys575Tyr (c.1724G>A) variation was detected in the patient's CaSR gene, which was reported before, but no clinical manifestations were specified. In children with asymptomatic hypercalcemia, the diagnosis of FHH should be considered if the PTH level is normal or high and the urinary calcium is low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining which forms of mineral feed additives can increase farm animal productivity is a key area of research. This study assessed the mineral composition of ruminal fluid and the effectiveness of calcium and phosphorus used by animals after the introduction of finely dispersed particles (FDP) of SiO2 (group I) and FeCo (group II) with a hydrodynamic radius of 109.6 ± 16.6 and 265 ± 25 nm, respectively. The deposition and use of calcium and phosphorus in the body of the experimental animals exceeded the control values. In group I, 30.8% more calcium was deposited (p = 0.05), and in group II, the value was 30.3% (p = 0.01). In the experimental groups, the calcium utilization rate was 27.3% higher in group I (p = 0.05), and 28.2% higher in group II (p = 0.01) compared to in the control. Phosphorus deposition was 34% higher (p = 0.01) in experimental group I and 6% higher in experimental group II, compared with the control. Group I had a high utilization rate of phosphorus from the feed (with a 29% difference compared to the control). Comparison of the experimental groups revealed that the introduction of SiO2 FDP promoted an increase in the concentration of silicon, phosphorus, and calcium in the ruminal fluid. The introduction of FeCo FDP was accompanied by a decrease in the concentration of iron and cobalt in the ruminal fluid. Thus, the use of feed additive in finely dispersed form in the diet of animals was accompanied by an increase in the use of calcium and phosphorus by the animal's body, which is advisable when intensifying milk and meat productivity. The obtained results require further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Back ground: Osteoporosis is a skeletal condition that affects the entire body. illness characterized by a decrease mass of bone, reduced Bone Mineral Density (BMD), deterioration of microarchitectural integrity and skeletal toughness, as a result of which bone fragility and fracture risk are raised, primarily at the spine and femur levels. Estradiol (E2)it is The most strong as well as widespread member of estrogen steroid hormone class. Estradiol obtained from their mother, their own gonads, and produced locally in their brains is administered to fetuses and infants. Calcium is most often associated with healthy bones and teeth, but it also plays an important part in blood clotting, muscle contraction, appropriate heart rhythms, and neuron activity. About 99 percent of the calcium in the body is stored in bones, with the remaining 1% found in blood, muscle, and other tissues. Intracellular calcium (Ca) levels are critical in the production of aldosterone. Potassium is a mineral that is required by all human tissues. It is commonly referred to as an electrolyte because it carries a little electrical charge that stimulates a variety of cell and nerve processes.. Total-body potassium (K+) concentration and proper distribution of K+ across the cell membrane are critical for good cellular function. Phosphorus is a mineral that is present in your bones. Phosphorus, like calcium, is necessary for the production of strong, healthy bones as well as the preservation of other aspects of your body's health.. Normal functioning kidneys can eliminate excess phosphorus from your blood. In marine settings, phosphorus (P) is one of the limiting macronutrients for algal development. Method: 100 patients clinically diagnosed as osteoporosis . tow study groups have been investigated: (25 in premenopause and 25 in postmenopause ). The Aim of study is determine the level of some parameters(albumin, calcium, potassium, phosphor, E2 ) in premenopausal osteoporosis and postmenopause osteoporosis and comparison to control group in women .Result : The current study was significant no difference in albumin level in osteoporosis, and decreased significant (P≤ 0.05) in levels of calcium and phosphor in osteoporosis,also increased significant(P≤ 0.05) in potassium level in osteoporosis,as well as there was a significance decreased (P≤ 0.05) in E2 hormone concentration of osteoporosis women compared to control .Conclusion : the albumin level no effected in osteoporosis when compared with control, the level of calcium and phosphor decreased in osteoporosis when compared with healthy women, the level of potassium increased in osteoporosis when compared with control group,the E2 hormone decreased in patients with osteoporosis, and this decreased is more significant in postmenopausal age than premenopause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Supplying vitamin D during pregnancy is necessary for fetal calcium homeostasis and bone growth and its mineralization, and its deficiency can lead to pregnancy complications. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of vitamin D level on pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 450 pregnant women referring to Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital in Babol. Mothers' information was collected using a questionnaire. Blood samples were collected from people to measure the serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 level by ELISA method using the EUROIMMUN kit. Patients were divided into two groups (vitamin D level< 25 and vitamin D level> 25) and were compared. Findings: 247 people (54.8%) had vitamin D level< 25 and 203 people (44.8%) had vitamin D level> 25. People with lower vitamin D levels had significantly more gestational hypertension (p=0.03) and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (p=0.04) compared to people with higher vitamin D levels. The variables of labor pain, diabetes, fetal growth restriction and prolonged pregnancy did not show significant differences in people with high and low levels of vitamin D. Pregnancy complications including pre-eclampsia, preterm delivery, placental abruption and fetal growth restriction did not show any significant difference in people with high and low levels of vitamin D. In the evaluation of neonatal outcomes, infant weight, infant gender, fifth minute Apgar, head circumference and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, no significant differences were found. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that some pregnancy complications such as gestational hypertension and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) in pregnant women are related to vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to design plans to check the vitamin D level of mothers before pregnancy and correct it during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor highlights the limitations of a study on the effects of parathyroidectomy on patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). The study found that parathyroidectomy can prevent the decline in kidney function in patients under 60 years old, potentially reducing mortality in those at higher risk for cardiovascular events. However, the study did not report changes in serum calcium levels and body mass index, which could affect kidney function. The letter suggests further research to understand the benefits of parathyroidectomy for patients with PHPT. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: The purpose of this critical narrative review is to discuss common indications for ordering serum albumin levels in adult critically ill patients, evaluate the literature supporting these indications, and provide recommendations for the appropriate ordering of serum albumin levels.Data Sources: PubMed (1966 to August 2020), Cochrane Library, and current clinical practice guidelines were used, and bibliographies of retrieved articles were searched for additional articles.Study Selection and Data Extraction: Current clinical practice guidelines were the preferred source of recommendations regarding serum albumin levels for guiding albumin administration and for nutritional monitoring. When current comprehensive reviews were available, they served as a baseline information with supplementation by subsequent studies.Data Synthesis: Serum albumin is a general marker of severity of illness, and hypoalbuminemia is associated with poor patient outcome, but albumin is an acute phase protein, so levels vacillate in critically ill patients in conjunction with illness fluctuations. The most common reasons for ordering serum albumin levels in intensive care unit (ICU) settings are to guide albumin administration, to estimate free phenytoin or calcium levels, for nutritional monitoring, and for severity-of-illness assessment.Relevance To Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Because hypoalbuminemia is common in the ICU setting, inappropriate ordering of serum albumin levels may lead to unnecessary albumin administration or excessive macronutrient administration in nutritional regimens, leading to possible adverse effects and added costs.Conclusions: With the exception of the need to order serum albumin levels as a component of selected severity-of-illness scoring systems, there is little evidence or justification for routinely ordering levels in critically ill patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Among all the risk factors for atherosclerosis, diabetes is one that has a direct causal association with it, so it has been a focus in major primary prevention studies. The prediabetic population is considered at the same risk as nondiabetics as per the latest guidelines. By using the Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) which is a predictor of cardiovascular events, in this subset of people authors tried to analyse whether prediabetics can be treated the same as non-diabetics. Methods: Patients undergoing CT coronary angiography with no major epicardial coronary artery obstruction were included and divided into three subgroups of non-diabetic, pre-diabetic and diabetic. Their CACS were measured and compared for any significance. Results: A total of 300 patients were part of the study with 100 patients in each subgroup. The mean age of the population was 48 years. Lipid profile was significantly deranged in the non-diabetic and pre-diabetic subgroup as they were not on any therapy. CACS was 5.4 ± 37.37, 98.02 ± 300.89, 209.47 ± 277.61 in non-diabetic, pre-diabetic and diabetic subgroups respectively. The CACS was much higher in the pre-diabetic subgroup of people missing statistical significance by only a small margin. Conclusion: From this observational study authors conclude that prediabetics are at much higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events than non-diabetics and so when it comes to primary prevention therapy, they should not be considered in the same risk category as non-diabetics [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In female Wistar rats, we studied the effects of daily 20-day administration of intragastric suspension of nanosized calcium oxide on hematological indices (the counts of erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, stab/segmented neutrophils, and the eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio) and morphometric parameters of erythrocytes (equivalent Feret's diameter, sphericity, aspect ratio, and convexity). The study revealed significantly (up to 3.1 times) decreased levels of hemoglobin, platelets, hematocrit, averaged content of hemoglobin in erythrocyte, and platelet volume relatively to the control values. The established morphometric parameters of blood erythrocytes attested to predominance of spherocytes, which can be regarded as systemic response of the body to calcium oxide nanoparticles fraught with possible deterioration of perfusion in microvasculature and hypoxia in the tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite its beneficial effects on human life, the nuclear industry has its own risks. Strontium 90 (90Sr) is one of the most dangerous radionuclides produced by the uranium 235 fission, and replaces the bone calcium in the human body, which causes cancer. Ensuring the safety of nuclear facilities to protect employees, people and the environment is among the main goals of nuclear safety. Given close proximity of the Bushehr nuclear power plant to the Persian Gulf and the likelihood of 90Sr leaking into the marine ecosystem, this study aimed to measure this radionuclide in a sample of the bar-tail flathead fish (Platycephalus indicus) found in the Persian Gulf coastline, as people’s main source of food in the region. Materials and Methods: Samples were taken from 10 points around the Persian Gulf coastline. The samples were analyzed using chromatographic extraction by Sr-resin and counted by the Liquid Scintillation Counter. Results: The concentration of strontium 90 measured in the fish samples was 0.252- 0.955 Bq.kg-1. The mean chemical efficiency in this method was 97.34 ± 0.97 percent. Conclusion: The amount of strontium 90 found in these samples was negligible and within the least detectable range. Despite the 10-year activity of Bushehr nuclear power plant, no evidence of contamination with strontium 90 was found. These results will be very useful in assessing the underlying contamination in environmental monitoring programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the most common problems in newborns. Severe hyperbilirubinemia, known as kernicterus, can suppress O2 consumption and oxidative phosphorylation, as well as damage brain cells, resulting in neuronal dysfunction and encephalopathy. Phototherapy is a common therapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, but may rarely lead to the adverse effect of hypocalcemia. Objective To investigate serum calcium levels in full term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia, before and after phototherapy. Methods This cohort study compared total serum calcium level before and after phototherapy in full term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia. Subjects were full term neonates aged 2-14 days with high total serum bilirubin levels, according to the Bhutani curve, and were treated with phototherapy at Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. Paired T-test was used to compare serum calcium levels before and after phototherapy. Results There were 35 subjects in this study. Paired T-test revealed that subjects’ serum calcium significantly decreased after phototherapy [before: 9.47 mg/dL vs. after: 9.23 mg/ dL; mean difference 0.24; (95%CI 0.03 to 0.46; P=0.025)]. None of our subjects had hypocalcemia after phototherapy. Conclusion Full term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia have reduced serum calcium levels after phototherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]