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BMC Pediatrics Jun 2024Metabolic bone disease of prematurity (MBDP) remains a significant cause of morbidity in extremely premature newborns. In high-risk patients, suspected diagnosis and... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
PURPOSE
Metabolic bone disease of prematurity (MBDP) remains a significant cause of morbidity in extremely premature newborns. In high-risk patients, suspected diagnosis and subsequent treatment modifications, with limitations in terms of sensitivity and specificity, rely on low phosphorus levels and/or high levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). We investigated the potential of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) as an early marker for MBDP when measured at 3-4 weeks of life in at-risk patients.
METHODS
A single-center prospective observational non-interventional study including preterm newborns of both sexes, with a gestational age of less than 32 weeks and/or a birth weight of less than 1500 g. In the standard biochemical screening for MBDP performed between 3 and 4 weeks of life within a nutritional profile, the determination of FGF23 was included along with other clinical and metabolic studies. The study was conducted at Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital in Santander, Spain, from April 2020 to March 2021. Participants provided informed consent. Biochemical analyses were conducted using various platforms, and follow-up evaluations were performed at the discretion of neonatologists. Patients at high risk for MBDP received modifications in treatment accordingly. The sample was descriptively analyzed, presenting measures of central tendency and dispersion for continuous variables, and absolute numbers/percentages for categorical ones. Tests used included t-tests, Mann‒Whitney U tests, chi-square tests, logistic regressions, Pearson correlation, and ROC curve analysis (IBM SPSS Statistics version 19). Significance level: P < 0.05.
RESULTS
In the study involving 25 at-risk premature newborns, it was found that 20% (n = 5) were diagnosed with MBDP. Three of these patients (60%) were identified as high-risk based on standard biochemical evaluation at 3-4 weeks of age, while the other two patients (40%) were diagnosed in subsequent weeks. However, in all 5 patients, measurement of FGF23 levels would allow for early identification and optimization of treatment before other markers become altered. Low levels of FGF23 at 3-4 weeks, even with normal phosphorus and ALP levels, indicate the need for modifications in nutritional supplementation.
CONCLUSIONS
MBDP remains a significant concern in extremely premature newborns. Current diagnostic methods rely on limited biochemical markers. Early detection of low FGF23 levels enables timely interventions, potentially averting demineralization.
Topics: Humans; Fibroblast Growth Factor-23; Infant, Newborn; Female; Fibroblast Growth Factors; Biomarkers; Prospective Studies; Male; Bone Diseases, Metabolic; Infant, Premature, Diseases; Infant, Premature
PubMed: 38951759
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04897-7 -
BMC Plant Biology Jun 2024Drought poses significant risks to maize cultivation by impairing plant growth, water uptake and yield; nano priming offers a promising avenue to mitigate these effects...
Drought poses significant risks to maize cultivation by impairing plant growth, water uptake and yield; nano priming offers a promising avenue to mitigate these effects by enhancing plant water relations, stress tolerance and overall productivity. In the current experiment, we tested a hypothesis that seed priming with iron oxide nanoparticles (n-FeO) can improve maize performance under water stress by improving its growth, water relations, yield and biochemical attributes. The experiment was conducted on a one main plot bisected into two subplots corresponding to the water and drought environments. Within each subplot, maize plants were raised from n-FeO primed seeds corresponding to 0 mg. L (as control treatment), 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg. L (as trial treatments). Seed priming with n-FeO at a concentration of 75 mg. L improved the leaf relative water content, water potential, photosynthetic water use efficiency, and leaf intrinsic water use efficiency of maize plants by 13%, 44%, 64% and 17%, respectively compared to control under drought stress. The same treatments improved plant biochemical attributes such as total chlorophyll content, total flavonoids and ascorbic acid by 37%, 22%, and 36%, respectively. Seed priming with n-FeO accelerated the functioning of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and POD and depressed the levels of leaf malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide significantly. Seed priming with n-FeO at a concentration of 75 mg. L improved cob length, number of kernel rows per cob, and 100 kernel weight by 59%, 27% and 33%, respectively, under drought stress. Seed priming with n-FeO can be used to increase maize production under limited water scenarios.
Topics: Zea mays; Seeds; Water; Dehydration; Droughts; Photosynthesis; Ferric Compounds; Chlorophyll; Plant Leaves
PubMed: 38951758
DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05324-w -
Scientific Reports Jul 2024In agriculture, hydrogels can be addressed for effective operation of water and controlled-release fertilizers. Hydrogels have a significant ability for retaining water...
In agriculture, hydrogels can be addressed for effective operation of water and controlled-release fertilizers. Hydrogels have a significant ability for retaining water and improving nutrient availability in soil, enhancing plant growth while reducing water and fertilizer usage. This work aimed to prepare a hydrogel composite based on microalgae and biopolymers including chitosan and starch for use as a soil conditioner. The hydrogel composite was characterized by FTIR, XRD, and SEM. All hydrogel properties were studied including swelling degree, biodegradability, water-holding capacity, water retention, and re-swelling capacity in soil and water. The urea fertilizer loading and releasing behavior of the prepared hydrogels were investigated. The results revealed that the range of the maximal urea loading was between 99 and 440%, and the kinetics of loading was fitted with Freundlich model. The urea release % exhibited 78-95%, after 30 days, and the kinetics of release was fitted with zero-order, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer-Peppas models. Furthermore, the prepared hydrogels obtained a significant water-holding capacity, after blending soil (50 g) with small amount of hydrogels (1 g), the capacity increased in the range of 99.4-101.5%. In sum, the prepared hydrogels have the potential to be applied as a soil conditioner.
Topics: Fertilizers; Hydrogels; Urea; Microalgae; Delayed-Action Preparations; Kinetics; Water; Soil; Chitosan; Starch
PubMed: 38951590
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58875-1 -
Forensic Science, Medicine, and... Jun 2024Cases of battery ingestion are well documented in the scientific literature, especially concerning button cell battery ingestion in children. In this instance, the...
Cases of battery ingestion are well documented in the scientific literature, especially concerning button cell battery ingestion in children. In this instance, the authors present an atypical case of a young man who voluntarily ingested a cylindrical alkaline battery containing manganese. The patient died approximately a week later, despite not exhibiting any specific symptoms. The battery was found in the cecum during the autopsy, showing deterioration at its positive pole. The cecal mucosa exhibited two ulcerations without perforation. Histological analysis revealed intestinal ischemia in the cecum, with no microscopic lesions in other organs. Toxicology reports indicated high levels of manganese in both cardiac and peripheral blood. Considering all the results from the additional analyses, the experts concluded that the death was likely of multifactorial origin, associated with a toxic blood concentration of manganese. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first recorded death following the ingestion of a cylindrical battery, and the first instance of manganese intoxication resulting from the ingestion of an alkaline battery. The authors will present the case and provide a literature review to assess the extent to which the presence of manganese may have contributed to the fatality.
PubMed: 38951377
DOI: 10.1007/s12024-024-00854-z -
Tropical Animal Health and Production Jun 2024To predict the sex of the foetus, healthy pregnant dromedary camels (n = 24) were included. Blood samples were collected for measurements of progesterone, estradiol,...
To predict the sex of the foetus, healthy pregnant dromedary camels (n = 24) were included. Blood samples were collected for measurements of progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, and cortisol as well as total proteins, albumin, glucose, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, creatine kinase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Statistical analysis revealed differences between pregnant camels and pregnant camels in terms of female or male foetuses depending on the actual sex of the born calf. The results revealed that testosterone and ALP concentrations were significantly (P < 0.001) greater in camels given to males than in those given to calves. There were strong positive correlations between male calf birth and testosterone and ALP concentrations (r = 0.864; P < 0.0001 and r = 0.637; P < 0.001, respectively). On the other hand, the cortisol, glucose and creatinine concentrations were significantly lower (P lower in camel calved males than in females). There were significant negative correlations between male calf birth and the cortisol, glucose and creatinine concentrations (r =-0.401; P = 0.052; r =-0.445; P = 0.029 and r =-0.400; P = 0.053, respectively). The concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, calcium/phosphorus ratio, magnesium, and albumin and the albumin/globulin ratio were not significantly different (P > 0.05) between the two groups. In conclusion, testosterone could be used as a biomarker to determine the sex of foetuses in dromedary camels.
Topics: Animals; Camelus; Female; Male; Pregnancy; Sex Determination Analysis; Hydrocortisone; Testosterone; Creatinine; Fetus; Estradiol; Gonadal Steroid Hormones
PubMed: 38951353
DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-04053-4 -
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Jun 2024Cigarette butts (CBs) and Microplastics (MPs) have serious harmful effects on the environment and living organisms despite their small size. This research aims to...
Cigarette butts (CBs) and Microplastics (MPs) have serious harmful effects on the environment and living organisms despite their small size. This research aims to investigate the abundance and pollution status of CBs and MPs in Tahtalı Dam Basin (West Anatolia, Türkiye) which is the most important drinking and irrigation water resources. Clean Environment Index (CEI) and Cigarette Butt Pollution Index (CBPI) were used to determine pollution degree of the basin. The total number of CBs were 1.478 items, the total number of MPs were 477 items/m in the basin. As a result of this study, MP particles weren't found in Balaban Stream. Highest number of MP particles observed in 100-250 μm (45%) size class. The most abundant MP type and colour were, fragment (54%) and white (42%), respectively. Polyethylene terephthalate (50%) was the most abundant type of polymer according to the ATR- FTIR analysis. As a result of the CEI and CBPI, the upstream stations of the stream were classified as "clean" status, while downstream sampling points of the stream and Balaban Lake coasts were classified as "extremely dirty" status. The calculated volumes of MP particulates from mining facility, agricultural and recreational activities indicate that anthropogenic factors are the most important MP source in the Tahtalı Dam Basin. This study is the first study about MP and CB pollution of the freshwater ecosystems in the region.
Topics: Turkey; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Environmental Monitoring; Microplastics; Risk Assessment; Drinking Water; Agricultural Irrigation; Rivers
PubMed: 38951278
DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12814-9 -
Osteoporosis International : a Journal... Jul 2024Subtrochanteric femoral fracture is rare and intractable due to the possible association with low bone formation. Retrospective analysis of 38 patients with...
Latent metabolic bone disease, skeletal dysplasia and other conditions related to low bone formation among 38 patients with subtrochanteric femoral fractures: a retrospective observational study.
UNLABELLED
Subtrochanteric femoral fracture is rare and intractable due to the possible association with low bone formation. Retrospective analysis of 38 patients with subtrochanteric femoral fractures revealed that four patients suffered from disorders related to low bone formation and there were specific treatments for two of them.
PURPOSE
The main aim of this study was to detect latent metabolic bone diseases and skeletal dysplasia associated with low bone formation among patients with morphologic atypical femoral fracture (AFF). A second aim was to evaluate the frequency of recognized risk factors, such as antiresorptive agents, glucocorticoids, and age.
METHODS
Clinical information was retrospectively analyzed among 38 Japanese patients who were admitted to the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Spinal Surgery and the Division of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Tokyo Hospital with diagnoses of subtrochanteric fractures between February 2012 and March 2022.
RESULTS
Among 38 patients (including 30 females), 21 patients were aged 75 and over. Ten patients had past oral glucocorticoid use, and 18 had past antiresorptive agent use. Two patients were diagnosed with hypophosphatemic osteomalacia after the development of fractures. One patient was suspected to be a carrier of a loss-of-function variant of alkaline phosphatase, biomineralization associated (ALPL), and one other patient had previously been genetically diagnosed with pycnodysostosis. Among four patients with a diagnosis or suspicion of these metabolic bone diseases and skeletal dysplasia, four had past clinical fractures, two had past subtrochanteric femoral fractures, and two had subtrochanteric femoral fractures on both sides.
CONCLUSION
If clinicians encounter patients with morphologic AFF, latent diseases related to low bone formation should be carefully differentiated because appropriate treatment may prevent delayed union and recurrent fractures. Additionally, it may be desirable to exclude these bone diseases in advance before initiating long-term use of antiresorptive agents in osteoporotic patients by screening with serum alkaline phosphatase levels to reduce the risk of morphologic AFF.
PubMed: 38951164
DOI: 10.1007/s00198-024-07168-4 -
European Journal of Medical Genetics Jun 2024X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH) is due to loss-of-function mutations in the phosphate-regulating endopeptidase homologue on the X chromosome (PHEX) that lead to...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH) is due to loss-of-function mutations in the phosphate-regulating endopeptidase homologue on the X chromosome (PHEX) that lead to increased fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) production. FGF23 excess causes renal phosphate wasting and insufficient 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)D) synthesis with reduced intestinal phosphate absorption, ultimately resulting in chronic hypophosphatemia. Children with XLH show typical skeletal lesions of rickets, deformities of the lower limbs, stunted growth with disproportionate short stature, bone pain, and physical dysfunctions. Burosumab, a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds to FGF23 to inhibit its activity, is more effective to improve the biochemical and clinical signs of XLH than conventional treatment with phosphate supplements and vitamin D active metabolites. Data on adolescents with XLH during the transition period to young adulthood are few. In this prospective case series, we aimed to assess safety and efficacy of burosumab in adolescents with XLH who discontinued long-term conventional therapy.
METHODS
Five Caucasian adolescents (4 males, 1 female; mean age 15.4 ± 1.5 years) with XLH were recruited and switched from conventional treatment to burosumab (0.8 to 1.2 mg/kg, s.c. QW2). Burosumab was continued for 12 to 48 months and, once discontinued, patients were followed-up for 6 to 12 months. In all patients, serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and 1,25(OH)D levels, and renal tubular reabsorption of phosphate (TmP/GFR) values were assessed at entry and during burosumab. Intact FGF23 plasma levels were measured at entry. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were assessed at entry and every 3-6 months to evaluate the impact of low extremity pain, stiffness, and difficulties performing daily activities.
RESULTS
At entry, all patients showed hypophosphatemia, increased intact FGF23 levels, reduced TmP/GFR, insufficient 1,25(OH)D levels, and in four out of five increased ALP levels. Two patients had radiological signs of rickets. During burosumab, all patients showed a significant increase in serum phosphate and 1,25(OH)D levels, and in TmP/GFR values (P <0.05 - P<0.0001). Serum ALP levels significantly declined (P <0.05) to normal values. No changes of serum calcium and PTH levels (P = NS) were found during burosumab. PROs significantly improved (P<0.02 - P<0.0001) in all patients. Four patients discontinued burosumab when they turned 18 or 19, whereas one continued the treatment since he was still younger than 18 during the study period. Four patients who suspended burosumab showed a rapid decline in serum phosphate and 1,25(OH)D levels and in TmP/GFR values; serum ALP levels increased, and PROs progressively worsened with a significant reduction in quality of life. These consequences were not observed in the patient who continued burosumab treatment.
DISCUSSION
Our data showed that conventional treatment improved only in part the signs and symptoms of XLH. Burosumab was well tolerated and was effective in improving phosphate metabolism, bone health, and PROs. All the benefits of burosumab were lost after its discontinuation. These results suggested that continuing burosumab is required to achieve and maintain the clinical benefits of the treatment during the transition to young adulthood in patients with XLH.
PubMed: 38950880
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2024.104958 -
Environmental Research Jun 2024Recently, microplastics (MPs) have attracted extensive attention to their wide distribution and potential toxicity in ecosystems. However, there was a lack of research...
Recently, microplastics (MPs) have attracted extensive attention to their wide distribution and potential toxicity in ecosystems. However, there was a lack of research focused on MPs in seaweed bed ecosystems. This study investigated the distribution and toxicity of MPs in macrobenthos in Sargassum ecosystem. According to the in-situ investigation results, the abundance of MPs in the sediment was 0.9 ∼ 2.3 items/g, the indoor microcosmic experiment was constructed. After exposure to MPs (0, 2, and 20 items/g) for 30 days, the abundance of MPs in macrobenthos exhibits a concentration-dependent increase. However, there was no significant bioaccumulation of MPs at the trophic level. The indoor toxicity test revealed that MPs induced oxidative stress and altered intestinal microflora composition in macrobenthos, even at actual environmental concentrations (2 items/g). It may result in a perturbation of the organism's homeostatic equilibrium. High-concentration (20 items/g) MPs had a greater impact on alkaline phosphatase (AKP) in Mollusks. The increase in AKP activity could be indicative of an adaptive mechanism in some macrobenthos while the decline in AKP activity might signal a decrease in their survival. These results elucidated the fate of MPs in ecosystem and the ecological risks of MPs to large benthic animals on model environmental conditions.
PubMed: 38950811
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119511 -
Chemosphere Jun 2024Suspended solids in the marble processing wastewater (MPWW) have the potential to pollute receiving media. Likewise, detergent production wastewater (DPWW) needs...
Suspended solids in the marble processing wastewater (MPWW) have the potential to pollute receiving media. Likewise, detergent production wastewater (DPWW) needs treatment prior to discharge as they include surfactants and others. Flotation and its modifications are common for separation purposes in various engineering solutions. To increase flotation performance by changing the surface tension some collector and frother chemicals, surfactants are utilized. Detergents are among important surfactants and they may act as both frother and collector in flotation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of DPWW in co-flotation with MPWW. Two effluents were mixed at varying ratios and dispersed air (DISP) and Denver (DEN) flotation co-treatment were applied to the mixtures. Volume ratio, time and air flow rate on treatment performance were investigated. Turbidity, solids, COD, phosphate removals were achieved at varying levels when the flotation was applied to the mixture. The highest treatment performance was achieved at 90%MPWW-10%DPWW mixture. 10 minute flotation time and 2 L.min air flow rate for the DEN system, and 20 min and 6 L.min for the DISP system were recommended. Under these conditions turbidity, SS, COD, phosphate and alkalinity residuals (and removal efficiencies) were 2400 NTU(82%), 1720 mg.L(89%), 313.6 mg.L(10%), 20 mg.L(20%) and 600 mg.LCaCO3(92%) in the DEN system, respectively. Whereas, in the DISP system, under the same conditions, final values of 1880 NTU(86%), 1540 mg.L(91%), 262 mg.L(17%), 21 mg.L(20%) and 470 mg.L(94%) were obtained, respectively. The highest SludgeSS concentration increased up to 19300mg.L in the 90%-10% mixture. In all samples, dewaterable sludge was obtained. By this study, co-flotation of these two effluents was recommended. Within SDGs, this approach will replace frother chemical usage. The process performance can further be enhanced via flotation modifications and technology can be developed as further study.
PubMed: 38950753
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142728