Blood Calcium as a Protective Factor against Traumatic Fracture

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the predictive value of blood calcium in the prognosis of traumatic fracture. Methods: A retrospective experimental design was employed, 112 cases (52 non-fracture and 60 traumatic fracture) were randomly selected. The type of fracture complies with WHO-recommended (2019) diagnostic criteria for osteoporosis combined with fracture. The blood pressure (BP) was measured by OMRON’s HEM-7136 model electronic blood pressure monitor. Blood calcium (Ca2+), and blood phosphorus (P) values were measured using Colorimetric Roche kits on a Roche/Hitachi fully automated biochemical analyzer. Data collection and analysis followed. Results: Higher levels of age, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were found in the traumatic fracture group compared to the control group, whereas weight, height, and blood phosphorus did not differ significantly (P adjusting for age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and blood phosphorus, binary logistic regression analysis revealed that blood calcium was a protective factor against traumatic fracture (β = -26.85, OR = 0.00, 95% CI = 0.00 -0.02, P = 0.022). Conclusion: The findings suggest that high and low blood calcium levels may serve as useful indicators in predicting the prognosis of fractures resulting from trauma.

Towards carbon neutrality of calcium carbide-based acetylene production with sustainable biomass resources

Acetylene is produced from the reaction between calcium carbide(CaC_(2))and water,while the production of CaC_(2) generates significant amount of carbon dioxide not only because it is an energy-intensive process but also the raw material for CaC_(2) synthesis is from coal.Here,a comprehensive biomass-to-acetylene process was constructed that integrated several units including biomass pyrolysis,oxygen-thermal CaC_(2) fabrication and calcium looping.For comparison,a coal-to-acetylene process was also established by using coal as feedstock.The carbon efficiency,energy efficiency and environmental impacts of the bio-based calcium carbide acetylene(BCCA)and coal-based calcium carbide acetylene(CCCA)processes were systematically analyzed.Moreover,the environmental impacts were further evaluated by applying thermal integration at system level and energy substitution in CaC_(2) furnace.Even though the BCCA process showed lower carbon efficiency and energy efficiency than that of the CCCA process,life cycle assessment demonstrated the BCCA(1.873 kgCO_(2eq) kg-prod^(-1))a lower carbon footprint process which is 0.366 kgCO_(2eq) kg-prod^(-1) lower compared to the CCCA process.With sustainable energy(biomass power)substitution in CaC_(2) furnace,an even lower GWP value of 1.377 kgCO_(2eq) kg-prod^(-1) can be achieved in BCCA process.This work performed a systematic analysis on integrating biomass into industrial acetylene production,and revealed the positive role of biomass as raw material(carbon)and energy supplier.

Astrocytes dynamically regulate the blood-brain barrier in the healthy brain

The blood-brain barrier(BBB)(discovered and defined by Max Lewandowsky and Lina Stern,and not,as it is universally,and yet erroneously believed,by Paul Ehrlich(Verkhratsky and Pivoriunas,2023))that separates the nervous system from the circulation is evolutionarily conserved from arthropods to man.The primeval BBB of the invertebrates and some early vertebrates was made solely by glial cells and secured(in invertebrates)by septate junctions.

Elaidic acid leads to mitochondrial dysfunction via mitochondria-associated membranes triggers disruption of mitochondrial calcium fluxes

Elaidic acid(EA)stimulation can lead to endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS),accompanied by a large release of Ca^(2+),and ultimately the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in Kupffer cells(KCs).Mitochondrial instability or dysfunction may be the key stimulating factors to activate NLRP3 inflammasome,and sustained Ca^(2+)transfer can result in mitochondrial dysfunction.We focused on KCs to explore the damage to mitochondria by EA.After EA stimulation,cells produced an oxidative stress(OS)response with a significant increase in ROS release.Immunoprecipitation experiments and the addition of inhibitors revealed that the increase in the level of intracellular Ca^(2+)led to Ca^(2+)accumulation in the mitochondrial matrix via mitochondria-associated membranes(MAMs).This was accompanied by a significant release of m ROS,loss of MMP and ATP,and a significant increase in mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening,ultimately leading to mitochondrial instability.These findings confirmed the mechanism that EA induced mitochondrial Ca^(2+)imbalance in KCs via MAM,ultimately leading to mitochondrial dysfunction.Meanwhile,EA induced OS and the decrease of MMP and ATP in rat liver,and significant lesions were found in liver mitochondria.Swelling of the inner mitochondrial cristae and mitochondrial vacuolization occurred,with a marked increase in lipid droplets.

Calcium-fortified fresh milk ameliorates postmenopausal osteoporosis via regulation of bone metabolism and gut microbiota in ovariectomized rats

The aging of the global population has made postmenopausal osteoporosis prevention essential;however,pharmacological treatments are limited.Herein,we evaluate the effect of calcium-fortified fresh milk(FM)in ameliorating postmenopausal osteoporosis in a rat model established using bilateral ovariectomy.After 3 months of FM(containing vitamin D,and casein phosphopeptides,1000 mg Ca/100 g)or control milk(110 mg Ca/100 g milk)supplementation,bone changes were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry,microcomputed tomography,and bone biomechanical testing.The results revealed that FM can regulate bone metabolism and gut microbiota composition,which act on bone metabolism through pathways associated with steroid hormone biosynthesis,relaxin signaling,serotonergic synapse,and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis.Furthermore,FM administration significantly increased bone mineral content and density in the lumbar spine and femur,as well as femoral compressive strength,while improving femoral trabecular bone parameters and microarchitecture.Mechanistically,we found that the effects may be due to increased levels of estrogen,bone formation marker osteocalcin,and procollagen typeⅠN-propeptide,and decreased expression of the bone resorption marker C-telopiptide and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b.Overall,the findings suggest that FM is a potential alternative therapeutic option for ameliorating postmenopausal osteoporosis.

In vivo label-free measurement of blood flow velocity symmetry based on dual line scanning third-harmonic generation microscopy excited at the 1700 nm window

Measurement of bloodflow velocity is key to understanding physiology and pathology in vivo.While most measurements are performed at the middle of the blood vessel,little research has been done on characterizing the instantaneous bloodflow velocity distribution.This is mainly due to the lack of measurement technology with high spatial and temporal resolution.Here,we tackle this problem with our recently developed dual-wavelength line-scan third-harmonic generation(THG)imaging technology.Simultaneous acquisition of dual-wavelength THG line-scanning signals enables measurement of bloodflow velocities at two radially symmetric positions in both venules and arterioles in mouse brain in vivo.Our results clearly show that the instantaneous bloodflow velocity is not symmetric under general conditions.

Rapid and stable calcium-looping solar thermochemical energy storage via co-doping binary sulfate and Al–Mn–Fe oxides

Solar thermochemical energy storage based on calcium looping(CaL)process is a promising technology for next-generation concentrated solar power(CSP)systems.However,conventional calcium carbonate(CaCO_(3))pellets suffer from slow reaction kinetics,poor stability,and low solar absorptance.Here,we successfully realized high power density and highly stable solar thermochemical energy storage/release by synergistically accelerating energy storage/release via binary sulfate and promoting cycle stability,mechanical strength,and solar absorptance via Al–Mn–Fe oxides.The energy storage density of proposed CaCO_(3)pellets is still as high as 1455 kJ kg^(-1)with only a slight decay rate of 4.91%over 100 cycles,which is higher than that of state-of-the-art pellets in the literature,in stark contrast to 69.9%of pure CaCO_(3)pellets over 35 cycles.Compared with pure CaCO_(3),the energy storage power density or decomposition rate is improved by 120%due to lower activation energy and promotion of Ca^(2+)diffusion by binary sulfate.The energy release or carbonation rate rises by 10%because of high O^(2-)transport ability of molten binary sulfate.Benefiting from fast energy storage/release rate and high solar absorptance,thermochemical energy storage efficiency is enhanced by more than 50%under direct solar irradiation.This work paves the way for application of direct solar thermochemical energy storage techniques via achieving fast energy storage/release rate,high energy density,good cyclic stability,and high solar absorptance simultaneously.

Blood-brain barrier pathology in cerebral small vessel disease

Cerebral small vessel disease is a neurological disease that affects the brain microvasculature and which is commonly observed among the elderly.Although at first it was considered innocuous,small vessel disease is nowadays regarded as one of the major vascular causes of dementia.Radiological signs of small vessel disease include small subcortical infarcts,white matter magnetic resonance imaging hyperintensities,lacunes,enlarged perivascular spaces,cerebral microbleeds,and brain atrophy;however,great heterogeneity in clinical symptoms is observed in small vessel disease patients.The pathophysiology of these lesions has been linked to multiple processes,such as hypoperfusion,defective cerebrovascular reactivity,and blood-brain barrier dysfunction.Notably,studies on small vessel disease suggest that blood-brain barrier dysfunction is among the earliest mechanisms in small vessel disease and might contribute to the development of the hallmarks of small vessel disease.Therefore,the purpose of this review is to provide a new foundation in the study of small vessel disease pathology.First,we discuss the main structural domains and functions of the blood-brain barrier.Secondly,we review the most recent evidence on blood-brain barrier dysfunction linked to small vessel disease.Finally,we conclude with a discussion on future perspectives and propose potential treatment targets and interventions.

Effect of sodium nitroprusside on the microrheological properties of red blood cells in different media

Red blood cell(RBC)aggregation as well as their deformation significantly affects blood microrheology.These processes depend on various factors,one of which is concentration of the nitric oxide,one of the main signaling molecule in the bloodstream.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of nitric oxide on the microrheological properties of red blood cells(RBCs)in RBC samples of various media after the addition of nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside in vitro.Microrheological properties were measured using laser aggregometer and ektacytometer based on diffuse light scattering and diffraction of laser light on a suspension of RBCs,respectively.The study found that heparin-stabilized blood showed increased RBC aggregation and deformation with sodium nitroprusside concentrations of 100,and 200M,while EDTA-stabilized blood showed slightly decreased aggregation and unchanged deformation.With washed RBCs in dextran solution,the addition of sodium nitroprusside(in the concentrations of 100,and 200M)resulted in decreased aggregation and increased deformation.These-ndings aid in our understanding of nitric oxide's effect on RBC microrheological properties.

Clinical nursing value of predictive nursing in reducing complications of pregnant women undergoing short-term massive blood transfusion during cesarean section

BACKGROUND Cesarean hemorrhage is one of the serious complications,and short-term massive blood transfusion can easily cause postoperative infection and physical stress response.However,predictive nursing intervention has important clinical significance for it.AIM To explore the effect of predictive nursing intervention on the stress response and complications of women undergoing short-term mass blood transfusion during cesarean section(CS).METHODS A clinical medical record of 100 pregnant women undergoing rapid mass blood transfusion during sections from June 2019 to June 2021.According to the different nursing methods,patients divided into control group(n=50)and observation group(n=50).Among them,the control group implemented routine nursing,and the observation group implemented predictive nursing intervention based on the control group.Moreover,compared the differences in stress res-ponse,complications,and pain scores before and after the nursing of pregnant women undergoing rapid mass blood transfusion during CS.RESULTS The anxiety and depression scores of pregnant women in the two groups were significantly improved after nursing,and the psychological stress response of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).The heart rate and mean arterial pressure(MAP)of the observation group during delivery were lower than those of the control group,and the MAP at the end of delivery was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).Moreover,different pain scores improved significantly in both groups,with the observation group considerably less than the control group(P<0.05).After nursing,complications such as skin rash,urinary retention,chills,diarrhea,and anaphylactic shock in the observation group were 18%,which significantly higher than in the control group(4%)(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Predictive nursing intervention can effectively relieve the pain,reduce the incidence of complications,improve mood and stress response,and serve as a reference value for the nursing of women undergoing rapid mass transfusion during CS.

Preoperative blood markers and intra-abdominal infection after colorectal cancer resection

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)has one of the highest morbidity and mortality rates among digestive tract tumors.Intra-abdominal infection(IAI)is a common postoperative complication that affects the clinical outcomes of patients with CRC and hinders their rehabilitation process.However,the factors influencing abdominal infection after CRC surgery remain unclear;further,prediction models are rarely used to analyze preoperative laboratory indicators and postoperative complications.AIM To explore the predictive value of preoperative blood markers for IAI after radical resection of CRC.METHODS The data of 80 patients who underwent radical resection of CRC in the Anorectal Surgery Department of Suzhou Hospital affiliated with Anhui Medical University were analyzed.These patients were categorized into IAI(n=15)and non-IAI groups(n=65)based on whether IAI occurred.Influencing factors were compared;general data and laboratory indices of both groups were identified.The relationship between the indicators was assessed.Further,a nomogram prediction model was developed and evaluated;its utility and clinical applic-ability were assessed.RESULTS The risk factors for IAI after radical resection of CRC were neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet-lymphocyte ratio(PLR),systemic immune-inflammation index(SII),and carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)levels.NLR was correlated with PLR and SII(r=0.604,0.925,and 0.305,respectively),while PLR was correlated with SII(r=0.787).The nomogram prediction model demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.968[95%confidence interval(CI):0.948-0.988]in the training set(n=60)and 0.926(95%CI:0.906-0.980)in the validation set(n=20).The average absolute errors of the calibration curves for the training and validation sets were 0.032 and 0.048,respectively,indicating a good model fit.The decision curve analysis curves demonstrated high net income above the 5%threshold,indicating the clinical practicality of the model.CONCLUSION The nomogram model constructed using NLR,PLR,SII,and CEA levels had good accuracy and reliability in predicting IAI after radical resection of CRC,potentially aiding clinical treatment decision-making.

The effectiveness of physical activity interventions on blood pressure in children and adolescents:A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background:High blood pressure(BP)is a major contributor to mortality and cardiovascular diseases.Despite the known benefits of exercise for reducing BP,it is crucial to identify the most effective physical activity(PA)intervention.This systematic review and network meta-analysis(NMA)aimed to evaluate the available evidence on the effectiveness of various PA interventions for reducing BP and to determine their hierarchy based on their impact on BP.Methods:A search of PubMed,SPORTDiscus,PsycINFO,Web of Science,CINAHL,Cochrane,and Eric databases was conducted up to December 2022 for this systematic review and NMA.Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies targeting healthy children and adolescents aged 6-12 years old were included in this study.Only studies that compared controlled and intervention groups using PA or exercise as the major influence were included.We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)guidelines.Three independent investigators performed the literature screening,data extraction,and risk of bias assessment.We used Bayesian arm-based NMA to synthesize the data.The primary outcomes were systolic BP and diastolic BP.We calculated the mean differences(MDs)in systolic BP and diastolic BP before and after treatment.Mean treatment differences were estimated using NMA and random-effect models.Results:We synthesized 27 studies involving 15,220 children and adolescents.PA combined with nutrition and behavior change was the most effective intervention for reducing both systolic BP and diastolic BP(MD=-8.64,95%credible interval(95%CI):-11.44 to-5.84;MD=-6.75,95%CI:-10.44 to-3.11),followed by interventions with multiple components(MD=-1.39,95%CI:-1.94 to-0.84;MD=-2.54,95%CI:-4.89 to-0.29).Conclusion:Our findings suggest that PA interventions incorporating nutrition and behavior change,followed by interventions with multiple components,are most effective for reducing both systolic BP and diastolic BP in children and adolescents.

Association of Thyroid Nodules with Various Elements in Urine and Blood Serum: A Case-Control Study

Thyroid nodules are a common clinical problem caused by various factors,including environmental and nutritional factors and genetic background.The environment can modulate and influence not only the risk of thyroid nodules but also the severity of disease in humans[1].The environment is awash with elements,and all mineral elements,including heavy metals and trace elements,are considered potentially toxic.A significantly higher incidence of thyroid cancer has been reported in populations exposed to low doses of metallic elements in volcanic areas over a long period[2].As research on thyroid disorders continues,it is becoming clear that abnormalities in trace elements in the body can affect the development of thyroid-related disorders.

Sex Disparities in the Association of Blood Pressure Parameters and Arterial Sclerosis Risk

Cardiovascular disease(CVD)is the leading cause of death worldwide[1].Arterial sclerosis(AS)and hypertension are the main risk factors and pathological bases of CVD.Higher pulse wave velocity(PWV)measurements could reflect early progression of atherosclerosis.Based on the structure-function properties of the vascular wall and hemodynamics,strong evidence suggests that any increase in blood pressure levels can mechanically impair the ability of the endothelium to maintain vascular homeostasis[2].High levels of blood pressure parameters,such as systolic blood pressure(SBP),diastolic blood pressure(DBP),pulse pressure(PP),and mean arterial pressure(MAP)have been identified as essential risk biomarkers for atherosclerosis.

Effect of Fluoride on the Ion-association of Calcium Phosphate and Crystallization of Hydroxyapatite

Using a titration setup to accurately control the reaction conditions and in situ monitor the reaction,we showed that fluoride exhibited negligible effects on the ion association process of calcium and phosphate and the formation of ACP nanospheres in a buffer solution with constant ionic strength.However,the stability of ACP increased with increasing fluoride concentration,which was ascribed to the inhibitory effect of fluoride on the aggregation of ACP nanospheres and the nucleation of nanocrystals on the surface of ACP nanospheres.Furthermore,fluoride could inhibit the lateral growth of HAP nanosheets and promote the formation of rod-like crystals.These results further improve our understanding of the crystallization pathway of HAP crystals and the regulatory effects of fluoride.

Identification of Key Blood Biomarkers Linking Di(2-ethylhexyl)Phthalate and Autoimmune Diseases in Adolescents Mice

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate(DEHP)is a widely used plasticizer known for its reproductive developmental and immune system toxicity,mainly through esophagal,dermal,and respiratory exposure^([1-3]).Maternal exposure to DEHP during pregnancy can lead to adverse birth outcomes in offspring,including impacts on the thyroid system of adolescent offspring^([2-4]).

Purification of Produced Water from a Sour Oilfield in South Kuwait. 2. Oil-Water Separation and Crystallization of Calcium Carbonate

Oil-water separation for produced water (PW) originating from an oil extraction site in South Kuwait was carried out using bleached, esterified cellulosic material from used coffee grounds. Thereafter, earth-alkaline metal ions, specifically calcium ions, of the de-oiled PW were removed by precipitation with sodium carbonate to give access to pure sodium chloride as industrial salt from the remaining PW. While the purity of the precipitated calcium carbonate (CaCO3) depends on the precipitation conditions, CaCO3 of up to 95.48% purity can be obtained, which makes it a salable product. The precipitation of CaCO3 decreases the amount of calcium ions in PW from 11,300 ppm to 84 ppm.

Impact of Regular Blood Donation on Body Iron Stores at Saudi Blood Donors

Introduction: One of the most frequent observations in long-term blood donation is chronic iron deficiency, which can develop into anaemia. The majority of blood screening methods employed by blood banks do not incorporate iron-status markers, which may result in potential subclinical iron deficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of repeated blood donation on the levels of iron in the body and to guide blood donors in preventing the depletion of iron stores. Methods: Regular blood donors were categorised into distinct groups according to the number of donations they gave, and then the correlation between these groups and their bodies’ iron levels was examined. Different parameters were employed to identify iron deficiency and iron depletion in blood donors: serum ferritin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and serum iron. Results: The study included 300 individuals who regularly and willingly donated blood. There were no iron insufficiency cases among those donating blood for the first time (Group I). However, 15.5% of individuals who had donated once before (Group II) had ferritin levels of 15 - 30 μg/dl (ng/ml), indicating reduced iron stores. The rate increased to 18% (37 out of 206 individuals) among regular blood donors (Groups III, IV, and V). Iron deficiency (depletion) prevalence among regular blood donors in Groups III, IV, and V was 5.9% (12 out of 206) and 50.4% (100 out of 206). Donors who had donated blood most frequently had the lowest levels of haematological markers MCH, MCHC, and TIBC. Provide the p-values representing the differences between the means of MCV, MCH, iron, TIBC, and ferritin levels when comparing donor groups with the control group (Group I) based on the frequency of donations. Indicate statistically significant differences where the p-value is less than 0.0125. This significance level is adjusted based on the Bonferroni method, considering multiple independent tests. The result shows that the Iron parameter for the comparison between Group I and Group III and Group I and Group IV suggests a statistically significant difference in iron levels between these donor groups. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that a higher times of donations lads to a higher occurrence of depleted iron stores and subsequent erythropoiesis with iron deficiency by one donor from every three healthy donors. The iron and ferritin concentrations were within the normal range in group one (Control group) and reduced in the other four groups (G-2 to G-5). However, the level of haemoglobin remained within an acceptable range for blood donation. This outcome suggests that it may be necessary to reassess the criteria for accepting blood donors. The average serum ferritin levels were examined in all five groups (G-1 to G-5), both for males and females, and significant variations were seen among the groups under study. This study found that 35% of the individuals who regularly donate blood have iron-deficient anaemia (sideropenia). This suggests that it would be beneficial to test for serum ferritin at an earlier stage, ideally after three donations.

Blood biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease:important considerations for use in clinical practice

Introduction:Fluid and positron emission tomography(PET)biomarkers that enable the detection of the hallmark proteins of Alzheimer’s disease(AD)(amyloid and tau)have revolutionized our approach to the diagnosis of AD.The evolution of AD diagnostic criteria to include biological characterization(Alzheimer’s Association Working Group,2023)provides an appropriate framework to reduce levels of clinico-pathologic mismatch and improve in-vivo diagnostic accuracy.As the therapeutic landscape for neurodegenerative disease evolves,it is increasingly incumbent on clinicians to provide timely,and pathologically precise diagnoses for patients.However,the expensive and invasive nature of these tests limits their scalability.

Preparation of high-purity fluorite and nanoscale calcium carbonate from low-grade fluorite

Flotation separation of calcite from fluorite is a challenge on low-grade fluorite flotation that limits the recovery and purity of fluorite concentrate.A new acid leaching–flotation process for fluorite is proposed in this work.This innovative process raised the fluor-ite’s grade to 97.26wt%while producing nanoscale calcium carbonate from its leachate,which contained plenty of calcium ions.On the production of nanoscale calcium carbonate,the impacts of concentration,temperature,and titration rate were examined.By modifying the process conditions and utilizing crystal conditioning agents,calcite-type and amorphous calcium carbonates with corresponding particle sizes of 1.823 and 1.511μm were produced.The influence of the impurity ions Mn^(2+),Mg^(2+),and Fe^(3+)was demonstrated to reduce the particle size of nanoscale calcium carbonate and make crystal shape easier to manage in the fluorite leach solution system compared with the calcium chloride solution.The combination of the acid leaching–flotation process and the nanoscale calcium carbonate preparation method improved the grade of fluorite while recovering calcite resources,thus presenting a novel idea for the effective and clean usage of low-quality fluorite resources with embedded microfine particles.