Tamsulosin reduces nighttime urine production in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients with nocturnal polyuria: a prospective open-label long-term study using frequency-volume chart.

PubMed

Kojima, Yoshiyuki; Sasaki, Shoichi; Imura, Makoto; Kubota, Yasue; Hayashi, Yutaro; Kohri, Kenjiro

2012-01-01

The effects of tamsulosin treatment on changes in frequency-volume chart (FVC) data, especially nighttime urine production, over time were assessed, and the mechanisms underlying the improvement of nocturia in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients with nocturnal polyuria (NP) are discussed. A total of 104 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to BPH were enrolled. After enrollment in the study, the patients were treated with tamsulosin (0.2 mg) once daily. Visits were scheduled every 4 weeks until week 12 (month 3) after study entry, and then every 12 weeks subsequently. All patients completed the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL) index, and 3-day FVC, and underwent uroflowmetry at enrollment and on each visit. Eighty-two patients (mean age: 70.9 ± 7.1 years) were analyzed for 24 months after treatment. Patients were divided into two groups, NP and nonNP, based on FVC outcome. The IPSS, QOL index, and maximum flow rate improved during the 24-month period after treatment in both groups. Mean daytime urine volume significantly increased in the NP group, but no changes were detected in the nonNP group. Mean nighttime urine frequency significantly decreased in the NP group over a 24-month period, and was associated with a significant decrease in nighttime urine volume that was not found in the nonNP group. Maximum voided volume increased most months after treatment in both groups. The present long-term prospective study using FVC demonstrated that tamsulosin reduced nighttime urine production in BPH patients with NP. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Greenhouse evaluation and environmental impact assessment of different urine-derived struvite fertilizers as phosphorus sources for plants.

PubMed

Antonini, Samantha; Arias, Maria Alejandra; Eichert, Thomas; Clemens, Joachim

2012-11-01

A selection of six urine-derived struvite fertilizers generated by innovative precipitation technologies was assessed for their quality and their effectiveness as phosphorus sources for crops. Struvite purity was influenced by drying techniques and magnesium dosage. In a greenhouse experiment, the urine fertilizers led to biomass yields and phosphorus uptakes comparable to or higher than those induced by a commercial mineral fertilizer. Heavy metal concentrations of the different struvite fertilizers were below the threshold limits specified by the German Fertilizer and Sewage Sludge Regulations. The computed loading rates of heavy metals to agricultural land were also below the threshold limits decreed by the Federal Soil Protection Act. Urine-derived struvite contributed less to heavy metal inputs to farmland than other recycling products or commercial mineral and organic fertilizers. When combined with other soil conditioners, urine-derived struvite is an efficient fertilizer which covers the magnesium and more than half of the phosphorus demand of crops. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Use of a midstream clean catch mobile application did not lower urine contamination rates in an ED.

PubMed

Jacob, Mary S; Kulie, Paige; Benedict, Cameron; Ordoobadi, Alexander J; Sikka, Neal; Steinmetz, Erika; McCarthy, Melissa L

2018-01-01

Urine microscopy is a common test performed in emergency departments (EDs). Urine specimens can easily become contaminated by different factors, including the collection method. The midstream clean-catch (MSCC) collection technique is commonly used to reduce urine contamination. The urine culture contamination rate from specimens collected in our ED is 30%. We developed an instructional application (app) to show ED patients how to provide a MSCC urine sample. We hypothesized that ED patients who viewed our instructional app would have significantly lower urine contamination rates compared to patients who did not. We prospectively enrolled 257 subjects with a urinalysis and/or urine culture test ordered in the ED and asked them to watch our MSCC instructional app. After prospective enrollment was complete, we retrospectively matched each enrolled subject to an ED patient who did not watch the instructional app. Controls were matched to cases based on gender, type of urine specimen provided, ED visit date and shift. Urinalysis and urine culture contamination results were compared between the matched pairs using McNemar's test. The overall urine culture contamination rate of the 514 subjects was 38%. The majority of the matched pairs had a urinalysis (63%) or urinalysis plus urine culture (35%) test done. There were no significant differences in our urine contamination rates between the matched pairs overall or when stratified by gender, by prior knowledge of the clean catch process or by type of urine specimen. We did not see a lower contamination rate for patients who viewed our instructional app compared to patients who did not. It is possible that MSCC is not effective for decreasing urine specimen contamination. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Studies on absorption and elimination of dietary maillard reaction products.

PubMed

Förster, Anke; Kühne, Yvonne; Henle, Thomas

2005-06-01

A nine-day dietary study involving 18 healthy volunteers was performed in order to investigate the influence of nutrition on the urinary excretion of the Maillard reaction products (MRPs) fructoselysine, pyrraline, and pentosidine. From day two through day eight, most types of Maillard product-containing food had to be avoided. On day five, participants were divided into four groups, three of them receiving a test meal (pretzel sticks, brewed coffee, or custard) containing defined amounts of MRPs. The fourth group served as a control. Urine samples taken over a 24-h period were analyzed for MRPs using chromatographic means. As a result of the MRP-free diet, urinary excretion of free pyrraline and fructoselysine, which was calculated from furosine analysis, were lowered about 90%. Excretion of pentosidine decreased about 40%. Consumption of pretzel sticks and coffee on day five resulted in increased amounts of pyrraline and pentosidine in urine samples on days five to seven. Related to the supplied amounts of pyrraline, about 50% were recovered in the urine samples after ingestion of the pretzel sticks. For pentosidine, 60% of the ingested free derivative from coffee brew and 2% of the peptide-bound amino acid ingested with the bakery product were recovered in the urine samples, indicating a better bioavailability for free pentosidine compared to the protein-bound form. For peptide-bound Amadori products, no influence on the excretion was observed after ingestion of the test foods, indicating degradation in the intestine or plasma to yet-unknown metabolites. In conclusion, differences concerning the excretion rate of individual MRPs point to individual resorption and metabolic pathways. These results are of importance for the discussion of a possible (patho)physiological role of dietary advanced glycation end products (AGEs).

Use of ferric chloride to identify salicylate-containing poisons.

PubMed

Hoffman, Robert J; Nelson, Lewis S; Hoffman, Robert S

2002-01-01

Ferric chloride (FeCl3) is used to qualitatively test the urine of patients with presumed salicylate exposure. FeCl3 testing of an unidentified poison might provide evidence of salicylate exposure in situations where FeCl3 urine testing cannot be used. Such situations include the absence of a urine sample, immediately after ingestion before urine contains a detectable quantity of salicylate, or for patients chronically using salicylatesfor which FeCl3 testing is unhelpful. This study seeks to determine if FeCl3 can be used to identify salicylate-containing products. We assessed the reactivity of FeCl3 with commercially available salicylate-containing products. We applied 0.1 mL of 10% FeCl3 solution to each of 15 various salicylate-containing products including: regular and buffered acetylsalicylic acid, bismuth subsalicylate, methylsalicylate, physostigmine salicylate, salicylic acid, trolamine salicylate, and herbal tablets with salicin-containing white willow bark (Salix sp.). These products tested were: regular and enteric-coatedpills (n = 4), powder (n = 1), topical creams (n = 5), topical liquids (n = 4), and intravenous solution (n = 1). FeCl3 was applied to crushed tablets and added directly to liquids and creams. Fifteen salicylate-free controls including liquids, pills, and creams similar in appearance to experimental samples were also tested. Three blinded physiciansfamiliar with FeCl3 testing independently observed the addition of FeCl3 to each sample and rated a positive or negative result. All salicylate-containing products were interpreted to be clearly FeCl3 positive and all control samples were interpreted to be clearly FeCl3 negative. Salicylate-containing products may be identified using FeCl33. When using FeCl3

Basic or extended urine sampling to analyse urine production?

PubMed

Denys, Marie-Astrid; Kapila, Vansh; Weiss, Jeffrey; Goessaert, An-Sofie; Everaert, Karel

2017-09-01

Frequency volume charts are valuable tools to objectify urine production in patients with nocturia, enuresis or nocturnal incontinence. Analyses of daytime and nighttime urine (=basic collection) or analyses of urine samples collected every 3 h (=extended collection) extend this evaluation by describing circadian patterns of water and solute diuresis (=renal function profiles). To assess intra-individual correlation and agreement between renal function profiles provided using basic and extended urine collections, and using two extended urine collections. To create a short-form of the extended collection. This prospective observational study was executed at Ghent University Hospital, Belgium. Study participation was open for anyone visiting the hospital. Participants collected one basic and two extended 24-h urine collections. Urinary levels of osmolality, sodium and creatinine were determined. There was a moderate to strong correlation between results of basic and extended urinalyses. Comparing both extended urinalyses showed a moderate correlation between the eight individual samples and a weak to strong correlation between the mean daytime and nighttime values of renal functions. Different samples could be considered as most representative for mean daytime values, while all samples collected between 03 and 05am showed the highest agreement with mean nighttime values of renal function. Since there is a good correlation and agreement between basic and extended urine collections to study the mechanisms underlying urine production, the choice of urine sampling method to evaluate urine production depends on the purpose. A nighttime-only urine sample collected between 03 and 05am may be the most practical approach. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Accelerated podocyte detachment and progressive podocyte loss from glomeruli with age in Alport Syndrome.

PubMed

Ding, Fangrui; Wickman, Larysa; Wang, Su Q; Zhang, Yanqin; Wang, Fang; Afshinnia, Farsad; Hodgin, Jeffrey; Ding, Jie; Wiggins, Roger C

2017-12-01

Podocyte depletion is a common mechanism driving progression in glomerular diseases. Alport Syndrome glomerulopathy, caused by defective α3α4α5 (IV) collagen heterotrimer production by podocytes, is associated with an increased rate of podocyte detachment detectable in urine and reduced glomerular podocyte number suggesting that defective podocyte adherence to the glomerular basement membrane might play a role in driving progression. Here a genetically phenotyped Alport Syndrome cohort of 95 individuals [urine study] and 41 archived biopsies [biopsy study] were used to test this hypothesis. Podocyte detachment rate (measured by podocin mRNA in urine pellets expressed either per creatinine or 24-hour excretion) was significantly increased 11-fold above control, and prior to a detectably increased proteinuria or microalbuminuria. In parallel, Alport Syndrome glomeruli lose an average 26 podocytes per year versus control glomeruli that lose 2.3 podocytes per year, an 11-fold difference corresponding to the increased urine podocyte detachment rate. Podocyte number per glomerulus in Alport Syndrome biopsies is projected to be normal at birth (558/glomerulus) but accelerated podocyte loss was projected to cause end-stage kidney disease by about 22 years. Biopsy data from two independent cohorts showed a similar estimated glomerular podocyte loss rate comparable to the measured 11-fold increase in podocyte detachment rate. Reduction in podocyte number and density in biopsies correlated with proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis, and reduced renal function. Thus, the podocyte detachment rate appears to be increased from birth in Alport Syndrome, drives the progression process, and could potentially help predict time to end-stage kidney disease and response to treatment. Copyright © 2017 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Does Performing Preplacement Workplace Hair Drug Testing Influence US Department of Transportation Random and Postaccident Urine Drug Test Positivity Rates?

PubMed

Price, James W

Does performing pre-employment hair drug testing subsequently affect the prevalence of positive random and postaccident urine drug tests? This cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of positive postaccident and random workplace urine drug tests for companies that perform pre-employment hair and urine drug testing to companies that only perform pre-employment urine drug testing. Fisher exact test of independence indicated no significant difference between pre-employment hair drug testing and overall US Department of Transportation random and postaccident urine drug test positivity rates. The analysis failed to reject the null hypothesis, suggesting that pre-employment hair drug testing had no effect upon random and postaccident urine drug test positivity rates.

Four-man rated dual catalyst system for the recovery of water from urine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Budininkas, P.

1978-01-01

The catalytic system was integrated with a 4-man rated urine wick evaporator. During operation, urine vapor produced by the wick-evaporator was treated in the catalytic system to remove ammonia and volatile hydrocarbons, and water was recovered by condensation in a water cooled condenser. The system operated completely automatically and required no manual adjustments, except periodic supply of urine and removal of the recovered water. Although the system was designed for treating 0.325 kg urine per hour, this rate could be achieved only with a fresh wick, then gradually decreased as the wick became saturated with urine solids. The average urine treatment rates achieved during each of the three endurance tests were 0.137, 0.217, and 0.235 kg/hr. The quality of the recovered water meets drinking water standards, with the exception of a generally low pH.

How farmers in Switzerland perceive fertilizers from recycled anthropogenic nutrients (urine).

PubMed

Lienert, J; Haller, M; Berner, A; Stauffacher, M; Larsen, T A

2003-01-01

We studied acceptance of a urine-based fertilizer product using a mail survey of 467 Swiss farmers. We distinguished among four production types: organic or IP farming, and with or without vegetable production. Considering that the idea of urine-based fertilizers is new, acceptance among the answering farmers was surprisingly high, with 57% explicitly stating that they thought it was a good or very good idea, and 42% willing to purchase such a product. The farmers of different production types did not differ strongly in their attitude towards urine-based fertilizers. Especially IP and vegetable farmers, who purchased additional fertilizers anyway, seem willing to accept urine-based fertilizers, hereby preferring a grainy, odorless ammonium nitrate fertilizer. Absolutely essential is a hazard-free product: 30% of all farmers had concerns regarding micropollutants. Based on fertilizer data, we demonstrate an existing demand for the nutrients N, P, and K in Switzerland, which could be partially substituted by a recycled urine product. Finally, we discuss methodological requirements of social science surveys. To obtain representative data on an entire population in a mail survey, multiple contacts with respondents are necessary. We argue that information and participation of stakeholders at an early stage is essential for successful technology transfer.

Inorganic mercury poisoning associated with skin-lightening cosmetic products.

PubMed

Chan, Thomas Y K

2011-12-01

Mercury and mercury salts, including mercurous chloride and mercurous oxide, are prohibited for use in cosmetic products as skin-lightening agents because of their high toxicity. Yet, the public continue to have access to these products. Reports of skin-lightening cosmetic products containing mercury and cases of mercury poisoning following the use of such products were identified using Medline (1950 - 28 March 2011) with mercury, mercury compounds, mercury poisoning, cosmetics and skin absorption as the subject headings. These searches identified 118 citations of which 31 were relevant. The rate of dermal absorption increases with the concentration of mercury and prior hydration of the skin. The degree of dermal absorption varies with the skin integrity and lipid solubility of the vehicle in the cosmetic products. Ingestion may occur after topical application around the mouth and hand-to-mouth contact. After absorption, inorganic mercury is distributed widely and elimination occurs primarily through the urine and feces. With long-term exposure, urinary excretion is the major route of elimination. The half-life is approximately 1-2 months. The kidneys are the major site of inorganic mercury deposition; renal damage includes reversible proteinuria, acute tubular necrosis and nephrotic syndrome. Gastrointestinal symptoms include a metallic taste, gingivostomatitis, nausea and hypersalivation. Although penetration of the blood-brain barrier by inorganic mercury is poor, prolonged exposure can result in central nervous system (CNS) accumulation and neurotoxicity. Inorganic mercury poisoning following the use of skin-lightening creams has been reported from Africa, Europe, USA, Mexico, Australia and Hong Kong. Nephrotic syndrome (mainly due to minimal change or membranous nephropathy) and neurotoxicity were the most common presenting features. As mercury-containing cosmetic products can contaminate the home, some close household contacts were also reported to have elevated urine mercury concentrations. Prevention from further exposure is the first step. Cream users and their close contacts should be evaluated for evidence of mercury exposure, the presence of target organ damage and the need for chelation treatment. Laboratory evaluation of affected subjects should include a complete blood count, serum electrolytes, liver and renal function tests, urinalysis, urine and blood mercury concentrations. Since blood mercury concentrations tend to return to normal within days of exposure, blood samples are useful primarily in short-term, higher-level exposures. Estimation of the urine mercury concentration is the best marker of exposure to inorganic mercury and indicator of body burden. A 24-hour urine for measurement of mercury excretion is preferred; a spot urine mercury concentration should be corrected for creatinine output. Chelation therapy is indicated in patients with features of mercury poisoning and elevated blood and/or urine mercury concentrations. Unithiol (2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid, DMPS) is the preferred antidote though succimer (dimercaptosuccinic acid, DMSA) has also been employed. The use of mercury in cosmetic products should be strictly prohibited. The public should be warned not to use such products as their use can result in systemic absorption and accumulation of mercury causing renal, gastrointestinal and CNS toxicity.

Water turnover in 458 American adults 40-79 yr of age.

PubMed

Raman, Aarthi; Schoeller, Dale A; Subar, Amy F; Troiano, Richard P; Schatzkin, Arthur; Harris, Tamara; Bauer, Douglas; Bingham, Shiela A; Everhart, James E; Newman, Anne B; Tylavsky, Frances A

2004-02-01

Despite recent interest in water intake, few data are available on water metabolism in adults. To determine the average and range of usual water intake, urine output, and total body water, we administered 2H oxide to 458 noninstitutionalized 40- to 79-yr-old adults living in temperate climates. Urine was collected in a subset of individuals (n = 280) to measure 24-h urine production using p-aminobenzoic acid to ensure complete collection. Preformed water intake was calculated from isotopic turnover and corrected for metabolic water and insensible water absorption from humidity. Preformed water intake, which is water from beverages and food moisture, averaged 3.0 l/day in men (range: 1.4-7.7 l/day) and 2.5 l/day in women (range: 1.2-4.6 l/day). Preformed water intake was lower in 70- to 79 (2.8 l/day)- than in 40- to 49-yr-old men and was lower in 70- to 79 (2.3 l/day)- than in 40- to 49- and 50- to 59-yr-old women. Urine production averaged 2.2 l/day in men (range: 0.6-4.9 l/day) and 2.2 l/day in women (0.9-6.0 l/day). There were no age-related differences in results in women, but 60- to 69-yr-old men had significantly higher urine output than 40- to 49- and 50- to 59-yr-old men. Only the 70- to 79-yr-old group included sufficient blacks for a racial analysis. Blacks in this age group showed significantly lower preformed water intake than did whites. Whites had significantly higher water turnover rates than blacks as well. Multivariate regression indicated that age, weight, height, and body mass index explained <12% of the gender-specific variance in water input or urine output, yet repeat measures indicated that within-individual coefficient of variation was 8% for preformed water intake (n = 22) and 9% for 24-h urine production (n = 222). These results demonstrate that water turnover is highly variable among individuals and that little of the variance is explained by anthropometric parameters.

Pathophysiology of nocturnal lower urinary tract symptoms in older patients with urinary incontinence.

PubMed

Denys, Marie-Astrid; Decalf, Veerle; Kumps, Candy; Petrovic, Mirko; Goessaert, An-Sofie; Everaert, Karel

2017-11-01

To explore the mismatch between functional bladder capacity and nocturnal urine production, and to study the pathophysiology of an increased nocturnal urine production in older patients with urinary incontinence. The present prospective observational study included adults aged ≥65 years with urinary incontinence. Participants completed questionnaires, frequency volume charts and renal function profiles. The nocturnal lower urinary tract symptom index was defined as nocturnal urine output/maximum voided volume; the nocturnal polyuria index as nocturnal/24 h urine output. The median age (n = 95) was 74 years (69-79), 87% were women and 73% had nocturnal lower urinary tract symptoms (nocturnal urinary incontinence or nocturia ≥2). Participants with nocturnal lower urinary tract symptoms had a significantly higher nocturnal urine output (809 mL vs 650 mL; P = 0.001) and no significant difference in maximum voided volume (350 mL vs 437 mL; P = 0.079) compared with participants without nocturnal lower urinary tract symptoms. Participants (nocturnal polyuria index >33% [n = 56], nocturnal polyuria index >40% [n = 42], nocturnal lower urinary tract symptom index >1.87 [n = 51]) showed higher night-time diuresis rates, free water and sodium clearance compared with during the daytime. Controls (nocturnal polyuria index ≤33% [n = 26], nocturnal polyuria index ≤40% [n = 40], nocturnal lower urinary tract symptom index ≤1.87 [n = 44]) had no circadian rhythm in their diuresis rate or sodium clearance, but more nocturnal free water clearance compared with during the daytime. The majority of older adults with urinary incontinence present nocturnal lower urinary tract symptoms. An increased nocturnal sodium diuresis seems to be the only mechanism differentiating patients with nocturnal lower urinary tract symptoms from controls. © 2017 The Japanese Urological Association.

Relationship Between the Urine Flow Rate and Risk of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy After Emergent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

PubMed Central

Liu, Yong; Lin, Lixia; Li, Yun; Li, Hualong; Wu, Deng-Xuan; Zhao, Jian-bin; Lian, Dan; Zhou, Yingling; Liu, Yuanhui; Ye, Piao; Ran, Peng; Duan, Chongyang; Chen, Shiqun; Chen, Pingyan; Xian, Ying; Chen, Jiyan; Tan, Ning

2015-01-01

Abstract A low urine flow rate is a marker of acute kidney injury. However, it is unclear whether a high urine flow rate is associated with a reduced risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in high-risk patients. We conducted this study to evaluate the predictive value of the urine flow rate for the risk of CIN following emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We prospectively examined 308 patients undergoing emergent PCI who provided consent. The predictive value of the 24-hour postprocedural urine flow rate, adjusted by weight (UR/W, mL/kg/h) and divided into quartiles, for the risk of CIN was assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The cumulative incidence of CIN was 24.4%. In particular, CIN was observed in 29.5%, 19.5%, 16.7%, and 32.0% of cases in the UR/W quartile (Q)-1 (≤0.94 mL/kg/h), Q2 (0.94–1.30 mL/kg/h), Q3 (1.30–1.71 mL/kg/h), and Q4 (≥1.71 mL/kg/h), respectively. Moreover, in-hospital death was noted in 7.7%, 3.9%, 5.1%, and 5.3% of patients in Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounding predictors, multivariate analysis indicated that compared with the moderate urine flow rate quartiles (Q2 + Q3), a high urine flow rate (Q4) (odds ratio [OR], 2.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27–5.68; P = 0.010) and low urine flow rate (Q1) (OR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.03–4.82; P = 0.041) were significantly associated with an increased risk of CIN. Moreover, a moderate urine flow rate (0.94–1.71 mL/kg/h) was significantly associated with a decreased risk of mortality. Our data suggest that higher and lower urine flow rates were significantly associated with an increased risk of CIN after emergent PCI, and a moderate urine flow rate (0.94–1.71 mL/kg/h) may be associated with a decreased risk of CIN with a good long-term prognosis after emergent PCI. PMID:26683946

Relationship Between the Urine Flow Rate and Risk of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy After Emergent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

PubMed

Liu, Yong; Lin, Lixia; Li, Yun; Li, Hualong; Wu, Deng-Xuan; Zhao, Jian-bin; Lian, Dan; Zhou, Yingling; Liu, Yuanhui; Ye, Piao; Ran, Peng; Duan, Chongyang; Chen, Shiqun; Chen, Pingyan; Xian, Ying; Chen, Jiyan; Tan, Ning

2015-12-01

A low urine flow rate is a marker of acute kidney injury. However, it is unclear whether a high urine flow rate is associated with a reduced risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in high-risk patients. We conducted this study to evaluate the predictive value of the urine flow rate for the risk of CIN following emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We prospectively examined 308 patients undergoing emergent PCI who provided consent. The predictive value of the 24-hour postprocedural urine flow rate, adjusted by weight (UR/W, mL/kg/h) and divided into quartiles, for the risk of CIN was assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The cumulative incidence of CIN was 24.4%. In particular, CIN was observed in 29.5%, 19.5%, 16.7%, and 32.0% of cases in the UR/W quartile (Q)-1 (≤0.94  mL/kg/h), Q2 (0.94-1.30  mL/kg/h), Q3 (1.30-1.71  mL/kg/h), and Q4 (≥1.71  mL/kg/h), respectively. Moreover, in-hospital death was noted in 7.7%, 3.9%, 5.1%, and 5.3% of patients in Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounding predictors, multivariate analysis indicated that compared with the moderate urine flow rate quartiles (Q2 + Q3), a high urine flow rate (Q4) (odds ratio [OR], 2.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27-5.68; P = 0.010) and low urine flow rate (Q1) (OR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.03-4.82; P = 0.041) were significantly associated with an increased risk of CIN. Moreover, a moderate urine flow rate (0.94-1.71  mL/kg/h) was significantly associated with a decreased risk of mortality. Our data suggest that higher and lower urine flow rates were significantly associated with an increased risk of CIN after emergent PCI, and a moderate urine flow rate (0.94-1.71  mL/kg/h) may be associated with a decreased risk of CIN with a good long-term prognosis after emergent PCI.

Crystallization of calcium oxalate in minimally diluted urine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bretherton, T.; Rodgers, A.

1998-09-01

Crystallization of calcium oxalate was studied in minimally diluted (92%) urine using a mixed suspension mixed product crystallizer in series with a Malvern particle sizer. The crystallization was initiated by constant flow of aqueous sodium oxalate and urine into the reaction vessel via two independent feed lines. Because the Malvern cell was in series with the reaction vessel, noninvasive measurement of particle sizes could be effected. In addition, aliquots of the mixed suspension were withdrawn and transferred to a Coulter counter for crystal counting and sizing. Steady-state particle size distributions were used to determine nucleation and growth kinetics while scanning electron microscopy was used to examine deposited crystals. Two sets of experiments were performed. In the first, the effect of the concentration of the exogenous sodium oxalate was investigated while in the second, the effect of temperature was studied. Calcium oxalate nucleation and growth rates were found to be dependent on supersaturation levels inside the crystallizer. However, while growth rate increased with increasing temperature, nucleation rates decreased. The favored phases were the trihydrate at 18°C, the dihydrate at 38° and the monohydrate at 58°C. The results of both experiments are in agreement with those obtained in other studies that have been conducted in synthetic and in maximally diluted urine and which have employed invasive crystal counting and sizing techniques. As such, the present study lends confidence to the models of urinary calcium oxalate crystallization processes which currently prevail in the literature.

Production of a Cloned Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Calf from Somatic Cells Isolated from Urine.

PubMed

Madheshiya, Pankaj K; Sahare, Amol A; Jyotsana, Basanti; Singh, Karn P; Saini, Monika; Raja, Anuj K; Kaith, Sakshi; Singla, Suresh K; Chauhan, Manmohan S; Manik, Radhey S; Palta, Prabhat

2015-06-01

This study was aimed at isolation of cells from urine and skin on the ventral part of the tails of healthy adult female buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), an area rarely exposed to solar radiation, establishment of the cells in culture, and their use as donor cells for production of buffalo embryos by handmade cloning (HMC). The blastocyst rate and total cell number of urine- and tail skin-derived embryos were similar to those of control embryos derived from ear skin cells; however, their apoptotic index was lower (p<0.05) than that of control blastocysts. The global level of histone H3 acetylated at lysine 9 (H3K9ac) was similar in the three types of donor cells and in urine- and tail skin-derived HMC blastocysts and in vitro-fertilized (IVF) blastocysts (controls). The global level of histone H3 trimethylated at lysine 27 (H3K27me3) in the cells was in the order (p<0.05) urine≥tail skin>ear skin-derived cells, whereas in blastocysts, it was higher (p<0.05) in urine- and tail skin-derived HMC blastocysts than that in IVF blastocysts. The expression level of CASPASE3, CASPASE9, P53, DNMT1, DNMT3a, OCT4, and NANOG, which was similar in HMC blastocysts of three the groups, was lower (p<0.05) than that in IVF blastocysts, whereas that of HDAC1 was similar among the four groups. Following transfer of urine-derived embryos (n=10) to five recipients (two embryos/recipient), one of the recipients delivered a normal calf that is now 5 weeks old.

Identification and testing of early indicators for N leaching from urine patches.

PubMed

Vogeler, Iris; Cichota, Rogerio; Snow, Val

2013-11-30

Nitrogen leaching from urine patches has been identified as a major source of nitrogen loss under intensive grazing dairy farming. Leaching is notoriously variable, influenced by management, soil type, year-to-year variation in climate and timing and rate of urine depositions. To identify early indicators for the risk of N leaching from urine patches for potential usage in a precision management system, we used the simulation model APSIM (Agricultural Production Systems SIMulator) to produce an extensive N leaching dataset for the Waikato region of New Zealand. In total, nearly forty thousand simulation runs with different combinations of soil type and urine deposition times, in 33 different years, were done. The risk forecasting indicators were chosen based on their practicality: being readily measured on farm (soil water content, temperature and pasture growth) or that could be centrally supplied to farms (such as actual and forecast weather data). The thresholds of the early indicators that are used to forecast a period for high risk of N leaching were determined via classification and regression tree analysis. The most informative factors were soil temperature, pasture dry matter production, and average soil water content in the top soil over the two weeks prior to the urine N application event. Rainfall and air temperature for the two weeks following urine deposition were also important to fine-tune the predictions. The identified early indicators were then tested for their potential to predict the risk of N leaching in two typical soils from the Waikato region in New Zealand. The accuracy of the predictions varied with the number of indicators, the soil type and the risk level, and the number of correct predictions ranged from about 45 to over 90%. Further expansion and fine-tuning of the indicators and the development of a practical N risk tool based on these indicators is needed. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nitrous oxide emission factors for urine and dung from sheep fed either fresh forage rape (Brassica napus L.) or fresh perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.).

PubMed

Luo, J; Sun, X Z; Pacheco, D; Ledgard, S F; Lindsey, S B; Hoogendoorn, C J; Wise, B; Watkins, N L

2015-03-01

In New Zealand, agriculture is predominantly based on pastoral grazing systems and animal excreta deposited on soil during grazing have been identified as a major source of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. Forage brassicas (Brassica spp.) have been increasingly used to improve lamb performance. Compared with conventional forage perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), a common forage in New Zealand, forage brassicas have faster growth rates, higher dry matter production and higher nutritive value. The aim of this study was to determine the partitioning of dietary nitrogen (N) between urine and dung in the excreta from sheep fed forage brassica rape (B. napus subsp. oleifera L.) or ryegrass, and then to measure N2O emissions when the excreta from the two different feed sources were applied to a pasture soil. A sheep metabolism study was conducted to determine urine and dung-N outputs from sheep fed forage rape or ryegrass, and N partitioning between urine and dung. Urine and dung were collected and then used in a field plot experiment for measuring N2O emissions. The experimental site contained a perennial ryegrass/white clover pasture on a poorly drained silt-loam soil. The treatments included urine from sheep fed forage rape or ryegrass, dung from sheep fed forage rape or ryegrass, and a control without dung or urine applied. N2O emission measurements were carried out using a static chamber technique. For each excreta type, the total N2O emissions and emission factor (EF3; N2O-N emitted during the 3- or 8-month measurement period as a per cent of animal urine or dung-N applied, respectively) were calculated. Our results indicate that, in terms of per unit of N intake, a similar amount of N was excreted in urine from sheep fed either forage rape or ryegrass, but less dung N was excreted from sheep fed forage rape than ryegrass. The EF3 for urine from sheep fed forage rape was lower compared with urine from sheep fed ryegrass. This may have been because of plant secondary metabolites, such as glucosinolates in forage rape and their degradation products, are transferred to urine and affect soil N transformation processes. However, the difference in the EF3 for dung from sheep fed ryegrass and forage rape was not significant.

Pilot Study: Colostomy and Urine Collection Protocol for Investigating Potential Inciting Causes of Hen Diuresis Syndrome.

PubMed

Jones, Kelli; Turner, Bradley; Brandão, João; Hubbard, Sue Ann; Magee, Danny; Baughman, Brittany; Wills, Robert; Tully, Thomas

2015-06-01

Hen diuresis syndrome has emerged over the past 5 yr as a significant cause of mortality in the U.S. broiler breeder industry. The condition affects hens in production and is characterized by transient muscle weakness in the vent region, transient diuresis, and often urate deposits on the skin below the vent. Affected hens are often seen straining to lay an egg, which suggests oviduct contraction is also impaired. Related hen mortality, often reaching 1% or more a week, is believed to be primarily the result of male aggression of the vent region (Turner et al., "Investigating Causes of Excessive Urate Production in Broiler Breeder Hens Associated with Peritonitis and Cannibalism Mortality," Oral Presentation at The American Association of Avian Pathologists Annual Meeting, p. 139, 2010). The exact association between the cause of mortality and this syndrome is unknown, but it may be the consequence of transient partial to full oviduct prolapse, which predisposes or stimulates cannibalism and aggression. Based on unpublished work done prior to this study (Turner et al., ibid.), the evidence suggests the underlying problem is metabolic. We feel that urine collection and analysis is an essential component to understanding this condition. This study serves as a pilot study for future investigations that attempt to identify the nature and cause of the metabolic disturbance through paired urine and serum collection and analysis. For the purpose of this study, a small sample of 10 affected and 10 unaffected birds was used for sample collection. In order to collect pure urine, the birds were surgically colostomized. Colostomy did prove to be a useful means of collecting urine free of feces, and for the purposes of our study it yielded adequate urine samples for analysis. There were statistically relevant urine values observed. Affected birds had a higher presence of blood in the urine, a lower uric acid excretion rate (mg/hr), higher concentration (mEq/L) of urine Na+, and a lower concentration (mEq/L) of urine K+ than unaffected birds. This pilot study helps to address some of the pitfalls previously associated with colostomy and to determine when collection can begin postoperatively so that we can better understand when and how to begin our sampling in future trials to address the etiology of this condition.

Urine Test: Microalbumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (For Parents)

MedlinePlus

... involves measuring the amount of a protein called albumin in the urine (pee). The amount of urine albumin is compared with the quantity of a waste ... steady rate, so comparing the ratio of urine albumin with creatinine in the same urine specimen helps ...

Enlarged prostate

MedlinePlus

... gland. Other tests may include: Urine flow rate Post-void residual urine test to see how much urine is left in your bladder after you urinate Pressure-flow studies to measure the pressure in the bladder as ...

Pitfalls of diagnosing urinary tract infection in infants and young children.

PubMed

Yamasaki, Yasuhito; Uemura, Osamu; Nagai, Takuhito; Yamakawa, Satoshi; Hibi, Yoshiko; Yamamoto, Masaki; Nakano, Masaru; Kasahara, Katsuaki; Bo, Zhang

2017-07-01

The aim of this study was to examine the sensitivity and specificity of pyuria-based diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) in urine collected by transurethral catheterization, and the reliability of diagnosis of pyuria in urine collected in a perineal bag. The gold standard for UTI diagnosis is significant colony counts of a single organism in urine obtained in a sterile manner. We enrolled 301 patients who underwent medical examination at the present hospital for possible UTI between January 2005 and December 2009. We collected 438 urine samples by transurethral catheterization. We investigated the accuracy of pyuria-based diagnosis of UTI using transurethral catheterization urine specimens, and the reliability of diagnosis of pyuria using bag-collected urine specimens. The false-negative rate of UTI diagnosis based on pyuria in transurethral catheterization urine sediments was 9.0%; there was no significant difference in the false-negative rate of UTI diagnosis between boys and girls. Approximately 28% of pyuria-positive bag-collected urine specimens were pyuria negative on transurethral catheterization; this rate was significantly higher in girls than in boys (56.7% vs. 8.9%, P < 0.0001). The absence of pyuria in transurethral catheterization urine sediments does not rule out UTI. Pyuria in bag-collected urine specimens frequently consists of urine leukocytes from external genitalia as well as from the urinary tract. © 2017 Japan Pediatric Society.

Baby care product development: artificial urine in vitro assay is useful for cosmetic product assessment.

PubMed

Degouy, Arnaud; Gomez-Berrada, Marie-Pierre; Ferret, Pierre-Jacques

2014-02-01

As a result of infants' inability to control urination, the skin of the diaper area has special needs for protection from irritating effects of urine and prevention of diaper dermatitis such as products for cleansing and protection of the skin. Several in vitro models are currently available to assess tolerance. In vitro testing using artificial urine allows the protective effects of diaper-region cosmetics to be ascertained. Thus, a new model defined as "artificial urine in vitro assay" has been added to our traditional pre-clinical in vitro testing program. IL1-α is a highly active and pleiotropic pro-inflammatory cytokine. It plays a key role in inflammation and is the biological mirror of irritation induced by diaper dermatitis. This study determines, on human skin explants, if a cosmetic formula is (1) tolerated equally as well in the presence of artificial urine as in its absence and (2) is able to decrease IL1-α production induced by artificial urine or Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate. 31 tests including 17 in-house formulas, 10 bench-markers and 4 combinations of products were performed and data obtained are represented on a simple four-point scale (from practically non protective to very protective). It allows determination of formula-type groups that will have predictable protective properties in subsequent clinical trials and comparison with competitors' products. It is a useful aid in the formulation stage and provides readily-useable data for the cosmetic risk assessment. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Urine culture contamination: a College of American Pathologists Q-Probes study of 127 laboratories.

PubMed

Bekeris, Leonas G; Jones, Bruce Allen; Walsh, Molly K; Wagar, Elizabeth A

2008-06-01

While urine culture contamination may not be completely avoidable, some laboratories have lower contamination rates than others. A College of American Pathologists (CAP) 1998 Q-Probes study showed that many interventions commonly assumed to reduce contamination were not demonstrably effective. This article revisits the issue. To examine the frequency of urine culture contamination, review current laboratory practices in the collection of urine culture specimens, and determine practice characteristics that may be associated with the contamination rate. Laboratories participating in a CAP Q-Probes study were required to prospectively collect data on 120 consecutive urine culture specimens and provide information on the patient's demographics (age and sex), the location where the specimen was collected, how the specimen was handled, the number of isolates in quantities greater than or equal to 10,000 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL, and whether the laboratory considered the specimen to be contaminated. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were provided to the participants. Each laboratory completed a supplemental questionnaire that probed for specific laboratory urine culture collection practices. One hundred twenty-seven laboratories participated in the study. Results from a total of 14,739 urine specimens were received. For the purpose of this study, a urine specimen was determined to be contaminated if the culture yielded more than 2 isolates in quantities greater than or equal to 10,000 CFU/mL. Using these criteria the median institution had a contamination rate of 15.0%. Laboratories in the 10th percentile (low performance) had an average contamination rate of 41.7%, while laboratories in the 90th percentile had an average rate of 0.8%. The collection site had no influence on the contamination rate, but postcollection processing, especially refrigeration of the specimen, had a substantial effect. Providing instruction to patients produced a statistically significant lowering of contamination rates for specimens from male patients (P = .006) but not for female patients, except when written instructions were provided in the emergency room, in which case specimen contamination rates for both male and female patients dropped (P = .01). The median contamination rates remain at a level comparable to the results seen in a previous Q-Probes study, and some laboratories have very high contamination rates. Specimen refrigeration is associated with lower overall urine culture specimen contamination rate. Providing patient instruction is also associated with lower contamination rates under specific circumstances.

Association between Urinary Aflatoxin (AFM₁) and Dietary Intake among Adults in Hulu Langat District, Selangor, Malaysia.

PubMed

Sulaiman, Siti Husna; Jamaluddin, Rosita; Sabran, Mohd Redzwan

2018-04-07

Aflatoxin is a food contaminant and its exposure through the diet is frequent and ubiquitous. A long-term dietary aflatoxin exposure has been linked to the development of liver cancer in populations with high prevalence of aflatoxin contamination in foods. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the association between urinary aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁), a biomarker of aflatoxin exposure, with the dietary intake among adults in Hulu Langat district, Selangor, Malaysia. Certain food products have higher potential for aflatoxin contamination and these were listed in a Food Frequency Questionnaire, which was given to all study participants. This allowed us to record consumption rates for each food product listed. Concomitantly, urine samples were collected, from adults in selected areas in Hulu Langat district, for the measurement of AFM₁ levels using an ELISA kit. Of the 444 urine samples collected and tested, 199 were positive for AFM₁, with 37 of them exceeding the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.64 ng/mL. Cereal products showed the highest consumption level among all food groups, with an average intake of 512.54 g per day. Chi-square analysis showed that consumption of eggs ( X ² = 4.77, p = 0.03) and dairy products ( X ² = 19.36, p < 0.01) had significant associations with urinary AFM₁ but both food groups were having a phi and Cramer's V value that less than 0.3, which indicated that the association between these food groups' consumption and AFM₁ level in urine was weak.

Effectiveness of Preanalytic Practices on Contamination and Diagnostic Accuracy of Urine Cultures: a Laboratory Medicine Best Practices Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Franek, Jacob; Leibach, Elizabeth K.; Weissfeld, Alice S.; Kraft, Colleen S.; Sautter, Robert L.; Baselski, Vickie; Rodahl, Debra; Peterson, Edward J.; Cornish, Nancy E.

2015-01-01

SUMMARY Background. Urinary tract infection (UTI) in the United States is the most common bacterial infection, and urine cultures often make up the largest portion of workload for a hospital-based microbiology laboratory. Appropriately managing the factors affecting the preanalytic phase of urine culture contributes significantly to the generation of meaningful culture results that ultimately affect patient diagnosis and management. Urine culture contamination can be reduced with proper techniques for urine collection, preservation, storage, and transport, the major factors affecting the preanalytic phase of urine culture. Objectives. The purposes of this review were to identify and evaluate preanalytic practices associated with urine specimens and to assess their impact on the accuracy of urine culture microbiology. Specific practices included collection methods for men, women, and children; preservation of urine samples in boric acid solutions; and the effect of refrigeration on stored urine. Practice efficacy and effectiveness were measured by two parameters: reduction of urine culture contamination and increased accuracy of patient diagnosis. The CDC Laboratory Medicine Best Practices (LMBP) initiative's systematic review method for assessment of quality improvement (QI) practices was employed. Results were then translated into evidence-based practice guidelines. Search strategy. A search of three electronic bibliographic databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, and CINAHL), as well as hand searching of bibliographies from relevant information sources, for English-language articles published between 1965 and 2014 was conducted. Selection criteria. The search contained the following medical subject headings and key text words: urinary tract infections, UTI, urine/analysis, urine/microbiology, urinalysis, specimen handling, preservation, biological, preservation, boric acid, boric acid/borate, refrigeration, storage, time factors, transportation, transport time, time delay, time factor, timing, urine specimen collection, catheters, indwelling, urinary reservoirs, continent, urinary catheterization, intermittent urethral catheterization, clean voided, midstream, Foley, suprapubic, bacteriological techniques, and microbiological techniques. Main results. Both boric acid and refrigeration adequately preserved urine specimens prior to their processing for up to 24 h. Urine held at room temperature for more than 4 h showed overgrowth of both clinically significant and contaminating microorganisms. The overall strength of this body of evidence, however, was rated as low. For urine specimens collected from women, there was no difference in rates of contamination for midstream urine specimens collected with or without cleansing. The overall strength of this evidence was rated as high. The levels of diagnostic accuracy of midstream urine collection with or without cleansing were similar, although the overall strength of this evidence was rated as low. For urine specimens collected from men, there was a reduction in contamination in favor of midstream clean-catch over first-void specimen collection. The strength of this evidence was rated as high. Only one study compared midstream collection with cleansing to midstream collection without cleansing. Results showed no difference in contamination between the two methods of collection. However, imprecision was due largely to the small event size. The diagnostic accuracy of midstream urine collection from men compared to straight catheterization or suprapubic aspiration was high. However, the overall strength of this body of evidence was rated as low. For urine specimens collected from children and infants, the evidence comparing contamination rates for midstream urine collection with cleansing, midstream collection without cleansing, sterile urine bag collection, and diaper collection pointed to larger reductions in the odds of contamination in favor of midstream collection with cleansing over the other methods of collection. This body of evidence was rated as high. The accuracy of diagnosis of urinary tract infection from midstream clean-catch urine specimens, sterile urine bag specimens, or diaper specimens compared to straight catheterization or suprapubic aspiration was varied. Authors' conclusions. No recommendation for or against is made for delayed processing of urine stored at room temperature, refrigerated, or preserved in boric acid. This does not preclude the use of refrigeration or chemical preservatives in clinical practice. It does indicate, however, that more systematic studies evaluating the utility of these measures are needed. If noninvasive collection is being considered for women, midstream collection with cleansing is recommended, but no recommendation for or against is made for midstream collection without cleansing. If noninvasive collection is being considered for men, midstream collection with cleansing is recommended and collection of first-void urine is not recommended. No recommendation for or against is made for collection of midstream urine without cleansing. If noninvasive collection is being considered for children, midstream collection with cleansing is recommended and collection in sterile urine bags, from diapers, or midstream without cleansing is not recommended. Whether midstream collection with cleansing can be routinely used in place of catheterization or suprapubic aspiration is unclear. The data suggest that midstream collection with cleansing is accurate for the diagnosis of urinary tract infections in infants and children and has higher average accuracy than sterile urine bag collection (data for diaper collection were lacking); however, the overall strength of evidence was low, as multivariate modeling could not be performed, and thus no recommendation for or against can be made. PMID:26598386

hCGbeta core fragment is a metabolite of hCG: evidence from infusion of recombinant hCG.

PubMed

Norman, R J; Buchholz, M M; Somogyi, A A; Amato, F

2000-03-01

The availability of recombinant human chorionic gonadotrophin (r-hCG) has allowed us to measure its metabolic and renal clearance rates and to study the origin of the beta core fragment of hCG (hCGbetacf). Serum and urine samples were collected from six subjects, after an intravenous injection of 2 mg (equivalent to 44 000 IU Urinary hCG) r-hCG, and assayed for hCG and the beta subunit (hCGbeta). Urine from four of the subjects was also subjected to gel chromatography and assayed for hCGbetacf and hCG. r-hCG, administered as an intravenous dose, was distributed, initially in a volume of 3.4+/-0.7 l (mean+/-s.d.) and then in 6.5+/-1.15 l at steady-state. The disappearance of r-hCG from serum was bi-exponential, with an initial half-life of 4.5+/-0.7 h and a terminal half-life of 29.0+/-4.6 h. The mean residence time was 28. 6+/- 3.6 h and the total systemic clearance rate of r-hCG was 226+/-18 ml/h. The renal clearance rate was 28.75+/-6.2 ml/h (mean+/-s.d). hCGbetacf was detected in all urine samples collected at 6 h intervals. Over the 138 h period of urine collection, 12.9% (range 10.1-17.3% ) of r-hCG injected was recovered as the intact molecule and 1.7% (range 0.8-2.9%) was recovered as the hCGbetacf, in 4 subjects. The molar ratio of hCGbetacf to hCG in urine increased from 3.1+/-1.7%, on day 1, to 76+/-34.3% (mean+/-s.e.m.) on day 5, after r-hCG infusion, suggesting that hCGbetacf is a metabolic product of the infused r-hCG.

The impact of tabalumab on the kidney in systemic lupus erythematosus: results from two phase 3 randomized, clinical trials.

PubMed

Rovin, B H; Dooley, M A; Radhakrishnan, J; Ginzler, E M; Forrester, T D; Anderson, P W

2016-12-01

Tabalumab is a monoclonal antibody that neutralizes membrane and soluble B-cell activating factor. Two 52-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled phase 3 trials evaluated the safety and efficacy of tabalumab in systemic lupus erythematosus. Patients with moderate to severe active systemic lupus erythematosus (without severe active lupus nephritis) were randomly assigned 1:1:1 to receive tabalumab (120 mg subcutaneously every 2 or 4 weeks) or placebo for 52 weeks. Serum creatinine concentration, estimated glomerular filtration rate, urine protein/creatinine ratio, renal flares and renal adverse events were determined monthly. Data were analyzed for the intent-to-treat population and for intent-to-treat patients with baseline urine protein/creatinine ratio >20 mg/mmol (intent-to-treat plus urine protein/creatinine ratio). The trials enrolled 2262 patients. At baseline, demographics, systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity, serum creatinine concentration, estimated glomerular filtration rate and urine protein/creatinine ratio were similar among the treatment arms (with the exception of disease duration). In the intent-to-treat and intent-to-treat plus urine protein/creatinine ratio populations, there were no differences between the arms in the baseline-to-endpoint change in serum creatinine concentration, glomerular filtration rate, urine protein/creatinine ratio, or renal flare rates. Tabalumab resulted in a significant B-cell reduction and decreased immunoglobulin G levels at both doses. Compared to placebo, tabalumab did not significantly affect the serum creatinine concentration, glomerular filtration rate, urine protein/creatinine ratio, or renal flare rates over 1 year in intent-to-treat or intent-to-treat plus urine protein/creatinine ratio patients. There were no significant renal safety signals.ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT01205438 and NCT01196091 Lupus (2016) 25, 1597-1601. © The Author(s) 2016.

Maximum urine concentrating capability in a mathematical model of the inner medulla of the rat kidney.

PubMed

Marcano, Mariano; Layton, Anita T; Layton, Harold E

2010-02-01

In a mathematical model of the urine concentrating mechanism of the inner medulla of the rat kidney, a nonlinear optimization technique was used to estimate parameter sets that maximize the urine-to-plasma osmolality ratio (U/P) while maintaining the urine flow rate within a plausible physiologic range. The model, which used a central core formulation, represented loops of Henle turning at all levels of the inner medulla and a composite collecting duct (CD). The parameters varied were: water flow and urea concentration in tubular fluid entering the descending thin limbs and the composite CD at the outer-inner medullary boundary; scaling factors for the number of loops of Henle and CDs as a function of medullary depth; location and increase rate of the urea permeability profile along the CD; and a scaling factor for the maximum rate of NaCl transport from the CD. The optimization algorithm sought to maximize a quantity E that equaled U/P minus a penalty function for insufficient urine flow. Maxima of E were sought by changing parameter values in the direction in parameter space in which E increased. The algorithm attained a maximum E that increased urine osmolality and inner medullary concentrating capability by 37.5% and 80.2%, respectively, above base-case values; the corresponding urine flow rate and the concentrations of NaCl and urea were all within or near reported experimental ranges. Our results predict that urine osmolality is particularly sensitive to three parameters: the urea concentration in tubular fluid entering the CD at the outer-inner medullary boundary, the location and increase rate of the urea permeability profile along the CD, and the rate of decrease of the CD population (and thus of CD surface area) along the cortico-medullary axis.

Design and the parametric testing of the space station prototype integrated vapor compression distillation water recovery module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reveley, W. F.; Nuccio, P. P.

1975-01-01

Potable water for the Space Station Prototype life support system is generated by the vapor compression technique of vacuum distillation. A description of a complete three-man modular vapor compression water renovation loop that was built and tested is presented; included are all of the pumps, tankage, chemical post-treatment, instrumentation, and controls necessary to make the loop representative of an automatic, self-monitoring, null gravity system. The design rationale is given and the evolved configuration is described. Presented next are the results of an extensive parametric test during which distilled water was generated from urine and urinal flush water with concentration of solids in the evaporating liquid increasing progressively to 60 percent. Water quality, quantity and production rate are shown together with measured energy consumption rate in terms of watt-hours per kilogram of distilled water produced.

Environmental and personal determinants of the uptake of disinfection by-products during swimming.

PubMed

Font-Ribera, Laia; Kogevinas, Manolis; Schmalz, Christina; Zwiener, Christian; Marco, Esther; Grimalt, Joan O; Liu, Jiaqi; Zhang, Xiangru; Mitch, William; Critelli, Rossana; Naccarati, Alessio; Heederik, Dick; Spithoven, Jack; Arjona, Lourdes; de Bont, Jeroen; Gracia-Lavedan, Esther; Villanueva, Cristina M

2016-08-01

Trihalomethanes (THMs) in exhaled breath and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) in urine are internal dose biomarkers of exposure to disinfection by-products (DBPs) in swimming pools. We assessed how these biomarkers reflect the levels of a battery of DBPs in pool water and trichloramine in air, and evaluated personal determinants. A total of 116 adults swam during 40min in a chlorinated indoor pool. We measured chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane and bromoform in exhaled breath and TCAA in urine before and after swimming, trichloramine in air and several DBPs in water. Personal determinants included sex, age, body mass index (BMI), distance swum, energy expenditure, heart rate and 12 polymorphisms in GSTT1, GSTZ1 and CYP2E1 genes. Median level of exhaled total THMs and creatinine adjusted urine TCAA increased from 0.5 to 14.4µg/m(3) and from 2.5 to 5.8µmol/mol after swimming, respectively. The increase in exhaled brominated THMs was correlated with brominated THMs, haloacetic acids, haloacetonitriles, haloketones, chloramines, total organic carbon and total organic halogen in water and trichloramine in air. Such correlations were not detected for exhaled chloroform, total THMs or urine TCAA. Exhaled THM increased more in men, urine TCAA increased more in women, and both were affected by exercise intensity. Genetic variants were associated with differential increases in exposure biomarkers. Our findings suggest that, although affected by sex, physical activity and polymorphisms in key metabolizing enzymes, brominated THMs in exhaled breath could be used as a non-invasive DBP exposure biomarker in swimming pools with bromide-containing source waters. This warrants confirmation with new studies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor suppresses renal thromboxane production but not proliferative lesions in the MRL/lpr murine model of lupus nephritis.

PubMed

Oates, Jim C; Halushka, Perry V; Hutchison, Florence N; Ruiz, Philip; Gilkeson, Gary S

2011-02-01

Proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) is marked by increased renal thromboxane (TX) A₂ production. Targeting the TXA₂ receptor or TXA₂ synthase effectively improves renal function in humans with LN and improves glomerular pathology in murine LN. This study was designed to address the following hypotheses: (1) TXA₂ production in the MRL/MpJ-Tnfrsf6(lpr)/J (MRL/lpr) model of proliferative LN is cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 dependent and (2) COX2 inhibitor therapy improves glomerular filtration rate (GFR), proteinuria, markers of innate immune response and glomerular pathology. Twenty female MRL/lpr and 20 BALB/cJ mice were divided into 2 equal treatment groups: (1) SC-236, a moderately selective COX2 inhibitor or (2) vehicle. After treatment from the age of 10 to 20 weeks, the effectiveness of inhibition of TXA₂ was determined by measuring urine TXB₂. Response endpoints measured at the age of 20 weeks were renal function (GFR), proteinuria, urine nitrate + nitrite (NO(x)) and glomerular histopathology. SC-236 therapy reduced surrogate markers of renal TXA₂ production during early, active glomerulonephritis. When this pharmacodynamic endpoint was reached, therapy improved GFR. Parallel reductions in markers of the innate immune response (urine NO(x)) during therapy were observed. However, the beneficial effect of SC-236 therapy on GFR was only transient, and renal histopathology was not improved in late disease. These data demonstrate that renal TXA2 production is COX2 dependent in murine LN and suggest that NO production is directly or indirectly COX2 dependent. However, COX2 inhibitor therapy in this model failed to improve renal pathology, making COX2 inhibition a less attractive approach for treating LN.

Mass spectrometric characterisation of a condensation product between porphobilinogen and indolyl-3-acryloylglycine in urine of patients with acute intermittent porphyria.

PubMed

Marcos, Josep; Ibañez, Maria; Ventura, Rosa; Segura, Jordi; To-Figueras, Jordi; Pozo, Oscar J

2015-07-01

We document the presence of a previously unknown species in the urine of patients with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP). The compound was fully characterised by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Interpretation of both full spectrum acquisition and product ion spectra acquired in positive and negative ionisation modes by quadrupole time of flight MS allowed for the identification of a condensation product arising from porphobilinogen (PBG, increased in the urine of AIP patients) and indolyl-3-acryloylglycine (IAG, derived from indolylacrylic acid and present in human urine). The structure was unequivocally confirmed through comparison between the selected reaction monitoring chromatograms obtained from the urinary species and the condensation product qualitatively synthesised in the laboratory. Owing to the large amounts of both PBG and IAG in urine of AIP patients, the possible ex vivo formation of PBG-IAG in urine samples was evaluated. The product was spontaneously formed at room temperature, at 4 °C and even during storage at -20 °C when spiking a control sample with PBG. A positive correlation was found between PBG and PBG-IAG in samples collected from AIP patients. However, no correlation was found between PBG-IAG and IAG. Purified PBG-IAG did not form the characteristic chromogen after application of p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde in HCl, thus suggesting that the current techniques used to measure PBG in urine of AIP patients based on Ehlrich's reaction do not detect this newly characterised PBG-IAG fraction. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effects of Urin Cow Dosage on Growth and Production of Sorgum Plant (Sorghum Bicolor L) on Peat Land

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Utami Lestari, Sri; Andrian, Andi

2017-12-01

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L)), is a potential cultivated plant, especially in marginal and dry areas, sorghum has an important role as a source of carbohydrates, sorghum is expected as an alternative choice for peatland cultivation, with the use of peatlands is also expected Raising awareness of the environment by cultivating more environmentally friendly plants. The aim of this research is to know the influence and get the best dosage of cow urine on growth and production of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L) plant on peat soil. The experiment was conducted experimentally by using Completely Randomized Design (RAL), with one factor, namely: Cow urine administration, given in 5 treatments and 4 replications, resulting in 20 trials. Each experimental unit consists of 4 plants and 2 plants to be sampled. The factors studied were A0 = dose of cow urine 0 cc / 1, A1 = dose of cow urine 25 cc / 1, A2 = dose of cow urine 50 cc / 1, A3 = dose of cow urine 75 cc / 1, A4 = dose Cow urine 100 cc / 1. Conclusion Giving of cow urine has significant effect on growth and production of sorghum plant which is seen on the parameters of plant height, leaf length, leaf width. While wet weight 100 seeds and dry weight of 100 seeds of sorghum plants have no significant effect. The best dose is given by A4 treatment with the best dose of 100 cc / 1.

Hydroxyethyl starch.

PubMed

Thompson, W L

1980-01-01

HES products should be designated by both their number average of molecular weight (that determines colloidal activity) and molar substitution ratios. In addition to the original HES-70/70 developed in 1960, a rapidly excreted HES-50/50 has been available since 1977. HES-70/70 and human albumin are equivalent in both healthy and hypoalbuminemia subjects in regard to maximal and total effects on plasma volume, intravascular colloidal activity and plasma concentration of ingested colloid. Albumin and HES-70/70 are extravasated at nearly equal rates. Albumin elimination is predominantly monoexponential. HES-70/70 however, is partly metabolized and partly excreted in urine at rates that decrease progressively as the amount remaining in the body decreases. HES-50/50 has maximal effects on plasma volume and colloidal activity similar to those of dextran-40, but it is eliminated twice as rapidly and unlike dextran-40, does not accumulate on repeated ingestion of large doses. HES ingestion increases apparent serum activity of alpha amylase by slowing enzyme elimination. Anaphylactoid reactions have been infrequent and mild, even on repetitive ingestion in recurrent "Phoresis" donors. The effect of HES on coagulation in urine but does not slow urine flow by hyperviscosity. Hydroxyethylation of waxy starches yields safe colloids with the advantage of permitting selective control of drug effects by altering independently molecular size and rate of enzymatic hydrolysis, tailoring drug kinetics to specific uses.

Minimum urine flow rate during water deprivation: importance of the nonurea versus total osmolality in the inner medulla.

PubMed

Soroka, S D; Chayaraks, S; Cheema-Dhadli, S; Myers, J A; Rubin, S; Sonnenberg, H; Halperin, M L

1997-06-01

Antidiuretic hormone leads to an increase in the permeability for water and urea in the inner medullary collecting duct. Hence, urea may not be an "effective" osmole in the inner medulla during maximal renal water conservation. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to evaluate whether differences in the rate of urea excretion would influence maximum renal water conservation in humans. In water-deprived rats, the concentration of urea and total osmolality were somewhat higher in the urine exiting the inner medullary collecting duct than in interstitial fluid obtained from the entire papillary tip. Nevertheless, the "nonurea" (total osmolality minus urea in millimolar terms) osmolality was virtually identical in both locations. Chronically fasted human subjects that were water-deprived for 16 h had a lower rate of urea excretion (71 +/- 7 versus 225 +/- 14 mumol/min) and a somewhat lower urine osmolality (745 +/- 53 versus 918 +/- 20 mosmol/kg H2O). Nevertheless, they had identical urine flow rates (0.5 +/- 0.01 and 0.5 +/- 0.02 ml/min, respectively), and their nonurea osmolality also was similar (587 +/- 25 and 475 +/- 14 mosmol/kg H2O, respectively) to the water-deprived normal subjects. The composition of their urine differed in that the principal nonurea osmoles became NH4+ and beta-hydroxybutyrate rather than Na and C1. During water deprivation in normal subjects, the ingestion of urea caused a twofold rise in urine flow rate, a fall in the nonurea osmolality, and a rise in the rate of excretion of nonurea osmoles. The nonurea osmolality of the urine, and presumably the medullary interstitial fluid as well, was inversely related to the urea excretion rate. In chronic fasting, the nature, but not the quantity, of nonurea osmoles changed. The similar minimum urine volume was predictable from an analysis based on nonurea osmole considerations.

9 CFR 311.37 - Odors, foreign and urine.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Odors, foreign and urine. 311.37..., foreign and urine. (a) Carcasses which give off a pronounced odor of medicinal, chemical, or other foreign substance shall be condemned. (b) Carcasses which give off a pronounced urine odor shall be condemned. (c...

9 CFR 311.37 - Odors, foreign and urine.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Odors, foreign and urine. 311.37..., foreign and urine. (a) Carcasses which give off a pronounced odor of medicinal, chemical, or other foreign substance shall be condemned. (b) Carcasses which give off a pronounced urine odor shall be condemned. (c...

9 CFR 311.37 - Odors, foreign and urine.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Odors, foreign and urine. 311.37..., foreign and urine. (a) Carcasses which give off a pronounced odor of medicinal, chemical, or other foreign substance shall be condemned. (b) Carcasses which give off a pronounced urine odor shall be condemned. (c...

9 CFR 311.37 - Odors, foreign and urine.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Odors, foreign and urine. 311.37..., foreign and urine. (a) Carcasses which give off a pronounced odor of medicinal, chemical, or other foreign substance shall be condemned. (b) Carcasses which give off a pronounced urine odor shall be condemned. (c...

16 CFR 305.4 - Prohibited acts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... DISCLOSURES REGARDING ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND WATER USE OF CERTAIN HOME APPLIANCES AND OTHER PRODUCTS REQUIRED... closets, and urinals, water use of a covered product to which a test procedure is applicable under section... showerheads, faucets, water closets and urinals, water use of such product, or cost of energy consumed by such...

16 CFR 305.4 - Prohibited acts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... DISCLOSURES REGARDING ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND WATER USE OF CERTAIN HOME APPLIANCES AND OTHER PRODUCTS REQUIRED... closets, and urinals, water use of a covered product to which a test procedure is applicable under section... showerheads, faucets, water closets and urinals, water use of such product, or cost of energy consumed by such...

16 CFR 305.4 - Prohibited acts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... DISCLOSURES REGARDING ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND WATER USE OF CERTAIN HOME APPLIANCES AND OTHER PRODUCTS REQUIRED... closets, and urinals, water use of a covered product to which a test procedure is applicable under section... showerheads, faucets, water closets and urinals, water use of such product, or cost of energy consumed by such...

Genital region cleansing wipes: Effects on urine culture contamination.

PubMed

Selek, Mehmet Burak; Bektöre, Bayhan; Sezer, Ogün; Kula Atik, Tuğba; Baylan, Orhan; Özyurt, Mustafa

2017-01-30

Urine culture is the gold standard test for revealing the microbial agent causing urinary tract infection (UTI). Culture results are affected by sampling techniques; improper sampling leads to contamination of urine and thus contamination of the culture with urogenital flora. We aimed to evaluate the effect of urogenital cleansing, performed with chlorhexidine-containing genital region cleansing wipes (GRCW) on contamination rates. A total of 2,665 patients with UTI-related complaints and with urine culture requests from various outpatient clinics were enrolled in the study. Of the patients, 1,609 in the experimental group used GRCW before sampling, while 1,046 in the control group did not use any wipes. The contamination rate in the experimental group patients was 7.7%, while it was 15.8% in the control group. Contamination rates were significantly higher in the control group than in the experimental group for both women and men. Contamination rates for children and adults were also significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group. Our study, conducted in a large population, showed that the use of chlorhexidine-containing cleansing wipes significantly reduced urine culture contamination rates in both genders, in both child and adult age groups. Using GRCW, collection of urine after urogenital area cleansing will decrease the contamination problem.

Adulterants in Urine Drug Testing.

PubMed

Fu, S

Urine drug testing plays an important role in monitoring licit and illicit drug use for both medico-legal and clinical purposes. One of the major challenges of urine drug testing is adulteration, a practice involving manipulation of a urine specimen with chemical adulterants to produce a false negative test result. This problem is compounded by the number of easily obtained chemicals that can effectively adulterate a urine specimen. Common adulterants include some household chemicals such as hypochlorite bleach, laundry detergent, table salt, and toilet bowl cleaner and many commercial products such as UrinAid (glutaraldehyde), Stealth® (containing peroxidase and peroxide), Urine Luck (pyridinium chlorochromate, PCC), and Klear® (potassium nitrite) available through the Internet. These adulterants can invalidate a screening test result, a confirmatory test result, or both. To counteract urine adulteration, drug testing laboratories have developed a number of analytical methods to detect adulterants in a urine specimen. While these methods are useful in detecting urine adulteration when such activities are suspected, they do not reveal what types of drugs are being concealed. This is particularly the case when oxidizing urine adulterants are involved as these oxidants are capable of destroying drugs and their metabolites in urine, rendering the drug analytes undetectable by any testing technology. One promising approach to address this current limitation has been the use of unique oxidation products formed from reaction of drug analytes with oxidizing adulterants as markers for monitoring drug misuse and urine adulteration. This novel approach will ultimately improve the effectiveness of the current urine drug testing programs. © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A study on the migration and transformation law of nitrogen in urine in municipal wastewater transportation and treatment.

PubMed

Wuang, Ren; Pengkang, Jin; Chenggang, Liang; Xiaochang, Wang; Lei, Zhang

2013-01-01

Many studies suggest that the total nitrogen (TN) in urine is around 9,000 mg/L and about 80% of nitrogen in municipal wastewater comes from urine, because nitrogen mainly occurs in the form of urea in fresh human urine. Based on this fact, the study on the migration and transformation law of nitrogen in urine and its influencing factors was carried out. It can be seen from the experimental results that the transformation rate of urea in urine into ammonia nitrogen after standing for 20 days is only about 18.2%, but the urea in urine can be hydrolyzed into ammonia nitrogen rapidly after it is catalyzed directly with free urease or indirectly with microorganism. Adding respectively a certain amount of urease, activated sludge and septic-tank sludge to urine samples can make the maximum transformation rate achieve 85% after 1 day, 2 days and 6 days, respectively. In combination with some corresponding treatment methods, recycling of nitrogen in urine can be achieved. The results are of great significance in guiding denitrification in municipal wastewater treatment.

The effects of thyroxine on metabolism and water balance in a desert-dwelling rodent, Merriam's kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami).

PubMed

Banta, Marilyn R; Holcombe, Dale W

2002-01-01

Desert-dwelling mammals such as Merriam's kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriani) need to conserve both energy and water to survive desert conditions characterized by aridity and low productivity. The thyroid hormone thyroxine increases both basal metabolic rate and urinary water loss in mammals. Increases in basal metabolism and urinary water loss are likely to be detrimental to D. merriami, therefore the regulation of this hormone may be important. To examine the effects of thyroxine in this species, we implanted adult kangaroo rats with pellets designed to release specific doses of thyroxine at a constant rate for 90 days or a placebo pellet. We measured plasma thyroxine concentration, basal metabolic rate, food consumption, urine concentration and water loss in all implanted animals. Thyroxine implants significantly increased both plasma thyroxine and basal metabolic rate in a relatively dose-dependent manner. In response to thyroxine. kangaroo rats increased food consumption only slightly, but this small increase was sufficient to compensate for their elevated metabolic rates. Neither urine concentration nor water loss varied among treatment groups. Thyroxine increased energy expenditure but not water loss in this species.

Urine flow is a novel hemodynamic monitoring tool for the detection of hypovolemia.

PubMed

Shamir, Micha Y; Kaplan, Leonid; Marans, Rachel S; Willner, Dafna; Klein, Yoram

2011-03-01

Noticeable changes in vital signs indicating hypovolemia occur only after 15% of the blood volume is lost. More sensitive variables (e.g., cardiac output, systolic pressure variation and its Δdown component) are invasive and difficult to obtain in the early phase of bleeding. Lately, a new technology for continuous optical measurements of minute-to-minute urine flow rates has become available. We performed a preliminary evaluation to determine whether urine flow can act as an early and sensitive warning of hypovolemia. Eleven patients (ASA physical status I-II) undergoing posterior spine fusion surgery were studied prospectively. Study variables included heart rate, blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), systolic pressure variation and Δdown, minute urinary flow, hemoglobin, blood and urinary sodium, and creatinine in the blood and urine. Urine flow rate was measured using URINFO 2000™ (FlowSense Medical, Misgav, Israel). After recording baseline variables, 10 mL/kg of the patient's blood was shed and a second set of variables was recorded. Subsequently, hypovolemia was reversed by infusing colloid solution (hetastarch 6%) followed by recording a third set of variables. These 3 observations were then compared. An average of 614 ± 143 mL (mean ± SD) of blood was shed. During phlebotomy, the mean urine flow rate decreased from 5.7 ± 8 mL/min to 1.07 ± 2.5 mL/min. Systolic blood pressure and hemoglobin also decreased. Δdown increased. After rehydration, urine flow, blood pressure, and Δdown values returned to baseline. The hemoglobin concentration decreased whereas other variables did not change significantly. Urine flow rate is a dynamic variable that seems to be a reliable indicator of changes in blood volume. These results justify further investigation.

Urea and urine are a viable and cost-effective nitrogen source for Yarrowia lipolytica biomass and lipid accumulation.

PubMed

Brabender, Matthew; Hussain, Murtaza Shabbir; Rodriguez, Gabriel; Blenner, Mark A

2018-03-01

Yarrowia lipolytica is an industrial yeast that has been used in the sustainable production of fatty acid-derived and lipid compounds due to its high growth capacity, genetic tractability, and oleaginous properties. This investigation examines the possibility of utilizing urea or urine as an alternative to ammonium sulfate as a nitrogen source to culture Y. lipolytica. The use of a stoichiometrically equivalent concentration of urea in lieu of ammonium sulfate significantly increased cell growth when glucose was used as the carbon source. Furthermore, Y. lipolytica growth was equally improved when grown with synthetic urine and real human urine. Equivalent or better lipid production was achieved when cells are grown on urea or urine. The successful use of urea and urine as nitrogen sources for Y. lipolytica growth highlights the potential of using cheaper media components as well as exploiting and recycling non-treated human waste streams for biotechnology processes.

A pilot plant two-phase anaerobic digestion system for bioenergy recovery from swine wastes and garbage.

PubMed

Feng, Chuanping; Shimada, Sadoru; Zhang, Zhenya; Maekawa, Takaaki

2008-01-01

A pilot plant bioenergy recovery system from swine waste and garbage was constructed. A series of experiments was performed using swine feces (SF); a mixture of swine feces and urine (MSFU); a mixture of swine feces, urine and garbage (MSFUG); garbage and a mixture of urine and garbage (AUG). The system performed well for treating the source materials at a high organic loading rate (OLR) and short hydraulic retention time (HRT). In particular, the biogas production for the MSFUG was the highest, accounting for approximately 865-930 L kg(-1)-VS added at the OLR of 5.0-5.3 kg-VS m(-3) day(-1) and the HRT of 9 days. The removal of VS was 67-75%, and that of COD was 73-74%. Therefore, co-digestion is a promising method for the recovery of bioenergy from swine waste and garbage. Furthermore, the results obtained from this study provide fundamental information for scaling up a high-performance anaerobic system in the future.

Association between Urinary Aflatoxin (AFM1) and Dietary Intake among Adults in Hulu Langat District, Selangor, Malaysia

PubMed Central

Sulaiman, Siti Husna

2018-01-01

Aflatoxin is a food contaminant and its exposure through the diet is frequent and ubiquitous. A long-term dietary aflatoxin exposure has been linked to the development of liver cancer in populations with high prevalence of aflatoxin contamination in foods. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the association between urinary aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a biomarker of aflatoxin exposure, with the dietary intake among adults in Hulu Langat district, Selangor, Malaysia. Certain food products have higher potential for aflatoxin contamination and these were listed in a Food Frequency Questionnaire, which was given to all study participants. This allowed us to record consumption rates for each food product listed. Concomitantly, urine samples were collected, from adults in selected areas in Hulu Langat district, for the measurement of AFM1 levels using an ELISA kit. Of the 444 urine samples collected and tested, 199 were positive for AFM1, with 37 of them exceeding the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.64 ng/mL. Cereal products showed the highest consumption level among all food groups, with an average intake of 512.54 g per day. Chi-square analysis showed that consumption of eggs (X2 = 4.77, p = 0.03) and dairy products (X2 = 19.36, p < 0.01) had significant associations with urinary AFM1 but both food groups were having a phi and Cramer’s V value that less than 0.3, which indicated that the association between these food groups’ consumption and AFM1 level in urine was weak. PMID:29642443

Effect of sodium chloride intake on urine volume, urinary urea excretion, and milk urea concentration in lactating dairy cattle.

PubMed

Spek, J W; Bannink, A; Gort, G; Hendriks, W H; Dijkstra, J

2012-12-01

Milk urea nitrogen (MUN; mg of N/dL) has been shown to be related to excretion of urinary urea N (UUN; g of N/d) and total excretion of urinary N (UN; g of N/d) in dairy cows. In the present experiment, it was hypothesized that MUN and the relationship between MUN and UUN or UN is affected by urine volume as a result of dietary sodium chloride intake. Twelve lactating Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (mean ± SD: milk production 28.1±3.23 kg/d and 190±41 d in milk), of which 4 were fitted with catheters in the urine bladder and jugular vein, were randomly assigned to 4 dietary levels of sodium chloride (3, 9, 14, and 19 g of Na/kg of DM) according to a triple 4×4 Latin square design. Cows were fed at 95% of ad libitum intake, excluding salt addition. Milk was analyzed for MUN and protein content; urine was analyzed for total N, urea, and creatinine content; feces were analyzed for total N and DM content; and blood plasma was analyzed for urea and creatinine content. Creatinine clearance rate (CCR; L/min) and renal urea reabsorption ratio were estimated based on plasma concentrations of urea and creatinine, and total excretion of urea and creatinine in urine. Intake of DM and N, milk production, and milk protein content were (mean ± SD), on average, 21.4±1.24 kg/d, 522±32.0 g/d, 25.4±2.53 kg/d, and 3.64±0.186%, respectively. A linear relationship was found between Na intake and urine production [urine (kg/d; mean ± SE)=7.5±4.33+0.136±0.0143 × Na intake (g/d)] and between Na intake and MUN [MUN (mg/dL; mean ± SE)=13.5±0.35-0.0068±0.00104 × Na intake (g/d)]. Despite the decrease in MUN with increased Na intake, UN excretion increased linearly with Na intake. Excretion of UUN was not affected by dietary Na content. A linear plateau relationship was observed between CCR and renal urea reabsorption. An increase in CCR coincided with an increase in calculated renal urea reabsorption until a CCR breakpoint value (mean ± SD) of 1.56±0.063 L/min was reached. We conclude that Na intake is negatively related to MUN, whereas UUN is not affected. Variation in mineral intake levels that affect urine volume should, therefore, be taken into account when using MUN as an indicator of UUN in dairy cattle. Copyright © 2012 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Plasma volume and renal function during and after ultramarathon running.

PubMed

Irving, R A; Noakes, T D; Burger, S C; Myburgh, K H; Querido, D; van Zyl Smit, R

1990-10-01

Plasma volume (PV) and renal function were studied in eight subjects for 3 d prior to and 6 d after a 56 km footrace. Immediately following the race, PV, creatinine clearance, and urine flow were unchanged from pre-race values. Over the subsequent 3 d, PV increased due initially to a 17 g influx of serum albumin and an associated increase in plasma sodium content, which persisted throughout the study period. A reduction in urine sodium secretion occurred during the race day. Creatinine clearance increased after the race and remained elevated for 48 h. Increases serum enzyme activities, C-reactive protein concentration, serum uric acid content, and plasma creatinine concentration and production suggest muscle damage. We suggested the following. First, the persistent post-exercise plasma volume expansion is initiated by an influx of albumin into the intravascular space with an associated increase in plasma sodium content. A decrease in urine sodium excretion during the race day would contribute to the latter. Second, the interpretation of post-race changes in serum constituents must take account of changes in plasma volume. Third, there is an increase in creatinine clearance, indicating an increase in glomerular filtration rate, after both standard and ultramarathon running. This may be caused by the products of muscle cell damage although the physiologic mechanism for this is unclear.

Adulteration of urine by "Urine Luck".

PubMed

Wu, A H; Bristol, B; Sexton, K; Cassella-McLane, G; Holtman, V; Hill, D W

1999-07-01

In vitro adulterants are used to invalidate assays for urine drugs of abuse. The present study examined the effect of pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC) found in the product "Urine Luck". PCC was prepared and added to positive urine controls at concentrations of 0, 10, 50, and 100 g/L. The controls were assayed for methamphetamine, benzoylecgonine (BE), codeine and morphine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and phencyclidine (PCP) with the Emit II (Syva) and Abuscreen Online (Roche) immunoassays, and by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Two tests were also developed to detect PCC in urine: a spot test to detect chromate ions using 10 g/L 1,5-diphenylcarbazide as the indicator, and a GC/MS assay for pyridine. We tested 150 samples submitted for routine urinalysis, compliance, and workplace drug testing for PCC, using these assays. Response rates decreased at 100 g/L PCC for all Emit II drug assays and for the Abuscreen morphine and THC assays. In contrast, the Abuscreen amphetamine assay produced apparently higher results, and no effect was seen on the results for BE or PCP. The PCC did not affect the GC/MS recovery of methamphetamine, BE, PCP, or their deuterated internal standards, but decreased GC/MS recovery of the opiates at both intermediate (50 g/L) and high (100 g/L) PCC concentrations and apparent concentrations of THC and THC-d3 at all PCC concentrations. Two of 50 samples submitted for workplace drug testing under chain-of-custody conditions were positive for PCC, whereas none of the remaining 100 specimens submitted for routine urinalysis or compliance drug testing were positive. PCC is an effective adulterant for urine drug testing of THC and opiates. Identification of PCC use can be accomplished with use of a spot test for the oxidant.

Intermittent bolus injection versus continuous infusion of furosemide in normal adult greyhound dogs.

PubMed

Adin, Darcy B; Taylor, Aaron W; Hill, Richard C; Scott, Karen C; Martin, Frank G

2003-01-01

Several studies in human subjects have demonstrated greater diuresis with constant rate infusion (CRI) furosemide than intermittent bolus (IB) furosemide. This study was conducted to compare the diuretic efficacy of the same total dose of IB furosemide and CRI furosemide in 6 healthy, adult Greyhound dogs in a randomized crossover design with a 2-week washout period between treatments. For IB administration, dogs received 3 mg/kg at 0 and 4 hours. For CRI administration, dogs received a 0.66 mg/kg loading dose followed by 0.66 mg/kg/h over 8 hours. The same volume of fluid was administered for both methods. Urine output was quantified hourly. Urine electrolyte concentrations, urine specific gravity (USG), packed cell volume (PCV), total protein (TP), serum electrolyte concentrations, total carbon dioxide (TCO2), serum creatinine (sCr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were determined every 2 hours. Urine production and water intake were greater (P < or = 0.05) for CRI than IB. Urine sodium and calcium losses were greater (P < 0.05) and urine potassium loss was less (P = 0.03) for CRI than IB, but there was no evidence of a difference between methods for urine magnesium and chloride losses. Serum chloride concentration was less (P < 0.001), sCr concentration greater (P = 0.04). TP greater (P = 0.01), and PCV greater (P = 0.003) for CRI than IB. No differences in USG, TCO2, BUN, or serum potassium, sodium, and magnesium concentrations were detected between methods. The same total dose of CRI furosemide resulted in more diuresis, natriuresis, and calciuresis and less kaliuresis than IB furosemide in these normal Greyhound dogs over 8 hours, suggesting that furosemide is a more effective diuretic when administered by CRI than by IB.

Detecting DNA methylation of the BCL2, CDKN2A and NID2 genes in urine using a nested methylation specific polymerase chain reaction assay to predict bladder cancer.

PubMed

Scher, Michael B; Elbaum, Michael B; Mogilevkin, Yakov; Hilbert, David W; Mydlo, Jack H; Sidi, A Ami; Adelson, Martin E; Mordechai, Eli; Trama, Jason P

2012-12-01

Detection of methylated DNA has been shown to be a good biomarker for bladder cancer. Bladder cancer has the highest recurrence rate of any cancer and, as such, patients are regularly monitored using invasive diagnostic techniques. As urine is easily attainable, bladder cancer is an optimal cancer to detect using DNA methylation. DNA methylation is highly specific in cancer detection. However, it is difficult to detect because of the limited amount of DNA present in the urine of patients with bladder cancer. Therefore, an improved, sensitive and noninvasive diagnostic test is needed. We developed a highly specific and sensitive nested methylation specific polymerase chain reaction assay to detect the presence of bladder cancer in small volumes of patient urine. The genes assayed for DNA methylation are BCL2, CDKN2A and NID2. The regions surrounding the DNA methylation sites were amplified in a methylation independent first round polymerase chain reaction and the amplification product from the first polymerase chain reaction was used in a real-time methylation specific polymerase chain reaction. Urine samples were collected from patients receiving treatment at Wolfson Medical Center in Holon, Israel. In a pilot clinical study using patient urine samples we were able to differentiate bladder cancer from other urogenital malignancies and nonmalignant conditions with a sensitivity of 80.9% and a specificity of 86.4%. We developed a novel methylation specific polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection and monitoring of bladder cancer using DNA extracted from patient urine. The assay may also be combined with other diagnostic tests to improve accuracy. Copyright © 2012 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Is bacteriological testing of bladder urine informative in acute obstructive pyelo- nephritis?

PubMed

Kogan, M I; Naboka, Yu L; Bedzhanyan, S K; Mitusova, E V; Gudima, I A; Morgun, P P; Vasileva, L I

2017-07-01

The problem of the etiology and pathogenesis of acute obstructive pyelonephritis (OOP) remains one of the challenging issues of modern urology. Etiological agents of pyelonephritis can be both gram-negative and gram-positive opportunistic bacteria mostly belonging to the normal flora in humans. The generally accepted diagnostic work-up involves a bacteriological testing of not pelvic urine, but of bladder urine collected by a transurethral catheter or midstream specimens of urine collected from the patients. The aim of our study was to compare the microbiota of bladder and pelvic urine in patients with OOP. The study comprised 72 sequentially selected patients (12 men and 60 women) with OOP associated with ureteral stones. Mean age of patients was 53.7+/-0.5 years. All patients underwent bacteriological examination of the bladder urine collected by a transurethral catheter and pelvic urine obtained after relieving stone-related ureteral obstruction. Urinary diversion was performed using j-j stent and PCN in 64 and 8 patients, respectively. Preoperative prophylactic antibiotics were administered routinely. Bacteriological testing of urine was carried out using an extended set (9-10) of culture media. Empirical antibiotic therapy was initiated only after the restoration of urine outflow from the kidney and continued for 5-6 days until the availability of bacteriological testing results. Levels of bacteriuria with Enterobacteria, gram-positive pathogens and NAB in two urine samples did not differ significantly (p>0.05). There was a wide range of bacteriuria from 101 to 106 CFU/ml of most microorganisms except @Proteus spp., S. aureus. In bladder urine, the rates of bacteriuria of more or equal 104 CFU/ml for E. coli, Klebsiella spp. and Proteus spp. were 90.9%, 72.7% and 100.0%, respectively. For the remaining microorganisms, predominant bacteriuria was less or equal 103 CFU/ml. In pelvic urine, the rates of bacteriuria of more or equal 104 CFU/ml for E. coli, Klebsiella spp. and Proteus spp. was 71.8%, 40.0% and 66.7%, respectively. Other uropathogens in the pelvic urine mainly had a bacterial count of less or equal 103 CFU/ml. Only the concentration of Corynebacterium spp. in the pelvic urine significantly (p=0.023) differed from that of the bladder urine. There were no significant differences between microbiota of bladder and pelvic urine depending on duration of OOP except higher rates of Corynebacterium spp. in the bladder urine.

Transformation of codeine and codeine-6-glucuronide to opioid analogues by urine adulteration with pyridinium chlorochromate: potential issue for urine drug testing.

PubMed

Luong, Susan; Ung, Alison T; Kalman, John; Fu, Shanlin

2014-07-30

Pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC) is the active ingredient of 'Urine Luck', a commercially available in vitro adulterating agent used to conceal the presence of drugs in a urine specimen. The exposure of codeine and its major glucuronide metabolite codeine-6-glucuronide (C6G) to PCC was investigated to determine whether PCC is an effective masking agent for these opiate compounds. Following the addition of PCC to both spiked and authentic codeine and C6G-positive urine specimens, the samples were monitored using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Stable reaction products were identified and characterized using high-resolution MS analysis and, where possible, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. It was determined that PCC effectively oxidizes codeine and C6G, thus altering the original codeine-to-C6G ratio in the urine specimen. Four reaction products were identified for codeine: codeinone, 14-hydroxycodeinone, 6-O-methylcodeine and 8-hydroxy-7,8-dihydrocodeinone. Similarly, three reaction products were identified for C6G: codeinone, codeine and a lactone of C6G (tentative assignment). Besides addressing the complications added to interpretation, more investigation is warranted to further determine their potential for use as markers for monitoring the presence of codeine and C6G in urine specimens adulterated with PCC. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Impact of order set design on urine culturing practices at an academic medical centre emergency department.

PubMed

Munigala, Satish; Jackups, Ronald R; Poirier, Robert F; Liang, Stephen Y; Wood, Helen; Jafarzadeh, S Reza; Warren, David K

2018-01-20

Urinalysis and urine culture are commonly ordered tests in the emergency department (ED). We evaluated the impact of removal of order sets from the 'frequently ordered test' in the computerised physician order entry system (CPOE) on urine testing practices. We conducted a before (1 September to 20 October 2015) and after (21 October to 30 November 2015) study of ED patients. The intervention consisted of retaining 'urinalysis with reflex to microscopy' as the only urine test in a highly accessible list of frequently ordered tests in the CPOE system. All other urine tests required use of additional order screens via additional mouse clicks. The frequency of urine testing before and after the intervention was compared, adjusting for temporal trends. During the study period, 6499 (28.2%) of 22 948 ED patients had ≥1 urine test ordered. Urine testing rates for all ED patients decreased in the post intervention period for urinalysis (291.5 pre intervention vs 278.4 per 1000 ED visits post intervention, P=0.03), urine microscopy (196.5vs179.5, P=0.001) and urine culture (54.3vs29.7, P<0.001). When adjusted for temporal trends, the daily culture rate per 1000 ED visits decreased by 46.6% (-46.6%, 95% CI -66.2% to -15.6%), but urinalysis (0.4%, 95% CI -30.1 to 44.4%), microscopy (-6.5%, 95% CI -36.0% to 36.6%) and catheterised urine culture rates (17.9%, 95% CI -16.9 to 67.4) were unchanged. A simple intervention of retaining only 'urinalysis with reflex to microscopy' and removing all other urine tests from the 'frequently ordered' window of the ED electronic order set decreased urine cultures ordered by 46.6% after accounting for temporal trends. Given the injudicious use of antimicrobial therapy for asymptomatic bacteriuria, findings from our study suggest that proper design of electronic order sets plays a vital role in reducing excessive ordering of urine cultures. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Renal ammonium production--une vue canadienne.

PubMed

Brosnan, J T; Lowry, M; Vinay, P; Gougoux, A; Halperin, M L

1987-04-01

The purpose of this review is to examine the factors regulating ammonium production in the kidney and to place these factors in the perspective of acid-base balance. Renal ammonium production and excretion are required to maintain acid-base balance. However, only a portion of renal ammonium production is specifically stimulated by metabolic acidosis. One should examine urinary ammonium excretion at three levels: distribution of ammonium between blood and urine, augmented glutamine metabolism, and an energy constraint due to ATP balance considerations. With respect to the biochemical regulation of acid-base renal ammonium production, an acute stimulation of alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase by a fall in pH seems to be important but this may not be the entire story. In chronic metabolic acidosis augmented glutamine entry into mitochondria (dog) or increased phosphate-dependent glutaminase activity (rat) become critical to support a high flux rate. Metabolic alterations, which diminish the rate of oxidation of alternate fuels, might also be important. The above principles are discussed in the ketoacidosis of fasting, the clinically important situation of high rates of renal ammonium production.

The method of urine sampling is not a valid predictor for vesicoureteral reflux in children after febrile urinary tract infections.

PubMed

Haid, Bernhard; Roesch, Judith; Strasser, Christa; Oswald, Josef

2017-10-01

The likelihood of detecting vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) after febrile urinary tract infections (UTI) in children logically should correlate with the correct diagnosis of the UTI. Beneath the unspecific symptoms of fever urine analysis is the main diagnostic criterion for the exact diagnosis of febrile UTIs in children. Use of inadequate urine sampling techniques during diagnosis may lead to impaired accuracy in UTI diagnosis. This could lead to the assumption that children, having diagnosed their UTI by the use of possibly inadequate urine sampling techniques should not be evaluated as consequently compared to those, where the diagnosis relied on sterile urine sampling techniques. We hypothesized that children with possibly contaminated urine samples during the initial diagnosis may show a lower rate of VUR in subsequent VCUGs because of a wrong diagnosis initially compared to children, where accurate urine sampling techniques were used. Between 2009 and 2014, a total of 555 patients underwent a primary VCUG at our department indicated because of febrile UTIs. Patients with urine collection methods other than bag urine and catheter/suprapubic aspiration (SPA) were excluded from this study (mid-stream urine, potty urine, n = 149). We evaluated 402 patients (male/female 131/271, mean age 1.91 years), VUR rates and grades were compared between patients where urine was sampled by the use of a urine bag only at the time of diagnosis (n = 296, 73.6%) and those where sterile urine sampling (catheter, suprapubic puncture) was performed (n = 106, 26.3%). 4 patients were excluded due to equivocal data on urine sampling. VUR rate in children after sterile urine sampling using a catheter or SPA accounted to 31.1%. In those where urine samples acquired by the use of urine bags were used, 33.7% showed VUR on subsequent VCUG (p = 0.718). There were no significant differences as to VUR grades or gender, although VUR was much more commonly diagnosed in female patients (37.0% vs 28.2%, p = 0.227) (Figure). Children diagnosed with their UTI by use of bag urine in our experience carried the same risk of showing a VUR in a subsequent VCUG compared to those, where the initial diagnosis relied - beneath clinical criteria - on urine samples acquired by suprapubic puncture or catheterization. Consequently urine-sampling technique during initial UTI diagnosis alone should not be used as predictor for the reliability of UTI diagnosis and should not influence the further management after UTI. Copyright © 2017 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Renal haemodynamics and natriuretic responses to intravenous administration of diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) in rat.

PubMed

Szczepańska-Konkel, M; Langner, G; Bednarczuk, G; Stiepanow-Trzeciak, A; Jankowski, M; Angielski, S

2003-06-01

Effects of Ap4A and NAD--precursor of adenosine, on renal plasma flow (RPF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urine excretion were determined in the anaesthetised rats. Infusion of Ap4A or NAD (i.v., bolus--1 micromol/kg followed by 10 nmol/min/kg) decreased RPF and GFR (by 30 and 40%, respectively). In spite of GFR reduction during Ap4A infusion, the significant increase in sodium excretion and urine flow was noticed: fractional sodium (FENa) and urine excretion (FEurine) rose 15-fold and 2.5-fold in comparison with the control value, respectively. In contrast to Ap4A, NAD-induced decrease in GFR was associated with parallel decrease in sodium and urine excretion, thus the FENa and FEurine did not significantly change. Pretreatment with adenosine deaminase (adenosine degrading enzyme, 2 U/min/kg) or theophylline (P1-receptors antagonist, 0.2 mmol/min/kg) ceased responses to NAD, whereas Ap4A-induced changes were not affected. Pre-treatment with suramin (P2-receptors antagonist, (i.v., bolus--12 mg/kg followed by 1.2 mg/min/kg) completely abolished the renal effects of Ap4A. We conclude that Ap4A may exert specific action on renal function. It acts different from NAD that modified renal function through its hydrolysis product--adenosine. Ap4A might reduce glomerular filtration rate and evoke natriuresis and diuresis, and its effects are probably mediated through stimulation of P2-receptors.

Urine therapy through the centuries.

PubMed

Savica, Vincenzo; Calò, Lorenzo A; Santoro, Domenico; Monardo, Paolo; Mallamace, Agostino; Bellinghieri, Guido

2011-01-01

Urine has always interested and attracted the attention of people. It was in fact never considered a waste product of the body but rather as a distilled product selected from the blood and containing useful substances for the care of the body. It was referred to as the "gold of the blood" and "elixir of long life," indicating its therapeutic potential. This paper reports on the practice of urine therapy since its origin attributed to the Indian culture, and briefly reviews its use through the centuries and different cultures and traditions. Records from the Egyptians to Jews, Greeks, Romans and from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance testify to the practice of urine therapy--a practice that continues to be found in more recent times, from the 18th century to the present. Experiences with the practice of urine therapy have even been discussed and shared recently in 2 different conferences: in 1996 in India and in 1999 in Germany, where people from different countries shared and presented their own research on urine therapy.

Urinary and breast milk biomarkers to assess exposure to naphthalene in pregnant women: an investigation of personal and indoor air sources

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Naphthalene exposures for most non-occupationally exposed individuals occur primarily indoors at home. Residential indoor sources include pest control products (specifically moth balls), incomplete combustion such as cigarette smoke, woodstoves and cooking, some consumer and building products, and emissions from gasoline sources found in attached garages. The study aim was to assess naphthalene exposure in pregnant women from Canada, using air measurements and biomarkers of exposure. Methods Pregnant women residing in Ottawa, Ontario completed personal and indoor air sampling, and questionnaires. During pregnancy, pooled urine voids were collected over two 24-hour periods on a weekday and a weekend day. At 2–3 months post-birth, they provided a spot urine sample and a breast milk sample following the 24-hour air monitoring. Urines were analyzed for 1-naphthol and 2-naphthol and breast milk for naphthalene. Simple linear regression models examined associations between known naphthalene sources, air and biomarker samples. Results Study recruitment rate was 11.2% resulting in 80 eligible women being included. Weekday and weekend samples were highly correlated for both personal (r = 0.83, p < 0.0001) and indoor air naphthalene (r = 0.91, p < 0.0001). Urine specific gravity (SG)-adjusted 2-naphthol concentrations collected on weekdays and weekends (r = 0.78, p < 0.001), and between pregnancy and postpartum samples (r = 0.54, p < 0.001) were correlated. Indoor and personal air naphthalene concentrations were significantly higher post-birth than during pregnancy (p < 0.0001 for signed rank tests); concurrent urine samples were not significantly different. Naphthalene in breast milk was associated with urinary 1-naphthol: a 10% increase in 1-naphthol was associated with a 1.6% increase in breast milk naphthalene (95% CI: 0.2%-3.1%). No significant associations were observed between naphthalene sources reported in self-administered questionnaires and the air or biomarker concentrations. Conclusions Median urinary concentrations of naphthalene metabolites tended to be similar to (1-naphthol) or lower (2-naphthol) than those reported in a Canadian survey of women of reproductive age. Only urinary 1-naphthol and naphthalene in breast milk were associated. Potential reasons for the lack of other associations include a lack of sources, varying biotransformation rates and behavioural differences over time. PMID:24767676

Extremes of urine osmolality - Lack of effect on red blood cell survival

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leon, H. A.; Fleming, J. E.

1980-01-01

Rats were allowed a third of normal water intake for 20 days, and food consumption decreased. The reticulocyte count indicated a suppression of erythropoiesis. Urine osmolality increased from 2,000 mosmol/kg to 3,390 mosmol/kg. Random hemolysis and senescence of a cohort of red blood cell (RBC) previously labeled with (2-(C-14)) glycine was monitored via the production of (C-14)O. Neither hemolysis nor senescence was affected. Following water restriction, the polydipsic rats generated a hypotonic urine. Urine osmolality decreased to 1,300 mosmol/kg for at least 6 days; a reticulocytosis occurred, but RBC survival was unaffected. These results contradict those previously reported, which suggest that RBC survival is influenced by the osmotic stress imposed on the RBC by extremes of urine tonicity. This discrepancy, it is concluded, is due to differences in the methods employed for measuring RBC survival. The random-labeling technique employed previously assumes a steady state between RBC production and destruction. The cohort-labeling technique used here measures hemolysis and senescence independent of changes in RBC production, which is known to be depressed by fasting.

Objective non-intrusive markers of sperm production and sexual activity

PubMed Central

Sivananthan, Thilee; Bathur, Franz; Jimenez, Mark; Conway, Ann; Idan, Amanda; Handelsman, David

2012-01-01

Objective studies of men's reproductive function are hindered by their reliance on: (i) self-reporting to quantify sexual activity and (ii) masturbation to quantify sperm output rendering both types of estimate vulnerable to unverifiable subjective factors. We therefore examined whether detection of spermatozoa and measurement of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in urine could provide objective semiquantitative estimates of sperm output and recent ejaculation, respectively, using widely available laboratory techniques. Of 11 healthy volunteers who provided urine samples before and at intervals for 5 days after ejaculation, sperm was present in 2/11 men before, and in all 11/11 samples immediately after ejaculation, but by the second and subsequent void, spermatozoa were present in ∼10%. PSA was detectable at high levels in all urine samples, peaking at the first post-ejaculatory sample but returning to baseline levels by the second post-ejaculatory void. We conclude that urinary spermatozoa and PSA are objective biomarkers for sperm production and sexual activity, but only for a short-time window until the first post-ejaculatory urine void. Hence, for a single urine specimen, the presence of spermatozoa and PSA are valid biomarkers, reflecting sperm production and recent ejaculation only until the next micturition, so their measurement should be restricted to the first morning urine void. PMID:22522506

Feasibility of collecting 24-h urine to monitor sodium intake in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey123

PubMed Central

Terry, Ana L; Cogswell, Mary E; Wang, Chia-Yih; Chen, Te-Ching; Loria, Catherine M; Wright, Jacqueline D; Zhang, Xinli; Lacher, David A; Merritt, Robert K; Bowman, Barbara A

2016-01-01

Background: Twenty-four–hour urine sodium excretion is recommended for monitoring population sodium intake. Because of concerns about participation and completion, sodium excretion has not been collected previously in US nationally representative surveys. Objective: We assessed the feasibility of implementing 24-h urine collections as part of a nationally representative survey. Design: We selected a random half sample of nonpregnant US adults aged 20–69 y in 3 geographic locations of the 2013 NHANES. Participants received explicit instructions, started and ended the urine collection in a urine study mobile examination center, and answered questions about their collection. Among those with a complete 24-h urine collection, a random one-half were asked to collect a second 24-h urine sample. Sodium, potassium, chloride, and creatinine excretion were analyzed. Results: The final NHANES examination response rate for adults aged 20–69 y in these 3 study locations was 71%. Of those examined (n = 476), 282 (59%) were randomly selected to participate in the 24-h urine collection. Of these, 212 persons [75% of those selected for 24-h urine collection; 53% (equal to 71% × 75% of those selected for the NHANES)] collected a complete initial 24-h specimen and 92 persons (85% of 108 selected) collected a second complete 24-h urine sample. More men than women completed an initial collection (P = 0.04); otherwise, completion did not vary by sociodemographic characteristics, body mass index, education, or employment status for either collection. Mean 24-h urine volume and sodium excretion were 1964 ± 1228 mL and 3657 ± 2003 mg, respectively, for the first 24-h urine sample, and 2048 ± 1288 mL and 3773 ± 1891 mg, respectively, for the second collection. Conclusion: Given the 53% final component response rate and 75% completion rate, 24-h urine collections were deemed feasible and implemented in the NHANES 2014 on a subsample of adults aged 20–69 y to assess population sodium intake. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02723682. PMID:27413136

Nocturnal Polyuria: Excess of Nocturnal Urine Production, Excess of Definitions-Influence on Renal Function Profile.

PubMed

Goessaert, An-Sofie; Walle, Johan Vande; Bosch, Ruud; Hoebeke, Piet; Everaert, Karel

2016-03-01

This study aimed to identify important differences in renal function profile, and potential water and sodium diuresis cutoffs among participants with nocturnal polyuria according to nocturnal polyuria definitions. This post hoc analysis was based on a prospective study in which participants completed a bladder diary, collected urine and provided a blood sample. With an age dependent nocturnal polyuria index greater than 20% to 33% as the referent 4 definitions of nocturnal polyuria were compared, including 1) nocturnal polyuria index greater than 33%, 2) nocturnal urine production greater than 90 ml per hour and 3) greater than 10 ml/kg, and 4) nocturia index greater than 1.5. In 112 male and female participants significant differences in baseline characteristics and bladder diary parameters were found according to definition. Diuresis rate, free water clearance and sodium clearance had similar 24-hour courses in the subgroups with and without polyuria by each definition. The range varied more in the subgroup with vs without polyuria, especially at night for diuresis rate and free water clearance. At night the latter decreased in the polyuria subgroup based on each definition (p <0.001 to 0.045). A significant difference vs the no polyuria subgroups was found only for urine production greater than 90 ml per hour and polyuria index greater than 20% to 33%. For each definition sodium clearance remained high in the polyuria subgroup, which differed significantly from the no polyuria subgroups (p <0.001 to 0.030). Free water and sodium clearance cutoffs ranged from -0.65 to -0.85 ml per minute between 12 and 2 a.m., and 0.65 to 0.77 ml per minute between 3 and 5 a.m., respectively, with large sensitivity and specificity differences according to definition. There were important differences when comparing participants with vs without nocturnal polyuria by definition. The renal function profile indicating the pathophysiological mechanism of nocturnal polyuria did not seem to be influenced by definition but free water clearance and sodium clearance cutoff sensitivity differed substantially. These results must be confirmed in a larger homogeneous sample. Copyright © 2016 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Kidney function and urine protein composition in healthy volunteers during space station fitness tests.

PubMed

Fomina, Elena V; Lisova, Natalia Iu; Kireev, Kirill S; Tiys, Evgeny S; Kononikhin, Alexey S; Larina, Irina M

2015-05-01

There is a close physiological connection between muscular activity and kidney function. During physical exercise (PE) the qualitative and quantitative composition of urine changes. This paper explores the influence of moderate PE on urine protein composition. The study of urine protein composition will help to make corrections to the existing methods of countermeasures. There were 10 healthy men who exercised on a treadmill similar to the one onboard the International Space Station. We analyzed their urinary proteome composition, potassium level, sodium level, and their level of osmotically active substances before and after PE. After moderate PE, a small increase in urine flow speed and a constant glomerular filtration rate were noted. The average-group index of total protein excretion within the urine was reliably increased. From the 148 proteins identified in the urine, 64 were associated with known tissue origin. We found that protein penetration into the urine had a positive correlation with their tissue expression. Selectivity of the glomerular barrier during PE decreased and high-molecular weight proteins penetrated through the glomerular barrier more easily after PE. Performance of moderate intensity physical exercise of short duration did not lead to an increase in the glomerular filtration rate nor did diuresis increase above the limits of baseline variability. However, the protein excretion rate increased after PE. We also observed that protein composition drift indicated a change in the set of biological processes in which a given protein participated, in some cases activating, in some cases inactivating them.

A method for estimating radioactive cesium concentrations in cattle blood using urine samples.

PubMed

Sato, Itaru; Yamagishi, Ryoma; Sasaki, Jun; Satoh, Hiroshi; Miura, Kiyoshi; Kikuchi, Kaoru; Otani, Kumiko; Okada, Keiji

2017-12-01

In the region contaminated by the Fukushima nuclear accident, radioactive contamination of live cattle should be checked before slaughter. In this study, we establish a precise method for estimating radioactive cesium concentrations in cattle blood using urine samples. Blood and urine samples were collected from a total of 71 cattle on two farms in the 'difficult-to-return zone'. Urine 137 Cs, specific gravity, electrical conductivity, pH, sodium, potassium, calcium, and creatinine were measured and various estimation methods for blood 137 Cs were tested. The average error rate of the estimation was 54.2% without correction. Correcting for urine creatinine, specific gravity, electrical conductivity, or potassium improved the precision of the estimation. Correcting for specific gravity using the following formula gave the most precise estimate (average error rate = 16.9%): [blood 137 Cs] = [urinary 137 Cs]/([specific gravity] - 1)/329. Urine samples are faster to measure than blood samples because urine can be obtained in larger quantities and has a higher 137 Cs concentration than blood. These advantages of urine and the estimation precision demonstrated in our study, indicate that estimation of blood 137 Cs using urine samples is a practical means of monitoring radioactive contamination in live cattle. © 2017 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Whole body acid-base modeling revisited.

PubMed

Ring, Troels; Nielsen, Søren

2017-04-01

The textbook account of whole body acid-base balance in terms of endogenous acid production, renal net acid excretion, and gastrointestinal alkali absorption, which is the only comprehensive model around, has never been applied in clinical practice or been formally validated. To improve understanding of acid-base modeling, we managed to write up this conventional model as an expression solely on urine chemistry. Renal net acid excretion and endogenous acid production were already formulated in terms of urine chemistry, and we could from the literature also see gastrointestinal alkali absorption in terms of urine excretions. With a few assumptions it was possible to see that this expression of net acid balance was arithmetically identical to minus urine charge, whereby under the development of acidosis, urine was predicted to acquire a net negative charge. The literature already mentions unexplained negative urine charges so we scrutinized a series of seminal papers and confirmed empirically the theoretical prediction that observed urine charge did acquire negative charge as acidosis developed. Hence, we can conclude that the conventional model is problematic since it predicts what is physiologically impossible. Therefore, we need a new model for whole body acid-base balance, which does not have impossible implications. Furthermore, new experimental studies are needed to account for charge imbalance in urine under development of acidosis. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

1-Adamantylamine a simple urine marker for screening for third generation adamantyl-type synthetic cannabinoids by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Ford, Loretta T; Berg, Jonathan D

2016-11-01

Background Synthetic cannabinoids (NOIDS) are novel psychotropic drugs (NPS) currently freely sold in the United Kingdom as 'research chemicals'. Detection of NOIDS use is not available in current routine methods. Here we describe a marker which helps determine which patients have used these substances. Methods In a test case, ultra-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UPLC-Tof) was used to screen the legal high Herbal Haze II, the contents of hand-rolled cigarettes and five patient samples for NOIDS and their metabolites. Results Analysis of legal high Herbal Haze II and cigarettes identified the third generation adamantyl-type NOIDS N-(1-adamantyl)-1-pentyl-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (AKB-48), 5F-AKB-48 and N-adamantyl-1-fluoropentylindole-3-carboxamide (STS-135). Out of 18 potential metabolites, 1-adamantylamine (C 10 H 17 N) was detected in all five urine samples. This adamantyl-type NOID marker was incorporated into our routine LC-MS/MS urine screen. Out of 14,436 random urine samples screened over eight months, 296 (2.05%) tested positive for the adamantyl-type NOID marker. Conclusion We have discovered a urine marker for identifying patients smoking legal high products containing the third generation adamantyl-type NOIDS such as AKB-48 and its fluoropentyl analogue 5F-AKB-48, which are among the most popular NOIDS currently available in legal high products sold in UK. This marker can be incorporated into routine LC-MS/MS drug screening alongside classic drugs of abuse. Positive detection rates for this new legal high marker are greater than for established classic drugs that are routinely screened such as amphetamine. This work highlights the need for a flexible toxicology screening service capable of adapting to changes in drug use such as the growing popularity of legal highs/NPS.

9 CFR 311.37 - Odors, foreign and urine.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Odors, foreign and urine. 311.37 Section 311.37 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE... INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION DISPOSAL OF DISEASED OR OTHERWISE ADULTERATED CARCASSES AND PARTS § 311.37 Odors...

Generation of cloned mice and nuclear transfer embryonic stem cell lines from urine-derived cells.

PubMed

Mizutani, Eiji; Torikai, Kohei; Wakayama, Sayaka; Nagatomo, Hiroaki; Ohinata, Yasuhide; Kishigami, Satoshi; Wakayama, Teruhiko

2016-04-01

Cloning animals by nuclear transfer provides the opportunity to preserve endangered mammalian species. However, there are risks associated with the collection of donor cells from the body such as accidental injury to or death of the animal. Here, we report the production of cloned mice from urine-derived cells collected noninvasively. Most of the urine-derived cells survived and were available as donors for nuclear transfer without any pretreatment. After nuclear transfer, 38-77% of the reconstructed embryos developed to the morula/blastocyst, in which the cell numbers in the inner cell mass and trophectoderm were similar to those of controls. Male and female cloned mice were delivered from cloned embryos transferred to recipient females, and these cloned animals grew to adulthood and delivered pups naturally when mated with each other. The results suggest that these cloned mice had normal fertility. In additional experiments, 26 nuclear transfer embryonic stem cell lines were established from 108 cloned blastocysts derived from four mouse strains including inbreds and F1 hybrids with relatively high success rates. Thus, cells derived from urine, which can be collected noninvasively, may be used in the rescue of endangered mammalian species by using nuclear transfer without causing injury to the animal.

Generation of cloned mice and nuclear transfer embryonic stem cell lines from urine-derived cells

PubMed Central

Mizutani, Eiji; Torikai, Kohei; Wakayama, Sayaka; Nagatomo, Hiroaki; Ohinata, Yasuhide; Kishigami, Satoshi; Wakayama, Teruhiko

2016-01-01

Cloning animals by nuclear transfer provides the opportunity to preserve endangered mammalian species. However, there are risks associated with the collection of donor cells from the body such as accidental injury to or death of the animal. Here, we report the production of cloned mice from urine-derived cells collected noninvasively. Most of the urine-derived cells survived and were available as donors for nuclear transfer without any pretreatment. After nuclear transfer, 38–77% of the reconstructed embryos developed to the morula/blastocyst, in which the cell numbers in the inner cell mass and trophectoderm were similar to those of controls. Male and female cloned mice were delivered from cloned embryos transferred to recipient females, and these cloned animals grew to adulthood and delivered pups naturally when mated with each other. The results suggest that these cloned mice had normal fertility. In additional experiments, 26 nuclear transfer embryonic stem cell lines were established from 108 cloned blastocysts derived from four mouse strains including inbreds and F1 hybrids with relatively high success rates. Thus, cells derived from urine, which can be collected noninvasively, may be used in the rescue of endangered mammalian species by using nuclear transfer without causing injury to the animal. PMID:27033801

Elucidation of markers for monitoring morphine and its analogs in urine adulterated with pyridinium chlorochromate.

PubMed

Luong, Susan; Kuzhiumparambil, Unnikrishnan; Fu, Shanlin

2015-09-17

Currently, procedures that identify the drugs 'destroyed' in adulterated urine specimens are very limited. This study aimed to determine the effect of pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC) on routine opiate assays and identify reaction products formed. Results/methodology: Opiate-positive urines adulterated with PCC (20 and 100 mM) were analyzed using CEDIA ® immunoassay and GC-MS. Urine and water samples spiked with 6-monoacetylmorphine, morphine and its glucuronides (10 µg/ml) and PCC (0.02-100 mM) were monitored with LC-MS, and the products characterized. PCC significantly decreased the abundance of morphine, codeine and IS. Adulterated water and urine samples containing 6-monoacetylmorphine, morphine and morphine-3-glucuronide yielded morphinone-3-glucuronide, 7,14-dihydroxy-6-monoacetylmorphine, 7,8-diketo-6-monoacetylmorphine and 7,8-diketo-morphine (tentative assignment). Reaction pathways may be different in the two matrices.

The Shape of the Urine Stream — From Biophysics to Diagnostics

PubMed Central

Wheeler, Andrew P. S.; Morad, Samir; Buchholz, Noor; Knight, Martin M.

2012-01-01

We develop a new computational model of capillary-waves in free-jet flows, and apply this to the problem of urological diagnosis in this first ever study of the biophysics behind the characteristic shape of the urine stream as it exits the urethral meatus. The computational fluid dynamics model is used to determine the shape of a liquid jet issuing from a non-axisymmetric orifice as it deforms under the action of surface tension. The computational results are verified with experimental modelling of the urine stream. We find that the shape of the stream can be used as an indicator of both the flow rate and orifice geometry. We performed volunteer trials which showed these fundamental correlations are also observed in vivo for male healthy volunteers and patients undergoing treatment for low flow rate. For healthy volunteers, self estimation of the flow shape provided an accurate estimation of peak flow rate (). However for the patients, the relationship between shape and flow rate suggested poor meatal opening during voiding. The results show that self measurement of the shape of the urine stream can be a useful diagnostic tool for medical practitioners since it provides a non-invasive method of measuring urine flow rate and urethral dilation. PMID:23091609

Design, fabrication and testing of a dual catalyst ammonia removal system for a urine VCD unit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Budinikas, P.

1980-01-01

A three-man capacity catalytic system for the recovery of water from urine was designed, constructed, and tested, it was designed to operate with feed streams containing high concentrations of urine vapor and only 5 to 7% of oxygen for the oxidation of ammonia and volatile organic vapor.It can operate either in a flow-through or a recycle mode and is capable of accepting the urine vapor produced by a vapor compression distillation evaporator. Testing consisted of short preliminary and optimization test, an endurance test of 74 hours continuous operation, and recycle tests using both air and oxygen. The system was designed for a urine processing rate of 0.86 liters/hr; however, it was tested at rates up to 1.2 liter/hr. Untreated urine evaporated by an electrically heated evaporator was used. The quality of the recovered water meets the U.S. Drinking Water Standards, with the exception of a low pH. Accumulation of solids in the urine sludge is reduced to approximately 65% of the anticipated value.

Influence of hypernatraemia and urea excretion on the ability to excrete a maximally hypertonic urine in the rat

PubMed Central

Cheema-Dhadli, Surinder; Halperin, Mitchell L

2002-01-01

Rats normally excrete 20-25 mmol of sodium (Na+) + potassium (K+) per kilogram per day. To minimize the need for a large water intake, they must excrete urine with a very high electrolyte concentration (tonicity). Our objective was to evaluate two potential factors that could influence the maximum urine tonicity, hypernatraemia and the rate of urea excretion. Balance studies were carried out in vasopressin-treated rats fed a low-electrolyte diet. In the first series, the drinking solution contained an equivalent sodium chloride (NaCl) load at 150 or 600 mmol l−1. In the second series, the maximum urine tonicity was evaluated in rats consuming 600 mmol l−1 NaCl with an 8-fold range of urea excretion. Hypernatraemia (148 ± 1 mmol l−1) developed in all rats that drank 600 mmol l−1 saline. Although the rate of Na+ + K+ excretion was similar in both saline groups, the maximum urine total cation concentration was significantly higher in the hypernatraemic group (731 ± 31 vs. 412 ± 37 mmol l−1). Only when the rate of excretion of urea was very low, was there a further increase in the maximum urine total cation concentration (1099 ± 118 mmol l−1). Thus hypernatraemia was the most important factor associated with a higher urine tonicity. PMID:12068051

Identification of the inactivating factors and mechanisms exerted on MS2 coliphage in concentrated synthetic urine.

PubMed

Oishi, Wakana; Sano, Daisuke; Decrey, Loic; Kadoya, Syunsuke; Kohn, Tamar; Funamizu, Naoyuki

2017-11-15

Volume reduction (condensation) is a key for the practical usage of human urine as a fertilizer because it enables the saving of storage space and the reduction of transportation cost. However, concentrated urine may carry infectious disease risks resulting from human pathogens frequently present in excreta, though the survival of pathogens in concentrated urine is not well understood. In this study, the inactivation of MS2 coliphage, a surrogate for single-stranded RNA human enteric viruses, in concentrated synthetic urine was investigated. The infectious titer reduction of MS2 coliphage in synthetic urine samples was measured by plaque assay, and the reduction of genome copy number was monitored by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RTqPCR). Among chemical-physical conditions such as pH and osmotic pressure, uncharged ammonia was shown to be the predominant factor responsible for MS2 inactivation, independently of urine concentration level. The reduction rate of the viral genome number varied among genome regions, but the comprehensive reduction rate of six genome regions was well correlated with that of the infectious titer of MS2 coliphage. This indicates that genome degradation is the main mechanism driving loss of infectivity, and that RT-qPCR targeting the six genome regions can be used as a culture-independent assay for monitoring infectivity loss of the coliphage in urine. MS2 inactivation rate constants were well predicted by a model using ion composition and speciation in synthetic urine samples, which suggests that MS2 infectivity loss can be estimated solely based on the solution composition, temperature and pH, without explicitly accounting for effects of osmotic pressure. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Water recovery by catalytic treatment of urine vapor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Budininkas, P.; Quattrone, P. D.; Leban, M. I.

1980-01-01

The objective of this investigation was to demonstrate the feasibility of water recovery on a man-rated scale by the catalytic processing of untreated urine vapor. For this purpose, two catalytic systems, one capable of processing an air stream containing low urine vapor concentrations and another to process streams with high urine vapor concentrations, were designed, constructed, and tested to establish the quality of the recovered water.

The effectiveness of BD Vacutainer® Plus Urinalysis Preservative Tubes in preservation of urine for chemical strip analysis and particle counting.

PubMed

Ekşioğlu, Merve Kaymak; Madenci, Özlem Çakır; Yücel, Nihal; Elçi, Abdullah; Turhan, Bülent; Orhan, Gani; Orçun, Asuman

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of urine collected in preservative tubes for chemistry strip analyses and particle counting to determine whether the transport of urine samples with all of their constituents is possible. 275 pathologic urine specimens were included. Each urine sample was evaluated after 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours of storage in BD Vacutainer(®) Plus Urinalysis Preservative (BD UAP) tubes and compared with refrigeration at 4 °C. All analyses were peformed on H-800 and FUS-200 automatic modular urine analyzers (Dirui Industry, Changchun, China). The kappa coefficients (κ), false positive (FP) and false negative (FN) rates were evaluated. κ > 0.8 was accepted as good agreement. Haemoglobin (Hb), leucocyte esterase (LE), and protein (Pro) analyses should be performed within 4 hours, whereas glucose (Glc) was stable until the end of 48 hours in both storage conditions. Nitrite (Nit) was well preserved in BD UAP tubes for 24 hours but was stable only up to 8 hours at 4 °C. Bilirubin (Bil) had very high FN rates even at 4 hours in both conditions. The particle counting showed high FN rates for white blood cells (WBC) and red blood cells (RBC), whereas squamous epithelial cells (EC) were stable up to 8 hours in both conditions. Preanalytical requirements for both urine chemical strip analyses and particle counting in a unique sample were not met in either condition. Thus, the transfer of urine samples for centralization of urinalysis is not yet feasible.

Urinary Biomarkers of Brain Diseases.

PubMed

An, Manxia; Gao, Youhe

2015-12-01

Biomarkers are the measurable changes associated with a physiological or pathophysiological process. Unlike blood, urine is not subject to homeostatic mechanisms. Therefore, greater fluctuations could occur in urine than in blood, better reflecting the changes in human body. The roadmap of urine biomarker era was proposed. Although urine analysis has been attempted for clinical diagnosis, and urine has been monitored during the progression of many diseases, particularly urinary system diseases, whether urine can reflect brain disease status remains uncertain. As some biomarkers of brain diseases can be detected in the body fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid and blood, there is a possibility that urine also contain biomarkers of brain diseases. This review summarizes the clues of brain diseases reflected in the urine proteome and metabolome. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Production and hosting by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Kidney Tests

MedlinePlus

... taking out waste products and making urine. Kidney tests check to see how well your kidneys are working. They include blood, urine, and imaging tests. Early kidney disease usually does not have signs ...

The effect of plum juice on the prevention of struvite calculus formation in vitro.

PubMed

Zhu, Huaijun; Sun, Xizhao; Lu, Jianlin; Wang, Meihua; Fang, Yun; Ge, Weihong

2012-10-01

To evaluate the effect of plum juice on struvite calculus formation in vitro and to explore the effect of plum juice on urease-producing bacteria and urease activity. The compliance of available drugs is low for struvite calculus after surgical treatment and functional food may represent a good choice as an alternative therapy. Antibacterial activity was assessed using a microdilution antimicrobial susceptibility test. Urease activity was determined by measuring ammonia production. Struvite crystals were induced by Proteus mirabilis in artificial urine with natural and pH-adjusted plum juice. The optical density (OD)(600) and pH of artificial urine were examined, as well the shape and weights of crystals. Natural plum juice showed an antibacterial effect on urease-producing bacteria, whereas the pH-adjusted juice did not. A concentration-dependent inhibition on urease activity was found for both natural and pH-adjusted juice. Natural plum juice at a high concentration of 0.5% showed an obvious inhibition on the increase of OD(600) and pH of the artificial urine, and crystal formation was prevented by up to or more than 8 h, depending on the concentration of juice. Crystal weight in the natural plum juice groups was decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. The pH-adjusted plum juice did not show any effect on OD(600) and pH, although the presence of juice changed the crystal habit, indicating that the juice slowed the growth rate of crystals. Natural plum juice at high and moderate concentrations prevented the formation of P. mirabilis-induced crystals for up to 8 h in artificial urine. Although pH-adjusted and low-concentration natural juice did not prevent the occurrence of crystals, both types of juice slowed their growth rate.

UV/H2O2 and UV/PDS Treatment of Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole in Synthetic Human Urine: Transformation Products and Toxicity.

PubMed

Zhang, Ruochun; Yang, Yongkui; Huang, Ching-Hua; Li, Na; Liu, Hang; Zhao, Lin; Sun, Peizhe

2016-03-01

Elimination of pharmaceuticals in source-separated human urine is a promising approach to minimize the pharmaceuticals in the environment. Although the degradation kinetics of pharmaceuticals by UV/H2O2 and UV/peroxydisulfate (PDS) processes has been investigated in synthetic fresh and hydrolyzed urine, comprehensive evaluation of the advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), such as product identification and toxicity testing, has not yet been performed. This study identified the transformation products of two commonly used antibiotics, trimethoprim (TMP) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX), by UV/H2O2 and UV/PDS in synthetic urine matrices. The effects of reactive species, including •OH, SO4(•-), CO3(•-), and reactive nitrogen species, on product generation were investigated. Multiple isomeric transformation products of TMP and SMX were observed, especially in the reaction with hydroxyl radical. SO4(•-) and CO3(•-) reacted with pharmaceuticals by electron transfer, thus producing similar major products. The main reactive species deduced on the basis of product generation are in good agreement with kinetic simulation of the advanced oxidation processes. A strain identified as a polyphosphate-accumulating organism was used to investigate the antimicrobial activity of the pharmaceuticals and their products. No antimicrobial property was detected for the transformation products of either TMP or SMX. Acute toxicity employing luminescent bacterium Vibrio qinghaiensis indicated 20-40% higher inhibitory effect of TMP and SMX after treatment. Ecotoxicity was estimated by quantitative structure-activity relationship analysis using ECOSAR.

Fluid balance, glomerular filtration rate, and urine output in dogs anesthetized for an orthopedic surgical procedure.

PubMed

Boscan, Pedro; Pypendop, Bruno H; Siao, Kristine T; Francey, Thierry; Dowers, Kristy; Cowgill, Larry; Ilkiw, Jan E

2010-05-01

To determine fluid retention, glomerular filtration rate, and urine output in dogs anesthetized for a surgical orthopedic procedure. 23 dogs treated with a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy. 12 dogs were used as a control group. Cardiac output was measured in 5 dogs, and 6 dogs received carprofen for at least 14 days. Dogs received oxymorphone, atropine, propofol, and isoflurane for anesthesia (duration, 4 hours). Urine and blood samples were obtained for analysis every 30 minutes. Lactated Ringer's solution was administered at 10 mL/kg/h. Urine output was measured and glomerular filtration rate was estimated. Fluid retention was measured by use of body weight, fluid balance, and bioimpedance spectroscopy. No difference was found among control, cardiac output, or carprofen groups, so data were combined. Median urine output and glomerular filtration rate were 0.46 mL/kg/h and 1.84 mL/kg/min. Dogs retained a large amount of fluids during anesthesia, as indicated by increased body weight, positive fluid balance, increased total body water volume, and increased extracellular fluid volume. The PCV, total protein concentration, and esophageal temperature decreased in a linear manner. Dogs anesthetized for a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy retained a large amount of fluids, had low urinary output, and had decreased PCV, total protein concentration, and esophageal temperature. Evaluation of urine output alone in anesthetized dogs may not be an adequate indicator of fluid balance.

Evaluation of the Toxicokinetic Study of 1,2-Propanediol Dinitrate (PGDN) in the Dog.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-05-01

Values as high as 50% contributed to a delayed drug effect of increased heart rate. Urine production, presumably changed due to blood pressure...Andersen and Mehl (1973) compared the effects of acute doses of PGDN and triethylene glycol dinitrate in rats, mice and guinea pigs. Although both...death when exposure ceases. Additional metabolic effects of PGDN and similar compounds were noted by Komura (1974). Here, ethanol preference and

Impact of Prolonged Fasting on the Risk of Calcium Phosphate Precipitation in the Urine: Calcium Phosphate Lithogenesis during Prolonged Fasting in a Healthy Cohort.

PubMed

Shafiee, Mohammad A; Aarabi, Mehdi; Shaker, Pouyan; Ghafarian, Amir M; Chamanian, Pouyan; Halperin, Mitchell L

2018-03-02

Intermittent fasting and curtailing water intake for extended periods were likely common in Paleolithic times. Today it occurs for religious and dietary reasons. This restriction in intake should cause a decrease in the urine flow rate while raising the concentration of certain substances in urine to the point of precipitation. In this study we measured the risk of CaHPO 4 precipitation following 18 hours of food and water deprivation. Urine samples were periodically collected from 15 healthy subjects who fasted and abstained from drinking any liquid for 18 hours. The urine constituents Ca 2+ , HPO 4 2- and pH involved in CaHPO 4 formation were measured at various times throughout the fasting day. A comparison was made with control data, which consisted of diurnal urine collections taken throughout a separate nonfasting day prior to the fasting day. The mean ± SEM urine flow rate decreased significantly from 0.93 ± 0.1 ml per minute in the control group to 0.37 ± 0.05 ml per minute in the fasting group (p <0.05). Mean Na + and Ca 2+ excretion rates decreased significantly from 127 ± 12 to 54 ± 13 μmol per minute and from 3.2 ± 0.4 to 0.80 ± 0.21, respectively. Mean urinary Na + and Ca 2+ concentrations also decreased from 161 ± 11.6 to 122 ± 16.0 mmol/l and from 3.7 ± 0.5 to 2.0 ± 0.55, respectively. Urinary pH and the concentration of phosphate, citrate and magnesium were not significantly affected. Although the steady decrease in the urine flow rate was statistically significant during 18 hours of food and water deprivation, there was no evidence that the calculated risk of CaHPO 4 precipitation in the healthy subjects had increased. Copyright © 2018 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Detection of the designer benzodiazepine metizolam in urine and preliminary data on its metabolism.

PubMed

Kintz, Pascal; Richeval, Camille; Jamey, Carole; Ameline, Alice; Allorge, Delphine; Gaulier, Jean-Michel; Raul, Jean-Sébastien

2017-07-01

Designer benzodiazepines provide an attractive alternative to prescribed benzodiazepines for abuse purposes as they are readily available via the Internet without control. Metizolam was ordered via the Internet and a 2 mg blue tablet was orally administered to a 54-year-old man. Urine samples were collected over 6 days in polypropylene tubes. After liquid/liquid extraction at pH 9.5, metizolam was analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) using a standard method devoted to benzodiazepines, and ions transitions, at m/z 328.9 > 275.0 and 328.9 > 300.0. Metizolam was detectable in hydrolyzed urine during the 46-h period, with concentrations always lower than 11 ng/mL. About 0.3% of the initial dose was excreted in urines as total unchanged metizolam during the first 24 h. The most relevant potential CYP- and UGT-dependent metabolites of metizolam were investigated in vitro using human liver microsome incubation and, subsequently, liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) analysis. Three mono-hydroxylated metabolites were produced including a hydroxylation compound at the 2-ethyl moiety of metizolam (M1) as quantitatively main metabolite, and a N-hydroxymetiazolam (M2). The structure of the third metabolite (M3) could not be elucidated because of a too low experimental production rate. Two authentic urine samples were analyzed using the same analytical method to search for metabolites of metizolam. M1, together with its glucuronide (M1-Glu), and M2 were observed in urine at the 8 h mark, whereas only M1 and M1-Glu were still detected in urine at 30 h post administration. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Ammonium sorption and ammonia inhibition of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria explain contrasting soil N2O production

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Better understanding of process controls over nitrous oxide (N2O) production in urine-impacted ‘hot spots’ and fertilizer bands is needed to improve mitigation strategies and emission models. Following amendment with bovine (Bos taurus) urine (Bu) or urea (Ur), we measured inorganic N, pH, N2O, and...

21 CFR 862.1285 - Etiocholanolone test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... intended to measure etiocholanolone in serum and urine. Etiocholanolone is a metabolic product of the hormone testosterone and is excreted in the urine. Etiocholanolone measurements are used in the diagnosis...

Loxoprofen sodium treatment for elderly men with refractory nocturia: effect on night-time urine production.

PubMed

Okada, Shinsuke; Watanabe, Hideki; Kojima, Yoshiyuki; Yanai, Yoshimasa; Sasaki, Shoichi; Kohri, Kenjiro

2008-05-01

We evaluated the efficacy of loxoprofen sodium for refractory nocturia. Twelve men (mean age, 75.1 +/- 5.7) with nocturia were enrolled in this study. All patients received 60 mg loxoprofen sodium prior to sleeping at night for 14 days. Nine of 12 patients (75%) felt more satisfaction than previous treatments. Patients were grouped into a loxoprofen sodium-effective (n = 7) and ineffective groups (n = 5) based on the results of the frequency-volume chart. In the effective group, interestingly, night-time urine volume showed significant reduction (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the average single voided volume at night and 24-h urine volume showed no significant change. There was a statistically significant difference in the night-time urine volume after treatment between groups (P < 0.01). Loxoprofen sodium is an effective treatment for some patients with refractory nocturia. The main effect mechanism of loxoprofen sodium may involve the reduction of night-time urine production.

Estimating the Rate of Occurrence of Renal Stones in Astronauts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Myers, J.; Goodenow, D.; Gokoglu, S.; Kassemi, M.

2016-01-01

Changes in urine chemistry, during and post flight, potentially increases the risk of renal stones in astronauts. Although much is known about the effects of space flight on urine chemistry, no inflight incidence of renal stones in US astronauts exists and the question "How much does this risk change with space flight?" remains difficult to accurately quantify. In this discussion, we tackle this question utilizing a combination of deterministic and probabilistic modeling that implements the physics behind free stone growth and agglomeration, speciation of urine chemistry and published observations of population renal stone incidences to estimate changes in the rate of renal stone presentation. The modeling process utilizes a Population Balance Equation based model developed in the companion IWS abstract by Kassemi et al. (2016) to evaluate the maximum growth and agglomeration potential from a specified set of urine chemistry values. Changes in renal stone occurrence rates are obtained from this model in a probabilistic simulation that interrogates the range of possible urine chemistries using Monte Carlo techniques. Subsequently, each randomly sampled urine chemistry undergoes speciation analysis using the well-established Joint Expert Speciation System (JESS) code to calculate critical values, such as ionic strength and relative supersaturation. The Kassemi model utilizes this information to predict the mean and maximum stone size. We close the assessment loop by using a transfer function that estimates the rate of stone formation from combining the relative supersaturation and both the mean and maximum free stone growth sizes. The transfer function is established by a simulation analysis which combines population stone formation rates and Poisson regression. Training this transfer function requires using the output of the aforementioned assessment steps with inputs from known non-stone-former and known stone-former urine chemistries. Established in a Monte Carlo system, the entire renal stone analysis model produces a probability distribution of the stone formation rate and an expected uncertainty in the estimate. The utility of this analysis will be demonstrated by showing the change in renal stone occurrence predicted by this method using urine chemistry distributions published in Whitson et al. 2009. A comparison to the model predictions to previous assessments of renal stone risk will be used to illustrate initial validation of the model.

Measurements of C-reactive protein (CRP) and nerve-growth-factor (NGF) concentrations in serum and urine samples of dogs with neurologic disorders.

PubMed

Kordass, Ulrike; Carlson, Regina; Stein, Veronika Maria; Tipold, Andrea

2016-01-08

The purpose of this study was to prove the hypothesis that C-reactive protein (CRP) and nerve growth factor (NGF) may be potential biomarkers for lower urinary tract disorders and may be able to distinguish between micturition dysfunctions of different origin in dogs with spinal cord diseases. NGF- and CRP- concentrations were measured in serum and urine samples using specific ELISA-Kits. Results in urine were standardized by urine-creatinine levels. CRP in serum was detectable in 32/76 and in urine samples in 40/76 patients. NGF could be measured in all serum and in 70/76 urine samples. Urinary CRP concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with micturition dysfunction (p = 0.0009) and in dogs with different neurological diseases (p = 0.0020) compared to the control group. However, comparing dogs with spinal cord disorders with and without associated micturition dysfunction no significant difference could be detected for NGF and CRP values in urine or serum samples. Additionally, levels did not decrease significantly, when measured at the time when the dogs regained the ability to urinate properly (urinary NGF p = 0.7962; urinary CRP p = 0.078). Urine samples with bacteria and/or leukocytes had no significant increase in urinary NGF (p = 0.1112) or CRP (p = 0.0534) concentrations, but higher CRP-levels in urine from dogs with cystitis were found compared to dogs without signs of cystitis. From these data we conclude that neither CRP nor NGF in urine or serum can be considered as reliable biomarkers for micturition disorders in dogs with spinal cord disorders in a clinical setting, but their production might be part of the pathogenesis of such disorders. Significantly higher levels of CRP could be found in the urine of dogs with micturition dysfunctions compared to control dogs. This phenomenon could potentially be explained by unspecific extrahepatic CRP production by smooth muscle cells in the dilated bladder.

Pathogens and pharmaceuticals in source-separated urine in eThekwini, South Africa.

PubMed

Bischel, Heather N; Özel Duygan, Birge D; Strande, Linda; McArdell, Christa S; Udert, Kai M; Kohn, Tamar

2015-11-15

In eThekwini, South Africa, the production of agricultural fertilizers from human urine collected from urine-diverting dry toilets is being evaluated at a municipality scale as a way to help finance a decentralized, dry sanitation system. The present study aimed to assess a range of human and environmental health hazards in source-separated urine, which was presumed to be contaminated with feces, by evaluating the presence of human pathogens, pharmaceuticals, and an antibiotic resistance gene. Composite urine samples from households enrolled in a urine collection trial were obtained from urine storage tanks installed in three regions of eThekwini. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeted 9 viral and 10 bacterial human pathogens transmitted by the fecal-oral route. The most frequently detected viral pathogens were JC polyomavirus, rotavirus, and human adenovirus in 100%, 34% and 31% of samples, respectively. Aeromonas spp. and Shigella spp. were frequently detected gram negative bacteria, in 94% and 61% of samples, respectively. The gram positive bacterium, Clostridium perfringens, which is known to survive for extended times in urine, was found in 72% of samples. A screening of 41 trace organic compounds in the urine facilitated selection of 12 priority pharmaceuticals for further evaluation. The antibiotics sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, which are frequently prescribed as prophylaxis for HIV-positive patients, were detected in 95% and 85% of samples, reaching maximum concentrations of 6800 μg/L and 1280 μg/L, respectively. The antiretroviral drug emtricitabine was also detected in 40% of urine samples. A sulfonamide antibiotic resistance gene (sul1) was detected in 100% of urine samples. By coupling analysis of pathogens and pharmaceuticals in geographically dispersed samples in eThekwini, this study reveals a range of human and environmental health hazards in urine intended for fertilizer production. Collection of urine offers the benefit of sequestering contaminants from environmental release and allows for targeted treatment of potential health hazards prior to agricultural application. The efficacy of pathogen and pharmaceutical inactivation, transformation or removal during urine nutrient recovery processes is thus briefly reviewed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An assessment of the effect of human faeces and urine on maize production and water productivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guzha, Edward; Nhapi, Innocent; Rockstrom, Johan

The key challenge facing many catchment authorities in Zimbabwe and elsewhere is the challenge of feeding the growing populations within their catchment boundaries. Modern agricultural practices continue to mine valuable crop nutrients through increased food production to satisfy ever-increasing food demand. In recent diagnostic survey of smallholder agricultural sector in the Manyame catchments of Zimbabwe it was revealed that exhausted soils depleted of their natural mineral and organic constituents by many years of cropping with little fertilization or manuring were the major factors contributing to low yields and poor food security in this sector in Zimbabwe. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of using sanitized human excreta on maize production and water productivity. The study involved six volunteer farmers with four 10 m × 10 m trial plots each with the following treatments the control, commercial fertilizer treatment urine only plot, and the feacal matter and urine plot. Harvest determination was carried by weighing the yield from each of the treatment plots and comparisons done. Water productivity was computed by calculating the amount of water used to produce a tone of maize per ha. The study showed that human excreta improves maize crop production and water productivity in rain-fed agriculture. The study recommends that the ecological sanitation concept and the reuse of human excreta both humanure and (ecofert) urine can be considered as alternative excreta management options in catchment areas.

Detection and identification of 2-nitro-morphine and 2-nitro-morphine-6-glucuronide in nitrite adulterated urine specimens containing morphine and its glucuronides.

PubMed

Luong, Susan; Fu, Shanlin

2014-03-01

In vitro urine adulteration is a well-documented practice adopted by individuals aiming to evade detection of drug use, when required to undergo mandatory sports and workplace drug testing. Potassium nitrite is an effective urine adulterant due to its oxidizing potential, and has been shown to mask the presence of many drugs of abuse. However, limited research has been conducted to understand its mechanism of action, and to explore the possibility of the drugs undergoing direct oxidation to form stable reaction products. In this study, opiates including morphine, codeine, morphine-3-glucuronide and morphine-6-glucuronide were exposed to potassium nitrite in water and urine to mimic the process of nitrite adulteration. It was found that two stable reaction products were detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) when morphine and morphine-6-glucuronide were exposed to nitrite. Isolation and elucidation using spectrometric and spectroscopic techniques revealed that they were 2-nitro-morphine and 2-nitro-morphine-6-glucuronide, respectively. These reaction products were also formed when an authentic morphine-positive urine specimen was fortified with nitrite. 2-Nitro-morphine was found to be stable enough to undergo the enzymatic hydrolysis procedure and also detectable by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) after forming a trimethylsilyl derivative. On the contrary, morphine-3-glucuronide did not appear to be chemically manipulated when exposed to potassium nitrite in urine. These reaction products are not endogenously produced, are relatively stable and can be monitored with both LC-MS and GC-MS confirmatory techniques. As a result, these findings have revealed the possibility for the use of 2-nitro-morphine and 2-nitro-morphine-6-glucuronide as markers for the indirect monitoring of morphine and morphine-6-glucuronide in urine specimens adulterated with nitrite. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Phthalate metabolites in Norwegian mothers and children: Levels, diurnal variation and use of personal care products.

PubMed

Sakhi, Amrit Kaur; Sabaredzovic, Azemira; Cequier, Enrique; Thomsen, Cathrine

2017-12-01

Exposure to phthalates has been associated with reproductive and developmental toxicity. Data on levels of these compounds in the Norwegian population is limited. In this study, urine samples were collected from 48 mothers and their children in two counties in Norway. Eleven different phthalate metabolites originating from six commonly used phthalates in consumer products were determined. Concentrations of phthalate metabolites were significantly higher in children compared to mothers except for mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP). The mothers provided several urine samples during 24hours (h) and diurnal variation showed that the concentrations in the morning urine samples (24-8h) were significantly higher than at other time-periods for most of the phthalate metabolites. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for 24-hour time-period were in the range of 0.49-0.81. These moderate to high ICCs indicate that one spot urine sample can be used to estimate the exposure to phthalates. Since a significant effect of time of day was observed, it is still advisable to standardize the collection time point to reduce the variation. For the mothers, the use of personal care products (PCPs) were less associated with morning urine samples than early day (8-12h) and evening (16-24h) urine samples. The use of perfume and hair products were positively associated with the urinary concentrations of low molecular weight phthalates. Use of shower soap and shampoo were positively associated with urinary concentration of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolites. For children, face cream use was positively associated with phthalate metabolites in the morning samples, and hand soap use was negatively associated with concentration of urinary DEHP metabolites in afternoon/evening samples. Since different PCPs were associated with the urinary phthalate metabolites in different time-periods during a day, more than one spot urine sample might be required to study associations between urinary phthalate metabolites and the use of PCPs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Maintenance energy requirement of llamas.

PubMed

Carmean, B R; Johnson, K A; Johnson, D E; Johnson, L W

1992-09-01

Five castrated male llamas (mean body weight, 94 kg) were studied in an energy balance trial to determine maintenance energy requirement of llamas. Llamas were fed a 50% oat hay-50% pelleted concentrate diet (2.43 Mcal of metabolizable energy/kg of diet dry matter) at approximately 1.6% of body weight (BW). An 8-day total collection digestion trial was used to determine fecal and urine energy losses. Heat production and methane emissions were determined via indirect respiration calorimetry measurements on each llama fed at the same level of intake as during the digestion trial and subsequently on days 3 and 4 of a period of nonfeeding. Fecal, urine, and methane energy losses of the llamas fed near-maintenance intake were 32.5, 3.5, and 7.1% of gross energy intake, respectively. The postabsorptive metabolic rate, commonly called nonfed (fasting) heat production, was 59.3 kcal/BW0.75. Using a linear relation between postabsorptive and maintenance energy requirement and efficiency of energy use below maintenance of 0.702, metabolizable energy requirement at maintenance was determined to be 84.5 kcal/BW0.75.

Pretreated animal and human waste as a substantial nutrient source for cultivation of microalgae for biodiesel production.

PubMed

Kumar, Vinod; Kumar, Akshay; Nanda, Manisha

2018-05-25

The use of human and animal wastes for fertilization of aquaculture ponds has been practiced for thousands of years. In the present work, we have used the excreta (human urine, poultry waste, cow dung, and urine) as a nutrient source for the cultivation of Chlorella singularis, Micractinium pusillum, and Chlorella sorokiniana strains of microalgae. Different solid wastes were treated with 60 mM H 2 SO 4 for the extraction of nutrients. After treatment, the supernatant of different solid wastes and liquid waste were diluted 5, 10, 15, and 20% to be used as a media for the cultivation of microalgae. Chlorella sorokiniana was able to grow in all concentration of excreta media. The maximum growth rate 140 ± 3.1 mg/L/day and lipid production (45.5 ± 2.3 mg/L/day) was obtained in 20% poultry. Among the different excreta media used for cultivation of microalgae, poultry media displayed the best results and thus, should be used for large scale cultivation of microalgae.

The effectiveness of BD Vacutainer® Plus Urinalysis Preservative Tubes in preservation of urine for chemical strip analysis and particle counting

PubMed Central

Ekşioğlu, Merve Kaymak; Madenci, Özlem Çakır; Yücel, Nihal; Elçi, Abdullah; Turhan, Bülent; Orhan, Gani; Orçun, Asuman

2016-01-01

Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of urine collected in preservative tubes for chemistry strip analyses and particle counting to determine whether the transport of urine samples with all of their constituents is possible. Materials and methods 275 pathologic urine specimens were included. Each urine sample was evaluated after 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours of storage in BD Vacutainer® Plus Urinalysis Preservative (BD UAP) tubes and compared with refrigeration at 4 °C. All analyses were peformed on H-800 and FUS-200 automatic modular urine analyzers (Dirui Industry, Changchun, China). The kappa coefficients (κ), false positive (FP) and false negative (FN) rates were evaluated. κ > 0.8 was accepted as good agreement. Results Haemoglobin (Hb), leucocyte esterase (LE), and protein (Pro) analyses should be performed within 4 hours, whereas glucose (Glc) was stable until the end of 48 hours in both storage conditions. Nitrite (Nit) was well preserved in BD UAP tubes for 24 hours but was stable only up to 8 hours at 4 °C. Bilirubin (Bil) had very high FN rates even at 4 hours in both conditions. The particle counting showed high FN rates for white blood cells (WBC) and red blood cells (RBC), whereas squamous epithelial cells (EC) were stable up to 8 hours in both conditions. Conclusions Preanalytical requirements for both urine chemical strip analyses and particle counting in a unique sample were not met in either condition. Thus, the transfer of urine samples for centralization of urinalysis is not yet feasible. PMID:27346967

Microbial ureolysis in the seawater-catalysed urine phosphorus recovery system: Kinetic study and reactor verification.

PubMed

Tang, Wen-Tao; Dai, Ji; Liu, Rulong; Chen, Guang-Hao

2015-12-15

Our previous study has confirmed the feasibility of using seawater as an economical precipitant for urine phosphorus (P) precipitation. However, we still understand very little about the ureolysis in the Seawater-based Urine Phosphorus Recovery (SUPR) system despite its being a crucial step for urine P recovery. In this study, batch experiments were conducted to investigate the kinetics of microbial ureolysis in the seawater-urine system. Indigenous bacteria from urine and seawater exhibited relatively low ureolytic activity, but they adapted quickly to the urine-seawater mixture during batch cultivation. During cultivation, both the abundance and specific ureolysis rate of the indigenous bacteria were greatly enhanced as confirmed by a biomass-dependent Michaelis-Menten model. The period for fully ureolysis was decreased from 180 h to 2.5 h after four cycles of cultivation. Based on the successful cultivation, a lab-scale SUPR reactor was set up to verify the fast ureolysis and efficient P recovery in the SUPR system. Nearly complete urine P removal was achieved in the reactor in 6 h without adding any chemicals. Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (TRFLP) analysis revealed that the predominant groups of bacteria in the SUPR reactor likely originated from seawater rather than urine. Moreover, batch tests confirmed the high ureolysis rates and high phosphorus removal efficiency induced by cultivated bacteria in the SUPR reactor under seawater-to-urine mixing ratios ranging from 1:1 to 9:1. This study has proved that the enrichment of indigenous bacteria in the SUPR system can lead to sufficient ureolytic activity for phosphate precipitation, thus providing an efficient and economical method for urine P recovery. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Urine podocyte mRNAs mark disease activity in IgA nephropathy

PubMed Central

Fukuda, Akihiro; Sato, Yuji; Iwakiri, Takashi; Komatsu, Hiroyuki; Kikuchi, Masao; Kitamura, Kazuo; Wiggins, Roger C.; Fujimoto, Shouichi

2015-01-01

Background Podocyte depletion is a major mechanism driving glomerulosclerosis. We and others have previously projected from model systems that podocyte-specific mRNAs in the urine pellet might serve as glomerular disease markers. We evaluated IgA nephropathy (IgAN) to test this concept. Methods From 2009 to 2013, early morning voided urine samples and kidney biopsies from IgAN patients (n = 67) were evaluated in comparison with urine samples from healthy age-matched volunteers (n = 28). Urine podocyte (podocin) mRNA expressed in relation to either urine creatinine concentration or a kidney tubular marker (aquaporin 2) was tested as markers. Results Urine podocyte mRNAs were correlated with the severity of active glomerular lesions (segmental glomerulosclerosis and acute extracapillary proliferation), but not with non-glomerular lesions (tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis) or with clinical parameters of kidney injury (serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate), or with degree of accumulated podocyte loss at the time of biopsy. In contrast, proteinuria correlated with all histological and clinical markers. Glomerular tuft podocyte nuclear density (a measure of cumulative podocyte loss) correlated with tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis, estimated-glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria, but not with urine podocyte markers. In a subset of the IgA cohort (n = 19, median follow-up period = 37 months), urine podocyte mRNAs were significantly decreased after treatment, in contrast to proteinuria which was not significantly changed. Conclusions Urine podocyte mRNAs reflect active glomerular injury at a given point in time, and therefore provide both different and additional clinical information that can complement proteinuria in the IgAN decision-making paradigm. PMID:25956757

Architecture of vasa recta in the renal inner medulla of the desert rodent Dipodomys merriami: potential impact on the urine concentrating mechanism.

PubMed

Issaian, Tadeh; Urity, Vinoo B; Dantzler, William H; Pannabecker, Thomas L

2012-10-01

We hypothesize that the inner medulla of the kangaroo rat Dipodomys merriami, a desert rodent that concentrates its urine to over 6,000 mosmol/kg H(2)O, provides unique examples of architectural features necessary for production of highly concentrated urine. To investigate this architecture, inner medullary vascular segments in the outer inner medulla were assessed with immunofluorescence and digital reconstructions from tissue sections. Descending vasa recta (DVR) expressing the urea transporter UT-B and the water channel aquaporin 1 lie at the periphery of groups of collecting ducts (CDs) that coalesce in their descent through the inner medulla. Ascending vasa recta (AVR) lie inside and outside groups of CDs. DVR peel away from vascular bundles at a uniform rate as they descend the inner medulla, and feed into networks of AVR that are associated with organized clusters of CDs. These AVR form interstitial nodal spaces, with each space composed of a single CD, two AVR, and one or more ascending thin limbs or prebend segments, an architecture that may lead to solute compartmentation and fluid fluxes essential to the urine concentrating mechanism. Although we have identified several apparent differences, the tubulovascular architecture of the kangaroo rat inner medulla is remarkably similar to that of the Munich Wistar rat at the level of our analyses. More detailed studies are required for identifying interspecies functional differences.

Analysis of Urine as Indicators of Specific Body Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dey, Souradeep; Saha, Triya; Narendrakumar, Uttamchand

2017-11-01

Urinalysis can be defined as a procedure for examining various factors of urine, which include physical properties, particulate matter, cells, casts, crystals, organisms and solutes. Urinalysis is recommended to be a part of the initial examination of all patients as its cheap, feasible and gives productive results. This paper focuses on the analysis of urine collected at specific body conditions. Here we illustrate the urine profile of different persons having various body conditions, which include, having urinary tract infection, undergoing strenuous exercise, having back pain regularly, having very low urine output and a person who is on 24 hours of diet. Examination of urine collected from different persons having specific body conditions usually helps us in the diagnosis of various diseases, which it indicates.

Ultrasonic-based membrane aided sample preparation of urine proteomes.

PubMed

Jesus, Jemmyson Romário; Santos, Hugo M; López-Fernández, H; Lodeiro, Carlos; Arruda, Marco Aurélio Zezzi; Capelo, J L

2018-02-01

A new ultrafast ultrasonic-based method for shotgun proteomics as well as label-free protein quantification in urine samples is developed. The method first separates the urine proteins using nitrocellulose-based membranes and then proteins are in-membrane digested using trypsin. The enzymatic digestion process is accelerated from overnight to four minutes using a sonoreactor ultrasonic device. Overall, the sample treatment pipeline comprising protein separation, digestion and identification is done in just 3h. The process is assessed using urine of healthy volunteers. The method shows that male can be differentiated from female using the protein content of urine in a fast, easy and straightforward way. 232 and 226 proteins are identified in urine of male and female, respectively. From this, 162 are common to both genders, whilst 70 are unique to male and 64 to female. From the 162 common proteins, 13 are present at levels statistically different (p < 0.05). The method matches the analytical minimalism concept as outlined by Halls, as each stage of this analysis is evaluated to minimize the time, cost, sample requirement, reagent consumption, energy requirements and production of waste products. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Urinary excretion of adrenal steroids, catecholamines and electrolytes in man, before and after acclimatization to cold in Antarctica

PubMed Central

Budd, G. M.; Warhaft, N.

1970-01-01

1. Urine samples were collected from four men before and during test cold exposures in Melbourne, Australia, and Mawson, Antarctica. Changes in the response of body temperature to the test exposures showed that the men had acclimatized to cold at Mawson. 2. Excretion rates of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids and 17-ketosteroids were significantly greater at Mawson than in Melbourne, in both the pre-exposure and exposure periods. 3. Excretion rates of noradrenaline, adrenaline, sodium, potassium and creatinine did not differ significantly between Mawson and Melbourne, nor did urine flow rates. 4. During the cold exposure significant increases occurred, to the same extent at Mawson as in Melbourne, in urine flow rate and in all measured urinary constituents except creatinine. PMID:5501486

Variability of bisphenol-A concentrations in first morning, bedtime, and 24-hour urine samples in 50 North Carolina adults over a six-week period

EPA Science Inventory

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a high-production volume chemical that is used to make a number of consumer products and packaged goods. Many cross-sectional studies have frequently reported detecting BPA in urine. However, limited data exist on the temporal variability of urinary BPA conce...

Urine: Waste product or biologically active tissue?

PubMed

2018-03-01

Historically, urine has been viewed primarily as a waste product with little biological role in the overall health of an individual. Increasingly, data suggest that urine plays a role in human health beyond waste excretion. For example, urine might act as an irritant and contribute to symptoms through interaction with-and potential compromise of-the urothelium. To explore the concept that urine may be a vehicle for agents with potential or occult bioactivity and to discuss existing evidence and novel research questions that may yield insight into such a role, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease invited experts in the fields of comparative evolutionary physiology, basic science, nephrology, urology, pediatrics, metabolomics, and proteomics (among others) to a Urinology Think Tank meeting on February 9, 2015. This report reflects ideas that evolved from this meeting and current literature, including the concept of urine quality, the biological, chemical, and physical characteristics of urine, including the microbiota, cells, exosomes, pH, metabolites, proteins, and specific gravity (among others). Additionally, the manuscript presents speculative, and hopefully testable, ideas about the functional roles of urine constituents in health and disease. Moving forward, there are several questions that need further understanding and pursuit. There were suggestions to consider actively using various animal models and their biological specimens to elaborate on basic mechanistic information regarding human bladder dysfunction. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

The influence of social and endocrine factors on urine-marking by captive wolves (Canis lupus)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Asa, C.S.; Mech, L.D.; Seal, U.S.; Plotka, E.D.

1990-01-01

Although serum hormones varied seasonally in all adult animals, only dominant male and female wolves urine-marked. Serum testosterone and urine-marking rates, which increased during the fall/winter breeding season, were positively correlated in both male and female dominant wolves. Estradiol, which increased in conjunction with proestrus and estrus, was not correlated with female urine-marking. These findings suggest that hormonal influence on urine-marking in the wolf is modulated by social factors and contrast with those for both domestic dogs and coyotes, two other members of the genus Canis.

Higher net acid excretion is associated with lower risk of kidney disease progression in patients with diabetes

PubMed Central

Scialla, Julia J.; Asplin, John; Dobre, Mirela; Chang, Alex; Lash, James; Hsu, Chi-yuan; Kallem, Radhakrishna R.; Hamm, L. Lee; Feldman, Harold I.; Chen, Jing; Appel, Lawrence; Anderson, Cheryl A. M.; Wolf, Myles

2017-01-01

Higher diet-dependent nonvolatile acid load is associated with faster chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, but most studies have used estimated acid load or measured only components of the gold-standard, net acid excretion (NAE). Here we measured NAE as the sum of urine ammonium and titratable acidity in 24 hour urines from a random subset of 980 participants in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study. In multivariable models accounting for demographics, comorbidity and kidney function, higher NAE was significantly associated with lower serum bicarbonate (0.17 mEq/L lower serum bicarbonate per 10 mEq/day higher NAE), consistent with a larger acid load. Over a median of 6 years follow-up, higher NAE was independently associated with a significantly lower risk of the composite of end stage renal disease or halving of estimated glomerular filtration rate among diabetics (hazard ratio 0.88 per 10 mEq/day higher NAE), but not those without diabetes (hazard ratio 1.04 per 10 mEq/day higher NAE). For comparison, we estimated nonvolatile acid load as net endogenous acid production using self-reported food frequency questionnaires from 2,848 patients and dietary urine biomarkers from 3,385 patients. Higher net endogenous acid production based on biomarkers (urea nitrogen and potassium) was modestly associated with faster CKD progression consistent with prior reports, but only among those without diabetes. Results from the food frequency questionnaires were not associated with CKD progression in any group. Thus, disparate results obtained from analyses of nonvolatile acid load directly measured as NAE and estimated from diet, suggests a novel hypothesis, that the risk of CKD progression related to low NAE, or acid load, may be due to diet-independent changes in acid production in diabetes. PMID:27914710

Biologically Pre-Treated Habitation Waste Water as a Sustainable Green Urine Pre-Treat Solution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jackson, W. Andrew; Thompson, Bret; Sevanthi, Ritesh; Morse, Audra; Meyer, Caitlin; Callahan, Michael

2017-01-01

The ability to recover water from urine and flush water is a critical process to allow long term sustainable human habitation in space or bases on the moon or mars. Organic N present as urea or similar compounds can hydrolyze producing free ammonia. This reaction results in an increase in the pH converting ammonium to ammonia which is volatile and not removed by distillation. The increase in pH will also cause precipitation reactions to occur. In order to prevent this, urine on ISS is combined with a pretreat solution. While use of a pretreatment solution has been successful, there are numerous draw backs including: storage and use of highly hazardous solutions, limitations on water recovery (less than 85%), and production of brine with pore dewatering characteristics. We evaluated the use of biologically treated habitation wastewaters (ISS and early planetary base) to replace the current pretreat solution. We evaluated both amended and un-amended bioreactor effluent. For the amended effluent, we evaluated "green" pretreat chemicals including citric acid and citric acid amended with benzoic acid. We used a mock urine/air separator modeled after the urine collection assembly on ISS. The urine/air separator was challenged continually for >6 months. Depending on the test point, the separator was challenged daily with donated urine and flushed with amended or un-amended reactor effluent. We monitored the pH of the urine, flush solution and residual pH in the urine/air separator after each urine event. We also evaluated solids production and biological growth. Our results support the use of both un-amended and amended bioreactor effluent to maintain the operability of the urine /air separator. The ability to use bioreactor effluent could decrease consumable cost, reduce hazards associated with current pre-treat chemicals, allow other membrane based desalination processes to be utilized, and improve brine characteristics.

Ruminant urine increases uptake but decreases relative recovery of nitrogen by smooth brome grass

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer application and excreta return may contribute to poor nutrient recovery and use efficiencies in pastures. From 2011-2012, we investigated the effects of ruminant urine input (urine and distilled water control) and N fertilizer rate (0, 40, 80, 120, and 160 lb N/acre) on N res...

Alkaline dehydration of anion-exchanged human urine: Volume reduction, nutrient recovery and process optimisation.

PubMed

Simha, Prithvi; Senecal, Jenna; Nordin, Annika; Lalander, Cecilia; Vinnerås, Björn

2018-06-02

In urine-separating sanitation systems, bacterial urease enzymes can hydrolyse urea to ammonia during the pipe transport and storage of urine. The present study investigated whether it was possible to reduce the urine volume without losing the nitrogen as ammonia. A method for stabilising the urine prior to dehydration was developed. Briefly, fresh human urine was stabilised by passage through an anion-exchanger, added to an alkaline media (wood ash or alkalised biochar), and dehydrated. Urine dehydration was investigated at three temperatures: 40, 45 and 50 °C. The influence of various factors affecting the dehydration process was modelled and the rate of urine dehydration was optimised. Results indicated that 75% (v/v) of the urine has to pass through the ion-exchanger for alkaline stabilisation of urine to occur. At all investigated temperatures, the dehydrator accomplished >90% volume reduction of ion-exchanged urine, > 70% N retention and 100% recovery of P and K. To realise high degree of nutrient valorisation, this study proposes combining source-separation of human urine with alkaline dehydration. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Study the influence of licorice and pomegranate drinks on nicotine metabolism in human urine by LC-orbitrap MS.

PubMed

Abu-Awwad, Ahmad; Arafat, Tawfiq; Schmitz, Oliver J

2017-01-05

Nicotine-diet interactions have a particular importance on human health. Some food substances are subject to change hepatic CYP2A6 metabolism rate for nicotine and its levels in smokers consequently. This study investigates the effect of pomegranate and licorice drinks on nicotine metabolism, by a new developed and validated method for simultaneous determination of nicotine with its major metabolites (cotinine and nicotine N-oxide) in human urine, utilizing LC ESI-orbitrap-MS. Twenty-four Jordanian healthy and smoker volunteers were participated in two equal groups, crossover design for each of pomegranate and licorice test drink. In the study periods each group assigned either to drink test juice three times a day or to be avoided from test drink for 7 successive days, and then both groups switched their drink treatment in subsequent period. Early morning urine samples were collected from all volunteers after each period. Nicotine metabolism rate was evaluated from nicotine/cotinine and nicotine/nicotine N-oxide ratios in urine. A consistent trend of increase in metabolism rate for nicotine was observed from urine analysis under pomegranate or licorice drink conditions compared to control conditions. Pomegranate and licorice drinks are increasing the metabolism rate for nicotine in terms of induction effect for hepatic cytochrome p450 enzymes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Utilization of Urine Processing for the Advancement of Life Support Technologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grossi-Soyster, Elysse; Hogan, John; Flynn, Michael

2014-01-01

The success of long-duration missions will depend on resource recovery and the self-sustainability of life support technologies. Current technologies used on the International Space Station (ISS) utilize chemical and mechanical processes, such as filtration, to recover potable water from urine produced by crewmembers. Such technologies have significantly reduced the need for water resupply through closed-loop resource recovery and recycling. Harvesting the important components of urine requires selectivity, whether through the use of membranes or other physical barriers, or by chemical or biological processes. Given the chemical composition of urine, the downstream benefits of urine processing for resource recovery will be critical for many aspects of life support, such as food production and the synthesis of biofuels. This paper discusses the beneficial components of urine and their potential applications, and the challenges associated with using urine for nutrient recycling for space application.

Trimethylamine and trimethylamine oxide levels in normal women and women with bacterial vaginosis reflect a local metabolism in vaginal secretion as compared to urine.

PubMed

Wolrath, H; Ståhlbom, B; Hallén, A; Forsum, U

2005-01-01

The smell of rotten fish is one of the characteristics of bacterial vaginosis (BV), and is due to trimethylamine (TMA). Trimethylamine can be found in human urine, although most of it occurs as the nonvolatile oxide (TMAO) form. The fraction TMA/TMAO can be expected to be the same in different body fluids if no local production of TMA occurs. In women with BV, TMAO in the vaginal fluid is expected to be chemically reduced by the local bacterial flora to the much more odorous TMA. We have therefore studied the local vaginal production of TMA in vaginal secretion compared to the general TMA-TMAO metabolism that was measured in urine using gas chromatography. Both vaginal fluid and random urine samples were collected from women, with and without BV, attending a Swedish clinic for sexually transmitted diseases, and these samples were analyzed for TMA and TMAO. The results show that a local production of TMA occurs in the vagina that is not part of the general metabolism of TMA-TMAO.

Effect of a commercial anion dietary supplement on acid-base balance, urine volume, and urinary ion excretion in male goats fed oat or grass hay diets.

PubMed

Stratton-Phelps, Meri; House, John K

2004-10-01

To determine whether feeding a commercial anionic dietary supplement as a urinary acidifier to male goats may be useful for management of urolithiasis. 8 adult sexually intact male Toggenburg, Saanen, and Nubian goats. Goats were randomly assigned by age-, breed-, and weight-matched pairs to an oat or grass hay diet that was fed for 12 days. On days 13 to 14 (early sample collection time before supplementation), measurements were made of blood and urine sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphorus, and sulfur concentrations; blood and urine pH; urine production; and water consumption. During the next 28 days, the anionic dietary supplement was added to the oat and grass hay diets to achieve a dietary cation-anion difference of 0 mEq/100g of dry matter. Blood and urine samples were analyzed during dietary supplementation on days 12 to 13 (middle sample collection time) and 27 to 28 (late sample collection time). Blood bicarbonate, pH, and urine pH of goats fed grass hay and goats fed oat hay were significantly decreased during the middle and late sample collection times, compared with the early sample collection time. Water consumption and urine production in all goats increased significantly during the late sample collection time, compared with the early sample collection time. The anionic dietary supplement used in our study increases urine volume, alters urine ion concentrations, and is an efficacious urinary acidifier in goats. Goats treated with prolonged anionic dietary supplementation should be monitored for secondary osteoporosis from chronic urinary calcium loss.

Albuminuria

MedlinePlus

... doesn’t need, like waste products and extra water. If kidneys are healthy, you should have very little protein in your urine – or even none. But if your kidneys are damaged, protein can “leak” out of the kidneys into your urine. If ...

Metabolism and bioactivation of the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline in human liver microsomes and human urine.

PubMed

Zhou, Xin; Chen, Chang; Zhang, Fangrong; Zhang, Yang; Feng, Yuling; Ouyang, Hui; Xu, Yong; Jiang, Hongliang

2016-07-01

Amitriptyline is a widely used tricyclic antidepressant, but the metabolic studies were conducted almost 20 years ago using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet detector or radiolabeled methods. First, multiple ion monitoring (MIM)- enhanced product ion (EPI) scan was used to obtain the diagnostic ions or neutral losses in human liver microsome incubations with amitriptyline. Subsequently, predicted multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-EPI scan was used to identify the metabolites in human urine with the diagnostic ions or neutral losses. Finally, product ion filtering and neutral loss filtering were used as the data mining tools to screen metabolites. Consequently, a total of 28 metabolites were identified in human urine after an oral administration using LC-MS/MS. An integrated workflow using LC-MS/MS was developed to comprehensively profile the metabolites of amitriptyline in human urine, in which five N-acetyl-l-cysteine conjugates were characterized as tentative biomarkers for idiosyncratic toxicity.

Urine Pretreat Injection System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1995-01-01

A new method of introducing the OXONE (Registered Trademark) Monopersulfate Compound for urine pretreat into a two-phase urine/air flow stream has been successfully tested and evaluated. The feasibility of this innovative method has been established for purposes of providing a simple, convenient, and safe method of handling a chemical pretreat required for urine processing in a microgravity space environment. Also, the Oxone portion of the urine pretreat has demonstrated the following advantages during real time collection of 750 pounds of urine in a Space Station design two-phase urine Fan/Separator: Eliminated urine precipitate buildup on internal hardware and plumbing; Minimized odor from collected urine; and Virtually eliminated airborne bacteria. The urine pretreat, as presently defined for the Space Station program for proper downstream processing of urine, is a two-part chemical treatment of 5.0 grams of Oxone and 2.3 ml of H2SO4 per liter of urine. This study program and test demonstrated only the addition of the proper ratio of Oxone into the urine collection system upstream of the Fan/Separator. This program was divided into the following three major tasks: (1) A trade study, to define and recommend the type of Oxone injection method to pursue further; (2) The design and fabrication of the selected method; and (3) A test program using high fidelity hardware and fresh urine to demonstrate the method feasibility. The trade study was conducted which included defining several methods for injecting Oxone in different forms into a urine system. Oxone was considered in a liquid, solid, paste and powered form. The trade study and the resulting recommendation were presented at a trade study review held at Hamilton Standard on 24-25 October 94. An agreement was reached at the meeting to continue the solid tablet in a bag concept which included a series of tablets suspended in the urine/air flow stream. These Oxone tablets would slowly dissolve at a controlled rate providing the proper concentration in the collected urine. To implement the solid tablet in a bag approach, a design concept was completed with prototype drawings of the complete urine pretreat prefilter assembly. A successful fabrication technique was developed for retaining the Oxone tablets in a fabric casing attached to the end of the existing Space Station Waste Collection System urine prefilter assembly. The final pretreat prefilter configuration held sufficient Oxone in a tablet form to allow normal scheduled daily (or twice daily) change out of the urine filter depending on the use rate of the Space Station urine collection system. The actual tests to prove the concept were conducted using the Urine Fan/Separator assembly that was originally used in the STS-52 Design Test Objective (DTO) urinal assembly. Other related tests were conducted to demonstrate the actual minimum ratio of Oxone to urine that will control microbial growth.

Comparison of initial stream urine samples and cervical samples for detection of human papillomavirus.

PubMed

Hagihara, Mao; Yamagishi, Yuka; Izumi, Koji; Miyazaki, Narimi; Suzuki, Takayoshi; Kato, Hideo; Nishiyama, Naoya; Koizumi, Yusuke; Suematsu, Hiroyuki; Mikamo, Hiroshige

2016-08-01

Uterine cervical cancer is a treatable and preventable cancer. Medical efforts to reduce rates of cervical cancer focus on the promotion of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and the promotion of routine cervical cancer screening done by cervical cytology and cervical HPV testing. Urine-based HPV testing would be simple and noninvasive approach to screen for cervical cancer. Two biospecimens (clinician-taken sample from cervix and initial stream urine sample) were provided from a total of 240 healthy women attending for cancer screening provided for HPV testing. We have assessed the HPV detection rates among cervical samples and pellet fraction of urine samples using HPV test (Anyplex™ II HPV28 Detection kit, Seegene, Korea). Among 240 samples screened, HPV prevalence was 42.9% in pellet fractions of urine samples. The agreement between the two kinds of samples was 98.4%, k = 0.792. Discordant results were observed in 27 cases; 5 were positive only by urine samples and 22 were positive only by smear samples. Sensitivity and specificity for all HPV DNA in pellet fractions of urine using cervical samples as reference was 68.4% and 99.9%. Comparing methodologies of collection of samples for HPV detection, they showed the higher agreements for almost genotypes between cervical samples and pellet fractions of urine samples. These results suggest that urine could be a good noninvasive tool to monitor HPV infection in women. Additional research in a larger and general screening population would be needed. Copyright © 2016 Japanese Society of Chemotherapy and The Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of nitrogen application rate and a nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide on ammonia oxidizers and N2O emissions in a grazed pasture soil.

PubMed

Dai, Yu; Di, Hong J; Cameron, Keith C; He, Ji-Zheng

2013-11-01

Ammonia oxidizers, including ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and ammonia oxidizing archaea (AOA) are important drivers of a key step of the nitrogen cycle - nitrification, which affects the production of the potent greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide (N2O). A field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of nitrogen application rates and the nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide (DCD) on the abundance of AOB and AOA and on N2O emissions in a grazed pasture soil. Nitrogen (N) was applied at four different rates, with urea applied at 50 and 100 kg N ha(-1) and animal urine at 300 and 600 kg N ha(-1). DCD was applied to some of the N treatments at 10 kg ha(-1). The results showed that the AOB amoA gene copy numbers were greater than those of AOA. The highest ratio of the AOB to AOA amoA gene copy numbers was 106.6 which occurred in the urine-N 600 treatment. The AOB amoA gene copy numbers increased with increasing nitrogen application rates. DCD had a significant impact in reducing the AOB amoA gene copy numbers especially in the high nitrogen application rates. N2O emissions increased with the N application rates. DCD had the most significant effect in reducing the daily and total N2O emissions in the highest nitrogen application rate. The greatest reduction of total N2O emissions by DCD was 69% in the urine-N 600 treatment. The reduction in the N2O emission factor by DCD ranged from 58% to 83%. The N2O flux and NO3(-)-N concentrations were significantly correlated to the growth of AOB, rather than AOA. This study confirms the importance of AOB in nitrification and the effect of DCD in inhibiting AOB growth and in decreasing N2O emissions in grazed pasture soils under field conditions. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Toilet compost and human urine used in agriculture: fertilizer value assessment and effect on cultivated soil properties.

PubMed

Sangare, D; Sou Dakoure, M; Hijikata, N; Lahmar, R; Yacouba, H; Coulibaly, L; Funamizu, N

2015-01-01

Toilet compost (TC) and human urine are among natural fertilizers, which raise interest due to their double advantages to combine sanitation and nutrient recovery. However, combination of urine and TC is not so spread probably because the best ratio (urine/TC) is still an issue and urine effect on soil chemical properties remains poorly documented. This study aims to determine the best ratio of urine and TC in okra cultivation, by targeting higher fertilization effect combined with lower impact on soil chemical properties. Based on Nitrogen requirement of okra, seven treatments were compared: (T0) no fertilizer, (T1) chemical fertilizer (NPK: 14-23-14), (T2) 100% urine, (T3) 100% TC, (T4) ratio of 75% urine+25% TC, (T5) 50% urine+50% TC and (T6) 25% urine+75% TC. Results indicated that T4 (75% urine+25% TC) gave the highest plant height and yield. In contrast, T2 (100% urine) gave the lowest results among all treatments, indicating toxicity effects on plant growth and associated final yield. Such toxicity is confirmed by soil chemical properties at T2 with soil acidification and significant increase in soil salinity. In contrast, application of urine together with TC mitigates soil acidification and salinity, highlighting the efficiency of urine and TC combination on soil chemical properties. However, further investigation is necessary to refine better urine/TC ratio for okra production.

Outcomes Associated with Reducing the Urine Alkalinization Threshold in Patients Receiving High-Dose Methotrexate.

PubMed

Drost, Sarah A; Wentzell, Jason R; Giguère, Pierre; McLurg, Darcy L; Sabloff, Mitchell; Kanji, Salmaan; Nguyen, Tiffany T

2017-06-01

Urine alkalinization increases methotrexate (MTX) solubility and reduces the risk of nephrotoxicity. The objectives of this study were to determine whether a reduction in the urine pH threshold from 8 to 7 in patients receiving high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) results in a shorter length of hospital stay, delayed MTX clearance, or higher rates of nephrotoxicity; and to determine whether specific factors were associated with prolonged MTX clearance. Retrospective cohort study. Hematology service of a large university-affiliated teaching hospital in Ottawa, Canada. Sixty-five adults with 150 HDMTX exposures who had elective admissions for HDMTX between September 1, 2014, and December 18, 2015, were included. Thirty-four patients (with 79 HDMTX exposures) had their urine alkalinized to a pH of 8 or higher, and 31 patients (with 71 HDMTX exposures) had their urine alkalinized to a pH of 7 or higher, after an institutional change in the urine pH threshold from 8 to 7 was implemented on May 1, 2015. Data related to patient demographics, urine alkalinization, MTX serum concentration monitoring, hospital length of stay, and renal function were collected retrospectively from patients' electronic health records. Lowering the urine pH threshold from 8 to 7 did not significantly affect hospital length of stay (absolute difference 3.5 hrs, 95% confidence interval -4.0 to 10.9) or clearance of MTX (elimination rate constant 0.058 in the pH of 7 or higher group vs 0.064 in the pH of 8 or higher group, p=0.233). Nephrotoxicity rates were similar between groups (15.5% in the pH of 7 or higher group vs 10.1% in the pH of 8 or higher group, p=0.34). Higher MTX dose and interacting medications (e.g., proton pump inhibitors and sulfonamide antibiotics) were significantly associated with delayed MTX elimination. No significant differences in HDMTX-associated hospital length of stay, MTX clearance, or rates of nephrotoxicity were noted between patients in the urine pH of 7 or higher and 8 or higher groups. Interacting medications and higher MTX dose were associated with delayed MTX elimination, suggesting that a closer review of interacting medications before HDMTX administration may be warranted. © 2017 Pharmacotherapy Publications, Inc.

Effects of photophase illuminance on locomotor activity, urine production and urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin in nocturnal and diurnal South African rodents.

PubMed

van der Merwe, Ingrid; Oosthuizen, Maria K; Ganswindt, Andre; Haim, Abraham; Bennett, Nigel C

2017-05-01

Effects of photophase illuminance (1, 10, 100 and 330 lx of white incandescent lighting) on daily rhythms of locomotor activity, urine production and 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (6-SMT; 10 versus 330 lx) were studied in nocturnal Namaqua rock mice ( Micaelamys namaquensis ) and diurnal four-striped field mice ( Rhabdomys pumilio ). Micaelamys namaquensis was consistently nocturnal (∼90-94% nocturnal activity), whereas considerable individual variation marked activity profiles in R. pumilio , but with activity mostly pronounced around twilight (∼55-66% diurnal activity). The amplitude of daily activity was distinctly affected by light intensity and this effect was greater in M. namaquensis than in R. pumilio Only M. namaquensis displayed a distinctive daily rhythm of urine production, which correlated with its activity rhythm. Mean daily urine production appeared to be attenuated under dim photophase conditions, particularly in R. pumilio The results suggest that the circadian regulation of locomotor activity and urine production possesses separate sensitivity thresholds to photophase illuminance. Micaelamys namaquensis expressed a significant daily 6-SMT rhythm that peaked during the late night, but the rhythm was attenuated by the brighter photophase cycle (330 lx). Rhabdomys pumilio appeared to express an ultradian 6-SMT rhythm under both lighting regimes with comparable mean daily 6-SMT values, but with different temporal patterns. It is widely known that a natural dark phase which is undisturbed by artificial light is essential for optimal circadian function. Here, we show that light intensity during the photophase also plays a key role in maintaining circadian rhythms in rodents, irrespective of their temporal activity rhythm. © 2017. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

The Characterization of Feces and Urine: A Review of the Literature to Inform Advanced Treatment Technology

PubMed Central

Rose, C.; Parker, A.; Jefferson, B.; Cartmell, E.

2015-01-01

The safe disposal of human excreta is of paramount importance for the health and welfare of populations living in low income countries as well as the prevention of pollution to the surrounding environment. On-site sanitation (OSS) systems are the most numerous means of treating excreta in low income countries, these facilities aim at treating human waste at source and can provide a hygienic and affordable method of waste disposal. However, current OSS systems need improvement and require further research and development. Development of OSS facilities that treat excreta at, or close to, its source require knowledge of the waste stream entering the system. Data regarding the generation rate and the chemical and physical composition of fresh feces and urine was collected from the medical literature as well as the treatability sector. The data were summarized and statistical analysis was used to quantify the major factors that were a significant cause of variability. The impact of this data on biological processes, thermal processes, physical separators, and chemical processes was then assessed. Results showed that the median fecal wet mass production was 128 g/cap/day, with a median dry mass of 29 g/cap/day. Fecal output in healthy individuals was 1.20 defecations per 24 hr period and the main factor affecting fecal mass was the fiber intake of the population. Fecal wet mass values were increased by a factor of 2 in low income countries (high fiber intakes) in comparison to values found in high income countries (low fiber intakes). Feces had a median pH of 6.64 and were composed of 74.6% water. Bacterial biomass is the major component (25–54% of dry solids) of the organic fraction of the feces. Undigested carbohydrate, fiber, protein, and fat comprise the remainder and the amounts depend on diet and diarrhea prevalence in the population. The inorganic component of the feces is primarily undigested dietary elements that also depend on dietary supply. Median urine generation rates were 1.42 L/cap/day with a dry solids content of 59 g/cap/day. Variation in the volume and composition of urine is caused by differences in physical exertion, environmental conditions, as well as water, salt, and high protein intakes. Urine has a pH 6.2 and contains the largest fractions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium released from the body. The urinary excretion of nitrogen was significant (10.98 g/cap/day) with urea the most predominant constituent making up over 50% of total organic solids. The dietary intake of food and fluid is the major cause of variation in both the fecal and urine composition and these variables should always be considered if the generation rate, physical, and chemical composition of feces and urine is to be accurately predicted. PMID:26246784

Ammonium sorption and ammonia inhibition of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria explain contrasting soil N2O production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venterea, R. T.; Sadowsky, M.; Breuillin-Sessoms, F.; Wang, P.; Clough, T. J.; Coulter, J. A.

2015-12-01

Better understanding of process controls over nitrous oxide (N2O) production in urine-impacted 'hot spots' and fertilizer bands is needed to improve mitigation strategies and emission models. Following amendment with bovine (Bos taurus) urine (Bu) or urea (Ur), we measured inorganic N, pH, N2O, and genes associated with nitrification in two soils ('L' and 'W') having similar texture, pH, C, and C/N ratio. Solution-phase ammonia (slNH3) was also calculated accounting for non-linear ammonium (NH4+) sorption capacities (ASC). Soil W displayed greater nitrification rates and nitrate (NO3-) levels than soil L, but was more resistant to nitrite (NO2-) accumulation and produced two to ten times less N2O than soil L. Genes associated with NO2- oxidation (nxrA) increased substantially in soil W but remained static in soil L. Soil NO2- was strongly correlated with N2O production, and cumulative (c-) slNH3 explained 87% of the variance in c-NO2-. Differences between soils were explained by greater slNH3 in soil L which inhibited NO2- oxidization leading to greater NO2- levels and N2O production. This is the first study to correlate the dynamics of soil slNH3, NO2-, N2O and nitrifier genes, and the first to show how ASC can regulate NO2- levels and N2O production.

Ammonium sorption and ammonia inhibition of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria explain contrasting soil N2O production.

PubMed

Venterea, Rodney T; Clough, Timothy J; Coulter, Jeffrey A; Breuillin-Sessoms, Florence; Wang, Ping; Sadowsky, Michael J

2015-07-16

Better understanding of process controls over nitrous oxide (N2O) production in urine-impacted 'hot spots' and fertilizer bands is needed to improve mitigation strategies and emission models. Following amendment with bovine (Bos taurus) urine (Bu) or urea (Ur), we measured inorganic N, pH, N2O, and genes associated with nitrification in two soils ('L' and 'W') having similar texture, pH, C, and C/N ratio. Solution-phase ammonia (slNH3) was also calculated accounting for non-linear ammonium (NH4(+)) sorption capacities (ASC). Soil W displayed greater nitrification rates and nitrate (NO3(-)) levels than soil L, but was more resistant to nitrite (NO2(-)) accumulation and produced two to ten times less N2O than soil L. Genes associated with NO2(-) oxidation (nxrA) increased substantially in soil W but remained static in soil L. Soil NO2(-) was strongly correlated with N2O production, and cumulative (c-) slNH3 explained 87% of the variance in c-NO2(-). Differences between soils were explained by greater slNH3 in soil L which inhibited NO2(-) oxidization leading to greater NO2(-) levels and N2O production. This is the first study to correlate the dynamics of soil slNH3, NO2(-), N2O and nitrifier genes, and the first to show how ASC can regulate NO2(-) levels and N2O production.

Ammonium sorption and ammonia inhibition of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria explain contrasting soil N2O production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venterea, Rodney T.; Clough, Timothy J.; Coulter, Jeffrey A.; Breuillin-Sessoms, Florence

2015-07-01

Better understanding of process controls over nitrous oxide (N2O) production in urine-impacted ‘hot spots’ and fertilizer bands is needed to improve mitigation strategies and emission models. Following amendment with bovine (Bos taurus) urine (Bu) or urea (Ur), we measured inorganic N, pH, N2O, and genes associated with nitrification in two soils (‘L’ and ‘W’) having similar texture, pH, C, and C/N ratio. Solution-phase ammonia (slNH3) was also calculated accounting for non-linear ammonium (NH4+) sorption capacities (ASC). Soil W displayed greater nitrification rates and nitrate (NO3-) levels than soil L, but was more resistant to nitrite (NO2-) accumulation and produced two to ten times less N2O than soil L. Genes associated with NO2- oxidation (nxrA) increased substantially in soil W but remained static in soil L. Soil NO2- was strongly correlated with N2O production, and cumulative (c-) slNH3 explained 87% of the variance in c-NO2-. Differences between soils were explained by greater slNH3 in soil L which inhibited NO2- oxidization leading to greater NO2- levels and N2O production. This is the first study to correlate the dynamics of soil slNH3, NO2-, N2O and nitrifier genes, and the first to show how ASC can regulate NO2- levels and N2O production.

Urinary indices in llamas fed different diets.

PubMed

Lackey, M N; Belknap, E B; Salman, M D; Tinguely, L; Johnson, L W

1995-07-01

Indices of renal function and damage were measured in 12 healthy male adult llamas fed a diet of mixed alfalfa/grass hay (mixed hay) and water ad libitum. Using a collection bag fitted over the preputial area, urine samples were collected at 6, 12, and 24 hours. Serum samples were obtained concurrently to determine endogenous creatinine clearance (CL), total (TE) and fractional excretion (FE) of electrolytes (Na, K, Cl, P), electrolyte CL, urine and serum osmolality, urine enzyme activities (gamma-glutamyltransferase and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase), and urine protein concentration. Urine production was quantified. Three months later, 10 of the 12 llamas were fed a grass hay diet and water ad libitum. Similar samples were obtained, and similar measurements were made. Urine production was higher when the llamas were fed the mixed hay diet. Total urine volume for llamas fed mixed hay ranged from 628 to 1,760 ml/24 h, with a median of 1,307.5 ml/24h, compared with a range of 620 to 1,380 ml/24 h and a median of 927.50 ml/24h for llamas fed grass hay. Median urine osmolality was higher in llamas fed mixed hay (1,906 mOsm/kg of body weight, with a range of 1,237 to 2,529 mOsm/kg), compared with llamas fed grass hay (1,666 mOsm/kg with a range of 1,163 to 2,044 mOsm/kg). Creatinine CL did not vary significantly over time for either diet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Rapid determination of nine parabens and seven other environmental phenols in urine samples of German children and adults.

PubMed

Moos, Rebecca K; Angerer, Jürgen; Wittsiepe, Jürgen; Wilhelm, Michael; Brüning, Thomas; Koch, Holger M

2014-11-01

We developed a fast, selective and sensitive on-line LC/LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of nine parabens and seven environmental phenols in urine. Parabens are widely used as antimicrobial preservatives. Bisphenol A, triclosan, triclocarban, 2-phenylphenol, and benzophenones are used inter alia in disinfectants, sunscreens and in polymers. Some of these substances are suspected endocrine disruptors. Limits of quantification and analytical quality criteria fully met the needs for determining exposure levels occurring in the general population. We analyzed 157 spot urine samples from the general German population (59 females, 39 males and 59 children). For the parabens, we found methyl, ethyl and n-propyl paraben with high detection rates (77-98%), followed by n-butyl (36%), iso-butyl (17%), iso-propyl (3%) and benzyl paraben (3%). We detected no pentyl and heptyl paraben. Urinary concentrations were highest for methyl paraben (median 24.5 μg/L; 95th percentile 379 μg/L) followed by ethyl (1.4 μg/L; 35.2 μg/L) and n-propyl paraben (1.2 μg/L; 68.1 μg/L). Other environmental phenols with high detection rates were BPA (95%), triclosan (45%) and benzophenone 1 and 3 (26%). For most of the parabens/environmental phenols we found higher urinary levels in females than in males or children, probably due to differences in (personal care) product use. However, high levels (in the mg/L range) were also observed in children. Exposure to the above substances is occurring worldwide. Differences between countries do seem to exist and might be caused by different product compositions or different use habits. Human metabolism data is urgently needed to extrapolate from urinary biomarker levels to doses actually taken up. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Comparison of Zika virus (ZIKV) RNA detection in plasma, whole blood and urine - Case series of travel-associated ZIKV infection imported to Italy, 2016.

PubMed

Rossini, Giada; Gaibani, Paolo; Vocale, Caterina; Cagarelli, Roberto; Landini, Maria Paola

2017-09-01

The capability to detect ZIKV RNA is of crucial importance for cases confirmation. However, due to the short-lived viremia, the detection of ZIKV RNA in plasma/serum is challenging for samples collected more than one week after onset of clinical illness. We compared the window time and detection rate of ZIKV RNA in different specimen types (plasma, whole blood and urine) collected simultaneously at several times post-symptom onset. We examined the presence of ZIKV RNA in matched specimens of whole blood, plasma and urine collected in the same date (3-28 days after symptom onset) from 10 ZIKV infected patients. ZIKV RNA was found in plasma as late as 10 days after symptoms onset and tested positive in all 5 (100%) and in 2 of 6 (33,3%) plasma samples collected 1-5 and 6-10 days after symptoms onset, respectively. ZIKV RNA was positive in urine through the 21st day after symptom onset; the detection rate of ZIKV RNA in urine samples was 100% (11/11) for samples collected 1-10 days from symptoms onset, decreasing at later times of sampling. The detection rate of ZIKV RNA in whole blood was comparable to that in urine samples but extended the window of detection of ZIKV RNA up to 26 days after symptom onset. Our results highlight the usefulness of simultaneously testing multiple specimen types in order to extend the rate and the time frame of ZIKV RNA detection, increasing the possibility of cases confirmation through direct diagnosis in convalescence-phase of infection, supplementing serological data which are often difficult to interpret. Copyright © 2017 The British Infection Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Incidence and Management of Uncomplicated Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in a National Sample of Women in the United States.

PubMed

Suskind, Anne M; Saigal, Christopher S; Hanley, Janet M; Lai, Julie; Setodji, Claude M; Clemens, J Quentin

2016-04-01

To determine the incidence and characteristics of women with uncomplicated recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and to explore whether the use of culture-driven treatment affects rates of UTI-related complications and resource utilization. Using MarketScan claims from 2003 to 2011, we identified UTI-naive women ages 18-64 with incident-uncomplicated recurrent UTIs. Recurrent UTIs were defined as 3 UTI visits associated with antibiotics during a 12-month period. Cases were excluded if they had a UTI in the preceding year, or if they had any complicating factors (eg, abnormality of the urinary tract, neurologic condition, pregnancy, diabetes, or currently taking immunosuppression). We next assessed use of urine cultures, imaging, and cystoscopy, and performed propensity score matching with logistic regression to determine whether having a urine culture associated with >50% of UTIs affected rates of complications and downstream resource utilization. We identified 48,283 women with incident-uncomplicated recurrent UTIs, accounting for an overall incidence of 102 per 100,000 women, highest among women ages 18-34 and 55-64. Sixty-one percent of these women had at least 1 urine culture, 6.9% had imaging, and 2.8% had cystoscopy. Having a urine culture >50% of the time was associated with fewer UTI-related hospitalizations and lower rates of intravenous antibiotic use, whereas demonstrating higher rates of UTI-related office visits and pyelonephritis. The incidence of uncomplicated recurrent UTIs increases with age. Urine culture-directed care is beneficial in reducing high-cost services including UTI-related hospitalizations and intravenous antibiotic use, making urine cultures a valuable component to management of these patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Correlation of random urine protein creatinine (P-C) ratio with 24-hour urine protein and P-C ratio, based on physical activity: a pilot study.

PubMed

Sadjadi, Seyed-Ali; Jaipaul, Navin

2010-09-07

Quantification of proteinuria is usually predicated upon 24-hour urine collection. Multiple factors influence urine collection and the rate of protein and creatinine excretion. Urine collection is often incomplete, and therefore creatinine and protein excretion rates are underestimated. A random urine protein-creatinine (P-C) ratio has been shown over the years to be a reliable alternative to the 24-hour collection for detection and follow up of proteinuria. However, urine protein excretion may be influenced by physical activity. We studied 48 patients with proteinuria and varying levels of physical activity to determine the correlation between the measures of urine protein excretion. The correlation coefficient (r) between 24-hour urine total protein and random urine P-C ratio was 0.75 (P < 0.01) in the overall study population, but varied according to the level of proteinuria and physical activity in a stratified analysis: r = 0.99 (P < 0.001) and r = 0.95 (P < 0.01) in bedridden patients; r = 0.44 (P = not significant [NS]) and r = 0.54 (P = NS) in semiactive patients; and r = 0.44 (P = NS) and r = 0.58 (P < 0.05) in active patients with nephrotic- (>3500 mg/day) and non-nephrotic (<3500 mg/day) range proteinuria, respectively. The correlation appeared to be stronger between random urine and 24-hour urine P-C ratio for the overall study population (r = 0.84; P < 0.001), and when stratified according to the level of proteinuria and physical activity: r = 0.99 (P < 0.001) and r = 0.92 (P < 0.01) in bedridden patients; r = 0.61 (P = NS) and r = 0.54 (P = NS) in semiactive patients; and r = 0.64 (P < 0.02) and r = 0.52 (P < 0.05) in active patients with nephrotic and non-nephrotic range proteinuria, respectively. We conclude that the random urine P-C ratio is a reliable and practical way of estimating and following proteinuria, but its precision and accuracy may be affected by the level of patient physical activity.

Correlation of random urine protein creatinine (P-C) ratio with 24-hour urine protein and P-C ratio, based on physical activity: a pilot study

PubMed Central

Sadjadi, Seyed-Ali; Jaipaul, Navin

2010-01-01

Quantification of proteinuria is usually predicated upon 24-hour urine collection. Multiple factors influence urine collection and the rate of protein and creatinine excretion. Urine collection is often incomplete, and therefore creatinine and protein excretion rates are underestimated. A random urine protein-creatinine (P-C) ratio has been shown over the years to be a reliable alternative to the 24-hour collection for detection and follow up of proteinuria. However, urine protein excretion may be influenced by physical activity. We studied 48 patients with proteinuria and varying levels of physical activity to determine the correlation between the measures of urine protein excretion. The correlation coefficient (r) between 24-hour urine total protein and random urine P-C ratio was 0.75 (P < 0.01) in the overall study population, but varied according to the level of proteinuria and physical activity in a stratified analysis: r = 0.99 (P < 0.001) and r = 0.95 (P < 0.01) in bedridden patients; r = 0.44 (P = not significant [NS]) and r = 0.54 (P = NS) in semiactive patients; and r = 0.44 (P = NS) and r = 0.58 (P < 0.05) in active patients with nephrotic- (>3500 mg/day) and non-nephrotic (<3500 mg/day) range proteinuria, respectively. The correlation appeared to be stronger between random urine and 24-hour urine P-C ratio for the overall study population (r = 0.84; P < 0.001), and when stratified according to the level of proteinuria and physical activity: r = 0.99 (P < 0.001) and r = 0.92 (P < 0.01) in bedridden patients; r = 0.61 (P = NS) and r = 0.54 (P = NS) in semiactive patients; and r = 0.64 (P < 0.02) and r = 0.52 (P < 0.05) in active patients with nephrotic and non-nephrotic range proteinuria, respectively. We conclude that the random urine P-C ratio is a reliable and practical way of estimating and following proteinuria, but its precision and accuracy may be affected by the level of patient physical activity. PMID:20856681

Back to Basics: Is There a Good Reason to Not Systematically Measure Urine Creatinine in Acute Kidney Injury Monitoring?

PubMed

Maciel, Alexandre Toledo

2016-01-01

Regardless of the recent advancements in the understanding of the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury (AKI), its diagnosis remains fundamentally dependent on the serum creatinine (sCr) level and urine output (UO), both of which are considered late markers of AKI, offering only a vague idea of the actual creatinine clearance (CrCl). Although not ideal, CrCl is still the most common alternative of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in clinical practice. It is generally accepted that early diagnosis of AKI must reveal kidney impairment before sCr increases. Much effort has been made to find tubular and glomerular markers of injury which increase (in blood and/or in urine) before the 'official' diagnosis of AKI. Most of these markers are expensive and not widely available, especially in developing countries. Urine creatinine (CrU), the major link between sCr and UO, has been systematically ignored and clinicians are usually unaware of its value. The reasons for this are unclear, but it may be related to the lack of a reference range, dependence of its concentration value on the urine flow (which in turn is only adequately assessed with an indwelling urinary catheter) and the clinical unavailability of its counterbalance part - creatinine production. Changes in urine tend to precede changes in blood in the course of AKI development and recovery. Hence, it is important to bear in mind that changes in sCr signal renal dysfunction with a significant delay. The search for a more dynamic, 'real-time' but pragmatic assessment of renal function, especially in patients at risk of abrupt decrease in GFR is certainly one of the most relevant focus of research in the field of AKI monitoring. Systematic CrU assessment may be highly relevant in this case. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Laboratory and clinical evaluation of on-site urine drug testing.

PubMed

Beck, Olof; Carlsson, Sten; Tusic, Marinela; Olsson, Robert; Franzen, Lisa; Hulten, Peter

2014-11-01

Products for on-site urine drug testing offer the possibility to perform screening for drugs of abuse directly at the point-of-care. This is a well-established routine in emergency and dependency clinics but further evaluation of performance is needed due to inherent limitations with the available products. Urine drug testing by an on-site product was compared with routine laboratory methods. First, on-site testing was performed at the laboratory in addition to the routine method. Second, the on-site testing was performed at a dependency clinic and urine samples were subsequently sent to the laboratory for additional analytical investigation. The on-site testing products did not perform with assigned cut-off levels. The subjective reading between the presence of a spot (i.e. negative test result) being present or no spot (positive result) was difficult in 3.2% of the cases, and occurred for all parameters. The tests performed more accurately in drug negative samples (specificity 96%) but less accurately for detecting positives (sensitivity 79%). Of all incorrect results by the on-site test the proportion of false negatives was 42%. The overall agreement between on-site and laboratory testing was 95% in the laboratory study and 98% in the clinical study. Although a high degree of agreement was observed between on-site and routine laboratory urine drug testing, the performance of on-site testing was not acceptable due to significant number of false negative results. The limited sensitivity of on-site testing compared to laboratory testing reduces the applicability of these tests.

Feasibility study of the RenalGuard™ balanced hydration system: a novel strategy for the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy in high risk patients.

PubMed

Dorval, Jean-Francois; Dixon, Simon R; Zelman, Richard B; Davidson, Charles J; Rudko, Robert; Resnic, Frederic S

2013-06-20

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a frequent complication following angiographic procedures with significant impact on healthcare costs, and long-term outcomes. Multiple reno-protective strategies have been studied but few have shown benefit in prospective randomized studies beyond limiting the exposure to iodinated contrast and adequate intravenous. We studied the performance and safety of a novel system designed to achieve precise real-time high volume fluid balance using a closed loop hydration monitoring and infusion system. This prospective, multi-center, FDA approved phase II feasibility study was designed to evaluate the safety and the performance of the RenalGuard matched hydration system. Between October 2006 and November 2007, twenty-three subjects at high risk for CIN (with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)<50ml/min/1.73m(2)) undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic catheterization were treated with the system. The primary endpoint of the study was defined as the ability of the system to effectively dynamically match fluid administration to urine output. The 23 subjects at high risk for CIN enrolled had a mean±SD eGFR of 39±9.3. Patients achieved an hourly urine flow rate of 620±400ml/h. The system had a mean effectiveness rate of 99.9% over the duration of therapy with an average saline volume infused of 3825ml closely matched, minute to minute, to urine output of 3579ml. There were no major device-related complications from the experimental therapy, though one patient developed hypokalemia requiring replacement. Two subjects (9.5%) developed CIN as defined by >0.5mg/dl or >25% rise in serum creatinine at 48-60h post contrast administration when compared with the baseline. The study confirmed that the RenalGuard(TM) system is safe and dynamically balances volume hydration with urine production. Further randomized studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of the system in reducing the incidence of CIN. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Higher urine 1-hydroxy pyrene glucuronide (1-OHPG) is associated with tobacco smoke exposure and drinking maté in healthy subjects from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

PubMed Central

Fagundes, Renato B; Abnet, Christian C; Strickland, Paul T; Kamangar, Farin; Roth, Mark J; Taylor, Philip R; Dawsey, Sanford M

2006-01-01

Background The highest rates of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in Brazil occur in Rio Grande do Sul, the most southern state, which has incidence rates of 20.4/100,000/year for men and 6.5/100,000/year for women. Exposure to carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) through tobacco smoke and other sources may increase the risk of ESCC. The aims of the current study were to investigate the degree and sources of PAH exposure of the inhabitants of this region of southern Brazil. Methods Two hundred healthy adults (half smokers, half non smokers, half male and half female) were recruited, given a standardized questionnaire, and asked to provide a urine sample for measurement of 1-hydroxypyrene glucuronide (1-OHPG), a PAH metabolite). Urine 1-OHPG concentrations were measured using immunoaffinity chromatography and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy and urine cotinine was measured using a dipstick test. We examined factors associated with 1-OHPG concentration using Wilcoxon tests and multiple linear regression. Results Urine 1-hydroxypyrene glucuronide (1-OHPG) was successfully measured on 199 subjects. The median (interquartile range) of urine 1-OHPG in the 199 participants was 2.09 pmol/mL (0.51, 5.84). Tobacco smoke exposure and maté drinking were statistically significantly associated with higher urine 1-OHPG concentrations in the multivariate linear regression model. Conclusion Tobacco smoke and maté both contribute to high levels of benzo[a]pyrene exposure in the people of southern Brazil. This high PAH exposure may contribute to the high rates of ESCC observed in this population. The increased urine 1-OHPG concentrations associated with maté suggest that contaminants, not just thermal injury, may help explain the increased risk of ESCC previously reported for maté consumption. PMID:16729889

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Weaver, Virginia M., E-mail: vweaver@jhsph.edu; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Positive associations between urine toxicant levels and measures of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) have been reported recently in a range of populations. The explanation for these associations, in a direction opposite that of traditional nephrotoxicity, is uncertain. Variation in associations by urine concentration adjustment approach has also been observed. Associations of urine cadmium, thallium and uranium in models of serum creatinine- and cystatin-C-based estimated GFR (eGFR) were examined using multiple linear regression in a cross-sectional study of adolescents residing near a lead smelter complex. Urine concentration adjustment approaches compared included urine creatinine, urine osmolality and no adjustment. Median age, bloodmore » lead and urine cadmium, thallium and uranium were 13.9 years, 4.0 μg/dL, 0.22, 0.27 and 0.04 g/g creatinine, respectively, in 512 adolescents. Urine cadmium and thallium were positively associated with serum creatinine-based eGFR only when urine creatinine was used to adjust for urine concentration (β coefficient=3.1 mL/min/1.73 m{sup 2}; 95% confidence interval=1.4, 4.8 per each doubling of urine cadmium). Weaker positive associations, also only with urine creatinine adjustment, were observed between these metals and serum cystatin-C-based eGFR and between urine uranium and serum creatinine-based eGFR. Additional research using non-creatinine-based methods of adjustment for urine concentration is necessary. - Highlights: • Positive associations between urine metals and creatinine-based eGFR are unexpected. • Optimal approach to urine concentration adjustment for urine biomarkers uncertain. • We compared urine concentration adjustment methods. • Positive associations observed only with urine creatinine adjustment. • Additional research using non-creatinine-based methods of adjustment needed.« less

Comparison of the Automated cobas u 701 Urine Microscopy and UF-1000i Flow Cytometry Systems and Manual Microscopy in the Examination of Urine Sediments.

PubMed

Lee, Wonmok; Ha, Jung-Sook; Ryoo, Nam-Hee

2016-09-01

The cobas u 701, a new automated image-based urine sediment analyzer, was introduced recently. In this study, we compared its performance with that of UF-1000i flow cytometry and manual microscopy in the examination of urine sediments. Precision, linearity, and carry-over were determined for the two urine sediment analyzers. For a comparison of the method, 300 urine samples were examined by the automated analyzers and by manual microscopy using a KOVA chamber. Within-run coefficients of variation (CVs) for the control materials were 7.0-8.8% and 1.7-5.7% for the cobas u 701 and UF-1000i systems, respectively. Between-run CVs were 8.5-9.8% and 2.7-5.4%, respectively. Both instruments showed good linearity and negligible carry-over. For red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and epithelial cells (EPI), the overall concordance rates within one grade of difference among the three methods were good (78.6-86.0%, 88.7-93.8%, and 81.3-90.7%, respectively). The concordance rate for casts was poor (66.5-68.9%). Compared with manual microscopy, the two automated sediment analyzers tested in this study showed satisfactory analytical performances for RBC, WBC, and EPI. However, for other urine sediment particles confirmation by visual microscopy is still required. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The effect of anesthetization and urinary bladder catheterization on renal function of rainbow trout

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hunn, J.B.; Willford, W.A.

1970-01-01

1. Rainbow trout were anesthetized with MS-222 (Sandoz) or methylpentynol and catheterized. Urine was collected at selected intervals up to 48 hr. 2. Effects of MS-222 anesthesia on urine flow and composition were isolated from the stress of catheterization by re-anesthetizing the fish 18 to 20 hr post catheterization. 3. Urine output patterns were similar following MS-222 or methylpentynol anesthesia and catheterization. Highest urine flows were measured 4 to 8 hr post treatment. The highest urine output after re-anesthetization with MS-222 was observed 2 to 4 hr post-anesthesia. 4. Highest concentrations of Na2+, K+, Ca2+, Cl- and inorganic PO4 in the urine were measured in the first 2 hr after anesthesia and catheterization. 5. Flow rates and chemical composition of urine indicate that "normal" renal function is re-established 12 to 24 hr post-treatment.

Chemistry and kinetics of I2 loss in urine distillate and humidity condensate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Atwater, James E.; Wheeler, Richard R., Jr.; Olivadoti, J. T.; Sauer, Richard L.

1992-01-01

Time-resolved molecular absorption spectrophotometry of iodinated ersatz humidity condensates and iodinated ersatz urine distillates across the UV and visible spectral regions are used to investigate the chemistry and kinetics of I2 loss in urine distillate and humidity condensate. Single contaminant systems at equivalent concentrations are also employed to study rates of iodine. Pseudo-first order rate constants are identified for ersatz contaminant model mixtures and for individual reactive constituents. The second order bimolecular reaction of elemental iodine with formic acid, producing carbon dioxide and iodine anion, is identified as the primary mechanism underlying the decay of residual I2 in ersatz humidity concentrate.

Forecasting the Change of Renal Stone Occurrence Rates in Astronauts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Myers, J.; Goodenow, D.; Gokoglu, S.; Kassemi, M.

2016-01-01

Changes in urine chemistry, during and post flight, potentially increases the risk of renal stones in astronauts. Although much is known about the effects of space flight on urine chemistry, no inflight incidences of renal stones in US astronauts exists and the question How much does this risk change with space flight? remains difficult to accurately quantify. In this discussion, we tackle this question utilizing a combination of deterministic and probabilistic modeling that implements the physics behind free stone growth and agglomeration, speciation of urine chemistry and published observations of population renal stone incidences to estimate changes in the rate of renal stone occurrence.

Conveyor Cultivation of the Halophytic Plant Salicornia europaea for the Recycling of NaCl from Human Liquid Waste in a Biological Life Support System.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balnokin, Yurii; Myasoedov, Nikolay; Popova, Larissa; Tikhomirov, Alexander A.; Ushakova, Sofya; Tikhomirova, Natalia; Lasseur, Christophe; Gros, Jean-Bernard

One problem in designing bioregenerative life support systems (BLSS) is developing technolo-gies to include human liquid and solid waste in intrasystem recycling. A specific task is recycling of NaCl excreted in urine by humans. We showed recently that this could be achieved through inclusion of the salt accumulating halophyte Salicornia europaea in the autotrophic compart-ment of the BLSS (Balnokin et al., ASR, 2010, in press). A model of NaCl circulation in BLSS with inclusion of S. europaea was based on the NaCl turnover in the human -urine -nutrient solution -S. europaea -human cycle. Mineralized urine was used as a basis for preparation of a nutrient solution for the halophyte cultivation. The shoots of the halophyte cultivated in the mineralized urine and containing NaCl could to be used by the BLSS inhabitants in their diets. In this report we describe cultivation of S. europaea which allows turnover of NaCl and produces daily shoot biomass containing Na+ and Cl- in quantities approximately equal to those excreted in daily human urine. The plants were grown in water culture in a climatic chamber under controlled conditions. A solution simulating mineralized urine (SSMU) was used as a basis for preparation of a nutri-ent solution for S. europaea cultivation. For continuous biomass production, seedlings of S. europaea, germinated preliminary in moist sand, were being transferred to the nutrient solu-tion at regular intervals (every two days). Duration of the conveyor operation was 112 days. During the first 56 days, the seedlings were being planted in SSMU diluted by a factor of 1.5 (2/3 SSMU). The same solution was introduced into the growth vessels as volumes of growth medium decreased due to plant transpiration. Starting from the 56th day as conveyor operation was initiated, the plants were being harvested every two days; the solutions from the discharged vessels were mixed with the fresh SSMU and the mixture was introduced into all other growth vessels of the conveyor. Thus, during the first 56-d period, the plants grew only in the fresh nutrient solution, whereas during the second 56-d period, the worked out nutrient solutions were being returned into the cycle having been added to the growth vessels along with the fresh SSMU. Growth characteristics, water and ionic relations of S. europaea plants, balance of nutrients between organs and growth media for the first and second 56-d periods of the conveyor operation are presented. There was no significant difference in the rates of shoot biomass production during the first and the second periods. The plants were producing shoot biomass with the rates close to those observed under optimal conditions. However, substantial increase in root biomass production (by 50% on the dry mass basis) was observed in the second period as compared with the first one. Decrease in organ water contents on the dry mass basis (by 13% and 30% for shoots and roots, respectively) and transpiration rates (by 25%) occurred also in the second period as compared with the first one. Measurements of Na+ , Cl- and nutrient contents in the growth media and plant organs and calculation of their balances showed that the plants did not suffer from a deficiency of nutrients during the 112 days of the conveyor operation while accumulating required NaCl amounts. Observed root proliferation and deterioration of water relations in the second 56-d period of the conveyor operation may be caused by toxic plant metabolites exuded by roots into the growth medium.

Comparison of EMIT II, CEDIA, and DPC RIA assays for the detection of lysergic acid diethylamide in forensic urine samples.

PubMed

Wiegand, Russell F; Klette, Kevin L; Stout, Peter R; Gehlhausen, Jay M

2002-10-01

In an effort to determine a practical, efficient, and economical alternative for the use of a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the detection of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in human urine, the performance of two photometric immunoassays (Dade Behring EMIT II and Microgenics CEDIA) and the Diagnostics Products Corp. (DPC) RIA were compared. Precision, accuracy, and linearity of the 3 assays were determined by testing 60 replicates (10 for RIA) at 5 different concentrations below and above the 500-pg/mL LSD cut-off. The CEDIA and RIA exhibited better accuracy and precision than the EMIT II immunoassay. In contrast, the EMIT II and CEDIA demonstrated superior linearity r2 = 0.9809 and 0.9540, respectively, as compared with the RIA (r2 = 0.9062). The specificity of the three assays was assessed using compounds that have structural and chemical properties similar to LSD, common over-the-counter products, prescription drugs and some of their metabolites, and other drugs of abuse. Of the 144 compounds studied, the EMIT II cross-reacted with twice as many compounds as did the CEDIA and RIA. Specificity was also assessed in 221 forensic human urine specimens that previously screened positive for LSD by the EMIT II assay. Of these, only 11 tested positive by CEDIA, and 3 were positive by RIA. This indicated a comparable specificity performance between CEDIA and RIA. This also was consistent with a previously reported high false-positive rate of EMIT II (low specificity). Each of the immunoassays correctly identified LSD in 23 out of 24 human urine specimens that had previously been found to contain LSD by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry at a cut-off concentration of 200 pg/mL. The CEDIA exhibited superior precision, accuracy, and decreased cross-reactivity to compounds other than LSD as compared with the EMIT II assay and does not necessitate the handling of radioactive materials.

Effects of Mountain Ultra-Marathon Running on ROS Production and Oxidative Damage by Micro-Invasive Analytic Techniques.

PubMed

Mrakic-Sposta, Simona; Gussoni, Maristella; Moretti, Sarah; Pratali, Lorenza; Giardini, Guido; Tacchini, Philippe; Dellanoce, Cinzia; Tonacci, Alessandro; Mastorci, Francesca; Borghini, Andrea; Montorsi, Michela; Vezzoli, Alessandra

2015-01-01

Aiming to gain a detailed insight into the physiological mechanisms involved under extreme conditions, a group of experienced ultra-marathon runners, performing the mountain Tor des Géants® ultra-marathon: 330 km trail-run in Valle d'Aosta, 24000 m of positive and negative elevation changes, was monitored. ROS production rate, antioxidant capacity, oxidative damage and inflammation markers were assessed, adopting micro-invasive analytic techniques. Forty-six male athletes (45.04±8.75 yr, 72.6±8.4 kg, 1.76±0.05 m) were tested. Capillary blood and urine were collected before (Pre-), in the middle (Middle-) and immediately after (Post-) Race. Samples were analyzed for: Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance; Antioxidant Capacity by Electrochemistry; oxidative damage (8-hydroxy-2-deoxy Guanosine: 8-OH-dG; 8-isoprostane: 8-isoPGF2α) and nitric oxide metabolites by enzymatic assays; inflammatory biomarkers (plasma and urine interleukin-6: IL-6-P and IL-6-U) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA); Creatinine and Neopterin by HPLC, hematologic (lactate, glucose and hematocrit) and urine parameters by standard analyses. Twenty-five athletes finished the race, while twenty-one dropped out of it. A significant increase (Post-Race vs Pre) of the ROS production rate (2.20±0.27 vs 1.65±0.22 μmol.min-1), oxidative damage biomarkers (8-OH-dG: 6.32±2.38 vs 4.16±1.25 ng.mg-1 Creatinine and 8-isoPGF2α: 1404.0±518.30 vs 822.51±448.91 pg.mg-1Creatinine), inflammatory state (IL-6-P: 66.42±36.92 vs 1.29±0.54 pg.mL-1 and IL-6-U: 1.33±0.56 vs 0.71±0.17 pg.mL1) and lactate production (+190%), associated with a decrease of both antioxidant capacity (-7%) and renal function (i.e. Creatinine level +76%) was found. The used micro-invasive analytic methods allowed us to perform most of them before, during and immediately after the race directly in the field, by passing the need of storing and transporting samples for further analysis. Considered altogether the investigated variables showed up that exhaustive and prolonged exercise not only promotes the generation of ROS but also induces oxidative stress, transient renal impairment and inflammation.

Metabolomic and elemental analysis of camel and bovine urine by GC-MS and ICP-MS.

PubMed

Ahamad, Syed Rizwan; Alhaider, Abdul Qader; Raish, Mohammad; Shakeel, Faiyaz

2017-01-01

Recent studies from the author's laboratory indicated that camel urine possesses antiplatelet activity and anti-cancer activity which is not present in bovine urine. The objective of this study is to compare the volatile and elemental components of bovine and camel urine using GC-MS and ICP-MS analysis. We are interested to know the component that performs these biological activities. The freeze dried urine was dissolved in dichloromethane and then derivatization process followed by using BSTFA for GC-MS analysis. Thirty different compounds were analyzed by the derivatization process in full scan mode. For ICP-MS analysis twenty eight important elements were analyzed in both bovine and camel urine. The results of GC-MS and ICP-MS analysis showed marked difference in the urinary metabolites. GC-MS evaluation of camel urine finds a lot of products of metabolism like benzene propanoic acid derivatives, fatty acid derivatives, amino acid derivatives, sugars, prostaglandins and canavanine. Several research reports reveal the metabolomics studies on camel urine but none of them completely reported the pharmacology related metabolomics. The present data of GC-MS suggest and support the previous studies and activities related to camel urine.

Simple DNA extraction of urine samples: Effects of storage temperature and storage time.

PubMed

Ng, Huey Hian; Ang, Hwee Chen; Hoe, See Ying; Lim, Mae-Lynn; Tai, Hua Eng; Soh, Richard Choon Hock; Syn, Christopher Kiu-Choong

2018-06-01

Urine samples are commonly analysed in cases with suspected illicit drug consumption. In events of alleged sample mishandling, urine sample source identification may be necessary. A simple DNA extraction procedure suitable for STR typing of urine samples was established on the Promega Maxwell ® 16 paramagnetic silica bead platform. A small sample volume of 1.7mL was used. Samples were stored at room temperature, 4°C and -20°C for 100days to investigate the influence of storage temperature and time on extracted DNA quantity and success rate of STR typing. Samples stored at room temperature exhibited a faster decline in DNA yield with time and lower typing success rates as compared to those at 4°C and -20°C. This trend can likely be attributed to DNA degradation. In conclusion, this study presents a quick and effective DNA extraction protocol from a small urine volume stored for up to 100days at 4°C and -20°C. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Kidney function in the Spinifex hopping mouse, Notomys alexis.

PubMed

Gordge, L; Roberts, J R

2008-06-01

Notomys alexis (Spinifex hopping mouse) is found in the arid zone of Australia. The structure and function of the kidneys allow this species to conserve water. This study investigated the rate at which N. alexis can reduce urine volume and increase the concentration of electrolytes and solutes when water deprived. It also looked at the response to rehydration, following a period of water deprivation. The laboratory mouse, Mus musculus domesticus, was used for comparison. N. alexis is able to reduce urine volume and increase urine concentration more rapidly than M. m. domesticus when water deprived. This appears to occur prior to any measurable changes in plasma electrolyte concentrations and is not due to reductions in glomerular filtration rate. Gradual water deprivation over a period of 10 days allowed N. alexis to adjust so that urine composition was similar in many ways to animals that had ad libitum access to water, whereas M. m. domesticus required significant water supplementation to maintain body weight at 85% of initial body weight. Ability to concentrate urine rapidly is characteristic of a well-insulated renal medulla [Bankir, L., DeRouffignac, C., 1985. Urinary concentrating ability: insights from comparative anatomy. Am. J. Physiol. 249, R643-666]. However, a well-insulated medulla is normally associated with slow dilution of urine when animals are rehydrated. N. alexis was able to produce dilute urine very rapidly following rehydration of water deprived animals. Physiological control of renal function appears to be complex. Although M. m. domesticus is able to produce concentrated urine, it is unable to survive without free water and responds more slowly to water deprivation.

Urine Culture Follow-up and Antimicrobial Stewardship in a Pediatric Urgent Care Network.

PubMed

Saha, Dipanwita; Patel, Jimisha; Buckingham, Don; Thornton, David; Barber, Terry; Watson, Joshua R

2017-04-01

Empiric antibiotic therapy for presumed urinary tract infection (UTI) leads to unnecessary antibiotic exposure in many children whose urine culture results fail to confirm the diagnosis. The objective of this quality improvement study was to improve follow-up management of negative urine culture results in the off-campus urgent care network of Nationwide Children's Hospital to reduce inappropriate antibiotic exposure in children. A multidisciplinary task force developed and implemented a protocol for routine nurse and clinician follow-up of urine culture results, discontinuation of unnecessary antibiotics, and documentation in the electronic medical record. Monthly antibiotic discontinuation rates were tracked in empirically treated patients with negative urine culture results from July 2013 through December 2015. Statistical process control methods were used to track improvement over time. Fourteen-day return visits for UTIs were monitored as a balancing measure. During the study period, 910 patients received empiric antibiotic therapy for UTIs but had a negative urine culture result. The antibiotic discontinuation rate increased from 4% to 84%, avoiding 3429 (40%) of 8648 antibiotic days prescribed. Among patients with discontinued antibiotics, none was diagnosed with a UTI within 14 days of the initial urgent care encounter. Implementation of a standard protocol for urine culture follow-up and discontinuation of unnecessary antibiotics was both effective and safe in a high-volume pediatric urgent care network. Urine culture follow-up management is an essential opportunity for improved antimicrobial stewardship in the outpatient setting that will affect many patients by avoiding a substantial number of antibiotic days. Copyright © 2017 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Use of a hand-held bladder ultrasound scanner in the assessment of dehydration and monitoring response to treatment in a paediatric emergency department.

PubMed

Enright, Kevin; Beattie, Tom; Taheri, Sepideh

2010-10-01

Dehydration is a common concern in paediatric emergency care. Limited tools are available to assess reduced urine production, which is commonly cited as a reliable marker of dehydration. To evaluate the utility of a hand-held bladder ultrasound scanner in monitoring urine production in children attending the emergency department with suspected dehydration. A prospective pilot study was undertaken on a convenience sample of patients presenting with suspected dehydration. Serial bladder ultrasound scanning was performed to monitor urine output. Dehydration was assessed clinically using the WHO guide to dehydration assessment. Decisions about treatment and admission were made independently of the urine output measurements obtained using the bladder scanner. 45 children were studied. Using the WHO guide, 33 (73%) had mild dehydration, 8 (18%) had moderate dehydration and 4 (9%) had severe dehydration. There was a significant difference in estimated urine production between those admitted and those discharged (0.9±1.2 ml/kg/h vs 1.8±1.5 ml/kg/h, p=0.01) and between those with mild dehydration versus moderate/severe dehydration (2.3±1.5 ml/kg/h vs 0.6±0.7 ml/kg/h, p=0.0011). Urine output had been significantly reduced in those who had received an intravenous fluid bolus compared with those who had not (0.4±0.46 ml/kg/h vs 1.9±1.6 ml/kg/h, p=0.001). The hand-held bladder scanner is a convenient, non-invasive and objective adjunct in the assessment and management of children attending the emergency department with suspected dehydration.

Urine Bacterial Community Convergence through Fertilizer Production: Storage, Pasteurization, and Struvite Precipitation.

PubMed

Lahr, Rebecca H; Goetsch, Heather E; Haig, Sarah J; Noe-Hays, Abraham; Love, Nancy G; Aga, Diana S; Bott, Charles B; Foxman, Betsy; Jimenez, Jose; Luo, Ting; Nace, Kim; Ramadugu, Kirtana; Wigginton, Krista R

2016-11-01

Source-separated human urine was collected from six public events to study the impact of urine processing and storage on bacterial community composition and viability. Illumina 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed a complex community of bacteria in fresh urine that differed across collection events. Despite the harsh chemical conditions of stored urine (pH > 9 and total ammonia nitrogen > 4000 mg N/L), bacteria consistently grew to 5 ± 2 × 10 8 cells/mL. Storing hydrolyzed urine for any amount of time significantly reduced the number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) to 130 ± 70, increased Pielou evenness to 0.60 ± 0.06, and produced communities dominated by Clostridiales and Lactobacillales. After 80 days of storage, all six urine samples from different starting materials converged to these characteristics. Urine pasteurization or struvite precipitation did not change the microbial community, even when pasteurized urine was stored for an additional 70 days. Pasteurization decreased metabolic activity by 50 ± 10% and additional storage after pasteurization did not lead to recovery of metabolic activity. Urine-derived fertilizers consistently contained 16S rRNA genes belonging to Tissierella, Erysipelothrix, Atopostipes, Bacteroides, and many Clostridiales OTUs; additional experiments must determine whether pathogenic species are present, responsible for observed metabolic activity, or regrow when applied.

Prostate cancer antigen 3 gene expression in peripheral blood and urine sediments from prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia patients versus healthy individuals.

PubMed

Moradi Sardareh, Hemen; Goodarzi, Mohammad Taghi; Yadegar-Azari, Reza; Poorolajal, Jalal; Mousavi-Bahar, Seyed Habibollah; Saidijam, Massoud

2014-11-30

To determine the expression of prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) gene in peripheral blood and urine sediments from patients with prostate cancer (PCa) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and normal subjects. A total number of 48 patients [24 with biopsy proven prostate cancer (PCa) and 24 with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)] were studied. Twenty-four healthy individuals were also recruited as control group. After blood and urine sampling, total RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized. Expression of PCA3 gene was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Comparison of PCA3 gene expression between control and BPH groups indicated no statistically significant differences in both urine and blood samples. Patients with PCa demonstrated an increased PCA3 gene expression rate compared to control and BPH groups (10.64 and 7.17 folds, respectively). The rate of fold increased PCA3 gene expression in urine was 20.90, 20.90, and 20.35 in patients with PCa, BPH and normal subjects, respectively. Evaluation of PCA3 gene expression can be considered as a reliable marker for detection of PCa. Increased level of this marker in urine sediments is more sensitive than blood for distinguishing between cancerous and non-cancerous groups. 

PubMed Central

NASROLAHEI, M.; VAHEDI, M.; MALEKI, I.

2013-01-01

Summary Objective. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are amongst the most common infections and account for large proportion of antibacterial drug consumption. The aim of this study was to determine the rate and the etiologic agents of UTIs in inhabitants of rehabilitation centers of Mazandaran province in northern Iran and to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the uropathogens isolated. Methods. Clean catch midstream urine sample was collected from each of 314 participants (163 males, 151 females) residing in 12 rehabilitation centers of Ramsar, Nowshahr, Chalous, Amol, Sari and Behshahr. Urine specimens were cultured and bacterial isolates were identified by conventional methods. All urines fulfilling the criteria for the presence of significant bacteriuria (≥104 cfu / ml urine) were defined as positive. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Results. The rate of urinary tract infection was 30.9% with the highest rate in pediatrics (p < 0.0001).The prevalence of UTIs were shown to be higher in females than in males with the rate of 46.3% in young aged females (20-29 years), 60% in middle aged group (40-49 years) and 50% in elderly (> 50 years). Bacteria most frequently isolated from urine specimens was Escherichia coli (39.2%) with the highest rate of infection in females age group < 10 years (p < 0.001). Among the antibiotics tested against the isolated organisms for susceptibility test, ceftriaxone and gentamicin maintain good activity against the majority of gram negative bacteria that cause UTIs recovered from individuals with intellectual disability. Vancomycin was effective against Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusions. This survey shows that the prevalence of UTIs among inhabitants of institutions for mentally retarded persons in Mazandaran province of Iran is much higher than normal population. PMID:24783897

Urinary tract infection among intellectual disability individuals "etiology and antibiotic resistance patterns" in rehabilitation centers of Mazandaran province, Northern Iran.

PubMed

Nasrolahei, M; Poorhagibagher, M; Vahedi, M; Maleki, I

2013-09-01

OBJECTIVE. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are amongst the most common infections and account for large proportion of antibacterial drug consumption. The aim of this study was to determine the rate and the etiologic agents of UTIs in inhabitants of rehabilitation centers of Mazandaran province in northern Iran and to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the uropathogens isolated. Clean catch midstream urine sample was collected from each of 314 participants (163 males, 151 females) residing in 12 rehabilitation centers of Ramsar, Nowshahr, Chalous, Amol, Sari and Behshahr. Urine specimens were cultured and bacterial isolates were identified by conventional methods. All urines fulfilling the criteria for the presence of significant bacteriuria (> or = 10(4) cfu/ml urine) were defined as positive. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The rate of urinary tract infection was 30.9% with the highest rate in pediatrics (p < 0.0001).The prevalence of UTIs were shown to be higher in females than in males with the rate of 46.3% in young aged females (20-29 years), 60% in middle aged group (40-49 years) and 50% in elderly (> 50 years). Bacteria most frequently isolated from urine specimens was Escherichia coli (39.2%) with the highest rate of infection in females age group < 10 years (p < 0.001). Among the antibiotics tested against the isolated organisms for susceptibility test, ceftriaxone and gentamicin maintain good activity against the majority of gram negative bacteria that cause UTIs recovered from individuals with intellectual disability. Vancomycin was effective against Staphylococcus aureus. This survey shows that the prevalence of UTIs among inhabitants of institutions for mentally retarded persons in Mazandaran province of Iran is much higher than normal population.

Indirect-response modeling of desmopressin at different levels of hydration.

PubMed

Callréus, T; Odeberg, J; Lundin, S; Höglund, P

1999-10-01

The objective of the present study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of desmopressin in healthy male subjects at different levels of overhydration. Also, we examined if an indirect-response model could be related to renal physiology and the pharmacological action of desmopressin. Eight healthy male subjects participated in this open, randomized crossover study with three periods. Each subject was orally water loaded (0 to 20 ml.kg-1 body weight) on 3 study days in order to achieve three different levels of hydration. After the initial water load, urine was voided every 15 min and the volumes were measured. To ensure continuous overhydration the subjects replaced their fluid loss with drinking-water. When a steady-state diuresis was achieved after approximately 2 hr, 0.396 microgram of desmopressin was administered intravenously as a bolus injection. Blood was sampled and urine was collected at intervals throughout the study day (10 hr). An indirect-response model, where desmopressin was assumed to inhibit the elimination of response, was fit to the urine osmolarity data. There were no statistically significant effects of different levels of hydration, as expressed by urine flow rate at baseline, on the estimates of the PK and PD model parameters. The calculated terminal half-lives of elimination (t1/2 beta) ranged between 2.76 and 8.37 hr with an overall mean of 4.36 hr. The overall means of plasma clearance and the volumes of distribution of the central compartment (Vc) and at steady state (Vss) were estimated to be 1.34 (SD 0.35) ml.min-1.kg-1, 151 (SD28) ml.kg-1, and 386 (SD 63) ml.kg-1, respectively. High urine flow rate, indicating overhydration, produced a diluted urine and thus a low osmolarity at baseline (R0). The effect of the urine flow rate on the urine osmolarity at baseline was highly significant (p < 0.0001). The mean values for IC50 and the sigmodicity factor (gamma) were 3.7 (SD 1.2) pg ml-1 and 13.0 (SD 3.5), respectively. In most cases when there was a high urine flow rate at baseline, the model and the estimated PD parameters could be related to the pharmacological action of desmopressin and renal physiology. Thus, the indirect-response model used in this study offers a mechanistic approach of modeling the effect of desmopressin in overhydrated subjects.

Regulation of renal urea transport by vasopressin.

PubMed

Sands, Jeff M; Blount, Mitsi A; Klein, Janet D

2011-01-01

Terrestrial life would be miserable without the ability to concentrate urine. Production of concentrated urine requires complex interactions among the nephron segments and vasculature in the kidney medulla. In addition to water channels (aquaporins) and sodium transporters, urea transporters are critically important to the theories proposed to explain the physiologic processes occurring when urine is concentrated. Vasopressin (anti-diuretic hormone) is the key hormone regulating the production of concentrated urine. Vasopressin rapidly increases water and urea transport in the terminal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). Vasopressin rapidly increases urea permeability in the IMCD through increases in phosphorylation and apical plasma-membrane accumulation of the urea transporter A1 (UT-A1). Vasopressin acts through two cAMP-dependent signaling pathways in the IMCD: protein kinase A and exchange protein activated by cAMP Epac. Protein kinase A phosphorylates UT-A1 at serines 486 and 499. In summary, vasopressin regulates urea transport acutely by increasing UT-A1 phosphorylation and the apical plasma-membrane accumulation of UT-A1 through two cAMP-dependent pathways.

Laboratory experiments on simultaneous removal of K and P from synthetic and real urine for nutrient recycle by crystallization of magnesium-potassium-phosphate-hexahydrate in a draft tube and baffle reactor.

PubMed

Xu, Kangning; Wang, Chengwen; Wang, Xiaoxue; Qian, Yi

2012-06-01

The simultaneous removal of K and P from urine for nutrient recycling by crystallization of magnesium potassium phosphate hexahydrate (MPP) in a laboratory-scale draft tube and baffle reactor (DTBR) is investigated. Results show that mixing speed and hydraulic retention time are important operating factors that influence crystallization and crystal settlement. Slurry should be discharged at a crystal retention time of 11 h to maintain fluidity in the reactor. Further applications of the DTBR using real urine (pretreated by ammonia stripping and diluted five times) showed that 76% K and 68% P were recycled to multi-nutrient products. The crystals collected were characterized and confirmed mainly as a mixture of magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate, MPP, and magnesium sodium phosphate heptahydrate. Results indicate that the DTBR effectively achieved the simultaneous recycling of K and P from urine to multi-nutrient products through MPP crystallization. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A trend analysis of laboratory positive propoxyphene workplace urine drug screens before and after the product recall.

PubMed

Price, James

2015-01-01

Propoxyphene was withdrawn from the US market in November 2010. This drug is still tested for in the workplace as part of expanded panel nonregulated testing. A convenience sample of urine specimens (n = 7838) were provided by workers from various industries. The percentage of positive specimens with 95% confidence intervals was calculated for each year of the study. Logistic regression was used to assess the impact of the year upon the propoxyphene result. The prevalence of positive propoxyphene tests was much higher before the product's withdrawal from the market. Logistic regression provided evidence of a decreasing linear trend (P < 0.000; β = -0.71). The odds ratio signifies that for every additional year the urine specimens were 0.49 times less likely to be positive for propoxyphene. This favors the determination that the change in propoxyphene positive drug test over the years is not by chance. The conclusion supports no longer performing nonregulated workplace propoxyphene urine drug testing for this population.

Effect of urine urea nitrogen and protein intake adjusted by using the estimated urine creatinine excretion rate on the antiproteinuric effect of angiotensin II type I receptor blockers.

PubMed

Chin, Ho Jun; Kim, Dong Ki; Park, Jung Hwan; Shin, Sung Joon; Lee, Sang Ho; Choi, Bum Soon; Kim, Suhnggwon; Lim, Chun Soo

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine the role of protein intake on proteinuria in chronic kidney disease (CKD), as it is presently not conclusive. This is a subanalysis of data from an open-label, case-controlled, randomized clinical trial on education about low-salt diets (NCT01552954). We estimated the urine excretion rate of parameters in a day, adjusted by using the equation for estimating urine creatinine excretion, and analyzed the effect of urine urea nitrogen (UUN), as well as estimating protein intake on the level of albuminuria in hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease. Among 174 participants from whom complete 24-h urine specimens were collected, the estimates from the Tanaka equation resulted in the highest accuracy for the urinary excretion rate of creatinine, sodium, albumin, and UUN. Among 227 participants, the baseline value of estimated urine albumin excretion (eUalb) was positively correlated with the estimated UUN (eUUN) or protein intake according to eUUN (P = 0.012 and P = 0.038, respectively). We were able to calculate the ratios of eUalb and eUUN in 221 participants and grouped them according to the ratio of eUUN during 16-wk trial period. The proportion of patients that achieved a decrement of eUalb ≥25% during 16 wk with an angiotensin II type I receptor blocker (ARB) medication was 80% (24 of 30) in group 1, with eUUN ratio ≤-25%; 82.2% (111 of 135) in group 2, with eUUN ratio between -25% and 25%; and 66.1% (37 and 56) in group 3, with eUUN ratio ≥25% (P = 0.048). The probability of a decrease in albuminuria with ARB treatment was lower in patients with an increase of eUUN or protein intake during the 16 wk of ARB treatment, as observed in multiple logistic regression analysis as well. The estimated urine urea excretion rate showed a positive association with the level of albuminuria in hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease. The increase of eUUN excretion ameliorated the antiproteinuric effect of ARB. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Human Urine Metabolome

PubMed Central

Bouatra, Souhaila; Aziat, Farid; Mandal, Rupasri; Guo, An Chi; Wilson, Michael R.; Knox, Craig; Bjorndahl, Trent C.; Krishnamurthy, Ramanarayan; Saleem, Fozia; Liu, Philip; Dame, Zerihun T.; Poelzer, Jenna; Huynh, Jessica; Yallou, Faizath S.; Psychogios, Nick; Dong, Edison; Bogumil, Ralf; Roehring, Cornelia; Wishart, David S.

2013-01-01

Urine has long been a “favored” biofluid among metabolomics researchers. It is sterile, easy-to-obtain in large volumes, largely free from interfering proteins or lipids and chemically complex. However, this chemical complexity has also made urine a particularly difficult substrate to fully understand. As a biological waste material, urine typically contains metabolic breakdown products from a wide range of foods, drinks, drugs, environmental contaminants, endogenous waste metabolites and bacterial by-products. Many of these compounds are poorly characterized and poorly understood. In an effort to improve our understanding of this biofluid we have undertaken a comprehensive, quantitative, metabolome-wide characterization of human urine. This involved both computer-aided literature mining and comprehensive, quantitative experimental assessment/validation. The experimental portion employed NMR spectroscopy, gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), direct flow injection mass spectrometry (DFI/LC-MS/MS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) experiments performed on multiple human urine samples. This multi-platform metabolomic analysis allowed us to identify 445 and quantify 378 unique urine metabolites or metabolite species. The different analytical platforms were able to identify (quantify) a total of: 209 (209) by NMR, 179 (85) by GC-MS, 127 (127) by DFI/LC-MS/MS, 40 (40) by ICP-MS and 10 (10) by HPLC. Our use of multiple metabolomics platforms and technologies allowed us to identify several previously unknown urine metabolites and to substantially enhance the level of metabolome coverage. It also allowed us to critically assess the relative strengths and weaknesses of different platforms or technologies. The literature review led to the identification and annotation of another 2206 urinary compounds and was used to help guide the subsequent experimental studies. An online database containing the complete set of 2651 confirmed human urine metabolite species, their structures (3079 in total), concentrations, related literature references and links to their known disease associations are freely available at http://www.urinemetabolome.ca. PMID:24023812

Life cycle comparison of centralized wastewater treatment and urine source separation with struvite precipitation: Focus on urine nutrient management.

PubMed

Ishii, Stephanie K L; Boyer, Treavor H

2015-08-01

Alternative approaches to wastewater management including urine source separation have the potential to simultaneously improve multiple aspects of wastewater treatment, including reduced use of potable water for waste conveyance and improved contaminant removal, especially nutrients. In order to pursue such radical changes, system-level evaluations of urine source separation in community contexts are required. The focus of this life cycle assessment (LCA) is managing nutrients from urine produced in a residential setting with urine source separation and struvite precipitation, as compared with a centralized wastewater treatment approach. The life cycle impacts evaluated in this study pertain to construction of the urine source separation system and operation of drinking water treatment, decentralized urine treatment, and centralized wastewater treatment. System boundaries include fertilizer offsets resulting from the production of urine based struvite fertilizer. As calculated by the Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and Other Environmental Impacts (TRACI), urine source separation with MgO addition for subsequent struvite precipitation with high P recovery (Scenario B) has the smallest environmental cost relative to existing centralized wastewater treatment (Scenario A) and urine source separation with MgO and Na3PO4 addition for subsequent struvite precipitation with concurrent high P and N recovery (Scenario C). Preliminary economic evaluations show that the three urine management scenarios are relatively equal on a monetary basis (<13% difference). The impacts of each urine management scenario are most sensitive to the assumed urine composition, the selected urine storage time, and the assumed electricity required to treat influent urine and toilet water used to convey urine at the centralized wastewater treatment plant. The importance of full nutrient recovery from urine in combination with the substantial chemical inputs required for N recovery via struvite precipitation indicate the need for alternative methods of N recovery. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Suprapubic Bladder Aspiration in Neonates

PubMed Central

Akierman, Albert R.

1987-01-01

Suprapubic bladder aspiration in neonates is a simple, safe, and useful technique for collection of sterile urine. The procedure can be performed in the hospital or office. Neither sedation nor local anesthetic is required. Suprapubic bladder aspiration of urine is the preferred method of collecting urine for culture in septic neonates. The technique is also indicated to verify urinary tract infection in neonates. Suprapubic bladder aspiration is contraindicated in the presence of abdominal distension or an empty bladder. Carefully and properly performed, the risk of complications should be negligible, and the success rate in obtaining urine is 90%. ImagesFigure 1Figure 2 PMID:21263980

Metabolite profiling of bendamustine in urine of cancer patients after administration of [14C]bendamustine.

PubMed

Dubbelman, Anne-Charlotte; Jansen, Robert S; Rosing, Hilde; Darwish, Mona; Hellriegel, Edward; Robertson, Philmore; Schellens, Jan H M; Beijnen, Jos H

2012-07-01

Bendamustine is an alkylating agent consisting of a mechlorethamine derivative, a benzimidazole group, and a butyric acid substituent. A human mass balance study showed that bendamustine is extensively metabolized and subsequently excreted in urine. However, limited information is available on the metabolite profile of bendamustine in human urine. The objective of this study was to elucidate the metabolic pathways of bendamustine in humans by identification of its metabolites excreted in urine. Human urine samples were collected up to 168 h after an intravenous infusion of 120 mg/m(2) (80-95 μCi) [(14)C]bendamustine. Metabolites of [(14)C]bendamustine were identified using liquid chromatography (high-resolution)-tandem mass spectrometry with off-line radioactivity detection. Bendamustine and a total of 25 bendamustine-related compounds were detected. Observed metabolic conversions at the benzimidazole and butyric acid moiety were N-demethylation and γ-hydroxylation. In addition, various other combinations of these conversions with modifications at the mechlorethamine moiety were observed, including hydrolysis (the primary metabolic pathway), cysteine conjugation, and subsequent biotransformation to mercapturic acid and thiol derivatives, N-dealkylation, oxidation, and conjugation with phosphate, creatinine, and uric acid. Bendamustine-derived products containing phosphate, creatinine, and uric acid conjugates were also detected in control urine incubated with bendamustine. Metabolites that were excreted up to 168 h after the infusion included products of dihydrolysis and cysteine conjugation of bendamustine and γ-hydroxybendamustine. The range of metabolic reactions is generally consistent with those reported for rat urine and bile, suggesting that the overall processes involved in metabolic elimination are qualitatively the same in rats and humans.

Genotyping for DQA1 and PM loci in urine using PCR-based amplification: effects of sample volume, storage temperature, preservatives, and aging on DNA extraction and typing.

PubMed

Vu, N T; Chaturvedi, A K; Canfield, D V

1999-05-31

Urine is often the sample of choice for drug screening in aviation/general forensic toxicology and in workplace drug testing. In some instances, the origin of the submitted samples may be challenged because of the medicolegal and socioeconomic consequences of a positive drug test. Methods for individualization of biological samples have reached a new boundary with the application of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in DNA profiling, but a successful characterization of the urine specimens depends on the quantity and quality of DNA present in the samples. Therefore, the present study investigated the influence of storage conditions, sample volume, concentration modes, extraction procedures, and chemical preservations on the quantity of DNA recovered, as well as the success rate of PCR-based genotyping for DQA1 and PM loci in urine. Urine specimens from male and female volunteers were divided and stored at various temperatures for up to 30 days. The results suggested that sample purification by dialfiltration, using 3000-100,000 molecular weight cut-off filters, did not enhance DNA recovery and typing rate as compared with simple centrifugation procedures. Extraction of urinary DNA by the organic method and by the resin method gave comparable typing results. Larger sample volume yielded a higher amount of DNA, but the typing rates were not affected for sample volumes between 1 and 5 ml. The quantifiable amounts of DNA present were found to be greater in female (14-200 ng/ml) than in male (4-60 ng/ml) samples and decreased with the elapsed time under both room temperature (RT) and frozen storage. Typing of the male samples also demonstrated that RT storage samples produced significantly higher success rates than that of frozen samples, while there was only marginal difference in the DNA typing rates among the conditions tested using female samples. Successful assignment of DQA1 + PM genotype was achieved for all samples of fresh urine, independent of gender, starting sample volume, or concentration method. Preservation by 0.25% sodium azide was acceptable for sample storage at 4 degrees C during a period of 30 days. For longer storage duration, freezing at -70 degrees C may be more appropriate. Thus, the applicability of the DQA1 + PM typing was clearly demonstrated for individualization of urine samples.

Comparative in vitro encrustation studies of biomaterials in human urine.

PubMed

Gleeson, M J; Glueck, J A; Feldman, L; Griffith, D P; Noon, G P

1989-01-01

A new dynamic in vitro human urine model was developed to compare biomaterial encrustation. The model incorporates a capacity to study seven biomaterials, a daily urine inflow of 500 ml, a reservoir capacity of 700 ml, and a turnover rate of four days. Encrustation studies performed for 2 weeks in sterile and infected (Proteus Vulgaris) urine on segmented polyether polyurethane, polyester polyurethane, silicone (Mitsui), silicone (Dow Corning), biothane, biolor 1 and biolor 11 demonstrated that biolor 11 (silicone-carbon composite) caused the least encrustation. Encrustation analysis showed brushite in the sterile model and struvite and ammonium acid urate in the infected mode I. Biolor II should have beneficial applications in catheters, stents and prosthetics which come in contact with urine.

Cloning of Buffalo, a Highly Valued Livestock Species of South and Southeast Asia: Any Achievements?

PubMed

Selokar, Naresh L; Saini, Monika; Palta, Prabhat; Chauhan, Manmohan S; Manik, Radhey S; Singla, Suresh K

2018-04-01

Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is a major source of milk, meat, and draught power in many developing countries in Asia. Animal cloning holds a lot of potential for fast multiplication of elite buffaloes and conservation of their valuable germplasm. Although the progress of buffalo cloning has been slow in comparison to cattle or pig, several breakthroughs were reported in buffalo cloning such as the production of cloned calves from somatic cells isolated from over one-decade old frozen-thawed semen or from urine-derived cells. Since the initiation of buffalo cloning, several approaches have been tried to refine nuclear transfer protocols. This has resulted in increasing the blastocyst production rate and improving their quality leading to an increase in live birth rate. In this review, we discuss current developments in buffalo cloning, its challenges, and the future roadmap.

Vapor Phase Catalytic Ammonia Reduction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flynn, Michael T.; Harper, Lynn D. (Technical Monitor)

1994-01-01

This paper discusses the development of a Vapor Phase Catalytic Ammonia Reduction (VPCAR) teststand and the results of an experimental program designed to evaluate the potential of the technology as a water purification process. In the experimental program the technology is evaluated based upon product water purity, water recovery rate, and power consumption. The experimental work demonstrates that the technology produces high purity product water and attains high water recovery rates at a relatively high specific power consumption. The experimental program was conducted in 3 phases. In phase I an Igepon(TM) soap and water mixture was used to evaluate the performance of an innovative Wiped-Film Rotating-Disk evaporator and associated demister. In phase II a phenol-water solution was used to evaluate the performance of the high temperature catalytic oxidation reactor. In phase III a urine analog was used to evaluate the performance of the combined distillation/oxidation functions of the processor.

Ammonium sorption and ammonia inhibition of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria explain contrasting soil N2O production

PubMed Central

Venterea, Rodney T.; Clough, Timothy J.; Coulter, Jeffrey A.; Breuillin-Sessoms, Florence

2015-01-01

Better understanding of process controls over nitrous oxide (N2O) production in urine-impacted ‘hot spots’ and fertilizer bands is needed to improve mitigation strategies and emission models. Following amendment with bovine (Bos taurus) urine (Bu) or urea (Ur), we measured inorganic N, pH, N2O, and genes associated with nitrification in two soils (‘L’ and ‘W’) having similar texture, pH, C, and C/N ratio. Solution-phase ammonia (slNH3) was also calculated accounting for non-linear ammonium (NH4+) sorption capacities (ASC). Soil W displayed greater nitrification rates and nitrate (NO3−) levels than soil L, but was more resistant to nitrite (NO2−) accumulation and produced two to ten times less N2O than soil L. Genes associated with NO2− oxidation (nxrA) increased substantially in soil W but remained static in soil L. Soil NO2− was strongly correlated with N2O production, and cumulative (c-) slNH3 explained 87% of the variance in c-NO2−. Differences between soils were explained by greater slNH3 in soil L which inhibited NO2− oxidization leading to greater NO2− levels and N2O production. This is the first study to correlate the dynamics of soil slNH3, NO2−, N2O and nitrifier genes, and the first to show how ASC can regulate NO2− levels and N2O production. PMID:26179972

The void in using urine concentration to assess population fluid intake adequacy or hydration status.

PubMed

Cheuvront, Samuel N; Muñoz, Colleen X; Kenefick, Robert W

2016-09-01

Urine concentration can be used to assess fluid intake adequacy or to diagnose dehydration. However, too often urine concentration is used inappropriately to draw dubious conclusions that could have harmful health and economic consequences. Inappropriate uses of urine concentration relate primarily to convenience sampling (timing) and problems related to convenience sampling (misapplication of thresholds), but a conceptual problem also exists with using urine concentration in isolation. The purpose of this Perspective article is to briefly explain the problematic nature of current practices and to offer a possible solution to improve practice with minimal added complication. When urine is used exclusively to assess fluid intake adequacy and hydration status in adults, we propose that only when urine concentration is high (>850 mmol/kg) and urine excretion rate is low (<850 mL/24 h) should suspicion of inadequate drinking or impending dehydration be considered. Prospective tests of the 850 × 850 thresholds will provide supporting evidence and/or help refine the best thresholds for men and women, young and old. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.

Malathion poisoning

MedlinePlus

... AND KIDNEYS Increased urination Inability to control urine flow (incontinence) EYES, EARS, NOSE, AND THROAT Increased salivation Increased tears in the eyes Small or dilated pupils that do not react to light HEART AND BLOOD Low or high blood pressure Slow or rapid heart rate Weakness ...

Urinalysis and associated laboratory procedures.

PubMed

Brobst, D

1989-09-01

Macroscopic examination of urine is an integral part of urinalysis, and blood and bile pigments are a common cause of abnormal coloration. Urine SG is a convenient index of urine concentration and should be correlated with the patient's hydration status to determine the ability of the kidneys to concentrate and dilute urine. The pH of urine of dogs and cats normally is dietary dependent, but alkaline urine may suggest that the urinary tract is infected with a urea splitting organism. The dipstick test for proteinuria is convenient but less reliable than the sulfosalicylic acid method. The dipstick test for blood should not be used as a substitute for microscopic examination of urine but is of value in detecting hemoglobinuria and myoglobinuria, when red cells may be absent in the sediment. The finding of glucose, ketones, and bilirubin in urine, when interpreted properly, may indicate the presence of disease processes not associated with the urogenital tract. Microscopic examination of urine sediment must be interpreted in combination with the physical and chemical composition of urine, but excessive numbers of cells, casts, crystals, and bacteria may provide evidence of disease. The absence of these structures in the sediment, however, does not eliminate the possibility of disease. The ability of the kidneys to concentrate urine is dependent on normal kidney function and the production and release of ADH. A urine SG greater than 1.030 in dogs and 1.035 in cats indicates that the functions associated with concentrating urine are adequate. In the evaluation of the patient's ability to form concentrated urine, the status of hydration must be considered; this may require water deprivation tests or administration of ADH. The estimation of blood urea nitrogen concentration, with the use of test strips, may provide a convenient but not specific measure of renal function.

Biochar incorporation into pasture soil suppresses in situ nitrous oxide emissions from ruminant urine patches.

PubMed

Taghizadeh-Toosi, Arezoo; Clough, Tim J; Condron, Leo M; Sherlock, Robert R; Anderson, Craig R; Craigie, Robin A

2011-01-01

Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from grazing animal excreta are estimated to be responsible for 1.5 Tg of the total 6.7 Tg of anthropogenic N2O emissions. This study was conducted to determine the in situ effect of incorporating biochar, into soil, on N2O emissions from bovine urine patches and associated pasture uptake of N. The effects of biochar rate (0-30 t ha(-1)), following soil incorporation, were investigated on ruminant urine-derived N2O fluxes, N uptake by pasture, and pasture yield. During an 86-d spring-summer period, where irrigation and rainfall occurred, the N2O fluxes from 15N labeled ruminant urine patches were reduced by >50%, after incorporating 30 t ha(-1) of biochar. Taking into account the N2O emissions from the control plots, 30 t ha(-1) ofbiochar reduced the N2O emission factor from urine by 70%. The atom% 15N enrichment of the N2O emitted was lower in the 30 t ha(-1) biochar treatment, indicating less urine-N contributed to the N2O flux. Soil NO3- -N concentrations were lower with increasing biochar rate during the first 30 d following urine deposition. No differences occurred, due to biochar addition, with respect to dry matter yields, herbage N content, or recovery of 15N applied in herbage. Incorporating biochar into the soil can significantly diminish ruminant urine-derived N2O emissions. Further work is required to determine the persistence of the observed effect and to fully understand the mechanism(s) of the observed reduction in N2O fluxes.

Improved bacterial identification directly from urine samples with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Kitagawa, Koichi; Shigemura, Katsumi; Onuma, Ken-Ichiro; Nishida, Masako; Fujiwara, Mayu; Kobayashi, Saori; Yamasaki, Mika; Nakamura, Tatsuya; Yamamichi, Fukashi; Shirakawa, Toshiro; Tokimatsu, Issei; Fujisawa, Masato

2018-03-01

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) contributes to rapid identification of pathogens in the clinic but has not yet performed especially well for Gram-positive cocci (GPC) causing complicated urinary tract infection (UTI). The goal of this study was to investigate the possible clinical use of MALDI-TOF MS as a rapid method for bacterial identification directly from urine in complicated UTI. MALDI-TOF MS was applied to urine samples gathered from 142 suspected complicated UTI patients in 2015-2017. We modified the standard procedure (Method 1) for sample preparation by adding an initial 10 minutes of ultrasonication followed by centrifugation at 500 g for 1 minutes to remove debris such as epithelial cells and leukocytes from the urine (Method 2). In 133 urine culture-positive bacteria, the rate of corresponded with urine culture in GPC by MALDI-TOF MS in urine with standard sample preparation (Method 1) was 16.7%, but the modified sample preparation (Method 2) significantly improved that rate to 52.2% (P=.045). Method 2 also improved the identification accuracy for Gram-negative rods (GNR) from 77.1% to 94.2% (P=.022). The modified Method 2 significantly improved the average MALDI score from 1.408±0.153 to 2.166±0.045 (P=.000) for GPC and slightly improved the score from 2.107±0.061 to 2.164±0.037 for GNR. The modified sample preparation for MALDI-TOF MS can improve identification accuracy for complicated UTI causative bacteria. This simple modification offers a rapid and accurate routine diagnosis for UTI, and may possibly be a substitute for urine cultures. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Calcium Stone Growth in Urine from Cystic Fibrosis Patients and Healthy Controls

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McSorley, Anita; Jones, Andrew M.; Webb, A. Kevin; Rao, P. Nagaraj; Kavanagh, John P.

2007-04-01

Cystic fibrosis patients have an increased risk of renal stone disease. There is some evidence that this may be related to a different excretory pattern of stone risk factors, but an alternative hypothesis, that the urine of cystic fibrosis patients is deficient in urinary inhibitors of crystallization and stone formation has not been tested. Here we have grown calcium stones, in vitro, in the presence of urine from healthy controls and compared this with growth in the presence of urine from cystic fibrosis patients. A stone farm was used to grow twelve calcium stones simultaneously, firstly in artificial urine for about 200 hours and then in 90% whole human urine for another 500 hours. Six of the stones received urine from healthy controls and six received urine from adult cystic fibrosis patients. There were no significant differences in stone mass at any of the key time points or in the overall growth pattern (p>0.05) between stones destined for, or treated with, urine from CF patients and the controls. Human urine greatly inhibited stone growth in vitro but there was no difference in the growth rate in urine from healthy controls and CF patients. This refutes the hypothesis that a tendency for a higher prevalence of urinary stones in CF patients is related to a deficiency in inhibitory activity.

Uranium Associations with Kidney Outcomes Vary by Urine Concentration Adjustment Method

PubMed Central

Shelley, Rebecca; Kim, Nam-Soo; Parsons, Patrick J.; Lee, Byung-Kook; Agnew, Jacqueline; Jaar, Bernard G.; Steuerwald, Amy J.; Matanoski, Genevieve; Fadrowski, Jeffrey; Schwartz, Brian S.; Todd, Andrew C.; Simon, David; Weaver, Virginia M.

2017-01-01

Uranium is a ubiquitous metal that is nephrotoxic at high doses. Few epidemiologic studies have examined the kidney filtration impact of chronic environmental exposure. In 684 lead workers environmentally exposed to uranium, multiple linear regression was used to examine associations of uranium measured in a four-hour urine collection with measured creatinine clearance, serum creatinine- and cystatin-C-based estimated glomerular filtration rates, and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG). Three methods were utilized, in separate models, to adjust uranium levels for urine concentration - μg uranium/g creatinine; μg uranium/L and urine creatinine as separate covariates; and μg uranium/4 hr. Median urine uranium levels were 0.07 μg/g creatinine and 0.02 μg/4 hr and were highly correlated (rs =0.95). After adjustment, higher ln-urine uranium was associated with lower measured creatinine clearance and higher NAG in models that used urine creatinine to adjust for urine concentration but not in models that used total uranium excreted (μg/4 hr). These results suggest that, in some instances, associations between urine toxicants and kidney outcomes may be statistical, due to the use of urine creatinine in both exposure and outcome metrics, rather than nephrotoxic. These findings support consideration of non-creatinine-based methods of adjustment for urine concentration in nephrotoxicant research. PMID:23591699

Use of diluted urine for cultivation of Chlorella vulgaris.

PubMed

Jaatinen, Sanna; Lakaniemi, Aino-Maija; Rintala, Jukka

2016-01-01

Our aim was to study the biomass growth of microalga Chlorella vulgaris using diluted human urine as a sole nutrient source. Batch cultivations (21 days) were conducted in five different urine dilutions (1:25-1:300), in 1:100-diluted urine as such and with added trace elements, and as a reference, in artificial growth medium. The highest biomass density was obtained in 1:100-diluted urine with and without additional trace elements (0.73 and 0.60 g L(-1), respectively). Similar biomass growth trends and densities were obtained with 1:25- and 1:300-diluted urine (0.52 vs. 0.48 gVSS L(-1)) indicating that urine at dilution 1:25 can be used to cultivate microalgal based biomass. Interestingly, even 1:300-diluted urine contained sufficiently nutrients and trace elements to support biomass growth. Biomass production was similar despite pH-variation from < 5 to 9 in different incubations indicating robustness of the biomass growth. Ammonium formation did not inhibit overall biomass growth. At the beginning of cultivation, the majority of the biomass consisted of living algal cells, while towards the end, their share decreased and the estimated share of bacteria and cell debris increased.

[Free radical oxidation in workers engaged into petrochemistry].

PubMed

Iapparov, R N; Kamilov, R F; Shakirov, D F; Sidorcheva, O V

2007-01-01

The article deals with results of studies covering free radical oxidation and peroxidation in RBC, serum, saliva and urine of petrochemistry workers. Individuals exposed to chemical pollutants in production of rubber, tyre and mechanical rubber goods appeared to have considerably increased free radical oxidation parameters in RBC, serum, saliva and urine.

Chronic opioid therapy risk reduction initiative: impact on urine drug testing rates and results.

PubMed

Turner, Judith A; Saunders, Kathleen; Shortreed, Susan M; Rapp, Suzanne E; Thielke, Stephen; LeResche, Linda; Riddell, Kim M; Von Korff, Michael

2014-02-01

In response to epidemic levels of prescription opioid overdose, abuse, and diversion, routine urine drug tests (UDTs) are recommended for patients receiving chronic opioid therapy (COT) for chronic pain. However, UDT ordering for COT patients is inconsistent in primary care, and little is known about how to increase UDT ordering or the impact of increased testing on rates of aberrant results. To compare rates and results of UDTs for COT patients before versus after implementation of an opioid risk reduction initiative in a large healthcare system. Pre-post observational study. Group Health patients on COT October 2008-September 2009 (N = 4,821), October 2009-September 2010 (N = 5,081), and October 2010-September 2011 (N = 5,498). Multi-faceted opioid risk reduction initiative. Annual rates of UDTs and UDT results. Half of COT patients received at least one UDT in the year after the initiative was implemented, compared to only 7 % 2 years prior. The adjusted odds of COT patients having at least one UDT in the first year of the opioid initiative were almost 16 times (adjusted OR = 15.79; 95 % CI: 13.96-17.87) those 2 years prior. The annual rate of UDT detection of marijuana and illicit drugs did not change (12.6 % after initiative implementation), and largely reflected marijuana use (detected in 11.1 % of all UDTs in the year after initiative implementation). In the year after initiative implementation, 10.7 % of UDTs were negative for opioids. The initiative appeared to dramatically increase urine drug testing of COT patients in the healthcare system without impacting rates of aberrant results. The large majority of aberrant results reflected marijuana use or absence of opioids in the urine. The utility of increased urine drug testing for COT patient safety and prevention of diversion remains uncertain.

Trace gas emissions following deposition of excreta by grazing dairy cows in eastern Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rochette, P.; Pelster, D. E.; Chantigny, M. H.; Angers, D. A.; Liang, C.; Belanger, G.; Ziadi, N.; Charbonneau, E.; Pellerin, D.

2012-04-01

The N2O emission factor proposed for cattle excreta N by the Tier I IPCC methodology (EF3) is 2% (IPCC, 2006). While N2O emissions from excreta deposited by grazing animals have been reported in several publications, relatively few estimated EF3 values because measurements did not cover the entire year. This study measured N2O and CH4 flux and crop dry matter (DM) yield over two years (2009 to 2011) from a clay and a sandy loam soil cultivated with Timothy grass (Phleum pratense L.). A split-plot design was used on each soil type, with different application dates (either spring, summer or autumn application) as main plots and treatment (U-50: urine 50 g N m-2, U-100: urine 100 g N m-2, dung: 60 g N m-2, and control) as the sub-plots. Regardless of application time, annual DM yield increased in all treated plots when compared to the control. Also, DM yields were generally greater when urine as opposed to dung was applied suggesting greater N-availability from the urine application. The CH4 flux from the dung plots increased for only the first two weeks after treatment while the flux from the urine plots was similar to the control plots. Cumulative N2O emissions on the U-50 and U-100 plots increased linearly with urine N rate on both soils, resulting in nearly identical mean emission factors for both urine rates. The emission factor for the urine was three times greater on the clay (1.02% of applied N on both rates) than on the sandy loam soil (0.26% (U100) and 0.31% (U50) of applied N). Cumulative N2O emissions from dung plots also differed between soil types; however the impact of soil type on N2O emissions was opposite to that of urine, with greater losses from the sandy loam (0.15%) compared with the clay soil (0.07%). These results suggest that estimates of soil N2O emissions by grazing cattle in Eastern Canada obtained using the IPCC default methodology are overestimates of actual values and that these estimates for should include a stratification according to soil type.

Development and Validation of a Simple High Performance Liquid Chromatography/UV Method for Simultaneous Determination of Urinary Uric Acid, Hypoxanthine, and Creatinine in Human Urine.

PubMed

Wijemanne, Nimanthi; Soysa, Preethi; Wijesundara, Sulochana; Perera, Hemamali

2018-01-01

Uric acid and hypoxanthine are produced in the catabolism of purine. Abnormal urinary levels of these products are associated with many diseases and therefore it is necessary to have a simple and rapid method to detect them. Hence, we report a simple reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC/UV) technique, developed and validated for simultaneous analysis of uric acid, hypoxanthine, and creatinine in human urine. Urine was diluted appropriately and eluted with C-18 column 100 mm × 4.6 mm with a C-18 precolumn 25 mm × 4.6 mm in series. Potassium phosphate buffer (20 mM, pH 7.25) at a flow rate of 0.40 mL/min was employed as the solvent and peaks were detected at 235 nm. Tyrosine was used as the internal standard. The experimental conditions offered a good separation of analytes without interference of endogenous substances. The calibration curves were linear for all test compounds with a regression coefficient, r 2 > 0.99. Uric acid, creatinine, tyrosine, and hypoxanthine were eluted at 5.2, 6.1, 7.2, and 8.3 min, respectively. Intraday and interday variability were less than 4.6% for all the analytes investigated and the recovery ranged from 98 to 102%. The proposed HPLC procedure is a simple, rapid, and low cost method with high accuracy with minimum use of organic solvents. This method was successfully applied for the determination of creatinine, hypoxanthine, and uric acid in human urine.

Urinary and air phthalate concentrations and self-reported use of personal care products among minority pregnant women in New York city.

PubMed

Just, Allan C; Adibi, Jennifer J; Rundle, Andrew G; Calafat, Antonia M; Camann, David E; Hauser, Russ; Silva, Manori J; Whyatt, Robin M

2010-11-01

Diethyl phthalate (DEP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) are used extensively in personal care products, including fragrances (DEP) and nail polish (DnBP). Between May 2003 and July 2006, we gathered questionnaire data on the use of seven product categories (deodorant, perfume, hair spray, hair gel, nail polish/polish remover, liquid soap/body wash, and lotion/mist) over 48 h during the third trimester of pregnancy from 186 inner-city women. A 48-h personal air sample was collected and analyzed for DEP and DnBP; a maternal spot urine sample was collected and analyzed for their monoester metabolites, monoethyl phthalate (MEP) and mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), respectively. In all, 97% of air samples and 84% of urine samples were collected within ±2 days of the questionnaire. During the 48 h, 41% of women reported perfume use and 10% reported nail polish/polish remover use. In adjusted analyses, no association was seen between nail product use and air DnBP or urine MnBP concentrations. Women reporting perfume use had 2.3 times higher (95% CI 1.6, 3.3) urinary MEP concentrations. Personal air DEP increased by 7% for each 25% increase in a composite indicator of the six other product categories (P<0.05), but was not associated with perfume use. Air DEP was correlated with urine MEP concentrations only among non-perfume users (r=0.51, P<0.001). Results suggest that perfume use is a significant source of DEP exposure.

Urinary and air phthalate concentrations and self-reported use of personal care products among minority pregnant women in New York City

PubMed Central

Just, Allan C.; Adibi, Jennifer J.; Rundle, Andrew G.; Calafat, Antonia M.; Camann, David E.; Hauser, Russ; Silva, Manori J.; Whyatt, Robin M.

2011-01-01

Diethyl phthalate (DEP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) are used extensively in personal care products, including fragrances (DEP) and nail polish (DnBP). Between May 2003 and July 2006, we gathered questionnaire data on use of 7 product categories (deodorant, perfume, hair spray, hair gel, nail polish/polish remover, liquid soap/body wash, lotion/mist) over 48 hours during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy from 186 inner-city women. A 48-hour personal air sample was collected and analyzed for DEP and DnBP; a maternal spot urine sample was collected and analyzed for their monoester metabolites, monoethyl phthalate (MEP) and mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), respectively. Ninety-seven percent of air samples and 84% of urine samples were collected within ±2 days of the questionnaire. During the 48 hours, 41% of women reported perfume use and 10% reported nail polish/polish remover use. In adjusted analyses, no association was seen between nail product use and air DnBP or urine MnBP concentrations. Women reporting perfume use had 2.3 times higher (95% CI 1.6, 3.3) urinary MEP concentrations. Personal air DEP increased 7% for each 25% increase in a composite indicator of the 6 other product categories (p<0.05) but was not associated with perfume use. Air DEP was correlated with urine MEP concentrations only among non-perfume users (r=0.51, p<0.001). Results suggest that perfume use is a significant source of DEP exposure. PMID:20354564

Imaging in Classic Form of Maple Syrup Urine Disease: A Rare Metabolic Central Nervous System

PubMed Central

Jain, Aditi; Jagdeesh, K.; Mane, Ranoji; Singla, Saurabh

2013-01-01

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of branched-chain amino acid metabolism. The condition gets its name from the distinctive sweet odour of affected infants’ urine. MSUD is caused by a deficiency of the branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase enzyme complex, leading to accumulation of the branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) and their toxic by-products (ketoacids) in the blood and urine. Imaging is characterestized by MSUD oedema affecting the myelinated white matter. We present a neonate with classic type of MSUD and its imaging features on computed tomography, conventional magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. PMID:24049754

Imaging in classic form of maple syrup urine disease: a rare metabolic central nervous system.

PubMed

Jain, Aditi; Jagdeesh, K; Mane, Ranoji; Singla, Saurabh

2013-04-01

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of branched-chain amino acid metabolism. The condition gets its name from the distinctive sweet odour of affected infants' urine. MSUD is caused by a deficiency of the branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase enzyme complex, leading to accumulation of the branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) and their toxic by-products (ketoacids) in the blood and urine. Imaging is characterestized by MSUD oedema affecting the myelinated white matter. We present a neonate with classic type of MSUD and its imaging features on computed tomography, conventional magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Long-term therapeutic efficacy of photo-selective vaporization of prostate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arum, Carl-Jørgen; Muller, Camilla; Romundstad, Pal; Stokkan, Inger; Mjønes, Jan

2010-02-01

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the long term therapeutic efficacy of 80 watt photo-selective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) in patients suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to prostatic obstruction. MATERIAL & METHODS: 150 unselected patients at the average age 73 (range 51-92) and a mean American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 2.4 (median 2.0), of whom 33% were medicated with acetylsalicylic acid and 5% were anticoagulated with warfarin. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were the same as for TUR-P at our institution. First patient was operated March 2004 and yearly follow-up of all patients has been attempted for 5 years. Follow-up variables have included yearly creatinine, PSA, IPSS, ØOL, post-void residual urin and maximum/average urine flow rate. RESULTS: At 12 and 24 months postoperatively, the following parameters were significantly (p<0.001) improved: trans-rectal ultrasound, international prostate symptom score, quality of life score, post-void residual urine volume, flow max/average, opening pressure, pressure @ flow-max, and micturition resistance. At 48 and 60 months creatinine, PSA, IPSS, ØOL, post-void residual urin and maximum/average urine flow rates were still significantly (p<0.001) improved compared to pre-operative values. CONCLUSION: Up to 5 year follow-up reveals that 80 watt PVP provides significant and stable symptom relief as well as objective improvement in residual urine and flowmetric outcomes.

Integrated forward osmosis-membrane distillation process for human urine treatment.

PubMed

Liu, Qianliang; Liu, Caihong; Zhao, Lei; Ma, Weichao; Liu, Huiling; Ma, Jun

2016-03-15

This study demonstrated a forward osmosis-membrane distillation (FO-MD) hybrid system for real human urine treatment. A series of NaCl solutions at different concentrations were adopted for draw solutions in FO process, which were also the feed solutions of MD process. To establish a stable and continuous integrated FO-MD system, individual FO process with different NaCl concentrations and individual direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) process with different feed temperatures were firstly investigated separately. Four stable equilibrium conditions were obtained from matching the water transfer rates of individual FO and MD processes. It was found that the integrated system is stable and sustainable when the water transfer rate of FO subsystem is equal to that of MD subsystem. The rejections to main contaminants in human urine were also investigated. Although individual FO process had relatively high rejection to Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Total Nitrogen (TN) and Ammonium Nitrogen (NH4(+)-N) in human urine, these contaminants could also accumulate in draw solution after long term performance. The MD process provided an effective rejection to contaminants in draw solution after FO process and the integrated system revealed nearly complete rejection to TOC, TN and NH4(+)-N. This work provided a potential treatment process for human urine in some fields such as water regeneration in space station and water or nutrient recovery from source-separated urine. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Soil nitrous oxide emissions after deposition of dairy cow excreta in eastern Canada.

PubMed

Rochette, Philippe; Chantigny, Martin H; Ziadi, Noura; Angers, Denis A; Bélanger, Gilles; Charbonneau, Édith; Pellerin, Doris; Liang, Chang; Bertrand, Normand

2014-05-01

Urine and dung deposited by grazing dairy cows are a major source of nitrous oxide (NO), a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to stratospheric ozone depletion. In this study, we quantified the emissions of NO after deposition of dairy cow excreta onto two grassland sites with contrasting soil types in eastern Canada. Our objectives were to determine the impact of excreta type, urine-N rate, time of the year, and soil type on annual NO emissions. Emissions were monitored on sandy loam and clay soils after spring, summer, and fall urine (5 and 10 g N patch) and dung (1.75 kg fresh weight dung) applications to perennial grasses in two successive years. The mean NO emission factor (EF) for urine was 1.09% of applied N in the clay soil and 0.31% in the sandy loam soil, estimates much smaller than the default Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) default value for total excreta N (2%). Despite variations in urine composition and in climatic conditions, these soil-specific EFs were similar for the two urine-N application rates. The time of the year when urine was applied had no impact on emissions from the sandy loam soil, but greater EFs were observed after summer (1.59%) than spring (1.14%) and fall (0.55%) applications in the clay soil. Dung deposition impact on NO emission was smaller than that of urine, with a mean EF of 0.15% in the sandy loam soil and 0.08% in the clay soil. Our results suggest (i) that the IPCC default EF overestimates NO emissions from grazing cattle excreta in eastern Canada by a factor of 4.3 and (ii) that a region-specific inventory methodology should account for soil type and should use specific EFs for urine and dung. Copyright © by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Inc.

Energy efficient reconcentration of diluted human urine using ion exchange membranes in bioelectrochemical systems.

PubMed

Tice, Ryan C; Kim, Younggy

2014-11-01

Nutrients can be recovered from source separated human urine; however, nutrient reconcentration (i.e., volume reduction of collected urine) requires energy-intensive treatment processes, making it practically difficult to utilize human urine. In this study, energy-efficient nutrient reconcentration was demonstrated using ion exchange membranes (IEMs) in a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) where substrate oxidation at the MEC anode provides energy for the separation of nutrient ions (e.g., NH4(+), HPO4(2-)). The rate of nutrient separation was magnified with increasing number of IEM pairs and electric voltage application (Eap). Ammonia and phosphate were reconcentrated from diluted human urine by a factor of up to 4.5 and 3.0, respectively (Eap = 1.2 V; 3-IEM pairs). The concentrating factor increased with increasing degrees of volume reduction, but it remained stationary when the volume ratio between the diluate (urine solution that is diluted in the IEM stack) and concentrate (urine solution that is reconcentrated) was 6 or greater. The energy requirement normalized by the mass of nutrient reconcentrated was 6.48 MJ/kg-N (1.80 kWh/kg-N) and 117.6 MJ/kg-P (32.7 kWh/kg-P). In addition to nutrient separation, the examined MEC reactor with three IEM pairs showed 54% removal of COD (chemical oxygen demand) in 47-hr batch operation. The high sulfate concentration in human urine resulted in substantial growth of both of acetate-oxidizing and H2-oxidizing sulfate reducing bacteria, greatly diminishing the energy recovery and Coulombic efficiency. However, the high microbial activity of sulfate reducing bacteria hardly affected the rate of nutrient reconcentration. With the capability to reconcentrate nutrients at a minimal energy consumption and simultaneous COD removal, the examined bioelectrochemical treatment method with an IEM application has a potential for practical nutrient recovery and sustainable treatment of source-separated human urine. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dairy farm effluent effects on urine patch nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide emissions.

PubMed

Clough, Tim J; Kelliher, Francis M

2005-01-01

Dairy farm effluent (DFE) comprises animal feces, urine, and wash-down water collected at the milking shed. This is collected daily during the milking season and sprayed onto grazed dairy pastures. Urine patches in grazed pastures make a significant contribution to anthropogenic N(2)O emissions. The DFE could potentially mitigate N(2)O emissions by influencing the N(2)O to dinitrogen (N(2)) ratio, since it contains water-soluble carbon (WSC). Alternatively, DFE may enhance N(2)O emissions from urine patches. The application of DFE may also provide a substrate for the production of CO(2) in pasture soils. The effects of DFE on the CO(2) and N(2)O emissions from urine patches are unknown. Thus a laboratory experiment was performed where repeated DFE applications were made to repacked soil cores. Dairy farm effluent was applied at 0, 7, or 14 d after urine deposition. The urine was applied once on Day 0. Urine contained (15)N-enriched urea. Measurements of N(2)O, N(2), and carbon dioxide (CO(2)) fluxes, soil pH, and soil inorganic N concentrations were made. After 43 d the DFE had not mitigated N(2)O fluxes from urine patches. A small increase in the N(2)O flux occurred from the urine-treated soils where DFE was applied 1 wk after urine deposition. The amount of WSC applied in the DFE proved to be insignificant compared with the amount of soil C released as CO(2) following urine application. The priming of soil C in urine patches has implications for the understanding of soil C processes in grazed pasture ecosystems and the budgeting of C within these ecosystems.

Assessment of Plasma and NGAL for the Early Prediction of Acute Kidney Injury After Cardiac Surgery in Adults Study

ClinicalTrials.gov

2017-04-24

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI); Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD); End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD); Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR); Neutrophil Gelatinase-associated Lipocalin (NGAL); Serum Creatinine (SCr); Urine Creatinine (UCr); Urine Albumin (UAlb)

Can nitrification bring us to Mars? The role of microbial interactions on nitrogen recovery in life support systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christiaens, Marlies E. R.; Lasseur, Christophe; Clauwaert, Peter; Boon, Nico; Ilgrande, Chiara; Vlaeminck, Siegfried

2016-07-01

Human habitation in space requires artificial environment recirculating fundamental elements to enable the highest degree of autonomy . The European Space Agency, supported by a large consortoium of European organisationsdevelop the Micro-Ecological Life Support System (MELiSSA) to transform the mission wastes waste (a.o. organic fibers, CO2, and urine) into water, oxygen, and food (Lasseur et al., 2010). Among these wastes, astronauts' urine has a high potential to provide nitrogen as a fertilizer for food production. As higher plant growth in space is typically proposed to be performed in hydroponics, liquid fertilizer containing nitrates is preferred. An Additional Unit for Water Treatment is developed for urine nitrification by means of a synthetic microbial community. The key players in this consortium are ureolytic bacteria to hydrolyse the main nitrogen source in urine, urea, to ammonium and carbon dioxide as well as oxidation of organic compounds present in urine, ammonium oxidizing bacteria (AOB) to convert ammonium to nitrite (nitritation), and the nitrate oxidizing bacteria (NOB) to produce nitrate (nitratation). Pure AOB strains Nitrosomonas ureae Nm10 and Nitrosomonas europaea ATCC 19718, pure NOB strains Nitrobacter winogradskyi Nb-255 and Nitrobacter vulgaris Z, and interactions within synthetic consortia of one AOB and one NOB or all together were tested. As the initial salinity of fresh urine can be as high as 30 mS/cm, the functionality of selected pure strains and synthetic consortia was evaluated by means of the nitritation and nitratation activity at varying NaCl salinities (5, 10, and 30 mS/cm). The nitritation activity of pure AOB strains was compared with the synthetic consortia. Both N. ureae and Ns. europaea benefit from the presence of Nb. winogradskyi as the ammonium oxidation rates of 1.7 ± 0.7 and 6.4 ± 0.6 mg N/L.d at 5 mS/cm, respectively, doubled. These results are in line with the findings of Perez et al (2015) observing a lower transcription of stress-response genes in Ns. europaea when grown in co-culture with Nb. winogradskyi. Only N. ureae had a similar response when combined with Nb. vulgaris. The synthetic consortium combining all AOB and NOB could not improve the activity rate of a pure culture of Ns. europaea. Increasing salinity did not affect these trends except for the synthetic consortium combining all AOB and NOB at 30 mS/cm as activity only reached 3.7 ± 0.6 mg N/L.d. In case of the nitratation activity, the presence of an AOB was not beneficial. For pure cultures of Nb. winogradskyi and Nb. vulgaris the activity rates 57.6 ± 3.6 and 10.9 ± 0.9 mg N/L.d at 5 mS/cm did not change or decreased resulting in NO2- accumulation, respectively. The consortium combining all AOB and NOB reached 40.8 ± 0.5 mg N/L.d at 5 mS/cm. Similar trends were valid for increasing salt concentrations. However, Nb. winogradskyi seemed to be salt sensitive at 30 mS/cm as the nitratation activity both in pure and coculture decreased about 70% or 50% if combined with Ns. ureae compared to 5 mS/cm. The combination of all AOB and NOB at 30 mS/cm reached the highest activity rate of 30.7 ± 0.8 mg N/L.d. Overall, a coculture of Ns. europaea and Nb. winogradskyi gave highest activity rates except for higher salinity nitratation. A synthetic consortium with all strains could cope better with the latter however with a drastic decrease in NH4+ oxidation compared to the coculture. For space application of urine nitrification, both communities should be further tested.

Detection of chikungunya virus in saliva and urine.

PubMed

Musso, Didier; Teissier, Anita; Rouault, Eline; Teururai, Sylviane; de Pina, Jean-Jacques; Nhan, Tu-Xuan

2016-06-16

Saliva and urine have been used for arthropod-borne viruses molecular detection but not yet for chikungunya virus (CHIKV). We investigated the use of saliva and urine for molecular detection of CHIKV during the French Polynesian outbreak. During the French Polynesian chikungunya outbreak (2014-2015), we collected the same day blood and saliva samples from 60 patients with probable chikungunya (47 during the 1st week post symptoms onset and 13 after), urine was available for 39 of them. All samples were tested using a CHIKV reverse-transcription PCR. Forty eight patients had confirmed chikungunya. For confirmed chikungunya presenting during the 1st week post symptoms onset, CHIKV RNA was detected from 86.1 % (31/36) of blood, 58.3 % (21/36) of saliva and 8.3 % (2/24) of urine. Detection rate of CHIKV RNA was significantly higher in blood compared to saliva. For confirmed chikungunya presenting after the 1st week post symptoms onset, CHIKV RNA was detected from 8.3 % (1/12) of blood, 8.3 % (1/12) of saliva and 0 % (0/8) of urine. In contrast to Zika virus (ZIKV), saliva did not increased the detection rate of CHIKV RNA during the 1st week post symptoms onset. In contrast to ZIKV, dengue virus and West Nile virus, urine did not enlarged the window of detection of CHIKV RNA after the 1st week post symptoms onset. Saliva can be used for molecular detection of CHIKV during the 1st week post symptoms onset only if blood is impossible to collect but with a lower sensitivity compared to blood.

Determination of struvite crystallization mechanisms in urine using turbidity measurement.

PubMed

Triger, Aurélien; Pic, Jean-Stéphane; Cabassud, Corinne

2012-11-15

Sanitation improvement in developing countries could be achieved through wastewater treatment processes. Nowadays alternative concepts such as urine separate collection are being developed. These processes would be an efficient way to reduce pollution of wastewater while recovering nutrients, especially phosphorus, which are lost in current wastewater treatment methods. The precipitation of struvite (MgNH(4)PO(4)∙6H(2)O) from urine is an efficient process yielding more than 98% phosphorus recovery with very high reaction rates. The work presented here aims to determine the kinetics and mechanisms of struvite precipitation in order to supply data for the design of efficient urine treatment processes. A methodology coupling the resolution of the population balance equation to turbidity measurement was developed, and batch experiments with synthetic and real urine were performed. The main mechanisms of struvite crystallization were identified as crystal growth and nucleation. A satisfactory approximation of the volumetric crystal size distribution was obtained. The study has shown the low influence on the crystallization process of natural organic matter contained in real urine. It has also highlighted the impact of operational parameters. Mixing conditions can create segregation and attrition which influence the nucleation rate, resulting in a change in crystals number, size, and thus final crystal size distribution (CSD). Moreover urine storage conditions can impact urea hydrolysis and lead to spontaneous struvite precipitation in the stock solution also influencing the final CSD. A few limits of the applied methodology and of the proposed modelling, due to these phenomena and to the turbidity measurement, are also discussed. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Urinary excretion study following consumption of various poppy seed products and investigation of the new potential street heroin marker ATM4G.

PubMed

Maas, Alexandra; Krämer, Michael; Sydow, Konrad; Chen, Pai-Shan; Dame, Torsten; Musshoff, Frank; Diehl, Bernd W K; Madea, Burkhard; Hess, Cornelius

2017-03-01

Discrimination between street heroin consumption and poppy seed ingestion represents a major toxicological challenge in daily routine work. Several difficulties associated with conventional street heroin markers originate from their versatile occurrence in various poppy seed products and medications, respectively, as well as to small windows of detection. A novel opportunity to overcome these hindrances is represented by the new potential street heroin marker acetylated-thebaine-4-metabolite glucuronide (ATM4G), originating from thebaine during street heroin synthesis followed by metabolic reactions after administration. In this study, urine samples after consumption of different German poppy seed products and urine samples from subjects with suspicion of preceding heroin consumption were tested for ATM4G, 6-AC (6-acetylcodeine), papaverine, noscapine, 6-MAM (6-monoacetylmorphine), morphine, and codeine. Neither 6-AC and 6-MAM nor ATM4G but morphine and codeine could be detected in urine samples following poppy seed ingestion. As well, neither papaverine nor noscapine could be observed even after consumption of poppy seeds containing up to 37 µg noscapine and up to 9.8 µg papaverine, respectively. Concerning the urine samples with suspicion of preceding heroin consumption, ATM4G could be detected in 9 of 43 cases. By contrast, evidence of 6-AC and 6-MAM, respectively, could only be seen in 7 urine samples. In conclusion, ATM4G should be measured additionally in cases requiring discrimination of street heroin consumption from poppy seed intake. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Analysis of the dynamics of renal vascular resistance and urine flow rate in the cat following electrical stimulation of the renal nerves.

PubMed

Celler, B G; Stella, A; Golin, R; Zanchetti, A

1996-08-01

In ten sino aortic denervated, vagotomized and aneasthetized cats, renal efferent nerves were stimulated for 30 s with trains of constant current pulses at frequencies in the range 5-30 Hz. The arterial pressure, heart rate, urine flow rate (electronic drop counter) and renal blood flow (electromagnetic technique) were recorded. Subsequent computer processing gave the true means of renal artery pressure (MRAP) and renal blood flow (MRBF) and hence the renal vascular resistance (MRVR), over each cardiac cycle. Recovery of MRVR after the end of stimulation exhibited two distinct time constants. The fast component had a time constant of 2.03 +/- 0.26 s and represented 60.2 +/- 1.71% of the recovery. The time constant of the slower component was 14.1 +/- 1.9 s and represented 36.0 +/- 1.6% of the recovery. The relationship between MRVR and stimulus frequency was sigmoidal with maximum sensitivity at stimulus frequencies of 12.6 +/- 0.76 Hz. Changes in urine flow rate, in contrast, followed a hyperbolic function with maximum response sensitivity occurring at very low stimulus frequencies. Changes in urine flow rate were 50% complete at stimulus frequencies of 5 Hz. Identification of two distinct components in the relaxation phase of renal vascular resistance leads to a reasonable hypothesis that 60% of total renal vascular resistance may lie proximal to the glomerulus, whereas 36% may be accounted for by the efferent arterioles.

The effect of abdominal pressure on urinary flow rate.

PubMed

Hasegawa, N; Kitagawa, Y; Takasaki, N; Miyazaki, S

1983-07-01

We examined the effect of abdominal pressure on urinary flow rate and urethral closure pressure in 46 subjects, ranging in age from 26 to 82 years. An increase in urinary flow rate caused by abdominal straining was not found when organic obstruction was present in the prostatic urethra in men or the proximal urethra in women, or when dysuria is caused by the lowered detrusor pressure. An increase in urinary flow rate caused by straining was noted when anterior urethral stricture or stress incontinence was present. The increase in urinary flow rate owing to straining was undetermined in the control group. The urethral closure pressure on the anti-stress incontinence zone increased as a result of straining at the same time and to the same degree as did the intravesical pressure. When the anti-stress incontinence zone was subjected to transurethral resection for canal formation urination became possible as a result of straining. The patients who were able to urinate with straining sometimes suffered temporary stress incontinence. The degree of straining did not determine whether the patient could urinate with straining. Therefore, it was concluded that abdominal pressure should be excluded from intravesical pressure in performing several urodynamic studies on the lower urinary tract, such as pressure flow studies, and that it is important to have a sufficient canal formation in the anti-stress incontinence zone when urination with straining is expected when performing an operation on patients with urethral obstruction in the anti-stress incontinence zone.

Changes in concentrations of lysergol in urine and prolactin in plasma, rectal temperature and respiration rate in sheep selected for resistance or susceptibility to ryegrass staggers and fed ergovaline.

PubMed

Gooneratne, S R; Scannell, M; Wellby, M; Fletcher, L

2011-09-01

To determine the effects of feeding ryegrass seed containing ergovaline to sheep selected for resistance or susceptibility to ryegrass staggers on concentration of lysergol (a metabolite of ergovaline) in urine, prolactin in plasma, rectal temperature and respiration rate. Two experiments were carried out using 12 Romney crossbred ewe lambs aged 9 months, comprising animals resistant (n=4), susceptible (n=4) or outcross (n=4) to ryegrass staggers. In Experiment 1, sheep were given either a single (Part A) or six (Part B) feed (s) of endophyte-infected seed containing ergovaline at 30 mg/kg dry matter (DM), at 42 μg ergovaline/kg bodyweight (BW), to simulate acute and chronic exposure to ergovaline, respectively. The concentration and excretion of lysergol in urine and concentration of prolactin in plasma were measured over 3 and 12 days, for Parts A and B respectively. In Experiment 2, after a recovery period of 7 days, the same sheep were fed with ergovaline at 67 μg/kg of BW for 7 days. Soon after the seventh feed the sheep were moved to a hothouse at 36.5°C and 60% humidity, and 3 h later their rectal temperatures and respiration rates were measured. The concentration of lysergol and excretion in urine increased to a peak between 6 and 9 h after exposure to ergovaline whereas the concentration of prolactin in plasma was markedly reduced. Differences in concentration and rate of excretion of lysergol in urine between animals resistant, outcross and susceptible to ryegrass staggers were not significant (p>0.1). The animals resistant to ryegrass staggers had a lower rectal temperature (p<0.05) and a faster respiration rate than the outcross and susceptible groups when exposed to high ambient temperature and high humidity. This study showed that excretion of lysergol in urine increased with each exposure of sheep to ergovaline. Animals genetically resistant to ryegrass staggers exhibited a lower rectal temperature and a faster respiration rate than those susceptible, demonstrating the possible cross resistance of sheep to ergovaline in a population originally selected for resistance to ryegrass staggers. Hence potential exists to select animals resistant to ryegrass staggers that are also resistant to ergovaline.

A Retrospective Analysis of Urine Drugs of Abuse Immunoassay True Positive Rates at a National Reference Laboratory.

PubMed

Johnson-Davis, Kamisha L; Sadler, Aaron J; Genzen, Jonathan R

2016-03-01

Urine drug screens are commonly performed to identify drug use or monitor adherence to drug therapy. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the true positive and false positive rates of one of our in-house urine drug screen panels. The urine drugs of abuse panel studied consists of screening by immunoassay then positive immunoassay results were confirmed by mass spectrometry. Reagents from Syva and Microgenics were used for the immunoassay screen. The screen was performed on a Beckman AU5810 random access automated clinical analyzer. The percent of true positives for each immunoassay was determined. Agreement with previously validated GC-MS or LC-MS-MS confirmatory methods was also evaluated. There were 8,825 de-identified screening results for each of the drugs in the panel, except for alcohol (N = 2,296). The percent of samples that screened positive were: 10.0% for amphetamine/methamphetamine/3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), 12.8% for benzodiazepines, 43.7% for opiates (including oxycodone) and 20.3% for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The false positive rate for amphetamine/methamphetamine was ∼14%, ∼34% for opiates (excluding oxycodone), 25% for propoxyphene and 100% for phencyclidine and MDMA immunoassays. Based on the results from this retrospective study, the true positive rate for THC drug use among adults were similar to the rate of illicit drug use in young adults from the 2013 National Survey; however, our positivity rate for cocaine was higher than the National Survey. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Volatile organic compound flux from manure of cattle fed diets differing in grain processing method and co-product inclusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hales, Kristin; Parker, David B.; Cole, N. Andy

2015-01-01

Odor emissions from livestock production have become increasingly important in the past decade. Odors derived from animal feeding operations are caused by odorous VOC emitted from the mixture of feces and urine, as well as feed and silage which may be experiencing microbial fermentation. Distillers grains are a by-product of corn grain fermentation used to produce fuel ethanol, and this industry has grown rapidly throughout the U.S. in past years. Therefore, the use of wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) in feedlot cattle diets has also increased. The objective of this research was to determine specific VOC emissions from feces and urine or a mixture of both, from cattle fed steam flaked or dry-rolled corn (DRC)-based diets containing either 0% or 30% WDGS. Flux of dimethyl trisulfide was greater from feces of cattle fed DRC than steam-flaked corn (SFC) diets. No other differences in flux from feces were detected across dietary treatments for phenol, 4-methylphenol, indole, skatole, dimethyl disulfide, and flux of volatile fatty acids (VFA) such as acetic, propionic, isobutyric, butyric, isovaleric, and valeric acids (P > 0.15). Flux of skatole, acetic acid, and valeric acid from urine was greater for cattle fed SFC than DRC diets (P < 0.05). Moreover, dimethyl disulfide flux was greater for cattle fed DRC vs. SFC diets (P = 0.05). When evaluating WDGS inclusion in the diet, flux of acetic acid and heptanoic acid from urine was greater when cattle were fed diets containing 0% WDGS than 30% WDGS (P < 0.05). When combining urine and feces in the ratio in which they were excreted from the animal, flux of propionic acid was greater when cattle were fed DRC vs. SFC diets (P = 0.05). Based on these results, the majority of the VOC, VFA, and odor flux from cattle feeding operations is from the urine. Therefore, dietary strategies to reduce odor from cattle feeding facilities should primarily focus on reducing excretion of odorous compounds in the urine.

Convenient radioimmunoassay for urinary human choriogonadotropin without interference by urinary human lutropin

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wehmann, R.E.; Harman, S.M.; Birken, S.

1981-12-01

We have devised a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for human choriogonadotropin (hCG) in first morning-voided urine specimens. Concanavalin A, a lectin, is used to extract and concentrate the hCG from urine. A high-affinity antiserum is used, directed to the hCG..beta.. carboxy-terminal peptide, a unique immunological determinant not shared by the beta subunit of human lutropin. This ensures that urinary human lutropin-related molecules, which interfere with RIAs involving antisera to the intact hCG..beta.. subunit, will not cross react in this assay. A concentration of hCG as low as 0.4 ..mu..g/L can be detected in the first morning-voided urine. The effective sensitivity of thismore » assay for the unequivocal detection of hCG production is somewhat better than that achieved with the serum hCG RIA involving antisera to the hCG..beta.. subunit. The improved specificity and sensitivity of this assay, and the greater convenience of collecting samples of urine rather than blood, are clinically useful advantages of this approach to assessing hCG production in humans.« less

Regulation of Renal Urea Transport by Vasopressin

PubMed Central

Sands, Jeff M.; Blount, Mitsi A.; Klein, Janet D.

2011-01-01

Terrestrial life would be miserable without the ability to concentrate urine. Production of concentrated urine requires complex interactions among the nephron segments and vasculature in the kidney medulla. In addition to water channels (aquaporins) and sodium transporters, urea transporters are critically important to the theories proposed to explain the physiologic processes occurring when urine is concentrated. Vasopressin (anti-diuretic hormone) is the key hormone regulating the production of concentrated urine. Vasopressin rapidly increases water and urea transport in the terminal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). Vasopressin rapidly increases urea permeability in the IMCD through increases in phosphorylation and apical plasma-membrane accumulation of the urea transporter A1 (UT-A1). Vasopressin acts through two cAMP-dependent signaling pathways in the IMCD: protein kinase A and exchange protein activated by cAMP Epac. Protein kinase A phosphorylates UT-A1 at serines 486 and 499. In summary, vasopressin regulates urea transport acutely by increasing UT-A1 phosphorylation and the apical plasma-membrane accumulation of UT-A1 through two cAMP-dependent pathways. PMID:21686211

Optimization of HPV DNA detection in urine by improving collection, storage, and extraction.

PubMed

Vorsters, A; Van den Bergh, J; Micalessi, I; Biesmans, S; Bogers, J; Hens, A; De Coster, I; Ieven, M; Van Damme, P

2014-11-01

The benefits of using urine for the detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA have been evaluated in disease surveillance, epidemiological studies, and screening for cervical cancers in specific subgroups. HPV DNA testing in urine is being considered for important purposes, notably the monitoring of HPV vaccination in adolescent girls and young women who do not wish to have a vaginal examination. The need to optimize and standardize sampling, storage, and processing has been reported.In this paper, we examined the impact of a DNA-conservation buffer, the extraction method, and urine sampling on the detection of HPV DNA and human DNA in urine provided by 44 women with a cytologically normal but HPV DNA-positive cervical sample. Ten women provided first-void and midstream urine samples. DNA analysis was performed using real-time PCR to allow quantification of HPV and human DNA.The results showed that an optimized method for HPV DNA detection in urine should (a) prevent DNA degradation during extraction and storage, (b) recover cell-free HPV DNA in addition to cell-associated DNA, (c) process a sufficient volume of urine, and (d) use a first-void sample.In addition, we found that detectable human DNA in urine may not be a good internal control for sample validity. HPV prevalence data that are based on urine samples collected, stored, and/or processed under suboptimal conditions may underestimate infection rates.

Use of LC-HRMS in full scan-XIC mode for multi-analyte urine drug testing - a step towards a 'black-box' solution?

PubMed

Stephanson, N N; Signell, P; Helander, A; Beck, O

2017-08-01

The influx of new psychoactive substances (NPS) has created a need for improved methods for drug testing in toxicology laboratories. The aim of this work was to design, validate and apply a multi-analyte liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) method for screening of 148 target analytes belonging to the NPS class, plant alkaloids and new psychoactive therapeutic drugs. The analytical method used a fivefold dilution of urine with nine deuterated internal standards and injection of 2 μl. The LC system involved a 2.0 μm 100 × 2.0 mm YMC-UltraHT Hydrosphere-C 18 column and gradient elution with a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min and a total analysis time of 6.0 min. Solvent A consisted of 10 mmol/l ammonium formate and 0.005% formic acid, pH 4.8, and Solvent B was methanol with 10 mmol/l ammonium formate and 0.005% formic acid. The HRMS (Q Exactive, Thermo Scientific) used a heated electrospray interface and was operated in positive mode with 70 000 resolution. The scan range was 100-650 Da, and data for extracted ion chromatograms used ± 10 ppm tolerance. Product ion monitoring was applied for confirmation analysis and for some selected analytes also for screening. Method validation demonstrated limited influence from urine matrix, linear response within the measuring range (typically 0.1-1.0 μg/ml) and acceptable imprecision in quantification (CV <15%). A few analytes were found to be unstable in urine upon storage. The method was successfully applied for routine drug testing of 17 936 unknown samples, of which 2715 (15%) contained 52 of the 148 analytes. It is concluded that the method design based on simple dilution of urine and using LC-HRMS in extracted ion chromatogram mode may offer an analytical system for urine drug testing that fulfils the requirement of a 'black box' solution and can replace immunochemical screening applied on autoanalyzers. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Low urine pH and acid excretion do not predict bone fractures or the loss of bone mineral density: a prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Fenton, Tanis R; Eliasziw, Misha; Tough, Suzanne C; Lyon, Andrew W; Brown, Jacques P; Hanley, David A

2010-05-10

The acid-ash hypothesis, the alkaline diet, and related products are marketed to the general public. Websites, lay literature, and direct mail marketing encourage people to measure their urine pH to assess their health status and their risk of osteoporosis.The objectives of this study were to determine whether 1) low urine pH, or 2) acid excretion in urine [sulfate + chloride + 1.8x phosphate + organic acids] minus [sodium + potassium + 2x calcium + 2x magnesium mEq] in fasting morning urine predict: a) fragility fractures; and b) five-year change of bone mineral density (BMD) in adults. Cohort study: the prospective population-based Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine associations between acid excretion (urine pH and urine acid excretion) in fasting morning with the incidence of fractures (6804 person years). Multiple linear regression was used to examine associations between acid excretion with changes in BMD over 5-years at three sites: lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip (n = 651). Potential confounders controlled included: age, gender, family history of osteoporosis, physical activity, smoking, calcium intake, vitamin D status, estrogen status, medications, renal function, urine creatinine, body mass index, and change of body mass index. There were no associations between either urine pH or acid excretion and either the incidence of fractures or change of BMD after adjustment for confounders. Urine pH and urine acid excretion do not predict osteoporosis risk.

Thermoelectric integrated membrane evaporation water recovery technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roebelen, G. J., Jr.; Winkler, H. E.; Dehner, G. F.

1982-01-01

The recently developed Thermoelectric Integrated Membrane Evaporation Subsystem (TIMES) offers a highly competitive approach to water recovery from waste fluids for future on-orbit stations such as the Space Operations Center. Low power, compactness and gravity insensitive operation are featured in this vacuum distillation subsystem that combines a hollow fiber membrane evaporator with a thermoelectric heat pump. The hollow fiber elements provide positive liquid/gas phase control with no moving parts other than pumps and an accumulator, thus solving problems inherent in other reclamation subsystem designs. In an extensive test program, over 850 hours of operation were accumulated during which time high quality product water was recovered from both urine and wash water at an average steady state production rate of 2.2 pounds per hour.

Quantification of creatinine in biological samples based on the pseudoenzyme activity of copper-creatinine complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagaraja, Padmarajaiah; Avinash, Krishnegowda; Shivakumar, Anantharaman; Krishna, Honnur

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), the marker of chronic kidney disease can be analyzed by the concentration of cystatin C or creatinine and its clearance in human urine and serum samples. The determination of cystatin C alone as an indicator of GFR does not provide high accuracy, and is more expensive, thus measurement of creatinine has an important role in estimating GFR. We have made an attempt to quantify creatinine based on its pseudoenzyme activity of creatinine in the presence of copper. Creatinine in the presence of copper oxidizes paraphenylenediamine dihydrochloride (PPDD) which couples with dimethylamino benzoicacid (DMAB) giving green colored chromogenic product with maximum absorbance at 710 nm. Kinetic parameters relating this reaction were evaluated. Analytical curves of creatinine by fixed time and rate methods were linear at 8.8-530 μmol L-1 and 0.221-2.65 mmol L-1, respectively. Recovery of creatinine varied from 97.8 to 107.8%. Limit of detection and limit of quantification were 2.55 and 8.52 μmol L-1 respectively whereas Sandell's sensitivity and molar absorption coefficient values were 0.0407 μg cm-2 and 0.1427 × 104 L mol-1 cm-1 respectively. Precision studies showed that within day imprecision was 0.745-1.26% and day-to-day imprecision was 1.55-3.65%. The proposed method was applied to human urine and serum samples and results were validated in accordance with modified Jaffe's procedure. Wide linearity ranges with good recovery, less tolerance from excipients and application of the method to serum and urine samples are the claims which ascertain much advantage to this method.

The production of p-cresol sulfate and indoxyl sulfate in vegetarians versus omnivores.

PubMed

Patel, Kajal P; Luo, Frank J-G; Plummer, Natalie S; Hostetter, Thomas H; Meyer, Timothy W

2012-06-01

The uremic solutes p-cresol sulfate (PCS) and indoxyl sulfate (IS) are generated by colon bacteria acting on food components that escape absorption in the small bowel. The production of these potentially toxic compounds may thus be influenced by diet. This study examined whether production of PCS and IS is different in vegetarians and omnivores. The production of PCS and IS was assessed by measuring their urinary excretion rates in participants with normal kidney function. Studies were carried out in 15 vegetarians and 11 individuals consuming an unrestricted diet. Participants recorded food intake over 4 days and collected urine over the final 2 days of each of two study periods, which were 1 month apart. Average PCS excretion was 62% lower (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 15-83) and average IS excretion was 58% lower (95% CI, 39-71) in vegetarians than in participants consuming an unrestricted diet. Food records revealed that lower excretion of PCS and IS in vegetarians was associated with a 69% higher (95% CI, 20-139) fiber intake and a 25% lower (95% CI, 3-42) protein intake. PCS and IS excretion rates varied widely among individual participants and were not closely correlated with each other but tended to remain stable in individual participants over 1 month. PCS and IS production rates are markedly lower in vegetarians than in individuals consuming an unrestricted diet.

The efficacy of semi-quantitative urine protein-to-creatinine (P/C) ratio for the detection of significant proteinuria in urine specimens in health screening settings.

PubMed

Chang, Chih-Chun; Su, Ming-Jang; Ho, Jung-Li; Tsai, Yu-Hui; Tsai, Wei-Ting; Lee, Shu-Jene; Yen, Tzung-Hai; Chu, Fang-Yeh

2016-01-01

Urine protein detection could be underestimated using the conventional dipstick method because of variations in urine aliquots. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the semi-quantitative urine protein-to-creatinine (P/C) ratio compared with other laboratory methods. Random urine samples were requested from patients undergoing chronic kidney disease screening. Significant proteinuria was determined by the quantitative P/C ratio of at least 150 mg protein/g creatinine. The semi-quantitative P/C ratio, dipstick protein and quantitative protein concentrations were compared and analyzed. In the 2932 urine aliquots, 156 (5.3 %) urine samples were considered as diluted and 60 (39.2 %) were found as significant proteinuria. The semi-quantitative P/C ratio testing had the best sensitivity (70.0 %) and specificity (95.9 %) as well as the lowest underestimation rate (0.37 %) when compared to other laboratory methods in the study. In the semi-quantitative P/C ratio test, 19 (12.2 %) had positive, 52 (33.3 %) had diluted, and 85 (54.5 %) had negative results. Of those with positive results, 7 (36.8 %) were positive detected by traditional dipstick urine protein test, and 9 (47.4 %) were positive detected by quantitative urine protein test. Additionally, of those with diluted results, 25 (48.1 %) had significant proteinuria, and all were assigned as no significant proteinuria by both tests. The semi-quantitative urine P/C ratio is clinically applicable based on its better sensitivity and screening ability for significant proteinuria than other laboratory methods, particularly in diluted urine samples. To establish an effective strategy for CKD prevention, urine protein screening with semi-quantitative P/C ratio could be considered.

Dipping your feet in the water: podocytes in urine.

PubMed

Sir Elkhatim, Rashid; Li, Jordan Y Z; Yong, Tuck Y; Gleadle, Jonathan M

2014-05-01

Podocyte injury and loss plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of many kidney diseases. Studies have shown that podocyte-related markers and products can be detected in the urine of patients with glomerular diseases such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, diabetic nephropathy and pre-eclampsia. Therefore, detecting the loss of podocytes in the urine provides a useful noninvasive technique of gathering information about the disease type and/or activity of glomerular diseases. Currently, urine podocyte-related protein markers, mRNA, microRNA and exosomes have been used with varying degrees of success to study glomerular diseases. The determination of urinary podocyte loss may become an important noninvasive tool in the evaluation of glomerular diseases.

Temporary Urine and Brine Stowage System (TUBSS) Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dries, Kevin; Carrigan, Caitlin

2011-01-01

International Space Station (ISS) crew liquid human waste is treated with chromic and sulfuric acids to maintain stability prior to processing to recover water. This pre-treated urine (PTU) and its processed by-product, brine, are highly toxic fluids that require special containment for on-orbit stowage. The temporary urine and brine stowage syste m (TUBSS) is an assembly used to store and transfer pre-treated urine (PTU) and brine for processing or disposal at a later date. This paper describes the development of the TUBSS, including design for two-fault tolerance and materials selection to maintain a soft, collapsible container. In addition, this paper will provide results of testing as well as lessons learned from the project, culminating in the successful launch of the hardware.

Responses of tabanids to Nzi traps baited with octenol, cow urine and phenols in Canada.

PubMed

Mihok, S; Mulye, H

2010-09-01

Cow urine and the two phenols responsible for the attraction of biting flies to cow urine (4-methylphenol, 3-n-propylphenol) were compared with octenol (1-octen-3-ol) as baits for Tabanidae. Relative to an unbaited Nzi trap, catches of the horseflies Hybomitra lasiophthalma (Macquart), Tabanus similis Macquart and Tabanus quinquevittatus Wiedemann (Diptera: Tabanidae) were increased by 1.5-2.6, 1.4-2.0 and 1.4-1.9 times, respectively, whenever a bait included octenol released at either 0.13 mg/h or 1.5 mg/h, regardless of the presence of phenols or urine. Catches were not affected when traps were baited with phenols alone at evaporation rates of 0.38 mg/h (4-methylphenol) and 0.022 mg/h (3-n-propylphenol). Catches of Hybomitra horseflies were increased by 1.5-1.9 times with cow urine and 2.6 times with cow urine + octenol. This bait combination could prove to be particularly useful for Hybomitra horseflies, the common tabanids of northern environments.

Validation of doubly labeled water method using a ruminant

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fancy, S.G.; Blanchard, J.M.; Holleman, D.F.

1986-07-01

CO/sub 2/ production (CDP, ml CO/sub 2/ . g-1 . h-1) by captive caribou and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) was measured using the doubly labeled water method (/sup 3/H/sub 2/O and H2(18)O) and compared with CO/sub 2/ expiration rates (VCO/sub 2/), adjusted for CO/sub 2/ losses in CH4 and urine, as determined by open-circuit respirometry. CDP calculated from samples of blood or urine from a reindeer in winter was 1-3% higher than the adjusted VCO/sub 2/. Differences between values derived by the two methods of 5-20% were found in summer trials with caribou. None of these differences were statistically significant (Pmore » greater than 0.05). Differences in summer could in part be explained by the net deposition of /sup 3/H, 18O, and unlabeled CO/sub 2/ in antlers and other growing tissues. Total body water volumes calculated from /sup 3/H/sub 2/O dilution were up to 15% higher than those calculated from H/sub 2/(18)O dilution. The doubly labeled water method appears to be a reasonably accurate method for measuring CDP by caribou and reindeer in winter when growth rates are low, but the method may overestimate CDP by rapidly growing and/or fattening animals.« less

Effect of Neutral-pH, Low–Glucose Degradation Product Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions on Residual Renal Function, Urine Volume, and Ultrafiltration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Yohanna, Seychelle; Alkatheeri, Ali M.A.; Brimble, Scott K.; McCormick, Brendan; Iansavitchous, Arthur; Blake, Peter G.

2015-01-01

Background and objectives Neutral-pH, low–glucose degradation products solutions were developed in an attempt to lessen the adverse effects of conventional peritoneal dialysis solutions. A systematic review was performed evaluating the effect of these solutions on residual renal function, urine volume, peritoneal ultrafiltration, and peritoneal small-solute transport (dialysate to plasma creatinine ratio) over time. Design, setting, participants, & measurements Multiple electronic databases were searched from January of 1995 to January of 2013. Randomized trials reporting on any of four prespecified outcomes were selected by consensus among multiple reviewers. Results Eleven trials of 643 patients were included. Trials were generally of poor quality. The meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model. The use of neutral-pH, low-glucose degradation products solutions resulted in better preserved residual renal function at various study durations, including >1 year (combined analysis: 11 studies; 643 patients; standardized mean difference =0.17 ml/min; 95% confidence interval, 0.01 to 0.32), and greater urine volumes (eight studies; 598 patients; mean difference =128 ml/d; 95% confidence interval, 58 to 198). There was no significant difference in peritoneal ultrafiltration (seven studies; 571 patients; mean difference =−110; 95% confidence interval, −312 to 91) or dialysate to plasma creatinine ratio (six studies; 432 patients; mean difference =0.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.00 to 0.06). Conclusions The use of neutral-pH, low–glucose degradation products solutions results in better preservation of residual renal function and greater urine volumes. The effect on residual renal function occurred early and persisted beyond 12 months. Additional studies are required to evaluate the use of neutral-pH, low–glucose degradation products solutions on hard clinical outcomes. PMID:26048890

Alteration of renal function of rats following spaceflight.

PubMed

Wade, C E; Morey-Holton, E

1998-10-01

Following spaceflight, changes in renal function of humans have been suggested. To assess the effects of readaptation on renal function, urine was collected from male rats ( approximately 245 g) over a 2-wk period following a 14-day spaceflight. Rats were assigned to three groups: flight animals (n = 6), flight controls (n = 6) housed in the flight cages on the ground, and vivarium controls (n = 5) housed in standard shoe box cages. Animals were placed into individual metabolic cages for urine collection. Urine output was significantly increased for 3 days following flight. Excretion rates of Na+ and K+ were increased, resulting in an increased osmotic excretion rate. Creatinine excretion rate increased over the first two postflight days. Glomerular filtration rate increased immediately following spaceflight without changes in plasma creatinine, Na+, K+, or osmolality. Increased excretion of solute was thus the result of increased delivery and a decreased percent reabsorption of the filtered load. Osmolal clearance was increased immediately postflight while free water clearance was decreased. In growing rats, the diuresis after short-duration spaceflight is the result of an increase in solute excretion with an accompanying reduction in free water clearance.

Alteration of renal function of rats following spaceflight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wade, C. E.; Morey-Holton, E.

1998-01-01

Following spaceflight, changes in renal function of humans have been suggested. To assess the effects of readaptation on renal function, urine was collected from male rats ( approximately 245 g) over a 2-wk period following a 14-day spaceflight. Rats were assigned to three groups: flight animals (n = 6), flight controls (n = 6) housed in the flight cages on the ground, and vivarium controls (n = 5) housed in standard shoe box cages. Animals were placed into individual metabolic cages for urine collection. Urine output was significantly increased for 3 days following flight. Excretion rates of Na+ and K+ were increased, resulting in an increased osmotic excretion rate. Creatinine excretion rate increased over the first two postflight days. Glomerular filtration rate increased immediately following spaceflight without changes in plasma creatinine, Na+, K+, or osmolality. Increased excretion of solute was thus the result of increased delivery and a decreased percent reabsorption of the filtered load. Osmolal clearance was increased immediately postflight while free water clearance was decreased. In growing rats, the diuresis after short-duration spaceflight is the result of an increase in solute excretion with an accompanying reduction in free water clearance.

Creatinine as a normalization factor to estimate the representativeness of urine sample - Intra-subject and inter-subject variability studies.

PubMed

Sawant, Pramilla D; Kumar, Suja Arun; Wankhede, Sonal; Rao, D D

2018-06-01

In-vitro bioassay monitoring generally involves analysis of overnight urine samples (~12 h) collected from radiation workers to estimate the excretion rate of radionuclides from the body. The unknown duration of sample collection (10-16 h) adds to the overall uncertainty in computation of internal dose. In order to minimize this, IAEA recommends measurement of specific gravity or creatinine excretion rate in urine. Creatinine is excreted at a steady rate with normally functioning kidneys therefore, can be used as a normalization factor to infer the duration of collection and/or dilution of the sample, if any. The present study reports the chemical procedure standardized and its application for the estimation of creatinine as well as creatinine co-efficient in normal healthy individuals. Observations indicate higher inter-subject variability and lower constancy in daily excretion of creatinine for the same subject. Thus creatinine excretion rate may not be a useful indicator for extrapolating to 24 h sample collection. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pilot biomonitoring of adults and children following use of chlorpyrifos shampoo and flea collars on dogs.

PubMed

Dyk, Melinda Bigelow; Chen, Zhenshan; Mosadeghi, Sasan; Vega, Helen; Krieger, Robert

2011-01-01

Pesticide handlers and pet owners who use products such as shampoos and dips and insecticide-impregnated collars to treat and control fleas on companion animals are exposed to a variety of active ingredients. Chlorpyrifos exposures of adults and children were measured using urine biomonitoring following use of over-the-counter products on dogs. Age and gender-specific measurements of urinary 3, 5, 6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy) revealed modest elevations of biomarker excretion following shampoo/dips. Smaller TCPy increments were measured following application of impregnated dog collars. The extent of indoor activity and potential pet contact were important determinants of urine biomarker level. Children without direct pet contact excreted more TCPy following collar application. Pet collars may be a source of indoor surface contamination and human exposure. Children excreted up to 4 times more TCPy than adults when urine volumes were adjusted using age-specific creatinine excretion levels. Although chlorpyrifos is no longer used in the United States in pet care products, results of this research provide perspective on the extent of human exposure from similar pet care products. These pilot studies demonstrated that pet care products such as insecticidal shampoos and dips and impregnated collars may expose family members to low levels of insecticide relative to toxic levels of concern.

Hydrolytic and acidogenic fermentation potential of food waste with source segregated feces-without-urine as co-substrate.

PubMed

Rajagopal, Rajinikanth; Ahamed, Ashiq; Wang, Jing-Yuan

2014-09-01

This study explored a new approach to enhance VFA productivity from anaerobic co-digestion of food-waste (FW) with source-segregated brown-water (BW) [feces-without-urine]. Effort was made to separate urine and BW from the source (using no-mix-toilet) mainly to expedite further treatment and resource-recovery. Effect of alkaline-pH [B] and acclimatized acidogenic inoculum [C] on acidification efficiency was investigated and compared with raw FW+BW co-digestion [A]. Batch-assay results indicated that VFA productivity persists for 144-h with about 615%, 522% and 376% increase in VFA-COD, respectively for 3-conditions [A-C]; which accounted for 70%, 49% and 58% of CODs input, respectively. High butyric-acid was observed in [A] and [C], followed by acetic, propionic-acids; whereas, abundant acetic-acid (86% of TVFA) was observed in [B], which are the most favorable-forms for methane production or other value-added-products. For 144-h of acidification, this study validated the feasibility of maximizing VFA-yield by 7-12 times compared to FW or BW as a sole-substrate. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Midstream clean-catch urine collection in newborns: a randomized controlled study.

PubMed

Altuntas, Nilgun; Tayfur, Asli Celebi; Kocak, Mesut; Razi, Hasan Cem; Akkurt, Serpil

2015-05-01

We aimed to evaluate a recently defined technique based on bladder stimulation and paravertebral lumbar massage maneuvers in collecting a midstream clean-catch urine sample in newborns. A total of 127 term newborns were randomly assigned either to the experimental group or the control group. Twenty-five minutes after feeding, the genital and perineal areas of the babies were cleaned. The babies were held under the armpits with legs dangling. Bladder stimulation and lumbar paravertebral massage maneuvers were only applied to the babies in the experimental group. Success was defined as collection of a urine sample within 5 min of starting the stimulation maneuvers in the experimental group and of holding under the armpits in the control group. The success rate of urine collection was significantly higher in the experimental group (78%) than in the control group (33%; p < 0.001). The median time (interquartile range) for sample collection was 60 s (64.5 s) in the experimental group and 300 s (95 s) in the control group (p < 0.0001). Contamination rates were similar in both groups (p = 0.770). We suggest that bladder stimulation and lumbar paravertebral massage is a safe, quick, and effective way of collecting midstream clean-catch urine in newborns.

Presence of Cytomegalovirus in urine and blood of pregnant women with primary infection might be associated with fetal infection.

PubMed

Delforge, Marie-Luce; Costa, Elena; Brancart, Françoise; Goldman, Deborah; Montesinos, Isabel; Zaytouni, Siham; Marchant, Arnaud; Donner, Catherine

2017-05-01

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) congenital infection can result from primary infection, reinfection or reactivation among pregnant women. The risk of vertical transmission is much higher in case of primary infection, and the transmission rate increases with gestational age. However there are still many questions about maternal markers that can predict whether the virus will be transmitted to the fetus. To investigate the relationship between the presence and the quantity of CMV in urine and blood of women presenting a primary CMV infection during pregnancy and the presence of congenital infection in their offspring. Detection and quantification of CMV DNA was performed on 150 urine samples and 114 blood samples from 150 pregnant women with proven CMV primary infection. Transmission rate was 36.7% (55/150). A statistically significant association was found between the presence of CMV in maternal urine and newborn infection (OR 2.03 95%CI 1.03-3.99). A clearly significant association was found between the presence of CMV in maternal blood and newborn infection (OR 3.14 95% CI 1.38-7.16). Taking into consideration those samples that are positive for CMV in maternal urine, the median value of viral load was significantly higher in those patients who transmitted to offspring (P=0.015). No significant association between viral load in maternal blood and newborn infection was observed. The presence of CMV in maternal urine and maternal blood correlated to the transmission of CMV to offspring in our cohort. The median viral load in urine is higher in women who transmitted. These markers may help to identify pregnant women at risk to transmit to the fetus. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Measurement of glomerular filtration rate in the conscious rat.

PubMed

Pestel, Sabine; Krzykalla, Volker; Weckesser, Gerhard

2007-01-01

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is an important parameter for studying drug-induced impairments on renal function in rats. The GFR is calculated from the concentration of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in serum and in urine, respectively. Following current protocols serum and urine samples must be taken from the same animal. Thus, in order to determine time-dependent effects it is necessary to use for each time point one separated group of animals. We developed a statistical test which allows analyzing the GFR from two different groups of animals: one used for repeated serum and the other one used for repeated urine analysis. Serum and urine samples were taken from two different sets of rats which were otherwise treated identically, i.e. drug doses, routes of administration (per os or per inhalation) and tap water loading. For each dose group GFR mean, standard deviation and statistical analysis to identify differences between the dose groups were determined. After determination of the optimal time points for measurements, the effect on GFR of the three reference compounds, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide and formoterol, was calculated. The results showed that the diuretic drugs furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide decreased the GFR and the antidiuretic drug formoterol increased the GFR, as counter regulation on urine loss or urine retention, respectively. A mathematical model and the corresponding algorithm were developed, which can be used to calculate the GFR, and to test for differences between groups from two separated sets of rats, one used for urine, and the other one for serum analysis. This new method has the potential to reduce the number of animals needed and to improve the quality of data generated from various groups of animals in renal function studies.

Values of iodine metabolism biomarkers in assessing the iodine nutrition status in surgically treated patients with thyroid disease.

PubMed

Han, Jian-hua; Wu, Lian; Yu, Song-lin; Fang, Hui-ling; Kamg, Wei-ming; Cheng, Xin-qi; Lu, Jie; Yu, Jian-chun; Qiu, Ling

2015-04-01

To assess the clinical application value of iodine metabolism biomarkers in assessing iodine nutrition status in surgically treated patients with thyroid disease. Blood,morning urine and 24-hour urine samples were collected in 31 healthy volunteers and in 30 surgically treated patients with thyroid disease before and after surgery. Iodine concentration was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The iodine metabolism biomarkers including serum iodine (SI), morning urine iodine(UI), morning urine iodine/urine creatinine ratio (UI/UCr), 24-hour urine iodine (24 h UI), and 24-hour urine iodine excretion (24 h UIE) were evaluated in these two groups. In addition, the validation coincidence rate of iodine metabolism biomarkers in healthy volunteers to different reference ranges including World Health Organization, Mayo Clinic, and Quest Diagnostics were calculated. The UI/UCr ratio of pre-operative thyroid disease patients was significantly lower than that of healthy volunteers (P<0.05), while the other biomarkers showed no significant differences (all P>0.05) between these two groups. The SI, UI ,and 24 h UI in postoperative thyroid disease patients were significantly higher than those of the pre-operative patients (all P<0.05). Though the medians of all biomarkers in healthy volunteers were within the reference ranges,only the validation coincidence rates of SI, UI, and UI/UCr in the 41-70-year populations were over than 90% according to Mayo Clinic; furthermore, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve about UI/UCr ratio (0.737) was the biggest within the iodine metabolism biomarkers. The UI/UCr ratio may be used for iodine nutrition evaluation in surgically treated patients with thyroid disease.

Comparative plasma salicylate and urine salicylurate levels following administration of aspirin, magnesium salicylate, and choline magnesium trisalicylate.

PubMed

Mason, W D

1980-11-01

Eighteen healthy volunteers were administered single doses of commercially available solid dosage forms of aspirin, magnesium salicylate (I), and choline magnesium trisalicylate (II), equivalent to approximately 500 mg of salicylic acid, in a randomized, complete crossover design. Plasma salicylate and urine salicylurate levels were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography at frequent intervals following dosing; the resultant profiles, areas under the curve (AUC), and percentages of dose excreted as salicylurate were statistically analyzed by an analysis of variance. The plasma salicylate levels following the two dosage forms containing I and II were virtually identical when corrected for small differences in the dose. The plasma salicylic acid level following aspirin was approximately 10% lower during the 1.5--3.0-hr interval due to a portion of unhydrolyzed aspirin, but the dose-corrected AUC for the products tested did not differ significantly (p < 0.05). During the 24 hr following dosing, 66.5 +/- 12.1 68.4 +/- 7.1, and 60.9 +/- 14.1% of the salicylic acid were excreted as urine salicylurate for aspirin, I, and II, respectively, with no significant difference (p < 0.05). Based on this study, there are no significant differences in the rate and extent of absorption of salicylate following the three dosage forms tested, and the elimination kinetics of salicylic acid are not altered by these dosage forms.

An Initial Evaluation of a Comprehensive Continuing Care Intervention for Clients with Substance Use Disorders: My First Year of Recovery (MyFYR).

PubMed

McKay, James R; Knepper, Cheryl; Deneke, Erin; O'Reilly, Christopher; DuPont, Robert L

2016-08-01

Physician health programs (PHPs) generate high rates of sustained abstinence in addicted physicians, through a combination of formal treatment, self-help involvement, regular monitoring via random urine toxicology tests, and powerful incentives generated by the threat of losing one's medical license. Recently, Caron Treatment Centers developed a new continuing care intervention, "My First Year of Recovery" (MyFYR), which is modeled after PHPs but provides extended recovery support to a broader segment of those with substance use disorders. This paper presents initial outcome data from MyFYR. MyFYR features frequent outcomes monitoring via urine toxicology tests, and also includes a web-based social platform to coordinate efforts of recovery coaches, family members, and others (e.g., employers, probation officers). Participants were the first 198 clients who enrolled in MyFYR after participating in residential treatment at Caron. Substance use outcomes were determined by a combination of urine toxicology tests, client self-report, and information from family members obtained during a 12-month period following entry into MyFYR. Clients in MyFYR provided 70% of scheduled urine samples, for an average of 16.4 urine samples per client. Only 4.1% of the samples tested positive for alcohol or any drug. As determined by urine toxicology and client and family reports, 54% of the participants had some use of alcohol or drugs during the follow-up. Of these relapsed clients, 70.1% were retained or re-engaged in MyFYR, and of these, half were able to re-establish abstinence of two months duration or more, as documented by urine toxicology. These initial results are extremely promising, as they document high rates of sustained participation in urine drug test monitoring and positive outcome in clients not under the threat of losing a professional license or incarceration. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Hydration status affects urea transport across rat urothelia.

PubMed

Spector, David A; Deng, Jie; Stewart, Kerry J

2011-12-01

Although mammalian urinary tract epithelium (urothelium) is generally considered impermeable to water and solutes, recent data suggest that urine constituents may be reabsorbed during urinary tract transit and storage. To study water and solute transport across the urothelium in an in vivo rat model, we instilled urine (obtained during various rat hydration conditions) into isolated in situ rat bladders and, after a 1-h dwell, retrieved the urine and measured the differences in urine volume and concentration and total quantity of urine urea nitrogen and creatinine between instilled and retrieved urine in rat groups differing by hydration status. Although urine volume did not change >1.9% in any group, concentration (and quantity) of urine urea nitrogen in retrieved urine fell significantly (indicating reabsorption of urea across bladder urothelia), by a mean of 18% (489 mg/dl, from an instilled 2,658 mg/dl) in rats receiving ad libitum water and by a mean of 39% (2,544 mg/dl, from an instilled 6,204 mg/dl) in water-deprived rats, but did not change (an increase of 15 mg/dl, P = not significant, from an instilled 300 mg/dl) in a water-loaded rat group. Two separate factors affected urea nitrogen reabsorption rates, a urinary factor related to hydration status, likely the concentration of urea nitrogen in the instilled urine, and a bladder factor(s), also dependent on the animal's state of hydration. Urine creatinine was also absorbed during the bladder dwell, and hydration group effects on the concentration and quantity of creatinine reabsorbed were qualitatively similar to the hydration group effect on urea transport. These findings support the notion(s) that urinary constituents may undergo transport across urinary tract epithelia, that such transport may be physiologically regulated, and that urine is modified during transit and storage through the urinary tract.

International Space Station Urine Monitoring System Functional Integration and Science Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rodriquez, Branelle R.; Broyan, James Lee, Jr.

2011-01-01

Exposure to microgravity during human spaceflight needs to be better understood as the human exploration of space requires longer duration missions. It is known that long term exposure to microgravity causes bone loss. Measuring the calcium and other metabolic byproducts in a crew member s urine can evaluate the effectiveness of bone loss countermeasures. The International Space Station (ISS) Urine Monitoring System (UMS) is an automated urine collection device designed to collect urine, separate the urine and air, measure the void volume, and allow for syringe sampling. Accurate measuring and minimal cross-contamination is essential to determine bone loss and the effectiveness of countermeasures. The ISS UMS provides minimal cross-contamination (<0.7 mL urine) and has volume accuracy of 2% between 100 to 1000 mL urine voids. Designed to provide a non-invasive means to collect urine samples from crew members, the ISS UMS operates in-line with the Node 3 Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC). The ISS UMS has undergone modifications required to interface with the WHC, including material changes, science algorithm improvements, and software platform revisions. Integrated functional testing was performed to determine the pressure drop, air flow rate, and the maximum amount of fluid capable of being discharged from the UMS to the WHC. This paper will detail the results of the science and the functional integration tests.

Video Voiding Device for Diagnosing Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Men.

PubMed

Shokoueinejad, Mehdi; Alkashgari, Rayan; Mosli, Hisham A; Alothmany, Nazeeh; Levin, Jacob M; Webster, John G

2017-01-01

We introduce a novel diagnostic Visual Voiding Device (VVD), which has the ability to visually document urinary voiding events and calculate key voiding parameters such as instantaneous flow rate. The observation of the urinary voiding process along with the instantaneous flow rate can be used to diagnose symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction (LUTD) and improve evaluation of LUTD treatments by providing subsequent follow-up documentations of voiding events after treatments. The VVD enables a patient to have a urinary voiding event in privacy while a urologist monitors, processes, and documents the event from a distance. The VVD consists of two orthogonal cameras which are used to visualize urine leakage from the urethral meatus, urine stream trajectory, and its break-up into droplets. A third, lower back camera monitors a funnel topped cylinder where urine accumulates that contains a floater for accurate readings regardless of the urine color. Software then processes the change in level of accumulating urine in the cylinder and the visual flow properties to calculate urological parameters. Video playback allows for reexamination of the voiding process. The proposed device was tested by integrating a mass flowmeter into the setup and simultaneously measuring the instantaneous flow rate of a predetermined voided volume in order to verify the accuracy of VVD compared to the mass flowmeter. The VVD and mass flowmeter were found to have an accuracy of ±2 and ±3% relative to full scale, respectively. A VVD clinical trial was conducted on 16 healthy male volunteers ages 23-65.

Pre-operative Asymptomatic Bacteriuria: A Risk Factor For Prosthetic Joint Infection?

PubMed

Weale, R; El-Bakri, F; Saeed, Kordo

2018-04-13

Infection is a rare complication following implantation of prosthetic material into a joint. The impact of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) before elective operations and the subsequent risk of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) are not well understood. • Assess the prevalence of ASB amongst patients undergoing total arthroplasty of the hip and knee. • Determine the rates of PJI diagnosed within two years of the arthroplasty and if ASB is an independent risk factor for developing PJI. Patients who had total/unicondylar knee or total hip arthroplasty were retrospectively reviewed over a five-year period. Pre-operative urine samples within one year of surgery were analysed and those with ASB identified. Primary outcome was prosthetic joint infection (PJI) within the first postoperative year. 5542 patients were included. 4368 had a pre-operative urine culture recorded. The prevalence of ASB was 140 of 4368 (3.2%). The overall PJI rate was 56 of 5542 (1.01%). Of those with a PJI, 33 had a pre-operative urine sample recorded. The infection rate in the ASB group was 5% (7 of 140), in the no-ASB group it was 0.61% (26 of 4228) and in the group without a urine sample it was 1.96% (23 of 1174) (p value <0.001). The ASB isolate was the same microorganism as the PJI isolate in only one of the seven cases. The association between ASB and PJI is statistically significant, but the urine isolates did not relate to the isolates in the prosthetic joint, suggestive the relationship is unlikely causal. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Accuracy of a new clean-catch technique for diagnosis of urinary tract infection in infants younger than 90 days of age

PubMed Central

Herreros, María Luisa; Tagarro, Alfredo; García-Pose, Araceli; Sánchez, Aida; Cañete, Alfonso; Gili, Pablo

2015-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of diagnosing urinary tract infections using a new, recently described, standardized clean-catch collection technique. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of infants <90 days old admitted due to fever without a source, with two matched samples of urine obtained using two different methods: clean-catch standardized stimulation technique and bladder catheterization. RESULTS: Sixty paired urine cultures were obtained. The median age was 44-days-old. Seventeen percent were male infants. Clean-catch technique sensitivity was 97% (95% CI 82% to 100%) and specificity was 89% (95% CI 65% to 98%). The contamination rate of clean-catch samples was lower (5%) than the contamination rate of catheter specimens (8%). CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity and specificity of urine cultures obtained using the clean-catch method through the new technique were accurate and the contamination rate was low. These results suggest that this technique is a valuable, alternative method for urinary tract infection diagnosis. PMID:26435675

Increased Urine Production Due to Leg Fluid Displacement Reduces Hours of Undisturbed Sleep.

PubMed

Kiba, Keisuke; Hirayama, Akihide; Yoshikawa, Motokiyo; Yamamoto, Yutaka; Torimoto, Kazumasa; Shimizu, Nobutaka; Tanaka, Nobumichi; Fujimoto, Kiyohide; Uemura, Hirotsugu

2017-07-03

To investigate whether or not the leg fluid displacement observed when moving from the standing to recumbent position at bedtime reduces the hours of undisturbed sleep (HUS). Men aged 50 years or older who were hospitalized for urological diseases were investigated. Body water evaluation was performed three times with a bioelectric impedance method: (i) 17:00, (ii) 30 min after (short-term), and (iii) waking up (long-term). A frequency volume chart was used to evaluate the status of nocturnal urine production, and the factors affecting HUS were investigated. A total of 50 patients (mean age: 68 years) were enrolled. Short-term changes in extracellular fluid (ECF in the legs showed a significant positive correlation with urine production per unit of time at the first nocturnal voiding (UFN/HUS) (r = 0.45, P = 0.01). In the comparison between patients who had <3 HUS vs. those who had ≥3 HUS, the <3 HUS group showed significantly greater short-term changes in leg fluid volume, night-time water intake (17:00-06:00), and UFN/HUS. Multivariate analysis to assess the risk factors for <3 HUS indicated UFN/HUS as a risk factor in the overall model, and short-term changes in leg ECF and night-time water intake as risk factors in the model that only considered factors before sleep. Nocturnal leg fluid displacement may increase urine production leading up to first voiding after going to bed, and consequently, induce early awakening after falling asleep. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Internet-purchased ibogaine toxicity confirmed with serum, urine, and product content levels.

PubMed

O'Connell, Charles W; Gerona, Roy R; Friesen, Matthew W; Ly, Binh T

2015-07-01

Ibogaine, a psychotropic indole alkaloid, is gaining popularity among medical subcultures for its purported anti addictive properties. Its use has been associated with altered mental status, ataxia, gastrointestinal distress, ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden and unexplained deaths.Its pharmacokinetics in toxic states is not well understood. Case report:A 33-year-old man overdosed on ibogaine in an attempt to quit his use of heroin. He developed altered state of consciousness, tremor, ataxia,nausea, vomiting, and transient QT interval prolongation, which all remitted as he cleared the substance. Ibogaine was confirmed in his urine and serum with a peak serum concentration of 377 ng/mL. Nonlinear elimination kinetics and a formula match to its active metabolite noriobgaine were observed as well. This case presents the unique description of serial serum concentrations as well as urine and product-confirmed ibogaine toxicity with transient toxin-related QT interval prolongation.

Proof of principle: hydration by low-osmolar mannitol-glucose solution alleviates undesirable renal effects of an iso-osmolar contrast medium in rats.

PubMed

Seeliger, Erdmann; Ladwig, Mechthild; Sargsyan, Lilit; Cantow, Kathleen; Persson, Pontus B; Flemming, Bert

2012-04-01

Saline infusion is widely used to prevent contrast media (CM)-induced acute kidney injury, because it fosters diuresis. Osmodiuretics have a stronger diuretic effect than saline, yet previous trials indicate that osmodiuretic mannitol tends to promote rather than to prevent CM-induced acute kidney injury. However, these studies used hypertonic mannitol solutions that will result in rebound volume contraction. We hypothesize that combining the osmodiuretic effects of a nonhypertonic mannitol solution with sustained volume expansion alleviates undesirable renal effects of CM. Forty-four anesthetized rats were studied by 4 protocols. Urine flow rate, urine viscosity, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were measured. Intravenous infusions of hydration solutions were initiated 60 minutes before CM administration and continued throughout the observation period. Hydration by a 3.2% mannitol and 3.2% glucose solution infused at 12 mL/kg per hour (Mannit-Gluc regimen) was compared with a standard regimen of isotonic saline at 4 mL/kg per hour (NaCl regimen); greater infusion rates are required for the Mannit-Gluc regimen because of the profound diuretic effect of mannitol. Two CM were studied: iso-osmolar iodixanol (320 mg I/mL) and low-osmolar iopromide (370 mg I/mL), they were administered as 1.5-mL bolus injection into the thoracic aorta. The Mannit-Gluc regimen resulted in higher urine flow rates than the standard NaCl regimen, yet maintained a good volume status. By virtue of its stronger diuretic effect, the Mannit-Gluc regimen greatly diminished the increase in urine viscosity and completely prevented the transient decrease in GFR caused by iodixanol with the NaCl regimen. After iopromide, the differences between the hydration regimens were much less, as iopromide increased urine flow rates much more than iodixanol, thus resulting in a much smaller increase in viscosity than iodixanol and no decrease in GFR even with the NaCl regimen. This proof of principle study shows that a hydration regimen that combines the osmodiuretic effect of a low-osmolar mannitol-glucose solution with sustained volume expansion is effective in reducing high urine viscosity and preventing GFR reduction caused by iso-osmolar iodixanol. For low-osmolar CM, the beneficial effects seem negligible, because these compounds per se exert greater osmodiuretic action.

The potential of at-home prediction of the formation of urolithiasis by simple multi-frequency electrical conductivity of the urine and the comparison of its performance with urine ion-related indices, color and specific gravity.

PubMed

Silverio, Angelito A; Chung, Wen-Yaw; Cheng, Cheanyeh; Wang, Hai-Lung; Kung, Chien-Min; Chen, Jun; Tsai, Vincent F S

2016-04-01

It is important to control daily diet, water intake and life style as well as monitor the quality of urine for urolithiasis prevention. For decades, many ion-related indices have been developed for predicting the formation of urinary stones or urolithiasis, such as EQUILs, relative supersaturation (RSS), Tiselius indices (TI), Robertson risk factor algorithms (RRFA) and more recently, the Bonn risk index. However, they mostly demand robust laboratory analysis, are work-intensive, and even require complex computational programs to get the concentration patterns of several urine analytes. A simple and fast platform for measuring multi-frequency electrical conductivity (MFEC) of morning spot urine (random urine) to predict the onset of urolithiasis was implemented in this study. The performance thereof was compared to ion-related indices, urine color and specific gravity. The concentrations of relevant ions, color, specific gravity (SG) and MFEC (MFEC tested at 1, 10, 100, 5001 KHz and 1 MHz) of 80 random urine samples were examined after collection. Then, the urine samples were stored at 4 °C for 24 h to determine whether sedimentation would occur or not. Ion-activity product index of calcium oxalate (AP(CaOx) EQ2) was calculated. The correlation between AP(CaOx) EQ2, urine color, SG and MFEC were analyzed. AP(CaOx) EQ2, urine color and MFEC (at 5 frequencies) all demonstrated good prediction (p = 0.01, 0.01, 0.01, respectively) for stone formation. The positive correlation between AP(CaOx) EQ2 and MFEC is also significant (p = 0.01). MFEC provides a good metric for predicting the onset of urolithiasis, which is comparable to conventional ion-related indices and urine color. This technology can be implemented with much ease for objectively monitoring the quality of urine at points-of-care or at home.

Development of online NIR urine analyzing system based on AOTF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Feng; Sun, Zhendong; Li, Xiaoxia

2006-09-01

In this paper, some key techniques on development of on-line MR urine analyzing system based on AOTF (Acousto - Optics Tunable Filter) are introduced. Problems about designing the optical system including collimation of incident light and working distance (the shortest distance for separating incident light and diffracted light) are analyzed and researched. DDS (Direct Digital Synthesizer) controlled by microprocessor is used to realize the wavelength scan. The experiment results show that this MR urine analyzing system based on. AOTF has 10000 - 4000cm -1 wavelength range and O.3ms wavelength transfer rate. Compare with the conventional Fourier Transform NIP. spectrophotometer for analyzing multi-components in urine, this system features low cost, small volume and on-line measurement function. Unscrambler software (multivariate statistical software by CAMO Inc. Norway) is selected as the software for processing the data. This system can realize on line quantitative analysis of protein, urea and creatinine in urine.

Identification of HIV-1 genitourinary tract compartmentalization by analyzing the env gene sequences in urine.

PubMed

Blasi, Maria; Carpenter, J Harris; Balakumaran, Bala; Cara, Andrea; Gao, Feng; Klotman, Mary E

2015-08-24

HIV-1 persists indefinitely in memory CD4 T cells and other long-lived cellular reservoirs despite antiretroviral therapy. Our group had previously demonstrated that HIV-1 can establish a productive infection in renal epithelial cells and that the kidney represents a separate compartment for HIV-1 replication. Here, to better understand the viruses in this unique site, we genetically characterized and compared the viruses in blood and urine specimens from 24 HIV-1 infected patients with detectable viremia. Blood and urine samples were obtained from 35 HIV-1 positive patients. Single-genome amplification was performed on HIV-1 env RNA and DNA isolated from urine supernatants and urine-derived cell pellets, respectively, as well as from plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cell from the same individuals. Neighbor-joining trees were constructed under the Kimura 2-parameter model. We amplified and sequenced the full-length HIV-1 envelope (env) gene from 12 of the 24 individuals, indicating that 50% of the viremic HIV-1-positive patients had viral RNA in their urine. Phylogenetic analysis of the env sequences from four individuals with more than 15 urine-derived env sequences showed that the majority of the sequences from urine formed distinct cluster(s) independent of those peripheral blood mononuclear cell and plasma-derived sequences, consistent with viral compartmentalization in the urine. Our results suggest the presence of a distinct HIV compartment in the genitourinary tract.

Identification of HIV-1 Genitourinary Tract Compartmentalization by Analyzing the env Gene Sequences in Urine

PubMed Central

BLASI, Maria; CARPENTER, J. Harris; BALAKUMARAN, Bala; CARA, Andrea; GAO, Feng; KLOTMAN, Mary E.

2015-01-01

Objective HIV-1 persists indefinitely in memory CD4+ T cells and other long-lived cellular reservoirs despite antiretroviral therapy (ART). Our group had previously demonstrated that HIV-1 can establish a productive infection in renal epithelial cells and that the kidney represents a separate compartment for HIV-1 replication. Here, to better understand the viruses in this unique site, we genetically characterized and compared the viruses in blood and urine specimens from twenty-four HIV-1 infected subjects with detectable viremia. Design and Methods Blood and urine samples were obtained from 35 HIV-1 positive subjects. Single-genome amplification was performed on HIV-1 env RNA and DNA isolated from urine supernatants and urine derived cell pellets respectively, as well as from plasma and PBMC from the same individuals. Neighbor-joining trees were constructed under the Kimura 2-parameter mode. Results We amplified and sequenced the full-length HIV-1 envelope (env) gene from twelve of the twenty-four individuals, indicating that fifty percent (50%) of the viremic HIV-1 positive patients had viral RNA in their urine. Phylogenetic analysis of the env sequences from four subjects with more than fifteen urine-derived env sequences showed that the majority of the sequences from urine formed distinct cluster(s) independent of those PBMC and plasma-derived sequences, consistent with viral compartmentalization in the urine. Conclusions Our results suggest the presence of a distinct HIV compartment in the genitourinary tract. PMID:26372275

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR UO3 PLANT BIOASSAY

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carbaugh, Eugene H.

2010-07-12

Alternative urine bioassay programs are described for application with decontamination and decommissioning activities at the Hanford UO3 Plant. The alternatives are based on quarterly or monthly urine bioassay for recycled uranium, assuming multiple acute inhalation intakes of recycled uranium occurring over a year. The inhalations are assumed to be 5µm AMAD particles of 80% absorption type F and 20% absorption type M. Screening levels, expressed as daily uranium mass excretion rates in urine, and the actions associated with these levels are provided for both quarterly and monthly sampling frequencies.

A major urinary protein of the domestic cat regulates the production of felinine, a putative pheromone precursor.

PubMed

Miyazaki, Masao; Yamashita, Tetsuro; Suzuki, Yusuke; Saito, Yoshihiro; Soeta, Satoshi; Taira, Hideharu; Suzuki, Akemi

2006-10-01

Domestic cats spray urine with species-specific odor for territorial marking. Felinine (2-amino-7-hydroxy-5,5-dimethyl-4-thiaheptanoic acid), a putative pheromone precursor, is excreted in cat urine. Here, we report that cauxin, a carboxylesterase excreted as a major urinary component, regulates felinine production. In vitro enzyme assays indicated that cauxin hydrolyzed the felinine precursor 3-methylbutanol-cysteinylglycine to felinine and glycine. Cauxin and felinine were excreted age dependently after 3 months of age. The age-dependent increases in cauxin and felinine excretion were significantly correlated. In mature cats, cauxin and felinine levels were sex-dependently correlated and were higher in males than in females. In headspace gas of cat urine, 3-mercapto-3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-mercapto-3-methylbutyl formate, 3-methyl-3-methylthio-1-butanol, and 3-methyl-3-(2-methyldisulfanyl)-1-butanol were identified as candidates for felinine derivatives. These findings demonstrate that cauxin-dependent felinine production is a cat-specific metabolic pathway, and they provide information for the biosynthetic mechanisms of species-specific molecules in mammals.

Natural microbial populations in a water-based biowaste management system for space life support

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bornemann, Gerhild; Waßer, Kai; Tonat, Tim; Moeller, Ralf; Bohmeier, Maria; Hauslage, Jens

2015-11-01

The reutilization of wastewater is a key issue with regard to long-term space missions and planetary habitation. This study reports the design, test runs and microbiological analyses of a fixed bed biofiltration system which applies pumice grain (16-25 mm grain size, 90 m2 /m3 active surface) as matrix and calcium carbonate as buffer. For activation, the pumice was inoculated with garden soil known to contain a diverse community of microorganisms, thus enabling the filtration system to potentially degrade all kinds of organic matter. Current experiments over 194 days with diluted synthetic urine (7% and 20%) showed that the 7% filter units produced nitrate slowly but steadily (max. 2191 mg NO3-N/day). In the 20% units nitrate production was slower and less stable (max. 1411 mg NO3-N/day). 84% and 76% of the contained nitrogen was converted into nitrate. The low conversion rate is assumed to be due to the high flow rate, which keeps the biofilm on the pumice thin. At the same time the thin biofilm seems to prevent the activity of denitrifiers implicating the existence of a trade off between rate and the amount of nitrogen loss. Microbiological analyses identified a comparatively low number of species (26 in the filter material, 12 in the filtrate) indicating that urine serves as a strongly selective medium and filter units for the degradation of mixed feedstock have to be pre-conditioned on the intended substrates from the beginning.

The State of the Human Proteome in 2013 as viewed through PeptideAtlas: Comparing the Kidney, Urine, and Plasma Proteomes for the Biology and Disease-driven Human Proteome Project

PubMed Central

Farrah, Terry; Deutsch, Eric W.; Omenn, Gilbert S.; Sun, Zhi; Watts, Julian D.; Yamamoto, Tadashi; Shteynberg, David; Harris, Micheleen M.; Moritz, Robert L.

2014-01-01

The kidney, urine, and plasma proteomes are intimately related: proteins and metabolic waste products are filtered from the plasma by the kidney and excreted via the urine, while kidney proteins may be secreted into the circulation or released into the urine. Shotgun proteomics datasets derived from human kidney, urine, and plasma samples were collated and processed using a uniform software pipeline, and relative protein abundances were estimated by spectral counting. The resulting PeptideAtlas builds yielded 4005, 2491, and 3553 nonredundant proteins at 1% FDR for the kidney, urine, and plasma proteomes, respectively—for kidney and plasma, the largest high-confidence protein sets to date. The same pipeline applied to all available human data yielded a 2013 Human PeptideAtlas build containing 12,644 nonredundant proteins and at least one peptide for each of ~14,000 Swiss-Prot entries, an increase over 2012 of ~7.5% of the predicted human proteome. We demonstrate that abundances are correlated between plasma and urine, examine the most abundant urine proteins not derived from either plasma or kidney, and consider the biomarker potential of proteins associated with renal decline. This analysis forms part of the Biology and Disease-driven Human Proteome Project (B/D-HPP) and a contribution to the Chromosome-centric Human Proteome Project (C-HPP) special issue. PMID:24261998

[Determination of trace cobalt in human urine by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometr].

PubMed

Zhong, L X; Ding, B M; Jiang, D; Liu, D Y; Yu, B; Zhu, B L; Ding, L

2016-05-20

To establish a method to determine cobalt in human urine by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Urine with 2% nitric acid diluted two-fold, to quantify the curve, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometric detection. Co was linear within 2.5~40.0 ng/ml with r>0.999. Spike experiment showed that Co received good recovery rate, which was 90.8%~94.8%. Intra-assay precisions were 3.2%~5.1% for Co, inter-assay precisions were 4.4%~5.2% for Co. The method by using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometr to determine urine Co was fast, accurate and with low matrix effect. It could meet the requirement in GBZ/T 210.5-2008.

Association of Kidney Function and Early Kidney Injury With Incident Hypertension in HIV-Infected Women.

PubMed

Ascher, Simon B; Scherzer, Rebecca; Peralta, Carmen A; Tien, Phyllis C; Grunfeld, Carl; Estrella, Michelle M; Abraham, Alison; Gustafson, Deborah R; Nowicki, Marek; Sharma, Anjali; Cohen, Mardge H; Butch, Anthony W; Young, Mary A; Bennett, Michael R; Shlipak, Michael G

2017-02-01

Subclinical kidney disease is associated with developing hypertension in the general population, but data are lacking among HIV-infected people. We examined associations of kidney function and injury with incident hypertension in 823 HIV-infected and 267 HIV-uninfected women in the Women's Interagency HIV Study, a multicenter, prospective cohort of HIV-infected and uninfected women in the United States. Baseline kidney biomarkers included estimated glomerular filtration rate using cystatin C, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, and 7 urine biomarkers of tubular injury: α-1-microglobulin, interleukin-18, kidney injury molecule-1, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, liver fatty acid-binding protein, N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase, and α1-acid-glycoprotein. We used multivariable Poisson regression to evaluate associations of kidney biomarkers with incident hypertension, defined as 2 consecutive visits of antihypertensive medication use. During a median follow-up of 9.6 years, 288 HIV-infected women (35%) developed hypertension. Among the HIV-infected women, higher urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio was independently associated with incident hypertension (relative risk =1.13 per urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio doubling, 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.20), as was lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (relative risk =1.10 per 10 mL/min/1.73 m 2 lower estimated glomerular filtration rate; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.17). No tubular injury and dysfunction biomarkers were independently associated with incident hypertension in HIV-infected women. In contrast, among the HIV-uninfected women, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio was not associated with incident hypertension, whereas higher urine interleukin-18, α1-acid-glycoprotein, and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase levels were significantly associated with incident hypertension. These findings suggest that early glomerular injury and kidney dysfunction may be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension in HIV-infected people. The associations of tubular markers with hypertension in HIV-uninfected women should be validated in other studies. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Study of dung, urine, and milk of selected grazing animals as bioindicators in environmental geoscience--a case study from Mangampeta barite mining area, Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh, India.

PubMed

Raghu, V

2015-01-01

The ancient scientific Sanskrit texts of Ayurveda (science of longevity) deal with waters, plants, and animals in relation to human health. Based on the studies mentioned in Ayurveda and modern literature, biological responses of grazing animals in Mangampeta barite mining area in Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh, were studied. A non-mineralized Tirupati area in Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, was selected for the purpose of comparison. In these areas, certain animal products of selected grazing animals were studied if they could be used as tools in mineral exploration. Samples of dung, urine, and milk from cow, bullock, she-buffalo, he-buffalo, sheep, and goat were collected from these two areas during winter and summer seasons. Goat dung was found to have lowest moisture content and highest organic matter while goat urine contained highest amounts of organic matter and ash content. All these animal products were analyzed for 11 trace elements. The concentration of trace elements released through dung, urine, and milk widely varied in different animal species with seasonal variations. The elemental concentration was higher in dung and lower in urine, when compared to that of milk. The concentration of all elements in dung, urine, and milk of all animals, in both the areas, was higher in winter than that in summer. Dung represents the metabolic process of the whole animal and reflects the dietary conditions whether fed on natural or inorganic supplement. It can be inferred that dung, urine, and milk of any animal can be used as tools in mineral exploration during winter, while during summer, only dung can be useful. The dung of goat when compared to that of the other cattle serves as a better tool in environmental studies as goat depends almost entirely on natural vegetation without human interference.

Do "inhibitors of crystallisation" play any role in the prevention of kidney stones? A critique.

PubMed

Robertson, William G

2017-02-01

A critical examination of data in the literature and in as yet unpublished laboratory records on the possible role of so-called inhibitors of crystallisation in preventing the formation of calcium-containing kidney stones leads to the following conclusions. So-called inhibitors of spontaneous "self-nucleation" are unlikely to play any role in the initiation of the crystallisation of CaOx or CaP in urine because excessive urinary supersaturation of urine with respect to these salts dominates the onset of "self-nucleation" within the normal time frame of the transit of tubular fluid through the nephron (3-4 min). Inhibitors of the crystal growth of CaOx crystals may or may not play a significant role in the prevention of CaOx stone-formation since once again excessive supersaturation of urine can overwhelm any potential effect of the inhibitors on the growth process. However, they may play a role as inhibitors of crystal growth at lower levels of metastable supersaturation when the balance between supersaturation and inhibitors is more equal. Inhibitors of CaOx crystal aggregation may play a significant role in the prevention of stones, since they do not appear to be strongly affected by excessive supersaturation, either in vitro or in vivo. Inhibitors of CaOx crystal binding to renal tubular epithelium may exist but further studies are necessary to elucidate their importance in reducing the risk of initiating stones in the renal tubules. Inhibitors of CaOx crystal binding to Randall's Plaques and Randall's Plugs may exist but further studies are necessary to elucidate their importance in reducing the risk of initiating stones on renal papillae. There may be an alternative explanation other than a deficiency in the excretion of inhibitors for the observations that there is a difference between CaOx crystal size and degree of aggregation in the fresh, warm urines of normal subjects compared those in urine from patients with recurrent CaOx stones. This difference may depend more on the site of "self-nucleation" of CaOx crystals in the renal tubule rather than on a deficiency in the excretion of so-called inhibitors of crystallisation by patients with CaOx stones. The claim that administration of potassium citrate, potassium magnesium citrate or magnesium hydroxide reduces the rate of stone recurrence may be due to the effect of these forms of medication on the supersaturation of urine with respect to CaOx and CaP rather than to any increase in "inhibitory activity" attributed to these forms of treatment. In summary, there is a competition between supersaturation and so-called inhibitors of crystallisation which ultimately determines the pattern of crystalluria in stone-formers and normals. If the supersaturation of urine with respect to CaOx reaches or exceeds the 3-4 min formation product of that salt, then it dominates the crystallisation process both in terms of "self-nucleation" and crystal growth but appears to have little or no effect on the degree of aggregation of the crystals produced. At supersaturation levels of urine with respect to CaOx well below the 3-4 min formation product of that salt, the influence of inhibitors increases and some may affect not only the degree of aggregation but also the crystal growth of any pre-formed crystals of CaOx at these lower levels of metastability.

Micafungin treatment and eradication of candiduria among hospitalized patients.

PubMed

Gabardi, Steven; Martin, Spencer; Sura, Mihir; Mohammed, Anisa; Golan, Yoav

2016-11-01

In high-risk patients, candiduria may be associated with the development of urinary tract infections (UTI) and invasive candidiasis. The triazole antifungals achieve good urine concentrations, but their use is limited by the emergence of non-albicans Candida spp. with low-triazole susceptibility. The echinocandins remain fungicidal against many azole-resistant Candida spp., but low urine concentrations limit their use. We examined the rates of candiduria elimination in micafungin-treated patients. This retrospective analysis evaluated consecutive patients with candiduria (1/2008-4/2011) who were treated with micafungin (100 mg/day) and had post-micafungin urine cultures. Patients were deemed to have either candiduria or UTI and were assessed for short-term (within 2 weeks post-micafungin) and long-term (>1 month post-micafungin) urine sterilization. Thirty-three patients meeting our inclusion criteria were identified. Of these, 16 (48 %) were diagnosed with a Candida UTI. A total of 25 patients (76 %) had Foley catheters, which were replaced in 11 (44 %) cases. The majority of patients had Candida albicans (39 %), but Candida krusei and Candida glabrata (33 %) were also isolated. Eight patients (24 %) were immunocompromised, and 29 (88 %) received broad-spectrum antibiotics. Rates of urine sterilization during micafungin treatment, 2 weeks after micafungin, and >1 month after micafungin were 81, 78, and 75 %, respectively. Among hospitalized patients with candiduria, micafungin administration was frequently associated with both short- and long-term urine sterilization. This was observed among patients with or without Foley removal and among those with Candida albicans, as well as non-albicans Candida spp.

Role of Urine Drug Testing in the Current Opioid Epidemic.

PubMed

Mahajan, Gagan

2017-12-01

While the evidence for urine drug testing for patients on chronic opioid therapy is weak, the guidelines created by numerous medical societies and state and federal regulatory agencies recommend that it be included as one of the tools used to monitor patients for compliance with chronic opioid therapy. To get the most comprehensive results, clinicians should order both an immunoassay screen and confirmatory urine drug test. The immunoassay screen, which can be performed as an in-office point-of-care test or as a laboratory-based test, is a cheap and convenient study to order. Limitations of an immunoassay screen, however, include having a high threshold of detectability and only providing qualitative information about a select number of drug classes. Because of these restrictions, clinicians should understand that immunoassay screens have high false-positive and false-negative rates. Despite these limitations, though, the results can assist the clinician with making preliminary treatment decisions. In comparison, a confirmatory urine drug test, which can only be performed as a laboratory-based test, has a lower threshold of detectability and provides both qualitative and quantitative information. A urine drug test's greater degree of specificity allows for a relatively low false-negative and false-positive rate in contrast to an immunoassay screen. Like any other diagnostic test, an immunoassay screen and a confirmatory urine drug test both possess limitations. Clinicians must keep this in mind when interpreting an unexpected test result and consult with their laboratory when in doubt about the meaning of the test result to avoid making erroneous decisions that negatively impact both the patient and clinician.

Effect of urine creatinine level during pregnancy on dipstick test.

PubMed

Baba, Yosuke; Furuta, Itsuko; Zhai, Tianyue; Ohkuchi, Akihide; Yamada, Takahiro; Takahashi, Kayo; Matsubara, Shigeki; Minakami, Hisanori

2017-06-01

Dipstick results for proteinuria are affected by urine concentration, and thus urine creatinine concentration ([Cr]). This study was performed to determine whether spot urine [Cr] changes significantly during pregnancy, leading to a significantly different false-negative rate (FNR) on dipstick test between trimester. The [Cr] and protein concentrations ([P]) were analyzed in 631 spot urine samples with negative/equivocal dipstick from 425 pregnant women. False-negative dipstick was defined as [P] : [Cr] ratio (P/Cr) > 0.27 mg/mg. Median [Cr] was 117 mg/dL (range, 6.5-326 mg/dL), 72 mg/dL (range, 4.3-477 mg/dL), and 73 mg/dL (range, 8.4-396 mg/dL) in the first (n = 96), second (n = 344), and third (n = 191) trimester urine samples, respectively (P = 0.000, Kruskal-Wallis). Both [P] and P/Cr increased significantly with advancing gestation. FNR 9.4% (18/191) in the third trimester was significantly higher than that of 0.0% (0/96) in the second trimester and that of 0.5% (2/344) in the third trimester. In the 20 urine samples with false-negative dipstick, median [Cr] was 47.0 mg/dL (range, 11.0-358 mg/dL) and the proportion of samples with dilute urine, that is, [Cr] <47 mg/dL, was significantly higher than in the remaining 611 urine samples (50%, 10/20 vs 28%, 174/611, respectively, P = 0.046). Urine samples in the second and third trimesters were more likely to be diluted compared with the first trimester. This was associated with high FNR in third trimester urine samples. © 2017 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The relationship between nocturnal polyuria and the distribution of body fluid: assessment by bioelectric impedance analysis.

PubMed

Torimoto, Kazumasa; Hirayama, Akihide; Samma, Shoji; Yoshida, Katsunori; Fujimoto, Kiyohide; Hirao, Yoshihiko

2009-01-01

Increased nocturnal urinary volume is closely associated with nocturia. We investigated the relationship between nocturnal polyuria and the variation of body fluid distribution during the daytime using bioelectric impedance analysis. A total of 34 men older than 60 years were enrolled in this study. A frequency volume chart was recorded. Nocturnal polyuria was defined as a nocturnal urine volume per 24-hour production of greater than 0.35 (the nocturnal polyuria index). Bioelectric impedance analysis was performed 4 times daily at 8 and 11 a.m., and 5 and 9 p.m. using an InBody S20 body composition analyzer (BioSpace, Seoul, Korea). A significant difference was found in mean +/- SEM 24-hour urine production per fat-free mass between the groups with and without nocturnal polyuria (17.8 +/- 1.4 vs 7.7 +/- 0.9 ml/kg). The increase in fluid in the legs compared with the volume at 8 a.m. was significantly larger at 5 p.m., while there was no difference in the arms or trunk. Nocturnal urine volume significantly correlated with the difference in fluid volume in the legs (r = 0.527, p = 0.0019) and extracellular fluid volume (r = 0.3844, p = 0.0248) between the volumes at 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Overproduction of urine per fat-free mass leads to nocturnal polyuria. Extracellular fluid accumulates as edema in the legs during the day in patients with nocturnal polyuria. The volume of accumulated extracellular fluid correlates with nocturnal urine volume. We suggest that leg edema is the source of nocturnal urine volume and decreasing edema may cure nocturnal polyuria.

Increasing fruits and vegetables in midlife women: a feasibility study.

PubMed

Gunn, Caroline A; Weber, Janet L; Coad, Jane; Kruger, Marlena C

2013-07-01

The positive link between bone health and fruit/vegetable consumption has been attributed to the lower renal acid load of a diet high in alkaline-forming fruit/vegetables. Other important dietary determinants of bone health include micronutrients and bioactives found in fruit/vegetables. We hypothesized that increased intake of fruit/vegetables to 9 or more servings a day would lower net endogenous acid production (NEAP) significantly (~20 mEq/d) and increase urine pH (0.5 pH units). This 8-week feasibility study investigated if 21 midlife women (age, 40-65 years) currently consuming 5 or less servings a day of fruit/vegetables could increase their intake to 9 or more servings a day to substantially lower NEAP and include specific vegetables daily. Three-day diet diaries were completed at baseline and the end of the study and assessed for NEAP (estimated) and number of servings from all food groups. Urine pH dipsticks were provided for the participants to assess and record their fasting urine pH daily (second void). Seventy-six percent of women achieved the study aim, which was to increase to 9 or more servings of fruit/vegetables for at least 5 d/wk. There was a reduction in the number of bread/cereal servings. Net endogenous acid production (estimated) was reduced significantly, with a mean urine pH increase of 0.68 pH units (95% confidence interval, 0.46-1.14); however, daily urine pH measures showed high variability. This study demonstrated that a group of midlife women can change their diet for 8 weeks by significantly increasing fruit/vegetable servings and include specific "bone friendly" vegetables daily, resulting in a significant decrease in estimated dietary NEAP and an increase in urine pH. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Determination of a flame retardant hydrolysis product in human urine by SPE and LC-MS. Comparison of molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction with a mixed-mode anion exchanger.

PubMed

Möller, Kristina; Crescenzi, Carlo; Nilsson, Ulrika

2004-01-01

Diphenyl phosphate is a hydrolysis product and possible metabolite of the flame retardant and plasticiser additive triphenyl phosphate. A molecularly imprinted polymer solid-phase extraction (MISPE) method for extracting diphenyl phosphate from aqueous solutions has been developed and compared with SPE using a commercially available mixed-mode anion exchanger. The imprinted polymer was prepared using 2-vinylpyridine (2-Vpy) as the functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the cross-linker, and a structural analogue of the analyte as the template molecule. The imprinted polymer was evaluated for use as a SPE sorbent, in tests with both aqueous standards and spiked urine samples, by comparing recovery and breakthrough data obtained using the imprinted form of the polymer and a non-imprinted form (NIP). Extraction from aqueous solutions resulted in more than 80% recovery. Adsorption by the molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was non-selective, but selectivity was achieved by selective desorption in the wash steps. Diphenyl phosphate could also be selectively extracted from urine samples, although the urine matrix reduced the capacity of the MISPE cartridges. Recoveries from urine extraction were higher than 70%. It was important to control pH during sample loading. The MISPE method was found to yield a less complex LC-ESI-MS chromatogram of the urine extracts compared with the mixed-mode anion-exchanger method. An LC-ESI-MS method using a Hypercarb LC column with a graphitised carbon stationary phase was also evaluated for organophosphate diesters. LC-ESI-MS using negative-ion detection in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode was shown to be linear for diphenyl phosphate in the range 0.08-20 ng microL(-1).

Latent association between low urine pH and low body weight in an apparently healthy population.

PubMed

Nakajima, Kei; Oda, Eiji; Kanda, Eiichiro

2016-01-01

Low urine pH, a plausible predictor for chronic kidney disease and metabolic disorders, is often observed in obese individuals. However, the association between low urine pH and low body weight is equivocal. We examined clinical parameters including urine pH and body mass index (BMI) in a cross-sectional study of 3629 apparently healthy Japanese adults aged 25-80 years who underwent a health-screening check-up. Urine pH was lower and the prevalence of proteinuria was significantly higher in subjects with BMI of ≥ 27.0 kg/m(2) compared with those with BMI of 21.0-22.9 kg/m(2). By contrast, hematuria was more prevalent in subjects with BMI of ≤ 20.9 kg/m(2). Logistic regression analysis showed that BMI of ≥ 27.0 kg/m(2) was significantly associated with low urine pH (≤ 5.5), which remained significant after adjustment for relevant confounders including age, sex, proteinuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate, urine density, hematuria, smoking status, and daily alcohol drinking. However, the association disappeared after further adjustment for serum uric acid. In contrast, the association between low urine pH and BMI of ≤ 19.0 kg/m(2) was significant after adjustment for age and sex and rather strengthened by the further adjustment for serum uric acid. In conclusion, low urine pH may be independently associated with low BMI. However, the underlying mechanisms of low urine pH in low body weight may differ from those in high body weight.

Development of an In-line Urine Monitoring System for the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Broyan, James Lee, Jr.; Cibuzar, Branelle R.

2009-01-01

Exposure to microgravity during space flight causes bone loss when calcium and other metabolic by-products are excreted in urine voids. Frequent and accurate measurement of urine void volume and constituents is thus essential in determining crew bone loss and the effectiveness of the countermeasures that are taken to minimize this loss. Earlier space shuttle Urine Monitoring System (UMS) technology was unable to accurately measure urine void volumes due to the cross-contamination that took place between users, as well as to fluid system instabilities. Crew urine voids are currently collected manually in a flexible plastic bag that contains a known tracer quantity. A crew member must completely mix the contents of this bag before withdrawing a representative syringe sample for later ground analysis. The existing bag system accuracy is therefore highly dependent on mixing technique. The International Space Station (ISS) UMS has been developed as an automated device that collects urine from the Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) urinal funnel interface, separates the urine, measures void volume, and allows for syringe sampling. After the ISS UMS has been used by a crew member, it delivers urine to the WHC for normal processing. The UMS plumbing is then flushed with a small volume of water. The current ISS UMS design incorporates an innovative rotary separator that minimizes foaming, consequently greatly reducing cross-contamination among urine voids (less than 0.5 mL urine) while also providing accurate volume measurements (less than 2 percent error for 100 to 1,000 mL void volumes). ISS UMS performance has been validated through extensive ground tests and reduced-gravity aircraft flights. The locker-sized ISS UMS is currently undergoing a design modification that will permit it to interface with the ISS Node 3 WHC Russian toilet (ACY) hardware. The operating principles, characteristics, and results of this design modification are outlined here.

Enhanced urinalysis in the detection of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy.

PubMed

Aigere, E O S; Okusanya, B O; Eigbefoh, J O; Okome, G B O

2013-01-01

Detection and treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in pregnancy is important to avert the attendant maternal and fetal morbidity. Other than urine culture, no other screening test is unequivocal. The use of enhanced urinalysis test to detect ASB in pregnancy was investigated. This was a prospective observational study which compared enhanced urinalysis with dipstick tests and urine culture. Clean catch midstream urine specimen was collected from 150 consecutive asymptomatic pregnant women. Tests of validity were used for comparison. Enhanced urinalysis detected bacteriuria as much as urine culture (4% vs. 4.7%). Itwas 57.1% sensitive and 98.6% specific. It had a false negative rate of 42.9% and was 96.7% accurate when compared to urine culture. Enhanced urinalysis took 1-2 hours to be done and required skills to use the microscope and was more expensive than dipstick urinalysis. The accuracy of enhanced urinalysis and its ability to detect ASB as much as urine culture connotes that it can be used to detect asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy albeit only in secondary and tertiary health centres because of the cost and technicality involved.

Stability of miRNA in human urine supports its biomarker potential

PubMed Central

Mall, Christine; Rocke, David M; Durbin-Johnson, Blythe; Weiss, Robert H

2013-01-01

Aim miRNAs are showing utility as biomarkers in urologic disease, however, a rigorous evaluation of their stability in urine is lacking. Here, we evaluate the stability of miRNAs in urine under clinically relevant storage procedures. Materials & methods Eight healthy individuals provided clean catch urine samples that were stored at room temperature or at 4°C for 5 days, or subjected to ten freeze–thaw cycles at -80°C. For each condition, two miRNAs, miR-16 and miR-21, were quantitated by quantitative real-time PCR. Results All conditions demonstrated a surprising degree of stability of miRNAs in the urine: by the end of ten freeze–thaw cycles, 23–37% of the initial amount remained; over the 5-day period of storage at room temperature, 35% of the initial amount remained; and at 4°C, 42–56% of the initial amount remained. Both miRNAs also showed degradation at approximately the same rate. Conclusion miRNAs are relatively stable in urine under a variety of storage conditions, which supports their utility as urinary biomarkers. PMID:23905899

Fatal Attraction Phenomenon in Humans – Cat Odour Attractiveness Increased for Toxoplasma-Infected Men While Decreased for Infected Women

PubMed Central

Flegr, Jaroslav; Lenochová, Pavlína; Hodný, Zdeněk; Vondrová, Marta

2011-01-01

Background Latent toxoplasmosis, a lifelong infection with the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, has cumulative effects on the behaviour of hosts, including humans. The most impressive effect of toxoplasmosis is the “fatal attraction phenomenon,” the conversion of innate fear of cat odour into attraction to cat odour in infected rodents. While most behavioural effects of toxoplasmosis were confirmed also in humans, neither the fatal attraction phenomenon nor any toxoplasmosis-associated changes in olfactory functions have been searched for in them. Principal Findings Thirty-four Toxoplasma-infected and 134 noninfected students rated the odour of urine samples from cat, horse, tiger, brown hyena and dog for intensity and pleasantness. The raters were blind to their infection status and identity of the samples. No signs of changed sensitivity of olfaction were observed. However, we found a strong, gender dependent effect of toxoplasmosis on the pleasantness attributed to cat urine odour (p = 0.0025). Infected men rated this odour as more pleasant than did the noninfected men, while infected women rated the same odour as less pleasant than did noninfected women. Toxoplasmosis did not affect how subjects rated the pleasantness of any other animal species' urine odour; however, a non-significant trend in the same directions was observed for hyena urine. Conclusions The absence of the effects of toxoplasmosis on the odour pleasantness score attributed to large cats would suggest that the amino acid felinine could be responsible for the fatal attraction phenomenon. Our results also raise the possibility that the odour-specific threshold deficits observed in schizophrenia patients could be caused by increased prevalence of Toxoplasma-infected subjects in this population rather than by schizophrenia itself. The trend observed with the hyena urine sample suggests that this carnivore, and other representatives of the Feliformia suborder, should be studied for their possible role as definitive hosts in the life cycle of Toxoplasma. PMID:22087345

[The value of serum free light chain in differential diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance].

PubMed

Li, C; Wen, Y B; Li, H; Su, W; Li, J; Cai, J F; Chen, L M; Li, X M; Li, X W

2017-08-08

Objective: To investigate the value of serum free light chain (FLC) in differential diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS). Methods: Forty-nine hospitalized patients who underwent renal biopsy in Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2013 and December 2015 were included. Monoclonal gammopathy was detected by serum protein electrophoresis (SPE), serum immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE), urine IFE and serum FLC. All patients were classified as MGRS ( n =32) and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) ( n =17). Results: Renal lesions in MGRS subgroup included light chain amyloidosis ( n =24, 75.0%), light chain deposition disease ( n =7, 21.9%), and fibrillary glomerulopathy ( n =1, 3.1%). Renal diseases in MGUS subgroup included membranous nephropathy ( n =10), focal segmental glomerulosclerosi (FSGS) ( n =3), diabetic glomerulopathy ( n =1), Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis ( n =1), anti-GBM disease concurrent with membranous nephropathy ( n =1) and glomerulomegaly ( n =1). Positive number of SPE, serum IFE, urine IFE and abnormal number of serum FLC ratio in MGRS subgroup were 12, 16, 23 and 30, respectively. Positive number of SPE, serum IFE, urine IFE and abnormal number of serum FLC ratio in MGUS subgroup were 11, 17, 6 and 3, respectively. MGRS and MGUS subgroups differed significantly in positive rate of serum IFE ( P <0.001), as well as positive rate of urine IFE ( P =0.02) and abnormal rate of serum FLC ratio ( P <0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, total consistent rate of serum FLC ratio for diagnosis of MGRS were 93.8%, 82.4%, and 89.8% respectively. The sensitivity for diagnosing MGRS could be increased to 100% by combining serum FLC ratio and urine IFE. Conclusions: The significance of monoclonal gammopathy in patients with renal disease should be evaluated by renal pathology.On the premise of excluding lymphoplasmacytic malignancy, serum FLC ratio had promising diagnostic value for MGRS, which was helpful for differential diagnosis of patients who had contraindication to renal biopsy.

Material balance and diet in bioregenerative life support systems: connection with coefficient of closure.

PubMed

Manukovsky, N S; Kovalev, V S; Somova, L A; Gurevich, Yu L; Sadovsky, M G

2005-01-01

Bioregenerative life support systems (BLSS) with different coefficients of closure are considered. The 66.2% coefficient of closure achieved in "BIOS-3" facility experiments has been taken as a base value. The increase in coefficient of closure up to 72.6-93.0% is planned due to use of soil-like substrate (SLS) and concentrating of urine. Food values were estimated both in a base variant ("BIOS-3"), and with increases in the coefficient of closure. It is shown that food requirements will be more fully satisfied by internal crop production with an increase in the coefficient of closure of the BLSS. Changes of massflow rates on an 'input-output' and inside BLSS are considered. Equations of synthesis and degradation of organic substances in BLSS were examined using a stoichiometric model. The paper shows that at incomplete closure of BLSS containing SLS there is a problem of nitrogen balancing. To compensate for the removal of nitrogen from the system in urine and feces, it is necessary to introduce food and a nitrogen-containing additive. c2005 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analysis of dehydration and strength in elite badminton players.

PubMed

Abián-Vicén, Javier; Del Coso, Juan; González-Millán, Cristina; Salinero, Juan José; Abián, Pablo

2012-01-01

The negative effects of dehydration on aerobic activities are well established. However, it is unknown how dehydration affects intermittent sports performance. The purpose of this study was to identify the level of dehydration in elite badminton players and its relation to muscle strength and power production. Seventy matches from the National Spanish badminton championship were analyzed (46 men's singles and 24 women's singles). Before and after each match, jump height and power production were determined during a countermovement jump on a force platform. Participants' body weight and a urine sample were also obtained before and after each match. The amount of liquid that the players drank during the match was also calculated by weighing their individual drinking bottles. Sweat rate during the game was 1.14 ± 0.46 l/h in men and 1.02 ± 0.64 l/h in women. The players rehydrated at a rate of 1.10 ± 0.55 l/h and 1.01 ± 0.44 l/h in the male and female groups respectively. Thus, the dehydration attained during the game was only 0.37 ± 0.50% in men and 0.32 ± 0.83% in women. No differences were found in any of the parameters analyzed during the vertical jump (men: from 31.82 ± 5.29 to 32.90 ± 4.49 W/kg; p>0.05, women: from 26.36 ± 4.73 to 27.25 ± 4.44 W/kg; p>0.05). Post-exercise urine samples revealed proteinuria (60.9% of cases in men and 66.7% in women), leukocyturia (men = 43.5% and women = 50.0%) and erythrocyturia (men = 50.0% and women = 21.7%). Despite a moderate sweat rate, badminton players adequately hydrated during a game and thus the dehydration attained was low. The badminton match did not cause muscle fatigue but it significantly increased the prevalence of proteinuria, leukocyturia and erythrocyturia.

Analysis of Dehydration and Strength in Elite Badminton Players

PubMed Central

Abián-Vicén, Javier; Del Coso, Juan; González-Millán, Cristina; Salinero, Juan José; Abián, Pablo

2012-01-01

Background The negative effects of dehydration on aerobic activities are well established. However, it is unknown how dehydration affects intermittent sports performance. The purpose of this study was to identify the level of dehydration in elite badminton players and its relation to muscle strength and power production. Methodology Seventy matches from the National Spanish badminton championship were analyzed (46 men’s singles and 24 women’s singles). Before and after each match, jump height and power production were determined during a countermovement jump on a force platform. Participants’ body weight and a urine sample were also obtained before and after each match. The amount of liquid that the players drank during the match was also calculated by weighing their individual drinking bottles. Results and Discussion Sweat rate during the game was 1.14±0.46 l/h in men and 1.02±0.64 l/h in women. The players rehydrated at a rate of 1.10±0.55 l/h and 1.01±0.44 l/h in the male and female groups respectively. Thus, the dehydration attained during the game was only 0.37±0.50% in men and 0.32±0.83% in women. No differences were found in any of the parameters analyzed during the vertical jump (men: from 31.82±5.29 to 32.90±4.49 W/kg; p>0.05, women: from 26.36±4.73 to 27.25±4.44 W/kg; p>0.05). Post-exercise urine samples revealed proteinuria (60.9% of cases in men and 66.7% in women), leukocyturia (men = 43.5% and women = 50.0%) and erythrocyturia (men = 50.0% and women = 21.7%). Conclusions Despite a moderate sweat rate, badminton players adequately hydrated during a game and thus the dehydration attained was low. The badminton match did not cause muscle fatigue but it significantly increased the prevalence of proteinuria, leukocyturia and erythrocyturia. PMID:22666396

Results and Interpretation of the WFRD ELS Distillation Down-Select Test Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Delzeit, Lance Dean; Flynn, Michael; Carter, Layne; Long, David A.

2010-01-01

Testing of the Wiped-film Rotating-disk (WFRD) evaporator was conducted in support of the Exploration Life Support Distillation Down-Select Test. The WFRD was constructed at NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) and tested at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The WFRD was delivered to MSFC in September 2009, and testing of solution #1 and solution #2 immediately following. Solution #1 was composed of humidity condensate and urine, including flush water and pretreatment chemicals. Solution #2 was composed of hygiene water, humidity condensate, and urine, including flush water and pretreatment chemicals. During the testing, the operational parameters of the WFRD were recorded and samples of the feed, brine, and product were collected and analyzed. The steady-state results of processing 414L of feed solution #1 and 1283L of feed solution #2 demonstrated that running the WFRD at a brine temperature of 50 C gave an average production rate of 16.7 L/hr. The specific energy consumption was 80.5W-hr/L. Data Analysis shows that the water recovery rates were 94% and 91%, respectively. The total mass of the WFRD as delivered to MSFC was 300 Kg. The volume of the tests stand rack was 1m width x 0.7m depth x 1.9m height or 1.5 cu m of which about half of the total volume is occupied by equipment. Chemical analysis of the distillate showed an average TOC of 20ppm, a pH of 3.5, and a conductivity of 98 mho/cm. The conductivity of the distillate, compared to the feed, decreased by 98.9%., the total ion concentration decreased by 99.6%, the total organics decreased 98.6%, and the metals were at or below detection limits

Circadian rhythmicity of the urinary excretion of mercury, potassium and catecholamines in unconventional shift-work systems.

PubMed

Vokac, Z; Gundersen, N; Magnus, P; Jebens, E; Bakka, T

1980-09-01

The round the clock urinary excretion rates of mercury were assessed for two series of unconventional patterns of activity and sleep in subjects who were not exposed to occupational, medical, or other obvious sources of mercury. In the first series the urine was collected in 3-h periods from six subjects during the first and last 2 d of a four-week, continuous 6-h shift (car ferry, watches either 0800--1400 and 2000--0200 or 1400--2000 and 0200--0800). In the second series the urine was collected in 4-h periods from five subjects working an 8-h experimental rotation shift compressed into 5 d (work two mornings--8-h interval--work two nights--8-h interval--work two afternoons). The mean daily excretion rate of the 11 subjects (48 investigation days, 334 urine samples) was 14.5 pmol of mercury/min (range 5.5--24.4 pmol of mercury/min). The mercury excretion oscillated regularly during 24 h by +/- 20--25% of the individual's daily mean excretion rates. The peak excretion rates were found at 0652 in the first and 0642 in the second series (cosinor treatment). Due to the circadian rhythm the mean 24-h excretion rates were best represented (correlation coefficient 0.92) by analyses of urine produced around noon (spot samples, collection periods 1100--1400 and 1000-1400, respectively). The circadian oscillations of mercury excretion were not influenced by the widely different and varying activity-sleep patterns of the two series. The rhythmicity of potassium excretion (peaks at around 1400) was more irregular. The stable oscillations of mercury excretion contrasted most with the excretion of adrenaline and noradrenaline, which, without losing the basic 24-h rhythmicity, closely followed the unconventional patterns of activity and sleep.

Metabolism of. cap alpha. -C/sup 14/-histidine in the intact rat. II. Radioactive excretion products in urine

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wolf, G.; Wu, P.H.L.; Heck, W.W.

1956-09-01

The normal metabolic pathways in the intact rat was investigated via the radioactive urinary excretion products following administration of a physiological dose of a radioactive compound such as ..cap alpha..-C/sup 14/-DL-histidine. The major metabolites, except one, excreted in the urine 5 hours after administration of ..cap alpha..-C/sup 14/-DL-histidine were isolated and identified. Glutamic acid and urocanic acids had simlar and low activities, whereas carboxyl-labeled imidazoacetic acid was found to be the principal metabolite with a high level of activity. It was concluded that the main end-product of the catabolism of DL-histidine is imidazoleacetic acid probably formed through imidazolepyruvic acid.

Inorganic cobalt supplementation: prediction of cobalt levels in whole blood and urine using a biokinetic model.

PubMed

Unice, Kenneth M; Monnot, Andrew D; Gaffney, Shannon H; Tvermoes, Brooke E; Thuett, Kerry A; Paustenbach, Dennis J; Finley, Brent L

2012-07-01

Soluble cobalt (Co) supplements with recommended daily doses up to 1000 μg Co/day are increasingly being marketed to consumers interested in healthy living practices. For example, some athletes may consider using Co supplements as blood doping agents, as Co is known to stimulate erythropoesis. However, the distribution and excretion kinetics of ingested Co are understood in a limited fashion. We used a Co-specific biokinetic model to estimate whole blood and urine Co levels resulting from oral exposure or ingestion of Co in amounts exceeding typical dietary intake rates. Following 10 days of Co supplementation at a rate of 400 to 1000 μg/day, predicted adult Co concentrations range from 1.7 to 10 μg/L in whole blood, and from 20 to 120 μg/L in urine. Chronic supplementation (≥ 1 year) at a rate of 1000 μg Co/day is predicted to result in blood levels of 5.7 to 13 μg/L, and in urine levels from 65 to 150 μg/L. The model predictions are within those measured in humans following ingestion of known doses. The methodology presented in this paper can be used to predict urinary or blood Co levels following acute or chronic occupational incidental ingestion, medicinal therapy, supplemental intake, or other non-occupational exposures. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The efficient workflow to decrease the manual microscopic examination of urine sediment using on-screen review of images.

PubMed

Cho, Eun-Jung; Ko, Dae-Hyun; Lee, Woochang; Chun, Sail; Lee, Hae Kyung; Min, Won-Ki

2018-06-01

The manual microscopic examination (MME) of urine sediment is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and imprecise. Therefore, automated urinalysis systems based on flow cytometry or digital imaging techniques could replace MME. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rate of MME using two automated urine sediment analyzers, alone and in combination. This study was conducted using the freshly collected urine specimens of 1055 in-patients and 1119 out-patients. All samples were analyzed using UF-1000i (Sysmex Corporation) and Cobas 6500 instrument (Roche Diagnostics International). The rate of MME was evaluated using two analyzers, both individually and in combination. Using the UF-1000i alone, 34.2% and 16.8%, respectively, of in- and out-patient samples were analyzed by MME, compared to 15.6% and 3.7%, respectively, using the Cobas 6500. In combined assay using the UF-1000i followed by the Cobas 6500, 27.9% and 11.3% in-patient samples required on-screen review and MME, respectively. And the respective rates were 10.3% and 2.7% of out-patient. Samples using the Cobas 6500 followed by the UF-1000i, 42.3% and 11.3% in-patient needed on-screen review and MME, respectively. And the respective rates were 18.9% and 2.7% of out-patient samples. Use of the Cobas 6500 compared to the UF-1000i resulted in decreases in the rate of MME from 34.2% to 15.6% for in-patient samples, and from 16.8% to 3.7% for out-patient samples. Use of the Cobas 6500 reduced the rate of MME, and compared to use of only the Cobas 6500, the combined use resulted in a reduction in the rate of on-screen review. Copyright © 2018 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Electricity and catholyte production from ceramic MFCs treating urine.

PubMed

Merino Jimenez, Irene; Greenman, John; Ieropoulos, Ioannis

2017-01-19

The use of ceramics as low cost membrane materials for Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) has gained increasing interest, due to improved performance levels in terms of power and catholyte production. The catholyte production in ceramic MFCs can be attributed to a combination of water or hydrogen peroxide formation from the oxygen reduction reaction in the cathode, water diffusion and electroosmotic drag through the ion exchange membrane. This study aims to evaluate, for the first time, the effect of ceramic wall/membrane thickness, in terms of power, as well as catholyte production from MFCs using urine as a feedstock. Cylindrical MFCs were assembled with fine fire clay of different thicknesses (2.5, 5 and 10 mm) as structural and membrane materials. The power generated increased when the membrane thickness decreased, reaching 2.1 ± 0.19 mW per single MFC (2.5 mm), which was 50% higher than that from the MFCs with the thickest membrane (10 mm). The amount of catholyte collected also decreased with the wall thickness, whereas the pH increased. Evidence shows that the catholyte composition varies with the wall thickness of the ceramic membrane. The possibility of producing different quality of catholyte from urine opens a new field of study in water reuse and resource recovery for practical implementation.

The subtype of alpha-adrenoceptor involved in the neural control of renal tubular sodium reabsorption in the rabbit.

PubMed Central

Hesse, I F; Johns, E J

1984-01-01

A study was undertaken in pentobarbitone anaesthetized rabbits, undergoing a saline diuresis, to determine the subtype of alpha-adrenoceptor mediating renal tubular sodium reabsorption. Stimulation of the renal nerves at low rates, to cause an 11% fall in renal blood flow, did not change glomerular filtration rate but significantly reduced urine flow rate, and absolute and fractional sodium excretions by approximately 40%. These responses were reproducible in different groups of animals and with time. Renal nerve stimulation during an intra-renal arterial infusion of prazosin, to block alpha 1-adrenoceptors, had no effect on the renal haemodynamic response but completely abolished the reductions in urine flow rate, and absolute and fractional sodium excretion. During intra-renal arterial infusion of yohimbine, to block renal alpha 2-adrenoceptors, stimulation of the renal nerves to cause similar renal haemodynamic changes resulted in significantly larger reductions in urine flow rate, and absolute and fractional sodium excretion of about 52-58%. These results indicate that in the rabbit alpha 1-adrenoceptors are present on the renal tubules, which mediate the increase in sodium reabsorption caused by renal nerve stimulation. They further suggest the presence of presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors on those nerves innervating the renal tubules. PMID:6086915

A urine-fuelled soil-based bioregenerative life support system for long-term and long-distance manned space missions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maggi, Federico; Tang, Fiona H. M.; Pallud, Céline; Gu, Chuanhui

2018-05-01

A soil-based cropping unit fuelled with human urine for long-term manned space missions was investigated with the aim to analyze whether a closed-loop nutrient cycle from human liquid wastes was achievable. Its ecohydrology and biogeochemistry were analysed in microgravity with the use of an advanced computational tool. Urine from the crew was used to supply primary (N, P, and K) and secondary (S, Ca and Mg) nutrients to wheat and soybean plants in the controlled cropping unit. Breakdown of urine compounds into primary and secondary nutrients as well as byproduct gases, adsorbed, and uptake fractions were tracked over a period of 20 years. Results suggested that human urine could satisfy the demand of at least 3 to 4 out of 6 nutrients with an offset in pH and salinity tolerable by plants. It was therefore inferred that a urine-fuelled life support system can introduce a number of advantages including: (1) recycling of liquids wastes and production of food; (2) forgiveness of neglect as compared to engineered electro-mechanical systems that may fail under unexpected or unplanned conditions; and (3) reduction of supply and waste loads during space missions.

Ion Exchange Technology Development in Support of the Urine Processor Assembly

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mitchell, Julie; Broyan, James; Pickering, Karen

2013-01-01

The urine processor assembly (UPA) on the International Space Station (ISS) recovers water from urine via a vacuum distillation process. The distillation occurs in a rotating distillation assembly (DA) where the urine is heated and subjected to sub-ambient pressure. As water is removed, the original organics, salts, and minerals in the urine become more concentrated and result in urine brine. Eventually, water removal will concentrate the urine brine to super saturation of individual constituents, and precipitation occurs. Under typical UPA DA operating conditions, calcium sulfate or gypsum is the first chemical to precipitate in substantial quantity. During preflight testing with ground urine, the UPA achieved 85% water recovery without precipitation. However, on ISS, it is possible that crewmember urine can be significantly more concentrated relative to urine from ground donors. As a result, gypsum precipitated in the DA when operating at water recovery rates at or near 85%, causing the failure and subsequent re14 NASA Tech Briefs, September 2013 placement of the DA. Later investigations have demonstrated that an excess of calcium and sulfate will cause precipitation at water recovery rates greater than 70%. The source of the excess calcium is likely physiological in nature, via crewmembers' bone loss, while the excess sulfate is primarily due to the sulfuric acid component of the urine pretreatment. To prevent gypsum precipitation in the UPA, the Precipitation Prevention Project (PPP) team has focused on removing the calcium ion from pretreated urine, using ion exchange resins as calcium removal agents. The selectivity and effectiveness of ion exchange resins are determined by such factors as the mobility of the liquid phase through the polymer matrix, the density of functional groups, type of functional groups bound to the matrix, and the chemical characteristics of the liquid phase (pH, oxidation potential, and ionic strength). Previous experience with ion exchange resins has demonstrated that the most effective implementation for an ion exchange resin is a cartridge, or column, in which the resin is contained. Based on the results of equilibrium and sub-scale dynamic column testing, a possible solution for mitigating the calcium precipitation issue on the ISS has been identified. From an original pool of 13 ion exchange resins, two candidates have been identified that demonstrate substantial calcium removal on the sub-scale. The dramatic reduction in resin performance from published calcium uptake demonstrates the need for thorough evaluation of resins at the low pH and strong oxidizing environment present in the UPA. Chemical variations in the influent (calcium concentrations and pretreatment dosing) appear to have a noticeable impact on the calcium capacity of the resin. Low calcium concentrations and high pretreatment dosing will likely result in a decrease in calcium capacity. Conversely, low pre trea t - ment dosing will likely result in an increase in calcium capacity. In contrast, investigations at a variety of flow rates, length-to-diameter ratios, resin volumes, and flow regimes (continuous versus pulsed) show that changes in physical parameters do not have substantial impacts on resin performance in the very low specific velocity ranges of interest. This result is particularly useful because most commercial applications at higher specific velocities do show a relatively strong relationship between flow and capacity. The lack of a strong relationship will allow more flexibility in the implementation of an ion exchange bed for flight. Verification of subscale tests with flight-scale resin beds is recommended prior to implementation in the on-orbit UPA.

Modified Method for Detection of Benzoylecgonine in Human Urine by GC-MS: Derivatization Using Pentafluoropropanol/Acetic Anhydride.

PubMed

Serafin, Michelle C; Paulemon, Kasandra M; Fuller, Zachary J; Bronner, William E

2017-05-01

An existing GC-MS method for detecting benzoylecgonine (BZE) in urine was modified by changing derivatizing reagents. This method modification presents a cost-effective alternative derivatization procedure for the detection of BZE in urine by GC-MS. The combination of pentafluoropropanol and acetic anhydride was found to produce the same reaction product for BZE as pentafluoropropanol with pentafluoropropionic anhydride, while reducing reagent cost. With no anhydride present, derivatization of BZE by pentafluoropropanol did not occur. Published by Oxford University Press 2017. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.

The potency of electrical energy production from urine by microbial fuel cell using boron-doped diamond electrode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahmawati, I.; Ivandini, T. A.; Saepudin, E.

2017-04-01

Microbial fuel cell was developed since it is one of the prospective alternative energy and eco-friendly, using urine as the fuel and Candida fukuyamaensis as a biocatalyst. Boron-doped diamond was used as the electrode. At pH 7, maximum power and current densities of 109.6 mW/m2 and 970 mA/m2 can be obtained, respectively. The results indicated the potency of the system to produce an alternative energy. Furthermore, glucose and creatinine in urine are proposed to be responsible as the carbon sources for the metabolism of C. fukuyamaensis.

Does Peak Urine Flow Rate Predict the Development of Incident Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men with Mild to No Current Symptoms? Results from REDUCE.

PubMed

Simon, Ross M; Howard, Lauren E; Moreira, Daniel M; Roehrborn, Claus; Vidal, Adriana; Castro-Santamaria, Ramiro; Freedland, Stephen J

2017-09-01

We determined whether decreased peak urine flow is associated with future incident lower urinary tract symptoms in men with mild to no lower urinary tract symptoms. Our population consisted of 3,140 men from the REDUCE (Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events) trial with mild to no lower urinary tract symptoms, defined as I-PSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) less than 8. REDUCE was a randomized trial of dutasteride vs placebo for prostate cancer prevention in men with elevated prostate specific antigen and negative biopsy. I-PSS measures were obtained every 6 months throughout the 4-year study. The association between peak urine flow rate and progression to incident lower urinary tract symptoms, defined as the first of medical treatment, surgery or sustained and clinically significant lower urinary tract symptoms, was tested by multivariable Cox models, adjusting for various baseline characteristics and treatment arm. On multivariable analysis as a continuous variable, decreased peak urine flow rate was significantly associated with an increased risk of incident lower urinary tract symptoms (p = 0.002). Results were similar in the dutasteride and placebo arms. On univariable analysis when peak flow was categorized as 15 or greater, 10 to 14.9 and less than 10 ml per second, flow rates of 10 to 14.9 and less than 10 ml per second were associated with a significantly increased risk of incident lower urinary tract symptoms (HR 1.39, p = 0.011 and 1.67, p <0.001, respectively). Results were similar on multivariable analysis, although in the 10 to 14.9 ml per second group findings were no longer statistically significant (HR 1.26, p = 0.071). In men with mild to no lower urinary tract symptoms a decreased peak urine flow rate is independently associated with incident lower urinary tract symptoms. If confirmed, these men should be followed closer for incident lower urinary tract symptoms. Copyright © 2017 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Association of Increased Urinary Albumin With Risk of Incident Clinical Fracture and Rate of Hip Bone Loss: the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study.

PubMed

Fink, Howard A; Vo, Tien N; Langsetmo, Lisa; Barzilay, Joshua I; Cauley, Jane A; Schousboe, John T; Orwoll, Eric S; Canales, Muna T; Ishani, Areef; Lane, Nancy E; Ensrud, Kristine E

2017-05-01

Prior studies suggest that increased urine albumin is associated with a heightened fracture risk in women, but results in men are unclear. We used data from Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS), a prospective cohort study of community-dwelling men aged ≥65 years, to evaluate the association of increased urine albumin with subsequent fractures and annualized rate of hip bone loss. We calculated albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) from urine collected at the 2003-2005 visit. Subsequent clinical fractures were ascertained from triannual questionnaires and centrally adjudicated by review of radiographic reports. Total hip BMD was measured by DXA at the 2003-2005 visit and again an average of 3.5 years later. We estimated risk of incident clinical fracture using Cox proportional hazards models, and annualized BMD change using ANCOVA. Of 2982 men with calculable ACR, 9.4% had ACR ≥30 mg/g (albuminuria) and 1.0% had ACR ≥300 mg/g (macroalbuminuria). During a mean of 8.7 years of follow-up, 20.0% of men had an incident clinical fracture. In multivariate-adjusted models, neither higher ACR quintile (p for trend 0.75) nor albuminuria (HR versus no albuminuria, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.65 to 1.20) was associated with increased risk of incident clinical fracture. Increased urine albumin had a borderline significant, multivariate-adjusted, positive association with rate of total hip bone loss when modeled in ACR quintiles (p = 0.06), but not when modeled as albuminuria versus no albuminuria. Macroalbuminuria was associated with a higher rate of annualized hip bone loss compared to no albuminuria (-1.8% more annualized loss than in men with ACR <30 mg/g; p < 0.001), but the limited prevalence of macroalbuminuria precluded reliable estimates of its fracture associations. In these community-dwelling older men, we found no association between urine albumin levels and risk of incident clinical fracture, but found a borderline significant, positive association with rate of hip bone loss. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Comparison of Human Papillomavirus Detections in Urine, Vulvar, and Cervical Samples from Women Attending a Colposcopy Clinic

PubMed Central

Gravitt, Patti E.; Dunn, S. Terence; Brown, David; Allen, Richard A.; Eby, Yolanda J.; Smith, Katie; Zuna, Rosemary E.; Zhang, Roy R.; Gold, Michael A.; Schiffman, Mark; Walker, Joan L.; Castle, Philip E.; Wentzensen, Nicolas

2014-01-01

While urine-based sampling for human papillomavirus (HPV) is being explored as a simple and noninvasive approach for cervical cancer screening, data comparing HPV genotyping in urine and those in cellular sampling of the cervix and vulva, and their correlation with rigorously confirmed cervical disease status, are sparse. We performed HPV genotyping on voided-urine and clinician-collected vulvar and cervical samples from 72 women undergoing colposcopy. Although urine-based HPV carcinogenic HPV detection was lower (58.3%) than cervical (73.6%) and vulvar (72.1%) detection (P = 0.05 and 0.07, respectively), the agreement of urine HPV with cervical and vulvar HPV was moderate (kappa = 0.55) and substantial (kappa = 0.62), respectively. Urine-based carcinogenic HPV detection had a clinical sensitivity of 80.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 60.7 to 93.5) and a specificity of 53.3% (95% CI = 37.9 to 68.3) for diagnosing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2/3 (CIN2/3) on histology; 90.0% of CIN3 was positive for urine HPV. The corresponding sensitivity and specificity values for vulvar sampling were 92% (95% CI = 74 to 99) and 40.5% (95% CI = 25.6 to 56.7), and those for cervical sampling were 96.2% (95% CI = 80.4 to 99.9) and 40% (95% CI = 25.7 to 55.7), respectively. HPV16 was the most common carcinogenic genotype detectable in 25% of urine, 33.8% of vulvar, and 31.9% of cervical samples overall, with prevalence increasing with cervical disease grade, regardless of the sampling method. Stronger cervical HPV PCR signal strengths were associated with increased frequency of urine HPV detection. In summary, the relatively lower detection rates but comparable clinical performance of urine-based HPV sampling underscore the need for larger studies to evaluate urine-based sampling for cervical cancer screening, epidemiologic studies, and postvaccination HPV disease surveillance. PMID:24197879

Performance assessment of urine flow cytometry (UFC) to screen urines to reflex to culture in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed hosts.

PubMed

Stefanovic, Aleksandra; Roscoe, Diane; Ranasinghe, Romali; Wong, Titus; Bryce, Elizabeth; Porter, Charlene; Lim, Adelina; Grant, Jennifer; Ng, Karen; Pudek, Morris

2017-09-01

Urine flow cytometry (UFC) is an automated method to quantify bacterial and white blood cell (WBC) counts. We aimed to determine whether a threshold for these parameters can be set to use UFC as a sensitive screen to predict which urine samples will subsequently grow in culture. Urines submitted to our microbiology laboratory at a tertiary care centre from 22 July 2015-17 February 2016 underwent UFC (Sysmex UF-1000i) analysis, regular urinalysis and urine culture. Positive urine cultures were defined as growth ≥104 c.f.u. ml-1 of organisms associated with urinary tract infections. The correlation of UFC bacterial and WBC counts with urine culture was assessed using receiver operating characteristics curves. The sensitivity (SN), specificity (SP), negative predictive values (NPVs), positive predictive values (PPVs) and false negative rate (FNR) were calculated at various thresholds in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients. A total of 15 046 urine specimens were submitted, of which 14 908 were analysable in the study. The average time to UFC result from receipt in the laboratory was 0.76 h (+/-1.04). The test performance at a set threshold of UFC bacteria ≥20 or WBC >5 was: SN=96.0 %, SP=39.2 %, PPV=47.0 %, NPV=94.5 % and FNR=4.0 %. This threshold eliminates 26 % of urine cultures. Immunosuppressed hosts had a lower sensitivity of 90.6 % and a higher FNR of 9.4 %. UFC is a rapid and sensitive method to screen out urine samples that will subsequently be negative and to reflex urines to culture that will subsequently grow. UFC results are available within 1 h from receipt and enable the elimination of culture when the set threshold is not met.

Diagnostic Performance of Afternoon Urine Osmolality to Assess Optimal Hydration Status in an Adult Healthy Population.

PubMed

Hustrini, Ni Made; Siregar, Parlindungan; Nainggolan, Ginova; Harimurti, Kuntjoro

2017-04-01

optimal hydration represents adequate total daily fluid intake to compensate for daily water losses, ensure adequate urine output to reduce the risk of urolithiasis and renal function decline, and also avoid the production of arginine vasopressin (AVP). Twenty-four-hour urine osmolality has been used to assess hydration status, but it is challenging because of the possibility of spilling urine and limitation of daily activities. This study is aimed to determine the performance of the afternoon urine osmolality to assess the optimal hydration status compared with 24-hour urine osmolality. a cross sectional study was conducted on healthy employees aged 18-59 years at Universitas Indonesia Medical Faculty/Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, with consecutive sampling method. The ROC curve was analyzed to obtain the optimal cut off point and the accuracy of the afternoon urine osmolality in assessing the optimal hydration status. between August-September 2016 there were 120 subjects (73.8% female, median age 32 years) who met the study criteria with a median 24-hour urine osmolality 463.5 (95% CI, 136-1427) mOsm/kg H2O and median afternoon urine osmolality 513 (95% CI, 73-1267). We found moderate correlation (r=0.59; p<0.001) between afternoon urine osmolality and a 24-hour urine osmolality. Using ROC curve, the AUC value was 0.792 (95% CI, 0.708-0.875) with the cut off 528 mOsm/kg H2O. To assess the optimal hydration status, the afternoon urine osmolality had the sensitivity of 0.7 (95% CI, 0.585-0.795) and the specificity of 0.76 (95% CI, 0.626-0.857), Likelihood Ratio (LR) (+) 2.917 (95% CI, 1.74-4.889) and LR (-) 0.395 (95% CI, 0.267-0.583). afternoon urine osmolality can be used as a diagnostic tool to assess the optimal hydration status in healthy population with cut off 528 mOsm/kg H2O, sensitivity of 0.7, and specificity of 0.76.

Preventing Precipitation in the ISS Urine Processor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Muirhead, Dean; Carter, Layne; Williamson, Jill; Chambers, Antja

2017-01-01

The ISS Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) was initially designed to achieve 85% recovery of water from pretreated urine on ISS. Pretreated urine is comprised of crew urine treated with flush water, an oxidant (chromium trioxide), and an inorganic acid (sulfuric acid) to control microbial growth and inhibit precipitation. Unfortunately, initial operation of the UPA on ISS resulted in the precipitation of calcium sulfate at 85% recovery. This occurred because the calcium concentration in the crew urine was elevated in microgravity due to bone loss. The higher calcium concentration precipitated with sulfate from the pretreatment acid, resulting in a failure of the UPA due to the accumulation of solids in the Distillation Assembly. Since this failure, the UPA has been limited to a reduced recovery of water from urine to prevent calcium sulfate from reaching the solubility limit. NASA personnel have worked to identify a solution that would allow the UPA to return to a nominal recovery rate of 85%. This effort has culminated with the development of a pretreatment based on phosphoric acid instead of sulfuric acid. By eliminating the sulfate associated with the pretreatment, the brine can be concentrated to a much higher concentration before calcium sulfate reach the solubility limit. This paper summarizes the development of this pretreatment and the testing performed to verify its implementation on ISS.

Urine ethanol concentration and alcohol hangover severity.

PubMed

Van de Loo, Aurora; Mackus, Marlou; Korte-Bouws, Gerdien; Brookhuis, Karel; Garssen, Johan; Verster, Joris

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between urine ethanol concentration and alcohol hangover severity. N = 36 healthy social drinkers participated in a naturalistic study, comprising a hangover day and a control day. N = 18 of them have regular hangovers (the hangover group), while the other N = 18 claim to be hangover immune (hangover-immune group). On each test day at 9.30 am, urine samples were collected. Participants rated their overall hangover severity on a scale from 0 (absent) to 10 (extreme), as well as 18 individual hangover symptoms. Urine ethanol concentration was significantly higher on the hangover day when compared to the control day (p = 0.006). On the hangover day, urine ethanol concentration was significantly lower in the hangover-immune group when compared to the hangover group (p = 0.027). In the hangover-immune group, none of the correlations of urine ethanol concentration with individual hangover symptoms was significant. In contrast, in the hangover group, significant correlations were found with a variety of hangover symptoms, including nausea, concentration problems, sleepiness, weakness, apathy, sweating, stomach pain, thirst, heart racing, anxiety, and sleep problems. Urine ethanol levels are significantly associated with the presence and severity of several hangover symptoms.

Intermediate water recovery system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deckman, G.; Anderson, A. R. (Editor)

1973-01-01

A water recovery system for collecting, storing, and processing urine, wash water, and humidity condensates from a crew of three aboard a spacecraft is described. The results of a 30-day test performed on a breadboard system are presented. The intermediate water recovery system produced clear, sterile, water with a 96.4 percent recovery rate from the processed urine. Recommendations for improving the system are included.

A hybrid approach to urine drug testing using high-resolution mass spectrometry and select immunoassays.

PubMed

McMillin, Gwendolyn A; Marin, Stephanie J; Johnson-Davis, Kamisha L; Lawlor, Bryan G; Strathmann, Frederick G

2015-02-01

The major objective of this research was to propose a simplified approach for the evaluation of medication adherence in chronic pain management patients, using liquid chromatography time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry, performed in parallel with select homogeneous enzyme immunoassays (HEIAs). We called it a "hybrid" approach to urine drug testing. The hybrid approach was defined based on anticipated positivity rates, availability of commercial reagents for HEIAs, and assay performance, particularly analytical sensitivity and specificity for drug(s) of interest. Subsequent to implementation of the hybrid approach, time to result was compared with that observed with other urine drug testing approaches. Opioids, benzodiazepines, zolpidem, amphetamine-like stimulants, and methylphenidate metabolite were detected by TOF mass spectrometry to maximize specificity and sensitivity of these 37 drug analytes. Barbiturates, cannabinoid metabolite, carisoprodol, cocaine metabolite, ethyl glucuronide, methadone, phencyclidine, propoxyphene, and tramadol were detected by HEIAs that performed adequately and/or for which positivity rates were very low. Time to result was significantly reduced compared with the traditional approach. The hybrid approach to urine drug testing provides a simplified and analytically specific testing process that minimizes the need for secondary confirmation. Copyright© by the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

Utility of the Paris System in Reporting Urine Cytology.

PubMed

Malviya, Kiran; Fernandes, Gwendolyn; Naik, Leena; Kothari, Kanchan; Agnihotri, Mona

2017-01-01

To find out the utility of The Paris System (TPS) in reporting urine cytology and to compare it with the reporting system currently used in our laboratory. This retrospective study was undertaken over a period of 1 year during which slides of all the urine specimens sent for cytological examination were retrieved from our laboratory filling system. They were blindly reviewed and reclassified according to TPS. Surgical follow-up was obtained from the uropathology services of our department. A total of 176 cases were meticulously reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 52 years, and 71% of cases presented with hematuria. Histopathological follow-up was available in 34 cases. Reporting by TPS detected 13.0% high-grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC) and 5.1% atypical urothelial cells versus 7.3 and 11.9% by the current reporting system, respectively. The sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy for detecting HGUC of TPS were higher than those of our reporting system. TPS has increased the rate of detection of HGUC and reduced the rate of reporting "atypical" urothelial cells. TPS has also standardized the diagnostic criteria, thereby bringing uniformity and reproducibility into the system of reporting for urine cytology. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Kinetic parameters and renal clearances of plasma adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate and guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate in man

PubMed Central

Broadus, Arthur E.; Kaminsky, Neil I.; Hardman, Joel G.; Sutherland, Earl W.; Liddle, Grant W.

1970-01-01

Kinetic parameters and the renal clearances of plasma adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) and guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic GMP) were evaluated in normal subjects using tritium-labeled cyclic nucleotides. Each tracer was administered both by single, rapid intravenous injection and by constant intravenous infusion, and the specific activities of the cyclic nucleotides in plasma and urine were determined. Both cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP were cleared from plasma by glomerular filtration. The kidney was found to add a variable quantity of endogenous cyclic AMP to the tubular urine, amounting to an average of approximately one-third of the total level of cyclic AMP excreted. Plasma was the source of virtually all of the cyclic GMP excreted. Plasma levels of the cyclic nucleotides appeared to be in dynamic steady state. The apparent volumes of distribution of both nucleotides exceeded extracellular fluid volume, averaging 27 and 38% of body weight for cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP, respectively. Plasma production rates ranged from 9 to 17 nmoles/min for cyclic AMP and from 7 to 13 nmoles/min for cyclic GMP. Plasma clearance rates averaged 668 ml/min for cyclic AMP and 855 ml/min for cyclic GMP. Approximately 85% of the elimination of the cyclic nucleotides from the circulation was due to extrarenal clearance. PMID:5480849

Vacuum distillation: vapor filtered-catalytic oxidation water reclamation system utilizing radioisotopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Honegger, R. J.; Remus, G. A.; Kurg, E. K.

1971-01-01

The development of a functional model water reclamation system is discussed. The system produces potable water by distillation from the urine and respiration-perspiration condensate at the normal rate generated by four men. Basic processes employed are vacuum distillation, vapor filtration, vapor phase catalytic oxidation, and condensation. The system is designed to use four 75-watt isotope heaters for distillation thermal input, and one 45-watt isotope for the catalytic oxidation unit. The system is capable of collecting and storing urine, and provides for stabilizing the urine by chemical pretreatment. The functional model system is designed for operation in a weightless condition with liquid-vapor phase separators for the evaporator still, and centrifugal separators for urine collection and vapor condensation. The system provides for storing and dispensing reclaimed potable water. The system operates in a batch mode for 40 days, with urine residues accumulating in the evaporator. The evaporator still and residue are removed to storage and replaced with a fresh still for the next 40-day period.

Autism and urinary exogenous neuropeptides: development of an on-line SPE-HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry method to test the opioid excess theory.

PubMed

Dettmer, K; Hanna, D; Whetstone, P; Hansen, R; Hammock, B D

2007-08-01

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with unknown etiology. One hypothesis regarding etiology in autism is the "opioid peptide excess" theory that postulates that excessive amounts of exogenous opioid-like peptides derived from dietary proteins are detectable in urine and that these compounds may be pathophysiologically important in autism. A selective LC-MS/MS method was developed to analyze gliadinomorphin, beta-casomorphin, deltorphin 1, and deltorphin 2 in urine. The method is based on on-line SPE extraction of the neuropeptides from urine, column switching, and subsequent HPLC analysis. A limit of detection of 0.25 ng/mL was achieved for all analytes. Analyte recovery rates from urine ranged between 78% and 94%, with relative standard deviations of 0.2-6.8%. The method was used to screen 69 urine samples from children with and without autism spectrum disorders for the occurrence of neuropeptides. The target neuropeptides were not detected above the detection limit in either sample set.

Denosumab treatment of prostate cancer with bone metastases and increased urine N-telopeptide levels after therapy with intravenous bisphosphonates: results of a randomized phase II trial.

PubMed

Fizazi, Karim; Bosserman, Linda; Gao, Guozhi; Skacel, Tomas; Markus, Richard

2009-08-01

Patients with bone metastases have high rates of RANKL driven bone resorption and an increased risk of skeletal morbidity. Osteoclast mediated bone resorption can be assessed by measuring urine N-telopeptide and can be inhibited by denosumab, a fully human antibody against RANKL. Eligible patients (111) had bone metastases from prostate cancer, other solid tumors or multiple myeloma, 1 or more bone lesions and urine N-telopeptide greater than 50 nM bone collagen equivalents per mM creatinine (urine N-telopeptide greater than 50) despite the use of intravenous bisphosphonates. Patients were stratified by cancer type and screening urine N-telopeptide, and randomized to continue intravenous bisphosphonates every 4 weeks or receive 180 mg subcutaneous denosumab every 4 weeks or 180 mg every 12 weeks. The primary end point was the proportion of patients with urine N-telopeptide less than 50 at week 13. We report the efficacy results for the subset of patients with prostate cancer. Patients with prostate cancer represented 45% (50 of 111) of the study population. At week 13, 22 of 32 (69%) patients in the denosumab arms had urine N-telopeptide less than 50 vs 3 of 16 (19%) in the intravenous bisphosphonates cohort. At week 25, 22 of 32 (69%) denosumab treated patients continued to have urine N-telopeptide less than 50 vs 5 of 16 (31%) treated with intravenous bisphosphonates. Grade 4, asymptomatic, reversible hypophosphatemia, possibly related to denosumab, was reported in 1 patient. In patients with prostate cancer related bone metastases and increased urine N-telopeptide despite intravenous bisphosphonate treatment, denosumab normalized urine N-telopeptide levels more frequently than ongoing intravenous bisphosphonates.

Urine Culture on Admission Impacts Antibiotic Use and Length of Stay: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

PubMed

Horstman, Molly J; Spiegelman, Andrew M; Naik, Aanand D; Trautner, Barbara W

2018-05-01

OBJECTIVETo examine the impact of urine culture testing on day 1 of admission on inpatient antibiotic use and hospital length of stay (LOS).DESIGNWe performed a retrospective cohort study using a national dataset from 2009 to 2014.SETTINGThe study used data from 230 hospitals in the United States.PARTICIPANTSAdmissions for adults 18 years and older were included in this study. Hospitalizations were matched with coarsened exact matching by facility, patient age, gender, Medicare severity-diagnosis related group (MS-DRG), and 3 measures of disease severity.METHODSA multilevel Poisson model and a multilevel linear regression model were used to determine the impact of an admission urine culture on inpatient antibiotic use and LOS.RESULTSMatching produced a cohort of 88,481 patients (n=41,070 with a culture on day 1, n=47,411 without a culture). A urine culture on admission led to an increase in days of inpatient antibiotic use (incidence rate ratio, 1.26; P<.001) and resulted in an additional 36,607 days of inpatient antibiotic treatment. Urine culture on admission resulted in a 2.1% increase in LOS (P=.004). The predicted difference in bed days of care between admissions with and without a urine culture resulted in 6,071 additional bed days of care. The impact of urine culture testing varied by admitting diagnosis.CONCLUSIONSPatients with a urine culture sent on day 1 of hospital admission receive more days of antibiotics and have a longer hospital stay than patients who do not have a urine culture. Targeted interventions may reduce the potential harms associated with low-yield urine cultures on day 1.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:547-554.

Urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and risk of cardiovascular disease and death in CKD: results from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study.

PubMed

Liu, Kathleen D; Yang, Wei; Go, Alan S; Anderson, Amanda H; Feldman, Harold I; Fischer, Michael J; He, Jiang; Kallem, Radhakrishna R; Kusek, John W; Master, Stephen R; Miller, Edgar R; Rosas, Sylvia E; Steigerwalt, Susan; Tao, Kaixiang; Weir, Matthew R; Hsu, Chi-Yuan

2015-02-01

Chronic kidney disease is common and is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. Currently, markers of renal tubular injury are not used routinely to describe kidney health and little is known about the risk of cardiovascular events and death associated with these biomarkers independent of glomerular filtration-based markers (such as serum creatinine or albuminuria). Cohort study, CRIC (Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort) Study. 3,386 participants with estimated glomerular filtration rate of 20 to 70mL/min/1.73m(2) enrolled from June 2003 through August 2008. Urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) concentration. Adjudicated heart failure event, ischemic atherosclerotic event (myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or peripheral artery disease), and death through March 2011. Urine NGAL measured at baseline with a 2-step assay using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay technology on an ARCHITECT i2000SR (Abbott Laboratories). There were 428 heart failure events (during 16,383 person-years of follow-up), 361 ischemic atherosclerotic events (during 16,584 person-years of follow-up), and 522 deaths (during 18,214 person-years of follow-up). In Cox regression models adjusted for estimated glomerular filtration rate, albuminuria, demographics, traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors, and cardiac medications, higher urine NGAL levels remained associated independently with ischemic atherosclerotic events (adjusted HR for the highest [>49.5ng/mL] vs lowest [≤6.9ng/mL] quintile, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.20-2.81]; HR per 0.1-unit increase in log urine NGAL, 1.012 [95% CI, 1.001-1.023]), but not heart failure events or deaths. Urine NGAL was measured only once. Among patients with chronic kidney disease, urine levels of NGAL, a marker of renal tubular injury, were associated independently with future ischemic atherosclerotic events, but not with heart failure events or deaths. Copyright © 2015 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.

Renal function in sheep during infusion of alkali metal ions into the renal artery.

PubMed Central

Beal, A M; Harrison, F A

1975-01-01

1. The effect on renal function of 1 M solutions of LiCl, NaCl, KCl, RbCl and CsCl and 3 M-NaCl infused close-arterially to the kidney for 10 min at 0-7ml./min has been studied in nine experiments on four unilaterally nephrectomized sheep. The levels of flow, electrolyte concentration and electrolyte excretion in the urine were measured before, during and for 50 min after the infusions. 2. The infusion of 1-M-NaCl produced little change in urine flow and composition whereas 3 M-NaCl resulted in relatively small increases in urine flow and sodium excretion. 3. The infusion of lithium, potassium, rubidium and caesium resulted in marked increases in urine flow, urinary sodium concentration and excretion, urinary potassium excretion and osmolal clearance while the urinary potassium concentration decreased. 4. Changes in urine flow and urinary pH during the infusions of all the alkali ions except sodium were consistent with increased urinary bicarbonate excretion. 5. The osmolal clearance was increased by the infusion of lithium, potassium, rubidium and caesium, but equivalent increases in the rate of solutefree water reabsorption did not occur. 6. The infusion of caesium resulted in a depression of the glomerular filtration rate (G.F.R.) which was not observed when the other alkali ions were infused. 7. The effects of lithium, potassium and rubidium on urine flow and composition were rapid in onset and the residual effects on these ions, on cessation of infusion, were relatively short. The effects on caesium were slow in onset and prolonged in duration. 8. It was concluded that lithium, potassium, rubidium, and caesium altered urine flow and electrolyte excretion by acting upon common mechanisms which were predominantly intra-renal and located in the proximal segment of the nephron. PMID:236381

Assessment of hydration status of elite young male soccer players with different methods and new approach method of substitute urine strip.

PubMed

Ersoy, Nesli; Ersoy, Gulgun; Kutlu, Mehmet

2016-01-01

The purpose of the study is to determine and compare the hydration status with different methods and determine fluid intake, dehydration percentages and sweat rate of 26 young male soccer players (15 ± 1.2 years) before an important competition. More specifically, the study aims at validating the urine strip and advising the players to use it as an easy and practical method. Measurements of urine analysis were taken from the urine sample of the participants before breakfast and conducted for 3 consecutive days before the competition. Hydration status was assessed through analysis of urine color, urine specific gravity (USG) (laboratory, strip, refractometry), and osmolality. The players' dehydration percentages and sweat ratio were calculated. The average values for all samples were 3 ± 1 for color, and 1.021 ± 4 g/cm(3) for USG (laboratory), and 1.021 ± 3 g/cm(3) for USG (strip), and 1.021 ± 4 for USG (refractometry), and 903 ± 133 mOsm/kg for osmolality. USG (strip) was highly correlated with USG (laboratory), USG (refractometry) (r = 0.8; P < 0.01) and osmolality (r = 0.7; P < 0.01), and moderately correlated with urine color (r = 0.4; P < 0.05). The mean dehydration percentage and sweat rate of the soccer players were observed as 0.5 % and 582.3 ± 232.0 mL/h, respectively. We found that youth soccer players are under a slight risk of dehydration under moderate weather conditions. As indicated by the research results, determination of hydration status of athletes must be taken into account more carefully under moderate and hot weather conditions. In addition, hydration methods were compatible with one another as measured in this study.

Central diabetes insipidus in an African Grey parrot.

PubMed

Starkey, Simon R; Wood, Catherine; de Matos, Ricardo; Ledbetter, Eric C; Morrisey, James K

2010-08-15

A 5.5-year-old sexually intact female African Grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) was evaluated for a 1-year history of pronounced polyuria and polydipsia. The bird also had a 1-month history of signs of mild depression and mydriasis. Physical examination revealed a thin body condition and incomplete bilateral mydriasis. Other examination findings as well as CBC and screening radiography results were unremarkable. Plasma biochemical analysis revealed mild hypernatremia. The bird had a 3.3% loss in body weight over 170 minutes during a water deprivation test, and urine osmolality remained low. After IM administration of 0.9 microg of desmopressin, the rate of weight loss decreased substantially and urine osmolality increased 300% over the following 200 minutes. Initial attempts to treat the bird with orally administered desmopressin failed to correct the polydipsia and polyuria. Ultimately, IM administration of 24 microg of desmopressin/kg (10.9 microg/lb) every 12 hours yielded a noticeable reduction in water consumption and urine production over a 6- to 8-hour period. Eight months later, the bird was returned for a recheck examination, at which time it was in good health and continued to respond to the medication. Despite continued response to the medication, right-sided internal ophthalmoparesis was detected 16 months after the initial diagnosis. To the authors' knowledge, central diabetes insipidus in birds has not been reported. The condition should be considered in birds with clinical signs of disease similar to those in mammals. Long-term IM administration of desmopressin may be a viable treatment option.

Effects of three commonly-used diuretics on the urinary proteome.

PubMed

Li, Xundou; Zhao, Mindi; Li, Menglin; Jia, Lulu; Gao, Youhe

2014-06-01

Biomarker is the measurable change associated with a physiological or pathophysiological process. Unlike blood which has mechanisms to keep the internal environment homeostatic, urine is more likely to reflect changes of the body. As a result, urine is likely to be a better biomarker source than blood. However, since the urinary proteome is affected by many factors, including diuretics, careful evaluation of those effects is necessary if urinary proteomics is used for biomarker discovery. Here, we evaluated the effects of three commonly-used diuretics (furosemide, F; hydrochlorothiazide, H; and spirolactone, S) on the urinary proteome in rats. Urine samples were collected before and after intragastric administration of diuretics at therapeutic doses and the proteomes were analyzed using label-free liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Based on the criteria of P≤0.05, a fold change ≥2, a spectral count ≥5, and false positive rate (FDR) ≤1%, 14 proteins (seven for F, five for H, and two for S) were identified by Progenesis LC-MS. The human orthologs of most of these 14 proteins are stable in the healthy human urinary proteome, and ten of them are reported as disease biomarkers. Thus, our results suggest that the effects of diuretics deserve more attention in future urinary protein biomarker studies. Moreover, the distinct effects of diuretics on the urinary proteome may provide clues to the mechanisms of diuretics. Copyright © 2014. Production and hosting by Elsevier Ltd.

Detection and quantification of α-keto-δ-(N(G),N(G)-dimethylguanidino)valeric acid: a metabolite of asymmetric dimethylarginine.

PubMed

Martens-Lobenhoffer, Jens; Rodionov, Roman N; Drust, Andreas; Bode-Böger, Stefanie M

2011-12-15

Nitric oxide is an ubiquitary cell signaling substance. Its enzymatic production rate by nitric oxide synthase is regulated by the concentrations of the substrate L-arginine and the competitive inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). A newly recognized elimination pathway for ADMA is the transamination to α-keto-δ-(N(G),N(G)-dimethylguanidino)valeric acid (DMGV) by the enzyme alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase 2 (AGXT2). This pathway has been proven to be relevant for nitric oxide regulation, but up to now no method exists for the determination of DMGV in biological fluids. We have developed a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the quantification of DMGV. D(6)-DMGV was used as internal standard. Samples were purified online by column switching, and separation was achieved on a porous graphitic carbon column. The calibration was linear over ranges of 10 to 200 nmol/L for plasma and 0.1 to 20 μmol/L for urine. The intra- and interday accuracies and precisions in plasma and urine were better than 10%. In plasma samples, DMGV was present in concentrations between 19.1 and 77.5 nmol/L. In urine samples, concentrations between 0.0114 and 1.03 μmol/mmol creatinine were found. This method can be used as a tool for the scientific investigation of the ADMA conversion to DMGV via the enzyme AGXT2. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Net endogenous acid production is associated with a faster decline in GFR in African Americans

PubMed Central

Scialla, Julia J.; Appel, Lawrence J.; Astor, Brad C.; Miller, Edgar R.; Beddhu, Srinivasan; Woodward, Mark; Parekh, Rulan S.; Anderson, Cheryl A. M.

2012-01-01

Increased acid excretion may promote renal injury. To evaluate this in African Americans with hypertensive nephrosclerosis, we studied the association between the net endogenous acid production and progression of kidney disease in 632 patients in the AASK trial. Protein and potassium intakes were estimated from 24-hour urea nitrogen and potassium excretion, and used to estimate net endogenous acid production, averaged over 2 years, approximating routine intake. The link between net endogenous acid production and the I125iothalamate glomerular filtration rate (iGFR) and time to end stage renal disease or doubling of serum creatinine was analyzed using mixed models and Cox proportional hazards regressions. The trend in higher net endogenous acid production was significantly associated with a faster decline in iGFR over a median of 3.2 years. After adjustment for age, body mass index, baseline iGFR, urine protein to creatinine ratio and randomized treatment group, the trend in higher net endogenous acid production remained significantly associated with a faster decline in iGFR at a rate 1.01 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year faster in the highest to the lowest quartile. However, in time to event analyses over a median of 7.7 years, the adjusted hazard ratio (1.10) for composite renal events per 25 mEq/day higher net endogenous acid production was not significant. Hence, our findings implicate endogenous acid production as a potential modifiable risk factor for progressive kidney disease. PMID:22475819

Inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometric determination of platinum in excretion products of client-owned pet dogs.

PubMed

Janssens, T; Brouwers, E E M; de Vos, J P; de Vries, N; Schellens, J H M; Beijnen, J H

2015-06-01

Residues of antineoplastic drugs in canine excretion products may represent exposure risks to veterinary personnel, owners of pet dogs and other animal care-takers. The aim of this study was to measure the extent and duration of platinum (Pt) excretion in pet dogs treated with carboplatin. Samples were collected before and up to 21 days after administration of carboplatin. We used validated, ultra-sensitive, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry assays to measure Pt in canine urine, faeces, saliva, sebum and cerumen. Results showed that urine is the major route of elimination of Pt in dogs. In addition, excretion occurs via faeces and saliva, with the highest amounts eliminated during the first 5 days. The amount of excreted Pt decreased over time but was still quantifiable at 21 days after administration of carboplatin. In conclusion, increased Pt levels were found in all measured excretion products up to 21 days after administration of carboplatin to pet dogs, with urine as the main route of excretion. These findings may be used to further adapt current veterinary guidelines on safe handling of antineoplastic drugs and treated animals. © 2013 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

An approach to the systematic analysis of urinary steroids

PubMed Central

Menini, E.; Norymberski, J. K.

1965-01-01

1. Human urine, its extracts, extracts of urine pretreated with enzyme preparations containing β-glucuronidase and steroid sulphatase or β-glucuronidase alone, and products derived from the specific solvolysis of urinary steroid sulphates, were submitted to the following sequence of operations: reduction with borohydride; oxidation with a glycol-cleaving agent (bismuthate or periodate); separation of the products into ketones and others; oxidation of each fraction with tert.-butyl chromate, resolution of the end products by means of paper chromatography or gas–liquid chromatography or both. 2. Qualitative experiments indicated the kind of information the method and some of its modifications can provide. Quantitative experiments were restricted to the direct treatment of urine by the basic procedure outlined. It was partly shown and partly argued that the quantitative results were probably as informative about the composition of the major neutral urinary steroids (and certainly about their presumptive secretory precursors) as those obtained by a number of established analytical procedures. 3. A possible extension of the scope of the reported method was indicated. 4. A simple technique was introduced for the quantitative deposition of a solid sample on to a gas–liquid-chromatographic column. PMID:14333557

Water vapor diffusion membranes, 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holland, F. F.; Klein, E.; Smith, J. K.; Eyer, C.

1976-01-01

Transport mechanisms were investigated for the three different types of water vapor diffusion membranes. Membranes representing porous wetting and porous nonwetting structures as well as dense diffusive membrane structures were investigated for water permeation rate as a function of: (1) temperature, (2) solids composition in solution, and (3) such hydrodynamic parameters as sweep gas flow rate, solution flow rate and cell geometry. These properties were measured using nitrogen sweep gas to collect the effluent. In addition, the chemical stability to chromic acid-stabilized urine was measured for several of each type of membrane. A technology based on the mechanism of vapor transport was developed, whereby the vapor diffusion rates and relative susceptibility of membranes to fouling and failure could be projected for long-term vapor recovery trials using natural chromic acid-stabilized urine.

Clinical Effects of Formulated Food of Peucedanum japonicum Extract and Saw Palmetto Extract in Male Patients with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

PubMed

Kageyama, Shinji; Beppu, Masanori; Ohnogi, Hiromu; Miyazaki, Sayaka; Haruno, Akihiro; Ito, Yoshihiko; Yamada, Shizuo

2018-05-01

To evaluate changes over time in subjective symptom scores and urination parameters before and after oral administration of formulated food containing a combination of Peucedanum japonicum (P. japonicum) extract and saw palmetto extract (SPE) in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This study was conducted in an open label manner on male patients with untreated LUTS. The urination state of patients was evaluated before and after administration of food formulated with P. japonicum extract and SPE for 4 weeks, based on urodynamic parameters and subjective symptom scores (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS and IPSS-QOL], Overactive Bladder Symptom Score [OABSS], Overactive Bladder Questionnaire [OAB-q], and International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF]). After the administration of food formulated with these extracts, the following results were obtained: (i) Subjective findings: The IPSS-QOL score improved significantly; both parameters related to nocturia, i.e., frequency of nighttime urination and OABSS-2, improved significantly; other ratings for subjective symptoms slightly improved. (ii) Objective findings: Residual urine volume decreased significantly, and blood prostate specific antigen (PSA) and urinary 8-OHdG levels decreased slightly after the treatment. (iii) Other findings: Blood pressure decreased slightly. No adverse drug reactions were reported. (iv) Patient impressions: 75% of patients gave a rating of "Good" or higher, with 15 out of 20 patients wanting to continue treatment after the end of 4-week administration period. Food formulated with P. japonicum extract and SPE may be useful to decrease frequency of nighttime urination and residual urine volume in male patients with LUTS. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Development of a Physiologically Based Computational Kidney Model to Describe the Renal Excretion of Hydrophilic Agents in Rats

PubMed Central

Niederalt, Christoph; Wendl, Thomas; Kuepfer, Lars; Claassen, Karina; Loosen, Roland; Willmann, Stefan; Lippert, Joerg; Schultze-Mosgau, Marcus; Winkler, Julia; Burghaus, Rolf; Bräutigam, Matthias; Pietsch, Hubertus; Lengsfeld, Philipp

2013-01-01

A physiologically based kidney model was developed to analyze the renal excretion and kidney exposure of hydrophilic agents, in particular contrast media, in rats. In order to study the influence of osmolality and viscosity changes, the model mechanistically represents urine concentration by water reabsorption in different segments of kidney tubules and viscosity dependent tubular fluid flow. The model was established using experimental data on the physiological steady state without administration of any contrast media or drugs. These data included the sodium and urea concentration gradient along the cortico-medullary axis, water reabsorption, urine flow, and sodium as well as urea urine concentrations for a normal hydration state. The model was evaluated by predicting the effects of mannitol and contrast media administration and comparing to experimental data on cortico-medullary concentration gradients, urine flow, urine viscosity, hydrostatic tubular pressures and single nephron glomerular filtration rate. Finally the model was used to analyze and compare typical examples of ionic and non-ionic monomeric as well as non-ionic dimeric contrast media with respect to their osmolality and viscosity. With the computational kidney model, urine flow depended mainly on osmolality, while osmolality and viscosity were important determinants for tubular hydrostatic pressure and kidney exposure. The low diuretic effect of dimeric contrast media in combination with their high intrinsic viscosity resulted in a high viscosity within the tubular fluid. In comparison to monomeric contrast media, this led to a higher increase in tubular pressure, to a reduction in glomerular filtration rate and tubular flow and to an increase in kidney exposure. The presented kidney model can be implemented into whole body physiologically based pharmacokinetic models and extended in order to simulate the renal excretion of lipophilic drugs which may also undergo active secretion and reabsorption. PMID:23355822

A novel method for the quantitation of gingerol glucuronides in human plasma or urine based on stable isotope dilution assays.

PubMed

Schoenknecht, Carola; Andersen, Gaby; Schieberle, Peter

2016-11-15

The bio-active compounds of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), the gingerols, are gaining considerable attention due to their numerous beneficial health effects. In order to elucidate the physiological relevance of the ascribed effects their bioavailability has to be determined taking their metabolization into account. To quantitate in vivo generated [6]-, [8]- and [10]-gingerol glucuronides in human plasma and urine after ginger tea consumption, a simultaneous and direct liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method based on stable isotope dilution assays was established and validated. The respective references as well as the isotopically labeled substances were synthesized and characterized by mass spectrometry and NMR. Selective isolation of gingerol glucuronides from human plasma and urine by a mixed-phase anion-exchange SPE method led to recovery rates between 80.8 and 98.2%. LC-MS/MS analyses in selected reaction monitoring modus enabled a highly sensitive quantitation of gingerol glucuronides with LoQs between 3.9-9.8nmol/L in plasma and 39.3-161.1nmol/L in urine. The method precision in plasma and urine varied in the range±15%, whereas the intra-day accuracy in plasma and urine showed values between 78 and 122%. The developed method was then applied to a pilot study in which two volunteers consumed one liter ginger tea. Pharmacokinetic parameters like the maximum concentration (c max ), the time to reach c max (t max ), area under the curve (AUC), elimination rate constant (k el ) and elimination half-life (t 1/2 ) were calculated from the concentration-time curve of each gingerol glucuronide. The obtained results will enable more detailed investigation of gingerol glucuronides as bioactives in their physiologically relevant concentrations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Urea-N recycling in lactating dairy cows fed diets with 2 different levels of dietary crude protein and starch with or without monensin.

PubMed

Recktenwald, E B; Ross, D A; Fessenden, S W; Wall, C J; Van Amburgh, M E

2014-03-01

Rumensin (monensin; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN) has been shown to reduce ammonia production and microbial populations in vitro; thus, it would be assumed to reduce ruminal ammonia production and subsequent urea production and consequently affect urea recycling. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of 2 levels of dietary crude protein (CP) and 2 levels of starch, with and without Rumensin on urea-N recycling in lactating dairy cattle. Twelve lactating Holstein dairy cows (107 ± 21 d in milk, 647 kg ± 37 kg of body weight) were fed diets characterized as having high (16.7%) or low (15.3%) CP with or without Rumensin, while dietary starch levels (23 vs. 29%) were varied between 2 feeding periods with at least 7d of adaptation between measurements. Cows assigned to high or low protein and to Rumensin or no Rumensin remained on those treatments to avoid carryover effects. The diets consisted of approximately 40% corn silage, 20% alfalfa hay, and 40% concentrate mix specific to the treatment diets, with 0.5 kg of wheat straw added to the high starch diets to enhance effective fiber intake. The diets were formulated using Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (version 6.1), and the low-protein diets were formulated to be deficient for rumen ammonia to create conditions that should enhance the demand for urea recycling. The high-protein diets were formulated to be positive for both rumen ammonia and metabolizable protein. Rumen fluid, urine, feces, and milk samples were collected before and after a 72-h continuous jugular infusion of (15)N(15)N-urea. Total urine and feces were collected during the urea infusions for N balance measurements. Milk yield and dry matter intake were improved in cows fed the higher level of dietary CP and by Rumensin. Ruminal ammonia and milk and plasma urea nitrogen concentrations corresponded to dietary CP concentration. As has been shown in vitro, Rumensin reduced rumen ammonia concentration by approximately 23% but did not affect urea entry rate or gastrointestinal entry rate. Urea entry rate averaged approximately 57% of total N intake for cattle with and without Rumensin, and gastrointestinal rate was similar at 43 and 42% of N intake for cattle fed and not fed Rumensin, respectively. The cattle fed the high-protein diet had a 25% increase in urea entry rate and no effect of starch level was observed for any recycling parameters. Contrary to our hypothesis, Rumensin did not alter urea production and recycling. Copyright © 2014 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Flavonoid Metabolites in Human Urine during Blueberry Anthocyanin Intake.

PubMed

Kalt, Wilhelmina; McDonald, Jane E; Liu, Yan; Fillmore, Sherry A E

2017-03-01

The human health benefits of anthocyanins (Anc) and other flavonoids are widely recognized. However, the flavonoid-based urinary metabolites arising in vivo after Anc intake are not well described. Human (n = 17) urine was collected while blueberry juice (BJ) was consumed daily for 28 days and once after a 7 day washout. MS/MS scanning of 664 urine samples for 18 parent Anc (PAnc) and 42 predicted Anc metabolites (AncM) yielded 371 products (i.e., MS/MS × retention time (RT)). Flavonoid-based AncM, which were likely underestimated, were almost 20 times more abundant than PAnc. Together, PAnc and AncM accounted for about 1% of the daily Anc dose. Aglycone forms were >94% of the total. Cluster analysis of the 371 Anc identified about 55 major Anc that contributed about 80% to the total Anc. The abundance of flavonoid-based Anc-derived products in the gastrointestinal tract could contribute to the health benefits of Anc-rich berries.

Testing for nandrolone metabolites in urine samples of professional athletes and sedentary subjects by GC/MS/MS analysis.

PubMed

Gambelunghe, Cristiana; Sommavilla, Marco; Rossi, Ruggero

2002-12-01

The concentrations of nandrolone metabolites, 19-norandrosterone (19-NA) and 19-noretiocholanolone (19-NE) were analysed in urine samples of professional athletes doing intense physical activity and sedentary subjects to verify if there was endogenous production of nandrolone and if there was any link between physical effort and the urinary metabolites of the steroid. We collected 18 urine samples from professional footballers age range 20-30 years, all from the same team, and 18 urine samples from males not doing any physical activity, age range 20-30 years. Neither group used nandrolone. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of urinary nandrolone metabolites were carried out by GC/MS followed by GC/MS/MS to confirm positive samples. This technique has been demonstrated to be an excellent analytical approach for the determination of anabolic steroids at very low detection limits in complex matrices such as urine. In five urine samples from professional footballers traces of 19-NA were detected. No trace of 19-NA was found in the group of sedentary subjects and no trace of 19-NE was found in any urine sample. The absence of nandrolone metabolites in sedentary subjects supports the hypothesis that the presence of 19-NA and 19-NE could be linked to physical effort even though the origin is not yet clear. Copyright 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Distribution of trace elements in certain ecological components and animal products in a dairy farm at Tirupati, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, India.

PubMed

Raghu, V

2013-12-01

Biogeochemical characteristics of the cattle are dealt based on the observations made in Ayurveda in the light of modern scientific developments in applied environmental geochemistry. The biogeochemical characteristics of certain important ecological components and animal products of the stall-fed animals were studied. For this purpose, a dairy farm of Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanams, a religious organization in Tirupati, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh was selected. This study is intended to trace out the trace element interactions in the ecological components (soil, water, fodder, feed) of the stall-fed animals and their output components viz. dung, urine and milk. Physical, physico-chemical properties and certain trace elements were determined for composite samples of ecological components and dung, urine, and milk of stall-fed animals. The variations in the distribution of pH and EC of urine and milk reflect the variations in their physico-chemical or hydro-chemical properties. As mentioned in Ayurveda, not only the properties of milk but also the properties of dung and urine reflect their diet and conditions of their habitat. Even though the diet is the same, the cows of different breeds yield milk of variable physical, physico-chemical properties and trace element composition which can be attributed to their body colour, substantiating Ayurveda.

High salt intake reprioritizes osmolyte and energy metabolism for body fluid conservation.

PubMed

Kitada, Kento; Daub, Steffen; Zhang, Yahua; Klein, Janet D; Nakano, Daisuke; Pedchenko, Tetyana; Lantier, Louise; LaRocque, Lauren M; Marton, Adriana; Neubert, Patrick; Schröder, Agnes; Rakova, Natalia; Jantsch, Jonathan; Dikalova, Anna E; Dikalov, Sergey I; Harrison, David G; Müller, Dominik N; Nishiyama, Akira; Rauh, Manfred; Harris, Raymond C; Luft, Friedrich C; Wassermann, David H; Sands, Jeff M; Titze, Jens

2017-05-01

Natriuretic regulation of extracellular fluid volume homeostasis includes suppression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, pressure natriuresis, and reduced renal nerve activity, actions that concomitantly increase urinary Na+ excretion and lead to increased urine volume. The resulting natriuresis-driven diuretic water loss is assumed to control the extracellular volume. Here, we have demonstrated that urine concentration, and therefore regulation of water conservation, is an important control system for urine formation and extracellular volume homeostasis in mice and humans across various levels of salt intake. We observed that the renal concentration mechanism couples natriuresis with correspondent renal water reabsorption, limits natriuretic osmotic diuresis, and results in concurrent extracellular volume conservation and concentration of salt excreted into urine. This water-conserving mechanism of dietary salt excretion relies on urea transporter-driven urea recycling by the kidneys and on urea production by liver and skeletal muscle. The energy-intense nature of hepatic and extrahepatic urea osmolyte production for renal water conservation requires reprioritization of energy and substrate metabolism in liver and skeletal muscle, resulting in hepatic ketogenesis and glucocorticoid-driven muscle catabolism, which are prevented by increasing food intake. This natriuretic-ureotelic, water-conserving principle relies on metabolism-driven extracellular volume control and is regulated by concerted liver, muscle, and renal actions.

High salt intake reprioritizes osmolyte and energy metabolism for body fluid conservation

PubMed Central

Kitada, Kento; Daub, Steffen; Zhang, Yahua; Klein, Janet D.; Nakano, Daisuke; Pedchenko, Tetyana; Lantier, Louise; LaRocque, Lauren M.; Marton, Adriana; Neubert, Patrick; Schröder, Agnes; Rakova, Natalia; Jantsch, Jonathan; Dikalova, Anna E.; Dikalov, Sergey I.; Harrison, David G.; Müller, Dominik N.; Nishiyama, Akira; Rauh, Manfred; Harris, Raymond C.; Luft, Friedrich C.; Wasserman, David H.; Sands, Jeff M.

2017-01-01

Natriuretic regulation of extracellular fluid volume homeostasis includes suppression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, pressure natriuresis, and reduced renal nerve activity, actions that concomitantly increase urinary Na+ excretion and lead to increased urine volume. The resulting natriuresis-driven diuretic water loss is assumed to control the extracellular volume. Here, we have demonstrated that urine concentration, and therefore regulation of water conservation, is an important control system for urine formation and extracellular volume homeostasis in mice and humans across various levels of salt intake. We observed that the renal concentration mechanism couples natriuresis with correspondent renal water reabsorption, limits natriuretic osmotic diuresis, and results in concurrent extracellular volume conservation and concentration of salt excreted into urine. This water-conserving mechanism of dietary salt excretion relies on urea transporter–driven urea recycling by the kidneys and on urea production by liver and skeletal muscle. The energy-intense nature of hepatic and extrahepatic urea osmolyte production for renal water conservation requires reprioritization of energy and substrate metabolism in liver and skeletal muscle, resulting in hepatic ketogenesis and glucocorticoid-driven muscle catabolism, which are prevented by increasing food intake. This natriuretic-ureotelic, water-conserving principle relies on metabolism-driven extracellular volume control and is regulated by concerted liver, muscle, and renal actions. PMID:28414295

Utility of urine lipoarabinomannan (LAM) in diagnosing tuberculosis and predicting mortality with and without HIV: prospective TB cohort from the Thailand Big City TB Research Network.

PubMed

Suwanpimolkul, Gompol; Kawkitinarong, Kamon; Manosuthi, Weerawat; Sophonphan, Jiratchaya; Gatechompol, Sivaporn; Ohata, Pirapon June; Ubolyam, Sasiwimol; Iampornsin, Thatri; Katerattanakul, Pairaj; Avihingsanon, Anchalee; Ruxrungtham, Kiat

2017-06-01

To evaluate the applicability and accuracy of the urine lipoarabinomannan (LAM) test in tuberculosis (TB)/HIV co-infected patients and HIV-negative patients with disseminated TB. Frozen urine samples obtained at baseline from patients in the TB research cohort with proven culture-positive TB were selected for blinded urine LAM testing. One hundred and nine patients were categorized into four groups: (1) HIV-positive patients with TB; (2) HIV-negative patients with disseminated TB; (3) HIV-negative immunocompromised patients with TB; and (4) patients with diseases other than TB. The sensitivity of urine LAM testing for culture-positive TB, specificity of urine LAM testing for patients without TB, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were assessed. The sensitivity of the urine LAM test in group 1 patients with a CD4 T-cell count of >100, ≤100, and ≤50 cells/mm 3 was 38.5%, 40.6%, and 45%, respectively. The specificity and PPV of the urine LAM test were >80%. The sensitivity of the test was 20% in group 2 and 12.5% in group 3, and the specificity and PPV were 100% for both groups. A positive urine LAM test result was significantly associated with death. This promising diagnostic tool could increase the yield of TB diagnosis and may predict the mortality rate of TB infection, particularly in TB/HIV co-infected patients. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Accuracy of Urine Color to Detect Equal to or Greater Than 2% Body Mass Loss in Men.

PubMed

McKenzie, Amy L; Muñoz, Colleen X; Armstrong, Lawrence E

2015-12-01

Clinicians and athletes can benefit from field-expedient measurement tools, such as urine color, to assess hydration state; however, the diagnostic efficacy of this tool has not been established. To determine the diagnostic accuracy of urine color assessment to distinguish a hypohydrated state (≥2% body mass loss [BML]) from a euhydrated state (<2% BML) after exercise in a hot environment. Controlled laboratory study. Environmental chamber in a laboratory. Twenty-two healthy men (age = 22 ± 3 years, height = 180.4 ± 8.7 cm, mass = 77.9 ± 12.8 kg, body fat = 10.6% ± 4.6%). Participants cycled at 68% ± 6% of their maximal heart rates in a hot environment (36°C ± 1°C) for 5 hours or until 5% BML was achieved. At the point of each 1% BML, we assessed urine color. Diagnostic efficacy of urine color was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios. Urine color was useful as a diagnostic tool to identify hypohydration after exercise in the heat (area under the curve = 0.951, standard error = 0.022; P < .001). A urine color of 5 or greater identified BML ≥2% with 88.9% sensitivity and 84.8% specificity (positive likelihood ratio = 5.87, negative likelihood ratio = 0.13). Under the conditions of acute dehydration due to exercise in a hot environment, urine color assessment can be a valid, practical, inexpensive tool for assessing hydration status. Researchers should examine the utility of urine color to identify a hypohydrated state under different BML conditions.

Differences in urine cadmium associations with kidney outcomes based on serum creatinine and cystatin C

PubMed Central

Weaver, Virginia M.; Kim, Nam-Soo; Lee, Byung-Kook; Parsons, Patrick J.; Spector, June; Fadrowski, Jeffrey; Jaar, Bernard G.; Steuerwald, Amy J.; Todd, Andrew C.; Simon, David; Schwartz, Brian S.

2011-01-01

Cadmium is a well known nephrotoxicant; chronic exposure increases risk for chronic kidney disease. Recently, however, associations between urine cadmium and higher creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) have been reported. Analyses utilizing alternate biomarkers of kidney function allow evaluation of potential mechanisms for these observations. We compared associations of urine cadmium with kidney function measures based on serum cystatin C to those with serum creatinine in 712 lead workers. Mean (standard deviation) molybdenum-corrected urine cadmium, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) eGFR and multi-variable cystatin C eGFR were 1.02 (0.65) μg/g creatinine, and 97.4 (19.2) and 112.0 (17.7) mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. The eGFR measures were moderately correlated (rs = 0.5; p less than 0.001). After adjustment, ln(urine cadmium) was not associated with serum cystatin-C-based measures. However, higher ln(urine cadmium) was associated with higher creatinine-based eGFRs including the MDRD and an equation incorporating serum cystatin C and creatinine (beta-coefficient = 4.1 ml/min/1.73 m2; 95% confidence interval =1.6, 6.6). Urine creatinine was associated with serum creatinine-based but not cystatin-C-based eGFRs. These results support a biomarker-specific, rather than a kidney function, effect underlying the associations observed between higher urine cadmium and creatinine-based kidney function measures. Given the routine use of serum and urine creatinine in kidney and biomarker research, additional research to elucidate the mechanism(s) for these associations is essential. PMID:21871619

Boldenone, boldione, and milk replacers in the diet of veal calves: the effects of phytosterol content on the urinary excretion of boldenone metabolites.

PubMed

Gallina, G; Ferretti, G; Merlanti, R; Civitareale, C; Capolongo, F; Draisci, R; Montesissa, C

2007-10-03

Twenty-six veal calves were split into two groups and fed two milk replacers with a different content of phytosterols for 26 days; then, 14 calves (7 animals from each diet) were kept as controls and 12 calves (6 per diet) received daily, per os, a combination of 17beta-boldenone (17beta-Bol) and androsta-1,4-dien-3,17-dione (ADD) for 38 days. The urinary elimination of 17 alpha-/17beta-boldenone conjugates (17 alpha/beta-Bol) and androsta-1,4-dien-3,17-dione (ADD) was followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry from all of the animals until slaughtering. In urine from treated animals, 17 alpha-Bol concentrations, despite a great variability, were greater than 17beta-Bol, both detected always as conjugates. At days 1, 2, and 3, the mean urine concentration of 17 alpha-Bol was higher than 12 ng/mL. A remarkable decrease was observed during the following days, but the 17 alpha-Bol concentration was still higher than the attention level of 2 ng/mL in 58% of the samples; the concentration of 17beta-Bol was around the action level of 1 ng/mL; two days after treatment withdrawal, no 17beta-Bol was detected in the urine. In urine from control animals, the 17 alpha-Bol concentration was strictly related to the phytosterol content of the diet, while, in urine from treated animals, the much higher 17 alpha-Bol levels were not modified by the production from diet precursors. The results confirmed that a 17 alpha-Bol level higher than 2 ng/mL should be considered as evidence of suspected illegal treatment and that the urinary excretion of 17beta-Bol is due to exogenous administration of 17beta-Bol. The discontinuous rate of elimination of both 17 alpha- and 17beta-Bol, despite the daily administration of 17beta-Bol plus ADD, indicates the necessity for further research to detect other urinary boldenone metabolites to strength surveillance strategy.

Determination of piperphentonamine and metabolites M1 and M6 in human plasma and urine by LC/MS/MS and its application in a pharmacokinetics study in Chinese healthy volunteers.

PubMed

Shi, Aixin; Hu, Xin; Li, Kexin; Li, Jian; Han, Liping; Wan, Huayin; Li, Rubing

2012-11-01

Piperphentonamine hydrochloride (PPTA) is a new calcium sensitizer. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for determination of piperphentonamine and its metabolites M1 and M6 was developed for the first time and applied to a pharmacokinetics study. Protein precipitation was used for pre-treatment of plasma samples, and solid phase extraction method was used for pre-treatment of urine samples. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a C(18) column using gradient elution in this study: A: 1% acetic acid aqueous solution, and B: acetonitrile. The whole analysis lasted for 10.5min and the gradient flow rate was 0.25mL/min constantly. The detection was performed of a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode via a positive electrospray ionization source. The results were that the m/z ratios of monitored precursor ions and product ions of PPTA, M1 and M6 were 354.0→191.8, 356.0→148.7 and 358.0→148.7, respectively. From the standard curve, the concentration ranges of both PPTA and M1 in blood and urine samples were 0.1-500ng/mL and 0.1-200ng/mL, respectively; the concentration ranges of M6 in blood sample and urine sample were 0.2-500ng/mL and 0.2-200ng/mL, respectively; and the correlation coefficient of standard curve was r>0.99. A total of 31 healthy Chinese subjects participated in the pharmacokinetic study of single bolus intravenous injection of piperphentonamine hydrochloride. They were divided into three dosage groups and given 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6mg/kg of PPTA. After drug administration, concentrations of PPTA, M1 and M6 in human plasma and urine samples were determined to evaluation the pharmacokinetic characteristics of PPTA and its metabolites M1 and M6. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quantitative determination of the hydrolysis products of nitrogen mustards in human urine by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Lemire, Sharon W; Ashley, David L; Calafat, Antonia M

2003-01-01

Nitrogen mustards are a public health concern because of their extreme vesicant properties and the possible exposure of workers during the destruction of chemical stockpiles. A sensitive, rapid, accurate, and precise analysis for the quantitation of ultratrace levels of N-ethyldiethanolamine (EDEA) and N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) in human urine as a means of assessing recent exposure to the nitrogen mustards bis(2-chloroethyl)ethylamine and bis(2-chloroethyl)methylamine, respectively, was developed. The method was based on solid-phase extraction, followed by analysis of the urine extract using isotope-dilution high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with TurbolonSpray ionization and multiple-reaction monitoring. The method limits of detection were 0.41 ng/mL for EDEA and 0.96 ng/mL for MDEA in 1 mL of urine with coefficients of variation < 10% for both compounds.

Felinine stability in the presence of selected urine compounds.

PubMed

Rutherfurd, S M; Kitson, T M; Woolhouse, A D; McGrath, M C; Hendriks, W H

2007-02-01

The stability of felinine, an amino acid present in feline urine, was investigated. Synthetic felinine was unstable in the urine of a selection of mammals. Felinine was found to stable in feline urine in which urea had been degraded. Synthetic felinine was found to react specifically with urea and did not react with urea analogues such as biuret or thiourea or other nucleophilic compounds such as ammonia which is more nucleophilic or acetamide and water which are less nucleophilic than urea. The reaction of urea and felinine was independent of pH over the range of 3-10. Urea did not react with N-acetyl-felinine suggesting a felinine N-terminal interaction with urea. Mass spectral analysis of the reaction products showed the presence of carbamylated felinine and fragmentation ions derived from carbamyl-felinine. The physiological relevance of felinine carbamylation is yet to be determined.

Dermal uptake and excretion of 4,4'-methylenedianiline during rotor blade production in helicopter industry--an intervention study.

PubMed

Weiss, Tobias; Schuster, Hubert; Müller, Johannes; Schaller, Karl-Heinz; Drexler, Hans; Angerer, Jürgen; Käfferlein, Heiko U

2011-10-01

Workers using composite materials by fibre reinforced laminate technology are exposed to 4,4'-methylenedianiline (MDA), a liver toxicant and suspected human carcinogen, during the production of rotor blades in helicopter industry. The aim of the study presented here was to assess the internal dose of MDA and the suitability of various personal protection measures at the workplace. Ambient monitoring and biological monitoring was carried out by analysing MDA in air and urine samples in seven workers of a highly specialized workplace (rotor blade production). Three different concepts of personal protection measures were applied to study the route of uptake and to evaluate strategies in decreasing workplace exposure. In addition, elimination kinetics of MDA was studied in three workers who were exposed to MDA on three consecutive working days. Ambient monitoring consistently provided air levels at or below the limit of quantification of 0.1 μg m(-3). Nevertheless, MDA was detected in 89% of all post-shift urine samples and median concentration was 4.2 μg l(-1). MDA in urine were >20 times higher than expected on data from ambient monitoring alone. A significant decrease in exposure could be achieved when workers have worn MDA-protective overalls in combination with MDA-protective gloves and a splash protection shield (from 9.8 μg l(-1) down to 3.7 μg l(-1)). The results show that MDA is taken up primarily via the skin at the workplaces under study. The excretion of MDA in urine was observed to be delayed after dermal exposure. Exposure assessment of MDA should be carried out by biological monitoring rather than ambient monitoring. For this purpose, urine samples midweek or at the end of the week should be used based on the observed delay in the excretion of MDA after dermal absorption. Uptake of MDA via the skin could not be completely avoided even if state-of-the-art personal protection measures were applied.

Using human urine as food for cyanobacteria in LSS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalacheva, Galina; Gribovskaya, Iliada; Kolmakova, Angela

In biological LSS: human, higher plants, algae, united by common cycle of matter, native human urine is the most problematic substance for using in inter-link exchange. It contains urea, ammonium compounds and up to 10 g/l of NaCl. Each of the mentioned components is toxic for growing higher plants. As for inferior plants, experiments showed that cyanobacteria of genus Spirulina platensis and similar genus Oscillatoria deflexa can grow at NaCl concentrations up to 20 g/l and NH4Cl concentrations up to 800 mg/l. These cyanobacteria can be used in LSS as a photosynthesizing link. Besides, S. platensis is edible for humans and fish. To use urine as food for algae, it is necessary to remove urea and organics. All previously used methods for urine treatment aimed at urea destruction: heating to 300oC, ultraviolet exposure, freezing, oxidation on reactor with hydrogen peroxide, had no effect. We used the following method of urine treatment: urine evaporation till dry residue, subsequent combustion in muffle furnace at 450-500oC and creation of ash water extract of the same volume as the initial urine. Comparison of standard Zarrouk's solution for S. platensis and O. deflexa with the water extract of urine ash showed that the concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, P, S were similar. Successful experiments were made with O. deflexa that were grown on nutrient solution made of the water extract of urine ash with 10 g/l of NaHCO3 and 2 g/l of NaNO3. The sources of intersystem production of HCO3 and NO3 were shown, and the biochemical composition of the investigated algae species, including mineral composition, protein, carbohydrate, amino acid, lipid and vitamin content were studied.

A Modified Protocol with Improved Detection Rate for Mis-Matched Donor HLA from Low Quantities of DNA in Urine Samples from Kidney Graft Recipients.

PubMed

Kwok, Janette; Choi, Leo C W; Ho, Jenny C Y; Chan, Gavin S W; Mok, Maggie M Y; Lam, Man-Fei; Chak, Wai-Leung; Cheuk, Au; Chau, Ka-Foon; Tong, Matthew; Chan, Kwok-Wah; Chan, Tak-Mao

2016-01-01

Urine from kidney transplant recipient has proven to be a viable source for donor DNA. However, an optimized protocol would be required to determine mis-matched donor HLA specificities in view of the scarcity of DNA obtained in some cases. In this study, fresh early morning urine specimens were obtained from 155 kidney transplant recipients with known donor HLA phenotype. DNA was extracted and typing of HLA-A, B and DRB1 loci by polymerase chain reaction-specific sequence primers was performed using tailor-made condition according to the concentration of extracted DNA. HLA typing of DNA extracted from urine revealed both recipient and donor HLA phenotypes, allowing the deduction of the unknown donor HLA and hence the degree of HLA mis-match. By adopting the modified procedures, mis-matched donor HLA phenotypes were successfully deduced in all of 35 tested urine samples at DNA quantities spanning the range of 620-24,000 ng. This urine-based method offers a promising and reliable non-invasive means for the identification of mis-matched donor HLA antigens in kidney transplant recipients with unknown donor HLA phenotype or otherwise inadequate donor information.

Biological monitoring of iodine, a water disinfectant for long-term space missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zareba, G.; Cernichiari, E.; Goldsmith, L. A.; Clarkson, T. W.

1995-01-01

In order to establish guidelines for exposure of astronauts to iodine, used as a water disinfectant in space, we studied the usefulness of hair, saliva, and urine for biological monitoring in humans and in the human hair/nude mouse model. The monitoring of iodine in patients that received 150 mCi of Na131I (carrier-free) showed similar patterns of elimination for blood, saliva, and urine. The mean correlation coefficient (r) between iodine elimination for blood/saliva was 0.99, for blood/urine, 0.95, and for saliva/urine, 0.97. The absolute value of iodine concentrations in urine revealed marked variability, which was corrected by adjusting for creatinine levels. The autoradiographic studies of human hair demonstrated that iodine is rapidly incorporated into external layers of the hair root and can be removed easily during washing. These data were confirmed after iodine exposure using the human hair/nude mouse model. Hair does not provide satisfactory information about exposure due to unstable incorporation of iodine. The most useful medium for biological monitoring of astronauts exposed to high doses of iodine in drinking water is urine, when adjusted for creatinine, and saliva, if quantitative evaluation of flow rate is provided.

Fast screening tests for the simultaneous detection of 11 drugs of abuse in urine specimens. A forensic epidemiology study of 28,298 cases in Tunisia.

PubMed

Moslah, B; Araoud, M; Nouioui, M A; Najjar, S; Amira, D; Ben Salah, N; Hedhili, A

2018-02-01

Forensic investigation performed on people suspected to be drug abusers covering all Tunisian cities was conducted by monitoring an epidemiological study of human urine samples surveying positive rates of consumption for drugs of abuse. The forensic investigations were conducted on a total of 28,298 arrested individuals suspected to be drug addicts during five years (January 2010-December 2015). An immunoassay screening tests to detect elevated levels of drugs classes in urine samples was performed. These screening assays provide a preliminary qualitative test result. Only positives urine specimens were analyzed with GC-MS for confirmation. Except for cannabis, the results showed insignificant number of positive cases for cocaine, ecstasy (MDMA) and amphetamine consumptions (<1%). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Natural microbial populations in a water-based biowaste management system for space life support.

PubMed

Bornemann, Gerhild; Waßer, Kai; Tonat, Tim; Moeller, Ralf; Bohmeier, Maria; Hauslage, Jens

2015-11-01

The reutilization of wastewater is a key issue with regard to long-term space missions and planetary habitation. This study reports the design, test runs and microbiological analyses of a fixed bed biofiltration system which applies pumice grain (16-25 mm grain size, 90 m(2)/m(3) active surface) as matrix and calcium carbonate as buffer. For activation, the pumice was inoculated with garden soil known to contain a diverse community of microorganisms, thus enabling the filtration system to potentially degrade all kinds of organic matter. Current experiments over 194 days with diluted synthetic urine (7% and 20%) showed that the 7% filter units produced nitrate slowly but steadily (max. 2191 mg NO3-N/day). In the 20% units nitrate production was slower and less stable (max. 1411 mg NO3-N/day). 84% and 76% of the contained nitrogen was converted into nitrate. The low conversion rate is assumed to be due to the high flow rate, which keeps the biofilm on the pumice thin. At the same time the thin biofilm seems to prevent the activity of denitrifiers implicating the existence of a trade off between rate and the amount of nitrogen loss. Microbiological analyses identified a comparatively low number of species (26 in the filter material, 12 in the filtrate) indicating that urine serves as a strongly selective medium and filter units for the degradation of mixed feedstock have to be pre-conditioned on the intended substrates from the beginning. Copyright © 2015 The Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Gallium-67 complexes as radioactive markers to assess gastric and colonic transit

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bellen, J.C.; Chatterton, B.E.; Penglis, S.

1995-03-01

Constipation and gastroparesis are gastrointestinal tract disorders that can be assessed by using radioactive markers in conjunction with scintigraphic techniques. Indium-111-DTPA is the radiopharmaceutical of choice for treating colonic transit in constipated patients, but it is an expensive product and its availability has been unreliable. Indium-113m-DTPA was the tracer used in our study to determine the liquid gastric emptying rate in dual-isotope solid-liquid emptying studies, however, cessation of the {sup 113}Sn/{sup 113m}In generator production makes it unavailable. Thus, development of alternative tracers to {sup 111}In-DTPA and {sup 113m}In-DTPA was essential. Gallium-67-citrate and {sup 67}Ga-EDTA were compared to {sup 111}In-DTPA tomore » assess their efficacy for exclusive retention in the GI tract. These markers were orally administered into rats and their three-day cumulative fecal excretion, urine excretion and carcass retention were measured. An in vitro gastric emptying model was used to determine liquid phase partitioning of {sup 113m}In-DTPA, {sup 67}Ga-citrate and {sup 67}Ga-EDTA at 37{degrees}. Gallium-67-citrate was predominantly excreted in the feces (97.2% {+-} 0.2%) after three days, with negligible urine excretion (0.1% {+-} 0.0%) and carcass retention (0.6% {+-} 0.2%). These results are analogous to those obtained for {sup 111}In-DTPA for fecal excretion (96.7% {+-} 2.6%), urine excretion (0.6% {+-} 0.0%) and retention in the carcass (0.2% {+-} 0.0%). Gallium-67-EDTA showed similar partitioning in the liquid phase of the gastric emptying model compared with {sup 113m}In-DTPA. Gallium-67-citrate is an economical and readily available alternative to {sup 111}In-DTPA as a colonic transit radiopharmaceutical. Gallium-67-EDTA is also an alternative to {sup 113m}In-DTPA for assessing liquid-phase emptying in a dual-isotope solid/liquid gastric emptying study. 17 refs., 3 figs., 2 tabs.« less

Empirical relationships among oliguria, creatinine, mortality, and renal replacement therapy in the critically ill.

PubMed

Mandelbaum, Tal; Lee, Joon; Scott, Daniel J; Mark, Roger G; Malhotra, Atul; Howell, Michael D; Talmor, Daniel

2013-03-01

The observation periods and thresholds of serum creatinine and urine output defined in the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria were not empirically derived. By continuously varying creatinine/urine output thresholds as well as the observation period, we sought to investigate the empirical relationships among creatinine, oliguria, in-hospital mortality, and receipt of renal replacement therapy (RRT). Using a high-resolution database (Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care II), we extracted data from 17,227 critically ill patients with an in-hospital mortality rate of 10.9 %. The 14,526 patients had urine output measurements. Various combinations of creatinine/urine output thresholds and observation periods were investigated by building multivariate logistic regression models for in-hospital mortality and RRT predictions. For creatinine, both absolute and percentage increases were analyzed. To visualize the dependence of adjusted mortality and RRT rate on creatinine, the urine output, and the observation period, we generated contour plots. Mortality risk was high when absolute creatinine increase was high regardless of the observation period, when percentage creatinine increase was high and the observation period was long, and when oliguria was sustained for a long period of time. Similar contour patterns emerged for RRT. The variability in predictive accuracy was small across different combinations of thresholds and observation periods. The contour plots presented in this article complement the AKIN definition. A multi-center study should confirm the universal validity of the results presented in this article.

Lack of cross-reactivity of Ambien (zolpidem) with drugs in standard urine drug screens.

PubMed

Piergies, A A; Sainati, S; Roth-Schechter, B

1997-04-01

To determine in healthy volunteers (men and women; 18 to 40 years old) the potential cross-reactivity of Ambien (zolpidem) and/or its metabolites with drugs that are screened by the Syva EMIT II and the Abbott ADx urine drug screens assays. Open-label, fixed-treatment sequence of 1 night each of treatment with zolpidem (10 mg) and temazepam (15 mg). Clinical Pharmacology Unit within a teaching hospital. Over a 24-hour period, presence or absence of positive results on the Syva EMIT II or the Abbott ADx urine drug assay system, each performed at two different laboratory assay sites. Following ingestion of zolpidem, no subject had any positive response in either laboratory to the Syva EMIT II or the Abbott ADx urine drug screen assays at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours postdose. During the same time period, all subjects had measurable zolpidem plasma concentrations at 1.5 and 8 hours postdose, with mean concentrations of 115.2 ng/mL and 30.1 ng/mL, respectively (in agreement with its half-life of 2.5 hours). The positive response rate at 10 hours after ingestion of Restoril (temazepam) among the four laboratory/assay combinations ranged from 36.8% to 73.7%, a range that is within the reported response rates for these tests. These data indicate that zolpidem will not cross-react in standard urine drug screens with benzodiazepines, opiates, barbiturates, cocaine, cannabinoids, or amphetamines.

Urine Pretreatment Configuration and Test Results for Space Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howard, Stanley G.; Hutchens, Cindy F.; Rethke, Donald W.; Swartley, Vernon L.; Marsh, Robert W.

1998-01-01

Pretreatment of urine using Oxone and sulfuric acid is baselined in the International Space Station (ISS) waste water reclamation system to control odors, fix urea and control microbial growth. In addition, pretreatment is recommended for long term flight use of urine collection and two phase separation to reduce or eliminate fouling of the associated hardware and plumbing with urine precipitates. This is important for ISS application because the amount of maintenance time for cleaning and repairing hardware must be minimized. This paper describes the development of a chemical pretreatment system based on solid tablet shapes which are positioned in the urine collection hose and are dissolved by the intrained urine at the proper ratio of pretreatment to urine. Building upon the prior success of the developed and tested solid Oxone tablet a trade study was completed to confirm if a similar approach, or alternative, would be appropriate for the sulfuric acid injection method. In addition, a recommended handling and packaging approach of the solid tablets for long term, safe and convenient use on ISS was addressed. Consequently, the solid tablet concept with suitable packaging was identified as the Urine Pretreat / Prefilter Assembly (UPPA). Testing of the UPPA configuration confirmed the disolution rates and ratios required by ISS were achieved. This testing included laboratory controlled methods as well as a 'real world' test evaluation that occurred during the 150 day Stage 10 Water Recovery Test (WRT) conducted at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC).

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes as a sorbent material for the solid phase extraction of lead from urine and subsequent determination by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peña Crecente, Rosa M.; Lovera, Carlha Gutiérrez; García, Julia Barciela; Méndez, Jennifer Álvarez; Martín, Sagrario García; Latorre, Carlos Herrero

2014-11-01

The determination of lead in urine is a way of monitoring the chemical exposure to this metal. In the present paper, a new method for the Pb determination by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) in urine at low levels has been developed. Lead was separated from the undesirable urine matrix by means of a solid phase extraction (SPE) procedure. Oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes have been used as a sorbent material. Lead from urine was retained at pH 4.0 and was quantitatively eluted using a 0.7 M nitric acid solution and was subsequently measured by ETAAS. The effects of parameters that influence the adsorption-elution process (such as pH, eluent volume and concentration, sampling and elution flow rates) and the atomic spectrometry conditions have been studied by means of different factorial design strategies. Under the optimized conditions, the detection and quantification limits obtained were 0.08 and 0.26 μg Pb L- 1, respectively. The results demonstrate the absence of a urine matrix effect and this is the consequence of the SPE process carried out. Therefore, the developed method is useful for the analysis of Pb at low levels in real samples without the influence of other urine components. The proposed method was applied to the determination of lead in urine samples of unexposed healthy people and satisfactory results were obtained (in the range 3.64-22.9 μg Pb L- 1).

Detection of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection in Wheezing Infants by Urine DNA and Serum IgG Testing.

PubMed

Zeng, Zhao-Cheng; Chang, Qing; Sun, Zhi-Wei; Song, Ming-Mei; Jin, Xin-Ling; Jiang, Shu-Ya; Yang, Xia

2017-03-11

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of CMV infection in wheezing infants and the association between CMV-DNA and immunoglobulins (Igs). MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 243 wheezing infants and 3,000 parturients were enrolled in this study. The infants were randomly grouped to receive blood HCMV-DNA tests (n=46) or urine HCMV-DNA tests (n=197). Furthermore, all participants had serum CMV-specific IgM and IgG testing. Afterwards, 10 HCMV-IgG positive infants were randomly selected for simultaneous blood and urine HCMV-DNA tests, and 25 HCMV-IgG positive puerperants were randomly selected for urine HCMV-DNA tests. RESULTS The detection rate of urine HCMV-DNA was significantly higher than that of blood HCMV-DNA (67.5% vs. 13.0%, p<0.001). Fifteen (6.2%) and 190 (80.0%) infants showed positive CMV-specific IgM and IgG results (p<0.001), respectively. Among the 10 HCMV-IgG positive infants tested further, only two infants had positive HCMV-DNA blood tests, while all of the 10 infants had positive HCMV-DNA urine tests. However, HCMV-DNA was not detected in the urine of the 25 randomly selected parturients positive for HCMV-IgG. CONCLUSIONS CMV infection may be one of the causes of wheezing in infants; CMV infection can be detected by urine-HCMV-DNA and serum HCMV-IgG testing. Infants were more susceptible to CMV infection than parturients.

Simultaneous determination of 40 novel psychoactive stimulants in urine by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry and library matching

PubMed Central

Concheiro, Marta; Castaneto, Marisol; Kronstrand, Robert; Huestis, Marilyn A.

2015-01-01

The emergence of novel psychoactive substances is an ongoing challenge for analytical toxicologists. Different analogs are continuously introduced in the market to circumvent legislation and to enhance their pharmacological activity. Although detection of drugs in blood indicates recent exposure and link intoxication to the causative agent, urine is still the most preferred testing matrix in clinical and forensic settings. We developed a method for the simultaneous quantification of 8 piperazines, 4 designer amphetamines and 28 synthetic cathinones and 4 metabolites, in urine by liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Data were acquired in full scan and data dependent MS2 mode. Compounds were quantified by precursor ion exact mass, and confirmed by product ion spectra library matching, taking into account product ions’ exact mass and intensities. One-hundred μL urine was subjected to solid phase cation exchange extraction (SOLA SCX). The chromatographic reverse-phase separation was achieved with gradient mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid in water and in acetonitrile in 20 min. The assay was linear from 2.5 or 5 to 500μg/L. Imprecision (n=15) was <15.4%, and accuracy (n=15) 84.2-118.5%. Extraction efficiency was 51.2-111.2%, process efficiency 57.7-104.9% and matrix effect ranged from -41.9 to 238.5% (CV<23.3%, except MDBZP CV<34%). Authentic urine specimens (n=62) were analyzed with the method that provides a comprehensive confirmation for 40 new stimulant drugs with specificity and sensitivity. PMID:25931378

US Army Institute of Surgical Research Annual Research Progress Report for Fiscal Year 1987.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-10-01

oases, respiratory rate, chest roentgenograms), cardiovascular (blood pressure, central venous pressure, cardiac output), and renal (urine output, urine...Monitoring includes the precordial and/or esophageal stethoscope, peripheral pulse, blood pressure, central venous pressure, Swan-Ganz catheter... central venous , peripheral venous , and Swan-Ganz (7F, American Edward Laboratories, Irvine CA) catheters and an esophageal balloon were inserted. After a 2

Biomarkers of Renal Tumor Burden and Progression in TSC

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

code) Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8-98) Prescribed by ANSI Std. Z39.18 Biomarkers of Renal Tumor Burden and Progression in TSC Dr. Elahna Paul 1...appearance and growth rates) and renal function parameters (e.g. blood pressure, serum chemistries, urinalysis and urine chemistries). (2) Measure...and renal function parameters (e.g. blood pressure, serum chemistries, urinalysis and urine chemistries). (2) Measure soluble growth factors

Evaluation of a solid-phase extraction method for benzoylecgonine urine analysis in a high-throughput forensic urine drug-testing laboratory.

PubMed

Stout, Peter R; Gehlhausen, Jay M; Horn, Carl K; Klette, Kevin L

2002-10-01

A novel extraction and derivatization procedure for the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine (BZE) was developed and evaluated for use in a high-volume forensic urine analysis laboratory. Extractions utilized a Speedisk 48 positive pressure extraction manifold and polymer-based cation-exchange extraction columns. Samples were derivatized by the addition of pentafluoropropionic anhydride and pentafluoropropanol. All analyses were performed in selected ion monitoring mode; ions included m/z 421, 300, 272, 429, and 303 with m/z 421 to 429 ratio used for quantitation. The average extraction efficiency was 80%. Seventy-five common over-the-counter products, including prescription drugs, drug metabolites, and other drugs of abuse, demonstrated no significant interference with respect to chromatography or quantitation. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation were calculated at 12.5 ng/mL, and the assay was linear from 12.5 to 20,000 ng/mL with an r2 of 0.99932. A series of 20 precision samples (100 ng/mL) produced an average response of 97.8 ng/mL and a percent coefficient of variation of 4.1%. A set of 79 archived human urine samples that had previously been found to contain BZE were analyzed by 3 separate laboratories. The results did not differ significantly from prior quantitation or between laboratories. The Speedisk has proven viable for a high-volume production facility reducing overall cost of analysis by decreasing analysis time and minimizing waste production while meeting strict forensic requirements.

Shedding and seroprevalence of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in sheep and cattle at a New Zealand Abattoir.

PubMed

Fang, F; Collins-Emerson, J M; Cullum, A; Heuer, C; Wilson, P R; Benschop, J

2015-06-01

A cross-sectional study was carried out on sheep and cattle slaughtered at a New Zealand abattoir from September to November 2010 to investigate the supplier-specific shedding rate, renal carriage rate and seroprevalence of leptospires. In the 2008/2009 season, this abattoir experienced three human leptospirosis cases from 20 staff, of which two were hospitalized. Urine, kidney and blood samples were collected from carcasses of 399 sheep (six suppliers, 17 slaughter lines) and 146 cattle (three suppliers, 22 slaughter lines). The urine and kidney samples were tested by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), while serum samples (from coagulated blood samples) were tested by microscopic agglutination test (MAT). In total, 27% (73/274; 95% CI: 18-37) of urine samples tested positive by qPCR. Species-specific shedding rates (prevalence of positive urine qPCR) were 31% (95% CI: 17-48) for sheep and 21% (95% CI: 14-30) for cattle. For 545 kidney samples tested, 145 were qPCR positive (27%; 95% CI: 17-39). The average prevalence of kidney qPCR positivity was 29% (95% CI: 17-45) for sheep and 21% (95% CI: 15-28) for cattle. Three hundred and thirty of 542 sampled sheep and cattle had antibodies against Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjobovis (Hardjobovis) and/or Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona (Pomona), based on reciprocal MAT titre ≥1 : 48 (overall seroprevalence of 61%; 95% CI: 48-73). Seroprevalence was 57% (95% CI: 40-72) for sheep and 73% (95% CI: 59-83) for cattle. Among the seropositive animals, 41% (70/170; 95% CI: 30-54) were shedding (tested positive by urine qPCR) and 42% (137/330; 95% CI: 30-54) had renal carriage (tested positive by kidney qPCR). Some risk management options for abattoirs or farms to prevent human leptospirosis infections include vaccination of maintenance hosts, the use of personal protective equipment, and the application of urine qPCR to detect shedding status of stock as surveillance and as an alert. © 2014 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Kinetics of calcium oxalate crystal formation in urine.

PubMed

Laube, Norbert; Klein, Florian; Bernsmann, Falk

2017-04-01

It is routinely observed that persons with increased urinary stone risk factors do not necessarily form uroliths. Furthermore, stone formers can present with urinalyses that do not reflect the clinical picture. We explain this discrepancy by differences in crystallization kinetics. In 1162 urines, crystallization of Ca-oxalate was induced according to the BONN-Risk-Index (BRI) method. The urine's relative light transmissivity (RLT) was recorded from 100 % at start of titration to 95 % due to nuclei formation and crystal growth. From the RLT changes, a measure of the thermodynamic inhibition threshold of crystal formation (BRI) and of crystal growth kinetics is derived ("turbidity slope" after crystallization onset). On average, subjects presenting with a low inhibition threshold, i.e., high BRI, also present significantly higher crystal growth rates compared with subjects in lower BRI classes. Only subjects in the highest BRI class show a lower growth rate than expected, probably due to a depletion of supersaturation by massive initial nucleation. With increasing thermodynamic risk of crystal formation (i.e., increasing BRI) due to an imbalance between inhibitors and promoters of crystal formation, an increase in the imbalance between inhibitors and promoters of crystal growth (i.e., increasing growth rate) is observed. Both lead to an increased urolith formation risk. Healthy subjects with increased BRI are an exception to this trend: their urine is thermodynamically prone to form stones, but they show a kinetic inhibition preventing nuclei from significant growth.

Ion Exchange Technology Development in Support of the Urine Processor Assembly Precipitation Prevention Project for the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mitchell, Julie L.; Broyan, James L.; Pickering, Karen D.; Adam, Niklas; Casteel, Michael; Callaham, Michael; Carrier, Chris

2011-01-01

In support of the Urine Processor Assembly Precipitation Prevention Project (UPA PPP), multiple technologies were explored to prevent CaSO4 dot 2H2O (gypsum) precipitation during the on-orbit distillation process. Gypsum precipitation currently limits the water recovery rate onboard the International Space Station (ISS) to 70% versus the planned 85% target water recovery rate. Due to its advanced performance in removing calcium cations in pretreated augmented urine (PTAU), ion exchange was selected as one of the technologies for further development by the PPP team. A total of 12 ion exchange resins were evaluated in various equilibrium and dynamic column tests with solutions of dissolved gypsum, urine ersatz, PTAU, and PTAU brine at 85% water recovery. While initial evaluations indicated that the Purolite SST60 resin had the highest calcium capacity in PTAU (0.30 meq/mL average), later tests showed that the Dowex G26 and Amberlite FPC12H resins had the highest capacity (0.5 meq/mL average). Further dynamic column testing proved that G26 performance is +/- 10% of that value at flow rates of 0.45 and 0.79 Lph under continuous flow, and 10.45 Lph under pulsed flow. Testing at the Marshall Spaceflight Center (MSFC) integrates the ion exchange technology with a UPA ground article under flight-like pulsed flow conditions with PTAU. To date, no gypsum precipitation has taken place in any of the initial evaluations.

Discrimination of premalignant conditions of oral cancer using Raman spectroscopy of urinary metabolites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elumalai, Brindha; Rajasekaran, Ramu; Aruna, Prakasarao; Koteeswaran, Dornadula; Ganesan, Singaravelu

2015-03-01

Oral cancers are considered to be one of the most commonly occurring malignancy worldwide. Over 70% of the cases report to the doctor only in advanced stages of the disease, resulting in poor survival rates. Hence it is necessary to detect the disease at the earliest which may increase the five year survival rate up to 90%. Among various optical spectroscopic techniques, Raman spectroscopy has been emerged as a tool in identifying several diseased conditions, including oral cancers. Around 30 - 80% of the malignancies of the oral cavity arise from premalignant lesions. Hence, understanding the molecular/spectral differences at the premalignant stage may help in identifying the cancer at the earliest and increase patient's survival rate. Among various bio-fluids such as blood, urine and saliva, urine is considered as one of the diagnostically potential bio-fluids, as it has many metabolites. The distribution and the physiochemical properties of the urinary metabolites may vary due to the changes associated with the pathologic conditions. The present study is aimed to characterize the urine of 70 healthy subjects and 51 pre-malignant patients using Raman spectroscopy under 785nm excitation, to know the molecular/spectral differences between healthy subjects and premalignant conditions of oral malignancy. Principal component analysis based Linear discriminant analysis were also made to find the statistical significance and the present technique yields the sensitivity and specificity of 86.3% and 92.9% with an overall accuracy of 90.9% in the discrimination of premalignant conditions from healthy subjects urine.

Identification of tamoxifen and metabolites in human male urine by GC/MS.

PubMed

Mihailescu, R; Aboul-Enein, H Y; Efstatide, M D

2000-05-01

Tamoxifen is an antiestrogenic drug which is used in the treatment of breast cancer and nonmalignant breast disorders. It also has a stimulating effect on the secretion of hypofisar gonadotropic hormones and is generally used in the treatment of infertility. In males, tamoxifen causes an increase of endogenous production of androgenic steroids, and therefore is used by athletes. A method for identification of tamoxifen and metabolites in urine, using the gas chromatography and mass spectrometry system (GC/MS) is described. This study also reports the extraction methodology of tamoxifen and metabolites in urine samples of healthy male volunteers and the GC/MS conditions used to identify tamoxifen and its metabolites.

Combined energy production and waste management in manned spacecraft utilizing on-demand hydrogen production and fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elitzur, Shani; Rosenband, Valery; Gany, Alon

2016-11-01

Energy supply and waste management are among the most significant challenges in human spacecraft. Great efforts are invested in managing solid waste, recycling grey water and urine, cleaning the atmosphere, removing CO2, generating and saving energy, and making further use of components and products. This paper describes and investigates a concept for managing waste water and urine to simultaneously produce electric and heat energies as well as fresh water. It utilizes an original technique for aluminum activation to react spontaneously with water at room temperature to produce hydrogen on-site and on-demand. This reaction has further been proven to be effective also when using waste water and urine. Applying the hydrogen produced in a fuel cell, one obtains electric energy as well as fresh (drinking) water. The method was compared to the traditional energy production technology of the Space Shuttle, which is based on storing the fuel cell reactants, hydrogen and oxygen, in cryogenic tanks. It is shown that the alternative concept presented here may provide improved safety, compactness (reduction of more than one half of the volume of the hydrogen storage system), and management of waste liquids for energy generation and drinking water production. Nevertheless, it adds mass compared to the cryogenic hydrogen technology. It is concluded that the proposed method may be used as an emergency and backup power system as well as an additional hydrogen source for extended missions in human spacecraft.

Urine Fibrosis Markers and Risk of Allograft Failure in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Case-Cohort Ancillary Study of the FAVORIT Trial.

PubMed

Ix, Joachim H; Katz, Ronit; Bansal, Nisha; Foster, Meredith; Weiner, Daniel E; Tracy, Russell; Jotwani, Vasantha; Hughes-Austin, Jan; McKay, Dianne; Gabbai, Francis; Hsu, Chi-Yuan; Bostom, Andrew; Levey, Andrew S; Shlipak, Michael G

2017-03-01

Kidney tubulointerstitial fibrosis marks risk for allograft failure in kidney transplant recipients, but is poorly captured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR). Whether urinary markers of tubulointerstitial fibrosis can noninvasively identify risk for allograft failure above and beyond eGFR and ACR is unknown. Case-cohort study. The FAVORIT (Folic Acid for Vascular Outcome Reduction in Transplantation) Trial was a randomized double-blind trial testing vitamin therapy to lower homocysteine levels in stable kidney transplant recipients. We selected a subset of participants at random (n=491) and all individuals with allograft failure during follow-up (cases; n=257). Using spot urine specimens from the baseline visit, we measured 4 urinary proteins known to correlate with tubulointerstitial fibrosis on biopsy (urine α 1 -microglobulin [A1M], monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 [MCP-1], and procollagen type III and type I amino-terminal amino pro-peptide). Death-censored allograft failure. In models adjusted for demographics, chronic kidney disease risk factors, eGFR, and ACR, higher concentrations of urine A1M (HR per doubling, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.43-2.08) and MCP-1 (HR per doubling, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.32-1.93) were strongly associated with allograft failure. When additionally adjusted for concentrations of other urine fibrosis and several urine injury markers, urine A1M (HR per doubling, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.27-2.44]) and MCP-1 levels (HR per doubling, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.17-1.89) remained associated with allograft failure. Urine procollagen type III and type I levels were not associated with allograft failure. We lack kidney biopsy data, BK titers, and HLA antibody status. Urine measurement of tubulointerstitial fibrosis may provide a noninvasive method to identify kidney transplant recipients at higher risk for future allograft failure, above and beyond eGFR and urine ACR. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Metabolic acidosis stimulates the production of the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin in rabbit urine.

PubMed

Peng, Hu; Purkerson, Jeffrey M; Schwaderer, Andy L; Schwartz, George J

2017-11-01

Intercalated cells of the collecting duct (CD) are critical for acid-base homeostasis and innate immune defense of the kidney. Little is known about the impact of acidosis on innate immune defense in the distal nephron. Urinary tract infections are mainly due to Escherichia coli and are an important risk factor for development of chronic kidney disease. While the effect of urinary pH on growth of E. coli is well established, in this study, we demonstrate that acidosis increases urine antimicrobial activity due, at least in part, to induction of cathelicidin expression within the CD. Acidosis was induced in rabbits by adding NH 4 Cl to the drinking water and reducing food intake over 3 days or by casein supplementation. Microdissected CDs were examined for cathelicidin mRNA expression and antimicrobial activity, and cathelicidin protein levels in rabbit urine were measured. Cathelicidin expression in CD cells was detected in kidney sections. CDs from acidotic rabbits expressed three times more cathelicidin mRNA than those isolated from normal rabbits. Urine from acidotic rabbits had significantly more antimicrobial activity (vs. E. coli ) than normal urine, and most of this increased activity was blocked by cathelicidin antibody. The antibody had little effect on antimicrobial activity of normal urine. Urine from acidotic rabbits had at least twice the amount of cathelicidin protein as did normal urine. We conclude that metabolic acidosis not only stimulates CD acid secretion but also induces expression of cathelicidin and, thereby, enhances innate immune defense against urinary tract infections via induction of antimicrobial peptide expression. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Central diabetes insipidus associated with impaired renal aquaporin-1 expression in mice lacking liver X receptor β.

PubMed

Gabbi, Chiara; Kong, Xiaomu; Suzuki, Hitoshi; Kim, Hyun-Jin; Gao, Min; Jia, Xiao; Ohnishi, Hideo; Ueta, Yoichi; Warner, Margaret; Guan, Youfei; Gustafsson, Jan-Åke

2012-02-21

The present study demonstrates a key role for the oxysterol receptor liver X receptor β (LXRβ) in the etiology of diabetes insipidus (DI). Given free access to water, LXRβ(-/-) but not LXRα(-/-) mice exhibited polyuria (abnormal daily excretion of highly diluted urine) and polydipsia (increased water intake), both features of diabetes insipidus. LXRβ(-/-) mice responded to 24-h dehydration with a decreased urine volume and increased urine osmolality. To determine whether the DI was of central or nephrogenic origin, we examined the responsiveness of the kidney to arginine vasopressin (AVP). An i.p. injection of AVP to LXRβ(-/-) mice revealed a partial kidney response: There was no effect on urine volume, but there was a significant increase of urine osmolality, suggesting that DI may be caused by a defect in central production of AVP. In the brain of WT mice LXRβ was expressed in the nuclei of magnocellular neurons in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus. In LXRβ(-/-) mice the expression of AVP was markedly decreased in the magnocellular neurons as well as in urine collected over a 24-h period. The persistent high urine volume after AVP administration was traced to a reduction in aquaporin-1 expression in the kidney of LXRβ(-/-) mice. The LXR agonist (GW3965) in WT mice elicited an increase in urine osmolality, suggesting that LXRβ is a key receptor in controlling water balance with targets in both the brain and kidney, and it could be a therapeutic target in disorders of water balance.

Supporting Production of Milk and Milk Components on Low Protein Diets

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

There is increasing interest in minimizing crude protein (CP) content of diets fed to dairy cows to reduce production costs and to improve environmental sustainability. Dietary CP not utilized for production is lost largely in the urine, the most polluting form of excretory nitrogen (N). Because mic...

16 CFR 305.19 - Promotional material displayed or distributed at point of sale.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... OF CERTAIN HOME APPLIANCES AND OTHER PRODUCTS REQUIRED UNDER THE ENERGY POLICY AND CONSERVATION ACT... distribution at point-of-sale concerning a covered product that is a showerhead, faucet, water closet, or urinal shall clearly and conspicuously include in such printed material the product's water use...

16 CFR 305.19 - Promotional material displayed or distributed at point of sale.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... OF CERTAIN HOME APPLIANCES AND OTHER PRODUCTS REQUIRED UNDER THE ENERGY POLICY AND CONSERVATION ACT... distribution at point-of-sale concerning a covered product that is a showerhead, faucet, water closet, or urinal shall clearly and conspicuously include in such printed material the product's water use...

Red urine from red deer grazed on pure red clover swards.

PubMed

Niezen, J H; Barry, T N; Wilson, P R; Lane, G

1992-12-01

Twenty-four red deer hinds with their calves were released on to a newly established pure red clover sward and, 2 days later, red staining of the tail, perineum and hocks was observed. This was presumed to be of urinary origin. Observation of micturition showed that when urine was passed, it was a normal straw colour but it turned scarlet-red about 1 hour after exposure to air. Midstream urine remained the normal colour when held under a pure nitrogen atmosphere immediately after micturition, but it turned red when held in air in the dark, suggesting that the colour change was due to an oxidative rather than a photosensitive reaction. All deer grazing red clover were affected but this did not occur in deer grazing ryegrass/white clover swards. No adverse effects were observed in the deer grazing the red clover, and calf growth was significantly higher than on ryegrass/white clover, suggesting that the red urine had no effect on health or productivity. Blood and urine analyses showed no signs of haemolysis, haematuria or haemoglobinuria. Preliminary chemical analyses suggest that the compounds involved are not those found in the urine of sheep grazing oestrogenic clover. The nature of the compounds have yet to be determined.

A urine-fuelled soil-based bioregenerative life support system for long-term and long-distance manned space missions.

PubMed

Maggi, Federico; Tang, Fiona H M; Pallud, Céline; Gu, Chuanhui

2018-05-01

A soil-based cropping unit fuelled with human urine for long-term manned space missions was investigated with the aim to analyze whether a closed-loop nutrient cycle from human liquid wastes was achievable. Its ecohydrology and biogeochemistry were analysed in microgravity with the use of an advanced computational tool. Urine from the crew was used to supply primary (N, P, and K) and secondary (S, Ca and Mg) nutrients to wheat and soybean plants in the controlled cropping unit. Breakdown of urine compounds into primary and secondary nutrients as well as byproduct gases, adsorbed, and uptake fractions were tracked over a period of 20 years. Results suggested that human urine could satisfy the demand of at least 3 to 4 out of 6 nutrients with an offset in pH and salinity tolerable by plants. It was therefore inferred that a urine-fuelled life support system can introduce a number of advantages including: (1) recycling of liquids wastes and production of food; (2) forgiveness of neglect as compared to engineered electro-mechanical systems that may fail under unexpected or unplanned conditions; and (3) reduction of supply and waste loads during space missions. Copyright © 2018 The Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

10 CFR Appendix T to Subpart B of... - Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Water Consumption of Water Closets and Urinals

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 10 Energy 3 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Water Consumption of Water Closets and Urinals T Appendix T to Subpart B of Part 430 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ENERGY CONSERVATION ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS Test Procedures Pt. 430, Subpt. B, App. T Appendix T to Subpart B of Part 430—Uniform...

10 CFR Appendix T to Subpart B of... - Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Water Consumption of Water Closets and Urinals

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 10 Energy 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Water Consumption of Water Closets and Urinals T Appendix T to Subpart B of Part 430 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ENERGY CONSERVATION ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS Test Procedures Pt. 430, Subpt. B, App. T Appendix T to Subpart B of Part 430—Uniform...

10 CFR Appendix T to Subpart B of... - Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Water Consumption of Water Closets and Urinals

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 10 Energy 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Water Consumption of Water Closets and Urinals T Appendix T to Subpart B of Part 430 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ENERGY CONSERVATION ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS Test Procedures Pt. 430, Subpt. B, App. T Appendix T to Subpart B of Part 430—Uniform...

10 CFR Appendix T to Subpart B of... - Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Water Consumption of Water Closets and Urinals

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 10 Energy 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Water Consumption of Water Closets and Urinals T Appendix T to Subpart B of Part 430 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ENERGY CONSERVATION ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS Test Procedures Pt. 430, Subpt. B, App. T Appendix T to Subpart B of Part 430—Uniform...

10 CFR Appendix T to Subpart B of... - Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Water Consumption of Water Closets and Urinals

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 10 Energy 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Water Consumption of Water Closets and Urinals T Appendix T to Subpart B of Part 430 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ENERGY CONSERVATION ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS Test Procedures Pt. 430, Subpt. B, App. T Appendix T to Subpart B of Part 430—Uniform...

[Comparison of the efficacy and safety between TVT-O and TVT-O with biofeedback pelvic floor electrical stimulation on female stress urinary incontinence].

PubMed

Min, Ling; Zhao, Xia

2015-01-01

To compare the efficacy and safety between tension-free vaginal tape obturator technique (TVT-O) and TVT-O with biofeedback pelvic floor electrical stimulation on the therapy of female stress urinary incontinence. In this prospective study, 120 female patients of female stress urinary incontinence were enrolled from January 2012 to December 2013. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups, 60 in group A received TVT-O alone, while 60 in group B not only received TVT-O but also received biofeedback pelvic floor electrical stimulation. All the patients were followed up for 12 months to assess the efficacy and safety of the two procedures. Subjective indices [total volume of urine (TV), the total frequency of urination (TOV), the total leakage of urine events (TL), urinary incontinence related quality of life questionnaire (I-QOL), International Advisory Committee on urinary incontinence urinary incontinence questionnaire short form scale (ICI-Q-SF)] and objective indices [Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP), maximum flow rate (MFR), residual urine volume (RUV),pad test] were analyzed. Overall, the cure rate was 75% at 1 year follow-up for group A and 88.33% for group B (P<0.05). The effective rate was 16.67% for group A and 10% for group B (P<0.05). The ineffective rate was 8.33% for group A and 1.67% for group B (P<0.05). TV, I-QOL, ICI-Q-SF, VLPP and pad test in group B were superior to group A (P<0.05). Pelvic floor electrical stimulation biofeedback therapy could improve the curative effects of TVT-O on the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence.

Soil Intake Rates Based on Arsenic in Urine Data | Science ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The ingestion of soil is a potential source of human exposure to environmental contaminants. Several studies have been conducted to estimate the amount of soil ingested by children. The methodology used in these studies has consisted of a mass balance using measurements of certain tracers elements in the feces and urine. There are many uncertainties associated with this approach. The present study uses an innovative approach for deriving soil intake rates. The study uses data collected for children living near a copper smelter in Washington State in the town of Ruston, and from nearby Vashon and Maury Islands. The age of the children included in the study ranged from 2 to 13 years old. Distribution of soil and dust ingestion by children will be estimated based on arsenic concentrations found in urine, soil and air samples collected during three-day visits to each household in four quarters. External peer review comments did not support the use of data to predict soil intake rates due to data variability and measurement issues. The effort as originally proposed has been terminated but collected data and analysis will be used in a new project to evaluate methodologic issues associated with measurement error and variance. The purpose of this task is to conduct an analysis of soil intake rates using environmental and biological measurements of arsenic.

Numerical analysis of urine flow through the side holes of a double J stent in a ureteral stenosis.

PubMed

Kim, Hyoung-Ho; Choi, Young Ho; Lee, Seung Bae; Baba, Yasutaka; Kim, Kyung-Wuk; Suh, Sang-Ho

2017-07-20

Ureteral stenosis presents with a narrowing in the ureter, due to an intrinsic or extrinsic ureteral disease, such as ureter cancer or retroperitoneal fibrosis. The placement of a double J stent in the upper urinary system is one of the most common treatments of ureteral stenosis, along with the insertion of a percutaneous nephrostomy tube into the renal pelvis. The effect that the side holes in a double J stent have on urine flow has been evaluated in a few studies using straight ureter models. In this study, urine flow through a double J stent's side holes was analyzed in curved ureter models, which were based on human anatomy. In ureteral stenosis, especially in severe ureteral stenosis, a stent with side holes had a positive effect on the luminal and total flow rates, compared with the rates for a stent without side holes. The more side holes a stent has, the greater the luminal and total flow rates. However, the angular positions of the side holes did not affect flow rate. In conclusion, the side holes in a double J stent had a positive effect on ureteral stenosis, and the effect became greater as the ureteral stenosis became more severe.

Research of stimulants and anabolic steroids in dietary supplements.

PubMed

Baume, N; Mahler, N; Kamber, M; Mangin, P; Saugy, M

2006-02-01

The purpose of this study was to analyze the composition of 103 dietary supplements bought on the internet. The supplements were dispatched in four different categories according to their announced contents [creatine, prohormones, "mental enhancers" and branched chain amino acids (BCAA)]. All the supplements were screened for the presence of stimulants and main anabolic steroids parent compounds. At the same time, the research was focused on the precursors and metabolites of testosterone and nandrolone. The study pointed out three products containing an anabolic steroid, metandienone, in a very high amount. The ingestion of such products induced a high quantity of metandienone metabolites in urines that would be considered as a positive antidoping test. The results have also shown that one creatine product and three "mental enhancers" contained traces of hormones or prohormones not claimed on the labels and 14 prohormone products contained substances other than those indicated by the manufacturer. The oral intake of the creatine product revealed the presence of the two main nandrolone metabolites (19-norandrosterone and 19-noretiocholanolone) in urine.

Evidence of uncoupling between renal dysfunction and injury in cardiorenal syndrome: insights from the BIONICS study.

PubMed

Legrand, Matthieu; De Berardinis, Benedetta; Gaggin, Hanna K; Magrini, Laura; Belcher, Arianna; Zancla, Benedetta; Femia, Alexandra; Simon, Mandy; Motiwala, Shweta; Sambhare, Rasika; Di Somma, Salvatore; Mebazaa, Alexandre; Vaidya, Vishal S; Januzzi, James L

2014-01-01

The objective of the study was to assess urinary biomarkers of renal injury for their individual or collective ability to predict Worsening renal function (WRF) in patients with acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF). In a prospective, blinded international study, 87 emergency department (ED) patients with ADHF were evaluated with biomarkers of cardiac stretch (B type natriuretic peptide [BNP] and its amino terminal equivalent [NT-proBNP], ST2), biomarkers of renal function (creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]) and biomarkers of renal injury (plasma neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin [pNGAL], urine kidney injury molecule-1 [KIM-1], urine N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase [NAG], urine Cystatin C, urine fibrinogen). The primary endpoint was WRF. 26% developed WRF; baseline characteristics of subjects who developed WRF were generally comparable to those who did not. Biomarkers of renal function and urine biomarkers of renal injury were not correlated, while urine biomarkers of renal injury correlated between each other. Biomarker concentrations were similar between patients with and without WRF except for baseline BNP. Although plasma NGAL was associated with the combined endpoint, none of the biomarker showed predictive accuracy for WRF. In ED patients with ADHF, urine biomarkers of renal injury did not predict WRF. Our data suggest that a weak association exists between renal dysfunction and renal injury in this setting (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT#0150153).

Evidence of Uncoupling between Renal Dysfunction and Injury in Cardiorenal Syndrome: Insights from the BIONICS Study

PubMed Central

Legrand, Matthieu; De Berardinis, Benedetta; Gaggin, Hanna K.; Magrini, Laura; Belcher, Arianna; Zancla, Benedetta; Femia, Alexandra; Simon, Mandy; Motiwala, Shweta; Sambhare, Rasika; Di Somma, Salvatore; Mebazaa, Alexandre; Vaidya, Vishal S.; Januzzi, James L.; (GREAT), from the Global Research on Acute Conditions Team

2014-01-01

Objective The objective of the study was to assess urinary biomarkers of renal injury for their individual or collective ability to predict Worsening renal function (WRF) in patients with acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Methods In a prospective, blinded international study, 87 emergency department (ED) patients with ADHF were evaluated with biomarkers of cardiac stretch (B type natriuretic peptide [BNP] and its amino terminal equivalent [NT-proBNP], ST2), biomarkers of renal function (creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]) and biomarkers of renal injury (plasma neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin [pNGAL], urine kidney injury molecule-1 [KIM-1], urine N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase [NAG], urine Cystatin C, urine fibrinogen). The primary endpoint was WRF. Results 26% developed WRF; baseline characteristics of subjects who developed WRF were generally comparable to those who did not. Biomarkers of renal function and urine biomarkers of renal injury were not correlated, while urine biomarkers of renal injury correlated between each other. Biomarker concentrations were similar between patients with and without WRF except for baseline BNP. Although plasma NGAL was associated with the combined endpoint, none of the biomarker showed predictive accuracy for WRF. Conclusions In ED patients with ADHF, urine biomarkers of renal injury did not predict WRF. Our data suggest that a weak association exists between renal dysfunction and renal injury in this setting (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT#0150153). PMID:25386851

The effect of diet enriched with rapeseed meal on endogenous thiouracil contents in urine and milk of cattle.

PubMed

Wozniak, Barbara; Matraszek-Zuchowska, Iwona; Witek, Sebastian; Zmudzki, Jan; Posyniak, Andrzej

2018-01-15

Thyreostatic compounds, such as thiouracil, are orally active drugs that can be used to increase the weight of cattle before slaughter. Due to potentially teratogenic and carcinogenic effects of their residues on public health, the use of thyreostats in animal production has been banned in the European Union since 1981. Systematic detection of low concentrations of thiouracil in the urine of livestock in many countries is believed to be of endogenous origin due to the use of Brassicaceae plants in the animal diet. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to determine the effects of diets rich in rapeseed meal on formation of thiouracil in urine and milk of dairy cows. For two weeks three cows were subjected to a diet supplemented with rapeseed at 30%, compared to the control cattle diet which contained up to 11% rapeseed. During the experiment, samples of urine and milk were collected and analysed by LC-MS/MS. The increase and decrease of thiouracil concentration in urine samples in different animals was individual and cyclic. The highest concentration of natural thiouracil determined in urine was 3.61 μg l -1 . It has been found that endogenous thiouracil exists in two tautomeric forms. A few days of storage of frozen urine samples affected the stability of natural thiouracil, whereas an acidic medium improved the stability of the compound and its isomer, which remained stable even after two months of storage at temperatures below -18°C. Due to the instability of thiouracil, urine samples upon sampling should be delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible or properly preserved. In milk samples, thiouracil was not found above the decision limit of the applied method of 0.63 μg l -1 . Preliminary studies have shown that faecal examination for banned thiouracil can be a complementary test for urine samples, and may be helpful in determining the origin of the compound present in urine.

Rapid differentiation of cocci/mixed bacteria from rods in voided urine culture of women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

PubMed

Yang, Chun-Chun; Yang, Stephen Shei-Dei; Hung, Hui-Ching; Chiang, I-Ni; Peng, Chiung-Hui; Chang, Shang-Jen

2017-09-01

To evaluate the ability of laser flow cytometry to predict cocci/mixed growth in the pre-analytical phase of urine specimens. We retrospectively reviewed urine samples from women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections from urologic clinics for study. Urine analyses were performed with laser flow cytometry (UF1000i, Sysmex, Kobe, Japan) and then diagrams were generated (forward scatter vs. fluorescent light scatter). Each specimen (bacteria count >357 BACT/μL) was classified as either cocci bacteria or rods/mixed growth according to the diagrams. Standard urine cultures were performed, and the agreement between cultures and the UF1000i interpretations was analyzed with kappa statistics. Finally, 491 specimens met the criteria for analysis. Among the 376 specimens with single bacteria growth, there were 26 gram-positive cocci (13 Streptococci spp., 7 Staphylococci spp., 6 Enterococci spp.), 1 gram-positive rods (Corynebacterium spp.), and 349 gram-negative rods (273 Escherichia coli, 33 Klebsiella spp., 29 Proteus spp., 6 Citrobacter spp., 4 Enterobacter spp., 3 Pseudomonas spp., and 1 Providencia spp.). There were 115 specimens with two bacteria species or more that were regarded as mixed growth. Agreement of rods or cocci/mixed growth between the laser flow cytometry and urine cultures yielded a kappa value of 0.58. The positive and negative predictive rate of the UF1000i for cocci/mixed growth in voided urine culture was 81.8% and 84.7%, respectively. Through laser flow cytometry, we can predict growth of cocci/mixed growth in the pre-analytical phase of urine culture, thus avoiding unnecessary urine culture and waiting time. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Urine culture guided antibiotic interventions: A pharmacist driven antimicrobial stewardship effort in the ED.

PubMed

Zhang, Xi; Rowan, Nicole; Pflugeisen, Bethann Mangel; Alajbegovic, Sanjin

2017-04-01

Antibiotics are overprescribed for abnormal urine tests including asymptomatic bacteriuria (AB), contributing to rising antimicrobial resistance rates. Pharmacists reviewed urine cultures daily from emergency department (ED) encounters to assess antibiotic appropriateness. We studied antibiotic prescribing practices and assessed compliance to national guidelines, correlations with urine analysis (UA) components, and opportunities for antimicrobial stewardship in the ED. This quality improvement project (QIP) was a prospective cohort study at a community hospital ED, with data collected from finalized urine cultures resulting October 30, 2014 through January 5, 2015. Analyses were conducted using Chi-squared and Fisher Exact tests and stepwise multiple logistic regression. Urine cultures from 457 encounters were reviewed, of which 136 met the inclusion criteria as non-pregnant and asymptomatic for urinary tract infection (UTI). 43% of 136 patients were treated with antibiotics, for a total of 426 antibiotic days. Pharmacist interventions for these patients resulted in 122/426 (29%) of potential antibiotic days saved. Factors found to significantly increase the odds of antibiotic prescribing in asymptomatic patients included presence of leukocyte esterase (OR=4.5, 95% CI: 1.2-17.2; p=0.03) or nitrites (OR=10.8, 95% CI: 1.7-68.1; p=0.01) in the urine and age≥75 (OR=3.5, 95% CI: 1.2-9.6, p=0.02). Pharmacist intervention in discontinuing or modifying antibiotics for asymptomatic patients with urine cultures reduced unnecessary antibiotic exposure and was a first step in antimicrobial stewardship efforts in the ED. Future work includes limiting urine tests and subsequent antibiotic therapy for non-pregnant asymptomatic patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A novel approach for stabilizing fresh urine by calcium hydroxide addition

PubMed Central

Randall, Dyllon G.; Krähenbühl, Manuel; Köpping, Isabell; Larsen, Tove A.; Udert, Kai M.

2016-01-01

In this study, we investigated the prevention of enzymatic urea hydrolysis in fresh urine by increasing the pH with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) powder. The amount of Ca(OH)2 dissolving in fresh urine depends significantly on the composition of the urine. The different urine compositions used in our simulations showed that between 4.3 and 5.8 g Ca(OH)2 dissolved in 1 L of urine at 25 °C. At this temperature, the pH at saturation is 12.5 and is far above the pH of 11, which we identified as the upper limit for enzymatic urea hydrolysis. However, temperature has a strong effect on the saturation pH, with higher values being achieved at lower temperatures. Based on our results, we recommend a dosage of 10 g Ca(OH)2 L−1 of fresh urine to ensure solid Ca(OH)2 always remains in the urine reactor which ensures sufficiently high pH values. Besides providing sufficient Ca(OH)2, the temperature has to be kept in a certain range to prevent chemical urea hydrolysis. At temperatures below 14 °C, the saturation pH is higher than 13, which favors chemical urea hydrolysis. We chose a precautionary upper temperature of 40 °C because the rate of chemical urea hydrolysis increases at higher temperatures but this should be confirmed with kinetic studies. By considering the boundaries for pH and temperature developed in this study, urine can be stabilized effectively with Ca(OH)2 thereby simplifying later treatment processes or making direct use easier. PMID:27055084

Differences in urine cadmium associations with kidney outcomes based on serum creatinine and cystatin C

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Weaver, Virginia M., E-mail: vweaver@jhsph.edu; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD

Cadmium is a well-known nephrotoxicant; chronic exposure increases risk for chronic kidney disease. Recently, however, associations between urine cadmium and higher creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) have been reported. Analyses utilizing alternate biomarkers of kidney function allow evaluation of potential mechanisms for these observations. We compared associations of urine cadmium with kidney function measures based on serum cystatin C to those with serum creatinine in 712 lead workers. Mean (standard deviation) molybdenum-corrected urine cadmium, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) eGFR and multi-variable cystatin C eGFR were 1.02 (0.65) {mu}g/g creatinine, and 97.4 (19.2) and 112.0 (17.7) mL/min/1.73more » m{sup 2}, respectively. The eGFR measures were moderately correlated (r{sub s}=0.5; p<0.001). After adjustment, ln (urine cadmium) was not associated with serum cystatin-C-based measures. However, higher ln (urine cadmium) was associated with higher creatinine-based eGFRs including the MDRD and an equation incorporating serum cystatin C and creatinine (beta-coefficient=4.1 mL/min/1.73 m{sup 2}; 95% confidence interval=1.6, 6.6). Urine creatinine was associated with serum creatinine-based but not cystatin-C-based eGFRs. These results support a biomarker-specific, rather than a kidney function, effect underlying the associations observed between higher urine cadmium and creatinine-based kidney function measures. Given the routine use of serum and urine creatinine in kidney and biomarker research, additional research to elucidate the mechanism(s) for these associations is essential.« less

Urine Culture Testing in Community Nursing Homes: Gateway to Antibiotic Overprescribing.

PubMed

Sloane, Philip D; Kistler, Christine E; Reed, David; Weber, David J; Ward, Kimberly; Zimmerman, Sheryl

2017-05-01

OBJECTIVE To describe current practice around urine testing and identify factors leading to overtreatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria in community nursing homes (NHs) DESIGN Observational study of a stratified random sample of NH patients who had urine cultures ordered in NHs within a 1-month study period SETTING 31 NHs in North Carolina PARTICIPANTS 254 NH residents who had a urine culture ordered within the 1-month study period METHODS We conducted an NH record audit of clinical and laboratory information during the 2 days before and 7 days after a urine culture was ordered. We compared these results with the urine antibiogram from the 31 NHs. RESULTS Empirical treatment was started in 30% of cases. When cultures were reported, previously untreated cases received antibiotics 89% of the time for colony counts of ≥100,000 CFU/mL and in 35% of cases with colony counts of 10,000-99,000 CFU/mL. Due to the high rate of prescribing when culture results returned, 74% of these patients ultimately received a full course of antibiotics. Treated and untreated patients did not significantly differ in temperature, frequency of urinary signs and symptoms, or presence of Loeb criteria for antibiotic initiation. Factors most commonly associated with urine culture ordering were acute mental status changes (32%); change in the urine color, odor, or sediment (17%); and dysuria (15%). CONCLUSIONS Urine cultures play a significant role in antibiotic overprescribing. Antibiotic stewardship efforts in NHs should include reduction in culture ordering for factors not associated with infection-related morbidity as well as more scrutiny of patient condition when results become available. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:524-531.

Urea and urine concentrating ability in mice lacking AQP1 and AQP3.

PubMed

Zhao, Dan; Bankir, Lise; Qian, Liman; Yang, Dayu; Yang, Baoxue

2006-08-01

Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) and aquaporin-3 (AQP3) water channels expressed in the kidney play a critical role in the urine concentrating mechanism. Mice with AQP1 or AQP3 deletion have a urinary concentrating defect. To better characterize this defect, we studied the influence of an acute urea load (300 mumol ip) in conscious AQP1-null, AQP3-null, and wild-type mice. Urine was collected and assayed every 2 h, from 2 h before (baseline) to 8 h after the urea load. Mice of all genotypes excreted the urea load in approximately 4 h with the same time course. Interestingly, despite their low baseline, the AQP3-null mice raised their urine osmolality and urea concentration progressively after the urea load to values almost equal to those in wild-type mice at 8 h. In contrast, urine non-urea solute concentration did not change. Urine volume fell in the last 4 h to about one-fourth of basal values. AQP1-null mice increased their urine flow rate much more than AQP3-null mice and showed no change in urine osmolality and urea concentration. The urea load strongly upregulated urea transporter UT-A3 expression in all three genotypes. These observations show that the lack of AQP3 does not interfere with the ability of the kidney to concentrate urea but impairs its ability to concentrate other solutes. This solute-selective response could result from the capacity of AQP3 to transport not only water but also urea. The results suggest a novel role for AQP3 in non-urea solute concentration in the urine.

A Versatile Nanowire Platform for Highly Efficient Isolation and Direct PCR-free Colorimetric Detection of Human Papillomavirus DNA from Unprocessed Urine

PubMed Central

Lee, HyungJae; Choi, Mihye; Hwang, Sang-Hyun; Cho, Youngnam

2018-01-01

Purpose: As human papillomavirus (HPV) is primarily responsible for the development of cervical cancer, significant efforts have been devoted to develop novel strategies for detecting and identifying HPV DNA in urine. The analysis of target DNA sequences in urine offers a potential alternative to conventional methods as a non-invasive clinical screening and diagnostic assessment tool for the detection of HPV. However, the lack of efficient approaches to isolate and directly detect HPV DNA in urine has restricted its potential clinical use. In this study, we demonstrated a novel approach of using polyethylenimine-conjugated magnetic polypyrrole nanowires (PEI-mPpy NWs) for the extraction, identification, and PCR-free colorimetric detection of high-risk strains of HPV DNA sequences, particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18, in urine specimens of cervical cancer patients. Materials and Methods: We fabricated and characterized polyethylenimine-conjugated magnetic nanowires (PEI/mPpy NWs). PEI/mPpy NWs-based HPV DNA isolation and detection strategy appears to be a cost-effective and practical technology with greater sensitivity and accuracy than other urine-based methods. Results: The analytical and clinical performance of PEI-mPpy NWs was evaluated and compared with those of cervical swabs, demonstrating a superior type-specific concordance rate of 100% between urine and cervical swabs, even when using a small volume of urine (300 µL). Conclusion: We envision that PEI-mPpy NWs provide substantive evidence for clinical diagnosis and management of HPV-associated disease with their excellent performance in the recovery and detection of HPV DNA from minimal amounts of urine samples. PMID:29290816

Fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products in children with renal disease

PubMed Central

Uttley, W. S.; Maxwell, Heather; Cash, J. D.

1974-01-01

Fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) were measured in the serum and urine of children with various forms of renal disease. Serum FDP was raised both with nephrosis and with active proliferative nephritis. Urine FDP was rarely present in nephrosis but was significantly increased during the active phase of proliferative nephritis and also in urinary tract infection with frank haematuria. Urinary FDP correlated with total urinary protein in proliferative nephritis but not in nephrosis, nor did it correlate with serum FDP in either condition. The major application of urinary FDP determination in clinical practice is as an indicator of activity and possible response to treatment in the management of active proliferative nephritis. PMID:4817446

Short communication: Urea hydrolysis in dairy cattle manure under different temperature, urea, and pH conditions.

PubMed

Moraes, L E; Burgos, S A; DePeters, E J; Zhang, R; Fadel, J G

2017-03-01

The objective of the study was to quantify the rate of urea hydrolysis in dairy cattle manure under different initial urea concentration, temperature, and pH conditions. In particular, by varying all 3 factors simultaneously, the interactions between them could also be determined. Fresh feces and artificial urine solutions were combined into a slurry to characterize the rate of urea hydrolysis under 2 temperatures (15°C and 35°C), 3 urea concentrations in urine solutions (500, 1,000, and 1,500 mg of urea-N/dL), and 3 pH levels (6, 7, and 8). Urea N concentration in slurry was analyzed at 0.0167, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 h after initial mixing. A nonlinear mixed effects model was used to determine the effects of urea concentration, pH, and temperature treatments on the exponential rate of urea hydrolysis and to predict the hydrolysis rate for each treatment combination. We detected a significant interaction between pH and initial urea level. Increasing urea concentration from 1,000 to 1,500 mg of urea-N/dL decreased the rate of urea hydrolysis across all pH levels. Across all pH and initial urea levels, the rate of urea hydrolysis increased with temperature, but the effect of pH was only observed for pH 6 versus pH 8 at the intermediate initial urea concentration. The fast rates of urea hydrolysis indicate that urea was almost completely hydrolyzed within a few hours of urine mixing with feces. The estimated urea hydrolysis rates from this study are likely maximum rates because of the thorough mixing before each sampling. Although considerable mixing of feces and urine occurs on the barn floor of commercial dairy operations from cattle walking through the manure, such mixing may be not as quick and thorough as in this study. Consequently, the urea hydrolysis rates from this study indicate the maximum loss of urea and should be accounted for in management aimed at mitigating ammonia emissions from dairy cattle manure under similar urea concentration, pH, and temperature conditions reported in this experiment. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Human neutral brush border endopeptidase EC 3.4.24.11 in urine, its isolation, characterisation and activity in renal diseases.

PubMed

Vlaskou, D; Hofmann, W; Guder, W G; Siskos, P A; Dionyssiou-Asteriou, A

2000-07-01

Human neutral brush border endopeptidase (NEP) was purified from the urine of patients suffering from acute toxic tubulointerstitial nephropathy. An enzyme preparation with specific activity of 102 Ug(-1) protein was obtained. The urinary activities of neutral endopeptidase and alanine aminopeptidase were measured in patients with renal disease and in 30 control patients, resulting in a reference range from 0.1 to 0.7 Ug(-1) creatinine and 1.4-14.1 Ug(-1) creatinine, respectively. Urine enzyme activities were highest in patients with acute tubulotoxic renal diseases. Neutral endopeptidase and alanine aminopeptidase activities were found to be 6.5- and 10-fold higher than the upper value of the reference range, respectively. Smaller increases in the rate of excretion of these enzymes (2.5- and 3.5-fold), respectively, were observed in patients suffering from acute tubular insufficiency and even lower increases, 2- and 1.5-fold, respectively, were observed in patients with chronic renal diseases. In diabetics and kidney transplant patients the enzyme excretion rates were within the reference range. Assay of both transmembrane metalloproteinases in urine may prove valuable in serving as markers for renal toxicity. Together with beta-NAG these enzymes could be employed as differentiation markers between acute and chronic tubular insufficiency.

Ion Exchange Technology Development in Support of the Urine Processor Assembly Precipitation Prevention Project for the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mitchell, Julie L.; Broyan, James L.; Pickering, Karen D.; Adam, Niklas; Casteel, Michael; Callahan, Michael; Carrier, Chris

2012-01-01

In support of the Urine Processor Assembly Precipitation Prevention Project (UPA PPP), multiple technologies were explored to prevent CaSO4 2H2O (gypsum) precipitation during the on-orbit distillation process. Gypsum precipitation currently limits the water recovery rate onboard the International Space Station (ISS) to 70% versus the planned 85% target water recovery rate. Due to its ability to remove calcium cations in pretreated augmented urine (PTAU), ion exchange was selected as one of the technologies for further development by the PPP team. A total of 13 ion exchange resins were evaluated in various equilibrium and dynamic column tests with solutions of dissolved gypsum, urine ersatz, PTAU, and PTAU brine at 85% water recovery. While initial evaluations indicated that the Purolite SST60 resin had the highest calcium capacity in PTAU (0.30 meq/mL average), later tests showed that the Dowex G26 and Amberlite FPC12H resins had the highest capacity (0.5 meq/mL average). Testing at the Marshall Spaceflight Center (MSFC) integrates the ion exchange technology with a UPA ground article under flight-like pulsed flow conditions with PTAU. To date, no gypsum precipitation has taken place in any of the initial evaluations.

Quantitative Monitoring of Cefradine in Human Urine Using a Luminol/Sulfobutylether-β-Cyclodextrin Chemiluminescence System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, M. X.; Tan, X. J.; Song, Zh. H.

2018-05-01

In this paper, a sensitive, rapid, and simple flow-injection chemiluminescence (FI-CL) technique is described for determining cefradine in human urine and capsule samples at the picogram level. The results show that cefradine within 0.1-100.0 nmol/L quantitatively quenches the CL intensity of the luminol/sulfo butylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD) system, with a relative correlation coefficient r of 0.9931. Subsequently, the possible mechanism for the quenching phenomenon is discussed in detail using the FI-CL and molecular docking methods. The proposed CL method, with a detection limit of 0.03 nmol/L (3σ) and relative standard deviations <3.0% (N = 7), is then implemented to monitor the excretion of cefradine in human urine. After orally administration, the cefradine reaches a maximum value of 1.37 ± 0.02 mg/mL at 2.0 h in urine, and the total excretion is 4.41 ± 0.03 mg/mL within 8.0 h. The absorption rate constant ka, the elimination rate constant ke, and the half-life t1/2 are 0.670 ± 0.008 h-1, 0.744 ± 0.005 h-1, and 0.93 ± 0.05 h, respectively.

First Trimester Urine and Serum Metabolomics for Prediction of Preeclampsia and Gestational Hypertension: A Prospective Screening Study.

PubMed

Austdal, Marie; Tangerås, Line H; Skråstad, Ragnhild B; Salvesen, Kjell; Austgulen, Rigmor; Iversen, Ann-Charlotte; Bathen, Tone F

2015-09-08

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including preeclampsia, are major contributors to maternal morbidity. The goal of this study was to evaluate the potential of metabolomics to predict preeclampsia and gestational hypertension from urine and serum samples in early pregnancy, and elucidate the metabolic changes related to the diseases. Metabolic profiles were obtained by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of serum and urine samples from 599 women at medium to high risk of preeclampsia (nulliparous or previous preeclampsia/gestational hypertension). Preeclampsia developed in 26 (4.3%) and gestational hypertension in 21 (3.5%) women. Multivariate analyses of the metabolic profiles were performed to establish prediction models for the hypertensive disorders individually and combined. Urinary metabolomic profiles predicted preeclampsia and gestational hypertension at 51.3% and 40% sensitivity, respectively, at 10% false positive rate, with hippurate as the most important metabolite for the prediction. Serum metabolomic profiles predicted preeclampsia and gestational hypertension at 15% and 33% sensitivity, respectively, with increased lipid levels and an atherogenic lipid profile as most important for the prediction. Combining maternal characteristics with the urinary hippurate/creatinine level improved the prediction rates of preeclampsia in a logistic regression model. The study indicates a potential future role of clinical importance for metabolomic analysis of urine in prediction of preeclampsia.

Potent cocktails: Effects of phthalate mixtures on reproductive development

EPA Science Inventory

Phthalate diesters are high-production volume chemicals used for many applications in consumer, health, medical and industrial products. Multiple phthalate metabolites have been detected in humans of all ages, including in pregnant mothers' urine and human amniotic fluid. Certain...

10 CFR 430.31 - Purpose and scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... OF ENERGY ENERGY CONSERVATION ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS Energy and Water... water conservation standards (in the case of faucets, showerheads, water closets, and urinals) for... the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles under the Energy Policy...

10 CFR 430.31 - Purpose and scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... OF ENERGY ENERGY CONSERVATION ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS Energy and Water... water conservation standards (in the case of faucets, showerheads, water closets, and urinals) for... the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles under the Energy Policy...

10 CFR 430.31 - Purpose and scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... OF ENERGY ENERGY CONSERVATION ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS Energy and Water... water conservation standards (in the case of faucets, showerheads, water closets, and urinals) for... the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles under the Energy Policy...

UPT scenarios: Implications for system reliability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walsh, Daniel W.

1992-01-01

The objective of this project was to examine the corrosion resistance of 316L stainless steel in several urine pre-treat solutions. Four solutions were examined: untreated urine (control); urine pretreated with oxone (potassium peroxymonosulfate sulfate); urine pretreated with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); and urine pretreated with ozone (O3). In accordance with current procedures, all solutions but the control were acidified to a pH of 2.5 using sulfuric acid--this suppresses the generation of ammonia in the solutions and is intended to limit microbial growth. Welded and unwelded coupons were exposed to each solution. In addition, Titanium coupons (welded and unwelded) were exposed to biologically active environmental control and life support system (ECLSS) water. Microbial attachment and biofilm growth were monitored. Ozone was examined as a biocide/oxidizer/corrosion preventative (simultaneous addition) and as a remediation method (added one week after exposure). In an unrelated effort, HP 9-4-30 coupons were exposed to biologically active solutions. Corrosion rates for welded and unwelded samples were determined--results were correlated to the ongoing HP 9-4-30 weldment stress corrosion study.

High Prolactin Excretion in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and Impaired Renal Function.

PubMed

Triebel, Jakob; Moreno-Vega, Aura Ileana; Vázquez-Membrillo, Miguel; Nava, Gabriel; García-Franco, Renata; López-Star, Ellery; Baldivieso-Hurtado, Olivia; Ochoa, Daniel; Macotela, Yazmín; Bertsch, Thomas; Martinez de la Escalera, Gonzalo; Clapp, Carmen

2015-01-01

The metabolic clearance of prolactin (PRL) is partially executed by the kidney. Here, we investigate the urine excretion of PRL in patients with Diabetes Mellitus and renal impairment. Serum and urine samples were collected from male, mestizo patients in central Mexico employing a cross-sectional study design. Ninety-eight individuals had either no diabetes and normal renal function (control), diabetes and normal renal function, or diabetes with impaired renal function. PRL was determined by a chemiluminescent immunometric assay; protein, albumin, and creatinine were evaluated using quantitative colorimetric assays. The results were analyzed using ANOVA-testing. Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and renal impairment had significantly higher urine PRL levels than patients with Diabetes Mellitus and normal renal function and control patients. Higher urine PRL levels were associated with lower glomerular filtration rates, higher serum creatinine, and higher urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratios (UACR). Urine PRL levels correlated positively with UACR. Serum PRL levels were similar among groups. Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and impaired renal function demonstrate a high urinary PRL excretion. Urinary PRL excretion in the context of proteinuria could contribute to PRL dysregulation in renal impairment.

Speciation analysis of organotin compounds in human urine by headspace solid-phase micro-extraction and gas chromatography with pulsed flame photometric detection.

PubMed

Valenzuela, Aníbal; Lespes, Gaëtane; Quiroz, Waldo; Aguilar, Luis F; Bravo, Manuel A

2014-07-01

A new headspace solid-phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) method followed by gas chromatography with pulsed flame photometric detection (GC-PFPD) analysis has been developed for the simultaneous determination of 11 organotin compounds, including methyl-, butyl-, phenyl- and octyltin derivates, in human urine. The methodology has been validated by the analysis of urine samples fortified with all analytes at different concentration levels, and recovery rates above 87% and relative precisions between 2% and 7% were obtained. Additionally, an experimental-design approach has been used to model the storage stability of organotin compounds in human urine, demonstrating that organotins are highly degraded in this medium, although their stability is satisfactory during the first 4 days of storage at 4 °C and pH=4. Finally, this methodology was applied to urine samples collected from harbor workers exposed to antifouling paints; methyl- and butyltins were detected, confirming human exposure in this type of work environment. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cessation of Alcohol Consumption Decreases Rate of Nicotine Metabolism In Male Alcohol-Dependent Smokers#

PubMed Central

Gubner, Noah R.; Kozar-Konieczna, Aleksandra; Szoltysek-Boldys, Izabela; Slodczyk-Mankowska, Ewa; Goniewicz, Jerzy; Sobczak, Andrzej; Jacob, Peyton; Benowitz, Neal L.; Goniewicz, Maciej L.

2016-01-01

Background Rate of nicotine metabolism is an important factor influencing cigarette smoking behavior, dependence, and efficacy of nicotine replacement therapy. The current study examined the hypothesis that chronic alcohol abuse can accelerate the rate of nicotine metabolism. Nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR, a biomarker for rate of nicotine metabolism) and patterns of nicotine metabolites were assessed at three time points after alcohol cessation. Methods Participants were 22 Caucasian men randomly selected from a sample of 165 smokers entering a 7-week alcohol dependence treatment program in Poland. Data were collected at three time points: baseline (week 1, after acute alcohol detoxification), week 4, and week 7. Urine was analyzed for nicotine and metabolites and used to determine the nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR, a biomarker for rate of nicotine metabolism), and total nicotine equivalents (TNE, a biomarker for total daily nicotine exposure). Results and conclusions There was a significant decrease in urine NMR over the 7 weeks after alcohol abstinence (F(2,42)=18.83, p<0.001), indicating a decrease in rate of nicotine metabolism. On average NMR decreased 50.0% from baseline to week 7 (9.6 ± 1.3 vs. 4.1 ± 0.6). There was no change in urine TNE across the three sessions, indicating no change daily nicotine intake. The results support the idea that chronic alcohol abuse may increases the rate of nicotine metabolism, which then decreases over time after alcohol cessation. This information may help to inform future smoking cessation interventions in this population. PMID:27107849

Cessation of alcohol consumption decreases rate of nicotine metabolism in male alcohol-dependent smokers.

PubMed

Gubner, Noah R; Kozar-Konieczna, Aleksandra; Szoltysek-Boldys, Izabela; Slodczyk-Mankowska, Ewa; Goniewicz, Jerzy; Sobczak, Andrzej; Jacob, Peyton; Benowitz, Neal L; Goniewicz, Maciej L

2016-06-01

Rate of nicotine metabolism is an important factor influencing cigarette smoking behavior, dependence, and efficacy of nicotine replacement therapy. The current study examined the hypothesis that chronic alcohol abuse can accelerate the rate of nicotine metabolism. Nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR, a biomarker for rate of nicotine metabolism) and patterns of nicotine metabolites were assessed at three time points after alcohol cessation. Participants were 22 Caucasian men randomly selected from a sample of 165 smokers entering a 7-week alcohol dependence treatment program in Poland. Data were collected at three time points: baseline (week 1, after acute alcohol detoxification), week 4, and week 7. Urine was analyzed for nicotine and metabolites and used to determine the nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR, a biomarker for rate of nicotine metabolism), and total nicotine equivalents (TNE, a biomarker for total daily nicotine exposure). There was a significant decrease in urine NMR over the 7 weeks after alcohol abstinence (F(2,42)=18.83, p<0.001), indicating a decrease in rate of nicotine metabolism. On average NMR decreased 50.0% from baseline to week 7 (9.6±1.3 vs 4.1±0.6). There was no change in urine TNE across the three sessions, indicating no change daily nicotine intake. The results support the idea that chronic alcohol abuse may increase the rate of nicotine metabolism, which then decreases over time after alcohol cessation. This information may help to inform future smoking cessation interventions in this population. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Urine sampling techniques in symptomatic primary-care patients: a diagnostic accuracy review.

PubMed

Holm, Anne; Aabenhus, Rune

2016-06-08

Choice of urine sampling technique in urinary tract infection may impact diagnostic accuracy and thus lead to possible over- or undertreatment. Currently no evidencebased consensus exists regarding correct sampling technique of urine from women with symptoms of urinary tract infection in primary care. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of urine culture from different sampling-techniques in symptomatic non-pregnant women in primary care. A systematic review was conducted by searching Medline and Embase for clinical studies conducted in primary care using a randomized or paired design to compare the result of urine culture obtained with two or more collection techniques in adult, female, non-pregnant patients with symptoms of urinary tract infection. We evaluated quality of the studies and compared accuracy based on dichotomized outcomes. We included seven studies investigating urine sampling technique in 1062 symptomatic patients in primary care. Mid-stream-clean-catch had a positive predictive value of 0.79 to 0.95 and a negative predictive value close to 1 compared to sterile techniques. Two randomized controlled trials found no difference in infection rate between mid-stream-clean-catch, mid-stream-urine and random samples. At present, no evidence suggests that sampling technique affects the accuracy of the microbiological diagnosis in non-pregnant women with symptoms of urinary tract infection in primary care. However, the evidence presented is in-direct and the difference between mid-stream-clean-catch, mid-stream-urine and random samples remains to be investigated in a paired design to verify the present findings.

Behavioral, semiochemical and androgen responses by male giant pandas to the olfactory sexual receptivity cues of females.

PubMed

Wilson, Abbey E; Sparks, Darrell L; Knott, Katrina K; Kouba, Andrew J; Willard, Scott; Brown, Ashli

2018-07-01

Male giant pandas identify female sexual receptivity through the detection of olfactory cues in estrous urine. However, it is yet unknown which specific days of the female estrous cycle may provoke male sexual-social responses and a physiological readiness to mate. We hypothesized that female urine from specific days of the estrous cycle will be positively associated with specific changes in male behaviors, urinary semiochemical production, and steroidogenic activity. Experimental simultaneous choice trials were conducted in captivity with four male giant pandas during the spring breeding season and during fall. Male interest was determined by a behavioral preference toward peri-estrual urine collected from a specific day of the estrous cycle encompassing proestrus (Day -13, Day -6, Day -3, Day -2), estrus (Day -1 and Day 0), and metestrus (Day four and Day nine) over that of anestrous urine. Provocation of male sexual motivation was examined by changes in urinary semiochemical composition and urinary androgen concentrations. During the spring, male investigative behaviors indicated a preference for Day -13, Day -3 and Day 0 urine over anestrous urine, while no significant preferences for estrous urine could be detected during fall. The relative abundance of only three compounds in male urine were significantly higher above baseline values after males were exposed to peri-estrual urine during spring; whereas 34 compounds significantly increased in the fall. Similarly, androgen concentrations increased above baseline in only two out of four males during spring, while all males had elevated androgen concentrations after exposure to Day -3 urine during the fall. Our results suggest that peri-estrual urine from Day -13, Day -3, and Day 0 elicited the greatest duration of male investigation, changes in the semiochemical profile, and elevations in androgen levels. These data suggest that managers should incorporate a combination of behavioral, semiochemical, and endocrinological assessment of males in the reproductive management of giant pandas to determine impending ovulation and pinpoint the best time for male-female introductions and artificial inseminations. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Changes in urine volume and serum albumin in incident hemodialysis patients.

PubMed

Eriguchi, Rieko; Obi, Yoshitsugu; Rhee, Connie M; Chou, Jason A; Tortorici, Amanda R; Mathew, Anna T; Kim, Taehee; Soohoo, Melissa; Streja, Elani; Kovesdy, Csaba P; Kalantar-Zadeh, Kamyar

2017-10-01

Hypoalbuminemia is a predictor of poor outcomes in dialysis patients. Among hemodialysis patients, there has not been prior study of whether residual kidney function or decline over time impacts serum albumin levels. We hypothesized that a decline in residual kidney function is associated with an increase in serum albumin levels among incident hemodialysis patients. In a large national cohort of 38,504 patients who initiated hemodialysis during 1/2007-12/2011, we examined the association of residual kidney function, ascertained by urine volume and renal urea clearance, with changes in serum albumin over five years across strata of baseline residual kidney function, race, and diabetes using case-mix adjusted linear mixed effects models. Serum albumin levels increased over time. At baseline, patients with greater urine volume had higher serum albumin levels: 3.44 ± 0.48, 3.50 ± 0.46, 3.57 ± 0.44, 3.59 ± 0.45, and 3.65 ± 0.46 g/dL for urine volume groups of <300, 300-<600, 600-<900, 900-<1,200, and ≥1,200 mL/day, respectively (P trend  < 0.001). Over time, urine volume and renal urea clearance declined and serum albumin levels rose, while the baseline differences in serum albumin persisted across groups of urinary volume. In addition, the rate of decline in residual kidney function was not associated with the rate of change in albumin. Hypoalbuminemia in hemodialysis patients is associated with lower residual kidney function. Among incident hemodialysis patients, there is a gradual rise in serum albumin that is independent of the rate of decline in residual kidney function, suggesting that preservation of residual kidney function does not have a deleterious impact on serum albumin levels. © 2016 International Society for Hemodialysis.

16 CFR 305.19 - Promotional material displayed or distributed at point of sale.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... OF CERTAIN HOME APPLIANCES AND OTHER PRODUCTS REQUIRED UNDER THE ENERGY POLICY AND CONSERVATION ACT... concerning a covered product that is a showerhead, faucet, water closet, or urinal shall clearly and conspicuously include in such printed material the product's water use, expressed in gallons and liters per...

Utilization of the wastes of vital activity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gusarov, B. G.; Drigo, Y. A.; Novikov, V. M.; Samsonov, N. M.; Farafonov, N. S.; Chizhov, S. V.; Yazdovskiy, V. I.

1979-01-01

The recycling of wastes from the biological complex for use in life-support systems is discussed. Topics include laboratory equipment, heat treatment of waste materials, mineralization of waste products, methods for production of ammonium hydroxide and nitric acid, the extraction of sodium chloride from mineralized products, and the recovery of nutrient substances for plants from urine.

Distribution, variability, and predictors of urinary bisphenol A levels in 50 North Carolina adults over a six-week monitoring period.

PubMed

Morgan, Marsha K; Nash, Maliha; Barr, Dana Boyd; Starr, James M; Scott Clifton, M; Sobus, Jon R

2018-03-01

Bisphenol A (BPA) is commonly manufactured to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins for use in consumer products and packaged goods. BPA has been found in several different types of environmental media (e.g., food, dust, and air). Many cross-sectional studies have frequently detected BPA concentrations in adult urine samples. However, limited data are available on the temporal variability and important predictors of urinary BPA concentrations in adults. In this work, the major objectives were to: 1) quantify BPA levels in duplicate-diet solid food, drinking water, hard floor surface wipe, and urine samples (first-morning void [FMV], bedtime, and 24-h) collected from adults over a six-week monitoring period; 2) determine the temporal variability of urinary BPA levels using concentration, specific gravity (SG) adjusted, creatinine (CR) adjusted, and excretion rate values, and; 3) examine associations between available study factors and urinary BPA concentrations. In 2009-2011, a convenience sample of 50 adults was recruited from residential settings in North Carolina. The participants completed diaries and collected samples during weeks 1, 2, and/or 6 of a six-week monitoring period. BPA was detected in 38%, 4%, and 99% of the solid food (n=775), drinking water (n=50), and surface wipe samples (n=138), respectively. Total BPA (free plus conjugated) was detected in 98% of the 2477 urine samples. Median urinary BPA levels were 2.07ng/mL, 2.20ng/mL-SG, 2.29ng/mg, and 2.31ng/min for concentration, SG-adjusted, CR-adjusted, and excretion rate values, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) estimates for BPA showed poor reproducibility (≤0.35) for all urine sample types and methods over a day, week, and six weeks. CR-adjusted bedtime voids collected over six-weeks required the fewest, realistic number of samples (n=11) to obtain a reliable biomarker estimate (ICC=0.80). Results of linear mixed-effects models showed that sex, race, season, and CR-level were all significant predictors (p<0.05) of the adults' urinary BPA concentrations. BPA levels in the solid food and surface wipe samples did not contribute significantly to the participants' urinary BPA concentrations. However, a significant positive relationship was observed between solid food intake and urine-based estimates of BPA dose, when aggregated over 24-h periods. Ingestion of BPA via solid food explained only about 20% of the total dose (at the median of the dose distribution), suggesting that these adults were likely exposed to other major unknown (non-dietary) sources of BPA in their everyday environments. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Anti-diabetic effect of dietary mango (Mangifera indica L.) peel in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

PubMed

Gondi, Mahendranath; Basha, Shaik Akbar; Bhaskar, Jamuna J; Salimath, Paramahans V; Rao, Ummiti J S Prasada

2015-03-30

In the present study, the composition of mango peel powder (MPP) collected from the mango pulp industry was determined and the effect of MPP on ameliorating diabetes and its associated complications was studied. Mango peel was rich in polyphenols, carotenoids and dietary fibre. Peel extract contained various bioactive compounds and was found to be rich in soluble dietary fibre. Peel extract exhibited antioxidant properties and protected against DNA damage. Therefore, the effect of peel on ameliorating diabetes was investigated in a rat model of diabetes. A significant increase in urine sugar, urine volume, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein, and decrease in high density lipoprotein were observed in the rats; however, these parameters were ameliorated in diabetic rats fed with diet supplemented with mango peel at 5% and 10% levels in basal diet. Treatment of diabetic rats with MPP increased antioxidant enzyme activities and decreased lipid peroxidation in plasma, kidney and liver compared to untreated diabetic rats. Glomerular filtration rate and microalbuminuria levels were ameliorated in MPP treated diabetic group. Mango peel, a by-product, can be used as an ingredient in functional and therapeutic foods. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Cuscuta chinensis on renal function in ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute renal failure rats.

PubMed

Shin, Sun; Lee, Yun Jung; Kim, Eun Ju; Lee, An Sook; Kang, Dae Gill; Lee, Ho Sub

2011-01-01

The kidneys play a central role in regulating water, ion composition and excretion of metabolic waste products in the urine. Cuscuta chinensis has been known as an important traditional Oriental medicine for the treatment of liver and kidney disorders. Thus, we studied whether an aqueous extract of Cuscuta chinensis (ACC) seeds has an effect on renal function parameters in ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute renal failure (ARF) rats. Administration of 250 mg/kg/day ACC showed that renal functional parameters including urinary excretion rate, osmolality, Na(+), K(+), Cl(-), creatinine clearance, solute-free water reabsorption were significantly recovered in ischemia/reperfusion-induced ARF. Periodic acid Schiff staining showed that administration of ACC improved tubular damage in ischemia/reperfusion-induced ARF. In immunoblot and immunohistological examinations, ischemia/reperfusion-induced ARF decreased the expressions of water channel AQP 2, 3 and sodium potassium pump Na,K-ATPase in the renal medulla. However, administration of ACC markedly incremented AQP 2, 3 and Na,K-ATPase expressions. Therefore, these data indicate that administration of ACC ameliorates regulation of the urine concentration and renal functions in rats with ischemia/reperfusion-induced ARF.

Denosumab treatment of prostate cancer with bone metastases and increased urine N-telopeptide levels after therapy with intravenous bisphosphonates: results of a randomized phase II trial.

PubMed

Fizazi, Karim; Bosserman, Linda; Gao, Guozhi; Skacel, Tomas; Markus, Richard

2013-01-01

Patients with bone metastases have high rates of RANKL driven bone resorption and an increased risk of skeletal morbidity. Osteoclast mediated bone resorption can be assessed by measuring urine N-telopeptide and can be inhibited by denosumab, a fully human antibody against RANKL. Eligible patients (111) had bone metastases from prostate cancer, other solid tumors or multiple myeloma, 1 or more bone lesions and urine N-telopeptide greater than 50 nM bone collagen equivalents per mM creatinine (urine N-telopeptide greater than 50) despite the use of intravenous bisphosphonates. Patients were stratified by cancer type and screening urine N-telopeptide, and randomized to continue intravenous bisphosphonates every 4 weeks or receive 180 mg subcutaneous denosumab every 4 weeks or 180 mg every 12 weeks. The primary end point was the proportion of patients with urine N-telopeptide less than 50 at week 13. We report the efficacy results for the subset of patients with prostate cancer. Patients with prostate cancer represented 45% (50 of 111) of the study population. At week 13, 22 of 32 (69%) patients in the denosumab arms had urine N-telopeptide less than 50 vs 3 of 16 (19%) in the intravenous bisphosphonates cohort. At week 25, 22 of 32 (69%) denosumab treated patients continued to have urine N-telopeptide less than 50 vs 5 of 16 (31%) treated with intravenous bisphosphonates. Grade 4, asymptomatic, reversible hypophosphatemia, possibly related to denosumab, was reported in 1 patient. In patients with prostate cancer related bone metastases and increased urine N-telopeptide despite intravenous bisphosphonate treatment, denosumab normalized urine N-telopeptide levels more frequently than ongoing intravenous bisphosphonates. Copyright © 2013 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Soy isoflavone metabolism in cats compared with other species: Urinary metabolite concentrations and glucuronidation by liver microsomes

PubMed Central

Redmon, Joanna M.; Shrestha, Binu; Cerundolo, Rosario; Court, Michael H.

2016-01-01

Soybean is a common source of protein in many pet foods. Slow glucuronidation of soy-derived isoflavones in cats has been hypothesized to result in accumulation with adverse health consequences. Here we evaluated species’ differences in soy isoflavone glucuronidation using urine samples from cats and dogs fed a soy-based diet and liver microsomes from cats compared with microsomes from 12 other species.Significant concentrations of conjugated (but not unconjugated) genistein, daidzein, and glycitein, and the gut microbiome metabolites, dihydrogenistein and dihydrodaidzein were found in cat and dog urine samples. Substantial amounts of conjugated equol were also found in cat urine but not in dog urine.β-glucuronidase treatment showed that all these compounds were significantly glucuronidated in dog urine while only daidzein (11%) and glycitein (37%) showed any glucuronidation in cat urine suggesting that alternate metabolic pathways including sulfation predominate in cats.Glucuronidation rates of genistein, daidzein, and equol by cat livers were consistently ranked within the lowest three out of 13 species’ livers evaluated. Ferret and mongoose livers were also ranked in the lowest four species.Our results demonstrate that glucuronidation is a minor pathway for soy isoflavone metabolism in cats compared with most other species. PMID:26366946

Soy isoflavone metabolism in cats compared with other species: urinary metabolite concentrations and glucuronidation by liver microsomes.

PubMed

Redmon, Joanna M; Shrestha, Binu; Cerundolo, Rosario; Court, Michael H

2016-01-01

1. Soybean is a common source of protein in many pet foods. Slow glucuronidation of soy-derived isoflavones in cats has been hypothesized to result in accumulation with adverse health consequences. Here, we evaluated species' differences in soy isoflavone glucuronidation using urine samples from cats and dogs fed a soy-based diet and liver microsomes from cats compared with microsomes from 12 other species. 2. Significant concentrations of conjugated (but not unconjugated) genistein, daidzein and glycitein, and the gut microbiome metabolites, dihydrogenistein and dihydrodaidzein, were found in cat and dog urine samples. Substantial amounts of conjugated equol were also found in cat urine but not in dog urine. 3. β-Glucuronidase treatment showed that all these compounds were significantly glucuronidated in dog urine while only daidzein (11%) and glycitein (37%) showed any glucuronidation in cat urine suggesting that alternate metabolic pathways including sulfation predominate in cats. 4. Glucuronidation rates of genistein, daidzein and equol by cat livers were consistently ranked within the lowest 3 out of 13 species' livers evaluated. Ferret and mongoose livers were also ranked in the lowest four species. 5. Our results demonstrate that glucuronidation is a minor pathway for soy isoflavone metabolism in cats compared with most other species.

Requirement for specific gravity and creatinine adjustments for urinary steroids and luteinizing hormone concentrations in adolescents.

PubMed

Singh, Gurmeet K S; Balzer, Ben W R; Desai, Reena; Jimenez, Mark; Steinbeck, Katharine S; Handelsman, David J

2015-11-01

Urinary hormone concentrations are often adjusted to correct for hydration status. We aimed to determine whether first morning void urine hormones in growing adolescents require adjustments and, if so, whether urinary creatinine or specific gravity are better adjustments. The study population was adolescents aged 10.1 to 14.3 years initially who provided fasting morning blood samples at 0 and 12 months (n = 343) and first morning urine every three months (n = 644). Unadjusted, creatinine and specific gravity-adjusted hormonal concentrations were compared by Deming regression and Bland-Altman analysis and grouped according to self-rated Tanner stage or chronological age. F-ratios for self-rated Tanner stages and age groups were used to compare unadjusted and adjusted hormonal changes in growing young adolescents. Correlations of paired serum and urinary hormonal concentration of unadjusted and creatinine and specific gravity-adjusted were also compared. Fasting first morning void hormone concentrations correlated well and were unbiased between unadjusted or adjusted by either creatinine or specific gravity. Urine creatinine concentration increases with Tanner stages, age and male gender whereas urine specific gravity was not influenced by Tanner stage, age or gender. Adjustment by creatinine or specific gravity of urinary luteinizing hormone, estradiol, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone concentrations did not improve correlation with paired serum concentrations. Urine steroid and luteinizing hormone concentrations in first morning void samples of adolescents are not significantly influenced by hydration status and may not require adjustments; however, if desired, both creatinine and specific gravity adjustments are equally suitable. © The Author(s) 2015.

The effectiveness of dried cranberries ( Vaccinium macrocarpon) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms.

PubMed

Vidlar, Ales; Vostalova, Jitka; Ulrichova, Jitka; Student, Vladimir; Stejskal, David; Reichenbach, Richard; Vrbkova, Jana; Ruzicka, Filip; Simanek, Vilim

2010-10-01

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common condition in older men. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) powder in men at risk of prostate disease with LUTS, elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA), negative prostate biopsy and clinically confirmed chronic non-bacterial prostatitis. Forty-two participants received either 1500 mg of the dried powdered cranberries per d for 6 months (cranberry group; n 21) or no cranberry treatment (control group; n 21). Physical examination, International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life (QoL), five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), basic clinical chemistry parameters, haematology, Se, testosterone, PSA (free and total), C-reactive protein (CRP), antioxidant status, transrectal ultrasound prostate volume, urinary flow rate, ultrasound-estimated post-void residual urine volume at baseline, and at 3 and 6 months, and urine ex vivo anti-adherence activity were determined in all subjects. In contrast to the control group, patients in the cranberry group had statistically significant improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score, QoL, urination parameters including voiding parameters (rate of urine flow, average flow, total volume and post-void residual urine volume), and lower total PSA level on day 180 of the study. There was no influence on blood testosterone or serum CRP levels. There was no statistically significant improvement in the control group. The results of the present trial are the first firm evidence that cranberries may ameliorate LUTS, independent of benign prostatic hyperplasia or C-reactive protein level.

Detection of Genital HPV Infection Using Urine Samples: a Population Based Study in India.

PubMed

Sabeena, Sasidharanpillai; Bhat, Parvati; Kamath, Veena; Mathew, Mary; Aswathyraj, Sushama; Devadiga, Santhosha; Prabhu, Suresha; Hindol, Maity; Chameetachal, Akhil; Krishnan, Anjana; Arunkumar, Govindakarnavar

2016-01-01

Cervical cancer is the second commonest cancer among Indian women and its association with human papilloma virus (HPV) is well established. This preventable cancer accounts for the maximum number of cancer related deaths among rural Indian women. Unlike in developed countries there are no organized cervical cancer screening programmes in India due to lack of resources and manpower. To detect genital HPV infection using urine samples among asymptomatic rural women in the age group of 18-65 years. The study area chosen was Perdoor village in Udupi Taluk, Karnataka State and all the women in the age group of 18-65 years formed the study cohort. A cross sectional study was conducted by house visits and 1,305 women were enrolled in the study. After taking written informed consent a data sheet was filled and early stream random urine samples were collected, transported to a laboratory at 4OC and aliquoted. Samples were tested using nested HPV PCR with PGMY09/11 and GP5+/6+ primers. Positive cases were genotyped by sequence analysis. Study participants included 1,134 sexually active and 171 unmarried women with a mean age at marriage of 22.1 (SD=3.9) years. Study area showed high female literacy rate of 86.6%. Five urine samples tested positive for HPV DNA (0.4%). We found very low genital HPV infection rate among women from monogamous community. This is the first major population based study carried out among asymptomatic rural women to detect genital HPV infectio from Karnataka using urine samples.

Effects of diet on urine composition of cats with calcium oxalate urolithiasis.

PubMed

Lulich, Jody P; Osborne, Carl A; Lekcharoensuk, Chalermpol; Kirk, Claudia A; Bartges, Joseph W

2004-01-01

Ten client-owned cats with calcium oxalate (CaOx) urolithiasis were evaluated to determine the effect of diet on urine CaOx saturation. Two dietary treatments were evaluated in each cat: the diet consumed just prior to urolith detection and a canned diet formulated to prevent CaOx uroliths. This study revealed that hypercalciuria is a consistent abnormality in cats with CaOx urolith formation. When urolith-forming cats consumed a diet formulated to prevent urolith formation, activity product ratios for CaOx (which estimate the degree to which urine is saturated with CaOx) were significantly lower. These results suggest that consumption of an appropriately formulated urolith-prevention diet will reduce recurrence of CaOx urolithiasis.

Detection of gluten immunogenic peptides in the urine of patients with coeliac disease reveals transgressions in the gluten-free diet and incomplete mucosal healing.

PubMed

Moreno, María de Lourdes; Cebolla, Ángel; Muñoz-Suano, Alba; Carrillo-Carrion, Carolina; Comino, Isabel; Pizarro, Ángeles; León, Francisco; Rodríguez-Herrera, Alfonso; Sousa, Carolina

2017-02-01

Gluten-free diet (GFD) is the only management for coeliac disease (CD). Available methods to assess GFD compliance are insufficiently sensitive to detect occasional dietary transgressions that may cause gut mucosal damage. We aimed to develop a method to determine gluten intake and monitor GFD compliance in patients with CD and to evaluate its correlation with mucosal damage. Urine samples of 76 healthy subjects and 58 patients with CD subjected to different gluten dietary conditions were collected. A lateral flow test (LFT) with the highly sensitive and specific G12 monoclonal antibody for the most dominant gluten immunogenic peptides (GIP) and a LFT reader were used to quantify GIP in solid-phase extracted urines. GIP were detectable in concentrated urines from healthy individuals previously subjected to GFD as early as 4-6 h after single gluten intake, and remained detectable for 1-2 days. The urine assay revealed infringement of the GFD in about 50% of the patients. Analysis of duodenal biopsies revealed that most of patients with CD (89%) with no villous atrophy had no detectable GIP in urine, while all patients with quantifiable GIP in urine showed incomplete intestinal mucosa recovery. GIP are detected in urine after gluten consumption, enabling a new and non-invasive method to monitor GFD compliance and transgressions. The method was sensitive, specific and simple enough to be convenient for clinical monitoring of patients with CD as well as for basic and clinical research applications including drug development. NCT02344758. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Central diabetes insipidus associated with impaired renal aquaporin-1 expression in mice lacking liver X receptor β

PubMed Central

Gabbi, Chiara; Kong, Xiaomu; Suzuki, Hitoshi; Kim, Hyun-Jin; Gao, Min; Jia, Xiao; Ohnishi, Hideo; Ueta, Yoichi; Warner, Margaret; Guan, Youfei; Gustafsson, Jan-Åke

2012-01-01

The present study demonstrates a key role for the oxysterol receptor liver X receptor β (LXRβ) in the etiology of diabetes insipidus (DI). Given free access to water, LXRβ−/− but not LXRα−/− mice exhibited polyuria (abnormal daily excretion of highly diluted urine) and polydipsia (increased water intake), both features of diabetes insipidus. LXRβ−/− mice responded to 24-h dehydration with a decreased urine volume and increased urine osmolality. To determine whether the DI was of central or nephrogenic origin, we examined the responsiveness of the kidney to arginine vasopressin (AVP). An i.p. injection of AVP to LXRβ−/− mice revealed a partial kidney response: There was no effect on urine volume, but there was a significant increase of urine osmolality, suggesting that DI may be caused by a defect in central production of AVP. In the brain of WT mice LXRβ was expressed in the nuclei of magnocellular neurons in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus. In LXRβ−/− mice the expression of AVP was markedly decreased in the magnocellular neurons as well as in urine collected over a 24-h period. The persistent high urine volume after AVP administration was traced to a reduction in aquaporin-1 expression in the kidney of LXRβ−/− mice. The LXR agonist (GW3965) in WT mice elicited an increase in urine osmolality, suggesting that LXRβ is a key receptor in controlling water balance with targets in both the brain and kidney, and it could be a therapeutic target in disorders of water balance. PMID:22323586

Diversity of the midstream urine microbiome in adults with chronic kidney disease.

PubMed

Kramer, Holly; Kuffel, Gina; Thomas-White, Krystal; Wolfe, Alan J; Vellanki, Kavitha; Leehey, David J; Bansal, Vinod K; Brubaker, Linda; Flanigan, Robert; Koval, Julia; Wadhwa, Anuradha; Zilliox, Michael J

2018-06-01

To examine the characteristics of the midstream urine microbiome in adults with stage 3-5 non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD). Patients with non-dialysis-dependent CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] < 60 ml/min/1.73 m 2 ) and diuretic use were recruited from outpatient nephrology clinics. Midstream voided urine specimens were collected using the clean-catch method. The bacterial composition was determined by sequencing the hypervariable (V4) region of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Extraction negative controls (no urine) were included to assess the contribution of extraneous DNA from possible sources of contamination. Midstream urine microbiome diversity was assessed with the inverse Simpson, Chao and Shannon indices. The diversity measures were further examined by demographic characteristics and by comorbidities. The cohort of 41 women and 36 men with detectable bacterial DNA in their urine samples had a mean age of 71.5 years (standard deviation [SD] 7.9) years (range 60-91 years). The majority were white (68.0%) and a substantial minority were African-American (29.3%) The mean eGFR was 27.2 (SD 13.6) ml/min/1.73 m 2 . Most men (72.2%) were circumcised and 16.6% reported a remote history of prostate cancer. Many midstream voided urine specimens were dominated (> 50% reads) by the genera Corynebacterium (n = 11), Staphylococcus (n = 9), Streptococcus (n = 7), Lactobacillus (n = 7), Gardnerella (n = 7), Prevotella (n = 4), Escherichia_Shigella (n = 3), and Enterobacteriaceae (n = 2); the rest lacked a dominant genus. The samples had high levels of diversity, as measured by the inverse Simpson [7.24 (95% CI 6.76, 7.81)], Chao [558.24 (95% CI 381.70, 879.35)], and Shannon indices [2.60 (95% CI 2.51, 2.69)]. Diversity measures were generally higher in participants with urgency urinary incontinence and higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). After controlling for demographics and diabetes status, microbiome diversity was significantly associated with estimated eGFR (P < 0.05). The midstream voided urine microbiome of older adults with stage 3-5 non-dialysis-dependent CKD is diverse. Greater microbiome diversity is associated with higher eGFR.

Influence of the urine flow rate on some caffeine metabolite ratios used to assess CYP1A2 activity.

PubMed

Sinués, Blanca; Fanlo, Ana; Bernal, María Luisa; Mayayo, Esteban; Soriano, María Antonia; Martínez-Ballarin, Enrique

2002-12-01

Five established metabolite ratios (MRs) to measure P450 CYP1A2 activity--MR1 (17X + 17U)/137X, MR2 (AFMU + 1X + 1U)/17U, MR3 (17X/137X), MR4 (AFMU + 1X + 1U + 17X + 17U)/137X, and MR5 (AFMU + 1X + 1U)/17X--were calculated in urine 4-5 hours after caffeine intake. First, to assess the potential of omeprazole to induce CYP1A2 activity, a caffeine test was performed in 27 subjects on two occasions: before and after 14 days on omeprazole (20 mg/day). Samples of urine were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to quantify caffeine and metabolites used to calculate the different caffeine MRs. MR1, MR3, and MR4 were enhanced after treatment; the percentage of change was inversely associated with that of the urine flow, with r values of -0.48, -0.49, and -0.47, respectively. However, MR2 or MR5 were not modified. To determine the reason for these contradictory results, the authors analyzed data of metabolites, ratios, and their components (numerators and denominators) from 152 subjects (who underwent one caffeine test) and their relationship with the urinary flow. Caffeine concentration in urine was the only compound nondependent on the urine flow. Consistently, ratios containing caffeine (MR1, MR3, and MR4) were highly influenced by the rate of urine excretion, since the flow dependence of their numerators is not canceled out by that of caffeine in their denominators. The dependency of the caffeine excretion on renal factors may explain the opposite results found with the different ratios in the aforementioned prospective study of drug interaction, the absence of closer correlations of the five MRs to each other, the discrepancies about the type of frequency distribution of the different MRs (either normal or multimodal), and the higher sensitivity of MR2 to detect gender differences in CYP1A2 activity found in this study. In summary, the data clearly emphasize the need for a strict control of the liquid intake to avoid high urine flows when MRs containing caffeine are used to assess CYP1A2 activity, especially in studies of drug interactions.

Personal Care Product Use in Men and Urinary Concentrations of Select Phthalate Metabolites and Parabens: Results from the Environment And Reproductive Health (EARTH) Study.

PubMed

Nassan, Feiby L; Coull, Brent A; Gaskins, Audrey J; Williams, Michelle A; Skakkebaek, Niels E; Ford, Jennifer B; Ye, Xiaoyun; Calafat, Antonia M; Braun, Joseph M; Hauser, Russ

2017-08-18

Personal care products (PCPs) are exposure sources to phthalates and parabens; however, their contribution to men's exposure is understudied. We examined the association between PCP use and urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites and parabens in men. In a prospective cohort, at multiple study visits, men self-reported their use of 14 PCPs and provided a urine sample (2004-2015, Boston, MA). We measured urinary concentrations of 9 phthalate metabolites and methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. We estimated the covariate-adjusted percent change in urinary concentrations associated with PCP use using linear mixed and Tobit mixed regressions. We also estimated weights for each PCP in a weighted binary score regression and modeled the resulting composite weighted PCP use. Four hundred men contributed 1,037 urine samples (mean of 3/man). The largest percent increase in monoethyl phthalate (MEP) was associated with use of cologne/perfume (83%, p -value<0.01) and deodorant (74%, p -value<0.01). In contrast, the largest percent increase for parabens was associated with the use of suntan/sunblock lotion (66-156%) and hand/body lotion (79-147%). Increases in MEP and parabens were generally greater with PCP use within 6 h of urine collection. A subset of 10 PCPs that were used within 6 h of urine collection contributed to at least 70% of the weighted score and predicted a 254-1,333% increase in MEP and parabens concentrations. Associations between PCP use and concentrations of the other phthalate metabolites were not statistically significant. We identified 10 PCPs of relevance and demonstrated that their use within 6 h of urine collection strongly predicted MEP and paraben urinary concentrations. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1374.

Environmental heat stress enhances crystallization in urine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setyawan, H.; Pratiwi, Q. C.; Sjarifah, I.; Atmojo, T. B.; Khotijah

2018-03-01

Over the past several decades, agriculture and plantations have been used as the main livelihood of most of the Karanganyar residents. However, these two sources of living are now replaced by industrial areas that employ thousands of people in that district. The development of this industry triggers multiple environmental impacts, including ecosystem and temperature changes. In consequence, there is an increase in air temperature that can cause a variety of diseases, especially in the workplace. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO) data in 2013, one worker dies every 15 second due to a work accident and 160 workers are suffering from the occupational disease. In Indonesia, the incidence of crystallization in urine is actually still unknown, but it is estimated that there are 170,000 cases annually. A high temperature or called heat stress is one among many factors causing this disease to appear. The workers in the textile industry, especially in the Finishing Department Kusumahadi Co. Ltd that exposed heat stress from the finishing machines and inadequate ventilation. This hot working climate causes the human body to adapt in the form of body cooling mechanism or called sweating This adaptation can cause an increase in sweat production and decrease the production of urine. If it is not followed by consuming the recommended amount of water intake, it can result in the precipitation of body salts that, in a long time, will cause crystallization in urine. The research used the analytic observational designs for a cross-sectional study. There were 34 samples collected from 57 finishing workers. The data were analyzed using Spearman correlation test. The results showed that heat stress (p=0,015) and water intake (p=0,034) has a significant correlation with crystallization in urine.

Chemometrics-assisted Spectrofluorimetric Determination of Two Co-administered Drugs of Major Interaction, Methotrexate and Aspirin, in Human Urine Following Acid-induced Hydrolysis.

PubMed

Maher, Hadir M; Ragab, Marwa A A; El-Kimary, Eman I

2015-01-01

Methotrexate (MTX) is widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), mostly along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the most common of which is aspirin or acetyl salicylic acid (ASA). Since NSAIDs impair MTX clearance and increase its toxicity, it was necessary to develop a simple and reliable method for the monitoring of MTX levels in urine samples, when coadministered with ASA. The method was based on the spectrofluorimetric measurement of the acid-induced hydrolysis product of MTX, 4-amino-4-deoxy-10-methylpteroic acid (AMP), along with the strongly fluorescent salicylic acid (SA), a product of acid-induced hydrolysis of aspirin and its metabolites in urine. The overlapping emission spectra were resolved using the derivative method (D method). In addition, the corresponding derivative emission spectra were convoluted using discrete Fourier functions, 8-points sin xi polynomials, (D/FF method) for better elimination of interferences. Validation of the developed methods was carried out according to the ICH guidelines. Moreover, the data obtained using derivative and convoluted derivative spectra were treated using the non-parametric Theil's method (NP), compared with the least-squares parametric regression method (LSP). The results treated with Theil's method were more accurate and precise compared with LSP since the former is less affected by the outliers. This work offers the potential of both derivative and convolution using discrete Fourier functions in addition to the effectiveness of using the NP regression analysis of data. The high sensitivity obtained by the proposed methods was promising for measuring low concentration levels of the two drugs in urine samples. These methods were efficiently used to measure the drugs in human urine samples following their co-administration.

10 CFR 430.61 - Prohibited acts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... OF ENERGY ENERGY CONSERVATION ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS Certification and... standard or water conservation standard (in the case of faucets, showerheads, water closets, and urinals... covered products to a test laboratory designated by the Secretary; (3) Failure of a manufacturer to permit...

Leukocyte counts in urine reflect the risk of concomitant sepsis in bacteriuric infants: a retrospective cohort study.

PubMed

Bonsu, Bema K; Harper, Marvin B

2007-06-13

When urine infections are missed in febrile young infants with normal urinalysis, clinicians may worry about the risk--hitherto unverified--of concomitant invasion of blood and cerebrospinal fluid by uropathogens. In this study, we determine the extent of this risk. In a retrospective cohort study of febrile 0-89 day old infants evaluated for sepsis in an urban academic pediatric emergency department (1993-1999), we estimated rates of bacteriuric sepsis (urinary tract infections complicated by sepsis) after stratifying infants by urine leukocyte counts higher, or lower than 10 cells/hpf. We compared the global accuracy of leukocytes in urine, leukocytes in peripheral blood, body temperature, and age for predicting bacteruric sepsis. The global accuracy of each test was estimated by calculating the area under its receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Chi-square and Fisher exact tests compared count data. Medians for data not normally distributed were compared by the Kruskal-Wallis test. Two thousand two hundred forty-nine young infants had a normal screening dipstick. None of these developed bacteremia or meningitis despite positive urine culture in 41 (1.8%). Of 1516 additional urine specimens sent for formal urinalysis, 1279 had 0-9 leukocytes/hpf. Urine pathogens were isolated less commonly (6% vs. 76%) and at lower concentrations in infants with few, compared to many urine leukocytes. Urine leukocytes (AUC: 0.94) were the most accurate predictors of bacteruric sepsis. Infants with urinary leukocytes < 10 cells/hpf were significantly less likely (0%; CI:0-0.3%) than those with higher leukocyte counts (5%; CI:2.6-8.7%) to have urinary tract infections complicated by bacteremia (N = 11) or bacterial meningitis (N = 1)--relative risk, 0 (CI:0-0.06) [RR, 0 (CI: 0-0.02), when including infants with negative dipstick]. Bands in peripheral blood had modest value for detecting bacteriuric sepsis (AUC: 0.78). Cases of sepsis without concomitant bacteriuria were comparatively rare (0.8%) and equally common in febrile young infants with low and high concentrations of urine leukocytes. In young infants evaluated for fever, leukocytes in urine reflect the likelihood of bacteriuric sepsis. Infants with urinary tract infections missed because of few leukocytes in urine are at relatively low risk of invasive bacterial sepsis by pathogens isolated from urine.

Inhibition of the Metabolic Degradation of Filtered Albumin Is a Major Determinant of Albuminuria

PubMed Central

Vuchkova, Julijana; Comper, Wayne D.

2015-01-01

Inhibition of the degradation of filtered albumin has been proposed as a widespread, benign form of albuminuria. There have however been recent reports that radiolabeled albumin fragments in urine are not exclusively generated by the kidney and that in albuminuric states albumin fragment excretion is not inhibited. In order to resolve this controversy we have examined the fate of various radiolabeled low molecular weight protein degradation products (LMWDPs) introduced into the circulation in rats. The influence of puromycin aminonucleoside nephrosis on the processing and excretion of LMWDPs is also examined. The status and destinies of radiolabeled LMWDPs in the circulation are complex. A major finding is that LMWDPs are rapidly eliminated from the circulation (>97% in 2 h) but only small quantities (<4%) are excreted in urine. Small (<4%) but significant amounts of LMWDPs may have prolonged elimination (>24 h) due to binding to high molecular weight components in the circulation. If LMWDPs of albumin seen in the urine are produced by extra renal degradation it would require the degradation to far exceed the known catabolic rate of albumin. Alternatively, if an estimate of the role of extra renal degradation is made from the limit of detection of LMWDPs in plasma, then extra renal degradation would only contribute <1% of the total excretion of LMWDPs of albumin. We confirm that the degradation process for albumin is specifically associated with filtered albumin and this is inhibited in albuminuric states. This inhibition is also the primary determinant of the massive change in intact albuminuria in nephrotic states. PMID:26010895

Complete nutrient recovery from source-separated urine by nitrification and distillation.

PubMed

Udert, K M; Wächter, M

2012-02-01

In this study we present a method to recover all nutrients from source-separated urine in a dry solid by combining biological nitrification with distillation. In a first process step, a membrane-aerated biofilm reactor was operated stably for more than 12 months, producing a nutrient solution with a pH between 6.2 and 7.0 (depending on the pH set-point), and an ammonium to nitrate ratio between 0.87 and 1.15 gN gN(-1). The maximum nitrification rate was 1.8 ± 0.3 gN m(-2) d(-1). Process stability was achieved by controlling the pH via the influent. In the second process step, real nitrified urine and synthetic solutions were concentrated in lab-scale distillation reactors. All nutrients were recovered in a dry powder except for some ammonia (less than 3% of total nitrogen). We estimate that the primary energy demand for a simple nitrification/distillation process is four to five times higher than removing nitrogen and phosphorus in a conventional wastewater treatment plant and producing the equivalent amount of phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers. However, the primary energy demand can be reduced to values very close to conventional treatment, if 80% of the water is removed with reverse osmosis and distillation is operated with vapor compression. The ammonium nitrate content of the solid residue is below the limit at which stringent EU safety regulations for fertilizers come into effect; nevertheless, we propose some additional process steps that will increase the thermal stability of the solid product. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Challenges with Operating a Water Recovery System (WRS) in the Microgravity Environment of the International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carter, Donald Layne

2017-01-01

The ISS WRS produces potable water from crew urine, crew latent, and Sabatier product water. This system has been operational on ISS since November 2008, producing over 30,000 L of water during that time. The WRS includes a Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) to produce a distillate from the crew urine. This distillate is combined with the crew latent and Sabatier product water and further processed by the Water Processor Assembly (WPA) to the potable water. The UPA and WPA use technologies commonly used on ISS for water purification, including filtration, distillation, adsorption, ion exchange, and catalytic oxidation. The primary challenge with the design and operation of the WRS has been with implementing these technologies in microgravity. The absence of gravity has created unique issues that impact the constituency of the waste streams, alter two-phase fluid dynamics, and increases the impact of particulates on system performance. NASA personnel continue to pursue upgrades to the existing design to improve reliability while also addressing their viability for missions beyond ISS.

Electrocatalysis of the Needle-Like NiMoO4 Crystal Toward Urea Oxidation Coupled with H2 Production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Mao; Miao, Yuqing

In the International Space Station, urine is considered something to be treated. However, urine is mainly composed of water and urea, while they have been demonstrated as an excellent hydrogen carrier for sustainable energy supply. Through the simple chemical coprecipitation and hydrothermal reaction, the needle-like NiMoO4 crystals were synthesized with the average width around 500nm and length up to 4μm. The resulted products were thoroughly characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible spectrum. The needle-like NiMoO4 crystals exhibited excellent electrocatalytic oxidation toward urea at anode in alkali solution, leading to the increased performance of hydrogen evolution reaction at cathode with the lower electrochemical potential and energy consumption required to drive the reaction. The high electrocatalysis of the needle-like NiMoO4 crystals toward urea oxidation reveals their great potential for future application to clean the urine/urea-rich wastewater and to produce hydrogen in space station and environmental wastewater.

Simultaneous determination of 18 tetrahydrocorticosteroid sulfates in human urine by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Mitamura, Kuniko; Satoh née Okihara, Rika; Kamibayashi, Mami; Sato, Kanta; Iida, Takashi; Ikegawa, Shigeo

2014-07-01

A liquid chromatography (LC)/electrospray ionization (ESI)-mass spectrometry (MS) method for the direct determination of eighteen tetrahydrocorticosteroid sulfates in human urine has been developed. The analytes were 3- and 21-monosulfates and 3,21-disulfates of tetrahydrocortisol (THF), tetrahydrocortisone (THE), tetrahydro-11-deoxycortisol (THS), and their corresponding 5α-H stereoisomers. The mass spectrometric behavior of these sulfates in negative-ion ESI-MS/MS revealed the production of intense structure specific product ions within the same group of sulfates and permitted distinction between regioisomeric sulfates by collision-induced fragmentation with the MS/MS technique using a linear ion-trap instrument. For the quantitative analysis, selected reaction monitoring analysis in the negative-ion detection mode using triple-stage quadrupole mass spectrometer was performed by monitoring transitions from [M-H](-) to the most abundant product ion of each tetrahydrocorticosteroid sulfate. After addition of 3- and 21-monosulfates of [2,2,3β,4,4-d5]-THF, -THE, and -THS as internal standards, urine sample was applied to a solid phase extraction using a lipophilic-weak anion exchange cartridge column, and then analyzed by LC/ESI-MS/MS. The method had satisfactory performance in terms of intra- and inter-assay precision (less than 9.7% and 9.6%, respectively), and accuracy (91.2-108.2%). The limit of quantification was lower than 2.5 ng/mL for all sulfates examined. We applied this method to determine the concentration of eighteen tetrahydrocorticosteroid sulfates in the urine of healthy subjects. Thus, we have developed a sensitive, precise and accurate assay for urinary tetrahydrocorticosteroid sulfates that should be useful for clinical and biological studies. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Screening for illicit drugs in pooled human urine and urinated soil samples and studies on the stability of urinary excretion products of cocaine, MDMA, and MDEA in wastewater by hyphenated mass spectrometry techniques.

PubMed

Mardal, Marie; Kinyua, Juliet; Ramin, Pedram; Miserez, Bram; Van Nuijs, Alexander L N; Covaci, Adrian; Meyer, Markus R

2017-01-01

Monitoring population drug use through wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a useful method to quantitatively follow trends and estimate total drug consumption in communities. Concentrations of drug biomarkers might be low in wastewater due to dilution; and therefore analysis of pooled urine (PU) is useful to detect consumed drugs and identify targets of illicit drugs use. The aims of the study were (1) to screen PU and urinated soil (US) samples collected at festivals for illicit drug excretion products using hyphenated techniques; (2) to develop and validate a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry / mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS) method of quantifying urinary targets of identified drugs in wastewater; and (3) to conduct a 24 h stability study, using PU and US to better reflect the chemical environment for targets in wastewater. Cocaine (COC) and ecstasy-like compounds were the most frequently detected illicit drugs; an analytical method was developed to quantify their excretion products. Hydroxymethoxymethamphetamine (HMMA), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), HMMA sulfate (HMMA-S), benzoylecgonine (BE), and cocaethylene (CE) had 85-102% of initial concentration after 8 h of incubation, whereas COC and ecgonine methyl ester (EME) had 74 and 67% after 8 h, respectively. HMMA showed a net increase during 24 h of incubation (107% ± 27, n = 8), possibly due to the cleavage of HMMA conjugates, and biotransformation of MDMA. The results suggest HMMA as analytical target for MDMA consumption in WBE, due to its stability in wastewater and its excretion as the main phase I metabolite of MDMA. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Detection of Δ6-methyltestosterone in a "dietary supplement" and GC-MS/MS investigations on its urinary metabolism.

PubMed

Parr, Maria K; Fusshöller, Gregor; Schlörer, Nils; Opfermann, Georg; Geyer, Hans; Rodchenkov, Grigory; Schänzer, Wilhelm

2011-03-05

Since a few years more and more products have appeared on the market for dietary supplements containing steroids that had never been marketed as approved drugs, mostly without proper labeling of the contents. Syntheses and few data on pharmacological effects are available dated back mainly to the 1950s or 1960s. Only little knowledge exists about effects and side effects of these steroids in humans. The present study reports the identification of Δ6-methyltestosterone in a product named "Jungle Warfare", which was obtained from a web-based supplement store. The main urinary metabolites, 17α-hydroxy-17β-methylandrosta-4,6-dien-3-one (Δ6-epimethyl-testosterone), 17α-methyl-5β-androstane-3α,17β-diol (3α,5β-THMT), and 17β-methyl-5β-androstane-3α,17α-diol, as well as the parent compound excreted after a single oral administration were monitored by GC-MS/MS. Δ6-Epimethyltestosterone and 3α,5β-THMT served for long-term detection (still present in the 181-189 h urine). 17α-Methyltestosterone and its 17-epimer were not detected in the urines (LOD 0.3ng/mL). The highest concentrations were found in the 14-20.5h urine for Δ6-epimethyltestosterone (600 ng/mL), and 3α,5β-THMT (240 ng/mL) and in the 36-44.5h urine for 17β-methyl-5β-androstane-3α,17α-diol (7 ng/mL). For reference methyltestosterone and epimethyltestosterone were dehydrogenated with chloranil. The characterization of the products was performed by GC-MS(/MS) and NMR. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

High-throughput determination of faropenem in human plasma and urine by on-line solid-phase extraction coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection and its application to the pharmacokinetic study.

PubMed

Xie, Rui; Wen, Jun; Wei, Hua; Fan, Guorong; Zhang, Dabing

2010-05-01

An automated system using on-line solid-phase extraction and HPLC with UV detection was developed for the determination of faropenem in human plasma and urine. Analytical process was performed isocratically with two reversed-phase columns connected by a switching valve. After simple pretreatment for plasma and urine with acetonitrile, a volume of 100microl upper layer of the plasma or urine samples was injected for on-line SPE column switching HPLC-UV analysis. The analytes were retained on the self-made trap column (Lichrospher C(18), 4.6mmx37mm, 25microm) with the loading solvent (20mM NaH(2)PO(4) adjusted pH 3.5) at flow rate of 2mlmin(-1), and most matrix materials were removed from the column to waste. After 0.5min washing, the valve was switched to another position so that the target analytes could be eluted from trap column to analytical column in the back-flush mode by the mobile phase (acetonitrile-20mM NaH(2)PO(4) adjusted pH 3.5, 16:84, v/v) at flow rate of 1.5mlmin(-1), and then separated on the analytical column (Ultimate XB-C(18), 4.6mmx50mm, 5microm).The complete cycle of the on-line SPE preconcentration purification and HPLC separation of the analytes was 5min. Calibration curves with good linearities (r=0.9994 for plasma sample and r=0.9988 for urine sample) were obtained in the range 0.02-5microgml(-1) in plasma and 0.05-10microg ml(-1) in urine for faropenem. The optimized method showed good performance in terms of specificity, linearity, detection and quantification limits, precision and accuracy. The method was successfully utilized to quantify faropenem in human plasma and urine to support the clinical pharmacokinetic studies. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the appropriate time period between sampling and analyzing for automated urinalysis

PubMed Central

Dolscheid-Pommerich, Ramona C.; Klarmann-Schulz, Ute; Conrad, Rupert; Stoffel-Wagner, Birgit; Zur, Berndt

2016-01-01

Introduction Preanalytical specifications for urinalysis must be strictly adhered to avoid false interpretations. Aim of the present study is to examine whether the preanalytical factor ‘time point of analysis’ significantly influences stability of urine samples for urine particle and dipstick analysis. Materials and methods In 321 pathological spontaneous urine samples, urine dipstick (Urisys™2400, Combur-10-Test™strips, Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany) and particle analysis (UF-1000 i™, Sysmex, Norderstedt, Germany) were performed within 90 min, 120 min and 240 min after urine collection. Results For urine particle analysis, a significant increase in conductivity (120 vs. 90 min: P < 0.001, 240 vs. 90 min: P < 0.001) and a significant decrease in WBC (120 vs. 90 min P < 0.001, 240 vs. 90 min P < 0.001), RBC (120 vs. 90 min P < 0.001, 240 vs. 90 min P < 0.001), casts (120 vs. 90 min P < 0.001, 240 vs. 90 min P < 0.001) and epithelial cells (120 vs. 90 min P = 0.610, 240 vs. 90 min P = 0.041) were found. There were no significant changes for bacteria. Regarding urine dipstick analysis, misclassification rates between measurements were significant for pH (120 vs. 90 min P < 0.001, 240 vs. 90 min P < 0.001), leukocytes (120 vs. 90 min P < 0.001, 240 vs. 90 min P < 0.001), nitrite (120 vs. 90 min P < 0.001, 240 vs. 90 min P < 0.001), protein (120 vs. 90 min P < 0.001, 240 vs. 90 min P<0.001), ketone (120 vs. 90 min P < 0.001, 240 vs. 90 min P < 0.001), blood (120 vs. 90 min P < 0.001, 240 vs. 90 min P < 0.001), specific gravity (120 vs. 90 min P < 0.001, 240 vs. 90 min P < 0.001) and urobilinogen (120 vs. 90 min, P = 0.031). Misclassification rates were not significant for glucose and bilirubin. Conclusion Most parameters critically depend on the time window between sampling and analysis. Our study stresses the importance of adherence to early time points in urinalysis (within 90 min). PMID:26981022

Spot urine sodium excretion as prognostic marker in acutely decompensated heart failure: the spironolactone effect.

PubMed

Ferreira, João Pedro; Girerd, Nicolas; Medeiros, Pedro Bettencourt; Santos, Mário; Carvalho, Henrique Cyrne; Bettencourt, Paulo; Kénizou, David; Butler, Javed; Zannad, Faiez; Rossignol, Patrick

2016-06-01

Loop diuretic resistance characterized by inefficient sodium excretion complicates many patients with acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) in natriuretic doses may improve spot urine sodium excretion and outcomes. Our primary aim was to assess the association of high-dose spironolactone with short-term spot urine sodium excretion, and our secondary aim was to determine if this higher short-term spot urine sodium excretion is associated with reduction in the composite clinical outcome (of cardiovascular mortality and/or ADHF hospitalization) event rate at 180 days. Single-centre, non-randomized, open-label study enrolling 100 patients with ADHF. Patients were treated with standard ADHF therapy alone (n = 50) or oral spironolactone 100 mg/day plus standard ADHF therapy (n = 50). Spot urine samples were collected at day 1 and day 3 of hospitalization. Spironolactone group had significantly higher spot urine sodium levels compared to standard care group at day 3 (84.13 ± 28.71 mmol/L vs 70.74 ± 34.43 mmol/L, p = 0.04). The proportion of patients with spot urinary sodium <60 mmol/L was lower in spironolactone group at day 3 (18.8 vs 45.7, p = 0.01). In multivariate analysis, spironolactone was independently associated with increased spot urinary sodium and urinary sodium/potassium ratio of >2 at day 3 (both, p < 0.05). Higher spot urine sodium levels were associated with a lower event rate [HR for urinary sodium >100 mmol/L = 0.16 (0.06-0.42), p < 0.01, compared to <60], and provided a significant prognostic gain measured by net reclassification indexes. Spot urinary sodium levels >60 mmol/L and urinary sodium/potassium ratio >2 measured at day 3 of hospitalization for ADHF are associated with improved mid-term outcomes. Spironolactone is associated with increased spot urinary sodium and sodium/potassium ratio >2.

The draft genomes and investigation of serotype distribution, antimicrobial resistance of group B Streptococcus strains isolated from urine in Suzhou, China.

PubMed

Guo, Yong; Deng, Xiao; Liang, Yuan; Zhang, Liang; Zhao, Guo-Ping; Zhou, Yan

2018-06-26

The group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a human commensal bacterium, which is capable of causing several infectious diseases in infants, and people with chronic diseases. GBS has been the most common cause of infections in urinary tract of the elders, but relatively few studies reported the urine-isolated GBS and their antimicrobial susceptibilities. Hence, we decided to investigate GBS specially isolated from urine in Suzhou, China. 27 GBS samples were isolated from urine in Suzhou, China. The PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis were used to identify the serotype distribution. Susceptibility tests were based on MIC test and Kirby-Bauer test. Genome were sequenced via Illumina Hiseq platform and assembled by SPAdes. Genomes of five isolates were sequenced and submitted to NCBI genome database. The sequencing files in fastq format were submitted to NCBI SRA database. Five serotypes were identified. The resistant rates measured for tetracycline, erythromycin, clindamycin and fluoroquinolones were 74.1, 63.0, 44.4 and 48.1%, respectively. 18.5% of the isolates were nonsusceptible to nitrofurantoin. The resistance to tetracycline was mainly associated with the gene tetM. The erythromycin resistance was mainly associated with the genes ermB and mefE. The genes ermB and lnuB were the prevalent genes in cMLSB type. No known nitrofurantoin resistance gene was found in nitrofurantoin-nonsusceptible GBS. Five serotypes were identified in our study. High rates of GBS isolates were resistant to tetracycline, erythromycin, clindamycin and fluoroquinolones. The genes ermB and lnuB occupied high rates in cMLS B phenotype.

Liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry with metabolic profiling of human urine as a tool for environmental analysis of dextromethorphan.

PubMed

Thurman, E Michael; Ferrer, Imma

2012-10-12

We use the combination of liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/Q-TOF-MS) and urine metabolic profiling to find and identify the metabolites of dextromethorphan, a common over-the-counter (OTC) cough suppressant. Next, we use the combination of ion masses, their MS/MS fragmentation, and retention times to determine dextromethorphan and its metabolites in surface water impacted by wastewater. Prior to this study, neither dextromethorphan nor its metabolites have been reported in surface water; in spite of its common use in over 100 various OTC medications. We found that the concentration of the dextrorphan metabolite in surface water greatly exceeded the parent compound by factors of 5-10 times, which reflects the urine profile, where parent compound is approximately <2% of the total excreted drug based on ion intensities. Urine profiling also indicated that glucuronide metabolites are major phase 2 products (92% of the total) in urine and then are completely hydrolyzed in wastewater to dextrorphan and N-demethyldextrorphan, which are phase 1 metabolites-a "kind of reversal" of human metabolism. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Simple Quantification of Pentosidine in Human Urine and Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

PubMed Central

Lee, Ji Sang; Chung, Yoon-Sok; Chang, Sun Young

2017-01-01

Pentosidine is an advanced glycation end-product (AGE) and fluorescent cross-link compound. A simple high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed for the detection and quantification of pentosidine in human urine and plasma. The mobile phase used a gradient system to improve separation of pentosidine from endogenous peaks, and chromatograms were monitored by fluorescent detector set at excitation and emission wavelengths of 328 and 378 nm, respectively. The retention time for pentosidine was 24.3 min and the lower limits of quantification (LLOQ) in human urine and plasma were 1 nM. The intraday assay precisions (coefficients of variation) were generally low and found to be in the range of 5.19–7.49% and 4.96–8.78% for human urine and plasma, respectively. The corresponding values of the interday assay precisions were 9.45% and 4.27%. Accuracies (relative errors) ranged from 87.9% to 115%. Pentosidine was stable in a range of pH solutions, human urine, and plasma. In summary, this HPLC method can be applied in future preclinical and clinical evaluation of pentosidine in the diabetic patients. PMID:29181026

Uric Acid Nephrolithiasis: A Systemic Metabolic Disorder

PubMed Central

Moe, Orson W.

2014-01-01

Uric acid nephrolithiasis is characteristically a manifestation of a systemic metabolic disorder. It has a prevalence of about 10% among all stone formers, the third most common type of kidney stone in the industrialized world. Uric acid stones form primarily due to an unduly acid urine; less deciding factors are hyperuricosuria and a low urine volume. The vast majority of uric acid stone formers have the metabolic syndrome, and not infrequently, clinical gout is present as well. A universal finding is a low baseline urine pH plus insufficient production of urinary ammonium buffer. Persons with gastrointestinal disorders, in particular chronic diarrhea or ostomies, and patients with malignancies with a large tumor mass and high cell turnover comprise a less common but nevertheless important subset. Pure uric acid stones are radiolucent but well visualized on renal ultrasound. A 24 h urine collection for stone risk analysis provides essential insight into the pathophysiology of stone formation and may guide therapy. Management includes a liberal fluid intake and dietary modification. Potassium citrate to alkalinize the urine to a goal pH between 6 and 6.5 is essential, as undissociated uric acid deprotonates into its much more soluble urate form. PMID:25045326

Incidence and clinical vital parameters in primary ketosis of Murrah buffaloes

PubMed Central

Kumar, Ankit; Sindhu, Neelesh; Kumar, Parmod; Kumar, Tarun; Charaya, Gaurav; Surbhi; Jain, V. K.; Sridhar

2015-01-01

Aim: The present study was undertaken to ascertain the incidence and clinical vital parameters in cases of primary ketosis in Murrah buffaloes brought to teaching veterinary clinical complex, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar and from adjoining villages of the district Hisar, Haryana, India. Materials and Methods: The investigation was conducted on 24 clinical cases (out of total 145 screened) of primary ketosis. The diagnosis was confirmed on the basis of clinical signs and significantly positive two tests for ketone bodies in urine (Rothera’s and Keto-Diastix strip test). Data collected were statistically analyzed using independent Student’s t-test. Results: Overall incidence of disease in these areas was found to be 16.55% and all the animals were recently parturited (mean: 1.42±0.14 month), on an average in their third lactation (mean: 2.38±0.30) and exhibited clinical signs such as selective anorexia (refusal to feed on concentrate diet), drastic reduction in milk yield (mean: 64.4±5.35%), ketotic odor from urine, breath, and milk and rapid loss of body condition. All the clinical vital parameters in ketotic buffaloes (body temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, and rumen movements) were within normal range. Conclusion: Primary ketosis in Murrah buffaloes was the most common seen in the third lactation, within the first 2 months after parturition with characteristics clinical signs and no variability in vital parameters. The disease has severe effect on the production status of affected animal. PMID:27047203

Chlorine-36 in fossil rat urine: an archive of cosmogenic nuclide deposition during the past 40,000 years.

PubMed

Plummer, M A; Phillips, F M; Fabryka-Martin, J; Turin, H J; Wigand, P E; Sharma, P

1997-07-25

Knowledge of the production history of cosmogenic nuclides, which is needed for geological and archaeological dating, has been uncertain. Measurements of chlorine-36/chlorine (36Cl/Cl) ratios in fossil packrat middens from Nevada that are radiocarbon-dated between about 38 thousand years ago (ka) and the present showed that 36Cl/Cl ratios were higher by a factor of about 2 before approximately 11 ka. This raises the possibility that cosmogenic production rates just before the close of the Pleistocene were up to 50% higher than is suggested by carbon-14 calibration data. The discrepancy could be explained by addition of low-carbon-14 carbon dioxide to the atmosphere during that period, which would have depressed atmospheric radiocarbon activity. Alternatively, climatic effects on 36Cl deposition may have enhanced the 36Cl/Cl ratios.

Selection of a Brine Processor Technology for NASA Manned Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carter, Donald L.; Gleich, Andrew F.

2016-01-01

The current ISS Water Recovery System (WRS) reclaims water from crew urine, humidity condensate, and Sabatier product water. Urine is initially processed by the Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) which recovers 75% of the urine as distillate. The remainder of the water is present in the waste brine which is currently disposed of as trash on ISS. For future missions this additional water must be reclaimed due to the significant resupply penalty for missions beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO). NASA has pursued various technology development programs for a brine processor in the past several years. This effort has culminated in a technology down-select to identify the optimum technology for future manned missions. The technology selection is based on various criteria, including mass, power, reliability, maintainability, and safety. Beginning in 2016 the selected technology will be transitioned to a flight hardware program for demonstration on ISS. This paper summarizes the technology selection process, the competing technologies, and the rationale for the technology selected for future manned missions.

Urine Sample Preparation in 96-Well Filter Plates for Quantitative Clinical Proteomics

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Urine is an important, noninvasively collected body fluid source for the diagnosis and prognosis of human diseases. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) based shotgun proteomics has evolved as a sensitive and informative technique to discover candidate disease biomarkers from urine specimens. Filter-aided sample preparation (FASP) generates peptide samples from protein mixtures of cell lysate or body fluid origin. Here, we describe a FASP method adapted to 96-well filter plates, named 96FASP. Soluble urine concentrates containing ∼10 μg of total protein were processed by 96FASP and LC-MS resulting in 700–900 protein identifications at a 1% false discovery rate (FDR). The experimental repeatability, as assessed by label-free quantification and Pearson correlation analysis for shared proteins among replicates, was high (R ≥ 0.97). Application to urinary pellet lysates which is of particular interest in the context of urinary tract infection analysis was also demonstrated. On average, 1700 proteins (±398) were identified in five experiments. In a pilot study using 96FASP for analysis of eight soluble urine samples, we demonstrated that protein profiles of technical replicates invariably clustered; the protein profiles for distinct urine donors were very different from each other. Robust, highly parallel methods to generate peptide mixtures from urine and other body fluids are critical to increase cost-effectiveness in clinical proteomics projects. This 96FASP method has potential to become a gold standard for high-throughput quantitative clinical proteomics. PMID:24797144

Comparison of urine analysis using manual and sedimentation methods.

PubMed

Kurup, R; Leich, M

2012-06-01

Microscopic examination of urine sediment is an essential part in the evaluation of renal and urinary tract diseases. Traditionally, urine sediments are assessed by microscopic examination of centrifuged urine. However the current method used by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Medical Laboratory involves uncentrifuged urine. To encourage high level of care, the results provided to the physician must be accurate and reliable for proper diagnosis. The aim of this study is to determine whether the centrifuge method is more clinically significant than the uncentrifuged method. In this study, a comparison between the results obtained from centrifuged and uncentrifuged methods were performed. A total of 167 urine samples were randomly collected and analysed during the period April-May 2010 at the Medical Laboratory, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. The urine samples were first analysed microscopically by the uncentrifuged, and then by the centrifuged method. The results obtained from both methods were recorded in a log book. These results were then entered into a database created in Microsoft Excel, and analysed for differences and similarities using this application. Analysis was further done in SPSS software to compare the results using Pearson ' correlation. When compared using Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis, both methods showed a good correlation between urinary sediments with the exception of white bloods cells. The centrifuged method had a slightly higher identification rate for all of the parameters. There is substantial agreement between the centrifuged and uncentrifuged methods. However the uncentrifuged method provides for a rapid turnaround time.

Seasonal variation in natural abundance of 2H and 18O in urine samples from rural Nigeria

PubMed Central

Dugas, Lara R.; Brieger, William; Tayo, Bamidele O.; Alabi, Tunrayo; Schoeller, Dale A.; Luke, Amy

2015-01-01

The doubly labeled water (DLW) method is used to measure free-living energy expenditure in humans. Inherent to this technique is the assumption that natural abundances of stable isotopes 2H and 18O in body water remain constant over the course of the measurement period and after elimination of the loading dose of DLW will return to the same predose level. To determine variability in the natural abundances of 2H and 18O in humans living in a region with seasonal shifts in rain patterns and sources of drinking water, over the course of 12 mo we collected weekly urine samples from four individuals living in southwest Nigeria as well as samples of their drinking water. From ongoing regional studies of hypertension, obesity, and energy expenditure, we estimated average water turnover rate, urine volumes, and sodium and potassium excretion. Results suggest that 2H and 18O in urine, mean concentrations of urinary sodium and potassium, urine volume, and total body turnover differed significantly from dry to rainy season. Additionally, seasonal weather variables (mean monthly maximum temperatures, total monthly rainfall, and minimum relative humidity) were all significantly associated with natural abundances in urine. No seasonal difference was observed in drinking water samples. Findings suggest that natural abundances in urine may not remain constant as assumed, and studies incorporating DLW measurements across the transition of seasons should interpret results with caution unless appropriate doses of the tracers are used. PMID:25977450

Can sample treatments based on advanced oxidation processes assisted by high-intensity focused ultrasound be used for toxic arsenic determination in human urine by flow-injection hydride-generation atomic absorption spectrometry?

PubMed

Correia, A; Galesio, M; Santos, H; Rial-Otero, R; Lodeiro, C; Oehmen, A; Conceição, Antonio C L; Capelo, J L

2007-05-15

Two advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), based on high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), namely, KMnO(4)/HCl/HIFU and H(2)O(2)/HCl/HIFU are studied and compared for the determination of toxic arsenic in human urine [As(III)+As(V)+MMA+DMA] by flow-injection hydride-generation atomic absorption spectrometry (FI-HG-AAS). The KMnO(4)/HCl/HIFU procedure was found to be adequate for organic matter degradation in human urine. l-cysteine (letra minuscula) was used for As reduction to the trivalent state. The new procedure was assessed with seven urines certified in different As species. Results revealed that with KMnO(4)/HCl/HIFU plus l-cysteine the toxic arsenic can be accurately measured in human urine whilst the H(2)O(2)/HCl/HIFU procedure underestimates toxic As. DMA and MMA degradation in urine were observed, due to the effects of the ultrasonic field. Recoveries for As(III), As(V), MMA and DMA were within the certified ranges. Arsenobetaine was not degraded by the AOPs. The new procedure adheres well to the principles of analytical minimalism: (i) low reagent consumption, (ii) low reagent concentration, (iii) low waste production and (iv) low amount of time required for sample preparation and analysis.

A bacterial interference strategy for prevention of UTI in persons practicing intermittent catheterization.

PubMed

Prasad, A; Cevallos, M E; Riosa, S; Darouiche, R O; Trautner, B W

2009-07-01

Non-randomized pilot trial. To determine whether Escherichia coli 83972-coated urinary catheters in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) practicing an intermittent catheterization program (ICP) could (1) achieve bladder colonization with this benign organism and (2) decrease the rate of symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI). Outpatient SCI clinic in a Veterans Affairs hospital (USA). Participants had neurogenic bladders secondary to SCI, were practicing ICP, had experienced at least one UTI and had documented bacteruria within the past year. All participants received a urinary catheter that had been pre-inoculated with E. coli 83972. The catheter was left in place for 3 days and then removed. Participants were followed with urine cultures and telephone calls weekly for 28 days and then monthly until E. coli 83972 was lost from the urine. Outcome measures were (1) the rate of successful bladder colonization, defined as the detection (>or=10(2) cfu ml(-1)) of E. coli 83972 in urine cultures for >3 days after catheter removal and (2) the rate of symptomatic UTI during colonization with E. coli 83972. Thirteen participants underwent 19 insertions of study catheters. Eight participants (62%) became successfully colonized for >3 days after catheter removal. In these 8 participants, the rate of UTI during colonization was 0.77 per patient-year, in comparison with the rate of 2.27 UTI per patient-year before enrollment. E. coli 83972-coated urinary catheters are a viable means of achieving bladder colonization with this potentially protective strain in persons practicing ICP.

Impact of introducing near patient testing for standard investigations in general practice.

PubMed Central

Rink, E; Hilton, S; Szczepura, A; Fletcher, J; Sibbald, B; Davies, C; Freeling, P; Stilwell, J

1993-01-01

OBJECTIVE--To assess the clinical and economic impact of surgery based near patient testing in general practice for six commonly used biochemical and bacteriological tests. DESIGN--After four months' monitoring, equipment for two bacteriological and four biochemical tests was introduced without cost into 12 practices using a crossover design. Structured request forms were used to monitor laboratory investigations. SETTING--12 general practices in west midlands and south west Thames with list sizes above 9000. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Investigation rates per 1000 consultations. Changes from baseline rates. Reasons for requesting investigations and provisional diagnoses. Cost per test and sensitivity of costs to rate of use. RESULTS--Investigation rates for the six tests rose by 16.5% (from 78.6/1000 consultations to 91.6/1000) when equipment was available in the surgery and reverted to baseline rates when it was withdrawn. The average weekly number of tests when equipment was available ranged from 0.5 to 10.5 (mean 9.0). Cholesterol tests were used as an addition to laboratory testing, usually for screening. Midstream urine analysis was often done in the surgery instead of in the laboratory, although 30% of samples were tested by both methods. Doctors' reasons for investigation and conditions tested were largely unaffected by availability of surgery tests. Costs for surgery tests were higher for all tests except midstream urine. CONCLUSIONS--Availability of surgery based testing increased the number of tests performed. It was cost effective only for midstream urine analysis. PMID:8219952

Simple sampling strategy for measuring inulin renal clearance.

PubMed

Horio, Masaru; Imai, Enyu; Yasuda, Yoshinari; Hishida, Akira; Matsuo, Seiichi

2009-02-01

In the standard method of inulin clearance (Cin), three sets of serum and urine samples are collected during a 2-hour clearance period. For a practical use of this method, sampling should be the minimal number allowable while still providing enough accuracy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of inulin renal clearance with assumed single urine collection with a period such as 30, 60 or 90 minutes. Inulin clearance data collected by the standard method from 737 individuals were used. Changes of serum inulin concentrations between 45 and 105 minutes after the start of the infusion were analyzed. We used first urine collection to calculate the inulin clearance with single urine collection (Cin-30 min). We assumed single urine collection for 60 or 90 minutes by combining the urine data of the consecutive 30-minute periods. Inulin clearances (Cin-60 min, Cin-90 min) were calculated from the assumed single urine collections, respectively. Serum inulin concentration did not reach equilibrium during the clearance period. It increased in subjects with low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and decreased in subjects with normal GFR. The amount of the change was small and -0.5 +/- 12.6% in subjects with GFR over 30 ml/min per 1.73 m(2). Cin-30 min, Cin-60 min and Cin-90 min showed high correlation coefficients against Cin-ST (0.962, 0.988 and 0.998, respectively). Systemic biases in these clearances were negligible (under 1 ml/min per 1.73 m(2)). Root mean square error (RMSE) were 10.4, 5.3 and 2.3 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) for Cin-30 min, Cin-60 min and Cin-90 min, respectively. These data indicated that accuracy of inulin clearance depends on the duration of the urine collection period. Inulin clearance with a single urine collection is a convenient method. We showed that single urine collection for 30 minutes or a longer period has reasonable accuracy in calculation of inulin clearance. We propose a method of inulin clearance with single urine collection for 60 minutes.

Inventing urine incontinence devices for women.

PubMed

Pieper, B; Cleland, V; Johnson, D E; O'Reilly, J L

1989-01-01

Nurses have long been aware of the devastating effects of urinary incontinence on women. Although women may find diapers, pads and protective clothing valuable protection, there are few options for a continuous wear, external urine incontinence device (EUID). Inventors have attempted to develop an EUID since ancient times; the first United States patent for an EUID was awarded in 1949. The purpose of this paper is to review technological considerations for development of an external urinary incontinence device for women. Patents and products illustrate the considerations.

UV filters analyzed by isotope diluted TurboFlow-LC-MS/MS in urine from Danish children and adolescents.

PubMed

Frederiksen, Hanne; Nielsen, Ole; Skakkebaek, Niels E; Juul, Anders; Andersson, Anna-Maria

2017-03-01

Experimental studies indicate that some chemicals with UV blocking properties (known as UV filters) can act as endocrine disruptors. UV filters are used in sunscreens and other cosmetic- and personal care products, as well as in other consumer products such as food packaging, clothing and furniture textiles to protect the products against UV radiation. Here we present the urinary excretion of suspected endocrine active UV filters in Danish children and adolescents recruited from the general population. The content of benzophenone (BP), benzophenone-1 (BP-1), benzophenone-2 (BP-2), benzophenone-3 (BP-3), 5-chloro-2- hydroxybenzophenone (BP-7), 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-HBP), 4-methyl-benzophenone (4-MBP), 3-(4- methylbenzylidene)-camphor (4-MBC) and 3-benzylidene camphor (3-BC) were monitored in 24h urine and two consecutive first morning samples from 129 healthy Danish children and adolescents (6-21 yrs). All 387 samples were collected during the autumn (Nov. 2007) and were analyzed by a new on-line TurboFlow-LC-MS/MS method developed for simultaneous biomonitoring of these nine UV filters in urine. BP-3 and BP-1 were detected in more than 80% of the 24h samples and were significantly correlated (R 2 =0.815). BP, 4-HBP and BP-2 were found in 43, 15 and 5% of the samples, respectively. The median (range) concentrations of the UV-filters in 24-h urine were as follows: BP-3, 0.92 (LOD-115); BP-1, 0.54 (LOD-44.6); BP,

[Monograph for 3-(4-methylbenzylidene)camphor (4-MBC)--HBM values for the sum of metabolites 3-(4-carboxybenzylidene)camphor (3-4CBC) and 3-(4-carboxybenzylidene)-6-hydroxycamphor (3-4 CBHC) in the urine of adults and children. Statement of the HBM Commission of the German Federal Environment Agency].

PubMed

2016-01-01

The substance 3-(4-methylbenzylidene)camphor (4-MBC, CAS-No. 36861-47-9 as well as 38102-62-4) is used as UV-filter in cosmetics, mainly in sunscreen lotions. National as well as European evaluations are available for the substance, especially from the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP). The SCCP did not derive a TDI-value, but used for a MoS assessment a NOAEL of 25 mg/(kg bw · d) based on effects on the thyroid gland of rats in a subchronic study with oral administration. Newer studies, however, indicate lower NOAEL values, leading to tolerable daily intakes of 0,01 mg/kg bw. The HBM Commission established for the metabolite 3-(4-carboxybenzylidene)camphor (3-4CBC) HBM-I values of 0,09 mg/l urine for adults and 0,06 mg/l urine for children. HBM-I values for the metabolite 3-(4-carboxybenzylidene)-6-hydroxycamphor (3-4CBHC) were set at 0,38 mg/l urine for adults and 0,25 mg/l urine for children. The rounded HBM-I value for the sum of metabolites 3-4CBC und 3-4CBHC is accordingly 0,5 mg/l urine for adults and 0,3 mg/l urine for children.

Prednisolone and prednisone neo-formation in bovine urine after sampling.

PubMed

Arioli, F; Casati, A; Fidani, M; Silvestri, M; Pompa, G

2012-06-01

The rise in the frequency of detecting prednisolone in bovine urine from northern Italy has come into focus of attention in recent years. The possibility that neo-formation of prednisolone or that prednisone may occur in urine after collection of samples was therefore investigated. Cow urine collected for official routine controls in Lombardy containing more than 80 ng/ml cortisol, and prednisolone and prednisone below the decision limit (CCα) of the method (0.4 and 0.5 ng/ml, respectively) was used. The C1-2 dehydrogenation of naturally present cortisol and cortisone was checked by incubating urine, both contaminated and uncontaminated with faeces, at 37°C and by collecting samples at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 24 h. The influence of Helix pomatia juice was also investigated in order to determine whether deconjugation could influence the reliability of the results. All samples were analysed by HPLC-MS3 for the presence of cortisol, cortisone, prednisolone and prednisone in negative electrospray ionisation mode, utilising the consecutive reaction monitoring of product ions derived from the formate molecular adduct ([M+HCOO]-). The observed neo-formation of prednisolone shows that inappropriate temperatures in sample storage and processing can result in an incorrect accusation of non-compliance. The faecal contamination of urine, performed with the aim to mimic a collection conducted without the necessary care, moreover, evoked a high increase in prednisolone concentration in two out of seven animals. Moreover, H. pomatia juice had no significant effect on the prednisolone concentration, indicating that this corticosteroid is present in its free form in cow urine.

Correlation between the creatinine clearance in the urine collected during 24 hours and 12 hours.

PubMed

da Silva, Amilcar Bernardo Tomé; Molina, Maria del Carmen Bisi; Rodrigues, Sérgio Lamêgo; Pimentel, Enildo Broetto; Baldo, Marcelo Perim; Mill, José Geraldo

2010-01-01

Creatinine concentration in plasma has been used to evaluate renal function. However, the endogenous creatinine clearance (CrCl) is more sensitive to this goal. Correlate the CrCl calculated from urinary collects of 12 h and 24 h. Ninety five volunteers (34-64 y) collected the urine for 24 h into two bottles: night, from 7 am to 7 pm and day, from 6 am to 7 pm. A fasting blood sample was used to measure plasma creatinine. Correlation between variables was determined by Pearson method (r) and the agreement between night and 24 h CrCl was determined by the Bland-Altman plot. Urines of 4 individuals were discarded because of collect errors. In the final sample (n = 91; 42 males), hypertension was found in 23 and diabetic in 5. The CrCl (mL/min/1.73 m²) was slightly lower in females in the night (77.8 ± 22.7 versus 88.4 ± 23.6; p < 0.05) and similar in males (91.2 ± 22.9 versus 97.3 ± 30.9; p > 0.05). Strong correlations were observed between the CrCl calculated from the night and day urines and the 24 h (r = 0.85 and 0.83; respectively). Agreement between the CrCl calculated from night or day urine and the 24 h urine was observed, respectively, to 85 and 83 individuals. The 12 h urine, mainly obtained at night, gives CrCl values similar to those obtained in the 24 h collect. Since urine collect is easier to outpatients at night, this period should be chosen in the clinical evaluation of the glomerular filtration rate.

Validation of Surrogates of Urine Osmolality in Population Studies.

PubMed

Youhanna, Sonia; Bankir, Lise; Jungers, Paul; Porteous, David; Polasek, Ozren; Bochud, Murielle; Hayward, Caroline; Devuyst, Olivier

2017-01-01

The importance of vasopressin and/or urine concentration in various kidney, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases has been emphasized recently. Due to technical constraints, urine osmolality (Uosm), a direct reflect of urinary concentrating activity, is rarely measured in epidemiologic studies. We analyzed 2 possible surrogates of Uosm in 4 large population-based cohorts (total n = 4,247) and in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD, n = 146). An estimated Uosm (eUosm) based on the concentrations of sodium, potassium, and urea, and a urine concentrating index (UCI) based on the ratio of creatinine concentrations in urine and plasma were compared to the measured Uosm (mUosm). eUosm is an excellent surrogate of mUosm, with a highly significant linear relationship and values within 5% of mUosm (r = 0.99 or 0.98 in each population cohort). Bland-Altman plots show a good agreement between eUosm and mUosm with mean differences between the 2 variables within ±24 mmol/L. This was verified in men and women, in day and night urine samples, and in CKD patients. The relationship of UCI with mUosm is also significant but is not linear and exhibits more dispersed values. Moreover, the latter index is no longer representative of mUosm in patients with CKD as it declines much more quickly with declining glomerular filtration rate than mUosm. The eUosm is a valid marker of urine concentration in population-based and CKD cohorts. The UCI can provide an estimate of urine concentration when no other measurement is available, but should be used only in subjects with normal renal function. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Urine Cultures in Hospitalized Geriatric Patients Presenting With Fever.

PubMed

Shimoni, Zvi; Avdiaev, Ruslan; Froom, Paul

2017-01-01

Urine cultures are commonly ordered in geriatric patients presenting with fever in the emergency department, but it is unclear if indiscriminate urine culture testing is warranted. We selected 708 consecutive geriatric patients with a chief complaint of fever to determine the clinical usage (changes in antibiotic therapy according to culture results) and the costs of culturing the urine that included the need for catheterization to obtain a sample for culture and complications from catheterization. We divided the patients into those with and without an extraurinary tract source for fever on admission. Urine cultures were performed in 74.9% (233/312) of the patients with a source for the fever outside the urinary tract and required urinary catheterization to obtain a sample in 36.8% (95/233) of those patients. Cultures were positive for bacteria 29.6% of the time (69/233), but did not result in the change of antibiotic treatment in any of the patients. Urine cultures were performed in 92.6% (326/352) of the patients without an extraurinary tract source for the fever, required catheterization in 49.7% (162/326) of the patients and 58.3% (190/326) of the cultures were positive for bacteria. Urine culture sensitivities changed antibiotic therapy in 24.2% (46/190) of the patients. There were no patients in either group with complications from urinary catheterization, but indwelling catheter rates increased inappropriately in both the groups. We conclude that urine culture testing is unnecessary in hospitalized geriatric patients who on admission have an extraurinary tract source for their fever, but it has clinical usage when the source for the fever on admission is unclear. Copyright © 2017 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A survey of synthetic cannabinoid consumption by current cannabis users.

PubMed

Gunderson, Erik W; Haughey, Heather M; Ait-Daoud, Nassima; Joshi, Amruta S; Hart, Carl L

2014-01-01

Despite growing concern about the increased rates of synthetic cannabinoid (SC) use and their effects, only limited data are available that addresses these issues. This study assessed the extent of SC product use and reported effects among a cohort of adult marijuana and tobacco users. A brief telephone interview was conducted with individuals who had given permission to be contacted for future research while screening for a cannabis/nicotine dependence medication development study (NCT01204723). Respondents (N = 42; 88% participation rate) were primarily young adults, male, racially diverse, and high school graduates. Nearly all currently smoked tobacco and cannabis, with 86% smoking cannabis on 5 or more days per week. Nearly all (91%) were familiar with SC products, half (50%) reported smoking SC products previously, and a substantial minority (24%) reported current use (i.e., past month). Despite a federal ban on 5 common SCs, which went into effect on March 1, 2011, a number of respondents reported continued SC product use. Common reasons reported for use included, but were not limited to, seeking a new "high" similar to that produced by marijuana and avoiding drug use detection via a positive urine screen. The primary side effects were trouble thinking clearly, headache, dry mouth, and anxiety. No significant differences were found between synthetic cannabinoid product users (ever or current) and nonusers by demographics or other characteristics. Among current marijuana and tobacco users, SC product consumption was common and persisted despite a federal ban. The primary reasons for the use of SC-containing products seem to be to evade drug detection and to experience a marijuana-like high.

9 CFR 355.13 - Sanitation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... ORGANIZATION AND TERMINOLOGY; MANDATORY MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS INSPECTION AND VOLUNTARY INSPECTION AND... are specifically required: (a) Dressing rooms, toilet rooms, and urinals shall be sufficient in number...

The development of national quality performance standards for disposable absorbent products for adult incontinence.

PubMed

Muller, Nancy; McInnis, Elaine

2013-09-01

Disposable absorbent products are widely used in inpatient care settings and in the community to manage adult urinary and fecal incontinence, but few product standards exist to help guide their production or optimal use. Increasing costs and reduced revenues have caused a number of states to evaluate absorbent product use among persons who receive care at home with the assistance of the Medicaid Waiver Program, further increasing concerns about the lack of product performance standards. To address these issues, the National Association For Continence (NAFC) formed a council of experts and key stakeholders with the objective of establishing national, independent quality performance standards for disposable absorbent products provided by states to Waiver Program recipients. The Council consisted of representatives from five purposefully selected states, technical directors from six nonwoven product manufacturers, an officer of the nonwoven manufactures trade association, a delegate from an academic nursing program and professional societies, a family caregiver, and a patient representative. Following a consensus method and guidelines for use, nine specific recommendations were developed, posted for public comment, and further refined. Final recommendations for product performance assessment include: rewet rate (a measure of a product's ability to withstand multiple incontinent episodes between changes), rate of acquisition (a measure of the speed at which urine is drawn away from the skin by a product, product retention capacity (a measure of a product's capacity to hold fluid without rewetting the skin), sizing options, absorbency levels, product safety, closure technology, breathable zones (a measure of the air permeability across a textile-like fabric at a controlled differential pressure), and elasticity. The Council also set values for and recommended four quantifiable parameters, and the testing methodology associated with each, to help consumers and states evaluate absorbent products (medium adult size): Maximum Rewet Rate: <1.0-2.0 g for briefs and <0.5-1.0 g for underwear; Maximum Rate of Acquisition: <50-60 seconds for briefs and <35-45 seconds for underwear; Minimum Retention Capacity: >250 g for standard briefs or underwear and >400 g for premium briefs or underwear; and Breathability of Zones: Minimum of >100 cubic feet per minute. As these recommendations are implemented, research is needed to evaluate the impact on both cost and quality of care for further refinement and modifications, particularly as technology and knowledge is advanced.

Triclosan exposure modulates estrogen-dependent responses in the rat.

EPA Science Inventory

Triclosan (5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol) is an antimicrobial that is currently found in a broad variety of personal care and sanitizing products, such as soaps, toothpaste and hair products. Triclosan (TCS) has been detected in human breast milk, blood samples and urine...

An analysis of workers' tritium concentration in urine samples as a function of time after intake at Korean pressurised heavy water reactors.

PubMed

Kim, Hee Geun; Kong, Tae Young

2012-12-01

In general, internal exposure from tritium at pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs) accounts for ∼20-40 % of the total radiation dose. Tritium usually reaches the equilibrium concentration after a few hours inside the body and is then excreted from the body with an effective half-life in the order of 10 d. In this study, tritium metabolism was reviewed using its excretion rate in urine samples of workers at Korean PHWRs. The tritium concentration in workers' urine samples was also measured as a function of time after intake. On the basis of the monitoring results, changes in the tritium concentration inside the body were then analysed.

Microbiological and corrosion analysis of three urine pretreatment regimes with titanium 6A1-4V

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huff, Timothy L.

1993-01-01

One objective of the water recovery test (WRT) performed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) for the environmental control and life support systems (ECLSS) of Space Station Freedom is to determine the ability of the water recovery system to reclaim urine for crew reuse. In the process, raw urine is pretreated using a commercially available oxidant, Oxone (Dupont), and sulfuric acid (to reduce ammonia), and pumped into a urine processing subsystem. A combination of sodium hypochlorite and sulfuric acid were also considered as an alternative pretreatment. The ability of these pretreatments, plus a third pretreatment of ozone, to reduce microbial levels in urine generated during testing of the water recovery system at MSFC was examined. In addition, the corrosion rate of weld and base metal specimens of titanium 6A1-4V, a candidate material for the water system of Space Station Freedom, was monitored in the presence of these pretreatments. Specimen surfaces were examined at completion of the 21-day test using scanning electron microscopy. Change in pH, color, turbidity, and odor were recorded over the course of the test.

First evidence of subclinical renal tubular injury during sickle-cell crisis.

PubMed

Audard, Vincent; Moutereau, Stéphane; Vandemelebrouck, Gaetana; Habibi, Anoosha; Khellaf, Mehdi; Grimbert, Philippe; Levy, Yves; Loric, Sylvain; Renaud, Bertrand; Lang, Philippe; Godeau, Bertrand; Galactéros, Frédéric; Bartolucci, Pablo

2014-04-29

The pathophysiologic mechanisms classically involved in sickle-cell nephropathy include endothelial dysfunction and vascular occlusion. Arguments demonstrating that ischemia-reperfusion injury-related kidney damage might coincide with vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) are lacking. In this prospective study, we sought to determine whether tubular cells and glomerular permeability might be altered during VOC. Urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels and albumin-excretion rates (AER) of 25 patients were evaluated prospectively during 25 VOC episodes and compared to their steady state (ST) values. During VOC, white blood-cell counts (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly higher than at ST but creatinine levels were comparable. Urine NGAL levels were significantly increased during VOC vs ST (P = 0.007) and remained significant when normalized to urine creatinine (P = 0.004), while AER did not change significantly. The higher urine NGAL concentration was not associated with subsequent (24-48 hour) acute kidney injury. Univariate analysis identified no significant correlations between urine NGAL levels and laboratory parameters during VOC. These results demonstrated that subclinical ischemia-reperfusion tubular injury is common during VOC and highlight the importance of hydroelectrolyte monitoring and correction during VOC.

Germanium in ginseng is low and causes no sodium and water retention or renal toxicity in the diuretic-resistant rats

PubMed Central

Tan, Chunjiang; Xiao, Lu; Chen, Wenlie

2015-01-01

Ginseng preparations contain high concentrations of germanium (Ge), which was reported to contribute to diuretic resistance or renal failure. However, Ge content in ginseng and the influence on renal functions remain unclear. Forty rats were randomly divided into control group, low, moderate, and high Ge ginseng-treated group and observed for 25 days. Daily urine, renal functions, and serum and urine electrolytics were measured. Ge retention in the organs and renal histological changes were also evaluated. Ge content ranged from 0.007 to 0.450 µg/g in various ginseng samples. Four groups showed no difference in the daily urine output, glomerular filtration rate, urinary electrolytes excretions, 24 h-urine protein, as well as plasma and urine urea nitrogen, creatinine, osmotic pressure, and pH values. Ge did not cause any renal pathological effects in this study. No Na and water retention was detected in the ginseng-treated groups. Ge retention in various organs was found highest in spleen, followed by the kidney, liver, lung, stomach, heart, and pancreas. The total Ge contents in various ginsengs were low, and ginseng treatment did not affect renal functions or cause renal histological changes. PMID:25711879

The efficacy and safety of tenofovir alafenamide versus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in antiretroviral regimens for HIV-1 therapy

PubMed Central

Wang, Huilian; Lu, Xi; Yang, Xudong; Xu, Nan

2016-01-01

Abstract Background: To date, a definite conclusion about efficiency and safety of tenofovir alafenamide for patients with HIV-1 is not available. The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of TAF versus TDF in antiretroviral regimens for patients with HIV-1. Methods: PUBMED, MEDLINE, and EMBASE database were searched in March 2016, with no language restriction, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Results: Six RCTs (n = 5888) met entry criteria. At week 48, viral suppression rates were similar between TAF and TDF group (90.2% vs 89.5%) for the naive patients. Interestingly, the rate was higher in patients who switched to TAF regimens compared with patients who continued previous TDF regimens (96.4% vs 93.1%). Both groups were generally well tolerated with high barrier to resistance. As compared to TDF, TAF had significantly smaller reductions in eGFR-CG, smaller changes in RBP/Cr and urineβ-2 M/Cr ratio, and less reduction in spine and hip BMD for the treatment-naive patients. Moreover, the switched group had significant efficacy advantages of improving renal function and BMD, including significant decreases in urine albumin/Cr, urine protein/Cr, urine RBP/Cr, and urine β-2 M/Cr ratios, and increases in hip and spine BMD by 1.47% and 1.56%,respectively, as compared with continued TDF regimens. Conclusions: TAF has a similar tolerability, safety, and effectiveness to TDF and probably less adverse events related to renal and bone density outcomes in the treatment of naive and experienced patients with HIV-1. PMID:27741146

Role of vasopressin in regulation of renal kinin excretion in Long-Evans and diabetes insipidus rats.

PubMed Central

Kauker, M L; Crofton, J T; Share, L; Nasjletti, A

1984-01-01

To study the relationship between vasopressin and the renal kallikrein-kinin system we measured the rate of excretion of kinins into the urine of anesthetized rats during conditions of increased and decreased vasopressin level. The excretion of immunoreactive kinins in Brattleboro rats with hereditary diabetes insipidus (DI) (24 +/- 3 pg min-1 kg-1) was lower than in the control Long Evans (LE) rats (182 +/- 22 pg min-1 kg-1; P less than 0.05). The DI rats also exhibited negligible urinary excretion of immunoreactive vasopressin, reduced urine osmolality, and increased urine flow and kininogenase excretion. In LE rats, volume expansion by infusion of 0.45% NaCl-2.5% dextrose to lower vasopressin secretion reduced (P less than 0.05) kinin excretion, vasopressin excretion, and urine osmolality to 41, 26, and 15% of their respective control values, while increasing (P less than 0.05) urine flow and kininogenase excretion. On the other hand, the infusion of 5% NaCl, which promotes vasopressin secretion, increased (P less than 0.05) the urinary excretion of kinins and vasopressin to 165 and 396% of control, while increasing (P less than 0.05) urine flow and kininogenase excretion. Infusion of vasopressin (1.2 mU/h, intravenous) enhanced (P less than 0.05) kinin excretion by two to threefold in DI rats and in LE rats during volume expansion with 0.45% NaCl-2.5% dextrose, while decreasing urine flow and increasing urine osmolality. This study demonstrates that the urinary excretion of immunoreactive kinins varies in relation to the urinary level of vasopressin, irrespective of urine volume and osmolality and of the urinary excretions of sodium and kininogenase. The study suggests a role for vasopressin in promoting the activity of the renal kallikrein-kinin system in the rat. PMID:6561201

Classifying AKI by Urine Output versus Serum Creatinine Level.

PubMed

Kellum, John A; Sileanu, Florentina E; Murugan, Raghavan; Lucko, Nicole; Shaw, Andrew D; Clermont, Gilles

2015-09-01

Severity of AKI is determined by the magnitude of increase in serum creatinine level or decrease in urine output. However, patients manifesting both oliguria and azotemia and those in which these impairments are persistent are more likely to have worse disease. Thus, we investigated the relationship of AKI severity and duration across creatinine and urine output domains with the risk for RRT and likelihood of renal recovery and survival using a large, academic medical center database of critically ill patients. We analyzed electronic records from 32,045 patients treated between 2000 and 2008, of which 23,866 (74.5%) developed AKI. We classified patients by levels of serum creatinine and/or urine output according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes staging criteria for AKI. In-hospital mortality and RRT rates increased from 4.3% and 0%, respectively, for no AKI to 51.1% and 55.3%, respectively, when serum creatinine level and urine output both indicated stage 3 AKI. Both short- and long-term outcomes were worse when patients had any stage of AKI defined by both criteria. Duration of AKI was also a significant predictor of long-term outcomes irrespective of severity. We conclude that short- and long-term risk of death or RRT is greatest when patients meet both the serum creatinine level and urine output criteria for AKI and when these abnormalities persist. Copyright © 2015 by the American Society of Nephrology.

Sniffer mice discriminate urine odours of patients with bladder cancer: A proof-of-principle study for non-invasive diagnosis of cancer-induced odours.

PubMed

Sato, Takaaki; Katsuoka, Yoji; Yoneda, Kimihiko; Nonomura, Mitsuo; Uchimoto, Shinya; Kobayakawa, Reiko; Kobayakawa, Ko; Mizutani, Yoichi

2017-11-07

Similar to fingerprints, humans have unique, genetically determined body odours. In case of urine, the odour can change due to variations in diet as well as upon infection or tumour formation. We investigated the use of mice in a manner similar to "sniffer dogs" to detect changes in urine odour in patients with bladder cancer. We measured the odour discrimination thresholds of mice in a Y-maze, using urine mixtures from patients with bladder cancer (Stage I) and healthy volunteers (dietary variations) as well as occult blood- or antibiotic drug metabolite-modulated samples. Threshold difference indicated that intensities of urinary olfactory cues increase in the following order: dietary variation < bladder cancer < occult blood < antibiotic drug metabolites. After training with patient urine mixtures, sniffer mice discriminated between urine odours of pre- and post-transurethral resection in individual patients with bladder cancer in an equal-occult blood diluted condition below the detection level of dietary variations, achieving a success rate of 100% (11/11). Furthermore, genetic ablation of all dorsal olfactory receptors elevated the discrimination thresholds of mice by ≥ 10 5 -fold. The marked reduction in discrimination sensitivity indicates an essential role of the dorsal olfactory receptors in the recognition of urinary body odours in mice.

The comparison of automated urine analyzers with manual microscopic examination for urinalysis automated urine analyzers and manual urinalysis.

PubMed

İnce, Fatma Demet; Ellidağ, Hamit Yaşar; Koseoğlu, Mehmet; Şimşek, Neşe; Yalçın, Hülya; Zengin, Mustafa Osman

2016-08-01

Urinalysis is one of the most commonly performed tests in the clinical laboratory. However, manual microscopic sediment examination is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and lacks standardization in high-volume laboratories. In this study, the concordance of analyses between manual microscopic examination and two different automatic urine sediment analyzers has been evaluated. 209 urine samples were analyzed by the Iris iQ200 ELITE (İris Diagnostics, USA), Dirui FUS-200 (DIRUI Industrial Co., China) automatic urine sediment analyzers and by manual microscopic examination. The degree of concordance (Kappa coefficient) and the rates within the same grading were evaluated. For erythrocytes, leukocytes, epithelial cells, bacteria, crystals and yeasts, the degree of concordance between the two instruments was better than the degree of concordance between the manual microscopic method and the individual devices. There was no concordance between all methods for casts. The results from the automated analyzers for erythrocytes, leukocytes and epithelial cells were similar to the result of microscopic examination. However, in order to avoid any error or uncertainty, some images (particularly: dysmorphic cells, bacteria, yeasts, casts and crystals) have to be analyzed by manual microscopic examination by trained staff. Therefore, the software programs which are used in automatic urine sediment analysers need further development to recognize urinary shaped elements more accurately. Automated systems are important in terms of time saving and standardization.

Classifying AKI by Urine Output versus Serum Creatinine Level

PubMed Central

Sileanu, Florentina E.; Murugan, Raghavan; Lucko, Nicole; Shaw, Andrew D.; Clermont, Gilles

2015-01-01

Severity of AKI is determined by the magnitude of increase in serum creatinine level or decrease in urine output. However, patients manifesting both oliguria and azotemia and those in which these impairments are persistent are more likely to have worse disease. Thus, we investigated the relationship of AKI severity and duration across creatinine and urine output domains with the risk for RRT and likelihood of renal recovery and survival using a large, academic medical center database of critically ill patients. We analyzed electronic records from 32,045 patients treated between 2000 and 2008, of which 23,866 (74.5%) developed AKI. We classified patients by levels of serum creatinine and/or urine output according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes staging criteria for AKI. In-hospital mortality and RRT rates increased from 4.3% and 0%, respectively, for no AKI to 51.1% and 55.3%, respectively, when serum creatinine level and urine output both indicated stage 3 AKI. Both short- and long-term outcomes were worse when patients had any stage of AKI defined by both criteria. Duration of AKI was also a significant predictor of long-term outcomes irrespective of severity. We conclude that short- and long-term risk of death or RRT is greatest when patients meet both the serum creatinine level and urine output criteria for AKI and when these abnormalities persist. PMID:25568178

Evaluation of boldenone formation and related steroids transformations in veal faeces by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Arioli, Francesco; Gavinelli, Matteo P; Fracchiolla, Maria L; Casati, Alessio; Fidani, Marco; Ferrer, Emilia; Pompa, Giuseppe

2008-01-01

It is established that bovine urine can result positive for boldenone and androstadienedione in consequence of faecal contamination. The simple transfer of steroids to urine is one minor aspect of faecal contamination. A high de novo production of steroids in faeces after deposition and in faeces-contaminated urine is almost certainly due to microbial activity, although the precursor compounds and transformations leading to the presence of these illegal steroids are unclear. We developed a simple in vitro method - incubation of faecal matter suspended in 0.9% saline - to induce steroid transformations in faeces, and analyzed the products by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, without the need for prior extraction. Norethandrolone was the internal standard. The linearity (R(2): 0.987-0.999), sensitivity (LODs: 0.3 to 1.0 ng/mL; LOQs: 1.0 to 3.0 ng/mL), precision (intra-day CVs: 2.6-8.2; inter-day CVs: 4.5-11.5) and accuracy (percentage recovery: 89-120%) were calculated for the studied steroids. Androstenedione, androstadienedione, alpha- and beta-boldenone, testosterone and epitestosterone transformations were investigated. Mutual interconversion of steroids was observed, although 17beta-hydroxy steroids had low stability compared with 17alpha-hydroxy and 17-keto steroids. The results suggest that this simple in vitro system may be an effective way of studying hormone transformations in faeces and, after analogue studies, in faeces-contaminated urine. Copyright (c) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

CIPROFLOXACIN RESISTANCE PATTERN AMONG BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM PATIENTS WITH COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED URINARY TRACT INFECTION

PubMed Central

REIS, Ana Carolina Costa; SANTOS, Susana Regia da Silva; de SOUZA, Siane Campos; SALDANHA, Milena Góes; PITANGA, Thassila Nogueira; OLIVEIRA, Ricardo Riccio

2016-01-01

SUMMARY Objective: To identify the main bacterial species associated with community-acquired urinary tract infection (UTI) and to assess the pattern of ciprofloxacin susceptibility among bacteria isolated from urine cultures. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in all the patients with community-acquired UTI seen in Santa Helena Laboratory, Camaçari, Bahia, Brazil during five years (2010-2014). All individuals who had a positive urine culture result were included in this study. Results: A total of 1,641 individuals met the inclusion criteria. Despite the fact that participants were female, we observed a higher rate of resistance to ciprofloxacin in males. The most frequent pathogens identified in urine samples were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Antimicrobial resistance has been observed mainly for ampicillin, sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim and ciprofloxacin. Moreover, E. coli has shown the highest rate of ciprofloxacin resistance, reaching 36% of ciprofloxacin resistant strains in 2014. Conclusion: The rate of bacterial resistance to ciprofloxacin observed in the studied population is much higher than expected, prompting the need for rational use of this antibiotic, especially in infections caused by E. coli. Prevention of bacterial resistance can be performed through control measures to limit the spread of resistant microorganisms and a rational use of antimicrobial policy. PMID:27410913

Solid-phase microextraction and chiral HPLC analysis of ibuprofen in urine.

PubMed

de Oliveira, Anderson Rodrigo Moraes; Cesarino, Evandro José; Bonato, Pierina Sueli

2005-04-25

A simple and rapid solid-phase microextraction method was developed for the enantioselective analysis of ibuprofen in urine. The sampling was made with a polydimethylsiloxane-divinylbenzene coated fiber immersed in the liquid sample. After desorptioning from the fiber, ibuprofen enantiomers were analyzed by HPLC using a Chiralpak AD-RH column and UV detection. The mobile phase was made of methanol-pH 3.0 phosphoric acid solution (75:25, v/v), at a flow rate of 0.45 mL/min. The mean recoveries of SPME were 19.8 and 19.1% for (-)-R-ibuprofen and (+)-(S)-ibuprofen, respectively. The method was linear at the range of 0.25-25 microg/mL. Within-day and between-day assay precision and accuracy were below 15% for both ibuprofen enantiomers at concentrations of 0.75, 7.5 and 20 microg/mL. The method was tested with urine quality control samples and human urine fractions after administration of 200 mg rac-ibuprofen.

Delayed Diagnosis of Vesicouterine Fistula After Treatment for Mixed Urinary Incontinence: Menstrual Cup Management and Diagnosis.

PubMed

Goldberg, Leah; Elsamra, Sammy; Hutchinson-Colas, Juana; Segal, Saya

2016-01-01

A vesicouterine fistula is a rare form of urogenital fistula, yet there is increasing prevalence in the United States because of the rising rate of cesarean deliveries. Vesicouterine fistulas have various presentations including menouria, hematuria, or urinary incontinence. A 39-year-old multiparous woman presented with urine leakage after her third cesarean delivery. She had been treated for mixed urinary incontinence with overactive bladder medications and a midurethral sling with continued complaints of urine leakage. The patient noticed her symptoms of urine leakage improved during menses when she used a menstrual cup. After confirmation of vesicouterine fistula, the patient underwent robotic-assisted surgery and her symptoms of insensible urine leakage resolved. When evaluating women with urinary incontinence and a history of cesarean deliveries, use of menstrual cup may aid in the diagnosis of vesicouterine fistula. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic repair with tissue interposition flap is an efficacious minimally invasive method for treatment of vesicouterine fistula.

Diuretics, Limited Ultrafiltration, and Residual Renal Function in Incident Hemodialysis Patients: A Case Series.

PubMed

Sjolund, Jessica; Garcia Anton, Desiree; Bayes, Liz Y; Hoekstra, Tiny; Dekker, Friedo W; Munoz Mendoza, Jair

2016-09-01

The effect of diuretics on residual renal function expressed as residual GFR (rGFR) and urine volume (rUV) using 24-hour urine collections has not been well examined in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We present a small (seven patient) but provocative case series describing a strikingly low rate of decline in rUV and rGFR (average of creatinine and urea clearances, 24-hour urine collections) in patients treated with increasing doses of furosemide (up to 360 mg/day) during the first 2 years after initiation of HD. Between 6 and 12 months, the mean rUV fell by 1 ml/month, whereas rGFR declined by 0.03 ml/min/1.73 m(2) /month. The mean rate of decline from 12 to 24 months for rUV (33 ml/month) and rGFR (0.02 ml/min/1.73 m(2) /month) were also low. While data are clearly limited and the observation retrospective, they are consistent with the better documented benefit of diuretics observed in end-stage renal disease patients treated with peritoneal dialysis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Solid metabolic waste transport and stowage investigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burt, R. A.; Koesterer, M. G.; Hunt, S. R., Jr.

1974-01-01

The basic Waste Collection System (WCS) design under consideration utilized air flow to separate the stool from the WCS user and to transport the fecal material to a slinger device for subsequent deposition on a storage bowel. The major parameters governing stool separation and transport were found to be the area of the air inlet orifices, the configuration of the air inlet orifice and the transport air flow. Separation force and transport velocity of the stool were studied. The developed inlet orifice configuration was found to be an effective design for providing fecal separation and transport. Simulated urine tests and female user tests in zero gravity established air flow rates between 0.08 and 0.25 cu sm/min (3 and 9 scfm) as satisfactory for entrapment, containment and transport of urine using an urinal. The investigation of air drying of fecal material as a substitute for vacuum drying in a WCS breadboard system showed that using baseline conditions anticipated for the shuttle cabin ambient atmosphere, flow rates of 0.14 cu sm/min (5 cfm) were adequate for drying and maintaining biological stability of the fecal material.

Pharmacokinetics of colistin and colistimethate sodium after a single 80-mg intravenous dose of CMS in young healthy volunteers.

PubMed

Couet, W; Grégoire, N; Gobin, P; Saulnier, P J; Frasca, D; Marchand, S; Mimoz, O

2011-06-01

Colistin pharmacokinetics (PK) was investigated in young healthy volunteers after a 1-h infusion of 80 mg (1 million international units (MIU)) of the prodrug colistin methanesulfonate (CMS). Concentration levels of CMS and colistin were determined in plasma and urine using a new chromatographic assay and analyzed simultaneously with a population approach after correcting the urine-related data for postexcretion hydrolysis of CMS into colistin. CMS and colistin have low volumes of distribution (14.0 and 12.4 liters, respectively), consistent with distribution being restricted to extracellular fluid. CMS is mainly excreted unchanged in urine (70% on average), with a typical renal clearance estimated at 103 ml/min-close to the glomerular filtration rate. Colistin elimination is essentially extrarenal, given that its renal clearance is 1.9 ml/min, consistent with extensive reabsorption. Colistin elimination is not limited by the formation rate because its half-life (3 h) is longer than that of CMS. The values of these pharmacokinetic parameters will serve as reference points for future comparisons with patients' data.

Life-Cycle Cost and Environmental Assessment of Decentralized Nitrogen Recovery Using Ion Exchange from Source-Separated Urine through Spatial Modeling.

PubMed

Kavvada, Olga; Tarpeh, William A; Horvath, Arpad; Nelson, Kara L

2017-11-07

Nitrogen standards for discharge of wastewater effluent into aquatic bodies are becoming more stringent, requiring some treatment plants to reduce effluent nitrogen concentrations. This study aimed to assess, from a life-cycle perspective, an innovative decentralized approach to nitrogen recovery: ion exchange of source-separated urine. We modeled an approach in which nitrogen from urine at individual buildings is sorbed onto resins, then transported by truck to regeneration and fertilizer production facilities. To provide insight into impacts from transportation, we enhanced the traditional economic and environmental assessment approach by combining spatial analysis, system-scale evaluation, and detailed last-mile logistics modeling using the city of San Francisco as an illustrative case study. The major contributor to energy intensity and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions was the production of sulfuric acid to regenerate resins, rather than transportation. Energy and GHG emissions were not significantly sensitive to the number of regeneration facilities. Cost, however, increased with decentralization as rental costs per unit area are higher for smaller areas. The metrics assessed (unit energy, GHG emissions, and cost) were not significantly influenced by facility location in this high-density urban area. We determined that this decentralized approach has lower cost, unit energy, and GHG emissions than centralized nitrogen management via nitrification-denitrification if fertilizer production offsets are taken into account.

Acid retention with reduced glomerular filtration rate increases urine biomarkers of kidney and bone injury.

PubMed

Wesson, Donald E; Pruszynski, Jessica; Cai, Wendy; Simoni, Jan

2017-04-01

Diets high in acid of developed societies that do not cause metabolic acidosis in patients with chronic kidney disease nevertheless appear to cause acid retention with associated morbidity, particularly in those with reduced glomerular filtration rate. Here we used a rat 2/3 nephrectomy model of chronic kidney disease to study induction and maintenance of acid retention and its consequences on indicators of kidney and bone injury. Dietary acid was increased in animals eating base-producing soy protein with acid-producing casein and in casein-eating animals with added ammonium chloride. Using microdialysis to measure the kidney cortical acid content, we found that nephrectomized animals had greater acid retention than sham-operated animals when both ate the soy diet. Each increment in dietary acid further increased acid retention more in nephrectomized than in sham rats. Nephrectomized and sham animals achieved similar steady-state daily urine net acid excretion in response to increments in dietary acid but nephrectomized animals took longer to do so, contributing to greater acid retention that was maintained until the increased dietary acid was stopped. Acid retention was associated with increased urine excretion of both N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase and deoxypyridinoline, greater in nephrectomized than control rats, consistent with kidney tubulointerstitial and bone matrix injury, respectively. Greater acid retention in nephrectomized than control animals was induced by a slower increase in urinary net acid excretion rate in response to the increment in dietary acid and also maintained until the dietary acid increment was stopped. Thus, acid retention increased biomarkers of kidney and bone injury in the urine, supporting untoward consequences to these two tissues. Copyright © 2016 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Management of chronic kidney disease guided by the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine: an experimental study].

PubMed

Wen, Ji; Xie, Xi-Sheng; Zhang, Ming-Hua; Mao, Nan; Zhang, Cheng-Long; Xie, Lin-Shen; Cheng, Yuan; Zhang, Zi-Yuan; Fan, Jun-Ming

2014-01-01

To determine the impact of Traditional Chinese Medicine on patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A total of 225 CKD patients in an outpatient department were recruited for this study, among whom 170 received regular Western and Chinese medicine treatments (control group) and 55 received treatments guided by the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (experimental group). The effectiveness of the treatments was determined through a pre-post comparison. Significant pre-intervention differences in age (P < 0.01), stage of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (P = 0.007) and urine protein (P < 0.01) were found between the two groups of patients. But age, gender and proteinuria were not significant predictors on clinical outcomes of the patients in the multivariate regression models. The experimental group had a greater level of decrease in blood urea nitrogen (P < 0.01) and serum creatine (P < 0. 01) than the control group. No significant differences between the groups were found in changes of uric acid (P = 0.475), urine protein (P = 0.058), urine red cells (P = 0.577), and urine white cells (P = 0.01). A greater level of increase in estimated glomerular filtration rate was found in the experimental group compared with the control (P < 0.001). The multivariate linear regression analysis identified group (B = 0.395, P < 0.001) and stage of GFR (B = 0.165, P = 0.008) as significant predictors on the outcomes of treatment. The treatment of CKD patients guided by the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine can improve renal function through influencing glomerular filtration rate. The effect is more prominent than the regular treatment regime.

Utility of ELISA screening for the monitoring of abstinence from illegal and legal drugs in hair and urine.

PubMed

Agius, Ronald; Nadulski, Thomas

2014-06-01

Amphetamines, cannabinoids, cocaine, opiates, methadone, and benzodiazepines in authentic hair samples with drug concentrations around the medical and psychological assessment (MPA) guidelines cut-offs were screened by LUCIO-direct ELISA kits. Following confirmation of all positive and a significant number of negatively screened samples with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods accredited for forensic purposes. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were plotted and the area under the curve (AUC) and overall misclassification rate (OMR) were calculated and compared to those obtained for the same drug classes in urine. While fulfilling the validation criteria of the German forensic guidelines, for almost all screening tests in hair and urine the AUC were greater than 0.8, indicating good to excellent performance. Moreover the AUC calculated for the detection of drugs in hair did not differ significantly to the AUC calculated for the detection of the same drug classes in urine, thus showing a comparable screening performance to the well accepted, previously published application of the same ELISAs for the detection of drugs at unconventionally low cut-offs in urine. For the first time, the validation of the immunoassay tests for the complete 6-drug panel MPA profile in hair and urine using a large population of authentic hair and urine samples with drug concentrations around MPA cut-offs, lower than conventional clinical or workplace drug testing guidelines cut-offs as well as those suggested by the Society of hair testing (SoHT) is presented. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Seasonal variation in natural abundance of 2H and 18O in urine samples from rural Nigeria.

PubMed

Harbison, Justin E; Dugas, Lara R; Brieger, William; Tayo, Bamidele O; Alabi, Tunrayo; Schoeller, Dale A; Luke, Amy

2015-07-01

The doubly labeled water (DLW) method is used to measure free-living energy expenditure in humans. Inherent to this technique is the assumption that natural abundances of stable isotopes (2)H and (18)O in body water remain constant over the course of the measurement period and after elimination of the loading dose of DLW will return to the same predose level. To determine variability in the natural abundances of (2)H and (18)O in humans living in a region with seasonal shifts in rain patterns and sources of drinking water, over the course of 12 mo we collected weekly urine samples from four individuals living in southwest Nigeria as well as samples of their drinking water. From ongoing regional studies of hypertension, obesity, and energy expenditure, we estimated average water turnover rate, urine volumes, and sodium and potassium excretion. Results suggest that (2)H and (18)O in urine, mean concentrations of urinary sodium and potassium, urine volume, and total body turnover differed significantly from dry to rainy season. Additionally, seasonal weather variables (mean monthly maximum temperatures, total monthly rainfall, and minimum relative humidity) were all significantly associated with natural abundances in urine. No seasonal difference was observed in drinking water samples. Findings suggest that natural abundances in urine may not remain constant as assumed, and studies incorporating DLW measurements across the transition of seasons should interpret results with caution unless appropriate doses of the tracers are used. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

Cluster analysis identifies three urodynamic patterns in patients with orthotopic neobladder reconstruction.

PubMed

Kim, Kwang Hyun; Yoon, Hyun Suk; Song, Wan; Choo, Hee Jung; Yoon, Hana; Chung, Woo Sik; Sim, Bong Suk; Lee, Dong Hyeon

2017-01-01

To classify patients with orthotopic neobladder based on urodynamic parameters using cluster analysis and to characterize the voiding function of each group. From January 2012 to November 2015, 142 patients with bladder cancer underwent radical cystectomy and Studer neobladder reconstruction at our institute. Of the 142 patients, 103 with complete urodynamic data and information on urinary functional outcomes were included in this study. K-means clustering was performed with urodynamic parameters which included maximal cystometric capacity, residual volume, maximal flow rate, compliance, and detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate. Three groups emerged by cluster analysis. Urodynamic parameters and urinary function outcomes were compared between three groups. Group 1 (n = 44) had ideal urodynamic parameters with a mean maximal bladder capacity of 513.3 ml and mean residual urine volume of 33.1 ml. Group 2 (n = 42) was characterized by small bladder capacity with low compliance. Patients in group 2 had higher rates of daytime incontinence and nighttime incontinence than patients in group 1. Group 3 (n = 17) was characterized by large residual urine volume with high compliance. When we examined gender differences in urodynamics and functional outcomes, residual urine volume and the rate of daytime incontinence were only marginally significant. However, females were significantly more likely to belong to group 2 or 3 (P = 0.003). In multivariate analysis to identify factors associated with group 1 which has the most ideal urodynamic pattern, age (OR 0.95, P = 0.017) and male gender (OR 7.57, P = 0.003) were identified as significant factors. While patients with ileal neobladder present with various voiding symptoms, three urodynamic patterns were identified by cluster analysis. Approximately half of patients had ideal urodynamic parameters. The other two groups were characterized by large residual urine and small capacity bladder with low compliance. Young age and male gender appear to have a favorable impact on urodynamic and voiding outcomes in patients undergoing orthotopic neobladder reconstruction.

Temporal variability of pyrethroid metabolite levels in bedtime, morning, and 24-h urine samples for 50 adults in North Carolina.

PubMed

Morgan, Marsha K; Sobus, Jon R; Barr, Dana Boyd; Croghan, Carry W; Chen, Fu-Lin; Walker, Richard; Alston, Lillian; Andersen, Erik; Clifton, Matthew S

2016-01-01

Pyrethroid insecticides are widely used to control insects in both agricultural and residential settings worldwide. Few data are available on the temporal variability of pyrethroid metabolites in the urine of non-occupationally exposed adults. In this work, we describe the study design and sampling methodology for the Pilot Study to Estimate Human Exposures to Pyrethroids using an Exposure Reconstruction Approach (Ex-R study). Two major objectives were to quantify the concentrations of several pyrethroid metabolites in bedtime, first morning void (FMV), and 24-h urine samples as concentration (wet weight), specific-gravity (SG) corrected, creatinine (CR) corrected, and excretion rate values for 50 Ex-R adults over a six-week monitoring period and to determine if these correction approaches for urine dilution reduced the variability of the biomarker levels. The Ex-R study was conducted at the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Human Studies Facility in Chapel Hill, North Carolina USA and at participants' homes within a 40-mile radius of this facility. Recruitment of participants and field activities occurred between October 2009 and May 2011. Participants, ages 19-50 years old, provided daily food, activity, and pesticide-use diaries and collected their own urine samples (bedtime, FMV, and 24-h) during weeks 1, 2, and 6 of a six-week monitoring period. A total of 2503 urine samples were collected from the study participants. These samples were analyzed for the pyrethroid metabolites 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), cis/trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethyl-cyclopropane carboxylic acid (cis/trans-DCCA), and 2-methyl-3-phenylbenzoic acid (MPA) using high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Only 3-PBA was frequently detected (>50%) in the adult urine samples. Median urinary 3-PBA levels were 0.88 ng/mL, 0.96 ng/mL-SG, 1.04 ng/mg, and 1.04 ng/min for concentration, SG-corrected, CR-corrected, and excretion rate values, respectively, across all urine samples. The results showed that median urinary 3-PBA concentrations were consistently the lowest in FMV samples (0.77 ng/mL, 0.68 ng/mL-SG, 0.68 ng/mg, and 0.58 ng/min) and the highest in 24-h samples (0.92 ng/mL, 1.06 ng/mL-SG, 1.18 ng/mg, and 1.19 ng/min) across all four methods. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) estimates for 3-PBA indicated poor reproducibility (<0.22) for all urine sample types and methods over a day, week, and six weeks. Correcting for urine sample dilution, based on either SG, CR or urine output, introduced additional measurement variability both between- and within-individuals. These results indicate that a single measure of urinary 3-PBA was not sufficient to characterize average exposure regardless of sample type, correction method, and time frame of collection. In addition, the study results can be used to inform the design of exposure characterization strategies in relevant environmental epidemiology studies in the future. Published by Elsevier Inc.

16 CFR 305.19 - Promotional material displayed or distributed at point of sale.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

..., general service lamps, showerheads, faucets, water closets or urinals) shall clearly and conspicuously... distribution at point-of-sale concerning a covered product that is a showerhead, faucet, water closet, or... UNDER SPECIFIC ACTS OF CONGRESS ENERGY AND WATER USE LABELING FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS UNDER THE ENERGY...

16 CFR 305.16 - Labeling and marking for plumbing products.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... CONGRESS ENERGY AND WATER USE LABELING FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS UNDER THE ENERGY POLICY AND CONSERVATION ACT... estimated annual operating costs of covered showerheads, faucets, water closets, and urinals or ranges of...) Showerheads and faucets. Showerheads and faucets shall be marked and labeled as follows: (1) Each showerhead...

Results of an Aboriginal community-based renal disease management program incorporating point of care testing for urine albumin:creatinine ratio.

PubMed

Shephard, M D S; Allen, G G; Paizis, K; Barbara, J A J; Batterham, M; Vanajek, A

2006-01-01

There has been a significant increase in the burden of renal disease among Aboriginal Australians over the past 15 years. Urine albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR) is a well-established marker of microalbuminuria and can be conveniently performed on the DCA 2000 point-of-care testing (POCT) analyser (Bayer Australia; Melbourne, VIC, Australia) with an on-site result available in 7 min. The application of the urine ACR POCT for renal disease risk assessment was pioneered by our group in the Umoona Kidney Project. This article describes the results of the management arm of the Umoona Kidney Project, which used point-of-care urine ACR testing for the first time within a management framework to monitor albuminuria in patients at highest risk of renal disease. The article also examines the analytical quality of POCT results and overall community acceptance of the Umoona Kidney Project. Adults clinically assessed by Flinders Medical Centre renal specialists as being at greatest risk for renal disease were offered the ACE inhibitor (ACEI) perindopril on a voluntary basis. Selected renal markers, including POCT urine ACR (conducted on-site by Umoona's Aboriginal health worker team), plasma electrolytes, urea, creatinine, calculated glomerular filtration rate and blood pressure were measured six monthly. Regular quality control testing was undertaken to monitor the analytical performance of the POCT analyser. A culturally appropriate questionnaire was designed and implemented to assess community satisfaction with the project. In all, 231 patient management consultations were conducted over a two year period, with over 70% of patients having four or more (up to a maximum of eight) consultations; 35 patients (mean age 49.2 [+/-2.3] years, 54% males) participated voluntarily in the management arm. All were overtly hypertensive, hypertensive with other risk factors or had diabetes. The renal status of these patients was followed for a mean of 63 +/- 4.5 weeks. In total, 111 POCT urine ACR tests were performed for patient management (mean 3.2 tests per patient). There was no significant difference in POCT urine ACR in the study period with a median (and inter-quartile range) of 5.7 mg/mmol (1.2-15.2) pre-ACEI and 4.3 mg/mmol (1.3-16.7) post-ACEI treatment (p = 0.50, Wilcoxon signed ranks test). The calculated glomerular filtration rate altered from 110 to 118 mL/min (p = 0.019, paired t-test). There was no change in the group plasma potassium, urea and creatinine. Collectively these results indicate a stabilisation in renal function among the management group. Blood pressure (both lying and standing) fell significantly in the study period. The imprecision for urine ACR quality control POCT conducted during the management program was within nationally and internationally accepted precision goals for urine albumin, creatinine and ACR. Fifty community members completed the satisfaction questionnaire. Three-quarters of respondents felt there were no cultural barriers in providing a urine sample for urine ACR POCT. The management arm of the Umoona Kidney Project was effective in stabilising the renal function and improving the blood pressure of community members identified to be at greatest risk of kidney disease. POCT urine ACR testing can be utilised, not only for community risk assessment, but also for patient management. The Umoona Kidney Project was well accepted by the health service and community members.

Urinary perchlorate exposure and risk in women of reproductive age in a fireworks production area of China.

PubMed

Li, Qin; Yu, Yun-jiang; Wang, Fei-fei; Chen, Shi-wu; Yin, Yan; Lin, Hai-peng; Che, Fei; Sun, Peng; Qin, Juan; Liu, Jie; Wang, Hong-mei

2014-07-01

Perchlorate is used widely in fireworks, and, if ingested, it has the potential to disrupt thyroid function. The concentrations of perchlorate in water and soil samples and in urine samples of women of reproductive age from Liuyang, the largest fireworks production area in China, were investigated. The results showed that the average perchlorate concentrations in groundwater, surface water, farmland soil, and urine samples of women from the fireworks production area were significantly greater than those from the control area. The health risk of perchlorate ingested through drinking water was assessed based on the mode recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The values of hazard quotient of river water and groundwater in the fireworks production area were much greater than the safe level (=1), which indicates that adverse health effects may result from perchlorate when these sources of water are used as drinking water. These results indicated that the environment of the fireworks production area has been polluted by perchlorate and that residents were and are facing greater exposure doses of perchlorate. Fireworks production enterprises may be a major source of perchlorate contamination.

Comparing metabolite profiles of habitual diet in serum and urine123

PubMed Central

Playdon, Mary C; Sampson, Joshua N; Cross, Amanda J; Sinha, Rashmi; Guertin, Kristin A; Moy, Kristin A; Rothman, Nathaniel; Irwin, Melinda L; Mayne, Susan T; Stolzenberg-Solomon, Rachael; Moore, Steven C

2016-01-01

Background: Diet plays an important role in chronic disease etiology, but some diet-disease associations remain inconclusive because of methodologic limitations in dietary assessment. Metabolomics is a novel method for identifying objective dietary biomarkers, although it is unclear what dietary information is captured from metabolites found in serum compared with urine. Objective: We compared metabolite profiles of habitual diet measured from serum with those measured from urine. Design: We first estimated correlations between consumption of 56 foods, beverages, and supplements assessed by a food-frequency questionnaire, with 676 serum and 848 urine metabolites identified by untargeted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography mass spectrometry in a colon adenoma case–control study (n = 125 cases and 128 controls) while adjusting for age, sex, smoking, fasting, case-control status, body mass index, physical activity, education, and caloric intake. We controlled for multiple comparisons with the use of a false discovery rate of <0.1. Next, we created serum and urine multiple-metabolite models to predict food intake with the use of 10-fold crossvalidation least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression for 80% of the data; predicted values were created in the remaining 20%. Finally, we compared predicted values with estimates obtained from self-reported intake for metabolites measured in serum and urine. Results: We identified metabolites associated with 46 of 56 dietary items; 417 urine and 105 serum metabolites were correlated with ≥1 food, beverage, or supplement. More metabolites in urine (n = 154) than in serum (n = 39) were associated uniquely with one food. We found previously unreported metabolite associations with leafy green vegetables, sugar-sweetened beverages, citrus, added sugar, red meat, shellfish, desserts, and wine. Prediction of dietary intake from multiple-metabolite profiles was similar between biofluids. Conclusions: Candidate metabolite biomarkers of habitual diet are identifiable in both serum and urine. Urine samples offer a valid alternative or complement to serum for metabolite biomarkers of diet in large-scale clinical or epidemiologic studies. PMID:27510537

A pilot study on the use of natural calcium isotope (44Ca/40Ca) fractionation in urine as a proxy for the human body calcium balance.

PubMed

Heuser, Alexander; Eisenhauer, Anton

2010-04-01

We explored the possibility of using natural calcium (Ca) isotope variations in the urine (delta(44/40)Ca(urine)) as a proxy for the Ca balance in the human body. We chose two test persons extremely different in their health status, gender and age (4-year-old healthy boy and a 60-year-old woman known to suffer from osteoporosis). During a 5 day interval the Ca isotope composition of the individual diet (delta(44/40)Ca(diet)) was monitored for both test persons to be in general agreement to the Ca isotope composition of the normal western European diet ( approximately -1.02+/-0.1 per thousand). However, measurements showed that (1) delta(44/40)Ca(urine) of both test persons are approximately 1.37 and approximately 2.49 per thousand, respectively, heavier than delta(44/40)Ca(diet) and that (2) the delta(44/40)Ca(urine-boy) is approximately 1.1 per thousand heavier when compared to the value of the woman. The individual offset between diet and test persons is interpreted to reflect individual Ca reabsorption rates in the kidneys being the result of Rayleigh type Ca isotope fractionation related to the partitioning of Ca between the glomerular filtrate and filtered residue. The relative difference between delta(44/40)Ca(urine-boy) and delta(44/40)Ca(urine-woman) of approximately 1.1 per thousand may reflect individual differences in the balance of bone mineralization and demineralization processes related to age, gender and health status. By arbitrarily defining an equilibrium value for Delta(44/40)Ca(diet-urine) of -1.93 per thousand being the arithmetic mean of delta(44/40)Ca(urine) for both test persons the measured delta(44/40)Ca(urine) values may be applied to model the individual bone mineralization and demineralization processes in a qualitative way. Note, second order influences of intestinal Ca absorption during sequestration of Ca between intestine and blood have to be subject of further studies. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Enhanced MFC power production and struvite recovery by the addition of sea salts to urine.

PubMed

Merino-Jimenez, Irene; Celorrio, Veronica; Fermin, David J; Greenman, John; Ieropoulos, Ioannis

2017-02-01

Urine is an excellent fuel for electricity generation in Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs), especially with practical implementations in mind. Moreover, urine has a high content in nutrients which can be easily recovered. Struvite (MgNH 4 PO 4 ·6H 2 O) crystals naturally precipitate in urine, but this reaction can be enhanced by the introduction of additional magnesium. In this work, the effect of magnesium additives on the power output of the MFCs and on the catholyte generation is evaluated. Several magnesium sources including MgCl 2 , artificial sea water and a commercially available sea salts mixture for seawater preparation (SeaMix) were mixed with real fresh human urine in order to enhance struvite precipitation. The supernatant of each mixture was tested as a feedstock for the MFCs and it was evaluated in terms of power output and catholyte generation. The commercial SeaMix showed the best performance in terms of struvite precipitation, increasing the amount of struvite in the solid collected from 21% to 94%. Moreover, the SeaMix increased the maximum power performance of the MFCs by over 10% and it also changed the properties of the catholyte collected by increasing the pH, conductivity and the concentration of chloride ions. These results demonstrate that the addition of sea-salts to real urine is beneficial for both struvite recovery and electricity generation in MFCs. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Direct tandem mass spectrometry for the simultaneous assay of opioids, cocaine and metabolites in dried urine spots.

PubMed

Otero-Fernández, Mara; Cocho, José Ángel; Tabernero, María Jesús; Bermejo, Ana María; Bermejo-Barrera, Pilar; Moreda-Piñeiro, Antonio

2013-06-19

A micro-analytical method based on spotting urine samples (20μL) onto blood/urine spot collection cards followed by air-drying and extraction (dried urine spot, DUS) was developed and validated for the screening/confirmation assay of morphine, 6-methylacetylmorphine (6-MAM), codeine, cocaine and benzoylecgonine (BZE). Acetonitrile (3 mL) was found to be a useful solvent for target extraction from DUSs under an orbital-horizontal stirring at 180 rpm for 10 min. Determinations were performed by direct electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) under positive electrospray ionization conditions, and by using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) with one precursor ion/product ion transition for the identification and quantification (deuterated analogs of each target as internal standards) of each analyte. The limits of detection of the method were 0.26, 0.94, 1.5, 1.1, and 2.0 ng mL(-1), for cocaine, BZE, codeine, morphine and 6-MAM, respectively; whereas, relative standard deviations of intra- and inter-day precision were lower than 8 and 11%, respectively, and intra- and inter-day analytical recoveries ranged from 94±4 to 105±3%. The small volume of urine required (20 μL), combined with the simplicity of the analytical technique makes it a useful procedure for screening/quantifying drugs of abuse. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of urine from polydrug abusers. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Physiologic Systems and Their Responses to Conditions of Heat and Cold

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

serial measures are made. Hypohydration increases heat storage by reducing sweating rate and skin blood-flow responses for a given core temperature. In...Capi’llary (3.5 L) E_xc_h~ (B%TBW) - - t Lymph Fluid Output I ) Urine Sweat ,JSF (1 1.5 L) (25% TBW) Osmotic Exchange ..._ _ ICF (30 L) (67%TBW...diuretics increase urine formation and generally result in the loss of boch solures and warer. Diuretic-induced hypohydrarion generally results in an

Direct detection of glucuronide metabolites of lidocaine in sheep urine.

PubMed

Doran, Gregory S; Smith, Alistair K; Rothwell, Jim T; Edwards, Scott H

2018-02-15

The anaesthetic lidocaine is metabolised quickly to produce a series of metabolites, including several hydroxylated metabolites, which are further metabolised by addition of a glucuronic acid moiety. Analysis of these glucuronide metabolites in urine is performed indirectly by cleaving the glucuronic acid group using β-glucuronidase. However, direct analysis of intact glucuronide conjugates is a more straightforward approach as it negates the need for long hydrolysis incubations, and minimises the oxidation of sensitive hydrolysis products, while also distinguishing between the two forms of hydroxylated metabolites. A method was developed to identify three intact glucuronides of lidocaine in sheep urine using LC-MS/MS, which was further confirmed by the synthesis of glucuronide derivatives of 3OH-MEGX and 4OH-LIDO. Direct analysis of urine allowed the detection of the glucuronide metabolites of hydroxylidocaine (OH-LIDO), hydroxyl-monoethylglycinexylidide (OH-MEGX), and hydroxy-2,6-xylidine (OH-XYL). Analysis of urine before and after β-glucuronidase digestion showed that the efficiency of hydrolysis of these glucuronide metabolites may be underestimated in some studies. Analysis of urine in the current study from three different sheep with similar glucuronide metabolite concentrations resulted in different hydrolysis efficiencies, which may have been a result of different levels of substrate binding by matrix components, preventing enzyme cleavage. The use of direct analysis of intact glucuronides has the benefit of being less influenced by these matrix effects, while also allowing analysis of unstable metabolites like 4OH-XYL, which rapidly oxidises after hydrolysis. Additionally, direct analysis is less expensive and less time consuming, while providing more information about the status of hydroxylated metabolites in urine. Crown Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evidence for false-positive results for boldenone testing of veal urine due to faecal cross-contamination during sampling.

PubMed

Sgoifo Rossi, C A; Arioli, F; Bassini, A; Chiesa, L M; Dell'Orto, V; Montana, M; Pompa, G

2004-08-01

European Directive 96/22/EC, which controls veterinary residues in animals, does not permit the presence of synthetic growth promoters in products of animal origin or in livestock. Boldenone is categorized in class A3 (growth promoters -- steroids) and is thus a banned substance. Testing of veal urine for banned substances is part of the European Union statutory programme for animals going into the food chain. In relation to this monitoring, three studies were conducted to investigate the apparent presence of the banned growth promoter boldenone in veal urine, which was suspected as being caused by interference from faecal contamination of the sample. In the first study, urine samples were collected at different times (time 0 and after 30 min) using (1) a conventional zoonotechnical apron and (2) a technique designed specifically to avoid faecal contamination ('kettle'). This resulted in samples that were, respectively, positive and negative for the presence of alpha-boldenone (alpha-BOL). In a second study, urine samples negative to alpha-BOL were collected from eight veal calves, but became positive after deliberate faecal contamination. In a third study, data obtained from the Italian RNP (Residual National Program) indicated that 18.1% of 3295 urine samples collected using the zootechnical apron were positive for alpha-BOL and 2.1% for beta-boldenone (beta-BOL), whilst of 902 samples collected using the kettle, beta-BOL was not detected in any samples and only 0.2% were positive to alpha-BOL, in concentrations lower than 2 ng ml(-1). These results further support the supposition that faecal contamination of the urine during sample collection can lead to false-positive results during boldenone analysis.

Effectiveness of saliva and fingerprints as alternative specimens to urine and blood in forensic drug testing.

PubMed

Kuwayama, Kenji; Miyaguchi, Hajime; Yamamuro, Tadashi; Tsujikawa, Kenji; Kanamori, Tatsuyuki; Iwata, Yuko T; Inoue, Hiroyuki

2016-07-01

In forensic drug testing, it is important to immediately take biological specimens from suspects and victims to prove their drug intake. We evaluated the effectiveness of saliva and fingerprints as alternative specimens to urine and blood in terms of ease of sampling, drug detection sensitivity, and drug detection periods for each specimen type. After four commercially available pharmaceutical products were administered to healthy subjects, each in a single dose, their urine, blood, saliva, and fingerprints were taken at predetermined sampling times over approximately four weeks. Fourteen analytes (the administered drugs and their main metabolites) were extracted from each specimen using simple pretreatments, such as dilution and deproteinization, and were analyzed using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Most of the analytes were detected in saliva and fingerprints, as well as in urine and blood. The time-courses of drug concentrations were similar between urine and fingerprints, and between blood and saliva. Compared to the other compounds, the acidic compounds, for example ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid, were more difficult to detect in all specimens. Acetaminophen, dihydrocodeine, and methylephedrine were detected in fingerprints at later sampling times than in urine. However, a relationship between the drug structures and their detection periods in each specimen was not found. Saliva and fingerprints could be easily sampled on site without using special techniques or facilities. In addition, fingerprints could be immediately analyzed after simple and rapid treatment. In cases where it would be difficult to immediately obtain urine and blood, saliva and fingerprints could be effective alternative specimens for drug testing. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Black market products confiscated in Norway 2011-2014 compared to analytical findings in urine samples.

PubMed

Hullstein, Ingunn R; Malerod-Fjeld, Helle; Dehnes, Yvette; Hemmersbach, Peter

2015-01-01

Doping agents are widely and illicitly distributed through the Internet. Analysis of these preparations is useful in order to monitor the availability of prohibited substances on the market, and more importantly to predict which substances are expected to be found in urine samples collected from athletes and to aid clinical and forensic investigations. Based on a close collaboration with the Norwegian police and the Norwegian custom authorities, the Norwegian Doping Control Laboratory has performed analyses of confiscated material suspected of containing doping agents. The analyses were performed using gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) combined with mass spectrometry (MS). The majority (67%) of the analyzed black market products contained anabolic- androgenic steroids (AAS) as expected, whereas peptide- and protein-based doping substances were identified in 28% of the preparations. The Norwegian Doping Control Laboratory receives samples collected from recreational and elite athletes in addition to samples collected in clinical and forensic investigations. The findings in the seized material reflected the findings in the urine samples analyzed regarding the anabolic steroids. Thus, analyzing material seized in Norway may give a good indication of doping agents available on the local market. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effects of elevated CO{sub 2} on plant-grazer interactions: The importance of urine-hits and simulated grazing on the response of a C{sub 3} grass from Yellowstone National Park

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wilsey, B.J.; Coleman, J.S.; McNaughton, S.J.

1995-06-01

Although grazing mammals are an important component of most grassland ecosystems, previous research on plant responses to elevated CO{sub 2} has rarely considered their effects. In a growth chamber experiment, we tested whether regrowth following simulated grazing was affected by elevated CO{sub 2} and urine hits (40 g/m{sup 2} urea N) in the C{sub 3} grass, Stipa occidentalis, which is common in Yellowstone National Park. Plant response (end of experiment biomass and productivity [biomass + clippings]) to elevated CO{sub 2} depended on whether plants received urine-hits and were clipped: plants only had increased growth in response to CO{sub 2} enrichmentmore » if they had received urea and were not clipped. Plants that received the entire grazing treatment (urea and clipping) had biomass and productivity values that were similar to controls. Thus, grazing mammals will tend to dampen the predicted CO{sub 2} effect in grasslands by significantly lowering increases in plant growth response to elevated CO{sub 2} levels.« less

Serum Free Light Chain Assay and κ/λ Ratio Performance in Patients Without Monoclonal Gammopathies:  High False-Positive Rate.

PubMed

Singh, Gurmukh

2016-08-01

Serum free light chain assay is a recommended screening test for monoclonal gammopathies. Anecdotal observations indicated a high rate of false-positive abnormal κ/λ ratios. This study was undertaken to ascertain the magnitude of the false-positive rate and factors contributing to the error rate. Results of serum protein electrophoresis, serum free light chains, and related tests, usually done for investigation of suspected monoclonal gammopathy, were reviewed retrospectively for 270 patients and 297 observations. Using the conventional κ/λ ratio, 36.4% of the ratios were abnormal, in the absence of monoclonal gammopathy. When the renal κ/λ ratio was used, the rate of abnormal κ/λ ratios was 30.1%. In patients with a γ-globulin concentration of 1.6 g/dL or more, the usual κ/λ ratio was abnormal in 54.8% of the patients. Urine protein electrophoresis was used in 53 (19.6%) instances, whereas bone marrow examination was done in 65 (24.1%) cases. Usual κ/λ ratio was abnormal in 36.4% of the observations in patients without evidence of monoclonal gammopathy, and an abnormal κ/λ ratio should not be used as the sole indicator for diagnosis of neoplastic proliferation of the lympho-plasmacytic system. Hypergammaglobulinemia is associated with a higher rate of false-positive abnormal κ/λ ratios. Examination of urine for monoclonal immunoglobulins may be underused, and recommendations by some to use serum free light chain assay in place of, rather than as an adjunct to, urine electrophoresis are not warranted. © American Society for Clinical Pathology, 2016. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Regenerative (Regen) ECLSS Operations Water Balance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tobias, Barry

2010-01-01

In November 2008, the Water Regenerative System racks were launched aboard Space Shuttle flight, STS-126 (ULF2) and installed and activated on the International Space Station (ISS). These racks, consisting of the Water Processor Assembly (WPA) and Urine Processor Assembly (UPA), completed the installation of the Regenerative (Regen) ECLSS systems which includes the Oxygen Generator Assembly (OGA) that was launched 2 years prior. With the onset of active water management on the US segment of the ISS, a new operational concept was required, that of "water balance." Even more recently, in 2010 the Sabatier system came online which converts H2 and CO2 into water and methane. The Regen ECLSS systems accept condensation from the atmosphere, urine from crew, and processes that fluid via various means into potable water which is used for crew drinking, building up skip-cycle water inventory, and water for electrolysis to produce oxygen. Specification rates of crew urine output, condensate output, O2 requirements, toilet flush water and drinking needs are well documented and used as a general plan when Regen ECLSS came online. Spec rates are useful in long term planning, however, daily or weekly rates are dependent on a number of variables. The constantly changing rates created a new challenge for the ECLSS flight controllers, who are responsible for operating the ECLSS systems onboard ISS. This paper will review the various inputs to rate changes and inputs to planning events, including but not limited to; crew personnel makeup, Regen ECLSS system operability, vehicle traffic, water containment availability, and Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) capability. Along with the inputs that change the various rates, the paper will review the different systems, their constraints and finally the operational means by which flight controllers manage this new challenge of "water balance."

Evaluation of a new topical skin protectant (RD1433) for the prevention and treatment of incontinence-associated dermatitis.

PubMed

Matar, Hazem; Larner, Joanne; Viegas, Vanessa; Kansagra, Sneha; Atkinson, Karen L; Shetage, Satyajit; Skamarauskas, John T; Theivendran, Baveetharan; Goldman, Virginia S; Chilcott, Robert P

2017-09-01

Context Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a type of moisture-associated dermatitis caused by repeated skin exposure to urine or stool. A product that could mitigate such symptoms would have a significant impact on cost of care and patients' quality of life. Objective This study compared the clinical efficacy of RD1433 and a comparator product (Vaseline®) in preventing and treating experimental IAD skin lesions. Materials and methods For the "prevention" part of the study, skin sites in eight human volunteers were treated daily for 5 d with either RD1433 or Vaseline® immediately prior to synthetic urine exposure. In the "treatment" part, exposure to synthetic urine was substituted for Vaseline® or RD1433 application on the first 2 d to promote the development of skin lesions prior to the application of the products from day three. Product efficacy was quantified by visual scoring and an array of biophysical instruments. Results Both RD1433 and Vaseline® significantly reduced lesion progression when applied as a prophylactic. When applied as a treatment (following establishment of skin lesions), RD1433 demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in several measures of skin function whereas there was no statistically significant improvement following treatment with Vaseline®. Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that RD1433 may be superior to Vaseline® in the prevention and treatment of experimental IAD lesions. Clearly, further work is required to establish the efficacy of RD1433 with patients in a clinical environment.