Books on the topic 'Calcium concentration'

The extracellular calcium ion concentration is tightly regulated through the actions of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D) on bone, kidney, and intestines. Abnormalities in these homeostatic mechanisms may lead to increased or decreased serum calcium concentrations, resulting in hypercalcaemia or hypocalcaemia, respectively. Hypercalcaemic disorders may be further divided into those associated with a high/high-normal serum PTH level, and those associated with a low serum PTH concentration. Hypocalcaemia occurs when abnormalities in the physiological regulation of PTH and vitamin D results in calcium levels lower than the desired normal range. Failure of release of calcium from bone, and increased binding of calcium in the circulation, are other factors causing hypocalcaemia. This chapter discusses hypercalcaemia and hypocalcaemia, exploring definitions of the diseases, their etiologies, typical and uncommon symptoms, demographics, natural history, complications, diagnostic approaches, other diagnoses that should be considered, prognosis, and treatment.

The main principles of idiopathic calcium oxalate stone prevention are to maintain dilute urine through increasing fluid intake and to reduce calcium and oxalate excretion. The influence of various urinary factors on the risk of stone formation has been quantified mathematically. Urine volume and urinary oxalate concentration are most influential on the risk of stone formation, while magnesium concentration contributes a small amount to risk. It is estimated that around 50% of stone formers will form another stone within five years. Some stone formers have frequent recurrences. Most stone formers ask how they can prevent future episodes. Advice can be generic or personalized, and treatment may include changes to diet, fluid intake, and addition of drugs to alter urine biochemistry.

Calcium is vitally important for normal cellular signalling and function. However, its toxicity necessitates that intracellular calcium concentration [Ca2+] be tightly regulated and compartmentalized. Evolutionary pressures have yielded several regulatory mechanisms to maintain intracellular and extracellular ionized calcium concentrations compatible with life. During periods of critical illness these process are commonly overwhelmed, and disorders of calcium homeostasis are highly prevalent among intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Indeed, hypocalcaemia occurs in up to 88% of critically-ill ICU patients suffering from trauma, sepsis, and burns. Contemporary evidence suggests that although hypocalcaemia may be associated with ICU mortality, it is not in the causal pathway. A systematic review concluded there are no data to support the routine parenteral administration of calcium in the management of asymptomatic critical illness-related hypocalcaemia. Asymptomatic hypocalcaemia of critical illness does not necessitate replacement. However, acute, symptomatic hypocalcaemia necessitates parenteral supplementation to prevent tetany, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias

Calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) dihydrate crystals form extracellularly. Their formation requires sufficient extracellular inorganic pyrophosphate (ePPi), calcium, and pro-nucleating factors. As inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) cannot cross cell membranes passively due to its large size, ePPi results either from hydrolysis of extracellular ATP by the enzyme ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (also known as plasma cell membrane glycoprotein 1) or from the transcellular transport of PPi by ANKH. ePPi is hydrolyzed to phosphate (Pi) by tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase. The level of extracellular PPi and Pi is tightly regulated by several interlinked feedback mechanisms and growth factors. The relative concentration of Pi and PPi determines whether CPP or hydroxyapatite crystal is formed, with low Pi/PPi ratio resulting in CPP crystal formation, while a high Pi/PPi ratio promotes basic calcium phosphate crystal formation. CPP crystals are deposited in the cartilage matrix (preferentially in the middle layer) or in areas of chondroid metaplasia. Hypertrophic chondrocytes and specific cartilage matrix changes (e.g. high levels of dermatan sulfate and S-100 protein) are related to CPP crystal deposition and growth. CPP crystals cause inflammation by engaging with the NALP3 inflammasome, and with other components of the innate immune system, and is marked with a prolonged neutrophilic inflitrate. The pathogenesis of resolution of CPP crystal-induced inflammation is not well understood.

Magnesium is critically important in the process of energy release. Although most magnesium is stored outside the extracellular fluid compartment, the regulated concentration appears in blood. Urinary magnesium excretion can decrease rapidly to low values when magnesium entry rate into the extracellular fluid volume is low, which has several important implications: cell and bone magnesium do not play a major role in the defence of blood magnesium concentration; while a major role is played by the kidney and especially the renal tubule, which adapts to match the urinary magnesium excretion and net entry of magnesium into extracellular fluid. In the kidney, magnesium is reabsorbed in the proximal tubule, the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle (TALH), and the distal convoluted tubule (DCT). Magnesium absorption is mainly paracellular in the proximal tubule and TALH, whereas it is transcellular in the DCT. The hormone(s) regulating renal magnesium transport and blood magnesium concentration are not fully understood. Renal tubular magnesium transport is altered by a number of hormones, mainly in the TALH and DCT. Parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, arginine vasopressin, ß-adrenergic agonists, and epidermal growth factor, all increase renal tubular magnesium reabsorption; in contrast, prostaglandin E2 decreases magnesium reabsorption. Non-hormonal factors also influence magnesium reabsorption: it is decreased by high blood concentrations of calcium and magnesium, probably via the action of divalent cations on the calcium-sensing receptor; metabolic acidosis decreases, and metabolic alkalosis increases, renal magnesium reabsorption.

Magnesium sulfate is currently the drug of choice for prophylaxis against eclampsia in women with preeclampsia and first-line treatment for eclampsia. In this population, medication administration error is a frequent cause of magnesium toxicity. Symptoms of toxicity are linked to increasing serum concentrations, but routine monitoring is not recommended. Instead, deep tendon reflexes and respiratory rate are the most commonly monitored parameters. However, magnesium serum concentration should be monitored when magnesium toxicity is suspected or in patients at high risk of toxicity. The gastrointestinal and central nervous systems are usually affected first. As the serum concentration becomes extremely high, neuromuscular and cardiovascular effects may occur, leading to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. In addition to standard advanced life support measures, calcium is the mainstay of treatment and in some cases forced diuresis and dialysis may also be considered.

Nephrolithiasis is the presence of kidney stones, which are also known as ‘renal calculi’. Renal calculi arise when urine becomes supersaturated with insoluble components. This may occur when there is excessive production of these components, a decrease in factors maintaining their solubility (e.g. citrate), or a reduction in urine volume (leading to increased concentration). Infection may play a significant role in the initiation of renal calculus formation, by creating a nidus for further crystal growth. Renal calculi are usually classified into two categories: those containing calcium (80%), and non-calcareous calculi (20%).

Inorganic phosphate ions (H2PO4−/ HPO42−) (abbreviated as Pi) are involved in formation of bone and generation of high-energy bonds (e.g. ATP), metabolic pathways, and regulation of cellular functions. In addition, Pi is a component of biological membranes and nucleic acids. Only about 1% of total body Pi content is present in extracellular fluids, at a plasma concentration in adults within the range 0.8–1.4 mMol/L (at pH 7.4 mostly as HPO42−), with diurnal variations of approximately 0.2 mM. A small amount of plasma Pi is bound to proteins or forms complexes with calcium. Under normal, balanced conditions, absorption of dietary Pi along the small intestine equals the output of Pi via kidney and faeces. Renal excretion of Pi represents the key determinant for the adjustment of normal Pi plasma concentrations. Renal reabsorption of Pi occurs along the proximal tubules by sodium-dependent Pi cotransporters that are strictly localized at the apical brush border membrane. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and FGF23 are key regulators amongst a myriad of factors controlling excretion of Pi in urine, mostly by changes of the apical abundance of Na/Pi cotransporters. Hypophosphataemia may result in osteomalacia, rickets, muscle weakness, and haemolysis. Hyperphosphataemia can lead to hyperparathyroidism and severe calcifications in different tissues.

Neural network research often builds on the fiction that neurons are simple linear threshold units, completely neglecting the highly dynamic and complex nature of synapses, dendrites, and voltage-dependent ionic currents. Biophysics of Computation: Information Processing in Single Neurons challenges this notion, using richly detailed experimental and theoretical findings from cellular biophysics to explain the repertoire of computational functions available to single neurons. The author shows how individual nerve cells can multiply, integrate, or delay synaptic inputs and how information can be encoded in the voltage across the membrane, in the intracellular calcium concentration, or in the timing of individual spikes. Key topics covered include the linear cable equation; cable theory as applied to passive dendritic trees and dendritic spines; chemical and electrical synapses and how to treat them from a computational point of view; nonlinear interactions of synaptic input in passive and active dendritic trees; the Hodgkin-Huxley model of action potential generation and propagation; phase space analysis; linking stochastic ionic channels to membrane-dependent currents; calcium and potassium currents and their role in information processing; the role of diffusion, buffering and binding of calcium, and other messenger systems in information processing and storage; short- and long-term models of synaptic plasticity; simplified models of single cells; stochastic aspects of neuronal firing; the nature of the neuronal code; and unconventional models of sub-cellular computation. Biophysics of Computation: Information Processing in Single Neurons serves as an ideal text for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in cellular biophysics, computational neuroscience, and neural networks, and will appeal to students and professionals in neuroscience, electrical and computer engineering, and physics.

Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorders (CKD-MBD), calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone are biomarkers of mortality and cardiovascular risk. Hyperphosphataemia is a prominent and pathophysiologically most plausible risk indicator. Calcium balance and load appear to be more important than serum concentrations. Parathyroid hormone is a less reliable marker with a relatively wide range extending above that applicable for a normal population especially when used as a singular laboratory parameter without additional assessment of bone metabolism, for example, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and bone biopsy. There is not a single prospective controlled hard-outcome study that provides us with unequivocal evidence that such an isolated laboratory parameter-based treatment approach will lead to significant clinical improvements. As CKD-MBD is complex, clinical decisions would be made easier by informative prospective trials.

Coral reefs are largely restricted to shallow tropical seas, where water is warm, nutrient poor and well illuminated for photosynthesis and where sufficient calcium carbonate (aragonite) exists in seawater for the precipitation of coral skeletons (i.e. calcification). Extreme temperatures and salinities cause thermal and osmotic stress, while large amounts of sediment smother corals and block light. High concentrations of nutrients encourage algal growth at the expense of corals, while low seawater aragonite concentrations prevent net accretion of the reef framework. At local scales, the hydrodynamic regime influences reef growth, as corals are damaged by storms and wave surge. The typical abiotic environment in which reefs are found, and which determines reef distribution, is defined. The chapter also discusses marginal reefs, where corals live at the margins of their survival, for example in the warm, salty seas of the Persian Gulf and the relatively cold waters of Australia’s Lord Howe Island.

Inotropes are drugs commonly used in the intensive care unit. This class of agents includes a broad variety of molecules that improve cardiac index by increasing intracellular concentrations of cyclic AMP, or sensitivity to intracellular calcium, or by inhibiting the sodium/potassium pump. The main inotropic agents available are digoxin, catecholamines, and non-catecholergic drugs, e.g. phosphodiesterase inhibitors and levosimendan. In practice, dobutamine, a beta1 and beta2 agonist, is the inotrope of choice in patients with acute heart failure, or in patients with severe sepsis and evidence for left ventricle dysfunction. Levosimendan may be an alternative choice in patients with severe heart failure, particularly for those previously treated with beta-blockers. The main serious adverse events related to any inotrope are life-threatening arrhythmias.

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and Klotho have emerged as major hormonal regulators of phosphorus (P) and vitamin D metabolism. FGF23 is secreted by bone cells and acts in the kidneys to increase urinary P excretion and inhibit the synthesis of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) and in the parathyroid glands to inhibit the synthesis and secretion of parathyroid hormone. Phosphorus excess stimulates FGF23 secretion, likely as an appropriate physiological adaptation to maintain normal P homeostasis by enhancing urinary P excretion and diminishing intestinal P absorption via lower 1,25(OH)2D. The FGF23 concentrations are elevated early in the course of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and may be a primary initiating factor for the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism in this setting. Klotho exists in two forms: a transmembrane form and a secreted form, each with distinct functions. The transmembrane form acts as the key co-factor needed for FGF23 to bind to and activate its cognate receptor in the kidneys and the parathyroid glands. The secreted form of Klotho has FGF23-independent effects on renal P and calcium handling, insulin sensitivity, and endothelial function. Disturbances in the expression of Klotho may play a role in the development of altered bone and mineral metabolism in early CKD. In addition, abnormal circulating concentrations of both FGF23 and Klotho have been linked to excess cardiovascular disease, suggesting that both play an important role in maintaining cardiovascular health.

The kidneys play a critical role in maintaining normal serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations, under the regulation of three main hormones: parathyroid hormone, calcitriol, and fibroblast growth factor 23. With the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), most patients develop CKD–mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD), which is a systemic disorder involving derangement in mineral metabolism, renal osteodystrophy, and extraskeletal calcification. Disturbances in mineral metabolism develop early in CKD and include phosphate retention, hypocalcaemia, vitamin D deficiency, and hyperparathyroidism. Renal osteodystrophy involves pathologic changes of bone morphology related to progressive CKD and is quantifiable by histomorphometry, based on bone biopsy. CKD-MBD is associated with significant morbidity, including bone loss, fractures, cardiovascular disease, immune suppression, as well as increased mortality. As the disorder begins early in the course of CKD, a proactive approach with intervention is important. Therapeutic strategies could then be employed to prevent and correct these disturbances, aiming to improve cardiovascular outcomes and survival. Current practice guidelines for CKD-MBD are based on insufficient data and high-quality studies are required before specific treatment can be advocated strongly.

Bones are multifunctional passive organs of movement that supports soft tissue and directly attached muscles. They also protect internal organs and are a reserve of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Each bone is covered with periosteum, and the adjacent bone surfaces are covered by articular cartilage. Histologically, the bone is an organ composed of many different tissues. The main component is bone tissue (cortical and spongy) composed of a set of bone cells and intercellular substance (mineral and organic), it also contains fat, hematopoietic (bone marrow) and cartilaginous tissue. Bones are a tissue that even in adult life retains the ability to change shape and structure depending on changes in their mechanical and hormonal environment, as well as self-renewal and repair capabilities. This process is called bone turnover. The basic processes of bone turnover are: • bone modeling (incessantly changes in bone shape during individual growth) following resorption and tissue formation at various locations (e.g. bone marrow formation) to increase mass and skeletal morphology. This process occurs in the bones of growing individuals and stops after reaching puberty • bone remodeling (processes involve in maintaining bone tissue by resorbing and replacing old bone tissue with new tissue in the same place, e.g. repairing micro fractures). It is a process involving the removal and internal remodeling of existing bone and is responsible for maintaining tissue mass and architecture of mature bones. Bone turnover is regulated by two types of transformation: • osteoclastogenesis, i.e. formation of cells responsible for bone resorption • osteoblastogenesis, i.e. formation of cells responsible for bone formation (bone matrix synthesis and mineralization) Bone maturity can be defined as the completion of basic structural development and mineralization leading to maximum mass and optimal mechanical strength. The highest rate of increase in pig bone mass is observed in the first twelve weeks after birth. This period of growth is considered crucial for optimizing the growth of the skeleton of pigs, because the degree of bone mineralization in later life stages (adulthood) depends largely on the amount of bone minerals accumulated in the early stages of their growth. The development of the technique allows to determine the condition of the skeletal system (or individual bones) in living animals by methods used in human medicine, or after their slaughter. For in vivo determination of bone properties, Abstract 10 double energy X-ray absorptiometry or computed tomography scanning techniques are used. Both methods allow the quantification of mineral content and bone mineral density. The most important property from a practical point of view is the bone’s bending strength, which is directly determined by the maximum bending force. The most important factors affecting bone strength are: • age (growth period), • gender and the associated hormonal balance, • genotype and modification of genes responsible for bone growth • chemical composition of the body (protein and fat content, and the proportion between these components), • physical activity and related bone load, • nutritional factors: – protein intake influencing synthesis of organic matrix of bone, – content of minerals in the feed (CA, P, Zn, Ca/P, Mg, Mn, Na, Cl, K, Cu ratio) influencing synthesis of the inorganic matrix of bone, – mineral/protein ratio in the diet (Ca/protein, P/protein, Zn/protein) – feed energy concentration, – energy source (content of saturated fatty acids - SFA, content of polyun saturated fatty acids - PUFA, in particular ALA, EPA, DPA, DHA), – feed additives, in particular: enzymes (e.g. phytase releasing of minerals bounded in phytin complexes), probiotics and prebiotics (e.g. inulin improving the function of the digestive tract by increasing absorption of nutrients), – vitamin content that regulate metabolism and biochemical changes occurring in bone tissue (e.g. vitamin D3, B6, C and K). This study was based on the results of research experiments from available literature, and studies on growing pigs carried out at the Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences. The tests were performed in total on 300 pigs of Duroc, Pietrain, Puławska breeds, line 990 and hybrids (Great White × Duroc, Great White × Landrace), PIC pigs, slaughtered at different body weight during the growth period from 15 to 130 kg. Bones for biomechanical tests were collected after slaughter from each pig. Their length, mass and volume were determined. Based on these measurements, the specific weight (density, g/cm3) was calculated. Then each bone was cut in the middle of the shaft and the outer and inner diameters were measured both horizontally and vertically. Based on these measurements, the following indicators were calculated: • cortical thickness, • cortical surface, • cortical index. Abstract 11 Bone strength was tested by a three-point bending test. The obtained data enabled the determination of: • bending force (the magnitude of the maximum force at which disintegration and disruption of bone structure occurs), • strength (the amount of maximum force needed to break/crack of bone), • stiffness (quotient of the force acting on the bone and the amount of displacement occurring under the influence of this force). Investigation of changes in physical and biomechanical features of bones during growth was performed on pigs of the synthetic 990 line growing from 15 to 130 kg body weight. The animals were slaughtered successively at a body weight of 15, 30, 40, 50, 70, 90, 110 and 130 kg. After slaughter, the following bones were separated from the right half-carcass: humerus, 3rd and 4th metatarsal bone, femur, tibia and fibula as well as 3rd and 4th metatarsal bone. The features of bones were determined using methods described in the methodology. Describing bone growth with the Gompertz equation, it was found that the earliest slowdown of bone growth curve was observed for metacarpal and metatarsal bones. This means that these bones matured the most quickly. The established data also indicate that the rib is the slowest maturing bone. The femur, humerus, tibia and fibula were between the values of these features for the metatarsal, metacarpal and rib bones. The rate of increase in bone mass and length differed significantly between the examined bones, but in all cases it was lower (coefficient b <1) than the growth rate of the whole body of the animal. The fastest growth rate was estimated for the rib mass (coefficient b = 0.93). Among the long bones, the humerus (coefficient b = 0.81) was characterized by the fastest rate of weight gain, however femur the smallest (coefficient b = 0.71). The lowest rate of bone mass increase was observed in the foot bones, with the metacarpal bones having a slightly higher value of coefficient b than the metatarsal bones (0.67 vs 0.62). The third bone had a lower growth rate than the fourth bone, regardless of whether they were metatarsal or metacarpal. The value of the bending force increased as the animals grew. Regardless of the growth point tested, the highest values were observed for the humerus, tibia and femur, smaller for the metatarsal and metacarpal bone, and the lowest for the fibula and rib. The rate of change in the value of this indicator increased at a similar rate as the body weight changes of the animals in the case of the fibula and the fourth metacarpal bone (b value = 0.98), and more slowly in the case of the metatarsal bone, the third metacarpal bone, and the tibia bone (values of the b ratio 0.81–0.85), and the slowest femur, humerus and rib (value of b = 0.60–0.66). Bone stiffness increased as animals grew. Regardless of the growth point tested, the highest values were observed for the humerus, tibia and femur, smaller for the metatarsal and metacarpal bone, and the lowest for the fibula and rib. Abstract 12 The rate of change in the value of this indicator changed at a faster rate than the increase in weight of pigs in the case of metacarpal and metatarsal bones (coefficient b = 1.01–1.22), slightly slower in the case of fibula (coefficient b = 0.92), definitely slower in the case of the tibia (b = 0.73), ribs (b = 0.66), femur (b = 0.59) and humerus (b = 0.50). Bone strength increased as animals grew. Regardless of the growth point tested, bone strength was as follows femur > tibia > humerus > 4 metacarpal> 3 metacarpal> 3 metatarsal > 4 metatarsal > rib> fibula. The rate of increase in strength of all examined bones was greater than the rate of weight gain of pigs (value of the coefficient b = 2.04–3.26). As the animals grew, the bone density increased. However, the growth rate of this indicator for the majority of bones was slower than the rate of weight gain (the value of the coefficient b ranged from 0.37 – humerus to 0.84 – fibula). The exception was the rib, whose density increased at a similar pace increasing the body weight of animals (value of the coefficient b = 0.97). The study on the influence of the breed and the feeding intensity on bone characteristics (physical and biomechanical) was performed on pigs of the breeds Duroc, Pietrain, and synthetic 990 during a growth period of 15 to 70 kg body weight. Animals were fed ad libitum or dosed system. After slaughter at a body weight of 70 kg, three bones were taken from the right half-carcass: femur, three metatarsal, and three metacarpal and subjected to the determinations described in the methodology. The weight of bones of animals fed aa libitum was significantly lower than in pigs fed restrictively All bones of Duroc breed were significantly heavier and longer than Pietrain and 990 pig bones. The average values of bending force for the examined bones took the following order: III metatarsal bone (63.5 kg) <III metacarpal bone (77.9 kg) <femur (271.5 kg). The feeding system and breed of pigs had no significant effect on the value of this indicator. The average values of the bones strength took the following order: III metatarsal bone (92.6 kg) <III metacarpal (107.2 kg) <femur (353.1 kg). Feeding intensity and breed of animals had no significant effect on the value of this feature of the bones tested. The average bone density took the following order: femur (1.23 g/cm3) <III metatarsal bone (1.26 g/cm3) <III metacarpal bone (1.34 g / cm3). The density of bones of animals fed aa libitum was higher (P<0.01) than in animals fed with a dosing system. The density of examined bones within the breeds took the following order: Pietrain race> line 990> Duroc race. The differences between the “extreme” breeds were: 7.2% (III metatarsal bone), 8.3% (III metacarpal bone), 8.4% (femur). Abstract 13 The average bone stiffness took the following order: III metatarsal bone (35.1 kg/mm) <III metacarpus (41.5 kg/mm) <femur (60.5 kg/mm). This indicator did not differ between the groups of pigs fed at different intensity, except for the metacarpal bone, which was more stiffer in pigs fed aa libitum (P<0.05). The femur of animals fed ad libitum showed a tendency (P<0.09) to be more stiffer and a force of 4.5 kg required for its displacement by 1 mm. Breed differences in stiffness were found for the femur (P <0.05) and III metacarpal bone (P <0.05). For femur, the highest value of this indicator was found in Pietrain pigs (64.5 kg/mm), lower in pigs of 990 line (61.6 kg/mm) and the lowest in Duroc pigs (55.3 kg/mm). In turn, the 3rd metacarpal bone of Duroc and Pietrain pigs had similar stiffness (39.0 and 40.0 kg/mm respectively) and was smaller than that of line 990 pigs (45.4 kg/mm). The thickness of the cortical bone layer took the following order: III metatarsal bone (2.25 mm) <III metacarpal bone (2.41 mm) <femur (5.12 mm). The feeding system did not affect this indicator. Breed differences (P <0.05) for this trait were found only for the femur bone: Duroc (5.42 mm)> line 990 (5.13 mm)> Pietrain (4.81 mm). The cross sectional area of the examined bones was arranged in the following order: III metatarsal bone (84 mm2) <III metacarpal bone (90 mm2) <femur (286 mm2). The feeding system had no effect on the value of this bone trait, with the exception of the femur, which in animals fed the dosing system was 4.7% higher (P<0.05) than in pigs fed ad libitum. Breed differences (P<0.01) in the coross sectional area were found only in femur and III metatarsal bone. The value of this indicator was the highest in Duroc pigs, lower in 990 animals and the lowest in Pietrain pigs. The cortical index of individual bones was in the following order: III metatarsal bone (31.86) <III metacarpal bone (33.86) <femur (44.75). However, its value did not significantly depend on the intensity of feeding or the breed of pigs.