scholarly journals More massive but potentially less healthy: black vultures feeding in rubbish dumps differed in clinical and biochemical parameters with wild feeding birds

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e4645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Ignacio Plaza ◽  
Sergio Agustin Lambertucci

Background Organic waste is one of the most important anthropogenic food subsidies used by different species. However, there is little information about the health impact that rubbish dumps produce on species foraging in these sites. Methods We studied the effect that rubbish dumps produce on the health of a scavenging bird from the Americas, the black vulture (Coragyps atratus). We sampled and studied clinical and biochemical parameters in 94 adult black vultures from two different sites in North Western Patagonia, a rubbish dump and the wild steppe. Results We found differences in clinical and biochemical parameters between sites. Body mass was greater in individuals from the dump, whereas in the steppe there were more individuals clinically dehydrated. Biochemical parameters such as uric acid, calcium, alkaline phosphatase, glycaemia, globulins and haematocrit had higher values in individuals using the dump than in individuals from the steppe. Other biochemical parameters such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase and urea were higher in individuals from the steppe than in individuals from the dump. Discussion Foraging in organic waste could be considered beneficial for black vultures because they increase body mass and parameters associated to nutritional status like calcium and haematocrit. However, foraging in dumps can also affect their health status due to nutritional problems, potential kidney damage or infections that are signalled by the higher values of glycaemia, uric acid and globulins found in individuals from the dump. Our results highlight the contrasting effects that rubbish dumps may produce on wildlife health. They are relevant to different species using these sites, and are also an additional instrument for managing waste.

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (7) ◽  
pp. 1673-1677
Author(s):  
Viviana Aursulesei ◽  
Andrei Manta ◽  
Razan Al Namat ◽  
Monica Hugianu ◽  
Angela Maria Moloce ◽  
...  

The bidirectional relation between body mass index (BMI) and heart failure (HF) is complex and not fully understood. The obesity paradox phenomena is controversial and related to patient selection, parameters used for defining abnormal weight, characteristics of HF. Our study sustain the importance of controlling risk factors, in particular plasma glucose, lipid levels, as well as hypertension in patients with HF and BMI over 25 kg/m2. Also, in contrast to the randomized control studies our results can only partially support data related to obesity paradox phenomena.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelvin Euton Oliveira Carmo ◽  
Diego Ignácio Valenzuela Pérez ◽  
Charles Nardelli Valido ◽  
Jymmys Lopes dos Santos ◽  
Bianca Miarka ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Nutritional ergogenic aids are foods or nutrients that can improve physical performance. Among these foods with ergogenic properties, caffeine has shown that it can increase the fat catabolism, strength, and improve the cognition and time reaction of an athlete, therefore, it is hoped that it can improve the performance of judokas. This study through a double-blind crossover (supplement X placebo) protocol, investigated the effects caffeine supplementation (single capsule containing 5 mg/kg body mass intake 60 min before the session) on biochemical, anthropometrical, physical, subjective and hemodynamic variables measured before, during and after two typical judo trainingcxs sessions (120-min: 40-min of gymnastics; 40-min of specific technics and; 40-min of judo combat). Methods 8 high-level athletes (21.4 ± 2.0 years; 83.6 ± 15.2 kg; 1.8 ± 0.1 m; 17.9 ± 7.0 Fat%) were evaluated before and after each training for body mass, hydration, upper and lower limb power, performance in the special judo fitness test (SJFT), free fatty acids (FFA) in plasma, uric acid, glucose, lactate, heart rate, and pain. In addition, heart rate, FFA in plasma, uric acid, glucose, lactate, rating of perceived exertion and pain were assessed during the training. Results At 120 min, supplementation resulted in a higher concentration of plasma FFA (1.5 ± 0.5 vs. 1.0 ± 0.3 mmol/L; p = 0.047) and lactate (4.9 ± 1.8 vs. 3.0 ± 1.2 mmol/L; p = 0.047), and a lower concentration of uric acid (5.4 ± 0.9 vs. 7.0 ± 1.5 mg/dL; p = 0.04). Supplementation also resulted in performance maintenance (fatigue index) in the SJFT (Δ0.3 ± 2.0 vs Δ1.7 ± 2.5, for caffeine and placebo respectively, p = 0.046). No adverse effects were observed. Conclusion Based on the applied dose, intake time, and sample of this study, we can conclude that caffeine produces an ergogenic biochemical effect, and improves performance in judo athletes.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-26
Author(s):  
Jéssica Cumpian Silva ◽  
Ana Elisa Madalena Rinaldi ◽  
Francisco de Assis Guedes Vasconcelos ◽  
Maria Alice Altenburg Assis ◽  
Camila Medeiros Mazzeti ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: Our study aimed to describe body phenotypes (BP) estimated by multivariate analysis and their association with body mass. Design: Body phenotypes were defined based on demographic variables, anthropometric data (body mass, height, skinfolds and circumferences), body composition (phase angle measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis), biochemical parameters (triglycerides, glucose, total cholesterol ratio/Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL), haemoglobin and sexual maturation (pubic hair and breasts or gonads). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to verify the differences between skin colour and the stages of pubertal development, body phenotypes, body composition, anthropometric, and biochemical variables. Setting: Cities of São Paulo-SP, Piracicaba-SP and Florianópolis-SC from Brazil and the United States. Participants: 9269 adolescents aged between 10 to 15 years old. Results: The composition of BP was similar in all surveys, which are: BP1 was composed by skinfolds, body mass and circumferences variables; BP2 by pubic hair, breast in girls or gonad in boys, height and age; BP3 by cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose; and BP4 by phase angle, haemoglobin and glucose (negative loading). There was a strong correlation (r = 0.9, p <0.001) between BP1 and body mass index. Conclusion: We highlighted independence observed between biochemical parameters, anthropometry, body composition and sexual maturation. BP may support the calculation of scores for diagnosis of obesity based on anthropometric variables and overcome ambiguity in the isolated use of body mass index.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2138
Author(s):  
Michał Szyszka ◽  
Piotr Skrzypczyk ◽  
Anna Stelmaszczyk-Emmel ◽  
Małgorzata Pańczyk-Tomaszewska

Experimental studies suggest that periostin is involved in tissue repair and remodeling. The study aimed to evaluate serum periostin concentration as potential biomarker in pediatric patients with primary hypertension (PH). We measured serum periostin, blood pressure, arterial damage, biochemical, and clinical data in 50 children with PH and 20 age-matched healthy controls. In univariate analysis, children with PH had significantly lower serum periostin compared to healthy peers (35.42 ± 10.43 vs. 42.16 ± 12.82 [ng/mL], p = 0.038). In the entire group of 70 children serum periostin concentration correlated negatively with peripheral, central, and ambulatory blood pressure, as well as with aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV). In multivariate analysis, periostin level significantly correlated with age (β = −0.614, [95% confidence interval (CI), −0.831–−0.398]), uric acid (β = 0.328, [95%CI, 0.124–0.533]), body mass index (BMI) Z-score (β = −0.293, [95%CI, −0.492–−0.095]), high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (β = 0.235, [95%CI, 0.054–0.416]), and triglycerides (β = −0.198, [95%CI, −0.394–−0.002]). Neither the presence of hypertension nor blood pressure and aPWV influenced periostin level. To conclude, the role of serum periostin as a biomarker of elevated blood pressure and arterial damage in pediatric patients with primary hypertension is yet to be unmasked. Age, body mass index, uric acid, and lipid concentrations are key factors influencing periostin level in pediatric patients.


2016 ◽  
Vol 42 (02) ◽  
pp. 53-67
Author(s):  
Shang-Hsiu Chung ◽  
Li-Wen Chang ◽  
Tsun-Li Cheng ◽  
Chen-Jou Lin ◽  
Wen-Ying Chen ◽  
...  

Reference interval (RIs) were critical to the identification of illness. However, RIs set in one laboratory may not be appropriate for another because of biological, geographical and instrumental factors. Interpretation of clinical data using inappropriate RIs may cause misclassification of results and misdiagnosis that lead to improper treatment. RIs in Taiwan have been mostly referencing from foreign resources, it is desirable to establish one that is closer to the overall conditions in Taiwan (such as breed, climate, diseases, etc.) and to investigate its differences to foreign RIs. The present study used the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) guidelines to establish in-house RIs for hematological, biochemical and coagulation parameters using dogs in middle Taiwan. The results were also compared to two foreign and one local RIs. The results suggested that the hematological RIs are more comparable to foreign RIs than the biochemical and hemostatic parameters. Differences were found for biochemical parameters including gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lipase, uric acid, bile acid, bilirubin and magnesium; and coagulation parameters including prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin. In all, 18% (7/40) of the all tested parameters were different from the local RI while 38% (18/48) and 41% (19/46) of the parameters were different from the two foreign RIs. The differences in more than 30% RIs and better similarities to local RIs underscore the importance of having own RIs if possible.


2016 ◽  
Vol 90 ◽  
pp. 201-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuki Yokoi ◽  
Takahisa Kondo ◽  
Naoki Okumura ◽  
Keiko Shimokata ◽  
Shigeki Osugi ◽  
...  

Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shao-Yuan Chuang ◽  
Jonathan Jiunn-Horng Chen ◽  
Chih-Cheng Wu ◽  
Wen-Harn Pan

Few studies examine the association between serum uric acid (SUA) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We aimed to investigate the association between SUA and ACS in a prospective study of ethnic Chinese. Enrolled were 128569 adults ≥ 20 yrs from 4 MJ Health Checkup Clinics in Taiwan during 1994 –1996, excluding those with heart disease, stroke, renal disease and cancer disease. All physical examination, biochemical test and structured questionnaire were executed in standardized central labs. ACS was defined by main ICD-9 of 410 – 414 from claim data of National Health Insurance for hospitalization and from Death certification registry. Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) between levels of SUA and ACS events. A total of 2049 subjects (Men: 1239/Women: 810) developed ACS during the period from baseline to Dec.31.2002. Men had higher ACS incidence than women (2.84 vs. 1.61 per 1000 person-years [PY]; p < .0001). Independent risk factors of ACS unfolded from this study included age, male sex, waist circumference, body mass index, triglycerides, total-cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, uric acid, and current smoking. The crude incidences of ACS were 1.27, 2.06, 3.27 and 4.61 per 1000 PY in that order for four consecutive SUA groups (group1: <5.0 mg/dl; group 2: 5.0 – 6.9 mg/dl; group 3: 7.0 – 8.9 mg/dl; group 4: ≥9.0 mg/dl) (p-value for trend <.0001). Compared to group1, the multi-variate adjusted HRs (95% Confidence intervals) were 1.14 (0.92, 1.42) for group 2, 1.38 (1.10, 1.72) for group 3 and 1.38 (1.10, 1.72) for group 4 among men, and 1.03 (0.87, 1.22), 1.30 (1.05, 1.62) and 1.43 (0.99, 2.05) among women after adjusting for age, systolic/diastolic BP, body mass index, triglycerides, total cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity, and occupation. One standard deviation increase in SUA corresponded to around 30% ACS risk increase in women (HR=1.33; 1.04 –1.70) and 60% in men (HR=1.59; 1.25–2.03). Baseline SUA level independently predicts the development of ACS and should be considered as a potential risk factor of ACS.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 2510
Author(s):  
Katerina Pavelcova ◽  
Jana Bohata ◽  
Marketa Pavlikova ◽  
Eliska Bubenikova ◽  
Karel Pavelka ◽  
...  

Urate transporters, which are located in the kidneys, significantly affect the level of uric acid in the body. We looked at genetic variants of genes encoding the major reabsorption proteins GLUT9 (SLC2A9) and URAT1 (SLC22A12) and their association with hyperuricemia and gout. In a cohort of 250 individuals with primary hyperuricemia and gout, we used direct sequencing to examine the SLC22A12 and SLC2A9 genes. Identified variants were evaluated in relation to clinical data, biochemical parameters, metabolic syndrome criteria, and our previous analysis of the major secretory urate transporter ABCG2. We detected seven nonsynonymous variants of SLC2A9. There were no nonsynonymous variants of SLC22A12. Eleven variants of SLC2A9 and two variants of SLC22A12 were significantly more common in our cohort than in the European population (p = 0), while variants p.V282I and c.1002+78A>G had a low frequency in our cohort (p = 0). Since the association between variants and the level of uric acid was not demonstrated, the influence of variants on the development of hyperuricemia and gout should be evaluated with caution. However, consistent with the findings of other studies, our data suggest that p.V282I and c.1002+78A>G (SLC2A9) reduce the risk of gout, while p.N82N (SLC22A12) increases the risk.


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