Effect of zinc supplementation on serum zinc and calcium levels in postmenopausal osteoporotic women in Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran

Research on the zinc status of osteoporotic women is scarce. This randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial assessed the effect of zinc supplementation on serum zinc and calcium levels in postmenopausal osteoporotic women. A sample of 60 women referred to a rheumatology clinic in Tabriz were randomly divided into intervention [220 mg zinc sulfate daily] and placebo groups. Anthropometric indices, dietary intake of zinc and calcium and serum zinc and calcium were assessed at baseline and after 60 days. Mean serum zinc concentrations were markedly lower than the normal range at baseline, but mean serum calcium levels were normal. In the intervention group serum zinc levels were significantly higher after 60 days [120.5 [SD 7.5] versus 70.5 [SD 4.6] microg/dL] while serum calcium levels were unchanged [8.6 [SD 0.1] versus 9.1 [SD 0.3) mg/dL]. The placebo group showed no significant changes in zinc or calcium levels. Postmenopausal osteoporotic women may benefit from zinc supplementation

Effect of water softening on the colour intensity of routine haematoxylin and eosin stain

Haematoxylin and eosin [H and E] is the most popular routine stain used in pathology laboratories for highlighting cellular structures. To study the effect of tap water'softening' [i.e. calcium extraction] on H and E stains, 5 sets of slides from 30 different paraffin-embedded human pathologic tissue blocks were prepared in the same way except for washing with 5 different types of water. Slides washed in untreated tap water showed the best results concerning differentiation and colour intensity, while slides washed with softened or other treated water showed poorer degrees of differentiation and colour intensity. The worst results were obtained from slides washed with water containing sodium bicarbonate. Low calcium and magnesium ions and high sodium ions in soft water adversely affect the results of routine H and E stain

Urinary calculi: bacteriological and chemical association

We investigated the bacteriology of urinary calculi in relation to urinary tract infection, stone formation, chemical composition and antibiotic sensitivity. Fifty-two patients [37 males, 15 females] with urolithiasis were studied. Urine, serum and urinary calculi specimens were taken and serum biochemical tests to detect uric acid, calcium and phosphorus were performed. Urine analysis and culture were also performed. Of the 52 patients, 19 [37%] had associated urinary tract infection, with Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis being the most common causative microorganisms. The bacterial isolates from urine and those from calculi differed in their susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. We conclude that in over 50% of patients with urolithiasis, urine culture can detect the infecting organisms associated with stone formation and the organisms within urinary calculi

Effect of methoxyverapamil, diltiazem, morphine and their combination on the formation of irreversibly sickled cells: an in vitro study

The effect of methoxyverapamil and diltiazem [calcium antagonists] and morphine [calcium antagonist activity] on the formation of irreversibly sickled cells [ISCs] was investigated. Methoxyverapamil at therapeutic concentration and 10 times that level resulted in a 12% and 21% reduction in the formation of ISCs respectively, which was statistically significant. Diltiazem also produced a significant reduction in ISCs but morphine produced no significant reduction. Combination of these drugs produced a net effect similar to their individual effects. These drugs might be useful in decreasing the intensity of sickling crises and vaso-occlusive events. Thus in vivo trials in patients with sickle-cell disease are suggested