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Background: Primary hyperoxaluria (PH) is a rare, genetic disorder which involves the overproduction of endogenous oxalate, leading to hyperoxaluria, recurrent urolithiasis and/or progressive nephrocalcinosis and eventually resulting in kidney failure and systemic oxalosis. The aim of this trial was to investigate whether treatment involving an oxalate-metabolising bacterium ( Oxalobacter formigenes) could reduce urinary oxalate excretion in PH patients. Methods: The efficacy and safety of O. formigenes (Oxabact® OC5; OxThera AB, Stockholm, Sweden) was evaluated in a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study for 8 weeks. The primary objective was reduction in urinary oxalate excretion (Uox). Secondary objectives included faecal O. formigenes count and decrease in plasma oxalate concentration (Pox). Results: Twenty-eight patients randomised 1:1 to the treatment group (OC5) or the placebo group completed the study. After 8 weeks of treatment, there was no significant difference in the change in Uox (mmol/24 h/1.73 m) between the groups (OC5: +0.042, placebo: −0.140). Post-hoc analysis showed a statistically significant increase in Uox per urinary creatinine excretion in the OC5 group (OC5: +5.41, placebo: −15.96; p = 0.030). Change in Pox from baseline was not significantly different between groups ( p = 0.438). The O. formigenes cell count was significantly increased in OC5-treated patients ( p < 0.001) versus placebo. The treatment response to O. formigenes was related to individual stage of kidney deterioration, and Pox was directly correlated to kidney function, even for early-stage patients (chronic kidney disease stage 1). No safety issues were observed. Conclusions: Treatment with OC5 did not significantly reduce Uox or Pox over 8 weeks of treatment. The treatment was well tolerated and successfully delivered to the gastrointestinal tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In situ, non-invasive investigations by means of portable X-ray fluorescence and fibre optic reflectance mid-infrared (mid-FTIR) spectroscopy of painted Böttger Stoneware objects have been carried out through the MOLAB transnational access to the Porcelain Collection of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen in Dresden. It has been possible to gather information regarding the composition of the black glaze by applying a principal component analysis to the elemental analysis to distinguish between the variations of lead, iron and manganese compositions of each glaze. It has been furthermore feasible to combine molecular spectroscopy for characterization of the constituent painting materials, namely lead white as cerusite and hydrocerusite, the use of cinnabar, azurite and Prussian blue leading to a better knowledge of the state of conservation and utility of certain pigments that may give rise to chronology of the decorative artwork. The identification of oxalates namely whedellite and moolooite are assigned as degradation products relative to the decorative areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Primary hyperoxaluria (PH) is a heterogeneous disease with variable age of onset and inconsistent progression into renal failure (ESRF). Aims: In 1994 we initiated a survey within our Pediatric Nephrology working group to ascertain epidemiologic data and current practices. Updates were performed in 2000 and 2004. Results: Diagnosis of PH was made in 65 patients (42 with PH type I, 3 with PH type II, 12 unclassified and 8 reported dead), which suggests a minimum prevalence of 0.7 per 1 million of the population. First symptoms were urolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, urinary tract infection or hematuria. Diagnosis was often delayed and was made only in ESRF in 11% of patients. Measurement of urine metabolites or plasma oxalate in ESRF was performed in 76 and 57%, respectively. Determination of enzyme activity in liver biopsy (55% overall) and mutation analysis have increasingly been performed since 2000 (84.2 and 51%). Treatment included high fluid intake, pyridoxine, citrate and magnesium preparations. Pyridoxine response was reported in 21% of patients. No genotype/phenotype correlation was seen. Most patients (39) do not require renal replacement therapy, 5 patients receive chronic hemodialysis. Preemptive liver (n = 5) and combined liver-kidney transplantation (n = 9) were the preferred transplantation procedures. Conclusion: Despite increasing knowledge and awareness, diagnosis of PH is still too often delayed and diagnosis only made in ESRF. Most German patients, however, do currently not require renal replacement therapy. Genotype/phenotype correlations were not found. Combined liver kidney transplantation is the preferred procedure, but has its specific risks. Additional treatment options are clearly needed. Copyright © 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the urinary composition of cats by researchers from Hannover, Germany. Influence of dietary protein source on feline urinary composition; Impact of lower urinary tract disease on feline health and well-being; Factors that contribute to the development of urolithiasis in cats.