Effect of storage time on the urine protein: creatinine ratio in alkaline ovine urine

The urine protein:creatinine (UPC) ratio is considered the reference method to assess proteinuria. Its diagnostic value in ovine medicine needs further elucidation. In population monitoring and/or for research purposes, it is convenient to collect many samples simultaneously and store them for later analysis. However, analyte stability data are required to ensure reliable results. We used 15 of 90 urine samples collected from sheep to assess the effect of storage time on the UPC ratio. After centrifugation, the supernatant of each sample was divided into 6 aliquots. Urine protein and creatinine concentrations were determined immediately in one aliquot using the pyrogallol red and a modified Jaffè method, respectively. The other aliquots were stored at −18°C. Based on the absence of active sediment, alkaline urine pH, and UPC ratio ≥0.2, we included 15 samples in our study. The UPC ratio was determined in the stored aliquots 2, 7, 14, 21, and 60 d after collection. The data were analyzed with univariate ANOVA. No significant difference was observed in the urinary concentrations of protein, creatinine, and the UPC ratio (0.8 ± 0.84 in conventional units and 0.09 ± 0.095 in SI units) among different times (p > 0.05). The UPC ratio remained stable for 2 mo in ovine urine samples stored at −18°C.     

Estimating energy losses with urine in the cat

Urinary energy losses in cats have to be determined in energy balance trials as well as for the calculation of the metabolizable energy (ME) content of cat food. The aim of the present study was: first, to assess whether the energy content of cat urine quantified by bomb calorimetry differs from that quantified using GE (kJ) urine = 33 kJ × g C urine + 9 kJ × g N urine and investigate whether this difference could be attributed to influences of diets. Second, to assess whether the subtraction of 3.1 kJ/g of protein intake used for estimation of metabolizable energy content of cat foods is confirmed as usable. Data from 27 energy and protein balance trials from different studies with complete sampling of urine and faeces (29 cats in part A and 35 cats in part B) were used. Gross energy, carbon and nitrogen were determined in food, faeces and urine. Gross energy values in urine tended to be higher when determined with the formula of Hoffman and Klein compared to bomb calorimetry. The average relative difference of gross energy values between the methods was 18.8%. The mean energy loss in kJ/g of protein intake resulted in 3.7 kJ/g protein intake, which was not statistically significantly different (p = 0.12) from the tested value of 3.1 kJ/g of protein intake. In conclusion, the formula of Hoffman and Klein is not appropriate for the estimation of energy in cat urine. In balance studies, it is advisable to quantify the urinary energy content by bomb calorimetry. In the second part of the study, the protein correction factor to determine ME of 3.1 kJ/g protein intake for urinary energy losses of Kienzle et al. could be confirmed.     

高效液相色谱-串联质谱法测定动物尿液中8种利尿剂残留量

建立了动物尿液中氯噻嗪、氢氯噻嗪、氢氟噻嗪、氯噻酮、三氯噻嗪、甲氯噻嗪、呋噻米和依他尼酸等8种利尿剂残留检测的高效液相色谱-串联质谱(HPLC-MS/MS)方法.尿液样品经乙酸乙酯提取、阴离子交换固相萃取柱(PAX)净化、C18色谱柱分离、电喷雾离子化(ESI-)和选择反应监测(SRM)方式采集,外标法定量.该方法的检测限和定量限分别为10 μg/L和20 μg/L;利尿剂的测定在20～200 μg/L范围内线性关系良好,相关系数R2大于0.99;猪尿在20、50和100 μg/L三个添加浓度的平均回收率为74.0%～107.7%,批内RSD为5.2%～10.8%,批间RSD为5.7%～15.6%;牛尿在20、50和100 μg/L三个添加浓度的平均回收率为71.1%～109.0%,批内RSD为3.9%～10.1%,批间RSD为6.4%～15.6%.     

狗尿对3种冷季型草坪草的损伤研究

在测定狗尿液主要成分的基础上,对草地早熟禾(Poa pratensis)、高羊茅(Festuca arundinacea)和多年生黑麦草(Lolium perenne)的幼坪和成熟草坪,喷施含有狗尿液成分中不同物质的溶液,通过测定草坪草的坪观质量和草坪损伤程度,以探究狗尿对草坪产生损伤的主要物质。结果表明:狗尿主要由含氮有机物(尿素等)、有机酸(乳酸、肌酸等)及无机盐(K、P、Na、Ca、Mg等)3类物质组成。其中含乳酸(0.035g/L)和尿素(698.8mmol/L)处理对3种草坪草的幼坪和成熟草坪均能产生损伤,而含肌酸(浓度36.25mmol/L)的处理不会对草坪产生损伤。乳酸对3种草坪草的损伤要显著高于尿素。狗尿中的尿素不是对草坪产生损伤的唯一物质,乳酸也会对草坪产生损伤。     

草地生态系统中家畜尿N转化研究

系统总结了放牧家畜尿N转化过程中,尿N矿化和NH3挥发,尿N硝化和反硝化作用,及其影响因素和相互关系。家畜尿N矿化作用快、持续时间短,尿沉积加速N矿化;NH3挥发速度为裸地>草地,单播草地>混播草地;NH3挥发对尿N损失起主导作用。硝化作用在尿沉积1周后才开始明显,存在明显时滞特性;NO3--N淋洗主要发生于畜尿沉积当年,草地植物对春施尿N的利用率比秋施尿N高;NO3--N淋洗为奶牛>绵羊,三叶草草地>混播草地>禾草草地。尿斑构成草地尿N反硝化作用的主体,反硝化作用产生N2O和N2,是尿N损失的另一主要因素。尿N损失随排泄尿N量的增加而增加。     

Comparison of Multistix PRO dipsticks with other biochemical assays for determining urine protein (UP), urine creatinine (UC) and UP:UC ratio in dogs and cats

BACKGROUND: Urine protein: urine creatinine (UP:UC) ratio determined from the quantitative measurement of protein and creatinine in a single urine sample is the best feasible assessment of clinically significant proteinuria in dogs and cats. A dipstick that measures urine protein, urine creatinine, and UP:UC ratio has been used in human medicine and could have application for veterinary practice. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the Multistix PRO dipstick (Bayer Corporation, Elkhart, IN, USA) to other biochemical methods for determination of urine protein and creatinine, and UP:UC ratio in canine and feline urine. METHODS: A complete urinalysis, including sulfosalicylic acid (SSA) precipitation, was performed on urine samples submitted to our laboratory between February and April 2003 from 100 dogs and 49 cats. Urine protein and creatinine concentrations were determined by the Multistix PRO dipstick using a Clinitek 50 analyzer (Bayer) and compared with the results of SSA precipitation and quantitative biochemical analysis. The UP:UC ratios from the dipstick results (calculated by the Clinitek 50 and also manually) were compared with those calculated from quantitative values. Pearson product-moment correlation analysis and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity (using quantitative results as the gold standard) were determined. RESULTS: For both canine and feline urine, protein and creatinine concentrations determined by the Multistix PRO correlated closely with quantitative concentrations for protein (dogs r = .78, P = .0001; cats r = .87, P = .0001) and creatinine (dogs r = .78, P = .0001; cats r = .76, P = .0001). The Multistix PRO was more sensitive and less specific than SSA precipitation for diagnosing clinically significant proteinuria. UP:UC ratios obtained by manual calculation of dipstick results correlated best with quantitative UP:UC ratios in dogs, and had higher specificity but lower sensitivity for the diagnosis of proteinuria. In cats, UP:UC ratios determined by the dipstick method did not correlate (r = -.24, P = .0974) with quantitative values. CONCLUSIONS: The Multistix PRO, with manual calculation of UP:UC, may be a good alternative for the diagnosis of clinically significant proteinuria in dogs, but not cats. Dipstick creatinine concentration should be considered as an estimate.     

Evaluation of the effect of urine dip vs urine drip on multi‐test strip results

Standard operating procedures, including World Health Organization guidelines for packed cell volume, are established for in‐clinic laboratory tests. No independent, evidence‐based guidelines exist for dipstick urinalysis; however, manufacturer's instructions state to dip the stick into urine. In veterinary medicine, small volume urine samples could preclude dipping; therefore, a single drip per pad from a pipette or syringe is often performed. This study aimed to examine the differences between these two urine application methods prior to analysis, with the hypothesis that the method type would not effect on test results of dipstick analysis. To standardize the strip analysis method, a Siemens Clinitek Status + analyzer was used with Multistix10SG dipsticks. Three investigators tested urines from 53 dogs with a range of diseases by both methods. Results were assessed for the degree of agreement between the methods and within method variability. Overall, the agreement between methods was high. Within each method, the drip method variability was higher than that of the dip method (P = 0.012). Disagreements between methods were present, with pH and blood having the lowest agreement levels. Glucose was more likely to be positive on the drip compared with the dip methodology. This study demonstrates potential clinically relevant differences between the two methods and a higher level of variability with the drip methodology. Therefore, while the drip method could be used for practical reasons (eg, low sample volumes), this study supports the manufacturer's recommended method of dipping the dip stick into urine rather than dripping urine onto each pad with a pipette or syringe.     

Inaccuracy of routine creatinine measurement in canine urine

BACKGROUND: Urine creatinine concentration often is used in ratios such as urine protein:creatinine to compensate for dilution or concentration of spot urine samples. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of different techniques of urine creatinine measurement currently available for veterinary practitioners. METHODS: In 104 samples of canine urine diluted 1:20 with distilled water, creatinine concentration was measured using a kinetic Jaffé reaction assay, and an enzymatic technique on an automatic analyzer (Elimat) and 3 benchtop analyzers (Reflovet, Scil; Vitros DT2, Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics; Vettest 8008, IDEXX) used in veterinary practice. RESULTS: The Jaffé and enzymatic techniques on the Elimat were not significantly different, and their inaccuracy tested with human control urines was <5%. The benchtop analyzers underestimated creatinine concentration, especially at concentrations >2000 mg/L. Inaccuracy was higher with multilayer slide technology systems (Vitros and Vettest) than with the Reflovet system. Results were approximately 25% and 2% lower, respectively, than with the Elimat at urine creatinine concentrations about 2000 mg/L. CONCLUSION: Inaccuracy in urine creatinine measurements using benchtop analyzers should be taken into account when defining decision thresholds, which should be corrected according to the method used to avoid misinterpretations.     

Plasma and urine pharmacokinetics of intravenously administered flunixin in greyhound dogs

Medication control in greyhound racing requires information from administration studies that measure drug levels in the urine as well as plasma, with time points that extend into the terminal phase of excretion. To characterize the plasma and the urinary pharmacokinetics of flunixin and enable regulatory advice for greyhound racing in respect of both medication and residue control limits, flunixin meglumine was administered intravenously on one occasion to six different greyhounds at the label dose of 1 mg/kg and the levels of flunixin were measured in plasma for up to 96 hr and in urine for up to 120 hr. Using the standard methodology for medication control, the irrelevant plasma concentration was determined as 1 ng/ml and the irrelevant urine concentration was determined as 30 ng/ml. This information can be used by regulators to determine a screening limit, detection time and a residue limit. The greyhounds with the highest average urine pH had far greater flunixin exposure compared with the greyhounds that had the lowest. This is entirely consistent with the extent of ionization predicted by the Henderson–Hasselbalch equation. This variability in the urine pharmacokinetics reduces with time, and at 72 hr postadministration, in the terminal phase, the variability in urine and plasma flunixin concentrations are similar and should not affect medication control.     

高效液相-串联质谱法测定猪、牛和羊尿液中18种同化激素的含量

建立了高效液相色谱-串联质谱(HPLC-MS/MS)检测动物尿液18种同化激素的方法。动物尿液在37 ℃（±0.5℃）下酶解16 h后，调节pH=7.0（±0.5℃），C18固相萃取柱净化，用HPLC-MS/MS进行检测。18种同化激素在1~ 500 μg/L浓度范围内线性关系良好(r2≥0.99)，回收率在70.9 ~112%之间，日内变异系数范围为1.2 ~ 13.1%，日间变异系数范围为3.5~16.7%，检测限为0.5 μg/kg，定量限为1.0 μg/kg。本方法操作简便，灵敏度高，适用于动物尿液中18种同化激素的同时测定。     

猪尿液中抗菌药物快速筛选拭子法的建立

为防止抗菌药物在动物性食品中的残留,以枯草芽孢杆菌为受试菌,建立一种检测活体动物尿液中抗菌药物残留的快速筛选拭子法,进行宰前活体检疫.添加试验测定猪尿液中5类抗菌药物最低检测限分别为:β-内酰胺类青霉素和氨苄青霉素均为0.05mg/L;氨基糖苷类庆大霉素0.05mg/L、新霉素0.4mg/L;四环素类金霉素0.1mg/L;大环内酯类红霉素0.05mg/L和氟喹诺酮类恩诺沙星0.2mg/L.各抗菌药物添加回收率范围均在64.0%～107.7%,变异系数均小于15%.假阴性结果显示,除青霉素(5%)和氨苄青霉素(4%)出现假阴性外,红霉素、庆大霉素、新霉素、恩诺沙星和金霉素均未出现假阴性.与国外同类试剂盒比较,结果显示两者对10种抗菌药物的检测限一致.     

牛尿中玉米赤霉醇残留酶联免疫检测方法的研究

在制备了玉米赤霉醇单克隆抗体的基础上 ,建立了牛尿中玉米赤霉醇残留的 EL ISA检测方法 ,确定了各种溶液的最适工作浓度 ,并对最低检测限、5 0 %抑制浓度和空白牛尿添加回收试验进行了研究。本方法的最低检测限为 0 .6 ng/ml,5 0 %抑制浓度为 3.0 ng/ml,以 10、2 1和 35 ng/ml浓度添加空白牛尿 ,回收率在 70 .0 %～ 116 .0 %之间 ,变异系数在 6 .0 %～ 15 .9%之间。此方法快速、灵敏、方便 ,满足了牛尿中玉米赤霉醇残留检测的要求     

Comparison of home monitoring methods for feline urine pH measurement

Background — Monitoring of urine pH, often done in the patient's home, is essential for proper clinical treatment and management of conditions such as urolithiasis. Objective — The purpose of this study was to assess the agreement in pH readings between a standard laboratory method and methods readily available for home monitoring. The influence of refrigerated storage on urine pH was also examined. Methods — Urine samples were obtained by cystocentesis from 40 clinically healthy cats, and pH was measured within 2 hours of collection. Each sample was evaluated using pH paper, urinalysis reagent strip, 2 brands of portable pH meters (Chek‐Mite, Corning, Corning, NY, USA; and Checker 1, Hanna Instruments, Woonsocket, RI, USA), and a standard laboratory benchtop pH meter. Urine samples were refrigerated, and a second pH reading was obtained with the laboratory benchtop meter after 24 hours. The degree of agreement was assessed among the different methods, with the laboratory benchtop pH meter as the reference method. Results — The closest agreement was obtained with the Chek‐Mite portable pH meter and least agreement with the Checker 1 portable pH meter, which had a constant negative bias of 0.31 units due to expiration of the electrode. As expected, pH paper and reagent strips had poor and intermediate agreement, respectively. The reagent strip method had a negative bias of 0.12 units when compared with the benchtop pH meter and wide disagreement at the low pH end. The reagent strip did not agree strongly with the reference method; only 50% of values were within 0.25 pH units of each other. The difference in pH between 0 hours (6.57 ± 0.54) and 24 hours of refrigeration (6.61 ± 0.53) was not considered clinically significant. Conclusion — Portable pH meters are excellent for monitoring urine pH at home as long as attention is given to electrode maintenance. Urine can be collected at home and kept refrigerated, and pH may be measured reliably within 24 hours using the reference method or a portable pH meter.     

Relationships between urine pH and electrolyte status in cows fed forages

Data of 20 balance measurements from Holstein dairy cows and urine samples from 24 Japanese Black beef cows were collected to evaluate the relationships between urine pH and electrolyte status in cows fed forages. The ratio of forages in the diet was 70–100% in dairy cows and beef cows were fed Italian ryegrass silage and wheat bran. Mean urine pH in dairy cows was 8.10, ranging from 7.27 to 8.71, and that in beef cows was 7.73, ranging from 7.42 to 8.12. There were positive correlations between urine pH and urinary K contents (P = 0.0012) or K intake (P = 0.019) in dairy cows, although plasma Na, Cl and K had no effect on urine pH. There was a weak negative correlation (P = 0.039) between urine pH and urinary Na content in dairy cows. However, there were no significant correlations between urine pH and urinary Na, Cl and K contents in beef cows. These results indicate that the concentrated urinary K due to the increased K intake may directly enhance urine pH in dairy cows fed mainly forages.     

Validation study of canine urine cortisol measurement with the Immulite 2000 Xpi cortisol immunoassay

We report here validation of the Immulite 2000 Xpi cortisol immunoassay (Siemens; with kit lot numbers <550) for measurement of urine cortisol in dogs, with characterization of the precision (CV), accuracy (spiking-recovery [SR] bias), and observed total error (TEo = bias + 2CV) across the reportable range. Linearity assessed by simple linear regression was excellent. Imprecision, SR bias, and TEo increased markedly with decreasing urine cortisol concentration. Interlaboratory comparison studies determined range-based (RB) bias and average bias (AB). The 3 biases (SR, RB, and AB) and resulting TEo differed markedly. At 38.6 and 552 nmol/L (1.4 and 20 μg/dL), between-run CVs were 10% and 4.5%, respectively, and TEo_RB were ~30% and 20%, respectively, similar to observations in serum in another validation study. These analytical performance parameters should be considered for urine cortisol:creatinine ratio (UCCR) result interpretation, given that, for any hypothetical errorless urine creatinine measurement, the error % on UCCR mirrors the error % on urine cortisol. Importantly, there is no commonly used interpretation threshold for UCCR, given that UCCR varies greatly depending on measurement methods and threshold computation. To date, there is no manufacturer-provided quality control material (QCM) with target values for urine cortisol with an Immulite; for Liquicheck QCM (Bio-Rad), between-run imprecision was ~5% for both QCM levels. Acceptable QC rules are heavily dependent on the desired total allowable error (TEa) for the QCM system, itself limited by the desired clinical TEa.     

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

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 ¹³⁷Cs, specific gravity, electrical conductivity, pH , sodium, potassium, calcium, and creatinine were measured and various estimation methods for blood ¹³⁷Cs 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 ¹³⁷Cs] = [urinary ¹³⁷Cs]/([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 ¹³⁷Cs concentration than blood. These advantages of urine and the estimation precision demonstrated in our study, indicate that estimation of blood ¹³⁷Cs using urine samples is a practical means of monitoring radioactive contamination in live cattle.