Hair is a reasonable tissue for monitoring accumulated body stores of Nickel (Ni). However, hair is OFTEN contaminated with Ni from hair treatments, dyes, and hair products. There is substantial evidence that Ni is an essential element which is required in extremely low amounts. However, excess Ni has been well established to be nephrotoxic, and carcinogenic. Elevated Ni is often found in individuals who work in the electronic and plating, mining, and steel manufacture industries. A cigarette typically contains from 2 to 6 mcg of Ni; Ni is absorbed more efficiently in the lungs (~35%) than in the gastrointestinal tract (~5%).

Niacin (nicotinic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin that is also referred to as vitamin B3.

Nicotinamide (nicotinic acid amide) is the derivative of niacin that is incorporated into the coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP).

Both nicotinic acid and nicotinamide are absorbed from the normal diet. Nicotinamide is the form of vitamin B3 that is commonly found in nutritional supplements and used to fortify foods. Nicotinic acid is available both over the counter and with a prescription as a cholesterol-lowering agent. 

Niacin (nicotinic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin that is also referred to as vitamin B3.

Nicotinamide (nicotinic acid amide) is the derivative of niacin that is incorporated into the coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP).

The "Night Cortisol" marker on a Cortisol panel by Neurolab is a crucial measure that helps understand the functioning of the body's stress response system, specifically during nighttime. Cortisol, often called the stress hormone, is produced by the adrenal glands and follows a diurnal rhythm, meaning its levels fluctuate throughout the day. Typically, cortisol levels peak in the early morning and gradually decline throughout the day, reaching their lowest point at night. The "Night Cortisol" marker measures the amount of cortisol present in the body during the nighttime, usually collected through a saliva sample before bedtime. Monitoring nighttime cortisol is essential because elevated levels during this period can indicate various health issues, such as chronic stress, insomnia, or adrenal disorders.

Sources:

Niobiumis sometimes found in jewelry, and is used with other alloys, like titanium, to make surgical implants and dental applications. It is also a component of superconducting magnets and nuclear reactor cores.

Physiologic effects:

Niobium is poorly absorbed from the GI tract.

Clinical significance:

It is a moderate eye and skin irritant. Due to poor GI absorption, it has a low order of toxicity. Lethargy and respiratory depression have only been seen with parenteral administration.

The presence of nitrates in urine is often considered a predictor of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Urinary tract infections are the most common cause of nitrites in urine. These occur when bacteria infect the bladder, ureters, or kidneys. Nitrites are byproducts of nitrogen waste. Bacteria responsible for an infection feed on this waste, breaking it down into nitrates, which can appear in the urine.

Produced by the mold genus Fusarium, the type B trichothecenes, nivalenol (NIV) and their acetylated precursors are often contaminating cereal staples, posing a potential threat to public health that is still incompletely understood.

Trichothecenes are very resistant to milling and processing, they can enter human food products easily. NIV is not found in food as commonly as DON; however, it demonstrates higher toxicity in animal studies. The toxicity of NIV is often compared to the toxicity of DON; however, the amount of toxicological data on NIV impact is much lower compared to DON.

Nivalenol (NIV) is a type B trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium molds, which often contaminate staple grains such as wheat, barley, corn, and oats—particularly in humid or temperate climates. Unlike many contaminants that break down during processing, NIV can persist in food even after cooking or baking, meaning exposure may occur through everyday products like bread, pasta, cereals, and baked goods.

Structurally, NIV is similar to deoxynivalenol (DON, or “vomitoxin”), but studies suggest that NIV causes greater oxidative stress and toxicity than DON.

A moderate level of Nivalenol (NIV) in urine suggests recent dietary exposure to Fusarium mold toxins from grains such as wheat, corn, barley, or oats at levels above background but not in the high or toxic range. This typically reflects regular intake of contaminated grain-based foods rather than acute poisoning. While not immediately dangerous, moderate results signal that NIV may be contributing to your toxic burden, with potential effects on digestion, immune strength, and long-term cellular health. Reducing consumption of lower-quality or mold-prone grains, improving food storage, and supporting detoxification can help bring levels back toward the optimal range.

Natural Killer (NK) cells, identified by their CD16 and CD56 markers, are an integral component of the lymphocyte panel in immunological testing. These cells are a type of lymphocyte, distinct from B and T cells, and form a crucial part of the innate immune system. The lymphocyte panel, often used in immunological assessments, typically includes the analysis of various subsets of lymphocytes, such as T cells, B cells, and NK cells, to evaluate the immune system's status and function.

Evaluating NK cells in a lymphocyte panel can provide critical insights into the immune system's functioning, particularly in diagnosing and monitoring immune disorders, certain infections, and cancers. Abnormal levels or functionality of NK cells can indicate underlying immunological issues. For instance, reduced NK cell activity might be observed in some viral infections or immune deficiencies, while certain autoimmune diseases might show altered NK cell numbers or function.