Cesium is a naturally occurring element found combined with other elements in rocks, soil, and dust in low amounts. It is used to make atomic clocks, optical glass, and vacuum tubes. Nuclear explosions or the breakdown of uranium in fuel elements can produce radioactive forms of cesium. Exposure to stable or radioactive cesium occurs from ingesting contaminated food or drinking water or breathing contaminated air. In muscle cells, cesium competes with, and displaces, potassium. Such exposures may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, fatigue, muscle weakness, and palpitations. In severe conditions, it can cause cardiac arrhythmia, coma, and even death. Cesium can cause DNA damage which can affect genomic stability. Altered in genomic stability is a hallmark of aging. Thus, cesium toxicity may accelerate aging owing to its contribution to genomic instability.

Naturally occurring Cs can be found in a stable form. Radioactive Cs is produced by the fission of uranium in fuel elements, usually near nuclear power plants. These are unstable but eventually become stable through radioactive decay. Some Cs can be found in air, water, and soil (and thereby food) based on location near nuclear plants.

Higher levels of vitamin D (25(OH)D3) have been linked to enhanced absorption of radioactive isotopes like cesium. Cs and potassium compete for uptake and cell membrane potential.

Utilization of breath methane levels for SIBO assessment is controversial largely due to a lack of validation related to diagnostic specifics such as timing and magnitude of increase; however, CH4 measurements are increasingly obtained to address other clinical questions. Recent evidence has associated CH4 production with the pathogenesis of common clinical conditions, such as obesity, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and constipation.

Chaetoglobosin A (CHA) is produced by the mold Chaetomium globosum (CG).

Chaetoglobosin A (CHA) is one of the chaetoglobosin mycotoxins produced from the fungus Chaetomium globosum. Chaetomium globosum is the third most common indoor fungal contaminant of damp buildings. It has been isolated from several places such as soil, dung, feeds, foods, textiles, plywood, carpet, wallpaper and wet walls.

Inhalation of airborne spores and CHA from this fungus is known to produce respiratory as well as systemic infection in human beings. Case reports of infections include mild to severe illness, from sinusitis, onychomycosis, and cutaneous infections to disseminated cerebral disease, pneumonia and keratitis. Relatively low levels of CHA have been shown to be lethal to various tissue culture cell lines and it is thought that CHA is highly toxigenic, even at minimal doses.

Chaetomium globosum is a globally distributed hydrophilic mold commonly found in water-damaged buildings and various organic materials. It is recognized as a significant allergen linked to respiratory diseases, with studies showing sensitization rates of around 7% among atopic patients in regions like West Virginia and Poland. While it infrequently causes infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, its potential for producing mycotoxins raises health concerns. The mold's presence in damp environments contributes to poor indoor air quality and an increased risk of respiratory symptoms, including asthma. Preventing moisture accumulation and addressing water damage are essential strategies for minimizing exposure to this mold and its associated health risks.

Charcot-Leyden crystals are formed from the breakdown of immune cells, especially eosinophils, and may be seen in the stool of patients with parasitic diseases. The crystals are indicative of immune response and can sometimes be seen in association with non-parasitic infection or inflammation.

Chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), also known as chenodiol, usually conjugates with either glycine or taurine. It acts as a detergent to solubilize fats for intestinal absorption and is reabsorbed by the small intestine. It is used as cholagogue, a choleretic laxative, and to prevent or dissolve gallstones.

Chenodeoxycholic Acid on Labcorp's Bile Acids, Fractionated LC/MS-MS Panel

Chenodeoxycholic acid is a primary bile acid synthesized in the liver from cholesterol, playing a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. On Labcorp’s Bile Acids, Fractionated LC/MS-MS Panel, chenodeoxycholic acid is measured alongside other bile acids to evaluate liver function and bile acid metabolism. Elevated levels of chenodeoxycholic acid can indicate conditions such as cholestasis or bile acid synthesis disorders. This test utilizes liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) to provide accurate quantification of chenodeoxycholic acid in the serum or plasma. The ability to precisely measure this bile acid helps clinicians diagnose and manage liver diseases, metabolic disorders, and biliary dysfunctions, ensuring targeted treatment strategies.

Elevated antibody levels can be clinically significant — while the antibodies themselves don’t destroy anything, they do trigger an inflammatory response that can cause significant destruction of tissue and resulting symptoms. This response is not necessarily dependent on antibody levels. However, an equivocal result may mean you are just beginning to exhibit an immune reaction, so this is an important time to take measures to support the body in damping immune reactivity.

Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica), also called Salba chia or Mexican chia, are the edible seeds of a flowering plant from the mint family. Native to Mexico and Guatemala, the seeds have a long history. They were a vital crop in ancient Aztec and Mesoamerican cultures. The seeds had medicinal applications and made up an important part of the peoples’ diets.

Today, chia grows commercially in many countries including Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Argentina, Australia, and the United States. The seeds are widely recognized as a nutrient-dense addition to healthy diets.

Doctors recommend two doses of the chickenpox vaccine for children and unvaccinated individuals as the best protection against chickenpox, with most vaccinated people being protected for life. The vaccine is highly effective, preventing nearly all severe cases and resulting in milder symptoms for breakthrough cases. Children should receive doses at 12-15 months and 4-6 years, while older individuals should get two doses 28 days apart. Post-exposure vaccination can prevent or lessen the severity of the disease. Vaccination is crucial for at-risk groups like healthcare professionals, caregivers, and those in communal settings. Some individuals, such as those with immune system issues or who are pregnant, should consult a healthcare provider before getting vaccinated. The chickenpox vaccine is safe, effective, and has significantly reduced chickenpox cases, hospitalizations, and deaths since its introduction.