Average Calcium Content Research Articles

Element accumulation in the tracheal and bronchial cartilages of monkeys

Compositional changes in the tracheal and bronchial cartilages can affect respiratory ventilation and lung function. We aimed to elucidate element accumulation in the tracheal and bronchial cartilages of monkeys and divided it into four sites: the tracheal, tracheal bifurcation, left bronchial, and right bronchial cartilages. The elemental content was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry.The average calcium content was two to three times higher in the tracheal cartilage than in the other three cartilages. The trends of phosphorus and zinc were similar to those of calcium. The average calcium, phosphorus, and zinc cartilage contents were the highest in the tracheal cartilage and decreased in the following order: the left bronchial, right bronchial, and tracheal bifurcation cartilages. These findings revealed that differences existed in element accumulation between different sites within the same airway cartilage and that calcium, phosphorus, and zinc accumulation mainly occurred in the tracheal cartilage.A substantial direct correlation was observed between age and calcium content in the tracheal and bronchial cartilages and all such monkeys with high calcium content were > four years of age. These results suggest that calcium accumulation occurs in the tracheal and bronchial cartilages after reaching a certain age.An extremely substantial direct correlation was observed between calcium and phosphorus contents in the tracheal and bronchial cartilages. This finding is similar to the previously published calcium and phosphorus correlations in several other cartilages, suggesting that the calcium and phosphorus contents of cartilage exist in a certain ratio.

Impact of Extracellular Matrix Injury on the Calcification of Artificial Bovine Pericardial Leaflets: An Experimental Study.

To investigate the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) injury in bioprosthetic valve calcification, we constructed an ECM damage model by applying a 15 N stress to the bovine pericardium sample in both transverse and longitudinal directions after tissue cross-linking, whereas no stress was applied in the control group. Then we implanted two pieces of bovine pericardium on both sides of the dorsal midline in Wistar rats from both groups and measured the calcium content of the implanted bovine pericardium. The results showed that the calcium content of experimental group was significantly higher than that of control group (p < 0.05). Second, we implanted prosthetic valves made from bovine pericardium in the experimental and control groups into small-tailed Han sheep (Ovis aries). After 180 days, the prosthetic valve was removed for gross and histopathological observation as well as quantitative analysis of calcium. We found a higher average calcium content in bovine pericardium from the experimental group than that from controls. Furthermore, calcium salt deposition was detected on the ventricular surface of valves along with roughened valve leaflets in the experimental group. Our data support the hypothesis that the bovine pericardium with ECM injury is more prone to calcification.

Effect of foliar chelated forms spraying on grape yield and mineral status of shoots

The aim of this study was to evaluate the foliar chelated forms of Mg and Fe, on grape yield and mineral status of the shoots of vine cultivar Cardinal. Field trials were organized using a random block system with three variants, including a control (Variant I), each replicated three times. Foliar fertilizers were applied at a concentration of 0.5% on four occasions throughout the vegetation period: before and after blooming, during buckshot berry stage, and at the verasion stage. Over the ivestigation of three years, the application of foliar Mg and Fe fertilizers significantly influenced grape yield. The variant treated with Fe (VFe) demonstrated a higher average yield of 14.87 t/ha. Furthermore, a noticeable impact of foliar fertilizers on the concentration of analyzed elements in grapevine shoots was observed. Over the three-year period, the average content of macro elements, including nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and iron, was higher in the treated variants compared to the control. Additionally, results from shoot tissue analysis confirmed the existence of an antagonistic relationship between magnesium and potassium.

Karakteristik Kimia dan Sensori Crackers dengan Penambahan Tepung Campolay (Pouteria campechiana) dan Teping Ikan Teri Nasi (Stolephorus sp)

ingredients can be added to the manufacture such as campolay flour and ground wheat flour to increase the nutritional content of the crackers. This study aims to make crackers with the addition of campolay flour and rice anchovy flour as a form of food diversification and to find the selected formulation from the ratio of wheat flour: campolay flour: rice anchovy flour. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with one treatment factor, namely the ratio of wheat flour : campolay flour : anchovy flour (80:15:5), (70:20:10), (60:25:15), ( 50:30:20). Product analysis includes chemical analysis of water content, acid insoluble ash content, and protein content as well as sensory and hedonic quality tests as a determinant of selected products. The selected treatment was then subjected to further chemical analysis including calcium levels and beta-carotene levels. Data analysis and research used (ANOVA) with Duncan's further test with a 95% confidence interval. The results showed that the selected crackers were treated with a ratio of wheat flour: campolay flour: anchovy flour (70:20:10) with a quality that did not smell of campolay flour, smelled of anchovy rice flour, had a yellow color, had a textured crunchy and salty taste. Crackers had a moisture content of 4,89%, acid insoluble ash content of 0,11% and protein content of 13,28%, an average calcium content value of 4339,19 mg/100g and an average value of beta-carotene content of 1,015 mg/kg

Leaf stoichiometry of potassium, calcium, and magnesium in tropical plants: Responses to climatic and geographical variations—A case study from Hainan Island

AbstractGrasping how climate change will affect the tropical region's leaf potassium, calcium, and magnesium content is pivotal for enhancing our comprehension of plant stoichiometry. Currently, there is limited research on leaf potassium, calcium, and magnesium in tropical plants, which is particularly evident with the increasing importance of tropical rainforest biodiversity studies. This study investigated the impact of geographical and climatic factors on the leaf potassium, calcium, and magnesium content in 346 plants (including woody plants, herbs, and vines) on Hainan Island. The findings demonstrated that the average leaf potassium, calcium, and magnesium contents were 5.77, 11.86, and 2.92 mg·g−1, respectively, which were less than that in the Chinese flora. Mean annual precipitation (MAP) has a promoting effect on leaf potassium content (p &lt; 0.05), suggesting that artificial potassium fertilization is needed due to the increasing MAP. Leaf potassium and magnesium content were positively correlated with latitude (p &lt; 0.05) and longitude (p &lt; 0.01); and there was a negative correlation between leaf calcium content and latitude (p &lt; 0.05), showing that geographical factors have a significant impact on the potassium, calcium, and magnesium content of plant leaves. Additionally, the variables regulating leaf potassium, calcium, and magnesium varied across woody plants, herbs, and vines. Therefore, it is necessary to make corresponding adjustments according to local conditions and the plant functional types during nutrient management. In conclusion, this study sheds light on their potential responses to global changes and is instrumental in informing the management of these nutrients in tropical rainforest plants.

Analysis of leaf forage value and screening of different populations of Pteroceltis tatarinowii, a rare and endemic species in China.

To fully exploit the economic value of the Chinese endemic species Pteroceltis tatarinowii and provide new resources for forage production, the forage nutritional value of P. tatarinowii leaves from different populations was analyzed and evaluated. The results were as follows: 1) There were significant differences in the forage nutrient indices of leaves from different populations. The crude protein content was 10.77%-18.65%, with an average of 14.58%, and the SDJN population had the highest crude protein content. The average crude fat, crude fiber content was 7.62%; the average neutral detergent fiber content was 25.33%; and the average acid detergent fiber contents were 6.79%, 7.62%, 25.33%, and 17.52%, respectively. The average phosphorus and calcium content in the leaves was 0.785 g·kg-1 and 58.01 g·kg-1, respectively. The tannin content was much lower than the antifeedant standard, at an average of 4.97 g·kg-1. The average total amounts of hydrolyzed and free amino acids in the leaves were 108.20 mg·g-1 and 47.87 mg·g-1, respectively. Thus, P. tatarinowii leaves have high crude protein, crude fat, and calcium contents, and low fiber, tannin contents, and are protein-rich. These results provide evidence that this species can be developed into an excellent woody forage tree. 2) There were significant differences in the forage quality evaluation indices among the populations. The forage indices of NDP, ADP, DMI, DDM, and RFV of 21 populations all met the super standard of the American Grass and Grassland Association (AFGC) for hay, two crude protein indices met the grade 1 standard, and 12 crude protein indices met the grade 2 standard. Four high-protein and high-RFV forage populations (SDJN, SDZZ, SXLQ, and AHXX) were selected. 3) The results of the correlation analysis showed that there was no significant correlation between the forage characteristics of P. tatarinowii leaves and latitude and longitude, indicating no significant geographical variation. However, the forage characteristics were strongly correlated with elevation, average annual temperature, and annual precipitation. Thus, high elevation, low temperatures, and rainy weather can improve the forage value of the leaves. P. tatarinowii can be planted to provide leaf forage in cold and wet areas at a specific elevation. Moreover, the forage value of P. tatarinowii leaves can be further improved by increasing nitrogen fertilizer and reducing K and Ca fertilizers during cultivation. 4) Cluster analysis revealed obvious regionalism. Taking the Yangtze River Basin as the limit, cluster analysis divided the species into four population groups: the Yangtze River Basin and northern, southwestern, and eastern coastal populations.

Nutritional Composition of Seeds of False Mopane (Guibourtia coleosperma) from Shakawe and Kasane Areas, Northern Botswana

The seeds of Guibourtia coleosperma serve as potential source of nutritious food for rural communities in northern Botswana though underutilized. The objective of this study was to determine the proximate and mineral composition of G. coleosperma seeds collected from northern Botswana. Seed samples were collected from Shakawe and Kasane areas in northern Botswana. The proximate composition and mineral contents of the seed were determined following standard procedures. The data were analyzed using T-test. Seeds collected from Shakawe had average moisture (%), crude fat (%), crude fiber (%), crude protein (%), ash (%), total carbohydrate (%) and energy (kcal/100g) contents of 8.48 ± 0.29, 9.24 ± 0.31, 4.72 ± 0.60, 15.34 ± 0.48, 2.40 ± 0.02, 59.81 ± 1.00 and 383.80 ± 4.81, respectively. The corresponding values for seeds collected from Kasane were 9.00 ± 0.10, 10.17 ± 0.37, 7.13 ± 0.21, 16.44 ± 0.43, 2.45 ± 0.02, 54.80 ± 0.58 and 376.50 ± 2.22, respectively. Seeds collected from Kasane had significantly higher (p&lt; 0.05) crude fat, crude fiber, crude protein and ash contents than seeds collected from Shakawe. However, the total carbohydrates content of seeds collected from Shakawe was significantly higher (p&lt; 0.05) than those collected from Kasane. No significant differences (p&gt; 0.05) were observed for moisture and energy contents between the seed samples collected from the two locations. The predominate proximate component in the seeds was total carbohydrate followed by crude protein and, therefore, the seeds can serve as good sources of energy and protein. The average zinc, iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium (mg/100 g) and phosphorus (mg/g) contents of seeds collected from Shakawe were 2.96 ± 0.53, 2.40 ± 0.27, 116.80 ± 2.82, 468.69 ± 19.28, 316.70 ± 21.15, 1.21 ± 0.67 and 1.35 ± 0.04, respectively. The corresponding values for False Mopane seeds collected from Kasane were 2.53 ± 0.31, 3.34 ± 0.18, 173.65 ± 5.83, 460.86 ± 10.53, 367.59 ± 15.37, 3.51 ± 0.44 and 1.45 ± 0.12, respectively. The values for iron, magnesium, calcium and sodium were significantly higher (p&lt; 0.05) for seeds collected from Kasane than those collected from Shakawe. However, no significant differences (p&gt; 0.05) were observed between the seed samples collected from the two locations for zinc, potassium and phosphorus. Quantitatively, the predominant mineral observed in seed was potassium followed by calcium. The seeds could serve as good source of magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium and potassium since they contribute higher proportions of the recommended daily intake of these minerals. The results showed that location has a significant effect both on the proximate composition and mineral contents of False Mopane seeds.

WAYS OF ENRICHING STUDENTS' FOOD DIETS WITH BIOGENIC ELEMENTS

To preserve and strengthen the health of young people, one of the tasks of the state in the field of healthy nutrition is the development of the production of functional food products enriched with the necessary macro- and microelements; development of supplements of biologically active substances and orientation of higher education to increase the level of valeology students, and introduction of relevant topics and subjects into the educational process of higher educational institutions. The article is devoted to the problem of monitoring chemicals in the nutrition of student youth in modern conditions. With the help of a questionnaire and the method of determining the content of micro- and macroelements in the daily diet, non-compliance with the principles of rational nutrition by full-time students was revealed, which negatively affects their health. For all full-time students, there is a deficit of iodine consumption, a deficit of 50.2% of phosphorus, 64.7% of zinc, and 56.2% of chromium. The average content of calcium in daily rations was less than recommended by approximately 1.7 times for girls and 1 .95 times for young men, and calcium deficiency was found in 97.9% of students, and magnesium deficiency in 82.4%. The intake of Ferrum, Manganese, Selenium and Copper with food rations exceeds the recommended values. The study of the quality of the diets of junior year students showed that the majority of students have a polydeficient, unbalanced diet in terms of micro- and macroelements, as well as a lack of a conscious attitude to nutrition. A low level of students' abilities and skills in organizing their own food was revealed. An insufficient level of knowledge about proper nutrition is a potential factor in the deterioration of health, the occurrence of primary and secondary alimentary diseases, and a decrease in mental capacity. Ways to increase the level of knowledge of practical nutrition of higher school students and ways to solve the problem of balanced nutrition of students as an effective condition for improving their health as an effective condition for improving their health It was established that one of the priority tasks today is to increase the level of education of student youth on healthy nutrition.

Chemical composition of whole body and fillet of slaughter sized Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) farmed in Norway in 2020

The fish is the end-product in fish farming, but updated data on the composition of slaughter sized farmed salmon and trout are still scarce. The body composition of farmed salmonids changes over time as farming technology, farming routines, feed and genetics develops. Knowledge of the body composition of the farmed fish thus depends on data on today’s produced fish. The body composition also varies with time of the year, geography, feed composition and feed intake. Analysis of samples representative of the whole Norwegian production of salmon and trout requires fish collected from the different geographic areas of production, sampled at different times throughout the year, and fish fed feeds from different feed producers.Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout was collected in summer and in winter. Salmon was collected at four different locations, and trout at two different locations at each sampling time. Whole body and fillet of salmon and trout was analyzed. This study reports the average content of energy, dry matter, ash, crude protein, crude lipids, iron, potassium, calcium, copper, magnesium, sodium, zinc and phosphorus in whole body and fillet of Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout produced in Norway in 2020. Moreover, are the amino acid profiles and the fatty acid profiles given.

Calcium and Iron Content of Cereal-Based Gluten-Free Products.

The impact of a gluten-free (GF) diet on the intake of calcium and iron is broadly unknown, as the micronutrient content of GF cereal-based products has scarcely been measured. The study aimed to measure the calcium and iron content of GF cereal-based products from the UK. Seventy-three GF products were analysed. A laboratory analysis of calcium and iron from GF food samples was performed by spectrophotometric and flame emission photometry, respectively. The values for wheat-based products were from a nutrient database. The calcium in GF white loaf samples varied greatly from 54 to 140 mg/100 g, with a lower average calcium content compared with wheat-based values (99 ± 29 mg/100 g n = 13 versus 177 mg/100 g; p < 0.01). Only 27% of the white loaves and rolls were fortified with calcium; this contrasts with 100% of white wheat-based loaves. The calcium in GF flour mixes ranged from 54 to 414 mg/100 g, with 66% fortified. GF white pasta had more calcium compared with wheat-based pasta (76 ± 27 mg/100 g n = 7 versus 24 mg/100 g; p = 0.002). The iron in GF bread loaves and pasta samples was similar to wheat-based comparators, whereas lower iron levels were observed in GF wraps (0.8 ± 0.2 n = 11 versus 1.6 mg/100 g). GF bread had a significantly higher fibre content, and the majority of GF bread had a lower protein content, compared with wheat-based bread products. These calcium and iron values provide a valuable addition towards enabling more accurate nutrient intake analysis for adults and children with coeliac disease.

Kandungan Kalsium (Ca) dan Fospor (P) Silase Pakan Komplit Berbahan Dasar Jerami Jagung (Zea Mays) dengan Penambahan Azolla (Azolla pinnata) Sebagai Pakan Ternak Ruminansia

Abstract. This study aims to determine the calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) content of complete feed silage made from corn straw (Zea mays) with the addition of Azolla (Azolla pinnata) as ruminant animal feed. complete feed silage research used a completely randomized design (crd) with 4 treatments and 3 replications. The complete feed treatments applied in this study were: S1= 50% corn straw+30% azolla+19% rice bran+1% mineral mix, s2=50% corn straw+25% azolla+24% rice bran+1 % mineral mix, s3= 50% corn straw+20% azolla+29% rice bran+1% mineral mix, s4=50% corn straw+15% azolla+34% rice bran+1% mineral mix. The results of the analysis of variance showed that the calcium content of complete feed silage made from corn straw (Zea mays) with the addition of azolla at S1, S2, S3, S4 had no significant effect (P&gt; 0.05), the average calcium (Ca) content of the feed was S1 (1.033%), S2 (1.036%), S3 (1.17%) and S4 (0.92%). Treatment S1 was not significantly different from the treatment S2, S3 and S4, S2 was not significantly different from S1, S3, and S4, S3 was not significantly different from S1, S2, and S4 and S4 was not significantly different from S1, S2, and S3. While the calcium content of complete feed silage made from corn straw (Zea mays) with the addition of azolla at S1, S2 and S3 had a significant effect (P&lt;0.05). The average phosphorus content of feed is S1(1, %), S2(1.1%), S3(1.17%) and S4(1.03%). S1 treatment was not significantly different from S4 treatment and significantly different from S2 and S3, S2 was not significantly different from S3 and S4 and significantly different from S1, S3 was significantly different from S4 and S1 and not significantly different from S2, S4 was not significantly different from S1 and S2 but significantly different from S3. It was concluded that the addition of azolla (Azolla pinnata) at different levels to complete feed silage made from corn straw (Zea mays) did not significantly affect the calcium (Ca) content, but had a significant effect on the phosphorus (P) content. The best treatment in S3 with the addition of azolla (Azolla pinnata) 20%. Keywords: Azolla (Azolla pinnata), corn straw (Zea mays), calcium (ca) and phosphorus (p) content, complete silage

Nano-calcium Powder Properties from Six Commercial Fish Bone Waste in Indonesia

Low daily calcium intake in Asia, especially in Indonesia, is still a serious problem. The abundant fish bone waste from the fishery fillet industries in Indonesia, can be employed as an alternative source of calcium to meet daily calcium needs. This research aimed to determine which of the six fish species (tilapia, catfish, grouper, snapper, tuna, kingfish mackerel) produces the best quality and the most cost-effective nano-calcium powder for a recommendation to the stakeholders. The calcium was extracted using an alkali treatment. The properties of the produced nano-calcium powders were analyzed for: proximate composition, calcium and phosphorus levels, color brightness level, XRD, FTIR, particle size, and SEM-EDX image analysis. The tilapia bone had the finest particle size of calcium (87.37 nm), while the grouper bone had the biggest particle size (281.4 nm). The brightness of all yields varied from 83.83 (beige-kingfish mackerel) to 90.64 (white-tilapia). The average calcium content from EDX analysis varied from 21.51% (snapper) to 34.37% (grouper). The average phosphorus levels ranged from 10.73% (kingfish mackerel) to 15.99% (grouper). The EDX Ca/P molar ratio was 1.41-1.66 across all samples. The FTIR spectra showed that all samples contained PO, CH, CO, NH, and OH groups. The XRD spectra pattern determined that the two main components of the fish bone nano-calcium powder were 90% hydroxyapatite and halite. All fish bone samples have the potential to be used as raw material for nano-sized calcium. However, grouper bone with the highest calcium content and the highest nano-calcium yield was the best choice for further study.

Nutritional Deficiencies and Features of Nutritional Provision in Primary School Children

Nutritional Deficiencies and Features of Nutritional Provision in Primary School Children

Granular Calcite: A New Cultural Practice to Improve the Physicochemistry of the Peat Substrate, Growth and Morphophysiological Quality of White Spruce Seedlings in Forest Nurseries

Growing Picea glauca seedlings poses many challenges for forest nursery managers, including reaching the target height at the end of the first growing season (1 + 0) and the homogeneity and uniformity of seedling growth. To increase growth and morphophysiological quality of white spruce seedlings (1 + 0), emphasis was placed on improving the physicochemistry of the acidic peat substrate by replacing silica with granular calcite as a covering material. The objective of our study is to compare the effects of silica and calcite on the physicochemistry of the peat substrate, as well as on growth and mineral nutrition of white spruce seedlings (1 + 0) under forest nursery conditions. Three treatments were used to cover the cavities of large white spruce seedlings produced in containers: silica (29 g/cavity; control treatment), calcite (24 g/cavity) and calcite + (31 g/cavity). At the end of the first growing season, the two calcite treatments significantly increased the total dry mass (28%), roots (27%) and shoot (29%) dry masses and height (24%) compared to silica treatments. Average calcium concentration and content of calcite treatments were significantly higher than that of silica treatment.

Nutrient Calcium (Ca2+) Analysis of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) Leaves By Spectrophotometry

The determination of the nutrient calcium in oil palm leaves has been carried out at the Medan oil palm research center. Determination of the nutrient calcium in oil palm leaves was carried out using the UV-visible spectrophotometric method. The analysis showed that the average calcium content of oil palm leaves was 0.16%. From these results indicate that the calcium content in oil palm leaves is still enaough than the value of critical value palm leaves which the value between 0.17 - 0.19%.

Estimated average calcium – magnesium content in day meal in a sample of students from Faculty of Medicine of Sarajevo University

Nutrients are chemical substances obtained from food. They have different roles in body. Some are used as energy source, some as structural materials, and regulating agents. Nutrients may reduce the risks of some diseases. There are some recommendations about dietary intake of these nutrients for optimal health. This study aimed to estimate average calcium and magnesium content in day meal in a sample of students from Faculty of Medicine of Sarajevo University. A cross-sectional study was conducted during academic 2015/16 year at Faculty of Medicine of Sarajevo University. The survey covered 44 students. The research instrument was a self-administered questionnaire, by which 3-Day Diet Record was provided. The average intakes of calcium and magnesium were estimated using Nutritional analysis computer program (Nutrics Professional Nutrition Analysis Software). On daily level average intake of calcium was 718.39±311.14 mg in total sample and average intake of magnesium was 292.57±310.10 mg in total sample. Average Ca/Mg ratio was 2.45. In our sample cheese was top source of calcium with Ca/Mg ratio of 32.5, and bread was top source of magnesium with Ca/Mg ratio of 3.1. These results emphasize the importance of monitoring the food nutrition facts in order to achieve adequate nutrients intake.

Content and Uptake of Ash and Selected Nutrients (K, Ca, S) with Biomass of Miscanthus × giganteus Depending on Nitrogen Fertilization

Fertilisation has a significant impact not only on the yielding, but also on the quality of the harvested biomass. Among energy crops, Miscanthus × giganteus are some of the most important plants used for combustion process. The chemical composition of biomass has significant impact on the quality of combustion biomass. The effect of nitrogen fertilisation (with dose of 60 kg N ha−1) in different terms of biomass sampling on the content and uptake of crude ash, potassium, calcium and sulphur by rhizomes, stems, leaves and the aboveground part of miscanthus was evaluated in the paper. Nitrogen fertilisation contributed to the increase of ash content in the rhizomes and the aboveground part of plants. Independently of nitrogen fertilisation potassium content decreased in the whole vegetation period; in the case of stems this decrease amounted 60%. Calcium content in various parts of plants was highly differentiated compared to potassium content. Average calcium content in the aboveground parts was 2.68 higher compared to rhizomes. Nitrogen fertilisation affected significantly on potassium, calcium and sulphur uptake in all examined parts of plants (except stems in the case of calcium uptake). Uptake of crude ash under nitrogen fertilisation was significantly higher in all examined parts of plants during the whole vegetation period.

In vivo evaluation of Vivere bovine pericardium valvular bioprosthesis with a new anti-calcifying treatment.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of chemical treatment with glutamic acid to avoid calcification of biological cardiac valves. The bovine pericardium (BP) tissues were fixed with 0.5% glutaraldehyde (BP/GA), followed by treatment with glutamic acid (BP/GA+Glu) for neutralization of the free aldehyde groups. Microscopic analysis showed that the wavy structure of collagen fibrils was preserved, but changes in elastin's integrity occurred. However, the treatment did not promote undesirable changes in the thermal and mechanical properties of the modified BPs. These samples were systematically studied in rat subcutaneous tissue: control (BP/GA) and anticalcificant (BP/GA+Glu). After 60days, both groups induced similar inflammatory reactions. In terms of calcification, BP/GA+Glu remained more stable with a lower index (3.1±0.2μg Ca2+ /mg dry tissue), whereas for BP/GA it was 5.7±1.3μg Ca2+ /mg dry tissue. Bioprostheses made from BP/GA+Glu were implanted in the pulmonary position in sheep, and in vivo echocardiographic analyses revealed maintenance of valvar function after 180days, with low gradients and minimal valve insufficiency. The explanted tissues of the BP/GA+Glu group had a lower average calcium content 3.8±3.0μg Ca2+ /mg dry tissue. The results indicated high anticalcification efficiency of BP/GA+Glu in both subcutaneous implant in rats and in the experimental sheep model, which is an advantage that should encourage the industrial application of these materials for the manufacture of bioprostheses.

Genetic variation among white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) landraces from Northwestern and Southern Ethiopia for agronomic traits and nutrient contents of grain

White lupin (Lupinus albus L.) is rich in quality protein, relatively tolerant to drought, soil salinity and acidity, increase the fertility of soils and can contribute to improved agricultural sustainability, food security and reduce malnutrition which has close associations with climate change. This study was conducted to assess genetic variability of white lupin genotypes for agronomic traits and nutrient contents of grain, and to estimate association of traits. Twenty-five genotypes of white lupin were evaluated for 29 quantitative traits in 5 x 5 simple lattice designs at Holeta Agricultural Research Center during 2018/2019. The variations of genotypes for yield and grain protein content ranged from 122 to 3206 kg ha-1 and 28.55 and 35.81%, respectively. The genotypes had 2763, 772.3 and 81.59 mg/kg of average phosphorus, calcium and iron contents of grain. The PCV and GCV coefficient of variations varied from 4.39 to 29.54% and 3.41 to 28%, respectively. Heritability in broad sense and genetic advance as percent of mean ranged from 42.07 to 88.94% and 5.34 to 53.98%, respectively. The estimates of GCV, PCV, H2 and GAM were high to moderate. The research results showed the presence of variations among landraces of white lupin in Ethiopia and further evaluation of germplasm could be rewarding to improve the genetic resource in the country. Key words: Genetic advance, genotypic, phenotypic, heritability, protein and mineral content

The Potential of Baobab (Adansonia Digitata L) Leaves From North- And West Kordofan In Sudan As Mineral Complement Of Common Diets

Baobab is wildly growing in the Baobab-Belt of Kordofan, Sudan, where the leaves are consumed restrictively even though food insecurity is a wide spread phenomenon. In order to encourage consumption by all households and promote their values, information on the true nutrient density is sought. In a research conducted for that purpose it was found that the average calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc content of the baobab leaves collected from ten villages are 2852±697, 555±156, and 42.39±11.65 and 1.94±0.5 mg/100 g dry matter respectively. The mean values within and between villages are highly variable and the ratio between various minerals is beyond standard e.g. Ca: Mg &gt;5. However, an average of 32g macerated leaves can enrich the calcium content of a daily staple diet per person to adequacy. Similar level of leaves can also optimize the magnesium and iron content of the daily diet per person, but caution is necessary not to overlook the balance of the minerals so that the bioavailability of the minor ones is not hindered.