B Complex Research Articles

Effectiveness of a multivitamin supplementation program among HIV-infected adults in Tanzania

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a routine multivitamin supplementation program for adults living with HIV in Tanzania. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 67 707 adults enrolled in the Dar es Salaam HIV care and treatment program during 2004-2012. The Dar es Salaam HIV care and treatment program intended to provide all adult patients with multivitamin supplements (vitamins B-complex, C, and E) free of charge; however, intermittent stockouts and other implementation issues did not afford universal coverage. We use Cox proportional hazard models to assess the time-varying association of multivitamin supplementation with mortality and clinical outcomes. The study cohort contributed 41 540 and 129 315 person-years of follow-up time to the antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive and ART-experienced analyses, respectively. Among 48 207 ART-naive adults, provision of multivitamins reduced the risk of mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 0.69; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.59-0.81], incident tuberculosis (TB) (aHR: 0.83; 0.76-0.91), and meeting ART eligibility criteria (aHR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.73-0.83) after adjustment for time-varying confounding. Among 46 977 ART-experienced patients, multivitamins reduced mortality (hazard ratio: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.80-0.92), incident TB (aHR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.73-0.84), and immunologic failure (aHR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.67-0.73). The survival benefits associated with provision multivitamins appeared to be greatest during the first year of ART and declined over time (P value <0.001). Multivitamin supplementation appears to be a simple, effective, safe, and scalable program to improve survival, reduce incidence of TB, and improve treatment outcomes for adult HIV patients in Tanzania.

L-carnitine for L-asparaginase Induced Hepatotoxicity

Asparaginase is used as part of combination chemotherapy for ALL and common adverse effects include hypersensitivity reactions and pancreatitis. Asparaginase-induced hepatotoxicity, characterized by hyperbilirubinemia and transaminase elevation, is common (30-60%), with the severity depending on the dose and duration of therapy. A 58-year-old female with refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) received chemotherapy including prednisone, intravenous PEG-L-asparaginase, vincristine, and intrathecal cytarabine. After 18 days of chemotherapy, she developed jaundice with total bilirubin 5 mg/dL, AST 132 IU/L, and ALT 170 IU/L. Hepatology recommended starting L-carnitine 50 mg/kg every 6 hours and vitamin B-complex; PEG-L-asparaginase was discontinued. Transaminases initially improved before trending up again to peak at AST 231 IU/L, ALT 276 IU/L, bilirubin 12.7 (direct 10.3) mg/dL and ALP 1053 IU/L. Work up was negative for cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex virus and hepatitis B. Bone marrow biopsy revealed B-ALL under therapy with no increase in blasts. Transjugular liver biopsy showed concomitant severe steatohepatitis with marked ballooning degeneration/foamy change, as well as biliary injury in the form of moderate bile stasis, severe bile duct epithelial injury, with no evidence of leukemic infiltration of the hepatic parenchyma. We diagnosed drug-induced liver injury due to PEG-L-asparaginase and continued L-carnitine and vitamin B-complex until day 44. Transaminases and bilirubin improved on follow up and remained normal at day 98. Hepatic dysfunction due to asparaginase is attributed to depletion of L-asparagine and glutamine, which impairs mitochondrial β-oxidation and induces steatosis. Previously reported cases of asparaginase toxicity did not mention biliary injury as a prominent feature. It is possible in our case that this represented an unusual histologic presentation of asparaginase toxicity. We reiterate the role of L-carnitine and vitamin B-complex as mitochondrial β-oxidation co-factors for treatment of asparaginase induced hepatotoxicity. We further reinforce the fact that such patients may be able to receive additional dose of asparaginase following the recovery of hepatic function. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of L-carnitine and vitamin B-complex.2229_A Figure 1. Liver biopsy showing severe large and small droplet macrovesicular steatosis and prominent bile stasis2229_B Figure 2. Liver biopsy showing marked bile duct epithelial injury and a ductular reaction2229_C Figure 3. Total bilirubin levels (mg/dL) over time in patient being treated with L-carnitine and vitamin B complex (*PEG-L-asparaginase given).

Physicochemical parameters and content of B-complex vitamins: an exploratory study of bee pollen from southern Brazilian states

This study aimed to determine the presence of B-complex vitamins and some physicochemical parameters in bee pollen samples from the southern Brazilian states of Parana, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul and, then, to identify their correlations with the geographical and botanical origin of the samples using multivariate statistical techniques. B-complex vitamins were determined by HPLC and mean contents were 0.79 mg/100 g (vitamin B1), 0.88 mg/100 g (vitamin B2), 5.31 mg/100 g (sum of vitamin B3 vitamers) and 4.42 mg/100 g (sum of B6 vitamers). The physicochemical parameters of the samples were consistent with those reported in the literature. The results showed that bee pollen is an important source of B-complex vitamins and multivariate statistical exploratory techniques suggested its nutritional content should be evaluated locally.

Vitamin B-12 content in breast milk of vegan, vegetarian, and nonvegetarian lactating women in the United States

The nutritional profile of human milk varies significantly between women, and the impact of maternal diet on these variations is not well understood. We analyzed breast-milk vitamin B-12 concentration and vitamin B-12 supplement use pattern among women who adhered to different dietary patterns: vegan, vegetarian, and nonvegetarian. A total of 74 milk samples, 26 from vegan, 22 from vegetarian, and 26 from nonvegetarian breastfeeding mothers, were analyzed. The prevalences of low vitamin B-12 (<310 pmol/L) were 19.2% for vegans, 18.2% for vegetarians, and 15.4% for nonvegetarians, which was not significant by diet group (P=1.00). The median (quartile 1, quartile 3) vitamin B-12 values were 558 pmol/L (331, 759 pmol/L) for vegans, 509 pmol/L (368, 765 pmol/L) for vegetarians, and 444 pmol/L (355, 777 pmol/L) for nonvegetarians (P=0.890). The use of individual vitamin B-12 supplements was higher in vegans (46.2%) than in vegetarians (27.3%) and nonvegetarians (3.9%) (P=0.001). In linear regression analysis, the use of individual vitamin B-12 supplements was a significant positive predictor of milk vitamin B-12 concentration (β ± SE: 172.9 ± 75.2; standardized β=0.263; P=0.024; R2=0.069), the use of a multivitamin had a significant negative relation with milk vitamin B-12 concentrations (β ± SE -222.0 ± 98.7; standardized β=-0.258; P=0.028, R2=0.067;), whereas the use of a B-complex vitamin and prenatal vitamin were not predictive of vitamin B-12 milk concentration (P>0.05). Almost 20% of our study participants were classified as having low breast-milk vitamin B-12 concentrations (<310 pmol/L), independent of maternal diet pattern. Approximately 85% of participants categorized as having low vitamin B-12 were taking vitamin B-12 supplements at doses in excess of the Recommended Dietary Allowance, which suggests that more research is needed to determine breast-milk adequacy values.

Obtaining and characterization of freeze-dried whole taro root (Colocasia esculenta), mucilage and residue as functional food

TTaro root (Colocasia esculenta L.), a starch based plant widely grown for direct consumption, has been produced for more than 2000 years in regions with a tropical climate. In Brazil, it is a crop grown by small producers, using it for direct consumption. Some industries use the tubers for preparation of baby food; however, there is no industrial processing of taro root. It contains high caloric and protein value and has elements such as phosphorus and potassium and B-complex vitamins; moreover, in popular medicine, it has recognized medicinal properties of detoxification, purification, anti-beriberi properties, etc. The purpose of this study was to determine, characterize and obtain whole taro root flour and its subproducts (mucilage and residue from mucilage extraction) by means of physical-chemical analyses, with a view toward discovering its potential qualities as a functional food. The freeze-dried flours of taro root had considerable proximate composition with lipid values below wheat flour. Starch appeared in the three types of taro root flour at significant levels. The nutritional fiber content was on average 50% greater than the daily requirements of an individual. The minerals Zn, Fe and Mn appeared at levels able to meet significant percentages of the daily needs of children, as well as the vitamin C and β-carotene content. Phytochemical compounds, saponins, anthocyanins and polyphenols were present in all the flours. As a result, we concluded that these taro root flours constitute a viable alternative to production of bakery products based on their starch content. Whole taro root flours and their subproducts may be considered as having potential for functional foods due to their vitamin, mineral, protein and phytochemical content, in addition to their expressive quantity of fiber.Key-words: chemical composition of foods, taro root flour, nutritional fiber, vitamin C, β-carotene, phytochemicals.

Risk factors for dietary deficiency and their probable role in elderly morbidities: a cross sectional study among elderly residing in rural field practice areas of S.N. Medical College, Bagalkot, North Karnataka

Background:Nutrition is an important element of health, among the elderly. They are prone for dietary deficiencies and thus suffer from a plethora of nutritional deficiency disorders due to various factors, prevalent from region to region. Estimating the risk factors for nutritional deficiencies, dietary patterns and their role in elderly morbidities is of utmost importance. Methods:140 Elderly, with the help from their caregivers, were screened for nutritional deficiencies by a detailed general physical examination and for signs of nutritional deficiencies namely: water soluble B-complex vitamins. Elderly were examined for the anthropometric measurements like height, weight, BMI, mid arm circumference, calf circumference and nutritional deficiency disorders. Elderly malnutrition was assessed using mini nutritional assessment (MNA)scale score, body mass index (BMI)and weight loss &gt;10% of body weight. Results:Of the total elderly, 45 (32.1%) of elderly are underweight and 42 (30.0%) of elderly were obese. 63 (45%) each, had a waist hip ratio value of &gt;0.95 in men and &gt;0.85 in women. 69 (49.3%) of the elderly were having a Mid-arm circumference of &lt;24 centimeters. 1 (43.6 %) elderly, was having 12-14 points (normal nutritional status) 76 (54.3 %) had a score of 8-11 points i.e. at risk of Malnutrition 03 (2.1%) had a score between 0-7 patients were malnourished. Conclusions: Dietary patterns of the elderly decreases with age and is affected by multiple determinants like psychosocial stress, dementia, delirium, poor economic status, poor dentition, chronic debilitating illnesses, smoking and alcohol, which play a vital role in elderly malnutrition.

A randomized control trail on the effectiveness of (Tricyclic antidepressant) Amitriptyline 10 mg bedtime in patients suffering from Meniere’s disease

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Meniere’s disease is one of the most common causes of chronic recurrent vertigo in general population. Meniere’s disease is closely associated with migraine and migrainous vertigo/ vestibular migraine. Amitriptyline has been classically used in management of Vestibular migraine. This randomized control trail examines the effectiveness of (Tricyclic antidepressant) Amitriptyline 10mg bedtime in patients suffering from Meniere’s disease using a Randomized control trial. This was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, cross over type with a power of 80% at 5% significance level.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; One hundred five patients with definite Meniere’s disease were randomized and assigned to either placebo or trial arm. Trial arm were given Amitriptyline 10 mg bedtime and placebo arm were given a generic Vitamin B-complex tablet. Visual analogue score and standard questionnaires were used to assess the improvements in vertigo, imbalance, dizziness and disease-specific quality of life before and after use of Amitriptyline vs. placebo for period of 10 days each. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Amitriptyline 10mg at bedtime (10mg H.S), produces significant improvement in the vertigo in patients suffering from Meniere’s disease compared to placebo. Chronic imbalance and hearing levels are not affected by the use of the above drug regime. Daytime sedation and weight gain are the most troublesome adverse effects of Amitriptyline at 10mg per day dose. No other serious adverse effects were observed in this research.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Low dose bedtime Amitriptyline 10mg appears to be safe and produces improvement in vertigo and disease-specific quality of life in Meniere’s disease patients. &lt;/p&gt;

Simultaneous saccharification and cultivation of Candida utilis on cassava peel

Candida utilis yeast, a rich source of proteins and vitamin B-complex was cultivated on cassava peel, a food processing waste, which was first liquefied with Termamyl 120 L α-amylase enzyme. The cultivation process was optimized simultaneously with saccharification with Novo AMG 300 L amyloglucosidase using response surface methodology approach. The design involved three duration of enzyme hydrolysis (0, 4.5 and 9 h) prior to inoculation with Candida utilis representing varied degrees of hydrolysis (0, 50 and 100%) and initial pH (4.5, 5.0 and 5.5). Measured responses were change in yeast protein ranging from 1.13 to 1.91 mg/mL, change in cell concentration ranging from 2.30 to 3.90 mg/mL and specific growth rate ranging from 0.21–0.51.100% hydrolysis and initial pH of 5.0 gave the highest changes in yeast protein (1.92 mg/mL) and cell concentration (3.90 mg/mL); 100% hydrolysis and pH 5.5 gave the highest specific growth rate. The optimal solution was obtained at pH of 5.5 and 100% degree of hydrolysis with a degree of desirability of 0.8. The cultivation of Candida utilis yeast on cassava peel is of high significance to food and agro-based industries for the production of value added products, waste disposal and valorisation. Cassava peel is a major waste product from cassava processing industry which is faced with an enormous challenge regarding its disposal. This study revealed that Candida utilis can be cultivated successfully on cassava peel slurry; the cultivation of this yeast on cassava peel is of high significance to food and agro-based industries for the production of value added products waste disposal and valorisation.

Nutraceutical in male reproduction

In order to obtain a successful outcome in artificial insemination programs, a few precautions must be taken with regard to male breeders. It is established that environmental factors can change the hormonal secretion, the cell differentiation that occurs in the testicles, as well as sperm maturation and transport in the epididymis. In view of adverse nutritional factors, reproductive organs can present degeneration and disorders in different degrees and intensities, affecting the animal fertility. The term nutraceutical describes products derived from foods, which may provide additional health benefits, beyond the basic value found in diets. Among the main nutraceuticals used in male reproduction, there are omega-3, arginine, B-complex vitamins, L-carnitine, β-carotene and antioxidants. The aim of this paper is to present the main substances used as nutraceuticals, in order to improve semen quality, obtaining most favorable outcomes in the use of artificial insemination.

Preparation of non-traditional Dickkopf and Richard wheat flakes: Phenolic and vitamin profiles and antioxidant activity

Produced non-traditional, conventional and commercial wheat flakes were analysed for vitamin B-complex, α-tocopherol, total phenolics and HPLC profile and antioxidant activity in soluble free, soluble conjugated and insoluble bound phenolic fractions. Moreover, dietary intakes of RDI (Recommended Daily Intake) or AI (Adequate Intake) of vitamins were evaluated. Non-traditional wheat flakes were significantly higher contributors of vitamin B to RDI or AI, also, the highest polyphenol contents (283–362 mg GAE/100 g) were determined in Dickkopf and Richard wheat flakes. Additionally, predominant phenolics were identified. To understand the contribution of individual phenolics to an antioxidant activity their mutual correlations were evaluated. Regarding free phenolics, the main contributors to an antioxidant activity (r > 0.6961) were catechin, syringic and caffeic acids; in conjugated fraction epigallocatechin, gallic and ferulic acids (r > 0.8088); while chlorogenic, ferulic, protocatechuic and p-hydroxybenzoic acids were the main contributors in insoluble bound fractions (r > 0.6417).

Beneficial Effects of Poultry Meat Consumption on Cardiovascular Health and the Prevention of Childhood Obesity

Poultry meat is an animal product important in human nutrition. A variable, and moderate energy content, highly digestible proteins of good nutritional quality, unsaturated lipids, fat-soluble and B-complex vitamins as well as minerals make poultry meat a valuable food.Poultry meat is one of the recommended constituents of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Diet as well as the Mediterranean Diet. The substitution of red meat with poultry as well as fish, nuts and legumes decreases the risk of developing type 2 and gestational diabetes mellitus, improves glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors. Low-fat diets supported by fruits, grains, nuts, fish and poultry instead of red meat yields cardiovascular health benefits. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidative diet enriched with high-quality foods reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines. This favors anti-inflammatory milieu which in turn improves insulin sensitivity and endothelial function and ultimately act as a barrier to obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus and development of atherosclerosis.The nutritive value of poultry meat depends on different factors such as age, feeding, keeping, hybrids, carcass parts and type of meat. Preventive measures against risky aspects of the matter should be developed. Since the use of antibiotics leads to the development of antibiotic resistant pathogens, antibiotics must be replaced by herbs and spices with growth promoting effects, antimicrobial properties, and other health related benefits to solve the problem. Enrichment and fortification with nutrients may cause poultry meat to gain even more functional food character.

Influence of B-Complex Vitamins on the Pharmacokinetics of Ginsenosides Rg1, Rb1, and Ro After Oral Administration.

After cultivation of ginseng, ginsenosides, which are the major active ingredients of gingeng, were approved for use by the food industry, and began to be used as added functional ingredients to try to improve the quality and price of functional foods. However, the interaction between different types of ginsenosides and nutrients needs further study. We investigated the effect of B-complex vitamins (which are essential nutrients) on the pharmacokinetics of the ginsenosides protopanaxatriol-type saponin Rg1, protopanaxadiol-type saponin Rb1, and oleanolic acid-type saponin Ro after oral administration. Ginsenosides Rg1, Rb1, and Ro, with or without B-complex vitamins, respectively, were administered orally to rats to evaluate their pharmacokinetics. The concentration of ginsenosides in plasma was determined by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were fitted using WinNonlin v6.2. After oral coadministration with B-complex vitamins, the area under the concentration-time curve from zero to infinity (AUC0-∞) of ginsenoside Rg1 was reduced by 70%, that of ginsenoside Rb1 was reduced by 43%, and that of ginsenoside Ro was reduced by 34%. The AUC0-∞ of ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1 showed significant differences between different treatments, but the AUC0-∞ of ginsenoside Ro did not. These results suggest significant ginsenoside-nutrient interactions between ginsenosides Rg1, Rb1, and B-complex vitamins.

Determination of B-complex vitamins in pharmaceutical formulations by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

The aim of this work was to quantify B-complex vitamins in pharmaceutical samples by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy technique using gold colloid substrate. Synthesis of gold nanoparticles was performed according to an adapted Turkevich method. Initial essays were able to suggest the orientation of molecules on gold nanoparticles surface. Central Composite design was performed to obtain the highest SERS signal for nicotinamide and riboflavin. The evaluated parameters in the experimental design were volume of AuNPs, concentration of vitamins and sodium chloride concentration. The best condition for nicotinamide was NaCl 2.3×10−3molL−1 and 700μL of AuNPs colloid and this same condition showed to be adequate to quantify thiamine. The experimental design for riboflavin shows the best condition at NaCl 1.15×10−2molL−1 and 2.8mL of AuNPs colloid. It was possible to quantify thiamine and nicotinamide in presence of others vitamins and excipients in two solid multivitamin formulations using the standard addition procedure. The standard addition curve presented a R2 higher than 0.96 for both nicotinamide and thiamine, at orders of magnitude 10−7 and 10−8molL−1, respectively. The nicotinamide content in a cosmetic gel sample was also quantified by direct analysis presenting R2 0.98. The t-student test presented no significant difference regarding HPLC method. Despite the experimental design performed for riboflavin, it was not possible its quantification in the commercial samples.

Composición nutricional del tallo de Silbadero (Geoffroea spinosa jacq.) del municipio de Tubara, Atlántico

El Silbadero (Geoffroea spinosa Jacq) es una leguminosa que se encuentra en países suramericanos como Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay y Colombia, de esta especie solo se han reportado estudios taxonómicos y fitoquímicos. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar el contenido de nutrientes del tallo de la especie vegetal Silbadero. Las muestras de la especie fueron tomadas al azar mediante una salida de campo a la finca los Tres ubicada en Tubará, Atlántico. Se determinaron los parámetros de proteínas, grasas, carbohidratos, fibra bruta, cenizas, humedad; el aminoácido Lisina; minerales como el zinc, calcio, hierro y magnesio y vitaminas del complejo B (Tiamina, Riboflavina, Niacina, ácido Fólico). Las proteínas fueron determinadas por el método Kjeldahl, las grasas por el método Soxhlet, los carbohidratos por diferencia, fibra bruta por el método ácido-base, cenizas por incineración, humedad por gravimetría; la Lisina por cromatografía ultra rápida; los minerales por espectrofometría de absorción atómica y la vitaminas por cromatografía líquida de alta resolución. El contenido de proteína fue de 4,56%, grasas 0,38%, carbohidratos 37,2%, fibra bruta 43,5%, cenizas 7,6%, humedad 6%, Lisina 1,4 g/100 g, zinc 22,7 mg/100 g, calcio 29013,7 mg/100 g, hierro 277,5 mg/100g, magnesio 1947,8 mg/100 g, Tiamina 0,10 mg/100 g, Riboflavina 0,24 mg/100 g, Niacina 0,50 mg/100 g, ácido Fólico 0,14 mg/100 g. Se concluyó que el tallo del Silbadero es una fuente significativa de nutrientes, que puede contribuir a suplir necesidades alimentarias

آثار مكملات فيتامين ب المركب وحدها أو مجتمعة مع الإستروجين على فقدان العظام في الفئران المبيضة

آثار تناول فيتامين بي المركب وحده أوجنباً الي جنب مع الإستروجين على فقدان العظام في الجرذان المستأصلة المبايض. خلفية البحث: أصبحت هشاشة العظام بعد انقطاع الطمث قضية صحية عالمية في الآونة الأخيرة. تلعب العديد من الفيتامينات دورا في بناء وصيانة العظام.الهدف من البحث: تهدف هذه الدراسة الي تقييم الأدوار الممكنة لتناول فيتامين ب المركب وحده أوجنباً الي جنب مع الإستروجين في تحسين هشاشة العظام في الجرذان المستأصلة المبايض. مواد و طرق البحث: تم تقسيم 50 من إناث الجرذان البيضاء البالغة إلي خمس مجموعات متساوية ثم تعرضت أربع مجموعات منها لإستأصال المبايض: الأولى ضابطة, والثانية مستأصلة المبايض والثالثة مستأصلة المبايض و أعطيت إثينيل استراديول والرابعة مستأصلة المبايض و أعطيت فيتامين بي المركب والخامسة مستأصلة المبايض و أعطيت إثينيل استراديول وفيتامين بي المركب. بدأت جميع العلاجات بعد أربعة أسابيع من الجراحة واستمرت لمدة ثمانية أسابيع. تم جمع عينات الدم لقياس مستويات الهوموسيستايين و الفوسفاتاز القلوي العظمي وكاربوكسي الببتيد الرابط للنوع الأول من الكولاجين والكالسيوم فى مصل الدم. نتائج البحث:زاد استأصال المبايض من مستويات الهوموسيستايين ودلالات تقلب العظام (الفوسفاتاز القلوي العظمي و وكاربوكسي الببتيد الرابط للنوع الأول من الكولاجين) و الكالسيوم فى مصل الدم. إرتفعت مستويات الكالسيوم ، في حين انخفضت مستويات علامات تقلب العظام و الهوموسيستايين في جميع المجموعات التي تلقت علاجاً و لكن فقط علاج الجرذان بفيتامين ب المركب جنباً الي جنب مع الإستروجين أعاد مستويات الهوموسيستايين ووكاربوكسي الببتيد الرابط للنوع الأول من الكولاجين إلى وضعها الطبيعي. الإستنتاج: أظهر فيتامين ب المركب بعض التأثيرات المضادة لهشاشة العظام في الجرذان المستأصلة المبايض.

A critical perspective on the design and development of metal oxide catalysts for selective propylene ammoxidation and oxidation

The objective of this article is to use the example of the development of metal oxide catalysts for the selective ammoxidation and oxidation of propylene to illustrate successful catalyst design strategies for achieving enhanced yields of acrylonitrile and acrolein, respectively. The processes of catalytic selective ammoxidation and oxidation of propylene are not the only, albeit they are among the most industrially significant, examples of the commercial application of metal oxide selective oxidation catalysts. Other important commercial catalytic processes that use highly developed metal oxide catalysts systems include butane oxidation to maleic anhydride and alkyl aromatic ammoxidation of toluene, xylenes, and picolines (alkyl pyridines) to produce valuable aromatic nitriles including nicotinonitrile which is the precursor for nicotinic acid (niacin) an important B-complex vitamin. Using the example of industrial propylene selective (amm)oxidation, this article surveys the available patents, scientific and technical journals to chronical and analyze the development and advancement of the complex metal oxides from discovery to current state-of-the-art. Recognizing that commercial practices are proprietary, this analysis uses no known company sensitive or confidential information is included in these descriptions. From this analysis a comprehensive catalyst design strategy unfolds that is based on the enabling science of solid state chemistry and the results of the characterization tools it provides. This provides a viable platform to unlock the next level of metal oxide catalyst development with ultra-high selectivity for hydrocarbon oxidation.

Effect of prepartum supplementation with niacin, choline and cod liver oil on postpartum insulin sensitivity and the redox status in cows with subclinical ketosis

There have been limited field trials exploring the potential ameliorative effect of B-complex vitamin or antioxidant therapy in cows with prolonged insulin resistance (IR). The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of prepartum supplementation of niacin, choline and cod liver oil on metabolic status, indices of insulin sensitivity (IS) as well as markers of oxidative stress in cows with subclinical ketosis (SCK). For this purpose, 24 apparently healthy cows at ~3 weeks before the expected time of calving were studied. Based on their serum concentration of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), the studied cows were classified as having SCK (n = 20) or normal (n = 4). The diseased cows were then randomly allocated into four equal-sized groups and received the following feed supplements for subsequent 6 weeks: rumen-protected niacin, (RPN – group; n = 5); rumen-protected choline (RPC – group; n = 5); and cod liver oil (CLO-group; n = 5); or remained without treatment (SCK – group; n = 5). Serum samples were collected from all animals (n = 24) in two occasions i.e. before and after treatment to quantify concentrations of BHBA, NEFA, glucose, insulin, cortisol, and triglyceride, malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase. Indices of IS were also calculated. The findings of this study suggest benefits of prepartum supplementation to cattle with SCK, particularly RPC which demonstrated great effect on BHBA, triglyceride, and very low-density lipoprotein; but it showed a minimal effect on IS. On the other side, RPN and CLO exhibited a marked effect on serum cortisol and potentiated IS with minimal effect on BHBA. All dietary supplements had nearly equal effect on NEFA, glucose, insulin, and markers of oxidative stress. The information provided in this study could support the advancement of the future investigations in animal welfare and production.

Value Addition of Chapathi with Germinated Pulses and its Popularization

A study on “Formulation of germinated pulses incorporated chapathi and its popularization” was conducted as germinated pulses are highly nutritive and contain large amounts of proteins, vitamins and minerals. Bengal gram, green gram and horse gram were selected for the study. The selected pulses were germinated, dried and powdered separately and incorporated in wheat chapathies at 10%, 20% and 30% levels. Organoleptic evaluation was done to assess the acceptability using five point Hedonic scale. Best results were obtained for 10% incorporation with germinated Bengal gram flour and horse gram flour whereas germinated green gram was well accepted at 30% level. Germinated pulses incorporated chapathies were found to be rich in protein, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C and fibre. Incorporation of germinated pulses in chapathi was popularized among 50 home makers of Arappampalayam village in Erode District.

Observational Cross-Sectional Study on Dietary Supplementation among Adults in Eastern Croatia

The aim of the study was to gain insight into supplementation habits among adults in eastern Croatia. In cross-sectional study 466 adult participants were asked by anonymous survey about the type of supplement they take, the doses of the used supplement and the reasons and motivation for supplementation. Results revealed that participants most often chose essential nutrients (59 %) among which magnesium, multivitamins, B-complex vitamins, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids dominate. Supplementation is mostly aimed for disease treatment (46 %) and prevention (35 %) with musculoskeletal system and connective tissue diseases being the main cause followed by digestive system diseases. Most of the supplements were selected based on the recommendation of a health professional (76 %) and in line with recommendation by pharmacist or as stated at the product label (86 %).

Effectiveness of vitamin b complex in reducing chronic temporomandibular joint disorder pain — double blind randomised clinical trial

Background: Chronic temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) pain management has always been challenging and usually requires long-term analgesics. Commonly used analgesics have a potential for adverse effects in long-term usage, thus there is a need to look for a safer alternative analgesic option. Objectives: To evaluate efficacy of vitamin B complex (VBC) [B1, B6, B12] in reducing chronic TMD pain. Methods: 26 patients with chronic TMD pain secondary to arthralgia, osteoarthritis and disc displacement were included. The patients were allocated randomly into two groups and received either VBC tablet (B1: 242.5 mg, B6: 250 mg, B12: 1 mg) or placebo once per day for six weeks. Clinical measurements were recorded at week 0 and week 2, week 4, and week 6 to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment. Pain intensity was measured by visual analogue score (VAS) and mandibular range of movement was measured by maximal comfortable mandibular opening and lateral excursion. Adverse effects and compliance rate towards treatment were also assessed. Findings: In this 6-week clinical trial, both groups showed significant VAS pain reduction (VBC 2.49 ± 1.71; placebo 1.41 ± 1.53; P < 0.05). The amount of VAS pain reduction in the VBC group was significantly higher than in the Placebo group at week 2 (1.19 ± 1.28 versus 0.23 ± 0.90) and week 4 (2.32 ± 1.42 versus 1.25 ± 0.75; P < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was noted in mouth opening improvement. Both VBC and placebo medications were well tolerated with minimal adverse effects. Conclusion: In this study a dose of VBC (B1: 242.5 mg, B6: 250 mg, B12: 1 mg) was significantly better than placebo in reducing chronic TMD pain at week two and week four.