Ca Levels Research Articles

What happens to trees and soils during five decades of experimental nitrogen loading?

High deposition of nitrogen was postulated to drive losses of NO3- and nutrient base cations, causing soil acidification, nutrient deficiencies reducing tree growth and ultimately tree mortality. We tested these predictions in a uniquely long-term study involving three NH4NO3 addition treatments (N1-N3) in a boreal Pinus sylvestris forest. The lowest level (N1), 30 kg N ha−1 yr−1 was applied during 50 years. Twice this rate (N2) was added 38 years, followed by 12 years of recovery, while thrice this rate (N3) was added 20 years followed by 30 years of recovery. We compared tree growth, changes in foliar and soil chemistry among treatments including control plots without N additions. As predicted, the N treatments lowered soil pH and reduced soil base saturation by around 50 %. They also lowered foliar levels of Ca, Mg, K, P and B initially, but after 50 years only Ca and Mg remained lower than in the control. Lack of B motivated a single addition of 2.5 kg ha−1 after ten years of N treatment. Tree stem growth became and then remained higher in N1 than in the other treatments through the 50 years of treatments. In N2 and N3, foliar δ15N increased during the N-loading phase, but declined during the recovery phase, indicating a return of ectomycorrhizal fungi and their role in tightening the N cycle in N-limited forests. In the terminated, initially highest N treatments, N2 and N3, the trees even show signs of returning to N-limitation. In these treatments, the soil base saturation remains lower, while the pH was only lower at 0–10 depth in the mineral soil, but not in the 10–20 cm depth horizon or in the superficial organic mor-layer. Accurately documenting the effect of N additions on forest growth required a long-term approach, where reasonable rates of application could be compared with extreme rates. Such long-term experiments are necessary to support forest management in achieving goals for developing future forests as they shift in response to major, global-scale changes.

Eco-enzyme and mushroom bag-logs waste stimulate production and nutrients content of celery microgreen (Apium graveolens L.)

Celery microgreen is celery harvested at a young stage, which is a suitable production model to support urban farming. The study aimed to investigate the potential use of eco-enzyme and oyster mushroom media waste (bag-logs waste) on the growth of celery as microgreen. The present study employed a fully randomized factorial design comprising two factors. The first factor was the dosage of eco-enzyme (E): 0.5, 15, and 25 mL L-1 of water, while the second factor was the dosage of bag-log waste (L): 0.50, 100, and 150 g/tray. The variables that were assessed included wet weight, fresh economic weight, longest root length, root volume, moisture content, vitamin C, Mg, and Ca levels. The data were subjected to ANOVA analysis and subsequently followed by the application of the HSD test at a significance level of 5%. The findings indicated that there was a substantial interaction between the eco-enzyme and bag-log waste in all observed parameters. The best treatment was the combination of eco-enzyme at a concentration of 25 mL L-1 and bag-log waste at a rate of 150 g/tray. The eco-enzyme treatment exhibited a significant impact on all observed parameters, with the most effective treatment being the application of 25 mL L-1. The bag-log waste application affected all measured parameters with 150 g/tray yielding the most favorable results. Therefore, eco-enzymes and bag-log waste have the potential as growing media for celery microgreen cultivation.
 Keywords: celery, healthy food, organic farming, urban farming, zero waste

Can the Firmness, Weight, and Size of Blueberry Fruit Be Enhanced through the Application of Low Amounts of Calcium to the Soil?

The firmness, weight, and size of blueberries are vital for commercial success of this crop. Fertilization is a key agronomic management practice that affects fruit quality, where calcium (Ca) plays a critical role. This study aimed to assess the impact of low levels of soil-dosed Ca in carboxylic acid form on fruit size, weight, firmness, and residual soil fertility. The study focused on two varieties of blueberries, Duke and Legacy, over two consecutive growing seasons on three commercial farms located in south-central Chile. This study consisted of five treatments, ranging from 0 to 4.0 kg Ca per hectare. The highest firmness values observed for Duke were between 164 and 186 g mm-1, with size values ranging from 15.7 to 16.9 mm, and weight observations ranging from 1.60 to 1.76 g. On the other hand, Legacy showed firmness values between 163 and 173 g mm-1, with size values ranging from 16.2 to 17.2 mm, and weight observations ranging from 2.01 to 2.40 g. The application of low Ca rates to the soil did not impact the size, weight, or firmness of 'Duke' and 'Legacy' blueberries. There was a positive correlation between the Ca soil application and the concentration of exchangeable Ca.

Propensity score analysis of red cell distribution width to serum calcium ratio in acute myocardial infarction as a predictor of in-hospital mortality.

Red cell distribution width (RDW) and serum calcium (Ca) levels are predictors of in-hospital mortality in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. However, their sensitivity and specificity are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether the RDW to Ca ratio (RCR) acquired on admission can be used to predict the in-hospital mortality of AMI patients. This retrospective cohort study extracted clinical information from the Medical Information Market for Intensive IV (MIMIC-IV) database on 2,910 AMI patients enrolled via propensity score matching (PSM). Prognostic values were assessed using a multivariate logistic model and three PSM approaches. Analysis was performed based on stratified variables and interactions among sex, age, ethnicity, anemia, renal disease, percutaneous transluminal coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, dementia, diabetes, paraplegia, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. A total of 4,105 ICU-admitted AMI patients were analyzed. The optimal cut-off value of the RCR for in-hospital mortality was 1.685. The PSM was performed to identify 1,455 pairs (2,910) of score-matched patients, with balanced differences exhibited for nearly all variables.The patients' median age was 72 years (range, 63-82 years) and 60.9% were male. The risk of in-hospital mortality incidence increased with increasing RCR levels. After adjusting for confounders, the risk ratio for the incidence of in-hospital mortality for high RCR was 1.75 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.60-1.94, P = 0.0113] compared to that associated with low RCR in the PSM cohort. High RCR was also substantially implicated in in-hospital mortality incidence in the weighted cohorts [odds ratio (OR) = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.62-1.94, P = 0.0129]. Assessment of RCR in three groups showed that patients with high RCR also had a higher risk of in-hospital mortality (OR = 3.04; 95% CI, 2.22-4.16; P < 0.0001) than in patients with RCR in the adjusted model. In the sensitivity analysis, both the original and weighted groups showed similar results. The RCR at admission may be useful for predicting in-hospital mortality in ICU-admitted AMI patients.

Effect of cultivar, year, and their interaction on nutritional and energy value components in Aronia melanocarpa berries

Aronia melanocarpa has long been known for its small, purple-black, and sweet-bitter berries to which several human health benefits have been attributed. This study aimed to highlight the effect of cultivar, year, and their interaction on the berry level of some components with nutritional and energetic value in two chokeberry cultivars. The study was carried out on ‘Melrom’ and ‘Nero’ chokeberry cultivars, grown under climatic conditions specific to Muntenia region, Romania. Compared to ‘Nero’ cv., dry weight, total soluble solids, and carbohydrates were found in significantly higher quantity in ‘Melrom’ cv. (263.33 g kg-1, 18.02 °Brix, 203.19 g kg-1). Significantly higher energy value and acidity (946.81 kcal kg-1 and 11.40 g malic acid kg-1, respectively) were also determined for ‘Melrom’ cv. Except for total soluble solids for ‘Melrom’ cv., total titratable acidity and total sugar content presented the highest variations between the study years for each of the two cultivars. K was the major mineral, followed by Ca. ‘Nero’ cv. had a higher content of K (2.73 g kg-1) and Zn (0.003 g kg-1) and significantly higher levels of Ca (0.72 g kg-1), Mg (0.35 g kg-1), and P (0.52 g kg-1). Both chokeberry cultivars can be considered as an alternative to complete the daily diet with fiber and minerals without high energy or sugar intake.

Serum Calcium and Magnesium Levels in Women Presenting with Pre-eclampsia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Based on Observational Studies.

Multiple studies have investigated the serum concentrations of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) in preeclampsia, but the results have been contradictory. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the association between serum calcium and magnesium levels in patients with preeclampsia and those in the healthy pregnancies. A comprehensive search was conducted in various online databases, including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, Web of Sciences, and Cochrane library to identify relevant studies on Ca and Mg levels in preeclampsia up to July 2023. Inter-study heterogeneity across the included studies was assessed using the chi-square test and I2 statistic. Pooled effect size (ES) was calculated as weighted mean differences (WMDs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 76 articles (comprising 92 studies) were included, with a combined sample size of 10,482 participants (preeclampsia: n=3,991; controls: n=6,491). The random-effects model revealed significantly lower levels of calcium (WMD=-0.807 mg/dL, 95% CI: -0.983, -0.632, P0.01) and magnesium (WMD=-0.215, 95% CI: -0.338, -0.092, P0.01) in women with pre-eclampsia compared to the control group. However, the overall pooled WMD for calcium and magnesium levels did not significantly change when individual studies were excluded one by one. This meta-analysis demonstrates that the circulating levels of calcium and magnesium in patients with preeclampsia are significantly lower than those in the control group.

Alleviation of Aluminum-Induced Oxidative Stress, Trace Element, and Mineral Levels in Rat Tissues Protective Role of Pomegranate Juice (Punica Granatum L.).

The present investigation examined the impact of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice on trace elements, minerals, and oxidative stress in relation to the potential harm inflicted by aluminum chloride (AlCl3) in rats. Rats were split into four groups at random for this purpose: control (C), pomegranate juice (PJ), aluminum chloride (A), and PJ + A. For 30days, PJ was orally administered by gavage at a rate of 4mL/kg every other day, whereas AlCl3 was administered intraperitoneally at 8.3mg/kg. Spectrophotometric analysis was used to measure the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) enzyme activity in various tissues. In addition, high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS FAAS) was used to determine the amounts of the elements Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ca, and Mg in the tissues. It was discovered that when PJ therapy was applied to all tissues, the antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT activity increased, the GSH level rose, and the MDA level, a sign of lipid peroxidation, decreased. Al and Ca levels increased in the A group relative to the C group in all tissues, whereas they decreased in the A + PJ group relative to the A group. Group A exhibited a proportionate increase in Fe levels in the liver and renal tissues compared with group C. Furthermore, the A group's brain tissue had a higher Fe level than the C group's. The A + PJ group's brain tissue had a lower Fe level than the A group's. Our findings demonstrate that PJ therapy greatly decreased Al buildup and oxidative stress in tissues while controlling variations in trace element levels. In addition, it is concluded that PJ might have value as a strong chelating agent to prevent Al poisoning.

Ca and Mg stimulate protein synthesis in maize kernel through the action of endogenous hormones and defense enzymes

Soil calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) mineral states in rain-fed arid regions of Northwest China are inefficient, and their levels of substitution and water-soluble states are far below the lowest threshold required for maize growth, resulting in frequent physiological diseases, restricting synthesis of kernel protein (CRP). Our study set up different levels of foliar spraying of Ca and Mg fertilizers before maize pollination to examine the response characteristics of physiological and biochemical indicators in kernel, and the driving process of CRP synthesis. The main findings were: (1) Ca and Mg significantly increased the levels of CRP and endogenous hormones, and the activities of defense enzymes and CRP synthesis enzymes, which decreased significantly and stabilized at the maturity stage of maize. (2) The synthesis and accumulation of CRP were synergistically regulated by endogenous hormones, defense enzymes, and CRP synthase enzymes, with the degree of regulation varying with the level of Ca and Mg supplementation. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellin (GA), zeatin riboside (ZR), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) were the primary physiological driving indicators of CRP synthesis, with CRP having a significant synergistic relationship with CAT and a remarkable trade-off with other driving indicators. (3) The dominant driving pathway of CRP synthesis was “Ca, Mg-IAA or GA or ZR-CAT-GDH-CRP”. Ca and Mg positively affected IAA and GA levels, and IAA and GA positively regulated CAT activity. However, CAT negatively regulated GDH levels, causing GDH to negatively influence the synthesis and accumulation of CRP and its components. The findings provide theoretical support for further study of inter-root endogenous hormones and soil microbe-driven processes in the regulation of maize quality by Ca and Mg.

In Vitro Assessment of the Bioaccessibility of Zn, Ca, Mg, and Se from Various Types of Nuts.

The bioaccessibility of zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and selenium (Se) from various nuts (Brazil nuts, walnuts, peanuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, and pistachios) was assessed using a simulated two-phase model of enzymatic digestion in vitro. The levels of Zn, Mg, and Ca were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, and Se was measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. All tested nuts were good sources of Mg, and most, except macadamia nuts, were also good sources of Zn (the standard portion covers over 15% of NRV-R (UE) 1924/2006). Brazil nuts had the highest Se content. Almonds and Brazil nuts were rich in Ca. Se demonstrated the highest bioaccessibility from nuts (27.7% to 70.65%), whereas Ca exhibited the lowest bioaccessibility (below 9%). Pistachios had the highest Zn bioavailability, while cashews excelled in Mg bioaccessibility. Macadamia and pistachios were top for Ca bioaccessibility, and Brazil nuts for Se. Bioaccessibility is positively correlated with fat (for Zn: r = 0.23), carbohydrates (for Mg: 0.44; for Ca: 0.35), and sugar content (for Zn: r = 0.36; for Mg: 0.46; for Ca: 0.40).

Optimizing Soil Management for Sustainable Viticulture: Insights from a Rendzic Leptosol Vineyard in the Nitra Wine Region, Slovakia

Properly chosen soil management practices can stabilize the nutrient regime in the soil, including the mobility and bioavailability of hazardous elements. This study aimed to identify the optimal soil management practices in a productive vineyard on Rendzic Leptosol in the Nitra wine region (Slovakia). Soil samples were collected each spring from two depths, 0–30 cm, and 30–60 cm, with the following treatments: T—soil tillage, P + FYM—plowed farmyard manure, G—grass strips, G + NPK1—first-level fertilization, and G + NPK2—second-level fertilization, from 2019 to 2023. The results indicated that more pronounced changes in soil properties occurred in the 0–30 cm layer. Higher NPK rates significantly affected soil sorption capacity and decreased soil pH when compared to other treatments. While G + NPK2 showed the highest storage of total N, S, P, K, and available P and K, it exhibited the lowest levels of total and available Ca. The T treatment displayed the lowest storage of C, N, S, P, and available K. In terms of hazardous metals (Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn) none exceeded the limiting values in any of the soil management practices. However, in the 0–30 cm layer, Cu concentrations exceeded the limits set by Slovak Republic regulations in the T, P + FYM, G, G + NPK1, and G + NPK2 treatments by 62.6, 73.7, 70.2, 82.1, and 102.9 mg kg−1, respectively. Additionally, as total C increased, Cr concentration was observed to decrease with correlation (r = −0.46). Positive correlations were found between total C and Zn, as well as CaCO3 and Zn in the 0–30 layer.

Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium levels in frequent respiratory tract infections

Background It was well documented that calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg) participate in many physiological processes. We aimed to study the changing trend of serum levels of Ca, P, and Mg in frequent respiratory tract infections (FRTI) in children. Methods A retrospective study was performed in our centre. A total of 213 FRTI cases and 33 controls were enrolled in our study. We analyzed the correlation between serum Ca/P/Mg levels and inflammatory indexes by using Spearman correlation analysis. Standard mean difference (SMD) was applied to test the differences of serum Ca/P/Mg levels between FRTI subgroups and controls. In terms of the findings of SMD between Ca/P/Mg status between FRTI subgroups and controls, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was further applied to test the association between serum Ca level and bronchitis, parainfluenza virus infection, influenza B virus infection and cytomegalovirus infection. Results Serum Ca level was significantly associated with white blood cell (WBC), platelet (PLT) and procalcitonin (PCT) (p = 0.006; p < 10−4; p = 0.004). Serum P level was markedly associated with eryhtrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and PCT (p = 0.018; p < 10−4). Controls showed significantly lower serum Ca level than that among bronchitis (p = 0.001), parainfluenza virus infection (p = 0.027), influenza B virus infection (p = 0.017), cytomegalovirus infection (p = 0.029), and two pathogens infected (p = 0.020). ROC curve analysis showed that serum Ca level was significantly associated with bronchitis (p = 0.047) and influenza B virus infection (p = 0.049). Conclusions Serum levels of Ca and P may reflect the inflammatory status in children with FRTI. Alteration of serum Ca level may predict the risk of bronchitis and influenza B virus infection. Keeping the homeostasis of Ca, P, and Mg may be important for the prevention and treatment of FRTI.

Yield, nutritional and flavor quality of Chinese cabbage under different rates of chicken manure substituted for chemical fertilizer

Combination of livestock manure (LM) with chemical fertilizer (CF) holds promise for obtaining high productivity. However, there is a relative lack of research on the impact of vegetable quality and its associated influences in the pursuit of high yields. The study aimed to investigate the effects of substituting chicken manure (CM) for CF on growth and quality (nutrition and flavor) of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) under the same nitrogen level. In general, CM substitution for CF recorded higher soil nutrients contents, head yield and phosphorus and molybdenum concentrations than sole application of CF. However, the concentrations of zinc, calcium, nickel, and lead decreased with CM application. Additionally, N concentration decreased by 47.1 % with sole CM application. Treatments had no significant effect on the concentrations of potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, sodium, chromium, cobalt, arsenic, selenium, cadmium and on nutritional quality. We identified 454 volatiles, the primary percentages were esters (22.1 %), acids (14.3 %), and ketones (14.3 %). CM application inhibited the contents of total volatile and esters (especially isothiocyanates). When CM replaced CF at a rate of 2/3 and 3/3, the richness of volatiles dramatically increased. Furthermore, the Mantel test confirmed a strong correlation between volatile compound contents (VOCs) and soil C/N ratio, total nitrogen (TN), and available phosphorus (AP). Five volatiles (methanethiol, dimethyl disulphide (DMDS), 2-methyl-5-(1-methylethyl)-phenol, 1-propanethiol and dimethyl trisulfide) were collected as aroma compounds. With the CM application DMDS contents increased by 2.0–4.3-fold. Random forest model revealed a negative correlation between DMDS concentration and Ca level, possibly attributed to the decrease in allyl isothiocyanate content and the inhibition of TRPA1 transient receptor potential ion channel. In conclusion, precise adjustment of CM to CF substitution rates is essential for preserving Chinese cabbage yield and quality. This study could offer valuable insights for both nutraceutical and flavor purposes.

Digestible calcium equivalency of phytase and nutrient utilization of broiler chickens fed graded levels of limestone or phytase during the starter phase

The current study aimed to quantify the digestible Calcium (Ca) equivalency of a new phytase (HiPhoriusTM) in broiler chickens. A total of 1,152 male Cobb 500 broiler chickens were used in an experiment in which 8 diets consisting of graded levels of Ca supplied with limestone or graded levels of the phytase were fed. The 8 dietary treatments were based on a corn-soybean meal diet containing 5.1 g/kg of Ca and 5.1 g/kg of phosphorus (P) as negative control (NC); the NC + 1.3, 2.6, or 3.9 g/kg of Ca from limestone; and the NC + 500, 1000, 2000, or 4000 FYT/kg of phytase. Birds were fed the experimental diets for 3 d (from d 7 to 10) or 14 d (from d 7 to 21) to determine apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent total tract retention (ATTR) of dry matter (DM), CP, Ca, and P. In the 10-d-old birds, increasing the levels of Ca decreased the AID of P and Ca (linear, P < 0.05). Increasing the levels of phytase quadratically improved (P < 0.05) the AID of Ca and P. The AID of DM and CP in the younger birds quadratically increased (P < 0.05) as the levels of Ca increased. There were linear and quadratic effects (P < 0.05) of increasing phytase level for the AID of DM and a linear effect (P < 0.05) for the AID of CP. In the 21-d-old birds, increasing Ca levels resulted in a linear decrease (P < 0.05) in the AID of CP and P, and a quadratic decrease (P < 0.05) in the ATTR of CP. Increasing phytase levels linearly and quadratically (P < 0.05) improved the AID and ATTR of CP, P, and the ATTR of Ca. The analyzed phytase activity in the diets supplemented with phytase ranged from 1,520 to 7,661 FYT/kg. The digestible Ca equivalence for dietary phytase at 1,520 to 7,661 FYT/kg ranged from 1.55 to 2.02 g/kg in the 10-d-old birds fed for 3 d and from 0.52 to 0.64 g/kg in 21-d-old birds fed for 14 d. The results showed the reduction in Ca level that could be accommodated by phytase supplementation, which is markedly different between the younger and older birds. Feeding duration influenced the impact of phytase supplementation on Ca and P digestibility, with better efficacy of phytase observed in the 10-d-old birds fed for 3 d. Also, the results showed the extra-phosphoric effects of phytase on the utilization of other essential nutrients such as protein and Ca.

Effects of Azotobacter and Carbon Dioxide Concentrations on the Growth and Yield of Rice Plants Grown in Two Paddy Soils

Rice is an important staple crop influenced by rising CO2 and related climate change, but it is not well-known how N-fixing Azotobacter affects rice growth and yield under different CO2 concentrations. This study aimed to determine the effects of Azotobacter strains on the growth and yield of rice plants grown in two paddy soils under varying CO2 conditions. Rice plants inoculated with three Azotobacter strains were grown in a conventional rice soil (Dali) and an organic rice soil (Houlong) under 500 or 1000 ppm CO2. These three Azotobacter strains significantly increased the harvest index of rice plants grown in Dali soil under 1000 ppm CO2, but they did not significantly increase the harvest index for rice plants grown in Houlong soil under elevated CO2. Interestingly, only A. beijerinckii CHB 461 significantly promoted the thousand-grain weight of rice plants grown in both Dali and Houlong soils under elevated CO2. Dali soil had a high level of soil organic matter, exchangeable Ca and Mg, and available Cu and Zn, probably resulting in a better response of the rice plants to Azotobacter inoculation under elevated CO2. In conclusion, in the application of Azotobacter to promote rice growth and yield under future rising CO2 conditions, the soil properties and characteristics of Azotobacter strains may need to be considered.

Characterization and Classification of Some Soils Formed on Ophiolitc Rocks in Al-Bassit Region /Northwestern Syria

The aim of this study is to characterize and classify soils formed from ophiolitic rocks (mafic and ultramafic) by determining their morphological, physical and chemical properties, petrographic and elemental composition studies. The profiles were prepared under forest vegetation (pines) and described based on the referenced methods in Al-Bassit region (NW Syria) between the coordinates: N: 35° 41` - N: 35° 57`, E: 35° 42` - E: 36° 05`, which belongs to Mediterranean climate regime. Samples were collected from horizons of all profiles and some physical and chemical analyses were performed in addition to petrographic and Chemical composition studies. The horizons were of the form A (Mollic)-Cr-R in profile P1, and A (Mollic)-BW-C- in the profile P2, and of the form A ((Mollic)-C1-Cr2- in the profile P3. They were ordered as: A(Ochric)-C1-C2 in the profile P4. The fires that took place in the region affected the characteristics of surface horizons of some soils, such as the percentage of organic matter, structure, and the degree of soil interaction .The ultramafic derived soils in the P1 profile contained a high level of clay, while the percentage of sand increased in mafic derived soil P2, P4. The soil contained high levels of exchangeable Ca+2 and Mg+2, likely because they are in the structure of the rock. Carbonates are in low levels and are absent in some horizons, this is due to the composition of the parent material. The soil classification for studied profiles show that the profiles (P1, P2, P3) classified as Mollisols and the Profile P4 as Entisols.

Hair and Serum Trace Element and Mineral Levels Profiles in Women with Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Osteoporosis.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate serum and hair trace element and mineral levels in women with osteoporosis, as well as to estimate the impact of menopausal status on the profile of trace element and mineral status in women with osteoporosis. 207 women with diagnosed osteoporosis 22-85 years-of-age, and 197 healthy women of the respective age participated in the present study. Analysis of the levels of mineral and trace element in hair and serum samples was performed by inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS). Women with osteoporosis were characterized by significantly lower hair Ca, Mg, Co, I, Li, and Mn levels, as well as serum Ca, Mg, Co, Fe, V, and Zn concentrations compared to women in the control group. After additional grouping according to menopausal status, the lowest hair Ca and Mg content was observed in postmenopausal osteoporotic women, whereas serum Ca and Mg concentrations were the lowest in premenopausal osteoporotic women. Hair Co, Mn, and Zn levels in postmenopausal osteoporotic women were lower than in healthy postmenopausal women. The lowest circulating Zn levels were observed in osteoporotic postmenopausal women. Taken together, decreased hair and serum levels in osteoporotic women are indicative of increased risk of Ca, Mg, Co, and Zn deficiency in women with osteoporosis. In turn, alterations in hair trace element and mineral levels in osteoporosis are more profound in postmenopausal women. Hypothetically, improvement in trace element and mineral metabolism especially in postmenopausal women may be considered as a potential strategy for mitigating osteoporosis.

Extracellular activity of proteases from Yarrowia lipolytica IPS21 as a function of the carbon and nitrogen source

Abstract The yeast strain Yarrowia lipolytica IPS 21 was tested for its ability to produce the protease enzyme on analytically pure carbon sources as well as on waste carbon sources. It was confirmed that the yeast Y. lipolytica IPS21 can have a higher proteolytic activity in the presence of waste carbon sources in chrome-tanned leather shavings (CTLS) than on yeast extract alone. This is confirmed by the high concentration of amino acids in samples with CTLS, suggesting increased degradation of CTLS by Y. lipolytica or secretion of proteases into the medium. It was also confirmed that metals accumulate mainly in the biomass and not in the supernatant. The biomass was also found to contain high levels of Ca, K and P, which are essential for plant growth. These results show that Y. lipolytica strain IPS21 can be used for the production of extracellular alkaline proteases and for the degradation of protein waste.

Association of serum tumor markers with serous effusion in systemic lupus erythematosus

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum tumor markers and serous effusion in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, thereby contributing preliminary data on the utility of these tumor markers in diagnosing serous effusion. In this retrospective analysis, clinical data of SLE patients were extracted from electronic medical records. This included the levels of serum tumor markers, including pro-gastrin-releasing peptide, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), cytokeratin-19 fragments (CYFRA 21-1), various carbohydrate antigens (CA 153, CA 125, CA 19-9), along with carcinoembryonic antigen, and alpha-fetoprotein. Positivity of tumor markers was established based on serum levels surpassing the upper threshold of the respective reference ranges. This study included 149 eligible patients with SLE, of whom 38 (25.50%) had serous effusion, and the prevalence of pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal effusions was 11.41%, 14.77%, and 6.71%, respectively. The analysis revealed that patients with serous effusion had higher scores on the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI 2000) than those without serous effusion. Notably, this disparity remained significant when the serositis score was excluded from the SLEDAI 2000 calculation. The positivity rate and serum levels of CA 125 were higher in patients with serous effusion and pleural effusion. Patients with pericardial effusion demonstrated an elevated CYFRA 21-1 positivity rate and serum CA 125 and CYFRA 21-1 levels compared to patients without pericardial effusion. CA 125 and NSE were higher both in terms of positivity rate and serum levels for patients with peritoneal effusion. Through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, a moderate relationship was discerned between the conjoined levels of CYFRA 21-1 and CA 125 and the occurrence of pericardial effusion. Additionally, CA 125, NSE, and their combination revealed the moderate diagnostic ability of peritoneal effusion. In summary, this study observed elevated serum levels of various tumor markers in SLE patients exhibiting serous effusion, which is likely attributable to lupus-induced inflammation. These findings suggest that serum tumor markers can be valuable in diagnosing pericardial and peritoneal effusions.

Serum Biochemical Profile During Early, Mid, Late Pregnancy, and Calving Periods in Dairy Cows in Algeria

Abstract This study aimed to assess the impact of pregnancy on biochemical indices of dairy cows raised in a semi-arid region of western Algeria. A private farm provided forty dairy cows for this study. The cows were divided into four groups based on their pregnancy stages: G1 included pregnant cows at 3 months, G2 included pregnant cows at 6 months, G3 included pregnant cows at 9 months, and G4 included lactating (calving) cows for 1‒2 months. All of the cows were raised under the same environmental and management conditions, following the regional customs. Twelve biochemical parameters were measured, including cholesterol (CHO), triglycerides (TG), total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), globulin (Glob), urea (Urea), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg). The results of the study showed no significant difference (P &gt; 0.05), in the concentrations of various biochemical constituents, among the four groups of dairy cows. The mean value of Glob slightly increased in early pregnancy, compared to late pregnancy, and non-pregnant cows. AST exhibited a significant difference, between non-pregnant, and early-pregnant cows. ALT levels significant decreased in late pregnant cows, compared with early-pregnant cows. Additionally, Ca levels showed a slight increase, during late pregnancy, compared to non-pregnant cows. As this is the first study of its kind on dairy cows in Algeria, the data generated during this research demonstrated the good management of the herd and can serve as valuable reference values for the scientific community.

Ileal mineral digestibility and expression of nutrient transporter genes of broiler chickens in response to variable dietary total Ca and phytase supplementation are influenced by time on experimental diet and age of the birds

Two experiments were conducted to determine the impact of Ca, phytase, sampling time, and age on the digestibility (AID) of Ca and P and the expression of their transporters. Cobb 500 male chicks (N = 600) were used in each experiment and allocated to cages with 10 (Exp 1, 8-11 d) or 5 (Exp 2, 21-24 d) birds/cage and 10 (Exp 1) or 20 (Exp 2) reps/treatment. Treatments were a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, with low (LOW) or standard (STD) Ca level and 3 phytase (PHY) levels (0, 300, or 3,000 FYT/kg). Ileal digesta were collected at 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h, and jejunum tissues at 12, 48, and 72 h after the start of feeding experimental diets. In Exp 1, there was no effect of Ca or phytase on the AID of Ca at 8, 12, or 24 h. Phytase increased the AID of P (P < 0.05) at all time points, and the magnitude was influenced by Ca. At 12 h, the mRNA level of P (NaPi-IIb) and Ca (CaSR) transporters was greatest in the LOW diets without phytase (Ca × PHY, P ≤ 0.06). In Exp 2, the STD diet decreased the AID of Ca and P (P < 0.05) at 8, 24, 48, or 72 h. Phytase increased the AID of Ca (P < 0.05) at 8, 12, and 24 h, and decreased the AID of Ca (quadratic, P < 0.05) in the STD diet (48 h). The AID of P (P < 0.05) increased with phytase at all sampling times. At 48 h, 3,000 FYT/kg decreased (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of NaPi-IIb and Ca transporter ATP2B1 in the STD diet (Ca × PHY, P < 0.05). In conclusion, to avoid adaptation of broilers to Ca and P deficiencies, the optimal time on experimental diets is ≤ 48 h for young broilers and ≤ 24 h in older birds due to up- or down-regulation of Ca and P transporters in response to dietary Ca, P, and phytase.