Cation Balance Research Articles

0520 Effect of micro-encapsulated iron salts on Cheddar cheese divalent cation balance and composition

0520 Effect of micro-encapsulated iron salts on Cheddar cheese divalent cation balance and composition

0716 Effect of microencapsulated iron salts on cheddar cheese divalent cation balance and composition

Milk is considered an important source of macro- and micronutrients but naturally low in iron content. Cheese and other dairy products had been fortified with iron with low success due to negative changes in composition and organoleptic attributes. There is limited information about using microencapsulation of iron compounds in dairy products. Minerals have the ability to displace one another in any system; consequently, it is expected that encapsulation will avoid divalent cation displacement within the cheese matrix. The objective of this study was to analyze divalent cation balance in fortified cheddar cheese with microencapsulated ferrous sulfate. Furthermore, proximate analysis was done to provide more information about any compositional changes after fortification. Cheddar cheese was manufactured using standard cheddar cheese procedures a total of three times. Cheddar cheese was fortified with either large microencapsulated ferrous sulfate (LMFS; 0.9536 g microencapsulated ferrous sulfate/kg cheese and 700–1,000 μm diameter) or small microencapsulated ferrous sulfate (SMFS; 1.7801 g microencapsulated ferrous sulfate/kg cheese and 220 to 422 μm diameter). Iron treatment was incorporated to cheddar cheese processing in the salting step but omitted for the control. After 90 d of aging, calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc content were analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy and percent recoveries were calculated. Moisture, ash, fat, and protein analysis were done using AOAC methods. All collected data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test (P = 0.05). Iron content for all treatments were significantly different (P < 0.05): approximately 0.030 mg Fe/g cheese for the control, 0.134 mg Fe/g cheese for LMFS, and 0.174 mg Fe/g cheese for SMFS. Results showed 81.3% iron recovery for LMFS and 90.0% iron recovery for SMFS. Proximate analysis and magnesium, zinc, and calcium content were not significantly different when comparing fortified cheeses with the control. Overall, microencapsulated ferrous sulfate caused no major changes in terms of cheddar cheese composition and successfully increased iron content. Microencapsulated ferrous sulfate with smaller diameter showed slightly better results for iron retention in cheddar cheese. The proposed fortified cheddar cheese can help increase total iron intake for children, pregnant women, vegetarians, and those whose diets are likely to be deficient in iron by providing at least 5 mg Fe (30% RDA) per serving.

English

The aim of the study was to determine the morphological and physicochemical characteristics, classification, genesis and suitability of soils developed on pediplain around granitic hills in Minawao in the Far North region of Cameroon. The studied soil profile had 450 cm thick. It is composed of two subsections formed by erosion and cumulization. The upper subsection classified as typic ustifluvents clayey isohyperthermic is characterized by the high content of coarse elements showing stratifications in some part of the horizons. It recovers the below subsection classified as thapto typic haplustalfs clayey isohyperthermic. They are clayey, with clay contents ranging from 45 to 49%, and slightly acidic. Total nitrogen and organic carbon contents are very low ranging respectively from 0.05 to 0.11 and 0.25 to 0.63. Available phosphorous contents are below critical level. Calcium and Magnesium dominate the exchange complex of these soils. Their values range respectively from 12.96 to 15.04 cmol (+)/kg and 3.52 to 6.56 cmol (+)/kg. The CEC values are high, ranging from 44.64 to 57.84 cmol(+)/kg of soil. The CEC clay range from 89.92 to 117.02 cmol(+)/kg of clay. Base saturation percentage values are low, ranging from 37.05 to 42%, corresponding to a mean value of 39.74%. The studied soils are globally subjected to problems of low organic matter content, high coarse material content and low pH for the cultivation of Sorghum, Cotton, Soya, Groundnut, Maize and Cowpea. These problems could be solved through introduction of DMC systems, addition of available organic substrates, restoration of the cation balance and liming. Key words: Soils, properties, genesis, suitability, North Cameroon.

Remediation of saline soils by a two-step process: Washing and amendment with sludge

Soil salinization is a serious land-degradation problem that affects soil, plants and groundwater within ecosystems. In this work, the effect of washing saline–sodic soils with CaCl2 at 2% (w/v) and amendment with composted and dry sewage sludge was evaluated in a remediation assay. The effectiveness of amendments to improve the soil fertility was investigated with seed germination assays of Raphanus sativus L. Two different organic wastes were used: sewage sludge composted with pruning wastes (CP) and thermally dried sewage sludge (T) at rates of 1 and 2% (w/v) on organic matter basis. In general, there was an increase of germination percentage in the amended washed soils. The best indices were obtained at the 1% amendment dose with CP. The low exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) in washed–amended soil (3 to 6 times lower than that of saline–sodic soil) could partially explain the increase in seed germination percentage of R. sativus L. The incorporation of organic amendments to washed soil also seemed to be beneficial as a step in the restoration process according to the chemical characteristics, especially by increasing the level of nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. A significant multiple linear regression of radish germination index in terms of pH values, sodium adsorption ratio of soil (SAR), and different forms of nitrogen (NH4+ and NO2−) was found.Overall, saline–sodic soil washing with CaCl2 followed by addition of organic amendments seems to be a promising strategy for restoration of such soils with simultaneous improvements of cation balance and nutrient/organic matter contents.

Availability of nutrients, productive properties, and quality of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seeds in acid soils amended with different molar ratios between Ca and Mg

Liming is indispensable in acid soils for amending acidity; however, the technique may alter the cation balance in soil and, consequently, may limit the availability and uptake of nutrients. We aimed to evaluate different molar ratios between calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) on the availability of soil nutrients and their influence on the productive properties of sunflower and seed quality. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse under two types of contrasting soils and six molar combinations of CaCO3and MgCO3 in amendment of soil acidity to raise base saturation to 70%. After incubation, soil analysis was undertaken to verify the ratios obtained and nutrient availability. Morphological and production variables were analyzed at the end of the experiment, as well as accumulation of nutrients in the achenes and their physiological quality. In spite of equal base saturation between the types of soil, there were differences in the available contents of these cations. The increase in the Ca contents limited the Mg contents to the critical level of the sunflower. This result had a negative influence on the production properties of sunflower and physiological quality. In contrast, there was a compensation of the crop with greater accumulation of nutrients in the achenes under lower yield.

Role of magnesium fertilisers in agriculture: plant–soil continuum

In this review, we summarise factors contributing to plant availability of magnesium (Mg) in soils, the role of Mg in plant physiological processes related to yield formation and abiotic stress tolerance, and soil and fertiliser parameters related to Mg leaching in fertilised soils. Mg is a common constituent in many minerals, comprising 2% of Earth’s crust; however, most soil Mg (90–98%) is incorporated in the crystal lattice structure of minerals and thus not directly available for plant uptake. Plants absorb Mg from the soil solution, which is slowly replenished by soil reserves. Duration and intensity of weathering, soil moisture, soil pH, and root–microbial activity in soil are key factors that determine plant-available Mg release from soils. On the other hand, the amount of Mg released from soil minerals is generally small compared with the amounts needed to sustain high crop yield and quality. Thus, in many agro-ecosystems, application of Mg fertilisers is crucial. Magnesium is involved in many physiological and biochemical processes; it is an essential element for plant growth and development and plays a key role in plant defence mechanisms in abiotic stress situations. An early effect of Mg deficiency in plants is the disturbed partitioning of assimilates between roots and shoots because the supply of sink organs with photosynthetic products is impaired, and sugars accumulate in source leaves. Thus, optimal supply of Mg is required to improve crop tolerance to various stresses and to increase yield and quality parameters of harvested products. Unlike other cations, Mg is very mobile in soils because it is less bound to the soil charges. Therefore, Mg losses by leaching might occur in sandy soils with high water conductivity. Leaching of Mg in soils when applied with various water-soluble fertilisers may also vary depending on the fertiliser’s chemical composition, granule size, and effect on soil pH and cation balance, as we discuss in detail.

Determining effects of sodicity and salinity on switchgrass and prairie cordgrass germination and plant growth

Marginal and degraded lands are expected to be important resources in the production of biofuel feedstocks in order to avoid real or perceived competition with food, feed and fiber production. Globally, there are millions of hectares of salt-affected land available for lignocellulosic feedstock production. Greenhouse experiments determined the effects of irrigating with water having different levels of salinity and sodicity on seedling emergence, plant growth, and cation balance in plant tissues in several populations of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata Link). The effect of salt stress on seedling emergence was more pronounced in switchgrass than prairie cordgrass with 31 and 15% reduction, respectively, compared with pure water. In a two-season greenhouse pot experiment, aboveground dry biomass production in control treatments was 8 and 21% higher in prairie cordgrass pc17-102 and pc17-109, respectively, than in EG 1102 switchgrass. Switchgrass EG 1102 produced greater biomass than prairie cordgrass populations when irrigated with moderately saline (5dSm−1) water, although differences were not detected with highly saline water (10dSm−1). Switchgrass EG 2101 emergence, plant growth and cation balance were severely affected by increasing levels of salinity. Overall, several prairie cordgrass populations and lowland switchgrass cultivars were found to have good emergence and high biomass production under moderate to high salt stress and may be good candidates for lignocellulosic feedstocks on salt-affected land.

Ouabain-induced Internalization and Lysosomal Degradation of the Na+/K+-ATPase

Internalization of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase (the Na(+) pump) has been studied in the human lung carcinoma cell line H1299 that expresses YFP-tagged α1 from its normal genomic localization. Both real-time imaging and surface biotinylation have demonstrated internalization of α1 induced by ≥100 nm ouabain which occurs in a time scale of hours. Unlike previous studies in other systems, the ouabain-induced internalization was insensitive to Src or PI3K inhibitors. Accumulation of α1 in the cells could be augmented by inhibition of lysosomal degradation but not by proteosomal inhibitors. In agreement, the internalized α1 could be colocalized with the lysosomal marker LAMP1 but not with Golgi or nuclear markers. In principle, internalization could be triggered by a conformational change of the ouabain-bound Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase molecule or more generally by the disruption of cation homeostasis (Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+)) due to the partial inhibition of active Na(+) and K(+) transport. Overexpression of ouabain-insensitive rat α1 failed to inhibit internalization of human α1 expressed in the same cells. In addition, incubating cells in a K(+)-free medium did not induce internalization of the pump or affect the response to ouabain. Thus, internalization is not the result of changes in the cellular cation balance but is likely to be triggered by a conformational change of the protein itself. In physiological conditions, internalization may serve to eliminate pumps that have been blocked by endogenous ouabain or other cardiac glycosides. This mechanism may be required due to the very slow dissociation of the ouabain·Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase complex.

Regulation of Cation Balance inSaccharomyces cerevisiae

All living organisms require nutrient minerals for growth and have developed mechanisms to acquire, utilize, and store nutrient minerals effectively. In the aqueous cellular environment, these elements exist as charged ions that, together with protons and hydroxide ions, facilitate biochemical reactions and establish the electrochemical gradients across membranes that drive cellular processes such as transport and ATP synthesis. Metal ions serve as essential enzyme cofactors and perform both structural and signaling roles within cells. However, because these ions can also be toxic, cells have developed sophisticated homeostatic mechanisms to regulate their levels and avoid toxicity. Studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae have characterized many of the gene products and processes responsible for acquiring, utilizing, storing, and regulating levels of these ions. Findings in this model organism have often allowed the corresponding machinery in humans to be identified and have provided insights into diseases that result from defects in ion homeostasis. This review summarizes our current understanding of how cation balance is achieved and modulated in baker's yeast. Control of intracellular pH is discussed, as well as uptake, storage, and efflux mechanisms for the alkali metal cations, Na(+) and K(+), the divalent cations, Ca(2+) and Mg(2+), and the trace metal ions, Fe(2+), Zn(2+), Cu(2+), and Mn(2+). Signal transduction pathways that are regulated by pH and Ca(2+) are reviewed, as well as the mechanisms that allow cells to maintain appropriate intracellular cation concentrations when challenged by extreme conditions, i.e., either limited availability or toxic levels in the environment.

Estimation of the cation balance of soil solutions for vegetable cultivation

Recently, in Japan, the amount of sodium and potassium in composts has tended to increase. This study clarified the effects of composts with elevated salt content on the soil and on mini tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and komatsuna (Brassica rapa var. peruviridis) growth by investigating the time course of changes in soil solution composition and cation balance. Because the application of elevated-salt compost drastically increased the concentration of potassium and sodium in the soil solution, the relative ratio of bivalent cations to monovalent cations was a key factor causing poor-growth symptoms in mini tomato and komatsuna. By introducing a new index for the activity ratio for potassium plus sodium, i.e. ARK+Na, the composition of cations in the soil solution could be evaluated quantitatively. Based on ARK+Na index, it was found that blossom-end rot occurred when the ARK+Na value was too low and exceeded a specified level (−1.25 in the present case) while mini tomato fruit still grew on the first branch. Komatsuna was successively cultivated 4 times in an Andosol and a Fluvisol with ordinary compost or elevated-salt compost. The value of ARK+Na decreased to a steady level by the beginning of the third cropping in the case of the elevated-salt compost.

Altered apoptosis regulation in Kufor–Rakeb syndrome patients with mutations in the ATP13A2 gene

ATP13A2 gene encodes for a protein of the group 5 P-type ATPase family. ATP13A2 mutations are responsible for Kufor–Rakeb syndrome (KRS), a rare autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism characterized by the subacute onset of extrapyramidal, pyramidal and cognitive dysfunction with secondary nonresponsiveness to levodopa. FBXO7 protein is an F-box-containing protein. Recessive FBXO7 mutations are responsible for PARK15, a rare juvenile parkinsonism characterized by progressive neurodegeneration with extrapyramidal and pyramidal system involvement. Our aim was to evaluate apoptosis in cells from two KRS siblings carrying a homozygous ATP13A2 mutation and a heterozygous FBXO7 mutation. We also analysed apoptosis in the patients’ healthy parents. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from the KRS patients and parents were exposed to 2-deoxy-D-ribose; apoptosis was analysed by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Apoptosis was much higher in lymphocytes from the KRS patients and parents than in controls, both in standard conditions and after induction with a pro-apoptotic stimulus. The lack of correlation between increased apoptosis and the presence of the mutated FBXO7 gene rules out the involvement of FBXO7 in apoptosis regulation. The altered apoptotic pattern of subjects with mutated ATP13A2 suggests a correlation between apoptosis alteration and the mutated ATP13A2 protein. We hypothesize that ATP13A2 mutations may compromise protein function, disrupting cell cation balance and rendering cells prone to apoptosis. However, the deregulation of apoptosis in KRS patients displaying different disease severity suggested that the altered apoptotic pathway probably does not have a pathogenetic role in KRS by itself.

Indoor air quality: validation and setting up quality control for determination of anions and cations in particulate matter

In recent years, the indoor air quality has been studied more frequently due to an increasing concern within the scientific community on the effects of indoor air quality upon health. The indoor air quality studies of schools have a large impact in both health and educational performance of children since they constitute a sensitive group with higher risk than adults, particularly vulnerable to pollutants due to their undeveloped airways. A total of 14 basic schools located in Lisbon city, Portugal, were selected for sampling the total particulate matter (TPM) by passive deposition into polycarbonate filters and to assess the indoor air quality. Compared to automatic samplers, this passive sampling method represents an easier and cheaper way to assess several indoor air quality environments with no interference in the classroom activities. The procedure was performed on four different campaigns during 2009–2010. The filter loads were measured by gravimetry with a 0.1-μg sensitivity balance and, afterwards, the TPM water-soluble ions content was assessed by ionic chromatography (Cl−, NO3 −, PO4 3− and SO4 2−); flame absorption (Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+). The performance characteristics of the methods, namely specificity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, working range, precision and trueness were evaluated. Measurement uncertainty was expressed in terms of precision and trueness. Precision under intralaboratory reproducibility conditions was estimated from triplicate analysis. The trueness component was estimated in terms of overall recovery using the reference material SPS-NUTR WW2 Batch 107, from Spectrapure Standards, Oslo, Norway, for anions and the certified reference material CRM 1643e, from NIST, Gaithersburg, MD for cations. Measurement uncertainty of the results obtained with the methods described in this work fulfilled the relative differences (RD) defined by the anion−cation balance in the extraction solutions of the particulate matter. Target RD values were defined: RD < 0.05.

Clinical review: Practical approach to hyponatraemia and hypernatraemia in critically ill patients

Disturbances in sodium concentration are common in the critically ill patient and associated with increased mortality. The key principle in treatment and prevention is that plasma [Na+] (P-[Na+]) is determined by external water and cation balances. P-[Na+] determines plasma tonicity. An important exception is hyperglycaemia, where P-[Na+] may be reduced despite plasma hypertonicity. The patient is first treated to secure airway, breathing and circulation to diminish secondary organ damage. Symptoms are critical when handling a patient with hyponatraemia. Severe symptoms are treated with 2 ml/kg 3% NaCl bolus infusions irrespective of the supposed duration of hyponatraemia. The goal is to reduce cerebral symptoms. The bolus therapy ensures an immediate and controllable rise in P-[Na+]. A maximum of three boluses are given (increases P-[Na+] about 6 mmol/l). In all patients with hyponatraemia, correction above 10 mmol/l/day must be avoided to reduce the risk of osmotic demyelination. Practical measures for handling a rapid rise in P-[Na+] are discussed. The risk of overcorrection is associated with the mechanisms that cause hyponatraemia. Traditional classifications according to volume status are notoriously difficult to handle in clinical practice. Moreover, multiple combined mechanisms are common. More than one mechanism must therefore be considered for safe and lasting correction. Hypernatraemia is less common than hyponatraemia, but implies that the patient is more ill and has a worse prognosis. A practical approach includes treatment of the underlying diseases and restoration of the distorted water and salt balances. Multiple combined mechanisms are common and must be searched for. Importantly, hypernatraemia is not only a matter of water deficit, and treatment of the critically ill patient with an accumulated fluid balance of 20 litres and corresponding weight gain should not comprise more water, but measures to invoke a negative cation balance. Reduction of hypernatraemia/hypertonicity is critical, but should not exceed 12 mmol/l/day in order to reduce the risk of rebounding brain oedema.

Management of struvite uroliths in dogs

Urolithiasis is a common clinical problem in dogs. Struvite and calcium oxalate are the predominant mineral types in dog urolithiasis. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of two commercial dry foods formulated for the management of struvite urolithiasis with different anion-cation balance on urinary pH. For the trial, twelve privately owned adult dogs showing struvite urolithiasis were studied. The dogs were randomly divided into two groups (A and B) and fed two dissolving diets for 3 months. The analyses of urine were repeated six times. In both diets, the anion-cation balance was negative ( - 203 and - 192 for diets A and B, respectively). At the first urine analysis, pH values of all the dogs were close to 8.0, and bacteria were present in about 70 % of the samples and thus an antimicrobial was administered for 1 week. Both groups showed a progressive decrease in pH values, and after 2 months, in both cases, the recommended pH values for stone dissolution were achieved. From the sampling at 30 d, group A showed pH values significantly (P < 0.05) lower than group B, probably due to the lower anion-cation balance of diet A. The combination of antimicrobial and dietary therapy allowed the dissolution of struvite uroliths in both groups, even if the utilisation of the diet characterised by the lower anion-cation balance seems to decrease the urinary pH more rapidly. In this case, it seems necessary to interrupt the dietary treatment in order to avoid the risk of other diseases.

Pollen Tubes Lacking a Pair of K+ Transporters Fail to Target Ovules inArabidopsis

Flowering plant reproduction requires precise delivery of the sperm cells to the ovule by a pollen tube. Guidance signals from female cells are being identified; however, how pollen responds to those cues is largely unknown. Here, we show that two predicted cation/proton exchangers (CHX) in Arabidopsis thaliana, CHX21 and CHX23, are essential for pollen tube guidance. Male fertility was unchanged in single chx21 or chx23 mutants. However, fertility was impaired in chx21 chx23 double mutant pollen. Wild-type pistils pollinated with a limited number of single and double mutant pollen producing 62% fewer seeds than those pollinated with chx23 single mutant pollen, indicating that chx21 chx23 pollen is severely compromised. Double mutant pollen grains germinated and grew tubes down the transmitting tract, but the tubes failed to turn toward ovules. Furthermore, chx21 chx23 pollen tubes failed to enter the micropyle of excised ovules. Green fluorescent protein-tagged CHX23 driven by its native promoter was localized to the endoplasmic reticulum of pollen tubes. CHX23 mediated K(+) transport, as CHX23 expression in Escherichia coli increased K(+) uptake and growth in a pH-dependent manner. We propose that by modifying localized cation balance and pH, these transporters could affect steps in signal reception and/or transduction that are critical to shifting the axis of polarity and directing pollen growth toward the ovule.

Sodium tolerance of plants in relation to ionic balance and the absorption ability of microelements

Salinity stress is a major abiotic problem in arid land agriculture. In particular, Na stress severely limits crop production because it causes Na toxicity and disturbs the homeostasis of essential cations and microelements in crops. The purpose of the present study was to verify the validity of two indexes with regard to Na tolerance in plants: (1) cation balance (([K]+[Ca]+[Mg])/[Na]), (2) absorption ability of microelements. Salicornia bigelobii (highly salt tolerant), beet (tolerant), maize (moderately sensitive) and bean (sensitive) were grown in artificially prepared saline (SA), sodic (SO) and highly sodic (HSO) soils. Salicornia bigelobii showed the best growth in SO soil and accumulated Na in the growing part of the shoot. Beet showed the best growth in SA soil and also needed Na for satisfactory growth. Both species, therefore, can be classified as halophytes. There was no relationship between growth and cation balance in Salicornia bigelobii and beet. The salt treatments suppressed the growth of maize and bean, with more severe suppression in bean. The cation balance of maize was higher than that of bean. Cation balance can, therefore, be an index of Na tolerance in maize and bean, which are glycophytes. Salicornia bigelovii and beet actively absorbed microelements under high Na conditions. In maize and bean, the salt treatments lowered the uptake amount of microelements, more so in bean. Absorption ability of microelements can, therefore, be an index of Na tolerance, irrespective of whether the plants are halophytes or glycophytes.

Abstracts of Nippon Dojo-Hiryogaku Zasshi

Abstracts of Nippon Dojo-Hiryogaku Zasshi

Abstracts of Nippon Dojo-Hiryogaku Zasshi

Abstracts of Nippon Dojo-Hiryogaku Zasshi

Time course transition of soil solution composition and its cation balance during vegetable cultivation using Salt-concentrated compost (1) : In the case of mini tomato cultivation

Time course transition of soil solution composition and its cation balance during vegetable cultivation using Salt-concentrated compost (1) : In the case of mini tomato cultivation

Time course transition of soil solution composition and its cation balance during repeated vegetable production using salt-concentrated compost

Time course transition of soil solution composition and its cation balance during repeated vegetable production using salt-concentrated compost