Changes In Mineral Content Research Articles

An in Vitro Evaluation of Remineralization Potential of Novamin(®) on Artificial Enamel Sub-Surface Lesions Around Orthodontic Brackets Using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX).

To evaluate and compare the Ca/P ratio of enamel samples around the orthodontic brackets for time periods of 0, 2 and 10 days in two groups (control group and study group). Forty extracted teeth were randomly divided into control group and study group. All samples were demineralized and incubated in artificial saliva at 37°C for a period of 10 days after demineralization. During this phase the enamel samples in the study group were treated with remineralizing paste (NuproNusolution containing Novamin®-Dentsply) for 10 days. At the end of the incubation period, Ca/P ratios were analyzed for both the groupsby EDX analysis. Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using student t-test for paired samples and Student t- test for individual samples (p ≤ 0.05). It was found that the mean Ca/P ratio was significantly lower for the control group as compared to the study group (p-value < 0.05) after 10 d of incubation. Novamin(®) containing remineralization toothpaste showed significant remineralizing potential in inhibition of artificial enamel sub-surface lesion around bracket after 10 days of remineralization phase. EDX element analysis was found to be an efficient method to quantify the changes in mineral content of a sample during in vitro caries studies.

Does gamma irradiation affect physicochemical properties of honey?

Honey is a supersaturated solution of sugars, enriched with proteins, minerals, vitamins, organic acids and polyphenols. Gamma irradiation is a physical technique of food preservation which protects the honey from insects' and microbial contamination during storage. We investigated the effect of gamma irradiation on physicochemical properties in two types of Malaysian honey, Gelam and Nenas. Both honeys were irradiated at the dose 25 kGy in a cobalt-60 irradiator. The physicochemical properties pH, moisture, acidity, color, and sugar content as well as vitamins C and E, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and mineral contents, for the irradiated and non-irradiated honeys were assessed. The results revealed that pH, acidity, minerals and sugar contents in both types of honey were not affected significantly by gamma irradiation, while moisture, vitamin E contents and HMF level decreased significantly with gamma irradiation. However, significant increased in color intensity and vitamin C were observed after gamma irradiation for both types of honey. In summary, gamma irradiation treatment of honey (in the dose mentioned above) did not cause significant changes in the physicochemical and mineral contents, except for significant alterations in color intensity, moisture, vitamins (C and E), and HMF contents.

Variation in the Chemical Composition of Saccharina Japonica with Harvest Area and Culture Period

Saccharina japonica is commercially important marine brown algae which grow as a single blade (reaching 10 meters in length) with a short stipe. In this study, the edible brown weed Sacchaina japonica was assessed for nutritional composition. Samples were collected monthly from seaweed farms at Kijang and Wando on the south coast of the Republic of Korea, during the 2011 culture season. S. japonica in Kijang and Wando showed the highest crude protein content in February and the highest carbohydrate content in July. Monthly changes in sugar, fatty acid, mineral, and total amino acid contents observed from February to July 2011. Fucose was the most abundant and galactose the second most abundant in the monosaccharide composition profiles, while mannose, glucose, xylose, ribose, and rhamnose were present in low quantities and lactose, mannitol, and arabinose were not detected. Significant increases of the major fatty acids in Kijang (C18:2 n-6 and C20:4 n-6) and Wando (C18:3 n-6) were observed as the culture period progressed. The highest mineral content of both Kijang and Wando samples is potassium and followed by sodium, calcium, magnesium, and so on. In the total amino acid contents, Kijang samples increased from February to April but decreased from May to July, while Wando samples increased on March but decreased from April to July.

Low Bone Density In Sickle Cell Disease Is a Risk Factor in The Development Of Avascular Necrosis

Introduction Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a highly prevalent disorder in the world, specifically in the region of Kuwait. A wide population suffers from sickle cell anaemia. It has been known that bone involvement is one of the most common clinical manifestations of sickle cell disease, both in the acute setting such as painful vaso-occlusive crises, and as a chronic, progressive process such as osteoporosis ,osteopenia and avascular necrosis (AVN), which can develop due to the low bone mass and the deterioration of the micro architecture of bone tissue. In this ongoing project, we used the radionuclide imaging technique for bone and bone marrow scintigraphy and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). We attempted a correlation between low bone density and the bone infarct for SCD, and identified if low bone density is a risk factor for the severity and development of osteonecrosis in an at-risk population of sickle cell patients. Patients and Methods A total of 13 sickle cell patients participated in this correlation study; 5 males and 8 females, ages ranged from 16 to 55 years with a mean age of 35.5 years. To meet the participant selection criteria, patients were selected if they were never prescribed bisphosphonates or any type of medicine used to help strengthen bones weakened by osteoporosis, nor exposed to any other AVN risk factors other than SCD. Subjects were subjected to a scintigraphy (3-phase bone SPECT-CT, bone marrow) and bone mineral density scan (BMD). All subjects consented to the study approved by the ethics committee. Bone scintigraphy was performed by Tc-99m MDP, HDP 20mCi / 70kg intravenous injection. Bone Marrow Scintigraphy was performed by Tc-99m sulfur or tin colloid, 10-15 mCi / 70 kg I.V, Bone with Bone marrow scintigraphy imaging is required to assess bone marrow infarction and infection. BMD dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was also performed to indicate the reliably changes in bone mineral content of the lumbar spine and proximal femur. Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Results According to the WHO criteria used; low bone density was found in 9/13 (69%) while normal bone density was found in 4/13 patients (31 %). Based upon the application of a chi-square test, all those subjects 9/9 having a low bone density were showing AVN in several severity and multiple sites of the skeleton; it was found that there is an association between low bone density and incidents of AVN. However, it is of importance to note that 2/4 (50%) of the normal bone density patients were found to have AVN. Conclusion The preliminary conclusion discern from this ongoing project suggest that low bone mineral density in SCD could be considered a risk factor contributing to the development of AVN. We hypothesise that the severity of AVN develops due to the low bone mass and the deterioration of the micro architecture of bone tissue. The results have shown that low bone density is highly associated with osteonecrosis. Further case studies are needed to confirm or disprove these findings. The findings of this project could inspire new protocols required for effective management of this disease. Our findings could also potentially point out and diagnose new clinical cases, which would normally not be clinically suspected. We also speculate that increasing bone density of this patient population may decrease the severity and incidents of AVN. References 1-Sch2-nog JB, Duits AJ, Muskiet FA, ten Cate H, Rojer RA, Brandjes DP. Sickle cell disease; a general overview. Neth J Med. 2004 Nov;62(10):364-74. Review. PubMed citation 2-Digiovanni, Cw; Patel, A; Calfee, R; Nickisch, F (Apr 2007). “Osteonecrosis in the foot”. The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 15 (4): 208–17. ISSN 1067-151X. PMID 17426292. 3-eMedicine Specialties &gt; Avascular NecrosisAuthor: Jeanne K Tofferi, MD, MPH, FACP; Coauthor: William Gilliland, MD, MPHE, FACP, FACR. Updated: Dec 17, 2009 4-Baksi, Dp (May 1983). “Treatment of post-traumatic avascular necrosis of the femoral head by multiple drilling and muscle-pedicle bone grafting. Preliminary report”. The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume 65 (3): 268–73. ISSN 0301-620X. PMID 6341373. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Bone mineral and stiffness loss at the distal femur and proximal tibia in acute spinal cord injury

Computed tomography and finite element modeling were used to assess bone mineral and stiffness loss at the knee following acute spinal cord injury (SCI). Marked bone mineral loss was observed from a combination of trabecular and endocortical resorption. Reductions in stiffness were 2-fold greater than reductions in integral bone mineral. SCI is associated with a rapid loss of bone mineral and an increased rate of fragility fracture. The large majority of these fractures occur around regions of the knee. Our purpose was to quantify changes to bone mineral, geometry, strength indices, and stiffness at the distal femur and proximal tibia in acute SCI. Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and patient-specific finite element analysis were performed on 13 subjects with acute SCI at serial time points separated by a mean of 3.5 months (range 2.6-4.8 months). Changes in bone mineral content (BMC) and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) were quantified for integral, trabecular, and cortical bone at epiphyseal, metaphyseal, and diaphyseal regions of the distal femur and proximal tibia. Changes in bone volumes, cross-sectional areas, strength indices and stiffness were also determined. Bone mineral loss was similar in magnitude at the distal femur and proximal tibia. Reductions were most pronounced at epiphyseal regions, ranging from 3.0 % to 3.6 % per month for integral BMC (p < 0.001) and from 2.8 % to 3.4 % per month (p < 0.001) for integral vBMC. Trabecular BMC decreased by 3.1-4.4 %/month (p < 0.001) and trabecular vBMD by 2.7-4.7 %/month (p < 0.001). A 3.8-5.4 %/month reduction was observed for cortical BMC (p < 0.001); the reduction in cortical vBMD was noticeably lower (0.6-0.8 %/month; p ≤ 0.01). The cortical bone loss occurred primarily through endosteal resorption, and reductions in strength indices and stiffness were some 2-fold greater than reductions in integral bone mineral. These findings highlight the need for therapeutic interventions targeting both trabecular and endocortical bone mineral preservation in acute SCI.

P.2.18 Bone mineral density and bone mineral content as measures of bone health in ambulatory boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Osteoporosis is a major problem in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) due to long term glucocorticoid (GC) therapy and impaired mobility. Dual-energy xray absorptiometry (DXA) assessment of bone health in DMD boys is challenging, as interpretation is affected by height, delayed bone maturation, puberty, and vertebral fractures. Accurate detection and intervention of osteoporosis are important for improving clinical care in DMD. To assess changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) by functional status in ambulatory GC-treated DMD boys. Retrospective study of whole body (WB) and lumbar spine (LS) BMD and BMC by DXA in ambulatory GC-treated DMD boys, assessed from 2/2009 to 7/2012. Bisphosphonate-treated boys were excluded. Age-adjusted z-scores (Z) and height-adjusted z-scores (HAZ) were derived using normal values. Generalized linear modeling was used to analyze changes in BMD and BMC by functional status (functional mobility score, FMS1, 2 or 3, by worsening status). 277 ambulant DMD boys were grouped by FMS (mean ages ±SD for FMS1, 2 and 3; 7.6±2.2, 8.3±2.6 and 11.2±2.6yrs). GC durations for FMS1, 2 and 3 were 2.7±1.7, 2.9±2.1 and 5.3±2.6yrs. For whole body, BMD-Z, BMD-HAZ, BMC-Z and BMC-HAZ all decreased with worsening FMS (p<0.05 for FMS3 vs. FMS1 or FMS2). WB BMC was consistently lower than WB BMD for each FMS group. For spine, BMD-Z was similar between FMS groups, but BMC-Z was lower for FMS3 than FMS1 or FMS2 (<i>p</i><0.05). LS BMD-HAZ was surprisingly higher for FMS3 than the other groups, but LS BMC-HAZ remained similar between groups. WB bone indices worsened with declining mobility and increased GC duration. BMC was consistently lower than BMD, and spine BMC showed a relative decrease compared to BMD in weaker boys. Our study suggests that BMC may be a more sensitive indicator of bone health in DMD, and should be considered in conjunction with BMD as part of clinical care.

Response of Some Biochemical and Mineral Constituents of the Postharvest Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Influenced by Different Levels of Bavistin DF

An investigation was carried out with the postharvest mangoes ( viz., the Langra and the Khirshapat) treating with different levels of Bavistin DF solution (namely, 250, 500, and 750 PPM) for obtaining results on the biochemical and mineral content changes as well as storability of postharvest mango. The results of the experiments exhibited that only the single effect of varieties was found to be significant in most of the parameters studied. The Langra enriched a greater quantity of crude fib e r, lipid, water-soluble protein, phosphorus, and potassium constituents over the Khirshapat. It is revealed that the expansion of mineral contents in the mango was intimately associated with ripening during storage. The results also noticed to be an increasing trend of lipid and protein content in mango pulp with the advance of storage period using Bavistin DF. Keywords: Postharvest mango; Biochemical constituents; mineral contents; Bavistin DF.

Response of Some Biochemical and Mineral Constituents of the Postharvest Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Influenced by Different Levels of Bavistin DF

AbstractAn investigation was carried out with the postharvest mangoes (viz., the Langra and the Khirshapat) treating with different levels of Bavistin DF solution (namely, 250, 500, and 750 PPM) for obtaining results on the biochemical and mineral content changes as well as storability of postharvest mango. The results of the experiments exhibited that only the single effect of varieties was found to be significant in most of the parameters studied. The Langra enriched a greater quantity of crude fiber, lipid, water-soluble protein, phosphorus, and potassium constituents over the Khirshapat. It is revealed that the expansion of mineral contents in the mango was intimately associated with ripening during storage. The results also noticed to be an increasing trend of lipid and protein content in mango pulp with the advance of storage period using Bavistin DF. Keywords: Postharvest mango; Biochemical constituents; mineral contents; Bavistin DF.

Improvements in hip trabecular, subcortical, and cortical density and mass in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis treated with denosumab

In the FREEDOM study, denosumab treatment (60mg every 6months) decreased bone resorption, increased bone mineral density (BMD), and reduced new vertebral, nonvertebral, and hip fractures over 36months in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. In a subset of these women, hip quantitative computed tomography (QCT) was performed at baseline and months 12, 24, and 36. These scans were analyzed using Medical Image Analysis Framework (MIAF) software, which allowed assessment of total hip integral, trabecular, subcortical, and cortical compartments; the cortical compartment was further divided into 2 areas of interest (outer and inner cortex). This substudy reports changes in BMD and bone mineral content (BMC) from baseline and compared placebo with denosumab over 36months of treatment (placebo N=26; denosumab N=36). Denosumab treatment resulted in significant improvements in total hip integral volumetric BMD (vBMD) and BMC from baseline at each time point. At month 36, the mean percentage increase from baseline in total hip integral vBMD and BMC was 6.4% and 4.8%, respectively (both p<0.0001). These gains were accounted for by significant increases in vBMD and BMC in the trabecular, subcortical, and cortical compartments. In the placebo group, total hip integral vBMD and BMC decreased at month 36 from baseline by −1.5% and −2.6%, respectively (both p<0.05). The differences between denosumab and placebo were also significant at months 12, 24, and 36 for integral, trabecular, subcortical, and cortical vBMD and BMC (all p<0.05 to <0.0001). While the largest percentage differences occurred in trabecular vBMD and BMC, the largest absolute differences occurred in cortical vBMD and BMC. In summary, denosumab significantly improved both vBMD and BMC from baseline and placebo, assessed by QCT MIAF, in the integral, trabecular, subcortical, and cortical hip compartments, all of which are relevant to bone strength.

Bone: An Acute Buffer of Plasma Sodium During Exhaustive Exercise?

Both hyponatremia and osteopenia separately have been well documented in endurance athletes. Although bone has been shown to act as a "sodium reservoir" to buffer severe plasma sodium derangements in animals, recent data have suggested a similar function in humans. We aimed to explore if acute changes in bone mineral content were associated with changes in plasma sodium concentration in runners participating in a 161 km mountain footrace. Eighteen runners were recruited. Runners were tested immediately pre- and post-race for the following main outcome measures: bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA); plasma sodium concentration ([Na+]p), plasma arginine vasopressin ([AVP]p), serum aldosterone concentration ([aldosterone]s), and total sodium intake. Six subjects finished the race in a mean time of 27.0±2.3 h. All subjects started and finished the race with [Na+]p within the normal range (137.7±2.3 and 136.7±1.6 mEq/l, pre- and post-race, respectively). Positive correlations were noted between change (Δ; post-race minus pre-race) in total BMC (grams) and [Na+]p (mEq/l) (r=0.99; p<0.0001), and between total sodium intake (mEq/kg) and %Δ lumbar spine BMD (r=0.94; p<0.001). Change in [aldosterone]s was positively correlated with: rate of total sodium intake (r=0.84; p<0.05); Δ total BMC (r=0.82; p<0.05); and Δ [Na+]p (r=0.88; p<0.05). No significant pre- to post-race mean differences were noted in BMC or BMD. Robust associations between Δ BMC and Δ [Na+]p suggest that sodium status and bone density may be inter-related during endurance exercise and should be considered in future investigations of athletic osteopenia.

In Vitro Enamel Remineralization by Low-Fluoride Toothpaste with Calcium Citrate and Sodium Trimetaphosphate

The objective of this study was to evaluate in vitro the effect of a low fluoride toothpaste (450 µgF/g, NaF) combined with calcium citrate (Cacit) and sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) on enamel remineralization. Bovine enamel blocks had the enamel surface polished sequentially to determine the surface hardness. After production of artificial carious lesions, the blocks selected by their surface hardness were submitted to remineralization pH cycling and daily treatment with dentifrice suspensions (diluted in deionized water or artificial saliva): placebo, 275, 450, 550 and 1,100 µgF/g and commercial dentifrice (positive control, 1,100 µgF/g). Finally, the surface and cross-section hardness was determined for calculating the change of surface hardness (%SH) and mineral content (%∆Z). Fluoride in enamel was also determined. The data from %SH, %∆Z and fluoride were subjected to two-way analysis of variance followed by Student-Newman-Keuls's test (p<0.05). The mineral gain (%SH and %∆Z) was higher for toothpastes diluted in saliva (p<0.05), except for the 450 µgF/g dentifrice with Cacit/TMP (p>0.05). The 450 Cacit/TMP toothpaste and the positive control showed similar results (p>0.05) when diluted in water. A dose-response was observed between fluoride concentration in toothpastes and fluoride present in enamel, regardless of dilution. It was concluded that it is possible to enhance the remineralization capacity of low F concentration toothpaste by of organic (Cacit) and inorganic (TMP) compounds with affinity to hydroxyapatite.

Consumer ability to detect the taste of total dissolved solids

Minerals, as measured by total dissolved solids (TDS), are a major source of taste in drinking water. Consumers report taste differences in their water supplies when mineral content changes as a result of anthropogenic activities or treatment techniques such as desalination or blending. Using sensory analysis, panels of consumers compared binary combinations of room‐temperature water samples containing different TDS concentrations and reported when they could detect differences. Results demonstrate that the amount of change in TDS (Δ TDS) is an important parameter in a consumer's ability to discern differences in taste. With the same Δ TDS, panelists more readily discerned differences between low and moderate TDS concentrations than between moderate and high TDS concentrations. When water with low TDS concentrations (&lt; 100 mg/L) becomes saltier, consumers will more readily detect a difference. Conversely, treatment to reduce high TDS concentrations will require substantial TDS removal to improve taste.

Cold-induced changes in mineral content in leaves of Coffea spp. Identification of descriptors for tolerance assessment

Temperature and mineral nutrition are major environmental factors regulating plant growth and development. Yet, cold impact on mineral contents and the ability of the plants to perform changes in specific elements as a part of the acclimation process received little attention. Using five Coffea genotypes previously characterized concerning their cold sensitivity, a mineral analysis was performed considering macro (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) and micro (Na, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and B) nutrients in order to predict their importance in cold tolerance. The results showed a cold-induced dynamics of mineral nutrients in recently mature leaves. The less cold sensitive Icatu, and partially CatuaĂ­, accumulated N, Ca, Mn, Cu, and Zn with potential implications in the maintenance of photosynthetic performance, the reinforcement of the antioxidative defense system, lipid metabolism, and the expression of cold regulated genes, thus constituting interesting traits to evaluate the cold acclimation ability. After a principal component analysis (PCA), N, Fe, Mn, and Cu were further confirmed as strong candidates for an early cold tolerance evaluation due to their dynamics and to specific roles in the activities of Cu/Zn-SOD (Cu), APX (Fe), and PSII (Mn).

Bone mineral loss at the proximal femur in acute spinal cord injury

This study used quantitative computed tomography to assess changes in bone mineral at the proximal femur after acute spinal cord injury (SCI). Individuals with acute SCI experienced a marked loss of bone mineral from a combination of trabecular and endocortical resorption. Targeted therapeutic interventions are thus warranted in this population. SCI is associated with a rapid loss of bone mineral and an increased rate of fragility fracture. Some 10 to 20% of these fractures occur at the proximal femur. The purpose of this study was to quantify changes to bone mineral, geometry, and measures of strength at the proximal femur in acute SCI. Quantitative computed tomography analysis was performed on 13 subjects with acute SCI at serial time points separated by a mean of 3.5 months (range, 2.6-4.8 months). Changes in bone mineral content (BMC) and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) were quantified for integral, trabecular, and cortical bone at the femoral neck, trochanteric, and total proximal femur regions. Changes in bone volumes, cross-sectional areas, and surrogate measures of compressive and bending strength were also determined. During the acute period of SCI, subjects experienced a 2.7-3.3%/month reduction in integral BMC (p < 0.001) and a 2.5-3.1 %/month reduction in integral vBMD (p < 0.001). Trabecular BMC decreased by 3.1-4.7 %/month (p < 0.001) and trabecular vBMD by 2.8-4.4 %/month (p < 0.001). A 3.9-4.0 %/month reduction was observed for cortical BMC (p < 0.001), while the reduction in cortical vBMD was noticeably lower (0.8-1.0 %/month; p ≤ 0.01). Changes in bone volume and cross-sectional area suggested that cortical bone loss occurred primarily through endosteal resorption. Declines in bone mineral were associated with a 4.9-5.9 %/month reduction in surrogate measures of strength. These data highlight the need for therapeutic interventions in this population that target both trabecular and endocortical bone mineral preservation.

Fermentation of coconut water by probiotic strains Lactobacillus acidophilus L10 and Lactobacillus casei L26

Coconut water is becoming an increasingly popular beverage and sports drink in tropical countries due to its high mineral content. Probiotic fermentation of coconut water would provide consumers with a novel probiotic beverage which can provide both hydration and probiotic benefits. The aim of this study was to assess the growth, survival and fermentation performance of two probiotic bacteria in coconut water. Lactobacillus acidophilus L10 and L. casei L26 grew well in coconut water and showed similar growth patterns. The viable cell count of the two probiotic cultures reached approximately 108 CFU/ml after 2 days fermentation at 37 °C and maintained approximately107–108 CFU/ml after 26 days at 4 °C. Changes in total soluble solids (oBrix), pH, sugars, organic acids and minerals were similar between the two probiotic cultures, except for fructose, glucose, copper, phosphorus and lactic, acetic and malic acids. There were significant variations between the two cultures in their ability to produce and consume these compounds. L. acidophilus produced higher amounts of 2-heptanone, 2-nonanone, benzaldehyde, 2-heptanol, 2-nonanol, δ-octalactone and δ-dodecalactone, whereas L. casei produced higher amounts of acetic acid, diacetyl, acetoin, δ-decalactone, 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol, linalool, 1-octanol, p-tolualdehyde and ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate. There was no substantial change in mineral content. These results suggest the feasibility of fermenting coconut water into a probiotic beverage, especially for sports nutrition, with the dual benefits of electrolytes and probiotics.

Bıldırcınların Yumurtadan Çıkışını Takip Eden Dönemde Tibiorsal Kemikte Yaş ve Cinsiyet İle İlişkili Mineral Yoğunluk ve Mineral İçerik Değişiklikleri

Bıldırcınların Yumurtadan Çıkışını Takip Eden Dönemde Tibiorsal Kemikte Yaş ve Cinsiyet İle İlişkili Mineral Yoğunluk ve Mineral İçerik Değişiklikleri

Polydextrose Enhances Calcium Absorption and Bone Retention in Ovariectomized Rats.

Purpose. To evaluate the effect of polydextrose (PDX) on Ca bioavailability and prevention of loss of bone mass. Methods. Twenty-four two-month-old ovariectomized rats were fed three isocaloric diets only varied in fiber source and content up to 60 days (FOS group, a commercial mixture of short- and long-chain fructooligosaccharide, OVX group fed AIN 93 diet, and PDX group). A SHAM group was included as control. Apparent Ca absorption percentage (%ABS), changes in total skeleton bone mineral content (tsBMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) and femur BMD, % Bone Volume, Ca and organic femur content, caecal weight, and pH were evaluated. Results. %ABS and caecum weight of PDX and FOS were higher, and caecum pH was lower compared to OVX and SHAM. PDX reached a higher pH and lower caecum weight than FOS possibly because PDX is not completely fermented in the colon. Changes in tsBMC and femur BMD in FOS and PDX were significant lower than SHAM but significantly higher than OVX. % Bone Volume and femur % of Ca in PDX were significantly higher than OVX and FOS but lower than SHAM. Conclusions. PDX increased Ca absorption and prevented bone loss in OVX rats.

Comparison of two software packages for determining radiographic bone aluminium equivalent values

Radiographic photodensitometry has been used to track changes in bone mineral content in the distal limb of horses through traditional film radiographs. With increasing popularity of digital radiographs, the technique has been adapted for digital technology. The objective of this study was to validate and describe the analysis of digital radiographs and to compare traditional densitometric analysis to digital analysis. Twelve traditional and 12 digital radiographs were taken of the left third metacarpal (MCIII) of 12 horses with an aluminium stepwedge penetrometer attached to the radiographic cassette. Both medial-lateral and dorsal-palmar views were represented. The traditional and digital radiographs were each analysed using two different methods to compare results. Analysis involved determining optical density at each step of the aluminium stepwedge, plotting optical density verses mm Al, and then determining the equation of the subsequent line. The optical density of each cortice was inserted into the equation and radiographic bone aluminium equivalents (RBAE) in mm Al for each cortice was determined. Total RBAE was also examined 1 cm distal to the nutrient foramen of the MCIII. Data were analysed using Proc CORR (SAS v. 9.1) and are reported as mean ± standard deviation. Total RBAE on the dorsal-palmar view from traditional radiographs averaged 286±154 mm Al for digital analysis and 292±173 mm Al for densitometric analysis (R2=0.98). Total RBAE on medial-lateral view from the digital radiographs averaged 539±137 mm Al for digital analysis and 530±165 mm Al for densitometric analysis (R2=0.95). The results demonstrate high correlations between analyses, thereby validating that digital analysis yields similar results as densitometric analysis. Digital radiographs, with increased clarity as compared to traditional films, should allow greater ability to detect treatment differences in research trials, and monitor changes associated with training or nutrition.

Mineralization Content Alters Osteogenic Responses of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells on Hydroxyapatite/Polycaprolactone Composite Nanofiber Scaffolds

Synthetic tissue scaffolds have a high potential impact for patients experiencing osteogenesis imperfecta. Using electrospinning, tissue scaffolds composed of hydroxyapatite/polycaprolactone (HAp/PCL) composite nanofibers were fabricated with two different HAp concentrations—1% and 10% of the solid scaffold weight. After physico-chemical scaffold characterization, rat bone marrow stromal cells were cultured on the composite scaffolds in maintenance medium and then in osteogenic medium. Quantitative PCR, colorimetric assays, immunofluorescent labeling, and electron microscopy measured osteogenic cell responses to the HAp/PCL scaffolds. In maintenance conditions, both Hap/PCL scaffolds and control scaffolds supported cell colonization through seven days with minor differences. In osteogenic conditions, the 10% HAp scaffolds exhibited significantly increased ALP assay levels at week 3, consistent with previous reports. However, qPCR analysis demonstrated an overall decrease in bone matrix-associated genes on Hap/PCL scaffolds. Osteopontin and osteocalcin immunofluorescent microscopy revealed a trend that both mineralized scaffolds had greater amounts of both proteins, though qPCR results indicated the opposite trend for osteopontin. Additionally, type I collagen expression decreased on HAp scaffolds. These results indicate that cells are sensitive to minor changes in mineral content within nanofibers, even at just 1% w/w, and elucidating the sensing mechanism may lead to optimized osteogenic scaffold designs.

The insulin like growth factor system in cirrhosis. Relation to changes in body composition following adrenoreceptor blockade

ObjectiveCirculating levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 are low in cirrhosis and are related to liver dysfunction. Metabolic disturbances include malnutrition with altered body composition and osteopenia. Since the effects of IGF-I may be associated to changes in body composition and bone mineral content (BMC) in cirrhotic patients, we investigated the relations between changes in the IGF-system and body composition and the effects of long-term alpha- and beta‐blockade. DesignThe study was designed as a combined cross-sectional and prospective randomised controlled study of 62 patients with cirrhosis. Twenty-three of these patients were randomised to treatment with beta- or combined alpha/beta-blocker for 3months. Haemodynamics, body composition, and systemic and hepatic IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels were determined in all patients. In the subgroup changes in body composition and IGF-I/IGFBP-3 levels after 3months of beta- or combined alpha/beta-blockade were additionally examined. ResultsBoth the hepatic and the systemic IGF systems were suppressed and correlated with liver dysfunction and anthropometrics (p<0.05–0.001). Multivariate analyses revealed that changes in the IGF-system were determined by metabolic liver dysfunction as well as anthropometrics. In the follow-up study, hepatic venous IGF-I (p=0.05) and IGFBP-3 (p=0.02) increased after 3months only in the group who received beta-blocker. In both groups, fat body mass increased significantly after 3months (p=0.05–0.001). ConclusionsIn cirrhosis, the IGF-system is associated with both anthropometrics and synthetic capacity of the liver. Changes in IGF-I relate to changes in anthropometrics and there seems to be a differential effect depending on the type of adrenoreceptor blockade. Future longitudinal studies are needed to unravel these mechanisms in cirrhosis.