Changes In Mineral Content Research Articles

Assessment of Ca and P content variation in enamel during an eight-week bleaching protocol using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence

Tooth bleaching is a simple technique performed with gels based on hydrogen peroxide molecules responsible for removing the tooth structure's pigmentation. The effects of the overuse of these agents on the tooth structure are not well established. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) can be employed to analyze objects of biological origin as bone and tooth. It is very suitable analytical technique to detect demineralization processes in these tissues. The objective of this study was to use x-ray fluorescence to evaluate the effects on mineral content of enamel submitted to eight-week protocols of home bleaching gels (10% carbamide peroxide and 9.5% hydrogen peroxide), as well as bleaching strips. Four enamel fragments obtained from five teeth were subjected to bleaching for 8weeks: Group 1— artificial saliva; Group 2—10% carbamide peroxide gel, 6h daily; Group 3—9.5% hydrogen peroxide gel, two 30-minute applications; and Group 4—bleaching strips, twice daily for 30min. The change in mineral content was assessed weekly using X-ray fluorescence (Artax 200). Differences were basically found in Group 4 for the concentrations of Ca and P after treatment with bleaching strips containing 10% hydrogen peroxide. For the Ca/P ratio, the differences were found in Group 2—15% carbamide peroxide (p<0.05). X-ray fluorescence proved to be a suitable method for the evaluation of the mineral content, presenting the advantage of being able to evaluate the same area at different stages of the methodology.

Six-year body composition change in male elite senior rugby league players

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the change in body composition and bone mineral content (BMC) of senior rugby league (RL) players between 2008 and 2014. Twelve male professional RL players (age, 24.6 ± 4.0 years; stature, 183.4 ± 8.4 cm) received a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan during preseason in 2008 and 2014. Between 2008 and 2014, very likely increases in leg lean mass (LM), total trunk and leg BMC, and a likely increase in arm BMC and possible increases in body mass (BM), total and trunk fat mass (FM), and total, trunk and arm LM were observed. Unlikely decreases and unclear changes in leg and arm FM were also found. Large negative correlations were observed between age and BM (r = −0.72), LM (r = −0.70), FM (r = −0.61) and BMC (r = −0.84) change. Three participants (19.1 ± 1.6 years) increased LM by 7.0–9.3 kg. Younger players had the largest increases in LM during this period, although an older player (30-year old) still increased LM. Differences in body composition change were also observed for participants of the same age, thus contextual factors should be considered. This study demonstrates the individuality of body composition changes in senior professional rugby players, while considering the potential change in young athletes.

The effect of hydration status on the measurement of lean tissue mass by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Athletes cycle between exercise and recovery. Exercise invokes changes in total body water from thermal sweating, muscle and hepatic glycogen depletion and metabolic water loss. Recovery from exercise results in rehydration, substrate repletion, and possible glycogen supercompensation. Such changes may corrupt the measurement of hydrated tissues, such as lean tissue mass (LTM), by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of exercise and thermal dehydration and subsequent glycogen supercompensation on DXA-based measurement of body composition. Twelve active adult (18-29years) males exercised at 70% VO2max on a cycle ergometer in a thermal environment (30 °C) to induce a 2.5% reduction in body mass. Participants subsequently underwent a glycogen supercompensation phase, whereby a high carbohydrate diet (8-12g/kg body mass/day) was consumed for a 48-h period. Whole-body DXA measurement was performed at baseline, following exercise and supercompensation. Following exercise, mean body mass decreased by -1.93kg (95% CI -2.3, -1.5), while total LTM decreased by -1.69kg (-2.4, -1.0). Supercompensation induced a mean body mass increase of 2.53kg (2.0, 3.1) and a total LTM increase of 2.36kg (1.8, 2.9). No change in total fat mass or bone mineral content was observed at any timepoint. Training regimens that typically induce dehydration and nutrition regimens that involve carbohydrate loading can result in apparent changes to LTM measurement by DXA. Accurate measurement of LTM in athletes requires strict observation of hydration and glycogen status to prevent manipulation of results.

Femoral Neck External Size but not aBMD Predicts Structural and Mass Changes for Women Transitioning Through Menopause.

The impact of adult bone traits on changes in bone structure and mass during aging is not well understood. Having shown that intracortical remodeling correlates with external size of adult long bones led us to hypothesize that age-related changes in bone traits also depend on external bone size. We analyzed hip dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry images acquired longitudinally over 14 years for 198 midlife women transitioning through menopause. The 14-year change in bone mineral content (BMC, R2 = 0.03, p = 0.015) and bone area (R2 = 0.13, p = 0.001), but not areal bone mineral density (aBMD, R2 = 0.00, p = 0.931) correlated negatively with baseline femoral neck external size, adjusted for body size using the residuals from a linear regression between baseline bone area and height. The dependence of the 14-year changes in BMC and bone area on baseline bone area remained significant after adjusting for race/ethnicity, postmenopausal hormone use, the 14-year change in weight, and baseline aBMD, weight, height, and age. Women were sorted into tertiles using the baseline bone area-height residuals. The 14-year change in BMC (p = 0.009) and bone area (p = 0.001) but not aBMD (p = 0.788) differed across the tertiles. This suggested that women showed similar changes in aBMD for different structural and biological reasons: women with narrow femoral necks showed smaller changes in BMC but greater increases in bone area compared to women with wide femoral necks who showed greater losses in BMC but without large compensatory increases in bone area. This finding is opposite to expectations that periosteal expansion acts to mechanically offset bone loss. Thus, changes in femoral neck structure and mass during menopause vary widely among women and are predicted by baseline external bone size but not aBMD. How these different structural and mass changes affect individual strength-decline trajectories remains to be determined. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

A retrospective analysis of longitudinal changes in bone mineral content in cystic fibrosis.

We aimed to describe the longitudinal changes in bone mineral content and influencing factors, in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). One hundred children (50 females) had dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) performed. Of these, 48 and 24 children had two to three scans, respectively over 10 years of follow-up. DXA data were expressed as lumbar spine bone mineral content standard deviation score (LSBMCSDS) adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity and bone area. Markers of disease, anthropometry and bone biochemistry were collected retrospectively. Baseline LSBMCSDS was >0.5 SDS in 13% children, between -0.5; 0.5 SDS, in 50% and ≤-0.5 in the remainder. Seventy-eight percent of the children who had baseline LSBMCSDS >-0.5, and 35% of the children with poor baseline (LSBMCSDS<-0.5), showed decreasing values in subsequent assessments. However, mean LS BMC SDS did not show a significant decline in subsequent assessments (-0.51; -0.64; -0.56; p=0.178). Lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s percent (FEV1%) low body mass index standard deviation scores (BMI SDS) and vitamin D were associated with reduction in BMC. Bone mineral content as assessed by DXA is sub-optimal and decreases with time in most children with CF and this study has highlighted parameters that can be addressed to improve bone health.

Biological consequences of Kuyalnik estuary filling with marine water from Odessa

One of the main reasons for the necessity of our study was the fact that previous researchers used only model experiments on the impact of dilution of sulfuric mud on seawater and did not take into account in their conclusions the fundamental foundations of the functioning of ecosystems, such as the cyclicity of the salt and hydrological balance and the cyclic functioning of biocenosis in Ecosystem of the estuarine complex.Purpose. Revealing of real biological consequences of the Kuyalnik Estuary filling with big amounts of marine water in 2014-2016. Methods. Standard methods of hydrological, hydrochemical, hydrobiological and microbiological studies. Results. Based on the comprehensive studies the analysis of dynamics of the Kuyalnik Estuary ecosystem’s main physicochemical and hydrobiological characteristics has been performed, first of all of species composition, abundance and biomass of phytoplankton, bacterioplankton, zooplankton and concentrations of photosynthetic pigments. It has been shown that the studied biological characteristics have seasonal variations, the main reasons of which are changes in temperature and mineral content of the estuarine water, as well as the cases of gypsum sedimentation observed in summer of 2015 and 2016. Conclusions. Feeding of marine water did not achieve the expected result of stable estuarine water freshening, but worsened the situation with the unique biocoenosis. The current methodology of the estuary refilling with marine water causes negative consequences, which aggravate with each next feeding of marine water into the estuary and will accrue and entail the irreversible processes and complete degradation of the estuary’s ecosystem. We propose to focus on the restoration of the freshwater flow of the Big Kuyalnik River and the search for other engineering solutions.

Analysis of the use of microcystin-contaminated water in the growth and nutritional quality of the root-vegetable, Daucus carota.

Toxic cyanobacterial blooms are often observed in freshwaters and may reflect the increased eutrophication of these environments and alterations in climate. Cyanotoxins, such as microcystins (MCs), are an effective threat to many life forms, ranging from plants to humans. Despite the research conducted to date on cyanotoxins, the risks associated to the use of contaminated water in agriculture require further elucidation. To tackle this aim, a research was conducted with the root-vegetable Daucus carota. The specific aims of this work were the following: (i) to evaluate the effects of MC-LR on the plant growth and photosynthesis; (ii) to evaluate the nutritional quality of carrot roots; and (iii) to measure bioaccumulation. To this purpose, young carrots were grown in soil during 1month in natural conditions and exposed to Mycrocystis aeruginosa aqueous extracts containing environmentally realistic concentrations of MC-LR (10 and 50 MC-LR μg/L). The results showed that MC-LR may decrease root growth after 28days of exposure to 50μg/L and increase photosynthetic efficiency. We also observed changes in mineral and vitamin content in carrots as a result of the exposure to contaminated water. Moreover, MC-LR was detected in carrot roots by ELISA at very low concentration 5.23±0.47ng MC eq./g FW. The soil retained 52.7% of the toxin potentially available for plants. This result could be attributed to MC-LR adsorption by soil particles or due to microbial degradation of the toxin. We conclude that the prolonged use of MC-LR-contaminated water may affect crop growth, alter the nutritional value of vegetable products, and potentiate contamination.

The Effect of the Invasive Plant Species Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. on Energy Recovery Parameters of Semi-Natural Grassland Biomass

Biodiversity of semi-natural grasslands is increasingly endangered by successful invasive plant species such as the legume Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. In order to contain the propagation of this plant species, early and regular harvesting needs to be applied. Therefore, a form of utilization for the harvested biomass has to be developed. One opportunity could be the use of the biomass as a feedstock for biogas and solid fuel production. This study investigates the effect of L. polyphyllus on the nutrient and mineral composition in a mixture series with semi-natural grassland biomass and examines the changes in nutrient and mineral content through hydrothermal conditioning and mechanical dewatering of silage. Untreated lupine-invaded biomass has higher N and Mg concentrations, but lower Cl, K and S concentrations compared to the semi-natural grassland biomass. The mineral concentrations in the biomass exceeded recommendations for combustion. However, with the proposed pre-treatment of hydrothermal conditioning and subsequent dewatering, both lupine-containing and lupine-free semi-natural grassland biomass could achieve adequate values for combustion, given that a state-of-the-art combustion technique is used, including measures to reduce emissions of NOx and particulate matter. Thus, solid fuel production through hydrothermal conditioning and mechanical separation may offer a practical solution for the containment of lupine or other invasive species in semi-natural grasslands and may constitute an important element for sustainable bioenergy production.

Promotion of enamel caries remineralization by an amelogenin-derived peptide in a rat model

ObjectiveAn amelogenin-derived peptide has been shown to promote remineralization of demineralized enamel in an in vitro model of initial caries induced by pH cycling. The present study examines whether the peptide exerts similar effects within the complex oral environment in vivo. DesignSpecific pathogen-free Sprague-Dawley rats (n=36) were infected with Streptococcus mutans, given ad libitum access to Diet 2000 and drinking water supplemented with sucrose (10%, w/v), and then randomly divided into three groups treated with 25μM peptide solution, 1g/L NaF or deionized water. Molar teeth were swabbed twice daily with the respective solutions for 24days. Then animals were killed, their jaws were removed and caries lesions were analyzed using the quantitative light-induced fluorescence-digital (QLF-D) technique to measure changes in mineral content. To verify QLF-D results, caries were scored for lesion depth and size using the Keyes method, and analyzed using polarized light microscopy (PLM). ResultsMineral gain was significantly higher in teeth treated with peptide or NaF than in teeth treated with water (p<0.05), based on the QLF-D results (ΔF and ΔQ). Incidence of smooth-surface and sulcal caries based on Keyes scores was similar in rats treated with peptide or NaF, and significantly lower in these groups than in rats treated with water (p<0.05). Lesions on teeth treated with peptide or NaF were shallower, based on PLM. No significant differences were observed between molar enamel caries treated with peptide or NaF. ConclusionsThis amelogenin-derived peptide can promote remineralization in a rat caries model, indicating strong potential for clinical use.

Abstract P615: Stress-Induced Changes in Total Bone Mineral Content and Total Bone Mineral Density due to Activation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in Adolescent Females

Background: Previous literature has shown a strong negative effect of angiotensin II (ANGII) on bone metabolism within mouse models. Additionally, psychological stress has been associated with activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Stress has also been related to lower total bone mineral density (TBMD). However, there is controversy in the literature examining the relationship between the RAAS and bone metabolism within humans and stress has not been considered as a direct link between these systems. Purpose: We aimed to examine the relationship between stress-induced RAAS activation and TBMD and total bone mineral content (TBMC). Methods: Participants were placed on a sodium controlled diet for three days. Participants then underwent two hours rest, one hour mental stressor, and two hours recovery with hourly collections of blood/urine samples. Renin, ANGII, aldosterone, TBMD and TBMC were measured. Results: This study recruited 586 adolescents (mean age 16±1.116) with 51% women and 62% African-American and 38% Caucasian. Overall, relationships were observed between ANGII and aldosterone, and TBMC and TBMD controlling for age, race, and BMI. During stress, aldosterone was related to TBMD (r=-.150, p&lt;0.05) and ANGII was related to TBMC (r=-.156, p&lt;0.05) and TBMD (r=-.139, p&lt;0.05). When comparing males and females, only females demonstrated a relationship between TBMC and ANGII in response to stress (stress: r=-.229, p&lt;0.05; post-stress: r=-.277, p&lt;0.01) and between aldosterone and TBMC (stress: r=-.199, p&lt;0.05) and TBMD (stress: r=-.250, p&lt;0.01). Renin was not significantly correlated with TBMD nor TBMC in any population. Conclusion/Interpretations: These data suggest that stress-induced RAAS activation may be associated with lower TBMD and TBMC in girls. Despite small correlations, consistency across multiple measures of RAAS activation being apparent in adolescents is significant. This observation may indicate that stress activation of RAAS contributes to bone remodeling in early life.

Long-term Observation of Regenerated Periodontium Induced by FGF-2 in the Beagle Dog 2-Wall Periodontal Defect Model.

The long-term stability and qualitative characteristics of periodontium regenerated by FGF-2 treatment were compared with normal physiological healing tissue controls in a Beagle dog 2-wall periodontal defect model 13 months after treatment by assessing tissue histology and three-dimensional microstructure using micro-computed tomography (μCT). After FGF-2 (0.3%) or vehicle treatment at the defect sites, serial changes in the bone mineral content (BMC) were observed using periodic X-ray imaging. Tissues were harvested at 13 months, evaluated histomorphometrically, and the cortical bone volume and trabecular bone structure of the newly formed bone were analyzed using μCT. FGF-2 significantly increased the BMC of the defect area at 2 months compared with that of the control group, and this difference was unchanged through 13 months. The cortical bone volume was significantly increased by FGF-2, but there was no difference between the groups in trabecular bone structure. Bone maturation was occurring in both groups because of the lower cortical volume and denser trabecular bone than what is found in intact bone. FGF-2 also increased the area of newly formed bone as assessed histomorphometrically, but the ratios of trabecular bone in the defect area were similar between the control and FGF-2 groups. These results suggest that FGF-2 stimulates neogenesis of alveolar bone that is of similar quality to that of the control group. The lengths of the regenerated periodontal ligament and cementum, measured as the distance from the defect bottom to the apical end of the gingival epithelium, and height and area of the newly formed bone in the FGF-2 group were larger than those in the control group. The present study demonstrated that, within the limitation of artificial periodontal defect model, the periodontal tissue regenerated by FGF-2 was maintained for 13 months after treatment and was qualitatively equivalent to that generated through the physiological healing process.

The Effectiveness of the Use of Oregano and Laurel Essential Oils in Chicken Feeding

Abstract The objective of this experimental study was to investigate the effects of essential oils of oregano, laurel and their combination on growth performance, intestinal microbiota and intestinal morphology as replacers of antibiotic growth promoters, as well as on the antioxidant capacity and mineral content of breast and thigh meat. A total of 256 day-old broiler chickens were randomized into 4 groups with 4 replicates. Control group received a basal corn-soybean diet, whereas the other experimental groups received the basal diet plus 25 mg/kg oregano essential oil, 2.5 mg/kg laurel essential oil or their combination, respectively. Chickens had free access to water and feed. Body weight gain and feed to gain ratio was calculated for the total fattening period and mortality was daily recorded. Intestinal microbiota was enumerated by conventional techniques with selective agar media at the end of the trial at both ileum and caecum. Also, evaluation of intestinal morphology was carried out in small intestine and caecum. At the end of the trial, birds were slaughtered, their carcasses were processed and samples of breast and thigh meat were analyzed for moisture, fat and protein content. Total phenolic content was determined in feeds and breast and thigh meat in order to assess its antioxidant capacity. Mineral content of breast and thigh meat was evaluated by ICP-MS. The results of the trial showed that the group that received oregano or the mixture of oregano and laurel presented better BW and FCR and mortality compared to control group. Bacterial counts for the Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria were higher in the experimental groups compared to the control group at both ileum and caecum, and total coliforms were lower in caecum in the experimental groups compared to control. Higher values for villus height were found for the oregano supplemented groups compared to control or laurel ones. Oregano supplemented groups showed higher antioxidant capacity of breast and thigh meat compared to control and laurel groups, however no changes in mineral content were noted among the different groups. In conclusion, oregano essential oil alone or as a mixture with laurel essential oil can be used to improve growth performance and gut health in broiler chickens.

Experimental study on the micro alkali sensitivity damage mechanism in low-permeability reservoirs using QEMSCAN

Low permeability reservoirs are extremely sensitive to injected fluids because of small pore throat sizes and complex connections. Alkali sensitivity damage is the primary damage mechanism in low permeability reservoirs and strongly influences rock permeability. Therefore, it is significant to study alkali sensitivity damage mechanism to prevent capacity attenuation. In this paper, we propose a method combines macroscopic core flow experiments and microscopic mineral analysis to study alkali sensitivity damage mechanism. Core flow experiments are designed to evaluate the alkali sensitivity damage degree. QEMSCAN technique is introduced to quantitatively compare changes of porosity, mineral contents and distribution forms at inlet and outlet sides before and after alkali sensitivity damage. The results indicate that pore and throat plugging is the root cause of core alkali sensitivity damage. Big pores are plugged and segmented into significantly narrow flowing channels. The inlet side is plugged mainly by precipitates generated by the reaction of hydroxide and matrix minerals including dolomite, muscovite, and K-feldspar as well as dispersion of clay minerals in alkali environments including illite and chlorite. Meanwhile, the outlet side is mainly plugged by the dispersion and migration of clay minerals.Micro minerals are selected as the research object to study the alkali sensitivity damage at both inlet and outlet sides in low permeability reservoirs. This provides references for alkali sensitivity analysis in reservoirs with similar mineral compositions. Moreover, alkali sensitivity damage mechanisms are clarified at both inlet and outlet sides in the core flow experiment, which can be correlated to actual reservoirs near and far away from wells. Then specific measures corresponding to different types of reservoirs in terms of distances to wells can be taken to restore the damage and thus achieve the recovery of reservoir capacity. The method proposed in this paper is also applicable to other reservoir sensitivity damage, such as salt and acid sensitivity damage.

Changes in Bone Health During the First Year of Cancer Treatment in Children

This study aimed to evaluate longitudinal changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in children with cancer during the first year of treatment. Thirty pediatric cancer patients (median age 11.2 [range 3.8–17.4] yr; 21 boys, 9 girls; 19 hematologic malignancies, 11 solid tumors) and 30 healthy controls were enrolled. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed at baseline and at 1, 6, and 12 mo for each pediatric cancer patient. There were no significant differences in age, sex, body weight, height, body mass index, serum vitamin D levels, BMD, and BMC among children with hematologic malignancies, those with solid tumors, and the controls at baseline. When the medians of BMD Z-scores were compared between different time intervals, whole-body BMD Z-score significantly decreased during the first year of cancer treatment (p = 0.001) in children with hematologic malignancies, especially during the first month (p = 0.002), and between 1 and 6 mo (p = 0.006). In children with solid tumors, whole-body BMD Z-score changed significantly only between 6 and 12 mo after treatment (p = 0.043). Generalized estimation equations for the analysis of trends in the whole-body BMD Z-scores revealed that there were significant downward trends between BMD Z-scores at baseline and those at 12 mo in children with hematologic malignancies and those with solid tumors. Cancer treatment significantly affects the bone health status at least during the first year, causing a significant decrease in BMD, especially during the first 6 mo for patients with hematologic malignancies and during the last 6 mo for those with solid tumors. Better strategies for treating changes in BMD based on the underlying cancer are necessary during cancer treatment in children.

Magnesium and Space Flight.

Magnesium is an essential nutrient for muscle, cardiovascular, and bone health on Earth, and during space flight. We sought to evaluate magnesium status in 43 astronauts (34 male, 9 female; 47 ± 5 years old, mean ± SD) before, during, and after 4–6-month space missions. We also studied individuals participating in a ground analog of space flight (head-down-tilt bed rest; n = 27 (17 male, 10 female), 35 ± 7 years old). We evaluated serum concentration and 24-h urinary excretion of magnesium, along with estimates of tissue magnesium status from sublingual cells. Serum magnesium increased late in flight, while urinary magnesium excretion was higher over the course of 180-day space missions. Urinary magnesium increased during flight but decreased significantly at landing. Neither serum nor urinary magnesium changed during bed rest. For flight and bed rest, significant correlations existed between the area under the curve of serum and urinary magnesium and the change in total body bone mineral content. Tissue magnesium concentration was unchanged after flight and bed rest. Increased excretion of magnesium is likely partially from bone and partially from diet, but importantly, it does not come at the expense of muscle tissue stores. While further study is needed to better understand the implications of these findings for longer space exploration missions, magnesium homeostasis and tissue status seem well maintained during 4–6-month space missions.

Effect of 10% fluoride on the remineralization of dentin in situ.

ABSTRACTObjective The purpose of this randomized, cross-over, in situ study was to determine the remineralization of demineralized dentin specimens after the application of a 10% fluoride (F-) or a 1% chlorhexidine–1% thymol (CHX–thymol) varnish.Material and Methods Twelve individuals without current caries activity wore removable appliances in the lower jaw for a period of four weeks. Each appliance contained four human demineralized dentin specimens fixed on the buccal aspects. The dentin specimens were obtained from the cervical regions of extracted human third molars. After demineralization, half the surface of each specimen was covered with a nail varnish to serve as the reference surface. The dentin specimens were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: F-, CHX–thymol, and control (no treatment). Before the first treatment period and between the others, there were washout periods of one week. After each treatment phase, the changes in mineral content (vol% µm) and the lesion depths (µm) of the dentin slabs were determined by transverse microradiography (TMR). Data analysis was accomplished by the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney U test (p<0.05).Results The medians (25th/75th percentile) of integrated mineral loss were 312.70 (203.0-628.7) for chlorhexidine varnish, 309.5 (109.8-665.8) for fluoride varnish, and -346.9 (-128.7 - -596.0) for the control group. The medians (25th/75th percentile) of lesion depth were 13.6 (5.7-34.5) for chlorhexidine varnish, 16.5 (5.6-38.1) for fluoride varnish, and -14.2 (-4.5- -32.9) for the control group. Use of the 10% F- or 1% CHX–1% thymol varnishes resulted in significantly decreased mineral loss and lesion depth in dentin when compared with the control group. There were no statistically significant differences among the test groups.Conclusions Within the limitations of this study, the results suggest that the effect of the treatment of demineralized dentin with 10% F- or 1% CHX–1% thymol is better than without any treatment.

Particle Composition Effects on MERIS-Derived SPM: A Case Study in the Saint Lawrence Estuary

An empirical optical model for estimating the concentration of suspended particulate matter (CSPM) was developed in the upper part of the Saint Lawrence Estuary based on remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) measurements corresponding to medium-resolution imaging spectrometer (MERIS) spectral channels 7 and 9 (i.e., wavelengths centered at 665 and 708 nm, respectively). Sensitivity of CSPM estimates to changes in mineral content of suspended particulates was investigated based on simulated Rrs values. For June 2012 measurements, CSPM varied with values following a power-type relationship (y = 235.7 x8.321, r2 = 0.7, N = 10). In addition, numerical experiments and analysis of regression type II showed that exponent parameter of this biogeo-optical model decreased as suspended particulates become more enriched in organic matter.

차를 이용한 수돗물 간접 음용시 수돗물 중 미네랄 함량 변화 연구

차를 이용한 수돗물 간접 음용시 수돗물 중 미네랄 함량 변화 연구

Knee loading protects against osteonecrosis of the femoral head by enhancing vessel remodeling and bone healing

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a serious orthopedic problem. Moderate loads with knee loading promote bone formation, but their effects on osteonecrosis have not been investigated. Using a rat model, we examined a hypothesis that knee loading enhances vessel remodeling and bone healing through the modulation of the fate of bone marrow-derived cells. In this study, osteonecrosis was induced by transecting the ligamentum teres followed by a tight ligature around the femoral neck. For knee loading, 5N loads were laterally applied to the knee at 15Hz for 5min/day for 5weeks. Changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of the femur were measured by pDEXA, and ink infusion was performed to evaluate vessel remodeling. Femoral heads were harvested for histomorphometry, and bone marrow-derived cells were isolated to examine osteoclast development and osteoblast differentiation. The results showed that osteonecrosis significantly induced bone loss, and knee loading stimulated both vessel remodeling and bone healing. The osteonecrosis group exhibited the lowest trabecular BV/TV (p<0.001) in the femoral head, and lowest femoral BMD and BMC (both p<0.01). However, knee loading increased trabecular BV/TV (p<0.05) as well as BMD (p< 0.05) and BMC (p<0.01). Osteonecrosis decreased the vessel volume (p<0.001), vessel number (p<0.001) and VEGF expression (p<0.01), and knee loading increased them (p<0.001, p<0.001 and p<0.01). Osteonecrosis activated osteoclast development, and knee loading reduced its formation, migration, adhesion and the level of “pit” formation (p<0.001, p<0.01, p<0.001 and p<0.001). Furthermore, knee loading significantly increased osteoblast differentiation and CFU-F (both p<0.001). A significantly positive correlation was observed between vessel remodeling and bone healing (both p<0.01). These results indicate that knee loading could be effective in repair osteonecrosis of the femoral head in a rat model. This effect might be attributed to promoting vessel remodeling, suppressing osteoclast development, and increasing osteoblast and fibroblast differentiation. In summary, the current study suggests that knee loading might potentially be employed as a non-invasive therapy for osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

The Use of Sawdust Mixed with Ground Branches Pruned from Wax Apple or Indian Jujube as Substrate for Cultivation of King Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii)

The king oyster mushroom [Pleurotus eryngii (DC.:Fr.) Quél.] is gaining popularity across the world due to its excellent taste, high nutritional quality, medicinal value, and long shelf life. Conventional substrates for king oyster mushroom cultivation consist of sawdust derived from various tree species. Sawdust demand is increasing worldwide, creating a need for alternative materials that can at least partially replace sawdust as substrate for king oyster mushroom. In Taiwan, as in other countries that grow fruit trees, pruned fruit tree branches are an expensive agricultural waste, particularly if they are not recycled or reused. In the present study, we evaluated substrates containing sawdust and different proportions of material ground from pruned wax apple or Indian jujube branches for cultivation of king oyster mushroom. Our results suggested that among all five substrate mixes tested, the best substitute for conventional sawdust (100% sawdust) was a substrate that contained 75% sawdust mixed with 25% materials ground from trimmed wax apple branches (Wax apple 25%). Furthermore, determination of mineral element content, pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) levels of the substrates both before spawn inoculation and after harvesting revealed no significant changes in mineral content, a slight reduction in pH value, and a minor increase in EC levels after cultivation. Taken together, results from this study suggest that agricultural wastes from pruned fruit tree branches can partially replace sawdust as the cultivation substrate for king oyster mushroom.