Determination Of Content Research Articles

Iron, Zinc and Total Phenolic Content in Cooked Biofortified NUA 45 and Gloria Sugar Beans: The Case of Zimbabwe

Biofortification involves breeding of staple crops that are micronutrient-dense and high yielding for example iron-biofortified beans. The biofortification of crops has been found to be cost effective and feasible to fight micronutrient deficiencies. The aim of the study was to determine the iron, zinc and total phenolic composition for the biofortified NUA 45 and Gloria sugar beans in raw as well as cooked samples with and without previous soaking. Determination of iron and zinc content in the raw, cooked bean grain samples with and without soaking was carried out by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Optical Emission Spectrometry whereas the determination of Total Phenolic Content was done using the Folin-Ciocalteau colorimetric method. The highest zinc concentration (0.295ppm) was found in raw Gloria sugar beans whilst the raw NUA 45 sugar beans had the highest iron content (0.755ppm) and total phenolic composition (352.8mg/100g). For the cooked bean samples Gloria sugar beans had the highest zinc concentration (0.247ppm) cooked after soaking. NUA 45 sugar beans had no significant difference on the zinc content after being cooked with and without soaking. Amongst the cooked samples the biofortified NUA 45 sugar beans cooked after soaking had the highest iron content (0.373ppm) as well as the highest total phenolic content in the beans cooked without soaking (200.5mg/100g). Biofortified NUA 45 and Gloria sugar beans proved to be good sources of iron, zinc and phenolic compounds. However, cooking with and without soaking diminished the iron, zinc and the total phenolic composition of the cooked NUA 45 and Gloria sugar beans.

BIOEQUIVALENCE STUDY OF GENERIC SALBUTAMOL TABLETS WITH LOGO AND BRANDED GENERIC

Salbutamol is a medication that stimulates beta receptors, particularly beta agonists, which are widely used as a remedy for sudden asthma attacks and those triggered by physical exercise due to its potent and rapid bronchodilating properties. These medications are known as short-acting beta-agonists (SABA). The purpose of this study was to examine in detail the significant differences in dissolution and absorption rates associated with the active ingredient in two pharmaceutically equivalent drug products, and to compare them to determine their bioequivalence. The research methodology involved experimental studies using a quantitative approach, including tests of physical quality, content determination, and dissolution testing. The results of the physical quality test for the uniformity of salbutamol tablet sizes showed that generic branded tablets, brand A, brand C, and brand D had a thickness of 0.10 cm ± 0 and a diameter of 0.50 cm ± 0, brand B had a thickness of 0.20 cm ± 0 and a diameter of 0.60 cm ± 0, and brand E had a thickness of 0.10 cm ± 0 and a diameter of 0.40 cm ± 0. The weight uniformity test results indicated that none of the generic branded tablets, brand B, or brand D deviated from columns A (7.5%) and B (15%), whereas none of the tablets from brands A, C, or E deviated from columns A (10%) and B (20%) ...

Antioxidant, membrane stabilizing and thrombolytic potentials of the leaves of erythrina fusca lour

Erythrina fusca (Family: Fabaceae) is famous for many traditional healing. In the present study, the leaves of E. fusca were collected, dried, powdered and then extracted with methanol. It was further partitioned into n-hexane, dichloromethane and aqueous soluble fractions. All the extracts were subjected to antioxidant, membrane stabilizing and thrombolytic assays. In case of free radical scavenging assay, the aqueous soluble fraction showed highest scavenging activity. In ferric reducing anti-oxidant power assay, the dicholoromethane extract showed highest reduction of ferric ion in a dose dependent manner. In total antioxidant assay, the methanol extract and dichloromethane extract showed stronger capacity as antioxidant. During the determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, the methanol extract and dichloromethane soluble fraction showed higher contents of phenolics and flavonoids, respectively. The erythrocyte membrane stabilizing assay revealed the capacities of methanol extract and its aqueous fraction to stabilize the RBC membrane in both hypotonic solution- and heat- induced hemolytic conditions. However, the clot lysis ability of the E. fusca leaf extracts was not so prominent. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(3): 439-445, 2024 (September)

Assessment of Phytochemical Characteristics of Walnut (Juglans regia) Leaves: Determination of Nutritional Value and Quantitative Content of Phenolic Compounds

This study aimed to assess the nutritional value of walnut leaves (Juglans regia), investigate the content of major polyphenolic compounds in walnut leaves, and assess the potential of walnut leaves as a phytogenic supplement to poultry diets. The nutritional composition of dried ground walnut leaves (crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E, b-carotene) was assessed according to generally accepted methods. The quantitative content of individual groups of polyphenols, such as total phenols, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, and juglon, was determined spectrophotometrically. The content of the sum of tannins was determined by the titrimetric method. Walnut leaves contain a high content of b-carotene (295.0 μg/g) and natural antioxidant vitamin E (128.8 μg/g). The protein content was noted at the level of 12.5%, the fiber content - 12.86%. In a significant amount, calcium and phosphorus accumulated in walnut leaves - 2.04% and 0.23%, respectively. The content of the total hydroxycoric acids in terms of chlorogenic acid in walnut leaves was 24.3 mg/g, the total content of phenolic compounds in gallic acid equivalent was 14.4 mg/g, flavonoids in rutin equivalent was 20.2 mg/g, and juglone was 2.72 mg/g. The content of total tannins in walnut leaves was 124.5 mg/g. The high nutritional value of walnut leaves compared to alfalfa meal and the presence of a number of biologically active polyphenolic compounds in a significant amount give grounds to consider this phyto-raw material not only as a valuable feed component, but also as a source of natural antioxidants.

Metrological traceability of moisture/water content measurements

This paper explains advantages and disadvantages of the measurement methods for moisture and water content determinations in plant-based materials, in order to identify the method providing the best metrological features.The term “moisture” is generic and it does not identify a specific measurand. In this sense, to declare proper Calibration and Measurement Capabilities (CMCs) and to develop Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), a better specification of the measurand should be given. Currently, no CMCs for moisture or water content measurements in the plant-origin bulk materials, as well as respective CRMs, are available in the Key Comparison Database (KCDB) published on the website of the Bureau International del Poids et Mesures (BIPM). Undoubtedly, those CMCs and CRMs, characterised for water content, are crucial and essential to provide metrological traceability of measurement results for the quality assessment of plant-origin bulk materials in the agricultural sector.

Direct determination of lithium in brine samples using handheld LIBS without sample treatment: sample introduction by venturi system.

Splashing is the main problem for the direct analysis of aqueous samples using LIBS since it generates serious precision and accuracy issues. This study demonstrates the direct determination of Li content in brines for the control of industrial mining processes using a portable LIBS device based on the direct laser impact on the sample, without any sample treatment, through the design of a sample injection system based on the Venturi effect. Our results demonstrated that the utilization of the 653.3 nm hydrogen line as an internal standard reduces the model calibration fitting error from 0.440 root mean square error in a standard calibration curve to 0.123 on the internal standard curve. Conversely, the development of a Venturi effect-based injection device using compressed air converts the brine into a fine mist which decrease splashing, resulting in an up to 10-fold error reduction, all without the necessity of employing an internal standard. Our results, evaluated by comparing them to the ASTM D3561-11 standard method using flame atomic absorption spectrometry, indicate that it is feasible to determine the lithium content in brine samples with an error of under 20% and a detection limit of 13 mg kg-1.

Role of anthocyanin metabolic diversity in bract coloration of Curcuma alismatifolia varieties

Anthocyanins are one of the key metabolites influencing the coloration of ornamental bracts in plants. Curcuma alismatifolia is an emerging ornamental plant, known for the rich diversity in the coloration of its bracts and the variety of anthocyanins present. However, the specific anthocyanin metabolites contributing to this diversity are not entirely clear. This study examines the bract color variation across 19 C. alismatifolia varieties using colorimetric analysis and spectrophotometric determination of total anthocyanin content. The 19 accessions were categorized into four color groups: white, light pink, pink, and purple. Further analysis using anthocyanin metabolomics and transcriptomics was conducted on five C. alismatifolia varieties with significant differences in coloration and total anthocyanin content. In addition to previously reported anthocyanins, delphinidin-3-O-glucoside and peonidin-3-O-rutinoside were identified for the first time as important contributors to the diverse bract coloration in C. alismatifolia. Fifty-three differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway, and two significant gene modules were determined through WGCNA analysis. Correlation network analysis revealed two BZ1 genes that may be key terminal enzyme genes affecting anthocyanin synthesis in C. alismatifolia bracts. Multiple transcription factors, including MYB, NAC, WRKY, ERF, and bHLH, may be involved in regulating the accumulation of different anthocyanin contents in the bracts. This research sheds light on the genetic and metabolic factors that influence bract coloration in C. alismatifolia.

Analysis of Nutritional Profiles, Mineral Content, and Contaminants in Palm Oil from Yenagoa Metropolis, Nigeria: Assessing Quality and Safety Standards

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the nutritional profiles, chemical compositions, and potential contamination of palm oil samples from different locations in Yenagoa Metropolis, Nigeria, to assess their quality and safety. Study Design: An analytical investigation was conducted, using proximate analysis, mineral content determination, and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to characterize the palm oil samples' composition and contamination levels. Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out in Yenagoa Metropolis, Nigeria, from January to October 2023. Methods: Palm oil samples were collected from three distinct locations within Yenagoa Metropolis. Proximate analysis quantified moisture, ash, protein, fat, and carbohydrate contents. Mineral content was assessed for potassium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. GC-MS was employed to identify and quantify bioactive compounds and potential contaminants in the samples. Results: Moisture content ranged from 0.00% in sample C to 3.00% in sample A. Ash content was highest in samples B and C, at 20.06%, while sample C had the highest fat content at 47.0%. Potassium (10.9%) and phosphorus (0.53%) were also highest in sample C. GC-MS analysis revealed key bioactive compounds, such as n-hexadecanoic acid and squalene, but also detected harmful contaminants especially in samples A and B. Presence of Isobutylene glycol and various oxiranes can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, with prolonged exposure leading to severe health issues. Benzene, toluene, Trimethylamine compound with Borane, Pentane 3-ethyl-2-methyl and Heptane 2-methyl are associated with respiratory problems, neurological damage, and potential long-term organ effects. Contaminants in the oil samples were attributed to inadequate refining, contaminated raw materials, improper handling, and environmental pollution. This study emphasizes the nutritional value of palm oil while highlighting the need for improved quality control measures to ensure the safety and efficacy of palm oil products.

Comprehensive Determination of the Phenolic Compound Contents and Antioxidant Potentials of Leaves and Roots of Peucedanum japonicum Harvested from Different Accessions and Growth Periods.

Peucedanum japonicum Thunberg, a medicinal plant, remains understudied despite its potential therapeutic benefits. This study aimed to determine the phytochemical profiles and antioxidant capacities in the extracts of different accessions of P. japonicum by measuring the total polyphenol and flavonoid content of the P. japonicum extracts coupled with DPPH and ABTS+ assays. In addition, phytochemical screening via LC-MS/MS and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis quantified nine compounds wherein chlorogenic acid (CA) was found to be the most abundant in all compounds while hyperoside and peucedanol were the least. Results showed variation in these compounds' content among accessions (2.01-21.31 mg/g CA) and plant parts (0.34-19.57 mg/g CA), with leaves generally showing higher antioxidant activity. The abundance of these compounds These integrated analyses provide insights into the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of this understudied plant, contributing to advances in natural product chemistry and potential therapeutic applications.

Integrated Phenotypic Physiology and Transcriptome Analysis Revealed the Molecular Genetic Basis of Anthocyanin Accumulation in Purple Pak-Choi

Purple Pak-choi is rich in anthocyanins, which have both ornamental and edible health functions, and has been used more and more widely in facility cultivation. In order to further clarify the molecular mechanism of purple Pak-choi, two Pak-choi inbred lines (‘PQC’ and ‘HYYTC’) were selected for the determination of pigment content and transcriptome analysis, and the key genes controlling the formation of purple character in leaves of Pak-choi were discovered. The results of pigment determination showed that the anthocyanin content of ‘PQC’ was 0.29 mg/g, which was about 100 times than ‘HYYTC’; The chlorophyll content of ‘HYYTC’ was 2.25 mg/g, while ‘PQC’ only contained 1.05 mg/g. A total of 20 structural genes related to anthocyanin biosynthesis and 28 transcriptional regulatory genes were identified by transcriptome analysis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to construct the weight network analysis map of 14 genes. The results showed that the cinnamate hydroxylase gene (BraA04002213, BrC4H3), flavanone-3- hydroxylase (BraA09004531, BrF3H1), and chalcone synthetase (BraA10002265, BrCHS1) were the core genes involved in the anthocyanin synthesis pathway of purple Pak-choi. The results identified the key genes controlling the formation of purple leaf traits, which laid a foundation for further analysis of the molecular mechanism of anthocyanin accumulation in purple Pak-choi and provided a theoretical basis for leaf color regulation.

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT OF P2O5 DETERMINATION METHOD IN PHOSPHATE FERTILIZERS AND ITS VALIDATION

The validation of chemical measurement for Phosphorus determination in fertilizers followed a chain of experimental procedures to ascertain the performance characteristic (PC), connecting Precision, accuracy, reproducibility, recovery, linearity, limit of detection and of quantification. Performance characteristics are accomplished to ensure that analytical method fits the purpose of particular testing. This method was conducted in three stages those were preparation, testing and data processing. The standard test method for determination of P2O5 content in fertilizers used for regulatory purpose is somewhat lengthy and time taking. A modification was done to the standard method to create a more efficient approach that meets validation criteria and is suitable for analyzing advisory fertilizer samples. During the year 2023-24, comprehensive research and development activity were carried out at Soil and Water Testing Laboratory (SWTL) for Research, Faisalabad and analytical data was generated. The obtained results were processed statistically and compared with the acceptance requirements. The coefficient of determination (R2), precision and accuracy/recovery percentage respectively were 0.9996, 0.3-1.10% and 98.01-102.34%, while LOD and LOQ were 0.84 and 2.25%. Based on the results the study concluded that the modified test method applied to determine P2O5was appropriate for its intended use based on the acceptance criteria of performance characteristics set forth in the validation protocol and can be applied as routine method at laboratory.

A Nondestructive and Rapid Method for the Determination of Triamterene Content by Transmission Raman Spectroscopy Combined with Chemometrics

Background: Triamterene is a potassium-conserving diuretic mainly used in the treatment of edematous diseases. Although there are some methods to measure the content of triamterene, the existing methods have the characteristics of sample destructiveness and low flux, making it difficult to meet the needs of online monitoring. In recent years, transmission Raman spectroscopy (TRS), as a new technology for the determination of drug content, has emerged as being nondestructive and rapid and provides a new method for the determination of triamterene content. Objective: In this study, we used transmission Raman spectroscopy combined with partial least squares (PLS) approaches to establish a six concentration levels model for measuring the content of triamterene. The model was applied to determine whether tablets are commercially available. Method: Firstly, TRS was used to collect the spectra of the principal components and mixed excipients of triamterene, and the feasibility test was carried out. Secondly, six concentration levels were determined by the design of experimental (DOE), and hand-made tablets were prepared to obtain corresponding spectra. The content prediction model was established by the PLS method, and the content of triamterene was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to correct the model. Finally, the model was applied to the determination of triamterene in commercially available tablets. Results: The results showed that the established model was successfully applied to the determination of triamterene. The values of RMSEC (0.0089783) and RMSECV (0.0097241) of the final model were very low and close to each other. The relative error of 12 hand-made tablets predicted by this model was less than 5% compared with the results determined by HPLC. In addition, in the process of applying the model to the determination of the content of commercially available tablets, the accuracy of the model can be significantly improved by adding the spectrum of commercially available tablets. The corrected model was used to determine the content of triamterene in two commercially available tablets. The results showed that the relative error was less than 5%. Conclusion: We described a new strategy to analyze the content of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) in triamterene tablets by TRS with PLS. The established model has the advantage of non-destructive and rapid quantitation, which can provide a new method for real-time monitoring of production lines and promote the development of process analytical technology (PAT).

Quantitative determination of iodine content in iodized table salt marketed in Jordan as an indicator of compliance with national salt iodization standards: A cross-sectional study

Iodine deficiency (ID) is a significant global public health issue, particularly affecting low-income countries. The iodization of salt is a widely adopted method to prevent iodine deficiency. This study aimed to assess the iodine content of iodized salt at the market level in various cities within the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (HKJ). We collected 152 salt samples from 24 different brands across three cities in Jordan: Amman, Zarqa, and Mafraq. The analysis was conducted using a titration method. The mean iodine content in salt samples varied by city, with values of 5.45 ppm in Mafraq, 10.33 ppm in Amman, and 13.22 ppm in Zarqa, ranging from 0 to 36 ppm. Significant differences in iodine concentration were observed within the same city across different brands (P ≤ 0.05). Additionally, variations were noted in iodine content for samples from the same brand collected in different cities, and even among samples from the same brand at the same location. Of the 152 samples evaluated, an average of 76.5% had iodine levels below the 15 ppm recommended by UNICEF. There was considerable variation in mean iodine content among brands, cities, and even within samples of the same brand. This indicates that the salt iodization process requires ongoing monitoring, and the government should enhance efforts to oversee the iodization process and improve the accessibility and utilization of iodized salt.

Magnetic nanoparticle-decorated metal organic frameworks for chemiluminescence detection of glutathione.

A chemiluminescence (CL) method for determination of glutathione (GSH) was developed with magnetic nanoparticle-decorated metal organic frameworks (Fe3O4 NPs@Cu-TATB). The composite material was synthesized via a hydrothermal method and glutathione (GSH) can be detected by both visual and chemiluminescence (CL) methods. The synthesized Fe3O4 NPs@Cu-TATB exhibited excellent catalytic activity in the luminol-H2O2 CL system. The mechanism revealed that three types of oxygen-containing radicals (ROS) were generated in this system. As GSH can reduce the catalytic effect of generated ROS radicals, the inhibiting CL signal was produced in the Fe3O4 NPs@Cu-TATB-luminol-H2O2 system. Based on the established CL system, the detection limits for GSH using CL and visual methods were found to be 0.3 µM and 0.7 µM, respectively. This low-cost and convenient detection method can be applied to the determination of GSH content in human blood.

Mistletoe (Loranthus europaeus Jacq.): antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticholinesterase activities

Plants are natural resources responsible for different biological activities. Determining the biological activities of plants is very important. In our study, some biological activities and total phenolic and flavonoid contents of Loranthus europaeus Jacq. were determined. In this context, ethanol and methanol extracts of the plant were obtained using the soxhlet device. Total antioxidant, total oxidant, and oxidative stress statuses were determined using Rel Assay kits. Antimicrobial activity was tested against standard bacterial and fungal strains using the agar dilution test. Anticholinesterase activity was determined by detecting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activities. Determination of total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Total flavonoid quantification was performed using an aluminum chloride assay. As a result of the study, TAS values (Total antioxidant status) of ethanol and methanol extracts of the plant were determined as 5.620±0.134 and 6.384±0.134 mmol/L, respectively. TOS values (Total oxidant status) were determined as 10.997±0.183 and 13.368±0.222 µmol/L, respectively. OSI values (Oxidative stress index) were measured as 0.196±0.004 and 0.209±0.003, respectively. TPC (Total phenolic content) value was determined as 34.49±1.78 and 55.82±2.34 mg/g, respectively, and TFC (Total flavonoid content) value was determined as 46.10±2.40 and 55.49±1.15 mg/g, respectively. Ethanol and methanol extracts of the plant were found to be effective against bacterial and fungal strains at concentrations between 50-200 µg/mL. In addition, the anti-AChE values of ethanol and methanol extracts were determined as 13.51±0.81 and 22.79±1.86 µg/mL, respectively, and the anti-BChE values were determined as 27.84±0.62 and 33.08±1.63 µg/mL, respectively. According to the results obtained, it was determined that L. europaeus has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticholinesterase activity. In this context, it is thought that it can be used as a natural material in pharmacological designs.

Raman analysis of aqueous solutions of ethylene glycol and 1,3-propylene glycol: Fundamental and applied aspects

Aqueous solutions of glycols, on the one hand, are widely used in many applications; on the other hand, they can serve as simple and representative models for studying intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds. In this work, we analyze the possibilities and limitations of Raman spectroscopy for fundamental and applied researches of such solutions on the examples of ethylene glycol (EG) and 1,3-propylene glycol (1,3-PG). It is shown that Raman spectroscopy is an effective tool for monitoring temporal changes in the structure of glycol solutions deposited on substrates. This study demonstrates that the water content in the solutions on the substrates decreases rapidly with time, and the rate of this decrease depends on the chemical structure of both glycol and substrate. It was found that the reduction in the water content leads to slight decrease in the contents of gauche-conformers in the backbones of EG and 1,3-PG molecules. It is shown that use of the 1064 nm excitation ensures a reliable Raman analysis of automotive antifreezes containing various dyes, in particular determination of the relative contents of water and glycol.

Determination of selenium in polyheteroatomic organic compounds by microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry

Currently, the problem of selenium determination in various objects attracts a large number of scientists. Interest in this area is attributed to the biological importance of selenium, since it is both an important nutrient and has a toxic effect on the body, depending on its amount and the properties of the compounds in which it is contained. Checking the purity of selenium-containing organic compounds (both determination of impurities and analysis of the basic composition), which is carried out by methods of elemental analysis, is an important task, however, in modern literature there is lack of information regarding this problem. The purpose of the presented study is to develop a method for the determination of selenium in the basic composition of synthetic polyheteroatomic organic compounds by microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Various selenodiazole derivatives were mainly used for analysis. Optimal conditions for sample preparation and atomic emission determination of the selenium content were specified. To mineralize the substances under study, oxygen flask combustion was used with the addition of potassium nitrate, which improves combustion and prevents the formation of soot. Hydrochloric acid at a concentration of 0.1 M was used as an absorption solution. It is noted that before measurements it is necessary to purge the monochromator and optimize the pressure in the atomic emission spectrometer nebulizer and optimize pressure in the atomizer. In addition, the number of replicates and sampling time were increased to optimize selenium measurement. Under specified conditions, the metrological characteristics of the technique were determined: the detection limit and quantitation limit, intra-laboratory precision and accuracy. Selenium was determined in 11 synthetic organic compounds with selenium content ranged from 12 to 51%. The error of the analysis did not exceed 0.3%, which meets the requirements of organic elemental analysis.

Determination of the silicon content of geological materials by reactor fast neutron activation analysis

Determination of the silicon content of geological materials by reactor fast neutron activation analysis

Real-time detection of cerebral edema in mice based on low-field nuclear magnetic resonance

Cerebral edema is a secondary symptom of several conditions, including stroke, liver, failure, and severe craniocerebral injury. This study aimed to propose a Low-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (LF-NMR) method for rapid and nondestructive measurement of brain water content and water phase state evaluating animal brain edema models. The water transverse relaxation time (T2) distribution in brain tissues was ascertained by measuring the T2 spectrograms of mouse brain tissues following various drying durations, in accordance with the shifting law of T2 peaks. A methodological study was carried out for the determination of water content in mouse brain tissue by the LF-NMR Peak Area (LF-NMR-PA) method using CuSO4 solution as standard solution. This method was studied in comparison with the wet/dry weight method and the Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) prediction method in normal and MCAO model mice, and further applied to the study of mannitol treatment of cerebral edema to validate the precision and accuracy of the hydration measurements as well as the method’s impact on subsequent experiments of cerebral infarct area measurement. In the T2 spectra of mouse brain tissues, the separate peaks T21 (0–10 ms), T22 (10–100 ms), and T23 (100–1000 ms) correspond to fat and bound water, water, and free water in brain tissue, respectively. The LF-NMR-PA method had good specificity, linearity, precision, stability, reproducibility, and recovery. The accuracy and range of use of the LF-NMR-PA method were better than those of the PLSR method, and its results were not significantly different from those of the wet/dry weight method. However, the short measurement time of the LF-NMR-PA method ensured the integrity of the tissues, and the determination of the moisture by this method did not have a significant effect on the subsequent determination of the area of cerebral infarction, which ensured the consistency of the experimental results.

Determinants of bone mineral density in various regions of the skeleton among smokers and non-smokers: the role of physical activity.

The adult human skeleton is composed of cortical and cancellous bone. The proportions of these two types of bone tissue differ in various parts of the skeleton. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to quantify the determinants of bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content in various regions of interest (ROIs) in smokers and never-smokers. In this study, 4,332 bone scans of three regions of interest (ROIs) were analyzed: the forearm (distal and proximal), femur, and lumbar spine. Body composition and bone parameters were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Smoking was measured using the Global Adult Tobacco Survey questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and physical activity (PA) was characterized by the metabolic equivalent of task (MET). Among women, the interaction between PA (positive β coefficient) and smoking (negative β coefficient) was a significant predictor of BMD in the distal and proximal forearm (adj. R2 = 0.40 and R2 = 0.58; p < 0.001). The interaction of three variables-age, smoking (negative β), and MET (positive β)-was significant for total hip BMD (adj. R2 = 0.54; p < 0.001). The interaction between BMI and MET (positive β) and smoking (negative β) was significant for BMD in the lumbar spine (adj. R2 = 0.62; p < 0.001). In men, the interaction between MET (positive β) and smoking (negative β) was significant for BMD in the forearm and lumbar spine (adj. R2 = 0.44, R2 = 0.46, and R2 = 0.49; p < 0.01). Smoking alone was a significant negative predictor of total hip BMD (adj. R2 = 0.34; p < 0.001). Among both women and men, never-smokers had significantly better bone parameters than smokers. Smoking was a significant negative predictor for BMD in the various ROIs in both women and men. Physical activity was a significant positive predictor of BMD, with a strong association with bone parameters.