Mineral Content Research Articles

Exploring the association between hypocretin-1 levels and bone mineral content in patients with narcolepsy: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionRecent studies suggest the existence of a physiologic basis for bone rarefaction and increased risk for fractures. This study aimed to address anthropometric differences between patients with narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) and type 2 (NT2) and discrepancies in bone mineral content (BMC) as a function of hypocretin-1 (Hcrt-1) measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). MethodsWe have evaluated 31 adult patients (aged 18–65 years) with NT1 and 18 patients with NT2, comparing the groups in terms of anthropometric variables – body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) – and percentage of bone mineral content (%BMC), measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Statistical analysis assessed the effects of Hcrt-1 levels on CSF, dietary intake, and medication use over these variables. Statistical significance was achieved with a confidence interval of 95 % and p < 0.05. ResultsPatients with NT1 presented with higher BMI (32.04 ± 6.95 vs. 25.38 ± 4.26 kg/m2; p < 0.01) and WHR (0.89 ± 0.09 vs. 0.83 ± 0.09; p = 0.02) compared to NT2, in detriment of %BMC, which was lower for NT1 (4.1 ± 1.02 vs. 4.89 ± 0.59; p < 0.01). Hcrt-1 in CSF showed a positive correlation with %BMC (r = +0.48, p < 0.01) and a negative correlation with anthropometric features (BMI: r = −0.54, p < 0.01; WHR: r = −0.37, p = 0.01). There was a correlation between WHR and diary caloric intake (r = +0.42, p < 0.01). ConclusionThe evaluation of patients with narcolepsy presupposes a syndromic approach comprising symptoms that go far beyond excessive daytime sleepiness. The integrated follow-up, including nutritional profile and anthropometric features, should add value in reducing morbidity in this population.

Influence of the Type of Physical Training on the Physical Fitness of Army Cadets.

Military Physical Training programs represent a constant challenge for the Armed Forces to improve body composition indices and physical fitness levels. This study aimed to verify the influence of the type of training on the physical fitness and body composition of army cadets, using 2 strategies: a sports program (Athletes group) and conventional physical training (Traditional group). This study involved new entrant male cadets who were selected for the Athletes group (n = 243, 19.08 ± 1.23 years) or the Traditional group (n = 356, 18.89 ± 0.97 years), with assessments occurring before and after the period of training (31.4 ± 3.9 weeks). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure the bone mineral content (BMC), fat mass (FM), percentage of fat mass (%FM), and lean soft tissue (LST). The physical tests evaluated the 3,000 m run (RUN), 50 m swim (SWIM), pull-ups (PULL) on the horizontal bar, push-ups (PUSH) on the ground, and abdominal flexion (SITUP). Time × group interaction effects were observed for BMC (P < .001), LST (P < .023), RUN (P < .001), PULL (P = .006), PUSH (P < .001), SITUP (P = .007), and SWIM (P < .001). A significant effect of time was noted for all variables analyzed in both groups, except %FM. The Athletes group achieved better results in body composition and in PULL, PUSH, RUN, and SWIM at baseline and after the training period. The Traditional group demonstrated higher relative changes (%) after the training period in the LST (P = .001), PULL (P < .001), PUSH (P < .001), SITUP (P < .004), and SWIM (P < .001) compared to the Athletes group. Both physical training programs improved body composition and physical performance.

A new approach for improving the properties of tailings sand autoclaved aerated concrete - From a mineralogical perspective

This study proposed a new method to improve the performance of tailings sand autoclaved aerated concrete (SAAC). Firstly, high silicon iron tailings from the Anqian area and low silicon molybdenum tailings from the Weinan area were selected, and the mineral composition of these two tailings was analyzed. Then, the single mineral in the two tailings were used instead of siliceous raw materials to prepare mineral autoclaved concrete (MAC). The autoclaved reactivities of these minerals were analyzed through compressive strength, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DTG), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and which minerals were beneficial for the preparation of SAAC were determined. On this basis, magnetic separation and gravity-magnetic separation processes were used to pretreat Anqian iron tailings and Weinan molybdenum tailings, respectively. Finally, the effectiveness of this method was verified by preparing SAAC made with tailings before and after pretreated. The tested results showed that the autoclaved activities of siliceous minerals were in the following order: quartz hornblende, feldspar, chlorite, while the montmorillonite and biotite, and the metal mine (hematite and pyrite) did not have autoclaved reactivities. The main crystalline phase of hydration products in MAC made with single mineral without autoclaved reactivities were C-S-H, Ca(OH)2, CaCO3, and hibschite, and that in MAC made with quartz, hornblende, feldspar, and chlorite were C-S-H, tobermorite, Ca(OH)2, CaCO3, and hibschite (except quartz). After 1.3 T strong magnetic separation treatment, the content of Fe2O3 in iron tailings decreased from 11.11 % to 4.16 %, and the compressive strength of SAAC made with iron tailings with magnetic separation pretreated increased by 11.43 % comparted to that of SAAC made with original iron tailings. After gravity separation and 1.1 T strong magnetic separation pretreated, the content of SiO2 in molybdenum tailings increased from 63.97 % to 84.03 %, and the mineral content of biotite decreased from 40.5 % to 11.2 %. The compressive strength of SAAC made with molybdenum tailings with gravity-magnetic separation pretreated increased by 24.09 % comparted to that of SAAC made with original molybdenum tailings.

Relationships between Wheat Development, Soil Properties, and Rhizosphere Mycobiota.

Wheat is a vital global food crop, yet it faces challenges in saline-alkali soils where Fusarium crown rot significantly impacts growth. Variations in wheat growth across regions are often attributed to uneven terrain. To explore these disparities, we examined well-growing and poorly growing wheat samples and their rhizosphere soils. Measurements included wheat height, root length, fresh weight, and Fusarium crown rot severity. Well-growing wheat exhibited greater height, root length, and fresh weight, with a lower Fusarium crown rot disease index compared to poorly growing wheat. Analysis of rhizosphere soil revealed higher alkalinity; lower nutrient levels; and elevated Na, K, and Ca levels in poorly growing wheat compared to well-growing wheat. High-throughput sequencing identified a higher proportion of unique operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in poorly growing wheat, suggesting selection for distinct fungal species under stress. FUNGuild analysis indicated a higher prevalence of pathogenic microbial communities in poorly growing wheat rhizosphere soil. This study underscores how uneven terrains in saline-alkali soils affect pH, nutrient dynamics, mineral content, wheat health, and rhizosphere fungal community structure.

Developing a Symbiotic Fermented Milk Product with Microwave-Treated Hawthorn Extract

The rising interest in functional foods has increased the use of probiotics and prebiotics in fermented dairy products to enhance gut health. This study focuses on developing a symbiotic fermented milk product using Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum activated with hawthorn extract as a prebiotic. Three versions of the product were tested: a control and two variants with B. bifidum activated with 10−5 g/cm3 and 10−10 g/cm3 hawthorn extract, respectively. Key characteristics such as microbiological safety, sensory properties, amino acid profile, vitamin and mineral content, antioxidant capacity, and nutritional values were evaluated. Results showed that products enriched with hawthorn extract had favorable sensory properties and sustained high levels of lactic acid bacteria while being free of pathogens. Product 1 based on L. acidophilus and enriched with B. bifidum activated with hawthorn extract at a concentration of 10−5 g/cm3 demonstrated significant increases in L. acidophilus (24.1%) and B. bifidum (14.7%) after 7 days compared to the control. Both enriched products exhibited slower titratable acidity increases and higher viscosities over 14 days, indicating better preservation and texture stability. Product 1 was notably enriched with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, alongside enhanced antioxidant properties due to increased flavonoid content. The technology developed ensures probiotic viability at 109–1010 CFU/cm3 after 14 days, making it viable for dairy production.

Based on NF-κB and Notch1/Hes1 Signaling Pathways, the Mechanism of Artesunate on Inflammation in Osteoporosis in Ovariectomized Rats was Investigated.

Artesunate (ART) has the potential to modulate the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and Notch1/Hes1 signaling pathways, which play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. This study aims to explore whether ART participates in the progression of osteoporosis by regulating these signaling pathways. In the in vitro experiments, we treated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) with different concentrations of ART (0, 3, 6, 12 µM) and evaluated osteogenic differentiation using alkaline phosphatase staining (ALP) and alizarin red S staining (ARS) staining. The expression levels of osteocalcin (OCN), RUNT-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and receptor activator of the nuclear factor kappa ligand (RANKL) were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The effects of ART on NF-κB p65 and Notch1 protein expression were analyzed by Western blot (WB) and immunofluorescence (IF). In the in vivo experiments, a postmenopausal osteoporosis rat model was established via ovariectomy. Bone tissue pathological injury was evaluated using hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining. Serum ALP levels were measured using a kit, bone density was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and serum levels of bone gla protein (BGP), OPG, RANKL, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-1β were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, the expression of NF-κB p65 and Notch1 in tissues was assessed by immunohistochemistry. In vitro experiments revealed that compared to the control group, ART dose-dependently promoted BMSCs proliferation and enhanced their osteogenic differentiation capability. The expression of OCN, RUNX2, and OPG significantly increased in the ART-treated group, while RANKL expression decreased significantly (p < 0.05). ART significantly inhibited the expression of NF-κB p65 and Notch1/Hes1 signaling pathway proteins (p < 0.05). Compared to ART treatment alone, combined treatment with ART and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or valproic acid (VPA) resulted in increased expression of NF-κB p65 and Notch1 proteins and decreased osteogenic differentiation capability (p < 0.05). In vivo experiments showed that in rats treated with ART, bone damage was significantly reduced, bone density and mineral content were restored considerably, and the expression of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Additionally, ART treatment significantly reduced the expression of NF-κB p65 and Notch1 proteins, increased OPG expression, and decreased BGP and RANKL levels (p < 0.05). In summary, ART facilitates the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs by inhibiting the NF-κB and Notch1/Hes1 signaling pathways, thereby exerting significant protective effects against osteoporosis.

Negative dietary cation and anion difference supplementation of twin-bearing Merino ewes grazing pasture in late gestation did not affect lamb growth or survival.

Each year in Australia, 53% of lamb mortalities are attributed to dystocia, with subclinical maternal calcium deficiencies likely contributing to dystocia rates. A negative dietary cation and anion difference (DCAD) diet has increased circulating calcium in sheep. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of supplementing twin-bearing, grazing ewes with a negative DCAD partial mixed ration (PMR) during late gestation on ewe calcium and magnesium concentrations and subsequent lamb growth and survival. On day 120 of gestation (dG), blood samples were collected from 115 twin-bearing Merino ewes and analyzed for glucose, ketone bodies, pH, ionized calcium, and serum calcium and magnesium. On dG 130, ewes were moved into lambing paddocks and placed in the following 2 treatment groups; ewes receiving a positive DCAD PMR (DCAD = 287 mEq/kg DM; n = 58) and ewes receiving a negative DCAD PMR (DCAD = -125 mEq/kg DM; n = 57) fed as a PMR. On dG 140, a blood and urine sample were collected. The urine was tested for pH. Pasture samples were taken on dG 133 and 149 and tested for DCAD and mineral content. When a lamb was 6 to 18h old, survival, vigor score, liveweight (LW), rectal temperature, blood glucose, and body morphology were recorded. At 10 d of age, lamb LW and survival were recorded and a milk sample was collected from ewes. At 44 d of age, lamb LW and survival were recorded. The DCAD of the pastures across the 6 paddocks ranged from 598 to 893 mEq/kg DM. There were no differences in lamb survival, weight, or viability at any timepoint (P > 0.05). There were no differences in mineral status, metabolic state, or acid-base balance between the positive and negative DCAD-supplemented ewes (P > 0.05) during supplementation (dG 140). Supplementing a negative DCAD diet to ewes grazing pasture during late gestation did not improve lamb survival. The blood and urine pH of the negative DCAD-supplemented ewes indicated a mild metabolic acidosis was not reached due to the high DCAD of the pastures. Further research needs to take careful consideration of the DCAD of pasture when designing a negative DCAD supplement in order for it to be effective.

Impact of dairy supplementation on bone acquisition in children's limbs: a 12-month cluster-randomized controlled trial and meta-analysis.

This study evaluated the impact of dairy supplementation on bone acquisition in children's limbs through a cluster-randomized controlled trial and a meta-analysis. The trial involved 315 children (4-6year) from Northwest China, randomized to receive either 390ml of milk daily (n = 215) or 20-30g of bread (n = 100) over 12months. We primarily assessed bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC) changes at the limbs, alongside bone-related biomarkers, measured at baseline, the 6th and 12th months. The meta-analysis aggregated BMD or BMC changes in the forearm/legs/calcaneus from published randomized trials involving children aged 3-18years supplemented with dairy foods (vs. control group). Of 278 completed the trial, intention-to-treat analysis revealed significant increases in BMD (4.05% and 7.31%) and BMC (4.69% and 7.34%) in the left forearm at the 6th and 12th months in the milk group compared to controls (P < 0.001). The calcaneus showed notable improvements in BMD (2.01%) and BMC (1.87%) at 6months but not at 12months. Additionally, milk supplementation was associated with beneficial changes in bone resorption markers, parathyroid hormone (- 12.70%), insulin-like growth factor 1 (6.69%), and the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (2.22%) (all P < 0.05). The meta-analysis, encompassing 894 children, indicated that dairy supplementation significantly increased BMD (SMD, 0.629; 95%CI: 0.275, 0.983) and BMC (SMD, 0.616; 95%CI: 0.380, 0.851) (P < 0.05) in the arms, but not in the legs (P > 0.05). Milk supplementation significantly improves bone health in children's forearms, underscoring its potential as a strategic dietary intervention for bone development. Trial registration NCT05074836.

Sex differences in body composition and shock attenuation during running

Running-related impact shock is absorbed via biological tissue deformation. Given known sex differences in body composition, shock attenuation may also differ between sexes thereby influencing sex-specific running-related injury risk. This study examined sex differences in body composition and shock attenuation during running. Seventeen female (mean ± 1SD age: 34.7 ± 16.1) and twenty-one male runners (age: 29.0 ± 13.8) ran overground as inertial measurement units with triaxial accelerometers measured impact shock at the distal tibia and low-back. Frequency-domain axial and resultant shock attenuation were calculated between the low-back relative to the tibia using a transfer function of the power spectral density within 9–20, 21–35, and 36–50 Hz. Bone mineral density and content, fat and lean mass were measured in the lower extremity and pelvis/gynoid regions using dual x-ray absorptiometry. The association between sex and shock attenuation was tested using age-adjusted linear regression models, adjusted and unadjusted for body composition as a post-hoc analysis (α = 0.05). Body composition variables normalized to body mass were compared between sexes using independent samples t-tests (α = 0.05). Body composition differed between sexes (p-range: <0.001–0.01, Cohen’s d range: 0.17–2.41). Before adjusting for body composition, sex was not significantly associated with axial or resultant shock attenuation (p > 0.05), but adjusting for select body composition variables like lower extremity lean and bone mass revealed greater attenuation in females than males (β-range: −124.76 to −46.42, negative indicates greater attenuation; p-range = 0.004–0.04). Sex may not influence shock attenuation during running, but body composition must be accounted for to better understand this association and consequently sex-specific tissue capacities relative to applied loads.

Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.): A Comprehensive Review on its Usage Areas, Biological Activities, Mineral, Phenolic and Chemical Contents and Applications

Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.): A Comprehensive Review on its Usage Areas, Biological Activities, Mineral, Phenolic and Chemical Contents and Applications

Multifractal characteristics on pore structure of Longmaxi shale using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)

The efficient exploration and extraction of shale gas is essential for China's energy structure as a replacement for natural gas. In this research, shale samples from the Longmaxi Formation in Changning, Sichuan Province were investigated for their pore structure. To achieve this, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments were performed on the samples. Fractal theory was employed to characterize the pore structure and fractal features of the shale reservoirs. The fractal characteristics of reservoir rocks were correlated with physical parameters and mineral components to identify the controlling factors for the multifractal dimension. The results indicate the following: ① Quartz predominates in the mineral composition of shale in the study area, while clay minerals are the least abundant. ② The primary pore types observed in the samples are bound fluid pores, primarily controlled by mesopores (2 nm ≤ r ≤ 50 nm). ③ The calculated multifractal parameters show that the heterogeneous pore structure exhibits multifractal characteristics. ④ The low probability multifractal parameters Dmin-D0 and αmax-α0 were found to be negatively correlated with reservoir porosity, permeability, and clay mineral content, while the high probability multifractal parameters D0-Dmax and α0-αmin were found to be positively correlated with them. The comprehensive fractal characterization of reservoir rocks demonstrates the applicability of multifractal dimensions in characterizing the heterogeneity of shale reservoir pore structures, which holds potential promise for coal methane exploration.

Body composition of extreme performers in the US Marine Corps

BackgroundThe creation of highly muscled and strong fighters is a recurring theme in human performance enhancement concepts. Physical readiness standards, intended to prevent obesity in the military, produce contradictory objectives,...

Usability of a novel Hounsfield units measurement procedure to quantify intercorporal bone graft remodeling in patients after posterior lumbar interbody fusion: a case series

BackgroundThere is a lack of knowledge about the biological process of intercorporal bone graft remodeling after posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery and whether this process is associated with changes in back pain and intercorporal fusion status. As an alternative to the commonly used but unreliable fusion criteria, Hounsfield units can be used to quantify biological activity and changes in bone mineral content. However, studies assessing Hounsfield units conducted to date do not provide sufficient details about how the bone grafts were segmented to measure the Hounsfield units to allow for replication, and did not assess individual patient trends in graft changes over time. Using the data of nine patients after posterior lumbar interbody fusion, a novel Hounsfield units measurement procedure was developed and used to explore its usability to quantify the bone graft remodeling process.Case detailsWe report a case series of nine patients (six male, three female, mean age 64 years, all Caucasian) who all had computed tomography scans performed at 1 and 2 years after posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery. Overall, seven out of the nine (78%) cases had a 3–41% increase in their bone grafts’ Hounsfield units between 1 and 2 years after surgery. The cases showed large interindividual variability in their Hounsfield units values over time, which coincided with varying levels of back pain and intercorporal fusion status.ConclusionThe Hounsfield units measurement procedure used for this case series may be useful to quantify intercorporal bone graft remodeling in patients after posterior lumbar interbody fusion, and may be used as an adjunct diagnostic measure to monitor bone graft remodeling over time. Future research is warranted to explore how to interpret bone graft Hounsfield units-values and Hounsfield units trajectories in light of clinical variables or intercorporal fusion status.

Sclerotic prostate cancer bone metastasis: woven bone lesions with a twist

Abstract Bone metastases (BM) are the most severe, and prevalent consequences, of prostate cancer (PC), affecting more than 80% of patients with advanced PC. PCBMs generate pain, pathological fractures, and paralysis. As modern therapies increase survival, more patients are suffering from these catastrophic consequences. Radiographically, PCBMs are predominantly osteosclerotic, but the mechanisms of abnormal bone formation, and how this pathologic increase in bone density is related to fractures is unclear. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis on a cohort of 76 cadaveric PCBM specimens and 12 cancer-free specimens as controls. We used micro-computed tomography to determine three-dimensional organization and quantify bone characteristics, quantitative backscattering electron microscopy to characterize mineral content and details in bone structure, nanoindentation to determine mechanical properties, and histological and immunohistochemical analysis of bone structure and composition. We define 4 PCBM phenotypes: osteolytic, mixed lytic-sclerotic, and two subgroups of osteosclerotic lesions, those with residual trabeculae, and others without residual trabeculae. The osteosclerotic lesions are characterized by the presence of abnormal bone accumulated on trabeculae surfaces, and within intertrabecular spaces. This abnormal bone is characterized by higher lacunae density, abnormal lacunae morphology and irregular lacunae orientation. However, mineral content, hardness, and elastic modulus at micron-scale were indistinguishable between this irregular bone and residual trabeculae. The collagen matrix of this abnormal bone presents with irregular organization and a prominent collagen III composition. These characteristics suggest that osteosclerotic PCBMs initiate new bone deposition as woven bone, however, the lack of subsequent bone remodelling, absence of lamellar bone deposition on its surface, and presence of collagen III, distinguish this pathologic matrix from conventional woven bone. While the mineralized matrix retains normal bone hardness and stiffness properties, the lack of fibril anisotropy presents a compromised trabecular structure, which may have clinical implications.

Bone mineral density affects tumor growth by shaping microenvironmental heterogeneity.

Breast cancer bone metastasis is the leading cause of mortality in patients with advanced breast cancer. Although decreased mineral density is a known risk factor for bone metastasis, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood because studying the isolated effect of bone mineral density on tumor heterogeneity is challenging with conventional approaches. Here, we investigate how bone mineral content affects tumor growth and microenvironmental complexity in vivo by combining single-cell RNA-sequencing with mineral-containing or mineral-free decellularized bone matrices. We discover that the absence of bone mineral significantly influences fibroblast and immune cell heterogeneity, promoting phenotypes that increase tumor growth and alter the response to injury or disease. Importantly, we observe that the stromal response to matrix mineral content depends on host immunocompetence and the murine tumor model used. Collectively, our findings suggest that bone mineral density affects tumor growth by altering microenvironmental complexity in an organism-dependent manner.

Exploring the nutritional profiles and dietary value of indigenous fish species from the Mathabanga River in Bangladesh

The study aimed to address the pervasive issue of inadequate nutrition in Bangladesh by analyzing eight distinct fish species, a pivotal step toward developing fish powder as a promising dietary supplement for nutritional enhancement. Samples from the Mathabhanga River in Chuadanga were rigorously processed and oven-dried to assess their nutritional properties, focusing on proximate composition, mineral content, and amino acid profile. Among the studied fish species, C. reba demonstrated the highest energy content (198.56 Kcal/100 g, p < 0.001), with notably elevated crude protein content (16.99 g/100 g, p < 0.001) compared to all except N. notopterus. The mineral composition order in fish powders was Ca > P > Fe > Na > Mg. Leucine emerged as the predominant essential amino acid (EAA) (6.84 to 32.15 mg/g, p < 0.001) among the species. O. pabo exhibited notably higher total EAA (∑EAA) levels (124.30 mg/g, p < 0.05) compared to other species. P. ticto showed a significantly higher ratio of total essential and non-essential amino acid content (∑EAA/∑NEAA) (0.41, p < 0.05) compared to other species. These findings underscored the nutritional value of the studied fish species, advocating their utilization as a dietary supplement to address malnutrition in Bangladesh.

A review on the phytochemistry and biological activities of Curculigo latifolia Dryand ex. W.Aiton

Curculigo latifolia Dryand. ex W. T. Aiton, from the genus Curculigo, is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat numerous illnesses such as fever, stomach aches, jaundice, wounds, and inflammation. C. latifolia is a perennial herb that is widely found in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Southeast Asia, Southern China, Bangladesh, Australia, and the Andaman Islands. This review collates the reported studies on the different aspects of C. latifolia from its plant description, nutritional value, phytochemistry, chemical composition, and pharmacological properties. This review aims to identify gaps in the literature and provide useful references for future work on this plant. Previous studies have shown that C. latifolia contains high mineral contents of calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are essential components of human health. Moreover, the plant is rich in phytochemicals, which play a prominent role in various pharmacological activities. The most common compounds identified included curculigoside, crassifoside I, nyasicoside, and curculigine. C. latifolia demonstrated high antioxidant activity through its ability to scavenge superoxide anions, 1,1–diphenyl–2–picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino–bis(3–ethylbenzthiazoline–6–sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals, reducing ferric ions to ferrous complexes, iron chelation, and β –carotene bleaching. It was also shown that the roots, stems, and leaves of C. latifolia were effective in exerting antimicrobial activity against several microbial strains, including Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtillis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Erwinia sp., Klebsiella sp., Pseudomonas sp., Candida albicans, Salmonella choleraesuis and Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, the root, fruit, leaf, petiole, and rhizome extracts were found to improve glucose uptake and insulin secretion in diabetic rats, suggesting their antidiabetic potential. C. latifolia presents a wide range of medicinal properties that could make it a promising functional food or source of food supplements to prevent nutrition–related or chronic diseases.

Crude oil removal from water: Influence of organic phase composition and mineral content

AbstractThe effect of organic and inorganic compounds, commonly present in the mineralogy of crude oil and/or added in the washing processes of extracted crude, on the removal efficiency of emulsified oils present in waste washing waters was investigated by means of flocculation. Approximately 90% of the emulsified oil could be removed using an anionic flocculant, providing a residual turbidity below 100 NTU. The yield depended on the nature of the organic and inorganic components present. The higher the chain length of the main organic component, the greater the flocculant concentration required to remove the oil. Several components had an effect of emulsification (e.g., octane, decane), some of which rendered de‐oiling process completely ineffective (e.g., naphthenic acids). Aliphatics were the most difficult to eliminate, requiring flocculant levels in the 200–300 ppm range. This is in contrast to 75–100 ppm levels which were required to remove bi‐ and poly‐cyclic aromatics. Heavy oils were more difficult to remove than light oils. There was a strong effect of the pH of the aqueous phase. The optimum was pH = 2.0. Virtually all inorganic compounds reduced the efficiency of removing oil from water when spiked at 1%. The only exception was sodium carbonate which acted as a de‐emulsifier. Monovalent salts have a minor effect on de‐oiling, with efficiencies remaining at 80%. Divalent chlorides reduced the de‐oiling efficiency to 70% while sulphates had a more severe influence. The de‐oiling efficiency was lowered substantially with the addition of clays, zinc, cadmium, ferric oxide, calcium carbonate, and dibenyhlthiophene.

Enhancement of Plant Growth with Plant-Based Compost and the Heterotrophic Azotobacter and Streptomyces Inoculation under Greenhouse Conditions

Compost is a natural and sustainable way to improve soil fertility and enhance plant growth. Moringa leaves have high mineral, cytokinin, and vitamin content which are useful for growth so that they can be used as organic fertilizer. Azotobacter and Streptomyces are from soil and have many biological activities. This study aimed to detect the importance of bioagents formula with Moringa Compost (MC) to enhance plant growth in poor sterile soil and plants were irrigated with half strength of Hoagland nutrient solution. Moringa leaves were collected and cleaned, and organic compost was prepared and analyzed for microbial and chemical composition. The prepared MC was rich in nitrogen and minerals and had high content of bacteria and fungi. The two bioagents used were isolate MB5 and MB11 which were characterized and molecular identified as Azotobacter chroococcum MB5 and Streptomyces griseus MB11. The free-living A. chroococcum can fix atmospheric nitrogen while Streptomyces is a filamentous bacterium with a high ability to produce secondary metabolites. The addition of 20% MC to soil increased soil EC and microbial counts compared to MC-free soil. Moreover, inoculation of soil with either AZ or ST increased the microbial counts and soil EC and the clearest increase was in the case of inoculation of soil with MC+AZ+ST. It also found that MC extract alone with the bacterial filtrates increases seed germination of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (common bean), which is a herbaceous annual worldwide plant, grown for its edible dry seeds or green unripe pods. In this regard, inoculation of soil with inoculum of both A. chroococcum MB5, and S. griseus MB11, in the presence of MC has the most pronounced effect and enhances both the growth, fresh and dry weights, leaf number, plant height, and root length of P. vulgaris grown under greenhouse conditions for one month and chemical content of the plant protein carbohydrates, P, N, Ca++ and K+. In conclusion, the combined application A. chroococcum MB5 and S. griseus MB11, as a biofertilizers with Moringa compost is recommended to enhance P. vulgaris growth. The use of these biofertilizers can reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, which can have detrimental effects on soil and the environment. Therefore, further research on the inoculation and application of these microorganisms with MC is essential for sustainable agriculture.

Utilization of local agro-industrial by-products based substrates to enhance production and dietary value of mushroom (P. ostreatus) in Ethiopia

Food insecurity and malnutrition are serious problems in many developing countries, including Ethiopia. This situation warrants an urgent need for the diversification of food sources with enhanced productivity. This study was aimed at contributing to the food security in Ethiopia through cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms using sustainable and locally available agro-industrial byproduct-based substrates in parallel with pollution control. Ten substrates were prepared using sugarcane bagasse, filter cake, trash, cotton seed hull and animal waste, namely cow dung and horse and chicken manure. The effect of each substrate (treatment) on the yields, biological efficiency, nutritional composition, and mineral contents of Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom species was evaluated at the Ethiopian Forest Products Innovation Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The results obtained indicate that a significantly higher (p < 0.05) yield and biological efficiency were recorded from the mushroom cultivated on S2 substrate containing a mixture of 80% sugarcane bagasse, 12% cow dung, and 8% cotton seed hull. Moreover, substrate containing sugarcane bagasse mixed with cotton seed hull, cow dung, and chicken manure significantly (p < 0.05) increased the yields and biological efficiency of the mushroom. The content of protein, crude fat, fiber, and carbohydrates of the mushroom cultivated from all the utilized substrates were in the range of 17.30–21.5, 1.77–2.52, 31.03–34.38, and 28.02–39.74%, respectively. The critical macro-elements are abundant in the mushroom in the order of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium. The mushrooms cultivated on all the substrates were rich in essential micro-elements in the order of iron and zinc. It was found that substrate preparation and formulation significantly (p < 0.05) improved the yields, biological efficiency, nutritive values, and mineral contents of the mushroom. The use of these by-products as substrates is sustainable and environmentally friendly and allows the production of mushroom with high nutritional value on a sustainable basis in order to enhance food security in the country.