Mineral Content Research Articles

Impact of Toxoplasma gondii on Serum Protein Levels and Mineral Content in Sheep and Goats at a Small Dairy Farm in White Nile State, Sudan

Aim: This study aims to investigate the effects of Toxoplasma gondii infection on the serum proteins and macro elements (Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphate) for sheep and goat. Introduction: In sheep and goats, Toxoplasma infection is a major cause of abortion and stillbirth. Subclinical infections are also quite common in adult animals of affected flocks and herds. Serum proteins and macro elements plays an essential role in animal metabolism. Materials and Methods: Serological survey of T. gondii was conducted using Latex Agglutination Test (LAT) for 20 sera collected from sheep and goats (8 and12 respectively) in white Nile State, Sudan. Results: Out of twelve goats’ serum and eight sheep serum samples, seven samples were found to be positive for Toxoplasma (58.33%) in goats and four samples were found to be positive for Toxoplasma (50%) in sheep, the remaining samples were negative. It was observed that serum Total protein (Tp) level was increased significantly (p<0.05) in both species, and albumin (Alb) level decreased significantly (p<0.05) in goats, while Globulin (Glob) was significantly (p<0.05) low in sheep compared with control animals. The results showed that some minerals (Na and K) concentrations in the serum were higher in both sheep and goats compared to the controls. Conclusion: In conclusion infestation of goats with Toxoplama gondii increases the total protein, globulins and significantly decreases the albumin concentrations. For sheep the infestation increases the total protein, albumin and significantly decreases the globulin concentrations. Sheep and goats infected with Toxoplasma gondii showed increased serum sodium, potassium and magnesium levels affecting most of the enzyme systems.

INVESTIGATION OF THE RHEOLOGICAL, NUTRITIONAL, AND SENSORY PROPERTIES OF THE GLUTEN-FREE BREAD PRODUCED FROM RICE, BEAN, AND CHICKPEA FLOUR

In recent years, the demand for gluten-free products has been constantly increasing due to the increase in the number of people suffering from celiac disease. Bread is the main product consumed in our country; therefore, gluten-free bread for celiac patients on the market is mostly of poor quality and low nutritional value, while gluten-free flour has a very high price. The purpose of this work was to investigate the rheological properties of dough, the nutritional value of bread, as well as the sensory properties of gluten-free bread produced from mixtures of raw materials such as rice, chickpea, and bean flour, corn starch, and egg powder. The results showed that the gluten-free bread had different rheological properties, and only mixes M5 and M6 had similar rheological properties, such as dough development, stability, and degree of softening, to the control bread M1. Gluten-free bread from mixtures M2 and M3 had higher contents of protein, fat, cellulose, and minerals, while bread from mixtures M5 and M6 had medium contents. Bread M2 and M3 had acidity levels above the allowed limits which made them unusable or had a short shelf life. Sensory analyses showed that bread M5 had similar sensory properties to the control bread M1 and fell into the same quality category; also, bread from the M5 mixture has a much better taste and aroma. For consumption, we recommend using gluten-free bread from the M5 mixture, which in its composition has 80% rice flour, 7.5% chickpea flour, 5% bean flour, and 7.5% egg powder.

Study on the evaluation of shale reservoir brittleness based on mineral disorder

Brittleness serves as a critical indicator for assessing whether reservoirs can form complex fracture networks. While methods based on brittle mineral content or rock mechanical parameters are widely used, their lack of integration between mineralogy and mechanics introduces limitations. A single evaluation parameter cannot accurately assess shale brittleness. There is a need for a universally applicable method that comprehensively considers mineral composition, mechanical properties, and brittleness variations in shale evaluation. This study uses Longmaxi shale in the Sichuan Basin as an example, establishing a mineral disorder index based on shale mineral composition and mechanical characteristics, incorporating the influence of confining pressure to establish a shale brittleness index. Results indicate varying weights of brittleness contributions from different minerals, ranked in descending order: pyrite, quartz, calcite, dolomite, feldspar, and clay. Greater complexity in mineral combinations correlates with lower shale brittleness indices. Typically, single mineral disorder indices show a positive correlation with internal mineral disorder indices. Confining pressure exhibits an inversely proportional relationship with shale brittleness indices, with brittleness at 30, 50, and 70 MPa confining pressures being 0.737, 0.586, and 0.451 times those without confining pressure, respectively. This method guides current brittleness research and reservoir production enhancement.

Therapeutic Potential of the Algerian Ground Nut (Bunium bulbocastanum) Dietary Supplement in the Treatment of Thyroid-induced Dysfunction and Associated Growth Performance and Meat Quality in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Background: Both traditional usage and initial scientific findings suggest that Bunium bulbocastanum, commonly known as Talghouda tuber nut, may offer health benefits, particularly for thyroid dysfunction. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of dietary supplementation in managing pharmacologically thyroid-induced dysfunction and its effects on growth performance and meat quality in rabbits. Methods: Thirty 45-day-old male Lionhead rabbits were divided into three groups, each with two subgroups. The Control groups received either a standard diet (C) or a diet supplemented with 35% dried Talghouda (Csup). The Hypothyroid group included rabbits induced with hypothyroidism using carbimazole at a dose of 5 mg/kg BW/day (HytCar) and those subsequently treated with dried Talghouda (HytTal). Similarly, hyperthyroid group comprised rabbits induced with hyperthyroidism using levothyroxine (HyrLevo) and those treated with dried Talghouda (HyrTal). Thyroid function was assessed by measuring serum levels of T3, T4 and TSH. Additionally, growth performance and meat quality parameters were evaluated. Result: Talghouda supplementation significantly influenced thyroid hormone levels in rabbits, elevating T3 and T4 in the hyperthyroid groups (HyrLevo and HyrTal) compared to controls, while suppressing TSH in hyperthyroid groups and elevating it in hypothyroid groups. Talghouda treatment improved growth performance, evidenced by increased weight gain and higher eviscerated carcass weights in the hyperthyroid-treated groups. Meat quality also improved, with favourable pH, dry matter percentage and mineral content observed in the Talghouda-treated hypothyroid group. These findings suggest that Bunium bulbocastanum is a viable natural intervention for managing thyroid dysfunction while maintaining or enhancing growth and meat quality in rabbits, offering promising pharmacological and economic benefits.

Sausage meat product enriched by jida

The development strategy aimed at creating the independence of the use of our raw materials by domestic meat producers is currently achieving the following goals: building modern production facilities and introducing new primary and processing technologies; expanding the assortment of meat products. The scientific research works carried out during the development of technology for the production of meat products by replacing a certain amount of beef or chicken with vegetable raw materials are important. Production of meat products based on these raw materials allows effective use of local raw materials, production of functional products and expansion of the range of meat products. The purpose of the study is to consider the features of the production technology of sausage meat product enriched with jida. The article presents the processing of the meat product production technology by enriching its composition with raw materials of vegetable origin - jida powder and the analysis of the mineral content of the finished product. The research work was carried out at the "Food Engineering" department of the M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University and at the "Construction and Biochemical Materials" regional test laboratory of engineering profile. Raster electron microscope (REM) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) methods were used to determine the amount of mineral substances in meat products - sausage. The specialty of this work is the technology of product production using vegetable raw materials to enrich the content of meat products - sausages with minerals. Vegetable raw material - jida powder, by using it in the production of functional meat products, enriches the mineral content of meat products, and also by replacing a small part of meat raw materials, contributes to increasing the yield of the product. Jida powder is a vegetable raw material that is soluble in cold water and rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, flavonoids and organic acids and does not cause losses in the production of food product. Jida powder production technology consists of: cleaning berries from dust and impuri[1]ties (passing them through a sorting fan); crushing (optimal duration of berry crushing in the IV-1 crusher τ= 52-65 sec, rotation speed of the working body 12000 rpm); drying (dry in the sun for fruits with a high sugar content).

Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Skin-contact White Wines

Background: Skin-contact white wines (also known as amber, orange, or macerated white wines) go through extended maceration during fermentation, giving the wine a characteristic amber- or orange-like color and a unique flavor. Objective: This study aimed to compare the polyphenolic profile and antioxidant capacity of selected skin-contact white wines from three different regions including the ones prepared with the traditional Kakhetian method. Methods: Samples consisted of nine commercially available skin-contact white wines from Greece, United States and Georgia. Wines from Georgia were prepared with the traditional Kakhetian method. Several physicochemical properties, total phenolic content (TPC), ß-carotene, and mineral content were determined. Results: TPC ranged from 447 to 2211 mg GAE/L, antioxidant capacity measured using ABTS and DPPH ranged from 643 – 2088 μmol TE/L, and 584 – 4421 μmol TE/L, respectively. Mn, Ca, Mg and P content ranged from 3.6 – 18.2 mg/L, 406 - 772 mg/L, 1530 – 2770 mg/L, and 530 – 2200 mg/L, respectively. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the eight phenolic compounds that were present in more than one wine (gallic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, caftaric acid, 4-CQA=4-Caffeoylquinic acid, p-coumaric acid, catechin, and epicatechin) identified two groups of skin-contact wines. Group one included the three amber wines from Georgia (samples 1 to 3) made following the Kakhetian method and one orange wine from the USA (sample 9). Group two included the remaining samples from the USA (samples 7,8) and the three samples from Greece (samples 4-6). Conclusion: Skin-contact white wines, despite having an extended maceration during fermentation in common, can be quite different in polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity, perhaps due to differences in the processing conditions.

Investigation of Cytotoxic Effects of Tragopogon reticulatus Against HepG2 and MCF-7 Cell Lines and Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Effects Against Some Microorganisms

Plants have been used for various purposes throughout history. This subject has received increasing attention in the field of traditional medicine in recent years. Tragopogon reticulatus, as a forage grass plant in turkey, is a species that stands out with rich vitamin and mineral content. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities of T. reticulatus. Two separate extracts were prepared at different concentrations using hexane and methanol solvents obtained from the T. reticulatus plant, and cytotoxic activity was evaluated by the MTT Assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) method on human liver cancer (HepG2) and human breast cancer (MCF7) cell lines. The antioxidant activity of the extracts obtained from methanol and hexane was determined by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging capacity method. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the disk diffusion method, and bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Bacillus megaterium, and Candida albicans fungus were used in the study. The hexane extract obtained from the T. reticulatus plant showed a high cytotoxic activity of 44% in the MCF7 cell line, while it showed a 51% dead cell count in the HepG2 cell line. When the antioxidant results were evaluated, it was determined that the DPPH radical scavenging effect of the hexane extract exhibited the most effective activity at 19%. When the antimicrobial results were evaluated, it was determined that the concentrations prepared with hexane exhibited the most effective activity with a zone diameter of 16 mm against B. megaterium. These findings suggest that T. reticulatus plant extracts can be considered as a potential source. These results may shed light on future research into the biological effects of the plant and contribute to the development of new treatment methods.

Accurate determination of high sulfur content in sulfide samples: an optimized ICP-OES method

Determination of high sulfur content in sulfide minerals is crucial for various applications, including geochemistry, mining, and environmental monitoring. While inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) is the preferred method for sulfur analysis, conventional sample preparation techniques often fall short when dealing with high sulfur concentrations. This study investigated optimized digestion conditions for accurate sulfur determination in sulfide minerals using ICP-OES. We employed anti-corrosion acid digestion bombs, an aqua regia–hydrofluoric acid system, and a digestion temperature of 180 °C, achieving exceptional results. Certified reference material recoveries ranged from 99.9 to 100.5%, with relative standard deviations between 0.42 and 0.84%. These results demonstrate the high accuracy and precision of the method. The optimized digestion protocol presented in this study provides a robust and reliable approach for accurate sulfur analysis in sulfide minerals, particularly for high concentrations.

Quantifying the Effect of Basic Minerals on Acid- and Ligand-Promoted Dissolution Kinetics of Iron in Simulated Dark Atmospheric Aging of Dust and Coal Fly Ash Particles.

The content and multiphase chemistry of iron (Fe) in multicomponent atmospheric aerosols are important to global climate and oceanic models. To date, reported dissolution rates of Fe span orders of magnitude with no quantifiable dependency on the content of basic minerals that coexist with Fe. Here, we report dissolution rates of Fe in simulated dark atmospheric aging of fully characterized multielement particles under acidic conditions (bulk pH 1 or 3) with and without oxalic acid and pyrocatechol. Our main findings are (a) the total amount of Ca and Mg was higher in coal fly ash than in Arizona test dust, (b) Fe dissolution initial rates increased exponentially with %Ca/Al and %Mg/Al below 50%, (c) a reduction in the Fe dissolution initial rate was observed with %Ca/Al higher than 50%, (d) reactive Ca and Mg minerals increased the calculated initial pH at the liquid/solid interface to values higher by only 1.5-2 units than the measured bulk pH, yet interfacial water remained acidic for Fe dissolution to take place, and (e) reactive Ca and Mg minerals enhanced the deprotonation of organics at the interface, aiding in ligand-promoted dissolution of Fe. The impact of these results is discussed within the context of constraining Fe dissolution kinetic models.

Synthesis and characterization of nickel and molybdenum catalysts supported on alumina derived from bauxite

In this study, a natural ore (bauxite), which is characterized by its high content of various aluminum minerals, such as gypsite, , bohmite, and diaspore, AlO(OH), was used to obtain alumina ( ), which was used as a support for the catalyst. The components of the ore were studied using multiple techniques, such as The X-ray energy dispersion (EDX) technique, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology. Then, undesirable components that negatively affect the behavior of the prepared catalyst were removed, such as carbonates, iron, and amorphous silica, and then aluminum oxide (alumina) was prepared from the ore using a series of chemical treatments. Then the mixed catalyst consisting of (nickel/molybdenum) carried on alumina was prepared, its properties were studied, and its components were identified by measuring energy dispersion with X-rays (EDX) and ensuring the extent of its thermal stability by conducting a thermal analysis measurement. Gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), measurement of the surface area of ​​the prepared catalyst (BET), scanning electron microscope (SEM) measurement, as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) measurements to identify the percentages of metals, and then estimating the percentage of these elements in their oxide form. KEY WORDS: Catalyst, Bauxite, Nickel, Molybdenum Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(6), 1715-1724. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i6.17

The concentrations of microelements in forest mushrooms are influenced by soil pH and C/N ratio and less by stand characteristics

The fruitbodies or sporocarps formed by mushrooms can accumulate mineral elements, such as selenium, zinc or copper, making them an important source of micronutrients essential to humans. However, the literature about environmental factors affecting mineral composition in mushrooms is scarce and limited to the ambiguous impact of soil properties and region. In our study, we investigated the effects of tree stand characteristics (tree species and tree canopy cover), understory cover, and soil properties (pH and C/N ratio of the soil) on the concentration of minerals in six edible mushroom species: Laccaria laccata, L. proxima, L. amethystina, Lepista nuda, Lycoperdon perlatum, and Calvatia excipuliformis, collected on 20 plots covered by stands of different tree species composition and varying in the understory cover. We estimated the concentration of eight elements (Zn, Se, Mg, Mn, Cu, Co, Cr, Mo) using the ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry) technique and compared their concentration between the plots, using ordination and linear regression methods. Our research revealed that mushroom species identity, including its ecological role and phylogenetic affinity, had the greatest effect on the mineral composition of mushrooms. The effect of environmental factors depended also on the micronutrient identity. Some elements were not affected at all (Co, Cr), some only by soil reaction or C/N ratio (Mn, Mg, Cu), while others were influenced by both tree stand characteristics and soil properties (Se, Zn, Mo). This knowledge enables us to maximize the content of minerals in harvested mushrooms by collecting them in specific areas. For example, mushrooms, which are sources of Se and Zn, can be gathered in coniferous forests characterized by acid soils, low canopy cover, and minimal understory cover. This targeted collection approach can effectively increase the mineral content in harvested mushrooms, thereby enhancing their health benefits.

KUALITAS ORGANOLEPTIK SUSU NABATI BIJI CEMPEDAK (Artocarpus Champeden) TERSUSPENSI PROBIOTIK BERDASARKAN SUHU PENYIMPANAN

Background: Cempedak (Artocarpus champeden) is a local fruit of Central Kalimantan that is oval with dark yellow and fibrous flesh and has a fragrant aroma when ripe. So far, cempedak seeds have only become organic waste, not used properly. The nutritional and mineral content of cempedak seeds can be used and processed into a healthy drink, namely vegetable milk. Methods: The method used is an experimental method to produce vegetable milk with cempedak seeds which is then carried out organoleptic tests to determine the quality of the aroma and taste of the vegetable milk made. Results: Based on the research carried out, the results showed that the taste quality of vegetable milk of cempedak seeds (Artocarpus champeden) that was most liked by the respondents/panelists was at the temperature of T1=20o C and T2=30o C, which was with a refreshing sweet and sour taste, while for the sour aroma and distinctive smell of cempedak seeds at the temperature of T3=30o C. Conclusion: Cempedak seeds can be used as probiotic plant-based milk with an optimal storage temperature of 30o C to get the distinctive taste, aroma and smell of cempedak seeds.

Physicochemical, Antimicrobial Properties and Mineral Content of Several Commercially Available Honey Samples

Ensuring food safety and protecting consumers are major aspects for commercialized products. Honey, the most prominent in the class of bee products, requires special regulations due to its origin as a natural product. Mislabeling, imitation, and adulteration represent a source of risks for human health. Specific determinations and analyses are essential for controlling the sector and preventing unfair competition. To compare and establish the correct labeling of several different honeys, melissopalynological, physicochemical, mineral content, and microbiological analyses were carried out on 18 samples commercially available in different countries, namely Türkiye, Romania, Bulgaria, and Northern Cyprus. The honey labels were in accordance with the determined pollen content. The physiochemical parameters showed high variability: 4.07–5.25 (pH), 79.95–83.45 (°Brix), 0.262–1.452 µS/cm (electrical conductivity), and 14.6–18.4% (moisture). The samples were quantitatively high in K, P, Na, and Ca, with the highest cumulative mineral content being found for honeys containing Fagaceae pollen. Additionally, the antimicrobial potential of the various honey samples was evaluated against selected bacteria, employing the disk diffusion and serial dilution methods. Results revealed that the honey samples exhibited increased antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, with notable activity against S. typhimurium, and moderate activity against Gram-positive S. aureus.

PSIX-26 Effectiveness of mineral supplementation during range grazing on mineral status in ewes

Abstract Mineral supplementation in the intermountain west region of the US may be necessary for maintenance of healthy flocks since important trace minerals are deficient in this region. However, rough terrain can make mineral supplementation challenging. The objective of this study was to evaluate the trace mineral status of ewes on range. We hypothesized that ewes with access to a mineral supplement would have decreased risk of mineral deficiency. In this study, ewes (n = 59) grazed four summer pastures on Cedar Mountain near Cedar City, Utah. Ewes between the ages of 1 and 6 yr of age were stratified by initial body weight (BW) = 87 kg ± 13 kg and breed [black face (BLF; Suffolk) and white face breeds (WF; Targhee, Rambouillet, and their crosses)] into two treatment groups 1) trace mineral supplement ad libitum (TRT; n = 7 BLF and 23 WF) or 2) no mineral supplement (CON; n = 15 BLF and 14 WF). All ewes received a diet of mixed alfalfa and triticale hay without mineral supplementation 30 d before the trial began. A SmartFeed (C-lock Inc.) was used to track individual animal mineral intake. Plasma samples were collected via jugular venipuncture at d 0, 34, 77, and 116. A clinical veterinarian from Utah State University performed liver biopsies at d 0 and 116 on a subset of ewes (n = 10). After the grazing season, plasma and liver samples were sent to the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for analysis of Cu, Mn, Se, and Zn. The mixed procedure of SAS was used to analyze plasma mineral content with day as a repeated measure and individual ID as a random variable. The Glimmix procedure of SAS was used to analyze liver mineral content. Plasma Cu and Se increased (P ≤ 0.05) by day in all ewes throughout the grazing season. No differences related to treatment or breed (P > 0.10) were observed for plasma Cu or Se concentrations. Plasma Mn and Zn decreased (P < 0.0001) by 1.5 ppb and 0.4 ppm, respectively, between d 0 and 116 with no treatment effect (P > 0.10). BLF ewes had 0.3 ppm (P = 0.01) greater plasma Mn concentrations than WF ewes, with no difference (P = 0.6) observed due to treatment. Hepatic Cu and Se increased (P ≤ 0.05) by 114 ppm and 1 ppm, respectively, between d 0 and 116. Hepatic Mn concentrations did not differ (P > 0.10) by day or treatment. Hepatic Zn concentrations tended to increase by day (P = 0.07), 23 ppm between d 0 and 116. CON ewes had 28 ppm greater (P = 0.04) hepatic Zn concentrations than TRT ewes. Additional research is warranted to understand why CON had greater hepatic Zn concentrations than TRT, which may indicate that diverse rangeland forages may provide sufficient concentrations for sheep production in summer months.

PSVII-19 Effects of silage particle size on beef quality and muscle lipogenesis of finishing Nellore heifers

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of corn silage particle size on beef quality and expression of gluconeogenic and lipogenic genes in feedlot-finished Nellore heifers. Nellore heifers (n = 94), with an initial body weight (BW) of 249.71 ± 34.62, were allotted into 32 pens (three animals per pen) in a completely randomized design, with 2 treatments and 16 repetitions. The treatments were corn silage with a particle size of 13 mm (short) or 24 mm (long). The feeding period lasted 101 d, with the first 15 d for diet adaptation. After slaughter, samples of the longissimus thoracis muscle (LT) from the left side of the half carcass and liver were taken for beef quality and gene expression analyses. The chemical composition of the beef was analyzed using near infrared according to the AOAC method 2007-04, using the FoodScanTM equipment (AOAC method: 2007-04; FOSS, Hillerod, Denmark). RT-qPCR analyses of each gene investigated were carried out using cDNA from 16 biological replicates per treatment (1 heifer chosen randomly in each pen), with each biological replicate subjected to 2 technical replicates. Relative gene expression analyses were calculated using the delta delta ct method and the reference genes used were ACTB and GAPDH. The normality of all experimental data was checked using the Shapiro-Wilk test in SAS software. When the data did not present a normal distribution, transformation was performed using PROC RANK. The model included particle size as a fixed effect and pen as a random effect. There was no treatment effect on collagen, moisture, and mineral content (P > 0.10), but muscles from heifers fed short particle sizes tended to have greater protein content (23.3 versus 22.9; P = 0.098), while muscles from heifers fed with long particles had greater intramuscular fat content (2.62 versus 3.28; P = 0.05). For liver gene expression, heifers fed short particle sizes tended to have greater expression of the PC gene (1.00 versus 0.82; P = 0.06), while PEPCK2 had higher expression in heifers fed long particles (1.00 versus 1.18; P = 0.04). In addition, the long particle size of corn silage affected the expression of PPARA (P = 0.001), and there was no effect of diets (P > 0.05) on PPARG and SREBF1 expressions (Table 1). Expression of LPL, FABP4, SCD1, CPT2 (P < 0.001), and ACACA (P = 0.017) genes increased in the muscle of heifers fed long particle size. Therefore, it is concluded that the use of corn silage with long particle size in feedlot diets has the potential to increase the expression of genes involved in lipogenesis and then increase intramuscular fat in Nellore heifers.

Evaluation of anchote (Coccinia abyssinica) genotypes and processing methods for mineral and phytochemical composition

Anchote, a vital crop in Ethiopia, is valued for its food, medicinal, social, and economic benefits. Despite it outperforms other root vegetables in yield and nutritional content, its cultivation remains restricted to specific locales, prompting on-farm studies to assess mineral and phytochemical profiles of various anchote genotypes. This research aimed to identify better cooking methods for preserving these essential components. Three genotypes were tested in the on-farm trials across four fields: two local landraces (LV1, LV2) and the Improved Variety Desta 01. A factorial experiment combining three genotypes with two cooking approaches (peeled and unpeeled) was executed to evaluate mineral content (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn). Results showed significant impacts of cooking methods on potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) levels (P = 0.01, P = 0.006) and on phenolics and ascorbate content (P = 0.026, P = 0.004). While genotypes did not show significant difference in phytochemical composition, boiling the roots unpeeled proved to be the most effective method for conserving mineral and phytochemical profiles. The study underscores the potential of anchote genotypes as nutrient-rich crops, advocating for their widespread adoption for nutritional and pharmaceutical purposes. Future research avenues should explore anchote's broader biochemical potential for food formulation, processing, and pharmaceutical applications.

Identification of the low resistivity-low contrast (LRLC) gas-bearing pay zones in Shaly sand reservoirs using acoustic data: a case study from the Messinian Abu Madi formation, onshore Nile Delta, Egypt

AbstractDetection of the low resistivity-low contrast (LRLC) reservoirs is among the main challenges in the oil industry. In this concern, the LRLC pay zones of the Upper Messinian Abu Madi clastic reservoirs in the onshore Nile Delta Gas fields became a main challenge for significant exploration. This type of reservoirs, including low resistivity-low contrast zones and thin-bedded intervals, are often overlooked using the conventional petrophysical evaluation techniques, especially in the wildcat exploratory wells or highly agitated shoreline depositional environments like the Nile Delta of Egypt. These hidden low contrast reservoirs are generally challenging due to the presence of many shale intercalations/laminations and/or due to increasing the shale volume represented in the form of dispersed distribution, and the dominance of conductive clay minerals. Therefore, in this study, the expected high resistivity values of the gas-bearing reservoir intervals of the Abu Madi Formation in the onshore Begonia gas Field, as a typical case study of the LRLC reservoirs, are masked due to the relatively high shale conductivity, particularly when the thickness of these intervals is less than the vertical resolution of the utilized conventional resistivity log. To verify the LRLC phenomena of the Begonia gas Field, the obtained data was compared to the South Abu El Naga gas Field as a normal case study with a relatively high resistivity gas-bearing pay zone. To overcome the impact of the conductive clay mineral content and identify these hidden low resistivity reservoir intervals, it is necessary to integrate the conventional logging data (gamma-ray, shallow and deep resistivity, density, and neutron) with the acoustic log data including shear and compressional sonic data. In this way, a useful relationship can be established enabling the detection of these hidden LRLC reservoir intervals. This integration is based on the principle that shear waves are not influenced by the fluids types, whereas the compressional sonic waves are influenced by the reservoir fluids. However, to effectively investigate these concealed LRLC reservoir intervals, which can boost production and increase the potential reserves, it is essential to have a low water cut value. The present study represents introduces an efficient workflow, which can be extended to other similar LRLC pay zones in the Nile Delta and northeast Africa. It is also extendible to the LRLC reservoirs in similar deltaic systems having conductive minerals-bearing reservoirs or thin beds.

430 Spent hemp biomass increases bone mineral density in broilers

Abstract Spent hemp biomass (SHB) is a byproduct of CBD oil production, which has been used in multiple trials recently as an alternative feed for livestock, but it has not been approved as a feed ingredient by the FDA-CVM. This is due in part to the lack of information on the potential effects on animal health. Recent studies have shown possible effects of cannabinoids on bone healing, though the effects on bone growth and calcification are not well established. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of varying levels of SHB on bone growth, calcification, and strength. A total of two hundred birds (5-d-old Cobb 500 Cornish Cross chicks) were randomly assigned to five different rooms with 4 pens per room and 10 animals/pen. Birds received isonitrogenous, isocaloric diets with either 0, 5, 10, or 20% SHB until euthanasia at 42 d. The tibiotarsus, femur, and humerus were collected from 2 males and 2 females per pen for 80 birds (20 per treatment group). The tibiotarsus bending strength was measured with an Instron 5969 using a three-point bending testing fixture set at 10 mm/min for 19 parameters of the bending and breaking properties. The humerus and femur were scanned with a Hologic Discovery A (S/N 84870) DEXA for mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD). Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05 and analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model. BMD and BMC were not affected by treatments in the humerus, a pneumatic bone, but in the weight bearing femur bones, a significant effect on both BMD (P = 0.0078) and BMC (P = 0.0069) was observed. The change in BMC was quadratic, with a peak in animals receiving 10% SHB in the diet, but the BMD effect was linear with the increased dose of SHB in the diet. In the tibiotarsus three-point bending analysis, no significant changes were found in any of the strength and bending parameters measured, except a tendency (P = 0.07) for a greater work-to-fracture adjusted by bone diameter in 5% vs. 0% SHB group. These data indicate some interaction of SHB on the mineralization of bone; however, the level causes less than significant changes to the overall strength of the bone.

CO enhancement in coal gasification with CO2: Effect of minerals

To investigate the effect of minerals in brown coal on CO yield in a CO2 atmosphere, we impregnated pickled coal with nitrate and quartz to simulate the mineral content and assessed their impact on CO yield during gasification. It demonstrated that the reaction of Ca2+ and Fe3+ forming CaFe2O4 enhanced the CO yield. In the 100 % CO2 atmosphere, pickled coal containing CaFe2O4 produced five fold the amount of CO as after-pickling coal. The effect of minerals on CO generation under the CO2 atmosphere was explored by adding specific amounts of 1.96 wt% Ca, 1.80 wt% Fe, 6.83 wt% Al, 0.53 wt% Mg, and 11.64 wt% Si to acid-washed brown coal. The results show that the addition of Ca2+ contributes to the enhancement of CO, whereas the combined addition of Ca2+ and Fe3+ increases CO yield. CaFe2O4 enhances CO yield for two reasons: firstly, it is oxidized by CO2 to produce CO; secondly, CaFe2O4 can further react with CO2 to form Ca2Fe2O5, Ca2Fe2O5 then reacts with carbon in the brown coal to generate CO. This study has significant implications for the utilization of brown coal resources.

Differences in reservoir quality within distributary channel belts at the braided river delta front in the Xinchang area of Western Sichuan’s 2nd member of the Xujiahe Formation: genesis and implications

AbstractThe tight sandstone reservoris are important exploration and production target in the Xujiahe Formation in Xinchang area of Western Sichuan. Due to the various lithofacies and diagenetic alteration in distributary channel belt sandstones, the reservoirs exhibit strong heterogeneity. The strong heterogeneity makes the identification of petrologically superior sandbodies a great challenge. In order to better understand reservoir quality, this study constructs a model between diagenetic alterations and reservoir quality within distributary channel belts. 73 plug samples were taken from 17 wells located in the channel belt. An integration of thin sections, X-ray diffraction, carbon and oxygen isotope ratios, cathodoluminescence, and micro-CT were analysed for the genesis and distribution of reservoir quality. The results show that subaqueous distributary channels are formed under various hydrodynamics, resulting in different lithofacies. The thicknesses of channels can be divided into less than 2 m, 2–6 m, and more than 6 m. The diagenetic alteration in lithofacies were identified. Coarse-grained sandstones with low content of rock fragments are relatively weakly compacted with less calcite and chlorite cementation. Fine-grained sandstones with high content of rock fragments are strongly compacted with calcite cementation during early diagenesis. The dissolution pores are related to the soluble mineral content and the distribution of mudstones. The subaqueous distributary channels formed in high-energy, moderate-energy, and low-energy hydrodynamic settings have experienced different diagenetic intensities. Additionally, fractures can effectively improve the reservoir properties. The distribution of good quality reservoirs is controlled by the combined influence of diagenetic heterogeneity and fractures. This would help to promote better understanding of reservoir quality within the subaqueous distributary channel belts in braided-river delta front.