Ca Deficiency Research Articles

Analysis of lead, arsenic and calcium content in the hair of children with autism spectrum disorder

BackgroundExplanation of the pathogenesis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is one of the most significant challenges for scientists today. It is believed that a major pathogenetic factor of this condition is epigenetic changes caused by environmental factors, including toxic metals (cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), aluminium (Al), and arsenic (As)). The nervous system may also be affected by deficiencies of both micro- and macroelements (e.g. calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn)). The aim of the study was to analyze the concentrations of Pb, As, and Ca in the hair of children with ASD and a control group.MethodsThe materials for the study comprised hair samples collected from 30 children diagnosed with ASD (case group) and 30 children randomly selected from the general population of Bialystok and surrounding region (control group). Concentrations of Pb, As, and Ca were tested with electron microscopy scanning method. Next, the content of the analyzed elements in the hair was assessed as well as their impact on autism development in the children and the mutual interactions between them. The obtained results were statistically analyzed with Statistica PL 12.5., using the Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman correlation coefficient.ResultsMean Ca level in the hair of the case group was lower than the mean level of this element in the control group. Mean As and Pb concentration in the hair of children with ASD was statistically significantly higher than the mean concentration of this element in the hair of children without neurological disorders. Statistically insignificant weak positive correlations between Ca and As content and negative between Ca and Pb in the hair of children from the case group were noted. Also, statistically significant mean positive correlations between Pb and As were observed.ConclusionsIn this small study, according to the observations, children diagnosed with ASD suffer from Ca deficiency and toxic metal overload (As and Pb). These abnormalities may play the main role, as an environmental factor, in the pathogenesis of the analyzed disorder.

Dietary calcium or phosphorus deficiency impairs the bone development by regulating related calcium or phosphorus metabolic utilization parameters of broilers

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary calcium (Ca) or phosphorus (P) deficiency on bone development and related Ca or P metabolic utilization parameters of broilers. A total of 504 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments with 7 replicates of 18 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. A 2 (Ca levels: 1.00 and 0.35%) × 2 (nonphytate P [NPP] levels: 0.45 and 0.23%) factorial arrangement of treatments was adopted in the 21-day trial. The 4 treatments were the Ca- and P-adequate diet (1.00% Ca + 0.45% NPP), the Ca-deficient diet (0.35% Ca + 0.45% NPP), the P-deficient diet (1.00% Ca + 0.23% NPP), and the Ca- and P-deficient diet (0.35% Ca + 0.23% NPP). The greatest impact on tibia bone mineral density, bone breaking strength, and ash content was in the P-deficient diets, especially in broilers fed with the Ca-adequate diet, whereas adequate P and reduced Ca reduced (P < 0.05) these parameters compared with adequate Ca and P, but not to the same level as P deficiency. Furthermore, dietary Ca or P deficiency, especially adequate Ca and P deficiency decreased (P < 0.05) serum P, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OHD3) contents, and tibia ash Ca and P contents but increased (P < 0.05) the serum Ca content and tibia alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity compared with adequate Ca and P. The results from this study indicated that the bone development and Ca or P metabolic utilization parameters of broilers were the most sensitive ones to dietary P deficiency, followed by dietary Ca deficiency or Ca and P deficiencies. Dietary P deficiency impaired the bone development by increasing serum Ca content and tibia ALP activity but decreasing serum P, 25-OHD3 contents, and tibia ash Ca and P contents of broilers. Dietary Ca deficiency impaired bone development by increasing serum Ca content, tibia ALP activity, and tibia ash P content but decreasing serum P, 25-OHD3 contents, and tibia ash Ca content of broilers.

Activation Effects of Carnosine- and Histidine-Containing Dipeptides on Human Carbonic Anhydrases: A Comprehensive Study.

l-Carnosine (β-Ala-l-His) and several other histidine-containing peptides, including two N-methylated forms on the imidazole ring (l-anserine and l-balenine), two derivatives modified on the carboxyl function (carcinine and l-carnosinamide), two analogues differing in the length of the N-terminal residue (l-homocarnosine and Gly-l-His) and the N-acetyl derivatives, were investigated as activators of four isoforms of the metalloenzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1). The four human isoforms hCA I, II, VA and IX were activated in the low to high micromolar range, with a rather complex structure activity relationship. A performed computational study allowed us to rationalize these results and to propose a binding mode of these activators within the enzyme active site. Similarly to other CA activators, the here studied peptides could find relevant pharmacological applications such as in the management of CA deficiencies, for therapy memory and enhancing cognition or for artificial tissues engineering.

Diagnosing early disorders in Jatropha curcas to calcium, magnesium and sulfur deficiency

Jatropha is an excellent plant model to evaluate physiological responses involving species tolerance to abiotic stresses, such as low calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulfur (S) availability. Moreover, Ca, Mg and S are essential for the establishment of this plant in large areas. Better acknowledgment of appropriate nutrient levels can help with proper fertilization. This study aimed to gain insight during initial growth in Jatropha plants deficient in Ca, Mg and S by measuring leaf gas exchange, nutrient uptake efficiency (UpE), nutrient use efficiency (UtE) and biomass partitioning at plant harvest. Chlorophyll, carotenoid concentration, net photosynthesis rate (A), stomatal conductance (gS), transpiration (E), leaf-scale intrinsic water use efficiency (IWUE) and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency (k) in leaves of Ca-, Mg- and S-deficient plants revealed imbalances prior to visual symptom appearance. Nutrient deficiencies decreased A, which in turn hindered plant growth and biomass partitioning among leaves, stem and roots. However, S-deficient plants maintained values of UtE (at 120 days after S withdrawal), as well as of A, gS, E, k and biomass allocation similar to those of control plants, during all evaluation periods. Jatropha was highly and very sensitive to Ca and Mg deficiency, respectively, with all results were dramatically decreased in contrast to the control. In conclusion, early physiological evaluation of Ca and Mg status in starved young plants with contrasting UtE values may be a reliable tool with which to predict early nutritional deficiencies before visual symptom appearance.

Potential of calcium nitrate to mitigate the aluminum toxicity in Phaseolus vulgaris: effects on morphoanatomical traits, mineral nutrition and photosynthesis.

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivation occurs mainly in regions with acidic soils, where high aluminum (Al) concentration is a major constraint to crop production. In this study, we evaluated tolerance and sensitivity traits to Al exposure and calcium (Ca) deficiency in bean plants, and determined the efficiency of Ca to mitigate the toxic Al effects. Two bean cultivars (BRS Estilo and Campos Gerais) were grown in three soil conditions: (I) soil liming with calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2 and Al unavailable (-Al+Ca); (II) fertilized soil with calcium nitrate [Ca(NO3)2·4H2O] and Al available (+Al+Ca); and (III) soil without Ca addition and Al available (+Al-Ca). At the beginning of the reproductive stage, we evaluated the photosynthetic processes, mineral nutrition, and leaf anatomy and morphological traits of plants. The photosynthetic parameters were good tools for monitor Al sensitivity in bean. +Al+Ca soil treatment mitigated the deleterious effects of Al on growth and mineral nutrition of both bean cultivars. However, Ca did not prevent the toxic effects of Al on leaf anatomy. Al stress and Ca deficiency caused negative effects on nutrient content, photosynthetic activity and leaf anatomy of bean plants. Calcium mitigated Al toxicity, primarily in the Campos Gerais cultivar, showing the potential to improve bean crop productivity in acid soils.

Screening for Metabolic Bone Disease of prematurity

Metabolic bone disease (MBD) of prematurity remains a significant comorbid condition in preterm, low birth weight infants. As the majority of in utero calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (Phos) accretion occurs during the third trimester, many of these children have inadequate mineral stores and are at risk for deficiencies of Ca and Phos. While fortification of formula has allowed for increased mineral delivery to premature infants, intestinal immaturity prevents optimal absorption. This is compounded by immobilization, delayed establishment of enteral feeds, long term parenteral nutrition and medications that may alter mineral levels. Over time, biochemical changes occur and accompany MBD, with poor bone mineralization during this period increasing the risk for complications such as osteopenia, rickets and fractures. Screening is largely based on risk factors, but despite the 2013 AAP Consensus Statement, there remains significant variation in screening practices across institutions. A combination of laboratory and radiologic testing is often used to diagnose and manage MBD of prematurity, but there exists a lack of consensus on which screening tests and thresholds to use. This is in part related to a lack of normative data and clinical trials for preterm infants, and a result, a lack of evidence-based guidelines on the diagnosis and timing of potential treatment. Biochemical markers, such as serum Phos, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH), have shown some benefit in the diagnosis of MBD in some studies, but have not always been reproducible. Radiographs may identify different degrees of skeletal changes, but these changes may not be detected until later in MBD development. Other modalities, such as DXA and ultrasound, have also been used, but these may be limited by lack of standards in preterm infants or lack of availability in some centers. Further research, more specifically clinical trials, are needed to determine which combination of tests can detect MBD at its earliest, in order to promote early treatment and prevent short- and long-term complications of MBD.

Female oxidative status in relation to calcium availability, metal pollution and offspring development in a wild passerine

Both Ca deficiency and metal exposure may affect physiological and nutritional condition of breeding females altering their ability to deposit essential resources (e.g. Ca, antioxidants) into the eggs. This effect of the maternal investment into egg quality is not strictly limited to the embryonic period, but may persist after hatching, since nutrient levels in yolks can compromise nestling antioxidant status, growth and fledging success. The goal of this study was to investigate how metal pollution and Ca availability during the breeding season affect oxidative stress biomarkers and plasma biochemistry in adult female pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca). In addition, we aim to evaluate how maternal antioxidant status and body condition relate to breeding parameters and offspring oxidative balance. Females breeding in a metal-polluted area in SW Finland showed higher metal concentrations compared to the control area, although current levels were below the toxic level able to affect female physiology. In addition, Ca availability was not constraining female oxidative status and general health in the study area. Interestingly, our results suggested that antioxidant response to metals was better when Ca concentrations were high enough to cover the physiological Ca requirements in breeding females. There seems to be a subtle balance between the concentrations of Ca in the organism and the tolerance to metal-related effects that requires further research. This study supports that offspring oxidative balance and nestling development are affected by maternal body condition and antioxidant status.

Dietary calcium deficiency suppresses follicle selection in laying ducks through mechanism involving cyclic adenosine monophosphate-mediated signaling pathway

Ovarian follicle selection is a natural biological process in the pre-ovulatory hierarchy in birds that drives growing follicles to be selected within the ovulatory cycle. Follicle selection in birds is strictly regulated, involving signaling pathways mediated by dietary nutrients, gonadotrophic hormones and paracrine factors. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that dietary Ca may participate in regulating follicle selection in laying ducks through activating the signaling pathway of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), possibly mediated by gonadotrophic hormones. Female ducks at 22 weeks of age were initially fed one of two Ca-deficient diets (containing 1.8% or 0.38% Ca) or a Ca-adequate control diet (containing 3.6% Ca) for 67 days (depletion period), then all birds were fed the Ca-adequate diet for an additional 67 days (repletion period). Compared with the Ca-adequate control, ducks fed 0.38% Ca during the depletion period had significantly decreased (P < 0.05) numbers of hierarchical follicles and total ovarian weight, which were accompanied by reduced egg production. Plasma concentration of FSH was decreased by the diet containing 1.8% Ca but not by that containing 0.38%. The ovarian content of cAMP was increased with the two Ca-deficient diets, and phosphorylation of PKA and ERK1/2 was increased with 0.38% dietary Ca. Transcripts of ovarian estradiol receptor 2 and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) were reduced in the ducks fed the two Ca-deficient diets (P < 0.05), while those of the ovarian follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) were decreased in the ducks fed 0.38% Ca. The transcript abundance of ovary gap junction proteins, A1 and A4, was reduced with the Ca-deficient diets (P < 0.05). The down-regulation of gene expression of gap junction proteins and hormone receptors, the increased cAMP content and the suppressed hierarchical follicle numbers were reversed by repletion of dietary Ca. These results indicate that dietary Ca deficiency negatively affects follicle selection of laying ducks, independent of FSH, but probably by activating cAMP/PKA/ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Effect of Defoliation on Blossom-end Rot Incidence and Calcium Transport into Fruit of Tomato Cultivars Under Moderate Water Stress

The translocation of calcium (Ca) within the tomato plant and the causes of Ca deficiency, a factor associated with blossom-end rot (BER) in fruit, are still a matter of conjecture. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of defoliation on BER incidence and Ca transport into different size tomato fruit cultivars. Four experiments were conducted. The start and end dates for each experiment were; 14 March–2 May, 22 July–23 August, 30 August–7 October 2017, and 20 May–25 June 2018, for experiments 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Five tomato cultivars including one large (‘Momotaro fight (MF)’, ≥ 200 g), three medium (‘Lui 60 (L60)’, ‘Tio cook (TC)’, and ‘Cindy sweet (CS)’, 30–80 g), and one small (‘Pepe (PP)’, ≤ 20 g) fruit cultivars, respectively, were grown under moderate water stress controlled by a combination of root zone restriction and solar mediated fertigation. Leaf area of plants was reduced by 20–30% by removing alternate leaflets on all leaves. Defoliation significantly reduced BER in all experiments. In experiment 4, no BER was observed in defoliated plants of L60 and PP, and in MF and TC, BER incidence decreased to a quarter of the control. Defoliation increased the fruit growth rate (FGR) in experiment 1, in which the temperature was the lowest, by a ratio of 1.42 and by 1.39 in experiment 4, in which the radiation was strongest and day length longest. Defoliation increased the rate of daily Ca transport into fruit (CTR) in MF, L60, TC, CS, and PP by average ratios of 1.64, 1.55, 1.35, 1.30, and 1.13, respectively. The increase in CTR in defoliated plants was highest in experiment 4 with a ratio of 1.68 followed by 1.37, 1.33, and 1.28 in experiments 1, 3, and 2, respectively. Defoliation increased both FGR and CTR and there were significant linear relationships between them. However, the degree of increase was larger in CTR than that in FGR, especially in the BER-sensitive large fruit cultivar MF, and defoliation increased the total Ca concentration in fruit accordingly. We conclude that under moderate water stress by root zone restriction and certain other BER inductive conditions, defoliation could be a promising approach to reduce BER incidence by improving Ca nutrition in susceptible large fruit cultivars.

Severe calcium deficiency increased visceral fat accumulation, down-regulating genes associated with fat oxidation, and increased insulin resistance while elevating serum parathyroid hormone in estrogen-deficient rats

Menopause impairs calcium(Ca) metabolism and reduces bone mineral density (BMD), but the interaction of menopause with Ca deficiency in energy, glucose, lipid, and bone metabolism has not been studied. Herein we hypothesized that Ca deficiency at levels for post-menopausal women would impair energy, glucose, lipid, and bone metabolism in estrogen-deficient rats. This hypothesis was examined in ovariectomized (OVX) rats fed high-fat diets with different Ca levels for 12 weeks. OVX rats were allocated into either very low Ca (0.02%, VLCA), low Ca (0.7%, LCA), adequate Ca (1.18%, ACA, control), or excessive Ca (2.1%, EXCA). Sham-operated rats had the same diet as ACA (Normal-control). Ca intake was 37, 107, 190, and 311 mg/kg bw/d in the VLCA, LCA, ACA, and EXCA groups. The ACA group had higher serum parathyroid hormone concentrations than the Normal-control but were highest in VLCA. VLCA decreased BMD and lean body mass compared to ACA. Fasting serum glucose concentrations, even with higher serum insulin concentrations, were higher in the VLCA than ACA, indicating increased insulin resistance in VLCA. VLCA deteriorated glucose tolerance after oral glucose administration and impaired lipid profiles. LCA and EXCA had similar effects on metabolism as ACA, but LCA did not improve insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles as much as ACA. Expressions of hepatic genes related to fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis (FAS and SREBP-1c and HMGCR) were much higher in the VLCA than ACA and expressions of genes related fatty acid degradation(CPT1 and CYP7A1) were much lower in VLCA than ACA. In conclusion, we accepted the hypothesis. Very low Ca intake (350–400 mg/d as a human equivalent) exacerbated estrogen-deficiency-induced impairments of energy, glucose, and lipid metabolism by elevating serum parathyroid hormone levels and inducing visceral fat accumulation and insulin resistance in estrogen-deficient rats, but there was no added benefit of excessive Ca.

Sol–gel synthesis and characterization of calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite photocatalysts suitable for hydrogen production: influence of the drip rate in the photocatalytic activity

In the present work, the sol–gel synthesis of calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite samples is reported, under four different drip rates, to investigate their effects on their photocatalytic activity in the water splitting reaction, under UV irradiation. The results of the structural and chemical composition characterizations show that the increase in the drip rate has a negative effect on the stoichiometry, inducing significant deficiencies in the calcium and oxygen content. Likewise, the values of the band gap and valence band energies were determined, showing a correlation between them, and the deficiencies of Ca, O and OH induced by the drip rate. Finally, the photocatalytic production of hydrogen in the presence of the synthesized samples was evaluated, showing in all cases production rates much higher than that obtained by using Degussa P25 as a photocatalyst, under the same conditions.

ELEMENTAL STATUS OF ADULT NON-INDIGENOUS POPULATION OF KHANTY-MANSI AUTONOMOUS REGION

The aim of the work is to study the elemental status of adult non-indigenous residents of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug. Methods. The elemental composition of the hair was examined in 1 211 adult non-indigenous inhabitants of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug: 348 (28.7 %) men and 863 (71.3 %) women aged 18 to 60 years. In the hairs of all examined individuals, the concentration of 25 chemical elements was determined by a combination of ICP- AES and MS-ICP methods. The results obtained were compared with reference values for the corresponding age. Results. In both groups, most of the average values of the concentration of chemical elements in the hair were in the range of physiologically optimal values. Mn concentration exceeded the upper limit in men by 1.5 times and in women by 1.7 times, Mg in women by 1.4 times and Hg in men by 1.4 times. A quarter of men and a fifth of women had Ca deficiency; in 26.4 % of men and 23.7 % of women - I. Mg excess was detected in 38.8 % of men and almost half of women; Mn excess - in half of men and 63.6 % of women. A quarter of the population of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug has I deficiency; a quarter of men and more than 40 % of women have Se deficiency. Zn excess in the hair was detected in 44.3 % of men and 34.5 % of women, and Hg in a quarter of men and 10 % of women. Conclusions. The relatively favorable picture of the elemental status of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug residents indicates the absence of serious environmental problems and reflects the high level of consumption and, probably, the availability of high quality medical services. Among women of childbearing age, the need to reduce the nutritional load of Hg should be promoted in order to reduce the risk of negative effects on fetal development during pregnancy.

Boron and calcium deficiency disturbing the growth of trifoliate rootstock seedlings (Poncirus trifoliate L.) by changing root architecture and cell wall

Boron (B) and calcium (Ca) are essential elements for plant growth. Both deficiencies inhibit root growth. However, the mechanism of inhibition is not well clear. Morphological characteristics of roots and changes in root cell wall grown at different B and Ca deficiencies were examined by using a hydroponic culture system. Both B and Ca deficiencies caused reduced plant biomass and root growth. Ca deficiency significantly decreased the fresh weight of root, stem, and leaves by 47%, 50%, and 62%, respectively, while B deficiency only reduced root fresh weight. The PCA combined with Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was significant different correlation among root parameters under B and Ca deficiency treatments when compared to control. The results of observation of transmission electron microscope showed that Ca deficiency reduced but B deprivation increased the thickness of the cell wall. Combining these technologies like X-ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, homogalacturonan epitopes (JIM5 and JIM7), we confirmed that those changes above may be due to different changes in the degree of methyl esterification of pectin and glycoprotein of the cell wall. Taken together, we concluded that B deficiency can promote the formation of more low methyl esterified pectin to increase cell wall thickness, and then affect the morphological development of root system, while the formation of more highly methyl esterified pectin to increase cell wall degradation under Ca deficiency, which inhibited root elongation and formation of root branches.

Hypomagnesemia in dairy cattle in Uruguay

ABSTRACT: An outbreak of hypomagnesemia is reported in Holstein dairy cattle grazing lush oat (Avena sativa) pasture in Uruguay. Nine of 270 (3.3%) cows died in May-July (autumn-winter) 2017. These nine cows were from 2 to 9-years-old (1st-6th lactation), with 22 to 194 days of lactation and 15.8 to 31.4L of daily milk production. Two cows with acute sialorrhea, muscle spasms, lateral recumbency, weakness, opisthotonos, and coma, were euthanized and necropsied. No significant macroscopic or histological lesions were found. One untreated clinically-affected cow and eight out of 14 clinically healthy cows of the same group under similar management and production conditions had low serum levels of Mg (lower than 0.7mmol/L). Secondarily, both clinically affected cows and six out of 14 healthy cows had low serum Ca levels. The K/(Ca+Mg) ratio of two oat forages, corn silage, and ration was 5.10, 7.73, 2.45, and 0.85, respectively. A K/(Ca+Mg) ratio lower than 2.2 represents a risk for hypomagnesemia. The difference between the contribution-requirement of minerals in the diet was established and a daily deficiency of Mg (-0.36g/day), Na (-25.2g/day) and Ca (-9.27g/day) was found, while K (184.42g/day) and P (12.81g/day) were in excess. The diet was reformulated to correct the deficiencies and the disease was controlled by the daily administration of 80g of magnesium oxide, 80g of calcium carbonate and 30g sodium chloride per cow. It is concluded that hypomagnesemia is a cause of mortality in dairy cattle in Uruguay, and that the condition can be prevented by appropriate diet formulation.

Calcium status in Moroccan children and adolescents assessed by 24-hour urinary excretion

Background: Worldwide, calcium (Ca) deficiency represents one of the most important deficiencies of all micronutrients. When associated with vitamin D deficiency, it constitutes a major health issue, responsible for many functional diseases especially osteoporosis and fracture risk at the later life. In the Moroccan population, data on Ca deficiency risks are really limited. The urinary losses present a significant determinant of Ca urinary excretion being a crucial determinant of its retention in the human body. Aims: This study was conducted to determine the level of urinary Ca excretion in a sample of Moroccan children and adolescents, and to assess the prevalence of Ca deficiency. Subjects and Methods: 131 children and adolescents, aged between 6 and 18 years, were recruited from public schools at Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region in the framework of a descriptive cross-sectional study. Socio-economic status, morbidity, and anthropometric parameters were assessed for each participant. Ca assessment was estimated through 24-hour urine measurements by ICP-mass spectrometry. Results: The total mean of urinary Ca was 72.48 mg/day and about 73% of participants presented a urinary Ca deficiency. No significant differences were observed according to sex and nutritional status. Conclusions: Moroccan children and adolescents might be at risk of Ca deficiency complications. Based on this finding, an appropriate intervention strategy should be adopted to control this deficiency through an overall assessment of Ca deficiency in general population. Keywords: Moroccan children and adolescents, urinary Ca, Ca deficiency.

Interpretation of storage and retrieval major-ion chemistry, with emphasis on significant sulfate and sodium concentrations in the White River watershed, northwestern Nebraska, United States

The White River watershed encompasses four major tributaries within a basin area of 130 km2 (1595 mi2) in extreme northwestern Nebraska. An examination of the historical (1968–1975) aqueous geochemistry data (major cations and anions and total dissolved solids [TDS]) supplied by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality revealed that the TDS is relatively low (130–1200 mg/L), excluding Big Cottonwood Creek (BCC), with a basin-wide median of 340 mg/L. The median TDS for the BCC is 1880 mg/L (brackish); the median values for Na and SO4 are 385 and 897 mg/L, respectively. Mineralization in the river increases steadily downstream. The scatter plots of meq/L concentrations for selected anions and cations reveal the impact of silicate mineral (e.g., feldspar) weathering on the aqueous geochemistry throughout the watershed. These ubiquitous feldspar minerals most likely originated along the eastern slope of the Front Range during the Late Cretaceous and Tertiary (Laramide orogeny). Twenty-nine samples for three White River stations and the BCC exceed the US Environmental Protection Agency secondary maximum contaminant levels for TDS and/or SO4 in drinking water supplies at 500 and 250 mg/L, respectively. Uncontaminated streams that drain marine shales (typically containing S-bearing minerals) nationwide typically show an excess of Na and a deficiency of Ca and Mg. This is due in part to cation exchange of Ca in solution for Na on clay minerals. Consequently, the weathering of shale terrains commonly produces an Na-SO4 brackish surface-water runoff as is the case with BCC, which drains the Pierre Shale hills.

Calcium dynamics of reproductive apple buds during the dormant season in the Western Cape, South Africa

Calcium (Ca) deficiency in apples results in unwanted physical disorders in mature fruit that reduce fruit value. Ca deficiency associated with bitter pit is already prevalent early in the season, as it is initiated a few weeks after full bloom. Information regarding Ca concentration in reproductive buds or bud tissues is lacking, thus we investigated the Ca concentration in reproductive buds of the bitter pit susceptible ‘Braeburn’ and non-susceptible ‘Cripps Pink’ apple cultivars during the dormant season. Wavelength-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (WD SEM) was used to quantify total Ca concentration of parenchyma and vascular tissues, from June to September, for two seasons (2012 and 2014). Results showed a changing trend in Ca concentration from June to September for total Ca concentration and between cultivars. Total Ca concentration was the highest in ‘Cripps Pink’ during the whole period and related to the non-susceptibly to Ca related disorders. Ca concentration in ‘Cripps Pink’ declined towards September in contrast with the increasing trend of ‘Braeburn’. This may indicate that the total Ca concentration of the buds, and not the change of Ca concentration in buds during winter, is associated with a higher Ca status of fruit on non-susceptible cultivars. The actual Ca concentration of ‘Cripps Pink’ at the end of August was still higher than that of ‘Braeburn’. Results may be explained partly by the time of primary xylem formation in the bud, which happens earlier in ‘Cripps Pink’, as well as the associated increase in Ca translocation, indicating the role of generic differences between cultivars, contributing towards final changes in the inherent Ca concentration at the beginning of the dormant season.

On the Study of Ca and Mg Deintercalation from Ternary Tantalum Nitrides.

Layered CaTaN2 and MgTa2N3 and cubic Mg2Ta2N4 were prepared by direct solid state reaction from the binary nitrides Ta3N5 and A3N2 (A: Mg, Ca). CaTaN2 showed a slight Ca deficiency (0.11 moles per formula), and a monoclinic distortion from previously reported R3̅m symmetry, with space group C2/m and cell parameters a = 5.4011(2), b = 3.1434(1), c = 5.9464(2) Å and β = 107.91(3)°. Ca2+ and Mg2+ deintercalation was investigated in the three compounds both chemically and electrochemically. No significant Mg2+ extraction could be inferred for MgTa2N3 and Mg2Ta2N4, neither after reaction with NO2BF4 nor after electrochemical oxidation at 100 °C in alkyl carbonate electrolytes. Rietveld refinement of the X-ray powder diffraction pattern of chemically oxidized Ca0.89TaN2 indicates a decrease of the Ca content to 0.34 concomitant to the disappearance of the monoclinic distortion and expansion of the interlayer space from 5.658 to 5.762 Å, space group R3̅m and cell parameters a = 3.1103(1) and c = 17.287(1) Å. Deintercalation in this compound was also achieved electrochemically at 100 °C. Results of density functional theory calculations seem to indicate that reaction mechanisms for CaTaN2 oxidation additional and/or alternative to deintercalation are taking place, which is likely related to the loss of crystallinity observed upon oxidation and the irreversibility of the process.

SAT-157 A Calcium-deficient Diet In Dams During Gestation Increases Insulin Resistance In Male Offspring

Backgrounds: Maternal malnutrition and the resulting low birth weight predispose offspring to various diseases, including adult-onset insulin resistance syndrome. Several lines of evidence demonstrate that calcium (Ca) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance syndrome and obesity, suggesting that hypocalcemia is a risk factor for developing these conditions. We previously reported that maternal Ca deficiency during pregnancy can affect regulation of non-imprinted genes by altering epigenetic regulation of gene expression, thereby inducing different metabolic phenotypes. On the other hand, osteocalcin (OC), a bone formation biomarker, acts directly on β-cells to increase their mass and proliferation and, therefore, increases insulin secretion. Aims: We studied whether alterations in insulin resistance and secretion were induced in offspring by feeding dams a Ca-deficient diet during pregnancy and lactation, and to explore the association between bone and glucose metabolism. Methods: Female Wistar rats consumed either a Ca-deficient (0.008% Ca) or control (0.90% Ca) diet ad libitum from 3 weeks preconception to 21 days postparturition. Pups were allowed to nurse their original mothers until weaning. The offspring were fed a control diet beginning at weaning (day 21) and were killed on day 180 ± 10. Serum carboxylated OC (Gla-OC) and undercarboxylated OC (Glu-OC), insulin and adipokines in offspring were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Ionized calcium (iCa) and magnesium (iMg) were measured by ion-selective electrodes. Results: In males, mean levels of insulin, glucose, and Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance were higher in the Ca-deficient group than in the control group. Mean adiponectin levels and iMg in Ca-deficient male offspring were higher than those in control male offspring. The serum ionized Ca/Mg ratio in Ca-deficient male offspring was lower than that in control male offspring. In addition, iCa was inversely associated with serum Glu-OC and adiponectin in males. In females, mean levels of Glu-OC and Gla-OC in the Ca-deficient group were higher than in the control group, whereas no significant difference was observed in these measures between the two groups in male offspring. In all offspring, serum leptin levels were correlated with iMg (p=0.0039, R=0.436) and serum insulin levels (p<0.0001, R=0.62), and inversely correlated with iCa (p=0.0025, R=-0.454). Conclusion: Maternal Ca restriction during pregnancy alters postnatal growth and insulin resistance in a sex- and window of exposure-specific manner. Increased Glu-OC may mitigate insulin resistance in female Ca-deficient offspring. The present study provided further support for the hypothesis that early postnatal lactation plays a sexually divergent role in programming the phenotype later in life.

XPS spectroscopy, structural, magnetic and dielectric investigations of CaGdAlO4 and Yb:CaGdAlO4 single crystals

Materials for ultrafast femtosecond lasers, CaGdAlO4 (CGA) single crystals, undoped and doped nominally with 8% at. of Yb, were grown by the Czochralski method in [100] direction. X-ray analyses showed the ideal disorder on Gd/Ca sites. The decrease of unit cell volume for the crystal doped with Yb was observed. Magnetic measurements revealed that undoped and doped samples were paramagnetic. The real concentration of Yb was determined as 5% at. The XPS lines: O1s, Al2p and Ca2p are complex and they consist of the main line and additional lines at lower and higher binding energy. The intensities of additional lines decrease comparing the end and cone part of crystal, indicating an improvement of crystal structure during the growth process. XPS chemical analyses showed deficiency of Al and Ca and excess of oxygen. The oxygen excess may exist in two contributions: in one, to keep the charge neutrality as Gd-Ox sheets between CGA; the second as interstitial oxygen, responsible for brownish coloration of crystals. Dielectric properties are close to values measured for similar compounds CaYAlO4, CaNdAlO4, and SrLaAlO4.