Deficiency Of Elements Research Articles

A prospective observational study on the traditional and novel risk factors associated with post-transplant diabetes mellitus in renal transplant recipients

Introduction and Aim: Post Transplant Diabetes Mellitus (PTDM) constitutes a major co-morbidity that has significant impact on the patient and renal allograft outcome. Various traditional risk factors like dialysis vintage, immunosuppressive medication, viral infections have known to be associated with PTDM. Novel risk factors and its causative role in PTDM remains unexplored. The study looked at the incidence of PTDM at 6 months post renal transplantation and correlation of PTDM with known traditional and novel risk factors like pre-transplant C-reactive protein (CRP) level and Trace element deficiency.
 
 Material and Methods: 30 consecutive renal transplant recipients more than 18 years of age were inducted into the study. Demographic data, known pre-transplant and post-transplant risk factors associated with development of PTDM were collected. Pre-transplant CRP and serum Trace element (Aluminum, Copper, Selenium and Zinc) levels were estimated. PTDM was diagnosed by home based glucometer monitoring and confirmed by Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
 
 Results: The incidence of PTDM was 36.6% at six months post renal transplant. Among the pre-transplant risk factors, higher age and positive family history of diabetes mellitus had a strong association with the occurrence of PTDM. Pre-transplant Zinc deficiency emerged as a significant novel risk factor for the development of PTDM.
 
 Conclusion: Apart from known traditional risk factors, novel risk factors are associated with development of PTDM.

Micronutrients Supplementation in Pregnant Women during COVID-19 Pandemy: Pros and Cons

Coronavirus can negatively affect the immune system. This complication can be exaggerated in pregnant women with micronutrient and elemental deficiencies. Also, coronavirus itself can induce micronutrients malabsorption and result in their severe deficiencies that can lead to increased risk of infection in these groups of patients. Serum calcium, zinc, iron, and selenium values have a positive correlation with PO2 values and a negative correlation with severe COVID-19 infection, lung involvement, fever, and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration. In this mini-review study, the safety and efficacy of different suggested micronutrients including zinc, selenium, iron, vitamin A, C, D, E, and myo-inositol in pregnant women with COVID-19 have been discussed. According to the clinical practice findings and previous reports, administration of essential micronutrients including zinc, selenium, and iron and vitamins including vitamin A, B8, C, D, and E with optimum recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) during pregnancy would be promising and suggestive to improve maternal/neonatal complications during COVID-19 infection due to the enhanced immunity system against viral infection and COVID-19 pneumonia.

Study of the influence of organomineral supplement feeds on the natural resource indicators of the live weight of horses in the Far North of Yakutia

The paper considers with the possibility of applying organic mineral supplement feeds from local natural raw materials in feeding Yang-type horses during the period of maximum loss of live weight in winter. In accordance with the research effort, horses from the control group that were feeding without supplement feeds, and animals from the experimental groups that were feeding organic mineral supplement feeds. During experiments, the live weight was evaluated. The biochemical structure of the blood of the experimental horses was studied. The study of the food ration of horses showed that they have a deficiency of trace elements and vitamins. Therefore, the application of organic mineral supplement feeds from local natural raw materials is justified from a practical point of view. Feeding animals from the experimental groups with supplement feeds made it possible to preserve their live weight in comparison to the control group by 0.81% and 0.5%. The improvement in horse feeding was accompanied by the normalization of the biochemical structure of blood. Thus, horses from experimental groups II and III had higher indicators of total protein by 0.43% and 0.13%, albumin by 0.17% and 0.1%, globulin by 0.26% and 0.03%, hemoglobin by 4.51% and 1.75%, as well as mineral composition (calcium was higher by 6.85% and 2.74%, phosphorus was higher by 7.62% and 2.86%). Thus, the efficiency of feeding horses with organic mineral supplement feeds in winter has been experimentally proved, which ensures maximum preservation of live weight in the Far North of Yakutia.

Влияние соблюдения безглютеновой диеты на дефицит витаминов и микроэлементов у больных целиакией

Актуальность. Целиакия — хроническое заболевание иммунного генеза, характеризующееся задержкой роста и мальабсорбцией, связанной с повреждением слизистой оболочки и воспалением тонкой кишки у генетически предрасположенных людей в результате воздействия глютена. При лечении целиакии достигается клиническое, гистологическое и серологическое улучшение состояния путем соблюдения безглютеновой диеты. Цель исследования: оценить уровень витаминов и микроэлементов у больных целиакией при соблюдении безглютеновой диеты. Материалы и методы. Под наблюдением находились 77 пациентов с диагнозом «целиакия», выявленным ретроспективно. Все случаи были подтверждены гистологически по классификации Marsh, все пациенты обследованы на фоне соблюдения безглютеновой диеты. Демографические особенности, возраст начала заболевания, результаты клинического обследования, антропометрические показатели и лабораторные результаты сравнивали в группах больных, которые придерживались диеты, и при ее отсутствии. Результаты. В исследование были включены 77 больных (48 женщин и 29 мужчин) с целиакией, средний возраст которых составил 9,81 ± 4,73 года. В основном у пациентов обнаружены гистологически по классификации Marsh типы 3a (n = 22) и 3b (n = 20). Результаты серологического скрининга показали, что в 40,3 % случаев (n = 31) больные соблюдали безглютеновую диету, тогда как в 59,7 % (n = 46) — не соблюдали. У больных этой группы отмечались достоверно более низкие показатели содержания витамина В12, витамина D, фолатов, цинка и селена по сравнению с группой больных, которые соблюдали соответствующую диету (p = 0,000; 0,000; 0,000; 0,000 и 0,031 соответственно). Кроме того, был обнаружен достоверно более высокий средний уровень общего IgA в сыворотке крови в группе больных без соблюдения диеты по сравнению с группой больных, которые соблюдали безглютеновую диету (p = 0,027). Выводы. Установлена высокая эффективность безглютеновой диеты для коррекции недостаточности и дефицита витаминов и микроэлементов. Необходимо детально информировать пациентов с целиакией и их семьи о неуклонном пожизненном соблюдении безглютеновой диеты, хотя соблюдение такого питания создает немало социальных и практических трудностей.

Biofortification of Sweetcorn with Iodine: Interaction of Organic and Inorganic Forms of Iodine Combined with Vanadium

Around the world, maize cultivation is an essential part of food systems for humans and animals. Effective reactions against the occurrence of diseases related to the deficiency of elements in the human diet are related to the biofortification of plant species of broad importance, including maize. The enrichment of maize with iodine is difficult due to the poor transport of this element to the plant’s generative organs. In marine algae, vanadium is part of the structure of the enzyme iodine-dependent peroxidase (vHIPO) that catalyzes the uptake of cellular iodine (I) and its volatilization as I2. The relationship between iodine and vanadium in higher plants, however, is not well-known. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of vanadium fertilization and the interactions of organic and inorganic iodine compounds with vanadium under soil application. In the pot experiment, NH4VO3 was applied to the soil in two doses of 0.1 and 1 μmol·dm−3 both separately and in combination, with the following iodine compounds: 5-iodosalicylic acid (5-ISA), 2-iodobenzoic acid (2-IBeA), potassium iodide (KI), and potassium iodate (KIO3). The iodine compounds were also applied independently to vanadium, while in the control combination, fertilization was performed without I and V. Iodine compounds were applied with doses calculated using the molar mass of this element (i.e., 10 μmol·dm−3 I). The highest level of iodine accumulation in grains (regardless of fertilization with V) was obtained after the application of organic compounds 5ISA and 2IBeA. A lower dose of vanadium (0.1 μmol·dm−3) in combination with KI and KIO3 increased the accumulation of iodine in leaves, roots, and grains compared to the combination without the additional application of vanadium. The combined application of vanadium in both doses with 2-IBeA most effectively stimulated the transport and accumulation of iodine to the maize grain. Under the combined application of 5-ISA and vanadium (10 μmol·dm−3), we observed the stimulating effect of this organic iodine compound on the accumulation of vanadium in the roots as well as the antagonistic effect of vanadium in combination with 5-ISA on the accumulation of iodine in the roots, leaves, and maize grain. Vanadium accumulated mainly in the roots, where the content of this element increased proportionally to its dose. The soil application of 5-ISA increased the total sugar content and vitamin C content in the grain.

A Very Rare Cause of Dilated Cardiomyopathy after Bariatric Surgery: Selenium Deficiency

Background: Sleeve gastrectomy for weight loss has increased significantly nowadays. Various complications may develop after this surgery that requires long-term follow-up of these patients. Nutrition is the most important aspect of the follow-up. The deficiency of trace elements, fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins following bariatric surgeries have been well-described complications. Although nutritional supplementations are often initiated after bariatric surgery, the clinical outcomes related to the deficiency of trace elements have not been well known yet. Case Presentation: A 27-year-old woman who underwent a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for surgical treatment of obesity 9 months ago presented to the emergency department with a signs of heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed dilated, poorly functioning left ventricle with reduced ejection fraction (28.9%) consistent with dilated cardiomyopathy. We assumed nutritional deficiencies secondary to sleeve gastrectomy as a cause of dilated cardiomyopathy, as the patient had inappropriate nutritional supplements after surgery. Laboratory tests revealed selenium and zinc deficiency that supported our hypothesis. Our patient completely recovered with adequate supplementation of selenium, zinc and thiamine. Conclusion: We highlighted that the early diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy due to selenium deficiency following bariatric surgery is of great importance since selenium deficiency is a cause of reversible cardiomyopathy.

Element-Based Multi-Objective Optimization Methodology Supporting a Transportation Asset Management Framework for Bridge Planning and Programming

The U.S. Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) mandates the development of a risk-based transportation asset management plan and the use of a performance-based approach in transportation planning and programming. This paper introduces a systematic element-based multi-objective optimization (EB-MOO) methodology integrated into a goal-driven transportation asset management framework to improve bridge management and support state departments of transportation with their transition efforts to comply with these MAP-21 requirements. The methodology focuses on the bridge asset class and is structured around five modules: data processing, improvement, element-level optimization, bridge-level optimization, and network-level optimization modules. It relies on a leading-edge forecasting model, three separate screening processes (i.e., the element deficiency, alternative feasibility, and solution superiority screening processes) to overcome computer memory and processing time limitations, and a simulation arrangement to generate life-cycle alternatives (series of improvement actions). Additionally, the EB-MOO methodology consists of three levels of optimization assessment based on the Pareto optimality concept: element-level, bridge-level, and network-level (following either a top-down or bottom-up approach). A robust metaheuristic genetic algorithm handles the different multi-objective optimization problems. A prototyping tool was developed for the implementation of the methodology through several examples of unconstrained and constrained (by budget, performance, or both) scenarios. Results reveal the capability of the methodology to generate Pareto optimal or near-optimal solutions, predict performance, and determine funding requirements and short- and long-term intervention strategies detailed at the bridge-element level for planning and programming. The EB-MOO methodology can also be expanded to accommodate other asset classes or modes.

Field applications of gypsum reduce pH and improve soil C in highly alkaline soils in southern Australia’s dryland cropping region

AbstractHighly alkaline soils are widespread throughout south‐eastern Australia. High pH limits the accumulation and retention of organic carbon (C), and thus the availability of nutrients to crops and is also associated with various elemental deficiencies and toxicities that restrict crop productivity. Applying gypsum and increasing legume production reduce pH and improve soil chemical and physical properties in alkaline, sodic soils, but this strategy has not been explored in alkaline soils in the region where many of the topsoils are non‐sodic. Five short‐term rotation experiments were conducted to examine the potential to reduce pH, improve soil organic C and increase crop production. In the first year, three legumes—field peas (Pisum sativum), vetch (Vicia sativa) and a medic pasture (Medicago spp.)—were grown at low or high inputs of seed and fertilizer and with three rates of gypsum (0, 2.5 t/ha and 5.0 t/ha). In the following seasons, wheat (Triticum aestivum) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) were grown. Using high sowing and fertilizer rates to increase legume biomass had little effect on soil properties; however, applying gypsum consistently resulted in a lower soil pH and dissolved organic C and higher organic C compared with the unamended control to a depth of 0.20–0.30 m. The largest difference occurred with 2.5 t gypsum/ha with little further change at 5 t/ha. Gypsum significantly increased biomass and grain yield at sites with low concentrations of calcium carbonate. Low rates of gypsum may be effective in reducing pH, maintaining soil organic C and improving crop production in regions with alkaline soils low in calcium carbonate.

Literature Review: Gizi Antenatal terhadap Kejadian Stunting

The period of pregnancy is one of the two causes of stunting. Nutritional intake during pregnancy is necessary for the growth and development of the organs that are being formed. The purpose of this literature review is to analyze the factors that cause stunting originating from pregnancy in terms of antenatal nutrition. This study is a literature review which is a primary data research article on antenatal nutrition on stunting conducted in Indonesia. The data source used is in the form of journal publications with research locations in Indonesia. Search for articles using a search engine with databases on Google Scholar and Garuda Portal. Keywords in English and Indonesian, include nutrition, pregnant women, stunting, nutrition, antenatal, pregnancy. Obtained 5 articles that fit the inclusion criteria then synthesized the data. The results showed that the factors causing stunting originating from the period of pregnancy in terms of antenatal nutrition consisted of protein, energy, and iron. One of the actions that can be taken to avoid deficiency of these nutritional elements during pregnancy is by providing education to pregnant women to pay attention to nutritional intake during pregnancy.

Seasonal Study for Deficiency of Some Trace Elements in Sheep in Talesh Area in 2019-2020

زمینه مطالعاتی: بیماری‌های متابولیک حاصل از کمبود مواد معدنی در گوسفند از اهمیت زیادی برخوردار است. منطقه تالش در شمال ایران در غرب استان گیلان واقع شده و با توجه به داشتن مراتع وسیع و گسترده، پرورش گوسفند در این ناحیه دارای رونق زیادی می‌باشد. هدف: این مطالعه به منظور بررسی فصلی کمبود عناصر منیزیم، مس، روی و سلنیوم با اندازه‌گیری سطوح سرمی این عناصر در 200 رأس گوسفند (50 نمونه در هر فصل) در گوسفندان شهرستان تالش در سال 1398 انجام گرفت. روش کار: نمونه‌های سرمی از حیوانات با سنین مختلف شامل زیر یکسال و یک سال (42 رأس)، دو سال (44 رأس)، سه سال (28 رأس)، چهار سال (40 رأس)، پنج سال (24 رأس) و شش سال و بالای آن (22 رأس)، و در دو جنس نر (30 رأس) و ماده (170 رأس) اخذ شد. از هر دام به میزان 10 سی‌سی نمونه خون از ورید وداج اخذ و سرم جدا سازی و فریز شد. در زمان آزمایش، نمونه‌ها از فریز خارج شده و مقادیر سرمی مس، روی و سلنیوم با روش جذب اتمی و منیزیم با کیت بیوشیمیایی اندازه‌گیری شد. نتایج: میانگین منیزیم سرم در فصل بهار بیشتر از سایر فصول بود و اختلاف بین فصول معنی‌دار بود(05/0p < ). میانگین مقدار سرمی مس، روی و سلنیوم در فصل تابستان بیشتر از سایر فصول بود که در هر سه مورد اختلاف بین فصول معنی‌دار گزارش شد (05/0p < ). میانگین پارامترهای سرمی در بین دو جنس در هیچ مورد اختلاف معنی‌داری نداشت. با افزایش سن میانگین پارامترهای سرمی اندازه‌گیری شده افزایش نشان داد که در مورد منیزیم این افزایش غیرمعنی‌دار و در باقی موارد معنی‌دار بود (05/0p < ). نتیجه گیری نهایی: نتیجه نهایی اینکه در فصول سرد سال و در سنین پایین مقادیر سرمی عناصر فوق کم بوده و برای پیشگیری از عوارض احتمالی کمبود آنها باید از اشکال تزریقی یا خوراکی این عناصر در گوسفندان این منطقه استفاده نمود.

Low serum zinc and magnesium–a possible risk factor for first episode Simple febrile seizures in children between 6 months to 5 years of age

Background: Febrile seizure is the most common type of seizure in children. The incidence of febrile seizure is 5-10% in India. There are multiple aetiologies like high grade fever; genetic predisposition, viral infections and trace elements deficiency like iron, zinc, magnesium and calcium are postulated to be risk factors for developing febrile seizures. Recent studies had shown there is a significant association between low serum zinc, low serum magnesium levels and febrile seizures in children.Methods: This was a case control study with 40 children in each group. Children aged 6 months to 5 years with first episode of simple febrile seizures who attends the out-patient department/emergency room (OPD/ER) were included in case group consecutively and 40 children with acute febrile illness without febrile seizures were included in control group. Serum zinc and magnesium levels were estimated for all the children along with other investigations after proper consent from parents. Using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software, independent sample t test was used to analysis the observations between the two groups. Normal lab reference value of serum zinc was 60-120 μg/dl and serum magnesium was 1.7-2.5 mg/dl.Results: The incidence of febrile seizure was high (37.5%) in children between 1-2 years and male (55%) children had increased incidence when compared to female children in case group. The children with febrile seizure had significantly low levels of serum zinc with mean value of 35.08 μg/dl (±8.56) when compared to control group with mean value of 70.23 μg/dl (±13.41) and serum magnesium level in case group was 1.35 mg/dl (±0.29) versus 1.68 mg/dl (±0.42) in control group, which was also statistically significant.Conclusions: The incidence of febrile seizure was high in children between 1-2 years of age with male preponderance. The serum levels of both zinc and magnesium is significantly low in children with febrile seizure pointing a need of further studies in role of supplemental zinc and magnesium in this age group to reduce the incidence of febrile seizures.

Preliminary study of genome-wide association identifies novel susceptibility genes for serum mineral elements in the Chinese Han population.

Mineral elements (copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe)) play important biological roles in enzymes, hormones, vitamins, and normal metabolism. The deficiency of mineral elements can lead to abnormal physiological functions. And some elements (such as lead (Pb)) are harmful to the body. We aim to identify genetic loci which can influence the serum levels of mineral elements (Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Pb). Genotyping was performed using Applied Biosystems Axiom™ PMDA in 587 individuals, and 6,423,076 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were available for the genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis. The association between genotype and phenotype was analyzed using mixed linear regression (additive genetic model) adjusting by age and gender combined with identical by descent (IBD) matrix. Genetic loci in BCHE-LOC105374194, DTX2P1-UPK3BP1-PMS2P11, VAT1L, LINC00908-LINC00683, LINC01310-NONE, and rs6747410 in VWA3B were identified to be associated with serum Cu element concentration (p < 5 × 10-6). ADAMTSL1 rs17229526 (p = 4.96 × 10-6) was significantly associated with serum Zn element levels. Genetic loci in LRP1B, PIGZ-MELTF, LINC01365-LINC02502, and HAPLN3 were related to serum Ca element levels (p < 5 ×1 0-6). Three SNPs in ALPK1, ASAP1-ADCY8 and IER3IP1-SKOR2 also achieved a significant association with Mg element levels (p < 5 × 10-6). TACSTD2-MYSM1, LRP1B, and ASAP1-ADCY8 showed suggestive associations with serum Fe element levels (p < 5 × 10-6). Moreover, the two most significant SNPs associated with Pb were rs304234 in CADPS-LINC00698 (p = 2.47 × 10-6) and rs12666460 in LOC101928211-GPR37 (p = 1.81 × 10-6). In summary, we reported 19 suggestive loci associated with serum mineral elements in the Chinese Han population. These findings provided new insights into the potential mechanisms regulating serum mineral elements levels.

Assessing Multi-Micronutrients Deficiency in Agricultural Soils of India

The deficiencies of nutrient elements and inappropriate nutrient management practices in agricultural soils of the world is one of the reasons for low crop productivity, reduced nutritional quality of agricultural produce, and animal/human malnutrition. We carried out the present study to evaluate the single and multi-nutrient deficiencies of sulfur (S) and micronutrients (zinc (Zn), boron (B), iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn)) in agricultural soils of India for their effective management to achieve sustainable crop production, improved nutritional quality in crops and better animal/human health. Altogether, 24,2827 surface soil samples (0 to 15 cm depth) were collected from the agriculture fields of 615 districts in 28 states of India and were analyzed for available S and micronutrient concentration. The concentration of available S and micronutrients varied widely. There were variable and widespread deficiencies of S and micronutrients in different states. The deficiencies of S, Zn and B were higher compared to the deficiencies of Fe, Cu and Mn. There were occurrences of two-nutrient (namely S + Zn, Zn + B, S + B, Zn + Fe Zn + Mn, S + Fe, Zn + Cu and Fe + B), three-nutrient (namely S + Zn + B, S + Zn + B and Zn + Fe + B) and four-nutrient (namely Zn + Fe + Cu + Mn and Zn + Fe + Cu + Mn + B) deficiencies in different extents. This information could be used by various stakeholders for production, supply and application of the right kind of fertilizers in different districts, states and agro-ecological regions of India for better crop production, crop nutritional quality, nutrient use efficiency and soil and environmental health. This will also help in a greater way to address the issue of malnutrition in human/animals.

ВЛИЯНИЕ СРЕДСТВ ХИМИЗАЦИИ НА ОПТИЧЕСКИЕ СВОЙСТВА АГРОЦЕНОЗА ЯРОВОГО ЯЧМЕНЯ С ПОДСЕВОМ МНОГОЛЕТНИХ ТРАВ

The purpose of the research was to study the effect of mineral fertilizers and plant protection system on the vegetation index NDVI and its seasonal dynamics in agrocenoses of spring barley with overseeding of perennial grasses in the North-West of Russia. The data obtained indicate that against the background of the deficiency of the main elements of mineral nutrition in the second half of the growing season of spring barley, a significant phytomass of perennial grasses is formed in the crop, which account for 36.7%. This leads to a smaller decrease in the NDVI index (by 0.06) than in the fertilized variants (0.20). The value of NDVI index reflects not only the state of cultivated plants and weed infestation of crops, but also the level of development of crops, growing under vegetation. The influence of mineral nutrition developed during the period of maximum values of the index, which were recorded 6-8 weeks from the sowing date and 26-30 weeks from the beginning of the year. Under the influence of average doses of fertilizers, the NDVI index increased by 0.09...0.2 (on average 0.13), under the influence of high doses – by 0.13...0.26 (on average 0.18). The influence of plant protection system was expressed by a decrease in the phytomass of weeds (by 49.4...68.9%), at the same time the mass of spring barley and perennial grasses increased (by 1.7...18.5% and by 11.7...43.5% respectively). Carrying out the whole complex of protective measures led to a decrease in the NDVI index values by 0.01...0.06, depending on the phytosanitary situation in the agrocenosis. The most reliable forecast of the yield of spring barley can be implemented in the period from 5 to 7 weeks from the beginning of the emergence of barley shoots, especially against the background of the use of plant protection products that eliminate the influence of harmful organisms on the formation of the crop and the optical properties of crops

Iron Deficiency Leads to Chlorosis Through Impacting Chlorophyll Synthesis and Nitrogen Metabolism in Areca catechu L.

Deficiency of certain elements can cause leaf chlorosis in Areca catechu L. trees, which causes considerable production loss. The linkage between nutrient deficiency and chlorosis phenomenon and physiological defect in A. catechu remains unclear. Here, we found that low iron supply is a determinant for chlorosis of A. catechu seedling, and excessive iron supply resulted in dark green leaves. We also observed morphological characters of A. catechu seedlings under different iron levels and compared their fresh weight, chlorophyll contents, chloroplast structures and photosynthetic activities. Results showed that iron deficiency directly caused chloroplast degeneration and reduced chlorophyll synthesis in chlorosis leaves, while excessive iron treatment can increase chlorophyll contents, chloroplasts sizes, and inflated starch granules. However, both excessive and deficient of iron decreases fresh weight and photosynthetic rate in A. catechu seedlings. Therefore, we applied transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches to understand the effect of different iron supply to A. catechu seedlings. The genes involved in nitrogen assimilation pathway, such as NR (nitrate reductase) and GOGAT (glutamate synthase), were significantly down-regulated under both iron deficiency and excessive iron. Moreover, the accumulation of organic acids and flavonoids indicated a potential way for A. catechu to endure iron deficiency. On the other hand, the up-regulation of POD-related genes was assumed to be a defense strategy against the excessive iron toxicity. Our data demonstrated that A. catechu is an iron-sensitive species, therefore the precise control of iron level is believed to be the key point for A. catechu cultivation.

Impact of nationwide essential trace element shortages: A before-after, single-center analysis of hospitalized adults receiving home parenteral nutrition therapy.

Recent data on the prevalence of essential trace element (ETE) deficiencies in home parenteral nutrition (HPN) patients are scarce. We investigated whether ETE deficiencies are still an important issue for HPN patients and whether the prevalence of such deficiencies may be influenced by nationwide drug shortages. We conducted a single-institution, retrospective analysis from 2006 to 2015 of hospitalized HPN patients who continued PN during and in between hospitalizations. In subgroup analysis, patients were dichotomized as those with HPN duration <1 vs ≥1 year. Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and selenium (Se) levels were abstracted for patients over the study period. Prevalence of ETE deficiency was compared using chi-squared test for patients hospitalized during nonshortage vs shortage (2011-2014) periods. Ninety-six patients were included in the analysis. Prevalence of ETE deficiency during nonshortage vs shortage periods was 48% vs 54% (Zn), 15% vs 21% (Cu), and 24% vs 48% (Se; P = .01), respectively. When comparing patients who received HPN <1 year vs ≥1 year, the prevalence of Se deficiency doubled during shortage in both subgroups (24% to 42% vs 26% to 49%); and Cu deficiency tripled during shortage period in the group receiving HPN ≥1 year (5% to 16%). ETE deficiency is prevalent in hospitalized HPN patients and was exacerbated during nationwide shortages of parenteral supplements. Statistical significance may be limited by small sample size. Future studies are needed to determine optimal ETE supplementation strategies for minimizing the impacts of nationwide drug shortages on HPN patients.

Monitoring of environmental pollution with heavy metals in human scalp hair regarding to their areas, gender and ages

AbstractHuman scalp hair is a valuable screen for physiological excess, deficiency or maldistribution of elements. It was considered as a natural pointer for assessment of heavy metals contamination .Heavy metals exposure continues and is increasing in many parts of the world . In this study Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn concentrations were determined in scalp hair (64 samples) male and female hair samples of different ages (7-72 years) . The hair samples were collected from two environmental areas, polluted area (Aswan, Edify, Kom mob), and unpolluted area (West Aswan Island) which considered as a control area . The results show that element concentrations in scalp hair from unpolluted area were lower than those in the polluted ones.Element concentration in the hair samples depends on human gender, but little in their ages. The study ended to that human scalp hair could be used successfully as a bioindicator for the assessment of heavy metal pollution using the atomic absorption spectroscopy techinque.

Micronutrients deficiences in patients after bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery is an effective option for managing obesity and has gained general acceptance among patients in recent years. Generally, despite the high caloric intake, a bad nutritional habit of obese people results in the deficiency of several vitamins, minerals, and trace elements essential for body metabolism and normal physiological processes. Additionally, the current bariatric surgical approaches such as sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass (RYGB), laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), and jejunoileal bypass (JIB) can cause or exacerbate these deficiencies. Based on several reports, it appears that the various bariatric surgical procedures affect nutrient absorption differently. Being purely restrictive, LAGB and SG affect the absorption of iron, selenium, and vitamin B12, while RYGB, JIB, and biliopancreatic diversion have a more profound impact on the absorption of essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. Nutritional deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and trace elements may follow bariatric surgery and are associated with clinical manifestations and diseases, including anemia, ataxia, hair loss, and Wernicke encephalopathy. The present review summarizes some of the major vitamin and micronutrient deficiencies associated with bariatric surgery, particularly those presented post-surgically. To avoid any adverse consequences of vitamin and trace element deficiency, proper monitoring and tests are recommended at any stage, from pre- to post-surgery (periodical check-up), followed by specific and individual nutritional supplementation treatments and a proper healthy diet.

BIOGEOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF THE VEGETATION STATUS OF REINDEER PASTURES OF THE NADYM DISTRICT OF THE YAMAL-NENETS AUTONOMOUS DISTRICT

The chemical elemental composition of the most widespread species of wood (Betula pubescens, Larix sibirica, Pinus sylvestris, Salix lanata), shrubs (Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Ledum palustust sl), herbs (Eriophorum angustifolium, Equisetum arvense) and lichens (Cladonia stellaris, Cladonia stygia). The concentrations of Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Y, V, Na, Mg, Si, P, S, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, S obtained using the method of retgenofluorescence energy dispersion analysis.&#x0D; The features of the local biogeochemical background of plants are revealed and their geochemical specialization is studied. The greatest difference in the level of accumulation between different plant species was found for Ni, Zn, Ca, Mn, S, and Si. The analysis of the accumulation coefficients of chemical elements in plants relative to the local background level is carried out. Statistical significant differences in the elements accumulation by plants in different bioclimatic zones were revealed for Cu, Fe, Co, Cr, As, Mg, V, Y.&#x0D; The studied plants according to environmental safety criteria and the content of normalized micro- and macrocells mainly meet the requirements for fodder plants. The exception is the low content of nutrients Co, Na and K. For the prevention of animal diseases associated with a deficiency of essential elements, it is necessary to optimize the diet of deer by enriching feed with biologically active substances and macro- and microelements.

The Effect of Mycorrhizal Fungi and PGPR on Tree Nutritional Status and Growth in Organic Apple Production

The desire to reduce the negative impact of crops on the environment, as well as the growing concern for consumer health, is increasing interest in organic fruit production. In this context, the development of new environmentally friendly agrotechnical methods which allows for reducing the use of organic fertilizers by improving the nutrient use efficiency and consequently decreasing the leaching of them is a task of a great importance. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of mycorrhizal arbuscular fungi (AMF) combined with plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on growth and nutritional status of apple trees cultivated on a silty-loam, rich in clay minerals and humus soil under organic farming conditions. Thus, a trial was established in an experimental orchard in Wilanów in Central Poland with three cultivars (‘Topaz’, ‘Odra’, and ‘Chopin’) and a promising clone, U 8869. Trees were or were not inoculated with AMF + PGPR within a split-block experimental design with four replicates. According to the results, mycorrhizal frequency obtained in the inoculated tree roots was on average two-fold higher than in the roots of the control plants. After four years of AMF + PGPR inoculation, 24% higher trunk cross-section area (TCSA) was observed, with the nitrogen and magnesium concentrations in leaves increasing, on average, by 7.8% and 64.2%, and phosphorus and potassium content decreasing by 37.2% and 46.5%, respectively. This study shows that using AMF + PGPR inoculum supports tree roots colonization by AMF. As a result, better nitrogen nutrition status is observed that promote vigorous growth of trees and more efficient uptake of magnesium from the bulk soil. On the other hand, lower phosphorus content in inoculated tree leaves might be explained by a dilution effect, and potassium decrease could occur as a result of fungus–plant competition in conditions of this element deficiency in soil.