Extra Calcium Research Articles

Daily intake of vitamin D‐ or calcium‐vitamin D‐fortified Persian yogurt drink (doogh) attenuates diabetes‐induced oxidative stress: evidence for antioxidative properties of vitamin D

Both poor vitamin D status and oxidative stress (OS) have been independently associated with late diabetic complications, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). The present study aimed to examine the effect of daily intake of vitamin D alone or in combination with calcium as a fortified Persian yogurt drink (doogh) on OS over 12weeks. Ninety patients with type 2 diabetes aged 30-50years from both sexes were randomly allocated to one of the three groups to receive two 250-mL bottles of doogh a day, which was either plain (PD; containing 150mg per 250mL of calcium and no detectable vitamin D), vitamin D-fortified (DD; containing 150mg of calcium+500IU vitamin D per 250mL) or calcium-vitamin D-fortified (CDD; 250mg od calcium+500IU vitamin D per 250mL). Although mean (SD) serum concentrations of protein carbonyl significantly decreased in both DD and CDD groups [-2.07(4.39)nm, P=0.015 and -4.4(7.64)nm, P=0.003, respectively], the change in PD group was not significant [-0.54(6.96)nm, P=0.674]. A similar pattern was observed for cardiac myeloperoxidase [PD: -19.4(75.9)μgL(-1) , P=0.173; DD: -21.8(54.2)μgL(-1) , P=0.035, CDD: -48.5(76.9)μgL(-1) , P=0.002]. Superoxide dismutase increased significantly only in DD and CDD [56.9(74.0)UL(-1) , P<0.001 and 51.6(119.9)UL(-1) , P=0.025, respectively]. Changes of serum advanced glycation end-products showed a significant between-group difference among PD, DD and CDD [239.4(388.4)UL(-1) , -58.1(147.6)UL(-1) and -143.7(475.9)UL(-1) × 10(3) , respectively, P=0.003], which remained significant after controlling for changes of fasting serum glucose (P=0.013) and glycated haemoglobin (P=0.015). The findings of the present study demonstrated an OS attenuating effect of vitamin D. However, extra calcium did not convey additional benefit.

INTERACTIVE EFFECTS OF SALINITY AND CALCIUM ON HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY, OSMOTIC ADJUSTMENT, AND GROWTH IN PRIMARY ROOTS OF MAIZE SEEDLINGS

ABSTRACT Increasing the calcium ion activity in salinized root media has often been shown to ameliorate the inhibitory effect of salinity on plant growth. In order to better define the biophysical mechanisms involved in these growth responses, we investigated the interactive effects of salinity and calcium on hydraulic conductivities and osmotic potential gradients in roots of maize seedlings. The length of the primary roots was reduced by 54% after 4 days of growth in 0.1-strength Hoagland solution salinized with 100 mM NaCl and by 20% when 10 mM calcium was also added to the salinized root medium. Roots showed 69% osmotic adjustment in response to salinization, with or without extra calcium in the root medium. The mean hydraulic conductivity, L, of the apical 4 cm of maize seedling roots was determined by assaying osmotically-induced backflow. The assay was sensitive enough to detect reductions in L induced by lowering the assay temperature from 27 to 14°C. These reductions in L exceeded those caused by...

EFFECTS OF FERTIGATION TIMING ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN STRAWBERRY 'KORONA'

EFFECTS OF FERTIGATION TIMING ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN STRAWBERRY 'KORONA'

Ion-association complexes unite classical and non-classical theories for the biomimetic nucleation of calcium phosphate

Despite its importance in many industrial, geological and biological processes, the mechanism of crystallization from supersaturated solutions remains a matter of debate. Recent discoveries show that in many solution systems nanometre-sized structural units are already present before nucleation. Still little is known about the structure and role of these so-called pre-nucleation clusters. Here we present a combination of in situ investigations, which show that for the crystallization of calcium phosphate these nanometre-sized units are in fact calcium triphosphate complexes. Under conditions in which apatite forms from an amorphous calcium phosphate precursor, these complexes aggregate and take up an extra calcium ion to form amorphous calcium phosphate, which is a fractal of Ca(2)(HPO(4))(3)(2-) clusters. The calcium triphosphate complex also forms the basis of the crystal structure of octacalcium phosphate and apatite. Finally, we demonstrate how the existence of these complexes lowers the energy barrier to nucleation and unites classical and non-classical nucleation theories.

GROWTH AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF Clarias gariepinus FED DIFFERENT SOURCES OF CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS DIETS

One hundred and fifty juveniles of Clarias gariepinus of mean weight 53 g were stocked ran-domly at seven fish per tank (52.5 X 33.5 X 21 cm3) in triplicate. Seven experimental diets were formulated with varied inclusion levels of calcium and phosphorus sources; Diet 1 (1 % DCP and 1% Egg shell), Diet 2 (2% DCP), Diet 3 (2% Egg shell), Diet 4 (1% Bone meal and 1% Oyster shell), Diet 5 (1% Egg shell and 1% Bone meal), Diet 6 (0.5% Egg shell, 1% Bone meal and 0.5% Oyster shell) and Diet 7 had no extra calcium or phosphorus source. The mean weight gain, MWG and specific growth rate, SGR of the result showed significant difference (P < 0.05) across the test treatments. Diet 2 showed the highest MWG and SGR (63.5 g and 2.13 %/day respectively), it also showed highest value for protein intake (23.09) while Diet 4 had the best values for protein efficiency ratio (3.01) and feed conversion ratio (0.96). Diet 2 (2% DCP) recorded remarkable significant different (p 0.05) values for the net profit value, investment cost analysis and gross profit for the tested economic indices compared to other di-ets. Therefore, results from the study suggest 2% inclusion level of DCP as optimum require-ment for the growth of C. gariepinus.

Vitamin C and K3 Combination Causes Enhanced Anticancer Activity against RT-4 Bladder Cancer Cells

Introduction: Vitamin C (VC), Vitamin K3 (VK3) and the combination (VC:VK3) were evaluated against human bladder cancer cell lines RT-4 and T24 to evaluate their synergistic anticancer activity. Methods/Results: An MTT assay compared a 1hr pulsed versus a 5hr continuous exposure. VC:VK3 was synergistic, increasing the antitumor activity 12- to 24 fold for RT-4 cells. VC:VK3 pulsed versus continuous exposure produced comparable CD50 values, indicating a triggered response involving a catalase reversible redox mechanism generating hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide production caused lipid peroxidation and depletion of cellular thiols. ATP levels were measured over 5hrs to determine metabolic effects where VC:VK3 caused a unique spike in ATP levels. Though the cause of the ATP spike is unknown a possible mechanism is a shunt formed around a defective region of complex III of the ETC from coenzyme Q to cytochrome c, producing a shift from glycolytic to oxidative metabolism and a diminution of lactic acidosis. Analysis of mitochondrial and extra mitochondrial calcium levels revealed a unique calcium pattern for RT4 cells treated with CD90 doses of VC, VK3 or VC:VK3. Conclusion: VC:VK3 was able to cause autoschizic cell death through oxidative stress, thiol depletion, lipid peroxidation, modification of ATP levels and calcium regulation. Because of these results, VC:VK3 was granted orphan drug status for the treatment of metastatic or locally advanced, inoperable transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium (stage III and IV bladder cancer). Efforts are underway to conduct a phase II clinical trial for this indication.

Paper 15: Surgical Treatment of Chronic Stress Fractures in Athletes

During 25 years (1982-2007) 170 chronic, painful, risk or nonunion stress fractures in athletes and dancers were treated surgically. The patients represented several sports events, mainly track and field athletics. Endurance athletes, as runners, cross-country skiers, orienteerers and triathlonists were represented with the biggest number of these stress fractures (appr. 65% of all operations). There were 131 stress fracture operations in males (77%) and 39 in females (23%) in the series. The mean age of the patients was 23 years (14-37 years). The number of operations/bones in the material were: anterior mid-tibia 49, tarsal navicular 25, sesamoid bones of the first MTP joint 16, metatarsal bones 15, tarsal bones 14, medial malleolus 12, and patella 7 cases. There were from 1 to 5 stress fracture operations in the following bones/sites: proximal tibia, femoral shaft, femoral neck, pubis, olecranon, humeral shaft, distal fibula, first rib, calcaneal bone, cuboid bone, pisiform bone and hamulus ossis hamati of the wrist. The fracture caused local pain and training/competing was usually not possible. The diagnosis was done by radiographs (100%). It was confirmed by Technetium scan (30%) and MRI (23%). CT examination was used in a few cases. All patients were treated at first conservatively by rest from causative training, non weight- bearing, crutches, casts, local ultrasound, magnetotherapy, osteoporosis medicines, D-vitamin and extra calcium. Delayed or non-union developed in 125 cases (76%). The risk for a complete fracture was estimated in 21 cases (12.5%) and in the rest of the cases, persistent pain and non healing was indication for surgery. A complete fracture had occurred 14 times, during training or competition. Different surgical techniques were used in the treatment. High risk stress fractures, as femoral neck, distal femoral shaft, mid-tibia, patella, tarsal navicular and MT V basis were treated with internal fixation (nail, screws, plates or tension band method). Pseudoarthrosis surgery included sometims curettage and bone grafting. Some stress fractures were treated with drilling of the fracture site. Postoperative treatment consisted of short immobilization, non weight-bearing and rest, followed by early isometric exercises, swimming, water training, bicycling, weight training and gym trainig. The patients were followed clinically and by radiographs as long as the healing had occurred and the end result was clear. The training pause depended on the bone and surgical treatment method. The patients were able to return to there sports 2-12 months after surgery. The patients were followed appr. for 2 years. The result from surgery was good or excellent in 86 per cent of the cases. All these athletes were able to come back to the same level as before. There were some complications and recurrences in the series. A reoperation was needed in 9 cases. Removal of the osteosynthesis material was done in 91 cases.

Remineralization Agents – New and Effective or Just Marketing Hype?

This is a review of the need for better remineralization and of the status of calcium-based remineralizing agents for use in anti-caries toothpastes. Use of fluoride toothpastes has markedly reduced caries. However, the decline may be over or in reverse. There is a limit to what fluoride alone can do; complementary agents are needed. Using plaque as a reservoir for calcium-based agents holds promise. Plaque fluid is already supersaturated with respect to relevant calcium phosphates at neutral pH; extra calcium may lead to surface-blocking and sub-optimal lesion consolidation. However, at cariogenic pH, lesions may be more porous to the ingress of mineral, leading to fuller consolidation, and controlled release of calcium should reduce undersaturation with respect to enamel and accelerate deposition of fluorhydroxyapatite. Clinical data to validate in vitro screening models are scarce. Direct progression to in situ models may often be appropriate. The spectrum of lesion types, from softening to relatively advanced subsurface, and lesion activity should be considered. Far from being 'marketing hype', progress with calcium-based remineralizing agents is both encouraging and scientifically sound. Clinical evidence exists for the efficacy of some agents, but further unequivocal clinical data are needed before these agents might be considered 'effective' when delivered from toothpaste.

Improvement of Vitamin D Status via Daily Intake of Fortified Yogurt Drink Either with or without Extra Calcium Ameliorates Systemic Inflammatory Biomarkers, including Adipokines, in the Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes

Systemic inflammation is thought to have a central role in diabetic long-term complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin D either with or without extra calcium on certain inflammatory biomarkers in the subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This was a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial conducted over 12 wk in 90 T2D subjects aged 30-60 yr from both sexes. Subjects were randomly allocated to one of three groups to receive two 250-ml bottles a day of plain Persian yogurt drink or doogh (PD, containing 150 mg calcium and no detectable vitamin D(3)/250 ml), vitamin D-fortified doogh (DD, containing 500 IU vitamin D(3) and 150 mg calcium/250 ml), or calcium + vitamin D(3)-fortified doogh (CDD, containing 500 IU vitamin D(3) and 250 mg calcium/250 ml). The changes in inflammatory markers were evaluated. Compared to the baseline values, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, IL-1β, IL-6, fibrinogen, and retinol binding protein-4 concentrations significantly decreased in both the DD and CDD groups. Although the decrement in highly sensitive C-reactive protein and fibrinogen was more in CDD compared to DD (-4.0 ± 8.5 vs. -1.3 ± 2.8 mg/liter, and -0.40 ± 0.74 and -0.20 ± 0.52 mg/liter, respectively), the differences were not significant. There was a significant increase in serum adiponectin in both the DD and CDD groups (51.3 ± 65.3 vs. 57.1 ± 33.8 μg/liter; P < 0.05). Mean adiponectin changes in CDD were significantly higher than in PD (P = 0.021). Daily intake of vitamin D-fortified doogh improved inflammatory markers in T2D subjects, and extra calcium conferred additional benefit only for the antiinflammatory adipokine, i.e. adiponectin.

Extra EF Hand Unit (DX) Mediated Stabilization and Calcium Independency of α-Amylase

It is the common feature of α-amylases that calcium ion is required for their structural integrity and thermal stability. All amylases have at least one Ca(2+) per molecule; therefore amino acids involved in calcium binding are specific and conserved. In this study, sequence analysis revealed the presence of EF-hand-like motif in calcium-binding loop of Bacillus megaterium WHO (BMW)-amylase that was previously isolated from BMW. The EF-hand motif and its variants (EF-hand-like motif) are the most common calcium-binding motifs found in a large number of protein families. To investigate the effect of calcium ion on the thermal stability and activity of BMW-amylase, we used site-directed mutagenesis to replace histidine 58 with Asp (D), Ile (I), Tyr (Y), Phe (F), and Arg (R) at the seventh position of EF-hand-like motif. Upon the addition of an extra DX unit to the calcium-binding loop in H58D variant, thermal stability, catalytic activity, and chelating power of the enzyme improved due to higher affinity toward calcium. H58D variant demonstrated calcium independency compared to the wild type and other created mutants. Conformational changes in the presence and absence of Ca(2+) were monitored using fluorescence technique.

Convergent Differential Regulation of Parvalbumin in the Brains of Vocal Learners

Spoken language and learned song are complex communication behaviors found in only a few species, including humans and three groups of distantly related birds – songbirds, parrots, and hummingbirds. Despite their large phylogenetic distances, these vocal learners show convergent behaviors and associated brain pathways for vocal communication. However, it is not clear whether this behavioral and anatomical convergence is associated with molecular convergence. Here we used oligo microarrays to screen for genes differentially regulated in brain nuclei necessary for producing learned vocalizations relative to adjacent brain areas that control other behaviors in avian vocal learners versus vocal non-learners. A top candidate gene in our screen was a calcium-binding protein, parvalbumin (PV). In situ hybridization verification revealed that PV was expressed significantly higher throughout the song motor pathway, including brainstem vocal motor neurons relative to the surrounding brain regions of all distantly related avian vocal learners. This differential expression was specific to PV and vocal learners, as it was not found in avian vocal non-learners nor for control genes in learners and non-learners. Similar to the vocal learning birds, higher PV up-regulation was found in the brainstem tongue motor neurons used for speech production in humans relative to a non-human primate, macaques. These results suggest repeated convergent evolution of differential PV up-regulation in the brains of vocal learners separated by more than 65–300 million years from a common ancestor and that the specialized behaviors of learned song and speech may require extra calcium buffering and signaling.

Impact of Calcium on Salivary α-Amylase Activity, Starch Paste Apparent Viscosity, and Thickness Perception

Thickness perception of starch-thickened products during eating has been linked to starch viscosity and salivary amylase activity. Calcium is an essential cofactor for α-amylase and there is anecdotal evidence that adding extra calcium affects amylase activity in processes like mashing of beer. The aims of this paper were to (1) investigate the role of salivary calcium on α-amylase activity and (2) to measure the effect of calcium concentration on apparent viscosity and thickness perception when interacting with salivary α-amylase in starch-based samples. α-Amylase activity in saliva samples from 28 people was assessed using a typical starch pasting cycle (up to 95 °C). The activity of the enzyme (as measured by the change in starch apparent viscosity) was maintained by the presence of calcium, probably by protecting the enzyme from heat denaturation. Enhancement of α-amylase activity by calcium at 37 °C was also observed although to a smaller extent. Sensory analysis showed a general trend of decreased thickness perception in the presence of calcium, but the result was only significant for one pair of samples, suggesting a limited impact of calcium enhanced enzyme activity on perceived thickness.

Structural basis for the inhibition of 1,3-1,4-β- d-glucanase by noncompetitive calcium ion and competitive Tris inhibitors

In this paper, we determine the mutant W203F structure of TFsβ-glucanase, which contains aromatic residue Trp203 at the active site of the enzyme. Residue Trp203 is stacked with the glucose product of cellotriose. Further analysis reveals that two extra calcium ions and a Tris molecule bind to the mutant structure. A Tris molecule, bound to the catalytic residues of Glu56 and Glu60, was found at the position normally taken by substrate binding at the -1 subsite. In addition, a second Ca 2+ ion was found near the residues Phe152 and Glu154 on the protein’s surface, and a third one near the active site residue Asp202. Kinetic experiments reveal that both Tris and imidazole are competitive inhibitors, while calcium is a noncompetitive inhibitor for TFsβ-glucanase. The two types of enzymatic inhibition are first-time descriptions for the glycosyl hydrolase family 16.

Metabolic bone disease of prematurity and secondary hyperparathyroidism

To illustrate, via case histories, the importance of laboratory investigations for the early diagnosis and management of metabolic bone disease (MBD). We report three cases of extreme premature infants with MBD. These three infants had several risk factors for MBD of prematurity: very low birthweight, delayed enteral feeds, cholestatic liver disease, intolerance of fortification, the use of glucocorticoids and diuretics. Serum alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were elevated despite relatively normal calcium and phosphate levels. These parameters were corrected with additional supplementation of calcium, phosphate and vitamin D. Infants born extremely prematurely have significant calcium and phosphate depletion by the time they reach full term compared with the normal fetal accretion rate. This is exacerbated if there is poor tolerability to feeds where extra calcium and phosphate could not be added either by additives or via human milk fortifier. Serum calcium and phosphate levels may be normal despite inadequate intake or stores due to the counter-regulatory effect of PTH. In infants at risk of MBD, testing serum alkaline phosphatase, vitamin D and PTH with calcium and phosphate may assist in the monitoring and management of MBD.

Acid diet (high-meat protein) effects on calcium metabolism and bone health

Update recent advancements regarding the effect of high-animal protein intakes on calcium utilization and bone health. Increased potential renal acid load resulting from a high protein (intake above the current Recommended Dietary Allowance of 0.8 g protein/kg body weight) intake has been closely associated with increased urinary calcium excretion. However, recent findings do not support the assumption that bone is lost to provide the extra calcium found in urine. Neither whole body calcium balance is, nor are bone status indicators, negatively affected by the increased acid load. Contrary to the supposed detrimental effect of protein, the majority of epidemiological studies have shown that long-term high-protein intake increases bone mineral density and reduces bone fracture incidence. The beneficial effects of protein such as increasing intestinal calcium absorption and circulating IGF-I whereas lowering serum parathyroid hormone sufficiently offset any negative effects of the acid load of protein on bone health. On the basis of recent findings, consuming protein (including that from meat) higher than current Recommended Dietary Allowance for protein is beneficial to calcium utilization and bone health, especially in the elderly. A high-protein diet with adequate calcium and fruits and vegetables is important for bone health and osteoporosis prevention.

Efficacy of various dietary calcium salts to improve intestinal resistance toSalmonellainfection in rats

Previous animal and human studies have shown protective effects of Ca on the resistance to enteropathogenic infections. Most interventions were performed with calcium phosphate and little is known about the protective effect of other dietary sources of Ca. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of several Ca salts to enhance intestinal resistance to Salmonella enteritidis infection. Rats (n 7-8 per group) were fed a high-fat, Western human-style, purified diet with a low Ca content (20mmol calcium phosphate/kg; negative control group) or the same diet supplemented with either (extra) calcium phosphate, milk Ca, calcium chloride or calcium carbonate (total of 100mmol Ca supplement/kg). Diets contained Cr-EDTA for assessment of incremental changes in intestinal permeability. After an adaptation period of 2 weeks, animals were orally infected with S. enteritidis to mimic a human-relevant foodborne infection. Ca supplement-induced changes on faecal lactobacilli and enterobacteria were studied before infection. Changes in intestinal permeability were determined by measuring urinary Cr with time. Persistence of Salmonella was determined by studying faecal excretion of this pathogen in time. Overall, all Ca salts increased resistance towards Salmonella. After infection, body weight gain and food intake were higher in the calcium phosphate group. Calcium phosphate and milk Ca decreased faecal enterobacteria before infection. All Ca salts decreased infection-induced intestinal permeability and persistence of Salmonella. Calcium phosphate, milk Ca, calcium carbonate and calcium chloride are able to enhance the intestinal resistance to Salmonella in rats.

Autotrophic nitrogen removal from black water: Calcium addition as a requirement for settleability

Black (toilet) water contains half of the organic load in the domestic wastewater, as well as the major fraction of the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus. When collected with vacuum toilets, the black water is 25 times more concentrated than the total domestic wastewater stream, i.e. including grey water produced by laundry, showers etc. A two-stage nitritation–anammox process was successfully employed and removed 85%–89% of total nitrogen in anaerobically treated black water. The (free) calcium concentration in black water was too low (42 mg/L) to obtain sufficient granulation of anammox biomass. The granulation and retention of the biomass was improved considerably by the addition of 39 mg/L of extra calcium. This resulted in a volumetric nitrogen removal rate of 0.5 gN/L/d, irrespective of the two temperatures of 35 °C and 25 °C at which the anammox reactors were operated. Nitrous oxide, a very strong global warming gas, was produced in situations of an incomplete anammox conversion accompanied by elevated levels of nitrite.

Effect of Calcium on Maize Seedling Root Hydraulic Conductivity and Growth under Water Stress and Rehydration Conditions

The effects of extra calcium(additions of 10 mmol L-1 CaCl2 into half-strength Hoagland solution) on maize(Zea mays L.) seedling root hydraulic conductivity(Lpr),morphology and leaf water potential(ψw) were investigated under water stress,which was simulated by 10% PEG-6000 with osmotic potential(ψs) value of -0.2 MPa for seven days,and subsequent two days rehydration.Whole root hydraulic conductivity(Lpr) and leaf water potential(ψw) were determined by pressure chamber.After these treatments,it could be seen that water stress reduced Lpr,which was restored when calcium was added to the solution for growing the water-stressed plants.In addition,the Lpr recovered to the level of the control after re-watering at high Ca2+ level,but the recovery of Lpr was only 59.06% at regular Ca2+ level.HgCl2(50 μmol L-1) treatment caused a sharp decline in Lpr,which was almost restored by treatment with 5 mmol L-1 β-mercaptoethanol.The reduction of Lpr by Hg2+ was 53.20% and 74.55% at regular and high calcium levels,respectively under water stress condition,and 62.1% under normal condition.The results suggest that Ca2+ increased the passage of water through the cell membrane of roots by increasing the activity of Hg-sensitive AQP under water stress.The percentage of reduction by Hg2+ was decreased to the control level two days after re-watering in CaCl2 treated plants.The leaf water potential was declined significantly under water stress,particularly at regular calcium level with respect to the decrease of Lpr.However,ψw recovered rapidly onw day after re-watering.Furthermore,water stress had a detrimental effect on the root growth.The addition of calcium,especially at low water potential,increased the root surface area and primary root diameter,and it promoted primary root enlongation and lateral root development.Compared with the controls,the growth of Ca2+ treated plants was recovered gradually with the prolonging of rehydration.Therefore,these results indicated that the extra calcium,with respect to root growth and water uptake,mitigates the negative effect of water stress and enhances the compensatory effects of rehydration.

Vitamin D deficiency and pregnancy: From preconception to birth

Vitamin D is important for bone health, as well as an increasing number of other health outcomes. Here we discuss the evidence relating to vitamin D in pregnancy, from preconception to the perinatal period. During pregnancy extra calcium required for fetal skeletal growth is attained by both maternal bone resorption and increased absorption from dietary sources, necessitating increased maternal vitamin D. Many women have low vitamin D status during pregnancy and may require supplementation, although optimal serum levels and intake required to achieve those levels is not yet well defined. Evidence from animal studies, with some supportive human evidence, suggests that fertility may be impaired in mothers with low vitamin D. During pregnancy, maintaining vitamin D and calcium levels may decrease the risks of pre-eclampsia, while gestational diabetes mellitus appears to be more common in those with low vitamin D status, although there is insufficient evidence of causality. The evidence in relation to increased risks of bacterial vaginosis and caesarean section similarly requires confirmation in carefully designed observational and experimental studies. This review outlines the emerging evidence that maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy is important for the health of the mother and offspring across a range of possible health outcomes.

Effect of preharvest and postharvest application of calcium on banana green-life

Introduction. La duree de vie verte est une caracteristique post-recolte majeure des fruits ; elle definit leur capacite a se conserver au long de la chaine de distribution. Pour des fruits climacteriques comme l'est la banane, la duree de vie verte doit etre optimisee afin de satisfaire les exigences de transport et de commercialisation. Le calcium est connu pour renforcer les tissus des plantes ainsi que leur duree de vie verte. Materiel et methodes. Dans notre etude, nous avons teste l'effet de l'application de calcium avant et apres la recolte sur les caracteristiques post-recoltes de bananes de deux cultivars (Grande Naine et Flhorban920, Musa spp., group AAA, Cavendish). Resultats et discussion. L'ajout de calcium dans la fertilisation de la variete Flhorban920 n'a pas au d'effets significatifs sur la duree de vie verte (moyenne de 36 jours), ni sur la durete et l'epaisseur de la peau des fruits (respectivement 63.7 N et 3.94 mm). L'application de calcium au champ par pulverisation directe sur les fruits n'a pas modifie la composition chimique de la pulpe et de la peau. Pour les applications de calcium apres recoltes (par trempage), la duree de vie verte des fruits de Cavendish et de Flhorban920 n'a ete modifiee de maniere significative ni par la presence de calcium, ni par le type d'application (duree de vie verte de 45 et 26 jours pour les fruits des varietes Cavendish et Flhorban920, respectivement).