High Amounts Of Calcium Research Articles

Sorption of Arsenic from Desalination Concentrate onto Drinking Water Treatment Solids: Operating Conditions and Kinetics

Selective removal of arsenic from aqueous solutions with high salinity is required for safe disposal of the concentrate and protection of the environment. The use of drinking water treatment solids (DWTS) to remove arsenic from reverse osmosis (RO) concentrate was studied by batch sorption experiments. The impacts of solution chemistry, contact time, sorbent dosage, and arsenic concentration on sorption were investigated, and arsenic sorption kinetics and isotherms were modeled. The results indicated that DWTS were effective in removing arsenic from RO concentrate. The arsenic sorption process followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Multilayer adsorption was simulated by Freundlich equation. The maximum sorption capacities were calculated to be 170 mg arsenic per gram of DWTS. Arsenic sorption was enhanced by surface precipitation onto the DWTS due to the high amount of calcium in the RO concentrate and the formation of ternary complexes between arsenic and natural organic matter (NOM) bound by the polyvalent cations in DWTS. The interactions between arsenic and NOM in the solid phase and aqueous phase exhibited two-sided effects on arsenic sorption onto DWTS. NOM in aqueous solution hindered the arsenic sorption onto DWTS, while the high organic matter content in solid DWTS phase enhanced arsenic sorption.

Hydrochloric acid based pre-treatment on paper mill sludge ash as an alternative source material for geopolymer

This study focuses on the pre-treatment of paper mill sludge ash (PMSA) as a by-product of paper milling industry that contains high amount of calcium, yet low in silica. The presence of high calcium content in geopolymer system will accelerate the setting time of fresh geopolymer and may disrupt the development of its mechanical strength. Therefore, in this study, the refinement of PMSA properties was conducted by treating raw PMSA in hydrochloric acid solution with different molarities of 0.5 M, 1.0 M and 1.5 M. The pre-treatment process was mainly purposed to decrease the amount of calcium and other impurities through leaching mechanism. Characterization of raw materials and pre-treated PMSA was done based on ICPMS and XRF analysis for its leachate and oxide analysis, respectively, while the effect of pre-treated PMSA on geopolymer properties was conducted by adding the pre-treated ash as a replacement material for fly ash at various percentages of replacement (5%, 10%, and 15%). Based on the experimental results, 1.5 M hydrochloric acid solution (HCl) was determined as the optimum concentration due to its ability in removing higher amount of calcium from the ash, yet still able to increase the amount of silica. Testing on the hardened properties of geopolymer specimen also showed the deceleration of fresh fly ash based geopolymer and produced a more workable fresh geopolymer. Higher workability has led to a denser and more compact specimen, which contributed to the higher mechanical strength of hardened specimen, particularly in 5% pre-treated PMSA specimen. Therefore, the use of PMSA as an alternative source material for fly ash based geopolymer has presented a favourable potency, particularly after the pre-treatment process with HCl

Eggshell as a partial cement replacement in concrete development

Research on the reuse of waste materials in the concrete industry has been quite intensive in the past decade. The objective of this research is to identify the performance of oven-dried eggshell powder as a partial cement replacement in the production of concrete under both water-cured and air-cured regimes. Eggshell powder of various amounts, namely 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% by volume, was added as a replacement for ordinary Portland cement. The results showed that water-cured eggshell concrete greatly improved the compressive and flexural strength of concrete, by up to 51·1% and 57·8%, respectively. The rate of water absorption of eggshell concrete was reduced by approximately 50%, as eggshell powder filled up the existing voids, making it more impermeable. However, the compressive strength of the eggshell concrete decreases gradually when the amount of eggshell powder increased, during immersion in acid and alkali solutions, because eggshell contains a high amount of calcium, which reacts readily with acid and alkali solutions. As the eggshell content increases, the solution reacts with the paste so the bonding of the paste reduces, and therefore the strength also reduces. The reduction of compressive strength during immersion in sulphuric solution and sodium sulphate solution was 27·5% and 31·2%, respectively, when 20% eggshell powder was used to replace cement. It can be concluded that the optimum percentage of oven-dried eggshell powder as a partial cement replacement is 15%.

How the deadwood of different tree species in various stages of decomposition affected nutrient dynamics?

PurposeThe aim of the study was to estimate how the deadwood of different tree species in various stages of decomposition affected nutrient dynamics.Materials and methodsThe deadwood of eight species (common alder, common aspen, common ash, silver fir, pedunculate oak, Norway spruce, common hornbeam and silver birch) was selected. Three logs from each species in the third, fourth and fifth decay classes were chosen for analysis. Wood in the third decay class was characterised by larger hard fragments, fragmented bark and no branches; in the fourth decay class, it was characterised by small pieces and a fragmented bark; and in the fifth decay class, it was characterised by a soft texture and no bark. The investigation was carried out in the Czarna Rózga Reserve in Central Poland. Tension lysimeters were installed under each log in the humus horizon. The water samples collected from tension lysimeters were chemically analysed in the laboratory. The water chemistry was analysed by means of ion chromatography using a DIONEX ICS 5000 unit.Results and discussionThe leachate obtained from different tree species contained different ion concentrations. The high similarity of the concentration of total anions and statistically significant differences in the content of total cations were determined in the leachate from the wood of coniferous and deciduous species. The concentration of the cations increases with the advancement of the decomposition level. A general linear model analysis demonstrates that wood species and the decomposition classes are of equal importance in defining the ion composition of the filtrate leaching from deadwood.ConclusionsWood at the highest decomposition stage releases more ions to the surface soil layers than wood at the lower decay class. An exception from the rule is the wood of birch, which in the III decay class releases more ions than in its higher decay classes. When comparing the ionic composition of leachate released from wood of coniferous and deciduous tree species, the latter are characterised by higher cation concentrations in comparison with coniferous species. Among the deciduous species, wood of such species as ash, hornbeam, aspen, birch and alder has the most favourable effects on the soil surface horizons through its supply with ionic substances. The ash wood releases high amounts of calcium, hornbeam wood releases magnesium and sodium, and aspen releases calcium, potassium and nitrate anion. From the analysed coniferous species, fir wood has a more favourable effect in terms of ion release to soil than spruce wood.

Change in some biochemical and bioactive properties and essential oil composition of coriander seed (Coriandrum sativum L.) varieties from Turkey

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), is a specific species for Mediterranean region and it is cultivated for several purposes such as medicinal, cooking and cosmetic. Coriander seed oil is widely used in the food, health, cosmetics, soft drinks and chocolate industries all around of the world. Coriander essential oil is also utilised by the humans in terms of its medicinal properties traditionally. The present study was aimed to investigate some biochemical and bioactive properties of the coriander samples. Besides, four different varieties from Turkey (Arslan, Gamze, Gürbüz, Erbaa) were compared in the study. The highest crude oil content (COC) was calculated for the Gamze cultivar. The highest amounts of calcium, magnesium, sulphur, copper and boron were determined in the Gamze cultivar while the lowest values were for the Arslan one. The significant variation was observed in mineral contents of seed and seed oil samples. Petroselinic acid was the major fatty acid for all coriander cultivars. The lowest antiradical activity was found in the Erbaa cultivar and the highest amount of total phenolic compounds was for the Arslan cultivar. This study is the first report about biochemical and bioactive properties of the four coriander varieties from Turkey.

Polyelectrolyte multi-layers assembly of SiCHA nanopowders and collagen type I on aminolysed PLA films to enhance cell-material interactions

This paper presents a new approach in assembling bone extracellular matrix components onto PLA films, and investigates the most favourable environment which can be created using the technique for cell-material interactions. Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) films were chemically modified by covalently binding the poly(ethylene imine) (PEI) as to prepare the substrate for immobilization of polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) coating. Negatively charged polyelectrolyte consists of well-dispersed silicon-carbonated hydroxyapatite (SiCHA) nanopowders in hyaluronic acid (Hya) was deposited onto the modified PLA films followed by SiCHA in collagen type I as the positively charged polyelectrolyte. The outermost layer was finally cross-linked by 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrocholoride and N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide sodium salt (EDC/NHS) solutions. The physicochemical features of the coated PLA films were monitored via X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). The amounts of calcium and collagen deposited on the surface were qualitatively and quantitatively determined. The surface characterizations suggested that 5-BL has the optimum surface roughness and highest amounts of calcium and collagen depositions among tested films. In vitro human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) cultured on the coated PLA films confirmed that the coating materials greatly improved cell attachment and survival compared to unmodified PLA films. The cell viability, cell proliferation and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) expression on 5-BL were found to be the most favourable of the tested films. Hence, this newly developed coating materials assembly could contribute to the improvement of the bioactivity of polymeric materials and structures aimed to bone tissue engineering applications.

Nutritional Profile of Chekurmanis (Sauropus androgynus), A Less Explored Green Leafy Vegetable

Chekurmanis (Sauropus androgynus) belonging to Euphorbiaceae, is a perennial shrub, growing wildly in Southeast Asia. The leaves of chekurmanis are highly nutritious, being a very rich source of micronutrients and protein. In this study, chekurmanis leaves were evaluated for protein and micronutrient content at different stages of maturity. Maturity of the leaves did not alter the rich content of protein which remained around 22.0 g/100 g. Total dietary fibre content of the leaves ranged between 34 and 36% at different stages of maturity. Fully matured leaves contained a significantly higher amount of calcium, as compared to the tender leaves. The iron content of these leaves ranged from 3.89 to 4.50 mg /100 g, while the zinc content of the same was between 1.26 and 1.48 mg/100 g. The bioaccessibility of iron and zinc was significantly higher in the tender leaves. The tender and partially mature leaves of chekurmanis contained 74 and 69 mg/100 g of niacin, respectively. The β-carotene content of the leaves ranged from 7400 to 9250 μg/100 g, while that of vitamin E ranged between 17.6 to 15.6 mg/100 g. Chekurmanis leaves contain an alkaloid, the content of which was significantly higher in mature leaves (1740 mg/ 100 g) as compared to tender leaves (1439 mg/100 g). The alkaloid content of chekurmanis leaves was significantly reduced upon pressure cooking. This is the first report on the nutrient content of chekurmanis leaves at different stages of maturity, as also on the bioaccessibility of minerals.

Genome and Transcriptome sequence of Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) provides insights into drought tolerance and nutraceutical properties

BackgroundFinger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) is an important staple food crop widely grown in Africa and South Asia. Among the millets, finger millet has high amount of calcium, methionine, tryptophan, fiber, and sulphur containing amino acids. In addition, it has C4 photosynthetic carbon assimilation mechanism, which helps to utilize water and nitrogen efficiently under hot and arid conditions without severely affecting yield. Therefore, development and utilization of genomic resources for genetic improvement of this crop is immensely useful.ResultsExperimental results from whole genome sequencing and assembling process of ML-365 finger millet cultivar yielded 1196 Mb covering approximately 82% of total estimated genome size. Genome analysis showed the presence of 85,243 genes and one half of the genome is repetitive in nature. The finger millet genome was found to have higher colinearity with foxtail millet and rice as compared to other Poaceae species. Mining of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) yielded abundance of SSRs within the finger millet genome. Functional annotation and mining of transcription factors revealed finger millet genome harbors large number of drought tolerance related genes. Transcriptome analysis of low moisture stress and non-stress samples revealed the identification of several drought-induced candidate genes, which could be used in drought tolerance breeding.ConclusionsThis genome sequencing effort will strengthen plant breeders for allele discovery, genetic mapping, and identification of candidate genes for agronomically important traits. Availability of genomic resources of finger millet will enhance the novel breeding possibilities to address potential challenges of finger millet improvement.

Streptococcus mutans adherence and biofilm formation on experimental composites containing dicalcium phosphate dihydrate nanoparticles.

Specimens were prepared from experimental RBCs with BisGMA/TEGDMA resin matrix including 20 vol% of either nDCPD (nDCPD-RBC), TEGDMA-functionalized nDPCD (F-nDCPD-RBC) or silanized silica (SiO2-RBC). Neat resin blend (control-Resin), conventional nanohybrid RBC (control-RBC) and human enamel were used for reference. Characterization of the specimens included surface roughness (SR), surface free energy (SFE), chemical surface composition (EDS, XPS), and buffering ability of a pH = 4.00 solution. Streptococcus mutans adherence was assessed after 2 h; biofilm formation was simulated for 48 h using a bioreactor. Adherent, viable biomass was determined using tetrazolium salt assay (MTT). nDCPD-RBC yielded highest roughness and showed higher polar and lower disperse component to total SFE. EDS and XPS indicated higher amounts of calcium and phosphate on the surface of nDCPD-RBC than on F-nDCPD-RBC. nDCPD buffered the acidic solution to 5.74, while functionalization almost prevented buffering (pH = 4.26). F-nDCPD-RBC reduced adherence and biofilm formation in comparison to nDCPD-RBC. Regardless of functionalization, biofilm formation on nDCPD-containing RBCs was not significantly different from SiO2-RBC. Control-Resin, control-RBC, and enamel surfaces showed similar adherence values as F-nDCPD-RBC, but lower biofilm formation compared to both nDCPD-containing RBCs. In conclusion, the incorporation of nDCPD did not minimize S. mutans adherence and biofilm formation as a function of the materials´ surface properties. However, results observed for the buffering capacity indicated that optimized formulations of biomimetic RBCs may be useful for modulating their interaction with microorganisms.

Wetting and Drying Characteristics of Recycled Asphalt Pavement-Fly Ash Blend as a Sustainable Pavement Material

The usage of Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) and Fly Ash (FA) blend in pavement applications contributes to the sustainable usage of such waste by-products. Although RAP-FA blend has been proven as a pavement material based on strength and leachate requirement, the durability of this blend when exposed to an aggressive environment has not been investigated to date. This research presents the effect of wetting-drying (w-d) cycles on the strength and microstructural changes of RAP-FA blend. The strength characteristic of this material was determined by Unconfined Compression Strength (UCS) test. The mineralogical and microstructural changes of the compound pavement material were also analyzed using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Test results show that the UCS of RAP-FA blend increases with increasing the number of w-d cycles (C), reaching its peak at 6 w-d cycles. The XRD and SEM analyses indicate that the increased UCS of RAP-FA blend is due to stimulation of the chemical reaction between the high amount of Calcium in RAP and the high amount of Silica and Alumina in FA during w-d cycles leading to production of more Calcium Silicate Hydrate (C-S-H) and Calcium Aluminate Hydrate (C-A-H). For C > 6, the significant macro-cracks due to the loss of moisture content during drying stage cause strength reduction. However, its reduced UCS is still greater than the minimum strength requirement even at C = 20. The outcome from this research confirms the viability of using RAP-FA blends as an alternative sustainable pavement material.

Effect of wetting–drying cycles on compressive strength and microstructure of recycled asphalt pavement – Fly ash geopolymer

The usage of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) and fly ash (FA) in pavement applications contributes to the sustainable usage of such waste by-products. Although RAP-FA geopolymer and RAP-FA blend without liquid alkaline activator have been proven as a pavement material based on strength and leachate requirement, the durability of these by-products when exposed to an aggressive environment has not been investigated to date. This research investigates the effect of wetting–drying (w–d) cycles on the strength and microstructural changes of RAP-FA blend and RAP-FA geopolymer. The strength characteristics of these materials were determined by unconfined compression strength (UCS) test. The micro-structure of the compound pavement material was also analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Test results show that the UCS of RAP-FA blend increases with increasing the number of wetting–drying (w–d) cycles (C), reaching its peak at 6w–d cycles. The XRD and SEM analyses indicate that the increased UCS of RAP-FA blend is due to stimulation of the chemical reaction between the high amount of Calcium in RAP and the high amount of Silica and Alumina in FA during w–d cycles leading to production of more Calcium (Aluminate) Silicate Hydrate [C–(A)-S-H]. For C>6, the significant macro- and micro-cracks developed during w–d cycles cause strength reduction. For RAP-FA geopolymer, geopolymerization products [Sodium Alumino-Silicate Hydrate, N-A-S-H] co-existed with C-(A)-S-H results in increased UCS within the first 6w–d cycles. The macro- and micro-cracks when C>6 cause strength reduction of RAP-FA geopolymers. A better durability performance is observed when RAP-FA geopolymers are prepared with higher NaOH content that can be attributed to formation of a stable cross-linked alumino-silicate polymer structure. The outcome from this research confirms the viability of using RAP-FA blends and RAP-FA geopolymer as alternative sustainable pavement materials.

새로운 식품원료로 등록된 식용곤충의 영양성분 비교 분석

본 연구에서는 갈색거저리, 흰점박이꽃무지 및 장수풍뎅이 유충의 영양성분을 비교분석하였고, 이를 통해 식용곤충 이용 시 곤충 선택 기준확립에 기초 자료로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다. 3종 식용곤충의 영양성분 비교결과, 조단백질, 조지방, 탄수화물은 각각 흰점박이꽃무지, 갈색거저리 및 장수풍뎅이 유충에서 가장 높았다. 아미노산 함량 비교 분석 결과, 총 아미노산 함량과 필수 아미노산의 함량은 갈색거저리 유충에서 가장 높았다. 지방산의 조성은 갈색거저리와 흰점박이꽃무지 유충이 유사하였으며, 이들은 장수풍뎅이 유충에 비해 불포화 지방산 함량이 높았다. 또한, 무기질 함량의 비교 분석 결과, 칼슘과 철은 장수풍뎅이 유충에서 가장 높은 반면 인과 칼륨은 흰점박이꽃무지 유충에 가장 많이 함유되어 있었다. 위와 같은 결과를 통해 각각의 곤충이 함유하는 영양성분에 따라 노인, 어린이 및 임산부 등 다양한 영양 요구를 가지는 대상에 따라 필요한 곤충을 선택하여 섭취가 가능할 것이며 식용곤충을 다양하게 조합하는 경우 보다 풍부한 영양분을 섭취할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다. In this study, the nutritional components of Tenebrio molitor, Protaetia brevitarsis, and Allomyrina dichotoma larvae, which have been registered as novel foods, were analyzed and compared to expand the diversity of selection criteria for edible insects. The contents of crude components, amino acids, fatty acids, and minerals were analyzed. According to the results of comparative analysis of edible insects, crude proteins were abundant in all three kinds of insects. The content of crude fat was the highest in T. molitor, and the content of carbohydrate was the highest in A. dichotoma. When comparing the composition of amino acids, total amino acid content and essential amino acids were the highest in T. molitor larvae. In T. molitor and P. brevitarsis larvae, the compositions of fatty acids were similar, with higher amounts of unsaturated fatty acids than in A. dichotoma. In terms of mineral content, A. dichotoma contained the highest amounts of calcium and iron, whereas P. brevitarsis contained the highest amounts of phosphorus and potassium. With these results, it is expected that edible insects could be selected according to nutritional demand. In addition, multiple combinations of edible insects will offer a richer intake of nutrients.

Vitamin Fortification of Fluid Milk.

Vitamin concentrates with vitamins A and D are used for fortification of fluid milk. Although many of the degradation components of vitamins A and D have an important role in flavor/fragrance applications, they may also be source(s) of off-flavor(s) in vitamin fortified milk due to their heat, oxygen, and the light sensitivity. It is very important for the dairy industry to understand how vitamin concentrates can impact flavor and flavor stability of fluid milk. Currently, little research on vitamin degradation products can be found with respect to flavor contributions. In this review, the history, regulations, processing, and storage stability of vitamins in fluid milk are addressed along with some hypotheses for the role of vitamin A and D fortification on flavor and stability of fluid milk.

Severe Hypercalcemia Secondary to Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Primary hyperparathyroidism is usually asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic, however, in rare cases threatening hypercalcemia is the presenting symptom. The aim of our study is to analyze cases of severe hypercalcemia in primary hyperparathyroidism. Subjects and Methods: 5 patients (3M/2F, mean age = 48 years) with primary hyperparathyroidism (2 carcinomas, 3 adenomas) with serum calcium level ≥ 14 mg/dl. Results: Serum calcium levels varied between 14 and 18 mg/dl and parathormone (PTH) levels between 840 and 1631 pg/ml. Non-specific symptoms such as anorexia, nausea, vomiting, polyuria, dehydration, abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, muscular weakness, pruritus, irritability and lethargy were present in all patients. Bone fracture and brown tumors were present in 4 patients. Parathyroid nodule size varied between 20 and 46 mm and was clinically palpable in three patients. All patients received symptomatic treatment of hypercalcemia before parathyroid surgery: rehydration with saline in all cases, hemodialysis in one case and bisphosphonates in three patients. In the postoperative period, all patients had hypocalcaemia, which was severe, requiring high amounts of calcium in two patients. Conclusion: Severe hypercalcemia is a rare but potentially fatal endocrine emergency if unrecognized and untreated. Appropriate diagnosis and adequate management are important to improve its prognosis.

English

Some soils in Ethiopia reduce plant productivity due to physical and/or chemical limitations. The morphological, physical and chemical properties of problem soils, including sodic, acidic, and saline soils, around southern Ethiopia were characterized and are described in this chapter. The intention is to characterize the soils and better understand the specific nature of the limitations. Sodic soils of Alage, acid soils of Hagereselam, and saline soils of Zeway areas were sampled to represent the problem soils. The soil properties determined included color, electrical conductivity (EC), structure, consistency, bulk density, texture, pH, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen, available phosphorus (P) and K, exchangeable bases and available micro-nutrients. The soils had considerable heterogeneity in solum and regolith thickness, horizon depth, structural development in surface soils and subsurface horizons, pH, EC and available nutrients. The classification of these soils was made according to Soil Taxonomy and World Reference Base for Soil Resources systems. The sodic soils of Alage had high pH and sodium (Na) content, and low level of OC, available P, copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). The epipedon was classified as an ochric and the profile also had variation in clay content down the profile to satisfy the requirements of having an argilic horizon and therefore these soils were classified as Typic Natragids. Soils of Hagereselam had very low available P. Available Cu and Zn contents were found to be at the marginal levels for production of most crops. The Hagereselam profile had an argilic horizon with umbric epipedon and was classified as Typic Paleustults. The saline soils in Zeway area had relatively high amounts of calcium and low OC. The profile was found to have ochric epipedon and these soils are classified as Typic Haplocambids. Application of fertilizer including P, Cu and Zn, and removal of sodium and salts from the soil profile may be means of improving the productivity of these soils. Application of organic amendments including manures and crop residues may also be beneficial in increasing the fertility as well as organic carbon content.   Key words: Acidic, saline and sodic soils, reclamation, morphological, physical and chemical soil properties.

Nutritional composition of fruit of four date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.)cultivars grown in Haryana, India

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the nutrient composition of four varieties of date fruit. The results of the study indicated that the variety Shamran had highest protein (2.77%) content and the variety Medjool the lowest (1.88%). Fat and crude fibre contents of date fruit varieties ranged from 0.17 to 0.50% and 1.71 to 2.22%, respectively. The variety Medjool had lowest amount of total soluble sugars (67.49g/100g) and reducing sugar (61.31g/100g). All the varieties of date fruit differed non-significantly among themselves for their non- reducing sugar content. The variety Khadrawi had the highest amount of starch content. Total dietary fiber (11.70g/100g) and soluble dietary fiber (3.34g/100g) were highest in variety Hillawi. All the four varieties of date fruit differed significantly from each other for their total dietary fiber content and soluble dietary fiber content. The varieties Khadrawi (8.46%), Hillawi (8.35%) and Shamran (7.94%) had significantly (p£ 0.05) higher insoluble dietary fiber as compared to variety Medjool (4.25%). The variety Shamran had highest amount of calcium (195.33mg/100g) and zinc (1.81mg/100g). The variety Medjool contained lowest amount of calcium (70.33mg/100g), iron (1.91mg/100g) and potassium (713mg/100g) while the highest amount of phosphorus (52.66mg/100g). A non-significant (p£0.05) difference was observed in magnesium content of all the varieties. Polyphenol content of date fruits from different varieties ranged from 228.79 to 253.21 mg/100g.

Physicochemical, Phytochemical and Mycological Characteristics of Italia Muscat Raisins Obtained Using Different Pre-treatments and Drying Techniques

Raisins represent an economically important grapevine by-product. However, their quality is largely dependent on drying techniques and processing conditions. In this context, two drying processes were monitored: hot air drying in a convective oven and greenhouse drying. Grape berries were previously subjected to two chemical pre-treatments (olive oil and K2CO3 emulsion dipping (I) and NaOH solution bleaching (II)). Pre-treated grapes processed using both methods were compared with sun-dried samples. The results show that oven drying was more efficient and rapid (5 days) as compared with greenhouse drying (13 days). The end moisture content of grapes varied from 16.12% to 22.25% on a wet basis in dried samples, respectively. Significant differences in the pH value (3.85–4), acidity (1172.5–2730 mg TA/100 g DW) and total sugars (31.5–49.7%) were also observed, between raisin samples subjected to both treatments and drying methods, whereas protein levels (1–1.25%) were not affected. The analysis of minerals indicates that greenhouse-dried raisins had high amounts of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sodium (Na). The highest polyphenol (417.70 mg GAE/100 g DW), flavonoid (115.87 mg CE/100 g DW) and tannin (368.13 mg CE/100 g DW) contents were recorded in sun-dried samples, respectively. The distribution of fungal flora shows a noteworthy variability among raisin samples, with a marked abundance of ochratoxinogenic species such as Aspergillus ochraceus and Aspergillus carbonarius (15.56% and 10.41%, respectively). Italia Muscat raisins processed using oven drying could be an economically interesting alternative to manage the excessive grapes production and consequently solve related marketing issues.

Effects of two alfalfa preparations with different particle sizes on the gastric mucosa in weanlings: alfalfa chaff versus alfalfa pellets.

BackgroundFeeding alfalfa hay is often recommended for its buffering components, like protein and calcium, to prevent lesions of the gastric mucosa in horses. Until now, there has been no information regarding the influence of alfalfa particle size on the gastric mucosa. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of feeding two alfalfa preparations with different particle sizes (alfalfa chaff vs alfalfa pellets) in comparison with grass hay on the gastric mucosa in weanling horses. We hypothesized that feeding a high proportion of fine alfalfa particles would negatively impact gastric mucosa and that feeding long alfalfa chaff would improve gastric mucosal health in weanlings.ResultsBefore weaning, the prevalence of gastric mucosa lesions (one or more lesions considering all locations in the stomach) was 84.3 %; at 14 days after weaning, it was almost 100 %. Before and after weaning, most of the lesions were found at the greater curvature of the squamous mucosa and at the lesser curvature. After weaning, gastric mucosal lesions at the pylorus were significantly more severe in the group fed alfalfa chaff (p = 0.002). In the other regions, no differences related to the feeding regimes were observed.ConclusionsFeeding alfalfa failed to improve gastric mucosal lesion scores in weanlings. Furthermore, foals fed alfalfa chaff had higher lesion scores at the pylorus. Alfalfa leaves contain a superior protein source and high amounts of calcium and magnesium, providing extra nutritional advantages in growing horses. At this time, either traditional grass hay rations or grass hay with alfalfa pellets can be recommended.

Asociación entre el calcio de la aorta torácica y la geometría de esta en una cohorte de sujetos asintomáticos con riesgo cardiovascular aumentado

Introduction and objectivesThoracic aorta calcium detection is known to improve cardiovascular risk prediction for cardiac and noncardiac events beyond traditional risk factors. We investigated the influence of thoracic aorta morphometry on the presence and extent of aortic calcifications. MethodsNonenhanced computed tomography heart scans were performed in 970 asymptomatic participants at increased cardiovascular risk. An automated algorithm estimated the geometry of the entire thoracic aorta and quantified the aortic calcium Agatston score. A nonparametric model was used to analyze the percentiles of calcium score by age. Logistic regression models were calculated to identify anatomical associations with calcium levels. ResultsCalcifications were concentrated in the aortic arch and descending portions. Higher amounts of calcium were associated with an enlarged, unfolded, less tapered and more tortuous aorta. The size of the ascending aorta was not correlated with aortic calcium score, whereas enlargement of the descending aorta had the strongest association: the risk of having a global calcium score > 90th percentile was 3.62 times higher (confidence interval, 2.30-5.91; P < .001) for each 2.5-mm increase in descending aorta diameter. Vessel taper, tortuosity, unfolding and aortic arch and descending volumes were also correlated with higher amounts of calcium. ConclusionsThoracic aorta calcium was predominantly found at the arch and descending aorta and was positively associated with the size of the descending aorta and the aortic arch, but not with the size of the ascending aorta. These findings suggest that aortic dilatation may have different mechanisms and may consequently require different preventive strategies according to the considered segments.Full English text available from: www.revespcardiol.org/en

Association Between Thoracic Aorta Calcium and Thoracic Aorta Geometry in a Cohort of Asymptomatic Participants at Increased Cardiovascular Risk

Introduction and objectivesThoracic aorta calcium detection is known to improve cardiovascular risk prediction for cardiac and noncardiac events beyond traditional risk factors. We investigated the influence of thoracic aorta morphometry on the presence and extent of aortic calcifications. MethodsNonenhanced computed tomography heart scans were performed in 970 asymptomatic participants at increased cardiovascular risk. An automated algorithm estimated the geometry of the entire thoracic aorta and quantified the aortic calcium Agatston score. A nonparametric model was used to analyze the percentiles of calcium score by age. Logistic regression models were calculated to identify anatomical associations with calcium levels. ResultsCalcifications were concentrated in the aortic arch and descending portions. Higher amounts of calcium were associated with an enlarged, unfolded, less tapered and more tortuous aorta. The size of the ascending aorta was not correlated with aortic calcium score, whereas enlargement of the descending aorta had the strongest association: the risk of having a global calcium score > 90th percentile was 3.62 times higher (confidence interval, 2.30-5.91; P < .001) for each 2.5-mm increase in descending aorta diameter. Vessel taper, tortuosity, unfolding and aortic arch and descending volumes were also correlated with higher amounts of calcium. ConclusionsThoracic aorta calcium was predominantly found at the arch and descending aorta and was positively associated with the size of the descending aorta and the aortic arch, but not with the size of the ascending aorta. These findings suggest that aortic dilatation may have different mechanisms and may consequently require different preventive strategies according to the considered segments.