High Levels Of Zinc Research Articles

The Association of Thyroid Nodules With Blood Trace Elements Identified in a Cross-Section Study.

BackgroundThe association between occurrence of thyroid nodules (TNs) and trace elements detectable in blood are still inconclusive. The present study sought to determine the relationship between selected trace elements and TNs in the iodine-adequate area of Guangdong, China.MethodsA total of 1,048 participants from four communities were enrolled. A number of medical checkups were conducted to collect relevant data on anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, glucose blood levels and lipid profiles, as well as data on thyroid function, presence of thyroid autoantibodies, and trace elements. Presence of TN was diagnosed by ultrasonography.ResultsOf the 1048 participants (49.5 ± 14.4 years old), 543 participants (51.8%) had TNs. Serum copper, magnesium and zinc levels are associated with the presence of TNs among healthy subjects. Subjects with higher levels of zinc, magnesium and copper had 1.23-fold, 1.04-fold, and 1.007-fold increased risks of the prevalence of TNs (P = 0.013, 0.017, and < 0.001, resp). Compared with the first quartile of copper content in serum, participants in the fourth quartile had the highest prevalence of TNs with an odds ratio of 8.90 (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.41, 14.94) among all participants. Women in the third quartile of magnesium level had a 1.86-fold (95%CI 1.05, 3.31) risk of the prevalence of TNs. Subjects in the highest quartile of zinc level had a 1.82-fold (95%CI 1.06, 3.16) risk of the prevalence of TNs in females.ConclusionTNs were found highly prevalent in females in the investigated population from an iodine-adequate area of Guangdong, China. The imbalance of selected trace elements (copper, magnesium and zinc) in the body is related to the presence of TNs among healthy subjects. The observed correlation of copper on TNs warrants further studies.

Insights into the influence of oxide inclusions on corrosion performance of additive manufactured magnesium alloys

The corrosion performance of binder jet additive samples is compared with cast samples through potentiodynamic polarization in Na2SO4 solution. Higher zinc levels in the magnesium matrix and the presence of MgO within the microstructure of the binder jet printed alloy contribute to increases in the anodic and cathodic kinetics, respectively. It is proposed that electron inhomogeneity at the Mg/MgO interface in the binder jet printed alloy is the source of the catalytic activity of the hydrogen evolution reaction. The removal of MgO inclusions suppressed the cathodic reaction relative to the large increase in kinetics seen in similarly treated cast samples.

Serum zinc associated with immunity and inflammatory markers in Covid-19.

This study aimed to assess the association between serum zinc level with some inflammatory and immunity factors and the duration of hospitalization and mortality rate in patients diagnosed with Covid-19. In this cross-sectional study, blood samples were taken from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive patients. New patients diagnosed with Covid-19, admitted to different public hospital wards, were considered eligible for entering the study. The study was done on 179 hospitalized patients diagnosed with Covid-19. Fourteen patients died during the hospitalization and the in-hospital mortality rate was 7.8%, with 9.1% (13 patients) of patients with serum zinc level less than 70 mcg/dL and 3.4% (1 patient) of patients with zinc levels more than 70 mcg/dL. Higher levels of zinc were significantly associated with a higher and lower level of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) (p-value = 0.035) and interleukin (IL)-6 (p-value = 0.004), respectively. The level of serum zinc did not have a significant association with mortality even after adjusting for confounding factors. The relationship between zinc level and the duration of hospitalization was also not significant. In conclusion, serum zinc level had an association with IL-6 and IFN-γ level, but it did not have any significant association with hospital duration or mortality.

The role of nutrients to boost the immunity in the COVID-19 pandemic

Summary. Regarding the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, in which there is no optimal cure, the functionality and efficiency of the immune response is the key factor in the defense against viral infections. Several nutrients, especially vitamins and microelements, are crucial for the immune system to function normally. Moreover, dietary supplementations of such nutrients have beneficial impacts on the immune responses to viral infections. Studies showed that after influenza vaccination, the supplementation of vitamins A and D boost the humoral immunity of pediatric patients. In patients with torque teno virus (TTV), dietary supplementation with high levels of zinc resulted in improved immunity. Also, high doses of selenium had positive effects on the immune response after influenza vaccination. Regarding the COVID-19, it is fundamental to demonstrate the data on increasing the immune response to viral infections. The present review paper principally subjects influenza-like viral infections. Nonetheless, other viral infections have also been taken into consideration. Therefore, practical recommendations on using nutrients for the prevention and therapy of COVID-19 are given.&#x0D; The aim of the study — to provide a complementary overview of the recently available scientific literature on the strategy of using nutraceuticals in boosting the immune system under the COVID-19 pandemic.&#x0D; Materials and Methods. The study uses publications of the world scientific literature on COVID-19 infection, in particular the causes and mechanisms of its development, treatment, complications and its consequences as well as the influence of different nutrients and nutrasuticals on the course of COVID-19. This review highlights the nutritional interventions to boost the immune response in the body during viral infections, especially considering the novel coronavirus pandemic&#x0D; Results. Immune system does great work in fighting foreign cells to protect the body from disease. Of course, when a global pandemic strikes the whole world, humans will feel anxious until they conquer it and be healthy. When the COVID-19 epidemic appeared, all sought to find a vaccine to counter this virus. Given a vaccine if provided, immune systems will need to adapt to the COVID-19-infected body. Proper nutrition can help in maintaining immune systems as the frontline of defense. Researchers believe that the deficiency of a particular nutritional element is implicated in the impaired immune responses. Nutrition principles based on using some dietary substances such as trace elements, vitamins, probiotics, and nutraceuticals may be helpful in the possible prevention and management of COVID-19. Control of the COVID-19 outbreak and future epidemics requires global efforts among clinicians, immunologists, nutritionists, researchers, veterinarians, and pharmacists. Also, public health awareness should be increased about the role of nutrition in eliminating the virus by boosting the immune system. Finally, better understanding the transmission dynamics, incubation period, and replications of COVID-19, along with finding and developing specific vaccines and therapeutics, will pave the way to end this infection soon.&#x0D; Conclusions. Despite the fact that the exact intracellular mechanisms of immunostimulatory action of nutrients have not been fully studied, there is much evidence of their beneficial effects on the body's immune system, as well as their proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Nutrition plays an evidential role in the prevention and treatment of respiratory infections of varying severity. Adequate nutrition is even more important for low- and middle-income countries, where deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals expose people to greater morbidity and mortality. Low- and middle-income countries need to develop a strategy to ensure that the general population has access to optimal nutrition to strengthen the immune system, as well as to ensure a balanced diet during the treatment of patients with COVID-19.

Biodriven investigation of the wild edible mushroom Pleurotus eryngii revealing unique properties as functional food

• Pleurotus eryngii extract activate the Nrf2 and enhance the antioxidant activity. • N -acetyl tryptamine found in Pleurotus eryngii inhibits acetylcholinesterase. • Pleurotus eryngii contain high level of Zinc and other essential trace elements. • Pleurotus eryngii extract acts on several genes expression, suggesting potential protection against life threatening diseases. Pleurotus eryngii ( P. eryngii ) is largely represented among consumed mushrooms. We conducted an investigation dealing with its antioxidant potential, the presence of essential trace elements and its contribution to the management of brain-related disorders. A bio-guided extraction revealed that one extract was highly effective on activation of the nuclear factor Nrf2, the regulator of the cellular resistance to oxidants. Its analysis revealed the presence of N -acetyltryptamine (NAT), a precursor of the neurotransmitters, melatonin and serotonin. Both extract and NAT, were found as competitive inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase. The essential trace elements analyses showed the presence of high amounts of zinc. RNA-seq technology confirmed upregulates expression of Nrf2 on HepG2 cells and revealed key genes involved in anticholesterolemic, antioxidant effects, cancer and brain disorders. Our study achieved a comprehensive strengthening of the nutritional health-benefit properties of P. eryngii largely used in folk medicines and open perspectives for investigation in food and medicine.

High serum zinc levels in HELLP syndrome

Aim: HELLP syndrome is a possibly fatal complication of severe preeclampsia that occurs throughout pregnancy. Biochemical abnormalities are one of the hypotheses proposed to explain the disease's physiopathological symptoms. According to studies, different congenital illnesses are caused by a lack of nutrients such as zinc, copper, iron, manganese, and folic acid, the demand for which increases during pregnancy. The objective of this study was to evaluate serum zinc and copper levels in healthy controls and pregnant women with HELLP, as well as to determine the relationship between them. Material and Methods: The serum zinc and copper levels of 20 healthy pregnant women and 20 pregnant women with HELLP were measured using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Results: Serum Zn levels in HELLP syndrome patients were significantly higher than in healthy pregnant women (p&lt;0.05). Furthermore, a negative connection was found between Zn levels and PLT, and a positive correlation between LDH (r:-0.322, p&lt;0.05; r:0.384, p&lt;0.05 respectively). Conclusion: In conclusion, high serum zinc levels in HELLP syndrome can be evaluated in the laboratory.

Bio-efficacy of iron and zinc fortified wheat flour along with bio-assessment of its hepatic and renal toxic potential.

Study was planned to assess the bio-efficiency along with toxicity of iron and zinc fortified whole wheat flour in Sprague dawley albino rats. Whole wheat flour was fortified with different dosage of sodium iron EDTA (NaFeEDTA), ferrous sulphate (FeSO4), zinc oxide (ZnO) and zinc sulphate (ZnSO4). The rats (n=3) in each group were fed on fortified wheat flour for 2 months. Liver biomarkers including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and bilirubin were recorded from serum samples. Increased concentration of ZnSO4 affected the liver biomarkers to be highest among all whereas, bilirubin levels were less than the rats fed on control diet. The above mentioned fortificants have negligible effect on renal biomarkers including creatinine and urea. Moreover, hematological parameters were also checked and reportedly, sodium iron EDTA fed rats presented highest amount of hemoglobin, iron and total iron binding capacity. Highest zinc level was observed in rats fed on whole wheat flour fortified with 60mg/Kg Zinc oxide. Microscopic observation of liver tissue depicted that rats fed on iron and zinc fortified wheat flour have more toxic effects whereas, histopathology presentation of kidney tissue has least toxic impact. It has been concluded that mandatory fortification of wheat flour with iron and zinc may cause increased serum biomarkers along with toxicity of vital organs like liver, hence fraction of wheat flour may be fortified to fulfill the requirements of deprived and vulnerable group.

Anti-seizure effect of zinc on PTZ-induced epilepsy in rat model.

Epilepsy is a widespread and mainly severe neurological condition portrayed by recurring spontaneous seizures caused by the brain's abnormal electrical activity. According to new research, inflammation may be both a result and the cause of epileptic seizures. The highest zinc levels in the brain have been found in the hippocampus which is one of the most studied regions of the brain regarding epilepsy. Zinc may have an anti-inflammatory potential as zinc co-factors affect numerous biochemical and physiological reactions. In this study, we evaluated the effects of intraperitoneal zinc administration on seizure activity in murine PTZ model. Rats received either intraperitoneal (IP) zinc sulfate at two different dosages (50-100 mg/kg) or a placebo followed by pentylenetetrazole (IP), a strong seizure-inducing drug. The spike percentages were considerably lower in the PTZ (35 mg/kg) and 50 or 100 mg/kg zinc-treated groups (A3 and A4) than in the PTZ (35 mg/kg) and saline-treated group (A2; p may be used as an adjuvant therapy in combination with other antiepileptic drugs in the future (Tab. 3, Fig. 1, Ref. 27) Keywords: anti-seizure effect of zinc, epilepsy, abnormal electrical activity, antiepileptic drugs, rat model.

Impact of Dietary Zinc Chloride Hydroxide and Zinc Methionine on the Faecal Microbiota of Healthy Adult Horses and Ponies

Zinc supplements are often used in equine nutrition to support skin and hoof quality or the immune function. However, no data on the effects of dietary zinc on the intestinal microbiota of horses and ponies are available so far. In the present study, varying dietary zinc concentrations (maintenance (4 mg/kg BW0.75/day), 120 mg/kg dry matter (DM)/day and 240 mg/kg DM/day) were achieved by the supplementation of either zinc chloride hydroxide or zinc methionine (six treatment periods of 4 weeks each). Eight healthy adult ponies and two healthy adult horses were included, and faecal samples were collected at the end of each treatment period to analyse the microbiota (16S rDNA sequencing) and microbial metabolites. With increasing dietary zinc concentrations, the richness of the faecal microbiota decreased, independently of the zinc compound used. In addition, a decrease of the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Fibrobacteres as well as of acetate and total short-chain fatty acids in the faeces of the animals was observed at high zinc intakes. Effects on the bacterial order, family and genus level were also detected, which were partly more pronounced for zinc chloride hydroxide. It can be concluded that high dietary zinc levels decrease the richness and fermentative activity of the faecal microbiota of horses and ponies. Although all animals were healthy throughout the study, the effects could be critical for gut health, and deserve more research. The detected differences between the zinc compounds used indicate differences in the bioavailability of organic and inorganic zinc sources in equines.

Zinc is an intracellular signal during sperm activation in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Sperm activation is a rapid and dramatic cell differentiation event that does not involve changes in transcription, and the signaling cascades that mediate this process have not been fully defined. zipt-7.1 encodes a zinc transporter, and zipt-7.1(lf) mutants display sperm-activation defects, leading to the hypothesis that zinc signaling mediates sperm activation in Caenorhabditis elegans. Here, we describe the development of a method for dynamic imaging of labile zinc during sperm activation using the zinc-specific fluorescence probe FluoZin-3 AM and time-lapse confocal imaging. Two phases of dynamic changes in labile zinc levels were observed during sperm activation. Forced zinc entry using the zinc ionophore pyrithione activated sperm in vitro, and it suppressed the defects of zipt-7.1(lf) mutants, indicating that high levels of cytosolic zinc are sufficient for sperm activation. We compared activation by zinc pyrithione to activation by extracellular zinc, the Na+/H+ antiporter monensin and the protease cocktail pronase in multiple mutant backgrounds. These results indicate that the protease pathway does not require zinc signaling, suggesting that zinc signaling is sufficient to activate sperm but is not always necessary.

Impacts of dietary zinc on growth performance, haematological indicators, transaminase activity and tissue trace mineral contents of soft‐shelled turtle ( Pelodiscus sinensis )

A 12-week growth trial was conducted to investigate the impacts of dietary zinc on growth performance, whole-body composition, haematological parameters, liver aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase activity and tissue trace mineral contents of soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). Approximately 4 g of turtles were fed fishmeal-based diets with 35.43, 46.23, 55.38, 66.74, 75.06 and 85.24 mg Zn/kg. Respiratory burst, red blood cells and intestine somatic index enhanced with escalating dietary Zn concentrations up to 55.38 mg/kg and then kept constant beyond this level. Escalating dietary Zn inclusion up to 66.74 mg/kg improved weight gain, survival rate, feed intake, albumin, haemoglobin, liver aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase activity, carapace ratio and crude protein of turtles, beyond which they decreased. Osmolality, hepatosomatic index and crude lipid of turtles firstly declined with elevating dietary zinc levels from 35.43 to 55.38 mg/kg diet and then increased at a higher zinc level. Liver and muscle Zn concentrations enhanced with escalating dietary zinc inclusion, whereas Cu and Fe concentrations reduced. In summary, the optimal dietary zinc requirements for turtles were 61.27, 60.46 and 60.03 mg/kg diet, based on quadratic regression analysis derived from weight gain, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase activity, respectively.

A GREEN METHOD FOR THE REMOVAL OF ZINC(II) IONS FROM WASTEWATER USING MODIFED BIOPOLYMERS

Zinc pollution in wastewater is a global problem because it is highly toxic. Zinc is commonly used in industries that transfer the water containing zinc directly into water sources, leading to pollution. Exposure to a high level of zinc causes major health problems. This study evaluated the adsorption of zinc ions from aqueous system using modified biopolymers of chitosan by crosslinking with sulphates using the batch adsorption method; the concentration was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The sulphate cross-linked chitosan (SCC) was characterised by several method. The effects of various experimental parameters such as pH, contact time, concentration, adsorbent dosage and temperature were investigated. Under the optimised conditions, the percentage efficiency for the removal of zinc(II) was up to 85%. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms were used to analyse the equilibrium adsorption data along with kinetic studies. Various thermodynamic parameters have also been reported.

Coffee silverskin: Characterization of B-vitamins, macronutrients, minerals and phytosterols

The present study assessed the nutritional composition of coffee silverskin (CSS) obtained from arabica roasted coffee. Following validated analytical methods, CSS resulted to be a high source of proteins (14.2 g/100 g) and dietary fibers (51.5 g/100 g). Moreover, the mineral analysis revealed high contents of calcium (1.1 g/100 g) and potassium (1.0 g/100 g). To date, this study provided the widest mineral profile of CSS with 30 minerals targeted including 23 microminerals with high levels of iron (238.0 mg/kg), manganese (46.7 mg/kg), copper (37.9 mg/kg), and zinc (31.9 mg/kg). Moreover, vitamins B2 (0.18–0.2 mg/kg) and B3 (2.5–3.1 mg/kg) were studied and reported for the first time in CSS. β-sitosterol (77.1 mg/kg), campesterol, stigmasterol, and Δ5-avenasterol, were also observed from the phytosterol analysis of CSS with a total level of 98.4 mg/kg. This rich nutritional profile highlights the potential values of CSS for innovative reuses in bioactive ingredients development.

Genotypic and ecological variability of zinc content in the grain of spring bread wheat varieties in the international nursery KASIB

Spring bread wheat is the staple crop in Western Siberia and Kazakhstan, a signif icant portion of which goes for export. Wheat breeding with a high level of zinc in wheat grain is the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to address zinc def iciency in the diet. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the contribution of the factors ‘location’ and ‘genotype’ in the variability of zinc content in wheat grain, and to identify the best varieties as sources of this trait for breeding. The research on screening zinc content in the wheat grain of 49 spring bread wheat varieties from the Kazakhstan- Siberia Spring Wheat Trial (KASIB) nursery was carried out at 4 sites in Russia (Chelyabinsk, Omsk, Tyumen, Novosibirsk) and 2 sites in Kazakhstan (Karabalyk and Shortandy) in 2017–2018. The content of zinc in wheat grain was evaluated at the Ionomic Facility of University of Nottingham in the framework of the EU project European Plant Phenotyping Network-2020. The analysis of variance showed that the main contribution into the general phenotypic variation of the studied trait, 38.7 %, was made by the factor ‘location’ due to different contents of zinc and moisture in the soil of trial sites; the effect of the factor ‘year’ was 13.5 %, and the effect of the factor ‘genotype’ was 8.0 %. The most favorable environmental conditions for accumulation of zinc in wheat grain were observed in the Omsk region. In Omsk, the average zinc content in all studied varieties was 50.4 mg/kg, with 63.7 mg/ kg in the best variety ‘OmGAU 100’. These values are higher than the target values of the international program Harvest Plus. ‘Novosibirskaya 16’ (49.4 mg/kg), ‘Silach’ (48.4 mg/kg), ‘Line 4-10-16’ (47.2 mg/ kg), ‘Element 22’ (46.3 mg/kg) and ‘Lutescens 248/01’ (46.0 mg/kg) were identif ied as being the best varieties. Signif icant possibilities for the production of wheat grain with high zinc content, which is in demand for the production of bread and pastry products with functional properties, were identif ied in the Western Siberian region.

Is serum zinc status related to gestational diabetes mellitus? A meta-analysis.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common medical disorder that begins during pregnancy. The present work aimed to investigate the relationship of maternal or foetal circulatory zinc levels with GDM. Related studies were retrieved against the PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus databases till July 2020. The overall effects were expressed as standard mean difference (SMD). Furthermore, the random effects model was used to assess the summarised risk ratios (SRRs) to determine the relationship between zinc and the risk of GDM. A total of 15 articles involving were retrieved for meta‐analysis; in the meantime, 4955 subjects including 1549 GDM cases were enrolled for quantitative analysis. Compared with normal control, GDM cases had decreased circulating zinc level on the whole, but the difference was not statistically significant (SMD = −0.40, 95%CI: −0.80 to −0.00, P = 0.05). Interestingly, upon subgroup analysis stratified by serum zinc content but not plasma zinc concentration, there was significant difference in zinc content between GDM cases and normal controls (SMD = −0.56; 95%CI: −1.07 to −0.04, P = 0.03). Meanwhile, subgroup analysis also revealed similar tendency among the Asians and during the 2nd trimester, but not among the Caucasians or during the 1st or 3rd trimester. Data extracted from four studies that compared pregnant women with GDM in the high level of zinc and GDM in the low level of zinc yielded an SRR of 0.929 (95%CI: 0.905–0.954). According to existing evidence, the serum zinc content decreases among GDM cases compared with subjects with no abnormality in glucose tolerance, in particular among the Asians and during the second trimester. Nonetheless, more well designed prospective study should be carried out for understanding the dynamic relationship of zinc level with the incidence of GDM.

The Role of Copper and Zinc in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been associated with copper and zinc imbalance and a zinc-deficient diet. Mendelian randomization was used in this study to evaluate if genetically determined copper and zinc levels play a causal role in the development of IBS. Three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs1175550, rs2769264, and rs2769270) associated with erythrocyte copper levels, and 3 SNPs associated with erythrocyte zinc levels (rs11638477, rs1532423, and rs2120019) in the Australian Twin Study (1993-1996 and 2001-2005) were used as instrumental variables for levels of these metals. The association of these SNPs with IBS was tested using summary statistics computed from data on 340,331 individuals from the UK Biobank, 5,548 of whom had IBS (2006-2010). Genetically predicted high serum copper levels were associated with a lower risk of IBS (odds ratio = 0.89; 95% confidence interval: 0.80, 0.98). Genetically predicted, high serum zinc levels were nonsignificantly associated with a higher risk of IBS (odds ratio = 1.06; 95% confidence interval: 0.95, 1.18). Sensitivity analysis did not suggest the presence of pleiotropy. These results suggest that high erythrocyte copper levels may be protective against IBS development. Targeting higher levels, therefore, may provide an avenue to reduce the likelihood of IBS development in high-risk individuals.

Integrated transcriptomics and proteomics revealed the distinct toxicological effects of multi-metal contamination on oysters

The Pearl River Estuary (PRE) is the largest estuary in southern China and under high metal stress. In the present study, we employed an integrated method of transcriptomics and proteomics to investigate the ecotoxicological effects of trace metals on the Hong Kong oyster Crassostrea hongkongensis. Three oyster populations with distinct spatial distributions of metals were sampled, including the Control (Station QA, the lowest metal levels), the High Cd (Station JZ, the highest Cd), and the High Zn–Cu–Cr–Ni (Station LFS, with the highest levels of zinc, copper, chromium, and nickel). Dominant metals in oysters were differentiated by principal component analysis (PCA), and theirgene and protein profiles were studied using RNA-seq and iTRAQ techniques. Of the 2250 proteins identified at both protein and RNA levels, 70 proteins exhibited differential expressions in response to metal stress in oysters from the two contaminated stations. There were 8 proteins altered at both stations, with the potential effects on mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum by Ag. The genotoxicity, including impaired DNA replication and transcription, was specifically observed in the High Cd oysters with the dominating influence of Cd. The structural components (cytoskeleton and chromosome-associated proteins) were impaired by the over-accumulated Cu, Zn, Cr, and Ni at Station LFS. However, enhanced tRNA biogenesis and exosome activity might help the oysters to alleviate the toxicities resulting from their exposure to these metals. Our study provided comprehensive information on the molecular changes in oysters at both protein and RNA levels in responding to multi-levels of trace metal stress.

Cooking and Sensory Attributes of Homemade Noodle

Science and technology in today era is exploring the possibilities of keeping the phrase "Let food be thy Medicine”. Compared to staple cereals rice and wheat, millets are termed as 'Nutri cereals' that have high proportion of non-starchy polysaccharides and dietary fiber and has low glycemic index. Pearl millet is a drought tolerant crop cultivated in most parts of Africa and Asia, has high level of calcium, iron, zinc, lipids and good quality protein. Noodles are one of the most popular foods in the world; it ranks second after bread in the global consumption. Generally noodles are prepared using refined wheat flour and studies have shown the enrichment of noodles with wheat flour and millets, green leafy vegetables and others vegetables etc. In this study an attempt was taken to prepare homemade noodles by replacing the refined wheat flour totally with wheat flour and pearl millet flour. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is processed into flour and substituted with wheat flour in five different proportions 40:60, 50:50, 60:40, 70:30 and 80:20. The formulated blends were used in the production of noodles and their cooking characteristics such as water absorption, swelling index and cooking loss were found. And the formulated noodles were further subjected to sensory evaluation by the panel of 30 members. The result showed that the noodles prepared with blend of wheat flour (60 per cent) and pearl millet flour (40 per cent) is found to be the most commonly accepted blend in both dry and cooked noodles. Hence pearl millet flour noodles will be a promising substitute when compared with commercial noodles in quality, taste and flavor.

Benthic foraminifera geochemistry as a monitoring tool for heavy metal and phosphorus pollution — A post fish-farm removal case study

Measuring environmental contaminants in coastal areas is critical for monitoring and managing their impacts. Commonly used techniques involve repetitive field sampling, which provides a single moment in time during each effort. In this study, we examine the potential for using foraminifera in monitoring and risk assessment as recorders of bioavailable pollutants. Geochemical analysis of benthic foraminifera (Operculina ammonoides) shells sampled annually at a previous fish farm location showed extremely high levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and phosphorus (P) during the three years following the fish cages removal, with a general reduction afterwards. Levels of Cu/Ca were still more than 4-fold higher than background levels 10 years after the removal of the fish cages. Based on our finds, it is concluded that the geochemical analysis of recent benthic foraminifera shells can serve as a powerful monitoring tool of bioavailable contaminants in seawater. Additionally, the results highlight the need for heavy metal monitoring near marine aquaculture facilities and suggest that long-term effects extend spatially and temporally far beyond the original point source. Finally, we observed variations in micro-distribution of elements within the top 1–2 μm of the shells, where Cu/Ca, Zn/Ca and P/Ca are consistently higher in the chamber wall than in the septa. This observation is relevant for studies conducting single chamber analyses.

20 Effect of Adding Bioactive Peptide in Combination of Pharmaceutical Zinc Oxide or Organic Acids on Growth Performance, Hematology Profile, and Nutrient Digestibility in Nursery Pigs

Abstract To evaluate the effect of bioactive peptide (P) in combination with high level of zinc (HZ) or acidifiers on growth performance, complete blood cell counts (CBC) and nutrient digestibility in nursery pigs, a total of 288 weaned pigs (PIC1050xDNA600) were stratified by initial BW within gender and allotted to 1of 7 treatments. Treatments for phase 1&amp;2 were: 1) nutrient adequate positive control with HZ (PC), 2) nutrient deficient negative control with HZ (NC, -0.13% SID Lysine by reducing fish meal), 3) NC+0.25% peptide (0.25PZ), 4) NC+0.5% peptide (0.5PZ), 5) NC+0.25% peptide with standard zinc (0.25P), 6) NC+0.5% peptide with standard zinc (0.5P), 7) as 5 + 0.1% sodium butyrate and 0.5% benzoic acid (PSB). All pigs were fed a common low Zn diet (197 ppm) during phase 3. The whole blood was obtained from a close-to-average pen-BW pig repeatedly at weaning, and at the end of phase 2 and 3 to determine CBC. Titanium dioxide was used as an indigestible marker to determine nutrient digestibility. Data were analyzed using the Mixed procedures of SAS as a RCBD with treatment as fixed effect, and BW block as random effect. In overall phase 1&amp;2, pigs fed PSB had similar ADG and BW when compared to pigs fed 0.25PZ and both were greater than NC pigs (Table 1). With the same inclusion rate of peptide, pigs fed a high zinc diet had greater BW and ADG than pigs fed a standard zinc diet. PSB pigs had the greatest G:F ratio and nitrogen digestibility among treatments. Increasing peptide in high zinc diets gradually decreased Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. This study indicates that the improvement in growth performance from pigs fed peptide is pharmaceutical zinc dependent and acidifiers can be an alternative to replace ZnO without affecting growth performance.