High Amounts Of Calcium Research Articles

Chemical composition of three cultivars of Brazilian beans

Brazil is one of the largest producers and consumers of beans. The grains of beans fill the main dietary recommendations for good health because it provides essential nutrients. In this study, we selected different varieties of beans as IPR88 Uirapuru (Uirapuru), BRS Jalo (Jalo) and BRS Radiante (Cavalo), and compared the chemical composition of raw beans. The samples (10 Kg of each cultivar) were collected in 2012, February (Jalo and Cavalo: latitude -26º 8’ 46.78’’; longitude -52º 41’ 44.78’’) and March (Uirapuru: latitude -26º 7’ 30.79’’; longitude -52º 38’ 57.31’’) at Pato Branco, Paraná state, Brazil. The physicochemical parameters (lipids, crude protein, fixed mineral residue, humidity, carbohydrates), and minerals content followed the methods described by AOAC. All the analysis was made in triplicate. The mineral composition of the three cultivars studied presented values closed to each other, but IPR88 Uirapuru was distinguished by a greater protein value and a higher amount of calcium and phosphorus. The centesimal composition of the three varieties presented values closed to each other, distinguished BRS Jalo with higher content of fiber. The physical chemical composition showed that they become an excellent raw material for bakery industry and could be used for the development of specific food products.

Hungry Bone Syndrome after Parathyroidectomy for Primary Hyperthyroidism

Parathyroidectomy is the treatment of choice in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). This disease affects calcium metabolism at the level of bone tissue and renal tubules, resulting in hypercalcaemia, often asymptomatic, associated with hypophosphataemia and hypomagnesaemia. Sudden suppression of parathyroid hormone (PTH), caused by successful parathyroidectomy, in patients with preoperative high levels of PTH and hypercalcaemia from enhanced bone turnover, may induce severe postoperative hypocalcaemia that may lead to symptoms of tetany. This relatively uncommon condition is known as “hungry bone syndrome” (HBS), because it is believed to be due mainly to enhanced bone formation. Several risk factors have been advocated for HBS, and the syndrome is reported to be more likely to rise in subjects with severe preoperative bone disease. Other modifiable risk factors are preoperative vitamin D deficiency and high PTH and calcium levels. Treatment of HBS is basically the administration of high amounts of calcium immediately after the onset of postoperative hypocalcaemia. Supplements of active metabolites of vitamin D, as well as magnesium in depleted subjects are complementary in supporting bone remineralization. Oral supplementation may be requested for months after parathyroidectomy. Prevention is poorly documented, but it is reasonable to propose the correction of vitamin D deficit and the use of bisphosphonates aimed to lower PTH levels and bone resorption before parathyroidectomy.

Erratum to: Effect of dietary high amount of calcium and phosphorus on reducing the prevalence of morphological deformities in GH-transgenic Nile tilapia

To satisfy the world’s growing need for animal protein, it is important to develop or select fish species which are suitable for optimal cultivation in closed recirculating aquaculture systems (CRASs) as an environment-friendly aquaculture technology for providing safe and secure aquaculture food products. We have developed an ‘all fish’ growth-hormone (GH)-transgenic Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (GHTi) which appears to be a predominant candidate for CRAS since it has been found to exhibit two important characteristics, namely, a shorter rearing duration to a market size and lowered N and P discharge load. However, these fish have undergone morphological changes, resulting in a short body which is less acceptable to consumers as an edible fish. One possible solution to reducing the prevalence of such morphological deformities is to determine the association between changes in the nutritional conditions of these fish. To this end, we first calculated the ideal total calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) intake (g/kg), ideal daily Ca and P intake and retention (g/kg/day) and ideal daily feeding rate (%) for the fourth filial (F4) offspring of GHTi. Our hypothesis was that GHTi would achieve the same total retention of Ca (14.6 g/kg) or P (7.69 g/kg) during a 69-day shorter rearing period as their production-matched pedigree common domestic strain (CTi). We estimated that when GHTi were fed conventional commercial diets to satiety, those with a body weight (BW) of more than approximately 230 g could not retain sufficient Ca, while those with a BW of more than approximately 429 g could not retain sufficient P. We then attempted to reduce the prevalence of morphological deformities in GHTi via dietary compound regulation by supplying a high amount of dietary Ca [6.82 % in the diet with Ca supplementation (Ca-S)] or P [4.75 % in the diet with P supplementation (P-S)]. Both the Ca-S and P-S diet improved mineral retention, while those fed on a Ca-S diet showed a lower prevalence of deformities, close to the size-matched CTi. These results suggest that the requirements of dietary Ca and P were significantly higher in GHTi than in CTi and, consequently, that the conventional levels of Ca and P in commercial diets for CTi cannot meet the mineral requirement of GHTi. We therefore propose to develop an optimal feed to meet the altered nutritional requirements of GH-transgenic Nile tilapia for growth-promoting optimization. This may become prerequisite for rearing this GHTi line in CRASs.

Effect of dietary high amount of calcium and phosphorous on reducing the prevalence of morphological deformities in GH-transgenic Nile tilapia

Effect of dietary high amount of calcium and phosphorous on reducing the prevalence of morphological deformities in GH-transgenic Nile tilapia

AB0202 Ultrasonografic carotid plaque morphology in women with rheumatoid arthritis without previous cardiovascular events

BackgroundPatients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases die prematurely, largely due to cardiovascular (CV) diseases. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events (CV) occur 2 to 3 times more...

Determination of 226Ra, 228Ra and 210Pb in NORM products from oil and gas exploration: Problems in activity underestimation due to the presence of metals and self-absorption of photons

Typical calibration of solid environmental samples for the determination of 226Ra, 228Ra and 210Pb entails the use of standard reference materials which have a very similar matrix. However, TENORM samples from the oil and gas exploration contain unusually high amounts of calcium, strontium and barium which can severely attenuate the photons of 210Pb and 226Ra with their characteristic 46.1 keV and 186.2 keV gamma-rays, respectively and to some extent 228Ra with the characteristic gamma-rays of 911.2 keV and 969.0 keV. We used neutron activation analysis to evaluate the content of TENORM for calcium, barium and strontium and then used a software program SELABS to determine the self-absorption. Our results confirm that even in Petrie® containers with small dimensions the 210Pb can be underestimated by almost by a factor of four while 226Ra can be underestimated by 5%. The 228Ra activities are virtually unaffected due to the higher energy gamma-rays. However, the implications for TENORM studies that employ large Marinelli® containers having sample sizes between 0.25 and 1.0 L may be severely compromised by the presence of high Z elements in elevated concentrations. The usual spectral interferences on 226Ra, 228Ra and 210Pb coming from other radionuclides in the 234U, 235U and 238U decay chains are virtually nonexistent due the very high activity levels of 226Ra, 228Ra and 210Pb in the tens of thousands of Bq/kg.

Avaliação Comparativa das Propriedades de Xantanas Produzidas pelo Patovar Pruni e Clairana com Xantana Comercial para Predição de Uso

The aim of this study was to determine the suitability of three xanthans (Xa 06, Xa 82 and Xa 106) and a clairana biopolymer for use as drilling fluid thickeners and comparing them against a commercial sample, Xanvis®. Rheological analyses were performed to determine the acetyl, pyruvate and Na+ K+ and Ca2+ ion content and their thickening ability, according to Petrobras guidelines. The pyruvate and acetyl group content for the xanthans and the clairana biopolymer differed significantly, but they were consistent with the recommended values or those previously cited in the literature. With regard to the ion content, the commercial xanthan contained higher amounts of calcium, while Xa 06, Xa 82 and Xa 106 samples contained higher potassium levels and clairana had a higher sodium level. The viscosity and viscoelasticity of the commercial xanthan sample were higher than for the other samples. In the viscosity analysis of drilling fluids, Xanvis® and Xa 06 met the required parameters for n, K and gel strength (Petrobras regulation N-2605). In an analysis of the results obtained, only Xanvis® and Xa 106 presented the desired characteristics for use as drilling fluid thickeners. The other samples presented adequate rheological characteristics for use as thickeners and stabilizers in many industrial applications, such as food, paints and cosmetics.

Carbon/carbon implants in oral and maxillofacial surgery – Part 2

In their previous report, the authors presented observations regarding the long-term application of carbon/carbon implants. After evaluating the good functional and aesthetic results, the effect of the human body on the structure and morphology of the implants was investigated with state of the art methods. An implant retrieved from the body after eight years was compared to implants which were sterilized but not implanted (reference). Carbon and oxygen were the main components of both implants, however, as a result of the interaction with the human body the amount of oxygen increased 3-4 times and phosphorus, sulphur, calcium and iron were detectable as trace elements on the surface. The width of the carbon fibres (5-7 µm) building up the implants was not changed during the interaction with the human body. The surface of the implant retrieved from the human body was covered with a 15-17 µm thick layer, not present on the reference implant, having a similar composition to that of the carbon fibres (high amount of calcium that is typical to bone tissue was not detected). According to these results, the structure and the morphology of the implants were not altered notably by the human body.

Acidizing-Induced Damage in Sandstone Injector Wells: Laboratory Testing and a Case History

Summary Throughout a well's lifetime, formation damage can occur during the activities of drilling, completion, injection, or well-stimulation treatments. Typically, remedial treatments to restore the well performance involve injection of reactive fluids capable of removing such damage. Therefore, understanding damage mechanism and type is critical for fluid selection and effective treatment design. Without this knowledge, the conducted stimulation treatment could cause a more-severe form of formation damage. This report discusses the improper use of mud acid [at 9 wt% hydrochloric acid (HCl)/1 wt% hydrofluoric acid (HF)] in restoring the injectivity of Well N-510. The subject well was stimulated with two acid-stimulation treatments in an attempt to improve the poor results of a previous cleanout job, conducted to remove mud filter cake. These treatments were designed to remove the damage that has been limiting the well injectivity. However, it was found that these acidizing treatments created a new formation damage that resulted in the severe decline of well injectivity. Integration of chemical-analysis techniques performed on return fluids and coreflood experiments was used to assess the effectiveness of all conducted treatments. This report demonstrates the techniques used to identify the source and type of formation-damage mechanism that occurred during each treatment. On the basis of these studies, it was found that the poor results of the cleanout job were caused by precipitation of calcium sulfate. This precipitation was a result of the mixing between spent cleanout acid, having a high amount of calcium, and the high-sulfate-content water. Most of this precipitation occurred in the wellbore vicinity during the preceding stages of the well flowback. Calcium sulfate precipitation had a negative impact on the performance of the conducted acid-stimulation treatments. In the presence of this precipitation, the two successive mud-acid-stimulation treatments created another form of damage (i.e., in-situ fluoride-based scale). Initially, the fresh injected mud acid dissolved most of the calcium sulfate scale, and as a result, it contained a high amount of dissolved calcium ions. However, upon the spending of injected mud acid in the formation, calcium fluoride precipitated as a result of the increase of solution pH value. The interactions between different acid systems and the constituents of the downhole environment, resulting in the precipitation of calcium sulfate and calcium fluoride, are discussed. In addition, this report provides recommended modifications for future stimulation treatments, conducted under similar conditions, so as to prevent the formation of these scales.

CHANGE OF NUTRIENT CONTENTS OF TEAK SEEDLINGS (TECTONA GRANDIS LINN F.) UNDER DIFFERENT COMPOST TREATMENTS

The present study was conducted to identify the changes in nutrient contents in teak seedlings with the application of different types of nutrients along with compost. Compost was applied as compost alone, compost with calcium (Dolomite), with phosphorus (Triple Supper Phosphate, i.e, TSP) and with both calcium and phosphorus (Dolomite and TSP). In order to identify the nutrient changes; nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and calcium concentrations in leaves of teak seedlings under different treatments were analysed before and after 3 months of compost application. According to the results, nitrogen content in leaves of all treatments after 3 months of application were lower than that in leaves before the application of compost. The differences in phosphorus and potassium concentrations in leaves were the highest when compost was applied with TSP. The highest magnesium concentration was also observed under compost treatment with TSP. Among all the treatments, higher calcium differences were observed when compost was applied with both TSP and Dolomite, compost with Dolomite and compost with TSP respectively. The above observations showed that the application of different types of compost affect the nutrient contents of teak plants in different manner. However, application of compost with TSP showed the highest amounts of both potassium and magnesium amounts and a higher calcium amounts in plants.

Preliminary Study of Mineral Constituents in Selected Cultivars of Root and Tuber Crops in Sri Lanka

A study was done to determine the levels of minerals (Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Potassium and Zinc) in three different cultivars of yams (D. alata and D. esculenta), Xanthosoma sp and four different cultivars of sweet potatoes (Ipomea batatas Lam) from different regions in Sri Lanka. Yams (Rajala, Hingurala and Kukulala), Xanthosoma sp (Kiriala) and sweet potatoes (Swp3, Swp4, Swp5 and Swp7) were prepared for analysis 2 – 3 days after harvesting. Flour samples were subjected to ashing using AOAC (1980) method and mineral constituents were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Variation in mineral constituents on dry weight basis were analysed using ANOVA, Tukey‟s HSD test (p< 0.05) Minitab. All three cultivars of yams had significant levels (p< 0.05) of Calcium and Iron and high level of Magnesium was observed in Kiriala (45.27± 0.31 mg 100g-1). A significantly high level of Iron and Potassium (p<0.05) was observed in Rajala and Sweet potatoes respectively. Swp5 cultivar contained a comparatively high amount of Calcium and Magnesium while Swp3 and Swp7 contained a high level of iron (p<0.05). Comparatively high level of Zinc was present in Hingurala, Swp3 and Swp7 cultivars. Key words: Dioscorea , Ipomea batatas, minerals, Xanthosoma sp

Cellulase Hydrolysis of Unsorted MSW

A recent development in waste management and engineering has shown that the cellulase can be used for the liquefaction of organic fractions in household waste. The focus of this study was to optimize the enzyme hydrolysis of thermally treated municipal solid waste (MSW) by the addition of surfactant. Concurrently, the enzyme performance was analysed on pure cellulose in a solution of MSW wastewater. Results showed no effect of surfactant addition to the hydrolysis media as measured by viscosity and particle size distribution. MSW treatment wastewater was found to contain a high amount of calcium, potassium, sodium, chloride and others that may affect cellulolytic enzymes. Cellulase performance showed no effect of adding the metal ion-chelating agent EDTA to the solution. The cellulases were stable, tolerated and functioned in the presence of several contaminants.

Analysis of Trace and Major Elements in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid of Mycoplasma Bronchopneumonia in Calves

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and effectiveness of direct determination of trace and major element concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples from Holstein calves with Mycoplasma bronchopneumonia (n = 21) and healthy controls (n = 20). The samples were obtained during bronchoscopy using a standard examination method. A total of 18 elements (aluminum, bromine, calcium, chlorine, chromium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, phosphorous, sulfur, silicon, strontium, titanium, and zinc) were detected by particle-induced X-ray emission. The average bromine, iron, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous concentrations were higher in calves with bronchopneumonia than in controls (p < 0.05). They were found to have higher amounts of calcium and zinc, and a higher zinc-copper ratio than that in healthy calves (p < 0.001). Based on the receiver operating characteristics curves, we propose a diagnostic cutoff point for zinc-copper ratio for identification of Mycoplasma pneumonia of 8.676. Our results indicate that assessment of the elemental composition of broncholaveolar lavage fluid is a promising diagnostic tool for Mycoplasma bronchopneumonia.

Magnesium Supplementation through Seaweed Calcium Extract Rather than Synthetic Magnesium Oxide Improves Femur Bone Mineral Density and Strength in Ovariectomized Rats

Commercially available seaweed calcium extract can supply high amounts of calcium as well as significant amounts of magnesium and other microminerals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the degree to which the high levels of magnesium in seaweed calcium extract affects the calcium balance and the bone status in ovariectomized rats in comparison to rats supplemented with calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide. A total of 40 Sprague-Dawley female rats (7weeks) were divided into four groups and bred for 12weeks: sham-operated group (Sham), ovariectomized group (OVX), ovariectomized with inorganic calcium and magnesium supplementation group (OVX-Mg), and ovariectomized with seaweed calcium and magnesium supplementation group (OVX-SCa). All experimental diets contained 0.5% calcium. The magnesium content in the experimental diet was 0.05% of the diet in the Sham and OVX groups and 0.1% of the diet in the OVX-Mg and OVX-SCa groups. In the calcium balance study, the OVX-Mg and OVX-SCa groups were not significantly different in calcium absorption compared to the OVX group. However, the femoral bone mineral density and strength of the OVX-SCa group were higher than those of the OVX-Mg and OVX groups. Seaweed calcium with magnesium supplementation or magnesium supplementation alone did not affect the serum ALP and CTx levels in ovariectomized rats. In summary, consumption of seaweed calcium extract or inorganic calcium carbonate with magnesium oxide demonstrated the same degree of intestinal calcium absorption, but only the consumption of seaweed calcium extract resulted in increased femoral bone mineral density and strength in ovariectomized rats. Our results suggest that seaweed calcium extract is an effective calcium and magnesium source for improving bone health compared to synthetic calcium and magnesium supplementation.

Chemical stability study of vitamins thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine and ascorbic acid in parenteral nutrition for neonatal use.

BackgroundThe objective of this work was to study the vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C stability in a pediatric formulation containing high amounts of calcium in the presence of organic phosphate, amino acids, glucose, sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate, pediatric vitamins and trace elements under different conditions using developed and validated analytical methods.MethodsThe study was carried out during 72 h with formulations packaged in recommended storage temperature (4°C) and 25°C, with and without photoprotection.ResultsThe results showed that the methodologies used for assessing the chemical stability of vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C in the formulation were selective, linear, precise and accurate. The vitamins could be considered stable in the formulation during the three days of study if stored at 4°C. When stored at 25°C vitamin C presented instability after 48 h.ConclusionThe pediatric formulation containing high amount of calcium in the presence of organic phosphate, amino acids, glucose, sodium chloride, magnesium sulphate, pediatric vitamins and trace elements packaged in bag-type trilaminate presented a shelf life of the 72 h, when maintained under refrigeration, between 2°C and 8°C. This shelf life was measured considering the vitamins studied. Further studies are needed including all the vitamins present in this formulation.

Calcium dynamics in dendritic spines: A link to structural plasticity

Calcium signals evoked either by action potential or by synaptic activity play a crucial role for the synaptic plasticity within an individual spine. Because of the small size of spine and the indicators commonly used to measure spine calcium activity, calcium function can be severely disrupted. Therefore, it is very difficult to explain the exact relationship between spine geometry and spine calcium dynamics. Recently, it has been suggested that the medium range of calcium which induces long term potentiation leads to the structural stability stage of spines, while very low or very high amount of calcium leads to the long term depression stage which results in shortening and eventually pruning of spines. Here we propose a physiologically realistic computational model to examine the role of calcium and the mechanisms that govern its regulation in the spine morphology. Calcium enters into spine head through NMDA and AMPA channels and is regulated by internal stores. Contribution of this calcium in the induction of long term potentiation and long term depression is also discussed. Further it has also been predicted that the presence of internal stores depletes the total calcium accumulation in cytosol which is in agreement with the recent experimental and theoretical studies.

Nutrient and mineral composition of dried mamaki leaves ( Pipturus albidus) and infusions

Mamaki, Pipturus albidus, is currently one of the few native Hawaiian plants suitable for herbal tea preparation. This study reports the nutritional composition and mineral content of dried mamaki leaves and infusions. Three varieties and two sub-varieties, namely “hybrid purple”, “green”, “purple sub-variety 1”, “purple sub-variety 2” and “panaewa”, of mamaki were harvested in winters and summers over a 3-year period. Statistical analyses showed macronutrient values in dried mamaki leaves harvested in summer were significantly different from those in winter. The elemental values of phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, boron, copper, iron, manganese and zinc were also significantly different between the two seasons. Dried mamaki leaves contained higher amounts of ash, protein, fat and total fibers when compared with various commercial teas. Copper and iron levels in infusions from the leaves harvested in summer were significantly higher from those in winter. Phosphorus, potassium, sodium, boron, iron, manganese, and zinc values in steeped infusions of whole, ground, and crushed leaves were significantly different from each other. The dried leaves and infusions both contained the highest amount of calcium when compared to those in other commercial teas. The high calcium content found in infusions make the mamaki leaves a valuable commodity.

Maximizing Calcium and Phosphate Content in Neonatal Parenteral Nutrition Solutions Using Organic Calcium and Phosphate Salts

The provision of high amounts of calcium and phosphate in parenteral nutrition (PN) solution for neonates is important for bone mass accretion. Because of the risk of calcium phosphate precipitation, a well-documented incompatibility for inorganic salts, the concentrations of these electrolytes in PN are generally limited to 5 mmol/L. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of precipitation of calcium phosphate when organic calcium and phosphate salts are used instead of inorganic salts. Precipitation curves were determined for inorganic and organic calcium and phosphate salts in a PN solution favorable to precipitation (low concentration of amino acids and glucose) using visual inspection and particle counts. The use of organic phosphate salt was associated with a decreased risk of precipitation of calcium phosphate. No precipitation occurred up to a concentration of 50 mmol/L of calcium and phosphate. In contrast, organic calcium salt only slightly decreased the risk of precipitation. Up to 50 mmol/L of organic calcium and phosphate salts can be safely mixed in PN, even in unstable conditions, making it possible to follow the current European recommendations for requirements in neonates.

Utilization of recycled paper processing residues and clay of different sources for the production of porous anorthite ceramics

Production of porous anorthite ceramics from mixtures of paper processing residues and three different clays are investigated. Suitability of three different clays such as enriched clay, commercial clay and fireclay for manufacturing of anorthite based lightweight refractory bricks was studied. Porous character to the ceramic was provided by addition of paper processing residues (PPR). Samples with 30–40 wt% PPR fired at 1200–1400 °C contained anorthite (CaO·Al 2O 3·2SiO 2) as major phase and some minor secondary phases such as mullite (3Al 2O 3·2SiO 2) or gehlenite (2CaO·Al 2O 3·SiO 2), depending on the calcite to clay ratio. Anorthite formation for all clay types was quite successful in samples with 30–40 wt% of paper residues fired at 1300 °C. A higher firing temperature of 1400 °C was needed for the fireclay added samples to produce a well sintered product with large pores. Gehlenite phase occurred mostly at lower temperatures and in samples containing higher amount of calcium (50 wt% PPR). Compressive strength of compacted and fired pellets consisting of mainly anorthite ranged from 8 to 43 MPa.

The Structure of Calreticulin C-terminal Domain Is Modulated by Physiological Variations of Calcium Concentration

Calreticulin is an abundant endoplasmic reticulum resident protein that fulfills at least two basic functions. Firstly, due to its ability to bind monoglucosylated high mannose oligosaccharides, calreticulin is a central component of the folding quality control system of glycoproteins. On the other hand, thanks to its capacity to bind high amounts of calcium, calreticulin is one of the main calcium buffers in the endoplasmic reticulum. This last activity resides on a highly negatively charged domain located at the C terminus. Interestingly, this domain has been proposed to regulate the intracellular localization of calreticulin. Structural information for this domain is currently scarce. Here we address this issue by employing a combination of biophysical techniques and molecular dynamics simulation. We found that calreticulin C-terminal domain at low calcium concentration displays a disordered structure, whereas calcium addition induces a more rigid and compact conformation. Remarkably, this change develops when calcium concentration varies within a range similar to that taking place in the endoplasmic reticulum upon physiological fluctuations. In addition, a much higher calcium concentration is necessary to attain similar responses in a peptide displaying a randomized sequence of calreticulin C-terminal domain, illustrating the sequence specificity of this effect. Molecular dynamics simulation reveals that this ordering effect is a consequence of the ability of calcium to bring into close proximity residues that lie apart in the primary structure. These results place calreticulin in a new setting in which the protein behaves not only as a calcium-binding protein but as a finely tuned calcium sensor.