Increase In Ca Levels Research Articles

Determination of optimal dietary calcium levels under different sources of zinc in Jing tint 6 layer chicks from 15 to 42 d of age

An experiment was conducted to investigate the optimal dietary calcium (Ca) levels in Jing Tint 6 layer chicks fed different sources of zinc (Zn). The diets were formulated using 2 different Zn sources: organic Zn (80 mg/kg Zn as HMZn) and inorganic Zn (80 mg/kg Zn as sulfate). For each Zn source, 5 diets were formulated to contain Ca levels of 0.80, 0.90, 1.03, 1.10, and 1.20%. Results showed that dietary Ca levels had a significant effect on body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.05). In addition, BWG was significantly enhanced by the organic Zn diets (P < 0.05). Dietary Ca levels significantly affected tibia length (P < 0.05) and serum Ca and P contents (P < 0.05) but did not affect serum total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), or alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels (P > 0.05). The apparent total tract retention coefficients (ATTRC) of Ca showed a quadratic trend (P < 0.05) with increasing Ca levels. Furthermore, organic Zn diets reduced excreta Ca output and enhanced the ATTRC of Ca in birds on d 42 compared with inorganic Zn diets. The optimal dietary Ca levels were estimated as 0.93, 0.94, and 0.96% for birds fed organic diets and 1.07, 0.99 and 0.94% for birds fed inorganic diets using nonlinear models based on the criteria of BWG, tibial length, and serum P, respectively. In general, organic Zn supplementation improved growth performance and reduced the calcium requirements of birds on d 42.

Evaluation of calcium, phosphorus and some biochemical parameters in dogs with open and closed cervix pyometra

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in calcium, phosphorus and some biochemical parameters in dogs with open and closed cervix pyometra, which was then compared with a control group. A total of 62 bitches of age group 5-10 years old irrespective of breed were enrolled into the study. Control group consisted of 22 bitches which were clinically healthy and in luteal phase of the estrus cycle. On clinical examination, pyometra was diagnosed in 40 bitches while 23 out of 40 bitches had open-cervix pyometra and 17 of 40 bitches had closed-cervix pyometra. Evaluation of haematological changes revealed that there was increased white blood cell (WBC), total protein (TP), globulin, alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) while decreased glucose (Glu), albumin (Alb) and albümin globulin ratio in pyometra cases (p&amp;lt;0.001). The highest WBC and ALKP levels were detected in closed-cervix pyometra group (p&amp;lt;0.001). Calcium (Ca+2) levels had significant rise in open-cervix pyometra cases (p&amp;lt;0.05) while phosphorus (Phos) levels had tend to increase in closed-cervix pyometra cases (p=0.08). Also, Ca was directly correlated with Glu, Alb and TP while inversely correlated with WBC and blood urea nitrogen/creatinine (BUN/Crea). However, Phos was significantly associated with BUN and Crea (p&amp;lt;0.001; R=0.915 and R=0.860, respectively). As a result of this study, it was observed that the increased Ca levels in open-cervix cases and the elevated Phos levels in closed-cervix cases, were associated with the biochemical parameters related to hepatic and renal dysfunction in dogs with pyometra.

Digestible calcium equivalency of phytase and nutrient utilization of broiler chickens fed graded levels of limestone or phytase during the starter phase

The current study aimed to quantify the digestible Calcium (Ca) equivalency of a new phytase (HiPhoriusTM) in broiler chickens. A total of 1,152 male Cobb 500 broiler chickens were used in an experiment in which 8 diets consisting of graded levels of Ca supplied with limestone or graded levels of the phytase were fed. The 8 dietary treatments were based on a corn-soybean meal diet containing 5.1 g/kg of Ca and 5.1 g/kg of phosphorus (P) as negative control (NC); the NC + 1.3, 2.6, or 3.9 g/kg of Ca from limestone; and the NC + 500, 1000, 2000, or 4000 FYT/kg of phytase. Birds were fed the experimental diets for 3 d (from d 7 to 10) or 14 d (from d 7 to 21) to determine apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent total tract retention (ATTR) of dry matter (DM), CP, Ca, and P. In the 10-d-old birds, increasing the levels of Ca decreased the AID of P and Ca (linear, P < 0.05). Increasing the levels of phytase quadratically improved (P < 0.05) the AID of Ca and P. The AID of DM and CP in the younger birds quadratically increased (P < 0.05) as the levels of Ca increased. There were linear and quadratic effects (P < 0.05) of increasing phytase level for the AID of DM and a linear effect (P < 0.05) for the AID of CP. In the 21-d-old birds, increasing Ca levels resulted in a linear decrease (P < 0.05) in the AID of CP and P, and a quadratic decrease (P < 0.05) in the ATTR of CP. Increasing phytase levels linearly and quadratically (P < 0.05) improved the AID and ATTR of CP, P, and the ATTR of Ca. The analyzed phytase activity in the diets supplemented with phytase ranged from 1,520 to 7,661 FYT/kg. The digestible Ca equivalence for dietary phytase at 1,520 to 7,661 FYT/kg ranged from 1.55 to 2.02 g/kg in the 10-d-old birds fed for 3 d and from 0.52 to 0.64 g/kg in 21-d-old birds fed for 14 d. The results showed the reduction in Ca level that could be accommodated by phytase supplementation, which is markedly different between the younger and older birds. Feeding duration influenced the impact of phytase supplementation on Ca and P digestibility, with better efficacy of phytase observed in the 10-d-old birds fed for 3 d. Also, the results showed the extra-phosphoric effects of phytase on the utilization of other essential nutrients such as protein and Ca.

Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) increase caecal calcium absorption at increasing dietary calcium levels.

Hindgut fermenting herbivores from different vertebrate taxa, including tortoises, and among mammals some afrotheria, perissodactyla incl. equids, several rodents as well as lagomorphs absorb more calcium (Ca) from the digesta than they require, and excrete the surplus via urine. Both proximate and ultimate causes are elusive. It was suggested that this mechanism might ensure phosphorus availability for the hindgut microbiome by removing potentially complex-building Ca from the digesta. Here we use Ussing chamber experiments to show that rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) maintained on four different diets (six animals/diet) increase active Ca absorption at increasing Ca levels. This contradicts the common assumption that at higher dietary levels, where passive uptake should be more prevalent, active transport can relaxand hence supports the deliberate removal hypothesis. In the rabbits, this absorption was distinctively higher in the caecum than in the duodenum, which is unexpected in mammals. Additional quantification of the presence of two proteins involved in active Ca absorption (calbindin-D9K CB; vitamin D receptor, VDR) showed higher presence with higher dietary Ca. However, their detailed distribution across the intestinal tract and the diet groups suggests that other factors not investigated in this study must play major roles in Ca absorption in rabbits. Investigating strategies of herbivores to mitigate potential negative effects of Ca in the digesta on microbial activity and growth might represent a promising area of future research.

Revalorisation of Fine Recycled Concrete in Acid Mine Water Treatment: A Challenge to a Circular Economy

Currently, only 50% of concrete produced from construction and demolition waste is being recycled in Europe. This falls short of the European Union’s target of 70% by 2020. Moreover, this figure only considers coarse fractions (&gt;4 mm), as technical issues arise when using fine fractions. In pursuit of a complete circular life for recycled concrete, this investigation explores the potential use of fine fractions to enhance the physicochemical conditions and reduce the element concentration of acid mine drainage. Two trickling sets were prepared using a filter holder, with acidic waters passing through a layer of recycled concrete aggregates. Results revealed an immediate increase in water pH to neutral levels, a reduction in solution oxidation, and the complete, or near-complete retention, of potentially toxic elements by the substrate (with retention percentages of over 99.9% for Al and Fe, between 43.1% and 61.1% for S, over 91.1% for Zn, and over 99.1% for Cu). The experiment also showed a significant increase in Ca levels (tripling the initial value) and some Mg in the water, which could promote the subsequent precipitation of carbonates and the retention of trace metals. In summary, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of using recycled concrete aggregates in a laboratory setting. Further investigation is necessary to evaluate the feasibility of implementing this technique at the pilot scale.

Chemical and Morphological Analysis of Calcium Oxide (CaO) Powder from Sea Urchin (&lt;i&gt;Diadema setosum&lt;/i&gt;) Shell

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) has been taken from sea urchin (Diadema setosum) shell and calcinated at several temperatures to obtain calcium oxide (CaO). X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) revealed that the powder from this shell had a high Ca level, which increased at a higher temperature. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra agreed to an increase in Ca level that showed the presence of CaO at 900 °C and 1100 °C; otherwise, CaCO3 disappeared. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), the powder morphology was more homogeneous at 900 °C and 1100 °C than at lower temperatures. This morphology was encouraged by decreasing particle size, indicating compound decomposition in the powder and Ca leaved. This decomposition was confirmed by an Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis that showed increased Ca content with higher mass and atomic level at a higher temperature.

Vitamin D Status in Sample of Iraqi Women with Autoimmune Thyroiditis

The most common cause of acquired thyroid dysfunction is autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD), which most commonly manifests as Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) or Graves' disease (GD). The importance of vitamin D (vit D) as an immune modulator has recently been emphasized in several types of disorders. However, its significance in thyroid illnesses is not fully understood. The purpose of this study is to investigate how vitamin D affects the pathophysiology of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism in Iraqi women. One hundred Iraqi women with age ranged from 18 to 60 years participate in this research, 50 of them were hypothyroidism patients, 30 were hyperthyroidism patients and the other 20 were euthyroidism served as controls. Blood samples were collected from the studied subjects to determine thyroid profile [free triiodothyronine (FT3), free tetraiodothyronine (FT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)], thyroid antibodies [anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg), and anti-thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (anti-TSHR)], vit D, calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) using different analysis techniques. Levels of FT3 and FT4 revealed a significant (P&lt;0.01) increase in hyperthyroidism patients and a significant (P&lt;0.01) decrease in hypothyroidism patients compared with euthyroidism control. While level of TSH was significantly (P&lt;0.01) decreased in hyperthyroidism patients and significantly (P&lt;0.01) increased in hypothyroidism compared with euthyroidism control. When a comparison was made between hyperthyroidism group and hypothyroidism group, the results showed that levels of FT3 and FT4 were significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in hyerthyroidism than hyporthyroidism while level of TSH was significantly (P&lt;0.01) lower in hyperthyroidism than hyporthyroidism. Levels of anti-TPO and anti-Tg significantly (P&lt;0.01) increased in hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism patients compared with euthyroidism individuals, while level of anti-TSHR was significantly (P&lt;0.01) decreased in hyperthyroidism patients and significantly (P&lt;0.01) increased in hypothyroidism patients compared with euthyroidism individuals. On the other hand, the findings revealed that level of anti-TPO was significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher while levels of anti-Tg and anti-TSHR were significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in hypothyroidism than hyperthyroidism. The results revealed a significant (P&lt;0.01) decrease in level of vit D in hyperthyroidism patients and hypothyroidism patients compared with euthyroidism control, a significant (P&lt;0.01) increase in levels of Ca and P in hyperthyroidism patients compared with euthyroidism control, while non-significant (P&gt;0.01) differences were found between hypothyroidism patients and euthyroidism control. Also, the findings revealed that levels of vit D, Ca, and P were significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in hyperthyroidism than hypothyroidism. Conclusion: It can be concluded that Vit D deficiency may be act as a factor in both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, and the status of vit D impact on autoimmune thyroiditis. Keyword: Autoimmune thyroiditis, Vitamin D, Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Euthyroidism

Managing soil acidity vs. soil Ca:Mg ratio: What is more important for crop productivity?

AbstractSoil balancing (SB), or base cation saturation ratio (BCSR), is a soil management approach that strives to maintain specific soil calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) levels to improve soil health, decrease pest problems, have better crops, and increase crop yield. To achieve ideal levels of Ca to Mg, BCSR practitioners apply gypsum (calcium sulfate) and high‐calcium lime (Hi‐Cal lime) amendments, with the former increasing Ca base saturation and the later increasing both Ca base saturation and soil pH. We hypothesized that positive benefits ascribed by BCSR practitioners are due to increasing soil pH, rather than increasing Ca levels, both of which occur after lime application. Thus, we conducted successive applications of gypsum or epsom (magnesium sulfate) with and without Hi‐Cal or dolomitic lime, to either increase or lower soil Ca:Mg ratio and pH in an Ohio‐based experiment over 6 yr and evaluated soil and yield responses in a corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max L.)–small grain rotation. Repeated applications of gypsum with and without Hi‐Cal lime significantly increased soil Ca:Mg ratio and repeated applications of epsom with and without dolomitic lime significantly decreased the soil Ca:Mg ratio. Crop yield was not affected by soil Ca:Mg ratio for any crop in any year. However, over the 6 yr of the study, corn yields were positively related to increases in soil pH. We conclude that balancing soil Ca and Mg levels did not impact corn or soybean yields but managing soil acidity remains a fundamental tool to improve crop yields.

Optimum dietary calcium requirement of Hypophthalmichthys molitrix juveniles

A 13-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the optimum dietary calcium (Ca) requirement of juvenile silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (3.20 ± 0.02 g). For this, five isonitrogenous semipurified diets containing 2.3, 5.3, 8.3, 11.1 and 14.2 g/kg Ca levels were formulated. The growth performance of juveniles was significantly affected by Ca supplementation with the maximum increase recorded at 8.3 g/kg Ca and stabilized thereafter (p < 0.05). Whole-body protein and ash contents were increased (p < 0.05) with increased dietary Ca up to 8.3 g/kg and then levelled off (p < 0.05). However, the moisture and fat contents in whole body were decreased (p < 0.05) with the increased Ca supplementation up to 8.3 g/kg and plateaued thereafter. Calcium and P concentration showed an increasing trend (p < 0.05) with the increasing Ca level up to 11.1 g/kg in whole body and 8.3 g/kg in bones and scales. However, Mg and Zn concentrations were decreased (p < 0.05) with increasing dietary Ca levels. The highest alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity (p < 0.05) was recorded in the fish-fed diet containing 11.1 g/kg Ca diet; however, serum Ca, P and Ca/P ratio remained unaffected (p > 0.05). Broken line regression showed that 8.45 g/kg Ca is the optimal requirement for the growth of silver carp. Conclusively, an increase in Ca supplementation up to 8.3 g/kg significantly improved the overall performance of silver carp without urging the negative effects.

우유무기질을 첨가하여 제조한 칼슘 강화 요구르트의 품질 특성

This study was conducted to evaluate the potential use of milk mineral (MM) as the calcium source for the production of calcium-fortified yogurt. MM was composed of 83% minerals, 7.5% lactose, 3.3% protein, and &lt; 1% fat. Calcium (Ca) content in MM was about 46%; calcium: phosphorous ratio was 1.28:1. The aqueous solubility of Ca increased with the decrease in pH; the solubility at pH 4 and 5 was 98% and 53%, respectively. Ca-fortified yogurt with up to 200 mg Ca/100 mL did not show significant differences in acid production and number of viable cells; however, the viscosity increased significantly (p&lt;0.05) with the increase in Ca levels. Microstructure analysis of Ca-fortified yogurt using confocal scanning laser microscopy indicated that the protein network became denser with increasing fortification with MM. There was no significant difference in the sensory quality between the control and Ca-fortified yogurts. Therefore, MM could be used for the production of Ca-fortified yoghurt without compromising the quality characteristics of yogurt.

Three OsMYB36 members redundantly regulate Casparian strip formation at the root endodermis.

Plants have evolved a lignin-based Casparian strip (CS) in roots that restricts passive diffusion of mineral elements from the soil to the stele. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying CS formation in rice (Oryza sativa), which contains a CS at both the exodermis and endodermis, are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that CS formation at the rice endodermis is redundantly regulated by three MYELOBLASTOSIS (MYB) transcription factors, OsMYB36a, OsMYB36b, and OsMYB36c, that are highly expressed in root tips. Knockout of all three genes resulted in a complete absence of CS at the endodermis and retarded plant growth in hydroponic conditions and in soil. Compared with the wild-type, the triple mutants showed higher calcium (Ca) levels and lower Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Cd levels in shoots. High Ca supply further inhibited mutant growth and increased Ca levels in shoots. Transcriptome analysis identified 1,093 downstream genes regulated by OsMYB36a/b/c, including the key CS formation gene OsCASP1 and other genes that function in CS formation at the endodermis. Three OsMYB36s regulate OsCASP1 and OsESB1 expression by directly binding to MYB-binding motifs in their promoters. Our findings thus provide important insights into the mechanism of CS formation at the endodermis and the selective uptake of mineral elements in roots.

МЕХАНИЗМЫ МИТОХОНДРИАЛЬНОЙ ДИСФУНКЦИИ НЕЙРОНОВ ПРИ ВОЗДЕЙСТВИИ МЫШЬЯКА И АЛЮМИНИЯ (ОБЗОР)

Exposure to neurotropic chemicals (aluminum, arsenic, etc.) as a result of pollution of environmental objects can cause disruption of the bioenergetics of nerve cells. Objectives. To analyze and summarize the literature data on the mechanisms of the effects of arsenic and aluminum on the structure and functions of neuronal mitochondria. Sources of data: literature sources reflecting the mechanisms of the influence of these neurotoxicants on neuronal mitochondria. Methods. The basis of this study was the review of literature on this topic. Results. The influence of arsenic compounds on nerve cells causes mitochondrial dysfunction due to the activation of oxidative stress, an increase in the intracellular level of Ca&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt;, a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential and the level of calpain 1, but aluminum compounds increase the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and disrupt the activity of cytochrome c-oxidase and the energy-producing function of mitochondria in various types of neurons. Mitochondrial dysfunction, caused when exposed to these metals is accompanied by the decrease in ROS resynthesis and the activation of oxidative stress, which in its turn decreases energy generation in mitochondria still to a greater extent according to the mechanism of a vicious circle («CIRCULUS VITIOSUS»). Conclusions. The presented information deepens our knowledge about the mechanisms of neuronal bioenergetics disorders under the influence of arsenic and aluminum compounds, which is the basis for further research in order to develop effective methods of prevention, detoxification and antioxidant therapy for acute and chronic arsenic and aluminum poisoning and to implement the results obtained in practical healthcare.

Quality improvement of saliva by chewing tapioca pearls in bubble tea drinks: a randomized experimental trial: (Study on salivary C-reactive protein (CRP) and calcium (Ca) levels).

Background: Bubble tea drinks contain tea and tapioca pearls. Chewing tapioca pearls in bubble tea drinks may increase salivary components. Because of its proteins, inorganic components, and enzymes, saliva plays an important role in the body's defense against bacteria and viruses. This study aims to analyze the effect of chewing tapioca pearls in bubble tea drinks on salivary C-reactive protein (CRP) and calcium (Ca) levels. Methods: The inclusion criterion was 18-25 years of age. The exclusion criteria were receiving medication, using dentures, a history of dry mouth, smoking and systemic disease. In the first week of the experiment, subjects drank bubble tea with tapioca pearls for three days (intervention week). In the second week, the same subjects drank tea without pearls for three days (control week). Each subject drank the bubble tea for 5 minutes per day over 3 days. Saliva samples were collected on the first day before bubble tea consumption (pretest) and on the third day after tea consumption (posttest). Saliva collection was performed in the morning (09:00 am-12:00 pm) for 1 minute. Sixty saliva samples were collected from 15 subjects. Salivary CRP levels were measured using a commercial ELISA kit, and Ca levels were determined using semi-quantitative test strips. Results: Salivary CRP decreased significantly on the third day in the intervention group but showed no significant difference with the control group. Calcium levels increased significantly on the third day in both groups. Conclusion: Bubble tea drinks could improve the quality of saliva by decreasing salivary CRP and increasing Ca levels. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04670341 (17 th December 2020).

Effects of Sub-chronic Lead Exposure on Essential Element Levels in Mice.

Lead (Pb), a corrosion-resistant heavy non-ferrous metal, is one of the most common environmental neurotoxic metals. The effects of Pb on other essential metal elements are contradictory. Therefore, this in vivo study addressed the effects of sub-chronic Pb exposure on the distribution of other divalent metals, exploring the relationships between Pb levels in blood, teeth, bones, hair, and brain tissues. Thirty-two healthy male C57BL/6 mice received intragastric administration (i.g.) with 0, 12.5, 25, and 50mg/kg Pb acetate, once a day for 8weeks. Levels of Pb and other metal elements [including iron(Fe), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and calcium(Ca)] in the whole blood, teeth, the right thighbone, hair, and brain tissues (including cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and hypothalamus) were detected with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Pb levels in all detectedorgans were increased after Pb-exposed for 8weeks. The results of relationship analysis between Pb levels in the tissues and lifetime cumulative Pb exposure (LCPE) showed that Pb levels in the blood, bone, and hair couldindirectly reflect the Pb accumulation in the murine brain. These measures might serve as valuable biomarkers for chronic Pb exposure reflective of the accumulation of Pb in the central nervous system (CNS). Sub-chronic Pb exposure for 8weeks altered Ca, Cu, Fe, and Zn levels, but no effects were noted on Mg levels in any of the analyzed tissues. Pb decreased Ca in teeth, Cu in thighbone and teeth, Zn in whole blood and hair, and Fe in hair. In contrast, Pb increased Ca levels in corpus striatum and hypothalamus, Cu levels in striatum, Zn levels in teeth, and Fe levels in hippocampus, thighbone, and teeth. The Pb-induced changes in metal ratios in various tissues may serve as valuable biomarkers for chronic Pb exposure as they are closely related to the accumulations of Pb in the murine CNS. The results suggest that altered distribution of several essential metal elements may be involved in Pb-induced neurotoxicity. Additional studies should address the interaction between Pb and essential metal elements in the CNS and other organs.

Quality improvement of saliva by chewing tapioca pearls in bubble tea drinks: a randomized experimental trial

Background: Bubble tea drinks contain tea and tapioca pearls. Chewing tapioca pearls in bubble tea drinks may increase salivary components. Because of its proteins, inorganic components, and enzymes, saliva plays an important role in the body’s defense against bacteria and viruses. This study aims to analyze the effect of chewing tapioca pearls in bubble tea drinks on salivary C-reactive protein (CRP) and calcium (Ca) levels. Methods: The inclusion criterion was 18–25 years of age. The exclusion criteria were receiving medication, using dentures, a history of dry mouth, smoking and systemic disease. In the first week of the experiment, subjects drank bubble tea with tapioca pearls for three days (intervention week). In the second week, the same subjects drank tea without pearls for three days (control week). Each subject drank the bubble tea for 5 minutes per day over 3 days. Saliva samples were collected on the first day before bubble tea consumption (pretest) and on the third day after tea consumption (posttest). Saliva collection was performed in the morning (09:00 am–12:00 pm) for 1 minute. Sixty saliva samples were collected from 15 subjects. Salivary CRP levels were measured using a commercial ELISA kit, and Ca levels were determined using semi-quantitative test strips. Results: Salivary CRP decreased significantly on the third day in the intervention group but showed no significant difference with the control group. Calcium levels increased significantly on the third day in both groups. Conclusion: Bubble tea drinks could improve the quality of saliva by decreasing salivary CRP and increasing Ca levels. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04670341 (17 th December 2020).

Calcium Requirement and Vitamin D Supplementation in Meat-Type Quail at First Stage of Growth

Currently, feed formulations for quail are based on foreign data or data from other species; this undermines productivity with the use of excessive or deficient levels of some nutrients. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the nutritional requirement levels of calcium (Ca) and supplementation vitamin D in meat-type quail from 1 to 14 d of age. The experiment was a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement of treatments (levels of Ca: 0.42, 0.58, 0.74 and 0.90% and levels of vitamin D: 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 and 4,000 IU) with 3 replicate pens and 43 quails per pen. Weight gain increased quadratically with increased levels of Ca and vitamin D; this variable yielded estimated levels of 0.73% Ca and 2,883 IU vitamin D. There was no Ca x vitamin D interaction effect on bone variables. Bone Ca, bone phosphorus, bone ash, femoral bone strength, tibial bone strength and the femoral Seedor index increased quadratically with an increase in Ca levels. These variables yielded estimated values of 0.78, 0.71, 0.78, 0.77, 0.83, and 0.71% Ca, respectively. It is concluded that the requirements of Ca and vitamin D for the maximum weight gain of meat-type quails, in the period from one to 14 days of age, were 0.73% Ca (p=0.001) and 2,883 IU vitamin D (p=0.02), respectively.

Quality improvement of saliva by chewing tapioca pearls in bubble tea drinks: a randomized experimental trial

Background: Bubble tea drinks contain tea and tapioca pearls. Chewing tapioca pearls in bubble tea drinks may increase salivary components. Because of its proteins, inorganic components, and enzymes, saliva plays an important role in the body's defense against bacteria and viruses. This study aims to analyze the effect of chewing tapioca pearls in bubble tea drinks on salivary C-reactive protein (CRP) and calcium (Ca) levels. Methods: The inclusion criterion was 18-25 years of age. The exclusion criteria were receiving medication, using dentures, a history of dry mouth, smoking and systemic disease. In the first week of the experiment, subjects drank bubble tea with tapioca pearls for three days (intervention week). In the second week, the same subjects drank tea without pearls for three days (control week). Each subject drank the bubble tea for 5 minutes per day over 3 days. Saliva samples were collected on the first day before bubble tea consumption (pretest) and on the third day after tea consumption (posttest). Saliva collection was performed in the morning (09:00 am-12:00 pm) for 1 minute. Sixty saliva samples were collected from 15 subjects. Salivary CRP levels were measured using a commercial ELISA kit, and Ca levels were determined using semi-quantitative test strips. Results: Salivary CRP decreased significantly on the third day in the intervention group but showed no significant difference with the control group. Calcium levels increased significantly on the third day in both groups. Conclusion: Bubble tea drinks could improve the quality of saliva by decreasing salivary CRP and increasing Ca levels. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04670341 (17 th December 2020).

The potency of sub-micron dolomite in reducing yellow latex contamination in mangosteen fruits

In Indonesia, mangosteen has high potency as an export commodity, but the qualityof the fruit is low. Yellow latex contamination is the the main problem in mangosteen fruit quality. The purpose of this research was to study the potency of sub-micron dolomite to reduce yellow latex contamination. This research was conducted in Guguk district, Lima Puluh Kota regency, West Sumatera province, Indonesia, from June 2016 until March 2017. In this experiment, the productive mangosteen trees (12 years) were used as plant material. This study was arranged in Randomize Complete Block Design, and the treatments were the dosage of sub-micron size of dolomite (30, 60, 90, 120, 150 g per plant). Each unit of treatments consists of three plants and four replications. The results showed that the application 90 g per plant of sub-micron dolomite fertilizer increased Ca level in mangosteen leaves and reduced yellow latex contamination until 19.78%. Application sub-micron dolomite fertilizer above 90 g per plant also tend to reduce the Ca level in mangosteen leaves and increased the yellow latex contamination. While the application 120 g per plant sub micron dolomite increased Mn level in mangosteen leaves, an increase the dosage of sub micron dolomite above 120 g per plant reduced Mn level in mangosteen leaves.

Pengaruh Variasi Kadar CaCO3 terhadap Pertumbuhan Fase Superkonduktor BPSCCO–2212 Menggunakan Metode Pencampuran Basah

This research was conducted to determine the effect of CaCO3 levels on the formation of superconducting phase BPSCCO - 2212 by calculating the level of purity of the phases formed and looking at the microstructure. The variation of CaCO3 was 0.95, 1.00, 1.05 and 1.10 mole using the wet mixing method. The samples were calcined at 800 ° C for 10 hours, and sintered at 820 ° C for 20 hours. Synthesized samples were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The XRD’s chacterization results show that the level of purity of the formed phases increases with increasing Ca levels with maximum point at BPSCCO-2212/1.10 mole. The highest volume fraction was 79,06% in the BPSCCO-2212/1.10 sample. While the lowest volume fraction was 72.10% in the BPSCCO-2212/0.95 sample. Meanwhile, the highest degree of orientation was 20.59% at BPSCCO-2212/0.95. The lowest degree of orientation was 8.46% at BPSCCO-2212/1.10. SEM’s chacterization results show of all samples have been oriented altought not perfect yet and have relatively little space between slabs (voids).

Comparative Analysis of Calcium Content in Milkfish by Varying of Wet and Dry Conditions Using AAS Instrumentation

Standard method to determine some metal and metalloid elements using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) instrument has been widely applied based on the absorption of radiation by free atoms. Thus, this study applied the standard AAS method to determine calcium (Ca) levels by varying wet and dry milkfish (Chanos chanos) in order to observe high Ca content categorized for healthy food. The preparation of milkfish were done by varying the condition of wet and dry meat. Fish meat was washed, crushed, dried, and extracted then filtered to get the filtrate from milkfish. It was analyzed based on qualitative observation that the [(NH4)2CO3] and [(NH4)2C2O4] reagents have reacted with the Ca element to form precipitates as CaC2O3 and CaC2O4. Furthermore, quantitative data using the AAS instrument to observe the Ca content of wet and dry meat shows that the wet milkfish has Ca content at an average of 0.0152 mg.g-1, whereas in dry meat conditions it shows an increase in Ca level to 0.0192 mg.g-1. This work has provided an overview of dietary requirements for the determination of Ca content in milkfish under dried meat which is very suitable for developing healthy food.