Inorganic Phosphorus Levels Research Articles

Mutation of Inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate 5/6-kinase6 Impairs Plant Growth and Phytic Acid Synthesis in Rice.

Inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate 5/6-kinase (ITPK) is encoded by six genes in rice (OsITPK1-6). A previous study had shown that nucleotide substitutions of OsITPK6 could significantly lower the phytic acid content in rice grains. In the present study, the possibility of establishing a genome editing-based method for breeding low-phytic acid cultivars in rice was explored, in conjunction with the functional determination of OsITPK6. Four OsITPK6 mutant lines were generated by targeted mutagenesis of the gene’s first exon using the CRISPR/Cas9 method, one (ositpk6_1) with a 6-bp in-frame deletion, and other three with frameshift mutations (ositpk6_2, _3, and _4). The frameshift mutations severely impaired plant growth and reproduction, while the effect of ositpk6_1 was relatively limited. The mutant lines ositpk6_1 and _2 had significantly lower levels (−10.1% and −32.1%) of phytic acid and higher levels (4.12- and 5.18-fold) of inorganic phosphorus compared with the wild-type (WT) line. The line ositpk6_1 also showed less tolerance to osmotic stresses. Our research demonstrates that mutations of OsITPK6, while effectively reducing phytic acid biosynthesis in rice grain, could significantly impair plant growth and reproduction.

Genetically engineered rice with appA gene enhanced phosphorus and minerals

Phytic acid is the major source of phosphorus and other mineral bound compounds in many plant tissues especially seeds and bran of cereals. During germination, phytase enzyme degrades phytic acid and bound phosphate and minerals are released. The monogastric animal cannot digest phytate due to lack of the phytase enzyme. Considering that, we have generated low phytate rice by over expressing appA gene cloned from E. coli under the aleurone-specific promoter of maize zein gene. Molecular analysis confirmed the stable integration of transgene and plants were grown up to T3 generation. The T3 seeds showed around 45% decrease in seed phytate content with a fourfold increase of inorganic phosphorus (Pi) level. The enhanced iron and zinc was twofold and threefold respectively in polished seeds of transgenic plants. There was no change in germination behaviour and other morphological traits in transgenic seeds. Thus, this result provides evidence that tissue-specific expression of bacterial phytase can lead to the reduction of phytic acid in rice seeds without hampering its other physiological processes and phenotypic cost.

Effect of short term starvation on hematological and blood bio chemical parameters in juvenile spotted rose snapper (Lutjanus guttatus) (Steindachner, 1869)

This study evaluated the effect of short-term starvation on biological condition indices, hematological parameters and blood biochemical composition of reared spotted rose snapper Lutjanus guttatus . Triplicate groups of juvenile fish were subjected to different feeding treatments: fed for 14 days (Group A or control); fed for seven days followed by seven days of starvation (Group B) and starved for 14 days (Group C). At the end of the experiment, body, liver, and viscera were randomly sampled for proximate composition, and biological condition indices were assessed. Blood was also collected and analyzed by standard clinical methods. Body composition, liver lipid content, hepatosomatic index, condition factor, and relative intestine length were significantly ( P < 0.05) reduced in starved compared to fed fish. A statistically significant ( P < 0.05) reduction in hematocrit (12%), haemoglobin (33%), glucose (18%) and calcium (9%) levels were assessed in the blood of starved fish for 14 days, while triacylglyceride levels decreased (36%) in fish starved for 7 days, subsequently returning to values similar to control by the end of the trial. No statistically significant differences were observed in total protein, inorganic phosphorus and magnesium levels in starved fish. These hematological blood and biometric parameters seem to have potential as a predictive tool for establishing the nutritional status or physiological condition during short-term starvation of L. guttatus , which may be useful to manage and monitor feeding practices during culture of this species.

The deteriorating nutrient status of the Berg River, South Africa

The upper catchment area of the Berg River in the Western Cape, South Africa, supplies most of Cape Town and its suburbs with freshwater, in addition to providing water for irrigation purposes along the middle and lower reaches of the river. This study investigates the nutrient status of the Berg River and long-term trends therein. It is shown that inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus levels increase downstream by a factor of more than 10, in response to anthropogenic inputs. Similarly, nutrient levels fluctuate seasonally by more than an order of magnitude, in response to input from diffuse and point sources of pollution. These changes of more than 1 000% far exceed the 15% maximum change stipulated by the South African water quality guidelines for aquatic ecosystems. Total phosphorus levels indicate that hypertrophic conditions prevail at least episodically at all of the Berg River monitoring stations and most of the time at some of them. Additionally, river water phosphate levels show a dramatic increase over the past 20 years. There is also strong evidence that the trophic status of the Berg River is very sensitive to reduced river runoff. The implication is that the construction of the new Berg River Dam in the upper catchment area of the Berg River will exacerbate the existing situation, threatening ecosystem services, human health and lucrative agricultural activities.Keywords: Berg River, eutrophication, nutrients, nitrate, phosphate

A 13-week subchronic toxicity study of hexyl acetate in SD rats.

Hexyl acetate (CAS No. 142-92-7) is a naturally occurring ester compound that has a fruity odor. Despite its frequent use as a nature-identical flavoring agent, there are limited repeated dose toxicity data for hexyl acetate. Here we performed a 13-week subchronic toxicity study of hexyl acetate in male and female Crl:CD(SD) rats under GLP regulations. Hexyl acetate was given orally by gavage at doses of 0, 100, 300, or 1,000 mg/kg/day using corn oil as the vehicle. No significant toxicological changes in general condition, body weights, food intake, ophthalmology, hematology, organ weights, and histopathological findings were observed in any groups. Urinalysis revealed occult blood in two male animals treated with 1,000 mg/kg/day hexyl acetate, and one showed red blood cells in the urine sediment. Furthermore, blood biochemistry showed a significant increase in inorganic phosphorus levels in males treated with 1,000 mg/kg/day hexyl acetate. These results indicated that the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of hexyl acetate was 300 mg/kg/day for males and more than 1,000 mg/kg/day for females.

Determination of blood serum calcium, inorganic phoshorus and magnesium in different productive stages of holstein dairy cows

Introduction. The aim of this study was to determine and compare levels of blood serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus and magnesium in the peripartal period and during mid lactation in Holstein dairy cattle. Materials and Methods. Blood samples were collected from 12 cows in late pregnancy, 12 early lactation cows, and 12 mid lactation cows. Results and Conclusions. Serum calcium and inorganic phosphorus in blood of dairy cows in early and mid lactation were significantly lower compared to the values in the blood serum of dairy cows in late pregnancy, probably indicating the increased use of these macro elements by the mammary gland at the early stages of lactation. When the cows were in the lactation period, blood serum magnesium levels were significantly lower compared to the values of dairy cows during late pregnancy, probably indicating the increased use of magnesium by the dairy cows during lactation. The results show that the homeostasis of the macro elements examined in the blood of transition and mid lactation dairy cows was maintained, suggesting their adequate supply from alimentary sources.

Deciphering the origins, composition and microbial fate of dissolved organic matter in agro-urban headwater streams

Landscape urbanization and intensive agriculture dramatically alter stream ecosystems, but it is little known how urban and agriculture land use change the quantity, quality and ultimate fate of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in stream ecosystems via nonpoint source pathways. Size-exclusion chromatography with fluorescence excitation-emission matrices, as well as absorbance and lignin biomarkers were applied to investigate the characteristics and microbial fate of DOM in 15 first-order agricultural, urban and forest headwater streams in Taihu Lake Watershed, a subtropical region of SE China. Results showed that both urban and agricultural land cover increased the amount of dissolved organic matter (DOC) with a lower C/N ratio, and that the majority of DOC was bound to terrestrial humic-like substances. Compared to forest-impacted headwater streams, the aromaticity and molecularity of OM were greatly decreased as the amounts of anthropogenic/aquagenic fulvic acid-like and protein-like DOM enriched in urban streams, and that of microbially soil-derived humic-like DOM and low molecular-weight substances (e.g., neutrals and acids) increased in agricultural streams, respectively. Human-influenced land use also influenced the seasonal variability of stream DOM biogeochemistry. Natural watersheds produced high DOC specific loads and concentrations only in the rainy season (high-flow period). Agricultural streams contributed a higher amount of terrestrial humic-like and protein-like fractions and urbanized watersheds had high values of autochthonous protein-like fractions only. Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that DOM quality (explainable variables: molecular source, 43.29%; molecular-weight, 29.74%) were the most prominent factor impacting microbial carbon processing, followed by inorganic nutrients (17.29%). A higher proportion of DOM from urban streams was eventually mineralized to carbon dioxide mainly due to the inefficient utilization of humic and nonhumic (e.g., protein, polysaccharides and lignin) substances as well as higher levels of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus, whereas a significant fraction of DOM from agricultural and forest streams tended to enter microbial production and the recalcitrant-DOM pool due to the presence of less labile substrates. Our findings indicate that differences in stream-DOM and environmental properties due to urbanization and farming practices may influence stream microbial carbon processing and cause bottom-up changes in the fate of organic carbon moving through freshwater ecosystems.

Efficacy of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyric acid (HMB) for growing rate and its influence for health indicators in blood test of young early-weaning goats

The study was conducted on 26 male, 30 days-old goats, separated from their mothers, divided into two equal groups: I - control and II - experimental, consisting of 13 animals each. All animals were fed with milk replacer, experimental group received additionally 50 g/kg body weight, additive of HMB, for 60 days. The following features were analyzed: body weight, daily increases of body weight, as well as hematological and biochemical blood features. Differences in body weight were found, between experimental and control group, after 60 days of experiment 0.57 kg (p≤0.01). The daily weight gain of experimental animals was higher in comparison with control group. Significant differences were also noted in results of hematological and biochemical blood parameters. Experimental animals showed a higher level of red blood cells as well as number of lymphocytes in comparison with the control group, (p≤0.01).Significant changes were also observed in the level of triglycerides, inorganic phosphorus and protein between both groups. The acid-base balance parameters and ionogram, showed a higher pH level (p≤0.05) HCO - act., HCO - std., BE, ctCO , O sat, K+, Cl- (p≤0.01), while the anion gap (AG) and Na+ were significantly lower in control group (p≤0.01).

Vitamin D status of pregnant mothers and its effect on anthropometric measures in the offspring: A preliminary study

Introduction: Many studies from the Asian region have shown the existence of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant and breast feeding mothers despite abundant sunlight. Yet, we have little information on this topic in Sri Lanka. There are many skeletal and non-skeletal effects of vitamin D deficiency. Objectives: To investigate vitamin D status of pregnant mothers and its effect on growth parameters of the offspring. Method: We recruited 91 mothers who did not receive vitamin D supplementation during their pregnancy. 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase, calcium and inorganic phosphorus levels were measured during the third trimester. Weight, length and head circumference (HC) of the babies were measured at birth and at one month of age. Results: Vitamin D deficiency ( Conclusions: A significant rate of vitamin D deficiency was observed in pregnant mothers. There was no correlation between maternal vitamin-D levels and neonatal anthropometry in this study. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health , 2018; 47 : 211-214

The Clinical Features of Cystic Parathyroid Adenoma in Chinese Population: A Single-Center Experience.

Objective Cystic parathyroid adenoma is a rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism, but its preoperative diagnosis and management remain inconclusive. Method We retrospectively identified patients with cystic parathyroid adenomas who underwent surgery at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Results Patients with cystic parathyroid adenomas had higher serum intact parathyroid hormone and calcium levels, larger maximum tumor diameter, and lower serum inorganic phosphorus level than did those with solid adenomas. Patients with cystic adenomas were predominantly male, and hypercalcemic crisis and atypical adenomas were common. The accuracy of preoperative localization methodologies was lower in patients with cystic adenomas than in patients with solid adenomas. US-guided fine-needle aspiration was performed in 11 patients. In all patients, the iPTH level in cystic fluid was much higher than that in serum. No sign of recurrence was observed after a median follow-up of 39 months. Conclusions Cystic parathyroid adenomas may not be as rare as previously reported. FNA may be a safe and feasible localization methodology for patients with inconclusive preoperative localization methodologies. Close follow-up is necessary for patients with cystic parathyroid adenomas, which account for a substantial proportion of atypical adenoma cases.

Fibroblast growth factor 23 mRNA expression profile in chickens and its response to dietary phosphorus

In mammals, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) regulates phosphate homeostasis in kidney by binding α-Klotho, a coreceptor of FGF23. FGF23 mRNA is highly expressed in bone and slightly expressed in liver, and is regulated by dietary phosphorus. Little is known about distribution and regulation of FGF23 mRNA in avian lineage. The expression of FGF23 and its coreceptor α-Klotho in chicken and embryo were investigated by real-time quantitative PCR. The effect of dietary phosphorus on FGF23 expression was measured. 36 laying hens at 25 wk were randomly assigned to three dietary available phosphorus (AP) treatments for 11 days: 0.15% AP (LP), 0.40% AP (MP), and 0.80% AP (HP). We first cloned the full coding sequence of FGF23 by the reverse transcription PCR from chicken liver and calvaria. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the deduced amino acid sequence was 57-87% identical to FGF23 of other species. In adult chicken FGF23 mRNA was expressed at unexpected higher level in liver than other tissues evaluated, including calvaria, femur, tibia, medullary bone, brain, spleen, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, heart and kidney (P < 0.0001), and α-Klotho was expressed at highest level in kidney. However, in 18-d chicken embryos, FGF23 mRNA level was much higher in tibia than in liver, heart and jejunum (P < 0.0001). Chickens at 2, 25, 50 and 80 wk had higher FGF23 expression in liver than 18-d chicken embryos, whereas chickens at 25 wk had lower FGF23 expression in tibia than 18-d chicken embryos and 2-wk-old chickens. HP diets significantly increased serum inorganic phosphorus level (P < 0.001) and FGF23 expression (P < 0.05) in bone tissue compared with LP diets, however, FGF23 mRNA abundance in liver was not changed significantly (P > 0.05) by dietary phosphorus treatments. In conclusion, FGF23 mRNA expression pattern in chicken was clearly different from that in mammals and dietary phosphorus regulated the expression of FGF23 in a tissue-specific way.

Effect of Peripartum Nutritional Supplementation on Plasma Profiles of Macro Minerals and Postpartum Fertility in Jaffarabadi Buffaloes

This investigation was undertaken on 40 transitional Jaffarabadi buffaloes with the objective to evaluate the effect of peripartum nutritional (multiminerals and bypass fat) supplementation without and with micro-minerals (Inj. Stimvet) and oral ecbolic (Boli Exapar) on uterine involution and postpartum fertility including plasma minerals profile. The animals of treatment group (n=20) received additional oral supplements daily with 50 g of chelated mineral mixture and 150 g of bypass fat along with concentrates for 6 weeks prepartum and 2 weeks postpartum over the control farm fed group (n=20). Ten buffaloes in each control and treatment group further received Inj. Stimvet 5 ml (micro-minerals) around day 45 prepartum and on day of calving. Half of these Stimvet treated and control subgroups also received Exapar (n=5) 2 boli/day for 4 consecutive days postpartum. Blood samples were obtained on day –45, –30, –7 and 0 (day of calving), 7, 15, 30, 45, 60 peripartum for estimation of minerals profile. Animals were followed for puerperal events, uterine involution and intervals for postpartum first estrus and conception. The feeding of bypass fat and chelated minerals had significant effect on the time required for expulsion of placenta (3.93±0.24 vs 7.18±0.72 hrs; p Lass Than 0.01), uterine involution (32.75±0.57 vs 37.00±0.56 days; p Lass Than 0.05), intervals for first estrus postpartum (79.05±3.82 vs 100.55±3.47 days; p Lass Than 0.05) and service period (107.10±4.43 vs 133.65±6.04 days; p Lass Than 0.05). The prepartum mean plasma calcium and inorganic phosphorus levels in the buffaloes of both control and treatment groups decreased significantly on the day of calving, and then gradually increased during the days postpartum, again reaching at par with prepartum levels at around day 15-30 postpartum. The mean plasma calcium levels were observed to be higher in treatment than control group at most of the intervals. The mean plasma inorganic phosphorus values on periods closer to calving were apparently higher in treatment group than the control group. Further, the levels during close peripartum period were observed to be apparently higher in untreated subgroup as compared to Stimvet and Exapar alone or its combination subgroups. The mean plasma magnesium concentrations were found to be almost consistent during entire peripartum period studied in both the groups with apparently higher values in treatment than control group at most of the intervals. Very similar trend was also found in subgroups treated with Stimvet and oral Exapar alone or in combination, being little higher in Stimvet injected subgroup.

Key Regulators of Sucrose Accumulation during Different Developmental Phases of Sugar Beet Plants

BECAUSE of the economic importance of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L) in sucrose production, a field experiment was conducted to elucidate the key regulators of sucrose metabolism in source leaves and sink roots at 135, 150, 165 and 180 day after sowing (DAS) that would be determined sucrose yield. Increase in sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) activity in source and sink tissues during the first three selected harvest phases was associated in leaves with an increase in activities of acid invertase (AI) and neutral invertase (NI), chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll and reducing sugars on the one hand and the levels of sucrose and inorganic phosphorus (Pi) in roots on the other hand. The maximum sucrose level in roots was at 165 DAS. A gradual increase in root NI activity accompanied by an increase in reducing sugars and a decrease in the sucrose/reducing sugars ratio in roots by harvest date progress was observed. Pearson correlation test revealed contradictory findings whereas, SPS activity correlated with sucrose level in leaves negatively but positively in roots. All investigated enzymes in leaves correlated negatively with sucrose/reducing ratio. But in roots, only NI activity correlated negatively with sucrose/reducing sugars ratio.

Inorganic phosphorus (Pi) in CSF is a biomarker for SLC20A2-associated idiopathic basal ganglia calcification (IBGC1)

IntroductionIdiopathic basal ganglia calcification (IBGC), also called Fahr's disease or recently primary familial brain calcification (PFBC), is characterized by abnormal deposits of minerals including calcium mainly and phosphate in the brain. Mutations in SLC20A2 (IBGC1 (merged with former IBGC2 and IBGC3)), which encodes PiT-2, a phosphate transporter, is the major cause of IBGC. Recently, Slc20a2-KO mice have been showed to have elevated levels of inorganic phosphorus (Pi) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); however, CSF Pi levels in patients with IBGC have not been fully examined. MethodsWe investigated the cases of 29 patients with IBGC including six patients with SLC20A2 mutation and three patients with PDGFB mutation, and 13 controls. The levels of sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), calcium (Ca), and Pi in sera and CSF were determined by potentiometry and colorimetry. Moreover, clinical manifestations were investigated in the IBGC patients with high Pi levels in CSF. ResultsThe study revealed that the average level of Pi in the CSF of the total group of patients with IBGC is significantly higher than that of the control group, and the levels of Pi in CSF of the IBGC patients with SLC20A2 mutations are significantly higher than those of the IBGC patients with PDGFB mutations, the other IBGC patients and controls. ConclusionResults of this study suggest that the levels of CSF Pi will be a good biomarker for IBGC1.

High-fat/high-sucrose diet results in higher bone mass in aged rats

Intake of high-fat/high-sucrose (HFS) diet or high fat diet influences bone metabolism in young rodents, but its effects on bone properties of aged rodents still remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the effects of HFS diet intake on trabecular bone architecture (TBA) and cortical bone geometry (CBG) in aged rats. Fifteen male Wistar rats over 1year were randomly divided into two groups. One group was fed a standard laboratory diet (SLD) and the other group was fed a HFS diet for six months. The femur/tibia, obtained from both groups at the end of experimental period, were scanned by micro-computed tomography for TBA/CBG analyses. Serum biochemical analyses were also conducted. Body weight was significantly higher in the HFS group than in the SLD group. In both femur and tibia, the HFS group showed higher trabecular/cortical bone mass in reference to bone mineral content, volume bone mineral density and TBA/CBG parameters compared with the SLD group. In addition, serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus, total protein, triacylglycerol, HDL and TRACP-5b levels were significantly higher in the HFS group than in the SLD group. There were good correlations between body weight and bone parameters in the femur and tibia. These results suggest that HFS diet intake results in higher bone mass in aged rats. Such effects of HFS diet intake might have been induced by increased body weight.

Association of Phosphocalcic Metabolism and Body Condition Score after Parturition in High Producing Dairy Cows

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between different body condition scores and phosphocalcic metabolism during the postpartum period in high producing dairy cows. Fifty seven multiparous Holstein dairy cows were used in the present study. Blood samples were collected at calving and at one and two month of postpartum to measure serum calcium and inorganic phosphorus levels. The BCS was monitored monthly after calving. Cows with body condition scores less than three does not mobilise their phosphocalcic reserve, they showed an hypocalcemia and there was a significant (P < 0.05) fall in serum inorganic phosphorus levels from 88mg / l at calving at rate to 63mg / l in the second month of post partum. In conclusion, among the different indices defined by the phosphocalcic metabolism measurements and BCS in the present study, the lower BCS and stress metabolic were the main factors associated with phosphocalcic metabolism distrubance in high producing dairy cows.

Clinical, Haematological and Biochemical Findings Based Surgical Management of Obstructive Urolithiasis by Tube Cystostomy in Buffalo Calves (Bubalus Bubalis)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical, hemato-biochemical and surgical management using tube cystostomy of acute urethral obstruction with or without bladder rupture in buffalo calves. A total number of 14 male buffalo calves with obstractive urolithiasis were prospectively studied. Most ofen males aged between 3 and 9 months.were affected. The affected calves were allocated to two groups; intact bladder group (n= 8), and ruptured bladder group (n= 6). Six apparently healthy buffalo calves were enrolled in this study as controls. Diagnosis of the disease was made on the basis of a history of anuria, clinical signs, selective biochemical analysis, abdominocentesis and ultrasongraphy, the confirmed cases of obstractive urolithiasis with either intact bladder or rupture ones were managed by surgical tube cystostomy technique with Foley’s catheter. Results of this study showed that, there was no significant change in the mean rectal temperature in cases of obstructive urolithiasis either with intact or ruptured bladder. The mean average of respiratory rates and heart rates in the calves suffering from obstructive urolithiasis were significantly higher compared to the control group. Both diseased groups showed significant (P < 0.05) increases in the total red blood cell count, packed cell volume and neutrophils. The greatest increases were recorded in serum urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations in both groups. Also the results showed an elevation in the level of total protein, glucose, inorganic phosphorus, potassium and magnesium but showed a decrease in the level of calcium, sodium and chloride. Majority of the cases showed uneventful recovery after surgical tube cystostomy. It was concluded that, the selective hemato-biochemical variables indicated a non significant differances in ruptured bludder group compared to the intact ones. Surgical management by tube cystostomy may be a feasible method for management of obstractive urolithiasis in field conditions.

Evaluation of salivary calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase level in children (4-6 years) with nursing caries in Erbil City

Background and objective: Nursing caries is a complex and severe form of tooth decay that affects a child’s teeth and leads to severe pain, teeth loss, and psychological problems. This type of decay is caused by primary factors (host, cariogenic bacteria, fermentable carbohydrate and the time) and other secondary factors. Besides, the dental caries influence by the role of saliva as a defense system. These defense systems include clearance, buffering, antimicrobial agents, and calcium and phosphate delivery for remineralization. This study aimed to find out the relationship between calcium, inorganic phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase of unstimulated saliva in children with nursing caries. Methods: The sample included 374 children aged 4-6 years; 324 were the study group (with nursing caries) while 50 were control group (caries-free). The case sheet and questionnaire included the child's feeding habits and oral hygiene. A 1.5-2 ml of saliva was collected from the selected children using spitting technique. The method included dental examination for the recording of the dmft and dmfs indices, and saliva analysis to determine the level of salivary calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase in control and study groups. Results: The study group children demonstrated a statistically highly significant (P ≤0.01) higher saliva calcium (5.229 ± 0.963 mg/dl) and alkaline phosphatase concentrations (6.321 ± 1.792 KAU/dl) than the control group (4.968± 0.757mg/dl, 5.384 ± 2.119 KAU/dl), respectively. The same group demonstrated a statistically highly significant (P ≤0.01) lower inorganic phosphorus concentration (10.991 ± 1.376 mg/dl) than the control group (11.961 ± 1.484 mg/dl). The study group showed a lower percentage of breastfeeding (28.4%) in comparison to the control group (42.0%). Concerning mix-feeding, the study group showed the higher percentage (45.4%) in comparison to the control group (32.0%). The bottle-fed found to be equal in both groups, there was a statistically non-significant difference between the study and control group. Conclusion: Salivary calcium and alkaline phosphatase level have a major role in causing nursing caries in children. On the other hand, salivary inorganic phosphorus level showed a negative correlation with caries activity (dmfs). The type of infant feeding has no effect on the children with nursing caries.

Blood chemistry reference intervals of captive Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus)

Data on blood chemistry values can make fundamental contributions to our understanding of physiological changes. However, there is a lack of information regarding blood chemistry in Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus). Thus, the objects of this study were to determine reference ranges for 29 blood chemistry variables, and to evaluate differences between age groups and between seasons. Blood samples (n = 138) were collected from 44 (20 males, 24 females; age range, 1–15 years) clinically healthy, captive Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in the Republic of Korea. Young and adult bears showed significantly higher levels of creatinine and total cholesterol, and lower levels of blood urea nitrogen, blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase MB during hibernation compared to during non-hibernation. Adults also showed significantly higher levels of triglyceride, but lower levels of inorganic phosphorus, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and creatine phosphokinase during hibernation than during non-hibernation. During hibernation, the urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio and levels of alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine phosphokinase in young bears were significantly higher than in adults, whereas creatinine levels were lower than in adults. During non-hibernation, the urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio and levels of calcium, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase and creatine kinase MB in young bears were significantly higher, whereas creatinine, total protein, albumin, gamma-glutamyl transferase and haemoglobin levels were lower than in adults. The results of this study provide reference values that will aid in understanding the physiology of Asiatic black bears and in assessing the health of these animals in captive environments.

Effects of diisononyl phthalate on osteopenia in intact mice

Osteopenia is characterized by bone loss and deterioration of trabecular bone, which leads to osteoporotic fractures. This disease is highly prevalent in industrialized areas and is associated with exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Diisononyl phthalate (DINP) is one of these EDCs and is mainly used as a plasticizer in flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products. Although it is well known that exposure to DINP is harmful to humans, no studies have been reported concerning its contribution to osteopenia. Therefore, in this study, we injected DINP (2, 20, and 200mg/kg) into C3H/HeN mice for 6weeks and found that the uterus weight, bone (femur and tibia) weight, and bone length of the DINP-exposed mice were reduced compared to those of the SHAM group. On the other hand, body weight, the serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and inorganic phosphorus (IP) levels in the DINP treated mice were increased compared with those of the SHAM group. The tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity (bone resorption marker) was increased and the bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) activity was lowered by the treatment with DINP as compared with the SHAM group. Furthermore, the microarchitecture of the femur and tibia in the intact mice was destroyed by the DINP injection. The tissue volume (TV), bone volume (BV), BV/TV, bone surface (BS), BS/TV, trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and trabecular number (Tb.N) were reduced and the trabecular pattern factor (Tb.Pf), structure model index (SMI), and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) were increased by the DINP injection. The bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur and tibia was lower in the DINP group than in the SHAM group. These results indicate that DINP contributes to an increased risk of osteopenia via destruction of the microarchitecture and enhancement of osteoclast activity.