Mineral Levels Research Articles

FAM96B negatively regulates FOSL1 to modulate the osteogenic differentiation and regeneration of periodontal ligament stem cells via ferroptosis

BackgroundPeriodontal ligament stem cell (PDLSC)-based therapy is one of the methods to assist bone regeneration. Understanding the functional regulation of PDLSCs and the mechanisms involved is a crucial issue in bone regeneration. This study aimed to explore the roles of the family with sequence similarity 96 member B (FAM96B) in the functional regulation of PDLSCs.MethodsTo assess the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs, the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, Alizarin red staining, quantitative calcium analysis, and osteogenic marker detection were conducted. Transplantation PDLSCs under the dorsum of nude mice and into the rat calvarial defects were also performed. Then, FAM96B-overexpressed PDLSCs were used for RNA-sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. To evaluate the ferroptosis of PDLSCs, cytosolic reactive oxygen species (ROS), expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), mitochondrial morphology and functions including the mitochondrial ROS, mitochondria membrane potential, and mitochondrial respiration were detected.ResultsThe osteogenic indicators ALP activity, level of mineralization, and osteocalcin expression were decreased in PDLSCs by FAM96B, which demonstrated that FAM96B inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs. FAM96B knockdown promoted the new bone formation of PDLSCs subcutaneously transplanted to the dorsum of nude mice. Then, related biological functions were detected by the RNA-sequencing and the ferroptosis was focused. FAM96B enhanced the cytosolic ROS level and inhibited the expression of GPX4 and mitochondrial functions in PDLSCs. Hence, FAM96B promoted the ferroptosis of PDLSCs. Meanwhile, we found that FAM96B inhibition upregulated the target gene FOS like 1, AP-1 transcription factor subunit (FOSL1) expression and FOSL1 promoted the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs in vitro. FOSL1 also promoted the new bone formation of PDLSCs transplanted subcutaneously to the dorsum of nude mice and transplanted into rat calvarial defects. Then, the inhibitory effect of FOSL1 on the ferroptosis was confirmed.ConclusionsFAM96B depletion promoted the osteogenic differentiation and suppressed the ferroptosis of PDLSCs. FAM96B negatively regulated the downstream gene FOSL1 and FOSL1 promoted the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs via the ferroptosis. Hence, our findings provided a foundation for understanding the FAM96B-FOSL1 axis acting as a target for MSC mediated bone regeneration.

Unraveling the causal relationship between serum minerals and pancreatic cancer: a Mendelian randomization study

BackgroundPancreatic cancer is among the most lethal malignancies, characterized by a poor prognosis and limited modifiable factors. Emerging evidence indicates that serum mineral levels may influence the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer. However, the causal relationship between serum minerals and pancreatic cancer remains unclear and warrants further investigation.MethodsThis Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted to explore the causal effects of serum mineral levels on pancreatic cancer risk. Genetic variants associated with serum mineral levels, including calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and copper, were selected as instrumental variables (IVs) from large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. Multiple methods, including inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted median, weight methods, were employed to perform MR analysis. The effect sizes from the MR analysis, using two independent GWAS summary datasets related to pancreatic cancer, were combined through meta-analysis. The Cochrane Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO global test, and leave-one-out test were conducted for sensitivity tests.ResultsOur MR analysis demonstrated a significant causal effect of genetically predicted serum calcium levels on increased pancreatic cancer risk [OR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.05–2.57, P = 0.029 (discovery cohort); OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.07–2.15, P = 0.019 (validation cohort)], while no significant associations were found for other serum minerals (P > 0.05). Additional meta-analysis reinforces and substantiates this conclusion (pooled OR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.19–2.06, P = 0.001). No evidence of pleiotropy or heterogeneity was detected across multiple sensitivity tests (P > 0.05).ConclusionThis study provides new evidence supporting the causal role of certain serum minerals, particularly calcium, in the development of pancreatic cancer. These findings may help inform future research into preventive strategies or therapies aimed at modulating mineral levels in patients at high risk of pancreatic cancer.

Optimization of microwave-assisted extraction of bajra milk using response surface methodology

Millets, especially bajra, are known for their ability to thrive in harsh climates and resist pests. Bajra contains high nutritional values, including a high level of protein, fiber and essential minerals like iron, zinc, calcium and magnesium. Plant-based beverages such as bajra milk are becoming more popular as lactose-free, nutritious alternatives to dairy milk. Bajra milk is rich in antioxidants, phenolic acids and flavonoids, offering health benefits such as improved heart health, diabetes control and immune system support. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) has proven to be an energy-efficient and a sustainable technique for producing plant-based milks like bajra milk. Compared to conventional methods, MAE reduces nutrient loss, speeds up the process and improves the protein content, viscosity and sensory acceptability. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction processes, identifying ideal conditions of soaking time of 16 h, microwave time of 1.5 min and a temperature of 85 ?C. Under these parameters, the extraction yield was 70.23 %, with a protein content of 5.57 g/100 ml and an overall acceptability rating of 7.2. The aim of this present study is to use the RSM tool to optimize the microwave-assisted extraction of bajra milk and compare the physicochemical and nutritional properties of the conventional method and MAE, MAE bajra milk as a cost effective, ecofriendly solution for large scale plant-based milk production positioning bajra as a valuable alternative.

Effect of Sub- Chronic Administration of Omeprazole on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters in Fischer Male Rats

Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is believed to have various potential adverse events. Omeprazole is a part of PPIs most commonly prescribed worldwide; it irreversibly binds to the H+-K+ ATPase enzyme system in the gastric parietal cells to reduce the secretion of H+ ions into the lumen of the stomach. The main objective of the current work is to assess the adverse effects of omeprazole medication on certain hematological and biochemical parameters in rats who were on treatment for three months. We conducted a comparative cross-sectional study between March 2024 and July 2024. 20 male Fischer rats (Albino) aged two months, weighting (200-250g) was obtained from the animal house located in the Libyan center for medical research, in the city of Alzawia, and were enrolled in this study. Rats were divided into two groups, the first group was the control (Normal saline group) (n=10), second was administered 40mg/kg omeprazole via IP route (n=10) once daily. Complete blood count and biochemical parameters were measured for both groups. The treatment group had remarkably significant reductions in the number of red blood cells (RBCs) (p<0.001) and the platelets indices. Omeprazole elevated the cholesterol level (p<0.001) and triglyceride (p<0.001) as well as low-density lipoprotein (p<0.01). However, no impact was found with high density lipoprotein (HDL) (p>0.05). Blood urea levels (p<0.001) were significantly increased in the treatment group treated with omeprazole medication. The results also showed that the treatment group had a significant decline in calcium levels (p<0.001) than that of the control group. Prolonged use of omeprazole might result in adverse effects on hematological profile, particularly RBCs and their indices leading to the development of anemia in patients on this medication. Furthermore, it might result in disturbances in biochemical profile, levels of minerals, and vitamins as consequences of affected absorption.

Chronic administration of Musa acuminata Colla (BANANA) to Wistar albino rats induces hyperkalemia

ABSTRACT Background Hyperkalemia is a medical condition characterized by excess potassium in the blood. Overindulgence in foods high in potassium can also result in hyperkalemia, particularly in individuals with severe kidney disease.. Aim of the study In this study, hyperkalemia was assessed in Wistar albino rats administered with M. acuminata. Material and Methods Thirty-six rats underwent various treatments over three months after being randomly divided into groups of six. Standard medications administered included Lisinopril and keyaxalate. The proximate and mineral content of raw banana (RB) and normal rat pellets (NRP) were compared and evaluated with that of cooked banana (CB). The rats’ serum and urine calcium and potassium levels were measured using established protocols. Results In comparison to RB, CB was found to have significantly higher levels of nutrients (proteins and fats) and minerals (calcium, sodium, and potassium). Administration of CB markedly significantly increased serum potassium levels however, keyaxalate decreased urine potassium levels; the treatment of kayexalate plus lisinopril markedly decreased urine Ca concentration (p<0.05). Conclusions Cooked banana has a higher mineral and nutritional content than raw banana. Continuous and daily consumption of cooked bananas led to hyperkalemia in Wistar rats as evidenced by elevated serum potassium levels.

Assessment of Field Performance and Nutritional Quality of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.) for Food Diversification

This research was carried out to evaluate the field performance of some mung bean accessions and their nutritional composition for inclusion in household diet. Twenty-one (21) accessions of mung bean were evaluated in the early and late season of 2022 at Ile-Ife, and in the early season at Kishi out-station of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&amp;T), Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. The experiment was established according to randomized complete block design with three replications. Agronomic and yield data were collected. Six of the mung bean accessions were randomly selected and analyzed for proximate, mineral composition and sensory properties along with two cowpea varieties as standard checks. MB-3, 6, 14 and 15 produced the highest seed yield across the locations (Ile-Ife early season, Ile-Ife late season, and Kishi early season). However, the performance was generally better in the early season than in the late season. The mung bean samples had slightly lower protein values than the standard checks. The mung bean samples had considerably higher mineral levels (p ≤ 0.05) than the control samples. Moin-moin (processed bean cake) made from some of the mung bean samples compared favorably with that from Ife brown cowpea (standard check). This work revealed good adaptability of the mung bean accession to southwest agro-ecology of Nigeria. It also revealed better nutritional quality of mung bean relative to cowpea for inclusion in household meals.

Physicochemical Characteristics and Sensory Properties of Spent Laying Hen Burgers Formulated with Cashew Pomace Flour

Objective: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of adding different proportions of cashew flour on the quality characteristics of burgers from spent laying hens’ meat. Methods: Spent laying hens (~ 60 weeks old) were used to prepare hamburgers containing different proportions (0, 5, 10 and 15%) of cashew flour, which were evaluated for chemical and nutritional composition, pH, retention capacity of water, instrumental color, cooking yield and sensory aspects. Results and Discussion: The addition of cashew flour significantly increased the levels of total fiber, carbohydrates and minerals (calcium and iron). It decreased the levels of moisture, fat, protein, and percentage of shrinkage proportionally compared to the other formulations. The burger formulation with up to 5% had greater acceptance and purchase intention. However, burgers formulated with increased cashew fiber flour up to 15% produced darker samples, with an aftertaste and a more brittle texture. Conclusion: Thus, it was concluded that using cashew fiber flour as a dietary supplement increases the nutritional value and did not affect the sensory characteristic of hamburgers made from meat from discarded laying hens, making them a source of mineral and dietary fiber.

Effects of Mixed Saline and Fresh Water Sprinkler Irrigation on the Rhizosphere Soil Microbial Community of Summer Maize

Mixing saline and fresh water can help to increase the agricultural water utilization rate and solve the water shortage situation, but its role on rhizosphere microbes is unknown. This study revealed the effects of mixed saline and freshwater sprinkler irrigation at different proportions on the rhizosphere soil microbial community of summer maize. Compared to freshwater sprinkler irrigation, sprinkler irrigation with 2 g·L−1 of mixed saline and fresh water significantly increased the bacterial α-diversity and significantly affected the structure and composition of bacterial communities, increasing the number of OTUs, the ACE index, and the Shannon index in the rhizosphere soils, whereas sprinkler irrigation with 3 g·L−1 did not lead to significant changes. In addition, there was a significant difference in β-diversity between the mixed saline and freshwater sprinkler irrigation and the freshwater sprinkler irrigation. Principal coordinate analysis revealed that the 2 g·L−1 and 3 g·L−1 sprinkler irrigation treatments were closer to each other, but both were at a greater distance from the freshwater sprinkler irrigation, indicating that mixed saline and freshwater irrigation significantly affected the structure of rhizosphere soil bacterial communities. Ammonium nitrogen, alkaline dissolved nitrogen, and total nitrogen all affected the soil bacterial community structure by more than 10%, with ammonium nitrogen being the most influential environmental factor. The relative abundance of most microbes in the mixed saline and freshwater sprinkler treatments was positively correlated with ammonium nitrogen, especially in the 2 g·L−1 treatment, while that of most microbes in the freshwater sprinkler treatment was negatively correlated with ammonium nitrogen. In conclusion, selecting a sprinkler irrigation model with a mineralization level of mixed saline and freshwater not exceeding 2 g·L−1 could enhance the rhizosphere soil microbial community while conserving water resources.

Prevalence of serum vitamin D and B12, Ca, P, Mg levels and rheumatoid factor status in the patients with bilateral TMJ-OA and their correlations with clinical and radiological findings

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the prevalence of serum vitamin D and B12, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium levels, and rheumatoid factor (RF) status in patients with bilateral temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) and their correlations with clinical and radiological findings. Methods The clinical and radiologic findings and serum vitamin and mineral levels of 90 patients diagnosed with bilateral TMJ-OA were recorded. Descriptive statistics and the Spearman’s Rho correlation test were performed. Results Low serum vitamin D and B12 levels were detected in 82 (91.1%) and 74 (82.2%) patients. Calcium and phosphorus levels were seen at low rates. RF status was recorded as unfavorable in all patients. Correlations were found between age and the serum vitamin and mineral levels, except phosphorus. Low serum vitamin D levels correlated with pain complaints at rest and painless MIO. Serum B12 levels correlated with condylar erosion. Serum magnesium levels correlated with painful MIO and condylar osteophyte. Conclusion Patients with bilateral TMJ-OA showed a high prevalence of low serum vitamin D and B12 levels.

Comparative Study of the Phytochemical Contents and Selected Micronutrient Contents of Vernonia amygdalina (Onugbu Leaf) and Pterocarpus mildbreadii (Oha Leaf) Brought from Igbariam, Anambra State

The purpose of this study is conducting a comparative study on the nutritional compositions of bitterleaf (Vernonia amygdalina) and oha leaf (Pterocarpus mildbraedii), focusing on its phytochemicals and micronutrients so as to determine their nutritional value, the bioactive compounds present in them and relate them to their health benefits. The collected leaf samples of V. amygdalina and P. mildbreadii were divided into three parts each, for the phytochemicals, vitamin and mineral determination. The oils of the grounded leaf samples were extracted using soxhlet extraction method and the phytochemical contents of the leaves were analyzed using GC-FID. Vitamin A and Vitamin E absorbance were measured at mg/L using a UV- spectrophotometer at different wavelength while Vitamin C was titrated and measured at mg/100ml. The samples were also digested for the mineral analysis and their filtrates were placed in an atomic absorption spectrophotometer and the absorbance of the different elements contained in the samples was measured at mg/L. The results indicated that bitter leaf was high in flavonoid, alkaloid and kaempferol having values of 15.877 ± 0.011, 15.577 ± 0.006 and 13.890 ± 0.004, respectively while the oha leaf was high in kaempferol, sapogenin and phenol having values of 16.873 ± 0.001, 15.125 ± 0.001 and 14.779 ± 0.001, respectively. The Vitamin A (mg/L),Vitamin E (mg/L) and Vitamin C (mg/100) values of bitter leaf and oha leaf were 18.579, 22.120,1174.493 and 20.323, 25.918, 1275.235 respectively. The mineral levels of V. amygdalina and P. mildbraedii revealed significant amounts of magnesium and potassium having higher values of 4.779mg/L, 3.265mg/L and 3.782mg/L, 2.712mg/L respectively. Iron and zinc were not present in the P. mildbreadii leaves while copper, iron and sodium were not present in the V. amygdalina leaves. The evaluation of the leaves of V. amygdalina and P. mildbreadii showed that the leaves had high phytochemical, mineral and vitamin contents. However, the difference between the two samples on their phytochemical and micronutrient composition had significant variations at p&lt;0.05. The result of this analysis will aid to inform the consumers on the appropraite usage of this leaves for optimal nutritional yield. It should also be recommended by food nutritionist as part of a dietary plan so as to help boost the immune system and support other body processes.

KDM6B-Mediated HADHA Demethylation/Lactylation Regulates Cementogenesis.

Cementum, a bone-like tissue, is an essential component of periodontium, and periodontitis can lead to degenerative changes in the cementum, eventually resulting in tooth loss. The therapeutic strategy for advanced periodontitis is to achieve periodontal regeneration, of which cementum regeneration is a key criterion. Cementoblasts are responsible for cementogenesis, and their mineralization counts in cementum regeneration. However, research is still limited. Thus, novel treatment targets are required. The expression levels of lysine (K)-specific demethylase 6B (KDM6B), fatty acid oxidation (FAO), and cementogenic markers were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemical assays. FAO levels were analyzed by assay kit. In vivo, injection of GSK-J4 into mice detected the influence of KDM6B on cementum formation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing, transcriptomic RNA sequencing, subsequent chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and overexpression of HADHA (hydroxyacyl-coA dehydrogenase trifunctional multienzyme complex subunit alpha) elucidated the KDM6B-Hadha axis. Global lactylation was detected by Western blot. Lactylation proteomics clarified the modified sites of HADHA. Mutating these sites and applying coimmunoprecipitation confirmed their significance. Knockdown of Kdm6b was utilized to assess its regulation on the lactylation of HADHA, FAO, and mineralization levels. FAO and KDM6B expression was elevated during cementoblast mineralization. KDM6B targeted Hadha and activated its transcription, thereby increasing FAO levels and promoting mineralization. Lactylation occurred in the process of mineralization, and KDM6B could regulate the lactylation of HADHA to promote FAO and mineralization. Overexpression of Hadha and the addition of lactate sodium could rescue the inhibition of mineralization by knockdown of Kdm6b. In summary, during cementoblast mineralization, KDM6B regulates HADHA by mediating histone demethylation and lactylation, thereby upregulating FAO and thus promoting mineralization.

Exploration of underutilized chayote fractions following drying and extraction

Valorizing neglected crop byproducts through eco-friendly techniques has gained attention as underutilized crops offer new sources of bioactive components. This study examined the chemical composition, phytochemicals, and antioxidant activities in six fractions of the underutilized chayote (Sechium edule). Each fraction was microwave-dried and extracted with ultrasound assistance. Shoots were high in ash and fiber, while pulp had high moisture and carbohydrates, and seeds were rich in fat and protein. Shoots, leaves, roots, and peels had high mineral levels, particularly Ca, K, Mg, P, Fe, and Zn. Shoots were also high in phenolics, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid, while leaves had a high carotenoid content. Polyphenol compounds such as myricetin and catechin were abundant in shoots, which exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. Chayote shoots, roots, and leaves are abundant in bioactive compounds that can be utilized in food and, therefore, offers an opportunity for utilization of a currently neglected plant byproduct.

Drinking water is the urolithiasis development factor among the rural population of a single region

BACKGROUND: The urolithiasis incidence in the Nizhny Novgorod Region exceeds the national average that determines the importance of analyzing the causes of its development and creating preventive measures. AIM: To evaluate the relationship between the urolithiasis incidence and drinking water composition consumed by the rural population of the Nizhny Novgorod Region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A chemical analysis of drinking water was performed in 50 rural districts of the Nizhny Novgorod Region (a total of 61 samples). Water was taken from centralized water supply sources, artesian wells and boreholes, and springs. The relationship between the urolithiasis incidence and chemical composition measures of drinking water was assessed. RESULTS: Differences in the impurity content of drinking water were found between districts with different values of urolithiasis incidence. Exceeding the standard values for impurities specified in the Sanitary regulations and standards (SanPin) was most commonly detected in water from districts with the highest incidence of urolithiasis. An increase in the calcium/magnesium ratio was the most commonly noted in drinking water from these districts. In 41 (67.2%) of 61 samples, an increase of calcium level was detected. The hardness of drinking water was higher than the standard in 33.3–38.8% of samples depending on the water intake source. CONCLUSIONS: Drinking water with a high level of hardness and mineralization is one of the etiological factors for the development of urolithiasis in Nizhny Novgorod Region. In rural areas of this region with a high incidence of urolithiasis, the monitoring of the state of central water supply sources and the impurity content in drinking water should be intensified.

Air-drying causes an alteration in density fractionation of soil materials from organic horizons containing volcanic ash

Density fractionation is commonly used to isolate organic matter in soils based on organo-mineral associations. Not only mineral horizons but also organic horizons contain mineral components. Soil samples for density fractionation are sometimes air-dried or freeze-dried, which can introduce unexpected biases in the results. In this study, we compared the density fraction distributions in wet, air-dried, and freeze-dried organic horizon samples rich in reactive Al and Fe minerals. On Mt. Chokai, a volcano in northern Japan, samples were collected from organic horizons from three representative vegetation types: K1 (dwarf pine and dwarf bamboo at the summit), K2 (dwarf bamboo on the back slope), and K3 (snow meadow with predominantly Poaceae at the foot slope). Wet, air-dried, and freeze-dried samples were subjected to sequential density fractionation using cutoff values of 1.6 and 1.8 g cm–3. We then determined the mass, organic carbon, and total nitrogen distributions in the isolated fractions. Air-drying altered the mass, organic carbon, and total nitrogen distribution of each density fraction. Although we observed differences in the mass distributions of the freeze-dried and wet samples in the snow meadow samples (K3), the mass distributions in the K1 and K2 samples did not change significantly between the freeze-dried and wet samples. Therefore, freeze-drying is recommended as a pretreatment to minimize the effects of drying on density fractionation, particularly for soil samples with no drying history, high organic matter content, and/or high levels of reactive Al and Fe minerals.

Improvement of osteogenic differentiation potential of placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells by metformin via AMPK pathway activation

BackgroundPlacenta-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (PL-MSCs) have gained a lot of attention in the field of regenerative medicine due to their availability and bone-forming capacity. However, the osteogenic differentiation capacity of these cells remains inconsistent and could be improved to achieve greater efficiency. Although metformin, a widely used oral hypoglycemic agent, has been shown to increase bone formation in various cell types, its effect on osteogenic differentiation of PL-MSCs has not yet been investigated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of metformin on the osteogenic differentiation capacity of PL-MSCs and the underlying mechanisms.MethodsThe PL-MSCs were treated with 0.5 to 640 µM metformin and their osteogenic differentiation capacity was examined by an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, Alizarin red S staining and expression levels of osteogenic genes. The role of adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling in mediating the effect of metformin on the osteogenic differentiation capacity of PL-MSCs was also investigated by determining levels of phosphorylated AMPK (pAMPK)/AMPK ratio and by using compound C, an AMPK inhibitor.ResultsThe results showed that 10–160 µM metformin significantly increased the viability of PL-MSCs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, 80–320 µM metformin also increased ALP activity, matrix mineralization, and expression levels of osteogenic genes, runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osterix (OSX), osteocalcin (OCN) and collagen I (COL1), in PL-MSCs. Metformin increases osteogenic differentiation of PL-MSCs, at least in part, through the AMPK signaling pathway, since the administration of compound C inhibited its enhancing effects on ALP activity, matrix mineralization, and osteogenic gene expression of PL-MSCs.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that metformin at concentrations of 80–320 μM significantly enhanced osteogenic differentiation of PL-MSCs in a dose- and time-dependent manner, primarily through activation of the AMPK signaling pathway. This finding suggests that metformin could be used with other conventional drugs to induce bone regeneration in various bone diseases. Additionally, this study provides valuable insights for future osteoporosis treatment by highlighting the potential of modulating the AMPK pathway to improve bone regeneration.

Scenarios for precision nitrogen management in potato: Impact on yield, tuber quality and post-harvest nitrate residues in the soil

Potato belongs to the category of the staple food playing an important role in global food security and nutrition. Because potato plants have a shallow root system and stop nitrogen uptake early in the growing season (between 20 and 60 days after emergence), potato fields are more prone to leaching of nitrate to lower soil layers and the groundwater than deep rooting crops, thus posing a higher risk for polluting the environment with nitrate. On the other hand, lowering fertilizer dosages could result in yield loss and reduced tuber quality. To balance the risk of yield and quality loss against the risk of nitrate leaching, the fertilization dose should be adapted to the local production potential, which can vary considerably within a field. However, there is no consensus on how to adapt the fertilization to this variability. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess various N fertilization scenarios and their effect on the concentration of residual nitrate, total potato yield and tuber quality. Five potato fields located in Flanders with historical spatial variation in crop productivity were selected as potential candidates for implementing site-specific nitrogen management practice. The fields were divided into management zones based on variation visible in soil maps, maps of electrical conductivity, maps of vegetation indices and soil samples. Nitrogen was applied in three different dosages, including the conventional dose, and two reduced fertilization levels. Based on time series of vegetation indices, cumulative vegetation indices and pair-wise correlations between the vegetation index values obtained from Sentinel-2 satellite imagery (FAPAR, NDVI, FCOVER, LAI) only two fields of five showed temporal stability of the spatial management zones, while in three other fields the zone performance shifted depending on the weather conditions during the growing season. In the fields with stable zones, the lowest N fertilization levels in the areas with lower productivity potential resulted in a reduction of the concentration of leachable nitrates while total yield and potato tuber quality (dry matter and nitrogen content) did not change. For this type of fields with temporally stable zones, it was concluded to recommend reducing the nitrogen dosage in the zones with a lower productivity potential and high mineralization levels to limit nitrate leaching. In the fields where better performing zones change their location in wet and dry years, significant differences between treatments in the total potato yield, dry matter and nitrogen content in the tuber were also often detected. However, application of a low nitrogen dose during the first fertilization in one of the zones in such fields is not recommended as it is not yet known how the zones will behave the coming season, leading to a risk for underfertilization of these zones. Therefore, conventional fertilization remains the recommended practice in case the production potential of the zones depends on the weather during the growing season and is not yet known at the moment of fertilization. However, fertilizer fractions applied later during the growing season may be adapted to the crop development and actual weather conditions.

Influence of Inflammatory State on the Need to Customize Parenteral Nutrition in Adolescents.

Parenteral nutrition (PN) can be standardized or customized according to a patient's individual needs, including clinical, metabolic, nutritional, and inflammatory conditions. The influence of inflammation on the indication of standard or customized PN for adolescents hospitalized in a quaternary hospital in the southeastern of Brazil was evaluated. A historical cohort study of 61 adolescents admitted to the hospital was conducted. Nutritional, clinical, and biochemical data from the first 7 days of PN use were analyzed. Elevated serum mineral and triglyceride levels, as well as renal or liver failure (grade III or IV), were considered unequivocal reasons for PN customization, while restoring energy-protein adequacy and low serum mineral levels were considered questionable reasons. Inflammatory status was analyzed during the study period. A total of 128 PN solutions were prescribed, comprising 55 standardized and 73 customized. Overall, 40/61 patients required customized PN. The main reason for customization was to restore energy-protein adequacy (n = 48), while 24.7% (n = 18) of individualizations were for unequivocal reasons. Restoring energy-protein adequacy in the first 48 h was shown to have contributed to high transthyretin, which reduced the need for additional customized PN (r = -0.544; p = 0.044). A positive correlation was found between the total number of PN readjustments and C-Reactive Protein levels (r = 0.509; p = 0.044). Conditions such as malnutrition or an inflammatory state in adolescents presenting metabolic changes are indications for the use of customized PN.

Rabbit teeth serve as a calcium source for rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

Rabbits have hypselodont (ever-growing) teeth; dental growth constantly replaces dental tissue lost due to abrasion and attrition. It has been suggested that rabbits must have high mineral requirements, in particular for calcium, to fuel this constant tooth growth. However, this assumption ignores the fact that tooth wear represents finely ground tissue that is not lost to the body but swallowed during food processing. No studies exist regarding the possible recycling of dental enamel and dentin calcium. In this cross-over study, eight eight-months old intact female rabbits were fed with a complete pelleted diet containing either calcium carbonate/dicalcium phosphate (control) or ground rabbit teeth as calcium sources for 15 days each. After 11 days of adaptation, intake, urinary and faecal losses were quantified in a 4-day period in metabolism cages, and blood mineral levels were determined in a final blood sample. There were few relevant, significant differences between the treatments, with the exception of calcium digestibility (20 ±8% on the control vs. 33 ±6% on the tooth meal diet, P = 0.002) and total calcium retention (0.10 ±0.13 vs. 0.33 ±0.10g/d, P = 0.004). The results suggest that rabbits are well able to recycle the minerals from dental tissue lost during dental wear.

Maximum levels of vitamins and minerals in fortified food and food supplements in the European Union

Introduction: the European Commission and a Task Force of 7 EU member States, led by Germany and involving Belgium, Spain, France, Greece, Ireland and the Netherlands, have been trying to set maximum levels for vitamin and mineral supplementation in fortified foods and food supplements. After submitting it to all member States for consideration, the Commission will consult the stakeholders. Objectives: to analyze the evolution and current situation on various issues related to this purpose. Methods: evaluation and comments on the applicable EU legislation, evolution of the nutrient reference values in the EU and suggestions for their possible update, compilation on the tolerable upper intake levels in the EU and their recent updates, possible alternatives when there are no tolerable upper intake levels in the EU, and dietary intake surveys carried out in some countries of the EU. Results: analysis of two different models for establishing maximum levels on supplementation in the EU and comparison between both models. Conclusions: are formulated on the two objectives to be achieved in setting the maximum amounts for this supplementation, that is to say, to avoid that the tolerable upper intake levels of some nutrients are exceeded and, at the same time, to correct intake deficits in other nutrients, in order to prevent health risks on population groups; in addition, the updating of the nutrient reference values and their expansion with specific values for children under 3 years old are suggested.

Mineral concentration in citrus peel flours

Citrus fruits are known for their health benefits but managing processing waste is a challenge. Extracting bioactive compounds from these residues to create new products is promising, but mineral analysis is essential for food safety. The objective of this study was to analyze how the methodology for obtaining flour from sweet passion fruit peel, Tahiti lime, Murcott tangerine, and pearl pineapple influences the amounts of minerals Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr, and to determine the presence of these minerals in flours according to the defined limits. Maceration demonstrated a significant reduction in mineral content, such as iron, zinc, manganese, copper, and chromium, in the flours of lime and tangerine peels and passion fruit albedo. There was an increase in mineral levels after this process, such as zinc in passion fruit flavedo flour and manganese in tangerine and pineapple peels. Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr were respectively determined in 100g-1 in flours, from lime peel: 3,696mg; 1,273mg; 22,834mg, 0.422mg; 1104.945 μg; tangerine peel: 1,322mg; 2,560mg; 13,571mg; 0.236mg; passion fruit albedo: 8,596mg; 6,480mg; 76,003mg; 1,031mg; passion fruit flavedo 8,609mg; 3,363mg; 86,167mg; 2,317mg; in pineapple skin: 12,181mg; 0.704mg; 71,018mg; *mg; 2224.215 μg. Cr was not determined in the flours: albedo and flavedo from passion fruit, and tangerine and Cu from pineapple peel. Flours are sources of minerals but must be consumed with caution due to high quantities that can exceed the maximum tolerable intake limits.