Mean Concentrations Of Ca Research Articles

Metal and metalloid bioaccumulation in dried red seaweed Hypnea musciformis and health risk assessment for consumers

This study measured 22 metal and metalloid concentrations in Hypnea musciformis from the Bakkhali River estuary and Saint Martin's Island, Bangladesh and determined their potential impact on consumption. Student t-tests showed a significant variation in metal concentrations between the two sampling sites (p < 0.05). Mean concentrations of Co (2.49 ± 0.05 mg/kg), Fe (793.29 ± 11.76 mg/kg), Mn (368.72 ± 4.87 mg/kg), Pb (3.82 ± 0.02 mg/kg), V (11.23 ± 0.20 mg/kg) and Zn (16.60 ± 0.28 mg/kg) were higher in samples collected from the Bakkhali River estuary compared to Saint Martin's Island, while mean concentrations of Ca (484.18 ± 4.68 mg/kg), Cd (2.44 ± 0.03 mg/kg), Mg (2112.70 ± 17.80 mg/kg), Mo (1.57 ± 0.06 mg/kg), Sr (2377.57 ± 29.98 mg/kg), and Ti (258.27 ± 4.62 mg/kg) were higher in samples collected from Saint Martin's Island. Eight heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, Mn, Cr, Fe) were used to assess potential health risks for adults, but no potential health risk was detected (HQ value>1). This study reveals positive Se-HBV for H. musciformis collected from both sampling sites, indicating no potential risks involved with Hg toxicity.

Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, and Magnesium Concentrations in the Placenta, Umbilical Cord, and Fetal Membrane from Women with Multiple Pregnancies.

Calcium (Ca), potassium (K), sodium (Na), and magnesium (Mg) are the elements responsible for the fundamental metabolic and biochemical processes in the cells of the body. The demand for these elements increases significantly during pregnancy, where an adequate supply protects women from the hypertension common in pre-eclampsia and preterm labor. This study aimed to evaluate the association between macro-elements (Ca, Mg, Na, and K) in the placenta, fetal membrane, and umbilical cord and the morphometric parameters of newborns from multiple pregnancies. The study involved 57 pregnant European women with healthy uncomplicated twin pregnancies (n = 52) and triple pregnancies (n = 5); 40 pairs of dichorionic diamniotic twins, 11 pairs of monochorionic diamniotic twins, 1 pair of monochorionic monoamniotic twins, 3 trichorionic triamniotic triplets, and 2 dichorionic triamniotic triplets. Placentas (n = 107), umbilical cords (n = 114), and fetal membranes (n = 112) were collected immediately following delivery, and then weighed and measured. The levels of Ca, K, Na, and Mg were determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) in a Thermo Scientific ICAP 7400 Duo (Waltham, MA, USA). The respective mean concentrations of Ca, K, Na, and Mg (mg/kg-1 dry mass) were: 2466, 8873, 9323, and 436 in the placenta; 957, 6173, 26,757, and 326 in the umbilical cord, and 1252, 7460, 13,562, and 370 in the fetal membrane. In the studied materials from northwestern Poland, we found strong positive correlations between Ca and Mg concentrations in both the umbilical cord (r = 0.81, p = 0.00) and the fetal membrane (r = 0.73, p = 0.00); between K and Mg concentrations in the umbilical cord (r = 0.73, p = 0.00); between Ca and K concentrations in the fetal membrane (r = 0.73, p = 0.00), and we found moderately positive correlations between placental Ca concentration and placental weight (ρ = 0.42, p = 0.00) and between umbilical cord Mg concentrations and the length of the pregnancy (ρ = 0.42, p = 0.00). Negative correlations were found between Na and Ca concentrations in the fetal membrane (r = -0.40, p = 0.00) and Na concentrations in the fetal membrane and Mg concentrations in the placenta (r = -0.16, p = 0.02). Negative correlations were confirmed between the length of pregnancy and head circumference (ρ = -0.42; p = 0.00), infant weight (ρ = -0.42; p = 0.00), infant length (ρ = -0.49; p = 0.00), shoulder width (ρ = -0.49; p = 0.00); and between the infant weight and head circumference (ρ = -0.62; p = 0.00), weight before delivery (ρ = -0.36; p = 0.00), infant length (ρ = -0.45; p = 0.00), shoulder width (ρ = -0.63; p = 0.00), and weight gain during pregnancy (ρ = -0.31; p = 0.01). We found statistically significant correlations between cigarette smoking before pregnancy and the women's weight before delivery (ρ = 0.32, p = 0.00), and a negative correlation between the women's ages and infant head circumference (ρ = -0.20, p = 0.02). This is probably the first study to evaluate Ca, Na, K, and Mg concentrations in the afterbirth tissues of multiple pregnancies. It adds to the knowledge of elemental concentrations in multiple pregnancies and their possible effects on fetal morphometric parameters.

Bioaccumulation of Metals in Mangrove Snail (Cerithidea obtusa) from Southwest Johor, Malaysia

Pollutants are persistent in the environment, taint the food chain, and harm people's health because of their toxicity. In this study, mangrove snails called Cerithidea obtusa (C. Obtusa) were gathered from Southwest Johor, Malaysia, and the amounts of macro and micro elements Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, As, Mn, and Zn in their soft tissues, shells, and related surface sediments were analysed. The Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) method was used to calculate the elements concentration. The mean concentrations of Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, As, Mn and Zn were found to be followed by the order Fe > Na > K > Mg > Ca > Na > Mn > Zn > As in the sediment, while Ca > Na > K > Mg > Fe > Zn > Mn > As and Ca > K > Na > Mg > Fe > Mn > Zn > As in the soft tissue and shell of C. Obtusa respectively. The Enrichment Factor (EF) of Ca, K, Mg, Na, As, Zn, and Mn ranged from 0.58 to 2.58, 0.82 to 1.04, 1.14 to 2.34, 2.32 to 4.18, 1.31 to 3.45, 1.11 to 1.52, and 0.23 to 0.38, respectively. Mn had the lowest EF (0.23), and 4.18 had the greatest (Na). Most of the elements showed geoaccumulation index (Igeo) < 0 except for As and Na. Based on the Biota-Sediment Accumulation Factor (BSAF), the shell of C. Obtusa acts as a deconcentrator for all the elements except for Ca.

Improving Calcium Status of Women: Results of a Study of Bio-Availability of Calcium From Slaked Lime Fortified Rice.

Fortification of rice with slaked lime is an acceptable and inexpensive way to combat calcium (Ca) deficiency. However, bioavailability of calcium after intake of slaked lime fortified rice is yet to be investigated. To measure the fractional absorption of Ca (FAC) from slaked lime fortified cooked rice. We conducted an experimental study using stable isotopes of Ca to measure FAC during a single morning test meal containing rice fortified with slaked lime. Participants (n = 22) were given slaked lime fortified rice 3 times a day for 4 days. On the morning of the fifth day, the participants were served the same amount of rice as previous the 4 days at the breakfast test meal with an accurately measured amount of 44Ca stable isotope oral tracer followed by an intravenous injection of 42Ca. Urine was collected over the next 24 hours in 3 consecutive 8-hour pools. Fractional absorption of Ca was calculated from the measurement of the relative enrichment of the of each administered tracer 44Ca and 42Ca using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The mean Ca concentration in the test meal was 879.5 ± 152.9 µg/g with a coefficient of variance (CV) of 17.2%. Although Ca absorption efficiency decreases with higher calcium intake, the total amount of calcium absorbed from test meal using FAC = 0.391 calculated from the third 8-hour urine pool was 69.0 (CV of 15.6) mg. We showed that one-fifth of daily calcium recommendation for women of reproductive age could be met by ingesting ∼200 g cooked slake fortified rice.

CA 15-3 prognostic biomarker in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia

The severity of lung involvement is the main prognostic factor in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Carbohydrate antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), a marker of lung damage and fibrosis, could help predict the prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. This was a retrospective and observational study. CA 15-3 was analyzed in the blood samples of patients consecutively admitted for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and whose blood samples were available in the biobank. Other prognostic markers were also measured (interleukin 6 [IL6], C-reactive protein [CRP], D-dimer, troponin T, and NT-ProBNP). The occurrence of in-hospital complications was registered, including death, the need for medical intensive care, and oxygen therapy at discharge. In this study, 539 patients were recruited (54.9% men, mean age: 59.6 ± 16.4 years). At admission, the mean concentrations of CA 15-3 was 20.5 ± 15.8 U/mL, and the concentration was correlated with male sex, older age, and other severity markers of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) (IL6, CRP, D-dimer, troponine T, and NT-ProBNP). CA 15-3 levels were higher in patients who died (n = 56, 10.4%) (35.33 ± 30.45 vs. 18.8 ± 12.11, p < 0.001), who required intensive medical support (n = 78, 14.4%; 31.17 ± 27.83 vs. 18.68 ± 11.83; p < 0.001), and who were discharged with supplemental oxygen (n = 64, 13.3%; 22.65 ± 14.41 vs. 18.2 ± 11.7; p = 0.011). Elevated CA 15-3 levels (above 34.5 U/mL) were a strong predictor of a complicated in-hospital course, in terms of a higher risk of death (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22–11.9, p = 0.022) and need for intensive care (adjusted OR 4.56, 95% CI: 1.37–15.8) after adjusting for all other risk factors. The degree of lung damage and fibrosis evaluated in terms of CA 15-3 concentrations may allow early identification of the increased risk of complications in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

Assessment of Serum Ionized Calcium in the Perioperative Period in Patients Undergoing Total Thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND: The serious complications of total and near-total thyroidectomy vary from hypocalcemia to recurrent laryngeal nerve injury to tension hematoma. Post-operative hypocalcemia is common and has an incidence of 1.3–83% in some studies. AIM: The aim of the study is to evaluate the immediate post-operative sequence of serum-ionized calcium next to entire or close entire thyroidectomy to describe the incidence degree of hypocalcemia. METHOD: One hundred and seventy-four (174) patients who underwent total and near-total thyroidectomy were investigated for serum-ionized calcium level preoperatively and on post-operative day (POD) 1 and 2, searching for difference in serum-ionized calcium level preoperatively. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between pre-operative serum-ionized calcium (Ca++) level and that in POD1. The mean pre-operative ionized Ca was 1.23 ± 0.47 mmol/l, while mean ionized Ca on POD1 was 1.175 ± 0.11 mmol/l proposing decrease in mean of ionized Ca++ in POD1 (p = 0.0001). There was also a significant difference between pre-operative serum-ionized Ca++ level and that in POD2. The mean pre-operative ionized Ca was 1.23 ± 0.47 mmol/l, while the mean of ionized calcium on POD2 was 1.177 ± 0.1 mmol/l suggesting decrease in mean concentration of Ca++ in POD2 (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Significant number of patients who undergo near-total and total thyroidectomy develop decrease in the serum concentration of calcium postoperatively.

Diagnostic potential of trace metals concentration in expressed prostatic secretion and serum of patients with category IV prostatitis

BackgroundThe National Institutes of Health (NIH) category IV prostatitis is a painless prostate gland inflammation, just as its name implies, this type of prostatitis is related with inflammation of the prostate, but most men are not conscious of it. However, category IV prostatitis is fairly common in general populations and reported having indirect relationships with prostate cancer. MethodWe analyzed the concentration of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) in expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) and serum of patients with category IV prostatitis and healthy controls, investigating the diagnostic potential of different metals in category IV prostatitis using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS). ResultsMetal concentration combined clinical characteristics analysis suggested that average level of Zn, Ca, Mg were significantly lower in the EPS of patients with category IV prostatitis (P-value< 0.000), while Cu level raised obviously (P-value< 0.000). And in the serum, mean concentrations of Ca was also found to increase significantly in the patients with category IV prostatitis compared to healthy controls. Moreover, the correlation analysis indicated that age showed a positive correlation with EPS Zn, Ca, Mg concentration (P-value< 0.05), while albumin correlates with EPS Zn, Ca, Mg concentration reversely (P-value< 0.05) in patients with category IV prostatitis. ConclusionOur report revealed that determination of the metal elements zinc, copper, calcium and magnesium in the serum and EPS could be a new and promising strategy for the rapid diagnosis of category IV prostatitis.

Association between metabolic indicators and clinical endometritis during the transition period in Brown Swiss cows

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the relationship between the serum macromineral, metabolite profiles, and the clinical endometritis during the transition period in Brown Swiss dairy cows. Sixty Brown Swiss dairy cows were used in the present study. Blood samples collected at d 10 (± 4) antepartum and 3, 10 and 30 (± 4) days in milk (DIM) to determine calcium (Ca), phosphorus, glucose, cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels. Beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB) concentration measured during the postpartum period. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were used to determine the cow-level thresholds for the subsequent development of clinical endometritis. In addition, pairwise comparisons were made of the area under the curve (AUC) of ROC curves for the thresholds of NEFA, Ca, and glucose predicting clinical endometritis. The mean Ca concentration at 3 DIM was 8.85 ± 0.20 mg/dL in healthy cows compared to 8.30 ± 0.22 mg/dL in cows that subsequently developed endometritis (P &lt; 0.05). NEFA concentrations at 10 DIM and BHB concentration at 10 and 30 ± 4 DIM were higher (P &lt; 0.05) in cows that subsequently developed endometritis. Serum NEFA concentration at 10 days postpartum is the best predictor for diagnosis of clinical endometritis with the AUC values of 0.741. The cows with clinical endometritis also had significantly higher values of glucose at 3 DIM and lower BCS at 10 DIM (P &lt; 0.05). While 58.6% of the cows that developed clinical endometritis were cyclic, 64.5% were cyclic in healthy cows at 30 ± 4 DIM. Serum NEFA concentration was the only risk factor for clinical endometritis at 10 DIM. In addition, a decrease in serum Ca at 3 DIM and increase in NEFA and BHB concentrations at 10 and 30 ± 4 DIM may be associated with clinical endometritis and delayed resumption activity on the ovaries.

Basic serum biochemical parameters in the assessment of calcium-phosphate metabolism in children

Introduction: The calcium-phosphate homeostasis is important for proper child growth and development and vitamin D plays a crucial role in this process. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between total calcium (Ca), phosphates (Pi), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and the concentration of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25 (OH) D3) in children. Materials and methods: 164 serum samples were collected from children (1 day to 18 years) hospitalized in University Children’s Hospital in Krakow. Concentrations of Ca, Pi (dry chemistry-method), PTH (immunoradiometric-method) and 25(OH)D3 (HPLC) were determined. The results were analysed for all children, regardless of the age and for children under and above the age of four. Results: Analyzing all results, the mean of Ca concentration was significantly higher in the children with optimal 25(OH)D3 concentration compared to the children, who had 25(OH)D3 deficiency (p &lt; 0.05). In samples from children ≤4 years of age, the significantly higher mean concentrations of Ca and Pi in the children with optimal 25(OH)D3 concentration compared to the children, who had suboptimal levels of 25(OH)D3 were found (p = 0.04; p = 0.002; respectively). For all results and for results from children ≤ 4 years of age, Ca and Pi concentrations were positively correlated with 25(OH)D3 concentration (p &lt; 0.002, p &lt; 0.01; p &lt; 0.003, p &lt; 0.004; respectively), there were no relationship between PTH and 25(OH)D3 concentrations. Conclusion: Comparing the results of calcium and phosphate concentration only to the appropriate reference ranges may not be sufficient to evaluate calcium-phosphate metabolism. Probably the reference values for total calcium and phosphates should be established depending on vitamin D levels, especially for young children.

Characterisation of some soils from flood basin in Amakohia, Owerri, Nigeria

ABSTRACT The study characterised soils at two depths, i.e. 5 cm and 10 cm from flood basin in Amakohia, Owerri, Nigeria. Overall, 20 samples were collected following a simple random sampling technique and analysed using standard methods. Results showed that the soil had sandy loam textural class with mean pH of 6 ± 0.21 and 6.17 ± 0.48, EC of 310.46 ± 50.72 µS/cm and 348.31 ± 33.51 µS/cm, temperature of 29.14 ± 0.19°C and 28.67 ± 1.12°C, CEC of 50.55 ± 6.28 mg/kg and 50.73 ± 6.77 mg/kg, moisture content of 20.28 ± 2.30% and 18.99 ± 1.68%, soil organic matter 4.41 ± 0.68% and 4.14 ± 0.91%, at depth 5 and 10 cm respectively. Mean concentrations of Ca, K, Na and Mg were 25.53 mg/kg, 6.57 mg/kg, 9.69 mg/kg and 8.81 mg/kg, respectively, at depth 5 cm while at 10 cm, the concentrations were 27.70 mg/kg, 4.07 mg/kg, 2.73 mg/kg and 6.21 mg/kg, respectively, while Cu, Zn, Mn, Cr, Fe and Pb were generally low in the soil. At both depths, the distribution of the parameters generally followed a similar pattern and showed no significant difference (p > 0.05 except Mn). Results obtained were further modelled for pollution (using contamination factor, pollution load index, geo-accumulation index, ecological risk), fertility (using sodium absorption ratio, cation ratio of structural stability and nutrient index) and quality (using soil quality index) assessment which showed that soil is yet to be contaminated, with good structure (SAR and CROSS were <13), low nutrient (NI< 1.67) and with good overall quality (SQI> 0.5), though, the area is faced with intense pollution. Further study should be conducted to determine if the widespread presence of Canna generalis in the area is mitigating the soil from contamination.

Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation Pattern in Edible Tissues of Different Farmed Fishes of Mymensingh Area, Bangladesh and Health Risk Assessment

An experiment was conducted to study heavy metals bioaccumulation pattern in edible tissues of different farmed fishes and to assess human health risk through their dietary intake. Total 3 different species viz. grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and mrigel (Cirrhinus cirrhosis), and 3 dissimilar sizes of fish samples were collected from Muktagacha and Trishal area of Mymensingh district, Bangladesh during January 2018 and analysed for this study. Among the fish species, mean concentrations of Ca, Na and K were higher in mrigel; Mg and S contents were higher in silver carp and P content was higher in grass carp. As regards to heavy metals, mean concentrations of Pb (18.98 µg g-1), Ni (0.688 µg g-1) and Cu (15.197 µg g-1) were higher in mrigel; Cd (1.127 µg g-1), Cr (15.097 µg g-1) and Zn (36.023 µg g-1) contents were higher in grass carp, while contents of all metals were lower in silver carp. In context of size, both mineral nutrients and heavy metals bioaccumulation pattern in all species were higher in large size fishes. Similarly, metal pollution index values for all species of fish samples showed a sequence- large size&gt; medium size&gt; small size, which indicates that heavy metal bioaccumulation pattern was directly related to the size and age of fishes. The study results revealed that the daily intakes of Pb and Cd for all species and sizes of fish samples were higher than that of upper tolerable intake level. Target hazard quotients (THQ) values for Pb and Cr surpassed 1.0 for both male and female, which indicate that the exposed populations are in a level of concern interval. But in context of other heavy metals, these farmed fishes can assume as safe for human consumption.

Impact of Prepartum Body Condition Score Loss on Metabolic Status During the Transition Period and Subsequent Fertility in Brown Swiss Dairy Cows.

IntroductionThe objectives of this study were to determine the role of a fall in pre-calving body condition score (BCS) in postpartum metabolic status and reproductive outcomes, and gauge the indicativeness of blood metabolites during the transition period.Material and MethodsCows were grouped based on BCS loss between days −14 ±3 and 0 relative to calving. Cows that lost no BCS were the BCS control group (BCS-C), cows that lost 0.25 BCS points the low BCS loss group (BCS-L), and those that lost 0.5 points or more the high BCS loss (BCS-H) group. Blood was taken on days −14 ±3, 3, 14, and 30 ±4 for determination of comprehensive metabolic panel biomarker levels. Beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) levels were quantified on postpartum examination days. Vaginal discharge scores, ovarian activity on day 30 ±4, and subsequent fertility parameters were evaluated.ResultsThe BCS-H cows had lower mean Ca concentrations before calving and on day 3, when the group’s BHBA and CK were higher (P < 0.05); on day 14 they had higher AST concentrations (P < 0.05). The BCS-L cows had greater bilirubin levels (P < 0.05). The BCS-H cows had lower cyclicity and higher endometritis rates. First service pregnancy rates were 50%, 50%, and 61.9%, open days 96.8, 95.75, and 89.2, and overall pregnancy rates 56.25%, 65%, and 80.95 % in the BCS-H, BCS-L, and BCS-C groups, respectively.ConclusionPrepartum BCS loss of ≥ 0.5 points could be associated with Brown Swiss cow low Ca and BHBA concentrations early postpartum, and with subsequent uterine health and overall pregnancy rate. Prepartum Ca concentration might be a prognostic biomarker for postpartum metabolic status and reproductive outcomes.

Aboveground biomass production and nutrient accumulation in a five year old Eucalyptus grandisand E. urophyllaplantation

Nutrient concentrations in biomass components may vary with the component considered, plantation age and genetic material and its measurement is important to understand forestry nutrient management. Due to it, aboveground biomass production and nutrient accumulation and its potential removal through thinning in two species of Eucalyptus with five-year-old were evaluated in the southern of Brazil. Treatments were arranged in a randomized block design with three replications in a 2 x 4 factorial scheme, being 2 species (E. grandis and E. urophylla) and four diametric classes (C1: 3.0 - 8.8; C2: 8.9 - 14.7; C3: 14.8 - 20.6; C4: 20.7 -26.5 cm). Average annual accumulation of dry matter in both species was of 16.9 Mg ha-1. Biomass was mainly allocated in the stem (wood and bark). Trees’ canopy (branches and leaves) represent the smallest fractions, with only 14,3% of the total biomass. E. grandis showed highest values ​​of wood and leaf compartments. The highest content of N and K were found on the leaves, with N levels of 33.2 and 30.5 g.Kg-1 respectively to E. grandis and E. urophylla. Trees bark represent an important Ca and Mg reserve to the development of the plant, with values ​​of 18.02 and 3.24 g.kg-1 respectively. The mean concentration of Ca, N, K, Mg and P in the total biomass of the two species was of 528, 305, 200, 128 and 30 kg ha-1.

Effect of diets containing sulfate or chloride-based anionic salts, fed to grazing prepartum dairy cows, on concentrations of Ca in plasma, disease incidence and milk yield

AIMS: To compare the effect of two partial mixed ration diets containing either sulfate or chloride-based anionic salts, fed to grazing prepartum dairy cows, on concentrations of Ca, Mg, P and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) in plasma, disease incidence and milk yield during the early postpartum period.METHODS: The study was conducted on a seasonal-calving grazing dairy farm located in Benton (MO, USA). In August 2016, two groups of 200 cows were randomly assigned at 30 days before expected parturition to receive either a sulfate or chloride-based anionic diet, to achieve a dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD) of −25 mEq/kg DM. Cows were fed partial mixed rations to provide 50% of their DM intake, with 50% provided by grazing fescue pasture. Urine samples were collected from 20 cows from each group once a week for 5 weeks until calving for pH assessment. At parturition, 42 cows per group were selected at random and blood samples collected on Days 1, 2, 3 and 7 postpartum. The study continued until 100 cows per group calved. Health events and cumulative milk yield until 30 days postpartum were recorded. Concentrations of Ca, P, and Mg in plasma at Days 1, 2, 3, and 7, and BHB in plasma at Day 7 postpartum were assessed.RESULTS: Mean urine pH was lower in cows in the chloride than sulfate group (p≤0.06) on four of five sampling occasions. Mean concentrations of Ca in plasma on Day 1 were 2.00 (95% CI=1.94–2.05) and 1.91 (95% CI=1.88–1.97) mmol/L for the chloride and sulfate groups, respectively (p=0.15), and on Day 3 were 2.03 (95% CI=1.97–2.08) and 1.90 (95% CI=1.84–1.96) mmol/L, respectively (p=0.038). Concentrations of Mg, P and BHB in plasma and incidence of diseases postpartum were similar in both groups (p>0.05). There were no cases of clinical hypocalcaemia in either group.CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Prepartum cows fed a partial mixed ration with a negative DCAD containing chloride-based anionic salts and free access to a fescue pasture had lower prepartum urine pH, and higher concentrations of total Ca in plasma during the first week postpartum, than cows receiving a partial mixed ration containing sulfate-based anionic salts.

Effect of oral calcium bolus administration on milk production, concentrations of minerals and metabolites in serum, early-lactation health status, and reproductive performance of Holstein dairy cows

AIMS: To determine the effects of oral Ca bolus administration in the early postpartum period of cows on milk yield and composition, blood metabolites, early-lactation health status, and reproductive performance.METHODS: Multiparous Holstein dry cows (n=66) with a mean parity of 3.1 (SD 0.35) were fed a diet with a positive dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD) prior to calving. They were randomly assigned to receive no treatment (Control; n=33) or two oral Ca boluses (n=33, 45 g of Ca per bolus); one was administered immediately after calving (Day 0) and the second 24 hours (±30 minutes) later. Blood samples were collected at calving, and on Days 2 and 7 to determine concentrations in serum of Ca, P, Mg, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA). Milk yield was recorded daily and milk composition was determined weekly from calving until 28 day postpartum. Health and outcomes were determined during the first 30 days postpartum and reproductive outcomes to 180 days postpartum.RESULTS: Mean milk yields and composition over the first month of lactation were similar between cows in the two treatment groups (p>0.1). Mean concentrations of Ca in serum were not different between treatment groups on Day 0, but were higher on Day 2 for cows that received oral Ca boluses (1.77 (SE 0.07)) compared with Control cows (1.54 (SE 0.08)) (p=0.04). Concentrations in serum of P, Mg, glucose, NEFA and ΒHBA did not differ between treatment groups on any day of measurement. Fewer cows that received oral Ca were diagnosed with hypocalcaemia (total concentrations of Ca in serum <1.5 mmol/L) by Day 2 (2/33; 6%) compared with Control cows (12/33; 36%) (p=0.01). There was no difference in the prevalence of other health outcomes between treatment groups. The proportion of cows conceiving to first insemination was greater in cows that received an oral Ca bolus (19/29; 65%) than Control cows (12/29; 41%) (p=0.01).CONCLUSIONS: Oral Ca bolus administration increased concentrations of Ca in serum on Day 2 postpartum, and increased first service conception rates, in cows fed a diet with a positive DCAD prior to calving compared to cows that received no oral Ca bolus supplementation. Because of the small number of cows used in this study, further studies in large-scale dairy farms should be carried out to confirm these findings.

Determination of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and copper contents in rooster seminal plasma and their effects on semen quality

It has been documented that minerals affect male fertility and subsequent reproduction in human and animals. The aim of this investigation was to assess calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) contents of rooster seminal plasma following normal feeding of diet and investigate their correlation with spermatozoa characteristics. Fifty-one semen samples were collected from ten roosters. Semen samples were evaluated concerning sperm motility and viability. Ca, P, Mg, Fe, and Cu contents of seminal plasma were evaluated by commercial kits. The mean concentrations of Ca, P, Mg, Fe, and Cu were 6.52 ± 0.4 mg/dl, 3.89 ± 0.18 mg/dl, 3.89 ± 0.2 mg/dl, 231.58 ± 6.23 μg/dl, and 425.40 ± 17.18 μg/dl, respectively. Forward progressive motility of spermatozoa was significantly associated with Ca (r = 0.57), Mg (r = 0.42), Fe (r = 0.87), and Cu (r = 0.66) concentrations of seminal plasma (P < 0.05). Also, there was a significant association between viability of spermatozoa and Ca (r = 0.58), Mg (r = 0.41), Fe (r = 0.87), and Cu (r = 0.67) contents of seminal plasma (P < 0.05). In conclusion, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Cu concentrations of seminal plasma may differ between roosters following feeding with the same diet and correlated with spermatozoa characteristics.

Photosynthetically-mediated calcite and phosphorus precipitation by submersed aquatic vascular plants in Lake Pleasant, Pennsylvania

Photosynthetically-mediated calcite precipitation by phytoplankton and charophytes has been shown to be a significant pathway for the removal of epilimnetic Ca and P in hardwater lakes, but the role of submersed aquatic vascular plants has not been examined. We measured calcite precipitation on 5 species of submersed aquatic vascular plants in moderately hardwater Lake Pleasant semi-monthly during the growing season. Maximum mass-specific accumulation ranged from 22.9mg Cag−1 leaf dry weight in Megalodonta Beckii to 176.3mg Cag−1 leaf dry weight in Potamogeton Richardsonii. Analysis of the crude deposits gave mean Ca concentration of 318mgg−1 dry wt., and mean total P concentration of 169.8μgg−1 dry wt, however, only 38% of this total phosphorus was composed of chemical species specifically associated with Ca co-precipitation. We used whole-lake estimates of submersed aquatic vascular plant mass to calculate the mass of P co-precipitated with Ca. Results suggest that in spite of conspicuous precipitate on plants during midsummer in this lake, there is a negligible effect on epilimnetic P concentrations.

Quality and Metallic Pollution Level in Surface Waters of an Urban Industrialized City: A Case Study of Chittagong City, Bangladesh

P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm; direction: ltr; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 107%; widows: 2; orphans: 2; }P.western { font-family: Times New Roman,serif; font-size: 12pt; }P.cjk { font-size: 12pt; }P.ctl { font-size: 12pt; } Abstract Disposal of urban and industrial waste is one of the major problems and responsible for both soil and water pollution in Chittagong city, Bangladesh. Total 22 surface water samples were collected from different locations of Chittagong city to assess quality and metallic pollution level. The concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr and Pb in water samples ranged from trace- 10.37, trace- 1.91, 0.824–0.999, 0.11–1.32 and 1.69–2.56 µg ml -1 , respectively while the contents of Zn and Ni were trace. Among the metals, Pb was dominant in water samples followed by Cu and Cr. The study results inferred that all water samples were unsuitable for irrigation due to higher concentrations of Pb, Cu and Cr. Furthermore, Cr and Pb showed highly significant positive correlation, which indicates that the metals were interrelated with each other and may be originated from the same source of the study area. The mean concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na and K in water samples were 61.98, 77.08, 102.90 and 146.90 µg ml -1 , respectively. Among the anions, Cl contributes 98% to the total anionic mass balance followed by HCO 3 (1.84%). In respect of K, Cl and HCO 3 contents, all water samples were found unsuitable for irrigation. The study results concluded that surface water in the study area was significantly contaminated and hence the authority should take initiative to preserve the city environment. Keywords : Heavy metal, surface water quality, pollution, Chittagong, Bangladesh Cite this Article Md. Anwar Hossain, Zakir HM, Dipok Kumar et al. Quality and Metallic Pollution Level in Surface Waters of an Urban Industrialized City: A Case Study of Chittagong City, Bangladesh. Journal of Industrial Safety Engineering . 2017; 4(2): 9–18p.

Impact of urbanization and industrialization on irrigation water quality of a canal - a case study of Tongi canal, Bangladesh

The Dhaka city, the capital of Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Tongi canal is situated on the north of the city, which connected the Turag river to the west and the Balu river to the east. A total of 26 water samples were collected from the canal to measure irrigation water quality on the basis of their trace metal and major ionic constituents. Trace metals concentrations in water samples were determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The amount of Fe, Mn, Zn and Pb in water samples ranged from 0.01-0.80, trace-1.02, trace-0.054 and <TEX>$0.43-0.64{\mu}g\;mL^{-1}$</TEX>, respectively. The mean concentration of Ca, Mg, Na, K, <TEX>$HCO_3{^-}$</TEX>, <TEX>$Cl^-$</TEX>, <TEX>$BO{_3}^{3-}$</TEX>, <TEX>$PO{_4}^{3-}$</TEX> and <TEX>$SO{_4}^{2-}$</TEX> in water samples were 45.32, 15.33, 151.65, 11.98, 516.06, 94.69, 0.33, 14.02 and <TEX>$56.21{\mu}g\;mL^{-1}$</TEX>, respectively. In respect of <TEX>$HCO_3{^-}$</TEX>, <TEX>$SO{_4}^{2-}$</TEX>, <TEX>$PO{_4}^{3-}$</TEX> and K contents, most of the water samples were found problematic for irrigation. In context of RSC and hardness, 96 and 92% of water samples were graded as unsuitable and hard class, respectively. The study concluded that Pb content in canal water was comparatively high, so it is desirable to take necessary initiative to minimize the contamination level and to monitor its concentration in water routinely.

Concentration Trends for Lead and Calcium-Normalized Lead in Fish Fillets from the Big River, a Mining-Contaminated Stream in Southeastern Missouri USA.

Lead (Pb) and calcium (Ca) concentrations were measured in fillet samples of longear sunfish (Lepomis megalotis) and redhorse suckers (Moxostoma spp.) collected in 2005-2012 from the Big River, which drains a historical mining area in southeastern Missouri and where a consumption advisory is in effect due to elevated Pb concentrations in fish. Lead tends to accumulated in Ca-rich tissues such as bone and scale. Concentrations of Pb in fish muscle are typically low, but can become elevated in fillets from Pb-contaminated sites depending in part on how much bone, scale, and skin is included in the sample. We used analysis-of-covariance to normalize Pb concentration to the geometric mean Ca concentration (415 ug/g wet weight, ww), which reduced variation between taxa, sites, and years, as was the number of samples that exceeded Missouri consumption advisory threshold (300ng/g ww). Concentrations of Pb in 2005-2012 were lower than in the past, especially after Ca-normalization, but the consumption advisory is still warranted because concentrations were >300ng/g ww in samples of both taxa from contaminated sites. For monitoring purposes, a simple linear regression model is proposed for estimating Ca-normalized Pb concentrations in fillets from Pb:Ca molar ratios as a way of reducing the effects of differing preparation methods on fillet Pb variation.