Mineral Balance Research Articles

Calcium and boron alone or in combination influence performances and mineral metabolism in broilers

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of dietary boron supplementation on performance and mineral metabolism in broilers fed a diet with optimal or sub-optimal levels of calcium. A total of 216 one-day old broiler chicks (Vencob) of mixed sex (mean BW 43.79±0.83 g) were distributed in completely randomized design into six treatments each with three replicates of 12 birds (6 of each sex). The six dietary treatment groups comprised of B0C0 (basal diet with normal calcium (10 g Ca/kg)), B0C1 (Basal diet of 20% calcium deficiency (8 g Ca/kg)), B0C2 (Basal diet of 40% calcium deficiency (6 g Ca/kg)), B1C0 (Basal diet with normal calcium + 25 mg/kg boron), B1C1 (Basal diet of 20% calcium deficiency + 25 mg/kg boron) and B1C2 (Basal diet of 40% calcium deficiency + 25 mg/kg boron). The performance indices like body weight (BW), weekly body weight gain, feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded till 42 d of age. A metabolism trial was conducted at the end to determine the balance of minerals. Lower than the recommended level of calcium alone or with supplemental boron significantly increased the BW, feed intake, and FCR in commercial broilers at six weeks of age. Low dietary calcium significantly increased the retention of calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, iron and manganese. Dietary boron supplementation significantly increased the excreta concentration of iron and manganese. However, the absolute and relative retention of manganese and iron were unaffected when boron was supplemented into a low calcium diet; indicating the negative effect of boron on manganese, and iron metabolism can be compensated by low dietary Ca concentration.

Effects of nickel supplementation on nutrient utilization, mineral balance, haematology and antioxidant status of crossbred dairy calves

BackgroundNickel has been identified as an important newer trace mineral playing essential role in animals however, its precise mechanism of action in the body is yet to be determined. Interaction of Ni with other essential minerals is suggested in reports limited to lab animals and needs to be explored further in large animals. AimThis study was conducted to study the influence of Ni supplementation at different levels, on minerals and health status of crossbred dairy calves. MethodTwenty-four Karan Fries crossbred (Tharparkar × Holstein Friesian) male dairy calves were selected based on body weight (137.09 ± 5.68) and age (10.78 ± 0.61) and were divided into 4 treatment groups (n = 6) given basal diet supplemented with 0 (Ni0), 5 (Ni5), 7.5 (Ni7.5) and 10 (Ni10) ppm Ni/kg of DM. Nickel was supplemented in the form of nickel sulphate hexahydrate (NiSO4.6 H2O) solution. To ensure the intake of the required amount of nickel by each animal, the calculated quantity of solution was mixed with 250 g concentrate mixture and offered individually to the calves. The calves were fed total mixed ration (TMR) consisting of green fodder, wheat straw and concentrate mixture in the ratio of 40:20:40 and the nutritional requirements were met according to NRC (2001) guidelines. Growth performance was recorded at fortnightly interval whereas, plasma minerals, haematology, antioxidant and immunity parameters were studied at monthly interval during the 150-day experimental period. Nutrient utilization and mineral balances were estimated with the help of a metabolism trial conducted at the end of feeding trial. ResultsSupplementation of Ni exhibited no influence on dry matter intake (DMI), body weight, average daily gain (ADG) and nutrient digestibility of dairy calves. However, the absorption and balance of minerals such as Ni, Fe, Cu, Zn and their respective plasma concentration increased (P < 0.05) with Ni supplementation and highest values were observed in calves fed 10 mg Ni/kg DM. The red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, haematocrit (HCT) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase antioxidant enzymes showed highest increase (P < 0.05) in calves supplemented with Ni at level of 10 mg/kg DM as compared to other treatment groups. However, white blood cell (WBC) count, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total antioxidant status (TAS), total immunoglobulins and IgG plasma concentration remained unaltered with addition of different levels of Ni in the diet of calves. ConclusionsThe supplementation of Ni at level of 10 mg/kg DM shows a positive effect on status of trace minerals such as Fe, Cu, Zn and improves the physiological conditions and health status of crossbred dairy calves indicated by improved haematology and antioxidant parameters.

The effect of calcium supplementation on calcium and bone metabolism during load carriage in women: protocol for a randomised controlled crossover trial

BackgroundMilitary field exercises are characterised by high volumes of exercise and prolonged periods of load carriage. Exercise can decrease circulating serum calcium and increase parathyroid hormone and bone resorption. These disturbances to calcium and bone metabolism can be attenuated with calcium supplementation immediately before exercise. This randomised crossover trial will investigate the effect of calcium supplementation on calcium and bone metabolism, and bone mineral balance, during load carriage exercise in women.MethodsThirty women (eumenorrheic or using the combined oral contraceptive pill, intrauterine system, or intrauterine device) will complete two experimental testing sessions either with, or without, a calcium supplement (1000 mg). Each experimental testing session will involve one 120 min session of load carriage exercise carrying 20 kg. Venous blood samples will be taken and analysed for biochemical markers of bone resorption and formation, calcium metabolism, and endocrine function. Urine will be collected pre- and post-load carriage to measure calcium isotopes for the calculation of bone calcium balance.DiscussionThe results from this study will help identify whether supplementing women with calcium during load carriage is protective of bone and calcium homeostasis.Trial registrationNCT04823156 (clinicaltrials.gov).

Radiocesium transfer from soil is lower in tall fescue than orchardgrass under conditions of lower soil exchangeable potassium

AbstractIn Japan, additional potassium fertilization is used as a countermeasure for radiocesium‐contaminated grasslands in the Tohoku and North Kanto regions. A 2‐year pot experiment was conducted to assess the efficacy of using tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), a low‐cesium‐absorption grass species, to replace orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), the most common forage grass species in these regions, to reduce potassium fertilization and improve the forage mineral balance. The treatments were a combination of two grass species (tall fescue and orchardgrass) and two potassium application rates (0 [K0] and three times the conventional amount [K3]) with four replications. The grass species and potassium application rate had significant (p &lt; .001) effects on plant cesium‐137 concentrations. The results of the generalized linear mixed‐model analysis indicated that when tall fescue replaced orchardgrass, cesium‐137 in the forage grass was reduced to 34% and that the K3 treatment reduced cesium‐137 to 46% relative to the K0 treatment. The difference in cesium‐137 concentration between the two grass species increased as the soil exchangeable K2O content decreased. The equations for estimating the cesium‐137 concentration (y [g/kg]) from the exchangeable K2O content (x [g/kg]) were obtained as y = 63.7e–2.095x for tall fescue and y = 185.5e–3.327x for orchardgrass. These equations indicate that tall fescue cultivation can reduce the risk of elevated radioactive Cs in the grass by reducing potassium fertilizer to approximately half that of orchardgrass. There were no differences in the response of plant potassium concentrations or the potassium/(calcium + magnesium) equivalent ratio to soil exchangeable K2O content among the grass species. However, the mineral balance of forage can be improved by reducing potassium fertilizer applications for cesium‐137 remediation. Tall fescue has good potential to remediate contaminated grasslands as it reduces additional potassium fertilization and improves the mineral balance of forage.

Mineral acquisition of Japanese macaques: Contents in the foods, digestibility, and sodium-provisioning experiment.

Minerals provide micronutrients that function in various ways in the body, and they are necessary for the survival of animals. In this study, we first compared the mineral content of foods of wild Japanese macaques in lowland Yakushima with that of monkey chow used for many years to feed captive macaques and specifically formulated to obtain good health in captive macaques (National Research Council [NRC] recommendations). Second, we clarified the mineral balance in captive individuals when feeding them monkey chow to clarify the digestibility/bioavailability of the minerals. Third, we investigated the physiological response when we experimentally increased sodium intake. In the lowland of Yakushima, which is in the vicinity (<800 m) of the coast, animals, fungi, and mature leaves had high sodium contents compared with NRC recommendations. The calcium contents of mature leaves and animals were higher than the NRC recommendations. The overall mineral intake in this population was lower than that in the captive animals for calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and iron, while similar for magnesium and higher in potassium. Patterns in the intake and excretion of minerals indicated that excretion was mostly from urine and not from feces, and apparent digestibility was high for sodium. This tendency was opposite for calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus and intermediate for potassium. A sodium-provisioning experiment showed that fecal aldosterone concentration remained low in both control and sodium-provisioning conditions so the macaques do not need reabsorb sodium in the kidneys. Therefore, sodium content in the monkey chow, which is slightly lower than the NRC recommendation, seemed high enough so that the macaques could avoid the need to reabsorb sodium in the kidneys. We advocate similar studies for other primate populations or species to better understand the role of mineral concentrations on food selection and to identify potential mineral deficiencies.

Recovering Lignin in a Real-Case Industrial Kraft Pulp Mill: Pilot-Scale Experiment and Impact on the Mill Commodities

Existing industrial Kraft mills can be the basis for the deployment of lignin valorization into added-value products. Lignin can be recovered by its precipitation from black liquors. However, it is of tremendous importance to better determine the impact of lignin extraction on the overall chemical and energy balances of the mill. Therefore, we have sampled the black liquors from an industrial Kraft mill (treating softwood), which is a typical European mill. Lignin has been precipitated by CO2 at a pilot scale in order to quantify the consumption of chemical commodities. Black liquors and lignin cakes were comprehensively characterized in order to evaluate the mineral and organic balances. The experimental results were implemented in a global simulation of the industrial Kraft mill in order to assess the impact of lignin recovery from the black liquor on the chemical and energy balances. The additional consumptions of chemicals are 258–266 kg of H2SO4 and 163–195 kg of NaOH/t of produced lignin. The pulp mill capacity can be increased by 1.5 t of pulp/t of lignin to overcome the steam loss (i.e., 6.7–7.1 t of steam/t of lignin).

The Effect of Primary School-Based Physical Education Programs: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The present article aimed to systematically summarize primary school-based intervention programs and their effects evaluated through randomized-controlled trial design. A systematic review of relevant articles was carried out using 4 electronic databases. From a total of 193 studies initially found, 30 were included in the qualitative synthesis. Main results: (1)Intensive interval training or jump/strength exercises may positively influence physical fitness, promoting challenging task, psychological needs, and guided styles to a greater extent; (2)Games that demand more cognitive function seem more beneficial than those based on repetitive aerobic exertion to improve fundamental motor skills; (3)The jumping/strength exercises may cause benefits in bone area and bone mineral density, while flexibility and balance may reduce the risk of muscle injury; and (4)Programming a greater dose of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity seems to be related to positive effects in core executive function and academic performance. Additionally, providing information and involving the social environment may enhance the positive effects.

An Outbreak of Pre-parturient and Post-parturient Clinical Hypocalcemia in a Camel’s Herd in Iran

Background: Desert plants cannot provide all the animals’ requirements for calcium and mineral deficiency in camels. This condition is mostly aggravated in dry seasons. The present study investigates hypocalcemia in pre-parturient and post-parturient camels. Methods: In a camel herd, 25 out of 96 pregnant animals showed clinical signs of hypocalcemia within a week after parturition. Two camels had abortions, and 9 animals that gave birth died. The blood samples were collected from the animals, and their calcium and phosphorus concentrations were measured using a commercial kit. Results: The clinical and necropsy signs resemble a decline in blood calcium, and the level of calcium and phosphorus had fallen below the normal range in all tested blood samples. Most camels recovered after the administration of injectable calcium and adding supplementary nutrition. Conclusion: Paying attention to mineral balance, especially in the last months of pregnancy and in recently parturiated camels, is crucial.

Response of bone mineral density and balance performance in post-burn patients with selected Qigong training: A single-blind randomized controlled trial

BackgroundDecreased bone mineral density (BMD) is a common condition after a burn with significant complications that would be a global health problem. Also, balance can further worsen due to burning complications. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the additive effects of selected Qigong training exercises for 2 months to the standard physiotherapy regimen on bone mineral density and balance control post-thermal burn injuries. Methods110 participants (75 males and 35 females), aged 25–50, with deep second and third-degree thermal burns affecting the trunk and lower extremities, and a total body surface area (TBSA) of 30–45%, allocated randomly into two equal groups of 55. Group A has Qigong training along with its standard physiotherapy regimen, and the control group (Group B) has only a standard physiotherapy regimen. For eight weeks, the interventions were used four times a week. The bone mineral density (BMD), T-score of the lumbar spine, the overall stability index (OSI), and the dynamic limits of stability (DLOS) were assessed pre-intervention and after eight weeks of intervention. ResultsA two-way mixed MANOVA showed that there was a significant increase in BMD, T-score, and DLOS and a significant decrease in OSI in a favor of the Qigong training group after eight weeks of treatment compared with that of the control group. Both groups showed a significant improvement in BMD, T- score, DLOS, and OSI post-treatment compared with that at the baseline. There were statistical significances in the favor of the Qigong training group after eight weeks of treatment (P < 0.001). ConclusionIn patients with repaired second and third-degree thermal burns of the trunk and lower legs, Qigong training activities combined with a standard physiotherapy regimen for 2 months were more helpful in increasing bone mineral density and improving balance control than the standard physiotherapy regimen alone.

Comparison of Natural Mineral Water From Agrı Province With Sports Drinks

Dehydration emerges due to lack of fluid balance in the body. In addition, minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium are lost because of dehydration. Athletes lose fluids and electrolytes through sweating during exercise, and replacing the lost fluid and electrolytes is crucial for the continuity of their sports performance. Sports drinks can be consumed by athletes to replace fluid and electrolytes lost during exercise and to improve performance. During this period, consumption of sports drinks minimizes dehydration by restoring the lost mineral and fluid balance. However, the composition of these products, their active ingredients, their effects on sports performance, and their risk factors are matters of debate. This study was carried out in order to compare sports drinks with the local mineral water that comes out naturally in the province of Agri. The mineral determinations of the local mineral water were made using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy (ICP- MS) instruments. As a result of the analyses, the average sodium (Na) value in the local mineral water was 26.6 ppm, and the magnesium (Mg) average was 7.782 ppm. No potassium (K) mineral was detected in Agri local mineral water. Calcium (Ca) mineral average was found to be 65.04 ppm, iron (Fe) mineral average 0.0068 ppm, and zinc (Zn) mineral average 0.02457 ppm. Agri natural mineral water contains minerals in similar amounts to sports drinks. Considering these values, it can be a natural alternative to sports drinks if potassium mineral and glucose is added to its content, so it can be an alternative to sports drinks.

Supplemental Microbial Phytase Improves Bioavailability of Dietary Zinc to Weanling Pigs

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of supplemental microbial phytase on utilization of dietary zinc by weanling pigs. Experiment 1 was a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with 24 pigs for 4 wk. Two levels of phytase activity (0 and 1350 units/g) and three levels of zinc (0, 30 and 60 mg/kg as ZnSO4.7H2O) were added to a corn-soybean meal basal diet. Weekly measures included growth performance, plasma alkaline phosphatase activity and plasma mineral concentrations. In Experiment 2, mineral balances were determined in 12 pigs fed the basal diet or the diet with added zinc (30 mg/kg) or phytase (1350 units/g). The results indicated that either supplemental phytase or supplemental zinc increased plasma alkaline phosphatase activity and plasma zinc concentrations, but these increases were not additive. Supplemental phytase decreased plasma alkaline phosphatase activity in pigs supplemented with zinc. Supplemental phytase also significantly enhanced weight gain, feed intake, gain:feed ratio, plasma concentrations of inorganic phosphorus, and retention of phosphorus and calcium. Neither supplemental phytase nor zinc affected zinc retention. Supplementing corn-soybean meal diets with microbial phytase at 1350 units/g feed improves bioavailability of zinc as well as of phytate phosphorus to weanling pigs.

Аssessment of vitamin and mineral deficiency risk among contract servicemen while carrying out offshore operations

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of vitamin and mineral deficiency of the body among contract servicemen while carrying out offshore operations in the temperate latitudes of the Far East.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The signs of vitamin and mineral deficiency among servicemen (n=27) were detected twice with the use of computer program Vita-test: before going to sea and in 2 months (return). There was the analysis of nutrient content in the sea rations №3. Before going to sea meals were provided at home. Statistics: After defining the test of raw data normality, significance of differences in dependent parametric samples was carried out by Student’s test, using computer program Statistica-6.1.RESULTS: An imbalanced diet led to increase in signs of vitamin and mineral deficiency. By criteria the risk of deficiency signs (initial and after return): on vitamins — average with the growth of 40,3% (р=0,0002), on minerals — low (3 points) and average (5,24 points, р=0,05).DISCUSSION: Vitamin diet correction is updated on sea trips. The present study has proven that as well as necessity to correct mineral deficiency. It showed the possibility of assessing the risk of micronutrient deficiency, using the technology of questionnaire and computer analysis.CONCLUSION: The approach of dynamic monitoring allowed to evaluate the index of studied nutrients, the risk of deficiency while carrying out offshore operations. This method allows to estimate individual and group dynamics of vitamin and mineral balance of a body while working at sea to make decisions on the prevention of nutrient deficiency.

Serum Intact Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Levels Are Negatively Associated with Bone Mineral Density in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

(1) Background: Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is predominantly secreted from bone and plays an important role in mineral balance in chronic kidney disease. However, the relationship between FGF23 and bone mineral density (BMD) in chronic hemodialysis (CHD) patients remains unclear. (2) Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study that involved 43 stable outpatients on CHD. A linear regression model was used to determine risk factors for BMD. Measurements included serum hemoglobin, intact FGF23 (iFGF23), C-terminal FGF23 (cFGF23), sclerostin, Dickkopf-1, α-klotho, 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D, intact parathyroid hormone levels and dialysis profiles. (3) Results: Study participants had a mean age of 59.4 ± 12.3 years, and 65% were male. In the multivariable analysis, cFGF23 levels showed no significant associations with the BMD of the lumbar spine (p = 0.387) nor that of the femoral head (p = 0.430). However, iFGF23 levels showed a significant negative association with the BMD of the lumbar spine (p = 0.015) and that of the femoral neck (p = 0.037). (4) Conclusions: Among patients on CHD, higher serum iFGF23 levels, but not serum cFGF23 levels, were associated with lower BMD values of the lumbar spine and femoral neck. However, further research is required to validate our findings.

Nutritional standards through Integrated Differential Diagnosis (IDD) in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)

The foliar analysis is a useful tool to detect the nutritional status of plants, predict future problems in the reproductive cycles of fruit production and implement preventive and corrective measures to achieve a mineral balance in fruit trees, obtaining higher productivity. There is little information available on nutrient sufficiency ranges in pomegranate leaf and the literature reported differs due to diverse cultivation practices, cultivars, and agroecological conditions. Therefore, the objective of this work was to determine the mineral content of ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate leaves for each the nutritional elements and the cation balance, and to establish the nutritional standards using Integrated Differential Diagnosis (IDD). The mineral content of the pomegranate leaves was determined and based on the results, nutritional standards for macro elements, cation balance and microelements were generated through the IDD, which evaluate whether there are mineral and/or physiological imbalances. The macro elements in the cultivation of the pomegranate were the following: NO3 3747.5 µg g-1, Total Nitrogen 1.35%, P 0.14%, K 0.88%, Ca 1.65%, Mg 0.19%, Na 0.006%. For the cation balance, the optimal values ​​were: (Ca+Mg)/K 4.48 mEq 100 g-1, Ca/(K+Mg) 2.13 mEq 100 g-1, Mg/(K+Ca) 0.16 mEq 100 g-1, Ca/Mg 5.06 mEq 100 g-1, K/Mg 1.36 mEq 100 g-1. Finally, the optimal values ​​for the microelements were: Fe 59.5 µg g-1, Mn 31.4 µg g-1, Zn 6.3 µg g-1, Cu 6.1 µg g-1. The values ​​obtained for the micro and macro elements were like those reported. In the case of cation balance and foliar nitrate content, they have not been previously reported. The IDD is a promising and effective auxiliary tool to characterize the nutritional status of pomegranate trees and, in turn, an alternative to conventional methods of nutritional diagnosis with the advantage of establishing a nutritional deficiency (soil-plant relationship) or a physiological imbalance (relation plant - climate) for this crop.

Exogenous melatonin enhances Cd stress tolerance in Platycladus orientalis seedlings by improving mineral nutrient uptake and oxidative stress

The development of agriculture and industry has led to a gradual increase in the levels of cadmium (Cd) in the soil, which, due to its high mobility in soil, makes Cd deposition in plants a serious threat to the health of animals and humans. The important role of melatonin (MT) in regulating plant growth and adaptation to environmental stress has become a pertinent research topic, but the mechanisms of action of MT in Cd-stressed Platycladus orientalis seedlings are unclear. Here, we investigated the mitigation mechanism of exogenous MT application on P. orientalis seedlings under Cd stress. Cd stress significantly inhibited the growth of P. orientalis seedlings by disrupting photosynthetic pigments, mineral balance, osmotic balance, and oxidative balance. In contrast, the application of exogenous MT significantly increased the growth parameters of P. orientalis seedlings, reduced Cd accumulation and transfer in the seedlings, increased the content of iron, manganese, zinc, copper, chlorophyll, soluble protein, soluble sugar, and proline, reduced the content of glutathione, increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, and significantly enhanced the expression of antioxidant-related genes (POD, GST, and APX). It also effectively reduced the content of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde to inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species, thus alleviating Cd-induced oxidative stress. In addition, MT significantly upregulated the expression of the ethanol dehydrogenase (ADH) gene, which is effective in removing the acetaldehyde produced by anaerobic respiration in seedlings under stress, thereby reducing the toxic effects on P. orientalis. The results showed that exogenous MT enhanced the tolerance of P. orientalis seedlings to Cd stress by regulating photosynthesis, mineral balance, osmotic balance, and the antioxidant system and that the optimal concentration of MT was 200 μmol·L−1.

ACTUALITIES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SECONDARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM DUE TO CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN CHILDREN.

Pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a substantial global impact because is associated with notable morbidity. Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SPHT) frequently emerges as a complication in the early stages of renal insufficiency, it is an adaptive response to uphold mineral balance. It is a component of the chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD). The development of SHPT in CKD involves multiple factors and it is important to understand them in order to properly manage it, starting with early diagnosis and continuing with proper treatment. In children with CKD and SHPT, the difficulty in case management is due to non-adherence to proper diet which makes it difficult for the pediatric nephrologist to manage the case. In this review we want to focus on new data regarding this CKD complication.

Measuring pH of skim milk and milk permeate at ultra-high temperatures at laboratory and pilot scale

Changes in the pH of skim milk and skim milk ultrafiltration permeate on heating from 25 to 140 °C were examined. Results showed that the decrease in pH with increase in temperature up to 140 °C was not linear. Hydrogen ion release due to changes in the milk mineral balance were responsible for the reduction in pH with increase in temperature. The presence of milk proteins offered little buffering against the drop in pH. The precipitation of calcium phosphate resulted in sediment in milk permeate heated above ∼70 °C, but this did not occur in skim milk, with the pH remaining lower in milk permeate after heat treatment when measured at 25 °C. This study has shown that in-line pH measurements of milk at ultra-high temperatures is feasible, and could prove useful at laboratory and pilot-scale for studying interactions within, and stability of, more complex formulations with added minerals.

Calcium isotope ratio in kidney stones: preliminary exploration of mechanism from the geochemical perspective.

Stable calcium (Ca) isotope ratios are sensitive and radiation-free biomarkers in monitoring biological processes in human bodies. Recently, the Ca isotope ratios of bone, blood, and urine have been widely reported to study bone mineral balance. However, as a pure Ca crystallization product, there is no report on the Ca isotope ratios of kidney stones, even though the prevalence of kidney stones is currently on the rise. Here, we measured Ca isotope data of 21 kidney stone samples collected in Beijing, China. The δ44/42CaNIST 915a values ranged from 0.25‰ to 2.85‰ for calcium oxalate, and from 0.38‰ to 3.00‰ and 0.61‰ to 0.69‰ for carbonate apatite and uric acid, respectively. Kidney stones have heavier Ca isotope ratios than bone or blood, which is probably because complexed Ca contains more heavy Ca isotopes than free Ca2+. Ca isotope evidence suggests that magnesium (Mg) affects kidney stone formation, as the δ44/42CaNIST 915a value is inversely correlated with the Ca/Mg ratio. This study provides important preliminary reference values on the Ca isotopic composition of kidney stones and proposes a factor influencing Ca isotope fractionation in biological processes for future research.

The influence of ESR1 polymorphisms on selected hormonal, metabolic and mineral balance markers in women with hyperandrogenism

Hyperandrogenism is the most common endocrine disorder in women, characterized by an imbalance in normal estrogen and androgen levels in the blood. Androgens influence bone mineral density, body mass composition, muscle mass, mental state, and the regulation of sexual function.. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of estrogen receptor α gene (ESR1) polymorphisms on selected markers of bone metabolism and hormonal parameters in women with hyperandrogenism. The study group included 80 young women with hyperandrogenism who underwent measurements of bone mineral density (BMD), and determination of hormonal and metabolic parameters. Enzyme immunoassays were used to measure leptin, sRANKL (soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand), osteoprotegerin and 25-OH vitamin D total levels. An analysis of ESR1 gene polymorphisms was performed using the real-time PCR method. A relationship was demonstrated between the concentration of free estradiol (FEI) and the concentration of 17-OH-progesterone, and the ESR1 gene polymorphisms: rs3020314 (p = 0.031, p = 0.026 respectively) and rs1884051 (p = 0.033, p = 0.026 respectively). In conclusion, the ESR gene polymorphisms may be associated with hormonal disturbances in the concentration of estrogens and androgens, in hyperandrogenism in young women which may indirectly affect bone mineral density. However, no statistically significant relationships between the studied polymorphisms and the selected parameters of mineral metabolism have been demonstrated..

Evaluation of Vitamin B12 Levels in Pregnant Population and Relationship with Nutritional Deficiency

AbstractObjective: This study aims to examine the level of vitamin B12 according to trimesters in the pregnant population, to investigate its relationship with malnutrition in cases of insufficiency and deficiency, and to start supplementation with early diagnosis.Material and Methods: Sociodemographic survey data, ultrasonography data, hemogram, biochemistry and vitamin B12 levels of pregnant women who applied to the department of obstetrics and gynecology of a reginal university hospital were examined. SPSS 22.0 statistics program was used to evaluate the data. P&amp;lt;0.05 was considered significant.Results: Two hundred and fifty pregnant women were included in our study. The mean age was 26.42±5.86 (18-40 years). The mean vitamin B12 level of the participants was 214.45±83.99 ng/ml (80-656). According to the postoc duncan test, the vitamin B12 levels of the participants showed a significant difference with the 1st trimester 2 and 3 (p&amp;lt;0.05), while the 2nd and 3rd trimesters did not show a significant difference in themselves (p=0.968). When compared according to socioeconomic levels, vitamin B12 levels of the group with a monthly income of 3001 turkish lira and above was found to be 228.336±63.665 ng/ml,and the group with a monthly income of 3000 turkish lira and below was 199.016±45.630 ng/ml. There was a significant difference between the two groups (p&amp;lt;0.05). Considering the relationship between vitamin B12 levels and nutritional deficiency, vitamin B12 levels were found 268.27±86.96 ng/ml in the group consuming full and/or half servings of animal food daily, and 166.34±41.60 ng/ml in those consuming and/or not consuming a quarter serving. When the two groups were compared with each other, a significant difference was found (p&amp;lt;0.05).Conclusion: Vitamin and mineral balance during pregnancy is very important for maternal and fetal health. Vitamin B12 deficiency and/or insufficiency are in considerable numbers. When necessary, the individual should be trained in terms of proper nutrition immediately with early diagnosis. Supportive treatment from folic acid-vitamin B12 combined drugs should be considered in essential cases according to the profit-loss ratio.