Mineral Balance Research Articles

Magnitude and timescales of Ca isotope variability in human urine: implications for bone mass balance monitoring.

Calcium (Ca) isotopes in blood/urine are emerging biomarkers of bone mineral balance (BMB) in the human body. While multiple studies have investigated Ca isotopes in patients suffering from diseases affecting BMB, comparatively little effort has been devoted to understanding the homeostasis of Ca isotopes in healthy individuals. Here, we report on a longitudinal study of the urine Ca isotope composition (δ44/42CaUrine) from 22 healthy participants (age 19 to 60) over timescales ranging from days to months. Data from a single participant collected over a 30-day period show that morning urine is an excellent proxy for 24 hr pooled urine fractions. Data from all participants reveal large inter-individual variability in δ44/42CaUrine (up to 2.2 ‰), which is partly due to anthropometric differences, as shown by a correlation between the participants' body mass index (BMI) and δ44/42CaUrine values. In contrast, intra-individual data reveal encouraging stability (within ∼ ±0.2-0.3 ‰) over timescales>160 days, indicating that self-referencing approaches for BMB monitoring hold greater promise than cross sectional ones. Our data confirm that intra-individual δ44/42CaUrine variations are mainly a function of Ca reabsorption in the kidney, but also reveal the impact of other (and at times equally important) drivers, such as diet, alcohol consumption, physical exercise, or fasting. We also find that a magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent (gadolinium) can lead to artifacts during Ca isotope analysis. Based on our results, a series of practical considerations for the use of Ca isotopes in urine as tracers of BMB is presented.

Adiposity and Mineral Balance in Chronic Kidney Disease.

Bone homeostasis is balanced between formation and resorption activities and remain in relative equilibrium. Under disease states this process is disrupted, favoring more resorption over formation, leading to significant bone loss and fracture incidence. This aspect is a hallmark for patients with chronic kidney disease mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) affecting a significant portion of the population, both in the United States and worldwide. Further study into the underlying effects of the uremic microenvironment within bone during CKD-MBD are critical as fracture incidence in this patient population not only leads to increased morbidity, but also increased mortality. Lack of bone homeostasis also leads to mineral imbalance contributing to cardiovascular calcifications. One area understudied is the possible involvement of bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) during the progression of CKD-MBD. BMAT accumulation is found during aging and in several disease states, some of which overlap as CKD etiologies. Importantly, research has found presence of BMAT inversely correlates with bone density and volume. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms for BMAT formation and accumulation during CKD-MBD may offer a potential therapeutic avenue to improve bone homeostasis and ultimately mineral metabolism.

OS EFEITOS DE EXERCÍCIO DE IMPACTO EM PACIENTES COM OSTEOPOROSE PÓS MENOPAUSA

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by the loss of bone mineral density, which increases the risk of fractures, especially in women. It affects women more due to hormonal changes, and in postmenopause, due to the drop in estrogen levels, which aggravates bone loss. Objective: This was to investigate the effects of impact exercises in patients diagnosed with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Methods: This is an integrative review of the literature, where the PICO strategy was adopted, thus the guiding question of the study was “What are the effects of impact exercises on the bone mineral density of patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis?”. The data search took place between July and August 2024, in the PUBMED, PEDro and LILACS databases, using the descriptors: “impact exercises”, “osteoporosis” and “postmenopause”. A total of 76 articles were found and after applying the eligibility criteria, 8 were used in this review. Results: Impact exercises, such as resistance, aerobic and Pilates exercises, were shown to be effective in improving bone mineral density, muscle strength and balance in postmenopausal women, reducing the risk of fractures and improving quality of life. Conclusion: It is concluded that high-impact exercises offer several benefits for women with osteoporosis in the postmenopausal period, including increased muscle strength, improved balance, lipid profile, calcium absorption, quality of life and bone mineral density.

Studies on the content of toxic metals in teeth: A narrative review of literature.

The presence of toxic metals in the human environment can have detrimental effects on people's wellbeing. This literature review examines the ways in which various environmental and non-environmental factors can contribute to the accumulation of heavy metals in hard dental tissues. It is of the utmost importance to ensure the safety of the environment by restricting the presence of toxic metals originating from both industrial and non-industrial sources. The aim of this study is to analyze current research and identify the primary sources of heavy metal exposure and the mechanisms by which these metals are deposited in dental tissues. Moreover, the objective of this review is to synthesize data from various studies to determine the main environmental and non-environmental sources of toxic metal exposure that contribute to their presence in dental tissues, as well as the biological and chemical processes that are responsible for the deposition of heavy metals in hard dental tissues. Additionally, the review aims to assess the impact of heavy metal accumulation on dental health and its potential systemic effects on overall well-being. The accumulation of heavy metals in the teeth is influenced by a number of factors, such as age, systemic conditions, the nutritional status, and dental caries. The presence of supernumerary teeth results in altered levels of microelements, including an increase in cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu). Additionally, smoking exacerbates toxic metal accumulation, especially Cd and lead (Pb), and disrupts the balance of essential minerals within the teeth. These findings underscore the impact of environmental pollution on dental health and highlight the potential of teeth as biomarkers of environmental exposure, emphasizing the need for continued research to address the health risks associated with environmental toxins.

An Insight in to Cadaveric Ectopic Calcification: A Case Report

Abstract: Pathological Calcification is an anomalous accumulation of calcium salts along with minimal quantities of iron, magnesium and other minerals in bodily tissues except teeth and bone causing hardening of the affected tissues. The location of the calcification and the presence or absence of mineral balance can be used to categorize it. The atypical mineral deposition processes in biological systems can sometimes be referred to as pathological calcification. During the routine dissection in National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur it was observed that numerous pathological calcifications were present both on osseous and extra osseous sites which were different from the normal human anatomy. The subject was a 90-year-old male of North Indian origin. Case examples illustrate different types and locations of calcification, shedding light on the anatomical distribution and potential clinical relevance.

Correlation Mineral Water Consumption and Hemoglobin Levels in Adolescent Girls

Anemia is a global health issue that affects people of all ages, particularly adolescent girls. Adolescent girls require nutritional intake, both from food and water. According to the balanced nutrition guidelines, people (particularly adolescents and adults) require 2000 liters (or eight glasses) of water daily. Most adolescent girls barely consider their water consumption. A lack of water in the body affects the balance of minerals (salt and sugar), disrupting regular metabolic processes such as hemoglobin (Hb) level regulation. This study investigates the correlation between adolescent girls' water consumption and hemoglobin levels. This quantitative study uses a cross-sectional design to collect variable data at a certain time. The study used blood with anti-coagulants EDTA from 30 adolescent girls from Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang. The primary data for this study are water consumption and hemoglobin levels. Results of the research show that adolescent girls' water consumption was adequate (66.7%) and low (33.3%). The average Hb level among adolescent girls was 12.4 g/dL. Adequate water consumption resulted in 3 respondents with low Hb levels and 7 with normal Hb levels. In contrast, low water consumption resulted in 2 respondents with low Hb levels and 18 with normal Hb levels. The Rank-Spearman correlation test showed sig 0.177 (p>0.05). The study concluded that there was no correlation between adolescent girl water consumption and hemoglobin levels. Food fluid intake can compensate for a lack of water consumption.

Food Management and Students’ Performance in Government-Aided Secondary Schools in Bamunanika, Luwero District, Uganda

This study examined the influence of food management on students’ performance in government- aided secondary schools in Bamunanika, Luwero District. The study specifically aimed; i) To examine the influence of nutritional programs on students’ performance, ii) To assess the influence of special dietary needs management on students’ performance, and iii) To examine the influence of food safety and sanitation on students’ performance in government-aided secondary schools in Bamunanika, Luwero District. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design coupled with a quantitative approach. The study considered a sample size of 73 respondents constituting of teachers and head teachers who were selected using convenient sampling technique. The study revealed that nutritional programs have a strong positive and statistically significant influence on students’ performance in government-aided secondary schools in Bamunanika, Luwero District. Additionally, the study also revealed that special dietary needs management has a moderately positive and statistically significant influence on students’ performance in government-aided secondary schools in Bamunanika, Luwero District. The study further revealed that food safety and sanitation has a strong positive and statistically significant influence on students’ performance in government-aided secondary schools in Bamunanika, Luwero District. The study concluded that food management has a significant influence on students’ performance in government-aided secondary schools in Bamunanika, Luwero District in that an improvement in nutritional programs, special dietary needs management, as well as food safety and sanitation would resultantly lead to an improvement in students’ performance in government-aided secondary schools in Bamunanika, Luwero District. The study recommended that the government and school administrators should ensure that the school meals meet dietary guidelines, offering a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals as well as incorporate nutrition education into the curriculum to teach students about healthy eating habits and the importance of nutrition which would significantly enhance students’ performance in the different government-aided secondary schools in Bamunanika, Luwero District.

Calcium isotope composition in serum and urine for the assessment of bone mineral balance (BMB) – The Osteolabs post-market follow-up study

To further explore the clinical applicability of the calcium (Ca) isotope marker (CIM), we determined the 44Ca/42Ca isotope ratio in blood serum and urine. This ratio is expressed in the conventional δ-notation (as defined in the text below) specifically as CIM-serum for serum and as CIM-urine for urine. Our study tested the hypothesis that CIM values can differentiate between positive and negative bone mineral balance (BMB) across a diverse clinical population considering variables such as age, gender, and diet. The threshold values (CIM-serum: −0.85 ± 0.06 ‰ and CIM-urine: 0.23 ± 0.06 ‰) established in the OsteoGeo study (NCT02967978, Eisenhauer et al., 2019) were evaluated in 2320 participants as part of a surveillance study referred to as Osteolabs study. The earlier study revealed women with osteoporosis had an average CIM-serum value of −0.91 ± 0.21 ‰ (N = 24) and a CIM-urine value of 0.18 ± 0.33 ‰ (N = 71) that are significantly below the threshold values (p = 0.02 for urine, one-sided Wilcoxon rank test, p < 0.001 for serum, one-sided Student's t-test). Diseases affecting BMB such as osteoporosis, acute and chronic kidney disease (CKD), hyperthyroidism, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and myeloma were associated with significantly lower average CIM values, falling below the equilibrium thresholds and indicating negative BMB. In contrast, patients receiving osteoprotective treatments such as denosumab, Romosozumab, bisphosphonates, or hormone replacement therapy for certain diseases, had CIM values above the equilibrium thresholds indicating a positive BMB. Additionally, Ca supplements taken by some of the patients ((N = 22 (serum), N = 49 (urine), median dose: 500 mg) showed a Ca isotope composition approximately 1 ‰ higher than that from a normal diet. Consequently, their CIM values need to be adjusted to account for the amount and duration of supplementation to be comparable to those with a normal diet. Participants taking vitamin D (237 women; 58 men) showed no significant difference from the average values of the study group. Counterintuitively, the possible impact of malnutrition on individual BMB was most pronounced in vegans, who exhibited the highest average CIM-urine values compared to patients on a normal diet (p < 0.001, N = 17). The results of this study were consistent with the registered OsteoGeo study (NCT02967978) and other earlier published Ca isotope-based studies on BMB. We confirm that the CIM threshold values determined in the OsteoGeo study are generally valid for this much larger and diverse surveillance study group covering a diverse population encompassing various medical conditions and therapies.

Current Perspectives of Protein in Bone Tissue Engineering: Bone Structure, Ideal Scaffolds, Fabrication Techniques, Applications, Scopes, and Future Advances.

In view of their exceptional approach, excellent inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability properties, and interaction with the local extracellular matrix, protein-based polymers have received attention in bone tissue engineering, which is a multidisciplinary field that repairs and regenerates fractured bones. Bone is a multihierarchical complex structure, and it performs several essential biofunctions, including maintaining mineral balance and structural support and protecting soft organs. Protein-based polymers have gained interest in developing ideal scaffolds as emerging biomaterials for bone fractured healing and regeneration, and it is challenging to design ideal bone substitutes as perfect biomaterials. Several protein-based polymers, including collagen, keratin, gelatin, serum albumin, etc., are potential materials due to their inherent cytocompatibility, controlled biodegradability, high biofunctionalization, and tunable mechanical characteristics. While numerous studies have indicated the encouraging possibilities of proteins in BTE, there are still major challenges concerning their biodegradability, stability in physiological conditions, and continuous release of growth factors and bioactive molecules. Robust scaffolds derived from proteins can be used to replace broken or diseased bone with a biocompatible substitute; proteins, being biopolymers, provide excellent scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. Herein, recent developments in protein polymers for cutting-edge bone tissue engineering are addressed in this review within 3-5 years, with a focus on the significant challenges and future perspectives. The first section discusses the structural fundamentals of bone anatomy and ideal scaffolds, and the second section describes the fabrication techniques of scaffolds. The third section highlights the importance of proteins and their applications in BTE. Hence, the recent development of protein polymers for state-of-the-art bone tissue engineering has been discussed, highlighting the significant challenges and future perspectives.

Midregional Proatrial Natriuretic Peptide (MRproANP) is associated with vertebral fractures and low bone density in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

BackgroundPatients with COPD are often affected by loss of bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporotic fractures. Natriuretic peptides (NP) are known as cardiac markers, but have also been linked to fragility-associated fractures in the elderly. As their functions include regulation of fluid and mineral balance, they also might affect bone metabolism, particularly in systemic disorders such as COPD.Research questionWe investigated the association between NP serum levels, vertebral fractures and BMD assessed by chest computed tomography (CT) in patients with COPD.MethodsParticipants of the COSYCONET cohort with CT scans were included. Mean vertebral bone density on CT (BMD-CT) as a risk factor for osteoporosis was assessed at the level of TH12 (AI-Rad Companion), and vertebral compression fractures were visually quantified by two readers. Their relationship with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), Mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MRproANP) and Midregional pro-adrenomedullin (MRproADM) was determined using group comparisons and multivariable analyses.ResultsAmong 418 participants (58% male, median age 64 years, FEV1 59.6% predicted), vertebral fractures in TH12 were found in 76 patients (18.1%). Compared to patients without fractures, these had elevated serum levels (p ≤ 0.005) of MRproANP and MRproADM. Using optimal cut-off values in multiple logistic regression analyses, MRproANP levels ≥ 65 nmol/l (OR 2.34; p = 0.011) and age (p = 0.009) were the only significant predictors of fractures after adjustment for sex, BMI, smoking status, FEV1% predicted, SGRQ Activity score, daily physical activity, oral corticosteroids, the diagnosis of cardiac disease, and renal impairment. Correspondingly, MRproANP (p < 0.001), age (p = 0.055), SGRQ Activity score (p = 0.061) and active smoking (p = 0.025) were associated with TH12 vertebral density.InterpretationMRproANP was a marker for osteoporotic vertebral fractures in our COPD patients from the COSYCONET cohort. Its association with reduced vertebral BMD on CT and its known modulating effects on fluid and ion balance are suggestive of direct effects on bone mineralization.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT01245933, Date of registration: 18 November 2010.

Serum phosphate levels at diagnosis predict long-term risk for hypopituitarism in patients with acromegaly.

Excess growth hormone (GH) secretion in acromegaly has a major impact on mineral balance and serum phosphate levels. However, the clinical utilization of serum phosphate levels as a marker for long-term disease outcomes in acromegaly has not been evaluated. This is a retrospective study of patients with acromegaly who were followed in a tertiary center. Data were retrieved on patient characteristics, endocrine and biochemical evaluation, and tumor parameters. Comparisons were performed by measuring baseline phosphate levels and conductingcorrelation analysis and multivariable logistic regression. Sixty-one patients were followed for 4.5years (range 1-21). Patients with hyperphosphatemia (> 4.5mg/dl) at baseline had larger adenomas (15.0mm [8.0, 47.0] vs. 10.0mm [3.0, 24.0], p = 0.001), a rate chance of invasive adenoma (16 [80.0%] vs. 14 [46.7%], p = 0.02), and lower serum cortisol levels (226.0nmol/l [27.6, 516.0] vs. 294.0nmol/l [32.0, 610.0], p = 0.02). Baseline serum phosphate levels positively correlated with IGF-1 levels (r = 0.43, p = 0.003) and negatively correlated with morning plasma cortisol levels (r = -0.46, p = 0.002). Regarding long-term impact, baseline phosphate levels correlated with the number of pituitary axes involved 6months after diagnosis (r-0.34, p = 0.01). In multivariable analysis, baseline plasma phosphate levels were independently associated with risk for disease progression/recurrence (odds ratio [OR] 9.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5, 105.9, p = 0.03) and for invasive adenoma (OR 6.21, 95% CI 1.6, 28.7, p = 0.01). Elevated pretreatment serum phosphate levels are associated with a greater risk of disease persistence and recurrence and with altered pituitary function in patients with acromegaly.

Analysis of the Concentration of Selected Elements in Teeth Hard Tissues and Their Role in Biomineralization Processes

The role of trace elements, heavy metals, and their effect on the development of hard tissue mineralization balance is poorly documented and the available results are often contradictory. The aim of the present study was the assessment of the concentration of the selected elements in the teeth of deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) with respect to their potential role in maintaining biomineralization balance in teeth hard tissues. Moreover, the aim was to determine whether trace elements accumulate in teeth with age. This study was conducted on 22 molar teeth of red deer (Cervus elaphus) and 54 molar teeth of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from Poland. Samples were analyzed with the use of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry equipped with a concentric nebulizer and cyclonic spray chamber in order to determine their Al, Ba, Cd, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn contents. There were strong positive correlations between strontium and zinc with heavy metals, particularly in dentine, which may affect the neutralization of the negative effects of heavy metals on tooth tissue and, consequently, maintaining ionic balance. The accumulation of trace elements with age in serenades has not been confirmed.

Advanced nutrient monitoring: Cost-effective cerium ion detection with smart device integration

This research is critically important for large-scale poultry farming, where vigilant monitoring is necessary to assess nutrient levels in poultry feed. Detecting cerium in poultry feed through colorimetric techniques is crucial for evaluating nutrient intake, feed quality, animal health, and broader environmental impacts. This study significantly contributes to ongoing research and monitoring efforts, aiding in maintaining an optimal mineral balance and enhancing chicken quality and overall poultry performance. The study utilized Alizarin Red dye (AR), both individually and in combination with Eriochrome Black T (EBT), to identify the presence of cerium ions. Various experimental conditions such as pH, concentration, temperature, and specificity were thoroughly examined. The UV-Vis absorption spectra indicated that the average minimum detectable limit for cerium ions is approximately 5 ppm, with a detection range of 0.2–3 mM. Additionally, a cost-effective paper-based sensor and a portable colorimetric method for detecting cerium ions were innovatively designed. This paper-based sensor ensures precise detection at room temperature, demonstrating high sensitivity and selectivity. The detection system was integrated with smart devices, enabling the swift capture of Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) values for practical real-time applications. This integration allows for rapid on-site identification of cerium ions. The introduction of this affordable, accurate, and portable colorimetric method for monitoring cerium ions represents a promising advancement in developing accessible tools within this field.

Assessment of hemograms in military servicemen at different durations of professional activity in the Arctic

Extreme environmental factors can have a negative impact on human hemograms. The goal is to assess hemogram indicators in military personnel with different durations of professional activity in the Arctic during the summer period. We observed two groups with a duration of stay in the Arctic of up to 5 (No.1, n=20) and up to 10 years (No. 2, n=31). We carried out determinations of vitamins B12 and B9, minerals (K, Na, total Ca, ionized Ca, Mg, P, Fe) in blood plasma, and sanitary-chemical studies of water. The diet was assessed based on literature data. Questioned about tobacco smoking. We assessed working conditions according to the degree of harmfulness and danger. Hemoglobin in group No. 2–154.6±0.7, No. 1–156.9±0.9 g/l (p=0.041), the average hemoglobin concentration in the erythrocyte was 334.0±0.6 and 336.2± 0.8 g/l (p=0.008), average hemoglobin content in erythrocytes 29.1±0.2 and 28.0±0.2 (p=0.001), average platelet volume 9.33±0.4 and 9.14±0.05 fl (p=).008. In groups No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, decreased red blood cells in 30.0 % and 6.7 %, decreased hematocrit in 20.0 % and 0 %, increased average volume of red blood cells in 10.0 % and 6.7 %, the hemoglobin content in the erythrocyte is reduced in 20.0 %: and increased in 20.1 %, the average hemoglobin concentration is normal and reduced in 20.1 %, the average platelet volume is normal and increased in 20.1 %, band neutrophils are reduced in 100.0 % and in 80.0 %, segmented — normal and reduced in 13.4 %. Water supply was provided with low-mineralized water, food was provided with canned food; work is harmful in terms of intensity (3.2) and severity (3.2). Quantitative and qualitative changes in blood parameters with different durations of professional activity characterize the versatility of the influence of health risk factors. The data obtained lead to a study of the content of vitamin B12, folic acid, as well as the mineral balance of the body to develop specific preventive interventions to preserve the health of military personnel.

Optimizing Recovery in Elderly Patients: Anabolic Benefits of Glucose Supplementation during the Rehydration Period.

Since many acutely admitted older adults display signs of dehydration, treatment using balanced crystalloids is an important part of medical care. Additionally, many of these patients suffer from chronic malnutrition. We speculated that the early addition of glucose might ameliorate the hospital-related drop of caloric intake and modify their catabolic status. We included patients 78 years and older, admitted acutely for non-traumatic illnesses. The patients were randomized into either receiving balanced crystalloid (PlasmaLyte; group P) or balanced crystalloid enriched with 100 g of glucose per liter (group G). The information about fluid balance and levels of minerals were collected longitudinally. In the G group, a significantly higher proportion of patients developed signs of refeeding syndrome, i.e., drops in phosphates, potassium and/or magnesium when compared to group P (83.3 vs. 16.7%, p < 0.01). The drop in phosphate levels was the most pronounced. The urinalysis showed no differences in the levels of these minerals in the urine, suggesting their uptake into the cells. There were no differences in the in-hospital mortality or in the 1-year mortality. The short-term administration of balanced crystalloids with glucose induced an anabolic shift of electrolytes in acutely admitted older adults.

Nutritional and physiological responses to dietary phosphorus levels and phytase in pullets and laying hens

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary available phosphorus (P) levels and dietary phytase added into the very low-P diet on the performance, mineral balance, odor emission, and stress responses in growing pullets and laying hens during 13 to 32 wk of age. One hundred sixty-eight pullets (Hy-Line Brown) were randomly assigned into 1 of 4 dietary treatments with 7 replicates of 6 birds each. Experimental diets were formulated to contain 3 graded P levels at 0.25, 0.35, and 0.45% during 13 to 15 wk (phase 1), 0.25, 0.35, and 0.45% during 16 to 18 wk (phase 2), and 0.20, 0.30, and 0.40% during 19 to 32 wk (phase 3). In addition, dietary phytase (500 FTU/kg matrix values) was added into the very low-P diets (0.20% during 13-15 wk, 0.25% during 16-18 wk, and 0.20% during 19-32 wk) to meet the nutritional adequacy with standard P diets. In all phases, decreasing dietary P levels did not affect (P > 0.05) growth, laying performance, and egg qualities. Decreasing dietary P levels linearly increased the relative duodenal and oviduct weights (P < 0.05), and quadratically increased the relative ovary weight in pullets (P = 0.016). Dietary phytase lowered (P = 0.021) the relative duodenal weight compared with the very low-P diet. Tibia breaking strength and tibia Mg contents in pullets were linearly lowered (P < 0.05) as dietary P levels decreased. Dietary phytase tended to increase (P = 0.091) tibia breaking strength and significantly increased (P = 0.025) tibia Mg content compared with the very low-P diet. Dietary P levels and dietary phytase affected (P < 0.05) ileal crypt depth and ileal villus height: crypt depth ratio in pullets. Decreasing dietary P levels linearly decreased (P < 0.01) crude fat digestibility and P excretion in both pullets and laying hens. Dietary phytase reversed (P < 0.05) the very low-P diet-mediated decrease of crude fat digestibility in pullets and laying hens. Dietary P levels and dietary phytase affected (P < 0.05) odor emission including ammonia in pullets and total volatile fatty acids in laying hens. Finally, lowering dietary P levels increased (P < 0.01) yolk corticosterone concentrations and the increased corticosterone concentration by the very low-P diet was reversed by dietary phytase. Collectively, our study shows that decreasing dietary P levels induced nutritional and physiological responses in pullets and laying hens and these P-mediated negative effects were mitigated by dietary phytase.

The Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Systemic Effects Mediated by Parathormone in the Context of Chronic Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) stands as a prominent non-communicable ailment, significantly impacting life expectancy. Physiopathology stands mainly upon the triangle represented by parathormone-Vitamin D-Fibroblast Growth Factor-23. Parathormone (PTH), the key hormone in mineral homeostasis, is one of the less easily modifiable parameters in CKD; however, it stands as a significant marker for assessing the risk of complications. The updated "trade-off hypothesis" reveals that levels of PTH spike out of the normal range as early as stage G2 CKD, advancing it as a possible determinant of systemic damage. The present review aims to review the effects exhibited by PTH on several organs while linking the molecular mechanisms to the observed actions in the context of CKD. From a diagnostic perspective, PTH is the most reliable and accessible biochemical marker in CKD, but its trend bears a higher significance on a patient's prognosis rather than the absolute value. Classically, PTH acts in a dichotomous manner on bone tissue, maintaining a balance between formation and resorption. Under the uremic conditions of advanced CKD, the altered intestinal microbiota majorly tips the balance towards bone lysis. Probiotic treatment has proven reliable in animal models, but in humans, data are limited. Regarding bone status, persistently high levels of PTH determine a reduction in mineral density and a concurrent increase in fracture risk. Pharmacological manipulation of serum PTH requires appropriate patient selection and monitoring since dangerously low levels of PTH may completely inhibit bone turnover. Moreover, the altered mineral balance extends to the cardiovascular system, promoting vascular calcifications. Lastly, the involvement of PTH in the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone axis highlights the importance of opting for the appropriate pharmacological agent should hypertension develop.

Waste-Based Vertical Planting System Proposal to Increase Productivity in Sustainable Horticulture; “PETREE”

The problems experienced with the decrease in agricultural areas per capita against the uncontrolled population growth in the World and in Turkey are becoming increasingly evident. Especially the manpower engaged in horticulture is increasingly experiencing the problems of migration, economic reasons, and inefficient production methods. For healthy and efficient production, agricultural lands need a sequential cycle that includes cultivation and fallow periods. Agricultural lands, the salt they contain, etc. When left fallow, the soil area needs to rest to re-establish the mineral balance. It is now vital for small producers, whose production areas are gradually shrinking due to global conditions, to continue production while their lands are resting to produce more continuously and efficiently. In the face of increasing demands, decreasing production amounts and areas, the constantly increasing prices of economically simple agricultural products “fresh vegetables” and affecting the easy accessibility of local products, it has become inevitable to seek new and alternative solutions. This study includes an innovative solution proposal to increase the production efficiency of low-scale producers and individual gardeners, especially those producing in small agricultural areas. Critical problems of large-scale greenhouse systems, interactions of agricultural practices within the framework of urban life, water and energy efficiency in agriculture, and sustainability and waste management of the proposed system are examined. To meet changing conditions and maintain productivity in small areas, it is envisaged that mobile and vertical production stations, which can produce by increasing productivity even in fallow areas while the soil is resting, can be an alternative solution to the problems of small producers. The vertical planting system “PETREE” develops mobile units for sustainable agriculture by collecting 5th LT-PET packages, which have a natural lifespan of about 90 years, and reusing them as plant pots and some recycled plastic pieces as structures. With efficient and environmentally friendly design suggestions, the system also examined the possibilities of more efficient gardening with mobile production stations in small agricultural areas, and efficient and enjoyable gardening that suits the needs of urban consumers “production with local seeds and seedlings” with the increase in environmental awareness and food safety concerns.

The role of dietary fiber in functional nutrition

The process of nutrition is a function of the relationship between a person and the environment. Food should contribute to the adaptation of the human body to unfavorable conditions and, in addition to its main function – meeting the physiological needs of the human body for nutrients and energy, also perform preventive and therapeutic tasks. Recently, the popularity of healthy food has increased. Experts predict that the market for functional products is growing every year. In this regard, in many countries, in-depth research is being carried out on the structure, composition, properties of dietary fiber, and the technology of their use as one of the components in the creation of composite food products. Dietary fiber is a large group of polymeric substances of different chemical nature, the sources of which are plant products. The composition of nutrients with a fibrous structure includes large quantities of second-order polysaccharides. Dietary fiber is an active participant in the digestive process, a source of essential nutrients; its deficiency or absence can lead to disruption of homeostasis, the dynamic constancy of the internal environment of the body and pathology. Dietary fiber plays an important role in the functioning of a number of organs and systems of the body and, first of all, affects the function of the colon. They adsorb significant amounts of bile acids, as well as other metabolites, toxins and electrolytes, which helps detoxify the body. For a long time, dietary fiber was considered unnecessary ballast, from which attempts were made to free products to increase their nutritional value. In this regard, a number of refined products have been developed that are completely free of ballast substances. Dietary fiber plays an extremely important role in the functioning of the colon. One of their main properties is the ability to retain water. Water-soluble dietary fibers contained in vegetables and fruits are the most hygroscopic. The ability of dietary fiber to retain water accelerates intestinal transit and peristalsis of the colon, changes intraintestinal pressure, and the concentration of fecal electrolytes. One aspect of the physiological effect of dietary fiber is its effect on mineral metabolism. There is evidence that high dietary fiber intake may disrupt the body's mineral balance. These processes are based on the metabolic properties of ballast substances, which promotes the removal of heavy metal ions, such as lead, strontium, and allows us to consider the possibility of using fiber to remove radionuclides from the body. The use of plant additives from cereals in the development of fermented milk products is of scientific interest and is one of the current trends in the development of functional nutrition products.

Optimizing sweet potato production: insights into the interplay of plant sanitation, virus influence, and cooking techniques for enhanced crop quality and food security.

This study investigates the impact of sweet potato plant sanitation on the yield and external and internal quality root storage exploring the nutritional content affected by various cooking methods (raw, boiled, and oven-cooked). The presence of viruses, and concretely of the sweet potato leaf curl virus (SPLCV), in sweet potato propagation material is shown to significantly reduce yield and modify storage root quality. Notably, the research reveals a substantial improvement in crop yield and external quality, reinforcing the efficacy of plant sanitation methods, specifically apical meristem culture, in preserving the overall productivity of sweet potato crops. Furthermore, the investigation identifies a noteworthy decrease in starch content, suggesting a dynamic interaction between plant sanitation and starch metabolism in response to viral diseases. The study also delves into the alteration of mineral absorption patterns, shedding light on how plant sanitation influences the uptake of essential minerals in sweet potato storage roots. While the health status of the plants only slightly affected magnesium (Mg) and manganese (Mn) accumulation, indicating a potential resilience of mineral balance under virus-infected conditions. Moreover, the research identifies significant modifications in antioxidant levels, emphasizing the role of plant sanitation in enhancing the nutritional quality of sweet potatoes. Heat-treated storage roots, subjected to various cooking methods such as boiling and oven-cooking, exhibit notable differences in internal quality parameters. These differences include increased concentrations of total soluble solids (SS) and heightened levels of antioxidant compounds, particularly phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The observed increase in antioxidant capacity underscores the potential health-promoting benefits associated with plant sanitation practices. Overall, the study underscores the critical importance of plant sanitation in enhancing sweet potato production sustainability, contributing to food security, and supporting local agricultural economies. The results emphasize the need for further research to optimize plant sanitation methods and promote their widespread adoption globally, providing valuable insights into the complex relationships in food quality.