Mineral Nutritional Status Research Articles

Effectiveness of Fortified Flour for Enhancement of Vitamin and Mineral Intakes and Nutrition Status in Northwest Chinese Villages

Fortification of flour is one of the approaches for the control and prevention of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. To assess the effect of fortification of flour with seven vitamins and minerals on a population of Chinese women. Farmers who offered their land for reforestation in 25 northwest provinces of China received compensation in the form of wheat flour; the amount of flour given depended on the amount of land that was given up for reforestation. This study observed the effects of providing families with fortified flour in the reforestation areas in Gansu Province. The study was conducted for 3 years. Families in the intervention village who offered land for reforestation received flour fortified with seven vitamins and minerals, and those in the control village received unfortified flour. Seven surveys, spaced at least 6 months apart, were carried out in each village from 2004 to 2007. At baseline and at each annual survey, measurements and blood samples were taken from 300 adult female subjects aged 20 to 60 years to assess dietary intake, height, weight, body fat, hemoglobin, serum retinol, serum iron, free erythrocyte protoporphyrin, serum zinc. Serum folic acid was measured at baseline and 36-month only. At each 6-month survey, data were collected on anthropometric features, hemoglobin, and dietary intake. Consumption of fortified flour in the intervention village ranged from 158.7 to 232.7 g per person per day. Serum retinol status was significantly improved after 12-month intervention until the end of the trial compared with both the control group and the baseline level of the intervention group. Iron status expressed as FEP and SI levels showed higher than that of the control group and baseline levels only at 36-month. Hemoglobin levels of the intervention group were higher than that of the control group and baseline levels, but anemia prevalence of both the intervention and control groups remained unchanged in the intervention period. Levels of serum zinc showed increases compared with the control group and baseline data at 24-month and 36-month, and levels of serum folic acid of intervention group in 36-month was higher than that of both the control group and baseline level. The evidence from this study confirms the positive bioeffectiveness of fortified flour in the rural female population in China, but a higher dosage of electrolytic elementary iron in flour fortification was suggested for anemia prevention and control.

Bone Mineral Density and Nutritional Status of Healthy Sri Lankan PreSchool Children

: Background: We wished to assess bone mineral density (BMD) values and factors that contribute to bone mineral accrual among preschool children in Sri Lanka. Currently, this information is not available.Objectives: To measure BMDs of spine and hip, using a central-type DXA, in a representative sample of preschool children in Southern Sri Lanka and to study their anthropometry and micronutrient status in order to study the associations of such measurements with bone mineral status.Patients and Methods: We measured BMD of the spine and hip using dual-energy absorptiometry in 105 preschool children (52 boys) aged 3–5 years in Southern Sri Lanka. We also studied their anthropometric characteristics and micronutrient status (iron, zinc, calcium, ceruloplasmin, free thyroxine, and vitamins A and D).Results: Although spine BMD showed no sex difference (mean BMD 0.451 g/cm2 and 0.447 g/cm2 in boys and girls, respectively; p = 0.70), proximal femur BMD values were significantly higher (p = 0.02) among boys (0.594 g/cm2) than among girls (0.557 g/cm2). Boys had significantly higher bone area in the spine, compared to girls (mean 25.58 vs. 24.05 cm2; p = 0.02). After controlling for other independent variables studied (anthropometry and biochemistry), weight and serum calcium accounted for 26% of the BMD variation (R2 = 0.26). One unit change in body weight (1 kg) or serum calcium level (1 mmol/L) was associated with a change in spine BMD of 0.051 g/cm2 or 0.016 g/cm2, respectively.Conclusions: In addition to higher BMD in the proximal femur boys have broader bones, particularly in the spine. Among different indices of body measurements and multiple nutritional factors, body weight and serum calcium appear to be the main determinants of BMD accrual. Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:Study on determinants of childhood bone mineral accrual would identify the major determinant of peak bone mass in later life. Please cite this paper as: Hettiarachchi M, Lekamwasam S, Liyanage C. Bone Mineral Density and Nutritional Status of Healthy Sri Lankan Preschool Children. Int J Endocriol Metab.2011;9(2):335-40. DOI: 10.5812/kowsar.1726913X.2385 Copyright © 2012, Kowsar M.P.Co. All rights reserved.

Results of a Pilot Program to Improve Phosphorus Outcomes in Hemodialysis Patients

End-stage renal disease causes dysregulation of bone and mineral metabolism, including increased serum phosphorus levels. Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative 2003 guidelines recommend maintaining phosphorus levels between 3.5 and 5.5 mg/dL in dialysis patients. We examined the effects of a focused phosphorus management pilot program designed to improve the percentage of hemodialysis patients achieving phosphorus levels <5.5 mg/dL. DESIGN, SETTING, SUBJECTS, AND INTERVENTION: We conducted a prospective, multicenter, single-arm study at 8 geographically diverse at-risk facilities (n = 702 hemodialysis patients) in a large U.S. dialysis organization. The focused phosphorus management program provided in-service training to staff members, and provided patients with diet and phosphorus management through in-center, 1:1 education and support, direct-to-patient adherence communications, benefit management assistance, and adherence support specific to lanthanum carbonate over a 6-month period. Facility-level markers of bone and mineral metabolism (phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, corrected calcium) and nutritional status (serum albumin, normalized protein catabolic rate) were assessed before and after program implementation. There was a significant increase in the percentage of patients per facility achieving phosphorus levels <5.5 mg/dL (mean ± SD at baseline = 61.6% ± 5.2%; month 6 = 71.3% ± 9.0%; P < .01) and parathyroid hormone (150 to 300 pg/mL; mean ± SD at baseline = 39.1% ± 2.4%; month 6 = 44.5% ± 7.0%; P = .04). During the course of the evaluation, mean calcium, albumin, and normalized protein catabolic rate levels did not change significantly. These results show proof-of-concept that a focused phosphorus management program targeting both staff members and patients can significantly improve patient outcomes without compromising nutritional status.

Influence of nitrate fertilization on Hg uptake and oxidative stress parameters in alfalfa plants cultivated in a Hg-polluted soil

The mineral nutrition status of plants might affect the accumulation of heavy metals, which in turn could be reflected in altered plant sensitivity. Very little information is available about the effect of the nitrogen nutritional status on mercury (Hg) toxicity. We compared physiological stress parameters sensitive to Hg in alfalfa ( Medicago sativa) plants grown in Hg-polluted soils that were amended with two different fertilizers: without NO 3 − (PK) or with NO 3 − (NPK). Several parameters of oxidative stress, such as antioxidative enzymatic activities, lipid peroxidation, and chlorophyll content were analysed. The study was carried out in a green house with soil from an agricultural land plot located in Almadén (Spain), which contained an average Hg concentration of 12.4 mg kg −1, most of it found mainly as cinnabar (HgS). Our results suggest that nitrogen supply prevents oxidative stress in roots, but may improve root development and increase the uptake of Hg from the soil above safety consumption limits. This work highlights the importance of proper nitrogen fertilization towards future phytoremediation applications with alfalfa plants.

Association between Hair Mineral Content and Nutritional Status in Vegetarians and Non-Vegetarians

Previous studies have shown that plant-based vegetarian diets, which typically contain a variety of antioxidants and dietary fiber, help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer. However, some studies have reported that vegetarian diets can lead to deficiencies in protein and trace minerals compared to non-vegetarian diets. This study was conducted to compare anthropometric measurements, blood parameters, dietary intake, and hair mineral status in long-term vegetarians (MV; moderate vegan, LV; lacto-ovo vegetarian) and non-vegetarians (NV). Thirty MV (12 males, 18 females; mean age, 50.58 ± 5.05 years), 15 LV(11 males, four females; mean age, 49.45 ± 4.97 years), and 30 NV (15 males, 15 females: mean age, 48.90 ± 3.62 years) participated. No significant differences were observed for age. height, weight, or body mass index, but body fat was significant lower in MV and LV males than that in NV males. White blood cell counts of MV, LV, and NV male subjects were significantly different. Dietary intake data showed that plant protein and plant iron intake were significantly higher in MV and LV than those in NY. Animal protein, animal fat, and animal iron intake were significantly higher in NV than those in MV and LY. A hair mineral analysis showed that calcium and iron were higher in the hair of MV and LV than those in NY. Zinc concentration in hair was not significantly different among the groups. The results suggest that vegetarian diets are adequate to sustain mineral status to at least the same degree as that of non-vegetarian diets.

Fast Measurement of Fruit Tree Nitrogen Status Based on Multi-Color LEDs and BP-ANN

A new optical instrument for fast measurement of fruit tree nitrogen status was designed and fabricated. Multi-color LEDs were used as light source, a portable spectrophotometer as optical detector, and an optic fiber as light signal transmission medium. In the paper, the principle of using multi-color LEDs for the measurement of fruit tree nitrogen status was first introduced. Then, the method of using error back propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) for calibration modeling was elaborated. Reflective light intensities of Multi-color LEDs were taken as the incoming signals to BP-ANN. The structure of BP-ANN with three layers has been optimized to minimize its calibration error. In the test, total 200 leave samples picked from Huang-hua pear trees planted in three orchards with different levels of nitrogen fertilizing. Among them, 150 samples were selected randomly out for calibration set with the remaining 50 for prediction set. The result shows that correlation coefficient of R2 between predicted and measured values of nitrogen content reaches 0.93 with maximum prediction error less than 3.36(SPAD). The study suggests that the new optical method integrating multi-color LEDs with BP-ANN is promising for fast diagnosis of fruit tree mineral nutrition status.

Celiac Autoimmunity in Children with Type 1 Diabetes: A Two-Year Follow-Up

To determine the benefits of screening for celiac autoimmunity via immunoglobulin A transglutaminase autoantibodies (TG) in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). We followed up 79 screening-identified TG+ and 56 matched TG- children with T1D for 2 years to evaluate growth, bone mineral density, nutritional status, and diabetes control. TG+ subjects self-selected to gluten-free or gluten-containing diet. Of the initial cohort, 80% were available for reexamination after 2 years. TG+ subjects had consistently lower weight z-scores and higher urine N-telopeptides than TG- subjects, but similar measures of bone density and diabetes outcomes. TG+ children who remained on a gluten-containing diet had lower insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 z-scores compared with TG+ subjects who reported following a gluten-free diet. Children who continued with high TG index throughout the study had lower bone mineral density z-scores, ferritin, and vitamin D 25OH levels, compared with the TG- group. No significant adverse outcomes were identified in children with T1D with screening-identified TG+ who delay therapy with a gluten-free diet for 2 years. Children with persistently high levels of TG may be at greater risk. The optimal timing of screening and treatment for celiac disease in children with T1D requires further investigation.

Mitigation Effects of Silicon on Maize Plants Grown at High Zinc

ABSTRACT The effects of exogenous silicon (Si) on key growth parameters and mineral nutrients were investigated in maize grown at high zinc (Zn). Four treatments with three replicates were investigated consisting of a control (basal nutrients with 0.05 mM Zn with or without 1.0 mM Si added), 0.5 mM Zn, and 0.5 mM Zn plus 1.0 mM Si. Plants growing with high Zn alone had a lower chlorophyll (Chl.) content, leaf relative water content (RWC) and produced less biomass than the control plants. Proline content and membrane permeability was higher in zinc-treated plants than in untreated controls. Compared with the plants treated with high Zn alone, added Si significantly increased plant growth, chlorophyll content, and RWC and significantly reduced the membrane permeability and proline content. As expected, added high Zn increased leaf and root Zn, but reduced leaf phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe). Added Si reduced Zn concentration and increased Fe in leaves of maize. It can be concluded that improvement in the key growth parameters tested and mineral nutrition status in maize plants grown at high Zn induced by Si addition may protect membrane permeability under high zinc, thus mitigating Zn toxicity and improving the growth of maize plants. The results of the present experiment support the conclusion that Si may be involved in physiological and nutritional changes in plants grown at high Zn.

Different changes of bone mineral density and nutritional status after hospitalization between vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease in elderly female patients

Background: Bone fractures strongly influence morbidity and mortality in elderly patients with dementia. The goal of this study was to examine whether difference in the type of dementia affects changes of bone mineral density (BMD) during hospitalization with rehabilitation programs.Methods: Ninety‐four Japanese elderly female patients were enrolled. BMD, Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, and levels of serum albumin, calcium‐related factors and urinary calcium excretion were measured.Results: Multivariable analyses indicated that serum albumin levels and MMSE scores were positively correlated with changes in BMD after 2 years hospitalization. Significant reduction of BMD levels after hospitalization were observed in patients with severe dementia (MMSE scores, &lt;10) or with severe malnutrition (serum albumin, &lt;2.0). We next classified our subjects into three groups according to the 4th edn of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual criteria: non‐dementia (ND), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD). Although there were no significant differences in age and physical activities among the groups; the levels of BMD were maintained in AD as well as ND but not in VaD. Notably, calcium excretion levels were significantly decreased after hospitalization in AD as well as ND but not in VaD. Serum 25(OH)D levels were also restored in AD but not in VaD. In addition, the nutritional status significantly improved in AD but not in VaD.Conclusion: The levels of BMD were maintained and the nutritional status was improved in AD but not in VaD for 2 years hospitalization with rehabilitation programs. These results suggest that different programs including nutritional support may be necessary for maintaining BMD levels in VaD as compared with AD during hospitalization.

Effects of exercise and nutrition on postural balance and risk of falling in elderly people with decreased bone mineral density: randomized controlled trial pilot study

Objective : To compare the effect of calcium/vitamin D supplements with a combination of calcium/vitamin D supplements and exercise/protein on risk of falling and postural balance. Design : Randomized clinical trial. Setting : University hospital physiotherapy department. Subjects : Twenty-four independently living elderly females aged 65 years and older with osteopenia or osteoporosis and mean total hip T-score (SD) of —1.8 (0.8). Interventions : A three-month programme consisting of exercise/protein including training of muscular strength, co-ordination, balance and endurance. Calcium/ vitamin D was supplemented in all participants for a 12-month period. Outcome measures : Assessment took place prior to and following the months 3, 6, 9 and at the end of the study; primary dependent variables assessed were risk of falling (Berg Balance Test) and postural balance (forceplate). Secondary measures included body composition, strength, activity level, number of falls, bone mineral content, biochemical indices, nutritional status and general health. Results : Significant reductions of risk of falling (repeated measures ANOVA F = 8.90, P = 0.008), an increase in muscular strength (ANOVA F = 3.0, P = 0.03), and an increase in activity level (ANOVA F = 3.38, P = 0.02) were found in the experimental group as compared to the control group. Further on, there was 89% reduction of falls reported in the experimental group (experimental pre/post 8/1 falls; control group pre/post 5/6 falls). Conclusion : This study provides support for our intervention programme aimed at reducing the risk of falling in elderly participants diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis. The data obtained from the pilot study allow the calculation of the actual sample size needed for a larger randomized trial.

A Soil Inoculant InhibitsArmillaria melleaIn Vitro and Improves Productivity of Grapevines with Root Disease

A soil inoculant, Vesta (Biologically Integrated Organics, Inc., Sonoma, CA), was tested for its ability to inhibit Armillaria mellea, causal agent of Armillaria root disease of grapevine (Vitis vinifera). Colony diameter of A. mellea was significantly inhibited by undiluted inoculant (P < 0.0001) and by bacterial isolates cultured from the inoculant (Bacillus subtilis, B. lentimorbus, Comamonas testosteroni, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, P. mendocina; P < 0.0001) relative to diameter of the nontreated control. Efficacy of the inoculant for postinfection control of Armillaria root disease of grapevine was examined in an A. mellea-infested vineyard in northern California. Inoculant was applied via drip-irrigation to vine rows in replicate blocks in 2003 and 2004. Yield, growth, mineral nutrition, and juice quality parameters of healthy and symptomatic vines were measured in treated and nontreated vine rows. Significantly decreased petiole P and K concentrations and significantly lower soluble solids content in fruit from symptomatic vines demonstrated that Armillaria root disease negatively affects vine mineral nutritional status and fruit quality, findings that have not been previously reported for an agronomic host of A. mellea. The inoculant significantly increased cluster weights of symptomatic vines (109.63 g/cluster), relative to those of symptomatic-nontreated vines (92.05 g/cluster), to levels comparable to those of healthy vines (122.09 g/cluster). However, the inoculant did not decrease the rate of symptom development or mortality of treated vines from 2002 to 2004. The results of our field experiment suggest that the inoculant may not prevent Armillaria root disease, but can provide therapeutic benefit by improving productivity of infected vines.

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 5

Season-Dependent Fruit Loading: Effect on Nutrient Homeostasis of Tomato Plants

ABSTRACT Greenhouse tomato plants were grown hydroponically during the period of lower temperatures of winter (LT) versus the period of higher temperatures of summer (HT). In these plants, the effect of season on fruit load was dramatic. In order to study the alterations season introduces to the developmental allocation of nutrients within the various organs, concentrations of total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) were determined during each season at weekly intervals in the dry mass of leaves and roots and in the extract of upper, middle, and lower parts of the stem. The level of N/P ratio was always higher in the leaves than in the roots, and these differences were more intense during HT. The short-term changes of ratio in the leaves during HT and LT were positively related with the changes in temperature (r = 0.59 and 0.51 for HT and LT, respectively). In contrast, such correlations in the root were negative (r = −0.54 and r = −0.33 for HT and LT, respectively). The increase of temperature increased P uptake but not its translocation to upper plant parts. HT affected the translocation of N, K, Mg, and Ca more and their uptake less. Fruit load differentially affected the concentration of nutrients. In contrast to total N and K, Ca concentration in plant parts presented a positive relation with the increase of fruit load. Calcium and total N concentration (as opposed to P and micronutrient concentrations) were always higher in the leaves than in the roots. Under HT conditions, P was accumulated in roots in combination with high concentrations of Fe, Zn, and Mn. On the other hand, K and N were accumulated in the roots during the period of low temperature in winter. Calcium and K compared with other nutrients presented a pronounced tendency to be transported toward the top of the stem during HT, and their extractable concentration in the upper part of stem presented a significant increase during summer. Extractable K concentration was two to nine times higher than that of the other macronutrients. Our data suggest that the extractable concentration of nutrients of the stem is a good index for the diagnosis of the mineral nutritional status of the plant.

Exercise maintains bone density at spine and hip EFOPS: a 3-year longitudinal study in early postmenopausal women

It is an important aim in the prevention of osteoporosis to stop or decelerate bone loss during the early postmenopausal years. Here we report on results of the 3-year EFOPS exercise trial in osteopenic women. The exercise strategy emphasized low-volume high-resistance strength training and high-impact aerobics. Forty-eight fully compliant women (55.1+/-3.3 years) with no medication or illness affecting bone metabolism participated in the exercise group (EG); 30 women (55.5+/-3.0 years) served as non-training controls (CG). At baseline there were no significant between-group differences with respect to physical fitness, bone mineral density, pain and nutritional status. The training consisted of two group training and two home training sessions per week. The study participants of both groups were individually supplemented with calcium and vitamin D (cholecalciferol). Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by DXA at the lumbar spine, proximal femur and distal forearm and by QCT at the lumbar spine. Speed of sound and broadband ultrasound attenuation were determined at the calcaneus by quantitative ultrasound (QUS). Pain frequency and intensity at different skeletal sites were assessed via questionnaire. After 38 months, the following within-group changes were measured: DXA lumbar spine, EG: 0.8% n.s.; CG: -3.3% P<0.001; QCT trabecular ROI, EG: 1.1% n.s; CG: -7.7% P<0.001; QCT cortical ROI, EG: 5.3% P<0.001; CG: -2.6% P<0.001; DXA total hip: EG: -0.2% n.s; CG -1.9%, P<0.001; DXA distal forearm, EG: -2.8% P<0.001; CG: -3.8% P<0.001; BUA, EG: -0.3% n.s; CG -5.4% P<0.001; SOS, EG: 0.3% n.s; CG -1.0% P<0.001. At year 3 between-group differences relative to the exercise group were: DXA lumbar spine: 4.1% P<0.001; QCT trabecular ROI: 8.8% P<0.001; QCT cortical ROI: 7.9% P<0.001; DXA total hip: 2.1%, P<0.001; DXA distal forearm: 1.0% n.s.; BUA: 5.8% P<0.05; SOS: 1.3% P<0.001. Pain frequency and intensity in the spine significantly decreased in the exercise group and increased in the control group, while no between-group differences were detected in the main joints. In summary, over a period of 3 years our low-volume/high-intensity exercise program was successful to maintain bone mineral density at the spine, hip and calcaneus, but not at the forearm.

Leaf Nutrient Concentrations of Apple Orchards in Isparta Province

Bu çalışma, Isparta yöresinde bulunan elma bahçelerinin verimlilik durumlarının yaprak analizleriyle belirlenmesi için yürütülmüştür. Bu nedenle yedi ilçe belirlenmiş ve her ilçeden on bahçe seçilerek iki yıl süreyle aynı ağaçlardan olmak üzere yaprak örnekleri alınmıştır. Yaprak analiz sonuçlarına göre Mg eksikliği görülmemiştir. Benzer şekilde ağaçların büyük oranda %97 N bakımından da yeterli düzeyde beslendiği belirlenmiştir. Ağaçlarda en fazla Zn eksikliği belirlenmiş olup, bu oran % 80 olarak gerçekleşmiştir. Ayrıca bahçelerin P, Ca, K ve Mn açısından da sırasıyla % 69, 64, 24 ve 11 oranlarında yetersiz olduğu saptanmıştır. Sonuç olarak, toprakların N ile yeterince gübrelendiği fakat Zn, P ve Ca gibi diğer besin elementleri açısından sorunların olduğu görülmektedir. Bu nedenle özellikle Zn, P ve Ca gübrelemesine özel önem verilmelidir

Exercise in the postpartum period: practical applications.

Pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period are important events in the reproductive lives of women. Exercise guidelines exist for pregnancy, but recommendations for exercise during the postpartum period are virtually nonexistent. It is important to examine the theoretic concerns and potential benefits of exercise during this period, especially with respect to weight retention following pregnancy, lactation performance, and infant growth. It is recommended to increase the definition of the postpartum period to 1 year, because many physiologic changes due to pregnancy remain up to 1 year after delivery. Evidence-based guidelines are presented for postpartum exercise and lactation. Future research should address the impact of exercise and lactation on bone mineral density, nutrition status and weight loss, cardiovascular health, and how to optimize health promotion during the postpartum period.

MOTHER PLANT NUTRITION AND GROWING CONDITION AFFECT AMINO AND FATTY ACID COMPOSITIONS OF HYBRID SWEET PEPPER SEEDS

ABSTRACT The effect of mineral nutrition status of mother plant on the concentrations of amino and fatty acids and the emergence quality of hybrid sweet pepper seeds (cv. ‘Hazera’ 1195) was studied in two hydroponics experiments. Three concentrations of potassium (K) (0.5, 2.5 and 5.0 mM) combined with NH4–N to NO3–N ratios (mM/mM: 0/6.0, 0.9/5.1, 1.8/4.2 and 3.0/3.0) were conducted during the seasons from spring to summer and from autumn to winter, respectively. Seeds developed in the summer showed lower emergence percentage than those developed in the winter. When the mother plants were supplied by the same nitrogen (N) form and K concentration, the summer seeds contained significant higher K and chloride (Cl), total free amino acids, oleic acids, stearic acid, and palmitoleic acid, but lower phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), proline and linoleic acid than the winter seeds. No difference was found in the concentrations of N, sulfur (S), palmitic acid and total fatty acids of seeds between the two seasons. Replacing of 3 mM NO3–N (50% of total N) by NH4–N or the reduction of K concentration in the solution from 2.5 mM to 0.5 mM decreased proline, histidine, total amino acids, linoleic acid, and increased the ratio of oleic acid to stearic acid in the summer seeds. The correlation and stepwise regression analysis suggested that the emergence percentage of seeds developed in the summer was positively correlated to the proline concentration, but negatively correlated to the concentrations of Cl and K and the ratio of oleic to stearic acid.

Effect of embankment on growth and mineral uptake of Melaleuca cajuputi powell under acid sulphate soil conditions

The embankment band or raised bed is commonly used in the Mekong Delta for the cultivation of crops such as yam, cassava, and watermelon as well as perennial crops. The method aims to avoid wet season inundation of the plants while providing water in side-ditches for irrigation during the dry season. The effects of this practice upon plant growth have not been well documented. Therefore, the beneficial effects of embankment on biomass production and plant nutrient status were examined using Melaleuca cajuputi Powell. Embankment bands 0.4 m high with 0.8 m deep side-ditches were constructed on acid sulphate soils in the Mekong Delta in 1998. Seedlings of M. cajuputi were planted on the embankment bands and on the adjacent natural ground surface (i.e. no embankment) as a control. One year after planting, biomass production and mineral nutrition status in various plant parts of M. cajuputi were determined. Planting on embankment bands enhanced plant growth in terms of plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, and root diameter, while diameter at breast height did not change. Whole plant biomass on the embankment bands increased by 237% relative to the control as a result of the increase of biomass of all the plant parts particularly leaves trunk, and stumps. The partitioning percentage of dry matter of stumps increased as a result of embankment. Nitrogen uptake increased more significantly in the trees planted on the embankment bands than whole plant biomass and the uptake of other mineral elements. The uptake of Al and Ca increased by planting on the embankment but to a smaller extent than that of the other mineral elements. The Al concentration in the plant parts tended to decrease as a result of planting on embankments except for bark. The results suggest that embankment is effective in enhancing tree growth, mainly as a result of accelerated N uptake as well as alleviation of the deleterious effects of acid sulphate soils including Al toxicity.

CHEMICAL TREATMENTS IN “GOLDEN DELICIOUS SPUR” FRUITS IN RELATION TO RUSSETING AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS

The impact of chemical products on mineral nutritional status and russeting in ‘Golden Delicious Spur’ was studied. In addition, we sought to define the nutrients responsible for russeting in order to avoid imbalances in their concentrations in the fruit. Lime-sulphur (lime and sulphur, T1), ProVide (gibberellic acid GA4+7, T2), calcium nitrate (8.5% N and 11.5% Ca, T3), Microthiol Special (micronized wettable sulphur at 80%, T4), Packhard (8% Ca, 6% carboxylic acid, 0.5%B, T5), and Dithane (ethylene-bis dithiocarbamate of manganese 62%, Mn 16% and Zn 2%, T6) were applied to apple trees at the onset of flowering, at petal drop, and at the onset of fruit development. The ProVide and Microthiol treatments reduced the damaged fruit area and the percentage of damaged fruits in comparison to control (trees without application, T0). The application of calcium nitrate and Dithane increased the percentage of damaged area in relation to control, whereas the use of Packhard increased the percentage of fruits with russeting. In conclusion, our results indicate that russeting is more influenced by the formulation of the chemical products than by the nutrient content in the fruits, although we found a highly significant reduction and inversely proportional relationship between the Mn concentrations and the appearance of russeting.

Bone mass and metabolism in dermatitis herpetiformis.

Dermatitis herpetiformis is a gluten-sensitive skin disease with intestinal lesions and malabsorption symptoms less severe than those found in celiac disease. While several studies have shown the occurrence of osteopenia in celiac disease, bone mass and metabolism have never before been evaluated in dermatitis herpetiformis. Therefore, in 16 untreated patients, 16 sex- and age-matched untreated celiac patients, and 16 sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers, lumbar and femoral bone mineral density were measured and bone and mineral metabolism and nutritional status were evaluated. All these parameters were significantly altered in the two groups of patients and although the degree of these alterations was milder in patients with dermatitis herpetiformis than in celiac patients, the presence of subtotal villous atrophy in patients with dermatitis herpetiformis was associated with the presence of more severe alterations. Bone mineral density was significantly correlated with nutritional status, and patients showing bone loss were characterized by a body mass index lower than 20. Alterations of bone mass and mineral metabolism complicate dermatitis herpetiformis when severe intestinal lesions coexist. A low nutritional status may be predictive of the presence of bone loss.