Mineral Levels Research Articles

Serum vitamins and trace elements in vitiligo patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies

AbstractVitiligo is one of the most common pigmentary skin disorders, which significantly impacts the quality of life. The aetiology and pathophysiology of vitiligo are still unclear, but one of the proposed mechanisms is oxidative damage interrupting melanogenesis. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the serum levels of trace elements and vitamins and to systematically review the evidence comparing vitiligo patients with a healthy group. We comprehensively retrieved all studies related to vitiligo and the serum levels of vitamins and minerals from databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Magiran, SID and ISC up to December 2022. Quality assessment and data extraction were conducted by two independent reviewers. Pooled standard mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were estimated using random‐effects models. Our meta‐analysis revealed no significant differences in serum levels of Vitamin B12 and copper. It was concluded that serum concentrations of Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and zinc were lower in vitiligo patients. Conversely, these patients exhibited higher levels of selenium and folic acid compared with healthy individuals. These results might affect the potential use of vitamin and mineral supplementation in vitiligo treatment.

Nutritional enhancement of sprouted cereal flours with Macrotermes subhyalinus and Cirina butyrospermi: a strategy for combating malnutrition

Malnutrition, a significant global health concern, necessitates innovative solutions to enhance food nutritional profiles sustainably. This study focused on augmenting the nutrient content of traditional cereal flours, specifically corn (Ma) and millet (Mi), by incorporating edible insects, Macrotermes subhyalinus (MS) and Cirina butyrospermi (CB) known for their high protein, vitamin and mineral levels. The research aimed to create fortified flour formulations by adding these insects at various proportions (20%, 22.5% and 25%), thus addressing nutritional deficiencies common in staple diets. The study employed a comprehensive methodological approach incorporating biochemical analyses to measure protein, lipid content, pH and vitamin C levels in 16 distinct flour blends. These measures provided a basis for evaluating the nutritional enhancement achieved through insect incorporation. Additionally, nutrient density calculations and statistical analyses including analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc tests were conducted to assess the overall nutritional value and identify significant differences among formulations. Results demonstrated a marked improvement in the nutritional quality of cereal flours with insect addition. Formulations MiMS25 (75% Millet + 25% MS) and MiCB25 (75% Millet + 25% CB) exhibited the highest mineral content, with ash values of 3.69 ± 1.00% and 2.60 ± 0.28%, respectively. Protein levels were significantly increased in MaCB22.5 (77.5% Corn + 22.5% CB) and MiCB25 showing concentrations of 18.78 ± 0.20% and 18.66 ± 0.10%. Furthermore, the inclusion of MS notably enhanced lipid content, particularly in MiMS25 which displayed an energy value of 451.19 kcal. Among the tested blends, MaCB22.5 was identified as the most nutritionally promising with a nutrient density score of 0.255 indicating a balanced and improved nutritional profile. This study underscores the potential of integrating edible insects into cereal flours as a sustainable strategy to combat malnutrition. It highlights the need for further research into optimizing these formulations for consumer acceptance, taste, and shelf-life aiming to incorporate them into mainstream diets to achieve global nutritional well-being. Key words: Edible insects, Nutrient Density, Malnutrition, Sprouted cereals, Biochemical analyses, Macrotermes subhyalinus, Cirina butyrospermi

Growth of Vannamei Shrimp (Litopeneaus vannamei) in Rearing Media with Different Salinities

The addition of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium minerals has been carried out separately in vannamei shrimp cultivation activities using fresh water media. Furthermore, the combination of the three types of potassium is expected to mutually fulfill the mineral needs of vannamei shrimp so that their growth becomes more optimal. This research aims to analyze the growth of vannamei shrimp reared in various media with different mineral levels. The treatments in this study were P1 (30 ppt), P2 (20 ppt), P3 (10 ppt), P4 (0 ppt without the addition of minerals), and P5 (0 ppt with the addition of various types of mineral sources). The research results show that the best SGR weight is found in P1 at 12.42%/day. The highest SR value was also obtained at P1, namely 65%. The SR and SGR values at P5 are higher than at P4, but still lower than at P1, P2, and P3. Based on these results, it is known that the growth of vannamei shrimp reared in fresh water media with added minerals has increased compared to vannamei shrimp reared in fresh water media without added minerals, but is still lower compared to the growth of vannamei shrimp reared in water media. sea. Furthermore, research is needed on adding other types of minerals to low salinity vannamei shrimp cultivation media.

Post-harvest Treatment of Banana with Artificial Ripening Agent Influences Its Nutritional Quality and Antioxidant Potential

Bananas are widely consumed fruits that are often subjected to artificial ripening to accelerate their marketability for economic gains. Calcium carbide (CaC2) is most commonly used as ripening agent, particularly in developing countries, due to its low cost and effectiveness. However, the use of CaC2 has raised concerns about its potential impact on the safety and nutritional quality of the treated fruits. Assessment of the impact of this practice on the nutritional value of banana is key to improving its functionality and maximize its nutriture. This study was undertaken to examine the effect of post-harvest treatment of banana with calcium carbide agent on nutrient composition and antioxidant enzymes of the pulp. Mature green bananas were separated into fingers of the same size and divided into 4 groups. Group I was untreated and unripen while groups II and III were CaC2-treated at 4g/kg and 8g/kg of fruit respectively. Group IV underwent natural ripening. Proximate composition, sensory evaluation and antioxidant enzyme analyses were carried on the samples after the treatment period following standard procedures. The results show that calcium carbide used at 4g/kg and 8g/kg tilted sensory properties of banana pulp towards low values but not significantly (p > 0.05). On the other hand, there was significant difference (p < 0.05) in the proximate composition of the artificially ripened banana compared to control bananas. Similarly, the levels of essential minerals decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in treated groups II and III compared with group 4. Furthermore, the results of antioxidant enzyme activities indicated that calcium carbide treatment compromised the levels of all the antioxidant enzymes analysed as their concentrations significantly decreased (P < 0.05) from 3.42 to 1.65 U/mL; 32.79 to 22.73 U/mL and 0.68 to 0.28 U/mL for peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase and catalase respectively. These findings have shown how the nutritional composition as well as antioxidant potential of banana could be compromised if the use of chemical ripening agents such as calcium carbide continues unabated.

The Comparative Study of the Mouse Osteoblast Response to Two Different Platelet-rich Fibrins with Low Speed Centrifugation Concept

Objectives: To compare the response of mouse osteoblast (MC3T3-E1 cells) to advanced platelet-rich fibrin (APRF) and advanced platelet-rich fibrin plus (APRF+). Methods: Blood was collected from eight volunteers, 25 - 38 years of age (four males and four females) to prepare platelet concentrates APRF (1,300 rpm, 14 minutes), APRF+ (1,300 rpm, 8 minutes). The exudates were collected from both platelet concentrates at day 1, 3, 7 and 14. The level of TGF-β1 from exudates were quantified using an ELISA. MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured with the exudates. The cultured cells were tested with MTT assays, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and mineralization, which were analyzed on day 7 and again on day 14. Results: APRF and APRF+ continuously released TGF-β1 during 14-days period. Only exudates collected at day 1 showed significantly difference of ALP staining between APRF and APRF+ group on day 14 of observation. On day 7 of mineralization assays, cells treated with exudates from APRF+ collected at day 14 resulted in the highest level of mineralization within APRF+ group. On day 14 of mineralization assays, cells treated with exudates from APRF collected at day 7 showed the highest level of mineralization within APRF group. Conclusions: APRF+ released TGF-β1 at day 14 significantly higher than day 1. On day 14 of mineralization, cells treated with exudates from APRF+ collected at day 14 showed significantly higher mineralization than APRF collected at the same time point.

Estradiol-17β and bisphenol A affect growth and mineralization in early life stages of seabass

Natural and synthetic estrogens are contaminants present in aquatic ecosystems. They can have significant consequences on the estrogen-sensitive functions of organisms, including skeletal development and growth of vertebrate larvae. Synthetic polyphenols represent a group of environmental xenoestrogens capable of binding the receptors for the natural hormone estradiol-17β (E2). To better understand how (xeno-)estrogens can affect the skeleton in fish species with high ecological and commercial interest, 16 days post-hatch larvae of the seabass were experimentally exposed for 7 days to E2 and Bisphenol A (BPA), both used at the regulatory concentration of surface water quality (E2: 0.4 ng.L−1, BPA: 1.6 μg.L−1) or at a concentration 100 times higher. Skeletal mineralization levels were evaluated using Alizarin red staining, and expression of several genes playing key roles in growth, skeletogenesis and estrogen signaling pathways was assessed by qPCR. Our results show that E2 exerts an overall negative effect on skeletal mineralization at the environmental concentration of 0.4 ng.L−1, correlated with an increase in the expression of genes associated only with osteoblast bone cells. Both BPA exposures inhibited mineralization with less severe effects and modified bone homeostasis by regulating the expression of gene encoding osteoblasts and osteoclasts markers. Our results demonstrate that environmental E2 exposure inhibits larval growth and has an additional inhibitory effect on skeleton mineralization while both BPA exposures have marginal inhibitory effect on skeletal mineralization. All exposures have significant effects on transcriptional levels of genes involved in the skeletal development of seabass larvae.

Studies on Benefits of Organic Food Products in Human Life during Covid-19

Organic food products have gained considerable attention in recent years due to their perceived health and environmental benefits. This comprehensive review examines the scientific evidence surrounding the advantages of consuming organic foods compared to conventionally produced counterparts. Firstly, organic farming practices emphasize the use of natural fertilizers and biological pest control methods, avoiding synthetic pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Numerous studies have demonstrated that organic produce tends to have lower pesticide residues, reducing the potential health risks associated with pesticide exposure. Moreover, organic farming promotes soil health and biodiversity by minimizing the use of synthetic chemicals and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. Healthy soils are essential for nutrient-rich crops and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability. Additionally, organic agriculture typically utilizes crop rotation and intercropping techniques, which enhance soil fertility and resilience. Furthermore, organic livestock production adheres to stringent animal welfare standards, including access to outdoor grazing and the prohibition of routine antibiotic use and growth hormones. As a result, organic meat, dairy, and poultry products often contain higher levels of beneficial nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. In terms of nutritional quality, several meta-analyses have suggested that organic fruits and vegetables may have slightly higher levels of certain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to conventionally grown counterparts. While the differences may be modest, the cumulative effects of consuming organic foods over time could contribute to improved overall health outcomes. Beyond individual health benefits, supporting organic agriculture also has positive implications for environmental conservation and sustainable food systems. By minimizing chemical inputs and promoting biodiversity, organic farming helps mitigate soil erosion, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional agriculture.

Comparative Analysis of Vitamin, Mineral Content, and Antioxidant Capacity in Cereals and Legumes and Influence of Thermal Process.

Cereals, as the world's most consumed food, face challenges related to nutrient quality due to climate change and increased production impacting soil health. In this study, we investigated the vitamin and mineral content, polyphenols, and antioxidant activity in cereals from Western Romania, analyzing whole and hulled wheat, rye, oat, and soybeans before and after heat treatment. Samples from 2022 crops were processed into dough and subjected to 220 °C for 30 min. The results reveal that, despite efforts to optimize nutrient content, cereals, particularly after heat processing, exhibited lower vitamin and mineral levels than the recommended daily intake. The decrease in polyphenols and antioxidant capacity was notable, with rye flour experiencing the largest decline (15%). Mineral analysis showed copper levels in decorticated wheat decreased by 82.5%, while iron in rye decreased by 5.63%. Soy flour consistently displayed the highest calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels, whereas oat flour had the highest zinc and copper levels before and after heat processing. The study highlights the concerningly low vitamins and minerals contents in cereals, as well as in the final products reaching consumers in the Western part of Romania, and contributes to the assessment of measures that are meant to improve the contents of these minerals.

A Comparative Study of Vitamin D Level and Lactate Dehydrogenase Activity in Relation to Oxidative Stress in Women with Osteoporosis

Background: Osteoporosis (OP) is a silent disease that affects the microarchitecture of the skeleton bones, leading to a drop in mineral levels and an increase in fracture rates. This condition is more common in women than men, especially postmenopausal women, due to decreased production of estrogen, a hormone that regulates bone formation and bone resorption. Oxidative stress is a known factor in the development of OP, resulting from an imbalance in the production of oxidants and antioxidants. Hip and arm fractures are particularly common in women with OP. Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the activity of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and oxidative stress (OS) levels in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and varying levels of vitamin D, and to compare these groups based on the measured parameters. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted at the Baquba Teaching Hospital in Diyala, Iraq, from October 2022 to January 2023. The study involved 100 women whom were divided into two groups, 50 with normal vitamin D levels and 50 with abnormal vitamin D levels. The malondialdehyde (MDA) level was evaluated using the Satoh-modified approach. Results: According to the statistical analysis conducted with the SPSS program, there was a significant difference (P<0.001) in Vitamin D levels between the groups (OPn. D) and (OPab.D). Additionally, significant increases were observed in LDH activity (P<0.001) and MDA levels (P<0.05) for the group (OPab.D) in comparison to (OPn. D). Conclusion: The current study has indicated that women suffering from osteoporosis (OP) have higher levels of LDH and MDA. Additionally, there is an inverse correlation between vitamin D and these two variables; this correlation suggests that vitamin D may possess antioxidant properties that reduce the effects of oxidative stress (OS) in the body. Therefore, vitamin D may help in reducing LDH levels.

Associations of Serum Mineral levels of Copper, Magnesium and Calcium with Skeletal Muscle mass and Strength in Chinese children, aged 6-11: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Skeletal Muscle Mass (SMM) and strength are crucial for children's health, and low SMM can lead to adverse health outcomes. A deficiency of essential minerals can cause poor growth, fractures or osteoporosis. The study aimed to explore the relationship between serum Calcium (Ca), Copper (Cu), and Magnesium (Mg) levels and SMM in Chinese children. Methods: 466 primary school children were recruited for a cross-section study aged 6-11 in Guangzhou City, South of China, from December 2015 to February 2017. The study conducted whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans using the Hologic discovery W to obtain the Total skeletal mass (TSM) and appendicular skeletal mass (ASM) were calculated, which were used as parameters to calculate variables of Skeletal muscle mass (SMM). Results: Of the 466 primary school children, 266 were boys and 200 girls with mean ages of 8.00±1.00 years for boys and 8.08±0.97 years for girls. An increase in mean Cu serum concentration between the T1 and T3 in girls resulted in 3.19% (P- trend =0.034, P-diff =0.083), 3.57% (P- trend =0.037, P-diff=0.083), 2.44% (P- trend =0.018, P=diff=0.060) and 2.25% (P- trend =0.024, P-diff= 0.072) for ASM/Height, ASH/ Weight, TSM/ Height and TSM/ Weight respectively, No significant mean difference was observed between serum Cu and ASM, TSM, ASM/ AFM and TSM/TFM (P- trend >0.05). A significant mean difference in serum Mg levels and ASM/ AFM for the total and boys' group was observed, with 6.68% and 9.44% (P- trend =0.042 and 0.041) respectively. No significant mean differences were seen between all the variables of serum Ca levels and all the variables of skeletal muscle mass and strength. Conclusions: Serum copper levels influence the development of SMM in girls, but not in boys. Serum Ca and Mg level in girls and boys do not influence SMM development among children aged 6-11.

Pathology of "double scale" skin defect in farmed American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) and the possible association with hepatic fibrosis.

"Double scale" is a poorly characterized skin defect of crocodilians that drastically reduces the economic value of crocodilian skin. This study investigated the morphology and pathogenesis of double scale in a ranching farm of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis). We compared the histopathology of skin and selected organs (liver, lung, kidney, heart, spleen, intestine, and brain) of alligators with double scale against healthy control animals, together with serum and liver vitamin and mineral levels. Skin affected with double scale had statistically significant hyperkeratosis, epidermal atrophy, and increased basal cell degeneration compared with control alligators (P < .0001). Interestingly, all alligators with double scale had varying degrees of hepatic fibrosis. Feed analysis showed that alligators that had double scale and hepatic fibrosis had prolonged dietary exposure to high levels of vitamin A, iron, and copper. Serum analysis indicated that levels of zinc (p < .0001), copper (P < .05), and vitamin E (P < .002) were significantly lower in alligators with hepatic fibrosis and double scale compared with controls. Finally, immunohistochemical analysis of skin with double scale showed a marked reduction in immunolabeling with the zinc-binding protein metallothionein. These results suggest that zinc deficiency, in combination with other micronutrient anomalies, may play a role in the pathogenesis of double scale in alligators with liver fibrosis.

Analyzing the Mycoflora Associated with the Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) Seeds under Various Storage Circumstances

Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) is a popular pulse consumed throughout the world. It has a balanced nutritional profile containing considerable levels of bioactive compounds, proteins, dietary fiber, minerals and vitamins. As a result, it becomes important to produce and store it. The primary goal of this study is to determine the losses caused by seed storage and to select appropriate alternatives that will minimize those losses. To determine the optimal solution through this investigation, a variety of containers have been employed to preserve seeds against mycoflora. This study looked at the test weight of the seeds, their ability to germinate, and the fungus that was present. The major finding of this investigation under various storage conditions (using ten containers for storage) the percentage of 1000 seed weight was maximum in gunny bags (10.76%) while the lowest weight was gained in glass pots (5.25%). The germination percentage of seed under different storage conditions revealed that maximum was observed in Glass pot (94.69%) over 120 days while, minimum of gunny bag (91.31%) and the germination percentage gradually decreased from 30 DAS to 120 DAS. A. flavus, A. niger, Rhizopus spp., Penicillium spp. under storage condition increased from 30 DAS to 120 DAS while Alternaria spp., Macrophomina spp., Fusarium spp. and Trichoderma spp. gradually decreased under different periods of the interval of storage.

Assessment of the nutritional content of cowpea seed exposed to plant-derived (azadirachtin, myristicin and α-humulene) insecticides against Callosobruchusmaculatus

The utilization of synthetic insecticides for safeguarding cowpea seed against C. maculatus infestation, while effective, faces substantial opposition due to safety apprehensions. The detrimental impact of Callosobruchus maculatus infiltration on cowpea seed quality serves as an indicator that could be utilized to assess the effectiveness and reliability of newly developed eco-friendly botanical insecticides. This study aimed to analyse the nutritional composition of cowpea seed treated with specific botanical insecticides namely, azadirachtin, myristicin, and α-humulene-based insecticides against C. maculatus. Concentrations (0.0061 μg/mL, 0.0122 μg/mL, and 0.0244 μg/mL) of azadirachtin, myristicin, and α-humulene-based insecticides respectively exhibited sustained effectiveness against C. maculatus. Notably, the protein, ash, lipid, and fibre content of the infested untreated cowpea seed were significantly (P < 0.06) lower than those of the treated infested cowpea seed. Conversely, the carbohydrate and moisture content of the untreated infested cowpea seed were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those found in the treated infested cowpea seed. When examining the mineral content, cowpea seed treated with botanical insecticides displayed significantly (P < 0.05) higher mineral levels compared to the untreated uninfested cowpea seed, yet significantly (P < 0.05) lower mineral levels in comparison to the untreated infested cowpea seed. The outcomes of this investigation suggest that the aforementioned botanical insecticides hold promise as viable alternatives to the synthetic options in post-harvest cowpea bruchid management.

Effects of Feeding Recycled Food Waste-Based Diets on Gut Health, Nutrient Digestibility, and Bone Quality in Laying Hens

This study explored feeding recycled food waste-based diets for gut health, nutrient digestibility, bone morphology, and bone mineral level in laying hens. Hy-Line Brown laying hens (n = 150) were randomly allocated to three experimental treatments consisting of a commercial control diet, a recycled food waste-based diet, and a 50:50 blend of the control and food waste-based diets, with 50 replicates of a single bird per cage per treatment from 24 to 63 weeks of age. Egg production was recorded daily and feed intake was measured weekly. The gut pH, jejunal and ileal morphology, nutrient digestibility, bone morphology, and mineral composition were measured at 63 weeks of age. Hens on the food waste-based treatment had similar egg production but lower feed conversion ratio (FCR, 1.948 vs. 2.172 kg feed/kg egg, p &lt; 0.001) and higher ileal pH (p &lt; 0.001) and bone ash content (p &lt; 0.001) compared to birds on the control treatment. Moreover, hens fed the food waste-based diets had higher ileal digestible energy (p &lt; 0.001); ileal energy digestibility (p &lt; 0.01); tibia S, Fe, Mn, and Zn levels (p &lt; 0.05); and Mg, K, S, Mn, and Mo digestibility (p &lt; 0.05) compared to hens fed the control diets. Hens offered the 50:50 blend diets had higher tibia P, Mg, and Mo levels (p &lt; 0.05) and higher Ca digestibility (p &lt; 0.05) compared to those fed the control diets. Thus, feeding recycled food waste-based diets is effective to improve laying performance, nutrient digestibility, and bone mineralization in laying hens.

Linkages of soil and microbial stoichiometry to crop nitrogen use efficiency: Evidence from a long-term nitrogen addition experiment

Increasing crop nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) has important implications for food security and agricultural sustainability. Changes in nutrient availability due to stoichiometric imbalances in soil under long-term application of nitrogen (N) can limit crop NUE and yield. However, little is known about the linkages across stoichiometric balance, N fertilizer application, and N uptake. We investigated the changes in soil stoichiometry, microbial community, and crop NUE relative to N fertilizer application in a 16-year field experiment in which five levels (0, 70, 140, 210 and 280 kg N ha−1) of mineral N fertilizer treatment were applied to wheat and maize cropland. The results showed that the P storage decreased from 4.3 Mg P ha–1 under the fertilizer dose of 0 kg N ha−1 to 3.5 Mg P ha–1 under the fertilizer dose of 280 kg N ha−1. Thus, long-term N application increased soil C/P and N/P ratios, in a marked decrease in the content of soil available P. The microbial community based on phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) increased with increasing N addition rates, from 0 to 140 kg N ha−1, but significantly decreased at application rates above 210 kg N ha−1. Thus, applying N at a rate of 140 kg ha−1 resulted in the N threshold rate for microorganism survival being reached or exceeded. The crop NUE peak occurred at the urea application rate of 140 kg N ha−1 (60.4 %), after which NUE declined. The soil elementary and enzymatic stoichiometric ratios under long-term N addition directly affected crop NUE in the topsoil. Soil elementary stoichiometric ratios affected crop NUE by indirectly altering microbial biomass of the subsoil. Overall, soil stoichiometric imbalances under long-term N addition were the key factors driving NUE across N gradients.

Nitrogen addition enhances nitrogen but not carbon mineralization in aggregate size fractions of soils in a Pinus massonia plantation

IntroductionAtmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition can impact the levels of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (total N) by altering the soil N availability. However, the effect of N input on the mineralization of SOC and total N in various soil aggregate size fractions requires further clarification.MethodsThe soil samples were collected from a Pinus massoniana plantation situated in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area of China. Over a period of three years, the soils from the plantation were subjected to four different levels of nitrogen addition (0 [N0], 30 [N30], 60 [N60], and 90 [N90] kg N ha−1 yr−1). The impact of N addition on the mineralization of SOC and total N in aggregates was evaluated through an incubation experiment, encompassing four aggregate sizes (2000 − 8000, 1000 − 2000, 250 − 1000, and &amp;lt; 250 μm).ResultsThe &amp;lt; 250 μm fraction showed the highest levels of cumulative C mineralization, while the lowest levels were observed in the 2000 − 8000 μm fraction. Compared to the &amp;lt; 250 um fraction, a drop of 9 − 21% in cumulative C mineralization was observed in the 2000 − 8000 μm fraction, indicating that soil aggregates enhance the stability of C in the soil. Cumulative N mineralization levels were consistently at their lowest in the 2000 − 8000 μm fraction, indicating aggregates reducing mineralization-related N loss. Adding N to forest soil samples led to a reduction in cumulative C mineralization. In contrast, an opposite trend was observed in the cumulative N mineralization after adding N in microaggregates. Nitrification was the main contributor to net N mineralization. SOC and total levels increased in response to N30 and N60. N addition leads to an increase in the weight ratio of the 1000 − 2000 μm fraction. Moreover, N90 was linked to decreases in microbial biomass C and N.DiscussionThese findings confirm that the structural characteristics of soil aggregates play a crucial role in sequestering organic carbon and total N sequestration in the presence of N deposition, while highlighting N loss from the soil caused by N input.

Assessment of trace element and mineral levels in students from Turkmenistan in comparison to Iran and Russia

The objectiveOf the present study was to assess essential trace element and mineral levels in serum, hair, and urine of healthy first-year students from Turkmenistan (n = 73) in comparison to students from Iran (n = 78) or Russia (n = 95). Materials and methodsExamination of foreign students was performed within two days after arrival to Russia during medical examination prior admission to RUDN University. Serum, hair, and urine trace element and mineral levels were assessed with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). ResultsThe data demonstrate that the levels of trace elements and minerals in students from Turkmenistan share high similarity to elemental profiles of students from Iran. In comparison to students from Russia, subjects originating from Iran and Turkmenistan are characterized by lower serum cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), vanadium (V), zinc (Zn) levels, higher urinary Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, V, and Zn, lower urinary Co and hair Mo, Se, and Zn content. Concomitantly, students from Turkmenistan were characterized by lower urinary Cr and Cu, serum Cu and V levels, higher circulating Zn concentration, as well as the lower hair Cr, Cu, iodine (I) and magnesium (Mg) content in comparison to Iranian subjects. The discriminant analysis demonstrated that hair, serum, and urinary trace element and mineral levels contributed to complete discrimination between the groups of students from different countries. ConclusionsThe high similarity of trace element and mineral status of students from Turkmenistan and Iran is expected to be mediated by similar geochemical conditions in the bordering countries.

Association between the Composition of Drinking Water and Cognitive Function in the Elderly: A Systematic Review.

The prevalence of dementia increases with nearly 10 million new cases each year, with Alzheimer's disease contributing to 60-70% of cases. Environmental factors such as drinking water have been evaluated to determine if a relationship exists between trace elements in drinking water and the risk of developing cognitive disorders in the elderly. The purpose of the current systematic review was to evaluate an association between the composition of drinking water and cognitive function in the elderly. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a literature search was conducted using PubMed and CINAHL databases. A total of 10 studies were included in the current systematic review. Aluminum is the most commonly evaluated trace element in studies (n = 8), followed by silica (n = 5), calcium (n = 4), and fluoride (n = 4). Aluminum exposure showed an increased risk of cognitive decline in four studies, with no association reported in the other studies. Higher silica and pH levels were shown to be protective against a decline in cognitive function. A similar protective effect of calcium was found in two studies. Future research should measure multiple trace mineral levels in all water sources to evaluate the impact on cognitive function.

Effect of transporting Oreochromis niloticus in water with and without sodium chloride on skin morphology and some immunity-related genes expression.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of salt addition on the skin gene expression of Mucin, Antimicrobial peptides, cortisol, and glucose in Oreochromis niloticus after 5-hour transportation in water. Three groups were compared: Control, post-transport without salt (PT-S), and post-transport with 5g salt-1(PT + S), with a stocking density of 28.6 gL-1, 20 fish for each experimental group. The results showed that the PT-S group had more significant changes in gene expression than the PT + S group, suggesting that salt alleviated the stress and immune responses of O. niloticus. The PT-S group had higher expression of mucin- 2(MUC + 2) (7.58 folds) and mucin-5AC (MUC5-AC) (6.29 folds) than the PT + S group (3.30 folds and 4.16 folds, respectively). The PT-S group also had lower expression of β-defensin-1 (Dβ1) (0.42 folds), β-defensin-2 (Dβ2) (0.29 folds), and Cath1 (0.16 folds) than the PT + S group (0.82 folds, 0.69 folds, and 0.75 folds, respectively). The skin morphology of the PT-S group revealed some white patches with no goblet cell openings, while the PT + S group had better preservation of skin features with some goblet cell openings and slight white patches. This study indicates that O. niloticus can benefit from sodium chloride during transportation, as it helps to reduce stress and inflammation, balance mineral levels, enhance health and immunity, and regulate mucous secretion.

Factors аffecting mineralization of groundwater in deep oil and gas bearing horizons in the western part of the West Siberian megabasin

The purpose of this study was to identify the causes of the observed hydrogeochemical situation and the factors contributing to its formation within the Middle Jurassic hydrogeological complex in the western part of the West Siberian megabasin, using the Talinskoye oil field as an example. The research primarily involved constructing dependencies between mineralization (y) and various factors including porosity, reservoir pressure, modern and paleotemperature of the foundation, and depth of the foundation (x). The study evaluated the degree of connection between each parameter and mineralisation. The results showed that the initial hydrochemical state in the area is heterogeneous, with significant variations in mineralisation levels within a single reservoir. The closest dependencies have been revealed between mineralization and porosity of reservoir rocks (an inverse dependence), mineralization and reservoir pressure (a direct dependence). The practical significance of the study is justified by the need to understand the nature of the formation of the hydrogeochemical environment in order to preserve it, control changes, as well as solve issues related to the forecasting, preservation, and destruction of oil deposits.