Mineral Content Research Articles

Production of low-CO2 ternary binder using red sandstone, cement, and granulated blast furnace slag: A comprehensive performance analysis

Red sandstone is rich in reserves, and using it as a mineral admixture to partially replace cement can save cement consumption and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This study uses spectral characterization, electron microscopy image analysis, mechanical property testing and other methods to study the fluidity, compressive strength, heat of hydration, carbonation degree, microstructure and thermal damage of composite cement-based materials containing red sandstone and slag. The experiment results showed that in ternary mixed cement, the composite cement mixed with 5% slag and 10% red sandstone shows similar flow properties to cement paste. Moreover, as the mineral content (red sandstone and slag) increases, the dissolution peak of the Al phase appears earlier, and the degree of carbonation increases. Furthermore, the CO2 emissions per unit strength gradually decrease. After 28 days of curing, thermal damage experiments demonstrated that the strength of the sample increases by more than 3.6% when the mineral content is greater than 15% at 200℃. Samples were subjected to 600 °C and 900 °C, and the strength of the red sandstone sample with a content of 15% decreased significantly. Moreover, as the temperature increases to (600 °C and 900 °C), the lattice of CnS becomes more and more ordered.

Soil Nitrogen Fertility Influences the Growth and Yield of American Elderberry but Is Less Impactful than Genotype and Environment on Other Horticultural Characteristics

A long-term horticultural experiment was conducted at two geographically distinct sites in southern Missouri in 2011–15 to study the response of American elderberry [Sambucus nigra (L.) subsp. canadensis (L.) Bolli] to various soil nitrogen (N) fertilizer levels. Three commercially available elderberry cultivars (‘Adams II’, ‘Bob Gordon’, and ‘Wyldewood’) were used. The three cultivars were each assigned to 16 of 48 four-plant plots in a completely randomized manner at each site. Four replications of four N fertilizer treatments (0, 56, 112, 169 kg⋅ha−1 N) were randomly assigned to each cultivar’s plots and applied for 4 years (2012–15). Fruit yields, plant growth, phenology, and pest incidence were determined each year. Fruit quality was assessed by analyzing basic juice characteristics as well as organic acids, carbohydrates, anthocyanins, and polyphenols from 2012–14 samples. Leaf tissue analysis determined the plants’ mineral contents in 2012–14. Most factors evaluated were significantly affected by site, year, and cultivar, whereas the effects of N fertilizer treatment were less definitive. Fruit yields and plant growth increased with increasing N levels. For example, plants fertilized with 0, 56, 112, and 169 kg⋅ha−1 N produced 123, 137, 155, and 161 fruiting cymes per plot (5.8 m2), respectively. The eriophyid mite incidence was higher on fertilized plants, but other pests were not influenced by the N treatment. Basic fruit juice characteristics (soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, polyphenols) were not influenced by the N treatment, whereas total anthocyanins were statistically higher in unfertilized plants. Levels of organic acids and carbohydrates in juice varied statistically among N treatments, but patterns were difficult to discern. Leaf N concentrations were correlated with N fertilizer levels—2.75% N with the highest fertilizer level compared with 2.55% N in unfertilized plants. Leaf levels of most other macronutrients varied, but consistent patterns did not emerge, and none of the micronutrients was different among N treatments. Although elderberry plants responded positively to increased N fertilizer levels in terms of plant growth and fruit yield, genetics (cultivar) and environment (site, year) were more influential on most other experimental factors evaluated.

Minerals and dietary fibre source snack made from Moringa leaves enriched with ginger

The findings from the 2021 Indonesian Nutritional Status Study reveal a substantial 24.4% prevalence of child stunting, emphasizing the need for diverse strategies to achieve the desired target. One such strategy involves ensuring the nutritional well-being of expectant mothers to prevent stunting. Moringa leaves are a rich source of essential nutrients. Incorporating Moringa leaf powder into catfish flour-based snacks can boost their protein and mineral content while overcoming any undesirable odors, though this application is currently limited to crackers. This study aimed to create snack products using Moringa leaves, such as tea, brownies, and pudding, with the addition of ginger to enhance dietary fiber and mineral content for pregnant women. The top formulations identified through sensory assessment are F1 tea, F1 brownies, and F2 pudding. These specific tea, brownies, and pudding variations boast dietary fiber content exceeding 3 grams and meet or exceed 15% of the recommended daily intake levels for iron and zinc for pregnant women, as stipulated by the nutrition label reference. As a result, they can be classified as wholesome snacks rich in dietary fiber, iron, and zinc.

Assessment of the nutritional quality of weaning food prepared from fermented blends of sorghum (Ogi) and soybean

This study investigated the nutritional quality of weaning food prepared from fermented blends of sorghum (ogi) and soybean. The raw samples were processed into flour and were mixed in ratio of 60:40 and 70:30 respectively. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from fermented ogi and were accessed for their technological properties. The pH and total titratable acidity of the ogi was accessed, proximate composition and shelf-life of the weaning blends were determined by standard methods. A total of 10 LAB isolates were obtained, characterized and identified as L. plantarum (50%), L. fermentum (30%), L. delbrueckii (10%), and L. brevi (10%). Lactic acid, diacetyl and hydrogen peroxide produced by the LAB isolates ranged from 1.203 ± 0.006 - 3.410 ± 0.010, 1.21 ± 0.02 - 3.63 ± 0.05 and 0.650 ± 0.060 - 1.910 ± 0.040 (mg/mL) respectively. The fermentation of the ogi resulted in pH reduction from 4.5 ± 0.01- 2.40 ± 0.01 and increased titratable acidity 12.49 ± 0.01 - 23.00±0.01 g/L. The 60:40 weaning blend of sorghum ogi flour and soybean improved protein, ash, crude fiber, moisture, fat, vitamin A, ascorbic acid, riboflavin, and beta carotene content compared to a 70:30 blend. The blend also showed improvements in mineral content, with a significantly higher overall nutritional value compared to the 70:30 blend. Coliforms were not observed during the shelf-life monitoring. This study concluded that these blends meet daily nutritional requirements, provide health benefits, and meet recommended standards for weaning.

Study on Sensitivity Mechanism of Low-Permeability Sandstone Reservoir in Huilu Area of Pearl River Mouth Basin

Reservoir sensitivity is a parameter that is used to evaluate the degree of change in reservoir permeability under the influence of external fluids. Accurate evaluation of reservoir sensitivity is conducive to the optimization of fluid parameters during exploration and development. Taking the Wenchang Formation and Enping Formation of the Paleogene in the Huilu area of the Pearl River Mouth Basin as the research object, reservoir sensitivity experiments were carried out. Combined with the corresponding experimental results obtained using methods such as thin section identification, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and screening analysis, based on mineral sensitization and pore structure sensitization, qualitative and quantitative evaluations of reservoir sensitivity were carried out, and factors affecting sensitivity and sensitization mechanisms were analyzed. This work shows the following: (1) The sandstone reservoirs in the two areas have the same clay type, but the total clay content of the Wenchang Formation is greater than that of the Enping Formation. The porosity of the Wenchang Formation is less developed than the Enping Formation. (2) The Wenchang Formation has weak or moderately weak water sensitivity and moderately weak or moderately strong flow velocity sensitivity. The water sensitivity of the Enping Group samples is moderately weak or moderately strong, the flow rate sensitivity is moderately weak, the alkali sensitivity is weak, the acid sensitivity is moderately weak, and the salinity sensitivity is moderately weak or moderately strong. (3) The sensitivity of the Wenchang Formation is mainly affected by the content of clay minerals. The sensitivity of the Enping Formation is also affected by the clay content and type. Although the clay content is not high, the permeability is more susceptible to sensitivity due to the pore structure and debris particle distribution characteristics. These conclusions are beneficial for the selection of fluid parameters and efficient reservoir development.

Gelatinization and fermentation synergy: investigating the protein digestibility, mineral bioaccessibility and microstructural transformations of black mash beans through Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus spp

ABSTRACT This study explored the nutritional qualities of black mash bean flour impacted by fermentation, gelatinization and their combination. Protease activity, in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD), and protein solubility were evaluated for both fermented and unfermented black mash bean flour samples. Interestingly, when compared to fermented samples and gelatinized mash bean flour (GMBF), raw mash bean flour (RMBF) showed the highest protein solubility. Due to enzymatic activity and protein hydrolysis, fermentation with Lactobacillus E14 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae MK-157 enhanced protein solubility. Prolonged fermentation timeframes were positively correlated with protease activity and IVPD, suggesting the degradation of complex proteins. The highest levels of IVPD (90.12%) and protease activity (5546.78 U/g) were detected in GMBF fermented by S. cerevisiae MK-157, indicating the impact of fermentation on protein breakdown. The Lactobacillus E14-fermented RMBF exhibited 5521.45 U/g of protease activity and 87.54% IVPD. The mineral content of the fermented samples was substantially greater than that of the unfermented GMBF. The increased calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, and copper levels for the GMBF fermented by S. cerevisiae MK-157 indicated that fermentation facilitated the release of minerals from chelated compounds. Microscopic examination revealed higher protein quantities in the fermented flour as well as hydrolyzed and broken starch granules embedded in the protein matrix. Large mash bean proteins were shown to be proteolyzed during fermentation into smaller peptides by SDS PAGE. Storage proteins were extensively broken down during fermentation with S. cerevisiae MK-157, whereas Lactobacillus E14 displayed a more focused pattern of hydrolysis. The nutritional profile of black mash bean flour was improved by fermentation with Lactobacillus E14 and S. cerevisiae MK-157.

Bio-stimulating effect of endophytic Aspergillus flavus AUMC 16068 and its respective ex-polysaccharides in lead stress tolerance of Triticum aestivum plant

Heavy metal accumulation is one of the major agronomic challenges that has seriously threatened food safety. As a result, metal-induced phytotoxicity concerns require quick and urgent action to retain and maintain the physiological activities of microorganisms, the nitrogen pool of soils, and the continuous yields of wheat in a constantly worsening environment. The current study was conducted to evaluate the plant growth-promoting endophytic Aspergillus flavus AUMC 16,068 and its EPS for improvement of plant growth, phytoremediation capacity, and physiological consequences on wheat plants (Triticum aestivum) under lead stress. After 60 days of planting, the heading stage of wheat plants, data on growth metrics, physiological properties, minerals content, and lead content in wheat root, shoot, and grains were recorded. Results evoked that lead pollution reduced wheat plants’ physiological traits as well as growth at all lead stress concentrations; however, inoculation with lead tolerant endophytic A. flavus AUMC 16,068 and its respective EPS alleviated the detrimental impact of lead on the plants and promoted the growth and physiological characteristics of wheat in lead-contaminated conditions and also lowering oxidative stress through decreasing (CAT, POD, and MDA), in contrast to plants growing in the un-inoculated lead polluted dealings. In conclusion, endophytic A. flavus AUMC 16,068 spores and its EPS are regarded as eco-friendly, safe, and powerful inducers of wheat plants versus contamination with heavy metals, with a view of protecting plant, soil, and human health.

Geochemical implications of uranium-bearing thucholite aggregates in the Upper Permian Kupferschiefer shale, Lubin district, Poland

AbstractNew inorganic and organic geochemical data from thucholite in the Upper Permian (Wuchiapingian) Kupferschiefer (T1) shale collected at the Polkowice-Sieroszowice Cu-Ag mine in Poland are presented. Thucholite, which forms spherical or granular clusters, appears scattered in the T1 dolomitic shale at the oxic-anoxic boundary occurring within the same shale member. The composition of thucholite concretions and the T1 shale differs by a higher content of U- and REE-enriched mineral phases within the thucholite concretions compared to the T1 shale, suggesting a different mineralising history. The differences also comprise higher Ntot, Ctot, Htot, Stot contents and higher C/N, C/S ratios in thucholite than in the T1 shale. The hydrocarbon composition of the thucholite and the surrounding T1 shale also varies. Both are dominated by polycyclic aromatic compounds and their phenyl derivatives. However, higher abundances of unsubstituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the thucholite are indicative of its pyrogenic origin. Pyrolytic compounds such as benz[a]anthracene or benzo[a]pyrene are more typical of the thucholite than the T1 shale. Microscopic observations of the thucholite and its molecular composition suggest that it represents well-rounded small charcoal fragments. These charcoals were formed during low-temperature combustion, as confirmed by semifusinite reflectance values, indicating surface fire temperatures of about 400 °C, and the absence of the high-temperature pyrogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Charred detrital particles, likely the main source of insoluble organic matter in the thucholite, migrated to the sedimentary basin in the form of spherical carbonaceous particulates, which adsorbed uranium and REE in particular, which would further explain their different contents and sorption properties in the depositional environment. Finally, the difference in mineral content between thucholite and the T1 shale could also have been caused by microbes, which might have formed biofilms on mineral particles, and caused a change in the original mineral composition.

Influence of Harvesting Stages on Phytonutrients and Antioxidant Properties of Leaves of Five Purple-Fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) Genotypes

Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are highly profitable, contribute to food security, and their leaves contain phytonutrients. This study examined the optimal leaf harvesting stage by harvesting newly formed leaves (leaves 1 to 5) to achieve the highest concentration of carotenoids, phenolic compounds, antioxidant properties and mineral content. Leaves of five purple-fleshed sweet potato genotypes ‘2019-11-2’ and ‘2019-1-1’, ‘Purple-purple’, and from the USA ‘08-21P’ and ‘16-283P’ were harvested based on tuber life cycle [vegetative 8 weeks after planting (VS-8WAP), tuber initiation (TIS-12WAP), and tuber maturation phases (TMS-16WAP)]. At the 8WAP stage, leaves of genotype ‘2019-11-2’ had the highest concentrations of cyanidin-caffeoyl-sophoroside-glucoside (17.64 mg/kg), cyanidin-caffeoyl-feruloyl-sophoroside-glucoside (41.51 mg/kg), peonidin-caffeoyl-hydroxybenzoyl-sophoriside-glucoside (45.25 mg/kg), and peonidin caffeoyl-feruloyl-sophoriside-glucoside (24.47 mg/kg), as well as antioxidant scavenging activity. In contrast, ‘Purple-purple’ harvested at TIS-12WAP showed the highest concentration of caffeoylquinic acid derivatives. Zeaxanthin, lutein, all trans-β-carotene, and cis-β-carotene are the most abundant carotenoids in genotype ‘08-21P’ at VS-8WAP. As a result, local genotypes ‘2019-11-2’ harvested at 8WAP and ‘Purple-purple’ harvested at 12WAP are potential sources of anthocyanins and caffeoylquinic acid derivatives. Conversely, USA’s genotype ‘08-21P’ at the VS-8WAP stage is an excellent source of carotenoids. The leaves of USA’s ‘08-21P’ genotype and the local ‘2019-11-2’ genotype at TMS-16WAP exhibited the highest content of Fe and Mn, respectively. The study identified the optimal leaf stage for consumption of leaves and for use as a functional ingredient.

Porosity Characteristics of Coal Seams and the Control Mechanisms of Coal Petrology in the Xishanyao Formation in the Western Part of the Southern Junggar Basin

The porosity characteristics of coal seams serve as a pivotal factor in assessing the development potential of coalbed methane (CBM) resources, significantly influencing the adsorption and permeability capabilities of coal reservoirs, as well as the accumulation, entrapment, and preservation of CBM. In this study, we focused on the coal seams of the Xishanyao Formation in the western part of the southern Junggar Basin (NW China). By leveraging the complementarity of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), low-temperature liquid nitrogen experiments, and high-pressure mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) in spatial exploration range and precision, we conducted a comprehensive analysis to achieve a fine description of porosity characteristics. Furthermore, we explored the coal petrology factors controlling the pore characteristics of the Xishanyao Formation, aiming to provide geological evidence for the selection of favorable areas and the development potential evaluation of CBM in the study area. The results indicate the following: (1) The total pore volume of the coal samples is 6.318 × 10−3 cm3/g on average, and the micropore volume accounts for a relatively high proportion (averaging 44.17%), followed by the fine pores (averaging 39.41%). The average porosity is approximately 3.87%, indicating good gas storage and connectivity of the coal seams, albeit with some heterogeneity. The coal reservoir is dominated by micropores and fine pores with diameters less than 100 nm, and the pore structure is characterized by low pore volume and high pore area. (2) The pore structure is influenced by both the coalification degree and the coal maceral. Within the range of low coalification, porosity increases with the increase in coalification degree. Building upon this, an increase in the vitrinite content promotes the development of micropores and fine pores, while an increase in the inertinite content promotes the development of meso–macropores. The clay mineral content exhibits a negative correlation with the adsorption pore volume ratio and a positive correlation with the seepage pore volume ratio.

Effect of heating and germination on bioactive properties, phenolic compounds, fatty acid and mineral contents of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) seeds

SummaryIn this study, the effect of roasting, boiling and germination processes on bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, fatty acid and phenolic profiles and biogenic elements of quinoa seed and oils was assigned. The moisture amounts of boiled and germinated quinoa seeds were recorded to be significantly higher than the control. Also, the oil yield of quinoa seeds decreased compared with the control by roasting, boiling and germinating. The total phenolic and flavonoid quantities of quinoa seeds were assigned to be between 137.70 (germinated) and 315.00 (boiled) to 156.62 (boiled) and 402.38 mg/100 g (control), respectively. Antioxidant capacities of processed quinoa seeds were reported to be between 11.91 (germinated) and 14.43 mmol kg−1 (roasted). The highest total flavonoid and antioxidant capacities were recorded in the control group and roasted quinoa seeds. The highest decrease in total phenol amount of quinoa seeds was detected in germinated quinoa. Gallic acid and catechin values of quinoa seeds varied to be between 29.17 (boiled) and 38.00 mg/100 g (control) to 2.72 (germinated) and 137.26 mg/100 g (control), respectively. The rutin, ferulic acid and p‐coumaric acid contents of the processed (roasted, boiled and germinated) quinoa seeds gradually increased compared with the control. The highest palmitic, oleic, behenic and arachidonic acids were recorded in germinated quinoa oil, followed by the fatty acids of boiled, raw (control) and roasted quinoa seed oils in descending order. P and K amounts of quinoa were established to be between 2203.44 (roasted) and 3314.59 (control) to 4350.60 (boiled) and 6266.85 mg kg−1 (control), respectively.

Recognition Algorithm of AE Signal of Rock Fracture Based on Multiscale 1DCNN-BLSTM

Acoustic emission (AE) signals produced by different types of rocks have different characteristics of information. Determining the brittle mineral content of rock according to the acoustic emission characteristics of rock is helpful to understand the mechanical behavior of rock in field monitoring. This article constructs a deep learning algorithm model to identify acoustic emission signals released from rock fractures with different brittle mineral contents. In response to the interference characteristics of acoustic emission signal data, a multiscale one-dimensional convolutional neural network embedded with efficient channel attention (ECA) module was incorporated into the model, and multiscale convolutional kernels were used to extract features of different levels of precision. In the latter half of the model, the BLSTM network was incorporated to extract time series-related features, local spatial uncorrelated features, and weak periodic pattern features from the acoustic emission signal data. To solve the problem that the recognition accuracy of minority samples decreases, this study replaces ReLU activation function with SELU. The results show that the multiscale 1DCNN-BLSTM model embedded in ECA module has a good antinoise performance, and the recognition accuracy can reach over 90%. The discovery of this work provides a new idea for exploring the mechanism of rock mass instability.

Nutritional quality of kabuli and desi chickpea in Argentina: Effects of environment

AbstractThe environment to which a crop is exposed during the growing season has a significant impact on seed composition. The objectives of this study were to (1) estimate the contribution of genotype (G), environment (E), and their interaction (G × E) to the agronomic features and seed quality of chickpea and (2) identify climatic variables that significantly affect chickpea nutritional composition. A total of 10 pre‐commercial and commercial cultivars of Cicer arietinum L. were evaluated in 15 environments in Argentina. Average plant height ranged between 44.7 and 55.2 cm, 100‐seed weight was 38 and 27 g, and grain yield was 750 and 1500 kg ha−1 for kabuli and desi chickpea, respectively. The results obtained from the variance component analysis showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) contributions of the effects of G, E, and G × E interaction on the nutritional quality of chickpea seeds. Protein, carbohydrates, and mineral content were mostly affected by E, whereas oil content was G‐dependent. Only tocopherols were affected by G × E interaction. The total phenotypic variance is mostly composed of environmental effects captured during the seed filling period. High mean daily air temperature had a negative effect on carbohydrates and increased protein and mineral content. The fatty acid profile and gamma tocopherol contents were affected by accumulated precipitation and evapotranspiration. Air humidity was negatively correlated with protein content and iodine value. Results from this research are useful for breeders to broaden the genetic background of chickpea genotypes and for farmers to identify climatic conditions that impact grain quality.

Natural genetic variation underlying the negative effect of elevated CO2 on ionome composition in Arabidopsis thaliana.

The elevation of atmospheric CO2 leads to a decline in plant mineral content, which might pose a significant threat to food security in coming decades. Although few genes have been identified for the negative effect of elevated CO2 on plant mineral composition, several studies suggest the existence of genetic factors. Here, we performed a large-scale study to explore genetic diversity of plant ionome responses to elevated CO2, using six hundred Arabidopsis thaliana accessions, representing geographical distributions ranging from worldwide to regional and local environments. We show that growth under elevated CO2 leads to a global decrease of ionome content, whatever the geographic distribution of the population. We observed a high range of genetic diversity, ranging from the most negative effect to resilience or even to a benefit in response to elevated CO2. Using genome-wide association mapping, we identified a large set of genes associated with this response, and we demonstrated that the function of one of these genes is involved in the negative effect of elevated CO2 on plant mineral composition. This resource will contribute to understand the mechanisms underlying the effect of elevated CO2 on plant mineral nutrition, and could help towards the development of crops adapted to a high-CO2 world.

Natural genetic variation underlying the negative effect of elevated CO2 on ionome composition in Arabidopsis thaliana

The elevation of atmospheric CO2 leads to a decline in plant mineral content, which might pose a significant threat to food security in coming decades. Although few genes have been identified for the negative effect of elevated CO2 on plant mineral composition, several studies suggest the existence of genetic factors. Here, we performed a large-scale study to explore genetic diversity of plant ionome responses to elevated CO2, using six hundred Arabidopsis thaliana accessions, representing geographical distributions ranging from worldwide to regional and local environments. We show that growth under elevated CO2 leads to a global decrease of ionome content, whatever the geographic distribution of the population. We observed a high range of genetic diversity, ranging from the most negative effect to resilience or even to a benefit in response to elevated CO2. Using genome-wide association mapping, we identified a large set of genes associated with this response, and we demonstrated that the function of one of these genes is involved in the negative effect of elevated CO2 on plant mineral composition. This resource will contribute to understand the mechanisms underlying the effect of elevated CO2 on plant mineral nutrition, and could help towards the development of crops adapted to a high-CO2 world.

Physicochemical, functional, and antinutritional properties of fermented Bambara groundnut and sorghum flours at different times

This study investigated the effect of fermentation at different times (24 and 48 h) on the proximate composition, physicochemical, antinutritional, and functional properties of fermented Bambara groundnut and sorghum flours. The results showed that fermentation improved the crude protein and crude fibre of the flours, with a decrease in crude fat and ash content. An increase in the mineral contents (potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and iron), water absorption capacity, and foam stability were also observed. The oil absorption capacity of the fermented flour samples decreased after 24 h of fermentation, with an increase thereafter. A decrease in foam, emulsification capacity, and antinutritional factors were observed. The redness and yellowness values increased with an increase in fermentation time, while the lightness and total change in colour decreased. In conclusion, this study shows that fermented Bambara groundnut and sorghum flours could be useful ingredients or serve as an alternative for commercial and industrial purposes. Subsequent use of fermented Bambara groundnut and sorghum flours may also help mitigate nutritional issues, particularly in developing nations.

Nutritional composition and anti-nutritional properties of wild edible fruits of northeast India

Forageable fruits are an untapped wealth of nutrients and minerals, and huge numbers are found in the vast wilderness of northeast India, including the hilly state of Mizoram. However, their nutritional properties still need to be explored. Hence, the present study was carried to assess the nutritional and anti-nutritional aspects along with the mineral contents of seven selected wild edible fruits, viz. jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri), false mangosteen (Garcinia xanthocymus), mulberry (Morus nigra), thereju (Prunus jenkinsiii), wild raspberry (Rubus treutleri) and wild ber (Zizyphus mauritiana) to uncover their immense nutritional values, which could solidify their promising potential for an alternate source of nutrition and increase their economic importance. The research demonstrates that Garcinia xanthocymus contains significant amount of total sugars, reducing sugars, and vitamin E. Artocarpus heterophyllus exhibited higher levels of non-reducing sugar, total soluble solids, chlorophyll, carbohydrate and starch. Citrus jambhiri is rich in moisture, vitamin C, acidity, N, and P. Prunus jenkinsii has high anthocyanin, total carotenoid, K and Mn. Rubus treutleri is a rich source of crude fibre, Mg, Na, Co, Cu, and Fe. Ziziphus mauritiana has higher protein. The Morus nigra has higher fat, energy, Ca, and Zn. These findings suggest that all examined wild edible fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, which makes them vital in combating malnutrition and highlights their potential for use in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors in futuristic research works. The outcomes of this present study will provide a database about the nutritional composition, potential health benefits, and economic values of these fruits and raise public consciousness about the conservation and enrichment of biodiversity.

Effect of Acidic Media on Surface Topography and Color Stability of Two Different Glass Ceramics.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of two acidic beverages (orange juice and H3PO4-containing fizzy drink) on the surface topography and color stability of two commonly used computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) ceramic materials. Sixty samples of two CAD/CAM ceramic materials, lithium disilicate (IPS e-max CAD) and zirconia reinforced lithium silicate (Vita Suprinity), were prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions. The samples were immersed in one of three media (artificial saliva, orange juice and H3PO4-containing fizzy drink) and then stored in an incubator at 37 °C for 24 hours). Before and after immersion in different media, the surface roughness (Ra) of the samples was assessed using profilometer (JITAI8101 Surface Roughness Tester-Beijing Jitai Tech Detection Device Co. Ltd, China) and the color parameters were measured using VITA Easyshade Advance 4.01 (VITA shade, VITA made, VITA). Surface topography was observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and surface mineral content was compared before and after immersion. Paired sample t-test was used to determine the change in Ra before and after immersion. Two-way analysis of variance was used to determine the effect of different CAD/CAM materials and immersion media on the mean ∆Ra and mean ∆E of the studied groups. Tukey's honest significant difference posthoc test was used for multiple comparisons at a level of significance (α = 0.05). A significant increase in Ra and a decrease in the color stability of the two investigated ceramic materials were detected after immersion in the acidic media than in artificial saliva. SEM and energy-dispersive X-ray results revealed the dissolution of the glassy matrix and the exposure of silicate crystals. The surface topography and color stability of glass ceramics are affected by the pH of different acidic media.

Impaired bone mineral density and microarchitecture in female adolescents with IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy.

Persistent immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated cow's milk allergy (CMA) may impair bone parameters and increase the risk of fractures. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) is a novel methodology that not only assesses trabecular and cortical bone compartments and volumetric density measurements, but also evaluates bone microarchitecture and estimates biomechanical properties through finite element analysis (FEA). Both HR-pQCT and bone strength parameters derived from FEA have shown a strong correlation with fracture risk. To assess the bone density, microarchitecture, and bone strength of adolescents with persistent IgE-mediated CMA (IgE-CMA). This was an observational, cross-sectional study with female adolescents with persistent IgE-CMA and healthy control participants matched by female sex and sexual maturation. Bone parameters were assessed by areal bone mineral density (aBMD) through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bone microarchitecture by HR-pQCT at the radius and tibia, and laboratory markers related to bone metabolism. The median age of adolescents with persistent IgE-CMA (n = 26) was 13.0years (interquartile range (IQR) 11.4-14.7) and of healthy control participants (n = 28) was 13.6years (IQR 11.9-14.9). Adolescents with IgE-CMA ingested 27.4% less calcium (p = 0.012) and 28.8% less phosphorus (p = 0.009) than controls. Adolescents with IgE-CMA had lower bone mineral content (BMC) (38.83g vs. 44.50g) and aBMD (0.796g/cm2 vs. 0.872g/cm2) at lumbar spine, and lower BMC (1.11kg vs. 1.27kg) and aBMD (0.823g/cm2 vs. 0.877g/cm2) at total body less head (TBLH) (p < 0.05). However, Z-scores BMC and Z-scores aBMD at lumbar spine and TBLH, when adjusted for Z-score height/age, were not significantly different between the groups. Moreover, CMA adolescents had lower bone strength at the distal tibia (S 169 kN/mm vs. 194 kN/mm; F Load 8030 N vs. 9223 N) (p < 0.05). Pairing of groups by the presence of menarche showed compromised parameters at the tibia-lower total volumetric BMD (Tt.vBMD) (293.9mg HA/cm3 vs. 325.9mg HA/cm3) and trabecular vBMD (Tb.vBMD) (170.8mg HA/cm3 vs. 192.2mg HA/cm3), along with lower cortical thickness (Ct.th) (1.02mm vs. 1.16mm) and bone strength (S 174 kN vs. 210 kN; F Load 8301 N vs. 9950 N)-and at the radius (S 61 kN/mm vs. 71 kN/mm; F Load 2920 N vs. 3398 N) (p < 0.05) among adolescents with IgE-CMA. Adolescents with IgE-CMA on a total exclusion diet (n = 12) showed greater impairment of bone features than those on a partial exclusion diet (n = 14), with lower lumbar spine Z-score BMC (- 0.65 vs. 0.18; p = 0.013), lumbar spine trabecular bone score (TBS) (1.268 vs. 1.383; p = 0.005), Z-score TBS (0.03 vs. 1.14; p = 0.020), TBLH Z-score BMC (- 1.17 vs. - 0.35; p = 0.012), TBLH Z-score aBMD (- 1.13 vs. - 0.33; p = 0.027), Tt.vBMD at the tibia (259.0mg HA/cm3 vs. 298.7mg HA/cm3; p = 0.021), Ct.th at the tibia (0.77mm vs. 1.04mm; p = 0.015) and Ct.th at the radius (0.16mm vs. 0.56mm; p = 0.033). Adolescents with persistent IgE-CMA had lower aBMD and compromised microarchitecture (impaired trabecular microarchitecture and lower bone strength). Adolescents on a partial exclusion diet had better bone parameters than those on a total exclusion diet.

Gut microbiota associations with chronic kidney disease: insights into nutritional and inflammatory parameters

IntroductionThe gut barrier, comprising gut microbiota, plays a pivotal role in chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and nutritional status. This study aimed to explore gut barrier alterations in hemodialyzed (HD) patients, non-HD (NHD) CKD patients, and healthy volunteers.MethodsOur cross-sectional study enrolled 22 HD patients, 11 NHD patients, and 11 healthy volunteers. We evaluated fecal microbiota composition (assessed via bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing), fecal IgA levels, surrogate markers of gut permeability, serum cytokines, appetite mediators, nutritional status, physical activity, and quality of life.ResultsHD patients exhibited significant alterations in fecal microbiota composition compared to healthy volunteers, with observed shifts in taxa known to be associated with dietary patterns or producing metabolites acting on human host. In comparison to healthy volunteers, individuals with HD patients exhibited elevated levels of inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α), glucagon-like peptide-2, and potential anorexigenic markers (including leptin and peptide YY). NHD patients had increased levels of CRP and peptide YY. Overall fecal microbiota composition was associated with height, soft lean mass, resting energy expenditure, handgrip strength, bone mineral content and plasma albumin and TNF-α.DiscussionCompared to healthy volunteers, HD patients have an altered fecal microbiota composition, a higher systemic inflammation, and a modification in plasma levels of appetite mediators. While some differences align with previous findings, heterogeneity exists likely due to various factors including lifestyle and comorbidities. Despite limitations such as sample size, our study underscores the multifaceted interplay between gut microbiota, physiological markers, and kidney function, warranting further investigation in larger cohorts.