Non-protein Nitrogenous Substances Research Articles

Effect of Prostate Cancer on Non-protein Nitrogenous Substances

Effect of Prostate Cancer on Non-protein Nitrogenous Substances

Development of Physico-chemical and Technological Parameters for the Production of Dairy Products for Sports Nutrition in Pavlodar Region

Main problem:The article considers the results of research and design of basic formulations of dairy products for sports nutrition in Pavlodar region. The authors analyzed the problems in the field of development of modern food technologies of a specialized orientation. Purpose: To develop physical, chemical and technological parameters for the production of dairy products for sports nutrition in Pavlodar region. Methods: structural-mechanical, physico-chemical, organoleptic. Results and their significance: Reliable research results have been obtained: the fatty acid composition of goat and cow's milk for the production of a new product has been determined, the physico-chemical and structural-mechanical characteristics of goat and cow's milk (raw materials) have been studied. The authors concluded that in the protein composition of goat's milk in the spring and summer period, there is a slight excess of total protein by 0,27 %, whey and casein proteins by 0,07 % and 0,2 %, respectively, non-protein nitrogenous substances by 0,01 % compared with cow's milk. A comparative analysis of the physico-chemical composition of the research objects (goat and cow's milk) was carried out and it was concluded that the mass fraction of solids in the milk of Zaanen goats is 12,8 %, respectively, and significantly exceeds the same indicator of cow's milk – 12,41 %. In the milk of Altai and Alpine goat breeds, the mass fraction of solids ranges from 11,85 % to 11,94 %, which is significantly lower than in cow's milk. The study found that the dry matter content in goat's milk is 8,59 %, which is 0,19 % more than the dry matter in cow's milk. There is a greater amount of protein, respectively, by 0,1 %, while the amount of fat is less than in cow's milk, by almost 1 %.

Балансирование рационов молодняка крупного рогатого скота по протеину за счёт небелковых азотистых веществ

Aim. The study of the effect of the inclusion of non-protein nitrogenous substances in the diet of young bulls on the breakdown of protein in the rumen and the digestibility of nutrients in diets. Materials and Methods. In the course of the study, zootechnical, biochemical and mathematical methods of analysis were used. The obtained digital material was processed by the method of variation statistics, taking into account the Student's t-test, using the Microsoft Excel software package. Results. As a result of studying the effectiveness of using of carbamide concentrate in the amount of 10, 15, 20 and 25% as part of compound feed in the feeding of young cattle, it was found that the degree of cleavage of feed protein with the addition of carbamide concentrate in the amount of 10-30% of the feed weight was 56-63% after 4 hours of incubation, 70-75% after 6 hours and 79-84% after 24 hours. As the results of the experiment showed, in the rumen of the animals of the experimental groups, a pH shift to the neutral side by 4.1-7.8% was noted, and when 25 and 30% of the studied feed were included in the diet, the difference turned out to be significant. There was also an increase in the amount of protein nitrogen and infusoria in the rumen of young animals that consumed 10, 20 and 25% of urea concentrate as part of compound feed. In the cicatricial fluid of bulls consuming compound feed with the inclusion of urea concentrate, the protein cleavage was higher than in the control group animals consuming compound feed without urea concentrate. The digestibility of nutrients in groups of animals with 10 and 20% introduction of carbamide concentrate into the compound feed increased by 1.08-11.22 percentage points. Conclusion. The degree of cleavage of the feed protein with the addition of carbamide concentrate in an amount of 10-30% of the feed weight was 56-63% after 4 hours of incubation, 70-75% after 6 hours and 79-84% after 24 hours. The digestibility of dry matter in groups of animals with 10 and 20% introduction of urea concentrate into compound feed increased by 2.89 and 1.71 pp., fat – by 11.22 and 2.28, protein – by 10.0 and 8.23, organic matter – by 2.14 and 0.81, Nitrogen-free extractive fraction – by 4.81 and 1.08 pp., in relation to control. It also turned out to be higher than in the groups with 25 and 30% introduction of urea concentrate into feed.

13C NMR detection of non-protein nitrogen substance adulteration in animal feed.

Illegal adulteration of melamine in animal feed and food has been widely studied. However, the risk of using substitute non-protein nitrogen substances still exists. In this study, we developed the 13C NMR method for the detection of non-protein nitrogen substance adulteration in animal feed. Three compounds, i.e., urea, melamine, and biuret, were used for method development. We found that the chemical shifts of the characteristic peaks in the carbon spectra of high-nitrogen adulterants were all between 150 and 170ppm, whereas the chemical shifts of real protein peptide bonds (-CO-NH-) were between 170 and 180ppm, demonstrating a good distinction between non-protein nitrogen and authentic protein. The method for analyzing melamine, urea, and biuret was validated. The R2 values were all above 0.99 within the calibration range of 0.05-2% (w/w). The limits of quantification of urea, melamine, and biuret were 0.0120%, 0.0660%, and 0.0806%, respectively. This method involves simple sample pretreatment and rapid detection while also providing high accuracy. All the sample information obtained by NMR detection does not require strict impurity removal. Compared with a previously reported 1H NMR method, the developed 13C NMR method does not require strict moisture removal to avoid active hydrogen exchange, and the interfering peak overlap is mitigated.

EVALUATION OF THYROID FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a clinical syndrome due to irreversible renal dysfunction leading to excretory, metabolic & synthetic failure culminating into accumulation of non-protein nitrogenous substances and present with various clinical manifestations. Since kidney competes with iodide clearance, Thyroid hormonal system is affected. So its important to evaluate for thyroid function in CKD patients. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate thyroid function in patients with chronic kidney disease and its correlation with severity of CKD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An cross sectional study of 50 cases of chronic kidney disease. A detailed history, a thorough clinical and general examination, blood investigations (serum creatinine, thyroid profile, t3, t4, TSH).Data collected and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Out of these 50 patients of chronic kidney disease who are on conservative management & fulfilling the inclusion criteria, 23 patients (46%) are euthyroid, 17 patients (34%) had subclinical hypothyroidism,10 patients (20%) had overt hypothyroidism. CONCLUSION: it is found that reduced eGFR is associated with an increased prevalence of SCH and clinically overt hypothyroidism. Physicians treating patients with CKD should be aware that CKD and hypothyroidism may shows overlapping symptom complexes & should go for an prompt evaluation of thyroid function in suspected cases.

SAT-117 PREVALENCE OF THYROID HORMONE ABNORMALITIES IN STAGE 5 CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Kidney and thyroid function are interconnected through several mechanisms. Thyroid hormones are necessary for the maintenance of electrolyte and water. Similarly, kidney is also involved in the regulation of thyroid hormones metabolism. Failure of metabolic, excretory and synthetic functions are commonly associated with the irreversible loss of renal function that ultimately results in uremia or azotemia i.e. retention of urea and other non-protein nitrogenous substances in the blood. CKD affects thyroid function in several ways that include low circulating thyroid hormone concentration, alteration in peripheral hormone metabolism, disturbance in binding them to carrier proteins, possible reduction in tissue thyroid hormone content and increased iodine store in thyroid gland resulting in the reduction of serum triidothyronine (T3) and thyroxin (T4). End stage renal disease is a frequent cause of non-thyroidal illness (NTI) that refers to a syndrome found in seriously ill or starving patients with low fT3, usually elevated reverse T3, normal or low TSH and if prolonged, low fT4 despite patient remaining clinically euthyroid. The aim of the present study was i) to estimate the prevalence of thyroid hormone abnormalities in stage 5 CKD patients and ii) to compare these changes with healthy controls. The present cross-sectional observational study was conducted on thirty eight stage 5 CKD patients and 38 age-sexes matched healthy volunteers as control. The demographic data, medical history, etiology, physical examination and laboratory results were recorded on a special form developed by the researchers. GFR was measured by using Cockcroft-Gault formula. Written informed consent were taken from the study subject. Patient with known history of thyroid function abnormalities and pregnancy were excluded from the study. Serum fT3, fT4 and TSH were measured by using Immunoassay system. The independent sample t test was used to compare stage 5 CKD patient with healthy controls group. Statistical analysis were done by SPSS software (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 21.0, SPSS Inc, Chicago, USA). The level of significance (P) was set to be < 0.05. Seventeen (44.73%)stage 5 CKD patients had low fT3 whereas eleven (28.94%) had low fT4 values that were below the reference range. There were no any reduction in TSH level but two patients (5.26%) had increased TSH values compared to normal limit. Significant differences in the mean level of fT3 and fT4 were seen amongstage 5 CKD patientsandhealthy control group. The mean value of fT3 in stage 5 CKD patients and control group were 2.18 ± 0.56 pg/ml and 2.96 ± 0.49. The P value in both group were < 0.001, which was significant. The mean value of fT4 in stage 5 CKD patients and control group were 0.99 ± 0.22 ng/dl and 1.37 ± 0.48 respectively. Here the P value in both group was < 0.001, which was statistically significant. Mean value of TSH in stage 5 CKD patient (2.71 ± 1.66) and healthy control (2.68 ± 1.41) did not vary with each other. So, TSH value in these two groups were not differed significantly (P > 0.05). From this study, it was concluded that the prevalence of thyroid hormone abnormalities especially low fT3 and fT4 is very common in stage 5 CKD patients. Diabetic nephropathy was among the lead cause of stage 5 CKD.

The proteolytic changes in two different types of pastırma during the production

Pastırma is a traditional dry-cured meat product. Proteolytic changes play an important role on pastırma quality. In the present study, proteolytic changes of “sırt” pastırma (Longissimus thoracis et lumborum) and “şekerpare” pastırma (Semitendinosus) types were investigated during production. While the average total free amino acid (FAA) amount was 311.24 ± 21.76 mg/100 g dry matter in raw material, it was 825.26 ± 103.90 mg/100 g dry matter in the pastırma. Proteolytic changes were more evident after the first drying stage. Alanine, leucine, glutamic acid, arginine, and lysine amino acids in both pastırma types were predominant. The average total FAA amount was high in sırt-pastırma. Arginine (for children), methionine, isoleucine, leucine, and lysine, essential amino acids, were also high in “sırt” pastırma. On the contrary, SDS-PAGE profiles of the both pastırma types were generally similar and there was no significant difference between the average nonprotein nitrogenous substances (NPN-S) amount of the pastırma types. Practical applications Although it is possible to produce many types of pastırma depending on the muscle used as raw material, the “sırt-pastırma” and “şekerpare-pastırma” are the widely produced types. According to the results of this research, the first drying in pastırma production is an important stage in terms of proteolytic changes. In the “sırt pastırma,” the amount of total free amino acid was higher compared to the “şekerpare pastırma.” This result could have a positive effect on the sensory properties of the “sırt pastırma.” Moreover, some essential amino acids were high in this type of pastırma.

Role of high sensitivity C- reactive protein as a marker of inflammation and its prognostic significance in chronic kidney disease patients

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a clinical syndrome due to irreversible renal dysfunction leading to excretory, metabolic and synthetic failure culminating into accumulation of non-protein nitrogenous substances and present with various clinical manifestations. Elevated circulating concentrations of CRP are a common phenomenon in ESRD patients. The prevalence and magnitude of inflammation increases as renal function declines.Methods: The current cross-sectional observation study was conducted in Rajendra institute of medical sciences, Ranchi during study period October 2015 to September 2017 on admitted patients with chronic kidney disease. 90 patients of different age groups between 16-75 years were enrolled in the study. Samples were selected by using simple random sampling method. Informed consent was obtained from all the patients.Results: 85.6% of the patients studied were males and 14.4% of the patients were females. Most cases of CKD were associated with hypertension (77.8%) out of which there were 62 males and 8 females, followed by DM (25.5%) where there were 20 males and 3 females. 44.4% cases had an elevated level of hs-CRP (more than 3 mg/L) while 55.6% patients had hs-CRP below 3 mg/l. Out of 40 high hs-CRP patients, 35 were male and 5 were female. Patients with elevated creatinine level had significant high hs-CRP level.Conclusions: Chronic kidney diseases, Cardiovascular disease, HS-CRP, Inflammation

The Effects of Aqueous and Alcoholic Saffron (Crocus sativus) Tepal Extracts on Quality and Shelf‐Life of Pacific White Shrimp (Litopeneous vannamei) During Iced Storage

AbstractThis study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of water extract (WEST), ethanolic extract (EEST) and methanolic extract (MEST) of saffron tepal as a natural preservative as well as to assess the quality changes and shelf‐life of Pacific white shrimp treated with saffron tepal extracts stored in ice up to 9 days. WEST showed the highest amount of phenolic compounds (66.41 mg gallic acid equivalents/g), antioxidant and antibacterial activity in all used assays (P &lt; 0.05). Whole Pacific white shrimp (Litopeneous vannamei) treated with 1% of WEST, EEST and MEST had the lowest lipid oxidation, microbial growth and melanosis compared with the control (P &lt; 0.05). Shrimp treated with saffron tepal extracts had superior sensory properties compared to the control at 6 and 9 days of iced storage (P &lt; 0.05).Practical ApplicationsShrimp is one of the most traded and consumed aquatic product worldwide. Shrimps are rich in protein and containing very little fat and is more prone to deterioration because of its high soluble nonprotein nitrogenous substances. From the consumer health point of view and the perspective of food safety control, the utilization of natural additives like plant phenolic compounds provide a safer way to maximize the storage stability of shrimp, relative to synthetic additives. Saffron tepal which is a by‐product generated during the processing of the stigmas of the saffron flower could be used as a preservative in shrimp. Water extract of saffron tepal retard the lipid oxidation, microbial growth and melanosis and the shelf‐life of white shrimp extended to 9 days compared with the control group which was 6 days.

Effect of Delayed Icing on the Quality of White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) during Chilled Storage

The effect of delayed icing on the quality of Litopenaeus vannamei was assessed by chemical, microbiological and sensory evaluation. Shrimps were divided into three lots. One lot was immediately iced and the other two lots were subjected to delayed icing after keeping in ambient conditions (30 ± 2C) for 2 and 4 h, respectively. White shrimp had a moisture content of 77.21%, protein 18.80%, ash 1.47% and fat 1.30% on wet weight basis. Total volatile basic nitrogen, trimethylamine, thiobarbituric acid and K value showed increasing trend during chilled storage. It was observed that there is a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the hardness of shrimp meat during storage. Sensory evaluation indicated that the shelf life of white shrimp iced immediately after catch and 2 h delayed iced was approximately 9 days, whereas 4 h delayed iced sample had shortened shelf life of 6 days. Practical Applications Shrimp is one of the most traded and consumed aquatic product worldwide. Shrimps are rich in protein, containing very little fat and have significant cholesterol content. Shrimp is more prone to deterioration because of its high content of free amino acids and other soluble nonprotein nitrogenous substances that can serve as easily digestible nutrients for microbial growth. Chilled or iced preservation helps in delaying or reducing the bacterial growth, preventing browning and prolonging the shelf life of shrimp. Delayed icing of the catch at the site results in downgrading of the shrimp. The present study provides information about a baseline investigation of the shelf life and quality of Pacific white shrimp due to delayed icing. It can be useful to quantify the quality and shelf life of fresh shrimp prior to the application of preservative treatments to extend the shelf life.

Impact of non-protein nitrogen substances on grape pomace silage quality

In this study grape pomace was ensilaged without and with the addition of NPN substances (Benural) at the dose of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% of the amount of husk and with the addition of inoculant based on homo and hetero fermentative lactic acid bacteria. The greatest effect on the nutritional value had application of Benural, especially in increasing the CP content from 126.9 to 178.3 g kg-1DM, an increase of over 40%. Application of Benural increased the ammonia and soluble nitrogen several times, but even with the maximum addition of Benural percentage of ammonia nitrogen in the total nitrogen reached only slightly above 5% NH3-N/? N (5.38%), while the percentage of soluble nitrogen in total nitrogen was 28.29%. The application of inoculants generally had no significant impact, both on the chemical composition and the fermentation process.

Simultaneous determination of four common nonprotein nitrogen substances in urine by high performance liquid chromatography

A high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was proposed to simultaneously determine four common nonprotein nitrogen substances, including creatine (Cr), creatinine (Cn), uric acid (Ua) and pseudouridine (Pu) in urine. After proteins being removed by acetone precipitation method, freeze drying and redissolving, the urine samples were analyzed by HPLC. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Waters RP18 Column (150 mm x 4.60 mm, 3.5 microm) in gradient elution mode using 10.0 mmol/L KH2PO4 solution (pH 4.78) and acetonitrile as mobile phases at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. The samples were detected at 220 nm. Rapid separation was achieved within 7 min. Under the optimized conditions, good linearities of four common nonprotein nitrogen substances were obtained in the range of 0.1-250 mg/L. The detection limits were 9.31 (Cr), 26.19 (Cn), 4.70 (Ua), an 6.30 (Pu) microg/L and the recoveries were in the range of 81%-111% with the relative standar deviations of 0.23%-2.78% (n = 3). The results demonstrate that this method is simple, rapid and accurate with good reproducibility, and can provide early diagnosis and preliminary judgment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with renal damage.

EFFECT OF PRE-DRYING HANDLING ON QUALITY OF FINAL DRIED BOMBAY DUCK (HARPODON NEHERIUS)

Proliferation of spoilage microorganisms during preprocessing delay, with associated deteriorative changes in non-protein nitrogenous substances and lipids, and its impact of the sensory characteristics of the final dried products were studied, Bombay duck was judged as unfit for human consumption beyond 8 hrs of exposure at 28℃. However, chilling the fish to 0℃ or salting the fish after gutting at 28℃ or drying at 45℃ without delay effectively reduced the proliferation of spoilage microorganisms, and associated biochemical and sensory characteristics during drying. Higher levels of proteolytic and lipolytic bacterial load, free fatty acids, trimethylamine and total volatile bases due to predrying exposure at 28℃ without salt or 10% salt solution resulted in dried fish with least sensorial characteristics. Predrying exposure at 0℃ did not had any effect on the development of peroxides compared to 28℃, however exposure to saturated salt solution or dry salt enhanced the development of peroxides. Dressed Bombay duck, treated with 20% salt solution for 16 hours and artificially dried at 45℃ was judged superior by sensory panel.

The Effects of Oral Administration of an Aqueous Extract of Ficus bengalensis Stem Bark on Some Hematological and Biochemical Parameters in Rats with Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes

The effects of sub-chronic administration of an aqueous extract of Ficus bengalensis stem bark on hematological and biochemical parameters in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes were evaluated. The possible protective effect of the F. bengalensis (500 mg/kg of body weight per day) extract on STZ-induced changes was evaluated over 12 weeks. The parameters evaluated were plasma proteins, including total protein albumin and globulin, non-protein nitrogenous substances, including urea, uric acid, and creatinine, and hematological indices, including total hemoglobin content, erythrocytes, leucocytes, and platelets counts. The aqueous extract had a significant (P < 0.05) protective effect against STZ-induced changes in terms of the markers of protein metabolism and hematological indices. Furthermore, increases in levels of non-protein nitrogenous substances were normalized in response to the administration of the extract. Thus, the aqueous extract of F. bengalensis had a significant protective effect on STZ-induced changes to biochemical and hematological parameters in the diabetic rats.

Precise Measurement of Concentration of Blood Glucose from the Tristimulus Values Obtained from the Colour of the Assay in the Course of Clinical Diagnosis

Blood chemical tests carried out in the conventional clinical instruments such as Colorimeter and Spectrophotometer, measure the concentration of the Blood substances such as Glucose, Non-protein nitrogen substances like Amino acids, Peptides, Urea waste and Uric acid, Lipids such as Cholesterol and Triglycerides, Proteins, Enzymes and Steroids, etc. The concentration of these Complex substances appearing in the Blood serum can be analyzed based on colour reactions.This research paper attempts to find an alternative to the 5 decades old Colorimetry based measurement technique. Methods in vogue are fraught with anomalies and deviations because they require a highly monochromatic source; also they possess measurement complexity especially in the non-linear region of the reagent solution. For example, Linearity prevails in the Blood Glucose measurement if the Blood Glucose in the serum is less than 500 mg/dl. As the Colour concentration of the assay increases with that of the Blood chemical in the serum, it is clear that the Wavelength of the Colour of the assay reasonably remains constant irrespective of the concentration of Blood chemical and the variation is only in the saturation of the colour.In the proposed system, the colour image of the assay is captured by a Digital camera connected with a Computer and the RGB data of the colour pixel in that image is converted to its equivalent Tristimulus coordinates (XYZ) and then to Chromaticity coordinates (xyz) of the Chromaticity diagram in conformance with the International Commission on Illumination, CIE 1931, standards of colour space. From the Chromaticity coordinates, the saturation of the colour of the assay can be calculated.The saturations of the colour thus obtained for various known concentrations of Blood chemical are fit into a Polynomial equation of degree ‘m’ This Polynomial equation yields the unknown concentration of the Blood Glucose in the test sample against the saturation of the colour that is calculated from the RGB data. Measurement error is less when the order of polynomial equation is high. As the higher order polynomial equation refines values even in the non-linear region viz., beyond 400 mg/dL, the results obtained from this proposed method are fairly precise. Moreover this proposed method overcomes the shortcomings in the existing system such as requirement of Monochromatic source, Colour development restrictions in the assay (Usually Pink or Purple is preferred).

Toxicity, pathophysiology and pathology in sheep following dosing of the nephrotoxic plant &lt;i&gt;Nolletia gariepina&lt;/i&gt; (DC) Mattf.

Ingestion of the plant Nolletia gariepina was confirmed as the cause of acute mortalities in cattle in the Kuruman area of the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The aim of this trial was to investigate the toxic effects of this plant with respect to clinical signs, pathophysiology and pathology using the sheep as a model. At dosages of 1.5 g dried, milled plant material/kg body mass there were no detectable abnormal findings, while at dosages of 2.8-3.0 g/kg most of the animals died acutely. In subacutely affected sheep, depression, inappetance, teeth grinding, tachycardia, weak ruminal movements and recumbency were noticed. The most prominent pathophysiological changes observed, included a sharp rise in non-protein nitrogen substances in the plasma, remarkable decline in glomerular filtration rate, increase in sodium and potassium excretion, and a rise in urine gamma glutamyltransferase activity. Macroscopically a severe nephrosis was present in all the animals. The most important findings detected histologically were necrosis of the proximal convoluted tubular epithelium and large numbers of protein casts in the lumens.

Effects of Ornithine α-Ketoglutarate on Circulatory Antioxidants and Lipid Peroxidation Products in Ammonium Acetate Treated Rats

The effects of ornithine α-ketoglutarate (OKG) on ammonium acetate induced hepatotoxicity were studied biochemically in rats. The levels of urea, nonprotein nitrogen, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were significantly increased in ammonium acetate treated rats; these levels were significantly decreased in rats treated with ammonium acetate and OKG. Similar patterns of alterations were observed in the levels of free fatty acids, triglycerides, and phospholipids. Furthermore, nonenzymatic antioxidants (vitamins C and E) were significantly decreased in ammonium acetate treated rats, when compared with control rats, and increased in OKG and ammonium acetate treated rats. The biochemical alterations during OKG treatment could be (1) by detoxifying excess ammonia; (2) by participating in nonenzymatic oxidative decarboxylation in the hydrogen peroxide decomposition process, and (3) by enhancing the proper metabolism of fats which could suppress oxygen radical generation and thus prevent the lipid peroxidative damages in rats.

Effects of Short and Long-term Dietary Protein Restriction on the Rumen Fermentation Activity in Growing Lambs

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Carcass characteristics and meat quality attributes of rams maintained on processed deoiled mahua ( Brassica latifolia) seed cake

Sixteen crossbred rams were allotted to four groups with four animals in each. Rams in the control group were supplied requisite quantity of standard ration consisting of maize 32%, groundnut cake 32%, wheat bran 33%, mineral mixture 2% and common salt 1%. All animals were offered green fodder at the rate of 200 g and ad lib. wheat straw. Ten months feeding was followed by slaughter studies. Slaughter weight, edible and nonedible offals of rams did not differ significantly among different groups. A gradual decline tendency in dressed weight was not significant. Carcass length (60.63 to 62.75 cm) was not influenced by the dietary treatments. Higher ( P < 0.01) dressing percentage was recorded in controls compared to experimental groups. Weight and percentage yield of wholesale cuts did not differ significantly. Leg and shoulder cuts recorded higher proportion of lean meat than other cuts. Inclusion of deoiled mahua ( Brassica latifolia) seed cake (DMSC), irrespective of treatment decreased the fat content of different cuts. Differences in salt-extractable proteins and nonprotein nitrogenous substances of meat were significant ( P < 0.05) among groups. There was an insignificant slight decrease in texture and bitterness in different groups. It was evident that the feeding of DMSC results in leaner carcasses, as desired by health-conscious people, and quality attributes of meat were not affected by the treatments.

Arterial ammonia with Blood Ammonia Checker II and with indophenol reaction to assess presence of hepatic encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is associated with elevated arterial ammonia levels. The relationship is variable, in part due to ammonia methodology. One method, based on the indophenol reaction (IPh), is interfered with a number of amino acids including all aromatic amino acids. We have determined arterial ammonia simultaneously with the Blood Ammonia Checker II (BAC) as reference method and with the IPh method. The difference BAC-IPh, μmol/l, was assumed to express the interference in the indophenol method (IFI) by amino acids. It may be positive or negative. The aim was to establish the value of BAC in comparison with IPh in the diagnosis of liver disease and overt HE and to asses any added value of IFI. Of two reference groups without disturbances, A ( n = 39) had not and B ( n = 13) had encephalopathy. Group C consisted of 125 liver patients (34 no cirrhosis, 91 cirrhosis) of which 55 had no manifest HE (C:HE−) and 70 had HE (C:HE+). Median BAC ammonia nitrogen (NH 3N), μmol/l: A 21, B 35, C 80, C:HE−57 and C:HE+98 (A < B < C and A < B < C:HE − < C:HE+, P < 0.001). Median IPh NH 3N, μmol/l: A 27, B 30, C 30, C:HE −25 and C:HE+ 35 μmol/l (A = B = C and C:HE − < C:HE+, P < 0.01). IFI medians: A −6, B 3, C 40, C:HE−29 and C:HE+ 58 μmol/l (A < B ( P < 0.05) < C ( P < 0.0001); A, B < C:HE− and C:HE+; C:HE− < CH:HE+ (all P < 0.0001)). While BAC correlated weakly with IPh in the (sub)groups C, C:HE−, C:HE+ ( r = 0.3, 0.3, 0.4, P < 0.05), it correlated strongly with IFI ( r = 0.9, 0.9, 0.8, P < 0.0001). There was no correlation between IPh and IFI. BAC, as well as IFI, could discriminate all liver patients (C) from both reference groups A and B with 100% positive likelihoods. BAC, IPh and IFI could discriminate between HE− and HE+. To differentiate cirrhosis from non-cirrhosis the specificity of IPh was uniformly high and the sensitivity satisfactory, whereas BAC had a high sensitivity but an insufficient specificity. In conclusion, in blood, BAC is the ammonia determination of choice. It differentiates between reference groups (encephalopathic or not) and liver disease and the more so HE. The combination of BAC and IPh (indicating IFI) may eventually be shown useful to rapidly assess the severity of underlying liver disease in HE patients. In other biological fluids, IPh is excellent when the inhibiting influence of non-protein nitrogen substances is absent or can be eliminated.