Oxalate Values Research Articles

Nutritive and Antinutritive Values of Fermented Guinea Corn (Sorghum bicolor L.) Fortified with Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea L.) Flour

The fermented guinea corn (Sorghum bicolor L) is a processed “ogi baba” and a popular starchy porridge in the west coasts of Africa. Although it is consumed by both young and old as a breakfast cereal, its main use is as weaning food for infants. In this study, the nutritive values of “ogi baba” from a composite mixture of guinea corn and bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L) were evaluated using standard processing techniques. Sorghum flour was substituted with bambara flour at ratios of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40 guinea corn:bambara groundnut; with 100% sorghum–ogi and 100% bambara groundnut flours as controls. The results showed that the contents of ash, crude fat, crude protein and crude fibre were enhanced with increased bambara groundnut flour substitution. All the nutritive minerals such as Na, K, Ca, Mg and P also recorded increased concentrations in the fortified samples. Harmful metals such as cadmium and lead were not at detectable range of atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The total essential amino acids ranged from 28.74–37.14 g/100g crude protein or from 43.70–44.26% of the TAA while 60:40 substitution ratio has the best essential amino acid score values amongst the fortified samples based on the provisional FAO/WHO standards. There were decrease in the values of saponins, phytate, oxalate and alkaloids in the fortified samples compared with the controls. The results of sugars showed that there was gradual increase in the total sugar concentration with increased bambara groundnut flour substitution from 1.54 g/100g (90:10 ratio) reaching 2.41 g/100g (60:40 ratio).

Indoxacarb resistance in Iranian populations of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae): Cross-resistance, biochemical and molecular mechanisms

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is an invasive tomato pest that occurs worldwide, including Iran. This study investigates the occurrence of resistance to indoxacarb, an oxadiazine insecticide, and the underlying mechanisms in Iranian populations of T. absoluta. Bioassays were performed on second-instar larvae using indoxacarb alone and in combination with three synergists: Piperonyl butoxide (PBO), diethyl maleate (DEM), and triphenyl phosphate (TPP). The activities of the main detoxification enzymes, including glutathione S-transferases (GST), general carboxylesterases (CarEs), and P450 monooxygenases (P450s), were evaluated. In addition, the presence of known amino acid substitutions in the IV segment 6 domain of the T. absoluta sodium channel was investigated. The results showed that resistance rates to indoxacarb in Iranian populations ranged from 2.37- to 14.45-fold. However, pretreatment with synergists did not significantly increase the toxicity of indoxacarb. Enzyme assays showed that Ardabil (Ar) and Kerman (Kr) populations had the highest CarEs activity, while Ar population showed the highest P450 activity. However, the observed increases in enzyme activities were <2-fold. Two indoxacarb resistance mutations, F1845Y and V1848I, were detected. Apart from a significant and positive correlation between LC50 values of indoxacarb and thiocyclam hydrogen oxalate, no cross-resistance between indoxacarb and other insecticides was detected. Overall, these results suggest that populations of T. absoluta in Iran have developed resistance to indoxacarb, primarily through changes at the target site.

Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in patients with primary hyperoxularia type 1 (PH1)

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Primary Hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is a rare, inherited metabolic disorder of glyoxylate metabolism characterized by oxalate overproduction, leading to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in more than half of all patients. As renal function deteriorates the ability of the kidneys to excrete the excess of oxalate is increasingly compromised resulting in elevated concentrations of oxalate in the blood and progressive systemic deposition of calcium-oxalate crystals in virtually all tissues, a situation referred to as systemic oxalosis. A wide spectrum of cardiac abnormalities are reported in PH1 patients, including presymptomatic myocardial disease early in the disease course. We aimed to further determine cardiac manifestations in a heterogenous cohort of PH1 patients by conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). Methods Data from 38 genetically confirmed PH1 patients were included in this two-centre study and compared to age- and sex-matched controls. Comprehensive echocardiographic analysis (including STE) was performed. PH1 patients were subdivided in three groups based on stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and transplantation status (CKD1-4 (n = 24), CKD5 (n = 7) and post-liver transplantation (n = 7)). Results Left-ventricle ejection fraction (LV EF) was preserved in all subjects. PH1 patients had a decreased global longitudinal strain compared to healthy controls, with a mean difference of -2.28 (p &amp;lt; 0.001). In patients with CKD1-4 decreased LS values were solely found in all apical segments, with a mean difference of -5.3 (p &amp;lt; 0.001) as compared to healthy controls. In patients whom already progressed to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD, defined as CKD5) diastolic dysfunction is noted, with preserved systolic function. Conclusion Pre-symptomatic myocardial dysfunction is present in PH1 patients with mild renal impairment and relatively normal plasma oxalate values. This indicates that cardiac screening is warranted in all PH1 patients, irrespective of renal function.

Urinary Saturations in Children with or without Renal Lithiasis.

In lithogenesis, for a stone to form it is necessary that the urine is supersaturated with respect to the salt that will constitute the future stone. The objective was to analyze the urinary saturations of Calcium Oxalate (CaOxa), brushite (calcium phosphate), struvite (ammonium-magnesium phosphate) and uric acid (UA) in children with and without lithiasis. Correlate them with the different parameters involved in the lithiasic process. And compare saturations in children with or without overweight. We examined 108 healthy children and 53 patients diagnosed with lithiasis. In 24-h urine, the different biochemical parameters involved in lithiasis and the saturation levels of CaOxa, brushite, struvite and UA. We studied 108 healthy children with a mean age of 9.5 ± 3.9 years. Renal lithiasis was diagnosed in 53 patients with an average age of 10.5 ± 5.8 years. Children with lithiasis had higher saturation values of CaOxa (4.86 ± 2.71 vs. 3.15 ± 1.99, p < 0.01) and brushite (1.58 ± 1.23 vs. 0.86 ± 0.81, p < 0.001) compared to non-lithiasic children. UA saturation was higher in children with body mass index greater than 22 (5.25 ± 3.52 vs. 3.84 ± 3.5, p < 0.04). Finally, urinary pH, ammonium concentration and uricosuria influenced UA saturation. that the urinary pH regression coefficient in the uric acid saturation regression analysis was -4.5. The mean values of calcium oxalate and brushite saturations were higher in children with lithiasis. Uric acid saturation was elevated in overweight children. Finally, urinary pH greatly influenced uric acid saturation.

Quality evaluation of noodles produced from wheat (triticum spp) and almond seed flour blends

In this study, the qualify evaluation of noodles produced from wheat and almond seed composite flour was studied. A preliminary was carried out to ascertain the optimum acceptable level of almond seed flour in wheat flour noodle processing using 0-50%w/w, samples were subjected to sensory evaluation and the most acceptable samples was chosen. Hence, in the main study, level of almond seed flour was varied within the most acceptable level using 5, 10, 15 and 20% w/w inclusion giving rise to four samples. Functional properties, anti-nutrient content, proximate composition, essential amino acid profile, selected mineral content, textural and cooking analyses and sensory evaluation were done using standard methods. The bulk densities of the blend ranged from 0.801 to 0.884 g/ml, WAC, ranged from 2.20g/g to 3.60g/g and swelling index ranged from 6.27 to 2.27 as the proportion of almond seed flour increased from 0-20 %. The values of phytate, oxalate, and tannin range from 0.12 to 0.75g/100g, 0.03 to 0.92g/100g and 0.08 to 1.23g/100g respectively. An increase (9.99 % - 14.55 %) in protein content was observed in the flour blends with increased addition of almond flour, there were significant difference (P&lt;0.05) in mean samples. Lysine value ranged from 3.44 to 5.09%, Valine value ranged from 3.71 to 5.01% and leucine value ranged from 7.06 to 7.24% as the level of almond flour increases from 0 to 20% in the flour blends. Potassium (412.40 mg/100g), magnesium (167.00mg/100g) and calcium (66.55mg/100g) were predominant minerals in the formulated noodles while Iron and sodium were found in low concentration. The values of B1, B2 , B3 ,B6 B9, C, D and E ranged from 1.95 to 2.12mg/100g, 0.45 to 1.12 mg/100g, 0.72 to 0.68mg/100g, 1.25 to 2.12mg/100g, 12.09 to 22.02mg/100g, 19.55 to 22.12 and 0.21 to 2.12 mg/100g respectively as the proportion of almond seed increases from 0 to 20% in the blends used in noodle preparation. The results for length, porosity apparent density and weight for noodle sample from wheat flour (control) were 3.34cm, 0.52mm, 0.87 and 1.94 g respectively. The corresponding values for noodle from 95% wheat flour and 5% almond seed flour were 3.25cm, 0.50mm, 0.89 and 1.93g respectively. . Cooking time and cooking lose increased on addition of almond seed flour while percent rehydration reduced as the quantity of almond seed increased in the noodle samples. Blend formulation 80:20 W : A was mostly acceptable. This study therefore has presented a way of increasing consumption and utilization of almond seed with high nutritional content yet are underutilized increasing food security, providing more affordable noodle from local available food sources and further converts waste to wealth.

Preliminary study on species variability and evolutionary status of African walnut (Plukenetia conophora)

Abstract An analysis of the biochemical composition of African walnut seeds collected from two different geographical areas, Nigeria and Cameroon, was used to conduct the primary assessment of varietal differences and evolutionary status of Plukenetia conophora. The experiment was conducted at the Laboratory of Department of Biochemistry and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria. The experimental design was completely randomized design with five replications. Significant difference (P &gt; 0.05) was not observed with the proximate properties of the seeds of the two lines except for carbohydrate. However, higher values in protein (28.32%), crude fat (5.67%), ash (4.33%), and moisture (38.44%) content were obtained for the line from Nigeria, while the line from Cameroon had higher values for carbohydrate (20.87%) and crude fibre (9.32%). With regard to mineral composition, significant difference (P &lt; 0.05) was observed in some mineral elements such as manganese, sodium, and chromium. Anti-nutritional composition such as proximate properties did not show any significant difference between the two lines. However, the line from Nigeria had higher values of phytate (6.27%) and oxalate (0.11%), while a higher content of tannin (0.36%) and saponin (0.27%) was obtained for the line from Cameroon. Evidently, the result obtained was not substantial to establish varietal differences between the two lines; nevertheless, it showed some level of evolutionary changes in the crop over the years.

Impact on urinary oxalate levels with use of ezetimibe.

BackgroundCalcium oxalate stones are the most common cause of nephrolithiasis in the United States. Smaller studies of <15 patients investigating ezetimibe, a selective cholesterol absorption inhibitor, have suggested increased urine oxalate levels with use of the drug. We attempt to better define this relationship of ezetimibe on urinary oxalate using a larger patient sample analysing multiple urine collections on and off treatment.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all consecutive patients from 01/2018 through 04/2019 evaluated for nephrolithiasis with use of ezetimibe documented in their medical record at Mayo Clinic Florida. Primary outcomes included increase in urinary oxalate with use of ezetimibe and reduction in urinary oxalate with discontinuation of medication.ResultsOf 57 reviewed patients, 30 (53%) met inclusion criteria yielding 117 24‐h urine measurements either on ezetimibe (72 measurements) or off ezetimibe (41 measurements). The mean urinary oxalate level off ezetimibe was 39.86 mg versus 40.45 mg with ezetimibe. After adjusting for age and sex, the estimated difference was 1.239 mg (95% CI, −4.856 to 7.335 mg; p = 0.93). A subset of six patients with urinary oxalate values both on and off ezetimibe showed a difference in 24‐h urinary oxalate levels ranged from −16.40 to 14.95 mg (mean difference = 0.93 mg; median difference = 3.84 mg).ConclusionUse of ezetimibe does not provide clear evidence of a difference in urinary oxalate levels.

Characteristics of the genotype and phenotype in Chinese primary hyperoxaluria type 1 populations.

The aim of our study is to explore the relationship between genotype and phenotype in Chinese PH1 patients and determine the putative mutation hotspot regions. This was a retrospective study regarding 13 Chinese PH1 patients. And all sporadic published researches of Chinese PH1 populations were searched and enrolled based on the inclusive standard. All patients presented with multiple urolithiasis or nephrolithiasis. Urinary oxalate values demonstrated an obvious and extensive variability, ranging from 1.01 to 3.85mmol/1.73m2. Molecular diagnosis showed that 13 mutant types were detected. Infantile form patient (pt.) 10 and five patients (pts. 5, 7, 8, 9, 12) carrying c.815_816insGA or c.33_34insC demonstrated a worse prognosis, of whom pt. 5 progressed into ESRD 4years later and died of chronic kidney failure. Based on the integrated Chinese mutation data, two variants (c.815_816insGA and c.33_34insC) were determined as the most common mutations. Besides, c.1049G>A was initially identified in a Chinese patient. Conclusions: heterogeneity between genotype and phenotype was observed and described in Chinese PH1 patients. c.815_816insGA and c.33_34insC which were recognized as AGXT mutation hotspot regions in China implied a poor prognosis. And c.1049G>A was not determined as the race-specific mutation of Pakistani.

Nutrient composition and anti-nutritional properties of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) calyx flour

PurposeCalyx of okra pods is usually cut off and discarded as a waste during processing, whereas the pulp and seeds are being used. This study aims to investigate the nutrient composition and anti-nutritional properties of okra calyx flour.Design/methodology/approachCalyces from four varieties (Ex-kwadon, Solar, Chalawa and Syria) of okra pods were processed into flour. The proximate composition, mineral content, vitamin content and anti-nutritional composition of the flour samples were analysed by using standard methods.FindingsThere were significant differences in moisture content (p = 0.012), crude fat (p = 0.001), crude fibre (p = 0.002), carbohydrate (p = 0.002), sodium (p < 0.001), magnesium (p < 0.001), iron (p < 0.001), zinc (p = 0.006), vitamin A (p < 0.001) and vitamin C (p = 0.001) contents of okra calyx flour. The values of proximate composition ranged 8.1-8.9%, 8.4-9.0%, 14.3-15.3%, 1.4-2.1%, 16.9-18.2% and 47.1-49.4% for moisture content, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre and carbohydrate, respectively, whereas the values of mineral contents ranged 7.6-8.7 mg/100g, 35.7-41.2 mg/100g, 26.5-28.1 mg/100g, 93.2-95.8 mg/100g, 1.6-1.8 mg/100g and 5.2-5.7 mg/100g for sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron and zinc, respectively. The values of vitamin contents of okra calyx flour ranged 0.2-0.3 µg/100g, 7.1-8.9 mg/100g and 0.1-0.2 mg/100g for vitamin A, vitamin C and thiamine contents respectively. Also, there were significant differences in the values of phytate (p = 0.023), oxalate (p = 0.011) and saponin (p < 0.001) contents with the values of anti-nutritional properties ranging 1.3-1.5 mg/100g, 2.5-3.3 mg/100g, 7.4-9.7 mg/100g and 2.3-3.6 mg/100g for tannin, phytate, oxalate and saponin contents, respectively.Research limitations/implicationsThere are scanty published works/information on proximate composition, mineral content, vitamin content and anti-nutritional composition of okra calyx flour.Practical implicationsThe study showed that okra calyx flour could be useful in fortification/supplement of carbohydrate-based foods in food system.Originality/valueOkra calyx flour comprises high crude fibre, crude protein, ash and vitamin C contents. Also, calcium is the major mineral content of okra calyx flour followed by magnesium and potassium. However, the tannin content reported higher in okra leaf flour, and okra flour is low in okra calyx flour.

MP03-05 URINARY CITRATE WASTING AMONG NEPHROLITHIASIS PATIENTS ASSOCIATES WITH OBESITY AND DIABETES MELLITUS

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Urinary citrate is thought to decrease calcium stone formation through direct inhibition of crystallization and by complexing with calcium. A subset of nephrolithiasis patients excrete very high amounts of citrate with unclear clinical implications. Here we sought to profile nephrolithiasis patients with urinary citrate wasting. METHODS: We identified 2,257 consecutive patients who underwent 24-hour urine studies performed at our institution from 2001 to 2017. We identified patients with 1st time urine testing with citrate wasting, defined as >1500 mg/day. Patients were excluded if on any alkali therapy. After applying these selection criteria, a total of 55 citrate wasters were identified and randomly matched 1:3 by age and sex to other stone formers for a final comparative cohort of n = 165. Univariate analyses with chi-square and t-tests were used to assess differences in demographic, clinical, stone and 24-hour urine characteristics. RESULTS: Citrate wasters had significantly higher mean ± SD BMI (35.0 ± 7.3 vs 29.9 ± 7.9 kg/m2, p < 0.001) and a higher prevalence of diabetics (61.8 vs 20.6%, p < 0.001). Calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) and uric acid stones were the two most common stones the citrate wasting group (70% and 15% respectively), while COM and hydroxyapatite stones were most common in the control group (58% and 20% respectively). Uric acid stones were more commonly observed among citrate wasters (15% vs 7%, p = 0.096). On 24-hour urine analysis, the citrate wasting group showed higher urine values of calcium, oxalate, uric acid, and sodium (all p<0.001; see Figure). Notably, urine pH showed no difference between groups. These results were largely unchanged when examining differences by sex. CONCLUSIONS: Nephrolithiasis patients who excrete > 1500mg of urinary citrate per day are more likely to be obese and diabetic, with generally worse urinary analytes overall relating to stone recurrence risk. Further investigation is needed on the etiologic and clinical implications of these findings.Source of Funding: None

Assessment of Anti-Nutrient and Vitamin Compositions of Pleurotus Ostreatus Cultivated on three Waste Materials

Studies on the assessment of anti-nutrient and vitamin compositions of Pleurotus ostreatus cultivated on three agrowastes materials were carried out in Dilomat Farms and Services Limited and Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Rivers State University. Ten treatments were obtained from the mixtures of cassava bran, wood ash and sawdust at different concentrations which also comprised the control and combined effect. Vitamins assessed were Vitamins A, C, Thiamine and Niacin. The combined effect (CE) had the highest contents of these vitamins investigated. However, minimal concentrations of Vitamin C was recorded. The anti-nutrient analysis showed that the CE treatment had the highest values of phytate (1.95±0.00), oxalate (0.71±0.02) and flavonoid (3.52±0.03). Although, the highest values of tannin (7.20±0.00) and polyphenol (2.50±0.00) were recorded for sawdust and cassava bran (SCB) treatment. The highest concentration of saponin (0.08±0.00) was observed for sawdust and wood ash (SWA) treatment than others. Nevertheless, there was no fruit recorded for higher concentrations of SCB treatment due to contamination. The cyanide concentrations (0.03±0.02 to 0.52±0.01) for treatments containing cassava bran were all within the acceptable limit. Generally, the combined effect treatment performed better than every other treatment utilized.

Morpho-chemical divergence and fatty acid profile of shea tree seeds (Vitellaria paradoxa) collected from different locations in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract The present study characterizes seed-related traits, phytochemical, physiochemical parameters and fatty acid profile of shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) seeds collected from the Kosubosu, Fufu and Sare areas of Kwara State, Nigeria to determine the effects of microclimate on seed morphology, biochemical and oil constituents. Seed morphological data were analyzed for variability. Seed oil was extracted for phytochemical constituents, physicochemical properties, and fatty acid profiling by gas chromatography equipped with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Results showed intra and inter-locational variations in seed characters. Most fruits had 1–2 seeds. Seeds were predominantly brown and very few were dark brown. Phytochemicals and physicochemical parameters of the seed oil varied with place of collection. Alkaloid, saponin, tannin and phytate contents ranged between 0.79–0.84, 1.20–1.26, 1.48–1.56 and 0.15–0.18 mg g−1 respectively. The density of the oil was less than that of water, acid value ranged from 10.58–13.56 mg KOH g−1 and iodine values were between 36.63 to 40.32 g I2 (100 g)–1. Saponification values lie between 160.39 and 184.14 mg KOH g−1; and free fatty acid was within 5.32–6.81 %. Peroxide, ɑ-tocopherol, total phenol and oxalate values as well as viscosity of the oil also varied; however, refractive index was similar. Ethyl oleate and octadecanoic acids were present and most abundance in all the locations, while glycidol stearate was only found in Fufu samples with three other fatty acids. Five fatty acids were present in Kosubosu, while Sare had only two. The results obtained in the present study indicate that shea oil could be used for medicinal, nutritional and industrial purposes. Since seed characters, phytochemical, physicochemical and fatty acid compositions varied with the microclimate, environmental and micro-ecological conditions should be considered when collecting seeds for oil utilization.

Source and environmental significance of oxalate in Laohugou Glacier No. 12, Qilian Mountains, Western China

Retrieval of oxalate from snow and ice provides information on past environmental changes. In recent years, records of organic acids in middle- and low-latitude glaciers have attracted the attention of researchers globally. In this study, we analyzed oxalates in an ice core from Laohugou Glacier No. 12 on the Qilian Mountains at an elevation of 5,040 m a.s.l. in 2006. Average oxalate concentration was 18.5±2.4 ng/g over the prior 46 years. Oxalate values showed a significantly increasing trend since 1985. From 1985 to 1995, oxalate concentrations had large fluctuations, peaking in about 1987 and exhibiting a slightly decreasing trend since 1995. The result shows that the abrupt increase of oxalate concentration in the ice core since the mid-1980s reflects atmospheric environmental pollution by human and industrial activities.

Using computed tomography to predict in vivo stone chemical composition

OBJECTIVES. Several authors hypothesized the usefulness of the non-contrast helical computed tomography (NCHCT) with the determination of stone Hounsfield Unit (HU) values in order to predict urinary stone compositions. Preoperative knowledge of stone composition might be interesting in pre-operative decision-making process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible correlation between stone chemical composition and correspondent stone HU value in an in-vivo experience. METHODS. Forty patients with urinary stones were preoperatively studied with abdominal NCHCT, where stone HU values were reported. Stone chemical composition was obtained in each patient, using the colorimetric method. The HU value of each stone was compared with the correspondent chemical analysis. Results. The median HU values of calcium oxalate (n=10), mixed calcium oxalate and phosphate (n=19), calcium phosphate (n=2), uric acid (n=6) and mixed uric acid and calcium oxalate (n=3) stones were 1060 HU [interquartile range (IQR) 743.75-1222.5]; 900 HU (IQR 588.5-1108.5); 774 HU (range 720-828); 371 HU (IQR 361.25-436.25) and 532 HU (range 476-626), respectively. CONCLUSIONS. Our results confirmed a statistically significant difference of the HU values between calcium and pure uric acid calculi, suggesting a correlation between stone chemical composition and CT-density. Hounsfield unit.

Nutritional and Health Profiles of the Seasonal Changes in some Nutrients, Anti-nutrients and Mineral Contents of &lt;i&gt;Treculia africana food crop&lt;/i&gt;

Environmental variables such as temperature, rainfall, sunshine among others are known to influence fruiting, seed formation and quality of food crops by different mechanisms. Levels of nutrients, anti-nutrients and mineral composition of periodically harvested seeds of Treculia africana (a legume) during the fruiting season were assessed to determine the influence of season on quality parameters. Standard methods of analysis were used to evaluate protein, fat, crude fibre, ash, carbohydrate, moisture hydrogen cyanide, phytate, tannin, oxalate, alkaloid, saponinns and minerals. Highest nutritive and anti-nutrient values of seeds occurred at mid season and late season development periods respectively. Observed quality parameters were 14.55% protein, 5.74% fat, 2.10% crude fibre, 1.45% ash, 33.20% moisture, 50.14% carbohydrate, 0.45mg/100g HCN, 0.8 phytate 6.10mg/100g, 0.45mg/100g 1.65mg and 0.77mg/100g for early season seeds. The mid season seeds quality parameters increases were protein (5.1%) fat (0.34%) ash (0.22%), moisture (2.40%) carbohydrate (4.87%) and mean increase of 3.88% for anti-nutrient. Phytate, oxalate and phenolic values were highest at late season seeds. The mineral contents were comparable among the seasons. Calcium (20.0mg) and magnesium (280mg) recorded the least values in late season seeds. The relationship between seasonal changes in nutrients, anti-nutrients and seasons was significant (P < 0.05). The quality parameters are within the Recommended Daily Allowance for Nutrients, anti-nutrients and minerals but for calcium and magnesium. The seasonal changes posit Treculia africana as multi-purpose nutritional and health maintenance food crop.

Andisols of Turkey: An example from the Cappadocian Volcanic Province

A number of studies have been conducted on the genesis of soils from volcanic deposits in semi- humid and humid climates. However, there has been little study of the mineralogical properties and genesis of soils from volcanic rocks in arid and semi-arid climates. This study was conducted to understand the genesis of soils from different volcanic parent materials, such as andesite, dacite, volcanic ash, basalt and ignimbrite, in the region east of the Erciyes stratovolcano in Central Anatolia. At least three soil profiles were selected from each parent material, and 17 soil profiles were described. Soil samples were also taken from each soil horizon for physical, chemical and mineralogical analyses. Soil profiles vary according to elevation and the types of derived-parent materials and are divided into 17 pedons and 15 horizons (2A, 2Bw, 2Bw1, 2C, A2, BC, Bw, Bw1, Bw2, Bw3, C, C1, C2, Cr, R). Soil acidity varied from slightly alkaline to slightly acidic in all soils. Organic matter contents were higher in the surface horizons and generally decreased with depth in all pedons. The extractable cation values of ammonium oxalate, pyrophosphate, dithionite-citrate and sodium pyrophosphate, as well as unhydrolyzed volcanic glass, allophone, imogolite, smectite and ferrihydrite contents of the soils, are variable based on the parent materials, pedons and elevations that are typical of the Cappadocian volcanogenic soils in Anatolia of Turkey. These soils can generally be described as alu-andic Andisols, due to their Alo+1/2Feo values and Alp/Alo ratios. The important factors affecting the formation and development of soils are climatic variations affecting horizon development and genesis, soil parent material diversities and leaching regimes originating from elevation differences.

Hyperoxaluria in a Model of Mini-Gastric Bypass Surgery in Rats.

Bariatric surgery is associated with hyperoxaluria hence predisposing to nephrolithiasis. The present study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms contributing to increased urinary oxalate in a mini-gastric bypass (MGB) surgery model in rats under different dietary conditions. The expression of intestinal oxalate transporters was also evaluated. Male rats underwent MGB (n=21) or Sham procedure (n=21) and after recovery were fed a standard or high-fat diet with or without oxalate for 8weeks. Stool and urine were collected before surgery (baseline) and at the end of protocol (final), when intestinal fragments were harvested for expression of Slc26a3 and Slc26a6 oxalate transporters. MGB groups fed with fat, irrespective of oxalate supplementation, presented steatorrhea. In MGB animals fed with fat and oxalate (Fat+Ox), final values of urinary oxalate and calcium oxalate supersaturation risk were markedly and significantly increased versus baseline or Sham animals under the same diet, as well as MGB groups under other diets. Slc26a3 was decreased in biliopancreatic limbs of MGB rats, probably reflecting a physiological adaptation to the restriction of food passage. Slc26a6 was not altered in any harvested intestinal fragment. A high-fat and oxalate diet induced hyperoxaluria and elevation in calcium oxalate supersaturation risk in a MGB rat model. The presence of fat malabsorption and increased dietary oxalate absorption, but not modifications of Slc26a3 and Slc26a6 oxalate transporters, accounted for these findings, suggesting that bariatric patients may benefit from a low-fat and low-oxalate diet.

Determination of Urinary Oxalate with Arylamine Glass-Bound Sorghum Oxalate Oxidase and Horseradish Peroxidase

We describe an enzymic colourimetric method for determination of oxalate level in urine using arylamine glass-bound sorghum leaf oxalate oxidase and horseradish peroxidase. The method is based on quantification of H2O2 generated from oxidation of urinary oxalate by immobilized oxalate oxidase, by a colour reaction consisting of 4-aminophnazone, phenol and immobilized peroxidase as chromogen. Minimum detection limit of the method was 0.05 mmol/l. Analytical recovery of added oxalate in urine was 96.8± 3.0% (mean ±S.D.). Within and between day coefficient of variation (CV) for urinary oxalate in urine were &lt; 3.5% and &lt;6.46 % respectively. The urinary oxalate values in apparently healthy and urinary stone formers as measured by the present method were correlated with those by modified Sigma Kit method (r= 0.929). The method has the advantages that it provides ca 200 times reuse of oxalate oxidase and peroxidase and free from interferences by Cl- and NO3- normally found in urine. Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 4(3): 346-351

Proximate and anti-nutritional composition of leaves and seeds of &lt;i&gt;Moringa oleifera&lt;/i&gt; in Nigeria: a comparative study

Proximate and anti-nutrient composition of the leaves and seeds of ten provenances of Moringa oleifera from parts of Nigeria, were examined at Nsukka, Nigeria in 2012. Results indicated absence of significant main effect on any of the proximate traits evaluated while protein content responded significantly to plant part, showing greater accumulation in the leaves. All anti-nutritional traits considered were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influenced by accession. The accession from Kolo had the highest values of oxalate, phytate and tannin but recorded lowest amounts of alkaloids. The lowest values of oxalate, phytate and tannin were from Rini, Mayo-Belwa and Awo-Garaji respectively. Saponin varied from a low of 2.46% (Awo-Garaji) to a high of 3.42% (Giri). Plant part significantly influenced all evaluated anti-quality factors except phytate and tannin. Accumulation of anti-nutrients was higher in the seeds than in the leaves except for alkaloids and flavonoids. Biplot graphs indicated more clearly the pattern of association between evaluated traits and accessions. It was quite evident that while the leaves are generally more endowed with proximate attributes and lower quantities of anti-nutrients, variations in accumulation of the anti-nutrients with specific accession could indicate genetic differences that could be exploited for breeding purposes. Besides, lower anti-nutrients in leaves than seeds suggested better bioavailability of nutrient it contained and should be more preferred for consumption than seeds. Keyword Accession, Moringa oleifera , Proximate traits, Anti-nutrients

English

The study was carried out to determine the anti-nutrient, vitamin and other phytochemical compositions of old and succulent leaves of Moringa oleifera plants as influenced by poultry manure application. Three levels of poultry manure, that is, 0, 5 and 10 tonnes ha-1 were used for treatment. Poultry manure application insignificantly (p &gt; 0.05) increased oxalate, phytate and saponin compositions of the leaves. The older leaves had higher values of tannin, oxalate, phytate and saponin than the succulent ones. The poultry manure levels did not show any significant differences (p &gt; 0.05) in the proximate/chemical properties and some vitamins (vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and C). Succulent leaves had higher values of vitamins, proximate and chemical properties. The higher concentrations of the anti-nutrients in the older leaves and higher values of vitamins, proximate and chemical properties in the succulent ones provide a good guide to moringa leaf consumers, to harvest the younger succulent (first to fifth) leaves for consumption. &nbsp; Key words: Anti-nutrients, moringa leaves, poultry manure, phytochemicals, vitamins.