Total Calcium Content Research Articles

Preoperative vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of postoperative hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy

Prior single-institution studies suggest that preoperative vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is associated with postoperative hypocalcemia and a prolonged length of hospital stay following total thyroidectomy. In this study, we employ...

Biochemical parameters of blood and urine of rats at six-week administration of Nalbuphine

Given the widespread use in medicine of opioid analgesics, today it is extremely important to study the morphofunctional changes of various organs with prolonged exposure to opioids. In the modern scientific literature there are works in which changes of biochemical indicators of blood at use of narcotic analgesics in experiment are covered. To study the changes in the biochemical parameters of blood and urine with long-term use of Nalbuphine is an important area of research. The aim of the study was to detect changes in some biochemical parameters of blood and urine of rats at six-week administration of therapeutic doses of Nalbuphine. The study was based on 40 white adult male rats weighing 180-260 g, which were injected daily for six weeks with Nalbuphine injection 20 mg daily, intramuscularly in therapeutic doses. Daily diuresis and creatinine content were determined in urine samples. The content of total protein, creatinine, urea, calcium and phosphorus was determined in blood samples. The glomerular filtration rate was also determined by the clearance of endogenous creatinine. All statistical calculations were performed using R Studio v.1.1.442 and R Commander v.2.4-4 software. The results of the study showed that six weeks of therapeutic doses of Nalbuphine affects the filtration and reabsorption function of the kidney. The use of Nalbuphine for two weeks does not cause significant changes in biochemical parameters, but the established deviations may indicate the first signs of renal dysfunction. Further use of Nalbuphine, including the end of the sixth week of the experiment, leads to significant changes in the filtration and reabsorption functions of the kidneys, as evidenced by statistically significant changes in the biochemical parameters of blood and urine of rats. The data of the study can be used to compare with changes in the functional state of the kidneys caused by prolonged use of Nalbuphine, its withdrawal and the use of other drugs in combination with Nalbuphine. It is also advisable to compare the results of the study with the morphological changes of the kidneys at different times of use of Nalbuphine.

Van İli İpekyolu İlçesinde Üretilen Yonca Kuru Otunun Hasattan Depolamaya Kadar Besin Madde Kompozisyon Düzeyindeki Değişimin İncelenmesi

Bu çalışmada, Van ili İpekyolu ilçesine bağlı farklı köylerde üretimi yapılan yoncanın hasattan depolanıncaya kadar geçen süreçteki besin madde değişimleri incelenmiştir. Araştırma alanı olarak 208 işletme içerisinden tabakalı tesadüfî örnekleme yöntemi ile 30 işletme belirlenmiştir. Karagündüz köyünde hasat edilen yoncaların ortalama kuru madde miktarı % 40.90 olup Ağzıkara köyü hariç diğer köylere göre yüksek bulunmuştur (P<0.05). Hasat sonrası kapalı ortamda kurutulan yoncaların ortalama ham protein (HP) içeriği % 15.30 iken, bu değer tarlada kurutma sonrasında % 12.67’ye, depolamada ise % 11.82’ye düşmüştür (P<0.05). Hasat sonrası kapalı ortamda kurutulan yoncaların ortalama % 9.89 olan Asit Deterjan Lignin (ADL) içerikleri, depolamada % 11.61’e yükselmiştir (P<0.05). Hasat sonrası kapalı ortamda kurutulan yoncaların ortalama % 140.86 olan toplam karoten ve % 1.66 olan kalsiyum içerikleri tarlada kurutma ve depolamada düşmüştür (P<0.05). Hasatta, tarlada kurutmadan sonra ve depolama sürecinde alınan yonca kuru otu örneklerinde Aflatoksin B1, B2, G1 ve G2’ ye rastlanılmamıştır. Sonuç olarak, hasatla birlikte yoncanın HP, Ca ve toplam karoten düzeylerinde bir miktar kayıplar görülmekle birlikte, yemlerde aflatoksin düzeyine rastlanılmaması yem kalitesi açısından önemli bir sonuç olarak görülmektedir.

Comparison of yield, chemical composition and farinograph properties of common and ancient wheat grains

The chemical composition of 4 spring wheat species was analyzed: einkorn (Triticum monococcum) (local cv.), emmer (Triticum dicoccon) (Lamella cv.), spelt (Triticum spelta) (Wirtas cv.), and common wheat (Triticum aestivum) (Rospuda cv.). Mean emmer and einkorn yield was significantly lower than that of common wheat. The analyses of the wheat grain included the content of total protein, crude ash, crude fat, crude fibre, carbohydrates, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc. The grains of the tested ancient wheats were richer in protein, lipids, crude fibre, and crude ash than the common wheat grains. The significantly highest levels of crude protein, ether extract, and crude ash were found in einkorn. As the protein concentration in the grain increased, the calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels increased, and the zinc and manganese levels decreased. Genotypic differences between the studied wheats were reflected in the concentrations of the minerals and nutrients, an observation which can be useful in further cross-linkage studies. Dough made from common wheat and spelt flour showed better performance quality classifying it to be used for bread production. In turn, flour from emmer and einkorn wheat may be intended for pastry products, due to short dough development time and constancy as well as high softening.

تأثير خصائص السكان في استخدام المياه والمحافظة عليها من التلوث في مدينة عنيزة: دراسة جغرافية

استهدفت هذه الدراسة تحديد الخواص الطبيعية والكيميائية والبكتيرية لمياه الشرب في الشبكة العامة والخزانات الأرضية والشبكة المنزلية الداخلية ومقارنتها بخواص مياه الشرب الطبيعية والكيميائية الواردة في المواصفات القياسية السعودية. إضافة إلى دراسة تباين هذه الخصائص بين الشبكة العامة، والخزانات، الشبكة الداخلية لأحياء مدينة عنيزة التي شملتها الدراسة وهي القادسية، السليمانية، الملك خالد، وسط المدينة، المطار، المنتزه، مليحة، السلام وكذلك الكشف عن أهم المتغيرات التي تؤثر سلبيا وايجابيا عل خواص مياه الشرب. وأظهرت الدراسة مطابقة خواص مياه الشرب الطبيعية والكيميائية في الشبكة العامة لخواص مياه الشرب في المواصفات القياسية السعودية، في حين أظهرت الدراسة أن هناك تباينا بين خواص مياه الشرب في الشبكة العامة وخواص مياه الشرب في الخزانات الأرضية والشبكة المنزلية الداخلية، وتبين أيضا أن هناك تباينا مكانيا في خواص مياه الشرب بين الأحياء المدروسة التي شملتها الدراسة. وأثبتت الدراسة أن عمر الشبكة العامة الرئيسية قد تسبب في تباين قيم الأملاح الكلية الذائبة، الكلوريدات، العسر الكلي، الكالسيوم في مياه الشبكة. ولم تؤثر المسافة الفاصلة بين خزان الضخ الرئيس والمنزل على التباين في قيم معظم العناصر باستثناء الكبريتات وكذلك أظهرت النتائج ارتفاع قيم الأس الهيدروجيني لمياه الشرب في الأحياء التي توجد بها شبكة الصرف الصحي أكثر من الأحياء التي تفتقر إليها. وقد تبين ايضا أن تكرارية تنظيف الخزان والمسافة الفاصلة بين الخزان وخزان الصرف الصحي تعد من أهم المتغيرات التي تؤثر على خواص مياه الشرب في الخزانات المنزلية حيث أثرت على التباين في قيم الأملاح الكلية الذائبة، الكلوريدات، الكبريتات، العسر الكلي، الكالسيوم، التوصيل الكهربائي، في حين أثر نوع شبكة المياه المنزلية الداخلية على التباين في قيم الأملاح الكلية الذائبة، الكلوريدات، الكبريتات، التوصيل الكهربائي في مياه تلك الشبكة. كما أشارت الدراسة إلى التأثير الايجابي لارتفاع الدخل الشهري لصاحب المنزل وملكية المسكن فقد أدى ذلك إلى الاهتمام بنظافة الخزانات الارضية وبالتالي جودة مياه الشرب فيها.

Features of dental status in senior schoolchildren depending on mineral composition of drinking water

Objective. Hygienic assessment of the quality of drinking water from two rivers, Kama and Chusovaya, which supply the city of Perm, was carried out. Water in them is different in mineral composition, but similar in terms of anthropogenic pollution.
 Materials and methods. Dental status was determined in 142 schoolchildren aged 15-17 years old, who use water from different sources. The concentration of total calcium and magnesium in the oral fluid was determined for all schoolchildren.
 Results. The study found that the degree of mineralization of drinking water affects the mineral composition of the saliva. Schoolchildren, who use drinking water of low mineralization, have a low concentration of calcium and magnesium in the saliva and a high intensity of dental caries. Schoolchildren, who use drinking water of increased mineralization, have a high concentration of calcium and magnesium in the saliva, a low intensity of dental caries and a high intensity of periodontal diseases due to an increased formation of tartar. Treatment and preventive measures, carried out among schoolchildren, included the drug Complivit, plates CM 1, low-intensity laser light.
 Conclusions. The effectiveness of treatment and preventive measures was determined by the activity of the oral fluid enzymes before and after the course of treatment.

MTOR-mediated calcium transients affect cardiac function in ex vivo ischemia-reperfusion injury.

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key mediator of energy metabolism, cell growth, and survival. While previous studies using transgenic mice with cardiac‐specific overexpression of mTOR (mTOR‐Tg) demonstrated the protective effects of cardiac mTOR against ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury in both ex vivo and in vivo models, the mechanisms underlying the role of cardiac mTOR in cardiac function following I/R injury are not well‐understood. Torin1, a pharmacological inhibitor of mTOR complex (mTORC) 1 and mTORC2, significantly decreased functional recovery of LV developed pressure in ex vivo I/R models (p < 0.05). To confirm the role of mTOR complexes in I/R injury, we generated cardiac‐specific mTOR‐knockout (CKO) mice. In contrast to the effects of Torin1, CKO hearts recovered better after I/R injury than control hearts (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the CKO hearts had exhibited irregular contractions during the reperfusion phase. Calcium is a major factor in Excitation‐Contraction (EC) coupling via Sarcoplasmic Reticulum (SR) calcium release. Calcium is also key in opening the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) and cell death following I/R injury. Caffeine‐induced SR calcium release in isolated CMs showed that total SR calcium content was lower in CKO than in control CMs. Western blotting showed that a significant amount of mTOR localizes to the SR/mitochondria and that GSK3‐β phosphorylation, a key factor in SR calcium mobilization, was decreased. These findings suggest that cardiac mTOR located to the SR/mitochondria plays a vital role in EC coupling and cell survival in I/R injury.

M.E.S. Abasaheb Garware College, Pune and Arts, Commerce and Science College, Lasalgaon

During the last decade it became the subject of much attention by both scientists and the general public that in the biological system like many other inorganic elements calcium is the most important element. The central role of calcium is in mammalian bones and other mineralized tissues were recognised immediately after its discovery as an element by the scientist Davy in 1808. The insight arrived much later that calcium 2+ ions could play a very important role in other tissues as well. Nowadays, Ca2+ ions are widely recognised as central to a complex intracellular messenger system that is mediating a wide range of biological processes such as muscle contraction, secretion, glycolysis and glycogenesis, iron transport, cell division and growth [1–11]. In the case of mammals, the blood plasma in the Ca2+ Ion concentration exceeds the intracellular by factor of about 104 Ca2+ ions are instrumental in joining certain proteins in the blood clotting system with membrane surfaces of circulating cells. The stable isotopes of calcium are 40 Ca, 44 Ca, 42 Ca, 43 Ca, amid all 40 Ca is most abundant [12]. There are two main groups of experimental techniques for the measurement ofCa2+ion namely 1) Measurement of free calcium concentration. 2) Measurement of total calcium concentration. Approximately 1 kilogram of calcium is present in the human body of which more than 99% deposit is in the bone in the form of calcium phosphate [1]. The distribution of calcium 2+ Ion throughout the organism is demanded and should be made available where needed. In human beings, the blood plasma level of total calcium is kept constant (=2.45mM) within the narrow limits. On a cellular level the basal cytoplasmic calcium 2+concentration, at least in eukaryotic cells, is very low that is on the order of 100 nM. Whereas, at the same time the concentration of Ca2+ in certain organelles such as endoplasmic reticulum or mitochondria may be considerably higher [2,13]. Ca+ channels are regulated by chemical signalling, perhaps by hormones acting directly on the channel by small molecules released intracellularly when a hormone is attached to a membrane- bound receptor [lipard]. More than 99% of the calcium in the human body is in the bones and teeth. In bone, calcium provides the structural strength that allows the bone to support the body’s weight and anchor the muscles. Bone calcium also serves as a reservoir that can be tapped to maintain extracellular calcium concentration regardless of intake. Calcium differs from most other nutrients in that the body contains a substantial store, far in excess of short-term needs, but at the same time that store serves a critical structural role. Thus, the effects of calcium deficiency may escape notice for a considerable time, until they manifest as skeletal weakness or fractures. Deficiency of calcium bones becomes interstitial or brittle and osteoporosis gradually develops.

The Foliar Application of Rice Phyllosphere Bacteria induces Drought-Stress Tolerance in Oryza sativa (L.).

This study assessed the potential of Bacillus endophyticus PB3, Bacillus altitudinis PB46, and Bacillus megaterium PB50 to induce drought tolerance in a susceptible rice cultivar. The leaves of the potted rice plants subjected to physical drought stress for 10 days during the flowering stage were inoculated with single-strain suspensions. Control pots of irrigated and drought-stressed plants were included in the experiment for comparison. In all treatments, the plant stress-related physiochemical and biochemical changes were examined and the expression of six stress-responsive genes in rice leaves was evaluated. The colonization potential on the surface of the rice leaves and stomata of the most successful strain in terms of induced tolerance was confirmed in the gnotobiotic experiment. The plants sprayed with B. megaterium PB50 showed an elevated stress tolerance based on their higher relative water content and increased contents of total sugars, proteins, proline, phenolics, potassium, calcium, abscisic acid, and indole acetic acid, as well as a high expression of stress-related genes (LEA, RAB16B, HSP70, SNAC1, and bZIP23). Moreover, this strain improved yield parameters compared to other treatments and also confirmed its leaf surface colonization. Overall, this study indicates that the foliar application of B. megaterium PB50 can induce tolerance to drought stress in rice.

Influence of sprouting on proximate composition, dietary fiber, nutrient availability, antinutrient, and antioxidant activity of flaxseed varieties

The present study evaluated the effect of sprouting on nutritional characteristics of flaxseed varieties Neelam, Garima, Shekhar, and Kusum. It was found that moisture and ash contents of sprouted flaxseeds were higher, while the crude protein, fat, and fiber content of sprouted flaxseeds were significantly lower than that of raw. The highest protein content among all the four raw and sprouted flaxseed varieties was in Neelam while lowest protein content was of Kusum variety. After sprouting of flaxseeds their soluble dietary fiber increased while insoluble dietary fiber decreased. There was less change in total calcium content even after germination as compared to raw. On mean basis, the total iron and magnesium contents of sprouted flaxseed varieties were significantly (p < 0.05) lower as compared to raw varieties. Sprouting caused increase in available mineral contents (calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus), in vitro protein and starch digestibilities and antioxidant activity of processed flaxseeds. Practical applications Flaxseeds are nutritious oilseeds being a rich source of dietary fibers (lignans), essential fatty acids, protein, minerals like iron, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, and magnesium and antioxidants which are important for human nutrition and development. Sprouting resulted in a decrease in anti-nutritional factor in flaxseeds thereby removing the toxic constituents present in flaxseeds and rendering them safe for human consumption. Sprouting is a very easy economical and efficient technique which can be followed at household level to obtain safe, pro-health, nutritionally, and functionally superior flaxseeds; which can be further utilized for product development, value addition, and combating nutritional deficiencies.

A comparison of the spore heat resistance of dairy isolates of Geobacillus stearothermophilus obtained using a CDC biofilm reactor and a sporulating medium

In this study we compared a heat resistance of spores of Geobacillus stearothermophilus A1, D1, P3 and ATCC 12980 obtained using a milk biofilm system under continuous flow with previously reported values obtained by a sporulating medium. The average decimal reduction times of A1, D1, P3 and ATCC 12980 were 4.2, 4.9, 4.1 and 7.9 min, respectively, and were not significantly different (p < 0.05) from the heat resistance of spores obtained by a sporulating medium. In addition, the total calcium content of spores of A1, D1, P3 and ATCC 12980 were 1.9, 2.0, 2.5 and 5.1 ppm, respectively. The dipicolinic acid (DPA) content of spores of A1, D1, P3 and ATCC 12980 were 0.19, 0.26, 0.33, 1.38 pg per spore, respectively. The findings presented here provide new insights which can be used in the design of thermal processing steps in the dairy industry.

Effects of Drought on Yield and Nutraceutical Properties of Beans (Phaseolus spp.) Traditionally Cultivated in Veneto, Italy

Beans are often grown in regions with climates that are susceptible to drought during the cultivation period. Consequently, it is important to identify bean accessions tolerant to drought conditions and assess the effect of drought on seeds’ nutraceutical properties. This study evaluated the effect of drought during different development stages (NES = never stressed; ALS = always stressed; SBF = stressed before flowering; SAF = stressed after flowering) on the yield and nutraceutical properties of six local bean varieties: Fasolo del Diavolo, Gialet, Posenati, Secle, D’oro, and Maron. Analysis of variance indicated that Gialet was not significantly affected by drought treatments, and Posenati under SBF and NES treatments had greater yields than under ALS and SAF treatments, whereas Secle under SBF produced 80% more seeds than under NES. Total phenols, antioxidant capacity, and calcium content were significantly different among the local varieties. Yield was significantly and positively correlated with seed calcium content and significantly and negatively correlated with protein, total phenols, and antioxidant capacity. The interaction between local varieties and treatment significantly affected seeds’ Zn content. Gialet and Maron seeds’ Zn contents were about 60 mg kg−1, almost double the average of commercial varieties. In summary, this study paves the way to the identification of potential bean varieties resistant to drought. Further molecular studies will help support these findings.

Metritis in dairy cows is preceded by alterations in biochemical profile prepartum and at parturition

Metritis in dairy cows is classified as a puerperal disease that affects all layers of the uterine epithelium and occurs during the first 21 days after parturition. The objectives of this study were to identify potential predictive biomarkers of metritis, to monitor the biochemical profile of pre-metritic dairy cows, and to evaluate the reproductive performance of dairy cows with metritis. Fifty-five cows without metritis and fifteen cows that showed clinical signs of metritis were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were collected at −21, −14 and − 7 days before calving and at parturition and assayed for urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), total cholesterol, fibrinogen, total calcium, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations. Serum fibrinogen on 21, 14 and 7 days prepartum and at parturition was the strongest discriminator between metritic and control cows. Moreover, metritic cows had lower (P < 0.05) concentrations of urea, creatinine, cholesterol and calcium and higher (P < 0.05) serum AST, GGT activities, and serum fibrinogen, BHB and NEFA concentrations when compared to control cows. The number of days to first ovulation, insemination, services per pregnancy and days to pregnancy were greater (P < 0.05) for metritic cows than the control group, and the follicle size was smaller (P < 0.05) for metritic cows than the control group. Our results indicate alterations in the biochemical profile of dairy cows with metritis and the negative impact on the reproductive performance of metritic cows raised in tropical conditions. In addition, this study showed that the serum fibrinogen could be used as screening biomarkers to indicate cows that might have metritis during the postpartum period.

Clinical symptoms of iodine and zinc deficiency in dairy cows

Numerous clinical observations indicate that the silage-concentrate type of dairy cows feeding causes a cascade of pathobiochemical processes occurring by the type of metabolic acidosis, ketosis, hepatosis, with a violation of protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Animals cannot realize the genetically inherent productivity potential.The culling of cows from the main herd is more than 37%. The main reasons for culling cows are hypo - and agalactia as a result of mastitis and ketosis, as well as infertility against the background of repeated infertile inseminations. Allotriophagy, unsteadiness of teeth, resorption of the last tail vertebrae, curvature of the vertebral column, traces of rib fractures, difficulty in lifting and moving when the content of total calcium and inorganic phosphorus in the blood is at the lower limit of physiological values indicate osteodystrophy. Exo-or endophthalmos, myxedema, forelock and mane, disheveled and curly hair, abortions, the birth of premature, ugly, stillborn, sparsely haired or “naked” calves against the background of low levels of protein bound iodine (PBI) in the blood indicate iodine deficiency in their body (hypomicroelementosis J). Coarsening and increased folding of the skin in the area of the head, neck and withers, active keratization on the skin in the area of articular surfaces and croup, thickening of the corolla zone and the border of the hooves in the form of a roller, ski-like growth and deformation of the hoof horn, enlargement and deformation of the joints, decreased reproductive function and low levels of zinc in the blood indicate parakeratosis of cattle (zinc deficiency).

Effect of addition of Lotus stem powder on nutritional, phytochemical and antioxidant properties of sev

Lotus stem is highly nutritious, possessed antioxidant and anti inflammatory activities and prevent anaemia, PEM and osteoporosis. This study was aimed to utilize Lotus stem powder for the development of nutrients rich sev. LSP supplemented sev were developed by incorporating 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 per cent of LSP and these were evaluated for sensory parameters, proximate composition, total and in vitro bio- accessible minerals and antioxidants. In terms of sensory parameters, LSP supplemented sev were adjudged between ‘liked moderately’ to ‘liked very much’ (Figure-2) and were acceptable by the judges. The contents of moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, ash, total carbohydrates, total calcium, iron and zinc of best acceptable type-IV sev were 5.58, 13.05, 20.71, 2.97, 4.42, 53.27, 61.38, 5.67 and 3.06 per cent. Phytochemical (total phenolic content and total flavonoids content) and antioxidant capacity were also increased in supplemented sev. Results indicated that lotus stem powder can be successfully incorporated up to 25 per cent for the development of nutrient rich sev without compromising the sensory acceptability. LSP supplemented sev had significantly (P

Влияние агрохимикатов на пространственно-временные изменения агрохимических свойств почвы и урожай брокколи

The aim of the study. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of agrochemicals (mineral and organo-mineral fertilizers, plant growth regulators and ameliorants) on the spatio-temporal changes in the properties of agro-gray soil and broccoli yield using a cartographic approach. Methodology. The field experiment was conducted in 2016 at the site located near the Bykovo village in the south-east of West Siberia (54°58 '02.8" N; 83°5'21.45" E, Novosibirsk region). The objects of the study were the agro-gray soil (Luvic Retic Greyzemic Phaeozem (Siltic, Aric)) and the medium-ripe broccoli cabbage variety "Linda". The experiment scheme included the following treatments: (1) Control (without fertilizers), (2) Background (N100P60K160), (3) Background + succinic acid, (4) Background + dolomite, (5) Background + mulch, (6) Organo- mineral fertilizer "Criall". Soil samples were analyzed for the content of organic carbon, nitrates, total, mineral and organic phosphorus, as well as its mobile form; exchangeable potassium, calcium and magnesium, and pH. The dried samples of broccoli inflorescences were analyzed for the total content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Main results. After applying agrochemicals and harvesting broccoli, the variation coefficients of рН, mobile phosphorus, potassium and calcium increased by two or more times. The use of agrochemicals increased the yield and improved the nutritional value of broccoli inflorescences. The treatments with mineral fertilization (2, 3, 4 and 5) the treatment 2 (Background N100P60K160) provided the greatest return. The application of the studied agrochemicals resulted in the negative (acidification, binding of phosphorus, calcium and magnesium) and positive (increase in the content of elements) effects. The immobilization of nutrients (phosphorus, calcium, magnesium) in poorly soluble soil compounds and the respective decrease in the content of the elements’ mobile forms did not have a negative effect on the elemental composition of broccoli inflorescences. Thus, chemical immobilization, leading to the fixation of nutrients in the upper soil horizon, prevents their leaching by melt- and rainwater into the lower horizons.

Is Water-Only Fasting Safe?

BackgroundWater-only fasting (WF) is a practice used to improve and maintain health.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to show whether WF performed for 8 days may be a threat to the health and/or life of people undergoing this practice.MethodsTwelve middle-aged men participated in the study. During the 8-day WF, the subjects ate no food except for drinking mineral water. Before and after WF, all subjects had a series of tests performed, beginning with the level of perceived stress and somatic measurements. The concentrations of creatinine, sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), total calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg++), urea (U), uric acid (UA) and total protein were determined in this urine and in the serum. For these substances, the values ​​of clearance, renal filtration and fractional excretion were calculated. The osmotic clearance and free water clearance as well as the amount of daily urinary excretion of creatinine, Na+, K+, Ca, Mg++, U and UA were also calculated. Moreover, the concentration of glucose in the serum and the concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate in the plasma were determined. In urine, specific gravity, pH and osmolality were also measured.ResultsAfter 8 days of WF, the study showed a significant reduction in the level of perceived stress, weight loss, changes in body composition, dehydration, increased ketogenesis, hyperuricemia, decreased serum glucose concentration, and hyponatremia. These changes were accompanied by Na+, K+ and protein sparing, decreased serum Ca and Mg++ concentrations, and reduced daily volume of more acidic urine with elevated specific gravity.ConclusionsAfter 8 days of WF, all subjects were found to remain safe and feel the sense of well-being. However, the appearance of the above-mentioned adverse metabolic effects, despite partially effective renal compensations, suggests that the further continuation of fasting intervention by the subjects would be detrimental to their body.

Effect of elevated ozone and carbon dioxide interaction on growth, yield, nutrient content and wilt disease severity in chickpea grown in Northern India

Wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum, sp. Ciceris (FOC) is an important disease causing losses up to 10% in chickpea yield. Experiments were conducted growing chickpea in free air ozone and carbon dioxide enrichment rings under four treatments of elevated ozone (O3) (EO:60 ± 10 ppb), elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) (ECO2:550 ± 25 ppm), combination of elevated CO2 and O3 (EO + ECO2) and ambient control for quantifying the effect on growth, yield, biochemical and nutrient content of chickpea. For studying the impact on wilt disease, chickpea was grown additionally in pots with soil containing FOC in these rings. The incidence of Fusarium wilt reduced significantly (p < 0.01) under EO as compared to ambient and ECO2. The activities of pathogenesis-related proteins chitinase and β-1,3- glucanase, involved in plant defense mechanism were enhanced under EO. The aboveground biomass and pod weight declined by 18.7 and 15.8% respectively in uninnoculated soils under EO, whereas, in FOC inoculated soil (diseased plants), the decline under EO was much less at 8.6 and 9.9% as compared to the ambient. Under EO, the activity of super oxide dismutase increased significantly (p < 0.5, 40%) as compared to catalase (12.5%) and peroxidase (17.5%) without any significant increase under EO + ECO2. The proline accumulation was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in EO as compared to EO + ECO2, and ECO2. The seed yield declined under EO due to significant reduction (p < 0.01) in the number of unproductive pods and seed weight. No change in the protein, total soluble sugars, calcium and phosphorus content was observed in any of the treatments, however, a significant decrease in potassium (K) content was observed under EO + ECO2. Elevated CO2 (554ppm) countered the impacts of 21.1 and 14.4 ppm h (AOT 40) O3 exposure on the seed yield and nutrient content (except K) in the EO + CO2 treatment and reduced the severity of wilt disease in the two years' study.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PROCESSING METHODS ON THE NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION AND ANTINUTRITIONAL FACTORS OF PEANUT MILK

Comparative effects of different processing methods like blanching, soaking, roasting and germination methods on nutritional composition and antinutritional factors in peanut milk were investigated. Local and CO 6 peanut varieties were selected for peanut milk preparation and subjected to different processing methods. Peanut milk was extracted from fresh (control), blanched (2 mins), soaked (3 hrs), roasted (roasting 5 mins followed by soaking 3 hrs) and germinated (8 hrs) peanuts. Peanuts were washed, ground, slurry separated, filtered, homogenized, double pasteurized and stored. Different processing methods influenced the nutritional composition of local and CO 6 variety peanut milk. The nutritional composition like total solids, protein, fat, calcium and iron content of the different processed peanut milk were analyzed. The total solid content of the peanut milk does not change in soaking (13.98 and 15 g/ 100 mL), germination method (13.99 and 15.26 g/100 mL), less reduction in roasting method (13.96 and 15.20 g/ 100 mL), more significant reduction in blanching method (12.36 and 13.97 g/ 100 mL) in local and CO 6 variety of peanut milk respectively were recorded. Protein content was increased in germination ((6.1 and 6.4 g/ 100 mL), soaking (6.0 and 6.3 g / 100 mL), roasting method (5.6 and 5.8 g / 100 mL) and reduction in blanching method (4.1 and 5.0 g / 100 mL) in local and CO 6 variety peanut milk respectively. Fat content was significantly reduced in control (3.82 and 3.54 g / 100 mL), blanching method (3.63 and 3.32 g / 100 mL), soaking method ( 3.80 and 3.55 g/ 100 mL) and germination method (3.60 and 3.50 g/ 100 mL) in local and CO 6 variety peanut milk. Calcium and iron content was greatly reduced in blanching and lesser reduction in roasting method. Antinutritional factors like phytic acid, tannin, trypsin inhibitor, oxalate and phenol was greatly reduced in roasting and germination methods. It was observed that the nutritional properties were highly conserved and the antinutritional factor was greatly reduced in the roasting method.

Alterations in Bone Biomarker and Mineral Metabolism in Dogs After Unilateral Nephrectomy

In clinical veterinary practice, changes in mineral metabolism after nephrectomy have been studied. While these changes are not fully established, alterations in biomarkers of bone metabolism, particularly in nephrectomized dogs, have not yet been studied. The goal of this study was to investigate both bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) changes as a biomarker of bone turnover and changes in other parameters of mineral metabolism after unilateral nephrectomy in dogs. Ten apparently clinically healthy Egyptian stray dogs were used in this study. While complete hemogram was done before surgery, physical examination and serum biochemistry were performed immediately before (0 day), 5, and 30 days after surgery. There are no changes between clinical parameters for all dogs before and after surgery which are within normal references value. Serum biochemistry showed that BALP increased significantly (40.76 ± 11.83 IU/ L, P < 0.01) 30 days after nephrectomy. There were no significant changes in serum concentrations of total calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus (Ph), sodium (Na) and creatinine after surgery while alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity showed a significant (289.50 ± 14.73 IU/L, P < 0.0005) increase after surgery. We concluded that complete unilateral nephrectomy in dogs is accompanied by a change in BALP, a biomarker of bone turnover, and a change in liver function. Appropriate care following nephrectomy in canine kidney donors or urological indications may be concerned to avoid those changes.