Total Mineral Research Articles

Novel Biodegradable Chelating Agents for Micronutrient Fertilization.

Serious concerns about the negative impact of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on the environment resulted in severe restrictions imposed on this compound in many countries. One of the main concerns is related to the use of EDTA in agriculture as a chelator in microelement fertilizers: being introduced directly into the sawing fields, it penetrates into groundwater, with no chance to be captured/recycled. Respectively, there is an active search for environmentally friendly, biodegradable alternatives for this chelator. In this study, we proposed a biodegradable chelating agent, 2-((1,2-dicarboxyethyl)amino)pentanedioic acid (IGSA). It was synthesized in accordance with the principles of "green chemistry" from readily available nonhazardous precursors using water as a solvent; in addition, the method yields literally no waste. The synthesized chelator in the form of the crude reaction mixture was further used for preparing a multicomponent micronutrient fertilizer (B, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Mo). The fertilizer was shown to be highly biodegradable (72% in 28 days), while the EDTA-based product degraded only by 13%. The plant growing efficiency was tested on lettuce in the greenhouse experiments. The results were compared against the known commercial fertilizers based on EDTA and iminodisuccinic acid (IDS). The newly developed IGSA-based fertilizer significantly outperformed the EDTA-based fertilizer in lettuce biomass (1.4 and 1.6 times for root and foliar application, respectively). The total mineral uptake was almost two times higher (1.9 and 1.8 times for root and foliar treatments, respectively) compared to the EDTA-based complex and even slightly higher (1.2 and 1.1 times, respectively) compared to the IDS-based complex. Our work opens the doors for the industrial scale production and application of this fully "green", inexpensive microelement fertilizer that has the potential to replace the EDTA-based products.

A 20-week exercise program improved total body and legs bone mineral density in children with overweight or obesity: The ActiveBrains randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a 20-week exercise program on bone mineral parameters in children with overweight or obesity. DesignRandomized controlled trial. MethodsThis study took part from November 21, 2014, to June 30, 2016, in Granada, Spain. A secondary analysis of this parallel-group randomized controlled trial was performed with 77 children with overweight or obesity (9.9 ± 1.2, 65 % boys) who were randomly allocated to exercise or control group. All participants received lifestyle recommendations. The control group continued their usual routines, whereas the exercise group attended a minimum of 3 supervised 90-minute sessions/week of aerobic plus resistance training for 20 weeks. A whole-body scan by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was carried out to obtain body composition at total body less head, arms, lumbar spine, pelvis, and legs. ResultsParticipants in the exercise group acquired significantly higher total body aBMD (mean z-score [95 % confidence intervals, CI], 0.607 [0.522–0.692]) compared with the participants in the control group (mean z-score, 0.472 [0.388–0.556]); difference between groups, 0.135 standard deviations [95 % CI 0.015–0.255], and legs aBMD (mean z-score, 0.629 [0.550–0.708]); control group (mean z-score, 0.518 [0.440–0.596]); difference between groups, 0.111 [0.001–0.222]; all p < 0.05. There were no significant differences between exercise group and control group at the remaining evaluated regions (p > 0.05). ConclusionsA 20-week non-specifically bone-targeted exercise program induced a small, yet significant, improvement on total body and legs aBMD in children with overweight or obesity. Future studies should investigate the interaction of weight status in the bone response to exercise programs. Trial registrationProspectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02295072.

Exploring the Confluence of In-Ovo Mineral Supplementation and Hatching Attributes in Broiler Chick Progeny: A Symphony of Nutritional Enrichment and Broiler Chicks Development

Embryonic nutrition is a key factor that influences broiler progeny performance with long-lasting nutritional adequacies or insufficiencies in the developmental phase. Objective: To explores the effects of in-ovo mineral supplementation or day in-ovo feeding on the hatching attributes and chick quality in broiler breeders. Methods: About 1400 hatching eggs of broiler breeders were selected, categorized into seven experimental groups: one control group, three macro mineral (P, Mg, and Ca) groups, and three micro-mineral (Zn, Mn, and Cu) groups. During the 12th and 18th day of incubation, eggs received in-ovo injections of their respective mineral (5% of the total mineral content in a 50g egg) solutions, prepared by dissolving the corresponding salts in deionized water. Post-injection, eggs were placed in the setter, and upon completion of incubation, hatching trays were removed to evaluate hatchability performance and chick quality parameters for each group. Results: The results showed that Zn, Ca, and Mg-supplemented eggs demonstrated the highest (P&lt;0.05) hatchability rates for settable and fertile eggs at day 12 of in-ovo feeding. The chick weight, hatch window, and hatchling size were significantly influenced (P&lt;0.05) by in-ovo feeding and the day of in-ovo feeding. However, no effect of in-ovo mineral feeding and day of in ovo feeding was observed on chick quality (chick grades, navel area, retracted yolk, and membrane score) and post-hatch chick activities (activity, down-appearance, vitality, eye score, and gait score). Conclusions: In conclusion, Zn, Ca, and Mg in ovo feeding improve the hatchability traits when administered at day 12 of incubation.

Small animal DXA instrument comparison and validation

Several new peripheral dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) devices designed for assessment of bone and body composition in rodents have been developed. We compared the performance (accuracy and precision) of two of these devices, the InAlyzer and the iNSiGHT, to those of an established device, the PIXImus. We measured total body bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and body composition (lean and fat mass) on the three DXA devices in 18 male C57Bl/6 J mice (6 each of ages 8, 14, and 24 weeks, weighing 22 to 33 g). DXA body composition measures were compared to whole-body nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) outcomes. BMC of the femur was also compared to ex vivo micro-computed tomography (microCT). Total body BMD from the InAlyzer and iNSiGHT devices was strongly correlated to that from PIXImus (R2 = 0.83 and 0.82, respectively), but was ~25 % higher than PIXImus. Total body BMC measures by InAlyzer were strongly associated with those from PIXImus (R2 = 0.86), whereas those from iNSiGHT were only weakly correlated (R2 = 0.29). Femur BMC from InAlyzer was strongly correlated with microCT outcomes, whereas iNSiGHT was only weakly correlated. InAlyzer and iNSiGHT fat mass measures were very strongly correlated with PIXImus and NMR outcomes (R2 = 0.91 to 0.97), with slightly weaker associations for lean mass (R2 = 0.81 to 0.76). Short-term precision of InAlyzer and iNSiGHT measurements were excellent, and akin to those from the PIXImus for both body composition and bone measures, ranging between 0.39 and 3.2 %. With faster scan times, closed X-ray source and excellent precision, the new devices are both satisfactory replacements for the now discontinued PIXImus system. However, given the accuracy of the bone and body composition measures, the InAlyzer may be preferable for studies where musculoskeletal changes are the main interest.

Impact of different proportions of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) flour on physical, chemical and sensory parameters of straight grade flour-based cake rusk

Powders of fruits and vegetables can replace wheat flour, to develop value-added nutritional food formulations. Sweet potato flour (SPF), due to presence of phytochemicals and excellent functional properties, has potential to be used with wheat flour to develop bakery products. In current research work SPF was replaced with refined wheat flour, at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% levels, to develop cake rusk, one of the widely consumed snacks in the world. Effect of incorporation of SPF on physical, chemical and sensory attributes of formulated cake rusks was part of this study. SPF exhibited water and oil holding capacity than wheat flour. Increment in weight of cakes rusks from 8.1±0.05 (control) to 14.10±0.06 (50 % SPF), decrement in width, from 37.6±0.05 (control) to 27.08±0.05 (50 % SPF), and thickness, from 10.03±0.05 (control) to 5.05±0.02 (50 % SPF), was observed as a result of SPF incorporation. Proximate analysis resulted, significant increase in moisture, ash, fat and fiber contents, whereas a slight decrease in protein and NFE contents of the formulated cake rusks, as moisture, ash, fat and fiber in control sample were 3.30 ± 0.04%, 1.32 ± 0.02%, 29.02 ± 0.04% and 0.60 ± 0.01%, respectively, which were significantly increased to 6.82±0.03 %, 2.71±0.02 %, 32.67±0.1 %, 0.95±0.03 %, respectively, in 50 % SPF incorporated cake rusks. Total phenolic, flavonoid, carotenoid and mineral contents were significantly increased in cake rusks, with increasing level of SPF. Sensory analysis concluded that 20% level of SPF provided optimum quality cake rusks. Thus, SPF could be used at suitable levels in wheat flour, for development of good quality acceptable snacks.

Parathyroid hormone therapy improves MRSA-infected fracture healing in a murine diabetic model.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) impairs fracture healing and is associated with susceptibility to infection, which further inhibits fracture healing. While intermittent parathyroid hormone (1-34) (iPTH) effectively improves fracture healing, it is unknown whether infection-associated impaired fracture healing can be rescued with PTH (teriparatide). A chronic diet-induced type 2 diabetic mouse model was used to yield mice with decreased glucose tolerance and increased blood glucose levels compared to lean-fed controls. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was inoculated in a surgical tibia fracture model to simulate infected fracture, after which mice were treated with a combination of antibiotics and adjunctive teriparatide treatment. Fracture healing was assessed by Radiographic Union Scale in Tibial Fractures (RUST), micro-computed tomography (μCT), biomechanical testing, and histology. RUST score was significantly poorer in diabetic mice compared to their lean nondiabetic counterparts. There were concomitant reductions in micro-computed tomography (μCT) parameters of callus architecture including bone volume/total volume, trabecular thickness, and total mineral density in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice. Biomechanicaltesting of fractured femora demonstrated diminished torsional rigidity, stiffness, and toughness to max torque. Adjuvant teriparatide treatment with systemic antibiotic therapy improved numerous parameters of bone microarchitecture bone volume, increased connectivity density, and increased trabecular number in both the lean and T2DM group. Despite the observation that poor fracture healing in T2DM mice was further impaired by MRSA infection, adjuvant iPTH treatment significantly improved fracture healing compared to antibiotic treatment alone in infected T2DM fractures. Our results suggest that teriparatide may constitute a viable adjuvant therapeutic agent to improve bony union and bone microarchitecture to prevent the development of septic nonunion under diabetic conditions.

Associations between total mercury, trace minerals, and blood health markers in Northwest Atlantic white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias)

The ecology and life-histories of white sharks make this species susceptible to mercury bioaccumulation; however, the health consequences of mercury exposure are understudied. We measured muscle and plasma total mercury (THg), health markers, and trace minerals in Northwest Atlantic white sharks. THg in muscle tissue averaged 10.0 mg/kg dry weight, while THg in blood plasma averaged 533 μg/L. THg levels in plasma and muscle were positively correlated with shark precaudal length (153–419 cm), and THg was bioaccumulated proportionally in muscle and plasma. Nine sharks had selenium:mercury molar ratios in blood plasma >1.0, indicating that for certain individuals the potential protective effects of the trace mineral were diminished, whereas excess selenium may have protected other individuals. No relationships between plasma THg and any trace minerals or health markers were identified. Thus, we found no evidence of negative effects of Hg bioaccumulation, even in sharks with very high THg.

How animal milk and plant-based alternatives diverge in terms of fatty acid, amino acid, and mineral composition

The decline in fresh milk in the Western world has in part been substituted by an increased consumption of plant-based beverages (PBB). These are often marketed as healthy and sustainable alternatives to milk and dairy foodstuff, although studies have suggested PBB to be of lower nutrient quality. The current study considered different brands of almond-, oat-, rice-, coconut- and soya-based beverages for a comparative analysis and found that they indeed presented lower contents of total protein, lipids, amino acids, and minerals than cow and goat milk. The only exception was given by soya-based beverages which approximated the protein content (3.47% vs. 3.42 and 3.25% in cow and goat milk, respectively) and amino acid composition of animal milk, and also demonstrated high mineral content. The natural presence of phyto-compounds in PBB characterised as antinutrients and their potential to exacerbate the issue of low nutrient quality by lowering bioavailability have been discussed.

Comparison of Metabolites and Main Nutritional Components between Uncooked and Cooked Purple Rice.

Cooking can lead to varying degrees of nutrient loss in purple rice. For this investigation, two varieties of purple rice (YZN1 and YZ6) were chosen as the focal points to explore the metabolites associated with rice nutrition post cooking using nontargeted and targeted metabolomics techniques. The results showed that after cooking the two purple rice varieties, the contents of the flavonoids; OPC; TP; total antioxidant capacity; and K, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ca, and Mg significantly decreased. Compared with YZN1U (YZN1 uncooked), the amino acid and mineral element contents in YZN1C (YZN1 cooked) decreased to varying degrees. After cooking YZ6, the contents of seven amino acids significantly decreased. Following the preparation of purple rice, the metabolites primarily engaged in the pathways of flavonoid synthesis and flavone and flavonol synthesis. Flavonoids, total antioxidant capacity, mineral elements, and amino acids showed a strong correlation with delphinidin and luteolin. The ROC analysis demonstrated that the value of the area under the curve for delphinidin and luteolin was 1 when comparing YZ6C (YZ6 cooked) and YZ6U (YZ6 uncooked), as well as YZN1C and YZN1U. Delphinidin and luteolin can be used as potential biomarkers of nutrient loss after cooking purple rice. This study holds significant implications for the balanced nutrition and healthy development of human dietary grains.

Mood instability and low back pain: a mendelian randomization study.

Low back pain is a prevalent and debilitating condition worldwide, with significant implications for individuals' quality of life and productivity. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between mood instability and the risk of developing chronic low back pain, using a rigorously designed mendelian randomization methodology. The study incorporated both univariate and multivariate mendelian randomization to analysis the causal relationship between mood instability and the risk of developing chronic low back pain. The data on mood instability from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) opened Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) project (IEU-opened GWAS project). Data on low back pain were collected from two sources: One source is the IEU open GWAS project (discovery data). Another source is a GWAS meta-analysis (replication data). Inverse variance weighted method, weighted median method, MR-Egger regression, and mendelian randomization pleiotropy residual sum and outlier method were used for mendelian randomization analysis. The univariable mendelian randomization analysis shows a statistically significant correlation between mood instability and the risk of low back pain. Several methods were performed, including inverse variance weighting (discovery data: odds ratio = 3.544, 95% confidence interval = 1.785-7.039, p = 0.000; replication data: odds ratio = 3.167, 95% confidence interval = 2.476-4.052, p = 0.000), MR-Egger (discovery data: odds ratio = 7.178, 95% confidence interval = 0.057-909.525, p = 0.429; replication data: odds ratio = 2.262, 95% confidence interval = 0.580-8.825, p = 0.246), weighted median (discovery data: odds ratio = 2.730, 95% confidence interval = 1.112-6.702, p = 0.028; replication data: odds ratio = 3.243, 95% confidence interval = 2.378-4.422, p = 0.000), MR-PRESSO (discovery data: odds ratio = 3.544, 95% confidence interval = 1.785-7.039, p = 0.001; replication data: odds ratio = 3.167, 95% confidence interval = 2.476-4.052, p = 0.000) methods. The results were consistent across these methods. The results obtained from discovery data are consistent with those obtained from discovery data. In the multivariable mendelian randomization, after adjusting for various covariates such as body mass index, current tobacco smoking, alcohol intake frequency, Total body bone mineral density, and vigorous physical activity, there is a consistent correlation between mood instability and chronic low back pain. This study provides robust evidence supporting a causal relationship between mood instability and the development of low back pain. Our findings suggest that addressing mood instability may play a crucial role in prevention and management strategies for individuals experiencing low back pain.

Optimization of Machine and Process Parameters for Development of Protein and Antioxidant Rich Composite Food using Twin Screw Extruder

Background: Nutritional quality of extruded products can be enhanced through protein, minerals and antioxidants rich foods viz. legumes, green leafy vegetables, dietary fibres, by-products, etc, leading to improvement in functional properties of products and health of consumers. Methods: Extrudates were prepared from maize, defatted soy meal, sesame and spinach using a co-rotating twin screw extruder and dried in a tray dryer at 50oC up to about 5.5% moisture content (w.b.) and analyzed for important product quality parameters. Result: Quality characteristics of developed food grains-spinach based composite food were affected by variability in independent studied parameters. Optimized extrusion conditions for desired composite food from food grains-spinach were as 14% moisture content, 117oC DHT and 335rpm screw speed. These conditions resulted in the products with 18.26% protein, 73.88% in vitro protein digestibility, 2.46 protein efficiency ratio, 2.84% total minerals, 4.67mg/100g iron, 190 mg/100g calcium, 24.05% antioxidant activity with consumer acceptability ≥7 by 92.52%.

A novel non-invasive method for predicting bone mineral density and fracture risk using demographic and anthropometric measures

Fractures are costly to treat and can significantly increase morbidity. Although dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is used to screen at risk people with low bone mineral density (BMD), not all areas have access to one. We sought to create a readily accessible, inexpensive, high-throughput prediction tool for BMD that may identify people at risk of fracture for further evaluation. Anthropometric and demographic data were collected from 492 volunteers (♂275, ♀217; [44 ​± ​20] years; Body Mass Index (BMI) = [27.6 ​± ​6.0] kg/m2) in addition to total body bone mineral content (BMC, kg) and BMD measurements of the spine, pelvis, arms, legs and total body. Multiple-linear-regression with step-wise removal was used to develop a two-step prediction model for BMC followed by BMC. Model selection was determined by the highest adjusted R2, lowest error of estimate, and lowest level of variance inflation (α ​= ​0.05). Height (HTcm), age (years), sexm=1, f=0, %body fat (%fat), fat free mass (FFMkg), fat mass (FMkg), leg length (LLcm), shoulder width (SHWDTHcm), trunk length (TRNKLcm), and pelvis width (PWDTHcm) were observed to be significant predictors in the following two-step model (p ​< ​0.05). Step1: BMC (kg) = (0.006 3 × HT) ​+ ​(−0.002 4 × AGE) ​+ ​(0.171 2 × SEXm=1, f=0) ​+ ​(0.031 4 × FFM) ​+ ​(0.001 × FM) ​+ ​(0.008 9 × SHWDTH) ​+ ​(−0.014 5 × TRNKL) ​+ ​(−0.027 8 × PWDTH) - 0.507 3; R2 ​= ​0.819, SE ​± ​0.301. Step2: Total body BMD (g/cm2) = (−0.002 8 × HT) ​+ ​(−0.043 7 × SEXm=1, f=0) ​+ ​(0.000 8 × %FAT) ​+ ​(0.297 0 × BMC) ​+ ​(−0.002 3 × LL) ​+ ​(0.002 3 × SHWDTH) ​+ ​(−0.002 5 × TRNKL) ​+ ​(−0.011 3 × PWDTH) ​+ ​1.379; R2 ​= ​0.89, SE ​± ​0.054. Similar models were also developed to predict leg, arm, spine, and pelvis BMD (R2 ​= ​0.796–0.864, p ​< ​0.05). The equations developed here represent promising tools for identifying individuals with low BMD at risk of fracture who would benefit from further evaluation, especially in the resource or time restricted setting.

Effect of roasting times on bioactive compounds, fatty acids, polyphenol and nutrients of amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) seed roasted in pan, and principal component analysis.

In this study, the effect of thermal process times on total phenol, flavonoid, antioxidant activity, fatty acids, phenolic and minerals of amaranth seed and oils roasted in pan at 120°C was investigated.

Increased Dietary Niacin Intake Improves Muscle Strength, Quality, and Glucose Homeostasis in Adults over 40 Years of Age.

Age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength begins at 40 years of age, and limited evidence suggests that niacin supplementation increases levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide in mouse muscle tissue. In addition, skeletal muscle has a key role in the body's processing of glucose. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary niacin and skeletal muscle mass, strength, and glucose homeostasis in people aged 40 years and older. This study was an American population-based cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Considering that some outcomes are only measured in specific survey cycles and subsamples, we established three data sets: a grip strength dataset (2011-2014, n=3772), a body mass components dataset (2011-2018, n=3279), and a glucose homeostasis dataset (1999-2018, n=9189). Dietary niacin and covariates were measured in all survey cycles. Linear regression or logistic regression models that adjusted for several main covariates, such as physical activity and diet, was used to evaluate the relationship between dietary niacin and grip strength, total lean mass, appendicular lean mass, total fat, trunk fat, total bone mineral content, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), fasting blood glycose, fasting insulin and sarcopenia risk. Subgroup analyses, a trend test, an interaction test, and a restricted cubic spline were used for further exploration. Higher dietary niacin intake was significantly correlated with higher grip strength (β 0.275, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.192-0.357), higher total lean mass (β 0.060, 95% CI 0.045-0.074), higher appendicular lean mass (β 0.025, 95% CI 0.018-0.033), and higher total bone mineral content (β 0.005, 95% CI 0.004-0.007). By contrast, higher dietary niacin intake was significantly associated with lower total fat (β -0.061, 95% CI -0.076 to -0.046), lower trunk fat (β -0.041, 95% CI -0.050 to -0.032) and lower sarcopenia risk (OR 0.460, 95% CI 0.233 to 0.907). In addition, dietary niacin significantly reduced HOMA-IR, fasting blood glucose (in participants without diabetes), and fasting insulin (p <0.05). Niacin is associated with improved body composition (characterized by increased muscle mass and decreased fat content) and improved glucose homeostasis in dietary doses. Dietary niacin supplementation is a feasible way to alleviate age-related muscular loss.

Importance of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) and It’s Proportion in the World as a Nutritional Vegetable

Okra belong to Malvaceae family, a commercial vegetable crops. It is extensively distributed in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate parts of the world and is native to Ethiopia. It is essential to human nutrition and a good source of total minerals, vitamins, calcium, potassium, enzymes, and other nutrients that are frequently lacking in developing country diets. Additionally, reports of its medicinal value in treating curingulcers and providing relief from haemorrhoids. Okra has found medical application as a plasma replacement or blood volume expander and also useful in genito-urinary disorders, spermatorrhoea and chronic dysentery. The fruits of okra crop bringing into commercial production have reawakened beneficial interest.

On the Diversity and Formation Modes of Martian Minerals

AbstractA systematic survey of 161 known and postulated minerals originating on Mars points to 20 different mineral‐forming processes (paragenetic modes), which are a subset of formation modes observed on Earth. The earliest martian minerals, as on Earth, were primary phases from mafic igneous rocks and their ultramafic cumulates. Subsequent primary igneous minerals were associated with products of limited fractional crystallization, including alkaline and quartz‐normative lithologies. Significant mineral diversification occurred via precipitation of primary phases from aqueous and atmospheric fluids, including authigenesis, hydrothermal and cryogenic precipitation, and evaporites, including freeze drying during eras of low atmospheric pressures. In particular, hydrothermal mineral formation associated with both volcanic fluids and sustained hydrothermal activity in impact fracture zones may have triggered significant mineral diversification, though as yet undocumented. At least 65 such primary minerals have been identified by flown missions to Mars and from martian meteorites. A host of secondary martian minerals were produced by near‐surface processes related to water/rock interactions, including hydration/dehydration, oxidation/reduction, serpentinization, metasomatism, and a variety of diagenetic alterations. Additional mineral diversity resulted from metamorphic events, including thermal and shock metamorphism, lightning, and bolide impacts. However, several dominant sources of mineral diversity on Earth, including (a) extensive fluid/rock interactions and element concentration associated with plate tectonics; (b) high‐pressure regional metamorphism associated with plate tectonics; and (c) biologically mediated mineralization—are not known to be in play on Mars. Consequently, we estimate the total mineral diversity of Mars to be an order of magnitude smaller than on Earth.

Physicochemical Characterization and Mineral Composition of “UENF SD 08”: A Super-Sweet Corn Hybrid

Sweet Corn (&lt;em&gt;Zea mays L.&lt;/em&gt;) is possibly the most important commercial cereal originating in the Americas. Mutant genes are responsible for sweetness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical and mineral composition of the “UENF SD 08” cultivar, super-sweet corn developed at Darcy Ribeiro Northern Rio de Janeiro State University (UENF) and registered in the National Cultivar Register of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply and to compare its content to commercial super-sweet corn and field corn. Grain analyses were conducted at the Food Technology Laboratory, Phytotechnics Laboratory, and Animal Science Laboratory, UENF. The pH, total soluble solids, proximate composition, and mineral content were determined. In addition to the “UENF SD 08” cultivar, the “Tropical Plus®” cultivar, and the “UENF 506-11”, field corn cultivar were also studied. When comparing the mineral content, we observed there was not a great variability between the two super-sweet corn cultivars (“UENF SD 08” e “Tropical Plus®”). We highlight that both cultivars have higher soluble sugar concentration and less starch content for proximate composition. Therefore, having a cultivar adapted to the Northern Rio de Janeiro climatic conditions and knowing its nutritional characteristics is important for producers and individuals who will consume it, fresh or corn products.

We Challenged the Kellgren and Lawrence Radiographic Scoring Method and Came Up With Some Interesting Epidemiology for Osteoarthritis of the Hip.

The study of hip osteoarthritis (OA) was slowed due to a lack of a good definition of radiographic hip OA (RHOA). The radiographic changes that occur in hip OA include both joint space narrowing and femoral head osteophytes in the early stages of the disease. This differs from OA of the knee, in which radiographic OA changes initially include osteophytes and only much later is joint space narrowing considered. The modified Croft Score is a novel scoring method for the hip that includes an equal weighting of femoral osteophytes and joint space narrowing. It is used to evaluate the epidemiology of prevalent, incident, and progressive RHOA. Use of the Croft Score found that mild changes in the femoral head or acetabulum could increase the risk of incident RHOA. Pioneering research on active shape modeling was undertaken to provide a more comprehensive assessment of hip shape and define actual femoral head shapes that increased the risk of RHOA. After defining RHOA, investigators found several risk factors, which included higher total hip bone mineral density and polymorphisms of the wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, to be significant predictors of RHOA in elderly white women. Recently, it was found that RHOA was a strong risk factor for both all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality in elderly women.

Influence of potassium and sulphur nutrition on quality of garlic (Allium sativum L.)

The field experiment was conducted at the Vegetable Research Farm and Biochemistry laboratory, PAU, Ludhiana during Rabi seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22 to study the effect of potassium and sulphur on the quality of garlic. The experiment comprised of sixteen treatment combinations with four levels each of potassium (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg K /ha) and sulphur (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg S/ha). It was laid in a randomized complete block design and replicated thrice. Variety ‘PG-18’ was used as plant material. Potassium and sulphur were applied as basal dose at bed preparation. The results depicted that quality parameters were influenced by with these nutrients. Maximum allicin (12.19 and 12.64 mg/g), TSS (41.3 and 41.5%), ascorbic acid (21.64 mg/100 g dry weight and 21.81 mg/100 g dry weight) and total minerals (53.17 mg/100g dry weight and 53.56 mg/100g dry weight), dry matter (42.40 and 42.97%), total protein (120.8 and 112.1 mg/g) were recorded with application of 60 kg/ ha potassium and 30 kg/ ha of sulphur respectively. Maximum phenols (0.54 mg/g) and total sugars (182.2 mg/g) was recorded under the interaction of 60 kg/ ha potassium and 30 kg/ ha of sulphur.

Impact of 280 nm UV-C LEDs on the microbial safety and nutritional quality in tender coconut water

The efficiency and efficacy of 280 nm UV-C LEDs for processing Tender coconut water (TCW) have been investigated. TCW inoculated with E. coli, and L. monocytogenes were irradiated using collimated beam apparatus at a dose of 71 mJ/cm2 and 20.3 mJ/cm2 for ≥ 5 log CFU/mL reduction, resulting in the double Weibull model for E. coli with a 4D value of 61 ± 0.83 mJ/cm2 and the Weibull model with a 4D value of 13 ± 0.2 mJ/cm2 for L. monocytogenes. The irradiated samples were exposed to photoreactivation (365 nm) light for up to 120 min. PR (Photoreactivation) was eventually not observed for E. coli, and L. monocytogenes showed no repair. Scanning Electron Microscope results revealed that, unlike the control sample, 280 nm irradiation results in cell lysis, wrinkle, and distortion. UV treatment did not affect the pH, TA, Brix, total phenolics content, mineral content, and sugars of TCW but increased in a* and b* colour value, and ascorbic acid concentration reduced to 18.2% of its original concentration. Sensory evaluation studies reported that control samples scored high for freshness and pleasantness, and attributes like astringency, fermented and cooked aroma have been scored low. Overall, the quality of UV-treated samples has been preferred by panellists.