新型可降解锌合金内固定系统用于犬下颌骨骨折固定的研究

目的:探讨新型可降解锌合金内固定系统用于犬下颌骨骨折固定的可行性。方法:选择比格犬12只,并将其随机分为两组,其中6只为锌合金实验组,6只为钛合金对照组。每只比格犬的下颌作左右两个骨折内固定模型,每侧骨折模型使用一套小型四孔直连内固定产品。分别于术后即刻、术后4周、12周拍X片。于术前、术后4周、12周、24周抽血检测微量元素锌。于术后12周、24周分批次将动物安乐死,取下颌骨块行Micro-CT检测,取动物重要脏器和内固定周围软组织做病理切片。结果:全程动物无脱落,实验组与对照组骨折均临床愈合。X线图像及Micro-CT显示实验组与对照组的内固定效果比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。锌合金表面有明显的降解产物,Micro-CT测量锌合金的板钉初始体积为155.8±1.536 mm~3,12周体积为147.1±0.9893 mm~3,24周体积为137±5.365 mm~3,降解率12.07%,随着植入后时间的延长显著下降(P0.05),而钛合金板钉体积无显著变化。实验组及对照组心、肝、肾及植入物板周软组织均未见异常。血清锌离子浓度在正常范围内略有上升,各时间节点比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:可降解锌合金内固定系统可以对犬下颌骨骨折提供稳固的固定,可降解锌合金在下颌骨部位具有一定的降解性能,血液中锌离子未见明显异常升高,对心、肝、肾及植入物周围软组织无毒性作用。     

PGLA编织支架的制备与初步体内评价

目的:热拉伸会改变纤维的结构和性能,进而影响由纤维编织而成的支架的性能。本文考察了PGLA纤维的拉伸倍数对编织支架在SD大鼠皮下的体内降解行为的影响。方法:制备了基于生物可降解高分子材料聚乙交酯丙交酯(PGLA,GA/LA摩尔比=90/10)的完全生物可降解编织支架,通过测试支架在大鼠体内降解过程中的失重、表面形貌、热性能、径向压缩力等变化情况,考察了纤维的不同的拉伸倍数对支架体内降解过程的影响。结果:用拉伸倍数为5的PGLA纤维编织的支架在植入SD大鼠皮下后降解最慢,重量、吸水率、结晶度、化学成分和径向压缩力的变化最慢,植入体内10天后能够保持完整的支架形态。结论:纤维的拉伸倍数会影响由纤维编织成的支架的热性能和力学性能的变化,本研究结果表明这种新的手工编织的支架具有短暂支撑管腔狭窄的潜在应用,为支架的材料选择和制备方法提供了参考,为在体内起到短暂支撑作用的支架的深入研究提供了实验基础。     

新型硼酸盐生物玻璃修复兔股骨缺损的实验研究

目的:通过观察3种生物玻璃材料在修复兔股骨缺损中的差异,来比较新型硼酸盐生物玻璃球粒与生物玻璃球粒和生物玻璃颗粒成骨能力和降解性能的差异,为其进一步应用于临床提供理论依据.方法:成年新西兰大白兔18只,双侧股骨髁部制造直径0.6 cm,深1.2 cm的贯穿型缺损.根据缺损部位植入材料的不同随机分为3组,每组6只12侧:实验对照组(A组)植入生物玻璃颗粒(The NovaBone Bioactive Glass Morsels),实验组(B组)植入生物玻璃球粒(The NovaBone Bioactive Glass Spheres),实验组(C组)植入硼酸盐玻璃球粒(The Borate Glass Morsels)三种材料,于术后第6周,第12周取材,通过大体观察,组织病理学染色来评价新型生物活性玻璃的骨缺损修复能力和降解性能.结果:第6周时,ABC组均可见有新骨生成,并且向材料内部生长.在第12周时,ABC组成骨量显著增多,而且可见成熟的骨小梁塑形.组织切片定量分析:1、成骨能力比较:术后6周,12周时,新生骨量,B组和C组多于A组(P＜0.05),且C组多于B组(P＜0.05).术后12周与6周比较,ABC三组新生骨显著增多,(P＜0.05).2、降解性能比较:术后6周,12周时,残余材料量,B组和C组少于A组(P＜0.05),且C组少于B组(P＜0.05).术后12周与6周比较,ABC三组残余材料显著减少,(P＜0.05).结论:具有球体外观设计的新型硼酸盐玻璃球粒与其它两种材料相比,不仅具有良好的成骨能力,而且具有良好降解性能,能有效的修复腔隙性骨缺损,有望成为新型骨缺损修复材料.     

基于聚醚醚酮的骨科植入材料生物相容性研究

本研究基于聚醚醚酮的骨科植入材料生物相容性的研究,进一步分析聚醚醚酮(polyether-ether-ketone,PEEK)骨科植入材料生物的相容性能,以有效提高其生物功能性,进而获得更加可靠的骨-植入体界面。本研究通过以新西兰大白兔为研究对象,采用改性/未改性的PEEK材料制备了腰椎模型并植入,最后进行了生物力学与Micro CT分析。实验研究表明,以改性及未改性的PEEK材料制备的腰椎假体在植入动物体内后后,动物体内未发生显著相关的急慢性毒性反应。对比植入的两种PEEK假体我们发现,改性的PEEK腰椎假体在植入动物后第4周,其临近椎骨的植入部位在骨体积分数等参数上发生了明显的改善(p0.05);植入后第8周检查,以骨体积分数(BV/TV)、(骨密度(BMD)、骨小梁厚度(Tb.Th)、骨小梁分离度(Tb.Sp)以及骨表面体积分数(BS/BV)等为代表的多项重要的骨组织形态计量学参数均发生了显著的改善(p0.05)。同时,研究通过采用拔出试验来验证植入材料的生物力学性能,实验发现改性PEEK材料能够有效促进植入假体与椎骨的紧密结合。因此,实验中针对PEEK材料采用rh BMP-2与胶原蛋白对表面进行改性可以高效地、快速地达到效果,并且能够明显提高骨科植入的PEEK材料的生物功能性与生物相容性。     

种间胚胎植入对母体免疫系统T细胞比例的影响

目的:研究种间胚胎植入期母体外周血、外周免疫器官(淋巴结、脾脏)、中枢免疫器官(胸腺、骨髓)中总T细胞的百分比变化,并探讨这种变化对种间胚胎植入的影响.方法:利用荧光标记的单克隆抗体染色结合流式细胞术,检测种间、同种胚胎移植以及同期假孕母体外周血、淋巴结、脾脏、胸腺、骨髓中T淋巴细胞的百分率.结果:种间胚胎植入时其外周血T细胞计数极显著低于同种和同期假孕小鼠(P＜0.01),而淋巴结、胸腺、骨髓中的T细胞计数则极显著高于同期假孕小鼠(P＜0.01).脾脏中同种胚胎植入母体则极显著高于种间和同期假孕小鼠(P＜0.01),两后者之间无显著性差异(P＞0.05).结论:种间妊娠时早在植入期开始,母体全身免疫系统就开始发生不利于种间妊娠的反应.     

AZ31B镁合金植入小鼠的生物相容性考察

目的 评价羟基磷灰石(hydroxyapatite, HAP)涂层的AZ31B镁合金（HAP/AZ31B）作为植入材料的生物安全性。方法 采用恒电压阴极电沉积法制备表面HAP涂层的HAP/AZ31B材料;判定生物材料的致突变及毒性作用;检测材料表面的腐蚀状况并进行能谱分析。结果 HAP/AZ31B材料无致突变作用,对动物组织未产生严重的炎症反应;经HAP涂层后的AZ31B材料腐蚀较慢,微核出现率为4.4‰,溶血率为0.25%。结论HAP/AZ31B表现出较好的生物安全性和相容性,有可能成为新型可降解骨支架材料。     

壳聚糖膜在治疗宫颈疾病中的降解时间与影响因素的研究

目的:研究不同壳聚糖膜在体外及体内的生物降解时间。方法:用不同分子量壳聚糖为制膜材料,将4组不同组成成分的壳聚糖溶于1.5%乙酸中,配成1%溶液,加入辅料烘干成膜称其重量,剪成大小相等的小块,精称后放置于弱酸介质和雌鼠阴道中。定时取样,水洗,烘干后称重,按W-W'W×100%算得降解百分率。结果:1号较2号降解时间快,而加入PVA的3号与4号又较1号与2号更快。结论:壳聚糖是一种生物可降解材料,壳聚糖膜的降解时间与其分子量、PVA比例、介质酸性强度等因素相关。     

三种猪源性细胞外基质体内降解规律的实验研究

目的:研究本实验以小鼠腹壁缺损为模型,通过对三种猪源性细胞外基质(ECM)—猪脱细胞小肠粘膜下层(P-SIS)、猪脱细胞心包(P-PC)以及猪脱细胞真皮(P-ADM),进行体内弹性纤维和葡糖氨基聚糖类(GAGs)的含量测定,然后通过三组材料中弹性纤维和GAGs在术后第4周、第8周时再生或降解的数量,来对比研究三种生物材料植入体内后的降解规律,从而为寻找性能优良的生物补片提供理论依据,为生物补片的临床应用以及避免术后并发症方面提供指导方向。方法:BALB/c小鼠60只,体重18~20 g,手术造成1 cm×1 cm的腹壁全层缺损,随机分为3组(n=20),分别以等面积的P-ADM、P-PC以及P-SIS进行修复,于术后4周、8周进行取材评估。结果:术后P-SIS组的腹腔内粘连评分均低于同时期内的其余两组。术后4、8周比较:P-ADM组,GAGs含量减少(P0.01);P-PC组,弹性纤维(P0.01)、GAGs(P0.05)含量均有所增加;P-SIS组,弹性纤维(P0.001)、GAGs(P0.05)含量均增加。结论:P-SIS材料中,弹性纤维和GAGs的再生状况优于其他两组,且P-SIS材料不易引起腹腔内粘连,故P-SIS能够更好的应用于组织缺损的治疗,P-SIS在组织工程学领域相对而言是更加理想的修复材料。     

3D打印PCL/β-TCP可降解椎间融合器的体外降解及生物力学研究

目的:研究以质量配比为5:5的聚己内酯(PCL)与磷酸三钙(β-TCP)为原材料,应用3D打印技术制备的的可降解的颈椎椎间融合器在体外的降解特性,为临床应用提供理论依据。方法:将制备好的融合器浸泡于模拟体液中,置于37℃温箱,每2周更换浸泡液,按浸泡时间的不同分为六组:分别为空白对照组、2周、4周、12周、26周、52周组。每组浸泡前后经室温真空干燥后用同一天平测量质量,计算失重质量及失重率,应用凝胶渗透色谱仪分析各组融合器中PCL的分子量变化,并应用INSTRON万能试验机进行抗压强度力学测试。空白对照组为样本室温密闭容器放置,在初始称重并检测分子量及抗压强度测试,52周后计算失重率、检测分子量及抗压强度。结果:该种可降解椎间融合器初始抗压强度达到(23.21±2.28)MPa,在体外降解52周后其抗压强度下降不明显,为(18.99±0.49)MPa(P>0.05);其在体外可缓慢降解,52周后失重率约9.23%(P<0.05),其中PCL分子量从初始的10万左右降至7万左右(P<0.05)。结论:该种可降解椎间融合器抗压力学强度适中且能长时间维持,符合临床应用要求,其在体外可缓慢降解,评估其在生物体内的降解吸收特性较好,在人体椎间融合手术中应用的可行性及有效性较高。     

生物可降解塑料在不同环境条件下的降解研究进展北大核心CSCD

当前社会塑料制品的使用需求持续增加,塑料垃圾处理压力不断增大,减缓塑料污染成为当务之急,生物可降解塑料因可在一定生物活性环境下较快降解而备受关注,具有广阔的应用前景。生物可降解塑料降解条件复杂,影响因素众多,对不同生物可降解塑料降解规律,降解微生物和功能酶的透彻掌握,是实现其全面利用和高效资源化处理处置的基础和前提。文章系统梳理了常见生物可降解塑料的种类、性能、优缺点和主要用途,全面综述了生物可降解塑料的降解机理、降解微生物和功能酶,以及生物可降解塑料在不同环境条件下的降解周期和程度,以期为生物可降解塑料的微生物降解研究提供借鉴,为生物可降解塑料废弃物的高效处理处置和彻底降解提供科学参考。     

新型骨水泥椎弓根螺钉在治疗腰椎滑脱合并骨质疏松症的应用研究

目的:探讨评估聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯(polymethvlmethacnrlat, PMMA)增强的具有"渐变孔"结构的侧开孔中空椎弓根螺钉(Fenestrated pedicle screw, FPS)治疗腰椎滑脱症的安全性及疗效。方法:回顾性分析2013年1月～2017年12月收治32例合并有骨质疏松症的腰椎滑脱患者,均应用具有"渐变孔"结构的FPS融合手术治疗,记录手术时长、术中出血量,住院时长;测量椎间隙高度、椎体楔形变指数、滑脱距离、滑脱角、骨盆指数、腰椎前凸角;随访评估Oswestry功能障碍指数问卷表(Oswestry Disability Index Questionnaire, ODI)评分和视觉模拟评分法(Visual Analogue Score, VAS)评分,比较分析术前、术后及末次随访时的差异;结果:术中X线及术后三维CT检查发现3枚渗漏的骨水泥螺钉(2.2%),均为Yeom C型,术后无不适。随访7～61个月(平均34.9个月),滑脱复位良好,后凸畸形和矢状位失衡矫正良好,ODI评分和VAS评分均较术前有显著改善(p0.05)。随访期间,全部病例滑脱无复发,无椎弓根螺钉松动、断裂,无椎间隙塌陷,根据SUK标准融合成功率100%。结论:新型骨水泥螺钉能够提供良好的固定稳定性,并且能够避免骨水泥渗漏发生以及螺钉松动脱出,为骨质疏松脊柱手术提供一种新的选择。     

In vitro and in vivo degradation of lactic acid-based interference screws used in cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Nowadays, many degradable polymers are being used under the form of interference screws to fix the bone-tendon-bone autograft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. However, little is known about the post-implantation fate of these screws, especially about the formation of crystalline residues which seems to be a critical factor for the success of surgery with temporary implants based on lactic and glycolic acid derived polymers (PLAGA). In an attempt to bring in some new insights, various high molecular weight stereoregular poly(lactide)s (PLAX with X = percentage of L-lactyl units) obtained by ring-opening polymerization of lactides in the presence of zinc-metal (PLA98-Zn), zinc lactate (PLA98-Znlac) or stannous octoate (PLA100-Sn), were processed by injection-molding to make interference screws to be compared. In vivo data were collected from screws implanted in sheep knees with follow ups ranging from 6 months to 5 years. Histology confirmed the heterogeneous degradation mechanism introduced nearly 10 years ago from in vitro investigations of homemade implants having simpler geometry. The effects of the initiator system (zinc- or tin derivatives) used to polymerize the lactide monomer on the properties of injection molded interference screws was also investigated in vitro in a phosphate buffer solution at 37 degrees C. Major differences in terms of hydrophilicity, hydrolysis rate and loss of mechanical properties were observed between PLA-Zinc and PLA-Tin. Discussion of the behavior of interference screws of different compositions was made on the basis of the present understanding of PLAGA morphology and degradation characteristics.     

急诊闭合复位和切开复位空心钉治疗股骨颈骨折的疗效对比分析

目的:研究分析急诊闭合复位和切开复位空心钉治疗股骨颈骨折的疗效。方法:选取2013年6月至2014年6月期间于我院接受治疗的92例急诊股骨颈骨折患者,将所有患者(按随机数字表法)均分为观察组(n=46)和对照组(n=46)。观察组患者采取切开复位空心钉治疗法进行治疗,对照组则采取闭合复位空心钉治疗法进行诊疗。比较两组患者术中术后情况、随访中髋关节功能Harris评分以及相关术后并发症情况。结果:观察组患者所需的手术时间、术中出血量、伤口长度明显多于对照组[(61.43±5.34)min、(30.54±4.27)m L、(6.43±0.56)cm比(46.54±3.26)min、(16.43±2.43)m L、(1.83±0.44)cm](P0.05)。观察组的髋关节功能Harris评分优良率显著高于对照组[82.61%(38/46)比50.00%(23/46)](P0.05)。两组患者的骨折不愈合率比较无显著性差异(P0.05),观察组的股骨头坏死率显著低于对照组[2.17%(1/46)比13.04%(6/46)](P0.05)。结论:应用切开复位空心钉治疗股骨颈骨折患者的方法更佳,其临床治疗效果更好且患者股骨头发生缺血坏死的几率也更低。     

关节镜下应用带跟骨异体跟腱一期联合治疗膝关节脱位合并不稳定

目的：探讨关节镜下应用带跟骨异体跟腱一期联合重建治疗膝关节脱位合并不稳定的治疗效果。方法：2008年1月至2010年1月,我们于关节镜下应用带跟骨异体跟腱一期联合重建治疗膝关节脱位合并不稳定患者11例,男9例,女2例;年龄17～45岁,平均22.3岁;右膝6例,左膝5例。患者在排除手术禁忌后,分别在关节镜下采用带跟骨异体跟腱一期联合重建后交叉韧带（PCL）、内侧副韧带（MCL）、前交叉韧带（ACL）和外侧副韧带（LCL）。结果：术后所有切口均于2周后I期愈合。10例获得随访,随访时间24～36个月,平均30个月。术后24个月,Lysholm评分由术前的42.2±3.5,升至84.5±6.2分,其中A级9例,B级1例,C级0例;国际膝关节文献委员会（IKDC）评分有术前的41.7±6.5分,升至82.3±10.3分。术前与术后Lysholm评分及IKDC评分有显著差别（P〈0.05）。术后膝关节活动范围,与术前相比具有显著性差异（P〈0.05）。结论：关节镜下应用带跟骨异体跟腱一期联合重建治疗膝关节脱位能够较好的恢复患者膝关节稳定和活动范围,具有令人满意的临床效果。     

The efficacy of the LinoxSmart DX ICD lead from a single center experience

PurposeThe Biotronik Linox^Smart DX implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead is a novel VDD lead with the advantage of integrated atrial sensing dipole combined with a special augmentation and filtering mechanisms. We sought to determine the efficacy of the Biotronik Linox^Smart DX ICD lead.MethodsNon-randomized consecutive patients implanted with Biotronik Linox^Smart DX lead at Sheba Medical Center were included in this study. Electrical parameters and arrhythmic events were recorded during follow up of one year.ResultsSeventy-three patients (69 males (94.5%), mean age 61 ± 12 years) were included. All patients were successfully implanted with a Biotronic VR-T DX device and Linox^Smart DX ICD lead (DX-17 in 37% and DX-15 in 63% patients). Mean P wave amplitude at time of implantation was 3.66 ± 2.9 mV and improved significantly throughout the follow-up (5.29 ± 4.39 mV, p = 0.009). Appropriate atrial sensing (defined as P wave amplitude of ≥0.8 mV) rate of 100% at implantation significantly decreased to 89% (p = 0.015) at 12 months. Three out of 67 (4.5%) patients without a known history of atrial fibrillation had documented new onset paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Appropriate shocks occurred in 4 (5.5%) patients. One patient with atrial sensing less than 0.4 mV had inappropriate shock.ConclusionsAmong patients implanted with the Biotronik Linox^Smart DX ICD lead in our single center, appropriate atrial sensing rate decreased over 12 months. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the reliability of long term appropriate atrial sensing.     

Fatty acid desaturation in red blood cell membranes of patients with type 2 diabetes is improved by zinc supplementation

Background/ObjectiveMembrane flexibility can be a determining factor in pathophysiological mechanisms of type 2 diabetes (T2D). As a cofactor of delta-5 desaturase (D5D) and delta-6 desaturase (D6D), and gene expression regulator, zinc may play a role modulating membrane flexibility by increasing membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) abundance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a 24-month zinc supplementation (30 mg elemental zinc) on membrane fatty acid composition in patients with T2D.Subjects/methodsSixty patients with T2D were evaluated. Thirty were randomly assigned to the zinc supplemented group and thirty to the placebo group. Fatty acid composition in red blood cell (RBC) membranes was determined by gas chromatography. Expression of gene encoding for D5D (FADS1), and D6D (FADS2) were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by real-time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsAfter 24 months of supplementation, a greater abundance of docosapentaenoic acid (C22:5 n-3), arachidonic acid (C20:4 n-6), adrenic acid (C22:4 n-6), and total n-6 PUFA was found (p = 0.001, p = 0.007, p = 0.033, p = 0.048, respectively). The unsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids ratio, and unsaturation index was increased in the zinc supplemented group at month 24 (p = 0.003 and p = 0.000, respectively). FADS1 gene was upregulated in the zinc group in relation to placebo at month 12 (p = 0.020).ConclusionsSupplementation with 30 mg/d elemental zinc during 24 months in patients with T2D had an effect on the composition of RBC membranes increasing PUFA abundance and in turn, improving membrane flexibility. This effect may be mediated by induction of D5D gene expression.     

胎盘脱细胞基质作为组织修复材料的初步研究

目的 制备胎盘脱细胞基质并评价其生物相容性，探讨其作为组织修复材料的可行性。方法 利用分娩废弃物胎盘组织，进行病毒灭活、脱细胞处理、冷冻干燥得到胎盘脱细胞海绵状基质材料，HE染色观察脱细胞效果及扫描电镜观察材料微观结构。同时，选取健康雄性SD大鼠39只，体质量120～150 g，随机分为实验1组、实验2组及对照组。对构建的基质材料进行大鼠皮下植入实验，实验1组植入基质材料，实验2组植入基质材料及脐带间充质干细胞，对照组为假手术组。于手术后第3、5、7天进行动物血常规检测，分析淋巴细胞、粒细胞等炎性细胞数量；于手术后第1、2、4、8、9周取材料植入处及周围组织样本进行HE染色分析。结果 构建的胎盘脱细胞基质肉眼观呈乳白色海绵状，HE染色未见细胞残留，电镜观察材料内部空隙比较明显，材料交联度较好，总孔隙率为（77.54±2.53）%。皮下植入之后，切口处愈合良好，血常规结果未见明显的炎性细胞增多；术后7 d植入材料切片HE染色即可见血管形成，且脐带间充质干细胞的加入能够加快材料与机体的融合，促进细胞的深入生长及血管化。结论 胎盘脱细胞海绵基质材料具有良好的生物相容性，可作为组织工程材料的理想来源。     

Supplementation of antioxidant micronutrients reduces stress and improves immune function/response in periparturient dairy cows and their calves

BackgroundPeriparturient period induces stress in cows which fluctuates hormonal and metabolic function and causes immune suppression. Apart from impairing the health, production, and reproduction of cows, it also influences the well-being of newborn calves by decreasing the colostrum quality. Micronutrients are known for optimal health and production and their effects on parturition stress, immune response in both cow and its calf need to be explored.AimThe aim of this study was to see the effect of oral supplementation of micronutrients during the prepartum period on the health status of crossbred dairy cows and subsequently on their newborn calves.MethodsA total of 42 healthy multiparous cows were selected and randomly divided into five groups with seven cows in each group, i.e. control (Basal Diet, BD), VA group (BD + vitamin A, 10⁵ IU), Zn group (BD + zinc sulphate, 60 ppm), VE group (BD + vitamin E, 2500 IU), and combined supplementation (CS) group (BD + combination of VA, Zn, and VE). The supplements were offered in compounded concentrate DM (100 g) to individual cows once daily before the morning feeding and the remaining portion was incorporated in the TMR. Feeding was started one month before the expected days of calving till calving. Blood samples were collected from cows at days -15, -7, -3, 0, +3, +7, and +15 relative to the day of calving. Blood samples from newborn calves and milk samples of cows were collected at days 0, +3, +7, and +15. Milk somatic cell counts (SCC) were estimated using a cell counter. Cortisol was estimated by ELISA kit in blood and milk plasma of cows and in the blood plasma of their calves. Total immunoglobulins (Ig) were estimated in milk of cows and serum of calves using zinc sulphate turbidity method. Blood neutrophils from cows and calves were studied for phagocytic activity (PA) using nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) assay.Data were analysed by repeated-measures two-way ANOVA using the mixed procedure of SAS, and the pairwise comparison was performed using a multiple comparison test (Tukey).ResultsCombined supplementation of micronutrients decreased (P < 0.05) maternal blood plasma (control vs. CS group, 5.98 ± 0.20 vs. 3.86 ± 0.23 ng/mL) and milk plasma (3.96 ± 0.13 vs. 2.71 ± 0.10 ng/mL) cortisol, milk SCC (3.05 ± 0.11 vs. 2.12 ± 0.10 × 10⁵ cells/mL) and increased (P < 0.05) total milk Ig concentration (18.80 ± 0.11 vs. 23.04 ± 0.57 mg/mL) and the PA of blood neutrophils (0.84 ± 0.03 vs. 1.07 ± 0.03). Similarly, lower blood cortisol concentration (9.69 ± 0.35 vs. 6.02 ± 0.18 ng/mL) and higher (P < 0.05) total Ig (23.26 ± 0.11 vs. 30.34 ± 0.70 mg/mL) and PA of blood neutrophils (0.37 ± 0.02 vs. 0.52 ± 0.02) were observed in the calves born to CS group of cows as compared to the control. Highest (P < 0.05) positive effects (lower stress levels and higher immune response) of treatment were noticed in CS group followed by VE group and then Zn group. However, VA group didn’t differ from the control group.ConclusionOur results indicate that micronutrient interventions during the prepartum period can improve the health status of dairy calves and subsequently the well-being of their calves.     

Assessment of the nutritional value of various teas infusions in terms of the macro- and trace elements content

BackgroundHerbal teas are a good alternative to traditional green, black, red and white teas. Herbal teas infusions are also consumed for therapeutic purposes. Teas are the source of many valuable, biologically active compounds, including elements. Infusions drawn up from various teas may be one of the minerals sources in a daily diet. In the study, an attempt was made to assess infusions prepared from popular teas in terms of the content of elements in them.MethodsIn the work, the amounts of elements such as Ca (calcium), Cr (chromium), Cu (copper), Fe (iron), K (potassium), Mg (magnesium), Mn (manganese), Na (sodium), Ni (nickel) and Zn (zinc) were determined in herbal teas infusions as well as yerba mate and rooibos by atomic absorption spectrometry method (AAS). Their participation in covering the daily nutrient requirements for particular elements was also estimated.ResultsThe average amount (mg/g) of elements that passed from 1 g of teas to their infusions was following: Ca - 5.73 ± 3.33, K - 18.14 ± 9.50, Mg - 1.79 ± 3.47, Na - 1.34 ± 0.85, and (μg/g) for: Cr - 0.14 ± 0.14, Cu - 2.56 ± 1.53, Fe - 18.45 ± 11.90, Mn - 64.20 ± 88.82, Ni - 0.49 ± 0.30 and Zn - 10.77 ± 13.89. Among the tested teas, the infusions of hibiscus, horsetail, nettle, rooibos and yerba mate contained the largest quantities of minerals. A significant positive correlation was determined between the pH value of infusion and Mg content, as well as some pairs of correlating elements (Ca-K, Ca-Mg, Cr-Mg, Cu-Zn and K-Mg) were found in the analyzed brews.ConclusionsGenerally, the infusions of herbal teas to a small extent cover the daily allowance for elements, however they are a valuable complementary source of them.