In vitro dialyzability of zinc from different salts used in the supplementation of infant formulas

Seven zinc salts—acetate, chloride, lactate, sulfate, citrate, gluconate, and oxide—were added to milk—and soy-based infant formulas to estimate possible differences in zinc availability depending on the type of salt used. For this purpose, an in vitro method that estimates the dialyzability of the element (i.e., the fraction available for absorption) was applied. Zinc dialyzability is always higher in milk-based products than in soy products, even when the total zinc contents are higher in the latter. The salts can be classified according to the zinc dialyzability in the two types of formulas as follows: oxide>gluconate=chloride=lactate>citrate=acetate>sulfate. Therefore, according to the dialysis percentage, oxide and gluconate are the compounds of choice for zinc supplementation of infant formulas.     

贵州喀斯特山区典型人工林土壤矿质元素特征

为了阐明群落水平上的土壤矿质元素特征,该研究以贵州喀斯特山区典型人工林为对象,以金属元素和非金属元素进行类型划分,探讨了土壤矿质元素含量特征及其相关性。结果表明:该区典型人工林土壤矿质元素含量存在较大差异,且同一元素在不同树种之间的变化幅度各异,锌、铬、铁、钛、铝、镁、镍、钴等的变化规律较为一致,钙、锶等的变化趋势较为相似,砷、硒、硅在桉树(Eucalyptus robusta)林、柏木(Cupressus funebris)林和枇杷(Eriobotrya japonica)林中的含量较高,硫、钠、氯等元素含量则相反;不同矿质元素随林分类型的变化规律不完全一致,表明植物根系对养分的提取和富集能力存在差异;矿质元素之间表现出一定程度的相关性,存在此消彼长的关系,不同矿质元素之间的相关关系各异,表现出增强或抑制效应,尤其以铁、钙等元素与其他元素的关系更为密切;矿质元素之间的互作效应及其计量平衡关系是分析元素特征的关键,是未来值得深入研究的科学问题。该研究结果有利于掌握养分元素积累特征与调控规律,对于该区域典型人工林土壤养分管理具有较强的理论和实践意义。     

Characterisation of the mineral fraction in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from activated sludges extracted by eight different methods

This work characterises the mineral fraction of EPS extracts obtained using eight different methods from two activated sludges by total mineral content determination, Fourier Transformed Infrared spectrometry and with scanning electron microscopy coupled with an EDX probe. Despite EPS dialysis, the EPS extracts displayed a mineral fraction between 2% and 40% of the EPS dry weight depending on the extraction method used. The main mineral elements found in the EPS extract were Ca, Mg, Na, K, Al, Fe, Mn, P, Si and S, but their contents were strongly affected by the extraction method used. Some of the minerals are associated with the organic molecules within the EPS. The presence of mineral particles of various compositions and structures (clays, quartz or carbonate) in the EPS extract with a wide range in size was clearly demonstrated. Moreover, the association of metallic elements with the mineral particles in the EPS extract was highlighted.     

Effect of cooking and legume species upon calcium, iron and zinc uptake by Caco-2 cells

An in vitro system, consisting of simulated gastrointestinal digestion and Caco-2 cell culture, was used to estimate the uptake of calcium, iron and zinc from white beans, chickpeas and lentils, and the effect of cooking upon uptake, with the ultimate aim of evaluating legumes as a dietary source of the aforementioned minerals. In raw products, differences were observed in the uptake percentages by Caco-2 cells of a same mineral from different legumes, although these were not related to the total mineral content. In the three elements studied, the highest uptake values corresponded to chickpeas. Traditional cooking significantly (p<0.05) increased the uptake (%) of calcium, iron and zinc from white beans, and of calcium from lentils. This effect can be partially ascribed to the conversion of inositol hexaphosphate to its lower phosphate forms. When mineral uptakes from raw, traditionally cooked, and ready-to-eat lentils were compared, the highest uptake values corresponded to the ready-to-eat product, which could be attributed to the combined effect of EDTA soaking, the cooking under pressure process, and citric and ascorbic acid addition.     

Selenium content of Spanish infant formulae and human milk: Influence of protein matrix, interactions with other trace elements and estimation of dietary intake by infants

The selenium content of infant formulae varies as a result of differences in the amount of intrinsic selenium compounds. Manufacturers have been gradually changing the protein profile of infant formulae to reflect human milk contents more closely. Because of these variations in infant formula composition and their potential impact on selenium content, this trace element was analysed with regard to the different protein sources.

The aims of this study were to determine the selenium content in infant formulae sold commercially in Spain, to estimate a daily dietary intake for infants fed on formulae and to compare with the selenium provided by Spanish breast milk samples used as a reference. We have also identified certain trace elements added to formulae which interact with selenium according to the type and protein matrix of the infant formulae.

Selenium concentration was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) with a hydride generator.

The selenium concentrations in human milk and infant formulae determined in this study are similar to those found by other researchers in different countries. The daily selenium intake from the formulae studied was estimated according to the recommended doses from the manufacturers. The theoretical selenium intake of nursed infants has been studied in relation to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA: 10 μg Se/day) and the specific recommendations for infant formula nutrient contents (10–35 μg Se/L) set by the Expert Panel of Life Sciences Research Office (LSRO) of the American Society for Nutritional Sciences.

According to our results, on an overall view, infants fed on the studied infant formulae have an intake between basal and normative requirements. This might be considered as providing an adequate selenium supply. However, the intake of selenium provided by several formulae included in this research did not reach the RDA for the first month of neonate life.     

黑米中矿质元素铁、锌、锰、磷含量的遗传效应研究

采用禾谷类作物种子胚乳数量性状模型,分析黑米稻品种双列杂交Ｆ１和Ｆ２种子的Ｆｅ、Ｚｎ、Ｍｎ、Ｐ含量的遗传效应。结果表明,４种矿质元素含量同时受制于种子直接遗传效应、母体效应和细胞质作用影响。其中,Ｆｅ、Ｚｎ、Ｍｎ含量的种子直接效应比母体效应和细胞质效应的作用更大;Ｐ含量则主要受种子直接加性、母体加性和显性效应共同作用。Ｆｅ、Ｚｎ、Ｍｎ含量的种子直接遗传率较高,在杂种早代分别结合农艺性状选择单株上各     

云南盈江县不同产地草果氨基酸和矿质营养元素分析

用氨基酸自动分析仪、等离子体发射光谱仪(ICP法)等方法测定云南盈江县三个草果Amomum tsaoko主产乡的草果氨基酸、矿质营养元素等成分。结果显示,不同产地草果中氨基酸和矿质营养元素含量有明显差异。盈江县各地的草果氨基酸含量均比文山产草果低,其中苏典乡劈石村的2号样品(海拔1540 m,土壤pH 6.58)氨基酸含量与文山样品最为接近;微量营养元素总含量则相反,盈江县产草果均高于文山样品。     

The maize shoot ionome: Its interaction partners,predictive power,and genetic determinants

An improved understanding of how to manipulate the accumulation and enrichment of mineral elements in aboveground plant tissues holds promise for future resource efficient and sustainable crop production. The objectives of this study were to (a) evaluate the influence of Fe regimes on mineral element concentrations and contents in the maize shoot as well as their correlations, (b) examine the predictive ability of physiological and morphological traits of individual genotypes of the IBM population from the concentration of mineral elements, and (c) identify genetic factors influencing the mineral element composition within and across Fe regimes. We evaluated the concentration and content of 12 mineral elements in shoots of the IBM population grown in sufficient and deficient Fe regimes and found for almost all mineral elements a significant (α = 0.05) genotypic variance. Across all mineral elements, the variance of genotype*Fe regime interactions was on average even more pronounced. High prediction abilities indicated that mineral elements are powerful predictors of morphological and physiological traits. Furthermore, our results suggest that ZmHMA2/3 and ZmMOT1 are major players in the natural genetic variation of Cd and Mo concentrations and contents of maize shoots, respectively.     

Characteristics of Plant Communities and Element Contents in Plants at Mengentaoligai Ag,Pb, Zn Mine area in Inner Mongolia

The types of plant communities in Mengentaoligai mine area are disscussed. Arenaria juncea, densely grown in the phytocommunities of the mineralized zone, is found closely related to the presence of Pb and Zn mineral deposits. Analytical results of seven element contents (in ash) for 34 species (or part of plant) show that: levels of element contents in sequence in. the plants are Fe>Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu > Ni>Co; variable ranges of element contents in the plants are Pb, Zn>Fe,Mn> Cu> Co > Ni; and variable ranges of Pb, Zn contents in the same species at different sites are respectively larger than that among species. For example, Pb and Zn contents of Arenaria juncea, l145ppm and 3087ppm respectively, are the highest; the difference among Pb contents of Ulmus macrocarpa, Arenaria ?uncea and PotentiUa chinensis at different sites are more than 10 folds. The difference of Co and Ni contents in the species is less than two to one- Striking correlation is found between elements in plants and in soils, such as the Pb and Zn contents between leaves and twigs of Ulmus macrocarpa, twigs of Prunus sibirica, Artemisia halodendron and soils (lrl≤α 0.05 or≤α 0.01). It is found that Pb and Zn phytogeochemical anomalies, correlate closely with Pb and Zn mining deposits. In addition, analysis of principal component was conducted among seven elements contents of 14 species (or part of plant) in the mineralized zone and 12 species in the unmineralized zone.     

Plant indicators in Iraq

Summary Native plants of Iraq have shown considerable variation in their ability to accumulate mineral elements. Halophytes such asSeidlitzia rosmarinus andHalocnemum strobilaceum indicate very high soil sodium contents, and others high magnesium and sulphate contents. Selectivity in the uptake and accumulation of mineral elements was exhibited by many native plants. Surprisingly high or low concentrations of particular elements were found in certain species in comparison with other species collected from the same site and at the same time. Magnesium and sulphate concentrations were as high as 5.80 and 12.16 per cent, respectively, when the concentrations in other species growing on the same site were as low as 0.59 and 1.29 per cent respectively. Selectivity was also indicated by the ability of certain species to accumulate a specific element from soils with high or low concentration of that element.     

Teneurs en éléments majeurs et traces de spirulines (Arthrospira platensis) originaires de France,du Tchad,du Togo,du Niger,du Mali,du Burkina-Faso et de République centrafricaine

Data on mineral elements in spirulinas being limited, we analyzed macrominerals and trace elements of samples from France and Africa. Spirulinas cultivated in France have a composition in macromineral elements similar to those of the literature. The entire contents of trace elements are low. Unlike marine cyanobacteria, they do not concentrate rare-earth elements. Spirulina harvested in Chad has high levels in macrominerals and trace elements, due to traditional drying and harvesting methods. Rare-earth element levels are attributed to this pollution and not to their concentration in spirulinas, because rare-earth element normalized profiles of spirulina are strictly parallel to those of ouadis mud and very different from those of ouadis water. Despite the sometimes high content of total As, normal water consumption in Chad presents no health problems. Spirulinas grown in Togo, Niger, Mali, Burkina-Faso and Central African Republic have chemical compositions similar to those of Chad spirulinas, but with a lower content of macromineral and trace elements, reflecting a lower mineral pollution. Rare-earth element normalized patterns dismiss an aeolian pollution and the pollution is rather of pedological origin. They show no toxicity problem except spirulinas from Burkina-Faso, whose Pb content is too high. The variability of composition of spirulinas can be largely attributed to the mineral pollution of the samples. Significant levels of rare-earth elements sometimes found in the literature reflect this pollution.     

细叶小羽藓营养成分的测定分析

该研究以细叶小羽藓为材料,测定了基本营养成分总糖、粗脂肪、粗蛋白、灰分的含量,采用气相色谱、氨基酸自动分析仪分别检测了脂肪酸和氨基酸的组分含量,并通过化学分析法和扫描电镜明确了细叶小羽藓矿质元素含量及分布情况。结果表明:细叶小羽藓中主要成分是糖类,占16.11%,粗蛋白质、灰分含量分别为11.20%、23.34%。氨基酸组成均衡,必需氨基酸(EAA)占氨基酸总量(TAA)的27.70%,必需氨基酸与非必需氨基酸的比值(EAA/NEAA)为0.38;限制性氨基酸为组氨酸,比值系数分(SRC)为12.96;药用氨基酸占总氨基酸的62.12%;天冬氨酸、谷氨酸、精氨酸、亮氨酸等含量相对较高。不饱和脂肪酸与饱和脂肪酸的比值为0.74,不饱和脂肪酸花生四烯酸(AA)和二十二碳六烯酸(DHA)相对含量较高。富含矿物质,茎叶元素均匀分布,其中Al、Ca、Fe、K、Mg等元素含量很高。综上认为,细叶小羽藓是一种含糖量较多、矿质丰富、低脂、低蛋白的苔藓,作为生物资源具有开发潜力。     

Cr and Mn total,accessible species,and protein-fraction contents in plants used for traditional anti-diabetes treatment

BackgroundOur survey has found eleven plants that have being consumed for traditional treatment of diabetes mellitus, particularly in Saudi Arabia and generally in many countries across the world. The literature reported about trace elements such as Cr and Mn positively affecting diabetes mellitus. The aim of this work is to determine the total, accessible element species, and protein-fraction contents of Cr and Mn in the edible parts of those plants.MethodsThe total contents of Mn were determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), while the total contents of Cr was determined by ICP-sector field (sf)-mass spectrometry (MS) due to lower concentration. The protein-fraction contents were determined in accessible element species by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC)-ICP-MS.Results and discussionThe separation was successfully carried out to quantify Cr and Mn bound up to 11 protein fractions. The examined plants recorded wide ranges of total contents (Cr 44.7–1880.0 μg/kg and Mn 3.7–59.0 mg/kg) and accessible element species contents (Cr 0.93–29.40 μg/kg and Mn 0.82–35.85 mg/kg). Also wide ranges of percentages of accessible element species contents to total contents of Cr (0.65–4.21%) and Mn (5.43–68.42%) were obtained. The hazardous indices of both trace elements Cr and Mn for all examined plants consumed by both children and adults were all < 1, indicating no probability of health risk to occur. Moreover, Cr as carcinogen element reported no probability of cancer risk to occur from the consumption of all examined plants. Irrespective of plant species, Cr was quantified in all SEC fractions (mainly protein fractions), with the exception of 1.9-3.7 kDa, while Mn was quantified in all SEC fractions with the exception of 100–120 and 1.3-3.7 kDa. Nevertheless, the majority of accessible Cr species contents bound to the 10–14 and 0.05–0.40 kDa fractions, while that of Mn bound to 0.05–0.40 kDa fraction. To gather, the benefits of specific plant species in terms of accessible Cr and Mn species contents, in addition to accessible Zn species contents reported in our previous study, Haloxylon Salicornicum, Olea Europaea Momordica and Charantia are recommended to be consumed for traditionally controlling T2DM.     

艳妇斑粉蝶蛹和成虫的营养成分分析

为了深层次地开发利用艳妇斑粉蝶,探寻艳妇斑粉蝶蛹和成虫的主要营养成分,评价其营养价值水平,运用国家标准检测方法测定艳妇斑粉蝶蛹和成虫的水分、脂肪、蛋白质、矿质元素和氨基酸的含量,分析氨基酸分和必需氨基酸指数,并将艳妇斑粉蝶蛹和成虫的蛋白质、氨基酸、脂肪、矿质元素含量与常见食物的含量进行比较分析.结果显示,艳妇斑粉蝶蛹和成虫具有高蛋白(含量分别为70.7％和76.8％)、低脂肪(含量分别为11.3％ ％和7.1％)、无机物质含量丰富、矿质元素含量水平高、能量值低等特点;艳妇斑粉蝶蛹和成虫的总氨基酸含量较高,分别为417.7 mg·g-1和458.0 mg·g-1,必需氨基酸总含量分别为159.7 mg·g-1和171.7 mg·g-1,必需氨基酸占总氨基酸的比例分别为38.2％和37.5％,必需氨基酸与非必需氨基酸的比值分别为0.62和0.60;艳妇斑粉蝶蛹和成虫的必需氨基酸指数分别为0.75和0.73.艳妇斑粉蝶蛹和成虫具有较高的营养价值和食用开发价值,但是其限制性氨基酸影响了氨基酸结构的平衡.     

Rare earth elements and relation between their potential bioavailability and soil properties, Nidda catchment (Central Germany)

Rare earth elements (REEs) are widely used in industry and the entry of REEs into the pedosphere is assumed. Data about REEs in soils are scarce since only a few studies discuss their ecologically relevant behavior. Hence, we investigated total contents (aqua regia digestion) and potentially bioavailable contents (EDTA extraction) of REEs in soils from the Nidda catchment in Hesse (Central Germany). The study site covers a 1,600 km² sized area and 232 soil samples from 63 soil profiles were examined. The total REE content varied considerably, ranging from 544 mg kg^?1 to 41 mg kg^?1 (mean 201.1 mg kg^?1) with a high proportion of light REEs. Highest REE contents were found in the soilscape VB, followed by LVB, WNE, T, WSW and BF with the smallest concentrations. With respect to the parent material the contents decreased in the following order: basalt > clay slate > loess > sandstone. On average 15.9% of the total REEs belong to the potentially bioavailable fraction. They range greatly by a factor of 100, between 1.3 and 171.3 mg kg^?1 (average 33.5 mg kg^?1). Remarkably, Yttrium has a maximum available proportion of 75%. In contrast, Ce showed the highest total contents with the smallest potentially bioavailable proportion of all elements. Regression analyses established relation between soil properties and the potential bioavailability of REEs. Around 53% (range from 29.9 to 76.8%) of the REE’s potential bioavailability variations could be explained by the chosen variables (pH, clay and C_org contents and the total element concentrations). Occurrence patterns and concentrations of REEs lie within the range of the results found in the available literature. Bioavailability is linked to soil properties and varies greatly according to the individual element. In comparison with the chosen soil properties the pH value shows the least impact on bioavailability.     

In vitro study of elements in herbal remedies

Decreased glucose tolerance is a first sign of diabetes mellitus and therefore rigorous control must be taken in carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms. Herbal remedies (lyophilized extracts of Myrtilli folium and Phaseoli fructus sine seminibus (L1), Myrtilli folium, Phaseoli fructus sine seminibus, and Salviae folium (L2) are traditionally used in mid-European folk medicine and in common adjuvant therapy for the prevention of complications in type 2 diabetes. Significant iron (355.7±13.8 mg/kg) and zinc (84.73±1.83 mg/kg) concentration was found in L1 and chromium (3.82±2.71 mg/kg) in L2. Ion concentrations in teas made from L1 and L2 are relatively low because the quantities of metal ions in teas do not cover the daily need, although the teas are good sources for some elements. According to the Recommended Daily Allowances, the tea of L1 is a good source for iron and manganese, whereas for chromium, the tea of L2 is better. For evaluating the element bioavailability, an in vitro dialysis system was applied to determine the element transfer from tea of the lyophilized sample to the plasma (buffer pH=7.4). Measurements showed that the elements transferred between 6.90% (iron from tea of L2) and 90.05% (chromium from tea of L2) through the membrane from teas to the plasma. Metal ions in teas of herbal remedies might contribute to the favorable therapeutic effect of preventing complications, because they might transfer through the membranes in relatively high percentages.     

Excipient exchange in the comparison of preparations of the same biologic made by different manufacturing processes: An exploratory study with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH)

Demonstrations of bio-similarity between subsequent entry (follow-on) biologics and innovator’s formulated drug products may depend upon methods that either remove excipients completely or allow the exchange of excipients to give equivalent formulations. Excipient exchange through dialysis is perhaps the simplest of such methods but its use has been hotly debated. This debate, in the absence of published data, has relied largely on theoretical considerations. This study presents data that indicate that excipient exchange can allow comparisons of different formulations of the same therapeutic protein. The use of excipient exchange to and from one concentration of mannitol to another or to a mixture of glycine and mannitol was reproducibly demonstrated for recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH). We show that marketed rhGH products from several different manufacturers exhibit differences in conformational stability when compared directly. These differences, however, are shown to be the result of differences in formulation rather than in the drug substance itself and were removed through excipient exchange. The data presented, therefore, also indicate that failure to assure a common excipient background can lead to erroneous conclusions about the similarities and differences in the physico-chemical properties of two preparations of the same therapeutic protein made by different manufacturing processes.     

Iron Dialyzability from Hospital Duplicate Meals: Daily Intake

Both total and dialyzable iron levels and corresponding dialyzability were determined in 108 duplicate meals during 36 consecutive days. Total mean iron fraction of 5.90 ± 4.97 mg was found in the meals. The iron supplied by the meals is directly and significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with macromicronutrient content (carbohydrates, fiber, and protein). The mean iron dialyzability (4.81 ± 3.25%) was low and not significantly different among the three primary meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Significant interactions of several minerals on iron levels were found (p < 0.05). Iron dialyzability was only statistically influenced by zinc dialyzability in meals (p < 0.05). The dialyzed iron fraction present in meals was significantly correlated with protein and ascorbic acid levels (p < 0.01). The mean iron daily dietary intake was 17.7 ± 6.91 mg. The hospital meals provided enough iron. Foods of animal origin are primary sources of iron in diet.     

Estimation of the bioavailability of zinc and calcium from human,cow's,goat, and sheep milk by an in vitro method

The availability of zinc and calcium from human, cow's, goat, and sheep milk is evaluated by an in vitro method that involves a simulated human gastrointestinal digestion followed by measurement of dialyzability of zinc and calcium. Zinc availability of milk showed the highest value for human milk (15.0%) and the lowest for sheep milk (1.0%), in both whole and skim milk. Calcium availability of the different types of milk did not differ significantly and ranged between 18 and 23%. No significant differences in availability between whole and skim milk were found for both elements, except for zinc in cow's milk.