Mineral content of the fruiting bodies of Pleurotus sajor-caju (FR.) SINGER cultivated on different kinds of biomass

Pleurotus sajor-caju (FR. ) SINGER was cultivated on different organic wastes, namely sericulture waste, Populus deltoides MARSH , and Eupatorium adenophorum SPRENG . Paddy straw was taken as the control and all the data were compared with it. The mineral contents of the fruiting bodies of Pleurotus sajor-caju and the substrates on which the mushroom was grown were analyzed. Among the eight minerals determined (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, manganese and zinc), the potassium content was highest followed by phosphorus, magnesium and sodium. Analysis of the mineral contents of the substrates before cultivation had also been carried out. The mineral contents of the fruiting bodies of Pleurotus sajor-caju were found to be different on different substrates. It was also observed that the mineral contents of the fruiting bodies of Pleurotus sajor-caju increase when cultivated on substrates with higher mineral contents. The maximum mineral contents per 100 g of the substrates before cultivation were Ca – 347 mg; P – 151 mg; K – 1,805 mg; Na – 127 mg; Mg – 227 mg; Fe – 53 mg; Mn – 10 mg and zn – 3.1 mg. The mineral contents of the fruiting bodies of Pleurotus sajor-caju per 100 g ranged as follows: Ca – 25.1 mg to 35.3 mg; P – 448 mg to 602 mg; K – 2,146 mg to 2350 mg; Na – 139 mg to 229 mg; Mg – 153 mg to 224 mg; Fe – 9.74 mg to 20.75 mg; Mn – 2.5 mg to 4.0 mg and Zn – 2.2 mg to 3.1 mg.     

Nutrient contents predict the bamboo‐leaf‐based diet of Assamese macaques living in limestone forests of southwest Guangxi,China

Determining the nutrient factors influencing food choice provides important insight into the feeding strategy of animals, which is crucial for understanding their behavioral response to environmental changes. A bamboo‐leaf‐based diet is rare among mammals. Animals’ food choice and nutritional goals have been explained by several frameworks; however, the influence of nutrients on food choice in bamboo‐leaf‐based macaques is not yet available. Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis) inhabiting limestone forests are characterized by such a bamboo‐leaf‐based diet, predominantly consuming young leaves of Bonia saxatilis, a shrubby, karst‐endemic bamboo. We studied the feeding behavior of one group of Assamese macaques using instantaneous scan sampling in limestone forests of the Guangxi Nonggang National Nature Reserve in southwest Guangxi, China. We compared the nutrient content of staple food and nonfood items and examine the role of key nutrients in the food selection of macaques. Our results showed that young leaves of bamboo B. saxatilis contained more water, crude protein, phosphorus, and less tannin than nonfood items. Furthermore, staple foods contained a higher content of water and less content of calcium than nonfood items. More specifically, quantities of water, crude protein, calcium, and phosphorus in food items were critical factors affecting feeding time on a specific plant item. Our results suggest that young bamboo leaves could meet macaques’ required protein and water intake, while enabling them to maintain their mineral balance, consequently facilitating to maintain the primates’ bamboo‐leaf‐diet in the limestone forest. Our findings confirm the effects of nutrient contents in food choice of Assamese macaques, highlighting the importance of the nutrient contents in maintaining their bamboo‐based diet and the need to increase the knowledge on their nutritional strategy adapted to the bamboo‐dominated diet inhabiting the unique limestone habitat.     

Seasonal vartadoosln the nutrtent content of carpets of Acrocladium cuspidatum (Hedw.)Lindb.

Abstract

1. Seasonal variations in the percentaae of potassium, sodium, calcium and phosphorus in the current season's growth segment of Acrocladium cuspidatum at three different habitats are presented.

2. The results show that the nutrient content of the moss carpet varies with time of year and also between habitats. For this reason comparisons between the nutrient content of moss carpets from different habitats are unlikely to be valid unless made at the same time of year or during comparable stages in the annual growth cycle of the species concerned.

3. In conditions where the moss becomes inundated by natural waters having a high concentration of calcium ions, the moss accumulates calcium to abnormally high levels.

4. Comparison of the nutrient content of the moss on open downland and under scrub shows a greater accumulation of potassium in the moss carpet of the scrub habitat. The monthly differences between the potassium contents from the two sites are positively correlated with the monthly rainfall as are also the actual percentages of potassium present in the moss carpet beneath the scrub.     

Content and deposition of major mineral elements in different tissues and empty body of growing bulls of the german simmental breed

54 bulls of the German Simmental breed were fed either on a high energy level (maize silage ad libitum and 1.8 kg concentrate) or on a low energy level (maize silage restrictively and 1.0 kg concentrate). In dependence on feeding intensity a mean daily weight gain of 870 or 1210 g was obtained. Animals were slaughtered with a live mass of 200 kg, 350 kg, 500 kg, 575 kg and 650 kg. Empty body was divided into 13 cuts and afterwards separated into lean, bone and adipose tissues and tendons. Major mineral element content was determined in these tissues as well as in the noncarcass parts.

In the lean tissue the mean content (200 kg) of 0.3 g calcium, 10 g phosphorus, 1 g magnesium, 2.3 g sodium and 14.8 g potassium/kg dry matter decreased slightly with rising live mass (200–650 kg). The contents of major mineral elements were much higher in bone tissue. For the fattening period from 200 to 650 kg of live mass mean contents of 151.5 g calcium, 71.3 g phosphorus, 3.2 g magnesium, 5.1 g sodium and 1.1 g potassium per kg DM were analysed. Mineral element content of bone tissue increased with rising live mass as well as animals on low feeding intensity showed a higher mineral content than on high energy level. In all, major mineral element content in fat tissue was very low. In noncarcass parts head and legs calcium and phosphorus had analogous to bone tissue the highest concentration. Hide showed a high content of sodium, whereas organs and digestive tract had a high content of potassium and phosphorus. Total mass of major mineral elements in the different tissues increased above all in the fattening period of 200 to 350 kg. In carcass as well as in empty body, mass of calcium and phosphorus was much higher than magnesium, sodium and potassium. Also animals on low feeding intensity showed a higher mass of major mineral elements in carcass and empty body than animals on high energy feeding intensity. The intensively fed bulls had a mean deposition of 12.7 g calcium, 6.9 g phosphorus, 0.37 g magnesium, 1.2 g sodium and 2.1 potassium per 1000 g of empty body weight gain, whereas restrictively fed bulls deposited in average 15.0 g calcium, 7.8 g phosphorus, 0.4 g magnesium, 1.2 g sodium and 2.4 g potassium per 1000 g of empty body weight gain.     

Contribution to the ecology ofStipa species in central Europe: Distribution of mineral elements in soils and phytomass

In 1963, 1964 and 1965, a comparative ecological study was made of the distribution of mineral elements in the soil and phytomass of some Stipa species, viz.Stipa capillata L., S. pulcherrima C. Koch,S. joannis ?elak.,S. dasyphylla ?erň.,and S. stenophylla ?erň. in various locations of Central Europe. In all species and sites studied, chemical analyses of the soil, fresh phytomass (shoots and roots) and dead phytomass were made, together with relevant statistical evaluation. IndividualStipa species differ according to their mineral composition. In comparison with fresh green plant material, the old dead plant material shows a marked increase in ash, calcium, and natrium content. Potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus show a decrease in the dead plant material. The mineral composition of the roots differs considerably from that of green plant parts: the roots have much higher ash, phosphorus, calcium and natrium content, and lower organic matter, nitrogen, and potassium content. On the basis of the data collected, an attempt was made to estimate cycling of the individual mineral elements.     

Mineral and phytochemical influences on foliage selection by the proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus)

Primate diets may be influenced by the phytochemical composition of potential food resources. This study examined the protein, fiber, and mineral content of leaves from plant species used as food resources by the proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) in Tanjung Puting National Park, Kalimantan Tengah, Indonesia. In addition, leaf samples were collected from nonfood resources based upon relative density in previously established vegetation plots. Higher concentrations of crude protein, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc were found in young leaves. Mature leaves had higher levels of magnesium, manganese and calcium compared to young leaves. Leaves from species used as food resources were significantly higher in protein (9.9% vs. 8.5%) and lower in fiber (30.5% vs. 40.0% acid detergent fiber) than the leaves from species not used as food sources. Food resources also contained higher concentrations of phosphorus and potassium; nonfood resources contained higher concentrations of calcium and manganese. Proboscis monkeys appear to follow the typical colobine trend: a diet relatively high in protein and low in digestion inhibitors (fiber). Little previous work has examined mineral content as a selection factor in primate food choices. Leaves from species used as food resources contained less calcium (0.35%), iron (34 mg/kg) and phosphorus (0.15%) than dietary standards established for captive nonhuman primates, but values were similar to those established for ruminant herbivores. Other mineral concentrations (potassium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, and zinc) met or exceeded recommended levels for both primates and ruminants. Comparison of diverse nutrients in native diets may provide insight into suitability of domestic animals models for providing adequate diets in captive feeding situations, as well as help define resource limitations in natural environments. Am. J. Primatol. 41:117–128, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Studies on the Radioresistance of Bacillus Spores

Radioresistance of the spores of 46 strains of Bacillus was determined based on their dose-survival curves. The spores were produced on three kinds of sporulating medium.

The variations in the radioresistance among species and strains were found, and also the radioresistance of spores depended upon the sporulating medium. The shapes of dose-survival curves are closely associated with the taxonomical groups of the genus Bacillus.

Radioresistance of the spores showed no apparent correlation to their contents of dipicolinic acid, calcium and magnesium, but a slight correlation was observed between radioresistance and the molar ratio of Ca to DPA or Mg to Ca. Radioresistance of the spores in some groups correlated to their GC content, but no correlation was found in the other species. There was no correlation between heat resistance and radioresistance.     

北虫草栽培残基中主要活性物质含量分析及评价

对北虫草栽培残基中蛋白质、虫草素等主要营养及活性物质含量分析,为其资源化合理利用研究提供参考。采用反相高效液相色谱法测定氨基酸含量,半微量凯氏定氮法测定粗蛋白,稀酸碱处理法测定粗纤维含量,旋光度法测量淀粉含量,电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱法测定矿质元素钙及磷含量,苯酚硫酸法测定多糖的含量,高效液相色谱法测定虫草素。结果显示,北虫草栽培残基中主要营养成分氨基酸、粗蛋白、粗纤维、淀粉、含量检测分别为8. 17%、18. 4%、4. 9%、43. 1%;矿质元素钙及磷含量分别为0. 09%、0. 46%;主要活性成分虫草多糖含量可达4. 8%,与子座含量(5. 1%)相当;虫草素含量0. 318%,显著高于子座(0. 166%)中虫草素含量。结果表明,北虫草栽培残基中除富含蛋白质、氨基酸、淀粉等营养物质外,还含有虫草素、虫草多糖等北虫草特有的活性物质,具有较大营养价值。北虫草栽培残基综合利用资源化研究应用前景广阔。     

Synthesis of α-Adenosine 5′-Monophosphate

The distributions of protein, calcium and inorganic phosphate among casein micelles of skimmilk before and after frozen storage were investigated by gel filtration through Sephadex G-200 with 6.6 m urea solution as eluant.

The results showed that the native casein micelles were fractionated into two fractions. Fast eluting fraction contained large amount of calcium and inorganic phosphorus. Slow eluting fraction contained calcium but was essentially free of inorganic phosphorus. Frozen storage caused the increase of proportion of the fast eluting fraction accompanying the increase of calcium and inorganic phosphorus contents in it. It is suggested that the salt linkage newly formed during frozen storage causes the increase of proportion of the fast eluting fraction.     

Influences of rice straw biochar and organic manure on forage soybean nutrient and Cd uptake

Abstract

This pot experiment aimed to investigate the influence of rice straw biochar (BC 0, 1, and 3%, w/w) and organic manure (OM 0, 1, and 2%, w/w) addition on the growth, nutrient and cadmium (Cd) uptake of forage soybean in 10 mg Cd kg^?1 contaminated soils. Compared with non-biochar treatments, biochar decreased shoot biomass, height and nitrogen (N) contents. Organic manure markedly increased the shoot biomass, shoot phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentration, and root N, P, Ca contents without biochar addition treatments, while in the case of 3% biochar, there were no significant effects on N, K, Ca, and Mg contents of shoot and root among organic manure treatments. In comparison with other treatments, the minimum Cd content of shoots and roots both occurred in the treatment of BC3%+OM2%, while shoot Cd content reached the maximum value in OM2% treatment. Thus, these results suggested that organic manure addition can elevate forage soybean yield and nutrient content, while biochar had no positive effects. High biochar (3%) addition in combination with highest dose of organic manure (2%) can decline the Cd content of soybean and contribute to the agricultural product safety.     

Mineral composition of Phragmites australis in Scottish lochs as related to eutrophication. I. Seasonal changes in organs

Monthly levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and iron in the organs (root, rhizome, stem, leaf and panicle) of Phragmites australis were determined from March to November, 1975 in Forfar Loch (polytrophic), Balgavies Loch (eutrophic) and Loch of the Lowes (mesotrophic), Scotland. Generally no consistent seasonal changes in the mineral levels were detected for the root, rhizome and panicle. For the stem and leaf, the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium rose to a peak before declining for the rest of the season. Consistently higher levels of tissue nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium were found in the Forfar plants over those of Balgavies and Lowes, reflecting the very eutrophic condition in Forfar Loch. The mineral compositions in the reeds in the present study were compared with similar studies in other areas.     

Simultaneous accumulation of magnesium with calcium and phosphorus in aorta and iliac arteries of thai

To elucidate compositional changes of arteries with aging, the authors previously investigated age-related changes of mineral contents in the various arteries of Japanese and Japanese monkey. To examine whether there were differences between races in regard to age-related changes of mineral contents and the relationships among element contents in the arteries, the authors investigated the arteries of Thai. The subjects consisted of 13 men and 3 women, ranging in age from 39 to 84 yr. After the ordinary dissection at Chiang Mai University was finished, abdominal aortas, common iliac, internal iliac, and external iliac arteries were resected and the element contents were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. The contents of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium became the highest in the fifties in the abdominal aorta, common iliac, and external iliac arteries, whereas the contents of calcium and magnesium became the highest in the sixties in the internal iliac artery, and decreased thereafter. In regard to relationships among element contents, it was found that there were high correlations between calcium and phosphorus contents, between calcium and magnesium contents, and between phosphorus and magnesium in all of the abdominal aortas and three iliac arteries. The mass ratios of magnesium to calcium and phosphorus were each similar in the abdominal aorta, common iliac, and internal iliac arteries, except for the external iliac artery, in which it was slightly high. These revealed that as calcium and phosphorus increased in the arteries with aging, magnesium increased in the arteries as well. The differences between the arteries of Thai and Japanese were discussed in the present article.     

Mathematical Modeling of the Dynamics of Plant Mineral Nutrition in the Fertilizer–Soil–Plant System

A numerical simulation of the spatial–temporal dynamics of a multi-parameter system has been developed. The components of this system are plant biomass, the mobile and stationary forms of mineral nutrition elements, rhizosphere microorganisms, and environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, and acidity). Parametric identification and verification of the adequacy of the model were carried out based on the experimental data on the growth of Krasnoufimskaya-100 spring wheat on peat lowland soil. The results are represented by temporal distributions of biomass from agricultural crops and the findings on the contents of the main nutrition elements within the plant (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). An agronomic assessment and interpretation of the results are given.

     

Isolation of minax toxins from the venom of the scorpion Buthus minax and their metabolic effects

Two neurotoxins, minax toxins 1 and 2, were isolated from venom of the scorpion Buthus minax from the Sudan. Molecular weights of 7000 and 6800 and 66 and 62 amino acids were found for minax toxins 1 and 2, respectively. Both toxins contain four disulfide bonds, 1 mol each of phenylalanine, histidine, and tryptophan, no free sulfhydryl groups, and no methionine. Both minax toxins 1 and 2 are basic polypeptides with isoelectric points of 8.2 and 9.0, respectively. There is a significant increase in the calcium content of rat hearts envenomated with minax toxins 1 and 2 or crude venom. This confirms earlier electron microscopic findings of calcium deposits in the heart following scorpion envenomation. There is a concomitant decrease in the calcium and phosphorus content of rat serum following envenomation. It seems that neither scorpion toxins nor scorpion venoms affect the mineral metabolism of the bone. The present investigation indicates that scorpion toxins have not only a neurotoxic action but also broader biological effects such as mineral metabolism.     

High accumulation of calcium and phosphorus in the coronary artery of the Thai in comparison with the Japanese

To examine whether there were differences between races in regard to age-related changes of mineral contents and the relationships among element contents in the arteries, the authors investigated the coronary arteries of Thai and Japanese. The Thai subjects consisted of 13 men and 3 women, ranging in age from 39 to 84 yr, whereas the Japanese subjects consisted of 17 men and 9 women, ranging in age from 55 to 92 yr. After the ordinary dissections at Chiang Mai University and Nara Medical University were finished, the coronary arteries were resected and the element contents were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. In the Thai, an accumulation of calcium and phosphorus began to occur in the forties and increased markedly in the fifties, whereas in the Japanese, an accumulation of calcium and phosphorus began to occur in the seventies and increased markedly in the nineties. The result revealed that an accumulation of calcium and phosphorus occurred earlier in the Thai than in the Japanese. Regarding the relationships among element contents, extremely significant correlations were found between calcium and phosphorus contents, between calcium and magnesium contents, and between phosphorus and magnesium contents in both the coronary arteries of the Thai and the Japanese. As far as the coronary arteries with a very high accumulation of calcium and phosphorus, the mass ratios of magnesium to calcium and phosphorus were lower in the coronary arteries of the Thai in comparison with the Japanese.     

Soil pH is the primary factor driving the distribution and function of microorganisms in farmland soils in northeastern China

Purpose

To understand which environmental factors influence the distribution and ecological functions of bacteria in agricultural soil.

Method

A broad range of farmland soils was sampled from 206 locations in Jilin province, China. We used 16S rRNA gene-based Illumina HiSeq sequencing to estimated soil bacterial community structure and functions.

Result

The dominant taxa in terms of abundance were found to be, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Chloroflexi, and Proteobacteria. Bacterial communities were dominantly affected by soil pH, whereas soil organic carbon did not have a significant influence on bacterial communities. Soil pH was significantly positively correlated with bacterial operational taxonomic unit abundance and soil bacterial α-diversity (P<0.05) spatially rather than with soil nutrients. Bacterial functions were estimated using FAPROTAX, and the relative abundance of anaerobic and aerobic chemoheterotrophs, and nitrifying bacteria was 27.66%, 26.14%, and 6.87%, respectively, of the total bacterial community. Generally, the results indicate that soil pH is more important than nutrients in shaping bacterial communities in agricultural soils, including their ecological functions and biogeographic distribution.

     

Protective Effects of Gallium, Germanium, and Strontium Against Ovariectomized Osteoporosis in Rats

The effects of trace elements of gallium (Ga), germanium (Ge), and strontium (Sr) on ovariectomized (OVX) osteopenic rats were studied in this paper. The urine calcium content, serum calcium, and phosphorus contents, bone mineral content, mineral dissolution, and mechanical strength of the osteopenic rats were analyzed respectively. After the rats were fed with Ga, Ge, and Sr diet for 8 weeks, respectively, the urine calcium content decreased (P?<?0.01). Plasma calcium and phosphate concentrations decreased in the order of OVX group?>?Ge group?>?Sr group?>?Ga group?>?Sham group. Mineral content increased in the order of OVX group?<?Ge group?<?Sr group?<?Ga group?<?Sham group. A dramatic decrease in calcium solubility was found both in the gallium and strontium treated animals (P?<?0.05). However, the same result did not occur in germanium treated groups. The data provide an important proof of concept that gallium and strontium might be a new potential therapy for the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis in humans.     

The effects of isomaltulose,isomalt, and isomaltulose-based oligomers on mineral absorption and retention

We carried out a balance study to examine the effects of isomaltulose, lactose, isomalt, and isomaltulose-based oligomers (IBOs) on mineral (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron) absorption and retention. Four-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into five groups of six rats each and fed a basal diet or diet the containing either 5% isomaltulose, 5% lactose, 5% isomalts or isomaltulose-based oligomers (IBOs) ad libitum for 16 d. After 1 wk, the animals were subjected to a 5-d mineral (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron) balance study. The isomalt feeding, as well as the IBOs feeding, led to significantly elevated mineral absorption and retention. On the other hand, lactose feeding, widely known to enhance calcium absorption, increased only calcium absorption and isomaltulose feeding did not affect mineral absorption or retention. The organic acids in cecum contents were increased by IBOs or isomalt feeding. Succinic and acetic acids in cecum contents were significantly increased by IBOs feeding. Similarly, succinic acetic, and i-valeric acids and total amount of organic acid in cecum content were significantly increased by isomalt feeding. Although the organic acids in cecum contents were increased by IBOs or isomalt feeding, the PH values and acidity in cecum contents were not changed by IBOs or isomalt feeding. The effect of addition of various organic acids to the mucosal fluid was examined with in vitro study using a hindgut segment. By the addition of acetic acid, and butyric acid, the mineral (calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus) uptake was increased.     

Soil chemistry and mineral problems in farm livestock. A review

A review is made of the influence of soil chemistry and soil characteristics on the occurrence of mineral problems in farm livestock, with major emphasis on ruminants maintained on pastures and forages. The review is developed in two sections: (1) a general discussion of factors affecting transfer of elements through the soil—plant—animal complex, with some reference to techniques employed in assessing problems of animal health; (2) a more detailed review of certain mineral deficiency and toxicity conditions in livestock caused by specific elements for which a relationship with soil properties has been clearly demonstrated on an international basis. This includes phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, copper, molybdenum, cobalt, selenium, iodine and fluorine. The relationships are, in general, quite complex and affected not only by geology and soil chemistry but by climate, intensity of the agricultural systems, nature of the vegetative cover and characteristics and management of the grazing animal.     

Characteristics of Biocalcium Powders from Pre-Cooked Tongol (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Thunnus tonggol</Emphasis>) and Yellowfin (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Thunnus albacores</Emphasis>) Tuna Bones

Characteristics of biocalcium powder from pre-cooked tongol tuna bone (BTG) and yellowfin tuna bone (BYF) were investigated, in comparison with their calcined bone powder named CTG and CYF, respectively. Average calcium (40.3%) and phosphorus (19.19%) contents of CTG and CYF were higher than those of BTG and BYF (Ca: 26.74%, P: 12.72%). Nevertheless, similar mole Ca/P ratio (1.62–1.63) was observed among all samples. Mean particle size of all samples was approximately 14 μm. Both CTG and CYF powders exhibited the interconnected granular structure. BTG had higher b*- value than BYF (p < 0.05). Generally, CTG and CYF had lower b*-values with slightly higher L*-values than both BTG and BYF (p < 0.05). X-ray diffraction results indicated the presence of hydroxyapatite in all samples, in which their crystallinities were increased from 54% to 90% after calcination. Hydroxyproline and protein were detected in both biocalcium powders, but were not detectable in calcined bone powders. The abundance of volatile compounds was noticeably lower in BYF, compared to BTG. Negligible volatiles were detected in both calcined bone powders. Based on a simulated gastrointestinal tract study, both BTG and BYF had higher soluble calcium content than calcium carbonate and their corresponding calcined bone powders, indicating the higher availability for absorption.