The Effect of Age and Gender on Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, P, S, Sr, V, and Zn Contents in Rib Bone of Healthy Humans

The effect of age and gender on major, minor, and trace element contents in the intact rib bone of 80 relatively healthy 15–55-year-old women and men was investigated. Contents or upper limit of contents of 16 chemical elements in the rib bone were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Mean values (M?±?SΕΜ) for the mass fraction of Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Na, P, S, Sr, and Zn (milligram per kilogram of dry bone) were as follows: 2.54?±?0.16, 171,400?±?4,050, 1.35?±?0.22, 140?±?11, 1,874?±?71, 0.049?±?0.011, 2,139?±?38, 5,378?±?88, 75,140?±?1,660, 1,881?±?51, 291?±?20, and 92.8?±?1.5, respectively. The upper limits of contents of Al, B, Mn, and V were <7.20, <0.65, <0.36, and <0.03, respectively. Statistically significant tendency for the Ca, Mg, and P content to decrease with age was found in the human rib bone, regardless of gender. The mass fraction of Fe in the male rib bone increases with age. It was shown that higher Ca, Mg, Na, P, and Sr mass fractions as well as lower Fe content were typical of female ribs as compared to those in male ribs.     

Estimation of Trace Elements in Mace (Myristica fragrans Houtt) and Their Effect on Uterine Cervix Cancer Induced by Methylcholanthrene

In the present work, trace elemental analysis of mace (Myristica fragrans Houtt) was carried out by the atomic absorption spectrometry technique. The concentrations of various elements analyzed in this medicine were ranked in decreasing order: selenium (Se)?>?zinc (Zn)?>?magnesium (Mg)?>?iron (Fe)?>?calcium (Ca)?>?manganese (Mn)?>?lead (Pb). The concentrations of Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ca, and Se were significantly decreased in serum of methylcholanthrene tumor models (P?<?0.001) compared with the control and mace groups. It is consistent with the result of tumor incidence. These trace elements could be directly or indirectly responsible for the antitumor activity of mace. The inorganic elements in this folk remedy can partly account for the antitumor.     

Effects of Serum Calcium and Magnesium on Heart Rate Variability in Adult Women

The present study was designed to evaluate the association of serum calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) levels with heart rate variability (HRV). One hundred and sixteen adult women were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Serum Ca and Mg levels were measured, and HRV in each time and frequency domain was recorded for 5?min. Mean heart rate and standard deviation of the normal to normal interval (SDNN) and root mean square of differences of successive RR interval (RMSSD) in time domain and total power (TP), low-frequency power (LF), high-frequency power (HF), and LF/HF ratio in frequency domain were compared according to the tertiles of serum Ca and Mg levels and Ca/Mg ratio. The associations between serum Ca and Mg levels and Ca/Mg ratio with HRV were evaluated using regression analyses. Mean heart rate tended to increase from the lowest to the highest tertile of Ca levels (p?=?0.081), whereas it decreased significantly with higher Mg levels (p?=?0.026). Increasing SDNN value was observed from the lowest to the highest tertile of Mg levels (p?=?0.009). SDNN value decreased significantly from the lowest to the highest tertile of Ca/Mg ratio (p?=?0.030). Participants in the lowest tertile of Ca/Mg ratio had significantly higher TP and LF values compared to those in the middle and highest tertiles (p?<?0.05). Decreasing SDNN, TP, and LF values were significantly associated with higher Ca/Mg ratios (p?<?0.05). Associations of serum Mg level and Ca/Mg ratio with HRV could be one of the mechanisms involved in cardiovascular diseases.     

Fluoride Alters Serum Elemental (Calcium,Magnesium, Copper,and Zinc) Homeostasis Along with Erythrocyte Carbonic Anhydrase Activity in Fluorosis Endemic Villages and Restores on Supply of Safe Drinking Water in School-Going Children of Nalgonda District,India

The present study aimed to determine the serum trace elements (copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg)) along with erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity and effect of intervention with safe drinking water for 5 years in the school children of fluorosis endemic area. For this purpose, three categories of villages were selected based on drinking water fluoride (F): Category I (control, F?=?1.68 mg/L), category II (affected F?=?3.77 mg/L), and category III (intervention village) where initial drinking water F was 4.51 mg/L, and since the last 5 years, they were drinking water containing <?1.0 mg/L F. The results revealed that urinary F was significantly (P?<?0.05) higher in category II compared to categories I and III. A significant (P?<?0.05) increase in serum Cu and Mg was observed in category II compared to category I. Serum Zn and Ca was significantly (P?<?0.05) decreased in categories II and III compared to category I. The erythrocyte CA activity was decreased in the category II compared to category I. However, in the category III, erythrocyte CA activity was comparable to the control group. In conclusion, F exposure altered elemental homeostasis which has restored to some extent on intervention by safe drinking water for 5 years in school-going children.     

Alterations of Hepatic Metabolism in Chronic Kidney Disease via D-box-binding Protein Aggravate the Renal Dysfunction

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an increase in serum retinol; however, the underlying mechanisms of this disorder are poorly characterized. Here, we found that the alteration of hepatic metabolism induced the accumulation of serum retinol in 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6Nx) mice. The liver is the major organ responsible for retinol metabolism; accordingly, microarray analysis revealed that the hepatic expression of most CYP genes was changed in 5/6Nx mice. In addition, D-box-binding protein (DBP), which controls the expression of several CYP genes, was significantly decreased in these mice. Cyp3a11 and Cyp26a1, encoding key proteins in retinol metabolism, showed the greatest decrease in expression in 5/6Nx mice, a process mediated by the decreased expression of DBP. Furthermore, an increase of plasma transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in 5/6Nx mice led to the decreased expression of the Dbp gene. Consistent with these findings, the alterations of retinol metabolism and renal dysfunction in 5/6Nx mice were ameliorated by administration of an anti-TGF-β1 antibody. We also show that the accumulation of serum retinol induced renal apoptosis in 5/6Nx mice fed a normal diet, whereas renal dysfunction was reduced in mice fed a retinol-free diet. These findings indicate that constitutive Dbp expression plays an important role in mediating hepatic dysfunction under CKD. Thus, the aggravation of renal dysfunction in patients with CKD might be prevented by a recovery of hepatic function, potentially through therapies targeting DBP and retinol.     

The Effects of Mg Supplementation in Diets with Different Calcium Levels on the Bone Status and Bone Metabolism in Growing Female Rats

Previous studies have revealed that magnesium (Mg) plays a significant role in bone health; however, few studies have investigated the effects of Mg supplementation in diets with different calcium (Ca) levels on the bone status and bone metabolism in a growing stage. In this present study, we tested the effects of Mg supplementation on bone status in growing female rats, relative to Ca intake levels. A total of 40 Sprague–Dawley female rats aged 6 weeks were divided into the following four groups and fed for 12 weeks as indicated: (1) LCaAMg: low Ca (Ca, 0.1 % of total diet) and adequate Mg (Mg, 0.05 % of total diet), (2) LCaHMg: low Ca and high Mg ( Mg, 0.1 % of total diet), (3) ACaAMg: adequate Ca (Ca, 0.5 % of total diet) and adequate Mg, and (4) ACaHMg: adequate Ca and high Mg. Our results showed that Mg supplementation with the adequate Ca diet significantly increased the bone mineral contents, bone size (bone area and bone thickness), and bone mineral density of femur or tibia by improving bone metabolism without changing Ca absorption. Mg supplementation significantly increased the serum osteocalcin in the adequate-Ca-diet group (p?<?0.05), while the Mg supplementation significantly decreased the serum level of C-telopeptide cross-links of type I collagen in the adequate-Ca-diet group (p?<?0.001). This study suggests that Mg supplementation with adequate Ca intake in the growing stage may increase the bone mineral density and bone size by improving bone metabolism.     

Effects of Increasing Supplementation of Magnesium in Diets on Productive Performance and Eggshell Quality of Aged Laying Hens

Magnesium (Mg) concentrations in diets have been associated with performance and eggshell quality of laying hens, but the results have been inconclusive. In this experiment, the effects of increasing concentrations of dietary Mg on productive performance and eggshell quality of aged laying hens were evaluated. A total of 640 Hy-Line Brown laying hens of 72 weeks of age were randomly allotted to one of four dietary treatments with four replicates per treatment. A commercial-type basal diet containing 1.6 g/kg Mg was prepared, and three additional diets were prepared to contain 2.3, 2.6, or 3.0 g/kg Mg in diets by adding 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 g of MgO to the basal diet. The diets were fed to hens ad libitum for 5 weeks. Results indicated that Mg concentrations in eggshells were increased (linear, P?<?0.01) with increasing concentrations of Mg in diets. Increasing concentrations of Mg in diets decreased (linear and quadratic, P?<?0.01) broken and shell-less egg production, but improved (linear, P?<?0.05) eggshell strength. Feed intake was decreased (linear, P?<?0.05) with the concentrations of Mg in diets, but hen-day egg production, egg weight, feed conversion ratio, and Haugh unit were not affected by increasing concentrations of Mg in diets. Hunter L* and a* values of eggshell were decreased (linear, P?<?0.05) as the concentrations of Mg in diets increased. In conclusion, feeding aged laying hens with diets containing increasing concentrations of Mg up to 3.0 g/kg improves eggshell strength, but has no detrimental effects on laying performance.     

Long-term in vitro culture of ovarian cortical tissue in goats: effects of FSH and IGF-I on preantral follicular development and FSH and IGF-I receptor mRNA expression

Long-term in vitro culture (16?days) of caprine ovarian cortical tissue was performed to test the effect of FSH and IGF-I on the viability and development of preantral follicles and mRNA expression for FSH and IGF-I receptors. Fragments were cultured in ??-MEM⁺ alone or supplemented with different combinations of FSH and IGF-I (sequential medium). The culture period was divided into two parts. Follicles were isolated and classified as normal or abnormal and primordial, primary or secondary. Viability of isolated follicles was determined by staining with Trypan Blue dye. Expression of FSHR and IGFR-1 mRNA was evaluated by qPCR. At day 8 of culture, more (P?<?0.05) follicles in treatments containing IGF-I alone or associated with FSH were normal and viable (overall mean, 81?% and 79?% respectively) than the treatments cultured with FSH or ??-MEM⁺ alone (68?% and 63?%). At day 16 of culture, treatments with FSH and/or IGF-I had more (P?<?0.05) viable follicles (69?%) than ??-MEM⁺ (38?%). The percentages of follicular development observed in the IGF-I/FSH, FSH+IGF-I/FSH+IGF-I and FSH/IGF-I treatments were similar but higher (P?<?0.05) than the other treatments. FSH and IGF-I during the entire culture period maximized (P?<?0.05) follicular and oocyte diameters and the percentage of secondary follicles (28?%). FSHR mRNA expression in the non-cultured control was similar to the treatment supplemented with FSH and IGF-I but higher (P?<?0.05) than ??-MEM⁺. IGFR-1 expression did not differ among treatments. Association of FSH and IGF-I in long-term in vitro culture promoted follicular development, maintaining FSHR mRNA expression.     

Comparative Analysis of Serum Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Iron, Calcium, and Magnesium Level and Complexity of Interelement Relations in Generalized Anxiety Disorder Patients

The purpose of the study was to determine the concentration of serum trace and other essential elements of generalized anxiety disorder patients and to find out the relationship between element levels and nutritional status or socioeconomic factors. The study was conducted among 50 generalized anxiety disorder patients and 51 healthy volunteers. Patients were selected and recruited in the study with the help of a clinical psychologist by random sampling. The concentrations of serum trace elements (Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe) and other two essential elements (Ca and Mg) were determined by graphite furnace and flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Data were analyzed by independent t test, Pearson’s correlation analysis, regression analysis, and analysis of variance. The serum concentrations of Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Ca, and Mg in generalized anxiety disorder patients were 1.069?±?0.40, 1.738?±?0.544, 1.374?±?0.750, 3.203?±?2.065, 108.65?±?54.455, and 21?±?4.055 mg/L, while those were 1.292?±?0.621, 0.972?±?0.427, 0.704?±?0.527, 1.605?±?1.1855, 101.849?±?17.713, and 21.521?±?3.659 mg/L in control subjects. Significantly decreased (p?<?0.05) serum Zn concentration was found in the patient group compared to the control group while serum level of Cu, Mn, and Fe was significantly (p?<?0.05) higher, but the differences of the concentration of Ca and Mg between the patient and control groups were not significant (p?>?0.05). Socioeconomic data revealed that most of the patients were in the lower middle class group and middle-aged. Mean BMI of the control group (23.63?±?3.91 kg/m²) and the patient group (23.62?±?3.77 kg/m²) was within the normal range (18.5–25.0 kg/m²). The data obtained from different interelement relations in the generalized anxiety disorder patients and control group strongly suggest that there is a disturbance in the element homeostasis. So changes in the serum trace element level in generalized anxiety disorder patients occur independently and they may provide a prognostic tool for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.     

Net mineral requirements of dairy goats during pregnancy

Mineral requirements of pregnant dairy goats are still not well defined; therefore, we investigated the net Ca, P, Mg, Na and K requirements for pregnancy and for maintenance during pregnancy in two separate experiments. Experiment 1 was performed to estimate the net Ca, P, Mg, Na and K requirements in goats carrying single or twin fetuses from 50 to 140 days of pregnancy (DOP). The net mineral requirements for pregnancy were determined by measuring mineral deposition in gravid uterus and mammary gland after comparative slaughter. In total, 57 dairy goats of two breeds (Oberhasli or Saanen), in their third or fourth parturition, were randomly assigned to groups based on litter size (single or twin) and day of slaughter (50, 80, 110 and 140 DOP) in a fully factorial design. Net mineral accretion for pregnancy did not differ by goat breed. The total daily Ca, P, Mg, Na and K requirements for pregnancy were greatest in goats carrying twins (P<0.05), and the requirements increased as pregnancy progressed. Experiment 2 was performed to estimate net Ca, P, Mg, Na and K requirements for dairy goat maintenance during pregnancy. In total, 58 dairy goats (Oberhasli and Saanen) carrying twin fetuses were assigned to groups based on slaughter day (80, 110 and 140 DOP) and feed restriction (ad libitum, 20% and 40% feed restriction) in a randomized block design. The net Ca, P and Mg requirements for maintenance did not vary by breed or over the course of pregnancy. The daily net requirements of Ca, P and Mg for maintenance were 60.4, 31.1 and 2.42 mg/kg live BW (LBW), respectively. The daily net Na requirement for maintenance was greater in Saanen goats (11.8 mg/kg LBW) than in Oberhasli goats (8.96 mg/kg LBW; P<0.05). Daily net K requirements increased as pregnancy progressed from 8.73 to 15.4 mg/kg LBW (P<0.01). The findings of this study will guide design of diets with adequate mineral content for pregnant goats throughout their pregnancy.     

The Oxidative Damage and Disbalance of Calcium Homeostasis in Brain of Chicken Induced by Selenium Deficiency

Dietary selenium (Se) deficiency can influence the function of the brain. Our objective was to investigate the effects of Se deficiency on oxidative damage and calcium (Ca) homeostasis in brain of chicken. In the present study, 1-day-old chickens were fed either a commercial diet (as control group) with 0.15 mg/kg Se or a Se-deficient diet (as L group) with 0.033 mg/kg Se for 75 days. Then, brain injury biomarkers were examined, including histological analysis, ultrastructure assay, and apoptosis assay. We also examined the effect of Se deficiency on the Se-containing antioxidative enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), the level of glutathione (GSH), and the Ca homeostasis in brain of chicken. The results showed that the levels of Se and GSH and activity of GSH-Px are seriously reduced by 33.8–96 % (P?<?0.001), 24.51–27.84 % (P?<?0.001), and 20.70–64.24 % (P?<?0.01), respectively. In the present study, we also perform histological analysis and ultrastructure assay and find that Se deficiency caused disorganized histological structure, damage to the mitochondria, fusion of nuclear membrane and nucleus shrinkage, higher apoptosis rate (P?<?0.001), and increase of Ca homeostasis (P?<?0.05 or P?<?0.01 or P?<?0.001) in the brain of chicken. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that Se deficiency induced oxidative damage and disbalance of Ca homeostasis in the brain of chicken. Similar to mammals, chickens brain is also extremely susceptible to oxidative damage and selenium deficiency.     

Biomass Yield and Nutrient Removal Rates of Perennial Grasses under Nitrogen Fertilization

Perennial grasses may provide a renewable source of biomass for energy production. Biomass yield, nutrient concentrations, and nutrient removal rates of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), giant miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus), giant reed (Arundo donax L.), weeping lovegrass [Eragrostis curvula (Shrad.) Nees], kleingrass (Panicum coloratum L.), and Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.) were evaluated at four N fertilizer rates (0, 56, 112, or 168?kg?N?ha^?1) on a Minco fine sandy loam soil in southern Oklahoma. Species were established in 2008 and harvested for biomass in winter of 2009 and 2010. Biomass yield (dry matter basis) did not show a strong relationship with N fertilizer rate (p?=?0.08), but was affected by year and species interactions (p?<?0.01). Weeping lovegrass and kleingrass produced 29.0 and 16.0?Mg?ha^?1 in 2009, but only 13.0?Mg?ha^?1 and 9.8?Mg?ha^?1 in 2010, respectively. Biomass yields of giant reed, switchgrass, and Johnsongrass averaged 23.3, 17.8, and 6.0?Mg?ha^?1, respectively. Giant miscanthus established poorly, producing only 4.7?Mg?ha^?1. Across years, giant reed had the highest biomass yield, 33.2?Mg?ha^?1 at 168?kg?N?ha^?1, and the highest nutrient concentrations and removal rates (162 to 228?kg?N?ha^?1, 23 to 25?kg?P?ha^?1, and 121 to 149?kg?K?ha^?1) among the grasses. Although giant reed demonstrated tremendous biomass production, its higher nutrient removal rates indicate a potential for increased fertilization requirements over time. Switchgrass had consistently high biomass yields and relatively low nutrient removal rates (40 to 75?kg?N?ha^?1, 5 to 12?kg?P?ha^?1, and 44 to 110?kg?K?ha^?1) across years, demonstrating its merits as a low-input bioenergy crop.     

Effect of Sargentodoxa cuneata total phenolic acids on focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury rats model

Objective

Explore the possible protective effect of Sargentodoxa cuneata total phenolic acids on cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury rats.

Generation of reactive oxygen species during cryopreservation may improve Lilium × siberia pollen viability

During biotic and abiotic stress in plants, reactive oxygen species (ROS) may play two very different roles: high ROS concentrations can exacerbate damage, whereas low concentrations can activate defense responses. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between ROS generation and pollen viability after cryopreservation. ROS generation was detected from ‘Siberia’ (Lilium?×?siberia) pollen using flow cytometry with 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate as a fluorescent probe. Pollen viability was determined by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. ROS generation was slightly increased by rapid cooling (26.13?±?4.74 vs. 15.80?±?2.30 for fresh pollen) and significantly increased by vitrification (49.74?±?1.43; P?<?0.01). Pollen viabilities after rapid cooling and vitrification were significantly increased (58.88?±?3.76% and 70.35?±?2.90%, respectively) over that of fresh pollen (46.65?±?1.61%; P?<?0.01). No significant differences in ROS generation were associated with cold acclimation at different temperatures before rapid cooling. However, sharp decreases in viability were observed with cold acclimation at 4°C and ?20°C relative to rapid cooling without acclimation (P?<?0.01). We observed nonsignificant decreases in ROS generation among vitrification treatments that omitted different steps and a significant decrease when the unloading step was omitted (P?<?0.05). Pollen viabilities were significantly reduced when the loading or dehydration steps were omitted (P?<?0.01). No significant differences were observed in ROS generation or pollen viability among the treatments when 200 U/ml catalase was added to different solutions used in the vitrification process. Comprehensive analysis of all data indicated a positive correlation between ROS generation and pollen viability (r?=?0.651, P?<?0.001). Therefore, increasing ROS generation during cryopreservation may improve the viability of ‘Siberia’ pollen.     

Effects of Iron Glycine Chelate on Growth, Tissue Mineral Concentrations, Fecal Mineral Excretion, and Liver Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Broilers

The study was conducted to determine the effects of iron glycine chelate (Fe-Gly) on growth, tissue mineral concentrations, fecal mineral excretion, and liver antioxidant enzyme activities in broilers. A total of 360 1-day-old commercial broilers (Ross?×?Ross) were randomly allotted to six dietary treatments with six replications of ten chicks per replicate. Broilers were fed a control diet with no Fe supplementation, while five other treatments consisted of 40, 80, 120, and 160?mg Fe/kg diets from Fe-Gly, and 160?mg Fe/kg from ferrous sulfate, respectively. After a 42-day feeding trial, the results showed that 120 and 160?mg Fe/kg as Fe-Gly improved the average daily gain (P?<?0.05) and average daily feed intake (P?<?0.05) of broilers (4?C6?weeks). Addition with 120 and 160?mg Fe/kg from Fe-Gly and 160?mg Fe/kg from FeSO₄ increased Fe concentration in serum (P?<?0.05), liver (P?<?0.05), breast muscle (P?<?0.05), tibia (P?<?0.05), and feces (P?<?0.01) at 21 and 42?days. There were linear responses to the addition of Fe-Gly from 0 to 160?mg/kg Fe on Fe concentration in serum (21?days, P?=?0.005; 42?days, P?=?0.001), liver (P?=?0.001), breast muscle (P?=?0.001), tibia (P?=?0.001), and feces (21?days, P?=?0.011; 42?days, P?=?0.032). Liver Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase activities of chicks were increased by the addition of 80, 120, and 160?mg Fe/kg as Fe-Gly to diets at 42?days. There were no differences in liver catalase activities of chicks among the treatments (P?>?0.05). This study indicates that addition with Fe-Gly could improve growth performance and iron tissue storage and improves the antioxidant status of broiler chickens.     

Mycophenolate mofetil and curcumin provide comparable therapeutic benefit in experimental chronic kidney disease: role of Nrf2-Keap1 and renal dopamine pathways

Increased oxidative stress and inflammation have an important role in the pathophysiology of chronic kidney disease (CKD). On the other hand, more affordable therapeutic alternatives for treating this disease are urgently needed. Therefore, we compared the therapeutic efficacy of curcumin and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 Nx) model of CKD. Also, we evaluated whether both compounds provide benefit through the preservation of similar antioxidant mechanisms. Four groups of male Wistar were studied over a period of 4 wk. Control sham group (n=?12), 5/6 Nx (n?=?12), 5/6 Nx?+?MMF (30?mg/k BW/day, n?=?11) and 5/6 Nx?+?Curcumin (120?mg/k BW/day, n?=?12). Renal function and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were evaluated. Also Nrf2-Keap1 and renal dopamine, antioxidant pathways were assessed. 5/6 Nx induced an altered renal autoregulation response, proteinuria, and hypertension; these effects were in association with increased oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and renal inflammation. The mechanisms associated with these alterations included a reduced nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and hyperphosphorylation of dopamine D1 receptor with a concurrent overactivation of renal NADPH oxidase. Treatments with MMF and curcumin provided equivalent therapeutic efficacy as both prevented functional renal alterations as well as preserved antioxidant capacity and avoided renal inflammatory infiltration. Moreover, both treatments preserved Nrf2-Keap1 and renal dopamine antioxidant pathways. In summary, therapeutic strategies aimed to preserve renal antioxidant pathways can help to retard the progression of CKD.     

Responses of maize grain yield to changes in acid soil characteristics after soil amendments

An experiment was conducted from 1997 to 2000 on an acid soil in Cameroon to assess the effectiveness of cultivating acid tolerant maize (Zea mays L.) cultivar and the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers as options for the management of soil acidity. The factors investigated were: phosphorus (0 and 60 kg ha^?1), dolomitic lime (0 and 2 t ha^?1), organic manure (no manure, 4 t ha^?1 poultry manure, and 4 t ha^?1 of leaves of Senna spectabilis), and maize cultivars (ATP-SR-Y – an acid soil-tolerant, and Tuxpeño sequia – an acid susceptible). On acid soil, maize grain yield of ATP-SR-Y was 61% higher than the grain yield of Tuxpeño sequia. Continuous maize cultivation on acid soil further increased soil acidity, which was manifested by a decrease in pH (0.23 unit), exchangeable Ca (31%) and Mg (36%) and by an increase in exchangeable Al (20%). Yearly application of 60 kg ha^?1 of P for 3 years increased soil acidity through increases in exchangeable Al (8%) and H (16%) and a decrease in exchangeable Ca (30%), Mg (11%) and pH (0.07 unit). Lime application increased grain yield of the tolerant (82%) and susceptible (208%) cultivars. The grain yield increases were associated with a mean decrease of 43% in exchangeable Al, and 51% in H, a mean increase of 0.27 unit in pH, 5% in CEC, 154% in exchangeable Ca, and 481% in Mg contents of the soil. Poultry manure was more efficient than leaves of Senna producing 38% higher grain yield. This yield was associated with increases in pH, Ca, Mg and P, and a decrease in Al. The highest mean grain yields were obtained with lime added to poultry manure (4.70 t ha^?1) or leaves of Senna (4.72 t ha^?1). Grain yield increase was more related to the decrease in exchangeable Al (r = ?0.86 to ?0.95, P<0.01) and increase in Ca (r = 0.78–0.94, P<0.01), than to pH (r = ?0.57 (non-significant) to ?0.58 (P<0.05)). Exchangeable Al was the main factor determining pH (r = ?0.88 to ?0.92, P<0.01). The yield advantage of the acid tolerant cultivar was evident even after correcting for soil acidity. Acid soil-tolerant cultivars are capable of bringing unproductive acid soils into cultivation on the short run. The integration of soil amendments together with acid soil-tolerant cultivar offers a sustainable and comprehensive strategy for the management of acid soils in the tropics.     

Effects of dietary chromium picolinate and peppermint essential oil on growth performance and blood biochemical parameters of broiler chicks reared under heat stress conditions

A study was conducted using 240 female day-old broiler chicks to evaluate the effects of dietary chromium picolinate (CrPic), peppermint essential oil (P.mint), or their combination on growth performance and blood biochemical parameters of female broiler chicks raised under heat stress conditions (HS, 23.9 to 38 °C cycling). Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were obtained from 1 to 42 days of age. Furthermore, at the end of the experiment (day 42), birds were bled to determine some blood biochemical parameters and weighed for final body weight (BW). ADFI, ADG, and BW were not influenced significantly by dietary CrPic and P.mint (P?>?0.05). A significant interaction between dietary CrPic and P.mint on FCR (P?=?0.012) was detected. FCR significantly decreased in chicks fed the diet including both CrPic and P.mint compared with the CrPic group. Significant interaction between dietary P.mint and CrPic on serum concentrations of triglycerides, glucose, and albumin were observed (P?<?0.05), but the other measured blood biochemical parameters were not statistically affected by dietary treatments (P?>?0.05). The serum concentrations of glucose, triglycerides were decreased (P?<?0.05) in broilers fed the diet including both CrPic and P.mint. Plasma chromium (Cr) content increased significantly (P?<?0.05) in birds fed the CrPic-included diet compared with the control group (P?<?0.05). From the results of the present experiment it can be concluded that dietary supplementation with combined P.mint and CrPic could have beneficial effects on some blood biochemical parameters of female chicks reared under heat stress conditions.     

NAA-SLR and ICP-AES Application in the Assessment of Mass Fraction of 19 Chemical Elements in Pediatric and Young Adult Prostate Glands

The effect of age on the mass fraction of 19 chemical elements in the intact prostate of 50 apparently healthy 0–30-year-old males was investigated by neutron activation analysis with high-resolution spectrometry of short-lived radionuclides and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Mean values (M ± standard error of the mean) for mass fraction (in milligrams per kilogram, on dry weight basis) of chemical elements were as follows: Al, 77?±?17; B, 1.31?±?0.29; Ba, 4.0?±?1.2; Br, 37.7?±?4.3; Ca, 1,536?±?189; Cl, 13,414?±?949; Cu, 12.3?±?2.1; Fe, 132?±?11; K, 11,547?±?468; Li, 0.064?±?0.009; Mg, 922?±?89; Mn, 1.88?±?0.16; Na, 9,834?±?411; P, 6,741?±?335; S, 8,034?±?251; Si, 199?±?34; Sr, 1.40?±?0.19; and Zn, 277?±?33. The upper limit of mean mass fraction of V was ≤0.24. This work revealed that there is significant tendency for the mass fractions of Ca, K, Mg, and Zn in the prostate tissue of healthy individuals to increase with age from the time of birth up to 30 years. It means that Ca, K, Mg, and Zn mass fractions in prostate tissue are the androgen-dependent parameters. Our finding of a positive correlation between the prostatic Zn and Ca, K, Mg, P, and S mass fractions indicates that there is a special relationship of Zn with some main electrolytes (Ca, K, and Mg) and with P- and S-containing compounds in the prostate. It was shown also that high levels of Al, B, Ba, Br, Cl, Li, Na, and Sr mass fraction in prostate tissue do not indicate a direct involvement of these elements in the reproductive function of the prostate.     

The Effect of Enriched Milk with Selenium and Vitamin E on Growth Rate, Hematology, Some Blood Biochemical Factors, and Immunoglobulins of Newborn Goat Kids

Thirty male and female (n?=?15 for each one) Markhoz newborn goat kids (aged 7?±?3 days) were distributed in a randomized block design in a 2?×?2?+?1 factorial arrangement: two levels of sodium selenite as a source of selenium (0.2 or 0.3 ppm Se), two levels of α-tocopherol acetate as a source of vitamin E (150 or 200 IU Vit E), and one control treatment with six repetitions per treatment (each replicate included three male and three female kids). Animals were fed daily by Se-Vit E-enriched milk (Se-Vit E treatments) or non-enriched milk (control treatment). Growth rate, hematology, and serum biological parameters were measured. The levels of serum albumin (P?<?0.01), serum globulin (P?<?0.05), total serum protein levels (P?<?0.01), erythrocyte counts (RBC) (P?<?0.001), hemoglobin (P?<?0.001), hematocrit (P?<?0.001), leukocyte counts (WBC) (P?<?0.001), IgA (P?<?0.05), IgG (P?<?0.01), and IgM (P?<?0.01) significantly differed among treatments, while no significant differences were observed for calcium, lymphocyte, neutrophil average daily gain and body weight among treatments. Kids feeding by enriched milk with 0.3 ppm Se and 200 IU Vit E had significantly higher serum total protein, globulin, RBC, IgA, IgG, and IgM compared to control and those fed by enriched milk to 0.2 ppm Se and 200 IU Vit E had significantly higher WBC counts.