Molybdenum supply of very low-birth-weight premature infants during the first months of life

This explorative study was performed to assess basic data on the Mo metabolism of premature infants. Premature (n=18, gestational age ≤32 wk, birth weight ≤1500 g) and healthy formula-fed term infants (n=14) were nourished and corrected for gestational age, identically. Plasma was collected at 3, 16, and 52 wk and 72 h balances were performed at 3 wk of age. In the premature infants, these investigations were preceded by two balance studies and an initial plasma collection. Increased Mo intake and low relative urinary excretion resulted in a retention of 4.4 (0.99–7.77) μg Mo/kg initially in premature infants (median, range). Parallel plasma concentrations were 5.5 (2.5–7.3) μg Mo/L, declining to 2.36 (0.73–3.87) μg Mo/L at 4 wk. Term infants rendered 1.49 (0.29–1.7) μg Mo/L (p<0.05), with no significant differences later. It was concluded that the supplementation of formulas for premature infants with Mo should be recinded until there is evidence for its necessity.     

Molybdenum in infancy: Methodical investigation of urinary excretion

PROJECT: The clinical evaluation of trace element metabolism in infancy is based on optimal pre-analytical procedures. Urinary molybdenum excretion, the major determinant of its retention, was investigated to deduce criteria for representative specimen collection. PROCEDURES: 1.) Molybdenum concentration was analyzed in 24-hour urinary specimens (n = 193) to evaluate the range in pediatric patients. 2.) In 20 children aged 0.4 to 9.3 (mean 2.3) years admitted for a micturition cystourethrogram, three urinary collection methods (catheter, spontaneous midstream samples, urinary collection bags) were compared. 3.) Diurnal variations of molybdenum concentration were assessed by fractional urinary colLection in preterm infants fed infant formula or human milk (n = 10). Analysis was performed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. RESULTS: 1.) The molybdenum concentration in 24hour specimens was 4.0 (0-123) microg Mo/l. 2.) Urine gained by catheter collection (n = 20) rendered 7.0 (0.5-60.1) microg Mo/l, midstream samples and the use of urinary collection bags showed a concentration of 21.25 (0-91) microg Mo/l (p > 0.05). 3.) Fractional collection over 72 hours rendered a significant increase in only one participant. Diurnal differences of the urinary molybdenum concentration were significant between 3-6 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.. The molybdenum/creatinine quotient differed between the time intervals 3-6 p.m. and 9-12 p.m., as well as 9-12 a.m. and 6-9 a.m. (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pediatric routine procedures are suitable for the assessment of urinary molybdenum excretion. The diurnal variations assessed are of minor clinical relevance, but should be considered by respective definition of collecting times and reference values.     

Studies on zinc bioavailability from a representative diet in Chinese urban women of childbearing age using a double label stable isotope technique

The objectives of the study were to determine dietary zinc bioavailability by using a double label stable isotope technique, and to identify the zinc content and levels of some possible factors which may affect zinc utilization in a typical representative Chinese urban diet. Twenty urban women of childbearing age were fed a diet extrinsically labeled with 67Zn and received intravenous (i.v.) injections of 70Zn. Fecal monitoring, urine monitoring and chemical balance technique were used simultaneously for comparisons. Isotopic enrichment in feces and urine after oral and i.v. administration of stable zinc isotopes was measured to determine the ways of zinc absorption. The mean (+/-SD) zinc intake from the representative Chinese diet was 10.22+/-0.80 mg/day, which is lower than the reference nutrient intake (RNI) level (11.5 mg/day), and mainly came from the subsidiary foods (63%). The mean dietary Fe/Zn weight was 1.1+/-0.1. The phytate/zinc molar ratio in the diet was about 3:1. The phytic acidxCa/zinc molar ratio in the diet was about 45:1. The apparent and true absorption rates of 67Zn were 36.2+/-9.7% and 38.2+/-10.1%, respectively, which were higher than the apparent absorption determined by balance technique (29.7+/-10.6%). The mean fractional absorption (FA) determined in urine was 35.7+/-13.3. In conclusion, the subsidiary food is the main source of dietary zinc in this typical diet. The extrinsic labeling technique by use of stable isotopes was more reliable and accurate to determine zinc absorption. Moreover, the double isotopic tracer ratio (DITR) technique applied to urine samples was a more practical and valuable way to evaluate zinc absorption than other methods. It can be speculated that iron and phytic acid might not be the main inhibitors in the representative Chinese diet.     

Effect of molybdenum supplementation onN-nitroso-N-methylurea-induced mammary carcinogenesis and molybdenum excretion in rats

Molybdenum (Mo) supplementation reduces the incidence of nitrosamine-induced tumors in the esophagus and forestomach of laboratory animals, and the incidence of mammary cancer in female rats induced byN-nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU). The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of graded amounts of Mo on NMU-induced mammary carcinogenesis, and on the excretion of Mo and copper (Cu). Female Sprague-Dawley rats aged 5 wk were givenad libitum a low-Mo (0.026 mg/kg) diet and deionized water. After 15 d, a single SC injection of 50 mg NMU/kg body wt was administered to each of 30 rats in groups 2–5. Eight rats in group 1 served as untreated control. One week after the carcinogen treatment, 0.1, 1.0, or 10 mg Mo from sodium molybdate were added to each liter of drinking water for groups 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Groups 1 and 2 did not receive any Mo supplementation. After the rats had been Mosupplemented for 38, 67, and 85 d, 48-h urine and fecal samples were collected from the same 48 rats, and Mo and Cu were determined. Molybdenum seemed to have little effect on Cu excretion. At each time interval, animals fed 0 or 0.1 mg Mo/L excreted more Mo in feces than in urine, whereas rats fed 1 and 10 mg Mo/L water excreted more Mo in urine than in feces, which indicates that Mo absorption was not easily saturated as the amount of Mo increased. However, the liver became saturated with Mo when 0.1–1 mg Mo/L was fed. The total number of palpable tumors per group 101 d after NMU administration was 109, 115, 101, and 81, and the total carcinomas per group were 92, 96, 86, and 65 for the animals in groups 2–5, respectively. The results indicate that supplemental Mo in the amount of 10 mg/L of drinking water inhibited mammary carcinogenesis.     

99Mo metabolism in sheep after the intravenous injection of [99Mo] thiomolybdates

[99Mo]di-, tri-, and tetrathiomolybdate (5.4 to 62.5 mg of Mo) were given by intravenous injection to sheep maintained on a sulfur-supplemented (3 g of S/kg) diet. All the compounds were metabolized very rapidly over the first 15 min postinjection, but relatively slowly thereafter, with a t1/2 of about 30 hr for dithiomolybdate and 40 h for tri- and tetrathiomolybdate. The [99Mo] metabolites present in plasma were identified by Sephadex G-25 chromatography. The main fate of the compounds injected appeared to be stepwise transformation to molybdate and subsequent rapid urinary elimination. Over 90-100 hr more than 90% of the radioactivity was excreted in urine, compared to less than 5% in the feces. The trichloroacetic acid (TCA) solubility of plasma copper and the diamine oxidase activity of ceruloplasmin was depressed, particularly over the first 15 min postinjection and a more persistant TCA-insoluble Cu fraction was apparent.     

Plasma molybdenum reflects dietary molybdenum intake

The relationship between plasma molybdenum (Mo) and dietary intake has not been investigated in humans. We developed an isotope dilution method to determine molybdenum in 0.5 mL blood plasma by ICP-MS and conducted a study to determine the effect of dietary intake on plasma molybdenum. Twelve young men consumed a very low Mo diet (22 microg/day) for 24 days while confined to the WHNRC metabolic research unit and plasma molybdenum was monitored. (97)Mo was infused in four of the subjects (Group 1) to follow its clearance from the blood. The other eight remained in unit for 120 days (an additional 96 days). Four consumed the 22 microg/day molybdenum diet for 102 days followed by 467 microg/day for 18 days (Group 2). and four consumed five levels of dietary molybdenum for 24 days each (Group 3). (100)Mo was added to the diet one or more times at each dietary level. Total plasma molybdenum and (100)Mo were monitored throughout the study. Plasma molybdenum in the 12 subjects decreased from 8.2 +/- 0.5 to 6.1 +/- 0.5 nmol/L after 13 days of low molybdenum intake and was 5.1 +/- 0.5 nmol/L after 24 days. In Group 2, average plasma molybdenum was 7.8 +/- 0.9 nmol/L at the beginning of the study, 5.4 +/- 0.4 nmol/L during the 102 days low molybdenum period, and 16.5 +/- 0.6 nmol/L during the high molybdenum period. Plasma molybdenum in Group 3 was 4.2 +/- 2.1 nmol/L at 22 microg/day; 5.8 +/- 2.5 nmol/L at 72 microg/day; 6.6 +/- 2.3 nmol/L at 121 microg/day; 19.7 nmol/L +/-2.1 at 467 microg/day; and 43.9 +/- 2.1 nmol/L at 1490 microg/day. The results demonstrate that, in contrast to most other essential minerals, plasma molybdenum reflects low and high dietary molybdenum intakes within 14 days and may a useful indicator of low and high dietary intakes.     

Effects of dehydration,rehydration, and hyperhydration in the lactating and non-lactating black Moroccan goat

The effects of water deprivation, rehydration and hyperhydration were investigated in the black Moroccan goat (Capra hircus). Mean daily water intake was 46 ± 5 ml/kg in lactating and 36 ± 4 ml/kg in non-lactating black Moroccan goats, and milk production 21 ± 1 ml/kg. Mean urine excretion was 8 ± 2 ml/kg body weight in both groups, and the daily water losses via evaporation and feces were estimated at 23 ± 3 ml/kg during lactation and 28 ± 4 ml/kg during non-lactation. Forty-eight hours of water deprivation caused a body weight loss of 9% and 6% in lactating and non-lactating goats, respectively, and a drop of 28% in milk production with only a slight decrease in food intake. After rehydration, the elevated plasma osmolality as well as Na and total protein concentrations returned to basal values within 2–3 hr, indicating a rapid absorption of the ingested water, but urine excretion did not increase. After hyperhydration (10% of body weight), 46% of the load was excreted by the kidneys within 6 hr. In conclusion, black Moroccan goats have a low water turnover, and they can retain water upon rehydration but not store excess water after hyperhydration.     

Vitamin D in foods and as supplements

Numerous studies have shown that the vitamin D status is far from optimal in many countries all over the world. The main reason for this is lack of sunshine. Only a limited number of foods naturally contain vitamin D. Good sources of vitamin D(3) are fish (not only fatty fish), egg yolk, and offal such as liver. Some foods such as milk are fortified with vitamin D in some countries. Dietary vitamin D intake is low in many countries, especially as the dietary sources are limited. The use of supplements is important and seems to be high in some countries. Current dietary intake recommendations are too low to preserve/reach optimal S-25-OHD concentrations, when UVB radiation is not available. We suggest that the recommendations should be increased to at least 10 microg per day in all age groups when solar UVB is scarce. The elderly may need a daily vitamin D intake of 25 microg. If dietary intake of vitamin D is to be increased, food habits will have to change. From a public health point of view it is better to increase the potential sources of vitamin D by fortifying specific products that are consumed commonly in a whole population, or if necessary by especially vulnerable groups. Supplement use is probably the right alternative for vulnerable groups such as infants and inactive elderly in whom this is more easily implemented.     

Dietary intake of arsenic, mercury and selenium by children from a German North Sea island using duplicate portion sampling

The dietary intake of arsenic, selenium and mercury was studied for children living on the North Sea island Amrum, Germany. Altogether, 98 duplicate portions were collected from 14 children (age 1.5-5.5 years) in April and May 1995 over a sampling period of 7 days, respectively. The element concentrations in duplicate samples were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. The weekly As and Hg intake (median and range) was 2.31 and 0.89-6.75 microg/(kg(bw) x week) for As and 0.13 and 0.060-0.62 microg/(kg(bw) x week) for Hg. Compared with the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) for As and Hg as proposed by the WHO, German children from coastal areas reveal no health risks due to As and Hg dietary intake. The daily Se intake (median and range) was 19 and 6-160 microg/day. The appropriate Se intake of 10-40 microg/day, as recommended by the Austrian, German, and Swiss Nutrition Councils for 1-4 years-old children, was not reached in 8 out of 49 cases (16.3%), whereas the recommended Se intake, fixed at 15-45 microg/day for the 4-7 years-old children, was not reached in 15 out of 48 cases (31.3%).     

Leptin extends the anorectic effects of chronic PYY(3-36) administration in ad libitum-fed rats

Acute administration of peptide YY(3-36) [PYY(3-36)] results in a reduction in food intake in several different vertebrates. However, long-term continuous administration of PYY(3-36) causes only a transient reduction in food intake, thus potentially limiting its therapeutic efficacy. We hypothesized that a fall in leptin levels associated with reduced food intake could contribute to the transient anorectic effects of continuous PYY(3-36) infusion and thus that leptin replacement might prolong the anorectic effects of PYY(3-36). Seven-day administration of 100 microg x kg body wt(-1) x day(-1) PYY(3-36) using osmotic minipumps caused a significant reduction in food intake of ad libitum-fed rats, but only for the first 2 days postimplantation. Circulating levels of leptin were reduced 1 day following continuous infusion of PYY(3-36), and combined leptin infusion at a dose of leptin that had no anorectic effects on its own (100 microg x kg body wt(-1) x day(-1)) prolonged the anorectic actions of PYY(3-36) in ad libitum-fed rats for up to 6 days postimplantation and yielded reduced weight gain compared with either peptide alone. The inhibitory effects of 100 microg x kg body wt(-1) x day(-1) PYY(3-36) on food intake were absent in rats refed after a 24-h fast and substantially reduced at a dose of 1,000 microg x kg body wt(-1) x day(-1) PYY(3-36). Leptin replacement was unable to recover the anorectic effects of PYY(3-36) in fasted rats. Our results suggest that an acute fall in leptin levels is not solely responsible for limiting duration of action of chronic PYY(3-36) infusion, yet chronic coadministration of a subanorectic dose of leptin can extend the anorectic effects of PYY(3-36).     

Peripheral urocortin inhibits gastric emptying and food intake in mice: differential role of CRF receptor 2

Intraperitoneal urocortin inhibits gastric emptying and food intake in mice. We investigated corticotropin-releasing factor receptor (CRF-R) subtypes involved in intraperitoneal urocortin actions using selective CRF-R antagonists. Gastric emptying was measured 2 h after a chow meal, and food intake was measured hourly after an 18-h fast in mice. Urocortin (3 microg/kg ip) inhibited gastric emptying by 88%. The CRF-R1/CRF-R2 antagonist astressin B (30 microg/kg ip) and the selective CRF-R2 antagonist antisauvagine-30 (100 microg/kg ip) completely antagonized urocortin action, whereas the selective CRF-R1 antagonist CP-154,526 (10 mg/kg ip) had no effect. Urocortin (1-10 microg/kg ip) dose dependently decreased the 2-h cumulative food intake by 30-62%. Urocortin (3 microg/kg)-induced hypophagia was completely antagonized by astressin B (30 microg/kg ip) and partially (35 and 31%) by antisauvagine-30 (100 or 200 microg/kg ip). The CRF-R1 antagonists CP-154,526 or DMP904 (10 mg/kg ip) had no effect. Capsaicin did not alter urocortin-inhibitory actions while blocking the satiety effect of intraperitoneal CCK. These data indicate that intraperitoneal urocortin-induced decrease in feeding is only partly mediated by CRF-R2, whereas urocortin action to delay gastric emptying of a meal involves primarily CRF-R2.     

Effect of boron as an antidote on dry matter intake, nutrient utilization and fluorine balance in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) exposed to high fluoride ration

It is well known that excessive accumulation of fluorides can exert toxic effects on various tissues and organs so as to severely damage the health and production of animals. The aim of this study was to determine beneficial effect of boron on nutrient utilization in buffalo calves exposed to high fluoride (F) ration. For this purpose, we used three groups of four male Murrah buffalo calves (body weight 98-100 kg, aged 6-8 month) each. Control animal was given only basal diet and concentrate mixture. However, treatment I animals were fed basal diet, concentrate mixture, and F [as NaF, 60 ppm of dry matter (DM)]. The treatment II animals were fed basal diet, concentrate mixture, F (as NaF, 60 ppm of DM), and B (as sodium tetraborate, 140 ppm of DM). After 90 days of experimental feeding, a metabolism trial of 7 days duration was conducted to study the treatment effect on nutrient utilization of proximate nutrients, absorption, excretion, and retention of N, Ca, P, Fe, Zn, Cu, and F. Dietary F significantly (p < 0.05) depressed the dry matter intake and increased the apparent digestibility, absorption, and retention of F. However, boron supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the apparent digestibility, absorption, and retention of F and improved the dry matter intake, fecal excretion, and percent of absorbed F excreted via urine. Apparent digestibility of proximate nutrients (viz. DM, crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract, and nitrogen free extract) was unaffected on either F or F+B treatment. However, absorption and excretion of N, Ca, P, Fe, Zn, and Cu were affected significantly (p < 0.05) on F or F+B treatment. These findings suggest that fluoride-containing diet for short duration has effect on nutrient utilization, and boron at 140-ppm dose level, in general, antagonized the absorption and retention of F and also improved the feed intake in buffalo calves.     

Determination of zearalenone and its metabolites in urine, plasma and faeces of horses by HPLC-APCI-MS

The paper describes a method for the sensitive and selective determination of zearalenone and its metabolites in urine, plasma and faeces of horses by high performance liquid chromatography and atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation (APCI) mass spectrometry (MS). While only one step sample clean-up by an immunoaffinity column (IAC) was sufficient for plasma samples, urine and faeces samples had to be prepared by a combination of a solid-phase extraction (SPE) and an immunoaffinity column. The method allows the simultaneous determination of zearalenone and all of its metabolites; alpha-zearalenol, beta-zearalenol, alpha-zearalanol, beta-zearalanol and zearalanone. Dideuterated zearalanone was used as internal standard for quantification and the study of the matrix effect. Recovery rates between 56 and slightly above 100% were achieved in urine samples, and more than 80% in plasma and faeces samples. The limits of detection ranged from 0.1-0.5 microg/l or microg/kg, the limits of quantification from 0.5-1.0 microg/l or microg/kg. The practical use of the method is demonstrated by the analysis of spiked and naturally contaminated urine, plasma and faeces of horses.     

Effect of Different Selenium Supplementation Levels on Selenium Status in Camel

Twelve female camels divided into three groups received, after a 2-week adaptation period, an oral Se supplementation (0, 2, and 4 mg, respectively) under sodium selenite form for 3 months. Feed intake was assessed daily, blood samples and body weight were taken on a weekly basis, and feces and urine samples were collected every 2 weeks up to 1 month after the end of the supplementation period. The Se concentration in serum was increased significantly in supplemented groups. The maximum level was observed in the period of supplementation in the camel receiving 4 mg (492.5 ng/mL), which was fourfold higher than the value at the beginning of the trial (126 to 138.5 ng/mL according to the groups). The selenium concentration increased significantly in urine and feces but to a lesser extent. A similar trend was observed with glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px) values varying between 8.4 and 96.5 IU/g Hb. However, no difference occurred between the two groups receiving 2 or 4 mg Se at the supplementation period. Vitamin E (mean 1.13 +/- 0.61 microg/mL with range 0.27-3.09) did not change significantly. Significant correlations were reported between serum Se, GSH-Px, fecal, and urinary excretion or concentration.     

Handling of water and dietary monovalent ions by the young turkey

Sodium and water turnover rates were measured in young turkeys fed diets with three concentrations of NaCl and kept at 12, 18 or 30 degrees C. Sodium absorption averaged approximately 60% and was unaffected by temperature. Water and sodium pools were affected by temperature and sodium intake. Water turnover was linear to sodium turnover at the lower two temperatures. No significant relationship was apparent in birds kept at 30 degrees C. The reciprocal of the slope of the function of water turnover on sodium turnover was 125-170 mM, suggesting an increase in isotonic urine excretion with sodium intake and a corresponding increase in water intake. Dietary sodium and potassium stimulated water turnover similarly. Dietary chloride concentration did not affect water turnover. In the turkey plasma pH and pCO2 were unaffected by a wide range of the anion-cation balance. It is concluded that excess sodium or potassium intakes is handled effectively in the turkey by increased water intake and excretion.     

Correlations of Trace Element Levels in the Diet,Blood, Urine,and Feces in the Chinese Male

In order to explore the associations between trace elements in dietary intake and the other three biological media (blood, urine, or feces) and inter-element interactions among the latter, we simultaneously collected 72-h diet duplicates, whole blood, and 72-h urine and feces from 120 free-living healthy males in China. Correlations among the toxic (cadmium [Cd], lead [Pb]), and nutritionally essential (zinc [Zn], copper [Cu], iron [Fe], manganese [Mn], selenium [Se], iodine [I]) elements were evaluated using Spearman rank correlation analysis based on analytical data determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Dietary Cd intakes were highly correlated with the fecal Cd and blood Cd levels. Inverse correlations were found for Fe–Cd and Fe–Pb in both diet versus blood and diet versus feces. Cd–Zn and Cd–Se were significantly directly correlated in the urine and feces. Cd–Se and Pb–Se were negatively correlated in blood. In addition, there existed an extremely significant association between urinary Se and urinary I. Moreover, the other two highly direct correlations were found for Se–Fe and for I–Fe in urine. Improved knowledge regarding their mutual associations is considered to be of fundamental importance to understand more the complex interrelationships in trace element metabolism.     

Longitudinal study of the dietary selenium intake of exclusively breast-fed infants during early lactation in Korea and Japan.

213 samples of human breast milk were collected from 51 healthy Korean women. Selenium content of the samples was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry with hydride generation. The selenium content of Korean milk decreased with increase of days after birth: The arithmetic mean of selenium content was higher in colostrum (< 4 days) 34 micrograms/kg (SD +/- 11, n = 44) than in transitional milk 21 micrograms/kg (SD +/- 8, n = 78) or in mature milk (> 10 days) 13 micrograms/kg (SD +/- 6, n = 91). The daily dietary selenium intake of 0-1 month aged Korean infants fed on breast milk is estimated to be around 10 micrograms per day (3 micrograms/kg body weight) regardless of days postpartum, resulting from the calculation of our selenium data and daily milk intake during early lactation. The same result on selenium intake for Japanese newborns, as well as Korean infants, is also estimated to be around 10 micrograms per day (3 micrograms/kg body weight) regardless of days postpartum.     

Association Between Zinc, Copper, and Iron Concentrations in Breast Milk and Growth of Healthy Infants in Tabriz, Iran

The aims of this study were to determine the effect of breast milk zinc, copper, and iron concentrations on infants’ growth and their possible correlations with maternal dietary intake. Milk samples and information on food intake were collected from 182 lactating women. Concentrations of zinc, copper, and iron in milk were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The infant’s weight for age Z-score (WAZ) and height for age Z-score (HAZ) were calculated. The mean milk zinc, copper, and iron concentrations were 1.85?±?0.5, 0.53?±?0.3, and 0.85?±?0.2 mg/l, respectively. Only zinc mean level was lower than the recommended range. Association between zinc, copper, and iron concentrations of milk and WAZ or HAZ of infants were not significant. However, the WAZ of infants whose mothers' milk zinc was more than 2 mg/l was significantly (P?<?0.039) higher than for others. The mean dietary zinc (5.31?±?2.3 mg/day) and copper (1.16?±?0.7 mg/day) intake of mothers was significantly less than the required daily intake (RDA) recommendations (P?<?0.05). The mean dietary iron intake (11.8?±?8.2 mg/day) was significantly higher than RDA recommendation (P?<?0.001). No significant association was found between maternal mean dietary zinc, copper, and iron intakes with their concentrations in milk. Dietary consultation or/and zinc supplementation is suggested for lactating women and infants.     

Hepatic,placental, and fetal trace elements following molybdenum supplementation during gestation

The effect of dietary Mo (Na2Mo(4)2H2O) added to drinking water at levels of 0, 5, 10, 50, or 100 mg on hepatic (gestating dams), placental, and fetal Mo, Cu, Zn, and Fe contents of Sprague-Dawley rats was studied. These elements were determined by a polarographic catalytic procedure for Mo and by atomic absorption spectrophotometry for Cu, Fe, and Zn. Hepatic Mo increased two to sixfold (5-100 mg Mo). There was a 1.5-fold increase in hepatic Cu, significant only at the 50 to 100 mg Mo/L treatment levels. Although the hepatic Fe content of the gestating rats significantly increased with Mo supplementation, the extent of the increase appeared to be influenced by the litter size, fetal weights, and the degree of fetal resorption. Zinc values did not differ at any of the treatment levels. Placental Mo increased 3-76-fold, Cu one to threefold. No differences were observed in placenta Fe or Zn. Fetal Mo increased two to six-fold (10-100 mg/L) and Cu increased one to fivefold. There were no differences in the Fe and Zn content although both of these elements appeared to decline as the level of supplemental Mo increased. Significant correlations were also observed between hepatic, placental, and fetal Mo, Cu, Fe, and Zn. These results suggest that changes in trace mineral status in gestation, owing to high Mo intake, do occur and such occurrences are also reflected in the fetus.     

Wild chimpanzee infant urine and saliva sampled noninvasively usable for DNA analyses

In many genetic studies on the great apes, fecal or hair samples have been used as sources of DNA. However, feces and hairs are difficult to collect from chimpanzee infants under 3 years of age. As alternative DNA sources, we investigated the efficiency of collecting urine samples from infants compared with fecal samples, as well as the validity of the DNA extracted from urine and saliva samples of well-habituated M group chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in the Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania. We collected 40 urine and 3 fecal samples from 10 infants under 3 years. Compared with feces, the urine samples were relatively easy to collect. The saliva of infants, which remained on the twigs sucked by them, was collected using cotton swabs. The average amounts of DNA extracted from the 40 urine and 6 saliva samples were 3,920 and 458 pg/μl, respectively. The rate of positive PCR was low and the allelic dropout rate was high when using less than 25 pg of template DNA in the PCR mixtures. Based on the amounts of DNA, 50% of the urine samples and 100% of the saliva samples were judged usable for accurate microsatellite genotyping. For infant chimpanzees in particular, collecting urine and saliva as an alternative to fecal and hair samples can reduce the effort invested in collection in the field.