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Copyright of Indonesian Fisheries Processing Journal / Jurnal Pengolahan Hasil Perikanan Indonesia is the property of IPB University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Context: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) accounts for over 90% of diabetic cases with a prevalence of 0.33/1000 children in the African subregion. Hyperglycemia which is the major characteristic of T1DM may have a direct toxicity on osteoblasts and could lead to increased bone fragility and fractures in patients with T1DM. However, long-term glucose control can be monitored effectively with the measurement of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), while alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum calcium, and inorganic phosphate are simple ways of assessing bone mineral density. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the association between HbA1c and serum calcium, inorganic phosphate, and ALP. Subjects and Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study with a total of 26 T1DM patients and 20 apparently well children within the age range of 1-18 years. Blood samples were collected from the patients for measurement of HbAIc, serum ALP, serum calcium, and inorganic phosphate at the beginning of the study and after 3 months of insulin therapy. Results: The baseline mean HbA1c was significantly higher in the T1DM patients than in the controls (P = 0.00) and there was no significant decrease in HbA1c after 3 months of insulin therapy (P = 0.13) although HbA1c tended to be lower (12.57 ± 0.86% [baseline], 10.12 ± 0.74% [3 months postinsulin therapy]). There was a statistically significant reduction in ALP (P = 0.00). There was also a statistically significant correlation between ALP and mean HbA1c (r = 0.79, P = 0.00). Conclusion: Patients with T1DM often exhibit disorders related to calcium, inorganic phosphate, and ALP homeostasis with associated poor bone metabolism which may improve with adequate glycemic control and the addition of calcium supplements to their therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although current evidence confirms the importance of diet for mental health, many psychologists avoid discussing dietary intake with clients, questioning whether this information is within their scope of practice. This article provides psychologists with a review focused on the connection between what we eat and how we feel. Eating a healthy, whole-foods-based diet is an important tool to promote mental health recovery and maintenance. We begin by reviewing several mechanisms by which nutrients maximize brain health, including enabling metabolic reactions to occur, supporting mitochondrial function, reducing inflammation and assisting with detoxification. Understanding the vital role of nutrients for brain health will aid clients in understanding the importance of optimizing their intake of a range of nutrients in order to maximize their mental health: no single nutrient is sufficient. Next, we summarize evidence relating diet to mental health, followed by a consideration of circumstances that may contribute to a client requiring additional nutrients, such as chronic stress, medication use, individual biochemistry, and consuming nutrient-depleted food. The evidence base for treating psychological problems in children with supplementary nutrients is then reviewed, and a case study of a child whose self-regulatory skills improved with broad-spectrum multinutrients is used to illustrate this treatment. The breadth and consistency of the research highlights the importance of children receiving a good foundation of nutrients for optimizing brain health. Finally, we offer practical suggestions for psychologists to incorporate this information into their clinical practice and discuss these suggestions within the context of informed consent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plaques undergoing remineralization and becoming rigid can cause periodontal disease. The hardened plaque is called calculus. The occurrence of calculus formation can increase along with the amount of calcium and other minerals in saliva. Minerals in saliva contain calcium, phosphor, and fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral coming from natural sources, which is mostly obtained from drinking water. Indonesia, as a maritime country with a large coastal community, has a population that majority uses well water as drinking water. Well water can contain fluoride and calcium. Purpose: To analyze the relationship between fluoride and calcium levels in drinking water on periodontal responses in children. Methods: This study was an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional approach. Total sampling was carried out in Bangkalan District with a total of 140 parents and children as respondents. Informed consent and questionnaires were given to parents for data collection. Furthermore, the clinical examination on students was done by using a disclosing agent, then measured by OHI-S assessment. The results were analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and the Spearman test. Results: The results showed there was a relationship between regions with OHI-S scores, OHI-S scores with fluoride levels, and OHI-S scores with calcium levels. Conclusion: The calcium levels in drinking water can affect salivary levels and increase plaques and calculus formation. Plaque accumulation is a major factor in the occurrence of periodontal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushrooms have high nutritional and medicinal values and are important sources of protein and fibre, which make them important for plant-based diets. Awareness on the benefits of consumption is important in African countries like Nigeria for increased food security. Six commonly cultivated mushroom species were collected from two locations in Nigeria (Ibadan and Port-Harcourt) and one location in Ghana (Accra). Constituents (proximate and mineral composition, and antioxidant activities) of samples were evaluated and compared. Mushroom properties were identified with locations where cultivated. The protein, fat, ash and fibre contents ranged from 6.13 - 35.84%, 11.63 - 19.15%, 2.64 - 12.78%, 3.37 - 6.62%, respectively. A major element was potassium (38.66-463.04 mg/100g), followed by phosphorus (44.05 - 162.08 mg/100g), sodium (20.95 - 71.92 mg/100g), calcium (30.82 - 49.27 mg/100 g) and magnesium (9.80 - 19.88 mg/100 g). Concentrations of trace elements ranged from 0.39 - 2.44 mg/100 g, 0.06 - 0.40 mg/100g, 0.20 - 8.22 mg/100 g, and 0.30 - 4.04 mg/100g for Cu, Mn and Zn, respectively while Pb was not detected. The 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power values ranged from 0.28 - 32.15% and 0.17 - 1.92 µmol/g, respectively. The ash content was positively correlated with P (r = 0.868, p<0.05), Zn (r = 0.610, p<0.05) and negatively correlated with energy (r = -0.704, p<0.05). The locations of mushrooms were clustered into three main groups based on components by multivariate pattern recognition. Most variables had a strong association with Volvariella volvacea. The wide disparity in the constituents of species from different locations can make it possible for consumers to choose based on interest and nutrient content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The minerals, vitamins and phytochemical contents of Ogiri from melon and groundnut seeds were investigated. Melon and groundnut seeds were combined in the ratio of 100:0 (A), 75:25 (B), 50:50 (C), 25:75 (D), 0:100 (E) respectively and fermented to produce Ogiri. The Ogiri samples were analyzed for minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals contents. On the average, the samples contained calcium (35.01-255.0 mg/100g), magnesium (15.80-102.11 mg/100g), potassium (3.18-520.15 mg/100g), sodium (0.06-12.30 mg/100g), iron (42.12-158.0 mg/100g), zinc (1.50-18.50 mg/100g) and phosphorus (152.0-251.13 mg/100g). The vitamins present were vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, C and E with A, B3, C and E being the most abundant. The phytochemicals present and their ranges were saponin (0.16-0.26%), tannin (0.04-0.16%), alkaloid (0.12-0.27%) and flavonoid (0.08-0.19%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the traditional (single and multivitamin/mineral supplements) and nontraditional supplement (herbals, botanicals, and other biologic and nutrient supplements) use by female athletes. Frequency, reasons for use, and sources of supplement information were assessed with a self-report questionnaire. Participants were 162 collegiate female varsity athletes. More than half of all athletes used some type of supplement at least once a month (65.4%). Thirty-six percent (n = 58) of the sample used a multivitamin and mineral with iron. Twelve percent (n = 19) reported amino acid/protein supplement use and 17% (n = 29) used an herbal/botanical supplement. The most frequently cited reason for supplement use was "good health" (60.1%). A major source of information on supplements reported was family (53%). With the general rise in supplement use, nutrition education on the use of traditional and nontraditional supplements is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship among the enzyme activities of cardiac markers, the antioxidant defense system, and erythrocyte membrane malonyldialdehyde (MDA) levels related to vitamin-mineral supplementation in swim exercise was investigated. Swimmers aged 11-13 years were divided into 2 separate groups as control and vitamin-mineral supplemented. Swimmers participated in a monthly swimming program (4 times/wk) and swam approximately 2--2.5 km/d. Cardiac markers such as creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase [GOT (AST)], lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in post-training samples were found to be significantly (p < .05) higher than in pre-training samples. Except for GOT (AST), the activity increases in CK, CK-MB, and LDH in female and male supplemented groups were significantly (p < .05) lower than those of control groups during the 1-month period of swim training. Antioxidant enzyme activity increases in the male vitamin-mineral group were significantly (p < .05) higher when compared with the other groups. Post-training MDA levels were significantly (p < .001) higher than pre-training MDA levels in the control groups, whereas no significant (p > .05) differences were found between the vitamin-mineral supplemented groups. Vitamin-mineral supplementation was found to attenuate cardiac and muscle damage markers while also enhancing antioxidant levels and reducing membrane LPO levels in response to 1 month of swim training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The minerals are nutritive substances that are found in the food ration and in the body, in the form of anorganic and organic compounds. Although the mineral substances in the body represent only 4 - 5 % of the body's weight, they are indispensable for the maintaining of the health condition. In the body the mineral substances meet important functions, biochemical and physiological. In the body some minerals are found in larger quantities, bearing the denomination of macro minerals. In this category we can include the mineral substances that include the elements: Calcium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Potassium, Chlorine and Magnesium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate physicochemical properties of protein concentrate from skipjack tuna roe by a cook‐dried (boiled or steamed‐dried) process, and to evaluate their food functional properties. The yields of boil‐dried concentrate (BDC) and steam‐dried concentrate (SDC) prepared from skipjack tuna roe were 22.4 for BDC and 24.4% for SDC. Their protein yields were 16.8 and 18.4%, respectively. In terms of major minerals of the BDC and SDC, sulfur (853.2 and 816.6 mg/100 g) exhibited the highest levels followed by potassium, sodium and phosphorus. The prominent amino acids of roe protein concentrates (RPCs) were Glu, Asp, Leu and Val. The BDC and SDC showed a higher buffer capacity than egg white (EW) at the pH‐shift range. The pH‐shift treatment significantly improved the water holding capacities of RPCs, except pH 6. But they had a low solubility across the pH‐shift range. The foaming capacities (104%–119%) of BDC and SDC were significantly lower than those of EW (p < .05), and their foam stabilities were not observed. Emulsifying activity index (m2/g protein) of RPCs and EW was 2.3 for BDC, 11.1 for SDC and 18.0 for EW. RPCs in the food and seafood processing industries will be available as egg white alternative protein sources and will be available as ingredients of surimi‐based products in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dialytic renal replacement therapy is now entering into its sixth decade in the United States. Despite major advances in dialysis technology, regimens and protocols, and pharmacological treatments, patients' restricted dietary intake remains the lynchpin to their well-being and success. Herein, we review current guidelines that limit dietary intake of nutrients and minerals in dialysis patients and explore potential ways to use them in designing a daily food intake that is not only healthy, but also easy to implement and therefore patient friendly. The main theme behind this review is attempting to emphasize that dietary restriction guidelines can be used in such a way that dialysis patients can eat things they really enjoy as long as they follow some relatively simple general rules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meat and meat products are a good source of bioactive compounds with positive effect on human health such as vitamins, minerals, peptides or fatty acids. Growing food consumer awareness and intensified global meat producers competition puts pressure on creating new healthier meat products. In order to meet these expectations, producers use supplements with functional properties for animal diet and as direct additives for meat products. In the presented work seven groups of key functional constituents were chosen: (i) fatty acids; (ii) minerals; (iii) vitamins; (iv) plant antioxidants; (v) dietary fibers; (vi) probiotics and (vii) bioactive peptides. Each of them is discussed in term of their impact on human health as well as some quality attributes of the final products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is dearth of documented information on nutrient retention of Dioscorea cayenensis products. This study was carried out to evaluate effects of processing methods on nutrient and antinutrient retention of yellow yam products. Fresh Dioscorea cayenensis tubers were purchased from Bodija market in Ibadan, peeled, cut into small pieces, divided into nine portions. One portion was treated as raw sample, and others processed into local delicacies. All nine samples were analysed for proximate, mineral, vitamin and antinutrient composition using AOAC methods. Data were analysed using ANOVA at p = 0.05. Raw yam contained 66.79 g moisture, 2.62 g crude protein, 0.27 g lipid, 0.17 g fibre, 0.63 g ash, 29.69 g carbohydrates, 262.30 mg potassium, 61.53 mg magnesium, 0.79 mg iron, 0.39 mg zinc, and yielded 108.26 kcal energy with insignificant vitamin content/100 g edible portion. Processing significantly improved macronutrients and energy content with significant reduction in all antinutrients of products (p < 0.05). The yam products can serve as staple source of energy to consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to identify best cultivars suitable for sorghum cookies accordingly nutrient and mineral compositions were evaluated. Protein and fat content of cookies were ranged from 5.89 ± 0.04 to 8.27 ± 0.21% and 21.03 ± 0.01 to 23.08 ± 0.03% respectively. The starch content of cookie ranged between 47.06 ± 0.01 and 42.15 ± 0.03% and dietary fiber was reported highest in CSH14 (9.27 ± 0.01%). The highest Mg (56.24 ± 0.03 mg/100 g) P (255.54 ± 0.03 mg/100 g), and K (124.26 ± 0.02 mg/100 g) content were found in C43 cultivar. CSV18R was reported highest iron content (1.23 ± 0.01 mg/100 g). The sensory scores for overall acceptability of cookies were highest in CSH23, CSH13R and CSV18R cultivars which are rich in dietary fiber and minerals. Normally the hybrids are high yielders and the grain price/qt is 20% lower than varieties. It is implied the raw material costs of two identified cultivars (CSH23 & CSH13R) would help the industry to reduce overall cost of production and offer a better profit margins over the varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The improvement of rice cultivars plays an important role in yield increase. However, little is known about the changes in starch quality and mineral elements during the improvement of rice cultivars. This study was conducted to investigate the changes in starch quality and mineral elements in japonica rice cultivars. RESULTS Twelve typical rice cultivars, applied in the production in Jiangsu province during the last 60 years, were grown in the paddy fields. These cultivars were classified into six types according to their application times, plant types and genotypes. The nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and, and potassium (K) were mainly distributed in endosperm, bran and bran, respectively. Secondary and micromineral nutrients were distributed throughout grains. With the improvement of cultivars, total N contents gradually decreased, while total P, K and magnesium contents increased in grains. Total copper and zinc contents in type 80'S in grains were highest. The improvement of cultivars enhanced palatability (better gelatinisation enthalpy and amylose content), taste (better protein content) and protein quality (better protein components and essential amino acids). Correlation analysis indicated the close relationship between mineral elements and starch quality. CONCLUSION The mineral elements and starch quality of grains during the improvement of japonica rice cultivars are improved. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eighteen multiparous cows were used in a split-plot replicated Latin square with two 28-d periods to evaluate the effects of source of supplemental Cu, Zn, and Mn (sulfates or hydroxy) on apparent absorption of minerals when fed in either a forage- or by-product-based diet. The by-product diets were formulated to have greater concentrations of NDF and lesser concentrations of starch, and specific ingredients were chosen because they were good sources of soluble fiber and β-glucans, which bind trace minerals in nonruminants. We hypothesized that hydroxy trace minerals would interact less with digesta and have greater apparent absorption compared with sulfate minerals, and the difference in apparent absorption would be greater for the by-product diet compared with the forage-based diet. During the 56-d experiment, cows remained on the same fiber treatment but source of supplemental trace mineral was different for each 28-d period; thus, all cows were exposed to both mineral treatments. During each period cows were fed no supplemental Cu, Zn, or Mn for 16 d, followed by 12 d of feeding supplemental minerals from either sulfate or hydroxy sources. Supplemental minerals for each of the mineral sources fed provided approximately 10, 35, and 32 mg/kg of supplemental Cu, Zn, and Mn, respectively, for both fiber treatments. Total Cu, Zn, and Mn dietary concentrations, respectively, were approximately 19, 65, and 70 mg/kg for the forage diets and 21, 85, and 79 for the by-product diets. Treatment had no effect on dry matter intake (24.2 kg/d) or milk production (34.9 kg/d). Cows consuming the by-product diets had greater Zn (1,863 vs. 1,453 mg/d) and Mn (1,790 vs. 1,588 mg/d) intake compared with cows fed forage diets, but apparent Zn absorption was similar between treatments. Manganese apparent absorption was greater for the by-product diets compared with the forage diets (16 vs. 11%). A fiber by mineral interaction was observed for Cu apparent absorption, as cows fed hydroxy minerals with forage diets had greater apparent absorption compared with cows fed sulfate minerals; however, the opposite was observed with the by-product diets. Source of supplemental trace minerals and type of fiber in diets affected availability of Cu and Mn and should be considered in ration formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mineral composition of cells, tissues, and organs is decisive for the functioning of the organisms, and is at the same time an indicator for understanding of physiological processes. We measured the composition of the ionome in the different tissues of maize kernels by element microanalysis, with special emphasis on silicon (Si). We therefore also measured the expression levels of the Si transporter genes ZmLsi1, ZmLsi2 and ZmLsi6, responsible for Si uptake and accumulation. Two weeks after pollination ZmLsi1 and ZmLsi6 genes were expressed, and expression continued until the final developmental stage of the kernels, while ZmLsi2 was not expressed. These results suggest that exclusively ZmLsi1 and ZmLsi6 are responsible for Si transport in various stages of kernel development. Expression level of ZmLsi genes was consistent with Si accumulation within kernel tissues. Silicon was mainly accumulated in pericarp and embryo proper and the lowest Si content was detected in soft endosperm and the scutellum. Correlation linkages between the distribution of Si and some other elements (macroelements Mg, P, S, N, P, and Ca and microelements Cl, Zn, and Fe) were found. The relation of Si with Mg was detected in all kernel tissues. The Si linkage with other elements was rather specific and found only in certain kernel tissues of maize. These relations may have effect on nutrient uptake and accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibrio cholerae is a water-borne pathogen responsible for causing a toxin-mediated profuse diarrhea in humans, leading to severe dehydration and death in unattended patients. With increasing reports of antibiotic resistance in V. cholerae, there is a need for alternate interventional strategies for controlling cholera. A potential new strategy for treating infectious diseases involves targeting bacterial virulence rather than growth, where a pathogen's specific mechanisms critical for causing infection in hosts are inhibited. Since bacterial motility, intestinal colonization and cholera toxin are critical components in V. cholerae pathogenesis, attenuating these virulence factors could potentially control cholera in humans. In this study, the efficacy of sub-inhibitory concentration (SIC, highest concentration not inhibiting bacterial growth) of essential minerals, zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and manganese (Mn) in reducing V. cholerae motility and adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2), cholera toxin production, and toxin binding to the ganglioside receptor (GM1) was investigated. Additionally, V. cholerae attachment and toxin production in an ex vivo mouse intestine model was determined. Further, the effect of Zn, Se and Mn on V. cholerae virulence genes, ctxAB (toxin production), fliA (motility), tcpA (intestinal colonization), and toxR (master regulon) was determined using real-time quantitative PCR. All three minerals significantly reduced V. cholerae motility, adhesion to Caco-2 cells, and cholera toxin production in vitro, and decreased adhesion and toxin production in mouse intestine ex vivo (P < 0.05). In addition, Zn, Se, and Mn down-regulated the transcription of virulence genes, ctxAB, fliA, and toxR. Results suggest that Zn, Se, and Mn could be potentially used to reduce V. cholerae virulence. However, in vivo studies in an animal model are necessary to validate these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L) contains many macronutrients, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants which has been related to beneficial health properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential efficacy of date fruit extract (DFE) against Al-induced toxicity in rat model. Male albino rats were divided into four groups of 8 rats : A control group, did not receive any treatment, the DFE group received date water extract (DFE) (500 mg kg-1 b. w) orally per day, the Al group: rats were supplemented with aluminum chloride (AlCl3) added to the drinking water at a concentration of 53.5 mg/ l and the DFE-Al group, rats received DFE along with AlCl3. The experimental duration lasted for six weeks. The data obtained indicate that Al administration results in inducing hematological alterations decline in the concentration of hemoglobin (Hb), RBC, Hct%, PCV, MCH, MCV and MCHC accompanied by a significant increase in WBC counts. Significant elevations in the serum inflammatory markers as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and the nuclear transcription factor (NF-κB) were observed in AlCl3-treated rats. The results demonstrated, also, that Al promotes lipid peroxidation and decreases the level of antioxidants: superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents in serum. However, treatment of AlCl3 group with DFE resulted in significant amelioration in the mentioned parameters as compared with AlCl3 group. According to the results obtained in the present study, it could be concluded that date fruits have beneficial health properties through immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to quantify the mineral balance of Nellore cattle fed with and without Ca, P, and micromineral (MM) supplementation and to estimate the net and dietary mineral requirement for Bos indicus cattle. Nellore cattle (n = 51; 270.4 ± 36.6 kg initial BW and 8 mo age) were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: reference (n = 5), maintenance (n = 4), and performance (n = 42). The reference group was slaughtered prior to the experiment to estimate initial body composition. The maintenance group was used to collect values of animals at low gain and reduced mineral intake. The performance group was assigned to 1 of 6 treatments: sugarcane as the roughage source with a concentrate supplement composed of soybean meal and soybean hulls with and without Ca, P, and MM supplementation; sugarcane as the roughage source with a concentrate supplement composed of soybean meal and ground corn with and without Ca, P, and MM supplementation; and corn silage as the roughage source with a concentrate supplement composed of soybean meal and ground corn with and without Ca, P, and MM supplementation. Orthogonal contrasts were adopted to compare mineral intake, fecal and urinary excretion, and apparent retention among treatments. Maintenance requirements and true retention coefficients were generated with the aid of linear regression between mineral intake and mineral retention. Mineral composition of the body and gain requirements was assessed using nonlinear regression between body mineral content and mineral intake. Mineral intake and fecal and urinary excretion were measured. Intakes of Ca, P, S, Cu, Zn, Mn, Co, and Fe were reduced in the absence of Ca, P, and MM supplementation (P < 0.05). Fecal excretion of Ca, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Co was also reduced in treatments without supplementation (P < 0.01). Overall, excretion and apparent absorption and retention coefficients were reduced when minerals were not supplied (P < 0.05). The use of the true retention coefficient instead of the true absorption coefficient provided a better estimate of mineral requirements. Dietary mineral requirements were lower for P, Cu, and Zn and greater for Fe compared with previously published recommendations. This study provides useful information about mineral requirements and mineral supplementation to obtain adequate dietary mineral supply of Nellore cattle in tropical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L) contains many macronutrients, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants which has been related to beneficial health properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential efficacy of date fruit extract (DFE) against Al-induced toxicity in rat model. Male albino rats were divided into four groups of 8 rats : A control group, did not receive any treatment, the DFE group received date water extract (DFE) (500 mg kg-1 b. w) orally per day, the Al group: rats were supplemented with aluminum chloride (AlCl3) added to the drinking water at a concentration of 53.5 mg/ l and the DFE-Al group, rats received DFE along with AlCl3. The experimental duration lasted for six weeks. The data obtained indicate that Al administration results in inducing hematological alterations decline in the concentration of hemoglobin (Hb), RBC, Hct%, PCV, MCH, MCV and MCHC accompanied by a significant increase in WBC counts. Significant elevations in the serum inflammatory markers as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and the nuclear transcription factor (NF-κB) were observed in AlCl3-treated rats. The results demonstrated, also, that Al promotes lipid peroxidation and decreases the level of antioxidants: superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents in serum. However, treatment of AlCl3 group with DFE resulted in significant amelioration in the mentioned parameters as compared with AlCl3 group. According to the results obtained in the present study, it could be concluded that date fruits have beneficial health properties through immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxygen isotope thermometry has been traditionally based on the ratio of 18O/16O in oxyanions of minerals such as carbonate (CaCO3) in shells/tests, and phosphate in bioapatites (Ca5(PO4)3OH) of marine invertebrates/vertebrates (for example, fish) and mammals. The requirement of mineral biomass, however, has restricted the application of oxygen isotope thermometry to only those organisms possessing biomineral hardparts. This has completely omitted from study, not only organisms lacking hard mineral tissues, but two entire Domains of life: Bacteria and Archaea. Prokaryotic organisms in the domains Bacteria and Archaea comprise the majority of earth's biodiversity and also inhabit the most extreme environments on earth. This calls for a thermometry based on a more rudimentary component of biomass that is present in all organisms such as DNA. Our previous studies of the ubiquitous intracellular enzyme inorganic pyrophosphatase (PPase), which catalyzes oxygen isotope exchange between dissolved inorganic PO4 (Pi) and water inside of cells, suggest that DNA may contain even more information than the blueprint for life. Here we show that PO4 moieties in DNA record the temperature at which life forms and evolves. Our results demonstrate that the 18O/16O ratio of PO4 (δ18OP) in DNA as well as in bulk biomass, reflects the temperature-dependent exchange of oxygen isotopes between PO4 and intracellular water. Thus, δ18OP values of DNA may serve as both a new soft-tissue bio-thermometer and probe of intracellular PO4 or water during DNA synthesis and cellular growth. Results presented here of the first direct measurements of the oxygen isotopic composition of PO4 in microbial DNA, demonstrate systematic variation in δ18OP of DNA from several different strains of microorganisms as a function of temperature, and also extend the PO4-water O-isotope thermometer to >70 °C. A composite calibration curve based on several strains of bacteria is presented for DNA-PO4–water –temperature relations between 12 and 75 °C and suggests a “universal” DNA-based oxygen isotope thermometry for microorganisms that may further extend to all organisms. Our results open the possibility of connecting temperature with taxonomy and also expand the range of investigations of habitat temperatures and limits to life in extreme and diverse environments, from Earth's subsurface deep biosphere to Antarctic ice sheets and extraterrestrial systems where life may have originated at extreme temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Dietary supplements are commonly used by US adults; yet, little is known about recent trends in supplement use.Objective: To report trends in dietary supplement use among US adults.Design, Setting, and Participants: Serial cross-sectional study using nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected between 1999 and 2012. Participants include noninstitutionalized adults residing in the United States, surveyed over 7 continuous 2-year cycles (sample size per cycle, 4863 to 6213).Exposures: Calendar time, as represented by NHANES cycle.Main Outcomes and Measures: In an in-home interview, participants were queried on use of supplements in the preceding 30 days to estimate the prevalence of use within each NHANES cycle, and trends were evaluated across cycles. Outcomes included use of any supplements; use of multivitamins/multiminerals (MVMM; defined as a product containing ≥10 vitamins and/or minerals); and use of individual vitamins, minerals, and nonvitamin, nonmineral supplements. Data were analyzed overall and by population subgroup (including age, sex, race/ethnicity, and educational status), and were weighted to be nationally representative.Results: A total of 37 958 adults were included in the study (weighted mean age, 46.4 years; women, 52.0% ), with an overall response rate of 74%. Overall, the use of supplements remained stable between 1999 and 2012, with 52% of US adults reporting use of any supplements in 2011-2012 (P for trend = .19). This trend varied by population subgroup. Use of MVMM decreased, with 37% reporting use of MVMM in 1999-2000 and 31% reporting use in 2011-2012 (difference, -5.7% [95% CI, -8.6% to -2.7%], P for trend < .001). Vitamin D supplementation from sources other than MVMM increased from 5.1% to 19% (difference, 14% [95% CI, 12% to 17%], P for trend  < .001) and use of fish oil supplements increased from 1.3% to 12% (difference, 11% [95% CI, 9.1% to 12%], P for trend < .001) over the study period, whereas use of a number of other supplements decreased.Conclusions and Relevance: Among adults in the United States, overall use of dietary supplements remained stable from 1999-2012, use of MVMM decreased, and trends in use of individual supplements varied and were heterogeneous by population subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the dietary nutrient intake status and hair mineral content of Korean young children. Methods: Fifty-five children who visited Seoul National University Bundang Hospital were divided into three groups by age: infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The 24-hour recall method was used to collect the food intake data of the subjects. Hair mineral analysis was conducted using a Mass Spectrometer. Serum iron, ferritin, and calcium were also measured. Results: The mean energy intakes of the subjects were 730.3 kcal, 994.3 kcal, and 1,482.9 kcal for each age group. The mean percentage of energy intake compared to recommendation was 101.4% and was not different by age group. Toddlers of 37.8% and preschoolers of 54.5% consumed less than the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) of calcium. Infants of 28.6%, toddlers of 10.8% and preschoolers of 9.1% consumed less than the EAR of iron. In the case of zinc, copper, and selenium, only 0% to 5% of toddlers and none of the preschoolers consumed less than the EAR of those minerals. The hair calcium, iron and copper concentrations were lower in toddlers and preschoolers than those in infants. Serum calcium levels of preschoolers were significantly lower than those of infants, whereas serum iron and ferritin levels were not. Conclusion: Hair calcium, iron, and copper concentrations were significantly lower in toddlers and preschoolers than in infants. Insufficient dietary intake of calcium and iron seems to be related with decreased hair mineral contents in young children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]