Separation of flavonoid isomers by cyclic ion mobility mass spectrometry.

Analytical techniques, such as liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), are widely used for characterization of complex mixtures of (isomeric) proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and phytochemicals in food. Food can contain isomers that are challenging to separate, but can possess different reactivity and bioactivity. Catechins are the main phenolic compounds in tea; they can be present as various stereoisomers, which differ in their chemical properties. Currently, there is a lack of fast and direct methods to monitor interconversion and individual reactivity of these epimers (e.g. epicatechin (EC) and catechin (C)). In this study, cyclic ion mobility mass spectrometry (cIMS-MS) was explored as a potential tool for the separation of catechin epimers. Formation of sodium and lithium adducts enhanced IMS separation of catechin epimers, compared to deprotonation and protonation. Baseline separation of the sodium adducts of catechin epimers was achieved. Moreover, we developed a fast method for the identification and semi-quantification of cIMS-MS separated catechin epimers. With this method, it is possible to semi-quantify the ratio between EC and C (1:5 to 5:1, within 50-1200 ng mL-1) in food samples, such as tea. Finally, the newly developed approach for cIMS-MS separation of flavonoids was demonstrated to be successful in separation of two sets of positional isomers (i.e. morin, tricetin, and quercetin; and kaempferol, fisetin, luteolin, and scutellarein). To conclude, we showed that both epimers and positional isomers of flavonoids can be separated using cIMS-MS, and established the potential of this method for challenging flavonoid separations.

Diversity in Elemental Content in Selected Artemisia L. (Asteraceae) Species from Gilgit-Baltistan Region of Pakistan Based on Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometry (ICP-AES).

Diversity in eleven Artemisia species from northern Pakistan was assessed based on as per suitability of their elemental contents with thermal conductivity detection and ICP-AES procedures. Results indicated the presence of 13 major elements in the Artemisia species with varied concentrations including Carbon (45.7%, 45,7000 ppm-49.8%, 49,8000 ppm), Nitrogen (2.03%, 20,300 ppm-3.50%, 35,000 ppm), Phosphorus (0.168%, 1680 ppm-0.642%, 6420 ppm), Potassium (2.38%, 23,800 ppm-4.72%, 47,200 ppm), Sulphur (1920 ppm, 0.192%-4780 ppm, 0.478%), Boron (23.8 ppm, 0.00238%-71.7 ppm, 0.00717%), Calcium (0.733%, 7330 ppm-2.249%, 22,490 ppm), Magnesium (0.116%, 1160 ppm-0.267%, 2670 ppm), Zinc (27.7 ppm, 0.00277%-47.9 ppm, 0.00479%), Manganese (25.7 ppm, 0.00257%-93.8 ppm, 0.00938%), Iron (353 ppm, 0.0353%-1532 ppm, 0.1532%), Copper (14.1 ppm, 0.00141%-26.2 ppm, 0.00262%) and Sodium (105 ppm, 0.0105%-587 ppm, 0.0587%). Cluster analysis distributed the Artemisia species into two major groups (G1 and G2) on the basis of their elemental content where G1 contained species like, Artemisia herba alba Asso., A. tournefortiana Rachb., A. rutifolia Steph. ex Spreng., and A. vulgaris L., with the presence of all elements with the maximum amount of S, Zn, P, Ca, and Mg, while G2 contained species like Artemisia biennis Willd., A. chamaemelifolia Vill., A. capillaris, L., A. gmelinii Weber ex Stech., A. indica Willd., A. maritima L., and A. verlotiorum Lamotte., with all elements but significant concentrations of B, N, C, K, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Na. PCA analysis displayed maximum species diversity in the axes two, while axes one showed lower diversity. Additionally, the elevated levels of elements recorded as compared to the threshold levels recommended in the literature for medicinal plants require extraordinary precautionary measures before or during using Artemisia as medication to avoid metal toxicity.

Prevalence of inadequacy and associated indicators with mineral intake in Brazilian adolescents and young adults / Prevalência de inadequação e fatores associados à ingestão adequada de minerais em adolescentes e adultos jovens brasileiros

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the prevalence of inadequate mineral intake and associated factors with calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, and sodium intakes in individuals aged 15-24.9 years. Methods We analyzed 476 individuals from the Brazilian Study of Nutrition and Health, stratified into two age groups (adolescents aged 15-18.9 years and young adults aged 19-24.9 years). Mineral intake was obtained from two 24-hour Dietary Recalls. The values of the Estimated Average Requirement and the Tolerable Upper Intake Levels were considered to calculate the prevalence of inadequacy. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine associated factors with mineral intake. Results Calcium and magnesium had the highest prevalence of inadequacy (>83%) in both sexes and age groups. Sodium intake was above Tolerable Upper Intake Levels for the majority of the population studied (>68%). The intake of all minerals was different between the sexes for the two age groups (p<0.01), and it was not different between age groups (p>0.05). The associated factors with mineral intake were sex (calcium, iron, phosphorus, and sodium), age group (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and sodium), and physical activity (calcium, iron, and magnesium), followed by socioeconomic level (zinc and sodium) and body weight status (iron and sodium). Conclusion The expressive portion of the studied population is at nutritional risk for calcium, magnesium, and sodium. Such data can contribute to the national public policy revision that is related to micronutrient intake and the adoption of healthier habits by adolescents and young adults.

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever as prevalências de inadequação e fatores associados à ingestão de cálcio, ferro, zinco, magnésio, fósforo e sódio em indivíduos dos 15 aos 24,9 anos. Métodos Foram analisados 476 indivíduos do Estudo Brasileiro de Nutrição e Saúde, estratificados em dois grupos etários (adolescentes de 15-18,9 anos e adultos jovens de 19-24,9 anos). A ingestão de minerais foi obtida por meio de dois recordatórios de 24hs. Os valores de Requerimento Médio Estimado e do Limite Superior Tolerável de Ingestão foram considerados para calcular as prevalências de inadequação. Regressão logística múltipla foi utilizada para determinar os fatores associados à ingestão de minerais. Resultados Cálcio e magnésio tiveram elevadas prevalências de inadequação (>83%) em pacientes de ambos os sexos e grupos etários. A ingestão de sódio foi acima Limite Superior Tolerável de Ingestão para a maioria da população estudada (>68%). O consumo de todos os minerais foi diferente entre os sexos para os dois grupos etários (p<0,01) e não foi diferente entre os grupos etários (p>0,05). Os fatores associados à ingestão dos minerais foram sexo (cálcio, ferro, fósforo e sódio), grupo etário (cálcio, magnésio, fósforo e sódio) e atividade física (cálcio, ferro e magnésio), seguidos por nível socioeconômico (zinco e sódio) e estado de peso corporal (ferro e sódio). Conclusão Expressiva parcela da população estudada encontra-se em risco nutricional para cálcio, magnésio e sódio. Esses dados podem contribuir para a revisão de políticas públicas nacionais que se relacionam à ingestão de micronutrientes e à adoção de hábitos mais saudáveis pelos adolescentes e adultos jovens.

Elemental composition of primary lamellar bone differs between parous and nulliparous rhesus macaque females.

Extracting life history information from mineralized hard tissues of extant and extinct species is an ongoing challenge in evolutionary and conservation studies. Primary lamellar bone is a mineralized tissue with multidien periodicity that begins deposition prenatally and continues until adulthood albeit with concurrent resorption, thus maintaining a record spanning several years of an individual's life. Here, we use field-emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis to measure the relative concentrations of calcium, phosphorous, oxygen, magnesium and sodium in the femora of seven rhesus macaque with known medical and life-history information. We find that the concentration of these elements distinguishes parous from nulliparous females; that in females calcium and phosphorus are lower in bone formed during reproductive events; and that significant differences in relative magnesium concentration correlate with breastfeeding in infants.

Comparison of dental caries experience and salivary parameters among children with Down syndrome and healthy controls in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Background: Although there have been numerous studies on dental caries in children with Down syndrome, the reports are conflicting. Studies on salivary chemical composition of children with Down syndrome are limited. Aim: The study aims to evaluate and compare the dental caries experience, salivary flow rate, pH, buffering capacity, and concentration of sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, total proteins, and sialic acid in children with Down syndrome and healthy controls. Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: Forty subjects with Down syndrome aged 5-18 years fulfilling the eligibility criteria from six special schools were selected by snowball sampling. Sixty healthy controls from six neighborhood schools fulfilling the eligibility criteria were selected by simple random sampling by matching the age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Sociodemographic data, oral hygiene practices, diet history and dental caries experience were recorded. About 6 mL of stimulated whole saliva was collected. Salivary flow rate, salivary pH, buffering capacity, and the concentration of sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, total proteins, and sialic acid were determined. Results: There was no significant difference in the mean proportional caries rate between the study and control group (P = 0.90). Salivary pH (P = 0.00) and salivary sodium concentration (P = 0.02) were significantly low in the study group than the control group. Salivary buffering capacity was significantly higher in the study group than the control group (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Dental caries experience of children with Down syndrome was similar to the healthy controls. School health programs could be implemented in special schools to improve oral and general health of special children.

Does co-inoculation of mycorrhiza and Piriformospora indica fungi enhance the efficiency of chlorophyll fluorescence and essential oil composition in peppermint under irrigation with saline water from the Caspian Sea?

Symbiotic associations with endophytic fungi are ecologically important for medicinal and aromatic plants. Endophytic fungi highly affect the quantity and quality of herbal products. In this study, a pot experiment was carried out in the greenhouse to investigate the interactive effects of Piriformospora indica and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AMF) inoculation on the chlorophyll fluorescence, essential oil composition, and antioxidant enzymes of peppermint under saline condition. The results showed that Fo, YNPQ, YNO, and NPQ values were obviously increased under salinity conditions, while essential oil content, chlorophyll a and b, gs, Fm, Fv, ETR, ФPSII and Fv/Fm ratio decreased by increasing salinity. In addition, salt induced the excess Na+ uptake, whereas the opposite trend was observed for P and K+. The synergistic association of P. indica and AMF caused a considerable increase in the antioxidant ability, essential oil content, Fv/Fm ratio, ФPSII, and amount of P and K+ uptake in salt-stressed plants. The main peppermint oil constituents, menthol, menthone, and 1,8-cineole increased considerably in inoculated plants. Besides, the applied endophytic fungi positively enhanced the ability of peppermint to alleviate the negative effect of the salinity stress.

Seaweeds rehydration and boiling: Impact on iodine, sodium, potassium, selenium, and total arsenic contents and health benefits for consumption.

Considering the importance of seaweeds for the development of sustainable and innovative food products, this study aimed to characterize the impact of hydrothermal processing on iodine, sodium, potassium, selenium, and arsenic concentrations of four seaweed species (S. latissima, L. digitata, U. pinnatifida, and C. crispus) and on the associated health risks-benefits for consumers. These elements revealed a common pattern for leachable fractions of iodine, total arsenic, and selenium: L. digitata ≥ S. latissima > C. crispus > U. pinnatifida after rehydration and boiling during different periods. The behavior for sodium was: S. latissima > L. digitata > C. crispus > U. pinnatifida, and for potassium: U. pinnatifida > L. digitata > S. latissima > C. crispus. Generally, the species that attained more significant losses were S. latissima and L. digitata. A health-relevant sodium/potassium ratio below 0.7 was found for all species except for U. pinnatifida. In some species, the risk-benefit analysis revealed that high iodine and arsenic levels might promote risks for consumption, even after 20 min boiling, but 5 g of processed U. pinnatifida could contribute to adequate iodine, sodium, potassium, and selenium intakes for all population groups. Standardized processing treatments of seaweeds can open new opportunities for the sector.

The impact of different Zinc (Zn) levels on growth and nutrient uptake of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) grown under salinity stress.

Salinity is among the most important abiotic stresses, which negatively affect growth, nutrient uptake and yield of crop plants. Application of different micronutrients, particularly zinc (Zn) have the potential to ameliorate the negative impacts of salinity stress. However, the role of Zn in improving salinity tolerance of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is poorly understood. This study evaluated the impact of different Zn levels (0, 5 and 10 mg kg-1) on growth and nutrient acquisition traits of basil under different salinity levels (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% NaCl). Data relating to biomass production, chlorophyll index, sodium (Na), potassium (K) uptake, K/Na ratio, Zn, copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) uptake were recorded. Increasing salinity level reduced biomass production, chlorophyll index and nutrient uptake traits (except for Na and Fe accumulation) of basil. Zinc application (10 mg kg-1) improved biomass production, chlorophyll index and nutrient acquisition traits under normal as well as saline conditions. The reduction in chlorophyll index and biomass production was higher under 0 and 5 mg kg-1 than 10 mg kg-1 Zn application. The K concentration decreased under increasing salinity; however, Zn application improved K uptake under normal as well as saline conditions. Different growth and nutrient acquisition traits had negative correlations with Na accumulation; however, no positive correlation was recorded among growth and nutrient uptake traits. The results revealed that Zn application could improve the salinity tolerance of basil. However, actual biochemical and genetic mechanisms involved in Zn-induced salinity tolerance warrant further investigation.

Distribution of calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, magnesium, potassium, and sodium in major fractions of donkey milk.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of Ca, P, S, Mg, K, and Na, and their distribution in major fractions of donkey milk (i.e., fat, casein, whey proteins, and aqueous phase). Individual milk samples were collected by mechanical milking from 16 clinically healthy lactating donkeys. Milk yield per milking was recorded and milk gross composition, casein content, and pH were determined. Whole milk samples were centrifuged to separate fat and to obtain skim milk. Skim milk samples were ultracentrifuged to separate a sedimentable casein pellet and to obtain a supernatant whey (soluble) fraction, which was then ultrafiltered to obtain the aqueous phase of donkey milk. Whole milk and the processed samples were analyzed for the aforementioned elements by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The concentration of elements associated with fat, casein, and whey proteins was then calculated. All the Na was present in the aqueous phase. The fat fraction in donkey milk carried very little or none of the investigated elements. The majority of Ca (62.9%) and P (53.1%) was associated with casein, and the rest of these elements was mostly present in the aqueous phase. The majority of Mg was present in the aqueous phase, but a relevant part (32.6%) was associated with the casein fraction. No K was associated with casein. On a molar basis, the ratio of colloidal Ca and P to casein (mmol/g of casein) was more than double the values reported in literature for cow milk. The correlation coefficient was negative between milk pH and P in the ultracentrifuged (r = -0.81) and ultrafiltered (aqueous) fraction (r = -0.66). Milk pH correlated positively with colloidal Ca (r = 0.59) and with the ratio of colloidal Ca to casein (mmol/g of casein; r = 0.68). Colloidal Ca and P were positively correlated (r = 0.64). These data suggest that the high ratio of colloidal Ca and P to donkey casein micelles is due to a larger amount of colloidal calcium phosphate bound to casein micelles compared with literature data on cow milk. The percentage of elements associated with whey proteins was less than 5% for Ca, P, and K, but Mg reached approximately 9% of total Mg. The majority of S (63.6%) was associated with whey proteins, and only one-fourth of this element was associated with casein, indicating a higher content of sulfur-containing amino acids in donkey whey proteins than in casein.

Elemental Content in Pleurotus ostreatus and Cyclocybe cylindracea Mushrooms: Correlations with Concentrations in Cultivation Substrates and Effects on the Production Process.

Few data exist about the effect of substrates' elemental content on the respective concentrations in cultivated mushrooms, on the degradation of lignocellulosics or on production parameters. Sixteen elements (14 metals and 2 metalloids) were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in Pleurotus ostreatus and Cyclocybe cylindracea mushrooms, and in their seven cultivation substrates composed of various plant-based residues. Results revealed a high variability in elemental concentration among substrates which generally led to significant differences in the respective mushroom contents. High bioconcentration factors (BCFs) were noted for Cd, Cu, Mg and Zn for both species in all substrates. BCF of each element was variously affected by substrates' pH, crude composition, and P and K content. Significant positive correlations were demonstrated for Cu, Fe, Mn and Li concentrations vs. a decrease of cellulose and hemicellulose in P. ostreatus substrates, and vs. mushrooms' biological efficiency. In the case of C. cylindracea, Be, Mg and Mn concentrations were positively correlated with the decrease of hemicellulose in substrates, while a significant positive correlation was also recorded vs. mushroom productivity. Finally, it was found that 15% to 35% of the daily dietary needs in Mg, Se and Zn could be covered by mushroom consumption.

Sodium in different processed and packaged foods: Method validation and an estimative on the consumption.

Excessive sodium (Na) consumption can lead to serious health problems such as hypertension, and cardiovascular and renal diseases. Therefore, the food industry in worldwide has been trying to reduce sodium levels in processed products. The aim of this study was to validate a method and quantify sodium in processed and packaged foods and to estimate its ingestion in the consumption. In the first step, for choose the adequate analytical procedure different samples preparations (mineralization) were evaluated as wet and dry ash mineralization, as well as CsCl concentration to suppress chemical interferences for apply FAAS technique. The best performance conditions were applied for the analytical method validation: mineralization by wet digestion and adding 0.1% CsCl, which characterized the method as simple and low cost. The method was validated and was applied in 12 different processed food matrices (5 brands, 3 batches), including products of vegetable and animal origins, different majority components and interferences for Na evaluation. The results showed that sausage, hamburger, ham, bread, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and mashed potato were classified as high-sodium foods, with mean values above 460 mg 100 g-1. It was verified that 68% of the samples were regarded as having high sodium content and the maximum value found was 2851 mg 100 g-1 for a sample of mashed potatoes. In addition, it was found that 38% of the samples presented differences in Na concentration when compared to content declared on the label. It is also observed that is possible different sodium ingestion according the combinations of processed and packaged foods in the same meal and, in this case, the sodium consumption is above than the daily value as recommended by the regulatory agencies. It was concluded that the majority of processed and packaged foods presented high sodium concentration even with efforts of the food industry to reduce the levels of this mineral and its remains an important public health problem.

Chlorophyll Content in Two Medicinal Plant Species Following Nano-TiO2 Exposure.

Chlorophyll content in leaves is a convenient indicator of the physiological state of the plant following exposure to a stressor. In the present study, a pot experiment was carried out using two medicinal plant species - peppermint (Mentha X piperita L.) and common sage (Salvia officinalis L.) to determine the link between the chlorophyll content in the plant leaves and the exposure of the plants to nano-TiO2 either through the leaves (in suspension) or through the root system (in soil). Following the exposure, the shoots were analysed for the contents of Ti, Al, Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Na and chlorophyll. Significant decrease in chlorophyll content was observed in all but one of the nano-TiO2 treatments, the differences in the determined element content were mostly species-dependent: Ti exposure was found to be related to the decrease in the chlorophyll and Mn content in both species as well as to the decrease in Mg content in common sage.

[Detection and correlation between the content of sodium and iodine in pre-packaged foods].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the present situation of sodium and iodine content and the correlation in pre-packaged foods in the market. METHODS: After collecting samples from physical and online supermarkets, the contents of sodium and iodine of samples were detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, SPSS 26. 0 was applied to analyze the correlation between sodium and iodine and the utilization rate of iodized salt was calculated in pre-packaged foods. RESULTS: Among various types of pre-packaged foods, fish, poultry, meat and egg products sodium(M=884 mg/100 g), iodine(M=40. 5 µg/100 g), preserved foods sodium(M=940 mg/100 g), iodine(M=40. 5 µg/100 g), animal foods sodium(M=786 mg/100 g), iodine(M=34. 9 µg/100 g) were all high in sodium and iodine content. The correlation coefficient of sodium and iodine content in staple and instant foods of animal foods was 0. 730(P<0. 01) and vegetable foods was 0. 777(P<0. 01), the preserved foods of animal foods was 0. 518(P<0. 01) and vegetable foods was 0. 973(P<0. 01). The utilization rate of iodized salt in pre-packaged foods was 88. 46% after removing those samples that could cause the iodine loss, such as baked foods. CONCLUSION: The sodium and iodine content in pre-packaged foods vary with different categories.

Partial replacement of pork fat by Echium oil in reduced sodium bologna sausages: technological, nutritional and stability implications.

BACKGROUND: The present research aimed to evaluate the nutritional, technological, microstructural and sensory characteristics of bologna sausages made with pork fat replaced with Echium oil. Three different treatments were processed, all of them with approximately 35% less sodium than a regular bologna-type sausage: Control (only pork backfat addition) and T25 and T50 (replacement of 25 and 50% of the added animal fat with Echium oil respectively). RESULTS: Proximate composition, texture profile analysis, fatty acid profile and microstructure were evaluated to characterize the products. In refrigerated storage, the following characteristics were assessed: thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) index, objective color, pH value, microbiological counts and sensory acceptance. Both samples with Echium oil (T25 and T50) showed a healthier lipid profile, with high omega-3 content, mainly from α-linolenic and stearidonic fatty acids, consequently presenting better (P ≤ 0.05) values of nutritional indices than the Control. However, the replacement of 50% animal fat with Echium oil negatively affected (P ≤ 0.05) most of the technological characteristics and the sensory acceptance of bolognas. In contrast, the treatment with 25% replacement did not show significant differences in most of the evaluated parameters compared with the Control sample. CONCLUSION: Thus the replacement of 25% of pork backfat with Echium oil in bologna sausages can be recommended, representing a good balance between nutritional gains and sensory impairment. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Drivers of liking for reduced sodium potato chips and puffed rice.

Reducing the amount of sodium in food products is necessary in decreasing the prevalence of hypertension, heart attack, and stroke. There is a lack of information on sodium reduction in potato chips and puffed rice, which comprise a large percentage of salty snack sales, and the use of flavor enhancers to maintain consumer acceptability of these products. The objective of this study was to identify drivers of liking for potato chip and puffed rice samples seasoned with differing sodium and flavor enhancer concentrations using sensory descriptive analysis and acceptance data. Eleven trained panelists evaluated the snacks and found eight significantly different attributes for potato chips and seven significantly different attributes for puffed rice. To better understand how these differences in samples play a role in sample liking, the descriptive analysis data were correlated with the data from a consumer test through preference mapping. For potato chips, consumers liked samples characterized by meaty aftertaste, aroma, aroma-by-mouth, and umami aftertaste. Consumers disliked samples with a strong raw potato aroma. For puffed rice, consumers liked samples with attributes of crunchy texture, garlic aftertaste, and savory aftertaste and disliked bitter aftertaste and chili powder aroma-by-mouth. These findings imply acceptance of sodium-reduced potato chips and puffed rice is possible by focusing on these identified drivers of liking. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Our findings suggest the addition of flavor enhancers maintains or improves the palatability of reduced sodium products with eight attributes influencing liking of potato chips and seven attributes influencing liking of puffed rice. Understanding the sensory attributes that impact the acceptance of reduced sodium products will allow for these attributes to be the focus during product development, which may result in increased sales of reduced sodium snacks, thus decreasing sodium consumption from snack products.

A laser ablation technique maps differences in elemental composition in roots of two barley cultivars subjected to salinity stress.

In saline soils, high levels of sodium (Na+ ) and chloride (Cl- ) ions reduce root growth by inhibiting cell division and elongation, thereby impacting on crop yield. Soil salinity can lead to Na+ toxicity of plant cells, influencing the uptake and retention of other important ions [i.e. potassium (K+ )] required for growth. However, measuring and quantifying soluble ions in their native, cellular environment is inherently difficult. Technologies that allow in situ profiling of plant tissues are fundamental for our understanding of abiotic stress responses and the development of tolerant crops. Here, we employ laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to quantify Na, K and other elements [calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulphur (S), phosphorus (P), iron (Fe)] at high spatial resolution in the root growth zone of two genotypes of barley (Hordeum vulgare) that differ in salt-tolerance, cv. Clipper (tolerant) and Sahara (sensitive). The data show that Na+ was excluded from the meristem and cell division zone, indicating that Na+ toxicity is not directly reducing cell division in the salt-sensitive genotype, Sahara. Interestingly, in both genotypes, K+ was strongly correlated with Na+ concentration, in response to salt stress. In addition, we also show important genetic differences and salt-specific changes in elemental composition in the root growth zone. These results show that LA-ICP-MS can be used for fine mapping of soluble ions (i.e. Na+ and K+ ) in plant tissues, providing insight into the link between Na+ toxicity and root growth responses to salt stress.

Phosphorus and sodium contents in commercial wet foods for dogs and cats.

It has been reported that wet foods for dogs and cats have high levels of sodium and phosphorus due to their composition. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the sodium and phosphorus contents in wet pet foods, and compare it to daily requirements for both species. Twenty-five commercial wet foods for adult animals were evaluated, 13 for dogs and 12 for cats. The analyses' results were compared to the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF 2018) recommendations. All foods contained phosphorus and sodium amounts above minimum requirements. Three wet foods for dogs exceeded the safe upper limit for phosphorus, and four wet foods for dogs and three for cats exceeded 3.75 g of sodium/1,000 kcal metabolizable energy (ME), considered safe by FEDIAF. No studies were found at the present time evaluating whether higher sodium levels are safe for dogs and cats; however, consumption of high phosphorus diets has been associated with adverse effects on renal function parameters. Therefore, more studies are necessary to investigate the health implications of phosphorus and sodium concentrations observed in some foods evaluated in this research.

Sweat Biomarker Sensor Incorporating Picowatt, Three-Dimensional Extended Metal Gate Ion Sensitive Field Effect Transistors.

Ion sensitive field effect transistors (ISFETs) form a very attractive solution for wearable sensors due to their capacity for ultra-miniaturization, low power operation, and very high sensitivity, supported by complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) integration. This paper reports for the first time, a multianalyte sensing platform that incorporates high performance, high yield, high robustness, three-dimensional-extended-metal-gate ISFETs (3D-EMG-ISFETs) realized by the postprocessing of a conventional 0.18 µm CMOS technology node. The detection of four analytes (pH, Na+, K+, and Ca2+) is reported with excellent sensitivities (58 mV/pH, -57 mV/dec(Na+), -48 mV/dec(K+), and -26 mV/dec(Ca2+)) close to the Nernstian limit, and high selectivity, achieved by the use of highly selective ion selective membranes based on postprocessing integration steps aimed at eliminating any significant sensor hysteresis and parasitics. We are reporting simultaneous time-dependent recording of multiple analytes, with high selectivities. In vitro real sweat tests are carried out to prove the validity of our sensors. The reported sensors have the lowest reported power consumption, being capable of operation down to 2 pW/sensor. Due to the ultralow power consumption of our ISFETs, we achieve and report a final four-analyte passive system demonstrator including the readout interface and the remote powering of the ISFET sensors, all powered by an radio frequency (RF) signal.

The effect of cerebral palsy on neonatal line thickness and enamel components.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the neonatal line width as well as the composition of the pre-natal and post-natal enamel in deciduous teeth of children with cerebral palsy (CP) to deciduous teeth of healthy children. DESIGN: 58 extracted or normally exfoliated deciduous teeth were collected for the study, 29 teeth from children with cerebral palsy and 29 pair matched teeth from healthy children who served as controls. The teeth were cut along the bucco-lingual/palatal axis and polished up to a thickness of 50-100 microns. The sections were examined using a light microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The neonatal line was identified in 25 teeth and measured in width and the enamel concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, silicon, magnesium, sodium, oxygen, and carbon were measured in the pre-natal and post-natal enamel using ESD program. RESULTS: The neonatal line was significantly narrower in the deciduous teeth collected from children with cerebral palsy. In both groups, the concentration of magnesium and sodium in the pre-natal enamel was significantly higher than in the post-natal enamel. Magnesium and sodium levels were significantly higher in pre-natal enamel in the CP group compared to the pre-natal enamel of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The neonatal line was narrower in the deciduous teeth collected from children with cerebral palsy than in those collected from healthy children. Children with cerebral palsy have a higher concentration of magnesium and sodium in the enamel that developed before birth.

Blackberry (Rubus ulmifolius Schott): Chemical composition, phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity in two edible stages.

The berries of the genus Rubus has been highlighted as important source of bioactive and health promoting constituents, however, information about chemical composition and antioxidant potential of the specie Rubus ulmifolius are still scarce. In this regard, this study aimed to assess the physicochemical characteristics, total monomeric anthocyanins (TMA), individual phenolics, minerals, sugars, and antioxidant properties of mature and fully mature R. ulmifolius. With the advance of maturation, changes in the physicochemical composition suggest pleasant characteristics for consumption especially in the fully mature stage. High levels of TMA and sugars (fructose and glucose) were also verified in the fully mature stage, as well as, expressive antioxidant potential, with values of 241.06 µM Fe+2 g-1 for ferric reducing antioxidant power and 28.22 mg gallic acid equivalent g-1 for Folin-Ciocalteu reducing capacity (all expressed in dry matter, DM). In contrast, minerals (potassium, calcium, sodium) and most of the studied phenolic compounds showed the highest concentrations in mature fruits. Among the phenolics investigated, 26 compounds were identified and quercetin and isoquercitrin were the predominant phenolic compounds in the fruit. The results reinforce the nutritive and antioxidant potential of Rubus ulmifolius in both maturation stages studied.