Metabolic Profiling by GC-MS, In Vitro Biological Potential, and In Silico Molecular Docking Studies of Verbena officinalis.

Verbena officinalis L. is a traditionally important medicinal herb that has a rich source of bioactive phytoconstituents with biological benefits. The objective of this study was to assess the metabolic profile and in vitro biological potential of V. officinalis. The bioactive phytoconstituents were evaluated by preliminary phytochemical studies, estimation of polyphenolic contents, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of all fractions (crude methanolic, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol) of V. officinalis. The biological investigation was performed by different assays including antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP), enzyme inhibition assays (urease and α-glucosidase), and hemolytic activity. The ethyl acetate extract had the maximum concentration of total phenolic and total flavonoid contents (394.30 ± 1.09 mg GAE·g-1 DE and 137.35 ± 0.94 mg QE·g-1 DE, respectively). Significant antioxidant potential was observed in all fractions by all four antioxidant methods. Maximum urease inhibitory activity in terms of IC50 value was shown by ethyl acetate fraction (10 ± 1.60 µg mL-1) in comparison to standard hydroxy urea (9.8 ± 1.20 µg·mL-1). The n-hexane extract showed good α-glucosidase inhibitory efficacy (420 ± 20 µg·mL-1) as compared to other extract/fractions. Minimum hemolytic activity was found in crude methanolic fraction (6.5 ± 0.94%) in comparison to positive standard Triton X-100 (93.5 ± 0.48%). The GC-MS analysis of all extract/fractions of V. officinalis including crude methanolic, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol fractions, resulted in the identification of 24, 56, 25, and 9 bioactive compounds, respectively, with 80% quality index. Furthermore, the bioactive compounds identified by GC-MS were analyzed using in silico molecular docking studies to determine the binding affinity between ligands and enzymes (urease and α-glucosidase). In conclusion, V. officinalis possesses multiple therapeutical potentials, and further research is needed to explore its use in the treatment of chronic diseases.

Reproductive performance and milk yield of rabbits fed diets supplemented with garden cress (Lepidium sativum) seed.

Recently, phytochemicals in plants have evoked interest as sources of naturally beneficial substances and as alternatives to antimicrobials. Based on these benefits, it was hypothesized that garden cress (GC; Lepidium sativum) supplementation could overcome the negative impacts of severe heat stress on the reproductive and lactation performance, physiological parameters, and antioxidant status of rabbits. Twenty-four mature V-line does (6 months old) with an average body weight of 3.65 ± 0.54 kg were randomly assigned into four homogenously equal groups (n = 6) according to the level of supplemented GC seeds. Rabbits in the control group were fed a basal diet without GC seeds (GC 0), the other three treatment groups (GC 3, GC 4.5, and GC 6) were fed a basal diet supplemented with GC seeds at levels 3, 4.5 and 6%, respectively. Investigations revealed that the inclusion of 3% GC enhanced the litter weight of heat-stressed rabbits on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days. Furthermore, treatment with 3% and 6% GC seeds increased the milk yield on the 28th day. the most of lipid profile parameters, such as cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), serum urea levels, and antioxidant status improved in rabbits supplemented with 6% GC. In conclusion, the dietary supplemention of GC seed at 6% increased milk yield at 28th day "weaning age", consequently, improved the blood lipid profile and antioxidant status. Further studies should be conducted to commercialize theusage of garden cress seeds as a supplement in rabbits.

Phytochemical Composition, Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Potentials of Cydonia oblonga Bark.

Cydonia oblonga is a medicinal plant that is used to treat a number of health complications in traditional medication systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition, and antibacterial, antioxidant, and ant-diabetic potentials of methanolic extracts of Cydonia oblonga bark. The Cydonia oblonga bark extraction was fractionated through HPLC and seven purified fractions labeled as F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, and F7 were obtained. The HPLC-UV analysis of methanolic extract showed the presence of a number of possible compounds. The GC-MS and HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of the following bioactive compounds in the crude extract and purified fractions: malic acid, mandelic acid, quercetin, caffeic acid, catechin hydrate, as morin (HPLC analysis), BIS-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate and diisooctyl phthalate (F1), carbamide (F2, used as fertilizer), octasiloxane and dimethylsiloxanecyclictrimer (F3), silicic acid and cyclotrisiloxane (F4), 6-AH-cAMP, 4H-cyclopropa[5',6']benz[1',2',7,8]azule, and 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-morpholinepyrol-2-yl)-butenedioic acid (F5), isopropyamine (F6), and 1-propylhydrazine (F7). The extract and purified fractions were then tested for biological activities. All the purified fractions and methanolic extract showed effective antibacterial activity; however, the highest activity was recorded for methanolic extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumonia. Antioxidant evaluation of methanolic extract and purified fractions against DPPH showed strong % inhibition of the synthetic free radical. The methanolic extract exhibited 87.41 ± 0.54% inhibition whereas fractions showed: F1, 85.45 ± 0.85; F2, 65.78 ± 0.68; F3, 58.61 ± 0.58; F4, 80.76 ± 0.59; F5, 571.29 ± 0.49; F6, 85.28 ± 0.94; and F7, 48.45 ± 0.62% inhibition. Ascorbic acid (standard) was used as a control with 94.88 ± 0.56% inhibition at a maximum concentration of 1000 µg/mL. The α-glucosidase inhibition assay of methanolic extract and purified fractions at a maximum concentration of 1000 µg/mL showed activities as: methanolic extract, 78.21 ± 0.67; F1, 55.01 ± 0.29; F2, 56.10 ± 0.24; F3, 62.44 ± 1.03; F4, 70.52 ± 0.15; F5, 62.18 ± 0.92; F6, 72.68 ± 0.2; and F7, 57.33 ± 0.05% inhibition. α-Amylase % inhibition of methanolic extract and purified fractions were noted as: methanolic extract, 77.98 ± 0.57; F1, 79.72 ± 0.02; F2, 79.72 ± 0.02; F3, 82.16 ± 0.48; F4, 77.37 ± 0.28; F5, 72.14 ± 0.30; F6, 74.24 ± 0.29; and F7, 56.58 ± 0.10 at the highest concentration of 1000 µg/mL. Acarbose (standard) showed 87.65 ± 0.71% inhibition of α-glucosidase and 85.99 ± 0.44% inhibition of α-amylase at the highest concentration of 1000 µg/mL. It was found that all biological activities of methanolic extract and purified fractions might be attributed to the fact that they are rich sources of phenolic and flavonoids along with other bioactive compounds. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of methanolic extract were recorded higher as compared to purified fractions (TPC = 70% and TFC = 69%). Amongst the purified fractions, fraction 6 exhibited the highest TPC value (64%), and purified fraction 1 exhibited the highest value of TFC (58%). Recent research demonstrated that Cydonia oblonga may be considered an antibacterial medicinal plant. The result of the present study revealed that it might be utilized for the isolation of bioactive phytochemicals that can lead to new opportunities in the discovery of new antibiotics.

Metal-organic frameworks derived magnetic porous carbon for magnetic solid phase extraction of benzoylurea insecticides from tea sample by Box-Behnken statistical design.

Ferric oxide/carbon (Fe2O3@C) was fabricated via direct carbonization of metal-organic framework of iron (MOF-235) under argon atmosphere. The magnetic Fe2O3 nanoparticles are evenly embedded in porous carbon matrix, while original morphology of MOF-235 was well-maintained. The synthesized Fe2O3@C was used as magnetic sorbent for extracting five benzoylurea insecticides (BUs). The materials exhibited excellent extraction performance, which benefited not only from the strong π-π interaction and hydrophobic interaction (π-conjugated system), but also to the abundant adsorption sites and flexible transport channel (the interconnected 3D porous structure). A three-factor-three-level Box-Behnken design (BBD) was selected to optimize three greatly influential parameters: amount of adsorbent (A), desorption time (B) and volume of desorption solvent (C) by response surface methodology. The established method coupled to HPLC-UV detection showed wide linearity with the range of 0.2-450 µg•L-1, relatively low limits of detection (0.05-0.10 µg•L-1) with the relative standard deviation (RSD) (n = 7) lower t than 5.47%. Moreover, the proposed method was successfully applied to analyze BUs in tea samples and investigate the removal effect of different washing on BUs residues from tea leaf. These results indicated that the synthesized Fe2O3@C is a promising adsorbent material for magnetic solid phase extraction of BUs at trace concentrations from tea samples.

Detecting Low Concentrations of Nitrogen-Based Adulterants in Whey Protein Powder Using Benchtop and Handheld NIR Spectrometers and the Feasibility of Scanning through Plastic Bag.

Nitrogen-rich adulterants in protein powders present sensitivity challenges to conventional combustion methods of protein determination which can be overcome by near Infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). NIRS is a rapid analytical method with high sensitivity and non-invasive advantages. This study developed robust models using benchtop and handheld spectrometers to predict low concentrations of urea, glycine, taurine, and melamine in whey protein powder (WPP). Effectiveness of scanning samples through optical glass and polyethylene bags was also tested for the handheld NIRS. WPP was adulterated up to six concentration levels from 0.5% to 3% w/w. The two spectrometers were used to obtain three datasets of 819 diffuse reflectance spectra each that were pretreated before linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and regression (PLSR). Pretreatment was effective and revealed important absorption bands that could be correlated with the chemical properties of the mixtures. Benchtop NIR spectrometer showed the best results in LDA and PLSR but handheld NIR spectrometers showed comparatively good results. There were high prediction accuracies and low errors attesting to the robustness of the developed PLSR models using independent test set validation. Both the plastic bag and optical glass gave good results with accuracies depending on the adulterant of interest and can be used for field applications.

Multiorgan microfluidic platform with breathable lung chamber for inhalation or intravenous drug screening and development.

Efficient and economical delivery of pharmaceuticals to patients is critical for effective therapy. Here we describe a multiorgan (lung, liver, and breast cancer) microphysiological system ("Body-on-a-Chip") designed to mimic both inhalation therapy and/or intravenous therapy using curcumin as a model drug. This system is "pumpless" and self-contained using a rocker platform for fluid (blood surrogate) bidirectional recirculation. Our lung chamber is constructed to maintain an air-liquid interface and contained a "breathable" component that was designed to mimic breathing by simulating gas exchange, contraction and expansion of the "lung" using a reciprocating pump. Three cell lines were used: A549 for the lung, HepG2 C3A for the liver, and MDA MB231 for breast cancer. All cell lines were maintained with high viability (>85%) in the device for at least 48 hr. Curcumin is used to treat breast cancer and this allowed us to compare inhalation delivery versus intravenous delivery of the drug in terms of effectiveness and potentially toxicity. Inhalation therapy could be potentially applied at home by the patient while intravenous therapy would need to be applied in a clinical setting. Inhalation therapy would be more economical and allow more frequent dosing with a potentially lower level of drug. For 24 hr exposure to 2.5 and 25 µM curcumin in the flow device the effect on lung and liver viability was small to insignificant, while there was a significant decrease in viability of the breast cancer (to 69% at 2.5 µM and 51% at 25 µM). Intravenous delivery also selectively decreased breast cancer viability (to 88% at 2.5 µM and 79% at 25 µM) but was less effective than inhalation therapy. The response in the static device controls was significantly reduced from that with recirculation demonstrating the effect of flow. These results demonstrate for the first time the feasibility of constructing a multiorgan microphysiological system with recirculating flow that incorporates a "breathable" lung module that maintains an air-liquid interface.

Development and application of a HPLC-ICP-MS method to determine selenium speciation in muscle of pigs treated with different selenium supplements.

Dietary selenium deficiency is recognized as a global problem. Pork is the most widely consumed meat throughout the world and an important source of selenium for humans. In this study, a reliable approach was developed for analyzing selenium and its speciation in the muscles of pigs after different selenium treatments. The selenium source deposition efficiency was ranked as: selenomethionine > methylselenocysteine > selenite, and the muscle selenium content had a dose effect with selenomethionine supplementation. In total, four species of selenium were detected in the muscles of pigs and the distributions of these selenium species were greatly affected by the dietary selenium supplementation forms and levels. Selenomethionine (>70% of total selenium) and selenocystine (>11%) were the major selenium species, followed by methylselenocysteine and selenourea. Therefore, selenium-enriched pork produced from selenomethionine is a good source for improving human dietary selenium intake.

Fabrication of iron oxide@MOF-808 as a sorbent for magnetic solid phase extraction of benzoylurea insecticides in tea beverages and juice samples.

A novel magnetic metal organic framework composite (Fe3O4@MOF-808) was synthesized by a facile solvothermal method and applied as an adsorbent for the magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) of benzoylurea insecticides (BUs) from tea beverages and juice samples. The prepared materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometry measurements and N2 adsorption-desorption experiments. The adsorption (adsorbent amount, extraction time and pH) and elution (elution solvent, elution volume and time) parameters were investigated in detail. Under the optimized experimental conditions, Fe3O4@MOF-808 exhibited simpler and better reusability than commercial C18, with an equivalent adsorption effect. Notably, π-π interactions, hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding interactions contributed to the good adsorption of BUs by Fe3O4@MOF-808. Finally, a simple and sensitive method was established using Fe3O4@MOF-808-based MSPE coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). It provided low limits of detection (0.04-0.15 ng/mL), wide linear ranges (0.15-50 ng/mL) and satisfactory recoveries (84.6-98.3%). The proposed method was successfully applied for the fast and sensitive determination of BUs in tea beverages and juice samples.

Effects of replacing soybean meal with canola meal for lactating dairy cows fed 3 different ratios of alfalfa to corn silage.

Previous research has demonstrated that feeding canola meal (CM) improves milk production and N utilization by lactating dairy cows when replacing solvent-extracted soybean meal (SBM). The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether CM would improve milk yield and components and N utilization, compared with SBM, at different ratios of alfalfa silage (AS) to corn silage (CS) fed to lactating dairy cows. Twenty-four multiparous Holstein cows averaging, at the beginning of the study (mean ± SD), 2.8 ± 0.9 parity, 684 ± 56 kg of BW, 102 ± 41 DIM, and 49 ± 4 kg milk/d, and 24 primiparous cows averaging (mean ± SD) 565 ± 46 kg of BW, 123 ± 30 DIM, and 40 ± 4 kg milk/d were blocked by parity and DIM. A cyclic changeover design with 4 replications of 2 blocks of treatments of 6 cows was used in an arrangement with 4 28-d periods. Dietary treatments were arranged in a 3 × 2 factorial design of 3 proportions of AS to CS as forage source (HAS = high AS, 50% AS to 10% CS; MAS = medium AS, 30% AS to 30% CS; LAS = low AS, 10% AS to 50% CS) and 2 protein supplements (CM vs. SBM). Diets were formulated to contain [dry matter (DM) basis]: 60% forage, 8 to 15% high-moisture corn, 2 to 5% soy hulls, 1.3% mineral-vitamin premix, 16% crude protein, and 31 to 33% NDF. Data from the last 2 weeks of each period were used to compute mean milk yield and composition, and efficiencies of feed conversion, for each cow in each period. Data for the other variables were collected during the last week of each period. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Regardless of the forage source, replacing SBM with CM improved yields of milk, milk protein, and solids-not-fat. Moreover, milk urea nitrogen concentration and urinary excretion of total N (g/d) and urea N (% of total urinary N) decreased when CM replaced SBM. An interaction effect occurred between forage source and protein supplements for apparent total-tract digestibility, and, overall, this effect was due to small differences in ingredient and chemical compositions of the diets. In addition, these differences had a minor effect on cow performance. Yields of milk and milk components were greatest for cows fed 50% CS, intermediate for 30% CS, and lowest for 10% CS, indicating that, under the conditions of the present study, cows fed 50% CS in the diet (DM basis) had greater production compared with those fed 50% AS.

Effective detection and quantification of chemical adulterants in model fat-filled milk powders using NIRS and hierarchical modelling strategies.

Skimmed milk powder can be blended with indigenous vegetable oils to formulate fat-filled milk powder (FMP) to satisfy the growing demand of low-income consumers for dairy proteins in the developing countries where food control systems may be fragmented. Unscrupulous manufacturers may adulterate FMP with melamine or urea to give the false impression that it contains sufficient protein. This study investigated, for the first time, the efficacy of near infrared spectroscopy to detect and quantify melamine and urea (0.01-16.00%) in FMP formulated with 4 different vegetable oils (i.e., coconut, palm, soya-bean and sunflower). Multilevel analyses were able to detect, confirm and differentiate the adulterations with an efficiency ranging from 89.8 to 100.0%. The partial least square regression models yielded satisfactory predictions (R2p ≥0.96, RSR ≤0.19) at adulteration levels ≥1.00%. This study provides appropriate guidelines for cost-efficient screening of FMP products for adulterants to protect public health.

Nutritional value of Sesamum indicum L. was improved by Azospirillum and Azotobacter under low input of NP fertilizers.

BACKGROUND: Sesame (Sesame indicum L.) is well-known as a versatile industrial crop having various usages and contains 50-55% oil, 20% protein, 14-20% carbohydrate and 2-3% fiber. Several environmental factors are known to adversely affect yield and productivity of sesame. Our overall aim was to improve the growth, yield and quality of sesame cv. TS-3 using plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and saving the nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers (NP) by 50%. Field experiment (randomized complete block design) was conducted during the months of July to October of two consecutive years 2012-2013. Azospirillum (AL) and Azotobacter (AV) were applied as seed inoculation alone as well as along with half of the recommended dose of nitrogen (N) and phosphate (P) fertilizers (urea and diammonium phosphate) at the rate of 25 kg/ha and 30 kg/ha respectively. RESULTS: Here we report that A. lipoferum along with half dose of NP fertilizers (ALCF) were highly effective in increasing the agronomic and yield traits of sesame as compared to the control. A. vinelandii plus NP fertilizers (AVCF) exhibited higher seed oil content. Minimum acid value, optimum specific gravity and modified fatty acid composition were observed in ALCF treatment. Increase in oleic acid by ALCF is directly linked with improved oil quality for health benefits as oleic acid is the fatty acid which creates a balance between saturation and unsaturation of oil and for the hypotensive (blood pressure reducing) effects. CONCLUSION: It is inferred that ALCF treatment improved plant growth, seed yield and oil quality of sesame pertaining to good quality edible oil production.

Effects of rumen-protected methionine and other essential amino acid supplementation on milk and milk component yields in lactating Holstein cows.

Objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of supplementing rumen-protected methionine (RP-Met), threonine (RP-Thr), isoleucine (RP-Ile), and leucine (RP-Leu) individually or jointly to a low-protein diet, on the performance of lactating dairy cows, as well as to determine the effects of these amino acids (AA) on the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in vivo. Ten lactating Holstein cows were randomly allocated to a repeated 5 × 5 Latin square experiment with five 19-d periods. Treatments were high-protein diet (16% crude protein, positive control; HP), low-protein diet (12% crude protein, negative control; LP), LP plus RP-Met (LPM), LP plus RP-Met and RP-Thr (LPMT), and LP plus RP-Met, RP-Thr, RP-Ile, and RP-Leu (LPMTIL). The dry matter intakes (DMI) of the LP, LPM, and LPMT diets were lower than that of the HP diet, whereas the DMI of the LPMTIL diet was intermediate between the HP diet and the other LP diets. Supplementing RP-Met to the LP diet increased the yields of milk and milk protein, increased the content of milk urea N, and tended to increase milk N efficiency. Co-supplementation of RP-Thr with RP-Met resulted in no further milk production increase. Co-supplementation of all 4 rumen-protected amino acids (RP-AA) increased milk and lactose yields to the level of the HP diet and tended to increase milk protein yield compared with the LPMT diet. We found no significant differences in the contents and yields of milk components between the LPMTIL and HP diets except for a lower milk urea N content in the LPMTIL diet. Venous concentrations of the measured AA were similar across the LP and LP diets supplemented with RP-AA. Relative to levels of the HP diet, LP diets had higher venous concentrations of Met and Gly and tended to have higher Phe concentration and lower concentrations of Val and BCAA. The LPMTIL diet had higher venous concentrations of Arg, Lys, Met, Phe, and Glu, and a lower Val concentration. Phosphorylation status of the measured mTOR components in LPM and LPMT treatments were similar to those in the LP treatment but phosphorylation status of mTOR and eIF4E-binding protein 1 (4eBP1) in LPMTIL treatment were higher. The phosphorylation rates of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) in the 4 LP and LP plus RP-AA diets were higher than that of the HP diet. Overall, results of the present study supported the concept that under the relatively short time of this experiment, supplementing RP-AA, which are believed to stimulate the mTOR signal pathway, can lead to increased milk protein yield. This increase appears to be due to increased DMI, greater mTOR signaling, and greater eEF2 activity.

Changes in saliva analytes in equine acute abdominal disease: a sialochemistry approach.

BACKGROUND: The biochemical components of saliva can change in certain pathologies in horses, for example in acute abdominal disease. The aim of this study was (1) to evaluate if a panel of biochemical analytes usually used in serum can be measured in saliva of horses and (2) to study the possible changes of these biochemical analytes in saliva of horses affected by acute abdominal disease. A panel of 23 analytes was analytically validated in saliva of horses and possible changes in these analytes in a pilot study with six healthy horses and six horses with acute abdominal disease were evaluated. The analytes with significant changes were then evaluated in a larger population of 20 healthy and 37 diseased horses. RESULTS: Seven analytes showed significant increases in the pilot study which were confirmed in the larger population. The analytes which showed significant changes, and their median fold increase and significance shown in the larger population were salivary γ-glutamyl transferase (gGT, 2.3 fold, P = 0.001), creatine kinase (CK, 6.2 fold, P < 0.001), urea (2.3 fold, P = 0.001), total bilirubin (2.6 fold, P < 0.001), total proteins (3.2 fold, P < 0.001), phosphorus (P, 4.5 fold, P < 0.001) and alpha-amylase (sAA, 8.5 fold, P < 0.001). Total proteins, P and sAA showed sensitivities higher than 70% at their optimal cut-off points and a specificity of 100% in differentiating between healthy horses and those with acute abdominal disease. CONCLUSIONS: A panel of 23 biochemical analytes can be measured in saliva of horses, where gGT, CK, urea, total bilirubin, total protein, P and sAA levels are raised in horses with acute abdominal disease.

Influence of serum vitamin D level on Helicobacter pylori eradication: A multi-center, observational, prospective and cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to test whether serum vitamin D levels affected Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and eradication rates. METHODS: A multicenter observational prospective cohort study was conducted. A total of 496 H. pylori- positive (H. pylori+ ) and 257 H. pylori-negative (H. pylori- ) patients were enrolled from four hospitals in China. Baseline serum vitamin D levels were measured and a 13 C-urea breath test (UBT) was performed for all the participants. The H. pylori+ patients were divided into two subgroups based on their serum vitamin D levels (<10 or ≥10 ng/mL). A second 13 C-UBT was performed between 4 and 8 weeks after 14-day bismuth-containing quadruple eradication therapies. Factors potentially affecting H. pylori eradication were determined using a questionnaire survey. RESULTS: Serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower in the H. pylori+ group than in the H. pylori- group ([17.0 ± 6.9] ng/mL vs [19.2 ± 8.0] ng/mL, P = 0.000). H. pylori eradication rate significantly differed between patients with serum vitamin D levels of <10 ng/mL and ≥10 ng/mL (71.7% vs 87.3%, P = 0.005). A multivariate analysis showed that having serum vitamin D level ≥10 ng/mL was an independent risk factor for a successful H. pylori eradication (odds ratio 0.381, 95% confidence interval 0.183-0.791, P = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Serum vitamin D level may affect H. pylori infection and its eradication. Randomized controlled trials are needed to find out whether vitamin D supplements may increase the H. pylori eradication rate.

Relationship between performance, metabolic profile, and feed efficiency of lactating beef cows.

Twenty-seven Nellore cow-calf pairs were submitted for feed efficiency testing. The animals were weighed every 21 ± 5 days to obtain metabolic body weight (BW0.75) and average daily gain (ADG). Subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT; at 20, 83, 146, and 176 days post-calving); milk yield and components (63, 85, and 151 days); levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, ß-hydroxybutyrate, albumin, urea, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, insulin, and cortisol (15, 41, 62, and 124 days); and ingestive behavior were evaluated. Residual feed intake was calculated for the first stage (RFI1; 21 to 100 days post-calving) and the second stage of lactation (RFI2; 100 to 188 days post-calving), and the cows were classified based on RFI1 as most efficient (RFI1 < 0) and least efficient (RFI1 > 0). Negative RFI1 cows consumed 1.3 kg/day of dry matter, or 9.77%, less than positive RFI1 cows. Most- and least-efficient cows did not differ in terms of subcutaneous fat thickness traits and milk yield or energy-corrected milk (ECM). Glucose (P = 0.0785), triglycerides (P = 0.0795), and phosphorus (P = 0.0597) concentrations were higher in the first stage of lactation in most-efficient cows. Maternal characteristics such as calf weight at birth and at 205 days and ADG were similar in most- and least-efficient cows. The most-efficient cows are more economic as they consume less feed for the same level of production.

Selenium-enriched Coriolus versicolor mushroom biomass: potential novel food supplement with improved selenium bioavailability.

BACKGROUND: The ability of Coriolus versicolor medicinal mushroom to accumulate and transform selenium from selenourea and sodium selenite into an organic form - l-selenomethionine - during growth in liquid medium is examined in this paper. Additionally, the impact of supplementation on biological activity of the selenated mushroom methanol extracts, as well as their chemical composition, is studied. RESULTS: Selenium accumulation was more efficient with sodium selenite application, but biomass yield was significantly lower (1.89 g DW L-1 ) compared to samples enriched with selenourea (4.48 g DW L-1 ). Mushroom sample obtained after growing in liquid medium with selenourea had significantly higher l-selenomethionine content compared to the sample grown in medium with sodium selenite. Selenium-enriched methanol extracts of C. versicolor mushroom showed improved antimicrobial and antioxidant activities compared to non-enriched extract. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that C. versicolor mushroom cultivated in liquid culture enriched with selenourea can be used for the production of novel food supplements with improved selenium bioavailability. More than 30% of total accumulated selenium from selenourea is transformed into l-selenomethionine. Differences in biological activity of methanol extracts can be explained not only by different selenium content but also by the differences in chemical composition of extracts. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

A slow release brown coal-urea fertiliser reduced gaseous N loss from soil and increased silver beet yield and N uptake.

Increasing crop yield and fertiliser nitrogen (N)-use efficiency is important for productive agricultural systems with a reduced environmental footprint. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of slow release brown coal-urea (BCU) fertiliser on the gaseous N losses, biomass yield and N uptake by silver beet (Beta vulgaris L.) compared to commercial urea. Two soils were amended with urea, BCU 1 (22% N) or BCU 2 (17% N) as N-fertiliser at the rate of 50 or 100 kg N ha-1. Five gas sampling periods were undertaken to measure the loss of N as N2O and NH3. After 10 weeks, biomass, N concentration, and N uptake of silver beet, and mineral and mineralisable N of post-harvest soil were measured. BCU substantially increased fertiliser N availability and uptake by silver beet, reduced N2O emission by 29% and NH3 emission by 36% compared to urea alone, irrespective of soil type. Compared to urea, BCU blends increased biomass yield by 27% and 23% in a Tenosol and Dermosol soil, respectively. In addition, application of BCU fertiliser substantially enhanced the potentially mineralisable N and organic carbon content of soil. These results provide evidence that granulation of urea with brown coal (BC) can increase silver beet N-use efficiency and yield in different soil types, and more work is now required to validate this technology for other crops.

Urea and Minerals Monitoring in Space Missions by Spot Samples of Saliva and Urine.

BACKGROUND: Microgravity induces redistribution of body fluids and reductions in muscle and bone mass. These effects correlate with changes in lab test results, including urea and bone minerals. Difficulties with collecting blood and urine during space missions limit the available data. This pilot study investigated metabolic changes during a space mission using untimed spot samples of urine and saliva. Untimed spot urine was used for urinalysis with data normalization per creatinine concentration. Saliva was proven useful as an index of serum urea and phosphorus.METHODS: Two astronauts collected urine and saliva samples 75 ± 5 d before launch (baseline) and 3-5 times during a 6-mo space mission. Samples were collected 3 h after morning breakfast. Urine was collected using a standard NASA device. Saliva was collected using a Salivette™ synthetic swab. Samples were kept frozen using automated biochemistry until lab work-up. Anthropometric data were collected at baseline and after the mission.RESULTS: For astronauts 1 and 2, respectively, total bone mineral density decreased (-1.4% and -0.9%). In-flight changes were as follows: transiently decreased urine urea/creatinine ratio (-32% and -24%), transiently decreased urine phosphorus/creatinine ratio (-52% and -30%), increased urine calcium/creatinine ratio (up to +116% and +27%), and transient increases in saliva urea (up to +48% and +195%) and phosphorus (up to +29% and +46%). The astronaut with greater changes in urine minerals had greater reduction in bone mineral density.DISCUSSION: The results support the hypothesis that untimed samples of urine and saliva are useful for investigation of metabolic changes during space missions. Changes in urine and saliva minerals suggested down-regulation of parathyroid gland activity during the space mission.Bilancio G, Cavallo P, Lombardi C, Guarino E, Cozza V, Giordano F, Cirillo M. Urea and minerals monitoring in space missions by spot samples of saliva and urine. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2019; 90(1):43-47.

Salivary levels of phosphorus and urea as indices of their plasma levels in nephropathic patients.

BACKGROUND: Phosphorus and urea are measurable in saliva. Measurements of saliva phosphorus (S-Pho) and saliva urea (S-Urea) could be useful because of low invasivity. Data are limited to saliva tests methodology and to correlations between plasma and saliva compositions. S-Pho and S-Urea were investigated focusing on blind duplicates, differences between collection sites, differences between collection times, freezing-thawing effects, and plasma-saliva correlations. METHODS: Tests were performed using fresh saliva collected by synthetic swap early morning after overnight fast (standard). Methodology was investigated in fifteen healthy volunteers. Plasma-saliva correlations were investigated in thirty nephropathic outpatients. RESULTS: S-Pho and S-Urea in all measurements ranged above detection limits (0.3 mmol/L). In healthy volunteers, S-Pho and S-Urea were similar in duplicates (results for S-Pho and S-Urea: % difference between samples ≤ 4.85%; R between samples ≥ .976, P < .001), in samples from different mouth sites (≤4.24%; R ≥ .887, P < .001), and in samples of different days (≤5.61%; R ≥ .606, P < .01) but, compared to standard, were substantially lower in after-breakfast samples (-28.0% and -21.3%; R ≥ .786, P < .001) and slightly lower in frozen-thawed samples (-12.4% and -5.92%; R ≥ .742, P < .001). In nephropathic patients, S-Pho was higher than but correlated with plasma phosphorus (saliva/plasma ratio 4.80; R = .686, P < .001), whereas S-Urea and plasma urea were similar and correlated with each other (saliva/plasma ratio 0.96; R = .944, P < .001). Post-dialysis changes in S-Pho and S-Urea paralleled post-dialysis changes in plasma phosphorus and urea. CONCLUSION: S-Pho and S-Urea reflect plasma phosphorus and plasma urea. Early morning fasting fresh samples are advisable because collection time and freezing-thawing affect saliva tests.

Maintenance of plasma branched-chain amino acid concentrations during glucose infusion directs essential amino acids to extra-mammary tissues in lactating dairy cows.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of branched-chain AA (BCAA) supplementation when glucose is infused postruminally into lactating dairy cows consuming a diet low in crude protein (CP) and to test the hypothesis that low BCAA concentrations are responsible for the poor stimulation of milk protein yield by glucose. Twelve early-lactation Holstein cows were randomly assigned to 15% and 12% CP diets in a switchback design of 6-wk periods. Cows consuming the 12% CP diet received 96-h continuous jugular infusions of saline and 1 kg/d of glucose with 0, 75, or 150 g/d of BCAA in a Latin square sequence of treatments. Compared with saline, glucose infusion did not affect dry matter intake but increased milk yield by 2.2 kg/d and milk protein and lactose yields by 63 and 151 g/d, respectively. Mammary plasma flow increased 36% during glucose infusion compared with saline infusion, possibly because of a 31% decrease in total acetate plus ß-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. Circulating concentrations of total essential AA and BCAA decreased 19 and 31%, respectively, during infusion of glucose, yet net mammary uptakes of AA remained unchanged compared with saline infusion. The addition of 75 and 150 g/d of BCAA to glucose infusions increased arterial concentrations of BCAA to 106 and 149%, respectively, of the concentrations in saline-infused cows, but caused a decrease in concentrations of non-branched-chain essential AA in plasma, as well as their mammary uptakes and milk protein yields. Plasma urea concentration was not affected by BCAA infusion, indicating no change in catabolism of AA. The lack of mammary and catabolic effects leads us to suggest that BCAA exerted their effects on plasma concentrations of the other essential AA by stimulating utilization in skeletal muscle for protein accretion. Results indicate that the glucose effect on milk protein yield was not limited by low BCAA concentrations, and that a stimulation of extra-mammary use of non-branched-chain essential amino acids by BCAA led to a decrease in milk protein yield.