Contents of Macro- and Microelements in Blood Serum and Breast Muscle of Turkey Subjected to Pre-Slaughter Transport for Various Distances.

In this study, the effect of pre-slaughter handling on the content of macro- and micronutrients in blood serum and in the breast muscle of turkeys was assessed. Four different variants of pre-slaughter handling were used in the research: no transport (N-T), transport for a distance of 100 km (T-100), transport for a distance of 200 km (T-200), and transport for a distance of 300 km (T-300). In each of them, 30 female and 30 male turkeys were used. Blood was collected from the birds before slaughter, and samples of the pectoral muscle were collected after slaughter. In the obtained biological material, the content of Mg, P, Ca, Fe, Na and K was analyzed. On the basis of the obtained research results, it can be concluded that the pre-slaughter handling negatively affects the content of macro- and microelements both in the blood serum and in the pectoral muscles of experimental turkeys. Additionally, differences due to the sex of birds were observed.

Efficacy and Tolerability of a Food Supplement Based on Zea mays L., Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.br.ex Sm, Zinc and Chromium for the Maintenance of Normal Carbohydrate Metabolism: A Monocentric, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

A study on 81 individuals (18-75 years old) with mildly impaired fasting blood glucose (FBG) concentrations (98-125 mg/dL) was undertaken to investigate the tolerability of a food supplement (FS) based on Zea mays and Gymnema sylvestre extracts, zinc, and chromium and its efficacy on glucose and lipid metabolism. The subjects were randomized into three groups (27 in each group) and supplemented with one or two tablet(s)/day of FS (groups 1 and 2, respectively), or two tablets/day of placebo (group 3). Blood sampling was carried out at baseline (t0) and after a 3-month treatment (t1), and biochemical parameters associated with glucose and lipid metabolism and kidney and liver toxicity were evaluated. Compared to the placebo, FBG and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were significantly (p < 0.001) reduced in group 1 subjects. In contrast, at the doses of one and two tablet(s)/day, the FS exerted no effect on the other parameters examined. We conclude that in subjects with slightly impaired FBG, ingestion of a FS based on Z. mays and G. sylvestre extracts, zinc, and chromium over 3 months lowers FBG and modulates glucose homeostasis by improving glucose metabolism. These beneficial effects occur in the absence of biochemical evidence of kidney and liver toxicity.

Serum macroelements and microelements levels in periparturient dairy cows in relation to fatty liver diseases.

BACKGROUND: Fatty liver in dairy cows is a common metabolic disease defined by triglyceride (TG) buildup in the hepatocyte. Clinical diagnosis of fatty liver is usually done by liver biopsy, causing considerable economic losses in the dairy industry owing to the lack of more effective diagnostic methods. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential utility of blood biomarkers for the diagnosis and early warning of fatty liver in dairy cows. RESULTS: A total of twenty-four lactating cows within 28 days after parturition were randomly selected as experimental animals and divided into healthy cows (liver biopsy tested, n = 12) and cows with fatty liver (liver biopsy tested, n = 12). Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine the macroelements and microelements in the serum of two groups of cows. Compared to healthy cows (C), concentrations of calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), strontium (Sr), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), boron (B) and molybdenum (Mo) were lower and copper (Cu) was higher in fatty liver cows (F). Meanwhile, the observed differences in macroelements and microelements were related to delivery time, with the greatest major disparity between C and F occurring 7 days after delivery. Multivariable analysis was used to test the correlation between nine serum macroelements, microelements and fatty liver. Based on variable importance projection and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, minerals Ca, Se, K, B and Mo were screened as the best diagnostic indicators of fatty liver in postpartum cows. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggested that serum levels of Ca, K, Mg, Se, B, Mo, Mn, and Sr were lower in F than in C. The most suitable period for an early-warning identification of fatty liver in cows was 7 days after delivery, and Ca, Se, K, B and Mo were the best diagnostic indicators of fatty liver in postpartum cows.

The BLUP method in evaluation of breeding values of Russian spring wheat lines using micro- and macroelements in seeds.

Genomic selection is a technology that allows for the determination of the genetic value of varieties of agricultural plants and animal breeds, based on information about genotypes and phenotypes. The measured breeding value (BV) for varieties and breeds in relation to the target trait allows breeding stages to be thoroughly planned and the parent forms suitable for crossing to be chosen. In this work, the BLUP method was used to assess the breeding value of 149 Russian varieties and introgression lines (4 measurements for each variety or line, 596 phenotypic points) of spring wheat according to the content of seven chemical elements in the grain - K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu. The quality of the evaluation of breeding values was assessed using cross-validation, when the sample was randomly divided into five parts, one of which was chosen as a test population. The following average values of the Pearson correlation were obtained for predicting the concentration of trace elements: K - 0.67, Ca - 0.61, Mg - 0.4, Mn - 0.5, Fe - 0.38, Zn - 0.46, Cu - 0.48. Out of the 35 models studied, the p-value was below the nominal significant threshold (p-value < 0.05) for 28 models. For 11 models, the p-value was significant after correction for multiple testing (p-value < 0.001). For Ca and K, four out of five models and for Mn two out of five models had a p-value below the threshold adjusted for multiple testing. For 30 varieties that showed the best varietal values for Ca, K and Mn, the average breeding value was 296.43, 785.11 and 4.87 mg/kg higher, respectively, than the average breeding value of the population. The results obtained show the relevance of the application of genomic selection models even in such limited-size samples. The models for K, Ca and Mn are suitable for assessing the breeding value of Russian wheat varieties based on these characteristics.

Response of N, P, and metal ions in deep soil layers to long-term cultivation of rubber and rubber-based agroforestry systems.

The growing demand for natural rubber products has driven the expansion of rubber plantations in recent decades. While much attention has been given to studying the long-term effects of rubber and rubber-based agroforestry systems on surface soil properties, there has been a tendency to overlook changes in soil properties in deeper layers. Our study addresses this gap by examining alterations in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and metal ion levels in deep soil layers resulting from the prolonged cultivation of rubber and rubber-based agroforestry systems. We found notable shifts in soil NH4+ and NO3- concentrations within the 0-30 cm soil layer across different-aged rubber and rubber-based agroforestry systems. Particularly in mature systems, NO3- and available P levels were close to zero below 30 cm soil depth. Introducing Flemingia macrophylla into young rubber plantations increased soil NH4+ and NO3- in the 0-90 cm soil layer and available P in the 0-10 cm soil layer. Over the long term, cultivation of rubber plantations increased the depletion of total P in the 0-50 cm soil layer, available iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in the 30-90 cm soil layer, available copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in the 0-90 cm soil layer, accompanied by a decrease in soil pH and increase in exchangeable aluminum (Al) in the 0-90 cm soil layer. Notably, soil exchangeable Al levels exceeding 2.0 cmol kg-1 appeared to induce aluminum toxicity. Furthermore, soil pH below 5.2 triggered a sharp release of exchangeable Al within the 0-90 cm soil layer of rubber plantations, with soil available P nearing zero when exchangeable Al levels assed 7.3 cmol kg-1. Our findings underscore the profound impact of long-term rubber plantation cultivation on surface and deep soil properties. Addressing soil degradation in these deep soil layers poses significant challenges for future soil restoration efforts.

The synergistic effects of organic composts and microelements co-application in enhancing potato productivity in saline soils.

Soil salinity is a major threat hindering the optimum growth, yield, and nutritional value of potato. The application of organic composts and micronutrients can effectively ameliorate the salinity-deleterious effects on potato growth and productivity. Herein, the combined effect of banana and soybean composts (BCo and SCo) application alongside foliar supplementation of boron (B), selenium (Se), cobalt (Co), and titanium (Ti) were investigated for improving growth, physiology, and agronomical attributes of potato plants grown in saline alluvial soil. Salinity stress significantly reduced biomass accumulation, chlorophyll content, NPK concentrations, yield attributes, and tuber quality, while inducing malondialdehyde and antioxidant enzymes. Co-application of either BCo or SCo with trace elements markedly alleviated salinity-adverse effects on potato growth and productivity. These promotive effects were also associated with a significant reduction in malondialdehyde content and activities of peroxidase and superoxide dismutase enzymes. The co-application of BCo and B/Se was the most effective among other treatments. Principle component analysis and heatmap also highlighted the efficacy of the co-application of organic composts and micronutrients in improving the salinity tolerance of potato plants. In essence, the co-application of BCo with B and Se can be adopted as a promising strategy for enhancing the productivity of potato crops in salt-affected soils.

Determination of Essential Minerals in the Indigenous Vegetables Solanum nigrum (Stout Shade) and Gynandropsis gynandra (Spider Plant) from Two Agroecological Zones in Kisii County, Kenya.

Vegetables are good sources of essential mineral elements that promote good health and immunity. Information on the nutritional contents of indigenous vegetables is scarce. Therefore, this study sought to ascertain the concentrations of magnesium, manganese, chrome, zinc, copper, and iron in Solanum nigrum and Gynandropsis gynandra indigenous vegetables from two agroecological zones (upper midland and lower highland) of Kisii County, Kenya, using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‒OES). For Gnandropsis gynandra, the most abundant erythrocytic synthesis element was Fe (1856.67 ± 15.28 mg/kg DW) for plants harvested from Nyanchwa (UM), and the least was Cu (8.90 ± 0.44 mg/kg DW) in plants harvested from Kari (LH). In addition, Mg was the hypoglycemic element with the highest concentration (5975.00 ± 10.00 mg/kg DW), and Cr lowest (3.16 ± 0.45 mg/kg DW) in samples harvested from Matongo (UM). For Solanum nigrum, the most erythrocytic synthesis element was Fe (1280.00 ± 10.00 mg/kg DW for samples collected from Kiamabundu (UM), and the least was Cu (9.08 ± 0.15 mg/kg DW) in the samples from Nyanchwa (UM), whereas Mg in samples from Nyabioto (UM) was the hypoglycemic element with the highest concentration (4920.00 ± 10.00 mg/kg DW) and Cr in samples from Mariba (LH had the lowest concentration) (3.95 ± 1.63 mg/kg DW). The concentrations of elements in the two indigenous vegetables from the UM agroecological zone were slightly greater than those in the LH agroecological zone. Nonetheless, the variations observed were not statistically significant (P < 0.05). Enzymatically bio accessed concentrations of iron, zinc, chromium, magnesium, manganese, and copper were higher than those obtained aquatically. The indigenous vegetable bio avails substantial amounts of iron and copper to enable them be used in the management pernicious anaemia; on the other hand, the substantial bio availed levels of zinc, manganese, magnesium, and chromium enables the vegetable to be used in the management of diabetes.

Blood Iodine as a Potential Marker of the Risk of Cancer in BRCA1 Carriers.

Breast cancer and ovarian cancer pose a significant risk for BRCA1 carriers, with limited risk-reduction strategies. While improved screening helps in the early detection of breast cancer, preventive measures remain elusive. Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between iodine levels and modulation of cancer risk, but comprehensive studies are scarce. We conducted a prospective study among 989 BRCA1 carriers to assess the association between blood iodine levels and breast and ovarian cancer risk. Using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, we measured blood iodine levels and observed a negative association with breast cancer risk, with a significantly lower risk observed in quartile 4 (iodine > 38.0 µg/L) compared with quartile 1 (iodine < 30 µg/L) (HR = 0.49; 95%CI: 0.27-0.87; p = 0.01). Conversely, a suggestive increase in ovarian cancer risk was observed at higher iodine levels (HR = 1.91; 95%CI: 0.64-5.67; p = 0.25). No significant association was found between iodine levels and overall cancer risk. Our results suggest the potential of iodine to reduce breast cancer risk in BRCA1 carriers after prophylactic oophorectomy but require further validation and investigation of its effect on ovarian cancer risk and overall mortality. These findings highlight the need for personalized strategies to manage cancer risk in BRCA1 carriers.

Blood Lead Level as Marker of Increased Risk of Ovarian Cancer in BRCA1 Carriers.

BRCA1 mutations substantially elevate the risks of breast and ovarian cancer. Various modifiers, including environmental factors, can influence cancer risk. Lead, a known carcinogen, has been associated with various cancers, but its impact on BRCA1 carriers remains unexplored. A cohort of 989 BRCA1 mutation carriers underwent genetic testing at the Pomeranian Medical University, Poland. Blood lead levels were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Each subject was assigned to a category based on their tertile of blood lead. Cox regression analysis was used to assess cancer risk associations. Elevated blood lead levels (>13.6 µg/L) were associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer (univariable: HR = 3.33; 95% CI: 1.23-9.00; p = 0.02; multivariable: HR = 2.10; 95% CI: 0.73-6.01; p = 0.17). No significant correlation was found with breast cancer risk. High blood lead levels are associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer in BRCA1 carriers, suggesting priority for preventive salpingo-oophorectomy. Potential risk reduction strategies include detoxification. Validation in diverse populations and exploration of detoxification methods for lowering lead levels are required.

Immunomodulation through Nutrition Should Be a Key Trend in Type 2 Diabetes Treatment.

An organism's ability to function properly depends not solely on its diet but also on the intake of nutrients and non-nutritive bioactive compounds that exert immunomodulatory effects. This principle applies both to healthy individuals and, in particular, to those with concomitant chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. However, the current food industry and the widespread use of highly processed foods often lead to nutritional deficiencies. Numerous studies have confirmed the occurrence of immune system dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes. This article elucidates the impact of specific nutrients on the immune system function, which maintains homeostasis of the organism, with a particular emphasis on type 2 diabetes. The role of macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, and selected substances, such as omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10, and alpha-lipoic acid, was taken into consideration, which outlined the minimum range of tests that ought to be performed on patients in order to either directly or indirectly determine the severity of malnutrition in this group of patients.

Effect of wax separation on macro- and micro-elements, phenolic compounds, pesticide residues, and toxic elements in propolis.

Propolis, a natural product with many biological activities, is a resinous material produced by honeybees. It contains not only valuable components but also some possible contaminants in varying amounts. Hence, this study aimed to examine how the process step of wax separation affects certain elements, pesticide residues, and phenolic compounds in propolis. Total phenolics, elements, and some pesticide residues were analyzed in the crude propolis (CP samples), wax portion (W samples), and remaining propolis fraction (PF samples) after wax separation. Total phenolics of the CP samples were determined in the range of 31.90-45.00 mg GAE g-1 sample, while those of the PF samples were in the range of 54.97-162.09 mg GAE g-1 sample. Loss/reduction values by means of wax separation for phenolics were calculated as 10.88% and 17.89%, respectively. Pb contents of all PF samples were low (0.232-1.520 mg kg-1), but it was also noteworthy that nearly 40% or even more of Cr, As, Cd, and Pb were removed by wax separation. Removal of significant amounts of carbendazim (38.09%-67.35%), metalaxyl (81.57%-72.67%), tebuconazole (65.99%-78.36%), and propargite (88.46%-83.05%) was also achieved. Wax separation enables the removal of toxic substances from crude propolis without causing huge losses in phenolic compounds.

Effects of Different Ripening Stages on the Content of the Mineral Elements and Vitamin C of the Fruit Extracts of Solanum Species: S. melanocerasum, S. nigrum, S. villosum, and S. retroflexum.

Studies on the mineral and vitamin C contents of different species and ripening stages of Solanum fruits are very limited. The aim of the research was to evaluate the content of the mineral elements and vitamin C of four different Solanum species (S. melanocerasum-SM, S. nigrum-SN, S. villosum-SV and S. retroflexum-SR), and three ripening stages. The mineral composition of Solanum fruits was detected using a CEM MARS 6® (Matthews, NC, USA) digestion system outfitted with a 100 mL Teflon vessel, by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). In total, eleven mineral elements were detected (K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Na, Cu, B, Mn, Al, and Zn). Vitamin C content was assessed by a spectrophotometric method. Depending on the ripening stage/species, content of microelements ranged from 756.48 mg kg-1 DW in SV fruits at ripening stage III, to 211.12 mg kg-1 DW in SM fruits at ripening stage III. The dominant microelement was Fe. The total content of macroelements in Solanum fruits ranged from 26,104.95 mg kg-1 DW in SV fruits at ripening stage II to 67,035.23 mg kg-1 DW in SR fruits at ripening stage I. The dominant macroelement was K. The data from two experimental years showed that the significantly highest content of vitamin C was in SM fruits and ranged from 48.15 mg 100 g-1 at ripening stage I to 45.10 mg 100 g-1 at ripening stage III.

Element contents and their seasonal dynamics in leaves of alder Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.

Alnus glutinosa is an actinorhizal plant that fixes N via actinomycetes. Compared to other trees, A. glutinosa is more resistant to environmental stress and able to uptake soil nutrients more easily. Alnus glutinosa grows well not only in natural stands but also in degraded environment or soil in need of restoration. Changes in the contents of selected macro-, micro-, and non-nutrient elements in the leaves of A. glutinosa during the vegetation season were monitored in the Ore Mountains (Czech Republic), an area affected by extreme air pollution in the past. Decreased foliar content of N, P, K, and Cu, and increased content of Ca, Mn, Zn, and Al were observed; the content of other elements (S, Mg, Pb, and Cd) varied during the growing season or remained constant. From the viewpoint of nutrition, the content of N, S, Ca, and Mg macroelements was adequate; concentrations of P and K were low. Excessive amounts of Mn and Zn were measured, and the level of Cu was good. Non-nutrient elements Pb and Cd were present at the background level, and the level of Al was high. N/P, N/Ca, N/Mg, and Ca/Mg ratios were balanced, S/N value showed the lack of S, and N/K ratio indicated low content of K, which caused also suboptimal K/Ca and K/Mg values. The P/Al ratio varied from balanced to lower values. The content of individual elements and monitored changes were influenced by the amount of elements in the soil, moisture conditions, foliage phenology, and altitude.

Valorization of poultry slaughterhouse waste into fertilizers with designed properties.

Climate change, soil erosion, air and water pollution, or problems related to waste management are just some of the many problems in the modern world. Comprehensive solutions are sought to reduce the effects of progressive environmental degradation according to the assumptions of the concept of sustainable development. The paper presents a technological concept that may be a response to these problems. The presented solution assumes full utilization of slaughterhouse waste with the simultaneous recovery of nutrients and the production of functional fertilizing products with designed properties. Four liquid fertilizer formulations with the following composition were prepared: N - 2.30-3.64%, P2O5 - 2.18-9.66%, and K2O - 0.11-4.49%. The manufactured products were characterized by a high sulfur content and the addition of microelements. The tests carried out on plants confirmed their effectiveness similar to commercial mineral fertilizers. An increase in green matter yield of peas by 5 t/ha and maize by 2 t/ha was observed. The lack of microbiological risk associated with their use has been proven. Good efficiency with a simultaneous reduction in production costs resulting from the use of waste materials, as well as limiting the negative impact of poultry farms on the environment, make this solution an attractive alternative to mineral fertilizers, in line with the assumptions of the circular economy.

Diverse Farming Systems and their Impact on Macro and Microelement Content of Vegetables & Crops.

BACKGROUND: The present study investigates the effect of conventional and organic farming systems on the nutritional profile of crops. Different crops, namely -millet, sorghum, sesame, mustard, fenugreek, berseem, pea, potato, and onion were cultivated through conventional agriculture in which chemical fertilizers like urea, DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) and pesticides were used and organic farming in which organic fertilizers like seaweed and vermicompost were used. OBJECTIVE: The experimental study was done on a field in north India from 2019 to 2021 in six different seasons, and the nutrient profile of the crops with respect to macroelements (S, K, Na, P, Ca, Mg) and microelements (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Al) was compared. METHODS: Macro and microelements were analyzed by Element analyzer and ICP-OES in both types of farming systems. The content of macro, as well as microelements, was found to be significantly higher in all the organically produced crops as compared to the conventionally grown crops. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in the macroelement content of organic onion (P900 mg/kg, K-2000mg/kg) and organic pea (K 2250 mg/kg) as compared to the content of conventionally grown onion (P-756 mg/kg, K- 1550 mg/kg) and pea (K-2000 mg/kg). Similarly, microelement content in the organic sesame (Fe - 3.12 mg/kg), organic millet (Fe- 2.19 mg/kg), and organic potato (Zn-200 mg/kg) was higher as compared to conventionally grown sesame (Fe 2.05 mg/kg), millet (Fe- 1.56 mg/kg) and potato (Zn 167 mg/kg). CONCLUSION: This investigation concludes that crops with optimum nutritional content can be produced through organic farming with minimum input and maximum production.

Leaf Extracts of Invasive Woody Species Demonstrate Allelopathic Effects on the Growth of a Lawn Grass Mixture.

Biochemical composition was studied in the leaf litter of alien woody species included in the 100 most aggressive invasive species of Europe: Ailanthus altissima, Quercus rubra, Acer negundo, Robinia pseudoacacia, and Elaeagnus angustifolia. Using GC-MS, we detected 187 metabolites in the leaf litter, which are phenolic acids and their derivatives, carbohydrates and their derivatives, polyphenolic compounds, cyclic esters, glycosides, and amino acids and their derivatives. Species-specific metabolites were identified for each species. The main allelochemicals in the leaf litter extract of Q. rubra are determined mainly by the relative abundance of phenolic and fatty acids and their esters, whereas those in the leaf litter extract of R. pseudoacacia are determined by carbohydrates and their derivatives and ester of fatty acid, and those in the leaf litter extract of A. altissima are determined by glycosides. Profiles of macro- and microelements were characterized. It was found that aqueous extracts of leaf litter from all the invasive woody plants under study have a negative effect on the seed germination and initial growth of Vicia cracca and Avena strigosa used for the reclamation of disturbed urban and industrial lands. At the same time, V. cracca is potentially more sensitive.

Cobalt and Titanium Alleviate the Methylglyoxal-Induced Oxidative Stress in Pennisetum divisum Seedlings under Saline Conditions.

Salinity is considered to be a global problem and a severe danger to modern agriculture since it negatively impacts plants' growth and development at both cellular- and whole-plant level. However, cobalt (Co) and titanium (Ti), multifunctional non-essential micro-elements, play a crucial role in improving plant growth and development under salinity stress. In the current study, Co and Ti impact on the morphological, biochemical, nutritional, and metabolic profile of Pennisetum divisum plants under three salinity levels which were assessed. Two concentrations of Co (Co-1; 15.0 mg/L and Co-2; 25.0 mg/L), and two concentrations of Ti (Ti-1; 50.0 mg/L and Ti-2; 100.0 mg/L) were applied as foliar application to the P. divisum plants under salinity (S1; 200 mM, S2; 500 mM, and S3; 1000 mM) stress. The results revealed that various morphological, biochemical, and metabolic processes were drastically impacted by the salinity-induced methylglyoxal (MG) stress. The excessive accumulation of salt ions, including Na+ (1.24- and 1.21-fold), and Cl- (1.53- and 1.15-fold) in leaves and roots of P. divisum, resulted in the higher production of MG (2.77- and 2.95-fold) in leaves and roots under severe (1000 mM) salinity stress, respectively. However, Ti-treated leaves showed a significant reduction in ionic imbalance and MG concentrations, whereas considerable improvement was shown in K+ and Ca2+ under salinity stress, and Co treatment showed downregulation of MG content (26, 16, and 14%) and improved the antioxidant activity, such as a reduction in glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), Glutathione reductase (GR), Glyoxalase I (Gly I), and Glyoxalase II (Gly II) by up to 1.13-, 1.35-, 3.75-, 2.08-, and 1.68-fold under severe salinity stress in P. divisum roots. Furthermore, MG-induced stress negatively impacted the metabolic profile and antioxidants activity of P. divisum's root and leaves; however, Co and Ti treatment considerably improved the biochemical processes and metabolic profile in both underground and aerial parts of the studied plants. Collectively, the results depicted that Co treatment showed significant results in roots and Ti treatment presented considerable changes in leaves of P. divism under salinity stress.

Association between Diabetes and Levels of Micronutrients in Qatar-A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to investigate associations between micronutrient levels and diabetes and to explore the association in individuals with controlled and uncontrolled diabetes. METHODS: A case-control study, matched on age and gender, was performed on participants with (cases) and without diabetes (controls), who were Qatari or long-term residents (≥15 years of residence). Participants with diabetes were divided into those with controlled and uncontrolled diabetes using an HbA1c cutoff of 7%. Levels of micronutrients were measured from serum and categorized into normal and abnormal levels. RESULTS: A total of 1118 participants (374 cases and 744 controls) were included with a mean age of 41.7 years (SD 9.9), of whom 53.9% were female. Of those with diabetes, 229 had controlled diabetes and 145 had uncontrolled diabetes. Compared to those without diabetes, participants with diabetes had significantly lower mean magnesium (0.80 mmol/L (SD 0.07) vs. 0.84 mmol/L (SD 0.06), respectively, p < 0.001). Lower magnesium and iron were observed in participants with uncontrolled compared to participants with controlled diabetes. After multivariable logistic regression, diabetes was associated with hypomagnesemia (OR 3.2, 95% CI 3.4-213.9) and low iron (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.03-2.15). Uncontrolled diabetes showed stronger odds of association with hypomagnesemia (OR 5.57, 95% CI 3.65-8.52). CONCLUSION: In an affluent setting in the MENA region, diabetes was associated with low magnesium and low iron, and this association was stronger in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes.

[The study of elemental picture in reliance on age and intensity of physical activity in male inhabitants of Magadan city.]

The study aimed at analyzing the mineral picture of young, middle-aged and elderly men of the city of Magadan having physical activity of a different intensity. The survey involved 235 men aged 18-44, 130 men at the age of 45-59, and 100 men 60-74 years old whose lifestyle varied with the intensity of physical activity. Hair samples were used to assess the content of 25 macro- and microelements (ME) with spectrometric methods on «Optima 2000 DV¼ and «NexION 300D units¼ («Perkin Elmer¼, USA). The analysis showed the so called northern type of ME imbalance experienced by all the examinees regardless of the age and intensity of physical activity with pronounced deficit in essential elements - Ca, Mg, Co, and Se. In case of men 60-74 years old age, we also observed lowered concentrations of Cr, V, and Si. At a younger age, physically active men exhibited significantly higher concentrations of Co, K, and P with lower variables of Cr, Li, V, I, Cd and Pb. The middle-aged subjects were high in P and low in Co, Fe, Mn, Al, Pb, and Sn. As for the elderly males, they tended to show reduced concentrations of As, Be, and Si. The total frequency of elemental deficiency was characteristic of all the age groups with low physical activity, and it was greatest at a younger age regardless of the intensity of physical activity. In addition to preventive measures on maintaining tone, metabolism, training of the heart muscle and blood vessels, the recommended physical activity should be of at least a moderate intensity as a natural physiological corrector to achieve the body bio elemental balance.

Evaluation of the Content of Micro- and Macroelements in Raspberries Depending on the Species, Cultivar Variety, and Geographical Environment.

The study aimed to analyse the macro- and micro-nutrient content in fruits of Rubus species (R. idaeus, R. occidentalis, R. chamaemorus, and R. chingii) and their varieties or hybrids from different regions. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry with deuterium background correction was used to measure concentrations of nine essential elements (K, Mg, Ca, Na, Mn, Fe, Cr, Zn, and Cu) and two heavy metals (Pb, Cd). Chemometric analysis compared the elemental profiles. Results confirmed raspberries as a rich source of macroelements (K, Mg) and microelements (Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr). The 'Bristol' cultivar consistently had the highest Fe content regardless of origin. Cr presence was observed in black raspberries for the first time. Previously observed relationships like K-Na antagonism and Cr/Zn, Fe/Zn synergism were found in raspberry fruits. Factor and cluster analyses demonstrated species and geographical diversity among Polish raspberry samples and clear separation of R. chingii from China. Raspberry fruits, due to the rich complex of polyphenols, are classified as superfoods, and the content of bioelements determined in them guarantees coverage of the daily requirement for macro- and microelements (RDA depending on the element: 5.6-204% for R. idaeus, 8.8-469, 4% for R. occidentalis, and 1.4-67.2% for R. chamaemorus), finally confirming this opinion.