Cell wall stabilization and calcium absorption on mango fruit treated with a quarantine hot water treatment combined with calcium salts and stored at chilling temperature.

Hot water treatment (HT) induces chilling injury (CI) tolerance in mango, but prolonged exposure to HT causes softening. In this sense, calcium salts stabilize the cell wall. Nevertheless, there is little information on the effect of HT combined with calcium salts (HT-Ca) on calcium absorption and cell wall stability during storage of mango at CI temperature. We evaluated the effect of quarantine HT in combination with calcium chloride (CaCl2 ), calcium citrate (CaCit), or calcium lactate (CaLac) on calcium absorption, CI tolerance, and cell wall stabilization. HT and HT-CaCl2 had the lowest CI development. HT increased firmness loss and electrolyte leakage, and HT-Ca counteracted this effect. Overall, HT-Ca treatments had a similar effect on the cell wall degrading enzymes. HT-CaCl2 was the best treatment and did not present alterations on the epicuticular wax as observed on HT. HT-CaCl2 is a useful technology to stabilize cell wall and preserve mango during chilling storage. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The addition of calcium salts in an established hot water quarantine procedure for mango exportation represents a viable alternative to counteract the negative effects of this thermal treatment upon cell microstructure, maintaining its positive effect of tolerance to chilling injury. In this sense, mango producers and packers can use a HT-CaCl2 treatment to reduce the presence of chilling injury and extent the fruit shelf life and improve its commercialization. Furthermore, technical and infrastructure changes are not necessary for the packaging chain.

Calcium lactate as an attractive compound to partly replace salt in blue-veined cheese.

In addition to their high sodium content, cheeses are thought to induce an acid load to the body, which is associated with deleterious effects on consumers' health. Our objective was to explore the use of alkalinizing salts in partial substitution of NaCl to reduce both the sodium content and the acid-forming potential of cheese, without altering its sensory properties. Blue-veined cheeses were produced under industrial conditions, using brine salting followed by dry salting with a 4:1 (wt/wt) mixture of calcium lactate:NaCl or calcium citrate:NaCl. Sodium chloride was used in 2 granulometries: coarse (control treatment) and fine, to obtain homogeneous mixtures with the organic salts. Cheeses were then ripened for 56 d. No major appearance defects were observed during ripening. Calcium lactate substitution decreased the Na content of the cheese core by 33%, and calcium citrate substitution increased the citrate content of the cheese core by 410%, respectively, compared with fine NaCl. This study highlighted the substantial role of salt granulometry in sodium content, with the use of the coarse salt reducing the sodium content by 21% compared with fine salt. Sensory profiles showed nonsignificant differences in bitter and salty perceptions of salt-substituted cheeses with calcium lactate and calcium citrate compared with control cheeses. The use of calcium lactate should be considered to reduce the sodium content and improve the nutritional quality of cheeses while maintaining the sensory quality of the products. Alkalinizing organic salts could replace the acidifying salts KCl or CaCl2, which are currently used in salt replacement and are not recommended for consumers with renal disease. The method described here should be considered by cheese-making producers to improve the nutritional quality of cheese. Additional nutritional optimization strategies are suggested.

Tricalcium citrate - a new brittle tableting excipient for direct compression and dry granulation with enormous hardness yield.

OBJECTIVES: Tricalcium citrate (TCC) was characterized as a tableting excipient for direct compression (DC) and dry granulation (DG). SIGNIFICANCE: Brittle materials usually lead to tablets of inferior mechanical strength compared to plastic deforming materials. A brittle material exhibiting a high tabletability with the ability to retain that behavior during recompression would represent a valuable alternative to the commonly used microcrystalline cellulose. METHODS: Tablets of TCC and other common fillers were directly compressed for the purpose of compression analysis including Heckel analysis, speed dependency, and lubricant sensitivity. DG by roller compaction of TCC was first simulated via briquetting and experiments were subsequently repeated on a roller compactor. RESULTS: TCC appears as an excellent flowing powder of large agglomerates consisting of lower micron to submicron platelets. Despite the brittle deformation mechanism identified in the Heckel analysis, TCC demonstrated a very high mechanical strength up to 11 MPa in conjunction with an astonishingly low solid fraction of 0.85 at a compression pressure of 400 MPa. This was seen along with hardly any speed and lubricant sensitivity. Nevertheless, disintegration time was very short. TCC tablets suffered only a little from the re-compression: a slight loss in tensile strength of 1-2 MPa was observed for granules produced via roller compaction. CONCLUSIONS: TCC was found to be suitable for DC as a predominantly brittle deforming filler, nevertheless demonstrating an enormous hardness yield while being independent of lubrication and tableting speed. TCC furthermore retained enough bonding capacity after DG to maintain this pronounced tabletability.

Características de los factores fisicoquímicos que componen la orina de los niños con hipercalciuria / Characteristics of the physicochemical factors that compound the urine of children with hypercalciuria

OBJETIVO: La hipercalciuria constituye un factor de riesgo litógeno frecuente. El objetivo de este estudio ha sido, en primer lugar, examinar las características de los factores bioquímicos que componen la orina de los niños con hipercalciuria (HC) y compararlas con las de niños normales. En segundo lugar, analizar las diferencias que presentan los niños con hipercalciuria y litiasis (HCL) de los niños con hipercalciuria sin litiasis (HSL) MÉTODOS: Muestra constituida por 111 casos con HC, divididos en 2 grupos: grupo HSL, compuesto por 93 casos sin historia personal de litiasis renal, grupo HCL, 18 casos con historia personal de litiasis renal. Como grupo control se utilizó una cohorte de 113 niños sanos. En sangre y en orina de 24 horas se determinaron los siguientes parámetros: creatinina, urea, sodio, potasio, cloro, ácido úrico, calcio, fósforo, magnesio y osmolalidad. En la orina se determinó oxalato y citrato. RESULTADOS: En comparación con el grupo control, los valores medios de la natriuresis, uricosuria, fosfaturia, magnesuria, citraturia, saturación de sales oxalato cálcico y saturación de fosfato cálcico estaban más elevados en las HSL. El grupo HCL presentaba la fosfaturia, saturación de oxalato cálcico y fosfato cálcico más elevadas en comparación con el grupo control. No había diferencias significativas en la excreción urinaria de los distintos parámetros cuando se compararon los grupos HSL y HCL. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestros resultados muestran que en los niños con hipercalciuria sin litiasis asociada existe una elevación en la excreción renal de sodio, ácido úrico, magnesio, y citrato. No encontramos diferencias entre estas anomalías urinarias cuando comparamos los casos con hipercalciuria sin litiasis de aquellos que presentan hipercalciuria y litiasis asociada

OBJECTIVE: Hypercalciuria is a common lithogenic risk factor. The aim of this study was, first, to study the characteristics of urine biochemical factors of children with hypercalciuria (HC) and compare them with those of children without hypercalciuria. Second, to analyze the differences between children with HC and lithiasis (HCL) and children with HC and no lithiasis (HCNL). METHODS: The sample was composed by 111 cases with HC, divided into 2 groups: HCNL group, consisting of 93 cases with no personal history of kidney stones, and HCL group, 18 cases with personal history of kidney stones. As a cohort control group, 113 healthy children were used. Creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, chlorine, uric acid, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and osmolality: blood and 24-hour urine following parameters were determined. Oxalate and citrate were determined in urine. RESULTS: The mean values of natriuresis, uricosuria, phosphaturia, magnesuria, citraturia, calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate saturation were higher in HCNL than in control group. The HCL group had phosphaturia, calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate saturations more elevated compared with the control group. There were no significant differences in urinary excretion of various parameters when the groups HCL and HCNL were compared. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that children with hypercalciuria without lithiasis associated show an increase in natriuresis, phosphaturia, uricosuria, magnesuria and citraturia. We found no differences between these urinary abnormalities when compared hypercalciuric children without lithiasis with those with hypercalciuria and urolithiasis

Effect of salts on formation and stability of vitamin E-enriched mini-emulsions produced by spontaneous emulsification.

Emulsion-based delivery systems are being utilized to incorporate lipophilic bioactive components into various food, personal care, and pharmaceutical products. This study examined the influence of inorganic salts (NaCl and CaCl2) on the formation, stability, and properties of vitamin E-enriched emulsions prepared by spontaneous emulsification. These emulsions were simply formed by titration of a mixture of vitamin E acetate (VE), carrier oil (MCT), and nonionic surfactant (Tween 80) into an aqueous salt solution with continuous stirring. Salt type and concentration (0-1 N NaCl or 0-0.5 N CaCl2) did not have a significant influence on the initial droplet size of the emulsions. On the other hand, the isothermal and thermal stabilities of the emulsions depended strongly on salt levels. The cloud point of the emulsions decreased with increasing salt concentration, which was attributed to accelerated droplet coalescence in the presence of salts. Dilution (2-6 times) of the emulsions with water appreciably improved their thermal stability by increasing their cloud point, which was mainly attributed to the decrease in aqueous phase salt levels. The isothermal storage stability of the emulsions also depended on salt concentration; however, increasing the salt concentration decreased the rate of droplet growth, which was the opposite of its effect on thermal stability. Potential physicochemical mechanisms for these effects are discussed in terms of the influence of salt ions on van der Waals and electrostatic interactions. This study provides important information about the effect of inorganic salts on the formation and stability of vitamin E emulsions suitable for use in food, personal care, and pharmaceutical products.

Tiempo de filtración del citrato de calcio y magnesio obtenido a partir de dolomita cubana / Filtration time for calcium cytrate and magnesium from the Cuban dolomite

El citrato de calcio y magnesio es una materia prima de calidad farmacéutica obtenida a partir de dolomitas cubanas, con la finalidad de ser empleada en la producción de formas terminadas para suplir calcio y magnesio en personas con deficiencias de estos minerales. Como parte de la optimización del proceso tecnológico de obtención, se estudió el tiempo de filtración con el objetivo de evaluar el comportamiento a escalas superiores. Para ello se realizó un estudio de desescalado para determinar las condiciones en la escala de banco, empleando como criterio de escalado mantener igual consumo de potencia por unidad de volumen. A través de la ecuación fundamental de la filtración, se determinó el tiempo de esta operación. El estudio de filtración dio como resultados que el valor de la resistencia del medio filtrante era Rm= 6,08 × 1010 m-1 y la resistencia de la torta a= 1,239 × 1010 m/kg-1 a una diferencia de presión constante (Dp= 9,99 × 104 kg/m·s2). Mientras que el tiempo medio de filtración fue de 494,6 s (8,24 ± 3,0 min). En conclusión, los resultados mostraron que el tiempo de filtración es adecuado para el proceso tecnológico estudiado, y el estudio de escalado demostró la viabilidad del proceso de filtración(AU)

Calcium and magnesium citrate is a raw material of pharmaceutical quality obtained from Cuban dolomites to be used in those people with deficiency in these two minerals. As part of the technological process optimization, the filtering time was studied to evaluate the possible behaviour at higher scales. To this end, one scale-down study was made to determine the conditions at bench scale by keeping the same power consumption per volume unit. The fundamental filtering equation allowed determining the time for this operation. The results of this study showed that the resistance value of the filtering material was Rm= 6.08 · 1010 m-1 and the resistance of the mass was a= 1,239 , 1010 m·kg-1 at constant pressure (Dp= 9,99 × 104 kg/m·s2). The filtration time was 494,6 s (8,24 ± 3,0 min). The results showed that the filtration time was correct for the studied technological process and the scale up study demonstrated the feasibility of the filtration process (AU)

Tiempo de filtración del citrato de calcio y magnesio obtenido a partir de dolomita cubana / Filtration time for calcium cytrate and magnesium from the Cuban dolomite

El citrato de calcio y magnesio es una materia prima de calidad farmacéutica obtenida a partir de dolomitas cubanas, con la finalidad de ser empleada en la producción de formas terminadas para suplir calcio y magnesio en personas con deficiencias de estos minerales. Como parte de la optimización del proceso tecnológico de obtención, se estudió el tiempo de filtración con el objetivo de evaluar el comportamiento a escalas superiores. Para ello se realizó un estudio de desescalado para determinar las condiciones en la escala de banco, empleando como criterio de escalado mantener igual consumo de potencia por unidad de volumen. A través de la ecuación fundamental de la filtración, se determinó el tiempo de esta operación. El estudio de filtración dio como resultados que el valor de la resistencia del medio filtrante era Rm= 6,08 × 1010 m-1 y la resistencia de la torta a= 1,239 × 1010 m/kg-1 a una diferencia de presión constante (Dp= 9,99 × 104 kg/m·s2). Mientras que el tiempo medio de filtración fue de 494,6 s (8,24 ± 3,0 min). En conclusión, los resultados mostraron que el tiempo de filtración es adecuado para el proceso tecnológico estudiado, y el estudio de escalado demostró la viabilidad del proceso de filtración

Calcium and magnesium citrate is a raw material of pharmaceutical quality obtained from Cuban dolomites to be used in those people with deficiency in these two minerals. As part of the technological process optimization, the filtering time was studied to evaluate the possible behaviour at higher scales. To this end, one scale-down study was made to determine the conditions at bench scale by keeping the same power consumption per volume unit. The fundamental filtering equation allowed determining the time for this operation. The results of this study showed that the resistance value of the filtering material was Rm= 6.08 · 1010 m-1 and the resistance of the mass was a= 1,239 , 1010 m·kg-1 at constant pressure (Dp= 9,99 × 104 kg/m·s2). The filtration time was 494,6 s (8,24 ± 3,0 min). The results showed that the filtration time was correct for the studied technological process and the scale up study demonstrated the feasibility of the filtration process

Secado del citrato de calcio y magnesio a escala de banco / Calcium magnesium citrate drying at bench scale

El citrato de calcio y magnesio es una materia prima obtenida a partir de dolomítas. Como parte de la optimización del proceso tecnológico, se estudió a escala de banco la etapa de secado para predecir su comportamiento a escalas superiores. Los resultados de este estudio mostraron que a partir de las 7:30 h de secado la muestra alcanza un contenido de humedad por debajo del 5 por ciento. Por otro lado, se observó que en las primeras 6 h la cantidad de agua evaporada representa más del 85 por ciento de la cantidad total presente en la muestra. Se concluye que el proceso de secado es adecuado para garantizar que el citrato de calcio y magnesio tenga un contenido de humedad por debajo de lo exigido para materias primas de calidad farmacéutica(AU)

Calcium and magnesium citrate is a raw material obtained from dolomite. As part of the optimization of technological process, we studied it at bench scale, the dry stage to predict its behavior at higher scales. Results of this study showed that from 7:30 hours, sample drying reaches a humidity content lower 5 percent. Besides, we noted that during the first 6 hours, quantity of evaporation water represents more than 85 percent of total quantity present in sample. We conclude that drying process is appropriate to guarantees that calcium and magnesium citrate has humidity content lower than that required for raw products of pharmaceutical quality(AU)

Secado del citrato de calcio y magnesio a escala de banco / Calcium magnesium citrate drying at bench scale

El citrato de calcio y magnesio es una materia prima obtenida a partir de dolomítas. Como parte de la optimización del proceso tecnológico, se estudió a escala de banco la etapa de secado para predecir su comportamiento a escalas superiores. Los resultados de este estudio mostraron que a partir de las 7:30 h de secado la muestra alcanza un contenido de humedad por debajo del 5 por ciento. Por otro lado, se observó que en las primeras 6 h la cantidad de agua evaporada representa más del 85 por ciento de la cantidad total presente en la muestra. Se concluye que el proceso de secado es adecuado para garantizar que el citrato de calcio y magnesio tenga un contenido de humedad por debajo de lo exigido para materias primas de calidad farmacéutica.

Calcium and magnesium citrate is a raw material obtained from dolomite. As part of the optimization of technological process, we studied it at bench scale, the dry stage to predict its behavior at higher scales. Results of this study showed that from 7:30 hours, sample drying reaches a humidity content lower 5 percent. Besides, we noted that during the first 6 hours, quantity of evaporation water represents more than 85 percent of total quantity present in sample. We conclude that drying process is appropriate to guarantees that calcium and magnesium citrate has humidity content lower than that required for raw products of pharmaceutical quality.

BMD decreases over the course of a year in competitive male cyclists.

UNLABELLED: Male cyclists have been found to have low BMD in cross-sectional studies. Changes in BMD values over 1 yr of training and competition were studied in 14 male cyclists. BMD decreased significantly at the total hip, neck, trochanter, and shaft regions but not the lumbar spine. This first prospective study of cyclists showed a decrease in BMD over the course of 1 yr. INTRODUCTION: Cross-sectional studies have shown that some endurance athletes, and cyclists in particular, have low BMD. Whether vigorous cycle training is causally related with low BMD remains unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Changes in BMD values over 1 yr of training and competition were studied in 14 male road cyclists, 27-44 yr of age. Subjects were randomized to receive 1500 (500 mg with meals) or 250 mg of supplemental calcium citrate daily. BMD measurements were obtained at pre-, mid-, post-, and off-season time points over 1 yr. Dermal calcium loss during exercise was estimated using a patch collection technique to examine calcium loss as a potential mediator of changes in BMD. RESULTS: Using paired t-tests, BMD was found to decrease significantly from pre- to off-season at the total hip, neck, shaft, and trochanter regions (relative changes of -1.5 +/- 2.1%, -0.7 +/- 2.1%, -0.9 +/- 2.1%, and -1.0 +/- 1.2%, respectively, all p < 0.05). The 1.0 +/- 1.2% decrease in BMD at the lumbar spine failed to reach statistical significance (p = 0.079). There were no differences in changes in BMD between the calcium supplementation groups. The 2-h dermal calcium loss was estimated at 136.5 +/- 60.5 mg. Higher dermal calcium losses were associated with lower baseline BMD values at the total hip, neck, and shaft (all p < 0.05), but were not significantly associated with changes in BMD. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that high intensity cycle training may adversely affect BMD. Excessive dermal calcium loss during exercise may be a contributing factor, but mechanisms remain to be elucidated.

[Studies on constituents of Rosa bracteata fruits(II)].

OBJECTIVE: To find the active constituents of Rosa bracteata Wendl. to antagonize withdrawal syndrome in morphinedependent mice. METHODS: The constituents were isolated and purified by silica gel chromatography repeatedly. Their structures were made clear by chemical reactions and on the evidence of spectroscopy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Five compounds were isolated from the fruits and four of them were determined as trimethly citrate, dimethyl 3-carboxyl-3-hydroxypentanedioate, 3-hydroxy-3-methoxycarbonyl-pentanedioic acid, calcium citrate, which were found from the Rose genus plant for the first time.

1H NMR investigations of the molecular nature of low-molecular-mass calcium ions in biofluids.

High-resolution 1H NMR spectroscopy was employed to explore the complexation of Ca2+ by low-molecular-mass biomolecules in human saliva. The results acquired revealed that the organic acid anion (OAA) citrate acts as a powerful oxygen-donor chelator for salivary Ca2+, and accurate determination of its resonances' frequencies and spin-system pattern could be successfully utilized to determine its degree of saturation with this metal ion. Computer modelling studies demonstrated that the OAA lactate is the only competing salivary Ca2+ complexant available. Moreover, the Ca2+-complexation status of salivary citrate is substantially modified by dentifrice-mediated elevations in its concentration. 1H NMR analysis was also applied to determinations of the Ca2+ saturation status of citrate in a variety of alternative biofluids and the biochemical significance of these results is discussed.