Dynamics of Selected Trace Minerals during Estrus Induction in Anestrus Sahiwal Cattle

The present study evaluated the effect of circulatory trace mineral profiles on fertility response during estrus induction by progesterone based therapy in acyclic Sahiwal cattle. Sahiwal cows and post-pubertal heifers (n=25 each) with true anestrus condition (acyclicity confirmed ultrasonographically) were subjected to CIDR-based protocol (intravaginal CIDR application for 7 days, 500 IU eCG at CIDR removal, followed by estrus observation and AI). In heifers, additionally an injection of 5.0 mg estradiol valerate at CIDR insertion was given. Blood samples on days 0 (before CIDR application), 3, 5, 7 and 9 were collected. Almost similar estrus induction (68% vs. 64%) and subsequent conception rates (41.2% vs. 50%) during the first induced estrus were recorded in cows and heifers, respectively. During the course of treatment, significant (P<0.05) variation in plasma copper and zinc concentrations was recorded both in cows and heifers. Contrarily, manganese concentrations varied significantly (P<0.05) in cows only. However, iron profiles remained uniform during the course of treatment. Significantly (P<0.05) higher pre-treatment plasma concentrations of copper, zinc and manganese was recorded in those cows and heifers in which estrus was induced, compared to those in which estrus induction failed to occur. No significant difference (P>0.05) was recorded for iron concentration vis-à-vis estrus induction response. Hence, it is indicated that circulatory copper, zinc and manganese profiles influence the reproductives energy in acyclic animals and their suboptimal profiles may reduce the efficacy of estrus induction protocols in Sahiwal cattle.

Influence of Heat Processing on Nutrient Composition and Energy Values of Selected Cereals Consumed in Nigeria.

Aims: The influence of heat processing on the nutrient composition and energy values of selected cereals (Sorghum, Maize, Millet, and Rice) consumed in Nigeria were investigated. Study Design: Cereals samples (100 g each) were weighed out for processing prior to analysis. The weighed samples were divided into two lots of raw and cooked sample. Raw sample was sun dried, further oven dried for 24 hours and ground into flour which passed through a 30-mesh test sieve. The second lot was cooked to tenderness by boiling with deionized water for 15 minutes at 120ºC. Thereafter, the cooking solution was discarded. Samples were drained, oven dried, ground using a food grinder (Model MX 491N, National) into flour 20-mesh screen and stored in a clean dry air-tight sample bottle in a refrigerator (4ºC) until required for analysis. Place and Duration of Study: Analysis was done at the Department of Biochemistry, Anambra State University, between April 2014 and May 2014. Methodology: Proximate composition was determined following standard methods. Mineral compositions were determined using Bulk Scientific Atomic Absorption/Emission Spectrophotometer 200A. Results: Cooking significantly (P<0.05) increased the moisture content of the samples with maize retaining the highest moisture content. Dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, ash, total carbohydrate and calorific values decreased significantly after heat processing. Cooking also decreased the level of divalent metals Fe, Zn, and Ca, but increased the monovalent metal Na compared to their levels in raw samples except Cu that decreased significantly. Conclusion: Heat processing significantly decreased the nutrient compositions of cereals.

Perfil bioquímico y valores de referencia en sangre del cordón umbilical / Biochemical profile and reference values in umbilical cord blood / Perfil bioquímico e os valores de referência no sangue do cordão umbilical

Cumpliendo con el propósito fundamental de la medicina de laboratorio que es aportar al especialista información que le sea de utilidad en el proceso de decisión médica, el objetivo del trabajo fue establecer el perfil bioquímico de recién nacidos sanos de Villa Clara a través de la cuantificación de indicadores en sangre del cordón umbilical y estimar, preliminarmente, en dichos analitos sus valores de referencia para esta población. Se utilizó como muestra el suero obtenido de la sangre del cordón umbilical de 80 recién nacidos sanos (40 de sexo femenino y 40 de sexo masculino) que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión establecidos para este estudio. Se cuantificaron parámetros de química clínica (urea, creatinina, alaninamino transferasa, aspartatoamino transferasa, bilirrubina total, fosfatasa alcalina, gamma-glutamiltransferasa, colesterol, triglicéridos y VLDL), inmunológicos (inmunoglobulinas IgM, IgG e IgA, y las proteínas C3 y C4 del sistema del complemento) y de minerales (hierro, cobre, cinc sodio, potasio, magnesio y calcio). Finalmente se establecieron los valores de referencia para cada parámetro, tomando el intervalo interpercentil correspondiente al intervalo central (95%) delimitado por los percentiles 2,5 y 97,5. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en dependencia del sexo del recién nacido en ningún analito. Con los valores encontrados de los indicadores estudiados se obtuvo la caracterización bioquímica de neonatos en Villa Clara. Este conocimiento es un instrumento que puede permitir acceder a un rápido diagnóstico de numerosas afecciones pues, probablemente la alteración de cierto indicador comparada con su valor normal en la sangre del cordón sirva de biomarcador para detectar de forma temprana determinada enfermedad o riesgo de padecer la misma.

Taking into account the fundamental purpose of laboratory medicine, which is to provide the specialist with information that will be useful in the process of medical decision, it has been decided to establish the biochemical profile of healthy newborns of Villa Clara through the quantification of indicators in cord blood and the preliminary estimate of their reference values for our population. Sera samples were used, obtained from umbilical cord blood of 80 healthy newborns (40 females and 40 males) who met the inclusion criteria for this study. Were quantified clinical chemistry parameters (urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, cholesterol, triglycerides and VLDL). Immunological parameters (immunoglobulins IgM, IgG and IgA, and C3 and C4 proteins of the complement system) and minerals (iron, copper, zinc, potassium, magnesium and calcium) were quantified. Finally reference values for each parameter were established, taking the interval corresponding to the interpencentil center (95%) interval delimited by the 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles. No statistically significant differences were found depending on the sex of the newborn in any analyte. With the values found for the indicators studied, biochemical characterization of infants in Villa Clara was obtained. This knowledge is a tool that can enable access to rapid diagnosis of many diseases. Probably some indicator change in its value in relation to normal umbilical cord blood can serve as a biomarker for early detection of specific disease or risk.

Levando em consideração o propósito fundamental da medicina laboratorial, que é proporcionar a informação especializada ao especialista, a qual será útil no processo de decisão médica, se decidiu estabelecer o perfil bioquímico de recém-nascidos saudáveis de Villa Clara, através da quantificação de indicadores de sangue do cordão umbilical e a estimativa preliminar de seus valores de referência para esta população. Foi utilizado como amostra o soro obtido do sangue do cordão umbilical de 80 recém-nascidos saudáveis (40 de sexo masculino e 40 de sexo feminino) que preencheram os critérios de inclusão para este estudo. Foram quantificados parâmetros de química clínica (urde la feia, creatinina, alanina aminotransferase, aspartato aminotransferase, bilirrubina total, fosfatase alcalina, gama-glutamil transferase, colesterol, triglicérides e VLDL) imunológicos (imunoglobulinas IgM, IgG e IgA, e as proteínas C3 e C4 do sistema do complemento) e de minerais (ferro, cobre, zinco, sódio, potássio, magnésio e cálcio). Finalmente foram estabelecidos os valores de referência para cada parâmetro, tomando o intervalo entre percentil correspondente ao intervalo central (95%) delimitado pelos percentis 2,5 e 97,5. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas em função do sexo do recém-nascido em qualquer analito. Com os valores encontrados dos indicadores estudados foi obtida a caracterização bioquímica de neonatos em Villa Clara. Este conhecimento é uma ferramenta que pode permitir o acesso a um diagnóstico rápido de inúmeras doenças, provavelmente a alteração de certo indicador comparada com seu valor normal no sangue do cordão umbilical sirva como um biomarcador para a detecção precoce de uma doença específica ou o risco de sofrer essa doença.

Concentrações de ferro, cobre, zinco e manganês em equinos da raça Puro-sangue Lusitano, antes e após exercício / Serum concentration of iron, copper, zinc and manganese in Pure-bred Lusitano horses, before and after exercise

O presente trabalho objetivou determinar a atividade sérica dos microminerais ferro, cobre, zinco e manganês em 30 equinos atletas da raça Puro-sangue Lusitano (PSL), antes e depois de exercícios, atestados por avaliações clínicas e laboratoriais. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas, antes e imediatamente após 20 minutos de exercício físico de trote e galope suaves realizados em pista de areia, para a realização das dosagens dos microminerais. A concentração dos microelementos foi determinada por espectrofotometria de absorção atômica. Observou-se que após o exercício, a atividade sérica de ferro não sofreu variações (P=0,2365), enquanto os valores de cobre se elevaram significativamente após o treinamento (P<0,001). Já o zinco e o manganês diminuíram após o exercício (P<0,001). Pode-se concluir que o exercício físico de curta duração pode gerar sudorese capaz de alterar as concentrações séricas de ferro, cobre, zinco e manganês em cavalos atletas da raça Puro-sangue Lusitano.

In order to evaluate the sera concentrations of iron, copper, zinc and manganese trace minerals in thirty Pure-bred Lusitano athlete horses before and after exercise certified by clinical and laboratory assessments were studied. Blood samples were taken before and after 20 minutes of a dairy trot and gallop slight training, perfomed in a sandy floor ring, to measure the mineral concentrations, by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. It was observed that after exercising, the serum activity of iron did not change (P=0.2365), whereas copper values have significantly risen after training (P<0.001). On the other hand, zinc and manganese trace minerals decreased after exercise (P<0.001). In conclusion, it is possible to consider that the short time exercise may trigger sweating and consequently to change the serum concentration of iron, cooper, zinc and manganese in Pure-bred Lusitano athlete horses.

Diferentes fontes e níveis de selênio sobre a imunidade humoral de frangos de corte / Different sources and levels of selenium on humoral immunity of broiler chickens

O presente trabalho teve o objetivo de investigar os efeitos da variação de níveis e fontes de selênio (Se) sobre a imunidade humoral de frangos de corte. Foram utilizados 1440 pintos de um dia, machos, criados até os 42 dias. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com seis dietas experimentais (A: 0,15mg kg-1 Se inorgânico (inorg.); B: 0,15mg kg-1 Se orgânico; C: 0,15mg kg-1 Se inorg.+orgânico; D: 0,45mg kg-1 Se inorgânico; E: 0,45mg kg-1 Se orgânico; F: 0,45mg kg-1 Se inorg.+orgânico) calculadas para fornecerem a quantidade de Se descritas, e seis repetições com 40 aves cada. Foi utilizado um arranjo fatorial 3x2 e os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, com nível de significância a 5 por cento. A imunidade foi avaliada por meio da resposta à vacina contra a Doença de Newcastle e resposta à sensibilização prévia com eritrócitos de carneiro (SRBC). Não foi observada diferença estatística ao nível de significância de 5 por cento, para os títulos de anticorpos contra a vacina da Doença de Newcastle (P>0,05). Entretanto aos 14 dias o fator fonte obteve probabilidade (P=0,0580), resultado que mostra uma tendência de influência da fonte inorgânica na manutenção da imunidade materna, pois nesta idade as aves ainda não haviam sido vacinadas contra a Doença de Newcastle. Não foi observado nenhum efeito para variável de resposta a sensibilização prévia com SRBC (P>0,05). Os resultados mostram que as aves responderam imunologicamente ao estímulo, porém a variação da fonte e do nível de Se não foi capaz de induzir uma diferença significativa na resposta imunológica das aves. Os níveis e fontes de Se não têm efeito sobre a resposta imunológica aos eritrócitos de carneiro (SRBC) e, resposta imunológica a vacina contra a Doença de Newcastle.

The use of organic trace minerals is getting strength and is an alternative to increase production and improve other characteristics such as humoral immunity. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels and sources of selenium (Se) on humoral immunity of broilers. A six-week research was conducted using 1440 one-day-old males broiler chickens. The experimental design was randomized with six experimental diets (A: 0.15mg kg-1 inorganic (inorg.); B: 0.15mg kg-1 organic; C: 0.15mg kg-1 inorg.+organic; D: 0.45mg kg-1 inorganic; E: 0.45mg kg-1 organic; F: 0.45mg kg-1 inorg.+organic) calculated to provide the described amount of Se. Each diet was replicated in six box with 40 birds. A 3x2 factorial arrangement was used and the data were analyzed by ANOVA. The immunity was evaluated by means of the reaction against vaccine of Newcastle disease, and a reaction against sheep red blood cells (SRBC). No significant effects were observed at 5 percent significance level in NewCastle antibody (P>0.05). However at 14 day-old the source factor had p value at 0.0580, that show a trend of inorganic source in prolong the maternal immunity. No effect was observed in the immune response against SRBC (P>0.05). The results showed a immunologic response against Newcastle vaccine and SRBC, but the treatments was not able to induce a significant difference. The source and the level of Se showed no effect on the response against Newcastle vaccine and SRBC.

Women with Fibromyalgia Have Lower Levels of Calcium, Magnesium, Iron and Manganese in Hair Mineral Analysis

Little is known about hair mineral status in fibromyalgia patients. This study evaluated the characteristics of hair minerals in female patients with fibromyalgia compared with a healthy reference group. Forty-four female patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria were enrolled as the case group. Age- and body mass index-matched data were obtained from 122 control subjects enrolled during visit for a regular health check-up. Hair minerals were analyzed and compared between the two groups. The mean age was 43.7 yr. General characteristics were not different between the two groups. Fibromyalgia patients showed a significantly lower level of calcium (775 microg/g vs 1,093 microg/g), magnesium (52 microg/g vs 72 microg/g), iron (5.9 microg/g vs 7.1 microg/g), copper (28.3 microg/g vs 40.2 microg/g) and manganese (140 ng/g vs 190 ng/g). Calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese were loaded in the same factor using factor analysis; the mean of this factor was significantly lower in fibromyalgia group in multivariate analysis with adjustment for potential confounders. In conclusion, the concentrations of calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese in the hair of female patients with fibromyalgia are lower than of controls, even after adjustment of potential confounders.

Iron Intake During Pregnancy on Serum Concentrations of Trace Minerals in Mothers and Neonates

It is a common clinical practice to recommend taking iron supplements for pregnant women during gestation. Although it is required to ensure adequate iron stores during pregnancy, there has been some debate over the interference effects of excessive iron load, because it is possible to compete in the transport in the intestine and placenta and in binding to serum proteins of other trace minerals. In this study, maternal and neonatal serum concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Se, Cr, Mn, and Co were assessed along with maternal Fe intakes. A total of 124 pregnant women and their term neonates participated voluntarily in this research. The women were divided into one of the three groups {high Fe intake (HFI), median Fe intake (MFI), and low Fe intake (LFI)} by their total Fe intakes and one of the two groups (Anemic and Normal) by their Fe nutritional status. All the data were compared among the three groups and between the two groups also. Total Fe intakes of HFI, MFI, and LFI groups were 140.8 +/- 76.1, 68.0 +/- 11.2, and 30.2 +/- 8.6 mg/day, respectively. Those of Anemic and Normal groups were 90.1 +/- 74.8 and 86.6 +/- 46.8 mg/day, respectively. Maternal Hb concentration and Hct were not significantly different among HFI, MFI, and LFI groups but those were significantly different between Anemic and Normal groups. However, neonatal Hb concentration was not significantly different among HFI, MFI, and LFI groups and between Anemic and Normal groups either. Maternal serum Fe concentrations of the three groups, HFI, MFI, and LFI, were similar but that of Anemic group was significantly lower compared to Normal group. However, there was no significant difference in neonatal serum Fe concentrations among the three groups and between the two groups either. Serum concentrations of the other trace minerals in both mothers and neonates were not significantly different among HFI, MFI, and LFI groups and between Anemic and Normal groups. In addition, in the maternal serum, Fe concentration was positively correlated to Zn and Se concentration, respectively. As for the neonatal serum, Fe concentration showed a positive correlation to Zn, Cu, Mn, Se, and Co concentration, respectively. No trace mineral concentration was found to correlate negatively to Fe concentration in both maternal and neonatal serum, The results in this study indicate that Fe intakes of pregnant women, even if it is considerably above the level of estimated average requirement (EAR), may not affect serum Fe concentration in both mothers and neonates. In addition it might not influence adversely on the availability of other trace minerals including Zn and Cu in both mothers and neonates.