Proximate Composition and Mineral Contents of Edible Part of Four Species of Shellfishes from the Calabar River, Nigeria

Aims: To evaluate the proximate composition and mineral contents of edible part of four species of shellfishes (Callinectes amnicola, Thais coronata, Tympanotonus fuscatus and Egeria radiata) from the Calabar River, Nigeria. Place and Duration of Study: Institute of Oceanography, University of Calabar, Nigeria, between October 2016 and May 2017. Methodology: The proximate composition was analyzed following standard methods recommended by AOAC, while mineral contents were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric (AAS) method. Results: Protein and ash contents were highest in E. radiata (32.10 ± 0.06% and 3.80 ± 0.01%) and least in T. coronata (14.88 ± 0.01% and 2.57 ± 0.02%). Fat, fibre and moisture contents were highest in T. coronata (1.50 ± 0.01%, 0.06 ± 0.01% and 76.35 ±0.01%) and least in T. fuscatus (1.18 ± 0.01%), E. radiata (0.04 ± 0.01% and 61.20 ± 0.11%). Nitrogen-free extract was highest in C. amnicola (6.42 ± 0.25%) and least in E. radiata (1.50 ± 0.10%). Sodium content was highest in C. amnicola (108.34 ± 0.08 mg/100 g) and least in T. fuscatus (16.33 ± 0.01 mg/100 g). Calcium content was highest in T. coronata (188.42 ± 0.09 mg/100 g) and least in T. fuscatus (49.86 ± 0.01 mg/100 g). Copper, iron and manganese contents were highest in T.coronata (10.03 ± 0.02 mg/100 g, 14.83 ± 0.01 mg/100 g and 1.65 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) and least in C. amnicola (0.49 ± 0.01 mg/100 g), E. radiata (8.76 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) and T. fuscatus (0.21 ± 0.01 mg/100 g). All proximate composition and mineral contents except fibre content were significantly different (P < 0.05) among the four species. Conclusion: The nutritional values of the four species of shellfishes studied are suitable for human consumption, and the species could have potential alternative for animal feed industries. Therefore, aquaculture activities related to shellfishes should be encouraged to reduce pressure and total dependence on wild stock.

Nutritional quality and safety aspects of wild vegetables consume in Bangladesh

Objective: To evaluate the nutritional composition, including major minerals, essential trace elements and toxic heavy metals of five different wild vegetables Dhekishak (Dryopteris filix-mas), Helencha (Enhydra fluctuans), Kalmishak (Ipomoea aquatica), Patshak (Corchorus capsularis) and Shapla stem (Nymphaea stellata) and their safety aspects. Methods: Proximate parameters moisture, ash, fat, fiber, protein, carbohydrate and energy; major minerals Na, K, Ca and Mg; trace elements Fe, Zn and Cu; and toxic heavy metals Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni and Hg were evaluated in the selected wild vegetables using the standard food analysis techniques. Results: The results from nutritional analysis showed that all the wild vegetables used in this study had a low content of crude fat and high content of moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fiber, carbohydrate and energy having the recommended dietary allowances. The vegetables were also rich in major minerals Na, K, Ca and Mg, sufficient in essential trace elements Fe, Cu and Zn while the heavy metals Pb, Cr and Ni were detected higher in amount in all the vegetables except Patshak than the limits recommended by Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization. The heavy metals Cd and Hg were not detected in any vegetable. Conclusions: The outcome of this study suggests that the wild vegetables have very good nutritional potential to meet the recommended dietary allowances, but special awareness should be taken for public health concern about the high level of Pb, Cr and Ni which exceed the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization recommended limits for the metals in vegetables.

Ethnobotanical Importance and Nutritional Potential of Wild Leafy Vegetables of Meghalaya State in India.

The nutritional potential of five wild edible leaves of the plant e.g. Chenopodium album, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Homalomena aromatica, Zanthoxylum rhetsa and Cajanus indicus collected from Meghalaya state in India were evaluated by determining proximate and phytochemical composition. These plants are used by the local people of Meghalaya state in India as their food. The present study revealed that for different plant species, the crude fat content ranged between 0.69±0.02-2.30±0.02%. The crude protein content was determined high in the leaves of Cajanus indicus (15.77±0.03 %) and in Zanthoxylum rhetsa (13.75±0.05%) while the available carbohydrate content was the highest in the leaves of Alternanthera philoxeroides (73.67±0.30 %). The nutritive value ranged from 77.41±0.53-344.52±0.33 kcal/100g in the various wild edible plants. Among the various macronutrients estimated in the plant samples of different wild edible plants potassium was present in the highest quantity (10.42±0.10- 45.86±0.22mg /g) followed by calcium (5.93±0.15 -26.47±0.18 mg/g) and sodium (0.32±0.01-8.25±0.07 mg /g). Micronutrients, such as iron, zinc, copper, manganese and magnesium were also analyzed in the different plant specimens. The result indicates that the nutritional values and mineral contents of these leafy vegetables under investigation were richer than that of the commercial vegetables and could be used for nutritional purpose. The present study also gives an account of ethnobotanical importance of the wild plants under investigation.

Mineral contents from some fabaceous plant species of Rajasthan desert.

Evaluation of mineral contents from three selected plant species of Fabaceae family growing in arid region of Rajasthan Desert was carried out. The roots, shoots and fruits of Clitoria ternatea, Sesbania bispinosa and Tephrosia purpurea collected from two different areas Chhatargarh area (Bikaner district) and Ratangarh area (Churu district) were analysed for mineral contents. The maximum Calcium (3.86%), Phosphorus (0.48%), Potassium (0.92%) and Sodium (1.08%) contents were found in roots and shoots of Grewia tenax collected from study area.

The Efficacy of Shikonin on Cartilage Protection in a Mouse Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The potential therapeutic action of shikonin in an experimental model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was investigated. As a RA animal model, DBA/1J mice were immunized two times with type II collagen. After the second collagen immunization, mice were orally administered shikonin (2 mg/kg) once a day for 35 days, and the incidence, clinical score, bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC) and joint histopathology were evaluated. BMD in the proximal regions of the tibia largely increased in the shikonin treatment group compared with the control group. We also examined the effect of shikonin on inflammatory cytokines and cartilage protection. Shikonin treatment significantly reduced the incidence and severity of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), markedly abrogating joint swelling and cartilage destruction. Shikonin also significantly inhibited the production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and up-regulated tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 in mice with CIA. In conclusion, shikonin exerted therapeutic effects through regulation of MMP/TIMP; these results suggest that shikonin is an outstanding candidate as a cartilage protective medicine for RA.

Relation among Hair Mineral Contents, Nutrient Intakes and Clinical Symptoms of Male Middle School Students in Urban and Local Area / 대한지역사회영양학회지

Minerals play important roles in biological processes. Hair mineral analysis has the advantages of conveniences in sampling and observing the profiles of multiple minerals simultaneously. The purpose of this study was to compare hair mineral contents between urban and local middle school students, and to find out the relation with nutrient intakes and clinical symptoms. Ten nutritional minerals and 7 environmental mineral contents were analyzed in the hair samples of 44 and 37 male students who resided in urban and local area, respectively. And their nutrient intake and clinical symptom score were estimated from questionnaire. The average age, height, and weight were 15.1 years, 168.4 cm, 56.8 kg in urban subjects and 15.4 years, 169.1 cm, 61.9 kg in local subjects, respectively. The residence types were apartment (63.6%) and small-sized apartment (22.7%) in urban subjects and apartment (51.4%) and house (37.8%) in local subjects. The primary water sources were purified water (38.3%), running water (18.2%) in urban subjects and purified water (32.4%), underground water (27.0%) in local subjects, respectively. Daily energy and nutrient intakes were not significantly different between two groups. Among the surveyed 17 clinical symptoms, the scores of constipation, cold, anxieties and total score of clinical symptoms in urban subjects were significantly lower than those in local subjects. Hair contents of Na, Mg, Ca, Cu, V, Al, As were significantly higher, while U was lower in urban subjects compared to those in rural subjects. Hair contents of Ni and U were significantly correlated with food intake, and Cr, V, Al, Sb, As, U showed a correlation with energy intake. Hair Mg level showed significantly negative correlation with total clinical symptom score. In conclusion, hair mineral profile between urban and local students was significantly different. And some of these minerals were significantly correlated with food and nutrient intakes. Especially hair magnesium was significantly correlated with total clinical symptom score. Therefore, hair mineral levels would be needed for more systematic study elucidating potentiality as a useful clinical tool.

Effects of Mulberry Leaf Powder Supplementation on Lead Status and Minerals content in Pb-administered Rats

This study was designed to investigate the effects of mulberry leaf powder supplementation on lead (Pb) status and mineral (Ca, Fe, Cu and Zn) content in Pb-administered rats for 4 weeks. Thirty two male rats were divided into 4 groups: a control, Pb, Pb5M (500 ppm Pb + 5% mulberry leaf powder), and Pb10M (500 ppm Pb + 10% mulberry leaf powder). There were no significant differences in food intake and initial body weight among groups. Mulberry leaf powder treatments showed significant decreases in food efficiency ratio and body weight gain. But FER of Pb5M% and Pb10M were significantly increases than that of Pb group. The levels of serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and creatinine were decreased by mulberry leaf powder treatment. Minerals content of liver and kidney were significantly decreased in the Pb groups than that of control group. Whereas, fecal minerals content were significantly increased in the Pb5M and Pb10M than those of control group. Pb content of serum, liver and kidney was significantly increased in the Pb group than those of control group. However, by mulberry leaf powder administration (Pb5M and Pb10M), Pb level of serum, liver and kidney were lowered than that of Pb group. And fecal Pb excretion was significantly increased in the Pb5M and Pb10M than that of Pb group. These results showed mulberry leaves were effective for lowing Pb accumulation in serum, organs, which may have potential to prevent Pb toxicity.

Comparative Analysis of Bone Mineral Contents withDual-Energy Quantitative Computed Tomography / 대한치료방사선과학회지

PURPOSE: The Dual-Energy Quantitative Computed Tomography(DEQCT) was compared with bone equivalent K2HPO4 standard solution and ash weight of animal cadaveric trabecular bone in the measurement of bone mineral contents(BMC). METHOD AND MATERIALS: The attenuation coefficient of tissues highly depends on the radiation energy, density and effective atomic number of composition.The bone mineral content of DEQCT in this experiments was determined from empirical constants and mass attenuation coefficients of bone,fat and soft tissue equivalent solution in two photon spectra.In this experiments, the BMC of DEQCT with 80 and 120kVp X rays was compared to ash weight of animal trabecular bone. RESULTS: We obtained the mass attenuation coefficient of 0.2409, 0.5608 and 0.2206 in 80kVp, and 0.2046, 0.3273 and 0.1971cm2/g in 120kVp X-ray spectra for water, bone and fat equivalent materials, respectively.The BMC with DEQCT was acomplished with empirical constants K1=0.3232, K2=0.2450 and mass attenuation coefficients has very closed to ash weight of animal trabecular bone. The BMC of empirical DEQCT and that of manufacturing DEQCT were correlated with ash weight as a correlation r=0.998 and r=0.996, respectively. CONCLUSION: The BMC of empirical DEQCT using the experimental mass attenuation coefficients and that of manufacture have showed very close to ash weight of animal trabecular bone.

Effects of Kampo Therapy on Serum Estrogen Levels and Bone Mineral Content in Climacteric Disorder / 日本東洋医学雑誌

Serum estrogen levels and bone mineral contents were measured to study their changes during treatment of climacteric disorder with Kampo therapy.<br>Sixty-five patients who visited the outpatient department of climacteric hormones received either (1) estrogen, (2) Kampo therapy (Saiko-ka-ryukotsu-borei-to, Keishi-bukuryo-gan, or Tokaku-joki-to) or (3) a calcium preparation alone or only psychological therapy (no drug treatment), for six months. Group (3) was treated as the control. Serum E2 levels, bone mineral contents, and cortical bone width index, etc., were determined before and after treatment.<br>In patients treated with Saiko-ka-ryukotsu-borei-to, blood E2 levels increased. In patients treated with Saiko-ka-ryukotsu-borei-to or Tokaku-joki-to, reductions in bone mineral content and the cortical bone width index were suppressed. We therefore concluded that Saiko-ka-ryukotsu-borei-to is effective in preventing osteoporosis. This study also suggests that a combination of Kampo therapy and a calcium preparation may be highly beneficial in preventing menopausal osteoporosis.

Analysis of mineralogical and chemical composition of pharmaceutical montmorillonite clay / 中草药

Object The mineralogical and chemical compositions of the natural pharmaceutical montmorillonite clay were analysed with the aim of approaching the material base of its action Methods The means of X ray diffraction (SRD) and X ray fluorescence (SRF) were used for the quantitative analysis of the mineralogical and chemical compositions of the montmorillonite clay samples Results The essential mineralogical and chemical compositions of the six samples were obtained Conclusion Though there is some difference in mineralogical composition of the montmorillonite clay samples from different deposits, the average percentage of montmorillonite content in samples is 86%, and the chemical compositions of six samples are nearly similar

AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON MEASUREMENT AND PREDICTION OF SKULL BONE STRENGTH BY MEANS OF QUANTIT ATIVE COMPUTED T0MOGRAPHY / 中国法医学杂志

This investigation determined the content of water,organic components and mineral of 80 skullparital bones from cadavers. Basing on semistatic test of anti-bending and anti-compressive mechanicsthe bone mineral contents were measured by quantitative computed tomogrophy. The relationship be-tween bone mineral contents and the mechanical properties was showed. The results suggested thatthere are positive interrelationship between anti-bending strength and skull spongiosa and betweenanti. compressive strength and skull compacta interna (r = O. 51 and O. 34, P