MyMedR

Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 237 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Fulltext Effect of storage conditions on quality of prebiotic dark chocolate

Norhayati, H., Rasma Suzielawanis, Mohd Khan AMohd Khan, A.

Malays J Nutr, 2013;19(1):111-119.
MyJurnal

Introduction: A prebiotic such as inulin is a well-known functional plant food ingredient. It is capable of stimulating growth of beneficial bifidobacteria in the intestine thus protecting against intestinal infections, preventing constipation, increasing mineral absorption, reducing the incidence of colon cancer, and producing B vitamins. Inulin added to food therefore has to be stable during food processing especially against heat treatment, low pH and Maillard reaction. Methods: Newly developed dark chocolate, DC-1, containing inulin (replacing sugar component) as an added value, was stored at 18oC, 60% relative humidity and 25oC, 80% relative humidity (RH) to determine shelf life stability compared to control dark chocolate, DC-0 (with high content of sugar). Sensory evaluation (quantitative descriptive analysis), water activity (aw), microbiological content and presence of inulin after storage of the prebiotic chocolate under both conditions were evaluated to determine shelf life. Results: The DC-1 chocolate had at least 12 months of shelf life at 18oC, 60% RH with better acceptance than DC-0; moreover, it did not experience microbiological and inulin content changes. At 25oC, 80% RH, the growth of Aspergillus sp. was observed on the surface of both DC-0 and DC-1 with aw >0.50 after a 2-month storage. Conclusion: Shelf life stability of DC-1 is almost similar to DC-0.

Matched MeSH terms: Minerals
Fulltext Identification of carotenoid composition in selected ‘ulam’ or traditional vegetables in Malaysia

Fatimah, A.M.Z., Norazian, M.H., Rashidi, O.

International Food Research Journal, 2012;19(2):527-530.
MyJurnal

Ulam or traditional vegetables in Malaysia comprise more than 120 species representing various
families ranging from groundcovers, shrubs to trees. The leaves, shoots, flowers, fruits, roots and rhizomes of the vegetables are eaten fresh as salad or cooked and are consumed to add variety and flavor to the diet, as well as for their health benefits. Ulam species are rich in carbohydrate, protein, mineral and vitamin. This study established that ulam species differ greatly with respect to types and concentrations of carotenoids in leaves. A total of 10 species were evaluated for quantitative and qualitative carotenoid composition through spectrophotometry and HPLC analysis. The main carotenoids identified in these selected ulam were lutein, neoxanthin, violaxanthin, zeaxanthin and β-carotene. The ratio of these carotenoids varies between species.

Matched MeSH terms: Minerals
Fulltext Phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology properties of Strobilanthes crispus

Nurraihana, H., Norfarizan-Hanoon, N.A.

International Food Research Journal, 2013;20(5):2045-2056.
MyJurnal

Strobilanthes crispus (S. crispus) is an herbal medicine plant which is native to countries from Madagascar to Indonesia. The plants contained high amount of mineral content and vitamin C, B1 and B2. This plant are used in medicinal and to treat a variety of ailments in the various traditional systems of medicine. Phytochemical investigations have revealed that the plant contain polyphenols, flavonoids, catechins, alkaloids, caffeine, tannins, compounds known to possess multiple health beneficial effects. Preclinical studies have shown that the plant possess antioxidant, free radical scavenging, anticancer, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, wound healing and antiulcerogenic activities. This review presents the comprehensive overview of phytochemical constituents, pharmacological and toxicological properties of S. crispus and to provide preliminary information for future research and for commercial exploitation.

Matched MeSH terms: Minerals
Fulltext The Safety Of Capsules Containing Lactic Acid Bacilli

Paraidathathu, Thomas, Lee, S.H.

Ann Dent, 1999;6(1):-.
MyJurnal

The population in Malaysia use various types of health and food supplements. These products are considered safe and are used without any concern for their toxicity. Among the products used as health supplements are products that contain lactic acid bacteria. This project studied the acute and subacute toxicity of a product containing minerals, herbs, vitamins and live lactic acid bacteria, on Sprague- Dawley rats. Acute toxicity was tested 24 hours after a single dose and subacute toxicity was studied 24 hours after 7 days of daily dosing. The parameters that were studied were alanine aminotransferase (AL T,SGPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, SGOT), serum urea, ratios of weight of kidney and liver weight to body weight and percentage changes in body weights. The contents of capsules of the product (6, 8 or lO capsules for acute studies and 6, 10 and 12 for subacute studies) were mixed with corn oil and fed orally to rats. Control rats were fed with corn oil alone. In the acute studies, the level of ALT in the rats treated with the contents of the capsule was lower than controls. There were no significant changes in the other parameters of the rats in the treatment groups as compared to controls. There were no significant differences in all the parameters between rats in the treatment groups as compared to controls in the subacute studies. Sprague-Dawley rats fed with high doses of the product did not show signs of toxicity in the parameters that were studied.

Matched MeSH terms: Minerals
Fulltext Composition of tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) and Chinese apple flower (Malus spp.) buds

Voon, H.C., Bhat, Rajeev, Karim, A.A., Rosma, A.

International Food Research Journal, 2013;20(3):1173-1179.
MyJurnal

Traditionally, in Chinese medicine, tree peony and apple flower buds are used to prepare herbal decoctions to cure various ailments. As both of these flowers are popular and used regularly, providing scientific evidence on their basic composition is a necessity. Hence, in the present study, we report the chemical composition of these two flower buds. Results revealed tree peony and apple flower buds to have high crude protein (15.73 and 26.30%), fibre (13.11 and 16.51%), and carbohydrate (57.84 and 40.63%) contents. Both the flowers had significant amounts of essential amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids. Essential minerals present in tree peony and apple flowers were potassium (1540.37 and 1125.60 mg/100 g), calcium (462.46 and 449.98 mg/100 g), magnesium (241.51 and 164.23 mg/100 g), sodium (12.75 and 20.06 mg/100 g), and phosphorus (420.00 and 590.00 mg/100 g), respectively. Heavy metals (cadmium, nickel, mercury, lead, and arsenic) were detected in trace amounts (< 0.50 mg/100 g) in both the flower buds. Results obtained indicate that both flowers could be exploited as an additional source of nutraceutical for the development of new functional foods.

Matched MeSH terms: Minerals
Fulltext Dietary supplementation among doctors in Kelantan

Rohana Abdul Jalil, Zulkifli Ahmad

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2007;7(1):60-63.
MyJurnal

The aim of the study is to describe the usage of dietary supplemenu among doctors working in the hospitals in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. The method used was a postal questionaire survey of the doctors, both specialists and medical officers working in these hospitals. The results showed that
only 28.7% of the doctors are taking dietary supplements. Significantly more female doctors and doctors on long term medication, were taking these supplements. The dietary supplements commonly used were multivitamins and minerals (92.3%), garlic (26.9%), vitamin C (26.9%) and
lecithin (15.4%). The majority of the doctors who took dietary supplements (60%) felt their health status have improved. These supplements were mostly obtained from hospital pharmacies. Doctors who puchase their own supplements spend between RMIO to RMIZO per month. The main reasons given for taking these supplements were that the doctors jfelt healthier' and to ‘prevent or as a supplementary treatment’ for conditions like hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension, ischaemic heart disease and cancers. There were four doctors who regularly use traditional dietary supplements. Most doctors will generally advice their patients and children to take dietary supplements regularly, as they felt that it is important for health.

Matched MeSH terms: Minerals
Fulltext Determination of major ions concentrations in kelantan well water using edxrf

Zaini Hamzah, Wan Noorhayani Wan Rosdi, Abdul Khalik Wood

Journal of Nuclear and Related Technologies, 2012;2012(2):66-72.
MyJurnal

Well water is a renewable natural resources and one of the drinking water sources. The well water may constituted of dissolved essential chemicals such as K+, Ca''+ and Na+ ; and natural radionuclides such as radioisotopes from uranium-thorium decay series. The geology and mineral composition of the soil will determined the kinds and levels of chemical contents in the groundwater resources. The water flows through the geological formation and dissolved the chemicals before reaching the aquifers. To evaluate how much chemicals and natural radioactive in the water resources, a study has been carried out. Well water samples in this study were taken from 3 districts in Kelantan, which is Bachok, Machang and Kuala Krai. Similarly, in situ water quality parameters were measured using YSI portable water quality parameter include pH, salinity, dissolve oxygen(DO), conductivity, turbidity and total dissolved solids(TDS). The concentrations of K', Ca" and Na' were determined using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF). Five ml of filtered sample was pipette into the sample cup and, irradiated and measured for 100 seconds counting times. The type of filter used for measuring If+ and Cat{ was Al-thin and default for Nat The ranged of concentration of Kt Ce and Na+ is 23.04-251.89, 3.12-.45.41, and 3.71-125.75 ppm, respectively.

Matched MeSH terms: Minerals
Fulltext Nutrients depictions of Barhi date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) kernels

Mahmud, I.A., Mirghani, M.E.S., Alkhatib, M.F.R., Yusof, F., Shahabuddin, M., Rashidi, O., et al.

International Food Research Journal, 2017;24(101):0-0.
MyJurnal

Phoenix dactylifera L (Date palm) is one of the oldest known fruit crops in the world, and
the consumption of date fruits is no longer restricted to the Middle Eastern countries. Date
palm kernels are waste products of date fruit industry which are normally being discarded.
Based on their dietary fiber content; date palm kernels (DPK) have been proposed to be used
as fiber-based food supplement, caffeine free coffee alternative and animal feed ingredient.
Hence, utilization of such waste is highly desirable for the date industry. To accommodate these
benefits, and subsequent to some uses associated with DPK, this study sought to investigate the
biochemical and nutritional values of the Barhi date palm kernels (BDPK) grown in Iraq. The
results show that BDPK is an excellent source of dietary fiber (66.24 g/100g). Glutamic acid
was found to be the predominant amino acid, (0.674 g/100g), followed by Arginine and aspartic
acid (0.437 g/100g and 0.320 g/100g, respectively). Potassium was the most occurring mineral
in BDPK (2.39 g/kg), and the main sugars were sucrose and fructose (0.548 g/100g and 0.249
g/100g, respectively). Gas-liquid chromatography revealed that the main unsaturated fatty acid
(USFA) was oleic acid (40.927 mg/100g), while the main saturated fatty acid (SFA) were lauric
acid (20.270 mg/100g) and myristic acid (12.288 mg/100g). Furthermore, the BDPK depicted
considerable concentrations of vitamins, in which vitamin B5 (40.4 mg/100g) showed the
highest value. The results obtained indicate a strong potential for BDPK to be used in human
nutrition, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications and may provide an important economic
advantage through increasing the utilization of BDKP while also additive value will be added
to the residue.

Matched MeSH terms: Minerals
Fulltext Effect of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) on morphological changes in the liver and kidney of rats fed with high fat diet

Noratirah Shazlin, M.A., Asmah, R., Nurul Shazini, R., Hawa, Z.E.J.

Malaysian Journal of Microscopy, 2016;12(1):48-53.
MyJurnal

Mangosteen is a native fruit from Southeast Asia. It is rich in phenolic compounds like xanthones, anthocyanins and phenolic acids and also a good source of fibre and minerals. The present study aim to investigate the effects of mangosteen aril supplementation on the histopathological changes of liver and kidney in rats fed with high fat diet. Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups (n=8), which consisted of normal control group (NC), obese control group (OC), obese supplemented with 200 mg/kg mangosteen group (M200), obese supplemented with 400 mg/kg mangosteen group (M400) and obese supplemented with 600 mg/kg mangosteen group (M600). At the end of seven weeks, obese groups supplemented with mangosteen aril were force feed to correspond mangosteen dosage while the control groups were force feed with distilled water as placebo. At the end of seven weeks of supplementation period, all rats were sacrificed and liver and kidney were collected. All data were analyzed using one way ANOVA and the differences between groups were considered significant at p < 0.05. Results showed that supplementation of mangosteen aril in obese rats able to ameliorate the abnormalities in their liver and kidney tissue caused by high fat diet.

Matched MeSH terms: Minerals
The Potential Source of B. licheniformis Contamination During Whey Protein Concentrate 80 Manufacture

Md Zain SN, Bennett R, Flint S

J Food Sci, 2017 Mar;82(3):751-756.
PMID: 28135405 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.13633

The objective of this study was to determine the possible source of predominant Bacillus licheniformis contamination in a whey protein concentrate (WPC) 80 manufacturing plant. Traditionally, microbial contaminants of WPC were believed to grow on the membrane surfaces of the ultrafiltration plant as this represents the largest surface area in the plant. Changes from hot to cold ultrafiltration have reduced the growth potential for bacteria on the membrane surfaces. Our recent studies of WPCs have shown the predominant microflora B. licheniformis would not grow in the membrane plant because of the low temperature (10 °C) and must be growing elsewhere. Contamination of dairy products is mostly due to bacteria being released from biofilm in the processing plant rather from the farm itself. Three different reconstituted WPC media at 1%, 5%, and 20% were used for biofilm growth and our results showed that B. licheniformis formed the best biofilm at 1% (low solids). Further investigations were done using 3 different media; tryptic soy broth, 1% reconstituted WPC80, and 1% reconstituted WPC80 enriched with lactose and minerals to examine biofilm growth of B. licheniformis on stainless steel. Thirty-three B. licheniformis isolates varied in their ability to form biofilm on stainless steel with stronger biofilm in the presence of minerals. The source of biofilms of thermo-resistant bacteria such as B. licheniformis is believed to be before the ultrafiltration zone represented by the 1% WPC with lactose and minerals where the whey protein concentration is about 0.6%.

Matched MeSH terms: Minerals
Proximate, fatty acid and mineral composition of selected deep sea fish species from Southern Java Ocean and Western Sumatra Ocean, Indonesia

Suseno, S.H., Tajul, A.Y., Nadiah, W.A., Hamidah, Asti, Ali, S.

International Food Research Journal, 2010;17(4):905-914.
MyJurnal

Proximate content, fatty acid and mineral compositions were determined for the ten species of deepsea fish from Southern Java Ocean and Western Sumatra Ocean, Indonesia. The proximate composition was found to be 23.0-24.8 % protein, 1.9-4.1% fat , 0-1.75 % carbohydrate, 1.7-2.4 % ash and 70.1-72.1% water, whereas the fatty acid compositions consisted of 0.86 - 49.63 % saturated fatty acids (SFA), 0.29 - 50.09 % monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and 2.85 % - 46.32 % polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Among them, those occurring in the highest proportions were myristic acid (C14:0, 0.12-7.59%), palmitic acid (C16:0, 0.02–20.5%), stearic acid (C18:0, 0.42–49.19), oleic acid (C18:1, 0.29–50.09 %), linoleic acid (C18:2, 0.23– 44.91%), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n3, 0.41– 4.61%) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n3, 0.28– 3.44%). The rest of the microelements, Cd, Hg, and Pb were all present in amounts below toxic levels.

Matched MeSH terms: Minerals
Fulltext Isolation and characterization of a 2,4-dinitrophenol-degrading bacterium

Noor Suffiah Md. Zin, Siti Nadzirah Padrilah, Mohd Fadhil Abd. Rahman, Koh, Sim Han, Ariff Khalid, Mohd. Yunus Shukor

Bioremediation Science and Technology Research, 2016;4(2):28-33.
MyJurnal

2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) is utilized in the production of wood preservatives, dyes, and also
as a pesticide. Human acute (short-term) exposure to 2,4-DNP in humans by means of oral
exposure are nausea or vomiting, sweating, headaches, dizziness, and weight reduction. Thus, the
removal of this compound is highly sought. A 2,4-DNP-degrading bacterium (isolate 1) was
isolated from a sample soil from Terengganu. This bacterium (isolate 1) was characterized as a
rod Gram positive, non-sporulated, and non-motile bacterium. The bacterium is oxidase negative
and had catalase positive activity and was able to grow aerobically on 2,4-dinitrophenol as the
sole carbon source. This bacterium showed maximal growth on 2,4-DNP at the temperature
optimum of 30 oC, pH 5.0 and was tolerant to 2,4-DNP concentration of up to 0.5 mM (0.092
g/L). This bacterium prefers to use urea as the nitrogen source in addition to yeast extract for
mineral source and vitamin precursors.

Matched MeSH terms: Minerals
Fulltext Gypsum-Based Material for Dental Pulp Capping: Effect of Chitosan and BMP-2 on Physical, Mechanical, and Cellular Properties

Subhi H, Reza F, Husein A, Al Shehadat SA, Nurul AA

Int J Biomater, 2018;2018:3804293.
PMID: 30147725 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3804293

Effective pulp capping material must be biocompatible and have the ability to induce dentin bridge formation as well as having suitable physical and mechanical properties; however, many current materials do not satisfy the clinical requirements. This study aimed to assess the physical and mechanical properties of gypsum-based chitosan material (Gp-CT) and to evaluate its effects on cellular properties of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). The experimental material was prepared with different concentrations of chitosan (CT) with or without BMP-2. Then, setting time, compressive strength, and pH were determined. In addition, cell viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and cell attachment were assessed. The setting time, compressive strength, and pH obtained were 4.1-6.6 min, 2.63-5.83 MPa, and 6.5-5.7, respectively. The cell viability to gypsum (Gp) with different CT concentrations was similar to that of the control on day 1 but statistically different from that of Gp alone on day 3. The ALP activity of SHED was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in CT- and BMP-2-containing materials than those in the control and Dycal at days 3 and 14. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image revealed that flattened cells were distributed across and adhered to the material surface. In conclusion, Gp-CT material shows promise as a potential material for direct pulp capping.

Matched MeSH terms: Minerals
Fulltext The Effects of Chemical Castration with Degarelix on Bone Turnover: Densitometric and Biomechanics Bone Properties of Male Rats

Jayusman PA, Mohamed IN, Shuid AN

Int J Endocrinol Metab, 2018 Jul;16(3):e64038.
PMID: 30197659 DOI: 10.5812/ijem.64038

Background: Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists may cause chemical castration in males by suppressing the pituitary-gonadal axis, hence reducing testosterone level. There are limited data on the effects of degarelix, a newer series of potent and long acting GnRH antagonist on bone.
Objectives: The current study aimed at determining the effects of degarelix on bone turnover, bone densitometry, and bone mechanical strength in male rats.
Methods: Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham (SHAM), orchidectomized (ORX), and degarelix-induced (DGX) groups. Chemical castration was performed by subcutaneous degarelix injection (2 mg/kg) at the scapular region. The rats were scanned for baseline bone mineral area (BMA), bone mineral content (BMC), and bone mineral density (BMD) using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Following six weeks of experimental period, BMA, BMC, and BMD were measured again with DXA and blood was collected for testosterone and bone biomarkers (osteocalcin and C-terminal of type I collagen crosslink (CTX-1)) measurements. The rats were euthanized and femora were dissected for bone biomechanical strength analysis.
Results: Bilateral orchidectomy and degarelix administration significantly lowered serum testosterone level, decreased whole body BMC, femoral BMA, femoral BMC, and femoral BMD (P < 0.05) compared with the SHAM group. However, no significant changes were observed in bone biochemical markers and bone mechanical strength in all experimental groups.
Conclusions: In conclusion, degarelix administration had comparable effects on bone as bilateral orchidectomy. Administration of degarelix provides an alternative method of inducing testosterone deficient-osteopenia in male rats without need for removing the testes.

Matched MeSH terms: Minerals
Fulltext Ficus carica L

Muhammad Aiman, Mohammad Rahimi, Siti Zaharah Sakimin, Mohd Fauzi, Ramlan

The Pertanika Journal of Scholarly Research Reviews, 2019;5(1):37-43.
MyJurnal

Ficus carica L. or fig is the oldest fruit tree that being cultivated by man. Grouped under genus Ficus, this species is grown widely in Mediterranean region and now being cultivated in an area with temperate or sub-temperate climate. Fig planting in Malaysia is still new, which was brought by a man as a hobby at first. Fig is a unique fruit tree as some variety can produce fruits without pollination. Contain lots of carbohydrates, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals such potassium, fibre, calcium, iron compared to other fruits, fig have become an important source of diet to people especially in Mediterranean region since ancient time.

Matched MeSH terms: Minerals
Implication of Physiological and Biochemical Variables of Prognostic Importance in Lead Exposed Subjects

Malik A, Ashraf MAB, Khan MW, Zahid A, Shafique H, Waquar S, et al.

Arch Environ Contam Toxicol, 2020 Apr;78(3):329-336.
PMID: 31620805 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-019-00673-2

The use of leaded gasoline adversely affects cardiovascular, nervous, and immune systems. Study projects to rule out different variables of prognostic importance in lead-exposed subjects. A total of 317 traffic wardens with 5 years of outdoor experience and Hb levels

Matched MeSH terms: Minerals
Nonpharmacological interventions for osteoporosis treatment: Systematic review of clinical practice guidelines

Coronado-Zarco R, Olascoaga-Gómez de León A, García-Lara A, Quinzaños-Fresnedo J, Nava-Bringas TI, Macías-Hernández SI

Osteoporos Sarcopenia, 2019 Sep;5(3):69-77.
PMID: 31728423 DOI: 10.1016/j.afos.2019.09.005

Objectives: The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines to identify nonpharmacologic recommendations for osteoporosis treatment.
Methods: A systematic review of literature following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses)-statement methodology for clinical practice guidelines was conducted; PROSPERO CRD42019138548. Assessment of selected clinical practice guidelines with the AGREE (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation)-II methodological quality instrument was performed, and those graded over 60 points were selected for recommendations extraction and evidence analysis.
Results: Only 6 clinical practice guidelines fulfilled criteria, 69 nonpharmacological recommendations were extracted: 13 from American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology guideline, 16 from Malaysian Osteoporosis Society guideline, 15 from the Ministry of Health in Mexico guideline, 14 from Royal Australian College of General Practitioners guideline, 7 from Sociedad Española de Investigación Ósea y del Metabolismo Mineral guideline, and 7 from National Osteoporosis Guideline Group guideline. Percentage by theme showed that the highest number of recommendations were 12 (17.1%) for vitamin D, 11 (15.7%) for a combination of calcium and vitamin D, and 11 (15.7%) for exercise.
Conclusions: These recommendations address integrating interventions to modify lifestyle, mainly calcium and vitamin D intake, and exercise. Other recommendations include maintaining adequate protein intake, identification and treatment of risk factors for falls, and limiting the consumption of coffee, alcohol and tobacco. Considerations on prescription must be taken.

Matched MeSH terms: Minerals
Mineral and physiochemical evaluation of cockle shell (Anadara granosa) and other selected molluscan shell as potential biomaterials

Bharatham H, Md Zuki Abu Bakar Zakaria, Perimal EK, Loqman Mohamad Yusof, Muhajir Hamid

Sains Malaysiana, 2014;43:1023-1029.

Molluscan shells are attracting research interest due to the diverse application properties possessed. As shells are very similar to bones, this study was conducted to analyze the mineral and physiochemical composition of Cockle (Anadara granosa) shell and three other types of molluscan shell, namely Strombus canarium, Oliva sayana and Terebra dislocata as potential biomaterial for bone tissue engineering applications. Approximately 200 g of shells from each species were processed and powdered for the purpose of this study. Carbon was analyzed using the carbon analyzer while minerals and heavy metals through ICP-MS. The phase purity and crystallographic structures of the powders were identified using X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) while the chemical functionality was determined using the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer. The analysis showed that Cockle shells contained higher content of calcium and carbon including varying amount of other minor elements comparatively. However, all four types of shell powders were found to contain below detectable levels of toxic elements. Physiochemical analysis on phase purity and crystallographic structures showed similar characteristics of carbonate group present in all four shell types. A predominantly aragonite form of calcium carbonate was detected in both XRD diffractogram and FTIR spectra for all samples. Our findings demonstrated that different types of molluscan shells have almost similar mineral and physiochemical characteristics and a predominantly aragonite form of calcium carbonate that provides a strong basis for their use as a potential bone tissues engineering material.

Matched MeSH terms: Minerals
Fulltext Combined virgin coconut oil and tocotrienol-rich fraction protects against bone loss in osteoporotic rat model

Malik MMA, Othman F, Hussan F, Shuid AN, Saad QM

Vet World, 2019 Dec;12(12):2052-2060.
PMID: 32095059 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2019.2052-2060

Background and Aim: Both virgin coconut oil (VCO) and tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) are rich in antioxidants and may protect the bone against bone loss induced by ovariectomy and high-fat diet. The study aimed to determine the protective effects of combined therapy of VCO and TRF on osteoporosis in ovariectomized (OVX) rat fed with high-fat diet.
Materials and Methods: Thirty-six female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups: Sham-operated (SHAM), OVX control, OVX and given Premarin at 64.5 µg/kg (OVX+E2), OVX and given VCO at 4.29 ml/kg (OVX+V), OVX and given TRF at 30 mg/kg (OVX+T), and OVX and given a combination of VCO at 4.29 ml/kg and TRF at 30 mg/kg (OVX+VT). Following 24 weeks of treatments, blood and femora samples were taken for analyses.
Results: There were no significant differences in serum osteocalcin levels between the groups (p>0.05), while serum C-terminal telopeptide of Type I collagen levels of the OVX+VT group were significantly lower than the other groups (p<0.05). The dynamic bone histomorphometry analysis of the femur showed that the double-labeled surface/bone surface (dLS/BS), mineral apposition rate, and bone formation rate/BS of the OVX+E2, OVX+T, and OVX+VT groups were significantly higher than the rest of the groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion: A combination of VCO and TRF has the potential as a therapeutic agent to restore bone loss induced by ovariectomy and high-fat diet.

Matched MeSH terms: Minerals
Environmental evaluation and nano-mineralogical study of fresh and unsaturated weathered coal fly ashes

Akinyemi SA, Gitari WM, Petrik LF, Nyakuma BB, Hower JC, Ward CR, et al.

Sci Total Environ, 2019 May 01;663:177-188.
PMID: 30711584 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.01.308

Coal combustion and the disposal of combustion wastes emit enormous quantities of nano-sized particles that pose significant health concerns on exposure, particularly in unindustrialized countries. Samples of fresh and weathered class F fly ash were analysed through various techniques including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), field-emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) coupled with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Raman Spectroscopy. The imaging techniques showed that the fresh and weathered coal fly ash nanoparticles (CFA-NPs) are mostly spherical shaped. The crystalline phases detected were quartz, mullite, ettringite, calcite, maghemite, hematite, gypsum, magnetite, clay residues, and sulphides. The most abundant crystalline phases were quartz mixed with Al-Fe-Si-K-Ti-O-amorphous phases whereas mullite was detected in several amorphous phases of Al, Fe, Ca, Si, O, K, Mg, Mn, and P. The analyses revealed that CFA-NPs are 5-500 nm in diameter and encapsulate several potentially hazardous elements (PHEs). The carbon species were detected as 5-50 nm carbon nanoballs of graphitic layers and massive fullerenes. Lastly, the aspects of health risks related to exposure to some detected ambient nanoparticles are also discussed.

Matched MeSH terms: Minerals

Filters

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links