Background: Recently, chronic kidney disease (CKD)-mineral and bone disorder (MBD) has become one of common complications occurring in CKD patients. Therefore, development of a new treatment for CKD-MBD is very important in the clinic. In China, Fucoidan (FPS), a natural compound of Laminaria japonica has been frequently used to improve renal dysfunction in CKD. However, it remains elusive whether FPS can ameliorate CKD-MBD. FGF23-Klotho signaling axis is reported to be useful for regulating mineral and bone metabolic disorder in CKD-MBD. This study thereby aimed to clarify therapeutic effects of FPS in the CKD-MBD model rats and its underlying mechanisms in vivo and in vitro, compared to Calcitriol (CTR). Methods: All male rats were divided into four groups: Sham, CKD-MBD, FPS and CTR. The CKD-MBD rat models were induced by adenine administration and uninephrectomy, and received either FPS or CTR or vehicle after induction of renal injury for 21 days. The changes in parameters related to renal dysfunction and renal tubulointerstitial damage, calcium-phosphorus metabolic disorder and bone lesion were analyzed, respectively. Furthermore, at sacrifice, the kidneys and bone were isolated for histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry and Western blot. In vitro, the murine NRK-52E cells were used to investigate regulative actions of FPS or CTR on FGF23-Klotho signaling axis, ERK1/2-SGK1-NHERF-1-NaPi-2a pathway and Klotho deficiency. Results: Using the modified CKD-MBD rat model and the cultured NRK-52E cells, we indicated that FPS and CTR alleviated renal dysfunction and renal tubulointerstitial damage, improved calcium-phosphorus metabolic disorder and bone lesion, and regulated FGF23-Klotho signaling axis and ERK1/2-SGK1-NHERF-1-NaPi-2a pathway in the kidney. In addition, using the shRNA-Klotho plasmid-transfected cells, we also detected, FPS accurately activated ERK1/2-SGK1-NHERF-1-NaPi-2a pathway through Klotho loss reversal. Conclusion: In this study, we emphatically demonstrated that FPS, a natural anti-renal dysfunction drug, similar to CTR, improves renal injury-related calcium-phosphorus metabolic disorder and bone abnormality in the CKD-MBD model rats. More importantly, we firstly found that beneficial effects in vivo and in vitro of FPS on phosphorus reabsorption are closely associated with regulation of FGF23-Klotho signaling axis and ERK1/2-SGK1-NHERF-1-NaPi-2a pathway in the kidney. This study provided pharmacological evidences that FPS directly contributes to the treatment of CKD-MBD.
A study to measure the concentrations of long-lived radionuclides of the uranium and thorium series in naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) wastes was carried out using gamma spectrometry and neutron activation analysis methods. It was found that radionuclides in the NORM wastes of the oil/gas production and ores/minerals processing industries were not in equilibrium. The 226 Ra/ 238 U and 228 Ra/ 232 Th ratios were between 0.001 and 2220 indicating that the concentrations of daughters radionuclides ( 226 Ra, 228 Ra) were very low or very high compared to the parent radionuclides ( 238 U, 232 Th) in the NORM wastes.
Measurements of external radiation level, radon/thoron daughters concentrations in air and uranium/thorium concentrations in airborne mineral dust at 16 amang plants in Malaysia were carried out for three consecutive months to assess radiation dose to workers. Estimated occupational dose was within the range of 1.7-10.9 mSv y(-1). The mean total dose at the amang plants was 4.1 mSv y(-1). Overall, it was found that the major dose contribution of 80% came from external radiation. Radon/thoron daughters and airborne mineral dust contributed to only 11 and 9% of the total dose, respectively.
In a 90-day feeding trial, twenty four (24) Saanen lactating does were assigned to four treatment group. The treatments
were feeding: basal diet only as a control (T1), basal diet with urea molasses multi-nutrient block (UMMB) (T2), basal
diet with medicated urea molasses multi-nutrient block (MUMB) (T3) and basal diet with commercial mineral block (CMB)
(T4). There were significant differences (p<0.05) between T2, T3 and T4 on the fecal egg count (FEC). Animals in T2
and T3 showed moderate level of parasite infestation i.e. at 750 epg and 950 epg, respectively, while animals in T1 and
T4 showed severe parasite load at 4917 epg and 1850 epg, respectively. There were no significant differences (p>0.05)
between treatments on WBC, LYM, MON, GRA, RBC, HCT, MCV, MCH, PLT, MPV and PCT. However, significant effects (p<0.05)
on HBG, MCHC, RDW and PDW were observed in T2 and T3. This research showed that UMMB and MUMB were effective
in controlling parasite infestation in Saanen lactating dairy goats apart from improving their blood hematological
parameters. Comparison with CMB showed that it is practical to be used for parasite control.
The objective of this study was to determine the nutrient composition of selected commercial biscuits in Malaysia. A total
of six brands from each type of biscuit (chocolate chip, corn, cracker with sugar, vegetable flavoured cracker, cream
filled, oatmeal, shortbread and fully coated chocolate wafer) and five brands of wholemeal crackers were sampled
from local supermarkets in the Klang Valley. The total energy content in commercial biscuits was ranging from 453.30
to 499.25 kcal/100 g. Carbohydrate was the major macronutrient in commercial biscuits ranging from 56.86 to 66.07
g/100 g. The highest protein content was found in the wholemeal crackers (9.92 g/100 g) and the lowest protein content
was found in the cream filled biscuits (5.65 g/100 g). Fat content lay in the range of 16.89 to 25.75 g/100 g. The major
minerals detected in biscuits were sodium, followed by calcium and magnesium. The vitamin content in A and E of the
biscuits examined was almost comparable. Small quantities of trans fatty acids were detected in all biscuits in the range
of 0.02 to 0.68 g/100 g. These findings indicate that Malaysian commercial biscuits are a good source of carbohydrate
(34.12-39.64 g per serving), calcium (26.09-384.67 g per serving), magnesium (10.42-37.24 g per serving) and contain
low proportion of trans fatty acids (0.01-0.41 g per serving).
Malaysian edible bird’s nests (EBN) are from the swiflet species, Aerodromus fuciphagus. The objective of this study was to determine and compare the nutrient composition of EBN obtained from different parts of Peninsular Malaysia, collected at three different harvesting seasons, to four commercial brands. A total of 18 raw, unprocessed EBN samples from the North, South and East Coast zones of Peninsular Malaysia and duplicate samples of 4 commercial brands (processed) of EBN samples were analysed. The protein and mineral contents of unprocessed EBN samples between zones and harvesting seasons were comparable. Mean (± SEM) protein content of unprocessed EBN was 61.5 ± 0.6 g/100g and the top four minerals detected were calcium, sodium, magnesium and potassium with mean (± SEM) concentration of 553.1 ± 19.5 mg/100g, 187.9 ± 10.4 mg/100g, 92.9 ± 2.0 mg/100g and 6.3 ± 0.4 mg/100g respectively. Sialic acid content ranged between 0.7 to 1.5%, and remained comparable between samples from different zones and harvesting seasons. The commercial brands were found to contain higher amounts of calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus compared to unprocessed EBN, warranting further investigation and verification with more samples. Since the nutrient contents of EBN may be affected by seasonal variations and even breeding sites, it is recommended that a more comprehensive study be conducted involving more samples and breeding sites as such data are important to ensure sustainability of the EBN industry in this country.
Bee pollen is considered as one of the functional foods due to its complex biochemical
properties. Bee pollen which is collected from pollen grains from various botanical sources
contains almost a complete nutrition such as carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, vitamins
and minerals. Its beneficial effect on health is thought to be due to the presence of phenolic
compounds with its antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activities of ethanolic bee pollen extract
(BPE) from three species of Malaysian stingless bee; Trigona thoracica, Trigona itama and
Trigona apicalis in this study were measured using DPPH-HPLC method and gallic acid (GA)
as a standard reference. The percentage of DPPH inhibition by T. apicalis BPE at 1 mg/mL
showed the highest inhibition (39%, GA equivalent to 0.3 mg/mL) compared with T. itama
(14.3%, GA equivalent to 0.1 mg/mL) and T. thoracica (6.7%, GA equivalent to 0.05 mg/mL).
Our result was the first in reporting antioxidant activity of BPE measured using DPPH-HPLC
method from three different species of Malaysian stingless bee.
Occupational health hazards as a result to exposure to mineral dust containing silica has been established long time ago in occupational health history. Its effects on lung function and symptom was evaluated in a cross sectional studied among 49 small enterprise pottery workers in the county of Sayong clustered in 3 villages. Respiratory symptoms and lung function was evaluated using MRC respiratory questionnaire 86 and standard spirometry performed. The prevalence of chronic cough, phlegm and chest tightness was 24.5%, 16% and16% respectively. There was no significant decrement in lung function parameters from the predicted normal value with the mean predicted FVC; FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio was 85.32%, 83.87% and 99.22 respectively. The relationship between lung symptoms and lung function parameters was evaluated and the result was not significant.
The source and quantity of nutrients available to plants can affect the quality of leafy herbs. A study was conducted to compare quality of Cosmos caudatus in response to rates of organic and mineral-based fertilizers. Organic based fertilizer GOBI (8% N:8% P₂O₅:8% K₂O) and inorganic fertilizer (15% N, 15% P₂O₅, 15% K₂O) were evaluated based on N element rates at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 kg h⁻¹. Application of organic based fertilizer reduced nitrate, improved vitamin C, antioxidant activity as well as nitrogen and calcium nutrients content. Antioxidant activity and chlorophyll content were significantly higher with increased fertilizer application. Fertilization appeared to enhance vitamin C content, however for the maximum ascorbic acid content, regardless of fertilizer sources, plants did not require high amounts of fertilizer.
Tailing sand is the residue mineral from tin extraction that contains between 94% and 99.5% silica, which can be used as moulding sand. It is found in abundance in the Kinta Valley in the state of Perak, Malaysia. Adequate water content and clay in moulding sand are important factors for better strength and
casting quality of products made from tailing sand. Samples of tailing sand were investigated according
to the American Foundrymen Society (AFS) standard. Cylindrical test pieces of Ø50 mm×50 mm in height from various sand-water ratios were compacted by applying three ramming blows of 6666g each using a Ridsdale-Dietert metric standard rammer. The specimens were tested for green compression strength using a Ridsdale-Dietert universal sand strength machine. Before the tests were conducted, moisture content of the tailing sand was measured using a moisture analyser. A mixture bonded with 8% clay possesses higher green compression strength compared to samples bonded with 4% clay. The results also show that in order to achieve maximum green compression strength, the optimum allowable moisture content for mixtures bonded with 8% clay is ranged between 3.75 and 6.5% and for mixtures bonded with 4% clay is 3-5.5%.
Three strains of the chain-forming diatom Skeletonema marinoi, differing in their production of polyunsaturated aldehydes (PUA) and nutritional food components, were used in experiments on feeding, egg production, hatching success, pellet production, and behavior of three common planktonic copepods: Acartia tonsa, Pseudocalanus elongatus, and Temora longicornis. The three different diatom strains (9B, 1G, and 7J) induced widely different effects on Acartia tonsa physiology, and the 9B strain induced different effects for the three copepods. In contrast, different strains induced no or small alterations in the distribution, swimming behavior, and turning frequency of the copepods. 22:6(n-3) fatty acid (DHA) and sterol content of the diet typically showed a positive effect on either egg production (A. tonsa) or hatching success (P. elongatus), while other measured compounds (PUA, other long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids) of the algae had no obvious effects. Our results demonstrate that differences between strains of a given diatom species can generate effects on copepod physiology, which are as large as those induced by different algae species or groups. This emphasizes the need to identify the specific characteristics of local diatoms together with the interacting effects of different mineral, biochemical, and toxic compounds and their potential implications on different copepod species.
The methanolic extracts of 13 accessions of purslane were analyzed for their total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), and total carotenoid contents (TCC) and antioxidant activity of extracts was screened using FRAP assay and DPPH radical scavenging methods. The TPC, TFC, and TCC ranged from 0.96 ± 0.04 to 9.12 ± 0.29 mg GAE/g DW, 0.13 ± 0.04 to 1.44 ± 0.08 mg RE/g DW, and 0.52 ± 0.06 to 5.64 ± 0.09 mg (β-carotene equivalent) BCE/g DW, respectively. The DPPH scavenging (IC50) activity varied between 2.52 ± 0.03 mg/mL and 3.29 ± 0.01 mg/mL and FRAP ranged from 7.39 ± 0.08 to 104.2 ± 6.34 μmol TE/g DW. Among all the measured micro- and macrominerals K content was the highest followed by N, Na, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Zn, and Mn. The overall findings proved that ornamental purslane was richer in antioxidant properties, whereas common purslane possesses more mineral contents than ornamental ones.
Acid sulfate, peat, sandy podzolic, and saline soils are widely distributed in the lowlands of Thailand and Malaysia. The nutrient concentrations in the leaves of plants grown in these type of soils were studied with the aim of developing a nutritional strategy for adapting to such problem soils. In sago and oil palms that were well-adapted to peat soil, the N, P, and K concentrations were the same in the mature leaves, while the Ca, Mg, Na, and Fe concentrations were higher in the mature leaves of the oil palm than of the sago palm. Melastoma malabathricum and Melaleuca cajuputi plants that were well-adapted to low pH soils, peat. and acid sulfate soils were also studied. It was observed that a high amount of Al accumulated in the M. marabathricum leaves, while Al did not accumulate in M. cajuputi leaves. M. cajuputi plants accumulated large amounts of Na in their leaves or stems regardless of the exchangeable Na concentration in the soil, while M. malabathricum that was growing in saline-affected soils excluded Na. Positive relationships between macronutrients were recognized between P and N, between K and N, and between P and K. Al showed antagonistic relationships with P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Na. Na also showed antagonistic relationships with P, K, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Al. Fe showed weak antagonistic relationships with Zn, Mn, Cu, and Al.
Mineral composition of rock has a very important influence on the physical and mechanical properties of tunnel surrounding rock. Take Dangjianshan tunnel in cold regions for example, the rock specimens in different parts of tunnel were taken to carry out the detection test of mineral composition. By the detail qualitative and quantitative analysis, the relationship between mineral composition and surrounding rock engineering properties was explored. First of all, the composition and content of minerals contained in in the rock specimens were detected by X ray fluorescence spectrometer and X ray powder diffraction. The detection results show that rock of tunnel contains high hardness minerals such as quartz and feldspar which were proven by initial engineering geological investigation report, in addition, it also contains several kinds of low hardness minerals including inclined chlorite and illite which may exhibit large deformation characteristic of soft rock after the tunnel excavation in case of meeting water and weathering conditions. The total content of inclined chlorite and illite accounted for a considerable component in main tunnel, inclined shaft and parallel pilot respectively and the influence on surrounding rock engineering properties cannot be ignored. Therefore, mineral composition detection must be paid attention to after tunnel excavation. Secondly, the effects of mineral composition on surrounding rock were analyzed in aspects of rock strength, weathering resistance, water softening property and excavation deformation through comparing the rock samples in different parts of tunnel. The comparative results showed that when the mineral contents is high with high hardness and poor hydrophilicity, tunnel surrounding rock plays a better performance of physical and mechanical properties, vice versa. Finally, according to the specific geological and construction parameters of the tunnel, the correlation analysis was studied about the vault settlement after tunnel excavation and the hydrophilicity mineral content in main cave. The logarithmic relationship between them was found and the correlation coefficient was 0.98. It can provide a useful reference for the settlement prediction of Dangjinshan tunnel construction.
Mango is one of the popular fruits in Malaysia and has been used in the jam, puree and drinks production. Production of food products using mango pulp has generated by-products such as peel and kernel. Disposal of these by-products will cause environmental pollution if not properly treated. Mango peel contains high nutritional composition and antioxidant properties and can be utilised as food ingredients. The objectives of this study are to determine the nutritional composition and antioxidant properties of the peels of two selected mango varieties, namely Golden Lily and Chokanan. Analysis of proximate composition, minerals, total phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS) were carried out in this study. Results of the proximate analysis showed that the peels of both mango varieties were a good source of fibre, which were 14.45% for Golden Lily and 14.89% for Chokanan. The crude fat, crude protein, and total carbohydrate of Chokanan peel (2.62%, 4.67% and 57.74%, respectively) were higher than the Golden Lily peel (1.13%, 2.90% and 53.16%, respectively). Contrastingly, the moisture content of the Golden Lily peel (24.67%) was higher than the Chokanan peel (16.61%). Potassium was the main mineral found in both Golden Lily and Chokanan mango peels (8802.10 mg/kg and 8443.60 mg/kg, respectively). The total phenolic compounds in the peels of both mango varieties were not significantly different. The Chokanan peel contained a higher carotenoids content (35.26 µg/g) than the Golden Lily peel (15.03 µg/g). The ABTS value for Chokanan peel was higher (1406.00 μmol TE/g) than Golden Lily peel (1314.00 μmol TE/g). This study showed that Chokanan and Golden Lily mango peels have the potential to be utilised as ingredient in food products due to their high fibre content.
Kajian ini dijalankan untuk menentukan kesan perencatan fi tat terhadap bioavailabiliti kalsium (Ca), ferum (Fe) dan zink (Zn) dalam produk kacang soya tempatan terpilih. Fitat menyebabkan kesan perencatan terhadap penyerapan mineral seperti Ca, Fe dan Zn dengan membentuk kompleks yang tidak larut dan tidak dapat dicernakan. Kesan perencatan fi tat terhadap bioavailabiliti mineral seperti Ca, Fe dan Zn telah dianggarkan dengan nisbah molar fi tat kepada mineral. Kandungan fi tat ditentukan dengan menggunakan kaedah pertukaran anion dan kandungan mineral ditentukan dengan Spektrofotometer Serapan Atom (AAS). Produk kacang soya dibeli dari pasar malam dan gerai makanan yang terletak di Cheras dan Sri Rampai, Kuala Lumpur. Setiap sampel yang dibeli dari kedua- dua lokasi dianalisis secara duplikat. Kajian ini mendapati kek soya dan kesemua masakan yang mengandungi tempe tidak mempunyai kandungan fi tat. Ini mungkin disebabkan oleh kehadiran R. oligosporus yang menghasilkan fi tase lalu menghidrolisiskan kandungan fi tat semasa proses fermentasi tempe. Terdapat lima jenis sampel makanan yang mempunyai nisbah molar fi tat/Ca > 0.24, sepuluh jenis sampel makanan dengan nisbah molar fi tat/ Fe > 1, lapan jenis sampel makanan mempunyai nisbah molar fi tat/ Zn > 15 dan satu jenis sampel makanan mempunyai nisbah molar [fi tat x Ca]/ Zn > 200. Keputusan nisbah molar fi tat/ mineral dari kajian ini menganggarkan bioavailabiliti Ca, Fe dan Zn yang rendah. Kesimpulannya, kek soya dan masakan mengandungi tempe mempunyai bioavailabiliti mineral yang tinggi manakala tau-hoo pok bakar mempunyai bioavailabiliti mineral yang rendah.
Edible bird's nest (EBN) is a precious food made from the solidified saliva of swiftlets. EBN from three types of origin, namely production, swiftlet species and geographical were characterised based on its nutritional composition, physicochemical properties and antioxidant properties. Proximate composition, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activities were determined following official methods, while mineral and heavy metal contents were obtained by respective atomic adsorption spectrometry (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Amino acids profile and sialic acid were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Calcium and sodium were the major elements in EBN samples at averages of 17,267 mg/kg and 13,681 mg/kg, respectively. Despite protein contents were not significantly different; interestingly the total amino acids in A. fuciphagus EBN, 64.57 g/100 g was found to be 23% higher than in A. maximus EBN. EBN from house, A. fuciphagus and Peninsular Malaysia had greater antioxidant activities, 2.33-3.49 mg AAE/g and higher sialic acid, 13.57 g/100 g while those from cave, A. maximus and East Malaysia contained more minerals like calcium and magnesium. The 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of house, A. fuciphagus and Peninsular Malaysia EBNs were approximately 2 times greater than the others. All samples were complied with the Malaysian Standard MS 2334:2011, except for mercury and nitrite. The overall findings suggest that the quality of EBN was varied following the production, species and geographical origins.
Megaselia scalaris (Loew) is one of the best-known diets for the swiftlet. Previous studies have addressed the problem of some mass rearing conditions for this insect; unfortunately, the details of the nutritional composition of the life stages and cost of the breeding materials were insufficiently reported, even though this information is crucial for farming the edible-nest swiftlet. We aimed to investigate the nutritional composition of the life stages of M scalaris on a cost basis using 3 common commercial breeding materials: chicken pellets (CPs), fish pellets (FPs), and mouse pellets (MPs). Modified Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) proximate and mineral analyses were carried out on the insect's third instar larvae, pupal, and adult stages to determine the nutritional composition. Regardless of the breeding materials, the adult stage of M scalaris had significantly higher crude protein than the other stages; the pupae were rich in calcium, which is required for egg production; and the third instar larvae had the highest amount of crude fat compared with the other stages. Regarding the energy content, there were no significant differences among the stages according to the breeding materials. In terms of nutritional cost, CP was the most economic breeding material and generated the highest amount of nutrients per US dollar (US $). Different life stages of M scalaris were used by the swiftlets by supplying the required nutrients, and future studies should focus on effective diet feeding methods.