Bone mineral content after renal transplantation

Forearm bone mineral content (BMC), as evaluated by photonabsorption densitometry, was measured in 28 cadaver kidney donor recipients who entered the study 8 weeks postoperatively and were followed up for 18 months. BMC decreased signifiantly (p<0.05) but marginally in placebo-treated patients (n=14) (initial BMC 1.09±0.25 g/cm; final BMC 1.05±0.24). Fourteen patients were prophylactically given 1,25(OH)2vitamin D3 in a dose which avoided hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria (sim0.25 µg/day); under 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 prophylaxis a significant decrease of forearm BMC was observed no longer (initial BMC 0.94±0.21 g/cm; final BMC 0.95±0.21), but the difference between placebo and 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 narrowly missed statistical significance (p=0.066). It is concluded that the decrease of forearm BMC is negligible in transplant recipients with low steroid regimens. The data suggest a trend for prophylaxis with 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 to slightly ameliorate forearm (cortical) BMC loss

Computerized tomographic determination of spinal bone mineral content

The aims of the study were three-fold: to determine the magnitude of vertebral cancellous mineral loss in normal subjects during bedrest, to compare this loss with calcium balance and mineral loss in peripheral bones, and to use the vertebral measurements as an evaluative criterion for the C12MDP treatment and compare it with other methods. The methods used are described and the results from 14 subjects are presented

ANALYSIS OF FICUS CARICA L. – VOLATILE COMPONENTS AND MINERAL CONTENT

Ficus carica L. is a well-known Mediterranean plant, its fructus - the fig- is consumed widely, mostly in the southern region of Europe. It’s a member of the Moraceae family, one of the earliest crops. It can be consumed raw, dried or even as jam as a part of the Mediterranean diet. One part of our research was to determine the volatile components of Ficus carica L. The composition of volatile components are important for the determination of fruit quality. We compared two extraction methods, examined by SPME-GC/MS. Two preparation methods were used: directly measured by SPME, and also samples made by steam distillation. Figs has an important role as phytonutrition. Mineral element content was determined by ICP. Fig is a good source of elements for Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn and Mo, since eating 5 dkg of dried fig covers more than 15% of the Recommended Dietry Allowances

A retrospective analysis of longitudinal changes in bone mineral content in cystic fibrosis

Background: We aimed to describe the longitudinal changes in bone mineral content and influencing factors, in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods: One hundred children (50 females) had dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) performed. Of these, 48 and 24 children had two to three scans, respectively over 10 years of follow-up. DXA data were expressed as lumbar spine bone mineral content standard deviation score (LSBMCSDS) adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity and bone area. Markers of disease, anthropometry and bone biochemistry were collected retrospectively. Results: Baseline LSBMCSDS was &gt;0.5 SDS in 13% children, between −0.5; 0.5 SDS, in 50% and ≤−0.5 in the remainder. Seventy-eight percent of the children who had baseline LSBMCSDS &gt;−0.5, and 35% of the children with poor baseline (LSBMCSDS&lt;−0.5), showed decreasing values in subsequent assessments. However, mean LS BMC SDS did not show a significant decline in subsequent assessments (−0.51; −0.64; −0.56; p=0.178). Lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s percent (FEV1%) low body mass index standard deviation scores (BMI SDS) and vitamin D were associated with reduction in BMC. Conclusions: Bone mineral content as assessed by DXA is sub-optimal and decreases with time in most children with CF and this study has highlighted parameters that can be addressed to improve bone health

Regional variation in the microhardness and mineral content of porcine long bones

Pig carcasses are frequently used as models for the human cadaver in the study of trauma and wound patterns. Limited availability and ethical concerns over the use of human tissue has meant that porcine bone is often used as a substitute for human bone in such studies. However, there is a lack of comprehensive mechanical data to make informed decisions on the choice of model to account for variations in the age, sex and body mass. In this study, variation in the properties of cortical bone along the length of the porcine humerus and ulna, from five female pigs aged over 36 months, was investigated by using Vickers microhardness tests. Transverse sections were taken from the proximal, mid and distal regions of the diaphyses, and tests were carried out in the anterior, medial, posterior, and lateral quadrants. Microhardness was also measured across the cortex from the periosteal to endosteal surfaces. Regional variation in mineral content was explored by analysing samples, taken immediately adjacent to the hardness tests, using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Mechanical data are discussed in relation to mineral content, morphology and loading of the limbs, within a forensic context

Modification of os calcis bone mineral profiles during bedrest

The mineral content of the left central os calcis was determined using the photon absorptiometric technique modified for the space missions to permit area scanning, and was compared with total body calcium balance changes. The instrument consists of a rectilinear scanner that is programmed by a specially designed control module to move a low energy X-ray emitting radionuclide placed in opposition to a detector to scan the foot which is places between them. The foot is placed in a plexiglas box filled with water to provide tissue equivalence and to compensate for irregularities in thickness of tissue cover that surrounds the bone. The mineral content is obtained from basic attenuation equation

Bone: An Acute Buffer of Plasma Sodium during Exhaustive Exercise?

Both hyponatremia and osteopenia separately have been well documented in endurance athletes. Although bone has been shown to act as a “sodium reservoir” to buffer severe plasma sodium derangements in animals, recent data have suggested a similar function in humans. We aimed to explore if acute changes in bone mineral content were associated with changes in plasma sodium concentration in runners participating in a 161 km mountain footrace. Eighteen runners were recruited. Runners were tested immediately pre- and post-race for the following main outcome measures: bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA); plasma sodium concentration ([Na+]p), plasma arginine vasopressin ([AVP]p), serum aldosterone concentration ([aldosterone]s), and total sodium intake. Six subjects finished the race in a mean time of 27.0±2.3 h. All subjects started and finished the race with [Na+]p within the normal range (137.7±2.3 and 136.7±1.6 mEq/l, pre- and post-race, respectively). Positive correlations were noted between change (Δ; post-race minus pre-race) in total BMC (grams) and [Na+]p (mEq/l) (r=0.99;

Bone computed tomography mineral content evaluation in chickens: Effects of substances in homeopathic concentration

Ninety-six cobb race chickens were equally divided in 4 groups and randomly assigned to receive a standard treatment feed + homeopathic concentrations of Symphytum (S.) officinalis (9CH), or standard treatment feed + homeopathic concentrations of Tricalcarea (4CH), or standard treatment feed + homeopathic concentrations of Calcarea (C.) carbonica (30CH) or a placebo (the same feed but without any homeopathic compound) in order to assess the ability of the homeopathic compounds to increase the concentration of calcium hydroxyapatite in the sternal spongy bone tissue. We measured the concentration of calciumhydroxyapatite in the sternal spongy bone tissue of all chickens by means of a computed tomography (CT). Results: 30%, 36% and 63% increase of sternum spongy-bone mineralization was observed after a 2 years period in the treatment groups with S. officinalis (9CH), Tricalcarea (4CH) (*P < 0.05) and C. carbonica (30CH) (***P < 0.001) respectively. Conclusion: Bone mineralization is usually low in battery chickens reared in commercial poultry-sheds, creating a weakness of the whole animal supporting apparatus. Homeopathic preparations with bone-tissue tropism may improve their health quality