Trace metals and micronutrients in bone tissues of the red fox Vulpes vulpes (L., 1758)

In this study we determined the levels of trace elements (zinc, copper, lead, cadmium and mercury) in three layers of bones of the hip joint (cartilage, compact bone and spongy bone) of 30 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from north-western Poland. Concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (ICP-AES) in inductively coupled argon plasma using a Perkin-Elmer Optima 2000 DV. Determination of Hg concentration was performed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. In cartilage, compact bone and spongy bone samples from the red fox, median concentrations of the metals studied could be arranged in the following descending series: Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd > Hg, the values ranging from 142 to 0.002 mg/kg dw. There was a significant difference in Cu concentrations, among all the materials analyzed, with much more Cu found in spongy bone than in compact bone. Significant differences were also noted in the case of Hg concentrations in cartilage with compact bone and the spongy bone, and between concentrations of this metal in compact bone and spongy bone. In males, the concentration of Hg in spongy bone was greater than in females. Younger foxes had a higher concentration of this metal in cartilage than adults. The strongest synergistic relationships were observed in spongy bone between the Zn and Cu, Zn and Cd, as well as between Cu and Cd. Statistically significant antagonistic relationships were detected between zinc and lead in compact bone. In addition to monitoring studies conducted on the abiotic environment, an urgent need exists for long-term monitoring of concentrations of heavy metals with long-term effects on living organisms. An important addition is provided by biomonitoring studies on domesticated and free-living mammals, including Canidae

Turf injuries

This report addresses the question, "Is artificial turf injuring athletes?" The perception that artificial turf causes more injuries than natural grass is explored in depth through examining current articles and studies on the topic, coupled with interviews, inquiries, questionnaires, and site visits. We concentrated on football because that sport provided the most data and the highest injury rate in collegiate sports. We conclude that WPI's new AstroTurf playing field is safer than the previous artificial turf surface, and that grass is possibly marginally safer, but with higher maintenance costs and with limited year-round usage

Characteristic of selected plant raw materials and their potential applications as additives to bread dough®

Skład chemiczny i liczne właściwości, w tym prozdrowotne, nasion wielu roślin sprawiają, że są one doskonałym dodatkiem wzbogacającym walory organoleptyczne i wartość odżywczą pieczywa. Pieczywo, spożywane w znacznych ilościach i każdego dnia, przez wszystkie grupy społeczne, jest podstawowym produktem spożywczym, a jednocześnie doskonałym nośnikiem dla wielu niezbędnych składników pokarmowych czy wartości prozdrowotnych. Szczególnie cennymi dodatkami do pieczywa są: nasiona lnu, dyni i słonecznika. Jako dodatki piekarskie wykorzystywane mogą być zarówno całe nasiona jak i mąki z nich uzyskane.Seeds of many plants are a great additions enriching the organolep- tic and nutritional value of bread. It is the result of their chemical composition and a number of other properties, including health benefits education. Bread a popular daily food consumed by all social groups, is a staple food, and excellent carrier for many essential nutrients and healthy values. Flaxseeds, pumpkin and sunflower rare particularly valuable addi-tions to bread. One may use either whole seed or flour the baking additives