Influence of Acid-Activated Micro-Dispersed Additive on the Properties of Cement Sulphate-Resistant Compositions

Research is devoted to the possibility of obtaining a composition based on a microdispersed ash additive and a plasticizer. Waste from sewage sludge ash used. They are formed at thermal power plants. Such ashes are distinguished by the presence of a large amount of organic matter and a low calcium content. Therefore, they are rarely used in construction. The activation of the waste fuel and the use of a plasticizer can improve the performance of cement compositions with the inclusion of sewage sludge ash.

Effect of Incorporation of Oats and Malted Barley Flours on the Quality of Cookies

The study aimed to determine the potential of oats and malted barley flours incorporation on cookie making. D-optimal mixture design was employed for formulating the recipe of cookies. Seven different formulations of recipe containing oats flour: malted barley flour: wheat flour in the ratio of 20:25:55, 15:30:55, 13:32:55, 10:35:55, 7:38:55, 5:40:55 and 100:0:0 was prepared. The prepared cookies were subjected to sensory evaluation for consumer acceptability and the data obtained were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA (no blocking) at a 5% level of significance. From the mean sensory scores, the formulation 10:35:55 was selected as the optimized formulation and subjected to proximate analysis. The optimized cookies were significantly (p<0.05) superior in the case of protein (7.50%), fat (22.93%), fiber (2.90%), and ash content (0.97%) to wheat cookies (6.43%, 18.83% 0.83% and 0.41% respectively) as seen higher in oats and malted barley flours than wheat flour. The calcium content was found to be significantly (p<0.05) higher in optimized cookies (35.3 mg/100g) than wheat cookies (18.40 mg/).

Immobilized Bisphosphonates as Potential Inhibitors of Bioprosthetic Calcification: Effects on Various Xenogeneic Cardiovascular Tissues

Calcification is the major factor limiting the clinical use of bioprostheses. It may be prevented by the immobilization of bisphosphonic compounds (BPs) on the biomaterial. In this study, we assessed the accumulation and structure of calcium phosphate deposits in collagen-rich bovine pericardium (Pe) and elastin-rich porcine aortic wall (Ao) and bovine jugular vein wall (Ve) cross-linked with glutaraldehyde (GA) or diepoxy compound (DE). These tissues were then modified with pamidronic (PAM) acid or 2-(2′-carboxyethylamino)ethylidene-1,1-bisphosphonic (CEABA) acid. Tissue transformations were studied using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. After subcutaneous implantation of the biomaterials in 220 rats, calcification dynamics were examined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, light microscopy after von Kossa staining, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy The calcium content in all GA-cross-linked tissues and DE-cross-linked Ao increased to 100–160 mg/g on day 60 after implantation. BPs prevented the accumulation of phosphates on the surface of all materials and most effectively inhibited calcification in GA-cross-linked Ao and DE-cross-linked Pe. PAM containing -OH in the R1 group was more effective than CEABA containing -H in R1. The calcification-inhibitory effect of BPs may be realized through their ability to block nucleation and prevent the growth of hydroxyapatite crystals.

Oyster shell powder (Crassostrea gasar): evaluation of its potential as a natural and sustainable source of calcium in bread

PurposeThe study aims to analyze the composition and mineral profile of oyster shell powder (OSP) and assess its potential as a sustainable source of calcium.Design/methodology/approachA total of two batches of OSP with different particle sizes had been evaluated for centesimal and mineral composition and microbiological quality. OSP with smaller particles (0.85 mm) was used in the production of bread: standard bread (SB) (0%), fortified bread (FB1) (3%) and FB2 (4%). Centesimal and mineral composition and sensory acceptance had been performed. The internal preference map had been constructed using principal component analysis. The Just About Right data and the influence of sensory attributes on bread acceptance had been assessed by a penalty analysis test.FindingsOSP-0.85 mm had calcium content (478.47 ± 2.37 mg.g-1) lower than OSP-1.00 mm (521.15 ± 0.99 mg.g-1) due to retention of particles. In both batches, heavy metals such as chromium, nickel and copper had not detected. FB1 and FB2 had the best nutritional content compared to SB, with higher calcium content (mg.g-1) 0.69 ± 0.07; 13.76 ± 0.72 and 19.47 ± 1.99 for SB, FB1 and FB2, respectively. The internal preference map showed better acceptance of FB1 compared to FB2. The penalty test showed that this acceptance was penalized (p < 0.05) due to the sandy texture.Originality/valueThe large number of shells generated in the processing of oysters is an environmental problem and generates waste of a natural source of calcium. It has been demonstrated that oyster shell powder can be used as a natural and sustainable source of calcium in bread, requiring further studies to assess the bioavailability of calcium.

Preparation and Quality Evaluation of Thekua Incorporated with Germinated Finger Millet (Ragi) Flour

The main aim of this study was to prepare thekua with the incorporation of germinated finger millet also known as ragi, flour and to perform its sensory as well as physicochemical analysis. The wheat flour and finger millet (ragi) flour were mixed with variation at the proportion of 87.5:12.5, 81.25:18.75, 100:0, 75:25 and 93.75:6.25 labeled as samples A, B, C, D and E respectively., while semolina (20 g), sugar (30 g), oil (20 g) and water (20 g) were kept constant for every formulation. The FFA and acid value of the oil used was found to be 0.110±0.02 and 0.221±0.03 respectively. The moisture content of sugar used was found to be 0.16±0.01. Sample ‘E’ was considered best as per the acceptability by panelists and had crude fiber (%), calcium content (mg/100g), tannin (mg/100g), phytate (mg/100g), carbohydrate and total energy (Kcal/100g) of 0.24±0.01, 18.6±0.02, 27.03±0.86, 135.97±1.15, 64.42±0.04 and 512.41±0.07 respectively. Increase in fiber content and minerals was seen in best sample product with the incorporation of germinated finger millet (ragi) flour.

Nutritional Deficiencies and Features of Nutritional Provision in Primary School Children

Introduction. The nutrition of primary school children does not always meet modern nutritional standards. The frequency of nutritional deficiencies, including calcium and vitamin D, among this age group remains unstudied. The aim of the study. To establish the characteristics of nutritional provision and the prevalence of nutrient deficiencies in the daily nutrition of primary school children, including calcium and vitamin D deficiencies and to propose methods of correction. Materials and methods. 5 consecutive stages of the study were conducted. At the first stage in 2019, the assessment of eating behavior in 190 children of grades 1-4 of two schools in the city of Lviv was conducted using a questionnaire. In the second stage, the features of the diet and ration and daily nutritional intake were determined using a special licensed program Dietplan 7 (UK). The analysis of daily nutrient intake was performed for 172 children. In the third stage, a study was conducted on the level of total, ionized calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the blood, and a study on the calcium content in the hair of 56 children with insufficient daily intake of calcium and / or vitamin D. In the fourth stage, 30 children with reduced levels of calcium in the hair were detected, differentiated correction measures were performed. To do this, the children were divided into two groups: the control group - 15 children whose deficiencies were corrected by diet modification, and the main group - 15 children - whose deficiencies were corrected by diet modification and the intake of calcium at a dose of 500.0 mg and vitamin D at a dose of 5.0 mg (200.0 IU) once a day for three months. In the fifth stage, to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment after three months of follow-up, all 30 children were re-analyzed for calcium content in the hair using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results. Appetite disturbance was observed in 28.9 % of schoolchildren, 17.4 % ate under duress, 14.3 % ate irregularly, 13.7% ate insufficient portions, 11.0 % were on different diets, many schoolchildren had eating disorders: ate before sleep (83.6 %), while watching TV (33.6 %). The diet was often unbalanced, children consumed insufficient fish (58.9 %), vegetables (43.2 %), dairy products (33.7 %), meat (26.8 %) Low calcium intake was observed in 50.6 % boys and 70.7 % of girls, vitamin D in 84.9 % of boys and 96.9 % of girls. Among children with a reduced daily intake of calcium and vitamin D, 42.9 % of children had a reduced level of total and / or ionized calcium, 48.2 % had a reduced level of vitamin D in the blood serum, and 53.6 % had a reduced calcium content in the hair. After 3 months of correction, we found that in the hair of children in the main group, who underwent dietary correction and were prescribed calcium and vitamin D, a significant increase in the average calcium content (up to 293.6 ± 80.6 mg/kg; p < 0.01) was observed, while in control group children who received only a modified diet, had only a tendency to increase the average amount of calcium in the hair (up to 185.14 ± 82.38 mg/kg; p > 0.05). Conclusions. For most primary school children, nutrition is unbalanced, which does not meet all the needs of a rapidly growing and intensively developing child's metabolism. A significant number of children have eating disorders: they do not eat regularly, do not eat enough food, eat food while watching TV, just before bed, do not have lunch at school, like fast food, 10% of students are on various diets. Almost a third of schoolchildren have a deficiency of daily intake of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and energy, and half of schoolchildren have a deficiency in the consumption of dietary fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids. Most students have a daily deficiency of iodine, magnesium, selenium, iron and calcium, vitamin E, biotin, vitamin D, retinol, vitamin C, carotene, pantothenate. Among children with reduced daily intake of calcium and vitamin D in 42.9 % of children a reduced content of total and / or ionized calcium in the blood was found, and in 53.6 % of children in this group - in the hair. The use of a non-invasive method of studying the calcium content in the hair allows to determine the calcium deficiency in the child's body and control the process of its recovery. For children with insufficient daily intake of calcium and vitamin D, it is advisable to recommend a diet modification with increased consumption of milk, dairy products, yogurt and cheese, beans, spinach, broccoli, other leafy greens, wheat germ, nuts, sesame seeds, fish. To correct the existing calcium deficiency, it is advisable to use calcium supplements with vitamin D, combining this with a modification of the diet with an increase in food that contains the nutrients mentioned above. Keywords: schoolchildren, food deficiencies, calcium, vitamin D.

Analysis of the nature of the composition substances of sour-milk dessert with plant-based fillers

The nature and interaction of the constituent substances that make up the sour-milk dessert with plant-based fillers have been studied by the method of IR spectroscopy. This method is used to study the diverse nature of substances. The spectral range applied was in the range of 500–4,000 s -1. It was found that the intensity of functional groups absorption in the range of 2,500–3,500 s-1 is due to the valence vibrations of NH-, CH and S-H-groups, indicating the presence of free organic acids, aromatic substances. In addition, in the spectra of sour-milk dessert with plant-based fillers, an absorption intensity in the range of 1,470–1,335 s-1 is observed, which indicates the presence of soluble pectin. Proteins characteristics in the samples are observed at absorption in the range of 3,300–3,500 cm -1, which is due to the valence vibrations of the N-H bond in the -NH2 groups. The use of fruits in the form of a freeze-dried powder together with milk protein concentrate in the technology of sour-milk desserts helps reduce the content of free moisture, hence a stable structure. Sour-milk dessert with plant-based fillers is a system consisting of particles of different dispersion, which will affect its physical and chemical properties. In particular, there is a slight coarsening of whey proteins and redistribution between particles in the range of 1–10 nm and 1–100 nm. The use of plant-based fillers in the form of a freeze-dried powder in the technology of sour-milk desserts would not only improve its physical and chemical properties but also could make it possible to enrich the product with minerals. The mineral composition of the sour-milk dessert is marked by the calcium content (122 mg/100 g), potassium (97 mg/100 g), phosphorus (82 mg/100 g), sodium (50 mg/100 g), and sulfur, iron.

Variation in Calcium Content of Ginger Germplasm Inoculated with Bio-Agent, Trichoderma viride against Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita

The study was aimed to control nematodes in ginger crop in a sustainable way through inoculation of bio-agent, Trichoderma viride. The outcome of our research revealed that Trichoderma viride alone (T2) was the most effective treatment among all. This bio-agent has lowered the root-knot nematode populations by suppressing the disease intensity and responsible for enhancement of plant growth, increases the availability of nutrients to host plant. Meloidogyne incognita alone (T1) infected rhizomes resulted in highest reduction of calcium content amounting 2.26 and 2.43 mg/100g dry weight whereas maximum content was recorded in Trichoderma viride alone (T2) inoculated rhizomes as 2.84 and 3.08 mg 100g-1 dry weight in suravi and suprabha over control (T7) respectively. Trichoderma viride inoculated 15 days prior to Meloidogyne incognita (TV→MI) was found to be most efficient one among all combined treatments. Susceptibility towards nematode induced more nutrient deposition in rhizomes of ginger crop due to poor translocation process through xylem.

Determination of calcium content and its economic efficiency in medicines and biologically active additives

Calcium is directly involved in metabolic processes and the formation of tissues, bones and teeth, nourishes nerve tissues, lowers cholesterol, normalizes blood pressure. The development of the fetus depends on calcium, as well as the well-being and general health of the expectant mother. Several of the most popular calcium-containing medications and dietary supplements were investigated. The content of total and soluble calcium was determined. The selection of samples of finished medicines was carried out in accordance with the requirements of the control instructions approved by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. Key words: calcium, calcium-containing preparations, soluble calcium content.

Transcriptomics Reveals the ERF2-bHLH2-CML5 Module Responses to H2S and ROS in Postharvest Calcium Deficiency Apples

Calcium deficiency usually causes accelerated quality deterioration in postharvest fruit, whereas the underlining mechanism is still unclear. Here, we report that calcium deficiency induced the development of bitter pit on the surface of apple peels compared with the healthy appearance in control apples during postharvest storage. Physiological analysis indicates that calcium-deficient peels contained higher levels of superoxide anion (O2•−), malondialdehyde (MDA), total phenol, flavonoid contents and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, and reduced calcium, H2S production, anthocyanin, soluble protein content, and peroxidase (POD) activity compared with those in calcium-sufficient peels. The principal component analysis (PCA) results show that calcium content, ROS, and H2S production were the main factors between calcium-deficient and calcium-sufficient apple peels. Transcriptome data indicated that four calmodulin-like proteins (CMLs), seven AP2/ERFs, and three bHLHs transcripts were significantly differentially expressed in calcium-deficient apple peels. RT-qPCR and correlation analyses further revealed that CML5 expression was significantly positively correlated with the expression of ERF2/17, bHLH2, and H2S production related genes. In addition, transcriptional co-activation of CML5 by ERF2 and bHLH2 was demonstrated by apple transient expression assays and dual-luciferase reporter system experiments. Therefore, these findings provide a basis for studying the molecular mechanism of postharvest quality decline in calcium-deficient apples and the potential interaction between Ca2+ and endogenous H2S.