Toxic Elements and Mineral Content of Different Tissues of Endemic Edible Snails (Helix vladika and H. secernenda) of Montenegro

The objective of the present study is to determine the differences between the mineral content of various organs of Helix vladika and H. secernenda, the two most abundant edible snail species in Montenegro. The bioaccumulation of 12 examined elements (zinc, manganese, copper, aluminum, cadmium, lead, nickel, iron, chromium, lithium, selenium and mercury) was determined in the hepatopancreas, albumen gland, digestive tract, reproductive system, mantle, foot and shell from three sampling sites (Biogradska Gora, Nikšić and Malesija). The examined populations of H. vladika and H. secernenda showed a significant difference in their lithium and selenium contents. The levels of the most examined metals (Zn, Mn, Cu, Al, Cd, Pb, Se and Hg) varied significantly among organs. The digestive tract and hepatopancreas tend to bioaccumulate selenium and cadmium. The general mean concentration of cadmium in the examined snail tissues exceeded the maximum allowable level at the Biogradska Gora and Malesija sites. Therefore, the use of the Montenegrin edible snails collected from the wilderness for human consumption seems to be limited by their higher bioaccumulation capacity for toxic elements such as cadmium.

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Comparative Study on the Biochemical Composition of the Flesh of Egeria radiata (Bivalvia: Donacidae) and Crassotrea rhizophorea (Perecypode: Lameillebrachia) of the Cross River State, Nigeria

Asian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Research ◽

10.9734/ajfar/2018/v1i4340 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Opeh, Patience Bassey

Keyword(s):

Crude Protein ◽

Mineral Content ◽

Human Consumption ◽

Biochemical Profile ◽

Crude Fibre ◽

Mineral Contents ◽

Cross River ◽

Cross River State ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Nutritional Benefits

The food and mineral contents of flesh of the two bivalve species (Egeria radiata and Crassostrea rhizophorea) of Cross river, Nigeria were investigated. The study revealed that the moisture content of E. radiata and C. rhizophorea was 52.46% and 54.01%, crude protein was 24.37% and 20.49%, fat was 9.03% and14.22%, crude fibre was 0.01% and 1.30%, ash was 1.43% and 9.05%, carbohydrate was 12.7% and 2.23% and energy was 229.58J and 218.84J. The mineral content of E. radiata and C. rhizophorea showed a significant difference (P<0.05) in Ca+, Na+, K, Mg, while the Zn, Pb, Cu, Fe, P and Mn were similar (P>0.05). Based on the findings of this study, biochemical profile of E. radiata is high in nutrients and is suitable for human consumption. Therefore, concerted efforts should be made to enlighten the populace on the increased nutritional benefits of consuming E. radiata.

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Assessment of Rainwater and Groundwater Quality in Izombe Town, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State

Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences ◽

10.30564/jees.v3i2.3582 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

Author(s):

S. I. Akopunwanne ◽

E. T. Oparaocha ◽

C. D. Onwuka

Keyword(s):

Groundwater Quality ◽

Water Samples ◽

Petroleum Products ◽

Human Consumption ◽

Nickel Aluminum ◽

Autonomous Communities ◽

Imo State ◽

Iron Copper ◽

Copper Aluminum ◽

Lead Nickel

Rainwater and groundwater quality in Izombe were assessed. Five water samples were collected from five (5) different locations, with at least one location from one of the four autonomous communities in Izombe, Oguta L.G.A of Imo State. The physicochemical and microbial parameters of rainwater and groundwater samples from Umuakpa, Ndeuloukwu, Ugbele, Ndioko, and Orsu were assessed using Varian Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The study was aimed to assess the physicochemical and microbial qualities of groundwater and rainwater in Izombe and how these affect their health as individual members of the community, and their environment when compared to WHO standards. The water samples were collected from five different locations, with at least one location from each of the four autonomous communities, and were assessed. The result indicated that rainwater and groundwater pollutants in the community were turbidities, ammonia, copper and temperatures 7.59±0.02 ph, 6.42±0.28 nitrate, 59.56±0.50 ammonia, 0.29±0.07 phosphate, 0.88±0.03 iron, copper, lead, nickel, aluminum, mercury, manganese, cadmium, bacteria count, coliform count, and E-coli. Also, all the pollutant parameters were identified, only iron, copper, aluminum, and bacteria count were not identified as being associated with petroleum products and exploratory activities. This research has broadened the understanding of the suitability of Izombe water sources for both consumption and other purposes. The findings show that the rain and groundwater sources of the community are not fit for human consumption, due to the contaminants inherent in them, attributed majorly to the oil production activities in the area which corroborates other research studies.

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Cultivation and Harvesting of Selenium-Enriched Ganoderma lingzhi and Spent Medium Using Kudzu Vine as Substrate

Current Topics in Nutraceutical Research ◽

10.37290/ctnr2641-452x.18:152-157 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 152-157

Author(s):

Zeng Xianlu ◽

Han Fei ◽

Zhong Yanmei

Keyword(s):

Growth Medium ◽

Wheat Bran ◽

Fruiting Body ◽

Sodium Selenite ◽

Human Consumption ◽

Growth Substrate ◽

Organic Selenium ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Ganoderma Lingzhi ◽

Run Speed

In order to harvest selenium-enriched fruiting body and spores of Ganoderma lingzhi and spent medium, G. lingzhi was cultivated in kudzu vine as substrate and the bio-transformation of selenite was evaluated. The growth medium consisted of Kudzu vine supplemented with 20% wheat bran or sawdust or none. The growth medium was supplemented with 0, 10, 20, 30, and 50 mg/kg of sodium selenite. We found a significant difference in spawn run speed, fruiting body and spore yields when Kudzu vine was supplemented with wheat bran or sawdust. However, when whole-kudzu vine was used alone as substrate, it resulted in a significantly lower spawn run speed, fruiting body, and spore yields compared with kudzu vine + sawdust substrate and kudzu vine + wheat bran substrate. The selenium content in fruiting body and spores increased with increasing sodium selenite supplementation and approximately equaled half of the selenium in the substrate. No selenite was detected in both the fruiting body and spores. However, in the spent medium when sodium selenite was supplemented at 10, 20, 30, 50 mg/kg, the residual selenite concentration decreased to 0.45, 0.72, 1.29, and 1.95 mg/kg, respectively, suggesting a higher selenite transformation (92.27–93.57%). In conclusion, if Ganoderma fruiting body and spores were to be harvested for human consumption, approximately 50 mg/kg selenite should be added to the growth substrate. On the other hand, if the spent medium was to be used as an organic selenium source, the optimal sodium selenite supplementation level would be 10 mg/kg.

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Cadmium, Lead, Copper, Zinc, and Iron Concentration Patterns in Three Marine Fish Species from Two Different Mining Sites inside the Gulf of California, Mexico

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18020844 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 844

Author(s):

Elisa Serviere-Zaragoza ◽

Salvador E. Lluch-Cota ◽

Alejandra Mazariegos-Villarreal ◽

Eduardo F. Balart ◽

Hugo Valencia-Valdez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fish Species ◽

Gulf Of California ◽

Anthropogenic Activities ◽

Iron Concentration ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Human Consumption ◽

Metal Concentrations ◽

Mining Sites ◽

Copper Zinc ◽

Cadmium Lead

In the Gulf of California; mineral deposits have contributed to high metal contents in coastal environments. This study examined cadmium; lead; copper; zinc; and iron contents in three fish species; Kyphosus vaigiensis (herbivore), Stegastes rectifraenum (omnivore), and Balistes polylepis (carnivore) at two mining sites. Metal concentrations were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and stable nitrogen and carbon isotopes were estimated using mass spectrophotometry. Also, we assessed the risk to human health from the consumption of these three species based on permissible limits; although only two of them (Kyphosus and Balistes) are consumed as food. Metal concentrations differed among fish species; except for iron. The highest concentrations of metals were not always recorded in the species at the highest trophic level; i.e., Balistes. The highest concentrations (dry weight) recorded were cadmium (0.21 ± 0.03 µg g−1) and lead (1.67 ± 0.26 µg g−1), in S. rectifraenum; copper (1.60 ± 0.49 µg g−1) and zinc (67.30 ± 8.79 µg g−1), in B. polylepis; and iron (27.06 ± 2.58 µg g−1), in K. vaigiensis. Our findings show that each element accumulates differently in particular marine organisms; depending on the physiology of the species and the biogeochemistry of its habitat; which in turn is affected by the anthropogenic activities in adjacent areas. No risk of heavy metals toxicity is expected from the human consumption of the species and sites studied

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Snail mucus from the mantle and foot of two land snails, Lissachatina fulica and Hemiplecta distincta, exhibits different protein profile and biological activity

BMC Research Notes ◽

10.1186/s13104-021-05557-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Nattaphop Noothuan ◽

Kantamas Apitanyasai ◽

Somsak Panha ◽

Anchalee Tassanakajon

Keyword(s):

Biological Activities ◽

Protein Pattern ◽

Protein Profile ◽

Antibacterial Properties ◽

Biological Properties ◽

Specific Protein ◽

Land Snails ◽

Snail Species ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Different Types

Abstract Objective Snails secrete different types of mucus that serve several functions, and are increasingly being exploited for medical and cosmetic applications. In this study, we explored the protein pattern and compared the biological properties of the mucus secreted from the mantle collar and foot of two snail species, Lissachatina fulica and Hemiplecta distincta. Result Protein profile showed a different pattern between the two species and between the two secretory parts. The mantle-specific protein bands were further characterized and among them was an antibacterial protein, achacin. Accordingly, the mucus from the mantle exhibited the higher antibacterial activity than that from the foot in both snail species. The mucus from H. distincta, first reported here, also showed antibacterial properties, but with a lower activity compared to that for L. fulica. Snail mucus also exhibited anti-tyrosinase activity and antioxidant activity but with no significant difference between the foot and mantle mucus. These results indicate some different protein compositions and biological activities of snail slime from the mantle and foot, which might be associated with their specific functions in the animal and are useful for medical applications.

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Integration of Dental Implants in Conjunction with EDTA-Conditioned Dentin Grafts: An Experimental Study

Dentistry Journal ◽

10.3390/dj9060063 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 63

Author(s):

Payam Farzad ◽

Ted Lundgren ◽

Adel Al-Asfour ◽

Lars Andersson ◽

Christer Dahlin

Keyword(s):

Direct Contact ◽

Mineral Content ◽

X Rays ◽

X Ray ◽

Dentin Surface ◽

Significant Difference ◽

C And N ◽

Micro Implants ◽

Demineralized Dentin

This study was undertaken to investigate the integration of titanium micro-implants installed in conjunction with previously dentin-grafted areas and to study the morphological appearance, mineral content, and healing pattern of xenogenic EDTA-conditioned dentin blocks and granules grafted to cavities in the tibial bone of rabbits. Demineralized and non-demineralized dentin blocks and granules from human premolars were implanted into cavities prepared on the lateral aspects of the tibias of rabbits. After a healing period of six months, micro-implants were installed at each surgical site. Histological examinations were carried out after 24 weeks. Characterization of the EDTA-conditioned dentin blocks was performed by means of light microscopy, dental X-rays, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). No implants were found to be integrated in direct contact with the dentin particles or blocks. On the EDTA-conditioned dentin surface, the organic marker elements C and N dominated, as revealed by EDX. The hydroxyapatite constituents Ca and P were almost absent on the dentin surface. No statistically significant difference was observed between the EDTA-conditioned and non-demineralized dentin, as revealed by BIC and BA. The bone-inductive capacity of the dentin material seemed limited, although demineralization by means of EDTA indicated higher BIC and BA values in conjunction with the installed implants in the area. A 12 h EDTA treatment did not fully decalcify the grafts, as revealed by X-ray analysis.

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Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Flour-Based Wheat Bread as Fortified Bakery Product

Plants ◽

10.3390/plants10081558 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. 1558

Author(s):

Iulian Eugen Rusu ◽

Romina Alina Marc (Vlaic) ◽

Crina Carmen Mureşan ◽

Andruţa Elena Mureşan ◽

Vlad Mureşan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mineral Content ◽

Unsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Cannabis Sativa ◽

New Products ◽

Wheat Bread ◽

Human Consumption ◽

Nutritional Properties ◽

Bakery Product ◽

Nutritional Characteristics ◽

Yeasts And Molds

Hemp flour from Dacia Secuieni and Zenit varieties was added to bread in different proportions (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) to improve its nutritional properties. The purpose of this paper was to present the advanced nutritional characteristics of these bread samples. The selected varieties of hemp, accepted for human consumption, met the requirements for the maximum accepted level of THC in seeds. The protein content of new products increased from 8.76 to 11.48%, lipids increased from 0.59 to 5.41%, mineral content from 1.33 to 1.62%, and fiber content from 1.17 to 5.84%. Elasticity and porosity decreased from 95.51 to 80% and 78.65 to 72.24%, respectively. K, Mg, Ca, P, Mn and Fe are the main mineral substances in bread with addition of hemp flour from the Dacia Secuieni and Zenit varieties. The total amount of unsaturated fatty acids in the bread samples with hemp flour ranged from 67.93 g/100 g and 69.82 g/100 g. Eight amino acids were identified, of which three were essential (lysine, phenylalanine, histidine). Lysine, the deficient amino acid in wheat bread, increased from 0.003 to 0.101 g/100 g. Sucrose and fructose decreased with the addition of hemp flour, and glucose has not been identified. The amount of yeasts and molds decreased in the first 3 days of storage. Regarding the textural profile, the best results were obtained for the samples with 5% addition. In conclusion, bread with the addition of hemp flour has been shown to have superior nutritional properties to wheat bread.

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Saccharina latissima Cultivated in Northern Norway: Reduction of Potentially Toxic Elements during Processing in Relation to Cultivation Depth

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods10061290 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 1290

Author(s):

Marthe Jordbrekk Blikra ◽

Xinxin Wang ◽

Philip James ◽

Dagbjørn Skipnes

Keyword(s):

Toxic Elements ◽

Iodine Content ◽

Relative Effect ◽

Potentially Toxic Elements ◽

Saccharina Latissima ◽

Processing Strategies ◽

Raw Sugar ◽

The Difference ◽

Cadmium Lead ◽

Product Segmentation

There is an increasing interest in the use of Saccharina latissima (sugar kelp) as food, but the high iodine content in raw sugar kelp limits the daily recommended intake to relatively low levels. Processing strategies for iodine reduction are therefore needed. Boiling may reduce the iodine content effectively, but not predictably, since reductions from 38–94% have been reported. Thus, more information on which factors affect the reduction of iodine are needed. In this paper, sugar kelp cultivated at different depths were rinsed and boiled, to assess the effect of cultivation depth on the removal efficacy of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), especially iodine, cadmium, and arsenic, during processing. Raw kelp cultivated at 9 m contained significantly more iodine than kelp cultivated at 1 m, but the difference disappeared after processing. Furthermore, the content of cadmium and arsenic was not significantly affected by cultivation depth. The average reduction during rinsing and boiling was 85% for iodine and 43% for arsenic, but no significant amount of cadmium, lead, or mercury was removed. Cultivation depths determined the relative effect of processing on the iodine content, with a higher reduction for kelp cultivated at 9 m (87%) compared to 1 m (82%). When not taken into consideration, cultivation depth could mask small reductions in iodine content during rinsing or washing. Furthermore, since the final content of PTEs was not dependent on the cultivation depth, the type and extent of processing determines whether cultivation depth should be considered as a factor in cultivation infrastructure design and implementation, or alternatively, in product segmentation.

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Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients with multiple rare-earth magnets ingestion: a single-center experience from China

BMC Pediatrics ◽

10.1186/s12887-021-02642-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yucan Zheng ◽

Zhihua Zhang ◽

Kunlong Yan ◽

Hongmei Guo ◽

Mei Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rare Earth ◽

Digestive Tract ◽

Foreign Bodies ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Medical Center ◽

Rare Earth Magnet ◽

Gastrointestinal Obstruction ◽

Asymptomatic Patients ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Surgical Group

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to characterize patients who ingested multiple rare-earth magnets, reveal the harm of rare-earth magnet foreign bodies in the digestive tract, and develop a clinical management algorithm. Methods This was a retrospective review of patients with rare-earth magnet foreign bodies in the digestive tract admitted to a university-affiliated pediatric medical center in China, between January 2016 and December 2019; the subset of medical data evaluated included clinical symptoms, signs, treatments and outcomes. Results A total of 51 cases were included in this study, including 36(70.6%) males and 15(29.4%) females. The magnets were passed naturally in 24(47.1%) patients and removed by intervention in 27(52.9%) patients, including 5(9.8%) cases by endoscopy and 22(43.1%) cases by surgery. Twenty-two (43.1%)cases had gastrointestinal obstruction, perforation, and fistula. Compared with the non-surgical group, the time of the surgical group from ingestion to arriving at the hospital was longer([80(5–336) vs 26(2–216)]hours, p < 0.001) while there was no significant difference in the mean age or the number of magnets swallowed. Conclusions Magnets are attractive to children, but lead to catastrophic consequences including gastrointestinal obstruction, perforation, and surgical interventions when ingested multiple magnets. Endoscopic resection should be urgently performed in the presence of multiple magnets as early as possible within 24 h, even in asymptomatic patients.

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