In-Depth Analysis of Physicochemical Properties of Particulate Matter (PM10, PM2.5 and PM1) and Its Characterization through FTIR, XRD and SEM–EDX Techniques in the Foothills of the Hindu Kush Region of Northern Pakistan

The current study investigates the variation and physicochemical properties of ambient particulate matter (PM) in the very important location which lies in the foothills of the Hindu Kush ranges in northern Pakistan. This work investigates the mass concentration, mineral content, elemental composition and morphology of PM in three size fractions, i.e., PM1, PM2.5 and PM10, during the year of 2019. The collected samples were characterized by microscopic and spectroscopic techniques like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. During the study period, the average temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and wind speed were found to be 17.9 °C, 65.83%, 73.75 mm and 0.23 m/s, respectively. The results showed that the 24 h average mass concentration of PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 were 64 µgm−3, 43.9 µgm−3 and 22.4 µgm−3, respectively. The 24 h concentration of both PM10 and PM2.5 were 1.42 and 2.92 times greater, respectively, than the WHO limits. This study confirms the presence of minerals such as wollastonite, ammonium sulphate, wustite, illite, kaolinite, augite, crocidolite, calcite, calcium aluminosilicate, hematite, copper sulphate, dolomite, quartz, vaterite, calcium iron oxide, muscovite, gypsum and vermiculite. On the basis of FESEM-EDX analysis, 14 elements (O, C, Al, Si, Mg, Na, K, Ca, Fe, N, Mo, B, S and Cl) and six groups of PM (carbonaceous (45%), sulfate (13%), bioaerosols (8%), aluminosilicates (19%), quartz (10%) and nitrate (3%)) were identified.

Assessment of Clay Deposits Quality from East of Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq for some Ceramic Industries

For the assessment of clay deposits for brick manufacturing, seven clay samples from different locations were collected by channel sampling method from Injana, Mukdadiyah, Bai Hassan formations and Quaternary deposits in Bestana village, the study area is located east of Erbil city (NE Iraq). For ceramic manufacturing, the quality of clay should be measured according to some physical properties. The mineralogical and geochemical study revealed by using X-ray diffraction and chemical characteristics, which represented that all clay samples containing; kaolinite, smectite, illite, and chlorite with some mixed clay and non-clay mineral quartz, calcite, dolomite, and feldspar. The physical properties of clay samples including grain size analysis and Atterberg limits showed that the raw materials contain clay in high proportion, silt in medium proportion, and sand in minor proportion. Plasticity index of the studied samples showed that they are moderately plastic to plastic range. The geochemical analysis of the studied samples showed that the clay raw materials are composed mainly of silica and alumina, which act as refractory material in the ceramic industry. In addition to that, there are different proportions of calcium, iron oxides, magnesium, potassium, and sodium, which are flux oxides.

Elderberry Stalks as a Source of High-Value Phytochemical: Essential Minerals and Lipophilic Compounds

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) consumption has been growing in the last years, generating a large number of stalks (~10% of the berries bunch) that are still under-valorized. This study focused on the evaluation of elderberry stalks as a source of high-value phytochemicals. In this vein, the essential mineral content and lipophilic composition were analyzed for the first time. In addition, the polar fraction was evaluated regarding its total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity by both 2,2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) assays. The lipophilic fraction was mainly composed of triterpenic acids (2902.20 mg kg−1 of dry weight (dw)), fatty acids (711.73 mg kg−1 dw) and sterols (288.56 mg kg−1 dw). Minor amounts of long-chain aliphatic alcohols and other components were also detected. Ursolic acid (2265.83 mg kg−1 dw), hexadecanoic acid (219.85 mg kg−1 dw) and β-sitosterol (202.74 mg kg−1 dw) were the major lipophilic components verified. The results of this study also indicated that elderberry stalks might be used as a natural source of essential minerals, particularly calcium, iron and potassium, which are known to play important roles in various body functions. The analysis of the polar fraction also showed that elderberry stalks present TPC as high as elderberry themselves as well as considerable antioxidant activity (1.04 and 0.37 mmol TE g−1 of extract, against respectively ABTS and DPPH radicals). These results highlight the potential of elderberry stalks as a natural source of high-value phytochemicals that may be explored in several fields.

Nutrition of Pregnant and Lactating Women in the First 1000 Days of Infant

Nutrition for pregnant and breastfeeding women is fundamental to the development of the child in its first 1000 days and beyond. To evaluate the adequacy of this nutrition, we have relied on historical dietary surveys and on personal French studies (4 studies from 1997 to 2014) involving dietary surveys over 3 days (3D-Diet). Furthermore, our team specialized in lipids has measured the fatty acids of breast milk, which reflect the dietary intake of lipids, from breast milk (1997–2014) and from the lipids of cord blood and maternal fat tissue, in 1997. According to our results, pregnancy needs require an additional 300 Kcal, but surveys show a bad equilibrium of macronutrients: an excess of proteins of fetus [17% of total energy intake (TEI) vs. 15%], excess of fats (45% vs. 35%), excess of saturated fatty acids (SFA), not enough polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), particularly omega 3, and a deficit in carbohydrates (45% vs. 55%). There is also a deficiency in calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins D, B6, B5, and folates. Breast milk adequately provides all the macronutrients necessary for the growth of the child. Proteins and carbohydrates vary little according to the mother’s diet; on the other hand, its composition in lipids, trace elements, and vitamins is highly variable with the mother’s diet of breast milk. In our study in 2014, in 80 participants, the diet was low in calories (1996 Kcal vs. 2200 Kcal RDA), normoprotidic, normolipidic, but low in carbohydrate, especially polysaccharides. We note a very insufficient intake of fish and dairy products, and therefore calcium, but also magnesium, zinc, iron, and vitamins D, E, B6, and folate. Consequently, if the mother does not achieve a diet adequate to her needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it will be necessary to resort to medicinal supplements in minerals, trace elements, vitamins, and omega 3.

Biological features and cultivation of sesame (a review)

Sesame is an ancient oilseed crop grown throughout the arid and subarid climates. Sesame oil has a good taste and is appreciated for its beneficial properties. The genus Sesamum L. (Pedaliaceae Lindl.) includes up to 38 species. The only cultivated species is S. indicum L. (2n = 26). It is grown in areas located between 45° N and 45° S. South Africa is considered the homeland of S. indicum. Sesame seeds contain 50–63% of oil, 25–27% of protein, 20% of carbohydrates, and are sources of such micronutrients as copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, B1, C and E. Sesame seeds and oil are used not only in the food industry but also in medicine. Sesame meal is a good animal feed. Recently, thanks to the deciphering of the sesame nuclear genome and the development of various genomic resources, including molecular markers for qualitative and quantitative characters, molecular breeding has become possible for such agronomic traits as high oil content and its composition, drought resistance, resistance to waterlogging, disease resistance, and high yield. The world production of sesame seeds according to FAO estimates for 2019 was about 7 million tons. The largest cropping areas are located in Africa, India, and China. In Russia, sesame can be grown in southern regions: Krasnodar and Stavropol Territories, Rostov and Astrakhan Provinces. Breeding work on sesame was carried out at the All-Union Research Institute of Oil Crops, where cultivars resistant to bacterial blight and Fusarium wilt were developed. Currently, sesame breeding programs are absent in Russia. There are over 25,000 sesame accessions in the world’s genebanks, including about 1,500 accessions in the VIR collection.

Placing a Well-Designed Vegan Diet for Slovenes

Interest in vegan diets has increased globally as well as in Slovenia. The quantity of new scientific data requires a thorough synthesis of new findings and considerations about the current reserved position of the vegan diet in Slovenia. There is frequently confusion about the benefits of vegetarian diets that are often uncritically passed on to vegan diets and vice versa. This narrative review aims to serve as a framework for a well-designed vegan diet. We present advice on how to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks associated with the vegan diet and lifestyle. We highlight the proper terminology, present the health effects of a vegan diet and emphasize the nutrients of concern. In addition, we provide guidance for implementing a well-designed vegan diet in daily life. We conducted a PubMed search, up to November 2021, for studies on key nutrients (proteins, vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)), calcium, iron, zinc, iodine and selenium) in vegan diets. Given the limited amount of scientific evidence, we focus primarily on the general adult population. A well-designed vegan diet that includes a wide variety of plant foods and supplementation of vitamin B12, vitamin D in the winter months and potentially EPA/DHA is safe and nutritionally adequate. It has the potential to maintain and/or to improve health. For physically active adult populations, athletes or individuals with fast-paced lifestyles, there is room for further appropriate supplementation of a conventional vegan diet according to individuals’ health status, needs and goals without compromising their health. A healthy vegan lifestyle, as included in government guidelines for a healthy lifestyle, includes regular physical activity, avoidance of smoking, restriction of alcohol and appropriate sleep hygiene.

​Development and Nutritional Evaluation of Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica) based Laddu

Backround: Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is known for its health benefits as it is nutritionally superior to conventional food grains. Laddu are ball-shaped sweets which are popular in India and are often served at festive or religious occasions. Hence, an attempt was made to develop foxtail millet based value added laddu. Methods: Besan laddu was taken as control. Optimized foxtail millet laddu were nutritionally evaluated for proximate composition, sugars and minerals. Paired ‘t’ test was used to compare the physical parameters and nutrient composition of besan and foxtail millet laddu. Result: The developed foxtail millet laddu had the 11.61, 17.52, 2.64, 1.11 and 66.85% per 100g of protein, fat, crude fibre, ash and carbohydrate respectively. There was no significant difference in sugar composition between the control and the optimised laddu. However, it was observed that the calcium, iron, zinc, copper and manganese of foxtail millet laddu were high as compared to control laddu.

Toxicology of Ngirimbo: Analysis to Determine the Levels of Trace and Heavy Metals, Moisture, Nicotine, pH and Microbial Assessment.

Introduction: Tobacco and other similar/related products represent a substantial proportion of recreationally-used substances in Malawi. Ngirimbo is a smokeless substance taken orally to reduce tobacco smoking. This study aimed to determine the toxicological characteristics of Ngirimbo in terms of pesticide residues, microbial, trace and heavy metal contaminants, herbal compounds, and nicotine, moisture, and pH levels. Methods: Samples were analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, titration, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-visible Spectrophotometer, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, pH and gravimetric analysis, ISO4833, ISO21527, ISO16654, and ISO6579. Results: From a total of 12 samples, 5 samples contained nicotine ranging from 0.08–0.84%, while the remaining 7 samples showed no trace of nicotine. Sample pH ranged from 6.68 to 8.32, and moisture content from 12.87–47.11%. Samples had no detectable contamination with chlorine or pesticide residue. Heavy metals tested: Cadmium, Nickel, Lead, and Copper were found to be below the detection limit of 0.01mg/kg. On the other hand, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of Nickel, Bromine, Rubidium, Strontium, Zirconium, Molybdenum, Rhodium, Cadmium, Chromium, and Tellurium. Samples had good levels of Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Sodium, and Zinc ranging from 23mg/kg to 57,800mg/kg. Samples contained phytocompounds and herbal material of medicinal relevance. In terms of the microbiological content, Escherichia coli and Salmonella were absent, while Moulds and Yeast were present at a level of <1cfu/g, with the total plate count varying across all samples between 1,400cfu/g and 640,000cfu/g. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that the current state of Ngirimbo available in Malawi is toxic and a hazard to human health. Implications: Prolonged use of Ngirimbo may lead to users developing mouth cancers or thermal burns to the oral mucosal membrane. Further, Ngirimbo consumers are at risk of developing dental caries, known to harbour microorganisms and development of infectious diseases. The control and regulation of Ngirimbo is highly recommended to maximise its capacity for use as a treatment/medication for tobacco replacement while minimising the negative impact on public health. Further work needs to be done to quantify the contents of Ngirimbo, and develop tolerance limits so that it may be used as a nicotine and tobacco replacement product.

Bioelement status of the body in overweight persons

The aim of the work is to assess changes in the bioelement status of overweight persons using the method of X-ray fluorescence analysis and to identify its correlations with nutritional features. It has been found that in a group of men with body mass index 25-30, the Ca/K ratio > 5 in 64 % of the surveyed, and the Zn/Cu ratio > 8 in 72 % of persons. Thus, it can be seen that in a group of men with increased body weight, the activity of calcium-regulating hormones is increased in 64%. In a group of women with body mass index 25-30, the Ca/K ratio > 5 in 92 % of the surveyed patients, and the Zn/Cu ratio > 8 in 56 %. It has been shown that with increased body weight, the activity of calcium-regulating hormones is increased in 92 % of the surveyed women. To construct the multiple regression equation, a matrix of paired correlation coefficients of factor levels is calculated and analyzed. The value of the Ca/K ratio in men is determined by the intake of potassium, calcium, iron, molybdenum, lead, and cadmium with food. The Ca/K ratio in women is determined by the intake of calcium, manganese, and sulfur with food. To normalize the work of calcium-regulating mechanisms, it is necessary to control the intake of these elements into the body.