Carotenoid and vitamin content of Karat and other Micronesian banana cultivars

We previously found high carotenoid levels in Karat and other Micronesian bananas, indicating potential importance for alleviating vitamin A deficiency and other nutritionally related health problems in the Federated States of Micronesia. Past work focused on carotenoid and mineral analyses, whereas here we investigated 16 cultivars (most not previously analysed) for a broader micronutrient profile, including seven vitamins. Karat carotenoid levels were higher than in previous analyses, confirming Karat as exceptionally carotenoid-rich. We identified an additional 10 carotenoid-rich cultivars, expanding the range having potential for alleviating vitamin A deficiency. A striking finding is the high riboflavin level in Karat, including high levels of uncharacterized flavonoids. Niacin and alpha-tocopherol are at levels that may contribute importantly to dietary intake within normal patterns of consumption. These data present a more complete basis for promoting the nutritional benefits of these banana cultivars where they are consumed in the Pacific, and potential benefits for promoting elsewhere.     

Carotenoid and vitamin content of Karat and other Micronesian banana cultivars

We previously found high carotenoid levels in Karat and other Micronesian bananas, indicating potential importance for alleviating vitamin A deficiency and other nutritionally related health problems in the Federated States of Micronesia. Past work focused on carotenoid and mineral analyses, whereas here we investigated 16 cultivars (most not previously analysed) for a broader micronutrient profile, including seven vitamins. Karat carotenoid levels were higher than in previous analyses, confirming Karat as exceptionally carotenoid-rich. We identified an additional 10 carotenoid-rich cultivars, expanding the range having potential for alleviating vitamin A deficiency. A striking finding is the high riboflavin level in Karat, including high levels of uncharacterized flavonoids. Niacin and α-tocopherol are at levels that may contribute importantly to dietary intake within normal patterns of consumption. These data present a more complete basis for promoting the nutritional benefits of these banana cultivars where they are consumed in the Pacific, and potential benefits for promoting elsewhere.     

Ascorbic acid,vitamin A,and mineral composition of banana (Musa sp.) and papaya (Carica papaya) cultivars grown in Hawaii

Banana (Musa sp.) and papaya (Carica papaya) cultivars were harvested from different locations throughout Hawaii and analyzed for vitamin C (ascorbic acid), provitamin A (β-carotene, α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin), and mineral composition. Dwarf Brazilian (“apple”) bananas had almost three times more vitamin C (12.7 mg/100 g fresh weight) than Williams fruit (4.5 mg/100 g). Also, Dwarf Brazilian bananas had 96.9 μg β-carotene and 104.9 μg α-carotene/100 g, whereas Williams fruit averaged 55.7 μg β-carotene and 84.0 μg α-carotene/100 g. Bananas contained higher concentrations of lutein than of the provitamin A pigments, α- and β-carotene. Papaya vitamin C content was 51.2 mg/100 g, with no differences among cultivars. Papaya provitamin A carotenoids averaged 232.3 μg β-carotene and 594.3 μg β-cryptoxanthin/100 g, and vitamin A ranged from 18.7 to 74.0 μg RAE/100 g. Lycopene was not detected in the yellow-fleshed cultivars, Kapoho, Laie Gold, and Rainbow, but the red-fleshed Sunrise and SunUp fruit contained 1350–3674 μg lycopene/100 g. Dwarf Brazilian bananas had higher P, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Zn contents than Williams fruit. The average K content for Hawaii's bananas was 330.6 mg/100 g. Papayas (100 g) contained 9% of the dietary reference intake (DRI) for Cu, 6–8% of the DRI for Mg, but less than 3% of the DRI for other minerals.     

生物电阻抗法与双能X线吸收法测量儿童青少年骨矿物含量的比较

  目的  评价生物电阻抗法(BIA)与双能X线吸收法(DXA)测量儿童青少年的骨矿物含量(BMC)的一致性,为BIA准确测量儿童青少年BMC提供依据。  方法  采用方便抽样法,于2019年4—5月在广州市某区招募1 469名7~17岁儿童青少年,采用DXA和BIA技术分别测量BMC。采用组内相关系数(ICC)、Bland-Altman分析评价一致性。Bland-Altman分析在对数转换的数据中进行。将BMC按性别年龄别三分位数分类,计算Kappa值评价一致性。以DXA测量值为因变量,建立BIA校正预测模型。  结果  男、女生的ICC分别为0.93和0.94。在Bland-Altman分析中,男、女生的BIA与DXA比值的一致性限范围均较宽,分别为0.27~0.76和0.17~0.72。男、女生中两方法判断BMC三分类水平的Kappa值分别为0.57和0.45,呈中高度一致。按BMI分组,各体重状态男生及超重女生的Kappa值均在0.75以上,一致性程度极好。构建的男、女生BIA校正预测模型分别为:BMC_DXA=-0.51+0.44×BMC_BIA+0.06×Age+0.02×BMI; BMC_DXA=-0.55+0.43×BMC_BIA+0.06×Age+0.02×BMI。模型的R2值分别为0.87和0.87。  结论  BIA与DXA所测BMC值一致性较差,但在判断分类BMC水平方面一致性尚可,研究建立的BIA测量BMC校正模型拟合效果好,提示BIA可能适用于评估儿童群体的BMC发育水平。     

Carotenoid and mineral content of Micronesian giant swamp taro (Cyrtosperma) cultivars

Dietary change in Micronesia has led to serious problems of vitamin A deficiency and other nutritionally-related health problems. It is essential to identify nutrient-rich indigenous foods that may be promoted for health improvements. Giant swamp taro (Cyrtosperma merkusii) is important for food and culture on atoll and mountainous islands of Micronesia. There are many Cyrtosperma cultivars, but few have been analyzed for nutrient content. Samples were collected in the Federated States of Micronesia (Pohnpei, Chuuk and Yap) and the Republic of Palau, assessed for corm flesh color and other attributes, and analyzed for carotenoids (β- and α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene) and minerals (including iron, zinc, and calcium). Of 34 cultivars analyzed, β-carotene concentrations varied from 50 to 4486 μg/100 g. Yellow-fleshed cultivars generally contained higher carotenoid concentrations. Of the ten cultivars analyzed for mineral content (wet weight basis), substantial concentrations of zinc (5.4–46.1 mg/100 g), iron (0.3–0.8 mg/100 g) and calcium (121–305 mg/100 g) were found. All cultivars were acceptable for taste and production factors. These carotenoid- and mineral-rich cultivars should be considered for promotion in Micronesia and other areas for potential health benefits.     

Proximate and mineral composition of crab meat consumed in Bahrain

The proximate, mineral and heavy metals of raw and cooked crab meat, Portunus pelagicus, consumed in Bahrain were studied. The crab meat contains a good level of protein (17.5-18.8%), with very low proportion of fat (0.6-1.4%). The levels of sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus were found to be higher than other minerals. Traces of heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium) were also reported. Traditional cooking had a considerable effect on proximate and mineral contents of crab meat.     

The composition of mineral waters sourced from Europe and North America in respect to bone health: composition of mineral water optimal for bone

The consumption of mineral waters is increasing in industrialised countries. High intakes of Ca and other alkalising cations as well as a low acid intake are beneficial to bone. We examined which components of mineral waters are conditioning their Ca content and their alkalinising power, in order to define the optimal profile. European mineral waters were randomly selected on the Internet: 100 waters with less than 200 mg Ca/l (9.98 mEq/l) and fifty with more than 200 mg/l, all with complete data for SO4, P, Cl, Na, K, Mg and Ca, and most also for HCO3. For comparison, forty North American mineral waters were randomly chosen. The potential renal acid load (PRAL) was calculated for each mineral water. North American waters did not reveal significant results because of their low mineralisation. We performed correlations between all eight components in order to explore the properties of the mineral waters. In the European waters, twenty-six out of twenty-eight correlations showed a P value of 0 (acidifying waters), PRAL was positively correlated with SO4, Ca, K and Mg (P < 0.001). In those with PRAL < 0 (alkalinising waters), PRAL was negatively correlated with HCO3, Na, Mg, Ca, K, Cl and SO4 (P < 0.001). SO4 and HCO3 were not found together in high quantities in the same water for geochemical reasons. A high Ca content is associated with either a high SO4 or a high HCO3 content. SO4 theoretically increases Ca excretion, while HCO3 and low PRAL values are associated with positive effects on bone. Therefore, the best waters for bone health are rich in both HCO3 and Ca, and by consequence low in SO4.     

Protein fractions,amino acid composition and antinutritional constituents of high-yielding cowpea cultivars

High-yielding cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) cultivars were analysed for major changes in seed protein types, amino acid profiles and antinutritional factors content. As usual, the globulins constitute the major seed proteins (493.2–573.3 g kg^?1 total seed protein), followed by albumins (201.0–248.0 g kg^?1), basic glutelins (119.1–154.3 g kg^?1), acid glutelins (82.4–92.3 g kg^?1) and prolamins (13.2–20.2 g kg^?1). The electrophoretic patterns of seeds and protein fractions for all cowpea cultivars resembled to each other both qualitatively and quantitatively. However, they showed slight differences in the amino acid composition with common prevalence of glutamine/glutamic acid, asparagine/aspartic acid and phenylalanine + tyrosine. The methionine + cysteine contents were low for all cultivars and their protein fractions. Trypsin inhibitory activity varied among the cultivars and was much higher in the albumins (198.67–393.43 g kg^?1 protein). Haemagglutinating activity was also higher in the albumin fraction and varied from 30,900 to 444,400 HU kg^?1 flour. In conclusion, all cultivars showed the usual compositional characteristics of V. unguiculata, but the content of antinutritional factors differed among the cultivars although they remained concentrated in albumin and globulin fractions.     

Body composition predicts bone mineral density and balance in premenopausal women

Low bone mineral density (BMD) and poor stability both contribute to increased risk of fractures associated with a fall. Our aim in this cross-sectional study was to determine the anthropometric and/or performance variables that best predicted BMD and stability in women. BMD, body composition, muscle strength, muscle power, and dynamic stability were evaluated in 61 women (age 40 +/- 4 years; % body fat 27% +/- 5%). In correlation analyses, BMD at all sites was significantly related to height, lean mass, strength, and leg power (r2 = 0.25-0.49). Significant inverse relationships were found between all independent variables and dynamic stability (r2 = 0.23-0.52). In stepwise regression, lean mass independently predicted BMD at the femoral neck (R2 = 0.20), total hip (R2 = 0.24), and whole body (R2 = 0.17), whereas hip abductor torque predicted 23% of the variance in trochanter BMD and added 6% to the variance in total hip BMD. Leg power was the only predictor of spine BMD (R2 = 0.14). Fat and lean mass both independently predicted poor performance on postural stability, with fat mass contributing 31% of the total variance (R2 = 0.38). In conclusion, we found lean mass to be a robust predictor of BMD in premenopausal women. Furthermore, both hip abductor torque and leg power independently predicted BMD at clinically relevant fracture sites (hip and spine). The finding that higher fat mass contributes to the majority of the variance in poor stability indicates that greater fat mass may compromise stability and, thus, increase fall risk in heavier individuals.     

Antioxidants and other chemical and physical characteristics of two strawberry cultivars at different ripeness stages

The present work evaluated the quality and antioxidant characteristics of ‘Osogrande’ and ‘Camino Real’ strawberries at different ripeness stages. Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) were harvested, selected, graded according to ripeness (green, pink or 3/4 ripe and ripe) and evaluated for pH, total soluble solids, total titratable acidity, sugar/acid ratio, vitamin C, total phenolic compounds, total ellagic acid, total and individual anthocyanins and antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The highest total soluble solid content was found for pink (7.5° Brix) and ripe (7.9° Brix) ‘Osogrande’ strawberries. At pink stage, this cultivar showed higher amounts of total phenolics (2909.48 mg kg⁻¹ FW) and total ellagic acid (454.16 mg kg⁻¹ FW). Pink ‘Camino Real’ strawberries presented the highest content of vitamin C (528.55 mg kg⁻¹ FW). Antioxidant activity was higher for ‘Osogrande’ cultivar, at green stage, according to DPPH (11.91 μmol BHT g⁻¹ FW) and FRAP (36.75 μmol ferrous sulphate  g⁻¹ FW) assays and at ripe stage, only for DPPH assay (12.83 μmol BHT g⁻¹ FW). Anthocyanins increased along ripening, with more elevated concentrations in ripe ‘Camino Real’ strawberries (292.9 mg kg⁻¹ FW). Cyanindin-3-glucoside showed a higher concentration for the same treatment (17.23 mg kg⁻¹ FW), which might contribute to a more redish color. Although ripe berries have a better flavor and are more appreciated, higher antioxidant contents and activities were observed at pink stage in which higher amounts of total phenolics, total ellagic acid and vitamin C were noticed for both cultivars.     

Phenolic and mineral profiles of four Balkan indigenous apple cultivars monitored at two different maturity stages

Some primary and secondary metabolites, as well as mineral nutrients in pulp, peel and juice obtained from four Serbian indigenous apple cultivars (Kožara, Kolačara, Budimka and Šumatovka) collected at two different developmental stages were studied. With advanced maturation soluble solids content, total and reducing sugars increased, while l-ascorbic acid content and titratable acidity decreased. Thirteen phenolic compounds were quantified using LC–MS/MS. The total phenolic content (TPC) ranged from 9.37 to 1440 mg/100 g fw, and 0.83 to 7.84 mg/100 g fw in peel and pulp samples, respectively. Quercetin derivatives were the major detected polyphenolic group. Majority of determined phenolic compounds were influenced by cultivar and the best sources were cultivars Kolačara and Budimka. The content of flavonols (with the exception of quercitrin) varied significantly depending on maturity at harvest. With regard to mineral analysis, K was the most abundant ranging from 104 to 158 mg/100 g fw in peel, 74.4 to 93.3 mg/100 g fw in pulp, and 77.1 to 91.5 mg/100 g fw in juice samples. Obtained results provide detailed information on nutritional potential and chemical composition of tested apple cultivars and thereby could encourage their wider cultivation and consumption.     

Mesothelioma among machinists in railroad and other industries

The first phase of the exploration of occupation-related cancer among machinists was a retrospective review of deaths among members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in 1973, in which mesotheliomas were identified in workers in railroad and other industries. The second phase of the study initiated in 1982 was the establishment of a cohort study of machinists, employed for railroad company A, who were alive in January 1954. The cohort consisted of 197 machinists who had been employed by the same railroad prior to 1935 and observed to 1982. Causes of death were identified for 132 of the cohort. There were 18 alive and 47 not traced. Among the 29 cancer deaths, there were nine mesotheliomas and one endothelioma of the pleura. Additional retrospective surveys of deaths among members of the railroad lodges of the international union, together with the cohort study, identified a total of 42 mesotheliomas, two endotheliomas of the pleura, and two cancers of the pleura among former railroad machinists. Among the machinists employed in other industries, 16 mesotheliomas and six cancers of the pleura were identified. For decades, machinists, by the nature of their craft, have had a high risk of occupation-related cancer due to asbestos exposure.     

石棉肺超微结构观察和矿物学成份能谱测定分析

本文根据患者接触史、临床诊断和肺组织是否找到“石棉小体”三个指标,选择3例石棉肺待查、1例石棉肺Ⅰ期(AⅠ)的患者支气管活检样品进行了电镜超微结构观察和矿物元素成份分析,发现其超微结构病理学特点是肺组织的弥漫性纤维病变和肺上支的瘤样增生、鳞化和问变,以及巨噬细胞吞噬了较多的纤维状或针状颗粒,完全符合石棉肺的形态特征。细胞吞噬的异物经能谱(DEAX)分析,出现Si和Mg峰,证明患者吸入的异物是石棉纤维并属温石棉。     

Lactation history and bone mineral density among perimenopausal women.

To examine the relation between lactation and bone mineral density, we conducted a cross-sectional study among white, nonsmoking, perimenopausal women age 40-54. Three hundred fifty-two women completed a questionnaire covering medical and reproductive histories, physical activity, and diet. We measured the bone density of lumbar vertebrae 2-4 with dual photon absorptiometry, and the midradius and distal radius with single photon absorptiometry. Women with a history of lactation had 41 mg per cm2 higher lumbar bone mineral density than women with no lactation (95% confidence interval = 8-74 mg per cm2), controlling for parity, body mass, physical activity, and menopausal status. We found no important increase at mid- or distal radius.     

Comparative epidemiology of men exposed to asbestos and man-made mineral fibers

Comparative analyses are presented of selected studies of long-term reactions to occupational exposures to asbestos and man-made mineral fibers (MMMF), with emphasis on studies with dose-response information and long enough period of follow-up to observe lung cancer excess, if it occurred. Uniform dose estimates based on average number of fibers per milliliter were derived and tabulated with the corresponding standard mortality (or morbidity) ratio (SMR), crude probability for each unfavorable outcome, and the likelihood that at least as many deaths would have occurred as a result of the expected numbers under Poisson assumptions. A dose-response relationship was said to have been indicated when the crude probability increased monotonically with dose and/or the Poisson probability decreased and reached a value of less than 0.05. Some arbitrary assumptions had to be made in estimation of the dose, and they may need to be corrected. Gravimetric dose estimates may have given different results. Studies selected for analysis included Quebec asbestos miners and asbestos cement workers exposed to asbestos, and pooled U.S. and European studies of MMMF workers, as well as a sample of cigarette-smoking fiberglass workers whose X-ray films were evaluated for fine nodular or irregular opacities. The lowest dose capable of showing either a statistically significant excess (single point criterion--SP) or the median dose in an apparent dose-response relationship with cause of death or radiological results is tabulated. Radiological changes show a dose-response relationship for all types, with a median dose for asbestos of 2.8 fibers/ml. For fiberglass workers, the median dose of electron-microscopically detected fibers was two orders of magnitude less. For asbestos SP, exposures of 1.4 to 22 fibers/ml were associated with increased lung cancer, while for mineral wool, the minimal level with significant SP increase in lung cancer was an order of magnitude less. Based on fiber or particle counts, man-made mineral fibers appear to be more potent than asbestos with regard to chronic pulmonary disease.