The influence of sex on biochemical markers of bone turnover in dogs

Biochemical markers of bone turnover have been shown to be useful as inexpensive and noninvasive tools for monitoring skeletal health. The reference range for bone markers in dogs has been set by different age groups. However, other sources of biological variations were not fully investigated in dogs. To explore whether sex influences the interpretation of bone marker data we examined serum bone markers in 33 male and 25 female dogs. The bone markers selected for this study were: bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and osteocalcin (OC) as indicators of bone formation, and C-terminal telopeptide (CTx) of type I collagen as marker of bone resorption. All concentrations of bone markers were lower, but still within the reference range reported for dogs. We found statistically significant differences of the median OC and CTx serum concentrations between males and females. The results of this study suggest that there are sex differences in biochemical markers of bone turnover in dogs which should be considered in interpretation of bone marker data.     

Carbon and nitrogen natural stable isotopes in Slovene honey: adulteration and botanical and geographical aspects

Isotope parameters (δ(13)C(honey), δ(13)C(protein), δ(15)N) were determined for 271 honey samples of 7 types (black locust, multifloral, lime, chestnut, forest, spruce, and fir honeys) from 4 natural geographical regions of Slovenia. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios were measured to elucidate the applicability of this method in the identification of the botanical and geographical origin of honey and in honey adulteration. Only 2.2% of the samples were adulterated according to the internal standard carbon isotope ratio analysis method. Botanical origin did not have any major influence on the honey isotope profiles; only black locust honey showed higher δ(13)C values. Some differences were seen across different production years, indicating that the influence of season should be further tested. Statistical and multivariate analyses demonstrated differences among honeys of various geographical origins. Those from the Alpine region had low δ(13)C (-26.0‰) and δ(15)N values (1.1‰); those from the Mediterranean region, high δ(13)C (-24.6‰) and medium δ(15)N values (2.2‰); those from the Pannonian region, medium δ(13)C (-25.6‰) and high δ(15)N value (3.0‰); and those from the Dinaric region, medium δ(13)C (-25.7‰) and low δ(15)N values (1.4‰).     

Biological Potential of Flaxseed Protein Hydrolysates Obtained by Different Proteases

Plant Foods for Human Nutrition - Flaxseed meal, a byproduct of flaxseed oil extraction, was treated as low-value agrowaste for a long time despite its high protein content. Flaxseed meal has...     

Oil residuals in lowland forest soil after pollution with crude oil

Research on oil residuals in lowland forest soil was carried out in 6 sample plots in the lowland forest ecosystem located in an oil field. Four plots were differently affected in terms of discharged oil and the time lapsed after the accident, as well as in terms of micro-relief terrain features. One plot was established in a reclaimed mud ditch site, while the control plot was set up in a micro-relief elevation outside the influence of oil pollution. Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentrations were measured at three soil depths at the beginning and the end of the vegetation period. The analysis of the results revealed significant differences in petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations among the sites. Increased TPH concentrations were recorded in several plots, while the values measured in some other plots indicated very low quantities of residual TPH in the soil. The highest average TPH concentrations (200–400 mg kg¹) were recorded in the mud ditch site. In one of the plots exposed to oil pollution after an oil pipe rupture, there was the constant presence of increased TPH concentration in the surface soil part (≥200 mg kg¹ on average). The sporadic presence of increased TPH concentrations in micro-depressions that cannot be attributed to a local accident indicates seasonal soil pollution with petroleum carbohydrates from floodwater. The soil in the sample plots is not contaminated with soluble salts or heavy metals. Low values of TPH concentrations in the soil water eluate indicate that the soil does not represent a source of hydrospheric pollution with petrol hydrocarbons.     

Flavonol and phenolic acid composition of sweet cherries (cv. Lapins) produced on six different vegetative rootstocks

The effect of rootstock (‘MaxMa 14’, ‘Weiroot 13’, ‘PiKu 1’, ‘Weiroot 158’, ‘Gisela 5’ and ‘F12/1’) on phenolic acid and flavonol content of “Lapins” sweet cherry was investigated. Phenolic acids and flavonols were isolated from sweet cherries and analyzed by using reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The major phenolic acids in sweet cherries were neochlorogenic acid (18–50 mg kg⁻¹), chlorogenic acid (19–62 mg kg⁻¹) and p-coumaric acid derivatives (15–125 mg kg⁻¹). The amount of flavonol quercetin-3-rutinoside (8–37 mg kg⁻¹) was significant as well. There are significant variations in the phenolic compound content among sweet cherry fruits grown on trees grafted on different vegetative rootstocks. The significantly higher chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, p-coumaric derivative and quercetin-3-rutinoside contents were found in sweet cherry fruits grown on trees grafted on ‘Weiroot 13’ and ‘PiKu 1’ rootstocks. Sweet cherries produced on trees grafted on other rootstocks had significantly lower phenolic compound content.