The relationship between lysozyme gene polymorphism and quality changes during the storage of eggs derived from 2 commercial strains of Japanese quail

During the storage irreversible changes occur in eggs that result in a deterioration of their quality. The most significant changes affect the albumen. One of the major proteins of albumen present in egg white is lysozyme, which protects the embryo from microorganisms. This enzyme also contributes to the qualitative characteristics of albumen. It is possible that its polymorphism also affects the quality and stability of the obtained raw material that is, table eggs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the potential effect of polymorphism in the lysozyme gene and protein on the quality changes during the storage of eggs derived from 2 genetic strains of Japanese quail belonging to various utility types. Eggs from selected females of laying and meat-type breeds were stored for 14 wk. During this period the egg quality traits were evaluated 10 times. DNA was isolated from each female and all exons of the lysozyme gene had been sequenced. In total, fourteen SNPs' and one 4-bp indel mutation were identified in exons and adjacent intronic sequences, among which SNP1 (1:32140723) resulted in a substitution of lysine with glutamine (Q21K). The results showed that SNP1 (strain S22), as well as the SNP2, SNP5, SNP7, SNP8, SNP10, SNP11, SNP12 and SNP13 were significantly associated with breaking strength during egg storage in both investigated Japanese quail strains. Furthermore, a 3 haplotype blocks containing nine SNPs (2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 and 13) were identified. These blocks displayed 8 distinct haplotypes that had significant association with breaking strength at all storage time points where egg quality analyses were performed. The study also revealed significant effects of breed and storage time on the egg quality traits. These results provide new insights into the genetic basis of egg quality during storage and could be incorporated into the breeding programs involving these strains.

Behaviour and stress in three breeds of laying hens kept in the same environment

The aim of the study was to determine whether birds of different breeds, with different preferences for environmental elements and kept in identical conditions, would exhibit different behaviour and stress levels. The research material consisted of 50 laying hens of the Green-legged partridge (Zk), Polbar (Pb), and Leghorn (Lg) breeds. The birds were provided with identical environmental conditions. They were kept on litter in separate boxes, with 25 individuals of one breed per box, in the same building. An open field test was used in determining the behaviour of the birds. Levels of cortisol in serum and corticosterone in feathers were evaluated, and haematological and biochemical analyses of blood were performed. Leghorns proved to be a highly excitable and active breed whose needs cannot be fully satisfied in the standard conditions of large farms. Based on a differential leukocyte count, their hyperactivity was associated with increased stress. The Green-legged partridge exhibited the lowest stress levels. Birds kept in the same environmental conditions were found to differ significantly in the level of stress, probably because of differences in their behavioural needs and the possibilities of satisfying them. To reduce stress levels and improve the welfare of hens, it is necessary to verify their preferences first. Stress indicators are elevated in highly excitable birds, and the conditions on large farms are not conducive to meeting their behavioural needs. Keywords: behavioural test, blood indices, corticosterone, laying hens

Characterisation of genome-wide structural aberrations in canine mammary tumours using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping assay

Characterisation of copy number variation (CNV) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) has pro- vided evidence for the relationship of this type of genetic variation with the occurrence of a broad spectrum of diseases, including cancer lesions. The role of CNVs and germinal or somatic LOHs in canine mammary tumours is still unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify CNVs and LOHs in canine mammary tumours. Forty-eight samples obtained from normal (n=24) and tumour (n=24) tissues of dogs were analysed. In the study, we used CanineHD BeadChip assay (Illumina) and OncoSNP software to identify copy number alternations in genomes of dif- ferent dog breeds and in different mammary cancer types occurring in this species. The analyses revealed that, in the case of CNV, the amplification-type variants were longer and more frequent than deletions. Based on the analysis of the frequency of different types of aberrations in the in- dividual parts of the genome, regions that are particularly susceptible to structural aberrations were indicated. The fraction of genes identified within these regions was associated with major processes of neoplastic transformation. Association analysis of such traits as tumour grading as well as the size and age of dogs demonstrated that structural aberrations were more frequent in dogs diagnosed with tumour malignancy grade II and III, in dogs with a larger body size, and in large dogs aged 7-8. The promising results of these pioneering investigations prompt continuation thereof to analyse other types of cancer.

Intestinal mucosa develops in a sex-dependent manner in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) fed Saccharomyces cerevisiae

1. The aim of study was to investigate whether the impact of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the histological structure of the intestine, innervation of the small intestine wall, and basal biochemical serum parameters in Japanese quail was sex dependent. 2. One-day-old healthy male and female Japanese quail were fed either a basal diet containing no yeast (control group) or the basal diet plus 1.5% (15 g/kg of diet) of yeast (S. cerevisiae inactivated by drying). Samples from the duodenum and jejunum were taken from each bird at the age of 42 days. Blood samples were collected at this age and the concentrations of glucose, total protein, creatinine, uric acid, lipid profile (total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins (LDL), high density lipoproteins (HDL) and triacylglycerols (TG)), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), amylase (AMY), calcium, phosphorus and iron were determined. 3. Female quail fed diets supplemented with yeast had significantly lower total cholesterol and amylase activity than the control females. The concentration of HDL was higher in the male quail than in the females, irrespective of the treatment. An opposite effect was observed in LDL. The diet treatments influenced the activity of AspAT, which was significantly less in the male quail fed diets with 1.5% yeast. 4. Supplementation with S. cerevisiae increased the myenteron, submucosa and mucosa thickness, villus length and thickness and size of absorptive surface, while the number of villi and enterocytes were decreased in the duodenum in males. Female quail showed an increased absorptive surface in the jejunum. The Meissner (submucosal) plexuses were influenced by the feeding and sex to a greater extent than the Auerbach plexus (in the muscularis propria). 5. The results demonstrated that S. cerevisiae (1.5%) in the diet caused significant positive effects in Japanese quail, exerting an effect on the morphology of the small intestine in a sex-dependent manner.

Effects of L-carnitine on morphology and cellular parameters of hen erythrocytes

The aim of our study was to determine the influence of L-carnitine (L-CAR) on the cellular parameters of hen erythrocytes during a 48 hour exposure to L-CAR at concentrations of 25, 50 and 100 µg/mL in nutrient-deficient medium. Cell morphology, haemolysis, caspase 3/7 activity and glucose uptake (GU) were determined. The results showed a lower percentage of apoptotic cells and decreased haemolysis of erythrocytes treated for 48 hours at all the concentrations of L-CAR. The amino acid at 50 µg/mL inhibited the activity of proapoptotic caspase 3/7; however, it increased GU. In contrast, caspase 3/7 level was increased but GU was decreased in erythrocytes treated with 100 µg/mL of L-CAR when compared to the control. It may be hypothesized that reduction of apoptotic changes in hen erythrocytes may result from increased GU.

Long-bone properties and development are affected by caponisation and breed in Polish fowls

1. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of caponisation on bone development of males of two native breeds in Poland. 2. The weight, length and cross-sectional area of tibiae and femora were measured, densitometric measurements and tests of strength were determined and dimensions were calculated. 3. Breed and caponisation did not influence bone weight and length. Higher mechanical strength of the femur was found in entire males, mainly in the Polbar breed. Tibial strength was reduced in capons of the Green Partridge breed. Maximum elastic strength was greater in the Polbar, irrespective of caponisation. Bone cross-sectional area was influenced by breed, while caponisation reduced femoral bone mineral density in both breeds. 4. Caponisation thus increased growth rate but had adverse effects on bone development. 5. Caponisation had fewer negative effects in the Polbar than in the Greenleg Partridge.

Selenium intake of infants and young children, healthy children and dietetically treated patients with phenylketonuria

In 20 healthy infants and children, 5-20 months old, the Se intake was estimated by analysing food samples by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The intake was calculated by weighing the portions offered and actually consumed. The median Se content of the food amounted to 27 ng/g wet weight (gww) and median daily Se intake to 33.5 micrograms. The Se intake was not equally distributed over the day. About 50% of the daily Se intake was derived from the supper. The main Se sources (41%) for young children were cereal paps. Commercially available meals (30 ng/g) contained less Se than home-made ones (50 ng/g). In nine dietetically treated patients with phenylketonuria the median Se intake amounted only to 6.9 micrograms/day corresponding to a mean Se content of the diet of 7.9 ng/g. The main Se source in the diet was vegetables (36.3%) and 20% derived from their protein supplements. The Se intake of young children, healthy or dietetically treated, cannot be calculated accurately from tables but must be estimated by measuring the Se content of the local food because cereals and vegetables--the main Se sources--exhibit great regional variations.

The selenium content of infant food

The selenium content of food exhibits great regional differences. Food samples of infants and young children from the North Rhine-Westphalia State in the Fed. Rep. of Germany were analysed by instrumental neutron activation analysis and showed that the average selenium content of local vegetable and fruit is below 5 ng/g wet weight. Only samples of potatoes and bananas exhibit higher selenium contents. The bananas, probably imported from different areas of the world, show an extremely high variance with values between 4 and 164 ng Se/g. Commercially available ready-for-use meals for infants or young children have a low Se content (median 24 ng/g) which is comparable to cow's milk. Besides eggs, cereals enriched with milk and some other cereal products contain more than 100 ng Se/g.

Estimation of zinc and other trace elements in the nails of Hungarian adult twin pairs by neutron activation analysis

Nail samples of 157 adult Hungarian twin pairs were examined for different trace elements by neutron activation analysis. Comparing the within-pair-concordance for zinc contents of the twins of different zygosity, a much higher concordance in monozygotes than in dizygotes was observed. The authors suggest the idea that the zinc content in the human organism, at least in some organs, may be genetically controlled.

Zinc status of Libyan children -- a pilot study

Hair zinc has been investigated in children of North and South Libya. The hair zinc content amounts to 213 +/- 36 micrograms/g in newborns. There is no difference between the values of newborns from North Libya and newborns from South Libya. The hair zinc values decrease during infancy. In toddlers and school-children the hair zinc content is 88 +/- 35 micrograms/g, 89 +/- 25 micrograms/g resp. These values are as low as those reported in American children with low height percentiles or nearly as low as those found in dwarfs with poor zinc status from Egypt and Iran.

Hair selenium content during infancy and childhood

Hair selenium content was estimated by instrumental neutron activation analysis in Libyan infants and children. There was no significant difference between the values of young infants from North and South Libya. The hair selenium content rapidly decreased from 1071 +/- 75 ng/g in newborns to 301 +/- 99 ng/g in 7-10 months old infants in North Libya and to 557 +/- 204 ng/g in South Libya. In North Libya the values of preschool children were 409 +/- 117 ng/g and those of school children 464 +/- 124 ng/g.

Selenium supplementation: plasma glutathione peroxidase an indicator of selenium intake

Plasma glutathione peroxidase activity is markedly reduced in dietetically treated patients with PKU or MSUD in comparison to health children of the same age. This is due to the low selenium content of their diet. During supplementation with yeast rich in selenium (200 micrograms selenium per day) for 3 months 2 healthy adults did not show any significant change of their plasma GSHPx activity. 5 dietetically treated patients with PKU or MSUD and a reduced selenium state showed a rapid increase of the plasma GSHPx activity after selenium supplementation were started with 120 micrograms Se/m2 x d. The values doubled within the first two days and reached a plateau after 1--3 weeks. The patients showed no clinical anomalities before or during the selenium supplementation besides the inherited defect of amino acid metabolism. Plasma GSHPx activity seems to be a good indicator of short-term changes of selenium intake in patients with reduced selenium state.

Determination of Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Sb, Se and Zn in milk samples

Concentrations of Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Sb, Se and Zn in IAEA milk (dry) standard A-11 were re-evaluated with the help of instrumental and radiochemical neutron activation analysis (NAA). The results show reasonably good agreement for Co (5.1 +/- 0.55 ng/g) and Zn (34 +/- 2.5 micrograms/g), in relation to the recommended values. For Cu (374 +/- 15 ng/g), Fe (2.4 +/- 0.34 microgram/g) and Mn (250 +/- 20 ng/g); the results obtained are lower than the reported values. Cu, Mn, and Zn were cross-checked by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The results, Cu = 331 +/- 27 ng/g, Mn = 302 +/- 62 ng/g, and Zn = 35 +/- 1 microgram/g, fall within the range of mean values obtained by NAA. for Hg and Se, using instrumental NAA, only upper limits could be indicated; because of the low levels of concentrations of Hg and Se on one hand, and high content of P (9100 micrograms/g) in A-11 milk standard on the other, NAA coupled with radiochemistry is to be preferred for these two elements. In pooled human milk, in addition to Cu and Mn (radiochemical) and Co, Fe, Sb and Zn (instrumental), Hg and Se could also be determined non-destructively because of the favorable Hg/P and Se/P ratios in this matrix.

Trace element concentration in the human pineal body. Activation analysis of cobalt, iron, rubidium, selenium, zinc, antimony and cesium

100 human pineal bodies (56 male and 44 females) were analyzed by means of instrumental neutron activation analysis for trace concentrations of cobalt, iron, rubidium, selenium, zinc, antimony and cesium. The results indicated that the measured element concentrations are not related to body-surface, age and fresh weight. Moreover, the mean absolute cobalt value from 97 pineal bodies is increased by a factor of 1.43 over the mean absolute concentration value of 257 other areas of the brain. The mean zinc content is found to be 3.7 fold higher than the mean zinc value from 269 other samples of brain. The iron values from various brain areas do not differ from those of the pineal body. Compared to other brain regions pineal selenium is increased and rubidium is decreased. Correlating the different element concentrations to each other, a positive correlation is found for selenium and ribidium, a negative correlation for cobalt and zinc. The present data suggest that the measured trace elements are somehow related to specific roles in the physiology and biochemistry of the pineal body. This is supported by the constancy of element concentration over a wide range of increasing fresh weights of the organ. It is considered that zinc, cobalt and iron are involved as constituents of enzymes in the metabolism of amino acids, peptides and proteins of the pineal body. Moreover the conspicuous high zinc content of this organ may be related to a so far undetected neurotransmitter.

Platelet selenium in children with normal and low selenium intake

The concentration of selenium was determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis in erythrocytes, platelets, and plasma of eight dietetically treated children with phenylketonuria (n=6) or maple-syrup-urine disease (n=2) with low selenium intake and for ten children with normal selenium intake. The normal selenium concentration in platelets was about 600 ng/g and about five times higher than in erythrocytes of the same children. A decreased selenium concentration in platelets was seen only when the corresponding concentrations in erythrocytes and plasma were very low. This suggests a special role of selenium in platelets.

Multielement analysis of fingernail, scalp hair and water samples from Egypt (a preliminary study)

Scalp hair, fingernail and water samples collected from different parts of Egypt are analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and neutron activation analysis. The results for hair show minimum variation of Zn among different regions; a relatively well-controlled dispersion of values (maximum to minimum less than 2) for Co, Fe, Mn and Se; an overall inter-regional variation of factors of 7, 10, 6, 4 and 6 for the elements Ag, Cd, Cs, Sc and W, respectively; a steady decline in the concentration of Sc from south (Aswan) to north (Alexandria). The findings for nail show a steady decline in the concentration of Fe and Sc from south (Aswan) to north (Alexandria); elevated levels of Cd in samples from Aswan area; and regional variations extending up to factors of 6.5, 3.6, 4.7, 5.9, 4.4, 4.5 and 1.9 for Co, Cr, Cs, Mn, Mo, W and Zn, respectively. No unified relationship is observed between the elemental compositions of hair and nail. For Cr, Cs, Fe, Sb and Sc mean values for hair are lower than in nails. Among the remaining elements the ratio nail/hair is less than 1 for Ag in Assiut, El Kharga and Alexandria, for Cd in all of the areas with the exception of Aswan, for Co, Mn and Mo in Cairo, for Zn in Cairo and Alexandria, and for W in Alexandria. The data for water samples reflect highest concentration of all the measured elements in the Mediterranean sea; a steady increase of the concentration of Cu in drinking water from south to north and for Nile water a similar trend for Ca and Mg; and elevated concentrations of Sb and Mn in river water. No distinct trend for the interrelationship between water and tissue elemental concentrations could be established for the regions around Cairo, Aswan and Alexandria.

Selenium and myocardial infarction: glutathione peroxidase in platelets

The activity of the selenoenzyme glutathione peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.9) was determined in platelets of 15 patients with acute myocardial infarction and 13 control subjects. The platelets of the patients had significantly lower activities of the enzyme (P(t) greater than 0.99). This may be related to the pathogenesis of the disease.

Concentration differences between serum and plasma of the elements cobalt, iron, mercury, rubidium, selenium and zinc determined by neutron activation analysis

The differences in concentrations of cesium, cobalt, iron, mercury, rubidium, selenium and zinc between serum and plasma were examined with the aid of instrumental neutron activation analysis. Eighty serum and plasma samples obtained from 13 donors were compared. Serum was prepared in plastic tubes immediately after clotting, and plasma was separated with heparin as anticoagulant. No significant differences in the concentrations of cesium, cobalt, mercury and selenium were observed. However, the concentrations of iron, rubidium and zinc were significantly higher in serum than in plasma. The average differences were 322, 12 and 20 ng/ml for iron rubidium and zinc, respectively. The average differences found for cesium, rubidium and zinc were far below that which can be expected from a complete, or considerable release of these elements from platelets which aggregate or disintegrate during the clotting process in preparing serum.

Rubidium-A possible essential trace element : 1. The rubidium content of whole blood of healthy and dietetically treated children

The rubidium content of whole blood was estimated by instrumental neutron activation analysis. In 46 healthy children it amounts to {ie193-1} g/g dry weight. There was no difference between the values found for infants, toddlers, and school children. In 29 dietetically treated patients with phenylketonuria and maple-syrup-urine disease the values were significantly lower than in healthy children. During the first three months of diet therapy the rubidium levels remained in the lower range of the normal values, decreasing to about 60% of the mean of normal values later on. With increasing length of diet therapy these values tended to decrease. It remains questionable whether these decreased levels reflect only an induced biochemical phenomenon without biological importance, or whether they are the first signs of a deficiency syndrome.

Selenium requirements in patients with inborn errors of amino acid metabolism and selenium deficiency

The diets of 5 patients with phenylketonuria of maple-syrup-urine disease were supplemented with yeast which was rich in selenium. For 120 days the patients received 45 micrograms Se/day to increase the Se content of their diets to 10--12 ng Se/Kjoule. Before supplementation the selenium content of serum (5--15 ng/ml) and whole blood (10--27 ng/ml), and the activity of the erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (0.19--2.69 U37/g Hb), amounted to only 10--20% of normal. The serum selenium content reached normal values within 4 weeks of supplementation, followed by normalisation of the selenium content of whole blood within 4--8 weeks. Restoration of the activity of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase took 9 to 15 weeks--the red cell life span. There was a significant positive correlation between the selenium content of the erythrocytes and the activity of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase.

Elemental composition of platelets. Part I. Sampling and sample preparation of platelets for trace-element analysis

Sampling of platelets for trace-element analysis poses special problems: obtaining adequate sample material, achieving a sufficient cell purity, preserving viability (integrity), correcting for trapped plasma, and controlling contamination. We used a blood-cell separator for the primary isolation of platelets from blood, and differential centrifugation in natural plasma to further isolate them. The pyrimidopyrimidine RA233 was used as a stabilizer to maintain viability. 131I-labeled human serum albumin was used to estimate trapped plasma. Contamination was controlled by using five-times-distilled water to simulate donor's blood in the system and by comparing three fractions: the serum, the first portion of the platelet-rich plasma, and the supernatant plasma after the final centrifugation. Neutron activation analysis was used for the elemental analysis. A single differential centrifugation of the platelet-rich plasma from the blood-cell separator at 400 x g for 8 min was optimum (mean mass fractions:erythrocytes/platelets less than 5 mg/g and leukocytes/platelets less than 20 mg/g). The trapped plasma in the wet platelet samples amounted to about 0.40 g/g. No appreciable contamination from the sampling system was found for the elements Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Mo, Rb, Sb, Se, and Zn.

Elemental composition of platelets. Part III. Determination of Ag, Au, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Mo, Rb, Sb, and Se in normal human platelets by neutron activation analysis

The elements Ag, Au, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Mo, Rb, Sb, and Se were determined in platelets from seven normal donors. The results, in ng/g wet weight, for plasma-free platelets follow: "Pure" platelets: Ag = 29 +/- (18), au = 0.22 +/- (0.22), Cd = 6.2 +/- 3.4, Cs = 54.8 +/- 19.2, Cr = 6.1 +/- 2.5, Co = 7.5 +/- (5.0), Mo = 3.4 +/- 1.3, Rb = 10400 +/- 3000, Sb = 18 +/- (26), and Se = 782 +/- 127. "Impure" platelets: Au = 0.23 +/- (0.28), Cd = 6.4 +/- 2.6, Cs = 35.2 +/- 13.8, Cr = 8.2 +/- 2.9, Co = 2.9 +/- (3.0), Mo = 3.2 +/- 0.8, Rb = 8700 +/- 1700, Sb = 13.2 +/- (8.7), and Se = 679 +/- 57. To our knowledge, none of these 10 trace elements has been determined in platelets before. The selenium concentration in platelets exceeds that in other tissues (e.g., liver). We suggest that glutathione peroxidase or other unknown selenoenzymes are particularly important in platelet metabolism. Platelets are crucial for triggering thrombosis, and so may be involved as links between selenium deficiency and the concomitant increased death rate from cardiovascular disease.

Elemental composition of platelets. Part III. Determination of Ag, Au, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Mo, Rb, Sb, and Se in normal human platelets by neutron activation analysis

The elements Ag, Au, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Mo, Rb, Sb, and Se were determined in platelets from seven normal donors. The results, in ng/g wet weight, for plasma-free platelets follow: "Pure" platelets: Ag = 29 +/- (18), au = 0.22 +/- (0.22), Cd = 6.2 +/- 3.4, Cs = 54.8 +/- 19.2, Cr = 6.1 +/- 2.5, Co = 7.5 +/- (5.0), Mo = 3.4 +/- 1.3, Rb = 10400 +/- 3000, Sb = 18 +/- (26), and Se = 782 +/- 127. "Impure" platelets: Au = 0.23 +/- (0.28), Cd = 6.4 +/- 2.6, Cs = 35.2 +/- 13.8, Cr = 8.2 +/- 2.9, Co = 2.9 +/- (3.0), Mo = 3.2 +/- 0.8, Rb = 8700 +/- 1700, Sb = 13.2 +/- (8.7), and Se = 679 +/- 57. To our knowledge, none of these 10 trace elements has been determined in platelets before. The selenium concentration in platelets exceeds that in other tissues (e.g., liver). We suggest that glutathione peroxidase or other unknown selenoenzymes are particularly important in platelet metabolism. Platelets are crucial for triggering thrombosis, and so may be involved as links between selenium deficiency and the concomitant increased death rate from cardiovascular disease.

Elemental composition of platelets. Part I. Sampling and sample preparation of platelets for trace-element analysis

Sampling of platelets for trace-element analysis poses special problems: obtaining adequate sample material, achieving a sufficient cell purity, preserving viability (integrity), correcting for trapped plasma, and controlling contamination. We used a blood-cell separator for the primary isolation of platelets from blood, and differential centrifugation in natural plasma to further isolate them. The pyrimidopyrimidine RA233 was used as a stabilizer to maintain viability. 131I-labeled human serum albumin was used to estimate trapped plasma. Contamination was controlled by using five-times-distilled water to simulate donor's blood in the system and by comparing three fractions: the serum, the first portion of the platelet-rich plasma, and the supernatant plasma after the final centrifugation. Neutron activation analysis was used for the elemental analysis. A single differential centrifugation of the platelet-rich plasma from the blood-cell separator at 400 x g for 8 min was optimum (mean mass fractions:erythrocytes/platelets less than 5 mg/g and leukocytes/platelets less than 20 mg/g). The trapped plasma in the wet platelet samples amounted to about 0.40 g/g. No appreciable contamination from the sampling system was found for the elements Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Mo, Rb, Sb, Se, and Zn.

Elemental composition of platelets. Part II. Water content of normal human platelets and measurements of their concentrations of Cu, Fe, K, and Zn by neutron activation analysis

We determined the elements Cu, Fe, K, and Zn in normal human platelets by neutron activation analysis. The platelets were obtained from seven donors and treated as described in Part I. The elemental composition is expressed on a wet-weight basis for plasma-free platelets. The following results were obtained (+/- values are 1 SD); "Pure" platelets: trapped plasma = 378 +/- 35 mg/g, water content = 715 +/- 15 mg/g, mean weight of the single platelet (by two different methods) = 9.9 +/- 1.1 pg and 11.2 +/- 1.7 pg, K = 4.39 +/- 1.06 mg/g, Zn = 49.23 +/- 10.97 microgram/g, Fe = 12.28 +/- 2.94 microgram/g, and Cu = 1.39 +/- 0.25 microgram/g. "Impure" platelets: trapped plasma = 349 +/- 31 mg/g, water content = 736 +/- 12 mg/g, K = 3.26 +/- 0.78 mg/g, Zn = 35.71 +/- 7.99 microgram/g, Fe = 17.11 +/- 5.10 microgram/g, and Cu = 1.39 +/- 0.21 microgram/g. To our knowledge, no data on Fe and Cu in platelets have hitherto been reported.

Elemental composition of platelets. Part II. Water content of normal human platelets and measurements of their concentrations of Cu, Fe, K, and Zn by neutron activation analysis

We determined the elements Cu, Fe, K, and Zn in normal human platelets by neutron activation analysis. The platelets were obtained from seven donors and treated as described in Part I. The elemental composition is expressed on a wet-weight basis for plasma-free platelets. The following results were obtained (+/- values are 1 SD); "Pure" platelets: trapped plasma = 378 +/- 35 mg/g, water content = 715 +/- 15 mg/g, mean weight of the single platelet (by two different methods) = 9.9 +/- 1.1 pg and 11.2 +/- 1.7 pg, K = 4.39 +/- 1.06 mg/g, Zn = 49.23 +/- 10.97 microgram/g, Fe = 12.28 +/- 2.94 microgram/g, and Cu = 1.39 +/- 0.25 microgram/g. "Impure" platelets: trapped plasma = 349 +/- 31 mg/g, water content = 736 +/- 12 mg/g, K = 3.26 +/- 0.78 mg/g, Zn = 35.71 +/- 7.99 microgram/g, Fe = 17.11 +/- 5.10 microgram/g, and Cu = 1.39 +/- 0.21 microgram/g. To our knowledge, no data on Fe and Cu in platelets have hitherto been reported.

Selenium content of human milk, cow's mild and cow's milk infant formulas

The selenium content of human milk, cow's milk and cow's milk infant formula were estimated by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The highest values were found in 3 samples of human colostrum (524--865 x 10(-9) g/g dry weight). There was a significant decrease with increasing time post partum. Mature human milk exhibited a selenium content of 230 +/- 79 x 10(-9) g/g dry weight. The selenium content of 45 samples of cow's milk from the north-western area of Germany was 200 +/- 39 x 10(-9) g/g dry weight. While there was no significant difference between the values of mature human milk and of cow's milk, cow's milk infant formula exhibited significantly (P less than 0.01) lower values than human milk. The average selenium content of 107 samples of 10 different commercially available fluid and powdered cow's milk infant formulas (range: 18--171 x 10(-9) g/g dry weight) amounted to about only one third of that in mature human milk.

The selenium state of children. II. Selenium content of serum, whole blood, hair and the activity of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase in dietetically treated patients with phenylketonuria and maple-syrup-urine disease

The selenium content of serum, whole blood and hair was measured by neutron activation analysis in dietetically treated patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) and maple-syrup-urine disease (MSUD). Follow-up studies showed a decrease of the serum selenium content and the glutathione peroxidase activity of erythrocytes--a selenoenzyme--from normal values at the beginning of the diet to 20% (selenium) and 50% (gluthione peroxidase) of normal within 10--12 weeks of dietary treatment. In 36 patients the serum selenium content was lower at 6.7--28 X 10(-9) g/ml, independent of the age of the patients (0.5 to 10 years). The selenium content of whole blood was reduced: median = 98 X 10(-9) g/g dry weight; range 75 to 165 X 10(-9) g/g dry weitht (healthy children: median = 381 X 10(-9) g/g dry weight; range 245 to 588 X 10(-9) g/g dry weight). The selenium content of hair was markedly lower in the patients (median = 62 X 10(-9) g/g; range 13--140 X 10(-9) g/g) than in healthy children (median = 429; range 213 to 720 X 10(-9) g/g). The mean glutathione peroxidase activity of erythrocytes was reduced to 4.6 +/- 0.64 U37/g Hb, comparison to normal values (mean = 8.8 +/- 0.88 U37/g Hb).

Determination of certain selected bulk and trace elements in the bovine liver matrix using neutron activation analysis

Effective utilisation of neutron activation analysis (NAA) for the elemental analysis of biomedical samples with or without a radiochemical separation, especially when optimal Ge(Li) well type detectors are employed for the acquisition of complex spectra, is demonstrated by determining normal values for 25 elements in bovine liver. Optimal conditions for the determination of Ag, Br, Cl, Co, Cs, Fe, I, K, Mn, Na, P, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se and Zn with the aid of instrumental thermal neutron activation analysis (INAA) by varying the irradiation and decay time are presented. Where INAA was inadequate, simple post irradiation separation based on ion-exchange has been used to determine such elements as Au, Ca, Cd, Ce, Cr, Cu, La, Mo and W. Results from the IAEA intercomparison run for animal muscle (H-4) are also given. The influence of sample size with respect to within-tissue variation of the bulk and trace elements in liver and the contamination of liver samples from the interfering components such as residual blood are also discussed.

Serum zinc concentration during childhood

Serum zinc concentrations in subjects of different ages were estimated by neutron activation analysis to obtain reliable reference values for the diagnosis of primary or secondary zinc deficiency during childhood. In these healthy individuals a small age-dependent variation of the mean values was found. Serum zinc concentrations were lower in cord blood (mean value: 880 X 10(-9) g/ml) and in infant;s (mean value: 820 X 10(-9) g/ml) than in adults (mean value 1178 X 10(-9) g/ml). In comparison to these values, the serum zinc concentration in a patient with secondary zinc deficiency and 4 patients with acrodermatitis enteropathica was reduced to about 25% of normal.

The selenium state of healthy children. I. Serum selenium concentration at different ages; activity of glutathione peroxidase of erythrocytes at different ages; selenium content of food of infants

The selenium concentration of serum is age-dependent. The median value at birth (chi=50 X 10(-9)g/ml) amounts to half of the median value of adults (chi=102 X 10(-9)g/ml). After a decrease in early infancy to chi=34 X 10(-9)g/ml it steadily increases to chi=58 X 10(-9)g/ml in the second half of the first year, to chi=82 X 10(-9)g/ml in 1--5 year old children, and to chi=92 X 10(-9)g/ml in school children. The activities of the selenium containing enzyme glutathione peroxidase of erythrocytes are also reduced in early infancy (chi=7.2 +/- 0.36 U37/g Hb), whereas the enzyme activities of cord blood erythrocytes (chi=8.72 +/- 0.76 U37/g Hb) are in the same range as those of older children or adults. The selenium content of some commercially available milk formulas for infants are lower than those of human and cow's milk.

[Influence of industrialization on trace element concentration in human lungs]

INTRODUCTION

People who spend their entire lives in highly industrialized regions are in danger of accumulating trace elements by inhalation as a result of the increased amounts of factory-produced smoke. In order to test the environmentally accumulated trace elements in lungs, lung samples of patients who lived their entire lives in the industrial area of Duisburg were compared with those of patients from the less industrialized areas of Cologne and surroundings.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Five patients were studied who lived in Duisburg and died at 50-68 years but not primarily as a result of lung diseases. From each patient five samples of the left lung were removed at autopsy. Lungs from 18 patients who died in Cologne were also examined. From each of the latter 2 samples were removed from the left lung. All samples were studied by means of neutron activation analysis and the following elements analysed: Co, Fe, Rb, Se, Cr, Cs, Sb, Sc, Zn and Al. The Al-concentration was analysed only in patients aged 50-68 years.

RESULTS

The values of the non-essential Sc, Al and Cs and of the essential trace elements Co were found to be appreciably higher in the samples from Duisburg than in those from Cologne. Sc in the samples from the highly industrialized area was increased up to a factor of 100, Cs, Al and Co to a factor of 10. In the lungs of adults in Duisburg, aged 50-68 years, the concentration of Sc was more than 1,000 times greater than in lungs of children in Cologne, aged 0-10 years. In all samples from Duisburg, the rare element Eu was detectable by means of neutron activation analysis but could not be detected in a sample from Cologne.

DISCUSSION

It is likely that the different uptakes of trace elements in the lungs depend on correspondingly different concentrations of the elements in the air. The extensive accumulation, especially of the non-essential elements, in the lungs should be an incentive to examine possible detrimental effects on human health in the future. The element Sc which was strikingly accumulated in the lungs and which can be easily measured by neutron activation analysis might be used as a standard for estimating the extent of environmental pollution.

Serum-selenium concentrations in patients with maple-syrup-urine disease and phenylketonuria under dieto-therapy

Serum-selenium concentrations were measured in 2 dietetically treated patients with maple-syrup-urine disease, in 11 dietetically treated patients with phenylketonuria, in 37 healthy children of different ages and in 183 healthy adults. The estimations were performed by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The values of the dietetically treated patients were much lower than those of healthy children of the same age group. Within 8 to 12 weeks the serum-selenium concentrations decreased from normal values before therapy to very low values under dieto-therapy. During infancy the serum-selenium concentrations of healthy individuals show an increase to the adult range of values.

[Acrodermatitis enteropathica--a disturbance of zinc metabolism with zinc malabsorption (author's transl)]

The intestinal resorption of zinc using 65ZnCl2 was estimated in 3 patients with acrodermatitis enteropathica, 2 healthy controls, and 3 heterozygotes. After oral application of 65Zn the whole body activity was measured by a whole body counter for 34 days. The 65Zn resorption of the patients amounted to 16, 42 and 30% of the applied dose, whereas the resorption values of the heterozygotes and the controls were in the range of 58 and 77%. The elimination of 65Zn from the body amounted to about 0.7% of the applied dose with no difference between controls and patients with acrodermatitis enteropathica. Before therapy the serum-zinc levels of patients were markedly decreased. After oral application of high doses of zinc aspartate (2 times 400 mg/day) all clinical symptoms disappeared within a week. The results point at a causal connection between zinc and the pathogenesis of acrodermatitis enteropathica. Ultrastructural alterations of the Paneth cells of the intestines are also shown in this disease [12] as have also been seen in Paneth cells of zinc deficient rats [Beitr. Path. 145, 336 (1972)].

[Quantitative determination of enteral calcium resorption with enriched stable 46Ca (author's transl)]

The application of a Ca-resportion test without the use of radioisotopes, which can therefore be used for babies, children and pregnant women, was investigated on 14 adult patients. In place of a radioisotope, an enriched form of the stable isotope 46Ca was administered orally, and the proportion of the applied dose of 46Ca appearing in the serum and urine was measured. 46Ca was measured by neutron activation over 47Sc. The clinical picture showed a close correlation with the determined resorption capacities. On the basis of the results, patients were classified into three groups: those with normal, increased, and decreased Ca-resorption.

[Investigations of contact tissues of Blount vitallium staples using the instrumental neutron activation analysis (author's transl)]

Instrumental neutron activation analysis with Gamma-spectroscopy is a very sensitive method for testing trace elements. Specimens of contact tissue around 5 Blount's vitallium clamps were, after preparation at the Nuclear Research Institute Jülich irradiated with thermic neutrons and their element-specific gamma spectra were measured after 33 and 125 days. In contact tissue a significant rise in concentration of the alloy-specific elements cobalt and chromium was found. The unspecific elements silver, caesium, iron, rubidium, antimon, scandium and zink were either within or very close to the normal. The metallosis of contact tissue is due to corrosion of the surfaces of cobalt-chromium implants.

Trace element concentration in human brain. Activation analysis of cobalt, iron, rubidium, selenium, zinc, chromium, silver, cesium, antimony and scandium

Up to 60 tissue samples were dissected from 13 human brains in defined regions and were analysed by means of neutron activation analysis for trace element concentration of cobalt, iron, rubidium, selesium, zinc, chromium, silver, cesium, antimony and scandium. It was shown that the variation in concentration of the non-essential elements in the different brain regions was greater than the corresponding variations in concentration of the essential elements. The mean values of Fe and Rb concentrations were higher in the basal ganglia than in the cortex areas. With increasing age the Fe concentration in the human brain was found to increase and that of Rb to decrease. Comparison of the trace element concentration in corresponding areas of the right and left hemispheres showed highly significant positive correlations for the essential elements. The concentration of each of the essential elements Fe, Rb and Zn was also found to differ significantly between defined functional regions. The characteristic distribution of essential trace elements in different areas is discussed in the light of known metabolic functions of these elements.