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Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a highly perishable fruit with a short shelf life at ambient conditions, which may lead to post-harvest losses approximated to be 40-45%. This reduces returns to farmers significantly. The problem is compounded by the fact that most farmers do not have access to cold storage facilities. Nutrient management has been shown to affect postharvest characteristics of fruits. Calcium particularly plays a critical role in cell membrane integrity, tissue firmness and delays lipid catabolism. Previous studies have indicated a deficiency of calcium in some mango growing regions in Kenya. A field study was carried out to determine the effect of varied calcium formulations applied at various stages of growth on mango fruits post-harvest quality and organoleptic acceptability. The study was carried out in Embu County Eastern Kenya during seasons 2017/2018 and 2018 /2019 using 'Van Dyke' cultivar, aged approximately 10 years. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design with a split-split plot arrangement, three trees per replication, replicated thrice. Three calcium formulations: calcium chloride, calcium nitrate and Easygro[TM] were applied at rates of 0%,1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0% at fruit set, 30 days after fruit set and 30 days to physiological maturity. The calcium sources formed the main plots, the timing of application formed the subplots while the rates of application formed the sub-sub plots. Total soluble solids (TSS) and percentage titratable acidity (TA) were assessed at harvest and after 12 days of storage under ambient conditions (25[+ or -]2[degrees]C, 70[+ or -]5% relative humidity) using standard procedures. Selected fruits' sensory attributes were also evaluated after storage using a hedonic scale. Analysis of data was done using the 14th Edition of the Genstat software. The differences among the means of the treatments were compared using Fisher's Protected LSD test at 5% probability level. Fruits sprayed with calcium chloride, 2.0% at fruit set had higher TSS (6.8 [degrees] brix and 6.3[degrees] brix) (10.47 [degrees] brix and 9.10 [degrees] brix), TA (1.29% and 1.27%), (0.77% and 0.675%) than other treatments at maturity and after storage in both seasons, respectively. Calcium chloride at 2.0% level of application led to a superior peel color appearance contrary to calcium nitrate and Easygro[TM] also applied at 2.0%, which led to an inferior peel color appearance and an inferior taste of fruits. Therefore, calcium nitrate and easy gro should be sprayed at concentration of 1.5% for good taste and peel colour appearance. Key words: Mango, total soluble sugars, total titratable acidity, organoleptic, shelf-life, INTRODUCTION Mango is an important fruit crop though faced with short shelf life challenges in ambient conditions, which may lead to high post harvest losses. Various physiological processes occur in [...]

We have shown in several controlled rat and human infection studies that dietary calcium improves intestinal resistance and strengthens the mucosal barrier. Reinforcement of gut barrier function may alleviate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, we investigated the effect of supplemental calcium on spontaneous colitis development in an experimental rat model of IBD. HLA-B27 transgenic rats were fed a purified high-fat diet containing either a low or high calcium concentration (30 and 120 mmol [CaHPO.sub.4]/kg diet, respectively) for almost 7 wk. Inert chromium EDTA (CrEDTA) was added to the diets to quantify intestinal permeability by measuring urinary CrEDTA excretion. Relative fecal wet weight was determined to quantify diarrhea. Colonic inflammation was determined histologically and by measuring mucosal interleukin (IL)-1[beta]. In addition, colonic mucosal gene expression of individual rats was analyzed using wholegenome microarrays. The calcium diet significantly inhibited the increase in intestinal permeability and diarrhea with time in HLA-B27 rats developing colitis compared with the control transgenic rats. Mucosal IL-1[beta] levels were lower in calciumfed rats and histological colitis scores tended to be lower (P = 0.08). Supplemental calcium prevented the colitis-induced increase in the expression of extracellular matrix remodeling genes (e.g. matrix metalloproteinases, procollagens, and fibronectin), which was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR and gelatin zymography. In conclusion, dietary calcium ameliorates several important aspects of colitis severity in HLA-B27 transgenic rats. Reduction of mucosal irritation by luminal components might be part of the mechanism. These results show promise for supplemental calcium as effective adjunct therapy for IBD. J. Nutr. 139: 1525-1533, 2009.

Although calcium (Ca) supplementation increases bone density, the increase is small and the effect on bone strength and fracture risk is uncertain. To investigate if bone mass, morphology, and biomechanical properties are affected by deficient to copious dietary Ca concentrations, the long bones (tibia and femur) of growing female Sprague-Dawley rats (8/group) were assessed after 13 wk of consuming 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 g Ca/kg of a modified AIN-93G diet. Dietary phosphorous (P) and vitamin D remained constant at recommended concentrations. The assessment included mineralization, density, biomechanical properties of breaking by a 3-point flexure test, and morphological properties by microcomputed topography scanning of trabecular bone of the proximal tibia metaphysis. Dietary treatment did not affect food intake, weight gain, renal and muscle Ca concentrations, and bone hydroxyproline. All bone parameters measured were significantly impaired by Ca deficiency in rats fed the diet containing 1 g Ca/kg. Modest impairments occurred with some parameters (bone density, biomechanical bending moment, modulus of elasticity, and stress) in rats fed 2 g Ca/kg, but all parameters stabilized between 2 and 3 g/kg diet, with no differences between 3 and 7 g/kg. The results suggest that a threshold response in bone Ca retention or bone mass at ~2.5 g Ca/kg diet is associated with similar threshold responses in bone breaking strength and related biomechanics as well as trabecular structural properties. There was no evidence of a relative P deficiency or of improved or impaired bone strength and structure as Ca intakes increased beyond those needed to maximize bone density.

The symptoms, causes, and different treatment methodologies for hypoparathyroidism are discussed. A case study of a 58-year-old man is evaluated to arrive at a better understanding of the ailment.

Objective: To identify individual and environmental factors affecting intake of calcium-rich food and beverages by early adolescent Hmong girls. Design: Cross-sectional survey of girls, in-depth interviews with parents. Setting: Girl Scout and 4-H programs in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area. Participants: Convenience samples of 10-13-year-old Hmong girls (n = 102) and their parents (n = 20). Analysis: Spearman correlation analysis, constant comparative method. Variables Measured: Individual and environmental factors for girls and reported intake of calcium-rich food and beverages. Results: Few girls observed parents drinking milk or were encouraged by parents to drink milk. Many reported low intake of milk with dinner meals and snacks. Only one third reported that calcium-rich food such as yogurt, cheese, and tofu were available at home, and intake of these food items was associated with availability. Parents accommodated child preferences and had few expectations for their child to eat certain calcium-rich food items. Parents did not commonly consume dairy products but indicated they made milk available for children. Knowledge of calcium requirements was limited, but most parents related calcium to bone health. Conclusions and Implications: Environmental factors may limit calcium intake by Hmong girls. Education should involve parents and children and address environmental factors that affect intake. Key Words: Hmong, early adolescent girls, calcium intake, parental influence

Objective To assess the accuracy of three self-administered food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) to measure dietary calcium intake in healthy adults. Design Estimates of dietary calcium intake from one previously validated and two recently developed FFQs were compared with those from 7-day food records. Subjects/setting Healthy adults enrolled in an outpatient study of calcium supplementation completed the 36-page Dietary History Questionnaire (DHQ), a 3-page Calcium Questionnaire, and a 1-page Short Calcium Questionnaire. Subjects then completed a 7-day food record. Main outcome measures Differences between calcium intake reported on FFQs and calcium intake from food records were compared. Statistical analyses Spearman correlations were used to measure associations among variables; Bland-Altman pairwise comparisons were conducted to assess systematic and magnitude biases. Results We studied 341 subjects, 74.5% female, mean ([+ or -] standard deviation) age of 38 [+ or -] 11 years and body mass index (calculated as kg/[m.sup.2]) of 31.8 [+ or -]7.1. Mean ([+ or - ]standard deviation) food record calcium intake was 896[+ or -]380 mg/day; data from all three FFQs were positively related to food record calcium intake, but accounted for <40% of the variance in food record dietary calcium intake (DHQ: [r.sup.2]=0.21; Calcium Questionnaire: [r.sup.2] =0.33; Short Calcium Questionnaire: [r.sup.2]=0.37; all P<0.001). The DHQ underestimated daily calcium intake (systematic bias: -94 mg/ day, P<0.001; magnitude bias r=-0.40; P<0.001), whereas the Calcium Questionnaire overestimated calcium intake (systematic bias + 177 mg/ day, P<0.001), but had no significant magnitude bias (r=-0.09; P=0.11). The Short Calcium Questionnaire showed minimal systematic bias (+34 mg/day, P=0.09), but had magnitude bias (r=-0.33; P<0.001). Conclusions All three FFQs performed reasonably well at estimating dietary calcium intake compared to food records; each may be appropriate for use in select clinical and research settings.

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jada.2006.08.019 Byline: Xiang Gao, Parke E. Wilde, Alice H. Lichtenstein, Katherine L. Tucker Abstract: In the United States, >50% of dietary calcium is provided by milk and milk products. Calcium intakes in the United States are inadequate for many children, and a large proportion do not drink milk or consume dairy products. However, no studies have addressed whether dairy-free diets can provide adequate calcium while meeting other nutrient recommendations.

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jada.2006.08.015 Byline: Won O. Song, Ock Kyoung Chun, Jean Kerver, Susan Cho, Chin Eun Chung, Sang-Jin Chung Abstract: Inadequate intake of calcium-rich foods among US adults and children is a public health concern. Fluid milk is one of the best calcium sources because of its bioavailability and its versatility as both a beverage and a complement to various solid foods. One of the foods commonly consumed with milk is ready-to-eat breakfast cereal (RTEC).

The hormone leptin and the gut peptide CCK synergistically interact to enhance the process of satiation. Although this interaction may occur at several levels of the neuroaxis, our previous results indicate that leptin can specifically enhance the satiation effect of CCK by acting on subdiaphragmatic vagal afferent neurons. Because of this localized action, we hypothesized that a high proportion of vagal afferent neurons innervating the stomach or duodenum would be responsive to leptin and/or CCK. To test this hypothesis, we measured changes in cytosolic calcium levels induced by leptin and CCK in cultured nodose ganglion neurons labeled with a retrograde neuronal tracer injected into either the stomach or the duodenum. In the neurons labeled from the stomach, CCK activated 74% (39 of 53) compared with only 35% (34 of 97) of nonlableled cells. Of the CCK-responsive neurons 60% (18 of 30) were capsaicin-sensitive. Leptin activated 42% (22 of 53) of the stomach innervating neurons compared with 26% of nonlabeled neurons. All of the leptin-sensitive neurons labeled from the stomach also responded to CCK. In the neurons labeled from the duodenum, CCK activated 71% (20 of 28). Of these CCK-responsive neurons 80% (12 of 15) were capsaicin sensitive. Leptin activated 46% (13 of 28) of these duodenal innervating neurons, of which 89% (8 of 9) were capsaicin-sensitive. Among neurons labeled from the duodenum 43% (12 of 28) were responsive to both leptin and CCK, compared with only 15% (15 of 97) of unlabeled neurons. Our results support the hypothesis that vagal afferent sensitivity to CCK and leptin is concentrated in neurons that innervate the stomach and duodenum. These specific visceral afferent populations are likely to comprise a substrate through which acute leptin/CCK interactions enhance satiation. nodose; calcium imaging; satiation; cholecystokinin

Transient receptor potential melastatin- (TRPM) and vanilloid-related (TRPV) channels are nonselective cation channels pertinent to diverse physiological functions. Multiple TRPM and TRPV channel subtypes have been identified and cloned in different tissues. However, their information in vascular tissue is scant. In this study, we sought to identify TRPM and TRPV channel subtypes expressed in rat deendothelialized intralobar pulmonary arteries (PAs) and aorta. With RT-PCR, mRNA of TRPM2, TRPM3, TRPM4, TRPM7, and TRPM8 of TRPM family and TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV3, and TRPV4 of TRPV family were detected in both PAs and aorta. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR showed that TRPM8 and TRPV4 were the most abundantly expressed TRPM and TRPV subtypes, respectively. Moreover, Western blot analysis verified expression of TRPM2, TRPM8, TRPV1, and TRPV4 proteins in both types of vascular tissue. To examine the functional activities of these channels, we monitored intracellular [Ca.sup.2+] transients ([[[Ca.sup.2+]].sub.i]) in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and aortic smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). The TRPM8 agonist menthol (300 [micro]M) and the TRPV4 agonist 4[alpha]-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (1 [micro]M) evoked significant increases in [[[Ca.sup.2+]].sub.i] in PASMCs and ASMCs. These [Ca.sup.2+] responses were abolished in the absence of extracellular [Ca.sup.2+] or the presence of 300 [micro]M [Ni.sup.2+] but were unaffected by 1 [micro]M nifedipine, suggesting [Ca.sup.2+] influx via nonselective cation channels. Hence, for the first time, our results indicate that multiple functional TRPM and TRPV channels are coexpressed in rat intralobar PAs and aorta. These novel [Ca.sup.2+] entry pathways may play important roles in the regulation of pulmonary and systemic circulation. transient receptor potential channels; calcium signaling; nonselective cation channels

The efficacy of calcium with vitamin D supplementation for preventing hip and other fractures in healthy` postmenopausal women is examined. Amongst the healthy postmenopausal women, calcium with vitamin D supplementation resulted in a small but significant improvement in hip bone density, did not significantly reduce hip fracture and increased risk of kidney stones.

Objective To examine the nutritional impact of dairy product consumption on the dietary intakes of adults. Design Dietary intakes of adults who participated in a cross-sectional survey (1995-1996) in Bogalusa, LA. Subjects Dietary intake data were collected on 1,266 adults (61% women, 39% men; 74% white, 26% African American) in Bogalusa, LA. Statistical analysis Analysis of covariance was used to examine the mean nutrient intake differences among four dairy consumption groups. Significance tests in multiple comparisons between any two groups were conducted using Tukey's procedure. Results Forty-eight percent of adults consumed one serving or less of dairy products, 32% consumed two servings, 12% consumed three servings, and 8% consumed four or more servings. Overall mean intake of dairy was higher in whites (x=1.63) compared with African Americans (x=1.22) (P<.0001), especially the consumption of milk and cheese. No differences were found in overall mean intake of dairy servings by sex after adjusting for energy intake. However, women consumed significantly more servings of cheese (P<.0001) and yogurt (P<.01) than men. There were higher intakes of total energy, saturated fat, total protein, animal protein, and lactose (P<.0001), with greater number of servings of dairy products consumed. There were lower intakes of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (P<.0001), vegetable protein (P<.0001), total carbohydrates (P<.01), sucrose (P<.001), fructose (P<.0001), and fiber (P<.001). The percentage of energy from saturated fat (P<.0001) and protein (P<.001) increased with increasing number of dairy servings consumed. Intakes of calcium; magnesium; potassium; zinc; sodium; folate; thiamin; riboflavin; and vitamins B-6, B-12, A, D, and E were higher with greater number of dairy servings consumed. There was lower consumption of sweetened beverages (P<.001), specifically regular soft drinks (P<.0001), with greater consumption of milk products. Conclusions Dairy product consumption by adults has a major influence on their vitamin and mineral intakes. The higher intakes of saturated fat, total energy, and animal protein and lower intake of fiber suggest that it may be useful to consume lower-fat dairy products and/or modify eating patterns to optimize the nutritional contributions of dairy products. Public health organizations and dietetics professionals need to educate adults on practical strategies for increasing dairy product consumption for improving the nutritional quality of adults' diets. J Am Diet Assoc. 2005;105:1391-1400.

Objective Dietary calcium intake, especially from dairy products, may have a protective effect against obesity. This study aimed to determine if calcium intake is associated with body weight and adiposity in Pima Indians, an obesity-prone population. Research methods and procedures Subjects were 65 Pima Indian adults (35 men/30 women, age 33[+ or -]8 years [mean[+ or -]standard deviation]) participating in a study of eating behavior and 78 Pima Indian children (36 boys/42 girls, age 10.4[+ or -]0.3 years) participating in a study of childhood obesity. Height and weight were measured, and body composition was determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Food intake in adults was assessed using the Block 1998 Food Questionnaire; food intake in children was assessed using a 24-hour recall with parental assistance. Results In adults, mean energy intake was 3,163[+ or -]1,037 kcal/day, mean percentage of energy from fat was 41%[+ or -]7%, and calcium intake was 914[+ or -]333 mg/day. In children, mean energy intake was 1,988[+ or -]733 kcal/day, mean percentage of energy from fat was 36%[+ or -]9%, and calcium intake was 637[+ or -]352 mg/day, half the recommended daily intake for this age group. There were no significant associations between calcium intake and body weight (r=0.05, P=.71; r=0.04, P=.73), body fat (r=0.16, P=.19; r=0.12, P=.42), or body mass index (r=0.01, P=.97; r=0.04, P=.77) in either adults or children, respectively. Discussion One explanation for the lack of association between reported calcium intake and body size in Pima Indians may be that the high-fat, high-energy diet consumed by the population overwhelmed the "anti-obesigenic" effect of calcium. Conclusions We were unable to find an association between calcium intake and body size or adiposity in Pima Indian adults and children. Although the essentiality of calcium to bone health is well established, the role of calcium and dairy product intake in obesity and weight management remains uncertain. J Am Diet Assoc. 2005;105:1401-1407.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the combined effect of several environmental factors on bone mineral density in a group of highly active young women. Yannakoulia et al., found that a group of elite professional female dancers who practiced long-term intensive exercise had higher total and regional BMD values compared to an age- and weight-matched reference population.

Arch Intern Meal. 2007;167:1050-1059 [May 28, 2007] Premenopausal women who consume high amounts of calcium and vitamin D may be less likely to develop breast cancer and aggressive breast tumors [...]

Umar S, Morris AR Kourouma F, Sellin JH. Cell Prolif 2003:36:361-375. Diet plays an important role in promoting and/or preventing colon cancer; however, the effects of specific nutrients remain uncertain [...]