Study of serum cobalamin level in vegetarian v/s nonvegetarian geriatric individuals

Abstract

Background: Vegetarianism is found in all geographic areas, they may have lower B-12 levels than nonvegetarian; problem could be graver in elderly. This study intended to recognise geriatric individuals with B-12 deficiency so as to save them from anaemia, dementia & neuropsychiatric disturbances by timely recommendations for supplementation. Methods: Current study was conducted on 200 healthy attendants divided in to two groups-A comprised of 100 vegetarian and B of 100 nonvegetarian geriatric individuals (> 60yrs.), they had no previous chronic disease and an attempt was made to exclude diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic gastritis, hypoplastic & aplastic anaemia. Those with history of alcohol intake, PPI therapy & regular vitamin supplementation were excluded. Complete clinical examination and routine blood tests were done. Serum cobalamin level was determined by ACCU-BIND ELISA Microwells method. Results: Total of 58 vegetarians were found to be B-12 deficient compared to 42 normal (>350pg/ml) this was statistically significant. Out of 100 nonvegetarian 48 were deficient while 52 had normal levels this too was statistically significant. On comparing the vegetarians and non vegetarian groups significant result was obtained (p <0.01). When different age groups were statistically compared insignificant result was obtained, same was true for gender distribution. Statistically significant result was obtained on comparing vegetarian Vs nonvegetarian group. Conclusions: Irrespective of the dietary habit B-12 deficiency is prevalent in elderly, as 58% of vegetarian & 48% of nonvegetarian were found B-12 deficient, detailed dietary analysis revealed that majority of them consumed nonvegetarian food only occasionally. No significant effect of increasing age & gender was found on B-12 levels in either group. Every elderly vegetarian or non vegetarian irrespective of gender should get their B-12 levels checked & if found low should receive B-12 supplement.

Physicomechanical properties of wollastonite (CaSiO3)/styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposites

“…The stability was observed for MW/SBR 3,4 and showed W L about 99%. But at higher loading, MW/SBR [5][6][7] showed W L about 98%, 97%, and 96%, respectively. This is mainly attributed to weak interaction between wollastonite nanorods and SBR matrix at higher loading and composed wollastonite as residue.…”

“…The fillers have been more often used to fulfill functional roles, such as increasing thermal, mechanical, physical, morphological, and dimensional stability of the polymer and composite structures . Sometimes, agglomeration or lower surface area of micron‐size filler usually causes decrease in strength, impact resistance, and processability of polymer composites.…”

“…The fillers have been more often used to fulfill functional roles, 1 such as increasing thermal, 2,3 mechanical, 4,5 physical, morphological, and dimensional stability of the polymer and composite structures. 6 Sometimes, agglomeration or lower surface area of micron-size filler usually causes decrease in strength, impact resistance, and processability of polymer composites. While all these problems can be solved by using nanofillers, the presence of active hydroxyl and alkoxyl functional groups on nanofillers makes it more acidic and hydrophilic in nature which leads to poor polymer-filler interaction between rubber hydrocarbon and nanofillers.…”

Adaptive Supramolecular Networks: Emergent Sensing from Complex Systems

“…[15] We selected mammalian serum albumins (SAs) ranging from 69% to 92% conserved amino acid identity (Human (HSA), Bovine (BSA), Sheep (SSA), Porcine (PSA), Rat (RSA) and Mouse (MSA)) (Figure 4b, S16-S17, Table S1). Highly conserved sequence identity with homologous hydrophobic binding sites, [16] makes them extremely challenging for discrimination by supramolecular sensors.…”