Elemental Profiles Research Articles

Leaf mineral profiling and its correlation with oil physicochemical traits from four olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars grown in Morocco as affected by olive ripening stages

We investigated genotypic effects on the olive leaves mineral profile and its correlation with soil minerals. Likewise, olive oil extracted from four Mediterranean cultivars (‘Arbequina’, ‘Haouzia’, ‘Menara’, and ‘Picholine Languedoc’) at early and full ripening stages, was studied in terms of basic quality indices, fatty acids, sterols, pigments, and polyphenols. Our outcomes reveal important variations among cultivars and between ripening stages in terms of olive leaf elemental profiling and oil physicochemical traits, while there were no significant (p < 0.05) differences in soil mineral profiling. However, mineral profiling of leaves, basic quality indices, pigments, and polyphenols content of oils showed important inter-cultivar variations. Regarding fatty acid composition, oleic acid (C18:0) was the most abundant. For phytosterols profile, β-sitosterol was found to be the major phytosterol followed by campesterol. Olive oil from fully ripe fruits was marked by reduced chlorophylls (up to − 67.1%), carotenoids (up to − 68.73%) in ‘Menara’ and polyphenols (up to − 45.95%) in ‘Picholine Languedoc’, but an increase of total sterols (up to + 23.5%, ‘Haouzia’). Likewise, saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) tended to decrease (up to − 13.5% and − 6.44%, respectively) found in ‘Menara’. However, ‘Arbequina’ had an inceased SFA (+ 7.35%) and MUFA (+ 8.62%). Polyunsaturated fatty acids tended to increase (up to + 41.98%, ‘Menara’) except for ‘Picholine Languedoc’ (− 7.92%). These outcomes were confirmed by principal component analysis with important positive and negative correlations among minerals and oil physicochemical traits. These results showed that the analyzed components could be considered as specific markers to discriminate the studied cultivars.Graphical abstract

A screening study of elemental composition in legume (Fabaceae sp.) cultivar from Serbia: Nutrient accumulation and risk assessment

The study is the first analytical approach to evaluate thirteen elements’ profiles of 4 different species (Phaseolus spp., Vicia spp., Pisum spp. and Lathyrus spp.) comprising 38 varieties of legumes cultivated in Serbia. The inductively coupled plasma with an optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) was used to determine the levels of macro-, micro- and trace elemental contents, namely, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr and As, after microwave-assisted digestion. MANOVA was utilized to reveal significant differences in elemental composition within and between groups, while PCA to reveal the underlying patterns. Among the macroelements, the most abundant was K (8980.7–14177.4 mg kg−1), followed by P, Mg and Ca, being the highest in Phaseolus spp. The data revealed that the studied legumes generally contained a high amount of Zn and Fe, with Lathyrus spp. being the richest in Zn. The mean concentration of trace elements in the analyzed legume samples was in the following order: Ni (24.2–57 mg kg−1) > Cr (0.8–4.1 mg kg−1) > Pb (0.07–1.2 mg kg−1) > Cd (0–0.07 mg kg−1). The determined Pb and Cd contents in all cultivars exceeded the set maximum limits by European and Serbian legislation, having a potential for human health risk. Pattern recognition techniques applied to the data did not distinguish among the species, revealing a similar elemental profile. In conclusion, this study highlights legumes as an extremely valuable source of macro- and microelements, but also the importance of monitoring the level of heavy metals in this commonly consumed foodstuff.

Elemental Profiling of different Cancer Patients by ICP-MS from River Indus Region Sindh, Pakistan

Background: The relationship between exposure to heavy metals and the development of cancer has been a subject of extensive research. Trace elements, both essential and non-essential, play significant roles in various biological processes, with imbalances potentially contributing to carcinogenesis. This study aims to investigate serum concentrations of selected metals in cancer patients and compare these levels with those of a healthy control group, highlighting the potential link between metal exposure and cancer risk. Objective: To quantify and compare the serum concentrations of sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) in cancer patients and a control group, thereby assessing the potential association between elevated levels of specific metals and cancer incidence. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed blood samples from cancer patients (n=30) and a matched control group (n=30) from the Jamshoro and Hyderabad areas. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was utilized to measure serum concentrations of Na, Ca, Fe, Cd, and As. Participants' demographic data, including age, gender, place of residence, degree of education, cancer type, and water sources, were collected through questionnaires. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare metal concentrations between groups, with P-values &lt;0.05 considered significant. Results: The average ages of cancer patients and controls were 55.3 ± 15.7 and 52.13 ± 23.7 years, respectively. Significantly higher serum Na levels were observed in cancer patients compared to controls (P &gt; 0.05), with an average concentration exceeding 32.04 µg/L. Cd levels were also higher in the cancer group (0.0046 ppm) compared to controls (0.0000 ppm), contrary to expectations. Conversely, no significant difference was found in As levels between groups. Serum Fe concentrations were substantially higher in cancer patients (P &gt; 0.4949), with Ca levels in cancer patients also elevated (3.302 ppm). Conclusion: The study found significant discrepancies in serum metal concentrations between cancer patients and healthy controls, suggesting an association between elevated levels of certain metals and increased cancer risk. These findings emphasize the need for further investigation into the role of metal exposure in carcinogenesis and the potential for incorporating metal concentration assessments into cancer risk evaluation protocols.

High-concentration silver alloying and steep back-contact gallium grading enabling copper indium gallium selenide solar cell with 23.6% efficiency

Chalcopyrite-based solar cells have reached an efficiency of 23.35%, yet further improvements have been challenging. Here we present a 23.64% certified efficiency for a (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2 solar cell, achieved through the implementation of a series of strategies. We introduce a relatively high amount of silver ([Ag]/([Ag] + [Cu]) = 0.19) into the absorber and implement a ‘hockey stick’-like gallium profile with a high concentration of Ga close to the molybdenum back contact and a lower, constant concentration in the region closer to the CdS buffer layer. This kind of elemental profile minimizes lateral and in-depth bandgap fluctuations, reducing losses in open-circuit voltage. In addition, the resulting bandgap energy is close to the local optimum of 1.15 eV. We apply a RbF post-deposition treatment that leads to the formation of a Rb–In–Se phase, probably RbInSe2, passivating the absorber surface. Finally, we discuss future research directions to reach 25% efficiency.

Unveiling origins, composition, and appearance of ancient Islamic gold coins through elemental and smartphone-based colorimetric studies

In this article, the Islamic gold coins collections of the University of Valencia is studied for the first time for its elemental composition and colorimetric properties. To that end, non-destructive elemental analysis using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence is applied to obtain the coins’ elemental profile. Additionally, the colour of the coins is assessed using smartphone-based colorimetry as an innovative non-invasive method. Results indicate that the Islamic coins could be attributed to Almoravids, and the gold origin could be the famous Sudanese gold, an ore which was valued all over the world. Also, the text found in the coins was translated and allowed to objectively identify the mint and year. Based on these results, it can be seen that the earliest coins struck in the Iberian Peninsula are characterised by slightly lower gold concentrations than the ones struck in the northern part of Africa, pointing towards a potential recycling of coins which already circulated in the area. In conclusion, this work provides new analytical insights into a peculiar and unique type of samples, allowing to draw some conclusions in terms of their origins and materials, and for the first time allows to characterise the chromatic coordinates of this type of samples.

Mineral and potentially toxic element profiles in the soil-feed-animal continuum: Implications for public, environmental, and livestock health in three pasture-based sheep farming systems

Grazing livestock derive most of their mineral requirements from foraging. The presence of toxic elements in soils has become a significant concern for food safety and ecosystem services. Understanding the mineral content profiles in soil and forage is crucial for assessing animal health, predicting potential transfers of minerals or heavy metals into the food-chain, and assessing threats to the environment and human health. In this study, Na, Mg, P, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb were measured to determine the mineral status of three different pasture-based farming systems (with grazing sheep livestock) in a Spanish region of significant economic importance. A risk assessment evaluation of animal, environmental, and human health was performed on soil, forage, feed, serum, milk, and wool. Notably, traces of Pb, and As were identified in pastures in all farms. Our calculation of pollution indices revealed moderate levels of contamination by various elements, including Co, Cu, Zn, Se, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb. The two farms with more intense agrosystem practices showed a significant potential ecological risk, characterized by high soil levels of Hg and Cd. Animals from these farms also had high concentrations of these metals in wool. Although the target Hazard Quotient derived from milk consumption suggests that dairy products from this area are safe for consumption for adults, only milk from a dehesa farm (mix of woodland and pastureland) was free of potential health concerns related to Pb exposure. Our assessment of mineral profiles reveals a cohesive relationship between soil quality and derived animal products, particularly of the Merino sheep breeding and farming system. The results reveal the importance of adopting and reinforcing strategies to preserve dehesas as a sustainable and environmentally friendly agrosystem in the western Mediterranean region.

Pervasiveness of inorganic gunshot residue (IGSR) in handguns after cleaning and conditioning procedures.

Memory effect in firearms that is, the possibility for a weapon to release inorganic particles whose elemental composition depends on its entire shooting history, is responsible for most of the interpretation difficulties encountered in forensic gunshot residue analysis. The presence of residues chemically inconsistent with the last discharged round, the creation of particles having unusual elemental profiles, and the dependence of residue population composition on the collection point are all manifestations of memory effect. The experimental results reported in this paper highlight the ineffectiveness of a wide number of gun cleaning procedures in reducing memory effect. Moreover, the common alternative of discharging batches of rounds having a "new" primer mixture does not fully eliminate the possibility to recover "old" residues at least from the shooter's hands. Two brand new pistols and ammunition having lead-based, leadless and heavy metal free primers were used. Specimens, collected both from the shooters' hands and from cotton targets set nearby the gun muzzle, were analyzed by SEM-EDS and by ICP-OES. After discharging 10's of new ammunitions, the number of old residues ejected from the gun muzzle indeed showed an asymptotic decrease to zero. In spite of this, the number of old residues recovered from the shooter's hands did not follow any predictable trend. These different behaviors suggest that all internal components of a gun, and not just the barrel, play a role in memory effect.

“Mining” the herbarium for hyperaccumulators: Discoveries of nickel and zinc (hyper)accumulation in the genus Noccaea (Brassicaceae) through X‐ray fluorescence herbarium scanning

AbstractX‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) is a relatively new method for non‐destructive elemental analysis of herbarium material that meets the scientific interest in being capable of discovering new hyperaccumulator plant species. Since the genus Noccaea (Brassicaceae family) is known to be one of the most numerous in term of the hyperaccumulator plant species it contains, especially those that hyperaccumulate Ni, the herbarium material available worldwide represents a great resource for expanding our knowledge of their elemental profiles. In this first systematic XRF scanning of herbarium specimens of the genus Noccaea, a total of 794 specimens from the collection of the National Museum of Natural History in Paris (MNHN) were analyzed, and the raw values obtained were corrected using regression formulas against inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy data. Hyperaccumulation of Ni was detected in 90 specimens covering 21 taxa, with Ni concentrations reaching up to 48,700 mg kg−1 in Noccaea cappadocica, an ultramaficophyte from Syria. Zinc concentrations above the hyperaccumulation threshold were found in 210 specimens covering 23 taxa, most of which belonged to different subspecies of Noccaea caerulescens, with the highest concentration reaching up to 56,200 mg kg−1 in N. caerulescens subsp. caerulescens. Although the accumulation of Ni and Zn is contrasting in most of the specimens studied, in 10 specimens, predominantly belonging to N. caerulescens, simultaneous hyperaccumulation of Ni and Zn was found. This study also revealed previously unknown hyperaccumulation of Ni in several Noccaea taxa, as well as a simultaneous hyperaccumulation of Ni and Zn that needs to be confirmed by further experimental and field studies.

Early diagenetic control on the enrichment and mobilization of rare earth elements and transition metals in buried ferromanganese crust

Ferromanganese crusts on seamounts represent a major reservoir of various critical metal elements (e.g., rare earth elements and transition metals) and hold substantial economic value. However, current research primarily focuses on crusts that are exposed to seawater, and little is known about the resource potential of buried crusts in sediments and the impact of early diagenesis on buried crusts. Here, we present in-situ high-resolution major and trace element analyses of a buried crust from the western Pacific Ocean to unravel how rare earth elements and transition metals are enriched and mobilized as burial. The elemental profiles of the buried crust indicate that as the crust is buried, dissolved nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) are gradually released from it into the porewater. Manganese and cobalt (Co) contents of the buried crust remain relatively constant, while rare earth elements are incorporated into the buried crust. Collectively, the early diagenesis leads to the release of Ni and Cu into the porewater, whereas it facilitates the fixation of rare earth elements within the buried crust. Given the widespread distribution of buried crusts in modern oceans, they represent a potential resource for future economic extraction of critical metals, particularly rare earth elements and Co.

Facile Fabrication of ZnO Nanorods with Extremely Strong Photocatalytic Performance and Antibacterial Activity

Development of nanomaterials with strong antibacterial action and highly enhanced photocatalytic activity for water purification is of immense interest. ZnO nanorods, with extremely enhanced solar-driven photocatalytic performance and good antibacterial activity, have been fabricated by facile chemical route. The structural properties of the nanomaterial were thoroughly characterized by SEM, TEM, EDX, HRTEM, STEM-HAADF, elemental profiling, XRD and Raman spectroscopy, while the optical and photocatalytic properties were studied by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. TEM and FESEM showed nanorods with average width and length as 80[Formula: see text]nm and 178[Formula: see text]nm. XRD showed wurtzite ZnO with 27[Formula: see text]nm crystallite size. PL analysis of ZnO nanorods showed peaks at 415[Formula: see text]nm, 439[Formula: see text]nm, 499[Formula: see text]nm and 561[Formula: see text]nm. The fabricated ZnO nanorods exhibited extremely enhanced photocatalytic performance with very high rate constant of 0.201[Formula: see text]min[Formula: see text] for degradation of organic pollutant MB in water under only 15[Formula: see text]min of solar exposure. ZnO nanorods completely inhibited growth of Bacillus oceanisediminis and Escherichia coli at 500[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL and 700[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL, respectively. The origin of antibacterial behavior of ZnO nanorods against B. oceanisediminis and E. coli has been investigated using histidine for scavenging ROS, morphological change by SEM and agarose gel electrophoresis. Our results showed that ROS-induced oxidative stress damages cell wall, evident from SEM, and leads to fragmentation of DNA both of which contribute to the antibacterial action of ZnO nanorods. The tentative mechanism of extremely strong photodegradation performance of ZnO nanorods has also been proposed.

Ion Beam Analysis including ToF-ERDA of complex composition layers

When developing new materials for example, for high-temperature nuclear reactors with the potential of hydrogen production, that are characterized by radiation, high temperature and corrosion resistance, it is indispensable the knowledge of their detailed elemental composition and its possible variation with depth from surface. Several analytical methods based on different physical principles are used to determine the depth distribution of elements in the surface layers of materials. For the quantitative determination of elemental depth profile to a depth of several micrometres are applicable established Ion Beam Analysis (IBA) methods such as RBS, EBS, NRA and ERDA. Their advantage is that they are considered to be absolute and to a certain extent non-destructive. Each of these methods is advantageously used to analyse a certain range of elements, sometimes depending on the combination of other elements present. The recently commissioned Time of Flight Elastic Recoil Analysis (ToF-ERDA) measuring system at the Slovak University of Technology MTF in Trnava significantly enhanced the Ion Beam Laboratory capability of a comprehensive elemental analysis of thin films to the depth of hundreds of nanometres. Using the primary analysing 50 MeV Au beam, the depth profiles of all elements from W to H can be obtained within a single measurement. Analysis of complex samples using traditional IBA methods and high-energy ToF-ERDA is discussed and compared. The first measurements on the new ToF-ERDA installation are also presented.

Phytochemical Analysis and Elemental Contents of Varieties of &lt;i&gt;Polyalthia longifolia&lt;/i&gt; (Sonn.) Thwaites

Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.) is a medicinal plant that belongs to the family Annonaceae, and it is distributed in the tropics. This plant is widely grown in West Africa for its ornamental and medicinal purposes. There are two varieties of P. longifolia which are commonly distinguishable by the direction of their branches. One has spreading perpendicular branches, and the other has drooping pendulous branches. Traditional herbal practitioners believe that one variety (P. longifolia cv. pendula) is more medicinal than the other. This study, therefore, sought to investigate the phytochemical components of the two varieties of P. longifolia by HPTLC, UPLC, and elemental analysis by ICP-EOS. No observable differences were found in the phytochemical and elemental profiles of these varieties that could help distinguish one from the other or could account for its supposed differences in medicinal properties. A total of 22 elements were detected in the samples of the two varieties of the plant. Qualitatively, the elemental content of both varieties was similar. Only Iridium was not detected in all samples. Heavy metals including As, Pb, Cd, and Hg had their levels above the recommended limits.

The elemental profile of ciders made from different varieties of apples

Macro- and microelements are vital components of the nutrient profile of apples and apple juice. Although the mineral composition of apple juices has been well studied, there is a lack of research into the elemental profile of ciders. We aimed to determine the concentrations of macro- and microelements in various samples of ciders. &#x0D; We studied 25 experimental ciders from apple juice of direct extraction (fresh must) and 4 commercial ciders purchased from a retailer in Krasnodar. Mass concentrations of metal cations were determined by high-performance capillary electrophoresis, atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomization, and atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma.&#x0D; The concentrations of macroelements in the ciders from fresh must depending on the variety varied significantly in the following ranges (mg/L): 696–1920 for potassium; 6.7–26.8 for sodium; 4.3–35.5 for calcium; and 10.2–36.8 for magnesium. The commercial ciders had significantly lower concentrations of macroelements. The content of iron ranged from 0.86 to 2.26 mg/L. Among microelements, copper cations were detected in the range from 31.0 to 375 μg/L. The concentrations of toxic elements did not exceed the maximum permissible values in any of the samples, including the commercial ones. Finally, ranges of variation were established in the concentrations of macro- and microelements depending on the varietal characteristics of apples.&#x0D; The pomological varieties of apples used in the study were grown under the same agrotechnical conditions. Therefore, the differences revealed in the elemental profile of the ciders were assumingly due to the genetic characteristics of the respective variety.

Design of HL7 FHIR Profiles for Pathology Reports Integrated with Pathology Images.

This paper describes the development of Health Level Seven Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resource (FHIR) profiles for pathology reports integrated with whole slide images and clinical data to create a pathology research database. A report template was designed to collect structured reports, enabling pathologists to select structured terms based on a checklist, allowing for the standardization of terms used to describe tumor features. We gathered and analyzed 190 non-small-cell lung cancer pathology reports in free text format, which were then structured by mapping the itemized vocabulary to FHIR observation resources, using international standard terminologies, such as the International Classification of Diseases, LOINC, and SNOMED CT. The resulting FHIR profiles were published as an implementation guide, which includes 25 profiles for essential data elements, value sets, and structured definitions for integrating clinical data and pathology images associated with the pathology report. These profiles enable the exchange of structured data between systems and facilitate the integration of pathology data into electronic health records, which can improve the quality of care for patients with cancer.

Comparative analyses of pesticide residues, elemental composition and mycotoxin levels in Spanish traditional and novel ciders

The apple cultivar, known for its adaptability and diverse varieties, has been extensively utilized for cider production, particularly in climatically suitable regions. Cider, an age-old alcoholic beverage derived from fermenting apple juice, is gaining popularity, especially among younger generations. Despite this trend, comprehensive knowledge regarding the toxicological profile of ciders remains limited, leaving room for potential chemical contaminants from raw ingredients or production methods. To address this gap, we conducted an unprecedented study analyzing sixty-eight cider samples from the Spanish market, encompassing both traditional ciders and newly developed apple-based flavored drinks referred to as “ciders.” Our investigation focused on pesticide residues, elemental profiles, and mycotoxin residues. In a groundbreaking approach, our study integrated the analysis of 225 pesticide residues, 50 Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), 11 mycotoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, DON, FB1, FB2, H-2, HT-2, OTA, PAT, and ZEN), and a total of 50 elements. Pesticide residues were identified using GCMSMS and LCMSMS, elemental composition determined via ICPMS, and mycotoxins analyzed using LCMSMS. The significance of our research lies in addressing the dearth of toxicological analyses of ciders, despite their burgeoning global consumption and production. For pesticide residues and elemental composition, our results underwent statistical processing, revealing distinct differences between the elemental profiles of traditional ciders and “ciders.” Additionally, disparities were observed between cider and other low-alcohol fermented beverages like wines and beers. Concentrations of most pesticide residues and elements in the cider samples were deemed non-toxic, falling below allowable limits established by international organizations for other beverages such as water or wine. However, certain elements, notably Br and Pb in traditional ciders, raised potential concerns. Our findings underscore the necessity of establishing regulatory limits for pesticide residues, potentially hazardous elements, and mycotoxins in cider, a regulatory framework currently lacking on a global scale.

Tracing the geochemical imprints of Maastrichtian black shales in southern Tethys, Egypt: Assessing hydrocarbon source potential and environmental signatures

This study conducted comprehensive bulk and molecular geochemical analyses, as well as elemental investigations, on seventeen black shale samples collected from the Upper Cretaceous sediments on the western margin of the Red Sea. The primary objective is to assess the hydrocarbon generation potential, maturity, source input, biodegradation levels, and depositional environment characteristics within the Lower Maastrichtian interval near the Safaga area. Lower Maastrichtian black shales demonstrate very good to excellent source rock generative potential based on pyrolysis data. The prevalent kerogen type in the older black shale at the Heweitat mine is Type II, whereas within the younger units at the Queih mine, it predominantly exhibits Type II/III kerogen. These Maastrichtian black shales remain thermally immature, as evidenced by vitrinite reflectance (VRr < 0.5%), pyrolysis data, and biomarker proxies.The studied black shales show that the organic matter input comprises bacterial and algal biomass with minor terrigenous contributions. Additionally, there is no evidence of significant biodegradation in the studied samples based on molecular fossils data. Microscopic analysis and various bulk and molecular characteristics, in conjunction with major and trace element profiles, collectively indicate a marine depositional environment with oxygen-deficient bottom water conditions during source rock deposition. The presence of isorenieratene and aryl isoprenoids suggests persistent and episodic photic zone anoxia during the Maastrichtian period. Elevated nutrient inputs and paleobioproductivity were recorded in the older black shale at the Heweitat mine compared to the younger one at the Queih mine. Paleoproductivity and oxygen depletion emerge as pivotal factors influencing the accumulation and preservation of organic matter within the black shales. These findings provide valuable insights into the environmental conditions prevailing during the deposition of Maastrichtian sediments in the Eastern Desert.

Parental obesity predisposes to exacerbated metabolic and inflammatory disturbances in childhood obesity within the framework of an altered profile of trace elements

BackgroundFamily history of obesity is known to increase the odds of developing childhood obesity in the offspring, but its influence in underlying molecular complications remains unexplored.Subjects/MethodsHere, we investigated a population-based cohort comprising children with obesity, with and without parental obesity (PO+, N = 20; PO−, N = 29), and lean healthy children as controls (N = 30), from whom plasma and erythrocyte samples were collected to characterize their multi-elemental profile, inflammatory status, as well as carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms.ResultsWe found parental obesity to be associated with unhealthier outcomes in children, as reflected in increased blood insulin levels and reduced insulin sensitivity, unfavorable lipid profile, and pro-inflammatory milieu. This was accompanied by moderate alterations in the content of trace elements, including increased copper-to-zinc ratios and iron deficiency in circulation, as well as metal accumulation within erythrocytes.ConclusionsTherefore, we hypothesize that family history of obesity could be an important risk factor in modulating the characteristic multi-elemental alterations behind childhood obesity, which in turn could predispose to boost related comorbidities and metabolic complications.

Early life-history patterns in Patagonian toothfish Dissostichus eleginoides from the Patagonian Shelf

Many long-lived, deep-sea species of the higher latitudes possess protracted egg and larval phases leading to dispersal across large geographical areas. The timing of ontogenetic life-history shifts is vital for understanding dispersal potential, a key driver of spatial patterns and stock structure of Patagonian toothfish Dissostichus eleginoides on the Patagonian Shelf. The early life-history patterns from hatching until settlement into a demersal habitat remain elusive and largely unexplored. We applied a complementary approach using otolith microstructure and trace element analysis (by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) to infer time-resolved elemental profiles that reflect the early ontogeny of age-0+ toothfish from key nursery areas on the Patagonian Shelf. Results revealed significant ontogenetic shifts across the early life history. Key biological benchmarks were identified, including (1) the hatch date distribution (predicted mean = 3 October ± 8.47 d); (2) a period of natal dispersal (0-50 d post hatch [dph]; 22 November); (3) entry of pelagic larvae onto the Patagonian shelf (50-100 dph; 1 January); (4) settlement into a demersal habitat (100-120 dph; 31 January); and (5) the start of a downslope ontogenetic migration along pathways to the continental slope (&gt;120 dph). The results provide important considerations in terms of the complexity and protracted nature of early life-history stages in Patagonian toothfish as a complex process, informing future research objectives relating to the identification of the stock origin on the Patagonian Shelf.

Evaluation of Phytochemical and Antioxidant Potential of Lepidagathis Pungens Nees: A Therapeutic Application

ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING OF LEPIDAGATHIS PUNGENS NEES: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS FOR THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS&#x0D; &#x0D; Abstract:&#x0D; This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties, heavy metal content, inorganic elements, extract parameters, and antioxidant activities of Lepidagathis pungens Nees, a plant with potential health-promoting properties. The physicochemical analysis revealed the presence of ash values, moisture content, total fiber content, swelling index, and foaming index. Heavy metal content analysis showed that cadmium, nickel, mercury, lead, chromium, and arsenic levels were within the safe limits set by the World Health Organization, indicating the plant's safety for consumption. The presence of various essential inorganic elements such as calcium, chloride, copper, iron, magnesium, nitrate, phosphate, and potassium was also confirmed. Five different solvent extracts, including Oil ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and absolute ethanol extracts of the plant were obtained. from the whole plant, and their extractive values, colors, odors, and consistencies A determination was made. The methanol and aqueous extracts had the highest extractive values. The fluorescent analysis of the whole plant powder revealed various colors under daylight, long UV, and short UV light, depending on the solvent used. The antioxidant properties of the Lepidagathis pungens Nees extracts were assessed through their product scavenges superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and lipid peroxidations. An aqueous and methanol extract demonstrated the highest scavenging activities across all concentrations for both Lipid peroxidation and hydroxyl radicals. The scavenging activity increased in an inverse relationship between dose and response. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the potential of Lepidagathis pungens Nees as a source of antioxidant compounds, particularly in methanol and aqueous extracts. The safety profile and presence of essential inorganic elements in the plant suggest its potential for use in traditional medicine or as a dietary supplement. Further research into the Inhibitors of antioxidant activity: specific compounds could lead to the development of health-promoting products or therapeutic interventions utilizing the extracts' antioxidant properties.&#x0D;

Identification of novel germplasm and genetic loci for enhancing mineral element uptake in soybean

Bioavailability, uptake, and spatial distribution of essential and toxic mineral elements are pivotal factors that govern crop growth, development, and productivity. Soybean is a major leguminous crop globally, and yield losses are commonly attributed to various abiotic factors, including nutrient deficiencies or the influence of toxic minerals in the soil. Therefore, understanding the molecular basis of differential mineral element uptake, translocation, and accumulation in soybean is vital for developing improved cultivars. Here, we used portable X-ray fluorescence (p-XRF) for rapid and high-throughput mineral element profiling of a diverse set of soybean germplasm using leaves, stem, root, and seed tissues. Genome-wide association (GWAS) was performed on the element profiles of 219 soybean accessions, revealing lines with notable two to tenfold difference in various mineral nutrient uptake. These identified lines represent valuable genetic resources for germplasm development and gene discovery. The GWAS analysis pinpointed significant genomic loci and haplotypes associated with accumulation of aluminum (Al), silicon (Si), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn). Remarkably, genes associated with the transport of solutes, metals, and ions have been pinpointed, indicating their potential involvement in the nutrient uptake and soybean improvement. To gain functional insights, Si deposition, allelic variants and expression of three Si transporter genes was studied in greater details. The high Si accumulating line PI548452 showed 12-fold increase in leaf Si content compared to low Si lines. Expression of HiSil2b and HiSil2c effluxer genes showed root and leaf specific expression, respectively, providing evidence for tissue specific Si transport and the basis for precise management of Si uptake to improve abiotic and biotic stresses. In summary, this study uncovered the novel accessions, haplotypes, allelic diversity, and the potential candidate genes underpinning the mineral nutrient accumulation in soybean.