Abstract Continued industrial electrification necessitates increased extraction of minerals and metals, resulting in substantial volumes of solid waste, such as precipitated iron residues. The scale of this waste generation can only be sufficiently valorized in equally large industries such as ironmaking. Promising processes using renewably sourced hydrogen (H 2 ) can eliminate ~ 7% of global CO 2 emissions during ironmaking for the steel industry. Using waste resources could generate a valuable alternative feedstock for the industry. Specifically, waste materials with high iron content such as precipitated iron residues (PIR), generated on the magnitude of ~ 100 Mt/y (dry Fe 2 O 3 -basis), are relevant. In this research, PIR was first synthesized and pelletized, before sintering in air and reduction with H 2 gas, simulating a vertical shaft furnace process. Blending of PIR with titanomagnetite ironsand resources from New Zealand was also performed in 2 – 20 wt% in pellets. Material characterization provided physical and chemical properties of the ironmaking materials and pellets. Results showed enhanced reduction kinetics achieved with increasing PIR content in pellets, although decreased sintered pellet compressive strength and undesirable sulphur content were also observed. A 5 wt% PIR blend in pellets was determined optimal, as it maintained pellet strength and kept sulphur levels within acceptable industrial limits. Subsequently, given the 2.6 Gt/y scale of iron ore processed at present and the ~ 100 Mt/y of PIR generated, a 5 wt% blend into conventional ores offers a viable alternative feedstock additive for ironmaking, while enhancing recycling in mineral processing. Graphical Abstract

Excess iron in deep gray matter is associated with cognitive and functional decline: The mediating role of white matter myelin.

Co-exposure to arsenic and nickel alters the morphology and oxidative status of the ventral prostate of Wistar rats.

Revealing ciprofloxacin inhibition mitigation and microbial function enhancement mechanisms in inherent iron-driven biochar amendment for swine wastewater anaerobic digestion.

With global food demand rising and dietary deficiencies widespread, nutrient-dense, climate-resilient crops such as finger millet offer promising alternatives to conventional staples. This study investigates the nutritional composition, phytochemical constituents, and antioxidant potential of 8 finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.] landraces cultivated in the tribal regions of Chhattisgarh, India. Our analysis revealed that the landrace F4 possessed the highest amount of protein (10.13 ± 0.12%) and dietary fibre (14.88 ± 0.61%) with low carbohydrate content (56.77 ± 0.86%) in comparison to other landraces. Similarly, calcium content (1477.73 ± 0.37 mg/kg) was found to be higher in F5, whereas the highest iron content (121.38 ± 0.23 mg/kg) was recorded in F7. High levels of phenolics (26.03 ± 0.19 mg GAE/g dw) and flavonoids (35.39 ± 0.76 mg QE/g dw) were observed in F2 landrace, underscoring the potent nutraceutical attributes of this traditional variety. Furthermore, the antioxidant potency was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, with the lowest IC₅₀ values recorded for F2 landrace. The findings highlight the potential of indigenous finger millet landraces to not only combat nutrient deficiencies but also support metabolic health through their antioxidant and functional properties. This also underscores the importance of promoting and conserving traditional millet varieties to enhance nutrition and food security, particularly in underserved tribal communities

Rebon shrimp is a local food source of heme iron with relatively high iron content; however, its acceptability among adolescents remains low due to its strong odor and less appealing appearance. Processing dried rebon shrimp into dim sum may enhance both acceptability and nutritional value. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dried rebon shrimp substitution on the organoleptic characteristics, proximate composition, and iron content of dim sum. An experimental study was conducted using a completely randomized design with five substitution levels of dried rebon shrimp: F1 (20%), F2 (40%), F3 (60%), F4 (80%), and F5 (100%). Organoleptic evaluation was performed using a 7-point hedonic scale involving 35 semi-trained panelists. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test followed by the Mann–Whitney post hoc test. The results demonstrated that different substitution levels significantly affected the aroma, texture, taste, and color of dim sum. The formulation with 40% dried rebon shrimp substitution showed the highest acceptability. Proximate composition and heme iron analyses of the selected formulation revealed a moisture content of 63.71%, ash content of 1.49%, carbohydrate content of 24.01%, protein content of 7.57%, fat content of 3.22%, and heme iron content of 1.20 mg/100 g. Although dried rebon shrimp substitution increased the heme iron content of dim sum, the product does not yet qualify as a source or high-heme iron food.

Mild rupture of aged erythrocytes occurs in the spleen, resulting in hemoglobin (Hb) release, whereas pathological hemolysis characterizes several diseases. Hb detoxification is attributed to macrophages, but other routes of Hb clearance remain elusive. Here, we uncover that Hb uptake is chiefly executed by liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) via macropinocytosis. Consistently, LSECs display proteomic signatures indicative of heme catabolism, ferritin iron storage, antioxidant defense, and macropinocytic capacity, alongside high iron content and expression of the iron exporter ferroportin. Erythrocyte/Hb transfusion assays demonstrate that splenic macrophages excel in erythrophagocytosis, while LSECs and Kupffer cells scavenge the spleen-borne hemolysis products Hb and erythrocyte membranes, respectively. High Hb doses result in transient hepatic iron retention, LSEC-specific induction of heme-catabolizing Hmox1, along with the iron-sensing Bmp6-hepcidin axis culminating in hypoferremia. Transcriptional induction of Bmp6 in LSECs is phenocopied by erythrocyte lysis upon phenylhydrazine and elicits a distinct transcriptional signature compared to iron. Collectively, we identify LSECs as key Hb scavengers, a function that establishes the spleen-to-liver axis for iron recycling and contributes to heme detoxification during hemolysis.

Assessment of a truncation-based R2* fitting technique for quantifying high liver iron concentration (LIC).

Acicular berthierine-chamosite in coal and lung cancer tissues of Xuan Wei, China.

Access to safe drinking water remains a major challenge in many rural communities, including Kosa Village in Tidore Kepulauan, North Maluku, where borehole wells serve as the primary water source for domestic use. This study aims to assess the physical, chemical, and microbiological quality of borehole water in three hamlets of Kosa Village and to identify the potential factors contributing to water discoloration and odor frequently reported by residents. A descriptive analytical design was employed, and water samples were collected and analyzed at the UPT Puskesmas Soasio Laboratory from March to July 2025, following standardized APHA procedures. The results show that all sampling locations failed to meet national drinking water standards (PERMENKES No. 2/2023) for several physical parameters, including odor, color, turbidity, temperature, and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). Chemical analysis indicated that residual chlorine levels in Hamlet 1 exceeded permissible limits (0.8 mg/L), while all other chemical and microbiological parameters in Hamlets 2 and 3 remained within the acceptable range. The deterioration in physical quality across all hamlets is likely influenced by geological characteristics, high iron and manganese content, domestic waste infiltration, and inadequate well maintenance. The findings highlight the need for regular monitoring, community-based water treatment strategies, and improved sanitation practices to ensure safe and sustainable access to drinking water in Kosa Village.

Heavy metals, a group of trace elements naturally present in the Earth’s crust in forms, such as oxides, carbonates, and sulfides, are known for their potential long‐term adverse effects on human health and the environment. This study aimed to quantify the concentrations of selected heavy metals in soils from flower farms and adjacent roadside areas using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS). The analyzed metals included Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, Pb, Fe, Mg, and Ca. Soil samples were collected from a flower cultivation site and nearby roadside soils in Holeta, Ethiopia. After appropriate sample preparation, 0.5 g of dried and powdered soil was digested using 3 mL of nitric acid (HNO 3 ) and 1 mL of hydrochloric acid (HCl) at 240°C for 2 h and 45 min. The concentrations of the selected metals were then measured using FAAS. The findings revealed that soils from both sampling sites contained notably high concentrations of iron and magnesium. Zinc levels were comparatively higher in the flower farm soils than in the roadside soils. The average metal concentrations (mg/kg, dry weight basis) in both areas followed the order Fe (8807–9128) > Mg (1023–1119) > Mn (399–964) > Ca (60–118) > Zn (96.1–150.5) > Cr (34–48.54) > Cu (30.5–35.6) > Ni (21–33.43).

Brownies are a popular bakery product, but their nutritional profile is generally low, especially in iron content. This condition contrasts with the high prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls in Indonesia. This study aims to investigate the effect of substituting wheat flour with moringa leaf flour (Moringa oleifera) as an alternative natural fortification to increase iron levels in brownies, while also determining the optimal formulation. The method used was an experiment with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), and data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan's test. The results showed that the addition of moringa leaf flour had a significant effect on increasing iron levels, as well as affecting other chemical characteristics (water, ash, protein, fat, and carbohydrate content). The best formulation was the T5K5 treatment (75% substitution of moringa leaf flour), which produced the highest iron content of 1376.58 ppm, along with a measurable macro composition (water content: 12.26%, ash: 0.94%, protein: 7.39%, fat: 20.83%, carbohydrate: 57.16%). Fundamentally, these findings imply the success of natural food fortification using local raw materials. These results are relevant for the development of functional food products as an acceptable food-based nutritional intervention strategy in addressing anemia in adolescents, as well as providing an important contribution to health education and nutritional literacy.

In April 2024, a study was conducted to assess the distribution of iron in the several types of groundwater resources in the Dhangadhi area. A total of 50 samples were collected, including 29 from shallow sources and 21 from deep sources. Iron was detected in 24 shallow and 8 deep sources. In shallow sources, iron concentrations ranged from 0.17 to 9.68 mg/l, with a mean of 2.46 mg/l and a standard deviation of 2.14 mg/l, while in deep sources, concentrations ranged from 0.17 to 7.14 mg/l, with a mean of 1.30 mg/l and a standard deviation of 2.24 mg/l. Except for samples SS5, SS7, DS10, and DS15 all other samples exceeded the permissible iron limit of 0.3 mg/l set by NDWQS 2022. The Water Quality Index (WQI), without considering iron, ranged from 2.10 to 122.22, classifying groundwater as 52% excellent, 34% good, 6% very poor, and 8% unsuitable for drinking. WQI ranged from 1.985 to 446.70, when iron was included, categorizing groundwater as 38% excellent, 20% good, 6% poor, 6% very poor, and 30% unsuitable for drinking, highlighting iron as the primary factor degrading water quality. The highest concentration was found in sample SS2 in the northern part of the area, with industrial and agricultural activities contributing to elevated levels. The reliance on shallow sources with high iron concentrations has led to public health issues, including liver and kidney diseases. Effective management and stringent quality control measures are essential to protect this critical water resource.

ABSTRACT This study investigates the recycling and reutilisation of aluminium components recovered from electric vehicle battery housings to produce high-quality powder for Selective Laser Melting (SLM) additive manufacturing. The approach involves the disassembly of the battery to extract its metallic parts, followed by comprehensive chemical characterisation, melting, and high-pressure gas atomisation to generate a spherical AlSi7 powder tailored for SLM. A series of processing conditions, including varied energy densities and scanning speeds, were explored to minimise porosity in the printed parts. Subsequent metallographic analyses and mechanical testing revealed that, despite a relatively high iron content inherent in the recycled material, the optimised SLM parameters yielded nearly fully dense components. The microstructural evaluation demonstrated the formation of a refined α-Al matrix accompanied by a continuous silicon network. The mechanical properties of the manufactured parts were found to be comparable to those of conventional AlSi10Mg alloys. These findings confirm the technical feasibility of converting end-of-life electric vehicle battery cases into a valuable feedstock for advanced additive manufacturing. This work supports sustainable engineering practices and offers promising prospects for the effective reuse of recycled aluminium in high-performance applications.

In the northern sector of the intracontinental domain of the Araçuaí Orogen, stands out for the occurrence of hematitites with an iron content exceeding 66wt%. Structural, petrographic, microstructural, and chemical characteristics of the iron-rich domains and their host rocks were determined, deformation structures were defined, interpreting paragenetic succession of hydrothermal alterations and the control of mineralization, along with a proposed metallogenetic evolution model. The microstructural study allowed the identification of four hematite types, which were associated with deformation phases of the Paramirim Aulacogen. Whole-rock geochemical studies in itabirites suggest that the protolith of these rocks was deposited in a restricted marine basin, with detrital contribution, in a suboxic environment. Two distinct REE chemical signatures are noted for the oriented hematite: (i) predominance of HREE over LREE, negative Y anomalies, and positive Eu anomalies; lower LREE contents compared to whole rock; and (ii) higher LREE and HREE values. Multi-element diagrams were constructed showing the subtle enrichment in REE in the cataclastic generation of hematite. Inter- and intrastratal shear zones related to the inversion of extensional structures of Paramirim Aulacogen promoted the formation of S 0 //S n-1 //S n transposition foliation, which controls the formation of domains with higher iron content.

This study explores the unique characteristics of talc ore sourced from the Ingawa Local Government Area in Katsina State, with a focus on its potential for diverse industrial applications. Representative samples were analysed using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to determine elemental composition, mineralogical phases, and structural bonding. XRD analysis confirmed that the ore is a heterogeneous assemblage dominated by Talc (triclinic), with significant amounts of quartz and kaolinite. XRF analysis quantified the chemical composition, revealing deviations from stoichiometric purity, with high silica (SiO2, 37.23%) and aluminium oxide (Al2O3, 26.41%) content. Magnesium oxide (MgO) concentration was found to be (0.91%), which is lower than the theoretical standard for pure Talc of 31.8%. Iron oxide Fe2O3 was present at 10.99%, correlating with the observed light-to-dark brown coloration of the samples. A comparative assessment against industrial specifications indicates that the Ingawa deposit is low-to-medium grade. While the high quartz and iron content currently restricts its use in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, the raw ore is technically feasible for use as a structural filler in the rubber and plastics industries. Advanced beneficiation, specifically to reduce abrasive silica and chromophoric iron oxides, is recommended to upgrade the ore for high-value applications.

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water splitting involves complex multi-electron–proton transfer processes and represents the rate-determining step limiting overall electrolysis efficiency. Developing non-noble-metal catalysts with high activity and stability is therefore essential. Herein, a heterogeneous synthesis strategy was employed to in situ construct an iron-rich layered sulfate precursor (Fe0.42Co0.58-SO4/NF) on nickel foam, which underwent deep self-reconstruction in alkaline electrolyte to form nanoflower-like Fe0.42Co0.58OOH/NF. The optimized catalyst maintained its iron-rich composition and hierarchical structure, delivering outstanding OER performance with an overpotential of 220 mV at 10 mA·cm−2, a Tafel slope of 31.9 mV·dec−1, and stability exceeding 12 h at 600 mA·cm−2. Synchrotron analyses revealed dynamic transitions between mono-μ-O and di-μ-O Fe–M (M = Fe, Co) oxygen bridges during reconstruction, which enhanced both structural robustness and active-site density. The Fe-rich environment promoted the formation of Fe3+–O–Fe3+ units that synergized with Co4+ species to activate the lattice oxygen mechanism (LOM), thereby accelerating OER kinetics. This work elucidates the key role of oxygen-bridge geometry in optimizing catalytic activity and durability, providing valuable insights into the rational design of Fe–Co-based non-noble-metal catalysts with high iron content for efficient water oxidation.

Rasmalai, a popular Chenna-based traditional Indian dairy dessert, was developed in a vegan form using soy milk and evaluated in comparison with conventional cow milk and buffalo milk Rasmalai. The study aimed to assess the nutritional composition, physicochemical characteristics, and sensory acceptability of the developed product. Vegan Rasmalai was prepared using soy milk obtained from soaked and dehulled soybeans, curdled with citric acid to form soy Chenna, which was kneaded, shaped into discs, cooked in sugar syrup, and soaked in flavoured sweetened soy milk enriched with cardamom and saffron. Comparative nutritional analysis revealed that buffalo milk Rasmalai possessed the highest energy (228.33 ± 16.49 kcal/100 g), fat (11.00 ± 0.81 g), protein (7.5 ± 0.40 g), calcium (201.66 ± 16.49 mg), phosphorus (140.33 ± 8.17 mg), and vitamins A and B-complex due to its higher total solids. Cow milk Rasmalai showed moderate nutritional values, while soy milk Rasmalai contained lower energy (62.40 ± 0.56 kcal/100 g) and fat (4.63 ± 0.40 g), higher protein (6.5 ± 0.40 g), higher iron content (1.23 ± 0.20 mg), negligible cholesterol, absence of lactose, and no vitamin B12 unless fortified, making it suitable for lactose-intolerant, vegan, and health-conscious consumers. Physicochemical evaluation indicated that soy Chenna exhibited a comparatively crumbly and fragile texture when compared to the soft and firm texture of cow and buffalo milk Chenna. Sensory evaluation using a nine-point hedonic scale showed that buffalo milk Rasmalai scored highest for texture, flavour, and overall acceptability, followed by cow milk Rasmalai. Soy milk Rasmalai, although scoring slightly lower, was found to be acceptable in terms of taste, texture, flavour, and appearance. The study concludes that soy milk can be successfully utilized to produce an acceptable vegan Rasmalai, offering a nutritious, low-fat, and cholesterol-free alternative to traditional dairy-based Rasmalai.

Enterococcus faecalis, a facultative anaerobic pathogen and common constituent of the gastrointestinal microbiota, must navigate varying iron levels within the host. This study explores its response to iron supplementation in a glutathione-deficient mutant strain (Δgsh). We examined the transcriptomic and metabolic responses of a glutathione synthetase mutant strain (Δgsh) exposed to iron supplementation, integrating these data into a genome-scale metabolic model (GSMM). Our results show that under glutathione deficiency, E. faecalis reduces intracellular iron levels and shifts its transcriptional response to prioritize energy production genes. Notably, basal metabolites, including arginine, increase. The GSMM highlights the importance of arginine metabolism, particularly the arc operon (anaerobic arginine catabolism), as a presumed compensatory mechanism for glutathione deficiency generated during iron exposure. These findings provide insights into how E. faecalis adjusts metal homeostasis and transcriptional/metabolic processes to mitigate the effects of oxidative stress caused by iron.IMPORTANCEIron is essential for bacterial survival, yet its excess can be harmful due to its role in increasing oxidative stress. Enterococcus faecalis, a common member of the human gut microbiota, must carefully balance its iron levels to survive in changing environments. Here, we investigate how E. faecalis compensates for the reduced availability of glutathione, a key antioxidant, when exposed to high iron concentrations. We discovered that E. faecalis lowers its intracellular iron levels when glutathione biosynthesis is disrupted and reprograms its metabolism to prioritize energy production, potentially to fuel stress response mechanisms under iron-induced oxidative conditions. These findings enhance our understanding of bacterial adaptation under oxidative stress and suggest that interfering with arginine metabolic pathways could represent novel strategies to combat E. faecalis infections.

Ferroptosis as a precise target for tumor-associated neutrophils: From molecular insights to targeted therapies.