High Iron Content Research Articles

The Influence of Convection and Iron Content on the Solidification Microstructure of Technical Aluminum Alloys

Abstract In this work, two different variants of image segmentation are compared to evaluate the use of generalized machine learning models against the accuracy of bespoke models to further their use for the analysis of microstructure images with multiple phases. The results from the analysis are then used to evaluate the effect of different iron contents and the presence or absence of convection on the formation of the microstructure with emphasis on the development of the intermetallic phases in technical aluminum alloys. To this end, the study focuses on aluminum-silicon base cast alloys with high iron content directionally solidified under microgravity conditions, with additional controlled convection created by a rotating magnetic field. Optical microscopy images from the different processing zones are then used to train the different chosen models, which are afterwards used to segment and analyze the microstructures. Key results include the evaluation of the effects of convection and iron content on several parameters describing the different intermetallic phases as well as the comparison of the models.

Nutritional Potential of 15 Local Plant Species in Preventing Mineral Deficiencies in Young Children in Niger

Macroelements and trace elements are essential for the body to function properly. The aim of this study was to determine the mineral composition of the products of 15 local species and their contribution to combating mineral deficiencies. Iron, phosphorus and zinc were determined by UV/visible spectrophotometer. Sodium, calcium, magnesium and potassium were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The rate of coverage of children's daily mineral requirements was determined according to Canadian government recommendations. The results show that Hyphaene thebaïca pulp contains the highest proportion of potassium (8000mg/100g M); and phosphorus in Arachis hypogaea seeds (662.72mg/100g) and Ziziphus mauritiana kernels (336.71mg/100g). Magnesium levels were highest in Adansonia digitata pulp (283.10mg/100g) and Hyphaene thebaïca (216.27mg/100g), while calcium levels were highest in Adansonia digitata pulp (194.39mg/100g) and Neocarya macrophylla kernel (128.26mg/100g). Sodium levels were highest in Arachis hypogaea seeds (344.91mg/100g). In addition, the highest iron contents were found in the kernel of Anacarduim occidentale (6.40mg/100g) and the seeds of Glycine max (5.80mg/100g) and Pennisetum glaucum (5.80mg/100g). The highest zinc levels were found in almonds, notably Anacarduim occidentale (2.30mg/100g) and Zizyphus mauritiana (2.79mg/100g). More than 80% of the products from the species in this study meet more than 45% of the daily phosphorus requirements of children aged 7 to 12 months. Almonds from Anacarduim occidentale and Neocarya macrophylla provide over 40% of daily iron and zinc requirements for all age groups. These plant products could therefore be used in strategies to combat micronutrient deficiencies and even malnutrition.

Ferroptosis in neutrophils

Abstract Ferroptosis is a distinct form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. The ferroptosis mechanism involves complex interactions between fatty acid metabolism, iron metabolism, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidative defense mechanisms. Fatty acids, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), are susceptible to peroxidation, leading to the formation of lipid peroxides. Iron metabolism plays a critical role, as excessive free iron catalyzes the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the Fenton reaction, further promoting lipid peroxidation. Antioxidative mechanisms, including glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and other components of the glutathione system, are crucial for neutralizing lipid peroxides and preventing ferroptosis. Recent studies have highlighted the role of ferroptosis in neutrophils, particularly under pathological conditions. Neutrophils, due to their high iron content and abundance of PUFAs, are inherently predisposed to ferroptosis. Recent studies indicates that polymorphonuclear myeloid derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) and tumor-infiltrating neutrophils (TINs) exhibit high susceptibility to ferroptosis due to dysregulated antioxidant defense mechanism through hypoxia-mediated downregulation of GPX4. Conversely, TINs resist ferroptosis through nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent antioxidant pathway. Moreover, neutrophils induce ferroptosis in various cell types, such as endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and cardiomyocytes, through the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). This NET-mediated ferroptosis contributes to the pathogenesis of conditions such as intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury, aortic aneurysm, acute lung injury, and doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. This review consolidates current knowledge on the mechanisms of ferroptosis in neutrophils and its implications in disease progression and immune regulation. Understanding these processes may provide new therapeutic targets for modulating immune responses and improving outcomes in ferroptosis-related diseases.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Drinking Water Quality in Sironcha Tehsil, Maharashtra: Physico-Chemical Characterization and Health Risk Assessment

The easy access to the clean drinking water is a requisite for the health of dependent population. However drinking water quality degradation remains a significant challenge, especially in the regions, where groundwater acts as a key source. The groundwater regimes are more vulnerable to the contamination, because of its physical setup. Hence, thoughtful efforts are certainly needed to take over groundwater contamination issues. This study evaluates the physico- chemical quality of drinking water from Sironcha Tehsil of Gadchiroli District in the state of Maharashtra, India, by analysing the parameters such as pH, EC, TDS, Total Hardness, Nitrate, Chloride, Fluoride, and Iron. The results were then compared with the standards prescribed by WHO, to depict the contamination patterns. Apart of the pH and fluoride, rest of the parameters comprising TDS, nitrate, and iron were exceeding the safe thresholds in several samples. The elevated nitrate levels could be attributed to the agricultural runoff; whereas, the geo-genic sources could be held accountable for the high iron concentrations. These apexes pose an undisputed health risk to the dependent population. The correlations among parameters were also measured to sort out the probable contamination sources. In comprehensive picture, the findings underscore the need for targeted water treatment and sustainable management strategies for the study area. This study provides critical insights for the policymakers and public health officials, emphasizing regular monitoring and region specific interventions to ensure safe drinking water.

Development of catfish and modified cassava flour flakes as food high in iron and protein for young women

The anemia rate of young women increased from 37.1% to 48.9%. Blood-added tablet supplementation has been launched but has not yielded significant results. So, an alternative strategy was carried out through food interventions in the form of catfish and modified cassava flour (mocaf) flakes to increase iron and protein intake for young women. This study aimed to develop catfish and mocaf flakes using modified cassava flour, evaluate their organoleptic acceptability in terms of taste, texture, color, and aroma, and analyze their protein and iron content. The organoleptic test involved trained panelists (three culinary lecturers) and untrained panelists (thirty-five female students at the State University of Malang). Organoleptic analysis was performed statistically using SPSS with the Friedman test; nutritional content analysis refers to SNI flakes and AKG for young women. The highest level of panelist preference for taste and aroma was the QIA formulation with a composition ratio of 25 g catfish and 25 g mocaf, while texture and color were from the TLC formulation of 45 g catfish and 85 g mocaf. The highest protein content test was the QIA formulation (35.80 g), while the highest iron content was the TLC formulation (5.70 mg). The statistical results showed that there were significant differences in the addition of catfish and modified cassava flour to the panelists' acceptance of the flakes' texture, while in taste, color, and aroma there was no significant difference. The highest overall panelist acceptability assessment was the QIA formulation.

Suplementary Moringa Leaf Meal for Treating Anemia in Quail

Abstract Raising quail in tropical areas will withstand the challenges of high environmental temperatures which can cause anemia. Moringa with its high iron content is expected to be able to overcome this condition. The study seeks to evaluate quail erythrocytes as a marker for anemia by the incorporation of Moringa leaf meal into their diet‥ The study employed 120 quail utilizing a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) featuring four treatment levels with Moringa leaf meal supplementation in the feed and three replications: P0 (control), P1 (2.5%), P2 (5%), and P3 (7.5%).The parameters observed included the number of erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin, erythrocyte index (MCV, MCH, and MCHC), initial and final body weight. The red blood cell analysis results were below the normal range; however, the supplementation of Moringa leaf meal effectively increased the red blood cell count in quail subjected to heat stress, hence mitigating the risk of elevated anemia levels‥ Reduces and can improve physiological conditions and support weight gain. In conclusion, the suplementation of moringa meal at a 5% concentration effectively mitigated anemia and improved body weight.

Dietary intake of the red meat-derived glycan Neu5Gc fuels colorectal cancer through up-regulation of Wnt signaling pathway.

Dietary intake of the red meat-derived glycan Neu5Gc fuels colorectal cancer through up-regulation of Wnt signaling pathway.

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Beetroot Juice on Hemoglobin Level among Adolescent Girls in Government Inter College, Mothrowala, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Introduction: Adolescence is a time of intense physical growth. It is also a stage of stress and strain. Most of them are having poor access to proper health care, nutrition and education. Teenagers falling approximately between the ages of 10 to 19 years, adolescence are characterized by physical changes, more complex and hidden changes occur in an adolescent’s attitude, outlook, and self-identity. Heavy monthly flow puts female adolescents at risk for iron deficiency anemia, with an incidence of about 9%, and another 15% to 20% of them have iron insufficiency without anemia. The prevalence of anemia among six groups as per the National Family Health Survey 5 (2019-21), is 25.0 percent in men (15-49 years) and 57.0 percent in women (15-49 years). 31.1 percent in adolescent boys (15-19 yrs.), 59.1 percent in adolescent girls,52.2 percent in pregnant women (15-49 years) and 67.1percent in children (6-59 months). Beetroot juice is possibly the best natural remedy for anemia. It has a high iron content that restores red blood cells while supplying oxygen and increasing the blood count. Methodology: In this study Quantitative research approach was used for this study. A study was to assess the effectiveness of beetroot juice on hemoglobin level among adolescent girls in government Inter college. The research design selected was pre and post-test design by purposive sampling techniques. The study was conducted in 60 adolescent girls of government inter college, Dehradun. The standardized hemoglobin scale as per who criteria was as a tool for data collection. The research tool consists of 2 sections. section A include demographic variable section B include standardized hemoglobin scale as per who. The collected data was analyses and interpreted by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result- Statistical finding revealed that in the pre-test, mean score of hemoglobin in experimental group was 10.88 ± 1.124 and the pos- test mean was 11.87±1.194. The mean difference was 0.99 and the calculated paired 't' value 3.957 was found to be statistically at P ≤ 0.05 level. In the pre-test, mean score of hemoglobin in control group was 11.24 ± 0.972 and the post-test mean score was 11.34 ± 0.959. The mean difference was 0.1 and the calculated paired 't' value 0.00017 was found to be statistically not significant at P ≤ 0.05 level. In the pre- test mean score of hemoglobin was 10.88 in experimental group whereas in the control group the pre -test mean score was 11.24. The mean difference was 0.36 and the calculated unpaired 't' value 0.1063 was found to be statistically not significant at p ≤ 0.05 level. In the post- test mean score of hemoglobin was 11.87 in experimental group whereas in the control group the post -test mean score was 11.34. The mean difference was 0.53 and the calculated unpaired 't' value 2.65 was found to be statistically significant at p ≤ 0.05 level. Conclusion- This study concluded that beetroot juice administration was effective in increasing the hemoglobin level among adolescent girls.

Nutritional composition health benefits and quality of fresh and dried figs from Eastern Morocco

The fig tree is a multifaceted plant with a wide range of nutritional and health benefits. The employment of the Aksoy weighted classification method, predicated on biological characteristics pertaining to the ripening period, in conjunction with pomological and chemical characteristics of the fresh fruit, yielded favorable outcomes in the assessment of fresh fig quality from eastern Morocco, particularly the OnK Hmam (718) and Chetoui (720) varieties, indicating high quality. From a commercial perspective, the weight of figs is a key factor in determining their value. The study examined the weight of five different varieties of fresh figs, revealing significant variations in their average weight. The Malha fig recorded the lowest average weight of 30.24 g, while the Onk Hmam fig exhibited the highest average weight of 57.25 g. Fresh Chetoui has the highest content of total sugar (15.04%), titratable acid (0.272%), potassium (266.8 mg/100 g), sodium (0.580 mg/100 g), calcium (75.20 mg/100 g) and phosphorus (30.04 mg). Fresh Onk Hmam has the highest fibre concentration (2.60%). Fresh Bounacer has the highest magnesium content (20.52 mg/100 g). Fresh Ghoudane has the highest concentration of iron (1.24 mg/100 g), polyphenols (275.6 GAE/100 g FW) and flavonoids (120.3 QE/100 g FW) among the samples. As fresh figs are seasonal and perishable, the most effective method of preserving their nutritional content and health benefits over an extended period is through the drying process. The primary objective of the drying process is to dehydrate the figs and reduce their water activity to an acceptable level. In addition, the storage and transport costs incurred are economically and commercially advantageous. Sun-dried goudane and chetoui are characterized by their elevated sugar, fiber, mineral, and antioxidant content. Additionally, they exhibit significant volume and weight reduction, thereby reducing packaging requirements and rendering them optimal for use as dietary supplements. In addition, they meet the required criteria of ≤ 26.0% for dry matter and the minimum diameter of 18 mm for black fig (Ghoudane) and 22 mm for white fig (Chetoui) of the European standards. However, it should be noted that their marketability and commercial quality are limited to Category I (65 < maximum allowable fruit count per kilogram ≤ 120), which includes lower quality designations. Dried Ghoudane was found to contain higher levels of polyphenols (380.9 mg GAE/100 g DW) and flavonoids (100.1 mg QE/100 g DW) than dried Chetoui (305.9 mg GAE/100 g DW and 81.90 mg EQ/100 g DW). After sun drying of fresh Ghoudane and Chetoui, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that they had increased levels of phenolic content, titratable acid and minerals. However, total flavonoid content, vitamin C content and soluble solids decreased.

Comparative analysis of dietary iron deprivation and supplementation in a murine model of colitis

AbstractInflammatory bowel diseases are chronic inflammatory conditions with growing prevalence in western populations. Iron is an essential component of erythrocytes hemoglobin. Under the influence of elevated hepcidin production, iron is sequestered in cells during inflammation which, in turn, leads to iron restriction for red blood cell synthesis. As a consequence, iron deficiency and anemia of inflammation are the most prevalent extraintestinal complications in IBD patients. Iron deficiency is commonly treated with oral iron supplements, with limited efficacy as iron absorption is blunted during intestinal inflammation. Moreover, iron supplementation can cause intestinal complications, as previous studies have shown that it can worsen the inflammatory response. However, a comparative analysis of the effects of low, adequate, and high dietary iron content matching the iron supplementation given to patients has not been performed in mice. We therefore tested the impact of dietary iron deprivation and supplementation in a murine model of colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate. We found that both dietary iron deprivation and supplementation were accompanied by a more severe inflammation with earlier signs of gastrointestinal bleeding compared to mice fed an iron‐adequate diet. The manipulation of dietary iron led to a profound dysbiosis in the colon of control mice that differed depending on the dietary iron content. Analysis of this dysbiosis is in line with a pronounced susceptibility to colonic inflammation, thus questioning the benefit/risk balance of oral iron supplementation for IBD patients.

Investigation of the magnetic characteristics of rocks of the Shchuchinsky ore region (Polar Ural)

Research subject. The studied area is located within the Shchuchinsk zone situated at the northern end of the East Ural megazone. The deposits and ore occurrences of the skarn-magnetite formation known in the Shchuchinsk ore region are grouped into two ore fields, Yunyaginskoe and Talbeyskoe. The Yunyaginskoe ore field is represented by an effusive sedimentary stratum composed of pyroxene porphyrites and pyroxene-plagioclase porphyrites and their tuffs. The Talbeyskoe ore field is located in the gabbroids of the Malyk block, on the contact with early Silurian volcanogenic rocks and is traced submeridionally along the Kharut deep fault.Aim. Analysis and comparison of the magnetic properties of rocks from the Yunyaginskoe and Talbeyskoe ore fields according to borehole magnetometry by the example of two wells of the Shchuchinsk ore region.Results. According to the diagrams of rock magnetic susceptibility and the horizontal and vertical components of the magnetic field, the geological section was subdivided, the elements of occurrence were determined and the vertical components of the natural total, residual and induced magnetization of rocks cut by the well were calculated.Conclusions. The results of borehole magnetometry revealed a wide differentiation of the magnetic properties of rocks of the Yunyaginskoe and Talbeyskoe ore fields. The sources of magnetic anomalies in the Yunyaginsky ore field are thin near-surface magnetic bodies with a high content of magnetite iron. In the Talbeyskoe ore field, the main source of the anomaly is poor magnetite ores (iron content 10–15 wt %) associated with basalt porphyrites filling the syncline formed by skarns. The study of the magnetic characteristics of ore sub-sections made it possible to identify differences in the mineralization types both within the same well and in different ore fields.

Assessing the Risk of Internal Loading of Phosphorus from Drinking Reservoir Sediments

The natural process of lake and reservoir eutrophication through nutrient accumulation within sediments has been accelerated through anthropogenic sources of nitrogen and, especially, phosphorus (P). Stored nutrients can result in significant internal loading (during periods of low sediment redox potential or elevated pH), which may drive poor water quality despite best practices in catchment management. Internal P loading can promote proliferation of cyanobacterial and algal taxa responsible for harmful algal blooms (HABs), as well as taste and odour (T&amp;O) and cyanotoxin events. Here, we investigate the sediment and water column P content of eight reservoirs by analysing iron-bound (Fe-P), calcium-bound (Ca-P), and labile P fractions. We find that all but one reservoir demonstrated high iron (Fe) content (27–52 g Fe/kg sediment), suggesting a high Fe-P binding capacity and hence a potentially high susceptibility to redox-mediated internal loading. However, we found no correlation between Fe-P and Fe content in sediments, suggesting the Fe pool was not saturated with P and thus has capacity for further storage. All sites had low levels of labile P (up to 0.14 mg P-PO4/g dry sediment), with the highest pool of P being Ca-bound, which would be expected based on catchment geology and the presence of Ca-minerals which bind P. Currently, within industry, emphasis falls on controlling the external loading of nutrients from the surrounding catchment, often ignoring the critical role of internal loading. However, here, we demonstrate the need to continually monitor sediment P content and potential internal loading as part of the standard monitoring regime used by water companies to inform reservoir management strategies.

Zeolite Modification for Optimizing Fenton Reaction in Methylene Blue Dye Degradation

Textile dyes often prove resistant to conventional wastewater treatment processes because of their complex molecular structures. Advanced oxidation methods, such as the Fenton reaction, have thus been recognized as a promising approach for environmental remediation by decomposing these pollutants. This work aimed to study the efficacy of modified zeolites as catalysts in the Fenton reaction for dye degradation, with a particular emphasis on techniques for modifying zeolites and incorporating iron. The zeolite ZSM-5 was selected as the parent structure and underwent desilication and acid treatment procedures. Iron was introduced into the zeolite structure via two distinct methods: ion exchange and mechanochemistry. The modified zeolites with incorporated iron were evaluated in terms of their crystallinity, textural properties, and iron content before being used to degrade methylene blue solutions through the Fenton reaction. The reaction was monitored using UV-Vis spectroscopy, while the experimental outcomes were analyzed using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The research findings indicate that different treatment methods led to varying impacts on the zeolite properties, which in turn influenced the kinetic results. Moreover, it was observed that an enhancement in the degradation process can be achieved through the harmonious balance between a high iron content, increased mesoporosity (to facilitate diffusion), and adequate crystallinity (essential for maintaining structural integrity).

FeOOH-Assisted Formation of Hybrid Polymer Nanospindles for Efficient Iron Delivery and Ferroptosis Tumor Therapy.

Exogenous iron delivery using iron-containing nanomaterials is an alternative strategy for enhancing the efficacy in ferroptosis tumor therapy but limited by the problems of low iron content, low tumor enrichment, low cellular uptake, and uncontrolled release of iron ions. To solve the problems, an FeOOH-assisted approach is demonstrated to produce iron hybrid polymer nanospindles (IHPNSs) for efficient iron delivery and ferroptosis tumor therapy. The IHPNSs are prepared through the cohydrolysis of FeCl3·6H2O with aniline, pyrrole, or amino-pyrrole. On the one hand, the hydrolysis of Fe3+ generates FeOOH particles, which further act as the templates to form fusiform architectures. On the other hand, Fe3+ triggers the oxidative polymerization of aniline, pyrrole, or amino-pyrrole. The as-prepared polymers are capable of coordinating with excessive Fe3+ and locate on the FeOOH templates, thus producing Fe3+/polymer composite-coated FeOOH nanospindles. Systematic studies indicate that the one-dimension-like morphology facilitates tumor enrichment and cellular uptake of IHPNSs. Besides the high iron content of IHPNSs, the controlled release of Fe3+ stimulated by the overexpressed glutathione (GSH) in the tumor microenvironment is achieved. The released Fe3+ is further transformed to Fe2+ by scavenging GSH, which leads to excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxides and finally induces ferroptosis of tumor cells. As a proof of concept, the IHPNSs show good efficacy in the treatment of a rat model of bladder tumors in situ.

Differences in Nutritional Value of Rice Crackers with the Addition of Three Types of Leaves (Moringa, Torbangun, and Katuk)

Rice crackers are a popular snack made from rice flour, typically characterized by a moisture content of less than 3%. The incorporation of moringa, torbangun, and katuk leaves in their formulation is based on their high iron content, which can help reduce iron deficiency. Additionally, xanthan gum is added to enhance the texture of the final product. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different leaf types and xanthan gum concentrations on the nutritional properties of rice crackers. A factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed, with two factors and two replications. Factor I was the type of leaf (moringa, torbangun, and katuk), while Factor II was the xanthan gum concentration (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%). Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a 5% significance level, and significant interactions were further examined using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5%. The results indicated that the type of leaf and xanthan gum concentration had a significant effect (P&lt;0.01) on moisture, ash, fat, protein, and carbohydrate content. The highest moisture (2.93%), ash (3.12%), and protein (1.29%) contents were observed in rice crackers containing moringa leaf and 1.5% xanthan gum. The highest fat content (6.10%) was found in moringa leaf rice crackers with 0.5% xanthan gum, while the highest carbohydrate content (82.55%) was recorded in torbangun leaf rice crackers with 1% xanthan gum. These findings highlight the potential of incorporating iron-rich leaves and xanthan gum to improve the nutritional quality and textural properties of rice crackers. Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):SDG 2: Zero Hunger SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and InfrastructureSDG 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionSDG 13: Climate Action

Iron-Based Alumina-Supported Catalysts for Clean Hydrogen Production from Ammonia

This work presents the potential of various iron-based catalysts, with an iron content between 10 and 30 wt%, supported on alumina that were explored for pure hydrogen production from ammonia decomposition reaction. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicated that major diffraction peaks associated with the alumina support and iron oxide were found along with fractions of iron aluminate. The reduction profiles from temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) showed that the extent of reduction, number of reducible species, and iron oxide interaction with alumina varied with an increase in iron oxide content, from 10 to 30 wt%, such that an increase in iron oxide loading promoted easier reduction, enhanced reducibility, and improved number of reducible species. Temperature-programmed desorption profiles using hydrogen and nitrogen showed that an increase in iron content increased the amount of hydrogen desorbed; however, nitrogen desorption exhibited a decreasing trend. These factors influenced catalytic activity results and an increase in iron content increased the ammonia conversion. Kinetic data also showed that a higher iron content (30 wt%) demonstrated the lowest apparent activation energy of 48.2 kJ/mol.

Activity of catalase and superoxidedismutase in leaves of halophyte plants under the tidal dynamics of the White Sea

Activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes in the leaves of halophyte plants Triglochin maritima L., Plantago maritima L., Tripolium vulgare Bess. ex Nees and Zostera marina L. was investigated in a 2-year field experiment carried out in the community of the middle littoral marsh on the Pomor (western) coast of the White Sea (Belomorsk region, Russia). The community Tripolium vulgare–Bolboschoenus maritimus–Triglochin maritima–Plantago maritima, was investigated during the tidal cycle. The plants grew under conditions of seawater pollution with high concentration of nitrates (43.68 mgl-1), iron (0.15 mgl-1), nickel (0.15 mgl-1) and lead (0.024 mgl-1). The total projective cover of species in the plant community reached 50% for T. vulgare, and 20% for other dominant species. A direct positive correlation was found between the activity of CAT and SOD in halophyte leaves (r = 0.51–0.68). This research revealed the species specificity of the enzyme activity level in Z. marina. The activity of CAT and SOD in its leaves was significantly lower (0.16±0.06 µmol H2O2/µg of protein; 2.61±0.08 c.u./mg of protein, respectively), than in other species. The maximum values of CAT activity were found in T. vulgare and T. maritima (0.23–0.26 μmol H2O2/μg of protein), and SOD in T. vulgare 4.65 ± 1.12 c.u./mg of protein. The activity of CAT in plant leaves varied over a wide range (1.14–11.83 c.u./mg of protein) and did not depend on the tidal dynamics of the sea. In halophyte leaves, the regulation of plant redox metabolism under hypoxic conditions during flooding is supported by an increase in SOD activity, on average 1.98–2.95 at low tide and 4.12±6.73 c.u./mg of protein at high tide.

An exploration of applied plant-based protein formulations to shift farmers towards sustainable diets: A South African Perspective

An exploration of applied plant-based protein formulations to shift farmers towards sustainable diets: A South African Perspective

Comprehensive analysis of heavy metal contamination in the Mandakini (Payaswini) river: Multivariate and index-based perspectives.

Contamination of drinking water sources with heavy metals poses a significant threat to humanity due to their complex behavior, high toxicity, and ability to infiltrate and accumulate in groundwater. Heavy metals in water samples can lead to various chronic and irreversible health issues. This study was performed to identify the concentration of heavy metals in the Mandakini (Payaswini) River in Madhya Pradesh, India, and to evaluate their potential health effects on the local population. A comprehensive analysis was conducted using the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), modified Heavy Metal Pollution Index (m-HPI), and chemometric methods, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) to assess contamination levels, identify critical pollutant affecting the water quality, and examine similarities in sampling locations, respectively. Water samples were collected and analyzed for 13 heavy metals at nine rivers and two drain locations. The HPI and m-HPI indices quantitatively assessed water quality, revealing significant heavy metal contamination, especially in downstream regions affected by human activity. Cluster analysis was applied to characterize the highly correlated heavy metals, and PCA was employed to ascertain the primary factors contributing to water contamination. Analysis suggested a high iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) concentration in both seasons for river and drain samples primarily from untreated domestic wastewater, petroleum waste through petrol pump, and agricultural waste, which may induce significant health hazards, particularly to vulnerable groups. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The spatial and temporal variation in concentration of heavy metals was determined using violin plots and GIS. The cluster analysis suggested identically behaving heavy metals in terms of seasonal variation. The principal component analysis suggests the critical variables and significance of variables affecting water quality. The impact of the consumption of water has been derived on human health.

Bran Bar Product Development for Athletes (Organoleptic Assessment and Nutritional Content)

Background: Rice milling produces a by-product of rice bran (8-12%) with good nutritional content, which can be used as raw material for making snack bars to optimize athlete performance. Objectives: The study aimed to analyze the organoleptic assessment and nutritional content of bran bars as snack bars for athletes. Methods: The research was conducted from May to November 2024 at the D III Nutrition Study Programme Cirebon and Saraswanti Indo Global Laboratory. Organoleptic assessment using a completely randomized design and 2 repetitions by 32 students who are active in sports, on the parameters of colour, aroma, taste, texture, and overall with a rating scale of 1 (very dislike), 2 (dislike), 3 (normal), 4 (like), and 5 (very like). Nutritional content analysis included moisture, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber, iron, and energy content. The organoleptic assessment was analyzed using the one-way ANOVA test and Duncan's test to determine differences between treatments, while nutrient content was analyzed descriptively. Results: Organoleptic assessment showed significant differences between treatments in colour, aroma, taste, texture, and overall parameters (p-value 0.000 &lt;0.05). The best formula based on organoleptic assessment was treatment P2 (average 3.96), almost the same as the control treatment (F0) (average 3.94). However, based on nutritional content, treatment F8 had the lowest water content (15.27 g), highest ash content (4.03 g), lowest fat content (16.28 g), highest protein content (9.24g), highest iron content (8.07 g) and high dietary fiber content (8.07 g). Conclusion: The best formula based on organoleptic assessment is F2, but based on nutritional content, F8 is the best formula.