Important Trace Elements Research Articles

Сучасні уявлення про значущість забезпечення цинком при інфекційній патології в дітей

Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element that is critical for growth, development and maintenance of immune function. Zn is an indispensable trace element for humans, which is part of more than 20 metalloenzymes, including DNA and RNA polymerase, phosphatase, carbonic anhydrase and some others. The cycle of cell development requires this trace element. The permeability of cell membranes is also related to Zn. It has antioxidant properties and delays the apoptosis of peripheral cells. The formation of immunity depends on the body’s supply of Zn, and its deficiency causes atrophy of the thymic-lymphatic system. Zn is part of insulin, accelerates the regeneration of the mucous layer of the intestines, increases the activity of enzymes of the brush border of enterocytes, increases the level of secretory antibodies and the intensity of cellular immunity. The provision of this element cannot but affect the course of various infectious pathologies. Purpose - by analyzing modern literature data, to find out the importance of Zn provision in infectious pathologies in children. It is analyzed a review of the literature on the pathogenetic role of Zn in the diagnosis, pathogenesis and treatment of infectious diseases, based on a search for articles in the Science, Medline and PubMed databases published from January 2017 to June 2021. An analysis of current literature has shown that Zn is an important micronutrient involved in the regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. Zn is necessary to ensure the barrier function of membranes. It is involved in the modulation of the pro-inflammatory response. Zn homeostasis is essential for many aspects of the immune system, including hematopoiesis, cell maturation and differentiation, cell cycle progression, and proper immune cell function. Consequently, Zn deficiency leads to cell-mediated immune dysfunctions. Such dysfunctions lead to deterioration of the body's response to bacterial infection. Zn is known to modulate antiviral immunity. Due to zinc, the production of interferon-α is activated and its antiviral activity is increased. Studies show that during the infectious process there is a decrease in the concentration of zinc in the blood plasma. Such changes, on the one hand, provide the needs of immune protection factors, and on the other hand, reduce the availability of the trace element for pathogens. Conclusions. Zn is one of the important trace elements that plays a leading role in maintaining homeostasis and is an integral component of the pathogenesis of various pathological conditions of infectious origin. The most studied is Zn deficiency in infectious diarrhea in children, but studies have been conducted in developing countries with limited resources. No works studying the prevalence of Zn deficiency in Ukraine were found. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Iodine Security of the Population: A Modern View of the Problem

Background. Iodine is one of the most important trace elements, without which the normal functioning of our body is impossible, and regular intake of iodine with food is of great importance for maintaining our health. To date, it has been proven that iodine deficiency can have serious consequences for human health at any age, but it is most dangerous for pregnant women, given its effect on fetal development and for children of the first years of life. The article presents up-to-date information on the prevalence of iodine deficiency and iodine deficiency diseases in the territory of the Russian Federation. Purpose. Based on the study of the results of a number of clinical studies, this paper is to determine the prevalence of iodine deficiency in the territory of the Russian Federation, modern methods of its diagnosis and impact on human health, as well as to consider possible ways to correct this condition. Materials and Methods . On the basis of the analysis of the data of modern scientific literature on the prevalence and modern methods of diagnosis of iodine deficiency, and its impact on human health modern methods of determining the iodine security of the population are considered, possible ways to prevent iodine deficiency are studied. Results. The paper presents up-to-date information on the prevalence of iodine deficiency and iodine deficiency diseases in the Russian Federation. Modern methods of determining the iodine security of the population are considered. The greatest attention is paid to the consideration of the method of mass prevention of iodine deficiency using iodized salt.

Validation of Electrothermal Vaporization for the Analysis of Biomass Samples and Comparison with Other Methods of Analysis

The analysis of the chemical composition of biomass plays an important role in all steps of the life cycle of biomass, especially in thermal conversion processes. Electrothermal vaporization (ETV) coupled with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) is a promising approach for biomass analysis as almost no sample preparation is required, samples can be analysed quickly, and the release of elements from the sample can potentially be quantified with temperature resolution. In this work, the concentration of seven important side and trace elements is determined in beechwood, torrefied wood, wheat straw, miscanthus, and spruce bark. For comparison and validation of the ETV setup, four additional methods of analysis are applied to determine the elemental concentration. Chemical fractionation analysis (CFA) is conducted to investigate the chemical association form. In addition, microwave pressure digestion is carried out with two different acid solutions (HNO3 and HBF4). X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis is performed to determine the ash composition of all samples. The spread between most of the results of the different measurement techniques is with less than 20 % well within the expected range for heterogeneous biomass samples. Large deviations, such as the sulphur concentration in the XRF analysis, can be explained by the method used. The ETV results are in very good agreement with the CFA and microwave pressure digestion results. As these methods are well established, ETV analysis has proven to be suitable for the analysis of side and trace elements in biomass.Graphical

Low-iodine diet before radioactive iodine therapy - to prescribe or not to prescribe

Iodine is the most important trace element in the human body. Its main function is to participate in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The main source of iodine for humans is food rich in this trace element. The iodine content in foods varies greatly. The main sources of iodine are seafood, iodized salt, seaweed, as well as dairy products and egg yolks. In addition, iodine is found in a number of drugs for external and internal use, dietary supplements, and in iodinated contrast agents.Low-iodine diet (less than 50 μg per day) is prescribed before radioactive iodine therapy (RAIT) for thyroid diseases, namely hyperthyroidism and differentiated thyroid cancer. Currently, there is no consensus on the clinical benefits of such a diet, especially in countries with iodine deficiency, such as Russia.The aim of this review is to assess the need for a low-iodine diet and its optimal duration, as well as to determine the clinical characteristics affecting the outcome of RAIT, based on data from recent studies.

Diet supplementation of organic zinc positively affects growth, antioxidant capacity, immune response and lipid metabolism in juvenile largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides.

Znis an important trace element involved in various biochemical processes in aquatic species. An 8-week rearing trial was thus conducted to investigate the effects of Zn on juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) by feeding seven diets, respectively, supplemented with no Zn (Con), 60 and 120 mg/kg inorganic Zn (Sul60 and Sul120), and 30, 60, 90 and 120 mg/kg organic Zn (Bio30, Bio60, Bio90 and Bio120). Sul120 and Bio120 groups showed significantly higher weight gain and specific growth rate than Con group, with Bio60 group obtaining the lowest viscerosomatic index and hepatosomatic index. 60 or 90 mg/kg organic Zn significantly facilitated whole body Zn retention. Up-regulation of hepatic superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities and decline of malondialdehyde contents indicated augmented antioxidant capacities by organic Zn. Zn treatment also lowered plasma aminotransferase levels while promoting acid phosphatase activity and hepatic transcription levels of alp1, acp1 and lyz-c than deprivation of Zn. The alterations in whole body and liver crude lipid and plasma TAG contents illustrated the regulatory effect of Zn on lipid metabolism, which could be possibly attributed to the changes in hepatic expressions of acc1, pparγ, atgl and cpt1. These findings demonstrated the capabilities of Zn in potentiating growth and morphological performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity as well as regulating lipid metabolism in M. salmoides. Organic Zn could perform comparable effects at same or lower supplementation levels than inorganic Zn, suggesting its higher efficiency. 60 mg/kg supplementation of organic Zn could effectively cover the requirements of M. salmoides.

Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia: Potential Risk Factors in Bone Loss.

Iron is one of the essential mineral elements for the human body and this nutrient deficiency is a worldwide public health problem. Iron is essential in oxygen transport, participates in many enzyme systems in the body, and is an important trace element in maintaining basic cellular life activities. Iron also plays an important role in collagen synthesis and vitamin D metabolism. Therefore, decrease in intracellular iron can lead to disturbance in the activity and function of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, resulting in imbalance in bone homeostasis and ultimately bone loss. Indeed, iron deficiency, with or without anemia, leads to osteopenia or osteoporosis, which has been revealed by numerous clinical observations and animal studies. This review presents current knowledge on iron metabolism under iron deficiency states and the diagnosis and prevention of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia (IDA). With emphasis, studies related to iron deficiency and bone loss are discussed, and the potential mechanisms of iron deficiency leading to bone loss are analyzed. Finally, several measures to promote complete recovery and prevention of iron deficiency are listed to improve quality of life, including bone health.

A Systematic Study on Zinc-Related Metabolism in Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer has become the most common cancer worldwide. Despite the major advances made in the past few decades in the treatment of breast cancer using a combination of chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and immunotherapy, the genesis, treatment, recurrence, and metastasis of this disease continue to pose significant difficulties. New treatment approaches are therefore urgently required. Zinc is an important trace element that is involved in regulating various enzymatic, metabolic, and cellular processes in the human body. Several studies have shown that abnormal zinc homeostasis can lead to the onset and progression of various diseases, including breast cancer. This review highlights the role played by zinc transporters in pathogenesis, apoptosis, signal transduction, and potential clinical applications in breast cancer. Additionally, the translation of the clinical applications of zinc and associated molecules in breast cancer, as well as the recent developments in the zinc-related drug targets for breast cancer treatment, is discussed. These developments offer novel insights into understanding the concepts and approaches that could be used for the diagnosis and management of breast cancer.

Exiguobacterium sp. as a bioinoculant for plant-growth promotion and Selenium biofortification strategies in horticultural plants

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have a positive effect on plant development and being a promising way to enhance crop productivity and as substitution of chemical fertilizers. Selenium (Se) is an important trace element and its intake is usually lower than the daily minimum amount required for humans; hence, there is a demand on the design of Se biofortification strategies. Here, the genetic traits known to be associated with Plant-Growth Promotion (PGP) and Se biotransformation of Exiguobacterium sp. S17 were evaluated through genome analysis. Its growth-promoting capacity was tested through plant-growth promotion assays in laboratory and field conditions, using Brassica juncea (indian mustard), Beta vulgaris (chard), and Lactuca sativa (lettuce). Additionally, the Se biotransformation ability of Exiguobacterium sp. S17 was evaluated and the obtained selenized bacteria were tested in mustard plants. The sequenced bacteria genome revealed the presence of multiple genes involved in important functions regarding soil and plant colonization, PGP and Se biotransformation. Moreover, it was demonstrated that Exiguobacterium sp. S17 enhanced plant growth and could be useful to produce Se accumulation and biofortification in accumulator plants such as mustard. Thereby, Exiguobacterium sp. S17 might be used for developing new, sustainable, and environmentally friendly agro-technological strategies.

Effect of organic and inorganic manganese supplementation on performance and eggshell quality in aged laying hens.

Manganese (Mn) is an important trace element for laying hen's nutrition, which is required in small amounts in the diet. Its deficiency results in lowered production performance and eggshell quality. This experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of different sources and levels of Mn on egg production performance and eggshell quality in aged laying hens. A total of 720, 83-week-old Hy-Line W-36 laying hens were fed a non-Mn supplemented basal diet for 4-week (to ime Mn-exhaustion of body) and then were allocated to a completely randomized design with 10 treatments, six replicates and 12 birds each. Concentration of Mn in the non-Mn supplemented basal diet was 10.34 mg/kg (treatment 1), the added doses of dietary Mn were included 30, 60, and 90mg/kg of three different sources (Mn-oxide, Mn-sulphate, and Mn-organic) for treatments 2-10, respectively. The experiment lasted for 12 week. Dietary supplementation with either organic or inorganic Mn sources significantly enhanced egg production (EP), egg mass (EM), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and relative eggshell weight (RESW) compared with the non-Mn supplemented diet. However, the experimental diets did not influence feed intake (FI), egg weight, and other eggshell quality traits. Based on the broken line regression models, the performance traits were optimized at 30-40mg/kg Mn concentration when supplemented by Mn-sulphate or Mn-organic. Although, it was 80-90mg/kg when supplemented by Mn-oxide. The relative bio-efficacy of inorganic Mn sources include Mn-oxide and Mn-sulphate in compare with Mn-organic were estimated 45% and 87% (for EP trait), 30% and 94% (for EM trait), 36% and 99% (for FCR trait), and 37% and 78% (for RESW trait), respectively. In the aged laying hens, Mn requirement is higher than the NRC's recommendation. Sulphate and organic sources of Mn are more effective than Mn-oxide.

Zinc aspartate induces proliferation of resting and antigen-stimulated human PBMC under high-density cell culture condition

BackgroundZinc, one of the most important essential trace elements in the human body, regulates a wide range of cellular functions of immune cells, such as proliferation, differentiation and survival. Zinc deficiency affects both the innate and adaptive immune system. Zinc supplementation was discussed as possible therapy for infectious diseases and T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. However, the influence of commercial zinc preparations on proliferation and cytokine production of resting and antigen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) has not yet been completely investigated. MethodsHere, we examined whether zinc aspartate (Unizink®), an approved drug to treat zinc deficiency in patients, induces proliferation, cytokine production, and induction of apoptosis/caspase 3/7 activity of resting PBMC under high-density cell culture condition. In addition, we performed antigen-specific proliferation experiments, where PBMCs of healthy donors vaccinated against Influenza A (H1N1) and/or SARS-CoV-2 were stimulated with Influenza A (H1N1) peptides or SARS-CoV-2 peptides as well as the Mixed Lymphocyte Culture (MLC) in the presence of increasing concentrations of zinc aspartate. ResultsWe observed a dose-dependent enhancement of proliferation and induction of cytokine production (IFN-γ, IL-5, GM-CSF and CXCL10) of resting PBMC in presence of zinc aspartate. The number of cells with active caspase 3/7 and, consecutively, the amount of cells undergoing apoptosis steadily decreased in presence of zinc aspartate. Moreover, zinc aspartate was capable of stimulating antigen-specific PBMC proliferation using MLC or influenza A (H1N1) and SARS-CoV-2 peptides in both a dose-dependent and a donor-specific manner. In the absence of zinc aspartate, we clearly could discriminate two groups of responders: low and high responders to antigenic stimulation. The addition of increasing concentration of zinc aspartate significantly stimulated the proliferation of PBMC from low responders, but not from high responders. ConclusionTaken together, our results suggest that zinc aspartate induces the proliferation of resting and antigen-stimulated PBMCs under high-density cell culture conditions. Thus, zinc might represent a supportive treatment in patients suffering from infectious diseases.

Nano-selenium enhances sugarcane resistance to Xanthomonas albilineans infection and improvement of juice quality

Selenium is an important trace element that is beneficial to human health and can enhance plant resistance and crop quality. The occurrence of up-to-date nanotechnology greatly promotes the beneficial efficiency of this trace element on crops. The discovery of nano-Se increased the crop quality and reduced plant disease in different plant. In this study, we reduced sugarcane leaf scald disease incidence by exogenously spraying different concentrations (5 mg/L and 10 mg/L) of nano-Se. Additional studies revealed that spraying of nano-Se reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and H2O2 accumulation, and increased antioxidant enzyme activities in sugarcane. The nano-selenium treatments also increased the content of jasmonic acid (JA) and the expression of JA pathway genes. Furthermore, we also found that use nano-Se treatment in an appropriate way can enhance the quality of cane juice. The brix of the cane juice of the selenium-enriched treatment was significantly higher than that of the control group, which was 10.98% and 20.81% higher than that of the CK group, respectively. Meanwhile, the content of certain beneficial amino acids was increased, with the highest being 3.9 times higher than the control. Taken together, our findings inferred that nano-Se could act as a potential eco-fungicide to protect sugarcane from can be used as a potential ecological bactericide to protect sugarcane from Xanthomonas albilineans infections, and improve sugarcane quality. The results arising from this study not only introduces an ecological method to control X. albilineans, but also provides a deep insight into this trace elements for improving juice quality.

Exploring Effects of Exogenous Selenium on the Growth and Nutritional Quality of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

Selenium (Se) is an important trace element in human and animal health. Approximately 0.5–1 billion people worldwide are facing Se deficiency which can result in various endemic diseases. Cabbage is one of the most popular vegetables and can accumulate Se through biofortification. Therefore, producing Se-enriched cabbage may be an effective method to alleviate Se deficiency. In this study, the effects of different concentrations of selenite application on the growth and nutritional quality of cabbage were investigated and the results showed that the growth of cabbage was promoted at low concentrations of selenite (0.1–0.4 mmol/L) but inhibited at high concentrations (0.8–1.6 mmol/L). Concentrations of 0.1–0.2 mmol/L of selenite induced the accumulation of primary metabolites (soluble proteins, soluble sugars, and free amino acids), representative secondary metabolites (ascorbic acid, glucosinolates, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids), and important antioxidant enzyme (glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) activity to improve the nutritional quality of cabbages. In addition, a higher concentration (0.8–1.6 mmol/L) of selenite proved beneficial in the accumulation of total Se and representative organic Se in cabbages. The main organic Se species in cabbage were selenomethionine (SeMet), accounting for 12.10% of total Se, followed by selenocysteine (SeCys2), accounting for 2.96% of total Se. It is suggested that an appropriate dose of exogenous selenite could be selected for different production purposes in cabbage cultivation. These findings are helpful for us to deeply understand the effects of selenite on the growth and nutritional quality of cabbages and to provide reliable technical support for vegetable cultivation and Se biofortification.

Amelioration of cadmium cytotoxicity to human cells by nutrient cation contents and the building of a biotic ligand model

A variety of important major and trace elements may competitively inhibit cadmium (Cd) absorption in human cells and reduce Cd toxicity. However, the impact of essential elements on the cytotoxicity of metals can be difficult to quantify and anticipate. Cd acute toxicity to Caco-2 cell viability was studied in culture solutions and modeled by a biotic ligand model (BLM). The individual effects of the cations potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), ferrous ion(Fe2+), zinc (Zn2+) and manganese (Mn2+) on Cd toxicity were also investigated. The results indicated that the toxicity of Cd in culture solutions to cell viability declined with increasing concentrations of Zn2+ and Mn2+ in the solutions, while K+, Ca2 +, Mg2 + and Fe2+ had no significant effect. Using the BLM, the stability constants for the binding of Cd2 +, Zn2+, and Mn2+ to biotic ligands were determined to be logKCdBL = 5.76, logKZnBL = 4.39 and logKMnBL = 5.31, respectively. Moreover, it was calculated that 51% occupancy of the biotic ligand sites for Cd by Cd was required to cause a 50% reduction in Caco-2 cell viability. A BLM was successfully established using the estimated constants to predict the Cd cytotoxicity to Caco-2 cell viability as a function of solution characteristics, so that the effective concentrations that reduced cell viability by 50% (EC50) could be predicted by the BLM within 1.6 fold changes of the observed EC50. The application's viability and precision for foretelling Cd toxicity in Caco-2 cells are discussed.

Antioxidant system of the body of young Ukrainian beef cattle under the action of microelements

Active forms of oxygen are formed in the course of the organism's vital activity in biochemical reactions. These forms, when the pro/antioxidant balance is disturbed, trigger a cascade of lipid peroxidation, which can be the cause of the development of various pathological conditions. To prevent the negative influence of lipid peroxidation products in the body, a powerful antioxidant system is activated. This system consists of an enzymatic and a non-enzymatic link. An important aspect of the normal functioning of this system is the provision of the body with important trace elements. A number of minerals are included in the active center of antioxidant enzymes or have an effect on the reactions of non-enzymatic antioxidants. Research was conducted on fattening bulls of the Ukrainian meat breed. During the monitoring of microelements in feed, it was found that the vast majority of farm feed was deficient in copper, selenium and manganese and for this reason the animals consumed an insufficient amount of these minerals. These data were confirmed by the low content of these trace elements in blood serum. The addition of inorganic salts of microelements to the basic diet led to an increase in the concentration of copper, manganese and selenium in the blood serum by 20.5%, 37.3% and 23.9%. The study of the content of lipid peroxidation products showed that during the 30 days of the experiment, the level of lipid hydroperoxide increased by 25.5%, diene conjugates by 22.8%, and malonic dialdehyde by 22.0%. This indicates that against the background of increased age-related metabolism in the body of young animals, the oxidation-reduction reactions that are a predictor of the start of peroxidation processes increase. It was also noted that with a deficiency of certain trace elements, the activity of both the enzymatic and non-enzymatic links of the antioxidant system was reduced. Thus, in 30 days, the level of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase decreased by 9.4%, 15.3%, and 13.0%, respectively. During this time, the content of tocopherol and ceruloplasmin decreased by 16.8% and 9.8%. Additives also had a positive effect on the activity of the antioxidant system by increasing its components. Additives of trace elements had different effects on the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The greatest effect on the level of catalase and superoxide dismutase was observed when copper salts were added, when the increase of these enzymes was noted by 1.11 and 1.23 times, respectively. Accordingly, the level of glutathione peroxidase was the highest in animals that received additional selenium – 1.21 times. The addition of copper also had the greatest biological effect on the important non-enzymatic component of antioxidant protection – ceruloplasmin. Its level increased by 1.24 times under the action of copper sulfate. The level of tocopherol was higher under the action of manganese, when its concentration was 1.11 times higher than the control. Against this background, there was a decrease in the products of lipid peroxidation: lipid hydroperoxides – 1.19 times under the action of selenium; diene conjugates – by 1.22 times and malonіс dialdehyde – by 1.11 times under the influence of copper and manganese compounds, respectively.

Relationship between serum selenium deficiency and preeclampsia among pregnant women at the Rivers State university teaching hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: Preeclampsia is a multi-system disorder of pregnancy. It is associated with a significantly increased risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Oxidative stress has been implicated. Selenium is a very important trace element in the synthesis of endogenous antioxidants which help to balance the effects of oxidative free radicals. This study sought to determine the relationship between serum selenium deficiency and preeclampsia among pregnant women. Method: A prospective case-control study was carried out on consenting preeclamptic (135) and normotensive (135) pregnant women in their second half of pregnancy. Blood samples were taken for serum selenium estimation and analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Their Socio-demographic information was collected through a structured proforma. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: There was no significant difference in characteristics between the two groups. The mean selenium level of the preeclamptic women (0.52 ± 0.31µmol/l) was significantly (P=0.001) lower than that of the normotensive women (0.73 ± 0.24µmol/l). Bivariate analysis showed that preeclamptic women were 3.6 times more likely to have a deficiency in selenium compared to normotensive women (OR=3.61; P=0.001; 95%CI: 2.13-6.10). No significant difference was noted in the serum level of selenium in patients with mild versus severe preeclampsia. Conclusion: This study showed that pregnant women with selenium deficiency were 3.6 times more likely to develop preeclampsia compared to healthy normotensive pregnant women. However, there was no significant difference between levels in mild compared to severe preeclamptic women.

Zinc-based biomaterials for bone repair and regeneration: mechanism and applications.

Zinc (Zn) is one of the most important trace elements in the human body and plays a key role in various physiological processes, especially in bone metabolism. Zn-containing materials have been reported to enhance bone repair through promoting cell proliferation, osteogenic activity, angiogenesis, and inhibiting osteoclast differentiation. Therefore, Zn-based biomaterials are potential substitutes for traditional bone grafts. In this review, the specific mechanisms of bone formation promotion by Zn-based biomaterials were discussed, and recent developments in their application in bone tissue engineering were summarized. Moreover, the challenges and perspectives of Zn-based biomaterials were concluded, revealing their attractive potential and development directions in the future.

The biochemical effects of the coordination compound of cobalt-ii nitrate quinazolin-4-one with 3-indolyl acetic acid in the “amber” plants grades phaseolus aureus

The biochemical effects of the coordination compound of cobalt-II nitrate quinazolin-4-one with 3-indolyl acetic acid in the “amber” plants grades Phaseolus aureus have been studied. Cobalt is an important trace element for plants and an important biogenic element in the soil, mainly in the form of the Co2+ cation, which participates in redox reactions in plant organisms for the implementation of various mineral and organic compounds. Cobalt compounds are mainly soluble in mineral acids, so we want to show that the coordination compound containing this trace element, formed by the nitrate salt with quinazolin-4-one, serves as a source of plant nutrition.

The Dietary, Serum and Urine Analysis of Boron and Micronutrients in Postmenopausal Women

Objective: Boron is a nutritionally important trace element that interacts with other micronutrients. Boron plays a critical role in bone mineralization and metabolism. In the present study, the association between boron and micronutrients related to bone metabolism was analysed in postmenopausal women.
 Methods: In a prospective cohort study in 40 postmenopausal women 24-hour urine and blood samples were collected for sodium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and boron. Daily food consumption, bone mineral density, and Fracture risk assessment tool scores were recorded.
 Results: The mean age was 53.2 ± 5.9 years. Dietary habits revealed insufficient dietary fiber and excessive dietary sodium. The serum and urine boron levels were 26.80 μg/L and 21.22 μg/day, respectively. Urine boron levels were lower in the osteoporosis group (p = 0.66). A negative correlation between urine Na and boron was detected (p < 0.001). Urinary Na and Ca are negatively correlated with Fracture risk assessment tool scores (p = 0.010, p = 0.019, respectively).
 Conclusion: The low urinary boron levels in our participants might be due to increased Na excretion due to excessive consumption of Na. Therefore, consulting postmenopausal women about their dietary habits is of concern. Further understanding of the role of boron in bone metabolism will help to accomplish new treatment strategies for osteoporosis and standardization of boron supplementation.

GREENER SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE SELENIUM NANOPARTICLES FROM Acacia catechu

Selenium is an important trace element for human health. Organic and inorganic selenium have different biological and physicochemical properties than selenium nanoparticles. We hoped to synthesize selenium nanoparticles from Acacia catechu extract. Synthesized nanoparticles are used for flavonoids, phenolic compounds, lowering sugar tests, etc. The Fourier Transform Infrared spectra are used to detect the reduced and stabilized functional groups of metabolites in an acacia bark extract and their likely role in selenium nanoparticle formation. The color change indicates biological sodium selenite reduction by Acacia catechu extract. Antioxidant properties of selenium nanoparticles are tested using 2,2 diphenyl 1 picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and lipid peroxide radical scavenging action. Our results show that manufactured selenium nanoparticles boost antioxidant activity. Selenium nanoparticles are effective radical scavengers that could be used in food and medicine.

Marine carbonate mining in the Southwestern Atlantic: current status, potential impacts, and conservation actions

Marine carbonate sediments have economic value because of their high concentration of calcium minerals and important trace elements. However, increasing mining interest in these stocks is threatening unique ecosystems, such as rhodolith beds, which provide many ecosystem goods and services. We review the potential of the unexplored Brazilian deposits and the rising conflicts with other blue economic sectors and biodiversity hotspots. The tropical Southwestern Atlantic Ocean, particularly the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone, has the largest deposit of marine limestone worldwide, which is very attractive to the global industry, with reserves measured at more than 1355,157,240 tons of CaCO3 and it is especially useful as a supply for agriculture and animal nutrition. This large mining potential raises concerns regarding licenses and potential impacts, especially considering the biological and socio-economic importance of extensive rhodolith beds, which may conflict with mining. Additionally, future dredging activities will take place in vulnerable ecosystems without adequate marine spatial planning (MSP). Currently, there is no long-term scientific information on the available carbonate stocks, stock recoverability, risks to connectivity with other ecosystems (e.g., coral reefs), and the reduced provision of ecosystem services which may affect activities such as artisanal fisheries. In this context, encouraging carbonate mining without science-based information and MSP accelerates the unsustainable exploitation of this important ecosystem. This activity will contribute to the degradation of tropical marine biodiversity and threaten the food security of traditional and vulnerable human communities, which is in opposition to the Sustainable Development Goals and reaching the 2030 United Nations Agenda.