Increasing Iron Content Research Articles

The role of ferroptosis as a regulator of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke.

Ferroptosis is a unique form of cell death that was first described in 2012 and plays a significant role in various diseases, including neurodegenerative conditions. It depends on a dysregulation of cellular iron metabolism, which increases free, redox-active, iron that can trigger Fenton reactions, generating hydroxyl radicals that damage cells through oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Lipid peroxides, resulting mainly from unsaturated fatty acids, damage cells by disrupting membrane integrity and propagating cell death signals. Moreover, lipid peroxide degradation products can further affect cellular components such as DNA, proteins, and amines. In ischemic stroke, where blood flow to the brain is restricted, there is increased iron absorption, oxidative stress, and compromised blood-brain barrier integrity. Imbalances in iron-transport and -storage proteins increase lipid oxidation and contribute to neuronal damage, thus pointing to the possibility of brain cells, especially neurons, dying from ferroptosis. Here, we review the evidence showing a role of ferroptosis in ischemic stroke, both in recent studies directly assessing this type of cell death, as well as in previous studies showing evidence that can now be revisited with our new knowledge on ferroptosis mechanisms. We also review the efforts made to target ferroptosis in ischemic stroke as a possible treatment to mitigate cellular damage and death.

Domestic cooking effects on nutritional quality and phytochemical contents of zinc biofortified Lepidium sativum L. sprouts

ABSTRACT The impact of the common cooking practices on the nutritional value and the antioxidant contents of Lepidium sativum zinc biofortified sprouts was assessed in the present investigation. Garden cress sprouts showed an increase of dry matter, ash, proteins, carbohydrates, sodium, iron and zinc contents according to the applied cooking process. Antinutrient and pigment contents (chlorophylls, carotenoids and anthocyans) were diminished by applying various cooking treatments. A significant drop of total phenolic (25.57 – 60.87%) and total flavonoid contents (58.04 – 71.86%), catechin hydrate (81.90 – 96.15%), sinapic acid (62.44 – 84.79%), myricitin (97.62 – 99.12%) and rutin (52.83 – 83.41%) was detected in cooked plant material. Nevertheless, cooking practices raised the caffeic acid contents by 21.97 to 29.74% and boil and steam cooking increased the chlorogenic acid amounts by 1.89% and 9.28%, respectively. Microwaving favored an improvement of the antioxidant performances. Overall, Microwaving permitted good nutrients retention along with the best antioxidant performances.

Localized Changes in Dentate Nucleus Shape and Magnetic Susceptibility in Friedreich Ataxia.

The dentate nuclei of the cerebellum are key sites of neuropathology in Friedreich ataxia (FRDA). Reduced dentate nucleus volume and increased mean magnetic susceptibility, a proxy of iron concentration, have been reported by magnetic resonance imaging studies in people with FRDA. Here, we investigate whether these changes are regionally heterogeneous. Quantitative susceptibility mapping data were acquired from 49 people with FRDA and 46 healthy controls. The dentate nuclei were manually segmented and analyzed using three dimensional vertex-based shape modeling and voxel-based assessments to identify regional changes in morphometry and susceptibility, respectively. Individuals with FRDA, relative to healthy controls, showed significant bilateral surface contraction most strongly at the rostral and caudal boundaries of the dentate nuclei. The magnitude of this surface contraction correlated with disease duration, and to a lesser extent, ataxia severity. Significantly greater susceptibility was also evident in the FRDA cohort relative to controls, but was instead localized to bilateral dorsomedial areas, and also correlated with disease duration and ataxia severity. Changes in the structure of the dentate nuclei in FRDA are not spatially uniform. Atrophy is greatest in areas with high gray matter density, whereas increases in susceptibility-reflecting iron concentration, demyelination, and/or gliosis-predominate in the medial white matter. These findings converge with established histological reports and indicate that regional measures of dentate nucleus substructure are more sensitive measures of disease expression than full-structure averages. Biomarker development and therapeutic strategies that directly target the dentate nuclei, such as gene therapies, may be optimized by targeting these areas of maximal pathology. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Facile and Bioinspired Approach from Gallic Acid for the Synthesis of Biobased Flame Retardant Coatings of Basalt Fibers.

A sustainable, bioinspired approach to functionalize basalt fibers with an innovative gallic acid (GA)-iron phenyl phosphonate complex (BF-GA-FeP), for the purpose of improving the flame retardancy in composite materials, is developed. BFs were at first pretreated with O3, obtaining surface free hydroxyl groups that allowed the subsequent covalent immobilization of biosourced GA units on the fiber through ester linkages. Phenolic -OH groups of the GA units were then exploited for the complexation of iron phenyl phosphonate, resulting in the target-complex-coated BF fiber (BF-GA-FeP). Microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses of BF-GA-FeP highlighted an increase in iron content, modification of fiber morphology, and occurrence of phosphorus, respectively. BFs, modified with a low amount of the developed complex, were used to reinforce a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix in the production of a biocomposite (PLA/BF-FeP). PLA/BF-FeP showed a higher thermal stability than neat PLA and PLA reinforced with untreated BFs (PLA/BF), as confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis. The cone calorimeter test highlighted several advantages for PLA/BF-FeP, including a prolonged time to ignition, a reduced time to flame out, an 8% decrease in the peak heat release rate, and a 15% reduced fire propagating index compared to PLA/BF.

Effect of Iron Content on the Pitting Corrosion Behavior of Laser-Cladded Ni-Cr-Mo Alloy Coating in a Simulated Seawater Environment

In order to study the effect of iron content on the pitting corrosion behavior of a Ni-Cr-Mo alloy coating in a simulated seawater environment, a Ni-Cr-Mo-xFe (x = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25) alloy coating was prepared through laser cladding technology. These coatings primarily consist of a γ-Ni solid solution phase, with observable iron segregation in the interdendritic regions when the iron content reaches 25 wt%. After 42 days of salt spray corrosion, it was found that pitting began to appear on the surface when the iron content in the coating increased to 10 wt%. The results of electrochemical behavior revealed that the coatings with iron contents in a range of 10–25 wt% exhibited metastable pitting characteristics, and the impedance modulus decreased with the increase in iron content. Pitting corrosion occurs due to selective corrosion of the dendritic regions. When the iron content exceeds 10 wt%, the accumulation of iron in the outer layer of the passivation film would lead to an excess of cationic vacancies, and the stability of the passive film is then reduced. This study provides a reference for the control of the iron content in a Ni-Cr-Mo alloy coating when applied in marine environments.

Mechanistic study on the promotion of Ca2+ leaching in steel slag through high-temperature solid waste modification.

Indirect carbonation of steel slag is an effective method for CO2 storage, reducing emissions, and promoting cleaner production in the steel industry. However, challenges remain, such as low Ca2+ leaching rates and slag management complexities arising from variations in mineral compositions. To address this, a high-temperature modification process is proposed to alter the mineral composition and facilitate the synergistic utilization of calcium and iron. This study delves into the effects of various solid waste modifications on the leaching of Ca2+ and the total iron content within steel slag. Results show that high-basicity modified slag forms Ca2(Al, Fe)2O5, reducing calcium leaching. Low-alkalinity modified slag produces calcium-rich aluminum minerals and also reduces the leaching of Ca2+ ions. At a basicity of 2.5, coal gangue, fly ash, and blast slag achieve maximum Ca2+ leaching rates of 88.93%, 89.46%, and 90.17%, respectively, with corresponding total iron contents of 41.46%, 37.72%, and 35.29%. Upgraded coal gangue exhibits a 50.02% increase in calcium leaching and a 15.58% increase in total iron content compared to the original slag. This enhances CO2 fixation and iron resource utilization. Overall, the proposed indirect carbonation and iron enrichment modification offer a novel approach for the resource utilization and environmental stability of steel slag.

Removal of chromium (VI) from aqueous solutions by granular composites based on laponite and alginate ionotropically cross-linked by iron and zirconium ions

The conducted research established the porous structure of the materials through low-temperature nitrogen adsorption. It was demonstrated that the nitrogen sorption isotherms for the investigated samples belong to Type IV with H4 hysteresis associated with bottle-like pores. The specific surface area of the granulated composite samples was determined, ranging from 99 to 111 m2/g. Additionally, it was shown that an increase in iron content in the samples leads to a reduction in micropore content. Active centers on the material's surface, primarily composed of hydroxyl groups, were investigated using infrared spectroscopy. The kinetics of chromium (VI) adsorption were explored, and it was established that the iron-to-zirconium ratio in the reinforcement solutions hardly affects the duration of establishing adsorption equilibrium, which is approximately 60 minutes. Pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models were applied to describe the kinetics of the adsorption process. The dependence of the chromium (VI) removal efficiency on the solution pH was determined. It was demonstrated that the synthesized samples exhibited high adsorption in acidic conditions with a sharp decline when transitioning to neutral and alkaline environments. It was shown that the maximum sorption capacities of the synthesized granulated composite samples significantly depend on the ratio of iron and zirconium ions. One of the most efficient samples is that with 50% Fe and 50% Zr, exhibiting a maximum sorption capacity of 13.29 mol/g at pH 6. The use of Langmuir and Freundlich models allowed establishing the fundamental adsorption properties of the materials.

Apparent Diachroneity of Calcareous Nannofossil Datums During the Early Eocene in the High‐Latitude South Pacific Ocean

AbstractThe late Paleocene to early Eocene interval is characterized by a series of carbon perturbations that caused transient warming (hyperthermal) events, of which the Paleocene‐Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) was the largest. These hyperthermals can be recognized in the pelagic sedimentary record as paired negative δ13C and δ18O excursions, in addition to decreased calcium carbonate and increased iron content caused by carbonate dissolution. However, current data are predominantly sourced from the equatorial‐to subequatorial regions. Here we present a new high‐latitude late Paleocene—early Eocene record, recovered during International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 378 on the Campbell Plateau off New Zealand, in the southwest Pacific Ocean. To construct an age model, we correlated our chemostratigraphic and biostratigraphic data to existing astronomically‐tuned age models from Walvis Ridge (South Atlantic Ocean) and Demerara Rise (equatorial Atlantic Ocean). Our results indicate that the Site U1553 composite section spans ∼7 million years of the latest Paleocene to early Eocene (50.5–57.5 Ma), and preserves many of the early Eocene hyperthermals; including a PETM interval that is more expanded than elsewhere in this region. However, construction of the age model also revealed discrepancies between the chemostratigraphic and biostratigraphic tie points used for correlation. This is likely due to latitudinal diachroneity in the calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphic datums, which are primarily based on low‐to mid‐latitude assemblages. Therefore, our study highlights the need to establish a revised calcareous nannofossil biozonation that is more appropriate for high‐latitude age models.

A Sustainable Approach to Combat Micronutrient Deficiencies and Ensure Global Food Security through Biofortification

Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in essential vitamins and minerals, pose a significant public health challenge, affecting over two billion people worldwide. These deficiencies contribute to various health issues, impaired cognitive development, and reduced productivity, ultimately hindering social and economic progress. Biofortification, a process of enhancing the nutritional content of staple crops through conventional breeding or genetic engineering, has emerged as a promising and sustainable approach to combat micronutrient deficiencies and ensure global food security. This review explores the potential of Biofortification as a cost-effective and sustainable solution to address hidden hunger and improve the nutritional status of vulnerable populations. Biofortification offers several advantages over traditional interventions, such as supplementation and food fortification. By targeting staple crops consumed by the majority of the population, Biofortification ensures a wide reach and sustained nutrient intake without requiring significant changes in dietary habits. Moreover, biofortified crops can be grown locally, reducing the reliance on external interventions and empowering farmers to improve their nutritional status and livelihoods. Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of bio fortified crops in increasing micronutrient intake and improving health outcomes. For instance, iron-biofortified pearl millet has been shown to increase iron absorption and reduce anemia prevalence in children, while zinc-biofortified wheat has improved zinc status and reduced stunting. Additionally, vitamin A-biofortified sweet potato and cassava have significantly increased vitamin A intake and reduced vitamin A deficiency in various populations.
 Despite the promising results, the success of Biofortification relies on several factors, including the development of nutrient-dense varieties, consumer acceptance, and effective dissemination strategies. Collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders is essential to scale up Biofortification efforts and ensure their long-term sustainability. By prioritizing Biofortification as a key strategy in combating micronutrient deficiencies, we can work towards a more nourished and food-secure world.

Multi-year in situ hydrogeochemical monitoring of hard rock lithium mine tailings in a large-scale experimental pile

Spodumene, a lithian mineral found in granitic pegmatites, is a major source of lithium. In situ, multi-year and large-scale (>10s of tons) predictive hydrogeochemical studies can be of great value for informing mine waste rock and tailings management, not least because the material is exposed to the actual climate where it is meant to be stored. However, such studies are rare given their cost and size, and previous ones have focused mainly on sulfide-bearing materials. An experimental field cell filled with spodumene beneficiation tailings was built at the Whabouchi lithium mine site in northern Québec (Canada) and monitored during four consecutive years. In parallel, column laboratory kinetic testing on the same material was conducted for water quality parameters to compare the effect of testing scales on the geochemical behavior. Geochemical results and release rates were overall similar between laboratory and field, and consistent with previously published laboratory results for materials from the same site. The leachates were neutral to slightly alkaline, with ions from feldspars (Ca > Na > K) and residual spodumene (Li) being notable solutes. Concentrations for most solutes surveyed remained higher in the field after four years than in columns at the end of the experiment. One major difference between laboratory and field was a brief (less than 2 years) increase in iron concentrations from the field cell, resulting in Fe-oxyhydroxides precipitation, that was not observed in laboratory. The source of this iron is arguably residual ferrosilicon (used for dense medium separation) and this difference is attributed to the different testing conditions and configurations in the laboratory versus in situ. Field hydrogeological results highlight strong seasonal patterns and the rapid response of this sand-like, sulfide-poor material to ambient temperature changes and wetting-drying events. The tailings both wet and drain rapidly and easily given their water retention curve and the range of matrix suctions recorded during frost-free months. Net infiltration through the tailings was estimated to represent 55% of total precipitation in summer (June–October) 2021. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the environmental behavior of hard rock lithium mine tailings under real, sub-arctic climatic conditions and outlines similarities and differences between laboratory- and field-generated geochemical results.

First-in-Human Phase 1 Study Evaluating the Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of DISC-0974, an Anti-Hemojuvelin Antibody, in Healthy Participants.

Pathologic elevations in hepcidin, a key regulator of iron homeostasis, contribute to anemia of inflammation in chronic disease. DISC-0974 is a monoclonal antibody that binds to hemojuvelin and blocks bone morphogenetic protein signaling, thereby suppressing hepcidin production. Reduction of systemic hepcidin levels is predicted to increase iron absorption and mobilize stored iron into circulation, where it may be utilized by red blood cell (RBC) precursors in the bone marrow to improve hemoglobin levels and to potentially alleviate anemia of inflammation. We conducted a first-in-human, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-ascending dose study to evaluate safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of DISC-0974 in healthy participants. Overall, 42 participants were enrolled and received a single dose of placebo or DISC-0974 at escalating dose levels (7-56mg), administered intravenously (IV) or subcutaneously (SC). DISC-0974 was well tolerated, with a safety profile comparable to that of placebo. Pharmacokinetic data was dose and route related, with a terminal half-life of approximately 7 days. The bioavailability of SC dosing was ∼50%. Pharmacodynamic data showed dose-dependent decreases in serum hepcidin, with reductions of nearly 75% relative to baseline at the highest dose level tested, and corresponding increases in serum iron in response to DISC-0974 administration. Dose-dependent changes in serum ferritin and hematology parameters were also observed, indicating mobilization of iron stores and downstream effects of enhanced hemoglobinization and production of RBCs. Altogether, these data are consistent with the mechanism of action of DISC-0974 and support the selection of a biologically active dose range for evaluation in clinical trials for individuals with anemia of inflammation.

The Important Role of Iron, Protein and Vitamin C With the Incident of Anemia

Anemia is a condition where there is a lack of healthy red blood cells. Anemia can be caused by various factors, including deficiencies of iron and vitamin C. The aim of this research is to explore the important role of iron and vitamin C in preventing and treating anemia. This research adopts a qualitative approach in its research methodology. The data collection technique used is literature study. After the data is collected, analysis is carried out in three stages, namely data reduction to identify important information, data presentation to organize relevant information, and conclusion drawing to summarize the findings and their implications. The results showed that iron, protein and vitamin C have important roles in the prevention and treatment of anemia. There is a close relationship between these three components in preventing and treating anemia. Iron deficiency is the root cause of anemia, while vitamin C and protein play a role in increasing iron absorption, thus playing an important role in preventing or treating anemia. Iron is an indispensable mineral for the body to form hemoglobin and myoglobin, which are major components in the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Vitamin C as an antioxidan has a positive effect on immune function and also helps the body absorb iron more easily. So to reduce the risk of anemia, by fulfilling daily protein and then eating foods rich in vitamin C and combining them with iron sources.

Potential toxicity of iron ore tailings after the overflow of a mining dam in Nova Lima (Minas Gerais State, Brazil)

In January 2022, the Pau Branco Mine dam in Nova Lima (MG), under the responsibility of Vallourec, overflowed after intense rainfall and iron ore tailings impacted surrounding soils and aquatic ecosystems. These tailings can alter the natural composition of soils and rivers, poising risks on soil biota. This study consists of a preliminary evaluation of potential toxicity of terrigenous materials impacted by tailings from the Pau Branco Mine, based on acute bioassays with earthworms (Eisenia andrei) and germination tests with lettuce (Lactuca sativa). The physical and chemical characterization and determination of toxic metals in the samples supported the interpretation of the ecotoxicological data. The results indicated that the tailing deposition induced the increase in particle density, due to the increase in iron concentrations in the samples. As a consequence, the water holding capacity (WHC) of the materials and organic matter concentrations were dramatically reduced. Given that the mining tailings exhibit fine texture, their depositions on soils increased the percentage of fines particles (silt) in the samples. Metal determination revealed geochemical anomalies for nickel, copper and chromium, whose concentrations exceeded the threshold limits defined by Brazilian law for soil and aquatic sediment quality. The bioassays with earthworms showed no significant earthworm mortality, indicating low acute toxicity. However, earthworm biomass was significantly reduced, suggesting that they were submitted to some stress induced by the exposure to contaminants and/or by the reduction of the organic matter contents (food scarcity) and WHC (water scarcity). The bioassays with lettuce showed no significant effects on germination levels. However, the seedling biomass was significantly reduced due, possibly, to the reduction of WHC and especially due to the increase of fines particles in the samples, which tends to inhibit the establishment of the root systems.

High Performance of Porous, Hierarchically Structured P2‐Na0.6Al0.11 − xNi0.22 − yFex + yMn0.66O2 Cathode Materials

AbstractSodium‐ion‐batteries (SIB) are a low‐cost alternative to currently used lithium‐ion batteries (LIB) but suffer from poor cycling stability. Spray drying provides porous, hierarchically structured particles of cathode active material (CAM) in large amounts, suitable for up‐scaling. Changing the chemical composition of the Na0.6Al0.11 − xNi0.22 − yFex + yMn0.66O2 layered oxides under identical synthesis conditions lead to differences in particle morphology, conductivities, sodium vacancy ordering, and phase transition, therefore influencing the electrochemical performance via several mechanisms. Here, a broad overview on these changes for samples with variable nickel and iron content is presented. With increasing iron content, the particle porosity is reduced and lower initial capacity is received for most cycling windows. Substituting half of the original Ni amount with Fe still leads to high capacities and improved cycling stability. The influence of Al as electrochemically inactive element becomes visible in stabilized cycling stability as well.

Assessing the photo-activation efficiency of aminopolycarboxylate iron complex mixtures for effective sulfamethoxazole degradation in a pilot-scale UVA-LED photoreactor

This study focused on the degradation of antibiotic sulfamethoxazole (SMX), through the UVA-LED photo-activation of aminopolycarboxylate-based iron complexes in a pilot-scale photoreactor. Fe3+-EDDS, Fe3+-NTA, and a combination of both complexes Fe3+-EDDS and Fe3+-NTA were studied in simulated tap water (TW) and simulated secondary effluent (SE) from a municipal wastewater treatment plant (MWWTP). In TW, 40% SMX degradation was reached after 60 min, with different concentration profiles due to absorption characteristics of each complex. Combining Fe3+-EDDS and Fe3+-NTA an initial rapid SMX degradation was observed followed by a slower phase, improving SMX degradation with respect to each complex separately. In SE and despite presenting similar kinetics, SMX degradation was lower than in TW, due to the presence of organic matter in the water matrix. Moreover, the Fe3+-EDDS and Fe3+-NTA mixture improved SMX degradation with increasing iron concentration. This improvement was attributed to reduced dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from NTA and the lower molar absorption coefficient of Fe3+-NTA. Higher EDDS ratios led to faster complex degradation but did not significantly enhance SMX removal. Conversely, higher NTA ratios reduced SMX degradation. In summary, this study revealed a synergistic effect between Fe3+-EDDS and Fe3+-NTA in SMX degradation. Considering the cost difference between EDDS and NTA, using both compounds offers technical and economic advantages. All treatments reduced chronic toxicity in Selenastrum capricornutum.

Chlorocholine chloride exposure induced spermatogenic dysfunction via iron overload caused by AhR/PERK axis-dependent ferritinophagy activation

Chlorocholine chloride (CCC) is a plant growth regulator used worldwide that is detectable in cereals, fruits and animal products. The health effects of CCC exposure have raised public concern. Our previous research showed that CCC exposure decreased testosterone synthesis in pubertal rats. However, little is known about whether and how pubertal CCC exposure impacts spermatogenesis. In this study, we used BALB/c mice and spermatogonia-derived GC-1 cells to examine CCC-induced spermatogenic dysfunction. In vivo, pubertal CCC exposure led to decreased testicular weight, decreased testicular germ cells and poor sperm quality. This effect worsened after cessation of CCC exposure for the next 30 days. RNA-seq and western blot analysis revealed that CCC induced aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and ferritinophagy. Increased iron content and lipid peroxidation levels were also observed in CCC-treated testes. In vitro, it was identified that iron overload mediated by enhanced ferritinophagy occurred in CCC-treated GC-1 cells, which might be attributed to the PERK pathway in ERS. Further, for the first time, our study elucidated the involvement of AhR in CCC-induced iron overload, which aggravated testicular oxidative damage via lipid peroxidation. Considering the adverse impact of CCC exposure on rodents, supportive evidence from GC-1 cells, and the critical importance of spermatogenesis on male development, the effects of CCC on the male reproduction warrant increased attention.

Effect of different iron ratios on interaction and thermodynamic stability of bound whey protein isolate

Whey protein isolates (WPI) are known to have mineral-binding capacity to promote iron absorption. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of iron ratio on the conformational structure of iron-bound whey protein isolate (WPI-Fe) and its thermodynamic stability. It was shown that the iron to protein ratio affects both the iron binding capacity of WPI and the iron valence state on the surface of WPI-Fe complexes. As the iron content increases, aggregation between protein molecules occurs. In addition, WPI-Fe nanoparticles have thermodynamic stability and Fe2+ has a high affinity with WPI for spontaneous exothermic reactions. This study demonstrates that WPI-Fe complexes can be used to efficiently deliver high-quality iron source (Fe2+) for future iron supplements.

Phase-field simulation for evolution of iron-rich phase during solidification of Al–Si–Fe alloys

Iron is a common impurity element in Al–Si alloys. The existence of Fe promotes the formation of needle-like iron-rich phase, which has an adverse effect on the macroscopic mechanical properties. In this study, the effects of casting temperature, Fe content and melt ultrasonic treatment on the morphology of β-Al9Fe2Si2 were investigated by phase-field simulation and experiment. The results show that when the casting temperature is close to the liquidus temperature, the grain size of the precipitated phase will be refined. The increase of iron content in the alloy will promote the increase of average grain size and volume fraction of iron-rich phase by inhibiting the growth of α-Al grains. In addition, the elevation of both casting temperature and Fe content promotes the transformation of the β-Al9Fe2Si2 from short rod-like to needle-like with large scale. The melt ultrasound inhibits the transformation to β-Al9Fe2Si2 by promoting the nucleation and growth of α-Al8Fe2Si. Melt ultrasound, casting temperature and iron content together cause the change of needle-like iron-rich phase morphology.

Correlation between Body Mass Index with Anaemia Status of Pregnant women after Intervention Infused Okra Water and Ferrous Sulfate

Background: Lack of intake of macronutrients such as energy, protein and micronutrients such as iron, vitamins in the daily diet of pregnant women is a problem that has an impact on iron deficiency and chronic energy deficiency. To increase the bioavailability and absorption of iron sulfate supplements and improve the nutritional status of pregnant women, researchers provide interventions by consuming infused okra water. Okra contains macronutrients and micronutrients that can provide nutrition during pregnancy and increase iron absorption. This study aims to analyse the nutritional status of pregnant women by measuring BMI and its relation to their anaemia status. Methods: This research is a experimental study with a one group pretest-posttest design. The population in this study was all pregnant women with gestational ages of 16–32 weeks and Hb levels less than 11 gr/dl. Purposive sampling was used to collect 50 samples from 50 people. The intervention provided was 100 grams of fresh okra fruit, which had been made into infused okra water, which was then drunk by the respondents after consuming ferrous sulphate tablets 60 mg per day. To analyse the relationship between BMI and anaemia status, the researchers used the chi-square test. Results: There was no relationship between increases in BMI and Hb levels in pregnant women in this study. Conclusions: An increase in body mass index (BMI) in pregnant women who were given infused okra water and ferrous sulphate tablets did not have a positive effect on haemoglobin levels. Based on BMI, it appears that pregnant women are not malnourished.

Effectiveness of Adding Tomato Juice to Fe Tablet Supplementation on the Hemoglobin Levels of Anemic Adolescent Girls in Class XII at SMK Negeri 1 Sukanagara, Indonesia

Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in adolescent girls is a serious public health problem. Iron supplementation is one of the most effective efforts to control ADB. The addition of tomato juice to Fe tablet supplementation is expected to increase iron absorption and reduce side effects. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of adding tomato juice to Fe tablet supplementation on the hemoglobin levels of anemic teenage girls in class XII at SMK Negeri 1 Sukanagara, Indonesia.
 Methods: This research used a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest with control group design. The research sample was 60 anemic teenage girls in class Fe tablet supplementation. The intervention was carried out for 4 weeks. Hemoglobin levels were measured before and after intervention. Data were analyzed using the t-test.
 Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference in hemoglobin levels between the intervention group and the control group after the intervention (p<0.05). Hemoglobin levels in the intervention group increased by an average of 1.2 g/dL, while in the control group, they only increased by an average of 0.5 g/dL.
 Conclusion: The addition of tomato juice to Fe tablet supplementation is effective in increasing hemoglobin levels in anemic adolescent girls.