Increase In Zinc Content Research Articles

Luminescent properties of Cd(x)Zn(1-x)S nanocrystals formed in the matrix of a Langmuir–Blodgett film

At a temperature of 80–300 K, the photoluminescence of Cd(x)Zn(1-x)S nanocrystals (x = 0.2 and 0.5) formed in a Langmuir–Blodgett film was studied. Two peaks can be distinguished in the PL spectra: (i) a low-energy peak, which is portable and changes significantly with increasing zinc content in nanocrystals and temperature, and (ii) a high-energy peak, the position of which weakly depends on temperature and nanocrystal content. It was found that the high-energy peak is most pronounced at elevated temperatures (>290 K). Experimental data are performed by recombination through levels of deep centers associated with the intrinsic defects and behenic acid molecules on the surface of nanocrystals.

Monitoring of individual indicators of safety and quality of water and fish of Khadzhibey estuary

Water significantly influences the quality and safety of fish because it is the environment for the life and cultivation of fish. A study of hydrochemical and microbiological indicators of the water of Khadzhibey estuary was conducted; the content of heavy metals in it was determined. In the Khadzhibey estuary, from 2022 to 2023, the water acidity indicator was stable, did not exceed the established hygienic standards for fish farms, and was within the range of 7.6 ± 0.4–8.4 ± 0.3 mg/L, which completely meets the requirements for fish farming. The maximum salinity in the estuary is observed in summer and is 15 % higher compared to winter and spring indicators. The water type of the estuary is mixed with moderate mineralization. It was established that the zinc content in water samples from the estuary exceeds the maximum permissible concentration by 2.6 %. The content of Cadmium, Lead, Copper, and Mercury is constant and does not exceed the maximum allowable concentration for fish farms. An increase in zinc content in water is a stress factor and affects the quality of fish meat. The research results showed that the content of mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic organisms does not exceed the maximum permissible level in muscle tissue cultures of common carp and round bull caught by commercial fishing from the Khadzhibey estuary. Escherichia coli bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and pathogenic microorganisms were not detected in the samples of the fish subject to the study. According to the microbiological indicators of water and fish, common carp and Round goby caught by industrial fishing in the Khadzhibey estuary are safe and allowed for further consumption by humans and animals.

BUTEN-1-in BUTEN-2-yə İZOMERLƏŞMƏSİ REAKSİYASINDA BİNAR KOBALT TƏRKİBLİ KATALİZATORLARIN AKTİVLİYİ

Hydrogen is considered the main source of chemical energy that can be converted directly into electricity and with the help of fuel cells into zero emissions of harmful waste, such as volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides and carbon. The production of hydrogen in accordance with the generation of energy using a fuel cell is considered a promising alternative to stationary and portable power generation plants in the future. Various methods are used to produce hydrogen: water electrolysis, gasification, partial oxidation of heavy oil and steam corrugation of organic compounds. Currently, in industry, about 90% of hydrogen is produced by the reaction of high-temperature steam reforming of light fractions of natural gas or oil. An attractive alternative to hydrogen production is the reaction of ethanol steam reforming. The activity of binary iron-cobalt, zinc-cobalt and magnesium-cobalt oxide catalysts in the reaction of isomerization of butene-1 to butenes-2 was studied. Iron-cobalt, zinc-cobalt and magnesium-cobalt oxide catalysts were prepared by co-precipitation from aqueous solutions of iron, zinc, magnesium and cobalt nitrate salts. The resulting mixture was evaporated at 95-100°C, then the resulting precipitate was dried at 100-120°C and then decomposed at 250°C until the nitrogen oxides were completely separated. The resulting solid was calcined at 700°C for 10 hours. Thus, 27 catalysts were prepared satisfying the following conditions: mA/NB, where A is Mo, Ti, Cu; cis, m,n=1-9, m+n=10. The isomerization reaction of butene-1 to butene-2 was carried out at a rate of 1200 h-1 volume of feedstock in the temperature range of 150-400°C. The reactor was filled with 5 mL of 1-2 mm thick catalyst and fed with a reaction mixture consisting of butene-1 and nitrogen. The ratio of butene-1 to nitrogen is 1:9. It is shown that with increasing cobalt content in the Fe-Co-o catalyst composition, its activity in the isomerization reaction reaches a maximum on catalysts with equivalent ratio of initial elements. The ratio of trans- and cis-butenes-2 practically does not change and is equal to 1.2. It is found that both Lewis acid centers and Bransted acid centers are present on the surface of this catalyst in approximately equal amounts. It was found that with increasing zinc content in the catalyst composition, the degree of butene-1 isomerization decreases and the ratio of trans-butene-2 to cis-butene-2 increases from 0 to 2.1, indicating the presence of Lewis and Bronsted acid centers on the surface of Zn-Co-O catalysts. It is found that for the Mg-Co-O catalytic system the ratio of trans and cis butenes-2 yields varies in the range 0.8-1.5. It is shown that, in the whole temperature range studied, the atomic ratio of cobalt and magnesium has a strong influence on their activity in the reaction of Butene-1 isomerization into Butene-2. It is found that the number of Lewis and Bronsted acid centers is practically independent of the composition of the Mg-Co-O catalytic system. Based on the study of the reaction of butene-1 to butene-2 isomerization on binary cobalt-containing catalysts, it was found that the samples with equimolar ratios of primary elements in Fe-Co-O catalysts, as well as samples with one of the predominant elements in the catalytic systems Zn-Co-O and Mg-Co-O are active. Keywords: Isomerization, butene-1, butenes-2, binary catalysts Cobalt oxide.

Fertilização com zinco melhora o crescimento e desempenho fotossintético de mudas de coqueiro anão verde

ABSTRACT Zinc is an essential micronutrient for plant metabolism and has been studied in several crops of economic interest. However, there is no evidence of its use in coconut crops. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of foliar zinc fertilization with doses of zinc on dwarf green coconut seedlings based on their nutritional status, growth attributes, and gas exchange. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks, and the treatments consisted of different zinc doses (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 g per plant) with five replicates. Seedlings were positively influenced by zinc dose, mainly in terms of growth variables and gas exchange. Zinc fertilization reduced iron and manganese content and increased zinc concentrations in the leaf tissue. Zinc fertilization promoted an increase in leaf area, height, shoot dry mass, and total dry mass. Furthermore, zinc fertilization improved photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, internal CO2 concentration, instantaneous water use efficiency, and intrinsic water use efficiency. The improvement in these growth indices and gas exchange, in most variables, was up to an estimated dose of approximately 16 g of zinc per plant and decreased with increasing doses.

Synthesis and investigation of mixed Zn–Ni spinel nanoparticles for microwave applications

Nickel ferrite solid solutions remain one of the main materials for a whole range of applications, including microwave equipment and components, the requirements for parameters and homogeneity of materials are constantly increasing. In this work, Ni1–xZnxFe2O4 nanoparticles with an average diameter of 12.5 nm were successfully synthesized by the microwave-assisted urea method. The temperature of a single-phase product formation was 400 °C, which is lower compared to more common precipitation from aqueous solution methods or solid-state route. Ni1–xZnxFe2O4 materials demonstrate high saturation magnetization and low coercive force. The magnetization changes with increasing Zn concentration and reaches the maximum at x = 0.5. Also, the increase in zinc content leads to an increase in the lattice parameters. The average size of ferrite nanoparticles synthesized by the microwave-assisted urea method is smaller compared to ferrites synthesized earlier by the co-precipitation method. Also, lower treatment temperatures provide higher stoichiometry, and homogeneity of materials while magnetization difference is negligible. These research results provide a general and effective route to synthesize other nanostructures for a variety of microwave components.

SAT019 Ligand-independent Signaling And Migration Of Breast Cancer Cells Overexpressing Membrane Androgen Receptor, ZIP9

Abstract Disclosure: P. Thomas: None. The zinc transporter ZIP9 also functions as a membrane androgen receptor (mAR) that mediates androgen-dependent rapid signaling and pro- or anti-apoptotic, proliferative, and migratory responses in fish, rodent, and human cells. Testosterone activation of ZIP9 in two triple-negative breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-468 cells and MDA-MB-231 cells transfected with ZIP9 (231-ZIP9), induces G-protein-dependent second messenger signaling and increases in intracellular free zinc. However, the relative importance of these two signaling pathways in the regulation of pro- and anti-tumorigenic responses in these cell lines is unclear because both androgen signaling and zinc status influence tumorigenesis in breast tissues. The effects of overexpression of ZIP9 on free zinc status, G protein- and zinc-dependent regulation of migration, and migration marker expression in 231-ZIP9 cells in the absence of testosterone were compared to those observed in MDA-MB-231 cells transfected with vector alone (231-vect). Migration and invasion of 231-ZIP9 cells were significantly increased after 24-48 hr culture in serum-free media compared to 231-vect cells which was accompanied by a significant increase in free zinc levels. Treatment of 231-vect cells with a zinc ionophore also increased migration, whereas migration of 231-ZIP9 cells was attenuated by treatment with an intracellular zinc chelator, TPEN. Expression of the migration markers, MYL9 and CYR61, was increased in 231-ZIP9 after 24-48 hr culture, whereas expression of apoptotic markers was decreased compared to 231-vect controls. Proximity Ligation Analysis revealed that ZIP9 is closely associated with a stimulatory G protein (Gs) in 231-ZIP9 cells which is consistent with the finding that treatment with the adenylyl cyclase (AC) stimulator forskolin, further increased migration marker expression and migration compared to vehicle controls, whereas the PKA inhibitor, H-89, attenuated these responses as well as the increase in free zinc concentrations. Knockdown of ZIP9 expression in MDA-MB-468 cells which express relatively high levels of ZIP9 with siRNA decreased cell migration and invasion as well as free zinc levels, confirming a role of unliganded ZIP9 in migration in another breast cancer cell line. Treatment of 231-ZIP9 cells with 100 nM testosterone further stimulated CYR61 and MYL9 expression and cell migration which were blocked by co-treatment with a Gs inhibitor and TPEN. The results indicate that high ZIP9 expression in breast cancer cells causes androgen-independent increased cell migration and invasion which in 231-ZIP9 cells is through Gs/mAC/PKA-mediated increases in intracellular zinc concentrations and upregulation of MYL9 and CYR-61 expression. Furthermore, the results suggest that testosterone-dependent signaling through ZIP9 acts through the same pathways to further enhance signaling and migration. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Structural, optical, electrical and magnetic properties of lithium zinc ferrite – Silica nanocomposites

Lithium zinc ferrite - silica nanocomposites; with a formula [Li0.5−x/2ZnxFe2.5−x/2O4]30%[SiO2]70%, have been synthesized using ultrasonic assisted sol-gel auto combustion method. Thrust of the study is to investigate effect of zinc substitution in lithium ferrite (dispersed in silica matrix) on structural, optical, electrical and magnetic properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV Visible (UV-Vis), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Complex Impedance Spectroscopy (CIS) and Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM) have been employed to investigate the samples. XRD patterns confirm the phase purity and revealed that incorporation of Zn2+ at Li+ sites expand the unit cell dimensions from 8.3281 Å to 8.4398 Å, strain and crystallite size escalates from 0.29 to 1.42 and 18.28–27.50 nm respectively. Results from TEM and XRD match well indicating least agglomeration. Optical bandgap and refractive index show a significant effect on increasing zinc content. The impedance (Z) is found to reduce with increase in Zn2+ and may be attributed to enhancement in crystal boundaries. Dielectric properties were explored using cole-cole theoretical fitting of permittivity (ε), universal dielectric response (UDR) model, Koop’s theory and Maxwell–Wagner (M-W) mechanism. Complex electrical modulus (M*) formulation has been employed to explore the transport mechanism. Cole-cole plots in M* reveal that all the samples, except x = 0.50, show relaxation originating from grain boundaries whereas x = 0.50 sample shows contributions from both, grain and grain boundaries. Equivalent circuits have been derived using M* spectrum and are presented with circuit parameters. Frequency dependent AC conductivity (σac) curves have been fitted successfully using Jonscher’s power law; σac for a typical sample x = 0.50 was fitted using double power law. All samples have η ≤ 1, confirming correlated barrier hopping (CBH) mechanism of conductivity. Present system exhibits lower dc conductivity due to highly resistive silica in the samples. Magnetic properties have been studied using Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM). Zn2+ substitution has a significant impact on magnetization due to migration of cations.

Do agronomic approaches aligned to regenerative agriculture improve the micronutrient concentrations of edible portions of crops? A scoping review of evidence.

Regenerative Agriculture (RA) is used to describe nature-based agronomic approaches that aim to build soil health and crop resilience, minimize negative environmental outcomes, and improve farmer livelihoods. A benefit that is increasingly attributed to crops grown under RA practices is improved nutritional content. However, we do not know the extent to which RA influences crop nutritional quality and under what management approaches and context, can such effects be realized. A scoping review of recent literature (Web of Science, 2000-2021) was carried out to assess the evidence that RA approaches improve crop micronutrient quality. Papers included combinations of agronomic approaches that could be defined as Regenerative: "Organic Inputs" including composts and manures, cover crops, crop rotations, crop residues and biochars; "Reduced Tillage", "Intercropping", "Biostimulants" e.g. arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; plant growth promoting bacteria, and "Irrigation", typically deficit-irrigation and alternate wetting and drying. The crop types reviewed were predetermined covering common sources of food and included: Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), Rice (Oryza sativa L.), Maize (Zea mays L.), Pulses (Fabaceae), Alliums (Allium spp.), and "other" crop types (30 types). This scoping review supports a potential role for RA approaches in increasing the concentrations of micronutrients in the edible portions of several crop types under specific practices, although this was context specific. For example, rice grown under increased organic inputs showed significant increases in grain zinc (Zn) concentration in 15 out of 16 studies. The vitamin C concentration of tomato fruit increased in ~50% of studies when plants were grown under increased organic inputs, and in 76% of studies when plants were grown under deficit irrigation. Overall, the magnitude and reproducibility of the effects of RA practices on most crop nutritional profiles were difficult to assess due to the diversity of RA approaches, geographical conditions, and the limited number of studies for most crops in each of these categories. Future research with appropriate designs, improved on-farm surveillance and nutritional diagnostics are needed for better understanding the potential role of RA in improving the quality of food, human nutrition, and health.

Interaction of iron and zinc fortification and late-season water deficit on yield and fatty acid composition of Dragon's Head (Lallemantia iberica L.)

Dragon's head (Lallemantia iberica) is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, essential oil, protein, and mucilage. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of foliar application of three different concentrations of Fe and Zn (control, 4, and 8 g lit−1) at two different developmental stages (vegetative stage (VS) and reproductive stage (RS)) on the quantity and quality of dragon's head seed yield and fatty acid composition in two crop seasons (2018 and 2019) under two environments (normal irrigation as control (NI) and post-anthesis water deficit (WD). In NI, average yields of seed, oil, and protein were 1155, 340, and 183 kg ha−1, respectively, and in the WD, they were 879, 283, and 148 kg ha−1, respectively. By applying Zn and Fe, the mean values of seed, oil, and protein yields in the NI were 1425, 478, and 264 kg ha−1, while in the WD, they were 1011, 354, and 200 kg ha−1, respectively. Furthermore, the application of WD resulted in a significant increase in zinc concentration, protein percentage, and saturated fatty acid percentage in seeds. Unlike WD, iron and zinc treatments decreased the percentage of saturated fatty acids and increased the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids. The number of capsules per plant had the most positive indirect effect on grain yield. The results showed that foliar spraying of Fe and Zn could effectively mitigate the adverse effects of WD on the quality and quantity of seed and oil yield dragon's head.

Optical and thermal characterization of pure CuO and Zn/CuO using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), x-ray fluorescence (XRF), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy techniques

We present elemental analysis and thermal characterization of pure and two different concentrations of zinc-doped copper oxide (CuO) samples using different analytical techniques. The quantitative as well as qualitative investigations, were performed by incorporating calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) technique. The plasma was generated on the samples surface by focusing a first harmonic of Nd: YAG laser of 1064 nm wavelength and the time-integrated emission spectra was achieved through a set of five spectrometers equipped with a charge-coupled-device. The acquired optical emission spectra from laser-generated plasma show different concentrations of zinc and copper in different samples which are consistent with their percentage composition measured during the sample synthesis. Using LIBS emission analytical lines, the Boltzmann technique was utilized for estimating the excitation temperature, while the number density was evaluated using the well-known Stark broadening line profile method. Besides, the CF-LIBS elemental analysis was validated by the x-ray fluorescence technique. For the optical study, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopical analysis was performed to find the bandgap of pure and zinc-doped copper oxide samples and consequently, variation in bandgap was studied with the growth of zinc doping. In addition, the thermal properties of the samples were analyzed using the beam deflection spectroscopy technique. The results shows that thermal diffusivity () and thermal conductivity (), increased with an increase in zinc concentration.

Physiological and biochemical responses of Carthamus tinctorius L. to zinc at vegetative stage

AbstractBackgroundEnvironment contamination with heavy metals is a major problem both to the environment and human health.AimsThe aim of this work is to evaluate the physiological, nutritional, and biochemical responses of safflower plants (Carthamus tinctorius L.) grown under different zinc concentrations at vegetative stage.MethodsThe effect of zinc on safflower plants was studied through the evaluation of growth parameters, colorimetric assay of phenolic compounds, and antioxidant enzymes activities.ResultsZinc inhibited shoot and root growth and resulted in leaf chlorosis at 75, 225, and 1000 µM zinc concentrations. At higher concentrations, Zn also reduced photosynthetic parameters except the internal CO2 concentration that was higher at these levels. Zinc reduced potassium content of the shoots at 75 µM of zinc. The presence of Zn at 1000 µM concentration reduced the iron content and led to the accumulation of the copper content in the shoots. In roots, iron and copper contents were reduced from 15 µM Zn. In the case of copper, this content was canceled out at 225 and 1000 µM of zinc. Lipid peroxidation (evaluated as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances content) increased with zinc treatment. Safflower plants generally responded to this oxidative stress by enhancing the antioxidant enzymes activities, namely, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and guaiacol peroxidase. There was no increase in superoxide dismutase activity in shoots and roots, except at the highest zinc concentration in the roots. Total soluble sugars (TSS) and starch contents increased, whereas proline content decreased in shoots. In roots, TSS was not altered, whereas starch was decreased, and proline content was increased. There were no changes in the protein content in both organs under different Zn treatments. There was a gradual increase in the total polyphenols in shoots with increasing zinc concentration; however, no changes were observed in the roots. Flavonoids decreased in roots at 225 and 1000 µM Zn. Total antioxidant activity increased in shoots but it decreased in roots with increasing zinc concentration. The inverse trend was observed for the DPPH and ABTS tests.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the decline in safflower plant growth under high zinc concentrations is related to altered photosynthetic activity and antioxidant response to oxidative stress.

Responses of Hyssopus officinalis to bicarbonate stress and foliar application of green synthesized zinc nano-complex formed on Medicago sativa extract

The bicarbonate ions restrict the growth and productivity of crops by inducing nutrient deficiency in alkaline, calcareous soils. Zinc deficiency is widespread in these soils and is one of the factors limiting crop production. This study investigates the effects of foliar applications of green synthesized zinc nano-complex (Zn-NC: 0, 1, 2, and 4 mM) on growth, productivity, and bioactive compounds of pot-grown Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) under sodium bicarbonate stress (0, 10, 20, and 40 mM). Harvesting the plants at the flowering stage revealed that bicarbonate stress induced leaf area decreases and chlorophyll decline, which resulted in the loss of fresh root and shoot mass, the photosynthetic capacity of the plants (Fv/Fm), and root and shoot elongation. However, the mild bicarbonate stress induced the accumulation of essential oils (9.5%), phenols (18%), and flavonoids (19.2%) and increased antioxidant activity in the leaves (18.1%). Application of Zn-NC increased zinc content in the shoot (up to 112.1%), which consequently recovered plant growth and health. These improvements were in line with recovering protein content in leaves (up to 21.9%), which enhanced chlorophyll content and Fv/Fm. Some of these responses were associated with improved carbohydrate metabolism and auxin biosynthesis in the plant. This led to an increase in the production of essential oils (13.5%) and the biosynthesis of phenolics (10.9%) in the bicarbonate-stressed plants. Increased accumulation of these compounds and proteins in leaf tissue increased the plant's antioxidant capacity (10.6%). In this regard, the best results were obtained by the application of 2 mM Zn-NC.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum N-1 and Its Synergies with Oligomeric Isomaltose on the Growth Performance and Meat Quality in Hu Sheep.

Probiotics have gained tremendous attention as an alternative to antibiotics, while synbiotics may exhibit a greater growth promoting effect than their counterpart probiotics due to the prebiotics' promotion on the growth and reproduction of probiotics. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum N-1 and its synbiotic with oligomeric isomaltose on the growth performance and meat quality of Hu sheep. Hu sheep (0-3 days old) were fed with water, probiotics of N-1, or synbiotics (N-1 and oligomeric isomaltose) daily in three pens for 60 days and regularly evaluated to measure growth performance and collect serum (five lambs per group). Longissimus thoracis (LT) and biceps brachii (BB) muscle tissues were collected for the analysis of pH value, color, texture, nutrients, mineral elements, amino acids, volatile compounds, and antioxidant capacity. The results showed that dietary supplementation of N-1 tended to improve growth performance and meat quality of Hu sheep, while the synergism of N-1 with oligomeric isomaltose significantly improved their growth performance and meat quality (p < 0.05). Both the dietary supplementation of N-1 and synbiotics (p < 0.05) increased the body weight and body size of Hu sheep. Synbiotic treatment reduced serum cholesterol and improved LT fat content by increasing the transcription level of fatty acid synthase to enhance fat deposition in LT, as determined via RT-qPCR analysis. Moreover, synbiotics increased zinc content and improved LT tenderness by decreasing shear force and significantly increased the levels of certain essential (Thr, Phe, and Met) and non-essential (Asp, Ser, and Tyr) amino acids of LT (p < 0.05). Additionally, synbiotics inhibited the production of carbonyl groups and TBARS in LT and thus maintained antioxidant stability. In conclusion, it is recommended that the use of synbiotics in livestock breeding be promoted to improve sheep production and meat quality.

Redox and metal profiles in human coronary endothelial and smooth muscle cells under hyperoxia, physiological normoxia and hypoxia: Effects of NRF2 signaling on intracellular zinc

Zinc is an important component of cellular antioxidant defenses and dysregulation of zinc homeostasis is a risk factor for coronary heart disease and ischemia/reperfusion injury. Intracellular homeostasis of metals, such as zinc, iron and calcium are interrelated with cellular responses to oxidative stress. Most cells experience significantly lower oxygen levels in vivo (2–10 kPa O2) compared to standard in vitro cell culture (18kPa O2). We report the first evidence that total intracellular zinc content decreases significantly in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC), but not in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMC), after lowering of O2 levels from hyperoxia (18 kPa O2) to physiological normoxia (5 kPa O2) and hypoxia (1 kPa O2). This was paralleled by O2-dependent differences in redox phenotype based on measurements of glutathione, ATP and NRF2-targeted protein expression in HCAEC and HCASMC. NRF2-induced NQO1 expression was attenuated in both HCAEC and HCASMC under 5 kPa O2 compared to 18 kPa O2. Expression of the zinc efflux transporter ZnT1 increased in HCAEC under 5 kPa O2, whilst expression of the zinc-binding protein metallothionine (MT) decreased as O2 levels were lowered from 18 to 1 kPa O2. Negligible changes in ZnT1 and MT expression were observed in HCASMC. Silencing NRF2 transcription reduced total intracellular zinc under 18 kPa O2 in HCAEC with negligible changes in HCASMC, whilst NRF2 activation or overexpression increased zinc content in HCAEC, but not HCASMC, under 5 kPa O2. This study has identified cell type specific changes in the redox phenotype and metal profile in human coronary artery cells under physiological O2 levels. Our findings provide novel insights into the effect of NRF2 signaling on Zn content and may inform targeted therapies for cardiovascular diseases.

Effect of Zn on mechanical and corrosion properties of Mg-Sc-Zn alloys

The effect of different Zn concentrations (0 wt.%, 1 wt.%, 3 wt.%, and 6 wt.%) on the microstructure, corrosion property, and mechanical property of Mg-0.3Sc-xZn (x = 0 wt.%, 1 wt.%, 3 wt.%, and 6 wt.%) alloys was investigated. Here, MSZ1 alloy exhibits the highest corrosion resistance (0.194 mm/y) and appropriate mechanical properties with an ultimate tensile strength of 228 MPa and elongation of 19%. The superior corrosion resistance of Mg-0.3Sc-1Zn alloys is attributed to the homogeneous volta-potential distribution and the dense corrosion product film. With the increase in zinc content, the strength and plasticity of Mg-0.3Sc-xZn alloys (x = 0 wt.%, 1 wt.%, 3 wt.%, 6 wt.%) improved to some extent. The precipitated ScZn phase plays the role of the second phase strengthening, which enables MSZ6 to obtain the maximum tensile strength. However, the ScZn phase with low volta potential intensifies the galvanic corrosion, resulting in the decline of the corrosion performance.

Zinc stabilized Nrf2 by inhibition of HDAC3 in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

BackgroundThe transcription factor Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) induces several detoxifying proteins, which also include NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1). The expression of these Nrf2-regulated proteins is important for the maintenance of the redox homeostasis in cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tert-butyl-hydrochinone (tBHQ) stimulation on human PBMC under normal condition and zinc depletion, respectively. MethodHuman peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were treated with the Nrf2 activator tBHQ in combination with zinc to examine a possible correlation between zinc and redox homeostasis. Therefore, mRNA expression of Nrf2 and its downstream molecules NQO1 and HO-1 were investigated, as well as the protein synthesis of these. In addition, the effect of zinc on histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3), which is a negative regulator for Nrf2 activity, was analyzed. ResultsEither mRNA, protein expression or both of Nrf2, NQO1 and HO-1 are influenced by zinc. The analysis of HDAC3 shows a negative correlation between its activity and increasing zinc concentrations. By inhibiting HDAC3 zinc stabilizes Nrf2. ConclusionThe results indicate that zinc emphasizes the induction of Nrf2 by its activator tBHQ through increasing gene and protein expression. Additionally, zinc supplementation inhibits HDAC3 activity resulting in reduced Keap1 mRNA expression and thereby stabilizing cytoplasmatic Nrf2. These findings suggests that zinc supplementation has beneficial effects on the redox balance in human cells.

Formulation and evaluation of alginate-gelatin hydrogel scaffolds loaded with zinc-doped hydroxyapatite and 5-fluorouracil

Alginate and gelatin are natural macromolecules used to formulate biocompatible drug delivery systems. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is an osteophilic ceramic used to prepare bone scaffolds. The current study aimed at preparing and characterizing HA, zinc-doped HA, and 5-fluorouracil(5-FU)-loaded alginate-gelatin-based hydrogel scaffolds using different crosslinking solutions. 5-FU incorporation efficiency, in-vitro drug release, antitumor bioassays, FTIR, X-ray-diffraction (XRD), High-Resolution Transmission, and Scanning-Electron Microscope (HR-TEM and SEM) studies were conducted. XRD showed the incorporation of Zn2+ into HA structure with a deformity in HA crystal lattice and inhibited crystal growth. FTIR-spectra represented the characteristic bands corresponding to HA structure. HR-TEM showed a decreased HA crystal size and rod-like crystallites that increased with increasing zinc content. Zn2+ content and 5-FU-loading caused significant effects on the scaffolds' thickness (p-value = 0.021 and 0.035, respectively). Burst 5-FU release within 10–15 min followed by 100 % release within 4 h was observed. Zinc content showed a significant positive effect on the cytotoxicity% of the blank and drug-loaded scaffolds. XRD and FTIR studies revealed that 5-FU was completely incorporated into the hydrogel with no chemical interaction. SEM-imaging showed interconnected pores and needle-shaped drug particles. The prepared formulations showed promising physico-chemical properties for targeted delivery of 5-FU in the form of biocompatible bone scaffolds.

Effect of Boron and Zinc on Growth and Yield Attributes in Early Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.)

The present experiment was carried out in cauliflower to study the effect of boron and zinc on growth and yield in the early cauliflower having combinations of four levels 0, 1, 2, 3 kg ha-1 of boron and four levels 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 kg ha-1 of zinc in a factorial randomized block design with three replications during the year 2016 and 2017 respectively. The results of the experiment with applied boron and zinc had significant effect on growth and yield of cauliflower. The highest curd depth (8.88 cm) and curd equatorial diameter (16.45 cm) was found with applied boron (2 kg ha-1) and zinc (2.5 kg ha-1) respectively. While as, maximum net curd weight (410g) and marketable curd weight (695g) was found with sprayed boron and zinc (1 kg ha-1 + 2.5 kg ha-1) respectively., Maximum harvest index (62.8 %) and yield (113.89 q ha-1) was found when applied with boron (2 kg ha-1) and (2 kg ha-1+ 2.5 kg ha-1) respectively. Maximum curd compactness (34.34) and dry matter compactness (14.48) were found with the application of boron (1 kg ha-1) and zinc (2 kg ha-1+2.5 kg ha-1) respectively. Overall findings indicated that with the increase in concentration of boron and zinc the vegetative growth and the reproductive stage of cauliflower increases respectively.

Preparation and characterization of Cu2ZnxFe1−xSnS4 thin ‎films deposited on intrinsic silicon substrates

The present paper reports the study of the effect of zinc content in Cu2Zn1−xFexSnS4 thin films. To achieve this purpose, CZTS, CZ0.5F0.5TS and CZTS thin films were grown at room temperature via thermal evaporation on unheated silicon substrates, which was followed by sulfidation at 400 °C. Analysis by x-ray diffraction indicates the polycrystalline nature of the CZFTS films with a preferential orientation along the (112) plane with structural transition from stannite (x = 0) to kesterite (x = 1) as the zinc content increases. The elemental composition of all thin films was analyzed by the EDAX technique. Morphological patterns were also explored in order to better understand the evolution of grain size and thickness as a function of zinc content. Hall effect measurements showed that the highest conductivity was obtained for CZTS. Impedance spectroscopy (IS) was performed between 5 Hz and 13 MHz. The complex impedance plots of the different samples revealed a single semicircle, suggesting that the response comes from a single capacitive element consistent with the grains. This measurement (IS) confirmed the enhancement of the conduction mechanism with increasing x-fraction. Experimental data suggested that AC conductivity in thin films C(Z, F)TS is proportional to ωs (s < 1). This is consistent with the correlated barrier hopping (CBH) model.

Structural,Spectral and Electrical Properties of BaNi2-xZnxFe16O27 Nanoparticles Ferrites

In the current study, w-type BNF-NPs synthesis via ceramic method.the effects of zinc ions doping on the physical properties of BNF-NPs were analyzed. The formation of BNF-NPs emphasized by XRD, FTIR, UV-Visible spectroscopy and electrical conductivity measurement. The phases structure , crysttallite size and lattice parameters wrere evaluated using XRD results. Hexagonal structure with a single phase apeares, the average grain size was found to be in Nano scale from 32 to 34 nm, while the lattice parameters increased slolly as the doping concentration of zinc ions increases. The spectra of FTIR showed main absorption bands which confirmed formation of hexagonal ferrite phase. UV-VIS analysis was also performed and found that the band gaps were in the semiconducting region and increased with increasing zinc concentration. The AC conductivity of the samples decreased with increasing zinc content and showed a dependence on the frequency and temperature. Additionally, as frequency increase the σac conductivity showed dispersion that decreased as temperature increased.dispersion decreases as the temperature increases.