Increasing Iron Content Research Articles

Strike while the iron is hot: unravelling the impact of dietary iron on two edible insects

Abstract Edible insects are key players in the alternative protein market. Alongside their high protein content, edible insects contain abundant trace minerals, including iron. Given the lack of sustainable and bioavailable iron sources, edible insects are a promising iron source in both human and livestock diets. However, little is known about how the iron concentration in edible insects can be manipulated. This study aims to investigate the impact of dietary iron at different concentrations on the growth, survival, and nutrient composition of two edible insect species larvae: black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) and yellow mealworm (YM, Tenebrio molitor). Substrate iron content was increased using ferric ammonium citrate (FAC), ranging from 267-563 mg/kg (0 to 10 mM FAC) for YM and 323-6637 mg/kg (0 to 100 mM FAC) for BSF. Larval weight of YM was unaffected by dietary iron content, but survival rates significantly decreased by 4% at the 10 mM diet. In BSF larvae, no differences in body weight or survival were noted between dietary iron treatments, but cuticular lesions potentially indicative of iron overload appeared at 100 mM diet. When exposed to excess dietary iron, both YM and BSF showed significant increases in iron content in a dose-dependent manner, with BSF larvae exhibiting a threefold increase from 372 mg/kg to 999 mg/kg. Both species exhibited significant reductions in zinc on iron-enriched diets. Calcium levels in BSF strongly correlated with dietary iron concentration, rising by over 20% at the 100 mM diet, a phenomenon not previously reported. Finally, across all dietary iron concentrations, no significant effects on protein and fat content or soluble protein composition were observed in either species. All together data suggest that BSF larvae can act as a precious source of both iron and calcium for food and feed formulations through substrate manipulation.

One Part Method for Making Geopolymer Paste using Flocculated Sidoarjo Mud

Some efforts have proposed the utilization of Sidoarjo mud for geopolymer paste. However, the original dry mud in geopolymer concrete showed decreased compressive strength and increased required water. In this paper, the one-part method is proposed to reduce the water in the mixture. First, the mud was chemically flocculated. Then, the dry mud was mixed with fly ash, activated geothermal silicate, and sodium hydroxide mixture in solid form before then the distilled water was added. This reduced the required water to 50% compared to the two-part method. The flocculant sedimented heavy metal that resulted in higher compressive strength at a later age. At 28 days, dry flocculated mud showed higher compressive strength than the original dry mud, with a compressive strength of 13 MPa and 11 MPa, respectively. This is because of the increase of silica, alumina, and iron content from 70% in dry LUSI to 75% in dry flocculated mud.

Evaluating iron deposition in gray matter nuclei of patients with acute ischemic stroke using quantitative susceptibility mapping

ObjectivesUnderstanding the microscopic pathophysiological mechanisms underlying acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is vital for facilitating early clinical diagnosis and intervention. In this study, we aimed to quantitatively assess brain iron changes in gray matter (GM) nuclei in patients with AIS via quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM).MethodsThirty-four patients with AIS and thirty age-and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) were included. QSM and conventional magnetic resonance imaging were performed. Intergroup differences in regional susceptibility values were calculated for the bilateral caudate nucleus (CN), globus pallidus (GP), putamen (PUT), red nucleus (RN), substantia nigra (SN), thalamus (THA), and dentate nucleus (DN). A receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to evaluate the classification and diagnostic performance of susceptibility values in distinguishing patients with AIS from HCs. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate the impact of clinical variables on susceptibility values. Correlation analysis was used to assess the correlation between regional iron variations and clinical scores. A paired t test was used to calculate the differences in susceptibility values between the bilateral hemispheres in the participants.ResultsCompared with the HCs, the patients with AIS had significantly increased susceptibility values in the bilateral CN and PUT (p < 0.05, FDR correction). The highest diagnostic performance was observed in the combination of susceptibility values with differences between groups (AUC = 0.722). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that increased susceptibility in the right CN was significantly associated with smoking (p < 0.05). The susceptibility values were not significantly correlated with the clinical scores (p > 0.05), but age was positively correlated with the modified Rankin Scale scores at admission (p < 0.05). The susceptibility values of the SN exhibited lateral asymmetry in patients with AIS.ConclusionThis study revealed increased iron concentrations in the GM nuclei of patients with AIS. Iron deposition in GM nuclei may be a potential biomarker for further understanding the pathophysiological mechanism underlying AIS.

Nutritional Composition and Productivity of Panicum maximum cv. “Mombasa” Under Different Levels of Nitrogen Fertilization and Water Deficit

This study investigates the production and nutritional quality of Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa grass under varying levels of water stress and nitrogen (N) fertilization, aiming to enhance forage production in harsh environments. Four irrigation levels (5760, 6912, 4608, and 3456 m3 ha−1 year−1) and three N fertilizer doses (115, 57.5, and 0 kg ha−1 year−1) were tested. The results indicate that Mombasa grass produced higher fresh and dry weights under higher irrigation levels (I1 and I2) compared to water deficit conditions across all cuts. Interestingly, under moderate water stress (I3), the dry weight was not significantly different from that under higher irrigation for the sixth harvest in the first season. Water deficit conditions led to a significant reduction in protein content across all treatments. However, under lower irrigation levels (I3 and I4), there was a significant increase in phosphorus (P), potassium (K₊), iron (Fe2₊), and zinc (Zn) concentrations. A heatmap analysis of shape descriptors grouped the productivity and nutritional traits into two clusters based on their response to combined fertilization and drought stress. This analysis revealed that the dry weight, number of leaves, and Fe and Zn contents were positively affected under moderate water stress (80% of control; 4608 m3 ha−1 year−1) with recommended N fertilization. The study concludes that Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa is tolerant to moderate water stress and is suitable for forage production in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia.

Blocking METTL3-mediated lncRNA FENDRR silence reverses cisplatin resistance of lung adenocarcinoma through activating TFRC-mediated ferroptosis pathway.

Targeting ferroptosis pathway becomes a new solution for cisplatin (DDP) resistance in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and further research is required to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying ferroptosis and DDP resistance, providing biotargets for LUAD treatment. In this study, DDP-sensitive A549 cells and DDP-resistant A549/DDP cells were treated with DDP, DDP sensitivity was detected through using CCK-8 method and colony formation assay, ferroptosis-related markers were determined through commercial kits, and the molecular regulatory mechanism was analyzed through methylated RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down, dual luciferase assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting assay. Results showed that compared to A549 cells, FENDRR was downregulated in A549/DDP cells, and FENDRR increased iron content, labile iron pool, lipid peroxidation, LDH release and ROS levels, accelerating ferroptosis to promote DDP sensitivity. Interestingly, we found that METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenosine modification YTHDF2 dependently resulted in FENDRR degradation, and FENDRR overexpression elevated TFRC expression through sponging miR-761. Mechanistically, METTL3 inhibited the FENDRR/TFRC axis to alleviate DDP-induced ferroptosis, promoting DDP resistance in LUAD cells. Collectively, our findings identify a novel molecular regulatory mechanism in DDP resistance of LUAD, and suggest that FENDRR might be an attractive target for addressing DDP resistance.

Assessing the efficacy of different nano-iron sources for alleviating alkaline soil challenges in goji berry trees (Lycium barbarum L.)

Alkalinity is a significant environmental factor affecting crop production, which is exacerbated by the current climate change scenario. In alkaline soils, iron availability is severely reduced due to its low solubility at high pH levels and bicarbonate concentrations, which hinders plant iron absorption by rendering it inactive. In modern agriculture, green-synthesized nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention due to their environmental compatibility, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced potential for foliar uptake. This study explores the effects of various iron sources and concentrations, including FeSO4.7H2O, Fe-EDDHA, Nano-Fe, and green-synthesized nano-Fe, at three concentrations (0, 0.25, and 0.5 g L− 1) on the growth, physiological, biochemical parameters, and nutrient uptake of goji berry. The evaluated parameters included leaf area, fresh and dry weight of leaves and fruits, chlorophyll a, b, and a/b ratio, carotenoids, total soluble sugar in leaves and fruits, catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase enzymes, and the concentrations of nutrient elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Fe). Results demonstrated that increasing iron concentrations led to enhanced fresh and dry weights of leaves and fruits, with the highest values recorded at 0.5 g L⁻¹ of all iron sources. Nano-Fe significantly boosted fresh and dry weight of leaves, resulting in a 4.95 to 4.84-fold increase compared to the control. The highest fresh (1.267 g) and dry (0.815 g) fruit weights were observed at 0.5 g L⁻¹ of green-synthesized nano-Fe. Regarding photosynthetic pigments, the chlorophyll a/b ratio peaked at 1.62 mg g⁻¹ FW under the 0.5 g L⁻¹ green-synthesized nano-Fe treatment, while the control exhibited the lowest ratio (1.31 mg g⁻¹ FW). A similar trend was observed in nutrient uptake, with the highest leaf iron content (0.189 mg g⁻¹ DW) recorded in the 0.5 g L⁻¹ nano-Fe treatment, and the lowest (0.116 mg g⁻¹ DW) in the control. Although iron concentration positively influenced most traits, it led to a decline in zinc and manganese levels. Overall, these results highlight the potential of green-synthesized nano-Fe as an efficient, cost-effective iron source for improving vegetative growth, photosynthetic pigment levels, and nutrient uptake in goji berries grown in alkaline soils.

Effect of solid-state fermentation on mineral binding efficiency of chickpea protein: Characterization and in-vitro mineral uptake

Iron deficiency is a prevalent global health concern, especially in populations lacking diverse nutrient sources. Chickpeas, rich in both protein and iron, face limitations in iron bioavailability due to anti-nutritional factors and low iron complex solubility. In this regard, solid-state fermentation offers promise in enhancing plant-based food nutrition. Therefore, this study examined the impact of fermentation on chickpea protein's mineral binding, focusing on iron complexation. Comparing native chickpea protein-iron complex (NCP-Fe) and fermented chickpea protein-iron complex using Aspergillus awamori (FCP90-Fe), significant improvements were noted after 90 h of fermentation. Protein content and solubility in FCP90-Fe increased by 14.77 % and 22.70 %, respectively. Structural alterations induced by A. awamorai were evident through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Functional attributes such as protein solubility (18.91 %), oil (23.60 %), and water holding capacity (19.17 %) also improved in FCP90-Fe, indicating enhanced food application potential. Additionally, FCP90-Fe exhibited a 31.74 % increase in iron content and significantly higher mineral bioavailability, with enhancements of 21.99 % and 59.90 % compared to NCP-Fe. In vitro studies demonstrated increased iron transportation, retention, and uptake by 11.07 %, 10.42 %, and 7.09 %, respectively, underscoring improved iron bioavailability from fermented chickpea protein. Moreover, FCP90-Fe notably elevated ferritin synthesis levels, suggesting enhanced iron storage capacity within cells, with a 62.66 % increase in ferritin content per mg cell protein and a 39.59 % increase per gram sample compared to NCP-Fe. This study emphasizes the considerable impact of fermentation on the chickpea protein iron complex. It increases its mineral bioavailability, iron uptake, digestibility, and mineral bioavailability.

SPROUTING AND HYDROTHERMAL TREATMENTS IMPROVE NUTRITIONAL QUALITY AND CONSUMER ACCEPTABILITY OF BIOFORTIFIED COMMON BEAN (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Nutritional quality and consumer acceptability of legumes is enhanced by application of sprouting and hydrothermal treatments. Nevertheless, with the increasing popularity of biofortification strategies for staple foods to counteract micronutrient deficiencies, little is known about the nutritional impact when these techniques are integrated. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the impact of combining sprouting and hydrothermal treatments: precooking, conventional cooking and pressure cooking (R-raw, RS-raw sprouted, SCC-sprouted and conventionally cooked, SPC-sprouted and pressure cooked, PCC-precooked and conventionally cooked, PPC-precooked and pressure cooked) on the nutritional quality and acceptability of biofortified common bean, nyota (Phaseolus vulgaris).Results indicated significant increase in iron and zinc content by over 20% and 27% respectively, upon sprouting and hydrothermal treatments. Conversely, there was significant reduction in the phytate content by over 35%, tannin by up to 57%, oligosaccharides: stachyose by over 82%, verbascose by 91%, raffinose by 76%, and lipids from 2.56±0.09(R) to 2.23±0.27% (PPC). The phytate:iron molar ratio reduced significantly by up to 29%. On overall consumer acceptability, PPC was the most preferred at 6.03±16 liking score.Despite sprouting and hydrothermal treatments improving the nutritional quality of the bean, consumer education is required for increased acceptance and consumption of sprouted bean products.

A Systematic Review of Isotopically Measured Iron Absorption in Infants and Children Under 2 Years.

Iron is an essential element for critical biological functions, with iron deficiency negatively affecting growth and brain development and iron excess associated with adverse effects. The goal of this review is to provide a comprehensive assessment of up-to-date evidence on iron absorption measured isotopically in children, preterm infants, and full-term infants, up to 24 months of age. Search databases included Pubmed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus from a date range of 1 January 1953 to 22 July 2024. The included articles were experimental studies with iron absorption outcomes measured by isotopic techniques. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. A total of 1594 records were identified from databases, and 37 studies were included in the quality review with a total of 1531 participants. Article results were grouped by study commonality: absorption and red blood cell incorporation, type of milk feedings, additives to improve absorption, how and when to supplement with iron, and iron forms and complimentary foods. The results from this review support the current recommendations of oral iron supplementation. Iron from breast milk has high bioavailability, and unmodified cow's milk reduces iron absorption. Supplemental iron is required at 4-6 months for healthy, full-term infants and sooner for preterm infants. Ascorbic acid increases iron absorption in full-term infants and children. Lactoferrin and prebiotics are promising candidates for enhancing iron absorption, but they require further investigation. Research evidence of iron absorption mechanisms and modulating factors in preterm infants is limited and should be a research priority.

High Protein Milk Affected the Increase of the Hb Levels of Third-trimester of Pregnancy with Anemia

Anemia is a risk factor that contributes to 50% of all maternal deaths. The main factors causing anemia are low iron intake and infection. Protein intake, especially animal protein intake, helps increase iron absorption. This study aims to determine the effect of providing high protein milk intake on increasing hemoglobin levels in pregnant women in the third trimester with iron deficiency. This type of research is Pre-Experimental with One Group Pretest-Posttest Design. The population in this study was all third-trimester of pregnant women with pale faces in the of the Gondanglegi Public Health Center Kabupaten Malang. The sample was 33 people taken by using the total sampling technique. The measuring test was the Wilcoxon Marked Rank Test. The examination results showed that the average hemoglobin level before treatment was 10.1 gr/dl, and after treatment was 11.1 gr/dl. The results showed that there was an effect of giving high-protein milk on increasing hemoglobin levels in third-trimester pregnant women with pale skin in Gondanglegi Health Center (p-value = 0.000). This study concludes that milk protein consumption basically affects the increase in hemoglobin levels in pregnant women. It is recommended for pregnant women who get anemia to focus on their food intake, especially protein consumption.

High Protein Milk Affected the Increase of the Hb Levels of Third-trimester of Pregnancy with Anemia

Anemia is a risk factor that contributes to 50% of all maternal deaths. The main factors causing anemia are low iron intake and infection. Protein intake, especially animal protein intake, helps increase iron absorption. This study aims to determine the effect of providing high protein milk intake on increasing hemoglobin levels in pregnant women in the third trimester with iron deficiency. This type of research is Pre-Experimental with One Group Pretest-Posttest Design. The population in this study was all third-trimester of pregnant women with pale faces in the of the Gondanglegi Public Health Center Kabupaten Malang. The sample was 33 people taken by using the total sampling technique. The measuring test was the Wilcoxon Marked Rank Test. The examination results showed that the average hemoglobin level before treatment was 10.1 gr/dl, and after treatment was 11.1 gr/dl. The results showed that there was an effect of giving high-protein milk on increasing hemoglobin levels in third-trimester pregnant women with pale skin in Gondanglegi Health Center (p-value = 0.000). This study concludes that milk protein consumption basically affects the increase in hemoglobin levels in pregnant women. It is recommended for pregnant women who get anemia to focus on their food intake, especially protein consumption.

Fabrication and characterization of rubcrete-iron composite for mixed radiation shielding

Mixed radiation environments need unique shielding materials that can effectively attenuate photons and neutrons simultaneously. Most ordinary shielding materials can only shield one form of radiation effectively. In this work, a novel composite material was fabricated in our laboratories and characterized for photon and neutron shielding. Waste materials were used as partial substitutes for aggregates in concrete, which is a sustainable practice in the building industry at present. The main components of the composite material are iron filings, rubber, and concrete. Concrete samples were mixed with iron filings at varying percentages (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) and a fixed 5% crumb rubber content. The material’s photon and neutron shielding characteristics were evaluated through experimental and simulation methods. Gamma-ray attenuation measurements were experimentally carried out using a NaI(TI) spectrometer and a Cs-137 0.662 MeV energy source. In contrast, GEANT4, PHY-X/PSD, and NIST-XCOM codes were used to simulate photon and neutron cross-sections. The findings indicate that an increase in iron filings results in enhanced radiation attenuation, reflected by a higher linear attenuation coefficient (μ). The linear attenuation coefficient values range from (0.1590 ± 0.0004) to (0.2045 ± 0.0003) cm−1 for samples with no crumb rubber and from (0.1521 ± 0.0002) to (0.1920 ± 0.0004) cm−1 for samples with 5% crumb rubber. Half Value Layer (HVL) decreases with an increase in iron content and is slightly higher in samples with crumb rubber. The HVL results from simulations and measurements agree. This study optimizes the potential of concrete as a radiation-shielding material while promoting sustainable construction and environmental practices.

SIRT6 mitigates oxidative stress and RSL3-induced ferroptosis in HTR-8/SVneo cells

Dysregulation in placental trophoblast cells frequently results in oxidative stress, culminating in pregnancy-related complications. While iron is essential for fetal development, cellular ferroptosis due to elevated iron levels might mediate the emergence of preeclampsia (PE), presenting significant risks during gestation. We found abnormally activated oxidative stress and increased iron concentration in the placental tissues of PE patients. Subsequently, we treated placental trophoblasts with hydrogen peroxide and RSL3 to induce oxidative stress and ferroptosis models. The results revealed that SIRT6 overexpression activates the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, restores the oxidative imbalance of the cells, and protects the cells from ferroptosis. Meanwhile, activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway alone showed similar results. Thus, we posit that SIRT6, via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, alleviates cellular oxidative stress and diminishes ferroptosis, offering a novel therapeutic avenue for PE.

In situ iron coating of amorphous boron and characterization of its energy release behavior

Boron was widely employed as metal fuel in solid propellants for its higher gravimetric and volumetric combustion enthalpies. However, the low melting point and high boiling point of B2O3 on the surface of boron particles significantly hinder its ignition and combustion performance, seriously preventing the full realization of its thermodynamic potential. To address this issue, B@Fe composite fuels with different iron contents from 1.59 % to 7.09 % were prepared via liquid phase reduction in this paper and the quasi-static high temperature oxidation, ignition and combustion reaction characteristics and corresponding mechanism were studied, in order to provide effective modification techniques in supporting the large-scale engineering application of boron as metal fuel. The study results show that B@Fe can effectively reduce the ignition temperature and maximum heat flow temperature of amorphous boron, and increase the maximum mass gain rate. The ignition temperature and maximum heat flow temperature have an exponential function with the iron coating content. Iron coated amorphous boron can effectively shorten the laser ignition delay time by more than 50 %, and significantly change the flame structure, flame evolution process and combustion duration. Both amorphous boron and iron-coated amorphous boron flame showed a multi-layer structure, including the outer green flame, the middle yellow flame and the central incandescent flame. However, with the increase of the iron coating content, the flame height increased from 5.5 cm to 6.3 cm, the flame structure changed from mushroom type to triangle type, and the central incandescent flame area increased significantly. The equivalent combustion duration increased from 975 ms to 1997 ms, and the flame temperature increased from 1288 to 1505 °C. The emission spectra of BO2 and BO lines are captured during combustion. B@Fe with the increase of iron content, a large number of small diameter micropores appear in the condensed combustion products(CCPs) of composite fuels, and a grid-like structure was formed. With the increase of iron coating content, the boron content of condensed combustion products decreases, and the oxygen content increases. The main components of CCP include B, B2O3, B6O, FeB, Fe2B and Fe3B. Based on the ignition combustion experiment of B@Fe composite fuel, ignition combustion analysis model of B@Fe composite fuel was established.

Resolving the developmental mechanisms of cardiac microthrombosis of SARS-CoV-2 based on single-cell transcriptome analysis.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) developed into a global health emergency. Systemic microthrombus caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection is a common complication in patients with COVID-19. Cardiac microthrombosis as a complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection is the primary cause of cardiac injury and death in patietns with severe COVID-19. In this study, we performed single-cell sequencing analysis of the right ventricular free wall tissue from healthy donors, patients who died during the hypercoagulable period of characteristic coagulation abnormality (CAC), and patients who died during the fibrinolytic period of CAC. We collected 61,187 cells enriched in 24 immune cell subsets and 13 cardiac-resident cell subsets. We found that in the course of SARS-CoV-2 infected heart microthrombus, MYO1EhighRASGEF1Bhighmonocyte-derived macrophages promoted hyperactivation of the immune system and initiated the extrinsic coagulation pathway by activating chemokines CCL3, CCL5. This series of events is the main cause of cardiac microthrombi following SARS-CoV-2 infection. In a SARS-CoV-2 infected heart microthrombus, excessive immune activation is accompanied by an increase in cellular iron content, which in turn promotes oxidative stress and intensifies intercellular competition. This induces cells to alter their metabolic environment, resulting in increased sugar uptake via the glycosaminoglycan synthesis pathway. In addition, high levels of reactive oxygen species generated by elevated iron levels promote increased endogenous malondialdehyde synthesis in a subpopulation of cardiac endothelial cells. This exacerbates endothelial cell dysfunction and exacerbates the coagulopathy process.

A low frequency magnetic field regulated the synthesis of carotenoids in Rhodotorula mucilaginosa by influencing iron metabolism

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of low frequency magnetic fields (LFMF) on carotenoid synthesis and iron metabolism in Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and to explore potential connections between the two processes. Various LFMF intensities were employed to assess carotenoid production, intracellular iron content, and the expression levels of genes related to carotenoid synthesis and iron metabolism in R. mucilaginosa. The results show that a LFMF could promote carotenoid synthesis, resulting in varying increases in intracellular iron content. Specifically, the expression of the iron metabolism-related gene transferrin receptor (TFR) was upregulated, while the expression of ferroportin 1 (FPN1) was downregulated. Meanwhile, the expressions of the carotenoid synthesis-related genes geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthases (GGPPS) and phytoene synthase (PSY) displayed varying degrees of upregulation at different time points. Further, the TFR and FPN1 gene knockout strains of R. mucilaginosa were subjected to treatment with a 3.5-mT LFMF, the results of which showed that an LFMF is capable of influencing the iron metabolism levels and subsequently regulating carotenoid synthesis in R. mucilaginosa.

MiRNA Regulates Ferroptosis in Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases.

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs) significantly contribute to global mortality and morbidity due to their complex pathogenesis involving multiple biological processes. Ferroptosis is an important physiological process in CCVDs, manifested by an abnormal increase in intracellular iron concentration. MiRNAs, a key class of noncoding RNA molecules, are crucial in regulating CCVDs through pathways like glutathione-glutathione peroxidase 4, glutamate/cystine transport, iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, and other oxidative stress pathways. This article summarizes the progress of miRNAs' regulation on CCVDs, aiming to provide insights for the diagnosis and treatment of CCVDs.

Radiation Shielding Properties of Nickel, Copper and Iron Based Alloys

This study explores the radiation shielding properties of Iron-based and Nickel-based alloys with Cobalt composition to evaluate their performance in photon attenuation and shielding applications. The objectives of this work are to determine linear and mass attenuation coefficients (LAC, MAC), half and tenth value layers (HVL, TVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic number and electron density (Zeff, Neff), effective conductivity (Ceff), atomic cross section (ACS) and electronic cross section (ECS) of nickel and iron base alloy with Cobalt using Phy-X/PSD within 0.001 MeV to 10 MeV. The result shows Iron and Nickel-based alloys have electron densities around 10²³ electrons per gram, with increased Iron concentration improving low-energy photon attenuation. Nickel-based alloys have a higher MAC and LAC compared to Iron-based oxides, indicating better photon absorption per unit mass and thickness, respectively. Nickel-based alloys exhibit a lower HVL and TVL, indicating greater attenuation and absorption efficiency for photons, especially at lower energies. Conversely, Iron-based alloys, while showing higher HVL and TVL. Nickel-based alloys exhibited higher electron densities the Iron-based alloys and Zeff values for Nickel based alloys, ranging from 27.1 to 27.8 while Iron-based alloys with Zeff between 26.2 and 26.8. Ceff in Iron-based alloys was stable at (1.50 to 1.74) x 10⁹ S/m, while Nickel-based alloys showed significant fluctuations below 0.01 MeV. Nickel-based alloys also had higher ACS and ECS, indicating superior photon interaction, especially at lower energies. These results highlight Nickel based alloys' greater efficacy in low-energy photon attenuation and the stable performance of Iron based alloys at higher energies.

Influence of iron content in palladium catalysts supported on alumina and their reduction conditions on the hydrodechlorination of diclofenac in aqueous solutions

Using the method of wet impregnation of alumina with iron and palladium nitrates, 1Pd0.5Fe and 1Pd10Fe catalysts modified with iron oxides were prepared with a target content of 1 wt % Pd, 0.5 or 10 wt % iron. The catalysts were compared with each other and with the monometallic catalyst 1Pd in the hydrodechlorination (HDC) of diclofenac (DCF) in dilute aqueous solutions at 30°C in batch and flow reactors after high-temperature (320°C) and mild (30°C) reduction; the latter was carried out in a batch or flow reactor. Using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), it was shown that after reduction at 320°C the surface of catalysts contains mainly Pd0, Fe2+ and Fe3+. The surface Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio increases as the iron content decreases. The reduction of Pd2+ to Pd0 is possible already at 30°C, but it proceeds much worse on the surface of 1Pd0.5Fe compared to 1Pd10Fe. According to XPS data, temperature-programmed reduction and infrared spectroscopy of diffuse reflection of adsorbed CO, modification with iron oxides increases the palladium content on the surface compared to 1Pd, promotes the emergence of new Pd–O–Fe centers, and affects the ability of palladium to be reduced. These effects increase with increasing iron content. Iron-modified catalysts reduced at 320°C showed similar activity and stability in the conversion of DCP in flow-through and batch systems. Unlike 1Pd0.5Fe, the 1Pd10Fe catalyst is highly efficient and stable even after mild reduction at 30°C. Under flow conditions with comparable DCF conversion, it provides increased selectivity in the HDC reaction of diclofenac compared to 1Pd, which is also active in hydrogenation.

Lif-deficiency promote systemic Iron metabolism disorders and increases the susceptibility of osteoblasts to ferroptosis

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a multifunctional cytokine that plays a crucial role in various biological processes. However, LIF involvement in iron metabolism remains almost unexplored. This study aimed to explore the impact of LIF on systemic iron transportation and its potential role in ferroptosis in osteoblasts. We observed that the Lif-deficient (Lif−/−) mice is characterized by a reduction in bone mass and a decrease in bone mineral density compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed a marked increase in iron content on the surface of femurs from Lif−/− mice. Meanwhile, iron stores test lower iron levels in the spleens and higher levels in the femurs of Lif−/− mice. Besides, Lif−/− mice display increased levels of serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, unsaturated iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation and serum ferritin relative to WT mice. Hepcidin mRNA expression reduction in the liver of Lif−/− mice. It also holds true in the AML-12 hepatocyte cell line after Lif-knockdown. Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR revealed elevated ferroportin (FPN) in duodenal cells of Lif−/− mice. Lif-deficiency decreases SLC7A11 levels in osteoblasts. In addition, overexpression of LIF downregulates CD71, DCYTB, and DMT1, thereby reducing iron uptake in iron-overloaded cells. Femur immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed increased ACSL4 and decreased GPX4 and SLC7A11, indicating an increase in ferroptosis of osteoblasts in Lif−/− mice. Whole-transcriptome sequencing showed gene expression changes after Lif-knockdown, exhibiting a negative correlation with genes involved in long-chain fatty acid transport, mitochondrial organization, and the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. These results demonstrate that Lif-deficiency alter systemic iron metabolism and increases the susceptibility of osteoblasts to ferroptosis.