Individual Minerals Research Articles

Impact of Nutritional Minerals Biomarkers on Cognitive Performance Among Bangladeshi Rural Adolescents-A Pilot Study.

Background: Nutritional metals (NM) are essential for neurodevelopment and cognitive performance during growth. Nevertheless, epidemiological evidence regarding the associations between NM and brain function remains understudied, particularly among adolescents. Therefore, the objective of this pilot study was to examine the effects of NM biomarkers such as iron (Fe), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), and copper (Cu) on neurobehavioral functions among a group of rural Bangladeshi adolescents. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 105 adolescents aged 13-17 from Araihazar, Bangladesh. Cognitive function was assessed using the computer-based Behavioral Assessment and Research System (BARS), focusing attention, memory, and executive function, and blood NM levels (Fe, Se, Zn, Mg, and Cu) were measured. Associations between individual minerals, NM composite scores, and cognition were analyzed using multiple linear regressions. Results: This study included 47 boys and 58 girls with an average age of 15 years. Fe levels were correlated with Continuous Performance Test (CPT) latency (r = -0.42, p < 0.05) and Se levels correlated with Match-to-Sample (MTS) correct count (r = 0.32, p < 0.01). Linear regressions showed that Se was associated with MTS correct count (b = 0.02, 95%CI: 0.01, -0.04), reflecting visual memory, and Fe was associated with CPT latency (b = -0.68, 95%CI: -1.11, -0.26), reflecting improved attention. The same BARS measures were also significantly associated with the 3-NM composite score. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that NM, particularly Fe, Se, and NM mixtures, could play a crucial role in brain development and neurocognitive function during adolescence. Further studies will help design national public health policies and strategies to address and mitigate brain health deficiencies among adolescents.

Characterisation of phosphorus deportment in ferromanganese oxide ores – Implications for P removal

Characterisation of six supergene ferromanganese ore samples revealed that P was hosted by several different Fe and Mn oxides. Goethite had the highest (up to &gt;1% or higher) and highest mean (up to 0.32%) P contents, then cryptomelane-hollandite (mean up to 0.12% P) and nsutite-pyrolusite (mean up to 0.14% P). When present in the same sample, nsutite had a higher mean P content than pyrolusite. Phosphate minerals were not detected in the samples. P deportment was variable with deposit, deposit type and within individual mineral grains. EPMA showed that P content is elevated in cryptomelane with higher Mn/(Fe + Al + Si) ratios and in todorokite with lower Mn/(Fe + Al + Si) ratios. The results show that higher phosphorus supergene ferromanganese ores with considerable cryptomelane and nsutite contents are likely to have multi-phase Fe-P and Mn-P deportment. The propensity for very fine-scale intergrowths of goethite and Mn oxides ± aluminosilicates in some ore types means that reliable characterisation of P deportment is critical in informing potential P-reduction pathways for ferroalloy feedstocks. P was most probably incorporated into Mn oxides via near-surface adsorption via complexation with cations such as Ca or Mg in todorokite, but the presence of structural P cannot be precluded in cryptomelane and nsutite.

Potential Chronological Disturbance of the D’Orbigny Angrite Inferred from Discordant 26Al Ages

Angrites originate from the early-formed differentiated angrite parent body. The pristine volcanic angrite D’Orbigny is devoid of brecciation, shock effects, or any evidence of secondary processes and is thus key for studying the early stages of planetary accretion and differentiation. However, chronometers used to establish the formation chronology of angrites (including D’Orbigny) yield discordant ages, either (i) suggesting that secondary processes could have disturbed the apparent formation ages or (ii) being taken as evidence of heterogeneous distribution of 26Al in the early solar system. Yet spinel is minimally susceptible to secondary parent body processes and therefore a reliable target for establishing precise 26Al–26Mg ages. Here, we present the first in situ 26Al–26Mg analyses of spinel and plagioclase in D’Orbigny. Individual mineral assemblages provide distinct ages: olivine–spinel shows a well-defined isochron with an initial Al ratio ([26Al/27Al]i) of (5.39 ± 0.85) × 10−6, indicating formation at 2.35 +0.25−0.22 Myr after the formation of calcium–aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs), whereas plagioclase–olivine defines an isochron with [26Al/27Al]i = (7.46 ± 1.87) × 10−7, implying formation at 4.40 +0.44−0.38 Myr after CAIs, consistent with previous MC-ICP-MS studies. This temporal gap can be attributed to secondary processes such as metamorphic or impact-generated diffusion. Thus, D’Orbigny and other angrites do not represent an immaculate anchor for chronometric comparison. This complexity should be considered in future studies, especially when using D’Orbigny as an anchor to discuss the chronology of the early solar system.

The Dissolution Behavior of Pyrite and Chalcopyrite During Low-Temperature Pressure Oxidation: Chalcopyrite Influence on Pyrite Oxidation

The research of this paper was carried out on the low-temperature (100 ± 2 °C) pressure (0.2–0.8 MPa) leaching of pyrite, chalcopyrite and their mixture. According to experiments on chalcopyrite dissolution, increasing the oxygen pressure from 0.2 up to 0.8 MPa had a slight effect on chalcopyrite dissolution. Oxygen pressure and initial sulfuric acid concentration in the range of 10–50 g/L had the greatest positive effect on the pyrite oxidation. The SEM and EDX mappings indicate the chalcopyrite and pyrite surfaces to be passivated by elemental sulfur. The oxidation degree of pyrite in its mixture with chalcopyrite increased significantly from 54.5 up to 80.3% in 0–240 min. The reaction time is relative to the dissolution of the individual mineral, while the dissolution of chalcopyrite remained virtually unchanged. The addition of Cu (II) and Fe (III) ions does not influence pyrite dissolution when chalcopyrite is added in a leaching process, which can be explained by the formation of an electrochemical link between the minerals. The positive effect of chalcopyrite addition is associated with a decreased formation of elemental sulfur on the surface of pyrite. The described method can be used for the hydrometallurgical processing of copper raw materials with increased pyrite content, as well as for the pretreatment of copper concentrates with gold-rich pyrite concentrates to increase the recovery of gold and silver.

Heterogeneous mineralogical composition and fault behaviour: A systematic study in ternary fault rock compositions

The heterogeneous mineralogical compositions of fault gouges, formed during fault evolution, influence frictional properties and slip behaviour. While the influence of individual mineral phases on friction has been extensively studied, the impact of varying systematically mineral phases in gouge mixtures on macroscopic frictional behaviour remains unclear. Thus, we performed 34 frictional experiments on fault gouges composed of three representative mineral phases: muscovite (platy phyllosilicate), quartz (granular silicate) and calcite (granular carbonate), known for their markedly distinct frictional properties. Using a biaxial rock deformation apparatus (BRAVA), we performed tests on fault gouges with grain sizes <125 μm under normal stresses of 50–100 MPa, at room temperature and water-saturated conditions. Our data indicate that the mineralogical composition of fault gouges significantly affects frictional strength, healing, and stability with a non-trivial pattern. Increasing the muscovite content leads to a decrease in frictional strength, from 0.62 for pure calcite and 0.56 for pure quartz to 0.33 of pure muscovite, along with reduced frictional healing and a velocity-strengthening behaviour. This weakening is promoted by a transition from localized deformation along discrete shear planes in granular-rich fault gouges to distributed deformation within the entire gouge layer with increasing muscovite content. At fixed muscovite content, frictional properties depend on the dominant granular phase. Calcite-dominated mixtures exhibit more marked frictional weakening rather than quartz-dominated ones, suggesting a non-linear mixing law between friction coefficient and muscovite content. This different trend is likely due to favourable conditions for fluid-assisted pressure-solution of calcite and foliation development, unlike quartz. When only the granular phases are mixed, we observe complex behaviour with the indentation of quartz into calcite, resulting in higher values of healing rates than those of pure end-member mixtures.Our findings provide robust insights into microphysical processes strongly dependent on the complex mineralogical compositions usually observed along natural faults.

Дослідження впливу різних наповнювачів на атмосферостійкість асфальтобетонів

Introduction. The properties of bituminous-mineral materials are determined by the bonds formed between individual mineral grains and depend on the characteristics of the bitumen, the thickness of the bitumen layer covering the mineral grains, as well as the interaction processes between the mineral materials and bitumen at their joint interface. To ensure a strong and stable bond between the grains, the bitumen must evenly cover the surface of the mineral materials with a thin layer. To improve the strength of road pavement made from bituminous-mineral material, it is necessary for the maximum amount of bitumen to be adsorbed by the mineral material, minimizing the content of free bitumen. Problem Statement. Depending on the nature of the mineral material and the chemical composition of the bitumen, the properties of its thin layers change in various ways. On an active mineral surface, the strength of the bitumen in a thin layer increases as the thickness decreases, while on an inactive surface, the strength of the bitumen remains largely unchanged with a decrease in layer thickness.

Binding properties of synthesized CS glasses activated by alkaline components

The paper presents the synthesis and evaluation of hydration and binding properties of individual minerals with glass-like structures in silicate systems, most often found in technogenic materials based on phosphorus and blast furnace slags. This work aims to determine the optimum composition of CS glasses to obtain binders with given properties, the hydration of glasses of different silicate and aluminosilicate compositions in the presence of solutions of soda, sodium hydroxide, and sodium metasilicate was investigated. The results of X-ray phase and differential-thermal analysis, and infrared spectrum are given, and the hydration structure of the calcium oxide-silicon oxide-alkali component system has been studied. The analysis of hydrate neoplasms of the studied binding systems shows that the most optimal conditions for the synthesis of stone strength with stable physical and mechanical properties are created in the presence of gel-like phase reinforced by hydrosilicates and hydroaluminosilicates of alkaline and alkaline-alkaline-earth composition, characterized by fiber-like structure and possessing the ability to epitaxial fusion with each other, as well as gel-like phase, which they reinforce.

PSIX-26 Effectiveness of mineral supplementation during range grazing on mineral status in ewes

Abstract Mineral supplementation in the intermountain west region of the US may be necessary for maintenance of healthy flocks since important trace minerals are deficient in this region. However, rough terrain can make mineral supplementation challenging. The objective of this study was to evaluate the trace mineral status of ewes on range. We hypothesized that ewes with access to a mineral supplement would have decreased risk of mineral deficiency. In this study, ewes (n = 59) grazed four summer pastures on Cedar Mountain near Cedar City, Utah. Ewes between the ages of 1 and 6 yr of age were stratified by initial body weight (BW) = 87 kg ± 13 kg and breed [black face (BLF; Suffolk) and white face breeds (WF; Targhee, Rambouillet, and their crosses)] into two treatment groups 1) trace mineral supplement ad libitum (TRT; n = 7 BLF and 23 WF) or 2) no mineral supplement (CON; n = 15 BLF and 14 WF). All ewes received a diet of mixed alfalfa and triticale hay without mineral supplementation 30 d before the trial began. A SmartFeed (C-lock Inc.) was used to track individual animal mineral intake. Plasma samples were collected via jugular venipuncture at d 0, 34, 77, and 116. A clinical veterinarian from Utah State University performed liver biopsies at d 0 and 116 on a subset of ewes (n = 10). After the grazing season, plasma and liver samples were sent to the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for analysis of Cu, Mn, Se, and Zn. The mixed procedure of SAS was used to analyze plasma mineral content with day as a repeated measure and individual ID as a random variable. The Glimmix procedure of SAS was used to analyze liver mineral content. Plasma Cu and Se increased (P ≤ 0.05) by day in all ewes throughout the grazing season. No differences related to treatment or breed (P &amp;gt; 0.10) were observed for plasma Cu or Se concentrations. Plasma Mn and Zn decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) by 1.5 ppb and 0.4 ppm, respectively, between d 0 and 116 with no treatment effect (P &amp;gt; 0.10). BLF ewes had 0.3 ppm (P = 0.01) greater plasma Mn concentrations than WF ewes, with no difference (P = 0.6) observed due to treatment. Hepatic Cu and Se increased (P ≤ 0.05) by 114 ppm and 1 ppm, respectively, between d 0 and 116. Hepatic Mn concentrations did not differ (P &amp;gt; 0.10) by day or treatment. Hepatic Zn concentrations tended to increase by day (P = 0.07), 23 ppm between d 0 and 116. CON ewes had 28 ppm greater (P = 0.04) hepatic Zn concentrations than TRT ewes. Additional research is warranted to understand why CON had greater hepatic Zn concentrations than TRT, which may indicate that diverse rangeland forages may provide sufficient concentrations for sheep production in summer months.

PSLBI-27 Rumen microbiome dynamics in feedlot steers receiving free-choice garlic-infused mineral supplements

Abstract Garlic (Allium sativum) in its dehydrated or distillate (garlic oil) form has been used as a feed additive owing to its insecticidal, antimicrobial, and organoleptic properties. Commercial mineral mixtures have been formulated to contain a low proportion of dehydrated garlic powder as a strategy to deter pest flies and increase mineral intake in cattle. As an antimicrobial, garlic powder has the potential to alter the rumen microbiome, with possible implications for feed digestibility and the growth performance of beef cattle. This study evaluated the effect of short-term feeding of a garlic-mineral mixture in feedlot steers receiving high-grain diets. Four groups of twenty steers [total = 80, ~14 mo old, body weight (BW) = 599 ± 32 kg] were randomly assigned to either a 5% garlic-mineral (5DGP) or plain mineral supplement (MS). The individual feed and mineral intakes of the steers were measured with an automatic feeding system. Feed and mineral supplements were tracked in different bunks for each group. Baseline rumen fluid samples were collected from all steers at the end of an acclimatization period before administering the trial supplements. Rumen samples were later collected from 10 steers in each group with the greatest mineral supplement intake over the trial period. Total DNA and RNA were extracted from all rumen samples and subjected to metagenomic and metatranscriptomic sequencing, respectively. None of the bacterial species with an overall relative abundance of greater than 0.1% were differentially abundant between the two supplement treatments, nor did the rumen microbial community structures differ between the two groups (PERMANOVA: R2 = 0.02, P = 0.43). Regardless of the dietary supplement, the rumen microbiome of the steers was dominated by uncultured Prevotella spp. (in addition to Prevotella lacticifex) as well as the uncharacterized UBA2810 sp900317945 and UBA2810 sp002351705. Overall, these results show that a 5DGP can be effectively administered to cattle without significantly disrupting the rumen microbiome.

Examination of the reliability of X‐ray powder diffraction analysis to determine mineral composition of soils

AbstractX‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD) is an effective technique for identifying and quantifying mineral types in soil. However, few studies have compared quantitative values based on XRPD with those from conventional wet chemical methods (WCMs). Here, we determined the primary mineral content in artificial mineral mixtures and 79 agricultural soils from across Japan using WCMs and two XRPD‐based quantitative methods: the mineral intensity factor (MIF) and the full‐pattern summation (FPS) methods performed with the powdR package for R. For artificial mixtures, the accuracy of mineral content determination (i.e., micas, quartz, K‐feldspar, and plagioclase) followed the order: WCMs &gt; FPS &gt; MIF. For Japanese agricultural soils, the contents of each mineral were highly similar between WCMs and FPS, based on mean absolute differences and correlation coefficients. Alternatively, MIF displayed lower similarities with WCMs, likely due to preferred orientation and peak shift or overlap issues. Using the FPS method, the mica and amorphous phase contents were positively and significantly correlated with nonexchangeable K content and cation exchange capacity, respectively. Additionally, the plagioclase content was negatively and significantly correlated with clay content. Thus, the powdR‐based FPS method is recommended for determining the mineral composition of soils, as it allows for a clearer and more quantitative demonstration of the relationship between individual minerals and soil properties.

Morphology and chemical composition of mineral particles in a special dust storm with high relative humidity in North China

A special dust storm characterized by high PM10 mass concentrations (921.9 ± 632.3 μg m−3) and high relative humidity (RH; 60.1 % ± 11.1 %) was observed on March 22–24, 2023 at a coastal city of North China. Aerosol particles of PM10 were analyzed by a scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive X-ray and an ion chromatograph. The results showed that individual mineral particles were dominated by clay minerals, followed by quartz, feldspar, and carbonate. Bulk water-soluble inorganic ions analysis showed that SO42- mass concentrations varied from 3.7 μg m−3 to 23.3 μg m−3 with an average value of 12.4 μg m−3. However, their mass ratios to PM10 were relatively stable, being 1.15–2.01 % with an average value of 1.49 % ± 0.25 %, similar to the value near the dust sources (Tengger Desert). Although S-containing individual mineral dust varied from 5.2 % to 70.7 %, the average weight ratio of S on individual mineral dust was 2.1 %, much lower than that of non-dust periods (11.0 %). The results suggested limited sulfate formation on mineral dust surfaces even under high RH. In contrast, NO3-, which was very limited in dust sources, varied from 0.21 % to 4.11 % of the total PM10 with an average value of 1.61 % ± 1.07 %. The research highlighted that nitrate formation has exceeded sulfate formation during severe dust storm episodes, which might because the atmospheric compositions in China have changed significantly with a high mass ratio of NO2/SO2 after the implementation of the strict emission control measures.

Unraveling mudstone compaction at microscale: A combined approach of nanoindentation mapping and machine learning data analysis

Compaction processes within mudstone samples across varying depths (723.5–3213.5 m) in the Vienna Basin were investigated, focusing on porosity changes and the resulting micromechanical response in the clay-rich, fine-grained fraction (“clay matrix”). A novel approach combining nanoindentation mapping with machine learning data analysis was developed to efficiently extract representative micromechanical parameters of the clay matrix. Emphasis was put on capturing the properties of the fine-grained, clay-dominated composite rather than individual mineral phases, enabling the analysis of compaction-induced strength changes at microscale. A significant enhancement in the mechanical strength of the clay matrix with increasing burial depth was observed. Reduced elastic modulus (Er) and hardness (H) increased from 6.8 ± 3.4 to 22.6 ± 7.5 GPa and from 0.2 ± 0.2 to 0.9 ± 0.2 GPa, respectively, over the depth interval of 2490 m. Moreover, a strong correlation between depth and porosity and consequently micromechanical properties of the clay matrix exists. This highlights the substantial influence of intra-clay porosity on mechanical properties, which follow a general compaction trend with depth. Broad ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (BIB-SEM) analysis was used for textural investigations at micro-to nanoscale and indicated that the reduction in porosity predominantly resulted from mechanical compaction rather than mineral diagenesis, which would have been noticeable by signs of significant dissolution or cementation. The correlation coefficient matrix between multiscale porosity measurements and nanoindentation affirmed that the porosity loss was closely linked to the enhanced mechanical properties of the fine-grained composite clay matrix, while other compositional variables like total clay mineral content showed weak correlations. Empirical mathematical equations were derived to describe the mechanical properties as generalized functions of depth and porosity. These may be used as geomechanical input for future basin analysis and geoenergy applications (e.g., seal rock studies in a geological storage context). This study introduces a new approach to unravel compaction processes in fine-grained rocks at microscale, emphasizing the interplay between intra-clay porosity and micromechanical changes during proceeding burial.

Upcycling Shellfish Waste: Distribution of Amino Acids, Minerals, and Carotenoids in Body Parts of North Atlantic Crab and Shrimp.

The snow/pink crab (Chionoecetes opilio) and Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) are widely distributed in the North Atlantic Ocean. During processing/consumption, about 80% of the harvest is discarded as processing waste, which is a rich source of protein, chitin, minerals, and carotenoids. This study, for the first time, investigated the proximate composition and individual amino acids, minerals, and carotenoids from different body parts (carapace, shoulder, claw, tip, and leg) of snow crabs and shrimp shells. Shrimp proteins were found to be abundant and well-balanced in their amino acid composition. Compared to shrimp shells, a lower content of amino acids was found in the snow crab, depending on the part of the shell used. Moreover, crab shells, mainly crab claws, contained a higher (p < 0.05) level of chitin compared to shrimp shells. Seven micro-elements (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Ba, and Ce) and six macro-elements (Ca, Na, K, Mg, P, and Sr) were identified using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Among them, calcium and iron were higher in crab carapaces (p < 0.05), followed by shrimp shells and other crab shell segments. Additionally, shrimp and crab carapaces contained a significant level of carotenoids, and these were mainly composed of astaxanthin and its mono- and diesters, along with zeaxanthin, astacene, canthaxanthin, and lutein. Thus, this investigation provides detailed information to allow upcycling of shellfish waste and addresses the knowledge gap concerning the availability of various nutrients in different crab sections and shrimp shells.

In situ geochemistry of apatite: Petrogenetic and tectonic interpretations of Jurassic felsic magmatism in the Yanbian area, NE China

Geochemical analyses of individual minerals provide more detailed insights into the petrogenesis of igneous rocks than whole-rock analyses. This study conducted in situ geochemical and Nd isotope analyses of apatites from 10 Jurassic granitic plutons in the Yanbian area, NE China, to establish the petrogenesis and regional tectonic evolution. The results indicate that the apatite geochemistry of Jurassic granitoids in the Yanbian area was controlled primarily by the composition of parental melt. Post-magmatic alteration may lead to geochemical decoupling between apatite and parental melt, while Nd isotopes exhibit some resilience to such alterations. Apatites from Early Jurassic granitoids display characteristics that are consistent with an I-type origin, whereas those from Middle and Late Jurassic granitoids exhibit an adakitic affinity. Variations in apatite compositions indicate the fractional crystallization of other rare earth element (REE)-bearing minerals during magma evolution. The early crystallization of plagioclase and allanite led to decreases in Sr and Th contents in apatite, respectively, resulting in a negative Eu anomaly and light REE depletion. The fractional crystallization of titanite and hornblende resulted in the depletion of middle REE in apatite. Hornblende is regarded as the main residual phase in the magma source of Middle and Late Jurassic adakitic granitoids in the Yanbian area. Apatite Nd isotopic compositions suggest that the Jurassic granitoids in the Yanbian area originated from two crustal sources: the Central Asian Orogenic Belt and the North China Craton. Additionally, increasing trends in apatite Sr/Y and (La/Yb)N ratios from the Early to Late Jurassic suggest a gradual thickening of the regional crust, which is likely driven by the continentward migration of the subduction zone associated with the Paleo-Pacific Plate.

Lunar simulant behaviour variability and implications on terrestrial based lunar testing

The detrimental effects and challenges of Lunar dust for Lunar exploitation were first identified during the Apollo missions. During the extra vehicle activities (EVAs) undertaken by astronauts, the dust clogged mechanisms, disrupted sensors, and caused several health issues for the astronauts. Despite numerous studies, there is no definite understanding as to why different Apollo missions experienced varying levels of dust disruptions. The variations in dust behaviour could be attributed to the amount of radiation the Lunar soil is exposed to, as well as mineralogy and particle sizes. To enhance our understanding of Lunar dust behaviour this study investigated Space Recourse Technologies, formally known as Exolith, simulant at different mineral compositions, and their surface detachment characteristics were measured. Experiments measuring the individual minerals and their mixed simulant-like counterparts were conducted using electrostatic fields. Inclusive to this, non-dried and dried samples were compared by measuring adhesion to target plates when subject to electrostatic forces. The results found that Highlands simulant exhibited a higher buildup on a target plate than its Mare counterpart by an average of 33% under the same conditions, likely due to particle size differences. In addition to these findings, evidence of particle reactivity decay was observed under repeated tests with up to 60% less Mare simulant and 36% Highlands deposition being measured compared to the first set of experiments. A possible explanation may be particle reactivity. Microscope images identified that particles are transported in groups as opposed to individual grains. These results will help researchers in tailoring dust mitigation solutions based on different regions on the Lunar surface and influence mission planning from the perspective of dust mitigation and contamination.

Rb-Sr isotope systematics of the oldest crustal rock in the solar system

The RbSr isotopic system is an important cosmochemical tool for constraining the evolution of moderately volatile (Rb) and refractory (Sr) elements in the earliest Solar System. Presented here are RbSr isotopic systematics of twenty-two fractions of the evolved achondrite Erg Chech 002, the oldest crustal rock yet identified in the Solar System. Although the data show a large amount of scatter, likely due to terrestrial alteration, an errorchron yields an age within uncertainties of published PbPb ages. Initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of both the errorchron and of individual mineral fractions show that Erg Chech 002 formed from materials evolving with a typical CI-chondrite nebular Rb/Sr ratio and that any Rb depletion on its parent body must have occurred almost simultaneously with the crystallization of the meteorite. Additionally, LuHf systematics of bulk Erg Chech 002 overlap with the chondritic range. Other early-formed parent bodies similarly show initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios close to a CI-chondrite evolution line. Despite nucleosynthetic variations of 84Sr/86Sr being evident between inner and outer Solar System materials, no variations are detectable in 87Sr/86Sr for Erg Chech 002 or other early-formed parent bodies. Although the initial 87Sr/86Sr of Erg Chech 002 overlaps with that of all other early-accreted bodies, the initial 87Sr/86Sr of asteroid 4 Vesta (BABI) remains the most precise and relevant initial value for the bulk silicate Earth.

Mineral supplementation in patients with frailty and sarcopenia-a systematic review.

Addressing sarcopenia and frailty in aging populations is crucial for enhancing quality of life and reducing healthcare dependence. While the importance of energy, protein, and amino acid supplementation is known, the role of minerals needs further exploration. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of these minerals in managing sarcopenia and frailty. We analyzed data from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and Ichu-shi Web from January 2000 to March 2023. Studies were selected if they were interventional or observational, focused on individuals with frailty or sarcopenia who were aged 65 or older, and involved mineral supplementation. The risk of bias in these studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Of the 615 studies identified, seven met the inclusion criteria. These studies mainly focused on the effects of combined nutrient supplements, with few focusing on individual minerals. The findings were mixed, demonstrating some improvements in muscle strength, activity of daily living, and cognitive functions. Notably, minerals appeared to offer benefits as part of multi-nutrient interventions, especially for cognitive and immune health, but had limited impact on muscle mass or strength when used alone. The limited number and variable outcomes of studies precluded a feasible meta-analysis. The effect of mineral supplementation on sarcopenia and frailty remains uncertain, suggesting a need for tailored nutritional strategies. Future studies should aim for well-designed clinical trials in order to gain a better understanding of the roles of minerals in improving muscle health and functional outcomes, leading to clearer recommendations for clinical practice. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; ••: ••-••.

Further investigation of spatially resolved single grain quartz OSL and TL signals

The use of luminescence signals from single mineral grains for optical dating has become a valuable and frequently utilised tool in Quaternary Geochronology. Single grain luminescence dating is particularly beneficial in complex depositional settings, however the ability to measure single grain signals also offers the opportunity to assess intrinsic luminescence properties of individual mineral grains. The use of spatially resolved luminescence technologies such as an electron multiplier charge coupled device is of benefit when making luminescence measurements at single grain scales because they allow stimulation with light emitting diodes, and this offers a number of key benefits related to stimulation power when it comes to the assessment of characteristics such as optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) decay rate and the calculation of parameters such as the fast ratio and photo ionisation cross-sections. In this paper, the intra- and inter-sample variability of sensitised single grain thermoluminescence (TL) and OSL signals is considered. A comparison between TL and OSL signals is undertaken, as well as calculation of the fast ratio, OSL component photo ionisation cross-sections, thermal stability, and characteristic dose for a suite of quartz samples from a range of geographic locations and depositional settings. For these heated signals, key findings include the lack of relationship between OSL signal intensity and dominance of the fast component, the fitting of two components (a fast and slow component) is the most common fit for single grain OSL signals, characteristic doses from fast dominated signals suggesting saturation at c. 150 Gy, and the identification of the ultrafast OSL component. Intra-sample variability across all measured parameters is observed, suggesting that for this suite of samples, variability is the norm rather than the exception, and that the intrinsic luminescence characteristics of quartz are variable and diverse.

Associations between Chronic Medical Conditions and Persistent Dietary Supplement Use: The US Military Dietary Supplement Use Study.

This longitudinal study examined associations between chronic medical conditions (CMCs) and persistent dietary supplement (DS) use. On two separate occasions, 1.3 ± 0.2 years apart, military service members (SMs) (n = 5778) completed identical questionnaires concerning their DS use in the past 6 months and their demographic and lifestyle characteristics. Medical conditions were obtained from a medical surveillance system six months before the first questionnaire and during the period between questionnaires. Diagnoses were grouped into 19 major (largely systemic) and 9 specific CMCs. Conditions diagnosed in both periods (CMCs) were examined in relation to DS use reported on both questionnaires (persistent DS use). After adjustment for demographic and lifestyle factors, higher odds of persistent DS use were found in 7 of the 19 major CMCs and 5 of the 9 specific CMCs. SMs with a CMC had 1.25 (95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.10-1.41) higher adjusted odds of persistent DS use. The three specific CMCs with the highest adjusted odds of persistent DS use were anxiety (odds ratio [OR] = 2.30, 95%CI = 1.36-3.89), depression (OR = 2.12, 95%CI = 1.20-3.73), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (OR = 2.02, 95%CI = 1.02-4.04). Among DS categories, participants with a CMC had higher adjusted odds of persistent vitamins or mineral use (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.12-1.53). Participants with CMCs had a higher prevalence of persistent DS use, especially individual vitamin and mineral use.

Urinary concentrations of mineral elements and their predictors in pregnant women in Jinan, China

BackgroundThe essential mineral elements play important roles in proper growth, development and maintenance of physiological homeostasis of an organism. Women are at greater risk of mineral deficiency during pregnancy. However, the predictors of mineral element levels in pregnant women remain unclear. This study was conducted to determine the urinary levels of calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and selenium (Se) in women during early pregnancy and to explore the predictors of urinary exposure to each mineral element and high co-exposure to mineral element mixture. Methods298 pregnant women in first trimester were recruited when they attended antenatal care in a hospital in Jinan, Shandong Province, China. We collected their spot urine samples and questionnaire data on their sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, food and dietary supplement intake, and residential environment. The concentrations of Ca, Fe, Cu, Mn and Se in all urine samples were measured. LASSO regression, multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the predictors affecting mineral element levels. ResultsThe geometric means of creatinine-corrected Ca, Fe, Cu, Mn and Se concentrations were 99.37 mg/g, 1.75 µg/g, 8.97 µg/g, 0.16 µg/g and 16.83 µg/g creatinine, respectively. Factors that influenced the concentrations of individual mineral element were as follows: (1) Se and Ca concentrations increased with maternal age; (2) women taking tap water as family drinking water had higher Ca levels and those taking polyunsaturated fatty acids intermittently had higher Cu levels; (3) Fe was adversely related to consumption frequency of barbecued foods; (4) Pregnant women with more frequent consumption of shellfish/shrimp/crab and living near green spaces or parks had higher Mn exposure, and those with higher frequency of meat consumption had lower Mn exposure. In addition, maternal age and the frequency of egg consumption were associated with odds of exposure to a mixture of high Ca, Fe, Cu and Se. ConclusionsThe pregnant women in this study had comparable concentrations of urinary Cu and Se but lower concentrations of Ca, Fe and Mn compared with those in other areas. Predictors of urinary mineral elements included maternal age (Se and Ca), type of domestic drinking water (Ca), consumption frequency of barbecued food (Fe), polyunsaturated fatty acid use (Cu), the presence of urban green spaces or parks near the home and frequency of meat and shellfish/shrimp/crab intake (Mn). Moreover, maternal age and egg consumption frequency were significant predictors of high-level co-exposure to urinary Ca, Fe, Cu and Se.