Ionized Research Articles

Semptomatik Hipokalsemi ve Nütrisyonel Rikets Nedenli Hastane Başvuruları: Göçmen Suriye’li Süt Çocuklarının Predominansı

Amac: Nutrisyonel rikets, buyume cagindaki cocuklarda D vitamini ve kalsiyum eksikligine bagli olarak gelisen epifizyal kikirdagin defektif mineralizasyonudur. Nutrisyonel riketsin onlenmesi icin D vitamini profilaksisi ulkemizde sut cocuklugu doneminde rutin olarak uygulanmaktadir. Ancak halen semptomatik hipokalsemi ve D vitamini eksikligi nedeniyle hastane basvurularinin olmasi dikkat cekicidir. Calismamizda bu olgularin ozelliklerinin ortaya konulmasi amaclanmistir. Gerec ve Yontem: Ocak 2018-Mayis 2018 tarihleri arasinda nutrisyonel rikets tanisi ile yatirilarak izlenmis olan 28 hastanin (9 kiz, 19 erkek) verisi retrospektif olarak incelendi. Olgularin basvuru anindaki antropometrik ve laboratuvar ozellikleri kaydedildi. Bulgular: Olgularin ortanca basvuru yasi 8,8 (1-35) ay idi. Olgularin %67,9’u Suriye gocmeni idi. Hastalarin %57,1’i hic D vitamini profilaksisi almamis, %42,9’u ise duzensiz almisti. Basvuru yakinmasi olgularin %50’sinde konvulsiyon gecirme, %28,6’sinda rikets bulgulari iken %21,4’unde ise ates, enfeksiyon vb. nedenlerden dolayi hastaneye basvuran hastalarda rastlantisal olarak hipokalsemi tespit edilmis olmasi idi. Ilk basvuruda ortanca kalsiyum 6,6 mg/dL; iyonize kalsiyum 0,85 mmol/L; fosfor 3,5 mg/dL; alkalen fosfataz 787 U/L; parathormon 241 pg/mL ve 25-hidroksi vitamin D 3,4 ng/mL saptanmisti. Olgularin %60,7’sinde hipofosfatemi, %3,6’sinda hiperfosfatemi mevcuttu. Tum olgular hastanede yatirilarak tedavi edilmis ve D vitamini eksikligine bagli nutrisyonel rikets tanisi almisti. Sonuc: Ulkemizde D vitamini profilaksisine ragmen halen nutrisyonel rikets gorulebilmekte ve kis-ilkbahar aylarinda hipokalsemik konvulsiyon nedeniyle hastane basvurularina yol acabilmektedir. Ozellikle gocmen Suriyeli sut cocuklarinda D vitamini destek programina uyumun artirilmasi nutrisyonel riketsin onlenmesi acisindan onemlidir.

The effect of head covering in the prevention of phototherapy-induced hypocalcemia in icterus newborns

Objective The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of phototherapy-induced hypocalcemia in icterus newborns and to evaluate the role of head covering in preventing the occurrence of hypocalcemia in the neonatal ICU of Menoufia University hospitals. Background Neonatal jaundice is defined as the yellowish discoloration of the sclera and skin caused by hyperbilirubinemia, which is one of the most common conditions confronting neonatologists daily. About 60% of term and 80% of preterm infants develop jaundice in the first week of life. Phototherapy is the primary treatment in neonates with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia Patients and methods Our study was conducted on 200 neonates recruited from the neonatal ICU in Menoufia University hospitals, and they were divided into two groups: group A comprised 100 term babies with head covering (hat) during phototherapy. Group B comprised 100 term babies without head covering during phototherapy. Total serum calcium was checked on arrival and 48 h after starting phototherapy. Results There was a highly significant increase in total calcium 48 h after phototherapy (mg/dl) and ionized calcium 48 h after phototherapy (mg/dl) in neonates with head covering compared with neonates without head covering. In contrast, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between both groups with regard to total and ionized calcium on admission (mg/dl). Conclusion Covering the head of infants under phototherapy using a hat was an effective, safe, noninvasive, and cheap method for the prevention of phototherapy-induced hypocalcaemia.

415 A Model to Predict Ionized Hypocalcemia (IHC)

415 A Model to Predict Ionized Hypocalcemia (IHC)

High ω-3/ω-6 ratio fatty acids alleviate inflammation and neuronal apoptosis in a rat model of traumatic brain injury

Objective To investigate the effects of high ω-3/ω-6 ratio fatty acids on inflammatory response and neuronal apoptosis after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods 33 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham surgery group, low ratio group and high ratio group. TBI was induced by weigh-dropping method. In addition to a fat-free diet, rats were treated with corresponding ω-3/ω-6 ratio oil mixtures by gavage. Microglia/macrophage polarization, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation, neuronal apoptosis and the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (bcl-2) and bcl-2 associated X protein (bax) were observed by immunofluorescence, TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and Western blotting at day 5 after TBI. The experimental data were expressed as mean±standard deviation(Mean±SD), and two independent-samples t-test or one way ANOVA was used for comparison among groups. Results The percentage of CD16/32+ /Ionized calcium binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1)+ cells significantly decreased in high ratio group [(9.1±0.8)%] compared to low ratio group [(31.8±8.5)%, t=4.720, P<0.01], and the percentage of Arginase-1(Arg-1)+ /Iba-1+ cells significantly increased in high ratio group [(28.7±4.9)%] compared to low ratio group [(6.4±2.4)%, t=6.969, P<0.01]. The nuclear expression of NF-κB p65 in high ratio group was significantly lower than that in low ratio group (t=3.010, P<0.05). Meanwhile, the number of TUNEL-positive cells in the peri-lesion and hippocampus CA1 region decreased in high ratio group (49.7±6.8, 6.3±2.5) compared with low ratio group (197.7±43.7, 54.3±14.7) (t=5.801, P<0.01; t=5.559, P<0.01), which was accompanied by enhanced expression of bcl-2 (t=2.750, P<0.05; t=5.916, P<0.01) and reduced expression of bax protein (t=3.754, P<0.01; t=4.238, P<0.01). Conclusion High ω-3/ω-6 ratio fatty acids could help to decrease M1 and increase M2 type microglia/macrophage cells after TBI, which might be related to the inhibition of NF-κB pathway. High ω-3/ω-6 ratio fatty acids could inhibit posttraumatic neuronal apoptosis. Key words: Omega-3 fatty acids; Traumatic brain injury; Inflammatory response; Apoptosis

The role and mechanism of dl-3-n-butylphthalide in inflammatory response after traumatic brain injury in mice

Objective To investigate whether butylphthalide (NBP) can protect neurons by inhibiting microglial activation and inflammation after traumatic brain injury in mice. Methods One hundred and forty-four mice were randomly assigned to four experimental groups: sham, traumatic brain injury (TBI), TBI+ vehicle (V) and TBI+ NBP. Neurological score, Nissl staining were performed in each group of mice, immunofluorescence staining was used to localize the distribution of ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA-1) in the cerebral cortex of mice, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the contents of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the contusion and laceration brain tissue of mice. Statisticalanalysis of data using the statistical product and service solutions 22.0 software. Results NBP could improve the neurological function score, relieve neurodegeneration after brain injury in mice (t=6.320, 5.440, P<0.05). NBP can inhibit the expression of IBA-1 protein and the inflammatory factors TNF-α [(7.21±1.21) pg/mg] and IL-1β [(3.52±1.13) pg/mg] after brain injury in mice (t=3.370, 3.420, 3.350, 3.400, P<0.05). Conclusion NBP can inhibit the activation of microglia in mice after TBI, which is related to the decrease of the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Key words: Traumatic brain injury; Butylphthalide; Neuroprotection; Inflammatory factors

Assessment of Serum Magnesium Fractions in Workers Exposed to Pb from Pb-Battery Plant.

Most of studies assessed the effect of Pb-exposure on serum total magnesium (tMg). The hypomagnesium condition depended on protein concentration in the sample and influence of lifestyle factors. This study assessed the effect of Pb- exposure on serum tMg, corrected Mg (cMg), ionized Mg (iMg), percentage of iMg from tMg, and percentage of iMg from cMg with contemplation of lifestyle factors. Case control study. The serum magnesium fractions were assessed in 176 male Pb-exposed workers in the year 2015 at Tamil nadu in India and 80 control subjects with no occupational exposure of Pb. The serum tMg and albumin concentrations were estimated using diagnostic kit methods. Blood lead levels (BLLs) were estimated using atomic absorbtion spectrophotometer method. The fraction of cMg and iMg were calculated from serum tMg and albumin concentration among individual subjects. The BLLs was significantly (P<0.001) increased in the study group as compared to control. Serum tMg, cMg, iMg, % of iMg from tMg and % of iMg from cMg concentrations were not significantly decreased in the study group as compared to control. Pb-exposure was significantly associated with abnormal frequency distribution of serum iMg (P=0.048) and % of iMg from tMg (P=0.016). Smoking habit was significantly associated with cMg (P=0.039) and % of iMg from cMg concentration (P=0.018). The alcohol consumption was significantly (P=0.049) associated with cMg. The Pb-exposure and lifestyle factor such as smoking and alcohol consumption were associated with alteration of serum magnesium fractions.

T14: Role of ionized magnesium testing in pre‐eclampsia

T14: Role of ionized magnesium testing in pre‐eclampsia

Role of spinal CCR5 in remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia in rats with incisional pain

Objective To evaluate the role of spinal C-C motif chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) in remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia in rats with incisional pain. Methods Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 240-260 g, aged 2-3 months, in which intrathecal and caudal catheters were successfully implanted, were divided into 4 groups (n=8 each) using a random number table: control group (group C), CCR5 antagonist maraviroc group (group M), remifentanil plus incisional pain group (group R+ I) and maraviroc plus remifentanil plus incisional pain group (group M+ R+ I). Phosphate buffer solution (PBS) 10 μl was intrathecally injected and normal saline was infused for 60 min at 1 μg·kg-1·min-1 via the caudal vein in group C. Maraviroc 100 pmol (in 10 μl of PBS) was intrathecally injected and normal saline was infused for 60 min at 1 μg·kg-1·min-1 via the caudal vein in group M. PBS 10 μl was intrathecally injected, then the model of incisional pain was established, and remifentanil 1 μg·kg-1·min-1 was infused for 60 min via the caudal vein in group R+ I.Maraviroc 100 pmol (in 10 μl of PBS) was intrathecally injected, then the model of incisional pain was established, and remifentanil 1 μg·kg-1·min-1 was infused for 60 min via the caudal vein in group M+ R+ I.The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal paw withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured at 24 h before infusion of remifentanil or normal saline (T0) and 2, 6, 24 and 48 h after stopping infusion (T1-4). The rats were sacrificed after the last measurement of pain threshold, and L4-6 segments of the spinal cord were removed for determination of the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1) by Western blot. Results Compared with group C, the MWT was significantly decreased and TWL was shortened at T1-4, and the expression of GFAP and Iba-1 in the spinal cord was up-regulated in R+ I and M+ R+ I groups (P 0.05). Compared with group R+ I, the MWT was significantly increased and TWL was prolonged at T1-4, and the expression of GFAP and Iba-1 in the spinal cord was down-regulated in group M+ R+ I (P<0.05). Conclusion Spinal CCR5 is involved in remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia in the rats with incisional pain, and the mechanism may be related to activating astrocytes and microglias. Key words: Piperidines; Hyperalgesia; Pain, postoperative; Receptors, CCR5; Spinal cord

Energies and Lifetimes of Levels for Doubly Ionized Xenon and Radon

Energies and Lifetimes of Levels for Doubly Ionized Xenon and Radon

Examining The Effect of The Magnetic Field on Free Convection Flows in Liquid Metals, Electrolytes and Ionized Gases

Examining The Effect of The Magnetic Field on Free Convection Flows in Liquid Metals, Electrolytes and Ionized Gases

Effect of lipopolysaccharide exposure on neuro-immune system of rat offspring with autism spectrum disorder at second trimester

Objective To establish the lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced autism spectrum disorder(ASD) models at second trimester in rat offspring, and to investigate the effect of LPS exposure on social interaction behavior and neuro-immune system in rat offspring. Methods Twelve-week-old pregnant specific pathogen free rats were randomly divided into non-exposed group(10 cases) and LPS-exposed group(10 cases). Rats in the exposure group were intraperitoneally injected with LPS 25 mg/kg at 12.5 d, while rats in the non-exposed group were intraperitoneally injected with 9 g/L saline.At the age of 28 days, 10 rats were randomly selected from each group as the experimental group and the control group.The following tests were carried out in two groups of rats.Their offspring were randomly allocated to the control group (10 cases) and the experimental group (10 cases). The autism-like social behaviors were evaluated by the social interaction test.Density of dendritic spine was analyzed by Golgi staining.The expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(IBA1) were analyzed by immunohistochemisty.The levels of interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, interferon-gamma(IFN-γ), and transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-β) in rat offspring were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The score of social interaction test in the experimental group [(-197.81±101.83) scores] was lower than that in the control group [(132.73±114.63) scores], and the difference was statistically significant (t=5.453, P<0.05). Density of dendritic spine in CA1 region of hippocampus was lower in the experimental group[(7.71±1.33) numbers/10 μm] than that in the control group[(9.66±1.76) numbers/10 μm] by Golgi staining, and the difference was statistically significant(t=2.775, P<0.05). Expressions of GFAP and IBA1 in experimental group were higher than those in the control group by immunohistochemisty.Levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group, while level of TGF-β was lower than that in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05). The scores of social interaction test were correlated with the levels of IFN-γ(r=0.756, P<0.05). Conclusion LPS exposure at early pregnancy may affect the neuro-immune system of rat offspring and result in autism-like behavior. Key words: Lipopolysaccharide; Autism spectrum disorder; Cytokines; Neuro-immune system

Effect of intrathecal oxytocin on neuropathic pain in rats

Objective To evaluate the effect of intrathecal oxytocin on neuropathic pain in rats. Methods Thirty-six SPF male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 4-6 weeks , weighing 100-150 g, were divided into 4 groups(n=9 each)using a random number table: control group(group C), neuropathic pain group(group NP), neuropathic pain plus normal saline group(group NPN)and neuropathic pain plus oxytocin group(group NPO). The neuropathic pain model was made by partial sciatic nerve injury in NP, NPN and NPO groups.In group NPO, oxytocin 10 μl(0.1 μg)was intrathecally injected on the day of establishing the model and 1 and 2 days after establishing the model, and then normal saline 10 μl was given for tube sealing at 9 a. m.and 4 p. m.every day.In group NPN, normal saline 20 μl was given for tube sealing at the corresponding time points.The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold(MWT)and thermal paw withdrawal latency(TWL)were measured at 1 day before establishing the model and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 days after establishing the model.The expression of the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)and a specific marker of microglia ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1(IBa-1)was detected by Western blot at 1 day before establishing the model and 3 and 7 days after establishing the model. Results Compared with group C, the MWT was significantly decreased, TWL was shortened and the expression of GFAP and IBa-1 was up-regulated at each time point in NP and NPN groups(P 0.05). Compared with NP group, MWT was significantly increased at 2-4 days after establishing the model, TWL was prolonged at 1-4 days after establishing the model, the expression of IBa-1 was down-regulated on 3 days after establishing the model, and the expression of GFAP was down-regulated on 3 and 7 days after establishing the model in group NPO(P<0.05). Conclusion Oxytocin can reduce neuropathic pain, and the mechanism may be related to inhibiting activation of glial cells in the spinal cord of rats. Key words: Oxytocin; Injections, spinal; Neuralgia

Effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on activity of spinal microglia and expression of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear transcription factor-kappa B in neuropathic pain rats

Objective To evaluate the effect of analgesia of ginsenoside Rg1(Rg1) in neuropathic pain(NP) and to investigate the changes in activation of both microglial cells in dorsal horn of spinal cord and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p38MAPK)/NF-κB signaling pathway within microglia. Methods Thirty six rats having been intrathecally catheterized successfully were stochastically divided into 6 groups (6 rats for each group) respectively including sham+natural saline group(group A), chronic constrictive injury(CCI)+natural saline group (group B), CCI+low-dose Rg1 group (group C), CCI+middle-dose Rg1 group(group D), CCI+high-dose Rg1 group(group E) and CCI+minocycline group(group F). Among all groups except group A, the left common sciatic nerve of anesthetized rats was exposed to four silk ligatures(3-0) which were tied loosely proximal to the sciatic nerve's trifurcation. Different medicines were injected intrathecally(i.t.) 1 d before and 1 d, 3 d and 5 d after CCI. Behavioral assessment of anti-nociceptive effects was conducted by thermal withdrawal latency(TWL) method. The content of p38MAPK, phosphorylated p65(p-p65)(member of NF-κB superfamily) and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1(IBA-1) was detected by Western blot method. The level of OX-42, one marker of microglia was examined by immunohistochemistry method. Results ① TWL values of group C, group D and group E were significantly higher than value of group B. The effect was in a dose-dependent manner(P<0.05). ② Compared with group B, over-activation of microglia in group C, group D and group E were markedly suppressed, indicated by deeply inhibited expression of IBA-1 and OX-42, two markers of microglia(P<0.05). ③ Phosphorylation of relevant molecules in p38MAPK signaling pathway in comparison to which in group B such as p38MAPK and NF-κB was attenuated abundantly in group C, group D and group E(P<0.05). Conclusions Activation of p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in dorsal horn microglia may be a crucial event in the pathogenesis of NP. It is also suggested that Rg1, a new inhibitor of microglia might be a viable therapeutic strategy for treating NP. Key words: Neuropathic pain; Ginsenoside Rg1; Chronic constrictive injury; p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear transcription factor-kappa B

Investigation of Structural, Optical, and Electrical Properties of In‐Doped SnO2 Thin Films Deposited by Spray Pyrolysis

In this work, undoped and 1–5 at.% In-doped SnO2-δ films are deposited onto glass substrates at 350 °C by spray pyrolysis technique. The influence of dopant concentration is investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Visible spectroscopy, and Hall Effect measurements using van der Pauw method. X-ray diffraction studies indicate that all films had preferred orientation along (200) plane and are polycrystalline with tetragonal rutile structure. The calculated average crystallite sizes increased after doping. Substitution of In into SnO2-δ thin films can be confirmed by the shifting of the peaks in the XRD patterns. Optical transmittance of the films show high average transparency ∼80–90% in the visible region. Hall measurements show that the conduction type is dependent on In content. For low-doped films (In ≤3 at.%), the films are n-type, while at higher doping concentration the films are p-type. The calculated values of the mean free path are very small compared to the average crystallite sizes calculated using XRD measurements. Therefore, we suggest that ionized and/or neutral impurity scattering are the main scattering mechanisms in these films. The above-mentioned characteristics render these In-doped SnO2 films potential candidates for their use in light-emitting diode and in optoelectronic devices, with the advantage that they are prepared by a simple and economical technique.

In silico Studies of Putative Inward Rectifier Potassium Channel AKT1 from Rice (Oryza Sativa L.)

A homology model has been generated for the pore forming domain of the AKT based on the crystal structure of the bacterial channel protein The structure having a least modeler objective function was used as a starting point for picoseconds duration molecular dynamics simulations in a solvated water layer This was further assessed by ERRAT and PROCHECK which show that the refined model is reliable With the built model a flexible docking study of protein protein and protein ligand was performed and the results indicate that Val Ser Thr Lys Glu Gly and Lys of subunit are interacting with Thr Thr Ser and Ser of subunit PKa calculations of the potassium suggest that Asp Glu Arg Lys and Lys are predicted to be ionized Further more Normal mode analysis of the protein suggests that Arg Ser Ala and Tyr are important residues responsible for largest amplitude of motion It was also found that okadaic acid is a more preferred ligand and that Gly forms hydrogen bond with okadaic acid which showed that glycine of the K channel selectivity filter GYG motif This preliminary analysis of the interactions of the potassium channelwith the inhibitors suggests that concerted single file motion of K ions and water through the selectivity filter occurs This suggests that a single filling mechanism is conserved between K channel structures and may be robust to changes in simulation details The hydrogen bonding interactions also play an important role for the stability of the complex These computational results provide some new insights into the possible role of glycine in the K and importance of AKT in various processes of the plant system and may lead to a better understanding of the structures dynamics and functions of this family of ion channels

Swellable hydrogels and cross linking Agents - Their role in drug delivery system

Hydrogels are cross linked polymers with the ability to swell in an aqueous medium. Cross linking in hydrogels occurs by chemical or physical means depending on the polymer properties and experimental conditions. PH-Responsive Polymers containing carboxyl groups or amino groups respond to the pH changes by changing their size in the swollen state. At low pH values, the carboxyl containing anionic polymers display minimum ionization and hence reduced hydration. Once the pH of the swelling medium rises above the pKa of the polymer, the carboxyl groups start to ionize and hydrate, which results in polymer expansion and hence higher swelling. On the contrary, cationic polymers containing amino groups (quaternary ammonium salts) display a stronger ionization and hence higher swelling at low pH. Higher cross-link density increases the surface area and pore volume whereas decreases the pore size of polymer beads and vice-versa for lower cross-link density polymer. Further, rigid cross-linker maximizes whereas flexible cross-linker lowers both thermo stability and glass transition temperature

The SPES High Power ISOL production target

SPES (Selective Production of Exotic Species) is a facility under construction at INFN-LNL (Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare - Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro), aimed to produce intense neutron-rich radioactive ion beams (RIBs). These will be obtained using the ISOL (Isotope Separation On-Line) method, bombarding a uranium carbide target with a proton beam of 40MeV energy and currents up to 200 μA. The target configuration was designed to obtain a high number of fissions, up to 1013 per second, low power deposition and fast release of the produced isotopes. The exotic isotopes generated in the target are ionized, mass separated and re-accelerated by the ALPI superconducting LINAC at energies of 10AMeV and higher, for masses in the region of A = 130amu, with an expected rate on the secondary target up to 109 particles per second. In this work, recent results on the R&D activities regarding the SPES RIB production target-ion source system are reported.

An attempt to correlate so called “whole blood Mg” values and ionized Mg

An attempt to correlate so called “whole blood Mg” values and ionized Mg

The nutrition of acute phase in patients with metabolic syndrome

In this session, we describe the acute phase in patients with metabolic syndrome from two sides; acute disease that occurs higher in patients with metabolic syndrome such as colonary heart disease and stroke, and acute aggravation of diabetes such as diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome. The electrolyte imbalance is frequently detected in critical ill patients. It is reported that the extreme abnormalities of ionized calcium concentrations are independent predictors of mortality. In addition, from clinical database MIMIC-Ⅱ,calcium supplementation improves clinical outcome in intensive care unit patients. Although metabolic syndrome; lifestyle-related disease, is a chronic disease, the possibility of falling into acute disease by having it becomes very high and improvement of electrolyte imbalance, especially hypocalcaemia is expected to effective on clinical outcome.

COSMIC-LAB: Unexpected Results from High-resolution Spectra of AGB Stars in Globular Clusters

We have used high-resolution spectra, acquired with UVES@ESO-VLT, to determine the chemical abundances of different samples of AGB and RGB stars in 4 Galactic globular clusters, namely 47Tuc, NGC3201, M22 and M62. For almost all the analyzed AGB stars we found a clear discrepancy between the iron abundance measured from neutral lines and that obtained from single ionized lines, while this discrepancy is not obtained for the RGB samples observed in the same clusters and analyzed with the same procedure. Such a behavior exactly corresponds to what expected in the case of Non-Local Thermodynamical Equilibrium (NLTE) in the star atmosphere. These results have a huge impact on the proper determination of GC chemistry. In fact, one of the most intriguing consequences is that, at odds with previous claims, no iron spread is found in NGC3201 and M22 if the iron abundance is obtained from ionized lines only.