Iron Content Research Articles

Experimental Studies on the Mineral Content of Solojo Flour and Protein Isolates from Two Varieties (DAS and BS) of Nigerian Cultivated Solojo Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata L. Walp)

Studies on the Mineral Content of Solojo Flour and Protein Isolates from the two varieties (DAS and BS) of Nigeria cultivated solojo cowpeas were conducted to determine their nutritional value. These inorganic elements or minerals were classified into 3 categories, the ultra- trace minerals, which is the third category; the micro elements, also known as the trace minerals is the second category; while the first category are the macro elements, also known as major minerals. Some of the macro-elements are Ca, P, Na and Cl, the second category, micro-elements include, iron, copper, cobalt, potassium, magnesium, iodine, zinc, manganese, molybdenum, F, Cr, Se and S. Results show that the proportion of Sodium (Na) which is ingested into the body in the form of NaCl through food intake maintenance of body pH and to retain water ranged from 728.97 to 253.37 ppm (72.90 to 25.34 mg/100 g); 715.24 to 235.45 ppm; 735.28 to 270.37 ppm; 726.59 to 264.35ppm, for FFDAS, FFBS, DAS and BS respectively with all values of the germinated samples all bellow the control. While FFDAS iron content ranged from 4.25 to 13.50 mg/100 g; FFBS ranged from 3.15 to 12.56 mg/100 g; DAS ranged from 3.81 to 12.90 mg/100g; BS ranged from 3.42 to 9.40 mg/100 g. The values of the germinated flours were all greater than the ungerminated flour. Iron helps to transport oxygen round the body and also helps in red blood cells building and to convert food into needed energy by the body. While Manganese an element that is needed in micro quantity but necessary to convert food into energy, is also crucial for healthy bone and cartilage creation. Results also show that zinc quantity increased as germination proceeded and the values ranged from 38.80 ppm to 230.00 ppm (3.880 mg/100 g to 23.00 mg/100 g; 0.003880% to 0.0230%); 40.84 to 250.01 ppm; 32.85 to 93.41 ppm; 37.07 to 115.00 ppm, for FFDAS, FFBS, DAS and BS respectively. The Ca content improved significantly (p<0.05) with sprouting, the value extended from 250.56 ppm to 760.03 ppm (25.056 to 76.00 mg/100g or 0.0251 to 0.0760 %); 400.40 to 998.22 ppm; 116.87 to 195.69 ppm; 113.48 to 220.75 ppm, for FFDAS, FFBS, DAS and BS respectively. Zinc element although needed at the micro level in the body, is essential for a strong immune system to keep the body in good health. It is also crucial for the maintenance of a healthy sense of taste and odor, while Calcium is critical for strong bones and teeth, blood coagulation, and muscle tightening and relaxation. Magnesium is needed to build enzyme and antioxidants and also for healthy bones while Potassium is needed to maintain; water balance, muscle movement, and nerve impulses. It functions in conjuction with Na to regulate blood pressure.

Diagenetic evolution of Upper Cretaceous carbonate sequences (Sarvak Formation) in the Abadan Plain, Iran: evidence from petrographic, elemental, stable, and strontium isotopic data

ABSTRACT This study investigates the diagenetic evolution and geochemical variations within the Sarvak Formation by integrating the core, thin-section, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, trace elements, carbon-oxygen, and strontium isotopic data from three wells in the Abadan Plain. The formation displays diverse diagenetic processes, influenced by multiple exposure surface condition including the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary (CT-ES) and middle Turonian (mT-ES). Meteoric diagenesis, shaped by tectonic activities and eustatic sea level changes, played a pivotal role, leading to dissolution (karstification), brecciation, cementation, and palaeosol formation. Geochemical analysis revealed significant elemental variations across the studied wells. Magnesium (Mg) exhibited peaks at sequence boundaries, responding to facies changes, while iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) concentrations increased below disconformities, reflecting changes in redox conditions and karstification. Sodium (Na) concentrations varied with facies changes, showing peaks at sequence boundaries, indicative of palaeoexposure events. Strontium (Sr) isotopes aided in delineating stratigraphic positions of palaeoexposure surfaces and absolute dating of sequences. Increases in87Sr/86Sr ratios below disconformities suggested subaerial exposure events, with shorter durations at CT-ES and longer durations at mT-ES, contributing to dissolution features development. The δ13Ccarb and δ18Ocarb values indicated severe meteoric diagenesis below sequence boundaries, characterized by dissolution and reprecipitation of calcium carbonate as low-magnesium calcite (LMC) cements. Cross plots of δ13Ccarb vs. δ18Ocarb displayed inverted-J patterns, indicative of meteoric diagenesis effects. Comparison with previous studies highlighted similar trends in geochemical variations, with notable differences in element concentrations between wells. This study enhances our understanding of diagenetic history of the Sarvak Formation in the Abadan Plain and, in a larger scale, provides insights into diagenetic evolution of palaeoexposure-related carbonate sequences.

Molecular characterization of QTL for grain zinc and iron concentrations in wheat landrace Chinese Spring.

Three stable QTL for grain zinc concentration were identified in wheat landrace Chinese Spring. Favorable alleles were more frequent in landraces than in modern wheat cultivars. Wheat is a major source of dietary energy for the growing world population. Developing cultivars with enriched zinc and iron can potentially alleviate human micronutrient deficiency. In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population with 245 lines derived from cross Zhou 8425B/Chinese Spring was used to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) for grain zinc concentration (GZnC) and grain iron concentration (GFeC) across four environments. Three stable QTL for GZnC with all favorable alleles from Chinese Spring were identified on chromosomes 3BL, 5AL, and 5BL. These QTL explaining maxima of 8.7%, 5.8%, and 7.1% of phenotypic variances were validated in 125 resequenced wheat accessions encompassing both landraces and modern cultivars using six kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) assays. The frequencies of favorable alleles for QGZnCzc.caas-3BL, QGZnCzc.caas-5AL and QGZnCzc.caas-5BL were higher in landraces (90.4%, 68.0%, and 100.0%, respectively) compared to modern cultivars (45.9%, 35.4%, and 40.9%), suggesting they were not selected in breeding programs. Candidate gene association studies on GZnC in the cultivar panel further delimited the QTL into 8.5Mb, 4.1Mb, and 47.8Mb regions containing 46, 4, and 199 candidate genes, respectively. The 5BL QTL located in a region where recombination was suppressed. Two stable and three less stable QTL for GFeC with favorable alleles also from Chinese Spring were identified on chromosomes 4BS (Rht-B1a), 4DS (Rht-D1a), 1DS, 3AS, and 6DS. This study sheds light on the genetic basis of GZnC and GFeC in Chinese Spring and provides useful molecular markers for wheat biofortification.

Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management on Yield, Soil, and Plant Nutrient Status in Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis L.) cv. Phule Mosambi

ABSTRACT Impact of integrated nutrient management on plant and soil nutrient status in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L.) cv. Phule Mosambi was investigated for two consecutive years i.e. 2019 and 2020 at the Horticultural Research Farm, College of Horticulture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) comprised of 11 treatments replicated thrice. Significantly higher yield was recorded with T11 [50% Recommended Dose of Nitrogen (RDN) + 20 kg farmyard manure (FYM)/tree +25% nitrogen (N) from Castor Cake + 10 ml Bio NPK Consortium + Micronutrient foliar spray (1% Grade IV)] (17.35 and 17.01 t/ha) which was at par with T10 (15.92 and 15.56 a t/ha) during 2019 and 2020, respectively. Amongst the treatments, T11 had increased the nutrient contents of soil as well as in plant and recorded maximum available nitrogen (N), available potassium (K), soil boron (B) content, plant nitrogen (N) content, plant iron (Fe) content, plant copper (Cu) content and plant boron (B) content in both the years whereas available phosphorous (P) was found higher in treatment T7 in both the years. Treatment T8 recorded highest soil copper (Cu) content in both the years. As far as plant zinc (Zn) content is concerned, it was found higher in treatment T9 in both the years.

Dynamic and magnetic properties of excited magnons in tetragonal fcc [formula omitted]/SiO multilayer alloys

In this paper, we investigate by numerical lattice simulations the magnetic and dynamic properties of excited magnons in d transition metal alloys FexPt1−x/SiO using Green functions and second quantification techniques. The sandwich structure consists of magnetic (FePt) and non-magnetic (SiO) layers. The corresponding quantum Heisenberg Hamiltonian includes exchange interactions, magnetocrystalline anisotropy, surface anisotropy and magnetic field. The existence of the surface magnons is demonstrated by the surface creation factor η, which is in good agreement with the measured lifetime data. Surface magnons are characterized by their excitation spectrum, susceptibility of creation, creation gap, permitted band for creation, and lifetime, which are different from volume magnons properties. The susceptibility of creation analysis is compatible with experimental values, and the calculated lifetimes are in the order of femtoseconds (fs) reproducing the analytical behavior of the measured values along the lattice symmetry axis. The surface magnons are found to be more confined in time and space than those excited in volume, indicating the presence of short-range spin correlations. Magnetization per spin versus temperature is also calculated for different iron concentrations x and found to be in excellent agreement with the measured values. Also, the response of the system to an external magnetic field is shown for xFe=0.29 with various temperature values, and it agrees well with the experience.

Influence of fermentation conditions, and the blends of sorghum and carrot pulp supplementation on the nutritional and sensory quality of tef injera

Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter], an ancient cereal primarily grown in Ethiopia, is becoming increasingly popular worldwide due to its high iron content and gluten-free nature. However, it has been reported that injera produced only with tef flour lack certain vital nutrients. Therefore, this specific study was conducted to supplement tef injera with other food materials of better nutritional value and compensate its expensive market price with sorghum cereal flour. The effect of fermentation conditions, and the sorghum and carrot pulp blending ratio on the nutritional value and sensory quality of tef injera was investigated. The factorial approach of the experimental design was conducted considering the nutritional value and sensory quality of the injera made of three main blending ratios of tef, sorghum, and carrot (60% tef: 30% sorghum: 10% carrot pulp, 45% tef: 45% sorghum: 10% carrot pulp and 30% tef: 60% sorghum: 10% carrot pulp) as experiential variables. The raw materials and injera were characterised for their proximate composition, physicochemical property, mineral composition, microbial analysis, and sensory attributes, using standard methods. The results of the study show that fermentation conditions and blending ratios have a significant effect on the nutritional, anti-nutritional, mineral content, microbial quality, and sensory properties of blended injera products, where higher values of ash, crude protein, crude fat, Total titratable acidity (TTA), Fe, Zn, and Ca (2.30%, 11.34%, 2.62%, 3.53, 32.97 mg/100 g, 2.98 mg/100 g and 176.85 mg/100 g, respectively) were analyzed for the co-fermented injera sample. In addition, a lower microbial count was observed in co-fermented injera samples, whereas microbial counts in injera samples prepared from carrot pulp-supplemented dough after the co-fermentation of tef and sorghum flours were observed to be higher. The injera product made using blending ratio of 60% tef: 30%sorghum: 10% carrot co-fermented was found to be the optimum result due to its very good nutritional improvement (i.e., reduction of some anti-nutritional factors, microbial contents, pH and increased contents of some minerals, crude protein, crude fat, TTA and improved most of the sensory quality of the supplemented injera product). According to this study, sorghum and carrot supplementation on tef could improve the nutritional value of injera while also providing an instant remedy for the growing price of tef.

Evaluating Heavy Metals in Human Breast Milk: a Cross-Sectional Study from Mining and Agricultural Areas in Northwestern Iran.

This study aimed to assess the levels of heavy metals in the breast milk of women residing in the mining and agricultural areas of East Azerbaijan province in Iran. This cross-sectional study analyzed 68 lactating mothers from mining (n = 28) and agricultural (n = 40) areas of East Azerbaijan province in Iran between June 2022 and March 2023. The study used an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to measure the concentrations of heavy metals, including arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe). A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) was used to collect data on the dietary and sociodemographic characteristics of the mothers. Although the concentration of arsenic (As) was below the limit of detection (LOD), the mean concentrations of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) were 1.11, 0.87, and 13.25mg/L in agricultural areas and 0.83, 0.93, and 11.35mg/L in mining areas, respectively. The concentrations of Cr (p < 0.001) and Fe (p = 0.019) were significantly higher in the breast milk of women residing in agricultural areas. However, the concentration of Cu was significantly higher (p = 0.085) in the breast milk of women living in mining areas. Additionally, lactation age had a significant effect on Cu levels (p = 0.015), with a negative coefficient of -0.011. The study indicates that the levels of heavy metals in breast milk can be influenced by the exposure to pesticides, fertilizers, volcanic soil, and disparities in access to post-natal care and iron supplements.

Characterization of airborne endotoxin in personal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and bioreactivity for elderly residents in Hong Kong

The heavy metals and bioreactivity properties of endotoxin in personal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) were characterized in the analysis. The average personal exposure concentrations to PM2.5 were ranged from 6.8 to 96.6 μg/m3. The mean personal PM2.5 concentrations in spring, summer, autumn, and winter were 32.1±15.8, 22.4±11.8, 35.3±11.9, and 50.2±19.9 μg/m3, respectively. There were 85 % of study targets exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) PM2.5 threshold (24 hours). The mean endotoxin concentrations ranged from 1.086 ± 0.384–1.912 ± 0.419 EU/m3, with a geometric mean (GM) varied from 1.034 to 1.869. The concentration of iron (Fe) (0.008–1.16 μg/m3) was one of the most abundant transition metals in the samples that could affect endotoxin toxicity under Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) stimulation. In summer, the interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels showed statistically significant differences compared to other seasons. Spearman correlation analysis showed endotoxin concentrations were positively correlated with chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni), implying possible roles as nutrients and further transport via adhering to the surface of fine inorganic particles. Mixed-effects model analysis demonstrated that Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production was positively associated with endotoxin concentration and Cr as a combined exposure factor. The Cr contained the highest combined effect (0.205–0.262), suggesting that Cr can potentially exacerbate the effect of endotoxin on inflammation and oxidative stress. The findings will be useful for practical policies for mitigating air pollution to protect the public health of the citizens.

Chemical Analysis and Agricultural Utilizations of Dams Reservoir Sediments

Sediment samples were collected from King Talal Dam (KTD) and subjected to chemical, physical, and mineralogical study to test their suitability as soil replacement. The concentration of Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Arsenic (As), Cobalt (Co), and Zinc (Zn) was obtained by atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and the elements phosphorus (P) and boron (B) were determined by using the spectrophotometric technique. These elements concentration was compared with the average concentration of soil in near by area of Jordan valley, It was found that the concentration of Cu and Zn, P, Fe, Mn, and K is within the standard range for soil fertility, and the concentration of Pb, Ni, As, Co, and Cd is within the standard range of agricultural human health safety regulation’s, the highest concentration on of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in sediment were found to be 1.48% and 15.0 ppm respectively. The lowest average concentration in KTD sediment was identified for cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) and was found to be &lt;0.01 and &lt;0.05 ppm respectively. The Laboratory tests carried out indicate that the water of King Talal Dam is free of heavy metals pollutants, and reservoir sediments can be used for soil replacement and amendment. It is highly recommended to keep the percentage of sediments of KTD to soil used in agriculture within the range of 25%-50%.

Assessment of Changes in Water Quality of Enim River, Muara Enim, South Sumatera, Indonesia to Determine Environmental Designations

Enim river flows within several sub-districts in Muara Enim Regency, including Semendo Darat Laut, Semendo Darat Tengah, Semendo Darat Ulu, Tanjung Agung, Lawang Kidul, and Muara Enim. This study examines changes in the water quality of the Enim River due to domestic wastewater discharges and the presence of the coal mining industry and household industries. Water samples were taken from 4 sampling stations along the Enim River in 2018 and 2023. Data consisted of results of physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters. The status of river water quality was assessed from the pollution index. The results of Enim River surface water quality measurements showed that the parameters of total suspended solids, Dissolved Oxygen, iron (Fe), copper (Cu), oil, and grease concentrations had breached the criteria set for Class II water quality, referring to Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia Number 82 of 2001. The results showed that there has been a change in the water quality status of Enim River from 2018 to 2023. The river water pollution index was (1.43-2.47) in 2018 and (1.49-3.85) in 2023 (lightly polluted). Comprehensive water treatment and preventive measures are necessary to manage and mitigate additional pollution in the Enim River.

Mendelian randomization evidence based on European ancestry for the causal effects of leukocyte telomere length on prostate cancer

BackgroundSeveral lines of evidence suggest that leukocyte telomere length (LTL) can affect the development of prostate cancer (PC).MethodsHere, we employed single nucleoside polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables (IVs) for LTL (n = 472,174) and conducted Mendelian randomization analysis to estimate their causal impact on PCs (79,148 patients/61,106 controls and 6311 patients/88,902 controls).ResultsEvery 1-s.d extension of LTL increased the risk of PCs by 34%. Additionally, the analysis of candidate mediators between LTL and PCs via two-step Mendelian randomization revealed that among the 23 candidates, Alzheimer’s disease, liver iron content, sex hormone binding global levels, naive CD4–CD8-T cell% T cell, and circulating leptin levels played substantial mediating roles. There is no robust evidence to support the reverse causal relationship between LTL and the selected mediators of PCs. Adjusting for the former four mediators, rather than adjusting for circulating leptin levels, decreased the impact of LTL on PCs.ConclusionThis study provides potential intervention measures for preventing LTL-induced PCs.

Effects of blending ratios variation on micronutrient compositions and phytate/minerals molar ratios of dabi teff-field pea based novel composite complementary flours

Mixtures of multiple grains at varied ratios can provide multiple and higher micronutrients than a single grain. Thus, this research was aimed at examining the effect of blending ratios variation on micro-compositions and phytate/minerals molar ratios of pre-processed local dabi teff-field pea based novel composite complementary flours. Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry was used to determine dietary minerals. Nutrisurvey software was employed to define ranges of the mixture components and they were constrained at 20–35% for dabi teff, 0–30% field pea and 5–20% maize, while the remaining were set constant at 25% barley, 15% oats and 5% linseed. Design-Expert ® software version 11, D-optimal was used to generate eleven experimental blends and to examine the effects of blending ratio variation on the responses. Mean mineral contents were significantly different (P < 0.05) among the blends (as affected by component ratios variation) and ranged from 24.01–31.58 mg/100 g for iron, 73.46 -78.81 mg/100 g for calcium, and 2.33–2.61 mg/100 g for zinc contents. The phytate/minerals molar ratios were significantly different among the blends except phytate/calcium molar ratio (Ph:Ca), ranged from 0.232–0.344 for phytate/iron molar ratio (Ph:Fe), 0.067–0.085 for (Ph:Ca), 3.356–4.18 for phytate/zinc molar ratio (Ph:Zn) and 6.457–7.943 for phytate by calcium to zinc molar ratio (Ph*Ca:Zn). A linear model was significant (P < 0.05) and adequate to describe variations in iron, zinc, Ph:Fe, Ph:Zn and Ph*Ca:Zn. There was a remarkably linear increase in iron and calcium contents with an increased dabi teff ratio in the blends accompanied by a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in phytate/minerals molar ratios. The findings showed that increasing dabi teff ratio in the blends notably increased iron content with reduced Ph:Fe molar ratio, providing the bases for developing iron-dense novel composite complementary flour with improved iron bioavailability to combat iron deficiency anemia among children.Graphical

Experimental conditions for room temperature ferromagnetism in Fe-doped SnO2 via mechanochemical milling and thermal treatment

Identifying optimal experimental conditions, preferably through a simple and cost-effective method, for the fabrication of oxide-diluted magnetic semiconductors, such as Fe-doped SnO2, holds great significance in the quest for spintronic materials operating at room temperature (RT). While mechanochemical milling is a well-established technique meeting these requirements, its numerous milling variables necessitate careful consideration of restricted experimental conditions. In this study, we present some experimental mechanochemical milling conditions to prepare impurity-free iron-doped tin dioxide nanoparticles exhibiting RT ferromagnetic signal. To achieve this, we investigated the effects of milling time, the choice of the starting Sn reactant, and iron concentration on the purity of Sn1−xFexO2 (x = 0, 0.03, and 0.05) nanopowders obtained through mechanochemical milling followed by thermal treatment. Characterization through XRD, XANES, and EXAFS at the Fe K-edge, RT Raman spectroscopy, 119Sn and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopies, and magnetic measurements was conducted. Among the experimental techniques, micro-Raman spectroscopy proved the most effective in detecting the formation of hematite as an impurity phase. Our results indicate that extending the milling time to 12 h, as opposed to 3 h, employing anhydrous SnCl2, instead of SnCl2·2H2O and using the low iron concentration of x = 0.03, results in proper conditions for producing impurity-free samples with a robust RT ferromagnetic signal. The oxidation states for iron and tin ions were determined to be 3+ and 4+, respectively, with both occupying octahedral sites, suggesting iron’s replacement of tin. Our findings propose that both the bound magnetic polaron and RKKY models offer potential explanations for the origin of the ferromagnetic signal observed at room temperature in Sn0.97Fe0.03O2 sample milled for 12 h.

Propofol Mitigates Sepsis-Induced Brain Injury by Inhibiting Ferroptosis Via Activation of the Nrf2/HO-1axis.

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) develops in 30-70% of hospitalized patients with sepsis. In intensive care units (ICUs), propofol is often administered to ensure an appropriate level of sedation in mechanically ventilated patients. Ferroptosis is a newly identified mode of cellular death characterized by the peroxidation of membrane lipids and excessive iron. This study was conducted to explore the interplay between propofol, sepsis, and ferroptosis. An acute systemic inflammatory model was constructed via the intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Nissl and Fluoro-Jade C (FJC) staining were employed to display neuronal damage and degeneration. Western blotting and immunofluorescence (IF) staining of Bax and Bcl-2 were used to confirm the neural apoptosis. QPCR of cytokines and DHE staining were used to indicate neuroinflammation. To validate ferroptosis, we assessed the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), GSH, and tissue iron, accompanied by transcription level of CHAC1, PTGS2 and GPX4. Additionally, we examined the content of acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), xCT (SLC7A11, solute carrier family 7 member 11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). The IF staining of Iba1-labeled microglia and GFAP-marked astrocytes were used to measure the gliosis. Erastin was pre-pretreated to confirm the anti-ferroptotic capability of propofol. ML385 was preconditioned to explore the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in propofol-repressed ferroptosis. Propofol dose-dependently inhibited the decrease of Nissl-positive neurons and the increase of FJC-stained neurons in septic hippocampus and cortex. Neural cytokines, oxidative stress, apoptosis and gliosis were reduced by propofol. Propofol repressed the level of MDA, iron, CHAC1, PTGS2, ACLS4 and restored the content of GSH, GPX4, xCT, Nrf2 and HO-1, thus inhibiting sepsis-induced ferroptosis. All protections from propofol could be reversed by eratsin and ML385 pretreatment. Propofol protected against sepsis-induced brain damage, neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis and gliosis through the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 axis to combat ferroptosis.

Tetramethylpyrazine alleviates ferroptosis and promotes functional recovery in spinal cord injury by regulating GPX4/ACSL4

ObjectiveTetramethylpyrazine (TMP) has been demonstrated to alleviate neuronal ferroptosis following spinal cord injury (SCI), thereby promoting neural repair. However, the precise underlying mechanisms remain elusive. MethodsThe SCI model was established using a modified version of Allen's method. TMP (40, 80, 120, and 160 mg/kg) and ras-selective lethal 3 (RSL3) (5 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally once daily for 7 days. HE and Nissl staining were employed to examine histomorphology and neurons, respectively. Perls staining was used to identify the distribution of iron. A transmission electron microscope was used to observe the microcosmic morphology of mitochondria. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot were used to analyze neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) surrounding injury sites. Additionally, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4)/NeuN + cells and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4)/NeuN + cells were observed. RT-qPCR was conducted to examine the mRNA expression levels of GPX4 and ACSL4. ELISA were used to quantify the concentrations of GPX4, reactive oxygen species (ROS), L-glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and tissue iron. ResultsTMP had an inhibitory effect on the concentrations of tissue iron, ROS, GSH, MDA, and SOD. TMP improved the microcosmic morphology of mitochondria and increased GPX4 level while decreasing that of ACSL4. TMP reduced lesion sizes, enhanced neuronal survival, and inhibited glial scar formation. However, the effect of TMP can be effectively reversed by RSL3. ConclusionTMP alleviates neuronal ferroptosis by regulating the GPX4/ACSL4 axis, thereby protecting the remaining neurons surrounding injury sites and reducing glial scar formation.

Antianemic Activity of Allolobophora caliginosa Extract against Phenylhydrazine-induced Anemia in Rats

Background:: Anemia is a global hematological disorder. Earthworms have antimicrobial, antispasmodic, antihypertensive, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant properties. Objective:: Our study aimed to investigate the anti-anemic activity of the earthworm Allolobophora caliginosa extract (AcE) on phenylhydrazine-induced hemolytic anemia in rats. Methods:: Eighteen adult male albino rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 6 per group) as follows: Control, PHZ, and AcE-treated groups. Induction of anemia was done by intraperitoneal administration of phenylhydrazine (40 mg/kg) for 2 consecutive days. Treatment of AcE by intraperitoneal injection (45 mg/kg) for six successive days. Results:: Treatment of anemic rats with AcE extract caused significant increases in red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (HB), hematocrit (HCT), total protein (TP), albumin, glutathione reduced (GSH), catalase (CAT), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), as compared to the PHZ group. While, mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) levels significantly decreased after intraperitoneal administration of AcE, when compared to the PHZ group. Liver sections from the AcEtreated group restored the normal micromorphological features of the liver. The expression of caspase- 3 was weak and/or there was no expression in the liver sections from AcE groups. AcE caused a significant reduction in the incidence of DNA damage, which appeared as less DNA in the tails. Conclusion:: The present research sheds light on the antianemic efficacy of AcE in rats. This study reveals that AcE has antianemic activity, which can be linked to its iron and branched-chain amino acid content, as well as antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties.

Enhancement of growth media for extreme iron limitation in Escherichia coli

Iron is an essential nutrient for microbial growth and bacteria have evolved numerous routes to solubilize and scavenge this biometal, which is often present at very low concentrations in host tissue. We recently used a MOPS-based medium to induce iron limitation in Escherichia coli K-12 during the characterization of novel siderophore-conjugated antibiotics. In this study we confirm that growth media derived from commercially available M9 salts are unsuitable for studies of iron-limited growth, probably through the contamination of the sodium phosphate buffer components with over 100 µM iron. In contrast, MOPS-based media that are treated with metal-binding Chelex resin allow the free iron concentration to be reduced to growth-limiting levels. Despite these measures a small amount of E. coli growth is still observed in these iron-depleted media. By growing E. coli in conditions that theoretically increase the demand for iron-dependent enzymes, namely by replacing the glucose carbon source for acetate and by switching to a microaerobic atmosphere, we can reduce background growth even further. Finally, we demonstrate that by adding an exogeneous siderophore to the growth media which is poorly used by E. coli, we can completely prevent growth, perhaps mimicking the situation in host tissue. In conclusion, this short study provides practical experimental insight into low iron media and how to augment the growth conditions of E. coli for extreme iron-limited growth.

Quantitative susceptibility mapping of multiple system atrophy and Parkinson's disease correlates with neurotransmitter reference maps

BackgroundMultiple system atrophy (MSA) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are neurodegenerative disorders characterized by α-synuclein pathology, disrupted iron homeostasis and impaired neurochemical transmission. Considering the critical role of iron in neurotransmitter synthesis and transport, our study aims to identify distinct patterns of whole-brain iron accumulation in MSA and PD, and to elucidate the corresponding neurochemical substrates. MethodsA total of 122 PD patients, 58 MSA patients and 78 age-, sex-matched health controls underwent multi-echo gradient echo sequences and neurological evaluations. We conducted voxel-wise and regional analyses using quantitative susceptibility mapping to explore MSA or PD-specific alterations in cortical and subcortical iron concentrations. Spatial correlation approaches were employed to examine the topographical alignment of cortical iron accumulation patterns with normative atlases of neurotransmitter receptor and transporter densities. Furthermore, we assessed the associations between the colocalization strength of neurochemical systems and disease severity. ResultsMSA patients exhibited increased susceptibility in the striatal, midbrain, cerebellar nuclei, as well as the frontal, temporal, occipital lobes, and anterior cingulate gyrus. In contrast, PD patients displayed elevated iron levels in the left inferior occipital gyrus, precentral gyrus, and substantia nigra. The excessive iron accumulation in MSA or PD correlated with the spatial distribution of cholinergic, noradrenaline, glutamate, serotonin, cannabinoids, and opioid neurotransmitters, and the degree of this alignment was related to motor deficits. ConclusionsOur findings provide evidence of the interaction between iron accumulation and non-dopamine neurotransmitters in the pathogenesis of MSA and PD, which inspires research on potential targets for pharmacotherapy.

Smart App Assisted Colorimetric Determination of Iron: A Case Study in UDUPI Taluk

Abstract: Water is an important source for several uses. Water from surface and groundwater is used extensively to get the various industrial and domestic demands. Increased industrialization and urbanization discharges wastewater in the environment without treatment. By the infiltration and runoff, The water reaches subsurface and water above the ground and pollutes fresh water. Groundwater treatment is costlier and requires proper assessment. The area selected for study is Udupi taluk, Karnataka state. The study says that in Udupi region the soil is sensitive and here the soil is lateritic, there is a chance that the soil induces iron content in water which may increases concentration of iron in water. According to BIS 10500:2012 the limit of iron concentration in water is 0.3mg/lt. If iron content in water exceeds from 0.3mg/lt, it causes various health effects and waterborne diseases

Phosphorus speciation in sewage sludge and their ashes after incineration as a function of treatment processes.

Phosphorus (P) is a key component in agricultural fertilizers, but it is also a scarce resource, why its recycling has been thoroughly investigated and one promising resources is sewage sludge. Because of stricter regulations in terms of sludge disposal, thermal treatment (e.g. incineration) has become an attractive option. The incineration process alters the chemical speciation of P in favour to calcium-associated (apatite, apatite phosphorus (AP)) species, which is preferred for P recovery. In order to achieve qualitatively transformation, it is important to identify limiting or promoting factors. This study reports on the impact of iron, aluminium and calcium on the transformation of iron- and aluminium-phosphate (NAIP) to AP species, assessed by studying sludge and ash from 10 municipal wastewater treatment plants in Sweden. The effect of iron and aluminium added in the treatment processes was also evaluated. The obtained results show that high calcium concentration favours formation of AP species in both sludge and ashes, whereas high concentration of iron and aluminium favours formation of NAIP species in the sludge. The transformation from NAIP to AP species is hampered by aluminium, irrespectively of its origin, whereas no such correlations could be seen for iron. Therefore, in order to enable efficient P recovery from sewage sludge ash, the amount of aluminium added in the treatment process, as well as its concentration in influent streams to the treatment plants, must be limited.