Low Iron Content Research Articles

Quantitative susceptibility mapping shows lower brain iron content in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

To investigate the feasibility of quantitative susceptibility mapping in children with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), 53 children with ADHD aged 5–16 years were prospectively selected as the study group and 49 healthy children matched with age and gender were selected as the control group. All children underwent magnetic resonance imaging conventional sequence, 3D‐T1, and enhanced T2*‐weighted magnetic resonance angiography (ESWAN) sequence scanning. The iron content of brain regions was obtained through software postprocessing, and the iron content of brain regions of children with ADHD and healthy children was compared and analyzed to find out the characteristics of the iron content of brain regions of children with ADHD. The iron content in frontal lobe, globus pallidus, caudate nucleus, substantia nigra, putamen, and hippocampus of children with ADHD was lower than that of healthy children (p < .05). There was no significant difference in the content of iron in the left and right brain regions of children with ADHD (p > .05). The volume of frontal lobe and hippocampus of children with ADHD was lower than that of healthy children (p < .05). Iron content in brain areas such as globus pallidus, caudate nucleus, hippocampus, and putamen could distinguish children with ADHD (Area under curve [AUC] > 0.5, p < .05). Quantitative susceptibility mapping showed decreased iron content in some brain regions of children with ADHD.

CeO2-Fe2O3 mixed oxides: Synthesis, characterization and evaluation in the photocatalytic degradation of nitroaromatic compounds from wastewater of the explosives industry

Cerium-iron mixed oxides were synthesized by the polymeric precursor method with three Fe/(Fe + Ce) ratios (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3). The incorporation of iron caused significant changes in the properties of CeO2 such as decrease in the crystallite size and lattice parameter, formation of oxygen vacancies, redshift of the absorption edge and reduction of the band gap energy. The photocatalytic performance of the mixed oxides using ultraviolet and visible radiation was evaluated in the degradation of nitroaromatic compounds present in the effluent known as red water (RW), typical of the explosives industry. The reaction performed with the catalyst with the lowest iron content (7.5 g L-1) under ultraviolet radiation at pH 3.0 resulted, after 360 min, in 96% of degradation of nitroaromatic compounds and 90% of reduction in toxicity of the effluent. Such performance characterizes the potentiality of cerium-iron mixed oxides as alternative materials for the photocatalytic treatment of recalcitrant chemical species.

Human homeostatic iron regulator gene polymorphism in autistic population of India; a case-control study

BackgroundAutism is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder. Human homeostatic iron regulator (HFE) codes for HFE protein. HFE protein is very essential for inhibitory regulation of the endocytosis of iron. ObjectivePresent study aims to screen C282Y and H63D polymorphism of the HFE gene in autistic children. Method30 autistic children and 30 healthy age-matched control children were included in the study. TXRF analysis was performed for quantification of Iron in plasma. Genomic DNA was extracted using peripheral blood samples and targeted SNPs were screened using Restriction fragment length polymorphism. Genotype, allelic frequencies and risk ratio were calculated using the statistical method. ResultsTXRF analysis shows a significantly very low concentration of iron in autistic children compared to the control group [1039.6 ± 28 μg/L vs 2372.2 ± 35 μg/L, p-value 0.001]. Genetic Study shows that all the 30 controls and 28 autistic cases showed homozygote C/C allele. Two heterozygote C/Y alleles and no homozygous Y/Y allele were observed for C282Y polymorphism for autistic cases. 29 control and 23 autistic cases showed a homozygote H/H allele. 01 control and 07 autistic cases showed heterozygote H/D allele for H63D polymorphism. C282Y and H63D polymorphisms of HFE gene for heterozygous condition showed non-significant evidence of risk for causing autism OR = 5.35, 95%CI = 0.25–116.3, P-value-0.29 and OR = 8.8, 95%CI = 1.0–76.9, P-value = 0.05 respectively. ConclusionsPresent study found that C282Y and H63D were not found to be the risk factor for autism in the targeted study cohort.

Austenitic Stainless Steel as a Catalyst Material for Photo-Fenton Degradation of Organic Dyes

In this paper, a typical austenitic stainless steel was used as a catalyst in the visible photo-Fenton degradation process of two model dyes, methylene blue and methylorange, in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and potassium persulfate as free radical-generating species. The concentration intervals for both peroxide and persulfate were in the range of 333–1667 μg/L. Very high photodecoloration efficiencies have been achieved using peroxide (&gt;93%), while moderate ones have been achieved using persulfate (&gt;75%) at a pH value of 6.5. For methylene blue, the maximum mineralization yield of 74.5% was achieved using 1665 μg/L of hydrogen peroxide, while methylorange was better mineralized using 999 μg/L of persulfate. The photodegradation of the dye occurred in two distinct steps, which were successfully modeled by the Langmuir–Hinshelwood pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Reaction rate constants k between 0.1 and 4.05 h−1 were observed, comparable to those presented in the reference literature at lower pH values and higher concentrations of total iron from the aqueous media.

Effect of trace elements in the immune system of pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in alex ekwueme federal university teaching hospital

Copper, iron, selenium and zinc are important trace elements during pregnancy. They function as antioxidants and play major roles in strengthening the immune system. This study evaluates the importance of these trace elements in the immune system and their concentrations during pregnancy. These trace elements were evaluated using 75 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki as Test participants and 75 non-pregnant women were used as control participants. The analysis was done using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The socio-demographic, Obstetrics and Gynaecological characteristics of the participants were obtained using questionnaire. A cross-sectional comparative study design was adopted for this. The results showed that the mean and standard deviation (M±SD) in mg / l of the test and control of trace elements (copper, iron, selenium and zinc) are; 0.13±0.03 and 0.38±0.03, 0.48±0.07 and 0.82±0.09, 0.86±0.11 and 0.94±0.07, 0.52±0.07 and 0.52±0.05 respectively. Also mean levels of Cu and Fe were significantly decreased in the pregnant women than in control (p=&amp;#60;0.001; 0.002) respectively. Nevertheless, there was no statistically significant differences between selenium and zinc levels in the pregnant women when compared to their controls (p=0.575; 0.982) respectively. Low concentration of iron is suggestive of iron deficiency and this study revealed 65.3% non-compliance to routine iron supplement given during antenatal. Trimester, age and parity appeared not to have any significant effect on the level of these trace elements. Hence, there is need to ensure the intake well-balanced meal to optimize copper levels during pregnancy.

Al–Mn–Fe intermetallic formation in AZ91 magnesium alloys: Effects of impurity iron

The influence of iron on the formation of Al–Mn–Fe intermetallic compounds (IMCs) has been investigated in the solidification of Mg–9Al-0.7Zn-0.2Mn (wt.%, AZ91) with iron contents ranging from ∼0.001 to > 0.01 wt.% Fe. Four Al–Mn–Fe IMCs formed depending on the Fe-content and location in the crucible: B2–Al(Fe,Mn), Al8Mn5, Al11Mn4 and, at the bottom of crucibles, Al5Fe2. The four IMCs nucleated and grew on one another, producing multiphase particles. These usually contained numerous orientations that were all interrelated through simple orientation relationships that are discussed in terms of the similarities between the IMC crystal structures. The iron content affected the IMC phase fractions and the multiphase particle morphology. At low iron content, the Fe-rich B2 phase was encapsulated by a low-Fe Al8Mn5 shell. With increasing iron content, the Fe-rich phases (B2 and Al5Fe2) gradually became in direct contact with the α-Mg. The threshold Fe:Mn content for adequate corrosion performance is found to correlate approximately to where B2–Al(Fe,Mn) first becomes exposed to the α-Mg matrix.

Transcriptome analysis provides new insights into plants responses under phosphate starvation in association with chilling stress

BackgroundChilling temperature reduces the rate of photosynthesis in plants, which is more pronounced in association with phosphate (Pi) starvation. Previous studies showed that Pi resupply improves recovery of the rate of photosynthesis in plants much better under combination of dual stresses than in non-chilled samples. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood.Results In this study, RNA-seq analysis showed the expression level of 41 photosynthetic genes in plant roots increased under phosphate starvation associated with 4 °C (-P 4 °C) compared to -P 23 °C. Moreover, iron uptake increased significantly in the stem cell niche (SCN) of wild type (WT) roots in -P 4 °C. In contrast, lower iron concentrations were found in SCN of aluminum activated malate transporter 1 (almt1) and its transcription factor, sensitive to protein rhizotoxicity 1 (stop1) mutants under -P 4 °C. The Fe content examined by ICP-MS analysis in -P 4 °C treated almt1 was 98.5 ng/µg, which was only 17% of that of seedlings grown under -P 23 °C. Average plastid number in almt1 root cells under -P 4 °C was less than -P 23 °C. Furthermore, stop1 and almt1 single mutants both exhibited increased primary root elongation than WT under combined stresses. In addition, dark treatment blocked the root elongation phenotype of stop1 and almt1.ConclusionsInduction of photosynthetic gene expression and increased iron accumulation in roots is required for plant adjustment to chilling in association with phosphate starvation.

Effect of Microstructure Evolution of Iron-Rich Intermetallic Compounds on Mechanical Property of Al–7Si–0.3Mg Casting Alloy with Low Iron Content

Effect of Microstructure Evolution of Iron-Rich Intermetallic Compounds on Mechanical Property of Al–7Si–0.3Mg Casting Alloy with Low Iron Content

Degradation mechanism of high alumina refractory bricks by reaction with deposits in a rotary kiln for fluxed iron ore pellets production

The formed deposits wear out of refractory wall linings in the rotary kiln and may cause production disturbances. This study describes the chemical composition and mineralogical phase components at the deposit/refractory interface in the rotary kiln for fluxed iron ore pellets production. The main phases of refractory bricks are corundum and mullite, while the deposits mainly contain hematite and silicates. The main phases in the deposit/refractory brick contact zone are hematite, anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8), mullite, corundum, and silicates. Moreover, the hematite phases in the deposit/brick interface averagely contain 6.98 wt% Al and 1.38 wt% Ti. The silicates in the contact zone contain higher aluminium content and lower iron content than the silicates in the deposits. Finally, the thermodynamic analysis indicates that the main phases in the deposits can react with the refractory to form Al2Fe2O6, CaAl2Si2O8, feldspar, and liquid phases lead to the degradation of bricks in the kiln during the iron ore pellets production.

MYB308-mediated transcriptional activation of plasma membrane H+-ATPase 6 promotes iron uptake in citrus

Iron-deficiency chlorosis is a common nutritional disorder in crops grown on alkaline or calcareous soils. Although the acclimation mechanism to iron deficiency has been investigated, the genetic regulation of iron acquisition is still unclear. Here, by comparing the iron uptake process between the iron-poor-soil-tolerant citrus species Zhique (ZQ) and the iron-poor-soil-sensitive citrus species trifoliate orange (TO), we discovered that enhanced root H + efflux is crucial for the tolerance to iron deficiency in ZQ. The H+ efflux is mainly regulated by a plasma membrane-localized H+-ATPase, HA6, the expression of which is upregulated in plants grown in soil with low iron content, and significantly higher in the roots of ZQ than TO. Overexpression of the HA6 gene in the Arabidopsis thaliana aha2 mutant, defective in iron uptake, recovered the wild-type phenotype. In parallel, overexpression of the HA6 gene in TO significantly increased iron content of plants. Moreover, an iron deficiency-induced transcription factor, MYB308, was revealed to bind the promoter and activate the expression of HA6 in ZQ in yeast one-hybrid, electrophoretic mobility shift, and dual-luciferase assays. Overexpression of MYB308 in ZQ roots significantly increased the expression level of the HA6 gene. However, MYB308 cannot bind or activate the HA6 promoter in TO due to the sequence variation of the corresponding MYB308 binding motif. Taking these results together, we propose that the MYB308 could activate HA6 to promote root H+ efflux and iron uptake, and that the distinctive MYB308-HA6 transcriptional module may be, at least in part, responsible for the iron deficiency tolerance in citrus.

Rapid Immobilization of Transferable Ni in Soil by Fe78Si9B13 Amorphous Zero-Valent Iron

Fe-Si-B amorphous zero-valent iron has attracted wide attention because of its efficient remediation of heavy metals and dye wastewater. In this paper, the remediation effect of amorphous zero-valent iron powder (Fe78Si9B13AP) on Ni contaminated soil was investigated. Results show that the immobilization efficiency of nickel in soil by Fe78Si9B13AP with low iron content is higher than that by ZVI. The apparent activation energies of the reactions of Fe78Si9B13AP with Ni2+ ions is 25.31 kJ/mol. After continuing the reaction for 7 days, Ni2+ ions is mainly transformed into monoplasmatic nickel (Ni0) and nickel combined with iron (hydroxide) oxides. Microstructure investigations show that the product layer with nano-pore structure is beneficial to improve the reaction activity of Fe78Si9B13AP. After that, a magnetic separation process is introduced, in which part of the immobilized Ni are removed to reduce the total Ni content in soil by 58.21%. The results of simulated acid rain leaching experiment showed that the release of Ni in the soil after Fe78Si9B13AP remediation is 62.89% lower than that before remediation.

Petrological model for formation of felsic volcanic rocks of the Pecherkinskaya Formation (northwestern part of the Salair Ridge)

The geochemical and isotopic (Nd, Sr) characteristics of felsic volcanic rocks of the Pecherkinskaya Formation in the northwestern part of the Salair Ridge were studied. These rocks are closely associated with industrially significant deposits and manifestations of gold- and silver-bearing pyrite-polymetallic formations with potentially gold-bearing weathering crusts on them. The study of the material composition of unaltered volcanic rocks of the Pecherkinskaya Formation is necessary for the reconstruction of the conditions of their formation, which contributes to estimation of the mineragenic potential of this formation and the conditions during the accumulation of ore matter. Felsic volcanic rocks of the Pecherkinskaya Formation are an extreme member of the basalt-plagioryolite series, have an extremely high-sodium type of alkalinity with a low potassium content, are calcareous and characterized by high silica contents, low iron content, have low REE concentrations, are enriched in Pb and U and depleted in Ta and Nb, are characterized by high values of εNd (t) (+6.36) and primary ratio 87Sr / 86Sr (0.706977). The REE distribution spectra show a low degree of fractionation with a pronounced negative "europium anomaly". The geochemical composition of the Pecherkinskaya Formation volcanic rocks indicates that primary magmas were formed by partial melting of rocks of the lower continental crust at a pressure of ~ 8 kbar in equilibrium with Hbl + Cpx + Pl ± Opx restite and a temperature of ~ 750-790 ° C. The isotope-geochemical characteristics indicating the participation of depleted mantle in the source are probably inherited from the juvenile crust, the rocks of which could have been formed as a result of differentiation of mantle magmas. Geological and geochemical features of felsic volcanic rocks of the Pecherkinskaya Formation are characteristic of igneous rocks formed under conditions of oceanic arcs.

EFFECT OF IRON ON BONE TISSUE METABOLISM AND THYROID FUNCTION IN CHILDREN LIVING ON RADIOLOGICALLY CONTAMINATED TERRITORIES SINCE THE ChNPP ACCIDENT.

To assess the metabolic processes in bone tissue and state of thyroid gland depending on iron metabolism parameters in children of pre-pubertal, pubertal and post-pubertal age, living on radiologically contaminated territories after the ChNPP accident. Children (n = 119) aged 6 to 18 years were examined and the 4 study groups were formed, featuring the childhood, pre-pubertal, pubertal and post-pubertal life periods. Clinical symptoms, iron metabolism parameters (serum iron (SI) and ferritin (SF) content, transferrin saturation coefficient), parameters of bone tissue metabolism (serum creatinine and alkaline phosphatase (APh)), and amino acid content in urine were taken into account. Functional state of thyroid, titers of antibodies to thyroperoxidase (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin (TgAb) were assayed. Results and their discussion are presented depending on the age of children, biochemical parameters of blood, iron metabolism findings, thyroid gland function and individualized radiation doses. In 13.4 % of pubertal and post-pubertal children an elevated content of SI and SF was observed. APh levels were increased in 20.2 % of children (758.9 ± 16.3 U/l) being directly correlated with SI levels (rs = 0.50; р < 0.01). In 16.3 % of children of pubertal and post-pubertal age, in whom the level of SI was above 27 μmol/l, a direct correlation with serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level was established in case of the hormone content above 2.5 mU/l (rs = 0.50; р < 0.05). Serum creatinine level directly correlated with glycine content in urine (rs = 0.70), which is a part of collagen, and inversely correlated with serum APh (rs = -0.47), (р < 0.05). Under the levels of SI higher than (15.1 ± 1.2) μmol/l and SF higher than (87.5 ± 6.4) ng/ml, the TPOAb titer was higher than at lower iron concentrations (U-test = 64.5, р < 0.05). The TgAb titer directly correlated with SI (rs = 0.39) and TSH (rs = 0.81) levels (р < 0.01). The average effective radiation dose in children was (0.75 ± 0.10) mSv. A direct correlation was established between the child's radiation dose and age (rs = 0.33; р < 0.05). Bone metabolism depends on the age of children, characteristics of pubertal period, excess of iron in the body, and functional state of thyroid system, which is involved in collagen formation and protein metabolism.

Chemical composition, vitamins, and minerals of family farming biribiri (Averrhoa bilimbi L.) in the Middle Doce River region, Minas Gerais, BrazilTítulo 12

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated physical characteristics, chemical composition, content of vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, and minerals in biribiri fruits (Averrhoa bilimbi) from the Middle Doce River region (Minas Gerais, Brazil). Titratable acidity was determined by volumetric neutralization, pH by direct potentiometry, soluble solids by refractometry, humidity by gravimetry, ash by calcination in muffle, proteins by the micro-Kjeldahl method, dietary fiber by non-enzymatic gravimetric method and lipids using a Soxhlet extractor. Carotenoids and vitamin C were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and vitamin E by HPLC with fluorescence detector. Fourteen minerals were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Biribiri showed high yield of edible portion (100%), low lipid, protein and carbohydrate content, and; consequently, low total energy value (25.36 kcal 100 g-1). The fruit also showed low dietary fiber content (0.62 g 100 g-1), total vitamin E (17.62 µg 100 g-1), total carotenoids (0.32 g 100 g-1), and high vitamin C, zinc, copper, iron content, manganese, molybdenum and chrome content. Regarding the heavy metals, the fruit showed no cadmium, and traces of aluminum and nickel. In conclusion, biribiri presented low energy value and expressive contents of dietary fibers, vitamin C, iron, manganese, molybdenum, chromium, zinc, and copper.

Growth performance of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultivated in water from ex-sand pit lakes by phytoremediation treatments

Utilization of ex-sand pit lakes for aquaculture is difficult due to low water quality and high concentrations of iron (Fe). Phytoremediation using aquatic plants has been proven to be effective in reducing Fe in waters. This study aims to determine the growth, feed conversion efficiency and survival rate of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultured with ex-sand mining water media with phytoremediation treatment. Phytoremediation treatment was carried out by Eichhornnia crassipes, Azolla pinnata, and Salvinia molesta. Fish culture experiments were carried out in plastic tarpaulin tanks for 40 days, with ad satiation feeding, three times a day using the commercial feed. The results showed that phytoremediation with aquatic plants had succeeded in reducing Fe to a level suitable for fish culture. Fish culture experiments showed an absolute length growth rate of 0.09-0.18 cm/day and an absolute weight growth rate of 0.11-0.16 g/day. The feed conversion ratio was 1.18-1.40 and the survival rate was 98.04-99.08%. The survival rate of tilapia is high, the feed conversion ratio is medium and growth is low. The high environmental temperature and the decrease in water quality due to the absence of water changes and aeration are suspected of causing the low growth of fish. Therefore, further research with water change and aeration experiments and the use of other species of fish is needed to follow up the results of this study.

CORELATION BETWEEN RHEUMATIC DISEASE AND AUTOHEMOLITIC ANEMIA

The autoimmune hemolytic anemias antibody can be hot or cold, have an incidence of 70 to 80% may be idiopathic in 50 to 60% and the rest of the cases secondary to lymphoproliferative disorders, collagen disease, drugs, solid tumors, infections and inflammatory bowel disease. RA may result in the reduced lifespan of red blood cells.&nbsp;This could lead to anemia if the body is unable to produce new red blood cells at a sufficient rate. Understanding these links between RA and anemia is crucial. Anemia is a common comorbidity in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis&nbsp;(RA). In fact, anemia of the type characterized by low serum iron concentrations in conjunction with adequate iron stores is frequently associated with RA and has served as a model for anemia of chronic disease. Rheumatoid vasculitis can affect blood vessels in many parts of your body. For this reason, it can cause many different symptoms. It most often damages blood vessels to the skin, fingers and toes, nerves, eyes, and heart. This&nbsp;reduces blood flow to these areas and damages them. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be associated with a range of extraarticular manifestations, with&nbsp;hematologic complications including anemia&nbsp;and other conditions with hematologic abnormalities, such as Felty syndrome and lymphoproliferative disorders, particularly lymphoma and large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia Keywords: rheumathic disease, autohemolitic anemia.

Resistance to disuse-induced iron overload in Daurian ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus) during extended hibernation inactivity.

Iron overload occurs in disuse-induced osteoporosis. Hibernators are a natural animal model of resistance to disuse osteoporosis. We hypothesized that hibernators avoid iron overload to resist disuse-induced osteoporosis. Here, the role of iron metabolism in resistance to disuse osteoporosis was investigated by studying differences in iron content and iron metabolism in the femurs and livers of Daurian ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus) between the summer active and torpid states. Results showed that the femurs were generally well-maintained during torpor, with no significant differences observed in most bone microstructural parameters, except for a significantly lower (by 40%) trabecular bone connection density. Femur and liver iron concentrations were significantly lower during torpor (by 59% and 49%, respectively). Based on histological staining, livers were iron-negative and femurs showed a reduction in iron-positive area (by 83%) during torpor; The number of osteoblasts and osteoclasts showed no significant differences between the two groups. Most iron metabolism/homeostasis proteins expression levels in the femur and liver showed no significant differences between the two groups, with their stable expression likely preventing iron overload during inactivity. Higher femoral transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) expression (by 108%) and lower liver ferritin expression (by 45%) were found in torpid squirrels. Lower liver ferritin may be related to the lower iron content, with the elevation in femoral TfR1 potentially related to restoration of bone iron levels. In conclusion, despite long periods of inactivity, iron levels in the femur and liver of squirrels were lower, bone formation and resorption were balanced and no iron overload was observed, as is found under disuse conditions in non-hibernators. Therefore, avoiding iron overload may be a potential mechanism for hibernators to avoid disuse-induced bone loss.

Divalent Metal Ions; Key factor towards Pulmonary Tuberculosis

ABSTRACT&#x0D; &#x0D; Introduction: In tuberculosis disease infection, trace elements perform a significant role as their insufficiencies may be related to weakened immunity. The purpose of this study was to compare demographic profile and divalent metal Ions in Tuberculosis and Non-Tuberculosis individuals.&#x0D; Methodology: This case control study was carried out on 345 subjects. Patients were grouped into two categories i.e. Pulmonary Tuberculosis (cases group) with 115 patients and without Pulmonary Tuberculosis (control group) with 230 subjects. Demographic and dietary profile was recorded through already designed proforma. 4 to 5 ml sterile gel tube was used to collect blood samples. The samples, which were then centrifuged, and the serum were examined to check the levels of iron and copper. Data was evaluated using SPSS version 25.&#x0D; Results: Male patients are more likely to have TB in comparison of female patient. In comparison of patient with normal serum copper, patient with serum copper below normal are less likely for TB and patient with serum copper above normal are more likely to develop TB. Patient with serum iron below normal are also more likely to develop TB in comparison of patients with normal serum iron.&#x0D; Conclusion: Male patients in productive age groups were commonly affected with tuberculosis. In Tuberculosis patients, we found low serum iron concentrations along with significantly high concentration of serum of copper when compared to healthy controls. Subsequently, low iron concentrations synergistically with increased serum copper levels may increase the human susceptibility to the infection of mycobacterium tuberculosis&#x0D; Keywords: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Iron, Copper ,BMI, Nutritional status.

Iron Enhances the Growth of the Genus Pectinatus in Beer

To determine factors affecting the growth of the genus Pectinatus in beer, P. frisingensis ABBC437 was inoculated into 15 different beer samples. Although the pH, alcohol content, and bitterness unit of the 15 beer samples were adjusted to similar values within tolerance, growth kinetics as expressed by OD600 (optical density measured at a wavelength of 600 nm) were considerably different among the beer samples, indicating the presence of “as yet” unidentified factor(s) affecting the growth of P. frisingensis in beer. Chemical compositions of the beer samples were determined, and multiple regression analysis was conducted to predict the OD600 value. As a result, iron was suggested as one of the factors that affects the growth of P. frisingensis in beer because the additions of iron to the beer samples showed enhanced growth of P. frisingensis in a dose-dependent manner. Stimulatory effects of growth by the addition of iron were also observed for P. cerevisiiphilus and P. haikarae. Additionally, effects of diatomaceous earth treatment on the iron concentrations of the beer samples were evaluated. Iron concentrations varied, depending on the brand of diatomaceous earth, and the growth of P. frisingensis in beer showed a high correlation coefficient (0.924, p < 0.01) with the iron concentration in the beer samples. From these results, iron can be considered as an important factor for the growth of the genus Pectinatus in beer and selecting a low iron concentration diatomaceous earth is an effective way to improve the stability of beer against the risk of spoilage by the genus Pectinatus.

Highly active Fe-N-reduced graphene oxide electrocatalysts using sustainable amino acids as nitrogen source

This work reports the preparation of oxygen reduction reaction catalysts by pyrolysis of a mixture of Fe(NO3)3 and graphene oxide (GO) functionalized with three different amino acids, Arginine (Arg), Cysteine (Cys), Histidine (His). The combination of TPD, FTIR and XPS revealed that the functionalization of GO rendered a reduction of epoxide and carboxyl surface groups at along with the preferential generation of amide bridges. XPS confirmed the incorporation of nitrogen in edge and quaternary positions of the graphene layers after the pyrolysis at 800 °C of the amino acid functionalized GO mainly in form of pyridines (Arg), pyrroles (Cys) and quaternary nitrogen (His). XRD and XPS showed that most iron is retained after pyrolysis in the form of crystalline Fe3O4 and in a lesser extend as Fe2O3. The amount, distribution, and particle size of iron species on the pyrolyzed samples relies on the amino acid used for the modification, with histidine rendering the lower retained amount and higher dispersion. Raman analyses pointed out that the structural order seems to follow the order His > Cys > Arg. The electrochemical characterization revealed that, in spite of having a lower iron content, Fe-rGO-His shows a higher double layer capacitance, improved conductivity and enhanced ORR activity than their counterparts, delivering onset and half-wave potentials only 30 mV behind the current state-of-the-art platinum–carbon black catalyst. These results confirm that amino acids, and specially Histidine, can be interesting N-dopant agents for the preparation of nitrogen-iron graphene electrocatalysts with excellent ORR activities.