Low Iron Research Articles

On controllability of fluidized bed reduction of iron ore by CH4 for selective formation of magnetite

Magnetization roasting technology is one of the most representative ways to improve the magnetic separation efficiency and iron recovery of refractory weakly magnetic iron ores. However, utilization of CO-rich or H2-rich gas of strong reducibility as reducing agent for magnetization roasting would lead to over-reduction of Fe2O3 in the ore to non-magnetic FeO, which makes the magnetism of the roasted ore be lower than its maximum, and hence leads to a lower iron recovery than expected. To explore the possibility of using CH4 as reducing agent for controllable reduction of Fe2O3 in iron ores to selectively forming magnetic Fe3O4, i.e., for maximizing the magnetism of the reduced ore for efficient iron separation and recovery, a series of fluidized bed reduction tests in CH4 were carried out on two iron ores of 55 % and 33 % iron at different temperatures for different periods of time, and the resultant reduced ore particles were magnetically separated for recovery of iron concentrate. XRD and ICP analyses were performed on all recovered iron concentrates to identify the crystal forms of their iron species and to quantify their iron contents. The results have shown that the controllable reduction by CH4 of Fe2O3 in the iron ores to strongly magnetic Fe3O4 can be realized by controlling the reduction temperature and time condition applied. The resultant concentrates can be fully recovered by magnetic separation in a weak magnetic field of 60 kA/m to attain a maximum iron recovery of 98 % for the high-grade ore and that of 65 % for the low-grade ore. Besides, the results have also shown that the most critical factor affecting the controllability of the ore reduction process and the selectivity to the generation of magnetic Fe3O4-containing particles is the reduction temperature, and that the upper temperature threshold for the controllable reduction and selective generation of strongly magnetic iron concentrate is about 650℃.

Exploring the dependence of chemical traits on metallicity

Context. Given the massive spectroscopic surveys and the Gaia mission, the Milky Way has turned into a unique laboratory to be explored using abundance ratios that show a strong dependence on time. Within this framework, the data provided through asteroseismology serve as a valuable complement. Even so, it has been demonstrated that chemical traits cannot be used as universal relations across the Galaxy. Aims. To complete this picture, it is important to investigate the dependence on metallicity of the chemical ratios employed for inferring stellar ages. We aim to explore different combinations of neutron-capture, odd-Z, and α elements as a function of age, particularly focusing on their metallicity dependence for a sample of 74 giant field stars. Methods. Using UVES observations, we derived atmospheric parameters and high-precision line-by-line chemical abundances (< 0.04 dex) for the entire set of spectra, which covers a wide spread in ages (up to 14 Gyr) and metallicities (−0.7 < [Fe/H] < +0.1). Stellar ages are inferred from astereoseismic information. Results. By fitting chemical-age trends for three different metallicity groups, we estimated their dependence on metallicity. Simultaneously, we identified those exhibiting stronger correlations with time. We found that the stronger chemical-age relations ([Zr/α]) are not necessarily the ratios with the smaller dependence on metallicity ([Ce/α] and [Ce/Eu]). Conclusions. We confirm the [n-capture/α]-age trends for evolved stars, wherein the most significant correlation is evident in stars with solar metallicity, gradually diminishing in stars with lower iron content. The lack of homogeneity within the metallicity range highlights the intricate nature of our Galaxy’s star formation history and yield production. The dependence on metallicity of the yields involving s-process elements and the influence of radial stellar migration pose challenges to relying solely on chemical abundances for dating stars. These findings contest the feasibility of establishing universally applicable chemical clocks that are valid across the entire Galaxy and across various metallicity ranges.

Design and Manufacturing of Air Conditioning Coil

This paper consists of the detail design process of a cooling coil which is used in Evaporator of VARC System for given cooling load. The process consists of designing a part using the calculation and various other parameters. The stability of long-term materials is becoming increasingly important as the demand for air conditioning systems in commercial and residential applications grows. Because of temperature variations and heat flow, materials in air conditioning systems can fail, reducing the cooling effect of the system. Low thermal transitions through the coil's material cause a significant amount of heat to be wasted in the evaporator coil, which lowers the system's overall efficiency. This paper outlines the methodology used to choose the right material for the evaporator coil in an air conditioning system using the CES Granta design software. Based on design and functional requirements, nickel-chromium alloys, pure titanium, copper, low alloy steel, cast iron, and pure titanium are the candidates that made the shortlist for evaporator coils. The best candidates are low alloy steel, titanium, and stainless steel.

Recent development of grain oriented electrical steel in Shougang steel

Shougang Steel has been pursuing the development of low iron loss and high permeability grain oriented electrical steels for more than a decade. Grain oriented electrical steel requires a very strong Goss {110}〈001〉 texture and as such a comprehensive control of thermo-mechanical processing parameters is required to achieve a strict control of texture. In this paper the key metallurgical problems associated with manufacture of grain oriented electrical steel are discussed, including the factors that affect both primary recrystallization and secondary recrystallization leading to the development of a strongly textured final sheet. The metallurgical factors affecting magnetostriction of electrical steels are also analyzed, and a technological approach for domain refinement, and its effect on magnetic properties, is described. Examples of magnetic properties under non-sinusoidal magnetization conditions are also reported and analyzed. As a result of continuous research and development efforts the high permeability low iron loss grain oriented electrical steel of thin gauge products of 0.2 mm/0.18 mm thickness have recently been developed to meet the requirements of the new China national standard of energy efficiency grades for power transformers.

Escherichia coli monothiol glutaredoxin GrxD replenishes Fe-S clusters to the essential ErpA A-type carrier under low iron stress

Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters are required for essential biological pathways, including respiration and isoprenoid biosynthesis. Complex Fe-S cluster biogenesis systems have evolved to maintain an adequate supply of this critical protein cofactor. In Escherichia coli, two Fe-S biosynthetic systems, the “housekeeping” Isc and “stress responsive” Suf pathways, interface with a network of cluster trafficking proteins, such as ErpA, IscA, SufA, and NfuA. GrxD, a Fe-S cluster-binding monothiol glutaredoxin, also participates in Fe-S protein biogenesis in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Previous studies in E. coli showed that the ΔgrxD mutation causes sensitivity to iron depletion, spotlighting a critical role for GrxD under conditions that disrupt Fe-S homeostasis. Here, we utilized a global chemoproteomic mass spectrometry (MS) approach to analyse the contribution of GrxD to the Fe-S proteome. Our results demonstrate that 1) GrxD is required for biogenesis of a specific subset of Fe-S proteins under iron-depleted conditions, 2) GrxD is required for cluster delivery to ErpA under iron limitation, 3) GrxD is functionally distinct from other Fe-S trafficking proteins and, 4) GrxD Fe-S cluster binding is responsive to iron limitation. All these results lead to the proposal that GrxD is required to maintain Fe-S cluster delivery to the essential trafficking protein ErpA during iron limitation conditions.

Vaccine response was higher in formula-fed infants compared to breastfed but not affected by lactoferrin or iron in a randomised controlled trial.

To examine how reduced iron content and added bovine lactoferrin in infant formula affect the antibody response following routine immunisation. In this randomised controlled trial, 180 Swedish formula-fed infants received, from 6 weeks to 6 months of age, a 2 mg/L iron formula with (n = 72) or without (n = 72) bovine lactoferrin, or a control formula with 8 mg/L iron and no lactoferrin (n = 36). Another 72 infants were recruited as a breastfed reference. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), diphtheria and tetanus were assessed at four, six and 12 months of age. With an equal gender distribution, 180 + 72 term infants were included with a mean age of 7.0 ± 0.7 weeks. At 12 months, infants fed low iron formula showed a significantly higher geometric mean Hib IgG (1.40 μg/mL [1.07-1.83]) compared to the control formula infants (0.67 μg/mL [0.42-1.07]). For all three vaccines, breastfed infants had significantly lower IgG levels at six and 12 months of age. Except for higher Hib IgG levels at 12 months in infants fed low iron formula, the interventions did not affect vaccine IgG response. Unexpectedly, breastfed infants had significantly lower vaccine IgG levels compared to formula-fed infants.

Iron incorporation in red blood cells of pediatric sickle cell anemia: a stable isotope pilot investigation.

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is marked by hypoxia, inflammation, and secondary iron overload (IO), which potentially modulate hepcidin, the pivotal hormone governing iron homeostasis. The aim was to evaluate the iron incorporation in red blood cells (RBC) in SCA pediatric patients, considering the presence or absence of IO. SCA children (n = 12; SCAtotal) ingested an oral stable iron isotope (57Fe) and iron incorporation in RBC was measured after 14 days. Patients with ≥1000 ng/mL serum ferritin were considered to present IO (SCAio+; n = 4) while the others were classified as being without IO (SCAio-; n = 8). Liver iron concentration (LIC) was determined by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) T2* method. The SCAio+ group had lower iron incorporation (mean ± SD: 0.166 ± 0.04 mg; 3.33 ± 0.757%) than SCAio- patients (0.746 ± 0.303 mg; 14.9 ± 6.05%) (p = 0.024). Hepcidin was not different between groups. Iron incorporation was inversely associated with serum ferritin level (SCAtotal group: r = -0.775, p = 0.041; SCAio- group: r = -0.982; p = 0.018) and sickle hemoglobin (HbS) presented positive correlation with iron incorporation (r = 0.991; p = 0.009) in SCAio- group. LIC was positively associated with ferritin (SCAtotal: r = 0.921; p = 0.026) and C reactive protein (SCAio+: r = 0.999; p = 0.020). SCAio+ group had lower iron incorporation in RBC than SCAio- group, suggesting that they may not need to reduce their intake of iron-rich food, as usually recommended. Conversely, a high percentage of HbS may indirectly exacerbate hypoxia and seems to increase iron incorporation in RBC. This trial was registered at www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br . Identifier RBR-4b7v8pt.

Iron Status in Male Type 2 Diabetic Patients and Its Association with Their Glycemic Status

Background & objective: Alteration in iron metabolism may occur in diabetic patients especially those who have poor glycemic control. Serum iron is involved in free radical formation associated with hyperglycemia and causes diabetic complications. The present study was undertaken to observe the iron status and its relation with glycemic control in male type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC), Dhaka from July 2017 to June 2018. A total of 48 diagnosed male type 2 diabetic patients (cases) were recruited from the Out-patient Department (OPD) of Endocrinology based on predefined eligibility criteria. Of them, 24 had good glycemic control (HbA1c level < 7%) (Group B1) and 24 had poor glycemic control (HbA1c level ≥ 7%) (Group B2). To compare the outcome (serum iron status) of these diabetic patients, another 48 age- and BMI-matched healthy non-diabetic male subjects were selected from personal contact as control. While diabetes and glycemic status (fasting blood glucose level, and HbA1c) of the diabetic patients were exposure variables, serum iron, serum total iron binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation, and serum ferritin were the outcome variables. Results: The mean age of the subjects of either study group was around 43 and there was no significant difference between the groups concerning age (p = 0.610). The distribution of BMI and serum creatinine between groups was also similar (p = 0.135 and p = 0.134 respectively). The cases had a significantly higher level of serum iron, transferrin saturation, and an insignificantly lower total iron binding capacity (TIBC) than their non-diabetic peers (p = 0.045, p = 0.036, and p = 0.061 respectively). A comparison of outcome variables among the three groups shows that the groups were significantly heterogeneous in terms of serum iron, TIBC, transferrin saturation, haemoglobin level (p = 0.032, p = 0.012, p = 0.008 and p = 0.018 respectively). The associations were more conspicuous in patients with poor glycemic status. Correlation analyses revealed that while there was a significant linear correlation between serum iron and HbA1c (r = + 0.376, p < 0.01), it was negatively correlated with serum TIBC (r = -0.478, p < 0.001). The glycemic status (HbA1c) was also found to be linearly correlated with serum ferritin and transferrin saturation (r = + 0.354, p = 0.013 and r = + 0.462, p < 0.001 respectively). Conclusion: The study concluded that type 2 diabetic patients have a significantly higher level of serum iron, transferrin saturation, and a lower total iron binding capacity (TIBC) than the non-diabetic healthy subjects, all of which may lead to reduced synthesis of hemoglobin. The compromised iron metabolism is even more evident as the hyperglycemia aggravates. Ibrahim Card Med J 2023; 13 (1&2): 32-39

Impact of a single blood donation on hemoglobin mass, iron stores, and maximum oxygen uptake in pre-menopausal women-A pilot study.

During whole blood donation (BD), 500 mL of blood is drawn. The time interval between two BDs is at least 8-12 weeks. This period might be insufficient for restoring hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) and iron especially in women, who generally have lower Hbmass and iron availability. Since both variables influence physical performance, this pilot study aimed to monitor Hbmass, iron status, and maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) recovery in women after a single BD. In 10 women (24.7 ± 1.7 years), Hbmass, hemoglobin concentration [Hb], iron status, and V̇O2max were assessed before and up to 12 weeks after a single BD. BD reduced Hbmass from 562 ± 70 g to 499 ± 64 g (p < .001). Although after 8 weeks no significant mean difference was detected, 7 women had not returned to baseline after 12 weeks. [Hb] did not return to initial values (13.4 ± 0.7 g/dL) after 12 weeks (12.9 ± 0.7 g/dL, p < .01). Ferritin decreased from baseline until week 6 (40.9 ± 34.2 ng/mL vs. 12.1 ± 6.9 ng/mL, p < .05) and was not restored after 12 weeks (18.4 ± 12.7 ng/mL, p < .05), with 6 out of 10 women exhibiting iron deficiency (ferritin <15 ng/mL). V̇O2max was reduced by 213 ± 47 mL/min (7.2 ± 1.2%; p < .001) and remained below baseline after 12 weeks (3.2 ± 1.4%, p < .01). For most pre-menopausal women, 12 weeks were not sufficient to recover from BD and achieve baseline Hbmass and iron stores resulting in prolonged reduction of aerobic capacity. A subsequent BD might lead to a severe anemia.

The Heat Flux Method for hybrid iron–methane–air flames

Recently, a cyclic energy storage concept was proposed involving the use of metal powder as CO2-free energy carrier, known as the metal fuel cycle. In this cycle, the burning of iron powder is considered as the discharge agent of the energy carrier. However, for this cycle to be an efficient one, a better understanding of the laminar burning velocity of iron powder is required. This study presents a newly developed burner based on the Heat Flux Method (HFM), which can measure the burning velocities of flat hybrid iron–methane–air flames. Since laminar iron flames are difficult to stabilize and have – even for micron-sized particles – burning velocities in close proximity to their terminal velocity, methane is used as a stabilizing agent. In this paper, the design of the new burner system is presented with results for burning velocities of iron–methane–air flames. The results show a steady decrease in burning velocity when iron is added to a stoichiometric methane–air flame down to 16 cm/s. It is hypothesized that in the case of relatively low iron concentrations, the iron acts as a heat sink within these flames, consequently reducing the flame temperature and laminar burning velocity. For these low concentrations, methane is the governing fuel. At concentrations above 250 g/m3, the reduction of the burning velocity comes to a halt, and the iron becomes the governing fuel in the flame. A comprehensive error analysis reveals that the primary sources of uncertainty stem from fluctuations in the iron content and parabolic fitting of the thermocouple measurements in the HFM.Novelty and Significance statementThe novelty of this study is a newly developed burner based on the well-known Heat Flux Method (HFM). In accordance with the HFM, a new burner was designed to facilitate stable flat adiabatic hybrid iron–methane–air flames for the first time and measure its key parameter, the adiabatic burning velocity. Further, a metered iron powder dispersion system was developed for accurate iron mass flow measurements. The results show a steady decrease in burning velocity when iron is added to a stoichiometric methane–air flame in relatively low concentrations and show a very weak dependence of the burning velocity on the iron content at iron concentrations above 250 g/m3. These findings enable the validation of 1D simulations for iron-laden flames. A detailed assessment of the measurement uncertainties reveals that the largest source of uncertainty can be derived back to the stability of iron mass flow, leading to small flame propagation fluctuations on relatively short intervals.

A clean and green technology for iron extraction from refractory siderite ore via fluidization self-magnetization roasting

As a refractory iron resource, siderite has gained significant attention in the fields of mineral processing and metallurgical industry due to its abundant availability. However, its direct utilization in iron and steel production is often hindered by the presence of impurities, including silicates and carbonates, as well as the lower theoretical iron grade so it is necessary to increase iron and reduce impurities. To unlock the full potential of these abundant iron ore deposits, advanced processing techniques are imperative. In this work, a clean and green technology was proposed for extracting iron from siderite via fluidization self-magnetization roasting and magnetic separation. The mechanism of fluidization self-magnetization was investigated by thermodynamic analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), iron phase analysis, Mineral Liberation Analyzer (MLA), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results show that concentrate with a Fe grade of 61.74% and Fe recovery of 81.78% could be obtained after treatment by fluidization self-magnetization roasting and magnetic separation. The analysis reveals the siderite eventually transformed into magnetite after fluidization self-magnetization roasting, with the saturation magnetization increasing from 0.91 A·m2·kg−1 to 7.92 A·m2·kg−1. In this process, many cracks were generated on the surface of the ore, which not only likely contributes to the self-magnetization roasting but also facilitates the individual dissociation of iron minerals from gangue minerals during the grinding process. Subsequently, iron minerals can be recovered through magnetic separation. The fluidization self-magnetization roasting technology demonstrates significant potential in achieving the green and clean utilization of siderite.

More Frequent On-Site Dialysis May Hasten Return to Home for Nursing Home Patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease.

Background: A direct outcome comparison between Skilled nursing facility (SNF) patients receiving on-site more frequent dialysis (MFD) targeting 14 hours of treatment over five sessions weekly compared to on-site conventional dialysis for death, hospitalization and speed of return home has not been reported. Methods: From Jan 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023, in a retrospective prospective observational design, using an intent to treat and competing risk strategy, all new admissions to an on-site in SNF dialysis service admitted to nursing homes with on-site MFD dialysis were compared to admissions to nursing homes providing on-site conventional dialysis for the outcome goal of 90 day cumulative incidence of discharge to home, while monitoring safety issues represented by the competing risks of hospitalization and death. Results: 10,246 MFD dialytic episodes and 3,451 conventional dialytic episodes were studied in 195 nursing homes in 12 states. At baseline the MFD population was consistently sicker than CONVENTIONAL dialysis population with a first systolic blood pressure in 23% vs 7.6% (p&lt;.001), lower mean hemoglobin (9.3g/dl vs 10.4g/dl; p&lt;.001), lower iron saturation (25.7% vs 26.6%; p=0.02), higher Charlson score (3.5 vs 3.0; p&lt;.001), higher mean age (67.6 vs 66.7; p&lt;.001). ), more complicated diabetes (31% vs 24%; P&lt;.001), cerebrovascular disease ( 12.6% vs 6.8%:p&lt;.001), and congestive heart failure (24% vs 18%). At 42 days, discharge to home was 25% greater in the MFD than conventional group (17.5% vs 14%) without worsened hospitalization or death. Conclusion: Despite a handicap of sicker patients at baseline, real-world application of MFD appears to hasten return home from SNFs compared to conventional dialysis. The findings suggests that MFD allows for SNF acceptance of sicker patients, presumably permitting earlier hospital discharge, without safety compromise as measured by death or rehospitalization benefitting hospitals, patients, and payers.

Enhanced tetracycline degradation by novel Mn–FeOOH/CNNS photocatalysts in a visible-light-driven photocatalysis coupled peroxydisulfate system

Recently, photocatalysis combined peroxydisulfate activation under visible light (PC-PDS/Vis) was developed as a promising technology for removing antibiotics in water. Herein, Mn doped FeOOH (Mn–FeOOH) nanoclusters were grown in-situ on the surface of graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (CNNS) using a wet chemical method, which served as a visible-light-driven photocatalyst for peroxydisulfate (PDS) activation. Photovoltaic property characterizations revealed that Mn–FeOOH/CNNS owned superior light capture ability and carrier separation efficiency. According to DFT calculations, the synergistic effect between Mn and Fe species was proved to enhance the adsorption and activation of PDS. 99.7% of tetracycline (TC) was rapidly removed in 50 min in the PC-PDS/Vis system. In addition, Mn–FeOOH/CNNS exhibited high recycling stability with low iron leaching, attributed to the interaction between Mn–FeOOH clusters and carbon species. Quenching experiments and electron spin resonance (ESR) tests unveiled that •O2− played a significant role in TC removal, while •OH and SO4•- acted as additional roles contributing to the overall process. These findings given a new strategy for antibiotics degradation by photocatalysis, offering deeper insights for the advancement of sustainable and cutting-edge wastewater treatment technologies.

Liquid phase epitaxy of GaN films on sapphire substrates under an atmospheric pressure nitrogen ambience

GaN films were grown on sapphire substrates using liquid phase epitaxy under an atmospheric pressure nitrogen ambience, employing molten Ga and Fe3N as a source mixture. Single-crystal GaN (0001) films were successfully grown on sapphire (0001) substrates within a growth temperature (T g) range of 750 °C–900 °C. When varying the Fe3N concentration in the range of 0.05–3 mol%, lower iron nitride resulted in high crystallinity of GaN (0001) films. The incorporation of iron atoms in GaN can negatively impact crystal quality. Parameterizing T g at a concentration of 0.1 mol% Fe3N showed that higher T g led to a reduction in the peak width of GaN (0002) X-ray rocking curves. However, at 3 mol%, elevating T g resulted in the degradation of the crystallinity of GaN. This degradation may be attributed to the increased solubility of iron atoms in GaN with increasing T g.

Multiple Infections, Nutrient Deficiencies, and Inflammation as Determinants of Anemia and Iron Status during Pregnancy: The MINDI Cohort.

In pregnant women with multiple infections, nutrient deficiencies, and inflammation (MINDI), the study of anemia and iron status is limited. For this cross-sectional study (n = 213 Panamanian indigenous women), we investigated if hemoglobin, anemia (Hb < 110 g/L), ferritin, serum iron, serum transferrin receptor, and hepcidin were associated with (1) maternal nutritional status and supplementation practices, (2) biomarkers of inflammation, and (3) presence/absence of infections. Hierarchical generalized linear and logistic regression models and dominance analyses identified the relative importance of these predictors. Anemia (38%), which was likely underestimated due to low plasma volume (95%), was associated with lower ferritin, vitamin A, and weight-for-height, suggesting anemia of undernutrition. Inflammation was not associated with Hb or anemia; nevertheless, higher CRP was associated with increased odds of low serum iron and higher ferritin and hepcidin, indicating iron restriction due to inflammation. The length of iron supplementation did not enter models for anemia or iron indicators, but a multiple nutrient supplement was associated with higher ferritin and hepcidin. Moreover, iron supplementation was associated with higher odds of vaginal trichomoniasis but lower odds of caries and bacterial vaginosis. The complex pathogenesis of anemia and iron deficiency in MINDI settings may require other interventions beyond iron supplementation.

Extended Silicic Volcanism in the Gruithuisen Region—Revisiting the Composition and Thermophysical Properties of Gruithuisen Domes on the Moon

The formation mechanisms, extent, and compositions of red spots on the lunar surface have intrigued the lunar community for decades. By identifying a new dome and another silicic crater in the highlands nearby, we find that the silicic volcanism in the Gruithuisen region extends beyond the three major domes. Our observations indicate that the Gruithuisen domes have low iron and titanium contents. They are enveloped by ejecta from surrounding regions and host silica-rich material excavated by the young craters consistent with previous work. Our boulder maps of the Gamma dome display a high boulder count and indicate that the Diviner rock abundance maps are only sensitive to boulders larger than ∼2 m. The H-parameter values are sensitive to presence of rocks and may be a better indicator of rocks at submeter scales. The Delta dome has gentle slopes, lower rock abundance, and one young crater, and it could serve as a safe and scientifically valuable site for landing and exploration of the domes and nearby region. The dome also displays anomalously high H-parameter in the same region as the crater, indicating the potential presence of pyroclastic materials. We observe up to 200 ppm of OH/H2O on the domes and nearby mare despite the presence of a weak magnetic field to the south of Delta dome, further supporting the potential presence of pyroclastics in the region. This study could potentially aid in logistical and scientific decisions of the future NASA missions in the region.

Effects of pre- versus post-conceptional iron and n-3 fatty acid supplementation of deficient rat dams on neurodevelopmental outcomes in the offspring

This abstract was awarded the Student Competition Prize.Periconception is the period spanning the weeks directly before and after conception and is a crucial window for optimising neurodevelopment in offspring(1-4). Iron and omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FAs) are two vital nutrients for the development of the nervous system however, little research has been conducted into their importance during the periconceptional window(5-8). This study investigated whether supplementing iron and n-3 FA deficient (ID and n-3 FAD) rat dams before conception compared to after conception results in different neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. We hypothesised that initiating iron and n-3 FA supplementation in deficient dams after conception would not be as efficacious in preventing impaired offspring neurodevelopment induced by double- deficiency, compared to initiating supplementation before conception.Female rats consuming an ID and n-3 FAD diet were randomly allocated to receive iron and DHA/EPA supplementation either 10 days before (Pre-Fe+DHA/EPA) or 10 days after conception (Post-Fe+DHA/EPA). Dams and offspring (Pre-: n = 24; Post-: n = 26) were subsequently maintained on supplemented diets throughout the experiment. Between postnatal days 31–41, cognitive and behavioural tests were conducted on offspring. Offspring were euthanised between postnatal day 42–45 and n-3 FAs, iron and monoamine concentrations were measured in the hippocampus, striatum and frontal cortex. All outcomes were compared to offspring who were either iron and n-3 FA deficient (ID+n-3 FAD: n = 24) or sufficient (Control+Fe+DHA/EPA: n = 22). One-way ANCOVA, with sex as a covariate, was used to determine between-group differences and two-way ANOVA was used to explore diet-sex interactions.There were no differences in brain iron or n-3 FA levels between Pre- and Post-Fe+DHA/EPA offspring (P &gt; 0.05). Female Post-Fe+DHA/EPA offspring had greater norepinephrine concentrations in the frontal cortex (Pre-: 3.21 ± 0.57 ng/mg vs Post-: 2.50 ± 0.55 ng/mg; P = 0.014) and consumed less sucrose in the sucrose preference test (Pre-: 96.16 ± 1.73%; Post-: 90.15 ± 1.66%; P = 0.010) compared to Pre-Fe+DHA/EPA offspring. Female Post-Fe+DHA/EPA offspring also had significantly lower liver iron concentrations compared to female Pre-Fe+DHA/EPA offspring (Pre-: 537 ± 47.13 μg/L vs Post-: 310 ± 45.28 μg/L; P = 0.034). There were no other significant differences in monoamine concentrations or behavioural tests.Our results indicate that supplementing ID and n-3 FAD mothers both before and after conception is efficacious in preventing neurodevelopmental deficits associated with deficiency. However, ID and n-3 FAD during the periconceptional period may alter reward-based learning in female offspring(9-11). Additionally, optimising iron provision during periconception may have important implications for the prevention of postnatal ID-anaemia, particular during early infancy(12).

Prevalence of pre-operative anemia in elective surgical patients: A retrospective, observational study at a university hospital

BackgroundAnemia is the most hematological condition found in surgical patients. Pieces of empirical evidence shows that pre-operative anemia accounts for one- third of surgical patients. Yet, pre-operative anemia & blood transfusion for surgical patients has been associated with many complications such as lengthy hospital stay, post operation surgical wound infections, mortality and morbidity. PurposeThis Pilot preliminary study sought to determine the prevalence of pre-operative anemia in elective surgical patients and to assess health workers’ awareness and knowledge regarding patient blood management in Saudi Arabia. Material and methodsA questionnaire was used to collect data from the 129 healthcare workers in a selected hospital in Saudi Arabia. Additional data was obtained from the hospital electronic data records regarding the incidences of pre-operative anemia. Therefore, the study applied both retrospective and cross-sectional designs. The collected data was then analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Services [SPSS]. ResultsThis study established the prevalence of pre-operative anemia in elective surgical patients to be 30 % (291 out of 970). In addition, 129 participants completed the questionnaires, from different hospital departments. From the questionnaire, it was noted that 74.2 % of the of physicians had the knowledge about patient blood management while 65 % (n = 50) were aware of the written protocol for the management of pre-operative anemia. This study also found out that 48.1 % of physicians rarely get to meet their patients assessed for possible anemia 4–8 weeks prior surgical operation. In addition, a relatively high number of physicians (42.6, n = 55 rarely investigate the cause of anemia after it has been established while 45.7 % confirm to rarely transfer their patient to pre-operative clinic for anemia management. Low intervention in correction of anemia of low iron origin by the physicians was established to be 44.2 %, and the most preferred hematology analyzer for point of care management was CBC Analyzer Sysmex (79.8 %). ConclusionThis study finds a significant lack of knowledge about pre-operative anemia management in line with the patient blood management protocol. Also, majority of physicians fail to follow the guidelines for anemia management despite the high incidence.

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.

Impact of Iron Profile and Vitamin D Levels on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Cross-sectional Analysis at a Tertiary Care Center.

Sepsis is a major global health affecting millions worldwide, hence understanding its contributing factors becomes paramount. This cross-sectional study at a tertiary care center explores the relationship between iron profile, vitamin D levels, and outcomes in sepsis and septic shock patients. The primary objective was to explore the prevalence of iron profile and vitamin D parameters during early intensive care unit (ICU) admission and their association with 28-day mortality. Spanning 18 months, the study enrolled adult patients meeting sepsis or septic shock criteria at the ICU. Data collection included demographic information, clinical characteristics, and blood samples for iron profile and vitamin D levels at admission. Disease severity was assessed using sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) scores, and treatment was administered as per surviving sepsis-3 guidelines. The research involved 142 participants, uncovering prevalent organisms such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Noteworthy connections to mortality were identified for factors including vasopressor support, ICU stay duration, SOFA score, and APACHE-II score. Interestingly, age, gender, and vitamin D levels showed no significant associations. However, the study did reveal a significant association between iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation levels with increased 28-day mortality. Our study concluded that low Iron, elevated ferritin, and decreased transferrin saturation levels maintained associations with the outcome of interest. While no such relationship was established with vitamin D levels. These results suggest potential implications for patient management and prognosis, warranting further exploration in future research. Bairwa M, Jatteppanavar B, Kant R, Singh M, Choudhury A. Impact of Iron Profile and Vitamin D Levels on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Cross-sectional Analysis at a Tertiary Care Center. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(6):569-574.