Search Results (649)

Ramaria flavobrunnescens is an ectomycorrhizal coral mushroom that is often found growing in eucalyptus forests. The mushroom has been linked to accidental ingestion-associated livestock poisonings in South America, though the toxicological agent has not yet been described. Mushroom samples identified as R. flavobrunnescens were analyzed by liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) to determine the potential source of the toxicity, and to provide a metabolomic profile of the species. Previously reported Ramaria secondary metabolites were detected, including ramarins, ramariolides, pistillarin and arsenic-containing compounds. A number of bacterial species were isolated from R. flavobrunnescens that produced iron-chelating cyclic peptides, which were detected in the mushroom samples. Interestingly, we detected a series of eucalyptus tree secondary metabolites in abundance from R. flavobrunnescens fruiting bodies, some of which have reported toxicities and bioactivities. To our knowledge, this is the first report of eucalyptus secondary metabolites in a mushroom. The diversity of secondary metabolites identified in the mushroom extracts provides insight into the potential complex ecological interactions between R. flavobrunnescens, its associated microbiota, and its mycorrhizal interaction with eucalyptus trees. Full article

Background/Objectives: Breastfeeding has accompanied women since the beginning of time and, according to anthropological research, naturally ends between the age of 2 and 6. WHO (World Health Organization) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months, with continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for up to 2 years of age or longer. Despite the increasing promotion of breastfeeding, women do not comply with the WHO guidelines and give up exclusive breastfeeding quickly, and long-term breastfeeding mothers still struggle with a lack of understanding in society. Methods: This work aims to expand the knowledge on the composition and antioxidant status of the milk of mothers breastfeeding past 12 months. Results: The basic composition of human milk changes depending on the stage of lactation. In women breastfeeding for more than a year, an increase in fat (p < 0.001) and magnesium (p < 0.001) was observed. A decreased concentration of leptin (p = 0.001), iron (p < 0.001), and iron-reducing capacity (p < 0.001) was also observed compared to milk from the initial stage of lactation. Conclusions: The milk of women breastfeeding for more than 12 months is a valuable food for the baby, maintaining its protection against free radicals and providing adequate nutrients. Full article

This study aimed to provide a synthesis of current knowledge on iron homeostasis, focusing on major metabolic pathways and evolving research perspectives. A systematic review was conducted, analyzing the most relevant pathological conditions associated with iron metabolism, including iron overload and iron deficiency. Iron overload (IO) encompasses a wide range of disorders that lead to systemic iron accumulation and organ damage, while iron deficiency (ID) is characterized by insufficient iron availability for physiological needs. IO is dealt with a focused attention, exploring molecular mechanisms and emerging therapeutic strategies. In this context, hepcidin not only represents a valuable biomarker for iron overload but also serves as a potential target for novel therapies that are currently in the experimental phase. Conversely, for ID, both traditional biomarkers and recently proposed indicators help in diagnosing ID and correlating it with erythropoietic activity. Full article

Ferroptosis is a distinct form of regulated necrotic cell death driven by iron-dependent phospholipid peroxidation, characterized by flexible and context-dependent mechanisms rather than a single fixed linear pathway. This study elucidates the critical lipid peroxidation networks and antioxidant defense systems used in determining ferroptosis, specifically emphasizing how these mechanisms underpin the plasticity of this cell death mode and its correlation with therapeutic resistance. We examine the catastrophic propagation of ferroptosis, detailing the multi-layered amplification mechanisms—ranging from intracellular organelle crosstalk to intercellular trigger waves—that may facilitate massive tissue damage in degenerative diseases and ischemic injuries. Furthermore, the evolutionary conservation of ferroptosis-like phenomena across diverse species is summarized, underscoring its fundamental role in development and host–pathogen interactions. To conclude, we explore pivotal knowledge gaps that remain in our understanding of ferroptosis. By integrating these complex regulatory networks, this review provides a comprehensive framework for understanding ferroptosis as an adaptable, self-amplifying process, informing future efforts to modulate ferroptosis in disease contexts. Notably, this review focuses on the amplification, execution, and propagation phases of ferroptosis rather than on its initial triggering mechanisms, which remain an area of active investigation. Full article

Biogenic nanoparticles have recently emerged as promising bacterial growth inhibitors, requiring low concentrations and not producing harmful byproducts. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding how different extraction techniques affect nanoparticle synthesis, thereby influencing their replicability and scalability across various applications. To address these knowledge gaps, this study compared six extracts derived from Moringa oleifera biomass for the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles. Multivariate statistical analyses correlated extraction methods with biomolecule content (polyphenols, flavonoids, carbohydrates, proteins), iron percentage, and E. coli growth inhibition. All extracts showed varying concentrations of biomolecules, and different extraction methods were preferable for specific components. Flavonoids were best extracted by salting-out, while infusion methods were better for obtaining carbohydrates. Higher percentages of iron (22.77%) were linked to the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids. Nanoparticles prepared using salting-out and infusion extraction from leaf biomass displayed the highest efficiency in inhibiting E. coli growth, up to a dilution factor of 4. The outcomes of this research study provide an in-depth understanding of the role of specific biomolecules in biogenic nanoparticle synthesis, confirming that both synthesis yield and application effectiveness depend on the extract preparation method. Full article

The interrelationship between iron metabolism and vitamin D has attracted increasing attention; however, nutritional knowledge regarding the relationship between iron and vitamin D remains scarce. We hypothesized that a continuous increase in dietary vitamin D intake would enhance biological iron levels through the regulation of hepcidin, and we investigated whether dietary vitamin D levels alter iron dynamics and blood cell status. Twenty-five male Wistar rats aged 7 and 8 weeks were used in experiments 1 (14 days) and 2 (4 days), respectively. Rats were divided into control and vitamin D-supplemented diet groups (14C vs. 14A in Experiment 1; 4C vs. 4A in Experiment 2) and fed the experimental diet ad libitum. In Experiment 2, no significant differences were observed in serum and liver iron levels, total iron-binding capacity, and serum transferrin saturation between groups; however, hepcidin (HAMP) mRNA expression was lower in the 4A group. By contrast, the 14A group showed significantly higher serum and liver iron levels and higher HAMP mRNA expression than the 14C group. These results indicate that high-dose dietary vitamin D alters iron metabolism in rats, characterized by transient suppression of hepatic hepcidin expression and increased liver iron, suggesting modulation of iron regulatory pathways. Full article

Background: Plant citrate synthase (CSY) is involved in the iron deficiency (−Fe) response and aluminum (Al) detoxification. However, knowledge of CSY function in responding to excess iron (+Fe) or Al stress (+Al) is still limited. Methods: The CDS and promoter of GmCSY3 were isolated from soybean and bioinformatically analyzed. The GmCSY3 expression was detected by qRT-PCR and GUS assay. The growth of GmCSY3 recombinant yeast under +Fe or +Al was detected. The phenotype, CSY activity, citric acid concentration, chlorophyll content, MDA, H₂O₂, O₂⁻ contents, GST, CAT, SOD, and POD activities were examined in GmCSY3 overexpressed and RNAi-suppressed soybean chimeras under +Fe or +Al. Perls and Hematoxylin stained the roots, and the FCR activity was determined. Results: GmCSY3 was induced by +Fe or +Al, but not by −Fe. GmCSY3 enhanced yeast’s acid production and resistance to +Fe or +Al. GmCSY3 overexpression in soybean significantly enhanced CSY activity, promoted growth, alleviated oxidative damage caused by +Fe or +Al, with less free Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺, and reduced FCR activity, while GmCSY3 RNAi-suppressed showed the opposite effect. Conclusions: GmCSY3 promotes the process of citrate synthesis, chelates Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺, alleviates oxidative damage caused by +Fe or +Al, and modulates iron absorption in plants. Full article

Ductile iron—also known as spheroidal graphite iron (SGI)—is a versatile material that exhibits a wide range of applications. In addition to the matrix structure itself, graphite morphology and material defects, such as graphite degenerations, also have a decisive influence on its mechanical properties. Missing or incomplete classifications of these deviating graphite morphologies in common standards, alongside insufficient knowledge regarding their effects, leads to a more complicated lifetime assessment and often results in rejection of SGI components. Therefore, relevant material parameters were derived from experimental quasi-static and fatigue investigations on SGI materials with different graphite degenerations and correlated with microstructural parameters quantified by an optimized digital image analysis method. While a linear correlation between the amount and mechanical properties was identified for spiky graphite, for chunky graphite, the presence in general can lead to a detrimental reduction in mechanical properties. Full article

Background/Objectives: Biosimilars are central to the modernization of veterinary pharmacology, improving access to complex biological therapies while maintaining quality, safety, and efficacy. Hemoproteins such as cytochrome c, used to support liver function and manage metabolic disorders in animals, are of particular interest. However, their structural complexity and species-specific pharmacology create significant analytical and regulatory challenges for biosimilar development and life-cycle management. Addressing these issues is critical for improving therapeutic outcomes and enabling the broader adoption of biosimilars in veterinary practice. Methods: This narrative review examines the scientific and regulatory principles underlying the development of veterinary biosimilars of hemoproteins, with cytochrome c as a representative model. Regulatory guidelines and relevant scientific literature were analyzed to identify key challenges, knowledge gaps, and required adaptations from human to veterinary medicine, with a focus on biosimilar assessment and life-cycle management. Results: Veterinary biosimilar frameworks are largely informed by EU and US regulatory pathways, emphasizing the stepwise demonstration of biosimilarity through extensive analytical and functional characterization. Long-term safety and efficacy depend on robust Pharmaceutical Quality Systems and effective life-cycle management to ensure manufacturing consistency. For cytochrome c, interchangeability may be acceptable when analytical similarity is exceptionally high. Critical Quality Attributes include polypeptide integrity, heme–protein interaction, iron redox state, and correct three-dimensional conformation. Quality by Design approaches are essential to control manufacturing variability. Despite regional regulatory differences, core scientific principles remain consistent. Conclusions: Hemoprotein biosimilars hold significant promise in veterinary medicine, provided their development is supported by rigorous analytical characterization, strong life-cycle management, and science-based regulatory approaches. Full article

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron, are prevalent worldwide and contribute significantly to morbidity. In Saudi Arabia, these deficiencies are increasingly recognised as public health challenges, yet comprehensive data on prevalence, risk factors, and public awareness remain limited. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of laboratory-confirmed deficiency and testing for vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron among adults in Saudi Arabia; to identify associated sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors; and to assess public knowledge and attitudes regarding micronutrient status. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2025 among adults residing in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire covering demographics, lifestyle, chronic disease history, laboratory testing and supplementation, and knowledge and perceptions regarding micronutrient deficiency. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and network analysis were used to identify associations and patterns. Results: A total of 1652 participants were included (52.6% female; mean age 41.3 ± 10.2 years). The prevalence of laboratory-confirmed deficiency was 7.6% for vitamin D, 5.5% for vitamin B12, and 7.0% for iron. Most participants had never been tested for these micronutrients. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with gender, age, education, marital status, physical inactivity, and the presence of chronic conditions. Similar patterns were observed for vitamin B12 and iron. Public knowledge was primarily sourced from social media and internet sites; 38.1% of participants considered vitamin deficiency a public health concern, and 96.4% supported awareness campaigns. Conclusions: Micronutrient deficiencies remain common and under-recognised among adults in Saudi Arabia. There is a critical need to improve public awareness, expand routine laboratory testing, and develop targeted interventions to address identified risk groups and knowledge gaps. Our study is the first study to investigate the status of three key micronutrients (vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron) in a single large sample. We also employed network to explore the complex factors associated with micronutrient deficiencies. Full article

Food processing techniques are widely used in the food industry to ensure food safety, extend shelf life, and enhance sensory appeal without compromising the product’s nutritional quality. Pearl millet, which is considered a “nutricereal”, features essential content of proteins, soluble and insoluble fibers, minerals (e.g., iron, zinc, and magnesium), bioactive compounds (e.g., phenolic acids, flavonoids, and carotenoids), and antinutritional factors (e.g., phytic acid, C-glycosyl flavones, tannins, and non-digestible oligosaccharides). This nutricereal also undergoes processing methods to improve or maintain its nutritional quality while simultaneously reducing antinutritional factors. Pearl millet processing techniques are categorized into conventional (or traditional) and advanced methods; however, a knowledge gap exists in studies evaluating the post-processing of pearl millet and its impact on metabolic health in in vivo and in vitro experimental models. This study aims to demonstrate the principal conventional and advanced processing techniques used in pearl millet, how they can ensure nutritional quality and reduce antinutritional factors, and how the final post-processing product could impact metabolic health. Full article

The permeability index (PI) is a key comprehensive indicator that reflects the smoothness of internal gas flow in pig iron production via blast furnace. An accurate prediction for it is essential for forecasting abnormal furnace conditions and preventing potential faults. However, developing an early prediction model for PI has been neglected in existing research, and it faces massive challenges due to the strong nonlinearity, undesirable nonstationarity, and significant multiscale time delays inherent in the blast furnace data. To bridge this gap, a new modeling paradigm for PI is proposed to explore the inherent time delay characteristics among multiple variables. First, the data are progressively decomposed into multiple components using wavelet decomposition and spike separation. Then, a novel delay extraction method based on wavelet coherence analysis is developed to obtain accurate multiscale time delay knowledge. Furthermore, the integration of Orthonormal Subspace Analysis (OSA) and wavelet neural network (WNN) achieves comprehensive modeling across time and frequency domains, incorporating global and local features. A Gauss–Markov-based fusion framework is also utilized to reduce the output error variance, ultimately enabling the early prediction of PI. Mechanism analysis and a practical case study on blast furnace production verify the effectiveness of the proposed target-oriented prediction framework. Full article

Despite manganese’s essential role as a cofactor for multiple enzymes, its potential to disrupt iron homeostasis when supplemented in excess remains a critical knowledge gap in swine nutrition. This study evaluated the effects of Mn (manganese)-supplemented diets on growth, hematology, mineral accumulation, digestibility, and intestinal iron transporter expression in weaned pigs. A total of 128 crossbred pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Largewhite) with an average body weight of 9.82 ± 0.15 kg were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments comprising a basal diet supplemented with 0, 20, 40, or 80 mg MnSO₄ per kg diet for 28 days. Blood samples were collected from 16 weaned pigs (1 pig per pen, 4 per treatment), after which animals were euthanized for tissue sampling. No differences were observed in growth performance. However, Mn concentrations in serum, liver, heart, kidney, pancreas, and metatarsal bones increased both linearly and quadratically with increasing dietary Mn (p < 0.05), and Fe (iron) concentrations in serum, hemoglobin, liver, and metatarsal bone decreased (p < 0.05). Apparent digestibility data further revealed that Mn absorption peaked at 20 mg/kg, while Fe digestibility declined linearly with increasing Mn levels. Moreover, duodenal DMT1 (divalent metal transporter 1) mRNA expression was decreased, whereas FPN1 (ferroportin 1) was upregulated. These findings demonstrate that excessive Mn supplementation impairs dietary Fe absorption and homeostasis in weaned pigs, suggesting that the antagonism occurs at both the transcriptional and intestinal absorption levels, providing critical insights for dietary formulation in swine. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Klebsiella pneumoniae poses a serious threat to healthcare, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). To complement AMR infection control in Kenya, here, clinical and environmental genomes were investigated to determine the potential roles prophages play in K. pneumoniae pathogenicity. Methods: Prophages were extracted from 89 Kenyan K. pneumoniae genomes. The intact prophages were examined for virulence genes carriage, and their phylogenetic relationships were established. Results: Eighty-eight (~99%) of the genomes encode at least a single prophage, and there is an average of four prophages and 2.8% contributory genomes per bacterial strain. From the 364 prophages identified, 250 (68.7%) were intact, while 58 (15.9%) and 57 (15.7%) were questionable and incomplete, respectively. Approximately, 30% of the intact prophages encode 38 virulence genes that are linked to iron uptake (8), regulation (6), adherence (5), secretion system (4), antiphagocytosis (4), autotransporter (4), immune modulation (3), invasion (2), toxin (1) and cell surface/capsule (1). Phylogenetic analyses revealed three distinct clades of the intact prophages irrespective of their hosts, sources and locations, which support the plasticity of the genomes and potential to mediate horizontal gene transfer. Conclusions: This study provides first evidence showing the diverse prophages that are encoded in K. pneumoniae from SSA with particular focus on Kenyan strains. This also shows the potential roles these prophages play in the pathogenicity and success of K. pneumoniae and could improve knowledge and complement control strategies in the region and across the globe. Further work is needed to show the expression of these genes through lysogenisation. Full article

Fluoroquinolones are a major issue in aquatic ecosystems due to their persistence, potential to induce antibiotic resistance, and inability to be effectively removed using conventional treatment methods. Several advanced oxidation processes have been studied for their degradation; however, there is still a lack of knowledge about their degradation mechanisms and the precise roles played by reactive species. In this context, the study investigated the heterogeneous activation of persulfate (PS) to degrade fluoroquinolones (FQs), such as moxifloxacin (MFX), in iron-rich soil (Cat) under ultrasound irradiation (US). The analysis of the soil catalyst revealed the presence of quartz (35%), iron oxides (33%), and alumina (26%) as the predominant constituents of the sample. The mineral phase analysis indicated the presence of magnetite, hematite, and alumina. Then, the outcomes of the specific surface area, micropore volume, and total pore volume were determined to be 19 m² g⁻¹, 6 m³ g⁻¹ and 9.10 m³ g⁻¹, respectively. The MFX/PS/US/Cat system demonstrated 89% degradation and 56% mineralization after 300 min. However, the optimized concentrations of i-PrOH, t-BuOH, and CHCl₃ were 50, 100, and 50 mM, respectively, in order to trap the radicals SO₄^•−, OH^•, and O₂^•−. The study examined the individual contributions of SO₄^•−, OH^•, and O₂^•− radicals to the overall process of MFX degradation. The results indicated that SO₄^•− was the primary radical, with a contribution of 52%, followed by OH^• with 43%, and O₂^•− with 5%. Finally, the investigation revealed that laterite exhibited both good catalytic activity and reusability over several cycles. The development of this new process could stimulate the creation of cost-effective technology for water remediation through the effective removal of fluoroquinolones. Full article