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Pregnant women and children are vulnerable to vitamin A deficiency (VAD), which is often compounded by concurrent deficiencies in other micronutrients, particularly iron and zinc, in developing countries. The study investigated the effects of early-life VAD on motor and cognitive development and trace mineral status in a mouse model. C57BL/6J dams were fed either a vitamin A-adequate (VR) or -deficient (VD) diet across two consecutive gestations and lactations. Offspring from both gestations (G1 and G2) continued the same diets until 6 or 9 weeks of age. Behavioral assays were conducted to evaluate motor coordination, grip strength, spatial cognition, and anxiety. Hepatic trace minerals were analyzed. A VD diet depleted hepatic retinoids and reduced plasma retinol across all ages and gestations. Retracted rear legs and abnormal gait were the most common clinical manifestations observed in VD offspring from both gestations at 9 weeks. Poor performance on the Rotarod test further confirmed their motor dysfunction. VAD didnt affect hemoglobin levels and had no consistent effect on hepatic trace mineral concentrations. These findings highlight the critical role of vitamin A in motor development. There was no clear evidence that VAD alters the risk of iron deficiency anemia or trace minerals.

Excessive inorganic trace elements are added to livestock and poultry feed to meet the needs of animals, accompanied by frequent occurrence of excretion and gastrointestinal stress. Replacing inorganic trace elements with organic trace elements provides a promising solution to alleviate these problems. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of replacing all inorganic trace elements (ITMs) in feed on the growth performance, meat quality, serum parameters, trace element metabolism, and gut microbiota of finishing pigs. A total of 128 Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire growing-finishing pigs (33.88 ± 0.62 kg) were assigned to four treatments in a randomized complete block design. Each treatment was divided into four replicates, each containing eight pigs. The control group received a basal diet containing 100% inorganic trace elements, while the experimental groups were provided with diets where all inorganic trace elements were substituted with 30, 50, and 70% organic trace elements. The experiment spanned 56 days. Results indicated that replacing all ITMs with 30, 50, and 70% OTMs demonstrated no adverse effects on average daily feed intake, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, eye muscle area, backfat thickness, and relative organ weight of finishing pigs compared to the control group. Furthermore, the replacement led to increased serum immunoglobulin A concentration and Cu-SOD enzyme activity, and decreased serum MDA level, and GSH-Px activity in the liver. Notably, 50 and 70% OTMs increased serum Mn-SOD activity, and 70% OTMs increased serum T-AOC content. Moreover, it significantly decreased the excretion of trace elements in feces without compromising their deposition in the muscle. Additionally, replacing 100% ITMs with 30% OTMs resulted in an improved Shannon index of colonic microbiota in finishing pigs. In conclusion, replacing 100% inorganic trace elements with 30, 50, and 70% organic trace elements exhibited no detrimental effects on the performance of finishing pigs. In conclusion, replacing 100% inorganic trace elements with 70% organic trace elements had certain potential to improve the production performance of finishing pigs. This replacement strategy can enhance meat quality, boost antioxidant capacity, reduce trace element excretion, facilitate trace element absorption and deposition, and enhance gut microbiota homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shalini, R.; Arisekar, U.; Jeyasekaran, G; Shakila, R.J.; Sundhar, S.; Sivaraman, B., and Tamizhselvan, S., 2025. Mineral composition of the commercially valuable fish and shellfish caught along the Thoothukudi Coast, Southeast India. Journal of Coastal Research, 41(1), 94–104. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. The SE coast of India boasts a diverse array of fish species, influenced by its geographical features, coastal habitats, and marine ecosystems. To study the nutritional value of fish and shellfish, the concentration of seven minerals (calcium [Ca], magnesium [Mg], iron [Fe], zinc [Zn], copper [Cu], manganese [Mn], and selenium [Se]) in 28 commercially valuable finfish, crustaceans, cephalopods, and bivalves along Thoothukudi region of the SE coast of India was analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometer. Based on the concentration, the minerals were in the order of Mg > Ca > Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn > Se. The mineral concentration varied among different finfish and shellfish. The highest total mineral concentration was recorded in oysters (Magallana bilineata; 112.8 mg/100 g), followed by ribbonfish (Trichiurus lepturus; 74.7 mg/100 g), and flower shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus; 71.6 mg/100 g). The Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) and ribbonfish recorded the highest Ca (36.4 mg/100 g) and Fe (7.42 ± 2.25 mg/100 g) concentrations. Among shellfish, M. bilineata recorded the highest concentration of Ca (38.3 mg/100 g), Cu (3.73 mg/ 100 g), Fe (5.02 mg/100 g), and Zn (28.7 mg/100 g). The results indicate that ribbonfish, goldenstripe sardine, Indian mackerel, and oysters are good mineral sources. This study provides the baseline data regarding the mineral concentration of valuable finfish and shellfish along the SE coast of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this work was to study the chemical composition of eighteen ground coffees from different countries and continents with regard to the content of hazardous substances as radioactive elements (40K, 226Ra, 228Ra, 234U, 238U and 137Cs), metals, including heavy metals, aluminum and some microelements (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) as well as substances that have a positive effect on human health and well-being (polyphenols, proteins, fats and caffeine). The tests were carried out before and after the brewing process using the following techniques: gamma and beta spectrometry, a microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometer (MIP-OES), gravimetric method, UV–Vis spectrophotometry as well as thin-layer chromatography. The leaching percentage of certain elements/compounds in coffee infusions was also measured. The research showed clear differences between Arabica and Robusta coffees, and also allowed for identifying some differences between Arabica coffees depending on the place of their origin. The results presented can raise consumer awareness and help them make better food choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The skin is a very sensitive organ that covers and protects the entire body. It is one of the routes by which chemicals present in e.g., personal care products are absorbed into the body. The quality of cosmetic products and their safety for consumers depend on their chemical composition. Cosmetics are produced from various ingredients, including dyes that contain e.g., Cr6+ and Ni at concentrations that can be hazardous to human health. Entities that introduce cosmetic products in the market are responsible for their safety and for ensuring that their chemical composition complies with relevant standards. However, the online market offers products of different brands manufactured in plants located in countries that have less restrictive regulations than those in place in the EU or the US. In the present study, we carried out analyses (mineralization with aqua regia HCl: HNO3) to determine the concentrations of selected metals (Cr, Fe, Ni, Mn and Zn) using ICP-MS in 23 samples of cosmetics (foundations, blushes, lipsticks, creams, face masks and eye shadows) in order to calculate the health risks associated with their daily use. We calculated the margin of safety (MoS), hazard index (HI) and the hazard quotient (HQ) and carried out a quantitative risk assessment (QRA) to answer the question of whether cosmetics available in the online market are safe for consumers when used in daily care routines. The results showed wide ranges of heavy metal concentrations in the cosmetics analyzed. The mean concentrations of the elements decreased in the following order (in mg/kg): Fe (6407) > Zn (190) > Mn (88) > Cr (24) > Ni (8). The MoS, HQ and HI values calculated for all the samples of cosmetics indicated that the products do not present a risk to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper is a vital trace element crucial for mediating interactions between Mycobacterium and macrophages. Within these immune cells, copper modulates oxidative stress responses and signaling pathways, enhancing macrophage immune functions and facilitating Mycobacterium clearance. Conversely, copper may promote Mycobacterium escape from macrophages through various mechanisms: inhibiting macrophage activity, diminishing phagocytic and bactericidal capacities, and supporting Mycobacterium survival and proliferation. This paradox has intensified research focus on the regulatory role of copper in immune cell–pathogen interactions. Interactions among metal ions can affect Mycobacterium concentration, distribution, and activity within an organism. In this review, we have elucidated the role of copper in these interactions, focusing on the mechanisms by which this metal influences both the immune defense mechanisms of macrophages and the survival strategies of Mycobacterium. The findings suggest that manipulating copper levels could enhance macrophage bactericidal functions and potentially limit Mycobacterium resistance. Therefore, elucidating the regulatory role of copper is pivotal for advancing our understanding of metal homeostasis in immune cell–pathogen dynamics and TB pathogenesis. Furthermore, we recommend further investigation into the role of copper in TB pathogenesis to advance tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment and gain comprehensive insights into metal homeostasis in infectious disease contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chernozem soils, known for their high organic matter and fertility, are crucial for agricultural productivity in northern Kazakhstan's Kostanay region. This study evaluated the physical, chemical, and biological properties of these soils to assess their suitability for crop production and propose sustainable management practices. Soil samples were collected from 0-20 cm depths across various locations to represent the region's main nutrient profile. Physical analyses included texture determination, while chemical analyses measured pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter, and nutrient levels (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn) using standard methods. Biological assessments focused on microbial biomass carbon (Cmic), basal soil respiration (BSR), dehydrogenase and catalase activities, as well as Cmic: Corg and metabolic quotient (qCO2) ratios. Results indicated high organic matter content (mean 4.49%), sufficient total nitrogen (>0.25%), and high levels of potassium and calcium. However, phosphorus levels were low (<8 mg kg-1), marking it as a key limiting nutrient. Biological analysis revealed robust microbial activity, with high catalase activity supporting aerobic processes, but low Cmic: Corg and qCO2 values suggested limited microbial biomass, potentially slowing organic matter decomposition. This trait, while preserving organic matter, may restrict nutrient mineralization, impacting crop nutrient availability. Based on these findings, we recommend prioritizing phosphorus and potassium fertilization integrated with organic matter management to balance nutrient levels and enhance crop productivity. The application of liquid or solid organic or organomineral fertilizers is suggested to maintain soil organic matter and promote sustainable practices. Additionally, foliar applications of manganese and iron, along with nitrogen supplementation, are recommended to address micronutrient deficiencies and support plant growth. Overall, sustainable management of Chernozem soils in Kostanay requires balanced nutrient management, organic matter preservation, and targeted micronutrient interventions to ensure long-term fertility and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT To better understand the properties of low rank coals, especially the correlation information between the trace elements (TEs) and minerals, four typical low‐rank coals in China, namely Xiaolongtan (XLT), Shenbei (SB), Huolinhe (HLH), and Shengli (SL) were quantitatively studied for their mineralogical characteristics and TEs distributions, to provide a basis for proposing methods to remove impurities from low‐rank coal and reduce environmental pollution. Results show that light mineral fractions (LMFs, ρ < 2.89 g/cm3) are more than 90% (wt.%) in the four low‐rank coals with clay minerals dominating in composition. Minerals in the heavy mineral fractions (HMFs, ρ > 2.89 g/cm3) vary from coal to coal. Rare heavy mineral particles including zircon, sphalerite, and gypsum are observed in HMFs from four low‐rank coals. Minerals are the major carriers of the TEs, and different kinds of minerals carry different kinds of TEs. TEs such as Cu, Zn, Tl, As, Cd, Sn, Ni, Sb, Pb have an affinity to occur in pyrite; Gd, Sr, Ba, Eu, and Bi are associated with barite; Cr, Mo are abundant in Fe‐bearing carbonate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]