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Osteoporosis and resulting fractures affect a significant group of people in the world. It has been shown in many studies that selenium has positive effects on bone metabolism. Based on this information, the aim of this study is to investigate whether bone differentiation will start in a shorter time by applying selenomethionine (SeMet) to hFOB cells.First, hFOB 1.19 cells were cultured. Safe doses of SeMet were determined by MTT and LDH tests. Ossification levels were determined by alizarin red staining and measurement of alkaline phosphatase enzyme levels. The results were analyzed with statistical tests.It was observed that SeMet increased cell viability at concentrations of 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µM in 24 h. At these concentrations, cell viability increased above the control, the viabilities were as follows: 109.4%, 104.9%, 104.3%, 103.15%, and 100.27%. High doses of SeMet significantly reduce cell viability. According to Alizarin red staining, SeMet increases the amount of calcium deposits in hFOB cells in a dose-dependent manner. In the experimental groups, the highest ALP enzyme was determined in the 7-day SeMet application. The most effective dose was measured as 15 µM.It was determined that SeMet, which is found as a trace element in living things in nature, increases the viability of hFOB cells, which are osteoblast cell precursors, and increases osteoblastic differentiation and osteoblastic activity in these cells. Our results are at a level that sheds light on an important problem in public health., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

This study investigated the effects of substituting inorganic trace minerals (ITM) with advanced chelate technology-based TM (ACTM) in broiler chicken feed on productive performance, metabolic profile, humoral immunity, antioxidant status, and modulation of NF-kB and Nrf2 signaling pathways in mixed Eimeria species exposure. The study involved 480 newly hatched male broiler chickens, which were divided into 5 treatment groups, each with 6 replicate cages and 16 chickens per replicate. The experimental treatments included an uninfected negative control group fed a basal diet with recommended inorganic TM levels (NC), an infected positive control group fed the same diet (PC), a PC group supplemented with salinomycin (SAL), and two PC groups in which the basal diet was replaced with 50% and 100% ACTM instead of inorganic TM (ACTM50 and ACTM100, respectively). All groups, except for the NC group, were orally challenged with mixed Eimeria species oocysts on day 14. According to the results, the PC group showed lower feed intake, breast yield, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentration, lactobacillus spp. counts, and serum IgG levels, but higher jejunal TGF-β expression versus the NC group. The broilers in the NC, SAL, and ACTM100 groups showed higher body weight gain, carcass yield, and TGF-β expression, but lower serum alkaline phosphatase activity, ileal E. coli count, and jejunal expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, Nrf2, and SOD1 compared to the PC group, with the NC group having the highest body weight gain and lowest IL-1β and Nrf2 expression levels. Furthermore, the administration of ACTM100 treatment improved feed efficiency, increased serum iron, zinc, manganese, and copper levels, enhanced total antioxidant capacity and different antioxidant enzyme activities, and reduced malondialdehyde concentration. In conclusion, complete replacement of ITM with ACTM effectively protects broilers from Eimeria infection, with similar positive effects to SAL treatment in terms of productive performance and anti-inflammatory responses and better antioxidant responses and mineral availability., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The health and productivity of broilers may be improved by optimizing the availability and levels of trace minerals (TM) in their feed, especially in the presence of parasites. This study investigated the effects of replacing inorganic TM (ITM) with an advanced chelate technology-based 7 TM (ACTM) on performance, hematology, lesion score, oocyst shedding, gut morphology, and tight junction structure in broilers challenged with mixed Eimeria species. There were 480 1-day-old broiler chickens divided into 5 groups: uninfected negative control and recommended levels of ITM (NC); infected positive control and recommended levels of ITM (PC); or PC supplemented with salinomycin (SAL); PC diet with 50 % ACTM instead of ITM (ACTM50); or PC diet with 100 % ACTM instead of ITM (ACTM100). All groups, except NC, were orally challenged with mixed Eimeria spp. oocysts on day 14. Each group had 6 replicate cages, with 16 birds per replicate. The results showed that the NC, SAL, and ACTM100 groups had higher (P < 0.05) body weight, average daily gain (ADG), and European production efficiency index (EPEI), as well as a lower (P < 0.05) feed conversion, mortality rate, and heterophile to lymphocyte ratio compared to the PC group, with the NC group having the highest ADG and EPEI throughout the experiment. The SAL and ACTM100 groups had lower (P < 0.05) intestinal lesion scores and oocyst numbers compared to the PC group, although all coccidiosis-challenged groups had higher oocyst shedding compared to the NC group. On day 24, the challenged birds in the SAL and ACTM100 groups had higher (P < 0.05) villus height and surface area in the duodenum and ileum, as well as a higher (P < 0.05) villus height to crypt depth ratio in the jejunum. The expression levels of jejunal CLDN1 and ZO-1 were also higher (P < 0.05) in the ACTM100 and SAL groups compared to the PC and ACTM50 groups at 24 days of age. In conclusion, while using ACTM in broiler diets at 50 % of the commercial recommended levels maintained performance and physiological responses, complete replacement with ACTM improved growth performance and intestinal health characteristics, similar to salinomycin under Eimeria challenge conditions., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest Bonzachicken is designed and synthesized using the Advanced Chelate Compounds Technology, invented by Mr. Mohammad Hassan Nazaran and patented in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (US8288587B2). The authors of this research have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This study aims to investigate the effects of providing Cu and Zn minerals with an organic structure reduced by 25% compared to the recommended (NRC) inorganic value on parameters such as the age at which lambs achieve 50% sperm motility yield, some developmental parameters, testis histology, as well as serum, wool, and fecal mineral levels in lambs. The study involved 12 male lambs in the T1 group (organic minerals) and 11 in the T2 group (inorganic minerals) of the Kıvırcık breed. Lambs received minerals from mothers during the last month of fetal period and suckling, continuing individual feeding post-weaning. During individual feeding, T1 received 5.25 mg/kg DM copper-chelate and 15.0 mg/kg DM zinc-chelate, while T2 received 7 mg/kg DM copper-sulfate and 20 mg/kg DM zinc-sulfate. The mothers received identical mineral amounts in the last month of pregnancy and lactation. The ewes birthed offspring solely for the supply of experimental groups. Lambs, averaging about 18.5 kg, underwent bi-weekly electroejaculation, concluding the trial for those with 50% semen motility. Statistical analyses were carried out using the GLM method. No differences were observed between groups in the average age at which lambs achieve 50% sperm motility, live weight, scrotum, and testicular measurements at this age (P > 0.05). Histological analyses revealed no difference in tubule area between T1 and T2 groups (P > 0.05), but tubular epithelium height was greater in T1 (P < 0.01). End-of-trial serum copper, as well as weaning day and end-of-trial serum and fleece zinc mean values, did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). However, T1 had higher mean values for serum Cu on the weaning day (P < 0.01), fleece copper on the weaning day (P < 0.05) and at the end of the trial (P < 0.001). Additionally, the T1 group exhibited lower mean levels of fecal copper (P < 0.05) and fecal zinc (P < 0.001). In conclusion, despite organic copper and zinc levels being 25% lower in the examined parameters, comparable or improved results were achieved with inorganic copper and zinc., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Osteoporosis is associated with an imbalance in bone formation, with certain drugs used in disease treatment being implicated in its development. Supplementation with trace elements may contribute to bone regeneration, offering an alternative approach by enhancing bone mineral density (BMD) and thereby thwarting the onset of osteoporosis. This review aims to assess the mechanisms through which trace elements such as copper (Cu), iron (Fe), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) are linked to increased bone mass, thus mitigating the effects of pharmaceuticals. Our findings underscore that the use of drugs such as aromatase inhibitors (AIs), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antiretrovirals, glucocorticoids, opioids, or anticonvulsants can result in decreased BMD, a primary contributor to osteoporosis. Research indicates that essential elements like Cu, Fe, Se, Mn, and Zn, through various mechanisms, can bolster BMD and forestall the onset of the disease, owing to their protective effects. Consequently, our study recommends a minimum daily intake of these essential minerals for patients undergoing treatment with the aforementioned drugs, as the diverse mechanisms governing the effects of trace elements Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn facilitate bone remodeling., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Sub-estrus is a condition when buffaloes do not display behavioural estrus signs, despite being in estrus and causes a delay in conception and increases the service period. The present study describes the effect of synthetic prostaglandin (PGF 2α ) alone and in combination with trace minerals on the follicular and corpus luteum (CL) dynamics, serum estradiol (E 2 ) and progesterone (P 4 ) concentration correlating estrus response and pregnancy outcome in sub-estrus buffaloes during the breeding season. A total of 50 sub-estrus buffaloes, identified through ultrasonography (USG) examination, were randomly allocated into three groups, viz. T1 (Synthetic PGF 2α , Inj. Cloprostenol 500 μg, i.m, n = 17), T2 (Synthetic PGF 2α  + Trace mineral supplementation, Inj. Stimvet 1 mL/100 kg body weight, i.m., n = 17) and control (untreated; n = 16). Following treatment, 100% of sub-estrus buffaloes were induced estrus in the T1 and T2 groups, while only 18.75% were induced in the control. The CL diameter and serum P 4 concentration were significantly lower at post-treatment, whereas the pre-ovulatory follicle (POF) size and serum E 2 concentration were significantly higher in the T1 and T2 groups as compared to the control (p < .05). The buffaloes of the T2 group had a greater proportion of moderate intensities estrus than those of T1. Moreover, the proportion of buffaloes conceived in the T1 and T2 were 41.2% and 52.95%, respectively. The larger POF diameter and higher serum E 2 concentration were associated with intense intensity estrus and higher conception rate (66.7%) in sub-estrus buffaloes. Similarly, CL regression rate, POF size and serum E 2 concentration were relatively higher in the buffaloes conceived as compared to those not conceived. It is concluded that synthetic PGF 2α in combination with trace minerals induces moderate to intense intensities estrus in a greater proportion of sub-estrus buffaloes and increases the conception rate during the breeding season. Moreover, behavioural estrus attributes correlating follicle and luteal morphometry, serum E 2 and P 4 concentration could be used to optimise the breeding time for augmenting the conception rate in sub-estrus buffaloes., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Hypertension (HT) is a medical condition arising due to increase in blood pressure (BP) prevalent worldwide. The balanced dietary intakes of macro-elements and micro-elements including Na, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, and Cu have been described to maintain BP in humans by regulating the osmolarity of blood, cells/tissues, prevention of generation of oxidative and nitrosative stress (OANS), and endothelial damage through their functioning as important components of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), antioxidant enzyme defense system, and maintenance of blood vascular-endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) functions. However, inadequate/excess dietary intakes of Na/K, Ca/Mg, and Zn/Cu along with higher Pb and As exposures recognized to induce HT through common mechanisms including the followings: endothelial dysfunctions due to impairment of vasodilatation, increased vasoconstriction and arterial stiffness, blood clotting, inflammation, modification of sympathetic activity and higher catecholamine release, increased peripheral vascular resistance, and cardiac output; increased OANS due to reduced and elevated activities of extracellular superoxide dismutase and NAD(P)H oxidase, less nitric oxide bioavailability, decrease in cGMP and guanylate cyclase activity, increase in intracellular Ca 2+ ions in VSMCs, and higher pro-inflammatory cytokines; higher parathyroid and calcitriol hormones; activation/suppression of RAAS resulting imbalance in blood Na + , K + , and water regulated by renin, angiotensin II, and aldosterone through affecting natriuresis/kaliuresis/diuresis; elevation in serum cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, decrease in HDL cholesterol due to defect in lipoprotein metabolism. The present study recommends the need to review simple dietary mineral intervention studies/supplementation trials before keeping their individual dietary excess intakes/exposures in consideration because their interactions lead to elevation and fall of their concentrations in body affecting onset of HT., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Nutrition has a primary role for optimum expression of genetic potential, and most of the farmers have limited resources of green fodder. Hence, a fat-soluble vitamin, especially vitamin A and E and trace elements remained most critical in the animal's ration and affects their productive and reproductive performance adversely. Animals cannot be able to produce these vitamins in their bodies; hence, an exogenous regular supply is needed to fulfil the physiological needs and to maintain high production performance. This study elucidated effects of antioxidant vitamins (A, D, E) and trace elements (Cu, Mn, Se, Zn) administration on gene expression, metabolic, antioxidants and immunological parameters in dromedary camels during transition period., Results: At 0 day, there were no appreciable differences in the expression patterns of the metabolic (IGF-I, ACACA, SCD, FASN, LPL, and BTN1A1) genes between the control and treatment groups, despite lower levels. A substantial variation in the mRNA levels of SOD1, SOD3, PRDX2, PRDX3, PRDX4, PRDX6, and AhpC/TSA was observed between the control and treatment groups, according to the antioxidant markers. In comparison to the control group, the treatment group displayed a significant up-regulation at 0 and 21 days. The treatment and control groups exhibited substantial differences in the mRNA values of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα, as indicated by immunological markers. In comparison to the control group, there was a noticeable down-regulation in the treatment group at 0 and + 21 days. But IL10 produced the opposite pattern. No significant difference was observed in glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, total protein, NEFA, BHBA, cortisol and IGF-1 levels between control and treatment group. The activity of serum GPx, SOD and TAC was significantly affected by time and treatment x time in supplemented groups as compared with control group. IL-1, IL-1, IL-6, and TNF were noticeably greater in the control group and lower in the treatment group. Additionally, in all groups, the concentration of all pro-inflammatory cytokines peaked on the day of delivery and its lowest levels showed on day 21 following calving. The IL-10 level was at its peak 21 days prior to calving and was lowest on calving day., Conclusion: The results demonstrated a beneficial effect of antioxidant vitamins and trace elements on the metabolic, antioxidant and immunological markers in dromedary camels throughout their transition period., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Dietary supplementation with trace elements zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) could promote intestinal development and improve intestinal health. There are, however, few studies examining the possibility that maternal original Zn, Fe and Mn could regulate intestinal development and barrier function in the offspring. This study aimed to investigate how the intestinal growth and barrier function of breeder offspring were affected by collagen peptide-chelated trace elements (PTE; Zn, Fe, Mn)., Results: PTE supplementation in the diet of breeder hens increased the concentrations of Zn, Fe and Mn in egg yolk. Maternal PTE supplementation improved morphological parameters of the intestine (villi height, crypt depth and villi height/crypt depth) and upregulated the mRNA expression level of leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5) in the ileum of chick embryos. Furthermore, maternal PTE effect improved villi height/crypt depth of offspring at 1 and 14 days of age, and upregulated Lgr5, Claudin-3 and E-cadherin mRNA expression in the broiler ileum. Additionally, PTE treatment could enhance the intestinal microbial diversity of offspring. Maternal PTE supplementation increased the relative abundance of Clostridiales at the genus level and decreased the relative abundance of Enterococcus in newborn offspring. Moreover, maternal PTE supplementation ameliorated the elevated nuclear factor kappa B, toll-like receptor 4 and interleukin 1β mRNA expression in the ileum of offspring caused by LPS challenge., Conclusion: Maternal PTE supplementation could promote intestinal development and enhance the intestinal barrier function of chicken offspring. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Angus-crossbred steers (n = 400; 369.7 ± 7.6 kg) were used to determine the influence of trace mineral (TM) source and chromium propionate (Cr Prop) supplementation on performance, carcass characteristics, and ruminal and plasma variables in finishing steers. Steers were blocked by body weight (BW) and randomly assigned within block to treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with factors being: 1) TM source (STM or HTM) and 2) Cr supplementation (0 or 0.25 mg Cr/kg DM, -Cr or + Cr, respectively). Treatments consisted of the addition of: 1) sulfate TM (STM; 90, 40, and 18 mg/kg DM of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively), 2) STM and 0.25 mg Cr/kg DM from Cr Prop, 3) hydroxychloride TM (HTM; 90, 40, and 18 mg/kg DM of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively), and 4) HTM and 0.25 mg Cr/kg DM from Cr Prop. Each treatment consisted of 10 replicate pens with 10 steers per pen. Body weights were obtained on consecutive days at the initiation and termination of the 154-d study. Steers were fed a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet. Ractopamine hydrochloride was fed for the last 31 d of the study. Ruminal fluid and blood samples were obtained from one steer per pen on days 28 and 84 for ruminal volatile fatty acids (VFA) and plasma TM and glucose analysis. Steers were slaughtered at the end of the study and individual carcass data were collected. No Cr × TM source interactions (P = 0.48) were detected. Steers supplemented with HTM had greater (P = 0.04) hot carcass weight (HCW), dressing percentage (DP), longissimus muscle (LM) area, and USDA yield grade (YG), and tended (P = 0.12) to have greater average daily gain (ADG) than those receiving STM. Average daily gain, gain:feed, dressing percentage, and longissimus muscle area were greater (P = 0.04) for + Cr steers compared to-Cr steers. Hot carcass weight tended (P = 0.06) to be greater for + Cr steers. Ruminal acetate concentrations at 28 d were lesser (P = 0.01) for HTM vs. STM steers, and greater (P = 0.04) for + Cr steers compared to-Cr steers. Plasma concentrations of Zn, Cu, and Mn were not affected by TM source or Cr supplementation. Steers supplemented with Cr had greater (P = 0.05) plasma glucose concentrations than-Cr steers at 28 but not at 84 d. Results of this study indicate replacing STM with HTM improved carcass characteristics in finishing steers, and Cr Prop supplementation improved steer performance and carcass characteristics., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science.)

Angus-cross steers (n = 144; 362 kg ± 20.4) were used to determine the effect of Zn and steroidal implants on performance, trace mineral status, circulating metabolites, and transcriptional changes occurring in skeletal muscle. Steers (n = 6 per pen) were stratified by body weight (BW) in a 3 × 2 factorial. GrowSafe bunks recorded individual feed intake (steer as experimental unit; n = 24 per treatment). Dietary treatments (ZINC; eight pens per treatment) included supplemental Zn as ZnSO4 at 1) 0 (analyzed 54 mg Zn/kg DM; Zn0); 2) 30 mg/kg DM (Zn30); 3) 100 mg Zn/kg DM (Zn100). After 60 d of Zn treatment, steers received a steroidal implant treatment (IMP) on day 0: 1) no implant; NO; or 2) high-potency combination implant (TE-200, Elanco, Greenfield, IN; 200 mg TBA, 20 mg E2; TE200). BWs were taken at days -60, 0, and in 28 d increments thereafter. Liver biopsies for TM analysis and blood for TM, serum glucose, insulin, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), urea-N, and IGF-1 analysis were collected on days 0, 20, 40, and 84. Glucose, NEFA, and insulin were used to calculate the revised quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (RQUICKI). Linear and quadratic effects of ZINC were evaluated in SAS 9.4. Means for IMP were separated using the LSMEANS statement with the PDIFF option. Day -60 BW was a covariate for performance and carcass data. Growth performance, plasma, liver, and metabolite data were analyzed as repeated measures. TE200 tended to decrease plasma Zn by 8.4% from days 0 to 20 while NO decreased by 3.6% (IMP × day; P = 0.08). A tendency for a ZINC × day effect on G:F was noted (P = 0.06) driven by Zn30 and Zn100 decreasing significantly from period 0-28 to period 28-56 while Zn0 was similar in both periods. An IMP × day effect was noted for RQUICKI where (P = 0.02) TE200 was greater on day 40 compared to NO cattle, but by day 84 RQUICKI was not different between TE200 and NO. On day 20, increasing Zn supplementation linearly increased mRNA abundance (P ≤ 0.09) of protein kinase B (AKT1), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), and myogenic factor 5 (MYF5). In this study, Zn and implants differentially affected genes related to energy metabolism, satellite cell function, and TM homeostasis on days 20 and 84 postimplant. These results suggest steroidal implants increase demand for Zn immediately following implant administration to support growth and may influence insulin sensitivity in finishing cattle., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science.)

Angus-cross steers (n = 144; 359 kg ± 13.4) were used to assess the effect of dietary Mn and steroidal implants on performance, trace minerals (TM) status, hepatic enzyme activity, hepatic gene expression, and serum metabolites. Steers (n = 6/pen) were stratified by BW in a 3 × 2 factorial. GrowSafe bunks recorded individual feed intake (experimental unit = steer; n = 24/treatment). Dietary treatments included (MANG; 8 pens/treatment; Mn as MnSO4): (1) no supplemental Mn (analyzed 14 mg Mn/kg DM; Mn0); (2) 20 mg supplemental Mn/kg DM (Mn20); (3) 50 mg supplemental Mn/kg DM (Mn50). Within MANG, steers received a steroidal implant treatment (IMP) on day 0: (1) no implant; NO; or (2) combination implant (Revalor-200; REV). Liver biopsies for TM analysis and qPCR, and blood for serum glucose, insulin, non-esterified fatty acids, and urea-N (SUN) analysis were collected on days 0, 20, 40, and 77. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block with a factorial arrangement of treatments including fixed effects of Mn treatment (MANG) and implant (IMP) using PROC MIXED of SAS 9.4 using initial BW as a covariate. Liver TM, serum metabolite, enzyme activity, and gene expression data were analyzed as repeated measures. No MANG × IMP effects were noted (P ≥ 0.12) for growth performance or carcass characteristic measures. Dietary Mn did not influence final body weight, overall ADG, or overall G:F (P ≥ 0.14). Liver Mn concentration increased with supplemental Mn concentration (MANG; P = 0.01). An IMP × DAY effect was noted for liver Mn (P = 0.01) where NO and REV were similar on day 0 but NO cattle increased liver Mn from days 0 to 20 while REV liver Mn decreased. Relative expression of MnSOD in the liver was greater in REV (P = 0.02) compared to NO and within a MANG × IMP effect (P = 0.01) REV increased liver MnSOD activity. These data indicate current NASEM Mn recommendations are adequate to meet the demands of finishing beef cattle given a steroidal implant. Despite the roles of Mn in metabolic pathways and antioxidant defense, a basal diet containing 14 mg Mn/kg DM was sufficient for the normal growth of finishing steers. This study also provided novel insight into how implants and supplemental Mn influence genes related to arginine metabolism, urea synthesis, antioxidant capacity, and TM homeostasis as well as arginase and MnSOD activity in hepatic tissue of beef steers., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science.)

To investigate effects of inorganic or complexed trace mineral source (zinc, copper, manganese, and cobalt) on receiving period performance and morbidity, crossbred beef heifer calves (n = 287) arriving on three delivery dates were used in a 42-d receiving trial. Heifers were processed after arrival, stratified by day -1 body weights (BW) and allocated randomly to eight pens (11 to 13 heifers/pen, 24 pens total). Within truckload, pens were assigned randomly to dietary treatment (n = 12 pens/treatment). Heifers were housed on 0.42-ha grass paddocks, provided ad libitum bermudagrass hay and provided dietary treatments in grain supplements fed daily. Treatments consisted of supplemental zinc (360 mg/d), copper (125 mg/d), manganese (200 mg/d), and cobalt (12 mg/d) from complexed (Zinpro Availa 4, Zinpro Corp. Eden Prairie, MN) or inorganic sources (sulfates). Heifers were observed daily for clinical bovine respiratory disease (BRD). If presenting BRD symptoms and rectal temperature ≥ 40 °C, heifers were deemed morbid and treated with antibiotics. Six heifers/pen were bled to determine serum haptoglobin concentrations on days 0, 14, and 28. Liver biopsies were taken on day 5 ± 2 and 43 ± 1 from three calves selected randomly from each pen for mineral status comparisons. Statistical analyses were performed using the MIXED, GLIMMIX, and repeated measures procedures of SAS 9.4 with truckload as a random effect and pen within truckload specified as subject. There tended to be a treatment by day interaction for BW (P = 0.07). Heifer BW did not differ on day 0 (P = 0.82) and day 14 (P = 0.36), but heifers fed complexed trace minerals had greater BW on day 28 (P = 0.04) and day 42 (P = 0.05). Overall average daily gains were greater for heifers fed complexed trace minerals (P = 0.05; 0.78 vs. 0.70 kg, SE = 0.03). Heifers supplemented with inorganic trace minerals had greater BRD incidence (P = 0.03; 58 vs. 46%, SE = 3.6). Haptoglobin concentrations decreased throughout the trial (P < 0.001), and heifers fed complexed trace minerals tended to have a decrease in haptoglobin concentrations (P = 0.07). The source of trace mineral supplementation had no effect (P ≥ 0.20) on liver mineral concentrations and there were no treatment × day interactions (P ≥ 0.35). In conclusion, supplementing diets for the first 42 d after arrival with complexed trace mineral sources improved heifer performance as compared to heifers supplemented with inorganic trace minerals., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

To examine the effects of feeding a vitamin and mineral supplement to beef heifers throughout gestation on mineral status and hormone/endocrine profiles in the dam and calf, and morphometric characteristics and organ mass of the calf at 30 h after birth, Angus-based heifers (n = 72, 14 to 15 mo of age, initial body weight [BW] = 380.4 ± 50.56 kg) were estrus synchronized and artificially inseminated (AI) with female-sexed semen. Heifers were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to receive either a basal diet (CON; n = 36) or a basal diet plus a vitamin and mineral supplement (VTM; n = 36) via an individual feeding system beginning at breeding, with both diets targeting BW gains of 0.45 kg heifer-1·d-1. Heifers not pregnant after the first AI (CON, n = 19; VTM, n = 18) were rebred via AI 60 d after treatment initiation, and heifers gestating female fetuses (CON, n = 7; VTM, n = 7) received treatments throughout gestation and were experimental units for this study. Calves were separated from their dams and fed colostrum replacer within 2 h of birth and euthanized 30 h after the first feeding. Calf morphometrics were recorded, and tissues were weighed and sampled. Serum from the dam at calving and serum, liver, and muscle from the calf at 30 h were analyzed for concentrations of minerals. Serum from the dam and calf were analyzed for concentrations of leptin, vitamins A, D, and E, cortisol, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor 1. All response variables were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Calf body morphometrics and BW of the dam at calving (P ≥ 0.32), calf organ weights (P ≥ 0.21), and calf ovarian follicle counts (P ≥ 0.13) were not affected by maternal treatment. Concentrations of Se and Co in calf serum and Se in calf liver were increased (P ≤ 0.02) in VTM. Serum concentrations of Co and vitamin A in the dam were greater (P ≤ 0.01) in supplemented compared with nonsupplemented dams, and serum concentrations of vitamin D were greater (P ≤ 0.0003) in supplemented dams and calves compared with the nonsupplemented cohort. Maternal supplementation supported vitamin and mineral status in the neonate, yet had no discernable impact on BW, organ mass, or circulating hormones/metabolites in the calf. Evaluating offspring at later postnatal time points is warranted to determine if prenatal vitamin and mineral supplementation affects performance, health, metabolism, and efficiency of energy utilization in key metabolic tissues in the calf., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

In the Northern Great Plains, cattle may be exposed to water with an elevated sulfate concentration resulting in ruminal hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production and risk of copper deficiency. There are currently few strategies available to help mitigate effects arising from high-sulfate water (HS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding a moderate-forage diet with or without bismuth subsalicylate (BSS; 0.0% vs. 0.4% DM basis) when provided water with a low- (LS; 346 ± 13) or HS (4,778 ± 263 mg/L) concentration on feed and water intake, ruminal H2S concentration, and liver and serum trace-mineral concentrations. Twenty-four Limousin × Simmental cross beef heifers (221 ± 41 kg) were stratified based on initial liver Cu into a completely randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement. Feed and water intake (measured weekly), ruminal H2S concentration (measured on days 42 and 91), liver (measured on days -13 and 91), and serum trace-mineral concentrations (measured on days 1, 28, 56, and 91) were evaluated. Initial liver trace-mineral concentrations were used as a covariate in the statistical model. Water intake tended to be reduced with the inclusion of BSS (P = 0.095) but was not affected by water sulfate (P = 0.40). Water sulfate and BSS did not affect dry matter intake (DMI; P ≥ 0.89). Heifers consuming HS had a ruminal H2S concentration that was 1.58 mg/L more (P < 0.001) than LS. The inclusion of BSS reduced (P = 0.035) ruminal H2S concentration by more than 44% (1.35 vs. 0.75 mg/L). Regardless of the water sulfate concentration, heifers fed BSS had lesser liver Cu concentration (average of 4.08 mg/kg) than heifers not provided BSS, and when not provided BSS, HS had lesser Cu than LS (42.2 vs. 58.3; sulfate × BSS, P = 0.019). The serum concentration of Cu did not differ over time for heifers not provided BSS; whereas, heifers provided BSS had lesser serum Cu concentration on day 91 than on days 28 and 55 (BSS × time, P < 0.001). The liver concentration of selenium was reduced (P < 0.001) with BSS inclusion but the selenium concentration in serum was not affected by sulfate, BSS, or time (P ≥ 0.16). BSS reduced ruminal H2S concentration, but depleted liver Cu and Se. Moreover, sulfate concentration in water did not appear to affect DMI, water intake, or growth, but increased ruminal H2S and reduced liver Cu concentration., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Trace elements (TEs) are essential for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to prepare a TEs solution enriched with various organic states to evaluate its preventive, therapeutic effects, and mechanism of action in RA and to provide a treatment method for RA treatment. The TEs in natural ore were extracted and added to 0.5% (W/V) L-alanyl-L-glutamine (LG) to obtain a TEs solution (LG-WLYS), which was examined for its concentration and quality. The antioxidant properties and effects of LG-WLYS on cell behavior were evaluated at the cellular level. The preventive and therapeutic effects and mechanism of action of LG-WLYS in rats with RA were explored. The LG-WLYS solution was clear, free from visible foreign matter, and had a pH of 5.33 and an osmolality of 305.67 mOsmol/kg. LG-WLYS inhibited cell migration and angiogenesis. LG-WLYS solution induced macrophages to change from M1-type to M2-type, increased the content of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and IL-10), decreased the levels of nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2, and iNOs, scavenging reactive oxygen species from the lesion site, inhibiting the apoptosis of chondrocytes, regulating inflammatory microenvironment, and decreasing inflammation response to exert the therapeutic effect for RA. In conclusion, LG-WLYS has outstanding therapeutic and preventive effects against RA and has enormous potential for further development., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest Please declare any financial or personal interests that might be potentially viewed to influence the work presented. Interests could include consultancies, honoraria, patent ownership or other. If there are none state ‘there are none’., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.)

Globally freshwater ecosystems and associated biota including phytoplankton communities are at extreme risk from trace metal pollution originating from geogenic as well as from anthropogenic sources such as release of untreated industrial effluents. In the present study influence of iron- and arsenic-enrichments on structure and metabolism of phytoplankton communities of River Ganga, one of the largest rivers of South Asia, was assessed under laboratory-based microcosm experiments. Surface water samples were collected and subsequently enriched with higher than recommended concentrations of iron (10 mg/L) and arsenic (10 μg/L). The set-up comprised of nine containers of 25 L volume with three containers each for iron- and arsenic-enrichment and was maintained for 30 days. Trace metal enrichment rapidly changed the phytoplankton community structure and chemistry of nutrients uptake. Iron-enrichment prompted diatom blooms comprising of Thalassiosira, succeeded by green algae Coelastrum. Arsenic-enrichment maintained cyanobacteria for longer time-spans compared to the control and iron-enriched containers but significantly lesser abundance of diatoms. Variations in community composition was also reflected in nutrient uptake rates with silicate release in the arsenic-enriched containers at the end of the experiment. Changes in macronutrient dynamics also altered genus growth rates wherein both iron- and arsenic appeared to lower the death rate of Thalassosira but stimulated growth of other genera including Skeletonema and Pandorina. Iron appeared to influence lesser number of genera compared to arsenic which altered growth rates of both diatoms and green algae. This consequently influenced the gross primary productivity values which lowered both in the iron- and arsenic-enriched containers compared to the control owing to decrease in phytoplankton diversity. Iron appeared to drive phytoplankton communities toward a less general and more specialized composition with high abundance of selective species comprising of small diatoms such as Thalassiosira, whereas arsenic appears to select for green algal enrichment in freshwater ecosystems., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In diabetes, increased oxidative stress and impaired trace element metabolism play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. The objective of this research was to examine the outcomes of blocking the renin-angiotensin system, using either the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), perindopril, or the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blocker, irbesartan, on oxidative stress and trace element levels such as Zn, Mg, Cu, and Fe in the kidneys of diabetic rats that had been induced with streptozotocin. Thirty-two Wistar albino male rats were equally divided into four groups. The first group was used as a control. The second group of rats developed diabetes after receiving a single intraperitoneal dose of STZ. The third and fourth groups of rats had STZ-induced diabetes and received daily dosages of irbesartan (15 mg/kg b.w/day) and perindopril (6 mg/kg b.w/day) treatment, respectively. Biochemical analysis of the kidneys showed a distinct increase in oxidative stress, indicated by heightened levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, as well as reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in the kidneys of diabetic rats. In the kidneys of diabetic rats, the mean levels of Fe and Cu were found to be significantly higher than those of the control group. Additionally, the mean levels of Zn and Mg were significantly lower in the diabetic rats compared to the control rats. Both perindopril and irbesartan decreased significantly MDA content and increased SOD activities and GSH levels in the kidneys of rats with diabetes. The Zn and Mg concentrations in the kidneys of diabetic rats treated with perindopril and irbesartan were markedly higher than in untreated STZ-diabetic rats, while the Cu and Fe concentrations were significantly lower. The urinary excretion of rats treated with perindopril and irbesartan showed a pronounced increase in Cu levels, along with a significant reduction in Zn and Mg levels. Although diabetic rats demonstrated degenerative morphological alterations in their kidneys, both therapies also improved diabetes-induced histopathological modifications in the kidneys. Finally, the present results suggest that manipulating the levels of Zn, Mg, Cu, and Fe - either through ACE inhibition or by blocking AT1 receptors - could be advantageous in reducing lipid peroxidation and increasing antioxidant concentration in the kidneys of diabetic rats., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest No conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise are declared by the author(s). All authors approved the final manuscript., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To investigate the effect of the trace element zinc (Zn) on apoptosis and cell proliferation in palate shelvesduring the fusion phase, and to screen candidate genes of the Zn-finger special protein (Sp) family that were differentially expressed between the cleft palate and the normal palate to explore the mechanism of Zn in the development of cleft palate. Methods: Zn-rich, normal-Zn, low-Zn, and Zn-deficient diets were fed to female mice and, for the resultant fetuses, paraffin slices of their heads were made at embryonicdays 14.5 and 16.5. Using terminaldeoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling, the number of apoptotic cells in the palatal shelves was counted, and cell proliferation activity was detected using proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining. Total RNA from the palatal shelves of fetal mice was extracted from the Zn-rich diet, normal Zn-diet, and Zn-deficient-diet groups. We used microarray analysis to examine the expression of genes to identify intergroup differential gene expression and polymerase chain reaction tests to validate the results. Results: At ED14.5, the incidence of cleft palate in the regular zinc group, zinc rich group, low zinc group, and zinc deficient group was 8% (3/36), 2% (1/39), 29% (12/41), and 39% (15/38), respectively. The HE staining results at ED14.5 showed that both the left and right palatal processes in the zinc group had been lifted up and were in contact and connected with each other. In the zinc deficiency group, the left and right palatine processes remained vertically downwards on both sides of the tongue, ultimately forming cleft palate; In the low zinc group, the left and right palatine processes were raised but not in contact, ultimately resulting in cleft palate. There is no significant difference between the zinc rich group and the regular zinc group. At ED14.5, the positive rates of proliferative cells in the palatal process of fetal mice in the regular zinc group (80.29% ± 7.39%) and the zinc rich group (87.69% ± 6.62%) were significantly higher than those in the zinc deficient group (56.05% ± 16.13%) and the low zinc group (56.22% ± 9.61%) ( t =4.32, P <0.05). The apoptosis index of fetal rat palatal process cells in the zinc deficient group (38.80% ± 3.10%) and the low zinc group (28.80% ± 6.19%) were significantly higher than those in the regular zinc group (16.80% ± 1.82%) ( t =19.35, P <0.001; t =5.81, P <0.001). There were 663 differentially expressed genes in the zinc rich group and the zinc deficient group, with 513 up-regulated genes and 150 down-regulated genes, among which Sp5 was found to be located. The real time PCR results showed that compared with the regular zinc group (2.22 ± 0.36), the expression level of Sp5mRNA in the palatal process tissue of the zinc deficient group (1.23 ± 0.38) significantly increased ( P <0.05), while the zinc rich group (3.68 ± 0.90) significantly decreased ( P <0.05). Conclusions: Trace element Zn content was found to be closely related to the occurrence of cleft palate in mice offspring, with a lack of Zn leading to cleft palate.

This study aimed to evaluate the response of Triticum aestivum to hydrogen water (HW) and trace elements treated with HW. A pot experiment was conducted to assess the growth indices, secondary metabolites, and antioxidant levels. The response surface methodology (RSM) approach was used to ascertain the concentrations and significant interaction between treatments. The outcomes demonstrated that the combined treatment of Se acid and Mo oxide exhibited a notable positive effect on the growth and secondary metabolites, when treated with HW as compared to distilled water (DW). Notably, the interaction between these two treatments is significant, and the higher response was observed at the optimal concentration of 0.000005% for Se acid and 0.06% for Mo oxide. Additionally, an in vitro experiment revealed that the mixture treatment inhibits the accumulation of lipids in HepG2 hepatocytes cells. Moreover, metabolic analysis revealed that upregulated metabolites are linked to the inhibition of lipid accumulation. In addition, the analysis emphasizes that the continued benefits of higher plants as a renewable supply for chemicals compounds, especially therapeutic agents, are being expanded and amplified by these state-of-the-art technologies.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the association between blood trace elements and bone mineral density (BMD) and to determine the association between blood trace elements and the risk of low BMD/osteoporosis among US adults., Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study using data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2011-2016). Multivariable linear regression models were employed to assess the associations of BMD in lumbar spine (LS-BMD), pelvic (PV-BMD) and total femur (TF-BMD) with blood trace elements, including Fe, Zn, Cu, Se, Mn, Cd, Pb, Hg. Additionally, the associations of low BMD/osteoporosis with blood trace elements were also evaluated using multivariable logistic regression., Results: Higher blood Pb levels were found associated with decreased LS-BMD (p for trend < 0.001), PV-BMD (p for trend = 0.007), and TF-BMD (p for trend = 0.003) in female, while higher blood Se levels were associated with increased PV-BMD in female (p for trend = 0.042); no linear association between BMD and other blood trace element was observed. Also, significant associations were found between Pb levels and the prevalence of low BMD (p for trend = 0.030) and the prevalence of osteoporosis (p for trend = 0.036), while association between other blood trace elements and low BMD/osteoporosis was not observed., Conclusion: This study provides comprehensive insight into the association between blood trace elements and BMD and supports a detrimental effect of blood Pb levels on bone mass in women. Considering our analysis from a representative US general population, further study is warranted for the extreme levels of blood trace elements on bone metabolism., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplemental levels of compound minerals (CM), which was formulated from a mixture of 300 mg calcium, 150 mg magnesium, 25 mg zinc, 15 mg iron, 4 mg manganese, and 2 mg copper per gram, on the growth performance and feed conversion ratio of Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) fattening pigs. A total of 53 female pigs and 45 male pigs at 35 days of age were individually notched and randomly allocated to three treatments, including0 (basal diet), 0.5 (basal diet with 0.5 mg CM/kg feed), and 1 (basal diet with 1 mg CM/kg feed). There were three replicates for each of the three treatments with 28, 34, and 36 pigs in the first, second, and third treatments, respectively. The experiment was divided into two phases, the growing stage, and the finishing stage. Supplementation of compound minerals in the diet led to an increased average daily weight gain and improved feed conversion ratio and meat quality without effects on the lean meat percentage. An addition of 1 mg of compound minerals per 1 kg of feed is the recommended dose to improve the production performance of fattening pigs. These results suggest that the use of compound minerals could improve the growth traits of fattening pigs under tropical environmental conditions.

Trace elements such as Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn are essential minerals in fish diets, especially important at early larval stages. The chemical speciation of these elements directly influences their uptake efficiency and metabolic utilization. In order to optimize the form of trace elements incorporated into larval feed, two experiments were conducted using two commercial fish species, European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis), and two chemical forms (inorganic and glycinate chelates). Several fish performance parameters were measured, as well as bone status parameters to assess which form of mineral results in optimal fish biological performance. European seabass and Senegalese sole post-larvae were unresponsive (P > 0.05) to dietary treatments in terms of dry weight (DW), standard length (SL), relative growth rate (RGR) or feed conversion rates (FCR) when fed diets supplemented with chelated over inorganic trace minerals. This study suggests that replacing dietary inorganic mineral supplementation by their organic glycinate-chelated forms brings no beneficial effects on somatic growth and bone development in Senegalese sole and European seabass post-larvae fed high-quality commercial microdiets. Additionally, we show that mineral leaching from diets can be significant, but the use of chelated minerals can potentially mitigate this leaching phenomenon. Therefore, the selection of the dietary mineral form should take into account not only their economic value, but also their biological effect and environmental impact. Data generated in this trial provides new knowledge in trace mineral nutrition of early-stage marine fish., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Toxoplasmosis is an opportunistic infection caused by the coccidian Toxoplasma gondii which represents a food and water contaminant. The available chemotherapeutic agents for toxoplasmosis are limited and the choice is difficult when considering the side effects. Selenium is an essential trace element. It is naturally found in dietary sources, especially seafood, and cereals. Selenium and selenocompounds showed anti-parasitic effects through antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The present study evaluated the potential efficacy of environmentally benign selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) against acute toxoplasmosis in a mouse model. SeNPs were fabricated by nanobiofactory Streptomyces fulvissimus and characterized by different analytical techniques including, UV-spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy, EDX, and XRD. Swiss albino mice were infected with Toxoplasma RH strain in a dose of 3500 tachyzoites in 100 μl saline to induce acute toxoplasmosis. Mice were divided into five groups. Group I : non-infected, non-treated, group II : infected, non-treated, group III : non-infected, treated with SeNPs, group IV : infected, treated with co-trimoxazole (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) and group V : infected, treated with SeNPs. There was a significant increase in survival time in the SeNPs-treated group and minimum parasite count was observed compared to untreated mice in hepatic and splenic impression smears. Scanning electron microscopy showed tachyzoites deformity with multiple depressions and protrusions, while transmission electron microscopy showed excessive vacuolization and lysis of the cytoplasm, especially in the area around the nucleus and the apical complex, together with irregular cell boundary and poorly demarcated cell organelles. The present study demonstrated that the biologically synthesized SeNPs can be a potential natural anti- Toxoplasma agent in vivo .

Introduction: This study evaluated the effects of diabetes mellitus (DM) on the nanostructure of root canal dentin using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)., Methods: Twenty extracted human premolars from diabetic and nondiabetic patients (n = 10 in each group) were decoronated and sectioned horizontally into 40 2-mm-thick dentin discs, with each disc designated for a specific test. ICP-MS was used to determine the different elemental levels of copper, lithium, zinc, selenium, strontium, manganese, and magnesium in diabetic and nondiabetic specimens. HRTEM was used to analyze the shape and quantity of the apatite crystals in diabetic and nondiabetic dentin at the nanostructural level. Statistical analysis was performed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Student t test (P < .05)., Results: ICP-MS revealed significant differences in trace element concentrations between the diabetic and nondiabetic specimens (P < .05), with lower levels of magnesium, zinc, strontium, lithium, manganese, and selenium (P < .05), and higher levels of copper in diabetic specimens (P < .05). HRTEM revealed that diabetic dentin exhibited a less compact structure with smaller crystallites and significantly more crystals in the 2500 nm 2 area (P < .05)., Conclusion: Diabetic dentin exhibited smaller crystallites and altered elemental levels more than nondiabetic dentin, which could explain the higher root canal treatment failure rate in diabetic patients., (Copyright © 2023 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Pathological conditions and harmful drugs cause many gastrointestinal diseases in broiler chicken. The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of trace elements zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) supplementation on histomorphology, immunological role, and functional activity of goblet cells (GCs) of the small intestine. The Alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff (AB-PAS) was performed to assess the histomorphological changes in GCs, which revealed the regular dispersion with high electron density of GCs throughout the mucosal surface in the supplemented group. However, irregular dispersion with low electron density of GCs was present in the control group. The immunological functional role of GCs within the small intestine was examined by mucicarmine staining, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. The results showed a high mucin glycol protein secretion in the supplemented group, whereas limited mucin glycol protein secretion in the control group. Furthermore, the biological significance showed a high and low immunoreactivity of Muc2 and Muc13 in the supplemented and control groups, respectively. Immunofluorescence was used to confirm the immunosignaling of Muc2. Results revealed high immunosignaling of Muc2 at the apical part of the small intestine in the supplementation group, while low immunosignaling of Muc2 in the control group. Results suggest that trace element supplementation had significant effect on morphology and immunological role of GCs, which might be essential for immune function and health status of broiler chicken., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Copper and zinc are micronutrients that play a crucial role in many cellular pathways, act as cofactors in enzymatic systems, and hence, modulate enzyme activity. The regulation of these elements in homeostasis is precisely controlled by various mechanisms. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an enzyme requiring both copper and zinc for proper functioning. Additionally, there is an interaction between the concentrations of copper and zinc. Dietary ingestion of large amounts of zinc augments intestinal absorption of this trace element, resulting in copper deficiency secondary to zinc excess. The presence of an overabundance of copper and zinc has a detrimental impact on the cardiovascular system; however, the impact on vascular contractility varies. Copper plays a role in the modulation of vascular remodeling in the cardiac tissue, and the phenomenon of cuproptosis has been linked to the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease. The presence of copper has an observable effect on the vasorelaxation mediated by nitric oxide. The maintenance of proper levels of zinc within an organism influences SOD and is essential in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Recently, the effects of metal nanoparticles have been investigated due to their unique characteristics. On the other hand, dietary introduction of metal nanoparticles may result in vascular dysfunction, oxidative stress, and cellular DNA damage. Copper and zinc intake affect cardiovascular function, but more research is needed.

Intercropping improves the phytoremediation of soil trace metal contamination. Dripping irrigation could further promote the phytoremediation of trace metals by influencing their speciation and total amount in soil. However, there is currently insufficient information elucidating this synergistic effect. In this study, the combined effect of drip irrigation and intercropping on the phytoremediation of Cu-contaminated soil was testified by investigating the changes of Cu spatial distribution and speciation in soil irrigated by dripping or sprinkling methods, as well as Cu bioconcentration factor and translocation factor by plants. Results showed that after a 30-day drip irrigation, the Cu level in soils near the drip outlet decreased by 4.7% and that in Triticum aestivum L. (T. aestivum) roots intercropped with Helianthus annuus L. (H. annuus) and Zea mays L. (Z. mays) dropped by 53.2% and 25.1%, respectively, relative to sprinkler irrigation. Meanwhile, the total Cu and exchangeable Cu levels in soils 6 cm away from the drip outlet increased by 10.8% and 20.4% after 30 days of drip irrigation, leading to 41.1% and 40.0% increases of Cu content in remediation plants H. annuus and Z. mays seedlings as compared to the values by sprinkler irrigation. Therefore, the drip irrigation enhanced the effect of intercropping on Cu phytoremediation., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Methotrexate (MTX), a folic acid analogue, is used as a first-line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) since it has more therapeutic mechanisms than any other drug. Being an undeniable drug for the treatment of arthritis, even low-dose MTX provokes intestinal toxicity as a primary adverse effect and does not revive an anti-inflammatory element. Thus, our study aims to elucidate the anti-arthritic and prophylactic activity of supplements L-carnitine (L) and zinc (Z) against MTX-mediated intestinal damage in arthritis rats., Methods: The rats were assessed for arthritic parameters such as body weight, paw volume, x-ray scan, and serum trace elements level. To analyze the toxic effects of MTX in the rats, intestine pH, mucosal weight, digestive enzymes, myeloperoxidase, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analysis were performed., Results: Our study demonstrated that the arthritic parameters have shown that MTX has an ameliorative effect on arthritic rats. Besides, our findings showed that low-dose MTX (2.5 mg/kg b.w.) given once a week for two weeks during arthritis treatment had toxic effects in the rat's intestine, as evidenced by changes in intestine pH and mucosal weight, decreased digestive enzymes, increased MPO, and degenerative changes in histopathological analysis. Concurrent therapy of LZ with MTX, on the other hand, restored the modifications in these parameters., Conclusion: MTX in combination with LZ effectively manages arthritis than monotherapy and significantly prevents MTX-induced intestinal damage in arthritis rats. Thus, LZ could be used as an improved therapeutic and safety for MTX-instigated intestinal damage during arthritis treatments. Therefore, our combination of L-carnitine and zinc with MTX would be promising prophylactic activity for arthritis patients., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors of the manuscript do not have any conflict of interest. This statement is signed by all the authors to indicate agreement that the above information is true and cor- rect (a photocopy of this form may be used if there are more than 10 authors)., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Aims: This study aimed to assess the effect of zinc supplementation, with or without other antioxidants and trace elements, on clinical outcomes in patients with trauma., Methods: A systematic review was conducted for adult patients with acute trauma who had been admitted to the hospital. Those who sustained burn injuries were excluded. Studies in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase from 1990 to 2022 regarding the additional nutrition supplementation of zinc to patients, either in a single-agent or combined regimen, were included. Comparisons were made between the zinc supplement group and those who received a placebo or regular treatment., Results: The primary outcomes of the study were mortality rate, length of hospital stay, and incidence of pneumonia. Seven studies qualified for the meta-analysis. Of the 594 patients eligible for analysis, 290 and 304 were in the zinc supplementation and control groups, respectively. The meta-analysis revealed that zinc supplementation was associated with a lower risk of pneumonia in patients with acute trauma than in the control group (odds ratio [OR], 0.506; 95% CI = 0.292-0.877; P = 0.015; heterogeneity, I 2  = 12.7%). Zinc supplementation did not influence the mortality rate (OR, 0.755; 95% CI = 0.492-1.16; P = 0.612; heterogeneity, I 2  = 0%) or the length of hospital stay (standard difference in means, -0.24; 95% CI = -0.544 to 0.063; P = 0.121; heterogeneity, I 2  = 45.0%)., Conclusion: Zinc supplementation, with or without other antioxidants and trace elements, in patients with trauma was associated with a lower incidence of pneumonia., (© 2023 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.)

Since silicon can improve nutrient uptake in plants, the effect of foliar silicon (sodium metasilicate) application on micronutrient content in early crop potato tuber was investigated. Silicon was applied at dosages of 23.25 g Si∙ha -1 or 46.50 g Si∙ha -1 (0.25 L∙ha -1 or 0.50 L∙ha -1 of Optysil) once at the leaf development stage (BBCH 14-16), or at the tuber initiation stage (BBCH 40-1), and twice, at the leaf development and tuber initiation stages. Potatoes were harvested 75 days after planting (the end of June). Foliar-applied silicon reduced the Fe concentration and increased Cu and Mn concentrations in early crop potato tubers under water deficit conditions but did not affect the Zn, B, or Si concentrations. The dosage and time of silicon application slightly affected the Fe and Cu concentration in the tubers. Under drought conditions, the highest Mn content in the tuber was observed when 46.50 g Si∙ha -1 was applied at the leaf development stage, whereas under periodic water deficits, it was highest with the application of the same silicon dosage at the tuber initiation stage (BBCH 40-41). The Si content in tubers was negatively correlated with the Fe and B content, and positively correlated with the Cu and Mn content.

The objective of the present study was to review recent epidemiological and clinical data on the association between selected minerals and trace elements and osteoporosis, as well as to discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying these associations. We have performed a search in the PubMed-Medline and Google Scholar databases using the MeSH terms "osteoporosis", "osteogenesis", "osteoblast", "osteoclast", and "osteocyte" in association with the names of particular trace elements and minerals through 21 March 2023. The data demonstrate that physiological and nutritional levels of trace elements and minerals promote osteogenic differentiation through the up-regulation of BMP-2 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, as well as other pathways. miRNA and epigenetic effects were also involved in the regulation of the osteogenic effects of trace minerals. The antiresorptive effect of trace elements and minerals was associated with the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. At the same time, the effect of trace elements and minerals on bone health appeared to be dose-dependent with low doses promoting an osteogenic effect, whereas high doses exerted opposite effects which promoted bone resorption and impaired bone formation. Concomitant with the results of the laboratory studies, several clinical trials and epidemiological studies demonstrated that supplementation with Zn, Mg, F, and Sr may improve bone quality, thus inducing antiosteoporotic effects.

(1) In this study we determined the effect of long-term selenomethionine administration on the oxidative stress level and changes in antioxidant protein/enzyme activity; mRNA expression; and the levels of iron, zinc, and copper. (2) Experiments were performed on 4-6-week-old BALB/c mice, which were given selenomethionine (0.4 mg Se/kg b.w.) solution for 8 weeks. The element concentration was determined via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. mRNA expression of SelenoP , Cat , and Sod1 was quantified using real-time quantitative reverse transcription. Malondialdehyde content and catalase activity were determined spectrophotometrically. (3) After long-term SeMet administration, the amount of Se increased by 12-fold in mouse blood, 15-fold in the liver, and 42-fold in the brain, as compared to that in the control. Exposure to SeMet decreased amounts of Fe and Cu in blood, but increased Fe and Zn levels in the liver and increased the levels of all examined elements in the brain. Se increased malondialdehyde content in the blood and brain but decreased it in liver. SeMet administration increased the mRNA expression of selenoprotein P, dismutase, and catalase, but decreased catalase activity in brain and liver. (4) Eight-week-long selenomethionine consumption elevated Se levels in the blood, liver, and especially in the brain and disturbed the homeostasis of Fe, Zn, and Cu. Moreover, Se induced lipid peroxidation in the blood and brain, but not in the liver. In response to SeMet exposure, significant up-regulation of the mRNA expression of catalase, superoxide dismutase 1, and selenoprotein P in the brain, and especially in the liver, was determined.

Leishmaniasis is a protozoal disease declared as an endemic in areas suffering from severe malnutrition and poverty. The factors associated with poverty like low income, ecological factors, and malnutrition cause disruption in immunity and host defense increasing risk of infection. Altered resistance to infection and host susceptibility are associated with low micronutrient levels in undernourished patients. Malnutrition has been recognized as a poor predictive marker for leishmaniasis, in particular the deficiency of trace elements like zinc, iron, and vitamin A, B, C, D which has a prominent function in the regulation of innate and adaptive immunity, cell proliferation, human physiology, etc. Malnourishment can exacerbate host sensitivity and pathophysiologic intensity to infection in variety of ways, whereas infection can enhance underlying poor nutrition or enhance host vulnerability and sandfly's urge to attack specific hosts. The intensity of leishmaniasis can be influenced by body mass and micronutrient availability in the blood. Vitamin D, C, zinc, and iron are proved effective in inhibiting the growth of leishmaniasis in both amastigote or promastigote forms, either directly or by acting as precursor for a pathway which inhibits the parasite growth. This article elucidates a new perception to the crucial role of micronutrients and their probable role in the therapeutic outcomes of leishmaniasis. Since there is requirement of novel drugs to fight drug resistance and relapse of leishmaniasis, this article may pave way to understand the importance of micronutrients and their role in therapeutic outcomes of leishmaniasis., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Selenium (Se) is one of the essential micronutrients for performing vital body functions. This study aims at examining the influence of dietary supplementation of garlic clove-based green-synthesized selenium nanoparticles (GBGS-SeNPs, 48-87 nm) on carcass minerals and trace elements, and growth, biochemical, enzymological, and gene expression analyses in the freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii post larvae (PL). The 96 h LC 50 of this GBGS-SeNPs to M. rosenbergii PL was 52.23 mg L -1 . Five different artificial diets without supplementation of GBGS-SeNPs (control, 0.0 mg kg -1 ) and with supplementations of GBGS-SeNPs starting from 100 times lower than the LC 50 value (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mg kg -1 ) were prepared and fed to M. rosenbergii PL for 90 days. A dose-dependent accumulation of Se was observed in the carcass of experimental prawns. GBGS-SeNPs, up to 1.5 mg kg -1 significantly influenced the absorption of other trace elements (Ca, Cu, and Fe) and mineral salts (K, Mg, Na, and Zn). GBGS-SeNPs-supplemented diets showed efficient food conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.32 g against 2.71 g, and therefore enhanced the survival rate (85.6% against 78.8% in control) and weight gain (WG) of 1.41 g against 0.46 g of control prawn. GBGS-SeNPs significantly elevated the activities of protease, amylase, and lipase, and the contents of total protein, essential amino acids (EAA), total carbohydrate, total lipid, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and ash. These indicate the growth promoting potential of GBGS-SeNPs in prawn. The insignificantly altered activities of glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvate transaminase (GPT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase, and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) up to 1.5 mg kg -1 suggest its acceptability in prawn. Moreover, a respective down- and upregulated myostatin (MSTN) and crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) genes confirmed the influence of GBGS-SeNPs on the growth of prawn. In contrast, 2.0 mg kg -1 GBGS-SeNPs supplementation starts to produce negative effects on prawn (FCR, 1.76 g; survival rate, 82.2%; WG, 0.84 g against respective values of 1.32 g, 85.6%; and 1.41 g observed in 1.5 mg kg -1 of GBGS-SeNPs-supplemented diet fed prawn). This study recommends a maximum of 1.5 mg kg -1 GBGS-SeNPs as dietary supplement to attain sustainable growth of M. rosenbergii. This was confirmed through polynomial and linear regression analyses., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Trace mineral (TM) source can potentially alter nutrient digestibility through effects on microbial populations. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine whether sulfate versus hydroxy (IntelliBond) sources of supplemental Cu, Zn, and Mn had any effect on dry matter intake (DMI), dry matter digestibility, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility. All available cattle studies (8 studies, 12 comparisons) were used to estimate the effect size (hydroxy mean - sulfate mean). Factors included in the analysis were method of digestibility analysis (total collection, marker-based, or 24 h in situ), study design (randomized design or Latin square), beef (n = 5) versus dairy (n = 7) cattle, and days on treatment; these factors were retained when P < 0.05. Dry matter digestibility was increased by hydroxy TM in beef (1.64 ± 0.35 units) but not in dairy models (0.16 ± 0.13 units) relative to sulfate TM. The NDF digestibility increased significantly with hydroxy versus sulfate TM, but digestibility assessment method influenced this response. Studies using total collection or undigested NDF as a flow marker showed a significant increase (2.68 ± 0.40 units and 1.08 ± 0.31 units, respectively) in NDF digestibility for hydroxy versus sulfate TM; but studies utilizing 24-h in situ incubation did not detect any change (-0.03 ± 0.23 units). These observations may reveal differences in precision of measurement or may indicate mineral effects beyond the rumen; total collection is considered the gold standard method. Hydroxy TM did not affect DMI per animal or per unit of body weight relative to sulfate TM. In conclusion, feeding hydroxy versus sulfate TM does not appear to affect DMI but, depending on type of cattle and method of measurement, can increase dry matter digestibility and NDF digestibility, which may be explained by differences in solubility of the TM sources in rumen, differentially affecting fermentation., (The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. and Fass Inc. on behalf of the American Dairy Science Association®. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).)

An experiment was conducted to compare the effects of replacing inorganic trace minerals (ITM) with different levels of complex organic trace minerals (OTM) on the growth performance, oxidative status, and intestinal function of piglets. Weanling piglets were assigned to five groups: a control group fed a basal diet supplemented with inorganic trace minerals and the other four groups fed basal diets supplemented with different levels of OTMs. The results showed that diets supplemented with 50 ppm Fe, 30 ppm Zn, 15 ppm Mn, and 0.2 ppm Se from OTM (L-OTM), or with 75 ppm Fe, 45 ppm Zn, 22.5 ppm Mn, and 0.3 ppm Se from OTM (M-OTM) significantly decreased the diarrhea ratio in the piglets compared with those supplemented with 100 ppm Fe, 90 ppm Zn, 40 ppm Mn, and 0.4 ppm Se from ITM. Compared with those in the ITM group, the piglets in the M-OTM group had significantly higher serum CuZnSOD, MnSOD, and GSH-Px levels. Moreover, piglets in the L-OTM and M-OTM groups had higher Sod and Gpx gene expression than those in the ITM group. Additionally, piglets in the L-OTM and M-OTM groups had significantly higher villus height than those in the ITM group, and the M-OTM group piglets had lower serum diamine oxidase content and higher ileal ZO-1 and occludin protein expression levels than those in the ITM group. These results indicate that replacing dietary ITMs with OTMs could decrease diarrhea occurrence and improve the oxidative status and intestinal barrier function in weanling piglets., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most dangerous heavy metals that exists. A prolonged exposure to Cd causes toxic effects in a variety of tissues, including Central Nervous System (CNS), where it can penetrate the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB). Cd exposure has been linked to neurotoxicity and neurodegenerative diseases. Soy isoflavones have a strong antioxidant capacity, and they have been shown to have positive effects on cognitive function in females. However, the mechanisms underlying Cd neurotoxicity remain completely unresolved. The purpose of this study was to characterize the potential protective effect of a soy-based diet vs. a casein-based diet against Cd toxicity in rat cerebellum. Female Wistar rats were fed with casein (Cas) or soybean (So) as protein sources for 60 days. Simultaneously, half of the animals were administered either 15 ppm of Cadmium (CasCd and SoCd groups) in water or regular tap water as control (Cas and So groups). We analyzed Cd exposure effects on trace elements, oxidative stress, cell death markers, GFAP expression and the histoarchitecture of rat cerebellum. We found that Cd tissue content only augmented in the Cas intoxicated group. Zn, Cu, Mn and Se levels showed modifications among the different diets. Expression of Nrf-2 and the activities of CAT and GPx decreased in Cas and So intoxicated groups,while 3-NT expression increased only in the CasCd group. Morphometry analyses revealed alterations in the purkinje and granular cells morphology, decreased number of granular cells and reduced thickness of the granular layer in Cd-intoxicated rats, whereas no alterations were observed in animals under a So diet. In addition, mRNA expression of apoptotic markers BAX/Bcl-2 ratio and p53 expression increased only in the CasCd group, a finding confirmed by positive TUNEL staining in the cerebellum granule cell layer in the same group. Also, Cd intoxication elicited overexpression of GFAP by astrocytes, which was prevented by soy. White matter alterations were only subtle and characterized by intramyelinic edema in the CasCd group. Overall, these results unmask an irreversible toxic effect of a subchronic Cd intoxication on the cerebellum, and identify a protective role by a soy-based diet with potential as a therapeutic strategy for those individuals exposed to this dangerous environmental contaminant., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Background: To investigate the inhibition mechanism of copper ions on Streptococcus mutans-Veillonella parvula dual biofilm., Methods: S. mutans-V. parvula dual biofilm was constructed and copper ions were added at different concentrations. After the biofilm was collected, RNA-seq and qRT-PCR were then performed to get gene information., Results: The coculture of S. mutans and V. parvula formed a significantly better dual biofilm of larger biomass than S. mutans mono biofilm. And copper ions showed a more significant inhibitory effect on S. mutans-V. parvula dual biofilm than on S. mutans mono biofilm when copper ions concentration reached 100 µM, and copper ions showed a decreased inhibitory effect on S. gordonii-V. parvula dual biofilm and S. sanguis-V.parvula dual biofilm than on the two mono biofilms as the concentration of copper ions increased. And common trace elements such as iron, magnesium, and zinc showed no inhibitory effect difference on S. mutans-V. parvula dual biofilm. The RNA-seq results showed a significant difference in the expression of a new ABC transporter SMU&#95;651c, SMU&#95;652c, SMU&#95;653c, and S. mutans copper chaperone copYAZ. SMU&#95;651c, SMU&#95;652c, and SMU&#95;653c were predicted to function as nitrite/nitrate transporter-related proteins, which suggested the specific inhibition of copper ions on S. mutans-V. parvula dual biofilm may be caused by the activation of S. mutans reactive nitrogen species., Conclusions: Streptococcus mutans and Veillonella parvula are symbiotic, forming a dual biofilm of larger biomass to better resist the external antibacterial substances, which may increase the virulence of S. mutans. While common trace elements such as iron, magnesium, and zinc showed no specific inhibitory effect on S. mutans-V. parvula dual biofilm, copper ion had a unique inhibitory effect on S. mutans-V. parvula dual biofilm which may be caused by activating S. mutans RNS when copper ions concentration reached 250 µM., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Low-risk, weaned Angus-crossbred steers (n = 72; 284 ± 25 kg) were used in a 42-d receiving study. Steers were housed in pens (n = 6 steers per pen) equipped with GrowSafe bunks for determination of individual animal feed disappearance. Dietary treatments (n = 24 steers per treatment) included: 1) trace minerals (TM) from an organic source (Availa4; Zinpro Corp., Eden Prairie, MN) at 7 g·steer-1·d-1; for 42 d (ORG); 2) ORG for entire 42-d plus AvailaZn (Zn amino acid complex, Zinpro Corp., Eden Prairie, MN) to provide 1,000 mg Zn·steer-1·d-1 for first 14 d (ORG+Z); 3) inorganic TM sources to supplemented at equivalent concentration as in ORG for 42-d (ING). Cattle were weighed on day -1, 0, 14, 41, and 42. Whole blood was collected (n = 72 steers) on day 0, 14, and 42. Liver biopsies were conducted (n = 36 steers; 3 steers per pen) on day 0, 14, and 42. Flow cytometry measures were conducted using whole blood on day 1, 14, and 42 for determination of circulating frequencies of immune cell populations. There was a tendency for improved overall average daily gain (P = 0.07) where both ORG and ORG+Z were greater than ING. Final body weight did not differ (P = 0.21) and overall dry matter intake was unaffected by dietary treatment (P ≥ 0.18). However, overall gain-to-feed ratio was improved (P = 0.01) in steers supplemented organic TM (ORG and ORG+Z) compared to ING. Plasma Zn concentration did not differ at any time point during the study (P ≥ 0.20). Liver Zn concentration did not differ between treatments on day 0 or 42; however, on day 14 ING tended (P = 0.09) to be greater than ORG+Z with ORG being intermediate. Plasma Cu was unaffected by dietary treatment (P ≥ 0.34) on day 0, 14, and 42. Plasma Fe did not differ on day 0 or 42 but tended to be greater in ORG and ORG+Z compared to ING (P = 0.08) on day 14. Dietary treatment did not alter (P ≥ 0.22) liver Fe or Mn concentration at any time point. Frequency of total circulating natural killer (NK) and CD8 T cells measured on day 0, 14, and 42 did not differ (P ≥ 0.07). However, cell surface markers of activation (CD16, CD44, and CD8) on NK cells measured on day 14 did differ because of treatment (P ≤ 0.05). Results presented herein indicate TM from an organic source supplemented to steers during receiving can positively influence growth rate and feed efficiency. Regardless of source, TM supplementation affected markers of immune function but did not influence the prevalence of circulating NK and CD8 T-cell populations., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science.)

Ecotoxicological analysis of construction products is a relatively unexplored area at international level. Aquatic toxicity tests on construction products has been recommended recently for freshwater environment. However, the biological effects of alternative materials on marine ecosystem are still not considered. In this study, the main aim was to assess the environmental impact of alternative mortars proposed as artificial reefs (ARs) materials. The ARs specimens were developed by 3D printing, based on cement and geopolymer mortars using recycled sands of glass and seashells. For this purpose, a leaching test and two different toxicity bioassays, luminosity reduction of marine bacteria Vibrio fischeri (Microtox®) and the success of embryo-larval development of sea-urchin Paracentrotus lividus, were conducted. From the leaching results it should be noted that the mobility of all trace elements considered in both, raw materials and mortars, meet the inert landfill limits, except As, Mo, Se or Sb in the leachates geopolymer mortars. However, the results obtained from the both bioassays show low environmental acceptability for those mortars containing shell sand, probably due to the degradation of the organic matter adhered to the shells. On the other hand, cement mortars obtain better results than geopolymer mortars, regardless of the aggregate used, showing certain consistency with the leaching behaviour, since they present the lowest mobility of trace chemical elements. Therefore, the results supporting the environmental acceptability of its potential use as alternative materials in the production of ARs., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: Selenium is an essential trace element with both beneficial and detrimental effects on health depending on dose and chemical form. Currently, there is debate on recommendations for selenium supplementation as a public health measure to improve immune function and reduce infectious disease susceptibility., Objectives: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental studies assessing the effect of selenium supplementation on immunity-related outcomes in healthy people., Methods: We undertook a search of published and unpublished studies in literature databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and clinicaltrials.gov up to 17 October, 2022, and performed a meta-analysis comparing the effects on immunity-related outcomes between Se-supplemented versus control arms. Whenever possible we assessed the nonlinear relation using a dose-response approach., Results: 9 trials were included, 5 in North America, and 4 in Europe, with a duration between 8 and 48 weeks and supplementation of both inorganic and organic selenium forms. Selenium supplementation did not substantially affect immunoglobulin or white blood cell concentrations, and the dose-response meta-analysis indicated that an increase in plasma selenium concentrations above 100 μg/L did not further increase IgA levels nor T cells. An inverted U-shaped relation emerged for NK cell count, with a lower number of these cells both below and above 120 μg/L. The only beneficial effect of selenium supplementation was the increased activity for NK lysis, but the available data did not permit dose-response analysis. Cytokine levels were substantially unaffected by selenium supplementation., Conclusions: Although some of the data suggested beneficial effects of selenium supplementation on immune function, the overall picture appears to be inconsistent and heterogeneous due to differences in trial duration and interventions, plus evidence of null and even detrimental effects. Overall, the evidence that we extracted from the literature in this systematic review does not support the need to supplement selenium beyond the recommended dietary intake to obtain beneficial effects on immune function. This trial was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42022312280)., (Copyright © 2022 American Society for Nutrition. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Trace minerals participate in reproductive processes and are crucial for oocyte maturation. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of combined supplementation with copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) during bovine in vitro maturation (IVM) on subsequent embryo development and quality. The IVM medium was supplemented as follows: a) Control (no mineral supplementation); b) MScz (6 ng/mL Mn + 100 ng/mL Se + 200 ng/mL Cu + 400 ng/mL Zn); c) MScZ (6 ng/mL Mn + 100 ng/mL Se + 200 ng/mL Cu + 1200 ng/mL Zn); d) MSCz (6 ng/mL Mn + 100 ng/mL Se + 600 ng/mL Cu + 400 ng/mL Zn). Supplementation with MScz and MSCz produced more blastocysts compared with the control. Total blastocyst cell number was higher when minerals were added at any combination. Day-8 blastocysts derived from oocytes treated with minerals had lower intracellular reactive oxygen species concentration and lipid content than the control. In conclusion, combined supplementation with Cu, Mn, Se and Zn during bovine oocyte IVM increased in vitro production performance, improving embryo developmental ability and quality., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Reproduction is one of the most important factors determining successful cattle farming systems. Management practices, such as nutritional supplementation, can influence the reproductive performance of cattle. The objective of this literature review is to determine the potential value of injectable trace mineral administration on fresh and cryopreserved semen quality of bulls. A search of keywords related to the topic was performed on published articles and textbooks. The search was narrowed to the 40 most relevant references. Several studies have demonstrated a positive association between trace mineral supplementation and bull semen quality. Moderate amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in normal spermatogenesis, but oxidative stress (OS), as experienced with adverse environmental conditions or disease, can contribute to idiopathic male infertility by negatively impacting spermatogenesis. Trace minerals such as selenium, copper, zinc, and manganese have been demonstrated to have antioxidant effects in mammals. Due to the complexity of oral ingested trace mineral bioavailability, injectable trace mineral supplementation prior to physiological periods with known deficiencies or increased requirement can benefit the animal. The potential benefits of injectable trace mineral supplementation to minimise oxidative damage to spermatogenesis in breeding bulls need further investigation. Positive results from such studies can lead to the implementation of injectable trace mineral supplementation strategies prior to the breeding season to minimise the detrimental effects of OS and can improve semen quality.

This study evaluated the protective role o of zinc and selenium on heavy metal mixture (HMM) induced hepatic-nephropathy. Twenty-five female Wistar albino rats were weight-matched and divided into five groups of five female rats each. Group 1(control) received deionized water only. Group 2 received heavy metal mixture HMM (20 mg·kg -1 of Pb, 0.40 mg·kg -1 of Hg, 0.56 mg·kg -1 of Mn and 35 mg·kg -1 of Al). Groups 3, 4 and 5 were co-administered with metal mixtures and Zn, Se and Zn + Se respectively. Treatments were through oral gavage for 60 days; animals were sacrificed under pentobarbital and liver and kidney harvested for tests. Zn, Se and Zn + Se reduced metal accumulation in the liver and kidney. HMM exposure caused non-significant increase in AST, ALP, ALT and TP, but significant increase in IL-6 and TNF -α, Nf-kB, Hmox-1, Nfr2, MDA and NO when compared to the control. Essential trace elements significantly decreased IL-6 and TNF -α, Nf-kB, Hmox-1and Nfr2 in comparison to HMM only group. Treatment with Zn, Se and Zn + Se significantly reversed the HHM mediated decreased SOD levels. HMM triggered degenerative changes in the central vein, showed vacuolations with connective tissues fragmentation and lymphocytes infiltration were reversed by essential trace elements. Essential trace elements supplementation is protective against HMM mediated hepato-renal impairment., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Three experiments (EXP) were conducted to determine the effect of feed additives on performance, intestinal integrity, gastrointestinal volatile fatty acids (VFA), and energy and nutrient digestion in nonchallenged nursery pigs. In EXP 1, 480 pigs (6.36-kg body weight, BW) were placed into 96 pens with 5 pigs/pen, and allotted to 1 of 10 dietary treatments: 1) negative control containing no feed additive (NC), 2) NC + 44 mg chlortetracycline and 38.5 mg tiamulin/kg diet (CTsb), 3) NC + 5% resistant potato starch (RSpo), 4) NC + 5% soluble corn fiber (SCF), 5) NC + 5% sugar beet pulp (SBP), 6) NC + 0.30% fatty acid mix (FAM), 7) NC + 0.10% phytogenic blend of essential oils and flavoring compounds (PHY), 8) NC + 50 mg Cu and 1,600 mg zinc oxide/kg diet (CuZn), 9) NC + 5% resistant corn starch (RScn), and 10) NC + 0.05% β-glucan (BG) for 28 d. There was no impact of dietary treatment on BW gain or feed intake (P ≥ 0.22). Pigs fed diets containing SCF, CTsb, and RSpo resulted in microbial community differences compared to pigs fed the NC (P < 0.05). In EXP 2, 48 barrows (12.8 kg BW) were selected at the end of EXP 1 and fed the same dietary treatments they had previously received: 1) NC, 2) NC + 5% RScn, 3) NC + 5% SCF, and 4) NC + FAM for 8 d. There was no effect of feeding diets containing RScn, SCF, or FAM on in vivo intestinal permeability (P ≤ 0.21). Ileal or colon pH, concentrations of VFA did not differ due to dietary treatment (P ≥ 0.36), but pigs fed diets containing FAM resulted in a greater butyric acid concentration in the cecum compared to pigs fed the NC (P ≤ 0.05). In EXP 3, 156 pigs (6.11 kg BW) were placed into 52 pens with 3 pigs/pen and allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments arranged in a factorial manner: 1) NC, 2) NC + 5% RSpo, 3) NC + 0.30% FAM, and 4) NC + 5% RSpo + 0.30% FAM for 24 d. Feeding pigs diets containing RSpo did not affect BW gain (P = 0.91) while pigs fed diets containing FAM grew improved BW gain (P = 0.09). Colonic butyric acid concentrations were greater in pigs fed diets containing RSpo (P = 0.03), while pigs fed diets containing FAM exhibited reduced total VFA concentrations (P = 0.11). The results indicate that supplementing diets with digestively resistant but fermentable fibers, short- and medium-chain fatty acids, or antibiotics do not have a consistent effect, positive or negative, on markers of intestinal integrity or barrier function, intestinal VFA patterns, ATTD of energy and nutrients, or on pig performance., (Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science 2022.)

Unconventional oil and gas (UOG) extraction is increasing exponentially around the world, as new technological advances have provided cost-effective methods to extract hard-to-reach hydrocarbons. While UOG has increased the energy output of some countries, past research indicates potential impacts in nearby stream ecosystems as measured by geochemical and microbial markers. Here, we utilized a robust data set that combines 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing (DNA), metatranscriptomics (RNA), geochemistry, and trace element analyses to establish the impact of UOG activity in 21 sites in northern Pennsylvania. These data were also used to design predictive machine learning models to determine the UOG impact on streams. We identified multiple biomarkers of UOG activity and contributors of antimicrobial resistance within the order Burkholderiales . Furthermore, we identified expressed antimicrobial resistance genes, land coverage, geochemistry, and specific microbes as strong predictors of UOG status. Of the predictive models constructed ( n  = 30), 15 had accuracies higher than expected by chance and area under the curve values above 0.70. The supervised random forest models with the highest accuracy were constructed with 16S rRNA gene profiles, metatranscriptomics active microbial composition, metatranscriptomics active antimicrobial resistance genes, land coverage, and geochemistry ( n  = 23). The models identified the most important features within those data sets for classifying UOG status. These findings identified specific shifts in gene presence and expression, as well as geochemical measures, that can be used to build robust models to identify impacts of UOG development. IMPORTANCE The environmental implications of unconventional oil and gas extraction are only recently starting to be systematically recorded. Our research shows the utility of microbial communities paired with geochemical markers to build strong predictive random forest models of unconventional oil and gas activity and the identification of key biomarkers. Microbial communities, their transcribed genes, and key biomarkers can be used as sentinels of environmental changes. Slight changes in microbial function and composition can be detected before chemical markers of contamination. Potential contamination, specifically from biocides, is especially concerning due to its potential to promote antibiotic resistance in the environment. Additionally, as microbial communities facilitate the bulk of nutrient cycling in the environment, small changes may have long-term repercussions. Supervised random forest models can be used to identify changes in those communities, greatly enhance our understanding of what such impacts entail, and inform environmental management decisions.

Previously, our group found that the dietary trace mineral element selenium and vitamin B 6 (VitB 6 ) alone was involved in lipid metabolism. However, the effects of selenium combined with VitB 6 on hyperlipidemia and lipid metabolism have not been reported until now. We hypothesized that selenium and VitB 6 cosupplementation would alleviate the hyperlipidemic and hepatic dysfunction and with minimum side effects in a Sprague-Dawley rat model of hyperlipidemia induced by a high-fat diet. Our results showed that selenium combined with VitB 6 could improve dyslipidemia and displayed better in vivo hypocholesterolemic abilities at early intervention. Moreover, cosupplementation reduced atherogenic indexes (atherogenic index and atherogenic index of plasm) and the ratio of ApoB/ApoA1. The liver function index aspartate aminotransferase in serum was reduced, as was and total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in liver. The intervention also increased the levels of ApoA1 in serum and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol of liver. In addition, the combination of selenium and VitB 6 decreased liver lipid deposition and alleviated steatosis, reduced adipocyte size of white adipose tissue, increased the activities of hepatic lipase and total lipase and the hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) level, decreased the hepatic mRNA transcription of lipogenic and regulatory genes including Srebf1 and downstream fat synthesis-related enzymes (Acc and Fasn) and cholesterol synthesis speed limiting enzyme Hmgr, increased the mRNA abundance of Lcat and Cyp7a1, increased the protein expression of SIRT1 and PPARα, and up-regulated the protein expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c in the livers of hyperlipidemia rats. We first demonstrated that oral selenium and VitB 6 cosupplementation exerted synergism in lowering blood and liver lipid profiles and antiatherosclerotic effects in hyperlipidemic rats by reducing endogenous cholesterol and lipid synthesis, enhancing the transport of cholesterol to hepatocytes and promoting fatty acid beta oxidation., Competing Interests: Author Declarations The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Iron supplements are frequently provided to infants in high-income countries despite low incidence of iron deficiency. There is growing concern regarding adverse health and development outcomes of excess iron provision in early life. Excess iron may directly damage developing organs through the formation of reactive oxygen species, alter systemic inflammatory signaling, and/or dysregulate trace mineral metabolism. To better characterize the in vivo effects of excess iron on development, we utilized a pre-weanling rat pup model. Lewis rat litters were culled to eight pups (four males and four females) and randomly assigned to daily supplementation groups receiving either vehicle control (CON; 10% w/v sucrose solution) or ferrous sulfate (FS) iron at one of the following doses: 10, 30, or 90 mg iron/kg body weight-FS-10, FS-30, and FS-90, respectively-from postnatal day (PD) 2 through 9. FS-90 litters, but not FS-30 or FS-10, failed to thrive compared to CON litters and had smaller brains on PD 10. Among the groups, FS-90 liver iron levels were highest, as were white blood cell counts. Compared to CON, circulating MCP-1 and liver zinc were increased in FS-90 pups, whereas liver copper was decreased. Growth defects due to excess FS provision in pre-weanling rats may be related to liver injury, inflammation, and altered trace mineral metabolism.

Trace elements are required in optimum regimes for improving the productivity and wellbeing of aquatic animals. Zinc is one of the main microelements involved in several functions in the animal's body. Zinc potentiates the metabolism function, synthesis of essential enzymes, and the formation of hormones associated with growth, reproduction, immunity, and antioxidative roles in aquatic animals. Several sources of zinc are regularly applied in aquaculture, including inorganic, organic, and nanoparticles. Many studies examined the effects of zinc supplementation in the diets of aquatic animals. The results indicated that zinc could be included in aquafeed in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of zinc depend on the dose, source, duration of feeding, animals' sizes, and experimental conditions. This article comprehensively discusses the results of relevant studies that investigated the effects of zinc on the performances of aquatic animals. The review also intended to update the academia with the previous and current status of using zinc in aquafeed. Furthermore, the article includes up-to-date outputs of relevant studies of using different zinc sources in aquafeed., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)