Evaluation of the stiffness of normal cervix and its change with different factors using transvaginal two-dimensional shear wave elastography under strict quality control.

BACKGROUND: The usefulness of transvaginal two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D SWE) for cervical lesions is still uncertain. This study was to explore the value of transvaginal 2D SWE in the evaluation of the stiffness of normal cervix and its change with different factors under strict quality control (QC). METHODS: Two hundred patients with normal cervix were included in this study and were examined using quantitative 2D SWE to evaluate cervical stiffness and its change with different factors under strict QC. RESULTS: Intra-observer concordance of transvaginal 2D SWE parameters in midsagittal planes were acceptable with intraclass correlation coefficients higher than 0.5. Transvaginal 2D SWE parameters were significantly higher than the corresponding transabdominal parameters. 2D SWE parameters of internal cervical os were significantly higher than the corresponding parameters of external cervical os in a transvaginal midsagittal plane. 2D SWE parameters of external cervical os increased significantly over 50 years old, while these parameters of internal cervical os didn't change significantly with increasing age. 2D SWE parameters of internal cervical os of horizontal position cervix were significantly higher than those of vertical position cervix. SWE parameters of normal cervix did not change according to different menstrual cycles, parities and human papilloma virus test results. CONCLUSIONS: Transvaginal 2D SWE under strict QC could provide quantitative, repeatable and reliable cervical stiffness information. Internal cervical os was stiffer than external cervical os. Menstrual cycles, parities and human papilloma virus test results wouldn't affect cervical stiffness. However, age and cervical positions should be taken into condition while interpreting 2D SWE results of cervical stiffness.

Ligand-Controlled Reactivity and Cytotoxicity of Cyclometalated Rhodium(III) Complexes.

We report the synthesis, characterisation and cytotoxicity of six cyclometalated rhodium(III) complexes [CpXRh(C^N)Z]0/+, in which CpX = Cp*, Cpph, or Cpbiph, C^N = benzo[h]quinoline, and Z = chloride or pyridine. Three x-ray crystal structures showing the expected "piano-stool" configurations have been determined. The chlorido complexes hydrolysed faster in aqueous solution, also reacted preferentially with 9-ethyl guanine or glutathione compared to their pyridine analogues. The 1-biphenyl-2,3,4,5,-tetramethylcyclopentadienyl complex [CpbiphRh(benzo[h]quinoline)Cl] (3a) was the most efficient catalyst in coenzyme reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) oxidation to NAD+ and induced an elevated level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in A549 human lung cancer cells. The pyridine complex [CpbiphRh(benzo[h]quinoline)py]+ (3b) was the most potent against A549 lung and A2780 ovarian cancer cell lines, being 5-fold more active than cisplatin towards A549 cells, and acted as a ROS scavenger. This work highlights a ligand-controlled strategy to modulate the reactivity and cytotoxicity of cyclometalated rhodium anticancer complexes.

Strategies for conjugating iridium(III) anticancer complexes to targeting peptides via copper-free click chemistry.

We report the synthesis and characterization of novel pentamethylcyclopentadienyl (Cp*) iridium(III) complexes [(Cp*)Ir(4-methyl-4'-carboxy-2,2'-bipyridine)Cl]PF6 (Ir-I), the product (Ir-II) from amide coupling of Ir-I to dibenzocyclooctyne-amine, and its conjugate (Ir-CP) with the cyclic nona-peptide c(CRWYDENAC). The familiar three-legged 'piano-stool' configuration for complex Ir-I was confirmed by its single crystal X-ray structure. Significantly, copper-free click strategy has been developed for site-specific conjugation of the parent complex Ir-I to the tumour targeting nona-cyclic peptide. The approach consisted of two steps: (i) the carboxylic acid group of the bipyridine ligand in complex Ir-I was first attached to an amine functionalized dibenzocyclooctyne group via amide formation to generate complex Ir-II; and (ii) the alkyne bond of dibenzocyclooctyne in complex Ir-II underwent a subsequent strain-promoted copper-free cycloaddition with the azide group of the modified peptide. Interestingly, while complex Ir-I was inactive towards A2780 human ovarian cancer cells, complex Ir-II exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity. Targeted complexes such as Ir-CP offer scope for enhanced activity and selectivity of this class of anticancer complexes.

KRT1 gene silencing ameliorates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury via the activation of the Notch signaling pathway in mouse models.

Myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury (MIRI) includes major drawbacks, such as excessive formation of free radicals and also overload of calcium, which lead to cell death, tissue scarring, and remodeling. The current study aims to explore whether KRT1 silencing may ameliorate MIRI via the Notch signaling pathway in mouse models. Myocardial tissues were used for the determination of the positive rate of KRT1 protein expression, apoptosis of myocardial cells, creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) expression, expression of related biomarkers as well as myocardial infarction area. The transfected myocardial cells were treated with KRT1-siRNA, Jagged1, and DAPT (inhibitor of Notch-1 signaling pathway). The expression of KRT1, NICD, Hes1, Bcl-2, and Bax protein was detected. The MTT assay was applied for cell proliferation and flow cytometry was used for cell apoptosis. Mice with MIRI had a higher positive rate of KRT1 protein expression, apoptosis of myocardial cells, CK and LDH expression, myocardial infarction area, increased expression of MDA, NO, SDH, IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, CRP, KRT1, Bax protein, CK, and LDH, and decreased expression of SOD, NICD, Hes1, and Bcl-2. The downregulation of KRT1 led to decreased expression of KRT1 and Bax protein, increased expression of NICD, Hes1, and Bcl-2, decreased cell apoptosis, and improved cell proliferation. The inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway leads to reduced expression of Bax, increased expression of NICD, Hes1, and Bcl 2, and also decreased cell apoptosis and increased cell proliferation. Our data conclude that KRT1 silencing is able to make MIRI better by activating the Notch signaling pathway in mice.

Excessive activated T-cell proliferation after anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy.

Excessive activated T-cell proliferation was observed in vivo in one patient after an anti-CD19-chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell infusion. The patient, who had chemotherapy refractory and CD19+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), received an anti-CD19 CAR T-cell infusion following conditioning chemotherapy (fludarabine/cyclophosphamide). The lymphocyte count in the peripheral blood (PB) increased to 77 × 109/L on day 13 post infusion, and the proportion of CD8+ actived T cells was 93.06% of the lymphocytes. Then, the patient suffered from fever and hypoxaemia. Significant increases in serum cytokine, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (γ-GT) levels were observed. A high-throughput sequencing analysis for T-cell receptors (TCRs) and whole-genome sequencing were used to explore the mechanisms underlying this excessive T-cell proliferation. TCR diversity was demonstrated, but no special gene mutation was found. The patient was found to be infected with the John Cunningham polyomavirus (JCV). It cannot be ruled out the bystander activation pathway induced by JCV infections related the excessive activated T-cell proliferation. Although the clinical and laboratory data do not fully explain the reason for excessive T-cell proliferation after the anti-CD19 CAR T-cell infusion, the risk of this type of toxicity should be emphasized. This study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01864889.

Two novel heterozygous HTRA1 mutations in two pedigrees with cerebral small vessel disease families.

Heterozygous HTRA1 mutations, recently, have been reported as a cause of autosomal dominant hereditary cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). We herein describe clinical and neuroimaging findings in two familial CSVD with two different heterozygous HTRA1 mutations. Detailed clinical and neuroimaging examination were conducted in probands and their available family members. A next-generation sequencing-based comprehensive gene panel was used to investigate their causative mutations. A novel heterozygous missense variant c.527T>C (p.V176A) and a novel heterozygous nonsense variant c.589C>T (p.R197X) in HTRA1 gene were detected in probands of family 1 and family 2, respectively. Co-segregation analysis in family 1 showed eight family members were mutation carriers. All alive male patients showed typical clinical and neuroimaging features of CSVD. All alive female mutation carriers were clinical or neuroimaging asymptomatic. Screening of HTRA1 should be considered in patients with familial CSVD. A male predominance may exist in patients with heterozygous HTRA1 mutations and need to be further investigated.

Determination of a natural DNMT1 inhibitor, peperomin E, in rat plasma by UFLC-MS/MS and method application in a pharmacokinetic study.

Peperomin E (PepE), a naturally occurring secolignan isolated from Peperomia dindygulensis, has drawn much attention recently owing to its anticancer and DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) inhibitory activity. Here, a simple and sensitive ultra-fast liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the determination of PepE in rat plasma for the first time. Samples were prepared by simple protein precipitation. Separation was performed on an XBridge™ C18 column using a mobile phase of acetonitrile and 0.1% (v/v) aqueous formic acid. PepE and the internal standard arctigenin were detected in a positive-ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring of the transitions at m/z 413.2 → 261.0 and 373.2 → 137.2, respectively. The calibration curve for PepE was linear over the range of concentrations of 1.46-6000 ng/mL, with a lower limit of quantitation of 1.46 ng/mL. Both intra- and interday precisions were within 11.05%, and the accuracy ranged from -11.5 to 5.51%. The extraction recovery and matrix effect were within acceptable limits. Stability tests showed that PepE remained stable throughout the analytical procedure. The validated method was then used to analyze the pharmacokinetics of PepE administered to rats orally (12.5 and 25 mg/kg) or intravenously (6.25 and 12.5 mg/kg).

[Optimize excipients for Yinsang hypoglycemic granules by using multiple indexes].

Optimal excipients were screened by studying the effect of different excipients on the hygroscopicity of the extract, testing polysaccharide in the preparation and blood glucose value. Single factor tests were performed with hygroscopicity, formability and fluidity as the indexes, and the moisture content, granule yield and angle of repose were combined with physical characters of the materials to screen the proportioning and dosage of excipients. Then the critical relative humidity of preferred Yinsang granules were measured. The optimum excipients for Yinsang hypoglycemic granules were mulberry leaf paste-microcrystalline cellulose-mactra veneriformis crude polysaccharides (10∶9∶1.67). The obtained granules had good formability and fluidity, which were not easy to absorb moisture for liquefaction, with a critical relative humidity of 73%. This formation process was reasonable and feasible, suitable for industrial production, which can significantly improve hygroscopicity and liquefaction properties of extracts, improve stability of Yinsang granules, and provide reference for screening of excipients for other preparations.

Facile Separation of Regioisomeric Compounds by a Heteronuclear Organometallic Capsule.

Owing to the often-similar physical and chemical properties of structural isomers of organic molecules, large efforts have been made to develop efficient strategies to isolate specific isomers. However, facile separation of regioisomeric compounds remains difficult. Here we demonstrate a universal organometallic capsule in which two silver centers are rigidly separated from each other by two tetranuclear [Rh4] pyramidal frustums, which selectively encapsulate a specific isomer from mixtures. Not only is the present heterometallic capsule suitable as a host for the encapsulation of a series of aromatic compounds, but also the receptor shows widely differing specificity for the various isomers. Direct experimental evidence is provided for the selective encapsulation of a series of para (p)-disubstituted benzene derivatives, such as p-xylene, p-dichlorobenzene, p-dibromobenzene, and p-diiodobenzene. The size and shape matching, as well as the Ag-π interactions, are the main forces governing the extent of molecular recognition. The encapsulated guest p-xylene can be released by using the solid-liquid solvent washing strategy, and the other guest molecules are easily liberated by using light stimulus.

Effective response and delayed toxicities of refractory advanced diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated by CD20-directed chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells.

We conducted a trial testing a CD20-specific CAR coupled with CD137 and the CD3ζ moiety in patients with chemotherapy refractory advanced diffuse large B cell lymphomas (DLBCL). Seven patients were enrolled. One of the two patients with no bulky tumor obtained a 14-month durable and ongoing complete remission by cell infusion only, and another attained a 6-month tumor regression. Four of five patients with bulky tumor burden were evaluable for clinical efficacy, three of which attained 3- to 6-month tumor regression. Delayed toxicities related to cell infusion are directly correlated to tumor burden and tumor-harboring sites, and mainly included cytokine release symptoms, tumor lysis symptoms, massive hemorrhage of the alimentary tract and aggressive intrapulmonary inflammation surrounding extranodal lesions. These results show firstly that anti-CD20 CART cells can cause prolonged tumor regression in combination with debulking conditioning regimens for advanced DLBCL. This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01735604.

Autologous CIK cell immunotherapy in patients with renal cell carcinoma after radical nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of autologous cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: 20 patients diagnosed with TNM stage I or II RCC were randomly divided into two groups, a CIK cell treatment group and a control group. The endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analyses. RESULTS: CD3(+), CD3(+)/CD8(+), CD3(+)/CD4(+), and CD3(+)/CD56(+) levels increased after CIK cell culture (P < 0.01). The median PFS in CIK cell treatment group was significantly longer than that in control group (PFS, 32.2 months versus 21.6 months; log-rank, P = 0.032), all patients were alive during the course of followup, and there are no statistically significant differences between two groups in OS (log-rank, P = 0.214). Grade III or greater adverse events were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: CIK cells treatment could prolong survival in patients with RCC after radical nephrectomy and showed acceptable curative effect with potential enhancement of cellular immune function. This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01799083.

[Laparoscopic conservative surgery plus gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist in the treatment of endometriosis: a meta-analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic conservative surgery plus gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) in the treatment of endometriosis through meta-analysis. METHODS: Six randomized controlled clinical trials comparing laparoscopic conservative surgery plus GnRH-a versus placebo or no treatment for endometriosis were retrieved. Meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the efficacy. RESULTS: A total of 477 patients were included. Among them, 233 patients received laparoscopic conservative surgery plus GnRH-a while another 244 laparoscopic surgery alone. The results of meta-analysis showed that laparoscopic conservative surgery plus GnRH-a could decrease the recurrence of pain symptoms (P < 0.05), but it could not increase the pregnancy rate of infertility associated with endometriosis (P > 0.05). Furthermore the combined regiment could better improve clinical symptoms than placebo. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic conservative surgery plus GnRH-a could decrease the recurrence of pain symptoms associated with endometriosis, but it failed to increase the pregnancy rate of infertility.

[Application of umbilical venous catheter combined with peripherally inserted central catheter in very low birth weight infants].

OBJECTIVE: To study the application of umbilical venous catheter (UVC) combined with peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the VLBWIs in the neonatal intensive care unit who received UVC combined with PICC (catheter group, n=63) or did not receive the catheter treatment (non-catheter group, n=38) to compare the differences in nosocomial infection, weight gain, and length of hospital stay between the two groups. RESULTS: The rate of nosocomial infection was 17% in the catheter group and 24% in the non-catheter group (P>0.05). Compared with the non-catheter group, the catheter group had a significantly higher weight gain (11.7±2.0 g/kg•d vs 10.6±2.3 g/kg•d; P<0.05) and a significantly shorter length of hospital stay (40±11 days vs 45±14 days; P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with those not receiving catheter treatment, the VLBWIs receiving UVC combined with PICC have a markedly higher weight gain and a markedly shorter length of hospital stay and show a declining trend in the rate of nosocomial infection.

Influenza a virus triggers acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by increasing proinflammatory cytokines secretion via NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

BACKGROUND: Influenza A virus (IAV) triggers acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), but the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of IAV induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation to increase airway inflammation response in the progression of AECOPD. METHODS: Human bronchial epithelial cells were isolated and cultured from normal and COPD bronchial tissues and co-cultured with IAV. The NLRP3 inflammasome associated genes were identified using RNA sequencing, and the expressions of NLRP3 inflammasome components were measured using qRT-PCR and western blot after cells were transfected with siRNA and treated with MCC950. Moreover, IAV-induced COPD rat models were established to confirm the results; 37 AECOPD patients were included to measure the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-1ß. RESULTS: Increased levels of NLRP3 inflammasome components were not seen until 6 h post-inoculation in normal cells. However, both cell groups reached peak NLRP3 level at 12 h post-inoculation and maintained it for up to 24 h. ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1ß and IL-18 were also elevated in a similar time-dependent pattern in both cell groups. The mRNA and protein expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome components were decreased when COPD cells treated with siRNA and MCC950. In COPD rats, the NLRP3 inflammasome components were elevated by IAV. MCC950 alleviated lung damage, improved survival time, and reduced NLRP3 inflammasome components expression in COPD rats. Additionally, the serum and BALF levels of IL-1ß and IL-18 were increased in AECOPD patients. CONCLUSIONS: NLRP3 inflammasome is activated in COPD patients as a pre-existing condition that is further exacerbated by IAV infection.

[Effects of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway on angiogenesis in non-small cell lung cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between janus kinase2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway and angiogenesis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and explore the effects on the mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) by blocking JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expression of P-JAK2, P-STAT3 and microvessel density (MVD) in 68 NSCLC tissues and 27 normal lung tissues. And the relationship with their clinical pathological features was analyzed. Human lung cancer A549 cells were treated with different concentrations of AG490. Cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay. Western blot was performed to detect the activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. The mRNA expressions of VEGF and bFGF were determined by RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction). A549 cells were transfected with STAT3 siRNA. And the protein of STAT3, Phos-STAT3 (P-STAT3) and mRNA levels of VEGF and bFGF were detected. RESULTS: The activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway was closely related to MVD in NSCLC. AG490 and STAT3 siRNA could block the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and down-regulated the mRNA expressions of VEGF and bFGF in lung cancer cells. CONCLUSION: JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway plays an important role in the angiogenesis of NSCLC. Blocking this pathway may inhibit the expression of angiogenic cytokines. JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway may be a critical therapeutic target for the treatment of angiogenesis in NSCLC.

[Application of proteomic models for the diagnosis of inflammatory and non-inflammatory preterm delivery].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the serum proteomic models for the identification of premature delivery with inflammation or non-inflammation. METHODS: The laboring patients from 2008 to 2010 at our hospital were divided into 5 groups according to placental pathology, including inflammatory preterm group, non-inflammatory preterm group and blind test group (n = 50 each). The control group was normal full-term. The preterm models with or without inflammation were established by the methods of SELDI-TOF-MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry) and bioinformatics. And statistical analysis was performed after a blind test. Then differential protein fingerprints were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 36 different proteins were harvested after a comparison of inflammatory preterm and control groups. The model was established by eight markers. The rates of specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 80.85%, 84.44%, 93.33% and 46.67% respectively. Fifteen different proteins existed between non-inflammatory preterm and control groups. There were 4 marker proteins. The rates of specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 75.68%, 64.44%, 80.00% and 66.67% respectively. Different marker proteins existed between the identification models of inflammatory preterm labor and inflammatory full-term. CONCLUSION: Different serum proteomic models may be used for the diagnosis of preterm labor and the differentiation of preterm labor with or without inflammation. And different proteins are expressed during different stages of pregnancy with chorioamnionitis.

[Analysis of related factors of premature delivery for the migrant population in local suburban Beijing areas].

OBJECTIVE: To study the health conditions of pregnant migrant women in some suburban areas of Beijing by comparing a variety of pathological, physiological and social factors and exploring the relevant factors associated with preterm birth so as to prevent effectively preterm birth. METHODS: A total of 279 cases of pregnancy in preterm birth at out hospital from January 2004 to December 2008 were reviewed. The date of maternal age, parity, prenatal examinations, history of vaginitis, history of chorioamnionitis, premature rupture of membranes, occupation, residing location and education status were recorded. And the relationship between them and preterm birth were analyzed by χ(2) test. RESULTS: The overall incidence of preterm birth was 5.34%. And the following factors had statistically significant differences with premature birth: chorioamnionitis, vaginitis, premature rupture of membranes, a lack of prenatal examinations, low education status, migrant population or maternal parity. However there was no statistical significance (P > 0.05) between preterm birth and other factors, such as occupation. CONCLUSION: The incidence of preterm birth is associated with a lack of prenatal examinations, low education status, chorioamnionitis, bacterial vaginitis and premature rupture of membranes. Therefore the migrant women in Beijing should receive targeted education programs during pregnancy. And reproductive tract inflammation should be properly treated.

[Study of factors associated with subclinical chorioamnionitis in term pregnancy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of various factors upon subclinical chorioamnionitis (SCCAS) during pregnancy and delivery. METHODS: A total of 796 cases of pregnancy in full-term birth at our hospital from December 2006 to December 2008 were reviewed. The data of maternal age, gravidity, parity, gestational age, prenatal care, history of vaginitis, premature rupture of membranes, occupation, educational status and delivery mode were recorded. And then the relationship between one of them and chorioamniotis were analyzed by chi(2) test. RESULTS: The overall incidence of SCCAS was 39.95% in full-term birth. The pregnant women, who had no prenatal care or no occupation, or had a history of vaginitis or premature rupture of membranes, were found to have a higher incidence (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). However, there were no statistical significance (P > 0.05) between SCCAS and other seven factors, such as gravida age, gravidity, parity, gestational age, educational status, delivery mode and living conditions. CONCLUSION: Women with full-term birth, even in the absence of symptoms, may have already suffered from acute or chronic chorioamnionitis. The incidence is associated with prenatal care, history of vaginitis and premature rupture of membranes.

[Spontaneous clearance of high risk human papillomavirus infection].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clearance of high risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among the women with normal cervical pathologic diagnosis. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-two HPV-positive cases with normal cervical pathologic diagnosis were enrolled in the study. The infection status of HPV was monitored during follow-up from Aug 2006 to Aug 2008. The time of HPV infection spontaneous clearance, as well as effect factors, were analyzed. RESULTS: During follow-up, there were 62.2% (107 cases, 107/172) of the HPV infection cleared. The medium clearance time was 11.3 months (95%CI: 10.6 - 16.6 months). The medium clearance time of aged < 30 years, 30 - 39 years, 40 - 49 years and > 49 years were 11.3, 12.0, 10.9 and 8.5 months, respectively. There were not significant difference among aged intervals (P = 0.384). The virus copies of HPV-clearance cases and persistent-infection were 22.6 and 95.0, respectively. There was not significant difference between groups (P = 0.061). CONCLUSIONS: Most of the high risk HPV infection with normal cervical pathologic diagnosis would spontaneously cleared. Age and HPV copies may play little role in the HPV clearance.

Metallic iron in cornflakes.

Iron is an essential element, and cornflake-style cereals are typically fortified with iron to a level up to 14 mg iron per 100 g. Even single cornflakes exhibit magnetic behaviour. We extracted iron microparticles from samples of two own-brand supermarket cornflakes using a strong permanent magnet. Synchrotron iron K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopic data were consistent with identification as metallic iron, and X-ray diffraction studies provided unequivocal identification of the extracted iron as body-centred cubic (BCC) α-iron. Magnetometry measurements were also consistent with ca. 14 mg per 100 g BCC iron. These findings emphasise that attention must be paid to the speciation of trace elements, in relation to their bioavailability. To mimic conditions in the stomach, we suspended the iron extract in dilute HCl (pH 1.0-2.0) at 310 K (body temperature) and found by ICP-MS that over a period of 5 hours, up to 13% of the iron dissolved. This implies that despite its metallic form in the cornflakes, the iron is potentially bioavailable for oxidation and absorption into the body.