Differences In Zn Research Articles

A comparative high-resolution spectroscopic analysis of in situ and accreted globular clusters

Globular clusters (GCs) are extremely intriguing systems that help in reconstructing the assembly of the Milky Way via the characterisation of their chemo-chrono-dynamical properties. In this study, we use high-resolution spectroscopic archival data from UVES and UVES-FLAMES at the VLT to compare the chemistry of GCs dynamically tagged as either Galactic (NGC 6218, NGC 6522, and NGC 6626) or accreted from distinct merger events (NGC 362 and NGC 1261 from Gaia -Sausage-Enceladus, and Ruprecht 106 from the Helmi Streams) in the metallicity regime where abundance patterns of field stars with different origin effectively separate $( -1.3 We find remarkable similarities in the abundances of the two Gaia -Sausage-Enceladus GCs across all chemical elements. They both display depletion in the alpha -elements (Mg, Si and Ca) and statistically significant differences in Zn and Eu compared to in situ GCs. Additionally, we confirm that Ruprecht 106 exhibits a completely different chemical makeup from the other target clusters, being underabundant in all chemical elements. This demonstrates that when high precision is achieved, the abundances of certain chemical elements can not only efficiently separate in situ from accreted GCs, but can also distinguish among GCs born in different progenitor galaxies. In the end, we investigate the possible origin of the chemical peculiarity of Ruprecht 106. Given that its abundances do not match the chemical patterns of the field stars associated with its most likely parent galaxy (i.e. the Helmi Streams), being depleted in the abundances of alpha -elements in particular, we believe Ruprecht 106 to originate from a less massive galaxy compared to the progenitor of the Helmi Streams.

Yield sustainability through micronutrient management in Guava

A field study conducted with soil and foliar application of ZnSO4 and borax at different phenological stages of guava cv. Shewta in sandy loam soil, revealed that highest sustainable yield index (0.80) was recorded with two sprays of 0.4% ZnSO4 + 0.2% borax during fruit growth at one month interval, followed by 0.63 with three sprays of 0.4% ZnSO4 + 0.2% borax before flowering, fruit set and during fruit growth. Highest TSS (13.13°Brix), acidity (0.652%) and ascorbic acid (262.21 mg/100 g) was recorded in two sprays of 0.4% ZnSO4 + 0.2% borax at fruit growth in one month interval. Significant differences in Zn and B content in guava fruit pulp was recorded. It was noted that Guava fruit pulp had Zn content of 13.7 mg kg-1 in control tree fruits while 14.6 to 16.5 mg kg-1 in treated trees. Moreover, guava fruit pulp enriched with B (14.3 to 17.3 mg kg-1) in treated tree fruits as compared to 12.4 mg kg-1 in control trees. Micronutrient contents in leaf tissues showed significant difference in Zn and B concentration, whereas, Fe, Mn and Cu contents were statistically non-significant. The index suggested for attaining the sustainability and to economize the nutrient application, technology package consisting of two sprays of 0.4% ZnSO4 and 0.2% borax during fruit growth at one month interval should be adopted at growers’ field.

Structural motifs in the early metallation steps of Zn(II) and Cd(II) binding to apo-metallothionein 1a

Many proteins require a metal cofactor to function and these metals are often involved in the protein folding process. The protein metallothionein (MT) has a dynamic structure capable of binding to a variety of metals with different stoichiometries. The most well-understood structure is the seven-metal, two domain structure formed upon metallation using Zn(II) or Cd(II). However, the partially metallated states and the pathways to form these clusters are less well-understood, although it is known that the pathways are pH dependent. Using stopped flow methods, it is shown that the metallation rates of the less cooperative Zn(II) binding pathway is much more impacted by low pH conditions that that of the more cooperative Cd(II) binding pathway. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) methods reveal specific mixtures of bridging and terminally bound MxSy structures form in the first few metallation steps. Using a combination of methods, the data show that the result of unfolding this intrinsically disordered apo-MT structure using guanidinium chloride is that the formation of preliminary bridging structures that form in the first few metallation steps is impeded. The data show that more terminally bound structures form. Our conclusion is that the compact conformation of the native apo-MT at physiological pH allows for rapid formation of complex metal-thiolate structures with high affinity that provides protection from oxidation, a function that is suppressed upon unfolding. Overall, these results highlight both the importance of the apo-MT structure in the metallation pathway, but also the differences in Zn(II) and Cd(II) binding under different conditions.

Comparative Study of Heavy Metal Blood Serum Level Between Organic and Conventional Farmers in Eastern Taiwan

Numerous studies have indicated that organic fertilizers (OFer) might contain heavy metals (HMs) that present health risks to organic farmers (OFar). This study compared the concentrations of six HMs (Zn, Ni, Cd, Cu, Pb, Cr) in the blood of two distinct groups of farmers: 30 OFar from a designated organic area in eastern Taiwan, and 74 conventional farmers (CFar) from neighboring non-organic designated regions. The findings revealed that the OFar exhibited higher levels of Zn (1202.70 ± 188.74 μg/L), Cr (0.20 ± 0.09 μg/L), and Ni (2.14 ± 1.48 μg/L) in their blood compared to the CFar (988.40 ± 163.16 μg/L, 0.18 ± 0.15 μg/L, and 0.77 ± 1.23 μg/L), respectively. The disparities in Zn, Cr, and Ni levels were measured at 214.3 μg/L, 0.02 μg/L, and 1.37 μg/L, respectively. Furthermore, among the OFar, those who utilized green manures (GM) displayed significantly elevated blood levels of Zn (1279.93 ± 156.30 μg/L), Cr (0.24 ± 0.11 μg/L), and Ni (1.94 ± 1.38 μg/L) compared to individuals who exclusively employed chemical fertilizers (CFer) (975.42 ± 165.35 μg/L, 0.19 ± 0.16 μg/L, and 0.74 ± 1.20 μg/L), respectively. The differences in Zn, Cr, and Ni levels were measured at 304.51 μg/L, 0.05 μg/L, and 1.20 μg/L, respectively. As a result, OFar should be careful in choosing OFer and avoid those that may have heavy metal contamination.

Relationship between trace elements in synovial fluid and cartilage and severity of knee osteoarthritis

To investigate the relationship between trace elements in synovial fluid and cartilage and severity of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Patients with KOA who underwent knee arthrocentesis or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were recruited based on inclusion criteria between June 2021 and December 2021. Synovial fluid samples were obtained during knee arthrocentesis and TKA, and participants were divided into the mild group (grading Ⅰ/Ⅱ) and the severe group (grading Ⅲ/Ⅳ) according to the Kellgren-Lawrence grading (K-L grading). Cartilage samples with different degrees of wear were collected during the TKA from the same patient and were divided into mild wear (0-1 point) and severe wear (2-4 points) groups based on the Pelletier score. The contents of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) in synovial fluid and cartilage were evaluated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the differences between groups were compared. A total of 33 synovial fluid samples were collected, including 19 specimens from 14 patients who underwent knee arthrocentesis of mild group, with 5 bilateral sides knee arthrocentesis in them, and 14 specimens from 14 TKA patients of severe group. The patients were significantly younger in the mild group than in the severe group ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in gender or body mass index between the two groups ( P>0.05). Nineteen pairs of cartilage samples with mild and severe wear were collected from severe KOA patients (K-L grading Ⅲ and Ⅳ), including 9 males and 10 females, with an average age of 70.4 years (range, 58-80 years). The body mass index ranged from 21.2 to 30.7 kg/m 2, with an average of 25.6 kg/m 2. The content of Zn in synovial fluid and cartilage from KOA patients was the highest, followed by Cu, and Mn was the lowest. The Cu content in synovial fluid was significantly higher in the severe group than in the mild group ( P<0.05), and in the severe wear group than in the mild wear group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in Zn and Mn content between the two groups ( P>0.05). The Cu content increases with the severity of cartilage wear in patients with KOA.

Correlation between age and levels of heavy metals in mares mammary gland secretions

The content of heavy metals in the secretions of the mare's mammary gland should be tested not only because of the possibility of human consumption of mare's milk but also because of the influence of these elements on the development of suckling in the neonatal period and later in adolescence. The aim of the research was to assess the dependence of heavy metals concentration in the secretions of the mammary gland on the mare. Studies were carried out on 16 English Thoroughbred mares. Mares aged 4 to 19 years were divided into 2 research groups: Group Y - young mares 10 years of age (n = 8) Group O - mares older then10 years of age (n = 8) The experimental material, colostrum were collected before 12 hours after delivery and milk were collected on the 3rd day after foaling. The concentration of metals (Zn, Cu, Ni, Mn, Fe, Pb, Cd) was determined by the atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS apparatus Unicam 929 spectrometer). All elements (Ni, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Cd) analysed in colostrum showed higher concentration in young mares. For Ni and Zn differences were significantly higher in young mares while for Mn and Cd those differences were highly significant. In analysed samples of milk Ni, Zn, Mn, Fe and Cd content were higher in young mares, while Cu content were higher in older mares. We reported highly statistical differences for Ni, Mn, and Fe.

The Relationship of Fatigue and Depression with Trace Element Levels in Epileptic Patients.

In this study, it was investigated whether there are trace element abnormalities in epileptic patients, the relationship of trace elements with fatigue and depression, and whether trace elements contribute to the development of fatigue and depression. A total of 87 people, 48 epileptic cases and 39 controls, were included in our study. Trace element levels of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se) were measured in a single session on the study day by the same team. Beck Depression Inventory, Fatigue Severity Scale, Mood State Scale, and SF-36 Quality of Life scales were administered to all participants by the same person. The results were compared statistically. Depression rate was found as 35.4% and fatigue rate was 45.8% in epileptics. Se, Cu, and Mn levels were significantly higher in epileptics (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in Zn and Pb levels (p > 0.05). In the study, a moderate positive correlation was found between fatigue and depression (r = 0.346, p = 0.016). Fatigue severity scale (FSS) and Beck depression inventory (BDI) scores were found to be significantly higher in epileptics (p < 0.05). Total mood scale (TMS) mean score was compared between patient and control groups, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (p < 0.005). It was observed that fatigue and depression are more common in epileptics, and there may be abnormalities in trace element plasma levels in epileptics, and it was determined that trace elements did not show a significant difference between those with and without fatigue and depression, and trace elements did not show a significant correlation with fatigue and depression.

Effects of Barberry Capsules on Serum Zinc and Copper in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome

Aim: In current study, we aimed to investigate the effects of barberry on serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in subjects with MetS, because of it are the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Methods: 106 Subjects were randomly assigned to 2 study groups: 1) A barberry group receiving capsules containing 600 mg barberry daily for 6 weeks (n=53); 2) Control group contained subjects taking one placebo capsule daily (n=53). Atomic absorption was used to measure serum zinc and copper. SOD activity was measured using a pyrogallol indirect spectrophotometric assay. Results: The results showed that there was no significant difference in changes in serum zinc between the barberry and placebo groups (p=0.620). There were significant differences in changes in serum copper between the 2 study groups (p&lt;0.001). Moreover, there were significant differences in Zn/ Cu changes between the barberry and placebo groups (p=0.027). In addition, there were significant differences in changes in serum SOD1 between the study groups (p=0.077). Conclusion: The results of the current study showed that barberry supplementation (600mg daily) for 6 weeks can increase serum copper and SOD1 levels and decrease the Zn/Cu ratio in patients with MetS.

Effects of tobacco smoke on indoor air quality: the use of mosses in biomonitoring.

This research was carried out to assess the possibility of using Pleurozium schreberi mosses as bioindicators of atmospheric aerosol pollution in living quarters (kitchen and bedroom), with metals originating from tobacco smoke from various types of cigarettes: conventional cigarettes, e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. The moss-bag method of active biomonitoring was used. The mosses were exposed in these indoor spaces for three months and, after the exposition period, their analytes - Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb - were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (F-AAS). Results were interpreted using the relative accumulation factors (RAF), coefficients of variation (CV) and the Wilcoxon test. As a result of the research, it was found that there were statistically significant differences in Zn and Cd concentrations in tobacco smoke from different types of cigarettes. The analyses showed that heated tobacco products contaminate indoor air with metals, similar to conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes. It was demonstrated that the reliability of biomonitoring results was affected, for example, by the method of preparation of bioindicator samples, such as mosses.

The effect of light conditions on the content of selected active ingredients in anatomical parts of the oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus L.).

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cultivation conditions in the context of light on the retention of selected vitamins, minerals and polyphenols in the stem and cap of the oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus L.). Additionally, the effect of the retention of bioactive components on the antioxidant activity of mushroom extracts was evaluated, taking into account the morphological part. Oyster mushrooms grown in the light of 200 lux had higher riboflavin content compared to mushrooms exposed to the light of lower intensity. The thiamine content of the mushrooms dropped with decreasing light intensity during cultivation. The content of biologically active compounds was found to be equal in the stem and the cap. In the case of riboflavin, it was shown that its contents in cap fractions, irrespective of the cultivation method, was statistically significantly higher than in stems. The mineral composition of caps and stems differed from each other. No differences in Zn and Cu content between the morphological parts of the mushroom studied were found. However, it was shown that the stems, regardless of the type of light, contained less iron, magnesium and sodium. Thus, it was observed that limited light exposure caused an increase in the content of total polyphenolic compounds, which did not correlate with antioxidant activity. There was no effect of the light on the antioxidant activity of mushrooms. It was also shown that stem extracts had higher antioxidant activity compared to the extracts obtained from the caps. This findings point to the possibility and potentail of use both fraction of mushrooms in the new food products development.

Accumulation of zinc, iron and selenium in wheat as affected by phosphorus supply in salinised condition

Biofortification of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and selenium (Se) in crops could be affected by environmental factors such as soil salinity and phosphorus supply levels, as well as by the genotypic effect. Two pot experiments were conducted with one examined the effects of P supply and salinity on plant growth and Zn, Fe and Se uptake in wheat, and the other examined genotypic differences in Zn, Fe and Se accumulation among 20 wheat genotypes. The results of the first pot study showed significant interactive effects between P supply and salinity on Zn, Fe and Se accumulation. Increasing salinity at the same P supply level increased shoot Zn concentrations, but significantly decreased total shoot Zn amount owing to decreased aboveground biomass. An increased accumulation of total shoot Fe and Se in P-added treatments, relative to the no-P treatments, was mainly due to increased aboveground biomass. The results of the second pot study showed substantial genotypic variations in Zn, Fe and Se accumulation; principal component analysis (PCA) suggested that agronomic traits and nutrient accumulation were controlled by independent genetic mechanisms. These results indicated that the amount of P supply is a key factor regulating biomass and accumulation of Zn, Fe and Se in certain saline soils; the sizable genotypic difference in Zn, Fe and Se accumulation observed in salinised conditions has provided potential scope for genetic improvement by breeding strategies.

Within- and between-subject biological variation data for serum zinc, copper and selenium obtained from 68 apparently healthy Turkish subjects.

Trace elements (TrEL) are nutritionally essential components in maintaining health and preventing diseases. There is a lack of reliable biological variation (BV) data for TrELs, required for the diagnosis and monitoring of TrEL disturbances. In this study, we aimed to provide updated within- and between-subject BV estimates for zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and selenium (Se). Weekly serum samples were drawn from 68 healthy subjects (36 females and 32 males) for 10weeks and stored at-80°C prior to analysis. Serum Zn, Cu and Se levels were measured using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Outlier and variance homogeneity analyses were performed followed by CV-ANOVA (Røraas method) to determine BV and analytical variation estimates with 95% CI and the associated reference change values (RCV) for all subjects, males and females. Significant differences in mean concentrations between males and females were observed, with absolute and relative (%) differences for Zn at 0.5μmol/L (3.5%), Cu 2.0 μmol/L (14.1%) and Se 0.06μmol/L (6.0%). The within-subject BV (CVI [95% CI]) estimates were 8.8% (8.2-9.3), 7.8% (7.3-8.3) and 7.7% (7.2-8.2) for Zn, Cu and Se, respectively. Within-subject biological variation (CVI) estimates derived for male and female subgroups were similar for all three TrELs. Marked individuality was observed for Cu and Se. The data of this study provides updated BV estimates for serum Zn, Cu and Se derived from a stringent protocol and state of the art methodologies. Furthermore, Cu and Se display marked individuality, highlighting that population based reference limits should not be used in the monitoring of patients.

The Level of Zinc, Copper and Antioxidant Status in the Blood Serum of Women with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

The aim of this study was to analyze selected indicators of oxidative stress. The study subjects consisted of 42 women with Hashimoto’s disease and a control group of 30 healthy women. The concentration of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in the serum was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) and the total antioxidative potential by the Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) method. In addition, an assessment of concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and total phenolics was carried out. Our research showed a significant difference in TBARS concentration (p < 0.0001 (ES: 0.92)) without significant differences in Zn, Cu, FRAP and total phenolics concentrations. Analysis of the correlation of the obtained results of biochemical tests for both groups showed a highly significant dependence of FRAP and total phenolics concentration in the blood of the examined women (r = 0.5283, p = 0.0003). The obtained results indicate no differences in Cu, Zn, and FRAP concentrations in the blood between two analyzed groups and a significantly higher concentration of TBARS in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis women. The concentration of total phenolics significantly influences the value of the FRAP.

Evaluation of Zn, Cu, and Se Levels in the North American Autism Spectrum Disorder Population

Metal ion dyshomeostasis and disparate levels of biometals like zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and selenium (Se) have been implicated as a potential causative factor for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In this study, we have enrolled 129 children (aged 2–4 years) in North America, of which 64 children had a diagnosis of ASD and 65 were controls. Hair, nail, and blood samples were collected and quantitatively analyzed for Zn, Cu and Se using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Of the analyzed biometals, serum Se (116.83 ± 14.84 ng/mL) was found to be significantly lower in male ASD cases compared to male healthy controls (128.21 ± 9.11 ng/mL; p < 0.005). A similar trend was found for nail Se levels in ASD (1.01 ± 0.15 mcg/g) versus that of controls (1.11 ± 0.17 mcg/g) with a p-value of 0.0132 using a stratified Wilcoxon rank sum testing. The level of Se in ASD cohort was co-analyzed for psychometric correlation and found a negative correlation between total ADOS score and serum Se levels. However, we did not observe any significant difference in Zn, Cu, and Zn/Cu ratio in ASD cases versus controls in this cohort of North American children. Further studies are recommended to better understand the biology of the relationship between Se and ASD status.

White Mica Geochemistry: Discriminating Between Barren and Mineralized Porphyry Systems

AbstractThe Grasshopper prospect, located 23 km west-southwest from Dillon, Montana, presents exposed zones of phyllic alteration assemblages comprising the early and late phyllic styles. The mineral chemistry of white micas from both phyllic alteration zones was evaluated by short-wave infrared spectroscopy, electron microprobe analysis, and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The early phyllic expression consists of white to green micas characterized by longer Al-OH absorption wavelengths (2,204–2,210 nm), whereas the late phyllic phase contains white micas with shorter Al-OH absorption wavelengths (2,197–2,204 nm). Correlation with electron microprobe data found that the Tschermak substitution in the white micas is mainly controlled by Mg concentrations. Based on LA-ICP-MS data, higher Mn and Sr concentrations characterize white micas from the early phyllic alteration, whereas higher concentrations of B, Ba, Cr, Cs, Cu, Li, Rb, Sc, Sn, Ti, Tl, V, and W are present in white micas from the late phyllic style. Systematic zoning patterns of trace element concentrations in white micas from the early and late phyllic alteration styles were confirmed at Grasshopper. In general, increasing trends toward the center of the system were observed in V, Cu, Sc, Sn, W, and Zn, whereas increasing trends outward from the hydrothermal center were reported in Li and Cs. Comparison of the trace element concentrations of white micas from the early phyllic style from the barren system of Grasshopper and the mineralized system of Copper Cliff indicates significant differences in Zn, Cr, B, Tl, Sn, and Cs. Therefore, we propose a preliminary discrimination (Zn + Cr + B vs. Tl + Sn + Cs) plot that can be used to differentiate white micas from the early phyllic alteration among mineralized and weakly to unmineralized systems.

Changes of heavy metal fractions during co-composting of agricultural waste and river sediment with inoculation of Phanerochaete chrysosporium.

The effects of Phanerochaete chrysosporium on the bioavailability of multiple heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn) in river sediments were investigated by co-composting with the agricultural waste. The results showed that the Phanerochaete chrysosporium inoculation can greatly enhance the passivation on Cu, Pb and Cd during 60 days co-composting. The effects in the three metals followed the order: Cu > Cd > Pb. There were no differences for Zn whether inoculation with P. chrysosporium or not. Redundancy analysis (RDA) implied that more than 4/5 of the variation of all fractions data for all heavy metals was explained by all significant canonical axes. P. chrysosporium can change the significant parameters for each metal and enhance the explanatory power of RDA model. The inoculation can strengthen the effect of OM (organic matter) on the bioavailability of heavy metals, but weaken the contribution of pH.

Effects of nano-confinement on Zn(II) adsorption to nanoporous silica

Nanopores (at least one dimension ≤100 nm and no dimension <1 nm) are commonly observed features of grain coatings and primary silicate minerals and can contribute substantially to the total surface area available for chemical reactions. Despite the ubiquity of nanopores in natural and synthetic porous media, a generalizable framework for evaluating the effects of nanopore confinement on both fluid and sorbate properties across the entire nanoscale has yet to emerge. As a result, we have a poor understanding of the effect of pore size on molecular-scale processes controlling nano-confinement phenomena in systems in which mineral surfaces are in contact with aqueous solutions.To address these knowledge gaps, we carried out batch experiments designed to reveal the molecular-level details of adsorption reaction products and attendant isotope fractionation of aqueous Zn(II) for synthetic, variably porous, amorphous silica (SiO2(am)) particles with average pore diameters ranging from 10 nm to 330 nm. Shell-by-shell fitting of Zn K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra reveals that Zn(II) (1) adsorbs as dominantly monodentate, corner-sharing complexes to silicate tetrahedra of all SiO2(am) particles examined, regardless of pore size, (2) is tetrahedrally coordinated by oxygen atoms in nanoporous silica with small pore sizes (≤10 nm), and (3) is present as a mixture of tetrahedrally and octahedrally coordinated surface complexes in silica with larger pore sizes (>10 nm). In addition, at low Zn(II) surface coverages (<0.9 μmol m−2) on macroporous SiO2(am), Zn(II) forms a mixture of octahedrally and tetrahedrally coordinated surface complexes, whereas tetrahedrally coordinated surface complexes predominate at higher Zn(II) coverages (>0.9 μmol m−2).Although molecular-level differences in Zn(II) adsorption complexes are apparent with respect to SiO2(am) pore size, we observed no quantifiable differences in attendant isotope fractionation or adsorption edge structure for Zn(II) uptake on nanoporous SiO2(am) surfaces. These results suggest that the differences in binding energy of tetrahedrally versus octahedrally coordinated Zn(II) complexes at the same site on SiO2(am) are small. Comparison of EXAFS spectra to the results of surface complexation modeling (SCM) of experimental Zn(II) uptake data indicates that monodentate Zn(II) adsorption on the SiO2(am) surface releases two protons through binding one site and passivating an adjacent site, which accounts for the modification of surface charge and surface complex structure during adsorption of Zn(II) cations.This study shows that adsorption of Zn(II) in variably porous SiO2(am) results in differences in surface complex geometry as pore size decreases and as surface coverage of Zn(II) increases. Although surface complexation modeling of Zn(II) adsorption edges on macroporous and nanoporous SiO2(am) does not independently identify these molecular-level differences, combination of SCM and molecular-level observations reveals unique insight into the overall adsorption reaction and neighboring surface site reactivity.

The relationship between seminal plasma and serum trace elements and semen parameters of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius).

A total of 14 camels of known fertility (controls) at the Camel Research Centre, King Faisal University and 41 infertile dromedaries brought to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital were used in this study during the breeding season. Seminal plasma and serum were obtained from all males, and stored at -80°C until analysis. Concentrations of six trace elements (manganese [Mn], zinc [Zn], iron [Fe], selenium [Se], copper [Cu] and chromium [Cr]) were estimated in the seminal plasma and serum using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results showed significant (p<0.05 and p<0.01) differences in semen pH and sperm motility, concentration and abnormalities between the control and infertile dromedaries. In seminal plasma, a significant (p<0.01) difference in Fe concentrations (7.792±1.567 vs. 61.259±11.967mg/L) and significant (p<0.05) differences in Zn (24.763±8.206 vs. 83.981±4.972mg/L) and Cu (1.653±0.348 vs. 7.905±1.134mg/L) concentrations existed between the control and infertile dromedaries, respectively. In serum, there were significant (p<0.05) differences in Fe (6.237±0.695 vs. 151.121±27.604mg/L) and Cu (24.703±4.195 vs. 6.375±0.644mg/L) concentrations and a significant (p<0.01) difference in Zn concentrations (17.086±1.606 vs. 90.422±4.347mg/L) between the fertile and infertile camels, respectively. There were significant (p<0.05) positive (r=0.51) and negative (r=-0.54) correlations between Zn concentrations in seminal plasma and both sperm motility and sperm abnormalities, respectively. In conclusion, seminal plasma and serum trace elements of Fe, Zn and Cu influenced the semen parameters and fertility of dromedary camels. Low concentrations of Fe, Zn and Cu in the seminal plasma were associated with normal fertility in dromedaries.

Zinc in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In the last 35 years, zinc (Zn) has been examined for its potential role in the disease multiple sclerosis (MS). This review gives an overview of the possible role of Zn in the pathogenesis of MS as well as a meta-analysis of studies having measured Zn in serum or plasma in patients with MS. Searching the databases PubMed and EMBASE as well as going through reference lists in included articles 24 studies were found measuring Zn in patients with MS. Of these, 13 met inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The result of the meta-analysis shows a reduction in serum or plasma Zn levels in patients with MS with a 95% CI of [−3.66, −0.93] and a p value of .001 for the difference in Zn concentration in μM. One of six studies measuring cerebrospinal fluid, Zn levels found a significant increase in patients with MS with controls. The studies measuring whole blood and erythrocyte Zn levels found up to several times higher levels of Zn in patients with MS compared with healthy controls with decreasing levels during attacks in relapsing-remitting MS patients. Future studies measuring serum or plasma Zn are encouraged to analyze their data through homogenous MS patient subgroups on especially age, sex, and disease subtype since the difference in serum or plasma Zn in these subgroups have been found to be significantly different. It is hypothesized that local alterations of Zn may be actively involved in the pathogenesis of MS.

Phytoremediation of sewage sludge and use of its leachate for crop production

The land application of sewage sludge has the potential risk of transferring heavy metals to soil or groundwater. The agricultural reuse of sludge leachate could be a cost-effective way to decrease metal contamination. Sludge leachate collected during the phytoremediation of sludge by co-cropping with Sedum alfredii and Zea mays was used for irrigating vegetables in a field experiment. Results indicate that the concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd in sludge leachates complied with the National Standards for agricultural irrigation water in China. For the vegetable crop Ipomoea aquatica, nutrients obtained only from the sludge leachate were not sufficient to support growth. For the second crop, Brassica parachinensis, no differences in biomass were observed between the treatment with leachate plus a half dose of inorganic fertilizer and the treatment with a full dose of inorganic fertilizers. The concentrations of heavy metals in I. aquatica and B. parachinensis were not significantly affected by the application of sludge leachates. Compared with initial values, there were no significant differences in Zn, Cd, Cu, and Pb concentrations in soil following treatment with sludge leachate. This study indicates that on range lands, sludge phytoremediation can be conducted at the upper level, and the generated sludge leachate can be safely and easily used in crop production at the lower level.