High Levels Of Ca Research Articles

Different characteristics of the soil in marmot habitats might be one of the factors that influcting Yersinia pestis prevalent in which than pikas

IntroductionMarmots are recognized as host animals for plague caused by Yersinia pestis infection. It is unclear that why plague prevalent in marmot rather than other rodents like pikas in the same habitats. This study aims to analyze the differences of the soil characteristics around marmots and pikas burrows to explore the soils factors impacting on different epidemic intensities of Yersinia pestis in these two rodents.MethodsSoil samples were collected from within and around marmot and pika burrows, as well as from the nearby areas not inhabited by them and Chinese baseline soil properties as control groups, in the Qilian Mountains of Gansu Province, China. The physicochemical properties and the bacterial 16S rRNA were measured to analyze the characteristics of soils from different groups. Subsequently, the data were analyzed using R studio.ResultsThe analysis revealed that marmot habitats exhibited distinct soil characteristics, including lower organic matter and alkaline hydrolyzed nitrogen, but higher electrical conductivity and total soluble salts. And soil in marmot areas tended to have higher concentrations of nickel, chromium, and iron, also lower levels of zinc and selenium. Additionally, the alpha diversity of soil microorganisms in marmot habitats was significantly low. Simultaneously, redundancy analysis was conducted, which showed that the low alpha diversity of marmot-soil was influenced by its physicochemical properties. The alpha diversity of the soil was positively correlated with EC, TSS, Na, and Cr, etc., while it was negatively correlated with AHN, OM, Se, Zn, and Fe, etc.ConclusionThese characteristics in marmot habitats, including low levels of organic matter, alkaline hydrolyzed nitrogen, zinc, selenium, and bacterial alpha diversity, as well as high levels of electrical conductivity, total soluble salts, iron, and nickel, played a crucial role in the spread of plague. It was discovered that the unique characteristics of marmot-soils provided essential elements necessary for the survival of Yersinia pestis, including high levels of Fe and Ca, or facilitated the spread of plague. Thus, the transmission of the plague was facilitated.

Content in nine minerals and seven vitamins of rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) fed commercial diets and two forms of Nannochloropsis oculata

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to determine the effects of spray‐dried and fresh forms of the microalgae Nannochloropsis oculata and other commonly used commercial diets on vitamin and mineral compositions of rotifer produced under commercial conditions. Experimental rotifers groups were fed Protein‐Plus® (PP treatment), Inactive Beaker's Yeast® (INBY treatment), Algome® (Algome treatment), freshly cultured N. oculata (FA treatment), and spray‐dried N. oculata (SDN treatment). At the end of the experiment, seven essential vitamins, nine macro‐ and micro‐minerals, and two pigments were analyzed in diets and rotifers. All the treatments tested provided adequate levels of Ca, P, Mg, and Co to the rotifers, but insufficient levels of I, Zn, and vitamins B2 and E. Moreover, PP diet produced rotifers with high levels of vitamins B1, B3 and B9, and P; the SDN diet produced rotifers with high levels of P and Cu; the Algome diet produced rotifers high in vitamins B3 and B9, and Ca; the INBY diet produced rotifers with high levels of vitamin B1 and Ca; and the FA diet produced rotifers with more vitamin B6, Se, and Cu. In conclusion, specific minerals or vitamins corrections are required in these feeds for rotifers to adequately meet the nutritional needs for marine larvae.

Geospatial Approach to Identify the Indicators of Wetland Change: A Study for Kabartal (Ramsar Wetland), India

This study assesses the trend of LULC change in Wetlands from 1989 to 2023 using LANDSAT data for the core wetland zone of 26.02 km2 and the extended buffer zone of 623.08 km2. A physicochemical analysis of soil and water quality was conducted, and geospatial tools such as NDVI, MNDWI, and LULC were used in the study. ICP-OES study shows high levels of Ca, Mg, K, Fe and Cu in soil. Water quality analysis reveals that all parameters are within the permissible limit. Pearson correlation analysis shows a significant positive correlation between precipitation and vegetation cover in the buffer zone and with the water in wetland in the core zone. Nitrate and phosphate have a strong positive correlation with each other in both seasons, implying the same source, which could be due to agricultural runoff. Higher electrical conductivity indicates the presence of mineral ions and is strongly correlated with pH, temperature alkalinity and TDS. NDVI, MNDWI and LULC studies show decreased vegetation and water areas in core and buffer zones. The driving forces of wetland degradation are agriculture and built-up in core and buffer zones. The results of the kappa coefficient show an accuracy of 88%. Conservation strategies should be developed based on the indicators of the driving forces of degradation.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Cancer Antigen 15-3 as a Seromarker Among Recurrent Breast Carcinoma in Bangladesh.

The diagnosis of recurrent breast carcinoma is crucial for patient treatment. The present study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3)as a sero-marker among recurrent breast carcinoma patients. This prospective observational study evaluated the serum CA 15-3 among women (age ≥18 years) with recurrent breast carcinoma. The CA 15-3 was measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and concentrations were stratified using a cut-off value of 30 U/mL. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve observed that the sensitivity and specificity of the CA 15-3 cut-off value and the area under the AUROC curve demonstrate the goodness-of-fit of the prediction model. A total of 50 patients were recruited, with a mean age of 48.4 ±9.7years. The majority (n=28, 56.0%) of patients were 41 to 50 years old. Further, a total of 42 (84%) patients had high serum levels of CA 15-3, with a mean value of 72.7±9.5 U/mL. At the cut-off level of 30 U/mL, the ROCcurve demonstrated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 95.7%, 69.4%, 84.1%, and 72.8%, respectively, to diagnose recurrent breast carcinoma. Nonetheless, the area under the ROC (AUROC) curve was 0.712, indicating a satisfactory fit for the prediction model. We found that CA 15-3 level ≥30 U/mL is highly sensitive and specific as a seromarker for detecting recurrent breast cancer among the Bangladeshi population. We recommend routinely monitoring breast cancer survivors using CA 15-3 biomarkers.

Prognostic relevance of preoperative CA 19-9 values in stage III rectal adenocarcinoma: retrospective analysis and clinical implications

<p><strong>Aim</strong> <br />To investigate prognostic significance of preoperative levels of the Carbohydrate anti-gen 19-9 (CA 19-9) in patients with stage III rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent a treatment at the Clinical Centre of the University of Sarajevo.<br /><strong>Methods</strong> <br />A retrospective cohort study included 84 patients who underwent radical anterior rectal resection due to grade III rectal adenocarcinoma, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy according to the FOLFOX protocol (Oxaliplatin, Leucovorin, 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)). The patients were divided into two groups according to CA 19-9 values (≥27 U/mL and <27 U/mL, respectively). <br /><strong>Results</strong> <br />High pre-operative CA 19-9 values predicted an increased probability of postoperative metastases, especially liver, lung and abdominopelvic metastases, as well as three-year disease-free survival (3Y-DFS) and three-year overall survival (3Y-OS). The 3Y-DFS rate for patients with high CA 19-9 was 64.5%, while for those with low CA 19-9 it was 87.2%. The 3Y-OS rate for patients with high CA 19-9 was 89.8%, while for those with low CA 19-9 it was 65.7%. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis confirmed that a high level of CA 19-9 is an independent predictor for DFS and OS shorter than three years.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong> Pre-operatively elevated values of CA 19-9 in rectal adenocarcinoma have a significant role in predicting the outcome in patients with stage III rectal adenocarcinoma.</p>

Production of amorphous aluminosilicate and vaterite from acid leaching of hydrated cement paste

Acetic acid has been used to leach Portland cement paste, and the effect of acid concentration, liquid/solid ratio, temperature, and time on leaching of Ca, Al, Fe and Si is reported. The silica-rich solid residue (SR) remaining after leaching was washed, dried, and ground. This amorphous aluminosilicate has comparable pozzolanic reactivity to commercial supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) such as coal fly ash. The 28-day compressive strength of 0.5 w/b mortar containing 20% CEM 1 replaced with SR extracted from cement paste (63.6 MPa) was higher than the reference (51.2 MPa). The leachate from acid leaching contains high levels of Ca2+ ions, and these can sequester CO2 under controlled conditions to form vaterite, a spherical polymorph of CaCO3. Cement paste present in waste concrete can therefore be used to form a reactive silica-rich SCM in a process that sequesters carbon. The research has implications for the development of circular concrete.

Liming and phosphate fertilization influence soil fertility, physical properties, and carbon stock in a subtropical Ferralsol in Brazil

Understanding the effects of liming plus phosphate fertilization on soil physical and chemical properties, as well as carbon stock, is critical for improving soil fertility management under conventional till (CT) and no-till (NT) systems. This study aimed to quantify changes in these soil properties resulting from incorporation (CT) or not (NT) of limestone and phosphorus (P) in a subtropical Ferralsol in southern Brazil. The experiment was conducted in Campo Mourão, Paraná State, Brazil, according to a randomized complete block design with a 6 × 4 factorial arrangement and four replications. The treatments comprised six strategies for limestone and P management and four soil depth layers (0–0.05, 0.05–0.10, 0.10–0.20 and 0.20–0.40 m), as follows: NLNT - no liming under no-till; NLCT - no liming under conventional till; LPNT - liming and P fertilization under no-till; LPCT - liming and P fertilization under conventional till; LNT - liming under no-till; and LCT - liming under conventional till. In 2012, 5.0 Mg ha−1 dolomitic limestone and 53.3 kg ha−1 P were applied. In 2016, dolomitic limestone was reapplied to a soybean–wheat rotation. Liming and liming plus P treatments influenced soil properties up to a depth of 0.10 m, increasing pH and decreasing Al3+, without significant differences between CT and NT. Higher levels of Ca2+ and Mg2+ were observed at 0–0.05 m, except in unlimed treatments. Liming and liming plus P fertilization treatments resulted in mean increments of 1.83 and 1.37 cmolc dm−3 in Ca2+ and Mg2+ levels, respectively, regardless of the tillage system. Base saturation did not differ between treatments in the 0.10 m layer. However, LPCT resulted in higher base saturation in the 0.10–0.20 m (55 %) and 0.20–0.40 m (53 %) layers. P contents were affected up to 0.10 m depth, being 30 % higher in LPNT than in LPCT at 0–0.05 m. In the 0–0.05 m layer, soil bulk density was highest in NLCT and LPCT, and macroporosity was lowest in LPCT. Carbon stock was not affected by tillage practices, liming, or P fertilization. There was a positive correlation between P content and carbon stock at 0.20–0.40 m, suggesting that increased P availability at depth contributes to carbon sequestration. At 0–0.05 m, soil physical properties were negatively influenced by the combined application of liming and P fertilization under CT, indicating possible simultaneous effects on clay dispersion and pore obstruction.

Amino Acid Profile and Mineral Content Variations in Gastropod Species (Archachatina marginata, Achatina achatina, Tympanotanus fuscatus, and Pachymelania aurita): Implications for Dietary Enrichment

The global population surge increases the demand for daily protein requirements, emphasizing the need for cost-effective and readily available protein sources. The study investigated the amino acid, proximate, and mineral compositions of meat powders from four gastropod species (Archachatina marginata, Achatina achatina, Tympanotanus fuscatus, and Pachymelania aurita) procured from Offiong Market in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The samples were removed from their shells, and washed with deionized water and dilute acid. The meats were then dried at 65 – 70°C for 24 hours, ground into fine powder, and sieved to achieve uniformity in particle size. Amino acid, proximate, and mineral analyses were conducted. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in amino acid, proximate, and mineral compositions among the meat powders of the studied gastropod species. Most essential amino acids such as Leucine, histidine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, threonine, methionine, lysine, and valine were present. Proximate analysis revealed high protein and carbohydrate, and low fat and fibre contents among the gastropod species. Mineral analysis indicated high levels of Ca, P, Mg, K, and N, while Zn and Fe were significantly low across all species. The high protein and low fat and fiber contents suggest that gastropod meat powder could be used as additives for food fortification to meet the global demand for protein.

Urinary concentrations of mineral elements and their predictors in pregnant women in Jinan, China

BackgroundThe essential mineral elements play important roles in proper growth, development and maintenance of physiological homeostasis of an organism. Women are at greater risk of mineral deficiency during pregnancy. However, the predictors of mineral element levels in pregnant women remain unclear. This study was conducted to determine the urinary levels of calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and selenium (Se) in women during early pregnancy and to explore the predictors of urinary exposure to each mineral element and high co-exposure to mineral element mixture. Methods298 pregnant women in first trimester were recruited when they attended antenatal care in a hospital in Jinan, Shandong Province, China. We collected their spot urine samples and questionnaire data on their sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, food and dietary supplement intake, and residential environment. The concentrations of Ca, Fe, Cu, Mn and Se in all urine samples were measured. LASSO regression, multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the predictors affecting mineral element levels. ResultsThe geometric means of creatinine-corrected Ca, Fe, Cu, Mn and Se concentrations were 99.37 mg/g, 1.75 µg/g, 8.97 µg/g, 0.16 µg/g and 16.83 µg/g creatinine, respectively. Factors that influenced the concentrations of individual mineral element were as follows: (1) Se and Ca concentrations increased with maternal age; (2) women taking tap water as family drinking water had higher Ca levels and those taking polyunsaturated fatty acids intermittently had higher Cu levels; (3) Fe was adversely related to consumption frequency of barbecued foods; (4) Pregnant women with more frequent consumption of shellfish/shrimp/crab and living near green spaces or parks had higher Mn exposure, and those with higher frequency of meat consumption had lower Mn exposure. In addition, maternal age and the frequency of egg consumption were associated with odds of exposure to a mixture of high Ca, Fe, Cu and Se. ConclusionsThe pregnant women in this study had comparable concentrations of urinary Cu and Se but lower concentrations of Ca, Fe and Mn compared with those in other areas. Predictors of urinary mineral elements included maternal age (Se and Ca), type of domestic drinking water (Ca), consumption frequency of barbecued food (Fe), polyunsaturated fatty acid use (Cu), the presence of urban green spaces or parks near the home and frequency of meat and shellfish/shrimp/crab intake (Mn). Moreover, maternal age and egg consumption frequency were significant predictors of high-level co-exposure to urinary Ca, Fe, Cu and Se.

Geochemical signature identifying features and archaeological structures in eastern Amazonian Terra Preta sites

AbstractThe present work describes the chemistry and mineralogy of soils such as Terra Preta Arqueológica (TPA) or Terra Preta de Índio (TPI) from the Bitoca I and II sites, located in the Salobo Region (Carajás Mineral Province, Pará‐Brazil). The results revealed chemical and mineralogical characteristics that are similar to other TPAs found throughout the Amazon region, such as relatively high levels of Ca (average of 3600 ppm), P (average of 850 ppm), Mn (average of 730 ppm), Zn (average of 55 ppm), and Cu (average of 63 ppm). In soils related to the characteristics of occupation by huts and campfires, the mineralogical composition is represented by quartz, kaolinite, calcite, muscovite, anatase, hematite, goethite, and gibbsite. Amorphous phases have also been identified mainly as calcium phosphates and organic matter (humic and fulvic acids). The analysis of the features/structures described here helped in the identification/verification of areas destined for different activities within the sites.

Effects of dietary nitrogen and/or phosphorus reduction on mineral homeostasis and regulatory mechanisms in young goats.

The reduction of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in ruminant feed is desirable due to costs and negative environmental impact. Ruminants are able to utilize N and P through endogenous recycling, particularly in times of scarcity. When N and/or P were reduced, changes in mineral homeostasis associated with modulation of renal calcitriol metabolism occurred. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of dietary N- and/or P-reduction on the regulatory mechanisms of mineral transport in the kidney and its hormonal regulation in young goats. During N-reduction, calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in blood decreased, accompanied by a lower protein expression of cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily B member 1 (CYP27B1) (p = 0.016). The P-reduced fed goats had low blood phosphate concentrations with simultaneously high Ca and Mg levels. The insulin-like growth factor 1 concentrations decreased significantly with P-reduction. Furthermore, gene expression of CYP27B1 (p < 0.001) and both gene (p = 0.025) and protein (p = 0.016) expression of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1c isoform in the kidney were also significantly reduced during a P-reduced diet. ERK1/2 activation exhibited a trend toward reduction in P-reduced animals. Interestingly, calcitriol concentrations remained unaffected by either restriction individually, but interacted significantly with N and P (p = 0.014). Additionally, fibroblast growth factor 23 mRNA expression in bone decreased significantly with P-restriction (p < 0.001). These results shed light on the complex metabolic and regulatory responses of mineral transport of young goats to dietary N and P restriction.

The Effects of Four Different Thawing Methods on Quality Indicators of Amphioctopus neglectus.

Amphioctopus neglectus is a species of octopus that is favored by consumers due to its rich nutrient profile. To investigate the influence of different thawing methods on the quality of octopus meat, we employed four distinct thawing methods: air thawing (AT), hydrostatic thawing (HT), flowing water thawing (FWT), and microwave thawing (MT). We then explored the differences in texture, color, water retention, pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), total sulfhydryl content, Ca2+-ATPase activity, and myofibrillar protein, among other quality indicators in response to these methods, and used a low-field nuclear magnetic resonance analyzer to assess the water migration that occurred during the thawing process. The results revealed that AT had the longest thawing time, leading to oxidation-induced protein denaturation, myofibrillar protein damage, and a significant decrease in water retention. Additionally, when this method was utilized, the content of TVB-N was significantly higher than in the other three groups. HT, to a certain extent, isolated the oxygen in the meat and thus alleviated protein oxidation, allowing higher levels of Ca2+-ATPase activity, sulfhydryl content, and springiness to be maintained. However, HT had a longer duration: 2.95 times that of FWT, resulting in a 9.84% higher cooking loss and a 28.21% higher TVB-N content compared to FWT. MT had the shortest thawing time, yielding the lowest content of TVB-N. However, uneven heating and in some cases overcooking occurred, severely damaging the protein structure, with a concurrent increase in thawing loss, W value, hardness, and shear force. Meanwhile, FWT improved the L*, W* and b* values of octopus meat, enhancing its color and water retention. The myofibrillar protein (MP) concentration was also the highest after FWT, with clearer subunit bands in SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, indicating that less degradation occurred and allowing greater springiness, increased Ca2+-ATPase activity, and a higher sulfhydryl content to be maintained. This suggests that FWT has an inhibitory effect on oxidation, alleviating protein oxidation degradation and preserving the quality of the meat. In conclusion, FWT outperformed the other three thawing methods, effectively minimizing adverse changes during thawing and successfully maintaining the quality of octopus meat.

Adaptive Behavior is Related to Body Adiposity and Functional Fitness in Older Women

To determine whether indicators of body adiposity and functional fitness are related to adaptive behavior in Chilean elderly women. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 162 elderly adult women. Body adiposity (BA) was determined by body mass index (BMI) and fat mass (FM). Functional fitness (FA) was assessed by means of four physical tests: Arm flexibility, 30-second right arm strength endurance (RFBD), 30-second chair stand (up-and-go) test and the agility test (2.44 m). Adaptive behavior (AC) was assessed using a scale called AC Self-Perception of AC for Women (ACAM). There were negative correlations between AC with chronological age, BMI, MG, and Agility (∼ r= -0.27 to -0.45, p<0.05), while the relationship was positive with leg strength, flexibility, and RFBD (∼ r= 0.17 to 0.26, p<0.05). Comparisons of CA and PA between CA categories were small and medium. The effect size between women categorized as low and high CA was medium (∼ 0.31 to -0.46). However, among women categorized with medium and high CA level it was small (∼ 0.07 to -0.30). The study found that, in women aged 65-84 years, AC tends to decrease with age, while body adiposity increases and functional fitness decreases. It is recommended to implement strategies that address these negative effects of aging, such as prevention and management of body adiposity, functional exercise programs, and promotion of a healthy lifestyle.

Evaluation of the Quality of the Groundwater used for Domestic Purposes in the Anuradhapura District of the Dry Zone and the Efficacy of Laterite Soil-based Household Water Filters as Adsorbents

High concentrations of hardness, Ca, Mg, NO3-, PO43-, F- and, heavy metals in the groundwater being consumed in Sri Lanka's North Central province are becoming a serious health concern. The current study examined the groundwater quality in the Anuradhapura district as well as the effectiveness of groundwater purification by a laterite soil-based water purification device for Domestic Purposes. Chemical parameters (hardness, Ca, Mg, NO3-, PO43-, F-, Cr, Cd and Pb) were analyzed in randomly collected 35 number of well water samples during the dry season to assess the quality. The range of hardness was (21-1730) mg/l, with an average hardness of 471 mg/l. Anuradhapura had high levels of Ca and Mg, with average concentrations of 122 mg/l, ranges of (5- 429 mg/l) and 40 mg/L (2-160 mg/l), respectively. Phosphate levels ranged from (0.02-0.83 mg/l), with an average of 0.08 mg/l. Whereas nitrate concentrations ranged from (0.05-6.5) mg/l with an average of 0.59 mg/l and, fluoride levels ranged from (1.8-4.0 mg/l), with 2.3 mg/l being the average. Heavy metal concentrations that were below the WHO and Sri Lankan Standard limits had no discernible effect. The laterite soil-based water purification cylinder removed the hardness, Ca, Mg, NO3-, PO43- and, F- by adsorption. It was removed the hardness at an average rate of 89.7%, Ca at 89.32%, Mg at 86.87%, P at 100%, NO3- at 92.6% and F- at 81.6%. The outcomes showed that, well water in Anuradhapura region needs to be treated beforehand so it can be consumed. The laterite soil-based water filter performed well in terms of removing high hardness, Ca, Mg, P, NO3-, and F-.&#x0D; Keywords: Groundwater quality, Laterite, Adsorption, Removal efficiency

Associations between plasma metal elements and risk of cognitive impairment among Chinese older adults.

The relationship between plasma metal elements and cognitive function is unclear, especially in extremely older individuals. This present study aimed to explore the association between plasma metal concentrations and the risk of cognitive impairment (CI) in Chinese extremely older adults. Individuals aged ≥90 years with plasm metal concentration data from the fifth wave of the 2008 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey were included. Plasma selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) concentrations were measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. Cognitive function was assessed by the Chinese version of the mini-mental state examination. The study enrolled 408 participants. Participants with CI had significantly lower plasma Se, Mn, and Fe levels and higher Ca levels than those with normal cognitive function (p < 0.05). Plasma Se, Mn, Ca, and Fe concentrations were significantly associated with CI risk in both single- and multiple-element logistic regression models. Additionally, the multiple-element model results showed that the adjusted odds ratios for CI were 0.042 (95% confidence interval 0.016-0.109), 0.106 (0.044-0.255), 7.629 (3.211-18.124) and 0.092 (0.036-0.233) for the highest quartiles compared to the lowest quartiles of Se, Mn, Ca, and Fe, respectively. Moreover, subgroup analyses by age, sex, and body mass index suggested a consistent significant correlation (p < 0.05). Therefore, decreased plasma Se, Mn, and Fe and increased plasma Ca levels were associated with CI risk in Chinese older adults. These findings are of great significance for the development of programs to delay cognitive decline in the elderly.

Kajian pustaka kualitas hujan buatan untuk mengatasi krisis air bersih: tinjauan pada beberapa parameter

Water is the most important substance needed by living things apart from air. Long droughts have serious impacts on society and the environment resulting in a lack of clean water supply, both in terms of quality and quantity. The purpose of the article is to contribute to a better understanding of overcoming the clean water crisis by utilizing artificial rain. The method of writing this article is a literature study on several journals and previous articles to obtain data and information to review experiences that have been successfully carried out in previous studies. The parameters used are pH, DHL, Sulfate, and Ca. Based on the study data, the pH is 6-8 which is still safe for drinking water consumption and fisheries, the DHL parameter is not recommended for drinking water consumption because it contains electric charge and is not recommended for agriculture and fisheries because it has high DHL levels. Sulfate is considered safe because it has low levels. In general, the presence of sulfate does not have a significant impact on health because the nature of sulfate ions is quite stable and does not react easily. Both high and low Ca levels are still considered unsafe. Only pH and Sulfate levels are classified as safe for agriculture, fisheries, and as drinking water.

Fecal calcium levels of bird nestlings as a potential indicator of species-specific metal sensitivity

Sensitivity of bird species to environmental metal pollution varies but there is currently no general framework to predict species-specific sensitivity. Such information would be valuable from a conservation point-of-view. Calcium (Ca) has antagonistic effects on metal toxicity and studies with some common model species show that low dietary and circulating calcium (Ca) levels indicate higher sensitivity to harmful effects of toxic metals. Here we measured fecal Ca and five other macroelement (potassium K, magnesium Mg, sodium Na, phosphorus P, sulphur S) concentrations as proxies for dietary levels in 66 bird species to better understand their interspecific variation and potential use as an indicator of metal sensitivity in a wider range of species (the main analyses include 39 species). We found marked interspecific differences in fecal Ca concentration, which correlated positively with Mg and negatively with Na, P and S levels. Lowest Ca concentrations were found in insectivorous species and especially aerial foragers, such as swifts (Apodidae) and swallows (Hirundinidae). Instead, ground foraging species like starlings (Sturnidae), sparrows (Passeridae), cranes (Gruidae) and larks (Alaudidae) showed relatively high fecal Ca levels. Independent of phylogeny, insectivorous diet and aerial foraging seem to indicate low Ca levels and potential sensitivity to toxic metals. Our results, together with information published on fecal Ca levels and toxic metal impacts, suggest that fecal Ca levels are a promising new tool to evaluate potential metal-sensitivity of birds, and we encourage gathering such information in other bird species. Information on the effects of metals on breeding parameters in a wider range of bird species would also help in ranking species by their sensitivity to metal pollution.

Correlation between essential and toxic elements in maternal blood during early pregnancy and atrial septal defects/ventricular septal defects/patent ductus arteriosus in offspring.

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common congenital malformation in the world. Recent studies have found that essential and toxic trace element levels may play a crucial role in the risk of neonatal malformation. However, the relationships between element levels in early pregnancy and CHD risk among humans remain unclear. This study investigates the association between maternal essential element (copper [Cu], zinc [Zn], calcium [Ca], manganese [Mg] and iron [Fe]) and toxic element (lead [Pb] and cadmium [Cd]) levels during early pregnancy and CHDs. A hospital-based case-control study was conducted, including 181 cases and 218 controls. Eligible participants underwent antenatal examination during gestational weeks 11-14 and trace element levels were detected by the atomic absorption method. Multi-variable logistic regression was used to examine the associations between the level of maternal trace elements and CHD risks. Higher levels of Ca in early pregnancy were associated with lower risk of ASD/VSD risks. Moreover, higher Fe, Pb, and Cd levels in the first trimester were associated with higher risks of all CHD and the subtypes risks, and the tests for trend were significant (all p < .05). The restricted cubic spline analysis showed that there was a nonlinear inverted u-shaped dose-response relationship between levels of Zn, Pb, and Cd in the first trimester and risk of CHDs (non-linearity test p < .05). A moderate increase in Zn and Ca levels and a decrease in Pb and Cd levels during early pregnancy are needed to reduce the incidence of CHDs in the Chinese population.

Determination of Essential Elements in Selected Nuts Produced in Kenya

Nuts, when eaten regularly, have been shown to reduce the risk of developing obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. They contain healthy fats such as monounsaturated fatty acids and are high in protein, vitamins, fiber, phenolics, phytosterols, and essential minerals. Essential minerals are important in preserving good health and body immunity against infections. They are categorized as macro minerals or micro minerals. This study intends to determine the essential elements present in macadamia nuts and peanuts and explain the importance of these nuts to human health and the intake suitable for consumption. The two nuts were collected in triplets from each study area and transported to the University of Nairobi, Department of Chemistry laboratory. The moisture content of the nuts was determined by the gravimetric method. The samples were then wet digested followed by determination of the essential elements using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Moisture content results were as follows: Macadamia nuts recorded an average moisture content of 15.68% while that of peanuts was 3.89%. The spectrum of correlation coefficients extends from +1 to 0.9036. The results indicated that macadamia nuts from Magumoni had the highest levels of Ca (15.25 ± 0.35 mg/kg), Na (10.99 ± 0.17 mg/kg), Fe (6.96 ± 0.18 mg/kg), Mn (0.465 ± 0.276 mg/kg) and Cu (1.01 ± 0.45 mg/kg). Peanuts from the Kangemi market had the highest levels of Mg (49.45 ± 4.71 mg/kg), K (46.95 ± 0.35 mg/kg), and Zn (0.49 ± 0.01 mg/kg). Mg was the most abundant essential element in both nut samples. Comparing the results with WHO/FAO permissible limits for essential elements in food, the concentration of Fe, Zn, and Cu were within the recommended limits. The levels of K, Na, Mn, Ca, and Mg were below the recommended limits by WHO

Estimation of Trace and Toxic Metals from Cannabis Sativa Plant in District, Kech Baluchistan, Pakistan

Background: Cannabis sativa, a plant indigenous to the Kech district in Baluchistan, Pakistan, is traditionally used for medicinal purposes. Understanding its trace and toxic metal content is crucial for evaluating its safety and therapeutic potential. Objective: The primary aim of this study is to estimate the levels of trace and toxic metals in various parts of Cannabis sativa plants grown in the Kech district and assess the potential health risks associated with their consumption. Methods: The leaves, stems, and roots of Cannabis sativa were analyzed for metals including Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Sodium (Na), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), and Nickel (Co). Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy was employed to quantify the metal content. Results: The plant exhibited high levels of Fe (20.34 ppm in leaves), Zn (24.14 ppm in leaves), Ca (9.29 ppm in leaves), Cu (14.40 ppm in leaves), K (10.56 ppm in leaves), Mg (13.47 ppm in leaves), and Na (12.25 ppm in leaves). Conversely, lower concentrations of Cd (0.65 ppm in leaves), Co (2.29 ppm in leaves), As (0.53 ppm in leaves), and Pb (1.60 ppm in leaves) were detected. The leaves contained higher concentrations of these metals compared to the stems and roots. Conclusion: The presence of beneficial trace metals like Fe, Cu, Zn, and Ca in significant amounts suggests Cannabis sativa's potential for treating diseases related to deficiencies of these metals. However, the low levels of toxic metals indicate minimal health risks, affirming its safety for medicinal use.