Levels Of Essential Elements Research Articles

Hormone-microelement homeostasis of boys with obesity and delayed sexual development

The results of examinations of adolescent boys with varying degrees of obesity and delayed sexual development (DSD) showed that the content of hormones (kisspeptin, leptin, testosterone, gonadotropins, etc.) correlated with the level of essential and toxic chemical elements in urine. Correlations between urine concentrations of zinc, selenium and levels of leptin, kisspeptin and testosterone were found. This points to the etiological determinant of microelementosis in the formation of DSD in obesity in boys — possibly the effect of high lead content in urine.

Probabilistic assessment of the daily intake of microelements and toxic elements via the consumption of rice with different degrees of polishing.

The polishing process plays a key role in determining the beneficial quality of rice. However, the effects of polishing on human exposure to essential and toxic elements are not well reported. This study evaluated the effects of polishing on the levels of essential and toxic elements in rice grains and evaluated the status of their daily intake using probabilistic assessment. The levels of essential elements decreased as the degree of polishing increased. The highest reduction percentages of essential elements [24% of copper (Cu), 26% of nickel (Ni), and 52% of manganese (Mn)] were found after the first polishing step. The highest zinc (Zn) reduction (15%) was found after the fourth polishing step. For toxic elements, polishing significantly reduced the arsenic (As) concentration (15-31%) from that of the whole grains, of which 26% was removed after the first step. Polishing removed both essential and toxic elements from rice grains. The highest losses of Cu, Mn, Ni, and As were found after the first polishing step since these elements generally localize in the aleurone layers of rice grains. The last polishing step caused a significant Zn reduction from the grain. Polishing had no significant effect on the cadmium (Cd) concentration in grains. The consumption of all types of rice could not supply sufficient amounts of all microelements except Mn to maintain optimum health. Both As and Cd intake levels were lower than the benchmarks of toxic health effects. Thus, the potential health impacts of both of these elements in rice can be neglected. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Exposure of a small Arctic seabird, the little auk (Alle alle) breeding in Svalbard, to selected elements throughout the course of a year

The Arctic marine ecosystem can be altered by processes of natural and anthropogenic origin. Spatio-temporal variation in species exposure to contamination is still poorly understood. Here, we studied elemental concentrations in the non-lethally collected samples from the most numerous seabird in European Arctic, the little auk (Alle alle) nesting in one breeding colony in Svalbard. This seabird spent the breeding season in the high-Arctic zone and the non-breeding period in sub-Arctic areas what may implicate spatio-temporal variation in elements bioaccumulation. We determined concentrations of 19 elements in adults feathers to determine levels of exposure during part of the pre-breeding (n = 74) and post-breeding (n = 74) seasons, feathers from nestlings (n = 18) to determine local contamination, and chick down (n = 16) and post-hatching eggshells (n = 18) to determine maternal input to offspring. During the pre-breeding period adults accumulated in their feathers significantly more Hg (one third of feathers exceeded the established toxicity threshold), Se and Mn compared to the post-breeding period. It reflects a higher exposition of birds to contaminants in pre-breeding moult areas outside the High Arctic compared to the post-breeding moult in the High Arctic. Sex differences in adult feathers representing the post-breeding period were found only for Ca and Zn with higher values in females. Chick down was characterized by high levels of several essential elements, an intermediate level of Hg and Se, and the highest Se:Hg molar ratios of all groups. Chick body feathers had the highest level of Cu and K among all the studied groups. Post-hatching eggshells were characterized by high Sr level (exceeding 2000 μg/g). Concentrations of several non-essential elements (Bi, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni and Pb) in them were below method detection limits.

Ameliorative effect of edible Halopteris scoparia against cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice: A biochemical and histopathologic study.

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal affecting the reproductive system. Halopteris scoparia (brown algae) is generally consumed as a salad in the Far East countries. This study was conducted to compare and determine the possible protective effects of H.scoparia and vitamin E and C combination (VEC) against cadmium chloride (CdCl2 )-induced reproductive toxicity. A total of 36 male mice were equally divided into as control, CdCl2 (2mg/kg), CdCl2 +H.scoparia (900mg/kg), CdCl2 +VEC (200mg/kg), H.scoparia alone and VEC alone groups. Blood and testis samples were taken for biochemical, histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses. H.scoparia was also examined for antioxidant activity (by DPPH assay) and mineral/trace element content (by ICP-MS method). CdCl2 exposure caused a significant deterioration in body weight, sperm parameters (count, motility, viability and morphology) (p<.001), histopathology, immunoreactivity and testosterone levels. However, H.scoparia improved CdCl2 -induced deterioration effects more successfully than VEC-treated group. The present study suggests that edible H.scoparia can be used as a natural protective agent against Cd-induced testicular damage by possibly enhancing essential element levels or increasing antioxidant defence system.

Enriched feeds with iodine and selenium from natural and sustainable sources to modulate farmed gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fillets elemental nutritional value

Developing tailor-made fortified farmed fish is a promising solution to overcome nutritional deficiencies and increase consumer confidence in these products. This study evaluated the supplementation of three fortified diets with I-rich seaweed and selenised-yeast on essential and toxic elements levels in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fortified diets resulted in increased I, Se and Fe in fish muscle. Biofortified seabream and carp revealed lower Cu and Br. The reduction of fishmeal and fish oil in fortified diets resulted in lower Hg and Cd in seabream muscle. Contrarily, fortified diets increased As and Hg in carp fillets. The consumption of 150 g of fortified seabream enabled a significantly higher contribution to the daily recommended intake (DRI) of I (10%) and Se (76%) than non-fortified fish, whereas fortified carp fulfilled 23% of I DRI and 91% of Se DRI. Moreover, the exposure to Pb decreased with the consumption of biofortified seabream (23–82% BMDL01) and carp (26–92% BMDL01). These results support the strategy of developing eco-innovative biofortified farmed fish using sustainable, natural, safe and high-quality ingredients in feeds, to enable consumers to overcome nutritional deficiencies without significantly increased feed costs.

Toxicity of different forms of antimony to rice plants: Effects on reactive oxidative species production, antioxidative systems, and uptake of essential elements

Antimonite [Sb(III)] and antimonate [Sb(V)] are known to have different toxicity to plants, but the corresponding mechanisms are not fully understood. This study was conducted to investigate reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant systems, and levels of certain essential elements in response to exposure to Sb(III) and Sb(V). Results showed that exposure to Sb(V) caused oxidative stress in a rice plant (Yangdao No.6). Sb(III) was shown to be more toxic than Sb(V) as judged from a lower shoot biomass, a higher loss of essential elements, and higher production of superoxide anion free radicals (O2−). The toxicity of Sb(III) might partially be due to the disturbance of the O2ˉ dismutation reaction, which resulted in root cell membrane damage under exposure to 20 mg L−1 Sb(III). Sb(V) stimulated the shoot fresh weight and the shoot uptake of many essential elements. Moreover, Sb(V) and Sb(III) both stimulated the accumulation of calcium in the shoots and roots, and calcium was found to significantly correlate with the concentrations of many essential elements and with some parameters correlated to antioxidant systems, suggesting a Ca-induced regulatory mechanism. The activity of glutathione peroxidase was significantly enhanced by Sb(V) and Sb(III), suggesting a role in scavenging hydrogen peroxide. Catalase was activated by exposure to 20 mg L−1 Sb(III) in the roots and by exposure to 20 mg L−1 Sb(V) both in the shoots and roots. However, peroxidase was activated by exposure to 5 mg L−1 Sb(III) in the shoots and by exposure to 5 mg L−1 Sb(V) in the roots. This study, for the first time, showed the differences between Sb(V) and Sb(III) toxicity when looking at the antioxidant response and essential element uptake.

Monitoring of Essential and Toxic Elements in Leaves, Branches, and Stem of Prosopis cineraria (as Anti-Inflammatory) Growing in Iran.

Prosopis cineraria is locally grown which scientific literature present evidence for its anti-inflammatory effect. Monitoring the content of toxic elements is one of the most important aspects to consider medicinal plants' safety before evaluating the pharmaceutical use. The aim of present study was to investigate the level of essential and toxic elements in the leaves, branches, and stem of Prosopis cineraria to assess its health risk. Samples were collected around Bandar Abbas, washed several times, and dried in air for 2weeks. The dried samples were chopped with stainless steel knife to small pieces and powdered by electrical mortar. Some physical and chemical properties of samples were investigated by chemical methods. Samples were ashed by a programmable electric furnace at 650°C for 6h. Then samples were dissolved in 30% HNO3, and the content elements of each sample were determined by inductive coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The tests quality control and the measurement uncertainty were checked through the analysis of certified reference materials of SRM 1515 from NIST and solution standards. Correlation analysis of the obtained results showed a significant difference between leaves, branches, and stem of Prosopis cineraria so that the stem had the high essential and low toxic elements ones in comparison to other parts. The results revealed that the Prosopis cineraria stem is meeting health standards regarding the studied toxic metals.

Burkholderia sp. Y4 inhibits cadmium accumulation in rice by increasing essential nutrient uptake and preferentially absorbing cadmium

Microbial remediation of heavy metal-polluted soil is a commonly used method. Burkholderia sp. Y4, isolated from cadmium (Cd)-contaminated rice rhizosphere soil, was investigated for its direct and indirect effects on Cd accumulation in rice by SEM-EDS, FITR and sequencing analysis of the soil bacterial community. Burkholderia sp. Y4 inoculation reduced Cd accumulation in rice roots, rachises, and grains of the two rice varieties T705 and X24 and increased levels of essential elements, especially Fe and Mn, which competitively inhibited Cd transport through cationic channels. Living Burkholderia sp. Y4 cells, rather than non-living ones, could colonize the surface of rice roots and accumulated more Cd through direct biosorption associated with –CO and –NH/−CO bonds of amino acids and proteins. The results of soil microbial community showed that the colonization of externally added Burkholderia sp. Y4 could be maintained over some time to impact the total rhizospheric environment. Burkholderia sp. Y4 inoculation decreased the abundance of microbes involved in the iron cycle (Acidobacteria) as well as of those mediating the transformation of ammonium nitrogen to nitrate nitrogen (Nitrosomonadaceae and Nitrospira). So Burkholderia sp. Y4 inoculation may indirectly change the availability of micronutrients and Cd in rice rhizosphere soil through iron-nitrogen coupled cycles to increase essential nutrient uptake and inhibit Cd accumulation in rice by preferential Cd-biosorption. Therefore, Burkholderia sp. Y4 is potentially suitable for the bioremediation of Cd-contaminated paddy soil.

The content of essential and toxic microelements in the organs of mice of various lines receiving a high-carb high-fat diet and supplemented with quercetin

Quercetin (Q) is known to be a powerful chelating agent for metal ions. Due to this property, Q, when ingested, is able to intervene actively in microelement homeostasis. The assessment of the possible significance of these effects for the dietary use of Q in obesity is complicated by the fact that in obese patients there are numerous changes in mineral metabolism and microelement homeostasis due to the pathogenesis of the disease. Thus, it is of considerable interest to identify the systemic effects of biologically active substances, including Q, on mineral metabolism in biological in vivo models (due to the limited choice of biosubstrates in clinical observations - blood plasma, urine, hair). The aim was to study the possible effects of Q on the levels of essential, non-essential and toxic elements in mice of three lines: db/db with knockout of the leptin receptor gene, prone to spontaneous development of obesity, inbred line C57Bl/6J, relatively resistant to the development of nutritional obesity, and complex hybrid of the 2nd generation DBCB, genetically more prone to developing obesity and fatty hepatosis when consuming diets with an excess quota of fat and simple carbohydrates. Material and methods. The content of 16 chemical elements (Fe, Mg, Cu, Mn, Co, Se, Zn, Cr, Al, Cd, As, Pb, Ni, Ag, V, Cs) was determined by mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma in the liver, kidneys, brain of genetically obese db/db mice (8-10 weeks old) receiving standard semisynthetic ration (SSD) and Q for 47 days at doses of 25 and 100 mg/kg body weight, C57Bl/6J mice treated with SPR or a high-fat high-carb diet (HFCD - 30% fats and 20% fructose solution instead of water) and Q supplementation at the same doses, DBCB tetrahybrid mice treated with SSD, HFCD and HFCD supplemented with Q for 63 days (25 mg/kg body weight). The compounds of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Mg, Cr, Ni, Se, and V were included in the salt mixture in the form of inorganic salts or oxides in amounts close to physiological needs; Al, Cd, As, Pb, Ag, Cs, Co - were present in the diets in background amounts. Results and discussion. In db/db mice, in comparison with C57Bl/6J, a decreased content of Pb in the liver and increased in the kidneys and brain, decreased Co in the kidneys, increased Cs and As in the brain, which could not be explained by differences in the consumption of these elements with feed. The consumption of Q decreased the content of Mn, Cs, V, Ni, As in the liver in db/db mice and increased Cu and did not significantly affect the level of trace elements in the liver in animals C57Bl/6J. In kidneys of C57Bl/ 6J receiving Q, the content of As and Al increased. In brain of db/db mice, Q supplementation caused a decrease in the content of As, Pb, Cs and Se. In tetrahybrids DBCB, Q increased Pb levels in liver and brain and decreased in kidneys; increased the level of V in liver and brain; decreased As content in kidneys and increased in liver. Multiple correlations were noted between the organ content of elements in various valence forms, as well as between the content of trace elements and biochemical indicators of the intensity of catabolic and anabolic processes. Conclusion. Quercetin has an effect on the homeostasis of microelements, depending both on the animal genotype and on the diet, and not having unambiguous physiological significance. Indicators of the status of essential and toxic trace elements are recommended to be included in the protocols of preclinical trials of the efficacy and safety of minor biologically active food substances.

ВЗАИМОСВЯЗИ ОБМЕНА ЭССЕНЦИАЛЬНЫХ МИКРОЭЛЕМЕНТОВ И ФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНОГО СОСТОЯНИЯ СЕРДЕЧНО-СОСУДИСТОЙ СИСТЕМЫ У СТУДЕНТОВ-ИНОСТРАНЦЕВ

The aim of the study was to study the relationship between the level of essential trace elements and the functional state of the cardiovascular system (CVS) in freshmen from foreign countries compared with freshmen from Russia (control group). The CVS study was conducted by the AngioScan-01 hardware-software complex (AIC). The level of essential elements in the analyzed biosubstrates was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). It was found that foreign students have significantly higher values of the stress index (IS) and vascular wall stiffness (SI) compared to freshmen from Russia. At the same time, the value of the reflection index (RI is a marker of peripheral vascular tone) and the integral indicator indicating aortic elasticity (dTpp) in foreign students were significantly lower than those of freshmen from Russia. Analysis of hair trace element content revealed significantly lower hair Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, I, Mg, Mn, and V levels in international students as compared to controls. Urinary trace element levels were more stable. Particularly, Co and Mn levels were found to be lower, whereas Cu and Zn concentration was higher than those in students from Russia. Correlation analysis revealed inverse association between stress index and hair Fe content. Mg and Mn levels in hair were also inversely associated with stiffness index. Urinary Cu, Se, and Zn concentration directly correlated with arterial stiffness, being inversely associated with dTpp values. Oppositely, urinary V levels were inversely and directly correlated with these parameters, respectively. Therefore, the results of analysis demonstrated the potential relationship between patterns of trace element status and cardiovascular reactivity in international students.

Analysis of copper, selenium, and zinc in newborn dried bloodspots using total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectroscopy

BackgroundThere exists great interest in using dried bloodspots across the clinical, public health, and nutritional sciences to characterize circulating levels of essential elements yet current methods face several challenges related to instrumentation, quality control, and matrix effects. Elemental analysis via total X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) may help overcome these challenges. The objective of this study was to develop and apply a novel TXRF-based analytical method to quantify essential elements (copper, selenium, zinc) in dried bloodspots.MethodsAnalytical methods were developed with human whole blood standard reference materials from the Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec (INSPQ). The method was developed in careful consideration of several quality control parameters (e.g., analytical accuracy, precision, linearity, and assay range) which were iteratively investigated to help refine and realize a robust method. The developed method was then applied to a quantitative descriptive survey of punches (n = 675) taken from residual dried bloodspots from a newborn screening biobank program (Michigan BioTrust for Health).ResultsThe analytical method developed to quantify the three target elements in dried bloodspots fared well against a priori quality control criteria (i.e., analytical accuracy, precision, linearity and range). In applying this new method, the average (±SD) blood copper, selenium, and zinc levels in the newborn samples were 1,117.0 ± 627.1 µg/L, 193.1 ± 49.1 µg/L, and 4,485 ± 2,275 µg/L respectively. All the elements were normally distributed in the sample population, and the measured concentrations fall within an expected range.ConclusionsThis study developed and applied a novel and robust method to simultaneously quantify three essential elements. The method helps overcome challenges in the field concerning elemental analysis in dried bloodspots and the findings help increase understanding of nutritional status in newborns.

Metal and essential element levels in hair and association with autism severity

BackgroundAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex disorder with heterogeneous etiology and wide clinical severity which supports the needs of recognizing biological and clinical features in patient subsets. The present study aimed to understand possible associations between the hair levels of metals and essential elements and some specific features of ASD measured by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) that represents the gold-standard instrument to objectively confirm ASD diagnosis. MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed in the province of Catania (Sicily, South Italy). Forty-eight subjects with ASD (70.8% male), aged from 2 to 17 years were studied. Metals (Li, Be, Al, Ni, As, Mo, Cd, Hg, U, Pb) and essential trace elements (Cr, Co, Mn, Zn, Cu, Se) were quantified in hair by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis. Participants were characterized by measuring the severity of autism symptoms and cognitive levels. ResultsA significant and positive correlation was found between hair metal burden (lead, aluminum, arsenic and cadmium levels) and severity of ASD symptoms (social communication deficits and repetitive, restrictive behaviors). Hair zinc level were inversely related with age while there was a negative, significant association between hair zinc level and severity of autistic symptoms (defective functional play and creativity and increase of stereotyped behavior). Lead, molybdenum and manganese hair levels were inversely correlated with cognitive level (full intelligence quotient) in ASD individuals. ConclusionsThe present study suggests the importance to combine metallomics analysis with pertinent disease features in ASD to identify potential environmental risk factors on an individual level possibly in the early developmental period.

Blood metal levels and early childhood anthropometric measures in a cohort of Canadian children

Fetal exposure to some toxic metals has been associated with reduced fetal growth, but the impact of contemporary, low-level metals on anthropometric measures in childhood is not well understood. Our primary objective was to quantify associations between childhood levels of toxic metals and concurrently measured body mass index (BMI) in a population of Canadian preschool-aged children.We collected biomonitoring data and anthropometric measures on 480 children between the ages of two and five years in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Child Development Plus study. Concentrations of four toxic metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury) were measured in whole blood collected from pregnant women and their children. Blood levels of key essential elements were also measured in children. Children's weight, height, and BMI z-scores were calculated using the World Health Organization growth standards. We used a series of linear regression models, adjusted for potential parental confounders, concurrently measured metals and elements, and prenatal blood metal levels, to evaluate associations between tertiles of each toxic metal and anthropometric measures. We tested for effect modification by sex.Of the 480 children, 449 (94%) were singleton births and had complete biomonitoring and anthropometric data. The majority of children had detectable concentrations of metals. In the adjusted models, girls with blood lead concentrations in the highest tertile (>0.82 μg/dL) had, on average, 0.26 (95% Cl: -0.55, 0.03) lower BMI z-scores than those in the referent category. In contrast, boys with lead levels in the highest tertile had, on average, 0.14 higher BMI z-scores (95% Cl: -0.14, 0.41) (p-value heterogeneity = 0.04).In this population of Canadian preschool-aged children with low-level blood lead concentrations, we observed effect modification by sex in the association between Pb and BMI but no statistically significant associations in the sex-specific strata. Child blood levels of As, Cd, and Hg were not associated with childhood BMI, weight, or height in boys or girls.

Human biomonitoring to evaluate exposure to toxic and essential trace elements during pregnancy. Part A. concentrations in maternal blood, urine and cord blood.

Exposures to toxic elements or deficiencies of essential elements during pregnancy may be associated to various birth complications or even diseases in early life. The aim of this paper was to assess the concentrations of selected toxic (As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb) and essential trace elements (Co, Cu, Mn, Se and Zn) in blood and urine samples of delivering women at different periods of gestation and cord blood, as well as to evaluate the placental permeability for these elements. A total of 53 women participating in the HEALS-EXHES study were enrolled. In particular, 48 blood samples from 1st trimester of pregnancy, 40 blood samples at delivery, and 31 cord blood at delivery were collected. Moreover, mothers’ urine were sampled at the 1st (53 samples), 2nd (53 samples) and 3rd trimester (49 samples) of pregnancy. Results showed that Hg and Mn levels in cord blood were about 2.0 times higher than in maternal blood, suggesting that these elements may be transferred from mother to fetus. The cord blood levels of As and Pb were lower (ca. the 65%) than those in maternal blood, showing that the placenta modulates the rate of transfer for these elements. Essential elements as Cu and Zn showed significantly lower levels in cord than in maternal blood suggesting that the transplacental transfer of these nutrients was very limited. In addition, correlation between paired maternal and cord blood samples for As, Hg and Pb was statistically significant indicating that the fetal body burden may reflect the maternal exposure. Cadmium, Co, Cr, Ni and Se levels did not show significant correlations between maternal and cord blood. Maternal urinary concentrations of trace elements, including As, Cr, Cu, Hg, Se and Zn decreased along pregnancy, which may cause variations in fetal exposure. The levels of toxic and essential elements in maternal blood and urine, as well as in cord blood, were for most elements at the lower end of the ranges found in the scientific literature not being of special concern for pregnant women and the unborn.

Microelements and macroelements in the body of the invasive Harris mud crab (Rhithropanopeus harrisii, Maitland, 1874) from the central coast of the South Baltic Sea

In this study, we determined the levels of essential and non-essential elements in the Harris mud crab (Rhithropanopeus harrisii, Maitland, 1874) from the southern Baltic Sea. Results revealed high levels of Ca (246,000 ppm), Mg (11,000 ppm), Na (8160 ppm), K (3,780 ppm), and Fe (1830 ppm). The concentrations of essential metals such as Zn (62.5 ppm) and Cu (25 ppm) were similar to those recorded in other crab species. The concentrations of non-essential metals such as Pb (0.140 ppm), Cd (0.0017 ppm), and As (0.288 ppm) were well below the International Standards for Maximum Levels for Food. In view of the above, the Harris mud crab from the southern Baltic is safe to be used as a component of well-balanced feeds for terrestrial and aquatic animals.

The total content of toxic elements in horsehair given the level of essential elements.

Elemental status of 214 mares aged 3-7 years from 11 breeds was studied: Arabian purebred (n = 20), Bashkir (n = 20), Kabarda (n = 20), Vyatka (n = 20), Tuva (n = 19), Yakutsk (n = 30), Mezenskaya (n = 20), Thoroughbred (n = 20), Akhal-Teke (n = 20), Russian trotter (n = 15), Soviet Heavy Draft (n = 10) bred in 13 regions of Russia. The research objective is to study the content of chemical elements in hair from the horse's mane, depending on the sum of toxic elements in animal hair expressed in moles. The elemental composition of the hair was defined by atomic emission and mass spectrometry (AES and MS). Elemental composition of biosubstrates was studied by 25 indicators (Al, As, B, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, I, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Se, Si, Sn, Hg, Sr, V, Zn). In the studies, an estimate of the total toxic load of the horse's body (∑tox) was given as the sum of mmoles of Al, Cd, Pb, Sn, Hg, and Sr in horsehair. Based on ∑tox percentile calculations, animals were divided into three groups up to 25 percentile (n = 54) with concentrations up to 1.09 mmol/kg, within the 25 and 75 percentile limits (n = 105) and over 75 percentile (n = 55) with a concentration above 6.08 mmol/kg. As follows from the obtained results, the ∑tox indicator in the mane's hair is closely connected with the total hair mineralization. For the studied range of ∑tox values, the relationship of this indicator with 13 essential and conditionally essential chemical elements is described. Moreover, as ∑tox increases, it indicates an increase in the concentration of eleven (Ca, P, Co, Cr, Fe, I, Mn, Li, Ni, V, As) and a decrease of two elements in hair (B, Si); for six elements (K, Mg, Na, Cu, Zn, Sn), such a connection was not revealed. At ∑tox values higher than 75 percentile, a critical increase in the exchange pools of two or more toxic elements in the body was observed in 85% of cases. Intensive exchange of selenium and iodine is observed; it is expressed by an increase in the number of animals with the content of these elements in hair beyond the "physiological standard," estimated as the range of 25-75 percentile.

Evaluation of Level of Essential Elements and Toxic Metal in the Medicinal Plant Hymenaea martiana Hayne (Jatobá) Used by Mid-West Population of Brazil.

Hymenaea martiana Hayne belongs to the family Fabaceae (Leguminosae) and presents the popular name of jatobá. It is a tree that demonstrates medicinal purposes and represents a food source in Brazil. The potential contribution of each species to recommended nutrient intakes (DRI) and Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) for children and adults were calculated. A comparison between the quantified contents of micro- and macronutrients Al, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, S, and Zn in leaves tea and tea of the bark of this plant was made with the recommendation of FDA and ANVISA. General safety regarding metal content (Na, K, Ca, Fe, Zn, and Ni) and nonmetal (P) was assured as none of them exceed the safety limit of the daily intake. However, the content of Mn observed in the teas of H. martiana Hayne is above the UL for tolerable intake level for children aged 1-6 years. There are no limits established for the UL of Cr and S for children and adults. The data on quantification of mineral concentration in the species Hymenaea martiana Hayne obtained can serve as a tool to decide the dosage of preparations from this plant used for medicinal purposes.

Associations between the Level of Trace Elements and Minerals and Folate in Maternal Serum and Amniotic Fluid and Congenital Abnormalities.

Congenital birth defects may result in a critical condition affecting the baby, including severe fetal/neonatal handicap and mortality. Several studies have shown that genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors may have an impact on fetal development and neonatal health. The relevance of essential and toxic elements on fetal development has not yet been fully investigated, and the results of recent research indicate that these elements may be crucial in the assessment of the risk of malformations in neonates. We determined the association between essential and toxic elements and the level of folate in maternal serum (MS) and amniotic fluid (AF), along with neonatal abnormalities. A total of 258 pregnant Polish women in the age group of 17–42 years participated in this study. AF and MS were collected during vaginal delivery or during cesarean section. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique was used to determine the levels of various elements in AF and MS. The results of this exploratory study indicate that the levels of essential and toxic elements are associated with fetal and newborn anatomical abnormalities and growth disorders.

Spent coffee grounds improve the nutritional value in elements of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and are an ecological alternative to inorganic fertilizers

The element concentration in lettuces grouped in 5 categories (baby variety, cultivated in agricultural soils with low or high percentages of spent coffee grounds-SCG, without SCG and with NPK) were measured. Lettuces cultivated in agricultural soils amended with SCG had significantly higher levels of several essential (V, Fe, Co, V, and probably Mn and Zn) and toxic elements (Al and probably As), without reaching their toxicological limits. Additionally, blocking of N uptake and therefore plant biomass, and probably Cd absorption from agricultural soil was observed. Organic farming with SCG ameliorates element concentrations in lettuces vs. NPK fertilization. The linear correlations among element uptake and the amendment of SCG could be related with their chelation by some SCG components, such as melanoidins and with the decrease in the soil pH. In conclusion, the addition of SCG produces lettuces with higher element content.

Health Risk Assessment on Selected Essential and Non-Essential Elements in Food Crops Grown in Kibera Slum, Nairobi-Kenya

Peri-urban agriculture of food crops is practiced in many slum areas in developing countries. This often uses waste water whose levels of essential and non-essential elements are largely unknown but would be feared to contaminate soils, consequently exposing man to associated health risks. Inhabitants in Kibera slum, Nairobi City practice these growing kales, amaranthus, arrowroots, and spinach. Health risk assessment was done using daily intake of metals (DIM), target hazard quotient (THQ) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR). Atomic absorption spectroscopy was employed for elemental analysis. The levels of essential elements ranged as follows; Mn 91.04 - 374.44, Mg 261.28 - 532.96, Fe 350.74 - 1273.68, and Zn 1.18 - 6.3 μg/g per dry weight were found to be below the recommended limits by FAO/WHO. Non-essential elements ranged as follows; Cr 1.15 - 4.32 and Pb 0.14 - 0.91 μg/g above the EU recommendation. DIM of Fe 5.81 - 27.61 and Mn 1.97 - 8.12 μg/g is above the recommended daily intake amounts. THQ values for Mn and Fe were more than unit. THQ values for non-essential elements were generally below unit. ILCR showed that from lead alone 73 people (0.043% of 0.17M residents) are likely to develop cancer. There are foreseen health risks associated with consumption of food crops grown in Kibera slum that requires immediate address.