Levels Of Nickel Research Articles

Nickel induces changes in expression of genes encoding 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase and glutathione reductase in Picea glauca

ABSTRACT Nickel (Ni) in trace amounts is important in plant nutrition; it can also be toxic in excess. The objective of this study was to determine if nickel affects gene expression in white spruce (Picea glauca). Nickel toxicity was assessed by treating seedlings with an aqueous solution of nickel nitrate salt [Ni(NO3)2] at different doses (150, 800 mg/kg, and 1600 mg/kg) using a completely randomised design. Expression of the genes encoding 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase (ACCD) and glutathione reductase (GR) in roots and needles were investigated using RT qPCR analysis. No damage was observed on P. glauca seedlings. This study revealed that Ni induces an upregulation of ACCD at low and high doses tested in roots. Nickel treatments resulted in a downregulation of GR at low dose (150 mg/kg) in needles and an upregulation at low and high doses in roots. This suggests that the low level of bioavailable nickel in mining sites in Ontario and other regions can trigger changes in gene expression. The results also show that potassium nitrate induces a significant effect on gene expression in P. glauca mostly at high concentrations.

Effect of hydroxyapatite/alumina composite coatings using HVOF on immersion behavior of NiTi alloys.

Hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings have been widely used to improve biocompatibility of metal alloys. This paper discusses the effect of hydroxyapatite (HA) and HA/alumina coated NiTi on their corrosion and dissolution behavior in Phosphate Buffer Saline (PBS) and Ringer's lactate solutions. The HA was synthesized from biogenic method and used as initial powder in High-Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF) spray technique for the deposition of two coating types, fully HA and HA + 15 wt.% alumina composite coating. The as-synthesized HA had irregular porous structure with relatively low Ca/P ratio of 1.52. Tafel polarization curves obtained from electrochemical test had showed that both coatings increased the corrosion resistance of the NiTi substrates significantly. The ICP-MS analysis results that indicated a low nickel dissolved in both solutions after immersion in 21 days had supported these findings. The nickel levels in the solutions from all samples, either bared substrate or coated samples, in fact below the maximum limit for allergies of the human body. Immersion testing showed the stability of HA and HA/alumina layers as a barrier which maintains its morphology in PBS solution but slightly changed in Ringers.

Integrated transcriptomics and proteomics revealed the distinct toxicological effects of multi-metal contamination on oysters

The Pearl River Estuary (PRE) is the largest estuary in southern China and under high metal stress. In the present study, we employed an integrated method of transcriptomics and proteomics to investigate the ecotoxicological effects of trace metals on the Hong Kong oyster Crassostrea hongkongensis. Three oyster populations with distinct spatial distributions of metals were sampled, including the Control (Station QA, the lowest metal levels), the High Cd (Station JZ, the highest Cd), and the High Zn–Cu–Cr–Ni (Station LFS, with the highest levels of zinc, copper, chromium, and nickel). Dominant metals in oysters were differentiated by principal component analysis (PCA), and theirgene and protein profiles were studied using RNA-seq and iTRAQ techniques. Of the 2250 proteins identified at both protein and RNA levels, 70 proteins exhibited differential expressions in response to metal stress in oysters from the two contaminated stations. There were 8 proteins altered at both stations, with the potential effects on mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum by Ag. The genotoxicity, including impaired DNA replication and transcription, was specifically observed in the High Cd oysters with the dominating influence of Cd. The structural components (cytoskeleton and chromosome-associated proteins) were impaired by the over-accumulated Cu, Zn, Cr, and Ni at Station LFS. However, enhanced tRNA biogenesis and exosome activity might help the oysters to alleviate the toxicities resulting from their exposure to these metals. Our study provided comprehensive information on the molecular changes in oysters at both protein and RNA levels in responding to multi-levels of trace metal stress.

Exposure to metals and morbidity at eight years follow-up in women of childbearing age

This exploratory study was aimed to investigate the link between toxic metal content in women’s urine and their morbidity 2 years before and 6 years after the test. Concentrations of 25 metals in urine were analyzed for 111 pregnant women collected prior to delivery. All women were of Arab-Bedouin origin. Information on primary care and hospital visits during the study period was obtained. In a Poisson regression model, a health outcome was regressed over metal exposure and other factors. A Weighted Quantile Sum Regression (WQS) approach was used to indicate metals dominating in their possible impact on women's morbidity. Obesity was the most frequently diagnosed condition in this population (27.9%). Diagnoses in a neurological category accounted for 36.0%, asthma or respiratory—25.2%, psychiatric—12.6%, cardiovascular—14.4% and cancer or benign growth—for 13.5%. Based on WQS analysis, cancer and benign growth were mostly attributed to the increased levels of cadmium, cardiovascular outcomes were linked with lead, and obesity was found associated with elevated levels of nickel. Hematological, neurological and respiratory outcomes were attributed to multiple non-essential metals. The health and exposure profile of women in the study warrants a periodic biomonitoring in attempt to identify and reduce exposure to potentially dangerous elements.

Duplex Stainless Steels—Alloys for the 21st Century

Duplex stainless steels were first manufactured early in the 20th century, but it was the introduction in the 1970s of the argon-oxygen decarburisation (AOD) steel making process and the addition of nitrogen to these steels, that made the alloys stronger, more weldable and more corrosion resistant. Today, duplex stainless steels can be categorised into four main groups, i.e., “lean”, “standard”, “super”, and “hyper” duplex types. These groups cover a range of compositions and properties, but they all have in common a microstructure consisting of roughly equal proportions of austenite and ferrite, high strength, good toughness and good corrosion resistance, especially to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) compared with similar austenitic stainless steels. Moreover, the development of a duplex stainless-steel microstructure requires lower levels of nickel in the composition than for a corresponding austenitic stainless steel with comparable pitting and crevice corrosion resistance, hence they cost less. This makes duplex stainless steels a very versatile and attractive group of alloys both commercially and technically. There are applications where duplex grades can be used as lower cost through-life options, in preference to coated carbon steels, a range of other stainless steels, and in some cases nickel alloys. This cost benefit is further emphasised if the design engineer can use the higher strength of duplex grades to construct vessels and pipework of lower wall thickness than would be the case if an austenitic grade or nickel alloy was being used. Hence, we find duplex stainless steels are widely used in many industries. In this paper their use in three industrial applications is reviewed, namely marine, heat exchangers, and the chemical and process industries. The corrosion resistance in the relevant fluids is discussed and some case histories highlight both successes and potential problems with duplex alloys in these industries. The paper shows how duplex stainless steels can provide cost-effective solutions in corrosive environments, and why they will be a standard corrosion resistant alloy (CRA) for many industries through the 21st century.

Electrical Activation of Interstitial Ni in Cu‐Doped Si

Modifications of the deep‐level spectrum of copper‐doped Si due to the interaction with mobile nickel species are studied using the deep‐level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) and Laplace‐DLTS techniques. The neutral interstitial nickel atoms () are introduced at near room temperatures by etching in a Ni‐contaminated KOH aqueous solution. Two levels similar to the donor and acceptor levels of substitutional nickel are observed to form as a result of the copper−nickel interaction. Analysis of the depth profiles leads to a tentative conclusion that the levels belong to atoms, which are influenced by a nearby copper−nickel complex. The disturbed defects are formed via intermediate electrically active Ni−Cu complexes.

Heavy Metals Analysis of Selected Analgesic Syrups in Ibadan, Nigeria

Some heavy metals have bio-importance as trace elements but the biotoxic effects of many of them in human biochemistry are of great concern. Hence, there is a need for proper understanding of mechanism involved, such as the concentrations and oxidation states, which make them harmful. This study determined the physical parameters and the mean concentrations of some heavy metals (Ni, Cd, Cr, Zn, Pb, Hg, and Ca) in some analgesic syrups. The heavy metals presence in the syrups were estimated by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy after digestion. All analyses were repeated three times for each sample and the mean concentration of the heavy metals taken. The physical parameters showed that the syrups are of red colour, which had a clear solution with sweet tastes. They also gave different pH and density range values. The level of nickel in the samples ranges from 0.49mg/l to 4.12mg/l, cadmium concentration ranges from 1.1mg/l to 3.5mg/l and chromium ranges from 0.04mg/l to 0.49mg/l. The concentration of zinc ranged from 0.04mg/l to 0.67mg/l, lead ranged from -0.1mg/l to 0.7mg/l and mercury concentration ranges from 0.23mg/l to 0.91mg/l. Calcium concentration was not detected in the four samples studied. The concentrations of the studied metals were lower than the W.H.O standard limits, hence the studied syrups are safe for human consumption.

Effects of Cement Kiln Dust on Some Soil Chemical Properties, Growth and Yield of Wheat and Fodder Sorghum

Agronomic use of cement kiln dust (CKD) improves sandy soil properties and promotes growth and development of plants to enhance crop yield. Field experiments were carried out on a private farm at a newly reclaimed land in the Western district of Nile valley, El-Minia Governorate, Egypt. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of white and black cement kiln dusts applied at six rates (0, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 Mg feddan-1) to sandy loam soil on some soil chemical properties, growth, yield, and heavy metals uptake of lead, nickel and cadmium by wheat and fodder sorghum plants. The results indicated that white and black CKDs are considered to be safe by-product materials in terms of pH and content of lead, nickel, and cadmium, however; they are potentially hazard in terms of salinity build up in the investigated soil. Heavy metals concentration in the investigated soil was in the following descending order: Lead > Nickel > Cadmium. The investigated soil remains at a safe level of lead and nickel, while in a potential level of unsafe cadmium. The highest value of wheat yield and fodder sorghum was recorded when white CKD was applied at the rate of 16 Mg feddan-1. From these results, it could be recommended to apply white CKD at an application rate of 16 Mg feddan-1 only once for common crops cultivated in sandy soils under conditions of El-Minia Governorate, Egypt.

Niveles de plomo, cromo, níquel, cobre y zinc en especies de Sargassum llegadas a las costas de República Dominicana durante 2019: una evaluación preliminar para el uso de la biomasa algal como fertilizante y en alimentación animal

espanolThe repetitive invasive episodes of Sargassum natans and Sargassum fluitans on the Caribbean coasts during the last years have become a first-order problem threatening tourism, fishing, and local fauna. New massive seaweed arrivals are nowadays expected and could be considered in the near future a normal event, with its associated problems. Appropriate solutions, taking advantage of algal biomass, are necessary to overcome this problem. Due to the well-known ability of these algae to accumulate heavy metals, applications related to animal feeding and agriculture must necessarily be preceded by chemical analysis that guarantees the harmlessness of the algal material. In this research, the contents of lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd) and the less toxic zinc (Zn) in S. natans and S. fluitans arrived in the dominican coast during 2019 were analyzed, by using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). The results showed significant levels of copper, although the concentration of all detected metals were within the normal values, reflecting the safety of the algal material as far as these metals are concerned, for use as fertilizers and animal feed. No significant differences in the contents of these elements were found between both species. EnglishLas invasiones repetidas de Sargassum natans y Sargassum fluitans en las costas del Caribe durante los ultimos anos se han convertido en un problema de primer orden que amenaza al turismo, pesca y fauna local. Se esperan nuevas llegadas masivas de algas que podrian considerarse, en un futuro cercano, un evento normal, con su problematica asociada. Para resolver este problema resulta necesario encontrar soluciones apropiadas que aprovechen la biomasa algal. No obstante, debido a la conocida capacidad de estas algas para acumular metales pesados, las aplicaciones relacionadas con la alimentacion animal y la agricultura deben ir precedidas necesariamente de un analisis quimico que garantice la inocuidad de la biomasa. En esta investigacion se determinaron las concentraciones de plomo (Pb), cromo (Cr), niquel (Ni), cobre (Cu), cadmio (Cd) y el zinc menos toxico (Zn) en la biomasa de S. natans y S. fluitans que llegaron a las costas de Republica Dominicana durante 2019. Para ello se utilizo la tecnica de espectroscopia de absorcion atomica de llama (FAAS). Los resultados mostraron niveles significativos de cobre, aunque la concentracion de todos los metales detectados estuvo dentro de los valores considerados normales, lo que refleja la seguridad del material algal, en lo que a estos metales se refiere, para su utilizacion como fertilizantes y alimentacion animal. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en el contenido de estos elementos entre ambas especies.

Relationship between renal function and metal exposure of residents living near the No. 6 Naphtha Cracking Complex: A cross-sectional study

Heavy metals impair renal function, causing chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the petrochemical industry is one of the major environmental metal emission sources. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between renal function and metal exposure among the Taiwanese residents living near a petrochemical industry site. We recruited residents near the No. 6 Naphtha Cracking Complex, and they were categorized into a high-exposure (HE) group (N=190) in Taisi Village and a low-exposure (LE) group (N=1184) in other villages of Dacheng Township in Changhua County of Taiwan. The urinary nickel, chromium, and vanadium levels of the study subjects were measured and the levels were standardized by urine creatinine, and the estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) were calculated to estimate renal function by one-time health data. Linear regression models were applied to illustrate the correlations between the distance to the complex and urinary metal levels and renal function; linear and logistic regression models were applied to evaluate the associations between urinary metal levels and renal function indicators. The study subjects living closer to the petrochemical complex had significantly higher urinary nickel, chromium, and vanadium levels and worse renal function than study subjects living farther away. The urinary nickel and chromium levels of the study subjects were associated with their renal function indicators. When the subject's urinary nickel level increased 1-fold, the eGFR level significantly decreased by 0.820ml/min/1.73m2. Residents living closer to the petrochemical industry were exposed to higher metal levels and had worse renal function, and the nickel exposure of residents was potentially related to their decline in renal function.

Comparison of Fine and Coarse Rice Varieties for Nickel Accumulation and Growth Response at Different Levels of Nickel

AbstractThe differential growth response and nickel (Ni) accumulation by two rice varieties grown in Ni‐contaminated soil are investigated. Soil is contaminated with Ni at different levels viz. control (0), 7, 15, 22, 30, and 38 mg kg−1 soil. Two rice varieties viz. Basmati‐2000 (fine variety) and KSK‐133 (coarse variety) are grown in pots containing Ni‐contaminated soil. The plants are harvested at four growth stages with an interval of 15 days. Harvested plants are washed with distilled water to remove aerial deposition. Harvested plants are oven‐dried, weighed, grinded, and digested with di‐acid mixture. The digested samples are analyzed for Ni, zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) concentration. The results indicate that the maximum level of Ni (38 mg kg−1) inhibits the shoot and root growth. The maximum shoot and root dry weights are observed at lower level of Ni, that is, 7 mg kg−1. The concentration of Ni in plants increases with increasing Ni levels compared to control while the concentration of Zn and Mn decreases with increasing Ni levels. The maximum concentrations of all elements are recorded at the first harvest which gradually decrease in the subsequent harvests. It is concluded that Basmati‐2000 is tolerant to Ni toxicity compared to KSK‐133.

Determination of Trace Levels of Nickel(II) by Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry Using a Disposable and Low-Cost Carbon Screen-Printed Electrode

A commercial and disposable screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) has been proposed for a fast, simple and low-cost determination of Ni(II) at very low concentration levels by differential pulse adsorptive stripping voltammetry (DPAdSV) in the presence of dimethylglyoxime (DMG) as complexing agent. In contrast with previously proposed methods, the Ni(II)-DMG complex adsorbs directly on the screen-printed carbon surface, with no need of mercury, bismuth or antimony coatings. Well-defined stripping peaks and a linear dependence of the peak area on the concentration of Ni(II) was achieved in the range from 1.7 to 150 µg L−1, with a limit of detection of 0.5 µg L−1 using a deposition time of 120 s. An excellent reproducibility and repeatability with 0.3% (n = 3) and 1.5% (n = 15) relative standard deviation, respectively, were obtained. In addition, the suitability of the SPCE as sensing unit has been successfully assessed in a wastewater certificated reference material with remarkable trueness and very good reproducibility.

Short-term nickel residual effect in field-grown soybeans: nickel-enriched soil acidity amendments promote plant growth and safe soil nickel levels

ABSTRACT Nickel-enriched soil acidity amendments (SAA) may be advantageous for neutralizing acidity and providing safe/uniform distribution of Ni in soils. We evaluated the short-term effects of Ni application on field-grown soybean yield, growth, and soil chemical attributes using three sources of SAA, two enriched with Ni (Ni-rich mining by-product and Ni-salt) and a commercial SAA. The tested Ni-enriched sources were effective in providing Ni to the soil at safe levels, neutralizing acidity and increasing base saturation. A one-time Ni application resulted in optimal Ni levels in the first cropping season, enhancing grain yield by up to 658 kg ha−1 and improving nitrogen metabolism in soybean. A low residual effect of Ni was observed in the second year, with soil available Ni and plant Ni concentrations decreasing to sub-optimal levels and yield gains not being observed. In conclusion, the application of Ni-enriched SAA is a sustainable technology for agriculture, optimizing soil management practices. The SAA derived from by-products has benefits to the mining sector, meeting the ‘Ensure Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns’ (SDG 12). Our findings suggest that this micronutrient may require a year-to-year adjustment via Ni-fertilization and the total Ni concentration in the soil should be monitored over the cropping seasons.

Bioaccumulation of the Heavy Metals Contents in Green Leafy Vegetables

One of the major involvements of healthy soils in the environment is heavy metals which can be accumulated in vegetables and crops grown on due to the probability of food contamination through the soil-root interface. It should be considered that the preparation and processing of these materials could be provide the entrance of chemical hazardous materials and contaminants, such as heavy metals which nowadays are one of the most important contaminations in fruits and vegetables. Therefore, due to the lack of studies in packaged samples in Tehran Market, the main goals of current were to evaluate the levels of lead, cadmium, and nickel in 360 ready-toeat vegetable, which were randomly collected from recognized sales centers in Tehran market level. In packaged vegetable samples, two groups of leafy and Tuber vegetables were investigated, which included scallion, mint, basil, cress, leek, parsley and radish. Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) method was used to analyze the concentration of these elements according to international protocols. Analy¬sis of Variance (ANOVA) test were used for analysis of the variances. Differences were considered significant at values of P< 0.05. The results of the present study showed that Lead content in mint and leek significantly higher than other leafy vegetables (p

Association between heavy metals and colon cancer: an ecological study based on geographical information systems in North-Eastern Iran

BackgroundColorectal cancer has increased in Middle Eastern countries and exposure to environmental pollutants such as heavy metals has been implicated. However, data linking them to this disease are generally lacking. This study aimed to explore the spatial pattern of age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) of colon cancer and its potential association with the exposure level of the amount of heavy metals existing in rice produced in north-eastern Iran.MethodsCancer data were drawn from the Iranian population-based cancer registry of Golestan Province, north-eastern Iran. Samples of 69 rice milling factories were analysed for the concentration levels of cadmium, nickel, cobalt, copper, selenium, lead and zinc. The inverse distance weighting (IDW) algorithm was used to interpolate the concentration of this kind of heavy metals on the surface of the study area. Exploratory regression analysis was conducted to build ordinary least squares (OLS) models including every possible combination of the candidate explanatory variables and chose the most useful ones to show the association between heavy metals and the ASR of colon cancer.ResultsThe highest concentrations of heavy metals were found in the central part of the province and particularly counties with higher amount of cobalt were shown to be associated with higher ASR of men with colon cancer. In contrast, selenium concentrations were higher in areas with lower ASR of colon cancer in men. A significant regression equation for men with colon cancer was found (F(4,137) = 38.304, P < .000) with an adjusted R2 of 0.77. The predicted ASR of men colon cancer was − 58.36 with the coefficients for cobalt = 120.33; cadmium = 80.60; selenium = − 6.07; nickel = − 3.09; and zinc = − 0.41. The association of copper and lead with colon cancer in men was not significant. We did not find a significant outcome for colon cancer in women.ConclusionIncreased amounts of heavy metals in consumed rice may impact colon cancer incidence, both positively and negatively. While there were indications of an association between high cobalt concentrations and an increased risk for colon cancer, we found that high selenium concentrations might instead decrease the risk. Further investigations are needed to clarify if there are ecological or other reasons for these discrepancies. Regular monitoring of the amount of heavy metals in consumed rice is recommended.

Adsorption of Horseradish Peroxidase on Metallic Nanoparticles: Effects on Reactive Oxygen Species Detection Using 2',7'-Dichlorofluorescin Diacetate.

The fluorescent probe 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) together with the enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is widely used in nanotoxicology to study acellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production from nanoparticles (NPs). This study examined whether HRP adsorbs onto NPs of Mn, Ni, and Cu and if this surface process influences the extent of metal release and hence the ROS production measurements using the DCFH assay in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), saline, or Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM). Adsorption of HRP was evident onto all NPs and conditions, except for Mn NPs in PBS. The presence of HRP resulted in an increased release of copper from the Cu NPs in PBS and reduced levels of nickel from the Ni NPs in saline. Both metal ions in solution and the adsorption of HRP onto the NPs can change the activity of HRP and thus influence the ROS results. The effect of HRP on the NP reactivity was shown to be solution chemistry dependent. Most notable was the evident affinity/adsorption of phosphate toward the metal NPs, followed by a reduced adsorption of HRP, the concomitant reduction in released manganese from the Mn NPs, and increased levels of released metals from the Cu NPs in PBS. Minor effects were observed for the Ni NPs. The solution pH should be monitored since the release of metals can change the solution pH and the activity of HRP is known to be pH-dependent. It is furthermore essential that solution pH adjustments are made following the addition of NaOH during diacetyl removal of DCFH-DA. Even though not observed for the given exposure conditions of this study, released metal ions could possibly induce agglomeration or partial denaturation of HRP, which in turn could result in steric hindrance for H2O2 to reach the active site of HRP. This study further emphasizes the influence of HRP on the background kinetics, its solution dependence, and effects on measured ROS signals. Different ways of correcting for the background are highlighted, as this can result in different interpretations of generated results. The results show that adsorption of HRP onto the metal NPs influenced the extent of metal release and may, depending on the investigated system, result in either under- or overestimated ROS signals if used together with the DCFH assay. HRP should hence be used with caution when measuring ROS in the presence of reactive metallic NPs.

Changes in the Heavy Metal Levels in Highway Landscaping and Protective Effect of Vegetative Materials

Anthropogenic activities due to increasing population and traffic density are responsible for a great portion of highway pollution. The heavy metal accumulation in highway routes poses a risk both for agricultural areas and residential areas. The study investigated the changes in heavy metal accumulation along a 200 km long portion of the D300 highway passing through Elazığ, Bingöl, and Muş, cities located in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey. The heavy metal accumulation in 46 soil samples collected in 2018 and 2019 from 5 different land classes was analyzed using the ICP-MS device in an accredited laboratory. The analysis results were explained using different statistical methods depending on the standard, annual change, land class, and vegetation. Although the majority of the soil samples were within acceptable levels, the chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) levels of certain samples were above the standard levels. Considering the land classes, compared with other areas, residential areas (RA) contained higher levels of zinc (Zn); agricultural areas (AA) contained higher levels of chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb); and unqualified areas (UA) contained higher levels of copper (Cu). Considering vegetation, the tree- and bush-covered soil samples contained lower amounts of Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, and Cd but higher levels of Zn and Pb compared with herbaceous or bare soil samples. A similar case also applies to the soil samples that were covered with Quercus sp., a natural plant cover on the route. The results and other similar studies have shown that there should be at least 15 m long ecological corridors (pollution-resistant tree-bush vegetation) between highway routes and both agricultural and residential areas.

Sigara İçenlerde Serum Nikel, Silisyum, Arsenik ve Bor Analizi

Smoking induces inflammation and oxidative stress via radical production from chemicals resulting in cardiocerebrovascular and respiratory diseases, cancers, stroke and sudden death. Elements found in tobacco plant and tobacco smoke are absorbed into blood circulation and transferred into blood and peripheral tissues. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the alterations of serum nickel (Ni), silicium (Si), arsenic (As) and boron (B) levels in smokers. The study groups were categorized as individuals who quitted smoking (Group 1; n: 35; 15 female/20 male), who were smoking (Group 2; n:35; 13 female, 22 male) and who never-smoked (Group 3; n; 40; 20 female/20 male). Biochemical parameters were analyzed in Biochemistry Laboratory of Haseki Traning and Research Hospital. Serum element levels were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy in Trace Element Laboratory of Biophysics Department of Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty at Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa. ANOVA test and Pearson’s correlation tests were used for statistical analysis and p < 0.05 was evaluated as statistically significant. Serum Ni levels of Group 2 were higher than the other study groups with no significance. Group 2 had statistically higher serum Si and As levels than Group 1 and Group 3 (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively). There was no statistical significance by means of serum B levels among study groups. Increased serum levels of Si and As in smokers might induce atherosclerosis via inflammation, dyslipidemia and burden oxidative stress. Besides, higher serum Ni levels of smokers might reflect its toxic effects. However, serum B was lower in smokers probably related with its consumption in biological defence mechanisms. Monitorization of serum nickel, silicium, arsenic and boron levels should be considered as biomarkers for smokers.

Maternal metal concentration during gestation and pediatric morbidity in children: an exploratory analysis

BackgroundThe majority of studies linking exposure to metals with certain health outcomes focus on known toxic metals. Alternatively, this study assesses the extent to which exposure to a wider range of metals during gestation is associated with childhood morbidity.MethodsWe analyzed the concentrations of 25 metals found in urine samples of 111 pregnant women of Arab-Bedouin origin collected prior to birth. In addition, we collected medical records on their offspring for six years following birth, including every interaction with HMOs, local hospitals, and pharmacies.ResultsThe main types of morbidities diagnosed and treated during this period were preterm births, malformations, asthma-like morbidity, cardiovascular and behavioral problems, and obesity. Multivariable analysis showed that offspring born before term were more likely to have been exposed to elevated maternal concentrations of zinc, thallium, aluminum, manganese, and uranium, all with adjusted relative risk above 1.40 for an increase by each quintile. Likewise, children with asthma had been exposed to higher levels of magnesium, strontium, and barium at gestation, while behavioral outcomes were associated with elevated biometals, i.e., sodium, magnesium, calcium, selenium, and zinc, as well as higher levels of lithium, cobalt, nickel, strontium, cadmium, vanadium, arsenic, and molybdenum. A heatmap of adjusted relative risk estimates indicates the considerable implications that exposure to metals may have for preterm birth and developmental outcomes.ConclusionsThe current study shows that perinatal exposure to metals is adversely associated with pediatric morbidity. Further such analyses on additional samples are warranted.

Exposure to multiple metals/metalloids and human semen quality: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundExposure to metals/metalloids, including essential and nonessential elements, has been associated to male reproductive health in animals. However, findings from human studies are inconsistent. ObjectivesTo investigate the impact of exposure to multiple metals/metalloids at environmental levels on the conventional human semen-quality parameters. Materials and methodsMen living in rural or industrial areas were recruited by personalized letters. No exclusion criteria were applied. Each man provided one semen sample and one blood sample. We analyzed the semen sample both to determine conventional sperm parameters (concentration, progressive motility and normal forms) and to quantify lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), vanadium (V) and selenium (Se) levels. The levels of these metals/metalloids were also quantified in venous blood and spermatozoa samples. Associations between the blood/seminal plasma metal/metalloid levels and semen quality parameters were assessed using confounder adjusted logistic regression models. Correlation and interactions between blood/seminal plasma and semen metal/metalloid levels were investigated using the Spearman’s correlation. ResultsWe found a positive association of seminal plasma cadmium level with lower Total count (OR = 4.48, 95%CI 0.25–80); whereas lead (OR = 4.51, 95%CI 0.86–23) and cadmium (OR = 3.45, 95%CI 0.77–16) seminal plasma levels had a positive association with progressive sperm motility. Overall, these associations remained suggestive after adjustment, though statistically unstable risks. Finally, we found weak interactions between beneficial effects of Se and detrimental ones only for Cd and Pb blood level on sperm concentration, total sperm count and progressive sperm motility. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that environmental exposure to Pb and Cd contributes to a decline in human semen quality, whereas Se can have beneficial effects. Measurements of metals/metalloids in the seminal fluid may be more predictable of semen quality than conventional blood measurements