Levels Of Trace Elements Research Articles

Health Risk Assessment of Trace Elements in Surface Water from Dayat Roumi Lake, Morocco

To assess the human impact on the water of Dayat Roumi Lake and to develop effective management strategies to protect and restore this vital ecosystem in the region, seasonal sampling was carried out at six stations distributed around the lake. During these sampling campaigns, 24 parameters were measured, including 20 trace elements. Results showed that measured levels of trace elements increased in the following order: Cd < Be < Tl < Co < Sb < Mo < Cu < Zn < Ni < V < Rb < Mn < As < Cr < Pb < Li < Ba < Se < Pd < Sr in the lake water and that these recorded values were lower than those recommended by the Moroccan standard and the World Health Organization, except for Pb and Se. Correlation analysis revealed two principal water-contamination sources: natural geological origins and anthropogenic inputs. In addition, the Water Quality Index WQI showed that the lake’s water quality is poor, and its use can be dangerous for human and animal health. Health risk assessment associated with prolonged exposure to trace elements in lake water revealed that the Hazard quotient HQ and Hazard index HI of certain elements, such as Tl, Sb, V, As, Cr, Pb, Li, and Se, are higher than 1 in adult and children, indicating a significant risk for people living near the lake. Children are particularly vulnerable, with higher levels of HQ and HI, and selenium poses a substantial risk to their health through ingestion and skin absorption. In both adults and children, the total risk of cancer due to metals is classified as follows: CI (Cr) > CI (Ni) > CI (As) > CI (Pb) > CI (Cd). The Cr presents the highest carcinogenic risk—by ingestion or dermal route—in both groups. The total risk for these five metals exceeds 1 × 10−4, indicating a danger for residents who drink or swim in the lake.

Protective effects of a lactobacilli mixture against Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology triggered by Porphyromonas gingivalis

Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is one of the pathogens involved in gingival inflammation, which may trigger neuroinflammatory diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study aimed to investigate the protective (preventive and treatment) effects of a lactobacilli mixture combining Lactobacillus reuteri PTCC1655, Lactobacillus brevis CD0817, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus PTCC1637, and Lactobacillus plantarum PTCC1058 against P. gingivalis-induced gingival inflammation and AD-like pathology in rats. These probiotic strains exhibited cognitive enhancement effects, but this study proposed to assess their activity in a mixture. To propose a probable mechanism for P. gingivalis cognitive impairments, the TEs balance were analyzed in hippocampus and cortex tissues. Animals were divided into five groups: the control, lactobacilli, P. gingivalis, lactobacilli + P. gingivalis (prevention), and P. gingivalis + lactobacilli group (treatment) groups. The behavioral and histopathological changes were compared among them. Finally, The Trace elements (TEs) levels in the hippocampus and cortex tissues were analyzed. The palatal tissue sections of the P. gingivalis infected rats showed moderate inflammation with dense infiltration of inflammatory cells, a limited area of tissue edema, and vascular congestion. Additionally, passive avoidance learning and spatial memory were impaired. Histopathological tests revealed the presence of Aβ-positive cells in the P. gingivalis group. While the Aβ-positive cells decreased in the treatment group, their formation was inhibited in the preventive group. Administration of a mixture of lactobacilli (orally) effectively mitigated the gingival inflammation, Aβ production, and improved learning and memory functions. Moreover, Zn, Cu, and Mn levels in the hippocampus were dramatically elevated by P. gingivalis infection, whereas lactobacilli mixture mitigated these disruptive effects. The lactobacilli mixture significantly prevented the disruptive effects of P. gingivalis on gingival and brain tissues in rats. Therefore, new formulated combination of lactobacilli may be a good candidate for inhibiting the P. gingivalis infection and its subsequent cognitive effects. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of a lactobacilli mixture to manage the disruptive effects of P. gingivalis infection on memory.

Microbiome divergence across four major Indian riverine water ecosystems impacted by anthropogenic contamination: A comparative metagenomic analysis

Rivers are critical ecosystems that support biodiversity and local livelihoods. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of metal contamination and anthropogenic activities on microbial and phage community dynamics within major Indian river ecosystems, focusing on the Ganga, Narmada, Cauvery, and Gomti rivers -using metagenomic techniques, Biolog, and ICP-MS analysis. Significant variations in microbial communities were observed both within each river and across the four systems, influenced by ecological factors like geography and hydrology, as well as anthropogenic pressures. Downstream sites consistently exhibited higher microbial diversity, with prevalence of Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Firmicutes, and Nitrospirae dominating, while Proteobacteria and Bacteroides declined. The Ganga River showed a higher abundance of bacteriophages compared to other rivers, which gradually reduced with the increment of anthropogenic impact. Functional gene analysis revealed correlations between carbon utilization and metal resistance in contaminated sites. ICP-MS analysis indicates elevated chromium and lead levels in downstream sites of all rivers compared to upstream sites. Interestingly, pristine upstream sites in the Ganga had higher trace element levels than those in Narmada and Cauvery, likely due to its Himalayan origin. Both the Ganga and Cauvery rivers contained numerous metal resistance genes. The Alaknanda was identified as the primary source of microbial communities, bacteriophages, trace elements, and heavy metals in the Ganga. These findings offer new insights into anthropogenic influences on river microbial dynamics and highlight the need for targeted monitoring and management strategies to preserve river health.

Turmeric products: Evaluation of curcumin and trace elements

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is valued for its coloring properties, flavor enhancement, functionality, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which help prevent various diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of curcumin and trace elements (Cr, Co, Ni, As, Mo, Cd, Sb, Ba, Hg, and Pb) in 30 samples of turmeric capsules. The quantification of curcumin was performed by spectrophotometry, with results ranging from 0.03 g/100 g to 37.6 g/100 g. The concentration of trace elements was determined by ICP-MS after acid digestion of the samples. Except for the elements Sb and Hg, which showed levels below the quantification limits (0.002 and 0.008 mg/kg, respectively), the results were: Cr (<0.008–0.083 mg/kg), Co (<0.003–0.78 mg/kg), Ni (<0.008–1.61 mg/kg), As (<0.003–0.083 mg/kg), Mo (<0.008–1.21 mg/kg), Cd (<0.002–0.076 mg/kg), Ba (<0.008–23.48 mg/kg), and Pb (<0.008–0.619 mg/kg). The interaction between curcumin and the trace elements was complex, with no direct relationship found between them. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of curcumin varied from 0.004 to 2.684 mg/kg of body weight, with 13 samples below 10 % of the acceptable daily intake (ADI), 12 samples between 10 % and 50 % of the ADI, and three samples above 50 %. For trace elements, Co showed the highest contribution, corresponding to 2.72 % of the health-based guidance value established by EFSA. A careful approach in marketing turmeric-based products is fundamental to ensure their quality, efficacy, and safety for consumers.

Assessment of contamination levels, potential ecological and human health risks due to trace elements pollution in the vicinity of the Lolodorf uranium deposit, Southern Cameroon.

The current study assessed the contamination levels and associated ecological and health risks due to hazardous trace elements in soils from Awanda and Mvengue, located in the vicinity of the Lolodorf uranium deposit in Southern Cameroon. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the soil samples were performed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. The results indicated that the mean concentrations of metallic and trace elements in soil samples increased in the following order: U < As < Th < Pb < Cu < Ni < Zn < Cr < Mn < Fe < Al. The average concentrations of U, As, Th, Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Al ranged between 0.9-3, 2.9-3.8, 9.2-15, 13.1-20.3, 11.5-42.5, 31.1-60.7, 42.9-91.6, 94.50-170.9, 100.45-500.57, 4874.8-88340 and 226147.5-324240.0mg/kg, respectively. The contamination levels of trace elements were assessed and the human health risk of chemical elements was determined. The investigated elements' average contamination factors (CF) results showed the highest mean CF recorded for Al followed by Cr, Th, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Fe, U, Mn, and As. Furthermore, the findings showed that 90% of soil samples can be classified as considerably contaminated with Al, 100%, and 60% as moderately contaminated with Cr and Th, respectively. The Geo-accumulation indices of Mn, Cr, Th, U, Ni, Zn, Cu, As, and Pb were lower than 1, suggesting low contamination levels for these elements. The ecological factors and risk indices indicated a low ecological risk in the investigated area. In terms of human health risk, ingestion was identified as the primary pathway for both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks, with children found to be more exposed to both risks than adults. Al, Cr, and Fe were found to be the main contributors to non-carcinogenic health risks, while Cr and Ni were the main contributors to carcinogenic health risks.

Effect of tunnel wash water treatment processes on trace elements, organic micropollutants, and biological effects

Tunnel wash water (TWW) contains high levels of trace elements and organic micropollutants, especially in the dissolved fraction. Discharge poses significant environmental risks. This field study aimed at improving conventional sedimentation treatment by addition of novel secondary treatments: bag filtration, ceramic microfiltration, or granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration. Removal of nine trace elements, 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 38 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), seven benzothiazoles (BTHs), seven benzotriazoles (BTRs), five bisphenols (BPs), and five benzophenones was investigated. Primary sedimentation significantly reduced particles and associated contaminants, achieving over 73 % average removal for trace elements, 65 % for PAHs, and 71 % for PFASs. Subsequent GAC removed over 70 % of dissolved Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn and over 92 % of dissolved PFASs, BTHs, BTRs, and BPs, including several persistent, mobile and toxic compounds. Following GAC filtration, Cr, Ni, Pb, anthracene, fluoranthene, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, and bisphenol-A were below environmental quality standards (EQS). GAC consistently reduced responses in in vitro bioassays with endpoints activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, oxidative stress response, and neurotoxicity below effect-based trigger values for surface water. GAC filtration is thus recommended for future TWW treatment. Assessing water quality remains a challenging task due to lack of EQSs for many chemicals.

Trace elements exposure affects the outcomes of in vitro fertilization embryo transfer, a cohort study in Northern China.

With urbanization and industrialization process accelerated, humans are exposed more and more trace elements. This study aimed to explore the potential associations of trace elements with the outcomes of in vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Total 181 women who underwent IVF-ET were enrolled, among which 89 women underwent fresh ET after IVF. Trace elements were measured in the serum and follicular fluid (FF) samples by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. The associations of the levels of different trace elements with IVF-ET outcomes, including normal fertilization, high-quality embryos, and clinical pregnancy (fresh ET) were analyzed. Twenty-five out of twenty-eight trace elements showed higher concentrations in the serum than those in the FF. Normal fertilization was positively associated with Cu and Mn in the FF. High-quality embryos was positively associated with Cu in the serum and FF, and Zn in the serum. Clinical pregnancy was positively associated with Ge in the serum, and inversely associated with Al, Ba, and Pb in the serum. Additionally, poor outcomes of IVF-ET should be noticed in women with FF level of Cu < 955.38ng/mL, FF level of Mn < 3.42ng/mL, serum level of Ge < 6.11ng/mL, serum level of Al > 28.44ng/mL, and serum level of Pb > 0.90ng/mL. IVF-ET outcomes were positively associated with Cu, Mn, Zn, and Ge, and inversely associated with Al and Pb. Properly controlling the exposure of relevant trace elements is necessary for patients with the need of IVF-ET.

Serum Levels of Trace Elements (Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Selenium, and Strontium) are Differentially Associated with Surrogate Markers of Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is attributed to inflammatory processes that accelerate atherosclerosis. Therefore, the exploration of novel biomarkers association is needed. This study investigated the associations between serum trace elements (Fe, Zn, Mg, Se, and Sr) and surrogate markers of CVD in 219 RA patients and compared them with those with metabolic disorders (MetD, n = 82) and control participants (n = 64). Surrogate markers included carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), carotid plaque presence (cPP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), distensibility (DIST), and the augmentation index (AIx). RA patients displayed heightened inflammatory markers, increased arterial stiffness and thickness, and elevated CV risk factors. Compared with those in control participants, Se levels in RA patients were lower, regardless of sex. Women and men with RA had lower Sr and Mg levels than those with MetD, respectively. Backward regression models demonstrated inverse associations of Sr and Zn with cIMT in men with RA and those with MetD, respectively. In RA patients, Sr and Zn were predictors of an increased AIx, with sex-specific associations. Increased Fe levels were associated with an increased AIx in women with MetD. Fe and Zn were predictors of increased cIMT in control participants, with sex-specific associations. Serum trace elements are independently associated with surrogate markers of CVD in patients with RA, highlighting their potential role in CV risk assessment. Prospective studies are essential for validating these associations and establishing optimal trace element levels for managing CVD risk in patients with RA.

Trace element contamination in three shorebird species migrating through Delaware Bay, New Jersey: arsenic, mercury and selenium are increasing.

Many shorebird populations are declining, and contaminants may be partly contributing to the decline by interfering with feeding, migration, and breeding success. The goal of our study was to determine whether there was a temporal change in concentrations of trace elements of red knot (Calidris canutus rufa), sanderling (Calidris alba), and ruddy turnstone (Arenaria interpres) during spring migration in Delaware Bay, New Jersey, USA. We sampled blood to 1) determine levels of trace elements in 2019, 2) compare 2019 trace element levels with those from shorebirds in 2011-2012, and 3) examine variability in blood levels of trace elements among species. In 2019: 1) trace element levels were significantly different among species (except cadmium[Cd]), 2) Cd was lowest in all species, and arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) were highest, and 3) sanderlings had the highest levels of As and Se, and knots had the highest levels of chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb). Se was higher in these shorebirds than reported for other shorebirds from elsewhere. As, mercury (Hg), and Se increased significantly between 2011-2012 and 2019 in all three species. There were no significant temporal changes in Cd. Chromium (Cr) decreased in knots and sanderling. The temporal increases in As, Se, and Hg bear watching as they are toxic in vertebrates, and each can decrease the toxicity of the others. The data indicate that shorebirds can be bioindicators of changing trace element levels in estuaries, potentially providing early warning of increasing levels of As, Hg, and Se in the environment.

Impact of nutrition-related laboratory tests on mortality of patients who are critically ill using artificial intelligence: A focus on trace elements, vitamins, and cholesterol.

This study aimed to understand the collective impact of trace elements, vitamins, cholesterol, and prealbumin on patient outcomes in the intensive care unit (ICU) using an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) model for mortality prediction. Data from ICU patients (December 2016 to December 2021), including serum levels of trace elements, vitamins, cholesterol, and prealbumin, were retrospectively analyzed using AI models. Models employed included category boosting (CatBoost), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), light gradient boosting machine (LGBM), and multilayer perceptron (MLP). Performance was evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. The performance was evaluated using 10-fold crossvalidation. The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method provided interpretability. CatBoost emerged as the top-performing individual AI model with an AUROC of 0.756, closely followed by LGBM, MLP, and XGBoost. Furthermore, the ensemble model combining these four models achieved the highest AUROC of 0.776 and more balanced metrics, outperforming all models. SHAP analysis indicated significant influences of prealbumin, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, and age on predictions. Notably, the ratios of selenium to age and low-density lipoprotein to total cholesterol also had a notable impact on the models' output. The study underscores the critical role of nutrition-related parameters in ICU patient outcomes. Advanced AI models, particularly in an ensemble approach, demonstrated improved predictive accuracy. SHAP analysis offered insights into specific factors influencing patient survival, highlighting the need for broader consideration of these biomarkers in critical care management.

Elemental composition and health risk assessment of PM10, PM2.5, at different microenvironments: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

This study was designed to evaluate the health risks faced by inhabitants living in the slum areas of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The levels of PM2.5 and PM10 and elemental composition of the PM10 were measured in indoors (in the kitchen and living room) and outdoors (at the roadside). A total of 75 sampling locations (45 indoor and 30 outdoor) were selected for the study. The levels of PM2.5 and PM10 were determined using an AROCET531S instrument, while an universal air pump was used for the sampling of PM10 for the determination of trace elements by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‒OES). The health impacts of PMs on the inhabitants of twelve microenvironments (MEs), where they spend much of their daily time, were estimated. The total amounts of PM2.5 and PM10, and trace metals in PM10 found in the nine or twelve MEs ranged from 10.6-119, 128-185, and 0.007-0.197 μg m-3, respectively. According to the United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) guidelines, ten of the twelve MEs can cause significant health problems for inhabitants (HI > 1) due to PM2.5 and PM10. Thus, special attention should be given by stakeholders/inhabitants to minimize the health impacts on long-term exposure. This study assessed the risk of levels of trace elements on the inhabitants who spend most of their daily lives. The study revealed that the lifetime cancer risk values for the individual and cumulative trace elements were within the tolerable range set by the USEPA guidelines.

Association between trace elements and cognitive function among hemodialysis patients in Turkey.

Cognitive impairment is common among patients with hemodialysis. Hemodialysis patients have theoretical risks for both deficiency and accumulation of trace elements. We aimed to investigate the relationship between cognitive dysfunction and whole blood levels of trace elements in hemodialysis patients. We also aimed to examine the effect of baseline trace element status and cognitive dysfunction on mortality. Maintenance hemodialysis patients and age-and sex-matched controls were included. The whole blood levels of trace elements were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Cognitive impairment was defined as a score of ≤24 points on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test. Executive dysfunction was also defined as Trails A score of more than 75 s and Trails B score of more than 180 s. Forty-two patients and 35 controls were included. Cognitive impairment was detected in 69% of the patients and 45.7% of the controls (p = 0.039). Cognitively impaired patients had lower education years (p = 0.003) and higher whole blood levels of manganese (Mn) and lead (Pb) (p = 0.026, p = 0.019, respectively) compared to patients without cognitive impairment. Mn levels were also found statistically higher in patients with executive dysfunction compared to patients without executive dysfunction (p = 0.005). Lower education years and higher Pb levels were independent risk factors for cognitive impairment in hemodialysis patients (odds ratio [OR] 0.589 [95% confidence interval, CI 0.400-0.866, p = 0.007] and OR 1.047 [95% CI 1.001-1.096, p = 0.047, respectively]). Cognitive impairment, especially impaired executive function, is common among patients with hemodialysis patients. Cognitive impairment is not found to be associated in cross-sectional analysis with several modifiable end-stage renal disease- and dialysis-associated factors. The accumulation of trace elements especially Mn and Pb might exacerbate the cognitive dysfunction in hemodialysis patients.

Bioaccumulation and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Labeo rohita and Mystus seenghala from Jhelum River, Punjab, Pakistan

The bioaccumulation of trace elements and heavy metals in aquatic organisms is a critical environmental concern due to its potential impact on ecosystem health and human safety. This study investigated the level of trace elements and heavy metals bioaccumulation in Labeo rohita and Mystus seenghala from the River Jhelum in the district Khushab, Punjab, Pakistan. The concentration of calcium, magnesium, iron, nickel, copper, arsenic, cadmium, zinc, chromium, manganese, cobalt, and lead in the gills, liver, and muscle tissues of these fish was measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Then, the extent of contamination and its possible health risks were assayed. Our findings indicate significant variations in the elemental and metal concentrations among different organs and between species, reflecting their diverse feeding habits and habitats. The health risk assessment based on the estimated daily intake, estimated weekly intake, maximum permissible intake, target hazard quotient, hazard index or total target hazard quotient, health risk index, and target cancer risk revealed potential risks to human consumers of these fish. This study emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring, as new data and insights are crucial for understanding and mitigating these risks. Strict regulatory measures are also necessary to safeguard public health and preserve the ecosystem of Jhelum River.

Heavy Metal and Trace Element Status and Dietary Determinants in Children with Phenylketonuria

Background/Objectives: Heavy metals are a group of metals and metalloids that have a relatively high density. They can cause toxicity even at very low levels. Trace elements are required by all living organisms to maintain their normal growth, metabolism, and development. Oral intake is the main route of exposure to both heavy metals and trace elements. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is the most common amino acid metabolic disorder, and the best known treatment for patients requiring treatment is a phenylalanine (Phe)-restricted diet. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the plasma heavy metal levels, sources of exposure, changes in these levels according to dietary regimen, and trace element levels and their correlations with heavy metals in PKU patients. Methods: The study was conducted between July 2022 and January 2024 on 105 patients aged 2–6 years diagnosed with PKU. Results: The percentage of Pb levels in individuals in the upper quartile increased by 3.47 times (95% CI = 1.07–11.29) in those who consumed canned foods and 7.29 times (95% CI = 1.21–44.03) in those who consumed spring water. The percentage of As levels in the upper tertile increased by a factor of 7.26 (95% CI = 2.09–25.28) in individuals under four years of age and 8.17 times (95% CI = 2.13–31.27) in canned food users. The odds of having blood Cd levels in the upper tertile were 0.09 (95% CI = 0.01–0.96) for those being breastfed for 6–11 months compared to 0–5 months. Zn levels were lower (93.0 vs. 83.6 µg/dL, p = 0.008) in patients on a Phe-restricted diet. Conclusions: The present study did not find a relationship between heavy metal exposure and the dietary treatment status of patients with PKU. Our findings indicate that canned food consumption is a significant contributing factor to heavy metal exposure in PKU patients. Furthermore, our findings revealed a relationship between age, perception of economic level, breastfeeding, kitchen equipment, and water usage and the levels of certain heavy metals.

Association between serum vitamin D, uric acid, C-reactive protein, and disease severity in ulcerative colitis: A retrospective study.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory disease of the intestinal mucosa, and immunodeficiency is the main cause. Vitamin D (VD) has been shown to regulate many immune diseases, and studies have found that the level of uric acid (UA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) may also affect the severity of UC. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between VD levels and disease severity in UC patients. To determine serum VD levels in patients with UC of different ages and genders in China, and to study its correlation with UC, and to analyze its correlation with serum UA levels and CRP, so as to provide guidance for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of UC. One hundred three UC patients (64 males and 39 females, aged 16-75 years) were diagnosed with varying severity (mild, moderate, and severe). Serum VD levels, UA levels, and CRP levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence. The serum VD level of patients with severe UC was significantly lower than that of patients with mild UC. Gender was significantly correlated with serum UA, CRP, and disease severity in UC patients. Serum VD levels may affect the disease severity of UC patients, and patients with low serum VD content may have more severe disease. Gender affects serum UA, CRP, and disease severity. Males have significantly higher serum UA and CRP levels than females, while disease severity is generally lower than that of females. However, the mechanism of abnormal serum vitamin and trace element levels in UC patients remains to be further studied.

Spectroscopic Analysis of Chrysotile Asbestos and its Environmental Resistance in Asbestos Cement Waste Products

Most asbestos-related studies have focused on asbestos exposure risks, their associated health implications, and waste management issues. Our research introduced a unique perspective that has rarely been explored: the impact of environmental factors on asbestos cement products. The novelty of the study is that, in contrast to previous research, in addition to determining the material quality of asbestos, it analyses the trace materials, additives and the emissive nature of chrysotile fibers. This study aims to identify the chrysotile-asbestos content in three common asbestos cement products found in Hungary, with regard to the release of their fibers upon exposure to the environment and to identify trace elements that could be used to identify the origin and function of each of these products. Our analyses revealed the presence of chrysotile in each tested sample, with spectral matches ranging from 59.6% to 86.7%. Asbestos cement products exposed to various environmental influences for long periods showed a greater chrysotile emission capacity than those unexposed or hermetically sealed ones. Additionally, we established that all asbestos cement products contained glass fibers, with an average spectral match of 62.1%. We further identified polysilicate in the materials with an average spectral match of 66.0%, as it was included in asbestos cement products to enhance their heat resistance. Our results pave the way for a new methodology for assessing asbestos cement products with regard to the implementation of their trace element level assessments.

Fluoride Ingestion Induces Formation of Unusual Macromolecular Complexes in Gut Lumen Which Retard Absorption of Essential Minerals and Trace Elements by Chelation.

This study investigates the impact of chronic fluoride exposure on the absorption of essential minerals in the gut and explores the mechanisms underlying mineral deficiencies due to fluoride ingestion. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups: group 1 (G-1) served as the control (non-fluoride exposed), while group 2 (G-2) and group 3 (G-3) received human equivalent doses (HED) of fluoride (50 and 100ppm ad libitum, corresponding to 5 and 10ppm in humans, respectively) for 75days. Serum fluoride concentrations were measured, and the levels of essential minerals and trace elements in blood and stool were analyzed using ICP-MS. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed on stool samples to identify chemical compounds. The chemical compounds and macromolecular complexes containing fluoride and essential minerals were identified and quantified using Match3 software. Results indicated that the blood concentrations of essential minerals were significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) in the fluoride-exposed groups compared to the control, while excretion of essential elements in stool was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the fluoride-administered groups. XRD analysis revealed the formation of unusual macromolecular chemical complexes in the stool of fluoride-treated groups, with the types and concentrations of these compounds increasing with higher fluoride doses. The study concludes that fluoride in the stomach chelates minerals, reducing their absorption, and induces the formation of unusual high molecular weight macromolecular chelation complexes, which alter the chemical species in the gut and further impair the absorption of essential minerals.

Impact of levetiracetam and ethanol on memory, selected neurotransmitter levels, oxidative stress parameters, and essential elements in rats.

Ethanol disrupts brain activity and memory. There is evidence supporting the beneficial effect of levetiracetam on alcohol consumption. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine whether levetiracetam has a protective activity against ethanol-induced memory impairment, alterations in selected neurotransmission activities, oxidative stress, and selected essential elements in rats. The rats were given levetiracetam (300mg/kg b.w. po) with ethanol for three weeks prior to behavioral tests. Spatial memory was tested using the Morris water maze, while recognition memory was evaluated using the Novel object recognition test. The GABA and glutamate concentration was determined in three rat brain regions (cerebellum, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex). Serum oxidative stress parameters and selected essential elements concentration (Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, Mg) in the rat brain were analyzed. Levetiracetam administered with ethanol improved spatial memory, but did not affect abstinence-induced impairment. The drug also decreased ethanol-induced long-term recognition memory impairment. No alterations in glutamate levels were observed. GABA levels were elevated by levetiracetam in the cerebral cortex and by ethanol in the cerebellum. Ethanol increased catalase activity (CAT) and decreased superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) in the serum. Levetiracetam significantly increased the activity of SOD. Alcohol disrupted the levels of trace elements (Mn, Zn, Mg) in the rat brain. Additionally, levetiracetam alone increased Mg, Fe, and Cu concentrations while all animals receiving the drug also had significantly lower concentrations of Zn. Levetiracetam had differential effects against ethanol-induced impairments. These findings could have important implications for future levetiracetam treatment in patients.

Investigating soil physicochemical factors influencing trace element contamination at the semi-urban-rural home gardening interfaces on the Fiji Islands

Due to its ecological and public health implications, home gardening soil pollution is challenging. However, the physicochemical factors of trace element pollution in semi-urban-rural home gardening soil interfaces in Fiji are unclear. Self-organizing map (SOM), chemometrics, compositional data analysis (CDA), and soil quality indices were used to evaluate spatial patterns, contamination characteristics, sources, and factors affecting trace element contamination in 55 soil samples from semi-urban and rural Fiji. The average contents of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable forms of trace element levels (mg/kg) increased in rural areas as Fe (55.7) > Mn (40.4) > Zn (9.4) > Cu (5.9) and semi-urban areas as Fe (55.2) > Zn (35.9) > Mn (37.1) > Cu (16.1). Rural soils have less ecological risks to home gardening than semi-urban soils. SOM and CDA analysis showed four spatial clusters: clusters 1 and 3 are natural geogenic in rural regions while clusters 2 and 4 are human-induced non-point sources in semi-urban areas. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis showed that semi-urban Cu-Zn was more affected by manufacturing emissions or fertilization, whereas rural Fe-Mn was more likely to be lithogenic. The research found that pH and organic matter significantly affect Cu and Zn pollution in semi-urban soils (p < 0.05). For rural and semi-urban soils, trace element subsets explained 44 %–87 % of soil contamination changes using the stepwise regression model. These findings aid to establishing a primary database of eco-environmental risks and facilitate comprehensive strategies for assessing soil contamination and potential threats to food safety.

The Relationship of Trace Element Levels with Obesity and Cardiovascular Health

Objective: One of the most important factors affecting cardiovascular health is obesity. Trace elements, which play a role in every stage of metabolism, are also related to our cardiovascular health. The aim of this study was to determine serum trace element levels in individuals and to examine the relationship between trace elements and cardiovascular risk. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with individuals who applied to the outpatient clinic between 01.03.2022-31.04.2022. Sociodemographic characteristics, BMI, and Framingham risk score values were recorded. Serum iron, zinc, copper and selenium levels were analyzed in the laboratory. Results: A total of 180 individuals were included in the study. Of the individuals, 33.3% were overweight and 32.8% were obese. The mean Framingham Risk Score (FRS) was 9.31±7.99 (1-37). FRS values of normal weight individuals (7.84±3.05) were lower than the mean FRS values of overweight (8.80±3.39) and obese (13.39 ± 6.24) groups (p