Levels Of Barium Research Articles

Life-Threatening Hypokalemic Paralysis and Prevention of Severe Rebound Hyperkalemia in a Female with Barium Poisoning: A Rare Case Report

Hypokalemic paralysis is a clinical syndrome characterized by acute flaccid paralysis with concomitant hypokalemia. Complications, such as acute respiratory failure and cardiac arrhythmias, can be fatal. If treated appropriately, the patient can recover without any sequelae. We present a rare case of life-threatening hypokalemic paralysis following the ingestion of an unknown substance. At presentation, her serum potassium concentration was 1.9 mmol/L. A review of the patient’s history confirmed the ingestion of barium chloride. She was diagnosed with acute barium poisoning characterized by high serum and urine barium levels. Aggressive potassium repletion was administered intravenously and orally. Her serum potassium concentration dropped to 1.5 mmol/L and peaked at 5.4 mmol/L following treatment. The patient achieved a complete recovery and was discharged without sequelae. Barium can competitively block the potassium inward rectifier channels and interfere with the efflux of intracellular potassium, leading to severe hypokalemia. Our report illustrates a rare presentation of acute barium intoxication and a differential diagnosis indicating hypokalemic paralysis. We also discuss the pathophysiological features and compare the clinical findings with cases of rebound hyperkalemia.

Use of lichens as bioindicators of contamination by agrochemicals and metals.

The presence or absence of lichens serves as an indicator of the condition of an ecosystem and the degree to which it is contaminated by various agents, such as agrochemicals and metals. Evaluating the use of lichens as bioindicators of agrochemical contamination could provide a more comprehensive perspective of current contamination levels. Monitoring was conducted over a 4-month period in two study areas: one was a well-conserved area contaminated by metals, and the other was an area surrounded by agricultural crops contaminated by agrochemicals. Data on the presence and abundance of lichens in each study area were recorded at 10 monitoring points, a procedure that was repeated 16 times (every 15days), and concentrations of heavy metals and "organophosphate" agrochemicals in the lichens collected were measured by means of Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and Gas Chromatography (GC), respectively. Generalized linear mixed models were used to assess abundance and richness, while general linear mixed models were used to attain Shannon diversity and Simpson dominance indices. Moreover, a multivariate analysis was performed in order to compare the lichen communities in both areas. The results indicated differences between the area contaminated by metals and that contaminated by agrochemicals in terms of abundance and Simpson's dominance index, while no differences were found in the case of the richness and diversity models. The PERMANOVA analysis additionally showed differences between the lichen communities in the two areas. The results also demonstrated that Canoparmelia caroliniana bioaccumulated metals in both areas. The levels of barium, cadmium, and sodium were higher in the area contaminated by metals, while concentrations of chromium and copper were higher in the area contaminated by agrochemicals. Finally, the concentrations of agrochemicals were higher in the area contaminated by agrochemicals and included toxic substances such as Methylparathion and Parathion, which are prohibited in Ecuador. In conclusion, this research underscores the importance of lichens as precise indicators of environmental health and contamination by agrochemicals and metals.

Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Conyza canadensis.

Many plant species are known to take up metals from the soil and accumulate them to potentially toxic levels. This may provide tolerance to soils with high metal content or a defensive mechanism against herbivores and pathogens. Accumulators, plants that uptake and store elevated concentrations of metals, can be used in phytoremediation as a means to remove metals from contaminated soils. In this study, the native weed Conyza canadensis was grown in soils contaminated with elevated levels of lead (Pb), barium (Ba), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), or chromium (Cr). All metals, except for Cr, were accumulated by the plants. Zinc and Cu, both essential elements, accumulated to the highest levels, while Pb and Ba were present at lower levels. All treatments except Cr showed accelerating rates of accumulation over the eight-week experiment. Barium, Cu, and Cr reduced aboveground biomass of the plants, indicating toxicity or a cost to metal accumulation. Lead and Zn promoted early flowering, while plants accumulating Ba, Cr, and Cu flowered in lower numbers. Overall, C. canadensis has promise in the phytoremediation of Pb, Cu, and Zn.

Population-based study of environmental heavy metal exposure and hearing loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Previous studies have shown an association between environmental exposure to heavy metals and hearing loss. However, the findings regarding the relationship between exposure to different metals and hearing loss development are inconsistent. To address this, we conducted a meta-analysis to explore the link between common heavy metal exposures and hearing loss. This study examined the effects of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) pollution on hearing loss at various levels, and systematically reviewed the literature on manganese (Mn), barium (Ba), arsenic (As), and hearing loss. We conducted systematic searches in five major databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. In addition, we searched three Chinese digital libraries: CNKI, Wanfang Data, and Wipu. From an initial pool of 649 articles, we carefully screened and selected 15 articles for further analysis. The effect sizes from these selected studies were synthesized through a meta-analysis to calculate the overall effect size. Our findings showed that: (1) There was a significant association between Pb and Cd exposure and hearing loss; (2) There is a proportional relationship between the increase of metal index detected in blood and hearing loss; (3) In the PTA measurement of hearing loss at different frequencies, the 4 kHz high frequency range had a stronger correlation with hearing loss than the low frequency, with OR 1.44 (1.22, 1.71); and (4) There was a more significant correlation between Barium (Ba) levels in nails and hair than in urine. The study presented evidence of a significant association between human hearing loss and exposure to lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). It not only revealed a positive correlation between blood heavy metal concentrations and the incidence of hearing loss but also highlighted that long-term exposure indicators of heavy metals were more indicative of the correlation with hearing loss. Lastly, the study recommends utilizing high frequency 4 kHz for the effective assessment and diagnosis of hearing loss caused by exposure to heavy metals.

Investigating the impact of elevated urinary trace elements on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease using vibration-controlled transient elastography.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global public health concern. However, limited data are available on urinary trace elements and NAFLD caused by various exposure factors. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the presence of 16 trace elements in urine and NAFLD using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). By utilizing the NHANES data from 2017 to 2018, 1613 participants who fulfilled the research criteria were identified from the initial pool of 2979 participants with available urine trace element detection data. Among them, 706 individuals had been diagnosed with NAFLD based on a coefficient of attenuation parameter (CAP) value of at least 274 db/m, determined using vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE); whereas the remaining 907 participants were classified as non-NAFLD. The data obtained were used to construct univariate and multivariate logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline models (RCS) analyses. The presence of arsenic, iodine, barium, cesium, molybdenum, lead, tin, and tungsten in the urine of individuals with NAFLD showed a positive correlation with the likelihood of developing NAFLD. The risk of NAFLD had a non-linear dose-dependent relationship with urinary iodine, molybdenum, barium, and cesium. NAFLD was also associated with elevated levels of barium and cesium in urine, which were identified as significant risk factors. These findings suggest a positive association between exposure to trace elements in the urine and the risk of NAFLD. Specifically, urinary barium and cesium appeared to have the greatest impact on the risk of NAFLD. These results provide novel insights into the diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD.

Association of metal/metalloids exposure with abnormal liver function among occupational population in a mining area of Hunan Province:a prospective study

To investigate the association of metals/metalloids exposure with risk of liver disfunction among occupational population in Hunan Province, and to explore the potential dose-response relationship. In 2017, a mining area in Hunan Province was chosen as the research site, and eligible workers were recruited as study subjects. General demographic characteristics, levels of 23 metals/metalloids in plasma and urine, and liver function index(total bilirubin(TBIL), alanine amino transferase(ALT), globulin(GLB) and γ-glutamyl transferase(GGT)) were obtained by questionnaire, physical examination and laboratory tests. Participants were followed up in 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively. Cox proportional risk model was used to evaluate the relationship between metal/metalloids exposure and risk of liver disfunction, and dose-response relationship curves were plotted by using the restricted cubic spline function. A total of 891 employees were recruited in the study, 576(65.0%)were aged ≤45 years, 832(93.4%) were male and 530(59.5%) worked as smelters. After adjusting various factors such as age, gender, BMI, type of work, education, smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, stress, medical history, exercise and tea consumption, positive correlations were found between plasma tungsten(HR=4.90, 95%CI 1.17-20.48) and urinary barium(HR=1.07, 95%CI 1.02-1.12) levels with abnormally elevated TBIL levels. Additionally, a significant association was observed between plasma thallium and the risk of elevated ALT levels(HR=11.15, 95%CI 1.97-63.29). Plasma tungsten and thallium, along with barium found in urine, are risk factors for the development of abnormally elevated liver function indices in occupational groups.

Association of exposure to multiple heavy metals during pregnancy with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus and insulin secretion phase after glucose stimulation

Association of exposure to multiple heavy metals during pregnancy with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus and insulin secretion phase after glucose stimulation

Water Physico-Chemical Indicators and Metal Assessment of Teceu Lake and the Adjacent Groundwater Located in a Natura 2000 Protected Area, NW of Romania

This study closely analyzes the water quality dynamics of Teceu Lake, situated in a Natura 2000 protected area in Romania. The research investigates seasonal variations and interconnections with groundwater, assessing various ecological impacts. The main physico-chemical indicators of water, such as electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), oxygen saturation (OS), temperature, pH, turbidity, ammonium concentration (NH4+), nitrates (NO3−), nitrites (NO2−), orthophosphates (PO43−), water hardness, alkalinity (A), and chlorides (Cl−), were measured over the January–December 2022 period. Metal concentrations for both major metals (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Al) and trace metals (Li, Ga, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Ti, Mo, Sr, Ba) were assessed. The evolution of the physico-chemical indicators revealed an increase in nutrient compounds (ammonium and phosphates) during the spring and autumn months. The EC values ranged from 180–444 μS/cm for the lake and 1575–2480 μS/cm for groundwater. The pH values (7.12–7.96) indicated a slightly alkaline environment. DO levels (6.79–11.21 mg/L) indicated good water quality. Chlorides exceeded levels in drinking water in some instances. Water hardness varied due to pH, temperature, and atmospheric pressure. Metal composition revealed diverse levels of aluminum, barium, nickel, copper, zinc, and manganese, which carries implications for environmental and human health. The water quality index (WQI) score, which is based on major ions, indicated that 93% of the groundwater samples were classified as excellent and good for drinking. WQI, based on the main physico-chemical indicators, revealed that 79.17% of the Teceu Lake-water samples and 41.66% of the groundwater samples gathered were classified as good quality; the difference indicated poor quality, especially in autumn. Q- and R-mode cluster analyses revealed distinct clusters for seasonal months and sampling points, suggesting shared sources and geological influences. Notable connections between physico-chemical indicators and metal content were identified, emphasizing the need for a tailored conservation strategy. Correlation analyses highlighted both positive and negative relationships between metal pairs. Understanding these parameters is vital for water resource management and preserving biodiversity in the region. The results of this study are important for monitoring pollution in Lake Teceu and might prompt local communities and authorities to take measures to reduce and prevent pollution.

Diversity, distribution patterns and indicatory potential of echinoderm communities of the tropical East Atlantic (Gulf of Guinea): Influence of multiple natural and anthropogenic factors along a 25–1000 m depth gradient

All earlier studies of the West African echinoderm fauna have focused on taxonomy, and general knowledge about benthic community responses to various human related threats are poorly diagnosed and not monitored along the whole African coast. Our analysis of diversity and distribution patterns of Ghanaian echinoderms yielded 36 species. Material was collected at nine transects distributed along the coast of Ghana (25–1000 m depth range, total of over 270 samples). Gradual decreases in species richness, diversity, evenness and abundance were observed along the depth gradient, with the most diverse fauna being recorded on the shelf (25–50 m). The most abundant species were Ophiactis luetkeni and Ophiothrix congensis, although both had very patchy distributions. Cluster analysis separated shelf communities (25–100 m) from slope communities (500–1000 m), although on a low level of similarity. Our analysis allowed to select most vulnerable benthic habitats that should be amongst priorities of the future monitoring. Local influence of arsenic was observed at some shelf sites, while slope fauna was affected by elevated levels of hydrocarbons and barium. Changes in salinity and fluorescence also influenced echinoderm assemblages. The most general trend showed patchily distributed, diverse shallow water fauna being influenced by increased microhabitat diversity and food availability, while depauperate slope fauna was affected by local disturbances associated with oil extraction. Tropical echinoderm communities have a great potential as indicators of even minor and local pollution, although high patchiness and low abundance creates difficulties in the multivariate analysis. High sampling effort and high number of replicates allowed to minimise those problems and demonstrated small scale microhabitat diversity.

Toxic element contaminations of prenatal vitamins

The detrimental effects of gestational and lactational exposure to adverse chemical agents are gathering increasing attention. In our study, the presence of toxic heavy metals in several prenatal vitamins from six brands available in supermarkets and pharmacies was measured using ICP mass spectrometry. Several toxic heavy metals were detected, some at levels that could have potential toxicity to the fetus and the mother as well. Previous studies have also detected toxic heavy metals in prenatal and other vitamins. One of the reasons for toxic heavy metals in “natural vitamins” sold to consumers is that they are produced from naturally grown material and not synthesized. They are likely exposed to the heavy metals from the ground that they are grown in and there has not been any significant attempt to get rid of them before the vitamin pill was sold to consumers. Thus, this problem is not an isolated issue and regulatory agencies should be dealing more aggressively than they have been doing. In fact, several papers have already been published showing similar findings as we are reporting here. The vitamin pills we analyzed have elevated levels of boron, aluminum, molybdenum, barium, lead, titanium, nickel, arsenic, strontium, and cadmium. The levels of total chromium were also elevated but we did not separately determine Cr(III) and the much more hazardous Cr(VI), because of the tedious procedure required to separate these two forms of Cr.

Bioaccumulation of Non-Essential Trace Elements Detected in Women's Follicular Fluid, Urine, and Plasma Is Associated with Poor Reproductive Outcomes following Single Euploid Embryo Transfer: A Pilot Study.

This study aims to determine the association of non-essential trace elements present in follicular fluid, plasma, and urine with reproductive outcomes of women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) and single frozen euploid embryo transfer (SET/FET). This single-center, prospective cohort study included sixty women undergoing ICSI with PGT-A and SET/FET between 2018 and 2019. Urine, plasma and follicular fluid samples were collected on the vaginal oocyte retrieval day to simultaneously quantify ten non-essential trace elements (i.e., Ba, Sr, Rb, Sn, Ti, Pb, Cd, Hg, Sb, and As). We found several associations between the levels of these non-essential trace elements and clinical IVF parameters. Specifically, the increased levels of barium in follicular fluid were negatively associated with ovarian function, pre-implantation development and embryo euploidy, while elevated strontium concentrations in this biofluid were negatively associated with impaired blastulation and embryo euploidy. Elevated plasma strontium levels were negatively associated with ovarian function, fertilization and blastulation. Enhanced presence of other trace elements in plasma (i.e., rubidium and arsenic) were associated with a diminished ovarian function and limited the number of recovered oocytes, mature oocytes and zygotes, respectively. Fully adjusted models suggested significantly lower odds of achieving a live birth when increased concentrations of barium and tin were found in urine.

Association between barium exposure and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in U.S. adults.

There are very limited studies that have investigated the influence of environmental barium exposure on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the general adult population. The purpose of the present paper was to examine any correlation between urinary barium levels (UBLs) and the risk of NAFLD. A total of 4,556 participants aged ≥ 20 years were recruited from the National Health and Nutritional Survey. NAFLD was defined as the U.S. fatty liver index (USFLI) ≥ 30 in the absence of other chronic liver disease. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to inspect the correlation between UBLs and the risk of NAFLD. The outcome of adjusting covariates revealed a positive correlation between the natural log -transformed UBLs (Ln-UBLs) and the risk of NAFLD (OR: 1.24, 95%CI: 1.12-1.37, P<0.001). After dividing Ln-UBLs into quartiles, the participants in the highest quartile exhibited a 1.65-fold (95% CI: 1.26-2.15) increased likelihood of having NAFLD in contrast with the bottom quartile in the full model, and a distinct trend across the quartiles could be found (P for trend<0.001). Moreover, in the interaction analyses, it was further observed that the association between Ln-UBLs and NAFLD was modified by gender and was noticeably more pronounced in males (P for interaction =0.003). Our findings provided evidence of a positive correlation between UBLs and the prevalence of NAFLD. Furthermore, this association changed across gender and was more pronounced in males. Nevertheless, our finding requires further confirmation with prospective cohort studies in the future.

Biocoagulants as Ecofriendly Alternatives in the Dairy Wastewater Treatment

Coagulation is a simple and widely used method for water and wastewater treatment. Chemical coagulants, on the other hand, not only produce vast volumes of toxic sludge, but they also have negative impacts on living organisms. This study demonstrates the use of neem tree leaf and banana leaf powders as natural coagulants for the treatment of dairy effluent. The jar test was used to determine the pH, turbidity, and metal ion content of the treated samples. The biocoagulants were experimented at a rate of 100 mg/L, 200 mg/L, and 300 mg/L at pH of 5, 6, and 7. The levels of turbidity, sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), barium (Ba), lithium (Li), and copper (Cu) were measured after the treatment process. Turbidity was reduced by 52%, and coagulants at 200 mg/L and 300 mg/L were more successful at removing metal ions from dairy effluent except in copper, where 100 mg/L was shown to be more effective. In the scattering between adjacent, similarly charged particles, the zeta potential reveals the strength of repulsive powers. There are more dispersion and suspension rates in the treatment of dairy wastewater using banana and neem leaf biocoagulants. Neem tree leaf and banana leaf powders were efficient and cost-effective eco-friendly biocoagulants for the treatment of dairy effluent.

Increased barium levels in recent marine sediments from the Norwegian and Barents Seas suggest impact of hydrocarbon drilling and production

Barium (Ba) in recent marine sediments can originate from natural and anthropogenic sources including discharges from the oil and gas industry. In this study, we use data from the Norwegian and Barents Seas to assess whether Ba in recent marine sediments has increased due to these discharges. To account for Ba in detrital material, we normalise all samples with respect to aluminosilicate by calculating an enrichment factor. We use statistical modelling to control for parameters related to sedimentation. We present results that suggest increased Ba levels in recent sediments that coincide with the timing of hydrocarbon drilling and production. This is supported by geographical differences on a large scale that relate to proximity to hydrocarbon drilling and production. Among 243 sampling stations, we identify 73 locations exhibiting enrichment of Ba in the upper 6 of sediment. At these locations, Ba is 1.55 to 3.55 times higher than the levels that can be expected from the shale average when Ba in detrital matter is accounted for. Excess Ba is reported in sediment surface samples in areas important to fisheries like the Lofoten area and the western Barents Sea.

‘Green firecrackers’ with reduced barium emissions in particulate matter

Ambient air quality is affected due to the emission of pollutants on a large scale after the bursting of firecrackers. Traditionally in all firecrackers, barium (Ba) compounds are used as oxidizers and also to impart green colour flame. Combustion products of barium compounds are water soluble and readily absorbed by the body affecting human health. Thus, the inherent risk of Ba pollution due to the bursting of firecrackers has consequent health effects. To reduce the ambient air pollution caused due to burning of conventional firecrackers, CSIR NEERI has developed reduced emission firecrackers (green crackers). This is achieved by reducing the amount of chemicals, barium nitrate, shell size and addition of additives such as zeolite and iron oxide. This study aims to specifically investigate the influence of additives on the level of barium in reduced emission firecrackers. Four types of conventional and reduced emission firecrackers were selected and tested inside a firecracker emission testing facility to check the levels of barium in PM10 and PM2.5. The measured mean concentrations of all types of reduced emission crackers (green crackers) provided by fireworks manufacturers show significantly reduced barium concentration by 30–60% compared to conventional crackers depending on the type of firecrackers, shell size and amount of chemicals used. The possible reason for reduced Ba level is attributed to i) reduced usage of Ba(NO3)2 and ii) formation of heavy density compounds, leading to soil fallout.

Association of maternal and cord blood barium exposure with preschoolers' intellectual function: Evidence from the Ma'anshan Birth Cohort (MABC) study

ObjectivesBarium is widely involved in drilling fluids, plastics, and personal care products. Although the neurodevelopmental toxicity of barium has been reported in animals, human data are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the effect of prenatal barium concentrations on preschoolers' intellectual function based on a birth cohort study. MethodsA total of 2164 mother-child pairs from Ma'anshan city, China were included in this study. We measured serum barium concentrations in the first, second, and third trimesters and in cord blood. Intellectual function in children aged 3.0–6.0 years old was assessed using the Chinese version of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV). Linear regression models were used to analyze the association between averaged barium exposure during pregnancy and intellectual function. Multiple informant models were performed to jointly test for differences in associations between four repeated barium exposure and intellectual function. All models were further stratified by child sex. ResultsCollectively, we observed significant inverse associations of average maternal barium exposure levels with verbal comprehension index (VCI), visual spatial index (VSI), processing speed index (PSI), and full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) scores. Maternal serum log10-transformed barium levels in the second trimester were inversely associated with VCI [−2.33 (95%CI: −4.02, −0.64)], VSI [−2.30 (95%CI: −4.08, −0.52)], working memory index (WMI) [−2.09 (95%CI: −3.71, −0.46)], PSI [−2.23 (95%CI: −3.82, −0.65)], and FSIQ scores [−2.73 (95%CI: −4.23, −1.22)]. Prenatal barium exposure was inversely associated with VCI, VSI, WMI, PSI, and FSIQ in girls, except for the fluid reasoning index (FRI). Additionally, inverse associations were found between prenatal barium exposure and VSI, PSI, and FSIQ in boys. ConclusionsPrenatal barium exposure had detrimental effects on intellectual function in preschoolers and girls drove these inverse associations more than boys. The second trimester may be the critical window of neurotoxicity to barium exposure.

Relationships between urinary metals concentrations and cognitive performance among U.S. older people in NHANES 2011-2014.

BackgroundEpidemiological evidence on Urine metals and cognitive impairment in older individuals is sparse and limited. The goal of this study was to analyze if there was a link between urinary metal levels and cognitive performance in U.S. people aged 60 and up.MethodsThe National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2011 to 2014 were utilized in this cross-sectional analysis. Memory function was quantified using the following methods: Established Consortium for Word Learning in Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD-WL) (immediate learning and recall and delayed recall), Animal Fluency Test (AFT), and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to estimate urine metal concentrations. The connection of Urine metals level with cognitive function was investigated employing binary logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models.ResultsA total of 840 participants aged 60 years and over were enrolled in this study. After controlling for confounders, the association between cadmium, barium, cobalt, cesium, manganese, and thallium and poor cognitive performance showed significance in multiple logistic regression compared to the lowest quartile of metals. In the DSST test, the weighted multivariate adjusted ORs (95% CI) for cadmium in the highest quartile, barium and cesium in the third quartile were 2.444 (1.310–4.560), 0.412 (0.180–0.942) and 0.440 (0.198–0.979), respectively. There were L-shaped associations between urine cesium, barium, or manganese and low cognitive performance in DSST. Urine lead, molybdenum and uranium did not show any significant relationships with cognitive impairment, respectively, compared to the respective lowest quartile concentrations.ConclusionThe levels of barium (Ba), cobalt (Co), cesium (Cs), manganese (Mn), and thallium (Tl) in urine were found to be negatively related to the prevalence of impaired cognitive performance in our cross-sectional investigation. Higher cadmium (Cd) levels were associated with cognitive impairment.

Increased hypertension risk for the elderly with high blood levels of strontium and lead.

Hypertension has long been recognized as the global health burden. Heavy metal pollution may be one of the environmental risk factors of hypertension. However, the association remains unclear. We studied the levels of aluminum (Al), vanadium (V), manganese (Mn), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), titanium (Ti), lead (Pb) and cobalt (Co) in whole blood, and the relationship between trace element exposure and hypertension in the elderly community-based Chinese population. A total of 1013 participants from the west of Anhui Province in China were consecutively enrolled in this study in 2016. The general sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyles, disease history and physical examination information were collected by face-to-face survey and physical examination. The levels of ten trace elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the association of trace element exposure with the risk of hypertension. Results showed that the odds ratio of hypertension in the highest quartile was 1.811 (95% CI 1.175-2.790, P trend = 0.005) and 1.772 (95% CI 1.121-2.800, P trend = 0.022), respectively, after adjusting for potential confounders, as compared with the lowest quartile of blood Pb and Sr levels.

A Paradise for Rare Species: Tanaidacean Fauna of the West African Continental Margin

The benthic ecology of the Gulf of Guinea is critically understudied, and knowledge about the composition and biodiversity of the tanaidacean communities remains lacking. Our analysis of tanaidacean collection from 270 quantitative samples collected using 0.1 m2van Veen grab along the Ghanaian coast (nine transects, six stations at each transect, 25–1,000 m depth range) reveals a high species richness and very low abundance. The mean density of Tanaidacea across all the samples equals only 0.03 ± 0.55 ind./0.1 m2. A total of 87 tanaidacean species were recorded, of which only three were known for science (3.4%), emphasizing the need for intensified taxonomic effort in this region.Circa40% of the species were singletons, 98% of the species had a total abundance lower than 10 individuals, and approximately half of the species were found only in one sample. The highest species richness was recorded in the slope (500–1,000 m), despite the elevated levels of barium and hydrocarbons at those depths. This area was also characterized by the most unique species composition. Species accumulation curves did not reach an asymptote, suggesting an undersampling of the area and a great rarity of the species. Results of the canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and cluster analysis demonstrated a positive influence of oxygen concentration and fluorescence, particularly in the shallow shelf sites (25–50 m), which were characterized by a higher abundance of Tanaidacea. Depth zonation of tanaidacean communities with a division between shallow-water taxa (Leptocheliidae Lang, 1973 and Kalliapseudidae Lang, 1956) through families with wide bathymetric range (Pseudotanaidae Sieg, 1976, Apseudidae Leach, 1814) to the true deep-sea forms (Paranarthrurellidae Błażewicz, Jóźwiak and Frutos, 2019) is also evident. We further discuss the problems associated with multivariate analysis of highly speciose but less abundant taxa.

Multiple metals in children’s deciduous teeth: results from a community-initiated pilot study

BackgroundCharacterizing retrospective exposure to toxicants during multiple early-life developmental periods is challenging, yet critical for understanding developmental effects.ObjectiveTo characterize early-life metal exposure using deciduous teeth in a community concerned about past exposures.MethodsNaturally shed teeth were collected from 30 children ages 5–13 years who resided in Holliston, Massachusetts since conception. We estimated weekly prenatal and postnatal (up to 1 year of age) exposure to 12 metals by measuring dentine concentrations using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Multivariable linear mixed models were used to explore sociodemographic, dietary, and behavioral correlates of dentine metal concentrations.ResultsTemporal trends in dentine levels differed by metal. Source of milk during the first year of life was associated with dentine barium (Ba) levels, where being fed predominantly breastmilk was associated with 39% (95% CI: –57%, –13%) lower dentine Ba compared to predominantly formula use. Females had higher prenatal and postnatal dentine Mn and Pb, compared to males (e.g., % difference, postnatal Mn: 122% (17%, 321%); postnatal Pb: 60% (95% CI: –8%, 178%)).SignificanceDeciduous teeth provide retrospective information on dose and timing of early-life metals exposure at high resolution. We demonstrate their utility in a community-based study with known past contamination of drinking water.Impact statementWe conducted a community-initiated pilot study in a community concerned with historical exposure to multiple metals. Using deciduous teeth, a novel noninvasive biomarker, we characterized early-life exposure to 12 metals in approximately weekly increments during sensitive developmental periods, thus demonstrating the utility of this biomarker in communities concerned with past exposures.