Sr Levels Research Articles

Contents of Nineteen Chemical Elements in Thyroid Benign Nodules and Tissue adjacent to Nodules investigated using X-Ray Fluorescence and Neutron Activation Analysis

Thyroid benign nodules (TBNs) are the most common diseases of this endocrine gland and are common worldwide. The etiology and pathogenesis of TBNs must be considered as multifactorial. The present study was performed to clarify the role of some chemical elements (ChEs) in the etiology of these thyroid disorders. Thyroid tissue levels of Ag, Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, I, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sr, and Zn were prospectively evaluated in nodular tissue and tissue adjacent to nodules of 79 patients with TBNs. Measurements were performed using X-ray fluorescence and instrumental neutron activation analysis. Results of the study were additionally compared with previously obtained data for the same ChEs in “normal” thyroid tissue. It was observed that mass fractions of Ag, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Na, and Sc contents in “nodular” tissue were higher, while Ca and I content was lower in comparison with contents of these ChEs in normal gland. Mass fractions of Ag, Cl, Hg, Na, and Rb in “adjacent” group of samples were approximately 31, 2.7, 32, 1.6, and 1.3 times higher, respectively, than in “normal” thyroid. Contents of Cr, Fe, Sc, and Se were lower, while mass fraction of Hg and I higher in “adjacent” group of samples in comparison with nodular tissue. At that, level of I in “adjacent” group of samples was over 2 times higher than in nodular tissue and almost equals the normal value. This study provides evidence on many ChEs level alteration in nodular and adjacent to nodule tissue and shows the necessity to continue ChEs research of TBNs. The little reduced level of I content in nodular tissue could possibly be explored for differential diagnosis of TBNs and thyroid cancer.

A Complex Evaluation of the In-Vivo Biocompatibility and Degradation of an Extruded ZnMgSr Absorbable Alloy Implanted into Rabbit Bones for 360 Days.

The increasing incidence of trauma in medicine brings with it new demands on the materials used for the surgical treatment of bone fractures. Titanium, its alloys, and steel are used worldwide in the treatment of skeletal injuries. These metallic materials, although inert, are often removed after the injured bone has healed. The second-stage procedure—the removal of the plates and screws—can overwhelm patients and overload healthcare systems. The development of suitable absorbable metallic materials would help us to overcome these issues. In this experimental study, we analyzed an extruded Zn-0.8Mg-0.2Sr (wt.%) alloy on a rabbit model. From this alloy we developed screws which were implanted into the rabbit tibia. After 120, 240, and 360 days, we tested the toxicity at the site of implantation and also within the vital organs: the liver, kidneys, and brain. The results were compared with a control group, implanted with a Ti-based screw and sacrificed after 360 days. The samples were analyzed using X-ray, micro-CT, and a scanning electron microscope. Chemical analysis revealed only small concentrations of zinc, strontium, and magnesium in the liver, kidneys, and brain. Histologically, the alloy was verified to possess very good biocompatibility after 360 days, without any signs of toxicity at the site of implantation. We did not observe raised levels of Sr, Zn, or Mg in any of the vital organs when compared with the Ti group at 360 days. The material was found to slowly degrade in vivo, forming solid corrosion products on its surface.

Are there any Differences between Chemical Element Contents of Goitrous and Adenomatous Thyroid

Background: Thyroid benign nodules (TBNs) are the most common lesions of this endocrine gland and are prevalent diseases around the world. Among TBNs the colloid goiter (CG) and thyroid adenoma (TA) are very frequent diseases. An evaluation of the variant of TBNs is clinically important for subsequent therapeutic interventions, as well as for more clear understanding the etiology of these disorders. Objectives: The aim of this exploratory study was to examine differences in the content of aluminum (Al), boron (B), barium (Ba), bromine (Br), calcium (Ca), chlorine (Cl), coper (Cu), iron (Fe), I, potassium (K), lithium (Li), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), silicon (Si), strontium (Sr), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn) in tissues of CG and TA. Methods: Thyroid tissue levels of twenty chemical elements (ChE) were prospectively evaluated in 46 patients with CG and 19 patients with TA. Measurements were performed using a combination of non-destructive and destructive methods: instrumental neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of short-lived radionuclides (INAA-SLR) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), respectively. Tissue samples were divided into two portions. One was used for morphological study while the other was intended for ChE analysis. Results: It was observed that in both CG and TA tissues contents of Al, B, Br, Cl, Cu, Na, and Zn increased, content of I decreased, whereas levels of Ba, Ca, K, and Sr did not changed in comparison with normal thyroid tissue. It was not found any differences between ChE contents of CG and TA, with the exception of Br and Mg. The Br level in TA tissue was almost 11 times higher, while the Mg content was 1.5 times lower than in CG tissue. Conclusions: From obtained results it was possible to conclude that the common characteristics of CG and TA tissue samples were elevated level of Al, B, Br, Cl, Cu, Na, and Zn and reduced level of I in comparison with normal thyroid and, therefore, these ChE can be involved in etiology and pathogenesis of such thyroid disorders as CG and TA

Occurrence of Textile Dyes and Metals in Tunisian Textile Dyeing Effluent: Effects on Oxidative Stress Status and Histological Changes in Balb/c Mice.

Although it is known that textile wastewater contains highly toxic contaminants whose effects in humans represent public health problems in several countries, studies involving mammal species are scarce. This study was aimed to evaluate the toxicity profile of 90-days oral administration of textile dyeing effluent (TDE) on oxidative stress status and histological changes of male mice. The TDE was collected from the textile plant of Monastir, Tunisia and evaluated for the metals, aromatic amines, and textile dyes using analytical approaches. Metal analysis by ICP-MS showed that the tested TDE exhibited very high levels of Cr, As, and Sr, which exceeded the wastewater emission limits prescribed by WHO and Tunisian authority. The screening of TDE through UPLC-MS/MS confirmed the presence of two textile dyes: a triphenylmethane dye (Crystal violet) and a disperse azo dye (Disperse yellow 3). Exposure to TDE significantly altered the malondialdehyde (MDA), Conjugated dienes (CDs), Sulfhydryl proteins (SHP) and catalase levels in the hepatic and renal tissues. Furthermore, histopathology observation showed that hepatocellular and renal lesions were induced by TDE exposure. The present study concluded that TDE may involve induction of oxidative stress which ensues in pathological lesions in several vital organs suggesting its high toxicity. Metals and textile dyes may be associated with the observed toxicological effects of the TDE. These pollutants, which may have seeped into surrounding rivers in Monastir city, can cause severe health malaise in wildlife and humans.

Geochronology, geochemistry, Sr–Nd–Hf isotope composition of the late Permian adakite in West Ujimqin, Inner Mongolia: petrogenesis and tectonic implications

We report herein on new zircon U–Pb ages, the major and trace elements of whole-rock, and the Sr–Nd–Hf isotope composition for adakitic intrusives collected from the West Ujimqin district in the Southeast region of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). These data provide important constraints on the petrogenetic evolution and geodynamic setting of late Permian magmatism in the Southeast CAOB. The U–Pb dating of zircon shows that the ages of Seerbeng pluton and Nuhetingshala pluton in West Ujimqin are 255.3 ± 0.71 and 254.4 ± 1.2 Ma, respectively, which signifies that these are products of magmatic activity in the late Permian. The adakitic intrusives are characterized by high levels of Sr (Sr ≥ 741 ppm), low Y, low Yb, high Sr:Y ratios, and strongly fractionated rare earth elements (10.3 < LaN/YbN < 22.5), which is similar to the features of the adakite. The magmatic zircons exhibit positive Hf values (+8.1 to +13.3), and young two-stage model ages vary from 430 to 760 Ma. The high εNd(t) and low (87Sr:86Sr)i indicate that the adakitic granite derived from the partial melting of subducted oceanic slab. The high level of Mg# [100 × Mg/(Mg + Fe) in atomic number] and abundant Cr–Ni indicate that magmatic melts interacted with olivine rocks in the mantle. Considering these results and the regional rock assemblies, we conclude that the Paleo-Asian Ocean had not yet completely closed in the late Permian, and northward subduction continued, with the subducted slab possibly breaking off.

A baseline model including quantitative anti-HBc to predict response of peginterferon in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients.

Few models to predict antiviral response of peginterferon were used in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B patients and the prediction efficacy was unsatisfied. Quantitative antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) is a new predictor of treatment response. We aimed to develop a new model to identify HBeAg-positive Chinese patients who were more likely to respond to peginterferon. Data from 140 peginterferon recipients with HBeAg-positive were applied with generalized additive models and multiple logistic regression analysis to develop a baseline scoring system to predict serological response (SR: HBeAg loss and HBeAg seroconversion 24weeks post-treatment) and combined response (CR: SR plus serum HBV DNA levels <2000 IU/mL 24 weeks post-treatment). Anti-HBc levels, alanine aminotransferase ratio, and HBeAg were retained in the final model. The new model scored from 0 to 3. Among patients with scores of 0, 1, or ≥2, SR was achieved in 6.45% (2/31), 13.21% (7/51), and 55.36% (31/56), respectively, and CR in 3.23% (1/31), 9.43% (5/53), and 25.00% (14/56), respectively. Our model has a higher AUROC for SR comparing to Chan's (Z = 2.77 > 1.96, p < 0.05) and Lampertico's (Z = 2.06 > 1.96, p < 0.05) model. The negative predictive value for SR and CR were both 100% in patients with score 0 and hepatitis B surface antigen ≥20,000 IU/mL at week 12. Patients with higher scores at baseline were more likely to respond to peginterferon. This new model may predict the treatment response.

PSI-B-27 Association of multiple SNP in the LRP4 gene with features of the cattle elemental status

Abstract Bovine syndactyly is an autosomal monogenic recessive trait associated with multiple mutations in the LRP4 gene encoding low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4. This protein is a specific facilitator of sclerostin-mediated inhibition of both Wnt1/ β-catenin signaling and osteocyte-secreted bone formation. It is assumed that sclerostin induces a decrease in extracellular pH and promotes the release of calcium ions from mineralized substrates. Therefore, mutations in the LRP4 gene might be associated with changes in the elemental status. The aim of this research was to evaluate the elemental composition of serum in cattle carrying multiple SNP in the LRP4 gene (16 trial animals) compared to animals without such mutations (62 control animals). DNA samples from 78 Black Pied cattle were sequenced with a TruSeq Bovine Parentage Sequencing Panel (Illumina, USA) on a MiSeq Illumina platform following by SNP analysis. The elemental composition of the serum was determined using ICP-AES and ICP-MS. The levels of Ca and P, crucial bone elements, were higher in trial cattle than in control group by 12.9% (P = 0.004) and 22.5% (P = 0.008), respectively. The level of V affecting the uniform distribution of calcium salts in bones, was higher in trial group than in control one by 34.5% (P = 0.001). The concentrations of Mn and Mg were higher in trial group than in control one by 23.6% (P = 0.026) and 10.0% (P = 0.044), respectively. The Sr level in trial cattle was higher by 18.8% (P = 0.04) that may indicate the rickets-like state. A similar trend was observed for toxic metals As and Li. This study demonstrates the association of the LRP4 multiple SNP and the changes in cattle elemental status. Moreover, such heterozygous animals have a higher risk of mineral metabolism disorders. This research was supported by The Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation (Project No. 0526-2019-0001).

PSXV-19 Informative value of study of mineral composition of the mane hair to assess quality of stallions’ sperm

Abstract The research aim was to study the effect of the elemental status of stallions detected by concentration of chemical elements in the mane hair on the quality indicators of sperm. The research was done on stallions of Arabian breed (n = 54) aged from 5 to 15 years. Hair samples were taken from plot of the mane in the area of projection of the first cervical vertebra (not less 0.24g). The elemental composition of biosubstrates was explored for 5 toxic elements (Al, Cd, Pb, Sn, Sr) by atomic emission and mass spectrometry (AES-ICP and MS-ICP). Spearman rank correlation was calculated at the first stage of the experiment that demonstrated negative correlation of Sr in the hair with volume of ejaculate (r=-0.55; P &amp;lt; 0.05) and total number of progressive motile spermatozoa (r=-0.31; P &amp;lt; 0.05). The entire research sample was divided into three groups: I - concentration of Sr in the hair below 1.88 mcg/g; II – within 1.89 – 3.89 mcg/g; III – above 3.9 mcg/g. Comparative analysis showed that stallions with Sr levels below 1.88 mcg/g (group I) exceed stallions from group II by ejaculate volume by 18.2%; sperm survival in hypothermic sperm preservation after cryopreservation by 24.1% (P &amp;lt; 0.05); total spermatozoa number by 14.6% (P &amp;lt; 0.05); total number of progressive motile spermatozoa by 15.0% (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Difference in the value of the studied parameters between the animals of groups I and III was even more pronounced and was at the level of 38.2% (P &amp;lt; 0.01); 34.7 (P &amp;lt; 0.05); 23.7 (P &amp;lt; 0.05); 26.7% (P &amp;lt; 0.05), respectively. The research was carried out with the support of Russian Science Foundation (project №. 17-16-01109 P).

Solar radiation effects on leaf nitrogen and phosphorus stoichiometry of Chinese fir across subtropical China

BackgroundSolar radiation (SR) plays critical roles in plant physiological processes and ecosystems functions. However, the exploration of SR influences on the biogeochemical cycles of forest ecosystems is still in a slow progress, and has important implications for the understanding of plant adaption strategy under future environmental changes. Herein, this research was aimed to explore the influences of SR on plant nutrient characteristics, and provided theoretical basis for introducing SR into the establishment of biochemical models of forest ecosystems in the future researches.MethodsWe measured leaf nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) stoichiometry in 19 Chinese fir plantations across subtropical China by a field investigation. The direct and indirect effects of SR, including global radiation (Global R), direct radiation (Direct R) and diffuse radiation (Diffuse R) on the leaf N and P stoichiometry were investigated.ResultsThe linear regression analysis showed that leaf N concentration had no association with SR, while leaf P concentration and N:P ratio were negatively and positively related to SR, respectively. Partial least squares path model (PLS-PM) demonstrated that SR (e.g. Direct R and Diffuse R), as a latent variable, exhibited direct correlations with leaf N and P stoichiometry as well as the indirect correlation mediated by soil P content. The direct associations (path coefficient = − 0.518) were markedly greater than indirect associations (path coefficient = − 0.087). The covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) indicated that SR had direct effects on leaf P concentration (path coefficient = − 0.481), and weak effects on leaf N concentration. The high SR level elevated two temperature indexes (mean annual temperature, MAT; ≥ 10 °C annual accumulated temperature, ≥ 10 °C AAT) and one hydrological index (mean annual evapotranspiration, MAE), but lowered the soil P content. MAT, MAE and soil P content could affect the leaf P concentration, which cause the indirect effect of SR on leaf P concentration (path coefficient = 0.004). Soil N content had positive effect on the leaf N concentration, which was positively and negatively regulated by MAP and ≥ 10 °C AAT, respectively.ConclusionsThese results confirmed that SR had negatively direct and indirect impacts on plant nutrient status of Chinese fir based on a regional investigation, and the direct associations were greater than the indirect associations. Such findings shed light on the guideline of taking SR into account for the establishment of global biogeochemical models of forest ecosystems in the future studies.

Circulatory Imbalance of Essential and Toxic Trace Elements in Pre-dialysis and Hemodialysis Patients.

The status of essential and toxic trace elements in patients with different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is still unclear and not well characterized. The present study examined the circulatory levels of a wide panel of trace elements (Al, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Cd, Pb, and U) in hemodialysis patients (HD group) and pre-dialysis patients with stage 3 CKD (PD group). Comparisons were made between groups of patients and healthy individuals from the control group (CG). The levels of Al, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Se, Sr, and Pb were higher, while the levels of Cr, Zn, Rb, Cd, and U were lower in HD patients than in our CG. Higher levels of Al and Se, as well as lower levels of As, Sr, Zn, Rb, and U were significant and distinguished HD from PD. Among other analyzed elements, Co, Se, and U are the only trace elements that did not distinguish PD from CG at a statistically significant level. The HD group had lower serum U levels than the PD group, and this could be a result of hemodialysis. This study also revealed that the Cu/Zn ratio could be used as a marker for early and late detection of renal failure. Marked changes of essential and toxic trace element levels in sera indicate additional pathophysiological events in CKD, which could additionally contribute to the preexisting increased morbidity of HD patients. Measurement of trace elements in HD patients should be performed routinely.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12011-021-02940-7.

Electronic Structures and Properties of Actinide‐Bimetal Compounds An2O2 (An=Th to Cf) and U2E2 (E=N, F, S)

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the geometry structure and the chemical bonding of actinide clusters An2O2 by quantum chemistry calculations. Through the geometry searching for An2O2 clusters with the combination of considerable initial structures and spin states, it is found that a novel ground‐state structure of quasi‐linear type for Pa2O2 compares with a rhombic structure for the rest of An2O2 clusters. Due to the more extended 5 f orbitals, the Pa−Pa bond is verified to be a triple bond by the electronic configuration and the bond order analysis, which brings the quasi‐linear structure of Pa2O2 and distinguishes it from the rhombic ones. For both kinds of ground‐state structures, the participation of 5 f orbitals in the An−O bonds stabilizes the structures further. Owing to spin‐orbit coupling, the ground‐state structure of U2O2 changes from the linear one at the SR level to the rhombic one with SO into consideration. Further investigations on clusters U2E2 with different ligands reveal that the quasi‐linear U2F2 has an equivalent quadruple bond. The decline of the bonding electrons of the U−U bond, the foremost causes for the change of the structures and illustrates the decrease of the U−U bond strength. Our investigations on An2O2 and U2E2 compounds provide some insights into the role of 5 f orbital in the chemical bonding of actinide compounds and f‐f bonding in multiple bonding.

Levels of trace elements and rare earth elements in honey from Jordan.

Honey is a common sweetener in the Jordanian diet with an annual consumption of approximately one thousand tons, two-thirds of which are imported. It is believed that the elemental profile of honey is an indicator of safety and botanical and geographic origin. In the literature, there are a lack of studies concerning the levels of major and trace elements in honey in Jordan. A total of 46 elements, including 15 rare earth elements (REEs), were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in 18 monofloral and multifloral imported honey samples and 12 multifloral local samples. Regarding monofloral samples, Black Forest samples had the highest total metal content, while acacia samples had the lowest total metal content. Local multifloral honey had the largest Sr and total REE levels, while it had the lowest Mn levels. Very low levels of toxic elements were found in all samples, indicating the safety of honey in Jordan for human consumption. The results of this study showed that a large number of samples (> 100) and the application of advanced statistical models are required to discriminate between multifloral imported and local honey.

In vivo Quantification of Bone Lead and Strontium using Portable X-ray Fluorescence (XRF)

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Exposure to lead (Pb) or strontium (Sr) is of concern due to potential neurotoxicity or impaired bone health, respectively. Human bone is reliable biomarker for cumulative Pb and Sr exposures and for studying associated health outcomes. However, the applicability of standard K-shell x-ray fluorescence (KXRF) bone Pb measurement technology is significantly limited by its lack of portability, long measurement times, and licensing - restricting its use in large-scale population studies. In this study, we measured Pb and Sr in two populations using portable x-ray fluorescence (XRF), compare bone Pb measurements from a portable XRF device and a KXRF device, and assess differences in bone Sr level across sex, age and ethnicity. METHODS: We measured bone Pb and Sr concentrations in mid-tibia bone using portable XRF in 76 Americans, age 38 – 95 years, living in Indiana, and bone Sr concentrations in 29 Chinese, age 53 – 82 years, living in Shanghai. RESULTS:The detection limits for 3-minute portable XRF measurements for in vivo bone Pb and Sr ranged from 4.0 to 12.6 ug/g dry bone (ppm) and 2.0 to 5.2 ppm, respectively, with overlying soft tissue (ST) thickness ranging from 2 to 6 mm. Bone Pb measurements via KXRF and portable XRF were highly correlated: R = 0.73 (95% CI, 0.28 to 0.70) among participants with ST thickness 6 mm (72% of the measured population). Furthermore, the mean bone Sr concentration for American participants was 66.1 ppm (95%CI: 56.5 ppm, 75.6 ppm) and for Chinese was 74.7 ppm (95%CI: 55.6 ppm, 93.8 ppm). Interestingly, the bone Sr in Chinese female participants decreased with age, while the bone Sr in American female participants increased with age. CONCLUSIONS:We conclude that portable XRF is a valuable technology to study health outcomes related to Pb and Sr exposures. KEYWORDS: Heavy Metals, Exposure Assessment, X-ray Fluorescence, Lead (Pb), Strontium (Sr)

Synthesis and characterization of bioinspired nano-hydroxyapatite by wet chemical precipitation

In this work, nanometric hydroxyapatite was added with mineral traces naturally present in mammalian bones. It was synthesized by wet chemical precipitation using Ca(OH)2 obtained from eggshells as a precursor. Subsequent calcination was performed at a low temperature of 250 °C to remove reaction by-products but avoiding the crystal size transition to micrometric sizes. Synthetic hydroxyapatite crystals exhibited irregular-spherical morphologies with a Feret's diameter ranging from 10 to 90 nm. Most importantly, this hydroxyapatite contains levels of Ca, Mg, P, Na, S, Sr, K, Si, Fe, Al, and Ba, close to those reported for mammalian bones. The analysis of the commercial synthetic hydroxyapatite revealed that its crystals form micrometric-like-flakes clusters that do not have additional ions but only Ca and P.

Agency and institutional-related factors and the heterogeneity of sustainability and integrated report information disclosures in Kenya

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the factors influencing the level of disclosures of sustainability (SR) and integrated report (IR) information in a developing country context, with particular reference to Kenya.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a panel data set of 419 firm-year observations of listed companies in Kenya covering the period 2010 through 2018. Data are collected from the annual reports and analysed using a generalized estimations equation model.FindingsThe results reveal that there is momentum towards newer reporting frameworks in Kenya with substantial IR and SR disclosures in their annual reports. The results also show that level of SR and IR disclosures is influenced by both agency-related factors (board gender diversity, audit committee independence, block ownership and the presence of foreign ownership). Additionally, institutional-related factors (regulatory pressure and promotional efforts of regulatory and professional bodies [reporting excellence awards]) influence the disclosures.Practical implicationsThe results highlight that initiatives such as those led by the regulatory and professional bodies in Kenya are effective in motivating companies to enhance disclosures. Thus, regulators and professional bodies might need to continue and even intensify their efforts. These results have implications for further research as they show that SR and IR disclosures are influenced by similar factors.Social implicationsThe study has the potential to contribute to the ongoing initiatives and discussions on the adoption of IR by firms in Africa as spearheaded by the African Integrated Reporting Council.Originality/valueTo the best of the knowledge, the study is, perhaps, the first to examine both SR and IR disclosures at the same study allowing comparison of the extent and drivers of the two disclosures. Moreover, examining the institutional-related factors in a single country has not been done in prior literature, and so this is an innovation.

The Correlation Between Potential "Anti- Cancer" Trace Elements and the Risk of Breast Cancer: A Case-Control Study in a Chinese Population.

BackgroundsBreast cancer is a heterogeneous disease without clear pathogenesis and effective primary prevention. The “anti-cancer” effects of several trace elements have received increasing attention in recent years. The main purpose of current study is to explore the differences of three potential “anti-cancer” trace elements selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), and strontium (Sr) between patients with malignant breast tumors and healthy controls.MethodsWe conducted a case–control study in 45 patients with malignant breast tumors as cases and 95 healthy volunteers as controls from Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China. The serum concentrations of trace elements were evaluated by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).ResultsThe cases may have a lower Se levels when compared with controls (cases: 106.22 ng/ml, SD: 20.95 ng/ml; controls: 117.02 ng/ml, IQR: 22.79 ng/ml, p = 0.014). High levels of Se were a protective factor from breast cancer after adjusting the potential confounders of age, BMI, smoking, drinking, and menopause status (OR = 0.395, 95% CI, 0.178, 0.877, p = 0.023). The levels of Sr were lower in cases with high histologic grade when compared to low histologic grade (low histologic grade: 49.83 ng/ml, IQR: 41.35–62.60 ng/ml; high histologic grade: 40.19 ng/ml, IQR: 39.24–47.16 ng/ml, p < 0.05).ConclusionsOur findings herein supported that Se has protective effects to avoid malignant breast tumors and Sr has protective effects to avoid poorly differentiated malignant breast tumors. Exploring “anti-cancer” related trace elements and their associations with breast cancer will assist for the early prevention and intervention for the disease.

Zn-0.8Mg-0.2Sr (wt.%) Absorbable Screws-An In-Vivo Biocompatibility and Degradation Pilot Study on a Rabbit Model.

In this pilot study, we investigated the biocompatibility and degradation rate of an extruded Zn–0.8Mg–0.2Sr (wt.%) alloy on a rabbit model. An alloy screw was implanted into one of the tibiae of New Zealand White rabbits. After 120 days, the animals were euthanized. Evaluation included clinical assessment, microCT, histological examination of implants, analyses of the adjacent bone, and assessment of zinc, magnesium, and strontium in vital organs (liver, kidneys, brain). The bone sections with the implanted screw were examined via scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). This method showed that the implant was covered by a thin layer of phosphate-based solid corrosion products with a thickness ranging between 4 and 5 µm. Only negligible changes of the implant volume and area were observed. The degradation was not connected with gas evolution. The screws were fibrointegrated, partially osseointegrated histologically. We observed no inflammatory reaction or bone resorption. Periosteal apposition and formation of new bone with a regular structure were frequently observed near the implant surface. The histological evaluation of the liver, kidneys, and brain showed no toxic changes. The levels of Zn, Mg, and Sr after 120 days in the liver, kidneys, and brain did not exceed the reference values for these elements. The alloy was safe, biocompatible, and well-tolerated.

Inositol Signaling in the Basidiomycete Fungus Schizophyllum commune

Intracellular signaling is conserved in eukaryotes to allow for response to extracellular signals and to regulate development and cellular functions. In fungi, inositol phosphate signaling has been shown to be involved in growth, sexual reproduction, and metabolic adaptation. However, reports on mushroom-forming fungi are lacking so far. In Schizophyllum commune, an inositol monophosphatase has been found up-regulated during sexual development. The enzyme is crucial for inositol cycling, where it catalyzes the last step of inositol phosphate metabolism, restoring the inositol pool from the monophosphorylated inositol monophosphate. We overexpressed the gene in this model basidiomycete and verified its involvement in cell wall integrity and intracellular trafficking. Strong phenotypes in mushroom formation and cell metabolism were evidenced by proteome analyses. In addition, altered inositol signaling was shown to be involved in tolerance towards cesium and zinc, and increased metal tolerance towards cadmium, associated with induced expression of kinases and repression of phosphatases within the inositol cycle. The presence of the heavy metals Sr, Cs, Cd, and Zn lowered intracellular calcium levels. We could develop a model integrating inositol signaling in the known signal transduction pathways governed by Ras, G-protein coupled receptors, and cAMP, and elucidate their different roles in development.

Profiles and potential health risks of heavy metals in polluted soils in NE-Iran

Metal contamination of soil is primarily attributed to human activities and there is an increasing need to conduct risk assessments to characterize the nature and magnitude of risks to humans and ecological receptors from these contaminants. Trace metals (As, Sb, Cd, Cr, Pb, Co, Ni, V, Se, Zn, Fe) in soils from the Chelpu region of North East Iran were analyzed by ICP-OES to assess pollution using the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and the enrichment factor (EF). The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) model was applied to calculate human health risk (HHR). Physicochemical and textural properties of the soil including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM), calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE) were examined in 26 surface and subsurface soils and related to metal levels. Metal concentrations varied considerably [As (7.1–1448.8 mg/kg), Sb (7.7–74.4 mg/kg), Pb (0.6–26.5 mg/kg), Cd (1–2.6 mg/kg), Cr (67.5–527 mg/kg), Co (18.4–42.6 mg/kg), Ni (85.9–548.6 mg/kg), Sr (180.3–670.6 mg/kg), V (85.3–158.4 mg/kg), Se (0.4–3.10 mg/kg), Zn (44.6–104.9 mg/kg), and Fe (29,400–51,800 mg/kg)]. The Igeo indicated that soils were moderately polluted with As, Se, Ni, and Co but heavily to extremely contaminated with Sb and Cd compared with natural soils (USEPA). The enrichment factor (EF) values demonstrated that levels of As, Ni, and Co were moderately enriched but levels of Se, Cd, and Sb were substantially enriched. In contrast, Pb, Cr, Sr, V, and Zn levels were low. Using a human health risk assessment approach, non-carcinogen effects (HI >1) through ingestion of 13.04% of soil samples were determined. Carcinogenic effects through the ingestion pathway were observed for As and Cr in 13% and 3.9% of the soil samples, respectively. Organic matter (OM) content was significantly correlated with As (0.461, α = 0.05), Sb (0.605, α = 0.01), and Se (0.552, α = 0.01).

Association of Urinary Strontium Levels with Pregnancy-induced Hypertension.

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, accounts for the majority of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Strontium (Sr) has been recently associated with preeclampsia in a small group of women; however, the role of Sr in PIH is not fully understood and warrants further investigation. In this study, we examined the association between urinary Sr levels and PIH, and assessed the effect of maternal age on the association. Urinary Sr concentrations were measured in 5423 pregnant women before delivery by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Logistic regression analysis adjusting for potential confounders was applied to explore the association between Sr and PIH, and to evaluate the Sr-PIH relationship stratified by maternal age. Among the participants, 200 (3.83%) women were diagnosed with PIH. Compared with non-PIH women, women who developed PIH had lower urinary Sr concentrations (131.26 vs. 174.98 μg/L creatinine, P<0.01). With the natural log-transformed urinary creatinine-standardized Sr concentrations increasing, the risk of PIH decreased significantly [adjusted OR=0.60 (95%CI: 0.51, 0.72)]. Furthermore, the significant association of Sr with PIH was found among women under 35 years (P<0.01). Our finding suggested that Sr may play a potential protective role in the pathogenesis of PIH, especially among young pregnant women under 35 years old.