Levels Of Trace Elements Research Articles

An evaluation of trace elements and oxidative stress in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Vertigo and Dizziness are a common complaint among the reasons for applying to the ear nose throat clinic. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of perpheric vertigo. Oxidative stress is caused by the formation of hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide, which are reactive oxygen derivatives (ROS). The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between complaints and serum trace element and oxidative stress levels in patients with BPPV. This study was conducted with 66 adult patients who presented to the ENT policlinic with the complaint of vertigo and were diagnosed with BPPV between May 2020 and September 2020. Blood samples were taken from patients diagnosed with BPPV to measure serum Zn and Cu levels and oxidative stress levels during an attack. The mean ages of the study patients and healthy controls were 45.7 ± 15.1 and 44.7±13.2. Female / Male ratio were 28(42.5%)/38(57.5%) and 32(48.5%)/34(51.5%) in study and control group. We found serum Cu levels were lower in the patient group (p <0.05). Serum Total Thiol and Native Thiol values were lower in patients with BPPV. Total Thiol results were statistically significant.(p<0.05) Disulfide values were significantly higher in the disease group. (P <0.05). Thiol Oxidized / Thiol Reduced ratio (2243.6±6.7/343.8±125.3) was higher in control group. (p<0.05). Serum oxidative stress and trace elements play a role in the pathophysiology of BPPV. We present the cut-off values for Cu and Zn in vertigo patients for the first time in the literature. We think that these cut-off values of the trace elements and thiol/disulfide hemostasis can be used clinically by physicians in the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of vertigo.

Estimation and Evaluation of (Uric Acid, Glutathione, Ceroplasmin) and the Trace Elements (Iron, Copper, Zinc) Levels in Type_2 Diabetic Patients in Basrah Governorate-Iraq

Type 2 diabetes occurs mainly as a result of two interrelated problems Cells in the muscles, fat, and liver become insulin resistant, because the cells do not react in a normal way to insulin, they do not absorb enough sugar, and thus the pancreas becomes unable to secrete an adequate amount of insulin to control blood sugar levels. Since antioxidants and trace elements have a role in the treatment of diabetes by defending beta cells against oxidative stress, so the current research was conducted to find out the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants (Uric acid, Glutathione, Ceruloplasmin) and some trace elements (Iron, Copper, Zinc) that act as antioxidants in serum of type 2 diabetic patients compared to healthy subjects in Basrah Governorate-Iraq by age. The number of patients in the study was (50) patients (26 males-24 females) and healthy subjects (43), including (11 males-32 females). It was found that there was a significant decrease at the level of significance (p&lt;0.001) in the levels of each of (Glutathione, Ceruloplasmin, Iron and Zinc) in patients and healthy subjects and this decrease increased with age, while there was a significant increase at the level of significance (p&lt;0.001) in the levels of (Uric acid and Copper) at patients and healthy subjects with age.

Effect of Thyroid Hormones and Trace Elements (Zn, Mg) on Obesity

Background: Obesity is characterized by abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that is the result of a chronic imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. Thyroid hormones have profound effect on many physiological processes, such as development, growth in children and metabolism. Thyroid hormones stimulate diverse metabolic activates in most tissues, leading to an increase in basal metabolic rate. Trace elements are essential nutrients with regulatory, immunologic, and antioxidant functions resulting from their action as essential components or cofactors of enzymes throughout metabolism.&#x0D; Methods: In this study conducted on 176 individuals in the age group from (20-55) years, from Tikrit and Kirkuk Governorates. Blood samples were divided into three groups according to BMI: Group One: Control group (Normal Weight): 66 individual BMI (18.5 - 24.9 kg/m2). Group Two: Overweight group: 50 individual BMI (25.0 – 29.9 kg/m2).Group Three: Obese group: 60 individual BMI (≥ 30 kg/m2).&#x0D; Results: The results showed a high significant increase (p&lt;0.0001) in the BMI level in obese and overweight groups comparison with normal weight group. The results showed a significant decrease (p&lt;0.001) in (T3 and T4) hormones levels in obese and overweight groups comparison with normal weight group. While the results showed a high significant increase (p&lt;0.0001) in the TSH levels in obese and overweight groups comparison with normal weight group, the results showed a significant decrease (p&lt;0.001) in the Zn concentration in obese and overweight groups comparison with normal weight group, the results showed a high significant decrease (p&lt;0.0001) in the Mg concentration in obese and overweight groups comparison with normal weight group. There is a high significant increase in the (cholesterol, TG, VLDL-c and LDL-c) levels in obese and overweight groups comparison with normal weight group (p&lt;0.0001), while the results showed a high significant decrease (p&lt;0.0001) in the HDL-c level in obese and overweight groups comparison with normal weight group. The results showed that there was a significant positive correlation between T3 and T4.While there was a significant negative correlation between T3 and LDL. There was a positive correlation between T4 and HDL. Whereas the there was a significant negative correlation between T4 and LDL. There was a significant positive correlation between TSH with Cholesterol, Triglyceride, LDL and VLDL. There was a significant negative correlation between TSH with HDL, and Mg. Conclusions: The results of (thyroid hormones and lipid profile) indicated highly associated with trace elements (Zn, Mg) levels and these correlations may be caused a risk of the obesity

Chemical pollution and ecotoxicological effects of high-density polyethylene microplastics in Mytilus galloprovincialis from two Italian lagoon ecosystems

Transitional water ecosystems have low water exchanges and can trap chemicals and microplastics (MPs). In this study, MPs, trace elements, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-PHAs levels and the oxidative stress response were assessed in Mytilus galloprovincialis from two Italian lagoon ecosystems (Orbetello and Varano). In addition, the ecotoxicological effects induced by the exposure of M. galloprovincialis to high-density polyethylene-HDPE MPs were also determined. Levels of trace elements were almost always comparable among the sites, whereas MPs were found only in mussels from Orbetello. PAHs were always under the limit of quantification. Glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher in mussels from Varano. As regard the exposure test, it was found a significant effect of treatment, site and their interaction on mortality and biochemical biomarkers in both fed and unfed mussels. However, principal component analysis suggests similar effects of both color and nourishment condition on biochemical biomarkers. These findings warrant further investigation.

Metabolism of microelements in cattle of the holsteen breed in biogeochemical conditions of the Astrakhan region

In connection with the intensification and specialization of agricultural production, in particular animal husbandry, in the Astrakhan region, the volume of work of veterinary specialists has sharply increased in carrying out planned measures to prevent and improve methods of treating internal noncommunicable diseases, as well as the study of metabolic disorders in productive animals, in particular, by application of biotic doses of microelements in animal husbandry. Our work presents data from biogeochemical studies of pasture ecosystems in the Astrakhan region.The studies were carried out in the spring -summer period of 2021-2022 on groups of different ages (6 months, 12 months, 36 months, 72 months) of Holstein cattle owned by citizens and farms of Limansky, Kamyzyaksky and Privolzhsky districts of the Astrakhan region.In addition, in 10 cattle animals, during planned slaughter, various tissues and organs were taken for analysis in order to determine the level of trace elements.Determination of the levels of trace elements in the ecosystem was carried out in the Astrakhan region at the latitude 46° 20’58" (46° 20'98) north latitude and longi tude 48°2'26" (48° 2'44) east longitude.Trace elements in the selected samples of the pasture ecosystem, as well as in the organs and tissues of cattle, were determined by the atomic absorption method. A low level of trace elements was found in the soil, plants and feed of the ecosystem of the Astrakhan region relative to the "reference" chernozem region, where animal hypomicroelementoses and regulatory data are not recorded.The highest concentration of iodine was recorded in the blood - 0.58 ± 0.008 mg/kg, and the lowest - in the muscle tissue (0.09 ± 0.002 mg/kg), the highest concentration of selenium was determined in the tissues of the kidneys and liver (0.74 ± 0.018 and 0 .72 ± 0.113 mg/kg, respectively), and the smallest - in the muscles and lungs. The concentration of manganese in the body of cattle ranged from 32.98 ± 1.18 to 67.46 ± 1.33 mg/kg.

Effect of Cooking Procedure on B1, B2, and B6 Vitamins Content and Some Elements in the Main Rice Brands in the Iranian Market

Aims: The aim of the present study was to assess and compare the effect of different methods of cooking on B-group vitamins (B1, B2, and B6), As, Cd, Ni, Pb, and some essential elements (Cu, Co, and Mn) in the main local varieties of Iranian rice. Background: Different cooking procedures have been shown to have contradictory benefits in terms of nutritional value by affecting the bioavailability of vitamins and microminerals. Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess and compare the effect of different methods of cooking on B-group vitamins (B1, B2 and B6), As, Cd, Ni, Pb, and some essential elements (Cu, Co, and Mn) in the main local varieties of Iranian rice. Method: The effectiveness of different cooking procedures, including direct cooking (Dampokht) and cooking by washing the rice with water and draining off the water (Abkesh), on B1, B2, and B6 vitamins contents and Cd, As, Pb, Ni, Cu, Co, Mn elements in the different local varieties of Iranian rice was evaluated. For the Dampokht method, the non-rinsed cooked samples were directly used for evaluation, but for the Abkesh method, the cooked rice samples were first rinsed and then evaluated. Results: Generally, our results showed decreased levels of vitamins and trace elements in cooking with the Abkesh method in comparison to that of Dampokht. Interestingly, the amount of B1 vitamin increased after the Dampokht method. Conclusion: The results indicate that the rice cooking procedure is very important in the maintenance of B vitamins and trace elements in the foodstuff, and the Abkesh method leads to the loss of a great deal of water-soluble vitamins and essential elements. However, it is good for decreasing poisonous heavy metals and should be recommended for populations that consume rice as the main staple food and who live in the areas with a high level of toxic heavy metals in drinking water.

Elemental Analysis of Some Heavy Metals in Hijamah and Venous Blood Samples

Introduction: Hijamah as one famous therapeutic method used in traditional and new medicine can be done by special cups for sucking blood in wet and dry cupping therapy. The excessive use of minerals in various fields of life has become a threat to human health as they can accumulate in the body and lead to several chronic diseases. Objective: This study was done to know the ability of wet hijamah on ridding the body of trace minerals and comparing the concentration of investigated elements with that found in venous blood samples. Methods: The blood samples were collected from 18 volunteers. The samples were digested at ~65 ⁰C using a mixture of nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide in a ratio of (2:1), and then an inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used to determine the concentration of trace elements iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu) and lead (Pb). Relationships between the studied blood samples were examined using SPSS statistical software. Results: It was noted that some trace elements in hijamah and venous had statistically significant differences were Fe, Ni, Cd, Zn, Al, Cu, and Pb, where the values of p (&lt; 0.0001, 0.046, 0.024, 0.005, 0.009, 0.024, and 0.012 respectively). While the other elements did not show statistically significant differences, namely, Cr and Co, at p 0.263, and 0.416, respectively. Conclusion: The study showed that wet hijamah can be safely applied to reduce the levels of trace elements in the blood. It may be useful for people who work in jobs where the accumulation of toxic elements in their bodies is possible.

Analysis of serum calcium, sodium, potassium, zinc, and iron in patients with pre-eclampsia in Bangladesh: A case-control study.

Pre-eclampsia is a particular type of pregnancy condition. Although the primary etiology of pre-eclampsia is unclear, it hypothesizes that the alteration of trace elements and macro-minerals may play a crucial function in the pathogenesis of Pre-eclampsia. Therefore, our research sought to ascertain the serum level of trace elements (zinc, iron) and macro-minerals (sodium, calcium, potassium) and their possible association with pre-eclampsia. The present study was conducted with 74 pre-eclampsia pregnant women (case) and 118 pregnant women having normal blood pressure (controls). Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy determined the serum level of trace components and electrolytes. The researchers discovered notable differences in maternal age, gestational period, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, and creatinine level. Results of serum analysis revealed that calcium (52.06 ± 3.71 mg/L vs. 65.93 ± 2.57 mg/L, p < 0.05) and potassium (63.44 ± 5.33 mg/L vs. 102.54 ± 4.25 mg/L, p < 0.001) concentrations were substantially lower in the patient group than in control. Serum zinc (0.34 ± 0.02 mg/L vs. 0.52 ± 0.02 mg/L, p < 0.001) and iron (0.38 ± 0.03 mg/L vs. 0.46 ± 0.02 mg/L, p < 0.05) concentration were also considerably decreased in pre-eclampsia participants compared with a pregnant normotensive group. Pearson's correlation research results in the patient group revealed a connection between trace elements or macro minerals. In addition, the systolic blood pressure was positively correlated with sodium (r = 0.392, p < 0.01) and negatively correlated with potassium (r = -0.257, p < 0.05) in the control group. This study concludes that calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc levels were lower, whereas sodium levels were higher in Bangladeshi pre-eclampsia patients compared to controls. These findings with Pearson's correlation and the inter-element relationship between the patient and a control subject results can act as critical indication factors for patients with pre-eclampsia in Bangladesh and, as a result, may require a higher intake of calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc for effective therapeutic intervention and reduce the intake of sodium.

Explaining the persistence of hazardous chemicals in the Doce River (Brazil) by multiple sources of contamination and a major environmental disaster

High concentrations of hazardous chemicals may be introduced into aquatic ecosystems during episodes of acute and chronic environmental contamination. This study aimed to quantify inorganic and organic contaminants along the Doce River Basin (DRB), evaluate spatial and temporal variations of their concentrations, and their associations with the respective potential anthropogenic sources, considering the cumulative effects of a tailing dam rupture event. Multivariate analysis indicated that higher levels of trace elements in the Upper DRB were related to its proximity to the mining activities in this region, while organic contaminants such as PAHs are probably introduced by industrial effluents and urban centers along the DRB. In addition, seasonal variation showed to be an important factor influencing the distribution of chemicals, with wet season increasing levels of trace elements in the water. Despite the contribution of natural geological features in the Upper DRB, it becomes clearer that intense mineral exploitation for decades, combined with the dam failure disaster are responsible for the increased levels and spread of these inorganic contaminants along the DRB. Furthermore, other sources of organic contaminants contribute to this contamination scenario, resulting in complex mixtures of chemicals and increasing the ecological risks in the region.

Evaluation of trace metallic element levels in coffee by icp-ms: a comparative study among different origins, forms, and packaging types and consumer risk assessment.

Trace elements (TE) contamination of foods and beverages constitutes a public health issue. In this context, the main objective of this study was to determine metals and metalloids content in coffee and to assess the health risks associated with contaminated coffee consumption. To this end, 44 samples of coffee from different origins, forms, and packaging types were analyzed. TE analysis was performed by ICP-MS after digestion. The data analysis was based on principal components analysis (PCA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Health risk assessment was determined by the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI). The findings showed that TE levels in coffee varied widely. The highest levels were related to aluminum (Al) (59.88 ± 54.86 mg/kg), manganese (Mn) (16.26 ± 24.59 mg/kg), copper (Cu) (11.60 ± 11.55 mg/kg), and cadmium (Cd) (9.92 ± 10.32 mg/kg). In terms of coffee form and packaging type, a significant difference (P < 0.0001) was observed in nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), Cu, Mn, and Al content. The highest EDI was found in Al (0.0109 mg/kg BW/day) in ground coffee packaged in capsules. In terms of chronic daily intake (CDI), Cd and Al were above the reference dose (RfD). THQ of these elements were greater than 1.0, and HI was above the value of 1.0 in different forms of coffee. More interdisciplinary research on the relationships between the metal concentrations in coffee samples and those in feed, water, and soil would be quite interesting.

Vintage analysis on superficial sediments to predict future trends in metal contamination of Santos and São Vicente Estuarine System

Due to its economic, social, and environmental importance, Santos and São Vicente Estuarine System is largely studied for almost two decades. Although many studies have been conducted, none of them tried to relate past activities to actual ones. This study provides an evaluation of the contamination on vintage superficial sediment samples investigating sediment contamination patterns over the years to help to understand future trends in metal contamination in this area. Thus, this study aims to assess levels of trace elements and rare earth elements (REEs) on samples collected in two seasonal periods of 2005 and 2006 (summer and winter). In each campaign, 16 surface samples were collected onboard R/V Veliger II, and trace elements and REEs were analyzed by neutron activation analysis. Results of metals presented similar levels over the years and it was not related to the port's activities since the levels did now increase following the total movement of containers. In addition, the enrichment of light REEs could indicate anthropogenic activities from steel plants, phosphate fertilizers, and the phosphogypsum piles. The system undergoes through many human pressures and constant monitoring over time it is important to avoid overloading the resilience capacity of the estuarine system because the expansion of port, industry, and urbanization is inevitable. From the results obtained, it was possible to conclude that SSVES undergoes more likely anthropogenic pressures from industrial activities and domestic effluents rather than port activity.

A simple multilevel sampler for synchronous collection of stratified waters.

Stratified water collection plays a crucial role in water quality monitoring, as most water bodies are not perfectly mixed systems. In order to precisely collect stratified waters, we developed an inexpensive, simple, and high-resolution sampler to simultaneously collect and measure physical and chemical parameters along vertical water profiles. The water sampler predominantly consists of two parts: (1) an apparatus for measuring sampling depth below the water and (2) water sampling units secured below the water. Proof of concept water sampling was performed in Caohai wetland (Southwest China) at 40cm intervals, as sampling depth and interval are adjustable. Stratified waters in four sampling sites were characterized by markedly different levels of major and trace elements as well as physicochemical parameters. Results indicate this simple multilevel sampler to be a cheap, precise, and portable option for simultaneously collecting water samples at different depths in a wide array of water body types.

Interactive Effects of Obesity and Hypertension on Patterns of Hair Essential Trace Element and Mineral Content in Adult Women.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate potential similar patterns and interactive effects of obesity and hypertension on hair essential trace element and mineral content in adult women. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 607 adult women divided into controls (n = 101), groups with obesity without hypertension (n = 199), hypertension without obesity (n = 143), and both obesity and hypertension (n = 164) were included in the study. Assessment of hair mineral and trace element levels was performed by inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. Hair Ca, Mg, Co, and Mn levels in women with obesity, hypertension, and both diseases were significantly lower, compared to controls. Hair Mg levels in women with obesity and hypertension were significantly lower, whereas hair Na and K were found to be higher when compared to other groups. Hair Fe and V content in obese patients was lower than in other groups. Obesity was associated with lower hair Cu levels, whereas patients with hypertension had higher hair Cu content. Hypertension was also associated with higher hair Cr and Se content irrespective of body weight. Hair Zn levels in obese women with and without hypertension were significantly lower than those in healthy controls and normal-weight women with hypertension. In multiple regression models hair Mg was considered as a significant negative predictor of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure values. The observed alterations in hair trace element and mineral content provide an additional link between obesity and hypertension, although further detailed studies are required.

Comparative analysis of mineral constituents of ethanol leaf and seed extracts of Datura stramonium

Medicinal plants contain numerous biologically active compounds such as minerals which have physiological actions on the human body. This work was designed to analyse the mineral composition of Datura stramonium (D. stramonium) leaf and seed extracts. Dry leaves and seeds of D. stramonium were pulverized. The powdered sample was used for the extraction using 98% ethanol. Standard methods were used in the determination of the mineral contents. The study result showed the order of trace minerals composition of D. stramonium leaves and seed were as follows: Fe&gt;Cu&gt;Mn&gt;Zn&gt;Ni&gt;Co and Cu&gt;Fe&gt;Zn&gt;Mn&gt;Ni&gt;Co, respectively. The result showed higher value of trace minerals in D. stramonium leaves than the seed. There were significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in the trace elements levels of the leaves and seeds with the leaves having higher mineral levels than the seed. The result also showed that macro minerals of D. stramonium leaves and seed were in this order: Mg&gt;Ca&gt;K&gt;P. D. stramonium leaves had higher quantities of macro mineral than the seeds. D. stramonium leaves and seed used for this study have proved to be very important in drug research and development, because of the mineral composition that are present in appreciable amount. These minerals could contribute to the various pharmacological attributes of this plant. However, further research is necessary to determine other bioactive constituents present in this plant and their mechanism of action. Keywords: Minerals, Datura stramonium, trace elements, macro mineral, medicinal plants, active compounds.

The trace that is valuable: serum copper and copper to zinc ratio for survival prediction in younger patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia

PurposeNo data on predicting the survival of AML patients based on the level of trace elements in the serum have been presented to date. The aims of this prospective cohort study were as follows: (i) to evaluate the serum Cu and Zn levels in people from Northeast China, (ii) to assess the association between the serum Cu level (SCL) and Cu to Zn ratio (SCZR) and clinical and nutrition data, and (iii) to investigate the predictive values of the SCL and SCZR in newly diagnosed de novo AML patients.MethodsA total of 105 newly diagnosed AML patients and 82 healthy controls were recruited. The serum Cu and Zn levels were determined by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. The associations of SCL and SCZR with the survival of these AML patients were assessed by Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsBoth SCL and SCZR were positively related to the blast percentage of bone marrow and C-reactive protein, negatively related to albumin level and CEBPA double mutation and were significantly associated with worse overall survival and disease-free survival. Meanwhile, patients with higher SCL had worse CTCAE levels, and patients with higher SCZR showed less complete remission during the first course of induction chemotherapy. Moreover, higher SCZR was positively associated with ELN risk stratification, and was negatively associated with haemoglobin level and prognostic nutritional index (PNI).ConclusionThe SCL and SCZR are associated with long-term survival in patients with newly diagnosed AML undergoing intensive induction and may serve as important predictive biomarkers.

ALAD and APOE polymorphisms are associated with lead and mercury levels in Italian pregnant women and their newborns with adequate nutritional status of zinc and selenium

The impacts of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ALAD and VDR genes on Pb health effects and/or kinetics are inconclusive at low exposure levels, while studies including APOE SNPs are rare. In this study, we examined the associations of ALAD, VDR and APOE SNPs with exposure biomarkers of Pb and other trace elements (TEs) in Italian pregnant women (N = 873, aged 18–44 years) and their newborns (N = 619) with low-level mixed-element exposure through diet, the environment or endogenously. DNA from maternal peripheral venous blood (mB), sampled during the second and third trimesters, was genotyped for ALAD (rs1800435, rs1805313, rs1139488, rs818708), VDR (rs2228570, rs1544410, rs7975232, rs731236) and APOE (rs429358, rs7421) using TaqMan SNP assays. Personal and lifestyle data and TE levels (mB, maternal plasma, hair and mixed umbilical cord blood [CB]) from the PHIME project were used. Multiple linear regression models, controlling for confounding variables, were performed to test the associations between SNPs and TEs. The geometric means of mB-Pb, mB-Hg, mB-As and mB-Cd (11.0 ng/g, 2.16 ng/g, 1.38 ng/g and 0.31 ng/g, respectively) indicated low exposure levels, whereas maternal plasma Zn and Se (0.72 μg/mL and 78.6 ng/g, respectively) indicated adequate micronutritional status. Variant alleles of ALAD rs1800435 and rs1805313 were negatively associated with mB-Pb levels, whereas a positive association was observed for rs1139488. None of the VDR SNPs or their haplotypes had any association with Pb levels. Regarding APOE, the ϵ4 allele was associated with lower mB-Hg and CB-Hg, while a positive association was found with the ϵ2 allele and CB-Pb when the model included only newborn girls. The observed associations indicate possible modification effects of ALAD and APOE SNPs on Pb or Hg kinetics in women and their newborns with low exposure to non-essential TEs, as well as an adequate nutritional status of Zn and Se.

Buffer zone-based trace elements indicating the impact of human activities on karst urban groundwater

The tanglesome allocation of landscape types at various spatial dimensions is an important component influencing the quality of groundwater environment in karst cities. Trace elements can be used as indicators of the extent of impact on groundwater which is an effective means of tracing groundwater contamination. In this study, we studied the influence of landscape patterns on trace elements in groundwater of typical karst cities in Southwest China (Guiyang City) on a multi-spatial scale by using multivariate statistical analysis. According to the sampling points, buffer zone scales with different radii (500 m, 1000 m, 1500 m, and 4000 m) were established to quantify the land use model. There are suburban and urban differences in trace element content. The city center has higher levels of trace elements compared to suburban areas, especially Li, Ni, Tl, Cu, Sr, Co, As, and Mn. In addition, the outcomes of the multiple linear regression had shown that the size effect of the association from landscape pattern to trace elements varies with different indicators and parameters. The results of redundancy analysis showed an overall change in trace elements was better interpreted by the landscape pattern of the 1500 m-scale buffer. At the same time, at the 1500 m scale, Ni, Tl, Cu, Co, As, Cr, Sr, Li, and Mn were positively correlated with the urban landscape index (4LPI, 4LSI), influenced by urban anthropogenic activities, while Cd, Zn, and Pb were positively correlated with the cropland landscape index (1AI, 1LPI), influenced by agricultural activities. This study indicates that trace elements are a reliable indicator for tracing groundwater contamination. The buffer zone can reflect the extent of urban impacts on groundwater and provide a new and effective analytical tool for groundwater management.

Smelter-derived soil contamination in Luanshya, Zambia

Extensive mining and smelting contributed to the declining quality of Luanshya soils. The local smelter was the epicenter of contamination as shown by a spatial distribution analysis. Closeby soil profiles smelter exhibit extremely high Cu concentrations (up to 46,000 mg kg−1 Cu) relative to deeper layers where only background levels of trace elements were observed. A remote profile did not exhibit significant contamination.Lead isotopic ratios revealed that Pb contamination in the Luanshya soils was not smelter-derived. It was shown in this way that the historical usage of leaded gasoline was the main source of this metal. Although the Luanshya smelter also produced Co, this metal was not an important contaminant.Copper leaching was a concern in Luanshya. Upwards of 52 % of Cu was extractable in the exchangeable step of a sequential extraction procedure (SEP), but only for samples where Cu concentrations were high, suggesting that Cu was released exclusively from anthropogenic particles. This was supported by the SEP results for similar depths at the remote soil, where only a small fraction of Cu was labile (5.6 %). Lead and Co were strongly bound in the soils throughout.The excess of Cu in the topsoils was mostly bound in smelter-derived particles. These appeared as spherical fast-cooled droplets composed mostly of sulfides, oxides, and glass. X-ray diffraction and electron probe microanalysis of those particles allowed for a phase classification. Compositions were regularly not stoichiometric so most particles were classified as intermediate solid solutions. However, molecular proportions often closely resembled those of bornite, chalcanthite, cuprospinel, covellite, delafossite, diginite, or hydrous ferric oxides. Concentrations of Cu were often 100 % near the center of the particles indicating an inefficient smelting process. Weathering to some degree was common, which in conjunction with the susceptibility of Cu leaching was highly alarming.

Evaluation of Hearing Impairment and Levels of Trace Elements in Patients with Oral Submucous Fibrosis

Introduction: Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a slowly progressive premalignant condition. Trace elements like Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) were found to have diagnostic and prognostic values in malignancies. Disease activity at in an earlier stage by determining the exact stage of OSMF based on eustachian tube dysfunction and serum Cu, Zn, and Iron (Fe) levels. Aim: To assess the Eustachian tube dysfunction and level of trace elements in OSMF patients. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was carried out in VSPM Dental College and Research Centre Nagpur and Department of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and Biochemistry of NKP Salve Medical College, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India, from March 2018 to February 2019. Two hundred patients were equally divided into individuals without OSMF and with OSMF. A Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) was used to measure degree of hearing impairment while estimation of trace elements Cu, Zn and Fe was done by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The unpaired t-test, Chi-square test and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test were used for statistical analysis. Results: All 200 individuals were matched with age and sex in both the groups. Normal hearing was found in 61% of the ears and Conductive Hearing Loss (CHL) in 39% of the ears with OSMF. A positive association of hearing loss in both the ears with stages of OSMF were seen which was statistically significant with p-value of 0.001. The level of Cu (103.44 mg/dL) was found increased in OSMF individuals while the levels of Zn (78.93 mg/ dL) and Fe (84.05 mg/dL) was reduced. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, there was association between the severity of OSMF, degree of hearing loss and levels of trace elements. One of the most serious sideeffects of OSMF is hearing loss. Level of copper increased while level of zinc and iron were reduced in OSMF patients.

The Contributions of Trace Elements on Molecular Subtype-Specific Colorectal Cancer.

Purpose: Although growing studies have reported the disturbances of trace elements (TEs) homeostasis was closely associated with the occurrence of colorectal cancer (CRC), the clinical value of TEs in CRC with different molecular subtypes was largely unknown. This study aimed to explore the correlation between KRAS mutations/MSI status and serum TEs levels in patients with CRC. Methods: The serum concentrations of 18 TEs were detected by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICP-MS). MSI status (two mononucleotides: BAT25, BAT26, three dinucleotides: D2S123, D5S346, and D17S250), KRAS (G516T, G517A, G518C, G520T, G521A, G522C, and G532A) mutations were detected by the multiplex fluorescent PCR and the real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, respectively. The correlations among KRAS mutations/MSI status, demographic and clinical characteristics, and TEs were analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis. Results: The propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was adopted to minimize differences between groups. Before PSM, 204 CRC patients were recruited in this study, including 123 KRAS-negative patients and 81 KRAS-positive patients according to the test results of KRAS mutations, and 165 MSS patients and 39 MSI patients based on MSI detection. After PSM, the serum concentration of Mn was significantly lower in CRC patients with KRAS mutations than those without KRAS mutations, and a significant negative correlation was observed between Mn and Pb in the KRAS-positive cases. CRC patients carrying MSI had a significantly lower level of Rb compared to MSS patients. Importantly, Rb was significantly positively correlated with Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn in patients with MSI. Collectively, all our data indicated that the occurrence of different molecular events might be accompanied by different alterations in types and levels of serum TEs. Conclusions: CRC patients with different molecular subtypes presented different alterations in types and levels of serum TEs. Mn was significantly negatively correlated with the KRAS mutations, and Rb was noticeably negatively correlated with the MSI status, indicating certain TEs might contribute to the pathogenesis of molecular subtype-specific colorectal cancer.