Non-essential Trace Elements Research Articles

Essential and Non-essential Trace Elements in Milks and Plant-Based Drinks

Although milk and plant-based drinks are widely consumed foodstuffs with high nutritional value, their consumption may also mean intake of non-essential/toxic elements becoming a risk for human health. This study was aimed at determining the concentrations of essential (Ca, Co, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni and P) and non-essential/toxic (Hg, Pb, U and V) elements in milks (cow and goat), plant-based drinks (soy, almond, rice and oat) and infant formulas from organic and conventional production systems. Lactose-free, fresh and ultra-high-temperature (UHT) milks were also included. Chemical analyses were performed by means of inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The content of the elements hereby assessed did not depend on the production system and the presence of lactose. However, significant differences were found in the concentrations of multiple elements when comparing sterilization methods, source (animal vs. plant-based) and animal species. Non-essential elements were not detected in milks and plant-based drinks, excepting Pb, which was detected in three samples. While the consumption of goat milk is recommended, considering the global intake of essential elements and the absence of non-essential elements, further studies should be conducted to confirm the absence of non-target toxic elements at very low trace levels. On the other hand, the best plant-based drinks are those made up with almonds (intake of Ca) and soy (K and Mg). The current results should be useful to help the population to balance the benefits and risks from milks and plant-based drinks consumption, as well as to adapt their dietary habits.

Essential and non-essential trace element concentrations in muscle and liver of a pregnant Munk's pygmy devil ray (Mobula munkiana) and its embryo.

During gestation, essential and non-essential trace elements are transferred from the pregnant females to embryos. This study aimed to determine and compare the concentrations of seven essential trace elements (Fe, Zn, Se, Cu, Mn, Cr, Co) and six non-essential trace elements (As, Cd, V, U, Tl, Ag) in the muscle and the liver of a Munk's pygmy devil ray pregnant female, Mobula munkiana, and its embryo. Transfer evidence of essential and non-essential trace elements was detected in M. munkiana tissues. Arsenic was found in elevated concentrations in the pregnant female and the embryo tissues. Elevated levels of Cd, V, U, and Ag were found in the pregnant female liver, but were minimal in the embryo tissue. This is the first study to investigate maternal transfer of essential and non-essential trace elements in these species and their reproductive strategy.

Risk and benefit assessment of seafood consumption harvested from the Pertuis Charentais region of France

Seafood is well recognized as a major source of Long Chain n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (LC n-3 PUFA, especially ecosapentaenoic acid, i.e. EPA and docosaheaxaenoic acid, i.e. DHA) and essential trace elements (As, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn). It is also a source of non-essential trace elements (Ag, Cd, Hg, Pb) that can be deleterious for health even at low concentrations. Edible parts of sixteen species (fish, cephalopods, crustaceans and bivalves) of great importance in the Pertuis Charentais region, one of the main shellfish farming and fishing areas along the french coastline, were sampled in winter and analyzed to determine their fatty acid (FA) composition and trace element concentrations. Based on these analyses, a suite of indices was calculated to estimate risk and benefit of seafood consumption: the n-6/n-3 ratio, the atherogenic index, the thrombogenic index, the EPA + DHA daily recommended portion, as well as the maximum safe consumption. The results showed that fish contributed the most to LC n-3 PUFA supply, while bivalves and crustaceans were more beneficial in essential trace elements. Whatever the species, the concentrations of non-essential elements were not limiting for seafood consumption, as important amounts of the analyzed species can be eaten daily or weekly before becoming hazardous to consumers. Yet, concentrations of Hg in dogfish and seabass can become a concern for frequent seafood consumers (>three meals a week), confirming that varying seafood items is a key point for consumers to optimize the benefits of diverse seafood resources. Considering FA composition, whiting and pilchard are the most beneficial fish species for human diet, while surmullet was the least beneficial one. However, using an index integrating the relative risk due to Hg content, the surmullet appears as one of the most beneficial. This study provides a temporal shot of the quality of marine resources consumed in winter period in the studied area and highlights the complexity of a quantitative risk and benefit assessment with respect to the biochemical attributes of selected seafood.

Comparison of the Mineral and Nutraceutical Profiles of Elephant Garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.) Grown in Organic and Conventional Fields of Valdichiana, a Traditional Cultivation Area of Tuscany, Italy.

Simple SummaryIn Valdichiana, an agricultural area of Tuscany (C Italy), an antique landrace of elephant garlic (A. ampeloprasum L.) locally known as “Aglione della Valdichiana” has been cultivated for a long time, and has been recently recognized as a traditional agri-food product of Tuscany and of Italy. Two methods of cultivation of elephant garlic are currently in use in Valdichiana: conventional and organic, the latter not making use of mineral fertilizers and chemical pesticides, even if the cultivation of elephant garlic is a low impact one. This paper aimed at testing if there are differences in the mineral and nutraceutical profiles of elephant garlic cultivated conventionally and organically in the Valdichiana area. Our results indicated only small differences and no evidence of healthier food or superior nutraceutical quality for organically grown elephant garlic.In the Valdichiana area (Tuscany, Italy) an ancient native landrace of elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.), locally known as “Aglione della Valdichiana”, has long been cultivated. The aim of this study was to check whether there are differences in the mineral and nutraceutical profiles of the Aglione della Valdichiana cultivated conventionally and organically. Based on the analysis by ICP-MS of a wide array of major, minor, essential, and non-essential trace elements as well as rare earth elements, and the evaluation of the content of polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidants, soluble proteins, soluble sugars, and starch, as well as the weight and water content, it was concluded that differences in the mineral and nutraceutical profiles of organically and conventionally grown bulbs were very limited. Only a statistically (p < 0.05) higher concentration of Cd (+2620%), Co (+113%), Mn (+55%), Rb (+180%), and Sb (+180%), as well as glucose (+37%) in conventionally cultivated bulbs emerged. Cadmium was the only element slightly higher than in the “reference plant,” but with a negligible risk (three orders of magnitude lower) for human health based on consumption. It is concluded that we failed to find evidence of healthier food or a higher nutraceutical quality for organically cultivated elephant garlic.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), trace elements and life history parameters of mass-stranded common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in New Zealand

Profiles of 33 PFAS analytes and 12 essential and non-essential trace elements were measured in livers of stranded common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) from New Zealand. PFAS concentrations reported were largely comparable to those measured in other marine mammal species globally and composed mostly of long-chain compounds including perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA), perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) and perfluorooctanesulfonamide (FOSA). PFAS profiles did not vary significantly by location, body condition, or life history. Notably, significant positive correlations were observed within respective PFAS and trace elements. However, only negative correlations were evident between these two contaminant types, suggesting different exposure and metabolic pathways. Age-associated concentrations were found for PFTrDA and four trace elements, i.e. silver, mercury, cadmium, selenium, indicating differences in the bioaccumulation biomagnification mechanisms. Overall, our results contribute to global understanding of accumulation of PFAS by offering first insights of PFAS exposure in cetaceans living within South Pacific Australasian waters.

Combined exposure to low level neurotoxic chemicals and child's neuropsychological performance

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Generally, early life exposures to environmental pollutants occur at low levels and their contribution to child’s cognitive abilities, still largely unknown, is a subject of many on-going studies. At low exposures, accounting for multiple neurotoxicants, as well as beneficial elements and genetic variability is important. This study explored prenatal and childhood exposure to trace elements, organophosphate and pyrethroid pesticides and its association with neuropsychological scores. METHODS: Children were recruited in the Ljubljana Maternity Hospital (Slovenia) at birth and were assessed for neuropsychological performance at 7-8 years of age (WISC IV, n=178). Extensive information on life-style was obtained for both periods. Essential and non-essential trace element levels were determined at birth (cord blood), and at follow-up in peripheral whole blood, plasma and urine. Organophosphate and pyrethroid pesticides metabolites were determined in children’s urine at follow-up. RESULTS:Among the potentially neurotoxic substances, 4-nitrophenol, representing parathion exposure, showed negative association with full scale IQ of the children (coeff=-2.09, p=0.022) in a model adjusted for plasma selenium (coeff=16.5, p=0.037) and whole blood copper (coeff=-14.5, p=0.033) (Model R²=0.10, p=0.005). Additional adjustment revealed borderline significant positive effect of breastfeeding in infancy, language classes, and negative effect of watching TV during weekdays, and resulted in a stronger correlation coefficient between 4-nitrophenol and IQ (coeff=-3.03, p=0.004) and stronger overall model (R²=0.27, p0.001). Mercury exposure in prenatal period was positively associated with IQ in the same model (coeff=2.77, p=0.046), most probably indicating beneficial effect of fish consumption during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS:Although the majority of children had their exposure estimates below the known health-based values, this study demonstrated an importance of evaluating mixed exposures, essential elements as well as child’s cognitive activities along the critical periods of development when estimating their neuropsychological impacts. Continuing this work, paraoxonase genetic polymorphism will be considered and model outcomes will be verified using machine learning approaches. KEYWORDS: trace elements, pesticides, nutrients, neuropsyhological performance

Health Risk Assessment of Exposure to Trace Elements from Drinking Black and Green Tea Marketed in Three Countries.

Although tea can be beneficial for our health, consuming excess trace elements in tea can be harmful. In this study, the carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic health risk for trace elements in tea influenced by the country of origin, tea type, and infusion process was assessed. Tea (Camellia sinensis) purchased from China, India, and the USA, including black and green tea, were analyzed for essential micronutrients (Cu, Se, and Zn) and nonessential trace elements (Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, and Pb) in leaves and three types of infusions. The results showed that country of origin, tea type, and infusion process had a significant influence on the trace element contents in tea leaves and infusions, also on health risk. Country of origin had a significant influence on Ba, Cr, Pb, and Zn contents in tea leaves and on As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn contents in tea infusions. Black tea had significantly higher (p < 0.05) Cr and Cu content in tea leaves than green tea, but only Cr content was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of green tea in tea infusion. The trace element contents were the highest in the first infusion and decreased as the number of infusion steps increased. The results showed that the consumption of tea infusion was not likely to cause noncarcinogenic risk. However, the carcinogenic risk for As was of concern. Our results indicate that avoiding drinking the first infusion can help to reduce both carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic health risks for trace elements.

Trace Elements and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study from Jamaica

Background: Several environmental studies have reported that low-level exposure to nephrotoxic elements increases the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In developing countries, finite resources can limit epidemiological studies and environmental risk assessment; however, the unique soil profile in Jamaica has raised some concerns for the potential exposure to populations who are of high risk. Method: This study investigated the potential for using trace element profiling in CKD, by analysing blood concentration levels of vanadium, chromium, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, selenium, strontium (Sr), arsenic, barium, cadmium, mercury, and lead. Trace element analysis was conducted using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: One hundred and fifty-eight individuals were included and were predominantly of African descent (98%) and their ages ranged from 21 to 90 years old. Three main correlation clusters were evident: firstly, vanadium, chromium, copper, silicon, and selenium, with mercury and barium more distantly related; secondly, lead, arsenic, nickel, and Sr; and thirdly, iron and zinc. Cadmium was an outlier. Blood Sr was strongly associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (r = -0.83; p&lt;0.001) and strong linear progression models (r2=0.96; p&lt;0.001). Algorithmic models placed Sr as the highest-ranking trace element biomarker (area under the curve: 95.6%; p&lt;0.001). Discussion: The decline in kidney function may result in the retention of non-essential trace elements. Strong corresponding trends between kidney function and blood Sr concentration indicate biomarker potential for a trace element with a unique profile in patients with CKD. Other significant relationships may also be unveiled as CKD biomarkers as trace element profiling is explored in the region.

Bioaccumulation of chemical elements in vegetables as influenced by application frequency of municipal solid waste compost

Municipal solid waste (MSW) compost is used to enrich soils by virtue of its bio-physicochemical properties. However, undesirable accumulation of chemical elements can reduce soil quality and cause food safety issues. A 5-yr field study was carried out to investigate the impact of Compost Quality Alliance (CQA)-tested MSW compost application frequency (annual, biennial and no-compost) on soil quality and chemical element accumulation in edible portions of lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. Grand Rapids), beet (Beta vulgaris cv. Detroit Supreme), carrot (Daucus carota cv. Nantes), and green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Golden Wax). Analysis of soil showed that chemical elements were highest in annual application followed by biennial, but less in control (no-compost) and fallow soils. Soil background levels of chemical elements influenced the concentrations of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in green bean, aluminum (Al) in green bean and beet, and barium (Ba) in carrot, beet, and lettuce. Cadmium (Cd) concentration in beet, lettuce, and green bean grown in the annual plot was increased by 48%, 52% and 62%, respectively while carrot recorded a 56% increase in the biennial plot compared with no-compost. Bioaccumulation factors were &lt; 1 for all of the essential and non-essential trace elements in all of the plant species, except boron (B) and molybdenum (Mo). However, lettuce showed a higher tendency to accumulate Cd, rubidium (Rb), and strontium (Sr). Overall, the health risk for human consumption is low. Although long-term annual application of compost to vegetables seemed safe for human consumption, it is necessary to continuously monitor potential chemical element accumulation, particularly non-essential trace elements in soils and plants.

Analysis of essential and non-essential trace elements in the organs of a mother-fetus pair of spotted seals (Phoca largha) from the Sea of Japan.

Concentrations of 22 essential and non-essential trace elements (Be, Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Ba, Tl, Pb, Th, U, and Hg) were measured in the organs of a mother-fetus pair (at the last trimester of pregnancy) of spotted seals from the Sea of ​Japan. The concentrations of eleven elements are reported for the first time. Eight organs of the pair were examined: lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, intestines, spleen, muscles, and bones. All trace elements detected in the organs of the mother were found also in the organs of the fetus at various concentrations. Placenta is not an effective barrier to prevent non-essential elements from getting into the fetus, but can control entry of some of them, e.g., aluminum, cadmium, and mercury. In most organs of the fetus, the concentrations of toxic trace elements (beryllium, antimony, thorium, and uranium) were noticeably higher than in the same organs of the mother, which indicates that during pregnancy female removes excess of non-essential trace elements by transferring them to the fetal body through the placental barrier.

Contamination in newly hatched larvae of the mangrove crab Ucides cordatus and a new perspective about trace elements transport

Mangroves are relevant ecosystems due to their ecological role, economic use, and social importance. One of the most abundant and important species in Brazilian mangroves is the exploited crab Ucides cordatus. This study focuses on this species and the aim was to evaluate the concentration of trace elements in the hepatopancreas of ovigerous females, eggs (pre-hatching and hatching stages), and for the first time, in newly hatched larvae. Ovigerous females were captured in two Southeastern Brazil mangroves (Guanabara Bay and Paraíba do Sul River’s secondary estuary) and spawning was held in spawning tanks, in the laboratory. Some females were not taken to the tanks, but they were frozen right after collection. There was no significant difference in trace element concentration between these females and those kept in the spawning tanks. Both essential and non-essential trace elements were detected in newly hatched larvae. Comparing with the adult female, the elements Zn, Cu, and Mn showed the highest concentrations in larvae and eggs. Vanadium, Cr, and Mn concentrations were significantly higher in hatching eggs than observed in newly hatched larvae, indicating the retention of elements in the eggshell. Considering the V (0.17 - 1.17 μg.g−1 dry weight), Cu (14.1 - 41.1 μg.g−1 dry weight), and Zn (235.4 - 263.9 μg.g−1 dry weight) concentrations in newly hatched larvae, with the same order of magnitude observed in suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediments in suspension, the planktonic larval dispersion could result in the transport of elements beyond the mangrove, and their introduction in coastal waters.

Health risk assessment of Macro, Trace-elements and heavy metal in various Indian Antidiabetic Polyherbal formulations.

Diabetes mellitus, a global pandemic, can be holistically managed with the use of polyherbal formulations which is an accessible form of treatment in developing countries due to fewer side effects, economical and easily available. Commercial polyherbal formulation lacks systemic based scientific study, thus it is suspected to be associated with many contaminations and related toxicities, one of which is considered to be elemental health hazards. Therefore, the present study is designed to assess six selected antidiabetic polyherbal formulations from the Indian market for their element contents, quality, and health risk assessment. Concentrations of 35 essential and non-essential trace-elements were quantified by Handheld X-ray spectrophotometer and health risk assessment was calculated by estimated daily intake (EDI) and Total hazard quotient (THQ). Elements were found to be in a vast range of concentration in the tested APH. Among the 35 elements analyzed, Ca (23100±0.033ppm) and K (14800±0.021 ppm) in "MH" and Zn (15600±0.025 ppm) in "DB" were found to be the highest. The lowest concentrations of Rb and Nb (3±2 ppm) were observed in the formulation "MH" and "SN" respectively. THQ of all the elements was calculated to be less than unity except for Rb in the formulation "MA". Rb is rarely associated with toxicities as it is rapidly excreted in sweat and urine. V, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Se, Y, Ag, Sn, Sb, Ba, W, and Hg were absent in all the APH. Therefore the present study indicated the presence of essential elements some of which are important for the management of diabetes and hence can be considered safe for use.

Variation of essential and non-essential trace elements in whale shark epidermis associated to two different feeding areas of the Gulf of California.

The Gulf of California represents an important hotspot for whale shark (Rhincodon typus) aggregation. Anthropogenic activities and natural sources could expose sharks to high levels of trace elements (TEs). To determinate these levels in this endangered species, concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn (in ng/g ww) were measured in 130 whale shark skin biopsies and 44 zooplankton samples collected from two areas of the Gulf of California, Bahía de Los Angeles (BLA) and Bahía de La Paz (LAP) during 2016-2018. For biopsies, Zn exhibited highest concentrations in BLA (2016-2017, 298 ± 406; 2017-2018, 1959 ± 2545) and at LAP (in 2016-2017, 595 ± 554; in 2017-2018, 2642 ± 1261). On the other hand, Cd (BLA 2016-2017, 3 ± 3; LAP 2016-2017, 4 ± 3; BLA 2017-2018, 17 ± 14; LAP 2017-2018, 13 ± 10) and Pb (BLA 2016-2017, 7 ± 7; LAP 2016-2017, 15 ± 32; BLA 2017-2018, 69 ± 76; LAP 2017-2018, 7 ± 5) showed lowest concentrations. Significant differences in TE concentrations between sites and periods occurred. Arsenic found in shark biopsies from La Paz suggested enrichment and/or increased bioavailability in this area. Sex alone was not a significant factor in TE concentration; nevertheless, a sex-dependent difference in correlation of TE concentration and size was noted (negative in males, positive in females). This indicates feeding strategies of whale shark may be sex and size segregated. During 2017-2018, zooplankton and sharks showed enrichment in all TEs. Essential elements were not biomagnified by sharks. Lead was biomagnified through zooplankton. Strong positive correlation between selected elements indicates that Zn, Cd and Pb follow the same metabolic route in the sharks' body.

Intraspecific variation of trace elements in the kelp gull (Larus dominicanus): influence of age, sex and location

Hepatic tissue of Larus dominicanus sampled on the coastline of the state of Santa Catarina in Brazil between October 2016 and May 2018 was used to evaluate intraspecific trends and spatial distribution of essential trace elements (Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Mo and Cr) and non-essential trace elements (As, Pb, Cd, Hg, Ba and V). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated differences in the bioaccumulation of trace elements between female adults and male adults, differences to sex and age were indicated by Kruskal-Wallis test. Heat maps suggest hot spots in locals with high concentration of trace elements in liver of Larus dominicanus. In general, the concentration of trace elements were comparable with values reported in other studies carried out for this species in South America and other regions of the world. The heat maps showed to be a promising tool to identify influences of the locality on bioaccumulation of trace elements in Larus dominicanus.

Permanent Signatures of Birth and Nursing Initiation are Chemically Recorded in Teeth

In 2013 we presented a model for identifying nursing behavior from primate teeth based on rapid postnatal concentration changes in the non-essential trace element barium. Here we leverage the permanent neonatal (birth) line in the enamel of several dozen primate M1 cusps to compare pre- and postnatal trends in barium, zinc, strontium, and oxygen, as each element is believed to evince developmental patterning. Barium and zinc are the most consistent biomarkers of nursing initiation; a majority of M1 cusps show concentration increases from prenatal to postnatal enamel, whereas strontium shows no change or decreases with equal frequency. Exceptions to the pattern of barium increase occurred in cusps that had been mineralizing for less than three weeks, suggesting that subsequent enamel maturation has only a minor impact on detecting real time events. Oxygen isotope compositions (δ18O) show marked fluctuations (~ 1–2 ‰) within a few weeks of birth in 92% of M1 cusps (n = 22/24). This is likely due to measurements of hypomineralized perinatal enamel, as well as physiological changes in the body water of newborn infants. Ongoing work integrating elemental concentration gradients with isotopic variation will help establish the degree to which milk intake may cause elevated δ18O in teeth. We show that chemical identification of pre- to postnatal transitions may be robust to slight planar deviations that often obscure growth increments under light microscopy, and could help validate the identification of potential neonatal lines, making this approach a useful complement to bioarchaeological studies and public health investigations.

Variability of essential and non-essential trace elements in the follicular fluid of women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF)

Both essential and non-essential elements have been associated with female reproductive function in epidemiologic investigations, including among IVF populations. To date, most investigators have used blood or urine to assess biomarkers of exposure, with few employing ovarian follicular fluid (FF). FF may offer a more direct “snapshot” of the oocyte microenvironment than blood or urine, however previous studies report follicle-to-follicle variability in FF constituents that may contribute to exposure misclassification. Our objectives were to investigate sources of trace element variability, to estimate FF biomarker reliability among women undergoing IVF (n = 34), and to determine the minimum number of follicles required to estimate subject-specific mean concentrations. We measured As, Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu, Mn, Se, and Zn in FF samples using inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry. Inter-subject (between-women) variability contributed most of the variability in FF element concentrations, with ovarian, follicular, and analytical as smaller sources of variability. The proportion of variability attributable to sources between-follicles differed by age, body mass index (BMI), race, and cigarette smoking for Cu, Se, and Zn, by BMI and cigarette smoking for As, by primary infertility diagnosis for Hg, Cu, Se, and Zn, and by ovarian stimulation protocol for Mn and Se. Four to five individual follicles were sufficient to estimate subject-specific mean Cu, Se, and Zn concentrations, while >14 were necessary for As, Hg, Cd, Pb, and Mn. Overall, our results suggest that FF is a suitable source of biomarkers of As and Hg exposure in ovarian follicles. Although limited in size, our study offers the most comprehensive exploration of biological variation in FF trace elements to date and may provide guidance for future studies of ovarian trace element exposures.

Cloning and bioinformatics analysis of cadmium-resistant gene TASFT2 in wheat

Cadmium is a non-essential trace element which is highly toxic to plants. Because of its high mobility and toxicity, it has become a hot topic to study the molecular mechanism of cadmium uptake and transport by plants and to cultivate new crop varieties resistant to cadmium and low cadmium accumulation. Cd enters into the plant body, it will be absorbed by the root system and gradually transported to the above-ground part. Plants reduce toxic effects by absorbing and transporting heavy metals in different chemical forms and storing them in different organs and tissues. Under cadmium stress, plants produce a variety of physiological and biochemical mechanisms that limit cadmium absorption and transfer to reduce cadmium damage. Cadmium stress induces the expression level of metallothionine gene in gramineous crops (wheat and rice), which has a positive effect on improving plant resistance to cadmium and alleviating cadmium toxicity. It is not clear how the gene causes tolerance to heavy metals. Therefore, this experiment cloned the gene and analyzed the biological information to find the mechanism of cadmium resistance.&#x0D; The full length of TaSFT2 gene was cloned by RT-PCR. The sequence analysis showed that ORF gene was 684bp, encoding 228 amino acids, with a molecular weight of 58.542kD and an isoelectric point of 9.16. The results of evolutionary tree analysis showed that wheat TaSFT2 was closely related to maize ZmGot1/Sft2 gene and rice OsGot1/Sft2 protein.&#x0D; The basic information of TaSFT2 gene can be obtained by chromosome location analysis, intron/exon analysis, ORF analysis and expression profile analysis, etc. By analyzing the basic properties of TaSFT2 protein, hydrophobicity analysis, transmembrane region prediction, signal peptide prediction and similarity prediction, the properties of gene-encoded protein can be preliminarily determined and predicted. In particular, hydrophobicity analysis and transmembrane region prediction can be used to predict whether the gene is membrane protein, which has important reference significance for determining the direction of experimental research.

Trace Elements and Their Relation to Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity .

ABSTRACT Background: The human body is composed of two types of elements, abundant and trace elements. Abundant elements include the major elements that are important constituents of tissues e.g. oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen. Trace elements are micronutrients which are important for the human body, but they are only present in traceable quantities. They are classified into essential, and non-essential elements. Essential trace elements include iron, zinc, copper, cobalt, fluoride, iodide, manganese, molybdenum & selenium. Probably essential trace elements include Nickel, tin, vanadium, silicon, Boron. Non-essential trace elements include aluminum, lead, silver, mercury, rubidium, strontium, titanium, and zirconium. Although trace elements account for only 0.02% of the total body weight, yet they have many functions in the biological process. Some of them like iron, zinc, chromium, copper and iodine act as antioxidants and cofactors for many enzymes affecting the metabolism and insulin action and have great effect on insulin and leptin receptors. Nevertheless, the biochemical functions are well-defined. If the level of these micronutrients decreased or increased, widespread issues in human health occur. Aim: Some of the trace elements and their role in the pathology and development of obesity and diabetes mellitus are the subject of this article. Conclusion: This review concludes that deficiency or excess of some trace elements may contribute directly or indirectly to pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and obesity. Further investigations are needed to complete gaps in our knowledge on trace elements.

Comparing Trace Element Bioaccumulation and Depuration in Snails and Mayfly Nymphs at a Coal Ash-Contaminated Site.

We examined the bioaccumulation of essential (Cu, Fe, Se, and Zn) and nonessential (As and Hg) trace elements in 2 aquatic invertebrate species (adult snails and mayfly nymphs) with different feeding habits at the site of a coal ash spill. Differences in food web pathway, exposure concentrations, and biological processing affected bioaccumulation patterns in these species. Mayflies had higher body burdens, but snails had higher retention of most elements studied. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2437-2449. © 2020 SETAC.

Trace elements in ready-to-drink ice tea: Total content, in vitro bioaccessibility and risk assessment

Tea is one of the most consumed non-alcoholic beverages in world and it has been frequently associated to health benefits. Besides its nutrient composition, non-essential trace elements associated with toxic effects may also be present. Ever since food components undergo biotransformation process along gastrointestinal tract after ingestion, it is important to evaluate both total and bioavailable content of trace elements. Therefore, this study aimed to provide comprehensive data concerning the influence of the in vitro digestion on sixteen trace elements present in ready-to-drink ice tea (black, green, mate and white tea). Essential minerals (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se and Zn) and inorganic contaminants (Al, As, Cd, Li, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn and Sr) contents were determined by ICP OES after microwave acid digestion. Bioaccessibility evaluation was carried out by simulating the gastric (pepsin) and intestinal juice (pancreatin and bile salts) and bioavailability used Caco-2 cells culture as an intestinal epithelial model. Moreover, tannins were evaluated by UV–VIS spectroscopy. Multivariate analysis allowed classifying ice tea samples in three groups, based on their trace elements profile. Al, Cu, Sr, Mn and Zn bioaccessible fractions corresponded to, approximately, 40–60% of their total content. For Mn, bioaccessibility and bioavailability presented the same pattern (green ice tea > black ice tea > mate ice tea) whilst Sr bioavailability in green tea were 50% higher than in black tea samples.