Trace Element Profiles Research Articles

Pesticide and trace element residues in honey and beeswax combs from Israel in association with human risk assessment and honey adulteration

Beehive products are considered sentinels for environmental pollutants. The presence of trace elements and pesticides in honey and beeswax may pose a health hazard to consumers. The study’s aim was to determine the profile of pesticides and trace elements in Israeli honey and beeswax samples in relation to human risk assessment. At least two pesticides contaminated the honey and beeswax samples simultaneously, in which, amitraz metabolites and coumaphos were frequently detected. The neonicotinoid insecticides and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, were found only in honey samples, whereas the more lipophilic pesticides were predominantly found in beeswax. In honey, chromium displayed the highest mean concentration, followed by zinc, whereas lead and molybdene occurred only in beeswax. Our findings indicate that the daily consumption of honey and beeswax together may compromise children’s health. Sucrose-syrup fed honey could not be distinguished from floral honey based on sugar profile, rather by its trace elements levels.

Serum trace elements profile in the pediatric inflammatory bowel disease progress evaluation

IntroductionInflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic inflammatory disorder of gastrointestinal tract, arises from complex interaction between genetics, environment, gut microbiota and mucosal immune response. Along with clinical, endoscopic and radiological evaluation various biomarkers are needed as an additional diagnostic tool, as well as to predict disease course and therapeutic outcomes. AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate clinical value of essential trace elements (ETEs) serum concentration profile in the assessment of pediatric IBD diseases development. Materials and methodsConcentration of five ETEs: iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and selenium (Se) in serum of 41 children with newly diagnosed IBD (27 CD and 14 UC) and 20 healthy controls were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS) at the moment of diagnosis and after one year of treatment. ResultsThe obtained results revealed significant differences in serum concentration profile of studied ETEs' for IBD pediatric patients and healthy controls. Decrease of iron, zinc and selenium and increase of copper and manganese serum concentration were observed in IBD patients at the time of diagnosis. The changes were reversible and after one year of treatment the studied ETEs serum concentration profile resembled much more that observed for healthy controls. Correlations between studied ETEs levels within cases (IBD, CD, UC) were also found to be different from those in healthy controls (HC). ConclusionAlthough much more studies are required on the subject our results demonstrate a clinical value of ETEs serum concentration profile in pediatric IBD patients regarding disease development.

New evidence for the prograde and retrograde PT-path of high-pressure granulites, Moldanubian Zone, Lower Austria, by Zr-in-rutile thermometry and garnet diffusion modelling

Compositional zoning in garnet, mineral inclusions and the application of the Zr-in-rutile thermometry on rutile inclusions in garnet in combination with conventional geothermobarometry and thermodynamic modelling allows a reconstruction of the prograde pressure-temperature evolution in felsic and mafic high-pressure granulites from the Moldanubian Zone, Bohemian Massif, Lower Austria. Most garnets in these rocks show homogeneous core compositions with high grossular contents (~30 mol%), while their rim zones have a markedly reduced grossular content. Rutile inclusions in the grossular rich garnet cores have low Zr concentrations (400 to 1300 ppm) indicating a formation temperature of ~810–820 °C which implies that the garnet host grew at these temperature conditions as well. Based on numerous polycrystalline melt inclusions, high Ti-biotite relics and a generally high Ti concentration in garnet cores, the peritectic biotite breakdown reaction is considered to be responsible for a first garnet growth, now observed as high-grossular garnet cores. The corresponding pressure is estimated to be in the range of 1.6 to 2.5 GPa, based on experimentally determined biotite breakdown reactions, thermodynamic modelling and the occurrence of high-Ti biotite in garnet cores. Rutile inclusions in low-Ca garnet rims contain significantly higher Zr concentrations (1700 to 5800 ppm) resulting in ultrahigh temperatures of ~1030 °C. Similar temperature as well as corresponding pressure estimates of 1000 ± 50 °C and 1.60 ± 0.10 GPa were obtained by geothermobarometry and thermodynamic modelling using garnet rim and re-integrated ternary feldspar compositions. These high pressure and ultrahigh temperature conditions are well known from literature for these granulites. The proposed two-phase garnet growth is not only seen in different temperatures obtained from rutile inclusions in garnet core and rim areas, but also in discontinuous trace (Cr, Ga, P, Ti, V, Zr) and heavy rare earth element profiles across garnet porphyroblasts, implying a different reaction mechanism for garnet rim growth. This second phase of garnet growth must have occurred during near isobaric heating to the ultrahigh temperature peak, most likely even at slightly lower pressures compared to the garnet core growth.By applying a binary Fe-Mg diffusion model to strongly zoned garnet grains a maximum timescale of 5–6 million years was estimated for the exhumation and cooling process, assuming a linear cooling path from 1000 °C at 1.6 GPa to 760 °C at 0.8 GPa. This short-lived ultrahigh temperature event corresponds to cooling and exhumation rates of 40–50 °C Ma−1 and 5.3–6.6 mm y−1, respectively.

Initial subduction of Neo-Tethyan ocean: Geochemical records in chromite and mineral inclusions in the Pozantı-Karsantı ophiolite, southern Turkey

Chromitites in the Pozantı-Karsantı ophiolite in Turkey mainly occur as podiform chromitites within mantle harzburgite and stratiform-like chromitites in mantle-crust transition zone. Chromites in chromitites have varing Cr# from 62.8 to 80.3 and can be divided into two types, namely; intermediate (Cr#: 62.8 – 69.2) and high-Cr (Cr#: 73.9 – 80.3) types. Major elements of the high-Cr chromitite have an affinity with boninite, whereas the intermediate chromitite shows transitional features between MORB and boninite. The compositional differences in clinopyroxene inclusions between intermediate- and high-Cr chromitite, coupled with the relatively high trace element contents (e.g. V, Ga) in the high-Cr chromitite, indicate distinctive parental magmas. Trace elemental profile analysis of a nodular chromite grain in one nodular chromitite sample PK14-41 demonstrates significant but non-systematic variations from the core to the rim, which also confirmed the compositional heterogeneity of the parental magmas. The presence of primary hydrous mineral inclusions such as amphibole in chromite, together with Ca-rich minerals (e.g. calcite), reflect the water-rich and Ca-rich characteristics of the parental magma. The higher fO2 of high-Cr chromitite evidenced by the lower V/Mn values may be due to more oxidized fluids released from downgoing crustal materials. Thus, we conclude that the parental magmas of the Pozantı-Karsantı chromitite were derived from a proto-forearc mantle and evolved to higher fO2 with the subduction initiation at that time, but were water- and Ca-rich in general.

Effects of platinum-based anticancer drugs on the trace element profile of liver and kidney tissue from mice

BackgroundPlatinum-based anticancer drugs are relatively successful chemotherapeutic agents, which can cause significant elemental changes in key organs and are known for undesirable side effects, such as nephrotoxicity (damage to the kidneys). Objectives and methodsInductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and traditional statistical tools such as two-sample Student’s t-test and Pearson’s correlation analysis are used to evaluate the effects of different investigational Pt-based anticancer drugs on the elemental constitution of kidneys and liver of mice. Principal component analysis is used to uncover relationships in element concentration and potential correlations between those and clinical effects. Random forest importance is used to identify elements most associated with the drug’s maximum tolerated doses (MTDs). ResultsStrong negative correlations between Pt and both Cu (−0.814) and Zn (−0.784) in kidneys were observed for one of the Pt-acridine anticancer agents evaluated (Drug C). Strong positive correlations were observed between Cu in both kidneys (0.834) and liver (0.756) with Zn in liver for the same compound. Cisplatin administration correlates to higher concentrations of Ca, Cu, Rb and Zn in liver. Calcium and Mo in kidneys and Pt and Zn in liver are the features most associated with MTDs. ConclusionsThe results indicate that the Pt-based agents investigated are major modulators of ion homeostasis in excretory organs, which most likely contributes to their systemic toxicity and limits their efficacy. A better understanding of subtle patterns and correlations among elements in key organs may provide deeper insights into the mechanisms of action and ultimately contribute for better, safer drugs. To achieve this goal, researchers involved in cancer drug development may leverage the high sensitivity and high sample throughput of ICP-MS, and the capabilities of modern statistical tools to extract relevant information from a large dataset.

Optimizing Vitamin and Trace Element Profiles in Blood after Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery by a New Parenteral Nutrition Formula

Introduction: Though micronutrient formulations for parenteral nutrition (PN) have been revised, the impacts of these changes on nutritional parameters, blood micronutrient levels, and safety have yet to be clarified. We examined the efficacy and safety of a new PN formulation with a micronutrient composition based on the Food and Drug Administration 2000 recommendation in surgical patients. Methods: This phase III clinical trial (JapicCTI-No. 142610) was a prospective, randomized, controlled, parallel-group, open-label, multicenter study. Two types of PN, OPF-108 (revised formula, n = 51) and ELN (previous formula mainly based on American Medical Association 1975 guidelines, n = 59), were given to patients from POD1 or 2 to POD7 after surgery. OPF-108 contains more vitamin B1, B6, C, and folic acid, a much lower dose of vitamin K, and less iron than ELN. Nutritional parameters and micronutrient profiles in blood and safety were evaluated. Results: Nutritional parameters on POD5 and 8 were similar between the 2 groups. Blood vitamin B1, B6, and folic acid levels on POD 5 and 8 were higher in the OPF-108 group than in the ELN group. Only OPF-108 restored vitamin C levels to within the normal range on POD5 and 8. Vitamin K levels far exceeded the upper limit of the standard range on POD5 and 8 in the ELN group, whereas OPF-108 essentially maintained these levels within the standard ranges. Serum iron levels on POD8 were nearly normal in both the OPF-108 and ELN groups. Conclusion: Beneficial effects of the new micronutrient formulation were demonstrated in surgical patients.

Disturbance of trace element and gut microbiota profiles as indicators of autism spectrum disorder: A pilot study of Chinese children

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neuro-developmental disorder that is characterized by impairments of reciprocal social interaction and restricted stereotyped repetitive behavior. The goal of the present study was to investigate the trace element and gut microbiota profiles of Chinese autistic children and screen out potential metallic or microbial indicators of the disease. One hundred and thirty-six children (78 with ASD and 58 healthy controls) aged from 3 to 7 years were enrolled. The levels of lead, cadmium, arsenic, copper, zinc, iron, mercury, calcium and magnesium in hair samples from the children were analyzed. Fecal samples were also collected and the children’s gut microbiota profiles were characterized by 16s rRNA sequencing. Concentrations of lead, arsenic, copper, zinc, mercury, calcium and magnesium were significantly higher in the ASD group than in the control group. Linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis indicated that the relative abundance of nine genera was increased in the autistic children. Redundancy analysis showed that arsenic and mercury were significantly associated with Parabacteroides and Oscillospira in the gut. A random forest model was trained with high accuracy (84.00%) and the metallic and microbial biomarkers of ASD were established. Our results indicate significant alterations in the trace element and gut microbiota profiles of Chinese children with ASD and reveal the potential pathogenesis of this disease in terms of metal metabolism and gut microecology.

Atomization and Changes in Chemical Composition by Laser Ablation in Liquid prior to Determination of Trace Elements in Gallium Nitride.

Trace elements contained in single-crystal gallium nitride (GaN), which is a refractory material, were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with laser ablation in liquid (LAL) sampling. Particle size analysis by dynamic light scattering confirmed that LAL atomized the single-crystal GaN, and scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry revealed that LAL sampling converted the GaN to gallium oxide particles. The atomization and changes in the chemical composition allowed for easy digestion of the sampled particles with nitric acid and a hot plate instead of with hydrochloric or sulfuric acid, a microwave digestion system, and a high-pressure vessel. Trace element analysis revealed the presence of trace Mg, Ge, Y, and Cd in single-crystal GaN, and the detection limits for these elements were 0.1 - 2 mg kg-1. The uncertainty derived from the small amount of sample used, which is a disadvantage of LAL sampling, was reduced by calculating the amount of sample ablated by measuring the concentration of the major element, Ga. We expect that the trace-element profiles of other refractory materials will be able to be determined by using this analytical approach.

Impotentia generandi in male dromedary camels: heavy metal and trace element profiles and their relations to clinical findings and semen quality.

The aim of this study was to investigate the profiles of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) in serum of dromedary camels with impotentia generandi and their associations with the clinical findings and semen analysis data. Sixteen male dromedary camels with impotentia generandi (IG group) and 5 fertile camels (FERT group) were used. The external and internal genital organs were examined using visual inspection, palpation, and ultrasonography. Semen was collected by electroejaculation and examined for volume, count, motility, viability, and abnormality. Blood was collected from all camels and serum was harvested. All serum samples were digested by concentrated acids and analyzed for heavy metals and trace elements by flame emission atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results showed that the mean heavy metal and trace element concentrations in serum were in the following descending order Fe > Zn > Cu > Cd > Mo > Se > Mn > Pb. Cd was higher in IG than in FERT males (P = 0.02). Se was greater in FERT than in IG groups (P = 0.003). Zn was higher in in FERT than in IG groups (P = 0.001). There were positive correlations between Zn and sperm count (r = 0.59, P = 0.005) and sperm motility (r = 0.57, P = 0.005) and a tendency for negative correlation between Zn and sperm abnormalities (r = - 0.44, P = 0.05). In conclusion, Cd might be implicated as a cause of infertility in male camels. Deficiencies of Se and Zn may also have adverse impacts on male camel reproduction.

High copper levels in follicular fluid affect follicle development in polycystic ovary syndrome patients: Population-based and in vitro studies

Although the adverse effects of copper overexposure on the liver, kidney, spleen and intestinal organs are well known, information about the impact of copper toxicity on human reproduction is limited. A total of 348 infertile patients were enrolled in our present study, including 89 with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), 145 with fallopian tube obstruction and 114 controls. The follicular fluid concentrations of 22 trace elements were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Principal component analysis was used to identify trace element profile alterations in different groups. The mRNA levels of steroidogenesis-related genes were measured by real-time PCR. Our results showed that the trace element profile in follicular fluid was obviously altered in PCOS patients. Copper concentrations were significantly (p < .05) higher in the PCOS group than in the other two groups. Increased copper levels in follicular fluid were associated with a higher number of retrievable oocytes in the PCOS group (B = 1.785, p = .001) but a lower rate of high-quality embryos (B = −6.360, p = .050). Moreover, follicular fluid copper levels were positively correlated with follicular fluid progesterone levels (r = 0.275, p = .010) and testosterone levels (r = 0.250, p = .022). Cultured human granulosa cells overexposed to copper showed significantly (p < .05) increased estradiol secretion and decreased testosterone levels. Real-time quantitative PCR revealed a significant (p < .05) increase in CYP19A1 and HSD3b mRNA expression. Our results indicate that increased copper levels in follicular fluid could affect follicle development in PCOS patients, and the mechanism may be related to copper-induced abnormalities in steroidogenesis.

Effects of Buried Environment on the Morphology and Trace Element Profile of Faunal Remains: An Experimental Study

Effects of Buried Environment on the Morphology and Trace Element Profile of Faunal Remains: An Experimental Study

Heavy metal tolerance of Pontechium maculatum (Boraginaceae) from several ultramafic localities in Serbia

Pontechium maculatum, a facultative metallophyte, was collected from four ultramafic localities in Serbia and analysed in terms of micro- and macroelement accumulation. The aim of the study was to reveal trace element profiles and differences in uptake and translocation of heavy metals in populations growing under heavy metal stress. The concentrations of major and trace elements in soil samples (Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Cr, Zn, Cu, Co, Cd) and in plant tissues (Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Cr, Zn, Cu, Co, Cd) are presented. The results of our analysis indicate that P. maculatum efficiently absorbs Zn and Cr, while for most of the other elements accumulation levels fit in the range of values obtained for several other species from ultramafic localities on the Balkan Peninsula.

Geographical origin identification of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) based on trace element profiles using tobacco as intermedium planted on soils from five different regions

Spodoptera litura (S. litura) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a worldwide agricultural pest which can feed on >389 species of industrial crops, has been becoming the most important pest in tropical and subtropical countries. The purpose of this study was to establish an effective strategy to identify the geographical origins of such species and adopt appropriate responses for eradication campaigns. The concentrations of seven trace elements (Al, Ca, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cr, Sr) in 25 samples reared from five different regions' soils in China were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The results showed significant differences among soil samples and S. litura samples collected from diverse regions in terms of the contents of all elements, respectively. In addition, four elements (Ca, Fe, Zn and Sr) showed significantly correlations (P < 0.05) between S. litura and soils. Multivariate analysis techniques including principal component analysis and canonical discriminant analysis were utilized to discriminate S. litura samples according to geographical origins using concentrations of trace elements as variables. The recognition accuracy and prediction accuracy were both reach to 100.0% through cross validation of the results. Therefore, identification pattern on the basis of trace elements in the bodies of S. litura was feasible for the determination of geographical origins of individuals and the applications of this technique could be potentially available to design pest management programs and contribute for resolving invasive insect issues in pest breakout areas in the future.

Serum trace elements in insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetes: a comparative study.

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is associated with imbalance in body trace elements. The aim of the current investigation was to compare the levels of trace elements (Zn, Mg, Mn, Cu, Na, K, Fe, Ca, Cr, and Se) in insulin dependent (IDDM) and non-insulin dependent (NIDDM) diabetes.MethodsA total of 100 patients with diabetes (40 IDDM and 60 NIDDM) and 50 healthy subjects were recruited in the study from both genders. Biochemical measures include glucose, lipids, and HbA1C.ResultsThe results showed that Zn, Mg, Cu and Cr were significant lower in patients with diabetes compared to the control group (P<0.01). In addition, Zn and Cr were significantly lower in IDDM than NIDDM (P<0.05). Moreover, Zn and Mg levels were inversely correlated with HbA1c in IDDM and NIDDM (P<0.05). Zn was inversely correlated with fasting blood glucose in IDDM (P<0.05). Finally, no correlation between trace element levels with BMI was found (P>0.05).ConclusionDisturbance in trace element profile among IDDM and NIDDM is similar.

Chemical differentiation, cold storage and remobilization of magma in the Earth's crust.

The formation, storage and chemical differentiation of magma in the Earth's crust is of fundamental importance in igneous geology and volcanology. Recent data are challenging the high-melt-fraction 'magma chamber' paradigm that has underpinned models of crustal magmatism for over a century, suggesting instead that magma is normally stored in low-melt-fraction 'mush reservoirs'1-9. A mush reservoir comprises a porous and permeable framework of closely packed crystals with melt present in the pore space1,10. However, many common features of crustal magmatism have not yet been explained by either the 'chamber' or 'mush reservoir' concepts1,11. Here we show that reactive melt flow is a critical, but hitherto neglected, process in crustal mush reservoirs, caused by buoyant melt percolating upwards through, and reacting with, the crystals10. Reactive melt flow in mush reservoirs produces the low-crystallinity, chemically differentiated (silicic) magmas that ascend to form shallower intrusions or erupt to the surface11-13. These magmas can host much older crystals, stored at low and even sub-solidus temperatures, consistent with crystal chemistry data6-9. Changes in local bulk composition caused by reactive melt flow, rather than large increases in temperature, produce the rapid increase in melt fraction that remobilizes these cool- or cold-stored crystals. Reactive flow can also produce bimodality in magma compositions sourced from mid- to lower-crustal reservoirs14,15. Trace-element profiles generated by reactive flow are similar to those observed in a well studied reservoir now exposed at the surface16. We propose that magma storage and differentiation primarily occurs by reactive melt flow in long-lived mush reservoirs, rather than by the commonly invoked process of fractional crystallization in magma chambers14.

Trace element profiles in pregnant women's sera and umbilical cord sera and influencing factors: Repeated measurements

In utero exposure to toxic heavy metals and deficient or excessive essential trace elements during pregnancy may have adverse effects on pregnant women and their offsprings, which are of great concern. The objective of the present study was to characterize serum concentrations of multiple trace elements at multiple time points during pregnancy in Chinese women. Three thousand four hundred and sixteen pregnant women in total were included from MABC (Ma'anshan Birth Cohort) study. Fasting sera in the morning and questionnaires were obtained at three separate follow-up visits. Nineteen trace elements from serum samples were analyzed, including aluminum (Al), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd), barium (Ba), thallium (Tl), lead (Pb), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), mercury (Hg) and molybdenum (Mo). The total detection rates for most elements were 100% rather than Ni (99.98%), As (99.97%), Cd (99.6%), Ba (99.9%), Pb (99.8%), Hg (99.8%). The concentration distributions of 19 elements varied vastly. Median concentrations for all trace elements ranged from 38.5 ng/L to 102.9 mg/L. The moderate interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were observed for Co, Cu, Se and Hg, ranging from 0.40 to 0.62; the lower ICCs, ranging from 0.13 to 0.32 were for Fe, Zn, Cd, Ba, Tl, Mg and Mo. The intraclass correlation effects were not observed for the remaining elements, such as Al, V, Cr, Mn, Ni, As and Pb. The concentrations of each element between three time points were significantly different; significant differences were also found between any two time points except for Ni, Cd and Mo. Many factors could affect the levels of trace elements, and a very important factor of them was season. Consequently, a single measurement of elements in sera seems not enough to describe exposure levels throughout pregnancy; additionally, season affected exposure levels of trace elements with moderate ICCs showed certain regularity. Future analyses should take sampling seasons into consideration carefully.

Chemometric characterization of the trace element profile of raw meat from Rubia Gallega x Holstein Friesian calves from an intensive system

This study was conducted to compare the essential and toxic element content of seven veal cuts: shoulder clod (SC), inside round (IR), eye of round (ER), bottom round (BR), heel of round (HR), knuckle (KK) and tenderloin (TL). Eighty-four meat samples were determined by ICP-MS. Overall, essential trace elements (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn), except Se, varied significantly between the different meat cuts. By contrast, there were no significant variations for the minor trace elements (Cr, Mo and Ni) or the toxic elements (As, Cd and Pb). Chemometric analysis of the data identified four clusters: (1) the main trace elements, except (2) Se, which was closely related to (3) the toxic elements, and finally (4) the minor trace elements. TL and ER cuts constituted two separated groups; most of the SC and KK samples were associated, and IR and BR samples overlapped. TL and SC contained the highest amounts of trace elements, whereas ER and KK the lowest.

Geochemistry and geochronology of dolerite dykes from the Daba and Dongbo peridotite massifs, SW Tibet: Insights into the style of mantle melting at the onset of Neo-Tethyan subduction

This study reports on compositional, whole-rock SrNd isotopic, and zircon UPb geochronological data for dolerite dykes in the Daba and Dongbo ultramafic massifs of the southwest Yarlung–Zangbo Suture Zone (YZSZ), SW Tibet. The 121 ± 2 Ma dolerite dykes from the Daba peridotite exhibit primitive mantle (PM)-normalised multi-element patterns with (La/Yb)N = 0.43–0.72 and negative Nb anomalies. They have high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (87Sr/86Sr(i) = 0.707197 to 0.707879) and high εNd(t) values (+7.4 to +7.9). The 125 ± 2 Ma dolerite intrusions within the Dongbo peridotite show PM-normalised trace element profiles [(La/Yb)N = 0.65–0.84] that are characterised by apparent negative Nb anomalies and moderate negative Ti (±Y) anomalies. They also have high 87Sr/86Sr(i) ratios (0.706108–0.706793) and high εNd(t) values (+7.8 to +8.2). Semi-quantitative Sm/Yb vs. La/Sm modelling demonstrates that the parental magmas of the investigated dykes were derived from 10%–20% (cumulative) melting of a (broad) mantle source region that had a spinel-bearing normal mid-ocean ridge basalt (N-MORB)-like lherzolitic composition. The geochemical and isotopic data indicate that the composition of the inferred mantle source was influenced by minor inputs of subducted crustal material. The petrogenesis of the Daba and Dongbo massifs can be linked to the upwelling of an asthenospheric source that caused continental rifting and subsequent seafloor spreading that was followed by the subduction initiation adjacent to a passive margin during the Early Cretaceous (~130–120 Ma). The results provide a more detailed and perhaps more elegant hypothesis for the tectonomagmatic evolution of the southwestern YZSZ “ophiolitic” peridotites after their accretion beneath a Neo-Tethyan marginal basin.

Trace element profile in pemphigus foliaceus and in pemphigus vulgaris patients from Southeastern Brazil

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) and pemphigus vulgaris (PV) are autoimmune bullous diseases; they are endemic in the northeastern region of the state of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil. Patients’ copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) metabolic deficiencies have already been associated with PV pathogenesis in the Middle East but not in Brazil. Lead (Pb), Cu, Zn, and Se concentrations were determined in whole blood or serum samples obtained from 56 PV patients, 62 PF patients, and 135 healthy controls from the endemic region and compared. The PV patients had higher (above the reference values) Pb and lower Zn levels as compared to controls. Both the PV and the PF patients presented decreased Se levels as compared to controls. The PV, PF, and control groups did not differ in terms of Cu concentration. These results indicate that high Pb blood levels are related with environmental contamination and consequently with PV pathogenesis. Moreover, Zn and Se depletion, observed in the PV patients and in the PV and the PF patients, respectively, may result from metabolic consumption verified in chronic diseases.

Micro-edaphic factors affect intra-specific variations in trace element profiles of Noccaea praecox on ultramafic soils.

The aim of this study was to compare trace element profiles of Noccaea praecox (Wulfen) F. K. Mey. growing on ultramafic soils in different habitat types and to observe differences in uptake and translocation of trace elements. Physico-chemical characteristics of the soil and concentrations of P2O5, K2O, Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd, and Co in plant samples were presented. Biological concentration, accumulation, and translocation factors were calculated to estimate accumulation potential of different N. praecox accessions. All of the studied accessions were Ni hyperaccumulators (with shoot concentrations up to 14,593mgkg-1), but with notable differences in accumulation and translocation rates. Significant differences in accumulation and translocation patterns of trace elements were observed among accessions from habitats characterized as serpentine steppes on dry, shallow soils in contrast to the accessions from habitats with higher soil moisture, and higher content of organic matter.