Historical occupational trichloroethylene air concentrations based on inspection measurements from Shanghai, China.

PURPOSE: Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a carcinogen that has been linked to kidney cancer and possibly other cancer sites including non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Its use in China has increased since the early 1990s with China's growing metal, electronic, and telecommunications industries. We examined historical occupational TCE air concentration patterns in a database of TCE inspection measurements collected in Shanghai, China to identify temporal trends and broad contrasts among occupations and industries. METHODS: Using a database of 932 short-term, area TCE air inspection measurements collected in Shanghai worksites from 1968 through 2000 (median year 1986), we developed mixed-effects models to evaluate job-, industry-, and time-specific TCE air concentrations. RESULTS: Models of TCE air concentrations from Shanghai work sites predicted that exposures decreased 5-10% per year between 1968 and 2000. Measurements collected near launderers and dry cleaners had the highest predicted geometric means (GM for 1986 = 150-190 mg m(-3)). The majority (53%) of the measurements were collected in metal treatment jobs. In a model restricted to measurements in metal treatment jobs, predicted GMs for 1986 varied 35-fold across industries, from 11 mg m(-3) in 'other metal products/repair' industries to 390 mg m(-3) in 'ships/aircrafts' industries. CONCLUSIONS: TCE workplace air concentrations appeared to have dropped over time in Shanghai, China between 1968 and 2000. Understanding differences in TCE concentrations across time, occupations, and industries may assist future epidemiologic studies in China.

Etienne-François Geoffroy (1672-1731), a Chemist on the Frontiers.

Etienne-François Geoffroy is certainly the most representative chemist of the Paris Académie Royale des Sciences in the early eighteenth century. Interested in Newtonian ideas, he did not reject Cartesian mechanism. He is the inventor of the "Table des rapports entre les substances chimiques," which remained in use throughout the eighteenth century, but he drew from the alchemical tradition. He readily theorized about the composition of metals or the laws of chemical affinities, but he practiced a chemistry that was rooted in laboratory work and the search for substances useful to craftsmen.

Elements in the Melting Pot: Merging Chemistry, Assaying, and Natural History, Ca. 1730-60.

This essay examines how the modern concept of the chemical element emerged during the eighteenth century. It traces this concept to a group of assayers, mineralogists, and chemists active at the Swedish Bureau of Mines (Bergskollegium). Driven by a deep ontological pragmatism, these "mining chemists" came to regard all inquiries into the component parts of metals as useless speculation. Instead, metals were treated as immutable species that made mineralogical taxonomy possible. Their work was a form of Enlightenment boundary work, which associated chrysopoeia and the pursuit of the components of metals with superstition and disreputable activities such as astrology.

Bioavailability Assessment of Metals in Freshwater Environments: A Historical Review.

Many metals (aluminum, cadmium, cobalt, copper, nickel, lead, zinc) are widely studied environmental contaminants because of their ubiquity, potential toxicity to aquatic life, and tendency for toxicity to vary widely as a function of water chemistry. The interactions between metal and water chemistry influence metal "bioavailability," an index of the rate and extent to which the metal reaches the site of toxic action. The implications of metal bioavailability for ecological risk assessment are large, with as much as a 100-fold variability across a range of water chemistries in surface waters. Beginning as early as the 1930s, considerable research effort was expended toward documenting and understanding metal bioavailability as a function of total and dissolved metal, water hardness, natural organic matter, pH, and other water characteristics. The understanding of these factors and improvements in both analytical and computational chemistry led to the development of modeling approaches intended to describe and predict the relationship between water chemistry and metal toxicity, including the free ion activity model, the gill surface interaction model, the biotic ligand model, and additional derivatives and regression models that arose from similar knowledge. The arc of these scientific advances can also be traced through the evolution of the US Environmental Protection Agency's ambient water quality criteria over the last 50 yr, from guidance in the "Green Book" (1968) to metal-specific criteria produced in the last decade. Through time, water quality criteria in many jurisdictions have incorporated increasingly sophisticated means of addressing metal bioavailability. The present review discusses the history of scientific understanding of metal bioavailability and the development and application of models to incorporate this knowledge into regulatory practice. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;39:48-59. © 2019 SETAC.

Wound ballistics: Minié ball vs. full metal jacketed bullets--a comparison of Civil War and Spanish-American War firearms.

OBJECTIVE: The advent of the full metal jacketed bullet in the late nineteenth century was thought to cause less severe battlefield wounds. This study compares the wounding characteristics of a reproduction rifle from the American Civil War to one of the Spanish-American War using the wound profile method. METHODS: A 0.58 caliber rifled musket using Minié balls and a 0.30 caliber Krag-Jorgenson rifle using full metal jacketed bullets were fired into calibrated 10% ordnance gelatin blocks at a distance of 3 meters. Measured parameters included maximum temporary cavity, muzzle velocity, and the permanent track. RESULTS: Maximum temporary cavities were significantly larger using the musket, averaging 121 mm (+/- 5.4) vs. 38.6 mm (+/- 8.8) (p < 0.001). Bullet weights were also significantly larger, totaling 29.7 grams (+/- 1.3) for the musket vs. 14.18 grams (+/- 0.01) for the rifle (p < 0.01). Using grains, bullet weights were 458.3 grains (+/- 20 grains; range 435.2-486.1) vs. 218.8 grains (+/- 0.15; range 218.7-219). Muzzle velocities of the musket were significantly less when compared with the rifle, averaging 944 fps (+/- 116) vs. 1852 fps (+/- 22.5), respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The rifled musket produced more severe wounds when compared to the Krag-Jorgenson rifle, as was clinically apparent to observers at the time of the Spanish-American War.

Radiocarbon, Bayesian chronological modeling and early European metal circulation in the sixteenth-century AD Mohawk River Valley, USA.

European metal artifacts in assemblages from sites predating the physical presence of Europeans in Northern Iroquoia in present-day New York, USA and southern Ontario, Canada have been used as chronological markers for the mid-sixteenth century AD. In the Mohawk River Valley of New York, European metal artifacts at sites pre-dating the physical presence of Europeans have been used by archaeologists as a terminus post quem (TPQ) of 1525 to 1550 in regional chronologies. This has been done under the assumption that these metals did not begin to circulate until after sustained European presence on the northern Atlantic coast beginning in 1517. Here we use Bayesian chronological modeling of a large set of radiocarbon dates to refine our understanding of early European metal circulation in the Mohawk River Valley. Our results indicate that European iron and cuprous metals arrived earlier than previously thought, by the beginning of the sixteenth century, and cannot be used as TPQs. Together with recent Bayesian chronological analyses of radiocarbon dates from several sites in southern Ontario, these results add to our evolving understanding of intra-regional variation in Northern Iroquoia of sixteenth-century AD circulation and adoption of European goods.

[Scientific activities under the Portuguese Empire: a study of the works of Manuel Ferreira da Câmara, 'metalworker by profession'--1783-1820]. / Atividades científicas no Império português: um estudo da obra do 'metalurgista de profissão' Manuel Ferreira da Câmara--1783-1820.

Manuel Ferreira da Câmara became known in historiography for his political profile as a statesman and parliamentarian. His historical trajectory shows a link between these political interests and his studies in the natural sciences. This article is the result of research on the scholar's scientific memoirs, with an analysis that focuses on the broader social context in which they were conceived. These memoirs stand as valuable testimony to the existence of scientific production under the Portuguese Empire in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries and illustrate the richness of thinking under the Luso-American Enlightenment.

Metallomics: the history over the last decade and a future outlook.

In 2004, the term "metallomics" was coined to describe integrated biometal science (H. Haraguchi, Metallomics as Integrated Biometal Science, J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2004, 19, 5-14). Around 10 years have passed since then, and the history of metallomics over the last decade is reviewed here, discussing the development of metallomics before and after the proposal. Furthermore, the future outlook of metallomics research will be considered, in terms of topics such as the organization of platforms for metallomics research related to trace metal sciences, a simplified model of the biological system and omics-sciences, research subjects in metallomics, recent trends of metallomics research, and the challenge of single biological cell analysis.

Metal microcrystal pollutants: the heat resistant, transmissible nucleating agents that initiate the pathogenesis of TSEs?

This paper exposes the flaws in the conventional consensus on the origins of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) which decrees that the protein-only misfolded 'prion' represents the primary aetiological transmissible agent, and then reviews/presents the emerging data which indicates that environmental exposure to metal microcrystal pollutants (sourced from munitions, etc.) represents the heat resistant, transmissible nucleating agents which seed the metal-prion protein (PrP)-ferritin fibril crystals that cause TSE. Fresh analytical data is presented on the levels of metals in ecosystems which support populations affected by clusters of variant Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease (vCJD), sporadic/familial CJD, and the scrapie types of TSE that have emerged in the UK, Sicily, Sardinia, Calabria and Japan. This data further substantiates the abnormal geochemical template (e.g., elevated strontium (Sr), barium (Ba) and silver (Ag)) which was observed as a common hallmark of the TSE cluster ecosystems across North America, thereby supporting the hypothesis that these microcrystals serve as the piezoelectrion nucleators which seed the growth/multireplication of the aberrant metal-PrP-ferritin fibril features which characterise the neuropathology of the TSE diseased brain. A secondary pathogenic mechanism entails the inactivation of the sulphated proteoglycans which normally regulate the mineralisation process. This can be induced by a rogue metal mediated chelation of free sulphur, or by contamination with organo-sulphur pollutants that substitute at natural sulphur bonds, or via a mutation to the S-proteoglycan cell line; thereby enabling the aberrant overgrowth of rogue fibril crystal formations that possess a piezoelectric capacity which compromises the ability of the contaminated individual to process incoming acoustic/tactile pressure waves in the normal way. The crystals transduce incoming sonic energy into electrical energy, which, in turn, generates magnetic fields on the crystal surfaces that initiate chain reactions of free radical mediated spongiform neurodegeneration. Metal microcrystal nucleating agents provide a group of plausible aetiological candidates that explain the unique properties of the TSE causal agent - such as heat resistance, transmissibility, etc. - which the protein-only prion model fails to fulfill. This paper also discusses the possible nutritional measures that could best be adopted by populations living in high risk TSE ecosystems; as a means of preventing the successful implantation of these rogue microcrystals and their consequent hypermineralisation of the soft tissues within the CNS.

Severe and contrasted polymetallic contamination patterns (1900-2009) in the Loire River sediments (France).

The Loire River basin (117,800 km(2), France) has been exposed to multiple sources of metals during the last 150 years, originating from major mining districts (coal and non-ferrous metals) and their associated industrial activities. Geochemical archives are established here from the analysis of a 4m sediment core in the downstream floodplain and then compared to stream bed sediments from pristine monolithological sub-basins and from bed and bank sediments in impacted tributaries. The contamination is assessed for 55 major and trace elements through their enrichment factors to Al (EF), normalized to the pre-anthropogenic background. Archives from 1900 to 2009 show enrichment (EF<1.3) not only for Ba, Be, Cs, Ga, Rb, REE, Sr, V, and Zr but also for U and Th, despite U mining activities until the 1990s. From 1900 to 1950, the level of contamination is severe for Hg, Au, Ag (10

Chronological reconstruction of metal contamination in the Port of Maó (Minorca, Spain).

In this work we discuss the historical record of metals as derived from a sediment core from the Port of Maó (Minorca, Spain), the second natural largest harbour in Europe. The sedimentation rate derived from radionuclide profiles increased by a factor of five since the 1960s due to the urbanisation of the town waterfront. Metal concentrations showed two different trends: (i) Pb and Sn inputs started during the second half of the 19th century and remained relatively high until mid-20th century; and (ii) Ag, Cd, Ni, Zn, Cu and Cr accumulation began in the 1940s, peaking in the late 1970s. The commissioning of a submarine outfall in 1978 reduced metal concentrations in subsequently deposited sediments since, thereafter, urban and industrial wastes have been dumped out of the estuary. This study also shows that evaluating the quality of sediments on the basis of surface concentrations may be misleading.

[Speculations regarding electric conductivity, the development of an electron theory of metals and the beginning of solid body physics]. / Uber Vorstellungen von der elektrischen Leitung, die Entwicklung einer Elektronentheorie der Metalle und der Beginn einer Festkörperphysik.

The development of an electron-theory of metals is closely connected with early speculation in the period before Maxwell (W Weber and others) regarding electrical conductivity in metals. These Speculations were in contrast with Faraday's view of an all-embracing molecular dielectric polarisation, and a subsequent passage of charges in metallic conductors. In terms of the empirical law of Wiedemann-Franz-Lorenz, the conductivity of electricity and heat had to be treated commonly. The classical electron-theory of metals (Riecke, Drude, H.A. Lorentz) reached a dead end on account of problems concerned with specific heat capacity. Sommerfeld, by means of the Quantum theory and the Fermi-Statistic, could find the solution.

In vitro effects of water-soluble metals present in UK particulate matter.

The water-soluble metal content of 1950s London smogs and modern particulate matter (PM) are associated with adverse health effects. This study aimed to elucidate the bioreactivity of these metals alone and in mixtures and to investigate the comparative bioreactivities of a surrogate mixture and a PM sample. These revealed similar bioreactivities. A bioreactivity hierarchy of these metals was established: Fe2+ > Cu2+ > Fe3+ > VO2+ > Zn2+ > As3+ = Pb2+ = Mn2+ = VO3-. Secondary components (i.e., chlorides, sulfates, nitrates) did not affect metal bioreactivity, whereas oxidation state was important. Synergism was observed between zinc and various metal ions (Cu2+, Fe3+, VO2+). In conclusion, low-valence transition metals are key to PM bioreactivity.

[Metallurgic drugs in ancient Japan].

Advancements in metallurgic and pharmaceutical chemistry in ancient Japan were made by people like Mangan-Shonin, who combined elements from Shinto, Buddhism, and Taoism to take advantage of technologies brought by Chinese and Korean immigrants. The Shonin himself, though it may be considered a wild speculation, could well be such an immigrant. Along with the immigrants, the Shonin established government-subsidized temples (Jingu-ji, Jogaku-ji) throughout the country under sponsorship by the Imperial Court for the purpose of raising funds through private donations. Research and educational activities conducted in these temples ultimately resulted in a well-established body of chemical engineers who could excavate chemical substances as well as alter their natures. According to a list of regional products (Sasaki,19) 1972) up to the 14th century, these chemical substances and their derivative products included iron from the Hitachi region, cast metal from Shimotsuke, swords from Sagami, face powder (lead carbonate) from Ise, mercury, and gold.

Mesopotamia in the early history of alchemy.

The purpose of this article is to draw attention to two small and fragmentary cuneiform texts which, in my opinion, throw light on a chapter of the history of science which has hitherto been hardly touched upon.

Biomaterials in foot surgery.

Implants have become an important part of the foot surgeon's armamentarium. They have facilitated or improved the results in many reconstructive procedures. Understanding the concepts, applications, and characteristics of the various implants and biomaterials is important to providing maximal benefits to patients.

Medicinal exploitation of inorganic substances in the Levant in the Medieval and early Ottoman periods.

Various minerals, metals, clays, and rocks were among the natural medicinal substances used by physicians and pharmacists in early times in different cultures, for example, the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Mesopotamia. Classical physicians such as Hippocrates and Dioscorides mention tens of inorganic medicinal substances in their writings. Many references to minerals and chemicals are also found in the Muslim medical literature of the Eastern and Western Caliphates. The historical research presented in this article focuses on the inorganic substances applied as remedies by the medieval and early Ottoman (7th-17th) inhabitants of the Levant. The article is based upon a literature review covering tens of different historical sources, from the medieval and early Ottoman periods. Relevant information was found in the works of physicians such as al-Tamimi, Benevenutus, Ibn al-Baytar, Daud al-Antaki, and Hayyim Vital. The research revealed evidences of the medicinal uses of fifteen inorganic substances: Alum, Arsenic, Sulphide, Asphalt, Jew's stone, Earth sp., Galena, Haematite, iron, Lead, Pyrite, Salt, Sulphur, Thermal water, Green Vitriol, and Zinc. Inorganic materials comprise 5.2% of the list of medicinal substances. The geographic origin of most of these substances is the Levant, in which two geo-historical centers have been recorded: the Rift Valley and the northern region of the Levant, including upper Galilee, Mount Lebanon and Mount Hermon. A notable tendency to use these substances for treating diseases of the skin, the eyes, the sexual organs, and haemorrhoids was detected.