Intestinal mucin is a chaperone of multivalent copper.

Mucus protects the epithelial cells of the digestive and respiratory tracts from pathogens and other hazards. Progress in determining the molecular mechanisms of mucus barrier function has been limited by the lack of high-resolution structural information on mucins, the giant, secreted, gel-forming glycoproteins that are the major constituents of mucus. Here, we report how mucin structures we determined enabled the discovery of an unanticipated protective role of mucus: managing the toxic transition metal copper. Using two juxtaposed copper binding sites, one for Cu2+ and the other for Cu1+, the intestinal mucin, MUC2, prevents copper toxicity by blocking futile redox cycling and the squandering of dietary antioxidants, while nevertheless permitting uptake of this important trace metal into cells. These findings emphasize the value of molecular structure in advancing mucosal biology, while introducing mucins, produced in massive quantities to guard extensive mucosal surfaces, as extracellular copper chaperones.

Genome-wide association study of trace elements in maize kernels.

Maize (Zea mays L.), a staple food and significant economic crop, is enriched with riboflavin, micronutrients and other compounds that are beneficial for human health. As emphasis on the nutritional quality of crops increases maize research has expanded to focus on both yield and quality. This study exploreed the genetic factors influencing micronutrient levels in maize kernels through a comprehensive genome-wide association study (GWAS). We utilized a diverse panel of 244 inbred maize lines and approximately 3 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to investigate the accumulation of essential and trace elements including cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn). Our analysis identified 842 quantitative trait loci (QTLs), with 12 QTLs shared across multiple elements and pinpointed 524 potential genes within a 100 kb radius of these QTLs. Notably ZmHMA3 has emerged as a key candidate gene previously reported to influence the Cd accumulation. We highlighted ten pivotal genes associated with trace element transport including those encoding heavy metal ATPases, MYB transcription factors, ABC transporters and other crucial proteins involved in metal handling. Additionally, haplotype analysis revealed that eight inbred linesaccumulated relatively high levels of beneficial elements while harmful elements were minimized. These findings elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying trace element accumulation in maize kernels and provide a foundation for the breeding of nutritionally enhanced maize varieties.

Heavy metal and trace element alterations in patients during a migraine attack.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the heavy metal and trace element (HMTE) profile in patients with migraine (PwM) and to compare it to that of healthy individuals without migraine. BACKGROUND: Migraine is a universal disease that affects more than 10% of the world's population; however, its pathophysiology is still obscure. METHODS: A total of 100 participants were included in this prospective matched case-control study (50 PwM during acute attack and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls). The study was conducted in the university hospital in Yozgat, Turkey, where the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry system was used to measure the HMTE profile. The calibration curve was created with 11 points for heavy metals (arsenic [As], cadmium [Cd], cobalt [Co], lead [Pb], mercury [Hg], nickel [Ni], and tin [Sn]) and trace elements (antimony [Sb], chromium [Cr], copper [Cu], iron [Fe], magnesium [Mg], manganese [Mn], molybdenum [Mo], and zinc [Zn]). RESULTS: The median age was 27 (23-37) years, and the female/male ratio was 37/13 for both groups. The PwM group had significantly higher As, Co, Pb, and Ni levels among the heavy metals (p = 0.033, 0.017, 0.022, and 0.021, respectively). Also, PwM had significantly lower Cr, Mg, and Zn levels among the trace elements (p = 0.007, 0.024, and < 0.001, respectively). The only trace element that was elevated in the PwM group was Mn (p = 0.001). The PwM and control groups did not differ in terms of Cd, Sn, Sb, Cu, Fe, and Mo (p = 0.165, 0.997, 0.195, 0.408, 0.440, and 0.252, respectively). CONCLUSION: Some HMTE parameters are altered in PwM, which may provide additional insight into understanding migraine etiology.

Bulk and Mapping Speciation Analyses Unveil the Pattern and Heterogeneity of Cu Species during Organic Waste Treatment.

Organic wastes (OWs) can be a common source of copper (Cu) contamination of agricultural soils. Here we conducted a comprehensive study of 22 raw and treated OWs sampled at 6 different full-scale OW treatment plants. Bulk XANES analysis findings indicated that the Cu oxidation state was subject to changes throughout the OW treatment process, mostly depending on the anaerobic/aerobic conditions prevailing in each treatment stage. These changes were independent of the OW origin (agricultural, urban or industrial). Cu(I) prevailed in raw OWs and digestates (88-100%), whereas Cu(II) dominated in composts (46-100%). Bulk EXAFS analysis confirmed these observations and revealed that Cu(I) species in raw OWs and digestates consisted mainly of Cu(I)-sulfide (76-100%), while Cu(II) species (60-100%) in composts were Cu(II)-citrate, Cu(II)-carbonate and amorphous Cu(II)-phosphate. Interestingly, we observed that anaerobic digestion was conducive to the formation of crystallized Cu(I)-sulfides at the expense of nanosized and poorly crystalline Cu(I)-sulfide species, and that the recalcitrant Cu(I) species in composts was always crystallized Cu(I)-sulfide. XANES imaging analysis revealed Cu(II) species present in low proportions (2-4%) that were not detected using bulk XAS analysis in raw OWs and digestates. This demonstrated the potential of XANES imaging for probing minor species in complex matrices.

An overview of preconcentration techniques combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for trace element determination in biological studies.

In the last decades, the determination of trace elements in biological materials has emerged as an important area of study because of its relevance to human health and the environment. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has proven to be a powerful tool for trace element analysis, owing to its high sensitivity and ability to determine several elements in a single measurement. However, given the complex nature of biological matrices and the presence of elements, most of them at ultratrace levels, it becomes crucial to complement ICP-MS with preconcentration techniques to increase the sensitivity and selectivity of analytical methods. This article presents an exhaustive overview of liquid- and solid-phase preconcentration techniques used in combination with ICP-MS for trace element determination in different biological samples from 2000 to the present. An in-depth discussion of the advances on the application of state-of-the-art solvents and materials in trace element extraction and preconcentration is presented. Special attention is given to different strategies for elemental speciation analysis, employing both chromatographic and non-chromatographic techniques. The role of automation in these methodologies is also described. Finally, future trends and challenges related to this topic are discussed.

A follow-up study on factors affecting the recovery of patients with hypothyroidism in different selenium environments.

BACKGROUND: Hypothyroidism is a major manifestation of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). We previously reported that a low selenium (Se) status was linked to an elevated prevalence of thyroid diseases. We hypothesized that Se status may also influence the restoration of thyroid function. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the recovery of thyroid function in patients with (sub-)clinical hypothyroidism, with a specific focus on Se status. METHODS: We conducted a 6-year prospective cohort study comparing two counties with different Se concentrations. Demographic and disease data were collected from 1,190 individuals (549 Se-adequate and 641 Se-deficient) who completed a follow-up study in 2019. In addition, urinary iodine (I) levels, thyroid function, and serum and nail Se levels were measured. Logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between Se deficiency and recovery of thyroid function. RESULTS: Sex and smoking status was similar between the two counties studied. Thyroid function recovery rate was significantly higher in Se-deficient counties (46.0% vs. 30.6%, P = 0.008). In the multivariate analysis, our results show that female sex (odds ratio [OR] (95% confidence interval [CI]) = 1.875 (1.080-3.257), P = 0.026] and increasing age [OR (95%CI) = 1.028(1.007-1.049), P = 0.009] were associated with the recovery rate. Additionally, our study revealed that while Se status was significant in the univariate analysis, this association appeared to disappear in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Female sex and increasing age have unfavorable effects on the recovery of thyroid function in patients over 30 years of age with (sub-) clinical hypothyroidism.

Dissolved trace elements in the upper reaches of Lancang River, southeast Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: Current status and distribution, risk and source.

The environmental impact of dissolved trace element (DTE) pollution is becoming increasingly well understood. The southeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is a region with high environmental vulnerability, making it highly susceptible to various anthropogenic disturbances. The Lancang River (LCR), as the most representative river in this area, serving as the largest international river in Southeast Asia, the LCR is crucial for the downstream regions, supporting fisheries, agriculture, and even economic development, earning it the title of the "water tower" for these areas. This study mainly focuses on the upstream unbuilt dam area. In this study, we gathered 25 surface water samples from the upstream of the LCR and examined the geographical distribution, primary sources, and associated human health risks of seven dissolved trace elements (Mn, Cr, Fe, Co, Cu, Ni, Zn). Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu in the main stream are primarily associated with natural sources, including rock weathering, soil erosion, and similar processes. Mn, however, predominantly originates from human activities such as industrial construction and road transportation. Zn mainly originates from the specialized fertilizers used for highland barley in plateau regions. Almost all DTE concentrations exhibited a downward trend from upstream to downstream. However, due to inputs from various sources along the way, there will be some abnormal points. The concentrations of DTE in the study area were within the acceptable limits set by drinking water standards in China, the USA, and the WHO. Overall, the water quality in this region is considered good. The results from a Monte Carlo simulation assessing health risks indicate that the non-carcinogenic health risk caused by DTE in the upper reaches of Lancang River was very weak. The primary pathway through which DTE can harm human health is ingestion, with children being particularly vulnerable. These findings offer a critical scientific basis for understanding the migration of DTE in aquatic environments and for the ecological stewardship of the Lancang River.

Spatiotemporal variability and drivers of water microchemistry in the upper Nu-Salween river: With implications for fish habitat conservation.

Microchemical maps, also known as "chemoscapes", hold immense potential for reconstructing fish habitat utilization and guiding conservation efforts. This approach relies on matching the microchemical composition of fish calcified structures (e.g., otoliths) with the surrounding water's microchemistry. However, applying this method faces a major challenge: a clear understanding of the spatiotemporal variability and drivers of water microchemistry, particularly in vast, free-flowing river ecosystems like the Nu-Salween River, Southeast Asia's longest free-flowing river. We analyzed the spatiotemporal variability and influencing factors of water microchemistry (i.e., Na:Ca, Mg:Ca, Mn:Ca, Cu:Ca, Zn:Ca, Se:Ca, Sr:Ca, and Ba:Ca) in the upper Nu-Salween River, based on a two-year sampling. Five elemental ratios (excluding Na:Ca, Mg:Ca, and Zn:Ca) in water demonstrated significant spatiotemporal variability, with Cu:Ca having the largest spatial variation, and Mn:Ca and Sr:Ca showing the greatest temporal variation. More specifically, four elemental ratios (Cu:Ca, Se:Ca, Sr:Ca, and Ba:Ca), exhibited significant variations along the longitudinal gradient, and Mn:Ca, Cu:Ca, Sr:Ca, and Ba:Ca, showed significant differences between mainstreams and tributaries. Temporally, Mn:Ca, Cu:Ca, and Ba:Ca displayed higher values and variations during the wet season, opposing the seasonal patterns of Na:Ca, Mg:Ca, and Sr:Ca. The four-element (Ba:Ca, Sr:Ca, Mg:Ca, and Mn:Ca) forest model showed the highest classification accuracy of 93%. Linear mixed-effects models showed that spatial factors have the largest influence on the variances in water microchemistry (56.36 ± 28.64%). Our study highlights the feasibility and reliability of utilizing microchemistry to reconstruct fish habitat utilization, thereby unveiling promising avenues for a more accurate understanding of fish life history in large rivers characterized by high heterogeneity in water microchemistry. By proportionally accounting for contribution of different factors to water microchemistry variability and relating them to microchemical composition of fish calcified structures, key fish habitats (e.g., spawning grounds) and migratory routes can be more precisely identified and thus protected.

Chemical characteristics and health risk evaluation of natural waters in the Du River Source National Nature Reserve: A case study in Zhushan County, Hubei Province, China.

To study the distribution of trace elements in natural water of the Du River Source National Nature Reserve and to assess the water quality and health risks, Zhushan County in Hubei Province was selected as the study area. Element content in 361 natural water samples collected from Zhushan County were measured by ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and HG-AFS. The main anions and cations present in water samples from Zhushan County are Ca2+ and HCO3-. The water chemistry is predominantly influenced by the weathering of carbonate rocks. The water samples with high content of selenium (Se) (0∼82.9 µg/L, mean 4.6 µg/L) in natural water in Zhushan County are mainly distributed in the northern part of Zhushan. The strontium (Sr) content of 49.6% of the water samples (0.001-2.177 mg/L, mean 0.234 mg/L) reached the criteria of natural mineral water for drinking in China (Sr ≥ 0.2 mg/L), which is distributed throughout the county. The high content of metasilicic acid (H2SiO3) (0.026-35.910 mg/L, mean 12.598 mg/L) and zinc (Zn) (0∼407.218 µg/L, mean 12.406 µg/L) are concentrated in northern Zhushan County. 99.7% water samples were freshwater and 98.9% meet the criteria of "good" water quality. All of the natural water samples have low health risk and low heavy metal pollution. 6.1% water samples meet the criteria of Se-type mineral water, while 45.4% meet the criteria of Sr-type mineral water, and 4.4% water samples meet the criteria of "low sodium, high Se, and high Sr" mineral water. Zhushan County has the potential for Se-type mineral water and Sr-type mineral water development. The findings of this study hold immense significance for the public health implications of drinking water in Du River Source, thereby offering valuable insights for effective water resources management.

The key role of major and trace elements in the formation of five common urinary stones.

BACKGROUND: Urolithiasis has emerged as a global affliction, recognized as one of the most excruciating medical issues. The elemental composition of stones provides crucial information, aiding in understanding the causes, mechanisms, and individual variations in stone formation. By understanding the interactions between elements in various types of stones and exploring the key role of elements in stone formation, insights are provided for the prevention and treatment of urinary stone disease. METHODS: This study collected urinary stone samples from 80 patients in Beijing. The chemical compositions of urinary stones were identified using an infrared spectrometer. The concentrations of major and trace elements in the urinary stones were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), respectively. The data were processed using correlation analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) methods. RESULTS: Urinary stones are categorized into five types: the calcium oxalate (CO) stone, carbonate apatite (CA) stone, uric acid (UA) stone, mixed CO and CA stone, and mixed CO and UA stone. Ca is the predominant element, with an average content ranging from 2.64 to 27.68% across the five stone groups. Based on geochemical analysis, the high-content elements follow this order: Ca > Mg > Na > K > Zn > Sr. Correlation analysis and PCA suggested significant variations in the interactions between elements for different types of urinary stones. Trace elements with charges and ionic structures similar to Ca may substitute for Ca during the process of stone formation, such as Sr and Pb affecting the Ca in most stone types except mixed stone types. Moreover, the Mg, Zn and Ba can substitute for Ca in the mixed stone types, showing element behavior dependents on the stone types. CONCLUSION: This study primarily reveals distinct elemental features associated with five types of urinary stones. Additionally, the analysis of these elements indicates that substitutions of trace elements with charges and ion structures similar to Ca (such as Sr and Pb) impact most stone types. This suggests a dependence of stone composition on elemental behavior. The findings of this study will enhance our ability to address the challenges posed by urinary stones to global health and improve the precision of interventions for individuals with different stone compositions.

Evaluating the serum levels of zinc, copper, magnesium, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D in children with idiopathic drug-resistant epilepsy; a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Drug-resistant epilepsy is defined as failure of seizure control in spite of using 2 or 3 proper antiepileptic drugs in appropriate time. Mineral elements play important roles in neuronal function; it is believed that mineral deficiency may lead to complications through seizure management. In the present study, serum levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and 25-hydroxy vitamin D (Vit D) in drug-resistant-epilepsy (DRE) patients were evaluated and compared with the controlled patients. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, epileptic patients were included and categorized into two groups of DRE and well-controlled patients. Patients' serum samples were analysed to evaluate Zn, Cu, Mg, Ca, and Vit D levels. The primary objective was comparison of serum levels of different trace elements between the groups. RESULTS: Sixty-four epileptic children including 33 DRE and 31 well-controlled children entered the study. The DRE children showed a significantly earlier onset of disease compared to the other group (p = 0.014). Comparing the frequency of developmental delay between the groups, the results showed this complication was significantly more frequent in the DRE group (p < 0.001). Concerning serum elements, the results showed a significantly higher concentration of Zn in the well-controlled group than the DRE group (p = 0.007). On the other hand, no significant differences were observed between the groups regarding the means of Vit D, Ca, Cu, and Mg levels (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study delineated that drug-resistant epilepsy patients had earlier onset of disease and were at higher risk of neurodevelopmental delay compared with well-controlled-epilepsy patients. A significant lower serum levels of Zn were also observed in drug-resistant-epilepsy patients. This finding may suggest the role of zinc supplementation in help to better control of drug-resistant seizures, as well as, the importance of serum zinc monitoring in epileptic patients.

Micronutrient Status and Breast Cancer: A Narrative Review.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, at the same time being one of the most prevalent causes of women's death. Many factors such as alcohol, weight fluctuations, or hormonal replacement therapy can potentially contribute to breast cancer development and progression. Another important factor in breast cancer onset includes micronutrient status. In this narrative review, we analyzed 23 micronutrients and their possible influence on breast cancer onset and progression. Further, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of micronutrient status on the prevention of breast cancer and its possible influence on various therapeutic pathways. We researched meta-analyses, systemic and narrative reviews, retrospective studies, as well as original studies on human and animal models. The results of these studies indicate a possible correlation between the different levels of micronutrients and a decreased risk of breast cancer as well as a better survival rate. However, further studies are necessary to establish adequate doses of supplementation of the chosen micronutrients and the exact mechanisms of micronutrient impact on breast cancer therapy.

Dissolved trace elements in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna River Basin: A new approach for estimating trace element flux inputs from rivers into the world's oceans.

Understanding the changes in the chemical compositions of dissolved trace elements from source to sink is important for determining their spatiotemporal variations and the contributions from each sub-catchment in the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna Rivers. To estimate weathering and matter transfer in these Rivers and the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (G-B-M) Estuary, we measured 15 dissolved trace element concentrations from surface and bottom water samples and exchangeable trace metals from suspended particulate matter (SPM). From December 2019 to January 2020, post-monsoon samples were collected from the upstream of the three rivers and the G-B-M Estuary. Dissolved trace elements in the Ganges and Meghna Rivers exhibited remarkable spatial variations, whereas those in the Brahmaputra River and the G-B-M Estuary were uniform. The dissolved trace elements, basic information (river length and drainage area), and physicochemical parameters (pH, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity) of the three rivers were inconsistent. The sample sites near urban areas and industrial centers had high concentrations of dissolved trace elements. In the G-B-M Estuary, iron and lead concentrations decreased along the salinity gradient, whereas selenium levels gradually increased, which may have been released by the SPM owing to its highly exchangeable trace metals. Compared with historical concentrations, trace elements that entered the G-B Estuary from the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers exhibited either decreased or increased metal fluxes due to additional terrigenous sources, suggesting that the inputs of trace element flux from the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers into the oceans may need to be re-evaluated. Furthermore, Fe and Pb concentrations and river fluxes in the Ganges and Changjiang have decreased in recent years. Hence, the fluxes of certain trace elements that enter the oceans from large rivers may require re-evaluation.

Does transplanted Posidonia oceanica act as a sink or source of trace elements? Ecological implications for restoring polluted coastal areas.

Despite the high potential of seagrass restoration to reverse the trend of marine ecosystem degradation, there are still many limitations, especially when ecosystems are severely degraded. In particular, it is not known whether restoring polluted ecosystems can lead to potentially harmful effects associated with contaminant remobilisation. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of P. oceanica transplanted from a pristine meadow to a polluted site (Augusta Bay, Italy, Mediterranean Sea) in two seasons of the year, as a sink or source of trace elements to the environment. The main results showed i) higher accumulation of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu) and total mercury (THg) in plants transplanted in summer than in winter, as well as an increase in Cr and THg in plants from sites with higher trace element loads; ii) an increase in leaf phenolics and a decrease in rhizome soluble carbohydrates associated with As and THg accumulation, suggesting the occurrence of defence strategies to cope with pollution stress; iii) a different partitioning of trace elements between below- and above-ground tissues, with arsenic (As) and Cr accumulating in roots, whereas Cu and THg in both roots and leaves. These results suggest that P. oceanica transplanted to polluted sites can act as both a sink and a source, sequestering trace elements in the below-ground tissues thus reducing their bioavailability, but also potentially remobilising them. However, the amount of trace elements potentially exported from P. oceanica to the environment through transfer into food webs via leaves and detritus appeared to be low under the specific conditions of the study site. Although further research into seagrass restoration of polluted sites would improve current knowledge to support effective ecosystem-based coastal management, the benefits of restoring polluted sites through seagrass transplantation appear to outweigh the potential costs of inaction over time.

Dietary supplementation of mineral nanoparticles for channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus).

This study evaluated the supplementation of iron and copper nanoparticles in channel catfish diets and their influences on growth and health. A comparative feeding trial was carried out for 9 weeks to evaluate combinations of iron and copper nanoparticles: only iron nanoparticles (IronNP), only copper nanoparticles (CopperNP), CopperNP + IronNP, and a control diet supplemented with inorganic iron and copper (FeSO4 and CuSO4). After a 9-week feeding trial, growth performance, hematological parameters, whole-body proximate composition, and intestinal microbiota were evaluated, and fish were subjected to a bacterial challenge against Edwardsiella ictaluri to evaluate the contribution of the experimental treatments to fish health status. No statistical differences were detected for catfish fed the various diets in terms of production performance or survival after bacterial challenge. The hematocrit and RBC counts from fish fed the diet containing copper nanoparticles were significantly lower than the control group. A higher relative abundance of gram-positive bacteria was found in the digesta of catfish fed diets containing copper nanoparticles. Furthermore, in the context of hematology, iron nanoparticles did not impact the blood parameters of channel catfish; however, reduced hematocrits were observed in fish fed the copper nanoparticle diet, which lacked supplemental dietary iron, thus reinforcing the importance of dietary iron to catfish hematopoiesis. Nonetheless, additional studies are needed to investigate the effects of dietary copper nanoparticle supplementation in catfish diets to better illuminate its effects on the intestinal microbiota.

Heavy metal and metalloid concentrations in red deer (Cervus elaphus) and their human health implications from One Health perspective.

The red deer is an ungulate and large game species. The contamination of the ecosystems by metal(loid)s may lead to the exposure of animals (as well as humans) through water and food resources. The direct contact of hunters and wild animal meat consumers with deer carcasses may be a potential contaminant source. This study aimed to determine the metal(loid)s' concentrations in the liver and kidney of red deer from two regions of Portugal (Idanha-a-Nova and Lousã), and to relate these with histopathologic lesions. Thirteen young male deer were submitted to metal(loid) determination (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometry (ICP-MS) and histopathology examination. Renal Cd (8.072 ± 5.766 mg/kg dw) and hepatic Pb (3.824 ± 6.098 mg/kg dw) mean values were high, considering the maximum values for consumption established by the European Commission. The hepatic mean value of Cu was significantly higher in Idanha-a-Nova (150.059 ± 33.321 mg/kg dw), and it is at the Cu toxicity limit considered for ruminants (150 mg/kg). The pollution induced by Panasqueira mines (Castelo Branco) may be a possible explanation for some of the findings, especially the higher values of hepatic Cu and Pb found in Idanha-a-Nova deer. These results have high importance under a One Health perspective, since they have implications in public health, and pose at risk the imbalance of animal populations and ecosystems.

Risk assessment of trace elements in vegetables grown in river Yamuna floodplain in Delhi.

Urban agriculture is common in fertile river floodplains of many developing countries. However, there is a risk of contamination in highly polluted regions. This study quantifies health risks associated with the consumption of vegetables grown in the floodplain of the urban river 'Yamuna' in the highly polluted yet data-scarce megacity Delhi, India. Six trace elements are analyzed in five kinds of vegetable samples. Soil samples from the cultivation area are also analyzed for elemental contamination. Ni, Mn, and Co are observed to be higher in leafy vegetables than others. Fruit and inflorescence vegetables are found to have higher concentrations of Cr, Pb, and Zn as compared to root vegetables. Transfer Factor indicates that Cr and Co have the highest and least mobility, respectively. Vegetable Pollution Index indicates that contamination levels follow as Cr > Ni > Pb > Zn. Higher Metal Pollution Index of leafy and inflorescence vegetables than root and fruit vegetables indicate that atmospheric deposition is the predominant source. Principal Component Analysis indicates that Pb and Cr have similar sources and patterns in accumulation. Among the analyzed vegetables, radish may pose a non-carcinogenic risk to the age group of 1-5 year. Carcinogenic risk is found to be potentially high due to Ni and Cr accumulation. Consumption of leafy vegetables was found to have relatively less risk than other vegetables due to lower Cr accumulation. Remediation of Cr and Ni in floodplain soil and regular monitoring of elemental contamination is a priority.

Impact of sediment mobilization on trace elements release in Galician Rías (NW Iberian Peninsula): insights into aquaculture.

In the latest years, the concentration levels of certain metals and metalloids in the sediments of the Galician Rías have shown an increasing trend (e.g., As, Zn, Cu, Pb, Hg). These areas are also characterized by their richness in nutrients and their great aquaculture or mariculture activity, with the presence of more than 3500 mussel rafts in the Rías Baixas. The inner areas of the Galician Rías are subjected to activities that resuspend the sediment such as high levels of maritime traffic and dredging or cleaning operations. It is likely that a transfer of these elements to the water column happens during the resuspension of sediments caused by natural events or anthropogenic activities. In this study, selected samples of surface sediments of the Ría de Pontevedra (NW Spain) were subjected to a procedure of aerobic oxidation to determine the concentration of some elements (Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Pb, Hg, and Zn) released from the sediment to the aqueous phase. The experiment was carried out within 5 days. Measurements of pH and total concentration were taken both in water and sediment samples. Furthermore, speciation of trace elements was carried out in the sediment samples. Trace element concentrations were lower in the sediments during aerobic oxidation, being released to the aqueous phase. From an environmental point of view, Cu was the only trace element released in quantities that may be toxic for the organisms in the area. This problem of sediment oxidation related to dredging activities or natural storm conditions should be considered in environmental impact studies and transferred to stakeholders.

Effect of Genotype on Cadmium and Trace Element Accumulation in Wheat from Weakly Alkaline Cadmium-contaminated Soil.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination of farmland soils leads to Cd accumulation in crops and reduced micronutrient uptake, posing grave risks to food safety. Herein, we investigated the enrichment and transportation patterns of Cd and trace elements in different parts of six wheat genotypes grown in weakly alkaline Cd-contaminated soils via pot experiments. The results revealed that the wheat grain variety with high Cd accumulation (Ningmai13) demonstrated a 1.94-fold increase compared to the variety with low accumulation (Yanong0428). The transfer factor of Cd from wheat straw to grain ranged from 0.319 to 0.761, while the transfer factor of Cd from root to straw ranged from 0.167 to 0.461. Furthermore, the concentrations of other metals in wheat grains followed the order of Zn > Mn > Fe > Cu. There was a significant positive correlation between Cd and Mn in grains, indicating a potential synergistic effect. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the regulation of micronutrient intake to modulate Cd uptake in wheat.

A new clustering model based on the seminal plasma/serum ratios of multiple trace element concentrations in male patients with subfertility.

Purpose: To investigate whether seminal plasma (SP)/serum ratios of multiple trace elements (TEs) can classify patients with male subfertility. Methods: SP/serum ratios of 20 TEs (lithium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, rubidium, strontium, molybdenum, cesium, barium, and thallium) were calculated for healthy volunteers (n = 4) and those consulting for male subfertility (n = 245). Volunteer semen samples were collected by split ejaculation into early and subsequent fractions, and SP/serum ratio data were compared between fractions. The patients' SP/serum ratio data were used in an unsupervised clustering analysis and qualitatively compared with the data from the fractions of ejaculation from the volunteers. Semen quality parameters and pregnancy outcomes were compared between patient clusters. Results: The early fraction of volunteers was characterized by lower phosphorus and arsenic and 18 other higher TEs than the subsequent fraction. Cluster analysis classified patients into four distinct clusters, one sharing characteristics with the early fraction and another with the subsequent fraction. One cluster with the early fraction characteristics had significantly lower semen volume and higher pregnancy rates from spontaneous pregnancies or intrauterine insemination. Conclusions: Classification of patients based on SP/serum ratios of multiple TEs represents the dominance of fractions of ejaculation samples.