Evaluating mineral biomarkers as mediators and moderators of behavioural improvements in a randomised controlled trial of multinutrients for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Essential minerals are cofactors for synthesis of neurotransmitters supporting cognition and mood. An 8-week fully-blind randomised controlled trial of multinutrients for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) demonstrated three times as many children (age 6-12) had significantly improved behaviour ('treatment responders') on multinutrients (54 %) compared with placebo (18 %). The aim of this secondary study was to evaluate changes in fasted plasma and urinary mineral concentrations following the intervention and their role as mediators and moderators of treatment response. Fourteen essential or trace minerals were measured in plasma and/or urine at baseline and week eight from eighty-six participants (forty-nine multinutrients, thirty-seven placebos). Two-sample t tests/Mann-Whitney U tests compared 8-week change between treatment and placebo groups, which were also evaluated as potential mediators. Baseline levels were evaluated as potential moderators, using logistic regression models with clinical treatment response as the outcome. After 8 weeks, plasma boron, Cr (in females only), Li, Mo, Se and vanadium and urinary iodine, Li and Se increased more with multinutrients than placebo, while plasma phosphorus decreased. These changes did not mediate treatment response. However, baseline urinary Li trended towards moderation: participants with lower baseline urinary Li were more likely to respond to multinutrients (P = 0·058). Additionally, participants with higher baseline Fe were more likely to be treatment responders regardless of the treatment group (P = 0·036.) These results show that multinutrient treatment response among children with ADHD is independent of their baseline plasma mineral levels, while baseline urinary Li levels show potential as a non-invasive biomarker of treatment response requiring further study.

Reference values for plasma and urine trace elements in a Swiss population-based cohort.

OBJECTIVES: Trace elements (TEs) are ubiquitous. TE concentrations vary among individuals and countries, depending on factors such as living area, workplaces and diet. Deficit or excessive TEs concentrations have consequences on the proper functioning of human organism so their biomonitoring is important. The aim of this project was to provide reference values for TEs concentrations in the Swiss population. METHODS: The 1,078 participants to the SKiPOGH cohort included in this study were aged 18-90 years. Their 24-h urine and/or plasma samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine 24 TEs concentrations: Ag, Al, As, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, I, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Pd, Pt, Sb, Se, Sn, Tl, V and Zn. Statistical tests were performed to evaluate the influence of covariates (sex, age, BMI, smoking) on these results. Reference intervals for the Swiss adult population were also defined. RESULTS: TEs concentrations were obtained for respectively 994 and 903 persons in plasma and urine matrices. It was possible to define percentiles of interest (P50 and P95) for almost all the TEs. Differences in TEs distribution between men and women were noticed in both matrices; age was also a cofactor. CONCLUSIONS: This first Swiss biomonitoring of a large TEs-panel offers reference values in plasma and in urine for the Swiss population. The results obtained in this study were generally in line with clinical recommendations and comparable to levels reported in other population-based surveys.

Effects of arsenic exposure on blood trace element levels in rats and sex differences.

Arsenic (As) is a widespread environmental metalloid and human carcinogen, and its exposure is associated with a wide range of toxic effects, leading to serious health hazards. As poisoning is a complex systemic multi-organ and multi-system damage disease. In this study, a rat model of As poisoning was established to investigate the levels of trace elements in the blood of rats and sex differences in the effect of As on every trace elements in rat blood. Twenty 6-week-old SD (Sprague Dawley) rats were randomly divided into the control group and the As-exposed group. After 3 months, the contents of 19 elements including As in the blood were detected in these two groups by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). As levels in the blood of As-exposed rats were significantly higher than those in the control group, with increased levels of Rb, Sr, Cs and Ce, and decreased levels of Pd. As showed a significant positive correlation with Rb. There were significant sex differences in blood Se, Pd, Eu, Dy, Ho, and Au levels in the As-exposed group. The results showed that As exposure can lead to an increase of As content in blood and an imbalance of some elements. There were sex differences in the concentration and the correlation between elements of some elements. Elemental imbalances may affect the toxic effects of As and play a synergistic or antagonistic role in As toxicity.

Alterations in trace elements and cation profiles in transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients.

BACKGROUND: Transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) is a severe form of beta-thalassemia, characterized by defective-globin production, resulting in a buildup of unpaired alpha globin chains. Patients with TDT can only survive if they receive safe blood transfusions regularly, which causes iron overload in their blood, which causes a variety of disorders. Cations and trace elements in TDT patients as a drug target deserve more studies. OBJECTIVES: In the present study, the cations and some trace elements were studied in TDT patients as a tool to adjust their level in the case of any disturbances. METHODS: Serum calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, and iron were measured spectrophotometrically while manganese and cobalt were measured by flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy in 100 TDT patients and compared with 35 healthy control children. RESULTS: Patients with TDT exhibit a notable elevation in blood levels of iron, copper, copper/zinc ratio, and manganese, with a substantial reduction in serum levels of zinc, magnesium, calcium, and cobalt, as compared to the control group. These minerals have diverse associations with clinical data and transfusion frequencies. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that the elevated levels of iron, manganese, and calcium exhibit the greatest diagnostic capability, with a sensitivity and specificity of over 80 %, and a Youdin's J value of more than 0.6. CONCLUSION: The levels of cations and trace elements are disturbed in TDT patients. Hence, the monitoring and adjustment of the level of these minerals are important to prevent further consequences.

Serum macroelements and microelements levels in periparturient dairy cows in relation to fatty liver diseases.

BACKGROUND: Fatty liver in dairy cows is a common metabolic disease defined by triglyceride (TG) buildup in the hepatocyte. Clinical diagnosis of fatty liver is usually done by liver biopsy, causing considerable economic losses in the dairy industry owing to the lack of more effective diagnostic methods. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential utility of blood biomarkers for the diagnosis and early warning of fatty liver in dairy cows. RESULTS: A total of twenty-four lactating cows within 28 days after parturition were randomly selected as experimental animals and divided into healthy cows (liver biopsy tested, n = 12) and cows with fatty liver (liver biopsy tested, n = 12). Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine the macroelements and microelements in the serum of two groups of cows. Compared to healthy cows (C), concentrations of calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), strontium (Sr), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), boron (B) and molybdenum (Mo) were lower and copper (Cu) was higher in fatty liver cows (F). Meanwhile, the observed differences in macroelements and microelements were related to delivery time, with the greatest major disparity between C and F occurring 7 days after delivery. Multivariable analysis was used to test the correlation between nine serum macroelements, microelements and fatty liver. Based on variable importance projection and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, minerals Ca, Se, K, B and Mo were screened as the best diagnostic indicators of fatty liver in postpartum cows. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggested that serum levels of Ca, K, Mg, Se, B, Mo, Mn, and Sr were lower in F than in C. The most suitable period for an early-warning identification of fatty liver in cows was 7 days after delivery, and Ca, Se, K, B and Mo were the best diagnostic indicators of fatty liver in postpartum cows.

Explore the genetic exposure to alopecia areata.

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune hair loss disorder with an incompletely understood etiology. Although trace elements, serum metabolites, and inflammatory factors are implicated in the disease, the potential causal relationships between these factors and alopecia areata require further investigation. METHODS: This study employed Mendelian randomization (MR), utilizing data from genome-wide association studies, to explore the causal relationships between 15 trace elements, 1400 serum metabolites, and 91 inflammatory factors and alopecia areata. The analysis was conducted using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method complemented by various sensitivity analyses, including Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger regression intercept test, MR-PRESSO global test, and leave-one-out analysis, to assess the robustness of the results. RESULTS: MR analysis indicated a negative correlation between copper levels and the risk of developing alopecia areata (odds ratio = 0.86, 95% confidence interval: 0.75-0.99, p = 0.041). Additionally, causal relationships were identified between 15 serum metabolites and 6 inflammatory factors and the risk of alopecia areata (IVW, all p values < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study provides genetic evidence of the relationships between trace elements, serum metabolites, and alopecia areata, underscoring the potential value of targeted therapeutic strategies and preventive measures. Future research should expand to diverse populations and further explore the specific roles of these biomarkers in the disease mechanism.

Uncovering the relationship between trace element exposure, cognitive function, and dietary inflammation index in elderly americans from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2014.

BACKGROUND: The consequences of trace element exposure on cognitive function in elderly adults have been recognized as primarily attributed to the inflammatory response. It is noteworthy that diet can either exacerbate or reduce the inflammatory response. Despite this, there have been limited studies about the effects of diet on the relationship between trace element exposure and cognitive function. METHODS: A cross-sectional study utilized data from the 2011-2014 NHANES survey to explore the association between trace element exposure and cognitive function in elderly adults. The study enrolled 1726 participants, and generalized linear regression model (GLM), Bayesian kernel machine regression model (BKMR), weighted quantile sum regression (WQS), and quantile g-computation regression analysis (Qg-comp) were conducted to assess the impact of five trace elements (lead, cadmium, mercury, manganese, and selenium) in blood on cognitive function under the anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory diet. RESULTS: The GLM analysis showed a positive correlation between selenium (Se) and both the instant recall test (IRT) and digit symbol substitution test (DSST) (ß = 2.06, 95% CI: 0.70 ~ 3.41; and ß = 6.41, 95% CI: 2.35 ~ 10.46, respectively). In contrast, cadmium (Cd) was negatively associated with DSST (ß = -1.17, 95% CI: -2.13~ -0.22), and lead (Pb) was negatively associated with IRT (ß = -0.47, 95% CI: -0.82~ -0.11). For the animal fluency test (AFT), the highest quartile of manganese (Mn) was negatively associated with the lowest quartile (ß = -0.72, 95% CI: -1.34~-0.10), while mercury (Hg) showed no significant associations with cognitive function tests. Subgroup analysis revealed the effects of Cd on IRT and DSST and Se on DSST under the pro-inflammatory diet. Furthermore, The BKMR analysis showed an inverted U-shaped curve with the negative impact of trace element mixtures and DSST and a linearly negative trend with IRT in the pro-inflammatory diet. Among them, Cd was emphasized as the most potent risk factor, and Se was the most vital protective factor for IRT and DSST in WQS and Qg-comp analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that a high-quality diet might alleviate the adverse effects of Cd on IRT and DSST. High Se levels were also associated with better IRT and DSST scores in the pro-inflammatory diet. These findings provide valuable insights into the connection between diet, trace element exposure, and cognitive function in elderly adults.

Association between serum mineral levels and reproductive performance in primiparous dairy cows during the peripartum period.

To the best of the authors' knowledge, no study has previously investigated whether the concentration of minerals is related to reproductive outcomes in primiparous cows. For this reason, two objectives were set in the present study: (i) to assess serum mineral levels, macrominerals, and trace elements during the transition period (period of high nutritional requirements) in primiparous cows, considering reproductive efficiency, and (ii) to address if the serum mineral levels of primiparous cows are related to reproductive efficiency. Blood samples were taken (i) one month before calving, (ii) one week before calving, (iii) one week postpartum, and (iv) one month postpartum. At the beginning and the end of the study, a body condition score (BCS) was assigned to each lactating cow with no clinical signs of disease. The difference between one month before and one month after calving was the body condition loss (ΔBCS). Optimal prepartum concentrations of K and Cl were associated with fewer days open and a shorter interval calving. Furthermore, macrominerals in the serum decreased immediately after calving (one week) but recovered at one month postpartum. In contrast, the highest concentration of trace elements was found at one week postpartum. Primiparous cows with higher postpartum Se, Mn, Co, and Mo concentrations exhibited better reproductive efficiency, and the concentrations of trace elements in serum were correlated with interval calving and the number of inseminations. Finally, primiparous cows with a greater ΔBCS (at least one point) in period 4 exhibited both a longer calving interval and a greater number of days open. In summary, this study showed, for the first time in primiparous cows, that the concentration of some serum minerals not only plays a crucial role during the transition period but is also related to crucial reproductive parameters, such as interval calving and days open.

Pre- and Postnatal Vitamin A Deficiency Impairs Motor Skills without a Consistent Effect on Trace Mineral Status in Young Mice.

Pregnant women and children are vulnerable to vitamin A deficiency (VAD), which is often compounded by concurrent deficiencies in other micronutrients, particularly iron and zinc, in developing countries. The study investigated the effects of early-life VAD on motor and cognitive development and trace mineral status in a mouse model. C57BL/6J dams were fed either a vitamin A-adequate (VR) or -deficient (VD) diet across two consecutive gestations and lactations. Offspring from both gestations (G1 and G2) continued the same diets until 6 or 9 weeks of age. Behavioral assays were conducted to evaluate motor coordination, grip strength, spatial cognition, and anxiety. Hepatic trace minerals were analyzed. A VD diet depleted hepatic retinoids and reduced plasma retinol across all ages and gestations. Retracted rear legs and abnormal gait were the most common clinical manifestations observed in VD offspring from both gestations at 9 weeks. Poor performance on the Rotarod test further confirmed their motor dysfunction. VAD didn't affect hemoglobin levels and had no consistent effect on hepatic trace mineral concentrations. These findings highlight the critical role of vitamin A in motor development. There was no clear evidence that VAD alters the risk of iron deficiency anemia or trace minerals.

Crucial Interactions between Altered Plasma Trace Elements and Fatty Acids Unbalance Ratio to Management of Systemic Arterial Hypertension in Diabetic Patients: Focus on Endothelial Dysfunction.

The coexistence of SAH with T2DM is a common comorbidity. In this study, we investigated the link between altered plasma antioxidant trace elements (ATE: manganese, selenium, zinc, and copper) and fatty acids ratio (FAR: polyunsaturated/saturated) imbalance as transition biomarkers between vascular pathology (SAH) to metabolic pathology (T2DM). Our data revealed strong correlation between plasma ATE and FAR profile, which is modified during SAH-T2DM association compared to the healthy group. This relationship is mediated by lipotoxicity (simultaneously prominent visceral adipose tissue lipolysis, significant flow of non-esterified free fatty acids release, TG-Chol-dyslipidemia, high association of total SFA, palmitic acid, arachidonic acid, and PUFA ω6/PUFA ω3; drop in tandem of PUFA/SFA and EPA + DHA); oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation confirmed by TAS depletion and MDA rise, concurrent drop of Zn/Cu-SOD, GPx, GSH, Se, Zn, Se/Mn, Zn/Cu; concomitant enhancement of Cu, Mn, and Fe); endothelial dysfunction (endotheline-1 increase); athero-thrombogenesis risk (concomitant rise of ApoB100/ApoA1, Ox-LDL, tHcy, and Lp(a)), and inflammation (higher of Hs-CRP, fibrinogen and ferritin). Our study opens to new therapeutic targets and to better dietary management, such as to establishing dietary ATE and PUFA ω6/PUFA ω3 or PUFA/SFA reference values for atherosclerotic risk prevention in hypertensive/diabetic patients.

Trace mineral concentrations in Canadian beef calves at weaning.

Objective: To describe the copper and selenium statuses of beef calves at weaning. Animal: Calves (n = 1998) were sampled from 106 Canadian cow-calf herds in the fall of 2021. Procedure: Serum samples from calves were tested for copper, selenium, and molybdenum concentrations. Results: Although the percentages of calves classified as selenium deficient (< 0.025 ppm) were relatively low (0.5% western Canada, 3% eastern Canada), 53% of calves from western Canada and 77% of calves from eastern Canada were classified as having less than adequate selenium concentrations (< 0.08 ppm). Copper deficiency (< 0.5 ppm) was common in calves from both western (17%) and eastern (14%) Canada. High molybdenum concentrations (> 0.10 ppm) were identified in 6% of calves from western Canada and 7% of calves from eastern Canada. Conclusion: Selenium concentrations were higher in calves from western Canada than from those in eastern Canada (P < 0.001). Copper and molybdenum concentrations were not significantly different between western and eastern Canada. Less-than-adequate serum copper was the most common deficiency identified in Canadian beef calves at weaning. Clinical relevance: Trace minerals are important for immune system function in calves at weaning. Selenium concentrations in calves at weaning were lower than in cows from the same herds collected at pregnancy testing 2 y earlier. Copper deficiency was also identified, though less frequently than for mature cows. Supplementation programs for calves should be customized based on testing and recognize both regional and age differences in risk.

Concentrations d'oligo-éléments minéraux chez les veaux de boucherie canadiens au sevrage. Objectif: Décrire les statuts en cuivre et en sélénium des veaux de boucherie au sevrage. Animal: Des veaux (n = 1998) ont été échantillonnés dans 106 troupeaux de type vache-veau canadiens à l'automne 2021. Procédure: Des échantillons de sérum de veaux ont été testés pour déterminer les concentrations de cuivre, de sélénium et de molybdène. Résultats: Même si les pourcentages de veaux classés comme déficients en sélénium (< 0,025 ppm) étaient relativement faibles (0,5 % dans l'ouest du Canada, 3 % dans l'est du Canada), 53 % des veaux de l'ouest du Canada et 77 % des veaux de l'est du Canada étaient classés comme ayant moins des concentrations de sélénium moins qu'adéquates (< 0,08 ppm). Une carence en cuivre (< 0,5 ppm) était courante chez les veaux de l'ouest (17 %) et de l'est (14 %) du Canada. Des concentrations élevées de molybdène (> 0,10 ppm) ont été identifiées chez 6 % des veaux de l'ouest du Canada et 7 % des veaux de l'est du Canada. Conclusion: Les concentrations de sélénium étaient plus élevées chez les veaux de l'ouest du Canada que chez ceux de l'est du Canada (P < 0,001). Les concentrations de cuivre et de molybdène n'étaient pas significativement différentes entre l'ouest et l'est du Canada. Un taux de cuivre sérique nettement insuffisamment était la carence la plus courante identifiée chez les veaux de boucherie canadiens au sevrage. Pertinence clinique: Les oligo-éléments sont importants pour le fonctionnement du système immunitaire des veaux au sevrage. Les concentrations de sélénium chez les veaux au sevrage étaient inférieures à celles des vaches des mêmes troupeaux collectées lors des tests de gestation deux ans plus tôt. Des carences en cuivre ont également été identifiées, quoique moins fréquemment que chez les vaches matures. Les programmes de supplémentation pour les veaux doivent être personnalisés en fonction des tests et reconnaître les différences de risque selon la région et l'âge.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Serum concentrations of selenium, copper, and zinc in neonatal foals: Influence of failure of passive transfer and age-related changes.

Background: An adequate supply of trace elements is very important for equine neonates, as deficiencies can lead to health problems and even death. Objective: This study investigated serum concentrations of selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in neonatal foals up to the 8th day of life. The influences of disease, age, and failure of passive transfer (FPT) on these concentrations were analyzed. Animals and procedure: Serum concentrations of Se, Cu, and Zn were determined from blood samples of 93 foals by means of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The foals were divided into 2 groups based on health status: clinically sick (n = 51) and clinically healthy (n = 42). The latter group was further divided into foals with FPT (n = 20) and those without (n = 22). Results: Mean serum concentrations for Se, Cu, and Zn were 60 ± 40 µg/L, 0.25 ± 0.22 mg/L, and 605 ± 285 µg/L, respectively. A significant influence of age on serum Cu concentration was observed (P < 0.0001). No differences were observed between any of the serum concentrations in clinically sick and clinically healthy foals on the 1st day of life. The FPT status was not associated with reduced serum concentrations of Se, Cu, or Zn. Conclusion and clinical relevance: It is not necessary to supplement trace elements in all foals with FPT.

Concentrations sériques de sélénium, de cuivre et de zinc chez les poulains nouveau-nés : influence de l'échec du transfert passif et des changements liés à l'âge. Contexte: Un apport suffisant en oligo-éléments est très important pour les nouveau-nés équins, car des carences peuvent entraîner des problèmes de santé, voire la mort. Objectif: Cette étude a examiné les concentrations sériques de sélénium (Se), de cuivre (Cu) et de zinc (Zn) chez les poulains nouveau-nés jusqu'au 8ème jour de vie. Les influences de maladies, de l'âge et de l'échec du transfert passif (FPT) sur ces concentrations ont été analysées. Animaux et procédure: Les concentrations sériques de Se, Cu et Zn ont été déterminées à partir d'échantillons de sang de 93 poulains au moyen d'une spectrométrie de masse à plasma à couplage inductif. Les poulains ont été divisés en 2 groupes en fonction de leur état de santé: cliniquement malades (n = 51) et cliniquement sains (n = 42). Ce dernier groupe a été divisé en poulains avec FPT (n = 20) et ceux sans (n = 22). Résultats: Les concentrations sériques moyennes de Se, Cu et Zn étaient respectivement de 60 ± 40 µg/L, 0,25 ± 0,22 mg/L et 605 ± 285 µg/L. Une influence significative de l'âge sur la concentration sérique de Cu a été observée (P < 0,0001). Aucune différence n'a été observée entre les concentrations sériques chez les poulains cliniquement malades et cliniquement sains au premier jour de leur vie. Le statut FPT n'était pas associé à une réduction des concentrations sériques de Se, Cu ou Zn. Conclusion et pertinence clinique: Il n'est pas nécessaire de supplémenter tous les poulains en oligo-éléments avec FPT.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Heavy metals and trace elements in maternal blood and prevalence of congenital limb abnormalities among newborns: the Japan Environment and Children's Study.

BACKGROUND: Heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) have been associated with adverse pregnancy and developmental outcomes, including congenital abnormalities. This study investigated the association between exposure to heavy metals and trace elements during fetal life and congenital limb abnormalities in infants. METHODS: This study is based on a prospective ongoing nationwide birth cohort from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). The concentrations of Cd, Pb, mercury (Hg), selenium (Se), and manganese (Mn) were measured in maternal blood collected during the mid-late trimesters. Inclusion criteria were available from questionnaires filled in during pregnancy, including information about congenital limb abnormalities at birth or at one month. To examine the associations with limb anomalies and individual chemicals, logistic regression models were applied following log-transformation or division into quartiles of Cd, Pb, Hg, Se, and Mn concentrations. To assess the associations with the heavy metals and trace elements mixture, quantile g-computation was employed. All models were adjusted for age, maternal smoking history, maternal alcohol intake, history of smoking, and infant sex. RESULTS: Data from 90,163 participants were included in the analysis, of whom 369 had congenital limb abnormalities in any of the collected information, and 89,794 had none. Among the 369 cases of congenital limb abnormalities, there were 185 and 142 cases of polydactyly and syndactyly, respectively. The median concentrations of Pb, Cd, Hg, Se, and Mn were 5.85, 0.66, 3.64, 168, and 15.3 ng/g, respectively. There were no associations between maternal blood concentrations of Pb [adjusted odd ratio = 0.83; 95% confidence interval = 0.61, 1.11], Cd [0.87; 0.68, 1.10], Hg [0.88; 0.73, 1.07], Se [1.07; 0.44, 2.59], and Mn [0.91; 0.64, 1.30] with congenital limb abnormalities. No significant association was observed between the mixture of heavy metals and trace elements [0.85; 0.72, 1.02] and any congenital limb abnormalities. Moreover, there was no association with all polydactylies and all syndactylies, or any type of abnormality as a subdivision. CONCLUSION: At the maternal exposure levels of Cd, Pb, Hg, Se, and Mn assessed in the present study, no association was identified with the risk of developing congenital limb abnormalities in children.

Deciphering soil-plant-animal continuum in relation to trace elements in middle Gangetic plain region of India.

The soil-plant-animal continuum represents an evolving realm in biological research that's why this study was undertaken in the middle Gangetic plain region of India. Trace and ultra-trace elements were analyzed in 100 soil samples, 147 feed and fodder samples, as well as 69 blood and 127 hair samples with the help of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The levels of trace and ultra-trace elements in the soil were significantly higher than those in the feed, and similarly, the concentrations in the feed were notably higher than those in the blood of dairy cattle. Blood and hair samples from the cattle showed deficiencies in copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn), with reaching approximately 20% and 50%, respectively. Correlation analysis indicated significant (P < 0.05) associations between the trace and ultra-trace elements in plants and the corresponding elements found in cattle's hair, specifically for iron (Fe) and molybdenum (Mo). Conversely, a significant (P < 0.05) negative correlation was observed between soil composition and cattle's blood, while a positive correlation was evident only in the case of silver content between plant and cattle's hair. Regression analyses revealed positive linear relationships between minerals in soils and plants, as well as between plants and cattle. However, the correlation coefficients were statistically insignificant. The regression equations established to predict mineral concentrations in cattle based on soil and plant mineral contents indicated a positive relationship for both trace and ultra-trace elements, suggesting the potential to measure the mineral status in dairy cattle through this approach.

Factors Influencing Wound Healing in Diabetic Foot Patients.

Background and objectives: Diabetic foot stands out as one of the most consequential and devastating complications of diabetes. Many factors, including VIPS (Vascular management, Infection management, Pressure relief, and Source of healing), influence the prognosis and treatment of diabetic foot patients. There are many studies on VIPS, but relatively few studies on "sources of healing". Nutrients that affect wound healing are known, but objective data in diabetic foot patients are insufficient. We hypothesized that "sources of healing" would have many effects on wound healing. The purpose of this study is to know the affecting factors related to the source of healing for diabetic foot patients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review identified 46 consecutive patients who were admitted for diabetic foot management from July 2019 to April 2021 at our department. Several laboratory tests were performed for influencing factor evaluation. We checked serum levels of total protein, albumin, vitamin B, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, Hb, HbA1c, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. These values of diabetic foot patients were compared with normal values. Patients were divided into two groups based on wound healing rate, age, length of hospital stay, and sex, and the test values between the groups were compared. Results: Levels of albumin (37%) and Hb (89%) were low in the diabetic foot patients. As for trace elements, levels of iron (97%) and zinc (95%) were low in the patients, but levels of magnesium and copper were usually normal or high. There were no differences in demographic characteristics based on wound healing rate. However, when compared to normal adult values, diabetic foot patients in our data exhibited significantly lower levels of hemoglobin, total protein, albumin, iron, zinc, copper, and HDL cholesterol. When compared based on age and length of hospital stay, hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in both the older age group and the group with longer hospital stays. Conclusions: Serum levels of albumin, Hb, iron, and zinc were very low in most diabetic foot patients. These low values may have a negative relationship with wound healing. Nutrient replacements are necessary for wound healing in diabetic foot patients.

[Determination of 22 elements in whole blood by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry].

Objective: To establish a method for the simultaneous determination of 22 elements, including beryllium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, calcium, magnesium, barium, cobalt, cadmium, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, titanium, strontium, nickel, molybdenum, tin, antimony, thallium and lead, in whole blood by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) . Methods: In September 2023, the analysis conditions were determined by optimizing the detection mode of the instrument, the pretreatment mode and the dilution factor of the samples, etc. Whole blood samples were diluted with a mixture of 0.1% nitric acid and 0.05% triton X-100, and centrifuged at 2000 r/min by high-speed centrifuge for 2 min. The supernatant was taken into inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer to determine the content of 22 elements, and the detection limit and precision of the method were analyzed. Results: The 22 elements had a good linear relationship in their respective measurement ranges (r=0.9991-0.9999), the detection limit ranged from 0.003 µg/L to 0.012 mg/L. The intra-batch precision ranged from 0.5% to 7.2%, the inter-batch precision ranged from 0.4% to 9.4%, and the average recoveries ranged from 80.6% to 114.9%. Conclusion: ICP-MS method has a good effect on the determination of 22 elements in whole blood. The method is fast and simple, and can be used for clinical detection of multiple elements in whole blood.

Exploring the association of metal mixture in blood to the kidney function and tumor necrosis factor alpha using machine learning methods.

This research aimed to approach relationships between metal mixture in blood and kidney function, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) by machine learning. Metals levels were measured by Inductively Couple Plasma Mass Spectrometry in blood from 421 participants. We applied K Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Naive Bayes classifier (NB), Support Vector Machines (SVM), random forest (RF), Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT), Categorical boosting (CatBoost), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Whale Optimization-based XGBoost (WXGBoost) to identify the effect of plasma metals, TNF-α, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR by CKD-EPI equation). We conducted not only toxic metals, lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) but also included trace essential metals, selenium (Se), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), to predict the interaction of TNF-α, TNF-α/white blood count, and eGFR. The high average TNF-α level group was observed among subjects with higher Pb, As, Cd, Cu, and Zn levels in blood. No associations were shown between the low and high TNF-α level group in blood Se and Co levels. Those with lower eGFR group had high Pb, As, Cd, Co, Cu, and Zn levels. The crucial predictor of TNF-α level in metals was blood Pb, and then Cd, As, Cu, Se, Zn and Co. The machine learning revealed that As was the major role among predictors of eGFR after feature selection. The levels of kidney function and TNF-α were modified by co-exposure metals. We were able to acquire highest accuracy of over 85% in the multi-metals exposure model. The higher Pb and Zn levels had strongest interaction with declined eGFR. In addition, As and Cd had synergistic with prediction model of TNF-α. We explored the potential of machine learning approaches for predicting health outcomes with multi-metal exposure. XGBoost model added SHAP could give an explicit explanation of individualized and precision risk prediction and insight of the interaction of key features in the multi-metal exposure.

Effect of a high-fat diet and chromium on hormones level and Cr retention in rats.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to determine how the administration of a high-fat diet supplemented with various forms of chromium to rats affects accumulation of this element in the tissues and levels of leptin, ghrelin, insulin, glucagon, serotonin, noradrenaline and histamine, as well as selected mineral elements. METHODS: The experiment was conducted on 56 male Wistar rats, which were divided into 8 experimental groups. The rats received standard diet or high fat diet (HFD) with addition of 0.3 mg/kg body weight of chromium(III) picolinate (Cr-Pic), chromium(III)-methioninate (Cr-Met), or chromium nanoparticles (Cr-NP). RESULTS: Chromium in organic forms was found to be better retained in the body of rats than Cr in nanoparticles form. However, Cr-Pic was the only form that increased the insulin level, which indicates its beneficial effect on carbohydrate metabolism. In blood plasma of rats fed a high-fat diet noted an increased level of serotonin and a reduced level of noradrenaline. The addition of Cr to the diet, irrespective of its form, also increased the serotonin level, which should be considered a beneficial effect. Rats fed a high-fat diet had an unfavourable reduction in the plasma concentrations of Ca, P, Mg and Zn. The reduction of P in the plasma induced by supplementation with Cr in the form of Cr-Pic or Cr-NP may exacerbate the adverse effect of a high-fat diet on the level of this element. CONCLUSION: A high-fat diet was shown to negatively affect the level of hormones regulating carbohydrate metabolism (increasing leptin levels and decreasing levels of ghrelin and insulin).

Plasma Concentrations of Trace Elements Selenium and Cobalt During and After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery.

Trace elements selenium (Se) and cobalt (Co) are essential in the human body, and a correlation between Se and cardiac surgery has been suggested. We investigated the plasma concentrations of Se and Co during and after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). From December 2019 to January 2020, preoperative plasma samples from isolated first-time CABG patients (n=20; 10 males, 10 females) were prospectively collected post-anesthesia and before CPB (T1), 45 min after CPB started (T2), 90 min after CPB started (T3), and postoperative days 1 (T4), and day 4 (T5). The plasma concentrations of Se and Co were measured. The Se concentration was significantly decreased at T2 (105.24±4.08 vs. 68.56±2.42 µg/L, p<0.001) and T3 (105.24±4.08 vs. 80.41±3.40 µg/L, p<0.001). The Co concentration was significantly decreased at T4 (0.35±0.19 vs. 0.26±0.13 µg/L, p<0.01) and T5 (0.35±0.19 vs. 0.23±0.11 µg/L, p<0.001). Five patients developed atrial fibrillation (AF); there was no other operative mortality or major morbidity. This is the first report of alterations of plasma Se and Co concentrations during and after CABG surgery. Our results may indicate that Se supplementation before or during CABG and Co supplementation after CABG may become necessary for patients undergoing CABG.

Plasma mineral (selenium, zinc or copper) concentrations in the general pregnant population, adjusted for supplement intake, in relation to thyroid function.

The present study reports on first-trimester reference ranges of plasma mineral Se/Zn/Cu concentration in relation to free thyroxine (FT4), thyrotropin (TSH) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab), assessed at 12 weeks' gestation in 2041 pregnant women, including 544 women not taking supplements containing Se/Zn/Cu. The reference range (2·5th-97·5th percentiles) in these 544 women was 0·72-1·25 µmol/l for Se, 17·15-35·98 µmol/l for Cu and 9·57-16·41 µmol/l for Zn. These women had significantly lower mean plasma Se concentration (0·94 (sd 0·12) µmol/l) than those (n 1479) taking Se/Zn/Cu supplements (1·03 (sd 0·14) µmol/l; P < 0·001), while the mean Cu (26·25 µmol/l) and Zn (12·55 µmol/l) concentrations were almost identical in these sub-groups. Women with hypothyroxinaemia (FT4 below reference range with normal TSH) had significantly lower plasma Zn concentrations than euthyroid women. After adjusting for covariates including supplement intake, plasma Se (negatively), Zn and Cu (positively) concentrations were significantly related to logFT4; Se and Cu (but not Zn) were positively and significantly related to logTSH. Women taking additional Se/Zn/Cu supplements were 1·46 (95 % CI 1·09, 2·04) times less likely to have elevated titres of TPO-Ab at 12 weeks of gestation. We conclude that first-trimester Se reference ranges are influenced by Se-supplement intake, while Cu and Zn ranges are not. Plasma mineral Se/Zn/Cu concentrations are associated with thyroid FT4 and TSH concentrations. Se/Zn/Cu supplement intake affects TPO-Ab status. Future research should focus on the impact of trace mineral status during gestation on thyroid function.