Combustion aerosols and suspended dust with controlled processes in Lhasa: Elemental analysis and size distribution characteristics.

To explore air contamination resulting from special biomass combustion and suspended dust in Lhasa, the present study focused on the size distribution and chemical characteristics of particulate matter (PM) emission resulting from 7 types of non-fossil pollution sources. We investigated the concentration and size distribution of trace elements from 7 pollution sources collected in Lhasa. Combining Lhasa's atmospheric particulate matter data, enrichment factors (EFs) have been calculated to examine the potential impact of those pollution sources on the atmosphere quality of Lhasa. The highest mass concentration of total elements of biomass combustion appeared at PM0.4, and the second highest concentration existed in the size fraction 0.4-1 µm; the higher proportion (12 %) of toxic metals was produced by biomass combustion. The elemental composition of suspended dust and atmospheric particulate matter was close (except for As and Cd); the highest concentration of elements was all noted in PM2.5-10 (PM3-10). Potassium was found to be one of the main biomass markers. The proportion of Cu in suspended dust is significantly lower than that of atmospheric particulate matter (0.53 % and 3.75 %), which indicates that there are other anthropogenic sources. The EFs analysis showed that the Cr, Cu, Zn, and Pb produced by biomass combustion were highly enriched (EFs > 100) in all particle sizes. The EFs of most trace elements increased with decreasing particle size, indicating the greater influence of humanfactors on smaller particles.

Risk assessment and source analysis of trace elements in soils around county landfills in Tibet.

The ecology of the Qinghai‒Tibet Plateau is fragile, and the ecosystems in the region are difficult to remediate once damaged. Currently, landfilling is the mainstay of domestic waste disposal in China, and numerous, widely distributed county landfills exist. trace elements (TEs) in waste are gradually released with waste degradation and cannot be degraded in nature, affecting environmental quality and human health. To reduce the chance bias that exists in studies of individual landfills, we selected 11 representative county landfills in Tibet, total of 76 soil samples were collected, eight TEs (arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn)) were determined, and analysed for the current status of pollution, risk to human health, and sources of TEs to explore the impact of the landfills. The results showed that only a few landfills had individual TEs exceeding the risk screening value of the Soil Environmental Quality Risk Control Standard for Soil Contamination (GB 15618-2018) (pH > 7.5). Most of the soils around the landfills had moderate levels of pollution, but some individual landfills had higher levels, mainly due to Cd and Hg concentrations. Source analysis showed that Hg originated mainly from atmospheric transport; the other TEs came mainly from the weathering of soil parent material and bedrock. The potential risk from TEs to human health was low, and the risk to children was greater than the risk to adults. Among the three exposure routes, oral ingestion resulted in the highest carcinogenic risk and noncarcinogenic risk, with a contribution rate of more than 95%. Among the TEs, Ni had the highest carcinogenic risk, followed by Cr and As, and As had the highest noncarcinogenic risk.

Determination of trace elements content of fruits from Tehran's market using ICP- OES method: a risk assessment study.

For the first time in Iran, in this study, the amount of 19 trace elements in some types of commonly consumed Iranian fruits (in their peel and pulp) was evaluated by ICP-OES (Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry) method. Based on the outcomes, the highest and lowest average detected elements in all fruits samples were related to (Al) aluminum (1842.18) and (V) vanadium (0.28) ppm, respectively. Mercury (Hg) and antimony (Sb) were not detected (ND) in any samples. Also, the maximum mean of elements in quince, lemon, grapefruit, kiwi, orange south, orange north and tangerine samples was related to(Fe) iron (2048.32 ppm), (Zn)zinc(753.45 ppm), Fe (1056.33 ppm), Al (9794.41 ppm), Zn (717.78 ppm), Fe (1334.87 ppm) and Fe (974.93 ppm), respectively. Furthermore, our outcomes revealed, the highest mean of elements in kiwi peel, kiwi pulp, orange North peel, orange North pulp, orange South peel, orange South pulp, quince peel, quince pulp, grapefruit peel, grapefruit pulp, lemon peel, lemon pulp, tangerine peel and tangerine pulp was related to Al (17967.79 ppm), Al (1621.03 ppm), Fe (1350.01 ppm), Al (1457.66 ppm), Zn (934.71 ppm), Fe (728.06 ppm), Fe (2768.11 ppm), Fe (1328.54 ppm), Zn (1008.54 ppm), Fe (1198.00 ppm), Zn (683.35 ppm), Zn (823.55 ppm), Fe (1182.59 ppm), and Fe (767.27 ppm), respectively. Based on the Monte Carlo simulation results, the THQ (target hazard quotient) and ILCR (Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk) related to exposure to heavy metals via fruits for adults and children showed that there is no significant non-carcinogenic risk (THQ < 1) and carcinogenic risk (ILCR < 1E-4) for adults and children.

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.

Correlation of Zinc and Copper Levels In Mothers and Cord Blood of Neonates With Prematurity and Intrauterine Growth Pattern.

Background Trace elements like zinc and copper are indispensable for human growth and development, exerting significant influence on a multitude of physiological processes. Acting as pivotal components for transcription factors and catalytic cofactors for enzymes, these elements play essential roles in cellular differentiation and maturation Objective The objective of this study was to study serum zinc and copper levels in mothers and neonates in relation to prematurity and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Methods This was a cross-sectional study that included 100 mothers who met the inclusion criteria. Maternal history was recorded, and gestational age was estimated using the New Ballard scoring system. Maternal and cord blood samples were taken for zinc and copper analysis. Results The comparison of maternal copper and zinc levels between term and preterm neonates revealed a statistically significant difference with both trace elements found in less concentration in preterm when compared to the term patients (p= 0.03 for Zinc; 0.0001 for copper). We also report a statistically significant difference in maternal and cord blood copper and zinc levels in cases with IUGR compared to normal neonates. Conclusion The findings show that maternal zinc and copper levels are critical for the intrauterine growth of the fetus and for appropriate gestational age.

Association between Autism Spectrum Disorder, Trace Elements, and Intracranial Fluid Spaces.

(1) Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) belongs to the group of complex developmental disorders. Novel studies have suggested that genetic and environmental factors equally affect the risk of ASD. Identification of environmental factors involved in the development of ASD is therefore crucial for a better understanding of its etiology. Whether there is a causal link between trace elements, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ASD remains a matter of debate and requires further studies. (2) In the prospective part of the study, we included 194 children, including an age-matched control group; in the retrospective study, 28 children with available MRI imaging were included. All children had urine analysis of trace elements performed. In those with available brain MRI, linear indexes for the ventricular volumes were measured and calculated. (3) We found the highest vanadium, rubidium, thallium, and silver levels in children with ASD. These elements also correlated with the estimated ventricular volume based on MRI indexes in children with ASD in the subanalysis. However, the severity of the deficits did not correlate with brain MRI indexes of our elements, except negatively with magnesium. (4) Trace elements have an impact on children with ASD, but further multi-centric studies are needed to explain the pathophysiological mechanisms.

[Intoxications with trace metal elements: A new concept of the metal profile]. / Intoxications aux éléments traces métalliques : nouveau concept du profil métallique.

Present in quantities ranging from hundreds of milligrams to several grams in various environmental compartments, trace metal elements (TMEs), formerly known as "heavy metals," have been the subject of much discussion in recent years due to their major toxicological impact on human health. They are divided into essential elements such as iron, zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, and toxic elements such as mercury, cadmium, lead, lithium, and arsenic. Essential trace elements play a vital role in the body, and their deficiency can alter important physiological functions, while toxic elements have no physiological role and can lead to serious illnesses. However, essential elements can also cause intoxication depending on their concentrations and chemical forms. The industrialization of the modern world exposes the global population to high concentrations of trace elements that can be toxic in the short or long term. These TMEs enter the human body through various pathways (inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact). The clinical manifestations of TME intoxications are highly varied and nonspecific, making their diagnosis and management difficult. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) allows the detection of TME intoxications. Indeed, it enables the simultaneous quantification of around thirty trace metal elements in biological media. Thus, it has led to the establishment of a new approach: the metal profile, which has many applications in clinical biology and clinical, forensic, occupational, or environmental toxicology.

Are Hair Scalp Trace Elements Correlated with Atherosclerosis Location in Coronary Artery Disease?

Coronary artery disease is among the leading current epidemiological challenges. The genetic, clinical, and lifestyle-related risk factors are well documented. The reason for specific epicardial artery locations remains unsolved. The coronary artery topography and blood flow characteristics may induce local inflammatory activation. The atherosclerotic plaque formation is believed to represent inflammatory response involving enzymatic processes co-factored by trace elements. The possible relation between trace elements and coronary artery disease location was the subject of the study. There were 175 patients (107 (61) men and 68 (39) females) in a median (Q1-3) age of 71 years (65-76) admitted for coronary angiography due to chronic coronary syndrome. The angiographic results focused on the percentage of lumen stenosis in certain arteries and were compared with the results for hair scalp trace elements. The correlation between left main coronary artery atherosclerotic plaques and nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and antimony (Sb) hair scalp concentration was noted. The analysis revealed a positive relation between left descending artery disease and chromium (Cr), sodium (Na), arsenic (As), and molybdenum (Mo) and a negative correlation with strontium (Sr). The atherosclerotic lesion in the circumflex artery revealed correlations in our analysis with sodium (Na), potassium (K), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), and negative with strontium (Sr) (r) hair scalp concentrations. The negative correlations between right coronary artery disease and magnesium (Mg) and strontium (Sr) concentrations were noted. The possible explanation of different epicardial artery involvement and severity by atherosclerotic processes may lay in their topography and blood rheological characteristics that induce different inflammatory reactions co0factored by specific trace elements. The trace element concentration in the hair scalp may correlate with a particular coronary atherosclerotic involvement, including the severity of lumen reduction. This may indicate the missing link between the pathophysiological processes of atherosclerosis development and its location in coronary arteries.

Chemical elements in mussels: Insights into changes in coastal environments due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The concentrations of macro elements (Ca, K, Mg, and Na), essential trace elements (Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, and Zn), and nonessential trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Pb, and Ti) in the shell and soft tissues of Perna perna (L. 1758) mussels from Southeast Brazil are presented as a baseline reference for understanding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of coastal environments. For shells, the macro elements load was greater during the pandemic period at all sampling sites; however, for soft tissues, the opposite trend was recorded. On the contrary, the concentrations of trace elements in the shell were below the limit of quantification in most samples, and they tended to decrease in the soft tissues during the pandemic. Thus, the COVID-19 was a short-term conservation event that positively impacted the mussels. The results are relevant for monitoring the coastal environment in a post-COVID-19 scenario.

Toxic and essential metals: metabolic interactions with the gut microbiota and health implications.

Human exposure to heavy metals, which encompasses both essential and toxic varieties, is widespread. The intestine functions as a critical organ for absorption and metabolism of heavy metals. Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in heavy metal absorption, metabolism, and related processes. Toxic heavy metals (THMs), such as arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd), can cause damage to multiple organs even at low levels of exposure, and it is crucial to emphasize their potential high toxicity. Nevertheless, certain essential trace elements, including iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn), play vital roles in the biochemical and physiological functions of organisms at low concentrations but can exert toxic effects on the gut microbiota at higher levels. Some potentially essential micronutrients, such as chromium (Cr), silicon (Si), and nickel (Ni), which were considered to be intermediate in terms of their essentiality and toxicity, had different effects on the gut microbiota and their metabolites. Bidirectional relationships between heavy metals and gut microbiota have been found. Heavy metal exposure disrupts gut microbiota and influences its metabolism and physiological functions, potentially contributing to metabolic and other disorders. Furthermore, gut microbiota influences the absorption and metabolism of heavy metals by serving as a physical barrier against heavy metal absorption and modulating the pH, oxidative balance, and concentrations of detoxification enzymes or proteins involved in heavy metal metabolism. The interactions between heavy metals and gut microbiota might be positive or negative according to different valence states, concentrations, and forms of the same heavy metal. This paper reviews the metabolic interactions of 10 common heavy metals with the gut microbiota and their health implications. This collated information could provide novel insights into the disruption of the intestinal microbiota caused by heavy metals as a potential contributing factor to human diseases.

Statistical and geospatial assessment of trace and toxic elements distribution in ground and surface water of northern parts of the Indo-Gangetic plains: Source identification and health risk assessment.

This study focusses on ground and surface water resources in the northern parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plains. The study aims to identify potential contaminants, analyse their distribution, trace their origins, and evaluate associated health risk. Samples from 80 locations; groundwater (n = 69) and surface water (n = 11) were analysed for nineteen trace and toxic elements using ICP-MS. Eight elements in groundwater (Mn, Fe, Ni, Zn, As, Tl, U and Se) and six in surface water (Al, Mn, Fe, Ni, Zn, and Tl) exceeded WHO (2011) and BIS (2012) limits in certain areas. The geospatial analysis reveals hotspots of trace and toxic element concentration, with higher levels detected in the southeast and western regions of the study area. Correlation matrices revealed a robust correlation (∼>0.75-0.99, p < 0.01) among all trace and toxic elements (excluding Li, Be, As, Ag, and U) in surface water samples when compared to groundwater samples. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) (explains 70.09 cumulative percent for total 6 of factors) of groundwater chemistry indicates that Zn, Ni and Tl contamination may originate from industrial activities (metallurgical processes and manufacturing). The potential sources of Mn may be both geological and human-induced, while Fe, Se, As and U can originate from specific geological formations or human-related activities like over-extraction and leaching of excess fertilizers into aquifers. For surface water, PCA (explains 92.92 cumulative percent for total 5 of factors) identifies industrial activities as the main source of Mn, Fe, Tl, Ni, and Zn, while Al originates from both geological and anthropogenic sources. The water quality index indicated poor to very poor water quality in the western and central regions, whereas the northern and eastern regions exhibited excellent water quality. Health risk assessment reveals HI values for groundwater water: 3.85 (adults), 7.70 (children); surface water: 1.52 (adults), 3.05 (children), emphasizing the urgent need for remediation measures.

The correlation between urinary iodine levels and gallstone risk: elevated iodine intake linked to gallstone occurrence.

Background: Essential trace elements are vital for human growth and development. Nevertheless, excessive intake can pose risks. As of yet, no research has looked at the possibility of a relationship between the prevalence of gallstones and urinary concentrations of nickel, molybdenum, and iodine. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between urinary levels of iodine, molybdenum, and nickel and the occurrence of gallstones in a U.S. population and to verify whether excessive iodine intake is associated with the occurrence of gallstones. Methods: Data from 2,734 participants that were gathered between 2017 and 2020 were examined. Employing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), the levels of nickel (Ni), iodine (I), and molybdenum (Mo) in the urine were determined. Gallstones presence was determined using a standardized questionnaire. Restricted cubic spline analysis, subgroup analysis, and logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the relationship between the occurrence of gallstones and urinary essential trace elements. Results: The logistic regression analysis indicated an increased risk of gallstone development in Quartiles 2, Quartiles 3, and Quartiles 4 groups in comparison to the Quartiles 1 group, based on urinary iodine levels (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.11-2.56; OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.10-2.55; OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.09-2.51). Urinary iodine levels were nonlinearly positively linked with the development of gallstones, according to restricted cubic spline analysis (P-Nonlinear = 0.032). Subgroup analyses showed that high levels of urinary iodine were associated with a high risk of gallstones in different populations, and were more pronounced in adults aged 60 years and older, in women, with a BMI ≥ 25, and in diabetic patients. Conclusion: Our research revealed a correlation between an increased risk of gallstones and increasing urinary iodine levels. Urinary iodine levels serve as indicators of the body's iodine status, thus suggesting that excessive iodine intake may be linked to an elevated risk of gallstone formation.

How tree species have modified the potentially toxic elements distributed in the developed soil-plant system in a post-fire site in highly industrialized region.

The biogeochemical cycles of trace elements are changed by fire as a result of the mineralization of organic matter. Monitoring the accumulation of trace elements in both the environment and the tree biomass during the post-fire (PF) forest ecosystem regeneration process is important for tree species selection for reforestation in ecosystems under anthropogenic pressure. We analyzed the soil concentrations of different groups of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), including beneficial (Al), toxic (Cd, Cr, Pb), and microelements (Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn), and their bioaccumulation in the tree species (Pinus sylvestris, Betula pendula, Alnus glutinosa) biomass introduced after a fire in a forest weakened by long-term emissions of industrial pollutants. The results indicated no direct threat from the PTEs tested at the PF site. The tree species introduced 30 years ago may have modified the biogeochemical cycles of the PTEs through different strategies of bioaccumulation in the belowground and aboveground biomass. Alder had relatively high Al concentrations in the roots and a low translocation factor (TF). Pine and birch had lower Al concentrations in the roots and higher TFs. Foliage concentrations and the TF of Cd increased from alder to pine to birch. However, the highest concentration and bioaccumulation factor of Cd was found in the alder roots. The concentrations of Cr in the foliage and the Cr TFs in the studied species increased from pine to birch to alder. Higher concentrations of Cu and Ni were found in the foliage of birch and alder than of pine. Among the species, birch also had the highest Pb and Zn concentrations in the roots and foliage. We found that different tree species had different patterns of PTE phytostabilization and ways they incorporated these elements into the biological cycle, and these patterns were not dependent on fire disturbance. This suggests that similar patterns might also occur in more polluted soils. Therefore, species-dependent bioaccumulation patterns could also be used to design phytostabilization and remediation treatments for polluted sites under industrial pressure.

Effect of Blastocystis sp. infection on hematological parameters and trace element status in children with iron-deficiency anemia.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA), which causes greater morbidity and mortality in children, has multifactorial causes, including many helminthic and protozoal infections. Herein, the study aimed to find out the frequency and associated risk of Blastocystis sp. infection among children with IDA, together with the estimation of the serum levels of iron, zinc, copper, and vitamin A. Both stool and blood samples were obtained from 90 children with a confirmed diagnosis of IDA and 90 non-anemic children. Blastocystis sp. was diagnosed by direct stool examination and Invitro cultivation methods. Different hematological parameters were recorded, and the serum level of iron, zinc, copper, and vitamin A was measured in serum samples. The overall predominance of Blastocystis in children was 36.7%, significantly higher (P < 0.001) in children with IDA (55.6%) compared to non-anemic controls (17.8%). Furthermore, Blastocystis infected children were 5.781 times more prone to be anemic (OR = 5.781). All IDA cases with positive Blastocystis infection had a mean hemoglobin level of 9.55 g/dl (moderate anemia). While in other non-infected IDA cases, it was 9.56 g/dl, showing no statistical difference (P = 0.845). Serum levels of zinc, iron, and vitamin A considerably decreased, whereas serum copper levels significantly increased in IDA children infected with Blastocystis. The current research is the first in Egypt to indicate that Blastocystis infection in children is a high-risk factor for developing IDA. Blastocystis infection significantly alters the metabolic and biochemical processes and interferes with the absorption of micronutrients and vitamin A in IDA children.

Multi-Elemental Analysis of Edible Insects, Scorpions, and Tarantulas from French (Online) Market and Human Health Risk Assessment Due to Their Consumption: A Pilot Study.

Edible insects are becoming increasingly popular as protein alternatives to traditional animal-based products. As such, information on their elemental composition is important to ensure they are safe for human consumption. This article describes the development and validation of a rapid, reliable method for the simultaneous determination of 19 elements (Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Pb, Se, Sr, and Zn) in edible insects by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) following closed vessel microwave digestion. The method was validated using three insect certified reference materials, namely black soldier fly larvae meal (BFLY-1), cricket flour (KRIK-1), and mealworm powder (VORM-1). The method was applied to analyze twelve different (whole) insect species. The maximum amount of each sample was calculated for As, Cd, and Pb with respect to their provisional tolerable daily intake values established by the Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization. Most of the samples, except for scorpions and tarantulas, were safe to consume at large doses (1000-10,000 insects per day). Furthermore, most of the samples contained high levels of Fe, K, Na, and Zn, providing a preliminary overview of the nutritional profile of these novel protein alternatives.

Trace Elements in Hermann's Tortoises (Testudo hermanni) According to Sex, Season, and Sampling Region in Central Europe.

Some trace elements are essential for the health of vertebrates, but little is known about their function, the amounts required, and the factors influencing their metabolism in tortoises. The aim of this study was therefore to measure trace elements (chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn)) in heparinized blood plasma of Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni) (n = 520) from March to September 2022 using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and to establish specific reference intervals. Additionally, the influence of sex, season, and region of sample collection on the measured values were evaluated. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) sex-specific differences were found for Cu, Mg, and Mn; seasonal differences were found for Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, and Se; and the region in which the tortoises were kept significantly impacted Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mo, and Se levels. The results show that all of these factors should be consider when establishing and interpreting blood trace element levels in tortoises.

Field Application of an Innovative Approach to Assess Honeybee Health and Nutritional Status.

Environment, forage quality, management practices, pathogens, and pesticides influence honeybee responses to stressors. This study proposes an innovative approach to assess colony health and performance using molecular diagnostic tools by correlating hemolymph proteins with common measures of colony strength, prevalent honeybee pathogens (Varroa destructor and Nosema spp.), and essential trace elements (iron, zinc and copper). Colonies were selected from four apiaries located in different environmental and foraging conditions in the province of Bologna (Italy). Hemolymph samples were taken from June to October 2019. The Varroa infestation of the colonies was estimated by assessing the natural mortality of the mites, while the bees were tested for Nosema spp. spores using a microscopic method. Hemolymph proteins were quantified and separated using SDS-PAGE, and colony performance was assessed by determining adult bees, total brood, honey, and pollen reserves. The biomarkers measured proved to be useful for monitoring changes in performance and trophic conditions during summer and early autumn. Significant correlations were found between hemolymph proteins and colony performance measures. A positive correlation between pollen reserves, vitellogenin, and hexamerin 70a highlights the importance of these proteins for successful overwintering. In October, Varroa infestation was negatively correlated with total proteins, vitellogenin, apolipophorin II, transferrin, and hexamerin 70a, with negative implications for overwintering; furthermore, Varroa infestation was also negatively correlated with iron content, potentially affecting iron homeostasis.

Middle Triassic Limestones as a Source of Trace Elements and REY.

The results of the content determination of the selected trace elements Ti, Sr, Ba, Zn, Pb, Cu, S, P, Cr, Cd, Ni, Zr, Mo, Rb, Sc, Y, and REEs were presented in this article. Studies were carried out to define the purity of limestones. The elements were measured in the carbonate minerals of Middle Triassic limestones of the Opole Silesia in Poland, using ICP-MS and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Moreover, the contents of Sc and REY were also determined by electron microprobe analysis. These methods are characterized by high accuracy and precision of the measurement. The research results show that the contents of trace elements vary from below 1 ppm up to some hundreds ppm. The highest content was measured for strontium and the lowest for barium, elements characteristic of aragonite. Their occurrence indicates the presence of aragonite in the primary carbonate material. Some trace elements form substitutions in clay or carbonate minerals. Zn, Pb, Cu, Mo, and Ni may be associated with sulfides, and Ti and Cr may be associated with oxides. Sc and REY usually substitute Ca ions in calcite. The contents of measured Ce, Nd, Sm, Dy, Er, and Y vary from below 1 ppm up to 6 ppm, and Sc from 0 ppm to 10 ppm.

The Role of Nutrition on Thyroid Function.

Thyroid function is closely linked to nutrition through the diet-gut-thyroid axis. This narrative review highlights the influence of nutritional components and micronutrients on thyroid development and function, as well as on the gut microbiota. Micronutrients such as iodine, selenium, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, vitamin A, and vitamin B12 influence thyroid hormone synthesis and regulation throughout life. Dietary changes can alter the gut microbiota, leading not just to dysbiosis and micronutrient deficiency but also to changes in thyroid function through immunological regulation, nutrient absorption, and epigenetic changes. Nutritional imbalance can lead to thyroid dysfunction and/or disorders, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, and possibly contribute to autoimmune thyroid diseases and thyroid cancer, yet controversial issues. Understanding these relationships is important to rationalize a balanced diet rich in essential micronutrients for maintaining thyroid health and preventing thyroid-related diseases. The synthetic comprehensive overview of current knowledge shows the importance of micronutrients and gut microbiota for thyroid function and uncovers potential gaps that require further investigation.

Effect of trace elements and nutrients on diabetes and its complications: a Mendelian randomization study.

Background: Multiple clinical studies have observed a close relationship between serum trace elements and nutrients and diabetes and its complications, but it remains unclear whether there is a genetic causal effect between serum trace elements and nutrients and diabetes and its complications. Objective: This study aims to investigate the causal effects of serum trace elements and nutrients on diabetes and its complications using Mendelian randomization methods. Methods: The single nucleotide polymorphisms of serum trace elements and vitamins, as exposure factors, were sourced from the published UK Biobank database and public databases of genome-wide association studies. The genome-wide association study data of diabetes and its complications, as outcome events, were sourced from the FinnGen Biobank database. Mendelian randomization methods were employed to explore the causal relationships between 9 trace elements and 6 nutrients and diabetes and its complications. The causal relationships were inferred using inverse variance weighting, MR Egger, weighted median, simple model, and weighted model methods. Sensitivity analyses, including heterogeneity tests, horizontal pleiotropy tests, MR-PRESSO tests, and leave-one-out analysis, were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the study results. Finally, trace elements and nutrients with statistical significance in the IVW method and consistent Beta and OR directions in the five methods were selected as exposure factors with causal relationships with diabetes and its complications. This study also used multivariable Mendelian randomization methods to assess the combined effects of multiple exposure factors on the risk of diabetes and its complications. Results: Mendelian randomization analysis revealed that selenium was linked to an elevated risk of T2D.Vitamin B6 was correlated with an increased risk of neurological complications in type 2 diabetes. Magnesium exhibited a negative causal relationship with the risk of T1D.Carotene was linked to a higher risk of renal complications in T1D.Vitamin B12 showed a negative causal relationship with renal complications in T1D.Carotene was connected to a higher risk of neurological complications in T1D.Potassium and vitamin B6 exhibited negative causal relationships with neurological complications in T1D.Vitamin E showed a negative causal relationship with peripheral circulation complications in T2D.Multivariable Mendelian randomization analysis suggested that vitamin B6 could independently influence neurological complications in both T1D and T2D, apart from other exposure factors. Vitamin B6 could also independently influence renal complications in T1D.Vitamin E could independently influence peripheral circulation complications in T1D, apart from other exposure factors. Conclusion: The findings from univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization studies substantiate the causal relationships between trace elements and nutrients and different subtypes of diabetes and their complications. These findings hold significant clinical implications for developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies for diabetes and its complications.