The distribution of selenium and mortality owing to acquired immune deficiency syndrome in the continental United States.

A hypothesis has been proposed that Selenium (Se) concentration in the environment as measured by its uptake by alfalfa, which sorbs Se from the soil in proportion to what is present, exerted an apparent effect on incidence of (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) AIDS such that AIDS' mortality within the conterminous United States was lower where the Se quantity in the soil was high than where the amount was low. The object of this study was to test this hypothesis for statistical significance and to discover whether the apparent pattern of AIDS mortality in relation to Se distribution holds true with respect to all ages, both races (Black and White), and both genders. The statistical analysis employed was analysis of variance. Age-specific data as well as age-adjusted data were subject to statistical analysis. Ages where AIDS mortality rates per 100,000 were greatest were in the range from 25-54 yr for low-, medium-, and high-Se areas of the US. Black mortality owing to AIDS showed highly statistically significant results for the three Se regions, both genders, and six age groups, whereas White mortality was not as significantly affected by Se. A hypothesis is proposed that the Black population during the last decade or so has been less migratory than the White population. Thus, their food supply and hence its Se content have been more stable than that of the White population, which is more prone to consume imported foods to unknown Se content and be more migratory. A second hypothesis is advanced that suggests that medical care is not equally available to the poor and especially poor Blacks. Black men and women die at a greater death rate than do Whites. This implies that a lack of medical care is the true cause. This article suggests that a pattern exists between the geographical distribution of Se using alfalfa as a dietary guide and AIDS' mortality such that an inverse relationship persists between Se quantity in an area and AIDS' mortality in the same area.

Variation in the nitrotoxin concentration of 13 species of Astragalus (Fabaceae) over a 6-year period.

The purpose of this study was to examine the variation in nitrite production in the leaves of various species of Astragalus over a 6-y period. It was discovered that in drought years the nitrate concentration in leaves was consistently higher than in wet years or those of adequate moisture. Among the plant examined, A. Hallii contained the greatest quantity in drought years (30-35 mg NO2/g leaf, dry wt basis) and A. aesclepiadoides had no detectable amounts in wet years. A two-way analysis of variance showed NO2 concentrations to be significantly different (p < 0.0001) in the two climatic years.

The response of the three brood Ceriodaphnia test to fifteen formulations and pure compounds in common use.

The three brood Ceriodaphnia dubia test was carried out on fifteen formulations and pure compounds presently in general use in a variety of treatment processes or as reference toxicants. The most toxic substances (LC50 (based on survival/EC50 (based on total progeny) less than 10 mg/L) were metallic Cu, tertiary dodecyl mercaptan, an antioxidant TIA-RCO T-424, Cu(NO3)2.3H2O, K2Cr2O7, NALCO 7139--a flocculent, DOWFAX 2EP--a surfactant, TB-66--an algicide and ammonia. Exposure to these compounds elicited the same response from C. dubia for the two endpoints examined--survival and reproductive success. Two antimicrobials, PROXEL GXL and DOWICIL 75, and the surfactant sodium lauryl sulfate, were slightly toxic (LC50/EC50 less than 100 mg/L) for both endpoints studied. Two coagulants, NALCO 7109 and NALCO 8120 and a flocculent PERCOL 757 were practically nontoxic (LC50 greater than 100 mg/L) to slightly toxic (LC50 less than 100 mg/L) when the survival endpoint was examined, but were moderately toxic (EC50 less than 10 mg/L) to slightly toxic (EC50 less than 100 mg/L) when the endpoint of reproductive success was examined. These formulations and pure compounds had generally a declining effect on mean brood size, though there were exceptions to this observation as the broods progressed in number.

The reproducibility of the three brood Ceriodaphnia test using the reference toxicant sodium lauryl sulfate.

The three brood Ceriodaphnia dubia test was carried out three nonconsecutive times, each period being separated by the previous one by three weeks. The toxicant studied was sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) which bacterially degrades completely by the end of the third day of the test. The mean LC50 based on survival was 41 +/- 3.2 (CV = 7.8%) mg/L for day 3 through day 6. The mean EC50 based on progeny confirmed the LC50 and was 36 +/- 0.49 (CV = 1.4%) mg/L for the ultimate day of the test. The close reproducibility among successive tests is due in part to the use of pure SLS, the use of a mixed algal diet and in part to reducing handling to a minimum. Data failed to indicate any chronic effect exhibited by C. dubia populations since no statistically significant differences were noted between 48 hr (acute) and 144 hr values (chronic). Calculations of brood size for the first four broods clearly indicate a chronic effect of SLS on C. dubia by showing a progressively greater spread between the highest mean brood size and the lowest mean brood size as the brood number increases. It is suggested that calculations of this kind become part of the Ceriodaphnia test methodology so that any chronicity can be better identified.

The tellurium content of vegetation.

Vegetation growing in the Ely mining district of White Pine County, NV has been analyzed for tellurium to discover whether Te accumulator plants existed similar to those that take up Se in great quantities. In addition, the variation in Te content among species growing in different geological settings was studied. Another objective of this study was to determine the range of Te concentration in vegetation in regions where the Te content of surface materials was high, as in the Ely mining district, and low as in various areas of western CO. Trees and shrubs (480 samples) as well as flowering plants (505 samples) and their associated edaphic materials were collected from six sites in the Ely region and all plant parts were analyzed for Te, Se, Fe, S, Zn, Cu, and Pb. One hundred and five plants were collected from three areas in western CO. There is a highly significant difference between Te uptake by trees and that of perennial flowering plants. Flowers contain significantly more Te on the average than other plant parts. An examination of the Te content of tree parts reveals that leaves sorb the most and branches the least. When the Te content of edaphic materials is high, there is a corresponding increase in the Te content of plants. Shallow perennial plants were not found growing in areas where soils contained more than 10 mg kg-1 Te. Seleniferous species of Astragalus contain larger quantities of Te than plants in the Ely area, whereas nonseleniferous members of this genus contain much less. The nitrotoxin producing Astragali contain concentrations of Te greater than that encountered in nonseleniferous species but less than that in seleniferous ones. No plants contained more than 1 mg kg-1 Te. Iron, Te, Se, and S are coherent in all plants and in most soils and rocks examined.

The distribution of selenium and cancer mortality in the continental United States.

An hypothesis was proposed that selenium concentration in the environment, as measured by the uptake of this element by forage crops, exerted an apparent effect on cancer incidence, such that cancer mortality in the continental United States was lower where the selenium concentration was high than where the concentration was low. The purpose of the present study is to test this hypothesis for statistical significance and to discover whether the apparent pattern of cancer mortality in relation to selenium distribution holds true with respect to all ages. Two main types of statistical analyses were employed: analysis of variance and trend analysis, both applied to all age groups and both sexes. Data presented in this paper show that significant interactions exist between selenium distribution and sex in relation to deaths caused by cancer of the digestive organs, respiratory organs, and the breast. Geographic variations in selenium may be viewed as variations in the intake of this element in the diet. A significant interaction may thus suggest that the particular cancer in question has in its origin a dietary factor that includes some measure of selenium intake. A discussion involving contributions from various disciplines is presented to explain the significant results reported in this paper. This paper shows that a pattern exists between the geographical distribution of selenium using forage crops as a guide for dietary intake and cancer mortality (ICD 140-209,150-159,160-163, and 174) such that an inverse relationship exists between selenium concentration in an area and cancer mortality in the same area.

The chemical composition of bananas market basket values, 1968-1980.

Forty-six elements have been detected in fresh banana pulp purchased weekly in Pittsburgh, PA for the past twelve years (1968-1980). Samples were prepared by lyophilization or low temperature ashing. Analyses were performed using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, optical emission spectrometry, atomic absorption spectrometry, and wet chemistry. Whenever possible, comparative data from the literature are included. No comparative data were found for Rb, Cs, Li, Ag, Be, Ga, La, Ce, Ge, Sn, Ti, Zr, Sb, Bi, and Te. Bananas accumulate K, Mg, and B in comparison to their Na, Ca, and Al content. The K content has been rising steadily since 1968. Lead and Hg quantities have not materially changed during the pat three decades. Arsenic concentrations in bananas declined in the late 1960s and early 1970s, but have been rising since 1978, possibly owing to the increased use of As-bearing pesticides. Other toxic elements such as Be and Te are present in very small quantities and are detected infrequently. An appendix is attached that presents the chemical composition of orchard leaves NBS 1571 obtained by the methods utilized in this study.

Normal blood values of an adult male Perodicticus potto with comparative data from other primates.

The hemogram and blood chemistry profile of a 20-year-old male Perodicticus potto are presented. Comparative data from other primates are included so that P. potto infomation may be viewed in proper perspective. With noted exceptions, the values are reminiscent of other prosimians.

Elemental analysis of a tumor from a nocturnal prosimian with special emphasis on bromine.

Few natrually occurring tumors have been reported in primates. A spherical mass was noticed on the medial aspect of the thigh and caudal abdomen of a 15-year old female Perodicticus potto. The mass was surgically removed and the recovery was uneventful. Histological examination provided the diagnosis of myeloliposarcoma. Thirty-two elements were detected by chemical analysis. These are Na, K, Rb, Cs, Li, Cu, Ag, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Zn, Cd, Hg, B, Al, Ga, Si, Sn, Ti, P, Bi, V, S, Se, Mo, F, Cl, Br, Fe, Co and Ni. It has been proposed by some that tumor tissue tends to be chemically similar to embryonic tissue. Bromine is unexpectedly high in the potto tumor, in other tumor analyses reported in the literature, as well as in the only available embryonic tissue from the female potto, a placenta. Data are presented that lend credence to the speculation that Br may have a hitherto unexpected function in reproduction.

A myeloliposarcoma in a female Perodicticus potto: mineralogical and elemental chemical analysis.

A spherical mass on the medial aspect of the thigh and caudal abdomen of a 15-year-old female Perodicticus potto was surgically removed and shown to be a myeloliposarcoma. Mineralogical examination of these tissues showed them to be amorphous to X-rays. Thirty-two elements were determined by chemical analysis of the tumor.