Toxicological health risk analysis of hazardous trace elements accumulation in the edible fish species of the Black Sea in Türkiye using multivariate statistical and spatial assessment.

In the current study, the levels of eleven hazardous trace elements (HTEs) were measured in five different fish species frequently consumed in eleven cities along the Black Sea coast of Türkiye. And also the maximum permissible limits (MPLs) specified by international standards are compared to 11 HTEs levels. In addition, human health risk levels from fish consumption were assessed using multiple approaches. The highest metal concentrations of Fe, Mn, Co, Cr, Ni, Cd and Hg were detected in the fish sampled from Samsun city. It was determined that Cu, Zn, Pb and As metal concentrations were the highest in fish sampled from Düzce city. In the demersal Mullus barbatus (MB), the highest quantities of As, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Hg, and Pb were discovered. The highest concentrations of Zn and Cd were found in Engraulis encrasicolus (EE), which is a topminnow fish. The highest concentrations of Cu were found in Sarda sarda (SS), which is a topminnow fish. For all HTEs, the metal hazard index (MPI) and target hazard quotients (THQ) from metal intake by ingesting fish species were less than 1, indicating no risk from consumption. All investigated fish species were acceptable (10-4 to 10-6) in terms of carcinogenic risks (CR) from exposure to inorganic arsenic (iAs). Additionally, because the hazard index (HI) is less than 1, it has been determined that consuming certain fish species will not pose a risk to public health. The predicted daily intakes of HTEs in each fish species were far lower than their corresponding acceptable daily intakes, indicating that consuming fish would not put consumers at risk for health problems from daily intakes of HTEs. In addition, the multivariate statistical analysis justified that HTEs were from anthropogenic and lithogenic origin.

Experimental Study of a Quad-Band Metamaterial-Based Plasmonic Perfect Absorber as a Biosensor.

We present a metamaterial-based perfect absorber (PA) that strongly supports four resonances covering a wide spectral range from 1.8 µm to 10 µm of the electromagnetic spectrum. The designed perfect absorber has metal-dielectric-metal layers where a MgF2 spacer is sandwiched between an optically thick gold film and patterned gold nanoantennas. The spectral tuning of PA is achieved by calibrating the geometrical parameters numerically and experimentally. The manufactured quad-band plasmonic PA absorbs light close to the unity. Moreover, the biosensing capacity of the PA is tested using a 14 kDa S100A9 antibody, which is a clinically relevant biomarker for brain metastatic cancer cells. We utilize a UV-based photochemical immobilization technique for patterning of the antibody monolayer on a gold surface. Our results reveal that the presented PA is eligible for ultrasensitive detection of such small biomarkers in a point-of-care device to potentially personalize radiotherapy for patients with brain metastases.

Heavy metal contaminations in edible wild mushroom species from Turkey's Black Sea region.

The present study examined heavy metal contamination in six edible wild mushroom species obtained from twenty-one stations in Turkey's Black Sea region. Heavy metals were analyzed ICP-MS. Concentrations of cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc were measured in the ranges of 0.08-3.37, 0.01-2.50, 0.36-6.26, 17.5-122, 97.2-3919, 4.61-102, 12.7-24.2, 0.15-1.80 and 34.4-225 mg/kg, respectively. The highest metal was iron in all of the examined species from the stations; and differences among metal levels across all of stations were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Moreover, the maximum provisional tolerable weekly intake limits for edible mushroom species was calculated and assessed for the purpose of human health.

Comparison of metal levels in different tissues of seven ray species from Antalya Bay, Mediterranean Sea.

The aim of this study was to investigate the metal concentrations in muscle, liver, gill and intestine of seven ray species from Antalya Bay. Because the study is the first for rays in Antalya Bay, this study provides valuable preliminary information about metal contents in different tissues of the examined ray species from the bay and indirectly indicates the environmental contamination of the Antalya Bay.

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in various tissues of six ray species from Iskenderun Bay, northeastern Mediterranean Sea.

This study was performed to investigate the heavy metal concentrations in muscle, liver, gill and intestine of six ray species from Iskenderun Bay. The present study is the first for rays in Iskenderun Bay, providing valuable preliminary information about heavy metal contents in different tissues of the examined ray species from the bay, and indirectly, indicating the environmental contamination of Iskenderun Bay. Heavy metal levels in intestines were generally higher than those in other tissues for all species. Metal levels in ray muscle tissue were below the international maximum allowable levels for fish and fishery products, as well as Turkish national guidelines, with the exception of the highest value for Cd in Dasyatis pastinaca.

Plasmon induced transparency in cascaded π-shaped metamaterials.

We experimentally and numerically demonstrate a planar metamaterial consisting of two asymmetrically positioned π-structures in a single unit that exhibits plasmonic analogue of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). Through the coupling of the constituent nanorod elements, the proposed structure enables fine spectral tuning of the EIT-like behavior and controlling the location of near field enhancement. Originated from the asymmetric cascaded π-structures, we introduce a more compact system which possesses the EIT-like characteristics and as well as much smaller mode volumes. Due to these properties, the proposed metamaterials can be utilized for a wide range of applications including bio-chemical sensors, optical filters and modulators and enhancement of non-linear processes.

Comparison of metals in tissues of fish from Paradeniz Lagoon in the coastal area of northern east Mediterranean.

Present study was performed to examined the metal concentrations in muscle, liver, gonad and gill of gilthead seabream, European seabass, Leaping mullet and Flathead grey mullet from Paradeniz Lagoon, Mediterranean coastal area. The metal concentrations found in muscle tissue varied for Fe: 2.3-51.4, Zn: 6.63-14.8, Cu: 0.38-1.10, Mn: 0.38-1.06, Cr: 0.34-1.13, Ni: 0.58-.074, Pb: 0.32-1.02, Cd: 0.20-0.67 and Co: 0.30-0.61 mg/kg wet weight. Iron showed the highest levels in all tissues, and generally followed by zinc. On the other hand, cadmium, cobalt and lead showed lower levels than other metals. Statistically significant differences were observed in the mean metal values obtained from investigated fish species and their tissues. The levels of metals in the examined fish were well below the regulatory values of various govermental agencies.

Comparison of metal concentrations in tissues of blue crab, Callinectes sapidus from Mediterranean Lagoons.

This study was performed to investigate the metal concentrations in muscle and gill of blue crab, Callinectes sapidus from Dörtyol Lake, Akyatan Lagoon, Paradeniz Lagoon and Çamlik Lagoon from the northeastern coastal area of Mediterranean Sea. So, the levels of cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, aluminum and zinc in tissues of specimens from the lagoons were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer. The metal concentrations found in muscle tissue varied for Cd: 0.03-0.08, Cr: 0.05-0.13, Cu: 5.38-11.7, Fe: 21.1-38.2, Mn: 0.15-2.98, Ni: 0.24-0.45, Zn: 13.9-20.1 and Al: 1.2-13.7 mg/kg wet weight. Iron showed the highest levels in both tissues, and generally followed by zinc except gills. On the other hand, cadmium showed the lowest levels from all sites. Followed cadmium; chromium had the second lowest levels. The differences between mean metal concentrations from different sampling sites were statistically significant. Regional changes in metal concentration were observed in the tissues of the crabs, but these variations may not influence consumption advisories.

Multi-resonant metamaterials based on UT-shaped nano-aperture antennas.

We demonstrate a compact multi-resonant metamaterial structure based on integrated U- and T-shaped nano-aperture antennas. We investigate the physical origin of the multi-resonant behavior and determine the parameter dependence of the nano-aperture antennas both experimentally and numerically. We also show enhanced field distribution in the apertures at the corresponding resonance wavelengths. Both multi-spectral response and enhanced near field distributions can open up exciting new opportunities in applications ranging from subwavelength optics and optoelectronics to chemical and biosensing.

Metals in tissues of fish from Yelkoma Lagoon, northeastern Mediterranean.

This study was performed to investigate the metal concentrations in muscle, liver, gonad, and gill of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L., 1758), European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax L., 1758), and keeled mullet (Liza carinata Valenciennes, 1836) from Yelkoma Lagoon, northeastern Mediterranean region. So, the levels of cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, and zinc in tissues of specimens from the lagoon were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer. Concentrations of metals in muscles of the examined species ranged from 0.10 to 0.47 mg kg(-1) for cadmium, 0.10 to 0.43 mg kg(-1) for cobalt, 0.17 to 0.72 mg kg(-1) for chromium, 0.62 to 1.03 mg kg(-1) for copper, 28.9 to 52.3 mg kg(-1) for iron, 0.75 to 0.96 mg kg(-1) for manganese, 0.11 to 0.57 mg kg(-1) for nickel, 0.19 to 0.47 mg kg(-1) for lead, and 6.01 to 13.9 mg kg(-1) for zinc, respectively. Additionally, metal concentrations in muscles of fish were assessed for human uses according to provisional tolerable weekly intake and provisional tolerable daily intake.

Heavy metal contaminants in tissues of the garfish, Belone belone L., 1761, and the bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix L., 1766, from Turkey waters.

Levels of contaminants in fish are of particular interest because of the potential risk to humans who consume them. Fish samples were collected through the coastal waters of Turkey and the contents of cadmium, cobalt, chrome, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, zinc and lead in the liver and muscle tissues were determined. Among the metals analyzed, copper, zinc and iron were the most abundant in the different tissues while cadmium and lead were the least abundant both in Belone belone and Pomatomus saltatrix. Metal concentrations in muscles of fish species were found 0.01-0.38 mg kg(-1) for cadmium, 0.01-0.53 mg kg(-1) for cobalt, 0.05-1.87 mg kg(-1) for chromium, 0.21-5.89 mg kg(-1) for copper, 9.99-43.3 mg kg(-1) for iron, 0.14-1.33 mg kg(-1) for manganese, 0.06-4.70 mg kg(-1) for nickel, 0.09-0.81 mg kg(-1) for lead, 3.85-15.9 mg kg(-1) for zinc, respectively. Regional changes in metal concentration were observed in the tissues of both species, but these variations may not influence consumption advisories.

Metal levels in tissues of the European anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus L., 1758, and picarel, Spicara smaris L., 1758, from Black, Marmara and Aegean seas.

Levels of metals in commercially important two species, Engraulis encrasicolus L., 1758 and Spicara smaris L, 1758 from Black, Marmara and Aegean seas, Turkey was evaluated. The concentration ranges of cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc in the samples were 0.01-0.07, 0.01-0.08, 0.09-0.51, 0.21-8.58, 11.9-169, 0.14-2.82, 0.06-1.51, 0.12-0.87, 7.12-45.6 mg kg(-1 )for muscles, and 0.06-0.69, 0.06-0.53, 0.28-2.97, 0.99-30.7, 55.2-316, 0.72-9.67, 0.47-11.6, 0.26-3.38, 12.5-145 mg kg(-1 )for livers, respectively. The present study show that although different metals were present in the samples at different levels but within the maximum residual levels prescribed by the TKB and FAO the specimens from these areas, in general, are safe for human consumption.

Determination of metal contaminations in sea foods from Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean seas: Twelve fish species.

The concentrations of cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc were determined by ICP-AES in muscles and livers of 12 fish species sampled from the Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean seas of Turkey. Iron showed the highest levels in examined tissues of all fish species. Following Fe, Zn generally showed the second highest levels. Metal concentrations in edible parts of fish species were 0.02-0.37mgkg(-1) for cadmium, 0.04-0.41mgkg(-1) for cobalt, 0.04-1.75mgkg(-1) for chromium, 0.32-6.48 mgkg(-1) for copper, 7.46-40.1mgkg(-1) for iron, 0.10-0.99 mgkg(-1) for manganese, 0.02-3.97mgkg(-1) for nickel, 0.33-0.86mgkg(-1) for lead, 4.49-11.2mgkg(-1) for zinc, respectively. All metal concentrations in livers were higher than those in muscles. In some stations, cadmium and chromium concentrations in both muscles and livers, and lead levels in livers of the examined species were higher than permissible safety levels for human uses.

Assessment of heavy metals in two commercial fish species of four Turkish seas.

There is an increasingly need to assess the contaminant levels in fish as indicators of the health and well-being of both the fish and their consumers, including humans. Fish samples were collected through the coastal waters of Turkey and the contents of cadmium, copper, chrome, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, zinc and lead in the liver and muscle tissues were determined by ICP-AES. The highest levels of each metal were found in the liver and this was followed by the muscle in both species. Among the metals analyzed, Cu, Zn and Fe were the most abundant in the different tissues while Cd and Pb were the least abundant both in Mullus barbatus (red mullet) and Merlangius merlangus (whiting). Regional changes in metal (Cd, Cu, Pb, Fe and Zn) concentration were observed in the tissues of both species, but these variations may not influence consumption advisories.

ACE genotype may have an effect on single versus multiple set preferences in strength training.

A polymorphic variant of the human angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene was identified. The 'D' (rather than 'I') variant was associated with improvements in strength related to physical training. We set out to determine whether the response to different patterns of strength training might also differ. Ninty-nine Caucasian male non-elite athletes were randomly allocated into one of three groups: 31 non-training/control (CG: 31), single-set (SSG: 35) and multiple-set (MSG: 33). SSG and MSG trained three times a week for 6 weeks. Both training groups were underwent a strength-training program with two mesocycles (12-15 repetition maximum (RM) and 8-12 RM mesocycles). One RM loads in half squat and bench press were assessed before training and after the first and second mesocycles. ACE polymorphisms analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. Subjects with ACE II genotype in the MST group had improved strength development in 12-15 RM, while SST and MST groups had similar gains in 8-12 RM. Subjects with ACE DD genotype in both the SSG and the MSG had similar benefits from both 12-15 RM and 8-12 RM. Strength gains for subjects with ACE ID genotype in the SSG were similar to MSG gains in response to 8-12 RM loads but not with 12-15 RM loads. Additionally, subjects with DD genotype had superior strength gains in both strength training groups. Tailoring strength training programmes (single-set vs. multiple set) according to the athlete's ACE genotype may be advantageous.