Copper Nanoclusters as Novel Podium for Cancer Detection, Imaging, and Therapy Applications.

Nanoclusters (NCs) are meticulously small, kinetically stable, crystalline materials which hold immense potential as multifaceted catalysts for a broad range of biomedical applications. Metal NCs are atomically precise and exist within the range of Fermi wavelength of electrons. They are highly advantageous as functional materials as their physicochemical properties can be customized to meet specific requirements. Copper NCs (CuNCs) are emerging as an efficient substitute to the other existing metal NCs. The synthesis of CuNCs is highly methodical, fast, cost effective and does not involve any complicated manipulation. On the contrary to gold and silver NCs, copper is a vital trace element for humans that can be excreted easily out the body. Further, the relatively inexpensiveness and easy availability of copper aids in potential nanotechnological applications in large quantity. As such, CuNCs have attracted great interest among the research community recently. The modern developments in the strategy, synthesis, surface modifications, and use of CuNCs in diagnosis of disease, imaging and treatment have been discussed in the present review. Approaches to regulate and augment the emission of CuNCs, challenges and drawbacks have also been considered. This review brings to light the multifarious applications of CuNCs and their potential as emerging theranostic agents. It is anticipated that the visions and directions for translating existing developments in CuNCs from the laboratory to the clinic can be further improved and enhanced.

Molecular fingerprint of gilthead seabream physiology in response to pollutant mixtures in the wild.

The increase in trace element concentrations in the aquatic environment due to anthropogenic activities, urges the need for their monitoring and potential toxicity, persistence, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification at different trophic levels. Gilthead seabream is a species of commercial importance in the Mediterranean Sea, both for the aquaculture and fisheries sectors, however very little is known about their trace element contamination accumulation and the resulting effect on their health status. In the present study, 135 juveniles were collected from seven coastal lagoons known to be essential nursery areas for this species. We measured seventeen different inorganic contaminants at the individual level in fish muscle (namely Al, As, Be, Bi, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Li, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sr, Ti, Tl and Zn). Our results revealed the accumulation of multiple trace elements in individuals and distinct contamination signatures between lagoons which might lead to contrasted quality as nurseries for juveniles of numerous ecologically and economically relevant fish species in addition to seabreams. We further evaluated the potential adverse effect of these complex contamination mixtures on the liver (the main organ implicated in the metabolism of xenobiotics) and red muscle (a highly metabolic organ) using a proteomic approach. Alterations in cellular organization pathways and protein transport were detected in both tissues (albeit they were not similarly regulated). Chromosome organization and telomere maintenance in the liver appeared to be affected by contaminant mixture which could increase mortality, age-related disease risk and shorter lifetime expectancy for these juveniles. Red muscle proteome also demonstrated an upregulation of pathways involved in metabolism in response to contamination which raises the issue of potential energy allocation trade-offs between the organisms' main functions such as reproduction and growth. This study provides new insights into the cellular and molecular responses of seabreams to environmental pollution and proposed biomarkers of health effects of trace elements that could serve as a starting point for larger-scale biomonitoring programs.

Effects of seasonal temperature regimes: Does Cyprinus carpio act as a health hazard during the construction of Suki Kinari hydropower project on Kunhar River in Pakistan?

The main purpose of the current study was to assess the levels of trace elements (iron, lead, zinc, copper, and manganese) in both water and fish muscles of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in the Kunhar River during the development of the Suki Kinari hydropower project (SKHPP). Additionally, the aim was to shed light on the potential health hazards associated with the consumption of fish by residents. Surface water and fish (muscle and liver) from ten specific sampling locations in the Mansehra district (affected by an SKHPP) along the river were examined to determine the levels of trace elements. The findings divulged that the water at all locations exhibited concentration levels of iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and manganese (Mn) that surpassed the benchmarks established by the World Health Organization in 2011. Conversely, the concentration levels of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) fell beneath the stipulated standards. Moreover, the concentrations of Mn, Zn, and Pb were found to be excessively high. The findings presented in the present study offer a comprehensive comprehension of the spatial and distribution characteristics of trace elements in both water and fish species along the Kunhar River, taking into consideration the impact of the SKHPP. Additionally, our data emphasize the potential health hazards that may arise from the prolonged consumption of fish by the local population.

The use of olive cake in the diet of dairy cows improves the mineral elements of Provola cheese.

Mineral elements (Ca, Na, K, Mg, Zn, Ti, Sr, Fe, Ni, Ba, Cr, Mn, Cu, Se, Cd, Mo, B, V, As, Pb and Hg) in Provola cheeses obtained from dairy cows fed with two different integrated diets (Biotrak) and without olive cake (Control) were determined to discriminate between the two different cheeses. The results showed that cheeses from the Biotrak group presented higher values of essential elements. Selenium (Se) was found to be the most interesting: in Biotrak cheeses the content of Se was in the range of 0.112 to 0.281 mg/kg, about twice the content of Se in cheeses from the Control group. Among the toxic elements, only Cd was found in the samples, but at low levels (in average lower than 0.11 mg/kg). Therefore, the use of olive cake in animal feed is a good strategy to improve the mineral profile of the product obtained.

Trace elements and microbial community composition associated with airborne PM2.5 in wetlands: A case study in Tablas de Daimiel National Park.

Tablas de Daimiel National Park (TDNP) is one of the most important wetlands in the Iberian Peninsula. Due to its location near various cities and new industries focused on agricultural waste revalorization, we investigated concurrently the concentrations of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) mass, trace element composition, and associated microbial communities (bacteria and fungi) during a year-long study. The goal of this study was to explore the dependencies among these physicochemical and microbiological parameters on a seasonal time scale. Additionally, we assessed meteorological conditions and back trajectories to shed light on atmospheric mechanisms and sources related to these elements. We found the variability of PM2.5 to be influenced by local meteorological parameters. Through the analysis of crustal enrichment factors (EFs), bivariate correlations, and air mass patterns, we determined that soil resuspension was the primary contributor to elevated metal concentrations in PM2.5 within the park, followed by other minor sources, such as traffic emissions and Sahara dust intrusions. The measured metal levels were used to calculate the ecological risk in the area, resulting in a low ecological risk index (RI) of 52. Shifts in microbial community structure were observed to be mainly driven by changes in air temperature and Cu concentration. The results from this study contribute to a better understanding of the environmental dynamics in TDNP. Taken together, our findings will aid in the development of effective strategies for its conservation and management.

What do small cetaceans tell us about trace elements pollution on the Argentinean coast? Franciscana dolphin as a biomonitor.

Trace elements (TEs) constitute the oldest emerging pollutants globally, most occur from natural sources, but a few are derived from anthropogenic sources. Marine mammals are considered bioindicators of ecosystem contamination. The aims of this review is compile reports on essential and nonessential TEs occurrence in small cetaceans from Argentinean waters; and to review the existing information on the concentration of TEs in the Franciscana dolphin, a biomonitor species of the Argentine coastal marine ecosystem. We searched reports where levels of TEs were present in small cetaceans from and eight species were analysed: Pontoporia blainvillei, Tursiops truncatus gephyreus, Kogia breviceps, Delphinus delphis, Lagenorhynchus obscurus, Lagenodelphis hasei, Cephaloryhchus commersonii and Ziphius cavirostris. Essential TEs like Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Mo, Se, As, Au, Ag, Sn, and nonessential TE as Pb, Cd, Hg, As was considered. The reports compiled in this article analysed kidney, liver, muscle and occasionally brain, skin, lung and spleen, covering a temporal range of 30 years, from 1982 to 2016. Of data analysis, we identify knowledge gaps, species of small cetaceans for which the concentration of trace metals is not yet known and areas on the Argentine coast where there are no reports that analyse them. The most recent information corresponds to the 2010 decade, and in those subsequent publications, the samples were taken at that time. This emphasizes the importance of reviewing this data, in order to compare old and new datasets, create contamination timelines and evaluate possible increases or decreases of contaminants in different study areas. The information recopilated will serve as valuable baselines to detect the future impact of increasing human, even natural, activities on marine ecosystems in the South Atlantic Ocean.

Linking seasonal plankton succession and cellular trace metal dynamics in marine assemblages.

Factors affecting trace metal dynamics in marine plankton still need to be fully understood. Underlying mechanisms affecting cellular metal distribution, seasonal changes, and the influence of plankton community structure are poorly explored. This study comprehensively analyzed the seasonal changes in environmental factors, plankton community structure, and their impact on plankton cellular metal dynamics. Plankton samples were isolated, and trace metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) were analyzed with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Plankton community structure significantly changed with seasons (p < 0.05), which were mainly driven by temperature (seasonal change) and nutrients (eutrophication). Mean plankton cellular trace metals did not significantly change (p > 0.05) in the study area but were higher along estuaries likely due to differences in metal influx from rivers. However, their distribution patterns significantly differ between the wet and dry seasons, likely influenced by the changes in community structure and anthropogenic influx. Cellular trace metals, particularly in phytoplankton, strongly correlated with selected species suggesting the impacts of community structure in trace metal distribution. Hence, the influence of environmental factors in driving plankton succession may have caused a ripple effect on cellular trace metal distribution, especially in phytoplankton. However, both blooming species Skeletonema and Chaetoceros (diatoms) showed a contrasting relationship with cellular metals, suggesting the cooccurrence of bioaccumulation or biodilution mechanisms. This study shows the potential influence of community structure in cellular trace metal dynamics for marine plankton assemblages. However, more than plankton abundance and functional diversity, i.e., species diversity, might be needed to assess the community-level impacts on cellular metals.

Blood concentrations of metals, essential trace elements, rare earth elements and other chemicals in the general adult population of Barcelona: Distribution and associated sociodemographic factors.

BACKGROUND: Very little information is available on the population distribution and on sociodemographic predictors of body concentrations of rare earth elements (REE) and other chemicals used in the manufacturing of high-tech devices. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the distribution and associated sociodemographic factors of blood concentrations of chemical elements (including some metals, essential trace elements, rare earth elements and other minority elements) in a representative sample of the general population of Barcelona (Spain). METHODS: A sample of participants in the Barcelona Health Survey of 2016 (N = 240) were interviewed face-to-face, gave blood, and underwent a physical exam. Concentrations of 50 chemical elements were analyzed by ICP-MS in whole blood samples. RESULTS: All 50 chemicals studied, including 26 REE and minority elements, were detected. Lead, silver, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, antimony, strontium, thallium and six essential trace elements were detected in more than 70% of the population. The most frequently detected REE and minority elements were europium (62%), thulium (56%), gold (41%), indium (31%), ruthenium (24%), and tantalum (20%). Less affluent occupational social classes had higher percentages of detection of some REE. Median concentrations of silver, arsenic, cadmium and mercury were: 0.091, 3.01, 0.309, and 3.33 ng/mL, respectively. Women had lower median concentrations than men of lead (1.47 vs. 2.04 µg/dL, respectively), iron and zinc, and higher concentrations of copper and manganese. The influence of sociodemographic characteristics on chemical concentrations differed by sex. CONCLUSIONS: While well-known contaminants as lead, mercury, cadmium, or arsenic were detected in the majority of the population, numerous individuals had also detectable concentrations of chemicals as europium, indium, thulium, or gold. Sociodemographic and physical characteristics (sex, age, social class, weight change) influenced concentrations of some chemicals.

Dietary collagen peptide-chelated trace elements supplementation for breeder hens improves the intestinal health of chick offspring.

BACKGROUND: Dietary supplementation with trace elements zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) could promote intestinal development and improve intestinal health. There are, however, few studies examining the possibility that maternal original Zn, Fe and Mn could regulate intestinal development and barrier function in the offspring. This study aimed to investigate how the intestinal growth and barrier function of breeder offspring were affected by collagen peptide-chelated trace elements (PTE; Zn, Fe, Mn). RESULTS: PTE supplementation in the diet of breeder hens increased the concentrations of Zn, Fe and Mn in egg yolk. Maternal PTE supplementation improved morphological parameters of the intestine (villi height, crypt depth and villi height/crypt depth) and upregulated the mRNA expression level of leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5) in the ileum of chick embryos. Furthermore, maternal PTE effect improved villi height/crypt depth of offspring at 1 and 14 days of age, and upregulated Lgr5, Claudin-3 and E-cadherin mRNA expression in the broiler ileum. Additionally, PTE treatment could enhance the intestinal microbial diversity of offspring. Maternal PTE supplementation increased the relative abundance of Clostridiales at the genus level and decreased the relative abundance of Enterococcus in newborn offspring. Moreover, maternal PTE supplementation ameliorated the elevated nuclear factor kappa B, toll-like receptor 4 and interleukin 1ß mRNA expression in the ileum of offspring caused by LPS challenge. CONCLUSION: Maternal PTE supplementation could promote intestinal development and enhance the intestinal barrier function of chicken offspring. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Residual levels and health risk assessment of trace metals in Chinese resident diet.

Large-scale metal contamination across the food web is an intractable problem due to increasing pollutant emissions, atmospheric transport, and dry and wet deposition of elements. The present study focus on several trace metals that are rarely studied but have special toxicity, including tin (Sn), antimony (Sb), gold (Au), hafnium (Hf), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru), tellurium (Te) and iridium (Ir). We investigated trace metals residues and distribution characteristics, and further evaluated the potential health risks from major daily food intakes in 33 cities in China. Sn, Sb, Ir, Hf, and Au were frequently detected in food samples with the concentrations ranged from ND (not detected) to 24.78 µg/kg ww (wet weight). Eggs exhibited the highest residual level of all detected metals (13.70 ± 14.70 µg/kg ww in sum), while the lowest concentrations were observed in vegetables (0.53 ± 0.17 µg/kg ww in sum). Sn accounting for more than 50% of the total trace metals concentration in both terrestrial and aquatic animal origin foods. In terrestrial plant origin foods, Sn and Ir were the most abundant elements. Hf and Au were the most abundant elements in egg samples. In addition, Sb and Ir showed a clear trophic dilution effect in terrestrial environments, while in aquatic ecosystems, Sn, Hf, and Au exhibited obvious trophic amplification effects. The calculated average estimated daily intake (EDI) via food consumption in five regions of China was 0.09 µg/(kg·day), implying the health risk of aforementioned elements was acceptable.

Assessment of trace metal bioaccumulation in Mytilus galloprovincialis of the central Atlantic ocean after installation of treatment sewage facilities.

Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) are vital to Morocco's artisanal fishermen both nutritionally and economically. This study probed the bioaccumulation of trace metals zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) in mussels from three sites north of Agadir: Anza, Aourir, and Imouran. Analyzed using atomic absorption techniques across different seasons, findings indicated variable metal concentrations, with Imouran notably presenting the highest, potentially due to influences from the new wastewater plants of Anza and Aourir. While lead was not detected, cadmium, albeit in lower concentrations, posed potential health concerns upon regular consumption. Individual Mean Bioaccumulation Index (IMBI) demonstrated fluctuations, majorly influenced by Zn, Cd, and Cu levels. These trends in IMBI between 2017 and 2018 for Aourir and Imouran hinted at similar environmental impacts or exposure levels. Despite site differences, Metal Pollution Index (MPI) values consistently pointing to analogous potential toxicity due to metal combinations. Intricate relationships between trace metals and their environmental parameters were evident, with multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA) showcasing differing correlations between variables. These results highlight the nuanced interactions between trace metals and bioaccumulation indices, such as MPI and IMBI. In conclusion, the findings accentuate the imperative of regular coastal water quality checks and effective management strategies to curtail pollutant discharges.

Serum copper, zinc and selenium levels in women with unexplained infertility in Ibadan Nigeria: A cross-sectional analytical study.

Background: Infertility is a global public health issue affecting couples. Trace metals have been implicated in effective reproductive functions in males but less studied in females. Objective: To compare the serum levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and copper/zinc ratio in women with unexplained infertility and fertile women. Subjects and Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study that compared 75 consenting women who had unexplained infertility with 74 fertile women that were controls. Both groups were seen within 1 year of delivery and were recruited from the family planning unit, at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Data were obtained through a semi-structured questionnaire, after which 10 mL of venous blood was collected. Analysis of selected trace elements were done by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. IBM SPSS version 23 was utilized for data analysis and the levels of statistical significance was set at <0.05. Results: The mean (± SD) serum concentrations of Cu (93.11 ± 16.55 µg/dL), Zn (72.04 ± 15.03 µg/dL) and Se (28.28 ± 8.33 µg/dL) amongst the women with unexplained infertility were lower when compared to the control group (all with P < 0.001). The serum Cu/Zn ratio was higher among the fertile women, though not statistically significant (P < 0.62). Age of <35 years was associated with normal serum levels of Cu (P < 0.01), while women with normal body mass index had low serum concentrations of Cu (P = 0.04), amongst the fertile group. Conclusion: Serum copper, zinc and selenium concentrations are significantly lower in women with unexplained infertility, therefore diets or supplements containing these trace elements may be helpful in their management.

Water quality, geochemistry and human health risk of groundwater in the Vyeboom region, Limpopo province, South Africa.

This study focuses on the evaluation of trace metals as well as microbial contamination of groundwater. Groundwater samples were collected from 17 boreholes. The microbial quality was tested using membrane filtration method. Higher levels of contamination for both E. coli and total coliform was recorded in the wet season. Majority of the boreholes had nitrate levels above the regulatory guideline value of the World health Organisation and the South African National Standards. The water type was established by Piper plot which showed the predominance of a magnesium bicarbonate water type, with alkaline earth metals dominating the alkali metals, as well as the weaker acids (bicarbonates) dominating the stronger ones (Sulphates and chlorides). Most of the trace metals detected were in compliance with the regulatory standard except for aluminium (0.41-0.88 mg/L). The hazard quotient and Hazard indice exceeded 1 mostly for children in both season which implies a possible non-carcinogenic health risk is associated with the continuous consumption of the water resource. The estimations of carcinogenic risk (CRing) for Cr and Pb exceeded the carcinogenic indices of 10-6 and 10-4 which could pose adverse effects on human health for both children and adults. Therefore, it is recommended that measures should be implemented to reduce the risk.

Associations of blood trace elements with bone mineral density: a population-based study in US adults.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the association between blood trace elements and bone mineral density (BMD) and to determine the association between blood trace elements and the risk of low BMD/osteoporosis among US adults. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study using data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2011-2016). Multivariable linear regression models were employed to assess the associations of BMD in lumbar spine (LS-BMD), pelvic (PV-BMD) and total femur (TF-BMD) with blood trace elements, including Fe, Zn, Cu, Se, Mn, Cd, Pb, Hg. Additionally, the associations of low BMD/osteoporosis with blood trace elements were also evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Higher blood Pb levels were found associated with decreased LS-BMD (p for trend < 0.001), PV-BMD (p for trend = 0.007), and TF-BMD (p for trend = 0.003) in female, while higher blood Se levels were associated with increased PV-BMD in female (p for trend = 0.042); no linear association between BMD and other blood trace element was observed. Also, significant associations were found between Pb levels and the prevalence of low BMD (p for trend = 0.030) and the prevalence of osteoporosis (p for trend = 0.036), while association between other blood trace elements and low BMD/osteoporosis was not observed. CONCLUSION: This study provides comprehensive insight into the association between blood trace elements and BMD and supports a detrimental effect of blood Pb levels on bone mass in women. Considering our analysis from a representative US general population, further study is warranted for the extreme levels of blood trace elements on bone metabolism.

Common and Trace Metals in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases.

Trace elements and metals play critical roles in the normal functioning of the central nervous system (CNS), and their dysregulation has been implicated in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). In a healthy CNS, zinc, copper, iron, and manganese play vital roles as enzyme cofactors, supporting neurotransmission, cellular metabolism, and antioxidant defense. Imbalances in these trace elements can lead to oxidative stress, protein aggregation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby contributing to neurodegeneration. In AD, copper and zinc imbalances are associated with amyloid-beta and tau pathology, impacting cognitive function. PD involves the disruption of iron and manganese levels, leading to oxidative damage and neuronal loss. Toxic metals, like lead and cadmium, impair synaptic transmission and exacerbate neuroinflammation, impacting CNS health. The role of aluminum in AD neurofibrillary tangle formation has also been noted. Understanding the roles of these elements in CNS health and disease might offer potential therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disorders. The Codex Alimentarius standards concerning the mentioned metals in foods may be one of the key legal contributions to safeguarding public health. Further research is needed to fully comprehend these complex mechanisms and develop effective interventions.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis and Antioxidant Activity of Low Molecular Mass Organoselenium Molecules.

Selenium is an essential trace element in living organisms, and is present in selenoenzymes with antioxidant activity, like glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR). The search for small selenium-containing molecules that mimic selenoenzymes is a strong field of research in organic and medicinal chemistry. In this review, we review the synthesis and bioassays of new and known organoselenium compounds with antioxidant activity, covering the last five years. A detailed description of the synthetic procedures and the performed in vitro and in vivo bioassays is presented, highlighting the most active compounds in each series.

Association and interactions between mixed exposure to trace elements and the prevalence of kidney stones: a study of NHANES 2017-2018.

Background: The association between exposure to trace elements mixture and the prevalence of kidney stones and the interactions between elements are unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the association between exposure to trace elements mixture and the prevalence of kidney stones and the interactions between the elements. Methods: A total of 1,244 participants (139 kidney stone formers and 1,105 non-stone former participants) in NHANES 2017-2018 were included. The exposure to trace elements was evaluated by measuring their concentration in urine samples. Three methods, Logistic regression, quantile-based g computation (qgcomp), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), were used for analysis. Results: According to the results from qgcomp and BKMR, a negative association was found between exposure to the 13 trace elements and the prevalence of kidney stones [OR = 0.50 (0.32, 0.78)]. Subgroup analysis revealed that Co, As, and iodine in the whole population, Co, As, and Ni in males, and Cs, iodine, and Sb in females, were most strongly associated with kidney stones. Kidney stone was found to be positively correlated with Co and negatively correlated with the other elements. Besides, there were significant interactions between Ni and Pb in the whole population, Co and iodine in males, and Pb and iodine in females. Conclusion: There was a negative association between exposure to the mixture of 13 trace elements and the prevalence of kidney stones.

A systematic review of the impacts of post-harvest handling on provitamin A, iron and zinc retention in seven biofortified crops.

Post-harvest handling can affect micronutrient retention in biofortified crops through to the point of consumption. Here we conduct a systematic review identifying 67 articles examining the retention of micronutrients in conventionally bred biofortified maize, orange sweet potato, cassava, pearl millet, rice, beans and wheat. Provitamin A crops maintain high amounts compared with non-biofortified counterparts. Iron and zinc crops have more variability in micronutrient retention dependent on processing method; for maximum iron and zinc content, whole grain product consumption such as whole wheat flour or only slightly milled brown rice is beneficial. We offer preliminary suggestions for households, regulatory bodies and programme implementers to increase consumer awareness on best practices for preparing crops to maximize micronutrient content, while highlighting gaps in the literature. Our online, interactive Micronutrient Retention Dashboard ( https://www.cpnh.cornell.edu/mn-retention-db ) offers an at-a-glance view of the compiled minimum and maximum retention found, organized by processing method.

Trace metals in transboundary (India-Myanmar-Bangladesh) anadromous fish Tenualosa ilisha and its consequences on human health.

Hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha, Hamilton, 1822), the highly coveted table fish within the Indian subcontinent, is Bangladesh's most significant single-species fishery. To assess the risk that toxic metals pose to human health, certain health risk indices-estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), total target hazard quotient (TTHQ), and target cancer risk (TR)-were calculated. The hierarchy of toxic metals (µg/g-ww) in Hilsa shad of the bay showed as Zn (13.64 ± 2.18) > Fe (9.25 ± 1.47) > Mn (2.98 ± 0.75) > Cu (0.57 ± 0.18) > Cr (0.23 ± 0.06) > Pb (0.22 ± 0.04) > As (0.08 ± 0.02) > Ni (0.06 ± 0.02) > Co (0.04 ± 0.01) > Cd (0.01 ± 0.003) in the wet season and Zn (11.45 ± 1.97) > Fe (10.51 ± 1.38) > Mn (3.80 ± 0.75) > Cu (0.73 ± 0.17) > Pb (0.30 ± 0.03) > Cr (0.20 ± 0.05) > As (0.09 ± 0.01) > Ni (0.08 ± 0.02) > Co (0.07 ± 0.02) > Cd (0.02 ± 0.004) in the dry season. The EDI of all the examined trace metals indicated no risk to human health from consuming Hilsa fish. The estimation of THQ and TTHQ suggested that the ingestion of both individual and combined trace metals through Hilsa shad consumption was safe from the perspective of human health. Also, there was no evidence of carcinogenic risk for consumers based on the evaluation of the TR value of metals (As, Pb, Cd, and Ni) due to Hilsa shad consumption.

Selenium in Infants and Preschool Children Nutrition: A Literature Review.

Selenium (Se), an essential trace element, is fundamental to human health, playing an important role in the formation of thyroid hormones, DNA synthesis, the immune response, and fertility. There is a lack of comprehensive epidemiological research, particularly the serum Se concetration in healthy infants and preschool children compared to the estimated dietary Se intake. However, Se deficiencies and exceeding the UL have been observed in infants and preschool children. Despite the observed irregularities in Se intake, there is a lack of nutritional recommendations for infants and preschool children. Therefore, the main objective of this literature review was to summarize what is known to date about Se levels and the risk of deficiency related to regular consumption in infants and preschool children.