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The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding conch shell (Turbinella pyrum) powder (either fresh or calcined) as a marine organic source of calcium (Ca) supplemented in the diet of crossbred calves on voluntary intake, growth performance, and blood biochemistry in growing crossbred Jersey calves. A growth trial of 90 days was conducted on 15 Jersey crossbred female calves (Av. weight, 70.68 ± 2.90 kg; Av. age, 197.73 ± 12.40 days), equally divided into three groups of 5 animals each, i.e., control (T 0 ), treatment 1 (T 1 ), and treatment 2 (T 2 ). All animals were fed total mixed ration (TMR) prepared with a concentrate mixture, chaffed paddy straw, and green fodder at the ratio of 40:30:30 on DM basis. Calves under the control group were fed with TMR containing a standard mineral mixture having dicalcium phosphate (DCP) as a Ca source. Calves under T 1 group were supplemented with TMR containing fresh conch shell powder (FCSP), and T 2 calves were fed with TMR containing conch shell calcined powder (CSCP) as Ca source. We observed 11.66% increase (p < 0.01) in Ca concentration in CSCP compared to FCSP. The concentration of minerals like Mg, Co, Mn, and Fe was enhanced in CSCP compared to the FCSP. However, the calcination process of fresh conch shell powder (FCSP) reduced the concentration of Cu, and Zn. The Ca/P ratio was estimated as 2.11, 2.06, and 2.10 in T 0 , T 1 , and T 2 diets, which could be considered ideal for calf ration. Calves under T 1 , and T 2 groups consumed significantly (p < 0.001) greater amounts (g/kg W 0.75 ) of DM and CP compared to T 0 . However, increased voluntary intake did not translate into increased body weight gain (kg), and feed conversion ratio (kg DMI/kg gain) in T 1 and T 2 groups in comparison to T 0 . We observed similar blood glucose, urea, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT) concentration among the three treatments. Ca, and P levels in blood plasma were also identical among the three groups. The digestibility of Ca was increased significantly (p = 0.01) in FCSP (T 1 )- and CSCP (T 2 )-treated calves compared to control (T 0 ) calves. Similarly, T 1 and T 2 enhanced P digestibility compared to T 0 . This first report with short-term experimentation depicted some promising scope for the use of locally available conch shell powder (fresh or calcined form) as a potential source of Ca for feeding to livestock, because these new sources of Ca did not affect intake, digestibility of Ca and P, growth performance, blood chemistry, and liver enzymes negatively in weaned crossbred calves., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

With the advancement in the egg industry sector, egg quality has assumed great significance in certain countries. Enhancements in the nutritional value of eggs may have direct affirmative consequences for daily nutrient intake and therefore for human health. Thus, affirmative improvement in egg quality boosts consumer preferences for eggs. Also, the improvement in eggshell quality can avoid the disposal of broken eggs and consequently economic losses. Therefore, poultry nutrition and mineral supplements have a significant impact on egg quality. Minerals are crucial in poultry feed for a number of biological processes, including catalytic, physiologic, and structural processes. For instance, they contribute to the biological processes necessary for forming and developing eggshells. To produce high-quality eggs for sale, diets must therefore contain the right amount of minerals. This review aims to highlight the role of both organic and inorganic minerals in improving egg quality, in addition to reviewing the interactions of mineral supplements with intestinal microbiota and subsequent effects on the egg quality., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

In humans, 23 elements have been shown to have biological activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), and calcium (Ca) in the serum of patients diagnosed with lumbar degenerative stenosis when compared to the concentrations of those elements in the serum of healthy volunteers. The study group consisted of 60 patients who were diagnosed with degenerative stenosis of the lumbosacral spine and who qualified for hemilaminectomy. The control group included 60 healthy volunteers without degenerative spinal stenosis. The clinical specimens studied had sera collected from both groups. The quantitative analysis of the selected elements revealed statistically significant (p < 0.05) lower concentrations of Zn (740 ± 110 µg/L vs. 880 ± 160 µg/L) and Mg (22,091 ± 4256 µg/L vs. 24,100 ± 4210 µg/L) in the serum of the patients from the study group when compared to the controls. By contrast, K (16,230 µg/L ± 1210 µg/L vs. 13,210 µg/L ± 1060 µg/L) and Fe (141.87 µg/L ± 11.22 µg/L vs. 109.1 µg/L ± 26.43 µg/L) levels were significantly higher in the study group compared to the controls (p < 0.05). No statistically significant changes were detected in the concentrations of the assessed micronutrients and macronutrients in both sexes in either the study group, the control group, or those based on body mass index (p > 0.05). In the serum samples from the study group, the strongest correlations were noted between the concentrations. In the study group, we showed a significant relationship between the levels of Fe/Zn (r = 0.41), Fe/Na (r = 0.41), Fe/P (r = 0.55), Zn/P (r = 0.68), Zn/K (r = 0.48), Zn/Ca (r = 0.94), Mg/Ca (r = 0.79), and Na/K (r = 0.67). We showed that only Mg concentration varied statistically significantly with the severity of pain (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the assessment of Fe, Zn, Mg, and K concentrations can be helpful in predicting the onset of degenerative changes in the spine., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Alterations in heavy metals and trace element levels may be associated with various cancers. However, the role of this interaction in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression is unclear. In recent years, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) models have provided new ideas for analyzing the effects of metal mixtures on CRC progression. Herein, we assessed the differences in the levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) in tumors and adjacent healthy tissues, to investigate the relationship between heavy metals/trace elements and CRC progression. Surgical samples of CRC and noncancerous tissues were collected, and trace metal levels were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Logistic regression, PCA, and BKMR models were used to investigate the relationship between heavy metals and trace elements and the degree of tumor differentiation and lymph node metastasis in CRC. Cancer tissues showed lower As, Cd, Co, and Cr concentrations, and higher Se concentrations than healthy tissues (P < 0.05). In addition, CRC patients with poorly differentiated tumors and/or positive lymph node metastases had lower levels of Cd, Zn, Cu, and Se (P < 0.05). Logistic regression showed that single metal concentration was negatively correlated with CRC progression. PCA and BKMR models also showed that the metal mixture concentration was negatively correlated with CRC progression, with Cd contributing the most. Overall, changes in heavy metal and trace element levels may be related to the development of CRC; however, further mechanistic studies are required., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

We studied concentrations of 34 essential and non-essential elements in samples of edible Bay Bolete (Imleria badia) mushrooms added by samples of the growing substrate and bioavailable fraction. The samples were collected from six forested sites affected differently by industrial pollution and underlain by compositionally contrasting bedrock: granite, amphibolite, and peridotite. In all cases, mushrooms behaved as a bioconcentrating system for elements such as Ag, K, P, Rb, S, and Se (BCF > 1) being a bioexcluding system for the rest of the elements analyzed (BCF < 1). Most analyzed elements displayed moderate to high within-mushroom mobility being accumulated preferably in the apical parts of the mushroom's fruiting body (TF > 1). The highest mobility was demonstrated by Cd and Cu. Sodium was the only element with significantly low mobility (TF < 1), and it accumulated preferably in the stipe. Imleria badia seems to be sensitive to the accumulation of elements such as As, Cd, and Pb from the atmospheric deposits. Specific geochemistry of the growing substrate was reflected to different extend in the accumulation of elements such as Ag, Cu, Rb, S, Al, Ca, Fe, Ba, and Na in the mushroom's fruiting bodies., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is attributed to inflammatory processes that accelerate atherosclerosis. Therefore, the exploration of novel biomarkers association is needed. This study investigated the associations between serum trace elements (Fe, Zn, Mg, Se, and Sr) and surrogate markers of CVD in 219 RA patients and compared them with those with metabolic disorders (MetD, n = 82) and control participants (n = 64). Surrogate markers included carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), carotid plaque presence (cPP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), distensibility (DIST), and the augmentation index (AIx). RA patients displayed heightened inflammatory markers, increased arterial stiffness and thickness, and elevated CV risk factors. Compared with those in control participants, Se levels in RA patients were lower, regardless of sex. Women and men with RA had lower Sr and Mg levels than those with MetD, respectively. Backward regression models demonstrated inverse associations of Sr and Zn with cIMT in men with RA and those with MetD, respectively. In RA patients, Sr and Zn were predictors of an increased AIx, with sex-specific associations. Increased Fe levels were associated with an increased AIx in women with MetD. Fe and Zn were predictors of increased cIMT in control participants, with sex-specific associations. Serum trace elements are independently associated with surrogate markers of CVD in patients with RA, highlighting their potential role in CV risk assessment. Prospective studies are essential for validating these associations and establishing optimal trace element levels for managing CVD risk in patients with RA., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

This study investigates the impact of chronic fluoride exposure on the absorption of essential minerals in the gut and explores the mechanisms underlying mineral deficiencies due to fluoride ingestion. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups: group 1 (G-1) served as the control (non-fluoride exposed), while group 2 (G-2) and group 3 (G-3) received human equivalent doses (HED) of fluoride (50 and 100 ppm ad libitum, corresponding to 5 and 10 ppm in humans, respectively) for 75 days. Serum fluoride concentrations were measured, and the levels of essential minerals and trace elements in blood and stool were analyzed using ICP-MS. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed on stool samples to identify chemical compounds. The chemical compounds and macromolecular complexes containing fluoride and essential minerals were identified and quantified using Match3 software. Results indicated that the blood concentrations of essential minerals were significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) in the fluoride-exposed groups compared to the control, while excretion of essential elements in stool was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the fluoride-administered groups. XRD analysis revealed the formation of unusual macromolecular chemical complexes in the stool of fluoride-treated groups, with the types and concentrations of these compounds increasing with higher fluoride doses. The study concludes that fluoride in the stomach chelates minerals, reducing their absorption, and induces the formation of unusual high molecular weight macromolecular chelation complexes, which alter the chemical species in the gut and further impair the absorption of essential minerals., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a fatal disease prevalent in more than 70 countries, poses significant health challenges, particularly in poor communities with limited access to healthcare. Vitamins and trace elements play a crucial role in immune function and may influence susceptibility to VL. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the differences in serum vitamin and trace element levels in VL patients compared to healthy individuals. We conducted an extensive search of databases (PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar) to identify potentially eligible articles published from inception to June 2023. Data extraction and quality assessment were carried out by two reviewers independently. RevMan software (version 5.4) was used for analysis. Standardized mean difference (SMD) with a confidence interval (CI) of 95% was used to summarize the findings. Ten studies comprising 546 VL patients and 535 controls were included in our study. The findings revealed significantly reduced serum retinol levels in VL patients in comparison to controls (SMD: - 0.67; 95% CI: [- 1.05, - 0.28]; p = 0.0008). Serum zinc levels were also substantially lower in VL patients, regardless of controls recruited from endemic (SMD: - 2.65; 95% CI: [- 3.86, - 1.44]; p < 0.0001) or non-endemic regions (SMD: - 1.99; 95% CI: [- 3.02, - 0.96]; p < 0.0002). However, VL patients exhibited significantly increased serum copper levels compared to controls (SMD: 2.51; 95% CI: [0.70, 4.32]; p = 0.007). Patients with VL had lower serum levels of zinc and retinol and higher levels of copper, indicating a possible role of these micronutrients in influencing VL susceptibility and progression., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Pre-eclampsia, a hypertensive disorder occurring during pregnancy, poses significant risks to maternal and fetal health worldwide. Despite extensive research, the precise cause of pre-eclampsia remains unknown. Recent studies have indicated that trace elements, essential minerals crucial for various biological processes, might be significant factors in the development of pre-eclampsia. This study examines the intricate relationship between trace elements (magnesium, copper, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, and iron) and the severity of pre-eclampsia. The study involves a total of 150 participants, categorized into three distinct groups: 50 individuals with mild pre-eclampsia, 50 with severe pre-eclampsia, and 50 healthy pregnant controls. Specifically, out of the 100 pre-eclampsia cases, 5 were identified as early-onset and 95 as late-onset. Participants were recruited from a tertiary care hospital based on stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the trace elements were quantitatively measured by direct colorimetric method using the Beckman Coulter AU480 analyzer system (Beckman Coulter, USA). Pre-eclampsia cases exhibited a significantly lowered level of magnesium (2.02 mg/dL), zinc (57.62 mg/dL), calcium (8.02 mg/dL), and phosphorus (3.93 mg/dL). These levels were approximately 14.4%, 20.2%, 21.1%, and 22.6% lower when compared to healthy pregnant women. Conversely, copper (151.67 mg/dL) and iron (53 μg/dL) levels were significantly elevated in pre-eclampsia cases. Age emerged as a significant risk factor, correlating with heightened pre-eclampsia susceptibility. Magnesium showed a protective effect, correlating negatively with age and positively with gestational age. The complex relationships between trace elements, age, and pre-eclampsia underline the need for personalized interventions, potentially including magnesium supplementation, in high-risk pregnancies., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Trace elements (TEs) play a crucial role in metabolism through their biochemical and catalytic effects, and alterations in their levels have been observed in various malignancies. Given that chemotherapy is a common treatment for cancer, it is important to understand how it may affect the levels of TEs in the body. By investigating changes in TEs levels before and after chemotherapy, this study aims to provide insights into the potential impact of chemotherapy on TEs levels in cancer patients. In the present study, analyses were performed on the serum level of some elements including Zn, Cu, Cd, and Se in 69 patients with leukemia, lymphoma, prostate and breast cancers before and after three courses of chemotherapy. The serum TEs were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The serum Zn levels in patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer significantly decreased after chemotherapy (P < 0.05). Significant reductions were also observed in the post-chemotherapy serum level of Cd in patients with prostate (P = 0.020) and breast cancer (P = 0.013). Moreover, the Se serum level significantly decreased after chemotherapy compared to before it in the breast cancer patients (P < 0.001). In contrast, the serum level of Cu was higher before than after chemotherapy in all the patients, but no significant difference was found (P > 0.05). The results show that chemotherapy can alter the level of TEs. The assessment of TEs in cancer patients may provide information about the side effects of chemotherapy as well as the use of appropriate strategies to better manage the clinical conditions of patients., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

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., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The presence of heavy metal contaminants in fish and shellfish in aquatic environments poses a risk to human health due to trophic transfer. This study determined the levels of various trace elements (Fe, As, Cr, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Cd) in the muscles, gills, and liver of hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) and prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) samples obtained from the Tetulia River, Bangladesh. The results showed that the level of trace elements in different body parts differed significantly (P < 0.05) between species, displayed below recommended threshold levels. The cumulative low to higher hierarchic concentration of the trace elements was as follows: Fe > Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > As > Cd. Hilsa had significantly (P < 0.05) higher bioaccumulated trace elements compared to prawn. With the exception of Ni and Cd, the estimated daily intakes (EDI) for both adults and children were below the recommended daily allowance (RDA), which exhibits that other trace elements do not cause harm to human health. Furthermore, the hazard index (HI) and total hazard quotient (THQ) were also found to be within acceptable limits, taking into account the higher vulnerability of children to toxicity compared to adults. Notably, the HI suggested that children were approximately four times more susceptible to both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects compared to adults. Ultimately, the levels of carcinogenic risk were deemed acceptable, despite the estimated values suggesting susceptibility to adverse effects in both adults and children. This study concluded that fish and shellfish may not pose a health risk to consumers, highlighting the importance of further monitoring of trace elements in the catchment area., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

The use of medicinal plants is integral to addressing liver, heart, lung, and other metabolic issues. These plants are rich in vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which collectively help in lowering intestinal glucose absorption and increasing insulin secretion by pancreatic tissues. Elemental analysis, encompassing major, minor, and trace elements, was performed on various parts (leaves, roots, and seeds) of 16 anti-diabetic medicinal plants collected from different regions of Swat and Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. This analysis utilized proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) techniques. Our PIXE and ICP-OES analysis revealed the presence of major (Ca, K, S, P), minor (Si, Cl), and trace (Al, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Cr, and Sc) elements in various parts (leaves, roots, and seeds) of the 16 anti-diabetic medicinal plants studied. Specifically, elements such as Ca, K, Cr, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Se were detected, all of which are known to contribute in maintaining normal glucose metabolism. Notably, Zn and Se are crucial trace elements for the synthesis, secretion, and action of insulin. Significant Zn concentrations were observed in ten anti-diabetic medicinal plants: Albizia lebbeck (AL), Atropa acuminata (AA), Avena fatua (AF), Citrus medica (CM), Commiphora wightii (CW), Cymbopogon citratus (CC), Daucus carota (DC), Ziziphus mauritiana (FM), Hyoscyamus niger (HN), and Martynia annua (MA), and significant Se concentrations were observed in twelve medicinal plants, i.e., Albizia lebbeck (AL), Allium sativum (AS), Atropa acuminata (AA), Avena fatua (AF), Cannabis sativa (CS), Capparis spinosa (CaS), Commiphora wightii (CW), Cymbopogon citratus (CC), Datura alba (DA), Daucus carota (DC), Ziziphus mauritiana (FM), and Hyoscyamus niger (HN). Our study's elemental analysis using PIXE and ICP-OES on various parts of 16 medicinal plants identified a significant number of useful elements. Elements such as Ca, K, S, P, Al, Si, Cl, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, and Cr were identified and quantified. These findings support the potential use of these plants in managing diabetes and highlight the importance of elemental profiling in understanding their therapeutic properties., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

This study assessed the elemental status of cross-bred dairy cows in small holder farms in Sri Lanka, with the aim to establish the elemental baseline and identify possible deficiencies. For this purpose, 458 milk, hair, serum and whole blood samples were collected from 120 cows in four regions of Northern and Northwestern Sri Lanka, (namely Vavaniya, Mannar, Jaffna and Kurunegala). Farmers also provided a total of 257 samples of feed, which included local fodder as well as 79 supplement materials. The concentrations of As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, I, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Se, V and Zn were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Evaluation of the data revealed that all cows in this study could be considered deficient in I and Co (18.6-78.5 µg L -1 I and 0.06-0.65 µg L -1 Co, in blood serum) when compared with deficiency upper boundary levels of 0.70 µg L -1 Co and 50 µg L -1 I. Poor correlations were found between the composition of milk or blood with hair, which suggests that hair is not a good indicator of mineral status. Most local fodders meet dietary requirements, with Sarana grass offering the greatest nutritional profile. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to assess differences in the elemental composition of the diverse types of feed, as well as regional variability, revealing clear differences between forage, concentrates and nutritional supplements, with the latter showing higher concentrations of non-essential or even toxic elements, such as Cd and Pb., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The effects of important nutrients such as calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) have been investigated in relation to male fertility due to their roles in proper spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, motility, and optimal sperm function. An imbalance between these elements has been associated with several pathologic conditions and male reproductive issues. The purpose of this study was to determine the essential trace and electrolytes elements, such as Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Se, and Zn, in human biological samples (blood, serum, and semen) from patients with male infertility. This study used correlational analysis to determine the potential associations between these elements and male fertility. Imbalances in these elements have been linked to various pathological conditions and male reproductive issues. One hundred eighty referent male adults and two hundred twenty-nine patients diagnosed with subtypes of infertility were included in the study, divided into two age groups. Acid digestion was controlled using a microwave oven, and the essential trace elements and electrolytes in the oxidized biological samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Certified reference materials of blood and serum were used to validate the accuracy of the methodology. The results showed that the concentrations of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Se, and Zn in the blood, serum, and seminal plasma of male adults in all age groups were higher than those in patients with different infertility phenotypes. Essential element deficiency in all biological fluid samples may significantly negatively affect human reproductive health and lead to male infertility. Through a multidimensional approach, our study sought to unravel the intricate biochemical signatures associated with OAT, providing insights that may shape the landscape of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for male reproductive health., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Fast-food workers in Iraq face significant health risks due to exposure to heavy metals from fumes and dust during cooking activities. Heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni), are toxic to cells even at low concentrations and can cause health risks, including atherosclerosis, due to oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant activity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study assess the levels of heavy metals in fast-food workers and investigate their potential link to atherosclerosis development by monitoring the levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe). A total of 120 male participants aged between 20 and 40 years were included in the study, with 40 fast-food workers, 40 patients with atherosclerosis, and 40 healthy individuals evaluated. The levels of Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mg, Mn, and Fe in all blood samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Results showed that the fast-food worker group had significantly higher levels of Pb, Cd, Cu, and Fe compared to the healthy control group, with increases of 57%, 75%, 30%, and 55%, respectively. Conversely, their levels of Zn and Mg were significantly lower, decreasing by 15% and 16%, respectively. On the other hand, the atherosclerosis patients' group had significantly higher levels of Pb, Cd, Cu, and Fe, with increases of 47%, 74%, 34%, and 28%, respectively, as well as significantly lower levels of Zn and Mg, decreasing by 17% and 21%, respectively, compared to the control group. These findings suggest that fast-food workers are at risk of developing atherosclerosis due to exposure to high levels of heavy metals and imbalances in essential trace elements. The results showed a significant increase in the levels of Pb and Cd in the sera of these workers, which was expected because of the long duration and high intensity of exposure to toxic heavy metals. This is a serious indicator that must be considered, as it has been previously established that increased levels of Pb and Cd in the body are linked to the risk of atherosclerosis. Additionally, an association between Pb and Cd levels and an imbalance in trace element levels (Cu, Zn, Mg, and Fe) were observed. The Implementation of stricter regulations and guidelines for maintaining cleanliness and safety in fast-food restaurants may be crucial for protecting workers and preventing long-term health complications., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

A total of 140 specimens of Scomber colias were collected from the Canary archipelago waters during the first semester of 2021, with 20 samples from each of the seven main islands. After analyzing the concentrations of metals (Al, Zn, Cd, Pb, Fe, and Cu) with ICP-OES, significant variations were observed among islands, with specimens from Tenerife and Gran Canaria containing higher levels of Al, Cd, and Pb, while those from Lanzarote and Fuerteventura had elevated levels of Zn, Fe, and Cu. These differences are probably related to greater anthropogenic activity around Tenerife and Gran Canaria coasts, leading to higher pollution levels, and the influence of Saharan dust and African upwelling on Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, enriching the waters with nutrients. Specific management strategies to mitigate marine pollution and continuous monitoring are crucial to safeguard marine ecosystems and to ensure food security., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

This study aimed to assess the levels of heavy metals in the breast milk of women residing in the mining and agricultural areas of East Azerbaijan province in Iran. This cross-sectional study analyzed 68 lactating mothers from mining (n = 28) and agricultural (n = 40) areas of East Azerbaijan province in Iran between June 2022 and March 2023. The study used an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to measure the concentrations of heavy metals, including arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe). A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) was used to collect data on the dietary and sociodemographic characteristics of the mothers. Although the concentration of arsenic (As) was below the limit of detection (LOD), the mean concentrations of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) were 1.11, 0.87, and 13.25 mg/L in agricultural areas and 0.83, 0.93, and 11.35 mg/L in mining areas, respectively. The concentrations of Cr (p < 0.001) and Fe (p = 0.019) were significantly higher in the breast milk of women residing in agricultural areas. However, the concentration of Cu was significantly higher (p = 0.085) in the breast milk of women living in mining areas. Additionally, lactation age had a significant effect on Cu levels (p = 0.015), with a negative coefficient of -0.011. The study indicates that the levels of heavy metals in breast milk can be influenced by the exposure to pesticides, fertilizers, volcanic soil, and disparities in access to post-natal care and iron supplements., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Aquaculture is a growing industry facing several challenges, including disease control, water quality management, and sustainable feed production. One potential solution to these challenges is the use of trace elements such as iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), either in their conventional form or as nanoparticles (NPs). Aquatic animals need these micronutrients for normal growth, physiological processes, and overall health. In marine species, iron boosts development, immunity, and disease resistance. At the same time, zinc enhances metabolism, synthesizes essential enzymes, and produces hormones that play a part in defenses, growth, reproduction, and antioxidative activities. According to this review, species-specific requirements by different Fe and Zn compounds have all emphasized the impacts on animal growth and development, antioxidant capacity, reproductive efficiency, and immunological response. However, NPs of Fe and Zn have been found to have higher bioavailability and efficacy than conventional forms. This work examines the effects of applications of Fe and Fe nanoparticles (Fe-NPs) and Zn and Zn nanoparticles (Zn-NPs) in aquaculture. However, the source of Fe and Zn in aquaculture species and administration volume may significantly impact efficacy. Nanotechnology boosts the positive benefits of Fe and Zn by converting them to their nanoforms (Fe-NPs) and (Zn-NPs), which are better used by animals and have a broader intake range. As a result, Fe-NPs and Zn-NPs offer an effective method for using nutrients in aquaculture., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

The ionome-an important expression of the physiological state of organisms-is poorly known for mammals. The focus on particular tissues-such as liver, kidney, and bones-in biomonitoring of environmental pollution and potential deficiencies is based on widely held assumptions rather than solid knowledge of full mammalian ionomes. We examined the full ionome of Red deer (Cervus elaphus) and Wild boar (Sus scrofa), two commonly used mammals for biomonitoring, in a Dutch protected nature reserve (Veluwezoom). We used four individuals per species. We dissected 13 tissues and organs from each individuals (eight in total) of each species and measured 22 elemental concentrations in each. We assessed, for each element, how concentrations varied across tissues within and between individuals. Based on existing literature, we put our findings in the context of their function in the mammalian body. We found that the ionome was highly variable between as well as within the two species. For most elements, tissues containing the highest and lowest concentration differed between individuals. No single tissue accurately represented the accumulation of toxic elements or potential deficiencies in the bodies. Our assessment of the element's biological roles revealed a serious lack of reference values. Our findings imply that analyses of commonly used tissues in biomonitoring do not necessarily capture bioaccumulation of toxins or potential deficiencies. We recommend establishing a centralized database of mammalian ionomes to derive reference values in future. To our knowledge, our study is one of the most complete assessments of mammalian ionomes to date., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

The study assesses associations between microelement levels, fatty acid composition, and oxidative stress markers in grass carp muscle in the summer and autumn seasons. Additionally, various factors were considered, including the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), total THQ (TTHQ), and metal pollution index (MPI), to evaluate potential health risks for consumers. The microelements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, and Zn) were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and total mercury was determined using cold-vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CV-AAS). Fatty acid profiling was realized using gas chromatography (GC) detection with a flame ionization detector (FID). The overall tendency of microelement levels was as follows: Fe > Zn > Al > Sr > Ba > Ni > Se > Cr> Cu > Mn > Pb > As > Li > Hg;

Trace elements are minerals that are present in very low concentrations in the human body and yet are crucial for a wide range of physiological functions. Zinc, the second most abundant trace element, is obtained primarily from the diet. After being taken up in the intestine, zinc is distributed to various target organs, where it plays key roles in processes such as immunity, protein folding, apoptosis, and antioxidant activity. Given the important role of zinc in a wide range of enzymatic reactions and physiological processes, zinc deficiency has been identified in a variety of diseases, notably cancer. In recent years, multiple meta-analyses and reviews looking at zinc levels in individual cancer types have been published, as have a plethora of primary studies demonstrating a link between low zinc levels and specific types of cancer. In this review, we summarize recent evidence implicating low zinc concentrations in serum or tissues as a characteristic in a wide range of cancers. We also discuss preliminary findings indicating that zinc level measurement could ultimately become a useful clinical tool for cancer diagnosis and predicting outcomes in patients with cancer. Finally, we suggest future directions for further elucidating the role of zinc deficiency in cancer development and progression., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Portable X-ray fluorescence is a new tool in the study of human bone. This research aims to investigate if variations in bone elemental concentrations are related with porous skeletal lesions (PSLs). One hundred well-preserved non-adult skeletons aged 0-11 years were selected from the archaeological site Convent of São Domingos, Lisbon (18th-19th century). Measuring a standard reference material and calculating the technical error of measurement assured elemental data reliability. Moreover, measuring soil samples excluded possible contamination of bones with elements from the soil, except for Pb. Additionally, the Ca/P ratio indicates maintenance of bone integrity. Cribra cranii, orbitalia, humeralis, and femoralis were recorded as present/absent, and the estimated intra-/inter-observer errors were low. The multivariate analysis found higher odds of having cribra orbitalia (OR = 1.76; CI = 0.97-3.20) and cribra femoralis (OR = 1.42; CI = 0.73-2.74) in individuals with lower Fe and higher S. Furthermore, higher levels of P, Ca, and Sr increased the odds of individuals developing cribra femoralis (OR = 2.30; CI = 1.23-4.29). Age also correlated with increased odds of exhibiting cribra orbitalia (OR = 1.86; CI = 0.94-3.68), cribra femoralis (OR = 6.97; CI = 2.78-17.45), and cribra humeralis (OR = 8.32; CI = 2.71-25.60). These findings suggest a shared etiology for these three cribras, contrasting with the higher Fe levels in individuals with cribra cranii. Lower Fe and higher S levels in individuals with cribra suggest a complex etiology, possibly involving conditions like megaloblastic or chronic disease anemia(s). Age-related elemental changes support the hypothesis that age influences cribra frequencies. This study highlights PSL complexity and opens new avenues for research., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

This study investigated the feathers' composition of South polar skua (Stercorarius maccormicki) using WDXRF, evaluating the concentration of essential and non-essential elements in the feathers, and dividing it into rachis and barb parts. We collected South polar skuas feathers from Hennequin Point, King George Island, South Shetland, Antarctic Peninsula in January of 2013. Our results show that 18 elements were observed in the composition of the feathers, with a different concentration between the rachis and barbs, qualitatively and quantitatively. Only 3 elements observed were classified as non-essentials but still mostly elements do not have a function described in the literature to the feathers. According to our knowledge, this is the first study that uses this technique to evaluate the concentration of different elements in the feathers. The findings of this study highlight the use of alternative techniques to biomonitoring elements in the ecosystem and bring baseline information for future studies., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

To investigate the relationship between selenium (Se) based multi-element combined exposure and cognitive function in rural elderly individuals, a cross-sectional study was conducted. The study involved 416 older adults aged 60 and above, residing in four different areas of Enshi county, China, with varying soil Se levels. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed to measure the concentrations of Se, copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and lead (Pb) in whole blood. Nine standard cognitive tests were applied to assess cognitive function. Analysis of the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression (LASSO), covariance (ANCOVA), and generalized linear model (GLM) were utilized to investigate the relationship between element exposure and cognitive function. The results of LASSO revealed that Se, Cu, Fe, Zn, Ca, and Pb were independently identified to be associated with cognition. Both ANCOVA and GLM demonstrated that Se and Ca were correlated with cognitive function. The multi-element model showed higher composite Z scores of 0.32 (95% CI: 0.09 to 0.55) for log-transformed Se (P = 0.007), 0.75 (95% CI: 0.01 to 1.49) for log-transformed Cu (P = 0.048), and a lower score of - 0.67 (95% CI: - 1.26 to - 0.08) for log-transformed Ca (P = 0.025). Furthermore, there was evidence that Se could counteract the negative impact of Ca on cognitive function (P for interaction = 0.031). Our findings suggested that higher levels of Se and Cu were associated with better cognitive function in the elderly and Se can counteract the cognitive damage caused by Ca., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

The present study reports the trace elemental and heavy metal (24 elements) levels in six (Capsicum frutescence L., Carica papaya L., Momordica charantia L., Moringa oleifera Lam., Musa sapientum L., and Solanum melongena L.) vegetables. The vegetable samples are collected from the three villages and are subjected to ICP-MS analysis, to test a group of 24 elements, viz., Li, Be, Al, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Ag, Cd, Cs, Ba, TI, Rb, and U, for their levels. The obtained levels of each element were compared with the WHO/FAO permissible values. Out of the tested 24 elements, 16 elements may cause kidney problems and the remaining 8 (Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Sr, and TI) may cause other health problems when they are in high concentration (FAO/WHO, 18; ATSDR, 19; Drake and Hazelwood in Ann Occup Hyg 49:575-585, 20; US EPA, 21; FAO/WHO, 22; Choudhury et al., 23; Food Safety and Standards, 24). The results reveal that Ba is in high concentration (2.51 times) in all the tested vegetable samples and Pb is in high concentration (1.28 times) in 11 vegetable samples; Ag and Fe are high in one vegetable sample each. Among the three locations highest Ba concentration is observed in S 1 (Capsicum) of L 2 followed by S 5 (Musa) and S 1 (Capsicum) of L 1 . The higher Pb concentration is present in S 1 (Capsicum) of L 3 followed by S 1 (Capsicum) of L 2 . The results reveal that out of the six vegetables tested, Capsicum shows high concentrations of Ba and Pb. The variation in the levels of trace elements and heavy metals with regard to location and vegetable samples may be due to soil and or due to groundwater., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

The potential use of elemental concentrations and element:calcium (Ca) ratios as indicators of provenance for bivalve mollusks on the Brazilian coast is evaluated herein for the first time. The approach was applied to shells of the mussel Perna perna (target of extractive fisheries) from geographically close areas but under distinct environmental and anthropogenic influences. Both concentrations of the elements normalized by Ca and the total concentrations can be applied to discriminate the mussels' origin. However, the canonical approach using the total concentrations indicated variations regarding the discriminatory power, and the concentrations of the elements normalized by Ca were more robust in differentiating the provenance of the shells. The origin of mussels was better discriminated by six elementary ratios: Al:Ca, Fe:Ca, K:Ca, Mg:Ca, Mn:Ca and Na:Ca. Thus, monitoring studies aiming to discriminate the origin of P. perna individuals along their distribution based on these elementary ratios of the shell are recommended., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

(1) In mammals, the mineral nutrient and trace elemental composition of the body - the ionome - differs among individuals. It has been hypothesized that these differences may be related to age and sex, both for ecotoxic and essential elements. (2) We investigated whether and how intraspecific ionomic variation is related to age and sex in Fallow deer (Dama dama). We tested the predictions that concentrations of ecotoxic elements increase with age, that ionomic variation is lower among young individuals than among older individuals, and that reproductive females (does) have the lowest concentrations of essential elements. (3) Culled animals of different sex and age were obtained from a single protected area. The animals were dissected to collect 13 tissues, and concentrations of 22 different elements were measured in a sample of each tissue. (4) We described substantial ionomic variation between individuals. Some of this variation was related to age and sex, as predicted. Based on the limited existing knowledge on chemical element allocation and metabolism in the body, sex-related differences were more difficult to interpret than age-related differences. Since reference values are absent, we could not judge about the consequences of the elemental values that we found. (5) More extensive ionomic surveys, based on a wide range of elements and tissues, are needed to enlarge the understanding of within-species ionomic variation and potential biological, ecological, and metabolic consequences., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

This study investigated the potential of utilising the elemental fingerprinting of honey to differentiate New Zealand (NZ) honey from that of international origin. Twenty elements were analysed by ICP-MS in 352 honeys from 34 various countries. Of these, 323 honeys (245 New Zealand honeys, 78 international) and two subsets of data (NZ and European origin, n = 306, and, NZ and Denmark/Germany, n = 280) were visualised using principal component analysis (PCA). For the NZ/Europe subset, 42.2% of data was explained in the first two principal components. Statistical classification rules were also derived using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and decision tree analysis. Various combinations of elements were explored for classification, considering the effect of soil-derived elements and those from anthropogenic sources. A high degree of accuracy (at least 90%) for the characterisation of New Zealand honey was observed for all statistical models, showing the robustness of these analyses. When using decision tree analysis to distinguish New Zealand samples from international samples, a tree with five terminal nodes (using Cs, Ba and Rb) was created with 92.4% accuracy. This work has demonstrated that elemental fingerprints of honey are a promising tool for categorising New Zealand honey from other geographical locations., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

The objective of the present study was to evaluate trace element and minerals levels in the serum of cows transiting from diets consumed in feedlot or under grazing. A total of 30 healthy 5-6 years old cows of the Red Steppe breed were involved in the study. Blood samples were collected at the end of the feedlot period (end of April) and during the pasture period (end of June). Serum essential trace element and mineral levels were evaluated using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The obtained data demonstrate that serum K levels in cows during the feedlot period exceeded those in the pasture period by 50%, whereas serum P values in the pasture period were significantly higher than in the feedlot period by 20%. Serum Li levels in cows during the feedlot feeding period were nearly 3-fold higher than the respective values in a pasture period. In addition, serum B, Sr, and Zn concentrations in cows during a pasture period exceeded those observed upon feedlot feeding by 38%, 40%, and 13%, respectively. In contrast, serum I and V levels in a feedlot period were 32% and 77% higher when compared to the respective values in a pasture period. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that Cr, Cu, I, Na, and V are positively associated with feedlot feeding. At the same time, serum Zn and to a lesser extent Sr values were directly associated with the pasture period. Therefore, the results of the present study demonstrated that feedlot and pasture rations have a significant impact on trace element and mineral metabolism in dairy cows., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Copper (Cu), an essential trace element, is crucial for both the mother and fetus. Currently, an increasing number of studies have focused on blood copper levels during pregnancy. Studies have found that blood copper levels in pregnant women are higher than those in reproductive-age women, but the trend, mainly in the 2nd and 3rd trimester, is still controversial. Most studies showed that blood copper levels gradually increased during pregnancy, while some studies found that blood copper levels remained stable or even decreased in the 3rd trimester. The possible mechanisms of variations in blood copper during pregnancy include the influence of estrogen (hepatic uptake and excretion, ceruloplasmin synthesis, maternal-fetal transport, etc.), the interaction of other trace elements (Fe, Zn, etc.) and other factors. Among them, maternal-fetal copper transport caused by elevated estrogen may be the main reason for the inconsistencies observed in the 2nd and 3rd trimester during pregnancy. However, there are some mechanisms require further investigation. In the future, the trend and mechanisms of blood copper during pregnancy should be explored more deeply to help doctors better monitor copper status and detect copper abnormalities in time., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

This study was conducted to compare the differences of the whole blood zinc concentration in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) as compared to healthy controls, and to explore the correlations of the whole blood zinc level with coronary artery calcification (CAC) and cardiovascular event (CVE) in CKD patients. A total of 170 CKD patients and 62 healthy controls were recruited. The whole blood zinc concentration was determined in using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) method. The degrees of CAC were evaluated by Agatston score based on computed tomography (CT). Regular follow-up visits were performed to record the incidence of CVE, and risk factors were analyzed by COX proportional hazard model and Kaplan-Meier survival curve. There were statistically significant lower zinc levels in CKD patients than in healthy population. The prevalence of CAC was 58.82% in CKD patients. Correlation analysis showed that dialysis duration, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 (25(OH)D 3 ), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), total cholesterol (TC), and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) were positively correlated with CAC, while albumin (ALB), hemoglobin (Hb), and zinc levels were negatively associated with CAC. Further COX proportional hazard model demonstrated that moderate to severe CAC, NLR, phosphate, 25(OH)D 3 , iPTH, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were associated with an increased risk for CVE, while zinc levels, Hb, and ALB were inversely associated with a reduced risk for CVE. Kaplan-Meier curve showed that low zinc (zinc < 86.62 μmol/L) patients and moderate to severe CAC patients had lower survival respectively. Our study found the lower levels of zinc and higher prevalence of CAC in CKD patients; the low zinc is involved in the high incidence rate of moderate to severe CAC and CVE in CKD patients., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Perfluoro octane sulfonate (PFOS) and cadmium (Cd) are toxic elements in the environment. As a micronutrient trace element, selenium (Se) can mitigate the adverse effects induced by PFOS and Cd. However, few studies have examined the correlation between Se, PFOS and Cd in fish. The present study focused on the antagonistic effects of Se on PFOS+Cd-induced accumulation in the liver of zebrafish. The fish was exposed to PFOS (0.08mg/L), Cd (1mg/L), PFOS+ Cd (0.08 mg/L PFOS+1 mg/L Cd), L-Se (0.07mg/L Sodium selenite +0.08mg/L PFOS+1mg/L Cd), M-Se (0.35mg/L Sodium selenite + 0.08mg/L PFOS+ 1 mg/L Cd), H-Se (1.75 mg/L Sodium selenite + 0.08 mg/L PFOS+ 1mg/L Cd) for 14d. The addition of selenium to fish exposed to PFOS and Cd has been found to have significant positive effects. Specifically, selenium treatments can alleviate the adverse effects of PFOS and Cd on fish growth, with a 23.10% improvement observed with the addition of T6 compared to T4. In addition, selenium can alleviate the negative effects of PFOS and Cd on antioxidant enzymes in zebrafish liver, thus reducing the liver toxicity caused by PFOS and Cd. Overall, the supplementation of selenium can reduce the health risks to fish and mitigate the injuries caused by PFOS and Cd in zebrafish., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrinological syndrome characterized by hyperandrogenism of ovarian origin and is often considered a predisposing factor for metabolic disorders. The objective of the study was to investigate serum levels of (a) trace elements (copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), and manganese (Mn)); and (b) biochemical parameters (glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), albumin, total protein, creatinine, and C-reactive protein (CRP) with risk of PCOS. Another objective was to explore the relationship between serum trace elements and biochemical variables. Serum trace elements were estimated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and biochemical parameters were estimated by colorimetric methods in 99 PCOS cases and 82 controls. Linear and non-linear associations of serum variables with PCOS risk were studied under logistic, probit, GAM, and BKMR model. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS 22.0 and R package version 4.2.1. All studied serum trace elements (except Zn) are significantly associated with PCOS. Combined effect analysis revealed Mg-Se and Fe-Cu association with PCOS risk. A significant association of cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, CRP, and albumin was observed. Furthermore, linear regression analysis suggests an association between Mg-Cu and Mg-Fe-Mn with HDL-C; Fe and Cr-Cu with albumin; and Cu-Se with cholesterol and LDL-C both., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have involved a lot of consideration owing to their distinctive features. The ZnO NPs can be described as particularly synthesized mineral salts via nanotechnology, varying in size from 1 to 100 nm, while zinc oxide (ZnO), it is an inorganic substrate of zinc (Zn). The Zn is a critical trace element necessary for various biological and physiological processes in the body. Studies have revealed ZnO NPs' efficient immuno-modulatory, growth-promoting, and antimicrobial properties in poultry birds. They offer increased bioavailability as compared to their traditional sources, producing better results in terms of productivity and welfare and consequently reducing ecological harm in the poultry sector. However, they have also been reported for their toxicological effects, which are size, shape, concentration, and exposure route dependent. The investigations done so far have yielded inconsistent results, therefore, a lot of additional studies and research are required to clarify the harmful consequences of ZnO NPs and to bring them to a logical end. This review explores an overview of efficient possible role of ZnO NPs, while comparing them with other nutritional Zn sources, in the poultry industry, primarily as dietary supplements that effect the growth, health, and performance of the birds. In addition to the anti-bacterial mechanisms of ZnO NPs and their promising role as antifungal, and anti-colloidal agent, this paper also covers the toxicological mechanisms of ZnO NPs and their consequent toxicological hazards to vital organs and the reproductive system of poultry birds., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

To explore the association between serum-related indicators (levels of inflammatory cytokines and essential trace elements) and miscarriage risk among infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques (ART) on the 14th day after embryo transfer, and to develop and establish a multivariable algorithm model that might predict pregnancy outcome. According to a nested case-control study design, a total of 100 miscarriage cases and 100 live birth controls were included in this study, and women in both groups were infertile and have underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF). Pregnancy tests were performed and serum levels of five essential trace elements (vanadium (V), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and molybdenum (Mo)) and five inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)) of the participants were measured on the 14th day after embryo transfer. The serum levels of five inflammatory cytokines were determined by multiple magnetic bead enzyme immunity analyzer; and the serum concentrations of five elements were determined simultaneously by inductively coupled plasma‒mass spectrometry (ICP ‒ MS). The logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between these serum indices and miscarriage risk among women undergoing ART, and a predictive model of pregnancy outcome based on these indices was established. The levels of IL-10, IL-1β and TNF-α of infertile women in the live birth group were significantly higher than those in the miscarriage group (p = 0.009, p < 0.001, p = 0.006), and the levels of V, Cu, Zn and Se of infertile women in the live birth group were also significantly higher than those in the miscarriage group (all p < 0.001). Through logistic regression analyses, we found that serum levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, V, Cu, Zn and Se were significantly and negatively associated with miscarriage risk. Different combination prediction models were generated according to the results of logistic regression analyses, and the combination of IL-1β, Cu and Zn had the best prediction performance. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.776, the sensitivity of the model was 60% and the specificity was 84%. In conclusion, the serum-related indicators of women undergoing ART on the 14th day after embryo transfer, including the inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α and the essential trace metal elements such as V, Cu, Zn and Se, were negatively correlated with miscarriage risk. A multivariate algorithm model to predict pregnancy outcome among women undergoing ART was established, which showed that IL-1β, Cu and Zn might synergistically predict pregnancy outcome., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Zinc is a tightly regulated trace mineral element playing critical roles in growth, immunity, neurodevelopment, and synaptic and hormonal signaling. Although severe dietary zinc deficiency is relatively uncommon in the United States, dietary zinc deficiency is a substantial public health concern in low- and middle-income countries. Zinc status may be a key determinant of neurodevelopmental processes. Indeed, limited cohort studies have shown that serum zinc is lower in people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and depression. These observations have sparked multiple studies investigating the mechanisms underlying zinc status and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Animal models of perinatal and adult dietary zinc restriction yield distinct behavioral phenotypes reminiscent of features of ASD, ADHD, and depression, including increased anxiety and immobility, repetitive behaviors, and altered social behaviors. At the cellular and molecular level, zinc has demonstrated roles in neurogenesis, regulation of cellular redox status, transcription factor trafficking, synaptogenesis, and the regulation of synaptic architecture via the Shank family of scaffolding proteins. Although mechanistic questions remain, the current evidence suggests that zinc status is important for adequate neuronal development and may be a yet overlooked factor in the pathogenesis of several psychiatric conditions. This review aims to summarize current knowledge of the role of zinc in the neurophysiology of the perinatal period, the many cellular targets of zinc in the developing brain, and the potential consequences of alterations in zinc homeostasis in early life., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Sustainable remediation of arsenic-fluoride from rice fields through efficient bio-extraction is the need of the hour, since these toxicants severely challenge safe cultivation of rice and food biosafety. In the present study, we screened an arsenic-fluoride tolerant strain AB-ARC of Acinetobacter indicus from the soil of a severely polluted region of West Bengal, India, which was capable of efficiently removing extremely high doses of arsenate and fluoride from the media. The strain also behaved as a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium, since it could produce indole-3-acetic acid and solubilize phosphate, zinc, and starch. Due to these properties of the identified strain, it was used for bio-priming the seeds of the arsenic-fluoride susceptible rice cultivar, Khitish for testing the efficacy of the AB-ARC strain to promote combined arsenic-fluoride tolerance in the rice genotype. Bio-priming with AB-ARC led to accelerated uptake of crucial elements like iron, copper, and nickel which behave as co-factors of physiological and antioxidative enzymes. Thus, the activation of superoxide dismutase, catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase enabled detoxification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduction of the oxidative injuries like malondialdehyde and methylglyoxal generation. Overall, due to ameliorated molecular damages and low uptake of the toxic xenobiotics, the plants were able to maintain improved growth vigor and photosynthesis, as evident from the elevated levels of Hill activity and chlorophyll content. Hence, bio-priming with the A. indicus AB-ARC strain may be advocated for sustainable rice cultivation in arsenic-fluoride co-polluted fields., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Treatment with alpha-blockers has been used in many studies to facilitate stone clearance after extra-corporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), based on mediating ureteral wall relaxation. Ureteral wall edema is another barrier against the stone passage. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of boron supplement (due to its anti-inflammatory effect) and tamsulosin in the passage of stone fragments after ESWL. Eligible patients after ESWL were randomly assigned to two groups and were treated with boron supplement (10 mg/BD) or tamsulosin (0.4 mg per night) for 2 weeks. The primary outcome was the stone expulsion rate according to the remained fragmented stone burden. The secondary outcomes were the time of stone clearance, pain intensity, drug side effects, and the need for auxiliary procedures. In this randomized control trial, 200 eligible patients were treated with boron supplement or tamsulosin. Finally, 89 and 81 patients in the two groups completed the study, respectively. The expulsion rate was 46.6% in the boron and 38.7% in the tamsulosin group, which there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.003), as well as the time of stone clearance (7.47 ± 22.4 vs 6.52 ± 18.45, days, p = 0.648, respectively), after 2-week follow-up. Moreover, pain intensity was the same in both groups. No Significant side effects were reported in the two groups. Boron supplement could be effective as adjuvant medical expulsive therapy after ESWL with no significant side effects in short-term follow-up. Iranian Clinical Trial Registration number and date of registration: IRCT20191026045244N3, 07/29/2020., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Micronutrients, or essential trace elements, are important components in various metabolic processes inherent to the normal functioning of organism. To date, a substantial part of the world population suffers from a lack of micronutrients in the diet. Mussels are an important and cheap source of nutrients, which can be utilized to mitigate the micronutrient deficiency in the world. In the present work, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, the contents of the micronutrients Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, I, and Mo were studied for the first time in soft tissues, shell liquor, and byssus of females and males of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis as the promising sources of essential elements in the human diet. Fe, Zn, and I were the most abundant micronutrients in the three body parts. Significant sex-related differences in the body parts were detected only for Fe, which was more abundant in byssus of males, and Zn, which exhibited higher levels in shell liquor of females. Significant tissue-related differences were registered in the contents of all the elements under study. M. galloprovincialis meat was characterized as the optimal source of I and Se for covering the daily human needs. Regardless of sex, byssus turned out to be richer in Fe, I, Cu, Cr, and Mo in comparison with soft tissues, which fact allows recommending this body part for the preparation of dietary supplements to compensate for the deficiency of these micronutrients in the human body., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

The consumption of fruits, vegetables, and cereals in the form of flour has been an alternative for the intake of nutrients, currently seen in a society that seeks a healthier diet. Thus, the assessment of total contents and bioaccessibility is important to better understand the actual intake of nutrients or contaminants present in foods. The objective of this study was to determine the total content and estimate the bioaccessible fraction of Cu, Fe, and Zn in nutritious flours by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) after microwave acid digestion. Bioaccessibility was assessed using the in vitro method, taking into account the entire gastrointestinal tract (Unified Bioaccessibility Method (UBM)). The following concentration ranges, in μg g -1 , were found: Ca (341-6275), K (2984-13,953), P (476-6110), Na (< 0.39-2995), Fe (1.4-167), Cu (< 0.01-59.6), and Zn (< 0.07-30.3). Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) showed a tendency towards the formation of three groups. The bioaccessible fractions for Cu, Fe, and Zn were considered low, ranging from 0.96 to 40% in the gastrointestinal phase and from 4.1 to 100% in the gastric phase., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

To investigate the relationship between the correlation ratios of selenium (Se) and other elements and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among older adults. A total of 1000 individuals participated in our research analysis. The concentrations of elements in whole blood were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to reflect their exposure levels. Participants' cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between elemental ratios and MCI. Se concentration was positively correlated with red blood cell count (r = 0.219, p < 0.001), haemoglobin level (r = 0.355, p < 0.001), haematocrit (r = 0.215, p < 0.001), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (r = 0.294, p < 0.001) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (r = 0.428, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with red cell volume distribution width-standard deviation (r = -0.232, p < 0.001) and platelet distribution width (r = -0.382, p < 0.001). Compared with the normal group, the ratios of Se/vanadium (V), Se/lead (Pb) and Se/cadmium (Cd) in the whole blood of the MCI group were significantly lower (all p < 0.001), while the ratios of manganese (Mn)/Se and iron (Fe)/Se were higher (all p < 0.001). The increase in the ratios of Se/V, Se/Pb and Se/Cd is related to a decreased risk of MCI among older adults; contrarily, an increase in the ratios of Mn/Se and Fe/Se may be a risk factor for MCI., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Tea is a perennial crop that requires acidic soil for better plant growth. Due to the acidic nature of tea-growing soil, metals can be easily absorbed by tea plants from growing medium. Other anthropogenic activities are also the major contributor of element in the tea. This study provided a comprehensive database of 24 elements which were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Selected 24 elements belong to alkali metal (Li, Rb, Cs), alkaline earth metal (Be, Sr, Ba), transition metal (V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ag, Cd, Hg), basic metal (Al, Ga, Sn, Tl, Pb), metalloid (As), non-metal (Se), and actinide (U). Total 321 drier mouth samples were collected during 2020-2021 from eight different regions (Darjeeling, Terai, Dooars, North Bank, Upper Assam, South Bank, Cachar, and Tripura) of north-east India. No inorganic mercury as well as uranium was detected in any tested tea samples. Mean concentrations of Be, As, Ga, Tl, Li, Se, Cd, Ag, Cs, V, Co, and Pb were at trace level, whereas macro-element mean concentrations were distributed in the manner of Al > Mn > Rb > Ba > Zn > Cu > Sr > Cr > Ni > Sn. Human health risk for non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic metals was also assessed for the studied elements. Hazard quotients (HQs) and hazard index (HI) values (< 1) for non-carcinogenic elements indicated no risk. The incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) values for carcinogenic elements indicated no risk for As, Cd, and Pb and medium level risk for Ni. Study concluded that north-east Indian tea would not pose any health hazard., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Pathological conditions and harmful drugs cause many gastrointestinal diseases in broiler chicken. The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of trace elements zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) supplementation on histomorphology, immunological role, and functional activity of goblet cells (GCs) of the small intestine. The Alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff (AB-PAS) was performed to assess the histomorphological changes in GCs, which revealed the regular dispersion with high electron density of GCs throughout the mucosal surface in the supplemented group. However, irregular dispersion with low electron density of GCs was present in the control group. The immunological functional role of GCs within the small intestine was examined by mucicarmine staining, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. The results showed a high mucin glycol protein secretion in the supplemented group, whereas limited mucin glycol protein secretion in the control group. Furthermore, the biological significance showed a high and low immunoreactivity of Muc2 and Muc13 in the supplemented and control groups, respectively. Immunofluorescence was used to confirm the immunosignaling of Muc2. Results revealed high immunosignaling of Muc2 at the apical part of the small intestine in the supplementation group, while low immunosignaling of Muc2 in the control group. Results suggest that trace element supplementation had significant effect on morphology and immunological role of GCs, which might be essential for immune function and health status of broiler chicken., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)