The “One Source” cohort — evaluating the suitability of the human toenail as a manganese biomonitor

Numerous studies have demonstrated that the human toenail is a reliable biomonitor for the intake of Se and other elements. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of the toenail as a biomonitor for Mn. Toenail specimens from One Source^™ multivitamin users and matched controls were selected. Se was measured using established NAA methods, then Mn was measured via a new procedure. The Se results confirmed the accurate classification of the cohort. However, the nail did not show significant, positive response to Mn supplementation. We hypothesize that the persistence of exogenous Mn confounded the results.     

High-performance thin-layer chromatography of metal complexes ofmeso-tetrakis(p-tolyl)porphyrin on cellulose and silica gel

Summary The migration behavior of metal complexes ofmeso-tetrakis(p-tolyl)porphyrin (TTP) are studied in HPTLC systems with cellulose and silica gel thin-layers and various organic solvents of relatively low polarity. The mobility of the metal complex tends to increase in the following orders of its central-metal elements: on cellulose, Mg(II)<Zn(II)<V(IV)<(H)<Pd(II)< Ni(II)Cu(II); on silica gel, Mg(II)<V(IV)<Zn(II)= (H)<Ni(II)Pd(II)Cu(II). Recommendable phase system for the separation of metal-TTP complexes is a combination of silica gel thin-layer with a carbon disulfide-m-xylene mixture though the complexes of Ni, Cu and Pd are not completely resolved.     

Determination of actinide and fission-product isotopes in very-high-burnup spent nuclear fuel

The purpose of this study was to examine the nail response to concurrent intake of methyl mercury (MeHg) and Se. Weanling male Long Evans rats were fed diets containing Se and MeHg. The Se concentration in the nail was well correlated (r ²>0.90) with dietary Se in every MeHg supplementation group. Good correlation was observed between dietary MeHg and nail Hg concentration in every Se group. Exposure to high levels of MeHg resulted in a lower (p<0.03) measured nail Se concentration in the highest Se experimental group relative to control.     

Selenium and nutrition: The accuracy and variability of the selenium content in commercial supplements

Summary Selenium is a required trace-element that has been found to be protective against serious chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease in some, but not all, epidemiological studies using both case-control and intervention designs. As a result, the fraction of the adult U.S. population now taking a daily selenium supplement is steadily increasing. In this study, we analyzed 10 or more replicate Se supplement tablets, from each of 15 different products representing 12 different brand names with most being sampled at two different times separated by approximately 30 months. Two chemical forms, seleno-yeast and selenate were tested in 50, 100 and 200 µg/tablet dosages (seleno-yeast) and 25 and 200 µg/tablet dosages (selenate). Variations in contemporary lots were evaluated at both sampling periods. The Se content provided on the product label is generally understated. One tablet contained 2.5 times more selenium than the stated dose. Selenate supplements are less accurately labeled and more highly variable compared to yeast supplements. One popular multivitamin, labeled at 200 µg/tablet, contained tablets in excess of 300 µg. Many subjects using this supplement will exceed the 400 µg/day tolerable upper limit of intake, recently established, for Se by the Institute of Medicine’s Food and Nutrition Board.     

Reversed-phase,high-performance,thin-layer chromatography of metal tetrakis (p-tolyl) porphine complexes on octadecylbonded stationary phase

Summary The metal complexes ofmeso-tetrakis (p-tolyl) porphine (TTP) are chromatographed on octadecyl-bonded silica gel thin-layer with various organic solvents of relatively high polarity used as the eluent. The mobility of the metal-TTP complex depends on its centralmetal, increasing in the order of Cu(II)<Pd(II)NI(II)<TTP free acid<V(IV) as vanadyl<Zn(II)<Mg(II), although some irregularities are found with the different developing solvents used. The concept of Hildebrand's solubility parameter is applied to the discussion of the mobility of each compound, on the solvents used as the developer. Successful separation of the TTP compounds is performed by using a mixture of acetone and acetonitrile as the developer, although the Ni- and Pd-complexes are not completely resolved.     

Availability of essential trace elements in medicinal herbs used for diabetes mellitus and their possible correlations

Four plant parts (leaves, roots, fruits and seeds) of twenty samples of sixteen antidiabetic herbs including three commercially marketed capsules have been analyzed for 6 minor (Na, K, Ca, Cl, Mg, and P) and 21 trace (As, Ba, Br, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Eu, Fe, Hg, La, Mn, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Th, V and Zn) elements by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Further, Ni, Cd and Pb contents were determined by AAS. Elemental data were validated by simultaneously analyzing reference material (RM), MPH-2 Mixed Polish Herbs. Several elements such as Cr and V (1–2 μg/g), Rb (10–40 μg/g), Cs (80–300 ng/g), Se (∼100 ng/g) and Zn (25–60 μg/g) play an important role in diabetes mellitus. Interelemental linear correlations have been observed for Cu vs. Zn (r = 0.89) and Rb vs. Cs (r = 0.87). K/P ratio varies in a narrow range with a mean value of 6.2 ± 1.4. Toxic elements As and Hg were found in <1 μg/g whereas Cd and Pb were in ∼5 μg/g and <10 μg/g, respectively.     

Elemental Analysis and Nutritional Value of Seaweed from the East Coast of KwaZulu-Natal,South Africa

Seaweed, biologically and phycologically referred to as algae, is classified as Rhodophyta (red), Chlorophyta (green), and Ochrophyta (brown). In this study, the concentrations of 13 elements (As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) were investigated for 14 seaweed species of varying classes (Amphiroa bowerbankii, Ceramium virgatum, Dichotomaria tenera, Ellisolandia (Coralline) elongata, Gelidium abbottiorum, Gracilaria canaliculata, Jania rubens, and Jania (Haliptylon) squamata of the Rhodophyta (red); Caulerpa filiformis, Codium capitatum, Halimeda cuneata, and Ulva rigida of the Chlorophyta (green); and Cystoseira myrica and Sargassum elegans of the Ochrophyta (brown) to determine the nutritional value of seaweed based on its medicinal properties, industrial importance, and natural abundance. The elemental distribution in seaweeds was in decreasing order of Ca?>?Mg?>?Fe?>?Cu?>?Mn?>?Zn?>?Cr?>?Co?>?Se?>?As?>?Pb?>?Ni?>?Cd. All edible species contained high levels of macro and microelements with the corali sp. accumulating high levels of Ca. Of the edible seaweeds characterized, only three (G. abbottiorum, E. (Coralline) elongate and C. virgatum) are suitable for human consumption due to high levels of As, Cd, and Pb present in the other species. These three species are also rich in essential nutrients, specifically C. virgatum, which is high in Cu and Se. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed a clear similarity in distribution of essential and toxic elements in similar classes of seaweed.     

Elemental Analysis of Edible Mountain Nettle (Obetia tenax) and the Influence of Soil on Its Chemical Composition

In developing countries, the dietary intake of essential elements is largely dependent on the consumption of edible fruits and leafy vegetables. The distribution of elements in the indigenous edible plant, Obetia tenax (mountain nettle), was investigated as a function of soil quality from eight sites in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The results show concentrations of elements in the leaves to be in decreasing order of Ca?>?Mg?>?Fe?>?Mn?>?Zn?>?Cr?>?Cu?>?Ni?>?Pb?>?Co?>?As?>?Cd?>?Se, and in the stems and roots to be in decreasing order of Ca?>?Mg?>?Fe?>?Mn?>?Zn?>?Cu?>?Ni?>?As?>?Pb?>?Co?>?Cd?>?Cr?>?Se. The quality and pollution status of soil was evaluated by geoaccumulation indices and enrichment factors, which indicated moderate cadmium contamination at the Msinga location that was confirmed by the pollution index and ecological risk levels of single-factor pollution. An assessment of overall contamination of soil using Nemerow pollution index showed moderate pollution by cadmium, while the potential toxicity index indicated low-grade risk for all elements at all sites. Principal component and cluster analysis revealed two groups of elements with similarities, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Fe, suggesting a lithogenic source and an anthropogenic source for Pb and Zn. Correlation analysis showed significantly positive correlations between As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, and Ni/Cd in the soil, confirming the elements’ common origin.     

出血性中风患者头发微量元素铬硒锰镁锌铜铁测定分析

检测了１９３例急性脑出血和１５例老年性蛛网膜下腔出血患者头发中铬，硒，锰，镁，锌，铜，铁含量，结果表明，出血性中风患者发铬，硒，锰，镁，锌含量均降低，铜升高，铁正常。讨论了该病与微量元素的关系。     

Design of energy band alignment at the Zn(1-x)Mg(x)O/Cu(In,Ga)Se2 interface for Cd-free Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells

The electronic band structure at the Zn(1-x)Mg(x)O/Cu(In(0.7)Ga(0.3))Se(2) interface was investigated for its potential application in Cd-free Cu(In,Ga)Se(2) thin film solar cells. Zn(1-x)Mg(x)O thin films with various Mg contents were grown by atomic layer deposition on Cu(In(0.7)Ga(0.3))Se(2) absorbers, which were deposited by the co-evaporation of Cu, In, Ga, and Se elemental sources. The electron emissions from the valence band and core levels were measured by a depth profile technique using X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. The valence band maximum positions are around 3.17 eV for both Zn(0.9)Mg(0.1)O and Zn(0.8)Mg(0.2)O films, while the valence band maximum value for CIGS is 0.48 eV. As a result, the valence band offset value between the bulk Zn(1-x)Mg(x)O (x = 0.1 and x = 0.2) region and the bulk CIGS region was 2.69 eV. The valence band offset value at the Zn(1-x)Mg(x)O/CIGS interface was found to be 2.55 eV after considering a small band bending in the interface region. The bandgap energy of Zn(1-x)Mg(x)O films increased from 3.25 to 3.76 eV as the Mg content increased from 0% to 25%. The combination of the valence band offset values and the bandgap energy of Zn(1-x)Mg(x)O films results in the flat (0 eV) and cliff (-0.23 eV) conduction band alignments at the Zn(0.8)Mg(0.2)O/Cu(In(0.7)Ga(0.3))Se(2) and Zn(0.9)Mg(0.1)O/Cu(In(0.7)Ga(0.3))Se(2) interfaces, respectively. The experimental results suggest that the bandgap energy of Zn(1-x)Mg(x)O films is the main factor that determines the conduction band offset at the Zn(1-x)Mg(x)O/Cu(In(0.7)Ga(0.3))Se(2) interface. Based on these results, we conclude that a Zn(1-x)Mg(x)O film with a relatively high bandgap energy is necessary to create a suitable conduction band offset at the Zn(1-x)Mg(x)O/CIGS interface to obtain a robust heterojunction. Also, ALD Zn(1-x)Mg(x)O films can be considered as a promising alternative buffer material to replace the toxic CdS for environmental safety.     

Blood-copper and zinc levels and consequences of cardiovascular complications: a study by INAA and FAAS

To understand the role of Cu and Zn in human blood both in controls as well as in cardiovascular (CVD) patients, whole blood samples of 181 CVD and 185 controls between the ages of 20–66 years were investigated. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and flame atomic absorption spectrophotometric techniques were successfully employed to quantification Cu and Zn levels. The mean blood-Cu levels (1.50 mg L⁻¹) were found as enhanced whereas Zn levels (5.88 mg L ⁻¹) were reduced in cardiovascular patients group as compared to 0.90 and 6.70 mg L⁻¹ for Cu and Zn respectively in controls. Cu/Zn ratios for CVD patients are also higher than in control subjects. Negative correlation exists between Cu and Zn levels in both controls and patient groups. However, when the CVD patients were checked for their systolic and diastolic pressure it was found that copper concentrations in these patients was significantly increased (p < 0.001) with the rise of blood systolic pressure so a positive correlation was observed between copper and systolic pressure. Zn on the other hand has an inverse relation with systolic as well as diastolic pressure (p < 0.001). Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride (TG) in blood samples have also been determined and their probable role in the CVD complication has been observed. A positive correlation of blood-Cu with TC, TG, and LDL-C indicates that rise in blood-Cu levels may initiate the development of CVD. An increase in Cu/Zn ratio can instigate the cardiovascular risk factor. The findings from this study can definitely update our knowledge of the role of Cu and Zn in the development of CVD risk in humans.     

微量元素与心血管疾病Ⅱ.微量元素在心血管病中的可能作用及机制

心血管病的发生和发展至少与体内35例元素不平衡有关，本文重点叙述了镁，钙，铜，铬，硒，锰，铁，锌，锶，铅等10种元素在心血管病中的可能作用及机制。附5图，20表和63篇参考文献。     

慢阻肺患者血清中钙镁锌铜硒含量水平的研究

１１６例慢阻肺患者血清中钙、镁、锌、铜、硒的含量与对照组比较。结果提示：（１）血清铜的含量升高,血清钙,锌,硒的含量降低,血清锌的含量差异无显著性;（２）可根据上列元素含量变化的特点进行该病的早期辅助诊断和微量元素的平衡治疗。     

Determination of the elemental composition of cyanobacteria cells and cell fractions by atomic emission and atomic absorption spectrometry

An approach to studying the elemental composition of cyanobacteria Spirulina platensis and Nostoc commune using a set of complementary analytical methods (ICP-AES, PAAS, and ETAAS) is proposed. The procedures were adapted for the determination of macro- and microelements (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, Cu, Mo, Zn, B, and Se) in the biomass of cyanobacteria and separated cell fractions (chloroform and water-methanol extracts and precipitates). The conditions for the mineralization of biological materials were optimized for autoclave and microwave sample preparation procedures. The evaporation and atomization of Se and Mo in a graphite furnace in the presence of chloroform and methanol were studied. The use of combined analytical methods and the interpretation of analytical results allow one to draw conclusions about the ability of cyanobacteria to accumulate biologically important microelements (B, Mo, Se, and Zn) and to optimize technological processes for manufacturing biologically active substances.Translated from Zhurnal Analiticheskoi Khimii, Vol. 60, No. 1, 2005, pp. 35–40.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Sedykh, Lyabusheva, Tambiev, Bannykh.     

Trace element content of medicinal plants from Algeria

Neutron activation analysis (INAA) has been applied to multielemental determination of eleven medicinal plants used to cure the urinary tract diseases observed in Algeria. These plants include Androgena Citratus, Ceratonia Siliquata, Punica Granatum, Glyryrrhiza Glabra, Lausaunia Alba, Fragaria Vesca, Arbutus Unedol, Hordeum Vulgaris, Papieteria Officinalis, Zea Mays L, and Davallia Seae. Concentrations of twenty elements Ba, Br, Ca, Cl, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, I, Mn, Na, Mg, Rb, Sb, Se, Sc, Sr, Ti, V, and Zn have been determined by short, and long irradiation times with a thermal and epithermal flux of 1.4·10¹² n·cm⁻²·s⁻¹ and 1.4·10¹¹ n·cm⁻²·s⁻¹, respectively. These analyses were performed in conjunction with Compton suppression. In almost herbs studied the Co, Cr, Cu, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se and V are found to be present at trace levels, Br, Mn, and Zn at the minor level, and Ca, Cl, Fe, Mg and Na are generally at the major level. The accuracy of the measurements has been evaluated by analyzing NIST-botanical references materials.     

108例甲状腺功能障碍患者全血9种元素相关性研究

通过原子吸收光谱技术对68例治疗前甲亢病人(A组)，35例治疗后甲亢病人(B组)，5例甲减病人(C组)及74例正常人(D组）全血多种微量元素测定分析，结果显示：D组Cu与Al，Mg与Mn正相关；Al与Zn、Se负相关；A组Fe与Zn、Ca，Ca与TT4。Cu与Mn正相关，TT与Zn、Cr负相关。B组Fe与Zn、Cu、Mg，Zn与Cu、Mn、Mg与Ca、Se、Se与TT3正相关。     

Instrumental neutron activation analysis of 23 individual food articles from a high altitude region

Twenty-three individual food items commonly consumed in a high altitude region (Kashmir) have been investigated using instrumental neutron activation analysis. The concentration of Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Se, Sn, and Zn is reported for these food articles. For quality assurance of our data, IAEA and NIST standard reference materials have also been studied. The dietary intake of these elements was calculated in accordance with the weekly food selection habits of the residents of this area. The dietary contribution of most of these elements was found to be in agreement to the RDA/ESadi levels. The purpose was to design a database of essential elements for this area and to study the adequacy levels of these elements in different dietary items. Fairly adequate intake of Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Se, Sn, and Zn through these foodstuffs is reported, whereas, lower intakes through these items were found for Cl, K, and Na.     

Evaluation of serum metal profile in relation to biri smoking using ICP-MS

The metals intake through tobacco smoking is associated with adverse effects for human health. The present study was aimed to understand the effects of biri smoking on smoker’s serum metal profile. Seven metals, cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), were analysed in serum samples of 20 biri smokers and 20 non-smokers from North India. The Cd, Ni, Pb, Cr and Cu concentrations were higher while Fe and Zn concentrations were lower in smokers compared to non-smokers. The Fe concentrations, the highest among all metals, seemed to be unassociated with the smoking activity. This study indicated that biri smoking is a contributor to the body burden of Cd, Ni, Cu and Cr in the smoker’s body. The Cd, Ni, Cu and Fe concentrations are non-significantly associated with the age of smokers at p < 0.01 significance level, whereas Pb and Cr concentrations increase and Zn concentrations decrease with the increase in the age of smokers. Serum metal concentrations in the smoker subjects of North India are higher compared to the results of other similar studies. This could be linked to the poor quality of tobacco used in biri. We recommend conducting more detailed and controlled studies in this regard as a smoker is also subjected to other sources of exposure to metals.     

Sources of heavy metals in the Western Bay of Izmit surface sediments

The study aimed to examine source apportionment of heavy metals of the surface sediments in the <63?µm size fraction. The sediment samples collected from 34 sites at the Western Bay of Izmit were subjected to a total digestion technique and analysed for major (total organic carbon, Al, Fe, Mg, and S) and trace (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, V, and Zn) elements by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. The results were compared with the marine sediment quality standards, as well as literature values reported to assess the pollution status of the sediments. A factor analysis/multiple regression (FA/MR) multivariate receptor modelling technique was used for quantitative source apportionment to estimate the contributions from each source of contamination. Source fingerprints were obtained from the literature. A varimax rotated factor analysis was applied to the whole data set, and four probable source types were identified as the iron and steel industry, paint industry, crustal and sewage for heavy metals, explaining about 84% of the total variance. Source apportionment results derived from the FA and FA/MR methods agree well with each other.     

Certification of the contents of some heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) in three types of soils

Summary The element contents of Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn of three types of soil were certified. The preparation, homogeneity and stability are reported. The certified contents as well as values for Co, Cr, Mn and Se and for the aqua regia soluble contents Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn are given.

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Zertifizierung von Schwermetallspuren (Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb und Zn) in drei Bodenproben

Zusammenfassung In drei verschiedenen Bodenproben wurden die Elementgehalte an Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb und Zn zertifiziert. Es wird berichtet über die Bereitung, Homogenität und Stabilität. Die zertifizierten Gehalte sowie der Gehalt an Cr, Co, Mn und Se und der Gehalt an königswasserlöslichem Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb und Zn werden angegeben.