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BACKGROUND: Environmental pollutants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of liver disease. Our group recently demonstrated that PCB126 promoted steatosis, hepatomegaly, and modulated intermediary metabolism in a rodent model of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). OBJECTIVE: To better understand how PCB126 promoted ALD in our previous model, the current study adopts multiple omics approaches to elucidate potential mechanistic hypotheses. METHODS: Briefly, male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to 0.2 mg/kg polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) 126 or corn oil vehicle prior to ethanol (EtOH) or control diet feeding in the chronic-binge alcohol feeding model. Liver tissues were collected and prepared for mRNA sequencing, phosphoproteomics, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for metals quantification. RESULTS: Principal component analysis showed that PCB126 uniquely modified the transcriptome in EtOH-fed mice. EtOH feeding alone resulted in > 4,000 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and PCB126 exposure resulted in more DEGs in the EtOH-fed group (907 DEGs) in comparison with the pair-fed group (503 DEGs). Top 20 significant gene ontology (GO) biological processes included “peptidyl tyrosine modifications,” whereas top 25 significantly decreasing GO molecular functions included “metal/ion/zinc binding.” Quantitative, label-free phosphoproteomics and western blot analysis revealed no major significant PCB126 effects on total phosphorylated tyrosine residues in EtOH-fed mice. Quantified hepatic essential metal levels were primarily significantly lower in EtOH-fed mice. PCB126-exposed mice had significantly lower magnesium, cobalt, and zinc levels in EtOH-fed mice. DISCUSSION: Previous work has demonstrated that PCB126 is a modifying factor in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and our current work suggests that pollutants also modify ALD. PCB126 may, in part, be contributing to the malnutrition aspect of ALD, where metal deficiency is known to contribute and worsen prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is becoming a global health problem. Visceral adiposity is the main cause of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Dietary improvement is the key to controlling obesity. We hypothesized that a higher Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) was associated with a lower visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area. In this cross-sectional study, 10,389 adults were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2018. CDAI was calculated based on 6 micronutrients: zinc, selenium, total carotenoids, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. VAT area was determined by the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. Linear regression models were constructed to evaluate the association between CDAI and VAT area. Subgroup analyses were also performed. The mean age of participants was 39.68 years, 5240 were male, and 3841 of those were non-Hispanic White. The inverse associations were observed in all models. In model 3, CDAI was inversely associated with VAT area as a continuous variable, β (95% confidence interval), –0.56 (–0.85 to –0.27). When compared with the first tertile, the third tertile of CDAI was also inversely associated with VAT area, β (95% confidence interval), –6.72 (–10.44 to –2.99). No interactions were found in the subgroup analyses. In conclusion, an inverse association between CDAI and VAT area was found among U.S. adults aged 20 to 59 years. These results suggest the possible benefit of an antioxidant diet in relieving visceral obesity. More prospective studies are needed to identify this dietary benefit. In this cross-sectional study, a higher CDAI consisting of Vitamins A, C, and E, and zinc, selenium, and carotenoid was found to be negatively associated with visceral adipose tissue in U.S. adults.Abbreviation: CDAI, Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Zinc is vital for cellular functions, but kidney failure increases zinc deficiency risk. We compared zinc levels in hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in Isfahan, Iran. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study included 150 patients (75 PD and 75 HD). Serum zinc levels were assessed through photometry. Statistical analysis employed Chi-square, independent t-test, and correlation. Results: Serum zinc was below normal in both groups (P < 0.01). HD patients had lower zinc levels (70.85 ± 7.68 mg/dL) compared to PD (75.04 ± 13.55 mg/dL, P = 0.021), remaining significant after adjusting for confounders (P = 0.011). Conclusion: Zinc levels in PD and HD patients are lower than in the general population, with HD patients having lower levels than PD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The works of literature evaluating the eco-environmental risks posed by metals in agricultural areas in developing countries remains limited. This study sought to evaluate the environmental and ecological risks posed by metals in the intensively cultivated areas of the Amik Plain as well as to determine the origins of the metals. For this purpose, 137 soil samples were taken from agricultural production areas of the Amik Plain, and 11 metals (Al, Fe, Ni, Pb, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Zn, Cd and As) were examined in the samples. As Ni had the highest average enrichment factor (EF) value (8.04) when compared with the other metals, the soils were found to be significantly enriched with Ni. The Pearson correlation analysis and principal component analysis showed that the Zn concentration was controlled by lithogenic sources, while the Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr and Cu concentrations were controlled by both anthropogenic and lithogenic sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Prostate cancer is known to lose the capability to absorb and secrete zinc compared to normal prostate tissue, suggesting that the evaluation of zinc in prostate secretion can be a tool to identify the risk of developing cancer. In our study, we observed that the average amount of zinc detectable in urine after a prostatic massage is lower in patients with prostate cancer than in healthy subjects. Moreover, there is an inverse correlation between the concentration of urinary zinc and the tumor stage. This evidence suggests that the evaluation of urinary zinc may be a parameter for better diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies in men worldwide, with 1.4 million diagnoses and 310,000 deaths in 2020. Currently, there is an intense debate regarding the serum prostatic specific antigen (PSA) test as a diagnostic tool in PCa due to the lack of specificity and high prevalence of over-diagnosis and over-treatments. One of the most consistent characteristics of PCa is the marked decrease in zinc; hence the lost ability to accumulate and secrete zinc represents a potential parameter for early detection of the disease. We quantified zinc levels in urine samples collected after a standardized prostatic massage from 633 male subjects that received an indication for prostate biopsy from 2015 and 2019 at AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino Hospital. We observed that the mean zinc levels were lower in the urine of cancer patients than in healthy subjects, with a decreasing trend in correlation with the progression of the disease. The combination of zinc with standard parameters, such as PSA, age, digital rectal exploration results, and magnetic resonance findings, displayed high diagnostic performance. These results suggest that urinary zinc may represent an early and non-invasive diagnostic biomarker for prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specific gene transcriptional programs are required to ensure the proper proliferation and differentiation processes underlying the production of specialized cells during development. Gene activity is mainly regulated by the concerted action of transcription factors and chromatin proteins. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, mechanisms that silence improper transcriptional programs in germline and somatic cells have been well studied, however, how are tissue-specific sets of genes turned on is less known. LSL-1 is herein defined as a novel crucial transcriptional regulator of germline genes in C. elegans. LSL-1 is first detected in the P4 blastomere and remains present at all stages of germline development, from primordial germ cell proliferation to the end of meiotic prophase. lsl-1 loss-of-function mutants exhibit many defects including meiotic prophase progression delay, a high level of germline apoptosis, and production of almost no functional gametes. Transcriptomic analysis and ChIP-seq data show that LSL-1 binds to promoters and acts as a transcriptional activator of germline genes involved in various processes, including homologous chromosome pairing, recombination, and genome stability. Furthermore, we show that LSL-1 functions by antagonizing the action of the heterochromatin proteins HPL-2/HP1 and LET-418/Mi2 known to be involved in the repression of germline genes in somatic cells. Based on our results, we propose LSL-1 to be a major regulator of the germline transcriptional program during development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates heavy metals and naturally occurring radionuclide materials (NORM) possible presence and pollution rates in oil-based drilling fluids system used to drill an oil and gas well. It also estimates the health risks of the drilling crew due to their exposure to these substances. Measurements from Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) revealed that, the concentrations of the metals present in the drilling mud samples varied significantly and decreased in the order of Zn > Al > Ni > Pb > Cr > Cu > As > Hg > Cd. Generally, amongst all the heavy metals considered, mud sample C had the highest heavy metal concentration when compared to samples A and B, respectively. When compared with the recommended maximum allowable limits, Cd and Ni were found to be higher than the International Reference Standard by factors of Cd (3 mg/kg) and Ni (50 mg/kg). The cancer risk obtained from this present study are 1.1 × 10−3 and 7.7 × 10−3 for the drilling crew, which is slightly above the acceptable risk range considered by the environmental and regulatory agencies. The concentrations of radioactive substances as obtained from analysis, show that K-40 is the dominant radionuclide in the samples with the highest value slightly twice the standard reference value. The concentrations of Ra-226 and Th-232 activity in the mud samples were found to be lower when compared with the International Reference Level. Also, the X-ray diffraction analysis helped to identify 16 very important/useful minerals in the three mud samples under consideration. The higher elemental concentrations of potassium and aluminum silicate found in sample C can be credited to the elevated heavy metal-content found in the mud samples. Significantly, these exposure risks found in this present study indicate that the potential health risks due to radiological activities may not pose short – but long-term risks to the drillers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonatal nutrient storage and supplies from breast milk contribute to nutrient status and growth of infants during their early life. This study investigated the adequacy of zinc and iron intakes among breastfed infants during the first 4 months and determined the relative importance of zinc/iron storage versus nutrient intakes with infant's biochemical status and growth. A longitudinal study followed lactating women and their breastfed infants from birth to 4 months postpartum. Cord zinc and ferritin concentrations, as indicators of nutrient storages, were determined. Zinc and iron intakes from breast milk were determined by measurement of breast milk volume together with milk zinc and iron concentrations at 2 and 4 months postpartum. Inadequacy of nutrient intakes was determined using average requirement (AR) which were 1.6 and 0.24 mg/day for zinc and iron respectively. Infant's serum zinc and ferritin were determined at 4 months of age. The data were collected from 64 and 56 participants at 2 months and 4 months postpartum. Inadequate zinc intake was found in 14.5 and 40% of infants at 2 and 4 months old, respectively. The prevalence of biochemical zinc and iron deficiency in infants were 76 and 11%, respectively. Iron endowment was significantly associated with serum ferritin at 4 months. The cumulative zinc intake was positively associated with weight gain and weight‐for‐length Z‐score, but not length. This study provides quantitative data on zinc and iron intakes, and demonstrates the relative importance of nutrient storage versus intakes on biochemical status and growth of breastfed infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the framework of a semi-classical three-valley Monte Carlo electron transport simulation approach, we analyze the steady-state and transient aspects of the electron transport within bulk zinc-blende indium nitride, with a focus on the response to variations in the crystal temperature and the doping concentration. We find that while the electron transport associated with zinc-blende InN is highly sensitive to the crystal temperature, it is not very sensitive to the doping concentration selection. The device consequences of these results are then explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the micronutrient composition of fresh and boiled traditional green leafy vegetables (TGLVs). Design: Sixteen TGLVs categorised into cultivated and uncultivated vegetables were analysed for vitamin C (ascorbic acid [AA] and dehydroascorbate [DHAA]), β-carotene, lutein and minerals. Results: Basella alba had the highest AA (72 mg/100 g) content; Vernonia amygdalina (unwashed), had the highest β-carotene and lutein concentrations (14.1 and 29.0 mg/100 g, respectively); Amaranthus hybridus had the highest AA (43 mg/100 g) and β-carotene (9.3 mg/100 g) content, for cultivated sp. Celosia argentea had the highest Fe content; Zn content of all the vegetables was low, 0.4–2.6 mg/100 g. Cooking resulted in significant losses in AA content in all the samples, 19% in B. alba to 100% in Crassocephalum crepidioides. Carotenoid losses were observed in 10 samples and six samples had increased values of β-carotene (12% to 183%) and lutein (64% to double). Conclusion: Traditional green leafy vegetables studied were found to be rich in the micronutrients of interest, especially in carotenoids. Boiling of leafy vegetables, as traditionally done, led to considerable losses of the micronutrients. The micronutrient content of uncultivated leafy vegetables compared well with commonly cultivated species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focused on levels of selected heavy metals (Pb, Zn, and Cu) in sewage sludge, soil, and in lettuce and cabbage grown on sewage sludge amended soil. Also, the effect of sewage sludge on soil properties (pH, soil organic matter, and soil conductivity) was studied. Three treatments were used based on nitrogen application rates of the sewage sludge: 100, 150, and 200 kg N/ha for lettuce while 160, 210, and 260 kg N/ha for cabbage. A pot experiment was conducted with pots arranged in a completely randomized design and under local climatic conditions. The study revealed that soil organic matter content and conductivity increased significantly with increasing nitrogen application rates. Levels of heavy metals in the soil increased significantly with increasing application rates. The controls for both plants recorded the lowest heavy metal uptake. Cabbage had an uptake of 0.48 ± 0.13, 1.36 ± 0.23, and 2.60 ± 0.29 mg/kg for Pb, Zn, and Cu, respectively, while lettuce had 0.34 ± 0.19, 1.35 ± 0.31, and 2.30 ± 0.14 mg/kg uptake for Pb, Zn, and Cu, respectively. Highest metal uptake was recorded at the highest application rate in both plants (0.66 ± 0.17, 2.66 ± 0.09, and 4.33 ± 0.14 mg/kg for Pb, Zn, and Cu, respectively, for cabbage and 0.54 ± 0.01, 2.24 ± 0.17, and 3.88 ± 0.19 mg/kg of Pb, Zn, and Cu, respectively, for lettuce). The uptake of Zn and Cu was significant, while Pb uptake was insignificant for both plants. Yields increased significantly with increasing application rates. The study provides information on yield enhancement resulting from cultivating plants on soil amended with sewage sludge and the associated health risk implication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic variation of preparation conditions for epitaxial Zn0.9Co0.1O films grown by reactive magnetron sputtering on c-plane sapphire has been carried out to study the correlation of crystalline perfection with the corresponding magnetic properties. The crystalline perfection of the resulting films was found to vary over a wide range, nonetheless all samples were found to be paramagnetic. To further extend the study, three samples, which were paramagnetic in the as-grown state, were subsequently implanted using Cu, Li, and Zn ions. Only Zn ion-implantation was found to slightly alter the magnetic properties at low temperatures, while synchrotron-based techniques could not evidence the formation of a secondary, metallic Co phase. The origin of this weak, low-temperature magnetism is more likely to be carrier-mediated rather than defect-induced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidemiological studies have demonstrated separately that patients with kidney stone may have higher dietary intake of zinc and higher risk of developing kidney cancer. We prospectively assessed the associations of dietary zinc and other trace elements with kidney cancer risk for the first time. Methods: We used data from the prospective Singapore Chinese Health Study that recruited 63,257 adult Chinese residing in Singapore between 1993 and 1998. A validated food frequency questionnaire and the Singapore Food Composition Database was used to compute the values of intake for zinc, copper and manganese. We identified incident cancer cases via linkage with nationwide cancer registry, and used Cox proportional hazard models to compute hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association with kidney cancer risk. Results: There were 229 incident kidney cancer cases after median follow-up of 20.1 years. Dietary zinc intake was positively associated with higher kidney cancer risk; the HR comparing the extreme quartiles of zinc intake was 1.74 (95% CI: 1.02-2.97; P-trend = 0.033). Conversely, intakes of copper and manganese were not associated with kidney cancer risk. Conclusions: The positive association between dietary zinc and risk of kidney cancer suggests that zinc may be implicated in renal carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Herbo-mineral therapies are very popular in traditional medical systems and formulations consisting of specific minerals or metals or mixture of both and mixed with organic components derived from plants. Purification/detoxification or incineration procedures play an important role to detoxify these and metals and minerals. Objective. In the present review, an attempt was made to gather herbo-mineral formulations which are used commonly in traditional medicinal systems in Sri Lanka and recapitulate the purification/detoxification or incineration techniques. Method. Commonly used herbo-mineral formulations are collected from a text book of Vatikaaprakarana. However, the purification/detoxification and incineration techniques for all minerals/metals are not mentioned in Vatikaaprakarana, and these techniques were collected from journal articles published between 1st January 2000 and 1st June 2020 through searching PubMed (US National Library of Medicine, USA), Science Direct (RELX Group, Netherlands), and Semantic Scholar (Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence, USA). Results. Ten herbo-mineral formulations were selected, and purification/detoxification or incineration techniques were described in brief for copper sulphate, aluminum sulfate, borex powder, sulphur, sodium chloride, cinnabar, arsenicals, realgar, orpiment, ammonium chloride, magnesium silicate, zinc, and mercury. Conclusion. The review has demonstrated different types of purification/detoxification or incineration techniques of minerals used in herbo-mineral preparations. In addition, there is an urgent need for comprehensive survey or evaluation to check whether purification/detoxification or incineration techniques of metals/minerals are practiced properly in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study was to identify the concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) and some metals (Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd) in tooth samples collected from humans living in the Rize province of Turkey. It was found that the activity concentrations ranged from 8.1 to 114.51 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, from 10.44 to 97.3 Bq kg−1 for 232Th and from 14.53 to 489.27 Bq kg−1 for 40K. The mean activity concentration values of 226Ra and 232Th in tooth samples were higher than the average world values for bones. Furthermore, when the metal concentrations were examined, there was no regular increase or decrease according to age or sex. The results of the metal analysis on the tooth samples were compared with the results of similar studies and were generally found to be consistent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Phytic acid chelate minerals, including Fe and Zn and render them inaccessible once ingested by human beings. The evaluation of differences in the dialyzability of macronutrients including Fe and Zn in various wheat derivatives is therefore important for the enhancement of nutritional quality of grains. Objectives: The objective of current study was to improve the micronutrient content in wheat grain. Methods: During germination (12, 24, 48, 72, 96 h), effects of gibberellins and ascorbic acid on phytic acid content as well as dialyzability of iron and zinc of wheat derivatives were determined. Results: The phytic acid content in wheat flour was determined and it was found 7.61 to 7.48 mg/g. After the treatment with gibberellins, it was significantly reduced from 8.68 to 21.6 % and 9.65 to 20.9 % with ascorbic acid. In wheat flour dialyzabilty of Fe was 4.53 to 8.97 mg/kg. After germination, Fe content was increased from 9.77 to 32.0 % with gibberellin, and 13.9 to 31.0 % with ascorbic acid. Moreover, with gibberellins, Zn content was increased from 8.68 to 21.6 % and 9.65 to 20.9 % with ascorbic acid, respectively. Conclusion: These results suggested that gibberellins as well as ascorbic acid can be exploited to improve the dialyzability of iron and zinc content due to reduced antinutrient i. e phytic acid and make the minerals available for the absorption in monogastric animals including human beings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Syzygium caryophyllatum L. Alston (Family: Myrtaceae, Sinhala: Heendan) is a red-listed plant that has been used in traditional medicine in Sri Lanka for the treatment of diabetes, but it is yet to be exploited for its potential uses as a functional food or a source of supplements. The present study focused on the evaluation of antidiabetic property of S. caryophyllatum fruits and leaves assessing antioxidant, antiglycation, and antiamylase activities and functional mineral element composition. The crude extracts (CR) of leaves and fruits were fractionated into hexane (Hex) ethyl acetate (EA) and aqueous (AQ) and evaluated for bioactivities along with the crude extracts. The isolated fraction (C3) of Hex fraction of fruit showed significantly high (p < 0.05) antiamylase activity with IC50 value 2.27 ± 1.81 μg/mL where the Hex fraction of fruits exhibited the IC50 value as 47.20 ± 0.3 μg/mL which was higher than acarbose (IC50: 87.96 ± 1.43 μg/mL). The EA fraction of leaves showed highest values for DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity. Significantly high (p < 0.05) ABTS radical scavenging activity and iron chelating activity were observed in Hex fraction of fruit. The composition of volatiles in leaf oil was studied with GC-MS, and 58 compounds were identified. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry data revealed the presence of biologically significant trace elements such as Fe, Zn, Mg, Cu, Se, and Sr in leaves and fruits. It is concluded that the Hex fraction of S. caryophyllatum fruits will be a good source for the formulation of supplements for diabetic management with further evaluation of potency and efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous Gram-negative bacterium able to survive in diverse environments such as soil, plants, freshwater, and seawater. P. aeruginosa can be an opportunistic pathogen to humans when their immune system is deficient. Its pathogenicity may be linked to the production of virulence factors. We isolated P. aeruginosa strain RBS from the saltern of Sfax in Tunisia. In this study, we characterized the halotolerance, antibiotic susceptibility, and some virulence factors of strain RBS. High NaCl concentrations inhibited growth and motility. However, biofilm formation was enhanced to protect bacteria against salt stress. Among the 18 antibiotics tested, quinolones and tetracycline showed a significant inhibitory effect on growth, motility, and biofilm formation of strain RBS. β-Lactams, however, did not have any inhibitory effect on neither bacterial growth nor motility. In some cases, resistance was due, in part, to biofilm formation. We also showed that RBS produces two proteases, LasB and AprA, which have been shown to be implicated in host infection. LasB was further characterized to study the role of metal ions in enzyme stability. It possesses two distinct metal ion-binding sites coordinating a calcium and a zinc ion. The effect of metal ion chelation was evaluated as well as substitutions of residues involved in metal ion binding. Impairing metal ion binding of LasB led to a loss of activity and a sharp decrease of stability. Our findings suggest that the binding of both metal ions is interdependent as the two metal ions' binding sites are linked via a hydrogen bond network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the effect of oral zinc supplementation on cervicovaginal lavage fluid (CVL) zinc level in pre and postmenopausal women.Study Design: A prospective interventional cohort study was carried out by the enrollment of twelve premenopausal and ten postmenopausal women without significant gynecological conditions. Women received daily oral supplementation with 30 mg of zinc for two weeks. Clinical and demographic variables were stored in a dedicated database. Vaginal Health Index was calculated, and vaginal cytology was obtained. CVL and serum samples were collected in a standardized fashion before and after completion of the oral supplementation. Zinc and copper levels were measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Paired t-test was used to compare the before and after treatment results.Results: Serum zinc levels increased significantly both in the pre and postmenopausal women (0.88 ± 0.17 vs. 1.06 ± 0.23, p < 0.01 and 0.83 ± 0.24 vs. 0.96 ± 0.33, p < 0.01) after two weeks of daily oral zinc supplementation. CVL zinc level was significantly higher in the premenopausal group compared to the postmenopausal group before and after supplementation (0.13 ± 0.05 vs. 0.06 ± 0.04, p < 0.01 and 0.10 ± 0.03 vs. 0.05 ± 0.01, p < 0.01). Zinc supplementation had no significant impact on the CVL zinc level in either group. Neither serum nor CVL copper levels were affected by the zinc supplementation. There was no significant correlation between serum and CVL zinc or copper levels.Conclusion: Daily oral supplementation with 30 mg of zinc had no significant impact on CVL zinc level despite a significant rise in serum zinc level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Nowadays, in the industrial areas, there is a problem of simultaneous contamination of soil with heavy metals and lack of organic matter that can impede the growth of plants. Thus, this study was done to investigate the effect of organic amendments on decreases plant abiotic stress in a soil cocontaminated with lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) under ornamental sunflower cultivation. Materials and Methods: Treatments consisted of applying vermicompost (0, 15, and 30 t/ha) and soil polluted with Cd (0, 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg soil) and Pb (0, 400, and 600 mg/kg soil), and the plant used in this experiment was ornamental sunflower. After 8 weeks of the experiment, plants were harvested, and soil and plant Zn and Fe were measured using the atomic absorption spectroscopy. In addition, the ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and peroxidase (POX) of the plant were measured. Results: The application of 15 and 30 t/ha vermicompost significantly depressed the APX and POX activity by 12.1% and 14.6%, respectively. While the plant Fe and Zn concentration was significantly increased by 11.1% and 13.6%, respectively. Increasing soil pollution to Cd to 15 mg/kg soil significantly increased the APX and POX enzyme activities of the sunflower by 14.6% and 13.3%, respectively. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the interaction effect of Fe and Zn with heavy metal can help to decrease the plant abiotic stress that is a positive point in the environmental research. However, the role of organic amendments in decreasing heavy metals availability cannot be ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determination of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Na, Zn, and Pb by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) was performed on dry matter and decoctions of the medicinal plants Cordia salicifolia, Chiococca alba (L.) Hitchc., and Echites peltata used as an appetite suppressant and diuretic in Brazil. The accuracy of the measurements was analyzed by the spike recovery test. Results showed that the concentration of these seven metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Na, and Zn) in dry plant samples is below the oral concentration of elemental impurities established by the United States Pharmacopoeia Convention (USP). However, there are no concentration limits for Fe, Na, and Zn established by the USP in drug substances and excipients. Levels higher than the recommended value by the USP were observed for Pb and the lowest for Cd, Co, Cr, and Cu, both in dried plant samples and their decoctions. In the decoctions prepared from these plants were found elements such as Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Na, Zn, and Pb. In the decoction prepared from 40 g C. salicifolia leaves and 40 g C. alba wood, the content of Cd is above the oral daily exposure value set by the USP. Hazard index (HI) for decoctions prepared from these plants exceeded the threshold (1). Given the uncertainties associated with the estimates of toxicity values and exposure factors, futures researches should address the possible toxicity in humans. Uncontrolled selling and long-term ingestion of medicinal plants can cause toxicity and interfere with the effect of drugs. Limited knowledge on the interaction potential of medicinal plants poses a challenge and public health problem in Brazil and other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Inhalation of copper and zinc containing brazing fumes (2.5 mg/m³ for 6 hours) is able to induce asymptomatic systemic inflammation which is supposed to be connected with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. In this study it was investigated if inflammation can be prevented by reducing the exposure time. Methods: A total of 15 healthy male subjects were exposed to such brazing fumes in a crossover design for 3, 4, and 5 hours in randomized order. Before and 24 hours after exposure, blood samples were taken and c-reactive protein (CRP) as marker for an acute phase reaction was measured. Results: Five-hour exposure induced an increase of CRP, whereas the shorter exposure times did not result in a significant inflammatory reaction. Conclusions: Reducing daily exposure times below 5 hours is able to prevent systemic inflammatory reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corbicula fluminea serves as traditional food to the local people in Kelantan, Malaysia. Concerns regarding river contamination, smoking method, and associated adverse effects on public health had been increasing. Hence, this study aims to measure the level of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn) and assess human health risk in C. fluminea consumption at Kelantan. Heavy-metal analysis was done using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while human health risk was assessed using provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI). The estimated weekly intake (EWI) for all metals was found within PTWI, while THQ for Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn was 0.12, 0.06, 0.04, 0.41, and 0.03, respectively. The HI was calculated at 0.61 which is less than 1, considered as the safe consumption level. Therefore, C. fluminea consumption in this study was found safe from the health risk of noncarcinogenic effect over a lifetime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of antibacterial agents to composites on color changes after immersion of these composites in different beverages. Materials and Methods: Composite resins containing antibacterial agents (bioactive glass [BAG] and nano‐zinc silicium [NZS]) and a control group (no agent) were produced. The treatment groups were as follows: control, BAG, NZS, and BAG + NZS. Forty‐eight disc‐shaped specimens (8 mm in diameter and 2‐mm thick) were prepared, with 12 specimens in each group. Color measurements were measured before and after immersion of the specimens in staining solutions (tea, coffee, and water) for 1, 7, and 30 days. The color measurements were repeated, and changes were calculated using the CIEDE2000 (ΔE00) formula. Results: Color differences were analyzed using a two‐way analysis of variance and Tukey's tests. Significant differences were observed among the composite groups and solutions after all days in all the groups (P < .05). Conclusions: The addition of the antibacterial agents did not reduce color changes. Color changes of the specimens immersed in coffee were greater than those of the specimens immersed in the other beverages, with the highest color change observed in the BAG groups. Clinical Significance: The results provide information on the color stability of composite resins containing BAG and NZS and the staining potential of drinks commonly consumed in daily life. In terms of esthetic dentistry, BAG and NZS containing composites should be used in the posterior region, where there is a high risk of caries due to coloration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a multi-analytical in situ non-invasive study of a series of emblematic paintings by Alessandro Milesi (1856–1945) from the collection of the International Gallery of Modern Art Ca' Pesaro in Venice. Eight paintings dated from 1897 to 1910 were studied with imaging and spectroscopic techniques. White pigments were characterized by a combination of X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy which traced the presence of zinc-based pigments in Milesi's paintings, Raman Spectroscopy, Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) Spectroscopy and Time-resolved Luminescence Imaging. Time-resolved analysis of luminescence emissions revealed the nanosecond emission from organic compounds and the slower emission from the luminescent inorganic pigment Zinc Oxide that varied between 1.1 and 1.6 microseconds. In this work, data regarding the distribution of luminescent pigments was acquired with a time-gated imaging detector. Furthermore, differences in emission decay kinetics recorded from different paintings can be ascribed to different paint formulations or origins of the Zinc white in paint. Unlabelled Image • application of fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging for the mapping of zinc white based in modern paintings • determination of emission decay kinetics in modern paintings • correlation between emission decay kinetics imaged in paintings linked to different paint formulations containing Zinc white [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the phytochemical characteristics and antioxidant activity in leaves, roots, stem, flower, and seed parts of Datura alba (D. alba). The study also assessed the heavy metal (Cr, Mn, Zn, and Cu) accumulation in each part of the plant. Among the phytochemicals, alkaloids were found only in leaves while tannins, flavonoids, and phenols were present in all parts of the plant. For antioxidant activity, free radical scavenging assay for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was performed using ascorbic acid as the standard. Higher activity was shown by stem extract in methanol and leaf extract in n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and chloroform. Furthermore, all the target heavy metals were detected in all plant sections with the highest concentration of Zn in leaves and Cu in stem, root, flower, and seed. Due to stronger antioxidant potential and phytochemical composition, D. alba could prove as valuable prospect in pharmaceutical formulations by taking part in the antioxidant defense system against generation of free radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A green effervescence-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on phthalic acid as complexing agent and co-disperser performed in a narrow-bore tube has been developed for the extraction and preconcentration of zinc and cadmium from high volume of aqueous sample, followed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Initially phthalic acid is added to the aqueous sample to form phthalate-metal complexes. Then the sample is transferred by a syringe into a home-made setup consists of a narrow-bore glass tube with its nozzle-shaped head when its bottom connected to a glass balloon containing sodium bicarbonate and an extraction solvent at μL-level. Immediately a reaction occurs between the sodium bicarbonate and the excess amount of phthalic acid, and the produced CO 2 leads to the dispersion of the extractant into the sample as fine droplets which result in extraction of the complexes into the extractant. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration curves were linear in the ranges of 0.50–7.5 and 0.30–7.5 μg L−1 for cadmium and zinc, respectively. The detection limits were 0.21 and 0.14 μg L−1 for cadmium and zinc, respectively. Extraction recoveries were 89% and 100%, and enrichment factors were found to be 117 and 131, for cadmium and zinc, respectively. Finally environmental water and fruit juice samples were successfully analyzed using the developed method. • A green effervescence-assisted DLLME based on phthalic acid performed in a narrow-bore tube has been developed. • For the first time, phthalic acid was simultaneously used for complexing of analytes and as co-disperser in DLLME. • DLLME was performed without addition of toxic complexing agent and disperser solvent. • Much low of an organic solvent was used as the extraction solvent in the absence of disperser solvent, for high volume (25 mL) of sample. • The linearity, ER, EF, and repeatability of the method were validated within the acceptable ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C2H2 zinc finger protein (ZFP) genes have been extensively studied in many organisms and can function as transcription factors and be involved in many biological processes including plant growth and development and stress responses. In the current study, a comprehensive genomics analysis of the C2H2-ZFP genes in B. rapa was performed. A total of 301 B. rapa putative C2H2-ZFP (BrC2H2-ZFP) genes were identified from the available Brassica genome databases, and further characterized through analysis of conserved amino acid residues in C2H2-ZF domains and their organization, subcellular localization, phylogeny, additional domain, chromosomal location, synteny relationship, Ka/Ks ratio, and expression pattern. We also analyzed the expression patterns of eight B. rapa C2H2-ZFP genes under salt and drought stress conditions by using qRT-PCR technique. Our results showed that about one-third of these B. rapa C2H2-ZFP genes were originated from segmental duplication caused by the WGT around 13 to 17 MYA, one-third of them were highly and consecutively expressed in all tested tissues, and 92% of them were located in nucleus by prediction supporting then their functional roles as transcription factors, of which some may play important roles in plant growth and development. The Ka/Ks ratios of 264 orthologous C2H2-ZFP gene pairs between A. thaliana and B. rapa were all, except two, inferior to 1 (varied from 0.0116 to 1.4919, with an average value of 0.3082), implying that these genes had mainly experienced purifying selection during species evolution. The estimated divergence times of the same set of gene pairs ranged from 6.23 to 38.60 MY, with an average value of 18.29 MY, indicating that these gene members have undergone different selective pressures resulting in different evolutionary rates during species evolution. In addition, a few of these B. rapa C2H2-ZFPs were shown to be involved in stress responses in a similar way as their orthologs in A. thaliana. Comparison between A. thaliana and B. rapa orthologous C2H2-ZFP genes showed that the majority of these C2H2-ZFP gene members encodes proteins with conserved subcellular localization and functional domains between the two species but differed in their expression patterns in five tissues or organs. Thus, our study provides valuable information for further functional determination of each C2H2-ZFP gene across the Brassica species, and may help to select the appropriate gene targets for further in-depth studies, and genetic engineering and improvement of Brassica crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to determine the concentration of trace elements, zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, and Cu/Zn ratio, in scalp hair samples of children and adolescents with myopia. The study included 92 children (mean age 14.5 ± 2.5 years) with myopia and 43 healthy persons (mean age 11.8 ± 4.7 years). Each patient had a complete eye examination. Trace element concentrations in hair were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Cu/Zn ratio was also calculated. The zinc level in the hair of myopic patients was significantly higher (260 µg/g) in comparison to the control group (130 µg/g). There was a significantly lower Cu/Zn ratio in myopic patients (0.045) compared with controls (0.07). An insignificant difference was observed in the hair level of copper, selenium, and manganese between patients and controls. The results show that trace elements may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of myopia. Further studies should pay more attention to determine the effect of trace element on children myopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to assess element status in whole blood and tooth dentin and identify their correlations in overweight or obese children without additional metabolic risk factors. In a case-control study, 40 overweight and 80 normal weight children aged 6-10 years were enrolled. Samples of blood and tooth were collected. While all studied elements were similar in groups in univariate analysis, after adjustment for confounding factors, tooth Mn levels were lower and blood Zn levels were higher in the overweight/obese group (p = 0.049 and p = 0.032, respectively). A significant correlation in blood and tooth dentin levels of Sr and Zn was detected in both groups. In both biological substances, the concentrations of elements did not differ significantly in overweight children without metabolic comorbidities compared to healthy children of normal weight. Presence of low Mn levels in tooth dentin and high Zn levels in blood samples should be explored in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient that is generally deficient in soils to accommodate plant needs. Therefore, it is imperative to enhance the concentration and availability of Zn in soils and plants through fertilization. Currently, however, the binding characteristics and fate of Zn in soils under various fertilization regimes remain unclear. Here, two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS) and synchrotron-radiation-based spectromicroscopies were used to identify functional groups responsible for Zn binding in soils following different fertilization treatments. The results showed that a 23-year long-term manure application significantly increased the concentrations of Zn in both soil and corn grain as compared to those having received a traditional inorganic NPK treatment. The 2DCOS analysis of FTIR spectra showed that aliphatic C mainly contributed to Zn binding in the NPK-treated soils, whereas Si O groups played a dominant role for Zn binding in the manure-treated soils. In soil dissolved organic matter, Zn2+ was first bound with Fe O, followed by aliphatic C and polysaccharide C in the NPK treatment, but bound with aliphatic C H prior to Si O in the manure treatment. Furthermore, synchrotron-radiation-based FTIR and μ-XRF spectromicroscopies indicated that the distribution of Zn, clay minerals, sesquioxides and C functional groups was heterogeneous at the micro-scale, suggesting a heterogeneous binding site for Zn in soils. Using μ-XRF spectromicroscopies, a strong spatial correlation at the submicron scale between Fe and Zn was found in soils, suggesting that Fe-bearing minerals, likely Fe (hydr) oxides, contributed binding sites for Zn. Together, these results indicate that combining 2DCOS and synchrotron-radiation-based spectromicroscopies yields useful information for exploring the binding mechanisms among micronutrients, minerals and organic components in soils, particularly revealing how binding sites for micronutrients in soils can be modified according to fertilization regime. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Fertilization regimes alter the concentrations of Zn in both soil and grain. • Fertilization regimes modify the binding characteristics of Zn in soils. • 2DCOS provides the binding sequencing of functional groups to Zn. • μ-FTIR and μ-XRF identify the binding sites of Zn at the submicron scale. • Fe minerals play a dominant role for Zn binding in manure treated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Zinc is the second most abundant metal in human and serves as an essential trace element in the body. During the past decades, zinc has been found to play important roles in central nervous system, such as the development of neurons and synaptic activities. An imbalance of zinc is associated with brain diseases. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) maintains the homeostasis of the microenvironment, regulating the balance of zinc in the brain. A compromised BBB is the main cause of severe complications in cerebral ischemic patients, such as hemorrhage transformation, inflammation and edema. Recent studies reported that zinc in the brain may be a potential target for integrative protection against ischemic brain injury. Although zinc has long been regarded as important transmitters in central nervous system, the critical role of zinc dyshomeostasis in damage to the BBB has not been fully recognized. In this review, we summarize the role of the BBB in regulating homeostasis of zinc in physiological conditions and the effects of changes in zinc levels on the permeability of the BBB in cerebral ischemia. The integrity of BBB maintains the homeostasis of zinc in pathological conditions, while the balance of zinc in the brain and the circulation maintains the normal function of the BBB. Interrupting the zinc/BBB system will disturb the microenvironment in the brain, leading to pathological diseases. In stroke patients, zinc may serve as a potential target for protecting the BBB and reducing hemorrhage transformation, inflammation and edema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofilms are a significant source of marine biofouling. Marine biofilm communities are established when microorganisms adhere to immersed surfaces. Despite the microbe-inhibiting effect of zinc surfaces, microbes can still attach to the surface and form biofilms. However, the diversity of biofilm-forming microbes that can attach to zinc surfaces and their common functional features remain elusive. Here, by analyzing 9,000,000 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequences and 270 Gb of metagenomic data, we comprehensively explored the taxa and functions related to biofilm formation in subtidal zones of the Red Sea. A clear difference was observed between the biofilm and adjacent seawater microbial communities in terms of the taxonomic structure at phylum and genus levels, and a huge number of genera were only present in the biofilms. Saturated alpha-diversity curves suggested the existence of more than 14,000 operational taxonomic units in one biofilm sample, which is much higher than previous estimates. Remarkably, the biofilms contained abundant and diverse transposase genes, which were localized along microbial chromosomal segments and co-existed with genes related to metal ion transport and resistance. Genomic analyses of two cyanobacterial strains that were abundant in the biofilms revealed a variety of metal ion transporters and transposases. Our analyses revealed the high diversity of biofilm-forming microbes that can attach to zinc surfaces and the ubiquitous role of transposase genes in microbial adaptation to toxic metal surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesized Mn-doped ZnS nanoparticles, with 10% of Mn dopant, were used to investigate their environmental toxicity. Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots (QDs) stabilized by 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) were synthesized in a basic aqueous solution using the nucleation doping. The optical properties and structure of the obtained Mn (10%):ZnS QDs have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV-vis, photoluminescence spectroscopies and transmission electron microscopy. The brain, gills and liver stained sections from Gambusia affinis were dissected. Antioxidant enzyme activities (acetylcholinesterase and catalase), as well as malondialdehyde and H2O2 levels, were determined after exposure (94 h) to 14 and 28 mg/L of nanoparticles. The obtained nearly monodisperse Mn(10%):ZnS@MPA QDs have an average diameter of ca. 2.8 nm and a zinc-blende crystal structure. Mn-doped ZnS acts differently on the activities of the biomarkers in a dose-dependent manner. The recorded alterations varied between organs. Such findings provide information on the biological target of nanoparticles and their behaviour within the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Limited evidence exists on the roles of serum copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in oral cancer risk. We aimed to preliminarily explore the association between serum Cu and Zn levels and oral cancer risk with relatively large‐scale samples. Methods: Serum Cu and Zn levels of 344 oral cancer patients and 1,122 matched healthy controls in this case–control study were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). Results: Restricted cubic spline revealed the U‐shaped relationship between serum Cu or Zn levels and the risk of oral cancer. Serum deficient or elevated levels of Cu were significantly associated with the risk of oral cancer: The ORs were 1.38 (95% CI: 1.01–1.89) and 2.82 (95% CI: 1.60–4.98), respectively. The positive association of serum low or high levels of Zn with oral cancer risk was also observed: The ORs were 2.72 (95% CI: 1.60–4.62) and 12.41 (95% CI: 9.09–16.93), respectively. Additionally, there were multiplicative interactions between the aforementioned trace elements and smoking. Conclusions: This preliminary study suggests that both serum excess and deficient levels of Cu or Zn were significant correlation with oral cancer risk, which may provide a new insight on the roles of serum Cu and Zn in oral cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A simple and effective fluorescent sensor bearing pyridine units was designed and synthesized. The sensor can detect Zn2+ with high selectivity accompanied by a distinct fluorescence turn-on response, inducing the fluorescent color markedly changed from darkness to bright green. The limit of detection (LOD) was calculated as 8.56 × 10−9 M with a good linearity (R = 0.95943). In addition, the chelate of sensor with Zn2+ can further recognize H 2 PO 4 −/HSO 4 − with notable fluorescence quenching behaviors over other anions and the LODs were as low as 3.44 × 10−6 M (R = 0.99762) and 3.84 × 10−6 M (R = 0.99315), respectively. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • An effective and simple chemosensor T bearing pyridine units was successfully synthesized for the first time. • Probe T can detect the presence of Zn2+ with high sensitivity in nM level. • A unique fluorescence turn-on signal was observed only when Zn2+ was added to T. • Complex T -Zn2+ can further explore the existence of HSO 4 −/H 2 PO 4 − with notable fluorescence turn-off behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to determine the levels of the heavy metals manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) contained in the fungicide Mancozeb in the eggs and musculature of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss W.) which have grown in an environment, containing a permissible amount of Mancozeb and fed with or without the carotenoid pigment astaxanthin. The study follows the feeding, then the analysis of the level of Mn and Zn in the eggs and musculature of the rainbow trout, treated with and without the pigment astaxanthin and the fungicide Mancozeb. The determination of Mn and Zn concentrations is performed using a modern method for measuring macro- and microelements with an atomic absorption spectrometer, which is characterized by high selectivity, swiftness and sensitivity. Experimental data show accumulation of Mn and Zn, contained in the fungicide Mancozeb even when its concentration in the habitat does not exceed the maximum permissible levels in the normative documents. As a result, the analysis of the eggs and musculature shows the same trend regarding the accumulation of Mn and Zn. In non-fertilized, as well as in fertilized rainbow trout eggs and musculature, the experimental data show a slight increase of Mn and Zn in the presence of only astaxanthin in the added feed and a significant decrease in these metals in the presence of both astaxanthin and Mancozeb. The supplementation of astaxanthin in the diet can significantly reduce the rate of heavy metals accumulation in fish tissues and eggs, but high concentrations of these pollutants in the aquatic environment over a longer period of time would certainly result in metabolic disturbances in the fish body and reduction of their eggs' hatchability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrocatalysts’ activity in oxygen reduction reaction can be regarded as crucial indicator for their expected performance in metal-air battery, where catalyst selection is limited by low conductivity and insufficient electrochemical activity of available materials. This drawback could be addressed by the development of three-dimensional (3D) hierarchically structured carbon. In this study, hydrophobic 3D Fe/N/S doped graphene network is synthesized as electrocatalysts for zinc-air batteries in molten mixed salts (NaCl/FeCl 2 ). It was observed that NaCl could seal maximum possible quantity of N in 3D-N/S. This is accompanied by more pyridinic-N and graphitic-N groups being tailor made in 3D-Fe/N/S. When assembled as air breathing cathodes in zinc-air batteries, 3D-Fe/N/S material demonstrated open-circuit potential (OCP) of 1.507 V, which was more than 1.492 V in case of 3D-N/S and 1.489 V of 20% Pt/C. Similar pattern occurred at discharge current density 50 mA cm −2 where a discharge voltage of 1.079 V observed in 3D-Fe/N/S was higher than 1.043 V of Pt/C and 1.040 V of 3D-N/S. Corresponding discharge power density maintained the same order, 3D-Fe/N/S (53.929 mW cm −2 ) > Pt/C (52.158 mW cm −2 ) > 3D-N/S (52.002 mW cm −2 ), rendering hydrophobic FeNx and N/S doped 3D-Fe/N/S better zinc-air battery electrode material than 20% Pt/C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Despite the importance of foliar Zn fertilisation, it remains unclear how the Zn status of the plant itself influences the efficacy of foliar applied Zn, with this forming the focus of the present study.Methods: Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) was grown in nutrient solutions with either 0.5 (sufficient) or 0 μM Zn (deficient) to relate the absorption of foliar applied Zn to leaf properties. The distribution and speciation of Zn within the leaf were examined in situ using synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy.Results: Zinc deficiency decreased foliar absorption of Zn as ZnSO4 by 50-66% compared to Zn sufficient sunflower, despite μ-XRF analysis showing the pattern of Zn absorption was similar for both plants. Rather, Zn deficiency decreased the leaf trichome density and likely altered the adaxial leaf surface composition and structure, with these presumably being the main causes for the reduced Zn absorption. The Zn status of the plant also influenced the speciation of the absorbed Zn, with 37-53% as Zn phytate in Zn sufficient leaves but 55% as Zn phosphate in Zn deficient leaves.Conclusions: Zinc status of the plants influenced leaf surface properties, with Zn deficiency leading to decreased absorption of foliar applied Zn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main objectives of environmental geochemistry is to reveal the source and spatial patterns of different inorganic and organic elements/compounds with special emphasize on potentially toxic elements. In the last couple of decades, environmental geochemists mainly focused on the identification and separation of geochemical anomalies from background/baseline values of potentially toxic heavy metals and the estimation of their ecological and human health risks. However, the main concern with previously published papers on this issue is that the majority of them simply neglected the compositional nature of geochemical data; hence results became spurious and biased and can be interpreted with reservations. Our goal is to identify, interpret and discriminate the source patterns of 4 potentially toxic elements in the Campania Region (Italy) emphasising on their ratios and spatial abundance using multivariate compositional data analysis. This study contributes to understand the compositional behaviour and relative proportion of 4 potentially toxic elements whose precise contamination sources have been unclear before. A workflow of compositional data analysis including a new discrimination index has been elaborated to identify their possible sources of contamination and enrichment. The investigated data set includes 18 elements derived from 3669 topsoil samples, collected at an average sampling density of 1 site per 3.2 km 2 . First, robust biplots and factor analysis were performed to get an overview of elemental associations and reduce the dimensionality of the data set. They revealed that the 4 PTEs belong to different groups. The multivariate regression analysis using alr-transformed (additive logratio) data proved the strong linear relationship between Fe, Mn (independent) and each investigated PTE (dependent), but also unveiled deviation trends in case of Zn and Pb. Based on the multivariate regression result, a sequential binary partition was performed by means of 6 variables (the 4 PTEs, Fe, and Mn) to obtain balances. Balances are ilr-coordinates (isometric-logratio) which can be interpreted as ratios of specific groups of elements. They were used to generate interpolated maps by using multifractal method to see spatial patterns and proportions of elemental associations. A new index has been elaborated based on the bivariate regression of balances and their standardised residuals, which was particularly useful to identify and separate the sources of anthropogenic contamination and geogenic enrichment of respective elemental associations. The large urban and industrial areas (e.g. Naples, Salerno) along the coastline are mainly contaminated by Pb and Zn due to heavy traffic and alloy production. Some Cr and Ni contamination was discerned in the Sarno Basin where the Solofra industrial district is likely to be the principal source through releases from tannery industry. The large volcanic complexes (e.g. Mt. Somma-Vesuvius, Phlegraean Fields, Mt. Roccamonfina) are all characterised by geogenic enrichment of Zn and Pb. In contrast, Cr and Ni-geogenic enrichment is mainly related to the siliciclastic deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The short-term effects of Ni and Zn on anammox biomass were determined. • Several inhibition models were tested to evaluate inhibition. • The degree of inhibition was evaluated based on bioavailable fractions. • Candidatus Kuenenia was the dominant anammox-related organism in the samples. Abstract This study provides insight into the short-term effects of nickel and zinc on anammox. The impacts of these heavy metals are evaluated based on their potentially bioavailable fractions, including the intracellular, surface-bound, soluble, free-ion, and weak (labile) complexes of heavy metals, in the presence of certain inorganic/organic species. Results showed that the IC50 values for soluble, intracellular, cell-associated, surface-bound, and free-ion Ni concentrations are 5.99, 0.250, 0.930, 0.680, and 1.36 mg/L, respectively. The inhibitory effect of Zn is found to be lower with respect to Ni, with IC50 values of 6.76, 11.9, 15.1, and 2.71 mg/L for the soluble, intracellular, cell-associated, and free-ion Zn concentrations, respectively. This is the first detailed evaluation of anammox inhibition based on the fractionation of heavy metals. Metagenomic analysis reveals that Candidatus Kuenenia constitute approximately 89% of the entire Planctomycetes population, whereas Candidatus Brocadia are detected in relatively low fractions (3%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of elevated dietary inorganic zinc (Zn) on live performance, carcass and parts yield, and carcass and meat quality of broilers. A total of 288 d-old Ross 344 × 708 broilers were distributed among 3 dietary treatments with 12 replicate cages per treatment and raised sex-separate with 8 birds per cage. Birds were fed practical diets supplemented with either 0, 120, or 240 mg Zn/kg diet. Feed intake and body weight (BW) were measured and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated. At 42 d, 3 birds per cage were processed to assess carcass and meat quality. Male BW at 42 d was increased (P ≤ 0.05) by 120 mg Zn/kg. The FCR to 42 d was also improved (P ≤ 0.05) for males supplemented with 120 mg Zn/kg as compared to 240 mg Zn/kg with the 0 mg Zn/kg diet intermediate. Dietary Zn had no effect on BW or FCR of females. Dietary Zn had no effect on carcass weight and parts yield but absolute weights of male, but not female, total breast and tenders were increased by 240 mg Zn/kg relative to 0 mg Zn/kg with 120 mg Zn/kg intermediate. Breast fillets cook yield and tenderness as well as color were not influenced by Zn in either sex. Supplementing 120 mg Zn/kg resulted in increased Zn in male breast muscle (P ≤ 0.01) whereas 240 mg Zn/kg reduced Zn in breast muscle of females. The 240 mg Zn/kg diet increased Zn in femurs (P ≤ 0.05) of males relative to the other diets. For females, Zn concentration in femurs was increased (P ≤ 0.05) by 240 mg Zn/kg relative to 120 mg Zn/kg with the non-supplemented birds intermediate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of controlled‐release devices (CRDs) for providing zinc and for estimating faecal output in alpacas and sheep at pasture. Methods: The study groups of 10 alpacas and 10 sheep at pasture were paired within species and allocated at random to receive by mouth either one CRD containing chromium sesquioxide designed to function for at least 21 days or two CRDs, one containing chromium sesquioxide and the other zinc oxide designed to release over a nominal 60‐day period. Faecal concentrations of chromium, zinc and ash, blood and plasma concentrations of zinc and plasma activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured over a period of 117 days after treatment. Results: The mean faecal chromium excretion profiles suggested that the CRDs performed in a similar manner in both species, releasing chromium for nearly 30 days in alpacas and for slightly more than 30 days in sheep. Using a common predetermined release rate of chromium from the CRDs, the daily faecal outputs of alpacas and sheep were estimated to be 0.54 kg dry matter and 0.33 kg dry matter, respectively. The CRD containing zinc oxide provided after 1 week an estimated daily release rate of 40 mg zinc with a lifetime of between 60 and 70 days in both species. The additional zinc did not elicit a response in blood zinc concentrations or in plasma ALP activity. Conclusion: The CRDs were retained in the gastrointestinal tracts of the alpacas and sheep and both types functioned as expected. The CRD delivering chromium sesquioxide at a known release rate provided an estimate of faecal dry matter output over a period of almost 3 weeks and the CRD formulated to deliver supplementary zinc did so at the nominal release rate over a period of approximately 60 days in both species. These data indicated that the standard sheep CRD is applicable for use in alpacas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the Terrestrial Biotic Ligand Model, other cations might compete with Cu +2 for biotic ligand sites and provide a protective effect. In particular, evidence suggests Zn may alleviative Cu toxicity. No study, to the best of our knowledge, has focused explicitly on the alleviating effect Zn might have on Cu toxicity to soil microorganisms in field-contaminated soils. The aim of this study was to investigate the alleviating effect Zn might have on Cu toxicity to symbiotic nitrogen fixation in agricultural soils affected by copper mining in central Chile. The bioassay estimated the symbiotic nitrogen fixation capacity of a population of rhizobia in a specified soil, using the soil as inocula for Phaseolus vulgaris L. grown in a soil-less system (pots with perlite) irrigated with a sterile nitrogen-free nutrient solution. Among all soil physicochemical characteristics, the Cu/Zn ratio best explained changes in symbiotic nitrogen fixation. The effective concentration 50% (EC 50 ) of Cu/Zn ratio for symbiotic nitrogen was equal to 1.2, with 95% confidence interval of 1.0–1.3. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation decreased with increased Cu/Zn ratio, thus suggesting that Zn alleviates Cu toxicity to nitrogen fixing microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of mixed alkali on structural changes and ionic migration characteristics have been investigated in zinc borate glasses system with composition 5Al 2 O 3 -15ZnO-(15-x)K 2 O-xNa 2 O-65B 2 O 3 (x = 0,3,6,9,12,15mol%). The thermal properties including glass transition temperature (T g ), thermal expansion coefficient (α) and dilatometric softening temperature (T d ) were determined by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and dilatometer. The ionic migration characteristics were investigated through dc conductivity and chemical stability, determined by electrochemical workstation and normalized mass losses (N ( i ) ). And the glass structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, to explain the relationship between structure and properties. As the ratio of [Na 2 O]/([K 2 O]+[Na 2 O])(mol/mol) increase, the glass transition temperature (T g ), dilatometric softening temperature (T d ), dc conductivity(σ dc ) and normalized mass losses (N ( i ) ) of glass exhibit a nonlinear variation, deviate negatively from linearity, meanwhile thermal expansion coefficient (α) varies nonlinearly and deviates positively from linearity. From the FTIR studies the N 4 values (fraction of tetrahedral coordinated boron atoms) exhibit a nonlinear variation, deviates negatively from linearity. These data clearly indicated the presence of strong mixed alkali effect (MAE) in the zinc borate glass system, and the MAE changes glass structure and inhibits ion migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc emission into the atmosphere from residual oil combustion is of significant concern due to its higher concentration, solubility and bioavailability. Exposure to zinc laden residual oil fly ash fine particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (ROFA PM 2.5 ) induces pulmonary and cardiac effects. These effects are closely linked to the concentration and bonding environment of zinc in ROFA PM 2.5 . Four ROFA PM 2.5 samples were prepared in a 732 kW practical fire tube boiler (FTB) by burning one No. 5 and three No. 6 residual oil(s) of varying sulfur and ash contents. For comparison, one ROFA PM 2.5 sample was prepared in a 82 kW small refractory line combustor (RLC) by burning one of the No. 6 oils. The X-ray absorption spectroscopy data of FTB PM 2.5 samples reveal that zinc sulfate hydrate (ZnSO 4 .7H 2 O) is the dominant zinc form, with the remainder Zn in zinc phosphate hydrate (Zn 3 (PO 4 ) 2 .4H 2 O) form. Following dissolution of zinc sulfate from FTB PM 2.5 , a minor Zn-sorbed ferrihydrite form was detected in the residue. In the RLC PM 2.5 , zinc phosphate hydrate is predominant. The study shows that zinc solubility is dependent on its speciation, grade and composition of oils, combustion condition, and mode of Zn incorporation into particle's carbonaceous matrix. Speciation data provide valuable input to source attribution and health effect studies, and establish a link between the two. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accelerated NVDA (VDA 233-102) tests were performed on bare Zn and Al sheets, Galfan coating (Zn-5 wt-% Al) and Galvalume coating (Zn-55 wt-% Al) on steel. ZnO, Zn(OH)2 and Zn5(OH)8Cl2·H2O were the main corrosion products identified on both bare Zn sheet and Galfan. AlOOH and Al(OH)3 were preferentially formed on bare Al sheet and Galvalume. In addition, Zn-Al-containing corrosion products, Zn6Al2(OH)16CO3·4H2O and/or Zn2Al (OH)6Cl·2H2O were identified on both Galfan and Galvalume. Corrosion products of Zn6Al2(OH)16CO3·4H2O with a platelet morphology were preferentially formed in the zinc-rich interdendritic regions of the Galvalume surface. Galfan revealed a similar corrosion behaviour as bare Zn sheet, whereas Galvalume exhibited similar behaviour as bare Al sheet. Deposition of chlorides highly influenced the corrosion of both Galvalume and Al rather than Galfan and Zn due to the rapid local damage of the compact native thin film of Al2O3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qixiashan Pb–Zn deposit, Jiangsu Province ( 1212011220678 ), is hosted in Huanglong Formation limestones and is one of the largest Pb–Zn deposits in the Lower Yangtze region, China, which is an important Cu–Pb–Zn metallogenic belt. Here we report in situ sulfur isotopic analyses of sulfides using LA - ICP - MS method, together with fluid inclusion data. Three types of pyrite mineralization were identified in the host rocks and ores, corresponding to three genetic stages: (1) fine-grained framboidal or colloform pyrite hosted in limestone (Py1); (2) fine-grained euhedral–subhedral pyrite (Py2) associated with brown sphalerite (Sph1), occurring as massive sulfide ores; and (3) coarse-grained euhedral–subhedral pyrite (Py3) associated with yellow–brown sphalerite (Sph2) in breccia-type or massive ores. Stages 2 and 3 constitute the main Pb–Zn-forming event. Depending on the stage in which they were formed, the sulfides exhibit different sulfur isotope values, implying different ore-forming processes. The Stage 1 Py1 was formed by bacterial sulfate reduction and yields extremely low δ 34 S values, in the range −14.39‰ to −3.08‰. Stage 2 Py2 and Sph1 have δ 34 S values ranging from 6.5‰ to 9.4‰ and from 5.0‰ to 8.3‰, respectively. Stage 3 Py3 and Sph2 have δ 34 S values of 1.3‰ to 3.2‰ and −0.05‰ to 2.5‰, respectively. The δ 34 S value of pyrite is greater than that of sphalerite for each coexisting pyrite–sphalerite pair, indicating that sulfur isotope equilibrium was reached between these minerals. The total δ 34 S values and formation temperatures of the ore fluids in Stages 2 and 3 were 9.4‰ and 173 °C–279 °C, and 2.3‰ and 195 °C–328 °C, respectively. The high total δ 34 S in Stage 2 ore fluids was a result of the interaction of magmatic fluids with marine sulfur, whereas the low total δ 34 S in Stage 3 ore fluids reveal that these fluids were derived from magmatic water only. Two-phase liquid-rich aqueous inclusions in Stage 2 sphalerite (Sph1) yield homogenization temperatures and salinities of 182 °C–284 °C and 0.9–8.8 wt% NaCl equivalent, respectively. Such inclusions in Stage 3 sphalerite (Sph2) yielded higher homogenization temperatures (207 °C–306 °C) and higher salinities (0.4–12.3 wt% NaCl equivalent), suggesting an increase in magmatic–hydrothermal activity from Stage 2 to 3. Such high-salinity fluids may be produced by magmatic water exsolving from a concealed intrusion beneath the Qixiashan ore district. On the basis of ore fluid temperatures and total δ 34 S values, sulfides in Stage 2 (δ 34 S = 9.4‰, T = ~250 °C) are inferred to have precipitated under conditions of pH 2–6 and log f O 2 −38 to −33, and sulfides in Stage 3 (δ 34 S = 2.3‰, T = ~350 °C) are inferred to have precipitated under conditions of pH 2–6 and log f O 2 −31 to −27. The textural, fluid inclusion, and sulfur isotopic evidence indicate that the Qixiashan Pb–Zn orebody is a hybrid deposit (rather than a SEDEX or magmatic–hydrothermal deposit) that formed by syngenetic sedimentary deposition and hydrothermal overprinting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although female androgenetic alopecia (FAGA) occurs in genetically susceptible women, some trace elements may play an important role. Aim of the Study: This study aimed to evaluate serum and hair zinc and iron levels in patients with FAGA and to compare the findings with normal controls. Patients and Methods: A case-control study that was conducted at Dermatology Clinic in Basra General Hospital, Basra, Iraq. The participants were divided into two groups: The first group consisted of 27 women with FAGA and the second was age-matched 28 healthy women control group. The serum and hair zinc and iron assays were done for all participants. Results: Both hair and serum zinc levels in FAGA group were significantly lower than that in the control (103.4+25.5 ppm vs. 143.5+33.1 ppm for hair and 65.6+14.2 µg/dl vs. 128.4+41.4 µg/dl for serum). Hair iron level in FAGA was significantly lower than in control (17.9+3.8 ppm vs. 26.9+7.4 ppm, P>0.05). Serum iron level in FAGA group was lower than in the control, but it was not significant statistically (88.9+22.3 µg/dl vs. 100.9+18.9 µg/dl). Except for the hair iron, there was no significant correlation between zinc and iron concentrations in hair and serum with severity of alopecia. Conclusions: Zinc and iron levels in serum and hair were lower in FAGA compared to that of normal individuals indicating that trace elements might play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of FAGA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]