Organochlorine exposure and health effects in stranded Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) and Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii) from Oregon and southern Washington coasts

Organochlorine (OC) pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been detected in a variety of marine mammal species at levels associated with adverse health effects. Little is known about OC levels and impacts on health in pinnipeds with different life histories. We determined the health and levels of 18 OC pesticides and 16 PCB congeners in blubber samples from 20 Steller sea lions and 39 Pacific harbor seals stranded from Oregon and Southern Washington. The most commonly detected OC at the highest concentration was p,p′- dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE). PCBs were detected in all samples as well. Hypothesis testing indicated that diseased Steller sea lions (males and females combined) had higher contaminant concentrations than healthy Steller sea lions, and diseased Pacific harbor seals had higher concentrations of total OCs than healthy animals. Differences were also noted between diseased and healthy animals when looking at individual sexes of each species. Diseased Steller sea lions had higher mean contaminant levels than diseased harbor seals and healthy Steller sea lions had higher mean contaminant concentrations than healthy Pacific harbor seals. These results show that species differences exist in both contaminant loads and sensitivity to contaminants, which may be due to differences in life histories and physiology.     

Some observations on the trace element concentrations in human dental enamel

The concentration of trace elements has been measured for dental enamel from 86 healthy human teeth using particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE). The majority of the teeth (n = 70) were collected from dentists in the county of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom, although a smaller group (n = 16) were collected from Cornwall. The elements K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Pb, and Hg have been detected and statistically analyzed by grouping according to sex, age, and geographical location. The concentrations of Fe and Cu were found to be lower in the teeth from female donors (P < 5%) and are believed to result from the continued burden of blood loss during menstruation. Strong positive correlations (P < 0.1%) were found between Ca, Co, Ni, and Zn for all groups; these elements were also found to exhibit a negative correlation (P < 1%) with age for teeth from female donors. This is believed to be related to decalcification during the menopause. Pb was found to exhibit a positive correlation (P < 5%) with age for both sexes, and is believed to substitute for Ca in the Ca hydroxy apatite (HAP) within the dental enamel.     

Medical application of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for assessment of trace element and mineral in biosamples: Laboratory and clinical validity of the method

BackgroundBiomedical application is based on the use of LIBS-derived data on chemical contents of tissues in diagnosis of diseases, forensic investigation, as well as a mechanism for providing online feedback for laser surgery. Although LIBS has certain advantages, the issue of correlation of LIBS-derived data on chemical element content in different human and animal tissues with other methods, and especially ICP-MS, remains pertinent. The objective of the present review was to discuss the application of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for elemental analysis of human biosamples or tissues from experimental models of human diseases. Methods. A systematic search in the PubMed-Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases using the terms laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, LIBS, metals, trace elements, minerals, and names of particular chemical elements was performed up through 25 February, 2023. Of all extracted studies only those dealing with human subjects, human tissues, in vivo animal and in vitro cell line models of human diseases were reviewed in detail. Results. The majority of studies revealed a wide number of metals and metalloids in solid tissues including teeth (As, Ag, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Ni, P, Pb, Sn, Sr, Ti, and Zn), bones (Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, K, Mg, Na, Pb, Sr), and nails (Al, As, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, P, Pb, Si, Sr, Ti, Zn). At the same time, LIBS was also used for estimation of trace element and mineral content in hair (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Zn), blood (Al, Ca, Co, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Si, Sn, Zn), cancer tissues (Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, K, Na, Zn) and other tissues. Single studies revealed satisfactory correspondence between quantitative LIBS and ICP-OES/MS data on the level of As (81–93 %), Pb (94–98 %), Cd (50–94 %) in teeth, Cu (97–105 %), Fe (117 %), Zn (88–117 %) in hair, Ca (97–99 %), Zn (90–95 %), and Pb (61–82 %) in kidney stones. LIBS also estimated specific patterns of trace element and mineral content associated with multiple pathologies, including caries, cancer, skin disorders, and other systemic diseases including diabetes mellitus type 2, osteoporosis, hypothyroidism, etc. Data obtained from in situ tissue LIBS analysis were profitably used for discrimination between tissue types. Conclusions. Taken together, the existing data demonstrate the applicability of LIBS for medical studies, although further increase in its sensitivity, calibration range, cross-validation, and quality control is required.     

Accumulation of metals in the teeth of inhabitants of two towns in the south of Poland.

Metals and Ca, Na and K were examined in human teeth taken from inhabitants of two towns Sosnowiec and Katowice in the south of Poland (n = 170 samples) during 1993/1994. They are located in Upper Silesia, a heavily industrialised and urbanised region of Poland. The concentrations of Pb, Mn, Fe, Cd, Cu, Ni, Co, Zn and Cr were determined by AAS, and Na, Ca and K by flame photometer. Variations in the Pb/Fe, Pb/Mn, Pb/Ca and Cd/Ca ratios of elements in human teeth were examined. Influence of age, sex type of teeth on concentrations of elements for inhabitants from the two different towns (Katowice and Sosnowiec) and on levels of ratios of the elements were analysed using one-way ANOVA. Cluster Analysis was used to investigate relationships among metals. The smallest duster distances were obtained for: Ca-Fe, Mn-Cd and Na-Co, which indicated the strongest relation between elements in teeth for the investigated population living in a heavily industrialised and urbanised region.     

Linking seasonal distribution patterns with prey availability in a central-place forager, the Steller sea lion

Aim We used a novel approach to infer foraging areas of a central‐place forager, the Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus), by assessing changes in the temporal and spatial distribution patterns of sea lions at terrestrial sites. Specifically, our objectives were (1) to classify seasonal distribution patterns of Steller sea lions and (2) to determine to what extent the seasonal distribution of Steller sea lions is explained by seasonal concentrations of prey. Location Southeast Alaska, USA. Methods Steller sea lions of all age classes were counted monthly (2001–04) by aerial surveys at 28 terrestrial sites. Hierarchical cluster analysis and principal components analysis were used to classify seasonal distribution patterns of Steller sea lions at these terrestrial sites. We estimated the proportion of sea lions in the study area that were associated with each seasonal distribution pattern. Results Multivariate ordination techniques revealed four distinct seasonal distributional patterns. During December, 55% of the sea lions in the study area were found at Type 1 sites, located near over‐wintering herring aggregations. During May, 56% of sea lions were found at Type 2 sites, near aggregations of spring‐spawning forage fish. In July, 78% of sea lions were found at Type 3 sites, near summer migratory corridors of salmon. During September, 44% of sea lions were found at Type 4 sites, near autumn migratory corridors of salmon. Main conclusions Seasonal attendance patterns of sea lions were commonly associated with the seasonal availability of prey species near terrestrial sites and reflected seasonal foraging patterns of Steller sea lions in Southeast Alaska. A reasonable annual foraging strategy for Steller sea lions is to forage on herring (Clupea pallasii) aggregations in winter, spawning aggregations of forage fish in spring, salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) in summer and autumn, and pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) and Pacific hake (Merluccius productus) throughout the year. The seasonal use of haulouts by sea lions and ultimately haulout‐specific foraging patterns of Steller sea lions depend in part upon seasonally available prey species in each region.     

Anatomical variations in primary teeth microelements with known differences in lead content by micro-Synchrotron Radiation X-Ray Fluorescence (μ-SRXRF) – A preliminary study

Shed teeth have been proposed as trace element biomarkers. This study determined variations in the spatial distribution of Ca, K, Zn, Pb, Mn, Cu, and Sr in four anatomical locations: superficial enamel (SE, 0–10 μm), subsuperficial enamel (SSE, 10–30 μm), primary dentin (PD), and secondary dentin (SD). Five primary incisors were analyzed by micro Synchrotron Radiation X-Ray Fluorescence (μ-SRXRF). Two teeth had low concentrations of lead in the SE (<250 μg/g), while three contained very high lead concentrations in the SE (>2000 μg/g). Teeth were sliced, and five spot measurements (20 μm beam diameter) were accomplished in each location. The data are shown as absolute values and as the ratio between the different elements and Ca. The distribution of K was close to that of Ca. Zn was the third most abundant element, with the highest levels being found in the SE and SD and low levels detected in the PD. Increasing Sr levels were found progressing from the enamel to the dentin, with the highest levels being found in the SD, a distribution that was unique. Pb, Mn, and Cu exhibited a similar trend, with higher signals for these elements detected in the SE. This study provides preliminary data on the heterogeneous distribution of different elements in the tooth, highlighting the importance of the first 10 μm of the SE for determination of some elements, such as Zn, Pb, Mn, and Cu.     

The decline of Steller sea lions Eumetopias jubatus in Alaska: a review of the nutritional stress hypothesis

1. The decline of Steller sea lions Eumetopias jubatus in the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands between the late 1970s and 1990s may have been related to reduced availability of suitable prey. Many studies have shown that pinnipeds and other mammals suffering from nutritional stress typically exhibit reduced body size, reduced productivity, high mortality of pups and juveniles, altered blood chemistry and specific behavioural modifications. 2. Morphometric measurements of Steller sea lions through the 1970s and 1980s in Alaska indicate reduced body size. Reduced numbers of pups born and an apparent increase in juvenile mortality rates also appear to be nutritionally based. Blood chemistry analyses have further shown that Steller sea lions in the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands area exhibited signs of an acute phase reaction, or immune reaction, in response to unidentified physical and/or environmental stress. Behavioural studies during the 1990s have not noted any changes that are indicative of an overall shortage in the quantity of prey available to lactating female sea lions. 3. The data collected in Alaska are consistent with the hypothesis that Steller sea lions in the declining regions were nutritionally compromised because of the relative quality of prey available to them (chronic nutritional stress), rather than because of the overall quantity of fish per se (acute nutritional stress). This is further supported by captive studies that indicate the overall quality of prey that has been available to Steller sea lions in the declining population could compromise the health of Steller sea lions and hinder their recovery.     

Study of the age and sex dependence of trace elements in hair by correspondence analysis

The aim of the study was to examine the potential of multidimensional analysis, and in particular of correspondence analysis (CA), in bringing to light the influence of sex and age on trace element (TE) concentrations in hair from an unselected French population. Sixteen elements (S, Hg, Se, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Co, Mn, Fe, Cr, Mg, Al, Ca, Cu, Ag) were assayed by inductively coupled argon plasma (ICAP) emission specrroscopy in the scalp hair of 135 men and 346 women. In spite of the high background noise, CA was able to reveal the differing patterns in males and females. For instance, in this population, higher relative levels of the essential elements, Ca, Mg, Zn, and Cu, but also of Ag, characterized women’s hair, whereas higher relative levels of the heavy metals, Fe and Pb, were associated with men’s hair. Al and Ag were unexplainedly high in the hair of the youngest members of the population. The Cu and Co of youth seemed to give way to a predominance of Zn in maturity. The hair of individuals in their forties tended to be richest in Ca and Mg, but these elements decreased with advancing age. Heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Fe) accumulated with age, whereas Se, Mn, and Cr seemed independent of age. CA is manifestly a very useful tool for revealing underlying dimensions in complex dynamic systems and unsuspected relationships among variables. Clearly, the significance of the high Al and Ag contents in the hair of certain members of the population, especially of the very young, needs to be investigated from both physiological and toxicological aspects.     

人工饲养与野生川金丝猴体毛10种微量元素的含量及比较

测定了秦岭人工饲养(10只)和野生(14只)川金丝猴体毛中的10种微量元素含量。锌、铁、铜、钙、镁5种元素采用火焰原子吸收法;锰、铬、铅采用石墨炉原子吸收法;铝采用等离子光谱;硒经硝解后采用原子吸收法测定。结果表明,铬、锰、镁、铅、锌和硒的含量,人工猴极显著或显著高于野生猴;铁含量,人工猴极显著低于野生猴;钙、铜和铝的含量,人工猴与野生猴无显著差异。以人类毛发10种微量元素的正常范围为参照,人工猴铅、铬、锰与锌4种含量均显著超出正常范围的上限,属于严重超量。这可能与金丝猴饲养过程中添加营养制剂有关。     

Analysis of otolith chemistry in Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus) from the Bahamas and Belize using solution-based ICP-MS

 We examined the utility of otolith minor and trace element chemistry, assayed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), as a means of delineating population structure in the Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus). We characterized the elemental composition of otoliths collected in 1993 from three locations in Exuma Sound, Bahamas and from Glover Reef, Belize in 1995. A single location in Exuma Sound was sampled in 1994 to test temporal variability in otolith composition. Five elements (Ca, Zn, Sr, Ba and Pb) were routinely detected, at levels significantly above background, by solution-based ICP-MS. Results from analysis of variance of elemental data, expressed as a ratio to Ca, indicated that there were no significant differences among the Exuma locations for any element, but significant variability was found between Glover Reef and the pooled Exuma localities for Zn/Ca, Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca ratios. Significant inter-annual differences at one Exuma Sound location was restricted to Ba/Ca ratios. Discriminant function analysis correctly classified 86% and 95% of the Belize and pooled Exuma sites, respectively. Otoliths from Belize were characterized by low Zn/Ca and high Ba/Ca and Pb/Ca ratios compared to otoliths from fish collected in Exuma Sound. Although differences in Ba levels may be related to upwelling at Glover Reef, more data are needed to definitely link otolith composition with regional differences in water chemistry. Accepted: 15 February 1999     

Reference values for trace and ultratrace elements in human serum determined by double-focusing ICP-MS

Reference values for trace and ultratrace elements concentrations in healthy human serum, measured by double-focusing inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), are presented. Blood donors from Asturias (Spain) were selected as the reference population (n=59). Blood samples were collected, after donation, taking the necessary precautions to avoid contamination. All subjects analyzed had normal renal function and nutritional status, as shown from their creatinine and albumin levels. A total number of 14 elements (Al, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cd, Pb, and U) were monitored almost simultaneously. Serum samples were diluted 1+4 with ultrapure water and matrix interferences were corrected using Sc, Ga, Y, and Tl as internal standards. Fe, Cu, and Zn were also determined by isotope dilution analysis (IDA). Reference trace element concentrations intervals observed containing 95% of the reference distribution after excluding outliers are presented. Fourteen serum samples from hemodialysis patients were also analyzed for comparison. High levels of Al, Cr, Sr, Mo, Mn, Pb, U, Co, and Cu and low levels of Fe, Zn, and Rb were found in the serum samples from hemodialysis patients compared to the corresponding reference values observed in this work.     

Trace element changes in sclerotic heart valves from patients are expressed in their blood

The pathogenesis of some heart diseases has been associated with changes in the balance of certain trace elements. However, whether blood trace element changes exist that are related to changes in the cardiovascular system are, in most cases, unknown. In this study, blood trace element levels were analysed in 46 patients with non-rheumatic aortic valve sclerosis that were previously shown to have a disturbed trace element balance in their valve tissue, including 11/15 elements. Results showed significant changes of blood levels of 8/15 trace elements in these patients when compared with blood levels in 46 healthy controls. Of these elements, Cd and Mg were the only elements that increased in both blood and valves. Cu and Se were increased in blood but decreased in valves, whereas Co and Zn were decreased in blood but increased in valves. Several elements (As, Ca, Fe, Pb, and V) were unchanged in blood although changed in valves. Although Mn and Hg showed changes in blood, this was not evident in the valves. Al and Ag were the only elements that did not change in both blood and valves. Significant covariation in blood and valve levels was only observed for Al and Pb. The recorded pattern of trace element changes indicates a complex competition/exchange between body compartments in this disease, where the increased blood Cu/Zn ratio suggests an ongoing infectious/inflammatory process.     

Comparison of SR-excited X-ray fluorescence analysis with neutron activation analysis for hair and fiber

Human scalp hair and some kinds of vegetable and animal fibers were analyzed by means of the SR excited X-ray fluorescence method (SRXFA) and the neutron activation method (NAA). Human hair samples collected from five males and five females were washed by the IAEA method prior to analysis. In the SRXFA analysis, samples were excited by monochromated X-rays. Fluorescence X-rays were measured by an Si(Li) detector. The elements detected in all hair samples were S, Ca, Cu, Fe, Zn, Br, and Sr. The elements K, Ti, Cr, Mn, Ni, Se, Hg, and Pb were also detected in several samples. After SRXFA analysis these same samples were analyzed by the NAA method. Elements such as Cu, Zn, and Br were detected by both methods, and their relative concentrations show a good agreement of variation between individuals. However, Pb was only detected by SRXFA, and Na, Au, and Sb were only detected by NAA. Therefore, these two methods are complementary to each other for trace element analysis.     

Relation of dental wear to the concentrations of essential minerals in teeth of the California sea lion <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zalophus Californianus Californianus</Emphasis>

Tooth wear in marine mammals has been attributed to age, feeding habits, behavior, and contaminants. Advanced tooth wear in some California sea lions, including some of very young age (<5 yr), in the Gulf of California, suggests that there are variations in chemical composition of tooth parts, wherein the concentrations of certain trace minerals might be anomalous, making them more susceptible to erosion. The concentrations of the essential minerals Ca, P, K, Na, Fe, Mg, and Zn in the dentition of Zalophus c. californianus are documented for the first time and are compared for sea lion teeth with different degrees of wear. Canine teeth and molars from 45 skulls collected at 15 localities since 1978 were digested in perchloric acid and analyzed using atomic adsorption spectrometry, the results being expressed in milligrams per 100 g. An index of tooth wear (Id) was established, involving the average wear on the teeth and the age of the organism. No significant difference was detected in the variables, but there was one between ages (p=0.02). A higher degree of wear was observed up to 7 yr of age than from this age onward. Mineral concentrations did not explain the excessive wear observed (correlation, p>0.09; ANOVA, p>0.15); however, the Ca concentration of the teeth was inversely proportional to the age of the animal (sexes combined, p=0.026) and particularly significant for the females (r ²=0.112, r=−0.335, p=0.039). Females could be more prone to decalcification because of their annual bone investment in their offspring. Animals of both sexes were susceptible to tooth wear as their age increased, but the higher frequency of animals between 4 and 7 yr suggests an impact on survival at early stages probably linked to deficient feeding and chronic malnutrition.     

Steller sea lion spatial‐use patterns derived from a Bayesian model of opportunistic observations

Despite acquisition of a substantial catalog of telemetry data from Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) over the past two decades, scientists still lack comprehensive regionally explicit knowledge about Steller sea lion habitat use. The Platforms of Opportunity data contain records of Steller sea lion sightings throughout the species’ entire range and have potential to fill gaps in knowledge about their spatial use; however, the data have not previously been used because effort (e.g., time spent surveying or area sampled) was not recorded when sightings were obtained. For this study a novel approach was used to overcome the lack of effort data through development of an effort index and a Bayesian negative binomial model. The model quantified Steller sea lion encounter rates and associated uncertainty within 15 × 15 km² grid cells across the species’ entire range. Year‐round, as well as breeding and nonbreeding season encounter rates were estimated. The results of this analysis identify several previously undocumented areas of high use by Steller sea lions, indicate that only 37% of Steller sea lion high‐use areas fall within designated critical habitat, and demonstrate that use of depth and distance from shore as indicators of Steller sea lion habitat is contraindicated.     

Levels of Selected Trace Elements, Phytohormones, and Sugars in Pseudomonas-Infected Lycopersicum esculantum Mill Plants

The present study investigated the levels of trace elements (Zn, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Cd), major elements (Ca and K), phytohormones (trans-Zeatin [t-Z] and gibberellic acid [GA]), and sugars (sucrose and glucose) following inoculation with Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato strain. The results of the trace elements analysis showed that Fe (in the first, fourth, eighth, and tenth study days), Cd (in the fourth, eighth, and tenth study days), Cu (in the fourth and eighth study days), and Zn (in the eighth and tenth study days) increased in bacterium-infected tomato plants, compared to healthy plants. The levels of Pb, Ca, and K did not meaningfully determine a change after inoculation with pathogen. In this vein, the increase accumulation rates of Cu, Zn, and Fe in the injured plants can be an important indicator for the plant defense processes towards pathogen attack. Furthermore, in the first, fourth, eighth, and tenth study days, the glucose and sucrose contents crucially decreased in bacterium-infected plants compared to the control groups. The lowest level of sucrose in bacterium-infected plants was observed on the first day. The findings displayed that, when endogenous t-Z levels did not change after inoculation with virulent bacterium strain, there was a reduction in the first, fourth, eighth, and tenth days in the level of GA when compared with the control group levels. Therefore, there may be a link between lower GA level and enhancement in the expression of defense-related genes. The results of this study showed that there are complex relationships among levels of sugar, trace element, and endogenous phytohormone in the regulation of defense mechanisms against bacterial pathogen attacks.     

Mineral composition in fillets of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and sea bream (Sparus aurata): a comparison of cultured and wild fish

The objective of this study was to determine some of the trace mineral elements in four commercial feeds commonly available in Turkey for marine culture and in fillets of cultured and wild sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and sea bream (Sparus aurata). The feeds and cultured fish were from four different fish farms operating in the same region but with four slightly different feeds. Concentrations of Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr), and Cadmium (Cd) were analyzed in the feeds and fillets of cultured as well as wild fish. Significant differences in the mineral concentrations existed within feed groups, cultured fish groups as well as between cultured and wild fish. Fe, Zn, and Mn in the feeds, Fe, Co, and Zn in sea bass and Fe, Zn and Co in sea bream were predominant among the nine analyzed minerals. Fe, Zn, Mn, Cr, and Ni contents in the fillets of wild sea bass were significantly, (P < 0.05) lower than those of the cultured sea bass groups. Co, Cr, Pb, and Ni in the fillets of wild sea bream were also significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those of cultured sea bream groups. These differences in trace elements in the cultured and wild fish were probably related to differences in their dietary mineral concentrations.     

Mineral- and trace element concentrations in human breast milk,placenta, maternal blood,and the blood of the newborn

The concentrations of the essential trace elements Cu, Fe, and Zn, and of the mineral elements Ca, K, Mg, and P during the perinatal period in human placenta and in the blood of the mother and the newborn (cord blood) were determined. Breast milk (colostrum and transitory milk) was also included to permit correlations between the different compartments. No correlations were found. The uptake by nutrition and the body-pools of the mother and their mobilization for these elements seem to be sufficiently high for an adequate supply of the fetus and the milk in the geographical region of Munich (Bavaria, FRG) under these investigations. Differences in the mineral- and trace element concentrations of colostrum and transitory milk for the elements P and Zn and to a lesser extent for Ca and Mg were observed. Additionally, breast milk samples from different geographical regions in Bavaria were investigated. Results for the heavy metals Cd, Hg, and Pb, and for the essential trace element Se are also presented for these samples, and can be seen as a reflection of the overall environmental and dietary influences during pregnancy in these geographical regions. ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma)-emission spectrometry was used for the determination of the elements Cu, Fe, Zn, Ca, K, Mg, and P. For the additionally given elements in the milk-samples anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) (Cd, Pb), hydride atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) (Se), and cold vapor AAS (Hg) were applied.     

微波消解ICP-AES法测定糙苏不同部位中的微量元素

利用微波消解电感耦合等离子发射光谱(ICP-AES)法测定野生中药糙苏根、茎、叶、花和籽中钠、钾、钙、铁、锌、镁、锰、铜、镍、钼、铅和镉的含量,并进行了分析比较。糙苏不同用药部位的微量元素含量存在差异,其中钠、钾、钙、铁、镁在根、茎、叶、花和籽中的含量均较高,锌、锰、铜、镍、钼的含量较少,铅和镉只在根和茎中痕量存在,结果表明糙苏中含有大量人体必需的微量元素,可为进一步探讨糙苏中元素含量与其药效的相关性提供科学的理论依据。     

Proton-induced X-ray emission analysis of atherosclerotic plaques of the carotid bifurcation

The trace elements of both calcified atherosclerotic plaques and plaque-free vessel walls of the carotid bifurcation from 31 autopsies were investigated using the proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) method. The trace elements studied were phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), chrome (Cr), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), bromine (Br), strontium (Sr), and rubidium (Rb). All samples contained Fe and Zn. Mercury (Hg) was not detected in any of the samples studied. All plaque-free samples contained Cu and almost all Br and Ca, none Sr. All calcified atherosclerotic plaques contained Ca and almost all Br and Sr. The relative levels of Ca were higher in the calcified plaques than in the plaque-free vessel walls. The relative value of Ca in calcified and uncalcified samples was greatest in the group who had died because of cardiovascular disorders and smallest in the group who had died from other causes. There was a strong positive correlation between the Ca and Sr of the plaque samples and between the P and Br of the plaque-free samples.