Association of lead and cadmium exposure with kidney stone incidence: A study on the non-occupational population in Nandan of China

BackgroundEnvironmental lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) pollution has been considered a risk factor in the etiology of kidney stones. However, the association between Pb and Cd exposure and kidney stone incidence has yet to be determined.ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine a possible the association between kidney stones with Pb and Cd exposure (alone or combined) in a non-occupational population.MethodsPb and Cd contaminations in soil-plant system were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Health risk assessment of dietary Pb or Cd intake from rice and vegetables were calculated. Kidney stones were diagnosed with urinary tract ultrasonography. Urinary cadmium (UCd) and blood lead (BPb) levels were determined by graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed.ResultsThe hazard indexes (HI) of Pb and Cd were 7.91 and 7.31. The odds ratio (OR) was 2.83 (95 %CI:1.38−5.77) in males with high BPb (BPb ≥ 100 μg/L), compared with those with low BPb (BPb＜100 μg/L). Compared to those with low BPb and low UCd (BPb＜100 μg/L and UCd＜2 μg/g creatinine), the ORs were 2.58 (95 % CI:1.17−5.70) and 3.43 (95 % CI:1.21−9.16) in females and males with high BPb and high UCd (BPb ≥100 μg/L and UCd ≥2 μg/g creatinine), respectively. The OR was 3.16 (95 % CI:1.26−7.88) in males with high BPb and low UCd (BPb ≥ 100 μg/L and UCd ＜2 μg/g creatinine), compared to those with low BPb and low UCd.ConclusionsKidney stones incidence was increased by high Pb exposure in males, and by Pb and Cd co-exposure in males and females.     

Associations between blood metal/ metalloid concentration and human semen quality and sperm function: A cross-sectional study in Hong Kong

BackgroundThe association between metal/metalloid exposure on human sperm quality is still inconclusive. There is a lack of data on the effect of metal/metalloid on sperm function.MethodsThe aim of this study was to clarify the association between blood metal/metalloid concentration and traditional and functional sperm parameters, the blood concentration of Pb, Hg, Cd, As, Ni, Mo, Zn, Cu, Se, Fe, Mg, Cr and Ca of 288 men in Hong Kong were assessed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, and sperm parameters including sperm concentration, motility, morphology, vitality, total sperm count, total motile sperm count, sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm acrosome reaction were measured. Demographic and lifestyle questionnaires were also provided for all participants. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to test the association between blood metal/ metalloid concentration and semen parameters after adjusting for relevant confounding variables.ResultsThe results showed that moderate to high level of blood Pb concentration (>27.19 μg/L) appeared to be negatively associated with sperm morphology (P < 0.05); high level of blood Cd concentration (>1.44 μg/L) was negatively associated with sperm acrosome reaction (P < 0.05); Mo was positively associated with semen volume (P < 0.05), however, high level of blood Mo concentration (>13.52 μg/L) was negatively associated with sperm vitality (P < 0.05); high level of blood Zn concentration (>6.20 mg/L) was positively associated with sperm vitality (P < 0.05); moderate level of blood Fe concentration (526.89−566.63 mg/L) was positively associated with sperm acrosome reaction (P < 0.05); moderate level of blood Ca concentration (55.92−66.10 mg/L) was positively associated with semen volume (P < 0.05); however, lower level of blood Ca concentration (45.90−55.92 mg/L) was negatively associated with sperm morphology (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOur results suggested that the sperm function could be affected by blood Cd and Fe concentration and traditional sperm parameters could be affected by blood concentration of Mo, Zn, Pb and Ca.     

Heavy metal accumulation in frogs surrounding an e-waste dump site and human health risk assessment

Abstract

This study was performed heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, and Pb) in water, soil and frogs around an electronic-waste dump site. The bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) of heavy metals in three frog species and potential human health risks were assessed. Heavy metals were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The Cd and Pb concentrations in water samples and As and Pb concentrations in soil samples from within the e-waste dump site exceeded the standards. The heavy metal concentrations in the muscles of three frog species were as follows: Cr?>?Pb?>?As?>?Cd, and there were no significant differences among frog species except in the case of Pb (p?<?0.05). Only the Cr concentrations exceeded the food quality standards. The relative order of the BAFs for heavy metals in frogs as a result of uptake from the water and soil was Cr?>?As?>?Pb?>?Cd and Cr?>?As?>?Cd?>?Pb, respectively, which indicated that the uptake from water was greater than that from the soil. The assessment of the health risk index and carcinogenic risk (CR) indicated potential human health effects from As, Cr, and Pb via the consumption of frogs.     

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in local edible plants near a municipal landfill and the related human health risk assessment

ABSTRACT

The increase in municipal solid waste generation, along with high concentrations of heavy metals in environments near municipal landfill, has led to human health hazards. This study investigated heavy metal contamination in water, sediment, and edible plants near a municipal landfill, including the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and potential health risks. The heavy metal concentrations in the samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The concentrations of arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) in water samples were not detected (ND), ND, 0.006 ± 0.01 mg/L, and ND, respectively, and in sediment samples, the concentrations were 1.19 ± 0.44, 3.20 ± 0.62, 0.46 ± 0.21, and 6.97 ± 0.34 mg/kg, respectively. The highest concentrations of As (5.03 ± 0.38), Pb (1.81 ± 0.37), and Cd (1.93 ± 0.13) were found in Marsilea crenata, whereas that of Cr (5.68 ± 0.79) was detected in Ipomoea aquatica. The Cr concentration in all plant species exceeded the standard for vegetables. The BAF values followed the heavy metal concentrations. All plant species have a low potential for accumulating Pb and Cr. The edible plants in this study area might cause health hazards to consumers from As, Pb, and Cd contamination.     

Occupational exposure of foundry workers assessed by the urinary concentrations of 18 elements and arsenic species

BackgroundSome raw materials applied in Fe foundry industries may contain potentially toxic elements. Thus, foundry worker’s occupational exposure is a constant health concern.MethodIn this study, 194 urine samples from foundry workers were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for biomonitoring of Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, I, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, Se, U and Zn. Moreover, arsenic speciation was performed in representative samples of production sector workers (group A) and administration sector workers (group B).ResultsConcentrations of As, Pb, Cd, Cu, Cs, I, Sb in urines from group A were higher than those found for group B. Samples of group A presented Cs, Ni, Mn, Pb, U and Zn concentrations higher than values reported for exposed workers assessed by other studies. Forty-four samples from group A exceed As-reference limits. Group A had approximately seven times more inorganic As (as arsenite) and 14 times more organic As (as dimethyl As) than group B. A statistically significant difference was observed in the elemental concentration in the workers' urine by the time in the function. Moreover, alcohol consumption is probably influencing the urine concentration of As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, I, Se and Zn.ConclusionThe monitored foundry workers are exposed to potentially toxic elements and more attention must be given to their health. Therefore, workplace safety conditions must be improved, and constant biomonitoring is necessary to ensure workers' health.     

贵州水银洞金矿紫茎泽兰重金属元素测定与分析

利用原子吸收法对贵州水银洞金矿紫茎泽兰及其基质中Cr、Pb、Zn、Cd、Hg和As含量进行了测定和分析。结果表明,贵州水银洞金矿废水处理区土壤Hg(12.575 mg·kg^-1)和As(501.374 mg·kg^-1)已严重超标,Hg和As的平均含量分别是国家土壤环境质量三级标准(GB15618-1995)的8.383倍和12.534倍,污染极为严重;紫茎泽兰对该矿区不同的重金属富集能力不同,尤其对该矿区Cr有较强的富集作用,具有一定的Cr污染修复潜力。紫茎泽兰对所测定的6种重金属元素的吸收转移能力有较大的差异,整个植株对Pb、Zn 和Cr具有很强的吸收转移能力。其茎、叶对不同的重金属元素的吸收转移能力也呈现出很大的差异,紫茎泽兰茎对Cr、Pb和Cd具有很强的吸收转移能力,而叶对Zn、Pb和Hg具有很强的吸收转移能力。除As外,紫茎泽兰对Cr、Pb、Zn、Cd和Hg都具有不同程度的耐受能力,对该矿区的生态恢复具有重要的作用。     

Concentrations of heavy metals in vegetables between 2004 and 2018, and its impacts on human health in China

Abstract

Heavy metals in vegetables are of great concern worldwide due to their potential bioaccumulation in human. This review-based study researched the concentrations of heavy metals in vegetables from all provinces of China between 2004 and 2018, and assessed the health risk for the residents. The results displayed the highest Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn concentrations in vegetables were 0.192?mg/kg (west area), 0.071?mg/kg (central area), 3.961?mg/kg (central area), and 10.545?mg/kg (central area), which were lower than the maximum allowable concentration. In the national scale, the weighted average level of heavy metals in vegetables was found to be in the order of Zn?>?Cu?>?Pb?>?Cd. The hazard index (HI) of each province showed that beside Anhui and Hunan province, residents in other provinces of China faced a low high risk of Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn. However, people consuming vegetables faced a high risk of Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn in Anhui and Hunan provinces. This research may provide insight into heavy metal accumulation in vegetables and forecast to residents to cope with these problems for improved human health.     

重金属污染对红壤旱地小节肢类土壤动物群落结构的影响

土壤重金属污染对农田土壤节肢动物的影响是其环境风险评价和监测的重要方面。基于现有国家土壤环境质量二级标准(GB 15618—1995),设计2个浓度重金属Cd(0.3 mg/kg,0.6 mg/kg)、Pb(125 mg/kg,250 mg/kg)和As(30 mg/kg,60 mg/kg)污染的田间试验,分别研究Cd、Pb和As对红壤旱地小节肢类土壤动物群落组成和多样性的影响。结果表明,试验土壤小节肢类动物共11类群,其中符跳属、棘跳属、蜱螨目为本地区红壤旱地的主要类群,占全部捕获小节肢类土壤动物总数的78%。重金属Pb、As高浓度污染分别显著降低了土壤弹尾目的个体密度73.5%、55.2%,而Cd高浓度污染对其无显著影响,仅降低15.9%;As和Cd高浓度污染分别显著降低了土壤蜱螨目的个体密度74.3%、36.4%,而Pb高浓度污染对其无显著影响。Pb、As和Cd污染对小节肢类土壤动物群落多样性指数均无明显影响。因此,与丰度相比,多样性指数对重金属污染反应的灵敏度较差。主成分分析表明,前气门亚目、符跳属和棘跳属的得分值较高,为小节肢类土壤动物群落中的主导因子,可作为未来该地区重金属污染环境影响监测的重要指标生物和重金属污染阈值研究的重要生态受体。     

Bio-remediation of Pb and Cd polluted soils by switchgrass: A case study in India

Introduction: In the present study bioremediation potential of a high biomass yielding grass, Panicum virgatum (switchgrass), along with plant associated microbes (AM fungi and Azospirillum), was tested against lead and cadmium in pot trials.

Methods: A pot trial was set up in order to evaluate bioremediation efficiency of P. virgatum in association with PAMs (Plant Associated Microbes). Growth parameters and bioremediation potential of endomycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Azospirillum against different concentrations of Pb and Cd were compared.

Results: AM fungi and Azospirillum increased the root length, branches, surface area, and root and shoot biomass. The soil pH was found towards neutral with AMF and Azospirillum inoculations. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) for Pb (12 mg kg^?1) and Cd (10 mg kg^?1) were found to be 0.25 and 0.23 respectively and translocation index (Ti) was 17.8 and 16.7 respectively (approx 45% higher than control).

Conclusions: The lower values of BCF and Ti, even at highest concentration of Pb and Cd, revealed the capability of switchgrass of accumulating high concentration of Pb and Cd in the roots, while preventing the translocation of Pb and Cd to aerial biomass.     

Contamination and environmental risk assessment of heavy metals in marine sediments from Tahaddart estuary (NW of Morocco)

Abstract

The distribution, contamination status, and ecological risks of heavy metals in Tahaddart estuary were investigated. 24 surface sediment samples and two cores were collected and analyzed for major (Al and Fe), heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn), and grain size composition. The heavy metals assessment was carried out using different environmental indices. The results indicated that the spatial distribution patterns of Al, Fe, and Zn were mainly determined by the distribution of the finer grained fraction (<63?μm) in the sediment. In contrast, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb concentrations were controlled by anthropogenic activities (vehicular traffic from Highway Bridge and thermal power plant). The distribution of heavy metals in sediment cores showed an upward enrichment in heavy metals with high concentration found in the uppermost may related to the increasing in human activities. The pollution indexes confirmed that the Tahaddart estuary sediment was considerably to high contaminated by heavy metals near to different anthropogenic inputs. Similarly, the potential ecological risk index and the biological risk index present 21% probability of toxicity posing potential risk to the aquatic organisms. These results provide basic information that can be used to protect and improve the quality of this ecosystem.     

Regional distribution characteristics and ecological risk assessment of heavy metal pollution of different land use in an antimony mining area – Xikuangshan,China

Abstract

Mining activities have introduced various heavy metals and metalloids to surrounding soil environments, causing adverse impacts to the ecological environment system. The extremely high concentration of various heavy metals and metalloids make the Xikuangshan (Hunan, China) an excellent model to assess their ecological risk. In this study, the soil samples from 26 locations of different land use methods in four areas (smelting area, road nearby ore, mining area, and ore tailing area) in Xikuangshan with different levels of various heavy metals and metalloids (Sb, As, Pb, and Cd) were analyzed; in addition, the index of geo-accumulation and the potential ecological risk index were used to evaluate ecological risk. The results showed that the average contents of Sb, As, Pb, and Cd in all soil samples were 4368.222?mg·kg^?1, 40.722?mg·kg^?1, 248.013?mg·kg^?1, and 40.941?mg·kg^?1, respectively, implying serious contamination of compound pollution of heavy metals in soil. The concentration of heavy metals in soil among smelting area, road nearby ore, mining area, and ore tailing area showed significant distribution characteristics of region because different mining activities such as smelting, mining, transportation, and stacking caused different pollution intensity. Moreover, the contents of Sb in soil samples decreased successively in residue field, wasteland, forestland, sediment, grassland, and vegetable field, and the contents of Sb in vegetable-field and ecological restoration grassland were relatively low, which indicate that the method of grassland ecological restoration is an effective method to control antimony pollution in soil. The results of ecological risk assessment showed that the antimony mining area was seriously polluted by Sb, As, Pb, and Cd, and had strong ecological risk, and Sb and Cd were the most important pollution factors, which indicated that the pollution of Sb and Cd should be a major concern of relevant departments of environment and health.     

Chronic Kidney Disease in Non-Diabetic Older Adults: Associated Roles of the Metabolic Syndrome,Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance

Background

The aims of the study were to examine the association between CKD and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in older adults. We also explored two possible pathways linking the metabolic syndrome with CKD: inflammation as measured by high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) and insulin resistance as measured by HOMA-IR.

Methods

Community-dwelling non-diabetic 70+ adults from the Einstein Aging Study participated in the study. We defined CKD as eGFR below 60mL/min/1.73m². MetS was defined according to recent guidelines from the National Cholesterol Education Program. Binary logistic regressions were used to assess the association between the metabolic syndrome, its components and CKD with adjustments for demographics, HOMA-IR and hsCRP.

Results

Of 616 participants (mean age = 79.3 years, 65.5% female), 25% had MetS and 26.5% had CKD. Participants with CKD had a significantly higher prevalence of the MetS than individuals without CKD (34.4% vs. 24.3%). Binary logistic regression models showed that CKD was associated with MetS (OR = 1.72, 95%CI = 1.13–2.61). The association was unaltered by adjustment for hsCRP but altered by adjustment for HOMA-IR. As the number of MetS components increased the relative odds of CKD also increased. None of the individual components was independently associated with CKD.

Conclusion

MetS is associated with CKD in non-diabetic older adults. Results showed that as the number of MetS components increased so did the odds for CKD. HOMA-IR seems to be in the casual pathway linking MetS to CKD.     

Risk Element (As,Cd, Cu,Pb, and Zn) Contamination of Soils and Edible Vegetables in the Vicinity of Guixi Smelter,South China

Risk element (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) contamination in soils and in two edible vegetables (Solanum melongena L. and Capsicum annum L.) was investigated in the vicinity of Guixi Smelter, South China. Soil As concentrations averaged 23.9 mg/kg. Sites near the smelter tailings recorded the highest levels of As and heavy metals in soils. The concentration order of heavy metals in soils was Cd < Pb < Zn < Cu. Cu and Cd in soils were abundant in the exchangeable and bound to carbonate fraction, while Pb and Zn were in the residual fraction, limiting their potential toxicity as pollutants. The proportions of the metals in the mobile fraction followed the order Pb < Zn < Cu < Cd. In Solanum melongena L. and Capsicum annum L., Zn concentration was the highest, followed by Cu, Cd, and Pb, different from that in soils and in the mobile fraction. Concentrations of heavy metals in the labile fractions in soils and in vegetables presented significant correlation (p < 0.05). Both of the two vegetables are not the Cu and Zn accumulators. As for Cd and As, Capsicum annum L. poses a higher risk to animal and human health than Solanum melongena L., with soil-plant transfer coefficients more than three. Root-stem is the main barrier for most of the heavy metals and As in the two vegetables, resulting in higher metal concentrations in roots relative to other plant tissues. The low stem-fruit transfer coefficients for Zn in Solanum melongena L. and for Pb in Capsicum annum L. suggested that very few of them could reach the fruits.     

乌鲁木齐市道路林带土壤抗重金属细菌的筛选及重金属去除能力

【背景】道路重金属污染问题日益严峻,寻找高效的微生物资源用于环境修复已迫在眉睫。【目的】从乌鲁木齐市道路林带土壤中筛选抗重金属菌株,并对其重金属去除能力进行探究。【方法】使用含5种重金属离子(铅、镉、锌、铜、镍)的4种培养基进行抗性菌株筛选,通过形态学特征和16S rRNA基因序列进行鉴定,采用电感耦合等离子体发射光谱仪(inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer,ICP-OES)检测分离株对重金属离子的去除情况。【结果】4种分离培养基中,TSA是抗重金属菌株筛选的最适培养基,共筛选出16株抗重金属菌,其中4株抗Pb菌、4株抗Cd菌、4株抗Zn菌、3株抗Cu菌和1株抗Ni菌,其抗性分别高达3 000、800、600、300和400mg/L,16株菌中以芽孢杆菌属(Bacillus)数量最多。在初始浓度为700mg/L Pb²⁺下,菌株Pb6的去除率高达92.48%,菌株Pb11、Pb3和Pb9的去除率分别为27.70%、40.37%和58.88%;在200mg/L Cd²⁺...     

Utilization of Mentha aquatica L. for removal of fecal pathogens and heavy metals from water of Bosna river,Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of Mentha aquatica L. for phytoremediation of water contaminated with heavy metals and fecal pathogens from Bosna river. The water was treated with M. aquatica for 5, 10, and 15 days consecutively after which it was analyzed for the various physicochemical and microbiological parameters.

The initial concentration of cadmium (Cd) ranged from 3.644 to 6.108?µg/l, while lead (Pb) varied between 0.1 and 1.386?µg/l. After treatment, M. aquatica accumulated significant amounts of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) with the highest removal rates of 96.49% for Cd and 45.72% for Pb. Values of several physicochemical parameters were decreased after 15 days treatment period.

All water samples were analyzed for enumeration of aerobic heterotrophic bacteria, total coliforms, and fecal coliforms by the membrane filtration. Removal efficiency was greater than 80% for microbiological parameters. The concentration of heavy metals was determined in different plant parts and subsequently, the translocation factor was determined. In M. aquatica plant parts, concentrations of Pb and Cd were increased after 15 days of treatment. Our results demonstrated that M. aquatica could be good candidates for the removal of fecal pathogens and heavy metals present in surface water.     

Fractionation of heavy metals in contaminated soils surrounding non-ferrous metals smelting area in the North China Plain

Abstract

The accumulation of heavy metals in soil is a serious environmental problem. The risk of metals in soil is associated critically with their species. Operationally determined speciation analysis of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sb, Cd and Pb was carried out in the area of non-ferrous metals-smelting in the North China Plain, using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy after sequential chemical extraction. The average potential mobility fraction was calculated. The average potential mobility of the metals had the following order: Cd(44.7%) > Pb(29.6%) > Mn(14.8%) > Zn(12.5%) > Cu(5.9%) > Sb(5.0%) > Ni(2.1%) > Cr(0.8%). It is concluded that there is a distinct spatial heterogeneity in the concentration of heavy metals in the studied area. The results indicate that the polluting heavy metals, in particular Cd and Pb, have high potential mobility.     

Renal bioaccumulation of trace elements in urban and rural Sri Lankan populations: A preliminary study based on post mortem tissue analysis

IntroductionEnvironmental pollution, especially by toxic trace elements, is a global health concern. Heavy metals such as Cadmium (Cd), Arsenic (As) and Lead (Pb) are associated with numerous disorders and are considered by some as an aetiological factor for the Chronic Kidney Disease (CKDu¹) epidemic in Sri Lanka. This study explores patterns of bioaccumulation of six trace elements in kidneys obtained during forensic autopsies from urban and rural regions in Sri Lanka.MethodsKidney samples obtained from one urban district (n = 13) and three rural districts (n = 18) were lyophilized, microwave digested and profiled by ICP-MS techniques.Results and DiscussionThe mean age of the sampled population was 47.9 ± 11.3 yrs. Median (IQR) for Cd, As, Pb, Cr, Zn and Se were, 14.67(8.04–22.47) μg/g, 0.44(0.29–0.56) μg/g, 0.11(0.07–0.30) μg/g, 0.15(0.1096–0.3274), 25.55(17.24–39.35) μg/g and 0.52(0.37−0.84) μg/g, respectively. Cd, Zn and Se levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) among the urban samples compared to that of the rural group. Zn and Se levels were higher among younger age groups. As, Pb and Cr did not show any significant differences between the two cohorts nor any correlations with age.ConclusionThis population-specific baseline study provides an insight into the differences in exposure to toxic trace elements and essential elements between urban and rural populations. Residents in CKDu affected rural districts did not appear to be at risk of toxic heavy metal exposure, however their renal bioaccumulation of nephroprotective essential elements was lower than urban residents.     

Low-Grade Albuminuria Is Associated with Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components in Middle-Aged and Elderly Chinese Population

Background

Micro-albuminuria has been well established as one of the risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the association of MetS and its components with low-grade albuminuria among those with normal urinary albumin excretion has not been clearly elucidated in Chinese population.

Methodology and Findings

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 9,579 participants with normal urinary albumin excretion, who were recruited from Jia Ding District, Shanghai, China. The single-void first morning urine sample was collected for urinary albumin and creatinine measurements, and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) was calculated as urinary albumin divided by creatinine. Low-grade albuminuria was classified as sex-specific upper UACR quartile in this population. MetS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. The prevalence of MetS and its components increased across the UACR quartiles (all P _trend <0.01). A multivariable adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed that the prevalence of MetS was gradually elevated according to the UACR quartiles (adjusted odds ratios [ORs] were 1.14, 1.24 and 1.59 for UACR quartiles 2, 3 and 4, compared with the lowest quartile; P _trend<0.0001). In the further stratified logistic regression analyses, the associations between low-grade albuminuria and MetS were significant in both sex strata (male and female), both age strata (<60 and ≥60 years), both body mass index strata (<24 and ≥24 kg/m²), and both diabetes strata (yes and no). Compared to the lowest UACR quartile, the participants in the highest quartile of UACR had the highest prevalence of central obesity (OR = 1.43; 95%CI = 1.25–1.63), high blood pressure (OR = 1.64; 95%CI = 1.43–1.87), hyperglycemia (OR = 1.52; 95%CI = 1.30–1.78) and high triglycerides (OR = 1.19; 95%CI = 1.04–1.37).

Conclusions and Significance

Low-grade albuminuria was significantly associated with the increasing prevalence of MetS and its components in the middle-aged and elderly Chinese population with normal urinary albumin excretion.     

Chromium, Cadmium, and Lead Levels in Urine of Children with Autism and Typically Developing Controls

Although potentially harmful effects of heavy metals are well known, limited numbers of studies exist regarding their relationship with autism. The aim of this study was to investigate urine levels of some heavy metals such as of chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in children with autism and healthy subjects. Urine levels of Cr, Cd, and Pb were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry in 30 children with autism and compared with 20 healthy controls. Urine Cd and Pb levels were found as significantly decreased in children with autism compared to healthy subjects (p?<?0.05). On the other hand, urine Cr levels were significantly higher in children with autism than healthy subjects (p?<?0.05). This study suggested that autism may be associated with significant decrease in excretion rate of Cd and Pb and a significant increase excretion rate in the levels of Cr in the urine. These results have indicated that further studies are warranted for investigation of possible roles of heavy metals in autism.     

Heavy metal uptake by plankton and other seston particles

Abstract

The distribution of heavy metals Cd, Cu and Pb between the dissolved phase and the suspended matter has been studied in a stagnant fresh-water lake Zoommeer with the aim of finding a link between heavy metals and seston particles. Phytoplankton and Zooplankton were identified to species level and their density was determined. The average surface area and average volume, respectively, of each plankton species was calculated from the measured dimensions of 20–200 specimens of each species. Heavy metal concentrations in the dissolved phase and the particulate matter were determined by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry.

The seston particles were divided into 10 subdivisions and the total surface area and volume, respectively, of each subdivision was taken as an independent variable for the subsequent multiple regression analysis to find the possible correlations with the heavy metal concentrations. The obtained models can explain a very large part (up to 98% for Pb, 99% for Cd and 87% for Cu) of the variation in heavy metal concentration. An adsorption process appears to govern Cd and Pb uptake by Chlorophyceae and Dinophyceae. In addition, both Cd and Pb can penetrate into Chlorophyceae. In the case of Cu, a specific interaction with the Cyanophyceae has been found. In general, the uptake of heavy metals is highly specific for both the respective metal and the organism.