The Effect of Age and Gender on 59 Trace-Element Contents in Human Rib Bone Investigated by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

The effect of age and gender on 59 trace-element contents in rib bone of 80 apparently healthy 15–55-year-old women (n?=?38) and men (n?=?42) was investigated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Mean values (M?±?SΕΜ) for the mass fraction (milligrams per kilogram, on dry-weight basis) of Ba, Bi, Cd, Ce, Cu, Dy, Er, Gd, La, Li, Mn, Mo, Nd, Pb, Pr, Rb, Sm, Sr, Tb, Tl, U, Yb, and Zn for both female and male taken together were: Ba 2.5?±?0.2, Bi 0.015?±?0.002, Cd 0.044?±?0.005, Ce 0.029?±?0.002, Cu 1.05?±?0.06, Dy 0.0020?±?0.0003, Er 0.0011?±?0.0002, Gd 0.0015?±?0.0001, La 0.020?±?0.002, Li 0.040?±?0.002, Mn 0.354?±?0.004, Mo 0.052?±?0.006, Nd 0.011?±?0.001, Pb 2.24?±?0.14, Pr 0.0032?±?0.0004, Rb 1.51?±?0.06, Sm 0.0014?±?0.0001, Sr 291?±?20, Tb 0.00041?±?0.00005, Tl 0.00050?±?0.00003, U 0.0013?±?0.0001, Yb 0.00072?±?0.00007, and Zn 92.8?±?1.5, respectively. The upper limit of mean contents of Ag, Al, B, Be, Br, Cr, Cs, Hg, Ho, Lu, Ni, Sb, Te, Th, Ti, Tm, and Y were: Ag?≤?0.011, Al?≤?7.2, B?≤?0.65, Be?≤?0.0032, Br?≤?3.9, Cr?≤?0.25, Cs?≤?0.0077, Hg?≤?0.018, Ho?≤?0.00053, Lu?≤?0.00024, Ni?≤?1.05, Sb?≤?0.0096, Te?≤?0.0057, Th?≤?0.0030, Ti?≤?2.8, Tm?≤?0.00006, and Y?≤?0.0047, respectively. In all bone samples, the contents of As, Au, Co, Eu, Ga, Hf, Ir, Nb, Pd, Pt, Re, Rh, Sc, Se, Sn, Ta, V, W, and Zr were under detection limits. The Ce, Dy, Er, Gd, La, Nd, Pr, Sm, Tb, and Yb contents increase with age. Higher Sr mass fraction is typical of female rib as compared to those in male bone.     

The Effect of Age and Gender on 37 Chemical Element Contents in Scalp Hair of Healthy Humans

The effect of age and gender on minor and trace element contents in the scalp hair of 80 relatively healthy 15- to 55-year-old women and men was investigated. Contents or upper limit of contents of 37 chemical elements in the scalp hair were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Mean values (M ± SΕΜ) for the mass fraction of Ag, Au, Ba, Br, Ca, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Eu, Fe, Hf, Hg, I, K, La, Lu, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sr, Th, and Zn (milligrams per kilogram of dry hair) were 0.191 ± 0.018, 0.0102 ± 0.0014, 6.33 ± 0.68, 3.59 ± 0.26, 1320 ± 110, 0.369 ± 0.055, 1245 ± 133, 0.0707 ± 0.0054, 2.78 ± 0.22, 0.0082 ± 0.0021, 88.2 ± 6.7, 0.040 ± 0.012, 0.145 ± 0.009, 6.93 ± 1.05, 146 ± 14, 0.238 ± 0.025, 0.0030 ± 0.0007, 163 ± 17, 2.29 ± 0.30, 344 ± 31, 0.65 ± 0.10, 0.062 ± 0.005, 0.0100 ± 0.0012, 0.248 ± 0.008, 0.0090 ± 0.0010, 45.7 ± 3.5, 0.0168 ± 0.0019, and 154 ± 3, respectively. The upper limits of contents of Cd, Cs, Gd, Nd, Ta, Tb, Tm, and Yb were ≤0.17, ≤0.013, ≤0.104, ≤0.19, ≤0.011, ≤0.0048, ≤0.0057, and ≤0.0047, respectively. In all hair samples, the contents of As was under detection limits <0.01. The tendency for the Ce, La, and Th content to increase with age was found in the human hair, but statistically significant changes were shown for females only. The mass fraction of Rb in the male scalp hair increases and of Cl decreases with age. It was shown that higher Au, Ca, Mg, and Sr mass fractions as well as lower Cl, Fe, I, Sc, Se, and Sm content were typical of female hair as compared to those in male hair.     

The Effect of Age on 12 Chemical Element Contents in the Intact Prostate of Adult Men Investigated by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry

The effect of age on 12 chemical element contents in intact prostate of 64 apparently healthy, 13-60-year-old men (mean age 36.5 years) was investigated by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Mean values (M ± SΕΜ) for mass fraction (milligrams/kilogram, on dry weight basis) of Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, P, S, Sr, and Zn were: Ba 1.18 ± 0.12, Ca 2,178 ± 160, Cu 10.7 ± 0.9, Fe 122 ± 5, K 12,530 ± 360, Mg 1,100 ± 70, Na 10,470 ± 320, P 7,580 ± 300, S 8,720 ± 180, Sr 1.85 ± 0.28, and Zn 782 ± 97, respectively. The upper limit of mean content of V was ≤0.22 mg/kg. A tendency of age-related increase in Ca, Fe, Na, and Zn mass fraction as well an increase in Zn/Ba, Zn/Ca, Zn/Cu, Zn/Fe, Zn/K, Zn/Mg, Zn/Na, Zn/P, Zn/S, and Zn/Sr ratios in prostate was observed. A significant positive correlation was seen between the prostatic zinc and Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Na, and P contents.     

Determination of trace elements in aerosol samples by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis

Two nuclear techniques, Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis (EDXRF) and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA), were used to analyze aerosol samples collected in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Na, Cl, Mn, V, Al, Sm, Mo, W, La, As, Br, Sb, K, Ba, Se, Th, Cr, Rb, Ca, Fe, Ce, and Sc were determined by INAA, and Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Hg, and Pb were determined by EDXRF. A preliminary identification of the main source of the atmospheric aerosol was performed based on enrichment factor and correlation coefficient calculations.

     

The Level of Selenium and Some Other Trace Elements in Different Libyan Arable Soils Using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis

Elemental analysis of soils from two different arable regions in Libya was carried out to measure the level of many trace elements. Instrumental neutron activation analysis was used for the determination of 10 elements, viz., (Ba, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, Sc, Se, Th, and Zn), using their long-lived radionuclides. The accuracy of the measurements has been evaluated by analyzing two IAEA soil reference materials: IAEA Soil-7 and IAEA leak sediment SL-1; precision has been estimated by triplicate analysis of the sample and that of the reference material. Irradiations were carried out at the Tajura Research Center reactor, at 5-MW power level. It is clear that in the Libyan soil selenium concentration is somewhat lower than in other countries. The results show that trace metal concentrations in Libyan clay surface soil are higher than the sandy soil.     

Chemical Elements of Human Bone Tissue Investigated by Nuclear Analytical and Related Methods

The mass fractions (in milligrams per kilogram given on a dry mass basis) of 69 chemical elements in the intact rib bone of 84 apparently healthy 15- to 58-year-old citizens (38 females and 46 males) of a nonindustrial region were investigated using five instrumental analytical methods: neutron activation analysis with high-resolution spectrometry of short- and of long-lived radionuclides, particle-induced gamma-ray emission spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission, and mass spectrometry. The mass fractions of chemical elements were measured for rib bone of both males and females, taken separately and together. The present results indicate that rib bone can be used as exposure monitors in occupational medicine and environmental health studies to assess, or indicate, the body burden of Al, B, Ba, Be, Ca, Cr, F, Li, Mg, Na, Ni, P, Pb, rare-earth elements (REEs), Sr, and Zn. Our data show an exponential increase with the age of the content of REEs in the rib of people living in an ecologically safe region.     

Determination of Copper Content in o-Diphenol Oxidase by Neutron Activation Analysis

A polyphenol oxidase (o-diphenol oxidase) [o-diphenol: O₂ oxidoreductase E. C. 1.10. 3.1] from sweet potato named component II_b was highly purified. The copper content of this enzyme was measured by neutron activation analysis. Samples were analyzed with or without chemical separation after neutron irradiation. The copper content of the enzyme was determined to be 0.27%, and the minimum molecular weight of this enzyme was caluculated to be 23,500.     

老年不稳定股骨粗隆间骨折行双极人工股骨头置换治疗的疗效分析

目的：探讨双极人工股骨头置换在高龄不稳定股骨粗隆间骨折中的疗效。方法：125例患者随机分为两组,观察组采用双极人工股骨头置换术治疗,对照组采用动力髋螺钉内固定术,比较两Harris疗效和手术时间、失血量、下地时间、再手术率和并发症等。结果：观察组手术时间大于对照组,失血量和下地时间小于对照组,差异均具有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;观察组优良率82．54％,对照组优良率66．13％,两组优良率差异有统计学意义（Riditz=11．574,P=0．000）;对照组共发生并发症15例（24．19％）,再手术率6．45％,观察组出现并发症3例（4．76％）,无再手术患者,两组并发症发生率和再手术率有统计学意义（Fisher P〈0．05）。结论：对老年不稳定股骨粗隆间骨折行双极人工股骨头置换治疗疗效显著,值得临床推广应用。     

The Influence of Age and Gender on Skin-Associated Microbial Communities in Urban and Rural Human Populations

Differences in the bacterial community structure associated with 7 skin sites in 71 healthy people over five days showed significant correlations with age, gender, physical skin parameters, and whether participants lived in urban or rural locations in the same city. While body site explained the majority of the variance in bacterial community structure, the composition of the skin-associated bacterial communities were predominantly influenced by whether the participants were living in an urban or rural environment, with a significantly greater relative abundance of Trabulsiella in urban populations. Adults maintained greater overall microbial diversity than adolescents or the elderly, while the intragroup variation among the elderly and rural populations was significantly greater. Skin-associated bacterial community structure and composition could predict whether a sample came from an urban or a rural resident ~5x greater than random.     

Neutron Activation Analysis of Manganese and Sodium in Bacterial Cells

The application of neutron activation analysis for mineral determinations in bacteria was investigated. Elements considered here were manganese and sodium. The sporeformer Bacillus megaterium ATCC 19213 was utilized. With this method, the manganese and sodium levels of whole and ashed vegetative cells, sporulating cells, and free spores were determined. The culture medium was also analyzed for these two elements. The results indicate that neutron activation analysis is readily applicable to the study of mineral content of bacterial cells, spores, and culture media. The method has been shown to be ideal for the study of incorporation and egression of mineral elements during vegetative growth and secondary metabolism of sporulation.     

Human Circadian Time Structure in Subjects of Different Gender and Age

Most human variables exhibit rhythms with an about 24 hour (circadian) period. Each rhythm can be characterized by its acrophase (calculated peak time of the cosine curve best fitting to the data), its amplitude and rhythm adjusted mean (MESOR). The sequential array of the rhythms' acrophases represents the temporal order of the human time structure. In the present work we used circadian rhythms of 24 chemical and 15 hormonal variables extracted from published studies which were done in a defined area of southeastern Europe (Romania). All studies had a comparable experimental design and were analyzed biochemically and statistically in the same laboratory. The acrophases of these rhythms obtained from both genders of different age groups (from the 2nd to the 9th decade of age) were subjected to multiple correlation test, cluster and principal coordinates analyses. The results show that the temporal order is affected both by gender and age, and evaluate the degree of the effect, offer a “chronbiologic fingerprint” for the examined groups and assist in dissecting rhythm variability among populations.     

Human Circadian Time Structure in Subjects of Different Gender and Age

Most human variables exhibit rhythms with an about 24 hour (circadian) period. Each rhythm can be characterized by its acrophase (calculated peak time of the cosine curve best fitting to the data), its amplitude and rhythm adjusted mean (MESOR). The sequential array of the rhythms' acrophases represents the temporal order of the human time structure. In the present work we used circadian rhythms of 24 chemical and 15 hormonal variables extracted from published studies which were done in a defined area of southeastern Europe (Romania). All studies had a comparable experimental design and were analyzed biochemically and statistically in the same laboratory. The acrophases of these rhythms obtained from both genders of different age groups (from the 2nd to the 9th decade of age) were subjected to multiple correlation test, cluster and principal coordinates analyses. The results show that the temporal order is affected both by gender and age, and evaluate the degree of the effect, offer a “chronbiologic fingerprint” for the examined groups and assist in dissecting rhythm variability among populations.     

活体大白兔体内磷含量中子活化分析研究

用体内中子活化分析技术(IVNAA)对10只活体大白兔体内磷含量进行了测定,其体内磷的百分含量平均值为(1.26土0.01)%.     

The Effects of Chronic Lifelong Activation of the AHR Pathway by Industrial Chemical Pollutants on Female Human Reproduction

Environmental chemicals, such as heavy metals, affect female reproductive function. A biological sensor of the signals of many toxic chemical compounds seems to be the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Previous studies demonstrated the environmental of heavy metals in Taranto city (Italy), an area that has been influenced by anthropogenic factors such as industrial activities and waste treatments since 1986. However, the impact of these elements on female fertility in this geographic area has never been analyzed. Thus, in the present study, we evaluated the AHR pathway, sex steroid receptor pattern and apoptotic process in granulosa cells (GCs) retrieved from 30 women, born and living in Taranto, and 30 women who are living in non-contaminated areas (control group), who were undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocol. In follicular fluids (FFs) of both groups the toxic and essential heavy metals, such as chromiun (Cr), Manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), were also analyzed. Higher levels of Cr, Fe, Zn and Pb were found in the FFs of the women from Taranto as compared to the control group, as were the levels of AHR and AHR-dependent cytochrome P450 1A1 and 1B1; while CYP19A1 expression was decreased. The anti-apoptotic process found in the GCs of women fromTaranto was associated with the highest levels of progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1), a novel progesterone receptor, the expression of which is subjected to AHR activated by its highest affinity ligands (e.g., dioxins) or indirectly by other environmental pollutants, such as heavy metals. In conclusion, decreased production of estradiol and decreased number of retrieved mature oocytes found in women from Taranto could be due to chronic exposure to heavy metals, in particular to Cr and Pb.     

Effect of Age and Sex on Human Drug Metabolism

The capacity of inpatients in a geriatric hospital to metabolize drugs was measured. The mean plasma half-life values with antipyrine and with phenylbutazone were found to be 45% and 29% greater respectively in patients than in young controls. When women alone were considered the half-life of antipyrine was 78% longer in the elderly group. In a number of elderly individuals the rate of metabolism of these two drugs was found to be extremely slow. This decreased ability to metabolize drugs may contribute to the known high incidence of adverse drug reactions in the elderly.Within the control group a significant sex difference in the rate of antipyrine metabolism was found, the mean half-life being 30% longer in the males. It is clear from these results that the age and sex of subjects must be taken into account in studies of human drug metabolism.     

The Effect of Nrf2 Pathway Activation on Human Pancreatic Islet Cells

Background

Pancreatic islets are known to contain low level of antioxidants that renders them vulnerable to oxidative stress. Nrf2 is the master regulator of numerous genes, encoding antioxidant, detoxifying, and cytoprotective molecules. Activation of Nrf2 pathway induces up-regulation of numerous genes encoding antioxidant and phase II detoxifying enzymes and related proteins. However, little is known regarding the role of this pathway in human islet cells. The aim was to investigate the effect of Nrf2 activator (dh404, CDDO-9,11-dihydro-trifluoroethyl amide) on human islet cells.

Methods

Human islets were obtained from cadaveric donors. After dh404 treatment, Nrf2 translocation, mRNA expression, and protein abundance of its key target gene products were examined. The proportion of dh404-treated or non-treated viable islet beta cells was analyzed using flowcytemetry. The cytoprotective effects against oxidative stress and production of inflammatory mediators, and in vivo islet function after transplantation were determined.

Results

Nrf2 nuclear translocation was confirmed by con-focal microscope within 2 hours after treatment, which was associated with a dose-dependent increase in mRNA expression of anti-oxidants, including NQO1, HO-1, and GCLC. Enhanced HO-1 expression in dh404 treated islets was confirmed by Western Blot assay. Islet function after transplantation (2000 IEQ/mouse) to diabetic nude mice was not affected with or without dh404 treatment. After induction of oxidative stress with hydrogen peroxide (200 μM) the proportion of dh404-treated viable islet cells was significantly higher in the dh404-treated than untreated islets (74% vs.57%; P<0.05). Dh404 significantly decreased production of cytokines/chemokines including IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ and MCP-1.

Conclusion

Treatment of human pancreatic islets with the potent synthetic Nrf2 activator, dh404, significantly increased expression of the key anti-oxidants enzymes, decreased inflammatory mediators in islets and conferred protection against oxidative stress in beta cells.     

Mass Fractions of 52 Trace Elements and Zinc/Trace Element Content Ratios in Intact Human Prostates Investigated by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Contents of 52 trace elements in intact prostate of 64 apparently healthy 13?C60-year-old men (mean age 36.5?years) were investigated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Mean values (M ± S????) for mass fraction (in milligrams per kilogram, on dry-weight basis) of trace elements were as follows: Ag 0.041?±?0.005, Al 36?±?4, Au 0.0039?±?0.0007, B 0.97?±?0.13, Be 0.00099?±?0.00006, Bi 0.021?±?0.008, Br 29?±?3, Cd 0.78?±?0.09, Ce 0.028?±?0.004, Co 0.035?±?0.003, Cs 0.034?±?0.003, Dy 0.0031?±?0.0005, Er 0.0018?±?0.0004, Gd 0.0030?±?0.0005, Hg 0.046?±?0.006, Ho 0.00056?±?0.00008, La 0.074?±?0.015, Li 0.040?±?0.004, Mn 1.53?±?0.09, Mo 0.30?±?0.03, Nb 0.0051?±?0.0009, Nd 0.013?±?0.002, Ni 4.3?±?0.7, Pb 1.8?±?0.4, Pr 0.0033?±?0.0004, Rb 15.9?±?0.6, Sb 0.040?±?0.005, Se 0.73?±?0.03, Sm 0.0027?±?0.0004, Sn 0.25?±?0.05, Tb 0.00043?±?0.00009, Th 0.0024?±?0.0005, Tl 0.0014?±?0.0001, Tm 0.00030?±?0.00006, U 0.0049?±?0.0014, Y 0.019?±?0.003, Yb 0.0015?±?0.0002, Zn 782?±?97, and Zr 0.044?±?0.009, respectively. The upper limit of mean contents of As, Cr, Eu, Ga, Hf, Ir, Lu, Pd, Pt, Re, Ta, and Ti were the following: As ??0.018, Cr ??0.64, Eu ??0.0006, Ga ??0.08, Hf ??0.02, Ir ??0.0004, Lu ??0.00028, Pd ??0.007, Pt ??0.0009, Re ??0.0015, Ta ??0.005, and Ti ??2.6. In all prostate samples, the content of Te was under detection limit (<0.003). Additionally, ratios of the Zn content to other trace element contents as well as correlations between Zn and trace elements were calculated. Our data indicate that the human prostate accumulates such trace elements as Al, Au, B, Br, Cd, Cr, Ga, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, U, and Zn. No special relationship between Zn and other trace elements was found.     

全髋和半髋置换治疗老年股骨颈骨折的临床对比分析

目的:探讨全髋和半髋关节置换术治疗老年股骨颈骨折的临床疗效。方法:选择本院收治的70例老年股骨颈骨折患者,采用随机数字表法将其分为观察组和对照组各35例,观察组给予全髋关节置换术,对照组予以半髋关节置换术,对比两组所用手术时间、术中出血量、术后Harris评分及髋关节功能、术后并发症、疼痛率及翻修率。结果:观察组手术时间为(113.6±19.3)min,术中出血量为(432.1±32.7)ml,均显著高于对照组的(73.1±10.2)min、(201.3±30.1)m L,两组比较差异均有统计学意义(均P0.05);观察组髋关节功能总优良率、Harris评分分别为91.43%,(91.13±5.09)分,显著优于对照组的77.14%、(80.15±4.71)分,两组比较差异均有统计学意义(均P0.05);观察组不良反应发生率及翻修率分别为20.00%、0.00%,低于对照组的22.85%、5.71%,但差异均无统计学意义(均P0.05);观察组疼痛率为5.71%,显著低于对照组的25.71%,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:两种术式对股骨颈骨折的老年患者均能起到有效的治疗,均有各自的优缺点,对疼痛较为敏感和活动较多的老年患者而言,宜采用全髋关节置换术。     

急诊闭合复位和切开复位空心钉治疗股骨颈骨折的疗效对比分析

目的:研究分析急诊闭合复位和切开复位空心钉治疗股骨颈骨折的疗效。方法:选取2013年6月至2014年6月期间于我院接受治疗的92例急诊股骨颈骨折患者,将所有患者(按随机数字表法)均分为观察组(n=46)和对照组(n=46)。观察组患者采取切开复位空心钉治疗法进行治疗,对照组则采取闭合复位空心钉治疗法进行诊疗。比较两组患者术中术后情况、随访中髋关节功能Harris评分以及相关术后并发症情况。结果:观察组患者所需的手术时间、术中出血量、伤口长度明显多于对照组[(61.43±5.34)min、(30.54±4.27)m L、(6.43±0.56)cm比(46.54±3.26)min、(16.43±2.43)m L、(1.83±0.44)cm](P0.05)。观察组的髋关节功能Harris评分优良率显著高于对照组[82.61%(38/46)比50.00%(23/46)](P0.05)。两组患者的骨折不愈合率比较无显著性差异(P0.05),观察组的股骨头坏死率显著低于对照组[2.17%(1/46)比13.04%(6/46)](P0.05)。结论:应用切开复位空心钉治疗股骨颈骨折患者的方法更佳,其临床治疗效果更好且患者股骨头发生缺血坏死的几率也更低。     

The Effect of p38MAPK on Cyclic Stretch in Human Facial Hypertrophic Scar Fibroblast Differentiation

Hypertrophic scars (HTS), the excessive deposition of scar tissue by fibroblasts, is one of the most common skin disorders. Fibroblasts derived from surgical scar tissue produce high levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). However, the molecular mechanisms for this phenomenon is poorly understood. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of HTS and their potential therapeutic implications. Fibroblasts derived from skin HTS were cultured and characterized in vitro. The fibroblasts were synchronized and randomly assigned to two groups: cyclic stretch and cyclic stretch pre-treated with SB203580 (a p38MAPK inhibitor). Cyclic stretch at 10% strain was applied at a loading frequency of 10 cycles per minute (i.e. 5 seconds of tension and 5 seconds of relaxation) for 0 h, 6 h and 12 h. Cyclic stretch on HTS fibroblasts led to an increase in the expression of α-SMA and TGF-β1 mRNA and protein and the phosphorylation of p38MAPK. SB203580 reversed these effects and caused a decrease in matrix contraction. Furthermore, HTS fibroblast growth was partially blocked by p38MAPK inhibition. Therefore, the mechanism of cyclic stretch involves p38 MAPK, and its inhibition is suggested as a novel therapeutic strategy for HTS.