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.     

Trace elements in the teeth of Steller sea lions (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Eumetopias jubatus</Emphasis>) from the North Pacific

The occurrence of trace elements in the teeth of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) collected from the North Pacific from 1968 to 1999 is described. Using particle-induced X-ray emission analysis, we detected eight trace elements: Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Sr and Pb. We used a general linear model to evaluate long-term trends of trace element accumulation. Zn (Zn/Ca) and Fe (Fe/Ca) levels both varied during the last three decades, and showed significant differences between animals of different age (Fe/Ca), season (Zn/Ca and Fe/Ca), and sex (Zn/Ca); both Zn/Ca and Fe/Ca ratios were higher in young males than older males. Pb was detected in 39% of the samples from Hokkaido (Japan) and 22% of those from Alaska. The high levels of Pb recorded in 1975 were thought to be related to the use of leaded gasoline during the 1970s. Our results indicate that the levels of trace elements in the teeth of Steller sea lions can be used as indicators of temporal and spatial variations of trace element pollution.     

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.     

Biosorptive-flotation of copper(II) from environmental water samples using sugar beet pulp as sorbent and oleic acid as surfactant

Abstract

Wounds are likely to have existed ever since mankind has existed. Wound healing is an enormously complicated process and the actual scientific mechanisms and events that take place during healing are far more complex and dynamic than might be imagined. Essential elements, especially trace elements are believed to be pivotal to the wound healing process. Their involvement in tissue regeneration and repair appears to be wide ranging and their deficiencies have been reported to impair the healing process. However, further research is required to establish the involvement of trace elements and their specific species in the wound healing process.

Thus assessments of trace element levels in wound tissues using new, reliable, verified and validated technologies could be beneficial for trace element based wound healing. Here, is an attempt made to assess the link between trace element concentrations and healing processes of chronic and acute wounds. Wound tissue samples from 58 chronic leg ulcers and 50 acute wounds were analysed for concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ca, Sn, Cr, Cd and Pb using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Blood samples were also collected from the same patients and analysed in the same manner. All the data were tested for normality by Ryan–Joiner normality test (α = 0.05) and one-way ANOVA was done for the normally distributed data.

The results showed that the concentration of Ca, Zn, Cu and Mn were similar in both acute and chronic wounds. Apart from Ca, which showed elevated concentrations, other metal concentrations are either similar or lower than the analysed concentrations in blood. It appears that there is a significant difference in the concentrations of iron accumulated in the tissues of chronic and acute wounds.

The concentrations of Sn, Cr, Cd and Pb, which are considered as toxic metals, were not present in detectable levels with the graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry in both types of wound tissues.     

Nuclear analytical methods for trace element studies in calcified tissues

Various nuclear analytical methods have been developed and applied to determine the elemental composition of calcified tissues (teeth and bones). Fluorine was determined by prompt gamma activation analysis through the¹⁹F(p, α ψ)¹⁶O reaction. Carbon was measured by activation analysis with He-3 ions, and the technique of Proton-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) was applied to simultaneously determine Ca, P, and trace elements in well-documented teeth. Dental hard tissues: enamel, dentine, cementum, and their junctions, as well as different parts of the same tissue, were examined separately. Furthermore, using a Proton Microprobe, we measured the surface distribution of F and other elements on and around carious lesions on the enamel. The depth profiles of F, and other elements, were also measured right up to the amelodentin junction.

     

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.     

Effects of six trace metals on calcium fluxes in brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) in soft water

Summary Calcium fluxes were measured simultaneously in brown trout fry maintained in an artificial soft water medium of [Ca] 20 mol·l^-1 and pH 5.6, and exposed to each of six trace metals (Al, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn). The trace metal concentrations represented typical and maximum levels found in acid waters experiencing declining fishery status. In the absence of trace metals, evidence is presented which suggests that ca. 91% of Ca taken up from the external medium was by extraintestinal active transport. Calcium efflux was stimulated by both concentrations of Al, Cu, Fe, and Pb. Efflux was also stimulated by [Ni] 170 nmol·l^-1 and [Zn] 3000 nmol·l^-1. In some cases, response to increased efflux was stimulation of influx. Lack of stimulation of influx resulted in negative net Ca fluxes. Net Ca losses were recorded at both concentrations of Al, Pb, and Ni, lower concentrations only of Fe, and higher concentrations only of Cu and Zn.Abbreviations J _in influx - J _net net flux - J _out efflux Henceforward in this paper, chemical elements are referred to by their chemical symbols rather than by full names     

Aerosol lead and associated elements in Beijing,China

The relative importance of local and regional sources of lead and associated elements in fine and coarse aerosol particles of an urban atmosphere was assessed by means of a two-day study, July 20 and 30, 1980 in Beijing, China. Five near-ground locations were selected for aerosol sampling by cascade impactors and elemental analysis by proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE): the imperial palace courtyard, a park, near two streets, and a mid-street traffic island. These sites, ranked in order of increasing traffic intensity and fugitive surface dust, showed that concentrations of major dust constitutents, represented by coarse particle (>2 μm diameter) Si, Al, and Ca, increased correspondingly. Pb, as well as Zn, As, and Cu, were present mainly in fine (<2 μm) particles; their concentrations were unrelated to traffic, indicating they resulted mainly from regional combustion or other sources. However, these elements also were present in coarse particles at concentrations that varied with the major dust elements and were relatively enriched, compared to average earth crust rock material, by factors of more than 100 (Pb), 50 (Zn), and 10 (Cu). Nonurban Beijing shows much smaller coarse aerosol enrichments of Pb, Zn, and Cu, indicating urban contamination of surface dust. Published data from St. Louis, USA show both fine and coarse aerosol Pb and Zn. Compared with Beijing, fine and coarse concentrations in St. Louis are similar for Pb, but lower for Zn, Ca, and Fe. Both Pb and Zn are enriched relative to earth crust composition to a greater degree in St. Louis than Beijing in both fine and coarse particle size ranges. The results suggest that heavy metals from combustion occur in the air as fine particles and, after deposition on the surface, as reentrained coarse particles of fugitive dust. Both many contribute to human exposures of these heavy metals.     

The Study of Barium Concentration in Deciduous Teeth,Impacted Teeth,and Facial Bones of Polish Residents

The study determines the concentration of Ba in mineralized tissues of deciduous teeth, permanent impacted teeth, and facial bones. The study covers the population of children and adults (aged 6–78) living in an industrial area of Poland. Teeth were analyzed in whole, with no division into dentine and enamel. Facial bones and teeth were subjected to the following preparation: washing, drying, grinding in a porcelain mortar, sample weighing (about 0.2 g), and microwave mineralization with spectrally pure nitric acid. The aim of the study was to determinate the concentration of Ba in deciduous teeth, impacted permanent teeth, and facial bones. The concentration of barium in samples was determined over the ICP OES method. The Ba concentration in the tested bone tissues amounted to 2.2-15.5 μg/g (6.6 μg/g?±?3.9). The highest concentration of Ba was present in deciduous teeth (10.5 μg/g), followed by facial bones (5.2 μg/g), and impacted teeth (4.3 μg/g) (ANOVA Kruskal-Wallis rank test, p?=?0.0002). In bone tissue and impacted teeth, Ba concentration increased with age. In deciduous teeth, the level of Ba decreased with children’s age.     

Stimulation of cell growth ofTetrahymena pyriformis andChlamydomonas reinhardtii by trace elements

Tetrahymena pyriformis, S1 andBJ11, andChlamydomonas reinhardtii CR were employed to study the stimulation of cell proliferation induced by a number of elements. It was observed that traces of Ga, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Ag, Sn, Cs, Yb, Re, and Ir promote the population growth ofT. pyriformis in peptone-glucose culture media or chemically defined media. Inhibition effects onT. pyriformis were observed in media containing traces of In, Te, ba, T1, and Pb. UsingCh. reinhardtii CR, the stimulation effects induced by trace amounts of Ga, Ge, As, Cs, La, Ce, Re, and Ir, respectively, were also determined. Concentration ranges of trace elements promoting cell proliferation are given.     

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.     

Interaction of lead with some essential elements in rat’s kidney in relation to age

The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction of lead given orally with Fe, Zn, and Cu in adult female rats and in their pups. Kidney was chosen for studying this interaction. Four different doses of lead (acetate) from 1500 to 7500 ppm were administered to mature female albino rats in beverages during 6 wk. The exposure lasted from mating up to 3 wk after delivery. Pb, Fe, Zn, and Cu were determined in kidneys of mothers and pups. Histopathological examinations were also performed. Results showed significantly lower concentrations of Fe, Zn, and Cu in kidneys of mothers on all lead levels. Their pups showed no change in concentrations of essential elements and even increased Fe at the highest exposure level. Concentrations of Pb and histopathological changes in the kidney were similar in mothers and offspring, although pups received only a fraction of the mothers’ doses. Our results indicate that in immature animals the interaction of Pb with essential elements in the kidney is different from that in their mothers.     

Stimulation of proliferation ofTetrahymena pyriformis by trace rare earths

Using two Chinese strains ofTetrahymena pyriformis, S1 and BJ4, as the biological models, the effects of lighter rare earths (lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, and europium), representatives of heavier rare earths (yttrium and thulium), and mixed rare earths were studied. The stimulation of population growth ofTetrahymena in peptone-glucose media containing trace amounts of these elements have been observed. The mechanisms for the beneficial effects of rare earth elements in low concentrations remains to be discovered.     

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。     

Determination of some cationic species in temporary teeth.

Some cationic species (Ca, Mg, Sr, Cu, Zn and Pb) have been determined in temporary teeth (n = 67) sampled from a children population living in Mérida, Venezuela, with a mean age of 87.76 +/- 34.50 months within a range from 29 to 151 months. Each powdered tooth sample was analyzed for calcium, magnesium, strontium and zinc and for copper and lead by atomic absorption spectrometry with flame and electrothermal atomization, respectively. Relations between variables (elements concentration, age, sex, tooth type and caries status) were established using the Pearson correlation matrix and analysis of variance. The mean global concentrations were of 39.25 +/- 5.36; 1.08 +/- 0.81; 89.27 +/- 13.26 and 2.85 +/- 1.14 micrograms/g for Sr, Cu, Zn and Pb and of 208.45 +/- 33.18 and 8.51 +/- 2.05 mg/g for Ca and Mg, respectively. There were no changes in the teeth mineral content with respect to the children age and sex. With respect to the tooth type, there were significant differences only for strontium which varied in the order molars > canines > incisors. Although healthy teeth had higher mineral concentrations than carious teeth, there were not significant differences, proving that both, carious and healthy teeth could be used as indicators of mineral uptake. Magnesium and copper are the elements least related with the others. Significant positive correlations were found between Sr-Zn, Sr-Cu, Sr-Pb, and the only negative correlations were between Ca-Zn and Ca-Pb for the different types of teeth. While the positive association might indicate competition for anionic groups or similar affinity for the same sites in the crystalline structure, the negative correlations showed possible substitutions among the elements.     

Changes of heavy metal concentrations in cross-sections of human femur head

The concentrations of 12 elements (Ni, Ma, Cr, Cd, Pb, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mg, K, Na, Ca) were determined in cross-sections of human femur heads. The highest concentrations of these elements was found in the cortical bone, and the lowest concentrations occurred in the trabecular bone, with exception of the E cross-section, in which the lowest values were found in articular cartilage. The average concentrations of Na, Ca, K, and Mg were highest in cortical bone and lowest in articular cartilage. Pb was found in higher concentrations in articular cartilage and lowest in trabecular bone, with exception of cross-sections A and E. The Fe contents in the cortical parts were highest in cross-sections A, B, and D. Cu was highest in cross-sections B, C, and D of articular cartilage. These results show that the contents of the selected metals in the femur head varied considerably. As expected, the largest concentrations were found in the outmost part of cross-section E and the lowest in its innermost one, possibly related to mechanical stress.     

Concentrations of trace elements in sera of newborns, young infants, and adults

Concentrations of trace elements in newborns, infants, and adults may be significantly different from each other. Serum trace element reference ranges for different age groups are of value for diagnostic purposes. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry was applied to the determination of the 21 trace elements Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cs, Cu, La, Li, Hg, Mg, Mn, Mo, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sn, Sr, TI, and Zn in a total of 117 sera of individuals representing different age groups. After microwave-assisted acid digestion with high-purity reagents, 20 umbilical cord sera, 5 sera of fully breast-fed infants, 6 sera of formula-fed infants, 66 sera of patients suffering internal diseases, and 20 sera of healthy blood donors were analyzed for trace elements. One serum and two whole-blood reference materials were analyzed for quality control. Experimental concentrations were in good agreement with certified values. Umbilical cord serum concentrations of the essential elements Ca, Co, Cu, and Mg and of the nonessential and toxic elements Ba, Be, Li, Pb, and Sb were elevated compared to the elemental concentrations in the sera of infants and adults. Serum levels of Ba, Ca, Co, Mn, Pb, and Sb of infants were much higher and serum Cu was significantly lower than in adults. Serum Cu increased significantly with age (newborns: 353 microg/L; infants: 755 microg/L; healthy adults: 810 microg/L), whereas for other trace elements no age-dependence could be established.     

Differentiation between occupational and dietary-related intake of barium in the skeleton

On the basis of the reconstruction of general nutritional patterns by trace element data on historic populations, an examination on occupational Ba intakes in the skeleton was carried out for a historical metallurgy population. The concentrations of the trace elements Ba, Sr, and Pb as well as the matrix element Ca were determined by AAS analysis. Their correlations within the population were analysed statistically. Evidence of a correlation between Ba and Sr concentrations and the lack of a correlation between Ba and Pb concentrations is interpreted as evidence for a probably solely dietary-related Ba intake in the skeleton. Ba intake from working in ore smelting plants is therefore unlikely or at least insignificant. These conclusions are supported by analysis results of modern food items from the catchment area of the historical population. A sufficient Ba supply through rye was determined, thereby explaining the concentration of Ba in the bone material of the historic population.     

Trace element changes in sclerotic heart valves from patients undergoing aortic valve surgery

Several trace elements are essential nutrients for an optimal functioning of organs and tissues, including the immune system and the heart. The pathogenesis of some heart diseases has been associated with changes in the balance of certain trace elements. The etiology of nonrheumatic aortic valve sclerosis is unknown, however. A prospective study was performed on trace element changes in the sclerotic valves of 46 patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement because of aortic stenosis. Valves from 15 individual forensic cases without known cardiac disease served as controls. The contents of 15 trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mg, Mn, Hg, Se, Ag, V, and Zn) were measured by inductively coupled plasma — mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) of aortic valve tissue from both patients and forensic autopsy controls. Some trace elements showed similar concentrations in sclerotic and control valves (Al, Ag, Hg, Mn), whereas a few were moderately changed in the sclerotic as compared with the control valves, including an increase in Cd by 52% (p<0.05) and decreases in Se by 14% (p<0.05), in V by 42% (p<0,001), and in Cu by 45% (p<0.001). However, there were pronounced increases (p<0.001) in the concentrations of As (5-fold), Ca (70-fold), Co(10-fold), Fe (20-fold), Pb (8-fold), Mg (20-fold), and Zn (10-fold) in the sclerotic valves. Thus, sclerotic aortic valve disease is associated with a pronounced imbalance in several trace elements of well-known importance for cardiovascular and immune function as well as in trace elements with hitherto unknown significance.