Cuantificación de metales en LECISAN®por espectrometría de emisión óptica con plasma acoplado inductivamente

Introducción: La contaminación resultante de la industrialización ha propiciado el aumento de la concentración de metales en diversos ambientes y su incorporación a materias primas y productos terminados, lo que repercute directamente en la salud humana. Objetivo: Cuantificar metales en la materia prima empleada en la fabricación de la tableta masticable LECISAN® y en la tableta, para establecer niveles de referencia de: aluminio, calcio, cadmio, cromo, cobre, hierro, magnesio, plomo, silicio, vanadio y zinc. Método: Se utilizó la espectrometría atómica de emisión óptica con plasma inductivamente acoplado (ICP OES) y se establecieron mediante métodos estadísticos los intervalos de confianza para la media de los valorescuantificados con una probabilidad del 95%. Resultados: Existen diferencias significativas entre las dos formas de presentación en cuanto a la cantidad de todos los metales, excepto aluminio (p<0,05). Los coeficientes de variación fueron bajos, el cromo obtuvo un valor cercano al 10% en la materia prima y el plomo resultó elevado (17,44 %). Los valores se encuentran dentro del rango reportado como permisibles según norma cubana (NC 493:2012) excepto para plomo y cobre. Se observaron mayores concentraciones de aquellos elementos con efectos favorables para la salud. Conclusiones: Los resultados encontrados deben ser considerados como referenciales para la evaluación del impacto que sobre la salud tendría el régimen de administración diaria del suplemento nutricionalLECISAN® yel análisis de factores relacionados con la presencia de metales en subproductos del refinado del aceite de soya para futura investigaciones.

Introduction: The pollution resulting from industrialization has led to an increase in the concentration of metals in various environments and their incorporation into raw materials and finished products, which has a direct impact on human health. Objective: To quantify metals in the raw material used in the manufacture of the LECISAN® chewable tablet and in the tablet, to establish reference levels of: aluminum, calcium, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, lead, silicon, vanadium and zinc. Method: Atomic optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP OES) was used and confidence intervals for the mean of the quantified values were established using statistical methods with a probability of 95%. Results: There are significant differences between the two presentation forms in terms of the amount of all metals, except aluminum (p<0.05). The variation coefficients were low, chromium obtained a value close to 10% in the raw material and lead was high (17.44%). The values are within the range reported as permissible according to Cuban standards (NC 493:2012) except for lead and copper. Higher concentrations of those elements with favorable health effects were observed. Conclusions: The results found should be considered as references for the evaluation of the impact that the daily administration regimen of the LECISAN® nutritional supplement would have on health and the analysis of factors related to the presence of metals in by-products of soybean oil refining for future research.

Introdução: A poluição decorrente da industrialização tem levado ao aumento da concentração de metais em diversos ambientes e à sua incorporação em matérias-primas e produtos acabados, o que tem impacto direto na saúde humana. Objetivo: Quantificar metais na matéria-prima utilizada na fabricação do comprimido mastigável LECISAN® e no comprimido, estabelecer teores de referência de: alumínio, cálcio, cádmio, cromo, cobre, ferro, magnésio, chumbo, silício, vanádio e zinco. Método: Foi utilizada espectrometria de emissão óptica atômica com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP OES) e os intervalos de confiança para a média dos valores quantificados foram estabelecidos por meio de métodos estatísticos com probabilidade de 95%. Resultados: Existem diferenças significativas entre as duas formas de apresentação quanto à quantidade de todos os metais, exceto alumínio (p<0,05). Os coeficientes de variação foram baixos, o cromo obteve valor próximo a 10% na matéria-prima e o chumbo foi alto (17,44%). Os valores estão dentro da faixa informada como permitida segundo as normas cubanas (NC 493:2012) exceto para chumbo e cobre. Foram observadas concentrações mais elevadas desses elementos com efeitos favoráveis à saúde. Conclusões: Os resultados encontrados devem ser considerados referências para a avaliação do impacto que o regime diário de administração do suplemento nutricional LECISAN® teria na saúde e a análise dos fatores relacionados à presença de metais em subprodutos do refino do óleo de soja para pesquisas futuras.

Correlation between 23 metals and metalloids elements in the urine and thyroid function of traffic police / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To investigate the correlation between 23 metals and metalloids elements in the urine and thyroid function indicators in the blood of traffic police. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed to assess the effects of 23 metals and metalloids elements in the urine on blood thyroid function indicators in 166 traffic policemen (122 field staff and 44 internal staff) in Wuhan, Hubei Province. Each subject received an occupational health examination. Results After multiple corrections for false detection rates, in the polymetallic model, the levels of urinary manganese and urinary uranium were positively correlated with the levels of thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) in the blood (β = 66.57, 95% CI 2.92-130.22, P = 0.040 and β = 62.43, 95% CI 14.37-110.49, P = 0.011), and the level of urinary uranium was positively correlated with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in the blood (β = 6.20, 95% CI 2.68-9.72 , P = 0.001). Urinary uranium level was negatively correlated with free thyroxine level in the blood (FT4) (β = -2.03, 95 % CI (-3.67 )- (-0.39), P = 0.015), and urinary lead level was negatively correlated with blood TSH level (β = -4.59, 95% CI (-8.67) - (-0.51), P = 0.027). Conclusion Manganese exposure is related to the increase of TPOAb level in blood, uranium exposure is related to the increase of TPOAb and TSH levels and the decrease of FT4 level in blood, and lead exposure is related to the decrease of TSH level in blood, suggesting that more attention should be paid to the effects of heavy metals on the thyroid of traffic police.

Correlation between Combined Urinary Metal Exposure and Grip Strength under Three Statistical Models: A Cross-sectional Study in Rural Guangxi / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#This study aimed to investigate the potential relationship between urinary metals copper (Cu), arsenic (As), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), iron (Fe), lead (Pb) and manganese (Mn) and grip strength.@*METHODS@#We used linear regression models, quantile g-computation and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to assess the relationship between metals and grip strength.@*RESULTS@#In the multimetal linear regression, Cu (β = -2.119), As (β = -1.318), Sr (β = -2.480), Ba (β = 0.781), Fe (β = 1.130) and Mn (β = -0.404) were significantly correlated with grip strength ( P < 0.05). The results of the quantile g-computation showed that the risk of occurrence of grip strength reduction was -1.007 (95% confidence interval: -1.362, -0.652; P < 0.001) when each quartile of the mixture of the seven metals was increased. Bayesian kernel function regression model analysis showed that mixtures of the seven metals had a negative overall effect on grip strength, with Cu, As and Sr being negatively associated with grip strength levels. In the total population, potential interactions were observed between As and Mn and between Cu and Mn ( P interactions of 0.003 and 0.018, respectively).@*CONCLUSION@#In summary, this study suggests that combined exposure to metal mixtures is negatively associated with grip strength. Cu, Sr and As were negatively correlated with grip strength levels, and there were potential interactions between As and Mn and between Cu and Mn.

Fitorremediación con Brassicaceae y Apiaceae en suelos contaminados con metales pesados

Introducción: La cuenca media del río Bogotá viene sufriendo contaminación por metales pesados debido a los vertidos industriales. Esta fuente de agua ha sido utilizada para el riego de cultivos de ciclo corto, lo que ha provocado la contaminación por metales pesados de los suelos productivos. Objetivo: Evaluar un proceso de fitorremediación con las especies de Brócoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck) y Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L.) en suelos contaminados con metales pesados en Mosquera, Colombia. Métodos: El muestreo se realizó con un diseño factorial al azar: a) proporciones de cilantro/brócoli (30 cilantro/70 brócoli, 50/50, 70 cilantro/30 brócoli y dos controles de tipo monocultivo de cada especie) y b) tiempo de fitorremediación (3, 6 y 9 meses), cada tratamiento con cuatro parcelas experimentales. El suelo y el tejido vegetal se analizó mediante espectrofotometría de absorción atómica para determinar la concentración de los metales pesados. Resultados: Las concentraciones de metales pesados en las muestras de tejido vegetal para brócoli y cilantro mostraron valores de Cd, Pb y Cr más altos que Hg y As, respecto al control. Las concentraciones de Cd, Pb y Cr presentaron valores significativamente más altos (P < 0.05) en suelos con cilantro y brócoli mezclados, respecto al sitio de control donde la concentración de Cd registró niveles significativamente más bajos que en los otros suelos. Las concentraciones de Cd, Pb y Cr fueron más altas en tejidos de cilantro y en suelos con cilantro en comparación con el control. Conclusiones: La fitorremediación por medio de las especies Brassica oleracea var. itálica Plenck y Coriandrum sativum L. en proporciones 70/30 o 30/70 a suelos con pH entre 5.5 y 6.0 permiten una buena recuperación de suelos con contenidos de metales pesados en términos de concentraciones altas a cortos plazos, iniciando la biorremediación a los tres meses y finalizando cargas de disponibilidad variable a los nueve meses.

Introduction: The middle basin of the Bogotá River has been suffering from heavy metal contamination due to industrial discharges. This water source has been used to irrigate short-cycle crops, which has resulted in heavy metal contamination of productive soils. Objective: To evaluate a phytoremediation process with the plant species Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica plenck) and Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L.) in soils contaminated with heavy metals in Mosquera, Colombia. Methods: Sampling was performed with a randomized factorial design: a) cilantro/broccoli proportions (30 cilantro/70 broccoli, 50/50, 70 cilantro/30 broccoli and two monoculture type controls of each species) and b) phytoremediation time (3, 6 and 9 months), each treatment with four experimental plots. Soil and plant tissue were analyzed in the laboratory by atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine the concentration of heavy metals. Results: The concentrations of heavy metals in plant tissue samples for broccoli and cilantro showed higher values of Cd, Pb and Cr than Hg and As, with respect to the control. The concentrations of Cd, Pb and Cr presented significantly higher values (P < 0.05) in soil where there was a mixed presence of cilantro and broccoli, with respect to the control site where the concentration of Cd registered significantly lower levels than in the other soils. Finally, Cd, Pb and Cr concentrations were higher in cilantro tissues and in soils with cilantro compared to the control. Conclusions: Phytoremediation by means of Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck and Coriandrum sativum L. in 70/30 or 30/70 proportions in soils with pH between 5.5 and 6.0 allows a good recovery of soils with heavy metal contents in terms of high concentrations in short terms, starting bioremediation after three months and ending loads of variable availability after nine months.

Mercury concentration in larvae of Eustrongylides sp (Nematoda: Dioctophymatoidea) from fish of the Brazilian Amazon / Concentración de mercurio en larvas de Eustrongylides sp (Nematoda: Dioctophymatoidea) en peces de la Amazonía brasileña

Abstract Introduction: Chemical pollution represents a great concern to aquatic organisms, especially fish. Metals enter the aquatic environment from a variety of sources, including natural biogeochemical cycles and anthropogenic sources such as industrial and residential effluents, mining and atmospheric sources. Objective: To describe the Eustrongylides sp. larvae and the interaction with their fish hosts as indicators of mercury (Hg) contamination in the Brazilian Amazon, and the distribution of Hg in the internal organs of fish species Hoplias malabaricus and Pygocentrus nattereri collected in oxbow lakes on the Tapajós River, in the municipality of Santarém, in the state of Pará. Methods: Total Hg was analyzed using the Direct Hg Analyzer - DMA-80. Concentrations of Hg in Eustrongylides sp. were compared with those found in the tissues/organs of the hosts H. malabaricus and P. nattereri. Hg concentrations in the host/parasite system were statistically compared using Principal Component Analysis. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) was calculated to assess the bioaccumulation capacity of metals in Eustrongylides sp. larvae, comparing the concentration of Hg in the parasite with that accumulated in the musculature of infected hosts. Results: Hg concentrations in all tissues/organs analyzed were higher in the parasitic species Eustrongylides sp. larvae when compared with those found in tissues/organs of H. malabaricus and P. nattereri. There was an inversely proportional relationship, showing that when Eustrongylides sp. larvae are present, the concentration in the parasite is higher than in the musculature of host fish H. malabaricus and P. nattereri. The BCF of Hg was found by comparing Eustrongylides sp. larvae/H. malabaricus muscle and was observed during a flood (BCF Hg = 15 364). Conclusions: The results confirm the greater bioaccumulative capacity of Eustrongylides sp. compared to its host. The data indicated the viability of using Eustrongylides sp. larvae in biomonitoring programs. It is worth mentioning that fish samples for Hg analysis must be free of parasites since their presence can alter the results.

Resumen Introducción: La contaminación química del hábitat acuático representa un gran peligro para organismos acuáticos, especialmente para peces. Los metales ingresan al ambiente acuático desde una variedad de fuentes, incluidos los ciclos biogeoquímicos naturales y fuentes antropogénicas, como efluentes industriales y residenciales, minería y fuentes atmosféricas. Objetivo: Describir las especies de Eustrongylides sp. y la interacción con sus peces hospederos como indicadores de contaminación por mercurio en la Amazonía brasileña, y la distribución en los órganos internos de las especies de peces Hoplias malabaricus y Pygocentrus nattereri recolectadas en cochas del Río Tapajós, en el municipio de Santarém, del estado de Pará. Métodos: El Hg total se analizó utilizando el Direct Hg Analyzer - DMA-80. Las concentraciones de Eustrongylides sp. se compararon con las encontrados en los tejidos/órganos de los hospederos H. malabaricus y P. nattereri. Las concentraciones en el sistema hospedero/parásito se compararon estadísticamente utilizando el análisis de componentes principales. Se calculó el factor de bioconcentración (BCF) para evaluar la capacidad de bioacumulación de metales en larvas de Eustrongylides sp., comparando la concentración en el parásito con la acumulada en la musculatura de los hospederos infectados. Resultados: Las concentraciones de Hg en todos los tejidos/órganos analizados fueron mayores en las larvas de la especie parasitaria Eustrongylides sp. en comparación con las encontradas en los tejidos/órganos de H. malabaricus y P. nattereri. Hubo una relación inversamente proporcional, mostrando que cuando las larvas de Eustrongylides sp. están presentes, la concentración en el parásito es mayor que en la musculatura de los peces hospederos H. malabaricus y P. nattereri. El BCF de Hg se encontró comparando Eustrongylides sp. larvas/ músculo H. malabaricus y se observó durante una inundación (BCF Hg = 15 364). Conclusiones: Los resultados confirman la mayor capacidad bioacumulativa de Eustrongylides sp. en comparación con su hospedero. Los datos indicaron la viabilidad de utilizar larvas de Eustrongylides sp. en programas de biomonitoreo. Cabe mencionar que las muestras de pescado para análisis de Hg deben estar libres de parásitos ya que su presencia puede alterar los resultados.

Concentración de metales en sangre de cordón umbilical debido a exposición prenatal en una cohorte de la Ciudad de México / Prenatal exposure to metals and concentration thereof in umbilical cord blood in a Mexico City cohort

Resumen Antecedentes: En México es exigua la evidencia sobre la exposición prenatal a metales. Objetivo: Estimar la concentración de arsénico, cadmio, manganeso y plomo en sangre de cordón umbilical (SCU), y su asociación con las concentraciones en sangre materna durante el embarazo y parto. Material y métodos: Se analizó la concentración de los metales en sangre materna durante el embarazo (n = 901), parto (n = 732) y en la SCU (n = 512) de participantes de la cohorte PROGRESS, residentes en la Ciudad de México. Se estimó la asociación entre la concentración en SCU y los biomarcadores maternos mediante modelos lineales generalizados, ajustados por covariables relevantes. Resultados: La media (μg/L) de plomo, arsénico y manganeso en SCU fue 27.14 (25.28-29.14), 0.77 (0.71-0.84) y 42.60 (40.45-44.83), respectivamente. El valor del cadmio no se pudo estimar porque 86.2 % de las mediciones fueron inferiores al límite de detección. Las concentraciones de plomo y manganeso en SCU se asociaron significativamente a los biomarcadores maternos durante el embarazo y el parto; solo se observó asociación con arsénico en el parto. Conclusiones: La exposición prenatal a metales tóxicos en periodos sensibles de la organogénesis evidencia un problema de salud pública desatendido. Se requiere un biomonitoreo poblacional y establecer regulación dirigida a proveer atención a población vulnerable.

Abstract Background: In Mexico, there is a paucity of evidence on the magnitude of prenatal exposure to metals. Objective: To estimate the concentration of arsenic, cadmium, manganese and lead in umbilical cord blood (UCB) and its association with maternal blood concentrations during pregnancy and delivery. Material and methods: Metal concentration in maternal blood was analyzed during pregnancy (n = 901), delivery (n = 732) and in UCB (n = 512) from participants of the PROGRESS cohort residing in Mexico City. The association between concentrations in UCB and maternal biomarkers was analyzed using generalized linear models, adjusted for relevant covariates. Results: Mean concentrations (μg/L) of lead, arsenic and manganese in UCB were 27.14 (25.28-29.14), 0.77 (0.71-0.84) and 42.60 (40.45-44.83), respectively. Cadmium concentration could not be estimated because 86.2% of measurements were below the detection limit. Lead and manganese concentrations in UCB were significantly associated with maternal biomarkers during pregnancy and delivery; at delivery, association was only observed with arsenic. Conclusions: Prenatal exposure to toxic metals in sensitive periods of organogenesis shows a neglected public health problem. Biomonitoring of the population and establishment of regulations aimed at providing care to vulnerable populations is required.

Network-based Toxicogenomics Approach to Unraveling the Influence of Lead and Cadmium Mixture on the Development and Progression of Hypertension

Heavy metals, generally characterized by high densities and atomic weights, are ubiquitous in the environment and are a public health concern due to the several health issues they pose to humans. Of all heavy metals, lead and cadmium among others are known to be capable of inducing multiple health effects even at a low rate of exposure. Hypertension (HYP), a major cause of death and a risk factor for other cardiovascular diseases, is known to be caused by both lead and cadmium. While the mechanism underlying the development of HYP induced by independent exposure to lead and cadmium has been well studied, the mechanism underlying the induction and progression of HYP upon lead and cadmium co-exposure remains mildly explored. Hence, this study aimed to elucidate the mechanism using a toxicogenomic approach. The set of genes affected by both heavy metals was identified using the comparative toxicogenomics database (CTD) while HYP targets were retrieved from the Gene Cards database. The shared genes between the heavy metals and the disease were identified and subjected to further analysis. The results of our analysis revealed the signaling pathways that are dysregulated by lead and cadmium co-exposure while oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction were revealed as processes pertinent to the induction and progression of HYP by lead and cadmium co-exposure. Biomarkers that could be used for prognosis evaluation were also identified. Ultimately, this study supports and advances the growing body of finding on the roles played by lead and cadmium co-exposure in inducing HYP.

Heavy Metal Contaminants in Popularly-consumed Vegetables of Freetown, Sierra Leone

The contamination of the environment with heavy metals is one of the challenges that make up Sierra Leone's environmental problem, with urbanization being one of the main causes; due to the lack of proper waste dumpsites and landfills for infrastructural development, rivers, and streams are polluted. The loss of biodiversity, but river and stream pollution have a significant impact on aquatic life. Animals and plants in contaminated water sources "may perish or reproduce improperly". This study assessed the level of concentration of heavy metals namely; chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) in some commonly-consumed vegetables like Manihot esculenta (Cassava) leaves, Ipomoea batatas (Potato) leaves, Amaranthus viridis (African spinach), Corchorus olitorius (Krain krain); Solanum lycopersicum (Tomatoes); Cucumis sativus (Cucumber); Brassica oleracea (Cabbage); Abelmoschus esculentus fruits (Okra); Capsicum annuum (Bell Pepper); and Lactuca sativa (Lettuce) which were all purchased at local market places in Freetown. The vegetable samples were analyzed using an X-ray fluorescence machine (XRF) to determine their heavy metal concentration. The goal was to determine the food safety status of the vegetables by comparing the results to the maximum permissible limit (MPL) for vegetables, as set by WHO/FAO. The levels of Zn, Cr, Fe, Cu, and Pb in all vegetable samples varied from 4.70 – 5.69 %; 3.46 – 4.58 %; 4.00 – 4.52 %; 2.87 – 3.42 %; and 0.5 – 1.2 %, respectively. This result indicates that the metals were present at unsafe levels. According to the result, the maximum concentration values are much higher than the MPL value suggested by WHO/FAO for vegetables, implying that eating vegetables from the source market sites in this study may pose a health risk to humans. Heavy metals in vegetables should be monitored on a regular basis to prevent excessive accumulation of these heavy metals in the human food chain. When it comes to vegetable marketing, certain precautions should be implemented.

Physicochemical Properties, Heavy Metals and Aflatoxins Content of Crude Palm and Groundnut Oils Produced and Marketed in Benue State, Nigeria

The study aims at assessing the physicochemical properties, heavy metals, and aflatoxins content of crude palm and groundnut oils produced and sold in the Adikpo, Wadata, and Otukpa areas of Benue state, Nigeria. Specific gravity, refractive index, acid value, saponification value, peroxide value, moisture content, and smoke point are the physicochemical properties evaluated. The heavy metals analyzed include; Lead, Nickel, Copper, Iron, Arsenic, and Iron. Total aflatoxins were determined by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Findings revealed that most of the physicochemical properties of palm and groundnut oils from these areas deviated from the Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) standard range. A high amount of Cadmium (0.89 mg/kg, 1.01 mg/kg, and 0.92 mg/kg) was detected in the local groundnut oil samples but lesser in palm oils from Adikpo, Wadata, and Otukpa respectively, while Copper content was within the FAO/WHO safe limits. The arsenic content of palm oil produced in the region was not as high as those in groundnut oil but was higher than the recommended maximum limit of 0.1 mg/kg. The Nickel content in the oil samples was higher than the 0.50 mg/kg permissible limit, but Lead was within the safe limits. Total Aflatoxin content in crude groundnut oil was within the range of 9.05 ppm to 10.13 ppm, while a range of 2.03 ppm to 2.74 ppm was recorded in crude palm oil. The locally produced oils are of lower quality, suggesting that refining should be adopted and quality seeds should be used for the extraction of oils.

Evaluating Bioremediation Potentials of Fungi Species (Alternaria Sp., Aspergillus Sp. and Fusarium Sp.) on Heavy Metals from Plausible Industrial Effluent Discharges in Mmiri Ele Stream in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

The greatest challenge of man today is to deal with metal pollution problems because unlike organic compounds which are decomposed naturally, heavy metals tend to persist on the aquatic environment, hence get accumulated at different sensitive sites. Given the growth in environmental awareness, emphasis is given on this exploration of environment friendly ways for decontamination procedures. Attention has been drawn to bioremediation which is a good alternative to conventional remediation technologies. The preference for it is based on the fact that it is of low cost, and generates non-toxic by products. Microorganisms have acquired a variety of mechanisms to adapt themselves to the toxicity of heavy metals. The results obtained from the bioremediation of cadmium, chromium and copper in both the water samples and sediment samples using Alternaria sp, Aspergillus sp and Fusarum sp, show that there is a significant decrease in the quantities of cadmium, chromium and copper in both the water samples and sediment samples upon treatments with the selected microorganisms. The result of the bioremediation of chromium shows a significant decrease in the amount of chromium in the sample from the mean value of 0.423 for pre-remediation treatment to 0.08 for post remediation treatment. There was also a reasonable decrease in the amount of copper metal in the water sample from 0.193 to 0.092. The post bioremediation of cadmium in sediment sample shows a significant decrease in the amount of cadmium from 0.2430 to 0.1880, tending towards the value of the control. The bioremediation of the heavy metals significantly reduced the amount of the heavy metals present in the polluted environment. Hence, it can be said that under suitable environmental and biochemical conditions, microorganisms can be used in the remediation of the heavy metals present in a heavy metal polluted environment.

Environmental neurodevelopment toxicity from the perspective of Bronfenbrenner's bioecological model: a case study of toxic metals / Toxicidade neurodesenvolvimental ambiental sob a perspectiva do modelo bioecológico de Bronfenbrenner: um estudo de caso de metais tóxicos / Toxicidad en el neurodesarrollo ambiental desde la perspectiva del modelo bioecológico de Bronfenbrenner: un estudio de caso de metales tóxicos

A growing body of literature reports the need for an integrated approach to study the effects of the physical environment on the neurodevelopment of children. Assessment of the true neurotoxicity of pollutants cannot be performed separately from the ecological and multidimensional contexts in which they act. In this study, from the perspective of the Bronfenbrenner's bioecological model, a conceptual model was developed that encompasses the social and biological characteristics of children from the gestational period to childhood, considering exposure to toxic metals. First, we present the toxicity of the main metals and some concept notions that we used in our framework, such as social and structural determinants of health, allostatic load, embodiment, and epigenetic concepts. Then, the main aspects of the Bronfenbrenner's bioecological model, which allow integration of the gene-social relationship in addition to the physical environment, where these metals act, are explained. Finally, we present and discuss the conceptual framework showing how, in real life, biological and social factors may together influence the neurodevelopment of children. Although this model is based on a group of contaminants, it opens new horizons on how environmental sciences, such as neurotoxicology and environmental epidemiology, can articulate with the theoretical models from human sciences to provide a broader approach to study the effects on human neurodevelopment.

Uma crescente literatura relata a necessidade de uma abordagem integrada para estudar os efeitos do ambiente físico no neurodesenvolvimento de crianças. A avaliação da verdadeira neurotoxicidade dos poluentes não pode ser realizada separadamente dos contextos ecológicos e multidimensionais em que atuam. Neste estudo, sob a perspectiva do modelo bioecológico de Bronfenbrenner, um modelo conceitual foi desenvolvido para abranger as características sociais e biológicas das crianças desde o período gestacional até a infância, considerando a exposição a metais tóxicos. Primeiro, apresentamos a toxicidade dos principais metais e algumas noções conceituais que utilizamos em nossa abordagem, tais como determinantes sociais e estruturais da saúde, carga alostática, incorporação e conceitos epigenéticos. Em seguida, explicamos os principais aspectos do modelo bioecológico de Bronfenbrenner, que permitem a integração da relação gene-social, além do ambiente físico, onde esses metais atuam. Por fim, apresentamos e discutimos o quadro conceitual mostrando como, na realidade, fatores biológicos e sociais podem, em conjunto, influenciar o neurodesenvolvimento das crianças. Embora esse modelo seja baseado em um grupo de contaminantes, ele abre novos horizontes sobre como as ciências ambientais, como a neurotoxicologia e a epidemiologia ambiental, podem dialogar com os modelos teóricos das ciências humanas para ter uma abordagem mais ampla ao estudar os efeitos no neurodesenvolvimento humano.

Una creciente literatura informa la necesidad de un enfoque integrado para estudiar los efectos del entorno físico en el neurodesarrollo de los niños. La evaluación de la verdadera neurotoxicidad de los contaminantes no puede llevarse a cabo por separado de los contextos ecológicos y multidimensionales en los que actúan. En este estudio, desde la perspectiva del modelo bioecológico de Bronfenbrenner, se desarrolló un modelo conceptual para abarcar las características sociales y biológicas de los niños desde el período gestacional hasta la infancia, considerando la exposición a metales tóxicos. Primero, presentamos la toxicidad de los principales metales y algunas nociones conceptuales que utilizamos en nuestro enfoque, como los determinantes sociales y estructurales de la salud, la carga alostática, la incorporación y los conceptos epigenéticos. A continuación, explicamos los principales aspectos del modelo bioecológico de Bronfenbrenner, que permiten la integración de la relación gen-social, además del entorno físico, donde actúan estos metales. Finalmente, presentamos y discutimos el marco conceptual que muestra cómo, en realidad, los factores biológicos y sociales pueden, en conjunto, influir en el neurodesarrollo de los niños. Aunque este modelo se basa en un grupo de contaminantes, abre nuevos horizontes sobre cómo las ciencias ambientales, como la neurotoxicología y la epidemiología ambiental, pueden dialogar con los modelos teóricos de las ciencias humanas para adoptar un enfoque más amplio al estudiar los efectos sobre el neurodesarrollo humano.

Rastreamento da hipersensibilidade metálica pelos profissionais e estudantes de saúde na prática clínico-cirúrgica / Seguimiento de la hipersensibilidad metálica por profesionales y estudiantes de salud en la práctica clínico-quirúrgica / Screening of metallic hypersensitivity by health professionals and students in clinical-surgical practice

Objetivo: investigar o rastreamento da hipersensibilidade metálica realizada pelos profissionais e estudantes de saúde durante a prática clínico-cirúrgico. Método: estudo exploratório-descritivo realizado com 228 profissionais e estudantes da área da saúde, por meio de questionário eletrônico semiestruturado, aplicado durante abril e maio de 2021, analisado por meio da estatística descritiva e da frequência de palavras. Resultados: 11,0% dos participantes realizaram a investigação sobre a hipersensibilidade metálica. 67,1% declararam que muito provavelmente poderiam incluir essa temática durante a triagem em seus atendimentos. Falta de conhecimento sobre alergia a metais e causas multifatoriais durante a prática clínico-cirúrgica foram citadas como barreiras para a implementação do rastreamento da hipersensibilidade metálica. Conclusão: pouco se evidencia o rastreamento da hipersensibilidade metálica em pacientes durante a prática clínico-cirúrgica dos profissionais e estudantes de saúde.

Objetivo: investigar el rastreo de la hipersensibilidad metálica realizada por los profesionales y estudiantes de salud durante la práctica clínico-quirúrgica. Método: estudio exploratorio-descriptivo realizado con 228 profesionales y estudiantes del área de la salud, por medio de cuestionario electrónico semiestructurado, aplicado durante abril y mayo de 2021, analizado por medio de la estadística descriptiva y de la frecuencia de palabras. Resultados: 11,0% de los participantes realizaron la investigación sobre la hipersensibilidad metálica. El 67,1% declaró que muy probablemente podrían incluir esa temática durante la selección en sus atenciones. La falta de conocimientos sobre la alergia a los metales y las causas multifactoriales durante la práctica clínico-quirúrgica se citaron como barreras para la implementación del seguimiento de la hipersensibilidad metálica. Conclusión: poco se evidencia el rastreo de la hipersensibilidad metálica en pacientes durante la práctica clínico-quirúrgica de los profesionales y estudiantes de salud.

Objective to investigate the screening of metallic hypersensitivity performed by health professionals and students during clinical-surgical practice. Method: an exploratory-descriptive study conducted with 228 health professionals and students, through a semi-structured electronic questionnaire, applied during April and May 2021, analyzed through descriptive statistics and the frequency of words. Results: 11.0% of participants conducted research on metallic hypersensitivity. 67.1% stated that they could very likely include this theme during screening in their care. Lack of knowledge about metal allergy and multifactorial causes during clinical-surgical practice were cited as barriers to the implementation of metallic hypersensitivity screening. Conclusion: there is little evidence of metallic hypersensitivity screening in patients during the clinical-surgical practice of health professionals and students.

Metal exposure in a child population after a mine tailings dam failure. Projeto Bruminha / Exposição a metais em uma população infantil após rompimento de barragem de rejeitos da mineração. Projeto Bruminha

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to analyze the urinary concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Hg, and Mn in children living in areas directly affected by the tailings of the Brumadinho disaster. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional descriptive study on a population of 217 children aged 0 to 6 years, living in Córrego do Feijão (CF), Parque da Cachoeira (PC), Aranha (AR), and Tejuco (TJ), enrolled in the Longitudinal Study of Child Health in Brumadinho (Minas Gerais) — Projeto Bruminha. Socioeconomic data and urine samples were collected to determine the concentration of selected metals. Results: Children living in locations not directly affected by the disaster (AR and TJ) had higher concentrations of As and Mn than those in directly affected areas (CF and PC). Additionally, children living in locations not potentially exposed to dust from tailings mud or mining activity (AR) showed higher urinary As concentrations than those potentially exposed (CF, PC, and TJ). Conclusion: Our results suggest the need to investigate possible sources of As exposure in children living in areas not directly affected by the disaster and not potentially exposed to dust.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as concentrações urinárias de As, Cd, Pb, Hg e Mn em crianças residentes em localidades diretamente atingidas pelos rejeitos do desastre em Brumadinho. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo transversal de uma população de 217 crianças de 0 a 6 anos, residentes no Córrego do Feijão (CF), Parque da Cachoeira (PC), Aranha (AR), e Tejuco (TJ) e inscritas no Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde Infantil em Brumadinho (MG) — Projeto Bruminha. Dados socioeconômicos e amostras de urina foram coletados para determinar a concentração dos metais selecionados. Resultados: Crianças residentes em localidades não diretamente atingidas pelo desastre (AR e TJ) apresentaram maiores concentrações de As e Mn do que aquelas em localidades diretamente atingidas (CF e PC). Adicionalmente, crianças residentes em localidades não potencialmente expostas à poeira da lama de rejeito ou da atividade de mineração (AR) apresentaram maiores concentrações urinárias de As do que aquelas potencialmente expostas (CF, PC e TJ). Conclusão: Nossos resultados sugerem a necessidade de se investigar possíveis fontes de exposição ao As em crianças residentes em localidades não diretamente atingidas pelo desastre e não potencialmente expostas à poeira.

The association between heavy metal exposure and erectile dysfunction in the United States / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Literature regarding the impacts of heavy metal exposure on erectile dysfunction (ED) is scarce. We aimed to evaluate the correlation between 10 urinary metals and ED in a large, nationally representative adult male sample. The dataset was extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) during the period of 2001-2002 and 2003-2004. Weighted proportions and multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding variables were utilized to determine the relationship between metal exposure and ED. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression was utilized to evaluate the impact of a mixture of urinary metals on ED. A total of 1328 participants were included in our study. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, cobalt (Co) and antimony (Sb) were positively associated with ED (odds ratio [OR]: 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-1.73, P = 0.020; and OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.12-1.77, P = 0.018, respectively) after full adjustment. Men in tertile 4 for Co (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.02-2.41, P for trend = 0.012) and Sb (OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.08-2.40, P for trend = 0.041) had significantly higher odds of ED than those in tertile 1. Furthermore, the WQS index was significantly linked with increased odds of ED after full adjustment (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.04-1.72, P < 0.05). Our study expanded on previous literature indicating the possible role of heavy metal exposure in the etiology of ED. The evaluation of heavy metal exposure should be included in the risk assessment of ED.

Assessments of some trace metals in water samples of nursery pond of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella, Valenciennes, 1844) in Bannu Fish Hatchery of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan / Avaliações de alguns vestígios de metais em amostras de água de viveiro de carpa-capim (Ctenopharyngodon idella, Valenciennes, 1844) em Bannu Fish Hatchery de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão

Abstract The present investigation was aimed to examine the concentrations of trace metals including e.g copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) in water samples collected from nursery pond of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in Bannu Hatchery of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the period from April 2018 to January 2019. The temperature and pH of each water sample were measured for the whole study duration. The concentration of Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), and Zinc (Zn) in collected water samples were measured in mg/liter by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The blank and standard solutions for device calibration Standard solutions i.e., 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, and 6.0 were used to measure the concentration of these metals in water samples to verify the measurements. The data was statistically analyzed on descriptive statistics (estimation of proportions and standard deviation) used to summarize mean concentration. The results obtained of both temperature and pH of water samples were found in ranged 10 to 36 0C and 7.0 to 8.44; whereas the size of fry stages was ranged from 4.0 to 56.0 mm in total length. The results of investigated metals found in pond water samples are in order of Zn>Mn>Ni>Cu, respectively. As optimum temperature and pH for grass carp were mostly between 15 0C and 30 0C and pH 6.5 to 8.0. It was concluded from obtained results that temperature, pH, and trace metals were found appropriate for the growth of Ctenopharyngodon idella from fry to fingerling stages, but the highest amount of zinc can cause its mortality. It is a preliminary study on grass carp culturing in Bannu fish hatchery so, it would provide useful information for model fish seed production unit in a hatchery.

Resumo A presente investigação teve como objetivo examinar as concentrações de metais traço, incluindo cobre (Cu), manganês (Mn), níquel (Ni) e zinco (Zn) em amostras de água coletadas de viveiro de carpa-capim (Ctenopharyngodon idella) em Incubatório de Bannu de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa durante o período de abril de 2018 a janeiro de 2019. A temperatura e o pH de cada amostra de água foram medidos durante todo o período do estudo. A concentração de cobre (Cu), manganês (Mn), níquel (Ni) e zinco (Zn) nas amostras de água coletadas foi medida em mg / litro usando espectrofotômetro de absorção atômica. As soluções em branco e padrão para as soluções padrão de calibração do dispositivo, ou seja, 2,0 mg, 4,0 mg e 6,0, foram usadas para medir a concentração desses metais em amostras de água para verificar as medições. Os dados foram analisados ​​estatisticamente em estatística descritiva (estimativa de proporções e desvio padrão) usada para resumir a concentração média. Os resultados obtidos tanto de temperatura quanto de pH das amostras de água variaram de 10 a 36 0C e 7,0 a 8,44, enquanto o tamanho dos estágios de alevinos variou de 4,0 a 56,0 mm no comprimento total. Os resultados dos metais investigados encontrados em amostras de água de lagoas são da ordem de Zn > Mn > Ni > Cu, respectivamente. A temperatura e o pH ótimos para a carpa-capim foram principalmente entre 15 0C e 30 0C e pH 6,5 a 8,0. Concluiu-se, a partir dos resultados obtidos, que temperatura, pH e traços de metais foram considerados adequados para o crescimento de Ctenopharyngodon idella desde os estágios de alevinos até alevinos, mas a maior quantidade de zinco pode causar sua mortalidade. É um estudo preliminar sobre a cultura da carpa-capim em incubatório de peixes Bannu, portanto forneceria informações úteis para modelo de unidade de produção de sementes de peixes em um incubatório.

Microorganisms used for bioleaching of metals from typical solid wastes and their leaching mechanism: a review / 生物工程学报

Typical solid wastes contain many metal resources, which are worthy of recycling. The bioleaching of typical solid waste is affected by multiple factors. Green and efficient recovery of metals based on the characterization of leaching microorganisms and the elucidation of leaching mechanisms may contribute to the implementation of China's "dual carbon" strategic goals. This paper reviews various types of microorganisms used for leaching metals from typical solid wastes, analyzes the action mechanism of metallurgical microorganisms, and prospects the application of metallurgical microorganisms to facilitate the application of metallurgical microorganisms in typical solid wastes.

Epidemiological research progress in the effects of metal exposure on kidney / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is suffered progressive loss of kidney function lasting more than 3 months and is classified according to the degree of kidney damage (level of proteinuria) and the decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The most severe form of CKD is end-stage renal disease. The prevalence of CKD is high with fast growth rate and the disease burden has become increasingly serious. CKD has become an important public health problem threatening human health. The etiology of CKD is complex. In addition to genetic factors, environmental factors are an important cause of CKD. With the development of industrialization, environmental metal pollution has become increasingly severe, and its impact on human health has received widespread attention. A large number of studies have shown that metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic can accumulate in the kidney, which can cause damage to the structure and function of the kidney, and play an important role in the development of CKD. Therefore, summarizing the epidemiological research progress in the relationship between arsenic, cadmium, lead, and other metal exposures and kidney diseases can provide new ideas for the prevention and control of kidney diseases caused by metal exposure.

Spatial distribution and health risk assessment of heavy metals in drinking water of rural schools in Henan Province / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To evaluate health risks of five heavy metals in drinking water of rural schools in Henan Province, so as to provide scientific basis for drinking water safety in rural schools.@*Methods@#Totally 1 269 drinking water samples were collected and analyzed for five heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr 6+ , Pb, Hg) concentration in 106 cities and counties of Henan Province, and its spatial distribution characteristics were explored by geographic information system (GIS). Risk assessment method recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) was applied to evaluate health risks from five heavy metals through oral ingestion.@*Results@#The qualified rate of As concentration was 100%, and the qualified rates of Cd, Cr 6+ , Pb and Hg were 99.9% , 99.9%, 99.5%, 99.6%. The highest carcinogenic risk was As (3.05×10 -5 ), followed by Cr 6+ (2.73×10 -5 ), and the highest non carcinogenic risk was As (0.158 3), followed by Pb(0.041 7). The carcinogenic risk and non carcinogenic risk were all higher in girls than boys. The carcinogenic and non carcinogenic risks were differences in different regions( P <0.05).@*Conclusion@#Health risks of five heavy metals in drinking water for rural schools in Henan Province were within the acceptable risk level recommended by EPA. As, Cr 6+ and Pb were the main health risk factors in drinking water, and that might impact negatively the healthy growth of primary and middle school students. These should be future efforts of drinking water safety management.

Application and comparison of three occupational health risk assessment methods in automobile manufacturing enterprises / 环境与职业医学

Background The complex and diverse occupational disease hazards in automobile manufacturing industry pose high occupational health risks to workers. Objective To explore the methods that can accurately reflect the workplace health risk grade of automobile manufacturing enterprises, and to guide enterprises to practice risk classification management. Methods Comprehensive index method, International Commission on Mining and Metals occupational health risk assessment method (ICMM method), and risk index method were used toassess health risks of occupational disease hazards in major workstations such as welding, polishing, and painting in three automobile manufacturing enterprises in Hunan Province. Kappa consistency test was used to test the grading results of the three assessment methods. The re-examine results and detection rate of contraindications of occupational health examinations in the past three years were used to verify the assessment results. Results The results of comprehensive index method showed that the hazards of each selected workstation in enterprises A and B were evaluated as grade 2-3, among which NO2 in enterprise A was grade 3, and welding fume, NO2, and formaldehyde in enterprise B were all grade 3. The hazards of each selected workstation in enterprise C were grade 3-4, among which NO2 and benzene in were grade 4, and welding fume, manganese and its compounds, grinding wheel dust, and xylene were grade 3. The hazards evaluated by ICMM quantitative method were grade 2 and grade 5, among which manganese and its compounds in enterprise A and welding fume, grinding wheel dust, and benzene series in enterprise C were graded as grade 5. The hazards evaluated by risk index method were grade 1-4, among which manganese and its compounds in enterprises A and B were grade 3, and manganese and its compounds and benzene in enterprise C were grade 4. The Kappa value between comprehensive index method and ICMM method was 0.084 (P>0.05), that between comprehensive index method and risk index method was −0.046 (P>0.05), and that between ICMM method and risk index method was 0.014 (P>0.05), indicating poor consistency. By comparing the results of occupational health surveillance with the results of occupational health risk assessment, one worker was found to have occupational contraindication of manganese exposure and 1 worker was found to have excessive manganese in hair in enterprise A. However, the comprehensive index method graded low risk for manganese and its compounds in enterprise A and the result is conservative. The key workstations identified by ICMM method were consistent with the occupational health examination results, but the assessment grades were all extremely high risk, and the results were too strict. One worker was found to be contraindicated to welding fumes, and 2 polishers were found to have severe mixed pulmonary ventilation dysfunction in enterprise C. Mild and moderate pulmonary ventilation dysfunction was found to be common in welding and polishing workstations in each enterprise. The assessment results of welding fumes and grinding wheel dust by the risk index method were negligible risks, which were inconsistent with the occupational health examination results. Conclusion The comprehensive index method, ICMM method, and risk index method can basically identify workstations with serious occupational hazards, but they have certain limitations and applicability. In general, the evaluation results of the comprehensive index method were generates more consistent with the results with occupational health surveillance than the other two methods, is more comprehensive and objective in consideration, and is more suitable for health risk assessment of automobile manufacturing enterprises.

The impact of cow dung augmentation on soil restoration and bio-accumulation of metals (Lead and Cadmium) in Pheretima posthuma (Annelida: Clitellata) / O impacto do aumento de esterco de vaca na restauração do solo e bioacumulação de metais (chumbo e cádmio) em Pheretima posthuma (Annelida: Clitellata)

To investigate the role of cow dung in soil reclamation and bio assimilation along with bio accumulation of heavy metals in earthworm (P. posthuma) (N=900) earthworms were used and treatment groups of CD-soil mixture of different proportion of cow dung were designed. Nonlethal doses of lead acetate and cadmium chloride were added in treatment groups. Mature P. posthuma were released in each experimental pot maintaining the favorable conditions. The pH, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, exchangeable cations, and heavy metal level of each mixture was evaluated. The results indicated that bio-assimilation of Pb and Cd by P. posthuma were significantly (P ˂ 0.01) higher in different soil-CD treatments compared to control. Highest bio-assimilation of both metals was observed in T¹ of both groups (Pb = 563.8 mg/kg and Cd = 42.95 mg/kg). The contents of both metals were significantly (P ˂ 0.05) lowered in casting. The nutrient concentration in the final castings of all soil-CD treatments were also equally transformed from less or insoluble to more soluble and available for plants, except for carbon level which increased with CD proportion. It is concluded that cow dung as organic matter has a positive effect on soil reclamation and bio-assimilation of metals by P. posthuma.

Para investigar o papel do esterco de vaca na recuperação do solo e bioassimilação, juntamente com a bioacumulação de metais pesados em minhocas (P. posthuma) (N = 900), minhocas foram usadas e grupos de tratamento de mistura CD-solo de diferentes proporções de esterco de vaca foram projetados. Doses não letais de acetato de chumbo e cloreto de cádmio foram adicionadas aos grupos de tratamento. P. posthuma maduros foram liberados em cada vaso experimental, mantendo as condições favoráveis. Foram avaliados o pH, carbono, nitrogênio, fósforo, cátions trocáveis e nível de metais pesados de cada mistura. Os resultados indicaram que a bioassimilação de Pb e Cd por P. posthuma foi significativamente (P ˂ 0,01) maior em diferentes tratamentos de solo-CD em relação ao controle. A maior bioassimilação de ambos os metais foi observada em T1 de ambos os grupos (Pb = 563,8 mg / kg e Cd = 42,95 mg / kg). O conteúdo de ambos os metais foi significativamente (P ˂ 0,05) reduzido na fundição. A concentração de nutrientes nas fundições finais de todos os tratamentos de solo-CD também foi igualmente transformada de menos ou insolúvel para mais solúvel e disponível para as plantas, exceto o nível de carbono que aumenta com a proporção de CD. Conclui-se que o esterco de vaca como matéria orgânica tem um efeito positivo na recuperação do solo e na bioassimilação de metais por P. posthuma.