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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.
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Objective:To analyze the types and distribution characteristics of elements in drinking water from endemic fluorosis areas with water improvement in Xi'an City, understand the relationship between fluoride and various elements, and conduct health risk assessment on potential high-risk elements.Methods:From May to June 2017, one endemic fluorosis area with water improvement (Gaoling District, Huyi District, Lintong District) was selected according to the northeast, the southwest and the due east directions of Xi'an City as the survey area. Sixteen endemic fluorosis villages were selected from each endemic area, and 2 water samples were collected from each endemic village to detect fluoride and 12 elements such as chromium, manganese, ferrum, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, molybdenum, cadmium, antimony, barium, and lead. Hygienic evaluation was conducted according to national standards, and the potential high-risk elements (arsenic, molybdenum) were assessed for health risk through the health risk assessment model recommended by the National Environmental Protection Agency of the United States.Results:The water samples from the endemic fluorosis areas in Xi'an City mainly contained seven elements: barium, ferrum, molybdenum, arsenic, zinc, manganese, and chromium. The content of copper and selenium was relatively low, while the content of cadmium, antimony, and lead was extremely low. The fluoride content in water samples from Gaoling District and Lintong District was relatively high, and the fluorine, arsenic, molybdenum elements was pairwise positively correlated ( P < 0.05). The molybdenum element in water samples from Lintong District exceeded 9.38% (3/32). The fluoride in the water samples of Huyi District was relatively low, and the arsenic, molybdenum elements was positively correlated ( r = 0.84, P < 0.001), and the arsenic element exceeded the standard by 25.00% (8/32). The main health risk of drinking water in endemic fluorosis areas with water improvement in Xi'an City was arsenic exposure, with children at a higher risk than adults, and the areas of Huyi District, Lintong District, and Gaoling District declined, the risk of cancer (CR) of Gaoling District was < 10 -4 and hazard quotient (HQ) was < 1. However, in the areas of Huyi District and Lintong District (except HQ of adults), there was a higher risk (CR > 10 -4, HQ > 1). Children in one endemic fluorosis village in Lintong District had a higher non carcinogenic risk of molybdenum (HQ > 1). Conclusions:The drinking water in endemic fluorosis areas with water improvement in Xi'an City mainly contains 7 elements, especially arsenic and molybdenum, which need to be regularly monitored. Some areas have high health risks of arsenic in water, and monitoring, management, and related epidemiological investigations need to be strengthened. At the same time, it is necessary to actively monitor other toxic and harmful substances that may be introduced during the water improvement process to prevent the occurrence of secondary health problems.
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This opinion review explores the microbiology of tellurite, TeO32− and selenite, SeO32− oxyanions, two similar Group 16 chalcogen elements, but with slightly different physicochemical properties that lead to intriguing biological differences. Selenium, Se, is a required trace element compared to tellurium, Te, which is not. Here, the challenges around understanding the uptake transport mechanisms of these anions, as reflected in the model organisms used by different groups, are described. This leads to a discussion around how these oxyanions are subsequently reduced to nanomaterials, which mechanistically, has controversies between ideas around the molecule chemistry, chemical reactions involving reduced glutathione and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production along with the bioenergetics at the membrane versus the cytoplasm. Of particular interest is the linkage of glutathione and thioredoxin chemistry from the cytoplasm through the membrane electron transport chain (ETC) system/quinones to the periplasm. Throughout the opinion review we identify open and unanswered questions about the microbial physiology under selenite and tellurite exposure. Thus, demonstrating how far we have come, yet the exciting research directions that are still possible. The review is written in a conversational manner from three long-term researchers in the field, through which to play homage to the late Professor Claudio Vásquez.