Article
Environmental Sciences
Nairana Santos Fraga, Agnaldo Silva Martins, Adalto Bianchini, Derek R. Faust, Haruya Sakai, Cinthia Carneiro da Silva, A. Alonso Aguirre
Summary: Pollution poses a major threat to marine life, and trace elements are highly toxic pollutants in this environment. Zinc, an essential trace element for biota, becomes toxic at high concentrations. Sea turtles, with their longevity and widespread distribution, are good bioindicators for trace element pollution, accumulating these elements in their tissues over the years. This study compared the bioaccumulation of zinc in the liver, kidney, and muscles of 35 green sea turtles from Brazil, Hawaii, the USA (Texas), Japan, and Australia. The results showed that zinc was present in all specimens, with the highest concentrations in the liver and kidneys. The findings of equal zinc values in the liver suggest a pantropical distribution pattern for this metal, possibly due to its essential nature and bioavailability in marine environments. This study highlights the importance of understanding the distribution patterns of trace elements in marine biota for conservation purposes and suggests that green turtles can serve as useful sentinel species.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Mohammad A. Al-Ghouti, Mohammad Y. Ashfaq, Mariam Khan, Zulfa Al Disi, Dana A. Da'na, Rouzan Shoshaa
Summary: Water and wastewater can be contaminated with trace elements from industrial activities, posing negative impacts on human health and the environment. Adsorption and adsorptive filtration techniques have gained attention due to their cost-effectiveness and high efficiency. This review provides an overview of conventional and advanced adsorbents, biosorbents, and adsorptive membranes for trace element removal from water, discussing their sources, impact on human health, adsorption capacities, and isotherm modeling.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Mayara de Almeida Ribeiro Carvalho, Wander Gustavo Botero, Luciana Camargo de Oliveira
Summary: This study used a systematic literature review to identify sources of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the aquatic environment. The analysis revealed both natural and anthropogenic sources, such as mining, agriculture, industries, and domestic effluents. The study also highlighted specific locations where environmental remediation studies should be conducted to prevent and address PTE pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Mathieu Horeau, Martine Ropert, Edwin Mulder, Jens Tank, Petra Frings-Meuthen, Gabriele Armbrecht, Olivier Loreal, Frederic Derbre
Summary: In this clinical exploratory study on the effects of artificial gravity (AG) training and simulated microgravity on iron metabolism, it was found that long-term exposure to microgravity significantly increased serum iron concentrations, transferrin saturation levels, and hepcidin concentrations in males, but not in females.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mehmet Ozcan, Duygu Aydemir, Merve Bacanli, Hatice Gul Anlar, N. Nuray Ulusu, Yasemin Aksoy
Summary: The study found that chlorophyllin has a significant anti-genotoxic effect in the short term and protects glutathione-related enzyme activities in the MNU-induced breast cancer model. Additionally, chlorophyllin treatment reversed the adverse effects of MNU on mineral and trace element levels in various organs and tumor tissues.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Charalampia Amerikanou, Stamatia-Angeliki Kleftaki, Sotirios Karavoltsos, Dimitra Tagkouli, Aikaterini Sakellari, Evdokia Valsamidou, Aristea Gioxari, Nick Kalogeropoulos, Andriana C. Kaliora
Summary: The prevalence of obesity is increasing globally and has negative effects on the socioeconomic system. Metals and metalloids have significant effects on the immune system and metabolism, and are influenced by factors related to obesity. Further research is needed to understand the association between metals/metalloids and obesity-related metabolic abnormalities, highlighting the importance of inflammation and oxidative stress.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Bruno Jonatan de Sousa, Larissa Mont'alverne Juca Seabra, Ana Beatriz Silva de Lemos, Gabriela Chaves, Karla Suzanne Florentino da Silva Chaves Damasceno
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the differences in lead levels between organic and conventional leafy vegetables. Based on the analysis of 24 studies, it was found that organic leafy vegetables had lower concentrations of lead, providing moderate certainty evidence.
FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Oncology
J. Isabelle Choi, Atif J. Khan, Simon N. Powell, Beryl McCormick, Alicia J. Lozano, Gabriely Del Rosario, Jacqueline Mamary, Haoyang Liu, Pamela Fox, Erin Gillespie, Lior Z. Braunstein, Dennis Mah, Oren Cahlon
Summary: This study analyzed the outcomes of patients with recurrent or new primary breast cancer who underwent PBT reirradiation. The results showed excellent locoregional control and few high-grade toxicities in patients undergoing PBT reRT after prior definitive breast or chest wall RT.
RADIOTHERAPY AND ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Timothy J. Whelan, Sally Smith, Sameer Parpia, Anthony W. Fyles, Anita Bane, Fei-Fei Liu, Eileen Rakovitch, Lynn Chang, Christiaan Stevens, Julie Bowen, Sawyna Provencher, Valerie Theberge, Anna Marie Mulligan, Zuzana Kos, Mohamed A. Akra, K. David Voduc, Tarek Hijal, Ian S. Dayes, Gregory Pond, James R. Wright, Torsten O. Nielsen, Mark N. Levine
Summary: Among women with T1N0 grade 1 or 2 luminal A breast cancer who had undergone breast-conserving surgery and received endocrine therapy, the incidence of local recurrence at 5 years was low without radiotherapy.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Pierre Loap, Ludovic De Marzi, Carlos Eduardo Almeida, Amelia Barcellini, Julie Bradley, Maria Carmen de Santis, Remi Dendale, Rachel Jimenez, Ester Orlandi, Youlia Kirova
Summary: Radiotherapy plays a crucial role in breast cancer treatment, and Hadrontherapy techniques have potential for improving therapeutic outcomes by limiting side effects and enhancing tumor control.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ONCOLOGY HEMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aysegul Cebi, Umit Sengul
Summary: This study evaluated the concentrations of toxic metals and trace elements in breast milk of nursing mothers in rural Giresun province. The results showed that the levels of iron, nickel, manganese, chromium, copper, zinc, and lead were in accordance with the WHO data, while cobalt, arsenic, molybdenum, and cadmium concentrations were below the detection limit.
JOURNAL OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea Ariano, Nadia Musco, Lorella Severino, Anna De Maio, Annabella Tramice, Giuseppina Tommonaro, Sara Damiano, Angelo Genovese, Oladokun Sulaiman Olanrewaju, Fulvia Bovera, Giulia Guerriero
Summary: The study analyzed the chemical composition and antioxidant capacity of two tropical eucheumatoids in Malaysian waters, finding that K. alvarezii had higher levels of trace elements and antioxidants compared to K. striatus, making it a potential feed additive.
Article
Environmental Sciences
S. A. Mani, R. E. Peltier, M. Le Mestre, P. Gunkel-Grillon, S. Shah, F. S. Mani
Summary: PM2.5 characterizations and inhalation health risks were analyzed in Suva and Lautoka Cities in Fiji. The study provides a comprehensive assessment of atmospheric metal concentrations and black carbon profiles, and highlights the slightly elevated health risk for children in Lautoka.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Miroslaw Mleczek, Anna Budka, Monika Gasecka, Sylwia Budzynska, Kinga Drzewiecka, Zuzanna Magdziak, Pawel Rutkowski, Piotr Golinski, Przemyslaw Niedzielski
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of different metal concentrations in the cultivation medium on the biomass, plant development, and element uptake of Acer platanoides L. seedlings, and analyze the impact on the distribution and content of Ca, K, Mg, and Na in plant parts with phenols analysis. The results showed that the mixture of two metals resulted in lower leaf biomass but higher major elements content. Leaves cultivated in Pb-5 + Zn-1, Pb-1 + Zn-1, and Pb-1 + Zn-5 experimental systems exhibited specific browning of their edges. The presence and concentration of other elements in the soil also played a significant role in modulating element uptake, total phenolic content, and plant development.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Samaneh Nakhaee, Alireza Amirabadizadeh, Mahshid Ataei, Homeira Ataei, Mahmood Zardast, Mohammad Rasool Shariatmadari, Seyed Mohammad Mousavi-Mirzaei, Omid Mehrpour
Summary: This study compared the serum concentrations of trace elements in smokers and non-smokers and found that smokers had significantly higher levels of manganese, copper, arsenic, and thallium, while having lower iron concentration compared to the control group. These results suggest the need for public health measures to intervene in the community to address the health risks associated with smoking.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Berta Pique, Karla Pena, Francesc Riu, Johana C. C. Acosta, Laura Torres-Royo, Barbara Malave, Pablo Araguas, Rocio Benavides, Gabriel de Febrer, Jordi Camps, Jorge Joven, Meritxell Arenas, David Parada
Summary: This study investigated the plasma RNA of COVID-19 patients treated with low-dose radiotherapy and determined its prognostic value. The results showed that detectable SARS-CoV-2 plasma viremia was significantly associated with increased mortality rates post-treatment. Additionally, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, and aspartate aminotransferase were significant risk factors associated with COVID-19 mortality.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Eugenia Espinel, Maria Antonia Azancot, Alba Gomez, Anna Beneria, Anna Caraben, Laura Andurell, Pilar Delgado, Helena Castane, Jorge Joven, Daniel Seron
Summary: A multidisciplinary intervention involving lifestyle changes and medication adherence can effectively reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular risk markers in patients with resistant hypertension.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gerard Baiges-Gaya, Simona Iftimie, Helena Castane, Elisabet Rodriguez-Tomas, Andrea Jimenez-Franco, Ana F. Lopez-Azcona, Antoni Castro, Jordi Camps, Jorge Joven
Summary: In this study, metabolomics techniques and machine learning algorithms were used to retrospectively analyze the alterations of metabolites in the serum and urine of COVID-19 patients. It was found that the main metabolites in the serum were altered, while urine analysis could not discriminate between groups. Metabolite alterations can be used for the diagnosis and prognosis of COVID-19.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marta Herrero, Joaquim Rovira, Neus Gonzalez, Montse Marques, Fernando Barbosa, Jordi Sierra, Jose L. Domingo, Marti Nadal, Marilia Cristina Oliveira Souza
Summary: The interest in determining the chemical composition of textile products has increased due to toxicological issues and environmental concerns. This study analyzed the levels of twenty trace elements in clothing items commercialized in Spain and evaluated the potential health implication of dermal exposure in early life. Aluminum, zinc, and titanium showed the highest concentrations, while chromium was found in high levels in black polyester. Dermal exposure to titanium was associated with a hazard quotient higher than the threshold value, indicating potential risks for pregnant women and newborns.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marilia Cristina Oliveira Souza, Neus Gonzalez, Marta Herrero, Montse Marques, Joaquim Rovira, Marti Nadal, Fernando Barbosa, Jose Luis Domingo
Summary: This study investigated the concentrations of harmful substances in clothing sold in Brazil and Spain, finding higher levels in Brazil due to the lack of regulation. Some substances exceeded health thresholds. Continuous studies are recommended to determine the co-occurrence of carcinogenic substances.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Virology
Simona Iftimie, Ana F. Lopez-Azcona, Maria Jose Lozano-Olmo, Angels Naval-Ferrando, Vicent Domingo-Cortes, Helena Castane, Andrea Jimenez-Franco, Anna Hernandez-Aguilera, Carmen Guilarte, Francesc Riu, Jordi Camps, Jorge Joven, Antoni Castro
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 infection can still occur in vaccinated individuals and may lead to hospitalization. A retrospective study on 1295 COVID-19-positive patients was conducted to evaluate their clinical outcomes in relation to vaccination status and viral variant. The study revealed that age had a significant impact on outcomes, while vaccination status did not. Correct vaccination greatly reduces the risk of severe COVID-19, highlighting the importance of continuous promotion of vaccination and exploration of alternative treatments for non-responders.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Marilia Cristina Oliveira Souza, Jonas Carneiro Cruz, Cibele Aparecida Cesila, Neus Gonzalez, Bruno Alves Rocha, Joseph A. Adeyemi, Marti Nadal, Jose L. Domingo, Fernando Barbosa
Summary: Due to population growth, agricultural practices have exponentially increased to meet the demand for food. However, this increase has led to the widespread use of pesticides, causing environmental pollution and posing risks to human health. In Brazil, where agriculture is vital to the economy, the approval and regulation of pesticide use is inconsistent and flawed compared to other countries. This paper critically reviews the risks and benefits of pesticide use in agriculture and highlights the need for improved legislation and alternative solutions to reduce pesticide levels in the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Neus Gonzalez, Carla Pamies, Paula Martinez, Laura Marti, Jose L. Domingo, Marti Nadal, Montse Marques
Summary: Pesticides are organic compounds used in agriculture to control weeds and insect infestations. Consuming these compounds through diet can have serious health effects. A study found that an organic dietary intervention reduced levels of urinary dialkyl phosphates (DAP) and confirmed lower pesticide levels in organic food compared to conventional food.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marylene Lejeune, Laia Reverte, Noelia Gallardo, Esther Sauras, Ramon Bosch, Daniel Mata, Albert Roso, Anna Petit, Vicente Peg, Francisco Riu, Joan Garcia-Fontgivell, Fernanda Relea, Begona Vieites, Luis de la Cruz-merino, Meritxell Arenas, Valeri Rodriguez, Juana Galera, Anna Korzynska, Benoit Plancoulaine, Tomas Alvaro, Carlos Lopez
Summary: This study characterized the residual tumor microenvironment in 96 TNBC patients and evaluated its prognostic implications for partial responders vs. non-responders. Partial responders showed higher levels of CD83+ mature dendritic cells, FOXP3+ regulatory T cells, and IL-15 expression but lower CD138+ cell concentration, leading to improved overall survival and recurrence-free survival. However, MMP-9 expression in the residual tumor microenvironment was identified as an independent factor associated with the impaired response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marilia Cristina Oliveira Souza, Neus Gonzalez, Marta Herrero, Montse Marques, Joaquim Rovira, Jose L. Domingo, Fernando Barbosa Jr, Marti Nadal
Summary: The presence of a large number of chemicals in clothing and their harmful effects on human health and the environment have gained global attention. Azo dyes, widely used in the textile industry, are now considered emerging pollutants of great concern due to their potential health hazards. This study evaluated the levels of non-regulated aromatic amines (AAs) in clothing items from Spain and Brazil and assessed the potential impact on the health of vulnerable populations. The results showed the presence of AAs in clothes from both countries, with some concentrations exceeding safety thresholds, indicating possible risks to human health.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Suling Zeng, Phillipp Hartmann, Minji Park, Yi Duan, Sonja Lang, Cristina Llorente, Yanhan Wang, Noemi Cabre, Derrick E. Fouts, Petra Bacher, Won Hee Jung, Peter Starkel, Bernd Schnabl
Summary: Chronic alcohol consumption is associated with intestinal fungal dysbiosis, and this study reveals that the presence of Malassezia restricta is associated with increased liver injury markers in patients with alcohol use disorder. The researchers also found that M. restricta exacerbates ethanol-induced liver injury in mice models. They discovered that the disease exacerbating effect by M. restricta is mediated through C-type lectin domain family 4, member N signaling on bone marrow-derived cells. This research suggests that targeting fungal pathobionts may be a potential therapeutic strategy for alcohol-associated liver disease.
HEPATOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Marilia Cristina Oliveira Souza, Juliana Maria Oliveira Souza, Bruno Ruiz Brandao da Costa, Neus Gonzalez, Bruno Alves Rocha, Jonas Carneiro Cruz, Yago Guida, Vanessa Cristina Oliveira Souza, Marti Nadal, Jose L. Domingo, Fernando Barbosa
Summary: This study assessed the contents of essential elements and pollutants in infant formulas marketed in Brazil, as well as performed health risk assessments for selected contaminants. The study found that while essential elements were congruent with label information, some toxic elements and organic pollutants were detected. However, the intake of infant formula seems to pose no immediate risk in terms of the evaluated chemicals, although further research is needed to investigate other chemicals and potential cumulative effects on infant health.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
