scholarly journals Extremely Elevated Total Mercury and Methylmercury in Forage Plants in a World Large-scale Abandoned Hg Mining Site: A Potential Risk of Exposure to Grazing Animals

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoli Qian ◽  
Chendong Yang ◽  
Xiaohang Xu ◽  
Ming Ao ◽  
Zhidong Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Potential Risk ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Dietary Exposure ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Plant Parts ◽  
Forage Plants ◽  
Tolerable Weekly Intake ◽  
Risk Of Exposure ◽  
Hg Mining

Abstract Ninety-five wild forage plants (belonging to 22 species of 18 families) and their corresponding rhizosphere soil samples were collected from wastelands of a world large-scale abandoned Hg mining region for total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) analysis. The forage plant communities on the wastelands were dominated by the Asteraceae, Crassulaceae and Polygonaceae families. The THg and MeHg concentrations in the forage plants varied widely and were in the range of 0.10 to 13 mg/kg and 0.19 to 23 μg/kg, respectively. Shoots of Aster ageratoides showed the highest average THg concentration of 12±1.1 mg/kg, while those of Aster subulatus had the highest average MeHg concentrations of 7.4±6.1 μg/kg. Both the THg and MeHg concentrations in the aboveground plant parts exhibited positive correlations with the THg (r=0.70, P<0.01) and MeHg (r=0.68, P<0.01) concentrations in the roots but these were not correlated with the THg and MeHg concentrations in their rhizosphere soils. The species A. ageratoides, A. subulatus, and S. brachyotus showed strong accumulation of Hg and are of concern for herbivorous/omnivorous wildlife and feeding livestock. Taking the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) values for IHg recommended by the JECFA (2010) for human dietary exposure of 4 ng/g into account, grazing on 1.0 kg of forage (dry weight) by a 65 kg animal would mean that the daily intake of IHg was between 190-13200 μg, which reaches 3-5 order of magnitude higher than the permitted limit, suggesting a potential risk of exposure.

scholarly journals Variations in Morphological Characters and Antioxidant Potential of Different Plant Parts of Four Ziziphus Mill. Species from the Cholistan

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2734
Author(s):  
Muhammad Umair Riaz ◽  
Muhammad Ali Raza ◽  
Amjad Saeed ◽  
Mukhtar Ahmed ◽  
Tanveer Hussain
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Leaf Length ◽  
Important Species ◽  
Medicinal Uses ◽  
Leaf Petiole ◽  
Plant Parts

Genus Ziziphus (Z.) contains various important species in tropical and subtropical regions that are globally famous for their food and medicinal uses. However, no comprehensive study was available on the morphology and phytochemistry of Ziziphus species, mainly under different growth conditions, i.e., irrigated and desert (Cholistan). Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the morphological and phytochemical characteristics of Ziziphus species, i.e., Z. jujuba, Z. mauritiana, Z. spina-christi, and Z. nummularia, found in the irrigated and desert conditions. Our results revealed significant variations for most of the measured parameters, showing a large-scale diversity among Ziziphus species under irrigated and desert conditions. Specifically, Ziziphus species showed better morphology of all measured parameters of leaves and fruits under irrigated conditions compared to desert conditions, indicating that the optimum water availability in irrigated conditions improved the morphological parameters of Z. species. Meanwhile, among all Ziziphus species, the maximum leaf length (7.4 cm), leaf width (4.1 cm), leaf area (30.6 cm2), and leaf petiole length (1.3 cm) were observed for Z. jujuba, and the highest leaf dry weight (55.4%) was recorded for Z. mauritiana. Similarly, the highest fruit length (3.9 cm), fruit stalk length (1.5 cm), fruit diameter (3.6 cm), fruit width (3.8 cm), fruit area (66.1 cm2), seed length (2 cm), and seed diameter (1.1 cm) were measured for species Z. jujuba, while the maximum fruit dry weight (49.9%) and seed width (1.4 cm) were recorded for species Z. nummularia. Interestingly, compared to irrigated conditions, higher values of bioactive contents, i.e., phenol, flavonoid, and antioxidant activity, in fruits and leaves of Ziziphus species under desert conditions indicated the positive impact of desert climate on the phytochemistry of the Z. plants. Among Ziziphus species, Z. nummularia accumulated the maximum fruit phenols (304.4 mg GAE/100 g), leaf phenols (314.2 mg GAE/100 g), fruit flavonoids (123.7 mg QE/100 g), and leaf flavonoids (113.4 mg QE/100 g). Overall, this study demonstrated the significant morphological and phytochemical variations of the Ziziphus species under irrigated and desert conditions, which could be utilized for future studies to improve the production and medicinal potential of the Ziziphus, especially in desert areas.

scholarly journals Dietary Exposure and Risk Assessment of Aflatoxin M1 for Children Aged 1 to 9 Years Old in Serbia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dragan R Milićević ◽  
Jelena Milešević ◽  
Mirjana Gurinovic ◽  
Saša Janković ◽  
Jasna Đinović ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Dietary Exposure ◽  
Food Samples ◽  
Aflatoxin M1 ◽  
Risk Characterization ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Risk Of Exposure ◽  
Group 1

The present study was conducted to estimate the exposure and risk characterization of the children population of Serbia to Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) from milk and milk-based food. A total of 3404 samples comprising of milk and different milk-based food samples were collected from various regions of Serbia from 2017 to 2019. Evaluation of the AFM1 exposure was carried out using the deterministic method, whereas risk characterization was evaluated with the calculation of the Margin of Exposure (MOE) and the risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Detection rates for AFM1 in milk and milk-based food samples ranged between 2% and 79%, with the highest incidence (79%) and mean level (22.34  0,018 ng kg-1) of AFM1 was detected in pasteurized and UHT milk. According to the three consumption estimates, the values of EDI were higher for toddlers as compared with children. Children aged 1&ndash;3 years had the highest risk of exposure to AFM1 in milk, with an estimated daily intake of 0.164 and 0.193 ng kg-1 bw day-1 using a lower bound (LB) and the upper bound (UB) exposure scenarios, respectively. Such difference could result from the higher consumption versus weight. Based on the EDI found in this study, the risk of AFM1 due to consumption of milk and milk-based food was low since MOE values obtained were 10000. In addition, the risk of HCC cases/year/105 individuals of different age groups showed that the value of HCC using potency estimates of 0.0017 (mean) was maximum (0.00034) in the age group 1&ndash;3 years which indicates no health risk for the evaluated groups. The present study revealed the importance of controlling and preventing AFM1 contamination in milk through continuous monitoring and regular inspection to reduce the risk of AFM1 exposure, especially in children.

scholarly journals Toxic Metals in Cereals in Cape Verde: Risk Assessment Evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3833
Author(s):  
Carmen Rubio-Armendáriz ◽  
Soraya Paz ◽  
Ángel J. Gutiérrez ◽  
Verena Gomes Furtado ◽  
Dailos González-Weller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wheat Flour ◽  
Toxic Metals ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Toxic Metal ◽  
Dietary Exposure ◽  
Cape Verde ◽  
Cape Verdean ◽  
Tolerable Weekly Intake ◽  
Total Food ◽  
Educational Campaigns

Consumption of cereals and cereal-based products represents 47% of the total food energy intake in Cape Verde. However, cereals also contribute to dietary exposure to metals that may pose a risk. Strengthening food security and providing nutritional information is a high-priority challenge for the Cape Verde government. In this study, toxic metal content (Cr, Ni, Sr, Al, Cd, and Pb) is determined in 126 samples of cereals and derivatives (rice, corn, wheat, corn flour, wheat flour, corn gofio) consumed in Cape Verde. Wheat flour samples stand out, with the highest Sr (1.60 mg/kg), Ni (0.25 mg/kg) and Cr (0.13 mg/kg) levels. While the consumption of 100 g/day of wheat would contribute to 13.2% of the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of Ni, a consumption of 100 g/day of wheat flour would contribute to 8.18% of the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of Cd. Results show relevant Al levels (1.17–13.4 mg/kg), with the highest level observed in corn gofio. The mean Pb average content in cereals is 0.03–0.08 mg/kg, with the highest level observed in corn gofio. Al and Pb levels are lower in cereals without husks. Without being a health risk, the consumption of 100 g/day of wheat contributes to 17.5% of the European benchmark doses lower confidence limit (BMDL) of Pb for nephrotoxic effects; the consumption of 100 g/day of corn gofio provides an intake of 1.34 mg Al/day (13.7% of the TWI) and 8 µg Pb/day (20% of the BMDL for nephrotoxic effects). A strategy to minimize the dietary exposure of the Cape Verdean population to toxic metals from cereals should consider the continuous monitoring of imported cereals on arrival in Cape Verde, the assessment of the population's total diet exposure to toxic metals and educational campaigns.

scholarly journals Dietary Exposure and Risk Assessment of Aflatoxin M1 for Children Aged 1 to 9 Years Old in Serbia

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 4450
Author(s):  
Dragan R. Milićević ◽  
Jelena Milešević ◽  
Mirjana Gurinović ◽  
Saša Janković ◽  
Jasna Đinović-Stojanović ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Monitoring ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Dietary Exposure ◽  
Food Samples ◽  
Aflatoxin M1 ◽  
Estimated Daily Intake ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Risk Of Exposure ◽  
Group 1

The present study was conducted to estimate the exposure and characterize the risk for the child population of Serbia to Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) from milk and milk-based food. A total of 3404 samples comprising milk and different milk-based food samples were collected from various regions of Serbia from 2017 to 2019. Evaluation of AFM1 exposure was carried out using the deterministic method, whereas risk characterization was evaluated using the margin of exposure (MOE) and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Detection rates for AFM1 in milk and milk-based food samples ranged between 2% and 79%, with the highest incidence (79%) and mean level (22.34 ± 0.018 ng kg−1) of AFM1 being detected in pasteurized and UHT milk. According to the three consumption estimates, the values of estimated daily intake (EDI) were higher for toddlers as compared with children aged 3–­9 years. Children aged 1–3 years had the highest risk of exposure to AFM1 in milk, with an estimated daily intake of 0.164 and 0.193 ng kg−1 bw day−1 using lower bound (LB) and upper bound (UB) exposure scenarios, respectively. Such difference could result from the higher consumption to weight in younger children. Based on the estimated daily intake (EDI) found in this study, the risk of AFM1 exposure due to consumption of milk and milk-based food was low since the MOE values obtained were > 10,000. In addition, the risk of HCC cases/year/105 individuals of different age groups showed that the value of HCC, using potency estimates of 0.0017 (mean), was maximum (0.00034) in the age group 1–3 years, which indicates no health risk for the evaluated groups. The present study revealed the importance of controlling and preventing AFM1 contamination in milk through continuous monitoring and regular inspection to reduce the risk of AFM1 exposure, especially in children.

scholarly journals Safety of Corn and Corn-Based Products Intended for Human Consumption Concerning Fumonisins from a Brazilian Processing Plant

Toxins ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaqueline Bordini ◽  
Mario Ono ◽  
Melissa Hirozawa ◽  
Glauco Garcia ◽  
Edio Vizoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Exposure ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Dietary Exposure ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Processing Plant ◽  
Processing Plants ◽  
Corn Processing ◽  
Exposure Evaluation ◽  
Corn Grain

Brazil is one of the world’s largest corn producers and is a leader in exportation. Due to intense globalization, corn may be commercialized worldwide and the issue concerning the safety of corn-based products has become a topic of widespread international interest. Dietary exposure evaluation is a relevant criterion for mycotoxin risk assessment. Thus, human exposure to fumonisins were assessed for corn grain and its derivatives (endosperm, cornmeal, and grits; n = 320) sampled from one of the large-scale corn processing plants in Brazil. The total probable daily intake (PDI) for fumonisins in Brazil was 96.9 ng kg−1 body weight day−1, which corresponds to 5% of the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) of 2000 ng kg−1 b.w. day−1 for fumonisins. In countries that import Brazilian corn, the total PDI is lower in European countries (from 35.7 to 177 ng kg−1 b.w. day−1) and higher in Angola (1553 ng kg−1 b.w. day−1). Taking into account that dietary exposure in populations in Brazil and importing countries was low, the corn-based products were safe for human consumption regarding fumonisins, even for regions with high corn consumption.

Dietary Exposure of Heavy Metals, Minerals and Trace Elements through Cereals Commonly Consumed by Dhaka City Residents

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 815-823
Author(s):  
Md. Bayejid Hosen ◽  
Abu T.M. Abdullah ◽  
Md. Z.H. Howlader ◽  
Yearul Kabir
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Trace Elements ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Industrial Development ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Dietary Exposure ◽  
Risk Level ◽  
Dhaka City ◽  
Main Meal ◽  
Minerals And Trace Elements

Background: Contamination of soil and agricultural products by heavy metals resulting from rapid industrial development has caused major concern. Dietary exposure to heavy metals has been associated with toxic and adverse health effects. The main threats to human health from heavy metals are associated with exposure to Pb, Cd and Hg. The aim of this study was to monitor the presence of heavy metals, minerals and trace elements in cereals consumed by Dhaka city residents. Methods: One hundred and sixty cereal samples were collected for eight (08) composited samples and analyzed for the determination of sixteen elements. Heavy metals were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and other elements were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Results: The average concentrations of elements in cereals fall within the safe limit except for Pb, Cr, Na and Mg, which exceeded the safe limits. The daily intake of Cd (23.0 μg), Hg (63.0 μg) and As (13.6 μg) through cereals was below the risk level except for Pb (634.0 μg) and Cr (263.1 μg). The dietary intake of Na (1860.0 mg), Mg (347.0 mg) and Mn (4600.0 μg) exceeded the toxic level while K (829 mg) was below the RDA. Conclusion: As the main meal of average Bangladeshi people is boiled rice served with some vegetables, our findings indicate that the residents of Dhaka city are at risk from Pb and Cr contamination and their dietary need for some important minerals and trace elements is not fulfilled by cereals.

scholarly journals EFFECT OF MINERAL DEFICIENCY ON MORPHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND ON SHOOT AND ROOT MINERAL PARTITIONING IN THREE SUNFLOWER VARIETIES / EFECTO DE LA FALTA DE ELEMENTOS MINERALAS SOBRE LOS PARAMENTROS MORFOLOGICOS Y FISIOLOGICOS Y REPARTICION DE ELEMENTOS MINERALES DE LA PARTE SOBRE EL SUELO Y DE LA RAIZ EN TRES VARIEDADES / INFLUENCE DE LA CARENCE D’ÉLÉMENTS MINÉRAUX SUR LES PARAMÈTRES MORPHOLOGIQUES ET PHYSIOLOGIQUES ET SUR LA DISTRIBUTION DES ÉLÉMENTS MINÉRAUX ENTRE LA PARTIE AÉRIENNE ET LA RACINE POUR TROIS SORTES DE TOURNESOL

Helia ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 24 (35) ◽  
pp. 135-148
Author(s):  
Mohammed El Midaoui ◽  
Ahmed Talouizte ◽  
Benbella Mohamed ◽  
Serieys Hervé ◽  
Ait Houssa Abdelhadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Mineral Deficiency ◽  
P Deficiency ◽  
Plant Parts ◽  
Shoot Dry Weight ◽  
K Deficiency ◽  
Matter Effect

SUMMARYAn experiment has been carried out in order to study the behaviour under mineral deficiency of three sunflower genotypes, a population variety (Oro 9) and two hybrids (Mirasol and Albena). Sunflower seedlings were submitted to five treatments: N deficiency (N0), P deficiency (P0), K deficiency (K0), N and K deficiency (N0K0) and a control. Plants were harvested when they reached 3-4 true pairs of leaves. Growth parameters measured (height, total leaf area, root length, root and shoot dry mater) were all significantly reduced by mineral deficiency. Leaf area was most reduced by N0 (-61%) and P0 (-56%). Total dry matter was most affected by N0 (-63%) and by N0K0 (-66%). Genotype comparisons showed that Oro 9 had the highest shoot dry matter while Albena had the lowest root dry matter. Effect of mineral deficiency on content and partitioning of N, P, K, Ca and Na was significant and varied according to treatments and among plant parts. Shoot dry weight was significantly correlated with root N content (r2=0.81) and root K content (r2=-0.61) for N0 and K0.

scholarly journals Ethnomedical uses, chemical constituents, and evidence-based pharmacological properties of Chenopodium ambrosioides L.: extensive overview

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Félicien Mushagalusa Kasali ◽  
Jonans Tusiimire ◽  
Justin Ntokamunda Kadima ◽  
Amon Ganafa Agaba
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Pharmacological Properties ◽  
Chenopodium Ambrosioides ◽  
Traditional Medicines ◽  
Plant Parts ◽  
Chemical Studies ◽  
Ethnomedicinal Uses ◽  
Significant Health

Abstract Background The Chenopodium genus is a plant family widely spread worldwide that includes various plant species reputed to possess several medicinal virtues in folk medicines. Chenopodium ambrosioides L. is among the most used plants in traditional medicines worldwide. This review aimed to highlight ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical status, and pharmacological properties of C. ambrosioides L. Main body of the abstract The analysis of relevant data highlights various ethnomedicinal uses against human and veterinary diseases in forty countries. Most indications consisted of gastrointestinal tract dysfunctioning troubles and worms parasitemia. Around 330 chemical compounds have been identified in different plant parts, especially in its essential oil fractions (59.84%). However, only a few compounds—mainly monoterpenes and glycosides—have been isolated and characterized. Experimental pharmacological studies validated a large scale of significant health benefits. It appeared that many monoterpenes are antioxidant, insecticidal, trypanocidal, analgesic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, acaricidal, amoebicidal, anthelmintic, anticancer, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, antifertility, antifungal, anti-leishmanial, antimalarial, antipyretic, antisickling, antischistosomal, antiulcer, anxiolytic, immunomodulatory, molluscicidal, and vasorelaxant agents. Short conclusion Thus, the Chenopodium ambrosioides species necessitates further chemical studies to isolate and characterize new bioactive secondary metabolites and pharmacological investigations to precise the mechanisms of action before clinical trials.

scholarly journals A Positive Association of Overactivated Immunity with Metabolic Syndrome Risk and Mitigation of Its Association by a Plant-Based Diet and Physical Activity in a Large Cohort Study

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 2308
Author(s):  
Sunmin Park ◽  
Ting Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
High Hba1c

The association between immunity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been studied, but its interaction with lifestyles remains unclear. We studied their association and interactions with lifestyles in 40,768 adults aged over 40 years from a large-scale, hospital-based cohort study collected during 2010–2013. White blood cell counts (WBC) and serum C-reactive protein concentrations (CRP) were used as indexes of immune status. The participants were categorized into four groups by the cutoff points of 6.2 × 109/L WBC(L-WBC) and <0.5 mg/dL CRP(L-CRP): L-WBC+L-CRP(n = 25,604), H-WBC+L-CRP(n = 13,880), L-WBC+H-CRP(n = 464), and H-WBC+H-CRP(n = 820). The participants in the H-WBC+L-CRP were younger and had higher numbers of males than the L-WBC+L-CRP. MetS risk was higher by 1.75- and 1.86-fold in the H-WBC+L-CRP and H-WBC+H-CRP, respectively, than the L-WBC+L-CRP. MetS components, including plasma glucose and triglyceride concentrations, and SBP were elevated in H-WBC+L-CRP and H-WBC+H-CRP compared with L-WBC+L-CR+P. The risk of hyperglycemia and high HbA1c was the highest in the H-WBC+H-CRP among all groups. Areas of WBC counts and serum CRP concentrations were 0.637 and 0.672, respectively, in the receiver operating characteristic curve. Daily intake of energy, carbohydrate, protein, and fat was not significantly different in the groups based on WBC counts and CRP. However, a plant-based diet (PBD), physical activity, and non-smoking were related to lowering WBC counts and CRP, but a Western-style diet was linked to elevating CRP. A high PBD intake and smoking status interacted with immunity to influence MetS risk: a low PBD and current smoking were associated with a higher MetS risk in the H-WBC+H-CRP. In conclusion, overactivated immunity determined by CRP and WBC was associated with MetS risk. Behavior modification with PBD and physical activity might be related to immunity regulation.

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