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Cadmium, arsenic, and mineral nutrients in rice and potential risks for human health in South China.Environmental Science and Pollution... Jul 2023Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important staple food crops worldwide. For people fed on rice, toxic elements cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) and mineral...
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important staple food crops worldwide. For people fed on rice, toxic elements cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) and mineral nutrients in rice are pivotal to evaluate potential risks of harmful element intake and malnutrition. We collected rice samples of 208 cultivars (83 inbred and 125 hybrid) from fields in South China and determined Cd, As, As species, and mineral elements in brown rice. Chemical analysis shows that the average content of Cd and As in brown rice were 0.26 ± 0.32 and 0.21 ± 0.08 mg·kg, respectively. Inorganic As (iAs) was the dominative As species in rice. Rice Cd and iAs in 35.1% and 52.4% of the 208 cultivars exceeded rice Cd and iAs limits, respectively. Significant variations of rice subspecies and regions were found for Cd, As, and mineral nutrients in rice (P < 0.05). Inbred rice had lower As uptake and more balanced mineral nutrition than hybrid species. Significant correlation was observed between Cd, As versus mineral elements like Ca, Zn, B, and Mo (P < 0.05). Health risk assessment indicates that high risks of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic of Cd and iAs, and malnutrition, in particular Ca, protein and Fe deficiencies, might be caused by rice consumption in South China.
Topics: Humans; Cadmium; Arsenic; Oryza; Minerals; Nutrients; Malnutrition; China; Soil Pollutants
PubMed: 37246182
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27857-7 -
Calcified Tissue International Jul 2023Bone is a highly dynamic tissue, and the constant actions of bone-forming and bone-resorbing cells are responsible for attaining peak bone mass, maintaining bone mass in... (Review)
Review
Bone is a highly dynamic tissue, and the constant actions of bone-forming and bone-resorbing cells are responsible for attaining peak bone mass, maintaining bone mass in the adults, and the subsequent bone loss with aging and menopause, as well as skeletal complications of diseases and drug side-effects. It is now accepted that the generation and activity of bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclasts is modulated by osteocytes, osteoblast-derived cells embedded in the bone matrix. The interaction among bone cells occurs through direct contact and via secreted molecules. In addition to the regulation of bone cell function, molecules released by these cells are also able to reach the circulation and have effects in other tissues and organs in healthy individuals. Moreover, bone cell products have also been associated with the establishment or progression of diseases, including cancer and muscle weakness. In this review, we will discuss the role of bone as an endocrine organ, and the effect of selected, osteoblast-, osteocyte-, and osteoclast-secreted molecules on other tissues.
Topics: Humans; Osteocytes; Osteoblasts; Bone and Bones; Osteoclasts; Minerals; Cell Differentiation
PubMed: 37171619
DOI: 10.1007/s00223-023-01091-2 -
Scientific Reports Nov 2023To evaluate the biomimetic remineralization capabilities of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL) extract on coronal dentin and acellular cementum, two different concentrations...
To evaluate the biomimetic remineralization capabilities of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL) extract on coronal dentin and acellular cementum, two different concentrations (50 and 200 mg/ml) of MOL extract loaded in plain varnish (M1 and M2 groups respectively) were compared to fluoride varnish (FL group) and native surface (C group). Eighty sound premolar teeth were collected. Forty teeth (10 teeth in each group) were used for coronal dentin testing while the other forty (10 teeth in each group) were used for acellular cementum testing. Teeth in M1, M2, and FL groups were etched for 30 s and then received the specific varnish treatment. All samples were immersed in artificial saliva for 14 days and then collected, dried, and examined by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Histologically, FL group showed mineral deposition as discrete vesicular granules of various sizes on the surface of both coronal dentin and acellular cementum. Mineral deposition only occurred on some DTs openings while opened tubules remained. The surface of the acellular cementum revealed regular grooves, micro-fissures, and cracks. In the M1 and M2 groups, mineral deposition appeared as a homogenous continuous layer on coronal dentin and acellular cementum. Only a few DTs and cementum fissures were not filled completely. In L.S. sections of the coronal one-third, the DTs appeared almost sealed with varying lengths of mineral deposition. EDX results statistical analysis showed that the M2 group had the highest phosphate ions (P) and calcium ions (Ca) at%. MOL has an extraordinary effect on the remineralization of coronal dentin and acellular cementum. It would have a promising ability to control dentinal hypersensitivity and formation of biomimetic cementum tissue.
Topics: Dentin; Moringa oleifera; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Bicuspid; Fluorides; Minerals
PubMed: 37935743
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46656-1 -
International Journal of Molecular... Dec 2023Calcium research, since its pivotal discovery in the early 1800s through the heating of limestone, has led to the identification of its multi-functional roles. These... (Review)
Review
Calcium research, since its pivotal discovery in the early 1800s through the heating of limestone, has led to the identification of its multi-functional roles. These include its functions as a reducing agent in chemical processes, structural properties in shells and bones, and significant role in cells relating to this review: cellular signaling. Calcium signaling involves the movement of calcium ions within or between cells, which can affect the electrochemical gradients between intra- and extracellular membranes, ligand binding, enzyme activity, and other mechanisms that determine cell fate. Calcium signaling in muscle, as elucidated by the sliding filament model, plays a significant role in muscle contraction. However, as organisms age, alterations occur within muscle tissue. These changes include sarcopenia, loss of neuromuscular junctions, and changes in mineral concentration, all of which have implications for calcium's role. Additionally, a field of study that has gained recent attention, cellular senescence, is associated with aging and disturbed calcium homeostasis, and is thought to affect sarcopenia progression. Changes seen in calcium upon aging may also be influenced by its crosstalk with other minerals such as iron and zinc. This review investigates the role of calcium signaling in aging muscle and cellular senescence. We also aim to elucidate the interactions among calcium, iron, and zinc across various cells and conditions, ultimately deepening our understanding of calcium signaling in muscle aging.
Topics: Humans; Calcium; Sarcopenia; Cellular Senescence; Minerals; Muscle, Skeletal; Iron; Zinc
PubMed: 38069357
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317034 -
Environmental Research Aug 2023Mineral specimens and mineral reference materials should be understood to be mixtures of various mineral species and the properties of each individual species will...
Mineral specimens and mineral reference materials should be understood to be mixtures of various mineral species and the properties of each individual species will likely represent a range of quantifiable values and qualitative characteristics. The use of incompletely characterized mineral specimens may introduce significant uncontrolled variables in any experiment. Any mineral characterization should include an understanding of the bulk properties of the specimen as well as microanalytical and crystallographic characterization of individual mineral phases. This characterization should comprise a range of length scales to accommodate naked-eye level observations up to electron microscopic observations and analyses. Large spatial scale observations are useful to describe the physical properties of the material and understand the scale of inhomogeneities that may be present in a mineral sample. Microanalysis provides critical compositional and crystallographic information for mineral identification. It is critical to recognize where gaps might exist in the data produced during the characterization of a material and if those gaps are critical to evaluating the effect those minerals might have on the result of a given experiment. Likewise, it is critical to understand the interplay of various minerals that might be present in a sample other than the specific mineral of interest. The accessory minerals that are present, even if only trace amounts, could have a major impact and need to be isolated, or their impact accounted for in the interpretation of results. Dimensional characterization of particulate produced from a mineral specimen is important, but not as simple a task as it might appear. Dimensional data can be produced through any of several microscopic techniques, each with specific limitations and potential to be biased due to sample preparation technique. This understanding of the full composition of a mineral specimen cannot be obtained through rudimentary examination and it cannot be taken for granted that it has been performed by the supplier of the specimen.
Topics: Minerals; Dust
PubMed: 36965794
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114528 -
Small (Weinheim An Der Bergstrasse,... Jan 2024Bone mineralization is a ubiquitous process among vertebrates that involves a dynamic physical/chemical interplay between the organic and inorganic components of bone... (Review)
Review
Bone mineralization is a ubiquitous process among vertebrates that involves a dynamic physical/chemical interplay between the organic and inorganic components of bone tissues. It is now well documented that carbonated apatite, an inorganic component of bone, is proceeded through transient amorphous mineral precursors that transforms into the crystalline mineral phase. Here, the evolution on mineral precursors from their sources to the terminus in the bone mineralization process is reviewed. How organisms tightly control each step of mineralization to drive the formation, stabilization, and phase transformation of amorphous mineral precursors in the right place, at the right time, and rate are highlighted. The paradigm shifts in biomineralization and biomaterial design strategies are intertwined, which promotes breakthroughs in biomineralization-inspired material. The design principles and implementation methods of mineral precursor-based biomaterials in bone graft materials such as implant coatings, bone cements, hydrogels, and nanoparticles are detailed in the present manuscript. The biologically controlled mineralization mechanisms will hold promise for overcoming the barriers to the application of biomineralization-inspired biomaterials.
Topics: Animals; Calcification, Physiologic; Biomimetics; Minerals; Bone and Bones; Biocompatible Materials
PubMed: 37621037
DOI: 10.1002/smll.202207951 -
Zeitschrift Fur Naturforschung. C,... Jul 2023In this study, the fatty acid, carbohydrate, and mineral profiles and proximate composition of , , , , , and brown macroalgae collected from Türkiye seas were...
In this study, the fatty acid, carbohydrate, and mineral profiles and proximate composition of , , , , , and brown macroalgae collected from Türkiye seas were determined. According to the results, the ash and total carbohydrate contents of all macroalgae ranged from 20.79 to 53.49% in dry weight (dw) and from 15.32 to 55.13% dw, respectively. Their protein, lipid and crude fiber contents changed between 4.22 and 9.89% dw, 0.25 and 0.90% dw, and 12.28 and 16.01% dw, respectively. Palmitic acid (29.36-48.55% dw) and oleic acid (8.92-20.92% dw) were at the highest levels in all brown macroalgae. In addition, they included prominent levels of saturated fatty acids (51.87-69.56% dw of total fatty acid content). Magnesium (6.97-18.78 mg/kg dw), potassium (1.34-3.78 mg/kg dw), iron (1.27-8.24 mg/kg dw), and manganese (63.10-252.23 μg/kg dw) were found to be the major minerals. The main soluble carbohydrates of macroalgae were found to be mannitol (1149.99-8676.31 mg/kg dw), glucose (368.78-1305.59 mg/kg dw), myo-inositol (225.96-956.78 mg/kg dw), fructose (137.05-689.21 mg/kg dw), and sucrose (189.55-328.06 mg/kg dw). This study revealed that brown macroalgae are particularly rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, and zinc and they may have potential for use in the food industry.
Topics: Fatty Acids; Seaweed; Manganese; Magnesium; Minerals; Carbohydrates; Phaeophyceae; Iron; Potassium
PubMed: 36814174
DOI: 10.1515/znc-2022-0195 -
Acta Biomaterialia Jan 2024Pulp capping is a necessary procedure for preserving the vitality and health of the dental pulp, playing a crucial role in preventing the need for root canal treatment...
Pulp capping is a necessary procedure for preserving the vitality and health of the dental pulp, playing a crucial role in preventing the need for root canal treatment or tooth extraction. Here, we developed an electrospun gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) fibrous scaffold incorporating beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) particles for pulp capping. A comprehensive morphological, physical-chemical, and mechanical characterization of the engineered fibrous scaffolds was performed. In vitro bioactivity, cell compatibility, and odontogenic differentiation potential of the scaffolds in dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) were also evaluated. A pre-clinical in vivo model was used to determine the therapeutic role of the GelMA/TCP scaffolds in promoting hard tissue formation. Morphological, chemical, and thermal analyses confirmed effective TCP incorporation in the GelMA nanofibers. The GelMA+20%TCP nanofibrous scaffold exhibited bead-free morphology and suitable mechanical and degradation properties. In vitro, GelMA+20%TCP scaffolds supported apatite-like formation, improved cell spreading, and increased deposition of mineralization nodules. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of ALPL, RUNX2, COL1A1, and DMP1 in the presence of TCP-laden scaffolds. In vivo, analyses showed mild inflammatory reaction upon scaffolds' contact while supporting mineralized tissue formation. Although the levels of Nestin and DMP1 proteins did not exceed those associated with the clinical reference treatment (i.e., mineral trioxide aggregate), the GelMA+20%TCP scaffold exhibited comparable levels, thus suggesting the emergence of differentiated odontoblast-like cells capable of dentin matrix secretion. Our innovative GelMA/TCP scaffold represents a simplified and efficient alternative to conventional pulp-capping biomaterials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Vital pulp therapy (VPT) aims to preserve dental pulp vitality and avoid root canal treatment. Biomaterials that bolster mineralized tissue regeneration with ease of use are still lacking. We successfully engineered gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) electrospun scaffolds incorporated with beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) for VPT. Notably, electrospun GelMA-based scaffolds containing 20% (w/v) of TCP exhibited favorable mechanical properties and degradation, cytocompatibility, and mineralization potential indicated by apatite-like structures in vitro and mineralized tissue deposition in vivo, although not surpassing those associated with the standard of care. Collectively, our innovative GelMA/TCP scaffold represents a simplified alternative to conventional pulp capping materials such as MTA and Biodentine™ since it is a ready-to-use biomaterial, requires no setting time, and is therapeutically effective.
Topics: Tissue Scaffolds; Cells, Cultured; Biocompatible Materials; Cell Differentiation; Apatites; Dental Pulp
PubMed: 37939819
DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.11.005 -
PeerJ 2024Clonal organisms like reef building corals exhibit a wide variety of colony morphologies and geometric shapes which can have many physiological and ecological...
Clonal organisms like reef building corals exhibit a wide variety of colony morphologies and geometric shapes which can have many physiological and ecological implications. Colony geometry can dictate the relationship between dimensions of volume, surface area, and length, and their associated growth parameters. For calcifying organisms, there is the added dimension of two distinct components of growth, biomass production and calcification. For reef building coral, basic geometric shapes can be used to model the inherent mathematical relationships between various growth parameters and how colony geometry determines which relationships are size-dependent or size-independent. Coral linear extension rates have traditionally been assumed to be size-independent. However, even with a constant calcification rate, extension rates can vary as a function of colony size by virtue of its geometry. Whether the ratio between mass and surface area remains constant or changes with colony size is the determining factor. For some geometric shapes, the coupling of biomass production (proportional to surface area productivity) and calcification (proportional to volume) can cause one aspect of growth to geometrically constrain the other. The nature of this relationship contributes to a species' life history strategy and has important ecological implications. At one extreme, thin diameter branching corals can maximize growth in surface area and resource acquisition potential, but this geometry requires high biomass production to cover the fast growth in surface area. At the other extreme, growth in large, hemispheroidal corals can be constrained by calcification. These corals grow surface area relatively slowly, thereby retaining a surplus capacity for biomass production which can be allocated towards other anabolic processes. For hemispheroidal corals, the rate of surface area growth rapidly decreases as colony size increases. This ontogenetic relationship underlies the success of microfragmentation used to accelerate restoration of coral cover. However, ontogenetic changes in surface area productivity only applies to certain coral geometries where surface area to volume ratios decrease with colony size.
Topics: Animals; Calcification, Physiologic; Calcinosis; Anthozoa; Biomass; Life History Traits
PubMed: 38436029
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17037 -
Environmental Research Aug 2023Exposure to asbestos and asbestos-like minerals has been related to the development of severe lung diseases, including cancer and malignant mesothelioma (MM). A high...
Exposure to asbestos and asbestos-like minerals has been related to the development of severe lung diseases, including cancer and malignant mesothelioma (MM). A high incidence of non-occupational MM was observed in New Caledonia (France) in people living in proximity of serpentinite outcrops, containing chrysotile and fibrous antigorite. Antigorite is a magnesium silicate, which shares with chrysotile asbestos the chemical formula. To achieve information on antigorite toxicity, we investigated the physico-minero-chemical features relevant for toxicity and cellular effects elicited on murine macrophages (MH-S) and alveolar epithelial cells (A549) of three fibrous antigorites (f-Atg) collected in a Caledonian nickel lateritic ore and subjected to supergene alteration. Field Atg were milled to obtain samples suitable for toxicological studies with a similar particle size distribution. UICC chrysotile (Ctl) and a non-fibrous antigorite (nf-Atg) were used as reference minerals. A high variability in toxicity was observed depending on shape, chemical alteration, and surface reactivity. The antigorites shared with Ctl a similar surface area (16.3, 12.1, 20.3, 13.4, and 15.6 m/g for f-Atg1, 2, 3, nf-Atg, and Ctl). f-Atg showed different level of pedogenetic weathering (Ni depletion f-Atg1 ≪ f-Atg2 and 3) and contained about 50% of elongated mineral particles, some of which exhibited high aspect ratios (AR > 10 μm, 20%, 26%, 31% for f-Atg1, 2, and 3, respectively). The minerals differed in bio-accessible iron at pH 4.5 (f-Atg1 ≪ f-Atg3, < f-Atg2, nf-Atg < Ctl), and surface reactivity (ROS release in solution, f-Atg1 ≪ f-Atg2, 3, nf-Atg, and Ctl). f-Atg2 and f-Atg3 induced oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory responses, while the less altered, poorly reactive sample (f-Atg1) induced negligible effects, as well nf-Atg. The slow dissolution kinetics observed in simulated body fluids may signal a high biopersistence. Overall, our work revealed a significative cellular toxicity of f-Atg that correlates with fibrous habit and surface reactivity.
Topics: Humans; Mice; Animals; Asbestos, Serpentine; New Caledonia; Asbestos; Minerals; Silicates
PubMed: 36525994
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115046