Comparison of Bone Tissue Elements Between Normal and Osteoarthritic Pelvic Bones in Dogs

Evaluation of the Concentration of Selected Elements in the Serum of Patients with Degenerative Stenosis of the Lumbosacral Spine

In humans, 23 elements have been shown to have biological activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), and calcium (Ca) in the serum of patients diagnosed with lumbar degenerative stenosis when compared to the concentrations of those elements in the serum of healthy volunteers. The study group consisted of 60 patients who were diagnosed with degenerative stenosis of the lumbosacral spine and who qualified for hemilaminectomy. The control group included 60 healthy volunteers without degenerative spinal stenosis. The clinical specimens studied had sera collected from both groups. The quantitative analysis of the selected elements revealed statistically significant (p < 0.05) lower concentrations of Zn (740 ± 110 µg/L vs. 880 ± 160 µg/L) and Mg (22,091 ± 4256 µg/L vs. 24,100 ± 4210 µg/L) in the serum of the patients from the study group when compared to the controls. By contrast, K (16,230 µg/L ± 1210 µg/L vs. 13,210 µg/L ± 1060 µg/L) and Fe (141.87 µg/L ± 11.22 µg/L vs. 109.1 µg/L ± 26.43 µg/L) levels were significantly higher in the study group compared to the controls (p < 0.05). No statistically significant changes were detected in the concentrations of the assessed micronutrients and macronutrients in both sexes in either the study group, the control group, or those based on body mass index (p > 0.05). In the serum samples from the study group, the strongest correlations were noted between the concentrations. In the study group, we showed a significant relationship between the levels of Fe/Zn (r = 0.41), Fe/Na (r = 0.41), Fe/P (r = 0.55), Zn/P (r = 0.68), Zn/K (r = 0.48), Zn/Ca (r = 0.94), Mg/Ca (r = 0.79), and Na/K (r = 0.67). We showed that only Mg concentration varied statistically significantly with the severity of pain (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the assessment of Fe, Zn, Mg, and K concentrations can be helpful in predicting the onset of degenerative changes in the spine.

Evaluation of the concentration of selected elements in serum patients with intervertebral disc degeneration

Quantitative analysis of the trace element content of human intervertebral discs (IVDs) is essential because it can identify specific enzymes or metabolites that may be related to human intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). The goal of this study was to assess the concentrations of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and calcium (Ca) in serum samples obtained from patients with IVDD in comparison to healthy volunteers (a control group). The study group consisted of 113 Caucasian patients qualified by a specialist neurosurgeon for microdiscectomy. The control group consisted of 113 healthy volunteers who met the eligibility criteria for blood donors. The examined clinical material was the serum samples obtained from both groups.Based on the quantitative analysis of selected elements, there were statistically significantly (p 0.05) higher concentrations of Cu (1180 μg/L±800 μg/L vs. 1230 μg/L±750 μg/L), Zn (790 μg/L±300 μg/L vs. 850 μg/L±200 μg/L), and Mg (21730 μg/L±4360 μg/L vs. 23820 μg/L±4990 μg/L) in the serum of healthy volunteers compared to those in the study group. In addition, statistically significant changes were not detected in the concentrations of any elements among either sex in either the study or control group or in their body mass index (BMI) values (p > 0.05). In the serum samples from the study group, the strongest relationships were noted between the concentrations of Zn and Pb (r = 0.61), Zn and P (r = 0.69), Zn and Ca (r = 0.84), Zn and Cu (r = 0.83), Mg and Ca (r = 0.74), and Ca and P (r = 0.98).It has been indicated that, above all, the concentrations of Cu, Zn, Ca, and Mg depend on the advancement of radiological changes, according to the Pfirrmann scale. However, no influence on pain intensity was found, depending on the concentration of the assessed elements.The analysis indicates that the determination of serum Cu, Zn, Ca, and Mg concentrations may have diagnostic significance in predicting the onset of lumbosacral IVDD. The predictive evaluation of changes in the concentrations of selected elements in patients with degenerative lumbar IVD lesions appears to be a promising, cost-effective strategy.

Changes in Elements and Relationships among Elements in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a complex and progressive process of disc aging. One of the most important causes of changes in the internal environment, leading to IVDD, can be changes in the concentration of individual metal elements. This study aimed to analyze the concentrations of copper, iron, manganese, lead, zinc, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium in the degenerated intervertebral discs of the lumbosacral spine, compared to healthy intervertebral discs. The study group (S) consisted of 113 Caucasian patients, qualified by a specialist surgeon for IVDD of the lumbosacral spine. The control group (C) consisted of 81 individuals. The biological material was obtained from Caucasian human cadavers during post-mortem examination. The concentrations of individual elements were assessed using inductively coupled plasma−optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Statistically significant differences in the concentrations of microelements, depending on the degree of pain intensity, were noted for only potassium (p < 0.05). Statistically significant differences in the concentrations of the assessed microelements, depending on the degree of radiological advancement of the lesions, were noted for copper and iron (p < 0.05). In the degenerated intervertebral discs, the strongest relationships were noted between the concentrations of zinc and lead (r = 0.67; p < 0.05), zinc and phosphorus (r = 0.74; p < 0.05), and zinc and calcium (r = 0.77; p < 0.05). It has been indicated that, above all, the concentrations of copper and iron depend on the advancement of radiological changes, according to the Pfirrmann scale; however, no influence on the pain intensity, depending on the concentration of the assessed elements, was found.

Assessment of the Socioeconomic Status and Analysis of the Factors Motivating Patients to Apply for Prosthetic Treatment by Students of Dentistry at the Poznań University of Medical Sciences

This study aimed to determine the motives for undertaking prosthetic treatment at the Prosthetics Clinic of the Poznan University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), pursued by fifth- and sixth-year medicine and dentistry students. The survey consisted of 18 questions, of which 1 to 11 concerned general patient data, while questions 12 to 18 concerned prosthetic treatment. The only open question in the questionnaire was one regarding the motives for the decision to receive treatment. The study group consisted of 153 patients (102 women—66.67% and 51 men—33.33%) of the Prosthetic Clinic. After collecting a total of 200 questionnaires, rejecting 47 (23.50%) due to the lack of answers to all questions (other than question 18), a total of 153 completed (76.50%) questionnaires were obtained. The main motivating factors for patients to undertake prosthetic treatment are functional and aesthetic considerations. In addition, it turned out, that the authority of the university unit is of greater importance than financial issues. Additionally, some patients undergo treatment by students because they can see positive aspects in it, both for them and for students. Hence, the evaluation of the treatment provided by students, as well as their communication skills and their attitude, are rated very highly, although, again, the evaluation was influenced by the education level.

Elemental Composition in Female Dry Femora Using Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF): Association with Age and Osteoporosis

Pathophysiological conditions can modify the skeletal chemical concentration. This study analyzes the elemental composition in two anatomical regions from dry femoral bone using a portable X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF) and evaluates its impact in the bone mineral density (BMD). The left femora of 97 female skeletons (21-95 years old individuals) from the Coimbra Identified Skeletal Collection were studied. Diagenetic biases were discarded at the outset and BMD was determined with Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Chemical measurements were performed at the midpoint of the femoral neck and at the midshaft using a pXRF device, and comparisons were made considering the age and the BMD values. Only elements with a Technical Measurement Error ≤ 5% were selected: P, S, Ca, Fe, Zn, As, Sr, Pb and the Ca/P ratio. Statistically significant differences were found between regions, with higher concentrations of P, Ca, Zn and S at the midshaft, and the Ca/P ratio at the femoral neck. The concentration of P is higher in individuals < 50 years, while S and Ca/P ratio increase in individuals ≥ 50 years. The decrease of P with age can be simultaneously related to the decline of its concentration in osteoporosis. Decreased BMD is also associated with higher levels of S and Pb. Osteoporosis enhances the absorption of osteolytic elements in specific locations. This fast and non-destructive technique has proved effective for the comprehension of chemical changes related to bone mass loss. This study highlights the potential of identified skeletal collections to improve the knowledge about bone fragility.

Comparison of Bone Tissue Trace Element Content in the Different Radiological Stages of Hip Osteoarthritis

Bone metabolism and the trace element content associated with it change at each stage of degenerative disease. The aim of this study was to find out about the role of the analyzed elements in different stages of hip osteoarthritis. Elements associated with oxidative and enzymatic processes were analyzed depending on the changes in the radiological images of the hip joint. Element content analysis was performed by the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analytical technique. The femoral head in severely osteoarthritic hips (KL3-4) compared to mild grade osteoarthritis (KL2) had a greater content of Cu (median 1.04 vs. 0.04), Sr (median 38.71 vs. 29.59), and Zn (median 75.12 vs. 63.21). There were no significant differences in the content of Mo, Cr, and Fe in the femoral head and neck between the groups. The Cu/Fe correlation was negative in the KL2 group (-0.47) and positive in the KL3-4 groups (0.45). Changes in the content and correlation of trace elements in the hip joint explain the changes in metabolism dependent on the severity of degenerative changes.

Elemental Distribution in Animal Carpal and Tarsal Bones Using Differences in X-ray Fluorescence Energy

Little is known as to whether different operating voltages of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) can affect the accuracy rate for species identification. Here, we have addressed this question by comparing the rate of correct species identification using the elemental composition of either the carpal or tarsal bone obtained from a determination of the different energy values of XRF at 15 and 50 kV using energy-dispersive XRF (ED-XRF). Carpal bones were taken from 16 species and tarsal bones from 11 of these species. The data on the elemental profiles were analyzed by stepwise discriminant analysis for species discrimination. The classification results indicated that 94.1% and 63.7% of the originally grouped cases were correctly classified as carpal bones using 15 kV and 50 kV, respectively. Additionally, 69.4% and 77.3% of the originally grouped cases were correctly classified as tarsal bones using 15 kV and 50 kV, respectively. When the datasets of the elemental profiles obtained using two operating voltages were gathered, the classification results of the prediction rate appeared to be more accurate at 89.7% and 90.7% in the carpal and tarsal bones, respectively. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the elemental profiles of bones obtained using two operating voltages could effectively facilitate accurate species discrimination.

Diagnostic Value of Energy Dispersive Hand-Held X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry in Determining Trace Element Concentrations in Ovine Liver

There are no data available on the use of hand-held X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry to determine trace element concentrations in veterinary diagnostics. The hand-held XRF spectrometer is easy to use and does not require extensive training for the operator. In Sub-Saharan Africa with few centralised analytical laboratories equipped with expensive apparatus or mass spectrometry capabilities, trace element analysis using the hand-held XRF spectrometer provides an alternative. The objective of this study was to compare ovine hepatic copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) concentrations as obtained with the hand-held XRF spectrometer to those of a reference laboratory using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Thirty ovine livers were obtained from an abattoir; prepared as wet blended and oven-dried samples and analysed. Bayesian correlation was used to assess the correspondence between results from the XRF and ICP-MS analyses. The oven-dried preparation procedure for XRF provided the best correlation with the ICP-MS data. The correlations for Cu and Zn were strong and the XRF method may represent a suitable substitute for ICP-MS analysis. For Mn and Fe the correlations were moderately strong and the XRF method may be suitable. For Mo, the correlation was weak and XRF cannot be recommended. Selenium could not be detected in samples prepared by either method. Hand-held XRF spectrometry was a practical method to determine liver concentrations of specific trace elements under African conditions and may significantly reduce the turn-around time of analysis, but unfortunately the apparatus is expensive.

The Distribution of Elements in 48 Canine Compact Bone Types Using Handheld X-Ray Fluorescence

A major question when we talk about the elements in the bone is whether all bones contain the same elements. To answer this question, this study was designed for determination of the elemental levels in 48 various canine compact bones using handheld X-ray fluorescence technique. From a total of 26 elements that could be detected, only 13 elements were found in all 48 bones. The sternum and os penis were significantly different from the other bones in that they contained the highest number of elements. The ratio of Ca and P was significantly different when comparing certain bones: there was a higher Ca/P ratio in the patella (right), calcaneus (right and left), and sternum compared with a lower ratio in the radius (left), rib (left), phalanx (left forelimb), and carpus (left). These results are the first to demonstrate that different types of bones have different elemental profiles, even for major elements such as Ca and P. Moreover, the Ca/P ratio was also different between bone types. This data is important for the selection of bones appropriate to the element studied. In addition, the results proved that the elements were not equally distributed in every bone in the body.

Preliminary Study to Test the Feasibility of Sex Identification of Human (Homo sapiens) Bones Based on Differences in Elemental Profiles Determined by Handheld X-ray Fluorescence

Sex assignment of human remains is a crucial step in forensic anthropological studies. The aim of this study was to examine elemental differences between male and female bones using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and determine if elemental profiling could be used for sex discrimination. Cranium, humerus, and os coxae of 60 skeletons (30 male, 30 female) from the Chiang Mai University Skeletal Collection were scanned by XRF and differences in elemental profiles between male and female bones determined using discriminant analysis. In the cranium, three elements (S, Ca, Pb) were significantly higher in males and five elements (Si, Mn, Fe, Zn, Ag) plus light elements (atomic number lower than 12) were higher in females. In humerus and os coxae, nine elements were significantly higher in male and one element was higher in female samples. The accuracy rate for sex estimation was 60, 63, and 61 % for cranium, humerus, and os coxae, respectively, and 67 % when data for all three bones were combined. We conclude that there are sex differences in bone elemental profiles; however, the accuracy of XRF analyses for discriminating between male and female samples was low compared to standard morphometric and molecular methods. XRF could be used on small samples that cannot be sexed by traditional morphological methods, but more work is needed to increase the power of this technique for gender assignment.

Anatomy, histology and elemental profile of long bones and ribs of the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus)

This study evaluated the morphology and elemental composition of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) bones (humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, fibula and rib). Computerized tomography was used to image the intraosseous structure, compact bones were processed using histological techniques, and elemental profiling of compact bone was conducted using X-ray fluorescence. There was no clear evidence of an open marrow cavity in any of the bones; rather, dense trabecular bone was found in the bone interior. Compact bone contained double osteons in the radius, tibia and fibula. The osteon structure was comparatively large and similar in all bones, although the lacuna area was greater (P < 0.05) in the femur and ulna. Another finding was that nutrient foramina were clearly present in the humerus, ulna, femur, tibia and rib. Twenty elements were identified in elephant compact bone. Of these, ten differed significantly across the seven bones: Ca, Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Zr, Ag, Cd, Sn and Sb. Of particular interest was the finding of a significantly larger proportion of Fe in the humerus, radius, fibula and ribs, all bones without an open medullary cavity, which is traditionally associated with bone marrow for blood cell production. In conclusion, elephant bones present special characteristics, some of which may be important to hematopoiesis and bone strength for supporting a heavy body weight.

Elemental Analysis of Bone, Teeth, Horn and Antler in Different Animal Species Using Non-Invasive Handheld X-Ray Fluorescence

Mineralized tissues accumulate elements that play crucial roles in animal health. Although elemental content of bone, blood and teeth of human and some animal species have been characterized, data for many others are lacking, as well as species comparisons. Here we describe the distribution of elements in horn (Bovidae), antler (Cervidae), teeth and bone (humerus) across a number of species determined by handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to better understand differences and potential biological relevance. A difference in elemental profiles between horns and antlers was observed, possibly due to the outer layer of horns being comprised of keratin, whereas antlers are true bone. Species differences in tissue elemental content may be intrinsic, but also related to feeding habits that contribute to mineral accumulation, particularly for toxic heavy metals. One significant finding was a higher level of iron (Fe) in the humerus bone of elephants compared to other species. This may be an adaptation of the hematopoietic system by distributing Fe throughout the bone rather than the marrow, as elephant humerus lacks a marrow cavity. We also conducted discriminant analysis and found XRF was capable of distinguishing samples from different species, with humerus bone being the best source for species discrimination. For example, we found a 79.2% correct prediction and success rate of 80% for classification between human and non-human humerus bone. These findings show that handheld XRF can serve as an effective tool for the biological study of elemental composition in mineralized tissue samples and may have a forensic application.