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Povzetek: This study analysed urinary mercury (U-Hg) concentrations in 1412 Slovenian children across four human biomonitoring campaigns conducted between 2007 and 2024. Median U-Hg levels declined from 0.76 ng mL−1 (0.72 µg g−1 creatinine) in the 2007 PHIME cohort to 0.22 ng mL−1 (0.21 µg g−1 creatinine) in the 2018–2024 SLO-HBM-II cohort, paralleling a decrease in the prevalence (from 65 to 3%) and the average number of dental amalgam fillings in children. Multilevel mixed-effects models showed a consistent temporal decline in U-Hg that persisted after adjustment for demographic and environmental covariates. In contrast, the inclusion of the amalgam number substantially attenuated the time trend, indicating that reduced amalgam use likely contributed to the observed decrease. As amalgam prevalence fell, other sources of exposure, such as fish consumption, became relatively more prominent predictors of U-Hg, while children living in historically Hg-contaminated areas showed persistently higher levels. Although Slovenia had already phased down dental amalgam in children before ratifying the Minamata Convention, these long-term biomonitoring data illustrate how changes in exposure sources are reflected in internal Hg levels. The study demonstrates the value of repeated national HBM programmes for identifying dominant exposure pathways, investigating their evolution over time, and providing evidence relevant to effectiveness-evaluation frameworks under Article 22 of the Minamata Convention.
Ključne besede: concentrations in blood
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 10.02.2026; Ogledov: 51; Prenosov: 25
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Povzetek: Based on toxicological evidence, human exposure to phthalates (PHs) and diisononylcyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (DINCH) may contribute to adverse health effects, especially during vulnerable developmental stages. To support the exposure assessment for this group of endocrine disruptors, we developed and validated a method for the analysis of 14 PH and 3 DINCH metabolites in human urine and maternal milk, applied the method in a pilot study, and identified crucial obstacles in the path of establishing maternal milk as a routine matrix in human biomonitoring. Urine and milk samples were extracted with solid-phase extraction (SPE) and QuEChERS salts, respectively, and analysed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The method accuracy was confirmed for urine samples via a certified standard reference material and the G-EQUAS intercomparison programme. We identified a need for sampling protocols, reference materials, and external method verification schemes in order to establish maternal milk as a routine matrix. Finally, the method was tested for its applicability in a pilot biomonitoring study on 30 paired urine and milk samples from lactating mothers, with medians ranging from Ključne besede: phthalate metabolites, DINCH, human biomonitoring
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 14.01.2026; Ogledov: 120; Prenosov: 76
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Povzetek: Methylmercury (MeHg) represents the most toxic form of mercury, owing to its ability to permeate both the blood-brain and placental barriers, leading to bioaccumulation in organisms. In the marine food web, MeHg concentrations can reach levels millions of times higher than those found in the surrounding environment, posing significant ecological and human health risks. This review provides a comprehensive overviews and critical evaluation of the available biosensor detection platforms for the detection of MeHg, with a focus on their performance based on key parameters such as (i) sensitivity, (ii) selectivity, (iii) response time, and (iv) adaptability to diverse environmental matrices. We examine recent advancements in MeHg biosensing technologies, emphasizing innovative approaches that surpass current methodologies regarding detection limits, reversibility, response time, and operational stability. Furthermore, we present an in-depth discussion on future directions for the development of in situ MeHg detection platforms, with potential applications in both biomedical and environmental monitoring. The review concludes by outlining the challenges and opportunities for advancing MeHg sensing technologies to enhance real-time detection in aqueous environments.
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 15.12.2025; Ogledov: 826; Prenosov: 93
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Povzetek: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is poorly understood, with causes identified in only 25% of cases. Emerging evidence suggests links between trace elements (TEs) and POI. This study is the first to compare concentrations of manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) across urine, serum, and whole blood in women with POI compared to healthy controls (HC), aiming to explore their distribution and potential associations with POI. This cross-sectional-case-control study enrolled 81 participants (40 POI patients and 41 healthy controls) at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia. Blood and urine samples were collected to quantify basic biochemical parameters using standard clinical chemistry methods and concentrations of Mn, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Participants also completed questionnaires on socio-demographics, medical history, lifestyle, and nutrition. Data was analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test, Student's t-tests, Fisher exact test, logistic regression models adjusted on body mass index (BMI), age, hematocrit, and Kendall's tau correlation. Women with POI had significantly higher BMI and red blood cell (RBC) indices, including hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red cell distribution width (RDW), compared to controls. A larger proportion of POI patients resided in rural agricultural areas. Liver and kidney function assessments showed no significant differences between the groups. Adjusted models revealed that POI patients had significantly lower urinary levels of Cu, Zn, Se, Mo, Cd, Hg, and Pb than controls, while whole blood Mn levels were higher. Serum Cu levels were significantly elevated in POI patients, whereas Pb, Cd, and Hg were lower. No significant differences were observed for As. Correlation analysis showed several strong to moderate associations among TEs across biofluids, but only weak correlations were found between TEs and demographic or biochemical factors. This study suggests potential associations between TEs and POI in women. Notably, most TEs (Zn, Se, Cu, Mo, Cd, Hg, Pb) were significantly lower in the urine of the POI group, while Cu, Cd, Hg, and Pb showed significant differences in both urine and serum.
Ključne besede: premature ovarian insufciency, essential, non-essential trace elements, biofuids, reproductive health
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 12.11.2025; Ogledov: 310; Prenosov: 135
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Povzetek: The National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) developed the NIES CRM No. 13-a, a new certified reference material for human hair, using scalp hair from Asian females. This CRM represents a significant advancement in support of global mercury exposure assessments and offers unparalleled reliability and scope compared with existing materials. We aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the preparation, certification, and application of NIES CRM No. 13-a. In total, 806 bottles (3 g each) were produced, with thorough homogenization ensured through sieving and blending. Certified values for total mercury (1.06 ± 0.07 mg/kg), methylmercury (0.858 ± 0.075 mg/kg), and key trace elements (arsenic, cadmium, lead, selenium, and zinc) were determined through extensive collaborative analyses involving 20 laboratories. Additional reference values were provided for calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, antimony, barium, copper, iron, and manganese. Rigorous stability and homogeneity assessments demonstrated the stability of the CRM for over 10 years and consistency across sample units, even for challenging elements such as selenium. The CRM also includes information values of stable mercury isotope ratios, reflecting their growing importance as exposure tracers. This enhancement in accuracy and traceability facilitates accurate mercury and trace element assessments in human hair, enabling improved biomonitoring of mercury exposure, dietary studies, toxicological evaluations, human health risk evaluations, and regulatory compliance.
Ključne besede: metilirano živo srebro, methylmercury, certified reference material
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 05.09.2025; Ogledov: 435; Prenosov: 179
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