Successful outcome of phytostabilization in Cr(VI) contaminated soils amended with alkalizing additives

This study analysed the effect of three alkalizing soil amendments (limestone, dolomite chalcedonite) on aided phytostabilization with Festuca rubra L. depending on the hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) level in contaminated soil. Four different levels of Cr(VI) were added to the soil (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg). The Cr contents in the plant roots and above-ground parts and the soil (total and extracted Cr by 0.01 M CaCl2) were determined with flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The phytotoxicity of the soil was also determined. Soil amended with chalcedonite significantly increased F. rubra biomass. Chalcedonite and limestone favored a considerable accumulation of Cr in the roots. The application of dolomite and limestone to soil contaminated with Cr(VI) contributed to a significant increase in pH values and was found to be the most effective in reducing total Cr and CaCl2-extracted Cr contents from the soil. F. rubra in combination with a chalcedonite amendment appears to be a promising solution for phytostabilization of Cr(VI)-contaminated areas. The use of this model can contribute to reducing human exposure to Cr(VI) and its associated health risks. © 2020 by the authors.Ministerstwo Nauki i Szkolnictwa Wyższego: MNiS

Long-Term Coffee Consumption Is Associated with Decreased Incidence of New-Onset Hypertension: A Dose–Response Meta-Analysis

Objective: To perform a dose–response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies investigating the association between long-term coffee intake and risk of hypertension. Methods: An online systematic search of studies published up to November 2016 was performed. Linear and non-linear dose–response meta-analyses were conducted; potential evidence of heterogeneity, publication bias, and confounding effect of selected variables were investigated through sensitivity and meta-regression analyses. Results: Seven cohorts including 205,349 individuals and 44,120 cases of hypertension were included. In the non-linear analysis, there was a 9% significant decreased risk of hypertension per seven cups of coffee a day, while, in the linear dose–response association, there was a 1% decreased risk of hypertension for each additional cup of coffee per day. Among subgroups, there were significant inverse associations for females, caffeinated coffee, and studies conducted in the US with longer follow-up. Analysis of potential confounders revealed that smoking-related variables weakened the strength of association between coffee consumption and risk of hypertension. Conclusions: Increased coffee consumption is associated with a modest decrease in risk of hypertension in prospective cohort studies. Smoking status is a potential effect modifier on the association between coffee consumption and risk of hypertension

Long-Term Coffee Consumption Is Associated with Decreased Incidence of New-Onset Hypertension: A Dose–Response Meta-Analysis

Objective: To perform a dose–response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies investigating the association between long-term coffee intake and risk of hypertension. Methods: An online systematic search of studies published up to November 2016 was performed. Linear and non-linear dose–response meta-analyses were conducted; potential evidence of heterogeneity, publication bias, and confounding effect of selected variables were investigated through sensitivity and meta-regression analyses. Results: Seven cohorts including 205,349 individuals and 44,120 cases of hypertension were included. In the non-linear analysis, there was a 9% significant decreased risk of hypertension per seven cups of coffee a day, while, in the linear dose–response association, there was a 1% decreased risk of hypertension for each additional cup of coffee per day. Among subgroups, there were significant inverse associations for females, caffeinated coffee, and studies conducted in the US with longer follow-up. Analysis of potential confounders revealed that smoking-related variables weakened the strength of association between coffee consumption and risk of hypertension. Conclusions: Increased coffee consumption is associated with a modest decrease in risk of hypertension in prospective cohort studies. Smoking status is a potential effect modifier on the association between coffee consumption and risk of hypertension