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Phytoprostanes and phytofurans are derived from peroxidation of α-linolenic acid (ALA) the main polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) found in higher plants. These compounds are considered as excellent biomarkers of oxidative degradation and have demonstrated a wide range of biological activities (e.g. protection of neuronal cells against stress, anti-inflammatory). In the present work, these new active oxylipins, were detected for the first time in Acacia cyanophylla seeds collected in Tunisia from 7 ecotypes, using LC-MS/MS technology. The main PhytoP found was ent-9-L1-PhytoP, ranged from 3.30 ng/g (N-OB ecotype) to 19.14 ng/g (B-ZO ecotype). Three PhytoFs were detected with significantly higher values than PhytoPs. Multivariate analyses indicated a significant differentiation between compounds attributed to variation in climatic factors. This first complete PhytoP and PhytoF profile shows that Acacia cyanophylla Lindl. seeds could be as a new source of bioactive compounds for therapeutic and pharmaceutical applications.

The use of organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) has been on the rise ever since many brominated flame retardants were banned, back in the 2000 s. The objectives of this study are to describe the pre- and post-natal exposure of children to OPFRs, and to explore their possible determinants. A total of 259 children aged 3.5 years and 388 mothers from the French ELFE mother–child cohort were included. Both pre- and post-natal exposure to OPFRs were assessed, using OPFR concentrations in the hair of pregnant women (in 2011) and their 3.5-year-old children (in 2014–2015) for 15 OPFRs, of which 9 were detected in > 20 % hair samples. The highest geometric means for pre-natal exposure were 272 ng/g for tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP), 69.7 ng/g for ng/g for triphenyl phosphate (TPP) and 54.4 ng/g for tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP). The highest geometric means for post-natal exposure were 249.6 ng/g for TCPP, 85.3 ng/g for TDCPP and 83.8 ng/g for 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP). Correlations were found between both pre-natal exposures, and between pre-and post-natal exposures. No correlation was however found between pre-and post-natal exposures for any given OPFR. Pre-natal exposure to the 9 OPFRs was associated with pre-natal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers 209 (BDE209), and 47 (BDE47). Maternal BMI was associated with pre-natal exposure to OPFRs other than TBEP. Home renovation work prior to birth was also associated with pre-natal exposure to OPFRs, with the exception of EHDPP, tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP) and triethyl phosphate (TEP). Determinants of post-natal exposure appeared more disparate across OPFRs; although both the type of flooring in children’s rooms and pre-natal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers seem to be associated with post-natal exposure. Lastly, higher socioeconomic status appeared to be associated with lower exposure for several (though not all) OPFRs.The high prevalence of exposure to OPFRs suggests the need for studies to assess the health effects of OPFRs exposure, particularly on children.

In this study, the environmental fate of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tropical lake sediments and their potential sources have been discussed. 15 PAHs (i.e. ΣPAH) have been investigated in two lakes, namely Songkhla Lake (SKL) and Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake (NHL), which are located at the southern and north-eastern parts of Thailand, respectively. Since these two lakes are registered as important wetlands under the Ramsar convention (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization: UNESCO), the quantitative identification of potential contributors of PAHs is an inevitable analytical tool for launching an evidence-based policy. The ΣPAH concentrations observed in SKL and NHL sediments (n = 135) were in the range of 19.4–1,218 ng g−1 and 94.5–1,112 ng g−1, respectively. While the exponential decline of ΣPAH contents were detected in SKL sediments, NHL showed a trend of enhancing PAH contents with depth. The averaged benzo [a]pyrene (B [a]P) contents of surface sediments in both lakes were much below the value stipulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) guidelines for carcinogen risk assessment. Based on numerous multivariate statistical techniques coupled with source apportionment analysis, “biomass burning” and “anthropogenic activities” are two potential contributors of the PAHs detected in the study areas. To achieve the long-term conservation of nature with related ecosystem services and cultural values, it is therefore important to promote decision-making based on ecotoxicological studies of carcinogenic substances.

Due to the wide existence of neonicotinoid insecticides (neonics) and their potential impact on ecosystems and human health, they have received special attention in recent years. Soil is not only a sink of neonics but also a source of neonics, so it plays a key role in the ubiquity of neonics in the environment. The purpose of this research was to compare neonics residues in soils of different types of land use and estimate their exposure to different populations via ingestion. A total of 130 soil samples from six different types were collected. The concentrations of seven neonics in soil were simultaneous determined using isotope-dilution ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed that at least one neonic was analyzed in all samples. The highest average concentration was 3.42 ng/g (clothianidin), followed by 3.39 ng/g (thiamethoxam), 3.06 ng/g (acetamiprid), 2.84 ng/g (imidacloprid), 2.66 ng/g (nitenpyram), 2.43 ng/g (thiacloprid), and 1.89 ng/g (dinotefuran). IMI and ACE were the most commonly found neonics in soil. The neonic levels in different soils varied significantly. The integrated neonic residue in cropland was much higher than that in other types of land. The risk assessment revealed that the average daily dose (ADD) through ingestion contact with soil was acceptable to children and adults. With the increasing evidence that neonics could cause a variety of toxic effects on mammals and humans, ingestion exposure caused by neonics in soil should also receive continuous attention in future studies.

The objective of this work was to determine the spatial distribution and temporal trend (2010–2019) of organochlorine compounds (OCs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), in wild mussels from several Galician Rías (estuaries). Some of them, like the northernmost estuaries, were studied for the first time. OCs were determined by GC-ECD and confirmed by GC-MS/MS. SPCB levels (sum of PCBs 31, 28, 52, 101, 118, 153, 105, 138, 156, 180) were found in the range 7.2–263.1 ng/g dw (dry weight) and SDDt levels (sum of pp´- DDT, op´-DDT, pp´-DDE and pp´-DDD) in the range 2.5–18.8 ng/g dw. PCB levels were below European limits. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed some relationship between of OC levels and biological parameters (lipid content and condition index). Principal component analysis (PCA) reported a geographical characterization of Rías Altas and Rías Baixas and relationships between PCB congeners that revealed a similar pattern of entry. Legal restrictions on the production and use of PCBs and OCPs have led to a steady decline in OCs over the period under study (2010–2019).

Human exposure to carcinogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene, from hand sanitizers is a topic of current concern. In light of the heavy use of hand sanitizers during the COVID-19 pandemic, determination of exposure to toxicants present in these products deserves attention. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had set an interim limit for benzene in alcohol-based hand sanitizers at 2000 parts-per-billion (ppb). We determined the concentrations of and exposure to three VOCs namely, benzene, toluene and styrene, in 200 hand sanitizers using high-resolution gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC-HRMS). Benzene, toluene and styrene were found in 31%, 25% and 32%, respectively, of the samples analyzed at mean concentrations of 395 (range: 0.181–22,300), 164 (range: 0.074–20,700) and 61.3 ng/g (range: 0.082–4200 ng/g), respectively. Benzene was found at concentrations > 2000 ng/g (above the FDA interim limit) in 5% of the samples, representing 9 brands. The mean potential dermal exposure doses (DEDs) to benzene (children/teenagers: 34.6; adults: 24.7 ng/kg-bw/d) were higher than those for toluene (children/teenagers: 14.4; adults: 10.3 ng/kg-bw/d) and styrene (children/teenagers: 5.37; adults: 3.83 ng/kg-bw/d) in the 200 hand sanitizers analyzed. The estimated cancer risk from exposure to benzene in children/teenagers and adults from hand sanitizer use (at an estimated usage rate of 5 g/day) was greater than the one-in-a-million risk benchmark (1.0 × 10–6) for 10% and 9% of the samples, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to determine both the concentrations of and exposure risks to benzene, toluene and styrene present in hand sanitizers.

With development of e-waste related legislation in China, formal recycling activities are designated in some areas while informal ones are illegally transferred to emerging areas to avoid supervision. However, the resulting environmental impact and ecological risks are not clear. Here, we investigated the discharge of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to soil and aquatic environments by e-waste recycling activities in the Lian River Basin, China. The study area included a designated industrial park in the traditional e-waste recycling area (Guiyu, known as the world's largest e-waste center), several emerging informal recycling zones, and their surrounding areas and coastal area. A total of 27 PCBs were analyzed, and the highest concentration was found in an emerging site for soil (354 ng g−1) and in a traditional site for sediment (1350 ng g‐−1) respectively. The pollution levels were significantly higher in both the traditional and emerging recycling areas than in their respective upstream countryside areas (p = 0.0356 and 0.0179, respectively). Source analysis revealed that the traditional and emerging areas had similar PCB sources mainly associated with three PCB technical mixtures manufactured in Japan (KC600) and the USA (Aroclor 1260 and Aroclor 1262). The PCB pollution in their downstream areas including the coastal area was evidently affected by the formal and informal recycling activities through river runoff. The ecological risk assessments showed that PCBs in soils and sediments in the Lian River Basin could cause adverse ecotoxicological consequences to humans and aquatic organisms.

Bisphenols and parabens are endocrine disruptors families widely used in daily life. They are known to be linked to numerous pathologies such as reproductive disorders, obesity, breast cancer, hypertension and asthma. Biomonitoring is an essential tool for assessing population exposure to environmental pollutants. Blood and urine are the main matrices used in human biomonitoring. However, they are not suitable to evaluate long-term exposure to endocrine disruptors with a short elimination half-life such as parabens or phenols. Hair appears to be an interesting alternative matrix allowing a wide window of exposure due to an accumulation of xenobiotics during hair growth. This study presents the development and validation of a high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry for the simultaneous determination of bisphenol A, its chlorinated derivatives, bisphenol F, bisphenol S and parabens in human hair. An optimised sample preparation based on acidic hydrolysis followed by liquid-liquid extraction was performed, before an analysis by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring mode. To validate the method, recognized bioanalytical guidelines were used and calibration and quality control samples were prepared in human hair samples. Linearities were over 0.996 in the whole range of concentrations. Trueness and precision were demonstrated for each target analyte with intra-day and inter-day bias values ranging from 86 % to 118 % and relative standard deviation values ranging from 0 % to 19 %. At the same time, limits of quantification were set at 0.25 ng/g for bisphenol A and parabens, 0.05 ng/g for bisphenols F and S and 0.00625 ng/g for the chlorinated derivatives of bisphenol A. This reliable method was applied to hair samples taken from hospital professionals and allowed the quantification of these endocrine disruptors in this population. Chlorinated derivatives of bisphenol A were quantified here in hair for the first time.

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is widely found in nature and accumulates in living organisms. To investigate the characteristics of ∑HBCD in aquatic products in Guangzhou, China, a total of 319 aquatic products were collected, the concentrations of ∑HBCD in their bodies were analyzed, and estimated daily intake (EDI) and hazard index (HI) were evaluated. The median concentrations of ∑HBCD in Grass carp (2.00 ng/g lw (lipid weight)), Crucian carp (2.34 ng/g lw), Tilapia (1.57 ng/g lw), Japanese sea perch (2.27 ng/g lw), Crab (4.14 ng/g lw), Undulating Venus (6.98 ng/g lw), Roche Spermatogenesis (1.74 ng/g lw) were in medium levels compare with other researches. A significant positive correlation was observed between ∑HBCD concentrations and lipid content of aquatic organisms, and α-HBCD is the main isomer in organisms. The highest concentration of ∑HBCD were found in samples collected in Huangpu district, which was related to a large number of industrial parks gathered in the administrative region. The EDI of HBCD in aquatic products (0.23–1.65 ng/kg bw*d−1) were at a medium level. The HI of HBCDs in aquatic products in Guangzhou was less than 1, indicating that it poses no threat to human health.

Purpose: To compare volar, dorsal, and custom splinting techniques in acute Doyle I mallet finger injuries., Methods: We developed a radiographic lag measurement using the contralateral normal digit as an internal control for establishing the approximate preinjury maximal extension of the mallet finger. The difference in maximal distal interphalangeal joint extension between the injured and contralateral normal digit was defined as the radiographic lag difference. We randomized 87 subjects meeting the inclusion criteria to one of 3 splint types: volar padded aluminum splint, dorsal padded aluminum splint, and custom thermoplastic. Splints were continued for 6 weeks full-time. A total of 77 subjects were available for measurement of the primary outcome measure: radiographic lag difference at week 12. Secondary outcome measures were recorded at weeks 7 and 24., Results: No lag difference was demonstrated at week 12 (p = .12), although a trend suggesting superiority (closest value to 0 difference) of the custom thermoplastic splint was observed. The mean radiographic lag differences were -16.2 degrees (95% confidence interval [CI], -21.3 degrees to -11.0 degrees ) for the dorsal padded aluminum splint, -13.6 degrees (95% CI, -18.0 degrees to -9.2 degrees ) for the volar padded aluminum splint, and -9.0 degrees (95% CI, -14.5 degrees to 3.4 degrees ) for the custom thermoplastic splint. Secondary between-group analyses showed no differences for radiographic or clinical lag, Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire scores, or complications. Secondary analyses of the whole cohort suggested that clinical measurement overestimates true lag, increased lag occurs after discontinuation of splinting, and clinically measured improvement in lag is noted at week 24., Conclusions: No lag difference was demonstrated between custom thermoplastic, dorsal padded aluminum splint, and volar padded aluminum splinting for Doyle I acute mallet fingers. Clinical measurement overestimates true lag in mallet injuries. Increased lag occurs after discontinuation of splinting. Increased age and complications correlate with worse radiographic lag.

The present study examined and compared two modes of weight training (bodybuilding and power-lifting) on the surface EMG of vasti muscles, knee joint position sense and isometric knee extension force in 48 able-bodied subjects. Subjects were randomly allocated into either a moderate loading and repetitions (bodybuilding) training or a high loading and low repetitions (power-lifting) training, or a no training control group. Training was conducted on alternate days with individual supervision. After 8 weeks of training, subjects from both training groups showed significantly earlier EMG onset timing and higher amplitude of vastus medialis obliquus relative to vastus lateralis (p=0.005 or <0.001), and improved knee joint position sense (p<0.001), but no such changes were found in the control group. However, the changes were not significantly different (p>0.05) between the two training groups. The findings suggested that the neuromotor control of the vasti muscles could be altered by regular weight training.

Array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) is being widely used to screen for recurrent genomic copy number alterations in neoplasms, with imbalances typically detected through the application of gain and loss thresholds. Review of array CGH publications for the year 2005 showed that a wide range of thresholds are used. However, the effect of sample ploidy on the sensitivity of these thresholds for single copy alterations (SCAs) has not been evaluated. Here, we describe a method to evaluate the detection accuracy of thresholds for detecting SCAs in cell line array CGH data. By applying a hidden Markov model-based method, we segmented array CGH data from well-karyotyped cell lines and generated ploidy-specific sensitivity-specificity plots, from which we identified optimum thresholds relevant to sample ploidy. We demonstrate that commonly used nonploidy-specific thresholds are suboptimal in their ability to call SCAs, particularly when applied to hypertriploid or tetraploid cell lines. We conclude that the use of ploidy-specific thresholds improves the sensitivity of thres-hold-based array CGH for detecting SCAs in cell lines. Because polyploidy is a common feature of cancer cells, the application of ploidy-specific thresholds to cell lines (and potentially to clinical samples) may improve the detection sensitivity of SCAs of biological significance.

Comparative studies of neonicotinoid insecticides (NNIs) and NNI-related substances (r-NNIs) in foodstuffs and indoor dust are rare. Herein, we investigated the feature fragmentations of nine NNIs in high-energy collision dissociation cells via high-resolution orbitrap mass spectrometry and observed that NNIs can consistently generate several feature fragments (e.g., C6H5NCl+, C4H3NSCl+, and C6H5NF3+). Consequently, NNIs and r-NNIs were comprehensively (targeted, suspect, and feature fragment-dependent) detected in 107 foodstuff and 49 indoor dust samples collected from Nanjing City (eastern China). We fully or tentatively identified 9 target NNIs and 5 r-NNIs in these samples. NNIs and r-NNIs were detected in 93.5% of the analyzed foodstuff samples, and high concentrations were detected in vegetables (mean: 409 ng/g wet weight [ww]) and fruits (127 ng/g ww). Regarding indoor dust, imidacloprid and acetamiprid exhibited extremely high detection frequencies and contamination levels, and the highest mean concentrations of NNIs and r-NNIs were detected in dormitory samples. Based on the NNI and r-NNI concentrations in the analyzed samples, the mean estimated daily intake values for Chinese adults and children via dietary intake and dust ingestion were 2080–8190 ng/kg bw/day and 378–2680 pg/kg bw/day, respectively.

After the PBBs pollution incident in Michigan, a large number of studies focused on the exposure of people to 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexabromobiphenyl (BB-153), but paid less attention to other PBBs congeners in human serum. In this study, three monobromobiphenyls (BB-1, BB-2 and BB-3), five dibromobiphenyls (BB-4, BB-7, BB-9, BB-10 and BB-15), decabromobiphenyl (BB-209) and BB-153 in the serum of the general population in Wuxi from 2012 to 2016 were detected by GC–MS/MS. The most abundant congeners in serum samples were BB-1(median 254 ng·g−1 lw), BB-10 (median 141 ng·g−1 lw) and BB-209 (median 68.4 ng·g−1 lw). The detection rate of BB-153 is less than 10%, and the concentration is far lower than that in other areas. The concentrations of BB-1, BB-10 and BB-209 are 3–4 orders of magnitude higher than the maximum concentration of BB-153. Serum concentrations of BB-209 increased significantly from 2012 to 2016 (p = 0.025). In addition, the concentrations of BB-1 in serum of females were significantly higher than that of males, and the concentrations of BB-1, BB-10 and BB-209 in serum of young adults were significantly higher than that of middle-aged adults. Finally, we found that BB-1 and BB-10 may have similar disruption on the binding of T3 and TRβ1 as BB-153, while BB-209 has little effect on the binding of T3 and TRβ1. This suggests that we should pay more attention to the damage of BB-1 and BB-10 to thyroid in the future.

This study is focused on the development of a multiclass analytical method for sensitive determination of steroid hormones (progestins, oestrogens, androgens and glucocorticoids) in fruits and vegetables. The herein considered analytes present a wide logP range, thus they tend to accumulate differently in edible parts. Therefore, a berry fruit (strawberry), a root vegetable (carrot), and a leafy vegetable (spinach) were chosen as probes to develop the extraction procedure. This, optimized by a chemometric approach (23 experimental design) on lyophilized samples (0.25 g, spike 100 ng g − 1), entails a rapid ultrasonic extraction (3 × 1 min cycles) with low consumption (3 × 2 mL) of MeOH, selected as extraction solvent by a preliminary screening. The clean-up step, necessary due to the complexity of the matrices, was performed by a simple solid-phase extraction procedure on the Supelclean™ LC-NH2 sorbent afore the selective quantification by HPLC–ESI-MS/MS (MRM mode). The final analytical method was successfully applied to multianalyte extraction at lower concentrations (10–50 ng g−1) with good recoveries and repeatability, and it was successfully extended to raspberry, radish and arugula, further supporting applicability to this kind of samples. The results from the analysis of fruits and vegetables purchased from local markets, where some steroids have been quantified at the low ng g−1 levels, are consistent with literature data about concentration of these emerging pollutants in edible plants, also according to their LogP values.

Melamine (MEL) and its derivatives are increasingly applied as nitrogenous flame retardants in consumer products. Nevertheless, limited information is available on their environmental occurrence and subsequent human exposure via multiple exposure pathways. In this study, we analysed MEL and its derivatives in dust (indication of the dust ingestion route) and hand wipe samples (indication of the hand-to-mouth route) collected in various microenvironments. The levels of ∑MELs in both dust (median: 24,100 ng/g) and participant hand samples (803 ng/m2) collected in e-waste dismantling workshops were significantly higher than those in samples collected in homes (15,600 ng/g and 196 ng/m2, respectively), dormitories (13,100 ng/g and 227 ng/m2, respectively) and hotel rooms (11,800 ng/g and 154 ng/m2, respectively). Generally, MEL dominated in dust samples collected in e-waste dismantling workshops, whereas cyanuric acid dominated in hand wipe samples. This may occur partly because the latter is an ingredient in disinfection products, which are more frequently employed in daily lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Exposure assessment suggests that dust ingestion is an important exposure pathway among dismantling workers and the general population, whereas hand-to-mouth contact could not be overlooked in certain populations, such as children and dismantling workers not wear gloves at work.

Owing to increasing concerns about the toxicity of alkyl organophosphate triesters (OPTEs), it is necessary to comprehensively profile alkyl OPTEs in the environment. In this study, we conducted a nontarget analysis using high-resolution mass spectrometry to newly identify alkyl OPTEs in house dust samples collected in North China. Data-independent acquisition mode directed by the characteristic phosphate fragment was used. Nine alkyl OPTEs were newly identified, namely tridecyl phosphate (TDeP), dioctyl tetradecyl phosphate, tridodecyl phosphate (TDoP), dioctyl butoxyethoxyethyl phosphate (DOBEEP), dioctyl (oxo)butoxypropyl phosphate (DOOBPP), dioctyl hydroxyethoxyethoxyethyl phosphate (DOHEEEP), didodecyl hydroxyethoxyethyl phosphate (DDoHEEP), tetradecyl dodecyl hydroxyethoxyethyl phosphate (TDoHEEP), and bis(2-butoxyethyl) hydroxyethyl phosphate (BBOEHEP). BBOEHEP was fully identified by comparison to an authentic standard, and the others were tentative structures (level 3). Eight of them (not DOHEEEP) exhibited detection frequencies between 89% and 100% in the 45 samples, and (semi-)quantitation revealed that their median concentrations and ranges were: TDoP (35.1 ng/g, 8.21–111 ng/g), DOBEEP (29.3 ng/g, 2.56–5191 ng/g), DOOBPP (13.6 ng/g, 1.38–2128 ng/g), BBOEHEP (5.79 ng/g, not detected (ND)–861 ng/g), TDeP (4.10 ng/g, 1.34–39.2 ng/g), DDoHEEP (3.26 ng/g, ND–41.5 ng/g), TDoHEEP (2.09 ng/g, ND–29.5 ng/g), and DOTP (0.93 ng/g, ND–169 ng/g). Moreover, TDeP, TDoP, DOBEEP, DOOBPP, and BBOEHEP were found in SRM2585 (standard house dust). These data revealed the widespread occurrence of alkyl OPTEs with high concentrations in the indoor environment.

Breast milk is the ideal food for humans, the first 6 months of life. However, due to its lipid content, it may contain persistent organic compounds (POPs). Therefore, the Stockholm Convention established a comparative monitoring of POPs in breast milk in different regions of the world. Objectives: . As part of that project, our goal was to determine the presence and concentration of brominated and chlorinated POPs in breastmilk collected during 2019, from Mexican mothers residing in the agricultural state of Sinaloa. Methods: . Fifty healthy, primiparous women participated, whose milk samples were analyzed according to the WHO protocol, modified by UNEP. Results: . The sum of the concentration of brominated compounds was 13.92 ng/g fat and the highest value corresponded to BDE-47 (7.67 ng/g fat). Among the chlorinated, p.p’-DDE had the highest concentration (537.99 ng/g fat) and the total concentration of DDTs was 622.23 ng/g fat. Among the dioxins and furans, dioxin-like and non-dioxin-like, the highest concentration was found in the dioxin-like PCB 118 (661 ng/g fat). Hexachlorobenzene concentration was also high (6.14 ng/g lipid) in comparison to other chlorinated compounds. Medium and short-chain chlorinated paraffins have a sum concentration of 140 ng/g lipid. Aldrin, Endrin, and Endrin ketone, Mirex, Toxaphene group, endosulfan group, chlordecone, p,p’-dicofol, pentachlorophenol, its metabolite pentachloroanisole and hexachlorobutadiene were not detected. Conclusions: . POPs were detected in all samples analyzed; the individual concentrations of the great majority of POPs appear to be below the limits considered ''safe'' for adults, except for dioxin-like (DL) compounds PCDDs and PCDFs. It should be considered that the susceptibility to toxics is different in an individual newborn, compared to an adult, in such a way that the sum, or empowerment of POPs even at low concentrations can result in permanent damage to the product.

Several naturally occurring dioxins, including 1,3,7-tribromodibenzo-p-dioxin (1,3,7-TriBDD), synthesized by red algae, have been detected in the marine environment. As 1,3,7-TriBDD is accumulated in mussels and fish, predators, such as marine birds, are exposed to this congener, similar to anthropogenic dioxins (including 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin TCDD). However, little is known about the impact of 1,3,7-TriBDD exposure on the bird health. To understand the effects of 1,3,7-TriBDD on birds, the phenotypic effects and hepatic transcriptome were investigated in chicken (Gallus gallus) embryos treated with 27 μM (2.9 ng/g egg) and 137 μM (14.4 ng/g egg) 1,3,7-TriBDD. The blood glucose levels in the 1,3,7-TriBDD-treated groups were lower than those in the control group. The transcriptome analysis of 6520 sequences in the 27 and 137 μM 1,3,7-TriBDD-treated groups identified 733 and 596 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Cytochrome P450 1A4 and 1A5 were also identified as DEGs, suggesting that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor is activated by this congener. Pathway and network analyses with DEGs suggested that 1,3,7-TriBDD may induce carcinogenic effects and metabolic alterations. These results were similar to the effects on TCDD-treated embryos. Nevertheless, the overall transcriptome results suggested that compared with TCDD, 1,3,7-TriBDD has a unique impact on insulin- and peroxisome-signaling pathways in chicken embryos. Differences in altered transcriptome profiles between 1,3,7-TriBDD- and TCDD-treated embryos may lead to different phenotypic effects: less severe effects of 1,3,7-TriBDD and more fatal effects of TCDD. Collectively, these findings warrant the further assessment of the hazard and risk of 1,3,7-TriBDD on marine animals, considering increased exposure due to climate change.

Widely used second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides like brodifacoum are classified as persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic. Widespread exposure of terrestrial and avian non-target species is well-known and recently hepatic anticoagulant rodenticide residues have been detected in wild fish. However, no sufficient data exist to interpret the effects of these findings on fish health. In order to assess the potential impact of rodenticide residues on fish, we exposed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to brodifacoum-spiked feed. In a first experiment, individually kept trout (body weight ca. 200 g) were exposed to a single dose of brodifacoum and observed for 15 days. In a second experiment, fish (body weight ca. 330 g) were kept in groups and fed every 7 or 8 days with brodifacoum-spiked feed for up to 60 days. Sampling of trout every 15 days over the 60 days period allowed monitoring of brodifacoum concentrations in serum, liver, and muscle tissue, as well as occurring effects over the course of the experiment. In both experiments, brodifacoum doses of ≥ 75 µg/kg body weight caused prolonged or non-measurable blood coagulation times. Disturbed hemostasis led to hemorrhages and anemia with significantly decreased albumin levels. In the 60 days-experiment, brodifacoum doses ≥ 100 µg/kg body weight caused additionally discoloration, apathy, and anorexia, resulting in reduced weight gain, and ultimately mortality. The delay until the onset of overt symptoms (14–17 days) highlights the importance of test duration while investigating effects of anticoagulant rodenticides in fish. The lowest hepatic brodifacoum concentration associated with effects in trout was on average 122.6 ng/g liver wet weight, which is in the range of previously reported brodifacoum residues in wild fish. These findings illustrate the risks associated with the use of anticoagulant rodenticides for freshwater fish and reinforce the need to stipulate all available and appropriate risk mitigation measures to prevent emissions at source.

Offshore sediment serves as an important sink for traditional organophosphate esters (TOPEs) originating from terrestrial sources. However, the contamination characteristics of novel OPEs (NOPEs) and their hydrolyzed and hydroxylated transformation products (Di- and OH-OPEs) in marine sediment are still unknown. In this study, 34 OPE-associated contaminants were measured in six offshore sediment cores (71 samples) collected from Eastern China. The total concentrations of Σ15TOPEs, Σ3NOPEs, Σ9Di-OPEs, and Σ7OH-OPEs in surface sediments were 3.16–73.4, n.d.–16.3, 4.48–21.4, and 0.14–0.42 ng g−1, respectively. NOPE compounds, such as tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate and its diester product, exhibited high contamination levels, primarily due to their high hydrophobicity and extensive industrial applications. Additionally, atmospheric transportation, along with wet and dry deposition and ocean currents, plays a crucial role in their distribution in offshore sediment. The location conditions and historical usage also influenced the vertical distributions of OPE-associated contaminants in sediment cores. Notably, a concentration peak of bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate (B2,4DtBPP) was dating back to 1940s, indicating the early usage of antioxidant tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite. Furthermore, a risk quotient (RQ) model was employed to assess the ecological risks posed by OPEs. Generally, the acute toxicity-based predicted no-effect concentrations for studied compounds were 1 to 2 orders of magnitude lower than those based on chronic toxicity. NOPEs and B2,4DtBPP exhibited high ecological risks, with maximum RQ values of 1570–4877 based on acute toxicity and 93.4–197 based on chronic toxicity. Notably, ΣRQ values for NOPEs were significantly higher than those of TOPEs (Mann-Whitney U test, p

The bioaccumulation of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in aquatic organisms has been extensively explored in recent years due to associated ecological risks and potential threats to human health through food. This study aims to assess the bioaccumulation of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in 18 freshwater fish species from the Pearl River Delta, China. The observed OCP concentrations ranged from 0.69 to 43.15 ng/g wet weight, indicating low to moderate pollution levels. A linear mixed-effects model revealed the contribution of the feeding habits and geographic distributions at 58.67 and 0.67 % of OCP accumulation, respectively. Bottom-dwelling carnivorous fish species exhibited greater OCP residue levels than those in the upper layers of the freshwater. Estuarine organisms showed higher Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) residue levels than those inland species. On the other hand, although there were no direct carcinogenic or exposure risks associated with OCPs in the study area, potential related hazards were observed. Consumers are, therefore, advised to select fish species from the middle and upper delta rather than bottom fish, shellfish, and shrimp. The current research provides valuable guidance for aquatic food consumption.

Faba bean is a promising ingredient for the production of meat analogues using high-moisture extrusion; however, the presence of antinutrients poses a challenge to its use. Moreover, the deficiency of vitamin B12 in plant-based meat analogues underscores the need to enhance their nutritional profile. This study aimed to fortify faba bean flour with vitamin B12 through fermentation with Propionibacterium freudenreichii and Levilactobacillus brevis while concurrently reducing the content of raffinose family oligosaccharides. The fermentation conditions were initially optimised to maximise active vitamin B12 production, ensure adequate raffinose family oligosaccharide degradation, and maintain microbiological safety. The fermentation was then scaled up to 10 kg and 25 kg. The fermented mass was incorporated into high-moisture extrusion using a wet feeding system, along with a mixture of pea protein isolate and oat fibre concentrate to aid texturization. The extrudates containing the fermented mass exhibited a vitamin B12 content of 75–85 ng/g dry matter, with raffinose, stachyose, and verbascose contents reduced by 53, 56, and 86 %, respectively. Extrudates containing the fermented mass had a layered structure and, compared to control extrudates, a softer texture in general, a more brittle structure, lighter colour, and reduced water absorption capacity.

Caine-based anesthetics are frequently used in the production and transportation of aquatic products, but residues in fish threaten human health. A rapid, sensitive, and effective method was developed for detecting caine-based anesthetics and their metabolite residues in fish using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry coupled with a modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) method. The sample was extracted with 0.05 % (v/v) formic acid-80 % acetonitrile, 4 g NaCl was added for liquid partitioning, and 50 mg C18 was used for purification. Matrix-matched calibrations showed good correlation coefficients with R2 ≥ 0.9942. The limits of detection were 0.5–4.4 ng/g. The recoveries ranged from 71.4 %–115.8 %, and the relative standard deviation for intra-day and inter-day precision was less than 8.5 % and 9.2 %, respectively. This method effectively analyzed the residues of caine-based anesthetics and their metabolites in fish and could be applied to aquatic product anesthetic regulation.

Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of a novel endograft with a biodegradable coating at both ends in preventing edge stenosis in swine iliac arteries. The biodegradable coating was composed of polylactide and paclitaxel. Methods: Four types of endograft were implanted in the iliac arteries of healthy swine: an endograft without coating (control group) and endografts with polylactide and paclitaxel coating containing 0.1, 0.3, or 3.6 μg/mm2 of paclitaxel. The edge stenosis of these endografts in swine iliac arteries was assessed using angiographic image data at 30, 90, and 180 days after the operation. After terminal angiography, histologic evaluation of the treated arteries was performed. The treated sections of iliac arteries and blood samples were obtained at 1, 7, 30, 90, and 180 days for pharmacokinetic analysis. Results: The results of angiographic and histologic evaluation demonstrated that intimal hyperplasia contributed to edge stenosis and polylactide-paclitaxel coating effectively inhibited edge stenosis. At 30 days, edge stenosis was observed at both the proximal and distal edges of the endograft without coating. At 90 days, edge stenosis was detected for the endograft coated with 0.1 μg/mm2 paclitaxel, and ectasia dilation occurred at the proximal and distal edges of the endograft coated with 3.6 μg/mm2 paclitaxel. No edge stenosis or other adverse effects were observed at 90 and 180 days for the endograft coated with 0.3 μg/mm2 paclitaxel. In addition, for the endograft coated with 0.3 μg/mm2 paclitaxel, a pharmacokinetic analysis showed that the paclitaxel concentration of treated segments decreased from 14 264 ± 1020 ng/g at day 1 to 80 ± 70 ng/g at day 90, and 20 ± 40 ng/g at day 180. The plasma paclitaxel concentration was low at day 1 and no longer detected after 7 days. Conclusions: Polylactide and paclitaxel coating containing 0.3 μg/mm2 paclitaxel at both ends of endografts effectively and safely inhibits edge stenosis in swine iliac arteries. : Clinical Relevance: Endograft in the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease are acceptable, while edge stenosis is the most common cause of failure. If remain untreated, the edge stenosis may cause acute thrombosis. In this study, to inhibit edge stenosis of endografts, PLA and paclitaxel were coated at both ends of the endograft, and the effectiveness and safety were evaluated.

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a neonatal disease with its pathogenesis still not well understood, although it is hypothesized to be related to decreased perfusion of the intestinal wall. The current study aimed to evaluate the plasma lactate levels and assess the validity of plasma and urinary intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABPp and I-FABPu/Cru respectively) in NEC. Methods: The study included 55 neonates with variable Bell's stages who were comparable with 23 matched controls. Colorimetric assays of plasma lactate and ELISA assays of I-FABP in both serum and urine of the included neonates have been performed. Results: There were significantly higher median levels of I-FABPp, I-FABPu and lactate among cases (2.84 ng/ml, 1.74 ng/g creat. and 32.34 mg/dl, respectively) compared with controls (0.16 ng/ml, 0.60 ng/g creat. and 15.33 mg/dl, respectively) with p ˂ 0.05 for all. I-FABPp at cut-off point >3.24 ng/ml showed 90% sensitivity, 72% specificity, PPV = 52.6%, NPP = 94.7%, while for I-FABPu (at cut-off point > 2.93 ng/g creat.) those values were 90%, 92%, 81.8% and 95.8% respectively, in discriminating stage IIIA from stage II with p = 0.001. In predicting surgical NEC, I-FABPp at the cut-off point of 6.95 ng/ml revealed 75% sensitivity, 100% specificity, PPV = 100%, NPP = 95%, while for I-FABPu (cut-off point>4.13 ng/g creat.) they were 100%, 76.19%, 44.4 %and 100%, p = 0.04. Conclusion: s: In addition to clinical judgment, sonographic data and plasma lactate, I-FABPp was shown to be a specific marker for early identification of surgical NEC, while I-FABPu could be more useful for differentiating Bell's stage II from stage III.

Defeathering with rosin results in rosin residue in duck skin, which may present as potential risk to human health. Dehydroabietic acid (DHAA) is a major component of rosin. An indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for determination of DHAA in duck skin. A set of parameters was optimized, including coating antigen concentration, dilution of antiserum, dilution of HRP-IgG antibody, incubation time, and temperature for antigen reaction with antiserum. The indirect competitive ELISA yielded an excellent specificity against DHAA with low cross-reactivity toward other resin acids. The limit of detection and the working concentration range of DHAA in duck skin were 16.4 ng/g and from 40 to 8,060 ng/g, respectively. The indirect competitive ELISA was applied to the determination of DHAA in duck skin samples spiked with DHAA at different contents, and recoveries were found between 78.2 and 97.2%. Finally, DHAA contents in 32 duck samples were quantified by the indirect competitive ELISA and high performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD) method. No significant difference was found between DHAA concentrations from indirect competitive ELISA and HPLC-FLD method for all samples, which indicated the indirect competitive ELISA established in this article was of the same accuracy as the HPLC-FLD method. The indirect competitive ELISA was simple, rapid, and reliable, which could be used to identify the duck carcasses defeathered with rosin in the market.

Gibberellins (GAs) are important phytohormones that regulate many developmental processes in plants. Clove, as the reproductive organ of garlic, dramatically affected garlic bulb development. Considering the potential of gibberellins in plant development and our previous studies, we investigated the effect of soaking two types of seed cloves (seed clove-I: without root/shoot sprouting; seed clove-II: with root/shoot sprouting) in GA3 solution on axillary bud development and examined the effect of soaking seed cloves in GA3 solution on bulb development, phytohormone level and sugar content in this study. Results indicated seed clove types, soaking liquids and their interaction significantly affected the number of cloves per bulb and the rate of single-clove bulb. Moreover, soaking seed cloves in 1 mmol L−1 GA3 solution for 24 h not only promoted axillary bud formation and secondary plant growth (equal to tillering or branching), but also slightly increased the number of cloves per bulb and changed bulb structure with a low yield and marketable quality. On the 40th day after GA3 treatment (at axillary bud outgrowth stage), zeatin riboside (ZR) and soluble protein in stem were sharply increased with the increase of GA3, sucrose, fructose and soluble protein in leaf. However, GA3, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), soluble sugar and sucrose in stem (3.52 ng g−1 fresh weight (FW), 19.88 ng g−1 FW, 237.3 mg g−1 FW, and 8.24 mg g−1 FW, respectively) were significantly decreased on the 40th day after GA3 treatment, compared to the control of water treatment (5.56 ng g−1 FW, 32.96 ng g−1 FW, 263.6 mg g−1 FW, and 10.37 mg g−1 FW, respectively). To our knowledge, these novel results indicate seed cloves soaked in GA3 solution promotes axillary bud formation and outgrowth that caused the changes in plant architecture and bulb structure. Meanwhile, our findings suggest that the level of endogenous plant hormone (GA3, IAA and ZR) cooperates with the content of sugar (sucrose and fructose) in leaf and stem to regulate axillary bud outgrowth in garlic.

Several primary aromatic amines (AAs) are known or suspected carcinogens. Despite this, the exposure of pet animals to this class of chemicals is unknown. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of 30 AAs and two tobacco chemical markers (nicotine and cotinine) in 63 pet urine (42 dog and 21 cat) and 77 pet feces (37 dog and 40 cat) samples collected from the Albany area of New York State. Eight of the 30 AAs (∑8AAs) were found in > 38% of dog and cat urine samples, at median concentrations of 7.99 (range: 0.42–52.3 ng/mL) and 31.4 (2.63–75.9) ng/mL, respectively. Nine of the 30 AAs (∑9AAs) were found in > 73% of dog and cat feces samples, at median concentrations of 278 (range: 61.7–613 ng/g) and 240 (55.4–645) ng/g dry wt, respectively. Among the 30 AAs, 2,6-dimethylaniline (2,6-DMA) accounted for the highest median concentrations in both urine and fecal samples. Median concentrations of nicotine and cotinine were below 0.92 ng/mL in urine and below 3.86 ng/g in feces of both dogs and cats. No significant relationship was found between AA concentrations and pet age or gender. The lack of significant Spearman’s rank correlation between the concentrations of AA and nicotine in pet urine/feces suggested that sources other than tobacco smoke contributed to AA exposure in pets. Furthermore, the calculated fecal excretion rates of AAs were higher than the intake rates (estimated through reverse dosimetry), which indicates that cats and dogs are exposed to AA precursors such as azo dyes. Concentrations in urine and feces reflected exposure to direct and indirect exposure sources, respectively, of AAs.

Background: This study aimed to investigate whether fecal human beta-defensins (HBD)-2 and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) expression in preterm infants are associated with allergic disease development by age 2 years. Methods: Preterm infants' stool samples were collected at the age of 6 and 12 months postnatally. Information regarding medication exposure histories (antibiotics, antipyretics, probiotics) and physician-diagnosed allergic diseases was obtained using age-specific questionnaires and medical records. We compared the 6-month and 12-month fecal HBD-2 and ECP concentrations between the medication exposure and non-exposure group, respectively, and between children who developed allergic diseases and those who did not by 2 years of age. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate independent variables related to physician-diagnosed allergic diseases by 2 years of age. Results: Seventy-four preterm infants (gestational age, 31–36 weeks) were included. Fecal HBD-2 levels were significantly increased at 12 months of age among children who developed allergic diseases compared to those who did not (37.18 ± 11.80 ng/g vs. 8.56 ± 4.33 ng/g, P = 0.011). This association was more apparent among allergic children given antibiotics (50.23 ± 16.15 ng/g vs. 9.75 ± 7.16 ng/g, P = 0.008) or antipyretics (46.12 ± 14.22 ng/g vs. 10.82 ± 6.81 ng/g, P = 0.018) during the first year, whereas among allergic children who were previously not exposed to antibiotics or antipyretics, the differences were not significant. Results of the multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that HBD-2 concentration in 12-month stools was an independent indicator associated with physician-diagnosed allergic diseases by 2 years of age (adjusted odds ratio: 1.03 [95% confidence interval: 1.00–1.05], P = 0.036). Our data revealed a lack of association between fecal ECP and allergic diseases. Conclusions: We found that preterm infants who expressed high fecal HBD-2 at 12 months of age were associated with physician-diagnosed allergic diseases by the age of 2 years. Further studies are needed to determine the role of fecal HBD-2 in the development of allergic diseases.

Severe environmental issues are caused by long-term coal mining activities; however, the process of mercury (Hg) response in mining subsidence area sediments (MSAS) is still unclear, and direct evidence showing the relationship between Hg accumulation mechanism in sediments and mining activities is lacking. In this study, the characteristics of total mercury (THg) content in MSAS were investigated. Moreover, Hg isotopes were obtained to determine the main sources and environmental process of mercury in MSAS, and a MixSIAR mixing model was first used to estimate the potential Hg sources. The THg content ranged from 27.5 to 113.9 ng/g, with a mean of 65.8 ± 29.4 ng/g, exceeding the local soil background value (19.7 ng/g). The Hg in MSAS was affected by clay and organic matter. The Δ199Hg and Δ201Hg in the sediments varied from − 0.05–0.05‰ (mean: −0.01 ± 0.03‰) and − 0.07–0.01‰ (mean: −0.02 ± 0.03‰), respectively, with the fitting results suggesting that a photochemical reaction occurred in some of the Hg in the sediments prior to deposition. The results of the MixSIAR mixing model revealed that the Hg in MSAS was mainly derived from gangue, soil erosion, coal, fly ash, and feed, and their corresponding percentage contribution was 51.5 ± 9.6%, 23.8 ± 13.1%, 13.9 ± 7.9%, 8.1 ± 5.4%, and 3.1 ± 1.4%, respectively. Hg isotopes can be used to trace the transport and transformation of environmental pollutants, and this may provide an important reference for the assessment and prevention of Hg pollution in typical areas such as coal mining and coal-fired.

Polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) are highly toxic and persistent compounds that provoke a wave of publicity. Bromophenols are important precursors for forming PBDD/Fs, and their reaction path has always been a research hotspot. In this study, the formation characteristic of PBDD/Fs from 2,4,6-TBP were studied. The yields of 2,3,7,8-substituted PBDD/Fs and 2,4,6,8-TBDF for the different thermal products ranged from 0.067 to 10.3 ng/g and 0.207–9.68 ng/g, respectively. The effects of adding Cu, Fe, and Sb2O3 were investigated and found to be more inclined to accelerate the formation of ortho-substituted PBDD/Fs than 2,3,7,8-PBDD/Fs. The formation pathways of 2,3,7,8-substituted PBDD/Fs and 2,4,6,8-TBDF were also proposed. 2,4,6,8-TBDF is generated in the C-C coupling reactions of some radical intermediates from the debromination of 2,4,6-TBP. The 2,3,7,8-PBDD/Fs are produced through more complex debromination, bromine substitution, and bromine rearrangement reactions. In addition, various catalytic effects on PBDD/F formation pathways were found, and the catalytic effect of Cu by the Ullmann reaction was the highest, while bromophenol oxidation by Fe was the highest. These results proved that both 2,3,7,8-substituted and non-2,3,7,8-substituted PBDD/Fs would be generated from 2,4,6-TBP, and the effects of the catalyst on the Br substituted position of 2,3,7,8-substituted PBDD/Fs were much lower than the Br-substituted position on bromophenol.