Consideration In Risk Assessment Research Articles

The Human Fecal Microbiota Metabolizes Foodborne Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines by Reuterin Conjugation and Further Transformations.

Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) are process-induced food contaminants with high mutagenic and/or carcinogenic potential. Although the human gut microbiota is known to affect the metabolism of dietary constituents, its impact on HAA metabolism and toxicity has been little studied. Here, the glycerol-dependent metabolism of seven foodborne HAAs (AαC, Trp-P-1, harman, norharman, PhIP, MeIQx, and MeIQ) by the human fecal microbiota is investigated. As analyzed by HPLC-DAD/FLD, the extent of conversion is strongly dependent on glycerol supplementation and HAA structure. AαC (60-100%) and the 2-aminoimidazoazarenes (up to 58%) are especially prone to microbial conversion. Based on high-resolution MS and/or NMR spectroscopy data, 70 fecal metabolites are identified in total, mainly formed by chemical reactions with one or two molecules of microbially derived reuterin. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that the human fecal microbiota can further transform reuterin adducts by reduction and/or hydroxylation reactions. Upon isolation, some reuterin-induced HAA metabolites appear to be partially unstable, complicating structural identification. The formation of microbial metabolites needs to be incorporated into risk assessment considerations for HAAs in human health. In this study, several HAA metabolites, mainly reuterin-dependent, are identified in vitro, providing the basis for future human studies investigating microbial HAA metabolism.

Brain findings associated with risperidone in rhesus monkeys: magnetic resonance imaging and pathology perspectives.

Brain changes associated with risperidone, a dopamine-2/serotonin-2 receptor antagonist, have been documented in rats and humans, but not in nonhuman primates. This study characterized brain changes associated with risperidone in nonhuman primates. Rhesus monkeys were orally administered risperidone in a dose-escalation paradigm up to a maximum tolerated dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day for 3 weeks, or 3 months followed by a 3-month recovery period. Transient and fully reversible neurological signs consistent with risperidone pharmacology were observed. The results of a magnetic resonance imaging evaluation after 3 months of treatment and at the end of the 3-month recovery period showed no meaningful changes in the brain. There were no risperidone-related brain weight changes or gross findings. Histomorphological evaluation of brain sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin, ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1), and luxol fast blue/cresyl violet double staining showed no notable differences between control and risperidone groups. However, evaluation of the brain after glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunohistochemical staining revealed increased staining in the cell bodies and processes of astrocytes in the putamen without apparent alterations in numbers or distribution. The increase in GFAP staining was present after 3 weeks and 3 months of treatment, but no increase in staining was observed after the 3-month recovery period, demonstrating the reversibility of this finding. The reversible increase in GFAP expression was likely an adaptive, non-adverse response of astrocytes, associated with the pharmacology of risperidone. These observations are valuable considerations in the nonclinical risk assessment of new drug candidates for psychiatric disorders.

Safety Evaluation of Absorbent Hygiene Pads: A Review on Assessment Framework and Test Methods

Disposable absorbent hygiene products have evolved for superior performance, enhancing the convenience of daily lives. However, the use of disposable hygiene pads has brought safety concerns on chemical exposure, and significant efforts have been made to assess the potential risks associated with use of hygiene pads. This article intends to overview the safety assessment framework of diapers and feminine pads, which includes hazard identification, hazard characterization, exposure assessment, risk characterization, and post-market risk management. Risk assessment of various constituents are reviewed for quantification methods and conservative estimation of exposure parameters. By reviewing the up-to-date considerations in risk assessment, we aim to provide insightful discussion on safety evaluation of current versions of disposable absorbent products. More clinical testing and post-market surveillance are needed for continuous monitoring of potential health impacts of advanced products and constituents.

A Practical Guide to the Safety and Monitoring of New IBD Therapies.

The therapeutic armamentarium of inflammatory bowel disease is rapidly evolving with the development of novel treatment options including targeted monoclonal antibodies and small molecules. With these new therapies come additional safety and side effect concerns. Infections, malignancies, immunogenicity, and metabolic issues exist for each treatment. Management of these agents in the face of such complications is a challenge clinicians will encounter. In this article, we review the existing safety data behind the monoclonal antibodies and small molecules, suggest appropriate risk stratification and assessment considerations before and during therapy, and make expert recommendations on the management of potential complications or clinical scenarios.

1719P - Prevention and prophylaxis of thrombosis in cancer patients

Background: Cancer Associated Thrombosis (CAT) is a significant problem in oncology that is underestimated sometimes. Venus ThomboEmbolism (VTE) is the 2nd cause of death in cancer patients. Currently, the standard of care not only for the treatment but also for the prophylaxis of CAT is the Low Molecular Weight Heparines (LMWHs). Thromboprophylaxis is an important medical decision for cancer patients in daily clinical practice. Methods: This is an observational study conducted by HeSMO in Greek Oncology units, for 1 year, aiming to record CAT management. Patients with active cancer received antithrombotic agents for thromboprophylaxis were enrolled, after signing informed consent. Results: All participating centers reported that approximately 4.300 cancer patients are managed on monthly basis, where the majority (80%) as outpatients. 426 cancer patients enrolled from 18 oncology units with mean age 65.2 years old and mean Body Mass Index (BMI) 26.10. Primary cancers were: lung 25%, pancreas 14%, stomach 8.6%, breast 8.6%, ovarian 7.7%, colorectal 7.5%, bladder 5.6% and other 22.8%. 50% of patients received LMWH at prophylactic doses while the rest received therapeutic doses [mean duration 4.42 months (SD +/- 2.68)]. 126 (30%) patients had Khorana score ≥3. 300 (70%) had Khorana score ≤2 and of these patients 68% were metastatic and 58% were receiving High Thrombotic Chemotherapy Agents (HTCA, e.g. platinum). 16 (3.8%) patients experienced VTE while 9 (56%) of them were incidental. Lower VTE risk [OR: 0.32 (95% CI 0.10, 1.0) p = 0.04] was observed in patients on therapeutic doses LMWH while higher VTE risk [OR: 3.14 (1.01, 9.9)] was observed in patients on prophylactic doses LMWH. High BMI>35 was related to significant higher risk for VTE [OR 5.37 (1.6, 18). Only six (1.4%) grade 1 bleedings were recorded in all patients who receive thromboprophylaxis. Conclusions: CAT is an important problem in oncology. Therapeutic doses of LMWH for thromboprophylaxis are effective and safe. Apart from Khorana score, some other factors such as disease stage and administration of HTCA might be taken into consideration for better CAT risk assessment in oncology patients. Legal entity responsible for the study: Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO), Athens, Greece. Funding: Has not received any funding. Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

THE ROLE OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT WITH RISK MANAGEMENT FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS RISK ASSESSMENT

Information technology projects management is not free from risks, which are created from various sources of the environment; they are not just related to financial aspects. Information technology is now omnipresent in the lives of people across the globe. Information technology, as a technology with the fastest rate of development and application in all branches of business, requires adequate consideration of risk assessments. The risks faced by IT projects are not, in essence, financial risks. By understanding these fundamental problems in real terms, rather than through their financial impact, IT project managers can move more quickly to resolve issues before they become major problems that threaten the goals of the project. This paper will focus on how lack of knowledge management support for risk management processes has caused many project failures in the past.

In vivo positive mutagenicity of 1,4-dioxane and quantitative analysis of its mutagenicity and carcinogenicity in rats.

1,4-Dioxane is a widely used synthetic industrial chemical and its contamination of drinking water and food is a potential health concern. It induces liver tumors when administered in the drinking water to rats and mice. However, the mode of action (MOA) of the hepatocarcinogenicity of 1,4-dioxane remains unclear. Importantly, it is unknown if 1,4-dioxane is genotoxic, a key consideration for risk assessment. To determine the in vivo mutagenicity of 1,4-dioxane, gpt delta transgenic F344 rats were administered 1,4-dioxane at various doses in the drinking water for 16weeks. The overall mutation frequency (MF) and A:T- to -G:C transitions and A:T- to -T:A transversions in the gpt transgene were significantly increased by administration of 5000ppm 1,4-dioxane. A:T- to -T:A transversions were also significantly increased by administration of 1000ppm 1,4-dioxane. Furthermore, the DNA repair enzyme MGMT was significantly induced at 5000ppm 1,4-dioxane, implying that extensive genetic damage exceeded the repair capacity of the cells in the liver and consequently led to liver carcinogenesis. No evidence supporting other MOAs, including induction of oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, or nuclear receptor activation, that could contribute to the carcinogenic effects of 1,4-dioxane were found. These findings demonstrate that 1,4-dioxane is a genotoxic hepatocarcinogen and induces hepatocarcinogenesis through a mutagenic MOA in rats. Because our data indicate that 1,4-dioxane is a genotoxic carcinogen, we estimated the point of departure of the mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of 1,4-dioxane using the no-observed effect-level approach and the Benchmark dose approach to characterize its dose-response relationship at low doses.

Stereoselective bioactivity, acute toxicity and dissipation in typical paddy soils of the chiral fungicide propiconazole

Propiconazole is a widely used systemic agricultural triazole fungicide with two chiral centers. In the present study, systemic assessments of propiconazole stereoisomers are reported for the first time, including absolute configuration, stereoselective bioactivity toward pathogens (Ustilaginoidea virens, Magnaporthe oryzae, Fusarium moniliforme, Thanatephorus cucumeris, and Rhizoctonia solani), and stereoselective acute toxicity toward aquatic organisms (Scenedesmus obliquus, and Daphnia magna). Moreover, the stereoselective dissipation of propiconazole in three types of paddy soil under laboratory-controlled conditions (aerobic, anaerobic and sterile) was investigated. The degree of bioactivity and acute toxicity of the propiconazole stereoisomers differed depending on the type of target pathogens and non-target organisms. There were 2.43–23.47 and 1.48–2.13 fold differences between the best and worst stereoisomer in bioactivity and toxicity, respectively. Under aerobic conditions, (2S,4S)-propiconazole and (2S,4R)-propiconazole were preferentially degraded in the three types of soils. However, no significant stereoselectivity was observed under anaerobic and sterile conditions. Propiconazole was configurationally stable throughout the study. In comprehensive consideration of bioactivity, toxicity and environmental behavior, using stereoisomer mixture rather than pure stereoisomer may help to control more species of disease in practical application, and the stereoselectivity should be taken into consideration in risk assessment.

Against Algorithmic Decision-Making

This paper deals with the reasons why algorithms cannot and should not replace human decision-makers. Some statutory remedies against algorithmic decisions are presented. In August 2013, Eric Loomis was sentenced to a six-year imprisonment for attempting to flee a traffic officer and operating a vehicle without its owner’s consent. This sentence is one that seems disproportionate to the alleged actions. What makes this decision even more illogical is that this sentence was decided on the basis of a COMPAS report. COMPAS is a proprietary algorithmic system which is used in law enforcement. This system claims to augment human intuition and predict an individual’s risk of recidivism and it suggested that Loomis had a high risk of violence, high risk of recidivism and a high pretrial risk. The judge at Loomis’ hearing agreed with the COMPAS report, stating that through the COMPAS assessment, Loomis was identified as an individual who was a high risk to the community and therefore a six-year sentence was ‘just’. Loomis’ lawyers tried to challenge this algorithmic decision but could not as the algorithm was covered by a trade secret and therefore the rationale of the decision was not accessible. In 2016, the Supreme Court of Wisconsin upheld the circuit court’s denial of the defendant’s motion for post-conviction relief requesting a new sentencing hearing. Loomis had unsuccessfully argued that the circuit court’s consideration of a COMPAS risk assessment at sentencing violated his right to due process. The Supreme Court held that, if used properly, a court’s consideration of a COMPAS risk assessment at sentencing does not violate a defendant’s right to due process. In Milan, Marica Ricutti, a 39-year-old single mother of two children, was dismissed from her job at Ikea after 17 years of working there. Once again, the consequence of another algorithmic decision. Ms Ricutti had to swap her working shifts around from time to time with her colleagues as she had to take her children to school and to the hospital as one of her children was disabled. Although her colleagues and employers agreed to her swapping shifts, Ikea’s algorithmic workload system did not take note of these changes as they were not ‘authorised’ or ‘programmed’ and had come up with an account of Ms Ricutti working less than seven days per month for a period of eight months. This led to Ms Ricutti getting dismissed. Ikea’s reliance on the algorithmic system had resulted in heavy criticism, among them being a statement from Marco Beretta, a representative from Filcams Cgil (the Italian retail workers’ union), who stated that modern innovations including algorithms have made it harder to accommodate workers’ individual circumstances. From these examples, it is evident that the replacement of human decision-makers with algorithms is problematic. An algorithm may be able to come up with more consistent decisions, but not necessarily more appropriate. In order to make appropriate decisions, several factors need to be taken into account – individual circumstances, personal characteristics, context and nature, among many other things. There is no doubt that an algorithm can make decisions based on statistical analysis, but this is not always sufficient. In most situations, there is a need for a holistic understanding of a number of factors including context and human intention – something that algorithms are not capable of. In the next part of this paper, some arguments against algorithmic decisions will be presented.

Risk assessment considerations for plant protection products and terrestrial life-stages of amphibians

Some amphibians occur in agricultural landscapes during certain periods of their life cycle and consequently might be exposed to plant protection products (PPPs). While the sensitivity of aquatic life-stages is considered to be covered by the standard assessment for aquatic organisms (especially fish), the situation is less clear for terrestrial amphibian life-stages. In this paper, considerations are presented on how a risk assessment for PPPs and terrestrial life-stages of amphibians could be conducted. It discusses available information concerning the toxicity of PPPs to terrestrial amphibians, and their potential exposure to PPPs in consideration of aspects of amphibian biology. The emphasis is on avoiding additional vertebrate testing as much as possible by using exposure-driven approaches and by making use of existing vertebrate toxicity data, where appropriate. Options for toxicity testing and risk assessment are presented in a flowchart as a tiered approach, progressing from a non-testing approach, to simple worst-case laboratory testing, to extended laboratory testing, to semi-field enclosure tests and ultimately to full-scale field testing and monitoring. Suggestions are made for triggers to progress to higher tiers. Also, mitigation options to reduce the potential for exposure of terrestrial life-stages of amphibians to PPPs, if a risk were identified, are discussed. Finally, remaining uncertainties and research needs are considered by proposing a way forward (road map) for generating additional information to inform terrestrial amphibian risk assessment.

Ambient Air Exposure to PCBs: Regulation and Monitoring at Five Contaminated Sites in EPA Regions 1, 2, 4, and 5.

Existing regulations seek to protect the public from exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in food, water, and soil. Exposure to PCBs in ambient air has recently been given explicit consideration in the human health risk assessments that form the basis of risk management decisions at contaminated sites. The objective of this paper is to examine how ambient air exposure to PCBs is regulated and monitored at five contaminated sites in the United States. We reviewed online accessible materials (including Environmental Protection Agency-site specific websites, data repositories, and other agency websites). Results indicate that the five sites vary in regard to the measured PCB concentrations in air, the sampling and monitoring methodologies, and the established site-specific guidelines/standards and their basis. We conclude that current practices may not adequately protect those living or working near these sites from airborne PCB exposure and that regulations should include recognition of exposure to indoor sources.

Short-term early exposure to thirdhand cigarette smoke increases lung cancer incidence in mice.

Exposure to thirdhand smoke (THS) is a recently described health concern that arises in many indoor environments. However, the carcinogenic potential of THS, a critical consideration in risk assessment, remains untested. Here we investigated the effects of short-term early exposure to THS on lung carcinogenesis in A/J mice. Forty weeks after THS exposure from 4 to 7 weeks of age, the mice had increased incidence of lung adenocarcinoma, tumor size and, multiplicity, compared with controls. In vitro studies using cultured human lung cancer cells showed that THS exposure induced DNA double-strand breaks and increased cell proliferation and colony formation. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that THS exposure induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and activated p53 signaling. Activation of the p53 pathway was confirmed by an increase in its targets p21 and BAX. These data indicate that early exposure to THS is associated with increased lung cancer risk.

CRISPR/Cas9-Advancing Orthopoxvirus Genome Editing for Vaccine and Vector Development.

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/associated protein 9 (Cas9) technology is revolutionizing genome editing approaches. Its high efficiency, specificity, versatility, flexibility, simplicity and low cost have made the CRISPR/Cas9 system preferable to other guided site-specific nuclease-based systems such as TALENs (Transcription Activator-like Effector Nucleases) and ZFNs (Zinc Finger Nucleases) in genome editing of viruses. CRISPR/Cas9 is presently being applied in constructing viral mutants, preventing virus infections, eradicating proviral DNA, and inhibiting viral replication in infected cells. The successful adaptation of CRISPR/Cas9 to editing the genome of Vaccinia virus paves the way for its application in editing other vaccine/vector-relevant orthopoxvirus (OPXV) strains. Thus, CRISPR/Cas9 can be used to resolve some of the major hindrances to the development of OPXV-based recombinant vaccines and vectors, including sub-optimal immunogenicity; transgene and genome instability; reversion of attenuation; potential of spread of transgenes to wildtype strains and close contacts, which are important biosafety and risk assessment considerations. In this article, we review the published literature on the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in virus genome editing and discuss the potentials of CRISPR/Cas9 in advancing OPXV-based recombinant vaccines and vectors. We also discuss the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in combating viruses of clinical relevance, the limitations of CRISPR/Cas9 and the current strategies to overcome them.

Modeling the transport of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate in riverine sediment in the presence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes

The environmental risks of carbon nanotubes have received considerable attention. In this work, the effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the adsorption of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) by riverine sediment and the transport of SDBS in sediment were studied. MWCNTs could significantly increase the adsorption capacity of the sediment for SDBS, thus affecting the transport of SDBS in sediment. Maximum adsorption capacity of the sediment for SDBS increases from 2.29 to 2.99 mg/g with the increasing content of MWCNTs from 0% to 1.5%. Breakthrough curves (BTCs) of SDBS obtained from the column experiments were described by the convection-dispersion equation, Thomas model, and Yan model. The estimated retardation factor R increases with the incorporation of MWCNTs, either in water or sediment. Additionally, the value of R is well correlated to the content of MWCNTs in sediment. Compared with Thomas model, Yan model is more suitable for fitting the BTCs with all the values of R2 ≥ 0.951, but it tends to overestimate the maximum adsorption capacity when the content of MWCNTs in sediment is relatively higher. The results of SDBS retention in sediment indicate that MWCNTs can increase the accumulation of SDBS in the top sediment layer, while they can impede the transport of SDBS into deeper sediment layer when incorporated into the sediment. These effects should be taken into consideration for risk assessment of CNTs in the aquatic environment.

Trustworthy Identification of Resistance Biomarkers of Bacillus weihenstephanensis: Workflow of the Quality Assurance Procedure

Omics databases have exploded, opening the avenue to take strain diversity or physiological variability into consideration in microbiological risk assessment (MRA). However, one obstacle to the integration of omics data in MRA is the production of quantitative data that may be used to build mathematical models. Gene expression is recognized as relevant biomarker to describe bacterial behavior and reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is considered as the gold standard for accurate, sensitive, and fast measurement of gene expression. However, numerous critical points may arise throughout the entire workflow of RT-qPCR data acquisition influencing accuracy of the results and reliability of the conclusions. Although recommendations about the minimum information that should be found in publications about quantitative real-time PCR experiments, heterogeneity in the reporting of RT-qPCR quality controls in publications remains. Herein, the step-by step RT-qPCR quality controls established for the selection of Bacillus weihenstephanensis resistance biomarkers were described. Throughout this example, appropriate quality procedures and quality controls that shall be set up and carefully assessed to ensure reliable interpretations in RT-qPCR were depicted.

Inclusion of design variability in flexible highway pavement life-cycle cost analysis

This research presents a method that accounts for variability in the principal design input variables for fully flexible highway pavements and assesses their effect on pavement performance. Variability is described by statistical terms such as mean and standard deviation and by its probability density distribution. Statistical characterisation of the variation of asphalt layer thickness, asphalt stiffness and subgrade stiffness is addressed. A model is then proposed that represents an improvement on the method of equivalent thickness for the rapid and repeated calculation of performance life. A Monte Carlo analysis is used to estimate pavement performance life to account for uncertainty of input variables and to calculate the probability of failure of a pavement structure. The output is a statistical assessment of the estimated pavement performance. Rather than the single deterministic result that would be derived by considering average values of input variables, a range of values and probabilities is found for any particular outcome. The probabilistic approach offers a way of incorporating risk assessment considerations that are vital for whole-life-cycle economic analysis and decisions. The paper investigates how variability affects the life-cycle cost of a pavement over a 60-year analysis period.

STAT1-dependent and -independent pulmonary allergic and fibrogenic responses in mice after exposure to tangled versus rod-like multi-walled carbon nanotubes

BackgroundPulmonary toxicity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is influenced by physicochemical characteristics and genetic susceptibility. We hypothesized that contrasting rigidities of tangled (t) versus rod-like (r) MWCNTs would result in differing immunologic or fibrogenic responses in mice and that these responses would be exaggerated in transgenic mice lacking the signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT1), a susceptible mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis.MethodsMale wild type (Stat1+/+) and STAT1-deficient (Stat1−/−) mice were exposed to 4 mg/kg tMWCNTs, rMWCNTs, or vehicle alone via oropharyngeal aspiration and evaluated for inflammation at one and 21 days post-exposure via histopathology, differential cell counts, and cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Granuloma formation, mucous cell metaplasia, and airway fibrosis were evaluated by quantitative morphometry. Airway epithelial cell proliferation was assessed by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. Cytokine protein levels in BALF and serum IgE levels were measured by ELISA. Lung protein Smad2/3 levels and activation were measured by Western blot. Lung mRNAs were measured by PCR.ResultsThere was a 7-fold difference in rigidity between tMWCNTs and rMWCNTs as determined by static bending ratio. Both MWCNT types resulted in acute inflammation (neutrophils in BALF) after one-day post-exposure, yet only rMWCNTs resulted in chronic inflammation at 21 days as indicated by neutrophil influx and larger granulomas. Both MWCNTs induced BrdU uptake in airway epithelial cells, with the greatest proliferative response observed in rMWCNT-exposed mice after one-day. Only rMWCNTs induced mucous cell metaplasia, but this index was not different between genotypes. Stat1−/− mice had higher levels of baseline serum IgE than Stat1+/+ mice. Greater airway fibrosis was observed with rMWCNTs compared to tMWCNTs, and exaggerated airway fibrosis was seen in the Stat1−/− mouse lungs with rMWCNTs but not tMWCNTs. Increased fibrosis correlated with elevated levels of TGF-β1 protein levels in the BALF of Stat1−/− mice exposed to rMWCNTs and increased lung Smad2/3 phosphorylation.ConclusionsRigidity plays a key role in the toxicity of MWCNTs and results in increased inflammatory, immunologic, and fibrogenic effects in the lung. STAT1 is an important protective factor in the fibroproliferative response to rMWCNTs, regulating both induced TGF-β1 production and Smad2/3 phosphorylation status. Therefore, both rigidity and genetic susceptibility should be major considerations for risk assessment of MWCNTs.

The measurement of bisphenol A and its analogues, perfluorinated compounds in twenty species of freshwater and marine fishes, a time-trend comparison and human health based assessment

Our previous study in 2011 reported the detection of BPA and PFAAs in 20 species of marine and freshwater fishes. With an emerging evidence to suggest the metabolic-disrupting effects of BPA/PFAAs in animals, the present study was aimed to provide a time-trend analysis to determine the current concentrations of PFAAs and BPA in 20 commercially available Hong Kong species of fishes. Since the manufacture and use of BPA is being prohibited in most nations, the introduction of BPA alternatives has recently been incorporated in the markets. Therefore, the concentrations of BPB, BPF and BPS were determined. In the present study, all freshwater and seawater fish samples showed quantified concentrations [>Limit of Quantification (LOQ<0.5ng/g)] of BPA. BPF was detected in some marine (yellow seafin, bigeye, goldspotted rabbitfish, snubnose pompano, tongue sole, Bleeker's grouper and orange-spotted grouper) and freshwater fishes (mud carp, crucian carp, tilapia, catfish, mandarin fish, grass carp, grey mullet and spotted snakehead). Two of the compounds, BPS and BPB could only be identified in the marine fishes (snubnose pompano, yellow seafin). In PFAA analysis, PFOA, PFDA, PFOS, PFUdA and PFDoA were found in most of the marine and freshwater fishes. PFOS and PFOA were shown to be the two predominant PFAAs in fishes. On the basis of the measured concentrations of bisphenols, BPs (BPA, BPB, BPF, BPS) and PFAAs, the average daily intake for BPs (20.5–31.5ng/kgb.w./day) and PFAAs (1.17–1.83ng/kgb.w./day) were calculated and found to be lower than values of tolerable daily intake (TDI) established in Europe. However, as compared with our previous study in 2011, the present study revealed an approximate 10-fold increase in the concentrations of BPA in the fish samples. Although the hazard ratio of consuming fishes for BPA and PFAA exposure is expected to remain low, possible additive metabolic-disrupting effect of BPA and its analogues as well PFAAs should be taken into consideration for human health risk assessment.

Ecotoxicity testing and environmental risk assessment of iron nanomaterials for sub-surface remediation – Recommendations from the FP7 project NanoRem

Nanoremediation with iron (Fe) nanomaterials opens new doors for treating contaminated soil and groundwater, but is also accompanied by new potential risks as large quantities of engineered nanomaterials are introduced into the environment. In this study, we have assessed the ecotoxicity of four engineered Fe nanomaterials, specifically, Nano-Goethite, Trap-Ox Fe-zeolites, Carbo-Iron® and FerMEG12, developed within the European FP7 project NanoRem for sub-surface remediation towards a test battery consisting of eight ecotoxicity tests on bacteria (V. fisheri, E. coli), algae (P. subcapitata, Chlamydomonas sp.), crustaceans (D. magna), worms (E. fetida, L. variegatus) and plants (R. sativus, L. multiflorum). The tested materials are commercially available and include Fe oxide and nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI), but also hybrid products with Fe loaded into a matrix. All but one material, a ball milled nZVI (FerMEG12), showed no toxicity in the test battery when tested in concentrations up to 100 mg/L, which is the cutoff for hazard labeling in chemicals regulation in Europe. However it should be noted that Fe nanomaterials proved challenging to test adequately due to their turbidity, aggregation and sedimentation behavior in aqueous media. This paper provides a number of recommendations concerning future testing of Fe nanomaterials and discusses environmental risk assessment considerations related to these.

Immunotoxicity of mercury: Pathological and toxicological effects

ABSTRACTMercury (Hg) is toxic and hazardous metal that causes natural disasters in the earth's crust. Exposure to Hg occurs via various routes; like oral (fish), inhalation, dental amalgams, and skin from cosmetics. In this review, we have discussed the sources of Hg and its potential for causing toxicity in humans. In addition, we also review its bio-chemical cycling in the environment; its systemic, immunotoxic, genotoxic/carcinogenic, and teratogenic health effects; and the dietary influences; as well as the important considerations in risk assessment and management of Hg poisoning have been discussed in detail. Many harmful outcomes have been reported, which will provide more awareness.