Maximum Intake Research Articles

Occurrence, source, and risk assessment of neonicotinoid insecticides in the Huai River, China

Neonicotinoids (NEOs) are the most widely used insecticides in the world. Nevertheless, the occurrence and distribution of NEOs in agricultural areas are not well understood. This study investigated the concentration, sources, ecological risks, and health risks of eight NEOs in the water of the Huai River, which flows through a typical agricultural area in China. The total concentration of NEOs in the river water ranged from 1.02 to 191.2 ng L−1, with an average of 64.1 ng L−1. Thiamethoxam was the dominant compound, with an average relative contribution of 42.5%. The average concentration of the total NEOs in downstream was significantly higher than that in upstream (p < 0.05). This may be related to the intensity of agricultural activities. The riverine NEO fluxes increased by approximately 12 times from the upper site to the lower site. More than 1.3 tons of NEOs in 2022 were transferred into Lake Hongze, the largest regulative lake on the Eastern Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. Nonpoint sources were the major contributor to the total NEO inputs, and water use was the main output pathway. The risk assessment indicated that the individual NEOs in the river water presented low ecological risks. The NEO mixtures would produce chronic risks to aquatic invertebrates in 50% of the sampling sites, which were mostly distributed in downstream. Thus, more attention should be given to the downstream. Based on the Monte Carlo simulation, the health risks of NEOs via water consumption were estimated. The maximum chronic daily intakes were 8.4 × 10−4, 2.25 × 10−4, 1.27 × 10−4, 1.88 × 10−4 mg kg−1 day−1 for boys, girls, men, and women, respectively, which were approximately 2 orders of magnitude lower than the acceptable daily intake. Therefore, river water consumption would not be a concern for the public health.

Black Tea Waste as Green Adsorbent for Nitrate Removal from Aqueous Solutions.

The aim of the study was to prepare effective low-cost green adsorbents based on spent black tea leaves for the removal of nitrate ions from aqueous solutions. These adsorbents were obtained either by thermally treating spent tea to produce biochar (UBT-TT), or by employing the untreated tea waste (UBT) to obtain convenient bio-sorbents. The adsorbents were characterized before and after adsorption by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersed X-ray analysis (EDX), Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). The experimental conditions, such as pH, temperature, and nitrate ions concentration were studied to evaluate the interaction of nitrates with adsorbents and the potential of the adsorbents for the nitrate removal from synthetic solutions. The Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherms were applied to derive the adsorption parameters based on the obtained data. The maximum adsorption intakes for UBT and UBT-TT were 59.44 mg/g and 61.425 mg/g, respectively. The data obtained from this study were best fitted to the Freundlich adsorption isotherm applied to equilibrium (the values R2 = 0.9431 for UBT and R2 = 0.9414 for UBT-TT), this assuming the multi-layer adsorption onto a surface with a finite number of sites. The Freundlich isotherm model could explain the adsorption mechanism. These results indicated that UBT and UBT-TT could serve as novel biowaste and low-cost materials for the removal of nitrate ions from aqueous solutions.

Evaluation of heavy metals contamination in cereals, vegetables and fruits with probabilistic health hazard in a highly polluted megacity.

Heavy metals (HMs) contamination in foodstuffs could pose serious health issues for public health and humans are continually exposed to HMs through the consumption of cereals, fruits, and vegetables. The present study was conducted to assess 11 HMs in foodstuffs to investigate pollution levels and health risks to children and adults. The mean contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, Fe, Pb, Co, As, Mn and Ba in foodstuffs were 0.69, 2.73, 10.56, 6.60, 14.50, 9.63, 2.75, 0.50, 0.94, 15.39 and 0.43mg/kg, respectively and the concentration of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb were higher than maximum permissible concentrations (MPCs) showing that these foods may be contaminated with metals and constitute a danger to consumers. Vegetables had relatively higher metal contents followed by cereals and fruits. The average value of the Nemerrow composite pollution index (NCPI) for cereals, fruits, and vegetables were 3.99, 6.53, and 11.34, respectively indicating cereal and fruits were moderately contaminated whereas vegetables were heavily contaminated by the studied metals. The total estimated daily and weekly intakes for all studied metals were higher than the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI) and provisional tolerance weekly intake (PTWI) recommended by FAO/WHO. The target hazard quotients and hazard index of all studied metals exceeded the standard limit for adults and children suggesting significant non-carcinogenic health hazards. The total cancer risk value of Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and As from food intake exceeded the threshold range (1.0E-04), suggesting potential carcinogenic risks. Based on practical and sensible evaluation techniques, the current work will assist policymakers in controlling metal contamination in foodstuffs.

Metal bioaccumulation and genotoxicity in Oreochromis niloticus reared in farming pools influenced by mining activities in Napo, in the Ecuadorian Amazonia

Mining areas may suffer long-term metal contamination and represent harmful remnants of former mining activities. In the northern Amazon of Ecuador, former mining waste pits are used in Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) fish farming. Given the high consumption of this species by the local population, we aimed to estimate human consumption risks by determining Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, and Zn tissue bioaccumulation (liver, gills, and muscle) and genotoxicity (micronucleus essay) in tilapia cultivated in one former mining waste pit (S3) and compare the findings to tilapias reared in two non-mining areas (S1 and S2); 15 fish total. Tissue metal content was not significantly higher in S3 than in non-mining areas. Cu and Cd were higher in the gills of tilapias from S1 compared to the other study sites. Higher Cd and Zn were detected in the liver of tilapias from S1 compared to the other sampling sites. Cu was higher in the liver of fish from S1 and S2, and Cr, in the gills of fish from S1. The highest frequency of nuclear abnormalities was observed in fish from S3, indicating chronic exposure to metals at this sampling site. The consumption of fish reared at the three sampling sites results in a 200-fold higher Pb and Cd ingestion than their maximum tolerable intake thresholds. Calculated estimated weekly intakes (EWI), hazard quotients (THQ), and Carcinogenic Slope Factors (CSFing) denote potential human health risks, indicating the need for continuous monitoring in this area to ensure food safety not only in areas affected by mining, but in general farms in the region.

Bioconcentration of Chromium (Cr) on The Soft Tissue of Mussels (Perna viridis, Linnaeus 1758) in Tambak Lorok Waters, Semarang

Industrial development provides economic benefits, but also increases the concentration of waste pollution which affects the aquatic environment of Tambak Lorok on the North Coast of Central Java. The existence of this waste will affect the life of the biota in it, such as mussels (Perna viridis). The heavy metal Chromium is the focus of research, considering that its presence in large quantities which accumulates in the human body causes health problems. The aims of the research were to determine the content of heavy metal Cr in the waters, sediments, and soft tissue of mussels, to determine the bioconcentration of heavy metal Cr in mussels, and to determine the tolerable intake of weekly consumption of the mussels cultivated in Tambak Lorok waters. The content of Cr in water samples, sediment, and mussel soft tissue was measured the APHA 3111B-2012 method, US EPA SW-846/3050 B-1996 SM 3111B-2012 method, and SSA method. The calculation of bioconcentration mussels, using the bioconcentration factor and Maximum Tolerable Intake. The heavy metal content of Cr in the water column was 0.015 – 0.025 mg.L-1 (upper the quality standard), in sediment was 25.12 – 28.72 mg.kg-1(lower the quality standard), and in the soft tissue of mussels was 0.155 – 0.265 mg/kg (upper the quality standard). The bioconcentration factor of metal Cr in mussels is classified as low, which is around 10.35 – 14. The maximum tolerable intake for mussels was 6,078 kg/week, it is considered safe for consumption.

Effect of exercise prescription teaching on exercise quality and mental health status of college students.

The teaching mode of fitness exercise prescriptions for college students in physical education conforms to the scientific principles and rules of fitness, which can adapt to the characteristics of students' individual physiological functions and stimulate their interest in learning. To analyze the effect of prescribed exercise teaching on the sports quality and mental health of college students. The participants of the study were 240 students in our class of 2021, of which 142 were men and 98 were women. The 240 students were randomly divided into an experimental group using the exercise prescription teaching model and a control group using the conventional teaching model. The experimental and control groups were divided into four classes of 30 students each. The teaching activities of the two teaching mode groups were strictly controlled, and the same tests were used before and after the experiment to test the subjects' exercise quality (in-cluding standing long jump, 50 m race, 800 m race, sit-ups, sit-and-reach), physical form (including height, weight, Ketorolai index), cardiopulmonary function (including heart rate, blood pressure, spirometry, 12-min running distance, maximum oxygen intake) and mental health (SCL-90, including somatization, obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobia, paranoia, psychotic symptoms) to understand the effects of the exercise prescription teaching mode on students' physical and mental health status. There were differences in the exercise scores of standing long jump, 50 m, 800 m/1000 m running, sit-ups, and sit-and-reach in the experimental group after the experiment compared with those before the experiment, and the above indices of the experimental group were different from those of the control group after the experiment (P < 0.05). There were differences in body weight and Ketorolai index in the experimental group after the experiment compared to those before the experiment, and the indices of the experimental group were also different from those of the control group after the experiment (P < 0.05). After the experiment, there were differences in spirometry, 12-min running distance, and maximum oxygen intake in the experimental group compared to those before the experiment, and the indices of the experimental group were also different from those of the control group after the experiment (P < 0.05). After the experiment, the indicators of somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, and hostility in the experimental group were different from those in the pre-experimental group, and the indexes of the experimental group were also different from those of the control group after the experiment (P < 0.05). Exercise prescription teaching can mobilize college students' consciousness, enthusiasm, and initiative; expand personalities; enhance physical fitness and improve their mental health more than the conventional fitness exercise prescription teaching method.

Dissipation kinetics and dietary risk assessment of pesticides in/on citrus (mandarin)

AbstractA supervised field trial was conducted to evaluate the dissipation pattern and dietary risk assessment of the pesticides, Solomon (recommended dose, X (63+147 g a.i./ha) and double the recommended dose, 2X (126+294 g a.i./ha)); spirotetramat (X dose: 90 g a.i./ha and 2X dose: 180 g a.i./ha) and indaziflam (X dose: 62.5 g a.i./ha and 2X dose: 125 g a.i./ha) in citrus (mandarin) fruits and cropped soil. Solomon and spirotetramet were applied as foliar spray at the fruit development stage and indaziflam was applied directly on to the weeds. Fruit and soil samples thus collected were extracted using a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe analytical method for residue estimation, which was carried out using Gas Chromatography‐Electron Capture Detector for betacyfluthrin and High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography for all other analytes. Residues of betacyfluthrin reached below the determination level (0.05 mg/kg) after the 3rd and 5th day of treatment at X and 2X dosage while imidacloprid and spirotetramat residues reached below the determination level on the 5th and 7th day, respectively. Residues of indaziflam and its metabolites were not detected in any citrus and soil matrices. Dietary risk assessment calculated as hazard quotient and theoretical maximum dietary intake revealed the safety of the pesticides for human consumption after application of these pesticides on citrus.

Behavior of trifloxystrobin and propineb as combi-product in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and their risk assessment for human health.

Fungicides have their own unique characteristics and modes of action; a combination formulation of trifloxystrobin and propineb was applied to tomatoes for their dissipation kinetics and to ensure consumer safety. The combi-product was applied at a 10-day interval with standard (61.25 + 1072.75 g a.i. ha-1 ) and double (122.5 + 2145.50 g a.i. ha-1 ) doses. The efficient analytical method was established using the QuEChERS approach followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The maximum residue levels of 0.15 and 0.35 mg kg-1 of trifloxystrobin were detected in tomato fruits immediately after application at standard and double doses, respectively. The corresponding levels of propineb as carbon disulfide were 0.47 and 0.90 mg kg-1 , respectively. Considering trifloxystrobin (0.7 mg kg-1 ) codex MRL and propineb as dithiocarbamate (3.0 mg kg-1 ) EU-MRL in tomato, a PHI of 1 day can be proposed. The anticipated residue contributions of both fungicides were far less than the acceptable daily intake. The targeted hazard quotient and hazard index were also less than one for both fungicides. Furthermore, the theoretical maximum residue contribution was less than its maximum permissible intake, which indicates that the consumption of tomatoes containing the measured value of each fungicide residue could not pose any health risks.

Dissipation kinetics, food safety evaluation and decontamination of chlorantraniliprole in cowpea

Cowpea is known for its high protein content (18–25%) and also chiefly raised for green fodder. The infesting pests, pod borer and aphids are the most destructive ones. To control these pests, chlorantraniliprole emerges as a promising molecule. Thus, its needs to assess the dissipation nature of the chlorantraniliprole. Hence, a trial was conducted at IIVR, Varanasi, India. The residue analysis was done through solid phase extraction method followed by gas chromatoghraphy analysis. The analytical method was standardized and validated according to international standard. The half–life of chlorantraniliprole in cowpea pods was estimated in the range of 2.79- 2.33 days in the year-I and 2.51–2.32 days in the year-II for single dose (SD) and double dose (DD) respectively. Similarly, half-life of the chlorantraniliprole in leaves 2.43–2.27 days whereas, 1.94–1.70 days in case of soil. The exposure of the residues in pods were less than maximum permissible intake (MPI). The RQ values revealed that there could be negligible risk to earthworms and arthropods. Washing with boiling water was found the most effective decontamination treatment to remove residue from cowpea pods. Thus, it could be concluded that chlorantraniliprole does not pose any significant threat when uses in cowpea in a particular dose.

Alteration in the neurochemical profile of ENS neurons in the porcine ileum after oral exposure of glyphosate

Glyphosate-based herbicides are one of the most intensively used pollutants worldwide. The main goal of present study was to determine the changes in the neurochemical phenotype of enteric nervous system (ENS) neurons in the porcine ileum after oral glyphosate administration.Study was performed on 15 immature gilts divided into 3 groups: control (C) - animals receiving empty gelatin capsules; G1 - animals receiving a low dose of glyphosate- corresponding to the theoretical maximum daily intake (TMDI) - 0.05 mg/kg of b.w./day; G2- animals receiving a higher dose of glyphosate - corresponding to the acceptable daily intake (ADI) - 0.5 mg/kg of b.w./day) in gelatin capsules orally for 28 days. After this time, the animals were euthanized and ileum samples were collected. Frozen sections (12μm thick) were then subjected to the double immunofluorescent staining technique using primary antibody directed towards Hu C/D (used as a pan-neuronal marker) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and appropriate secondary antibodies.Supplementation of lower dose of glyphosate increased the population of PACAP- like immunoreactive (LI) neurons in the outer submucous plexus (OSP) (from 6.34±1.24 to 14.12±1.68%), nNOS-LI neurons in the myenteric plexus (MP) (from 29.96±2.40 to 37.57±1.17%) and the inner submucous plexus (ISP) (from 12.64±1.10 to 19.76±1.34%), CART-LI neurons in the MP (from 20.44±0.81 to 29.77±1.16%) and the ISP (from 6.07±1.00 to 10.44±0.94%) and decreased the number of VAChT-LI neurons in both submucous plexuses (from 30.69±1.22 to 24.84±1.20% in the OSP and from 53.03±1.67 to 46.68±1.18% in the ISP). The higher dose of glyphosate evoke marked changes in the immunoreactivity of all neuroactive substance studied and type of enteric plexus analyzed. An increased number of PACAP-LI (from 13.75±to 40.20 to 40.20±1.62% in the MP, to 21.12 ±1.40% in the OSP and from 11.22±1.26 to 34.94±1.61% in the ISP), nNOS-LI (to 49.92±1.73% in the MP, from 19.53±1.29 to 27.69±1.29% in the OSP and to 27.92±1.26% in the ISP), CART-LI (to 35.03±1.67% in the MP, from 10.60±1.38 to 22.23±1.27% in the OSP and to14.78±1.53% in the ISP) neurons as well as a decrease in the population of VAChT-LI neurons (from 44.58±1.82 to 29.03±1.74% in the MP, to 22.24±1.96% in the OSP and to 35.87±1.42% in the ISP) were noted.Observed changes may result from neurotoxic effect of glyphosate on the ENS neurons and be part of adaptive processes of these neurons to ileum dysfunction. the National Science Centre in Poland [grant no. 2020/04/X/NZ7/00338]. Project financially supported by the Minister of Education and Science under the program entitled “Regional Initiative of Excellence” for the years 2019-2023, Project No. 010/RID/2018/19, amount of funding 12.000.000 PLN. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Trace Metals in Rice Grains and Their Associated Health Risks from Conventional and Non-Conventional Rice Growing Areas in Punjab-Pakistan

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is cultivated and consumed worldwide, but the contamination of rice grains with trace metals (TMs) could cause adverse impacts on human health. The aims of this study were to determine the concentrations of TMs in different rice varieties available for sale in local markets and to determine whether consumers are likely to be at risk via the consumption of these rice cultivars. For this purpose, samples of rice grains were collected from 12 rice growing districts (administrative units) in Punjab, Pakistan. These districts were further classified based on rice growing methods due to specific soil type. In conventional districts, the puddling method was used, while direct seeding was used for rice cultivation in non-conventional districts. The samples were collected and analyzed for the determination of essential (Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn) and non-essential (Cd, Ni, and Pb) TMs using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results showed that the maximum respective concentrations of Cd, Ni, and Pb (0.54, 0.05, 1.10 mg kg−1) were found in rice grains in conventional areas, whereas values of 0.47, 0.20, and 1.20 mg kg−1 were found in non-conventional rice growing areas. The maximum concentrations of essential TMs (Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) were 4.54, 66.01, 4.82, and 21.51 mg kg−1 in conventional areas and 3.76, 74.11, 5.66, 19.63 mg kg−1 in non-conventional areas. In the conventional rice growing areas, Fe and Zn concentrations exceeded the permissible limits in the 27 and 7% samples, respectively. In the non-conventional rice areas, the concentrations of Cu, Fe, and Mn exceeded the permissible limits in the 15, 26, and 3% samples, respectively, while its Zn concentration was found within the permissible limits. The estimated weekly intake (EWI) and maximum tolerable dietary intake (MTDI) values for all studied metals were found within the permissible values set by WHO, except for Fe, in both sampled areas. It was concluded that no health risks were associated by utilizing the rice grains. However, the mean values of TMs were found considerably higher in collected rice samples from non-conventional areas than the conventional areas. Therefore, the concentrations of TMs should be monitored properly.

Heavy metal contamination in retailed food in Bangladesh: a dietary public health risk assessment

Introduction Contamination with heavy and toxic metals along the food value chain is a public health concern in Bangladesh. Methods In this study, 608 fish and chicken samples from traditional and modern retail outlets in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas were collected and analyzed for chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) contamination, using atomic absorption spectrometry method. The daily intake, target hazard quotient and the target carcinogenic risk (for lead only) as a result of fish and chicken consumption was calculated based on mean results, and by Monte Carlo simulation in @Risk with 100,000 iterations (quantitative risk assessment). Results Cr and Cd were detected in 80–86% of both chicken meat and fish samples, while Pb positivity found in chicken meat and fish was 54.9 and 23.3%, respectively. The mean concentration (±SD) of Cr, Cd, and Pb in chicken meat were 0.66 ± 0.93, 0.02 ± 0.03, and 0.09 ± 0.10 mg/kg, respectively; and in fish were 0.49 ± 0.62, 0.02 ± 0.03, and 0.06 ± 0.09 mg/kg, respectively. The estimated daily intakes of Cr, Cd, and Pb from chicken and fish were lower than the maximum tolerable daily intake in all studied areas. In addition, the target carcinogenic risk for Pb in chicken was lower than the negligible range, which indicated the risk of cancer due to exposure to Pb through chicken meat and fish consumption was very low. Discussion The present study concludes that consumption of chicken meat and fish in Bangladesh, currently at very low levels, is unlikely to constitute a major health risk for humans in respect to these metals. However, continuous market surveillance for heavy metals in food stuff is recommended, especially since consumers may increase their meat intake.

Alcohol consumption and breast cancer prognosis after breast cancer diagnosis: a systematic review and meta‑analysis of the Japanese Breast Cancer Society Clinical Practice Guideline, 2022 edition

Alcohol consumption is internationally recognized as one of the compelling risk factors for breast cancer, but it does not necessarily correlate with the prognosis of breast cancer patients. Alcohol consumption in breast cancer patients was addressed in the 2022 Breast Cancer Clinical Practice Guidelines. A systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies on alcohol consumption and breast cancer recurrence, breast cancer-related mortality, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular disease mortality in breast cancer patients was performed. The PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Ichushi-Web databases were searched for relevant publications reporting cohort or case–control studies published until March 2021. A total of 33 studies (32 cohort studies and 1 case–control study) met the eligibility criteria; 4638 cases of recurrence, 12,209 cases of breast cancer-specific mortality, and 21,945 cases of all-cause mortality were observed. With regard to breast cancer recurrence, 7 studies assessed pre-diagnosis alcohol consumption (relative risk (RR) 1.02, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.77–1.37, p = 0.88) and 3 studies assessed post-diagnosis alcohol consumption (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.85–1.10, p = 0.57), and no significant increase or decrease in risk was observed. With regard to breast cancer-related mortality, 19 studies assessed pre-diagnosis alcohol consumption (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.93–1.11, p = 0.69), 9 studies assessed post-diagnosis alcohol consumption (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.77–1.19, p = 0.70), and no significant increase or decrease in risk was observed. With regard to all-cause mortality, 18 studies assessed pre-diagnosis alcohol consumption (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82–0.99, p = 0.02), 8 studies assessed post-diagnosis alcohol consumption (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.74–1.02, p = 0.08), and pre-diagnosis alcohol consumption was associated with a significantly decreased risk. With regard to cardiovascular disease mortality and alcohol consumption, 2 studies assessed it, and the RRwas 0.47 (95% CI 0.28–0.79, p = 0.005), showing that alcohol consumption was associated with a significantly decreased risk. The limitations of this study are that drinking status was mainly based on a questionnaire survey, which is somewhat inaccurate and has many confounding factors, and the cut-off value for the maximum alcohol intake in many studies was low, and it is possible that the actual intake was only an appropriate amount. In many countries, a standard drinking amount is set, and wise decisions are required.

Green approaches with amino acids-based deep eutectic solvents (AADES) for determining As in medicinal herbs by ICP-MS

In this work, an innovative ultrasound-assisted matrix solid-phase dispersion (UA-MSPD) method and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) were applied with amino acids-based deep eutectic solvents (AADES) for the extraction of arsenic (As) from medicinal herbs. Multivariate optimization by Doehlert design (DD) was performed to determine the optimal experimental conditions. The effects of temperature (TP), time (TM), and sample-solvent ratio (SSR) were evaluated, and the optimized conditions were 50 °C, 60 min, and 10:1 mg mL−1 for UA-MSPD and 100 °C, 40 min, and 40:1 mg mL−1 for MAE, employing AADES 2 (β-alanine, citric acid, and water), where the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups of the citric acid structure favored formation of a chelate complex with the analyte. AADES 3 (β-alanine, xylitol, and water) was effective for MAE, while AADES 1 (β-alanine, malic acid, and water) proved to be inefficient for As extraction. The parameters of the analytical methods were evaluated using certified reference materials. The accuracy, based on percentage recovery, was in the range 77–101 %, while the limits of detection and quantification were in the ranges 0.010–0.039 mg kg−1 and 0.011–0.130 mg kg−1, respectively. The analytical curves presented R2 > 0.99. The proposed methods were shown to be environmentally friendly, based on the Analytical Eco-Scale and RGB 12 procedures. Both optimized methods were applied for the determination of As in commercial medicinal herbs (0.059–0.101 mg kg−1), with the values obtained being within the maximum daily intake limit established by the World Health Organization (WHO). It should be noted that there are no previous reports in the literature concerning the application of a sample preparation method using AADES, employing their solid precursors, with no requirement for prior solvent synthesis, as proposed here in the case of the UA-MSPD method.

Dissipation pattern and safety assessment of fenazaquin and metaflumizone in butterbur (Petasites japonicus)

This study was conducted to investigate the residual behavior and safety assessment of fenazaquin and metaflumizone in butterbur. The samples were periodically harvested, extracted using QuEChERS method, and determined by LC-MS/MS. The linearity of matrix-matched calibration curve was ≥0.99 for both compounds. The average recoveries of fenazaquin and metaflumizone at two fortification levels (0.01 and 0.1 mg kg−1) ranged from 86.6 to 97.2%. The relative standard deviation was <10%. After 7 days, the fenazaquin and metaflumizone initial residues in butterbur were dissipated to 79 and 78%, with the respective half-lives, 3.08 and 3.15 days. The proposed preharvest intervals (PHIs) for fenazaquin is recommended as twice treatment 14 days before harvest and metaflumizone twice treatment 7 days before harvest of butterbur. Risk assessment showed that the acceptable daily intake of fenazaquin and metaflumizone in butterbur was 0.004 and 0.029%, respectively. The respective theoretical maximum daily intakes of fenazaquin and metaflumizone were 58.74 and 15.15%, indicating negligible risk.

EBNEO commentary: Early amino acids in extremely preterm infants and neurodisability at 2 years.

Preterm infants require nutritional support immediately after birth to prevent catabolism and support normal growth, often in the setting of increased energy requirements due to postnatal environmental conditions and critical illness. Observational studies in preterm infants have shown that there is a positive association between protein intake in the first month of life, short-term growth outcomes at NICU discharge1 and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.2, 3 However, a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials found that preterm infants with higher intake of parenteral amino acids demonstrated improved postnatal growth but did not show improvement in neurodevelopmental outcomes compared with infants who received lower intake of amino acids.4 Despite evidence for the benefit of early protein delivery on growth in the preterm infant, there are still many questions about the optimal dosing regimen of parenteral amino acids, including starting dose, maximal intake dose, timing and speed of increase in delivery. For example, there have been small, randomised controlled trials that have raised concerns for adverse effects from high-dose (>3 g/kg/day) parenteral amino acids advanced rapidly in the first week of life, including smaller head circumference at NICU discharge5, 6 and reduced growth through the first 2 years of life.7 In this multicenter, double-blind, randomised control trial, extremely low-birth-weight infants who received higher parenteral amino acid intake in the first 5 days of life (3.4 ± 0.6 vs 2.6 ± 0.6 g/kg/day) did not have improved survival without neurodevelopmental impairment at 2 years of corrected gestational age. In fact, higher amino acid intake was associated with higher rates of moderate-to-severe neurodisability than neonates who received lower amino acid intake. Although increased protein intake was associated with improved growth in the first month of life, there were no differences in growth at 2 years old. This study was adequately powered and is the largest study to date to test for differences in neurodevelopmental outcome as a result of amino acid dose in the first week of life. The investigators provided a difference of 0.8 g/kg per day of protein between groups, thus isolating its effect over other components of parenteral nutrition. Limitations included that additional amino acids were only administered for 5 days; it is unclear whether prolonged supplementation would change outcomes. Outcomes at 2 years old weakly predict outcomes in school-aged children. Plasma amino acid concentrations were not reported, but are critical to determine whether current paediatric amino acid solutions are adequate for preterm infants. In summary, increasing parenteral amino acid intake via the umbilical arterial catheter for 5 days after birth does not improve neurodevelopmental outcomes or growth at 2 years in preterm infants; higher protein intake may be associated with worse neurodevelopmental outcomes. The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition recommends that preterm infants should not receive more than 3.5 g/kg/day of parenteral amino acids unless administered in a clinical trial.8 This study supports that recommendation; clinicians should be cautious of excessive parenteral protein administration to preterm infants especially in the first 5 days of life. URL LINK: https://ebneo.org/ebneo-commentary-early-amino-acids-and-nd-outcomes/ None. None.

Quinolizidine alkaloids in lupine flour and lupine products from the German retail market and risk assessment of the results regarding human health

This study describes the analysis of five quinolizidine alkaloids (QA), i.e. 13-OH-lupanine, lupanine, lupinine, angustifoline and sparteine in 30 samples of lupine flours, lupine seeds and derived products collected 2019–2021 on the German retail market. QA occur as secondary metabolites in plants of lupine species. Certain QA are of toxicological relevance. The analytical determination performed by LC-MS/MS revealed some samples with high QA concentrations (up to 21,000 mg/kg), particularly in bitter lupine seeds. As those concentrations would result in substantial exceedances of the maximum tolerable intake values proposed by health authorities, they must be considered as a health concern.

Mechanistic action of pesticides on pests and their consequent effect on fishes and human health with remediation strategies

Abstract Population detonation and inflated demand for agricultural products have resulted in the rampant use of pesticides in recent years. These pesticides are used to reduce the number of pesticides by different mechanisms. They have been utilized in agriculture to expand agrarian profit, crop yield, quality, and storage life. The incessant and extensive use of resistant pesticides has contaminated the water bodies, fields, crops, and aquatic biota as well as poses a threat to human health. As a result, stringent regulations and limits are established to monitor the pesticide matrix. The current review focuses on pesticide contamination in the food chain, particularly from the aquatic bodies to fishes and humans. It also discusses strict regulations and limits including maximum residual limits for food items, acceptable daily intake, theoretical maximum daily intake, and estimated carcinogenicity/non-carcinogenicity for fishes and human health risks. In addition to conferring the negative effects of pesticides, this article discusses cost-effective remediation techniques such as phytoremediation, adsorption, the Fenton oxidation method, microalgal/high-rate algal ponds, and nanotechnology with the comparison of their remediation cost.

Residues and Safety Assessment of Cyantraniliprole and Indoxacarb in Wild Garlic (Allium vineale).

In this study, the residual behavior and safety of cyantraniliprole and indoxacarb applied to wild garlic (Allium vineale) were investigated. Samples were harvested after treatments of 0, 3, 7, and 14 days, then were prepared and extracted following the QuEChERS method and analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS. The linearity (R2 ≥ 0.99) of the calibration curves was excellent for both compounds. The average recoveries of cyantraniliprole and indoxacarb at two spiking concentrations (0.01 and 0.1 mg/kg) ranged from 94.2% to 111.4%. The relative standard deviation value was below 10%. The initial concentrations of cyantraniliprole and indoxacarb in wild garlic were degraded to 75% and 93% after seven days. The average half-lives were 1.83 and 1.14 days for cyantraniliprole and indoxacarb, respectively. The preharvest intervals (PHIs) for the two pesticides in wild garlic are recommended as two treatments seven days before harvest. The safety assessment data indicated that the percent acceptable daily intakes of cyantraniliprole and indoxacarb were 0.3 × 10-4% and 6.7 × 10-2%, respectively, in wild garlic. The theoretical maximum daily intake value of cyantraniliprole was 9.80%, and that of indoxacarb was 60.54%. Both compounds' residues in wild garlic pose low health risks to consumers. The findings of the current investigation provide essential data for the safe use of cyantraniliprole and indoxacarb in wild garlic.

Determination, exposure and risk assessment of PAHs in natural vitamin E isolated from vegetable oil industry

ABSTRACT Natural vitamin E, which is mainly extracted from vegetable oil deodoriser distillate (VODD), is likely contaminated by carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). A total of 26 commercial vitamin E products from six countries were investigated for 16 EPA PAHs using QuEChERS combined with gas chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-QQQ-MS). The concentrations of total PAHs in the samples ranged from 46.5 μg kg−1 to 215 μg kg−1, while the concentrations of PAH4 (BaA, Chr, BbF and BaP) ranged from 4.43 μg kg−1 to 20.1 μg kg−1. Risk assessment indicates that maximum intake of PAHs is 0.2 mg day−1, which is less than the LD50 and no observed adverse effect levels (NOAEL) of PAHs. However, chronic carcinogenicity of PAHs needs to be considered. The results suggested that PAH concentrations as well as toxicity equivalent should be considered as important indicator of risk of vitamin E products.