SD Concentration Research Articles

Correlations between ceruloplasmin, lactoferrin and myeloperoxidase in meconium.

Oxidative stress and the generation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species has a known significant impact on intrauterine fetal growth and the risk of metabolic diseases in adulthood. Compounds accumulated in fetal meconium may be a source of information about the oxidoreductive status during the intrauterine development. Three metal-containing proteins ceruloplasmin (CP), lactoferrin (LF) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) constitute the complementary panel modulating oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to assess the concentrations of these proteins and their correlations in meconium from healthy neonates. The CP, LF and MPO concentrations were determined using ELISA Kits. All serial meconium portions (n=80) were collected from healthy full-term neonates (n=19). The mean±SD concentrations [μg/g] in meconium samples were as follows: CP 312.4±229.7 (range 52.2-1076), LF 45.6±78.9 (range 1.7-511.4), MPO 1.8±1.7 (range 0.02-8.8) with statistically significant correlations between CP vs. LF (R=0.459, p=0.00009) and LF vs. MPO (R=0.354, p=0.0013). A statistically significant increase in the concentrations (p<0.05) between the first and the last meconium portions was found for LF (p=0.027) and for MPO (p=0.0006). Strong correlations between the meconium concentrations of CP, LF and MPO indicate a possible role of these complementary proteins in maintaining homeostasis of the intrauterine environment of the fetus. CP, LF and MPO measured in meconium may serve as biomarkers for assessment of impairment of oxidative balance during intrauterine life with its potential impact on disease development in adulthood.

Observation of regional air pollutant transport between the megacity Beijing and the North China Plain

Abstract. Megacities have strong interactions with the surrounding regions through transport of air pollutants. It has been frequently addressed that the air quality of Beijing is influenced by the influx of air pollutants from the North China Plain (NCP). Estimations of air pollutant cross-boundary transport between Beijing and the NCP are important for air quality management. However, evaluation of cross-boundary transport using long-term observations is very limited. Using the observational results of the gaseous pollutants SO2, NO, NO2, O3, and CO from August 2006 to October 2008 at the Yufa site, a cross-boundary site between the megacity Beijing and the NCP, together with meteorological parameters, we explored a method for evaluating the transport flux intensities at Yufa, as part of the “Campaign of Air Quality Research in Beijing and Surrounding Region 2006–2008” (CAREBeijing 2006–2008). The hourly mean ± SD (median) concentration of SO2, NO, NO2, NOx, O3, Ox, and CO was 15 ± 16 (9) ppb, 12 ± 25 (3) ppb, 24 ± 19 (20) ppb, 36 ± 39 (23) ppb, 28 ± 27 (21) ppb, 52 ± 24 (45) ppb, and 1.6 ± 1.4 (1.2) ppm during the observation period, respectively. The bivariate polar plots showed the dependence of pollutant concentrations on both wind speed and wind direction, and thus inferred their dominant transport directions. Surface flux intensity calculations further demonstrated the regional transport influence of Beijing and the NCP on Yufa. The net surface transport flux intensity (mean ± SD) of SO2, NO, NO2, NOx, O3, Ox, and CO was 6.2 ± 89.5, −4.3 ± 29.5, −0.6 ± 72.3, −4.9 ± 93.0, 14.7 ± 187.8, 14.8 ± 234.9, and 70 ± 2830 µg s−1 m−2 during the observation period, respectively. For SO2, CO, O3, and Ox the surface flux intensities from the NCP to Yufa surpassed those from Beijing to Yufa in all seasons except winter, with the strongest net fluxes largely in summer, which were about 4–8 times those of other seasons. The surface transport flux intensity of NOx from Beijing to Yufa was stronger than that from the NCP to Yufa except in summer, with the strongest net flux in winter, which was about 1.3–8 times that of other seasons. The flux intensities were then assigned to the corresponding trajectories in the potential source contribution function analysis (PSCF), which confirmed the results of flux intensity calculations. Our study also suggested that various factors, such as the wind field, emission inventory, and photochemical reactions, could influence transport of air pollutants. The decrease of surface flux intensity during the Olympic Games implied the role of both local emission reduction and regional cooperation in successful air quality management. Three dimensional observations are needed for further comprehensive discussion of the regional transport between Beijing and the NCP.

Human Milk Plasmalogens Are Highly Enriched in Long-Chain PUFAs

Background: Human milk contains unique glycerophospholipids, including ethanolamine-containing plasmalogens (Pls-PEs) in the milk fat globule membrane, which have been implicated in infant brain development. Brain Pls-PEs accumulate postnatally and are enriched in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Fatty acid (FA) composition of Pls-PEs in milk is poorly understood because of the analytical challenges in separating Pls-PEs from other phospholipids in the predominating presence of triacylglycerols. The variability of Pls-PE FAs and the potential role of maternal diet remain unknown.Objectives: Our primary objectives were to establish improved methodology for extracting Pls-PEs from human milk, enabling FA analysis, and to compare FA composition between Pls-PEs and 2 major milk phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Our secondary objective was to explore associations between maternal DHA intake and DHA in milk phospholipids and variability in phospholipid-DHA within a woman.Methods: Mature milk was collected from 25 women, with 4 providing 3 milk samples on 3 separate days. Lipids were extracted, and phospholipids were removed by solid phase extraction. Pls-PEs were separated by using normal-phase HPLC, recovered and analyzed for FAs by GLC. Diet was assessed by using a validated food-frequency questionnaire.Results: Pls-PE concentration in human milk was significantly higher in LC-PUFAs than phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine, including arachidonic acid (AA) and DHA. The mean ± SD concentration of AAs in Pls-PEs was ∼2.5-fold higher than in phosphatidylethanolamine (10.5 ± 1.71 and 3.82 ± 0.92 g/100 g, respectively). DHA in Pls-PEs varied across women (0.95–6.51 g/100 g), likely independent of maternal DHA intake. Pls-PE DHA also varied within a woman across days (CV ranged from 9.8% to 28%).Conclusions: Human milk provides the infant with LC-PUFAs from multiple lipid pools, including a source from Pls-PEs. The biological determinants of Pls-PE FAs and physiological relevance to the breastfed infant remain to be elucidated.

Evaluation of Equations for Predicting 24-Hour Urinary Sodium Excretion from Casual Urine Samples in Asian Adults

Background: The collection of 24-h urine samples for the estimation of sodium intake is burdensome, and the utility of spot urine samples in Southeast Asian populations is unclear.Objective: We aimed to assess the validity of prediction equations with the use of spot urine concentrations.Methods: A sample of 144 Singapore residents of Chinese, Malay, and Indian ethnicity aged 18–79 y were recruited from the Singapore Health 2 Study conducted in 2014. Participants collected urine for 24 h in multiple small bottles on a single day. To determine the optimal collection time for a spot urine sample, a 1-mL sample was taken from a random bottle collected in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Published equations and a newly derived equation were used to predict 24-h sodium excretion from spot urine samples.Results: The mean ± SD concentration of sodium from the 24-h urine sample was 125 ± 53.4 mmol/d, which is equivalent to 7.2 ± 3.1 g salt. Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement at the group level between estimated and actual 24-h sodium excretion, with biases for the morning period of –3.5 mmol (95% CI: –14.8, 7.8 mmol; new equation) and 1.46 mmol (95% CI: –10.0, 13.0 mmol; Intersalt equation). A larger bias of 25.7 mmol (95% CI: 12.2, 39.3 mmol) was observed for the Tanaka equation in the morning period. The prediction accuracy did not differ significantly for spot urine samples collected at different times of the day or at a random time of day (P = 0.11–0.76).Conclusion: This study suggests that the application of both our own newly derived equation and the Intersalt equation to spot urine concentrations may be useful in predicting group means for 24-h sodium excretion in urban Asian populations.

Vitamin D status is associated with uteroplacental dysfunction indicated by pre-eclampsia and small-for-gestational-age birth in a large prospective pregnancy cohort in Ireland with low vitamin D status

AbstractBackground: Associations between vitamin D and pregnancy outcomes have been inconsistent.Objectives: We described the distribution of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3], 3-epi-25(OH)D3, and 25(OH)D2 in early pregnancy and investigated associations with pre-eclampsia and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) birth, which are indicative of uteroplacental dysfunction.Design: The SCOPE (Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints) Ireland prospective pregnancy cohort study included 1768 well-characterized low-risk, nulliparous women resident at 52°N. Serum 25(OH)D3, 3-epi-25(OH)D3, and 25(OH)D2 were quantified at 15 wk of gestation with the use of a CDC-accredited liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method.Results: The mean ± SD total 25(OH)D concentration was 56.7 ± 25.9 nmol/L, and 17% and 44% of women had 25(OH)D concentrations <30 and <50 nmol/L, respectively. The prevalence of pre-eclampsia was 3.8%, and 10.7% of infants were SGA. There was a lower risk of pre-eclampsia plus SGA combined (13.6%) at 25(OH)D concentrations >75 nmol/L (adjusted OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.96). The main predictors of 25(OH)D were the use of vitamin D–containing supplements (adjusted mean difference: 20.1 nmol/L; 95% CI: 18.5, 22.7 nmol/L) and summer sampling (adjusted mean difference: 15.5 nmol/L; 95% CI: 13.4, 17.6 nmol/L). Non-Caucasian ethnicity (adjusted mean difference: −19.3 nmol/L; 95% CI: −25.4, −13.2 nmol/L) and smoking (adjusted mean difference: −7.0 nmol/L; 95% CI: −10.5, −3.6 nmol/L) were negative predictors of 25(OH)D. The mean ± SD concentration of 3-epi-25(OH)D3, which was detectable in 99.9% of samples, was 2.6 ± 1.6 nmol/L. Determinants of 3-epi-25(OH)D3 were 25(OH)D3 (adjusted mean difference: 0.052 nmol/L; 95% CI: 0.050, 0.053 nmol/L) and maternal age (adjusted mean difference: −0.018 nmol/L; 95% CI: −0.026, −0.009 nmol/L). The mean ± SD concentration of 25(OH)D2 was 3.1 ± 2.7 nmol/L, which was present in all samples. No adverse effects of 25(OH)D concentrations >125 nmol/L were observed.Conclusions: In the first report to our knowledge of CDC-accredited 25(OH)D data and pregnancy outcomes from a large, clinically validated, prospective cohort study, we observed a protective association of a 25(OH)D concentration >75 nmol/L and a reduced risk of uteroplacental dysfunction as indicated by a composite outcome of SGA and pre-eclampsia. Well-designed, adequately powered randomized controlled trials are required to verify this observation. The SCOPE pregnancy cohort was registered at www.anzctr.org.au as ACTRN12607000551493.

Impact of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, free and bioavailable fractions of vitamin D, and vitamin D binding protein levels on metabolic syndrome components.

IntroductionVarious forms of vitamin D and factors involved in their metabolism can play a role in the etiopathogenesis of metabolic disorders. This paper aims to define the relationship between concentration of the hydroxylated form of vitamin D (25(OH)D), the fraction of free and bioavailable vitamin D, and of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) levels on the one hand and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome components on the other.Material and methodsThe studies were conducted on 79 people, including 52 with metabolic syndrome (MetS+) and 27 without it (MetS–). Biochemical measurements (lipid profile, glycemia, 25(OH)D, VDBP, albumin, calcium, parathyroid hormone) were performed, concentration of free and bioavailable vitamin D was mathematically calculated, and anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were taken.ResultsThe mean ± SD concentration of 25(OH)D among MetS+ individuals (41.90 ±13.12 nmol/l) was lower (p < 0.0001) than among the MetS– group (66.09 ±18.02 nmol/l). Differences between groups were observed in relation to medians/means of concentrations of free and bioavailable vitamin D (p < 0.0001) but not in the case of VDBP. In the entire study population, 25(OH)D correlated with all metabolic syndrome components, whereas its free and bioavailable fraction correlated with particular components of the syndrome. In the MetS+ group, VDBP concentration negatively correlated with body mass index (p = 0.037) and levels of diastolic pressure (p = 0.022). In the case of the MetS– group, the free fraction of vitamin D negatively correlated with triglyceridemia (p = 0.049).ConclusionsThe evaluation of various forms of vitamin D and VDBP in different population groups seems to have significant clinical value in evaluating the prevalence of metabolic disorders.

An assessment of quality of stormwater in a subtropical urban watershed

The lack of a proper collection network combined with insufficient or ineffective treatment of the collected wastewater means that household wastewater greatly affects the quality of water resources in Brazil. This study aims to assess the presence of organic pollutants, nutrients and heavy metals in water, suspended river sediments and bottom sediments and determine the mean concentrations of pollutants in events in an urban watershed. The watershed investigated is located in Santa Maria, a city in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. Water quality parameters were analyzed using event mean concentrations (EMC), pollutant bioavailability in bottom sediments and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Soil use and occupation were shown to dramatically affect the water quality of rainwater runoff. The bioavailable fractions of heavy metals in bottom and suspended sediments did not exceed the threshold set by the applicable Brazilian National Council for the Environment Resolution (CONAMA 454/2012) nor the sediment guidelines of the Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy. Stormwater samples showed high concentrations of TS, SS, SD, BOD, COD, Cu, Ni, Pb and NO2 −. EMC tended to display higher values as rainfall and precipitation increased. The accumulation of pollutants on streets and urban drainage is also influenced by the antecedent dry period. The body of water receives a massive intake of pollutants during the flood wave.

Adipokine zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein as a novel urinary biomarker presents earlier than microalbuminuria in diabetic nephropathy.

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein (ZAG) in the early stage of diabetic nephropathy, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsThis cross-sectional observational study recruited patients with longstanding T2DM and healthy control subjects. Patients with T2DM were further stratified based on their urine albumin–creatinine ratio (UACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Serum and urine concentrations of ZAG were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsEighty patients with T2DM and 20 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. Mean ± SD concentrations of ZAG in serum and urine were both significantly higher in patients with T2DM (serum: 38.29 ± 22.72 mg/l; urine: 53.64 ± 29.48 mg/g) compared with concentrations in healthy control subjects (serum: 21.61 ± 8.83 mg/l; urine: 28.17 ± 10.64 mg/g). Serum ZAG concentration was positively correlated with serum creatinine and eGFR. Urine ZAG concentration was positively correlated with UACR. Urine concentration of ZAG in the higher eGFR group was higher than that in the normal eGFR group (41.26 ± 13.67 versus 32.05 ± 8.55 mg/g, respectively).ConclusionThese preliminary findings suggest that ZAG might be a potentially useful biomarker for early diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy in patients with T2DM.

Persistent organic pollutant levels in eggs of leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) point to a decrease in hatching success.

Sea turtles are susceptible to environmental pollution, since many harmful effects have been reported for different chemicals over the last two decades. In this context, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are of particular concern due to their endocrine-disrupting nature. The aims of this study were to provide additional baseline data on PCB and PBDE concentrations in eggs of Dermochelys coriacea; and to investigate whether any of the congeners could compromise reproductive success in this species. A total of 18 nests from different females were studied during the nesting season of 2008 at Reserva Pacuare Beach, in the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Reproductive parameters (viability, fertility and hatching rates) were calculated for all nests and hatchling morphometrics were successfully measured in 8 of them. Two to three fresh eggs per nest were taken for contaminant study. Different congeners of POPs were purified and identified using gas chromatography (GC) coupled to an ion trap detector (GC-ITD MS/MS), as described below. Mean ± SD concentrations were calculated for POP congeners within each nest and clustering was also evaluated. Correlations were performed searching for potential relationships with reproductive parameters. POP levels were similar to those reported in French-Guiana populations and slightly lower than those associated to Florida populations. Sum of PBDEs showed a negative correlation to the hatching success, suggesting potential harmful effects of these contaminants on the reproduction of leatherbacks.

Economic impact of nutritional grouping in dairy herds

This article evaluates the estimated economic impact of nutritional grouping in commercial dairy herds using a stochastic Monte Carlo simulation model. The model was initialized by separate data sets obtained from 5 commercial dairy herds. These herds were selected to explore the effect of herd size, structure, and characteristics on the economics and efficiency of nutrient usage according to nutritional grouping strategies. Simulated status of each cow was updated daily together with the nutrient requirements of net energy for lactation (NEL) and metabolizable protein (MP). The amount of energy consumed directly affected body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) changes. Moreover, to control the range of observed BCS in the model, constraints on lower (2.0) and upper (4.5) bounds of BCS were set. Each month, the clustering method was used to homogeneously regroup the cows according to their nutrient concentration requirements. The average NEL concentration of the group and a level of MP (average MP, average MP+0.5SD, or average MP+1SD) were considered to formulate the group diet. The calculated income over feed costs gain (IOFC, $/cow per yr) of having >1 nutritional group among the herds ranged from $33 to $58, with an average of $39 for 2 groups and $46 for 3 groups, when group was fed at average NEL concentration and average MP+1SD concentration. The improved IOFC was explained by increased milk sales and lower feed costs. Higher milk sales were a result of fewer cows having a milk loss associated with low BCS in multi-group scenarios. Lower feed costs in multi-group scenarios were mainly due to less rumen-undegradable protein consumption. The percentage of total NEL consumed captured in milk for >1 nutritional group was slightly lower than that for 1 nutritional group due to better distribution of energy throughout the lactation and higher energy retained in body tissue, which resulted in better herd BCS distribution. The percentage of fed N captured in milk increased with >1 group and was the most important factor for improved economic efficiency of grouping strategies.

Placental transfer of the HIV integrase inhibitor dolutegravir in an ex vivo human cotyledon perfusion model.

Data on fetal exposure to antiretroviral agents during pregnancy are important to estimate their potential for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and possible toxicity. For the recently developed HIV integrase inhibitor dolutegravir, clinical data on fetal disposition are not yet available. Dual perfusion of a single placental lobule (cotyledon) provides a useful ex vivo model to predict the in vivo maternal-to-fetal transfer of this drug. The aim of this study was to estimate the transfer of dolutegravir across the human term placenta, using a dual-perfusion cotyledon model. After cannulation of the cotyledons (n = 6), a fetal circulation of 6 mL/min and maternal circulation of 12 mL/min were initiated. The perfusion medium consisted of Krebs-Henseleit buffer (pH = 7.2-7.4) supplemented with 10.1 mM glucose, 30 g/L human serum albumin and 0.5 mL/L heparin 5000IE. Dolutegravir was administered to the maternal circulation (∼ 4.2 mg/L) and analysed by UPLC-MS/MS. After 3 h of perfusion, the mean ± SD fetal-to-maternal (FTM) concentration ratio of dolutegravir was 0.6 ± 0.2 and the mean ± SD concentrations in the maternal and fetal compartments were 2.3 ± 0.4 and 1.3 ± 0.3 mg/L, respectively. Dolutegravir crosses the blood-placental barrier with a mean FTM concentration ratio of 0.6. Compared with other antiretroviral agents, placental transfer of dolutegravir is moderate to high. These data suggest that dolutegravir holds clinical potential for pre-exposure prophylaxis and consequently PMTCT, but also risk of fetal toxicity.

Waste rechargeable electric lamps: characterisation and recovery of lead from their lead-acid batteries

Electrical electronics constitute a significant quantity of municipal solid wastes which are discarded after use in open dumpsites especially in the developing countries. The aim of this study was to characterise the material and chemical components, evaluate current management practices and investigate recovery of lead from battery electrodes (BEs) of waste rechargeable electric lamps (RLs). Twenty-six waste RLs of different models were sampled in Nigeria and characterised. Their BEs were analysed for Pb, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni and Fe after acid digestion. Questionnaires were distributed to unselected respondents to assess usage and disposal of the lamps. Reaction of citric acid solutions with Pb in the presence of H2O2 was used for the recovery of Pb. 69 % of the respondents disposed their waste RLs in open dumpsites. The mean ± SD concentrations of Pb, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni and Fe in the BEs were 600 ± 0.2 g/kg, 65.4 ± 40 mg/kg, 5.05 ± 4.0 mg/kg, 6.81 ± 5.0 mg/kg, 5.98 ± 3.0 mg/kg, 50.0 ± 30 mg/kg and 40.2 ± 35 mg/kg, respectively. The results show that the batteries are lead-acid batteries which require management. At the optimal conditions of S/L = 0.14, temperature = 20 °C and leaching time = 5 h, about 95 % Pb was recovered in form of lead citrate from the battery. High recovery of Pb is possible with simple and environment-friendly reactions.

Oxidation of Sulfonamides in Aqueous Solution by UV-TiO2-Fe(VI).

The photocatalytic degradation of sulfonamides in aqueous TiO2 suspension under UV irradiation has been investigated using potassium ferrate as electron acceptors. The results showed that the stability of Fe(VI) is dependent on pH significantly, and the stability reduces obviously in the presence of UV-TiO2. The experiments indicated that Fe(VI) could effectively scavenge the conduction band electrons from the surface of TiO2. The photocatalytic oxidation of sulfonamides with Fe(VI) was found to be much faster than that without Fe(VI). The SD, SM, and SMX concentration was greatly reduced by 89.2%, 83.4%, and 82.0%, respectively, after 10 min with UV-TiO2-Fe(VI), comparing to 65.2%, 66.0%, and 71.9%, respectively, with Fe(VI) only in the dark and 71.3%, 72.7%, and 76.0%, respectively, with UV-TiO2. The pH value of solution significantly influenced the sulfonamides degradation in UV-TiO2-Fe(VI) system. The degradation amount of sulfonamides after 10 min was a maximum at pH 7. The intermediate products of sulfonamides oxidation by UV-TiO2-Fe(VI) were analysed by LC-HESI-MS-MS and the results suggested that a majority of sulfonamides turned into large-molecule products without complete mineralization.

Simultaneous measurements of black carbon and PM2.5, CO, and NO x variability at a locally polluted urban location in India

Black carbon, which is a by-product of incomplete combustion of carbon containing fuels, can alter atmospheric radiation property and make adverse impacts on human health. This paper shows the comparative study of particles and associated gaseous pollutants measurements at five observatories dispersed across central part of megacity Delhi, India, with high-temporal resolution (5 min) measurements. The mean ± SD concentrations of black carbon (BC), fine particles (PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), and oxides of nitrogen (NO x ) of the all five stations were 13.4 ± 10, 149.6 ± 109 µg m−3, 3.4 ± 2 ppm, and 81.8 ± 79 ppb, respectively. The mean mass concentration of PM2.5 was approximately four times and ten times in excess of annual average standards of Indian air quality (40 µg m−3) and USEPA (15 µg m−3) levels. Highest BC mass concentrations were recorded during winter (December) due to consistent with a shallower atmospheric boundary layer, lower wind speeds, and possibly larger biofuel burning in the coldest period. Also, the strong diurnal dynamics in boundary layer height had a large impact on the ground-level concentrations of all the pollutants. A significant difference in the emissions of atmospheric pollutants was observed over Delhi during weekdays and weekends during study period. There was a strong diurnal effect on BC and the other pollutants, presumably with mixing height as a strong driver. The 24-h cycle is characterized throughout the study by maximum concentrations around midnight and lowest concentrations at 1500–1700 hours local time (LT), with a local maximum between 0800 and 1000 hours LT, presumably due to morning rush hour. While the amplitude of the BC excursion was a factor of 2–3, the mixing height decreased by a factor of 12–14 from day to night. This monitoring program contributed to insights into the levels and dynamics of atmospheric pollutants in the New Delhi megacity over a 5-month period. The concentrations are varying over several timescales, consistent with both atmospheric mixing and variations in presumed emission source strengths.

Control of the misuse of testosterone in castrated horses based on an international threshold in plasma.

Testosterone is an endogenous steroid produced primarily in the testes. Trace levels of testosterone are found in urine samples from geldings, as testosterone is also secreted by the adrenal. An international threshold of free and conjugated testosterone in urine (20 ng/mL) was adopted by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) in 1996 for controlling testosterone misuse in geldings. In view of the recent popularity of using blood in doping control testing, it is necessary to establish a threshold for testosterone in gelding plasma. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) method was developed for quantifying low levels of free testosterone in gelding plasma. Based on a population study of 152 post-race plasma samples, the mean ± SD concentration of plasma testosterone was determined to be 14.7 ± 6.8 pg/mL. Normal distribution could be obtained after square-root or cube-root transformation, resulting in respective tentative thresholds of 49 or 55 pg/mL (corresponding to a risk factor of less than 1 in 10 000). A rounded-up threshold of 100 pg/mL of free testosterone in plasma was proposed. Based on the administration of Testosterone Suspension 100 to six geldings, the same average detection time of 14 days was observed in either plasma or urine using the proposed plasma threshold and the existing international urine threshold. The maximum detection time was 18 days in plasma and 20 days in urine. The results demonstrated the proposed plasma threshold is effective in controlling the misuse of testosterone in geldings. Similar results were subsequently obtained in Europe, and this proposed threshold was adopted by IFHA in October 2013.

The concentration of Lead in Periwinkle (Tympanotonosfuscatus) and River sediments in Eagle Island River, Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria

In this study, the concentrations of Lead (Pb) in periwinkles (Tympanotonosfuscatus) and river sediments and were determined from 25 sampling stations in Eagle Island River in Port Harcourt Rivers State, Nigeria, using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The mean ±SD concentrations of Pb in periwinkles and sediments are 0.91±0.54 mg/Kg and 0.22±0.19 mg/Kg respectively. The mean concentrations of the heavy metal Pb is higher in periwinkle than in sediment (p<0.05). The results obtained from this analysis in periwinkle also showed that it exceeded the tolerable values in fish (aquatic organism). The correlation coefficient between Pb in sediment and that in periwinkle is 61.5%. The result of this study shows that sea foods obtained from this river is a potential source heavy metal poisoning. This calls for adequate legislation to protect the water bodies from heavy metal poisoning.

New analytical method for the determination of styrene oligomers formed from polystyrene decomposition and its application at the coastlines of the North-West Pacific Ocean

The pollution caused by plastic debris is an environmental problem with increasing concern in the oceans. Among the plastic polymers, polystyrene (PS) is one of the most problematic plastics due to the direct public health risk associated with their dispersion, as well as the numerous adverse environmental impacts which arise both directly from the plastics and from their degradation products. Little is known about their potential distribution characteristics throughout the oceans. For the first time, we report here on the regional distribution of styrene monomer (SM), styrene dimers (SD; 2,4-diphenyl-1-butene, SD1; 1,3-diphenyl propane, SD2), and styrene trimer (2,4,6-triphenyl-1-hexene: ST1), as products of PS decomposition determined from samples of sand and seawater from the shorelines of the North-West Pacific ocean. In order to quantitatively determine SM, SD (=SD1+SD2), and ST1, a new analytical method was developed. The detection limit was 3.3μgL−1, based on a signal-to-noise ratio of three, which was well-suited to quantify levels of SM, SD, and ST1 in samples. Surprisingly, the concentrations of SM, SD, and ST1 in sand samples from the shorelines were consistently greater than those in seawater samples from the same location. The results of this study suggest that SM, SD, and ST1 can be widely dispersed throughout the North-West Pacific oceans.

Potential environmental hazards of non-rechargeable electric torch wastes in Nigeria

This study assessed the material and chemical compositions and methods of disposal of end-of-life non-rechargeable electric torches (EOLNETs). Thirty EOLNETs of ten different models were collected in Lagos, Nigeria. Total heavy metals in plastic and PWB components of the samples were determined using CPSC-CH-1002-08 and EPA 3050B methods. Questionnaires were distributed to 200 unselected respondents to assess the usage and disposal of EOLNETs. The result showed that plastic is the most abundant component of the waste with a mean composition of 70.9%. The levels of Cd, Cr and Ni were low. The range and mean ± SD concentrations of Pb in the plastics was 282 to 1,910 mg/kg (717 ± 522) and in PWB was 6,060 to 66,200 mg/kg (39,200 ± 20,800) respectively. 86.6% of the respondents use the products. 90.7% respondents disposed their spent torches in dumpsites. This study demonstrates that EOLNETs constitute hazardous e-wastes that require well informed management protocols and effective disposal strategies.

Heavy metals in the vegetables collected from production sites.

Contamination of vegetable crops (as an important part of people's diet) with heavy metals is a health concern. Therefore, monitoring levels of heavy metals in vegetables can provide useful information for promoting food safety. The present study was carried out in north-west of Iran (Tabriz) on the content of heavy metals in vegetable crops. Samples of vegetables including kurrat (n=20) (Allium ampeloprasumssp. Persicum), onion (n=20) (Allium cepa) and tomato (n=18) (Lycopersiconesculentum var. esculentum), were collected from production sites in west of Tabriz and analyzed for presence of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) after extraction by aqua regia method (drying, grounding and acid diges-tion). Mean ± SD (mg/kg DW) concentrations of Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni and Zn were 0.32 ± 0.58, 28.86 ± 28.79, 1.75 ± 2.05, 6.37± 5.61 and 58.01 ± 27.45, respec-tively. Cr, Cu and Zn were present in all the samples and the highest concentra-tions were observed in kurrat (leek). Levels of Cd, Cr and Cu were higher than the acceptable limits. There was significant difference in levels of Cr (P<0.05) and Zn (P<0.001) among the studied vegetables. Positive correlation was observed be-tween Cd:Cu (R=0.659, P<0.001) Cr:Ni (R=0.326, P<0.05) and Cr:Zn (R=0.308, P<0.05). Level of heavy metals in some of the analyzed vegetables, especially kurrat samples, was higher than the standard levels. Considering the possi-ble health outcomes due to the consumption of contaminated vegetables, it is re-quired to take proper actions for avoiding people's chronic exposure.

Viruses Induce Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in the Presence of HLA-DR3, DR4 Genes

Recently, the increasing of type 1 diabetes (T1DM) was revealed among children in Kurdistan - Iraq that passed through several wars and economic sanctions. It has been demonstrated that virus infection induced T1DM by destruction of beta cells through direct invasion or autoimmune reactions. Genetic factors also lead to immune disorders which induce T1DM. Despite the reports on effects of viral infection and autoimmune disturbance in the presence of HLA genes, there are no enough studies to show the relationship between them in Kurdish race. Therefore, Serum glucose, three viral (CMV, Rubella and Coxsackie virus), two genes (HLA DR3 and HLA DR4) and anti- glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) Ab. were studied to evaluate their relationship with T1DM. Study was performed by interviewing 230 samples (122 females and 108 males) of T1DM patients and another 130 non-diabetic individuals as a control group for collecting blood samples and personal and family information related to this study. Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) used for detection of anti-viruses antibodies and anti-GAD antibody. While, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) - SSP technique were used for detection of HLA-DR3 and DR4. The statistical results revealed that the mean±SD concentration of anti-CMV IgG, rubella, CSV-B antibodies in the sera of patients was (1.22±0.36 IU/ml), (0.80±0.08 IU/ml), (0.81±0.14 IU/ml) respectively when compared with (0.79±0.32 IU/ml), (0.38±0.17 IU/ml), (0.26±0.21 IU/ml) respectively in sera of control group (P-value < 0.05). This means that there is a significant increase in mean concentration of anti-CMV, rubella, CSV-B antibodies in the sera of patients in comparison with control group. The mean of anti-GAD antibody was (89.54±0.43 IU/ml) when compared with (9.73±38 IU/ml) with control group (P-value < 0.05). While, results of the HLA-DR3 and DR4 genes revealed that there are a relationship between these genes and viral infections that induce T1DM and these genes also related with the elevation of anti-GAD Ab in the blood circulation of T1DM patients. This study supports the claims that viruses are responsible for T1DM especially in the presence of HLA-DR3 or/and DR4.