Dissipation and Residues of Difenoconazole and Azoxystrobin in Bananas and Soil in Two Agro-Climatic Zones of China

Residues of a fungicide suspension (12 % difenoconazole, 18 % azoxystrobin) in bananas and soil were studied under tropical and subtropical monsoon climates, in Hainan and Yunnan provinces, respectively. The half-lives in bananas were shorter in Hainan (difenoconazole: 8.4–10.7 days; azoxystrobin: 7.8–8.4 days) than Yunnan (difenoconazole: 11.3–13.0 days; azoxystrobin: 10.4–11.6 days), possibly because of the higher temperatures and solar radiation levels in Hainan. The half-lives in soil were shorter in Yunnan (difenoconazole: 15.5–16.7; azoxystrobin: 11.9–13.9 days) than Hainan (difenoconazole: 23.1–23.2 days; azoxystrobin: 16.0–16.1 days), possibly because the organic carbon content was higher and rainfall lower in Yunnan than Hainan. Their physico-chemical properties suggest difenoconazole and azoxystrobin should be stable in bananas and soil, but both decreased to safe concentrations by the minimum harvest time after spraying the mixture at the recommended dosage and 1.5 times that dosage, through physical, chemical, and biological processes.     

Immunogenicity and persistence from different 3-dose schedules of live and inactivated polio vaccines in Chinese infants

BackgroundOPV is the only poliovirus vaccine used in the China EPI system, although IPV is available in the private market. We compared immunigencity and persistence among different schedules of IPV and OPV.Methods536 Chinese infants were enrolled into 4 groups receiving different schedules administered at 2, 3, and 4 months of age: IPV–OPV–OPV, IPV–IPV–OPV, IPV–IPV–IPV, and OPV–OPV–OPV. The I–I–I group received an 18-month IPV booster dose. Blood samples were collected before the first dose, after the third dose, and at 18 months for all groups, and also after the booster dose for the I–I–I group. Polio neutralizing antibody titers were assessed, and seroprotection rates were calculated after primary immunization and at 18 months of age.ResultsBefore the first dose, GMTs of the 4 groups ranged from 2.96 to 6.89, and seroprotection rates ranged from 17.6% to 54.3%. After 3 doses, the GMT of the I–O–O and I–I–O groups ranged from 901.09 to 1,110.12, and the GMT of the I–I–I group range was 212.02 to 537.52, significantly lower than for the 2 sequential schedules (P < 0.001). Seroprotection rates were 98.1% to 100%, with no significant differences among groups. At 18 months of age, the GMTs declined to a range of 527.00 to 683.44 in the I–O–O and I–I–O groups, and declined to 150.04 to 239.89 in the I–I–I group, significantly lower than for the other 3 groups (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe sequential schedules achieved high GMTs and seroprotection. The IPV-only schedule achieved high seroprotection but with lower GMTs. Sequential schedules are suitable for China. With the 2 sequential schedules, GMTs remained high at 18 months of age and were not inferior to the OPV-only schedule. Thus, with a sequential schedule, the booster dose could be given at 4 years of age, the same age as the current OPV booster dose.     

Analysis of the association between BTNL2 polymorphism and tuberculosis in Chinese Han population

BTNL2 gene, a MHC class II gene-linked butyrophilin family member, has been recently associated with the inflammatory autoimmune diseases, such as tuberculosis, sarcoidosis and leprosy. This diseases show phenotypic features of granulomatous disease. Multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms in BTNL2 have been investigated as a candidate gene for tuberculosis in a case–control association study in the South African Coloured population. But, no significant association was detected between any of the polymorphisms investigated and TB, including rs2076530 SNP that was previously found to be associated with sarcoidosis. In this study, we genotyped 6 SNPs using SNaPshot in 286 tuberculosis cases and 608 controls in Chinese. Our genetic study revealed a significant association between the rs3763313, rs9268494, rs9268492 SNPs in the BTNL2 gene and tuberculosis. And haplotypes 1–5, and 8 (C–A–G–T–G–A, C–A–G–T–G–G, C–A–T–G–C–A, C–A–T–G–C–G, and C–G–T–G–C–G, T–A–T–G–C–A) presented a significant association with susceptibility to tuberculosis. We found that BTNL2 gene was linked to tuberculosis in Chinese Han population.     

Heavy metals in sediment and their accumulation in commonly consumed fish species in Bangladesh

Six heavy metals (chromium [Cr], nickel [Ni], copper [Cu], arsenic [As], cadmium [Cd], and lead [Pb]) were measured in sediments and soft tissues of eleven commonly consumed fish species collected from an urban river in the northern part of Bangladesh. The abundance of heavy metals in sediments varied in the decreasing order of Cr > Ni > Cu > Pb > As > Cd. The ranges of mean metal concentrations in fish species, in mg/kg wet weight (ww), were as follows: Cr, 0.11–0.46; Ni, 0.77–2.6; Cu, 0.57–2.1; As, 0.43–1.7; Cd, 0.020–0.23; and Pb, 0.15–1.1. Target hazard quotients (THQs) and target carcinogenic risk (TR) showed the intake of As and Pb through fish consumption were higher than the recommended values, indicating the consumption of these fish species is associated with noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks.     

Declines in HPV vaccine type prevalence in women screened for cervical cancer in the United States: Evidence of direct and herd effects of vaccination

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been recommended in the United States since 2006 for routine vaccination of girls at age 11–12 years and through age 26 years for women not previously vaccinated. Changes in vaccine-type HPV (VT) prevalence can be used to evaluate vaccine impact, including herd effects.MethodsWe determined type-specific HPV in cytology specimens from women aged 20–29 years screened for cervical cancer at Kaiser Permanente Northwest in 2007 and in two vaccine era periods: 2012–2013 and 2015–2016. Detection and typing used L1 consensus PCR with hybridization for 37 types, including quadrivalent vaccine types (HPV 6/11/16/18).ResultsAmong 20–24 year-olds in 2012–2013 and 2015–2016, 44% and 64% had a history of ≥1-dose vaccination. VT prevalence decreased from 13.1% in 2007 to 2.9% in 2015–2016 (prevalence ratio [PR] = 0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.17–0.29). HPV 31 prevalence was also lower in the vaccine periods compared with 2007. VT prevalence in 2015–2016 among 20–24 year-olds was lower in both vaccinated, 1.3% (PR = 0.10; 95% CI 0.06–0.16), and unvaccinated women, 5.8% (PR = 0.45; 95% CI 0.33–0.61). Among 25–29 year-olds, 21% and 32% had a history of ≥1-dose vaccination. VT prevalence decreased from 8.1% in 2007 to 5.0% in 2015–2016 (PR = 0.62; 95% CI 0.50–0.78). Non-VT high risk prevalence was higher in the vaccine periods compared with the pre-vaccine era in both age groups, however, not in 2015–2016 compared with 2012–2013.ConclusionWithin 9–10 years of vaccine introduction, VT prevalence decreased 78% among 20–24 year-olds and 38% in 25–29 year-olds. There were declines in both vaccinated and unvaccinated women, showing evidence of direct and herd protection.     

Changes in the content of minerals,B-group vitamins and tocopherols in processed kale leaves

The human body cannot produce minerals, B-group vitamins or tocopherols, so these must be supplied in food. Kale and other Brassica vegetables are good sources of these substances, but food processing can affect their content. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of the type of pre-treatment (blanching or cooking), the method of preservation (freezing or canning) and 12-month storage on the content of minerals, vitamins B₁ and B₂, and tocopherols in kale leaves (Brassica oleracea L. var acephala). Pre-processing of kale leaves prior to preservation led to a significant reduction in minerals and vitamins of 26–52 % (blanching) and 29–75 % (cooking). The most abundant macroelements in the products were potassium and calcium, whereas the microelements with the highest values were iron and copper. The highest content of minerals, B group vitamins and tocopherols was observed in frozen products from blanched raw kale leaves. After 12 months storage, the frozen products retained 24–74 % macroelements, 40–71 % microelements, 45–71 % vitamin B₁, 27–47 % vitamin B₂ and 69–85 % total tocopherols, while the canned products (leaves without brine) retained 41–70 %, 31–56 %, 21–23 %, 6–9 % and 44–48 %, respectively.     

Nutritional Profile of Local and Western Fast Foods Consumed in Bahrain

The aim of this study was to determine the proximate, mineral, and vitamin content of 16 commonly consumed fast foods (local and Western-based) in Bahrain. Samples were collected from several food outlets in Manama city, the capital of Bahrain, and analyzed using standard methods. In general, the findings revealed that local fast foods had higher cholesterol and energy content (ranging from 0–118 mg and 762–1796 kJ/100 g, respectively) compared to Western fast foods (ranging from 11–34 mg/100 g and 980–1172 kJ/100 g, respectively). Protein content was higher in most of the local fast foods compared to the Western fast foods (5.8–30.4 g/100 g and 10.3–17.9 g/100 g, respectively). Most of the minerals were higher in local fast foods, but calcium (16–153 mg/100 g) and phosphorous (54–273 mg/100 g) were higher in Western fast foods. Some of these foods had considerable levels of vitamin B₆ (0.03–0.25 mg/100 g), vitamin B₁₂ (0.1–2.3 μg/100 g), folacin (9.0–106 μg/100 g), and niacin (1.0–12.1 mg/100 g), while the rest of the vitamins were present to a lesser extent. Fat, energy, and sodium levels were also higher in local fast foods. It is evident that the conception that local fast foods are healthier than Western-based fast foods is inappropriate. Hence, nutrition education programmes need to focus on the nutritional aspects of both local and Western fast foods.     

Sex differences in health and mortality in Moscow and Denmark

In high income countries females outlive men, although they generally report worse health, the so-called male–female health-survival paradox. Russia has one of the world’s largest sex difference in life expectancy with a male disadvantage of more than 10 years. We compare components of the paradox between Denmark and Moscow by examining sex differences in mortality and several health measures. The Human Mortality Database and the Russian Fertility and Mortality Database were used to examine sex differences in all-cause death rates in Denmark, Russia, and Moscow in 2007–2008. Self-reported health data were obtained from the Study of Middle-Aged Danish Twins (n = 4,314), the Longitudinal Study of Aging Danish Twins (n = 4,731), and the study of Stress, Aging, and Health in Russia (n = 1,800). In both Moscow and Denmark there was a consistent female advantage at ages 55–89 years in survival and a male advantage in self-rated health, physical functioning, and depression symptomatology. Only on cognitive tests males performed similarly to or worse than women. Nevertheless, Muscovite males had more than twice higher mortality at ages 55–69 years compared to Muscovite women, almost double the ratio in Denmark. The present study showed that despite similar directions of sex differences in health and mortality in Moscow and Denmark, the male–female health-survival paradox is very pronounced in Moscow suggesting a stronger sex-specific disconnect between health indicators and mortality among middle-aged and young-old Muscovites.     

Lifestyle factors,cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in middle-aged and elderly women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, incidence and death increases from around the time of menopause comparing to women in reproductive age. A healthy lifestyle can prevent CVD, but it is unclear which lifestyle factors may help maintain and improve cardiovascular health for women after menopausal transition. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies to evaluate the association between modifiable lifestyle factors (specifically smoking, physical activity, alcohol intake, and obesity), with CVD and mortality in middle-aged and elderly women. Pubmed, Embase, among other databases and reference lists were searched until February 29th, 2016. Study specific relative risks (RR) were meta-analyzed using random effect models. We included 59 studies involving 5,358,902 women. Comparing current versus never smokers, pooled RR were 3.12 (95% CI 2.15–4.52) for CHD incidence, 2.09 (95% CI 1.51–2.89) for stroke incidence, 2.76 (95% CI 1.62–4.71) for CVD mortality and 2.22 (95% CI 1.92–2.57) for all-cause mortality. Physical activity was associated with a decreased risk of 0.74 (95% CI 0.67–0.80) for overall CVD, 0.71 (95% CI 0.67–0.75) for CHD, 0.77 (95% CI 0.70–0.85) for stroke, 0.70 (95% CI 0.58–0.84) for CVD mortality and 0.71 (95% CI 0.65–0.78) for all-cause mortality. Comparing moderate drinkers versus non-drinkers, the RR was 0.72 (95% CI 0.56–0.91) for CHD, 0.63 (95% CI 0.57–0.71) for CVD mortality and 0.80 (95% CI 0.76–0.84) for all-cause mortality. For women with BMI 30–35 kg/m² the risk was 1.67 (95% CI 1.24–2.25) for CHD and 2.3 (95% CI 1.56–3.40) for CVD mortality, compared to normal weight. Each 5 kg/m² increase in BMI was associated with 24% (95% CI 16–33%) higher risk for all-cause mortality. This meta-analysis suggests that physical activity and moderate alcohol intake were associated with a reduced risk for CVD and mortality. Smoking and higher BMI were associated with an increased risk of these endpoints. Adherence to a healthy lifestyle may substantially lower the burden of CVD and reduce the risk of mortality among middle-aged and elderly women. However, this review highlights important gaps, as lack of standardized methods in assessing lifestyle factors and lack of accurate information on menopause status, which should be addressed by future studies in order to understand the role of menopause on the association between lifestyle factors and cardiovascular events.     

Serum concentrations of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances and factors associated with exposure in the general adult population in South Korea

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are ubiquitous contaminants found worldwide, including in South Korea. As a result, they are frequently detected in Koreans. However, there is limited representative data and information on potential sources in Korea. Therefore, we measured the serum concentrations of ten PFASs in nationally representative samples of the Korean population (n = 1874, 18–69 years) and evaluated the factors associated with their exposure. Serum PFOS, PFDA, PFOA, and PFNA were detected in nearly all participants (83.1–99.9%). However, serum PFPA, PFHxA, and PFHpA were almost undetected (<0.5% of participants). PFOS had the highest population-weighted geometric mean of 10.23 ng/mL (95% CI: 9.99–10.47), which was followed by PFOA with 2.85 ng/mL (95% CI: 2.73–2.97) and PFDA with 2.17 ng/mL (95% CI: 2.12–2.23). PFNA, PFDA, PFHxS, PFOA, and PFOS concentrations were higher in males (p < 0.001) and older adults (p < 0.001). PFNA was higher in those who used wax, polish, and water-resistant materials (adjusted proportional change = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.08–1.22), and those who ate cooked fish (1.16; 95% CI: 1.03–1.31) compared to those who ate nearly no fish. PFDA was higher in those who used herbicides and pesticides (1.05; 95% CI: 1.02–1.09), those who drank beverages in a plastic bag on a daily basis (1.10; 95% CI: 1.03–1.19), and those who ate raw fish (1.15; 95% CI: 1.03–1.29) or cooked fish (1.13; 95% CI: 1.05–1.23) compared to those who ate nearly no fish. PFHxS was higher in those who used traditional Korean health supplement foods (1.08; 95% CI: 1.01–1.15). PFOA was higher in those who used plastic wrap in a microwave daily or weekly (1.08; 95% CI: 1.00–1.16), and those who used disposable paper cups (1.07; 95% CI: 1.01–1.13). PFOS was lower in underweight participants (0.84; 95%CI: 0.75–0.93) compared to those who were obese, and higher in those who exercised regularly (1.08; 95% CI: 1.03–1.14) or irregularly (1.06, 95% CI: 1.01–1.12) compared to those who did not exercise. Subjects who used severely damaged Teflon appliances had lower concentrations of PFOA (0.78, 95% CI: 0.65–0.95), while regular use of Gore-Tex goods was related to higher PFNA (1.15, 95% CI: 1.03–1.28) and PFDA (1.11; 95% CI: 1.02–1.20) levels. These findings suggest that most Koreans are frequently exposed to PFASs, and that serum concentrations of PFASs vary with age, sex, and exposure factors.     

Nephrotic syndrome in infants and toddlers before and after introduction of the meningococcal B vaccine programme in England: An ecological study

A possible increased risk of nephrotic syndrome (NS) following a meningococal group B vaccination campaign was identified during active safety surveillance in a province in Quebec, Canada where 4 cases were reported from an exposed population of ~490,000, a higher rate than in provinces not using the vaccine. Meningococcal B vaccine has been given routinely at 2, 4 and 12 months of age in the United Kingdom since September 2015. To investigate the Canadian signal we used English hospital admissions data from 2005 to 2019 in 2–23 month old children to determine whether the rate of NS changed following the introduction of the vaccine. The analysis was stratified by age 2–5 months, 6–11 months, 12–17 months and 18–23 months. The results showed no evidence of an increased risk with incidence rate ratios between 0.81 (95% confidence interval 0.56–1.19) for age 6–11 months and 1.18 (0.84–1.66) for age 12–17 months.     

Trends in blood pressure and the prevalence and treatment of hypertension in young adults in the Netherlands, 1974–1986

To investigate trends in blood pressure and the prevalence and treatment of hypertension in the Netherlands between 1974 and 1986, data from two screening projects on cardiovascular risk factors were used. Between 1974 and 1980 about 30,000 men and women aged 37–43 were screened. Between 1981–1986 about 80,000 men aged 33–37 were examined. An increase in average systolic blood pressure by 2 mmHg in men in the period 1974–1980 was followed by an insignificant change during the period 1981–1986. Average diastolic blood pressure increased by 4 mmHg between 1974 and 1980 but decreased by the same amount between 1981 and 1986. The prevalence of hypertension in 40-year-old men increased from 12.7% in 1974 to 17.8% in 1980. The prevalence of hypertension in 35-year-old men did not change between 1981 and 1986 and amounted to 9.6%. Treatment of 40-year-old hypertensive men increased from 8% in 1974 to 21% in 1980 and from 9% in 1981 to 13% in 1986 among 35-year-old men. Average systolic blood pressure did not change in 40-year-old women between 1974–1980 but average diastolic blood pressure increased by 2 mmHg during that period. The percentage of hypertensive women was 8.5% and did not change between 1974 and 1980. Also, the percentage of treated hypertensive women did not change and amounted to 28%. It can be concluded that the prevalence of hypertension did not change in 40-year-old women while in 40-year-old men it increased between 1974–1980. In 35-year-old men the prevalence of hypertension did not change between 1981–1986. Treatment of hypertension was more common in young adult women than in young adult men. However, an increase in treatment of hypertension in young adult men was observed in both periods.     

Spatial and Seasonal Distribution of Trace Metal Concentrations in Mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and Sediment of Bosphorus and Golden Horn

The Golden Horn Estuary and Bosphorus Strait are two major marine environments of metropolitan Istanbul which have been exposed to intensive industrial discharges for more than 50 years. In the present study, concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) were measured in mussel tissue and sediment samples by using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy to assess the current status of metal pollution in the Golden Horn and Bosphorus Strait. Ranges of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations in soft parts of the mussels were BDL-2.59; BDL-7.35; 3.96–20.90; BDL-10.0; and 124.8–293.2 μg g^?1 dry weight (dw), respectively, while the ranges of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn in <63 μm sediment fractions were BDL, 19.5–300.3, 16.9–724.7, 10.5–260.9, and 39.3–793.1 μg g^?1 dw, respectively. Ranges of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn in >63 μm sediment fractions were BDL, 4.73–52.81, 3.45–481.87, 3.13–174.67 and 10.7–241.2 μg g^?1 dw, respectively. Trace metal concentrations found in sediment of the Golden Horn were 5–10 times higher than average literature values obtained in Mediterranean marine environment, whereas those of the Bosphorus Strait were consistent with or slightly higher than average literature values.     

Analysis of components and study on antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of oil in apple seeds

Abstract

In order to improve the comprehensive utilization of major by-products in apple-juice processing, the components, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of oil in two species apple seeds, Fuji and New Red Star, were investigated. The Soxhlet extracted oil content of apple seeds raged from 20.69 to 24.32 g/100 g. The protein, fiber and ash contents were found to be 38.85–49.55 g/100 g, 3.92–4.32 g/100 g and 4.31–5.20 g/100 g, respectively; the extracted oils exhibited an iodine value of 94.14–101.15 g I/100 g oil; refractive index (40°C) was 1.465–1.466; density (25°C) was 0.902–0.903 mg/ml; saponification value was 179.01–197.25 mg KOH/g oil; and the acid value was 4.036–4.323 mg KOH/g oil. The apple seed oils mainly consisted of linoleic acid (50.7–51.4 g/100 g) and oleic acid (37.49–38.55 g/100 g). Other prominent fatty acids were palmitic acid (6.51–6.60 g/100 g), stearic acid (1.75–1.96 g/100 g) and arachidic acid (1.49-1.54 g/100 g). Apple seed oil was proven to possess interesting properties, emerging from its chemical composition and from the evaluation of its in vitro biological activities. The apple seed oil was almost completely active against bacteria, mildews were less sensitive to apple seed oil than yeasts, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of apple seed oil ranged from 0.3 to 0.6 mg/ml. The observed biological activities showed that the oil had a good potential for use in the food industry and pharmacy.     

Cancer risk in asphalt workers and roofers: Review and meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies

Twenty epidemiologic studies have described cancer risk in asphalt workers and roofers in various countries. A current concern for these workers is the potential carcinogenicity posed by inhalation of bitumen fumes or dermal exposure to bitumens. Bitumens are chemically different from many carcinogenic coal-tar based materials. Both have been employed in road paving and waterproofing. We examined and combined the results of the epidemiologic studies conducted on asphalt workers and roofers. We examined the cancer risk separately in three broad job categories: 1) roofers (exposed to bitumen fumes and previously often to coal-tar fumes); 2) highway maintenance workers (HMWs) and road pavers (exposed to bitumen fumes as well as possibly coal-tar fumes previously); and 3) miscellaneous and unspecified bitumen/asphalt workers. In roofers, an increased risk was suggested for cancers of the lung (aggregated relative risk 1.8, 95% confidence interval 1.5–2.1), stomach (1.7, 1.1–2.5), nonmelanoma skin (4.0, 0.8–12), and leukemia (1.7, 0.9–2.9). Some of the excesses may be attributable to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from coal-tar products. The aggregated relative risks in road pavers and HMWs were consistently lower than in roofers for cancers of the lung (0.9, 0.8–1.0), stomach (1.1, 0.8–1.5), bladder (1.2, 0.7–1.8), skin (2.2, 1.2–3.7), and leukemias (1.3, 0.9–1.8). Their risk of skin cancer was significantly increased, based on one study. Miscellaneous and unspecified workers had a significant excess (1.5, 1.2–1.8) of lung cancer. The data were poorly focused to address the carcinogenicity of bitumen fumes, as contrasted with tar-derived exposures. For the prospect of shedding more light on the bitumen-cancer controversy, the feasibility of a powerful multicenter cohort is currently being studied by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).     

Influence of cultivation sites on sterol,nitrate, total phenolic contents and antioxidant activity in endive and stem chicory edible products

Chicories produce a wide range of vegetables with important nutritional value. We determined the variation of sterol, total polyphenol, nitrate contents and antioxidant capacity (SC, TPC, NC, AC) in endive leaves and stem-chicory novel vegetables, cultivated in two Italian regions. Within a given area, the SC was similar in smooth- and curly leafed endives (106.3–176.0?mg/kg FW); sitosterol and stigmasterol were major fractions (45–56 versus 38–43%). The stem SC was independent of landrace (101.5–118.6?mg/kg FW); sitosterol prevailed on stigmasterol and fucosterol (73–76 versus 12–14% versus 8–9%); the latter reached 15.7?mg/kg FW, conferring value as potential antidiabetes food. The planting site affected the AC and TPC of endives (893.1–1571.4 μmTE/100?g FW, 30.8–76.1 GAE100/g FW) and chicory stems (729.8–1152.5 μmTE/100?g FW; 56.2–124.4 GAE100/g FW), while the NC was recurrently below dangerous thresholds. PCA showed that environment was the major cause of variation, though it modestly affected these parameters.     

Assessment of in vitro bioacessibility of macrominerals and trace elements in green banana flour

The in vitro gastrointestinal simulation allows estimating the bioaccessible fraction (BF), thus indicating the real nutritional food value. Most studies that use in vitro tests assess the antioxidant capacity of foods, however, the bioaccessibility of elements is still little explored, mainly in functional foods, as the green banana flour (GB). Therefore, this paper describes the total concentration and BF of Mg, Ca, Zn, Mn, Cu and Fe in different brands of GB flours. The chemical composition and phytic acid (PA) concentration were also determined. In general, the highest concentrations (mg 100 g⁻¹) of the total mineral were obtained for Mg (99.2–161) > Ca (27.9–74.7) > Fe (2.6–11). The highest gastrointestinal BF (%) were obtained for Mg (84–101), Mn (80–85), Cu (70–87) and Zn (76–92). The elements that were directly affected by the presence of PA were Ca and Fe, with BF ranging from 24 to 34 % and 21–35 %, respectively, most likely due to the formation of insoluble complexes in the conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. According to achieved results, based on total concentration, proximate composition and bioacessibility of elements, GB can provide an adequate intake of Mg, Cu, Fe and proteins, making its inclusion in the daily diet of great relevance.     

Alcohol,drinking pattern and all-cause,cardiovascular and alcohol-related mortality in Eastern Europe

Alcohol has been implicated in the high mortality in Central and Eastern Europe but the magnitude of its effect, and whether it is due to regular high intake or episodic binge drinking remain unclear. The aim of this paper was to estimate the contribution of alcohol to mortality in four Central and Eastern European countries. We used data from the Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial factors in Eastern Europe is a prospective multi-centre cohort study in Novosibirsk (Russia), Krakow (Poland), Kaunas (Lithuania) and six Czech towns. Random population samples of 34,304 men and women aged 45–69 years in 2002–2005 were followed up for a median 7 years. Drinking volume, frequency and pattern were estimated from the graduated frequency questionnaire. Deaths were ascertained using mortality registers. In 230,246 person-years of follow-up, 2895 participants died from all causes, 1222 from cardiovascular diseases (CVD), 672 from coronary heart disease (CHD) and 489 from pre-defined alcohol-related causes (ARD). In fully-adjusted models, abstainers had 30–50 % increased mortality risk compared to light-to-moderate drinkers. Adjusted hazard ratios (HR) in men drinking on average ≥60 g of ethanol/day (3 % of men) were 1.23 (95 % CI 0.95–1.59) for all-cause, 1.38 (0.95–2.02) for CVD, 1.64 (1.02–2.64) for CHD and 2.03 (1.28–3.23) for ARD mortality. Corresponding HRs in women drinking on average ≥20 g/day (2 % of women) were 1.92 (1.25–2.93), 1.74 (0.76–3.99), 1.39 (0.34–5.76) and 3.00 (1.26–7.10). Binge drinking increased ARD mortality in men only. Mortality was associated with high average alcohol intake but not binge drinking, except for ARD in men.     

Analysis of Pesticides and Toxic Heavy Metals Contained in Mosquito Coils

In this study, 10 mosquito coils manufactured in China were obtained in Suriname, South America, where they are used extensively. The coils were analyzed for organics (allethrin, permethrin, and butylated hydroxytoluene) and heavy metals (Cr, Co, As, Cd, and Pb) by GC-MS and ICP-MS, respectively. Allethrin was the only target organic compound detected in all mosquito coils with concentrations ranging from ~1900 to ~4500 µg/g. The concentrations of heavy metals varied as follows (in µg/g): Cr: 2.9–9.4, Co: 0.1–1.2, Cu: 0.7–16.1, Se: 0.10–0.4, Ni: 2.1–5.8, As: 0.10–2.2, Cd: 0.10–0.2, and Pb: 1.1–3.6.