Evaluation of Cuprimine® and Syprine® for decorporation of radioisotopes of cesium, cobalt, iridium and strontium

Cuprimine? and Syprine? are therapeutics approved by the USFDA to treat copper overload in Wilson Disease (a genetic defect in copper transport) by chelation and accelerated excretion of internally-deposited copper. These oral therapeutics are based on the respective active ingredients D-penicillamine (DPA) and N,N'-bis (2-aminoethyl) -1,2-ethanediamine dihydrochloride (Trien). Cuprimine is considered the primary treatment, although physicians are increasingly turning to Syprine as a first-line therapy. Both drugs exhibit oral systemic activity and low toxicity; their biological effects and safety are established. Previous in vivo studies using a rodent animal model established the decorporation potential of Cuprimine and Syprine for (60)Co and (210)Po. Currently these studies are being expanded to evaluate the in vivo decorporation efficacy of these drugs for several additional radionuclides. In this report, results of this investigation are discussed using the radionuclides (137)Cs, (60)Co, (192)Ir and (85)Sr. Short-term 48-h pilot studies were undertaken to evaluate DPA and Trien for their in vivo decorporation potential using male Wistar-Han rats. In these studies, a radionuclide solution was administered to the animals by intravenous (IV) injection, followed by a single IV dose of either DPA or Trien. Control animals received the radionuclide alone. Results show effective decorporation of (60)Co by DPA within the time frame evaluated. DPA and Trien were also modestly effective in decorporation of (137)Cs and (85)Sr, respectively. The study did not find DPA or Trien effective for decorporation of (192)Ir. Based on these encouraging findings, further studies to evaluate the dose-response profiles and timing of the chelator administration post exposure to radionuclides are warranted.     

Knowledge,Attitudes, and Preferences of Advance Decisions,End-of-Life Care,and Place of Care and Death in Hong Kong. A Population-Based Telephone Survey of 1067 Adults

Objectives

According to the 2015 Quality of Death Index published by the Intelligence Unit of the Economist, Hong Kong is ranked 22nd in terms of quality of palliative care in the world, behind many other major developed countries in Asia, including Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea. The objectives of the present study were to describe the knowledge, attitude, and preferences of the general Hong Kong adult population across different age groups regarding end-of-life (EOL) care decisions, place of care and death, as well as advance directive (AD).

Sources and Amounts of Animal,Dairy, and Plant Protein Intake of US Adults in 2007–2010

Dietary guidelines suggest consuming a mixed-protein diet, consisting of high-quality animal, dairy, and plant-based foods. However, current data on the distribution and the food sources of protein intake in a free-living, representative sample of US adults are not available. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2007–2010, were used in these analyses (n = 10,977, age ≥ 19 years). Several US Department of Agriculture (USDA) databases were used to partition the composition of foods consumed into animal, dairy, or plant components. Mean ± SE animal, dairy, and plant protein intakes were determined and deciles of usual intakes were estimated. The percentages of total protein intake derived from animal, dairy, and plant protein were 46%, 16%, and 30%, respectively; 8% of intake could not be classified. Chicken and beef were the primary food sources of animal protein intake. Cheese, reduced-fat milk, and ice cream/dairy desserts were primary sources of dairy protein intake. Yeast breads, rolls/buns, and nuts/seeds were primary sources of plant protein intake. This study provides baseline data for assessing the effectiveness of public health interventions designed to alter the composition of protein foods consumed by the American public.     

Cross sectional survey of perpetrators,victims, and witnesses of violence in Bogotá, Colombia

OBJECTIVES: To establish the prevalence and distribution of witnesses, victims, and perpetrators of different types of violence in the general population and the proportion of victims consulting health services or reporting the incident to authorities. METHODS: Cross sectional survey of a random sample of 3007 inhabitants between the ages of 15 and 60 in the city of Bogotá, Colombia, in 1997, based on a face to face interview. RESULTS: Age adjusted past year prevalence of witnesses, victims, and perpetrators of physical aggression was 61%, 27%, and 27%, respectively, while lifetime prevalence of witnesses, victims, and perpetrators of assault with a weapon in this population reached 70%, 55%, and 5.8%. Between 11% and 67% of the victims consulted a health service and less than 32% reported the incident to an authority. Those involved in most types of physical violence tended to be young, male, from lower middle social classes, with some degree of secondary education, and single or divorced. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of witnesses and victims of violence in this sample appears to be high, while perpetrators constitute a small proportion. Violence is not equally distributed throughout the population suggesting the possibility of identifying a population at higher risk for the development of intervention programmes.     

The Accumulation and Distribution of Metals in Water, Sediment, Aquatic Macrophytes and Fishes of the Gruža Reservoir, Serbia

The concentrations of iron, lead, cadmium, copper, manganese, mercury and arsenic were measured in water, sediment, five macrophytes (Typha angustifolia, Iris pseudacorus, Polygonum amphybium, Myriophyllum spicatum and Lemna gibba) and five fish species (Sander lucioperca, Abramis brama, Carassius gibelio, Silurus glanis and Arystichtys nobilis) in the Gru?a Reservoir, used for water supply and recreational fishing. The concentrations of all examined elements were higher in sediment than in water. The values of the ratio between element concentrations in the sediment and those in the water were the highest for Fe and As. Among the five plant species, the highest concentrations of Pb and Mn were observed in T. angustifolia, while the highest concentrations of Fe, Cu and Hg were in L. gibba. I. pseudacorus and P. amphybium had the highest concentrations of Cd and As, respectively. Among the fish species, C. gibelio showed the highest tendency of element accumulation (Fe, Cd, Cu), followed by S. lucioperca (Pb, Hg), A. brama (Mn) and A. nobilis (As). The average concentrations of elements in fish muscle, except for As in A. nobilis (2.635 ± 0.241 mg kg^?1 ww), were below the limits that are considered safe for human consumption in accordance with the European Commission Regulation and Official Gazette of Serbia.     

Socioeconomic Characteristics,Dietary and Lifestyle Patterns,and Health and Weight Status of Older Adults in NHANES, 1999–2002: A Comparison of Caucasians and African Americans

There are disparities among older Caucasian and African American adults in many areas. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from 1999 to 2002 and compared the self-reported dietary intakes, physical activity, and economic and health status of Caucasian (N = 1,398) and African American (N = 354) adults aged 65 years and older. Regression models and t-tests (α = 0.05) were used for comparisons. More African Americans than Caucasians lived in low-income households (40.4% vs. 21.3%), lived in households that were not fully food-secure (15.6% vs. 4.9%), watched five or more hours of television (34% vs. 20%), and were told that they had diabetes (10% vs. 4%) or high blood pressure (67 % vs. 52 %). They consumed 253 fewer calories than Caucasians. About 75 % of African American women were overweight. Our findings indicate that for those greater than 65 years of age, low-income African Americans are at a greater risk for poor nutrition and chronic health conditions than Caucasians.     

An investigation on physical, chemical, and bacteriological quality of municipally supplied and well waters of the towns and city centre in the province of Niğde, Turkey

Physical, chemical, and bacteriological properties of municipally supplied water and well water in selected towns and the city centre (Ni?de, population 76,000) of the province of Ni?de, located in central Anatolia, in Turkey, were investigated in this study. A composition of 70 samples were collected, 31 from Ni?de city centre; 17 from Bor; 8 from Uluk??la; 6 from Altunhisar; 6 from Çiftlik and 2 from Çamard?. Analyses showed that all the samples collected were found to have been chemically safe to consume for domestic purposes. Twenty-three water samples were found potentially unsafe because of the existence of coliform bacteria in them, which was probably caused by the inexistence of sufficient chlorination. Physical tests indicated that 11 water samples were found to have deposit; therefore, the use of such water causes risks where human health is a concern, based upon Turkish national standards (TSE, 1984).     

Body mass index, smoking, and risk of death between 40 and 70 years of age in a Norwegian cohort of 32,727 women and 33,475 men

Overweight-obesity and smoking are two main preventable causes of premature death. Because the relationship between smoking and body mass index (BMI) complicates the interpretation of associations between BMI and death risks, direct estimates of risks associated with joint exposures are helpful. We have studied the relationships of BMI and smoking to middle age (40–69 years) death risk—overall and by causes—in a Norwegian cohort of 32,727 women and 33,475 men who were 35–49 years old when baseline measurements and lifestyle information were collected in 1974–1988. Individuals with a history of cancer, cardiovascular disease or diabetes at baseline were excluded. Mortality follow-up was through 2009. The relationship between BMI and middle age death risk was U-shaped. Overall middle age death risks were 11 % in women and 21 % in men. The combination of obesity and heavy smoking resulted in fivefold increase in middle age death risks in both women and men: For women middle age death risk ranged from 6 % among never smokers in the 22.5–24.9 BMI group to 31 % (adjusted 28 %) in obese (BMI > 30 kg/m²) heavy smokers (≥20 cigarettes/day). The corresponding figures in men were 10 % and 53 % (adjusted 45 %). Obese never smokers and light (1–9 cigarettes/day) smokers in the 22.5–24.9 BMI groups both experienced a twofold increase in middle age risks of death. For women, cancer (56 %) was the most common cause of death followed by cardiovascular disease (22 %). In men, cardiovascular disease was most common (41 %) followed by cancer (34 %). Cardiovascular disease deaths were more strongly related to BMI than were cancer deaths.     

Spatial and temporal distribution of tuberculosis in indigenous and non-indigenous of Rondônia State, Western Amazon, Brazil

This study analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution of crude and adjusted rates of incidence of tuberculosis (TB) between 1997 and 2006, identifying areas of greatest risk to the indigenous and non-indigenous population of Rond?nia State, Brazil. An ecological study was conducted analyzing municipalities and Indian reserves, using the local empirical Bayesian method. The crude average rate of incidence of TB among the non-indigenous population was 35.6/100,000 inhabitants, while for the indigenous population it was 415.0/100,000. Rates greater than 600/100,000 were reported in the Karipuna, Sete de Setembro, Igarapé, Ribeir?o and Karitiana reserves. We observed a greater number of cases in under 15 year-olds with little schooling in contrast to the situation in the non-indigenous population. After making adjustments, the rates in some Indian reserves exceeded 240/100,000 inhabitants, while in coinciding municipalities incidence was between the range of 61-120/100,000. The Bayesian method led to decreased overall heterogeneity in rates. Evidence suggests that the indigenous population is more vulnerable to contracting TB and highlighted areas that require further attention to ensure the adequate control of TB in Rond?nia.     

Treatment Practices,Outcomes, and Costs of Multidrug-Resistant and Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis,United States, 2005–2007

To describe factors associated with multidrug-resistant (MDR), including extensively-drug-resistant (XDR), tuberculosis (TB) in the United States, we abstracted inpatient, laboratory, and public health clinic records of a sample of MDR TB patients reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from California, New York City, and Texas during 2005–2007. At initial diagnosis, MDR TB was detected in 94% of 130 MDR TB patients and XDR TB in 80% of 5 XDR TB patients. Mutually exclusive resistance was 4% XDR, 17% pre-XDR, 24% total first-line resistance, 43% isoniazid/rifampin/rifabutin-plus-other resistance, and 13% isoniazid/rifampin/rifabutin-only resistance. Nearly three-quarters of patients were hospitalized, 78% completed treatment, and 9% died during treatment. Direct costs, mostly covered by the public sector, averaged $134,000 per MDR TB and $430,000 per XDR TB patient; in comparison, estimated cost per non-MDR TB patient is $17,000. Drug resistance was extensive, care was complex, treatment completion rates were high, and treatment was expensive.     

Adolescents’ and Adults’ Experiences of Being Surveyed About Violence and Abuse: A Systematic Review of Harms,Benefits, and Regrets

The neuroscience and psychological literatures suggest that talking about previous violence and abuse may not only be beneficial, as previously believed, but may also be associated with risks. Thus, studies on such topics introduce ethical questions regarding the risk–benefit ratio of sensitive research. We performed a systematic review of participants’ experiences related to sensitive research and compared consequent harms, benefits, and regrets among victims and nonvictims of abuse. Thirty studies were included (4 adolescent and 26 adult studies). In adolescent studies, 3% to 37% of participants (median: 6%) reported harms, but none of these studies measured benefits or regrets. Among adults, 4% to 50% (median: 25%) reported harms, 23% to 100% (median: 92%) reported benefits, and 1% to 6% (median: 2%) reported regrets. Our results suggest that the risk–benefit ratio related to sensitive research is not unfavorable, but there are gaps in the evidence among adolescents.Sensitive research topics include those that are highly private and potentially psychologically traumatic. Substance use, sexual practices, violence and abuse, death, accidents, combat (including war), and natural disasters might all be considered sensitive research topics. Since the 1930s and 1940s, research has increasingly focused on sensitive topics, predominantly owing to the epidemics of illicit drug use, AIDS, and teenage pregnancies.1,2 There is a clear scientific rationale for research on sensitive topics to generate accurate information about prevalence, risk and protective factors, and intervention strategies. The self-reports of research participants are one of the most efficient data collection methods to gather such information.In the clinical arena of trauma-related disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), earlier approaches of debriefing and “talking through” traumatic experiences were thought to be helpful intervention strategies to manage trauma and reduce risk. More recent evidence, however, suggests that such approaches may be harmful and may lead to retraumatization.3 The past decade has also seen an emerging neuroscience literature focusing on memory consolidation and reconsolidation; this literature suggests that reliving a memory might strengthen the memory trace.4 Taken together, psychological and neuroscience evidence suggests that there may be both risks and benefits of trauma-based clinical work.There has also been a debate in research settings as to whether recalling and answering questions about past trauma or abuse has negative or positive consequences for study participants.5–10 Some argue that asking about abuse might be upsetting, harmful, and stigmatizing and may lead to retraumatization; that survivors might not be emotionally stable enough to assess risk or seek help; and that researchers have an obligation to protect survivors from questions about their experiences. In contrast, others suggest that disclosure in the context of research participation may be followed by emotional relief, that participants identify such disclosure as beneficial, and that most participants do not regret or negatively appraise their research experience.11–18 Furthermore, it has been suggested that the emotional distress experienced by participants involved in sensitive research is an indicator of emotional engagement with a research project rather than an indicator of harm.5Given this debate, it is important to examine the literature regarding harms, benefits, and regrets in the context of sensitive research. A key consideration is differences between those with previous exposure to violence and abuse (victimization or perpetration) and those who have not been exposed. Another consideration is whether responses to research differ by gender. Females might be more vulnerable to the harms of research participation because prevailing norms supporting gender power inequities and male violence against women and girls may limit the accessibility of support during and after participation. Responses to participation may also be age dependent. In particular, adolescents who are exposed to abuse might be particularly vulnerable because they may need more support than adults during and after the research, and such support may be less accessible to them.Given the uncertainty regarding the risks, benefits, and risk-to-benefit ratio of participating in sensitive research, we conducted a systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies investigating adolescents’ and adults’ experiences of participating in studies that included sensitive questions regarding violence and abuse (including intimate partner violence [IPV]) victimization and perpetration. We compared the consequent harms, benefits, and regrets among individuals who had been victims and perpetrators of violence or abuse with those of individuals who had not been victims or perpetrators. Furthermore, we investigated whether there were gender and age differences in the reporting of harms and benefits of research experience. Our goal was to produce evidence to guide researchers and ethics committees in avoiding underprotection or overprotection of human participants in research on violence and abuse.     

Anti-oxidant, anti-glycant, and inhibitory activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase of selected spices and culinary herbs

Aqueous and methanol extracts of dry sage, rosemary, basil, parsley, chili, garlic and onion were analyzed to investigate their anti-oxidant and anti-glycant activities and in vitro inhibitory potential against enzymes involved in glycemic regulation. The aqueous extracts of rosemary and sage were the richest in phenolic compounds and showed the highest ability in binding iron and inhibiting DPPH, superoxide radicals and advanced glycation end-product production, lipid peroxidation, and the activity of α-glucosidase and α-amylase. On the other hand, the methanol extracts of both these Labiatae were less efficient than those of garlic, onion, parsley and chili in scavenging hydroxyl radicals. As far as protein glycation is concerned, methanol extracts were more effective in inhibiting the production of Amadori compounds and the aqueous ones in preventing advanced glycation end-product formation. Therefore these spices may be preventive not only against cardiovascular diseases but also type 2 diabetes.     

Organochlorines and reproductive success of birds in orchard and non-orchard areas of central British Columbia,Canada, 1990–91

Most orchards in British Columbia, Canada and the northwestern United States received substantial applications of DDT in the mid-1940s through the early 1970s. Bird eggs were collected from orchard and non-orchard areas in the Okanagan Valley fruit-growing region of central British Columbia during 1990 and 1991 to determine levels of DDT, DDE, and other organochlorines. American robin (Turdus migratorius) eggs from orchard areas contained extremely high levels of both DDE (up to 103 mg/kg) and DDT (up to 26 mg/kg). For robins, tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor), and house wrens (Troglodytes aedon), levels of DDT and DDE in eggs were significantly higher in orchard habitats than in non-orchard habitats. These data suggest that Okanagan Valley birds were acquiring DDT and DDE burdens locally, and not on their Latin American wintering grounds, as has been previously hypothesized. Ratios of DDE to DDT in robin eggs were quite low (<10), implying that DDT is not breaking down readily in orchard soils and/or that orchards have been receiving recent illicit applications of DDT. There was no evidence of lower reproductive success among tree swallows, house wrens, and bluebirds that nested in orchard versus non-orchard habitats, so the levels of DDT and DDE contained in their eggs (0.1 and 5 mg/kg, respectively) were probably not deleterious. There was no difference in reproductive success of robins nesting in conventional versus organic orchards. Although we did not have a sufficient sample of non-orchard robin nests, comparisons with data on reproductive success in the literature indicates that despite exceedingly high DDT and DDE concentrations, reproduction was not affected. Levels of other organochlorines (dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, PCBs) in eggs were low, and usually below the minimum detectable threshold. The high DDE concentrations in these eggs from the Okanagan valley indicate that DDE body burdens of passerines nesting there would probably present a considerable toxic hazard to predators, particularly birds of prey.