Role of Methylmercury Exposure (from Fish Consumption) on Growth and Neurodevelopment of Children Under 5 Years of Age Living in a Transitioning (Tin-Mining) Area of the Western Amazon,Brazil

Human occupation of the Amazon region has recently increased, bringing deforestation for agriculture and open-cast mining, activities that cause environmental degradation and pollution. Families of new settlers in mining areas might have a diet less dependent on abundant fish and their children might also be impacted by exposures to mining environments. Therefore, there is compounded interest in assessing young children’s nutritional status and neurobehavioral development with regard to family fish consumption. Anthropometric (z-scores, WHO standards) and neurologic [Gesell developmental scores (GDS)] development in 688 preschool children (1–59 months of age) was studied. Overall, the prevalence of malnutrition [i.e., moderate stunting (≤2 H/A-Z), underweight (≤2 W/A-Z), and wasting (≤2 W/H-Z) were respectively 0.3% (n = 2), 1.6% (n = 11), and 2.5% (n = 17). Children’s mean hair Hg (HHg) concentration was 2.56 μg/g (SD = 1.67); only 14% of children had HHg concentrations lower than 1 μg/g and 1.7% had ≥5 μg/g. The biomarker of fish consumption was weakly but positively correlated with GDS (Spearman r = 0.080; p = 0.035). In the bivariate model, attained W/H-Z scores were not significantly correlated with GDS. A moderate level of GDS deficits (70–84%) was seen in 20% of children. There was significant correlation between family fish consumption and children’s hair Hg (HHg) (Spearman r = 0.1756; p < 0.0001) but no significant correlation between children’s HHg and W/H-Z scores. However, the multivariate model showed that breastfeeding, a fish consumption biomarker (HHg), maternal education, and child’s age were statistically significant associated with specific domains (language and personal-social) of the Gesell scale. In this mining environment, family fish-eating did not affect children’s linear growth, but it showed a positive influence (along with maternal variables) on neurodevelopment. Health hazards attendant on a high prevalence of moderate neurodevelopment delays coexisting with exposure to multiple neurotoxic substances merits further investigation in poor environmental settings of tin-mining areas.     

Methylmercury Concentrations in Fish from Tidal Waters of The Chesapeake Bay

Striped bass (Morone saxatilis), white perch (Morone Americana), and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) were collected in the Chesapeake Bay mainstem and tributaries and analyzed for total mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) content. Striped bass are anadromous, whereas white perch and largemouth bass are resident species, and the largemouth bass are also restricted to the tidal fresh portion of the Bay. Total Hg and MeHg concentrations in striped bass increased with fish size, and large fish (>7.5 kg wet weight) tended to have MeHg concentrations of 300 ng g⁻¹ or greater. On average, the striped bass MeHg concentration was 120 ± 100 ng g⁻¹ and the fraction of the total Hg as MeHg was 65 ± 22%. Reasons for the lower relative MeHg content are discussed. Otolith strontium/calcium ratios were also determined to examine whether migration had a significant impact on MeHg content in striped bass. Resident fish did appear to have a higher MeHg burden than the more migratory fish of similar size. Largemouth bass and white perch tended to have low MeHg content (respectively, 14 ± 7 and 13 ± 11 ng g⁻¹; all fish <1 kg wet weight), and the white perch also had a low %MeHg (28 ± 14%), reflecting their mostly planktivorous lifestyle. A comparison of largemouth bass and striped bass MeHg concentrations for the estuarine fish with those of fish in Maryland reservoirs of similar size showed that the estuarine fish have much lower MeHg burdens. Differences in MeHg concentration in the estuarine waters compared to the reservoir waters likely account for much of this difference, although the importance of other factors is also discussed.     

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Three Commercially Important Fish from the Northwestern Arabian Gulf: Occurrence,Concentration, and Profiles

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were measured in three species of fish (yellowfin seabream [Acanthopagrus latus, a predatory fish]; Klunzinger’s mullet [Liza klunzingeri, a pelagic fish]; and large-scaled tonguesole [Cynoglossus arel, a demersal fish]) collected from two sites in the northwestern part of the Arabian Gulf, a marginal sea of the tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean. Concentrations of ΣPBDEs ranged from 11 to 57 ng g⁻¹ lipid weight (lw) for mullet, 5.0–38 ng g⁻¹ lw for tonguesole, and 2.8–48 ng g⁻¹ lw for seabream in Kuwait Bay, whereas in the open gulf, concentrations ranged from 6.0 to 160 lw for mullet, 8.3–190 lw for tonguesole, and 7.1–62 for lw for seabream. The congener composition in all species from both sites was dominated by BDEs 47, 99, and 100, which together constituted approximately 90% of the congeners detected. Although no statistically significant intersite differences were found, ΣPBDEs concentrations in mullet were significantly higher than those in seabream (p = 0.01). However, no significant differences existed between mullet and tonguesole (p = 0.28) or between tonguesole and seabream (p = 0.06). ΣPBDE concentrations were negatively correlated with fish mass for all species; however, the correlations were statistically insignificant, suggesting a growth dilution effect.     

Contaminants in Fish of the Hackensack Meadowlands,New Jersey: Size,Sex, and Seasonal Relationships as Related to Health Risks

The trace metal content and related safety (health risk) of Hackensack River fish were assessed within the Hackensack Meadowlands of New Jersey, USA. Eight elements were analyzed in the edible portion (i.e., muscle) of species commonly taken by anglers in the area. The white perch collection (Morone americana) was large enough (n = 168) to enable statistically significant inferences, but there were too few brown bullheads and carp to reach definite conclusions. Of the eight elements analyzed, the one that accumulates to the point of being a health risk in white perch is mercury (Hg). Relationships between mercury concentrations and size and with collection season were observed; correlation with lipid content, total polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) content, or collection site were very weak. Only 18% of the Hg was methylated in October (n = 8), whereas June and July fish (n = 12) had 100% methylation of Hg. White perch should not be considered edible because the Hg level exceeded the “one meal per month” action level of 0.47 μg/g wet weight (ppm) in 32% of our catch and 2.5% exceeded the “no consumption at all” level of 1 μg/g. The larger fish represent greater risk for Hg. Furthermore, the warmer months, when more recreational fishing takes place, might present greater risk. A more significant reason for avoiding white perch is the PCB contamination because 40% of these fish exceeded the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) action level of 2000 ng/g for PCBs and all white perch exceeded the US Environmental Protection Agency cancer/health guideline (49 ng/g) of no more than one meal/month. In fact, nearly all were 10 times that advisory level. There were differences between male and female white perch PCB levels, with nearly all of those above the US FDA action level being male. Forage fish (mummichogs and Atlantic silversides) were similarly analyzed, but no correlations were found with any other parameters. The relationship of collection site to contaminants cannot be demonstrated because sufficient numbers of game fish could not be collected at many sites at all seasons.     

Health Risk Associated to Dietary Intake of Mercury in Selected Coastal Areas of Mexico

A hazard quotient (HQ) was evaluated for Mexican population considering Hg levels and consumption rates. Fish and shrimp were caught in selected coastal areas. HQ’s ranged from 0.004 to 0.01 in shrimp; from 0.004 to 1.04 in fish from NW Mexico; and from 0.02 to 0.19 in fish from the Gulf of Mexico. Highest HQ in fish were found in carnivorous fish Caranx caninus (HQ = 0.71) and Sphyrna lewini (HQ = 1.04) from NW Mexico. A more accurate study should be made considering organic Hg, contribution of Hg from other sources, and consumption rates according to age, sex and economic status.     

Risk Assessment of Residual DDTs in Freshwater and Marine Fish Cultivated Around the Pearl River Delta, China

Six species of freshwater fish collected from 10 fishponds in Shunde and Zhongshan, China, four species of marine fishes collected from different mariculture farms [four in Hong Kong (Tung Lung Chau, Ma Wan, Cheung Chau and Kat O) and two in mainland China (Daya Bay and Shenzhen)] together with feed (both trash fish and commercial pellets) and sediment were analyzed for DDTs. Total DDTs in freshwater fish flesh decreased in the order of: carnivores [1742 μg/kg lipid weight (l.w.)] > herbivores (165 μg/kg, l.w.) > omnivores (42.5 μg/kg, l.w.), with the highest concentration detected in mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) (2641 μg/kg, l.w.). For marine fish, snubnose pompano (Trachinotus blochii) and orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) collected in Ma Wan contained elevated levels of total DDTs (2590 and 2034 μg/kg l.w., respectively). Trash fish used in both freshwater and marine fish farms contained significantly higher levels (86.5–641 μg/kg l.w.) (p < 0.05) of DDTs than in commercial pellets, but correlations between DDT levels in fish feed and muscle were not significant. The elevated biota-sediment accumulating factor for tilapia (Tilapia mossambicus) (24.1) indicated that accumulation of DDTs from sediment to the fish was evident. It can be concluded that trash fish should not be used for fish culture in order to lower the level of residual DDTs in fish muscle.     

Concentrations of Heavy Metals in American Woodcock Harvested in Connecticut

The American woodcock is an important migratory species to both consumptive and nonconsumptive users throughout the species range. Woodcock populations have been declining steadily since surveys began in 1968. Laboratory and field studies have demonstrated several adverse effects associated with metals in other species, which has led to their inclusion as potential contributing factors to the woodcock population decline. We investigated the concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and selenium (Se) in pectoral muscle (n = 100), livers (n = 108), and kidneys (n = 104) and Pb in wing bones (n = 53) from woodcock harvested in Connecticut. Cd concentrations were elevated in 99% of woodcock livers and kidneys; 30% of kidneys were above 100 μg/g dry weight, a Cd level of reported adverse tissue and reproductive effects in other species. Hg and Cr concentrations were below current biologically significant thresholds. Asc, Pb, and Se in soft tissues were associated with lead shot use in collection. Se in 24% of livers was above 10 μg/g dry weight, the reported threshold for avian health. Wing-bone Pb was elevated above 20 μg/g in 61% of adults and 23% of juveniles examined. Our findings indicate that woodcock are being exposed to potentially damaging levels of at least two metals with known effects in other species.     

Distribution of Mercury in Several Environmental Compartments in an Aquatic Ecosystem Impacted by Gold Mining in Northern Colombia

Mercury (Hg) used in gold amalgamation is a major source of contamination in developing countries. Water, sediments, plankton, fish, and human samples from Grande Marsh, a Hg-polluted marsh located in the south of Bolívar, municipality of Montecristo, Colombia, were collected during both the rainy and the dry seasons (2003–2006), at three different sampling sites, and analyzed for total Hg (T-Hg) content. Water, sediment, seston, phytoplankton, and zooplankton T-Hg concentrations were 0.33 ± 0.03 μg/L, 0.71 ± 0.03, 1.20 ± 0.06, 0.52 ± 0.03, and 0.94 ± 0.05 μg/g dry weight (wt), respectively. T-Hg levels in these compartments were highly pair-correlated (p < 0.05), and for all of them, except sediments, greater values were found during the dry season. Significant differences were observed for T-Hg concentrations in fish according to their trophic position. Average highest T-Hg values were found in carnivorous species such as Caquetaia kraussi (1.09 ± 0.17 μg/g fresh wt), Hoplias malabaricus (0.58 ± 0.05 μg/g fresh wt), and Plagioscion surinamensis (0.53 ± 0.07 μg/g fresh wt), whereas the lowest were detected in noncarnivorous species such as Prochilodus magdalenae (0.157 ± 0.01 μg/g fresh wt). In those fish species where seasonal comparisons were possible, specimens captured during the dry season had greater T-Hg levels in muscle. Although the T-Hg mean level for all fish samples (0.407 ± 0.360 μg/g fresh wt) did not exceed the recommended limit ingestion level, risk assessment based on the hazard index suggested that a fish intake of 0.12 kg per day (a small carnivorous specimen) could increase the potential health effects related to Hg exposure in the local human population, whose hair T-Hg median value was 4.7 μg/g, and presented a low but significant correlation with fish consumption (r = 0.250, p = 0.016). In short, Hg pollution from gold mining around Grande Marsh has permeated the food web, and currently levels in fish represent a serious concern for human health.     

Language Preference and Perceptions of Healthcare Providers’ Communication and Autonomy Making Behaviors among Hispanics

Background To examine influence of language preference—English versus Spanish—on Hispanics’ perceptions of their healthcare providers’ communication behaviors. Methods Using the 2005 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), we observed non-institutionalized Hispanics (n = 5197; US population estimate = 27,070,906), aged ≥18 years, reporting visiting a healthcare provider within the past 12 months. Results When compared to Spanish responders (reference group), English responders were more likely to report that their healthcare provider “always” listened to them carefully (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09–1.78), “always” explained things so that they understood (adjusted OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.08–1.73), “always” spent enough time with them (adjusted OR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.24–2.11),”always” asked them to help make decisions (adjusted OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.03–1.82), and “always” showed respect for treatment decisions (adjusted OR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.27–2.19). Discussion Healthcare providers should consider the complex needs of Hispanic patients whose language of choice is not English.     

Effects of Diet Composition and Trophic Structure on Mercury Bioaccumulation in Temperate Flatfishes

The summer flounder Paralichthys dentatus and winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus support valuable fisheries along the northeastern United States. The importance of these flatfish as a human dietary resource indicates they are potential sources of mercury (Hg) to fish-consuming citizens. In this study, summer flounder (SF) and winter flounder (WF) were collected from the Narragansett Bay (Rhode Island, USA) and were measured for total Hg burden in whole-body or dorsal muscle tissue. Interspecies differences in Hg contamination were analyzed relative to flounder body size, age, and Hg content of preferred prey. Stable isotope signatures were also used to elucidate the effect of trophic processes on Hg accumulation in the estuarine food web. The mean Hg content of SF exceeded concentrations measured in WF across multiple life-history stages (0.039–0.100 and 0.016–0.029 mg Hg/kg wet weight for SF and WF, respectively), and observed values for both species were lower than the US Environmental Protection Agency regulatory threshold of 0.3 mg Hg/kg wet weight. Total Hg concentrations were also positively correlated with flounder age and length, verifying that both flatfish bioaccumulate Hg. SF accumulate Hg at an accelerated rate, however, owing to this species consuming Hg-enriched prey (teleosts, squid, and macrocrustaceans; mean Hg content = 0.023 mg Hg/kg wet weight), whereas WF feed on prey with low Hg levels (amphipods and polychaetes; mean Hg content = 0.013 mg Hg/kg wet weight). The positive correlation observed between mean biota Hg content and stable nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) isotope signatures further indicates that Hg is trophically transferred through the food web, and higher trophic level organisms (i.e., enriched δ¹⁵N) have increased Hg concentrations. Therefore, results from this study suggest that dietary preference and trophic structure are the main factors affecting Hg bioaccumulation in the estuary. Total Hg concentrations of flatfish from the Narragansett Bay, however, do not necessarily reflect coastwide contamination patterns. This reinforces the importance of having research conducted at sufficiently small spatial scales, including the local assessment of Hg contamination for the purpose of issuing state consumption advisories.     

Recalled Sex-typed Behavior in Childhood and Sports’ Preferences in Adulthood of Heterosexual,Bisexual, and Homosexual Men from Brazil,Turkey, and Thailand

This research used interview and questionnaire data from homosexual (n = 177), bisexual (n = 157), and heterosexual (n = 544) men between 20 and 30 years of age among lower class men and university students in three countries: Brazil, Thailand, and Turkey. The main goal of the study was to examine the recalled childhood sex-typed behavior and adult sports preferences that distinguish homosexuals from bisexuals and heterosexuals. In all three cultures and both social groups, homosexual men were almost always more likely as children to have wanted to be a girl, to cross-dress, to play with girls, to do girls’ tasks, and to practice fewer sports. They were also less likely to bully others or to engage in physical fights. As children, homosexual men were more likely to prefer swimming and playing volleyball rather than soccer and, as adults, they preferred watching gymnastics and swimming over soccer. The bisexuals scored intermediate mostly in “desire to be a girl” and “cross-dressing,” although they were much closer to the heterosexuals. These results, coupled with previous cross-cultural research, suggest that cross-gender behavior in childhood may characterize most male homosexuals regardless of their cultural milieu.     

Occurrence of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Fish and Water from the Svitava and Svratka Rivers,Czech Republic

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFHxS, FHUEA, PFOA, PFOS, FOSA, N-methyl FOSA and PFNA) from seven sites on the Svitava and Svratka rivers in the Brno conurbation (Czech Republic) were determined in fish blood plasma and water. Concentrations of PFHxS, FHUEA, FOSA, and N-methyl FOSA were below detection limits. Major compound in fish blood was PFOS (38.9–57.8 ng mL⁻¹), followed by PFNA and PFOA. In water, the major compound detected was PFOA (1.7–178.0 ng mL⁻¹), followed by PFOS and PFNA. A significant (p < 0.05) correlation for PFOA concentration in blood plasma and water was found (r = 0.74).     

Selenium Accumulation in Sea Ducks Wintering at Lake Ontario

Numbers of wintering sea ducks, including buffleheads (Bucephala albeola; BUFF), common goldeneyes (Bucephala clangula; COGO), and long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis; LTDU), increased substantially at Lake Ontario after Dreissenid mussels (Dreissena bugensis and D. polymorpha) colonized the Great Lakes. Invertebrates, including Dreissenid mussels, are major diving duck prey items that can transfer some trace elements, such as selenium (Se) to higher trophic levels. Se can be problematic for waterfowl and it often has been detected at elevated levels in organisms using the Great Lakes. There are, however, few data on hepatic Se concentrations in sea ducks, particularly during the winter at Lake Ontario. In this study, we evaluated interspecific differences and temporal trends in hepatic Se concentrations among BUFF (n = 77), COGO (n = 77), and LTDU (n = 79) wintering at Lake Ontario. All three species accumulated Se throughout winter, but COGO did so at a higher rate than did BUFF and LTDU. Overall, Se concentrations were higher in LTDU [ [`(\textx)] = 22.7 {\bar{\text{x}}} = 22.7; 95% CI = 20.8–24.8 μg/g dry weight (dw)] than in BUFF ( [`(\textx)] = 1 2. 3 {\bar{\text{x}}} = 1 2. 3 ; 95% CI = 11.6–13.1 μg/g dw) and COGO ( [`(\textx)] = 1 2.0 {\bar{\text{x}}} = 1 2.0 ; 95% CI = 10.7–3.5 μg/g dw) throughout the winter. Se concentrations were deemed elevated (>33 μg/g dw) in 0%, 5%, and 19% of BUFF, COGO, and LTDU, respectively. Presently there are no data on Se toxicity end points for these species, so it is unclear how acquiring concentrations of these magnitudes affect their short- and long-term health or reproduction.     

Outdoor work and skin cancer incidence: a registry-based study in Bavaria

Objective  To analyse the association between occupational ultraviolet (UV) light exposure and skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, BCC; squamous cell carcinoma, SCC; cutaneous malignant melanoma, CMM) based on data from the Bavarian population-based cancer registry. Methods  The population-based cancer registry of Bavaria (Germany) provided data on incident cases of BCC, SCC, and CMM, respectively, during the period 2001 until 2005. Eleven Bavarian districts with complete skin cancer registration were included in this analysis based on 2,156,336 person years. Cases were assigned to “indoor”, “mixed indoor/outdoor”, and “outdoor” exposure categories according to their job title. We computed age-specific and age-adjusted incidence rates of BCC (n = 1,641), SCC (n = 499), and CMM (n = 454) by work type, and the relative risk (RR) of skin cancer occurrence for “outdoor” and “mixed indoor/outdoor” workers, respectively, compared to “indoor” workers. Results  The risk of BCC was substantially elevated in male (RR, 2.9; 95% CI, 2.2–3.9) and female (RR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.8–4.1) outdoor workers compared to male and female indoor workers, respectively. We also found an elevated risk of similar magnitude for SCC in male (RR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4–4.7) and female (RR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.6–8.1) outdoor workers compared to male and female indoor workers, respectively. CMM risk was not significantly associated with outdoor work. Conclusion  Our study confirms previous reports on the increased risk of BCC and SCC in outdoor workers compared to indoor workers.     

Total Mercury in Fish, Sediments and Soil from the River Pra Basin, Southwestern Ghana

Total Mercury (Hg) concentrations were determined in soil, river sediments and six (6) species of fish from the River Pra Basin in southwestern Ghana by Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Mercury concentration (μg g⁻¹) ranged from 0.042 to 0.145 for soil: from 0.390 to 0.707 for sediments and from <0.001 to 0.370 for fish. All the fish samples had Hg concentration below the World Health Organisation (WHO) permissible limit of 0.5 μg g⁻¹ whereas all the sediment samples had levels higher than the US-EPA value of 0.2 μg g⁻¹. The results obtained from this study showed that fish from River Pra Basin are unlikely to constitute any significant mercury exposure to the public through consumption. No apparent trend of increasing mercury concentration along the main river as it flows downward toward the sea was observed.     

Physical Therapy Utilization in Subjects with Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders: Taiwan Experience

Introduction This study aimed to investigate the use of physical therapy (PT) services by subjects with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and to identify factors associated with long-term use of PT in Taiwan. Methods Data including demographic characteristics, work history, pain and disability ratings, and psychosocial status were collected by questionnaire. Subjects who were referred to PT were interviewed weekly by telephone to obtain information about use of PT. Results A total of 160 subjects participated in this study. Of these, 85 subjects (53.1%) did not receive PT. Of the 75 subjects who received PT, 53 (70.7%) received short-term treatment (<30 days) and 22 (29.3%) received long-term treatment (≧30 days). The number of treatment sessions for the treatment groups was 7.8 sessions ± 9.0. Logistic regression analysis identified age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.074, P = 0.007) and the subject’s confidence that the disorder would be diagnosed as an occupational injury (“yes” and “not sure” vs. “no”; OR = 4.288, P = 0.012) as significant factors affecting the duration of treatment. Conclusions Almost 30% of the subjects referred to PT received long-term treatment (≧30 days), the significant factors affecting this classification were subject’s age and confidence in a diagnosis of WMSD.     

Reconstruction of human exposure to heavy metals using synchrotron radiation microbeams in prehistoric and modern humans

Objective  Teeth can serve as records of environmental exposure to heavy metals during their formation. We applied a new technology — synchrotron radiation microbeams (SRXRF) — for analysis of heavy metals in human permanent teeth in modern and historical samples. Methods  Each tooth was cut in half. A longitudinal section 200 μm in thickness was subjected to the determination of the heavy metal content by SRXRF or conventional analytical methods (ICP-MS analysis or reduction–aeration atomic absorption spectrometry). The relative concentrations of Pb, Hg, Cu and Zn measured by SRXRF were translated in concentrations (in g of heavy metal/g of enamel) using calibration curves by the two analytical methods. Results  Concentrations in teeth in the modern females (n = 5) were 1.2 ± 0.5 μg/g (n = 5) for Pb; 1.7 ± 0.2 ng/g for Hg; 0.9 ± 1.1 μg/g for Cu; 150 ± 24.6 μg/g for Zn. The levels of Pb were highest in the teeth samples obtained from the humans of the Edo era (1603–1868 ad) (0.5–4.0 μg/g, n = 4). No trend was observed in this study in the Hg content in teeth during 3,000 years. The concentrations of Cu were highest in teeth of two medieval craftsmen (57.0 and 220 μg/g). The levels of Zn were higher in modern subjects (P < 0.05) than those in the Jomon (~1000 bc) to Edo periods [113.2 ± 27.4 (μg/g, n = 11)]. Reconstruction of developmental exposure history to lead in a famous court painter of the Edo period (18th century) revealed high levels of Pb (7.1–22.0 μg/g) in his childhood. Conclusions  SRXRF is useful a method for reconstructing human exposures in very long trends.     

Comparison of Metal Accumulation in Fish Species from the Southeastern Black Sea

In this study, it was aimed to determine accumulation of the metal concentrations in fish species in different regions which are Sürmene and Yomra bay at southeastern Black sea in Trabzon-Turkey. For this purpose, concentrations of metals (Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Sb, Hg, Pb) were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in muscle of red mullet (Mullus barbatus ponticus) and whiting (Merlangius merlangus euxinus). Metal concentrations were found for whiting ranged as follows; 0.35–1.64 (Cr), 0.01–0.09 (Co), 0.01–0.71 (Ni), 0.71–1.45 (Cu), 18.64–68.06 (Zn), 2.05–9.66 (As), 0.15–14.16 (Se), 0.01–0.22 (Cd), 0.01–0.01 (Sb), 0.01–0.15 (Hg), 0.01–0.25 (Pb) and for red mullet as 0.43–1.04 (Cr), 0.05–0.23 (Co), 0.02–0.67 (Ni), 0.74–2.32 (Cu), 19.89–43.50 (Zn), 6.04–24.82 (As), 0.02–9.83 (Se), 0.01–0.11 (Cd), 0.01–0.01 (Sb), 0.07–0.18 (Hg), 0.01–0.20 (Pb) μg g⁻¹ dry weight. Metal concentrations in samples were found to be lower than legal limits proposed by Turkish Food Codex (2008), Food and Agricultural Organization (1983), and European Commission (Off J Eur Union L364-5–L364-24, 2006) for human consumption.     

Uptake of Mercury by Fish in an Experimental Boreal Reservoir

We studied the uptake of mercury (Hg) by finescale dace (Phoxinus neogaeus) in an experimental boreal reservoir for 2 years prior to flooding and 3 years after flooding, and in a natural wetland pond over the same 5-year period. Hg uptake was much higher after flooding as compared to uptake before flooding and in the natural pond. After flooding, Hg concentrations in late summer were usually 2–3× higher than concentrations observed prior to flooding. Net uptake of Hg by fish over the summer in the experimental reservoir was 0.25 and −0.07 μg per fish in the 2 years before flooding as compared to 0.63, 0.64, and 0.42 μg per fish in the 3 years after flooding. Thus, Hg uptake by fish responded quickly to flooding and was highest in the first 2 years following impoundment. Uptake in the reference pond ranged from 0.10 to 0.28 μg of Hg per fish over the same 5-year period. Calculated fluxes of Hg on an areal basis ranged from 0.04–0.09 μg m⁻² year⁻¹ in the reference pond, were 0.08 and −0.02 μg m⁻² year⁻¹ in the experimental reservoir prior to flooding, and ranged from 0.14–0.22 μg m⁻² year⁻¹ in the experimental reservoir after flooding. These fluxes were much smaller than fluxes of methyl mercury (MeHg) through the zooplankton and emerging insect communities. Most (71–89%) of the mercury measured in the muscle of finescale dace was MeHg, and the proportion that was MeHg decreased over the summer period prior to flooding, but increased over the summer after flooding. Growth of fish was not significantly affected by flooding. Fish ate predominantly benthic invertebrates (64–84% of food items found in stomachs), with lesser proportions of crustacean zooplankton (16–31% of items found in stomachs) and feeding was similar after as compared to before flooding. Therefore, differences in Hg uptake did not appear to be the result of changes in diet. Received: 28 August 1998/Accepted: 20 January 1999     

Women’s Sexual Responses to Heterosexual and Lesbian Erotica: The Role of Stimulus Intensity,Affective Reaction,and Sexual History

Past research has demonstrated that women do not show a “category-specific” genital response to erotic stimuli. That is, on average, heterosexual and lesbian women are indistinguishable in terms of their physiological genital responses to heterosexual versus lesbian erotica. In two studies with heterosexual women (n = 28 for Study 1; n = 30 for Study 2) and lesbians (n = 24 for Study 1; n = 25 for Study 2), results confirmed that, on average, women did not show category-specific genital responses or category-specific subjective sexual arousal. However, there was evidence of notable within-group variability; many women did respond to the stimuli in a category-specific manner. Heterosexual women were more likely than lesbian women to demonstrate category-specificity. Findings also revealed that category-specificity was associated with multiple factors, including affective responses to the erotic stimuli and sexual history. Results of this study highlight the complexity of women’s sexual identities and sexual responses.