Alteration ofO,O-dimethylS-[α-(carboethoxy)benzyl] phosphorodithioate (phenthoate) in citrus,water, and upon exposure to air and sunlight

The fate of³²P- and¹⁴C-labeledO,O-dimethylS-[-(carboethoxy)benzyl] phosphorodithioate (phenthoate) was determined in citrus, water, and upon exposure to air and sunlight. The products recovered from citrus and glass plates exposed to sunlight were unchanged phenthoate, phenthoate oxon, demethyl phenthoate, mandelic acid,bis- [-(carboethoxy)benzyl] disulfide,O,O-dimethyl phosphorothioic and phosphorodithioic acid. Similar products generally were found in citrus leaf and fruit extracts. Phenthoate was fairly stable in phosphate buffered water with a half-life of approximately 12 days at pH 8.0. The major hydrolysis products were phenthoate acid, demethyl phenthoate and demethyl phenthoate oxon.     

Synthesis,characterization and anti-bacterial studies of mixed-ligand complexes of dithiocarbamato—thiocyanato and iron(III), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II)

Twelve mixed-ligand complexes of Fe(III), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) with Schiff bases of N,N-diethylamino-dithiocarbamate and thiocyanate as ligands, have been synthesized and characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, infrared and electronic spectral studies, as well as magnetic measurements. Anti-bacterial action of these complexes has been evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Pasteurella multocida, Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus. The activity has been estimated by the filter paper disc and the minimal inhibition concentration methods. A relationship between the anti-bacterial activity and the nature of the ligands and the central atoms of the complexes has been noted.     

SAFE (strategy, assessment, flexibility, and efficiency) for future use? Stages in master planning, programming, and architectural design

Health care facility design must incorporate four key elements: Strategy, Assessment, Flexibility, and Efficiency. These SAFE elements will offer the organization the greatest return on investment, because they encompass both present needs and future demand. They respect the integrated nature of functional operations by clustering them in ways that permit growth or consolidation. In the rapidly changing health care environment, flexibility is fundamental to successful design.     

Bioaccumulation of Atrazine in Freshwater Bivalves Anodontites trapesialis (Lamarck, 1819) and Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774)

The bioaccumulation of atrazine in bivalves is expected due to its wide use in agriculture and its moderate water solubility (33 mg/l). To assess the capacity of bioaccumulation, we performed a laboratory study in which two bivalves species (Anodontites trapesialis and Corbicula fluminea) were exposed to atrazine (concentrations of 0.06 to 0.34 μg/ml) during 48 h. The results showed that both bivalve species were able to bioaccumulate atrazine in their tissues. In another experiment, groups of bivalves from the specie A. trapesialis were exposed to atrazine at the concentration of 1 μg/ml and different organs of these animals were analyzed. The visceral mass, foot and mantle plus siphon showed the highest values of atrazine bioaccumulation.     

Relationships between T-cell-mediated immune response and Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, and as concentrations in blood of nestling white storks (Ciconia ciconia) and black kites (Milvus migrans) from Doñana (southwestern Spain) after the Aznalcóllar toxic spill

In the Aznalcóllar mining accident (April 1998), nearly six million cubic meters of toxic wastes were spilled in the surroundings of the Do?ana National Park (southwestern Spain). The present study focused on the likely effects of metal pollution on the immune system of nestling white storks (Ciconia ciconia) and black kites (Milvus migrans) sampled in the nearby area. Using the phytohaemagglutinin skin test, we examined cell-mediated immune response (CMI) in relation to Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, and As concentrations in blood of 281 nestling white storks and of 89 black kites. The former species was monitored along a four-year period (1999, 2001-2003), while black kites were sampled in 1999. Overall, average levels of heavy metals and As were relatively low when compared to those reported for birds in metal-polluted areas. Copper showed a negative effect on CMI in both species, although the relationship was significant only for white storks in 2002. We found no evidence that environmental exposure to Pb, Zn, As, and Cd had any effect on nestlings' CMI. Interannual consistency is revealed as an important factor, supporting the need of long-term studies when assessing the immunotoxic effects of metal exposure in the wild.     

Safety of diphtheria,tetanus, acellular pertussis and inactivated poliovirus (DTaP–IPV) vaccine

Background

In 2008, a diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, and inactivated poliovirus combined vaccine (DTaP–IPV) was licensed for use in children 4 through 6 years of age. While pre-licensure studies did not demonstrate significant safety concerns, the number vaccinated in these studies was not sufficient to examine the risk of uncommon but serious adverse events.

Objective

To assess the risk of serious adverse events following DTaP–IPV vaccination.

Methods

The study was conducted from January 2009 through September 2012 in the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) project. In the VSD, electronic vaccination and encounter data are updated and aggregated weekly as part of ongoing surveillance activities. Based on previous reports and biologic plausibility, eight potential adverse events were monitored: meningitis/encephalitis; seizures; stroke; Guillain–Barré syndrome; Stevens–Johnson syndrome; anaphylaxis; serious allergic reactions other than anaphylaxis; and serious local reactions. Adverse event rates in DTaP–IPV recipients were compared to historical incidence rates in the VSD population prior to 2009. Sequential probability ratio testing was used to analyze the data on a weekly basis.

Results

During the study period, 201,116 children received DTaP–IPV vaccine. Ninety-seven percent of DTaP–IPV recipients also received other vaccines on the same day, typically measles–mumps–rubella and varicella vaccines. There was no statistically significant increased risk of any of the eight pre-specified adverse events among DTaP–IPV recipients when compared to historical incidence rates.

Conclusions

In this safety surveillance study of more than 200,000 DTaP–IPV vaccine recipients, there was no evidence of increased risk for any of the pre-specified adverse events monitored. Continued surveillance of DTaP–IPV vaccine safety may be warranted to monitor for rare adverse events, such as Guillain–Barré syndrome.     

Exposure to Elemental Carbon,Organic Carbon,Nitrate, and Sulfate Fractions of Fine Particulate Matter and Risk of Preterm Birth in New Jersey,Ohio, and Pennsylvania (2000–2005)

Background

Particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM_2.5) has been consistently associated with preterm birth (PTB) to varying degrees, but roles of PM_2.5 species have been less studied.

Objective

We estimated risk differences (RD) of PTB (reported per 10⁶ pregnancies) associated with change in ambient concentrations of elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), nitrates (NO₃), and sulfates (SO₄).

Methods

From live birth certificates from three states, we constructed a cohort of singleton pregnancies at or beyond 20 weeks of gestation from 2000 through 2005 (n = 1,771,225; 8% PTB). We estimated mean species exposures for each week of gestation from monitor-corrected Community Multi-Scale Air Quality modeling data. RDs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for four PTB categories were estimated for each exposure using linear regression, adjusted for maternal race/ethnicity, marital status, education, age, smoking, maximum temperature, ozone, and season of conception. We also adjusted for other species in multi-species models.

Results

RDs varied by exposure window and outcome period. EC was positively associated with PTB after 27 and before 35 weeks of gestation. For example, for a 0.25-μg/m³ increase in EC exposure during gestational week 9, RD = 96 (95% CI: –20, 213) and RD = 145 (95% CI: –50, 341) for PTB during weeks 28–31 and 32–34, respectively. Associations with OCs were null or negative. RDs for NO₃ were elevated with exposure in early weeks of gestation, and null in later weeks. RDs for SO₄ exposure were positively associated with PTB, though magnitude varied across gestational weeks. We observed effect measure modification for associations between EC and PTB by race/ethnicity and smoking status.

Conclusion

EC and SO₄ may contribute to associations between PM_2.5 and PTB. Associations varied according to the timing of exposure and the timing of PTB.

Citation

Rappazzo KM, Daniels JL, Messer LC, Poole C, Lobdell DT. 2015. Exposure to elemental carbon, organic carbon, nitrate, and sulfate fractions of fine particulate matter and risk of preterm birth in New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania (2000–2005). Environ Health Perspect 123:1059–1065; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1408953     

Assessment of Sexual Behavior,Sexual Attitudes,and Sexual Risk in Sweden (1989–2003)

To assess changes in sexual behavior, sexual attitudes, and sexual risk related to HIV, we conducted mailed questionnaire surveys in random samples of the Swedish general population in 1989, 1994, 1997, 2000, and 2003 (total N = 13,762). Each sample consisted of 4,000–6,000 subjects aged 16–44 years, stratified by age: 16–17, 18–19, 20–24, 25–34, and 35–44 years. The overall participation rate was 63.8% (for men, 55.9%; for women, 71.9%). The prevalence of three or more sexual partners and casual sexual contacts without the use of a condom was comparatively high for men, for persons aged 16–24 years, single persons with and without a regular partner, and persons living in towns and urban areas. The prevalence of multiple sexual partners and casual sexual contacts increased significantly over time. There was a significant decrease in the proportion of participants who agreed with the statement Sexual intercourse should only take place in a stable relationship. Personal risk assessments related to HIV did not change significantly over time. The study shows that risky sexual behavior related to HIV/AIDS increased in the Swedish population between 1989 and 2003, and that attitudes concerning casual sexual relations became more permissive.     

Polychlorobiphenyl (PCB) congeners,p,p′-DDE,and hexachlorobenzene in maternal and fetal cord blood from mothers in upstate New York

Whole blood samples were taken from 101 women (26±4 years) entering maternity facilities in upstate New York. At birth, fetal cord blood was also collected. The samples were analyzed for 74 polychlorobiphenyl (PCB) congeners,p,p-DDE, mirex, and hexachlorobenzene by glass capillary gas chromatography with electron capture detection. Maternal blood contained 3.5±1.1 ng total PCB/g whole blood and fetal cord blood contained 2.4±1.0 ng total PCB/g whole blood, which indicate that the women are less contaminated than women surveyed elsewhere in the U.S. Of the 77 compounds measured, only 20 occurred in more than 10% of the maternal samples at levels >0.01 ng/g. Mirex was not detected. Although the concentration of the majority of congeners,p,p-DDE and hexachlorobenzene correlated in maternal and fetal cord blood, 2,5,2,5-tetrachlorobiphenyl and hexachlorobenzene crossed the placenta preferentially. Apparently, the population contains vestiges of Aroclor^® 1242 (the PCB mixture used in electrical equipment) and Aroclor^® 1260 (the mixture used as a plasticizer).p,p- DDE was the pollutant present at highest concentration (maternal 3.8±0.8 ng/g, fetal cord 1.9±0.9 ng/g).     

A new fibrinolytic enzyme (55 kDa) from Allium tuberosum: purification, characterization, and comparison

Chives have been used both as food and as medicine. Previously, two fibrinolytic enzymes, ATFE-I (90 kDa) and ATFE-II (55 kDa), were identified in chives (Allium tuberosum), a perennial herb. In the present work, ATFE-II was purified by ion-exchange chromatography followed by gel filtration. In addition, the enzyme properties of ATFE-I and ATFE-II were compared. The molecular mass and isoelectric point (pI value) of ATFE-II were 55 kDa and pI 4.0, respectively, as revealed using one- or two-dimensional fibrin zymography. ATFE-II was optimally active at pH 7.0 and 45°C. ATFE-II degraded the Aα-chain of human fibrinogen but did not hydrolyze the Bβ-chain or the γ-chain, indicating that the enzyme is an α-fibrinogenase. The proteolytic activity of ATFE-II was completely inhibited by 1 mM leupeptin, indicating that the enzyme belongs to the cysteine protease class. ATFE-II was also inhibited by 1 mM Fe2(+). ATFE-II exhibited high specificity for MeO-Suc-Arg-Pro-Tyr-p-nitroaniline (S-2586), a synthetic chromogenic substrate of chymotrypsin. Thus proteolytic enzymes from A. tuberosum may be useful as thrombolytic agents.     

Characteristics of Overweight and Obesity at Age Two and the Association with Breastfeeding in Hawai’i Women,Infants, and Children (WIC) Participants

Childhood obesity is associated with many adverse health effects during childhood and is linked to an increased risk for obesity in adulthood. The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics of early childhood overweight and obesity and assess the impact of breastfeeding. Data from Hawai’i’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) were analyzed for children 2 years of age born between 2005 and 2009 and their mothers. Childhood overweight and obesity was examined using a log-binomial regression model to estimate prevalence ratios. In the sample population, 12.5 % of children were overweight and 8.5 % of children were obese. Significant differences in childhood overweight and obesity were seen between breastfeeding duration and other socio-demographic groups. Children who were breastfed for 6 months or more had a lower risk of childhood obesity at age two compared to those who were never breastfed (APR 0.79, 95 % CI 0.69–0.91) with adjustment for child race/ethnicity, maternal age, trimester of prenatal care entry, maternal smoking status, and child birth weight. The prevalence of early childhood overweight and obesity is associated with shorter durations of breastfeeding. Early and continued breastfeeding support and education for mothers in the WIC program that improves duration of breastfeeding may help reduce the risk of early childhood obesity.