Particle size distribution: A key factor in estimating powder dustiness

A wide variety of raw materials, involving more than 20 samples of quartzes, feldspars, nephelines, carbonates, dolomites, sands, zircons, and alumina, were selected and characterised. Dustiness, i.e., a materials' tendency to generate dust on handling, was determined using the continuous drop method. These raw materials were selected to encompass a wide range of particle sizes (1.6–294 µm) and true densities (2650–4680 kg/m³).

The dustiness of the raw materials, i.e., their tendency to generate dust on handling, was determined using the continuous drop method. The influence of some key material parameters (particle size distribution, flowability, and specific surface area) on dustiness was assessed. In this regard, dustiness was found to be significantly affected by particle size distribution.

Data analysis enabled development of a model for predicting the dustiness of the studied materials, assuming that dustiness depended on the particle fraction susceptible to emission and on the bulk material's susceptibility to release these particles. On the one hand, the developed model allows the dustiness mechanisms to be better understood. In this regard, it may be noted that relative emission increased with mean particle size. However, this did not necessarily imply that dustiness did, because dustiness also depended on the fraction of particles susceptible to be emitted. On the other hand, the developed model enables dustiness to be estimated using just the particle size distribution data. The quality of the fits was quite good and the fact that only particle size distribution data are needed facilitates industrial application, since these data are usually known by raw materials managers, thus making additional tests unnecessary.

This model may therefore be deemed a key tool in drawing up efficient preventive and/or corrective measures to reduce dust emissions during bulk powder processing, both inside and outside industrial facilities. It is recommended, however, to use the developed model only if particle size, true density, moisture content, and shape lie within the studied ranges.     

Characterization and exposure measurement for indium oxide nanofibers generated as byproducts in the LED manufacturing environment

This article aimed to elucidate the physicochemical characteristics and exposure concentration of powder and airborne particles as byproducts generated from indium tin oxide thin film process by an electron beam evaporation method during maintenance in light-emitting diode manufacturing environment.

The chemical composition, size, shape, and crystal structure of powder and airborne particles as byproducts were investigated using a scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer, and an X-ray diffractometer. The number and mass concentration measurements of airborne particles were performed by using an optical particle counter of direct-reading aerosol monitor and an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry after sampling, respectively.

The airborne particles are composed of oxygen and indium. On the other hand, the powder byproducts consist mostly of oxygen and indium, but tin was found as a minor component. The shapes of the airborne and powder byproducts were fiber type. The length and diameter of fibrous particles were approximately 500–2,000 nm and 30–50 nm, respectively. The powder byproducts indicated indium oxide nanofibers with a rhombohedral structure. On the other hand, the indium oxide used as a source material in the preparation of ITO target showed spherical morphology with a body-centered cubic structure, and it was the same as that of the pure crystalline indium oxide powder. During maintenance, the number concentrations ranged from 350–75,693 particles/ft³, and arithmetic mean±standard deviation and geometric mean±geometric standard deviation were 11,624±15,547 and 4,846±4.12 particles/ft³, respectively. Meanwhile, under the same conditions, the airborne mass concentrations of the indium based on respirable particle size (3.5 µm cut-point 50%) were 0.09–0.19 µg/m³.

Physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticle can affect toxicity so the fact that shape and crystal structure have changed is important. Thus, nanoparticle occupational toxicology greatly needs observations like this.     

Assessment of airborne nanoparticles present in industry of aluminum surface treatments

Conventional industrial processes are emission sources of unintended nanoparticles which are potentially harmful for the environment and human health. The aim of this study is to assess airborne nanoparticle release from aluminum surface treatment processes in various workplaces. Two direct reading instruments, a scanning mobility particle sizer to measure size distribution and a nanoparticle surface area monitoring to measure the surface area of particles deposited in the human lung, were employed to perform area monitoring.

The lacquering paint was the process which released the highest concentration of particles from 10–487 nm (7.06 × 10⁶ particles/cm³). The lacquering baths process emitted particles of the largest average size (76.9 nm) and the largest surface area deposited in the human lung (167.4 µm²/cm³). Conversely, the anodizing bath process generated particles of the smallest average size (44.3 nm) and the lowest human lung-deposited surface area (1.2 µm²/cm³). The total number of particles and the surface area can only be fairly correlated for environments in which the surface area presented higher values. The transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed the presence of aluminum oxide particles of different dimensions near the LB and AB areas and polymeric-based particles near the LP areas.

The findings of this study indicated that lacquering and anodizing surface treatments are indeed responsible for the emission of airborne nanoparticles. It also highlights the importance of control strategies as a means of protecting workers' health and environment.     

Respirable crystalline silica exposures during asphalt pavement milling at eleven highway construction sites

Asphalt pavement milling machines use a rotating cutter drum to remove the deteriorated road surface for recycling. The removal of the road surface has the potential to release respirable crystalline silica, to which workers can be exposed. This article describes an evaluation of respirable crystalline silica exposures to the operator and ground worker from two different half-lane and larger asphalt pavement milling machines that had ventilation dust controls and water-sprays designed and installed by the manufacturers.

Manufacturer A completed milling for 11 days at 4 highway construction sites in Wisconsin, and Manufacturer B completed milling for 10 days at 7 highway construction sites in Indiana. To evaluate the dust controls, full-shift personal breathing zone air samples were collected from an operator and ground worker during the course of normal employee work activities of asphalt pavement milling at 11 different sites.

Forty-two personal breathing zone air samples were collected over 21 days (sampling on an operator and ground worker each day). All samples were below 50 µg/m³ for respirable crystalline silica, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended exposure limit. The geometric mean personal breathing zone air sample was 6.2 µg/m³ for the operator and 6.1 µg/m³ for the ground worker for the Manufacturer A milling machine. The geometric mean personal breathing zone air sample was 4.2 µg/m³ for the operator and 9.0 µg/m³ for the ground worker for the Manufacturer B milling machine. In addition, upper 95% confidence limits for the mean exposure for each occupation were well below 50 µg/m³ for both studies. The silica content in the bulk asphalt material being milled ranged from 7–23% silica for roads milled by Manufacturer A and from 5–12% silica for roads milled by Manufacturer B.

The results indicate that engineering controls consisting of ventilation controls in combination with water-sprays are capable of controlling occupational exposures to respirable crystalline silica generated by asphalt pavement milling machines on highway construction sites.     

Evaluation of a sprinkler cooling system on inhalable dust and ammonia concentrations in broiler chicken production

Workers are exposed to dust in broiler chicken production during daily work activities. Poultry dust may contain inflammatory agents (e.g., endotoxin) and inhalation exposure has been associated with pulmonary symptoms. Current practice to reduce worker exposure to poultry dust is the use of respiratory protection (e.g., elastomeric face-piece respirator with a P100 and ammonia chemical cartridge). Limited research has been conducted to evaluate engineering controls to reduce dust and ammonia concentrations in broiler chicken production; therefore, the purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of a water sprinkling system to reduce inhalable dust and ammonia concentrations in a broiler chicken house.

Inhalable dust and ammonia concentrations were measured daily for the production cycle of a flock of broiler chickens (63 days). Inhalable dust was measured gravimetrically using an inhalable sampler and ammonia was measured by a direct reading sensor. Sampling was performed on a stationary mannequin inside two broiler chicken houses. One house used a sprinkler cooling system to deliver a water mist throughout the house and the second house was an untreated control. The sprinkler system activated after day 5 of chicken placement, releasing water periodically from 6 am to 10 pm. The amount of sprinkling increased at day 10 and day 15 as recommended by the manufacturer.

Geometric mean (GM) inhalable dust concentrations measured in the treatment house (5.5 mg/m³) were not different (p = 0.33) than those found in the control house (6.0 mg/m³). The GM ammonia concentrations were also not different (p = 0.34) across the treatment and control house [10.6 ppm (GSD: 1.80); GM 9.51 ppm (GSD: 1.77)], respectively. The use of cost effective engineering, administrative and personal exposure controls are needed in the poultry industry to effectively reduce worker's exposure to hazardous concentrations of dust and ammonia.     

Combining NSAM and CPC concentrations to determine airborne nanoparticle count median diameter: Application to various laboratory and workplace aerosols

Because nanomaterials have been increasingly developed and used in many technology and industry sectors over the last 20 years, an increasing number of workers is likely to be exposed to airborne nanoparticles. In addition, the question of the nanomaterial characteristics that should be assessed in epidemiological studies remains open. Thus, assessing occupational exposure to airborne nanoparticles will not only rely on mass concentration and chemical composition. Rather, key parameters, such as particle size, have to be included in measurement strategies.

We previously proposed a methodology to estimate the Count Median Diameter (CMD) of an aerosol based on the simultaneous size-integrated measurement of two particle concentrations, lung-deposited surface area, and number, thanks to field-portable, commercially available aerosol instruments (Nanoparticle Surface Area Monitor/Condensation Particle Counter combination).

In addition to previous work, this study investigates the case of various polydisperse metal oxides, organic oil, and salt particles with CMDs ranging from 16–410 nm. Once corrected, the CMDs derived from the NSAM/CPC agree within ±20% with regard to the reference electrical mobility equivalent diameter, regardless of aerosol composition, morphology, or geometric standard deviation (GSD).

Furthermore, the field-applicability of the method was tested through 6 sets of experimental data stemming from workplace measurement campaigns where different materials were produced and handled (TiO₂, SiO₂, Ag, Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes—MWCNT), covering a range of CMDs between 40 and 190 nm. All situations considered, the approach based on the combination of a NSAM and a CPC leads to a satisfying estimation of particle CMD, within ±20% compared to reference CMD.     

Elemental properties of copper slag and measured airborne exposures at a copper slag processing facility

In 1974, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended a ban on the use of abrasives containing >1% silica, giving rise to abrasive substitutes like copper slag. We present results from a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health industrial hygiene survey at a copper slag processing facility that consisted of the collection of bulk samples for metals and silica; and full-shift area and personal air samples for dust, metals, and respirable silica.

Carcinogens, suspect carcinogens, and other toxic elements were detected in all bulk samples, and area and personal air samples. Area air samples identified several areas with elevated levels of inhalable and respirable dust, and respirable silica: quality control check area (236 mg/m³ inhalable; 10.3 mg/m³ respirable; 0.430 mg/m³ silica), inside the screen house (109 mg/m³ inhalable; 13.8 mg/m³ respirable; 0.686 mg/m³ silica), under the conveyor belt leading to the screen house (19.8 mg/m³ inhalable), and inside a conveyor access shack (11.4 mg/m³ inhalable; 1.74 mg/m³ respirable; 0.067 mg/m³ silica). Overall, personal dust samples were lower than area dust samples and did not exceed published occupational exposure limits. Silica samples collected from a plant hand and a laborer exceeded the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist Threshold Limit Value of 0.025 µg/m³. All workers involved in copper slag processing (n = 5) approached or exceeded the Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible exposure limit of 10 µg/m³ for arsenic (range: 9.12–18.0 µg/m³). Personal total dust levels were moderately correlated with personal arsenic levels (R_s = 0.70) and personal respirable dust levels were strongly correlated with respirable silica levels (R_s = 0.89).

We identified multiple areas with elevated levels of dust, respirable silica, and metals that may have implications for personal exposure at other facilities if preventive measures are not taken. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to characterize exposures associated with copper slag processing. More in-depth air monitoring and health surveillance is needed to understand occupational exposures and health outcomes in this industry.     

Antidiabetic Effect of Rosella-Stevia Tea on Prediabetic Women in Yogyakarta,Indonesia

Background: Rosella tea (Hibiscuss sabdariffa. Linn) with stevia sweetener (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) is a combined herbal drink that is expected to have antidiabetic effect by lowering glucose levels in people with diabetes and prediabetes. This research investigates the effect of rosella-stevia tea to decrease fasting blood glucose (FBG) and 2 hours postprandial blood glucose (2-hour postprandial BG) level in prediabetic women.

Method: This is quasi-experimental research with control and treatment (rosella-stevia tea) group. Each group consists of 12 prediabetic women aged 30–60 years. Rosella-stevia tea (5 g rosella powder, 125 mg stevia sweetener) was administered to the treatment group twice a day for 14 days.

Result: Rosella-stevia tea consumption affects blood glucose levels. Rosella-stevia tea consumption significantly lowered the FBG level (from 111.25 ± 7.20 mg/dL to 88.58 ± 13.19 mg/dL; p < 0.01) but not the 2-hour postprandial BG level (from 123.25 ± 37.61 mg/dL to 106.92 ± 18.82 mg/dL). There are no significant differences in the control group (FBG level from 106.00 ± 5.27 mg/dL to 102.08 ± 8.36, and 2-hour postprandial BG level from 119.83 ± 16.43 mg/dL to 128.00 ± 23.54 mg/dL).

Conclusion: Rosella-stevia tea consumption can lower the FBG level but not the 2-hour postprandial BG level in prediabetic women.     

Admission serum phosphate levels predict hospital mortality

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between admission serum phosphate levels and in-hospital mortality in all hospitalized patients.

Methods: All adult hospitalized patients who had admission serum phosphate available between years 2009 and 2013 were enrolled. Admission serum phosphate was categorized based on its distribution into six groups (<2.5, 2.5–3.0, 3.1–3.6, 3.7–4.2, 4.3–4.8 and ≥4.9 mg/dL). The odds ratio (OR) of in-hospital mortality by admission serum phosphate, using the phosphate category of 3.1–3.6 mg/dL as the reference group, was obtained by logistic regression analysis.

Results: 42,336 patients were studied. The lowest incidence of in-hospital mortality was associated with a serum phosphate within 3.1–4.2 mg/dL. A U-shaped curve emerged demonstrating higher in-hospital mortality associated with both serum phosphate <3.1 and >4.2 mg/dL. After adjusting for potential confounders, both serum phosphate <2.5 and >4.2 mg/dL were associated with in-hospital mortality with ORs of 1.60 (95%CI 1.25–2.05), 1.60 (95%CI 1.29–1.97), and 3.89 (95%CI 3.20–4.74) when serum phosphate were <2.5, 4.3–4.8 and ≥4.9 mg/dL, respectively. Among subgroups of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), the highest mortality was associated with a serum phosphate ≥4.9 mg/dL with ORs of 4.11 (95%CI 3.16–5.39) in CKD patients and 5.11 (95%CI 3.33–7.95) in CVD patients.

Conclusion: Hospitalized patients with admission serum phosphate <2.5 and >4.2 mg/dL are associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality. The highest mortality risk is associated with CKD and CVD patients with admission hyperphosphatemia.     

Effect of Incorporating Bay Leaves in Cookies on Postprandial Glycemia,Appetite, Palatability,and Gastrointestinal Well-Being

Background: Previous studies of patients with type 2 diabetes showed that capsules containing 1, 2, and 3 g of bay leaves lower fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol concentrations after 30 days of treatment. However, the acute effect of bay leaves on postprandial glycemic and appetite responses has not yet been determined.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of cookies containing different doses of bay leaves on postprandial glycemia, appetite, palatability, and gastrointestinal well-being in healthy subjects.

Methods: In a randomized crossover study, 20 subjects consumed 3 test foods each providing 50 g of available carbohydrates. The test foods were provided as breakfast, 1–2 weeks apart, and were control cookies (CC) made from 100% wheat flour, cookies containing 3% (w/w) bay leaf powder (B3), and cookies containing 6% (w/w) bay leaf powder (B6). Blood glucose, subjective appetite, and gastrointestinal well-being were assessed at fasting and postprandially for 2 hours. Palatability of the test cookies was measured using 9-point hedonic scale.

Results: There was a significant effect of time (p < 0.001), treatment (p = 0.033), and Time × Treatment interaction (p = 0.001) on postprandial blood glucose concentrations. Post hoc pairwise comparison showed that blood glucose concentration was significantly reduced by B6 compared to CC at 30 and 45 minutes (p = 0.014 and p = 0.010, respectively). However, there were no significant differences (p = 0.411) in blood glucose incremental areas under the curves (iAUCs) among the treatments. No significant effect on any of the appetite parameters was observed among the treatments. All of the cookies were rated as acceptable and subjects did not report any gastrointestinal discomfort.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the results indicate that cookies containing bay leaf powder at 6% (w/w) incorporation level provides a palatable product that induces a reduced glycemic response.     

Evaluating the role of clinical pharmacists in pre-procedural anticoagulation management

Objectives: While physicians are typically responsible for managing perioperative warfarin, clinic pharmacists may improve pre-procedural decision-making. We assessed the impact of pharmacist-driven care for chronic warfarin-treated patients undergoing outpatient right heart catheterization (RHC).

Methods: 200 warfarin patients who underwent RHC between January 2012 and September 2015 were analyzed. Pharmacist-care (n = 79) was compared to the usual care model (n = 121). The primary outcome was a composite of (1) documentation of anticoagulation plan, (2) holding warfarin at least 5 days prior to procedure, (3) guideline-congruent low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) bridging, and (4) correct LMWH dosing if bridging deemed necessary. Chi-squared test performed to assess the role of pharmacist. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to the composite endpoint, adjusted for the month of procedure.

Results: Compared to the usual care model, pharmacist-driven care (OR 4.69, 95% CI 1.73–12.71, p = 0.002) and date of the procedure (OR 1.06/month, 95% CI 1.01–1.10, p = 0.011) were independently associated with the primary composite outcome. Of the individual outcome components, pharmacist-driven care was only associated with documentation (96.2% vs. 67.8%, OR 9.19, 95% CI 2.19–38.62, p = 0.002). Remaining components including hold warfarin for at least 5 days, appropriate bridging and correct LMWH dosing were not significantly associated with pharmacist-care.

Conclusions: Pharmacist-care is associated with better guideline-based anticoagulation management, but this was primarily driven by improved documentation. The impact of pharmacist managed peri-procedural anticoagulation on clinical outcomes remains unknown.     

Evaluation of prediction strategy and care coordination for COPD readmissions

Objectives: Factors that influence the likelihood of readmission for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and the impact of posthospital care coordination remain uncertain. LACE index (L = length of stay, A = Acuity of admission; C = Charlson comorbidity index; E = No. of emergency department (ED) visits in last 6 months) is a validated tool for predicting 30-days readmissions for general medicine patients. We aimed to identify variables predictive of COPD readmissions including LACE index and determine the impact of a novel care management process on 30-day all-cause readmission rate.

Methods: In a case-control design, potential readmission predictors including LACE index were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression for 461 COPD patients between January-October 2013. Patients with a high LACE index at discharge began receiving care coordination in July 2013. We tested for association between readmission and receipt of care coordination between July-October 2013. Care coordination consists of a telephone call from the care manager who: 1) reviews discharge instructions and medication reconciliation; 2) emphasizes importance of medication adherence; 3) makes a follow-up appointment with primary care physician within 1–2 weeks and; 4) makes an emergency back-up plan.

Results: COPD readmission rate was 16.5%. An adjusted LACE index of ≥ 13 was not associated with readmission (p = 0.186). Significant predictors included female gender (odds ratio [OR] 0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.29–0.91, p = 0.021); discharge to skilled nursing facility (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.36–6.75, p = 0.007); 4–6 comorbid illnesses (OR 9.21, 95% CI 1.17–76.62, p = 0.035) and ≥ 4 ED visits in previous 6 months (OR 6.40, 95% CI 1.25–32.87, p = 0.026). Out of 119 patients discharged between July-October 2013, 41% received the care coordination. The readmission rate in the intervention group was 14.3% compared to 18.6% in controls (p = 0.62).

Conclusions: Factors influencing COPD readmissions are complex and poorly understood. LACE index did not predict 30-days all-cause COPD readmissions. Posthospital care coordination for transition of care from hospital to the community showed a 4.3% reduction in the 30-days all-cause readmission rate which did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.62).     

Sweetened Soft Drinks Consumption Is Associated with Metabolic Syndrome: Cross-sectional Analysis from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

Objective: To estimate the association between regular consumption of sweetened soft drinks, natural fruit juice, and coconut water with metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including men and women aged 35–74 years from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) Study, excluding patients with type 2 diabetes. The main explanatory variables were beverage consumption and the outcome variable was metabolic syndrome (Adult Treatment Panel III).

Results: After adjustments, a daily intake of 250 ml of soft drink increased the chance of metabolic syndrome (odds ratio [OR] = 1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.60–2.38). There was no association between coconut water and MetS. Moderate consumption of fruit juices has low odds of MetS compared to no consumption.

Conclusion: Our results add evidence to potential negative effects of sweetened soft drinks on cluster metabolic abnormalities in middle-income countries.     

Bio-monitoring of DNA damage in matchstick industry workers from Peshawar Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,Pakistan

Background: Safety protocols are usually neglected in most of the matchstick industries rendering the laborer prone to various occupational hazards.

Objective: The present study highlights DNA damage among matchstick factory workers (n = 92) against a control group (n = 48) of healthy individuals.

Methods: Genotoxicity was measured in peripheral blood lymphocytes of the test subjects using a Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis assay (SCGE/comet assay).

Results: Our results substantiate a high Total Comet Score (TCS) for factory workers (74.5 ± 47.0) when compared to the control group (53.0 ± 25.0) (P ≤ 0.001). Age and duration of occupational exposure had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on TCS value. As for job function, the TCS value was greatest in sweepers (91.0 ± 56.1) and lowest in box-making operators (26.0 ± 25.0) indicating that waste disposal poses the higher risk of DNA damage.

Conclusions: Our study corroborates that matchstick chemicals can potentially damage the DNA of exposed subjects.     

A Cross-sectional Study of the Relationship Between Habitual Tea Consumption and Arterial Stiffness

Background and Aims: To explore the relationship between habitual tea consumption and arterial stiffness.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional, epidemiological survey of 6589 male and female residents aged 40–75 in Wuyishan, Fujian Province, China. Tea consumption and other lifestyle characteristics were obtained by structured questionnaires. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and ankle–brachial pressure index (ABI) were measured using an automated analyzer.

Results: Among the 5006 analyzed subjects, 1564 adults (31.2%) consumed tea once or more per week for at least one year. The levels of brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV) were lowest among subjects who consumed tea habitually for more than 10 years compared with the other 3 subgroups (nonhabitual, 1 to 5 years, and 6 to 10 years habitual tea drinkers), and the levels of ba-PWV were lower with subjects who consumed 10–20 and >20 g/d tea habitually compared to nonhabitual tea drinkers. As the duration and the daily amount of habitual tea consumption increased the average ba-PWV decreased. Multiple logistic regression models revealed that habitual tea consumption was a positive predictor for ba-PWV (odds ratio [OR] = 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57–0.70).

Conclusions: Habitual tea consumption may have a protective effect against arterial stiffness, especially for subjects who have habitually consumed tea for more than 6 years and >10 g daily.     

Assessment of exposure to pesticides during mixing/loading and spraying of tomatoes in the open field

Some evidence of exposure-response of metolachlor and pendimethalin for lung cancer and an association of metribuzin with risk of glioma have been reported. The primary objectives in this study were to evaluate exposure and occupational risk during mixing/loading of pesticides and during their application to tomatoes cultivated in open fields.

Sixteen farmers were sampled. Respiratory exposure was estimated by personal air sampling using fiberglass filters in a IOM device. Dermal exposure was assessed using skin pads and hand washing. Absorbed doses were estimated assuming 100% lung retention, and 50% or 10% skin absorption for metribuzin, and pendimethalin and metolachlor, respectively. The three pesticides were quantified by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in all matrices. Metolachlor was used as a tracer of contamination of clothes and tractors unrelated to the exposure monitored.

Respiratory exposure to metribuzin, used in granular form, was on average more than one order of magnitude higher than exposure to pendimethalin, used in the form of microencapsulated liquid. The actual doses were 0.067–8.08 µg/kg bw, 0.420–12.6 µg/kg bw, and 0.003–0.877 µg/kg bw for pendimethalin, metribuzin, and metolachlor, respectively. Dermal exposure was about 88% of the actual dose for metribuzin and more than 95%, for pendimethalin and metolachlor. For risk assessment, the total absorbed doses (sum of respiratory and skin absorbed doses) were compared with the AOEL for each compound.

The actual and absorbed doses of the three pesticides were always lower than the acceptable operator exposure level (AOEL), which are reported to be 234 µg/kg bw, 20 µg/kg bw, and 150 µg/kg bw for pendimethalin, metribuzin, and metolachlor, respectively. In any case, personal protective equipment and spraying devices should be chosen with care to minimize exposure.     

A Comparative Pharmacokinetic Assessment of a Novel Highly Bioavailable Curcumin Formulation with 95% Curcumin: A Randomized,Double-Blind,Crossover Study

Objective: Curcumin exhibits many beneficial health-promoting characteristics. However, its poor oral absorption precludes its general use. This study assessed the bioavailability of a novel curcumin formulation compared to 95% curcumin and published results for various other curcumin formulations.

Methods: A randomized, crossover, double-blind, comparator-controlled pharmacokinetic study was performed in 12 healthy adult subjects to determine the appearance of free curcumin and its metabolites curcumin sulfate and curcumin glucuronide in plasma after a single dose of a novel proprietary curcumin liquid droplet micromicellar formulation (CLDM) and unformulated 95% curcumin powder in capsule form. An equivalent 400-mg dose of each product was administered. The 95% curcumin contained 323 mg curcumin, and the CLDM contained 64.6 mg curcumin. Blood samples were drawn and plasma was analyzed for curcumin and its 2 conjugates without enzymatic hydrolysis by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectroscopy.

Results: Plasma levels of curcumin sulfate and curcumin glucuronide after 1.5 hours from CLDM were approximately 20 and 300 ng/mL, respectively, whereas the levels for 95% curcumin were near baseline. Free curcumin reached a maximum level of 2 ng/mL for CLDM and 0.3 ng/mL for 95% curcumin at 1.5 hours. For the CLDM, a small secondary free curcumin peak occurred at 12 hours and a tertiary 1.5-ng/mL peak occurred at 24 hours. The total curcumin absorbed as represented by the area under the curve (AUC)/mg administered curcumin for CLDM was 522 times greater than for the 95% curcumin.

Conclusions: The novel CLDM formulation facilitates absorption and produces exceedingly high plasma levels of both conjugated and total curcumin compared to 95% curcumin. A comparison of the C_max/mg curcumin and AUC/mg of administered curcumin for CLDM with data from pharmacokinetic studies of various enhanced absorption formulations indicate that the greatest absorption and bioavailability are produced with the novel CLDM formulation.     

Food and Nutrient Intake in African American Children and Adolescents Aged 5 to 16 Years in Baltimore City

Objective: This study aimed to describe food and nutrient intake for low-income, urban African American children and adolescents, to highlight the need for further nutrition intervention programs and appropriate tools to address overweight and obesity.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using interviewer-administered single 24-hour dietary recalls. Participants were low-income African American boys and girls aged 5–16 years or their caregivers in Baltimore City. Frequency of food consumption and dietary intakes were analyzed by gender and age groups.

Results: Eighty-one participants were included for analysis. Mean daily energy intakes exceeded Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) from 10% to 71% across all gender-age groups: 2304 kcal for children aged 5–8 years; 2429 kcal and 2732 kcal for boys and girls aged 9–13 years, respectively; and 3339 kcal and 2846 kcal for boys and girls aged 14–16 years, respectively. The most frequently reported consumed foods were sweetened drinks, chips, candies, and milk across all age groups. The majority of participants (79–100%) did not meet the DRIs for dietary fiber and vitamin E across all gender-age groups. Milk accounted for 14%, 17%, and 21% of energy, fat, and protein intake, respectively, among children 5–8 years of age, while pizza was the top source of energy, fat, and protein (11%, 13%, and 18%, respectively) among 14-to 16-year-old adolescents. Sweetened drinks and sweetened juices were major sources of sugar, contributing 33% for 5–8 year olds, 29% for 9–13 year olds, and 35% for 14–16 year olds.

Conclusions: Mean daily energy intake exceeded dietary recommendations across all gender-age groups. This study has provided previously unavailable information on diet and highlights foods to be targeted in nutrition intervention programs.     

Effect of Incorporating Stevia and Moringa in Cookies on Postprandial Glycemia,Appetite, Palatability,and Gastrointestinal Well-Being

Background: Medicinal plants including stevia and moringa constitute an important source of health-beneficial bioactive components, and hence their intake may beneficially modulate biomarkers of chronic diseases.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of incorporating stevia and moringa leaf powder in cookies on postprandial glycemia, appetite, palatability, and gastrointestinal well-being in humans.

Method: In a randomized crossover design, 20 healthy subjects consumed 3 isocaloric test foods (each providing 50 g available carbohydrates) of control cookies (CC) made from 100% wheat flour, cookies containing stevia leaf powder (SC, 3% w/w), and cookies containing moringa leaf powder (MC, 5% w/w) as breakfast. Blood glucose and subjective appetite were measured at fasting and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min after the consumption of the cookies. Palatability and gastrointestinal well-being were measured using standard questionnaires.

Results: Compared to CC, MC resulted in a significant decrease in postprandial blood glucose concentration at 30 and 45 min (p = 0.002 and p = 0.003, respectively) and showed a tendency (p = 0.077) for lower blood glucose incremental area under the curve (iAUC). Subjects were significantly less hungry after SC and MC intake (p = 0.035 and p = 0.041, respectively) compared to CC. All the cookies were liked by the subjects without any reported gastrointestinal discomfort.

Conclusion: The results showed that compared to CC, MC improved postprandial glycemia and reduced hunger, while SC reduced hunger only. Future studies are now warranted to explore the mechanisms responsible for these observed effects.