Effects of 12-week supplementation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Citrus bergamia</Emphasis> extracts-based formulation CitriCholess on cholesterol and body weight in older adults with dyslipidemia: a randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial

Backgrounds

Recent experiments suggest that Citrus bergamia extracts could benefit people with dyslipidemia and obesity but this needs to be further validated.

Methods

A total of 98 people age-matched older adults (65 years) with elevated blood lipids were enrolled to receive 12-week supplementation of a Citrus bergamia extracts-based formulation (CitriCholess)(n?=?48) and placebo (n?=?50).

Results

No group differences were found in baseline bodyweight, body mass index (BMI), blood cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and glucose levels. CitriCholess supplementation resulted in lower levels than placebo in TG (1.83?±?0.92 vs. 1.95?±?1.34 mmol/L, P?=?0.612), TC (5.14?±?0.98 vs. 5.44?±?0.77 mmol/L, P?=?0.097), and LDL-C (3.13?±?0.74 vs. 3.43?±?0.62 mmol/L, P?=?0.032). Compared to placebo, CitriCholess also resulted in greater reductions in body weight (?0.604?±?0.939 vs. 0.06?±?0.74 kg, P?<?0.01), waist circumferences (?0.60?±?1.349 cm vs. -0.16?±?1.503 cm, P?<?0.01) and BMI (?0.207?±?0.357 vs. 0.025?±?0.274, P?<?0.01). Additionally, females had a significantly higher level of HDL-C than males. TC was significantly correlated with LDL-C, and to a less degree, with TG. TG was inversely correlated with HDL-C. Body weight and waist circumference were negatively correlated with HDL-C and positively correlated with glucose.

Conclusion

12-week supplementation of CitriCholess could benefit lipid metabolism and weight management in old adults with dyslipidemia.

     

Toxicity and Genotoxicity of Three Antimicrobials Commonly Used in Veterinary Medicine

The toxicity of chlortetracycline (CTC), oxytetracycline (OTC) and enrofloxacin (ENF) was tested on two green algal species: the international standard Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and the native Argentine species Ankistrodesmus fusiformis. All three antibiotics inhibited the algal growth. The most sensitive species was P. subcapitata, for which the EC₅₀ for CTC, OTC and ENF were 1.19?±?0.53, 0.92?±?0.30 and 5.18?±?3.80 mg L^?1, respectively. The EC₅₀ for A. fusiformis, were 3.23?±?0.53, 7.15?±?2.69 and 10.6?±?1.28 mg L^?1, respectively. The genotoxicity of these veterinary antibiotics was also assessed using chromosome aberration (CA) and micronuclei (MN) induction in Allium cepa roots. Three concentrations were tested (0.1, 1 and 10 mg L^?1). Only ENF at 1 and 10 mg L^?1 showed any significant MN induction. These data revealed that CTC, OTC and ENF could cause toxicity on green algae, whereas ENF could cause genotoxicity on A. cepa plants.     

Effects of 12-week supplementation of marine Omega-3 PUFA-based formulation Omega3Q10 in older adults with prehypertension and/or elevated blood cholesterol

Backgrounds

To study the effects of supplementation of a marine omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (n3-PUFA) formulation (Omega3Q10) in older adults with hypertension and/or hypercholesterolemia.

Methods

A total of 97 people were enrolled to receive 12-week supplementation of either Omega3Q10 (n?=?48) or soybean oil (n?=?49). Total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and hypertension-related symptoms were determined before and after the supplementation.

Results

There were no baseline differences between the two groups. Omega3Q10 supplementation significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (from 81.6?±?5.3 mmHg to 79.3?±?5.2 mmHg, P?<?0.05). Blood concentrations of TC and LDL-C decreased significantly and blood HDL-C level increased significantly after 12 weeks of Omega3Q10 (5.5?±?0.7 vs. 5.3?±?0.5, P?<?0.05; 3.7?±?0.8 vs. 3.3?±?0.6, P?<?0.05; 1.2?±?0.6 vs. 1.3?±?0.5, P?<?0.05, respectively) and soybean oil supplementation (5.7?±?0.8 vs. 5.6?±?0.7, P?<?0.05; 3.6?±?0.7 vs. 3.4?±?0.8, P?<?0.05; 1.0?±?0.8 vs. 1.2?±?0.7, P?<?0.05, respectively) but no group differences were found. A significantly greater proportion of the people in the Omega3Q10 group became free from headache and palpitations & chest tightness symptoms after the 12-week supplementation compared to that of the soybean oil group (95.5% vs. 71.4%, P?<?0.01; 95.8 vs. 75.5%, P?<?0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

12-week supplementation of Fish oil-based PUFA appear to be more effective in improving DBP and hypertension-related symptoms than soybean oil in old adults with hypertension and hypercholesterolemia although both supplementation improved TC, LDL-C and HDL-C concentrations.

     

Heavy Metal Concentration in Largehead Hairtail (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichiurus lepturus</Emphasis> Linneaus, 1758) and Savalai Hairtail (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lepturacanthus savala</Emphasis> (Cuvier, 1829)) Obtained from Karachi Fish Harbour,Pakistan

In this study, muscle samples gathered from Largehead hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus Linneaus, 1758) and Savali hairtail [Lepturacanthus savala (Cuvier, 1829)] from the Karachi Fish Harbour, Pakistan were analyzed to determine heavy metal concentrations (iron [Fe], zinc [Zn], copper [Cu], manganese [Mn], lead [Pb] and cadmium [Cd]) between January and December 2016. All samples were analyzed using the AAnalyst 700 Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. It was observed that the average measured level of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb and Cd in muscle were 77.72?±?47.84 µg/g, 20.34?±?8.49 µg/g, 2.23?±?1.16 µg/g, 0.57?±?0.36 µg/g, 0.20?±?0.16 µg/g and 0.42?±?0.19 µg/g for T. lepturus, respectively. Besides, the average level of the same metal concentrations in muscle for L. savala were 85.11?±?57.64 µg/g, 16.63?±?9.25 µg/g, 2.53?±?1.90 µg/g, 0.47?±?0.27 µg/g, 0.23?±?0.18 µg/g and 0.47?±?0.20 µg/g, respectively. The correlation between size groups and metal accumulation in muscle tissues were investigated for both fish. In terms of public risk assessment, the provisional tolerable weekly intake’s of various heavy metals were compared with the consumption of both fish. As a result of the analysis, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb and Cd accumulations in muscle tissues of T. lepturus and L. savala collected from Karachi Fish Harbour Pakistan did not exceed limit values.     

Effect of 8-weeks prebiotics/probiotics supplementation on alcohol metabolism and blood biomarkers of healthy adults: a pilot study

Purpose

Modulating gut bacteria via regular prebiotics/probiotics consumption may improve the metabolism of acute alcohol ingestion. This study investigated the impact of 8-weeks prebiotics/probiotics supplementation on microbiome changes and responses to acute alcohol consumption.

Methods

38 participants (21 females, 23.6?±?3.4 kg m^?2, mean?±?SD) attended the laboratory on two occasions separated by an 8-week intervention period. On each of these visits, a dose of alcohol (0.40?±?0.04 g kg^?1, Vodka?+?Soda-Water) was consumed over 10 min. Breath alcohol concentration was sampled over 5 h and alcohol pharmacokinetics was analysed using WinNonlin non-compartmental modelling (C_max, t_max, AUC_last). For the intervention, participants were randomised to receive Placebo?+?Placebo (PLA), Placebo?+?Prebiotics (PRE), Probiotics?+?Placebo (PRO), or Probiotics?+?Prebiotics (SYN) in a double-blinded manner. Probiotics were a commercially available source of Lactobacillus acidophilus (NCFM^®) and Bifidobacterium lactis (Bi-07). Prebiotics were a commercially available source of Larch Gum (from Larix occidentalis). Placebo was microcrystalline cellulose. Each visit, participants provided a stool sample, which was analysed to determine the presence of L. acidophilus and B. lactis. Differences between trials were analysed using paired samples t tests.

Results

Increased counts for at least one bacterial strain (L. acidophilus or B. lactis) were observed for all participants on SYN (n?=?10) and PRO (n?=?10) trials. No difference in C_max or t_max was observed between trials when analysed by treatment condition or microbiome outcome. A significant decrease in AUC_last was observed between trials for PLA (p?=?0.039) and PRE (p?=?0.030) treatments, and when increases in at least one bacterial strain (p?=?0.003) and no microbiome changes (p?=?0.016) were observed.

Conclusion

Consumption of probiotics appears to alter faecal counts of supplemental bacterial strains in otherwise healthy individuals. However, translation to any possible beneficial impact on alcohol metabolism remains to be elucidated.

     

Maximal tachycardia and high cardiac strain during night shifts of emergency physicians

Purpose

To compare tachycardia and cardiac strain between 24-hour shifts (24hS) and 14-hour night shifts (14hS) in emergency physicians (EPs), and to investigate key factors influencing tachycardia and cardiac strain.

Methods

We monitored heart rate (HR) with Holter-ECG in a shift-randomized trial comparing a 24hS, a 14hS, and a control day, within a potential for 19 EPs. We also measured 24-h HR the third day (D3) after both shifts. We measured perceived stress by visual analog scale and the number of life-and-death emergencies.

Results

The 17 EPs completing the whole protocol reached maximal HR (180.9?±?6.9 bpm) during both shifts. Minutes of tachycardia?>100 bpm were higher in 24hS (208.3?±?63.8) than in any other days (14hS: 142.3?±?36.9; D3/14hS: 64.8?±?31.4; D3/24hS: 57.6?±?19.1; control day: 39.2?±?11.6 min, p?<?.05). Shifts induced a cardiac strain twice higher than in days not involving patients contact. Each life-and-death emergency enhanced 26 min of tachycardia?≥100 bpm (p?<?.001), 7 min?≥?110 bpm (p?<?.001), 2 min?≥?120 bpm (p?<?.001) and 19 min of cardiac strain?≥30% (p?=?.014). Stress was associated with greater duration of tachycardia?≥100, 110 and 120 bpm, and of cardiac strain?≥30% (p?<?.001).

Conclusion

We demonstrated several incidences of maximal HR during shifts combined with a high cardiac strain. Duration of tachycardia were the highest in 24hS and lasted several hours. Such values are comparable to those of workers exposed to high physical demanding tasks or heat. Therefore, we suggest that EPs limit their exposure to 24hS. We, furthermore, demonstrated benefits of HR monitoring for identifying stressful events. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01874704.

     

Occurrence and Biological Effects of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in the Yellow River (Zhengzhou Section)

Estrogenic activities of river water from four representative cross-sections of the Yellow River (Zhengzhou section) and their effects on reproduction and development of fish were assessed. MVLN assay showed estradiol equivalents of river water from Yiluohe, Xinmanghe, Qinhe and Huayuankou cross-sections were 1.09?±?0.11, 0.72?±?0.01, 1.19?±?0.19 and 0.80?±?0.04 ng/L, respectively. Significant vitellogenin (VTG) inductions were observed in adult male Japanese madaka (Oryzias latipes) after 30 days of exposure to river water from Yiluohe and Qinhe cross-sections (p?<?0.05). Hepatic-somatic index was significantly elevated in fish exposed to water from Qinhe cross-section (p?<?0.05). A significant delay in time to hatching was observed in embryos treated by water from Xinmanghe cross-section (p?<?0.05). Significant lower survivals were observed in fish treated by water from Yiluohe and Xinmanghe cross-sections after a full life cycle exposure (p?<?0.05). Exposure of water from Yiluohe and Qinhe cross-sections induced significantly elevated VTG levels in the first sexually mature male fish (p?<?0.05). Both the in vitro and in vivo bioassay demonstrate endocrine disrupting chemicals exist in the Yellow River (Zhengzhou section) and fish in Yiluohe and Qinhe cross-sections can be at a risk of reproductive and developmental impairment.     

Contamination Profile of DDTs in the Shark <Emphasis Type="Italic">Somniosus microcephalus</Emphasis> from Greenland Seawaters

DDT isomers were detected in all the liver and muscle samples of Greenland sharks Somniosus microcephalus (n?=?15) caught in Greenland seawaters. The mean concentrations of ΣDDTs (sum of o,p’ and p,p’ DDT, DDD, and DDE isomers) were 1094?±?818 ng/g lipid weight (lw) in the muscle and 761?±?416 ng/g lw in the liver. The p,p’-DDE accounted for 48%?±?41% and 53%?±?54% of the total DDT residue in the white muscle and liver, respectively. The lipid content was 48%?±?10% in the muscle and 43%?±?17% in the liver. Female sharks showed the highest concentrations of ΣDDTs. The youngest shark showed higher concentrations of ΣDDTs in the liver than the older sharks. To our knowledge, this is one of the few investigations on DDT levels in S. microcephalus where concentrations were correlated to lipid content and sex/size.     

Consumption of vitamin D-fortified yogurt drink increased leptin and ghrelin levels but reduced leptin to ghrelin ratio in type 2 diabetes patients: a single blind randomized controlled trial

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of daily consumption of vitamin D-fortified yogurt drink (doogh) in comparison with plain doogh on appetite-regulating hormones including leptin and ghrelin in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients.

Methods

In a single blind randomized clinical trial, subjects with T2D were randomly allocated to one of the two groups and received either vitamin D3-fortified doogh (FD; containing 170 mg calcium and 500 IU/250 mL, n ₂?=?50) or plain doogh (PD; containing 170 mg calcium and no vitamin D/250 mL, n ₁?=?50) twice a day for 12 weeks. Leptin and ghrelin were evaluated at the beginning and after 12 weeks of intervention.

Results

The intervention resulted in a significant improvement of circulating 25(OH)D, fasting glucose, Quantitative Insulin Check Index (QUICKI), hs-CRP, in FD compared with PD group. A significant rise in both serum leptin (+1.3?±?7.2 mg/L; p?=?0.013) and ghrelin (10.1?±?26.1 ng/L; p?=?0.012) was observed in FD group. A between-group difference for ghrelin changes (p?=?0.029) remained significant after adjusting for changes QUICKI (p?=?0.039), body mass index (p?=?0.034) and hs-CRP (p?=?0.022). Despite an increase in both leptin and ghrelin, leptin to ghrelin (L/G) ratio actually decreased in FD. Changes of L/G ratio showed a significant between-group difference (p?=?0.036), which remained significant even after adjusting for changes of hs-CRP (p?=?0.028) and fat mass (p?=?0.047) but disappeared after adjusting for changes of QUICKI (p?=?0.42).

Conclusions

Daily intake of vitamin D-fortified doogh may increase circulating leptin and ghrelin but L/G ratio may actually decrease. Our results suggest that improving vitamin D may result in an improvement in insulin sensitivity which may finally regulate beneficially appetite hormones. Further studies with adequate power are needed to confirm the results.

     

Relationships between hydration biomarkers and total fluid intake in pregnant and lactating women

Introduction

Previous research established significant relationships between total fluid intake (TFI) and urinary biomarkers of the hydration process in free-living males and females; however, the nature of this relationship is not known for pregnant (PREG) and lactating (LACT) women.

Purpose

To determine the relationship between urinary and hematological hydration biomarkers with TFI in PREG and LACT.

Methods

Eighteen PREG/LACT (age: 31 ± 3 years, pre-pregnancy BMI: 24.26 ± 5.85 kg m^?2) collected 24-h urine samples, recorded TFI, and provided a blood sample at 5 time points (15 ± 2, 26 ± 1, 37 ± 1 weeks gestation, 3 ± 1 and 9 ± 1 weeks postpartum during lactation); 18 pair-matched non-pregnant (NP), non-lactating (NL) women (age: 29 ± 4 years, BMI: 24.1 ± 3.7 kg m^?2) provided samples at similar time intervals. Twenty-four-hour urine volume (U _VOL), osmolality (U _OSM), specific gravity (U _SG), and color (U _COL) were measured. Hematocrit, serum osmolality (S _OSM), and serum total protein (S _TP) were measured in blood.

Results

Significant relationships were present between TFI and urinary biomarkers in all women (P < 0.004); these relationships were not different between PREG and NP, and LACT and NL, except U _VOL in PREG (P = 0.0017). No significant relationships between TFI and hematological biomarkers existed (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Urinary biomarkers of hydration, but not hematological biomarkers, have a strong relationship with TFI in PREG, LACT, NP, and NL women. These data suggest that urinary biomarkers of hydration reflect TFI during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

     

Stress-Induced Transcriptional Changes and DNA Damage Associated with Bis(2-ethylhexyl) Adipate Exposure in Zebrafish (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Danio rerio</Emphasis>) Larvae

The present study evaluates potential toxic effects of bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) plasticizer to larval (72 h post fertilization) zebrafish (Danio rerio) by analyzing changes in expression levels of stress-related genes (p53, rad51 and xrcc5) and assessing possible DNA damage of DEHA in larvae. The lethal concentration for 50% mortality (LC₅₀) in larval zebrafish exposed for 96 h to 0–200 mg L^?1 DEHA was 89.9?±?8.03 mg L^?1. A concentration-dependent increase in DNA strand breaks was detected in cells from larvae exposed for 96 h to DEHA. There were some significant differences in induction of stress-related genes in larvae exposed to DEHA relative to control.     

Uptake of Urea Nitrogen by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oocystis borgei</Emphasis> in Prawn <Emphasis Type="Italic">(Litopenaeus vannamei)</Emphasis> Aquaculture Ponds

The goal of this study was to assess the rate of urea nitrogen uptake (ρ) by Oocystis borgei and the relationship between environmental factors and ρ. Light intensity, temperature, pH, salinity, and algal concentration, were used to construct an empirical model. The results showed that light intensity, algal concentration, pH and salinity had significant effects on ρ, and the optimal combination of environmental conditions for ρ was a temperature of 25°C, pH of 7.0, light intensity of 81 µmol m^?2 s^?1, salinity of 15‰, and algal concentration of 4.5?×?10⁸ cell L^?1–5.5?×?10⁸ cell L^?1. The model equation was ρ?=?2?×?10^?5?×?(A^0.363B^0.783C^0.045D^?0.503E)?+?0.0017, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.83. No significant difference in variance was observed between the model-predicted values and the measured values (F?=?0.238, p?>?0.05), which demonstrated the high fitting degree of the simulation equation. This study provided valuable insight into the reduction of urea nitrogen levels in aquaculture water by O. borgei.     

Enantioselective Acute Toxicity and Bioactivity of Carfentrazone-ethyl enantiomers

The stereoselective herbicidal bioactivity and toxicity toward aquatic organisms of carfentrazone-ethyl enantiomers were investigated. The results showed that there was significant enantioselective acute toxicity toward Selenastrum bibraianum. In addition, S-(?)-carfentrazone-ethyl was 4.8 times more potent than R-(+)-isomer. However, a slight enantioselectivity was observed for Daphnia magna and Danio rerio. The stereoselective herbicidal bioactivity of carfentrazone-ethyl enantiomers was observed by assessing maize root-length inhibition. The results clarified that S-(?)-carfentrazone-ethyl (EC₅₀ 1.94 mg/L)?>?Rac-carfentrazone-ethyl (EC₅₀ 2.18 mg/L)?>?R-(+)-carfentrazone-ethyl (EC₅₀ 3.96 mg/L). The herbicidal bioactivity of S-(?)-carfentrazone-ethyl was 2 times higher more than R-(+)-isomer. The mechanism of enantioselective bioactivity was illustrated using molecular simulation software. The GlideScore energies of S-(?)-carfentrazone-ethyl and R-(+)-carfentrazone-ethyl were ??6.15 kcal/mol and ??5.59 kcal/mol, indicating that the S-form has a greater affinity to the active site of protoporphyrinogen oxidase, which is consistent with the results of the bioactive assay. This study can rise the significance of risk assessments for carfentrazone-ethyl herbicide.     

Effects of Water pH on Life History Parameters of a New Bosminid Cladocera: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bosmina (Bosmina) Tripurae</Emphasis> (Korinek,Saha and Bhattachaya, 1999) in Laboratory Condition

The effects of water pH on life history parameters of Bosmina tripurae have been studied to determine the most suitable water pH desired for the maximum growth and development of this newly discovered cladoceran species. The study was carried out under the laboratory condition at 20?±?2°C. Five pH ranges 5.0?±?0.2, 6.0?±?0.2, 7.0?±?0.2, 8.0?±?0.2 and 9.0?±?0.2 with six replicates for each pH consisting of one animal in each Petri dish (80?×?15 mm) were used for the study. 20 mL of respective test medium was maintained with Chlorella sp. (2?×?10⁴?±?0.03 cells mL^?1) in each Petri dish throughout the experiment. Thirty (30) animals were observed daily to investigate different life history parameters like total life span, age at maturity, number of eggs, neonates and egg batches etc. at different condition. From the study it was found that acidic water (pH 5?±?0.2) is more suitable for the culture of Bosmina tripurae in laboratory condition.     

Growth Recovery of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lemna gibba</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lemna minor</Emphasis> Following a 7-Day Exposure to the Herbicide Diuron

In agricultural catchments, aquatic ecosystems can experience a pulse exposure to pesticides. Following such exposure, non-target organisms that are not extirpated may recover. This paper investigates the potential of two duckweed species (Lemna minor and Lemna gibba) to recover from a 7-day exposure to different concentrations (0.4–208 µg L^?1) of the herbicide diuron. There was significant inhibition in the growth and biomass after the initial 7-day exposure (e.g. frond number EC₅₀ = 59.2 and 52.2 µg L^?1 for L. minor and L. gibba, respectively). Following transfer to clean media, recovery (the highest concentration yielding no significant difference in the effect endpoint from the control) was observed for all effects endpoints at concentrations ranging 60–111 µg L^?1 for L. minor and 60–208 µg L^?1 for L. gibba. These results suggest that recovery is possible for primary producers at environmentally relevant concentrations considered significant in ecological risk assessment.     

Decreased lipogenesis-promoting factors in adipose tissue in postmenopausal women with overweight on a Paleolithic-type diet

Purpose

We studied effects of diet-induced postmenopausal weight loss on gene expression and activity of proteins involved in lipogenesis and lipolysis in adipose tissue.

Methods

Fifty-eight postmenopausal women with overweight (BMI 32.5?±?5.5) were randomized to eat an ad libitum Paleolithic-type diet (PD) aiming for a high intake of protein and unsaturated fatty acids or a prudent control diet (CD) for 24 months. Anthropometry, plasma adipokines, gene expression of proteins involved in fat metabolism in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and mass in SAT were measured at baseline and after 6 months. LPL mass and activity were also measured after 24 months.

Results

The PD led to improved insulin sensitivity (P?<?0.01) and decreased circulating triglycerides (P?<?0.001), lipogenesis-related factors, including LPL mRNA (P?<?0.05), mass (P?<?0.01), and activity (P?<?0.001); as well as gene expressions of CD36 (P?<?0.05), fatty acid synthase, FAS (P?<?0.001) and diglyceride acyltransferase 2, DGAT2 (P?<?0.001). The LPL activity (P?<?0.05) and gene expression of DGAT2 (P?<?0.05) and FAS (P?<?0.05) were significantly lowered in the PD group versus the CD group at 6 months and the LPL activity (P?<?0.05) remained significantly lowered in the PD group compared to the CD group at 24 months.

Conclusions

Compared to the CD, the PD led to a more pronounced reduction of lipogenesis-promoting factors in SAT among postmenopausal women with overweight. This could have mediated the favorable metabolic effects of the PD on triglyceride levels and insulin sensitivity.

     

Concentrations of nicotine,nitrosamines, and humectants in legal and illegal cigarettes in Mexico

Background

Article 10 of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control states the need for industry disclosure of tobacco contents and emissions. Currently, the profiles of key tobacco compounds in legal and illegal cigarettes are largely unknown. We aimed to analyze and compare concentrations of nicotine, nitrosamines, and humectants in legal and illegal cigarettes collected from a representative sample of smokers.

Methods

Participants of the International Tobacco Control cohort provided a cigarette pack of the brand they smoked during the 2014 wave. Brands were classified as legal or illegal according to the Mexican legislation. Nicotine, nitrosamines, glycerol, propylene glycol, and pH were quantified in seven randomly selected packs of each brand. All analyses were done blinded to legality status. Average concentrations per brand and global averages for legal and illegal brands were calculated. Comparisons between legal and illegal brands were conducted using t tests.

Results

Participants provided 76 different brands, from which 6.8% were illegal. Legal brands had higher nicotine (15.05?±?1.89 mg/g vs 12.09?±?2.69 mg/g; p?<?0001), glycerol (12.98?±?8.03 vs 2.93?±?1.96 mg/g; p?<?0.001), and N-nitrosanatabine (NAT) (1087.5?±?127.0 vs 738.5?±?338 ng/g; p?=?0.006) concentrations compared to illegal brands. For all other compounds, legal and illegal brands had similar concentrations.

Conclusion

Compared to illegal cigarettes, legal brands seem to have higher concentrations of nicotine, NAT, and glycerol. Efforts must be made to implement and enforce Article 10 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to provide transparent information to consumers, regulators, and policy-makers; and to limit cigarette engineering from the tobacco industry.

     

Anthropometric measures change and quality of life in elderly people: a longitudinal population-based study in Southern Brazil

Purpose

To analyze the effects of anthropometric measures change on quality of life (QoL) in elderly, using measured anthropometric data on body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC).

Method

Population-based cohort study investigating a sample of elderly (≥60) assessed in 2009 (n = 1705) and followed up in 2013 (n = 1197). QoL was evaluated in 2013 using the CASP-19. Variables evaluated as exposure including BMI and WC in 2009 (both standardized), categories of anthropometric measures change from 2009 to 2013 (excess weight = BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m²; large WC = top quartile), and the absolute BMI and WC change in same period. Multivariate linear regressions adjusted for possible confounding factors and mediators were used.

Results

Both BMI and WC at baseline were associated with lower QoL scores, even after adjustment for confounding variables (β _BMI = ?0.9; 95 % CI ?1.5; ?0.3 and β _WC = ?1.0; 95 % CI ?1.7; ?0.4). Additionally, QoL scores were lower among elderly with excess weight (β = ?1.4; 95 % CI ?2.9; 0.0) or large WC (β = ?3.3; 95 % CI ?5.2; ?1.4) in both waves than among those whose BMI and WC were always normal, but changes in anthropometric measures did not affect QoL. The presence of chronic diseases was a partial mediator of these associations, especially for effects of BMI change. Anthropometric measures change treated as a continuous variable was not associated with QoL.

Conclusions

Having excess weight and large WC in both waves was associated with lower QoL scores in elderly, but changing the anthropometric measures did not affect this outcome. Maintaining weight and WC within normal limits during aging can help to preserve QoL.

     

Physical activity of German children during different segments of the school day

Aim

This study objectively investigated the amount and intensity of German primary school children’s physical activity (PA) during different segments of the school day and explored the contribution of physical education (PE) and break times to daily moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA).

Subject and methods

PA of 294 children (7.1?±?0.7 years, 48 % male) was objectively measured for 6 days using Actiheart®. Based on children’s timetables, break times and PE periods were determined and PA was calculated individually and subsequently classified in light (1.5–3 MET), moderate (3–6 MET) and vigorous (>6 MET) intensities. Weight status was determined during a school visit.

Results

Children spent 133?±?61 min in MVPA; on weekdays, this amount increased significantly (141?±?66 min, p?≤?0.01). 45.9 % of children reached physical activity guidelines of 60 min of MVPA daily, with boys achieving this goal significantly more often than girls (65.6 vs. 28.7 %, respectively; p?≤?0.01). PE lessons and break times accounted for 15?±?13 min (12.7 %) and 7?±?6 min (5.8 %) of daily MVPA, respectively. On days with PE, children spent 144?±?68 min in MVPA, whereas on days without PE, this time decreased significantly to 122?±?63 min (p?≤?0.01).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that segments such as PE lessons and morning breaks are important sources for MVPA for boys and girls. This should therefore be considered for policies, timetables and curriculums in order to offer sufficient opportunities for children to be physically active during the school day.

     

Persistent Organochlorine Contaminant Residues in Tissues of Hedgehogs from Turkey

The residues of persistent organochlorinated pollutants (POPs), namely polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) (HCHs, CHLs, HCCPs, DDTs, and dicofol congeners) were investigated in the hair and muscle of road-killed Erinaceus roumanicus and E. concolor in Turkey. Mean residue levels were as follows: in hair, PCBs?=?7.43?±?4.88 ng/g and OCPs?=?9.21?±?1.27 ng/g; in muscle, PCBs?=?30.73?±?2.51 ng/g and OCPs?=?145.04?±?16.59 ng/g. There was no significant difference between species and sex, while there was significant difference between habitats and regions in terms of either total PCB and OCP levels, or POP levels (p?<?0.05). Age was a determinative factor for the bio-accumulation of POPs. The contaminant levels were high in the species, sample areas, and habitats. The data also showed that tissues of hedgehogs are suitable for monitoring and evaluating the bioaccumulation of POP levels in Turkey.