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.

     

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.

     

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.

     

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Favor the Initial Growth of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia mangium,Sorghum bicolor</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Urochloa brizantha</Emphasis> in Soil Contaminated with Zn,Cu, Pb,and Cd

This study evaluated the effect of inoculation with a mixture of spores of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (Glomus macrocarpum, Paraglomus occultum, and Glomus sp.) on the initial establishment of Acacia mangium, Sorghum bicolor, and Urochloa brizantha in soil contaminated with heavy metals. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, in plastic pots containing 1.8 kg of soil, which presented 7200, 1140, 480, and 72 mg of Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd, respectively. The chlorophyll content (SPAD index) of inoculated plants of A. mangium and U. brizantha was higher than those of non-inoculated plants (p?<?0.05). No differences were detected for the concentration of heavy metals in plant shoots, whether the plant was inoculated or not. However, inoculated plants had greater root length (S. bicolor and U. brizantha) (p?<?0.05) and greater plant height (A. mangium) (p?<?0.05). The present results demonstrate that the beneficial effects of AMF on plant growth and the alleviation of contaminants are imperative factors for the rehabilitation of soils contaminated with heavy metals.     

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.

     

Sedentary time among primary school children in south-west Germany: amounts and correlates

Background

Sedentary behaviour in children is related to different health consequences such as overweight and cardio-metabolic diseases that can track into adulthood. Previous studies have shown that children spend hours being sedentary, but no data of sedentary time (ST) among German children has been available, yet. Therefore, this study investigated objectively measured amounts and correlates of ST in a sample of German primary school children.

Methods

Children’s physical activity (PA) was objectively assessed for 6 days using a multi-sensor device (Actiheart®; CamNtech, Cambridge, UK). Activity levels were categorized on the basis of energy expenditure (MET) into sedentary, light PA (LPA), and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA). ST excluding sleeping hours was assessed for 231 children (7.1 ± 0.6 years, male: 45.9%) and analysed for independent groups. Examined factors (parental education, household income, and migration background) were assessed by parental questionnaire. Children’s weight, height and gender were collected in schools. Weight status was calculated on the basis of BMI percentiles.

Results

On average, children spent 3.5 ± 1.5 h daily being sedentary, excluding sleeping hours. Significantly higher ST was found in girls (t = ?4.6; p < 0.01), in children with migration background (t = ?6.9; p < 0.01), at the weekend (t = ?2.8; p < 0.01), and among inactive children (t = 6.8; p < 0.01). Additionally, significant correlations with ST in this sample were identified for MVPA (B = ?0.99; [?1.09;-0.88], p < 0.01), LPA (B = ?0.89; [?0.97;-0.82], p < 0.01), migration background (B = ?17.64; [5.24;30.04], p < 0.01), gender (B = ?13.48; [?25.94;-1.01], p < 0.05) and household income (B = ?4.80; [?9.07; ?0.53], p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Girls, children with migration background, and inactive children were identified as potential risk groups. A higher income was associated with less ST. In general, ST was higher at the weekend. Furthermore, as PA was found to be negatively correlated to ST, these activities may replace each other. Therefore, these findings should be considered in future health interventions.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), DRKS-ID: DRKS00000494 DATE: 25/08/2010.

     

Sleep apnoea in Australian men: disease burden,co-morbidities,and correlates from the Australian longitudinal study on male health

Background

Obstructive sleep apnoea is a common disorder with under-rated clinical impact, which is increasingly being recognised as having a major bearing on global disease burden. Men are especially vulnerable and become a priority group for preventative interventions. However, there is limited information on prevalence of the condition in Australia, its co-morbidities, and potential risk factors.

Methods

We used data from 13,423 adult men included in the baseline wave of Ten to Men, an Australian national study of the health of males, assembled using stratified cluster sampling with oversampling from rural and regional areas. Those aged 18–55 years self-completed a paper-based questionnaire that included a question regarding health professional-diagnosed sleep apnoea, physical and mental health status, and health-related behaviours. Sampling weights were used to account for the sampling design when reporting the prevalence estimates. Odds ratios were used to describe the association between health professional-diagnosed sleep apnoea and potential correlates while adjusting for age, country of birth, and body-mass index (BMI).

Results

Prevalence of self-reported health professional-diagnosed sleep apnoea increased from 2.2 % in age 18–25 years to 7.8 % in the age 45–55 years. Compared with those without sleep apnoea, those with sleep apnoea had significantly poorer physical, mental, and self-rated health as well as lower subjective wellbeing and poorer concentration/remembering (p?<?0.001 for all). Sleep apnoea was significantly associated with older age (p?<?0.001), unemployment (p?<?0.001), asthma (p?=?0.011), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/chronic bronchitis (p?=?0.002), diabetes (p?<?0.001), hypercholesterolemia (p?<?0.001), hypertension (p?<?0.001), heart attack (p?<?0.001), heart failure (p?<?0.001), angina (p?<?0.001), depression (p?<?0.001), post-traumatic stress disorder (p?<?0.001), other anxiety disorders (p?<?0.001), schizophrenia (p?=?0.002), overweight/obesity (p?<?0.001), insufficient physical activity (p?=?0.006), smoking (p?=?0.005), and high alcohol consumption (p?<?0.001).

Conclusion

Health professional-diagnosed sleep apnoea is relatively common, particularly in older males. Associations between sleep apnoea and cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, and psychiatric disorders have important clinical and public health implications. As men are especially vulnerable to sleep apnoea as well as some of its chronic co-morbidities, they are potentially a priority group for health interventions. Modifiable lifestyle related factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, level of physical activity and BMI are possible key foci for interventions.

     

Concentrations of Cadmium,Copper, and Zinc in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Macrobrachium rosenbergii</Emphasis> (Giant Freshwater Prawn) from Natural Environment

This study analyzed the levels of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) by the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS), in the muscle tissues, exoskeletons, and gills from freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) (n?=?20) harvested from natural habitat in Kerang River, Malaysia on 25th November 2015. Significant increase of the metals level in muscle tissue and gill (r?>?0.70, p?<?0.05) were observed with increase in length except for Cu in gills. No relationship was found between metals level in exoskeleton and length. The concentrations of Cd, Cu and Zn were significantly higher (p?<?0.05) in males (muscle tissues and exoskeleton) except for Cd in exoskeleton. In gills, only Cu was significantly higher (p?<?0.05) in female than male. All samples contained metals below the permissible limit for human consumption (i.e., Cd?<?2.00 mg/kg; Cu?<?30.00 mg/kg; Zn?<?150 mg/kg). Annual metals monitoring in prawn and environmental samples is recommended to evaluate changes of metals bioaccumulation and cycling in the system, which is useful for resources management.     

Everyday life following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: decline in physical symptoms within the first month and change-related predictors

Purpose

Lower quality of life, especially in the physical domain (Physical-QOL), is common in patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, few studies explore changes in the Physical-QOL, i.e., physical symptoms, in everyday life of patients following HSCT. The present study addresses this gap by examining patient daily physical symptoms and their predictors in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics.

Methods

Physical symptoms were reported by 188 patients (56.9% men; aged 47.6?±?13.4 years) for 28 consecutive days after post-HSCT hospital discharge. Multilevel modeling was used to investigate fixed and random effects for physical symptom changes over time.

Results

The results indicated that the initial level of physical symptoms (immediately after hospital discharge) systematically decreased over 28 days. Treatment toxicity (WHO scale; β?=?0.09, p?<?.01) and baseline depressive symptoms (CES-D scale; β?=?0.06, p?<?.01) were associated with the initial level of physical symptoms. Patients with more depressive symptoms before HSCT and with more adverse treatment effects presented with more physical symptoms immediately after hospital discharge. The type of transplant, diagnosis, and conditioning regimen differentiated the course of physical symptoms. Patients with leukemias and other myeloid neoplasms (β?=?0.05, p?<?.01), after allogeneic HSCT (β?=??0.06, p?<?.01), and with non-myeloablative conditioning (β?=??0.09, p?<?.01) showed a significant lower decrease in symptoms over time. Patients with multiple myeloma presented with the most rapid improvement (β?=??.03, p?<?.05).

Conclusions

The findings suggest a heterogeneous and rather positive response to HSCT. Treatment-related conditions occurred to be a significant predictor of the intensity of change in physical functioning after HSCT.

     

Impact of orthodontic treatment on adolescents’ quality of life: a longitudinal evaluation of treated and untreated individuals

Purpose

To assess the impact of fixed appliance therapy on the quality of life of a cohort of Brazilian adolescents.

Methods

The treatment group was composed of individuals who started orthodontic treatment. The control group was composed of individuals not selected for immediate treatment. Adolescents answered the Brazilian short form of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ_11–14). Higher scores indicate a greater negative impact on quality of life. Adolescents in the treatment group completed four sets of interviews: prior to appliances’ bonding (T1), 1 month (T2), 6 months (T3) and 12 months (T4) after appliances’ placement. Adolescents in the control group were assigned to a comparable schedule. Statistics included inter-group comparisons, Friedman and Wilcoxon tests, and mixed-effects models.

Results

In the treatment group, the functional limitation score was higher at T1 (p?=?0.004) and T2 (p?=?0.007) compared to T4. The emotional well-being score was higher at T1 compared to T2 (p?<?0.001), T3 (p?<?0.001) and T4 (p?<?0.001). The overall CPQ_11–14 score was higher at T1 compared to T2 (p?=?0.005), T3 (p?<?0.001) and T4 (p?<?0.001). The overall CPQ_11–14 score was also higher at T2 compared to T3 (p?=?0.001). No significant change was found in the control group. In the mixed-effects models, the interaction between group (treatment) and time was significant for functional limitations (p?<?0.001), emotional well-being (p?<?0.001), social well-being (p?=?0.004) and the overall CPQ_11–14 score (p?<?0.001).

Conclusion

Quality of life improved among adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists should inform patients what they might expect regarding the physical and the psychosocial repercussions of appliance therapy.

     

Effects of Cadmium Exposure on Metal Accumulation and Energy Metabolism of Silver Carp (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hypophthalmichthys molitrix</Emphasis>)

Effects of cadmium (Cd) exposure on metal accumulation and energy metabolism of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) were studied during 14 days. The results showed that Cd accumulated in tissues of silver carp significantly with time and Cd concentration, as the order: liver?>?kidney?>?gill?>?muscle. The levels of muscle glycogen, triglyceride, and plasma triglyceride decreased significantly (p?<?0.05). The levels of muscle protein, plasma glucose and lactate significantly increased during the first 8 days, and then all significantly decreased (p?<?0.05). No significant alternations were observed in muscle cortisol, ATP and plasma protein (p?>?0.05). The results indicate that the tissues’ Cd concentrations and energy metabolism were altered by the presence of waterborne Cd, and silver carp mobilizes the muscle energy stores to cope with the increased energy demands for detoxication and repair mechanism induced by the exposure to waterborne Cd.     

Varied exposure to carcinogenic,mutagenic, and reprotoxic (CMR) chemicals in occupational settings in France

Purpose

To explore varied exposure to carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic chemicals (CMR) for French employees.

Methods

Our study assessed data from the French national cross-sectional survey of occupational risks (SUMER) that was conducted in 2010 in a national representative sample of employees. We selected 28 CMR agents that were classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer or European Union as being known or presumed to have CMR potential in humans. The association of individual and job characteristics with exposure prevalence, duration, and intensity of the CMR agents during a 1-week period was examined using multilevel logistic regression analysis.

Results

Overall, 10.4% of employees in 2010 were exposed to one or more CMR agents at their workplace, and 3.4% were subjected to multiple CMR exposures. Blue-collar workers, night-shift workers and workers with short-term employment contracts experienced higher exposure prevalence (p?<?0.01) and intensity (p?<?0.05). Blue-collar workers and shift workers experienced also longer exposure duration (p?<?0.001). Conversely, managers, workers of large companies, and women were less exposed to CMR agents (p?<?0.001). The presence of a Committee for Health, Safety, and Working Conditions, and intervention by Occupational Health and Safety officers were significantly associated with reduced exposure intensities (p?<?0.001 and p?<?0.05). Establishment of European CMR regulations and the existence of an applicable substitution principle reduced the exposure duration (p?<?0.001) and intensity (p?<?0.05).

Conclusions

Our results point out disparities in CMR exposure and identify high-priority targets for prevention measures to help reducing social health discrepancies.

     

Factors affecting the uptake of malaria prevention strategies among pregnant women in Nigeria: evidence from 2013 Nigeria demographic and health survey

Aim

This study aims to examine the factors affecting the uptake of malaria prevention strategies among pregnant women in Nigeria.

Methods

Secondary data from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey were used to examine the factors affecting the uptake of malaria prevention strategies among pregnant women (n?=?4493) in Nigeria. Variables on demographic and socio-economic characteristics of pregnant women were analysed. Data analysis was carried out using STATA version 12 software and univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted.

Results

We found that only 10.3% of pregnant women received intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy, while 17.4% used insecticide-treated bed nets. Multivariate analysis indicated that maternal age (p?<?0.05), geo-political zone (p?<?0.05), socio-economic status (p?<?0.05), religion (p?<?0.05), women’s autonomy (p?<?0.05) and number of antenatal care visits (p?<?0.05) were significant predictors of the uptake of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy. The use of insecticide-treated bed nets was influenced by socio-economic status (p?<?0.05) and women’s occupation (p?<?0.05).

Conclusion

Our study shows that there is poor uptake of malaria prevention strategies among pregnant women in Nigeria. In addition, demographic and socio-economic factors affect the uptake of malaria prevention strategies. The design of new policies and improvement in the current malaria prevention programs should target demographic and socio-economic factors which are important in increasing the uptake of malaria prevention strategies among pregnant women. We also recommend economic empowerment of women.

     

The Influence of Home and School Environments on Children’s Diet and Physical Activity,and Body Mass Index: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach

Introduction The home and school environments play important roles in influencing children’s health behaviours. However, their simultaneous influence on childhood obesity has not yet been examined. We explore the relationship of the home and school environments with childhood obesity, to determine whether this relationship is mediated by children’s fruit and vegetable intake and physical behaviours. Methods This study uses baseline data from 9 to 11 year old children, their parents and school principals (matched data n?=?2466) from the Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle Project. Child-reported behaviours, parent-reported home environment and principal-reported school environment data were collected via questionnaires. Trained researchers measured children’s height and weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI, kg/m²) was calculated. Structural equation modelling was used to assess the relationship of the home and school environments with children’s fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity behaviours, and children’s BMI. Result The home diet environment was positively associated with child diet (β?=?0.18, p?<?0.001). The home physical activity environment had the largest inverse association with BMI (β?=???0.11, p?<?0.001), indirectly through child physical activity (β?=?0.28 ,p?<?0.001). Schools’ healthy eating policy implementation was significantly associated with child diet (β?=?0.52, p?<?0.05), but physical activity policy was not associated with child activity (β?=???0.007, p?>?0.05). The school environment was not associated with child BMI. Discussion The home environment had a stronger association with healthier child behaviours, compared to the school environment. These findings suggest that future childhood obesity interventions targeting healthier home environments and supporting parents can promote healthier child eating and physical activity behaviours.     

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.     

Correlates of health-related quality of life in young-old and old–old community-dwelling older adults

Purpose

This study aimed (1) to examine the role of potential correlates of HRQoL in a large representative sample of older adults, and (2) to investigate whether the relationships between HRQoL and potential factors differ as a function of HRQoL component (physical vs. mental) and/or age cohort (young-old vs. old–old).

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 802 older adults aged 60–79 years old. HRQoL was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. Functional fitness was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test. Physical activity was measured via the Baecke questionnaire. Demographic information, mental and health features were obtained through questionnaires.

Results

A multiple regression analysis showed that BMI (β = ?0.15, p?=?0.001), body strength (β =?0.21, p?<?0.001), aerobic endurance (β =?0.29, p?<?0.001), physical activity (β =?0.11, p?=?0.007), depressive symptoms (β = ?0.19, p?<?0.001), falls (β = ?0.19, p?<?0.001), and living alone (β = ?0.16, p?<?0.001) were all significantly related to HRQoL-SF-36 total score. The positive relation with aerobic endurance was significantly higher for the physical component of HRQoL, while the negative relation with living alone was significantly higher for the mental component. The positive relation of HRQoL with physical activity was significantly higher in old–old compared to young-old adults.

Conclusion

This data suggest that body composition, functional fitness, psycho-social factors, and falls are important correlates of HRQoL in old age. There are HRQoL-component and age-cohort differences regarding these correlates, underlying the need for specific strategies at the community level to promote HRQoL in older adults.

     

Testicular Oxidative Stress and Cellular Deformities in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Clarias gariepinus</Emphasis> (Burchell) from River Yamuna in Delhi Region,India

River Yamuna is under constant menace due to pollution levels beyond limit, ensuing chronic poisoning of aquatic biota. Induction of oxidative stress and cellular deformities is a common effect in fish. The present study aimed in assessing impact of environmental pollutants on gonad (testis) of Clarias gariepinus from Wazirabad barrage (entry site) and Okhla barrage (exit site) of river Yamuna in Delhi segment. Antioxidant enzymes assays viz. Super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP); thiobarbituric acid reactive substance assay (TBARS) for determining level of lipid peroxidation and histology for analysis of degenerative changes were employed as biomarkers. The results depicted signs of environmental contamination, hallmarked by significant increase (p?<?0.001) in TBARs level (µmol/g wet tissue); significant decrease (p?<?0.001) in SOD, CAT (U/mg protein) and FRAP value (U/mg tissue) in response to greater pollution at Okhla barrage as compared to Wazirabad barrage. Degenerative changes viz. unorganized seminiferous tubules, extensive vacuolization in germ cells, inflammatory lesions, greater vacant spaces and condensation of tubular cells prevailed in 75%, 85%, 80%, 80%, and 65% specimens respectively from Okhla barrage. Hence, the selected biomarkers highlighted the existence of greater prooxidative compounds at the exit site resulting in stressful condition for fish in river basin.     

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.     

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.