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.     

Organochlorine Pesticide and Polychlorinated Biphenyls Levels in Fish and Mussel in Van Region,Turkey

Forty-seven fish (24 endemic Alburnus tarichi, Güldenstädt, 1814; 8 Capoeta capoeta, Guldenstaedt, 1772; 15 mirror carp Cyprinus carpio, L., 1758) and 13 mussel (Unio stevenianus, Krynicki, 1837) samples, with 10 specimens per sample, were collected from Van Lake, Turkey, and rivers flowing into it. Gamma-HCH was detected in 21 Alburnus tarichi samples (56.57 ng/g ± 22.18 ng/g) and in two Capoeta capoeta samples (27.6 ng/g and 36.45 ng/g). Beta-HCH was detected in 8 Alburnus tarichi samples (24.95 ng/g ± 4.42 ng/g) and in two mussel samples (101.25 ng/g and 129.44 ng/g). HCB was found in one Alburnus tarichi sample (14.4 ng/g) and one mussel sample (181.25 ng/g). The compound 4,4′-DDE was detected in 21 Alburnus tarichi samples (87.13 ng/g ± 32.23 ng/g), in 9 mirror carp samples (304.82 ng/g ± 100.76 ng/g) and one mussel sample (149.31 ng/g). PCB 28 was detected in one Alburnus tarichi (19.46 ng/g) sample and PCB 101 was found in one Capoeta capoeta (60.16 ng/g) sample. PCB 118 was detected in one mirror carp sample (277.5 ng/g) and in two Capoeta capoeta samples (43.77 and 54.38 ng/g). PCB 128 was detected in only one Capoeta capoeta sample (141.48 ng/g). It is concluded that (i) efforts should be made to reduce contamination of aquatic environments by these compounds and that (ii) their levels in fishery products from Van Lake and connected streams should be monitored and publicly reported on a regular basis.     

Total Mercury in Squalid Callista <Emphasis Type="Italic">Megapitaria squalida</Emphasis> from the SW Gulf of California,Mexico: Tissue Distribution and Human Health Risk

We evaluated the total Hg concentration in different tissues of squalid callista Megapitaria squalida in order to measure Hg distribution in tissue and to estimate human health risk. Samples were obtained by free diving in the SW Gulf of California, Mexico. Concentrations are given on a wet weight basis. A total of 89 squalid callista specimens were obtained, presenting an average Hg concentration of 0.07?±?0.04 µg g^?1. There were no significant differences (p?>?0.05) in Hg concentration between tissues (visceral mass?=?0.09?±?0.08 µg g^?1; mantle?=?0.06?±?0.07 µg g^?1; muscle?=?0.06?±?0.04 µg g^?1). The low Hg values found in squalid callista and its low risk quotient (HQ?=?0.03) suggest that the consumption of squalid callista does not represent a human health risk. However, HQ calculated using MeHg was >?1, it which could indicate a potential risk related to consumption of clams.     

Organochlorine Chemical Residues in Northern Cardinal (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cardinalis cardinalis</Emphasis>) Eggs from Greater Washington,DC USA

Northern Cardinal eggs from six neighborhoods near Washington DC were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides and PCBs. All compounds were detected more frequently and at higher concentrations in more heavily urbanized neighborhoods. DDT (mostly as p,p?-DDE) was detected in all neighborhoods. p,p?-DDT was typically 0.5?16 ng/g (ww) in most suburban neighborhoods but was not detected (<?0.1 ng/g) in more rural areas; however, p,p?-DDT was 127?1130 ng/g in eggs from two suburban Maryland nests and comprised 65.7% of total p,p?-DDT isomers in the most contaminated sample, indicating recent exposure to un-weathered DDT. Total chlordane (sum of 5 compounds) was 2?70 ng/g; concentrations were greatest in older suburban neighborhoods. Total PCB (sum of detected congeners) was <?5?21 ng/g. Congener patterns were similar in all neighborhoods and resembled those typical of weathered mixtures. Results indicate that wildlife remains exposed to low concentrations of legacy contaminants in suburban neighborhoods and that cardinal eggs can be used to monitor localized contamination.     

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.     

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 of Nickel on the Selected Species of Marine Diatoms and Copepods

Toxicity values for nickel on marine diatoms and copepods were derived based on bioassay tests. The 96 h IC₅₀ of nickel on diatoms, Odontella mobiliensis and Coscinodiscus centralis were 0.31?±?0.01 and 0.62?±?0.02 mg/L and LC₅₀ values on copepods, Oithona similis and Acartia danae were 2.78?±?0.14 and 2.34?±?0.32 mg/L, respectively. The species mean chronic values of nickel were 0.016, 0.17, 0.57 and 0.42 mg/L for O. mobiliensis, C. centralis, O. similis and A. danae, respectively. A hazardous concentration was derived and evaluated using the species sensitivity distribution (SSD) method. SSD indicated that 13 µg Ni/L is the maximum allowable concentration for protection of 95% plankton species in coastal and marine ecosystem of India. Diatoms are more sensitive to nickel than copepods by almost an order of magnitude. The toxicity values derived in the present study may be useful to calculate ambient water quality criteria/standard for nickel.     

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.     

Bioecological Aspects and Heavy Metal Contamination of the Mollusk <Emphasis Type="Italic">Donax denticulatus</Emphasis> in the Colombian Caribbean Coastline

Donax denticulatus is a key mollusk for the ecology of sandy beaches, serving as a controller of organic matter, microorganisms, and as bioindicator of heavy metals pollution. The goal of this study was to characterize some ecological aspects of D. denticulatus and its relationship with the content of heavy metals in their tissue, in three beaches of the Caribbean coast of Colombia. The results showed the study populations were different in terms of morphological characteristics and density (Berrugas-Sucre?<?Cartagena-Bolívar?<?Riohacha-Guajira), but not in sexual proportion; although density was clearly related to beach occupancy by tourists. Analysis of metals revealed tissue concentrations varied depending on the location (Greater means: Hg?=?0.018?±?0.004 in Riohacha; Pb?=?0.110?±?0.060 in Berrugas and Cd?=?0.040?±?0.010 µg/g in Cartagena). No relationships were found between morphometric variables and heavy metals content. Principal components analysis highlighted Riohacha for presenting differences respecting to Bocagrande and Berrugas in terms of physicochemical water parameters such as pH, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and conductivity. Results suggest tourism rather than environmental pollution could be a sensitive factor for biota survival in Caribbean beaches.     

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.     

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.

     

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.     

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.

     

Levels of PCDD/Fs,PBDEs, and PBDD/Fs in Breast Milk from Southern Taiwan

This study investigates the congener-specific concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs), polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PBDD/Fs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in 25 breast milk samples from southern Taiwan. Most investigated congeners in Taiwanese breast milk are detectable except for PBDD/Fs. The geometric means of PCDD/Fs and PBDEs in the breast milk are 2.44 pg WHO₂₀₀₅-TEQ/g lipid and 2810 pg/g lipid. Several PCDD/F and PBDE congeners were highly correlated to each other like 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD and 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF (r?=?0.919, p?<?0.001). The longest duration of menstruation could be predicted by BDE-153 (β?=?0.252) and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF (β?=?0.345) with adjustment of confounders using a multiple stepwise linear regression model (r?=?0.963, p?<?0.001).     

Levels of Organotin Compounds in Selected Fish Species from the Arabian Gulf

In the present work, data on the levels of hazardous Organotin compounds in eight commercially important fish species, caught from Arabian Gulf, has been reported. Highest levels of tributyltin (TBT) (98.5 ng/g dry weight) were detected in Epinephelus Tauvina whereas minimum (43.7 ng/g) were found in Acanthoparagus Bifasciatus. Highest levels of triphenyltin (TPT) were detected in Lethrinus Miniatus (107.5 ng/g) whereas lowest were encountered in Acanthoparagus Bifasciatus (64.9 ng/g). Highest value of total butyltin compounds (∑BT) were found in emperors (Lethrinus Miniatus) (228.4 ng/g) whereas minimum was found in Acanthoparagus Bifasciatus (126.4 ng/g). Similarly highest value of total phenyltin compounds (∑PT) was encountered in Epinephelus Tauvina (281.9 ng/g) followed closely by Acanthoparagus Bifasciatus (281.7 ng/g). In addition, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of the local population from consumption of these fish was also evaluated. Highest EDI was found to be 10.8 ng/kg bw/day for epinephelus microdan. The data are also compared internationally.     

Leaf Composition of American Bur-Reed (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sparganium americanum</Emphasis> Nutt.) to Determine Pesticide Mitigation Capability

American bur-reed (Sparganium americanum Nutt.), a common aquatic plant in the middle and eastern United States and Canada, is often located in water-retaining drainage areas. The purpose of this study was to determine the leaf composition of S. americanum, paying attention to the cuticular waxes and the epidermis, and its ability to sorb pesticides. S. americanum leaves (n?=?100) were collected in both early (June) and late (August) summer. Transverse sections of S. americanum were stained and studied with brightfield and fluorescence microscopy to estimate the structural and chemical nature of the leaf tissues cross sections. Mean total lipid content in early summer leaf samples (1.47?±?0.83 mg mL^?1) was significantly greater (alpha 0.05) than late summer leaves (0.15?±?0.36 mg mL^?1). In vitro analysis of epidermal peel permeability exposed to atrazine and malathion determined little to no sorption by the plant. Therefore, the structure of S. americanum leaves suggest this species does not have the capacity of sorbing these pesticides from runoff water.     

Phytoremediation of Cadmium by Native Plants Grown on Mining Soil

The Gümüsköy mining area is located about 25 km west of Kutahya and is the largest silver deposit in Turkey. The present study investigated translocation and accumulation of cadmium (Cd) from the soil into 11 native plants. Plant and soil samples were collected from the field, and Cd concentrations were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. Mean Cd values in the soil, root, and shoot of native plants in the study area were 82.8?±?5, 55.4?±?6, and 43.5?±?4 mg kg^??1, respectively. Plants were separated into several groups according to the enrichment coefficients for shoot and root values of plants. These groups showed Carduus nutans and Phlomis could be potentially bioaccumulator plants useful for phytoremediation of mining soils contaminated by Cd.     

Quality of life and stability of tooth color change at three months after dental bleaching

Purpose

Intracoronary bleaching is a minimally invasive, alternative treatment that addresses aesthetic concerns related to non-vital teeth discoloration. However, to the best of our knowledge, no studies have assessed the psychosocial impacts of such procedures on patients’ aesthetic perceptions. The aim of this study was to evaluate aesthetic perceptions and the psychosocial impact of patients up to 3 months after their teeth had been bleached with hydrogen peroxide (35%) and carbamide peroxide (37%) using the walking bleach technique.

Methods

The patients were randomly divided into two groups according to the bleaching agent used: G1?=?hydrogen peroxide 35% (n?=?25) and G2?=?carbamide peroxide 37% (n?=?25). Non-vital bleaching was performed in four sessions. Color was objectively (ΔE) and subjectively (ΔSGU) evaluated. Aesthetic perception and psychosocial factors were evaluated before, 1 week and 1 month after the bleaching using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) and Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ) questionnaires.

Results

The color change (ΔE) values at 1 month were G1?=?16.80?±?6.07 and G2?=?14.09?±?4.83. These values remained stable until the third month after treatment (p?>?0.05). There was a decrease in the values of OHIP-aesthetics and PIDAQ after treatment versus baseline (p?<?0.05). This status was maintained through the third month after treatment.

Conclusions

Both agents were highly effective and had a positive impact on the aesthetic perception and psychosocial impact of patients, values that also remained stable over time. Non-vital bleaching yields positive and stable impacts on aesthetic perception and psychosocial factors. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02718183.

     

Bioaccumulation of PCBs in a Wild North American Felid

Organohalogenated compounds (OHCs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are of global concern due to their environmental persistence, bioaccumulative potential, and adverse effects on humans and wildlife. We investigated the concentrations of PCBs in the liver tissues of bobcats (Lynx rufus) sampled in Illinois during 2013. Concentrations of ∑PCBs ranged from 76.4 to 3782 ng/g lw (median 562.97 ng/g lw). Male bobcats had significantly greater concentrations of PCBs than females (p?=?0.04). Ours is one of the first studies to report PCBs in a wild North American felid. We suggest that bobcats can be used as a suitable bioindicator species to monitor organohalogen contamination in terrestrial ecosystems.     

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.