Mercury, cadmium, lead and arsenic levels in three pelagic fish species from the Atlantic Ocean: Intra- and inter-specific variability and human health risks for consumption

Three commonly consumed and commercially valuable fish species (sardine, chub and horse mackerel) were collected from the Northeast and Eastern Central Atlantic Ocean in Portuguese waters during one year. Mercury, cadmium, lead and arsenic amounts were determined in muscles using graphite furnace and cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry. Maximum mean levels of mercury (0.1715 ± 0.0857 mg/kg, ww) and arsenic (1.139 ± 0.350 mg/kg, ww) were detected in horse mackerel. The higher mean amounts of cadmium (0.0084 ± 0.0036 mg/kg, ww) and lead (0.0379 ± 0.0303 mg/kg, ww) were determined in chub mackerel and in sardine, respectively. Intra- and inter-specific variability of metals bioaccumulation was statistically assessed and species and length revealed to be the major influencing biometric factors, in particular for mercury and arsenic. Muscles present metal concentrations below the tolerable limits considered by European Commission Regulation and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO). However, estimation of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks by the target hazard quotient and target carcinogenic risk, established by the US Environmental Protection Agency, suggests that these species must be eaten in moderation due to possible hazard and carcinogenic risks derived from arsenic (in all analyzed species) and mercury ingestion (in horse and chub mackerel species).     

Transdermal iontophoresis of ranitidine: an opportunity in paediatric drug therapy

The objective of this study was to examine the use of transdermal iontophoresis for the delivery of ranitidine hydrochloride in children. Constant, direct current, anodal iontophoresis of ranitidine was performed in vitro across dermatomed pig skin. The effect of donor vehicle, current intensity, and drug concentration were first examined using aqueous solutions. It was found that drug delivery was higher at pH 7 (donor: 5 mM Tris) than pH 5.6 (donor: water). In the presence of low levels of competing background electrolyte, ranitidine delivery increased linearly with applied current but was independent of the donor drug concentration. The second part of the study evaluated two Pluronic^® F-127 gels as potential vehicles for ranitidine delivery. The formulations were characterised in terms of apparent viscosity, conductivity and passive permeation measurements. Iontophoretic delivery of ranitidine was only slightly affected when delivered from the gels relative to aqueous solutions. Overall the results demonstrated that therapeutic paediatric doses of ranitidine (neonates: 0.09–0.17 μmol/kg h; 1 month to 12 years: 0.36–0.71 μmol/kg h) could be easily achieved by transdermal iontophoresis with simple gel patches of practical surface area (0.2–1.5 cm²/kg).     

Effect of smoke generation sources and smoke curing duration on the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in different suites of fish

The research studied the impact of smoke generation sources on PAH contamination in four different smoke-cured fish (mackerel, sardine, tuna and Cigar minnows). The smoke sources used included acacia, sugarcane bagasse and mangrove. PAHs in the smoke-cured fish were analysed using Varian GC/MS (3800-GC) system. The mean total PAH concentrations in the smoked fish (n = 108) ranged from 250.59–1376.09 μg/kg in tuna, cigar minnows, sardine and mackerel smoke-cured with sugarcane bagasse, mangrove and acacia for between 2 and 8 h. The mean BaP levels for most fish cured with smoke from acacia and mangrove for between 2 and 8 h were all above the European Commission set limit of 5.0 μg/kg. Positive correlations (at P = 0.01, 2-tailed) were observed between PAH levels in smoked fish and lignin contents of wood type used for the smoke generation, the fat content and the smoke-curing duration. Risk assessment conducted using benzo[a]pyrene carcinogenic and mutagenic toxicity equivalency factors (TEF and MEF respectively) showed high risk associated with consuming fish smoke-cured with hard woods (acacia and mangroves). Sugarcane bagasse was found to be relatively the best and safest smoke-generating source for smoke-curing of fish among the three wood types when using the traditional kiln.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in commercial squids from different geographical origins: Levels and risks for human consumption

The concentrations of 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in five commercially valuable squid species from different geographical origins (Atlantic, Indic and Pacific Oceans). Out of the 18 quantified PAHs (the 16 PAHs considered by US EPA as priority pollutants, dibenzo(a,l)pyrene and benzo(j)fluoranthene) only dibenz(a,h)anthracene was not detected. The total concentrations of PAHs varied by a factor of more than 100-fold, from 0.22 (Loligo gahi) to 60.9 μg/kg ww (Loligo reynaudii). Intra- and inter-specific variability of PAH levels was statistically assessed. Nine carcinogenic (probable/possible) PAHs accounted for 1% (L. reynaudii) to 26% (Loligo opalescens) of the total PAHs content being the main contributors naphthalene (in Loligo duvaucelii, L. reynaudii and Loligo vulgaris species), chrysene (in L. opalescens) and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (in L. gahi). PAHs source analysis indicated that four of the five zones of capture of the different squid species are significantly affected by both petrogenic and pyrolytic sources. Assessment of the target carcinogenic risks, established by the US EPA, suggested that L. gahi (Atlantic Ocean) and L. opalescens (from Pacific Ocean) may pose additional risks for consumers, if not eaten in moderation, derived from benzo(a)pyrene ingestion.     

Simultaneous determination of nine flavonoids in Polygonum hydropiper L. samples using nanomagnetic powder three-phase hollow fibre-based liquid-phase microextraction combined with ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

A simple, inexpensive, and efficient nanomagnetic powder three-phase hollow fibre-based liquid-phase microextraction (HF-LPME) technique combined with ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS) was developed for the simultaneous analysis of nine flavonoids in Polygonum hydropiper L. samples. The final, optimised extraction conditions were as follows: an organic solvent of ethyl acetate, a donor phase of aqueous KH₂PO₄ at pH 3.0, an acceptor phase of aqueous NaHCO₃ at pH 8.5, a stirring rate of 1000 rpm, and an extraction time of 50 min. Under these conditions, analyte calibration curves were all linear, with correlation coefficients ≥0.9994. The relative standard deviation for all analytes in intra-day (0.8–2.2%) and inter-day (1.7–3.5%) precision tests was well within the acceptable ranges, as were the limits of quantitation (LOQ < 0.054 μg/L) and detection (LOD < 0.170 μg/L). Recoveries for all standard compounds were between 95.17% and 99.82%, with a RSD of no more than 2.3%. Correlative analyses demonstrated that the physicochemical parameters of the compounds themselves also influenced the extraction efficiency. This technology proved to be rapid, sensitive, and reliable for the quality control of P. hydropiper L. samples.     

Simultaneous quantification of dextromethorphan and its metabolites dextrorphan, 3-methoxymorphinan and 3-hydroxymorphinan in human plasma by ultra performance liquid chromatography/tandem triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry

A rapid and sensitive ultra performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous quantitative determination of dextromethorphan (DM) and its metabolites dextrorphan (DX), 3-methoxymorphinan (3MM) and 3-hydroxymorphinan (3HM), in human lithium heparinized plasma. The extraction involved a simple liquid–liquid extraction with 1 ml n-butylchloride from 200 μl aliquots of plasma, after the addition of 20 μl 4% (v/v) ammonium hydroxide and 100 μl stable labeled isotopic internal standards in acetonitrile. Chromatographic separations were achieved on an Aquity UPLC^® BEH C₁₈ 1.7 μm 2.1 mm × 100 mm column eluted at a flow-rate of 0.250 ml/min on a gradient of acetonitrile. The overall cycle time of the method was 7 min, with elution times of 1.3 min for DX and 3HM, 2.8 min for 3MM and 2.9 min for DM. The multiple reaction monitoring transitions were set at 272 > 215 (m/z), at 258 > 133 (m/z), at 258 > 213 (m/z) and at 244 > 157 (m/z) for DM, DX, 3MM and 3HM, respectively. The calibration curves were linear (r² ≥ 0.995) over the range of 0.500–100 nM with the lower limit of quantitation validated at 0.500 nM for all compounds, which is equivalent to 136, 129, 129 and 122 pg/ml for DM, DX, 3MM and 3HM, respectively. Extraction recoveries were constant, but ranged from 39% for DM to 83% for DX. The within-run and between-run precisions were within 11.6%, while the accuracy ranged from 92.7 to 110.6%. The applicability of the bioanalytical method was demonstrated and is currently implemented in a clinical trial to study DM as probe-drug for individualized tamoxifen treatment in breast cancer patients.     

Low-level Pb and cardiovascular responses to acute stress in children: the role of cardiac autonomic regulation

Objective

A number of studies suggest that Pb exposure increases cardiovascular disease risk in humans. As a potential mechanism for this effect, we recently reported a significant association between early childhood Pb levels and cardiovascular response to acute stress. The current study considers the association between current Pb levels and the autonomic nervous system activation pattern underlying the cardiovascular response to stress in a new cohort of children.

Methods

We assessed blood Pb levels as well as cardiovascular responses to acute stress in 9-11 year old children (N = 140). Sympathetic activation (measured with pre-ejection period) and parasympathetic activation (measured with high frequency heart rate variability) were also assessed.

Results

In a sample with very low levels of blood Pb (M = 1.01 μg/dL), we found that increasing blood Pb was associated with coinhibition of sympathetic and parasympathetic activation in response to acute stress. In addition, increasing Pb levels were associated with the hemodynamic stress response pattern typical of coinhibition — significantly greater vascular resistance and reduced stroke volume and cardiac output.

Conclusions

Blood Pb levels were associated with significant autonomic and cardiovascular dysregulation in response to acute psychological stress in children. Moreover, these effects were significant at Pb levels considered to be very low and notably well below the 10 μg/dL, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition of an elevated blood Pb level. The potential for autonomic dysregulation at levels of Pb typical for many US children would suggest potentially broad public health ramifications.     

Occupational exposure to indium: what does biomonitoring tell us?

Background

The industrial uses of indium, a rare metal with no known physiological role in humans, have increased dramatically over the past 15 years.The results of animal toxicity studies showing pulmonary and systemic effects as well as some reports in workers have created a growing concern about the possible occurrence of toxic effects in exposed workers. Validated biomarkers to assess exposure to indium are not available.

Objectives

This work aimed at investigating the kinetics of indium in urine (In-U) and plasma (In-Pl) in workers manufacturing In ingots and mainly exposed to hardly water-soluble In compounds. All nine workers from the In department of a large metallurgical concern participated in the study as well as 5 retired workers and 20 controls.

Methods

Personal breathing zone air was collected throughout the work shift on Monday and Friday. Blood and urine samples were collected, before and after the shift, on the same day as the air sampling and on preshift the next Monday after a non-working week-end. Moreover, rats were given either InCl₃ by intraperitoneal injection or In₂O₃ by pharyngeal aspiration, In was followed in plasma during 120 days and measured in tissues 120 days after exposure.

Results

Higher In-Pl and In-U concentrations were found in both current (range 0.32–12.61 μg/L plasma; 0.22–3.50 μg/g creat) and former (0.03–4.38 μg/L plasma; 0.02–0.69 μg/g creat) workers compared with controls (<0.03 μg/L plasma; <0.02 μg/g creat). Both biological parameters were highly correlated but no correlation was found between In-air (10–1030 μg/m³) and In-Pl or In-U. Normalizing In-U by the urinary creatinine concentration reduced the inter- (from 90% to 70%) and intra-individual variability (from 54% to 35%). In-Pl remained remarkably stable along the working week (inter- and intra-individual variability: 89% and 10%, respectively). Neither In-U nor In-Pl significantly increased during the day or the week. A week-end without occupational exposure was not sufficient to reach the background In-Pl and In-U levels measured in controls. The results of the experimental investigations confirmed the hypothesis that inhalation of hardly soluble In compounds may cause accumulation of In in the body leading to a prolonged “endogenous exposure” from both a lung depot of “insoluble” particles that are progressively absorbed and from a retention depot in other internal organs.

Conclusion

This study shows that in workers exposed to hardly soluble In compounds, In-U and In-Pl are very sensitive to detect exposure and mainly reflect long-term exposure. In-Pl levels are particularly stable for a given individual. In-U might be more influenced than In-Pl by recent exposure. Both parameters remained high years after withdrawal from exposure, indicating a possible endogenous exposure and a prolonged risk of pulmonary and systemic diseases even after work exposure has ceased.     

Comparative survey of PAHs incidence in Portuguese traditional meat and blood sausages

Sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in representative traditional sausages produced in “Trás-os-Montes” and “Alentejo”, were determined. Light PAHs represented similar overall contents in both regions and showed close decreasing order patterns (ACY, PHE, FLR and NAP), irrespective of the product type considered. Amongst the carcinogenic/mutagenic PAHs analyzed (PAH8), both regions also had greater contents associated to BaA and CHR, with slightly higher values for the former compound in “Alentejo” and, oppositely, for the later in “Trás-os-Montes”. However, their quantitative comparison showed that the general mean total PAH content found in “Trás-os-Montes” was almost 3-fold higher than in similar products from “Alentejo” and this factor was about 8-fold superior when the PAH8 and PAH4 indicators were compared, expressing benzo[a]pyrene toxic equivalencies (BaPE), 15 times (total mean toxicity), 34 times (PAH8) and 9 times (PAH4) higher. In general terms, the mean BaP content of all analyzed samples from “Alentejo” was 0.41 μg kg⁻¹. Differently that value in “Trás-os-Montes” reached 3.57 μg kg⁻¹, expressing concerning average contents of 5.35, 5.87 and 4.51 μg kg⁻¹ in Chouriço de Carne, Moura and Salpicão sausages, respectively.     

Antioxidant properties, total phenols and pollen analysis of propolis samples from Portugal

Pollen analysis, total phenols content and antioxidant activity were studied for the first time in Portuguese propolis samples from Bornes and Fundão regions. Total phenols content was determined by colorimetric assay and their amount was of 329 mg/g of GAE in Bornes sample and 151 mg/g of GAE in Fundão propolis. The antioxidant capacity of propolis extracts was assessed through the scavenging effects on DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and reducing power of iron (III)/ ferricyanide complex assays. A concentration-dependent antioxidative capacity was verified in DPPH and reducing power assays. Low values of EC₅₀ on DPPH scavenging assay were obtained for Bornes and Fundão propolis (of 6.22 μg/mL and 52.00 μg/mL, respectively). For reducing power the values were 9.00 μg/mL, for Bornes propolis, and 55.00 μg/mL, for Fundão propolis. The high activity of propolis from Bornes could be related with their different pollen composition. The results obtained indicate that Portuguese propolis is an important source of total phenols showing antioxidant properties that could be beneficial for human health.     

Determination of chamaechromone in rat plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: application to pharmacokinetic study

A rapid, simple and accurate method was developed for the determination of chamaechromone in rat plasma using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS–MS). Rosuvastatin was used as the internal standard. The plasma samples were extracted by liquid–liquid extraction with ethyl acetate. Chromatographic separation was performed on Xbridge™ C₁₈ column (2.1 mm × 50 mm, 3.5 μm) with linear gradient elution using water and methanol, both of which were acidified with 0.1% aqueous formic acid. The flow rate was 0.4 mL/min and the total run time was 6 min. Detection was performed on a triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer using positive ion mode electrospray ionization (ESI) in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The MS/MS ion transitions monitored were m/z 543.3 → 198.9 and 481.9 → 258.3 for chamaechromone and rosuvastatin, respectively. Good linearity was observed over the concentration range of 8–6400 ng/mL in 0.1 mL of rat plasma. The lowest concentration (8 ng/mL) in the calibration curve was estimated as LLOQ with both deviation of accuracy and RSD of precision <20% (n = 6). Intra-assay and inter-assay variability were less than 11% in plasma. This method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of chamaechromone in rats after intravenous (5 mg/kg) and oral (100 mg/kg) administration. Following oral administration the concentration–time curve of chamaechromone exhibited a biphasic absorption profile. The maximum mean concentration in plasma (C_max, 795.9 ± 14.6 ng/L) was achieved at 11.3 ± 0.8 h (T_max) and the area under curve (AUC_0–60) was 6976.7 ± 1026.9 ng h/L. After single intravenously administration of chamaechromone, the essential pharmacokinetic parameters C_max, AUC_0–48 were 4300.7 ± 113.6 ng/L and 3672.1 ± 225.4 ng h/L, respectively. The result showed that the compound was poorly absorbed with an absolute bioavailability being approximately 8.9%.     

Stability indicating ion chromatography method for the simultaneous determination of ibandronate sodium drug substance and its impurities

A simple and sensitive ion chromatography method has been developed for the simultaneous assay of ibandronate sodium drug substance and the determination of its impurities. The separation was achieved on Allsep™ anion column 150 mm × 4.6 mm, 7 μm particle diameter. The mobile phase consisted of 1% (v/v) aqueous formic acid and acetone 98:2% (v/v); flow rate 1.0 ml min⁻¹ at ambient temperature. The analytes were monitored by conductometric detector. The drug substance was subjected to stress conditions of hydrolysis, oxidation, photolytic, thermal and humidity degradation. Considerable degradation was achieved only under oxidative conditions. Mass balance was demonstrated in all stress conditions. The method was validated for specificity, precision, linearity, solution stability and accuracy. The limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) for impurities were in the range of 0.36–0.80 μg ml⁻¹ and 1.00–2.40 μg ml⁻¹, respectively. For ibandronate LOD was 38 μg ml⁻¹ and LOQ was 113 μg ml⁻¹. The average recoveries for impurities and ibandronate were in the range of 99.0–103.1% and the method can be successfully applied for the routine analysis of ibandronate sodium drug substance.     

A pilot study of StopAdvisor: A theory-based interactive internet-based smoking cessation intervention aimed across the social spectrum

Background

This article reports a pilot study of a new smoking cessation website (‘StopAdvisor’), which has been developed on the basis of PRIME theory, evidence, web-design expertise and user-testing. The aims were to i) evaluate whether cessation, website usage and satisfaction were sufficiently high to warrant a randomised controlled trial (RCT) and ii) assess whether outcomes were affected by socio-economic status.

Methods

This was an uncontrolled pilot study. Two hundred and four adult daily smokers willing to make a serious quit attempt were included. All participants received support from ‘StopAdvisor’, which recommends a structured quit plan and a variety of evidence-based behaviour change techniques for smoking cessation. A series of tunnelled sessions and a variety of interactive menus provide tailored support for up to a month before quitting through until one-month post-quit (http://www.lifeguideonline.org/player/play/stopadvisordemonstration). The primary outcome was self-report of at least 1 month of continuous abstinence collected at 2 months post-enrolment and verified by saliva cotinine or anabasine. Usage was indexed by log-ins and page views. Satisfaction was assessed by dichotomous ratings of helpfulness, personal relevance, likelihood of recommendation and future use, which were collected using an online questionnaire at 2 months post-enrolment. Outcomes according to socio-economic status were assessed.

Results

At 8 weeks post-enrolment, 19.6% (40/204) of participants were abstinent according to the primary outcome criteria (95% C.I. = 14.1% to 25.1%). Participants viewed a mean of 133.5 pages (median = 71.5) during 6.4 log-ins (median = 3). A majority of respondents rated the website positively on each of the four satisfaction `ratings (range = 66.7% to 75.3%). There was no evidence of an effect of socio-economic status on abstinence (OR = 1.01, C.I. = 0.50–2.07), usage (page-views, t(202) = 0.11, p = .91; log-ins, t(202) = 0.21, p = .83), or satisfaction (helpfulness, OR = 1.09, C.I. = 0.41–2.88; personal relevance, OR = 0.55, C.I. = 0.20–1.56; recommendation, OR = 0.98, C.I. = 0.34–2.81; use in future, OR = 1.45, C.I. = 0.49–4.27).

Conclusions

The systematic application of theory, evidence, web-design expertise, and user-testing has resulted in a website that shows sufficiently promising efficacy and usability to warrant evaluation in a RCT. The website appears to be similarly effective and acceptable to users across the social spectrum.     

Protective effect of Mediterranean fish oil extracts on heat-induced denaturation of albumin

Three oily extracts, obtained by acetone extraction from the entrails of different varieties of Mediterranean fishes, such as mackerel (Scomber scombrus), sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus), were characterized to determine their unsaturated fatty acid content. In an in-vitro model, their inhibitory effect was then evaluated against protein aggregation and their protective efficacy against heat-induced albumin denaturation assessed. The fish oil extracts tested in this study presented a significant amount of unsaturated fatty acids; in particular the extract obtained from the entrails of horse mackerel proved to have higher concentrations of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and oleic acid compared with the other two oils. The in-vitro study revealed an interesting protective effect of the oil extracts (particularly the horse mackerel extract) against heat-induced denaturation of albumin.     

Rapid UPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of sufentanil in human plasma and its application in target-controlled infusion system

A rapid, selective and highly sensitive ultra-performance liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) method has been developed and validated for the determination of sufentanil in human plasma. Sufentanil was separated on an ACQUITY™ UPLC BEH C₁₈ column (50 mm × 2.1 mm, ID 1.7 μm) and analyzed in positive-ion (PI) electrospray-ionization (ESI) mode. The mobile phase (MP) consisted of acetonitrile:water (45:55, v/v) under isocratic conditions at a flow rate of 0.2 ml/min. Sufentanil and internal-standard (IS) fentanyl were eluted at 1.47 and 1.16 min, respectively, and their responses were optimized at the transitions m/z 387.2 > 238.0 and m/z 337.2 > 188.0, respectively. The calibration curve was linear over the range 0.071–4.56 ng/ml, with coefficients of determination >0.999. The accuracy and precision of the method were between 96.49% and 100.37% (RSD < 9%), and the mean recovery of sufentanil was 84.08 ± 7.29%. The method was successfully applied to evaluate the predictive accuracy of Gepts pharmacokinetic sets in a target-controlled infusion (TCI) model, and the Gepts parameters were capable of predicting sufentanil plasma concentrations when multi-level target concentrations were acquired during surgery.     

ROS formation and antioxidant status in brain areas of rats exposed to sodium metavanadate

In the present work, in vivo ROS formation and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the hippocampus and the cerebellum of sodium metavanadate (NaVO₃) treated rats were studied. Rats were i.p. injected with 3 mg/kg bw/day (V₁group) or with 7.2 mg/kg bw/day of NaVO₃ (V₂group) for 5 consecutive days. Results show that after only 5 days of NaVO₃ exposure, reactive oxygen species formation and alteration of the oxidative defence system were observed. Vanadium-induced OH production was detected in cerebellum at the high dose. This result was confirmed by in situ ROS histochemical staining. Neither Cat nor Cu-Zn SOD activities showed changes while GSH/GSSG ratio, in both brain areas, was significantly decreased in NaVO₃-treated groups. The present work indicates that the NaVO₃ dose and the particular brain area constitution would be critical in the cellular and molecular oxidative mechanism of this element.     

Latent classes of heroin and cocaine users predict unique HIV/HCV risk factors

Background

Patterns of heroin and cocaine use vary and may be associated with unique risk factors for bloodborne infections.

Methods

Latent class analysis identified sub-populations of 552 heroin and cocaine users in Baltimore, Maryland. Using latent class regression, these classes were analyzed for associations with demographic characteristics, risky behaviors, Hepatitis C, and HIV.

Results

Three classes were found: Crack/Nasal-Heroin users (43.5%), Polysubstance users (34.8%), and Heroin Injectors (21.8%). Compared to Polysubstance users, Crack/Nasal-Heroin users were almost 7 times more likely to identify as Black (OR = 6.97, 95% CI = 4.35–11.2). Sharing needles was over 2.5 times more likely among Polysubstance users than among Heroin Injectors (OR = 2.66, 95% CI = 1.49–4.75). Crack/Nasal-Heroin users were 2.5 times more likely than Polysubstance users to exchange drugs for sex (OR = 2.50, 95% CI = 1.22–5.13). Crack/Nasal-Heroin users were less likely than Heroin Injectors to have Hepatitis C (OR = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.06–0.18), but no significant differences were found for HIV.

Conclusions

Subpopulations of cocaine and heroin users differed in demographic classifications, HIV-risk behaviors, and Hepatitis C infection. All subpopulations included substantial numbers of HIV-positive individuals. Findings provide further evidence that non-injection drug users face significant infectious disease risk.     

Protective effect of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) against oxidative DNA damage and mutagenesis.

Mutagenic and antimutagenic properties of essential oil (EO) of basil and its major constituent Linalool, reported to possess antioxidative properties, were examined in microbial tests. In Salmonella/microsome and Escherichia. coli WP2 reversion assays both derivatives (0.25–2.0 μl/plate) showed no mutagenic effect. Salmonella. typhimurium TA98, TA100 and TA102 strains displayed similar sensitivity to both basil derivatives as non-permeable E. coli WP2 strains IC185 and IC202 oxyR. Moreover, the toxicity of basil derivatives to WP2 strains did not depend on OxyR function. The reduction of t-BOOH-induced mutagenesis by EO and Linalool (30–60%) was obtained in repair proficient strains of the E. coli K12 assay (Nikoli?, B., Stanojevi?, J., Miti?, D., Vukovi?-Ga?i?, B., Kne?evi?-Vuk?evi?, J., Simi?, D., 2004. Comparative study of the antimutagenic potential of vitamin E in different E. coli strains. Mutat. Res. 564, 31–38), as well as in E. coli WP2 IC202 strain. EO and Linalool reduced spontaneous mutagenesis in mismatch repair deficient E. coli K12 strains (27–44%). In all tests, antimutagenic effect of basil derivatives was comparable with that obtained with model antioxidant vitamin E. Linalool and vitamin E induced DNA strand breaks in Comet assay on S. cerevisiae 3A cells, but at non-genotoxic concentrations (0.075 and 0.025 μg/ml, respectively) they reduced the number of H₂O₂-induced comets (45–70% Linalool and 80–93% vitamin E). Obtained results indicate that antigenotoxic potential of basil derivatives could be attributed to their antioxidative properties.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in coffee brew samples: Analytical method by GC–MS,profile, levels and sources

Roasting is a crucial step for the production of coffee, as it enables the development of color, aroma, and flavor, which are essential for the characterization of the coffee quality. At the same time, roasting may lead to the formation of not desirable compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In this paper, we report a method for PAHs determination in coffee brew, based on saponification and liquid–liquid extraction with small volumes of hexane, with exclusion of further processes of purification since we analyze the extract by gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detectors in the single ion monitoring mode (SIM). The total concentration of the 28 compounds investigated, expressed as the sum of concentrations (∑PAH), in coffee brew varies from 0.52 to 1.8 μg/l. Carcinogenic PAHs, expressed as B[a]P_eq ranged from 0.008 to 0.060 μg/l. The results indicate that coffee contributes with very insignificant quantities to the daily human intake of carcinogenic PAHs. The values of calculated isomeric ratios confirm that the PAHs identified in most of the coffee samples originate from high temperature processes.