Profiling of Heavy Metals in Mackerel Tuna (Euthynnus affinis) and Seawater and Bottom Sediments in Sarangani Coastline, Southern Philippines

Heavy metals have the ability to accumulate in the human body and disrupt functions of some body organs. These metals can find their way into humans by consumption of metal-contaminated fish. In this study, the presence of heavy metals was assessed in muscle tissues of mackerel tuna (Euthynnus affinis), locally known as “kawakawa,” collected from General Santos City and Kiamba fish landing sites. Heavy metal presence was also evaluated in seawater and bottom sediments samples collected along the Sarangani coastline. Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry; while mercury (Hg), through cold vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results revealed that the three samples from GSCFP had Hg concentrations ranging from 0.045 to 0.108 mg·kg−1, below the limit set by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA). In the case of Cd, 0.095 mg·kg−1 Cd was detected from only one out of six samples taken from Kiamba, which exceeded the limit of 0.05 mg·kg−1 prescribed by the US FDA, US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), and the European Commission (EC). The data generally indicates that the tuna samples do not pose a serious threat to the health of the consumers. Sediments obtained from Sarangani coastline showed presence of Pb at 62.27 mg·kg−1, which is also below the 128 mg·kg−1 limit. Assessment of pollution status of the study area revealed that the bottom sediments can be classified as unpolluted to moderately polluted based on the levels of Cd, Pb, and Hg, implying minimal heavy metal exposure of this tuna species from the two sampling areas. To ensure no incremental contamination of seawater and bottom sediments occurs, developmental and anthropogenic activities, such as the indiscriminate disposal of industrial and domestic wastes that may be possible sources of heavy metals, should be regulated and more stringent effluent standards adopted

Profiling of Heavy Metals in ‘Kawakawa’ (Euthynus affinis) and Seawater and Bottom Sediments in Sarangani Coastline, Mindanao, Philippines

Heavy metals have the ability to accumulate in the human body and disrupt functions of some vital organs. These metals can find their way into humans by consumption of metal-contaminated fish. In this study, the presence of heavy metals was assessed in muscle tissues of ‘kawakawa’ tuna (Euthynnus affinis) from General Santos City Fish Port (GSCFP) and in Kiamba fish landing site, as well as seawater and bottom sediments along Sarangani coastline. The heavy metals cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry; while for mercury (Hg) cold vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used. Results revealed that heavy metals in the three ‘kawakawa’ samples from GSCFP had Hg concentration ranging from 0.045 to 0.108 mg.kg-1 which were below the limit set by the United States Food and Drug Administration. This implies that in general, the tuna samples do not pose a serious threat to the health of the consumers. Sediments obtained from Sarangani coastline showed presence of Pb at 62.27 mg.kg-1 which is below the 128 mg.kg-1 limit. Assessment of the pollution status of the study area revealed that the bottom sediments can be classified as unpolluted to moderately polluted from all levels of Cd, Pb, and Hg, which implies minimal heavy metal exposure of tuna species in the area. To ensure that no further contamination of seawater and bottom sediments occurs, possible sources of heavy metals such as the industries, should be regulated by implementing more stringent effluent standards

National Prevalence and Exposure Risk for Cockroach Allergen in U.S. Households

We characterized the prevalence of cockroach allergen exposure in a nationally representative sample of U.S. homes and assessed risk factors for elevated concentrations. DESIGN: We used data from the National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing, a population-based cross-sectional survey. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were residents of 831 U.S. homes in the survey. EVALUATIONS/MEASUREMENTS: We analyzed allergen, questionnaire, and observational data of 831 U.S. homes. RESULTS: Cockroach allergen (Bla g 1) concentrations exceed 2.0 U/g, a level associated with allergic sensitization, in 11% of U.S. living room floors and 13% of kitchen floors. Concentrations exceed 8.0 U/g, a level associated with asthma morbidity, in 3% of living room floors and 10% of kitchen floors. Elevated concentrations were observed in high-rise apartments, urban settings, pre-1940 constructions, and households with incomes < $20,000. Odds of having concentrations > 8.0 U/g were greatest when roach problems were reported or observed and increased with the number of cockroaches observed and with indications of recent cockroach activity. CONCLUSIONS: Household cockroach allergen exposure is characterized in a nationally representative context. The allergen is prevalent in many settings, at levels that may contribute to allergic sensitization and asthma morbidity. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL OR PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: Likelihood of exposure can be assessed by consideration of demographic and household determinants

Activation of the galanin receptor 2 in the periphery reverses nerve injury-induced allodynia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Galanin is expressed at low levels in the intact sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia with a dramatic increase after peripheral nerve injury. The neuropeptide is also expressed in primary afferent terminals in the dorsal horn, spinal inter-neurons and in a number of brain regions known to modulate nociception. Intrathecal administration of galanin modulates sensory responses in a dose-dependent manner with inhibition at high doses. To date it is unclear which of the galanin receptors mediates the anti-nociceptive effects of the neuropeptide and whether their actions are peripherally and/or centrally mediated. In the present study we investigated the effects of direct administration into the receptive field of galanin and the galanin receptor-2/3-agonist Gal2-11 on nociceptive primary afferent mechanical responses in intact rats and mice and in the partial saphenous nerve injury (PSNI) model of neuropathic pain.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Exogenous galanin altered the responses of mechano-nociceptive C-fibre afferents in a dose-dependent manner in both naive and nerve injured animals, with low concentrations facilitating and high concentrations markedly inhibiting mechano-nociceptor activity. Further, use of the galanin fragment Gal2-11 confirmed that the effects of galanin were mediated by activation of galanin receptor-2 (GalR2). The inhibitory effects of peripheral GalR2 activation were further supported by our demonstration that after PSNI, mechano-sensitive nociceptors in galanin over-expressing transgenic mice had significantly higher thresholds than in wild type animals, associated with a marked reduction in spontaneous neuronal firing and C-fibre barrage into the spinal cord.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the high level of endogenous galanin in injured primary afferents activates peripheral GalR2, which leads to an increase in C-fibre mechanical activation thresholds and a marked reduction in evoked and ongoing nociceptive responses.</p

Sample size calculations for cluster randomised controlled trials with a fixed number of clusters

Background\ud Cluster randomised controlled trials (CRCTs) are frequently used in health service evaluation. Assuming an average cluster size, required sample sizes are readily computed for both binary and continuous outcomes, by estimating a design effect or inflation factor. However, where the number of clusters are fixed in advance, but where it is possible to increase the number of individuals within each cluster, as is frequently the case in health service evaluation, sample size formulae have been less well studied. \ud \ud Methods\ud We systematically outline sample size formulae (including required number of randomisation units, detectable difference and power) for CRCTs with a fixed number of clusters, to provide a concise summary for both binary and continuous outcomes. Extensions to the case of unequal cluster sizes are provided. \ud \ud Results\ud For trials with a fixed number of equal sized clusters (k), the trial will be feasible provided the number of clusters is greater than the product of the number of individuals required under individual randomisation ($n_i$) and the estimated intra-cluster correlation ($\rho$). So, a simple rule is that the number of clusters ($\kappa$) will be sufficient provided: \ud \ud $\kappa$ > $n_i$ x $\rho$\ud \ud Where this is not the case, investigators can determine the maximum available power to detect the pre-specified difference, or the minimum detectable difference under the pre-specified value for power. \ud \ud Conclusions\ud Designing a CRCT with a fixed number of clusters might mean that the study will not be feasible, leading to the notion of a minimum detectable difference (or a maximum achievable power), irrespective of how many individuals are included within each cluster. \ud \u

Efficient real-time monitoring of an emerging influenza epidemic: how feasible?

A prompt public health response to a new epidemic relies on the ability to monitor and predict its evolution in real time as data accumulate. The 2009 A/H1N1 outbreak in the UK revealed pandemic data as noisy, contaminated, potentially biased, and originating from multiple sources. This seriously challenges the capacity for real-time monitoring. Here we assess the feasibility of real-time inference based on such data by constructing an analytic tool combining an age-stratified SEIR transmission model with various observation models describing the data generation mechanisms. As batches of data become available, a sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) algorithm is developed to synthesise multiple imperfect data streams, iterate epidemic inferences and assess model adequacy amidst a rapidly evolving epidemic environment, substantially reducing computation time in comparison to standard MCMC, to ensure timely delivery of real-time epidemic assessments. In application to simulated data designed to mimic the 2009 A/H1N1 epidemic, SMC is shown to have additional benefits in terms of assessing predictive performance and coping with parameter non-identifiability.MRC, NIH

Adequate symptom relief justifies hepatic resection for benign disease

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of partial liver resection for benign liver lesions. METHODS: All patients operated on for benign liver lesions from 1991 to 2002 were included. Information was retrieved from medical records, the hospital registration system and by a telephonic questionnaire. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients with a median age of 41 years (17–71) were operated on (M/F ratio 5/23). The diagnosis was haemangioma in 8 patients, FNH in 6, HCA in 13 and angiomyolipoma in 1. Eight patients were known to have relevant co-morbidity. Median operating time was 207 minutes (45–360). The morbidity rate was 25% and no postoperative mortality was observed. Twenty-two patients (79%) had symptoms (mainly abdominal pain) prior to surgery. Twenty-five patients were reached for a questionnaire. The median follow up was 55 months (4–150). In 89% of patients preoperative symptoms had decreased or disappeared after surgery. Four patients developed late complications. CONCLUSION: Long-term follow up after liver surgery for benign liver lesions shows considerable symptom relief and patient satisfaction. In addition to a correct indication these results justify major surgery with associated morbidity and mortality

Hybridization between wild and cultivated potato species in the Peruvian Andes and biosafety implications for deployment of GM potatoes

The nature and extent of past and current hybridization between cultivated potato and wild relatives in nature is of interest to crop evolutionists, taxonomists, breeders and recently to molecular biologists because of the possibilities of inverse gene flow in the deployment of genetically-modified (GM) crops. This research proves that natural hybridization occurs in areas of potato diversity in the Andes, the possibilities for survival of these new hybrids, and shows a possible way forward in case of GM potatoes should prove advantageous in such areas