MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Environment International' source. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:36:04 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5653635&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22280921%26dopt%3DAbstract The objective of this study was to measure concentrations of a suite of flame retardants, and the antimicrobial compound triclosan, in opportunistic samples of municipal biosolids and the domestic sludge Standard Reference Material (SRM) 2781. Grab samples of biosolids were collected from two WWTPs in North Carolina and two in California. Biosolids samples were also obtained during three subsequent collection events at one of the North Carolina WWTPs to evaluate fluctuations in contaminant levels within a given facility over a period of three years. The biosolids and SRM 2781 were analyzed for PBDEs, hexabromobenzene (HBB), 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE), 2-ethylhexyl 2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (TBB), di(2-ethylhexyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrabromophthalate (TBPH), the chlorinated flame ... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5653635 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:50:14 +0100 5653635 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5653632&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22280922%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Muirhead RW, Monaghan RM Abstract Animal agriculture has been identified as an important source of diffuse faecal microbial pollution of water. Our current understanding of the losses of faecal microbes from grazed pasture systems is however poor. To help synthesise our current knowledge, a simple two reservoir model was constructed to represent the faecal and environmental sources of Escherichia coli found in a grazed pastoral system. The size of the faecal reservoir was modelled on a daily basis with inputs from grazing animals, and losses due to die-off of E. coli and decomposition of the faecal material. Estimates were made of transport coefficients of E. coli losses from the two reservoirs. The concentration of E. coli measured in overland flow and artificial drainage... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5653632 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:50:02 +0100 5653632 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5653631&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22280923%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kugathas S, Williams RJ, Sumpter JP Abstract Synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) are consumed in large amounts as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs worldwide. Based on what has been learnt from studies of other human pharmaceuticals, they are likely to be present in the aquatic environment. However, to date, information on the environmental concentrations of GCs is very limited. The situation is complicated by the fact that a considerable number of GCs are in everyday use in most developed countries. Hence, obtaining a full picture of GC concentrations in the aquatic environment using the traditional analytical chemistry approach would be time-consuming and expensive. Thus, we took a modelling approach to predict the total environmental concentration of all synthet... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5653631 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:49:50 +0100 5653631 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5653630&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22280924%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Guigueno MF, Elliott KH, Levac J, Wayland M, Elliott JE Abstract Mercury (Hg) is a global contaminant impacting even remote environments. In alpine watersheds, glacial meltwater is a source of Hg, which accumulated in glaciers during the 1960-1980 cooling cycle. The considerable variation observed for Hg exposure of alpine animals in proximal watersheds could result from differences among those watersheds in Hg loading from glacial meltwater. Alternatively, variation may be the result of hydrology, atmospheric Hg deposition patterns, or food web characteristics. To examine those possibilities, we measured Hg in ospreys (Pandion haliaetus), apex predators in 15 watersheds in western Canada. Mercury levels in feathers of nestlings increased with increasing modeled atmospheri... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5653630 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:49:39 +0100 5653630 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5653629&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22280925%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Williams S, Nitschke M, Weinstein P, Pisaniello DL, Parton KA, Bi P Abstract Climate change projections have drawn attention to the risks of extreme heat and the importance of public health interventions to minimise the impact. The city of Perth, Western Australia, frequently experiences hot summer conditions, with recent summers showing above average temperatures. Daily maximum and minimum temperatures, mortality, emergency department (ED) presentations and hospital admissions data were acquired for Perth for the period 1994 to 2008. Using an observed/expected analysis, the temperature thresholds for mortality were estimated at 34-36°C (maximum) and 20°C (minimum). Generalised estimating equations (GEEs) were used to estimate the percentage increase in mortality and mor... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5653629 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:49:28 +0100 5653629 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5653627&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22280926%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gallagher CM, Meliker JR Abstract Associations between positive thyroid autoantibodies and total blood mercury in women were evaluated using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2007-2008. Women are at increased risk for autoimmune disorders, mercury exposure has been associated with cellular autoimmunity and mercury accumulates in the thyroid gland. We used multiple logistic regression to evaluate the associations between total bloodmercury and thyroglobulin autoantibody antibody positivity and thyroid peroxidase autoantibody positivity in non-pregnant, non-lactating women aged 20 and older not currently using birth control pills or other hormone therapies, adjusted for demographic factors, menopausal status, nutrient intake and urine iodine (n=2... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5653627 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:49:17 +0100 5653627 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5653621&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22280927%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Blanes-Vidal V, Suh H, Nadimi ES, Løfstrøm P, Ellermann T, Andersen HV, Schwartz J Abstract Epidemiological studies have shown that residential exposure to livestock odors can affect the health and wellbeing of rural citizens. However, exposure-response models for this relationship have not been developed. One of the main challenges is to identify a compound that can be used as proxy for livestock odor exposure. In this paper we developed models that describe the relationship between long-term averaged outdoor residential ammonia (NH(3)) exposures and livestock odor annoyance experienced by rural residents, and investigated person-related variables associated with annoyance responses. We used emission-based atmospheric dispersion modeling data to estimate household-speci... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5653621 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:49:05 +0100 5653621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5653612&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22280928%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lindén J, Boman J, Holmer B, Thorsson S, Eliasson I Abstract In this paper we analyze spatial and temporal variations of air pollution (PM(1), PM(2.5), PM(10), CO, NO(x), O(3), Toluene and Benzene) and climate in areas of different development typology in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Analyses are based on measurements from fixed sites and car traverse measurements during field studies in 2007 and 2010. Large spatial and temporal variations were found, showing a generally poor air quality situation, with extreme levels of PM(10), commonly exceeding air quality guidelines of WHO. Pollution levels increase considerably with increased atmospheric stability. Important sources were transported dust and re-suspension of dust from unpaved roads, but also traffic emissions and bioma... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5653612 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:48:54 +0100 5653612 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5653611&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22280929%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cok I, Mazmanci B, Mazmanci MA, Turgut C, Henkelmann B, Schramm KW Abstract Assessment of human exposure to environmental persistent organic pollutants such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) based on the levels in human breast milk provides a reasonable tool not only to assess the contaminant burden in mothers but also to assess potential exposure of breast-fed neonates. There are limited data on levels of PCBs and OCPs in humans but no previous reports from Turkey on chemically determined levels PAHs in human milk. The aim of this study was to report the levels and accumulation profiles of OCPs, PCBs and PAHs in 47 breast milk samples obtaine... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5653611 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:48:43 +0100 5653611 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5653610&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22280930%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Austin Z, Alcock RE, Christley RM, Haygarth PM, Heathwaite AL, Latham SM, Mort M, Oliver DM, Pickup R, Wastling JM, Wynne B Abstract Decision making for zoonotic disease management should be based on many forms of appropriate data and sources of evidence. However, the criteria and timing for policy response and the resulting management decisions are often altered when a disease outbreak occurs and captures full media attention. In the case of waterborne disease, such as the robust protozoa, Cryptosporidium spp, exposure can cause significant human health risks and preventing exposure by maintaining high standards of biological and chemical water quality remains a priority for water companies in the UK. Little has been documented on how knowledge and information is translat... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5653610 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:48:33 +0100 5653610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5653609&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22280931%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Su JG, Jerrett M, Morello-Frosch R, Jesdale BM, Kyle AD Abstract Low-income communities and communities of color often suffer from multiple environmental hazards that pose risks to their health. Here we extended a cumulative environmental hazard inequality index (CEHII) - developed to assess inequalities in air pollution hazards - to compare the inequality among three urban counties in California: Alameda, San Diego, and Los Angeles. We included a metric for heat stress to the analysis because exposure to excessively hot weather is increasingly recognized as a threat to human health and well-being. We determined if inequalities from heat stress differed between the three regions and if this added factor modified the metric for inequality from cumulative exposure to air pol... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5653609 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:48:23 +0100 5653609 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5653608&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22280932%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSIONS: Low-level postnatal BPb levels in children at 2-5years may have lagged effects on neurodevelopment in those at 5 to 8years. Action is warranted to reduce even very low environmental Pb levels to reduce the developmental burden of Pb on children. PMID: 22280932 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5653608 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:48:12 +0100 5653608 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575428&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22208737%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSION: Among factors affecting benzene uptake in non-occupationally exposed individuals, urban residence contributes to benzene exposure more than residing in close proximity to a petrochemical plant. PMID: 22208737 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575428 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:31:31 +0100 5575428 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575427&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22208738%26dopt%3DAbstract This study presents a methodological scheme developed to provide a combined air and noise pollution exposure assessment based on measurements from personal portable monitors. Provided that air and noise pollution are considered in a co-exposure approach, they represent a significant environmental hazard to public health. The methodology is demonstrated for the city of Thessaloniki, Greece. The results of an extensive field campaign are presented and the variations in personal exposure between modes of transport, routes, streets and transport microenvironments are evaluated. Air pollution and noise measurements were performed simultaneously along several commuting routes, during the morning and evening rush hours. Combined exposure to environmental pollutants is highlighted based on the Com... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575427 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:30:12 +0100 5575427 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575426&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22208739%26dopt%3DAbstract We presently report on a suite of C(6) to C(15) PFCAs, C(4), C(6), C(8) and C(10) PFSAs, several PFC precursors (e.g. perfluorooctane sulfonamide, PFOSA), and a cyclic perfluorinated acid used in aircraft hydraulic fluid, perfluoroethylcyclohexane sulfonate (PFECHS) in surface water from the Welland River and Lake Niapenco, downstream of the John C. Munro International Airport, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Amphipods, shrimp, and water were sampled from the Welland River and Lake Niapenco, as well as local references. The same suite of PFCs in turtle plasma from Lake Niapenco was compared to those from other southern Ontario sites. PFOS dominated the sum PFCs in all substrates (e.g., >99% in plasma of turtles downstream the Hamilton Airport, and 72.1 to 94.1% at all other sites). PFOS aver... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575426 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:28:52 +0100 5575426 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575425&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22208740%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rodrigues SM, Pereira ME, Duarte AC, Römkens PF Abstract Food chain models are essential tools to assess risks of soil contamination in view of product quality including fodder crops and animal products. Here we link soil to plant transfer (SPT) models for potentially toxic elements (PTEs) including As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb, U and Zn with models describing accumulation in animal organs. Current EU standards for food products and acceptable daily intake levels (ADI) for humans were used as critical limits. The combined model is used to assess the impact of soil contamination on animal health, product quality and human health using data from 100 arable fields. Results indicate that 42 existing arable fields near industrial and mining sites are unsuitable for anima... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575425 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:27:20 +0100 5575425 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575424&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22208741%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Simate GS, Iyuke SE, Ndlovu S, Heydenrych M, Walubita LF Abstract The volume of industrial and domestic wastewater is increasing significantly year by year with the change in the lifestyle based on mass consumption and mass disposal brought about by the dramatic development of economies and industries. Therefore, effective advanced wastewater treatment is required because wastewater contains a variety of constituents such as particles, organic materials, and emulsion depending on the resource. However, residual chemicals that remain during the treatment of wastewaters form a variety of known and unknown by-products through reactions between the chemicals and some pollutants. Chronic exposure to these by-products or residual chemicals through the ingestion of drinking water... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575424 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:25:45 +0100 5575424 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575423&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22208742%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Siddique S, Xian Q, Abdelouahab N, Takser L, Phillips SP, Feng YL, Wang B, Zhu J Abstract Flame retardant dechlorane plus (DP) and several polybrominated diphenylether (PBDE) congeners have been measured in 87 human milk samples collected in two Canadian cities: Kingston and Sherbrooke. The levels of PBDEs in human milk (mean (median), ngg(-1) lipid weight=10 (5.9), 4.1 (2.8), 3.0 (1.6), 5.12 (1.6), and 15 (ND) for BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-100, BDE-153, and BDE-209, respectively) were comparable to those reported in Europe, U.S.A. and China. The levels of DP, with a mean value of 0.98ngg(-1) and a median value of 0.60ngg(-1) (lipid weight), were two to ten times lower than those of concurrently measured major PBDEs including BDE-209. While there is little difference in the leve... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575423 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:24:14 +0100 5575423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575422&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22208743%26dopt%3DAbstract The objective of this research is to link measures of body burden of environmental chemicals and a "holistic" measure of wellness. The approach is demonstrated using biomonitoring data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). Forty-two chemicals were selected for analysis based on their detection levels. Six biological pathway-specific indices were evaluated using groups of chemicals associated with each pathway. Five of the six pathways were negatively associated with wellness. Three non-zero interaction terms were detected which may provide empirical evidence of crosstalk across pathways. The approach identified five of the 42 chemicals from a variety of classes (metals, pesticides, furans, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) as accounting for 71% of the weight ... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575422 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:22:48 +0100 5575422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575421&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22208744%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Larcher S, Delbès G, Robaire B, Yargeau V Abstract The presence of the synthetic estrogen 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) in waters at low levels is a concern due to its ability to act as an endocrine disruptor. Ozone (O(3)) is commonly used in water treatment and reacts with EE2 to form by-products having characteristics that are mostly unknown. The aim of this study was to identify the by-products of E2 and EE2 ozonation and determine their estrogenicity and toxicity relative to the parent compound. Ozonation by-products were identified via LC-MS analysis. The estrogenicity was measured using the YES assay, and toxicity was determined by monitoring effects on histology of fetal rat testes and testosterone secretion by these tissues. Two EE2 by-products were identified with ... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575421 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:21:19 +0100 5575421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575420&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22208745%26dopt%3DAbstract This study considers the implications and research needs arising from anticancer (also referred to as antineoplastic) drugs being released into the aquatic environment, for the entire therapeutic classes used: cytotoxic, cytostatic and endocrine therapy drugs. A categorization approach, based on French consumption amounts, allowed to highlight parent molecules and several metabolites on which further occurrence and ecotoxicological studies should be conducted. Investigations of consumption trends at a national and a local scale show an increase in the use of anticancer drugs between 2004 and 2008, thus leading to increased levels released in the environment. It therefore appears necessary to continue surveying their presence in surface waters and in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) efflue... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575420 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:19:58 +0100 5575420 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575419&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22208746%26dopt%3DAbstract This study investigated the status of contamination of organohalogen compounds (OCs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and brominated flame retardant (BFRs), including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) in human milk samples from several locations in India. The levels of OCs were significantly higher in the milk of mothers living in and near municipal dumping site than other locations indicating that the open dumping sites for municipal wastes act as potential sources of these contaminants in India. The PCB concentrations observed in this study tended to decrease compared to those in the matched locations reported previously, probably due to the restriction of technical PCB usage in India. PBDE levels in human milk were two to three folds lowe... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575419 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:18:41 +0100 5575419 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575418&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22208747%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we investigated the association between ambient nitrogen oxides (NO(x)) and bronchitis or upper airway inflammation. This longitudinal study was conducted in Teplice and Prachatice districts, Czech Republic. Children were followed from birth to 4.5years of age. Data were compiled from medical records at delivery and at follow up, and from self-administered questionnaires from the same two time points. Air pollution monitoring data were used to estimate exposure over five different averaging periods ranging from three to 45days prior to an episode. To quantify the association between exposure and outcome, while accounting for repeated measure correlation we conducted logistic regression analysis using generalized estimating equations. During the first 2years of life, the adju... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575418 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:17:27 +0100 5575418 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575417&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22208748%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Partridge I, Gamkhar S Abstract At Copenhagen, the developed countries agreed to provide up to $100bn per year to finance climate change mitigation and adaptation by developing countries. Projects aimed at cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will need to be evaluated against dual criteria: from the viewpoint of the developed countries they must cut emissions of GHGs at reasonable cost, while host countries will assess their contribution to development, or simply their overall economic benefits. Co-benefits of some types of project will also be of interest to host countries: for example some projects will contribute to reducing air pollution, thus improving the health of the local population. This paper uses a simple damage function methodology to quantify some of the he... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575417 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:16:08 +0100 5575417 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575416&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22208749%26dopt%3DAbstract The objective of this exposure assessment was to reconstruct cumulative historical exposures for workers who have been exposed to multiple chemicals and chemical groups to better understand a cluster of brain cancers within a research and development lab. Chemicals of interest, including acrylates, bis-chloromethyl ether (BCME), chloromethyl methyl ether (CMME), isothiazolones and nitrosoamines, were selected on the basis of the plausibility of penetrating the blood-brain barrier and the uniqueness of the chemical's biological activity. In a complicated exposure setting such as a chemical R&D facility, multiple exposure estimation methods were needed. First, similarly exposure groups (SEGs) were created for these materials based on department group, time period of the department's exis... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575416 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:14:53 +0100 5575416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575415&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22208750%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Giussani A, Risica S Abstract In the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident, a research group of the Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità) carried out two research programmes on maternal milk. One concerned the transfer of caesium radionuclides from the diet to breast milk. In the other, the activity concentrations of (137)Cs were also determined in urine and placenta. The first study estimated the mothers' average (137)Cs dietary intake, in the second study the intake was evaluated individually for each subject. In 2004, the International Commission on Radiological Protection published modified systemic biokinetic models which also account for transfer to breast milk. The model for caesium radionuclides was implemented and t... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575415 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:13:34 +0100 5575415 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575414&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22208751%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide further support for the hypothesis that neighborhood exposure to traffic-related air pollution increases respiratory symptoms and reduces ventilatory function in children, especially those with self-reported asthma. PMID: 22208751 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575414 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:12:22 +0100 5575414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575413&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22208752%26dopt%3DAbstract Comment on "Green Space, health inequality, and pregnancy". Environ Int. 2012 Feb;39(1):133 Authors: Donovan GH, Michael YL, Butry DT, Sullivan AD, Chase JM PMID: 22208752 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575413 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:11:08 +0100 5575413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575412&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22208753%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sychrová E, Stěpánková T, Nováková K, Bláha L, Giesy JP, Hilscherová K Abstract Here is presented some of the first information on interactions of compounds produced by cyanobacteria and green algae with estrogen receptor signaling. Estrogenic potency of aqueous extracts and exudates (culture spent media with extracellular products) of seven species of cyanobacteria (10 different laboratory strains) and two algal species were assessed by use of in vitro trans-activation assays. Compounds produced by cyanobacteria and algae, and in particular those excreted from the cells, were estrogenic. Most exudates were estrogenic with potencies expressed at 50% of the maximum response under control of the estrogen receptor ranging from 0.2 to 7.2ng 17β-estradiol (E(2)) equiva... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575412 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:09:46 +0100 5575412 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575411&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22208754%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: de Wit CA, Björklund JA, Thuresson K Abstract Data on polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) concentrations from Stockholm, Sweden, indoor microenvironments were combined with information from detailed questionnaires regarding the sampling location characteristics, including furnishing and equipment present. These were used to elucidate relationships between possible flame-retarded sources and the contaminant concentrations found in air and dust. Median concentration ranges of ΣPenta-, ΣOcta-, ΣDecaBDE and HBCD from all microenvironments were 19-570, 1.7-280, 29-3200 and <1.6-2pg/m(3) in air and 22-240, 6.1-80, 330-1400 and 45-340ng/g in dust, respectively. Significant correlations were found between concentrations of some PBDEs and H... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575411 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:08:36 +0100 5575411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575410&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22208755%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lapresta-Fernández A, Fernández A, Blasco J PMID: 22208755 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575410 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:07:23 +0100 5575410 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575409&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22208756%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Marchiset-Ferlay N, Savanovitch C, Sauvant-Rochat MP Abstract Arsenic (As) is a ubiquitous element. The current WHO guideline for As in drinking water is 10μg/L. Furthermore, about 130 million people have only access to drinking water containing more than 10gAs/L. Although numerous studies have shown the related adverse effects of As, sensitive appropriate biomarkers are still required for studies of environmental epidemiology. A review of the literature has shown that various biomarkers are used for such research. Their limits and advantages are highlighted in this paper: (i) the detection of As or its derivatives in the blood is an indication of the dose ingested but it is not evidence of chronic intoxication. (ii) The detection of As in urine is an indispensible proced... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575409 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:06:17 +0100 5575409 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575408&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22208757%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ericson Jogsten I, Nadal M, van Bavel B, Lindström G, Domingo JL Abstract A total of 27 per- and polyfluorinated compounds (PFCs) were determined in both house dust (n=10) and indoor air (n=10) from selected homes in Catalonia, Spain. Concentrations were found to be similar or lower than those previously reported for household microenvironments in other countries. Ten PFCs were detected in all house dust samples. The highest mean concentrations corresponded to perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), 10.7ng/g (median: 1.5ng/g) and 10.4ng/g (median: 5.4ng/g), respectively, while the 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH) was the dominating neutral PFC at a concentration of 0.41ng/g (median: 0.35ng/g). The indoor air was dominated by the FTOHs, especially ... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575408 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:04:56 +0100 5575408 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575407&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22208758%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Su PH, Huang PC, Lin CY, Ying TH, Chen JY, Wang SL Abstract We have previously reported on the effects of in utero exposure to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on thyroid function and growth hormone concentrations at birth and in two and five year-old children. Herein, we present our most recent follow-up examination findings for the same cohort of children at eight-years of age. A total of 56 children (23 boys, 33 girls) were examined. Bone age (BA), hormone concentrations, and indicators of reproductive development including Tanner, breast, genital, and armpit stages were assessed. Estradiol concentrations were significantly lower in children exposed to higher levels than median of PCDD/Fs+PCBs TEQ compare... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575407 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:03:39 +0100 5575407 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575406&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22208759%26dopt%3DAbstract This report underscores the importance of further study to validate the results in a random population and to evaluate the use of the identified genes as biomarkers for POP exposure. PMID: 22208759 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575406 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:02:24 +0100 5575406 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575405&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22208760%26dopt%3DAbstract This study focuses on characterising the risk of exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by means of inhalation in people living in the vicinity of the largest chemical production site in the Mediterranean area. Eighty-six VOCs were initially selected for this study based on their adverse environmental and health effects. The monitoring campaign was conducted for 276days in three different locations around the chemical site. The analytical method used for the characterisation was based on European standard method EN-14662-2, which consists of the active sampling of air for 24h in charcoal tubes, followed by extraction with carbon disulphide and GC-MS analysis. Forty-four VOCs with toxicological data available concerning their carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health effects were quan... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575405 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:01:13 +0100 5575405 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5307149&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21982027%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Passuello A, Cadiach O, Perez Y, Schuhmacher M Abstract Sewage sludge amendment on agricultural soils has recently become a practice of heightened interest, as a consequence of sewage sludge production increase. This practice has benefits to soil and crops, however it may also lead to environmental contamination, depending on the characteristics of the fields. In order to define the suitability of the different agricultural fields to receive sewage sludge, a spatial tool is proposed. This tool, elaborated in GIS platform, aggregates different criteria regarding human exposure and environmental contamination. The spatial tool was applied to a case study in the region of Catalonia (NE of Spain). Within the case study, each step of the tool development is detailed. The result... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5307149 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:31:59 +0100 5307149 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5307140&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21982028%26dopt%3DAbstract This study reveals relevant information on the location of arsenic-contaminated private domestic wells in North Carolina and indicates potential areas at increased risk for adverse health outcomes. PMID: 21982028 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5307140 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:31:49 +0100 5307140 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5307132&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21982029%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Benedetti M, Ciaprini F, Piva F, Onorati F, Fattorini D, Notti A, Ausili A, Regoli F Abstract Evaluation of chemical bioavailability and onset of biological alterations is fundamental to assess the hazard of environmental pollutants, particularly when associated to sediments which need to be removed. In the present work, five sediment samples were collected from the Venice Lagoon and data from sediment chemistry were integrated with those of bioaccumulation of chemicals in European eel (Anguilla anguilla) exposed under laboratory conditions, responses of a wide battery of biomarkers, and standardized ecotoxicological bioassays. The overall results were elaborated within a recently developed, software-assisted weight of evidence (WOE) model which provides synthetic indices ... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5307132 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:31:38 +0100 5307132 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5307128&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21982030%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSIONS: In this first cohort study using objective and well-validated RF-EMF exposure measures, we did not observe an association between RF-EMF exposure and non-specific symptoms or tinnitus. PMID: 21982030 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5307128 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:31:28 +0100 5307128 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5307126&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21982031%26dopt%3DAbstract This study describes a sensitivity analysis for the results of the survey. All the children (3-14years) living in the area were surveyed through a parental questionnaire (n=3854) and their addresses were geocoded. The distances from each child's home and school to the closest industry were combined, weighted and used as an indicator of exposure. A sensitivity analysis was performed to check 1) the robustness of the results to the choice of weights used for defining the exposure indicator, 2) the effect of outliers on risk estimates and 3) the sensitivity on the functional form used for modeling the dose-response function. The choice of the weights did not influence the association between proximity to the industries and respiratory symptoms. Excluding the subjects who lived far away from t... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5307126 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:31:18 +0100 5307126 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5307125&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21982032%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Andra SS, Makris KC, Shine JP, Lu C Abstract A fast-growing bottled water market is occasionally challenged by reports calling for contaminant leaching from water-contact materials (plastics). Our focus was on leaching of antimony (Sb) and brominated compounds expressed by total soluble bromine (Br) measurements, including those of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE). Studies are lacking on concomitant leaching of two or more inorganic plastic constituents from the same bottle. A market-representative basket survey of bottled water was initiated in Boston, USA supermarkets. Bottled water classes sampled were: i) non-carbonated (NCR), ii) carbonated (CR), and iii) non-carbonated and enriched (NCRE). Plastic bottle materials sampled were: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5307125 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:31:08 +0100 5307125 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5307124&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21982033%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Arrebola JP, Mutch E, Rivero M, Choque A, Silvestre S, Olea N, Ocaña-Riola R, Mercado LA Abstract The organochlorine pesticide p,p'-Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) was widely used in the early 1960s-70s for vector control in tropical and subtropical areas of South America. Due to its persistence, DDT has a high potential to bioaccumulate in the food chain and living organisms and is a major public health concern, especially in South America. The main purpose of the present study was to investigate predictors of serum and adipose tissue concentrations of p,p'-DDT and its main metabolite, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE), in an adult cohort (n=112) from Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, using multiple linear regression models. These models explained 29... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5307124 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:30:57 +0100 5307124 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5307123&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21982034%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Black RR, Meyer CP, Touati A, Gullett BK, Fiedler H, Mueller JF Abstract The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants includes in its aims the minimisation of unintentional releases of polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDF) and dioxin like PCB (dl-PCB) to the environment. Development and implementation of policies to achieve this aim require accurate national inventories of releases of PCDD/PCDF/dl-PCB. To support this objective, the Conference of Parties established a process to review and update the UNEP Standardized Toolkit for Identification and Quantification of Dioxin and Furan Releases. An assessment of all emission inventories was that for many countries open burning of biomass and waste was identified as the major source of PCDD... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5307123 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:30:46 +0100 5307123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5307122&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21982035%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Feo ML, Eljarrat E, Manaca MN, Dobaño C, Barcelo D, Sunyer J, Alonso PL, Menendez C, Grimalt JO Abstract Presence of pyrethroid insecticides in human breast milk and in thatch wall material of dwellings from Southern Africa subtropical area (Manhiça, Mozambique) was investigated to assess potential pyrethroid route of human exposure. Human breast milk samples were collected during 2002 when pyrethroids were widely used as insecticides for mosquito bed nets in Mozambique for malaria control. The median concentration value of total pyrethroids ranged between 87 and 1200ng/glw, with λ-cyhalothrin being the most predominant pyrethroid in human breast milk contributing for 35% of the total amount. Moreover, and for the first time, an isomer-specific enrichment was found in h... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5307122 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:30:36 +0100 5307122 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5307121&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21982036%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Shen H, Henkelmann B, Rambeck WA, Mayer R, Wehr U, Schramm KW Abstract Pigs accidentally given feed contaminated by dioxin-like pollutants are a serious public health issue. We have examined whether pigs with limited exposure during early periods of fattening would be categorized as non-compliant with the EU limit at slaughtering when growth-dilution, excretion and metabolism effects are considered. Sixteen female and sixteen castrated male weaned pigs were divided into four groups (e.g. DG0, DG1, DG2 and DG3) in week 2 after birth. From weeks 3 to 13, groups DG1, DG2, and DG3 pigs were fed with a polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixture at dosages of 1, 10 and 100ng-toxic equivalent (TEQ) per kg dry mass feed in cap... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5307121 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:30:25 +0100 5307121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5307120&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21982037%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSION: In the setting of exposure to high levels of dioxins, maternal blood levels of PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs are associated with lower birth weight in Yusho patients. The association exhibited gender-specific differences, as male infants are more susceptible than females to growth restriction induced by in utero dioxin exposures. PMID: 21982037 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5307120 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:30:14 +0100 5307120 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5214911&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21890207%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lindahl P, Andersen MB, Keith-Roach M, Worsfold P, Hyeong K, Choi MS, Lee SH Abstract Historical (239)Pu activity concentrations and (240)Pu/(239)Pu atom ratios were determined in skeletons of dated modern corals collected from three locations (Chuuk Lagoon, Ishigaki Island and Iki Island) to identify spatial and temporal variations in Pu inputs to the Northwest Pacific Ocean. The main Pu source in the Northwest Pacific is fallout from atmospheric nuclear weapons testing which consists of global fallout and close-in fallout from the former US Pacific Proving Grounds (PPG) in the Marshall Islands. PPG close-in fallout dominated the Pu input in the 1950s, as was observed with higher (240)Pu/(239)Pu atom ratios (>0.30) at the Ishigaki site. Specific fallout Pu contaminatio... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5214911 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5214911 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5170339&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21864910%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Domingo JL Abstract Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) form a diverse group of chemicals with surface-active properties manufactured for over 50years. In recent years, a number of studies have reported the ubiquitous distribution of PFCs in human tissues and wildlife. Although the relative importance of the routes of human exposure to these compounds is not well established yet, it has been suggested that food intake and packaging, water, house dust, and airborne are all potentially significant sources. However, dietary intake is probably the main route of exposure to these compounds, including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), the most extensively investigated PFCs. This paper reviews the state of the science regarding the concentrations of ... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5170339 Sun, 21 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5170339 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5170341&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21862133%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sirés I, Brillas E Abstract In the last years, the decontamination and disinfection of waters by means of direct or integrated electrochemical processes are being considered as a very appealing alternative due to the significant improvement of the electrode materials and the coupling with low-cost renewable energy sources. Many electrochemical technologies are currently available for the remediation of waters contaminated by refractory organic pollutants such as pharmaceutical micropollutants, whose presence in the environment has become a matter of major concern. Recent reviews have focused on the removal of pharmaceutical residues upon the application of other important methods like ozonation and advanced oxidation processes. Here, we present an overview on the electroc... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5170341 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5170341 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5170340&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21862134%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Guerra P, Alaee M, Jiménez B, Pacepavicius G, Marvin C, Macinnis G, Eljarrat E, Barceló D, Champoux L, Fernie K Abstract Comparisons of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in the eggs of peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) recently collected (2003-2007), are made between Canada (N=12) and Spain (N=13). Overall, concentrations of sum (Σ) polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs; 16 di-deca-BDE congeners) exceeded Σhexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and were an order of magnitude higher than 2,2'4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl (BB-153)>hexachlorocyclopentenyl-dibromocyclooctane (HCBDCO)>1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE)>decabromodiphenylethane (DBDPE)>octabromotrimethylphenyllindane (OBIND)>hexabromobenzene (HBB)>bis(2-ethyl-1hexyl)tetrabromophthalate (B... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5170340 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5170340 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5147121&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21855147%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dutta SK, Mitra PS, Ghosh S, Zang S, Sonneborn D, Hertz-Picciotto I, Trnovec T, Palkovicova L, Sovcikova E, Ghimbovschi S, Hoffman EP Abstract The goal of the present study is to understand the probable molecular mechanism of toxicities and the associated pathways related to observed pathophysiology in high PCB-exposed populations. We have performed a microarray-based differential gene expression analysis of children (mean age 46.1months) of Central European descent from Slovak Republic in a well-defined study cohort. The subset of children having high blood PCB concentrations (>75 percentile) were compared against their low PCB counterparts (<25 percentile), with mean lipid-adjusted PCB values of 3.02±1.3 and 0.06±0.03ng/mg of serum lipid, for the two groups, resp... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5147121 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5147121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5147120&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21856002%26dopt%3DAbstract The objective of the present study was to evaluate cutaneous and garlic odor of the breath signs and sentinel symptoms of Se toxicity (selenosis) in relation to Se status in communities along the Tapajós River. Participants (N=448), aged 15-87years, were recruited from 12 communities. Se concentrations were measured in blood (B-Se) and plasma (P-Se) by ICP-MS. A nurse performed an examination of the hair, nails, skin and breath for signs of Se toxicity. Interview-administered questionnaires were used to collect information on socio-demographics, medical history and possible symptoms of Se toxicity. In this population, the median levels of B-Se and P-Se were 228.4μg/L (range 103.3-1500.2μg/L) and 134.8μg/L (range 53.6-913.2μg/L) respectively. Although B-Se and P-Se surpassed concentrat... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5147120 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5147120 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5136945&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21835469%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSION: Using both a cross-sectional and a prospective design, low-dose exposure to less chlorinated PCBs, p,p'-DDE, and dioxin, were associated with existence or development of abdominal obesity, while highly chlorinated PCBs had an opposite association in an elderly population, despite the previous observation of higher incident diabetes associated with these same PCBs. PMID: 21835469 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5136945 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5136945 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5136946&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21831441%26dopt%3DAbstract This study physically characterised combustion particles collected in a church during services. In addition, the emissions from five types of candles and two types of incense were investigated using a combustion chamber. The plasmid scission assay was used to determine the oxidative capacities of these church particles. The corresponding risk factor (CRf) was derived from the emission factor (Ef) and the oxidative DNA damage, and used to evaluate the relative respiratory exposure risks. Real-time PM measurements in the church during candle-incense burning services showed that the levels (91.6μg/m(3) for PM(10); 38.9μg/m(3) for PM(2.5)) exceeded the European Union (EU) air quality guidelines. The combustion chamber testing, using the same environmental conditions, showed that the incense ... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5136946 Sun, 07 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5136946 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5136948&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21824657%26dopt%3DAbstract This study was based on a cohort of births (N=8246) that occurred in a major university hospital in Barcelona, Spain, during 2001-2005. We determined surrounding greenness from satellite retrievals as the average of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in a buffer of 100m around each maternal place of residence. To address proximity to major green spaces, a binary variable was used to indicate whether maternal residential address is situated within a buffer of 500m from boundaries of a major green space. For each indicator of green exposure, linear regression models were constructed to estimate change in outcomes adjusted for relevant covariates including individual and area level SEP. None of the indicators of green exposure was associated with birth weight and gestational age. A... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5136948 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5136948 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5136947&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21824658%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSION: Whatever method used for estimating selenium intake, the selenium level in this studied area with high selenium concentrated drinking water is much lower than in seleniferous areas. PMID: 21824658 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5136947 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5136947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5136949&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21821291%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSION: After being adjusted for a number of relevant confounders, it could be concluded that high PLEA might result in an increase in the incidence rate of brain cancer resulting from high lead exposures. PMID: 21821291 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5136949 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5136949 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5136950&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21820740%26dopt%3DAbstract We report on the levels of selected POPs in maternal blood of 155 delivering women residing in seven regions within the São Paulo State, Brazil. The following selected POPs were measured in the maternal whole blood: 12 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) congeners (IUPAC Nos. 99, 101, 118, 138, 153, 156, 163, 170, 180, 183, 187, 194); dichlordiphenyltrichloroethane p,p'-DDT, diphenyldichloroethylene p,p'-DDE and other pesticides such as hexachlorocyclohexanes (α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), chlordane derivatives cis-chlordane, trans-chlordane, oxy-chlordane, cis-nonachlor and trans-nonachlor. Statistical comparisons between regions were performed only on compounds having concentrations above LOD in 70% of the samples. PCB118 congener was found to be highest in the industri... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5136950 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5136950 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4945431&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21665053%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kustov LM, Finashina ED, Shuvalova EV, Tkachenko OP, Kirichenko OA A series of chitosan-stabilized Pd-NZVI (nano-zero-valent-iron) catalysts for dechlorination with variation in their composition and in the nature of the polymer has been prepared. The synthesis proceduresand palladium and chitosan contents were optimized. It was demonstrated by the XPS method that Fe and Pd in Fe-Pd/chitosan samples exist in the metallic state. The positive shift of the binding energy as compared with the bulk metal shows that the iron metal in the surface layers exists as very small nanoparticles. The prepared materials were characterized also by the XAS method. The presence of O and N atoms in the first coordination shell of the central Fe atom in the Fe-Pd/chitosan samples certifies the bin... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4945431 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 22:15:20 +0100 4945431 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4945430&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21665054%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kustov AL, Tkachenko OP, Kustov LM, Romanovsky BV Novel catalytic nano-sized materials based on LaCoO(x) perovskite nanoparticles incapsulated in the mesoporous matrix of zirconia were prepared, characterized by physicochemical methods and tested in complete methanol oxidation. LaCoO(x) nanoparticles were prepared inside the mesopores of ZrO(2) by decomposition of bimetallic La-Co glycine precursor complexes. The catalysts have been studied by diffuse-reflectance FTIR-spectroscopy using such probe molecules as CO, CD(3)CN and CDCl(3) to test low-coordinated metal ions. At low temperatures of decomposition of complexes (up to 400°C), low-coordinated Co(3+) ions predominate in the LaCoO(x) nanoparticles, whereas basically Co(2+) ions are found upon increasing the decomposition ... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4945430 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 22:15:13 +0100 4945430 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4945432&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21664693%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, PBDEs were found for the first time in human semen samples (n=101) from Taizhou, China. The concentrations of total PBDEs (∑PBDEs) varied from 15.8 to 86.8pg/g ww (median=31.3pg/g ww) and 53.2 to 121pg/g ww (median=72.3pg/g ww) in semen and blood samples, respectively. The ∑PBDE level in semen was about two times lower than in human blood, which was different in the distribution in the two matrices from other POPs. A correlation of ∑PBDE concentration was found between paired semen and in blood. The results suggest that semen could be used to detect PBDE burden in human body as a non-invasive matrix. In addition, the levels of BDE-209 and BDE-153, especially the latter, were much higher in blood than in semen, while the levels of BDE-28, BDE-47 and BDE-99 were comparab... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4945432 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4945432 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4945433&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21658770%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Carrasco L, Benejam L, Benito J, Bayona JM, Díez S The low Ebro River basin (NE Spain) represents a particular case of chronic and long-term mercury pollution due to the presence of an industrial waste (up to 436μg/g of Hg) coming from a chlor-alkali plant Albeit high total mercury (THg) levels have been previously described in several aquatic species from the surveyed area, methylmercury (MeHg) values in fish individuals have never been reported. Accordingly, in order to investigate bioaccumulation patterns at different levels of the aquatic food web of such polluted area, crayfish and various fish species, were analysed for THg and MeHg content. At the hot spot, THg mean values of crayfish muscle tissue and hepatopancreas were 10 and 15 times, respectively, greater than th... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4945433 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4945433 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4894668&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21632110%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Li G, Sun GX, Williams PN, Nunes L, Zhu YG Even moderate arsenic exposure may lead to health problems, and thus quantifying inorganic arsenic (iAs) exposure from food for different population groups in China is essential. By analyzing the data from the China National Nutrition and Health Survey (CNNHS) and collecting reported values of iAs in major food groups, we developed a framework of calculating average iAs daily intake for different regions of China. Based on this framework, cancer risks from iAs in food was deterministically and probabilistically quantified. The article presents estimates for health risk due to the ingestion of food products contaminated with arsenic. Both per individual and for total population estimates were obtained. For the total population, daily i... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4894668 Sun, 29 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4894668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4894669&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21624662%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Heinemann JA, Kurenbach B, Quist D Assessing the risks of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is required by both international agreement and domestic legislation. Many view the use of the "omics" tools for profiling classes of molecules as useful in risk assessment, but no consensus has formed on the need or value of these techniques for assessing the risks of all GMOs. In this and many other cases, experts support case-by-case use of molecular profiling techniques for risk assessment. We review the latest research on the applicability and usefulness of molecular profiling techniques for GMO risk assessment. As more and more kinds of GMOs and traits are developed, broader use of molecular profiling in a risk assessment may be required to supplement the comparative approach ... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4894669 Fri, 27 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4894669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4894670&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21621844%26dopt%3DAbstract We describe the reported measurement methods for DP and provide an integrated picture of its occurrence and behavior as an environmental contaminant. DP in ambient air and sediments is characterized by strong source related concentration elevations and temporal trends reflecting commercial use. Long-range atmospheric transportation of DP has been observed in remote regions, indicating a global presence of DP. Levels of DP in biota and in humans further reinforce its source related distribution. The change in DP isomer ratio in various environmental matrices from commercial products indicates that the behavior of the two isomers is not the same in the environment or in biota. With only limited data available so far, the biomagnification of DP in aquatic biota has not been conclusively demon... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4894670 Thu, 26 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4894670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4894672&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21620473%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hunt A, Crawford JA, Rosenbaum PF, Abraham JL The Syracuse, NY, AUDIT (Assessment of Urban Dwellings for Indoor Toxics) study was designed to quantify asthma agent levels in the inner-city homes of a birth cohort whose mothers had a diagnosis of asthma. Risk of exposure to particulate matter (PM), particle number and tobacco smoke was assessed in 103 infants' homes. Repeat measurements were made in 44% of the homes. Infants also were examined on a quarterly basis during the first year of life to monitor their respiratory health and urine cotinine levels. Overall geometric mean (GM) values for PM(2.5) of 21.2μg/m(3) and for PM(10) of 31.8μg/m(3) were recorded in homes at visit 1. GM values for PM(2.5) and PM(10) in smoking homes were higher at 26.3 and 37.7μg/m(3), while val... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4894672 Tue, 24 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4894672 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4894671&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21620474%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Liu J, Li J, Liu Y, Chan HM, Zhao Y, Cai Z, Wu Y Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are worldwide present in the environment and the general population. Animal studies have shown developmental toxicity of these compounds. To investigate the PFCs exposure of neonates from mother during gestation and lactation, we analyzed twelve PFCs in matched maternal serum, cord serum and breast milk samples collected from 50 pairs of women and their newborns between June and July 2009 in Jinhu, China. Eight PFCs were detected in serum samples, and five of them were also detectable in breast milk. A significant intercorrelation between PFCs concentrations in matched maternal serum, cord serum and breast milk was observed (p<0.01, r=0.435-0.911). The median partition ratio was from 0.39:1 (PF... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4894671 Tue, 24 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4894671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4894673&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21612825%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fridén UE, McLachlan MS, Berger U Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are large production volume chemicals used in a wide variety of commercial applications. They are ubiquitous in the environment and humans. Human exposure via the indoor environment has, however, been barely investigated. In the present study 44 indoor air and six dust samples from apartments in Stockholm, Sweden, were analyzed for CPs, and indoor air concentrations are reported for the first time. The sumCP concentration (short chain CPs (SCCPs) and medium chain CPs (MCCPs)) in air ranged from <5-210ngm(-3) as quantified by gas chromatography coupled to electron ionization tandem mass spectrometry (GC/EI-MS/MS). Congener group patterns were studied using GC with electron capture negative ionization MS (GC/ECNI-... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4894673 Sun, 22 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4894673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4894674&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21601922%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang P, Tian Y, Wang XJ, Gao Y, Shi R, Wang GQ, Hu GH, Shen XM Although pesticide use is widespread in China, little is known about levels of exposure to organophosphate pesticides in the population and its potential adverse health effects. We investigated levels of organophosphate exposure in pregnant women and the association between organophosphate exposure and perinatal outcomes in Shanghai, China, by enrolling 187 healthy pregnant women between September 2006 and January 2007. Pesticide exposure was assessed by a questionnaire administered to the mothers in the hospital after delivery as well as by analyses of maternal urinary nonspecific metabolites of organophosphate pesticides (dimethyl and diethyl phosphates). Information on birth weight and length was collected from ... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4894674 Thu, 19 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4894674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4894675&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21601283%26dopt%3DAbstract This study aimed to evaluate the contamination status and human burden of PCP and its impurities (PCDD/Fs) in China, considering the previous epidemic and re-emergence of schistosomiasis. We searched studies relevant to PCP occurrence in the environment and in humans in China. Data on snail elimination areas were included to estimate PCP consumption. Relevant publications were analyzed to distinguish PCDD/Fs contamination from PCP usage. PCP contamination was detected ubiquitously in various environmental media and in human samples; environmental levels were generally low, with the exception of some hot spots. In schistosomiasis-epidemic areas, there were significantly higher PCP levels in the environment and in humans than in control areas. Spatial disparities indicated the consistency be... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4894675 Wed, 18 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4894675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4894677&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21600653%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Li P, Feng X, Qiu G, Shang L, Wang S To evaluate the environmental impacts from large scale mercury mining (LSMM) and artisanal mercury mining (AMM), total mercury (THg) and methyl mercury (MeHg) were determined in mine waste, ambient air, stream water and soil samples collected from Wuchuan mercury (Hg) mining area, Guizhou, Southwestern China. Mine wastes from both LSMM and AMM contained high THg concentrations, which are important Hg contamination sources to the local environment. Total gaseous mercury (TGM) concentrations in the ambient air near AMM furnaces were highly elevated, which indicated that AMM retorting is a major source of Hg emission. THg concentrations in the stream water varied from 43 to 2100ng/L, where the elevated values were mainly found in the vicinity ... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4894677 Tue, 17 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4894677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4894676&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21600654%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Harada KH, Hitomi T, Niisoe T, Takanaka K, Kamiyama S, Watanabe T, Moon CS, Yang HR, Hung NN, Koizumi A Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has recently attracted attention as a potential health risk following environmental contamination. However, information detailing exposure to perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) other than PFOA is limited. We measured the concentrations of PFCAs (from perfluorohexanoic acid to perfluorotetradecanoic acid) in serum samples obtained from patients in Japan (Sendai, Takayama, Kyoto and Osaka) between 2002 and 2009, Korea (Busan and Seoul) between 1994 and 2008 and Vietnam (Hanoi) in 2007/2008. Total PFCA levels (geometric mean) were increased from 8.9ngmL(-1) to 10.3ngmL(-1) in Japan; from 7.0ngmL(-1) to 9.2ngmL(-1) in Korea; and were estimated ... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4894676 Tue, 17 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4894676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795864&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21536332%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang T, Khim JS, Chen C, Naile JE, Lu Y, Kannan K, Park J, Luo W, Jiao W, Hu W, Giesy JP Inclusion of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) in the Stockholm Convention because of its exemptions, has resulted in increased annual production of PFOS-containing chemicals in China to accommodate domestic and overseas demands. Accordingly, concern about environmental contamination with perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), such as PFOS, has arisen. However, little information is available on the status and trends in the distribution, sources or risk of PFCs in aquatic environments of China. In the present study, forty two surface water samples collected from five regions with different levels of industrialization were monitored for concentrations of PFCs by use of solid phase extraction and L... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795864 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4795864 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795865&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21531026%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gałuszka A, Migaszewski ZM, Manecki P Obsolete pesticides were stored in Poland from the middle sixties until the late eighties of the 20th century mostly in underground disposal sites, called "pesticide burial grounds" or "pesticide tombs". The total amount of pesticide waste and packaging materials disposed of in these landfills exceeded 20000Mg. Typically, the content of a pesticide tomb was dominated by organochlorine pesticides (comprising 10-100% of the total waste volume) with DDT as the prevailing compound. Other pesticide types, such as phosphoroorganic, carbamate insecticides, dinitrophenols, phenoxyacids, and inorganic compounds were stored in smaller quantities, usually not exceeding 10-20% of the total waste volume. With the growing awareness of the threats that ... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795865 Thu, 28 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4795865 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795866&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21531025%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Deng B, Zhang J, Zhang L, Jiang Y, Zhou J, Fang D, Zhang H, Huang H Sixty breast milk samples were collected in Shenzhen, China from July to November in 2007. The samples were analyzed of the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The range of upper-bound for ∑TEQ-(PCDD/Fs+PCBs) in the samples was 4.10-35.3pgTEQg(-1) lipid (median: 10.6pgTEQg(-1) lipid; mean: 11.9pgTEQg(-1) lipid). The levels of the measured contaminants in the breast milk had significant correlations with the length of inhabitation period in Shenzhen (r=0.487, p<0.05 for PCDD/Fs, r=0.431, p<0.05 for PCBs and r=0.478, p<0.05 for ∑TEQ-(PCDD/Fs+PCBs)), and the consumption rate of fish (r=0.366, p<0.0... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795866 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4795866 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795869&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21529946%26dopt%3DAbstract The objective of this study was to develop a sensitive analytical method to quantify nC(60) in water, using accurate mass screening liquid chromatography-hybrid linear ion trap Orbitrap mass spectrometry. nC(60) can be transformed by oxidation, reduction and photochemical reaction. Therefore, the formation of some transformation products of nC(60) was studied as well. Finally, the developed analytical method was applied to surface water samples from several locations in the Netherlands. The developed method enabled to detect and quantify aqueous concentrations of the summed nC(60) and its transformation products as low as 5ng/L. It was observed that nC(60) transformation products exceed quantities of the parent C(60). Despite the high sensitivity of the developed method, no nC(60) or trans... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795869 Tue, 26 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4795869 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795868&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21529947%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Muñoz-Arnanz J, Sáez M, Hiraldo F, Baos R, Pacepavicius G, Alaee M, Jiménez B The occurrence of the emerging chlorinated flame retardant Dechlorane Plus (DP) and three of its possible degradation products was investigated in white stork eggs from two colonies in Spain. The average DP concentrations were 401pg/g wet weight (w.w.) for the urban/industrial colony and 105pg/g w.w. for the rural colony. One possible degradation product, anti-[DP-1Cl], was found in approximately 10% of the samples. No significant stereoisomer enrichments were detected in any colony based on the average anti-DP fractional abundances found which agrees with previous studies in herring gulls. The relationship between DP and PBDE contents in both colonies was explored leading to different scenarios, ... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795868 Tue, 26 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4795868 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795867&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21529948%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gebbink WA, Letcher RJ, Burgess NM, Champoux L, Elliott JE, Hebert CE, Martin P, Wayland M, Weseloh DV, Wilson L In the present study, we identified and examined the spatial trends, sources and dietary relationships of bioaccumulative perfluorinated sulfonate (PFSA; C(6), C(8), and C(10) chain lengths) and carboxylate (PFCA; C(6) to C(15) chain lengths) contaminants, as well as precursor compounds including several perfluorinated sulfonamides, and fluorotelomer acids and alcohols, in individual eggs (collected in 2008) from four gull species [glaucous-winged (Larus glaucescens), California (Larus californicus), ring-billed (Larus delawarensis) and herring (Larus argentatus) gulls] from 15 marine and freshwater colony sites in provinces across Canada. The pattern of PFSAs was d... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795867 Tue, 26 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4795867 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795872&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21524795%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Li Z, Sjödin A, Romanoff LC, Horton K, Fitzgerald CL, Eppler A, Aguilar-Villalobos M, Naeher LP Burning biomass fuels such as wood on indoor open-pit stoves is common in developing regions. In such settings, exposure to harmful combustion products such as fine particulate matter (PM(2.5)), carbon monoxide (CO) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is of concern. We aimed to investigate if the replacement of open pit stoves by improved stoves equipped with a chimney would significantly reduce exposure to PAHs, PM(2.5) and CO. Two stove projects were evaluated in Peru. Program A was part of the Juntos National Program in which households built their own stoves using materials provided. In Program B, Barrick Gold Corporation hired a company to produce and install the stove... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795872 Sun, 24 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4795872 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795871&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21524796%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Peijnenburg W PMID: 21524796 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795871 Sun, 24 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4795871 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795870&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21524797%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Liu L, Bao H, Liu F, Zhang J, Shen H Phthalates are suspected of having adverse effects on androgen-regulated reproductive development in animals and may be toxic for human sperm. The purposes of our study were to investigate the general exposure of a Chinese reproductive age cohort to these ubiquitous pollutants and to assess their potential effect on semen quality. Six phthalate metabolites, monomethyl phthalate (MMP), monoethyl phthalate (MEP), monobutyl phthalate (MBP), monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP), mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), and mono-2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl phthalate (MEOHP) were measured in spot urines of 150 individuals recruited from a Chongqing, China, reproductive institute. The questionnaire and clinical data were evaluated, and the correlations of phthalate expo... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795870 Sun, 24 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4795870 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795873&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21511339%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fan R, Wang D, Mao C, Ou S, Lian Z, Huang S, Lin Q, Ding R, She J Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous air pollutants generated mainly from incomplete combustion such as automobile exhaust and cigarette smoke. Oxidative stress is believed to be involved in carcinogenesis, and urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was used as the biomarker to assess such DNA damage. The children's urinary PAH metabolite (OH-PAHs) level were explored in Guangzhou and their associations with 8-OHdG. Two groups of subjects were selected: (1) one group (n=39, 6-7years old) from an elementary school situated near a heavy traffic road (polluted area) and (2) another group (n=35, 4-6years old) from a kindergarten situated in a corner of the main campus of a big university (non... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795873 Mon, 18 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4795873 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795874&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21507485%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Figueira E, Lima A, Branco D, Quintino V, Rodrigues AM, Freitas R Commercial and recreational harvesting of shellfish within the coastal systems is usually very extensive. Since these ecosystems are frequently subjected to contamination, namely from agricultural, urban and industrial activities, and shellfish generally display a high capacity to bioaccumulate metals, populations may be at risk in terms of toxic metal exposure as a consequence of the harvesting and ingestion of near shore coastal marine organisms. Shellfish is regularly tested for concentrations of metals and other contaminants by legal authorities for commercial purposes, but although health officials use total metal as standards of food safety, only a part of the metal accumulated in shellfish is available to... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795874 Sun, 17 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4795874 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795875&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21497907%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Flynn K PMID: 21497907 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795875 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4795875 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795876&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21497401%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSION: This study confirms the excess occurrence of cancer in workers in abattoirs and meat processing plants, butchers, and meatcutters, previously reported in this cohort and other similar cohorts worldwide. Large nested case-control studies are now needed to examine which specific occupational and non-occupational exposures are responsible for the excess. There is now sufficient evidence for steps to be taken to protect workers from carcinogenic exposures at the workplace. There are also serious implications for the general population which may also be exposed to some of these viruses. PMID: 21497401 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795876 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4795876 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795877&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21496926%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSIONS: The reviewed studies were methodologically diverse concerning noise exposure assessment, BP measurement, study design and control for confounders. In spite of this, they indicate a tendency toward positive association between noise exposure and children's blood pressure. We recommended strategies that might help researchers adopt similar procedures when measuring BP in future field studies. PMID: 21496926 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795877 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4795877 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795878&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21489634%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bittner M, Macikova P, Giesy JP, Hilscherova K Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in freshwaters is present at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 50mgL(-1), and consists of various organic compounds, including humic substances (HS). HS exert a variety of direct and indirect biological effects, including interaction with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). AhR is a cytosolic receptor that binds various hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) and mediates some of their toxic effects. In vitro effects of binary mixtures of various DOM (mainly HS) with various HOCs on AhR-mediated responses were studied by use of H4IIE-luc cells. Six out of 12 DOM activated the AhR even at environmentally relevant concentrations (17mgL(-1)). In simultaneous exposures of H4IIE-luc cells to DOM (17mgL(-1)... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795878 Sun, 10 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4795878 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795879&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21482435%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Höss S, Claus E, Von der Ohe PC, Brinke M, Güde H, Heininger P, Traunspurger W Soft sediments are often highly polluted as many of the toxic chemicals introduced into surface waters bind to settling particles. The resulting accumulation of pollutants in the sediments poses a risk for benthic communities. However, pollution induced changes in benthic communities have been difficult to determine when using macro-invertebrates as bioindicators, as these organisms are often absent in soft sediment. The present study therefore examined the ability of meiofaunal organisms, specifically, nematodes, to assess the ecological status of soft sediments. Over a 9-year period, nematode communities present in sediments collected from large rivers and lake Constance in Germany were studied.... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795879 Fri, 08 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4795879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795883&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21481471%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Thomas PJ, Mineau P, Shore RF, Champoux L, Martin PA, Wilson LK, Fitzgerald G, Elliott JE Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) are widely used to control rodent pests but exposure and poisonings occur in non-target species, such as birds of prey. Liver residues are often analysed to detect exposure in birds found dead but their use to assess toxicity of SGARs is problematic. We analysed published data on hepatic rodenticide residues and associated symptoms of anticoagulant poisoning from 270 birds of prey using logistic regression to estimate the probability of toxicosis associated with different liver SGAR residues. We also evaluated exposure to SGARs on a national level in Canada by analysing 196 livers from great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) and red-tailed... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795883 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4795883 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795882&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21481472%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Taylor J, Lai KM, Davies M, Clifton D, Ridley I, Biddulph P With a changing climate and increased urbanisation, the occurrence and the impact of flooding is expected to increase significantly. Floods can bring pathogens into homes and cause lingering damp and microbial growth in buildings, with the level of growth and persistence dependent on the volume and chemical and biological content of the flood water, the properties of the contaminating microbes, and the surrounding environmental conditions, including the restoration time and methods, the heat and moisture transport properties of the envelope design, and the ability of the construction material to sustain the microbial growth. The public health risk will depend on the interaction of these complex processes and the vulne... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795882 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4795882 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795881&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21481473%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Janssens TK, Giesen D, Mariën J, van Straalen NM, van Gestel CA, Roelofs D In order to clarify the mechanisms of reproductive toxicity in a QSAR approach, the transcriptional signatures upon the 2day exposure to the 28days EC(50) of a series of increasingly chlorinated aniline compounds and 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorobenzene were measured in Folsomia candida. In general, the transcriptional patterns associated with all compounds revealed toxicity at the cellular membranes and hence components of narcosis type I, but a principal component analysis revealed a deviating response by the pentachloroaniline and 2,3,5,6-tetrachloroaniline exposure. Moreover the expression of a subset of mainly biotransformation related genes showed a significant relationship with the logK(ow,) which stresse... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795881 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4795881 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795880&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21481936%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhang W, Liu Y, Zhang H, Dai J Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), a synthetic perfluorinated carboxylic acid and fluorosurfactant, is a known environmental contaminant found in people and wildlife. To understand the hepatotoxicity mechanism of PFNA, male zebrafish (n=200) were exposed to differing concentrations of PFNA (0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0mg/L) for 180days. A two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2-D DIGE) approach coupled with MALDI-TOF-MS/MS analysis was employed to detect and identify the differential expressed proteins. A total of 57 proteins were successfully identified and categorized into functional classes that included metabolism (amino acid metabolism, TCA cycle and pyruvate metabolism, gluconeogenesis and glycolysis, protein metabolism and modification, and ... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795880 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4795880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795884&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21477864%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, 14 phthalate metabolites were analyzed in 183 urine samples collected in 2010 from Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Qiqihaer, China. Phthalate metabolites were found in all urine samples and their total concentrations ranged from 18.6 to 3160ng/mL (median: 331ng/mL). Mono-n-butyl phthalate (mBP) and mono-2-isobutyl phthalate (miBP) were the major metabolites found in urine, and their respective median concentrations were 61.2 and 51.7ng/mL; concentrations of miBP were higher than the concentrations reported for other countries, to date. Based on the urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites, we estimated the daily intake rates in the Chinese population. The estimated daily intakes of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in Ch... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795884 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4795884 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795885&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21474182%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Shaw BJ, Handy RD The use of nanoscale materials is growing exponentially, but there are also concerns about the environmental hazard to aquatic biota. Metal-containing engineered nanoparticles (NPs) are an important group of these new materials, and are often made of one metal (e.g., Cu-NPs and Ag-NPs), metal oxides (e.g., ZnO and TiO(2) NPs), or composite of several metals. The physiological effects and toxicity of trace metals in the traditional dissolved form are relatively well known and the overall aim of this review was to use our existing conceptual framework of metal toxicity in fish to compare and contrast the effects of nanometals. Conceptually, there are some fundamental differences that relate to bioavailability and uptake. The chemistry and behaviour of nanometal... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795885 Mon, 04 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4795885 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4685282&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21470681%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ghosh S, Zang S, Mitra PS, Ghimbovschi S, Hoffman EP, Dutta SK Several reports have indicated that low level of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure can adversely affect a multitude of physiological disorders and diseases in in vitro, in vivo, and as reported in epidemiological studies. This investigation is focused on the possible contribution of two most prevalent PCB congeners in vitro in developing toxicities. We used PCBs 138 and 153 at the human equivalence level as model agents to test their specificity in developing toxicities. We chose a global approach using oligonucleotide microarray technology to investigate modulated gene expression for biological effects, upon exposure of PCBs, followed by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), to understand the underlying conseque... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4685282 Sun, 03 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4685282 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4685281&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21470682%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Asante KA, Adu-Kumi S, Nakahiro K, Takahashi S, Isobe T, Sudaryanto A, Devanathan G, Clarke E, Ansa-Asare OD, Dapaah-Siakwan S, Tanabe S Human exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) was evaluated in Ghana using breast milk samples collected in 2004 and 2009. Mean levels and ranges of PBDEs (4.5; 0.86-18ng/g lw) and PCBs (62; 15-160ng/g lw) observed in the present study were unexpectedly high, in spite of the fact that Ghana is a non-industrialized country when compared with many of the Asian and European countries. Significant increases were found in the concentrations of PCBs and PBDEs over the years, while no significant increase was observed for HB... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4685281 Sun, 03 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4685281 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4685280&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21470683%26dopt%3DAbstract This study provides an assessment of the effluent from a commercially available silver nanowashing machine. The washing machine released silver in its effluent at an average concentration of 11μgL(-1), as determined by inductive coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The presence of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was confirmed by single particle ICP-MS as well as ion selective electrode measurements and filtration techniques. Size measurements showed particles to be in the defined nanosize range, with an average size of 10nm measured with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and 60-100nm determined with nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The effluent was shown to have negative effects on a natural bacterial community as its abundance was clearly reduced when exposed to the nanowash water.... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4685280 Sun, 03 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4685280 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4685279&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21470684%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests a relationship between pre- or postnatal exposure to methylmercury and psychiatric symptoms among the general population in Minamata even after excluding officially certified patients. PMID: 21470684 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4685279 Sun, 03 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4685279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4685284&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21458859%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lagalante AF, Shedden CS, Greenbacker PW The levels of 21 PBDE congeners were determined in the dust sampled from 66 personal automobiles. The dominant congener in automobile dust was BDE-209 with a median level of 8.12μgg(-1). Personal vehicle dust samples contained the characteristic profile of the PBDE congeners that comprise the PentaBDE and DecaBDE commercial formulations. Levels of PBDEs in personal automobiles are generally reduced in comparison to our previously reported levels in resale vehicles on dealership lots presumably due to a dilution effect introduced by dust or debris that does not originate from the vehicle. Laboratory photochemical studies were conducted on both automobile dust collected from personal vehicles as well as BDE-209 adsorbed to sodium sulfate... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4685284 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4685284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4685283&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21458860%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kulaksız S, Bau M The distribution of dissolved rare earth elements (REE) in the Rhine River, Germany, shows the anthropogenic gadolinium (Gd) microcontamination that is commonly observed in rivers in densely populated countries with a highly evolved health care system. However, the Rhine River also carries anomalously high concentrations of lanthanum (La), which produce very large positive La anomalies in normalized REE distribution patterns. These positive La anomalies first occur north of the City of Worms and then decrease in size downstream, but are still significant approximately 400km downstream, close to the German-Dutch border. The strong La enrichment is of anthropogenic origin and can be traced back to effluent from a production plant for fluid catalytic cracking c... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4685283 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4685283 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4685285&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21458072%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Csiszar SA, Gandhi N, Alexy R, Benny DT, Struger J, Marvin C, Diamond ML A model formulation based on "aquivalence", as defined in terms of activity is presented to estimate the multimedia fate of ionizing chemicals. The aquivalence approach is analogous to fugacity but aquivalence is applicable to neutral and ionizing compounds, and has been applied previously to speciating chemicals, notably metals. The new aquivalence-based mass-balance model treats ionizing organic compounds that exist as interconverting neutral and ionic species which are subject to fate processes at differing rates. The model is illustrated by application to four ionizing pharmaceuticals in Hamilton Harbour, Lake Ontario. At the system pH of 7.9-8.5, ibuprofen, gemfibrozil, and naproxen are expected to b... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4685285 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4685285 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4685289&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21450343%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Huang JJ, Hu HY, Lu SQ, Li Y, Tang F, Lu Y, Wei B The prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is becoming a concern of public health. In order to acquire information on the emission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria from WWTP effluents into natural waters, both average antibiotic tolerance and concentrations of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the effluent of a WWTP in Beijing, China were investigated. A new index of IC(50)/MIC ratio (the antibiotic concentration required to inhibit 50% of total heterotrophic bacteria compared to the highest minimum inhibitory concentration value of a group of pathogens according to a specific antibiotic, as defined by CLSI) was used to reflect the average antibiotic tolerance of total hetero... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4685289 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4685289 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4685288&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21450344%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ragas AM, Oldenkamp R, Preeker NL, Wernicke J, Schlink U We performed a cumulative risk assessment for people living in a hypothetical urban environment, called Urbania. The main aims of the study were to demonstrate how a cumulative risk assessment for a middle-sized European city can be performed and to identify the bottlenecks in terms of data availability and knowledge gaps. The assessment focused on five air pollutants (i.e., PM(10), benzene, toluene, nonane and naphthalene) and six food pesticides (i.e., acetamiprid, carbendazim, chlorpyrifos, diazinon, imidacloprid and permethrin). Exposure predictions showed that PM(10), benzene and naphthalene exposure frequently exceeded the standards, and that the indoor environment contributed more than the outdoor environment. Eff... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4685288 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4685288 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4685287&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21450345%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Leung HW, Minh TB, Murphy MB, Lam JC, So MK, Martin M, Lam PK, Richardson BJ Occurrence, removal, consumption and environmental risks of sixteen antibiotics were investigated in several sewage treatment plants (STPs) featuring different treatment levels in Hong Kong, China. Cefalexin, ofloxacin and erythromycin-H(2)O were predominant with concentrations of 1020-5640, 142-7900 and 243-4740ng/L in influent, respectively; their mass loads were comparable to levels reported in urban regions in China and were at the high end of the range reported for western countries. The target antibiotics behaved differently depending on the treatment level employed at the STPs and relatively higher removal efficiencies (>70%) were observed for cefalexin, cefotaxime, amoxicillin, sulfamethoxa... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4685287 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4685287 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4685286&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21450346%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhang YN, Sun GX, Huang Q, Williams PN, Zhu YG Toasting friends and family with realgar wines and painting children's foreheads and limbs with the leftover realgar/alcohol slurries is an important customary ritual during the Dragon Boat Festival (DBF); a Chinese national holiday and ancient feast day celebrated throughout Asia. Realgar is an arsenic sulfide mineral, and source of highly toxic inorganic arsenic. Despite the long history of realgar use during the DBF, associated risk to human health by arsenic ingestion or percutaneous adsorption is unknown. To address this urine samples were collected from a cohort of volunteers who were partaking in the DBF festivities. The total concentration of arsenic in the wine consumed was 70mgL(-1) with all the arsenic found to be inorg... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4685286 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4685286 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4685292&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21440301%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hooper HL, Jurkschat K, Morgan AJ, Bailey J, Lawlor AJ, Spurgeon DJ, Svendsen C Manufactured nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly being used in a range of consumer products and are already entering the environment. NP ZnO is one of the most widely used and potentially toxic NPs in aquatic exposures. It is likely that ZnO nanoparticles will also be bioavailable to soil organisms, studies on ZnO NP toxicity in a soil matrix are lacking. We exposed the earthworm Eisenia veneta to uncoated NP ZnO (<100nm) dosed to soil and food at 250 and 750mg Znkg(-1) for 21 d. Concurrent exposures of equivalent ionic Zn were conducted with ZnCl(2) and for both forms effects on life history traits, immune activity and Zn body concentrations were compared. Despite slightly higher measured body... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4685292 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4685292 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4685291&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21440302%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSIONS: Phthalate and phenol exposures are prevalent in a group of pregnant women and young children, two susceptible populations, and these exposures might be positively related to social class. PMID: 21440302 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4685291 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4685291 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4685290&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21440303%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kan H, Chen R, Tong S As the largest developing country, China has been changing rapidly over the last three decades and its economic expansion is largely driven by the use of fossil fuels, which leads to a dramatic increase in emissions of both ambient air pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHGs). China is now facing the worst air pollution problem in the world, and is also the largest emitter of carbon dioxide. A number of epidemiological studies on air pollution and population health have been conducted in China, using time-series, case-crossover, cross-sectional, cohort, panel or intervention designs. The increased health risks observed among Chinese population are somewhat lower in magnitude, per amount of pollution, than the risks found in developed countries. However, the... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4685290 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4685290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4685294&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21435722%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tiwary A, Robins A, Namdeo A, Bell M This paper reviews the state of knowledge on modelling air flow and concentration fields at road intersections. The first part covers the available literature from the past two decades on experimental (both field and wind tunnel) and modelling activities in order to provide insight into the physical basis of flow behaviour at a typical cross-street intersection. This is followed by a review of associated investigations of the impact of traffic-generated localised turbulence on the concentration fields due to emissions from vehicles. There is a discussion on the role of adequate characterisation of vehicle-induced turbulence in making predictions using hybrid models, combining the merits of conventional approaches with information obtained f... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4685294 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4685294 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4685293&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21435723%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mathers JJ, Flick SC, Cox LA We review and analyze regulatory categories for longer duration of use (defined as ≥7day) tetracyclines (TCs) and penicillins (PNs) approved for U.S. livestock and poultry, together with scientific studies, surveillance programs and risk assessments pertaining to antimicrobial resistance. Indications listed on a government database were grouped into three broad categories according to the terminology used to describe their use: disease control (C), treatment (T) and growth improvement (G). Consistent with mostly therapeutic uses, the majority (86%) of listed indications had C and/or T terms. Several studies showed interruption of early disease stages in animals and modulation of intestinal microflora. Longer-duration exposures are consistent with... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4685293 Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4685293 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4685296&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21429582%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jarzyńska G, Falandysz J Concentrations, composition and interrelationships of selenium and metallic elements (Ag, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Ga, Mn, Mo, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sr, Tl, V and Zn) have been examined in muscle and organ meats of Red Deer hunted in Poland. The analytical data obtained were also discussed in terms of Se supplementation and deficit to Deer as well as the benefits and risk to humans associated with the essential and toxic metals intake resulting from consumption of Deer meat and products. These elements were determined in 20 adult animals of both sexes that were obtained in the 2000/2001 hunting season from Warmia and Mazury in the north-eastern part of Poland. The whole kidneys contained Ba, Cd, Cr, Ga, Pb, Se, Sr and Tl at statistically greater concentrations t... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4685296 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4685296 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4685295&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21429583%26dopt%3DAbstract The objective of our study was to explore the association between urinary levels of nine phthalate metabolites and the use of personal care products. Subjects included 108 women who participated as controls in an ongoing population-based case-control study of environmental factors and genetic susceptibility to breast cancer in northern Mexico. Direct interviews were performed to inquire about sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive history, use of personal care products, and diet. Phthalate metabolites measured in urine by high performance liquid chromatography-isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry were monoethyl phthalate (MEP), monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP), mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), mono-3-carboxypropyl phthalate (MCPP) as well as mono-2-ethy... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4685295 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4685295 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631710&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21420174%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Namdeo A, Tiwary A, Farrow E This paper demonstrates association of short-term variation in pollution and health outcomes within the same geographical area for a typical urban setting in the northern part of the UK from time series analysis. It utilises publicly available datasets for regulated air pollutants (PM(10), NO(2), SO(2), CO and O(3)), meteorology and respiratory hospital admissions (and mortality) between April 2002 and December 2005 to estimate the respiratory health effect of pollution exposure, mainly in the elderly. Our results show that PM(10) and O(3) are positively associated with respiratory hospital admissions in the elderly, specifically in the age group 70-79. CO effects seem to be concentrated on the most elderly age group (80+) whereas NO(2) seems to ha... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631710 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4631710 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631713&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21419493%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSION: Evaluating impacts of active travel policies is highly complex; however, many associations can be quantified. Identifying health-maximizing policies and conditions requires integrated HIAs. PMID: 21419493 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631713 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4631713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631712&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21419494%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, the interaction of C(60) with relevant reference compounds of DOM (DOM(R)) is computationally simulated by molecular mechanics and density functional theory (DFT). All the C(60)-DOM(R) complexes are firstly optimized by classical annealing, and then DFT using the Dmol(3) code. The adsorption energies of C(60) on DOM(R) were computed. The computed electrostatic potential indicates that DOM(R) are electron acceptors in the C(60)-DOM(R) complexes, and the thermodynamic calculations indicate that electrostatic interaction is the dominant driving force for the C(60)-gallic acid complexation process in water. The presence of DOM(R) increases the apparent water solubility of C(60). It is also observed that the C(60) apparent water solubility decrease with the increase of the energy... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631712 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4631712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631711&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21419495%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Brink M In the present paper, the associations between residential traffic noise exposure from the noise sources - road, rail and aircraft - and self-reported indicators of health and well-being are investigated in a representative sample of the Swiss population. The study is based on record linkage of the Swiss GIS Noise Database (SonBase) and the Swiss Household Panel (SHP), a large panel survey with more than 10,000 respondents all over the country. A range of exposure-effect relationships of noise exposure and parameters of health and well-being such as self-reported health status, satisfaction with health, sleep disturbances, the intensity of the wish to move from the current residence as well as the awareness of "noise problems" at the place of living were investigated. ... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631711 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4631711 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631717&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21406311%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fromme H, Gruber L, Seckin E, Raab U, Zimmermann S, Kiranoglu M, Schlummer M, Schwegler U, Smolic S, Völkel W, Phthalates have long been used as plasticizers to soften plastic products and, thus, are ubiquitous in modern life. As part of the Bavarian Monitoring of Breast Milk (BAMBI), we aimed to characterize the exposure of infants to phthalates in Germany. Overall, 15 phthalates, including di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), di-isobutyl phthalate (DiBP), di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP), three primary metabolites of DEHP [mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), and mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP)], and two secondary metabolites of DEHP were analyzed in 78 breast milk samples. We found median concentrations of 3.9ng/g for D... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631717 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4631717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631716&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21411153%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Quik JT, Vonk JA, Hansen SF, Baun A, Van De Meent D Ecological risk of chemicals is measured by the quotient of predicted no-effect concentrations and predicted exposure concentrations, which are hard to assess for manufactured nanomaterials (NMs). This paper proposes modifications to currently used models, in order to make them suitable for estimating exposure concentrations of NMs in the aquatic environment. We have evaluated the adequacy of the current guidance documents for use with NMs and conclude that nano-specific fate processes, such as sedimentation and dissolution need to be incorporated. We have reviewed the literature on sedimentation and dissolution of NMs in environmentally relevant systems. We deduce that the overall kinetics of water-sediment transport of NMs ... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631716 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4631716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631715&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21411154%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bird G The potentially deleterious presence of ore-derived Pb within riverine environments has been a long-term impact of industrial and anthropogenic activity in general. The surface drainage network has been widely established as a key transport mechanism and storage environment for anthropogenically-derived Pb and other potentially harmful trace metals. Lead isotopes ((204)Pb, (206)Pb, (207)Pb, (208)Pb) have been utilized as a geochemical tracer of Pb origin in a variety of environmental media, notably in atmospheric aerosols. However, given the relative complexity of dispersal processes within riverine environments, the use of Pb isotopes as geochemical tracers has been relatively limited and it is only relatively recently that a growing body of research has applied Pb iso... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631715 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4631715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631714&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21411155%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kitsiou D, Karydis M A wide variety of data analysis techniques have been applied for quantitative assessment of coastal marine eutrophication. Indicators for assessing eutrophication and frequency distributions have been used to develop scales for characterizing oligotrophy and eutrophication. Numerical classification has also contributed to the assessment of eutrophic trends by grouping sampling sites of similar trophic conditions. Applications of eutrophication assessment based on Principal Component Analysis and Multidimensional Scaling have also been carried out. In addition, the rapid development of Geographical Information Systems has provided the framework for applications of spatial methods and mapping techniques on eutrophication studies. Satellite data have also con... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631714 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4631714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631718&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21402408%26dopt%3DAbstract This study examined the impact of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and salts on ZnO NP dispersion/solubility and toxicity to the earthworm Eisenia fetida. To be able to better evaluate the toxicity of NPs, exposure in agar and on filter paper was proposed for enabling a comparison of the importance of different uptake routes. A dose-related increase in mortality was observed in earthworms exposed in agar with almost 100% mortality after 96h exposure to the highest concentration (1000mgZnO/kg agar). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed that the addition of salts enhanced the aggregation of ZnO NPs in agar and consequently affected the dissolution behavior and biological availability of the particles. On filter paper, mortality was the highest at the lowest exposure concentration (50mgZnO... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631718 Sat, 12 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4631718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631721&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21396716%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Johansson AK, Sellström U, Lindberg P, Bignert A, de Wit CA A temporal trend study of brominated flame retardants in eggs from peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus peregrinus), a terrestrial bird of prey, is presented. Eggs collected between 1974 and 2007 were analyzed for the major constituents of the Penta-, Octa- and Decabromodiphenyl ether technical products (BDE-47, -99, -100, -153, -183 and -209), and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). Concentrations of BDE-99, -100, -153, -183, -209 and HBCD increased from 1974 to 2000. After the early 2000s, BDE-99, -100, -153 and -183 concentrations decreased, whereas BDE-209 and HBCD concentrations continued to increase. No temporal trend was detected for BDE-47. Rates of increase also differed, with BDE-99 and -100 increasing 3-fold betw... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631721 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4631721 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631720&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21397331%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Som C, Wick P, Krug H, Nowack B Engineered nanomaterials (ENM) are expected to hold considerable potential for products that offer improved or novel functionalities. For example, nanotechnologies could open the way for the use of textile products outside their traditional fields of applications, for example, in the construction, medical, automobile, environmental and safety technology sectors. Consequently, nanotextiles could become ubiquitous in industrial and consumer products in future. Another ubiquitous field of application for ENM is façade coatings. The environment and human health could be affected by unintended release of ENM from these products. The product life cycle and the product design determine the various environmental and health exposure situations. For exam... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631720 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4631720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631719&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21397332%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Aschberger K, Micheletti C, Sokull-Klüttgen B, Christensen FM Production volumes and the use of engineered nanomaterials in many innovative products are continuously increasing, however little is known about their potential risk for the environment and human health. We have reviewed publicly available hazard and exposure data for both, the environment and human health and attempted to carry out a basic risk assessment appraisal for four types of nanomaterials: fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, metals, and metal oxides (ENRHES project 2009(1)). This paper presents a summary of the results of the basic environmental and human health risk assessments of these case studies, highlighting the cross cutting issues and conclusions about fate and behaviour, exposure, hazard and methodolog... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631719 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4631719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4569308&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21377208%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Van Hoecke K, De Schamphelaere KA, Ramirez-Garcia S, Van der Meeren P, Smagghe G, Janssen CR Silica nanoparticles (NPs) belong to the industrially most important NP types. In a previous study it was shown that amorphous SiO(2) NPs of 12.5 and 27.0nm are stable in algal growth inhibition assays and that their ecotoxic effects are related to NP surface area. Here, it was hypothesized and demonstrated that an alumina coating completely alters the particle-particle, particle-test medium and particle-algae interactions of SiO(2) NPs. Therefore, stability and surface characteristics, dissolution, nutrient adsorption and effects on algal growth rate of both alumina coated SiO(2) NPs and bare SiO(2) NPs in OECD algal test medium as a function of pH (6.0-8.6) and natural organic matter... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4569308 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4569308 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4569307&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21377209%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Velzeboer I, Kupryianchyk D, Peeters ET, Koelmans AA Aquatic sediments form an important sink for manufactured nanomaterials, like carbon nanotubes (CNT) and fullerenes, thus potentially causing adverse effects to the aquatic environment, especially to benthic organisms. To date, most nanoparticle effect studies used single species tests in the laboratory, which lacks ecological realism. Here, we studied the effects of multiwalled CNT (MWCNT) contaminated sediments on benthic macroinvertebrate communities. Sediment was taken from an unpolluted site, cleaned from invertebrates, mixed with increasing levels of MWCNTs (0, 0.002, 0.02, 0.2 and 2g/kg dry weight), transferred to trays and randomly relocated in the original unpolluted site, which now acted as a donor system for recol... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4569307 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4569307 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4569309&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21354626%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sarigiannis DA, Karakitsios SP, Gotti A, Liakos IL, Katsoyiannis A This paper summarizes recent data on the occurrence of major organic compounds (benzene, toluene, xylenes, styrene, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, naphthalene, limonene, α-pinene and ammonia, classified by the European Commission's INDEX strategy report as the priority pollutants to be regulated) and evaluates accordingly cancer and non-cancer risks posed by indoor exposure in dwellings and public buildings in European Union (EU) countries. The review process indicated that significant differences in indoor air quality exist within and among the countries where data were available, indicating corresponding differences in sources and emission strength of airborne chemicals, identified or not. Conservative exposure... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4569309 Sat, 26 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4569309 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4569310&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21345491%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Villanger GD, Jenssen BM, Fjeldberg RR, Letcher RJ, Muir DC, Kirkegaard M, Sonne C, Dietz R We investigated the multivariate relationships between adipose tissue residue levels of 48 individual organohalogen contaminants (OHCs) and circulating thyroid hormone (TH) levels in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from East Greenland (1999-2001, n=62), using projection to latent structure (PLS) regression for four groupings of polar bears; subadults (SubA), adult females with cubs (AdF_N), adult females without cubs (AdF_S) and adult males (AdM). In the resulting significant PLS models for SubA, AdF_N and AdF_S, some OHCs were especially important in explaining variations in circulating TH levels: polybrominated diphenylether (PBDE)-99, PBDE-100, PBDE-153, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4569310 Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4569310 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4513665&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21334069%26dopt%3DAbstract This study provides valuable knowledge for risk assessment of PFCs and control strategies. PMID: 21334069 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4513665 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4513665 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4513666&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21333355%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sholtz RI, McLaughlin KR, Cirillo PM, Petreas M, Park JS, Wolff MS, Factor-Litvak P, Eskenazi B, Krigbaum N, Cohn BA Conserving irreplaceable, archived serum samples may sometimes conflict with the objective of minimizing measurement error due to laboratory effects. We sought to determine whether we could successfully combine assay results for DDT-related compounds and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in serum from the same birth cohort obtained from different laboratories over time. Using the Child Health and Development Studies (CHDS) serum archive, we compared variability for assays of a quality control pool to variability for assays of subject serum. The quality control pool was created from native archived serum samples that were pooled, then aliquoted, blinded and insert... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4513666 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4513666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4513667&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21329984%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lister LJ, Svendsen C, Wright J, Hooper HL, Spurgeon DJ It is important to understand the aetiology of interactive mixtures effects (i.e. synergism and antagonism) if results from known cases are to be extrapolated to untested combinations. The key role of toxicokinetics in determining internal concentrations at target sites means that understanding chemical uptake in mixtures is an essential requirement for mechanistic understanding of interactions. In this paper, a combined approach using mixture toxicity testing, toxicokinetic studies and modelling has been used to address the link between joint toxicity and internal concentration. The study is conducted in Lumbricid earthworms with a binary mixture of a metal (nickel) and an organophosphate insecticide (chlorpyrifos) not a... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4513667 Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4513667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4513669&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21324525%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSION: This study reports how toxicogenomics can highlight putative toxicity biomarkers in an easy to access biological fluid. The decrease of urinary osteopontin in response to uranium exposure suggests kidney damage and would thus be complementary to current markers. PMID: 21324525 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4513669 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4513669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4513668&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21324526%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lapied E, Nahmani JY, Moudilou E, Chaurand P, Labille J, Rose J, Exbrayat JM, Oughton DH, Joner EJ Titanium dioxide nanoparticles seem to have a low toxicity to terrestrial organisms, though few studies are published in this area. TiO(2) used in sunscreens are nanocomposites where TiO(2) has been coated with magnesium, silica or alumina, as well as amphiphilic organics like polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS), and these coatings are modified by ageing. We assessed the ecotoxicity and propensity for bioaccumulation of an aged TiO(2) nanocomposite used in sunscreen cosmetics, and its potential effect on the frequency of apoptosis in different earthworm tissues. The earthworm Lumbricus terrestris was exposed to the TiO(2) nanocomposite for 7days in water or 2-8weeks in soil with the nan... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4513668 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4513668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4513670&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21310486%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Roig N, Nadal M, Sierra J, Ginebreda A, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL In order to study the pollution of fluvial ecosystems, it is necessary to analyze not only the levels of chemical contaminants in water, but also those accumulated in the sediment matrix, as well as to assess its ecotoxicological status. Eleven Catalan (Spain) river sections (one sampling point per river) located near urban and industrial areas were sampled during winter of 2009. Water pollutants were collected by using passive samplers as Diffusive Gradient in Thin-Films (DGTs) and Semi-Permeable Membrane Devices (SPMDs). Point water samples were also collected. The concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTE) in water, filtered water, DGTs and sediment samples were analyzed. Aqueous and organic solvent e... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4513670 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4513670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455815&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21296423%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Domingo JL, Giné Bordonaba J In recent years, there has been a notable concern on the safety of genetically modified (GM) foods/plants, an important and complex area of research, which demands rigorous standards. Diverse groups including consumers and environmental Non Governmental Organizations (NGO) have suggested that all GM foods/plants should be subjected to long-term animal feeding studies before approval for human consumption. In 2000 and 2006, we reviewed the information published in international scientific journals, noting that the number of references concerning human and animal toxicological/health risks studies on GM foods/plants was very limited. The main goal of the present review was to assess the current state-of-the-art regarding the potential adverse effect... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455815 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4455815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455816&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21277632%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Withers PJ, Jarvie HP, Stoate C Septic tank systems (STS) are a potential source of nutrient emissions to surface waters but few data exist in the UK to quantify their significance for eutrophication. We monitored the impact of STS on nutrient concentrations in a stream network around a typical English village over a 1-year period. Septic tank effluent discharging via a pipe directly into one stream was highly concentrated in soluble N (8-63mgL(-1)) and P (<1-14mgL(-1)) and other nutrients (Na, K, Cl, B and Mn) typical of detergent and household inputs. Ammonium-N (NH(4)N) and soluble reactive P (SRP) fractions were dominant (70-85% of total) and average concentrations of nitrite-N (NO(2)N) were above levels considered harmful to fish (0.1mgL(-1)). Lower nutrient concentrat... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455816 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4455816 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455817&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21257204%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: van Nuijs AL, Mougel JF, Tarcomnicu I, Bervoets L, Blust R, Jorens PG, Neels H, Covaci A The sewage epidemiology approach was applied to a one-year sampling campaign in the largest wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Belgium. The consumption of cocaine (COC), amphetamine (AMP), methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), methamphetamine (METH), methadone (MTD) and heroin (HER) was evaluated based on measured concentrations of the parent compound and/or metabolites in daily 24-hour composite influent wastewater samples. The inevitable back-calculations used in the sewage epidemiology approach were adapted to newly available information regarding the stability of the compounds in wastewater and the excretion pattern of illicit drugs. For COC, three different back-calculation approach... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455817 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4455817 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455819&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21256594%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we assessed for the first time the usefulness of nestling raptor feathers for non-destructive biomonitoring of POPs. For this purpose, we collected body feathers and blood of nestlings from three avian top predators from northern Norway: northern goshawks (Accipiter gentilis), white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) and golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos). We were able to detect a broad spectrum of legacy POPs in the nestling feathers of all three species (Σ PCBs: 6.78-140ng g(-1); DDE: 3.15-145ng g(-1); Σ PBDEs: 0.538-7.56ng g(-1)). However, these concentrations were lower compared to other studies on raptor species, probably due to the aspect of monitoring of nestlings instead of adults. Besides their analytical suitability, nestling feathers also appear to be biologica... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455819 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4455819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455818&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21256595%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kang Y, Cheung KC, Wong MH The mutagenicity and genotoxicity of workplace dust including commercial office, secondary school, shopping mall, hospital, electronics factory and manufacturing plant in Hong Kong and settled house dust from Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou were measured. Results indicated that indoor dust contained both frameshift and base pair substitution mutagens. Dust from manufacturing plant showed highest mutagenic potency on TA98±S9 and TA100±S9 activation, whereas, electronics factory showed highest genotoxicity with and without S9 activation. TA100 (-S9) mutagenic potency was significantly correlated with genotoxicity expressed as SOSIP (-S9) of workplace dust (r(2)=0.37, p<0.01). The total PAHs concentration of settled house dust from PRD ranged fro... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455818 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4455818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455820&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21255843%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSIONS: The mean values of PBDEs in wild meats and fish adjusted for standard consumption values and body weight, did not exceed the US EPA RfD. Log linear modeling of the human PBDE body burden showed that PBDE body burden increases as access to manufactured goods increases. Thus, household dust from material goods containing PBDEs is likely responsible for the human exposure; the traditional First Nations diet appears to be a minor source of PBDEs. PMID: 21255843 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455820 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4455820 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4389801&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21239061%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSION: A high proportion of newborns had elevated concentrations of cord blood T-Hg according to the current US-EPA reference dose (5.8μg/L for methylmercury). Mercury concentrations were related to maternal fish consumption, with large oily fish being the main contributor. PMID: 21239061 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4389801 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4389801 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4389800&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21239062%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Quirós-Alcalá L, Bradman A, Nishioka M, Harnly ME, Hubbard A, McKone TE, Eskenazi B California residents may experience the highest polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardant exposures in the United States, the nation with the highest body burdens worldwide. It is hypothesized that Californians' high exposures are due to the state's strict furniture flammability standards. Ingestion of PBDE-contaminated dust, to which children may be particularly susceptible, is a dominant exposure pathway. Low-income populations may also face disparately high exposures due to the presence of older, deteriorated or poorly manufactured furniture treated with PBDEs. We collected up to two dust samples per home (54 samples total), several days apart, from low-income California househo... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4389800 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4389800 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4389803&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21237512%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSION: For the first time a survey provides national estimates of BLL for the adult population in France. Comparison with results from a previous study among men aged 18-28years showed that the GM dropped more than 60% in the last 10years. The distribution of BLL in France was quite similar to that observed in other European countries. PMID: 21237512 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4389803 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4389803 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4389802&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21237513%26dopt%3DAbstract This study highlights the importance of assessing the effects of PBDE exposure not just prenatally but also during the early years of life. In the light of current evidence a precautionary approach towards PBDE exposure of both mothers and children seems warranted. PMID: 21237513 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4389802 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4389802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4389804&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21216467%26dopt%3DAbstract DISCUSSION: Notwithstanding the limitations of this kind of study, we found evidence of association between the spatial distribution of prostate cancer mortality aggregated by census tracts and proximity to metal industrial facilities located within the area, after adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics at municipality level. PMID: 21216467 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Environment International) Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4389804 Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4389804 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4389805&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21208659%26dopt%3DAbstract The objective of this study was to explore the effects of a variety of sources of potential endocrine disruptors on estrogenic and androgenic activities in total plasma measured by CALUX®. Plasma samples and interview data on sources of potential endocrine disruptors were collected from 108 men with different exposures profiles. CALUX® measurements (BioDetection Services) involved human U2-OS cell lines controlled by the estrogen receptor alpha and the androgen receptor. Mean differences (beta) in 17β-estradiol equivalents (EEQs) and dihydrotestosterone equivalents (AEQs) between exposure groups were estimated using general linear models. Mean plasma AEQs and EEQs were 9.1×10(-1)ng/ml and 12.0pg/ml, respectively. Elevated AEQs were found in smokers (beta 1.9 (95%CI 0.1-3.6)×10(-1)ng/m... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4389805 Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4389805 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4389807&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21193230%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, the PBDE content and congener profiles in failed eggs from two colonies of white stork (Ciconia ciconia) in Spain were studied. The average total PBDE concentration was 1.64ng/g (wet weight, w.w.) for the rural colony and 9.08ng/g (w.w.) for the urban colony. Higher brominated BDEs dominated the congener profiles of both colonies. Of particular interest was the determination of BDE-209 as the dominant congener accounting for 44.1% and 38.6% of the total PBDE content in the rural and urban colonies, respectively. BDE-202, considered an indicator of BDE 209 debromination, was detected in 83% and all of the samples from rural and urban colonies, respectively. The observed congener profile in which BDE-207>BDE-208>BDE-206 does not correspond to any known technical PBDE mix... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4389807 Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4389807 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4389806&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21193231%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Roberts S The three-state (healthy, frail, and dead) population model is commonly used in time-series investigations of mortality displacement and particulate matter air pollution (PM). In this paper, the author proposes a new population model, called the mixture population model, that by allowing PM to have differential effects on individuals in the population, extends the population models currently used in investigations of mortality displacement. Using this new model, the properties of distributed lag models (DLM) of PM are investigated. In particular, the author derives a relationship between the parameters of the proposed population model and the estimates obtained from a DLM fitted to mortality arising from the model. This relationship provides insight into the interrel... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4389806 Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4389806 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4302328&cid=s_35533_55_f&fid=35533&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21183221%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: García-Galán MJ, Díaz-Cruz MS, Barceló D Sulfonamides (SAs) have become one of the antibiotic families most frequently found in all kind of environmental waters. In the present work, the presence of 16 SAs and one of their acetylated metabolites in different water matrices of the Ebro River basin has been evaluated during two different sampling campaigns carried out in 2007 and 2008. Influent and effluent samples from seven wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), together with a total of 28 river water samples were analyzed by on-line solid phase extraction-liquid chromathography-tandem mass spectrometry (on-line SPE-LC-MS/MS). Sulfamethoxazole and sulfapyridine were the SAs most frequently detected in WWTPs (96-100%), showing also the highest concentrations, ranging from 27.... Environment International journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4302328 Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4302328