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Mineral oil saturated (MOSH) and aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) are environmental and processing contaminants also found in extra‐virgin olive oil. Knowledge on contamination sources can help minimize them. The main objective of this work was to investigate the impact of milling operations. To this purpose, samples from 25 processing lines (at 5 different processing stages) were analyzed by online high‐performance liquid chromatography—gas chromatography—flame ionization detection. A protocol for eliminating endogenous n‐alkanes was tested and applied when necessary. Generally, transport to the mill had a negligible impact. The washing step had a mitigation impact, more evident on samples with higher contamination. On average, total MOSH decreased of 2.1 mg kg–1. Despite the reduction determined by washing, the entire milling process resulted in an increase in contamination (> 30%) for 20% of the processing lines. Total average MOSH and MOAH contamination increased by 2.3 and 0.6 mg kg–1, respectively. Practical Applications: This work aims to improve the knowledge on the presence and sources of mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH), contaminants of petrogenic origin, in extra‐virgin olive oil. In particular, this work investigates the impact of processing at the mill, including the transport stage, as well as the potential of the washing step in reducing the contamination. For the first time, a systematic study on this topic has been carried out. The knowledge of the contribution of individual steps in the production process to final product contamination is of paramount importance in identifying critical points on which to take action to mitigate contamination, and this is of great interest for all operators of the sector and for protecting consumer health, especially when considering possible presence of MOAH, which may include genotoxic and carcinogenic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methods for determining MOSH and MOAH in edible oils showed major problems with interlaboratory comparability of analytical results, especially in the lower concentration range below 10 mg/kg. However, a method with improved sensitivity and reproducibility is urgently needed to obtain a valid data basis for minimization efforts. To cope this problem a new method was created in 2020. The method was established as the standard method DGF C-VI 22 (20) of the German Society for Fat Science e.V. (DGF). For the development of this method different sample epoxidation approaches have been performed, evaluated and improved. Additionally, a saponification, a decision tree for sample preparation, an upstream clean-up column and a system suitability test were introduced. The focus was on reliability and interlaboratory comparability over all edible oil matrices up to a LOQ of 1 mg/kg. The optimized method was validated in terms of trueness and precision in a collaborative trail with 11 laboratories. The achieved recovery rates of 89–105% MOSH and 70–105% MOAH met the JRC requirements. Method and validation results were obtained with HorRat values between 1.3 and 1.8 for MOSH and MOAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) are composed of saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH). Due to the complexity of the MOH composition, their complete chemical characterisation is not possible. MOSH accumulation is observed in various tissues, with species‐specific differences. Formation of liver epithelioid lipogranulomas and inflammation, as well as increased liver and spleen weights, are observed in Fischer 344 (F344) rats, but not in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. These effects are related to specific accumulation of wax components in the liver of F344 rats, which is not observed in SD rats or humans. The CONTAM Panel concluded that F344 rats are not an appropriate model for effects of MOSH with wax components. A NOAEL of 236 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day, corresponding to the highest tested dose in F344 rats of a white mineral oil product virtually free of wax components, was selected as relevant reference point (RP). The highest dietary exposure to MOSH was estimated for the young population, with lower bound–upper bound (LB–UB) means and 95th percentiles of 0.085–0.126 and 0.157–0.212 mg/kg bw per day, respectively. Considering a margin of exposure approach, the Panel concluded that the present dietary exposure to MOSH does not raise concern for human health for all age classes. Genotoxicity and carcinogenicity are associated with MOAH with three or more aromatic rings. For this subfraction, a surrogate RP of 0.49 mg/kg bw per day, calculated from data on eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, was considered. The highest dietary exposure to MOAH was also in the young population, with LB–UB mean and 95th percentile estimations of 0.003–0.031 and 0.011–0.059 mg/kg bw per day, respectively. Based on two scenarios on three or more ring MOAH contents in the diet and lacking toxicological information on effects of 1 and 2 ring MOAH, a possible concern for human health was raised. This publication is linked to the following EFSA Journal article: https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.p210901 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Janus transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) type two-dimensional materials have been widely studied because of their unique asymmetrical structures and properties. In the preparation of Janus TMDCs, replacing the top layer S atoms of MoS2 with H atoms could yield unique Janus MoSH, which has been scarcely reported. In this work, the electronic, mechanical and piezoelectric properties of Janus MoSH are systematically studied using first principles calculations for the first time. The band structure of Janus MoSH is of metallic nature with two bands crossing the Fermi level. This material has a stable structure, and the Poison ratio ν > 1/3 indicates the good ductility. The relatively higher piezoelectric coefficients, e11 of −4.27 × 10−10 C/m and d11 of −5.09pm/V for Janus MoSH, compared with the typical piezoelectric semiconductor materials MoS2 (3.64 × 10−10 C/m and 3.73pm/V, respectively) may reflect suitable piezoelectric effect in the former. The above calculations may show that Janus MoSH would be potentially adopted as efficient sensors and piezoelectric components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) are composed of saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH). Due to the complexity of the MOH composition, their complete chemical characterisation is not possible. MOSH accumulation is observed in various tissues, with species‐specific differences. Formation of liver epithelioid lipogranulomas and inflammation, as well as increased liver and spleen weights, are observed in Fischer 344 (F344) rats, but not in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. These effects are related to specific accumulation of wax components in the liver of F344 rats, which is not observed in SD rats or humans. The CONTAM Panel concluded that F344 rats are not an appropriate model for effects of MOSH with wax components. A NOAEL of 236 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day, corresponding to the highest tested dose in F344 rats of a white mineral oil product virtually free of wax components, was selected as relevant reference point (RP). The highest dietary exposure to MOSH was estimated for the young population, with lower bound–upper bound (LB–UB) means and 95th percentiles of 0.085–0.126 and 0.157–0.212 mg/kg bw per day, respectively. Considering a margin of exposure approach, the Panel concluded that the present dietary exposure to MOSH does not raise concern for human health for all age classes. Genotoxicity and carcinogenicity are associated with MOAH with three or more aromatic rings. For this subfraction, a surrogate RP of 0.49 mg/kg bw per day, calculated from data on eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, was considered. The highest dietary exposure to MOAH was also in the young population, with LB–UB mean and 95th percentile estimations of 0.003–0.031 and 0.011–0.059 mg/kg bw per day, respectively. Based on two scenarios on three or more ring MOAH contents in the diet and lacking toxicological information on effects of 1 and 2 ring MOAH, a possible concern for human health was raised.

Government agencies around the world regulate food contact materials or articles. Understanding these regulations and keeping up with the new regulations are essential for maintaining market access for food contact products. My intent is to provide global plastics food contact regulation developments and updates relevant to plastic film and sheet for food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity in men is also shown to be associated with reduced reproductive potential, and this particular subtype was described as male obesity‐associated secondary hypogonadism (MOSH). Recent studies showing the influence of sleep disorders on testosterone levels suggested a potential role of sleep disorders in determining the development of MOSH. Objectives: To assess the association between night‐time sleep duration and day napping and the prevalence of MOSH. Materials and methods: In this cross‐sectional study, 226 obese male participants aged 18–30 years were enrolled. Daytime napping and night‐time sleep duration data were collected using a standardized self‐reported Chinese‐language questionnaire. MOSH was defined as obese men (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) with hypogonadal symptoms and decreased total testosterone level and/or free testosterone level, excluding other causes of hypogonadism. Results: The overall prevalence of MOSH was 48.2% in this study. An inverse association was observed between night sleep duration and the risk of prevalent MOSH. Men who reported fewer than 6 h of night‐time sleep had reduced total testosterone and free testosterone levels and an increased risk of MOSH. Further regression analysis revealed that after adjustment for potential confounders, the odds ratio of MOSH for the short night‐time sleep group (<6 h vs. 6–8 h) was 6.17 (p = 0.040). No significant association was observed between day napping status and prevalence of MOSH. Discussion and conclusion: Short night sleep duration was associated with an increased risk of MOSH in the young obese Chinese population. Chronic sleep curtailment has a negative effect on obese men's health in terms of hypogonadism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years there have been significant advancements in the understanding of mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) in foods and their potential risk to health. However, important gaps in knowledge remain, such as the lack of validated and standardized analytical methods for relevant food matrices and gaps in assessing the risk for consumers' health. A workshop was organized by the European Branch of the International Life Science Institute to identify knowledge gaps in analytical methods, assessment of exposure, hazard characterisation, and risk assessment of MOH. This work captures the outcome of the workshop and builds upon it by combining the perspectives of the participants with an updated review of the literature to provide a roadmap for future management of the topic. Most participants to the workshop agreed that the key issue underlying many of the knowledge gaps in the field of MOH risk analysis and management is the lack of standardized, validated analytical methods able to assure good inter-laboratory reproducibility and to enable understanding of MOH occurrence in foods. It has been demonstrated that method EN 16995 used for MOH determination in vegetable oils and fats is not reliable below 10 mg/kg of food. There is also a need for confirmatory methods that provide a detailed characterization of the unresolved complex mixture observed from one-dimensional chromatographic methods. This is required to enable adequate substance identification and quantification for input into risk assessment. A major gap in the exposure estimation is the limited number of surveys covering a wide range of foods and enough samples to detect major sources of contamination other than packaging in paperboard. Data on concentration of MOH fractions in human body needed to determine internal exposure estimates is scarce. Data relating concentration in tissues with personal data, lifestyle, food intake and the use of cosmetics are needed to clarify the complex system of distribution of MOSH in the body and to possibly establish relationship between external and internal exposure. Additional toxicological studies to better characterize the hazards of relevant MOH are required for a better human health risk assessment. • Several industry sectors presented their perceptions & challenges related with MOH in foods. • Many gaps in knowledge regarding MOH analytics, exposure, and hazard assessment remain. • There is an urgent need for validated analytical methods to generate reliable MOH occurrence data. • More toxicological studies on relevant MOH mixtures and possibly their components are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paraffin waxes and white mineral oils are distinct petroleum products separated from a common feedstock by crystallization, where only n-alkanes, iso- and cyclo-alkanes with a linear backbone of ∼ 20 carbon atoms long, selectively crystalize out from the oil to form the wax, which is solid at room temperature, whereas oils remain liquid. Up until the 90's, these differences were reflected in separated regulatory assessments. A paradigm shift occurred when Fischer 344 rats (F-344) developed liver epithelioid granuloma following exposure to low and medium viscosity oils or waxes. This lesion was used as common denominator between these products to be jointly assessed under the common term "mineral hydrocarbons – MHC", obviating compositional differences. This regulatory paradigm dominated for the next 30 years, exacerbated by the EFSA 2012 evaluation using the analytical term "MOSH" (mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons) which encompassed these products under single chromatography fraction. The reconstruction of historical developments, together with recent EFSA-sponsored studies of toxicity and accumulation and supporting literature, has allowed us to understand the etiology of the F-344 rat hepatic epithelioid granuloma, which is presented in an adverse outcome pathway (AOP). Considering chemical composition, it clearly demonstrates that the hepatic effects in F-344 rats caused by linear alkanes of waxes are irrelevant for humans. Waxes are thus not MOSH and should thus be evaluated on their own merit. The term MOSH should not include n-alkanes and be exclusively used to mineral oil fractions when considering their chemical makeup for a relevant human hazard assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers are exposed to a range of mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) via food. The potential adverse health effect of MOH varies widely. Since infant formula (IF) is the major food source for infants, it is necessary to understand MOH exposure and consequent health impact. In the present study, occurrence data of 42 IF samples and food consumption data of 0–6 months infants from China National Food Consumption Survey in 2015 were linked to evaluate the dietary exposure to MOH of 0–6 months infants in China. Ordinary consumers (who purchased IF for 0–6 months infants in different packaging type randomly), packaging type loyal- and brand loyal-consumers were selected as three representative populations. For ordinary consumers and packaging-loyal consumers, dietary exposure to MOH was estimated both deterministically and probabilistically. For brand-loyal consumers, point-estimation was used as the exposure assessment method. Due to toxicological gaps for MOHs, it was inappropriate to derive health-based guidance value and perform the robust human health risk assessment. MOE approach was used to characterise MOSH risk. The no-observed-adverse-effect level for induction of liver microgranulomas, 19 mg/kg BW per day, was used as a reference point for calculating margins of exposure (MOEs) for MOSH exposure. Although first exposure occurs in babies, there are no relevant toxicology studies. All MOE values for different scenarios were higher than 100. There are no dose-response data on the carcinogenicity of MOAH mixtures and hence it is not possible to establish a reference point to calculate the MOE and characterise its risk. Therefore, it is not possible to draw conclusions about the full nature of possible concerns for infants aged 0–6 months. This study evaluates by a probabilistic approach the dietary intake of Chinese infants aged 0–6 months to MOH for the first time and describes the associated uncertainties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research describes an alternative test method to evaluate the impact of food properties and compound characteristics on migration from paperboard to food. Tightly sealed bottles containing paperboard spiked with surrogate components as a donor, together with modified polyphenylene oxide (MPPO or Tenax®) or one of the nine considered foods as a receptor, were stored at 22°C. Instead of analysing the receptor, migration from donor to receptor was followed up by evaluating the recovery of surrogates from the donor over time, thus avoiding challenges in the analysis of the foods as such. Free fat content affected the migration more than the specific surface area of the food, reaching a plateau at fat contents >8.1%. The highest migration was observed to fatty foods such as biscuits (8% to 25% fat) and chocolate (40% fat). Intermediate migration occurred to starchy and particulate foods such as egg-based wheat pasta (2.6% fat), wheat flour (1% fat) and rice flour (0.5% fat). Low migration occurred in the case of paperboard in contact with wheat pasta (0.4% fat). Native starch was found to be more sensitive to migration than gelatinised starch. Volatility was identified as the most important characteristic of the migrating compounds. MPPO was considered as a suitable surrogate for dry foods as it did not underestimate migration in any case. However, for low-fat foods such as wheat pasta, clear overestimations could occur, but only for volatile surrogates with vapour pressure over 1.45 mTorr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineral oil hydrocarbon (MOH) contamination of various foods in the past few decades has raised much concern due to its potential adverse health effects. Since infant formulas (IF) is the major food source for infants, it is necessary to understand MOH contamination level in IF and consequent potential food safety risks. Data on the contamination of IF by mineral oil are lacking in China. On the other hand, the analysis of MOH in food is difficult. There is no harmonised standard analytical method for testing MOHs in IF. GC-FID/MS was chosen as the analytical tool being more convenient for surveys at a national level. Fifty-one IFs comprising dairy milk-based IFs (n = 39) and goat milk-based IFs (n = 12), including different stages (Stage 1, 2 and 3), package type (metal cans and paper boxes) were collected in China market in 2018 for this survey. 17 of 51 IFs were found positive, but trace levels MOAH were found (≤0.7 mg/kg). For the positive samples, all the MOSH and MOAH hump fell into the C16-C25 fraction. MOH humps were found in all the 12 goat milk-based IFs, even 4 samples are reported with quantifiable values which are higher than the method defined LOQ. The highest quantifiable MOH contamination level of goat milk-based IFs were MOSH = 3.5 mg/kg and MOAH = 0.7 mg/kg. Further root cause analysis of contamination is highly recommended to control the MOH contamination for goat milk-based IFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, presence of mineral oil in numerous foods has been detected. The analysis of mineral oil in food is convoluted since it comprises MOSH (saturated hydrocarbons) and variable amounts of mainly alkylated MOAH (aromatic hydrocarbons). Both fractions have a different toxicological profile and therefore they need to be assessed separately. For Belgium, occurrence data are available comprising concentrations of 217 food samples. These data were used, in combination with the 2014/15 Belgian Food Consumption Survey data, in a lower bound scenario to evaluate the dietary exposure of the Belgian population. Exposure to mineral oil was much lower compared to the results previously reported by EFSA and RIVM. The main contributors in Belgium were similar to previous studies (i.e. cereal products and oils), but an important additional contribution of non-alcoholic drinks was identified due to the presence of mineral oil in coffee. However, the concentration of mineral oil was determined from the dry product by applying a dilution factor with transfer rate of 100%, and not in the prepared coffee. This study gives an account of the dietary exposure of the Belgian population to mineral oil for the first time and reports the associated uncertainties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study the order-n algorithm and the linear regression algorithm used to obtain self-diffusion coefficients from molecular dynamics simulations are compared using theoretical analysis and Monte Carlo simulations. This analysis shows that the order-n algorithm allows decreasing the uncertainty in self-diffusion coefficients without increased computational effort. Both algorithms are used to calculate self-diffusion coefficients of linear n -alkanes in infinite dilution in water. Using the same trajectories the results obtained by the order-n algorithm had an average deviation from the experimental value of 2%, whereas using the linear regression algorithm the deviation was 12.5%. A guideline for selecting an optimal frequency, in which the center of mass trajectories from the molecular dynamics simulations should be written out, is given for the order-n algorithm. • Order-n algorithm was found to be superior to linear regression algorithm. • Equation for confidence interval of self-diffusion coefficients from molecular dynamics was derived. • Self-diffusion coefficient of n-alkanes in water were predicted accurately. • Report time step for computing self-diffusion coefficient requires attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A rapid screening for MOSH and MOAH in paper and cardboard was developed. • MOSH and MOAH were separated in two target zones and both simply determined as sum. • Limits of quantitation were sufficient for planned maximum limits. • Identification of marker substances is rapidly possible by pSPE–GC–MS. Abstract Mineral oil saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons (MOSH/MOAH) are food contaminants, mainly due migration from packaging materials made from recycled fibers, but other routes of entry into food have also been identified. Legal limits for MOSH and MOAH in food and food contact materials currently are not set, but are to be expected in the near future. For the analysis of MOSH and MOAH, the very well developed and highly automated on-line liquid chromatography–gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (LC–GC–FID) is commonly used. However, this approach is time-consuming, and data interpretation is a very challenging task. Therefore, a planar solid phase extraction (pSPE) method was developed for a rapid and efficient MOSH and MOAH screening in paper and cardboard. Based on high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), pSPE offers the simultaneous clean-up and analysis of up to 20 samples in parallel, while MOSH and MOAH analytes were focused in two distinct target zones on silica gel HPTLC plates after a twofold development. Plate impregnation with primuline allowed the detection of MOSH by fluorescence, while MOAH were detected by UV light absorption. The pSPE screening approach provided limits of detection of 7.2 and 2.3 ng/zone for MOSH and MOAH, respectively, corresponding to 1.8 and 0.6 mg/kg paper. Coupling of pSPE with GC revealed the common MOSH and MOAH peak humps, while marker substances offered the identification of the mineral oil origin or information about recycled fiber materials. As compared to SPE–GC–FID analyses, the determined quantities of MOSH and MOAH in cardboard samples indicated pSPE as a rapid and suitable screening tool. The co-migration of polyolefin oligomeric saturated hydrocarbons, native n -alkanes, terpenes and possibly essential oils or sterol esters, however, can result in an overestimation of MOSH and MOAH. Hence, samples with pSPE results above a given limit are subsequently analyzed by GC (pSPE–GC) for confirmation and detailed evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Student engagement is important for classroom management but can be challenging to monitor, especially in large virtual classes. After lessons were moved online due to COVID-19 measures, instructors were unable to directly observe student behaviours, impacting their ability to gauge engagement levels and adjust the pace of delivery for optimal learning outcomes. A widget called MOSH, for Move On/Stay Here, was developed for students to indicate whether they wished to "move on" from or "stay here" on a point of discussion in real-time. By increasing acknowledgment of and response to student feedback, we aimed to enhance the student-instructor feedback loop., Competing Interests: Conflict of InterestThe authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (© The Author(s) under exclusive licence to International Association of Medical Science Educators 2023.)

The occurrence of mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) in cellulose-based packaging is mainly due to the offset printing process where MOH are used as a ink pigments' solvent. The MOH migration from paper/paperboard to food is matter of concern for EFSA, members state authorities, consumers, and food industry. In this study, the feasibility to stabilize MOH by adding a sorbent into recycled paper obtained through a common washing process was investigated and the migration to wheat flour/Tenax assessed. Among several white/pale yellow porous materials, organo-modified powder silica MCM-41-Si(CH) showed the best combination between affinity for MOH (184% dw) and stability to thermal regeneration. A freshly issued newspaper with >3000 mg MOH kg was used to produce recycled paper at a laboratory-scale plant. MCM-41-Si(CH) was added at the pulping step (1% dw) and the sorbent-enriched pulp handled according to a washing paper production process with no effect on the paper optical brightness. The MOH content of the wheat flour in contact with the sorbent-enriched paper under accelerated migration conditions (15 days at 40 °C) resulted 20% of that contacted with control paper (4.3 ± 1.1 and 20.4 ± 5.5 mg kg, respectively), despite its contamination was 24% higher than the control. On the contrary, Tenax contamination resulted 56.0 ± 10.0 and 47 ± 14.0 mg kg when exposed to sorbent-enriched and control paper, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Oil extracted from olives sampled from the tree showed low concentrations of MOSH. • Lubricants used in harvesting operations are a significant source of MOH. • HPLC-GC-FID is a valid tool for identifying the sources of contamination. • GC × GC confirmed contamination sources and allowed insight characterization of MOH. • Minimization of contamination is possible by good harvesting practices. During the 2020–21 olive oil campaign, the contribution of harvesting operations to mineral oil saturated (MOSH) and aromatic hydrocarbon (MOAH) contamination was studied. Oils extracted from hand-picked olives (15 different olive groves) generally had background MOSH (<2.7 mg/kg), and no quantifiable MOAH. In 40% of the cases, an important contamination increase was observed after harvesting operations. Except for one sample (325.8 and 111.0 mg/kg of MOSH and MOAH, respectively), other samples reached 4.3–33.7 mg/kg of MOSH and 1.1–11.3 mg/kg of MOAH. Accidental leaks of lubricants and/or contact with lubricated mechanical parts, were identified as important sources of contamination. Chromatographic traces obtained by on-line high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-gas chromatography (GC)-flame ionization detection (FID) allowed for source identification. A comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatographic platform (GC × GC) with parallel FID/MS detection was implemented for confirmation and to attempt the characterization of the contaminations. Good harvesting practices are suggested to minimize contamination risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) are complex mixtures of saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) which bioaccumulate in human tissues, and aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) which include genotoxic and carcinogenic substances. This work aimed to investigate these emerging food contaminants in basil pesto from the Italian market, and ingredient contribution to the final product contamination. Twelve market samples and 4 additional samples (and related ingredients) produced in a pilot plant, were analyzed by on-line high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)- gas chromatography (GC), preceded by matrix-tailored sample preparation. Method performance was good with recoveries from 94% to 109%, residual standard deviations (RSD) less than 10%, and a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.5 mg/kg (for total MOAH). Vegetable oils, followed by cashews, which showed a similar contamination profile to foods transported in jute bags, were the major contributors to contamination, while cheese and basil contribution was negligible. Sunflower oil alone accounted for more than 80–85% of the total contamination. Samples from the Italian market had an average of 5.6 and 0.6 mg/kg of MOSH and MOAH, respectively, and a contamination profile that confirmed that the main contributors to total contamination were sunflower oil and cashews. Mitigation actions should be directed toward careful control of these two ingredients. • MOH contamination was investigated in basil pesto samples and related ingredients. • Optimized sample preparation protocols were validated (LOQ 0.5 mg/kg). • HOSO and cashews were the most important contributors to total MOH in basil pesto. • Basil pesto had on average 5.6 mg/kg of MOSH and 0.6 mg/kg of MOAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineral oils (food grade white oil or liquid paraffin) have historically been safely used in a number of sensitive end-uses, including pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food. Recent concern that certain mineral hydrocarbons (branched and cyclo-alkanes) may accumulate in human tissues has prevented European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) from deriving guidance values for food exposures. Analysis of human and animal tissue indicate that an unresolved cloud of mostly highly branched alkanes and alkylated cycloalkanes within the C20–C35 range is consistently present in all tissues. This critical review thoroughly assesses the retention of "mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons" (MOSH) in human and animal tissues and evaluates if the presence of MOSH is considered adverse and appropriate to use for risk assessment, generation of guidance values for food exposure and/or generation of derivation of health-based guidance values. An adversity framework was utilized to perform an in-depth weight of the evidence analysis, and it was concluded that mere presence of MOSH does not translate to hazard identification, and is not considered adverse. In light of this conclusion, it would not be appropriate to utilize this endpoint as the point of departure to calculate a health guidance value. • The MOSH fraction present in human tissues consists of highly branched and alkylated cycloalkanes within the C20–C35 range. • A review of MOSH tissue retention literature led to a weight of evidence assessment using a published adversity framework. • The assessment concluded that presence of MOSH in human tissues is not considered adverse. • Presence of a MOSH fraction in human tissues is non-adverse and not appropriate for calculating a health guidance value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Obesity prevalence remains at epidemic levels globally and is showing no signs of abating in either adult or child populations. Areas covered: Obesity-associated metabolic and reproductive diseases appear to be sexually dimorphic. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and male obesity-associated secondary (hypogonadotrophic) hypogonadism (MOSH) represent two of the most common obesity associated endocrinopathies with sex-specific metabo-reproductive aberrations. These two diseases have entirely separate pathogeneses, with characteristic sex-specific clinico-pathological findings. These differences result from effects of sex-specific hormones, including estrogens and androgens. Such differences in sex-hormones also influence patterns of body-fat distribution. Expert commentary: This article focuses on sex-specific obesity-related metabolic and reproductive dysfunction. To illustrate key sex-related differences in the mechanisms by which obesity contributes towards metabolic and reproductive dysfunction, two common obesity-related conditions affecting women and men are considered: respectively, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Male Obesity-associated Secondary Hypogonadism (MOSH). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Mineral oil hydrocarbons present in printing inks and recycled paper migrate from paper-based food packaging to foods primarily through the gas phase. Migration from two commercial products packed in recycled paperboard, i.e. muesli and egg pasta, was monitored up to the end of their shelf life (1 year) to study the influence of time, storage conditions, food packaging structure and temperature. Mineral oil saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons (MOSH and MOAH, respectively), and diisopropyl naphthalenes (DIPN) were monitored using online HPLC-GC/FID. Storage conditions were: free standing, shelved, and packed in transport boxes of corrugated board, to represent domestic, supermarket and warehouse storage, respectively. Migration to food whose packs were kept in transport boxes was the highest, especially after prolonged storage, followed by shelved and free-standing packs. Tested temperatures were representative of refrigeration, room temperature, storage in summer months and accelerated migration testing. Migration was strongly influenced by temperature: for egg pasta directly packed in paperboard, around 30 mg kg−1of MOSH migrated in 8 months at 20°C, but in only 1week at 40°C. Muesli was contained into an internal polyethylene bag, which firstly adsorbed hydrocarbons and later released them partly towards the food. Differently, the external polypropylene bag, containing pasta and recycled paper tray, strongly limited the migration towards the atmosphere and gave rise to the highest level of food contamination. Tests at increased temperatures not only accelerated migration, but also widened the migration of hydrocarbons to higher molecular masses, highlighting thus a difficult interpretation of data from accelerated simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for the analysis of saturated mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOSH) and aromatic mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOAH) has been developed to improve interlaboratory precisions especially for amounts below 10 mg/kg. This approach was adopted as the standard method DGF C-VI 22 (20) of the German Society of Fat Sciences. Therefore, this method was evaluated on different edible oils containing a variety of interfering biogenic substances. The precision data were determined in an interlaboratory trial with an international group of 14 laboratories from Germany, Austria, and Italy. Good reproducible relative standard deviations for total MOSH (12.5-20.7%) and total MOAH (12.4-39.5%) as well as HorRat values ranging between 1.1 and 2.3 for total MOSH and between 0.9 and 2.6 for total MOAH have been achieved. As some matrices showed residual interferences in the MOAH fraction, these substances were further analyzed by online high-performance liquid chromatography-comprehensive two dimensional gas chromatography with time of flight mass detection.

• Microwave assisted saponification allows for rapid sample pre-enrichment step. • An on-line HPLC-GC-FID method for high-sensitivity MOH determination was validated. • Total MOAH can be detected at LOQ of 0.5 mg/kg. • Oil extracted from hand-picked olives is free from MOAH, but always contain MOSH. • EVOOs contained on average 19.0 and 2.5 mg/kg of MOSH and MOAH, respectively. A rapid and solvent-saving method, based on microwave-assisted saponification (MAS) followed by epoxidation and on-line liquid chromatography (LC) – gas chromatography (GC) – flame ionization detection (FID), was optimized and validated for high-sensitivity MOAH determination in extra virgin olive oils. Quantitative recoveries and good repeatability were obtained even at concentrations of added mineral oils close to the LOQ (0.5 mg/kg for the total hump, 0.2 mg/kg for each single C-fraction). The validated method, also applied for MOSH determination (C-fraction LOQ: 0.5 mg/kg), was used to analyse 18 extra virgin olive oils from the Italian market or oil mills, and 10 additional samples extracted in the laboratory (with an Abencor apparatus) from hand-picked olives. The former resulted contaminated with variable amounts of MOSH and MOAH (on average 19.0 mg/kg and 2.5 mg/kg, respectively), while the latter showed no detectable MOAH, and low and rather constant MOSH (generally below 2.0 mg/kg). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral exposure to mineral oil may result in a narrow fraction of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbon (MOSH) being retained in tissues. Excess of MOSH hepatic retention may lead to the formation of lipogranuloma caused by predominantly multiring cycloalkanes (naphthenics) in a critical range of C 25 –C 35. Although hepatic lipogranuloma is of low pathological concern, MOSH tissue deposition could be minimized by using an oil of similar quality but devoid of naphthenic structures to decrease hepatic retention. Synthetic Gas to liquid (GTL) oils offer an alternative to petroleum derived mineral oils, because they do not contain naphthenic structures. To demonstrate this point, SD rats were fed either GTL oil (99% iso-alkanes) or naphthenic mineral oil (84% cycloalkanes) at 200 mg/kg bw/day for 90 or 134 days with a recovery group. Liver, fat and mesenteric lymph nodes were analyzed for alkane sub-type levels using Online-HPLC-GC-FID and GCxGC-TOF-MS. Results indicate that at equal external dose, GTL hydrocarbons result in lower tissue levels and more rapid excretion than MOSH. GTL retained hepatic fractions were also qualitatively different than MOSH constituents. Because chemical composition differences, GTL oil show low absorption and tissue retention potential and thus an advantageous alternative to conventional mineral oil. • Mineral oil iso-alkane and naphthenics show higher hepatic retention and slower excretion than GTL iso-alkanes. • Structural differences of GTL oil iso-alkanes explain lower gut absorption and faster hepatic elimination. • It is shown that cycloalkanes/naphthenics alkane sub-class are most prone to hepatic retention, which are absent in GTL oils. • Retention of alkane sub-classes in SD rat tissues, including the liver, is qualitatively comparable to that seen in humans. • Both SD-rat and human tissues show the same pattern for n-alkane distribution where the F-344 notably shows a deviant pattern. • Low retention of GTL oil offers an alternative in food applications and vaccine adjuvants where MOSH residues are not desired. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Janus transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are emerging as special 2D materials with different chalcogen atoms covalently bonded on each side of the unit cell, resulting in interesting properties. To date, several synthetic strategies have been developed to realize Janus TMDCs, which first involves stripping the top-layer S of MoS 2 with H atoms. However, there has been little discussion on the intermediate Janus MoSH. It is critical to find the appropriate plasma treatment time to avoid sample damage. A thorough understanding of the formation and properties of MoSH is highly desirable. In this work, a controlled H 2 -plasma treatment has been developed to gradually synthesize a Janus MoSH monolayer, which was confirmed by the TOF-SIMS analysis as well as the subsequent fabrication of MoSSe. The electronic properties of MoSH, including the high intrinsic carrier concentration (∼2 × 10 13 cm -2 ) and the Fermi level (∼ - 4.11 eV), have been systematically investigated by the combination of FET device study, KPFM, and DFT calculations. The results demonstrate a method for the creation of Janus MoSH and present the essential electronic parameters which have great significance for device applications. Furthermore, owing to the metallicity, 2D Janus MoSH might be a potential platform to observe the SPR behavior in the mid-infrared region.