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• We report the first case of GGE combined with CPVT and RYR2 variant. • RYR2 variant may represent a novel neurocardiac calcium channelopathy. • Epilepsy complications may be considered in patients with CPVT and RYR2 variant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although oral tolerance is a critical system in regulating allergic disorders, the mechanisms by which dietary factors regulate the induction and maintenance of oral tolerance remain unclear. To address this, we explored the differentiation and function of various immune cells in the intestinal immune system under fasting and ad libitum -fed conditions before oral ovalbumin (OVA) administration. Fasting mitigated OVA-specific Treg expansion, which is essential for oral tolerance induction. This abnormality mainly resulted from functional defects in the CX3CR1+ cells responsible for the uptake of luminal OVA and reduction of tolerogenic CD103+ dendritic cells. Eventually, fasting impaired the preventive effect of oral OVA administration on asthma and allergic rhinitis development. Specific food ingredients, namely carbohydrates and arginine, were indispensable for oral tolerance induction by activating glycolysis and mTOR signaling. Overall, prior food intake and nutritional signals are critical for maintaining immune homeostasis by inducing tolerance to ingested food antigens. [Display omitted] • Oral tolerance is a critical system in regulating allergic disorders • Dextrin and arginine are indispensable for oral tolerance induction • Prior food intake and nutritional signals critically maintain immune homeostasis Nagai et al. show that fasting mitigates Treg expansion and impairs the preventive effect of oral tolerance on allergic disorders. Carbohydrates and arginine are indispensable for oral tolerance induction. Prior food intake and nutritional signals are critical for maintaining immune homeostasis by inducing tolerance to ingested food antigens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A questionnaire survey of balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) in Japan was conducted. • In Japan, the BAS catheter supply has been discontinued due to its recall. • Static BAS is widely done despite being off-label in Japan and is effective and safe. • Static BAS cases increased by over 90% due to a shortage of BAS catheter. • An adequate supply of the BAS catheter, such as Z-5, is indispensable in Japan. The supply of Rashkind balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) catheters (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) has suddenly been discontinued in the world due to its recall. Consequently, Japan fell into a critical shortage of standard BAS catheters. Although the use of static BAS is off-label in Japan, its importance is increasing in such a situation. A nationwide survey of static BAS is needed in such a critical period. A questionnaire survey was conducted among centers in Japan regarding BAS performed between October 1, 2020, and December 15, 2020, while the supply of Rashkind BAS catheter was discontinued. We received answers from 70 of the 90 centers, for a response rate of 78%. In this survey, 25 patients who underwent static BAS were enrolled, and a total of 47 BAS procedures were performed. Median age and weight at static BAS were 10 days of life and 3001 g, respectively. The most common diagnosis was transposition of the great arteries without pulmonary stenosis and hypoplastic left heart syndrome and its variants, with 8 cases each. The most frequently used balloon diameter was 10 mm (13 balloons), followed by 12 mm (10 balloons), and 3 cases required double-balloon techniques. The 3-point scale of the efficacy of static BAS rated by physicians were 10 excellent, 15 good, and 0 poor, respectively. Complications included cardiac tamponade during the procedure in 1 patient and the need for Rashkind BAS later in 2 patients. Comparing the share of static BAS in all transcatheter atrial septostomy, its share in the current survey (28/53) is significantly higher compared to the annual registry data in 2018 (86/304) (p < 0.01). This survey shows that static BAS is widely performed in Japan and is effective and safe. Static BAS cases have increased significantly due to a shortage of standard BAS catheters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is based on my presentation at the 9th International Congress of the Growth Hormone Research and Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) Societies at Seattle, USA on 17th, September 2018. In the article, after a general introduction to IGF research, I briefly review the IGF research being published from 2016 to 2018, focusing on what I believe represent the most interesting areas of progress. These areas include ligands of the IGF-I receptor, ligand binding to the IGF-I receptor, long-term signaling through the IGF-I receptor, intracellular organelles where IGF signals are transmitted, and novel functions of the IGFBPs. Lastly, I discuss future directions of IGF research from my point of view. • Viral insulin-like peptides are members of the insulin/IGF superfamily. • Structural biology research showed how ligands bind to the IGF-I receptor. • IRS-1 acts as an endocytic regulator of IGF-I receptor to facilitate sustained IGF signaling. • IGF signaling is essential for mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy in cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Two new compounds were generated by heating rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). • These compounds exhibited better antioxidant and PPARγ agonistic activities than carnosic acid. • Heat treatment of crude materials has the potential to generate new chemical compounds in daily food materials. Abstract Carnosic acid (CA) and carnosol (CS) are components of rosemary reported to possess antioxidative and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) transcriptional activities that are useful for preventing metabolic disorders. The aims of this study were to identify new bioactive compounds in heated rosemary and examine their effects on antioxidative stress and PPARγ activation. In heated rosemary, we found five CA-and CS-related compounds and determined their structures by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses. Three compounds were identified as dehydromiltirone (1), miltiodiol (2), and miltirone (4), whereas two compounds (3 and 5) were newly discovered molecules. We examined their antioxidant activities and found that 2 and 3 showed strong activity. Furthermore, in PPARγ−transactivation and adipocyte-differentiation assays, compounds 3 and 5 showed more potent PPARγ agonistic activity than CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead poisoning is considered a public health threat, particularly in developing countries. Health problems from Pb exposure occur in many parts of the world, especially near Pb mines, Pb smelters, and used lead–acid battery (ULAB) recycling plants. In this study, we analyzed the urine metabolome of residents in a village located near a ULAB recycling facility to investigate the biological effects of Pb exposure (ULAB: n  = 44, Reference: n  = 51). Lasso linear regression models were moderately predictive of blood Pb levels, as evaluated by a training set (R 2  = 0.813) and against an external test set (R 2 EXT  = 0.647). In lasso logistic regression models, areas under receiver operating characteristic curves, as measured by 5-fold cross-validation (AUC CV  = 0.871) and against an external test set (AUC EXT  = 0.917), indicated accurate classification of urine samples from the affected village and from a reference site. Ten candidate biomarkers identified at false discovery rates of <0.05 were associated with ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, possibly related to the disruption of small-molecule transport in the kidney; amino acid, porphyrin, and chlorophyll metabolism; and the heme biosynthetic pathway. Collectively, the results suggest that lead Pb is related to the health effects in individuals residing in ULAB site by alteration of these biological pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Bone is a metastatic site for various types of cancer. Cancer patients in whom bone metastases progress often have skeletal-related events (SREs). Denosumab and zoledronic acid are both bone-modifying agents that prevent the occurrence of SREs. Denosumab has been shown to be superior to zoledronic acid in delaying SREs in various types of cancer, such as breast cancer, lung cancer, and multiple myeloma. However, it is still uncertain whether denosumab is superior to zoledronic acid in delaying the time to SREs in other types of cancers, including gastrointestinal cancer, pancreas-biliary system cancer, and other rare cancers. Patients and methods This retrospective study was conducted based on medical records from 2009 to 2015. Eligible patients who had been diagnosed with bone metastases from gastrointestinal cancer, pancreas-biliary system cancer, and rare cancers were included. Patients were assigned to a denosumab group, zoledronic acid group, or group without bone-modifying agent treatment (no-treatment group). Results The study included 168 patients. The times to SREs in the denosumab, zoledronic acid, and no-treatment groups were 186 days [95% confidence interval (CI), 96–323 days], 79 days (95% CI, 45–118 days), and 31 days (95% CI, 13–76 days), respectively. Although, a few patients had grade 3 or 4 adverse events in the denosumab and zoledronic acid groups, the bone-modifying agent treatment was not terminated. Conclusion From the perspective of the efficacy and safety of denosumab for delaying the time to SREs, denosumab should be used to prevent SREs in patients with bone metastases from gastrointestinal cancer, pancreas-biliary system cancer, and other rare cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-distance transport potential of toxic lead (Pb) by plastic marine debris was examined by pure water leaching experiments using plastic fishery floats containing high level of additive-Pb such as 5100 ± 74.3 mg kg − 1 . The leaching of Pb ended after sequential 480-h leaching experiments, and the total leaching amount is equivalent to approximately 0.1% of total Pb in a float. But it recovered when the float was scratched using sandpaper. We propose that a “low-Pb layer,” in which Pb concentration is negligibly small, be generated on the float surface by the initial leaching process. Thickness of the layer is estimated at 2.5 ± 1.2 μm, much shallower than flaws on floats scratched by sandpaper and floats littering beaches. The result suggests that the low-Pb layer is broken by physical abrasion when floats are washed ashore, and that Pb inside the floats can thereafter leach into beaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open burning of electronic waste (e-waste) releases various metals and organohalogen compounds in the environment. Here we investigated the interplay of metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe, Co, and Sr) and bromine (Br) in the formation of dioxin-related compounds (DRCs), including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs), as well as non-regulated DRCs such as polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PBDD/Fs) and their monobrominated PCDD/Fs in soils sampled from open burning e-waste sites at Agbogbloshie in Accra, Ghana. The predominant DRCs were PBDFs, PCDFs, PCDDs, and DL-PCBs. Statistical analyzes, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and the PCDF/PCDD ratio suggested possible formation paths of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs by catalytic behaviors of copper chlorides (CuCl, CuCl 2 , and Cu 2 (OH) 3 Cl) and thermal breakdown of polyvinyl chloride. Predominant formation of brominated furans may be derived from electron transfer from intermediates of PBDE to copper, Cu(II) → Cu(I). Lead chloride also contributed to generate DRCs and may become highly bioaccessible through the open burning of e-waste. The main zinc species (ZnCl 2 and ZnS) suggested a possible relationship to generate DRCs and specific zinc source such as tire burning. Cu, Pb, Zn, and Br contained in various e-wastes, wires/cables, plastics, and tires strongly influenced generation of many DRCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about the co-occurrence of halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) and organophosphate esters (OPEs) in the environment of informal waste processing areas is still limited, especially in emerging and developing countries. In this study, OPEs and HFRs including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs), and chlorinated flame retardants (CFRs) were determined in settled dust from Vietnamese e-waste recycling (WR) and vehicle processing (VP) workshops. Pollutant concentrations decreased in the order: OPEs (median 1500; range 230–410,000 ng/g) ≈ PBDEs (1200; 58–250,000) > NBFRs (140; not detected – 250,000) > CFRs (13; 0.39–2200). HFR and OPE levels in the WR workshops for e-waste and obsolete plastic were significantly higher than in the VP workshops. Decabromodiphenyl ether and decabromodiphenyl ethane are major HFRs, accounting for 60 ± 26% and 25 ± 29% of total HFRs, respectively. Triphenyl phosphate, tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate, and tris(1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate dominated the OPE profiles, accounting for 30 ± 25%, 25 ± 16%, and 24 ± 18% of total OPEs, respectively. The OPE profiles differed between WR and VP dust samples, implying different usage patterns of these substances in polymer materials for electric/electronic appliance and automotive industries. Human health risk related to dust-bound HFRs and OPEs in the study areas was low. [Display omitted] • Pollutant levels in dust were in the order: PBDEs ≈ OPEs > NBFRs > CFRs. • Informal e-waste recycling activities were potential source of HFRs and OPEs. • BDE-209, DBDPE, and TPHP were major compounds in e-waste recycling sites. • Vehicle workshop dust had low HFR levels and specific OPE profiles. • OPE sources and emission from vehicle processing should be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues. Recycling is a potential means of reducing plastic pollution in the environment. However, plastic fragments are still likely released to the aquatic environment during mechanical recycling processes. Here, we examined the plastic inputs and effluent outputs of three mechanical recycling facilities in Vietnam dealing with electronic, bottle, and household plastic waste, and we found that large quantities of microplastics (plastics <5 mm in length) are generated and released to the aquatic environment during mechanical recycling without proper treatment. Comparisons with literature data for microplastics in wastewater treatment plant effluents and surface water indicated that mechanical recycling of plastic waste is likely a major point source of microplastics pollution. Although there is a mismatch between the size of the microplastics examined in the present study and the predicted no-effect concentration reported, it is still possible that microplastics generated at facilities pose risks to the aquatic environment because there might be many plastic particulates smaller than 315 μm, as suggested by our obtained size distributions. With mechanical recycling likely to increase as we move to a circular plastics economy, greater microplastics emissions can be expected. It is therefore an urgent need to fully understand not only the scale of microplastic generation and release from plastic mechanical recycling but also the environmental risk posed by microplastics in the aquatic environment. [Display omitted] • Mechanical recycling without wastewater treatment was at least a source of microplastic. • Effluent microplastic concentrations were from 1.1 × 105–2.0 × 108 MP particulates/m3. • Annual microplastic emissions from these facilities were from 0.014 to 5.8 t/year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (MePAHs), unsubstituted PAHs and AhR-mediated activities were determined in street dust collected from Vietnam and India using a combined approach of chemical analysis and in vitro reporter gene assay. MePAHs and PAHs diagnostic ratios indicated that the main sources of MePAHs in Vietnam were pyrogenic emissions, whereas in India there were mixed sources of pyrogenic and petrogenic emissions. AhR-mediated activities determined by using DR-CALUX assay were observed in urban street dust at mean 40, 29 and 20 ng CALUX-TEQ/g dw for Hanoi, Bangalore and New Delhi, respectively. MePAHs and PAHs contributed only 5% or less to AhR-mediated activity in street dust, indicating the occurrence of unknown AhR agonists. The principal contributors to Theoretical-TEQs among target compounds were methyl benz[a]anthracene, benzo[b]- and benzo[k]fluoranthene. The present study indicates importance of MePAHs in evaluation of toxic risk related to AhR-mediated activity in urban polluted areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study analysed sulphuric-acid-treated extracts of house dust from New York State with DR-CALUX assay and HRGC-HRMS to elucidate the total dioxin-like (DL) activities, the occurrence of various dioxin-related compounds (DRCs), including PBDD/Fs, and their toxic contribution. The DL activities were 30–8000, median 210 pg CALUX-TEQ/g. PCDD/Fs, PBDD/Fs and DL-PCBs were detected with a large variation in concentrations (0.12–80, 0.33–150, 0.46–35, medians 1.7, 2.1 and 5.6 ng/g, respectively) and profiles, indicating the existence of multiple contamination sources in homes. PCDD/Fs, PBDD/Fs and DL-PCBs with known potency theoretically contributed <1%–130%, <1%–21% and <1%–6.8%, respectively, of the measured CALUX-TEQs. These results and those from DR-CALUX assays with fractionated dust extracts indicated that a substantial portion of the CALUX-TEQs could be caused by unknown dust contaminants. Considering that the DRC intake from indoor dust ingestion can be significant, identification of unknown DL contaminants in indoor dust is necessary. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study investigated the occurrence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and several additive brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in indoor dust and air from two Vietnamese informal e-waste recycling sites (EWRSs) and an urban site in order to assess the relevance of these media for human exposure. The levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), 1,2-bis-(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE) and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) in settled house dust from the EWRSs (130–12,000, 5.4–400, 5.2–620 and 31–1400ngg−1, respectively) were significantly higher than in urban house dust but the levels of PCBs (4.8–320ngg−1) were not higher. The levels of PCBs and PBDEs in air at e-waste recycling houses (1000–1800 and 620–720pgm−3, respectively), determined using passive sampling, were also higher compared with non-e-waste houses. The composition of BFRs in EWRS samples suggests the influence from high-temperature processes and occurrence of waste materials containing older BFR formulations. Results of daily intake estimation for e-waste recycling workers are in good agreement with the accumulation patterns previously observed in human milk and indicate that dust ingestion contributes a large portion of the PBDE intake (60%–88%), and air inhalation to the low-chlorinated PCB intake (>80% for triCBs) due to their high levels in dust and air, respectively. Further investigation of both indoor dust and air as the exposure media for other e-waste recycling-related contaminants and assessment of health risk associated with exposure to these contaminant mixtures is necessary. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Excessive oxidative stress plays a causal role in various diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart failure. Acromegaly is a pathological condition associated with excess growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and a high prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart failure; resulting in premature death. We hypothesized that these conditions may be associated with increased oxidative stress. Objective and methods: We explored the oxidative stress levels in the serum and tissues of GH-transgenic rats as an animal model for acromegaly. We also measured the oxidative stress levels in the serum of patients with acromegaly and age-, sex-, and BMI-matched control subjects. We examined the effects of GH and IGF-I on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in C2C12 myocytes. Results: The levels of an oxidative stress marker, serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were increased in the GH-transgenic rats. Further, tissue oxidative stress damage was enhanced in the cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells in the aorta of the GH-transgenic rats. In addition, serum TBARS levels and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels were increased in acromegaly in humans. IGF-I but not GH induced ROS production in C2C12 myocytes in vitro. Conclusions: These data indicate that the increased levels of IGF-I are associated with enhanced oxidative stress in rats and humans. In addition, increased ROS may play an important role in the complications and premature death in acromegaly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Organotin compounds (OTs) are ubiquitous in the marine environment and high concentrations (μgg−1 range) in sediments from different coastal areas around the world have been reported. However, few reports have described the OTs contamination status in the offshore and deep sea environment. This work investigated organotin levels in Nazaré canyon for the first time. Levels of monobutyltin (MBT), dibutyltin (DBT), tributyltin (TBT), diphenyltin (DPT), triphenyltin (TPT), dioctyltin (DOT) and trioctyltin (TOT) were quantified in sediment samples from the upper flanks of the canyon and from the adjacent coastal area. TBT levels detected in the canyon flanks are about two to three orders of magnitude lower than those found in the coastal area. Nevertheless, when quantifiable, TBT levels in the canyon samples were higher than the Environmental Assessment Criteria set for TBT in sediments by the OSPAR Commission indicating that at those locations negative ecological impacts are likely to occur. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Three species of sea turtles (green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles) stranded along the coasts or caught (by-catch) around Ishigaki Island and Kochi, Japan were collected between 1998 and 2006 and analyzed for six organohalogen compounds viz., PBDEs, PCBs, DDTs, CHLs, HCHs and HCB. The present study is the first and foremost to report the occurrence of organohalogen compounds in the sea turtles from Japan. Among the compounds analyzed, concentrations of PCBs, DDTs and CHLs were the highest in all the turtle samples. PBDEs were ubiquitously present in all the turtle species. Comparing with the other two species, concentrations of organohalogens in green turtle were relatively low and decreasing trend in the concentrations were noted with increasing carapace length. Concentrations of OCs in sea turtles from the coasts of Ishigaki Island and Kochi were relatively low as compared to those from other locations in the world. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two species of fishes (n =52; tilapia and mullet) from industrialized and urbanized areas of Okinawa Island (Manko-Noha river, Hija river and Shikaza river) and from a remote area of Ishigaki Island (Anparu mudflat), Japan were collected between August 2005 and July 2006, and analyzed for five organochlorine compounds (OCs), viz., DDTs, PCBs, CHLs, HCHs and HCB. Concentrations and the contamination patterns of OCs in fishes varied between locations. Considerable residue levels of OCs, especially CHLs and DDTs were found in both fishes from the main Okinawa Island. These levels were relatively higher than the reported values for seafood from Japanese coasts, indicating that even now pollution sources of these contaminants still exist in this region. On the other hand, lower concentrations of OCs were detected in fishes from Ishigaki Island waters than those of other Japanese coastal waters, suggesting that this region is less contaminated by OC contaminants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A total of 33 surficial sediments from riverine and coastal waters from Surabaya, Indonesia were analyzed for PCBs and BFRs. Concentrations of PCBs (62 congeners), PBDEs (14 congeners) and HBCDs (3 isomers) varied from −1 dw, respectively. Higher concentrations of these compounds were found in riverine than coastal sediments. Their levels and distribution were influenced by proximity to the point sources and TOC. The predominant congeners were CB-153, -28, -138, -149, -180, -33 and BDE-209, -207, -206, -197, -196, -183, -99, -47 for PCBs and PBDEs, respectively, and γ-isomer for HBCDs. Debromination of BDE-209 might be taking place producing lower toxic congeners in sediment. Levels of PCBs in riverine sediments were comparable with some polluted areas worldwide, but PBDEs and HBCDs were lower. Hazard assessment of PCBs indicated possible toxic potential, particularly in areas close to point sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Twelve species of deep-sea fishes collected in 2005 from the western North Pacific, off-Tohoku, Japan were analyzed for organohalogen compounds. Among the compounds analyzed, concentrations of DDTs and PCBs (up to 23,000 and 12,400ng/g lipid wt, respectively) were the highest. The present study is the foremost to report the occurrence of brominated flame retardants such as PBDEs and HBCDs in deep-sea organisms from the North Pacific region. Significant positive correlations found between δ15N (‰) and PCBs, DDTs and PBDEs suggest the high biomagnification potential of these contaminants in food web. The large variation in δ13C (‰) values observed between the species indicate multiple sources of carbon in the food web and specific accumulation of hydrophobic organohalogen compounds in benthic dwelling carnivore species like snubnosed eel. The results obtained in this study highlight the usefulness of deep-sea fishes as sentinel species to monitor the deep-sea environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Despite the huge amount of literature available on butyltins (BuTs), few studies addressed the environmental levels of phenyltins (PhTs), octyltins (OcTs) and total tin (SnT) in environmental samples. In 2006 a mussel watch survey was developed for the Portuguese coast (total of 29 sampling sites) in order to describe the concentrations of BuTs , PhTs, OcTs and SnT in the whole tissues of Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819). BuTs were detected in all analyzed samples accounting, in average, for 98.6% of total organotins (∑OTs=BuTs+PhTs+OcTs), and presented highest values in the vicinity of harbors. Tributyltin (TBT) was the dominant butyltin, representing, in average, 62% of ∑BuTs (∑BuTs=TBT+DBT+MBT) suggesting that fresh inputs of TBT are still occurring in the Portuguese coast, particularly near harbors. The contribution of organotin compounds derived from antifouling paints to the total tin levels in M. galloprovincialis is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Human breast milk samples (n =33) from primipara and multipara mothers from Payatas a waste dump site, and Malate a reference site in the Phillipines were collected in 2004 and analyzed for eight organohalogen compounds, viz., PCBs, DDTs, CHLs, HCHs, HCB, TCPMe, PBDEs and HBCDs. DDTs and PCBs were predominant in all the samples. Overall mean concentrations of PBDEs found in our study were higher (7.5ng/g lipid wt.) than those reported for Japan and many other Asian countries. Primipara mothers had significantly higher levels of DDTs, CHLs and HCHs than multipara mothers, but not PBDEs and HBCDs. A few individuals accumulated CHLs close to or even higher than the tolerable daily intake guidelines proposed by Health Canada. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Organohalogen contaminants including PCBs, DDTs, CHLs, HCHs, HCB, PBDEs and HBCDs were determined in striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) found stranded at Gogo-shima (n =6, 2003) and collected from Taiji (n =15, 1978–1992) in Japan. All target compounds were significantly detected in all the specimens, indicating ubiquitous contamination of oceanic cetaceans in northwest Pacific Ocean. Examination of body distribution of organohalogens in the six specimens from Gogo-shima showed no significant difference in concentrations among the analyzed tissues, except for brain, which had lower levels possibly due to the existence of blood–brain barrier. For evaluating temporal trends, archived blubber samples of adult male stripped dolphins collected in 1978, 1979, 1986 and 1992 were analyzed. Concentrations of PCBs, DDTs and HCHs did not change significantly during 1978–2003. In contrast, remarkable increasing trends of PBDEs and HBCDs were observed, suggesting growing consumption in Japan and surrounding countries in recent years. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study investigated the accumulation features and temporal trends of PCDD/Fs, dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs) and non-dioxin-like PCBs (NDL-PCBs) in the blubber of Baikal seals collected in 1992 and 2005. DL-PCBs (480–3600ng/g) and NDL-PCBs (980–35,000ng/g) were dominant contaminants. Concentrations of PCDDs and PCBs in males were significantly higher than in females. In males, age-dependent accumulation was observed for PCDDs, mono-ortho PCBs and NDL-PCBs. PCDFs and non-ortho PCBs showed no such trends, implying that exposure of seals to these contaminants has been decreasing in recent years. No decreasing temporal trend was observed for PCDDs, mono-ortho PCBs and NDL-PCBs, suggesting that Baikal seals are still exposed to PCDDs and PCBs. TEQs of PCDDs and mono-ortho PCBs in seals collected in 2005 accounted for 62–77% of total TEQs. The TEQ levels in 40% of the specimens exceeded the threshold level for immunosuppression observed in harbor seals (209pg/g). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study we investigated occurrences and distribution patterns of dioxin-related compounds (DRCs) such as polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), monobromo-polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (MoBPCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) in marine surface sediments collected from the coastal waters of Hong Kong and Korea. In most sampling sites, concentrations of PCDDs were the highest, followed by DL-PCBs, PCDFs, PBDFs, PBDDs, MoBPCDDs and MoBPCDFs in this order. Levels of PBDD/Fs were generally 1–2 orders of magnitude lower than chlorinated analogues. Levels of PCDDs are higher than PCDFs in Hong Kong while levels of PBDFs are higher than PBDDs in Korea (p <0.05). Report of PBDD/Fs and MoBPCDD/Fs in sediments from East Asian countries is novel and original. Environmental levels of PBDD/Fs are supposed to start increasing in accordance with rising production, use and disposal of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and recycling processes of e-waste in Asian developing countries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present study was carried out to understand the current contamination status of organochlorine compounds (OCs) in human breast milk from three metropolitan cities in India (New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata). Among the OCs analyzed, DDTs were predominant followed by HCHs and PCBs. CHLs and HCB levels were much lower. Contamination patterns were different in human milk found in our previous study in Chennai, a metropolitan city in southern India, indicating region specific exposure routes and variable sources. In comparison with previous data, levels of DDTs and HCHs generally declined with time, implying the effect of various bans and restrictions on their usage. No association between concentrations of OCs and demographic characteristics such as parity and age of mothers was observed which might be due to narrow range of mother''s age. Estimated daily intake shows that some infants are exposed to OCs to a greater extent, particularly HCHs than the guideline standard. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Trace elements (22) and stable isotope ratios (δ 15N and δ 13C) were analyzed in marine organisms from shallow (SW) and deep-water (DW) of the East China Sea to understand biomagnification and prey source of trace elements. In the benthic marine organisms from DW, δ 15N values were negatively correlated with Ba, Cu, Ag, Mo, Sr, As, and Co concentrations. This may be due to the specific accumulation in lower trophic animals and/or the biodilution through the food web in DW. Relationships between δ 15N and concentrations of Co, Cr, Bi, and Tl in fish and Ag, Bi, V, Hg, and Tl in crustaceans showed positive correlations, suggesting that trophic position was affecting the concentrations of those elements in phyla, with higher trophic animals retaining higher concentrations than the lower trophic animals. Positive correlations between δ 13C and Rb were observed in marine organisms. Therefore, Rb may be a possible substitute of δ 13C as tracer of prey source in the East China Sea although further investigation is required. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]