Polychlorinated biphenyls in Mexican cereals and their packings

The content of polychlorinated biphenyls in Mexican cereals and in their packaging materials was determined. All the samples had polychlorinated biphenyls. In all the food samples and in 73% of the packings, the concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls exceeded the tolerance limits established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. A correlation was found between the values for polychlorinated biphenyls in the cereals and those in their packings, therefore, it is concluded that the main source of polychlorinated biphenyls in Mexican cereals is the transference of those present in the recycled paperboard used for the packings.     

Metaphyseal chondrodysplasia McKusick type in a Chinese fetus,caused by novel compound heterozygosity 64T> A and 79G >T in RMRPgene

We present the first confirmed case by molecular analysis of a metaphyseal chondrodysplasia, McKusick type, in a 22-week fetus. Two novel compound heterozygous mutations, 64T> A and 79G > T, were found in the highly conserved regions of the RMRP gene. Twenty-two heterozygous g.1018 T> C mutations, two homozygous g.1018 T> C mutations, two heterozygous insertion mutations g.799_g.800insC and one heterozygous insertion mutation g.849_g.850insT were found among 100 normal controls. Careful radiological examination of the fetus for skeletal dysplasia allowed definitive diagnosis, proper genetic counselling and future prenatal diagnosis. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses (H3N8, H5N6): In Vitro Influence of <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">d</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-Lactic Acid and Sodium Chloride on Infectivity and Virus Persistence in Short Fermented Raw Poultry Sausage

Since highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 emerged in 1997, avian influenza is considered one of the most important infectious diseases globally. In respect of virus transmission to humans, the consumption of raw poultry products remains of serious concern. In this study, data about survival time and inactivation kinetics of two low pathogenic avian influenza virus (AIV) strains (H3N8, H5N6) in short fermented raw sausage were obtained. In addition, the impact of the preserving factors d,l-lactic acid and sodium chloride on virus infectivity was evaluated through in vitro studies. Virus infectivity was confirmed in embryonated chicken eggs. Inactivation of H3N8 was seen in d,l-lactic acid solutions (0.15 and 0.20%, pH 4.40–4.70 and pH 3.80–3.91) at both temperatures (20 vs. 4°C) during 3 days of exposure. However, infectious virus particles could still be detected after exposure to 0.1% d,l-lactic acid (pH 5.80–5.99). In all NaCl solutions (2, 6 and 12% w/v), infectivity of the H3N8 strain decreased steadily but reduction of the virus titre increased significantly with higher temperature. In raw sausages, decline in virus titre was observed for both strains during ripening and storage. Thereby, decline of virus infectivity was dependent on time and temperature with a more marked effect at higher temperatures (22 vs. 7°C). At refrigeration (7°C), both viruses maintained infectivity over 14 days. Results indicate that appropriate processing of short fermented raw poultry sausage is likely to reduce risk of virus exposure due to adequate inactivation of AIV during ripening and storage.     

On “China-measures related to the exportation of various raw materials” case in terms of DSB’s interpretations

The Appellate Body report in January 2012 had supported the decision of Panel in the “China-measures related to the exportation of various raw materials” case (WT/DS394,395,398) and affirmed that China’s restrictions (such as tariffs and quota measures) on the exportation of raw materials violated rules put forth by the WTO, which were required to be modified. In this case China’s right to invoke Article 20 of GATT1994 (“general exception”) to justify its exemption from the guidelines in Article 11.3 of the WTO Accession Protocol was denied by the Panel and the Appellate Body. This was due to the fact that the phrasing in Article 11.3 of Protocol failed to mention “GATT.” This was the consequence of the two interpretation approaches the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) adopted – a narrow textual interpretation and a subjective presumption of “legislative silence.” The inappropriate use of the two methods of interpretation lead to an imbalance between the right and obligation of China under the additional obligations that were imposed upon China by the WTO, which create a negative impact on China’s rare earth case and the protection of domestic natural resources.     

A review on the conversion of cassava wastes into value-added products towards a sustainable environment

The solid and liquid wastes generated from cassava-based industries are organic and acidic in nature, which leads to various global concerns—primarily global warming and biodiversity loss. But the conversion of these wastes into value-added products associated with environmental pollution control contributes to sustainable development. Generally, the thermochemical process such as pyrolysis and gasification and biochemical processes such as anaerobic digestion have been applied for the conversion of cassava waste into value-added products. This review addresses the valorization of cassava wastes, which fulfill almost all needs of the hour, such as energy (biofuel), wastewater treatment (adsorbents), bioplastics, starch nanoparticles, organic acid production, and antimicrobial agents. The major aim of this paper is to analyze and provide the disclosure of the efficiency of cassava-based industrial waste as a source to minimize the problem associated with conventional fossil fuels and through which mitigate the impact of global warming and climate change. Furthermore, recent research and achievements in the valorization of cassava waste have been highlighted.

     

Why biota still accumulate high levels of PCB after removal of PCB contaminated sediments in a Norwegian fjord

Accumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) and semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) was still high after the removal of PCB contaminated sediments from a Norwegian fjord by dredging. The accumulation of low chlorinated PCB congeners with a low octanol water-partitioning coefficient (K_ow) in blue mussels and SPMDs was higher than for the highly chlorinated congeners with a high K_ow. The accumulation of low chlorinated congeners was also higher in a lightly contaminated area compared to a highly contaminated area. That dredging the contaminated sediments was unsuccessful in lowering PCB levels in the biota may be for the following reasons: (1) Due to the low solubility of PCBs in the water it is possible that a decrease in the sediment concentration of PCB would leave the water concentrations of PCB unchanged. (2) Removal of the fine organic sediments may also play an important role, since a seabed with coarse inorganic material has a lesser ability to bind PCB. (3) The dredging may whirl up fine contaminated particles that eventually settles on the seabed producing a thin contaminated sediment layer that determine the water concentration. (4) Bioaccumulation in blue mussels and in the SPMDs occurs mostly from PCB dissolved in the water column. Since the water concentration of PCB is unchanged by the dredging, the accumulation in SPMDs and mussels is the same as before dredging. Further monitoring need to be carried out to report the long-term effect of the dredging.     

Rapid liquid–liquid extraction for the reliable GC/MS analysis of volatile priority pollutants

Mass spectrometry is a powerful tool for the analysis of organic pollutants in the environment. Nevertheless, sample preparation for GC/MS analysis is often criticized for being too laborious and requiring expensive equipment. Thus, purge-and-trap or headspace devices are the most popular nowadays to investigate volatile organic pollutants. At the same time, modern commercial high-resolution mass spectrometers allow for the significant simplification of the sample preparation procedures due to better acquisition rate, accurate mass measurements, and improved sensitivity. Here, we used a time-of-flight high-resolution mass spectrometer Pegasus GC-HRT (LECO, USA) to identify and quantify 47 volatile priority organic pollutants in water. The developed accelerated water sample preparation approach requires just 1 mL of water and 1 mL of dichloromethane. The detection limits of the analytes are about 1 μg L^?1, while the quantification limits are approximately 5 μg L^?1. These limits correspond to those required by Method 8260C of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Here, we demonstrate that sample preparation for the reliable and sensitive GC/MS analysis of volatile organic priority pollutants may be achieved in 5 min in 5-mL vials in the field or just prior to GC/MS analysis in the laboratory without the use of any expensive equipment.     

Frequency of abnormal heavy metal blood levels in Wegener's granulomatosis

Previous studies suggested environmental exposures, including mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb), may be related to Wegener's granulomatosis. In this study, investigations were extended to include the measurement of heavy metals in blood samples from patients diagnosed with Wegener's. Diagnosis was confirmed by using the 1990 Classification Criteria for Wegener's granulomatosis established by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). Using commercial lab testing, whole blood heavy metal screenings were obtained from patients, and results were then compared with validated subject self-report questionnaire estimates of exposure. Thirty-eight Wegener's patients were enrolled; 10 of the 38 exhibited abnormal lab values. In those 10 subjects 3 had elevated nickel (Ni), 7 with increased cobalt (Co), 3 with higher manganese, 1 with elevated copper, and 1 with increased Hg. Overall, the questionnaire results did not correlate with the blood heavy metal analysis. Approximately 26% of Wegener's subjects in this study displayed abnormal heavy metal levels. These findings are likely underestimates since blood levels are an insensitive means for assessing total body burden of heavy metals. From these preliminary studies it appears that elevated Co is a common finding in Wegener's patients but Ni and Hg were also found to be increased. The proportion of patients with abnormal heavy metal levels is more than expected by chance alone. In order to yield more definitive results, further analysis is needed with a larger data set, more controls and more sensitive measurements (hair, urine, or nail samples).     

Evaluating the usability of a commercial cooling vest in the Hong Kong industries

Objective. The provision of appropriate personal cooling vests is recognized as an effective measure to combat heat stress. However, personal cooling vests are not widely implemented in the Hong Kong industries. The current study aims to evaluate the usability of a hybrid cooling vest that is associated with the success of its application in industrial settings. Methods. A self-administrated questionnaire focusing on 10 subjective attributes of cooling effect, ergonomic design and usability of a hybrid cooling vest was administered with 232 occupational workers in the construction, horticultural and cleaning, airport apron services and kitchen and catering industries. Results. A structural equation model estimated by analysis of moment structures was constructed to evaluate the usability of the cooling vest, as influenced by cooling effect and ergonomic design. Results showed that cooling effect (path coefficient?=?0.69, p?p?Conclusions. The structural equation model is feasible to examine the complex nature of the structural relationships among the subjective perceptions of personal cooling vests. The empirical findings furnish sound evidence for further optimization of the hybrid cooling vest in terms of cooling effect and ergonomic design for occupational workers.