Accumulation of hexachlorobenzene in humans: a long standing risk

1995 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. To-Figueras ◽  
C. Barrot ◽  
M. Rodamilans ◽  
J. Gómez-Catalán ◽  
M. Torra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Body Burden ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Blood Bank ◽  
The Body ◽  
Human Tissues ◽  
Internal Dose ◽  
Similar Survey ◽  
Made In

1 Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) internal dose in the general population of Barcelona (Spain) was estimated after new indications of the carcinogenicity of this chemical in humans were recently reported. Hospital blood bank facilities and randomly selected volunteers were used for HCB analyses in serum ( n=100) and cerumen ( n=25). Other main organochlorine residues often found in human tissues and blood (pp'DDE, β-HCH,) were also determined. 2 HCB serum levels currently found (Range 0.7-19.7 ng ml-1; X ± s.d.: 4.13 ± 3.61; GM: 3.05) were compared to those found in a similar survey made in 1986 on the same population. The serum HCB levels showed a sig nificant decrease ( P<0.001) when compared to the for mer results and correlated with age ( P<0.001) suggest ing a progressive preponderance of a stable blood-adi pose equilibrium with fewer variations due to recent and variable intake of the chemical. 3 Cerumen analyses revealed detectable concentrations of HCB in all samples (Range: 160-4790 ng g -1 in extractable lipid basis) and confirmed the suitability of this matrix to assess the body burden of residues accumulated in adipose and lipid-rich tissues. The set of results shows that, although HCB exposure has been reduced, the overall population under study still accumulates significant amounts of this possible car cinogen.

Effect of Sample Storage Conditions on Body Burden Analysis of Organic Contaminants in Unionid Mussels

1992 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 833-844 ◽  
Author(s):  
Micheline Hanna
Keyword(s):  
Organic Contaminants ◽  
Body Burden ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
The Body ◽  
Sample Storage ◽  
Pcb Congeners ◽  
Unionid Mussels ◽  
Group A ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Group B

Abstract In order to quantitatively assess the effect of sample storage conditions on the body burden analysis of organic contaminants, a comparative analysis was carried out on the unionid mussel Elliptic complanata. The mussels were divided into two groups, each with distinct storage conditions, while Group A was kept in the freezer at −20°C, Group B was kept in the refrigerator for five days at 5°C. All the compounds present in the control were also present in Group B samples. Analysis of the organic contaminants in each of these two groups showed that for total PCB concentrations, the two treatments were not significantly different; however when compared individually 6 of the 13 PCB congeners showed significant differences. The observed differences were relatively small for individual PCB congeners (7.1 to 15.3%), higher for chlorobenzenes (10.5 to 36.4%), and yet higher for HCE (44.1%); the difference for HCE, although large is nevertheless not significant, even if only marginally so.

Introduction

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nora Goldschmidt ◽  
Barbara Graziosi
Keyword(s):  
Material Culture ◽  
The Body ◽  
Specific Site ◽  
Entire Volume ◽  
The Third ◽  
Religious Significance ◽  
Classical Poetry ◽  
Life Of The Mind ◽  
The Mind ◽  
Made In

The Introduction sheds light on the reception of classical poetry by focusing on the materiality of the poets’ bodies and their tombs. It outlines four sets of issues, or commonplaces, that govern the organization of the entire volume. The first concerns the opposition between literature and material culture, the life of the mind vs the apprehensions of the body—which fails to acknowledge that poetry emerges from and is attended to by the mortal body. The second concerns the religious significance of the tomb and its location in a mythical landscape which is shaped, in part, by poetry. The third investigates the literary graveyard as a place where poets’ bodies and poetic corpora are collected. Finally, the alleged ‘tomb of Virgil’ provides a specific site where the major claims made in this volume can be most easily be tested.

scholarly journals Endocannabinoid system mediates the association between gut-microbial diversity and anhedonia/amotivation in a general population cohort

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amedeo Minichino ◽  
Matthew A. Jackson ◽  
Marta Francesconi ◽  
Claire J. Steves ◽  
Cristina Menni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Microbial Diversity ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Alpha Diversity ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Population Cohort ◽  
Random Intercept ◽  
General Population Cohort ◽  
Antidepressant Use

AbstractAnhedonia and amotivation are debilitating symptoms and represent unmet therapeutic needs in a range of clinical conditions. The gut-microbiome-endocannabinoid axis might represent a potential modifiable target for interventions. Based on results obtained from animal models, we tested the hypothesis that the endocannabinoid system mediates the association between gut-microbiome diversity and anhedonia/amotivation in a general population cohort. We used longitudinal data collected from 786 volunteer twins recruited as part the TwinsUK register. Our hypothesis was tested with a multilevel mediation model using family structure as random intercept. The model was set using alpha diversity (within-individual gut-microbial diversity) as predictor, serum and faecal levels of the endocannabinoid palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) as mediator, and anhedonia/amotivation as outcome. PEA is considered the endogenous equivalent of cannabidiol, with increased serum levels believed to have anti-depressive effects, while increased stool PEA levels, reflecting increased excretion, are believed to have opposite, detrimental, effects on mental health. We therefore expected that either reduced serum PEA or increased stool PEA would mediate the association between microbial diversity and anhedonia amotivation. Analyses were adjusted for obesity, diet, antidepressant use, sociodemographic and technical covariates. Data were imputed using multiple imputation by chained equations. Mean age was 65.2 ± 7.6; 93% of the sample were females. We found a direct, significant, association between alpha diversity and anhedonia/amotivation (β = −0.37; 95%CI: −0.71 to −0.03; P = 0.03). Faecal, but not serum, levels of the endocannabinoid palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) mediated this association: the indirect effect was significant (β = −0.13; 95%CI: −0.24 to −0.01; P = 0.03), as was the total effect (β = −0.38; 95%CI: −0.72 to −0.04; P = 0.03), whereas the direct effect of alpha diversity on anhedonia/amotivation was attenuated fully (β = −0.25; 95%CI: −0.60 to 0.09; P = 0.16). Our results suggest that gut-microbial diversity might contribute to anhedonia/amotivation via the endocannabinoid system. These findings shed light on the biological underpinnings of anhedonia/amotivation and suggest the gut microbiota-endocannabinoid axis as a promising therapeutic target in an area of unmet clinical need.

scholarly journals Decompression sickness risk in rats by microbial removal of dissolved gas

1998 ◽  
Vol 275 (3) ◽  
pp. R677-R682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan R. Kayar ◽  
Terry L. Miller ◽  
Meyer J. Wolin ◽  
Eugenia O. Aukhert ◽  
Milton J. Axley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gas Chromatography ◽  
High Pressures ◽  
Decompression Sickness ◽  
Body Burden ◽  
The Body ◽  
Dissolved Gas ◽  
Hyperbaric Chamber ◽  
Methanobrevibacter Smithii ◽  
Water Rate ◽  
Microbial Removal

We present a method for reducing the risk of decompression sickness (DCS) in rats exposed to high pressures of H2. Suspensions of the human colonic microbe Methanobrevibacter smithii were introduced via a colonic cannula into the large intestines of the rats. While the rats breathed H2in a hyperbaric chamber, the microbe metabolized some of the H2diffusing into the intestine, converting H2and CO2to methane and water. Rate of release of methane from the rats, which was monitored by gas chromatography, varied with chamber H2pressure. This rate was higher during decompression than during compression, suggesting that during decompression the microbe was metabolizing H2stored in the rats’ tissues. Rats treated with M. smithii had a 25% (5 of 20) incidence of DCS, which was significantly lower ( P < 0.01) than the 56% (28 of 50) incidence of untreated controls, brought on by a standardized compression and decompression sequence. Thus using a microbe in the intestine to remove an estimated 5% of the body burden of H2reduced DCS risk by more than one-half. This method of biochemical decompression may potentially facilitate human diving.

scholarly journals Non-destructive handheld XRF study of archaeological composite silver objects—the case study of the late Roman Seuso Treasure

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Viktória Mozgai ◽  
Bernadett Bajnóczi ◽  
Zoltán May ◽  
Zsolt Mráv
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescence Analysis ◽  
The Body ◽  
High Quality ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Composite Objects ◽  
Mechanical Attachment ◽  
Non Destructive ◽  
Made In ◽  
Late Roman

AbstractThis study details the non-destructive chemical analysis of composite silver objects (ewers, situlas, amphora and casket) from one of the most significant late Roman finds, the Seuso Treasure. The Seuso Treasure consists of fourteen large silver vessels that were made in the fourth–early fifth centuries AD and used for dining during festive banquets and for washing and beautification. The measurements were systematically performed along a pre-designed grid at several points using handheld X-ray fluorescence analysis. The results demonstrate that all the objects were made from high-quality silver (above 90 wt% Ag), with the exception of the base of the Geometric Ewer B. Copper was added intentionally to improve the mechanical properties of soft silver. The gold and lead content of the objects shows constant values (less than 1 wt% Au and Pb). The chemical composition as well as the Bi/Pb ratio suggests that the parts of the composite objects were manufactured from different silver ingots. The ewers were constructed in two ways: (i) the base and the body were made separately, or (ii) the ewer was raised from a single silver sheet. The composite objects were assembled using three methods: (i) mechanical attachment; (ii) low-temperature, lead-tin soft solders; or (iii) high-temperature, copper-silver hard solders. Additionally, two types of gilding were revealed by the XRF analysis, one with remnants of mercury, i.e. fire-gilding, and another type without remnants of mercury, presumably diffusion bonding.

scholarly journals Assessment of the relationship of serum liver enzymes activity with general and abdominal obesity in an urban Bangladeshi population

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurshad Ali ◽  
Abu Hasan Sumon ◽  
Khandaker Atkia Fariha ◽  
Md Asaduzzaman ◽  
Rahanuma Raihanu Kathak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Abdominal Obesity ◽  
Liver Enzymes ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
General Obesity ◽  
Enzymes Activity ◽  
Elevated Liver Enzymes ◽  
Bangladeshi Population ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractObesity is a global health concern because of its increasing trend both in developed and developing countries. A limited number of studies have evaluated the association of liver enzymes with both general and abdominal obesity in the general population; data for the Bangladeshi population are not available yet. This study aimed to assess the relationship of serum liver enzymes activity with both general and abdominal obesity in Bangladeshi adults. In total, 540 blood samples were obtained from the participants (388 males and 152 females) and analyzed for serum levels of ALT, AST, GGT, and ALP using standard methods. General obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27.5 kg/m2 and abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference (WC) ≥ 90 cm in males and ≥ 80 cm in females. The relationship between liver enzymes and obesity was evaluated by multivariate logistic regression models. Overall, 58% of participants in the general obesity group and 55% of the participants in the abdominal obesity group had at least one or more elevated levels of liver enzymes. The prevalence of elevated liver enzymes was significantly higher in the obesity group compared to the normal BMI and WC groups (p < 0.05 for all cases). The mean level of serum ALT, AST and GGT were significantly higher in the obesity group than the normal BMI group (p < 0.05). In the WC groups, mean AST and GGT were significantly higher in the obesity group compared to the normal group (p < 0.05). In regression analysis, serum levels of ALT showed an independent and significant association with general obesity, whereas, serum GGT showed a significant association with both general and abdominal obesity. In conclusion, a high prevalence of elevated liver enzymes was observed among participants included in the present study. Of the four enzymes, serum GGT was independently associated with both general and abdominal obesity. Further studies are required to understand the complex relationship between liver enzymes and obesity in the general population.

Some Experiments on the Extra-Corporeal Hatching of the Eggs of Ascaris suum

1939 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. W. Fenwick
Keyword(s):  
Hydrochloric Acid ◽  
Digestive Tract ◽  
Sodium Carbonate ◽  
Ascaris Suum ◽  
The Body ◽  
Very Old ◽  
The Past ◽  
Pancreatic Fluid ◽  
Sand Cultures ◽  
Made In

Numerous attempts have been made in the past to induce the eggs of Ascaris suum to hatch outside the body of the host. Extra-corporeal hatching has been observed under a variety of conditions by different workers. Kondo (1920, 1922), Asada (1921) and others record hatching in water, charcoal and sand cultures. Wharton (1915) states that hatching will occur in alkaline digestive juices, while Martin (1913) records a similar phenomenon in pancreatic fluid. Many different explanations have been offered to explain this hatching. Wharton suggested that the interaction of algae and sand might have some effect. Ohba (1923), who found that hatching would occur in 0·2% hydrochloric acid and 0·2% sodium carbonate believed that extra-corporeal hatching was limited to very old cultures of eggs. Many workers are of the opinion that some stimulus normally present in the digestive tract is necessary for hatching.

The relevance of therapeutic drug monitoring in plasma and erythrocytes in anti-cancer drug treatment

2004 ◽  
Vol 42 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Herlinde Dumez ◽  
Gunther Guetens ◽  
Gert De Boeck ◽  
Martin S. Highley ◽  
Robert A. A. Maes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring ◽  
Drug Monitoring ◽  
Drug Transport ◽  
Free Fraction ◽  
The Body ◽  
Cancer Drug ◽  
Therapeutic Drug ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Plasma Compartment ◽  
Made In

AbstractTherapeutic drug monitoring generally focuses on the plasma compartment only. Differentiation between the total plasma concentration and the free fraction (plasma water) has been described for a number of limited drugs. Besides the plasma compartment, blood has also a cellular fraction which has by far the largest theoretical surface and volume for drug transport. It is with anti-cancer drugs that major progress has been made in the study of partition between the largest cellular blood compartment, i.e., erythrocytes, and the plasma compartment. The aim of the present review is to detail the progress made in predicting what a drug does in the body, i.e., pharmacodynamics including toxicity and plasma and/or red blood cell concentration monitoring. Furthermore, techniques generally used in anti-cancer drug monitoring are highlighted. Data for complex Bayesian statistical approaches and population kinetics studies are beyond the scope of this review, since this is generally limited to the plasma compartment only.

BIOCHEMICAL AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF HYDROETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF IRVINGIA WOMBOLU KERNELS ON RAT LIVER AND KIDNEY

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oyetunji Timothy Kolawole ◽  
Akeem Ademola Ayankunle ◽  
Olayemi Kamoru Wakeel ◽  
Anthony Tope Olofinnade ◽  
Olatunde Samson Olaniyi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peer Review ◽  
Total Protein ◽  
Wistar Rats ◽  
Myocardial Damage ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Stem Bark ◽  
The Body ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Medicinal And Aromatic Plants ◽  
North East

Objective: Many plants are consumed as food by humans for growth and survival, but a large number of these plants have not been tested for toxicity potential. Repeated consumption of such plants could lead to accumulation of toxic chemicals in the body and cause health-related problems. Irvingia wombolu kernel is widely consumed by many ethnic groups in Nigeria and some other African countries. The toxicity potentials of Irvingia wombolu kernel extract (IWKE) on the kidney and liver of rats was evaluated in this study. Methods: Three groups of Wistar rats were fed orally with IWKE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg b.w) daily for 28 days. The fourth group which is the control was treated with distilled water (10 ml/kg b.w) for the same period.  The rats were sacrificed on the 29th day, and blood samples, kidney and liver were harvested for analyses. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein, albumin, bilirubin, creatinine, and urea were determined. Kidney and liver sections were examined for histopathological changes. Data were subjected to Student’s t-test for statistical analysis. Results: Serum levels of creatinine and urea were not significantly altered in the IWKE-treated rats compared with the control. At 200 mg/kg b.w, the extract significantly increased (p<0.05) serum levels of ALT, AST, total bilirubin, total protein, and albumin compared with the control. Significant distortions were observed in the liver sections of rats treated with 200 mg/kg b.w IWKE compared with control, but the structure of the kidney section of IWKE-treated rats was not significantly different from the control. Conclusion: The results showed that repeated ingestion of Irvingia wombolu kernel at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w for 28 days induced liver damage, but does not significantly affect renal function.                       Peer Review History: Received: 9 September 2021; Revised: 12 October; Accepted: 27 October, Available online: 15 November 2021 Academic Editor:  Dr. Ali Abdullah Al-yahawi, Al-Razi university, Department of Pharmacy, Yemen, [email protected] UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency.  Received file:                Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.5/10 Reviewers: Dr. Sangeetha Arullappan, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia, [email protected] Ahmad Najib, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Makassar, Indonesia, [email protected] Taha A.I. El Bassossy, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Department, Desert Research Center, Cairo, Egypt, [email protected] Dr. Nazim Hussain, North East Frontier Technical University, Arunachal pradesh, India, [email protected] Similar Articles: MYOCARDIAL POTENCY OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF HARUNGANA MADAGASCARIENSIS STEM BARK AGAINST ISOPROTERENOL-INDUCED MYOCARDIAL DAMAGE IN RATS PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF RUSSELIA EQUISETIFORMIS AGAINST PARACETAMOL-INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN WISTAR RATS

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